Biden
November 7, 2020 8:40 AM Subscribe
Introducing Joe Biden, The 46th President of the United States MSNBC Says Biden is President Elect Saturday morning
NYTimes calls it for Biden
Surely this.... :-)
I called my parents to make sure they heard the news; they were out working in the yard and hadn't heard yet. Mom said that she was going to go out to the shed where they had a whole lot of little American flags so she and Dad could set them up in the yard.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:43 AM on November 7, 2020 [70 favorites]
I called my parents to make sure they heard the news; they were out working in the yard and hadn't heard yet. Mom said that she was going to go out to the shed where they had a whole lot of little American flags so she and Dad could set them up in the yard.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:43 AM on November 7, 2020 [70 favorites]
excellent news!
posted by djseafood at 8:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by djseafood at 8:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
CNN talking heads, "we shouldn't gloat..."
HELL YES WE SHOULD, I'M THE MAYOR OF GLOAT CITY. I'M BLOATED ON MY OWN GLOATING
posted by erattacorrige at 8:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [199 favorites]
HELL YES WE SHOULD, I'M THE MAYOR OF GLOAT CITY. I'M BLOATED ON MY OWN GLOATING
posted by erattacorrige at 8:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [199 favorites]
Great work everybody.
Now let’s go get those Georgia senate seats.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 8:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [144 favorites]
Now let’s go get those Georgia senate seats.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 8:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [144 favorites]
46 > 45
posted by chasles at 8:48 AM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
posted by chasles at 8:48 AM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
My neighborhood just erupted into cheering and honking and clanging pots. It was a nice way to get the news.
posted by ghost phoneme at 8:48 AM on November 7, 2020 [57 favorites]
posted by ghost phoneme at 8:48 AM on November 7, 2020 [57 favorites]
Fox News projects Joe Biden the winner after clinching Nevada and Pennsylvania.
posted by MiltonRandKalman at 8:49 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by MiltonRandKalman at 8:49 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Say what you will about him as a candidate, but Joe Biden is a dude who has been through a lot, and I’m happy for him as a person.
posted by kevinbelt at 8:49 AM on November 7, 2020 [111 favorites]
posted by kevinbelt at 8:49 AM on November 7, 2020 [111 favorites]
Washington Post has called it also!
It's too early to drink here, but we can have chocolate!
posted by NotLost at 8:49 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
It's too early to drink here, but we can have chocolate!
posted by NotLost at 8:49 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
It’s apropos that Biden becomes President by winning Penn and SDNY willing. Trump will stop being President and go to the pen.
posted by mephron at 8:50 AM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by mephron at 8:50 AM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
posted by flamk at 8:50 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by flamk at 8:50 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
It's too early to drink here
Speak for yourself.
posted by terrapin at 8:52 AM on November 7, 2020 [73 favorites]
Speak for yourself.
posted by terrapin at 8:52 AM on November 7, 2020 [73 favorites]
Holy hell as a Canadian i have never been so happy for any election to be called. Thanks for getting this done Americans, and thanks metafilter for keeping me sane during this. Ignoring whatever becomes of the next two months, America’s hat can relax too. I need a nap.
posted by cgg at 8:52 AM on November 7, 2020 [47 favorites]
posted by cgg at 8:52 AM on November 7, 2020 [47 favorites]
46!!!
posted by gt2 at 8:52 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by gt2 at 8:52 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
I’ve spent 4 years hopeless and heartbroken for a lot of reasons.
It’s nice to have some hope again. Long road still but I’m out of the ditch at walking. Thank you, Mr President-Elect
posted by Drumhellz at 8:53 AM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
It’s nice to have some hope again. Long road still but I’m out of the ditch at walking. Thank you, Mr President-Elect
posted by Drumhellz at 8:53 AM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
There's a nonzero chance my neighborhood could start a street party and I'm stuck in with a broken knee. I'm very close to asking my roommate to rig a speaker up in a window so I can blast the Ewok "Yub Nub" song out into the street.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:54 AM on November 7, 2020 [43 favorites]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:54 AM on November 7, 2020 [43 favorites]
Good luck, we're all counting on you.
posted by slimepuppy at 8:56 AM on November 7, 2020 [26 favorites]
posted by slimepuppy at 8:56 AM on November 7, 2020 [26 favorites]
Congratulations to Ms. Harris.
posted by SoberHighland at 8:56 AM on November 7, 2020 [70 favorites]
posted by SoberHighland at 8:56 AM on November 7, 2020 [70 favorites]
BEST. NEWS. EVER.
posted by Roger Pittman at 8:56 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by Roger Pittman at 8:56 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Coming on 4am here in Sydney, Australia and I'm about to go to sleep very very happy (: congrats all and rejoice!
posted by Panthalassa at 8:57 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by Panthalassa at 8:57 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
Fuck not gloating. I definitely plan to gloat.
There is still a lot (*a lot*) of work to do, but I'm going to take a day or so to savor this. Because as fucked-up and bad as everything still is, it is infinitely better than it was a week ago.
My neighborhood is pretty quiet, but someone definitely heard about two minutes ago, because I heard a massive woo-hoo from down the street, and the football game hasn't started yet.
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 8:57 AM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
There is still a lot (*a lot*) of work to do, but I'm going to take a day or so to savor this. Because as fucked-up and bad as everything still is, it is infinitely better than it was a week ago.
My neighborhood is pretty quiet, but someone definitely heard about two minutes ago, because I heard a massive woo-hoo from down the street, and the football game hasn't started yet.
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 8:57 AM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
What song to blast out my window to my city neighborhood?
posted by pickles_have_souls at 8:58 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by pickles_have_souls at 8:58 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
I'm playing Barbra Streisand's slow burn version of "Happy Days Are Here Again," while it rains continuously outside. It seemed appropriate and theraputic.
posted by halfbuckaroo at 8:58 AM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
posted by halfbuckaroo at 8:58 AM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
My neighbor is blasting "We are the champions."
posted by ghost phoneme at 8:59 AM on November 7, 2020 [26 favorites]
posted by ghost phoneme at 8:59 AM on November 7, 2020 [26 favorites]
Whoops and cheers emanating from my neighbors’ windows is the best part. In my haste to post I forgot to give my congratulations to Kamala Harris, Vice President-elect of the United States.
posted by MiltonRandKalman at 8:59 AM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
posted by MiltonRandKalman at 8:59 AM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
Lock him up! Lock him up!
posted by terrapin at 9:00 AM on November 7, 2020 [36 favorites]
posted by terrapin at 9:00 AM on November 7, 2020 [36 favorites]
I’ve been cleaning up a bit here in Sweden, where it is just before 6 PM, listening to a Swedish radio special report where Swedish reporters talk to pro Trump and pro Biden voters and then the anchor suddenly announced that CNN had called it followed by NBC. Because I’m so wild, I cracked open one of my light beers to celebrate. Last night I had a bunch of chocolate and watched three episodes of the Good Place in a row with my daughter and her husband to celebrate early, and now I need to go find the Christmas ornaments because this militant agnostic/atheist needs a physical manifestation of cheer. And then I need to go check my poor-ass bank account to see how much I can kick toward the Democratic Senate candidates in Georgia.
I am infuriated by people who have been massively criticizing the money I and other people put into races where Democratic candidates lost. It’s as though they think there is a 1 to 1 correlation between money and winning. There is not. Moreover, most of the folks who lost were fighting against the odds but it was an honorable and worthy fight and may pay dividends in the future. The Republicans have spent 40 years building the structures needed to basically destroy democracy. Of course we’re not going to win every race or every fight. But we have to keep fighting. And it’s important to celebrate, when we have the opportunity.
I know that many MeFites have worked their asses off to get us to this moment. They’ve written letters. They have texted and made calls and donated money and a truckload of other important tasks. Some of them have run for office themselves. To all of you, I want to say thank you. It is folks like you who ensured 45 was voted out of office. Y’all rock. I know this moment won’t last; please enjoy it while you can. Thanks again.
posted by Bella Donna at 9:00 AM on November 7, 2020 [121 favorites]
I am infuriated by people who have been massively criticizing the money I and other people put into races where Democratic candidates lost. It’s as though they think there is a 1 to 1 correlation between money and winning. There is not. Moreover, most of the folks who lost were fighting against the odds but it was an honorable and worthy fight and may pay dividends in the future. The Republicans have spent 40 years building the structures needed to basically destroy democracy. Of course we’re not going to win every race or every fight. But we have to keep fighting. And it’s important to celebrate, when we have the opportunity.
I know that many MeFites have worked their asses off to get us to this moment. They’ve written letters. They have texted and made calls and donated money and a truckload of other important tasks. Some of them have run for office themselves. To all of you, I want to say thank you. It is folks like you who ensured 45 was voted out of office. Y’all rock. I know this moment won’t last; please enjoy it while you can. Thanks again.
posted by Bella Donna at 9:00 AM on November 7, 2020 [121 favorites]
"Liberty Is In The Streets" by the Myrrors
posted by LionIndex at 9:00 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by LionIndex at 9:00 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
On CBC they have live coverage of them singing “na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey - goodbye!” in the streets of Philly.
posted by cgg at 9:00 AM on November 7, 2020 [35 favorites]
posted by cgg at 9:00 AM on November 7, 2020 [35 favorites]
𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐒
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 9:00 AM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 9:00 AM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
I was looking forward to posting 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐋 𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐆𝐄𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐈𝐀 but I’m take it
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 9:00 AM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 9:00 AM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
Started with Janelle Monae’s Turntables and moving on to Kool and the Gang. Fireworks, cheers, and honking here in Queens.
YES!!!!!!!!!
posted by jilloftrades at 9:01 AM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
YES!!!!!!!!!
posted by jilloftrades at 9:01 AM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
I’m at a “COUNT EVERY VOTE” rally and I legit don’t know if I should keep holding this sign.
posted by gauche at 9:02 AM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
posted by gauche at 9:02 AM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
This week has been the longest year of my life. Thanks to everyone who made this victory happen.
posted by Zonker at 9:02 AM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
posted by Zonker at 9:02 AM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
Please don't let anyone try and convince you that the Fuck Your Feelings people who called you snowflakes deserve a soft landing or that the priority needs to be trying to cajole the cooperation of people who voted for a grifter in a pandemic in record numbers.
It's mind over matter time, folks: we need no longer mind them because they no longer matter.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:03 AM on November 7, 2020 [141 favorites]
It's mind over matter time, folks: we need no longer mind them because they no longer matter.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:03 AM on November 7, 2020 [141 favorites]
Gosh the weather is fucking GORGEOUS and I might actually enjoy it. Nice work everyone, this was a long hard slog, and will continue to be but it will feel slightly less hopeless.
posted by jessamyn at 9:03 AM on November 7, 2020 [23 favorites]
posted by jessamyn at 9:03 AM on November 7, 2020 [23 favorites]
Ode to Joy, flash mob version.
And tears of relief, but I hope you can't hear that part from here.
posted by vers at 9:04 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
And tears of relief, but I hope you can't hear that part from here.
posted by vers at 9:04 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
And it's not over! If we take the special and runoff elections in Georgia we could have 50 seats in the Senate. With Harris as the tiebreaker it means it would be possible to actually DO THINGS. Let's celebrate--and then get back to work!
posted by Anonymous at 9:04 AM on November 7, 2020
posted by Anonymous at 9:04 AM on November 7, 2020
I slept in -- a rare treat these days with my noisy kids always around the house b/c Covid -- and the news alert woke me up, which was a DELIGHTFUL start to the day.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 9:04 AM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 9:04 AM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
I just want to say good us, we are luck counting.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 9:04 AM on November 7, 2020 [36 favorites]
posted by ricochet biscuit at 9:04 AM on November 7, 2020 [36 favorites]
Thinking back to the start of the US politics megathreads, what a long strange trip it's been.
posted by allegedly at 9:05 AM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
posted by allegedly at 9:05 AM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
Fair Fight Action is Stacey Abrams's organization if you want all your happy celebration dollars to go somewhere!
posted by Anonymous at 9:05 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Anonymous at 9:05 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
I have been listening to songs from The Wiz Live! Soundtrack.
posted by eckeric at 9:06 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by eckeric at 9:06 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Videos of the spontaneous and noisy celebrations going on are making me so happy.
"Outside my little sister’s apartment window in Chicago right now"
"please enjoy this video of folks cheering In Brooklyn."
"The sound of NYC right now."
"My friend just sent me this video from New York, watch for the people that high five at the end! ❤️😭#bidenharis2020 (sound on!)"
"Just like that, New York erupts"
posted by fight or flight at 9:06 AM on November 7, 2020 [73 favorites]
"Outside my little sister’s apartment window in Chicago right now"
"please enjoy this video of folks cheering In Brooklyn."
"The sound of NYC right now."
"My friend just sent me this video from New York, watch for the people that high five at the end! ❤️😭#bidenharis2020 (sound on!)"
"Just like that, New York erupts"
posted by fight or flight at 9:06 AM on November 7, 2020 [73 favorites]
I am so glad. I am thankful my state didn't let me down. (Go Pennsylvania! Thank you, PHILADELPHIA AND PITTSBURGH!!) Also, does anyone have any suggestions for what I can do on the ground in a county where 85.46% of the vote went for Trump? Besides, obviously, voting... I did that.
posted by which_chick at 9:07 AM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
posted by which_chick at 9:07 AM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
I am filled with hope and relief for the first time in four years. Everyone on the entire planet won today.
posted by neon909 at 9:07 AM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
posted by neon909 at 9:07 AM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
It almost doesn't feel real. 2020 has been such a horrible year, both globally and for me personally, on so many levels. I had so little hope, because it just seemed like nothing in the world could go right anymore.
Thank you for proving me wrong.
In 2016, I thought I was casting a vote for the first female president. Now at least we get the first female vice president.
I feel like Trump's presidency has just been this dark cloud that has hung over us for every day since that horrible, horrible night in November 2016 when the world stopped making sense.
Thank you to everyone for all their hard work. This is the one bright spot in a really dark year.
posted by litera scripta manet at 9:08 AM on November 7, 2020 [65 favorites]
Thank you for proving me wrong.
In 2016, I thought I was casting a vote for the first female president. Now at least we get the first female vice president.
I feel like Trump's presidency has just been this dark cloud that has hung over us for every day since that horrible, horrible night in November 2016 when the world stopped making sense.
Thank you to everyone for all their hard work. This is the one bright spot in a really dark year.
posted by litera scripta manet at 9:08 AM on November 7, 2020 [65 favorites]
A couple of days ago on FB I offered 2020 a deal: Give me a Biden presidency, and Hurricane Eta can come right over my damn house here on the coast of SW Florida.
This morning, they moved the cone a bunch westward, from the middle of the Gulf toward the Fla. coast. Two hours or so later, the networks called it. So I'm taking full credit for the win, and I don't even care if my house gets flattened. :)
Also: Last night the junior MQBlanks and I watched Airplane!, so I got to explain the whole "Good luck, counting on you" thing here on MeFi. Everything lines up.
posted by martin q blank at 9:09 AM on November 7, 2020 [54 favorites]
This morning, they moved the cone a bunch westward, from the middle of the Gulf toward the Fla. coast. Two hours or so later, the networks called it. So I'm taking full credit for the win, and I don't even care if my house gets flattened. :)
Also: Last night the junior MQBlanks and I watched Airplane!, so I got to explain the whole "Good luck, counting on you" thing here on MeFi. Everything lines up.
posted by martin q blank at 9:09 AM on November 7, 2020 [54 favorites]
Elsewherian, thrilled to bits. It has been such a hard road for you all. Please celebrate long and well, for all of us.
(Special shoutout to Ms. Harris who has ancestral roots in India)
posted by Nieshka at 9:09 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
(Special shoutout to Ms. Harris who has ancestral roots in India)
posted by Nieshka at 9:09 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Can we finally let go of the idea that we need to reach out to Republicans and try and bring them on board? More effort and money was sunk into this fantasy than ever before and it didn't matter a good goddam.
Get Out the Vote efforts and anti-suppression efforts mattered. Black votes mattered.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:10 AM on November 7, 2020 [146 favorites]
Get Out the Vote efforts and anti-suppression efforts mattered. Black votes mattered.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:10 AM on November 7, 2020 [146 favorites]
I've been waiting four years to say:
yub nub
posted by jason_steakums at 9:10 AM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
yub nub
posted by jason_steakums at 9:10 AM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
Wait so he called a press conference to defend his tenuous claim on presidency while he golfed????? Like this would be the equivalent of Churchill sending his lawyers to the Tehran Conference while he checked out the back nine.
posted by geoff. at 9:11 AM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
posted by geoff. at 9:11 AM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
Yes yes yes yes yes! Well done, America. Now, a Democratic Senate too please.
posted by paperpete at 9:11 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by paperpete at 9:11 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Thank fuck, finally.
posted by Scattercat at 9:13 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by Scattercat at 9:13 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
I just want to say good luck. We all count.
posted by dywypi at 9:14 AM on November 7, 2020 [37 favorites]
posted by dywypi at 9:14 AM on November 7, 2020 [37 favorites]
!
posted by drezdn at 9:15 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by drezdn at 9:15 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
The champagne is open. 🍾
Crying from relief.
posted by pointystick at 9:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
Crying from relief.
posted by pointystick at 9:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
I am in the mountains of North Carolina right now with my family. It is the most gorgeous country I’ve ever known, but driving all the way up here I’ve seen so many damn Trump signs to really make me discouraged for the results. But I’m here now, reading about the results, and listening to the leaves fall from the trees. It’s been such a long four years, folks. I’m so very thankful.
posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 9:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [36 favorites]
posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 9:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [36 favorites]
I also had such nice sleep and dreams last night and also slept in and experienced calm, languid contentment and for once didn't immediately turn to a screen.
Also I'm craving a big fat slice of cake and I was realizing the other day I can't remember the last time I had some cake.
I don't want to kill the buzz but I would like to ask people to remember this isn't over yet, and you might want to consider being prepared to back up your votes with direct representation at a protest or strike. And that even if things go smoothly there's still so much work to do.
posted by loquacious at 9:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [23 favorites]
Also I'm craving a big fat slice of cake and I was realizing the other day I can't remember the last time I had some cake.
I don't want to kill the buzz but I would like to ask people to remember this isn't over yet, and you might want to consider being prepared to back up your votes with direct representation at a protest or strike. And that even if things go smoothly there's still so much work to do.
posted by loquacious at 9:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [23 favorites]
I can’t even take this in yet. I’m scared to even accept it as real. It’s going to take a while to sink in.
For the first time I wish we had cable news. I need to see and hear other human beings to confirm that this is real life.
I just pulled up a ten-minute free preview of MSNBC streaming. They’re showing celebrations on the streets outside the White House and the streets of New York City.
posted by snowmentality at 9:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
For the first time I wish we had cable news. I need to see and hear other human beings to confirm that this is real life.
I just pulled up a ten-minute free preview of MSNBC streaming. They’re showing celebrations on the streets outside the White House and the streets of New York City.
posted by snowmentality at 9:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
We still don't know if Biden's going to be the 46th POTUS. After all, Trump could still resign, be forced out, or engage in other shenanigans. Biden could be the 47th :)
posted by LSK at 9:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by LSK at 9:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
I’m so glad we are here together. Here at the end of all things.
j/k there’s still so much work to do but I’m gonna take a moment of joy and celebration first.
posted by sgranade at 9:17 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
j/k there’s still so much work to do but I’m gonna take a moment of joy and celebration first.
posted by sgranade at 9:17 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
Can I get a collective "ya basic" for a certain motherforking ashhole?
posted by greatgefilte at 9:17 AM on November 7, 2020 [42 favorites]
posted by greatgefilte at 9:17 AM on November 7, 2020 [42 favorites]
Did not expect to cry quite so hard.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:18 AM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:18 AM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐌𝐏 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐋𝐄𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐇𝐈, 𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐀, 𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐀𝐍 𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐘
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 9:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [32 favorites]
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 9:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [32 favorites]
Congratulations to all citizens of the U.S.A.
I am so relieved, on your behalf and for the rest of the world.
posted by Laura in Canada at 9:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
I am so relieved, on your behalf and for the rest of the world.
posted by Laura in Canada at 9:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
Lots of cheering and car horns here in south Minneapolis!
posted by zutphen at 9:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by zutphen at 9:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
Whoops and cheers emanating from my neighbors’ windows
In downtown NYC there was a riotous ruckus-noise coming here in from the street. I guess that's why.
posted by StickyCarpet at 9:20 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
In downtown NYC there was a riotous ruckus-noise coming here in from the street. I guess that's why.
posted by StickyCarpet at 9:20 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
That this came while Trump was playing golf at one of his clubs is just *chef's kiss*.
I hope every time the SOB sets foot on a golf course for the rest of his miserable life, he thinks of this moment.
posted by martin q blank at 9:21 AM on November 7, 2020 [48 favorites]
I hope every time the SOB sets foot on a golf course for the rest of his miserable life, he thinks of this moment.
posted by martin q blank at 9:21 AM on November 7, 2020 [48 favorites]
After all, Trump could still resign
He won't. That would be losing with a capital L, as well as all the other characters in capitals, the entire word in bold, underlined and blinking. Plus an accompaniment of a dozen Klaxons and air raid sirens to add a little emphasis.
Can't be seen losing. Ever.
posted by Stoneshop at 9:21 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
He won't. That would be losing with a capital L, as well as all the other characters in capitals, the entire word in bold, underlined and blinking. Plus an accompaniment of a dozen Klaxons and air raid sirens to add a little emphasis.
Can't be seen losing. Ever.
posted by Stoneshop at 9:21 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
I was outside this morning swearing and screaming while I was clearing out packrat nests from my 2, count em 2 cars and thinking what a shitshow 2020 has been. Came in to check the news and the wife and I were dancing and cheering and talking to friends and relatives about the happy news. Talk about a mood swing.
This is a nice way to end 2020.
posted by jabo at 9:21 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
This is a nice way to end 2020.
posted by jabo at 9:21 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Not entirely coincidental, but I've been working on "We Shall Be Known" [by the company we keep] today.
"It is time now. It is time now that we thrive."
posted by MtDewd at 9:22 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
"It is time now. It is time now that we thrive."
posted by MtDewd at 9:22 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
There's a David Mamet play in here somewhere, where the entire interaction is Trump golfing while he loses the election. The various discussions, the lawyers, the encounters all occur between the 7th and 8th hole of a Trump branded golf course on Nov 7, 2020.
posted by geoff. at 9:22 AM on November 7, 2020 [45 favorites]
posted by geoff. at 9:22 AM on November 7, 2020 [45 favorites]
I was on my way home from a morning bike ride, coming up 4th Ave. (near downtown Tucson), and all of a sudden people on the sidewalks started cheering and pumping fists and ringing bike bells. It took me a moment to figure out what it meant, and then I still had to glance over to a pair having coffee outside for confirmation before I quite believed it. A moment of shared joy, or relief at least.
posted by egregious theorem at 9:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
posted by egregious theorem at 9:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
Congrats from Canada!! My friends and I have been feeling highly anxious and losing sleep over the election for the past week. I’m so thankful we can finally have some peace of mind, I can’t imagine what it’s been like for all of you in the US.
posted by keep it under cover at 9:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by keep it under cover at 9:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
"or the first time I wish we had cable news. I need to see and hear other human beings to confirm that this is real life."
They're live on NBC and ABC commentating. (I don't get CBS via my antenna so can't say, but I assume same.)
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 9:24 AM on November 7, 2020
They're live on NBC and ABC commentating. (I don't get CBS via my antenna so can't say, but I assume same.)
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 9:24 AM on November 7, 2020
Parker Molloy on Twitter compared this to blowing up the Death Star. There's still this evil, powerful Empire capable of building another one that needs to be defeated.
But we just blew up a Death Star and saved a *lot* of people. So big celebration time.
posted by mark k at 9:25 AM on November 7, 2020 [73 favorites]
But we just blew up a Death Star and saved a *lot* of people. So big celebration time.
posted by mark k at 9:25 AM on November 7, 2020 [73 favorites]
one more time with the Drudge Report's leading links:
YOU'RE FIRED!
Biden: 'Time To Come Together As A Nation'...
Will move to unify in speech tonight...
Transition team at work...
COVID-19 task force to be announced Monday...
On path to win 306 Electoral College votes, same as Trump's 'landslide' victory in 2016...
President refuses to accept results...
'I WON BY A LOT!'
Concession not required by law...
75 days of chaos and denial?
Kamala makes history... Trump berated and baffled European allies. They aren't sad to see him go...
World hopes for end to American isolationism...
Cheering, Celebrations Erupt In Streets Of New York After Election Called...
posted by philip-random at 9:25 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
YOU'RE FIRED!
Biden: 'Time To Come Together As A Nation'...
Will move to unify in speech tonight...
Transition team at work...
COVID-19 task force to be announced Monday...
On path to win 306 Electoral College votes, same as Trump's 'landslide' victory in 2016...
President refuses to accept results...
'I WON BY A LOT!'
Concession not required by law...
75 days of chaos and denial?
Kamala makes history... Trump berated and baffled European allies. They aren't sad to see him go...
World hopes for end to American isolationism...
Cheering, Celebrations Erupt In Streets Of New York After Election Called...
posted by philip-random at 9:25 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
For all of you out there with "Fuck Your Feelings" t-shirts, I want to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
There can be no doubt that—regardless of party—all of us pray that the Biden administration will follow the Republican example of comity and bipartisanship.
Truly, the Republican party has taught Democrats how the opposing party should be treated. Let not their lessons fall on deaf ears.
posted by springo at 9:25 AM on November 7, 2020 [108 favorites]
There can be no doubt that—regardless of party—all of us pray that the Biden administration will follow the Republican example of comity and bipartisanship.
Truly, the Republican party has taught Democrats how the opposing party should be treated. Let not their lessons fall on deaf ears.
posted by springo at 9:25 AM on November 7, 2020 [108 favorites]
Because of my current screwy sleep schedule, I was asleep when the results came in. I'm awake now! I feel so RELIEVED. I'm happy to celebrate with you all after the many long nights of following these races. Tough days and years to follow but we will meet the challenges. May the road rise to meet you.
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 9:26 AM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 9:26 AM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
We've turned the corner 🙂
posted by jazon at 9:27 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by jazon at 9:27 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
You love to see it 🙏
posted by adrianhon at 9:27 AM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by adrianhon at 9:27 AM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
You did it! Thanks and congratulations from Chile.
posted by signal at 9:27 AM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
posted by signal at 9:27 AM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
Alegría desbordada en el barrio en el que me quedo en #Detroit por la derrota de Trump #Elecciones2020
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 9:27 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 9:27 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
It's too early to drink here.
Here too, but we're busting out the good stuff anyways. It is barely noon and I am on my second single-barrel MB Roland; my wife, who has responsibilities today, is only on her first Ardbeg Uideagall.
posted by jackbishop at 9:28 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
Here too, but we're busting out the good stuff anyways. It is barely noon and I am on my second single-barrel MB Roland; my wife, who has responsibilities today, is only on her first Ardbeg Uideagall.
posted by jackbishop at 9:28 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
YOU'RE FIRED!
posted by zouhair at 9:28 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by zouhair at 9:28 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
In 2016, I thought I was casting a vote for the first female president. Now at least we get the first female vice president.
Fuck, I was so wrapped up in escaping 45’s administration that I had COMPLETELY forgotten!
LET US SING THE SONG OF MY PEOPLE
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:28 AM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
Fuck, I was so wrapped up in escaping 45’s administration that I had COMPLETELY forgotten!
LET US SING THE SONG OF MY PEOPLE
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:28 AM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
Just a reminder that the GOP has won the popular vote in ONE of the last eight elections.
posted by argybarg at 9:28 AM on November 7, 2020 [50 favorites]
posted by argybarg at 9:28 AM on November 7, 2020 [50 favorites]
First good news of this year! Americans in pubs here in Florence broke into applause, I am told.
posted by _dario at 9:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by _dario at 9:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
What song to play? 'You About to Lose Yo' Job' (SLYT, sadly Biden did not actually play this during his speech. But he should have)
I hope they are blasting this on repeat outside the White House
posted by ananci at 9:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
I hope they are blasting this on repeat outside the White House
posted by ananci at 9:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
I'm putting up my winter solstice lights early, and they're going to burn every night until January 20, 2021.
posted by the Real Dan at 9:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
posted by the Real Dan at 9:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
WGN's political analyst Paul Lisnek makes the point that the Supreme Court made it a point of saying that the outcome of Bush v. Gore was not to be used as legal precedent. You need a certain caliber of attorney to speak before the Supreme Court and Guiliani, Lewandowski, etc are not of that caliber.
posted by Constance Mirabella at 9:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by Constance Mirabella at 9:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
Also I'm craving a big fat slice of cake and I was realizing the other day I can't remember the last time I had some cake.
Yesterday I made a clementine cake, on the theory that orange things are better to eat than to have as president. Right after I put it on a rack to cool on a counter, my cat jumped up right to that spot (in her defense, it is her usual spot, and I should have known better) – and flipped the whole hot cake all over the kitchen floor. I was sad for a second, but then it just seemed symbolic. I told my cat that she might have started a butterfly effect on the presidency.
(Today I'm making another clementine cake, to eat for real.)
posted by lisa g at 9:31 AM on November 7, 2020 [32 favorites]
Yesterday I made a clementine cake, on the theory that orange things are better to eat than to have as president. Right after I put it on a rack to cool on a counter, my cat jumped up right to that spot (in her defense, it is her usual spot, and I should have known better) – and flipped the whole hot cake all over the kitchen floor. I was sad for a second, but then it just seemed symbolic. I told my cat that she might have started a butterfly effect on the presidency.
(Today I'm making another clementine cake, to eat for real.)
posted by lisa g at 9:31 AM on November 7, 2020 [32 favorites]
I’m at a “COUNT EVERY VOTE” rally and I legit don’t know if I should keep holding this sign.
Yes.
The more votes Biden has over Trump, the more victory laps we can do.
posted by gtrwolf at 9:32 AM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
Yes.
The more votes Biden has over Trump, the more victory laps we can do.
posted by gtrwolf at 9:32 AM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
Ray Charles And The Voices Of Jubilaton, Oh, Happy Day
posted by mikelieman at 9:33 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by mikelieman at 9:33 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
Glad to hear the US is back in a large pair of hands.
posted by chavenet at 9:33 AM on November 7, 2020 [34 favorites]
posted by chavenet at 9:33 AM on November 7, 2020 [34 favorites]
FINALLY
I mean, it's not over-over, but this part is over.
posted by betweenthebars at 9:34 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
I mean, it's not over-over, but this part is over.
posted by betweenthebars at 9:34 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
YUB NUB!
posted by guiseroom at 9:34 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by guiseroom at 9:34 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
The piece I always turn to in moments like this: Peter Gabriel: "It Is Accomplished."
posted by dnash at 9:35 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by dnash at 9:35 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
I'm so relieved, but I can't even process this. It's been so long!
posted by dogheart at 9:36 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by dogheart at 9:36 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Congratulations, Americans. Please take a moment to celebrate and enjoy your well-deserved catharsis!
To everyone who fought against the open corruption, voter suppression, disenfranchisement, and intimidation: thank you so, so much for your work.
posted by one of these days at 9:37 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
To everyone who fought against the open corruption, voter suppression, disenfranchisement, and intimidation: thank you so, so much for your work.
posted by one of these days at 9:37 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
A car just drove past me blasting a rap I don't recognize, the lyrics to which were "Fuck Donald Trump". We shared a good moment.
posted by biogeo at 9:37 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
posted by biogeo at 9:37 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
Weird Biden's campaign is apparently sponsored by Jeep. If we're going make a big deal about American cars at least highlight Tesla, Bollinger or one of the new brands. Not Jeep which has horrible build quality and only relying on its brandname to carry it through. Jeep isn't even the best Jeep anymore.
posted by geoff. at 9:38 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by geoff. at 9:38 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
I want to go out for a hike with the wife and kids, but really it's just an excuse to drive slowly to the park while rolling down the windows cackling with laughter at all the Trump yard signs still up.
posted by Catblack at 9:39 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by Catblack at 9:39 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
I thought at one point some trump humper said they had a "Death Star", what ever happened to that?
posted by maniabug at 9:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by maniabug at 9:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
HELL YEAH!!! I’m reveling in all the things we can have back...the EPA, the CDC, the ability to provide trans affirming care in VAs...the list goes on and on. I’m having all of the emotions at once.
posted by batbat at 9:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by batbat at 9:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
Congratulations from across the Atlantic on having a sane person run the country again! I was biting my nails but never lost my faith in you. Commiserations on the fact that 70 million still think the other guy is the sane one. Best thing about this mess is Kamala. Now I will watch some more twitter clips of people celebrating with a big grin on my face and hope for the best...
posted by fregoli at 9:41 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by fregoli at 9:41 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
joeyh, I actually just came across this great cover of "Yub Nub" and I currently have it playing on stereo.
posted by guiseroom at 9:41 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by guiseroom at 9:41 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
We had plans to go for a walk in the cemetery today but decided we want to walk around the neighborhood and high five the living instead. YEAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 9:41 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 9:41 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
I wish Geraldine Ferraro had lived to see today.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:41 AM on November 7, 2020 [78 favorites]
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:41 AM on November 7, 2020 [78 favorites]
Is it this song, biogeo? FDT (Fuck Donald Trump) by YG (featuring Nipsey Hussle)
posted by cazoo at 9:41 AM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
posted by cazoo at 9:41 AM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
there are only 177 plays of 10 hr yub nub left until inaguration
posted by joeyh at 9:42 AM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
posted by joeyh at 9:42 AM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
feeling a lot better about having taken a job in the federal government (the CFPB, of all places) back in August
posted by Kybard at 9:42 AM on November 7, 2020 [23 favorites]
posted by Kybard at 9:42 AM on November 7, 2020 [23 favorites]
Also, I haven’t been able to listen to NPR for four long years because 45’s voice feels like someone’s hands around my throat. NPR, you’ve long been my friend and companion, and I’ve missed you.
posted by batbat at 9:44 AM on November 7, 2020 [38 favorites]
posted by batbat at 9:44 AM on November 7, 2020 [38 favorites]
I thought at one point some trump humper said they had a "Death Star", what ever happened to that?
he was correct
posted by allegedly at 9:44 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
he was correct
posted by allegedly at 9:44 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
I'm enjoying this so so much. Actually I feel like crying :).
But I'm gonna enjoy this. And then get to work for the midterms.
posted by bluesky43 at 9:45 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
But I'm gonna enjoy this. And then get to work for the midterms.
posted by bluesky43 at 9:45 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
I'm lacing up my boots ready to cancel Christmas just waiting for my orders.
posted by Think_Long at 9:45 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by Think_Long at 9:45 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Julia Louis-Dreyfus: @OfficialJLD
“Madam Vice President” is no longer a fictional character. @KamalaHarris
posted by Wordshore at 9:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [126 favorites]
“Madam Vice President” is no longer a fictional character. @KamalaHarris
posted by Wordshore at 9:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [126 favorites]
I was just plain jubilant until I watched that clip of Van Jones and now I'm bawling like a baby.
posted by Dashy at 9:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by Dashy at 9:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
I thought at one point some trump humper said they had a "Death Star", what ever happened to that?
The Ewoks blew it up. why do you think so many of us are playing "Yub Nub" right now?
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 9:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
The Ewoks blew it up. why do you think so many of us are playing "Yub Nub" right now?
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 9:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
I’d just like to share something my 5 year old esquandolass, who can’t ever find anything bad to say about anyone, said: “Joe Biden will be a good president, but Trump was a good president for when there’s a virus because he drove people apart.”
posted by esquandolad at 9:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [44 favorites]
posted by esquandolad at 9:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [44 favorites]
there are only 177 plays of 10 hr yub nub left until inaguration
Inuburation?
Fuck it, it’s after noon. I’m cracking a Pennsylvania-made beer.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:48 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Inuburation?
Fuck it, it’s after noon. I’m cracking a Pennsylvania-made beer.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:48 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Hooray! but I’m just so tired
posted by Going To Maine at 9:49 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by Going To Maine at 9:49 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Kat Stafford: What cannot be overstated right now: America will have its first Black & South Asian woman as Vice President-elect of the United States. This win is built upon the legacies of Shirley Chisholm, Charlotta Bass, Fannie Lou Hamer, Barbara Jordan & so many other Black women.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 9:50 AM on November 7, 2020 [42 favorites]
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 9:50 AM on November 7, 2020 [42 favorites]
I just wanted to add: yes, there’s still a lot of work to do, but nobody should feel bad about taking a moment to reflect and celebrate. We damn well deserve it.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:50 AM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:50 AM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
Fuckin' A.
posted by heteronym at 9:50 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by heteronym at 9:50 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
If anyone has a video of trumpers being depressed and looking defeated, feel free to send links (not ones of them being angry, though).
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 9:51 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 9:51 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
If you missed Van Jones' response as the news came in on CNN, take a couple of minutes to watch it now. So moving and so heartfelt: all the more so for his battle to hold back tears as he spoke.
posted by Paul Slade at 9:51 AM on November 7, 2020 [72 favorites]
posted by Paul Slade at 9:51 AM on November 7, 2020 [72 favorites]
Ray Charles singing "America the Beautiful". This is my National Anthem.
posted by QuakerMel at 9:51 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by QuakerMel at 9:51 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
✨✨ B Y E F E L I C I A ✨✨
posted by supercrayon at 9:52 AM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
posted by supercrayon at 9:52 AM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
Pony request: Can we have a one day unlimited favorites celebration? I just hit my limit and I want to keep +ing.
posted by Tsuga at 9:53 AM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
posted by Tsuga at 9:53 AM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
Surely this
posted by petebest at 9:53 AM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
posted by petebest at 9:53 AM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
Now we can drink in celebration instead of drinking in despair.
posted by romakimmy at 9:54 AM on November 7, 2020 [32 favorites]
posted by romakimmy at 9:54 AM on November 7, 2020 [32 favorites]
Van "he's so presidential" Jones? Please...
posted by opsin at 9:54 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by opsin at 9:54 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
I'm in a virtual conference today (who scheduled it this way, I don't know), and I had just finished presenting my paper and popped one side of my headphones for a minute. My wife said "it's over, baby."
"Yea, I just finished my paper, next guy is setting up."
"No, it's over. The election. They just called the election."
There was something particularly lovely about presenting about residential selection and sex-sex/gender couples and getting that news at the end of my paper. :)
posted by joycehealy at 9:54 AM on November 7, 2020 [33 favorites]
"Yea, I just finished my paper, next guy is setting up."
"No, it's over. The election. They just called the election."
There was something particularly lovely about presenting about residential selection and sex-sex/gender couples and getting that news at the end of my paper. :)
posted by joycehealy at 9:54 AM on November 7, 2020 [33 favorites]
So, I posted my US flag out front, and it looks great.
It’s a powerful enough of statement to convey my celebratory mood, carries an implicit message of unity, and if anyone objects, then they’re objecting to the US flag.
Then I came inside and decided to buy another one from the same vendor, just in case this one is damaged or stolen. Lo and behold, they seems to be running out of US flags, for some reason!
posted by darkstar at 9:55 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
It’s a powerful enough of statement to convey my celebratory mood, carries an implicit message of unity, and if anyone objects, then they’re objecting to the US flag.
Then I came inside and decided to buy another one from the same vendor, just in case this one is damaged or stolen. Lo and behold, they seems to be running out of US flags, for some reason!
posted by darkstar at 9:55 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
I feel the sort of contentment you feel after cleaning the kitchen. It's not like it solves the problem forever, like the kitchen will from hereon-end remain pristine forever. But it's just less feral.
posted by dmh at 9:56 AM on November 7, 2020 [72 favorites]
posted by dmh at 9:56 AM on November 7, 2020 [72 favorites]
Van "he's so presidential" Jones? Please...
Not being a regular CNN watcher, I don't even know who Van Jones is, or any of the history there. But that seemed like a genuine moment... maybe we can put the knee-jerk cynicism on ice for just a few minutes?
posted by Crane Shot at 9:57 AM on November 7, 2020 [35 favorites]
Not being a regular CNN watcher, I don't even know who Van Jones is, or any of the history there. But that seemed like a genuine moment... maybe we can put the knee-jerk cynicism on ice for just a few minutes?
posted by Crane Shot at 9:57 AM on November 7, 2020 [35 favorites]
Congrats you all!
Also, Robinette is an adorable name.
posted by Pyrogenesis at 9:58 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Also, Robinette is an adorable name.
posted by Pyrogenesis at 9:58 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
(Special shoutout to Ms. Harris who has ancestral roots in India)
Jamaica as well! I hope my relatives there are watching and smiling.
An amazing observation on Twitter: today's the 25th anniversary of liquid swords too lmao wow
Anyway, today is a good day. We're planning on celebrating with Airplane! tonight. Thank you to everyone who made this happen!
posted by May Kasahara at 9:59 AM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
Jamaica as well! I hope my relatives there are watching and smiling.
An amazing observation on Twitter: today's the 25th anniversary of liquid swords too lmao wow
Anyway, today is a good day. We're planning on celebrating with Airplane! tonight. Thank you to everyone who made this happen!
posted by May Kasahara at 9:59 AM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
Trump is done!
ha aahh. Wow.
So that happened.
And now we get to watch a regular government take back over. Thank god. And, Kamala Harris will be Vice President and then, hopefully, maybe even President. And the Pandemic Response Team is going to be re-instated. And just, generally, responsible normal grown up shit.
Wow. (And I don't give a fuck what Trump does now - I can't imagine any administrative member of any branch of the government doing a damn thing that grifting shit-bag asks/demands blah blah blah - they just have to kick the can down the road for what 75 days?)
And when Trump doesn't write the letter passing over the office (which who expects him to do that?) the living former Pres' should.
posted by From Bklyn at 10:01 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
ha aahh. Wow.
So that happened.
And now we get to watch a regular government take back over. Thank god. And, Kamala Harris will be Vice President and then, hopefully, maybe even President. And the Pandemic Response Team is going to be re-instated. And just, generally, responsible normal grown up shit.
Wow. (And I don't give a fuck what Trump does now - I can't imagine any administrative member of any branch of the government doing a damn thing that grifting shit-bag asks/demands blah blah blah - they just have to kick the can down the road for what 75 days?)
And when Trump doesn't write the letter passing over the office (which who expects him to do that?) the living former Pres' should.
posted by From Bklyn at 10:01 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
But that seemed like a genuine moment...
I'm not forgetting how heartfelt he seemed after that State of the Union, and there's a lot of journos who didn't do their job this four years who are going to pretend like they did. Screw him for normalising what was happening, and now getting another moment out of it.
posted by opsin at 10:01 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
I'm not forgetting how heartfelt he seemed after that State of the Union, and there's a lot of journos who didn't do their job this four years who are going to pretend like they did. Screw him for normalising what was happening, and now getting another moment out of it.
posted by opsin at 10:01 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
We are going to have ice cream and champagne for dinner because OMG IM SO HAPPY and relieved. Tomorrow we can start talking about all the work ahead of us, but today we celebrate!
posted by supermedusa at 10:01 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by supermedusa at 10:01 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Joyscrolling!
posted by valetta at 10:03 AM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
posted by valetta at 10:03 AM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
I made a cake for Arizona
I made it fucking blue
posted by meese at 10:04 AM on November 7, 2020 [32 favorites]
I made it fucking blue
posted by meese at 10:04 AM on November 7, 2020 [32 favorites]
I'm so happy for all American Mefites!!!!!! Hell, I'm so fucking happy for all of us!!
posted by Foci for Analysis at 10:09 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by Foci for Analysis at 10:09 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
You fckn did it, Jason Mraz
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 10:11 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 10:11 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
I was just plain jubilant until I watched that clip of Van Jones and now I'm bawling like a baby.
MAGA Nation are getting their liberal tears alright, and yet ....
it's like some Monkey's Paw thing.
posted by philip-random at 10:11 AM on November 7, 2020 [25 favorites]
MAGA Nation are getting their liberal tears alright, and yet ....
it's like some Monkey's Paw thing.
posted by philip-random at 10:11 AM on November 7, 2020 [25 favorites]
I'm legit happy. I'm legit happy Don lost. But mostly, I'm legit happy for Ms. Harris. She was one of my favorites from the day she announced her candidacy. Biden was around my number 4 choice, but whatever.
OK the following is all mind-reading, but... I think Biden knows he's aging rapidly and isn't as sharp as he once was. I can see him leaning heavily on Harris in the coming years—in a good way. I think Biden wanted to take Don out (done) more than he really wanted to "be" president.
Celebrate and enjoy.
posted by SoberHighland at 10:11 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
OK the following is all mind-reading, but... I think Biden knows he's aging rapidly and isn't as sharp as he once was. I can see him leaning heavily on Harris in the coming years—in a good way. I think Biden wanted to take Don out (done) more than he really wanted to "be" president.
Celebrate and enjoy.
posted by SoberHighland at 10:11 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
Ladies, Gentlemen, Children of All Ages, and Sentient Entities Everywhere:
I am so overwhelmed with joy and hope that I am reminded of how wonderful this nation is, and will be again. During my listening I came across a favorite of mine. (I like Presidents who attend the Kennedy Center Honors.)
Get a fresh box of tissues out:
Aretha Franklin (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman - Kennedy Center Honors 2015
posted by mikelieman at 10:11 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
I am so overwhelmed with joy and hope that I am reminded of how wonderful this nation is, and will be again. During my listening I came across a favorite of mine. (I like Presidents who attend the Kennedy Center Honors.)
Get a fresh box of tissues out:
Aretha Franklin (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman - Kennedy Center Honors 2015
posted by mikelieman at 10:11 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
I've been here a long time. the sept 11 thread, the obama election, heck I've been here even before AskMe. I don't usually post. but this is the first time I've felt relief and hope in over 4 years and I'm am just thrilled. MeFi, you have been here for me going on 20 years. Thank you so much for keeping things resembling normal around here. You all deserve to feel good about this wonderful website that has brought me so much knowledge, humour and solace in the crazy couple of decades I've been reading (daily most of the time). Thank you all so much. Now, let's rebuild this culture, and this continent. We can do better guys!
posted by omegajuice at 10:12 AM on November 7, 2020 [154 favorites]
posted by omegajuice at 10:12 AM on November 7, 2020 [154 favorites]
Alright now who wants to join me to ensure that Kanye West doesn't run for the highest elected office in the land in 4 years under banner policies such as reinstating prayer in public schools and calling vaccines the "work of beast." Bc honestly I can't handle any more trauma from people who primarily made their money in the entertainment industry who have not resolved their own ego-damage and therefore seek political power as if this is a high school election, who don't understand the implications/meaning of the word POLICY.
posted by erattacorrige at 10:13 AM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
posted by erattacorrige at 10:13 AM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
Thank you, MeFites! I could not have stayed sane without you this week. And thanks to the people curating the Election Spotify playlist. Will admit to blasting a few choice selections out the window when we got the news. 😻
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 10:14 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 10:14 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
A lot of people are starting to look over toward Letitia James, New York's AG, with anticipatory grins.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:14 AM on November 7, 2020 [41 favorites]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:14 AM on November 7, 2020 [41 favorites]
Congratulations from Denmark! Such a relief.
posted by bouvin at 10:14 AM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
posted by bouvin at 10:14 AM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
Pantera’s “Cowboys From Hell” played on Hurdy Gurdy is kinda how I feel waking up this morning.
NorCal “winter” means we can grow stuff all year. Gonna load a fat pipe and put some rum in my coffee and go put a whole buncha seeds in that long planter that we just added soil to. Gonna do a crop of “sodbuster” radishes to break up the soil for future crops.
Feels like a good thing to do today, plant seeds that will come to fruition down the line.
posted by Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey at 10:15 AM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
NorCal “winter” means we can grow stuff all year. Gonna load a fat pipe and put some rum in my coffee and go put a whole buncha seeds in that long planter that we just added soil to. Gonna do a crop of “sodbuster” radishes to break up the soil for future crops.
Feels like a good thing to do today, plant seeds that will come to fruition down the line.
posted by Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey at 10:15 AM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
I'm sitting in Olde Europe and crying a few happy tears for you guys.
Everything is terrible but now it's less terrible than before, right?
posted by Omnomnom at 10:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
Everything is terrible but now it's less terrible than before, right?
posted by Omnomnom at 10:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
The mind boggles - a narcissist sociopath finally gets their comeuppance in a way that can't be forgotten or controlled.
posted by ZeusHumms at 10:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
posted by ZeusHumms at 10:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
I talked to my brother last night on the phone and he let me know that both of our parents voted for Trump. He let me know that he was especially disappointed because they didn't even think about his sons, neither of whom are white, or even white passing like the rest of us as Cubans.
I'm not planning on cutting them off or kicking them out, but I'm mourning the people who I thought they were. They are people who are kind and generous to their families, but...I don't know. The one thing this election has shown me is that the opposite of love isn't hate, it's indifference. I'm going to have to pick up a broom and clean my own house.
I did eat a salted caramel cake last night, at least.
posted by Alison at 10:17 AM on November 7, 2020 [71 favorites]
I'm not planning on cutting them off or kicking them out, but I'm mourning the people who I thought they were. They are people who are kind and generous to their families, but...I don't know. The one thing this election has shown me is that the opposite of love isn't hate, it's indifference. I'm going to have to pick up a broom and clean my own house.
I did eat a salted caramel cake last night, at least.
posted by Alison at 10:17 AM on November 7, 2020 [71 favorites]
Hellllooo to all the Mefites who are, like me, currently in a very Republican area with no chance of finding a public celebration. Let’s bang some virtual pots and pans at each other!
posted by The corpse in the library at 10:18 AM on November 7, 2020 [85 favorites]
posted by The corpse in the library at 10:18 AM on November 7, 2020 [85 favorites]
Van Jones on CNN, Oct 24, 2020:
“Donald Trump — and I get beat up by liberals every time I say this, but I’m gonna keep saying it — he has done good stuff for the black community,” Jones said on CNN, where he is a frequent contributor. “Opportunity zone stuff, black college stuff. I worked with him on criminal justice stuff. I saw Donald Trump have African American people, formerly incarcerated, in the White House — embraced them, treated them well. There’s a side to Donald Trump that I think he does not get enough credit for.”
I'm loving the celebrations today, but this dude? No thanks. Total opportunist.
posted by mediareport at 10:18 AM on November 7, 2020 [40 favorites]
“Donald Trump — and I get beat up by liberals every time I say this, but I’m gonna keep saying it — he has done good stuff for the black community,” Jones said on CNN, where he is a frequent contributor. “Opportunity zone stuff, black college stuff. I worked with him on criminal justice stuff. I saw Donald Trump have African American people, formerly incarcerated, in the White House — embraced them, treated them well. There’s a side to Donald Trump that I think he does not get enough credit for.”
I'm loving the celebrations today, but this dude? No thanks. Total opportunist.
posted by mediareport at 10:18 AM on November 7, 2020 [40 favorites]
I am gonna draw a big ol' smile on my mask before I go out for a walk today.
posted by PhineasGage at 10:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by PhineasGage at 10:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Oh thank fuck, we made it. This has been such an ongoing clusterfuck of a shitshow omnishambles year, and then the grindingly slow count because of previous GOP fuckery, but it didn't work, Trump couldn't steal it, which really would have been the shittiest cap on this year.
Big hugs from across the pond for all US mefites. The work must go on another day, but you absolutely deserve to celebrate - you FUCKING WON.
I'm literally in tears of relief. The first good news all year. THANK you for putting adults back in charge (I only hope we do the same this side of the pond) Now go get pissed, or eat cake, or do whatever the fuck a gritty is. You've goddamn earned it!
posted by Absolutely No You-Know-What at 10:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
Big hugs from across the pond for all US mefites. The work must go on another day, but you absolutely deserve to celebrate - you FUCKING WON.
I'm literally in tears of relief. The first good news all year. THANK you for putting adults back in charge (I only hope we do the same this side of the pond) Now go get pissed, or eat cake, or do whatever the fuck a gritty is. You've goddamn earned it!
posted by Absolutely No You-Know-What at 10:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
The mind boggles - a narcissist sociopath finally gets their comeuppance in a way that can't be forgotten or controlled.
I’m telling you - a lot of people with PTSD from a childhood with an abusive parent or years with an abusive partner are breathing easily for the first time in years today, and relaxing muscles we didn’t know we’d been clenching.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 10:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [102 favorites]
I’m telling you - a lot of people with PTSD from a childhood with an abusive parent or years with an abusive partner are breathing easily for the first time in years today, and relaxing muscles we didn’t know we’d been clenching.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 10:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [102 favorites]
Jo Joergensen ftw? Did she really help by being a spoiler?
posted by asra at 10:22 AM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by asra at 10:22 AM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Humans are coming back to the White House.
Maybe we are the virus.
posted by chavenet at 10:22 AM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Maybe we are the virus.
posted by chavenet at 10:22 AM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
There can be no doubt that—regardless of party—all of us pray that the Biden administration will follow the Republican example of comity and bipartisanship.
You had me for a moment there.
posted by mhoye at 10:23 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
You had me for a moment there.
posted by mhoye at 10:23 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
A friend's daughter was having her Bat Mitzvah ceremony this morning, and because it's 2020, it had to be streamed from their backyard over Youtube. Literally as she was giving her Torah reading, the race was called.
I thought that was auspicious.
posted by adamrice at 10:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [55 favorites]
I thought that was auspicious.
posted by adamrice at 10:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [55 favorites]
To President Trump:
Oompa loompa flippity fail
Enjoy the next 20 years in jail
posted by DRoll at 10:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [40 favorites]
Oompa loompa flippity fail
Enjoy the next 20 years in jail
posted by DRoll at 10:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [40 favorites]
I just can't wipe the shit-eatin' grin off my face. My wife is walking around the house like it's our wedding day and she is the queen. I have a cellared collection of strong ales and stouts. The decision I make of which to drink in celebration is going to be tough and I will probably shed a tear as I take my first sip. Oh happy day indeed!
posted by Ber at 10:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by Ber at 10:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
Please keep posting these videos of people celebrating in the cities. I live in a more spread out neighborhood and nothing. I love sharing that joy.
posted by corb at 10:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [39 favorites]
posted by corb at 10:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [39 favorites]
> Jo Joergensen ftw? Did she really help by being a spoiler?the short answer is no. the long answer is that there were no spoiler because the trumpister got trounced so hard there's not place for spoil of any kind
posted by runcifex at 10:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
There is a six-lane road in front of my apartment complex. I just walked up and down the block with a "Biden Won!" sign. I got about 20-25 positive reactions and no negative reactions.
I am trying to arrange a bigger celebration in my town, but I have had little response so far.
posted by NotLost at 10:25 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
I am trying to arrange a bigger celebration in my town, but I have had little response so far.
posted by NotLost at 10:25 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Celebration in the streets of Concord, MA, home of the Battle of Old North Bridge and all that.
posted by adamg at 10:26 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by adamg at 10:26 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
Here at the end of it all, I'm left with a burning question:
Why Four Seasons Total Landscaping?
posted by nubs at 10:26 AM on November 7, 2020 [41 favorites]
Why Four Seasons Total Landscaping?
posted by nubs at 10:26 AM on November 7, 2020 [41 favorites]
I think it's apropos & high-level trolling that the NYT has placed a little blue checkmark next to Biden's 279.
posted by chavenet at 10:27 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by chavenet at 10:27 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
This time when we get back to the noble work of trashing the president we'll remember how much worse it could be.
Good job America. You did it!
posted by klanawa at 10:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Good job America. You did it!
posted by klanawa at 10:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Granted I don't want to jinx things (especially since who knows what fuckery Trump can get out of SCOTUS) but hopefully Jan 20, 2021 will be the day we can finally go from this to this.
posted by gtrwolf at 10:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by gtrwolf at 10:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Why Four Seasons Total Landscaping?
Event booking fraud
posted by Omnomnom at 10:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
Event booking fraud
posted by Omnomnom at 10:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
Congratulations from Austria! This was a horrible week for us but right now, at least I can be happy for you. Fascism is never completely defeated, only driven back into hiding, but that's still worth doing and you should celebrate. When they are no longer encouraged to flaunt it, they lose the opportunists and without those they can't do much and the rest of us can breathe a bit easier for a while.
posted by sohalt at 10:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [33 favorites]
posted by sohalt at 10:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [33 favorites]
Why Four Seasons Total Landscaping?
Proximity to the dildo shop.
posted by vers at 10:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
Proximity to the dildo shop.
posted by vers at 10:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
Why Four Seasons Total Landscaping?
I really want the story behind this too.
posted by drezdn at 10:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
I really want the story behind this too.
posted by drezdn at 10:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Surely this! :P
posted by Andrew Galarneau at 10:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by Andrew Galarneau at 10:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Thanks, Corpse - pots and pans to you from Black Mountain, NC!
posted by anshuman at 10:31 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by anshuman at 10:31 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Also, this is a heck of a birthday gift for my GF (and for Joni Mitchell as well).
posted by gtrwolf at 10:31 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by gtrwolf at 10:31 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
no context celebratory music video of historical event with lots of explosions, people on the streets, and kisses
posted by runcifex at 10:32 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by runcifex at 10:32 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Shout-out to my fellow journalism professionals, who held it together long enough to matter. Every time a fake voting rights story popped up, journalists swooped like a Stratotanker full of fire-putter-outer information
posted by Andrew Galarneau at 10:32 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by Andrew Galarneau at 10:32 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
So happy for Joe and Kamala. So happy for my country. So looking forward to Joe's inauguration, and hopefully a perp walk for Trump.
But also: So grateful for this site, its members, and its mod team. The election threads got me through this week without losing my mind, when nothing else on offer could. MeFi has changed a lot since I first started lurking here around 20 years ago, but it remains my favorite little corner of the web, and I felt that more strongly this week than ever before. Thank you, one and all! Party on!
posted by /\/\/\/ at 10:33 AM on November 7, 2020 [41 favorites]
But also: So grateful for this site, its members, and its mod team. The election threads got me through this week without losing my mind, when nothing else on offer could. MeFi has changed a lot since I first started lurking here around 20 years ago, but it remains my favorite little corner of the web, and I felt that more strongly this week than ever before. Thank you, one and all! Party on!
posted by /\/\/\/ at 10:33 AM on November 7, 2020 [41 favorites]
Meanwhile, the sex toy shop owners are just shaking their heads, saying "I've seen some giant dildos in my time, but this..."
posted by biogeo at 10:34 AM on November 7, 2020 [50 favorites]
posted by biogeo at 10:34 AM on November 7, 2020 [50 favorites]
I’m more of a reader than a poster, but I’ve been reading all these threads this week and I just wanna say thank you people of Metafilter for fighting the good fight and making these spaces to worry, riff, process, hope, and celebrate. Y’all are great and kept me sane ⚡️
45, EXEUNT!
posted by actionpact at 10:34 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
45, EXEUNT!
posted by actionpact at 10:34 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
Trump who?
posted by Poldo at 10:35 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by Poldo at 10:35 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 10:35 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 10:35 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
From what I can see on Fox News, the spontaneous celebration in DC is bigger than Trump's inauguration crowd.
posted by chavenet at 10:36 AM on November 7, 2020 [40 favorites]
posted by chavenet at 10:36 AM on November 7, 2020 [40 favorites]
Why Four Seasons Total Landscaping?
My theory is a low level lackey was tasked with booking a venue for this press conference and Four Seasons Total Landscaping was the best they could do with a $200 budget.
posted by Constance Mirabella at 10:36 AM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
My theory is a low level lackey was tasked with booking a venue for this press conference and Four Seasons Total Landscaping was the best they could do with a $200 budget.
posted by Constance Mirabella at 10:36 AM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
Why Four Seasons Total Landscaping?
"You said they had all the dirt!"
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 10:37 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
"You said they had all the dirt!"
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 10:37 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
The guitarist for The Roots lives in my building and he’s shredding the star spangled banner (Brief video clip in following Tweet.)
posted by soundguy99 at 10:38 AM on November 7, 2020 [54 favorites]
posted by soundguy99 at 10:38 AM on November 7, 2020 [54 favorites]
My guess is they collected the owner's name & business at some donor event, wrote it in their CMS as "Four Seasons" and didn't even question it when they needed to book a place.
The fact that this landscape company owner then said "Yeah, absolutely you may have a press conference outside my landscape company next to an adult toy store!" Is the part that really makes me laugh.
posted by muddgirl at 10:39 AM on November 7, 2020 [41 favorites]
The fact that this landscape company owner then said "Yeah, absolutely you may have a press conference outside my landscape company next to an adult toy store!" Is the part that really makes me laugh.
posted by muddgirl at 10:39 AM on November 7, 2020 [41 favorites]
Twitter clip of the moment Giuliani finds out that not just one, but all of the major networks have called the race
posted by mediareport at 10:39 AM on November 7, 2020 [30 favorites]
posted by mediareport at 10:39 AM on November 7, 2020 [30 favorites]
So happy, so grateful, so relieved, so energized, and so ready to keep up the work!
posted by mixedmetaphors at 10:39 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by mixedmetaphors at 10:39 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Math problem: 2020 - 45 = ?
posted by anshuman at 10:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by anshuman at 10:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Long Twitter thread from former conservative journalist (founding online editor, Washington Examiner) in which he describes the fundamental difference between conservative "journalism" and American journalism:
"What I did not realize until I began expanding my work into creating actual media and reporting institutions such as the Washington Examiner (I was the founding online editor) was that U.S. conservatives do not understand the purpose of journalism."
"This became evident to me as I saw that conservative-dominated media outlets were MUCH more biased than outlets run by liberals. The latter had flaws that arose from a lack of diversities (note plural) but they operated mostly in good faith. That's not how the former operated."
"I eventually realized that most people who run right-dominated media outlets see it as their DUTY to be unfair and to favor Republicans because doing so would some how counteract perceived liberal bias."
posted by Andrew Galarneau at 10:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [64 favorites]
"What I did not realize until I began expanding my work into creating actual media and reporting institutions such as the Washington Examiner (I was the founding online editor) was that U.S. conservatives do not understand the purpose of journalism."
"This became evident to me as I saw that conservative-dominated media outlets were MUCH more biased than outlets run by liberals. The latter had flaws that arose from a lack of diversities (note plural) but they operated mostly in good faith. That's not how the former operated."
"I eventually realized that most people who run right-dominated media outlets see it as their DUTY to be unfair and to favor Republicans because doing so would some how counteract perceived liberal bias."
posted by Andrew Galarneau at 10:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [64 favorites]
(Though my very literal & quite sincere thoughts and prayers are with the lady who vowed pre-election to make love to Gritty if PA went blue and decided the election.)
posted by mixedmetaphors at 10:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
posted by mixedmetaphors at 10:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
> Thinking back to the start of the US politics megathreads, what a long strange trip it's been.
I'm just looking forward to weeks from now, when Tehhund finally catches up with all this and hears that it's been called for Biden.
posted by sebastienbailard at 10:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [112 favorites]
I'm just looking forward to weeks from now, when Tehhund finally catches up with all this and hears that it's been called for Biden.
posted by sebastienbailard at 10:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [112 favorites]
@PresVillain: Some or all of the content shared in this tweet is disputed and might be misleading about an election or other civic process. Learn more [ Comic book depiction Twitter's warning about Trump's tweets being bullshit, followed by a screenshot of several of them in a row that were deemed bullshit ]
There have been a lot of nice touches from the writers today, from Trump being on a golf course, to his goons being outside dildo store, but having him shadow-banned by Twitter is simply perfect. @jack and Twitter as a whole can still fuck off, but muting his virtual mic shows how small and weak he really is.
posted by tonycpsu at 10:41 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
There have been a lot of nice touches from the writers today, from Trump being on a golf course, to his goons being outside dildo store, but having him shadow-banned by Twitter is simply perfect. @jack and Twitter as a whole can still fuck off, but muting his virtual mic shows how small and weak he really is.
posted by tonycpsu at 10:41 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
My god, the joyscrolling is so much better than the doomscrolling. Congrats everyone, the first signs of some hope in 2020
posted by unid41 at 10:42 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by unid41 at 10:42 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
This Canadian says congratulations and thanks.
posted by bonobothegreat at 10:42 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by bonobothegreat at 10:42 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
mediareport: "Twitter clip of the moment Giuliani finds out that not just one, but all of the major networks have called the race"
God missed a lightning bolt opportunity there.
posted by chavenet at 10:42 AM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
God missed a lightning bolt opportunity there.
posted by chavenet at 10:42 AM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
Anyone want to design a countdown calendar to the inauguration? Maybe a Mefi fundraiser? Quotations behind the windows, on-this-day, ??
posted by clew at 10:42 AM on November 7, 2020
posted by clew at 10:42 AM on November 7, 2020
Why Four Seasons Total Landscaping?
$10 says they meant to go to the Four Seasons Hotel and chose the wrong suggested destination in Google Maps.
posted by kilroygbiv at 10:42 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
$10 says they meant to go to the Four Seasons Hotel and chose the wrong suggested destination in Google Maps.
posted by kilroygbiv at 10:42 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
I'm almost too tired to be elated . . . almost!
posted by pt68 at 10:43 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by pt68 at 10:43 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
These are not very bright guys.
posted by seanmpuckett at 10:43 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by seanmpuckett at 10:43 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
45, EXEUNT!Hopefully pursued by a bear, or at least prosecutorial teams.
posted by MattWPBS at 10:44 AM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
And the classic Jimi Hendrix rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
posted by PhineasGage at 10:44 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by PhineasGage at 10:44 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
They said "cry more, libs" like it was gonna be a bad thing
posted by mabelstreet at 10:46 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
posted by mabelstreet at 10:46 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
Looking forward to watching Biden in other countries, meeting leaders, and the happy expressions on their faces.
posted by Splunge at 10:46 AM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
posted by Splunge at 10:46 AM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
In fact they are so stupid that if it weren't for the embedded systemic cishet patriarchal white bias in the country, they probably wouldn't have gotten much farther in life than sitting on someone during kindergarten recess and demanding their pudding cup, after which they had a time out in the crying room.
posted by seanmpuckett at 10:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by seanmpuckett at 10:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
When good triumphs, in the end:
“So shines a good deed in a weary world...”
posted by darkstar at 10:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
“So shines a good deed in a weary world...”
posted by darkstar at 10:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Math problem: 2020 - 45 = ?
I have another math problem: 2020 - 45 + 46 = 2021
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 10:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [40 favorites]
I have another math problem: 2020 - 45 + 46 = 2021
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 10:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [40 favorites]
Hello, yes, I wish to personally and loudly thank every single American who voted for Biden and Harris.
posted by scaryblackdeath at 10:50 AM on November 7, 2020 [30 favorites]
posted by scaryblackdeath at 10:50 AM on November 7, 2020 [30 favorites]
You're welcome.
posted by valkane at 10:51 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by valkane at 10:51 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
I've never seen this clip before, and I keep watching it, and I keep crying. Empathy, and compassion, and kindness.
It's a link to Twitter, sorry--it's worthwhile, if you can see it, though.
posted by meese at 10:52 AM on November 7, 2020 [36 favorites]
It's a link to Twitter, sorry--it's worthwhile, if you can see it, though.
posted by meese at 10:52 AM on November 7, 2020 [36 favorites]
So I guess now we find out whether a useful idiot, once he ceases to be useful, is still an idiot.
I'm guessing yes.
posted by Mister_Sleight_of_Hand at 10:57 AM on November 7, 2020
I'm guessing yes.
posted by Mister_Sleight_of_Hand at 10:57 AM on November 7, 2020
Math problem: 2020 - 45 = ?
A big fucking party, apparently!
posted by biogeo at 10:57 AM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
A big fucking party, apparently!
posted by biogeo at 10:57 AM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
I live in northern DC and have never heard our neighborhood break out in cheering like this. The closest I’d compare it to is in deeply Hispanic and much denser Colombia Heights during the World Cup. We needed this.
posted by adamsc at 10:57 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by adamsc at 10:57 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
I heard the news. Is it safe to click the "Show US politics posts" link on the front page now? Is this where everyone has been these past 4 years?
posted by The Lurkers Support Me in Email at 10:58 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by The Lurkers Support Me in Email at 10:58 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
Greetings from the UK, congratulations, and thanks for making sure that we Brits now have the most embarrassing leader out there... UK! UK!
posted by altolinguistic at 10:58 AM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
posted by altolinguistic at 10:58 AM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
I just keep grinning over Doug Emhoff being Second Gentleman of the United States, and if people have issues with pronouncing .gif, it'll be interesting to hear attempts at saying SGOTUS.
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 10:59 AM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 10:59 AM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
Hey, Britain, if we can do it, you can too! We jumped over the cliff with you in 2016. Let's climb back out together!
posted by biogeo at 11:01 AM on November 7, 2020 [38 favorites]
posted by biogeo at 11:01 AM on November 7, 2020 [38 favorites]
Bets on the first non-Romney GOP elected official to suck it up and congratulate Biden?
posted by argybarg at 11:02 AM on November 7, 2020
posted by argybarg at 11:02 AM on November 7, 2020
Ah well shit, I was sitting in the last election thread wondering why it had gone so quiet, assuming everyone was just out celebrating for reals, didn't realise you were all in here...!
*Feels like the person still sitting in the kitchen at a party not realising everyone else is having a freaking ball on the lawn outside...*
posted by penguin pie at 11:02 AM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
*Feels like the person still sitting in the kitchen at a party not realising everyone else is having a freaking ball on the lawn outside...*
posted by penguin pie at 11:02 AM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
I posted it in the last thread but once more for good measure...
Sometimes - Sheenagh Pugh
Sometimes things don't go, after all,
from bad to worse. Some years, muscadel
faces down frost; green thrives; the crops don't fail,
sometimes a man aims high, and all goes well.
A people sometimes will step back from war;
elect an honest man, decide they care
enough, that they can't leave some stranger poor.
Some men become what they were born for.
Sometimes our best efforts do not go
amiss, sometimes we do as we meant to.
The sun will sometimes melt a field of sorrow
that seemed hard frozen: may it happen for you.
posted by penguin pie at 11:03 AM on November 7, 2020 [47 favorites]
Sometimes - Sheenagh Pugh
Sometimes things don't go, after all,
from bad to worse. Some years, muscadel
faces down frost; green thrives; the crops don't fail,
sometimes a man aims high, and all goes well.
A people sometimes will step back from war;
elect an honest man, decide they care
enough, that they can't leave some stranger poor.
Some men become what they were born for.
Sometimes our best efforts do not go
amiss, sometimes we do as we meant to.
The sun will sometimes melt a field of sorrow
that seemed hard frozen: may it happen for you.
posted by penguin pie at 11:03 AM on November 7, 2020 [47 favorites]
Right when I heard the news, the skies opened up with the first downpour of the season. I felt the ancestors, higher powers, mother earth, and the whole world crying tears of relief and joy.
posted by soakimbo at 11:05 AM on November 7, 2020 [23 favorites]
posted by soakimbo at 11:05 AM on November 7, 2020 [23 favorites]
Rural Ohio pretty quiet, but we were on Middle Path when I checked my phone, and shortly thereafter our mayor (a friend and fellow parent here) drove by honking cheerfully.
The county went 75% Trump. I’m hoping all my neighbors will take down their fascist paraphernalia, but not holding my breath.
I’m just so pleased y’all. Now to fund the Senate runoff races in Georgia.
posted by Lawn Beaver at 11:05 AM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
The county went 75% Trump. I’m hoping all my neighbors will take down their fascist paraphernalia, but not holding my breath.
I’m just so pleased y’all. Now to fund the Senate runoff races in Georgia.
posted by Lawn Beaver at 11:05 AM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
I told my friend Julie yesterday that if we heard fireworks last night it would mean Biden had reached 270 electoral votes -- haven't heard fireworks this morning but, man, honking cars galore.
posted by y2karl at 11:05 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by y2karl at 11:05 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
CNN talking heads, "we shouldn't gloat..."
HELL YES WE SHOULD, I'M THE MAYOR OF GLOAT CITY. I'M BLOATED ON MY OWN GLOATING
I am not going to gloat. I just would like to observe this historic occasion by noting that
Obama won a second term.
posted by Gelatin at 11:09 AM on November 7, 2020 [48 favorites]
HELL YES WE SHOULD, I'M THE MAYOR OF GLOAT CITY. I'M BLOATED ON MY OWN GLOATING
I am not going to gloat. I just would like to observe this historic occasion by noting that
Obama won a second term.
posted by Gelatin at 11:09 AM on November 7, 2020 [48 favorites]
Fuck. Nothing like just giving in and going to sleep and missing the whole damn party. At least I’ll always remember where I was when I heard the news, waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and stupidly checking my phone.
I’m guardedly relieved, and it feels great, but I’ve seen enough horror, and lived through enough horror of the last four years that I won’t rest until Biden’s hand is on the Bible in January. It’s always after you think the monster is dead that it comes roaring back for one more jump scare, even if you saw the monster die while giving a press conference in front of a porn shop.
That said, Slate has a delightful series of goodbye articles, and while there are just SO DAMN MANY of these ghouls I’m exciting to see out on their ears, when it comes to ghouls, one name comes to mind way, way before any other: good fucking riddance, Stephen Miller. May the memory of your time in the White House be a curse, and may you be hounded until the end of your days by the happiness of your enemies. If the word for good person, or mensch, literally means “builder” then you are the opposite in every sense of the world, someone who’s only legacy will be your loathsome attempts to tear down the rock that this country is built on, the idea that the nation is meant to be a beacon of freedom and a port of sanctuary to all amidst the storm. You are foul, you are no longer welcome here, or in any society that dare call itself good and just.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to read the goodbye to Betsy Devos, a cruel monster who did her best to make the world a more terrifying, hurtful place for children identifying as LGBTQ, children trying to find their way in the world, in need of help and support in their most vulnerable time. I know no words I say will ever hurt her, and that she is so deeply insulated by the wealth (that she married into) derived from the desperate aspirations of people who so badly needed to better their lives that they mistakenly turned to the pyramid scheme of amway, but seriously, from the bottom of my heart, fuck you, you vile stain that makes me embarrassed to call Michigan my home. Get the fuck out, and don’t let the door sully itself by hitting you on your ignorant, unsuited-for-the-job, can’t-be-bothered-to-know-fuck-all-about-your-job ass on your way out.
posted by Ghidorah at 11:09 AM on November 7, 2020 [102 favorites]
I’m guardedly relieved, and it feels great, but I’ve seen enough horror, and lived through enough horror of the last four years that I won’t rest until Biden’s hand is on the Bible in January. It’s always after you think the monster is dead that it comes roaring back for one more jump scare, even if you saw the monster die while giving a press conference in front of a porn shop.
That said, Slate has a delightful series of goodbye articles, and while there are just SO DAMN MANY of these ghouls I’m exciting to see out on their ears, when it comes to ghouls, one name comes to mind way, way before any other: good fucking riddance, Stephen Miller. May the memory of your time in the White House be a curse, and may you be hounded until the end of your days by the happiness of your enemies. If the word for good person, or mensch, literally means “builder” then you are the opposite in every sense of the world, someone who’s only legacy will be your loathsome attempts to tear down the rock that this country is built on, the idea that the nation is meant to be a beacon of freedom and a port of sanctuary to all amidst the storm. You are foul, you are no longer welcome here, or in any society that dare call itself good and just.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to read the goodbye to Betsy Devos, a cruel monster who did her best to make the world a more terrifying, hurtful place for children identifying as LGBTQ, children trying to find their way in the world, in need of help and support in their most vulnerable time. I know no words I say will ever hurt her, and that she is so deeply insulated by the wealth (that she married into) derived from the desperate aspirations of people who so badly needed to better their lives that they mistakenly turned to the pyramid scheme of amway, but seriously, from the bottom of my heart, fuck you, you vile stain that makes me embarrassed to call Michigan my home. Get the fuck out, and don’t let the door sully itself by hitting you on your ignorant, unsuited-for-the-job, can’t-be-bothered-to-know-fuck-all-about-your-job ass on your way out.
posted by Ghidorah at 11:09 AM on November 7, 2020 [102 favorites]
Woo-hoo! In Portchester right now, so not enough people for mass cheering. Some lady sped past blasting the FUCK DONALD TRUMP song.
posted by Sticherbeast at 11:10 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Sticherbeast at 11:10 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
From earlier in this thread, but good to repost: FairFight, Stacy Abrams' organization. Today I'm finally relaxing as so many others, tomorrow I'll go over the budget and figure out how much we can donate.
posted by winesong at 11:12 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by winesong at 11:12 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1325118992785223682Worth clicking through for Ray Charles singing America the Beautiful, backing a videomontage of Americans - meaning Americans of color, queer Americans, disabled Americans, and American laborers. Meaning Americans.
Joe Biden
@JoeBiden
America, I’m honored that you have chosen me to lead our great country.
The work ahead of us will be hard, but I promise you this: I will be a President for all Americans — whether you voted for me or not.
I will keep the faith that you have placed in me.
posted by sebastienbailard at 11:12 AM on November 7, 2020 [34 favorites]
I guess the foot's on the other hand now.
Watching Airplane! in celebration. Good luck - we're all counting on you.
posted by mrgoat at 11:13 AM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
Watching Airplane! in celebration. Good luck - we're all counting on you.
posted by mrgoat at 11:13 AM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
I am so happy to see that circus peanut swirl the drain. But hey, his spawn, too! The media doesn't *have* to cover them anymore! Maybe, maybe...maybe we won't see their nepotism-shellacked veneers for awhile!
This is such a beautiful day.
posted by erinfern at 11:14 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
This is such a beautiful day.
posted by erinfern at 11:14 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
Jo Joergensen ftw? Did she really help by being a spoiler?
Yes, the Libertarians ended up ruining the election for BigBaby like they ruin *checks notes* everything.
posted by sexyrobot at 11:14 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
Yes, the Libertarians ended up ruining the election for BigBaby like they ruin *checks notes* everything.
posted by sexyrobot at 11:14 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
Seems like a good afternoon to brew up a batch of White House Honey Porter.
posted by Huffy Puffy at 11:14 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by Huffy Puffy at 11:14 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
President-Elect Joe Biden will be speaking tonight at 8pm eastern
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 11:14 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 11:14 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
This is good.
posted by bondcliff at 11:15 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by bondcliff at 11:15 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Hey guys, you know what the Bidens have, they have two adorable doggos, that's right, we get White House pets again!!!!
posted by emjaybee at 11:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [81 favorites]
posted by emjaybee at 11:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [81 favorites]
I went out for a walk earlier, for some fresh air and to get some naughty snacks (before I stay up late here in England to watch some wrestling). While I was out, the call-wave hit and I wasn't aware of it. I returned home to find my hubby in quite an emotional state.
Thank you, America, for making my husband happy-cry on my shoulder. To us, it feels like a huge global-stress is easing - that the entire concept of decency might not be dead. I can't imagine how it must feel to be liberal-inclined and actually live-and-or-vote there.
posted by BuxtonTheRed at 11:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
Thank you, America, for making my husband happy-cry on my shoulder. To us, it feels like a huge global-stress is easing - that the entire concept of decency might not be dead. I can't imagine how it must feel to be liberal-inclined and actually live-and-or-vote there.
posted by BuxtonTheRed at 11:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
Nothing like just giving in and going to sleep and missing the whole damn party.
Don't worry, it's not over. It's barely started.
posted by biogeo at 11:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Don't worry, it's not over. It's barely started.
posted by biogeo at 11:16 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Doomscrolling: out
Hoperefreshing: in
posted by Bunny Boneyology at 11:17 AM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
Hoperefreshing: in
posted by Bunny Boneyology at 11:17 AM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
In the words of Vice-President Joe Biden in 2010, “This is a big fucking deal.”
posted by The Underpants Monster at 11:17 AM on November 7, 2020 [23 favorites]
posted by The Underpants Monster at 11:17 AM on November 7, 2020 [23 favorites]
Just commenting in here to be here, to recognize and appreciate all of you. The last four-plus years have been so hard in so many ways. Thank you for everything you've all done to keep going; whatever happens I'm grateful and glad to be here at this point with you today.
posted by LobsterMitten at 11:18 AM on November 7, 2020 [37 favorites]
posted by LobsterMitten at 11:18 AM on November 7, 2020 [37 favorites]
emjaybee: " we get White House pets again!!!!"
There were plenty of lapdogs in the Trump WH
posted by chavenet at 11:18 AM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
There were plenty of lapdogs in the Trump WH
posted by chavenet at 11:18 AM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
My smiling muscles hurt.
Not going to stop smiling though.
posted by sciencegeek at 11:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Not going to stop smiling though.
posted by sciencegeek at 11:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
I had forgotten what optimism felt like.
It's nice.
posted by tommasz at 11:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
It's nice.
posted by tommasz at 11:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
Can't believe the nightmare is finally starting to end! I think I am still in shock.
posted by jenfullmoon at 11:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by jenfullmoon at 11:19 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
This clip of a local reporter telling a MAGA hat to literally fuck off is giving me joy. The slight pause is what sells it.
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 11:20 AM on November 7, 2020 [126 favorites]
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 11:20 AM on November 7, 2020 [126 favorites]
Are the Fox News correspondents always this cheerful?
posted by clawsoon at 11:21 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by clawsoon at 11:21 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
This clip of a local reporter telling a MAGA hat to literally fuck off is giving me joy. The slight pause is what sells it.
That smile when he turns back to the camera!
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 11:22 AM on November 7, 2020 [37 favorites]
That smile when he turns back to the camera!
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 11:22 AM on November 7, 2020 [37 favorites]
So now let's all go get some Democratic senators elected in Georgia runoffs, yes? :D
posted by Alterscape at 11:22 AM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
posted by Alterscape at 11:22 AM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
Congratulations and love from the Netherlands! We're so happy for you, and for the rest of the world. Good job, all y'all!
posted by Too-Ticky at 11:22 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by Too-Ticky at 11:22 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
AMERICA TO TRUMP: YOU'RE FIRED!
posted by Gelatin at 11:22 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by Gelatin at 11:22 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
No news correspondent should be cheerful. Their meal ticket has been defeated and will soon disappear into obscurity. Trump has been a cash cow for all media covering him.
posted by Jessica Savitch's Coke Spoon at 11:23 AM on November 7, 2020
posted by Jessica Savitch's Coke Spoon at 11:23 AM on November 7, 2020
So now let's all go get some Democratic senators elected in Georgia runoffs, yes? :D
Stacey Abrams is already on it!
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 11:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
Stacey Abrams is already on it!
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 11:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
No news correspondent should be cheerful. Their meal ticket has been defeated and will soon disappear into obscurity. Trump has been a cash cor for all media covering him.
Nonsense.
posted by Pendragon at 11:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
Nonsense.
posted by Pendragon at 11:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
Oh my god that was glorious. "Fuck off!" "What?!" AND THEN HE DOES!
posted by biogeo at 11:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [39 favorites]
posted by biogeo at 11:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [39 favorites]
As someone on Twitter said, and I paraphrase, this feels like when that car alarm finally stops blaring that has been blaring for like...four years. Just a moment of great relief.
Partner and I just downed a bottle of nice Italian wine. Looking forward to the EU and the US becoming closer allies again, working together on a Green New Deal and all that good stuff.
Also: Where Biden stands on British-EU relations.
posted by vacapinta at 11:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
Partner and I just downed a bottle of nice Italian wine. Looking forward to the EU and the US becoming closer allies again, working together on a Green New Deal and all that good stuff.
Also: Where Biden stands on British-EU relations.
posted by vacapinta at 11:24 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
Stacey Abrams is already on it!
Yep! But she can't do it alone. I'm broke as fuck right now but if any of you can send a few bucks her way I'd be much obliged.
posted by biogeo at 11:25 AM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
Yep! But she can't do it alone. I'm broke as fuck right now but if any of you can send a few bucks her way I'd be much obliged.
posted by biogeo at 11:25 AM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
whispers:
This is a big fucking deal.
posted by SoberHighland at 11:27 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
This is a big fucking deal.
posted by SoberHighland at 11:27 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Politico has an article based on interviews with insiders inside the two campaigns.
‘This f---ing virus’: Inside Donald Trump’s 2020 undoingposted by MattWPBS at 11:27 AM on November 7, 2020 [16 favorites]
How Biden prevailed and Trump fell short in an unforgettable election, according to conversations with 75 insiders.
It was a big birthday for me last night and we're in a hard quarantine due to definite exposure (Although I did bake a cake for myself at 10pm because why not)
I finally got a good night sleep, and slept in for the first time in weeks. I was woken by my neighborhood banging pots and cheering, and my partner confirming we have a new President. Cake and scotch for breakfast, and if I'm lucky we get covid test results today.
I haven't been this cheerful in ages. I hadn't realized how much stress I had been holding. It's nice to set it down for a bit.
posted by larthegreat at 11:28 AM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
I finally got a good night sleep, and slept in for the first time in weeks. I was woken by my neighborhood banging pots and cheering, and my partner confirming we have a new President. Cake and scotch for breakfast, and if I'm lucky we get covid test results today.
I haven't been this cheerful in ages. I hadn't realized how much stress I had been holding. It's nice to set it down for a bit.
posted by larthegreat at 11:28 AM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
No news correspondent should be cheerful. Their meal ticket has been defeated and will soon disappear into obscurity. Trump has been a cash cor for all media covering him.
....You do understand that there will still be news to cover concerning the Biden presidency, just as there has been for every presidency since the dawn of this country, yes? You do understand that the news media did not spring fully-formed from Trump's head, right?
For the love of God, don't be obtuse.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:28 AM on November 7, 2020 [57 favorites]
....You do understand that there will still be news to cover concerning the Biden presidency, just as there has been for every presidency since the dawn of this country, yes? You do understand that the news media did not spring fully-formed from Trump's head, right?
For the love of God, don't be obtuse.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:28 AM on November 7, 2020 [57 favorites]
Additionally, I am glad Rush Limabugh has lived to see this day.
posted by Jessica Savitch's Coke Spoon at 11:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [78 favorites]
posted by Jessica Savitch's Coke Spoon at 11:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [78 favorites]
My shoulders have relaxed for the first time in 4 years.
posted by NoThisIsPatrick at 11:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
posted by NoThisIsPatrick at 11:29 AM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
I guess I can understand the how directing “You’re fired!” at Trump might be pleasurable, but man, I just hope that stupid-ass TV show catchphrase gets retired forever.
posted by neroli at 11:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by neroli at 11:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
Church bells ringing across Paris to celebrate Trump's defeat.
posted by fight or flight at 11:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [64 favorites]
posted by fight or flight at 11:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [64 favorites]
My liberal, diverse, LGBTQ-heavy neighborhood is going nuts in Chicago. Just had to pop over to Andersonville to pick up a couple last minute items from a grocery store and the street is celebrating, horns blaring, etc. Plus, it's like 70F and sunny and a Saturday in November!
Celebrate. Feel good. Feel good and take some time to enjoy it. It's a good day.
posted by SoberHighland at 11:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
Celebrate. Feel good. Feel good and take some time to enjoy it. It's a good day.
posted by SoberHighland at 11:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
"Fuck off" guy is apparently Alex Zdan, politics reporter for News 12 New Jersey.
Love ya, Jersey.
posted by biogeo at 11:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [47 favorites]
Love ya, Jersey.
posted by biogeo at 11:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [47 favorites]
Donald who?
posted by mazola at 11:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by mazola at 11:30 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
I notice Politico's election map now has Arizona solid blue, Biden at 290
posted by philip-random at 11:31 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by philip-random at 11:31 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
We put our flag back up. Taking this shit back from the fascists.
posted by Don.Kinsayder at 11:31 AM on November 7, 2020 [47 favorites]
posted by Don.Kinsayder at 11:31 AM on November 7, 2020 [47 favorites]
After hitting "refresh" for 4 days straight it worked.
I feel refreshed.
posted by justkevin at 11:32 AM on November 7, 2020 [59 favorites]
I feel refreshed.
posted by justkevin at 11:32 AM on November 7, 2020 [59 favorites]
Yep! But she can't do it alone. I'm broke as fuck right now but if any of you can send a few bucks her way I'd be much obliged.
Done! I'm in GA and we still have a battle ahead. Let's do the thing!
posted by Fleebnork at 11:33 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
Done! I'm in GA and we still have a battle ahead. Let's do the thing!
posted by Fleebnork at 11:33 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
YES!
posted by freakazoid at 11:35 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by freakazoid at 11:35 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Zack Bornstein @ZackBornstein · 18hposted by sebastienbailard at 11:38 AM on November 7, 2020 [99 favorites]
As you guys run victory laps, please keep in mind how hard this year has been for many Americans. I know one guy who got COVID, whose best friend committed suicide in jail, and who is about to get evicted from the White House.
Oh my god you guys. Oh my god. I am exhaling. It feels fucking great.
My ward had 100 Trump votes in it. I wonder who they are. The other ~2500 of us made some serious noise this morning.
posted by eirias at 11:38 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
My ward had 100 Trump votes in it. I wonder who they are. The other ~2500 of us made some serious noise this morning.
posted by eirias at 11:38 AM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
I’m in Atlanta and I know the fight isn’t even close to over here. But right now I’m sitting on the steps to the apartment building, drinking champagne out of an Elizabeth Warren mug while my neighbor plays Ludacris’ “Move Bitch Get Out The Way” at max volume. What a lovely day.
posted by a hat out of hell at 11:39 AM on November 7, 2020 [52 favorites]
posted by a hat out of hell at 11:39 AM on November 7, 2020 [52 favorites]
The Lincoln Project has a celebratory Morning in America video.
(Yes, I don't really trust them either, but they're still on our side for now.)
posted by biogeo at 11:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
(Yes, I don't really trust them either, but they're still on our side for now.)
posted by biogeo at 11:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
Allright. I'm done watching Airplane!. Donating to help the Georgia runoff elections. Back to work.
posted by mrgoat at 11:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by mrgoat at 11:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Election 2020: IT'S OVER! Sam & Friends Celebrate the End of This Election | Full Frontal on TBS
posted by jenfullmoon at 11:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by jenfullmoon at 11:40 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Increasing nervous man can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
posted by clawsoon at 11:41 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by clawsoon at 11:41 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
That this came while Trump was playing golf at one of his clubs is just *chef's kiss*.
I hope every time the SOB sets foot on a golf course for the rest of his miserable life, he thinks of this moment.
I’d be just as happy if his first thought every morning and the last thought every night were, “Obama won the popular vote. Twice.”
posted by ricochet biscuit at 11:43 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
I hope every time the SOB sets foot on a golf course for the rest of his miserable life, he thinks of this moment.
I’d be just as happy if his first thought every morning and the last thought every night were, “Obama won the popular vote. Twice.”
posted by ricochet biscuit at 11:43 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
No news correspondent should be cheerful
This news professional cheerfully says: "Fuck off!"
posted by ultraviolet catastrophe at 11:44 AM on November 7, 2020 [51 favorites]
This news professional cheerfully says: "Fuck off!"
posted by ultraviolet catastrophe at 11:44 AM on November 7, 2020 [51 favorites]
And I repeat my repeat -- it's Victory Dance time!
posted by y2karl at 11:46 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by y2karl at 11:46 AM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
In Oakland, traffic is backed up all the way around Lake Merritt to drive past the Grand Lake Theater honking. A DJ has set up a PA system, and people are flooding into the crosswalk to dance whenever the light turns red. (All in masks, I promise.)
I can only imagine what this would look like if the pandemic weren't here...
posted by kaibutsu at 11:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [33 favorites]
I can only imagine what this would look like if the pandemic weren't here...
posted by kaibutsu at 11:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [33 favorites]
Oh, and like half the cars and open windows are blasting FDT.
posted by kaibutsu at 11:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by kaibutsu at 11:47 AM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
So not to be a wet blanket but when we got Obama elected everyone was glad that we hired a black man and what turned out to be a great statesman. Here we're not excited about Biden -- people are excited about getting rid of Trump. I think that's an important point and a reason I can't get excited over this.
posted by geoff. at 11:48 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by geoff. at 11:48 AM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
I just wanted to tell everyone that I am celebrating with Taco Bell, sushi I bought at the Harris Teeter, and an American flag that I bought at Walmart. I’m going home to watch football. Not sure it gets much more American than that.
posted by sara is disenchanted at 11:49 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by sara is disenchanted at 11:49 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
kattullus and I were having a beer when the news broke and we clanked our glasses to y'all!
posted by infini at 11:49 AM on November 7, 2020 [25 favorites]
posted by infini at 11:49 AM on November 7, 2020 [25 favorites]
Where is the best place to donate for the Georgia runoff?
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 11:49 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 11:49 AM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
So not to be a wet blanket but when we got Obama elected everyone was glad that we hired a black man and what turned out to be a great statesman. Here we're not excited about Biden -- people are excited about getting rid of Trump. I think that's an important point and a reason I can't get excited over this.
I know a whole lot of people who are super excited about Kamala Harris, though
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 11:51 AM on November 7, 2020 [42 favorites]
I know a whole lot of people who are super excited about Kamala Harris, though
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 11:51 AM on November 7, 2020 [42 favorites]
Where is the best place to donate for the Georgia runoff?
Fair Fight is Stacey Abrams' org.
posted by Fleebnork at 11:51 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
Fair Fight is Stacey Abrams' org.
posted by Fleebnork at 11:51 AM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
We've got happy screaming, whistling and fireworks here in Va. And that's surprising cuz I'm talking about Frederick County.
posted by Harry Caul at 11:51 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by Harry Caul at 11:51 AM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Point of order: Biden could be 47 because Pence might be 46 for a month or so.
posted by sjswitzer at 11:53 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by sjswitzer at 11:53 AM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
I thought I'd stayed even-tempered and cynical enough to ride out this election whatever the outcome. But I actually teared up as I read the news this morning, and let out a mental breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:53 AM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:53 AM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
But hey, his spawn, too! The media doesn't *have* to cover them anymore! Maybe, maybe...maybe we won't see their nepotism-shellacked veneers for awhile!
You say that like there are no reporters at the courthouse.
posted by Superilla at 11:54 AM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
You say that like there are no reporters at the courthouse.
posted by Superilla at 11:54 AM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
And you can donate directly to Jon Ossoff's election campaign. Donating to Fair Fight will help ensure that everyone has access to the vote and all the votes are counted; donating to Ossoff's campaign will help pay for campaign ads and other organizing activities. Both of those are important parts of the fight!
posted by biogeo at 11:55 AM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
posted by biogeo at 11:55 AM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
I know this is low on the list, but can I point out that our new First Lady is going to keep teaching her community college classes. Also, she seems like a real mensch.
posted by argybarg at 11:56 AM on November 7, 2020 [54 favorites]
posted by argybarg at 11:56 AM on November 7, 2020 [54 favorites]
Meanwhile, the sex toy shop owners are just shaking their heads, saying "I've seen some giant dildos in my time, but this..."
Pity he wasn't British, because then he could have said “colossal fucksticks” or something like that.
posted by acb at 11:57 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Pity he wasn't British, because then he could have said “colossal fucksticks” or something like that.
posted by acb at 11:57 AM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
I was on the phone with a friend when the cheering started - I’m in Bed-Stuy so it literally could not be more blue here and so I knew immediately what it had to be about.
They weren’t my guys in the primaries and I have my reservations about them but neither of them is a smug evil narcissist so, for today I’m just taking the win.
posted by showbiz_liz at 11:57 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
They weren’t my guys in the primaries and I have my reservations about them but neither of them is a smug evil narcissist so, for today I’m just taking the win.
posted by showbiz_liz at 11:57 AM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
Btw . .let the whole 2020's be about accountability. Up against the wall with the lot.
posted by Harry Caul at 11:58 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by Harry Caul at 11:58 AM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
I know a whole lot of people who are super excited about Kamala Harris, though
Harris has power no one has even realized yet. Tom Cotton beware.
posted by Max Power at 11:58 AM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
Harris has power no one has even realized yet. Tom Cotton beware.
posted by Max Power at 11:58 AM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
Woo fucking whoo!
And thank you to the Black women for saving us. The DNC better be courting you now instead of chasing after old racist white guys.
I think Secretary of State Stacey Abrams has a nice ring to it. Just for starters.
Tonight I'm making pierogis in honor of Pennsylvania and a peach upside down cake in honor of Georgia. Maybe chimicangas tomorrow for Arizona.
Now its time for the real fight.
posted by sotonohito at 11:58 AM on November 7, 2020 [39 favorites]
And thank you to the Black women for saving us. The DNC better be courting you now instead of chasing after old racist white guys.
I think Secretary of State Stacey Abrams has a nice ring to it. Just for starters.
Tonight I'm making pierogis in honor of Pennsylvania and a peach upside down cake in honor of Georgia. Maybe chimicangas tomorrow for Arizona.
Now its time for the real fight.
posted by sotonohito at 11:58 AM on November 7, 2020 [39 favorites]
TIME REMAINING FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP TO COMMANDEER AIR FORCE ONE AND FLEE TO SOCHI, RUSSIA
Don't go to Russia if you owe them a fuck-ton of money and cannot pay them back.
posted by neuron at 11:59 AM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
Don't go to Russia if you owe them a fuck-ton of money and cannot pay them back.
posted by neuron at 11:59 AM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
I'm curious, who is most poised to take over Harris' Senate seat?
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 12:00 PM on November 7, 2020
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 12:00 PM on November 7, 2020
Reasons to be excited: No more Betsy De Vos. No more government-led attacks on DACA. No more of the president weaponizing transphobia. All those far right eighties retreads are going to be thrown out of the agencies they head.
I truly believe, as someone who pays a lot of attention to what's going on with CDC, NIH, etc, that there was going to be a purge of scientists in the research institutes and now it won't happen. Thousands of public-spirited researchers' careers won't be trashed or destroyed before they even begin. We won't lose all that expertise.
And we know that deplatforming works - Donald Trump tweeting as a private citizen isn't going to have the reach of Donald Trump tweeting as president, and he's not going to have a giant staff supporting him. Even with a media org and sycophants, it won't be the same. With 50% less reach, his base will be 50% less whipped-up. When they're weaker and smaller, they'll be easier to deal with.
The thing is, doors are open now that were closed with the Trump administration. Things are still bad, there's no guarantee that the future will be golden and I personally am not expecting a huge amount from a Biden administration. But possibilities exist and we've still got our public health and scientific infrastructure, two things that would have been smoking holes in the ground in another four years.
Just think, no more Betsy fucking De Vos!!!! That alone is worth singing and dancing.
posted by Frowner at 12:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [121 favorites]
I truly believe, as someone who pays a lot of attention to what's going on with CDC, NIH, etc, that there was going to be a purge of scientists in the research institutes and now it won't happen. Thousands of public-spirited researchers' careers won't be trashed or destroyed before they even begin. We won't lose all that expertise.
And we know that deplatforming works - Donald Trump tweeting as a private citizen isn't going to have the reach of Donald Trump tweeting as president, and he's not going to have a giant staff supporting him. Even with a media org and sycophants, it won't be the same. With 50% less reach, his base will be 50% less whipped-up. When they're weaker and smaller, they'll be easier to deal with.
The thing is, doors are open now that were closed with the Trump administration. Things are still bad, there's no guarantee that the future will be golden and I personally am not expecting a huge amount from a Biden administration. But possibilities exist and we've still got our public health and scientific infrastructure, two things that would have been smoking holes in the ground in another four years.
Just think, no more Betsy fucking De Vos!!!! That alone is worth singing and dancing.
posted by Frowner at 12:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [121 favorites]
neuron: "Don't go to Russia if you owe them a fuck-ton of money and cannot pay them back."
Only The Donald could go to Russia.
posted by chavenet at 12:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Only The Donald could go to Russia.
posted by chavenet at 12:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Re Harris's Senate seat, a list of possibilities from the LA Times.
posted by yasaman at 12:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by yasaman at 12:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Lots of possibilities for whom Gov. Newsom might appoint to replace Send. Harris. He was whining this week how hard the decision is because everyone he doesn't pick will be mad at him.
posted by PhineasGage at 12:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by PhineasGage at 12:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Another long time user coming back to exhale. I stepped away after the painful 2016 defeat but I'm back to find out if Tehund has finally caught up with all the posts.
posted by ramix at 12:05 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
posted by ramix at 12:05 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
Also: Where Biden stands on British-EU relations.
Britain's plan, had Trump been reelected, would have been to go no-deal with the EU, break the Good Friday Agreement, and probably turn the Irish Republic into an economic frozen-conflict zone by flooding it with sub-EU-standard British products and daring the EU to put up, and own, a militarised hard border or else kick Ireland out in all but name. Now, thankfully, that falls apart.
I'm hoping that Britain wakes from its 2016 delirium and petitions for its place in the EU back, even accepting membership of Schengen and the Euro as preferable to self-inflicted economic cataclysm. Though part of me is hoping that this doesn't happen fast enough to neutralise Scotland's momentum to becoming an independent EU state. Europe could do with a separate England and Scotland, with their own cultures and regulatory priorities, the way that it can with, say, a separate Czechia and Slovakia, or Sweden and Denmark.
posted by acb at 12:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
Britain's plan, had Trump been reelected, would have been to go no-deal with the EU, break the Good Friday Agreement, and probably turn the Irish Republic into an economic frozen-conflict zone by flooding it with sub-EU-standard British products and daring the EU to put up, and own, a militarised hard border or else kick Ireland out in all but name. Now, thankfully, that falls apart.
I'm hoping that Britain wakes from its 2016 delirium and petitions for its place in the EU back, even accepting membership of Schengen and the Euro as preferable to self-inflicted economic cataclysm. Though part of me is hoping that this doesn't happen fast enough to neutralise Scotland's momentum to becoming an independent EU state. Europe could do with a separate England and Scotland, with their own cultures and regulatory priorities, the way that it can with, say, a separate Czechia and Slovakia, or Sweden and Denmark.
posted by acb at 12:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
The Trump Klan will flee and lay low in Suriname. Malaria will do the rest.
Except for Melania - she's headed to Belarus for the time being.
posted by Jessica Savitch's Coke Spoon at 12:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Except for Melania - she's headed to Belarus for the time being.
posted by Jessica Savitch's Coke Spoon at 12:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
No more government-led attacks on "critical race theory", by which we mean "any gesture towards racial justice in an institutional setting, however small."
posted by Frowner at 12:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
posted by Frowner at 12:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
> Oh, and like half the cars and open windows are blasting FDT.
link, for those who don't normally listen to KQED public radio.
posted by sebastienbailard at 12:07 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
link, for those who don't normally listen to KQED public radio.
posted by sebastienbailard at 12:07 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Something I don't believe has been pointed out yet about the Four Seasons Total Landscaping press conference: not only was it next to an adult bookstore, it was across the street from a crematorium, and Giuliani was standing under a chemical hazard sign.
posted by Spathe Cadet at 12:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [47 favorites]
posted by Spathe Cadet at 12:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [47 favorites]
How soon before Melania files for divorce and sues for alimony/child support?
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 12:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 12:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Congratulations, America!
posted by sukeban at 12:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by sukeban at 12:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Donald Trump tweeting as a private citizen isn't going to have the reach of Donald Trump tweeting as presidentEspecially given he may swiftly end up with a ban and zero reach on Twitter.
posted by MattWPBS at 12:10 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
Something I don't believe has been pointed out yet about the Four Seasons Total Landscaping press conference: not only was it next to an adult bookstore, it was across the street from a crematorium, and Giuliani was standing under a chemical hazard sign.
Gee, the writers of 2020 are so on-the-nose
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 12:10 PM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
Gee, the writers of 2020 are so on-the-nose
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 12:10 PM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
Thank you from Australia! And well done Kamala Harris for your groundbreaking win!
posted by daybeforetheday at 12:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by daybeforetheday at 12:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
And yes, I'm definitely hoping that Trump getting kicked to the curb will give us in the UK hope that Johnson realises all his trade plans are screwed.
posted by MattWPBS at 12:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by MattWPBS at 12:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
I really really really really want confirmation that it was some idiot aide who just Googled Four Seasons and didn't realize they weren't headed to the luxury hotel of that name until it was too late.
posted by PhineasGage at 12:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [36 favorites]
posted by PhineasGage at 12:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [36 favorites]
No more De Joy at USPS!!!!! Think about that. Given the way things work, we probably won't regain all the ground we lost there, but we'll get a lot of it back and we'll stop the rot.
posted by Frowner at 12:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [48 favorites]
posted by Frowner at 12:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [48 favorites]
I am excited to reclaim the parts of my brain that have been trying to cope with this awful man and his people for the past four years. It’s like moving from a cramped closet to a big, airy space. Feels GREAT.
posted by kinnakeet at 12:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
posted by kinnakeet at 12:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
No more government-led attacks on "critical race theory", by which we mean "any gesture towards racial justice in an institutional setting, however small."
YES.
A lot of people at my community college (in a red county in a red state) have been really worried about this - me not so much because I don't teach, but I've been a little nervous that somebody was going to crack down on me if I kept buying Ibram Kendi books - and it's such a relief that we might not have to worry about that executive order anymore.
posted by Jeanne at 12:17 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
YES.
A lot of people at my community college (in a red county in a red state) have been really worried about this - me not so much because I don't teach, but I've been a little nervous that somebody was going to crack down on me if I kept buying Ibram Kendi books - and it's such a relief that we might not have to worry about that executive order anymore.
posted by Jeanne at 12:17 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
Jer Thorp (@blprnt)
Years from now, you'll be able to whisper "Four Seasons Total Landscaping" to me and we'll feel some piece of the joy that we feel right now.
posted by Spathe Cadet at 12:18 PM on November 7, 2020 [103 favorites]
Years from now, you'll be able to whisper "Four Seasons Total Landscaping" to me and we'll feel some piece of the joy that we feel right now.
posted by Spathe Cadet at 12:18 PM on November 7, 2020 [103 favorites]
Trump was at Virginia golf club when race was called for Biden (thats a shocker! HAHAHA)
posted by robbyrobs at 12:20 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by robbyrobs at 12:20 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Here we're not excited about Biden -- people are excited about getting rid of Trump.
I dunno where "here" is but let me tell you I have spent 25+ years making a living in an industry that DOES. NOT. EXIST. until we get a fucking handle on this fucking virus.
Right now, here in front of my computer, there is no difference between the two. And there are literally millions of others like me.
posted by soundguy99 at 12:21 PM on November 7, 2020 [65 favorites]
I dunno where "here" is but let me tell you I have spent 25+ years making a living in an industry that DOES. NOT. EXIST. until we get a fucking handle on this fucking virus.
Right now, here in front of my computer, there is no difference between the two. And there are literally millions of others like me.
posted by soundguy99 at 12:21 PM on November 7, 2020 [65 favorites]
it was across the street from a crematorium, and Giuliani was standing under a chemical hazard sign.
Hah. Perfect.
He has...
...urned all of the derision being heaped upon him.
*ducks*
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 12:22 PM on November 7, 2020 [25 favorites]
Hah. Perfect.
He has...
...urned all of the derision being heaped upon him.
*ducks*
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 12:22 PM on November 7, 2020 [25 favorites]
Alexandra Petri wrote Trump a concession speech
I said. I kept seeing all the numbers and they didn’t make any sense, like my net worth, but bad. I kept saying, wait a minute, what’s going on here? Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada. Why are we looking at these states? Why are they important? Why are we watching a man in Gap khakis yell at a map into the night? Did the map do something wrong?"posted by ASCII Costanza head at 12:23 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
I thought I'd be excited, but without the Senate there's no hope of a real coronavirus response (requires a lot of money) and so the next few years will continue to be a disaster.
I mean, Trump won't be able to pour fuel on it, but life is not going to get any better and still won't be able to see friends or family or do much of anything.
posted by thefoxgod at 12:23 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
I mean, Trump won't be able to pour fuel on it, but life is not going to get any better and still won't be able to see friends or family or do much of anything.
posted by thefoxgod at 12:23 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
I just realized...does this mean we can be rid of Ajit Pai?
posted by wordless reply at 12:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [38 favorites]
posted by wordless reply at 12:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [38 favorites]
I'm crying and showing the videos of people cheering and dancing in the streets to my kids.
Kids (ages 6 & 8) have decided to have an election for president of our house. The candidates are me and our dog. Dog's last name is now Biden. They made signs for each candidate, then started bickering over who got more votes.
I finally told them that I cannot take another second of arguing about elections. Result: compromise! Dog and I will take turns being president and vice president. But I'm totally the victor because I am president first.
6 year old: When Donald Trump was elected, it was like having a chair without a footrest. But I don't like chairs without footrests!
posted by medusa at 12:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [25 favorites]
Kids (ages 6 & 8) have decided to have an election for president of our house. The candidates are me and our dog. Dog's last name is now Biden. They made signs for each candidate, then started bickering over who got more votes.
I finally told them that I cannot take another second of arguing about elections. Result: compromise! Dog and I will take turns being president and vice president. But I'm totally the victor because I am president first.
6 year old: When Donald Trump was elected, it was like having a chair without a footrest. But I don't like chairs without footrests!
posted by medusa at 12:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [25 favorites]
Here’s what I would like to see: you know, in addition to peace and justice and sanity and loving our neighbors again: I would like to see people reclaim the flag.
For way too long now the ones waving the big American flags everywhere they go have largely been the conservatives, the ones who have decided that “patriotism” means “voting Republican”. I’ve been embarrassed to put up the flag for 4 years now lest it be seen as tacit or implicit support for a president I despise. I see a person with a flag design on the shirt or hat and immediately worry that s/he is a supporter of the people I vote against. The flag means “America first” and it means “questioning your leaders is wrong unless they are democrats” and it gets defaced by turning it black and white with a blue bar in the middle and this is OK because patriotism is owned by the Republicans.
It needs to stop. They don’t own the flag. It’s our flag, and by “our” I mean it is theirs too whether we like it or not, but THEY don’t get to define what it means or who can wave it and every single person in the US has the right to see it and be proud that this symbol represents all of us instead of wondering if it’s a dog whistle.
This shit really started to get to me after 9/11 when conservatives really doubled down on “not supporting the president is unamerican” except that when the president wasn’t Republican they were convincing people that “supporting the president is unamerican” because they were the ones defining what it means to be American and who could be a patriot. You could lose a limb for this country as a combat veteran but if you didn’t vote Republican you were a liberal unamerican coward. You could opt out of the draft because of ingrown ass-hairs but be a True Patriot American because you voted Republican. It’s bullshit and needs to be called at every opportunity, politely but firmly.
They don’t own the flag, they don’t own the country. They don’t get to tell us who belongs here and who does not. I want to see communists and socialists and POCs and LGBTQAs and immigrants and Muslims and FUCKING EVERYONE holding that flag up and saying “this is ours and we have a voice in what it means”.
posted by caution live frogs at 12:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [123 favorites]
For way too long now the ones waving the big American flags everywhere they go have largely been the conservatives, the ones who have decided that “patriotism” means “voting Republican”. I’ve been embarrassed to put up the flag for 4 years now lest it be seen as tacit or implicit support for a president I despise. I see a person with a flag design on the shirt or hat and immediately worry that s/he is a supporter of the people I vote against. The flag means “America first” and it means “questioning your leaders is wrong unless they are democrats” and it gets defaced by turning it black and white with a blue bar in the middle and this is OK because patriotism is owned by the Republicans.
It needs to stop. They don’t own the flag. It’s our flag, and by “our” I mean it is theirs too whether we like it or not, but THEY don’t get to define what it means or who can wave it and every single person in the US has the right to see it and be proud that this symbol represents all of us instead of wondering if it’s a dog whistle.
This shit really started to get to me after 9/11 when conservatives really doubled down on “not supporting the president is unamerican” except that when the president wasn’t Republican they were convincing people that “supporting the president is unamerican” because they were the ones defining what it means to be American and who could be a patriot. You could lose a limb for this country as a combat veteran but if you didn’t vote Republican you were a liberal unamerican coward. You could opt out of the draft because of ingrown ass-hairs but be a True Patriot American because you voted Republican. It’s bullshit and needs to be called at every opportunity, politely but firmly.
They don’t own the flag, they don’t own the country. They don’t get to tell us who belongs here and who does not. I want to see communists and socialists and POCs and LGBTQAs and immigrants and Muslims and FUCKING EVERYONE holding that flag up and saying “this is ours and we have a voice in what it means”.
posted by caution live frogs at 12:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [123 favorites]
> How soon before Melania files for divorce and sues for alimony/child support?
As his Russian handler, her job is not over yet.
> Trump was at Virginia golf club when race was called for Biden
I think we might find that golf is what Trump does when he's dissociating.
It may be too much to hope for Putin's demise, but with any luck, Duterte, Erdogan, and Bolsonaro will fall soon.
posted by rhizome at 12:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
As his Russian handler, her job is not over yet.
> Trump was at Virginia golf club when race was called for Biden
I think we might find that golf is what Trump does when he's dissociating.
It may be too much to hope for Putin's demise, but with any luck, Duterte, Erdogan, and Bolsonaro will fall soon.
posted by rhizome at 12:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
The point is we stopped the downward slide. Fixing all the broken things is going to take a lot of work, from everybody. With Biden in, there's a lot fewer obstacles to doing that work. Now is not the time to sit back and pick apart what Biden isn't, it's time to stand up and put in the time to make things right.
posted by elwoodwiles at 12:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [41 favorites]
posted by elwoodwiles at 12:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [41 favorites]
I just wanted to tell you good counting!
posted by Joe in Australia at 12:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by Joe in Australia at 12:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
Today is my dad's birthday. When I called him, he said that this news was a very nice present.
As for me, I think I'm actually physically exhausted from the sense of relief. I've unclenched muscles that I've been holding tension in for the last four years or so.
Also, it looks like my immigration karma does indeed work in reverse.
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 12:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
As for me, I think I'm actually physically exhausted from the sense of relief. I've unclenched muscles that I've been holding tension in for the last four years or so.
Also, it looks like my immigration karma does indeed work in reverse.
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 12:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Just shaved off my playoff election beard, and if that doesn't make it a mortal lock, I don't know what will.
Song for the endless count: Parliament - "Chocolate City" (GAININ' ON YA!!)
Song for the win: LL Cool J - "Mama Said Knock You Out"
The future always holds its own counsel, but holy fuck this feels good right now.
posted by the painkiller at 12:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
Song for the endless count: Parliament - "Chocolate City" (GAININ' ON YA!!)
Song for the win: LL Cool J - "Mama Said Knock You Out"
The future always holds its own counsel, but holy fuck this feels good right now.
posted by the painkiller at 12:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
(P.S. Are we finally over Macho Grande?)
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 12:27 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 12:27 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
I kinda feel sorry for all the business varients of four seasons and landscaping out there who are having their worst social media day ever.
posted by Mitheral at 12:27 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by Mitheral at 12:27 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
A plea to the tabloid headline / Chyron gods: Please make ORANGE YOU SURPRISED? happen.
posted by emelenjr at 12:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by emelenjr at 12:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
The point is we stopped the downward slide. Fixing all the broken things is going to take a lot of work, from everybody. With Biden in, there's a lot fewer obstacles to doing that work. Now is not the time to sit back and pick apart what Biden isn't, it's time to stand up and put in the time to make things right.
This is right as I see it. Biden is a stopgap, not a savior. There will be a lot of disappointment in his policies (not to threadshit...), possibly moreso than Obama, though recovering from COVID and other Trump injuries will probably limit the number and kind of short-term issues that became nodes of dissent for Obama.
posted by rhizome at 12:29 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
This is right as I see it. Biden is a stopgap, not a savior. There will be a lot of disappointment in his policies (not to threadshit...), possibly moreso than Obama, though recovering from COVID and other Trump injuries will probably limit the number and kind of short-term issues that became nodes of dissent for Obama.
posted by rhizome at 12:29 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
This fellow sleuthed out how the Four Seasons Total Landscaping debacle happened.
Either that or Rudi was thinking, “Where can I find dirt?”
posted by sjswitzer at 12:29 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
Either that or Rudi was thinking, “Where can I find dirt?”
posted by sjswitzer at 12:29 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
How soon before Melania files for divorce and sues for alimony/child support?
I've always assumed the Pre-nup was contingent on Barron reaching age 21 before she'd be able to do anything like that. Then again if he's as broke as he appears to be, what good is a Pre-nup?
posted by 922257033c4a0f3cecdbd819a46d626999d1af4a at 12:30 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
I've always assumed the Pre-nup was contingent on Barron reaching age 21 before she'd be able to do anything like that. Then again if he's as broke as he appears to be, what good is a Pre-nup?
posted by 922257033c4a0f3cecdbd819a46d626999d1af4a at 12:30 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Oh gee, what is that weird feeling. Oh yeah, it's not having my stomach twisted with anxiety. There'll be time to fight again, but right now, I'm going to put on my "On Every Corner" T-shirt, go for a walk.
I also want to thank the Metafilter mods for the vote count threads, the Mods did an excellent job of keeping it on track I felt I could actually trust the discussion here.l more than in regular news. I guess even though I'm constantly at odds, this place is my "bubble".
posted by happyroach at 12:30 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
I also want to thank the Metafilter mods for the vote count threads, the Mods did an excellent job of keeping it on track I felt I could actually trust the discussion here.l more than in regular news. I guess even though I'm constantly at odds, this place is my "bubble".
posted by happyroach at 12:30 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
Y’all, there is a goat out celebrating in my Philly neighborhood. An actual goat.
I’ve lived in Philly for years but only moved to my current (quiet, on the outskirts) neighborhood just ahead of the covid shutdowns in March. This is the first day that I feel like I have a full sense of what this neighborhood could be at its best.
posted by ActionPopulated at 12:30 PM on November 7, 2020 [40 favorites]
I’ve lived in Philly for years but only moved to my current (quiet, on the outskirts) neighborhood just ahead of the covid shutdowns in March. This is the first day that I feel like I have a full sense of what this neighborhood could be at its best.
posted by ActionPopulated at 12:30 PM on November 7, 2020 [40 favorites]
elwoodwiles: "The point is we stopped the downward slide."
yep, y'all caught the falling knife
posted by chavenet at 12:31 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
yep, y'all caught the falling knife
posted by chavenet at 12:31 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Another thing that will hopefully end soon: over the past year there has quietly been a sort of witch hunt against Chinese scientists. There were a few cases where actual theft of lab materials or confidential information was discovered, but there was mostly just a lot of groundless harassment and paranoia, sometimes prosecutions on bureaucratic technicalities. The executive branch can end that on its own without legislative action.
posted by vogon_poet at 12:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
posted by vogon_poet at 12:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
I thought I'd be excited, but without the Senate there's no hope of a real coronavirus response
Then I have good news for you. The fight for the Senate isn't over yet! Yes, it's a long shot, but it's not impossible. There are two Senate seats in Georgia that are still up for grabs in runoff elections. You can donate or volunteer to help out!
Raphael Warnock is running against Republican Kelly Loeffler, to fill the seat of the execrable Johnny Isakson.
Jon Ossoff is challenging incumbent Republican David Perdue.
Fair Fight, led by Stacey Abrams, is ensuring that everyone has access to the vote and that their votes are counted.
Today we're celebrating, and a great way to celebrate is to send some cash towards the Georgia Democratic Senate candidates if you can afford it!
posted by biogeo at 12:35 PM on November 7, 2020 [70 favorites]
Then I have good news for you. The fight for the Senate isn't over yet! Yes, it's a long shot, but it's not impossible. There are two Senate seats in Georgia that are still up for grabs in runoff elections. You can donate or volunteer to help out!
Raphael Warnock is running against Republican Kelly Loeffler, to fill the seat of the execrable Johnny Isakson.
Jon Ossoff is challenging incumbent Republican David Perdue.
Fair Fight, led by Stacey Abrams, is ensuring that everyone has access to the vote and that their votes are counted.
Today we're celebrating, and a great way to celebrate is to send some cash towards the Georgia Democratic Senate candidates if you can afford it!
posted by biogeo at 12:35 PM on November 7, 2020 [70 favorites]
from the concluding paragraph of Goodbye, Melania (Salon):
Small-minded, petulant, and petty, the best thing we can say about the first lady is that she occasionally appears to dislike her husband almost as much as the rest of us do.posted by Spathe Cadet at 12:35 PM on November 7, 2020 [54 favorites]
This fellow sleuthed out how the Four Seasons Total Landscaping debacle happened.
That’s definitely what happened. These are not smart people.
posted by leotrotsky at 12:35 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
That’s definitely what happened. These are not smart people.
posted by leotrotsky at 12:35 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
This is probably happenstance, but ... I am running some errands today. The Walmart music was playing "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang. The grocery store was playing "Happy" by Pharrell Williams. The bagger seemed extra cheerful and said it was a good morning.
posted by NotLost at 12:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by NotLost at 12:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
I thought I'd be excited, but without the Senate there's no hope of a real coronavirus response (requires a lot of money) and so the next few years will continue to be a disaster.
I'm not so sure about that. I feel like our country's entire dysfunctional, shitty non-response to the pandemic has largely been Trump's fault. He appointed people to positions specifically to destroy our institutions while lying to the public about the virus. He and his administration chose to leave states to fend for themselves. I will be very curious to see what real leadership can accomplish and what our institutions will do once they are appropriately staffed.
posted by wondermouse at 12:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
I'm not so sure about that. I feel like our country's entire dysfunctional, shitty non-response to the pandemic has largely been Trump's fault. He appointed people to positions specifically to destroy our institutions while lying to the public about the virus. He and his administration chose to leave states to fend for themselves. I will be very curious to see what real leadership can accomplish and what our institutions will do once they are appropriately staffed.
posted by wondermouse at 12:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
I decided I had enough whinging that I couldn't go out to join the street parties and decided to see what I could do. I remembered I had some big pieces of paper and some spraypaint.
This is the photo my roommate took of me making a big "HE'S FIRED" sign to go in our windows.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
This is the photo my roommate took of me making a big "HE'S FIRED" sign to go in our windows.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
I don't like the dissing on Melania. I think she's a hostage.
posted by chavenet at 12:37 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by chavenet at 12:37 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
I don't see how we do the kind of reset we need to get COVID under control without paying all the people who will lose money, not to mention helping all the people who lost income in 2020. And the Senate was the problem this year, not Trump, when it came to money.
Vaccine is not going to save us anytime soon, and we can't build the kind of response network you see in Taiwan / NZ / Australia / etc without a lot of money McConnell will never put up for a vote.
So guess I'm leaving anyway, as I can't deal with another 3 years of this.
posted by thefoxgod at 12:41 PM on November 7, 2020
Vaccine is not going to save us anytime soon, and we can't build the kind of response network you see in Taiwan / NZ / Australia / etc without a lot of money McConnell will never put up for a vote.
So guess I'm leaving anyway, as I can't deal with another 3 years of this.
posted by thefoxgod at 12:41 PM on November 7, 2020
We the People.
posted by getting_back_on_track at 12:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by getting_back_on_track at 12:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
It's mind-boggling that the screaming trumpists on Twitter, in between yelling about "rigged" and "recount" and "fraud," are talking about how they're going to move.
To Mexico.
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 12:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [31 favorites]
To Mexico.
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 12:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [31 favorites]
I have not played “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” louder in my car ever than I did today.
I welcome a functioning national administration, and our first woman of color VP.
A great weight was lifted today. The end is in sight.
posted by hijinx at 12:42 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
I welcome a functioning national administration, and our first woman of color VP.
A great weight was lifted today. The end is in sight.
posted by hijinx at 12:42 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Mike Shine: This Machine Kills Fascists (it's a stylized image of a USPS box emblazoned with the slogan).
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 12:42 PM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 12:42 PM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
Biden To Make Victory Speech As President-Elect At 8 P.M. ET
November 7, 20203:23 PM ET
posted by robbyrobs at 12:42 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
There is mounting evidence that Trump had asked his staff to hold today's press conference at the Four Seasons HOTEL in Philadelphia, and that their selection of the Four Seasons Landscaping facility was simply an enormous mistake that they decided to be all "We meant to do that" about.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:42 PM on November 7, 2020 [47 favorites]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:42 PM on November 7, 2020 [47 favorites]
Naw, Donny has been the same guy all his life. Melania knew what she was getting into. I don't hold her responsible for anything that happened with public policy over the past four years, and I wish her no unhappiness, but she is an adult and has made her own choices. I trust in karma.
posted by PhineasGage at 12:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
posted by PhineasGage at 12:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
✊
posted by jquinby at 12:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by jquinby at 12:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
New Zealand's newly appointed Foreign Minister, Nanaia Mahute, just tweeted a single emoji - a beaming, smiling face.
posted by vac2003 at 12:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by vac2003 at 12:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
History may show that being the guy who normalized discussion of locking up politicians and the single most criminal president in US history may be an unfortunate combo.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 12:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 12:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
Washington DC - 5 piece funk band in the back of a pickup truck leading a tiny impromptu parade:
https://twitter.com/thebenwards/status/1325120251667820544
posted by sebastienbailard at 12:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
https://twitter.com/thebenwards/status/1325120251667820544
posted by sebastienbailard at 12:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
Please keep the videos of people cheering and celebrating coming. I am loving them so much.
posted by medusa at 12:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by medusa at 12:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
> I wish her no unhappiness
You're a better person than I.
posted by The corpse in the library at 12:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
You're a better person than I.
posted by The corpse in the library at 12:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
The CNN live stream has been all street parties.
posted by Fleebnork at 12:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by Fleebnork at 12:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
I don't like the dissing on Melania. I think she's a hostage.
What has she ever said or done to give you that impression? Genuinely asking.
posted by Spathe Cadet at 12:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
What has she ever said or done to give you that impression? Genuinely asking.
posted by Spathe Cadet at 12:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
Anderson Cooper smirked and mumbled something about "regret" when he was asked about his Trump turtle comment.
posted by Fleebnork at 12:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by Fleebnork at 12:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
This celebration is so classically Decatur,GA: crowd of people, carefully masked and distanced, joyfully filming each other while a little acoustic trio plays Woody Guthrie's This Land is Your Land
posted by hydropsyche at 12:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
posted by hydropsyche at 12:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
My SO went out for a long walk with our dogs and reports that all the trump signs in our neighborhood and surrounding areas have disappeared but that all the Biden signs remain.
I so feel like printing "A Trump Sign Was Here" signs and planting them in the yards where the trump signs were just last night. Childish, I know but, still.
posted by bz at 12:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [41 favorites]
I so feel like printing "A Trump Sign Was Here" signs and planting them in the yards where the trump signs were just last night. Childish, I know but, still.
posted by bz at 12:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [41 favorites]
This celebration is so classically Decatur,GA
For non-locals, Decatur is a small city that maintains its own city status while being completely surrounded by Atlanta.
posted by Fleebnork at 12:52 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
For non-locals, Decatur is a small city that maintains its own city status while being completely surrounded by Atlanta.
posted by Fleebnork at 12:52 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
On September 30th I posted to my Twitter and Facebook accounts saying that I was going to attempt some shameless foreign interference with the American election with a bribe: if you elected Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, I would give you my mother's brownie recipe.
You did it, Americans! And here, as promised, is my mom's brownie recipe:
1/2 cup butter
6 tbsp cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, well-beaten
1/2 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
Place butter and cocoa in a saucepan. Cook on low heat, stirring meanwhile, until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, salt, then nuts (I never put the nuts in myself).
Spray an 8" square baking pan with vegetable cooking spray and pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees. Let cool before frosting.
As to frosting, I like to make it the way my mom makes it, with icing sugar with just enough milk added to make a paste-like consistency. She makes a chocolate frosting by adding a little cocoa powder, but I like the look of a white frosting with chocolate sprinkles.
And for extra brownie frisson, rest assured that my mother hates Trump with the fire of a thousand suns. Enjoy!
posted by orange swan at 12:52 PM on November 7, 2020 [242 favorites]
You did it, Americans! And here, as promised, is my mom's brownie recipe:
1/2 cup butter
6 tbsp cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, well-beaten
1/2 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
Place butter and cocoa in a saucepan. Cook on low heat, stirring meanwhile, until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, salt, then nuts (I never put the nuts in myself).
Spray an 8" square baking pan with vegetable cooking spray and pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees. Let cool before frosting.
As to frosting, I like to make it the way my mom makes it, with icing sugar with just enough milk added to make a paste-like consistency. She makes a chocolate frosting by adding a little cocoa powder, but I like the look of a white frosting with chocolate sprinkles.
And for extra brownie frisson, rest assured that my mother hates Trump with the fire of a thousand suns. Enjoy!
posted by orange swan at 12:52 PM on November 7, 2020 [242 favorites]
Jesse Varner @DCNewsPhotogposted by sebastienbailard at 12:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
A massive Cha-Cha slide has now broken out. The mood is all celebratory down here at #BLM Plaza in #DC. @wusa9 #Election2020 #JoeBiden
Does anyone know where I can see video of Trump returning to the White House? I've got a still of him looking at celebrants but I want the entire luxurious video. Thanks!
posted by cyndigo at 12:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by cyndigo at 12:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Decatur is where I grew up! Not in the city itself, nearby. It's a lovely place that has really really blossomed since I was a kid, when it was like a little Southern town where they rolled up the sidewalks at 6 pm.
posted by thelonius at 12:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by thelonius at 12:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
I understand people's concerns about Biden, and he wasn't my candidate either. However, one realization hit me like a bolt of lightning today:
Out of all of the candidates, he is the one with the most intimate understanding of how the Executive branch works and what is needed to make it function. Trump has taken a baseball bat to the government, and if a Democrat won the White House, they were going to have far more than the usual road bumps in getting things in place. (Yes, even my fave, Elizabeth "I Have a Plan for That" Warren.) Biden's background will give him the jump on reassembling it.
I have a lot of thoughts about the DCCC and the Legislative Branch, but it's Sunday here and I think a day of rest for all of us is well-deserved.
posted by rednikki at 12:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [72 favorites]
Out of all of the candidates, he is the one with the most intimate understanding of how the Executive branch works and what is needed to make it function. Trump has taken a baseball bat to the government, and if a Democrat won the White House, they were going to have far more than the usual road bumps in getting things in place. (Yes, even my fave, Elizabeth "I Have a Plan for That" Warren.) Biden's background will give him the jump on reassembling it.
I have a lot of thoughts about the DCCC and the Legislative Branch, but it's Sunday here and I think a day of rest for all of us is well-deserved.
posted by rednikki at 12:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [72 favorites]
So NOW do we finally get to confirm the pee tape?
posted by PhineasGage at 12:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by PhineasGage at 12:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
It's mind-boggling that the screaming trumpists on Twitter, in between yelling about "rigged" and "recount" and "fraud," are talking about how they're going to move.
To Mexico.
Nah. Pretty sure it's just the bots that are moving to Mexico. If you see a tweet that appears to be a Trumpist planning to move to Mexico, drop the text into search, you'll find numerous other identically-worded tweets.
posted by penguin pie at 12:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
To Mexico.
Nah. Pretty sure it's just the bots that are moving to Mexico. If you see a tweet that appears to be a Trumpist planning to move to Mexico, drop the text into search, you'll find numerous other identically-worded tweets.
posted by penguin pie at 12:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
Samantha Schmidt @schmidtsam7
A man wearing a Puerto Rican flag tosses paper towel over the fence toward the White House. “Never forget,” he said.
A man wearing a Puerto Rican flag tosses paper towel over the fence toward the White House. “Never forget,” he said.
Why did the dude waste some good Bounty? Trump deserves Viva. At best. --@cgrace29253014posted by Spathe Cadet at 1:00 PM on November 7, 2020 [69 favorites]
I wish Ruth Bader Ginsburg could have lived to see this.
posted by myotahapea at 1:00 PM on November 7, 2020 [105 favorites]
posted by myotahapea at 1:00 PM on November 7, 2020 [105 favorites]
Does anyone know where I can see video of Trump returning to the White House? I've got a still of him looking at celebrants but I want the entire luxurious video. Thanks!
posted by cyndigo
Yes here you go
posted by robbyrobs at 1:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by cyndigo
Yes here you go
posted by robbyrobs at 1:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
I don't know if it's related, but at least I get some good news before the 8 inches of rain and couple of weeks of misery that's coming my way at the same time.
It would be much worse knowing that four more years of Trump were all I had to look forward to. It does make a good analogy for the whole "the only way out is through" thing, though.
posted by wierdo at 1:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
It would be much worse knowing that four more years of Trump were all I had to look forward to. It does make a good analogy for the whole "the only way out is through" thing, though.
posted by wierdo at 1:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
I don't like the dissing on Melania. I think she's a hostage.
I disagree. I think she has shown herself complicit with and a willing supporter of the worst of her husband's crimes, time and time again.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 1:05 PM on November 7, 2020 [92 favorites]
I disagree. I think she has shown herself complicit with and a willing supporter of the worst of her husband's crimes, time and time again.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 1:05 PM on November 7, 2020 [92 favorites]
MattWPBS: Politico has an article based on interviews with insiders inside the two campaigns
posted by clawsoon at 1:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [56 favorites]
By summer, Biden campaign officials started looking ahead. His lead was holding, and if he won, he’d be inheriting a government with gaping personnel holes. Flush with cash, Biden’s advisers made a secret decision to start raising money for his transition to power.So they're already on it, which is good. Lots of mess to clean up.
“There was a parallel discussion discreetly happening behind the scenes about the transition. Because the Trump administration was so understaffed, there were so many vacancies, they knew they needed to crisis manage on day one,” said a person directly involved in the transition effort. “The campaign made a strategic decision to start hiring people and getting people vetted. There were people raising [money] in $5,000 increments to help pay for it.” The fund has raised more than $5 million.
posted by clawsoon at 1:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [56 favorites]
Let's not relitigate Melania. "I don't care. Do you?"
posted by sebastienbailard at 1:07 PM on November 7, 2020 [46 favorites]
posted by sebastienbailard at 1:07 PM on November 7, 2020 [46 favorites]
Marissa J. Lang @Marissa_Jae · 33mposted by sebastienbailard at 1:07 PM on November 7, 2020 [31 favorites]
On the east side of the White House, I watched as a vendor cleared out the MAGA hats on display and replaced them with more neutral USA ones.
“These aren’t selling today,” he told me, waving a red Trump 2020 cap. #DC
Breaking: footage of Vladimir Putin learning of the U.S election results.
posted by PhineasGage at 1:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by PhineasGage at 1:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Tiny favor - if you're linking to something as an ironic joke, like with the "Putin learning about the results" thing above, can you at least indicate SOME tiny way that it's a joke plskthx
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [45 favorites]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [45 favorites]
It may be too much to hope for Putin's demise
Don't speak too soon; the duma are voting on a law conferring lifelong blanket immunity from prosecution on former presidents, and some are saying that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's and is contemplating the possibility of a forced retirement.
posted by acb at 1:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Don't speak too soon; the duma are voting on a law conferring lifelong blanket immunity from prosecution on former presidents, and some are saying that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's and is contemplating the possibility of a forced retirement.
posted by acb at 1:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
I ran out to get a cup of coffee in 2015 and I just got back. Did I miss anything?
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 1:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [71 favorites]
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 1:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [71 favorites]
YAAAAAAY!!!
You'll never read this, but congratulations Mr. President! Take time to savor this hard fought victory, because you earned it.
posted by Kevin Street at 1:15 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
You'll never read this, but congratulations Mr. President! Take time to savor this hard fought victory, because you earned it.
posted by Kevin Street at 1:15 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Here’s what I would like to see: you know, in addition to peace and justice and sanity and loving our neighbors again: I would like to see people reclaim the flag.
Video from one of the many celebrations that sprang up today in the Boston neighborhood of Jamaica Plain (the statue in the back is a Civil War memorial, known locally as just the Monument).
posted by adamg at 1:20 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Video from one of the many celebrations that sprang up today in the Boston neighborhood of Jamaica Plain (the statue in the back is a Civil War memorial, known locally as just the Monument).
posted by adamg at 1:20 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
What a wonderful day to wake up to in Australia! Thank you for keeping me sane with the election threads over the past few days, MeFites!
Also, hello everyone! I've been reading Metafilter since 2001, but only actually joined this year. This is my first comment.
posted by sheax0r at 1:20 PM on November 7, 2020 [152 favorites]
Also, hello everyone! I've been reading Metafilter since 2001, but only actually joined this year. This is my first comment.
posted by sheax0r at 1:20 PM on November 7, 2020 [152 favorites]
Welcome sheax0r. Nice day for it, too.
posted by signal at 1:23 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by signal at 1:23 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
On the whole bizarre Four Seasons thing, I think we've been here before. Quoth Adam Cadre:
That, as you probably know, is John McCain standing in front of a picture of Walter Reed Middle School, located in North Hollywood, California. Walter Reed Middle School. Not Walter Reed Army Medical Center, located in Washington DC, which was at the center of a scandal involving neglect of wounded veterans last year. Someone got told to find a picture of Walter Reed, and this is what that person came up with. And none of McCain's people looked at it and said, "Wait, are you kidding me? Does this building even look like something from Washington DC? Is that what you think Mid-Atlantic, east coast architecture looks like? Is that even the right biome? Did you not notice that it says WALTER REED JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL along the top? Are you really that incredibly fucking stupid?" Instead, it got the green light and made it on stage with McCain for the biggest speech of his career.posted by jackbishop at 1:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [39 favorites]
I hope you all realize that this means that Phoebe Bridgers is going to cover Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls.
posted by MrVisible at 1:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by MrVisible at 1:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
🎉 Welcome aboard, sheax0r! 🎂🥳
posted by sebastienbailard at 1:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by sebastienbailard at 1:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
There was cheering in Brooklyn, and then there was a LOT of cheering, and I figured that the street nearby that's closed on weekends probably has a party going on. So we got the kids dressed and went outside to check it out. Keep in mind we were quarantining with the grandparents this summer, and so haven't been in a big crowd since... 2019?
Anyways, everyone was cheering and there was a drum or two and we just hung out enjoying the good feeling of good feelings and everyone wearing a mask. And the cheering kept going, and then two usps trucks pulled up (the cross streets are still open), and of course the cheering got louder. And I looked in the window of the trucks to check, and sure enough the second one had our regular postal worker, and they were honking and smiling as they drove through and it was great.
Anyways, that party was still going like 2 hours later (except with the addition of an impromptu DJ booth from someone who lived on the corner), and I saw that at least 3 people posted videos of that exact moment on twitter.
posted by Phredward at 1:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
Anyways, everyone was cheering and there was a drum or two and we just hung out enjoying the good feeling of good feelings and everyone wearing a mask. And the cheering kept going, and then two usps trucks pulled up (the cross streets are still open), and of course the cheering got louder. And I looked in the window of the trucks to check, and sure enough the second one had our regular postal worker, and they were honking and smiling as they drove through and it was great.
Anyways, that party was still going like 2 hours later (except with the addition of an impromptu DJ booth from someone who lived on the corner), and I saw that at least 3 people posted videos of that exact moment on twitter.
posted by Phredward at 1:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
Congratulations to our American Mefites. Thank you for working so hard to rid yourselves of this despicable head of state. I am so sorry for everything he has put you through and I truly hope better days are ahead for all of you and for your country. Congratulations to all of us in the rest of the world too. Trump is a stain on the earth and I'm so glad his bully pulpit will soon be gone.
Four years ago my family cancelled a January trip to Washington DC after Trump was elected. We have not crossed the border since. My partner just suggested that once Covid is under control and the border opens we pack up our two teenagers and visit Philadelphia. I can't wait.
posted by Cuke at 1:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [39 favorites]
Four years ago my family cancelled a January trip to Washington DC after Trump was elected. We have not crossed the border since. My partner just suggested that once Covid is under control and the border opens we pack up our two teenagers and visit Philadelphia. I can't wait.
posted by Cuke at 1:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [39 favorites]
You fucking beauty! I'm so happy for you all, and the rest of us too. Here's hoping it starts a trend and Australia decides to rid ourselves of all the right wing incompetent fuckers at the next Federal election.
I can finally stop refreshing those three other tabs, I'm so relieved.
posted by h00py at 1:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
I can finally stop refreshing those three other tabs, I'm so relieved.
posted by h00py at 1:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
Thank you everyone for being here and sharing the joy! I'm in downtown Athens (Greece), but in a very quiet little tucked away neighborhood, plus we're on our first day of renewed hard Covid lockdown, so I didn't get to experience any street joy ... but our upstairs neighbors are a Greek woman married to an American man, and we are an American woman married to a Greek man (this is just coincidence, we don't live in any kind of particularly expat area), so we texted "We're crying and dancing down here, are you crying and dancing up there?" Of course we already knew they were. Also our phones and emails started blowing up, so we got well wishings and high fives from a pile of friends. I just would have liked to been among a ton of people making noise and dancing in the streets. Mefi is my virtual dancing in the streets place, so thanks again! ❤️
posted by taz at 1:29 PM on November 7, 2020 [55 favorites]
posted by taz at 1:29 PM on November 7, 2020 [55 favorites]
Stolen: "Dear Evangelicals: If God chose Donald Trump to be President, what made him change his mind?"
posted by clawsoon at 1:30 PM on November 7, 2020 [56 favorites]
posted by clawsoon at 1:30 PM on November 7, 2020 [56 favorites]
What a relief! It's been a nail-biting week (and I have to say I'm pretty disgusted by how close the election was - WTF, my fellow Americans?) but finally it feels like we can all breathe again. Biden and Harris won't have an easy job ahead, but at least they're actual grownups who will (hopefully) make reasoned decisions instead of throwing temper tantrums on Twitter. Good riddance, loser!
posted by Quietgal at 1:30 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by Quietgal at 1:30 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
For non-locals, Decatur is a small city that maintains its own city status while being completely surrounded by Atlanta.
Since everyone is an expert on Georgia counties now, Decatur is a separate city and is the county seat of DeKalb, while Atlanta is the county seat of Fulton. Decatur actually only touches Atlanta in a couple places and is otherwise surrounded mostly by unincorporated DeKalb County and the even smaller cities of Avondale Estates and Tucker.
posted by hydropsyche at 1:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
Since everyone is an expert on Georgia counties now, Decatur is a separate city and is the county seat of DeKalb, while Atlanta is the county seat of Fulton. Decatur actually only touches Atlanta in a couple places and is otherwise surrounded mostly by unincorporated DeKalb County and the even smaller cities of Avondale Estates and Tucker.
posted by hydropsyche at 1:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
Spathe Cadet: "I don't like the dissing on Melania. I think she's a hostage.
What has she ever said or done to give you that impression? Genuinely asking."
Have you seen this?
posted by chavenet at 1:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
What has she ever said or done to give you that impression? Genuinely asking."
Have you seen this?
posted by chavenet at 1:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Now buckle in for the ride as Trump proceeds into a Chernobyl level meltdown during the lame duck period. I'm looking at those Georgia senate races and thinking the GOP hasn't freed themselves of their boat anchor yet.
posted by feloniousmonk at 1:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by feloniousmonk at 1:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
Be-Bop review of Trump's term...
Dizz is back!!!!!
posted by goalyeehah at 1:35 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Dizz is back!!!!!
posted by goalyeehah at 1:35 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Oh yeah, and congratulations to all the American Mefites! You earned this victory after all the stress and fear. Now you can enjoy it.
posted by Kevin Street at 1:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Kevin Street at 1:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
USPS workers taking a bow and they are cheered in Brooklyn
posted by sebastienbailard at 1:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [56 favorites]
posted by sebastienbailard at 1:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [56 favorites]
Dear GOP,
The thing about constant obstructionism is that at some point even the Democrats were going to figure out it was all a turnout contest. And if you're going to fight a demographics battle, you may at some point regret pushing in all your chips on the vanishing white working class and dwindling Evangelical Christian demos.
--America
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:39 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
The thing about constant obstructionism is that at some point even the Democrats were going to figure out it was all a turnout contest. And if you're going to fight a demographics battle, you may at some point regret pushing in all your chips on the vanishing white working class and dwindling Evangelical Christian demos.
--America
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:39 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
Have you seen this?
I have now. I guess we understand the word "hostage" really differently.
posted by Spathe Cadet at 1:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
I have now. I guess we understand the word "hostage" really differently.
posted by Spathe Cadet at 1:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Oh my fucking god it’s real. The Trump team booked the wrong “four seasons” and now it all ends in a landscaping firm parking lot. Unbelievable. It should be illegal to be this happy
Do we or do we not have the actual detes behind FourSeasonsGate?
posted by signal at 1:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
Do we or do we not have the actual detes behind FourSeasonsGate?
posted by signal at 1:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
Sign on the Philadelphia CNN livestream
WE GRABBED HIM BY THE BALLOT
posted by medusa at 1:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
WE GRABBED HIM BY THE BALLOT
posted by medusa at 1:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
I think there's solid evidence that Melania dislikes Donald intensely, and we can assume there's a complex and punitive pre-nup involved. But if she's willing to walk away from his money, she could get away from him. She might even be able to whittle away at some of the terms of the prenup by pointing out various lies and abuses. And it's not even like she'd be destitute even under the full weight of the pre-nup - she could write her own ticket on talk shows, ghostwritten novels, a biography (even if there's an NDA covering what she can say about Trump himself) and so on.
She doesn't like putting up with him, but she makes a conscious choice to stay.
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 1:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [30 favorites]
She doesn't like putting up with him, but she makes a conscious choice to stay.
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 1:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [30 favorites]
I went to the farmers' market as usual except very late and wearing a red ballcap because though I haven't worn that hat since 2016 lest it be mistaken for a MAGA hat, my hair was absolutely filthy from me doing absolutely nothing at all including grooming because of the necessity to hit refresh every three minutes. And plus I'm tired of not being able to wear my hat just because it happens to be red. It's one of an infinite number of things that I resent about how 2016 turned out.
Today I went first to the goat guys' table because I mean I was really late--like so late that Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me came on as I was struggling to get there--because it has been increasingly more difficult to get up mornings because of the need to be up all night to hit refresh every three minutes. Normally if I'm not there by when The Best of Car Talk starts, I'll skip it, but since March I've only missed it one week when we went out of town. I have to shop for my parents to keep them from going themselves and mingling with the crowds and getting COVID.
I had to go to the goat guys first because I needed to get a bottle of goatsmilk kefir for my aged parent. I got the last bottle thank goodness, and then the goat guy and I spent five minutes kvetching.
He and I kvetch every Saturday, under our breaths. The two goat guys are married; they got married as soon as they were able to legally, so obviously the Barrett confirmation like the Kavanaugh and Gorsuch confirmations before it was agonizing for them and the entire past four years have been agonizing for all of us. Not to mention the goat guy who comes to that market is a middle school math teacher during the week and his husband the other goat guy recovered from cancer a couple of years ago, which is why he doesn't come to the market, because of the infection risk. We're in Florida and the asshole governor has been toadying to Trump this entire time and deliberately, by insisting on in-person school and open bars and restaurants, managed to make Florida number one in the world for COVID cases for a month or so in the summer just to curry favor with his orange lord. And my boyfriend is also a middle school teacher, which puts his and my parents at some degree of risk and the two of us in constant fear--so the goat guy and I have no trouble finding things to kvetch about.
We kvetched today about the 253 electoral votes vs 264 electoral votes thing and how there's no consistency and the whole dispute about Arizona is nerve-wracking and just in general the no-end-to-it agony of waiting and how neither of us can sleep, and we did all this kvetching under our breaths because the farmers' market is really scarily conservative, farmers and patrons both: you never know who's going to have some weird politics and get freaky about mask-wearing.
Then I went and got the rest of the stuff on the parental lists and shoved it in the cooler in the car and did my soapy water handwash and started the car and heard Scott Simon say "...black female vice president, a histori-"
I snatched the key out of the ignition and ran back to the goat guy and jumped up and down in front of him 'til he said, "What?"
I said, "Look at your phone! See if it's true! I think they called it! They must have called it, because it's not the Wait Wait show, it's dumbass Scott Simon talking about Kamala Harris being veep!"
He yanked out his phone and presently he looked up from it and said in wondering tones, "284!" Then he told Siri to call his friend who refreshes even more than we two, so much so that she hasn't slept in four days, because she'll confirm and we can definitely trust her.
And while Siri was calling the sleepless refreshing friend my phone rang and it was my mother, confirming, along with the sleepless refreshing friend, that it was all true. We jumped up and down some more--or I did; he has more sense. And then we said goodbye and waved and laughed and smized like crazy people and I went and did the conventional grocery run and a lady who was excitedly shopping for patriotic bouquets wrapped in American flag paper looked hard at my red hat but then I pointed at her bouquet and jumped up and down and said "Eeeee!" from behind my mask and she said "Eeeeee!" from behind hers and we both laughed and smized like maniacs. It was a good morning.
posted by Don Pepino at 1:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [98 favorites]
Today I went first to the goat guys' table because I mean I was really late--like so late that Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me came on as I was struggling to get there--because it has been increasingly more difficult to get up mornings because of the need to be up all night to hit refresh every three minutes. Normally if I'm not there by when The Best of Car Talk starts, I'll skip it, but since March I've only missed it one week when we went out of town. I have to shop for my parents to keep them from going themselves and mingling with the crowds and getting COVID.
I had to go to the goat guys first because I needed to get a bottle of goatsmilk kefir for my aged parent. I got the last bottle thank goodness, and then the goat guy and I spent five minutes kvetching.
He and I kvetch every Saturday, under our breaths. The two goat guys are married; they got married as soon as they were able to legally, so obviously the Barrett confirmation like the Kavanaugh and Gorsuch confirmations before it was agonizing for them and the entire past four years have been agonizing for all of us. Not to mention the goat guy who comes to that market is a middle school math teacher during the week and his husband the other goat guy recovered from cancer a couple of years ago, which is why he doesn't come to the market, because of the infection risk. We're in Florida and the asshole governor has been toadying to Trump this entire time and deliberately, by insisting on in-person school and open bars and restaurants, managed to make Florida number one in the world for COVID cases for a month or so in the summer just to curry favor with his orange lord. And my boyfriend is also a middle school teacher, which puts his and my parents at some degree of risk and the two of us in constant fear--so the goat guy and I have no trouble finding things to kvetch about.
We kvetched today about the 253 electoral votes vs 264 electoral votes thing and how there's no consistency and the whole dispute about Arizona is nerve-wracking and just in general the no-end-to-it agony of waiting and how neither of us can sleep, and we did all this kvetching under our breaths because the farmers' market is really scarily conservative, farmers and patrons both: you never know who's going to have some weird politics and get freaky about mask-wearing.
Then I went and got the rest of the stuff on the parental lists and shoved it in the cooler in the car and did my soapy water handwash and started the car and heard Scott Simon say "...black female vice president, a histori-"
I snatched the key out of the ignition and ran back to the goat guy and jumped up and down in front of him 'til he said, "What?"
I said, "Look at your phone! See if it's true! I think they called it! They must have called it, because it's not the Wait Wait show, it's dumbass Scott Simon talking about Kamala Harris being veep!"
He yanked out his phone and presently he looked up from it and said in wondering tones, "284!" Then he told Siri to call his friend who refreshes even more than we two, so much so that she hasn't slept in four days, because she'll confirm and we can definitely trust her.
And while Siri was calling the sleepless refreshing friend my phone rang and it was my mother, confirming, along with the sleepless refreshing friend, that it was all true. We jumped up and down some more--or I did; he has more sense. And then we said goodbye and waved and laughed and smized like crazy people and I went and did the conventional grocery run and a lady who was excitedly shopping for patriotic bouquets wrapped in American flag paper looked hard at my red hat but then I pointed at her bouquet and jumped up and down and said "Eeeee!" from behind my mask and she said "Eeeeee!" from behind hers and we both laughed and smized like maniacs. It was a good morning.
posted by Don Pepino at 1:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [98 favorites]
USPS workers taking a bow and they are cheered in Brooklyn
As Desus and Mero admonished us: RESPECT THE EAGLE
posted by Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey at 1:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
As Desus and Mero admonished us: RESPECT THE EAGLE
posted by Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey at 1:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
Do we or do we not have the actual detes behind FourSeasonsGate?
I'm pretty sure Armando Iannucci has had a sleeper in the White House this whole time, just waiting to deliver the Four Seasons coup de grace.
Also: Suuurely this wasn't a "mistake" but a pissed off Trump staffer taking their last chance at sweet revenge?
Although: JeremiahBuffalo on twitter: "When someone is told to set up a press conference on the "Lawn of the Four Seasons in Philadelphia" and they Google it, this is what they get... [a link to Four Seasons Total Landscaping]
posted by penguin pie at 1:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
I'm pretty sure Armando Iannucci has had a sleeper in the White House this whole time, just waiting to deliver the Four Seasons coup de grace.
Also: Suuurely this wasn't a "mistake" but a pissed off Trump staffer taking their last chance at sweet revenge?
Although: JeremiahBuffalo on twitter: "When someone is told to set up a press conference on the "Lawn of the Four Seasons in Philadelphia" and they Google it, this is what they get... [a link to Four Seasons Total Landscaping]
posted by penguin pie at 1:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
Do we or do we not have the actual detes behind FourSeasonsGate?
I've seen the mistaken booking idea, and also this: An answer to the Four Seasons Total Landscaping mystery: the company told me the Trump campaign contacted them today out of the blue ahead of the Giuliani presser and said their location was close to an exit on I95, and was secure, and that’s why they wanted to use it. - Daniel Bush, with PBS Newshour
posted by nubs at 1:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
I've seen the mistaken booking idea, and also this: An answer to the Four Seasons Total Landscaping mystery: the company told me the Trump campaign contacted them today out of the blue ahead of the Giuliani presser and said their location was close to an exit on I95, and was secure, and that’s why they wanted to use it. - Daniel Bush, with PBS Newshour
posted by nubs at 1:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
Moggett @Moggett3
How do you book a landscape company parking lot at all? Is that a usual thing? Do people, like, have their wedding there?
posted by Spathe Cadet at 1:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
How do you book a landscape company parking lot at all? Is that a usual thing? Do people, like, have their wedding there?
posted by Spathe Cadet at 1:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
God I haven't had so much fun on the internet in YEARS.
posted by HotToddy at 1:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
posted by HotToddy at 1:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
The point is we stopped the downward slide.
We most emphatically did not. Trump as symptom, not disease, etc. etc.
Don’t get me wrong, though, I’m happy enough to have a guy who isn’t intentionally sabotaging the daily domestic functions of the federal government! Guess I’m a bit of a technocrat at heart, because I think the damage Trump did there is more than most people know.
posted by atoxyl at 1:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [16 favorites]
We most emphatically did not. Trump as symptom, not disease, etc. etc.
Don’t get me wrong, though, I’m happy enough to have a guy who isn’t intentionally sabotaging the daily domestic functions of the federal government! Guess I’m a bit of a technocrat at heart, because I think the damage Trump did there is more than most people know.
posted by atoxyl at 1:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [16 favorites]
Booking the wrong venue seems too perfect. My heart wants to believe this is some sort of slight tip saying, "Don't worry, Trump staffers, the intelligence community was with you the whole time."
posted by nicoffeine at 1:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by nicoffeine at 1:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Do we or do we not have the actual detes behind FourSeasonsGate?
I don't think we know as such, but the weight of evidence suggests that someone, at least, meant for there to be a press conference at the luxury hotel of that name (the original tweet had "Four Seasons" unqualified, and only later was the full name of the business given). I can think of two plausible scenarios:
(1) They tell someone to set up a presser at the Four Seasons. That person, through malice or incompetence, sets it up at the wrong place.
(2) They decide there'll be a presser at the Four Seasons, and then they announce it without bothering to clear it with the venue. They contact the Four Seasons and (for any number of compelling reasons) the hotel declines the honor. They then scramble for another venue with the same name so as to look like that was their plan all along.
posted by jackbishop at 1:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [25 favorites]
I don't think we know as such, but the weight of evidence suggests that someone, at least, meant for there to be a press conference at the luxury hotel of that name (the original tweet had "Four Seasons" unqualified, and only later was the full name of the business given). I can think of two plausible scenarios:
(1) They tell someone to set up a presser at the Four Seasons. That person, through malice or incompetence, sets it up at the wrong place.
(2) They decide there'll be a presser at the Four Seasons, and then they announce it without bothering to clear it with the venue. They contact the Four Seasons and (for any number of compelling reasons) the hotel declines the honor. They then scramble for another venue with the same name so as to look like that was their plan all along.
posted by jackbishop at 1:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [25 favorites]
Now we know the Trump people booked the landscape company on purpose but that’s not an answer. Why?
posted by rdr at 1:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by rdr at 1:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
What if the pee tape just dropped right now
posted by theodolite at 1:53 PM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
posted by theodolite at 1:53 PM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
Party report from bright blue suburban Philly: at a busy intersection between two four-lane roads, a couple of people standing on the corner waving Biden/Harris signs and another sign reading "Honk if you're happy!" Much honking involved.
posted by biogeo at 1:53 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by biogeo at 1:53 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Now we know the Trump people booked the landscape company on purpose but that’s not an answer. Why?
They needed someplace to compost all of their horseshit.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 1:54 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
They needed someplace to compost all of their horseshit.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 1:54 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Appropriate:
Jonathan Richman -- Parties in the USA
posted by y2karl at 1:54 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Jonathan Richman -- Parties in the USA
posted by y2karl at 1:54 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Because they're the party of Lawn Order, duh!
posted by clawsoon at 1:54 PM on November 7, 2020 [109 favorites]
posted by clawsoon at 1:54 PM on November 7, 2020 [109 favorites]
Haven't heard any partying but my neighborhood has the most intense weed stench I've ever encountered here.
posted by selfnoise at 1:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by selfnoise at 1:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
To add to the list of suggestions people have made as to suitable anthems for today, I am listening to Lily Allen's "Fuck You" cranked up and on repeat at present.
posted by orange swan at 1:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by orange swan at 1:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
And if you're going to fight a demographics battle, you may at some point regret pushing in all your chips on the vanishing white working class and dwindling Evangelical Christian demos.
I know exit polls are iffy, but didn’t this election very possibly demonstrate the GOP making inroads with, well, everybody else? A basic corollary of the premise that racial categories are socially constructed is that they can be expanded - as history shows very clearly.
I’m just saying, the Democrats are going to regret if they don’t put in real work to maintain relationships with their own constituencies.
posted by atoxyl at 1:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
I know exit polls are iffy, but didn’t this election very possibly demonstrate the GOP making inroads with, well, everybody else? A basic corollary of the premise that racial categories are socially constructed is that they can be expanded - as history shows very clearly.
I’m just saying, the Democrats are going to regret if they don’t put in real work to maintain relationships with their own constituencies.
posted by atoxyl at 1:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
Incidentally, are Evangelicals a dwindling demo? Honest question. They sure have a lot of kids, but I don’t know how many stay with the program.
posted by atoxyl at 1:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by atoxyl at 1:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Kevin M. Kruse (Princeton history professor, known for his work on the creation of modern conservatism and for dunking on same on Twitter): If you’re a criminal defense lawyer in the DC area, you should get down to the White House now and just throw boxes of business cards over that stupid wall he built.
posted by soundguy99 at 1:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [35 favorites]
posted by soundguy99 at 1:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [35 favorites]
I don't know if this has been mentioned:
There was a 'Stop the Steal' Facebook (against the so called Biden vote stealing) group that got deleted by Facebook, so some mischievous person created another one that quickly got 40,000 members. Then they changed the name of the group to "Gay Communists for Socialism" and even told the members that they did this so that Facebook wouldn't delete the group. Now there are 40,000 rabid Trump Facebook members who's page shows that they are members of the "Gay Communists for Socialism" group.
Somehow they now have 60,000 members. I don't know if it is more duped members or actual gay communists.
posted by eye of newt at 2:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [34 favorites]
There was a 'Stop the Steal' Facebook (against the so called Biden vote stealing) group that got deleted by Facebook, so some mischievous person created another one that quickly got 40,000 members. Then they changed the name of the group to "Gay Communists for Socialism" and even told the members that they did this so that Facebook wouldn't delete the group. Now there are 40,000 rabid Trump Facebook members who's page shows that they are members of the "Gay Communists for Socialism" group.
Somehow they now have 60,000 members. I don't know if it is more duped members or actual gay communists.
posted by eye of newt at 2:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [34 favorites]
Trump tweet: THE OBSERVERS WERE NOT ALLOWED INTO THE COUNTING ROOMS. I WON THE ELECTION, GOT 71,000,000 LEGAL VOTES. BAD THINGS HAPPENED WHICH OUR OBSERVERS WERE NOT ALLOWED TO SEE. NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. MILLIONS OF MAIL-IN BALLOTS WERE SENT TO PEOPLE WHO NEVER ASKED FOR THEM!
[As if there was a requirement to want to vote]
posted by chavenet at 2:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
[As if there was a requirement to want to vote]
posted by chavenet at 2:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Let the river run
Let all the dreamers
wake the nation
Silver cities rise
The morning lights
The streets that meet them
And sirens call them on
With a song
posted by medusa at 2:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
Let all the dreamers
wake the nation
Silver cities rise
The morning lights
The streets that meet them
And sirens call them on
With a song
posted by medusa at 2:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
MILLIONS OF MAIL-IN BALLOTS WERE SENT TO PEOPLE WHO NEVER ASKED FOR THEM!
This includes the Military which sends out the ballots automatically
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 2:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
This includes the Military which sends out the ballots automatically
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 2:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
I've exhaled so deeply and for so long today that my lungs have crossed into a threshold of non-orientable surfaces.
posted by cortex at 2:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [53 favorites]
posted by cortex at 2:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [53 favorites]
Whenever you hear something unbelieveably stupid that Trump or his people do or did, your inner monologue is "Really? That can't be" but it always is.
"Book me a random landscaper garage across from a dildo store."
"Yes sir!"
posted by petebest at 2:05 PM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
"Book me a random landscaper garage across from a dildo store."
"Yes sir!"
posted by petebest at 2:05 PM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
Here's my choir singing Let the River Run. We sound pretty damn good if you ask me. (I am the tall one in the back.)
posted by seanmpuckett at 2:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
posted by seanmpuckett at 2:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
It's ok cortex - I'm sure we'll start up a never-ending spread of threads about what the Biden administration is doing wrong soon enough.
posted by mrgoat at 2:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by mrgoat at 2:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
oh god I MISS CHOIR
posted by seanmpuckett at 2:07 PM on November 7, 2020 [16 favorites]
posted by seanmpuckett at 2:07 PM on November 7, 2020 [16 favorites]
BAD THINGS HAPPENED WHICH OUR OBSERVERS WERE NOT ALLOWED TO SEE. NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE.
UP UNTIL NOW WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN IN THE ROOM WHEN THE BAD THINGS HAPPEN.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 2:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [68 favorites]
UP UNTIL NOW WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN IN THE ROOM WHEN THE BAD THINGS HAPPEN.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 2:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [68 favorites]
Maybe time to add Cake - Nugget to your playlist.
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 2:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 2:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
I’m just saying, the Democrats are going to regret if they don’t put in real work to maintain relationships with their own constituencies.
Part of the problem here is that Dems have a damn difficult contingency to please. Trump has demonstrated that there's a group of people who'll vote GOP no matter how horrific the candidate is, no matter how bad that candidate is for their actual interests. And then other constituencies they appeal to for various reasons who are willing to overlook the horrors of the GOP if they think they're getting something they want or (as Cal Cunningham did in NC) if the Dem makes a misstep.
I strongly believe that we're better off with an AOC-led agenda than "moderate" agenda and with folks like Stacy Abrams calling the shots than the DNC. But we've got to find a way to keep so-called moderates on board while getting out the progressives. We also, honestly, have a lot of education to do and stop being afraid of being called "socialist" and recast that as a good thing and not a liability.
It shouldn't be this hard to try to have a functioning government that actually helps its citizens.
posted by jzb at 2:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
Part of the problem here is that Dems have a damn difficult contingency to please. Trump has demonstrated that there's a group of people who'll vote GOP no matter how horrific the candidate is, no matter how bad that candidate is for their actual interests. And then other constituencies they appeal to for various reasons who are willing to overlook the horrors of the GOP if they think they're getting something they want or (as Cal Cunningham did in NC) if the Dem makes a misstep.
I strongly believe that we're better off with an AOC-led agenda than "moderate" agenda and with folks like Stacy Abrams calling the shots than the DNC. But we've got to find a way to keep so-called moderates on board while getting out the progressives. We also, honestly, have a lot of education to do and stop being afraid of being called "socialist" and recast that as a good thing and not a liability.
It shouldn't be this hard to try to have a functioning government that actually helps its citizens.
posted by jzb at 2:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
I ran out to get a cup of coffee in 2015 and I just got back. Did I miss anything? . What'd I miss?
I so love IRFH but couldn't resist messing with this most excellent comment.
posted by bearwife at 2:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
I so love IRFH but couldn't resist messing with this most excellent comment.
posted by bearwife at 2:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
For all of the dumping on Biden this early in our VERY MUCH well-earned feel-good period, I just want to say this: We are going to have 2 people running things that will actually DO THE FUCKING JOBS. Who will actually take the jobs seriously. What we have had for 4 years is a middle schooler playing "King of the Hill". A mean girl (man) giving favors to sycophants and denigrating those that don't show proper loyalty and deference to her (him).
As for Melania - I think the only thing being held hostage is her citizenship for her and her parents. I think he would somehow manage to have all three of them deported in a heartbeat if he got served divorce papers. Doesn't matter if it's rock-solid - that guy would find a way to strong arm in some way so that some flunky toady would "make it happen". Not a doubt in my mind. Besides, she knew what she was marrying and decided to stay the course. Sorry/not sorry.
posted by sundrop at 2:17 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
As for Melania - I think the only thing being held hostage is her citizenship for her and her parents. I think he would somehow manage to have all three of them deported in a heartbeat if he got served divorce papers. Doesn't matter if it's rock-solid - that guy would find a way to strong arm in some way so that some flunky toady would "make it happen". Not a doubt in my mind. Besides, she knew what she was marrying and decided to stay the course. Sorry/not sorry.
posted by sundrop at 2:17 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
2015, Trump and advisor are having a discussion about partnering up with a religion to attract more voters.
Trump: Muslim?
Advisor: You can't just say you're a Muslim to be accepted as a Muslim. You would have to actually act like one.
Trump: What does it involve?
Advisor: There is a lot of fasting...
Trump: Pass.
Advisor: Buddhist? It does involve a lot of meditation.
Trump: Can I talk while I meditate?
Advisor: No.
Trump: Pass.
Advisor: What about being a Christian?
Trump: Giving money to the poor? Helping the sick? Turning the other cheek? Do any of those things sound like me?
Advisor: That's the thing -- you don't have to do any of those things. All you have to do is SAY you're a Christian!
Trump: You mean I don't have to do any of the things that Jesus said to do, and they will accept me just for saying I am a Christian?
Advisor: Exactly.
Trump: Deal.
posted by flarbuse at 2:18 PM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
Trump: Muslim?
Advisor: You can't just say you're a Muslim to be accepted as a Muslim. You would have to actually act like one.
Trump: What does it involve?
Advisor: There is a lot of fasting...
Trump: Pass.
Advisor: Buddhist? It does involve a lot of meditation.
Trump: Can I talk while I meditate?
Advisor: No.
Trump: Pass.
Advisor: What about being a Christian?
Trump: Giving money to the poor? Helping the sick? Turning the other cheek? Do any of those things sound like me?
Advisor: That's the thing -- you don't have to do any of those things. All you have to do is SAY you're a Christian!
Trump: You mean I don't have to do any of the things that Jesus said to do, and they will accept me just for saying I am a Christian?
Advisor: Exactly.
Trump: Deal.
posted by flarbuse at 2:18 PM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
Lovely warm day here in the Hammer, and after getting some household errands done, I’m sitting on the porch drinking pink champagne under a pink sunset and life feels a lot more open than it has in years. I can breathe again.
posted by Capt. Renault at 2:20 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by Capt. Renault at 2:20 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
I had to drop my car off for some routine maintenance this morning, and decided to walk around while waiting. The news broke and the neighborhood I was walking through busted out the pots, pans, cheering, and general good vibes. That never really feels like a Portland thing, and it felt great, this sense of community I haven't had in awhile.
I've exhaled so deeply and for so long today that my lungs have crossed into a threshold of non-orientable surfaces.
Talk to your doctor if you have questions about Klein lung.
posted by curious nu at 2:20 PM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
I've exhaled so deeply and for so long today that my lungs have crossed into a threshold of non-orientable surfaces.
Talk to your doctor if you have questions about Klein lung.
posted by curious nu at 2:20 PM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
Cuke:This reminds me of coming back from a Caribbean trip just after the inauguration 4 years ago. I hope when you come you have a better time. (How could you not?)
Four years ago my family cancelled a January trip to Washington DC after Trump was elected. We have not crossed the border since. My partner just suggested that once Covid is under control and the border opens we pack up our two teenagers and visit Philadelphia. I can't wait.
posted by Catblack at 2:21 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
I've been reminded of the Jazz Butcher song "Sixteen Years" (about Thatcher) which feels very apt. It's also extremely cathartic to sing along with the chorus: "I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU!"
I've mentioned my garden before (a 4x6' patch in an oversized planter behind my apartment building's parking lot). We spent a couple of hours earlier today getting a new section of the planter into action, planting it with "soilbuster" daikon and tendril peas to break up the hard dirt and add life and fertility to the soil. It felt like an auspicious day to be putting seeds in to grow.
posted by Lexica at 2:22 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
I've mentioned my garden before (a 4x6' patch in an oversized planter behind my apartment building's parking lot). We spent a couple of hours earlier today getting a new section of the planter into action, planting it with "soilbuster" daikon and tendril peas to break up the hard dirt and add life and fertility to the soil. It felt like an auspicious day to be putting seeds in to grow.
posted by Lexica at 2:22 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
Incidentally, are Evangelicals a dwindling demo?
* Two forces account for the declining proportions of white evangelical and mainline Protestants: the growth of non-black ethnic minorities and, perhaps surprisingly, the growth of the religiously unaffiliated across the South. (2014)
* in 2018 and 2019, 65% of American adults describe themselves as Christians when asked about their religion, down 12 percentage points over the past decade (2019)
* Half of Americans are church members, down from 70% in 1999 (2019)
* White evangelicals are declining and now constitute about 16% of the U.S. population, down from 19% a decade ago. (2019): 84% of the Silent Generation (born between 1928 and 1945) identify as Christian, compared with 49% of the millennial generation (born between 1981 and 1996).
They are indeed dwindling, which is why they're fighting so viciously. Their whole worldview is contingent on them being the dominant and majority force.
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 2:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [26 favorites]
* Two forces account for the declining proportions of white evangelical and mainline Protestants: the growth of non-black ethnic minorities and, perhaps surprisingly, the growth of the religiously unaffiliated across the South. (2014)
* in 2018 and 2019, 65% of American adults describe themselves as Christians when asked about their religion, down 12 percentage points over the past decade (2019)
* Half of Americans are church members, down from 70% in 1999 (2019)
* White evangelicals are declining and now constitute about 16% of the U.S. population, down from 19% a decade ago. (2019): 84% of the Silent Generation (born between 1928 and 1945) identify as Christian, compared with 49% of the millennial generation (born between 1981 and 1996).
They are indeed dwindling, which is why they're fighting so viciously. Their whole worldview is contingent on them being the dominant and majority force.
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 2:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [26 favorites]
July 4, 2030: Opening of the Trump Presidential Library
posted by robbyrobs at 2:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by robbyrobs at 2:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Lexica: You might also enjoy Elvis Costello's Tramp The Dirt Down.
posted by Paul Slade at 2:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by Paul Slade at 2:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
I heard that all of the true evangelicals were raptured years ago.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 2:27 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 2:27 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
orange swan, I copied your mom's brownie recipe into my recipe notebook and named it Biden-Harris Brownies.
Thank you!
posted by kristi at 2:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [37 favorites]
Thank you!
posted by kristi at 2:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [37 favorites]
Good job, America.
posted by The Card Cheat at 2:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by The Card Cheat at 2:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Just want to let everyone know to keep an eye on things and don’t believe everything you see. I saw a tweet going pretty big that said it was a crowd in Cleveland, but was actually from the Cavs’ victory parade in 2016. Just saying, dis/misinfo doesn’t go away, and it’s still bad when it comes from our side.
posted by esquandolad at 2:35 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by esquandolad at 2:35 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
You know there have to be at least a few Secret Service agents who are secretly hoping Trump refuses to concede or to leave the White House. Because how great would it be to get to physically drag the asshole out of the door? I'd take a demotion to work that job.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 2:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [31 favorites]
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 2:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [31 favorites]
Apparently I picked the wrong day to hang out with friends in no-mobile-service rural Maryland (enjoying the unusually warm fall weather), got home and just now catching up.
I don't take anything to add, other than I had no idea till today just how stressed I'd been feeling over the past four years. We still have a lot of work to do of course, but it's a step in the right direction.
Definitely breaking out the champagne in the fridge after dinner though 🥂🥳
posted by photo guy at 2:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
I don't take anything to add, other than I had no idea till today just how stressed I'd been feeling over the past four years. We still have a lot of work to do of course, but it's a step in the right direction.
Definitely breaking out the champagne in the fridge after dinner though 🥂🥳
posted by photo guy at 2:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
That's gonna be a helluva statue some day. Leave one of his feet free and kicking so it can become a cheesy tourist thing to pose like you're pulling it alongside the grim-faced bronze Secret Service dragging him out
posted by acb at 2:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by acb at 2:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
Apart from the thing where Bannon was arrested by a USPS boat for wall fraud, is the Four Seasons Landscaping conference the peak Arrested Development moment for this administration? I'm sure there are actually thousands I've forgotten.
posted by Jon Mitchell at 2:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [56 favorites]
posted by Jon Mitchell at 2:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [56 favorites]
I wonder how much Trump's expectation of success in the courts is distorted by decades of mostly winning by having his lawyers threaten people until they settle.
posted by clawsoon at 2:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
posted by clawsoon at 2:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
is the Four Seasons Landscaping conference the peak Arrested Development moment for this administration?
Via Twitter:
Since I couldn’t get in to the Trump press conference, I went to Fantasy Island next door. Zarif Jacob, an ex-architect, could not fathom why the presser was near his shop—or even happening. “He lost. He knows he lost.” Also, people were taking up the spaces in his parking lot.
Something something banana stand.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 2:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [26 favorites]
Via Twitter:
Since I couldn’t get in to the Trump press conference, I went to Fantasy Island next door. Zarif Jacob, an ex-architect, could not fathom why the presser was near his shop—or even happening. “He lost. He knows he lost.” Also, people were taking up the spaces in his parking lot.
Something something banana stand.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 2:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [26 favorites]
@SarahBelleLin: A mini #Oakland USPS mailbox dances in front of the American flag while community members surround him in adoration and jubilation.
@celestekidd: The kid and I made the mini mailbox costume together while we waited for votes to come in, in mini tribute to the Philidelphia dancing mailboxes
posted by cybercoitus interruptus at 2:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
@celestekidd: The kid and I made the mini mailbox costume together while we waited for votes to come in, in mini tribute to the Philidelphia dancing mailboxes
posted by cybercoitus interruptus at 2:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
You know there have to be at least a few Secret Service agents who are secretly hoping Trump refuses to concede or to leave the White House. Because how great would it be to get to physically drag the asshole out of the door? I'd take a demotion to work that job.
And the rock cried out "No hidding place!"
posted by RichardP at 2:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
And the rock cried out "No hidding place!"
posted by RichardP at 2:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
I wonder how much Trump's expectation of success in the courts is distorted by decades of mostly winning by having his lawyers threaten people until they settle.
He forgets that his mentor Roy Cohn couldn't hide forever. Not from the NY courts, and not from an infectious disease.
Belize: And everyone in Balencia gowns with red corsages, and big dance palaces full of music and lights and racial impurity and gender confusion. And all the deities are creole, mulatto, brown as the mouths of rivers. Race, taste and history finally overcome. And you ain't there.
Roy Cohn: And Heaven?
Belize: That was Heaven, Roy.”
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 2:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
He forgets that his mentor Roy Cohn couldn't hide forever. Not from the NY courts, and not from an infectious disease.
Belize: And everyone in Balencia gowns with red corsages, and big dance palaces full of music and lights and racial impurity and gender confusion. And all the deities are creole, mulatto, brown as the mouths of rivers. Race, taste and history finally overcome. And you ain't there.
Roy Cohn: And Heaven?
Belize: That was Heaven, Roy.”
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 2:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
I saw a tweet going pretty big that said it was a crowd in Cleveland, but was actually from the Cavs’ victory parade in 2016.
Said what was a crowd in Cleveland? Not sure what you're referring to.
There is some wisenheimer who's been posting that same picture regularly to troll the MAGAts (& undoubtedly hoping to go viral) anytime anything about "crowds" pops up.
posted by soundguy99 at 2:53 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Said what was a crowd in Cleveland? Not sure what you're referring to.
There is some wisenheimer who's been posting that same picture regularly to troll the MAGAts (& undoubtedly hoping to go viral) anytime anything about "crowds" pops up.
posted by soundguy99 at 2:53 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Holding a press conference next to an adult book store is about as Trump as it gets. Short of him holding it inside one, maybe, no pun intended.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 2:54 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 2:54 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
"The Gang Books The Four Seasons"
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 2:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [36 favorites]
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 2:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [36 favorites]
Soundguy99 Saying it was a crowd celebrating the election(rather than the Cavs’ victory parade). I’m not even on Twitter I just get stuff sent to me from people believing it was real, and I hate to see people get misinformed.
posted by esquandolad at 2:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by esquandolad at 2:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
How does it feel to be a LOSER Donald?
o wait
posted by some loser at 2:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
o wait
posted by some loser at 2:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
My household also put up a US flag this morning.
I truly believe, as someone who pays a lot of attention to what's going on with CDC, NIH, etc, that there was going to be a purge of scientists in the research institutes and now it won't happen.
They’re even going after the USDA. Complete attack on competence and knowledge. But most employees can hang on for two months if they get fired now.
posted by clew at 3:00 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
I truly believe, as someone who pays a lot of attention to what's going on with CDC, NIH, etc, that there was going to be a purge of scientists in the research institutes and now it won't happen.
They’re even going after the USDA. Complete attack on competence and knowledge. But most employees can hang on for two months if they get fired now.
posted by clew at 3:00 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
Trump is attempting a coup in plain sight
posted by robbyrobs at 3:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
posted by robbyrobs at 3:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
this is all conspiracy theory levels of evidence but afaict if someone says to you "We'll have the presser on the Four Seasons lawn, book that" & you type "four seasons lawn philadelphia" into Google, the first result is the landscaping company
if you then dial the phone number without engaging any critical thinking skills & the person on the other line never says "Uh you do know we're a landscaping company, right?" then this is basically the outcome you get
which is still leaps & bounds more competent than their COVID response tbh
posted by taquito sunrise at 3:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
if you then dial the phone number without engaging any critical thinking skills & the person on the other line never says "Uh you do know we're a landscaping company, right?" then this is basically the outcome you get
which is still leaps & bounds more competent than their COVID response tbh
posted by taquito sunrise at 3:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
I am a bit miffed that we'll still have to pay for his and family's lifetime Secret Service protection and all that come with it. Wonder what happens when he goes to prison?
posted by zengargoyle at 3:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by zengargoyle at 3:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Pink champagne under a pink sky.
As with all important moments in life, I turn to Willie Nelson. Drinking champagne, and feelin’ no pain.
posted by Capt. Renault at 3:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
As with all important moments in life, I turn to Willie Nelson. Drinking champagne, and feelin’ no pain.
posted by Capt. Renault at 3:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
This old hippie is virtually dancing in the streets tonight. [audio only]
posted by terrapin at 3:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by terrapin at 3:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Wonder what happens when he goes to prison?
We'll be paying for his room & board too. But I'm okay with that.
posted by biogeo at 3:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
We'll be paying for his room & board too. But I'm okay with that.
posted by biogeo at 3:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Will the Secret Service provide protection when he absconded to Russia?
posted by adamrice at 3:10 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by adamrice at 3:10 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Wonder what happens when he goes to prison?
We'll be paying for his room & board too. But I'm okay with that.
Not if Deustch bank has its way He will be in a German prison
Trump will be bankrupt soon after January 20th and Deustch Bank will seize his properties where they can. He has been making interest only payments for nearly a decade. Additionally SDNY has a case sitting on their desk ready to file for tax fraud on the entire Trump organization and individuals and they will owe back taxes, penalties and interest. I fully expect jail time for Trump before his life ends.
posted by robbyrobs at 3:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
We'll be paying for his room & board too. But I'm okay with that.
Not if Deustch bank has its way He will be in a German prison
Trump will be bankrupt soon after January 20th and Deustch Bank will seize his properties where they can. He has been making interest only payments for nearly a decade. Additionally SDNY has a case sitting on their desk ready to file for tax fraud on the entire Trump organization and individuals and they will owe back taxes, penalties and interest. I fully expect jail time for Trump before his life ends.
posted by robbyrobs at 3:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
This question actually fascinates me. Like, what would the Secret Service do if an ex president went and committed a bunch of petty crimes while they were forced to follow him/her? Is there a point where you have to be like, sorry but we are going to safely escort you to the county jail?
posted by selfnoise at 3:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by selfnoise at 3:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
I legit un-retired from teaching because that orange thing got elected. I had thought I could rest from the long good stressful fight of making a difference to young people because we were going to have a decent President, and then that thing happened.
For four years I have been, off and on, waking up in the middle of the night worrying about the latest awful thing he did. Some of the things he did impacted me directly. Some impacted family members and neighbors. Some were just horribly unjust and crippling to our country.
I have marched, registered voters, stood outside the office of my awful Republican Senator every week in fiercely cold weather, donated money, and addressed postcards.
Today I wondered why I felt so odd, and it was because I wasn't ontologically afraid any more. I bought some cookies, waved at all the people honking as they passed by me in Philadelphia, went home, and took a nap.
I'm not teaching next semester, and it's okay. The guy we elected was my third choice, but he'll do just fine.
posted by Peach at 3:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [85 favorites]
For four years I have been, off and on, waking up in the middle of the night worrying about the latest awful thing he did. Some of the things he did impacted me directly. Some impacted family members and neighbors. Some were just horribly unjust and crippling to our country.
I have marched, registered voters, stood outside the office of my awful Republican Senator every week in fiercely cold weather, donated money, and addressed postcards.
Today I wondered why I felt so odd, and it was because I wasn't ontologically afraid any more. I bought some cookies, waved at all the people honking as they passed by me in Philadelphia, went home, and took a nap.
I'm not teaching next semester, and it's okay. The guy we elected was my third choice, but he'll do just fine.
posted by Peach at 3:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [85 favorites]
Do Trump's kids have any of their own actual wealth? Will they be bankrupt, too?
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 3:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 3:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Please note that the Four Seasons Total Landscaping press conference was delayed by 30 minutes.
Unrelatedly, I will note that the driving time between between the Four Seasons hotel and the correct location is around 22 minutes.
posted by jaduncan at 3:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [79 favorites]
Unrelatedly, I will note that the driving time between between the Four Seasons hotel and the correct location is around 22 minutes.
posted by jaduncan at 3:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [79 favorites]
I am a bit miffed that we'll still have to pay for his and family's lifetime Secret Service protection and all that come with it.
If it makes you feel better I'm pretty sure his adult children will lose their details, they cost $$$.
I think GWB requested extra time for his daughters but I don't know how long that lasted, and obviously as an executive directive a future president could cut that detail.
posted by muddgirl at 3:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
If it makes you feel better I'm pretty sure his adult children will lose their details, they cost $$$.
I think GWB requested extra time for his daughters but I don't know how long that lasted, and obviously as an executive directive a future president could cut that detail.
posted by muddgirl at 3:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
You know, the whole "acting" cabinet position vs the approved ones...doesn't that open up a channel to get who you want in the position regardless of what the republicans think? I mean, for example, you appoint your fav to Attorney General and then you make Hillary Clinton your "acting" Attorney General. I bet your choice gets approved in record time.
posted by maxwelton at 3:17 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
posted by maxwelton at 3:17 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
https://www.vox.com/2020-presidential-election/2020/11/7/21554114/trump-election-2020-voter-fraud-challenge-recount-biden
How worried should we be? (Honest question, I'm not American and have no idea whether to expect armed rioting or something?)
posted by Omnomnom at 3:19 PM on November 7, 2020
How worried should we be? (Honest question, I'm not American and have no idea whether to expect armed rioting or something?)
posted by Omnomnom at 3:19 PM on November 7, 2020
I know it's the Mirror, but this:
In a series of tweets, the President announced his team of lawyers, led by Borat 2 star and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, would speak to the press outside the Four Seasons in Philadelphia.
posted by signal at 3:21 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
In a series of tweets, the President announced his team of lawyers, led by Borat 2 star and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, would speak to the press outside the Four Seasons in Philadelphia.
posted by signal at 3:21 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
Heh. I was just thinking about one of Trump’s last cons, when February rolls around and many folks are shocked to recall that the reason they were paying less in taxes at the end of this year was because Trump only deferred their payroll Social Security taxes until January 2021.
And when the bill comes due in April to pay the deferred withholding in a lump sum, I hope everyone calls it the Trump Tax.
posted by darkstar at 3:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
And when the bill comes due in April to pay the deferred withholding in a lump sum, I hope everyone calls it the Trump Tax.
posted by darkstar at 3:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
maxwelton, I've been wondering that too - I really need to understand better how that works. I had been thinking that if your Acting appointee gets 180 days or whatever it is, Biden could just keep rotating new people in there - it's not ideal, but it still gives him lots of leeway to get around not getting people appointed. (And of course, obviously, the current-but-not-for-much-longer occupant of the White House abused that constantly, but if Biden wants to play by the rules, I think the rules still give him a lot of options for using the Acting appointees. I hope.)
posted by kristi at 3:26 PM on November 7, 2020
posted by kristi at 3:26 PM on November 7, 2020
There is some delightful drollery all over the media today. I quite enjoyed this from Michael D. Shear at the NYT: "The White House declared a 'lid' at 3:59 p.m., indicating that President Trump has no intentions of appearing in public today to make a statement about his loss. (He could still tweet his feelings at any moment.)"
posted by PhineasGage at 3:27 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by PhineasGage at 3:27 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
I am just a cynical European, but still crying. Even felt compelled to email some American barely-even-acquaintances I haven't spoken to for years to say congrats. Good job you guys and good luck!
posted by Bektashi at 3:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by Bektashi at 3:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
Meanwhile, a Scottish perspective on the election result ...
posted by essexjan at 3:30 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
posted by essexjan at 3:30 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
Sic semper tyrannis
posted by emf at 3:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by emf at 3:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
I was at a socially-distanced and masked kid play date by the creek in south Minneapolis this morning when a gigantic firework went off and someone started playing the bagpipes. Cheers and car horns echoed up and down the creek. What a celebration!
My kid was upset that we did not think to buy celebratory donuts beforehand, so he has persuaded me to bake a chocolate cake tomorrow with BIDEN HARRIS spelled out on top in mini M&Ms.
posted by Maarika at 3:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [26 favorites]
My kid was upset that we did not think to buy celebratory donuts beforehand, so he has persuaded me to bake a chocolate cake tomorrow with BIDEN HARRIS spelled out on top in mini M&Ms.
posted by Maarika at 3:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [26 favorites]
~wink~
posted by fold_and_mutilate at 3:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by fold_and_mutilate at 3:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Do Trump's kids have any of their own actual wealth? Will they be bankrupt, too?
I have a vague understanding that TrumpCo is a rats nest of various legal entities, but maybe they'll face full-on legal charges?
I have a vague understanding that TrumpCo is a rats nest of various legal entities, but maybe they'll face full-on legal charges?
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/02/ivanka-trump-donald-trump-tax-affairsposted by sebastienbailard at 3:39 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
She has tried to be the acceptable face of Trumpism while seemingly nurturing political ambitions of her own. But Donald Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka, did not emerge from recent revelations over his financial affairs unscathed.
A nugget in the New York Times’s investigation into the US president’s tax returns could potentially cause lasting damage to Ivanka, currently a senior adviser to the president and a leading surrogate for his re-election campaign.
She apparently received “consulting fees” paid by the Trump Organization, helping reduce the Trump family’s tax bill, while she was simultaneously an employee of the organization.
“Trump’s private records show that his company once paid $747,622 in fees to an unnamed consultant for hotel projects in Hawaii and Vancouver, British Columbia,” the Times noted. “Ivanka Trump’s public disclosure forms – which she filed when joining the White House staff in 2017 – show that she had received an identical amount through a consulting company she co-owned.”
While Trump was quick to issue his standard defense, dismissing the tax report as “fake news”, Ivanka has been conspicuously silent about her alleged violation. In the past she has worked to put daylight between herself and the biggest scandals of her father’s administration.
Joshua Kendall, author of First Dads: Parenting and Politics from George Washington to Barack Obama, said: “There seems to be an overlap in terms of her declaring that same amount of money on her financial disclosure so this really could be very, very damaging. There has been some speculation about a criminal prosecution. This could really be a turning point for her.”
...
Meanwhile, a Scottish perspective on the election result ...
Surely that has to come from the unofficial spokeswoman for Scotland, Janey Godley: "Could you try and lay off the tweeting? It's making you look like a mad clackwanker"
She has plenty of previous with Donald, being also well known for the 'Trump is Cunt' placard she brandished when he visited one of his Scottish golf courses, as depicted on her Twitter header photo.
(Same clip on YT for the non twitter folk).
posted by penguin pie at 3:39 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
Surely that has to come from the unofficial spokeswoman for Scotland, Janey Godley: "Could you try and lay off the tweeting? It's making you look like a mad clackwanker"
She has plenty of previous with Donald, being also well known for the 'Trump is Cunt' placard she brandished when he visited one of his Scottish golf courses, as depicted on her Twitter header photo.
(Same clip on YT for the non twitter folk).
posted by penguin pie at 3:39 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
George Szirtes, a leading British poet, penned this. (via Twitter)
And so the weight fell
from the shoulders of the world
so it could straighten,
stretch, and look around.
The landscape was as it was,
still crowded with ghosts
and sundry monsters
but the weight was gone for now.
Time to breathe again.
Time to stumble on.
posted by vac2003 at 3:39 PM on November 7, 2020 [63 favorites]
And so the weight fell
from the shoulders of the world
so it could straighten,
stretch, and look around.
The landscape was as it was,
still crowded with ghosts
and sundry monsters
but the weight was gone for now.
Time to breathe again.
Time to stumble on.
posted by vac2003 at 3:39 PM on November 7, 2020 [63 favorites]
It was my half birthday this week, and after my real (milestone) birthday turned into a day of sitting alone at home, I promised myself I'd do something celebratory in November if I lived till then. I wasn't even thinking about the election, honestly, I was just indulging in a moment of self-pity because I hadn't seen another human being in almost two months at that point.
So anyhow, because it's been approximately seventeen years since May, I'd completely forgotten about the half-birthday promise until today when I heard the news that the race was called for Biden. And I made myself a pot of jambalaya -- a dish that tastes like America to me, all the separate flavors of garlic and bell pepper and sausage and spice slow-cooking themselves into one delicious mélange, not to mention the explicit influence of the West African foodways of enslaved persons that are the foundation of the dish -- and I just ate me a honking big bowl washed down with a bottle of Victory's Golden Monkey. And now I'm going to sit down and watch 1776 to kill time until Biden's speech at 8 tonight.
If I had thought ahead I would have made orange swan's mom's brownie recipe (alas, no eggs in the house tonight), but maybe I'll save that for Inauguration Day 2021!
posted by basalganglia at 3:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
So anyhow, because it's been approximately seventeen years since May, I'd completely forgotten about the half-birthday promise until today when I heard the news that the race was called for Biden. And I made myself a pot of jambalaya -- a dish that tastes like America to me, all the separate flavors of garlic and bell pepper and sausage and spice slow-cooking themselves into one delicious mélange, not to mention the explicit influence of the West African foodways of enslaved persons that are the foundation of the dish -- and I just ate me a honking big bowl washed down with a bottle of Victory's Golden Monkey. And now I'm going to sit down and watch 1776 to kill time until Biden's speech at 8 tonight.
If I had thought ahead I would have made orange swan's mom's brownie recipe (alas, no eggs in the house tonight), but maybe I'll save that for Inauguration Day 2021!
posted by basalganglia at 3:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
Er... sorry to drift off-topic for a moment, but how exactly is East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 changing the font upthread?
posted by Rash at 3:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by Rash at 3:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
How worried should we be? (Honest question, I'm not American and have no idea whether to expect armed rioting or something?)There is definitely a chance that some unhinged Trump supporter will open fire on a Walmart somewhere (or a mosque or a synagogue or a pizza restaurant or god knows what), but that worry is just the general background noise of American life. I don't think they're going to rampage on downtown Philadelphia or anything. I wouldn't waste emotional energy worrying about it. It's ok just to enjoy this for tonight.
There are fireworks going off here, but I don't know if they're ding-dong-the-witch-is-dead related or something else.
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 3:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Rash - looks like UTF-8 trickery to me. If I cut-and-paste a letter from that comment - 𝐅, say - into a command shell, it says ??
posted by clawsoon at 3:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by clawsoon at 3:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
U+1D405 : MATHEMATICAL BOLD CAPITAL F
as per https://babelstone.co.uk/Unicode/whatisit.html
posted by sebastienbailard at 3:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
as per https://babelstone.co.uk/Unicode/whatisit.html
posted by sebastienbailard at 3:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
𝔸𝕝𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕠𝕝 𝕜𝕚𝕕𝕤 𝕦𝕤𝕖 𝕕𝕠𝕦𝕓𝕝𝕖-𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕔𝕜 𝕠𝕦𝕥𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕖𝕩𝕥 (𝕒𝕜𝕒 𝕓𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕜𝕓𝕠𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕓𝕠𝕝𝕕) .
posted by sebastienbailard at 3:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by sebastienbailard at 3:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
So amid the festivities, I have a question for the room: putting aside any legal problems he has when he leaves (and if he actually does jail time for anything, I’ll eat my hat), who thinks he’ll try and pull a Grover Cleveland and run again in 2024?
posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 3:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 3:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
> How do you book a landscape company parking lot at all? Is that a usual thing? Do people, like, have their wedding there?
A landscaping company that doubles as an events venue is a pretty good business idea.
posted by guiseroom at 3:52 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
A landscaping company that doubles as an events venue is a pretty good business idea.
posted by guiseroom at 3:52 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
So amid the festivities, I have a question for the room: putting aside any legal problems he has when he leaves (and if he actually does jail time for anything, I’ll eat my hat), who thinks he’ll try and pull a Grover Cleveland and run again in 2024?
who fucking cares tonight
srsly
ask these questions on monday
posted by lalochezia at 3:54 PM on November 7, 2020 [23 favorites]
I've seen those, but not ones that rented out their parking lot.
posted by Quonab at 3:54 PM on November 7, 2020
posted by Quonab at 3:54 PM on November 7, 2020
Fonts: I'm not an expert, but I believe many attempts to do 'clever shit' with fonts on web pages that aren't designed for that, can play absolute havoc with screen readers for the visually impaired, so unless you know for sure that what you're doing will place nicely with a screen reader, please don't.
posted by penguin pie at 3:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
posted by penguin pie at 3:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
who thinks he’ll try and pull a Grover Cleveland and run again in 2024?
It seems likely that he'll start up his 2024 campaign on day one, same as he did in 2016. There's just too much grift to be left on the table, and it's a way to get other people to clear out some of his debt, a lot of campaign funds can be diverted through less than legal means to pay off his masters. I very much doubt he'll get the republican nomination though, he's pretty much used up as a useful idiot for the party.
posted by mrgoat at 3:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
It seems likely that he'll start up his 2024 campaign on day one, same as he did in 2016. There's just too much grift to be left on the table, and it's a way to get other people to clear out some of his debt, a lot of campaign funds can be diverted through less than legal means to pay off his masters. I very much doubt he'll get the republican nomination though, he's pretty much used up as a useful idiot for the party.
posted by mrgoat at 3:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
who thinks he’ll try and pull a Grover Cleveland and run again in 2024?
It will surely be a profitable grift, both money-wise and ego-wise, if he at least keeps the possibility and the rallies alive. But someone who knows more about narcissists could probably give a more definitive answer about how they deal with losing so very publicly.
posted by clawsoon at 3:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
It will surely be a profitable grift, both money-wise and ego-wise, if he at least keeps the possibility and the rallies alive. But someone who knows more about narcissists could probably give a more definitive answer about how they deal with losing so very publicly.
posted by clawsoon at 3:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Re: 2024 - I think he's done. He'll be 78 in another four years, and his health isn't great now. And he's just been branded a HUGE LOSER everywhere in the world. And it's very likely someone will goad him into crime on camera, even if it's just "punch out a reporter."
I really do worry that his grift machine will decide Ivanka is the next face of the Trump Imperial Family.
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 3:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
I really do worry that his grift machine will decide Ivanka is the next face of the Trump Imperial Family.
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 3:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
He'll be kept plenty busy between now and '24. Among other issues, E. Jean Carroll's lawyers will finally get a sample of his DNA, and New York state Attorney General Tish James will be free to prosecute him for all sorts of state law crimes (even if he manages to pardon himself or resign a day early and get Pence to do it). Put a fork in him, he's done.
posted by Zonker at 3:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
posted by Zonker at 3:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
Why run for a job you don't like when you can play GOP primary kingmaker based on whose campaign spends the most at Trump properties?
posted by jason_steakums at 3:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by jason_steakums at 3:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
who thinks he’ll try and pull a Grover Cleveland and run again in 2024?
I'm not sure he has a Eugene Debs prison campaign in him.
posted by jaduncan at 4:00 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
I'm not sure he has a Eugene Debs prison campaign in him.
posted by jaduncan at 4:00 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
I find it hard to express how much relief I now feel. I am so glad that Trump didn't get another four years in the White House. It'll be good to see science allowed to exist again, and just plain human decency too.
posted by Elmore at 4:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by Elmore at 4:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
Why run for a job you don't like when you can play GOP primary kingmaker based on whose campaign spends the most at Trump properties?
Raising and embezzling campaign funds has been one of his bigger grifts and doesn’t take much work, just email the 27%er base.
posted by Rumple at 4:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Raising and embezzling campaign funds has been one of his bigger grifts and doesn’t take much work, just email the 27%er base.
posted by Rumple at 4:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
These threads were the only way I could stand to watch the results come in. Thank you all so much, thanks to the mods.
posted by hilaryjade at 4:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
posted by hilaryjade at 4:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
Georgians turning 18 by January 5th, 2021: Register to vote by December 7th.
posted by Feisty at 4:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
posted by Feisty at 4:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
Yeah the GOP would be.....not smart to hitch their wagon to anyone related to or touched by Trump for 2024.
posted by 922257033c4a0f3cecdbd819a46d626999d1af4a at 4:04 PM on November 7, 2020
posted by 922257033c4a0f3cecdbd819a46d626999d1af4a at 4:04 PM on November 7, 2020
MetaTalk requesting folks avoid abusing Unicode to simulate font changes.
posted by biogeo at 4:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
posted by biogeo at 4:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
Meanwhile, Trump has reached the "bargaining" stage of grief: "Fox News has learned that under some conditions Trump would consider an appropriate transfer of power."
posted by Zonker at 4:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [16 favorites]
posted by Zonker at 4:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [16 favorites]
come to think of it, did anyone figure out what covfefe meant, anyway?
posted by _dario at 4:10 PM on November 7, 2020
posted by _dario at 4:10 PM on November 7, 2020
Fox News has learned that under some conditions Trump would consider an appropriate transfer of power.
Oh, how sweet. He thinks he gets to set conditions on this thing. You're over, sunshine, your power is ending.
posted by penguin pie at 4:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [48 favorites]
Oh, how sweet. He thinks he gets to set conditions on this thing. You're over, sunshine, your power is ending.
posted by penguin pie at 4:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [48 favorites]
New York state Attorney General Tish James will be free to prosecute him for all sorts of state law crimes (even if he manages to pardon himself or resign a day early and get Pence to do it).
I am already starting to gather the popcorn for this.
....A high school friend was a poll worker in Georgia, and has reported that his polling place actually got a complaint of "vote tampering" from Election Day. But when he heard the details, he knew it was ridiculous. The complaint was that poll workers were "standing directly behind people while they voted and shaking their heads if they saw the person was voting for Trump". He said that a) the staff at the polling place was about an even split in political affiliation, b) they had all been trained to stand well away from the machines, and if even if someone needed help they were to stand with their backs to the machines and sort of peer over their shoulders and talk them through it, precisely so that no one could see who they were voting for. Also c) they only had maybe 400 people all day, and very few needed such help from them. He questioned how a complainant could have seen who a voter was voting for without getting even closer to the voter than the poll worker themselves.
The complaint also stated that one of the poll workers went out to their car about mid-day and changed clothes, and no one had any clue why that was relevant and a cause for complaint.
This, he said, was the kind of "voter fraud" that Trump's supporters were complaining about, and he argued it should be treated with exactly the degree of scorn which it deserves.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [35 favorites]
I am already starting to gather the popcorn for this.
....A high school friend was a poll worker in Georgia, and has reported that his polling place actually got a complaint of "vote tampering" from Election Day. But when he heard the details, he knew it was ridiculous. The complaint was that poll workers were "standing directly behind people while they voted and shaking their heads if they saw the person was voting for Trump". He said that a) the staff at the polling place was about an even split in political affiliation, b) they had all been trained to stand well away from the machines, and if even if someone needed help they were to stand with their backs to the machines and sort of peer over their shoulders and talk them through it, precisely so that no one could see who they were voting for. Also c) they only had maybe 400 people all day, and very few needed such help from them. He questioned how a complainant could have seen who a voter was voting for without getting even closer to the voter than the poll worker themselves.
The complaint also stated that one of the poll workers went out to their car about mid-day and changed clothes, and no one had any clue why that was relevant and a cause for complaint.
This, he said, was the kind of "voter fraud" that Trump's supporters were complaining about, and he argued it should be treated with exactly the degree of scorn which it deserves.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [35 favorites]
So does this mean we're not actually in the worst timeline!
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 4:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 4:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
might turn out that throwing that much shade at the guy that one day would be the one signing your presidential pardon wasn't a good idea, after all
posted by _dario at 4:15 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by _dario at 4:15 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
SkyNews suggested the Trump team may have intended to hold their presser in the industrial district, for the simple reason that the bulk of the rest of Metro Philly has people celebrating in the street.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 4:19 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 4:19 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
There's still so much to do. The current regime is not going anywhere in the next few months. Its most fervent supporters (and their parallel media ecosystem, and their guns) aren't going anywhere, period. So much damage has been done to our institutions. The disappointing Senate results will make any legislation difficult, let alone some of the big issues we desperately need to address. And it'll obviously be vital to keep mobilizing people on a local and national level, and to keep pressure on the government to do its damndest to make actual progress on any number of fronts.
But... some of my short-term fears (election day violence, credence being given to the regime's claims of fraud) haven't come to pass. I may be able to wake up every morning without dreading the inevitable "what fresh hell is this?!" moment when I see the headlines. Instead of fighting a constant rearguard battle to defend what progress has been made, we might collectively be able to focus on working to actually move forward. And if I'm trying to pressure politicians to do things, it's got to be easier to appeal to people who believe in a shared society, and in evidence-based decision making, and who have moral values that can be appealed to, rather than a seething morass of resentment, bigotry, greed and "I got mine, fuck you."
I've had insomnia these past few weeks, but I saw the alert on my phone, swore, breathed a sigh of relief, and took a goddamn nap.
posted by ASF Tod und Schwerkraft at 4:19 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
But... some of my short-term fears (election day violence, credence being given to the regime's claims of fraud) haven't come to pass. I may be able to wake up every morning without dreading the inevitable "what fresh hell is this?!" moment when I see the headlines. Instead of fighting a constant rearguard battle to defend what progress has been made, we might collectively be able to focus on working to actually move forward. And if I'm trying to pressure politicians to do things, it's got to be easier to appeal to people who believe in a shared society, and in evidence-based decision making, and who have moral values that can be appealed to, rather than a seething morass of resentment, bigotry, greed and "I got mine, fuck you."
I've had insomnia these past few weeks, but I saw the alert on my phone, swore, breathed a sigh of relief, and took a goddamn nap.
posted by ASF Tod und Schwerkraft at 4:19 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
Fox News has learned that under some conditions Trump would consider an appropriate transfer of power.
Fox buying the lede here: Trump admits privately that current approach is inappropriate.
posted by jaduncan at 4:19 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Fox buying the lede here: Trump admits privately that current approach is inappropriate.
posted by jaduncan at 4:19 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Soundguy99 Saying it was a crowd celebrating the election(rather than the Cavs’ victory parade). I’m not even on Twitter I just get stuff sent to me from people believing it was real, and I hate to see people get misinformed.
People are posting it as a meta-joke since Trumpists have more than once used that same picture as evidence of Trump filling his rallies to like 5000% capacity.
posted by sideshow at 4:21 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
People are posting it as a meta-joke since Trumpists have more than once used that same picture as evidence of Trump filling his rallies to like 5000% capacity.
posted by sideshow at 4:21 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
The Ayrshire Daily News with the local angle from Scotland.
posted by rhamphorhynchus at 4:23 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by rhamphorhynchus at 4:23 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Richard Hall has the definitive thread covering FourSeasonsGate.
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 4:27 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 4:27 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
I haven’t commented here much for quite some time but I’ve been reading. Thank you Metafilter for helping keep me somewhat sane the last four years. And thank you everyone who worked to make this happen.
posted by marxchivist at 4:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by marxchivist at 4:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
Re: Trump 2024. In 2021 and 2022 the bill for Trump's corona virus non-response will come due, and there will be a devastating price to be paid. Trump can lie, manipulate, and misdirect but he only succeeds in pulling the wool over peoples' eyes if he has the ability to dominate the narrative. He has to be able to change the subject. The Republicans will try to pin the blame for the effects of the pandemic on Biden but I think Trump won't be able to distance himself from the stench. Trump in 2024 might happen. The racists and xenophobes that supported Trump will still control the GOP but I can't see Trump actually getting the nomination. Then again what do I know?
posted by rdr at 4:33 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by rdr at 4:33 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
I read that as Richard Hell, and I started to get way too excited
posted by esquandolad at 4:34 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by esquandolad at 4:34 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
Around 11:25 this morning after outdoor synagogue services, we heard people cheering, faintly - it sounded like when a team wins in the playoffs. We looked at each other and realized what it had to mean... and within a minute we could hear people cheering everywhere. It was an amazing way to find out.
posted by Mchelly at 4:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [57 favorites]
posted by Mchelly at 4:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [57 favorites]
A friend texted me the news just before the cheering and honking started all over my neighborhood. I haven't wanted to let myself even think this could happen, I didn't have a sign or flag or anything, the best I could do on short notice was my Captain America shirt so I put it on and ran outside, where people were already gathering. A mail truck stopped in the middle of my street so we could WOOO at each other, and friends, I am so pleased to report DC has not chilled even .001% the fuck out since.
posted by jameaterblues at 4:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [32 favorites]
posted by jameaterblues at 4:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [32 favorites]
C-SPAN Video > President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris Address the Nation, November 7, 2020 7:45PM ET. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris address the nation from Wilmington, Delaware, after being declared the winners of the 2020 presidential election.
posted by cenoxo at 4:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by cenoxo at 4:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
You know, Richard Hell's Liars Beware could probably go on a playlist...
posted by wordless reply at 4:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by wordless reply at 4:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Yelp has locked down their page for Four Seasons Total Landscaping. Discerning internet wags have moved to Google reviews for its neighbor, Fantasy Island Book Store.
posted by J.K. Seazer at 4:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by J.K. Seazer at 4:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Anyone else find it at least mildly hilarious that Alaska still hasn't been called, at least by the Edison Research/AP map that multiple media sources are using? More so since the vote counts in the Presidential, Senate, and House races are essentially identical (>60% GOP), and they've given the House race to the incumbent. I suppose it doesn't help that less than half the votes have been counted. Wonder if someone in the state returning office thought "hey guys, this could be a REALLY close one, so if we slow-walk the count, WE could be the ones who get all the attention when we declare the deciding votes!" Kinda like how Nevada was being a bit coy in the early going. But now they realize that ain't gonna happen, so screw it, everyone have a good weekend and we'll see you on Monday. Pretty sure the mangled apricot hellbeast is positively seething at being denied this electoral equivalent of a birdie on an easy par-3 hole.
Meanwhile the Biden/Harris lead in Georgia is up over 9100, and is still over 21,000 in Arizona, so a final 306-232 EV count, effectively a mirror image of 2016, looks like it's still on.
posted by hangashore at 4:42 PM on November 7, 2020
Meanwhile the Biden/Harris lead in Georgia is up over 9100, and is still over 21,000 in Arizona, so a final 306-232 EV count, effectively a mirror image of 2016, looks like it's still on.
posted by hangashore at 4:42 PM on November 7, 2020
come to think of it, did anyone figure out what covfefe meant, anyway?
I thought almost right away that he was trying to say “keyfabe”. He does have some insider experience with pro wrestling.
posted by gauche at 4:42 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
I thought almost right away that he was trying to say “keyfabe”. He does have some insider experience with pro wrestling.
posted by gauche at 4:42 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Thrilled, of course -- but also realizing there's more work to be done in even in the next few days, for people who have the energy. There's local races that are very tight, where ballot curing could matter. NC and AZ still have ballot curing needed.
Here are upcoming events doing ballot curing in NC (NC ballot curing deadline: Thursday Nov 12, 5pm)
https://www.mobilize.us/nc2020victory/
For AZ ballot curing (available through Tuesday Nov 10), here's a roundup:
In person ballot curing, in AZ, Pima county:
https://pimadems.org/2020cure/
On the same page, scroll down for events in Phoenix, Marydale, Mesa, and Scottsdale.
For people who are not in AZ itself, or for people who cannot do in-person socially distanced canvassing, there's phonebanking: https://norcalblue.org/event/az-voter-protection-ballot-cure-phone-textbanks-with-together-for-2020/all/
It'd be great if people could respond here or in the local post (https://www.metafilter.com/189315/US-Election-2020-Some-politics-is-local#8011710) with links to other states with close elections that need ballot curing; there very well might be on-the-ground mefites who can help. I don't even know which states allow it still-- GA's deadline for curing was today, though of course it does have two runoffs for the Senate soon and registration deadline for that is Dec 7! So, does your state allow ballot curing? Are there close elections left (house reps? state level or local level?)? Can you help?
posted by nat at 4:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
Here are upcoming events doing ballot curing in NC (NC ballot curing deadline: Thursday Nov 12, 5pm)
https://www.mobilize.us/nc2020victory/
For AZ ballot curing (available through Tuesday Nov 10), here's a roundup:
In person ballot curing, in AZ, Pima county:
https://pimadems.org/2020cure/
On the same page, scroll down for events in Phoenix, Marydale, Mesa, and Scottsdale.
For people who are not in AZ itself, or for people who cannot do in-person socially distanced canvassing, there's phonebanking: https://norcalblue.org/event/az-voter-protection-ballot-cure-phone-textbanks-with-together-for-2020/all/
It'd be great if people could respond here or in the local post (https://www.metafilter.com/189315/US-Election-2020-Some-politics-is-local#8011710) with links to other states with close elections that need ballot curing; there very well might be on-the-ground mefites who can help. I don't even know which states allow it still-- GA's deadline for curing was today, though of course it does have two runoffs for the Senate soon and registration deadline for that is Dec 7! So, does your state allow ballot curing? Are there close elections left (house reps? state level or local level?)? Can you help?
posted by nat at 4:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
Anyone going to stick around to watch the credits?
posted by sebastienbailard at 4:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by sebastienbailard at 4:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
come to think of it, did anyone figure out what covfefe meant, anyway?
Going by the context I think he had intended to type "coverage".
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Twitter video "A man wearing a Puerto Rican flag tosses paper towel over the fence toward the White House. 'Never forget,' he said."
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 4:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 4:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
I would like to see people reclaim the flag.
Whenever I see it after a few of those dystopian black-and-white blue line flags, the Red White and Blue feels like real Americans standing up and saying no to fascism and the racist police state.
(And, if I'm honest, Steve Rodgers punching Hitler and tossing Hydra out the door.)
posted by straight at 4:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
Whenever I see it after a few of those dystopian black-and-white blue line flags, the Red White and Blue feels like real Americans standing up and saying no to fascism and the racist police state.
(And, if I'm honest, Steve Rodgers punching Hitler and tossing Hydra out the door.)
posted by straight at 4:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
Thought that crossed my head: if the R\epublicans want anyone to emulate Michelle Obama, they should vote UNANYMOUSLY to confirm her to a cabinet position, with flowers and an apology.
The lady could handle Commerce, the Interior, HHS, HUD, Education, any one of these.
It's a simple litmus test for what should happen next. If she's sworn in, I'll follower her example. Otherwise, "when they go low, kick them in the fucking head, and make them wish they were dealing with Michelle Obama."
posted by ocschwar at 4:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
The lady could handle Commerce, the Interior, HHS, HUD, Education, any one of these.
It's a simple litmus test for what should happen next. If she's sworn in, I'll follower her example. Otherwise, "when they go low, kick them in the fucking head, and make them wish they were dealing with Michelle Obama."
posted by ocschwar at 4:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
Good lord, that was a nailbiter. I had a stomachache for a lot of last week, and I’m not even American! I can’t imagine what it must have been like to be actually living there, knowing such a large segment of the citizenry is A-OK with having an incompetent, selfish, childish white supremacist/fascist at the helm.
Now, I’m not a fool, and I don’t think everything is all perfect for you now, but America, I’m very glad it’s official and soon Donald Trump will not be your president anymore.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 4:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
Now, I’m not a fool, and I don’t think everything is all perfect for you now, but America, I’m very glad it’s official and soon Donald Trump will not be your president anymore.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 4:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
I don't think there's any additional curing to be done in Iowa's 2nd, but there was a recount of the county that had the reporting error, and the Democrat picked up two votes. She's now ahead by 164 votes, out of about 400,000 cast. There will definitely be a recount (and there should be), but I don't think it's likely to change the outcome.
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 4:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 4:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
under some conditions Trump would consider an appropriate transfer of power.
guarantee of a pardon for him and his family, maybe a few key associates?
posted by philip-random at 4:51 PM on November 7, 2020
guarantee of a pardon for him and his family, maybe a few key associates?
posted by philip-random at 4:51 PM on November 7, 2020
Biden plans immediate flurry of executive orders to reverse Trump policies
posted by tonycpsu at 4:52 PM on November 7, 2020 [118 favorites]
President-elect Joe Biden is planning to quickly sign a series of executive orders after being sworn into office on Jan. 20, immediately forecasting that the country’s politics have shifted and that his presidency will be guided by radically different priorities.I think we all knew these were coming, but I love how his people are getting this stuff out there now, while Trump is apoplectic and people are marching in the streets to celebrate the impending end of his presidency.
He will rejoin the Paris climate accords, according to those close to his campaign and commitments he has made in recent months, and he will reverse President Trump’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization. He will repeal the ban on immigration from many Muslim-majority countries, and he will reinstate the program allowing “dreamers,” who were brought to the United States illegally as children, to remain in the country, according to people familiar with his plans.
posted by tonycpsu at 4:52 PM on November 7, 2020 [118 favorites]
Biden and Harris's victory speeches coming in a couple minutes. Right now it's just talking heads.
https://www.c-span.org/video/?477916-1/president-elect-joe-biden-vice-president-elect-kamala-harris-address-nation
posted by sebastienbailard at 4:53 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
https://www.c-span.org/video/?477916-1/president-elect-joe-biden-vice-president-elect-kamala-harris-address-nation
posted by sebastienbailard at 4:53 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Thank you MeFi for providing the chatter and commentary I needed to read in the last few days. Such a huge sigh of relief today.
Being a Canadian living in the US with a visa until just a few years ago, this was the first election campaign in which I've really gotten involved. Looking through my phone bill, I've made a few hundred manual dials in addition to the times I've been on an autodialer. I've talked to maybe 100-200 people, written a hundred postcards, texted tens of thousands of people, and delivered 200 pamphlets. I think I'm a pretty middle-of-the-pack volunteer in terms of effort and skill? And if I had to put money on it, my guess for how many votes I substantially influenced (either directly or indirectly) would be around 5. Judging from the numbers I see from Slack channel member counts, Zoom meeting participants, and the event listings from just the mailing lists I happen to be subscribed to, I'd say there were certainly hundreds of thousands of volunteers around the country, quite possibly in the low millions. So on the one hand, 5 votes for the tens of hours that I spent seems like really low ROI, but when you multiply by the number of people out there doing this work, this is exactly how we got 10 million more votes than last time, and it's the reason we didn't lose, because the other side also turned out. Bill McKibben has a good short article on the work we did. And this "we"... I gotta say, in all the Zoom rooms I've been in, women outnumber men roughly 9:1.
Maybe it's silly that it's taken me this long (I'm in my mid-30s) to appreciate this, but democracy isn't something that you have or don't have. It's like physical health; we have to consciously work on maintaining it and improving it. Some countries are blessed with a more robust constitution, less susceptible to corrupting forces, while others can be quickly brought to the brink of collapse by infectious agents turning the body against itself. It scares me to think how close this election was and how much more work we have to do. It scares me that here in Oregon, 40% voted for Trump, we failed to gain in the state legislature (meaning we'll probably see more walk-offs), and three out of three council seats in Portland/Metro went to the less progressive candidate. But as AOC said in her fantastic video post after RBG's death, we need to turn this fear into action, because our lives and our future depend on it. Climate change is happening, and I'm going to figure out how I can help.
posted by bread-eater at 4:54 PM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
Being a Canadian living in the US with a visa until just a few years ago, this was the first election campaign in which I've really gotten involved. Looking through my phone bill, I've made a few hundred manual dials in addition to the times I've been on an autodialer. I've talked to maybe 100-200 people, written a hundred postcards, texted tens of thousands of people, and delivered 200 pamphlets. I think I'm a pretty middle-of-the-pack volunteer in terms of effort and skill? And if I had to put money on it, my guess for how many votes I substantially influenced (either directly or indirectly) would be around 5. Judging from the numbers I see from Slack channel member counts, Zoom meeting participants, and the event listings from just the mailing lists I happen to be subscribed to, I'd say there were certainly hundreds of thousands of volunteers around the country, quite possibly in the low millions. So on the one hand, 5 votes for the tens of hours that I spent seems like really low ROI, but when you multiply by the number of people out there doing this work, this is exactly how we got 10 million more votes than last time, and it's the reason we didn't lose, because the other side also turned out. Bill McKibben has a good short article on the work we did. And this "we"... I gotta say, in all the Zoom rooms I've been in, women outnumber men roughly 9:1.
Maybe it's silly that it's taken me this long (I'm in my mid-30s) to appreciate this, but democracy isn't something that you have or don't have. It's like physical health; we have to consciously work on maintaining it and improving it. Some countries are blessed with a more robust constitution, less susceptible to corrupting forces, while others can be quickly brought to the brink of collapse by infectious agents turning the body against itself. It scares me to think how close this election was and how much more work we have to do. It scares me that here in Oregon, 40% voted for Trump, we failed to gain in the state legislature (meaning we'll probably see more walk-offs), and three out of three council seats in Portland/Metro went to the less progressive candidate. But as AOC said in her fantastic video post after RBG's death, we need to turn this fear into action, because our lives and our future depend on it. Climate change is happening, and I'm going to figure out how I can help.
posted by bread-eater at 4:54 PM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
I'm watching something on PBS (via YouTube). Right now it looks like a drive in movie with music (Prince!). Am I on the right channel? I don't have broadcast TV or cable, so I hope I'm in the right place!!
posted by sundrop at 4:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by sundrop at 4:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
the bill for Trump's corona virus non-response will come due, and there will be a devastating price to be paid.
Not according to Trump:
“That’s all I hear about now. Turn on television, ‘Covid, Covid, Covid Covid Covid.’" “By the way, on November 4, you won’t hear about it anymore.”
I think reality is about to bite him on the ass -- again.
posted by JackFlash at 4:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Not according to Trump:
“That’s all I hear about now. Turn on television, ‘Covid, Covid, Covid Covid Covid.’" “By the way, on November 4, you won’t hear about it anymore.”
I think reality is about to bite him on the ass -- again.
posted by JackFlash at 4:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Sundrop, that's the same place I am. They have the live stream set up so they don't miss anything when it starts.
posted by gwydapllew at 4:58 PM on November 7, 2020
posted by gwydapllew at 4:58 PM on November 7, 2020
BBC's Emily Maitlis reports:
Looks like this is happening ..
*WH STATEMENT FROM SPKSPERSON *
The President will accept the results of a free and fair election. The Trump Administration is following all statutory requirements.
However, one assumes that statement is going to go on to claim that this was not a free and fair election?
posted by penguin pie at 5:02 PM on November 7, 2020
Looks like this is happening ..
*WH STATEMENT FROM SPKSPERSON *
The President will accept the results of a free and fair election. The Trump Administration is following all statutory requirements.
However, one assumes that statement is going to go on to claim that this was not a free and fair election?
posted by penguin pie at 5:02 PM on November 7, 2020
Oh OK, Maitlis has already deleted that tweet...
posted by penguin pie at 5:03 PM on November 7, 2020
posted by penguin pie at 5:03 PM on November 7, 2020
Anyone know what’s up with the Jeep’s at the Biden victory speech?
posted by photoslob at 5:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by photoslob at 5:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
One of the things I'm most looking forward to is sweet revenge from the press.
For four long years they've cowered in fear, because Trump in his bully pulpit had the power to excommunicate them, and like it or not they had an obligation to at least report on what the POTUS said.
Now that Biden is the President Elect, the press no longer have that much of a need to give Trump a platform.
And there have already been very good signs that they're relishing the opportunity to basically tell him to STFU:
- NYT calling him a liar for the first time
- the press literally walking away from Giuliani's landscaping whinge before it even began
- Uncle Rupert turning his Fox lapdogs against Trump
- A reporter at Trump's lie-fest the other day simply yelling out "Are you just a sore loser?"
- Major networks just cutting off that press conference part way through, saying "well, this is a load of rubbish, no point in even continuing the broadcast"
Trump has deliberately alienated most of the media, and not only do they owe him not one single favour, they must be relishing the opportunity to take their muzzles off, finally.
I'm expecting him to get much, much less airtime than previously, and what reporting there is will be a few printed quotes and a lot of commentary to the tune of "Well, he would say that wouldn't he?"
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [31 favorites]
For four long years they've cowered in fear, because Trump in his bully pulpit had the power to excommunicate them, and like it or not they had an obligation to at least report on what the POTUS said.
Now that Biden is the President Elect, the press no longer have that much of a need to give Trump a platform.
And there have already been very good signs that they're relishing the opportunity to basically tell him to STFU:
- NYT calling him a liar for the first time
- the press literally walking away from Giuliani's landscaping whinge before it even began
- Uncle Rupert turning his Fox lapdogs against Trump
- A reporter at Trump's lie-fest the other day simply yelling out "Are you just a sore loser?"
- Major networks just cutting off that press conference part way through, saying "well, this is a load of rubbish, no point in even continuing the broadcast"
Trump has deliberately alienated most of the media, and not only do they owe him not one single favour, they must be relishing the opportunity to take their muzzles off, finally.
I'm expecting him to get much, much less airtime than previously, and what reporting there is will be a few printed quotes and a lot of commentary to the tune of "Well, he would say that wouldn't he?"
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [31 favorites]
Sometimes by Sheenagh Pugh
Sometimes things don't go, after all,
from bad to worse. Some years, muscadel
faces down frost; green thrives; the crops don't fail,
sometimes a man aims high, and all goes well.
A people sometimes will step back from war;
elect an honest man, decide they care
enough, that they can't leave some stranger poor.
Some men become what they were born for.
Sometimes our best efforts do not go
amiss, sometimes we do as we meant to.
The sun will sometimes melt a field of sorrow
that seemed hard frozen: may it happen for you.
posted by triggerfinger at 5:05 PM on November 7, 2020 [37 favorites]
Sometimes things don't go, after all,
from bad to worse. Some years, muscadel
faces down frost; green thrives; the crops don't fail,
sometimes a man aims high, and all goes well.
A people sometimes will step back from war;
elect an honest man, decide they care
enough, that they can't leave some stranger poor.
Some men become what they were born for.
Sometimes our best efforts do not go
amiss, sometimes we do as we meant to.
The sun will sometimes melt a field of sorrow
that seemed hard frozen: may it happen for you.
posted by triggerfinger at 5:05 PM on November 7, 2020 [37 favorites]
Really enjoying the spotify playlist btw. Thanks all for your great musical choices.
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:05 PM on November 7, 2020
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:05 PM on November 7, 2020
Breaking: we have an update on the status of the "this is fine" dog
posted by Zonker at 5:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [72 favorites]
posted by Zonker at 5:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [72 favorites]
When I was watching ABC for the announcement that they were calling it this morning, the panel and different guests calling in were absolutely dragging the administration in ways I'd never seen before.
posted by LionIndex at 5:07 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by LionIndex at 5:07 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
You think when Trump finally leaves the White House he'll be the kind of dick who takes all the fixtures and switch covers and stuff too, just for spite?
posted by ctmf at 5:11 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by ctmf at 5:11 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
those dystopian black-and-white blue line flags
Yeah, I find the symbolism of this thing really mystifying. What message do they think they're sending with it? The phrase "thin blue line" is supposed to invoke the idea that the police are the only thing standing between law-abiding citizens and a seething criminal underworld. Yet the symbol they've chosen here is an American flag, drained of all color, divided in half by a blue line. It seems to send the exact opposite message from the "thin blue line" metaphor: we rob America of its colorful richness and divide it in two. It's almost exactly a symbol I would design to convey an anti-police message. I honestly can't see what positive message it's supposed to send, other than vaguely reminding people of the phrase "thin blue line," but even that's pretty weak. That this speaks to the pro-police-immunity advocates as a positive symbol just underlines to me how completely different our worldviews are.
posted by biogeo at 5:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [48 favorites]
Yeah, I find the symbolism of this thing really mystifying. What message do they think they're sending with it? The phrase "thin blue line" is supposed to invoke the idea that the police are the only thing standing between law-abiding citizens and a seething criminal underworld. Yet the symbol they've chosen here is an American flag, drained of all color, divided in half by a blue line. It seems to send the exact opposite message from the "thin blue line" metaphor: we rob America of its colorful richness and divide it in two. It's almost exactly a symbol I would design to convey an anti-police message. I honestly can't see what positive message it's supposed to send, other than vaguely reminding people of the phrase "thin blue line," but even that's pretty weak. That this speaks to the pro-police-immunity advocates as a positive symbol just underlines to me how completely different our worldviews are.
posted by biogeo at 5:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [48 favorites]
If he does they'll dock his pay.
posted by seanmpuckett at 5:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by seanmpuckett at 5:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
> You think when Trump finally leaves the White House he'll be the kind of dick who takes all the fixtures and switch covers and stuff too, just for spite?
Nah, that will be Biden's bug-sweeping team.
posted by sebastienbailard at 5:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
Nah, that will be Biden's bug-sweeping team.
posted by sebastienbailard at 5:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
Anyone know what’s up with the Jeep’s at the Biden victory speech?
I don't know, but I assume it's because Jeeps are one of the only modern cars with T-tops.
posted by Monochrome at 5:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
I don't know, but I assume it's because Jeeps are one of the only modern cars with T-tops.
posted by Monochrome at 5:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Watching the Biden/Harris thing on C-SPAN, waiting for it to start and it’s just roaming footage of parked cars and happy people and classic rock while we wait. I am looking forward more than I realized to just seeing competent adults addressing the nation.
posted by cortex at 5:15 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
posted by cortex at 5:15 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
Um....the live stream hasn't started yet, right? I'm not insane? I can see flags gently moving in the breeze and that's it....Never mind, I'm switching livestream channels to something with movement. They're all at the motorcade, I guess.
posted by jenfullmoon at 5:15 PM on November 7, 2020
posted by jenfullmoon at 5:15 PM on November 7, 2020
Lots of shiny happy people cheering, dancing and singing on the Guardian's stream.
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:17 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:17 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
It's currently just Joe Biden's Super Sounds of The Seventies/Eighties
posted by valkane at 5:17 PM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
posted by valkane at 5:17 PM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
Really? Crazed Trump thinks he is going to win court case(s) to win this election and tell ALL the millions celebrating a Biden win..nope I won the court cases I'm the president for the next four years.
If that happens talk about civil unrest!!
posted by robbyrobs at 5:19 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
If that happens talk about civil unrest!!
posted by robbyrobs at 5:19 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Still, it's a lot nicer venue than Four Seasons Total Lawn Care.
posted by valkane at 5:19 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
posted by valkane at 5:19 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
Yeah, I find the symbolism of this thing really mystifying. What message do they think they're sending with it?
It's an assertion of dominance. It's not meant to be reassuring, only to impress that resistance is useless.
posted by acb at 5:20 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
It's an assertion of dominance. It's not meant to be reassuring, only to impress that resistance is useless.
posted by acb at 5:20 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
Really? Crazed Trump thinks he is going to win court case(s) to win this election and tell ALL the millions celebrating a Biden win..nope I won the court cases I'm the president for the next four years.
Guy on TV just mentioned that he'd have to turn over 3 states to be successful in that. But yeah, tell all the people dancing in the streets today "oh, your vote doesn't count" and the protests earlier this year will look like a garden party.
posted by LionIndex at 5:21 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Guy on TV just mentioned that he'd have to turn over 3 states to be successful in that. But yeah, tell all the people dancing in the streets today "oh, your vote doesn't count" and the protests earlier this year will look like a garden party.
posted by LionIndex at 5:21 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Props to the folks that got the Biden/Harris stage set up in one day. It's pretty elaborate. I wish I was there!
posted by sundrop at 5:22 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by sundrop at 5:22 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
I find the symbolism of this thing really mystifying. What message do they think they're sending with it?
I always felt the main message of those flags had less to do with the blue stripe across the middle, and more to do with making the stars and stripes look like prison bars, drained of all color.
posted by EatTheWeek at 5:22 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
I always felt the main message of those flags had less to do with the blue stripe across the middle, and more to do with making the stars and stripes look like prison bars, drained of all color.
posted by EatTheWeek at 5:22 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
Well, for one thing... he seems incapable of starting on time. :)
posted by zengargoyle at 5:23 PM on November 7, 2020
posted by zengargoyle at 5:23 PM on November 7, 2020
This crowd at the livestream event has such fantastic energy!! The absolute antithesis of the angry, bullying, rage-based energy put out by all the trump crowds. How wonderful to be there- I wish I could too! Also happy to see families with children, all sharing this experience together. And from what I can see, all pretty much masked! I don't mind the late start, it's lovely to share the vibe and imagine myself being there and basking in that wonderful happy feeling.
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 5:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [16 favorites]
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 5:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [16 favorites]
It's an assertion of dominance. It's not meant to be reassuring, only to impress that resistance is useless.
I mean, fair enough, I can believe that's what they're going for. But even if that's the message it doesn't seem like a very effective symbol for it. I mean, Punisher skulls I get, that's intimidating. But the thin blue line flag? Just seems kind of pathetically inept to me.
posted by biogeo at 5:25 PM on November 7, 2020
I mean, fair enough, I can believe that's what they're going for. But even if that's the message it doesn't seem like a very effective symbol for it. I mean, Punisher skulls I get, that's intimidating. But the thin blue line flag? Just seems kind of pathetically inept to me.
posted by biogeo at 5:25 PM on November 7, 2020
Watching Bloomberg channel (I don't really know why) while waiting for Harris & Biden speeches, and they are leaning heavily into the "Biden and his team have TONS of experience, they totally know what they're doing" narrative. Especially about the transition.
So, for good or ill, Wall Street seems to feel pretty good about a Biden administration.
posted by soundguy99 at 5:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
So, for good or ill, Wall Street seems to feel pretty good about a Biden administration.
posted by soundguy99 at 5:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
Heeerrreee's Kamala
posted by lovelyzoo at 5:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by lovelyzoo at 5:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Props to the folks that got the Biden/Harris stage set up in one day.
The teevee folks I'm watching have said that it's been up since Tuesday.
Fairly safe bet they started no later than last Sunday.
posted by soundguy99 at 5:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
The teevee folks I'm watching have said that it's been up since Tuesday.
Fairly safe bet they started no later than last Sunday.
posted by soundguy99 at 5:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
A reasonable number of pretty high-flying financiers were "unofficially on the record" (if that makes sense) as preferring a Biden administration even though they expected to pay more substantially more taxes just because they wanted the stability.
posted by aramaic at 5:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by aramaic at 5:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
Kamala in a white pantsuit is giving me life!
posted by Preserver at 5:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [32 favorites]
posted by Preserver at 5:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [32 favorites]
KAMALA IS GLOWING OMG SHE IS DIVINE
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 5:29 PM on November 7, 2020 [47 favorites]
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 5:29 PM on November 7, 2020 [47 favorites]
I love the ASL interpreter's smile and energy.
posted by mogget at 5:29 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by mogget at 5:29 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Speaking of symbolism, it's worth also noting that the massive street parties all across the country of people celebrating Biden's win are symbolically at least as important as the media certifying his victory for establishing the legitimacy of the results. I really believe all of the celebration and partying is an important civic contribution from everyone who participated.
posted by biogeo at 5:29 PM on November 7, 2020 [82 favorites]
posted by biogeo at 5:29 PM on November 7, 2020 [82 favorites]
I really think Trump’s terrible press conference was the beginning of the end for him. The gop response to it was immediate and negative, and he just looked defeated, a loser, the one thing he always claimed was the worst thing. Now he’s not just a loser, he’s a one term president, the loserest loser of all. I can’t see anyone taking his calls past 1/20/21. If, somehow, he manages to avoid prison, it’s looking like Twitter is saying once he’s not president, they can dump him. Even if he heads to Parler, how many of his base will actually follow? We’ve talked about people not understanding algorithms and how they can’t tell the difference between propaganda and news. How many of them will understand enough to leave Facebook (which is largely a place for people who don’t know how to use anything else now), and find another platform? How much of people paying any attention to Ivanka was essentially the equivalent of staying at a Trump property, just a way to curry favor with Trump? As a loser, Trump’s power is greatly reduced, why would people need to pretend Ivanka is anything more than an empty shell?
I can’t imagine Trump making it to 2024, honestly, and even if he does, the diminishment he’s undergoing will (glob willing) eliminate any chance of another run, or his spawn.
Past that, I feel 2024 will have a mirrored replay of 2016. So many people voted for Obama in 2008/2012, but decided that Clinton just didn’t excite them, and stayed home. Imagine Rubio, Cruz, or Cotton trying to follow Trump. Those people on their knees in Detroit, raised hands, praying at the vote counters? Their mania won’t transfer well, and they’ll stay home, or vote for a spittle flecked third party. I mean, the GOP managing to harness any of that, that’s the greatest threat going forward.
For now, though, I’ll settle for enjoying Trump’s utter and total meltdown. Luckily, we got a case of popcorn last time we went to Costco.
posted by Ghidorah at 5:29 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
I can’t imagine Trump making it to 2024, honestly, and even if he does, the diminishment he’s undergoing will (glob willing) eliminate any chance of another run, or his spawn.
Past that, I feel 2024 will have a mirrored replay of 2016. So many people voted for Obama in 2008/2012, but decided that Clinton just didn’t excite them, and stayed home. Imagine Rubio, Cruz, or Cotton trying to follow Trump. Those people on their knees in Detroit, raised hands, praying at the vote counters? Their mania won’t transfer well, and they’ll stay home, or vote for a spittle flecked third party. I mean, the GOP managing to harness any of that, that’s the greatest threat going forward.
For now, though, I’ll settle for enjoying Trump’s utter and total meltdown. Luckily, we got a case of popcorn last time we went to Costco.
posted by Ghidorah at 5:29 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
It would have made me sad if the results went the other way, so today I bought a B"H 2020 coffee mug.
I started writing this a bit ago, but then I started crying at VP-Elect Harris and her white pantsuit.
posted by Ruki at 5:31 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
I started writing this a bit ago, but then I started crying at VP-Elect Harris and her white pantsuit.
posted by Ruki at 5:31 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
the people have chosen hope!
the people have chosen unity!
the people have chosen empathy!
the people have chosen science!
the people have chosen truth!
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 5:31 PM on November 7, 2020 [39 favorites]
the people have chosen unity!
the people have chosen empathy!
the people have chosen science!
the people have chosen truth!
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 5:31 PM on November 7, 2020 [39 favorites]
Science got a cheer!
posted by biogeo at 5:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by biogeo at 5:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
Her white suit looks awesome with the lapel flag - really makes the red and blue pop. And of course she’s just awesome anyway!
This speech will be odd to look back at in 20 years as people ask “who the fuck brought a car horn into the speech.....”
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
This speech will be odd to look back at in 20 years as people ask “who the fuck brought a car horn into the speech.....”
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
I can't wait until she's president.
posted by valkane at 5:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [42 favorites]
posted by valkane at 5:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [42 favorites]
>>It's an assertion of dominance. It's not meant to be reassuring, only to impress that resistance is useless.
>I mean, fair enough, I can believe that's what they're going for. But even if that's the message it doesn't seem like a very effective symbol for it. I mean, Punisher skulls I get, that's intimidating. But the thin blue line flag? Just seems kind of pathetically inept to me.
The people who design stuff like this are not deep thinkers. It's black and gray because that's stern and manly, with a blue line because of the phrase "thin blue line". That's 100% of it.
posted by rifflesby at 5:34 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
>I mean, fair enough, I can believe that's what they're going for. But even if that's the message it doesn't seem like a very effective symbol for it. I mean, Punisher skulls I get, that's intimidating. But the thin blue line flag? Just seems kind of pathetically inept to me.
The people who design stuff like this are not deep thinkers. It's black and gray because that's stern and manly, with a blue line because of the phrase "thin blue line". That's 100% of it.
posted by rifflesby at 5:34 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
Anyone know how the Q crowd are spinning Biden’s win? That should make for some chuckle-inducing reading.
posted by Thorzdad at 5:35 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by Thorzdad at 5:35 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
This speech is fantastic.
posted by biogeo at 5:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by biogeo at 5:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
I am looking forward to reacquainting myself with NPR, which I have not been able to listen to recently because they kept running audio of Trump's voice with no trigger warning first.
posted by PhineasGage at 5:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
posted by PhineasGage at 5:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
Y’all, it is SO NICE to hear a speech with complete sentences again.
posted by Fleebnork at 5:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [96 favorites]
posted by Fleebnork at 5:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [96 favorites]
Four years ago I cried in despair. Now I’m crying in joy.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 5:37 PM on November 7, 2020 [33 favorites]
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 5:37 PM on November 7, 2020 [33 favorites]
K Harris knows how to frame a speech the way it should be done.
She's great at talking in front of a crowd & saying coherent things, a rare talent.
posted by ovvl at 5:37 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
She's great at talking in front of a crowd & saying coherent things, a rare talent.
posted by ovvl at 5:37 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
SHE IS EVERYTHING. OMG. So thankful to see this day.
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 5:38 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 5:38 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
A Twitter acquaintance points out that the US now has 48 months until your next election. We (the UK) have a theoretical 49 months. Could have simultaneous elections. Not sure I can take that.
posted by EndsOfInvention at 5:38 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by EndsOfInvention at 5:38 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
I wish I could have street partied (not that that 's a good idea these days, mind you), but I had rehearsal all day. Ah well, now that I am not on camera with a bunch of children, it's time to GET MAH DRINK ON.
I wanted Hillary, Elizabeth and/or Kamala to be president. Happily, I still have a shot at one of those :)
posted by jenfullmoon at 5:39 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
I wanted Hillary, Elizabeth and/or Kamala to be president. Happily, I still have a shot at one of those :)
posted by jenfullmoon at 5:39 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
Whoo, that's a hard act to follow. Good luck, Joe.
posted by biogeo at 5:39 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by biogeo at 5:39 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
Vice President-Elect Harris said "We have elected a President" and for a moment my heart sank, picturing the orange face of our current Prez, before I realized she was talking about Biden and I grinned. This is it! The future is bright!
posted by Monochrome at 5:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by Monochrome at 5:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Terrorist fist bumps!
posted by wabbittwax at 5:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by wabbittwax at 5:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
Well shit. Who's cutting onions in here?
posted by ramix at 5:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by ramix at 5:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Didn't really follow the primaries that well so I didn't realise until now but -- what a charismatic speaker Kamala is!
posted by Bektashi at 5:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by Bektashi at 5:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
Delawareans. It's like he's on Metafilter, watching us mispronounce place names.
posted by gwydapllew at 5:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by gwydapllew at 5:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
I'm just so glad, all-around happy right now.
posted by Gray Duck at 5:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by Gray Duck at 5:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Joe looks damn good!
posted by PhineasGage at 5:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by PhineasGage at 5:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
He’s got such Mr Smith Goes to Washington energy
posted by wabbittwax at 5:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
posted by wabbittwax at 5:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
A Twitter acquaintance points out that the US now has 48 months until your next election
We've elections every November, and if more Americans remembered this, we'd be in less crap than we are.
posted by 922257033c4a0f3cecdbd819a46d626999d1af4a at 5:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [43 favorites]
We've elections every November, and if more Americans remembered this, we'd be in less crap than we are.
posted by 922257033c4a0f3cecdbd819a46d626999d1af4a at 5:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [43 favorites]
When you can viciously troll your predecessor just by jogging down a ramp...
posted by Zonker at 5:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [98 favorites]
posted by Zonker at 5:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [98 favorites]
Joe is LIT.
posted by Bektashi at 5:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by Bektashi at 5:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
That Diamond Joe smile......
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
God, Jill will be SO MUCH BETTER THAN MELANIA.
posted by jenfullmoon at 5:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [40 favorites]
posted by jenfullmoon at 5:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [40 favorites]
We usually have elections in the Spring as well, and those are the ones where you vote counts the most.
posted by biogeo at 5:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by biogeo at 5:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
There’s such joy and humanity!
posted by calgirl at 5:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by calgirl at 5:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
THAT IS ME THE LOCAL ELECTION OFFICIAL, EEEEEEEE.
Getting multiple shoutouts at this thing is very cool.
posted by jessamyn at 5:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [115 favorites]
Getting multiple shoutouts at this thing is very cool.
posted by jessamyn at 5:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [115 favorites]
Literal glint every time he flashes that smile!
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 5:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 5:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Anyone know how the Q crowd are spinning Biden’s win? That should make for some chuckle-inducing reading.
From the little I've seen: Fraud, coup, etc.
posted by clawsoon at 5:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
From the little I've seen: Fraud, coup, etc.
posted by clawsoon at 5:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Man, that punch on the African-American line. He's good at this.
posted by gwydapllew at 5:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
posted by gwydapllew at 5:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
I find the symbolism of this thing really mystifying. What message do they think they're sending with it?
I think what they say is that the symbolism is supposed to be black-and-white in mourning for those who died and blue line to indicate you are honoring police who died in the line of duty. Maybe makes sense to the same kind of people who thought the US Airways logo was a good idea and not shorthand from a sci-fi show to indicate an alternate timeline where the Soviet Union had conquered America.
posted by straight at 5:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
I think what they say is that the symbolism is supposed to be black-and-white in mourning for those who died and blue line to indicate you are honoring police who died in the line of duty. Maybe makes sense to the same kind of people who thought the US Airways logo was a good idea and not shorthand from a sci-fi show to indicate an alternate timeline where the Soviet Union had conquered America.
posted by straight at 5:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Kamala is amazing. Joe is amazing. This is amazing.
posted by nanook at 5:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
posted by nanook at 5:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
Breaking: we have an update on the status of the "this is fine" dog
okay this is gonna be the thing that finally gets me to start ugly crying
posted by taquito sunrise at 5:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
okay this is gonna be the thing that finally gets me to start ugly crying
posted by taquito sunrise at 5:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
OK, I kind of know it's an act, but I love the folksy "Is that Ruth Ann? Hi to my sister!" bit.
(In the Obama years, Uncle Joe had a reputation for being prone to foot-in-mouth-ism, but after four years of President Pumpkin, he sounds positively eloquent.)
posted by basalganglia at 5:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
(In the Obama years, Uncle Joe had a reputation for being prone to foot-in-mouth-ism, but after four years of President Pumpkin, he sounds positively eloquent.)
posted by basalganglia at 5:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
Pound that podium Joe. Not just now but going forward.
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
I honest to god forgot what this felt like.
posted by jameaterblues at 5:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [25 favorites]
posted by jameaterblues at 5:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [25 favorites]
No words for how it feels to be watching a president who is good and kind.
posted by triggerfinger at 5:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
posted by triggerfinger at 5:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
From The Onion: QAnon Followers Frustrated After Q Calls For Respecting Election Results, Uniting Behind Biden (Satire, obviously. Finally, The Onion will have a world to satirize that's not consistently stupider than whatever they can come up with.)
posted by clawsoon at 5:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by clawsoon at 5:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
When you can viciously troll your predecessor just by jogging down a ramp...
Please drink a glass of water, please drink a glass of water . . .
posted by Spathe Cadet at 5:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
Please drink a glass of water, please drink a glass of water . . .
posted by Spathe Cadet at 5:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
God, Jill will be SO MUCH BETTER THAN MELANIA.
Of course, but give me one more year of Melania's Christmas horrorland.
posted by gladly at 5:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
Of course, but give me one more year of Melania's Christmas horrorland.
posted by gladly at 5:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
Science! Decency! Hope!
My 8 year old just leaned over and said “yeah I like him”.
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
My 8 year old just leaned over and said “yeah I like him”.
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
If this crying continues I am going to need to rehydrate soon.
posted by PhineasGage at 5:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by PhineasGage at 5:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Damn. We are really going to have real humans with real hearts and real minds in the White House again.
posted by vers at 5:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by vers at 5:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
I realize this unity and listen-to-each-other stuff is standard, but if he says we're not holding the previous administration to answer for their crimes, I'm taking my vote back.
posted by ctmf at 5:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by ctmf at 5:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
On the covid plan: "That plan will be built on a bedrock of science. It will be constructed out of compassion, empathy, and concern." Really, really good line.
posted by biogeo at 5:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [35 favorites]
posted by biogeo at 5:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [35 favorites]
Joe was a little tired last night, and still, that speech got my goat. But this one? He is presidenting the way it should be done.
posted by valkane at 5:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
posted by valkane at 5:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
(not really, because at least the criminals are done, but you know what I mean.)
posted by ctmf at 5:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by ctmf at 5:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
I've been pretty calm and chill all week, but Kamala Harris in suffragette white speaking to the little girls of America did me in, I'm ugly-crying.
My 9- and 11-year-olds keep giving Joe Biden standing ovations while they watch his speech. Which is not helping with the ugly-crying.
(I think I cried harder when Obama was elected, but I was pregnant, so it's probably a wash.)
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 5:51 PM on November 7, 2020 [59 favorites]
My 9- and 11-year-olds keep giving Joe Biden standing ovations while they watch his speech. Which is not helping with the ugly-crying.
(I think I cried harder when Obama was elected, but I was pregnant, so it's probably a wash.)
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 5:51 PM on November 7, 2020 [59 favorites]
This is such a smart speech.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 5:51 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 5:51 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Why do I think Jill’s Whitehouse Christmas/Holidays will be all hand made decorations from every school in the country. She’s going to be a fucking low key rock star!
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:52 PM on November 7, 2020 [39 favorites]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:52 PM on November 7, 2020 [39 favorites]
I think it's only sinking in for me now that he's not just "Not Trump".
He's actively good and decent and moral and kind and he's going to be in the White House.
posted by penguin pie at 5:53 PM on November 7, 2020 [73 favorites]
He's actively good and decent and moral and kind and he's going to be in the White House.
posted by penguin pie at 5:53 PM on November 7, 2020 [73 favorites]
Biden just quoted my grandma's favorite hymn, I'm completely done.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 5:54 PM on November 7, 2020 [39 favorites]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 5:54 PM on November 7, 2020 [39 favorites]
My six-year-old daughter has her favorite unicorn pretending to be Biden and is giving a speech to her other stuffed animals. My five-year-old son is asking why people are honking, then when he found out it was like clapping he is running around saying 'honk honk honk.'
I lost my oldest daughter in childbirth. When Biden spoke with Colbert about Catholic grief, I knew he could be my President. Now he will be my President.
posted by gwydapllew at 5:54 PM on November 7, 2020 [91 favorites]
I lost my oldest daughter in childbirth. When Biden spoke with Colbert about Catholic grief, I knew he could be my President. Now he will be my President.
posted by gwydapllew at 5:54 PM on November 7, 2020 [91 favorites]
This man. This woman. Their families, and their DOGS. I am so damn ready for all of it!!
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 5:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 5:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
Folks,
posted by zeptoweasel at 5:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
posted by zeptoweasel at 5:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
That is such a classic hymn! I learned it in Catholic High School.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 5:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 5:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Imagine if can sustain this?. I mean he can’t give this speech everyday - but boy if he brings 50% of this consistently.......holy shit that will be awesome. Plus Kamala!
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Whoo, that's a hard act to follow. Good luck, Joe.
Never mind, he was fine.
posted by biogeo at 5:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
Never mind, he was fine.
posted by biogeo at 5:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
Kygo and Whitney Houston - Higher Love
posted by Monochrome at 5:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Monochrome at 5:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Jill looks stunning as well! And energetic! Not the robot we have now.
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
This was so much better/emotional than I expected/dared to hope, I am fired up but it's 2am
posted by Bektashi at 5:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by Bektashi at 5:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
That hug with Hunter broke me, man. It broke me.
posted by ramix at 5:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
posted by ramix at 5:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
What is this strange feeling. I don’t know how to deal with hope. Please?
posted by seanmpuckett at 5:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
posted by seanmpuckett at 5:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
That was awesome.
posted by valkane at 5:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by valkane at 5:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Look at all this...Joy. Pride. Family.
posted by gwydapllew at 5:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by gwydapllew at 5:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
A little too much god for my tastes. But the rest was good.
posted by zengargoyle at 5:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
posted by zengargoyle at 5:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
Was seriously impressed by Kamala Harris.
It's a beautiful Joevember day.
posted by daybeforetheday at 5:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
It's a beautiful Joevember day.
posted by daybeforetheday at 5:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Speaking of 2012 The Onion Joe Biden, in the Fox News stream I watched this morning they made a point of saying more than once that Biden would be using "American made" cars or Jeeps or something as part of today's festivities. I wonder how much the sense that if Biden says he'll buy American you can trust that he'll do it, if only for sentimental reasons, made in his Midwest victories. The sense that he loves America rather than seeing it as something to use.
posted by clawsoon at 5:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by clawsoon at 5:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
The best part is Tom Petty's estate won't be bitching tomorrow.
posted by valkane at 5:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [33 favorites]
posted by valkane at 5:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [33 favorites]
For all the gloating and such, I just cannot get in the mood. Not that I don't like Biden or Harris. Quite the contrary. It's that the best we can hope for is that Biden will stop the bleeding. Forget about reform this, progressive that. Near half the voting populace is fucked in the head enough to vote for the shittiest president in my 50+ year lifetime, the GOP knows this, and will act accordingly. All that's happened is that Donnie's left with his dick blowing in the wind. The real struggle is just starting...
posted by 2N2222 at 5:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
posted by 2N2222 at 5:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
Finally a President who gets to choose from almost any musical artist. Shares in Kid Rock are down sharply in after hours trading.
Those fireworks / light drones are amazeballs!
posted by inflatablekiwi at 6:00 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
Those fireworks / light drones are amazeballs!
posted by inflatablekiwi at 6:00 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
Someone remind Hunter to take his laptop with him as he leaves.
Man, talk about a total nothingburger (thank gawd) that turned out to be for the GOP "masterminds".
posted by maxwelton at 6:00 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
Man, talk about a total nothingburger (thank gawd) that turned out to be for the GOP "masterminds".
posted by maxwelton at 6:00 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
C'mon, we've had four years of megathreads of pain and misery. Let's just bask for a little while in the goodness.
posted by valkane at 6:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [48 favorites]
posted by valkane at 6:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [48 favorites]
A cartoon on the victory from Germany's Der Spiegel.
posted by bertran at 6:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by bertran at 6:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
Guys... I think we have found the exit ramp from the Darkest Timeline.
posted by invincible summer at 6:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
posted by invincible summer at 6:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [27 favorites]
SkyNews suggested the Trump team may have intended to hold their presser in the industrial district,
Reminder that there is absolutely nothing too stupid for this administration to do by deliberate choice.
"Oops we grabbed the wrong thing after Googling" was one option. So was "err the hotel said no, so how do we save face?" But it was also very much a possibility that someone said, "THERE. That is where we should give our final goodbye speech - in a parking lot next to an adult bookstore."
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 6:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
Reminder that there is absolutely nothing too stupid for this administration to do by deliberate choice.
"Oops we grabbed the wrong thing after Googling" was one option. So was "err the hotel said no, so how do we save face?" But it was also very much a possibility that someone said, "THERE. That is where we should give our final goodbye speech - in a parking lot next to an adult bookstore."
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 6:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
For those who want to watch Kamala's speech again- or missed it.
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 6:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 6:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
They're doing the map and text/graphics with pyro, or is that a fog-screen and a green hippo?
posted by mikelieman at 6:02 PM on November 7, 2020
posted by mikelieman at 6:02 PM on November 7, 2020
That was a hell of a speech. Kamala was a tough act to follow and he just nailed it. And seeing all the female POC in the crowds made me sooooooo happy.
posted by esquandolad at 6:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
posted by esquandolad at 6:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
My daughter (5yo) is so happy that the bad President didn’t win and that “the team with the girl on it” won. Literally all by herself she came up with “that means I can be President someday”.
Also, Biden said “disability” and my friends in the community are loving it.
posted by gauche at 6:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [60 favorites]
Also, Biden said “disability” and my friends in the community are loving it.
posted by gauche at 6:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [60 favorites]
Political compromise is having to sit through Coldplay to get to the Hall and Oates.
posted by cortex at 6:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [35 favorites]
posted by cortex at 6:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [35 favorites]
Gosh, those Intel drones have gotten good.
posted by rhamphorhynchus at 6:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by rhamphorhynchus at 6:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Are those drones?
posted by geoff. at 6:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by geoff. at 6:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Those are drones, mikelieman.
posted by MrVisible at 6:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by MrVisible at 6:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Turing into a Jill fanboy - she’s the groovy aunt that dances all night at the party isn’t she?
I assume the lights are coordinated drones (which they do now for big events) - I may be wrong
posted by inflatablekiwi at 6:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
I assume the lights are coordinated drones (which they do now for big events) - I may be wrong
posted by inflatablekiwi at 6:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Those are drones, how did they do that? Doesn't conceptually seem that hard, I'm furiously looking through github.
posted by geoff. at 6:04 PM on November 7, 2020
posted by geoff. at 6:04 PM on November 7, 2020
Best behaved baby ever!
posted by penguin pie at 6:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by penguin pie at 6:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Guys... I think we have found the exit ramp from the Darkest Timeline.
What, you mean I have to shave off my goatee now?
posted by dannyboybell at 6:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
What, you mean I have to shave off my goatee now?
posted by dannyboybell at 6:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
Such great speeches. Have bene crying all day in relief. Didn't stop through either of these. Let's keep it going...
posted by Windopaene at 6:05 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by Windopaene at 6:05 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
I'm so ready for kindness and empathy and hope to return to American discourse. My heart is aching listening to Biden and Harris because I have really missed hearing it.
I just don't think I'm wired to find mockery or nastiness amusing or funny and these last few years have been just...unfulfilling. Among other things, of course. I hope that way of being, of communicating is on its way out.
posted by Gray Duck at 6:05 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
I just don't think I'm wired to find mockery or nastiness amusing or funny and these last few years have been just...unfulfilling. Among other things, of course. I hope that way of being, of communicating is on its way out.
posted by Gray Duck at 6:05 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
We’re bawling. Science. Hope. Love. Complete sentences.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 6:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [40 favorites]
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 6:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [40 favorites]
8:05 CST -- Joe put on his mask!
posted by free f_ cat at 6:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by free f_ cat at 6:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
uring into a Jill fanboy - she’s the groovy aunt that dances all night at the party isn’t she?
Means a lot to this former teacher right here to see a teacher in the White House.
posted by scaryblackdeath at 6:07 PM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
Means a lot to this former teacher right here to see a teacher in the White House.
posted by scaryblackdeath at 6:07 PM on November 7, 2020 [28 favorites]
Jill told him to.
posted by valkane at 6:08 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by valkane at 6:08 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
And with that, it's 2am here, and I think I have to pick up my hope and happiness and take them off to bed with me - thank you all for the fine company and commentary!
posted by penguin pie at 6:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by penguin pie at 6:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Watching Kamala in her gleaming satin, I realized something: I never dared to believe this. I never dared to imagine it. All the happiness I felt at seeing or putting a Democratic sign or sticker out in the wild was tainted by anger, defiance, and the dread of uncertainty. And now it no longer has to be.
Today in Portland, Maine, where I am for reasons, it was absolutely wild downtown—an hours-long parade with no particular organization. You couldn’t hear yourself for honking. The only open defiance was a snarling Karen with a shirt on that said HOT MESS in gold letters.
I do not intend to tune out of politics again. I worry about 2024 already. But the boil has been lanced, at least.
posted by Countess Elena at 6:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [48 favorites]
Today in Portland, Maine, where I am for reasons, it was absolutely wild downtown—an hours-long parade with no particular organization. You couldn’t hear yourself for honking. The only open defiance was a snarling Karen with a shirt on that said HOT MESS in gold letters.
I do not intend to tune out of politics again. I worry about 2024 already. But the boil has been lanced, at least.
posted by Countess Elena at 6:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [48 favorites]
Pfft. Biden couldn't even wait until he was elected before launching the drrones. 🍔
posted by tonycpsu at 6:10 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by tonycpsu at 6:10 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
Not sure if anyone wants to add it to an election playlist, but I've been listening to The Lark Ascending a lot lately.
posted by clawsoon at 6:11 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by clawsoon at 6:11 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Biden's going to have a whole bunch of stories he could tell about crying people coming up to him and thanking him. Unlike Trump's, they'll actually be true.
posted by FishBike at 6:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [23 favorites]
posted by FishBike at 6:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [23 favorites]
Today just keeps getting better and better.
Not only do I get to watch two great speeches by adults who sound like adults fit for the job, but I also just found my hacksaw that I've been searching for all over, all morning.
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
Not only do I get to watch two great speeches by adults who sound like adults fit for the job, but I also just found my hacksaw that I've been searching for all over, all morning.
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
Gwydapllew, please tell us what Unicorn Biden is saying to the other stuffed animals!
I was so relieved that so many of my friends and family probably don't have to worry about maternal health, public health, and immigration laws like they have for the last few years.
I also can't imagine losing more money the way I have under Trump.
From Kamala Harris' great suffragette suit to the Whitney Houston remix, this acceptance speech event was so good.
*The weirdest thing that has happened was an old white acquaintance who hasn't talked to me in 6 months asking "how I feel about things" and I'm not responding. I literally assumed we were no longer friends after the lack of contact.
He can't just contact me when he wants to hear a minority's opinion. I'm curious if anyone else is getting this?
posted by Freecola at 6:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
I was so relieved that so many of my friends and family probably don't have to worry about maternal health, public health, and immigration laws like they have for the last few years.
I also can't imagine losing more money the way I have under Trump.
From Kamala Harris' great suffragette suit to the Whitney Houston remix, this acceptance speech event was so good.
*The weirdest thing that has happened was an old white acquaintance who hasn't talked to me in 6 months asking "how I feel about things" and I'm not responding. I literally assumed we were no longer friends after the lack of contact.
He can't just contact me when he wants to hear a minority's opinion. I'm curious if anyone else is getting this?
posted by Freecola at 6:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
Started crying when Harris walked out in suffragette colors, and didn’t stop until the fireworks. Didn’t think I had more tears left.
And damn, those Harris kids are cute.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 6:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
And damn, those Harris kids are cute.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 6:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
Trump does have a plan to be the president re-elected here it is
posted by robbyrobs at 6:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by robbyrobs at 6:14 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
It feels so good to have a whole day of being proud of America and our potential to make things right. I love you all.
posted by mochapickle at 6:15 PM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
posted by mochapickle at 6:15 PM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
And Major Biden will be the first rescue dog in the White House!!
posted by The Underpants Monster at 6:16 PM on November 7, 2020 [37 favorites]
posted by The Underpants Monster at 6:16 PM on November 7, 2020 [37 favorites]
I've criticized JB for being soft&floppy in the debates, but I must say that he delivered a decent speech tonight!
takeaway: "Spread The Faith!"
posted by ovvl at 6:21 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
takeaway: "Spread The Faith!"
posted by ovvl at 6:21 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
The hymn Biden quoted at the end was "On Eagle's Wings," from the post-Vatican-II Catholic hymnal, by Father Michael Joncas (Notre Dame grad and liturgist! Like me!), and if my heavily-theologian-y FB is anything to go by, BASICALLY EVERYONE'S FAVORITE CATHOLIC HYMN. (Which is saying a lot, because the Protestant hymnal with all those Charles Wesley bangers is objectively superior.)
It's frequently sung at funerals, and was sung at Beau Biden's funeral. It was my grandmother's favorite, and we sang it at her funeral too.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 6:21 PM on November 7, 2020 [58 favorites]
It's frequently sung at funerals, and was sung at Beau Biden's funeral. It was my grandmother's favorite, and we sang it at her funeral too.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 6:21 PM on November 7, 2020 [58 favorites]
Man. Seeing Harris & her husband flinch when the confetti cannons went off hit a chord with me.
posted by kitarra at 6:21 PM on November 7, 2020 [55 favorites]
posted by kitarra at 6:21 PM on November 7, 2020 [55 favorites]
> Of course, but give me one more year of Melania's Christmas horrorland.
Gritty is waiting.
posted by sebastienbailard at 6:23 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
Gritty is waiting.
posted by sebastienbailard at 6:23 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
I hope they let Major and Champ do some digging in the Rose Garden while it's being restored to its former beauty. Maybe they can help dig the holes when they put Jackie's trees back.
posted by Ruki at 6:23 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by Ruki at 6:23 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
My handbell choir has an AWESOME arrangement of On Eagles’ Wings.
posted by Melismata at 6:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by Melismata at 6:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
They made the liberals cry again! They just didn't know they would be tears of joy.
posted by mefireader at 6:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
posted by mefireader at 6:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
For all the gloating and such, I just cannot get in the mood
So, here's the big secret you need to understand:
Heat Death of the Universe.
Yeah, there's your secret truth. No reason to get excited about anything, because we all gonna die, all the suns gonna burn out, everything gonna go dark then get torn apart to the subatomic level.
Definitely best to get yourself disappointed now, rather than later for sure. It's all gonna end up terrible, no reason to fool yourself thinking you're the sparrow flying into the mead hall during a winter storm. Check Bede mang, he's got you, it's all bad and gonna stay bad for sure.
posted by aramaic at 6:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
So, here's the big secret you need to understand:
Heat Death of the Universe.
Yeah, there's your secret truth. No reason to get excited about anything, because we all gonna die, all the suns gonna burn out, everything gonna go dark then get torn apart to the subatomic level.
Definitely best to get yourself disappointed now, rather than later for sure. It's all gonna end up terrible, no reason to fool yourself thinking you're the sparrow flying into the mead hall during a winter storm. Check Bede mang, he's got you, it's all bad and gonna stay bad for sure.
posted by aramaic at 6:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
I just hope behind the happy facade, there's an Operation Actually Drain the Trump Swamp cooking in Biden's back-office.
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 6:27 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 6:27 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
Today I learned the official website of the New Zealand government is Beehive.govt.nz which is just too wonderful.
Jacinda wrote "Congratulations President-elect @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris on your victory in the US Presidential election. With so many issues facing the international community, your message of unity is one we share. New Zealand looks forward to working with you both!"
But I'm just stuck on the beehive bit. Why is NZ so effortlessly awesome?
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:30 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
Jacinda wrote "Congratulations President-elect @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris on your victory in the US Presidential election. With so many issues facing the international community, your message of unity is one we share. New Zealand looks forward to working with you both!"
But I'm just stuck on the beehive bit. Why is NZ so effortlessly awesome?
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:30 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
OK, I just went to YouTube and listened to a handbell choir play “On Eagle’s Wings” and where are all these extra tears coming from? I DO MOT HAVE THIS MUCH FLUID IN MY BODY
posted by The Underpants Monster at 6:31 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by The Underpants Monster at 6:31 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
Operation Actually Drain the Trump Swamp
I suspect that most remaining federal civil servants are ready and waiting to help.
posted by Jessica Savitch's Coke Spoon at 6:33 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
I suspect that most remaining federal civil servants are ready and waiting to help.
posted by Jessica Savitch's Coke Spoon at 6:33 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
aramaic, it's like you have perfect knowledge of where my mind goes when, for whatever reason, the myriad coping mechanisms I learned in my years-long bid to be, if not self-sufficient, then somewhat functional day-to-day stop working and the pit of despair swallows me up for a few hours.
Have you been there? It's different when you're just a tourist.
posted by tigrrrlily at 6:33 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Have you been there? It's different when you're just a tourist.
posted by tigrrrlily at 6:33 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
I keep thinking of more things that are going to stop. For the past four years, the Visiting Scholars office at the university has been sending out more and more stressed-out emails about how we're coping with the visa restrictions and how the university is going to try to protect its grad students, etc. Meanwhile, it's gotten harder and harder and harder to bring people here, no one can go home for fear they won't be allowed back, there's all kinds of funding problems, etc. I used to do visa applications as part of my old job - it was fun to coordinate them and fun to work with international students and guest faculty and I had a vague idea that if the money ran out in my current position I might try to look for something where I could do that again...and the past few years it's been obvious that my experience with the process was useless, utterly useless.
And now that won't be a problem. If we ever beat covid, we can just...invite guest scholars again, and do their visas in the normal way. Everyone will be able to go home for the holidays again. It is so normal and common to have grad students, post docs and guest faculty from majority-Muslim countries, it's just a normal part of scholarly life. And now we'll be able to do that again. It really will be something that will go back to normal.
It seems like a dream. I've gotten so used to the knowledge that it's so, so hard and so chancy to try to bring people here, and now it will be just as it was. The Visiting Scholars office will just be a normal office again.
posted by Frowner at 6:34 PM on November 7, 2020 [83 favorites]
And now that won't be a problem. If we ever beat covid, we can just...invite guest scholars again, and do their visas in the normal way. Everyone will be able to go home for the holidays again. It is so normal and common to have grad students, post docs and guest faculty from majority-Muslim countries, it's just a normal part of scholarly life. And now we'll be able to do that again. It really will be something that will go back to normal.
It seems like a dream. I've gotten so used to the knowledge that it's so, so hard and so chancy to try to bring people here, and now it will be just as it was. The Visiting Scholars office will just be a normal office again.
posted by Frowner at 6:34 PM on November 7, 2020 [83 favorites]
I watched the speech, it will be great to have likeable people heading up our government again. In celebration I woke up my neighbors banging on the loudest pan I have, and then had donuts for dinner. Seems like a win win. I feel so much better. So Much Better. I might start smiling again.
posted by Oyéah at 6:34 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by Oyéah at 6:34 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
(ABC News)
Since Election Day, many Trump campaign staffers have been huddled on a noisy floor in the campaign's Arlington, Virginia, headquarters fielding hundreds of calls a day on a hotline the campaign set up as they try to find instances of voter fraud, multiple sources told ABC News.posted by Spathe Cadet at 6:34 PM on November 7, 2020 [46 favorites]
But the hotline has turned into a nightmare for some, as staffers, some of whom have contracts that expire in the coming days, have been bombarded with prank calls from people laughing or mocking them over Biden's win before hanging up, sources tell ABC News. Prank calling the Trump campaign's hotline has already become a trend on TikTok, the social media network that was used earlier in the year in an attempt to tank the president's rally in Tulsa by mass-requesting tickets.
So weird, not having to fact-check a presidential speech. - Markos Moulitsas
posted by valkane at 6:35 PM on November 7, 2020 [25 favorites]
posted by valkane at 6:35 PM on November 7, 2020 [25 favorites]
But I'm just stuck on the beehive bit.
It’s the name of the executive building next to Parliament - it looks like a beehive and has lots of little worker bees scurrying around. It’s ugly as all get go - but also awesome
posted by inflatablekiwi at 6:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
It’s the name of the executive building next to Parliament - it looks like a beehive and has lots of little worker bees scurrying around. It’s ugly as all get go - but also awesome
posted by inflatablekiwi at 6:36 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
Trust but verify. The fact checker for the presidential speeches should still be there. But they should be the Maytag Repairman. And today, they are, and they have nothing to do.
God bless America.
posted by notoriety public at 6:37 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
God bless America.
posted by notoriety public at 6:37 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
If you need more revelers and music:
Abdulhamit Arvas @abdlhmtarvsposted by sebastienbailard at 6:38 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
#Philly vibe at night for #BidenHarris2020 #Philadelphia streets are still packed.
{Video of ?samba? drummers leading a spontaneous parade}
The Visiting Scholars office will just be a normal office again.
Something like 80% of my friends and colleagues fall into this camp. It has been hell for them over the last four years. The level of uncertainty and stress, having to make terrible decisions about what kinds of travel is worth risking...
With deepest sincerity, thank you for your work helping make the lives of people like my friends just a bit easier. And I am also looking forward to you being able to do your job properly again.
posted by biogeo at 6:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
Something like 80% of my friends and colleagues fall into this camp. It has been hell for them over the last four years. The level of uncertainty and stress, having to make terrible decisions about what kinds of travel is worth risking...
With deepest sincerity, thank you for your work helping make the lives of people like my friends just a bit easier. And I am also looking forward to you being able to do your job properly again.
posted by biogeo at 6:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
Before and After (1958) by Norman Rockwell.
Looks more like Pence than Trump, but the story ends the same way.
posted by cenoxo at 6:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
Looks more like Pence than Trump, but the story ends the same way.
posted by cenoxo at 6:40 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
What is this strange feeling.
Despite extreme sleep dep, all day I have been so... Happy?
Happy. ALL DAY.
Kamala's speech was wow.
And the white pantsuit!
If you're a man, and you want to understand what this moment means to someone like me (who's older than the Vice- President Elect), imagine this- That you had never ever seen a man in one of the top two executive spots. Never. That your whole life it had been only women. Female presidents. Female vice presidents.
(And there were no male astronauts or Supreme Court justices either until you were already a grown up.)
And then, seversl decades into your adult life, there was FINALLY a male vice president.
THAT is what we feel.
posted by NorthernLite at 6:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [92 favorites]
Despite extreme sleep dep, all day I have been so... Happy?
Happy. ALL DAY.
Kamala's speech was wow.
And the white pantsuit!
If you're a man, and you want to understand what this moment means to someone like me (who's older than the Vice- President Elect), imagine this- That you had never ever seen a man in one of the top two executive spots. Never. That your whole life it had been only women. Female presidents. Female vice presidents.
(And there were no male astronauts or Supreme Court justices either until you were already a grown up.)
And then, seversl decades into your adult life, there was FINALLY a male vice president.
THAT is what we feel.
posted by NorthernLite at 6:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [92 favorites]
I wasn't sure that I dared to hope too much when the first results rolled in on Tuesday. The polls were off -- again. Trump support was stronger than anticipated -- again. There goes Florida, there goes Ohio, efforts in Texas were just pissing money away -- again. I'd seen this movie before, and I canceled the service after watching it the first time.
But I held my tongue. I described the "red mirage" effect to my wife to keep her calm, as well. I watched the mail-in votes begin to trickle in and the affected states begin to flip. It felt good. It felt... strange. Positivity was creeping in. What might have been an inevitable water slide to victory was being built before my eyes, and there was little that Trump or his army could do to do more than stall it.
Wisconsin. Michigan. By Friday afternoon, Pennsylvania and Nevada were teetering and Arizona was still hanging on. Pennsylvania was being described as "imminent," and as a lifelong PA guy, THAT felt goddamned good -- especially since my Trumpoid mother posting online about how wonderful it was that Pennsylvania clinched Trump's victory last time was still ringing in my ears.
And the moment that the wave crashed over me and I wanted to believe was when I turned on my car radio on a long drive and heard Drew Carey's Friday Night Freakout starting up on XM's Underground Garage. Because while Drew noted that he taped the show on Thursday and he could be horribly wrong, he had a very strong feeling that this show required a very specific vibe.
Like The Fifth Estate - Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead followed by Steam - Na Na Hey Hey (Goodbye) followed by Ray Charles - Hit The Road Jack followed by Scandal - Goodbye to You followed by Hellbound Glory - Get Your Shit And Go. And then a break, and then a bunch more Goodbye songs, and then block after block of just plain funky house-party music.
We're not done yet by a longshot, even if Trump's legal arguments are held together with fly spit. One of the biggest comforts is that the GOP establishment isn't unifying behind Trump unanimously like it did during the Impeachment drive. That common perception of the election process as normal and justified is very important; the Michelle Malkins and Dan Bonginos of the world will scream about fraud and theft forever, but that was inevitable. The PUBLIC isn't buying Trump's ranting at all.
So we need to get his fat ass out, and then we need to keep pressure on Biden/Harris to do good things and keep doing good things. But this is the first bright spot in a long, long time.
And spare a thought for what it must be like to be Rudy Giuliani right now, sitting in a hotel room somewhere wondering what he's going to do tomorrow.
I hope that he finally puts his frump down, at least.
posted by delfin at 6:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
But I held my tongue. I described the "red mirage" effect to my wife to keep her calm, as well. I watched the mail-in votes begin to trickle in and the affected states begin to flip. It felt good. It felt... strange. Positivity was creeping in. What might have been an inevitable water slide to victory was being built before my eyes, and there was little that Trump or his army could do to do more than stall it.
Wisconsin. Michigan. By Friday afternoon, Pennsylvania and Nevada were teetering and Arizona was still hanging on. Pennsylvania was being described as "imminent," and as a lifelong PA guy, THAT felt goddamned good -- especially since my Trumpoid mother posting online about how wonderful it was that Pennsylvania clinched Trump's victory last time was still ringing in my ears.
And the moment that the wave crashed over me and I wanted to believe was when I turned on my car radio on a long drive and heard Drew Carey's Friday Night Freakout starting up on XM's Underground Garage. Because while Drew noted that he taped the show on Thursday and he could be horribly wrong, he had a very strong feeling that this show required a very specific vibe.
Like The Fifth Estate - Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead followed by Steam - Na Na Hey Hey (Goodbye) followed by Ray Charles - Hit The Road Jack followed by Scandal - Goodbye to You followed by Hellbound Glory - Get Your Shit And Go. And then a break, and then a bunch more Goodbye songs, and then block after block of just plain funky house-party music.
We're not done yet by a longshot, even if Trump's legal arguments are held together with fly spit. One of the biggest comforts is that the GOP establishment isn't unifying behind Trump unanimously like it did during the Impeachment drive. That common perception of the election process as normal and justified is very important; the Michelle Malkins and Dan Bonginos of the world will scream about fraud and theft forever, but that was inevitable. The PUBLIC isn't buying Trump's ranting at all.
So we need to get his fat ass out, and then we need to keep pressure on Biden/Harris to do good things and keep doing good things. But this is the first bright spot in a long, long time.
And spare a thought for what it must be like to be Rudy Giuliani right now, sitting in a hotel room somewhere wondering what he's going to do tomorrow.
I hope that he finally puts his frump down, at least.
posted by delfin at 6:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
Oh that was lovely. I get the sense that this president is genuinely motivated to open the doors for other people. I get the sense that - as an old, white man who gets it - he totally understands that his responsibility now is to set the stage for change, and to step off when the time comes. He's the (willing!) trojan horse. And Kamala was fantastic, really exciting stuff - her charisma was off the charts. Also Jill!
posted by freya_lamb at 6:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by freya_lamb at 6:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
Turing into a Jill fanboy - she’s the groovy aunt that dances all night at the party isn’t she?
inflatablekiwi, do you know the Jill Biden bikini story? (The full story is in the WaPo and TheTimes.co.uk, but this cut-to-the-chase of it isn't paywalled.)
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 6:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
inflatablekiwi, do you know the Jill Biden bikini story? (The full story is in the WaPo and TheTimes.co.uk, but this cut-to-the-chase of it isn't paywalled.)
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 6:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
I am looking forward to reacquainting myself with NPR, which I have not been able to listen to recently because they kept running audio of Trump's voice with no trigger warning first.
Seconded. My first interview for my current job was the day after the 2016 election, and I actually started shortly after the inauguration. My commute was 45 minutes and it wasn't long before I couldn't stand the flow of junk the news had become, so I started listening to sports talk radio to avoid it. Luckily, I discovered the Dan LeBetard show in the process. Ironically, my company has gone full remote permanently and I'll probably never have to commute again.
posted by LionIndex at 6:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Seconded. My first interview for my current job was the day after the 2016 election, and I actually started shortly after the inauguration. My commute was 45 minutes and it wasn't long before I couldn't stand the flow of junk the news had become, so I started listening to sports talk radio to avoid it. Luckily, I discovered the Dan LeBetard show in the process. Ironically, my company has gone full remote permanently and I'll probably never have to commute again.
posted by LionIndex at 6:48 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
And spare a thought for what it must be like to be Rudy Giuliani right now, sitting in a hotel room somewhere wondering what he's going to do tomorrow.
He's gonna get up, lose his phone, and go to the next place people are asking him to be at.
posted by valkane at 6:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
He's gonna get up, lose his phone, and go to the next place people are asking him to be at.
posted by valkane at 6:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
(The full Friday Night Freakout playlist from last night, for posterity. Play it fucking loud.)
posted by delfin at 6:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by delfin at 6:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
I'm so happy right now, and unashamed to be drinking in salt from all sources, either. QAnoners, flag-truckers who can't understand the results because they weren't seeing Biden flags on trucks, garment-rending moderate Republicans saying how we shouldn't forget to try to bring the nation together now, milquetoast democrats claiming that we almost lost this by not being milquetoast enough, gimme all of it.
Tonight I saw a African-Indian-American woman take the stage as the U.S. Vice-President-Elect and blow the non-existent roof off the place, and then saw an almost-octogenarian President-Elect shout out to trans folks in his victory speech and promise to bring us back to rationality.
The future will be difficult and bring challenges, but the grown-ups are back in the room, and nothing can take that joy away from me tonight.
posted by Navelgazer at 6:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [65 favorites]
Tonight I saw a African-Indian-American woman take the stage as the U.S. Vice-President-Elect and blow the non-existent roof off the place, and then saw an almost-octogenarian President-Elect shout out to trans folks in his victory speech and promise to bring us back to rationality.
The future will be difficult and bring challenges, but the grown-ups are back in the room, and nothing can take that joy away from me tonight.
posted by Navelgazer at 6:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [65 favorites]
I am looking forward to reacquainting myself with NPR, which I have not been able to listen to recently because they kept running audio of Trump's voice with no trigger warning first.
My wife and I were joking, but not really joking at all, about how she won't have to ask me if it's ok to put NPR on around me anymore.
Because that's another thing - Trump can flail and scream and pound his fists on the linoleum as much as he wants now, but he can't control the news cycle anymore.
posted by Navelgazer at 6:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
My wife and I were joking, but not really joking at all, about how she won't have to ask me if it's ok to put NPR on around me anymore.
Because that's another thing - Trump can flail and scream and pound his fists on the linoleum as much as he wants now, but he can't control the news cycle anymore.
posted by Navelgazer at 6:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
☒ New Zealand
☒ Bolivia
☒ Chile
☒ U.S.
posted by signal at 6:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
☒ Bolivia
☒ Chile
☒ U.S.
posted by signal at 6:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
Jason @longwall26 · 9hposted by sebastienbailard at 7:00 PM on November 7, 2020 [113 favorites]
Live your life in such a way that the entire planet doesn’t dance in the street when you lose your job
After 2016 I learned a lot here on METAFILTER about how to be active, volunteer and GTVO etc. Thank you. I know many of us have been working our asses off in the last four years, you guys probably more than me, but I definitely got out there and tried.
GOOD FUCKING JOB! THANK YOU! THIS IS A BFD!
I do love you guys and please keep it up as we do the repair work leading up to the big changes needed for all of us on this miracle of a planet to survive and thrive!
WE CAN DO IT!
posted by snsranch at 7:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [32 favorites]
GOOD FUCKING JOB! THANK YOU! THIS IS A BFD!
I do love you guys and please keep it up as we do the repair work leading up to the big changes needed for all of us on this miracle of a planet to survive and thrive!
WE CAN DO IT!
posted by snsranch at 7:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [32 favorites]
Where is Pence? Seriously anyone heard him speak/write anything recently?
posted by robbyrobs at 7:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by robbyrobs at 7:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
I stopped listening to NPR because they fell deep into false equivalency and gave airtime to Nazis. They have a lot of work to do to win me back.
posted by rikschell at 7:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [39 favorites]
posted by rikschell at 7:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [39 favorites]
Where is Pence?
Speculation in my household: COVID.
posted by invincible summer at 7:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [16 favorites]
Speculation in my household: COVID.
posted by invincible summer at 7:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [16 favorites]
A little too much god for my tastes.
Yes, ditto, and he'll probably keep this up for the remainder of his time and it will make me crazy, as it always does, but I confess that I really loved it in this first speech because it sounded honest, so it was like "Remember what genuine Christianity sounds like, Christians who voted for an obviously specious Christian?"
posted by Don Pepino at 7:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
Yes, ditto, and he'll probably keep this up for the remainder of his time and it will make me crazy, as it always does, but I confess that I really loved it in this first speech because it sounded honest, so it was like "Remember what genuine Christianity sounds like, Christians who voted for an obviously specious Christian?"
posted by Don Pepino at 7:04 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
Where is Pence?
Note: Pence died on the way back to his home planet
posted by Your Childhood Pet Rock at 7:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [73 favorites]
Note: Pence died on the way back to his home planet
posted by Your Childhood Pet Rock at 7:06 PM on November 7, 2020 [73 favorites]
So when are we doing the Official Metafilter Cha Cha Slide?
posted by Ruki at 7:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by Ruki at 7:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
I just learned that there's a 5500 square foot event space across from Four Seasons Total Landscaping, it's attached to the crematorium. They could have had it for 4 hours for $2,100. I'm not sure what to do with this information.
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 7:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [40 favorites]
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 7:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [40 favorites]
Trump has commented on how one should lose an election
posted by robbyrobs at 7:10 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by robbyrobs at 7:10 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
I just learned that there's a 5500 square foot event space across from Four Seasons Total Landscaping, it's attached to the crematorium.
Is it a funeral space? Boy, would that have been a choice
posted by Countess Elena at 7:11 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
Is it a funeral space? Boy, would that have been a choice
posted by Countess Elena at 7:11 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
I see that it is, and it offers catering, including pigs in blankets
[eta: I am incorrect, try the Whipped Calabro Ricotta Cheese Drizzled with Lavender Honey instead while listening to Giuliani]
posted by Countess Elena at 7:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
[eta: I am incorrect, try the Whipped Calabro Ricotta Cheese Drizzled with Lavender Honey instead while listening to Giuliani]
posted by Countess Elena at 7:12 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Pence is hiding behind Mother’s skirts.
posted by Don.Kinsayder at 7:13 PM on November 7, 2020
posted by Don.Kinsayder at 7:13 PM on November 7, 2020
I've been reading Heaney all week after hearing he is Biden's favorite poet, and tonight the Irish network RTE shared this awesome segment:
https://twitter.com/rtenews/status/1325192497337950208?s=21
posted by wenestvedt at 7:15 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
https://twitter.com/rtenews/status/1325192497337950208?s=21
posted by wenestvedt at 7:15 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
I love seeing my friends here and on other social media dancing and having a party, unfortunately deep in trump country it is a different story. I was grocery shopping when Biden’s election was announced, it became deathly silent, and tense. Me and my partner got out in a hurry. It’s going to be a rough few weeks in the rural Northwest.
Also. Yay Madam Vice President!
posted by LastAtlanticWalrus at 7:15 PM on November 7, 2020 [32 favorites]
Also. Yay Madam Vice President!
posted by LastAtlanticWalrus at 7:15 PM on November 7, 2020 [32 favorites]
☒ New Zealand
☒ Bolivia
☒ Chile
☒ U.S.
Thank you. Thank you so much for this.
posted by notoriety public at 7:31 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
☒ Bolivia
☒ Chile
☒ U.S.
Thank you. Thank you so much for this.
posted by notoriety public at 7:31 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
I had forgotten how pleasant it is to watch a speech associated with the office of the president and not think, "Everyone I love is going to end up in camps."
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [53 favorites]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [53 favorites]
Random thought I just had tonight; “Gritty the leftist icon” has the exact same scansion as “Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer.”
Anyone who wishes to take this information and make a song about Philadelphia leading the nation in triumph will get my utmost gratitude and possibly an actual prize. Extra points for including the four seasons landscaping debacle.
posted by ActionPopulated at 7:37 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
Anyone who wishes to take this information and make a song about Philadelphia leading the nation in triumph will get my utmost gratitude and possibly an actual prize. Extra points for including the four seasons landscaping debacle.
posted by ActionPopulated at 7:37 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
orange swan, many thanks for the brownie recipe. The Biden-Harris brownies are baking in my oven right now, here in a house of Australians who got teary at the speeches and rejoice with you all.
posted by andraste at 7:38 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by andraste at 7:38 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
I had forgotten how pleasant it is to watch a speech associated with the office of the president and not think, "Everyone I love is going to end up in camps."
Yes. And speaking of camps, look, honestly I am really worried about getting the immigrant detention camps shut down, stopping the "make people wait in Mexico" stuff, etc etc. Those policies involve a lot of money and develop their own momentum. They're hard to stop, which is why it's so important to keep them from beginning in the first place. But now, now, we'll have some chance of shutting them down - they won't be a point of pride for the administration.
Tonight, for the first time in a long time, I feel like I have enough headspace to start really wishing for the end of COVID so that I can go back to immigration court observation, protests, etc. I can't really go anywhere because my partner and I have serious risk factors for COVID but mostly I've been too miserable and scared to even wish I could. Now I feel like there's some chance to defeat the pandemic, some possibility of something after the pandemic.
posted by Frowner at 7:39 PM on November 7, 2020 [26 favorites]
Yes. And speaking of camps, look, honestly I am really worried about getting the immigrant detention camps shut down, stopping the "make people wait in Mexico" stuff, etc etc. Those policies involve a lot of money and develop their own momentum. They're hard to stop, which is why it's so important to keep them from beginning in the first place. But now, now, we'll have some chance of shutting them down - they won't be a point of pride for the administration.
Tonight, for the first time in a long time, I feel like I have enough headspace to start really wishing for the end of COVID so that I can go back to immigration court observation, protests, etc. I can't really go anywhere because my partner and I have serious risk factors for COVID but mostly I've been too miserable and scared to even wish I could. Now I feel like there's some chance to defeat the pandemic, some possibility of something after the pandemic.
posted by Frowner at 7:39 PM on November 7, 2020 [26 favorites]
@ColleenWolfe: An Eagles fan will soon have the nuclear codes
posted by tonycpsu at 7:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by tonycpsu at 7:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Where's Trump been? I'm having a hard time following his downward spiral. He's still president for what will seem like forever.
posted by geoff. at 7:42 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by geoff. at 7:42 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
World leaders and celebrities are reacting to Biden and Harris’ projected victory
....There was some expectation that foreign leaders would wait until a Trump concession before congratulating Biden. The fact so many didn’t speaks to the momentum behind Biden and foreign assessments of Trump’s legal arguments.
posted by lalochezia at 7:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [25 favorites]
....There was some expectation that foreign leaders would wait until a Trump concession before congratulating Biden. The fact so many didn’t speaks to the momentum behind Biden and foreign assessments of Trump’s legal arguments.
posted by lalochezia at 7:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [25 favorites]
Back from a wonderful and energizing trip downtown. I took a few dozen shots but it was hard not to just the lost in the energy and hopefulness. I asked a few people if I could take a picture before I hopped on the el and went home and here they are.
I think this sums up my mood right now quite nicely.
posted by cmfletcher at 7:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
I think this sums up my mood right now quite nicely.
posted by cmfletcher at 7:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
Geoff. In my headcanon, White House IT just set up a fake Twitter program like Ryan set up a fake blog for Creed on “The Office”, and that’s keeping him occupied.
posted by esquandolad at 7:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by esquandolad at 7:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Which is saying a lot, because the Protestant hymnal with all those Charles Wesley bangers is objectively superior.
MICHAEL PRAETORIUS, he shouted, shattering his glass of Klingon blood wine against Ten-Forward's counter.
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 7:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
MICHAEL PRAETORIUS, he shouted, shattering his glass of Klingon blood wine against Ten-Forward's counter.
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 7:46 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Where's Trump been?
Laying at the bottom of a depression well, never to return, god willing.
posted by wordless reply at 7:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
Laying at the bottom of a depression well, never to return, god willing.
posted by wordless reply at 7:47 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
"Parks & Recreation" star Joe Biden has been cast as President of the United States.
He will replace "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" star Donald Trump.
posted by blob at 7:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [48 favorites]
He will replace "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" star Donald Trump.
posted by blob at 7:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [48 favorites]
Where's Trump been?
Laying at the bottom of a depression well, never to return, god willing.
It does seem like the wind really did go out of his sails. I hope they never return. "Don't you think he looks tired?"
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 7:51 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
Laying at the bottom of a depression well, never to return, god willing.
It does seem like the wind really did go out of his sails. I hope they never return. "Don't you think he looks tired?"
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 7:51 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
I know we lost faith in the writers who scripted this year, but they put together a banging finish. A grungy street outside a landscaping store, next to crematorium and porn shop? Sheer genius!
(and I get how the landscaping store thematically linked to infrastructure week)
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 7:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
(and I get how the landscaping store thematically linked to infrastructure week)
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 7:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
@ColleenWolfe: An Eagles fan will soon have the nuclear codes
Is he an Eagles fan? A substantial number of Delawareans, especially those associated with the University of Delaware (Flaco played for UD), are Ravens fans.
posted by ElKevbo at 7:56 PM on November 7, 2020
Is he an Eagles fan? A substantial number of Delawareans, especially those associated with the University of Delaware (Flaco played for UD), are Ravens fans.
posted by ElKevbo at 7:56 PM on November 7, 2020
I'd like to know about the synchronized Biden-Harris light-sabres people are waving. Are they wifi? What's the magic?
I'd like to get one, it'd be a great souvenir.
posted by adept256 at 7:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
I'd like to get one, it'd be a great souvenir.
posted by adept256 at 7:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Despite extreme sleep dep, all day I have been so... Happy?
Happy. ALL DAY.
I DANCED today. I haven’t danced in years.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 8:00 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
Happy. ALL DAY.
I DANCED today. I haven’t danced in years.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 8:00 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
Where is Pence?
Note: Pence died on the way back to his home planet
I heard he was made into Torgo's Executive Branch Powder.
posted by sexyrobot at 8:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
Note: Pence died on the way back to his home planet
I heard he was made into Torgo's Executive Branch Powder.
posted by sexyrobot at 8:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
I thought that I would be learning to make peach cobbler today, instead I had a Philly cheesesteak for lunch.
posted by ActingTheGoat at 8:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by ActingTheGoat at 8:01 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
I assumed that he's an Eagles fan, which works for me.
posted by Pantengliopoli at 8:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Pantengliopoli at 8:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Didn't drink in my despair or my elation this week, and I'm gonna keep it that way. I did have a big damn piece of celebration carrot cake today though.
posted by EatTheWeek at 8:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
posted by EatTheWeek at 8:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [22 favorites]
I have collected all the fixins for the peach cobbler. It will be made tomorrow!
posted by darkstar at 8:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by darkstar at 8:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
There was a little black girl sitting on the roof of a car waving a flag. She sees the camera pointed at her and pulls down her mask. Not to say something, just to smile. Just so we can see her smile. Hitting me right in the feels man. Such a beautiful smile!
posted by adept256 at 8:08 PM on November 7, 2020 [33 favorites]
posted by adept256 at 8:08 PM on November 7, 2020 [33 favorites]
Freecola, she was mimicking his speech and asking what words she didn't know, in adorable six-year-old cadence. Apparently Biden is more of a Twilight Sparkle than a Rainbow Bright. She was very excited that a GIRL was going to be the second-most powerful person in America, "just like Captain Marvel and Captain America."
Esquandolad, I have a friend in the WH IT department. I'll have to ask. :D
For me, I was hired in October of 2015 and they tried to get my background checks done before Trump took over in 2016. You haven't lived until you have gone through a rapid succession of fingerprints, background checks, phone interviews, and in-person interviews during two weeks in December. Unfortunately, I didn't get cleared until after Trump put in a 4-month hiring freeze. I have literally spent my entire time in federal service under Trump, and watched my agency buckle as people retired from slashed budgets and a focus on lethality over compliance. Last year we literally had to cancel our window washing contract because our budget was so small - and we are a capital-funded Defense agency.
I can't wait to go into work and not have to worry that maybe my site will be converted into a concentration camp, or that when they deploy the National Guard it isn't to gas protestors.
posted by gwydapllew at 8:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [47 favorites]
Esquandolad, I have a friend in the WH IT department. I'll have to ask. :D
For me, I was hired in October of 2015 and they tried to get my background checks done before Trump took over in 2016. You haven't lived until you have gone through a rapid succession of fingerprints, background checks, phone interviews, and in-person interviews during two weeks in December. Unfortunately, I didn't get cleared until after Trump put in a 4-month hiring freeze. I have literally spent my entire time in federal service under Trump, and watched my agency buckle as people retired from slashed budgets and a focus on lethality over compliance. Last year we literally had to cancel our window washing contract because our budget was so small - and we are a capital-funded Defense agency.
I can't wait to go into work and not have to worry that maybe my site will be converted into a concentration camp, or that when they deploy the National Guard it isn't to gas protestors.
posted by gwydapllew at 8:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [47 favorites]
Good luck darkstar, it's a snap. Note that there's another kind of cobbler, a crumble version; but my mother's recipe has always served me well (even in dutch ovens on camping trips). BTW, maybe add a pinch of cinnamon. Other fruit will work, too!
posted by Rash at 8:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by Rash at 8:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Nigel Short @nigelshortchessposted by sebastienbailard at 8:15 PM on November 7, 2020 [42 favorites]
Joe Biden declared President-elect while Donald Trump plays golf. For both Hitler and @realDonaldTrump
the end came in a bunker.
12:39 PM · Nov 7, 2020·Twitter Web App
> Is he an Eagles fan? A substantial number of Delawareans, especially those associated with the University of Delaware (Flaco played for UD), are Ravens fans.
Joe Biden roots for Eagles, celebrates son's birthday at Super Bowl LII
posted by tonycpsu at 8:15 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Joe Biden roots for Eagles, celebrates son's birthday at Super Bowl LII
posted by tonycpsu at 8:15 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
I woke up from a nap and OMG this time...things were better. I think it was just the simple thing of hearing our new -elects use the phrase 'thank you.' And not the big ones like 'thank you to the American people' or 'thanks to everyone who helped' etc. But just the little ones like thank you for the podium. Thanks for the bottled water, whatever. I bet you could do a ctrl-F on transcripts of the entire last administration and not find that phrase once. I would say it's like a breath of fresh air, but it's more like that spring day you step outside and go 'holy crap it is so windy.'
posted by sexyrobot at 8:16 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by sexyrobot at 8:16 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
Don Lemon making me cry again. And CNN just reported that Kushner was the one to approach Trump about conceding. I did not expect it to be him.
posted by Ruki at 8:16 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by Ruki at 8:16 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
This was one hell of an Infrastructure Week.
posted by greenland at 8:16 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
posted by greenland at 8:16 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
Yup — rash, your recipe is the one I screen-spotted from the previous thread. Thanks!
posted by darkstar at 8:16 PM on November 7, 2020
posted by darkstar at 8:16 PM on November 7, 2020
> Biden plans immediate flurry of executive orders to reverse Trump policies
It really sounds like the Biden Administration is going to hit the ground running, Toncpsu. It's amazing that he already has hundreds of people ready to take positions in different government agencies and immediately start implementing his agenda. Such a contrast from the other guy.
posted by Kevin Street at 8:20 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
It really sounds like the Biden Administration is going to hit the ground running, Toncpsu. It's amazing that he already has hundreds of people ready to take positions in different government agencies and immediately start implementing his agenda. Such a contrast from the other guy.
posted by Kevin Street at 8:20 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
i am really curious what happens next! justice must be done for all his crimes. will he flee the country to avoid NY state charges? will US intelligence allow a guy who (albeit nominally) sat thru 4 years of top top secret briefings flee to russia and potentially sell those secrets to support his lifestyle??? popcorn emoji.
posted by wibari at 8:22 PM on November 7, 2020
posted by wibari at 8:22 PM on November 7, 2020
I hope Jared already booked the event room adjoining the crematorium and asked for the piano player and the Video Tribute Booth
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 8:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 8:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Joe ran up the ramp to the stage like a boss.
posted by kirkaracha at 8:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by kirkaracha at 8:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
Biden plans immediate flurry of executive orders to reverse Trump policies
I hope he calls off Trump's bullshit Air Force One rebranding.
posted by kirkaracha at 8:30 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
I hope he calls off Trump's bullshit Air Force One rebranding.
posted by kirkaracha at 8:30 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
My daughter is an immigration lawyer. She's in a college town so essentially all of her clients are (were) students. Between Trump's immigration restrictions and Covid, her business (which was doing very well (though it's not a high-paying field)) dried up to nothing. She's actually getting unemployment but we're helping support her. I don't mind that but I'll be glad when she can start earning an income again and get her dignity back.
posted by neuron at 8:31 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by neuron at 8:31 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
Wow, Harris is an amazingly good speaker! If I didn't know what I was looking at, I would have assumed it was a Hollywood actress playing a politician, she's that good. Beautiful and elegant enough to be a movie star, and she's going to be MY NEXT VICE-PRESIDENT!
Biden was in great form too, with a shout-out to science that sort of balanced out the religious stuff for me (but I figure it's impossible to govern this country without it) and he directly addressed the people the Orange Menace was all but trying to kill. It was lovely to hear compassion and goodness, let alone complete sentences, from our next president.
It was almost like watching a movie where the good guys win by the skin of their teeth, but they win. (And the farce at the landscaping company was surreal enough to be from a movie, except nobody would ever believe it. Altogether stranger than fiction!)
posted by Quietgal at 8:33 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
Biden was in great form too, with a shout-out to science that sort of balanced out the religious stuff for me (but I figure it's impossible to govern this country without it) and he directly addressed the people the Orange Menace was all but trying to kill. It was lovely to hear compassion and goodness, let alone complete sentences, from our next president.
It was almost like watching a movie where the good guys win by the skin of their teeth, but they win. (And the farce at the landscaping company was surreal enough to be from a movie, except nobody would ever believe it. Altogether stranger than fiction!)
posted by Quietgal at 8:33 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
assuming Biden steps down after one term -- and Harris gets the nom and wins in 2024 -- she'll be our president on July 4, 2026.
I was around for the Bicentennial; a bit young, but what I recall of it it was quite the national party summer.
Things to look forward to this decade...
posted by Heywood Mogroot III at 8:38 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
I was around for the Bicentennial; a bit young, but what I recall of it it was quite the national party summer.
Things to look forward to this decade...
posted by Heywood Mogroot III at 8:38 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
It’s so freaking nice to have things to look forward to.
posted by Ruki at 8:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by Ruki at 8:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
A little more Four Seasons Snark. And someone made them a T-Shirt too.
posted by Candleman at 8:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
posted by Candleman at 8:43 PM on November 7, 2020 [17 favorites]
HAHA - came to post the Four Seasons Snark as well.
Still amazed that they managed to stick the fail so well.
posted by petebest at 8:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Still amazed that they managed to stick the fail so well.
posted by petebest at 8:45 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
thanks, MetaFilter.
posted by 20 year lurk at 8:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by 20 year lurk at 8:50 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
Daybreak. At last.
Everything is not magically fixed, the world doesn’t suddenly become perfect. But the country was burning and we finally stopped throwing logs on the fire. In 70 days, we will have a president who does not make it his express goal to hurt a lot of people. Biden is not perfect, but he is a decent, empathetic person. I think he will do his best to accomplish a more progressive agenda than people expect. Without the senate, however, it will be tough. One thing working in his favor is that Trump implemented a huge amount of his agenda via executive order, and he was able to do that unchecked because the senate refused to lift a finger to do, you know, their job. The executive order giveth, and the executive order taketh away. Biden can flip a ton of stuff very quickly with some signatures. I am hoping that among those executive orders is the immediate restoration of Grand Staircase -Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments. (When he was elected, I mentioned in a live thread that I was worried about what was going to happen to public lands in the west. Those fears were very justified.) Trump’s reduction and elimination of protections for the LGBTQ community can be reversed. A slew of environmental protections can be reinstated. The border wall construction can be stopped. (That thing is wreaking utter havoc in the ecosystems down here.) The Mexico City Policy can be ended yet again. And so much more.
I am not here to rehabilitate the legacy of George W. Bush or that of his father. Far from it. The damage they inflicted on America, especially Dubya, is long lasting and some of it will be felt for decades to come. The abandonment of New Orleans after Katrina is one of the darkest chapters in American history. All of that said, there was still a baseline of norms they respected. They were not constantly attacking American citizens they didn’t like. They were able to show compassion and empathy. I also never felt like either of them was going to order a random nuclear strike or get us into a full scale nuclear war. I didn’t constantly think about the president when they were in office. The relief I’m feeling today, the tension that I noticed has left my body (damn. I had no idea I was carrying all that in my muscles, I feel so loose now) is a stark reminder of just how evil Trump has been. I will actually be able to sleep tonight. I have slept very little this week. There was that terrified feeling that he would get a second term, and that America would be permanently damaged, with many citizens made into true second class citizens due to their color, their sexual orientation, their political lean, and more. One odd thing is that I am looking forward to being able to go backpacking without worrying about what the hell Im gonna find out when I come back. In September I came back to find out that RBG had passed and that they were already going to ram through her replacement. Back in March I went down into the Grand Canyon and came out to find out that the coronavirus was out of control, that everything had changed and that I needed to go home and not go out except for necessities for a while. While I was in another trip to GC, he pardoned Arpaio. And on and on. I am ready to once again not be thinking about the president every single damned day.
Remember, everything will not be perfect. We will need to always hold their feet to the fire. But we cannot forget the long game. The odds of getting the GA senate seats are not great, but we’re going to try like the dickens. If that does happen, though, Biden will be able to do a lot more. Remember 2022. The Dems have a golden opportunity to flip several Senate seats and Trump will not be there to turn out the crazies. We NEED to get the Senate back. Otherwise we can forget about a great many things that we’d like. Some of the cabinet picks might not be who we want. But again, unless we somehow get those senate seats, he’s going to have to get a cabinet in there and he’s going to have to get people that can get confirmed. Otherwise he’s going to be really hobbled. Think about the Department of Education and reversing what DeVos has done. Or HUD, ripping away the cruelty of Ben Carson. On and on.
One thing I have got to say, and I can never say this loudly enough - THANK YOU, MEFITES. You have been an immense help getting through the last four years. Your insight, sharing your hopes and fears, your snark and one liners, everything helped me know I wasn’t alone in the darkness. Again, thank you.
posted by azpenguin at 8:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [75 favorites]
Everything is not magically fixed, the world doesn’t suddenly become perfect. But the country was burning and we finally stopped throwing logs on the fire. In 70 days, we will have a president who does not make it his express goal to hurt a lot of people. Biden is not perfect, but he is a decent, empathetic person. I think he will do his best to accomplish a more progressive agenda than people expect. Without the senate, however, it will be tough. One thing working in his favor is that Trump implemented a huge amount of his agenda via executive order, and he was able to do that unchecked because the senate refused to lift a finger to do, you know, their job. The executive order giveth, and the executive order taketh away. Biden can flip a ton of stuff very quickly with some signatures. I am hoping that among those executive orders is the immediate restoration of Grand Staircase -Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments. (When he was elected, I mentioned in a live thread that I was worried about what was going to happen to public lands in the west. Those fears were very justified.) Trump’s reduction and elimination of protections for the LGBTQ community can be reversed. A slew of environmental protections can be reinstated. The border wall construction can be stopped. (That thing is wreaking utter havoc in the ecosystems down here.) The Mexico City Policy can be ended yet again. And so much more.
I am not here to rehabilitate the legacy of George W. Bush or that of his father. Far from it. The damage they inflicted on America, especially Dubya, is long lasting and some of it will be felt for decades to come. The abandonment of New Orleans after Katrina is one of the darkest chapters in American history. All of that said, there was still a baseline of norms they respected. They were not constantly attacking American citizens they didn’t like. They were able to show compassion and empathy. I also never felt like either of them was going to order a random nuclear strike or get us into a full scale nuclear war. I didn’t constantly think about the president when they were in office. The relief I’m feeling today, the tension that I noticed has left my body (damn. I had no idea I was carrying all that in my muscles, I feel so loose now) is a stark reminder of just how evil Trump has been. I will actually be able to sleep tonight. I have slept very little this week. There was that terrified feeling that he would get a second term, and that America would be permanently damaged, with many citizens made into true second class citizens due to their color, their sexual orientation, their political lean, and more. One odd thing is that I am looking forward to being able to go backpacking without worrying about what the hell Im gonna find out when I come back. In September I came back to find out that RBG had passed and that they were already going to ram through her replacement. Back in March I went down into the Grand Canyon and came out to find out that the coronavirus was out of control, that everything had changed and that I needed to go home and not go out except for necessities for a while. While I was in another trip to GC, he pardoned Arpaio. And on and on. I am ready to once again not be thinking about the president every single damned day.
Remember, everything will not be perfect. We will need to always hold their feet to the fire. But we cannot forget the long game. The odds of getting the GA senate seats are not great, but we’re going to try like the dickens. If that does happen, though, Biden will be able to do a lot more. Remember 2022. The Dems have a golden opportunity to flip several Senate seats and Trump will not be there to turn out the crazies. We NEED to get the Senate back. Otherwise we can forget about a great many things that we’d like. Some of the cabinet picks might not be who we want. But again, unless we somehow get those senate seats, he’s going to have to get a cabinet in there and he’s going to have to get people that can get confirmed. Otherwise he’s going to be really hobbled. Think about the Department of Education and reversing what DeVos has done. Or HUD, ripping away the cruelty of Ben Carson. On and on.
One thing I have got to say, and I can never say this loudly enough - THANK YOU, MEFITES. You have been an immense help getting through the last four years. Your insight, sharing your hopes and fears, your snark and one liners, everything helped me know I wasn’t alone in the darkness. Again, thank you.
posted by azpenguin at 8:55 PM on November 7, 2020 [75 favorites]
I don’t know why it took me so long to realize this, but I remembered while Kamala was speaking tonight that she was the same person who dragged Joe in that primary debate last winter for his opposition to bussing back in the 70s. She really got a shot in that ended up dominating the debate. That was the sort of thing politicians don’t easily forget or forgive.
Yet, there she stood on that stage tonight — his partner in leading America out of this Trumpian nightmare. Scratch that. Not just his partner. He has publicly welcomed her into his family.
Do you know what that means? It means at some point in the time between that debate and Joe choosing Kamala to be his Vice President, they talked about that moment. She told him about what opportunities she got from bussing and why it was important to her. And he listened to her and learned from what she had to say.
posted by Big Al 8000 at 8:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [105 favorites]
Yet, there she stood on that stage tonight — his partner in leading America out of this Trumpian nightmare. Scratch that. Not just his partner. He has publicly welcomed her into his family.
Do you know what that means? It means at some point in the time between that debate and Joe choosing Kamala to be his Vice President, they talked about that moment. She told him about what opportunities she got from bussing and why it was important to her. And he listened to her and learned from what she had to say.
posted by Big Al 8000 at 8:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [105 favorites]
That 2012 TAPS speech, damn! I am not from a military family, but in the fire service not long after I entered, we lost our assistant chief—who had been a mentor to me, and an Army veteran—to suicide. Biden‘s words just cut through to me so deep. I didn’t root for Biden in the primaries (K-hive all the way). I felt that what we did not need is an old white man with establishment tendencies. But we have a real winner here.
posted by maniabug at 8:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by maniabug at 8:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
Fox News has a column from prominent Southern Baptist pastor Robert Jeffress using an authoritarian argument to say that Christians should get on board with Biden being the president now:
And next Sunday will be a tipping point, too, as all the congregants who heard those sermons decide whether they want to get rid of their pastor or not...
posted by clawsoon at 8:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
By obeying the government, we obey God... We should commend him for the things he does right. We should condemn the things he does wrong. And above all, we must pray fervently for our president. If President Biden succeeds, we all succeed. May God bless Joe Biden, and may God bless the United States of America.Tomorrow morning - Sunday morning - could be an interesting tipping point, as pastors in various born-again denominations stay up late tonight debating with themselves what to say to their congregations in their sermons tomorrow about today's election call by the networks.
And next Sunday will be a tipping point, too, as all the congregants who heard those sermons decide whether they want to get rid of their pastor or not...
posted by clawsoon at 8:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [19 favorites]
Is there some kind of negative stigma around being an Eagles fan, like there is around teams like Milwall or Collingwood?
Just wondering, because I liked their vibe but that's going on nothing other than Silver Linings Playbook. Not that rom coms are a good guide to anything real in life but it looked fun.
posted by UbuRoivas at 8:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Just wondering, because I liked their vibe but that's going on nothing other than Silver Linings Playbook. Not that rom coms are a good guide to anything real in life but it looked fun.
posted by UbuRoivas at 8:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
2012 TAPS speech
Jebus. Wow. I feel like I need to go call people or something.
posted by aramaic at 9:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
Jebus. Wow. I feel like I need to go call people or something.
posted by aramaic at 9:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
Stereotype is loud, violent. People will mention that Eagles fans once threw batteries at Santa Claus or that there was a small court and jail within the Eagles stadium to deal quickly with rowdy fans. Stories are somewhat exaggerated but it is a stereotype (about Philadelphia sports in general).
posted by vogon_poet at 9:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by vogon_poet at 9:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
I'm a woman of simple desires: I just want to not have to listen to that odious, grotesque voice ever again or look at his revolting, malignant shriveled-sphincter-mouthed face. (Yes, I want many many other larger and more important things and will probably be disappointed, but that is at the core of what is giving me relief right now, imagining a time when I don't have to listen to him ever again. He has been inescapable for too much of my own lifetime.)
A friend moved to Philly last year and I was very sad. She's been text banking and poll working like a madwoman the past few weeks and was utterly exhausted when I talked to her today, but so relieved. I remember her shaking after the last election, because she's Jewish and all she could say over and over was that she could end up in a camp. She thinks that in this election, she might have steered a few people to vote who hadn't planned to, and she's helped cure a couple votes. I told her I'm so glad she adopted Philly as her new hometown and that she's awesome and that the rest of us are so proud of Philadelphia and so grateful. And tonight she can actually go to bed and sleep the whole night through.
posted by kitten kaboodle at 9:07 PM on November 7, 2020 [53 favorites]
A friend moved to Philly last year and I was very sad. She's been text banking and poll working like a madwoman the past few weeks and was utterly exhausted when I talked to her today, but so relieved. I remember her shaking after the last election, because she's Jewish and all she could say over and over was that she could end up in a camp. She thinks that in this election, she might have steered a few people to vote who hadn't planned to, and she's helped cure a couple votes. I told her I'm so glad she adopted Philly as her new hometown and that she's awesome and that the rest of us are so proud of Philadelphia and so grateful. And tonight she can actually go to bed and sleep the whole night through.
posted by kitten kaboodle at 9:07 PM on November 7, 2020 [53 favorites]
watching the (black, female) sign language interpreter absolutely living for every word of the Harris speech has me in tears tbh
posted by prefpara at 9:08 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by prefpara at 9:08 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
> Stereotype is loud, violent. People will mention that Eagles fans once threw batteries at Santa Claus or that there was a small court and jail within the Eagles stadium to deal quickly with rowdy fans. Stories are somewhat exaggerated but it is a stereotype (about Philadelphia sports in general).
PHACT CHECK: The battery thing was actually Phillies fans throwing batteries at JD Drew, who refused to sign after the Phillies drafted him. Eagles Couch Doug Pederson made unconfirmed allegations of fans throwing batteries at him, but there's no record of Eagles fans throwing batteries at Santa.
They did, however, throw snowballs at Santa.
posted by tonycpsu at 9:08 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
PHACT CHECK: The battery thing was actually Phillies fans throwing batteries at JD Drew, who refused to sign after the Phillies drafted him. Eagles Couch Doug Pederson made unconfirmed allegations of fans throwing batteries at him, but there's no record of Eagles fans throwing batteries at Santa.
They did, however, throw snowballs at Santa.
posted by tonycpsu at 9:08 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
The Santa was visibly drunk and lacked the portly jollyness expected to play the character.
posted by eagles123 at 9:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by eagles123 at 9:13 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
The Santa was visibly drunk and lacked the portly jollyness expected to play the character.
As I heard it, he was picked from the crowd in his cheap Santa suit because the Santa they had hired didn't show up.
posted by clawsoon at 9:21 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
As I heard it, he was picked from the crowd in his cheap Santa suit because the Santa they had hired didn't show up.
posted by clawsoon at 9:21 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
At this moment in time we need a leader who understands grief.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:22 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:22 PM on November 7, 2020 [18 favorites]
The Santa thing also happened over 50 years ago so maybe it's time to let it go. May I suggest the Phillies fan who (purposely) thew up on a little girl?
posted by Diskeater at 9:23 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by Diskeater at 9:23 PM on November 7, 2020 [5 favorites]
Another thing — my mom selected On Eagles Wings as The One Song that had to be played at her funeral. It truly is a Catholic all-time favorite.
But there’s also a significant number of people who hate it. And they’re not wrong! Part of the reason is because it’s so damned popular they are just burned out. The verses are kind of crummy — they have a weird rhythm and are uncomfortably high in the vocal register. It’s honestly kind of unpleasant.
But that chorus! When it hits, it really grabs by dropping down an octave and builds throughout the chorus to a really nice climax. I’m 28 years removed from when I became an atheist and there are many aspects of Catholicism that are mind-bendingly bizarre to me in retrospect.
But not that song. I love that song,
posted by Big Al 8000 at 9:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
But there’s also a significant number of people who hate it. And they’re not wrong! Part of the reason is because it’s so damned popular they are just burned out. The verses are kind of crummy — they have a weird rhythm and are uncomfortably high in the vocal register. It’s honestly kind of unpleasant.
But that chorus! When it hits, it really grabs by dropping down an octave and builds throughout the chorus to a really nice climax. I’m 28 years removed from when I became an atheist and there are many aspects of Catholicism that are mind-bendingly bizarre to me in retrospect.
But not that song. I love that song,
posted by Big Al 8000 at 9:25 PM on November 7, 2020 [10 favorites]
Chappelle smoking on air is so foreign I might have to explain it to younger people. Also I didn't realize people don't use ashtrays anymore since they're relegated to smoking outside.
posted by geoff. at 9:31 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by geoff. at 9:31 PM on November 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
The relatively more recent snowball incident happened at the "Bounty Bowl II" between the Eagles and Cowboys and involved then former district attorney and future mayor and governor Ed Rendell:
During the game, Eagles' fans threw snowballs, ice, and beer onto the field. Several game participants were targeted, including back judge Al Jury and Cowboys punter Mike Saxon (both struck by snowballs), as well as Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson, who was hit with objects as he was escorted off the field by the Philadelphia Police Department ....
Eagles fan Edward Rendell later admitted that he was involved in the incident. The then-former Philadelphia district attorney, future mayor of Philadelphia and future governor of Pennsylvania bet another fan $20 that the latter couldn't reach the field with a snowball; Rendell lost.
Wikipedia link
posted by eagles123 at 9:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
During the game, Eagles' fans threw snowballs, ice, and beer onto the field. Several game participants were targeted, including back judge Al Jury and Cowboys punter Mike Saxon (both struck by snowballs), as well as Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson, who was hit with objects as he was escorted off the field by the Philadelphia Police Department ....
Eagles fan Edward Rendell later admitted that he was involved in the incident. The then-former Philadelphia district attorney, future mayor of Philadelphia and future governor of Pennsylvania bet another fan $20 that the latter couldn't reach the field with a snowball; Rendell lost.
Wikipedia link
posted by eagles123 at 9:32 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
I'm probably the last person on the internet to have seen this, but....
I just saw this video clip of Biden meeting a young boy with a debilitating stutter, and offering some comfort while taking his phone number so he could give him a call to help out. He followed through and the kid then delivered a short speech at the DNC.
Truly heartwarming stuff.
posted by pilibeen at 9:33 PM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
I just saw this video clip of Biden meeting a young boy with a debilitating stutter, and offering some comfort while taking his phone number so he could give him a call to help out. He followed through and the kid then delivered a short speech at the DNC.
Truly heartwarming stuff.
posted by pilibeen at 9:33 PM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
That TAPS speech. I am a huge Biden fan. I was from the get go when he announced for this election. But that speech. I've never seen anything like it in politics. This is the first time I've watched it. We got very very lucky, folks.
posted by bearwife at 9:33 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by bearwife at 9:33 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
What about everybody throws batteries at Trump's motorcade as he leaves the WH for the last time?
posted by rhizome at 9:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by rhizome at 9:44 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
Congrats from South Africa. Felt a little like Xmas eve last night. Our last incumbent (President Zuma impeached for corruption) took a while to dissappear into the background, but hopefully you'll see a slow but steady dampening of the Trump phenomenon.
posted by BrStekker at 9:54 PM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
posted by BrStekker at 9:54 PM on November 7, 2020 [20 favorites]
I am looking forward to reacquainting myself with NPR, which I have not been able to listen to recently because they kept running audio of Trump's voice with no trigger warning first.
I thought I was the only one that had to run violently at the radio diving for the power button so that I wouldn't rage stroke before my english muffin.
every frickin' morning.
posted by NoThisIsPatrick at 9:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
I thought I was the only one that had to run violently at the radio diving for the power button so that I wouldn't rage stroke before my english muffin.
every frickin' morning.
posted by NoThisIsPatrick at 9:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [21 favorites]
What about everybody throws batteries at Trump's motorcade as he leaves the WH for the last time?
What about the motorcade just stops 100 yards outside the fence line, they open the car door, and tell him to GTFO. You're now a private citizen in DC. Good luck.
reported that Kushner was the one to approach Trump about conceding.
I've been seeing it as "two sources say." Are those sources by any chance Jared and Ivanka, trying that old "we're the cool ones" bit? We see you.
posted by ctmf at 10:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [16 favorites]
What about the motorcade just stops 100 yards outside the fence line, they open the car door, and tell him to GTFO. You're now a private citizen in DC. Good luck.
reported that Kushner was the one to approach Trump about conceding.
I've been seeing it as "two sources say." Are those sources by any chance Jared and Ivanka, trying that old "we're the cool ones" bit? We see you.
posted by ctmf at 10:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [16 favorites]
I just realized this might be the end of my father in law's daily trump update, where around cocktail hour he lets everyone know the dumbest thing Trump said or did that day. Will I miss it? Absolutely not.
posted by muddgirl at 10:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by muddgirl at 10:03 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
I remember at some point during W's presidency having one of those daily calendars of stupid things he said. As much as I disliked W (and I'm definitely not one of those people who think his paintings and photos will Michelle Obama make him likeable) there is no such calendar that I could remotely stomach with Trump. If I saw one of those, I'd rage-throw it across the room.
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 10:07 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 10:07 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
What about the motorcade just stops 100 yards outside the fence line, they open the car door, and tell him to GTFO. You're now a private citizen in DC. Good luck.
^^^^^ Please, yes.
posted by lon_star at 10:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
^^^^^ Please, yes.
posted by lon_star at 10:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Hey y'all, this celebration is fun. Take the weekend off. And then we all need to get back to fighting. I was pleased to see that FoxNews isn't on board with Trump's sore loser histrionics, but then I realized it's because the GOP has decided he's a liability. Count on them finding someone who can capitalize on Trump's populism, but without all of his weaknesses, who will win in 2024 if Democrats are resting on their laurels.
But Zeynep Tufekci said it better than I can in The Atlantic: America’s Next Authoritarian Will Be Much More Competent.
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 10:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [42 favorites]
But Zeynep Tufekci said it better than I can in The Atlantic: America’s Next Authoritarian Will Be Much More Competent.
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 10:09 PM on November 7, 2020 [42 favorites]
I asked on smoke break, is there a president, yet and WAMMO, 279 EC.
The nightmare rodeo clown going down to merlagoland....in less then 80 days. Presidential portrait shall be a cartoon...don't ya think! hang in the lavatory in the east winggggg- ding. I'm doing my Walter Brennan dance I called it, in 16' , strife, fast cash, impeachment, one termmmmmm.
good night.
posted by clavdivs at 10:11 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
The nightmare rodeo clown going down to merlagoland....in less then 80 days. Presidential portrait shall be a cartoon...don't ya think! hang in the lavatory in the east winggggg- ding. I'm doing my Walter Brennan dance I called it, in 16' , strife, fast cash, impeachment, one termmmmmm.
good night.
posted by clavdivs at 10:11 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
I can't handle NPR anymore not because of Trump's voice but because of their garbage bothsideism. "So isn't opposing fascism kind of like fascism itself?"
posted by benzenedream at 10:15 PM on November 7, 2020 [66 favorites]
posted by benzenedream at 10:15 PM on November 7, 2020 [66 favorites]
I know we make a lot of jokes about The Writers, but we know that's not really true. Because no writer could come up with the announcement coming out as the President's lawyer is giving a press conference at a landscaping firm between a crematorium and a dildo store because it had the same name as a famous hotel.
posted by ckape at 10:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [41 favorites]
posted by ckape at 10:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [41 favorites]
ckape, that is exactly a scene I could imagine in Better Call Saul.
posted by JustAnotherPerson at 10:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by JustAnotherPerson at 10:26 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
no writer could come up with the announcement coming out as the President's lawyer is giving a press conference at a landscaping firm between a crematorium and a dildo store because it had the same name as a famous hotel
You clearly aren't familiar with Armando Iannucci. Pretty sure the identical situation occurs in at least one episode.
posted by Pseudonymous Cognomen at 10:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
You clearly aren't familiar with Armando Iannucci. Pretty sure the identical situation occurs in at least one episode.
posted by Pseudonymous Cognomen at 10:28 PM on November 7, 2020 [8 favorites]
I have the day off tomorrow. I'll sleep well tonight.
posted by vrakatar at 10:36 PM on November 7, 2020
posted by vrakatar at 10:36 PM on November 7, 2020
I have been offline for a few hours so let me catch up a bit.
In the landscaping parking lot as a venue, I think even Jimmy McGill would scorn to use this. I feel the writers are cribbing a bit too much from This is Spinal Tap. All it lacks is a sign reading TODAY PUPPET SHOW AND RUDY GUL ANI. That said, though, there is a very sly joke in having the sex shop next door...
I think there's solid evidence that Melania dislikes Donald intensely,
Surely others have noted that an anagram of DONALD AND MELANIA is NAMED AN ANAL DILDO.
As for the prospect of pulling a Grover Cleveland: by this point in Cleveland’s career, he had already navigated the thorny issue (which crossed party lines) of whether the currency should be backed by gold and silver or gold alone and also struggled with the divisive issue of the continuation or repeal of the tariffs that had been put into place after the Civil War to protect American industry. He’d also won the popular vote twice. (He’d win it a third time in 1892.)
The tangerine fellow has tweeted a lot, given Billy Bush some handy tips for sexual assault, watched more tv than anyone I know knows, and lost the popular vote twice. He also conducted a genuflection to Nyarlathotep by putting his hands on a weird glowy orb in Saudi Arabia and I think we’re still processing that one.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 10:38 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
In the landscaping parking lot as a venue, I think even Jimmy McGill would scorn to use this. I feel the writers are cribbing a bit too much from This is Spinal Tap. All it lacks is a sign reading TODAY PUPPET SHOW AND RUDY GUL ANI. That said, though, there is a very sly joke in having the sex shop next door...
I think there's solid evidence that Melania dislikes Donald intensely,
Surely others have noted that an anagram of DONALD AND MELANIA is NAMED AN ANAL DILDO.
As for the prospect of pulling a Grover Cleveland: by this point in Cleveland’s career, he had already navigated the thorny issue (which crossed party lines) of whether the currency should be backed by gold and silver or gold alone and also struggled with the divisive issue of the continuation or repeal of the tariffs that had been put into place after the Civil War to protect American industry. He’d also won the popular vote twice. (He’d win it a third time in 1892.)
The tangerine fellow has tweeted a lot, given Billy Bush some handy tips for sexual assault, watched more tv than anyone I know knows, and lost the popular vote twice. He also conducted a genuflection to Nyarlathotep by putting his hands on a weird glowy orb in Saudi Arabia and I think we’re still processing that one.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 10:38 PM on November 7, 2020 [24 favorites]
Why is NZ so effortlessly awesome?
Sound early training
posted by flabdablet at 10:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
Sound early training
posted by flabdablet at 10:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [12 favorites]
We’re still processing everything.
posted by esquandolad at 10:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by esquandolad at 10:41 PM on November 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Look, we're trying. We just don't know how to follow up this shit.
posted by the_writers at 10:42 PM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
posted by the_writers at 10:42 PM on November 7, 2020 [29 favorites]
I fail to see how simply moving the press conference to a different venue and tweeting out a correction later is more embarrassing then having it in the parking lot of a closed landscaping centre, next to the adult bookshop, in a van by the river.
What was the thought process? Did they think Trump would blow a gasket to walk something back? It's not like Trump would have to even know about it, Dan Scavino has full access to his account.
posted by PenDevil at 10:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
What was the thought process? Did they think Trump would blow a gasket to walk something back? It's not like Trump would have to even know about it, Dan Scavino has full access to his account.
posted by PenDevil at 10:49 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
no writer could come up with the announcement coming out as the President's lawyer is giving a press conference at a landscaping firm between a crematorium and a dildo store because it had the same name as a famous hotel.
The dildo store and the crematorium and the Trump campaign all deal with stiffs.
posted by kirkaracha at 10:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [51 favorites]
The dildo store and the crematorium and the Trump campaign all deal with stiffs.
posted by kirkaracha at 10:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [51 favorites]
Someone needs to photoshop the force-ghosts of RGB and John Lewis over the celebration.
posted by adept256 at 10:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
posted by adept256 at 10:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [15 favorites]
I think the deal will turn out to be that the real four seasons either demanded cash up front, or just straight up wouldn't rent to them seeing as how the whole campaign went and got infected again.
Has anyone tried calling the Four Seasons Hotel for their side of the story?
posted by sexyrobot at 10:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [16 favorites]
Has anyone tried calling the Four Seasons Hotel for their side of the story?
posted by sexyrobot at 10:57 PM on November 7, 2020 [16 favorites]
From middle school on, I grew up and spent a good portion of my 20s and early 30s in Philadelphia, and sports fans there were intense in a scary way.
In addition to the stories already related here, the old football stadium (Vet Stadium) was a large expanse of concrete with a thin sheet of astroturf. A Cowboys player, the team quarterback I believe, was hit by an Eagles player, landing on the concrete in a bad way that ended giving him a very serious neck injury. At the time, it wasn't known if he had a broken neck; he could not feel his limbs. It took a long time to get him immobilized and moved to a medical facility, and Eagles fans were jeering at him all the while he was on the cold field, paralyzed.
It was the same with ice hockey, though in this case the hate was directed at Eric Lindros, who was on the Flyers and was the team captain, no less. Mainly there was a contingent of hardcore fans that couldn't accept that he had suffered a concussion in the previous season and had lingering symptoms that prevented him from playing to their satisfaction. The team management didn't help him out: its general manager went after him in public for being "weak". He didn't last much longer.
My brother played hockey at junior levels and I got to see a lot of that stuff reflected in the behavior of parents in the stands, who let the referees have it when calls didn't go their way, some of them even almost coming to blows with each other away from the stands. I don't know yet the breakdown of voters that helped Biden win Pennsylvania, but I have a good feeling that I know some of the voters who helped Trump win the state in 2016.
I've thought about my time there on occasion, and I think those and similar things I've witnessed get close to the nub of it. Any perceived weakness was unacceptable, whether it was seen in someone on a rival team, or — maybe especially — when seen in someone on the home team.
This is not necessarily just a Philly thing, and I'd say there is something in a lot of humanity that is clearly wired for this stuff, but I remember that folks in this city were — at least in the decades I was there — Very Serious about competition, about not showing any vulnerability whatsoever, about letting you know whenever you might have been weak in their presence, and about telling you if you have a place on their team (or not).
So as far as that reflects on politics in this city, be it local with Ed Rendell, say, or national, at Biden's level, I'm always somewhat wary of what seems like heroic or "tough-guy" presentations of Philly, in that context. Through the fuzzy lens of history, throwing batteries or snowballs or insults or whatever sounds perhaps more jolly or less harmful than it really actually was, if one was there to see these folks firsthand, and get to know them, to go to school with their kids, and experience their values and morals firsthand in how they treat those around them.
(None of this is intended to take away from Biden and Harris and the importance of their victory to all of us across the country and the world.)
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 10:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
In addition to the stories already related here, the old football stadium (Vet Stadium) was a large expanse of concrete with a thin sheet of astroturf. A Cowboys player, the team quarterback I believe, was hit by an Eagles player, landing on the concrete in a bad way that ended giving him a very serious neck injury. At the time, it wasn't known if he had a broken neck; he could not feel his limbs. It took a long time to get him immobilized and moved to a medical facility, and Eagles fans were jeering at him all the while he was on the cold field, paralyzed.
It was the same with ice hockey, though in this case the hate was directed at Eric Lindros, who was on the Flyers and was the team captain, no less. Mainly there was a contingent of hardcore fans that couldn't accept that he had suffered a concussion in the previous season and had lingering symptoms that prevented him from playing to their satisfaction. The team management didn't help him out: its general manager went after him in public for being "weak". He didn't last much longer.
My brother played hockey at junior levels and I got to see a lot of that stuff reflected in the behavior of parents in the stands, who let the referees have it when calls didn't go their way, some of them even almost coming to blows with each other away from the stands. I don't know yet the breakdown of voters that helped Biden win Pennsylvania, but I have a good feeling that I know some of the voters who helped Trump win the state in 2016.
I've thought about my time there on occasion, and I think those and similar things I've witnessed get close to the nub of it. Any perceived weakness was unacceptable, whether it was seen in someone on a rival team, or — maybe especially — when seen in someone on the home team.
This is not necessarily just a Philly thing, and I'd say there is something in a lot of humanity that is clearly wired for this stuff, but I remember that folks in this city were — at least in the decades I was there — Very Serious about competition, about not showing any vulnerability whatsoever, about letting you know whenever you might have been weak in their presence, and about telling you if you have a place on their team (or not).
So as far as that reflects on politics in this city, be it local with Ed Rendell, say, or national, at Biden's level, I'm always somewhat wary of what seems like heroic or "tough-guy" presentations of Philly, in that context. Through the fuzzy lens of history, throwing batteries or snowballs or insults or whatever sounds perhaps more jolly or less harmful than it really actually was, if one was there to see these folks firsthand, and get to know them, to go to school with their kids, and experience their values and morals firsthand in how they treat those around them.
(None of this is intended to take away from Biden and Harris and the importance of their victory to all of us across the country and the world.)
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 10:58 PM on November 7, 2020 [14 favorites]
The dildo store and the crematorium and the Trump campaign...
Ashes to asses, bust to dust.
posted by taz at 11:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [60 favorites]
Ashes to asses, bust to dust.
posted by taz at 11:02 PM on November 7, 2020 [60 favorites]
What about the motorcade just stops 100 yards outside the fence line, they open the car door, and tell him to GTFO. You're now a private citizen in DC. Good luck.
I would sell an organ* to see Donald have to walk from Lafayette Square to the Benning Road Metro Station.
*not any of the good ones
posted by aspersioncast at 11:11 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
I would sell an organ* to see Donald have to walk from Lafayette Square to the Benning Road Metro Station.
*not any of the good ones
posted by aspersioncast at 11:11 PM on November 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
I am thoroughly enjoying how McCain’s 2008 concession speech is being widely posted on social media as an example of ‘this is how you do it’. I wonder how long before the networks pick up on it as a talking point, and he sees it. Just imagine the bitter gall of that taste.
posted by tardigrade at 11:19 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by tardigrade at 11:19 PM on November 7, 2020 [11 favorites]
Still counting with gap widening in GA. Maybe there won't even be a recount.
Is it ghoulish that I want to see more Stoopid Giuliani Puppet Show? Like maybe a reality show where he takes a big bus around, suing state and local governments over the election, while Guy Fieri drives the bus and like explores local cuisine and stuff, with lots of footage of laughing judges, sizzling steaks, and Giuliani humiliating and embarrassing himself every time a camera is pointed at him (like real life). Oh and the theme music is 'Yakkity Sax," but played on a tuba.
posted by sexyrobot at 11:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Is it ghoulish that I want to see more Stoopid Giuliani Puppet Show? Like maybe a reality show where he takes a big bus around, suing state and local governments over the election, while Guy Fieri drives the bus and like explores local cuisine and stuff, with lots of footage of laughing judges, sizzling steaks, and Giuliani humiliating and embarrassing himself every time a camera is pointed at him (like real life). Oh and the theme music is 'Yakkity Sax," but played on a tuba.
posted by sexyrobot at 11:24 PM on November 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
Diskeater: That shithead who puked on the kid was form Jersey. Don't pin that on Philly.
posted by SansPoint at 11:27 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by SansPoint at 11:27 PM on November 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
(Just to goat: I'm still kinda amazed that my back of the envelope prediction of +10k Biden in Georgia on Wednesday night was so close to the final number.)
posted by kaibutsu at 11:34 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by kaibutsu at 11:34 PM on November 7, 2020 [4 favorites]
That shithead who puked on the kid was form Jersey.
Aw Jersey reprasent! We went blue first! Remember:every time you see Santa beat up some kid's dad on youtube...that's my mall, right up the street. (And yeah, it's been a whole buncha times. One year, the Easter Bunny took off his head and just clocked this dude with it.)
posted by sexyrobot at 11:51 PM on November 7, 2020 [23 favorites]
Aw Jersey reprasent! We went blue first! Remember:every time you see Santa beat up some kid's dad on youtube...that's my mall, right up the street. (And yeah, it's been a whole buncha times. One year, the Easter Bunny took off his head and just clocked this dude with it.)
posted by sexyrobot at 11:51 PM on November 7, 2020 [23 favorites]
When Obama's win was announced on the radio while I was driving, I let out such a loud cheer I think people on the street might have been able to hear. This time, partly because of the delay, partly because of not having the Senate (yet anyway), for a number of reasons such as it's 2020, it's more of a deep relief but no less sweet or momentous.
I love the idea of a greatest/lowest hits reel of trump - him mispronouncing words, wandering around the Whitehouse lawn like he's lost, the umbrella incident, the paper stuck on his shoe incident, the walk down the ramp, this four seasons debacle, so many incidents I can't even remember them anymore, maybe set to yakkety sax overlaid with some horror movie soundtrack. Anyone know if anything like that exists, or maybe someone could create it...?
posted by blue shadows at 11:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
I love the idea of a greatest/lowest hits reel of trump - him mispronouncing words, wandering around the Whitehouse lawn like he's lost, the umbrella incident, the paper stuck on his shoe incident, the walk down the ramp, this four seasons debacle, so many incidents I can't even remember them anymore, maybe set to yakkety sax overlaid with some horror movie soundtrack. Anyone know if anything like that exists, or maybe someone could create it...?
posted by blue shadows at 11:56 PM on November 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
Today’s Observer has a fantastic photo of Biden on the cover
posted by tardigrade at 11:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by tardigrade at 11:59 PM on November 7, 2020 [13 favorites]
I recently binged The Thick of It for the first time. I could imagine the Four Seasons saga happening as an episode. One which would have the poor Social Affairs Minister royally reamed by Malcolm. Who would then come up with a solution that would only make things worse.
Teegeeack you didn't mention it but if you haven't already, you need to see A: In the Loop which is more or less a movie version of The Thick of It but some of the actors are playing different characters. However, there is still lots of Malcolm Tucker goodness, and B: Veep which is In the Thick of It but American politics (also by Armando Iannucci).
Both In the Loop and Veep feature Anna Chlumsky as kind of but not the same character. I'm sure there's a chart somewhere that explains the Iannucciverse.
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 12:02 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
Teegeeack you didn't mention it but if you haven't already, you need to see A: In the Loop which is more or less a movie version of The Thick of It but some of the actors are playing different characters. However, there is still lots of Malcolm Tucker goodness, and B: Veep which is In the Thick of It but American politics (also by Armando Iannucci).
Both In the Loop and Veep feature Anna Chlumsky as kind of but not the same character. I'm sure there's a chart somewhere that explains the Iannucciverse.
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 12:02 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
> Politico has an article based on interviews with insiders inside the two campaigns.From the piece: "As June turned to July, the normally self-assured president was privately acknowledging he was losing." I find it surreal and unbelievable, that the irrelevant orange one was even capable of "acknowledging he was losing".
posted by runcifex at 12:30 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
The Observer magazine just about sums him up, e.g. self-satisfied, smug.
(trigger warning: Trump)
posted by UbuRoivas at 12:45 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
(trigger warning: Trump)
posted by UbuRoivas at 12:45 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
CELEBRATING WITH PIZZA ON TOAST, WE HAVE A CROCKETY GLOAT!
posted by a humble nudibranch at 12:49 AM on November 8, 2020 [14 favorites]
posted by a humble nudibranch at 12:49 AM on November 8, 2020 [14 favorites]
Is there some kind of negative stigma around being an Eagles fan,
Other people have touched on issues with Philly fans, but for me the turning point was when the Eagles hired Mike Vick. (Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting investigation) and even though I'm a huge fan of Philadelphia because of all the time spent at the Philly Spectrum, the welcome that the Eagles fans gave him was right-on-message for them, and so the Eagles have been dead to me since then.
posted by mikelieman at 12:56 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Other people have touched on issues with Philly fans, but for me the turning point was when the Eagles hired Mike Vick. (Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting investigation) and even though I'm a huge fan of Philadelphia because of all the time spent at the Philly Spectrum, the welcome that the Eagles fans gave him was right-on-message for them, and so the Eagles have been dead to me since then.
posted by mikelieman at 12:56 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Is it ghoulish that I want to see more Stoopid Giuliani Puppet Show?
I really want a Four Seasons Total Landscaping tshirt.
posted by srboisvert at 1:49 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
I really want a Four Seasons Total Landscaping tshirt.
posted by srboisvert at 1:49 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
Lincoln Project Immediately Releases Series Of Ads Calling For Biden Impeachment
The Onion, natch
posted by chavenet at 1:56 AM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
The Onion, natch
posted by chavenet at 1:56 AM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
the writers remain fond of extremely on-the-nose symbolism
posted by DoctorFedora at 2:47 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by DoctorFedora at 2:47 AM on November 8, 2020
I worked today and I can report that there was a right proper fucking party in that speakeasy bar.
It's been unusally dead all week with everyone staying home and stressing out on tenterhooks and then sometime last night through all of today from open to close people came out seeking company, celebration and community.
Today has been surreal, like crawling out of drowning in water and wondering if it's safe to breathe.
posted by loquacious at 2:58 AM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
It's been unusally dead all week with everyone staying home and stressing out on tenterhooks and then sometime last night through all of today from open to close people came out seeking company, celebration and community.
Today has been surreal, like crawling out of drowning in water and wondering if it's safe to breathe.
posted by loquacious at 2:58 AM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
I'm glad we will be moving on from contracting our pandemic response out to White House Coronavirus Task Force and Total Landscaping.
posted by srboisvert at 3:16 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by srboisvert at 3:16 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
Today’s Sunday School lesson — As it turns out, King Donald is much less than Cyrus, and much more like Belshazzar (who couldn’t read God’s handwriting on the wall, was weighed in the balances, and lost his kingdom in a single night).
posted by cenoxo at 3:18 AM on November 8, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by cenoxo at 3:18 AM on November 8, 2020 [11 favorites]
Just in case there was any doubt about the Four Seasons Total Landscaping thing, they have an instagram:
"Woman-owned, minority business. Trying to make America green again!"
The Four Seasons site is normally closed on weekends, so they must have opened up specially for this event.
Their Yelp reviews are now full of trumpers leaving 1 star reviews, but I think they have a lifetime of free publicity from this, I doubt they will need to rely on a crappy yelp listing for new business.
posted by Lanark at 3:56 AM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
"Woman-owned, minority business. Trying to make America green again!"
The Four Seasons site is normally closed on weekends, so they must have opened up specially for this event.
Their Yelp reviews are now full of trumpers leaving 1 star reviews, but I think they have a lifetime of free publicity from this, I doubt they will need to rely on a crappy yelp listing for new business.
posted by Lanark at 3:56 AM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
Major And Champ Are Major Champs In This Election: Dogs Return To The White House [with photos], NPR, Camila Domonoske, November 7, 2020.
Cats of America attorneys submit stay request to Supreme Court.
posted by cenoxo at 4:00 AM on November 8, 2020 [23 favorites]
Cats of America attorneys submit stay request to Supreme Court.
posted by cenoxo at 4:00 AM on November 8, 2020 [23 favorites]
cenoxo: "Cats of America attorneys submit stay request to Supreme Court."
"Now that there's less risk of being aggressively grabbed, pussies would like WH home too."
posted by chavenet at 4:03 AM on November 8, 2020 [20 favorites]
"Now that there's less risk of being aggressively grabbed, pussies would like WH home too."
posted by chavenet at 4:03 AM on November 8, 2020 [20 favorites]
The last cars are leaving the carpark. The stadium is empty except for the ground staff who are dismantling the goalposts. In the middle of the pitch stands a little boy holding a ball. He's shouting, "Come back, come back. The game isn't over".
posted by night_train at 4:25 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by night_train at 4:25 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
Whew. I slept 11 hours, with only lovely dreams of gardens and forests and ponies and birds and puppies (really!)
CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA -- AND THE REST OF THE WORLD!!
I hope now we can all get on with saving the planet.
(As I type this, there is a march against corona-restrictions going on down on the street. I look out see how anti-science people look. They look ordinary, a cross-section of the population who could be any of us, but who believe stuff they read on social media more than they believe the authorities and the doctors. They are banging on stuff, and a fairly big percentage are dancing off the beat and/or walking on the bike path or the wrong side of the street (they are supposed to be in the right car lane, and even the most anarchic antifa kids do that normally). Just to say: there's a big hill to climb ahead of us. But we can do it).
posted by mumimor at 4:34 AM on November 8, 2020 [11 favorites]
CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA -- AND THE REST OF THE WORLD!!
I hope now we can all get on with saving the planet.
(As I type this, there is a march against corona-restrictions going on down on the street. I look out see how anti-science people look. They look ordinary, a cross-section of the population who could be any of us, but who believe stuff they read on social media more than they believe the authorities and the doctors. They are banging on stuff, and a fairly big percentage are dancing off the beat and/or walking on the bike path or the wrong side of the street (they are supposed to be in the right car lane, and even the most anarchic antifa kids do that normally). Just to say: there's a big hill to climb ahead of us. But we can do it).
posted by mumimor at 4:34 AM on November 8, 2020 [11 favorites]
Major And Champ Are Major Champs In This Election: Dogs Return To The White House
And Major will make history as the first rescue dog to live in the White House!!
posted by mmoncur at 4:46 AM on November 8, 2020 [16 favorites]
And Major will make history as the first rescue dog to live in the White House!!
posted by mmoncur at 4:46 AM on November 8, 2020 [16 favorites]
there is a march against corona-restrictions going on down on the street
FFS. "Mah freedums" = people dying.
Here are our stats down under. Multiply by 13. And Australia is a heavily urban nation btw, very high population density where people actually live, as opposed to 99.9% of the land that's mostly populated only by the world's deadliest snakes, spiders and dropbears.
6 new cases in the last 24 hours
90 active cases (estimated)
19 hospitalised
907 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic
Lockdown was a bit shitty but not overwhelming. I can't remember exactly but in Sydney it might have been something like 6 weeks in which you weren't supposed to leave home for non-essential purposes (essential work was OK). Some people got fined about USD$1000 but very few. Personal exercise or shopping were allowed, and all you had to do was carry a tote bag and go for a walk and no dramas.
Honestly not trying to gloat or anything. None of this was my doing, just following the rules because it was obviously what was best for the entire community.
Today was a windy but nice sunny spring day. Had stuff to do around home but headed up the road to grab some Indian lunch. People out & about in pubs, heaps in the local park enjoying the doggos and sunshine.
*googled photos, not actual shots of today. There were more people and doggos for example
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:08 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
FFS. "Mah freedums" = people dying.
Here are our stats down under. Multiply by 13. And Australia is a heavily urban nation btw, very high population density where people actually live, as opposed to 99.9% of the land that's mostly populated only by the world's deadliest snakes, spiders and dropbears.
6 new cases in the last 24 hours
90 active cases (estimated)
19 hospitalised
907 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic
Lockdown was a bit shitty but not overwhelming. I can't remember exactly but in Sydney it might have been something like 6 weeks in which you weren't supposed to leave home for non-essential purposes (essential work was OK). Some people got fined about USD$1000 but very few. Personal exercise or shopping were allowed, and all you had to do was carry a tote bag and go for a walk and no dramas.
Honestly not trying to gloat or anything. None of this was my doing, just following the rules because it was obviously what was best for the entire community.
Today was a windy but nice sunny spring day. Had stuff to do around home but headed up the road to grab some Indian lunch. People out & about in pubs, heaps in the local park enjoying the doggos and sunshine.
*googled photos, not actual shots of today. There were more people and doggos for example
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:08 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
I feel compelled to write an actual letter to the president-elect but can’t find a mailing address when I google. Anyone else better at this than me?
posted by coppermoss at 5:15 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by coppermoss at 5:15 AM on November 8, 2020
I really want a Four Seasons Total Landscaping tshirt.
posted by srboisvert at 4:49 AM on November 8
Here ya go.
posted by ZenMasterThis at 5:20 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by srboisvert at 4:49 AM on November 8
Here ya go.
posted by ZenMasterThis at 5:20 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
> possibilities exist and we've still got our public health and scientific infrastructure
> Year 7248: Luxury Gay Space Communism is formally established in the United States.
-Stacey Abrams Shares How STAR TREK Shaped Her[1]
-AOC reveals the Star Trek philosophy that can help us endure the election (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Is Open to Tuvix Debate with Star Trek Fans)
> Watching Bloomberg channel (I don't really know why) while waiting for Harris & Biden speeches, and they are leaning heavily into the "Biden and his team have TONS of experience, they totally know what they're doing" narrative. Especially about the transition.
The Big Legal Threats Trump Will Face If He Loses the Election
> I really think Trump's terrible press conference was the beginning of the end for him.
> Prank calling the Trump campaign's hotline has already become a trend on TikTok, the social media network that was used earlier in the year in an attempt to tank the president's rally in Tulsa by mass-requesting tickets.
No One Fights QAnon Like the Global Army of K-Pop Superfans - "It's tough to know how many of the 13,000 unused seats were meant for stans who'd asked for tickets with no intention of going, but the emptyish stadium infuriated Trump and came to be seen as a turning point in the presidential campaign."
> I know exit polls are iffy, but didn't this election very possibly demonstrate the GOP making inroads with, well, everybody else? A basic corollary of the premise that racial categories are socially constructed is that they can be expanded - as history shows very clearly.
I'm just saying, the Democrats are going to regret if they don't put in real work to maintain relationships with their own constituencies.
> Trump has demonstrated that there's a group of people who'll vote GOP no matter how horrific the candidate is, no matter how bad that candidate is for their actual interests. And then other constituencies they appeal to for various reasons who are willing to overlook the horrors of the GOP if they think they're getting something they want or (as Cal Cunningham did in NC) if the Dem makes a misstep.
@ianbremmer: "I don't think Trump's sociopathy accurately reflects 40% of the American public. A lot of people are sick of the entire system and oppose an establishment they think has lied to them for decades. Does that justify their Trump vote? Not to me. But I still care about them."
The most consistent thing about President Trump: "his approval rating"
This is a good and underappreciated point: "More people voting Republican is bad, but Republicans doing minority outreach is good."
Trump support down among white men compared to 2016: "Up among white women and Blacks and Latinos of both genders."
Black women's support for Trump went from 4 to 8%: "that seems like maybe something we could discuss maybe?"
Asian-Americans in the past week have messaged me to tell me they voted for Trump due a single issue: "affirmative action"
Navajo Nation: "2,000 for Trump"
Trump's inroads with Hispanic voters kills the idea that the Democrats are the Inevitable Party of the Demographic Future: "Maybe Republicans will now realize that immigration is not their doom."
Floyd protests and BLM in general helped Dems this year: "I'm willing to entertain the notion that elite 'wokeness' was and is a net negative for Dems, but the mass struggle against racism and police brutality seems like a clear positive."
I'm over demographic change as a way to fix america: "It's massive persuasion and education efforts + institutional reform. Dassit. We need to convince people over decades."
The Blue Wave became:
2020 Was a Disaster for Democrats Trying to Take Over State Houses: "The really bitter setbacks for Democrats were in state legislative races in states where redistricting could have a significant impact on drawing new and favorable congressional districts with the 2020 Census results."
Democrats fail to make gains in state legislative races in advance of 2021 redistricting: "Democrats point to gerrymandering as Republicans successfully fend off state legislative challenges."
A National Fight Over Who Is Counted In Voting Districts May Arise From Missouri: "A new amendment to the Missouri Constitution opens the door to redrawing state legislative districts that don't take into account children, noncitizens and other residents who aren't eligible to vote."
Republicans are poised to utterly dominate 2020s redistricting: "GOP gerrymandering is set to become even more potent than last decade"[2]
Time to move a few million California hippies and New York hipsters to the Mountain West and the Plains: "What are some cheap beautiful hip up-and-coming cities in low-population red states that would be just perfect for remote workers ready to leave California and New York?" (here's the list of towns/cities we should export the extra NY/CA libs to)
You don't even have to move somewhere shitty you can literally just move to Atlanta, Raleigh, or Miami: "Paying Democrats to move to sparsely populated states in order to flip the Senate is (a) legal, (b) arguably the Democratic Party's only hope for survival, and (c) likely the best possible use of left-leaning billionaires' money." (New, free federal universities in low population states)[3]
At the City Level, Progressives Flex New Power: "The 'blue wave' didn't materialize at the national level. But in America's cities, younger Democratic leaders and progressive policy ideas scored several big wins."
@johncusack: "Bernies agenda is the agenda of our future"
@RadishHarmers: "Single-payer healthcare, free housing, free education, and universal basic income. Biden will do one of these each year. He won't need a second term."[4,5,6]
@AriBerman:
@atrupar: "Trump watches celebrations of his defeat as he returns to the White House from playing golf on Saturday. (Getty)"
@kaitlancollins: "The crowd outside the White House celebrating Joe Biden's projected victory is blaring YMCA — the song President Trump closed out his latest rallies with."
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center: "To clarify, President Trump's press conference will NOT be held at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. It will be held at Four Seasons Total Landscaping— no relation with the hotel."
posted by kliuless at 5:32 AM on November 8, 2020 [55 favorites]
> Year 7248: Luxury Gay Space Communism is formally established in the United States.
-Stacey Abrams Shares How STAR TREK Shaped Her[1]
-AOC reveals the Star Trek philosophy that can help us endure the election (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Is Open to Tuvix Debate with Star Trek Fans)
> Watching Bloomberg channel (I don't really know why) while waiting for Harris & Biden speeches, and they are leaning heavily into the "Biden and his team have TONS of experience, they totally know what they're doing" narrative. Especially about the transition.
The Big Legal Threats Trump Will Face If He Loses the Election
> I really think Trump's terrible press conference was the beginning of the end for him.
> Prank calling the Trump campaign's hotline has already become a trend on TikTok, the social media network that was used earlier in the year in an attempt to tank the president's rally in Tulsa by mass-requesting tickets.
No One Fights QAnon Like the Global Army of K-Pop Superfans - "It's tough to know how many of the 13,000 unused seats were meant for stans who'd asked for tickets with no intention of going, but the emptyish stadium infuriated Trump and came to be seen as a turning point in the presidential campaign."
> I know exit polls are iffy, but didn't this election very possibly demonstrate the GOP making inroads with, well, everybody else? A basic corollary of the premise that racial categories are socially constructed is that they can be expanded - as history shows very clearly.
I'm just saying, the Democrats are going to regret if they don't put in real work to maintain relationships with their own constituencies.
> Trump has demonstrated that there's a group of people who'll vote GOP no matter how horrific the candidate is, no matter how bad that candidate is for their actual interests. And then other constituencies they appeal to for various reasons who are willing to overlook the horrors of the GOP if they think they're getting something they want or (as Cal Cunningham did in NC) if the Dem makes a misstep.
@ianbremmer: "I don't think Trump's sociopathy accurately reflects 40% of the American public. A lot of people are sick of the entire system and oppose an establishment they think has lied to them for decades. Does that justify their Trump vote? Not to me. But I still care about them."
The most consistent thing about President Trump: "his approval rating"
This is a good and underappreciated point: "More people voting Republican is bad, but Republicans doing minority outreach is good."
Trump support down among white men compared to 2016: "Up among white women and Blacks and Latinos of both genders."
Black women's support for Trump went from 4 to 8%: "that seems like maybe something we could discuss maybe?"
Asian-Americans in the past week have messaged me to tell me they voted for Trump due a single issue: "affirmative action"
Navajo Nation: "2,000 for Trump"
Trump's inroads with Hispanic voters kills the idea that the Democrats are the Inevitable Party of the Demographic Future: "Maybe Republicans will now realize that immigration is not their doom."
Floyd protests and BLM in general helped Dems this year: "I'm willing to entertain the notion that elite 'wokeness' was and is a net negative for Dems, but the mass struggle against racism and police brutality seems like a clear positive."
I'm over demographic change as a way to fix america: "It's massive persuasion and education efforts + institutional reform. Dassit. We need to convince people over decades."
The Blue Wave became:
- Razor-thin margins in key presidential statesthis graph is amazing: "the weighted averages of state polls were off almost entirely in the same direction. The polling data are simple weighted avgs from 538."
- Lost House seats despite initial projections of big gains
- Survival of the GOP Senate majority
- State-level losses that may give GOP a 4-to-1 redistricting advantage
How many more of these cycles?
2020 Was a Disaster for Democrats Trying to Take Over State Houses: "The really bitter setbacks for Democrats were in state legislative races in states where redistricting could have a significant impact on drawing new and favorable congressional districts with the 2020 Census results."
Democrats fail to make gains in state legislative races in advance of 2021 redistricting: "Democrats point to gerrymandering as Republicans successfully fend off state legislative challenges."
A National Fight Over Who Is Counted In Voting Districts May Arise From Missouri: "A new amendment to the Missouri Constitution opens the door to redrawing state legislative districts that don't take into account children, noncitizens and other residents who aren't eligible to vote."
Republicans are poised to utterly dominate 2020s redistricting: "GOP gerrymandering is set to become even more potent than last decade"[2]
Time to move a few million California hippies and New York hipsters to the Mountain West and the Plains: "What are some cheap beautiful hip up-and-coming cities in low-population red states that would be just perfect for remote workers ready to leave California and New York?" (here's the list of towns/cities we should export the extra NY/CA libs to)
You don't even have to move somewhere shitty you can literally just move to Atlanta, Raleigh, or Miami: "Paying Democrats to move to sparsely populated states in order to flip the Senate is (a) legal, (b) arguably the Democratic Party's only hope for survival, and (c) likely the best possible use of left-leaning billionaires' money." (New, free federal universities in low population states)[3]
At the City Level, Progressives Flex New Power: "The 'blue wave' didn't materialize at the national level. But in America's cities, younger Democratic leaders and progressive policy ideas scored several big wins."
@johncusack: "Bernies agenda is the agenda of our future"
@RadishHarmers: "Single-payer healthcare, free housing, free education, and universal basic income. Biden will do one of these each year. He won't need a second term."[4,5,6]
@AriBerman:
They gutted the Voting Rights Act> There's a David Mamet play in here somewhere...
They sabotaged the Postal Service
They closed polling places, purged voter rolls, attacked mail voting, tried to throw out ballots
And yet voters turned out in record numbers to overcome these barriers & make their voices heard
Massive turnout can defeat massive suppression
Now we need to keep increasing the turnout and get rid of the suppression
@atrupar: "Trump watches celebrations of his defeat as he returns to the White House from playing golf on Saturday. (Getty)"
@kaitlancollins: "The crowd outside the White House celebrating Joe Biden's projected victory is blaring YMCA — the song President Trump closed out his latest rallies with."
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center: "To clarify, President Trump's press conference will NOT be held at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. It will be held at Four Seasons Total Landscaping— no relation with the hotel."
posted by kliuless at 5:32 AM on November 8, 2020 [55 favorites]
When Biden became VP, Jill Biden was offered all kinds of faculty positions at fancy universities in DC. She chose to continue teaching at a community college, as she has since finishing her doctorate--before that she taught public school. She has announced that she intends to continue teaching there, the first FLOTUS to have a job.
posted by hydropsyche at 5:44 AM on November 8, 2020 [91 favorites]
The beauty of (being FLOTUS) is that you can define it however you want," she told Vogue in July 2019. "And that’s what I did as second lady – I defined that role the way I wanted it to be. I would still work on all the same issues. Education would be right up there, and military families. I’d travel all over this country trying to get free community college.”Free community college would be a hell of a legacy.
posted by hydropsyche at 5:44 AM on November 8, 2020 [91 favorites]
Since someone mentionned Belshazzar upthread - I couldn't sleep during election night and instead of counting sheep tried to calm myself down by memorizing poetry. For this occasion, I picked Belsatzar, by Heinrich Heine. The ending is most memorable - Belsatzar ward aber in selbiger Nacht/von seinen Knechten umgebracht. (The same night, however, Belsatzar was killed by his goons).
I think Four Seasons Total Landscaping is a very poetic ending too however, and I'll take it glady.
posted by sohalt at 5:46 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
I think Four Seasons Total Landscaping is a very poetic ending too however, and I'll take it glady.
posted by sohalt at 5:46 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
A lot of us are grateful to the community for support in the last week and month and four years (or more).
Consider making that concrete with a contribution to the site, to ensure it's here for Election 20204, Starting Any Day Now.
posted by wenestvedt at 5:46 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
Consider making that concrete with a contribution to the site, to ensure it's here for Election 20204, Starting Any Day Now.
posted by wenestvedt at 5:46 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
Thanks for the suggestion above to watch Harris drag Biden at the debate.
All I could think is - These are our new leaders. Arguing not about what should be done, but how far they are willing to go to make it happen.
Arguing not about the value of diversity, but which supports it more authentically.
Arguing not about if families like mine are safe, but arguing about how to keep families like mine safe.
posted by rebent at 5:53 AM on November 8, 2020 [23 favorites]
All I could think is - These are our new leaders. Arguing not about what should be done, but how far they are willing to go to make it happen.
Arguing not about the value of diversity, but which supports it more authentically.
Arguing not about if families like mine are safe, but arguing about how to keep families like mine safe.
posted by rebent at 5:53 AM on November 8, 2020 [23 favorites]
I feel compelled to write an actual letter to the president-elect but can’t find a mailing address when I google. Anyone else better at this than me?
President-Elect Joe Biden
c/o Donald Trump
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC
20500
Dear Donald,
Please pass this message along to Joe.
posted by clawsoon at 5:53 AM on November 8, 2020 [31 favorites]
President-Elect Joe Biden
c/o Donald Trump
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC
20500
Dear Donald,
Please pass this message along to Joe.
posted by clawsoon at 5:53 AM on November 8, 2020 [31 favorites]
to ensure it's here for Election 20204, Starting Any Day Now.
Not sure if this is a typo or a comment on the nature of American election cycles...
posted by clawsoon at 5:55 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
Not sure if this is a typo or a comment on the nature of American election cycles...
posted by clawsoon at 5:55 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
(That's my subconscious mind, screaming.)
posted by wenestvedt at 5:58 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by wenestvedt at 5:58 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
Mary Trump on the end of Uncle Donald: all he has now is breaking things — The president will be having ‘meltdowns upon meltdowns’, according to his niece [WP bio], who sees poetic justice in the lies and cheating now coming back to bite him.; Mary Trump (as told to Jude Rogers), The Guardian, Sun 8 Nov 2020:
posted by cenoxo at 5:58 AM on November 8, 2020 [14 favorites]
This is how the most colossal and fragile ego on the planet deals with losing the US election: he does not deal with it at all.More in the article. The countdown to President–Elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on January 20, 2021 leaves plenty of time for more fuckery from the Donald.
My uncle’s speech late on election night wasn’t just entirely mendacious from beginning to end. It was also deeply dangerous. It’s one thing for random Republicans to call a legitimate election into question, but this was the head of the government. The consequences of that action should not be underestimated.
This is what Donald’s going to do: he’s not going to concede, although who cares. What’s worse is he’s not going to engage in the normal activities that guarantee a peaceful transition. All he’s got now is breaking stuff, and he’s going to do that with a vengeance....
posted by cenoxo at 5:58 AM on November 8, 2020 [14 favorites]
That this came while Trump was playing golf at one of his clubs is just *chef's kiss*
His equivalent of the sea rejecting him when he tries to throw himself in would be every hole spitting out his ball.
posted by acb at 6:06 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
His equivalent of the sea rejecting him when he tries to throw himself in would be every hole spitting out his ball.
posted by acb at 6:06 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
....There was some expectation that foreign leaders would wait until a Trump concession before congratulating Biden. The fact so many didn’t speaks to the momentum behind Biden and foreign assessments of Trump’s legal arguments.
Some are more enthusiastic than others. Boris Johnson sent the curtest pro-forma acknowledgment that was diplomatically possible, and Australia's conservatives are still in denial, it seems, with one senior government member reiterating the baseless fraud allegations.
Have Orbán, Bolsonaro, Netanyahu, Kaczynski, Duterte et al. weighed in yet?
posted by acb at 6:09 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
Some are more enthusiastic than others. Boris Johnson sent the curtest pro-forma acknowledgment that was diplomatically possible, and Australia's conservatives are still in denial, it seems, with one senior government member reiterating the baseless fraud allegations.
Have Orbán, Bolsonaro, Netanyahu, Kaczynski, Duterte et al. weighed in yet?
posted by acb at 6:09 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
I hope he calls off Trump's bullshit Air Force One rebranding.
If Trump takes Air Force One and flees to Russia/North Korea/some Middle Eastern petrostate, that will all be moot. Biden can have its replacement decorated in an appropriately dignified fashion.
posted by acb at 6:12 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
If Trump takes Air Force One and flees to Russia/North Korea/some Middle Eastern petrostate, that will all be moot. Biden can have its replacement decorated in an appropriately dignified fashion.
posted by acb at 6:12 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
Joe Biden's Long Wait Is Over: Relief And Celebration In A Painful Year. A long-ish piece from Ruby Cramer @ BuzzFeed News who's been embedded with the Biden campaign, mostly focused on the last week. (Includes some answers to "what"s up with all the pickup trucks and Jeeps in the parking lot?")
posted by soundguy99 at 6:14 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by soundguy99 at 6:14 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
"More people voting Republican is bad, but Republicans doing minority outreach is good."
Convincing a multi-ethnic coalition to support selfish and patriarchal policies is better than convincing a single ethnicity to support selfish and patriarchal policies, I guess...?
posted by clawsoon at 6:15 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Convincing a multi-ethnic coalition to support selfish and patriarchal policies is better than convincing a single ethnicity to support selfish and patriarchal policies, I guess...?
posted by clawsoon at 6:15 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Count on them finding someone who can capitalize on Trump's populism, but without all of his weaknesses, who will win in 2024 if Democrats are resting on their laurels.
They won't wait until 2024; the 2022 midterms will be a brutal fight, with them using every trick in the book to stick the blame for the rejectionist Senate on Biden's “radical left” government refusing to accede to Moscow Mitch's eminently reasonable and centrist demands of continuing 90% of Trumpism, only more softly-spoken, and hoping that voters buy it and give them the House as well. The fight starts now.
posted by acb at 6:17 AM on November 8, 2020 [20 favorites]
They won't wait until 2024; the 2022 midterms will be a brutal fight, with them using every trick in the book to stick the blame for the rejectionist Senate on Biden's “radical left” government refusing to accede to Moscow Mitch's eminently reasonable and centrist demands of continuing 90% of Trumpism, only more softly-spoken, and hoping that voters buy it and give them the House as well. The fight starts now.
posted by acb at 6:17 AM on November 8, 2020 [20 favorites]
Say what you will, but that dildo store is now the most famous dildo store in America. The president* is definitely supporting small business.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 6:17 AM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by ricochet biscuit at 6:17 AM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
Surely others have noted that an anagram of DONALD AND MELANIA is NAMED AN ANAL DILDO.
Let's not have kink-shaming here, please.
posted by acb at 6:17 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
Let's not have kink-shaming here, please.
posted by acb at 6:17 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
and Australia's conservatives are still in denial, it seems, with one senior government member reiterating the baseless fraud allegations.
AFAIK that was only Joe Hockey, former ambassador to the US and not an actual member of Parliament, after he rage quit and took his ball and went home when he was deposed as treasurer.
Spent $70,000 of public money on flowers, booze and nannies in 6 months and recently it was revealed he wasted even more public money on bringing along a "thought partner" on our coin.
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:20 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
AFAIK that was only Joe Hockey, former ambassador to the US and not an actual member of Parliament, after he rage quit and took his ball and went home when he was deposed as treasurer.
Spent $70,000 of public money on flowers, booze and nannies in 6 months and recently it was revealed he wasted even more public money on bringing along a "thought partner" on our coin.
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:20 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
The equation of being a dog person with moral integrity is a bit Wes Anderson.
posted by acb at 6:23 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by acb at 6:23 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
As a Canadian I have not commented in a US politics thread for a long time, but when my entire news feed has FINALLY been cleansed of he who will not be named. It was refreshing after 4 years to not see that abusive old man invading my view.
posted by mrgroweler at 6:23 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by mrgroweler at 6:23 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
Trump is tweeting baseless voter fraud accusations again, but Twitter doesn’t seem to be flagging them as false anymore. Has their policy changed since the race was called for Biden?
posted by coppermoss at 6:35 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by coppermoss at 6:35 AM on November 8, 2020
Jared Kushner reportedly threw together Trump's legal team at the last minute.
It's fitting that part of Trump's downfall is caused by his trust in the competence of a man who's greatest accomplishment in life was marrying well.
posted by signal at 6:37 AM on November 8, 2020 [14 favorites]
It's fitting that part of Trump's downfall is caused by his trust in the competence of a man who's greatest accomplishment in life was marrying well.
posted by signal at 6:37 AM on November 8, 2020 [14 favorites]
More in the article. The countdown to President–Elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on January 20, 2021 leaves plenty of time for more fuckery from the Donald.
Yeah, well. On the other hand the guy is propped up by fascists and opportunists, neither of which will scramble to support a loser.
posted by dmh at 6:37 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
Yeah, well. On the other hand the guy is propped up by fascists and opportunists, neither of which will scramble to support a loser.
posted by dmh at 6:37 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
Have Orbán, Bolsonaro, Netanyahu, Kaczynski, Duterte et al. weighed in yet?
Netenyahu and Modi were both cited on that Twitter thread when I last checked.
posted by lovelyzoo at 6:40 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Netenyahu and Modi were both cited on that Twitter thread when I last checked.
posted by lovelyzoo at 6:40 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
I just wanted to document something, because it appeared like a flash this week, had a significant impact on me and many others, and now appears to be disappearing down the memory hole: that little Marvel Avengers : Endgame mashup of Biden assembling the allies to defeat Trump-as-Thanos that was posted online a few days back.
It was a silly little YouTube video posted on Twitter and went viral because it uncannily captured the mood of millions of voters at a critical time this past week. A week from now, the video will have lost much of that gravity of the moment, having just become another piece of election season ephemera. But in the moment, it brought me to tears, and was the first beginning of the sense of relief and catharsis from the psychic trauma of the past four years.
When I saw it, linked from a previous MeFi thread, the video already had 20 million views. For people who haven’t been deeply immersed in US politics, the deep symbolism of each ally that arrived to support Biden probably would be lost.
The arrival of a flying Kamala Harris, intoning “I am speaking”, while summoning the coalition that would lead to victory, evokes a thousand images of what her candidacy means. Abrams, Lance-Bottoms and the slow reveal of Obama leading the Wakandans representing Georgia and the modern Black mobilization of the Deep South, with chants of “All votes matter!”, is so complexly textured that it would take a book to explain, reaching back to Slavery and Emancipation, through Jim Crow, through the BLM movement.
To see Hillary Clinton heroically astride a horse, on screen just for a few seconds, evokes a forty-year story of her epic struggle and resilience against a right-wing movement intent on destroying her. To see the spirit of John Lewis breaking forth from the earth, calling words of inspiration, along with John McCain and RBG conjures such an overwhelming tide of yearning and recognition of stories that stretch back to define struggles against oppression from the last sixty years.
With the exception of a couple of clunkers that can be dismissed as the giddy froth of the auteur’s editorial moment (Musk, Connery), every ally brought a tone of deeper symbolism. The arrival of Bernie, an image so inspiring for the possibilities of progress, while so fraught with the complexity of the frictions between moderates and the Left. The other Democratic Primary candidates — Warren, Booker, Yang and Buttigieg — each representing different aspects of the diversity, hopes and dreams of America, drawing together in mutual cause. The Squad joined by Pelosi, representing generational, racial and religious diversity, with the common thread of generations of women persisting in the face of sexism, misogyny and reactionary cultural warfare, heroically fighting together in the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment.
Then to see the millions of “Mail-In Ballots” pouring in from the farthest corners, each summoned to join this fight. Each of us was symbolically represented in that scene. I was there! This was my fight too!
Well, I know it was just a silly little mashup video. But for me, it was a work of art that I’ve not been able to set aside as just so much internet ephemera. The video was originally developed by a New York artist/filmmaker and our link went to the tweet of an unrelated third party who posted it without crediting the original author. I had bookmarked the original video, but was disappointed last night to find that Disney, claiming copyright violations, had it pulled from YouTube. Fortunately, by that time, it had been embedded in enough other videos that it might still be found, given an internet search.
I hope the original author gets a major boost in his career from this, and that this little video finds a place in the gallery of “The Best of the Web”. Because, even if the timely emotional resonance of the video fades as we move from the psychological context and turmoil of this past week, its deep symbolism remains.
posted by darkstar at 6:40 AM on November 8, 2020 [43 favorites]
It was a silly little YouTube video posted on Twitter and went viral because it uncannily captured the mood of millions of voters at a critical time this past week. A week from now, the video will have lost much of that gravity of the moment, having just become another piece of election season ephemera. But in the moment, it brought me to tears, and was the first beginning of the sense of relief and catharsis from the psychic trauma of the past four years.
When I saw it, linked from a previous MeFi thread, the video already had 20 million views. For people who haven’t been deeply immersed in US politics, the deep symbolism of each ally that arrived to support Biden probably would be lost.
The arrival of a flying Kamala Harris, intoning “I am speaking”, while summoning the coalition that would lead to victory, evokes a thousand images of what her candidacy means. Abrams, Lance-Bottoms and the slow reveal of Obama leading the Wakandans representing Georgia and the modern Black mobilization of the Deep South, with chants of “All votes matter!”, is so complexly textured that it would take a book to explain, reaching back to Slavery and Emancipation, through Jim Crow, through the BLM movement.
To see Hillary Clinton heroically astride a horse, on screen just for a few seconds, evokes a forty-year story of her epic struggle and resilience against a right-wing movement intent on destroying her. To see the spirit of John Lewis breaking forth from the earth, calling words of inspiration, along with John McCain and RBG conjures such an overwhelming tide of yearning and recognition of stories that stretch back to define struggles against oppression from the last sixty years.
With the exception of a couple of clunkers that can be dismissed as the giddy froth of the auteur’s editorial moment (Musk, Connery), every ally brought a tone of deeper symbolism. The arrival of Bernie, an image so inspiring for the possibilities of progress, while so fraught with the complexity of the frictions between moderates and the Left. The other Democratic Primary candidates — Warren, Booker, Yang and Buttigieg — each representing different aspects of the diversity, hopes and dreams of America, drawing together in mutual cause. The Squad joined by Pelosi, representing generational, racial and religious diversity, with the common thread of generations of women persisting in the face of sexism, misogyny and reactionary cultural warfare, heroically fighting together in the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment.
Then to see the millions of “Mail-In Ballots” pouring in from the farthest corners, each summoned to join this fight. Each of us was symbolically represented in that scene. I was there! This was my fight too!
Well, I know it was just a silly little mashup video. But for me, it was a work of art that I’ve not been able to set aside as just so much internet ephemera. The video was originally developed by a New York artist/filmmaker and our link went to the tweet of an unrelated third party who posted it without crediting the original author. I had bookmarked the original video, but was disappointed last night to find that Disney, claiming copyright violations, had it pulled from YouTube. Fortunately, by that time, it had been embedded in enough other videos that it might still be found, given an internet search.
I hope the original author gets a major boost in his career from this, and that this little video finds a place in the gallery of “The Best of the Web”. Because, even if the timely emotional resonance of the video fades as we move from the psychological context and turmoil of this past week, its deep symbolism remains.
posted by darkstar at 6:40 AM on November 8, 2020 [43 favorites]
Here's how a Scottish local newspaper is reporting it:
South Ayrshire Golf club owner loses 2020 presidential election
Donald Trump, a South Ayrshire golf club owner has lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, after running again to be re-elected for a second presidential term. (...)
posted by Cardinal Fang at 6:41 AM on November 8, 2020 [20 favorites]
South Ayrshire Golf club owner loses 2020 presidential election
Donald Trump, a South Ayrshire golf club owner has lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, after running again to be re-elected for a second presidential term. (...)
posted by Cardinal Fang at 6:41 AM on November 8, 2020 [20 favorites]
It's fitting that part of Trump's downfall is caused by his trust in the competence of a man who's greatest accomplishment in life was marrying well.
For some definition of 'well'.
posted by Cardinal Fang at 6:43 AM on November 8, 2020 [17 favorites]
For some definition of 'well'.
posted by Cardinal Fang at 6:43 AM on November 8, 2020 [17 favorites]
For some definition of 'well'.
Indeed. Jared Kushner is a scion of a vulgar, crooked real-estate magnate who married the scion of another vulgar, crooked real estate magnate. That's at best an expected union for both of them, and at worst a failure to break into the old-money social set by marrying one of them.
I suppose you could argue that he was marrying "well" by acquiring a partner smarter than himself, but that's an awfully low bar. Ivanka mostly looks capable in comparison because her husband is dumber than a box of rocks from which all of the particularly intelligent rocks have been removed.
posted by jackbishop at 7:11 AM on November 8, 2020 [42 favorites]
Indeed. Jared Kushner is a scion of a vulgar, crooked real-estate magnate who married the scion of another vulgar, crooked real estate magnate. That's at best an expected union for both of them, and at worst a failure to break into the old-money social set by marrying one of them.
I suppose you could argue that he was marrying "well" by acquiring a partner smarter than himself, but that's an awfully low bar. Ivanka mostly looks capable in comparison because her husband is dumber than a box of rocks from which all of the particularly intelligent rocks have been removed.
posted by jackbishop at 7:11 AM on November 8, 2020 [42 favorites]
OMG, the Avengers mashup video is BACK! Hopefully it is considered Fair Use and is here to stay.
If you haven’t seen it yet, here it is in a tweet by the original author, John H. Piette, with his Americans Assemble video (now with 31.7 million views).
posted by darkstar at 7:12 AM on November 8, 2020 [18 favorites]
If you haven’t seen it yet, here it is in a tweet by the original author, John H. Piette, with his Americans Assemble video (now with 31.7 million views).
posted by darkstar at 7:12 AM on November 8, 2020 [18 favorites]
So I've never been to Disney World, but I listen to a lot of Disney theme park sound streams, and for the past four years, I've had an instant visceral shock every time I switch channels and they're playing the audio from the Hall of Presidents.
I'm guessing they don't have all the presidents speak, because I can't imagine William Henry Harrison had all that much to say, and I'm guessing Andrew Johnson isn't really who you want to waste valuable time on, but do you think they'll just...gloss over him? Have this road-warning-orange-paint-sprayed melting automaton briefly lit up by a single spotlight in between speeches by Obama and Biden, jerkily wave, and then be thrust back into the shadows?
posted by Katemonkey at 7:15 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
I'm guessing they don't have all the presidents speak, because I can't imagine William Henry Harrison had all that much to say, and I'm guessing Andrew Johnson isn't really who you want to waste valuable time on, but do you think they'll just...gloss over him? Have this road-warning-orange-paint-sprayed melting automaton briefly lit up by a single spotlight in between speeches by Obama and Biden, jerkily wave, and then be thrust back into the shadows?
posted by Katemonkey at 7:15 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
darkstar: "I had bookmarked the original video, but was disappointed last night to find that Disney, claiming copyright violations, had it pulled from YouTube."
Hey Disney: fuck off.
posted by chavenet at 7:17 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
Hey Disney: fuck off.
posted by chavenet at 7:17 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
There are 6.62 Scaramuccis until Biden is in the White House
posted by nickggully at 7:24 AM on November 8, 2020 [29 favorites]
posted by nickggully at 7:24 AM on November 8, 2020 [29 favorites]
Avengers mashup
non-USian here, so please forgive the ignorance:
1. Who's the woman on the other side of Obama from Stacey Abrams?
2. Who's the guy with the cig in his mouth?
posted by UbuRoivas at 7:27 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
non-USian here, so please forgive the ignorance:
1. Who's the woman on the other side of Obama from Stacey Abrams?
2. Who's the guy with the cig in his mouth?
posted by UbuRoivas at 7:27 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
I'm guessing they don't have all the presidents speak, because I can't imagine William Henry Harrison had all that much to say, and I'm guessing Andrew Johnson isn't really who you want to waste valuable time on, but do you think they'll just...gloss over him?
He's been there since December 2017. And, he speaks his Oath of Office.
posted by Thorzdad at 7:30 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
He's been there since December 2017. And, he speaks his Oath of Office.
posted by Thorzdad at 7:30 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
Thanks for the update, Thorzdad. I recalled faintly some issue with this from decades ago in 2017 and I reckoned the easiest solution would have been to have his animatronic hunched over silently, furiously tweeting.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:35 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:35 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
Their Yelp reviews are now full of trumpers leaving 1 star reviews
Way upthread, but this behavior is a heuristic for understanding the Trump true believer mindset. Your guy's team books the wrong venue, unadvisedly rolls with it, and your response isn't "these fuckers are incompetent" or even, "whoops, that's funny" but "I'ma get on the internet and give the venue a bad review.
posted by aspersioncast at 7:36 AM on November 8, 2020 [30 favorites]
Way upthread, but this behavior is a heuristic for understanding the Trump true believer mindset. Your guy's team books the wrong venue, unadvisedly rolls with it, and your response isn't "these fuckers are incompetent" or even, "whoops, that's funny" but "I'ma get on the internet and give the venue a bad review.
posted by aspersioncast at 7:36 AM on November 8, 2020 [30 favorites]
The cig guy is Hunter Biden
posted by cmfletcher at 7:37 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by cmfletcher at 7:37 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
The woman on the other side of Obama is Keisha Lance Bottoms, the mayor of Atlanta, and the cigarette guy is Hunter Biden.
posted by box at 7:37 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by box at 7:37 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
45 leaves office in 2021. 2021 - 45 = 1976...the bicentennial, perfect for celebrating some rebirth.
posted by Former Congressional Representative Lenny Lemming at 7:38 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by Former Congressional Representative Lenny Lemming at 7:38 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
45 leaves office in 2021. 2021 - 45 = 1976...the bicentennial, perfect for celebrating some rebirth.
I'm getting flashbacks to "88 Reasons Why The Rapture Will Be In 1988".
posted by clawsoon at 7:46 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
I'm getting flashbacks to "88 Reasons Why The Rapture Will Be In 1988".
posted by clawsoon at 7:46 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
So, uh, Fantasy Island Adult Bookstore, the adult bookstore next to Four Seasons Total Landscaping, well, it has its own FB page (not gonna link). Apparently, Rudy came in looking for directions. So... yeah.
posted by Capt. Renault at 7:48 AM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by Capt. Renault at 7:48 AM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
538's back-of-the-envelope calculation says that Biden will probably end up with over 80 million votes once everything is counted. Looking at the maps, I'm guessing most of the votes we haven't seen yet will be coming from California.
posted by clawsoon at 7:51 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by clawsoon at 7:51 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
California tends to really take its time in counting, so I'm not at all surprised.
posted by tclark at 7:54 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by tclark at 7:54 AM on November 8, 2020
I so feel like printing "A Trump Sign Was Here" signs and planting them in the yards where the trump signs were just last night. Childish, I know but, still.
There was
a HOLE
here.
It's gone now.
posted by FatherDagon at 7:55 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
There was
a HOLE
here.
It's gone now.
posted by FatherDagon at 7:55 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
He's been there since December 2017. And, he speaks his Oath of Office.
And a piece from one of his speeches where he actually stuck to the script and used complete sentences.
My folks live in Orlando, so we go to DW whenever we can swing it, and I always vowed I wouldn't go to the Hall of Presidents while Trump was President, but we got stuck in one of those flash downpours, so we went in. And they definitely retooled the opening film and the first animatronic speeches to weigh heavily on civil rights, the role of immigrants, and American values in general - it felt like someone there wanted to make sure that nothing important would be erased from the narrative just because they had to end with him.
Also if you look closely, it sure looks like they just stuck his head on Hillary Clinton's body.
posted by Mchelly at 7:56 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
And a piece from one of his speeches where he actually stuck to the script and used complete sentences.
My folks live in Orlando, so we go to DW whenever we can swing it, and I always vowed I wouldn't go to the Hall of Presidents while Trump was President, but we got stuck in one of those flash downpours, so we went in. And they definitely retooled the opening film and the first animatronic speeches to weigh heavily on civil rights, the role of immigrants, and American values in general - it felt like someone there wanted to make sure that nothing important would be erased from the narrative just because they had to end with him.
Also if you look closely, it sure looks like they just stuck his head on Hillary Clinton's body.
posted by Mchelly at 7:56 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
I so feel like printing "A Trump Sign Was Here" signs and planting them in the yards where the trump signs were just last night. Childish, I know but, still.
Surreptitious flower planting would probably feel better in the end.
posted by clawsoon at 7:57 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Surreptitious flower planting would probably feel better in the end.
posted by clawsoon at 7:57 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
I like the idea of dropping bulbs into cavities left by the removal of Trump signs. Crocuses, hyacinths, tulips, daffodils! Come spring there’d be nice things coming out of Trump holes for a change.
posted by kinnakeet at 8:03 AM on November 8, 2020 [20 favorites]
posted by kinnakeet at 8:03 AM on November 8, 2020 [20 favorites]
Enjoy that Avengers clip while you can, folks, because AOC is not taking any shit from the party right now:
AOC talks to NYT: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Biden’s Win, House Losses, and What’s Next for the Left
AOC talks to NYT: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Biden’s Win, House Losses, and What’s Next for the Left
We know that race is a problem, and avoiding it is not going to solve any electoral issues. We have to actively disarm the potent influence of racism at the polls.posted by tonycpsu at 8:05 AM on November 8, 2020 [119 favorites]
But we also learned that progressive policies do not hurt candidates. Every single candidate that co-sponsored Medicare for All in a swing district kept their seat. We also know that co-sponsoring the Green New Deal was not a sinker. Mike Levin was an original co-sponsor of the legislation, and he kept his seat. [...]
If I lost my election, and I went out and I said: “This is moderates’ fault. This is because you didn’t let us have a floor vote on Medicare for all.” And they opened the hood on my campaign, and they found that I only spent $5,000 on TV ads the week before the election? They would laugh. And that’s what they look like right now trying to blame the Movement for Black Lives for their loss. [...]
If you are the D.C.C.C., and you’re hemorrhaging incumbent candidates to progressive insurgents, you would think that you may want to use some of those firms. But instead, we banned them. So the D.C.C.C. banned every single firm that is the best in the country at digital organizing. [...]
I’ve been begging the party to let me help them for two years. That’s also the damn thing of it. I’ve been trying to help. Before the election, I offered to help every single swing district Democrat with their operation. And every single one of them, but five, refused my help. And all five of the vulnerable or swing district people that I helped secured victory or are on a path to secure victory. And every single one that rejected my help is losing. And now they’re blaming us for their loss. [...]
If the party believes after 94 percent of Detroit went to Biden, after Black organizers just doubled and tripled turnout down in Georgia, after so many people organized Philadelphia, the signal from the Democratic Party is the John Kasichs won us this election? I mean, I can’t even describe how dangerous that is.
Dathon: Shaka, when the walls fell.
Picard, breaking into a smile and nodding vigorously: Rudy and Corey at Four Seasons Total Landscaping!
Dathon, nodding back: Sokath, his eyes uncovered!
posted by Spathe Cadet at 8:17 AM on November 8, 2020 [31 favorites]
Picard, breaking into a smile and nodding vigorously: Rudy and Corey at Four Seasons Total Landscaping!
Dathon, nodding back: Sokath, his eyes uncovered!
posted by Spathe Cadet at 8:17 AM on November 8, 2020 [31 favorites]
I like that that the Austrian president took the time to send some very heartfelt congratulations yesterday while lying in his hospital bed (pelvis injury after a fall).
posted by Omnomnom at 8:17 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by Omnomnom at 8:17 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
I can't imagine William Henry Harrison had all that much to say,
Ironically, WHH was believed to have died of pneumonia contracted from an 2 hour inaugural address (longest in US history), standing outside in bad weather without a hat or overcoat because STRONGMAN.
(History: the gift that keeps on giving.)
posted by basalganglia at 8:19 AM on November 8, 2020 [14 favorites]
Ironically, WHH was believed to have died of pneumonia contracted from an 2 hour inaugural address (longest in US history), standing outside in bad weather without a hat or overcoat because STRONGMAN.
(History: the gift that keeps on giving.)
posted by basalganglia at 8:19 AM on November 8, 2020 [14 favorites]
In the midst of our celebrating we should remember the poor inhabitants of Earth 3, who are looking down the barrel of a really terrible four years.
posted by Going To Maine at 8:21 AM on November 8, 2020 [17 favorites]
posted by Going To Maine at 8:21 AM on November 8, 2020 [17 favorites]
Some are more enthusiastic than others.
Jagmeet Singh, Leader of Canada's New Democratic Party:
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was the first world leader to offer congratulations:
posted by Mitheral at 8:27 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
Jagmeet Singh, Leader of Canada's New Democratic Party:
Congratulations, President-elect @JoeBiden.[1] Former NDP leader and acknowledged all around great guy.
As the Trump Presidency comes to an end I'm reminded of Jack1's final words
"Love is better than anger.
Hope is better than fear.
Optimism is better than despair.
So let us be loving, hopeful & optimistic.
And we’ll change the world."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was the first world leader to offer congratulations:
« Au nom du gouvernement du Canada, je félicite Joe Biden et Kamala Harris pour leur élection à titre de prochain président et de prochaine vice-présidente des États-Unis d’Amérique.
« Le Canada et les États-Unis entretiennent une relation extraordinaire et unique sur la scène mondiale. L’espace géographique que nous partageons, nos intérêts communs, nos liens personnels étroits et nos solides rapports économiques font de nous des amis, des partenaires et des alliés proches. Nous nous appuierons sur cette base pour assurer la santé et la sécurité de nos populations face aux impacts de la pandémie mondiale de COVID-19, ainsi que pour favoriser la paix et l’inclusion, la prospérité économique et la lutte contre les changements climatiques à travers le monde.
« Je suis impatient de travailler avec le président élu Biden, la vice‑présidente élue Harris, leur administration et le Congrès des États-Unis pour que nous puissions relever ensemble les plus grands défis mondiaux. »
--
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their election as the next President and Vice President of the United States of America.
“Canada and the United States enjoy an extraordinary relationship – one that is unique on the world stage. Our shared geography, common interests, deep personal connections, and strong economic ties make us close friends, partners, and allies. We will further build on this foundation as we continue to keep our people safe and healthy from the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and work to advance peace and inclusion, economic prosperity, and climate action around the world.
“I look forward to working with President-elect Biden, Vice President-elect Harris, their administration, and the United States Congress as we tackle the world’s greatest challenges together.”
posted by Mitheral at 8:27 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
I so feel like printing "A Trump Sign Was Here" signs and planting them in the yards where the trump signs were just last night. Childish, I know but, still.
A guy up the street spray-painted a vertical TRUMP on (what I assume is) his wooden fence.
Another version of me that was marginally more criminal and radically more artistic would sneak out to add a Nelson Muntz ha-ha.
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 8:30 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
A guy up the street spray-painted a vertical TRUMP on (what I assume is) his wooden fence.
Another version of me that was marginally more criminal and radically more artistic would sneak out to add a Nelson Muntz ha-ha.
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 8:30 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
@NateSilver538: Anybody who's like "we'll that was a pretty good showing for Trump!" should consider how Hillary Clinton was treated as the World's Biggest Loser after an election with the same Electoral College margin as this one*.
* But where she won the popular vote instead of losing it by 5
posted by tonycpsu at 8:30 AM on November 8, 2020 [31 favorites]
* But where she won the popular vote instead of losing it by 5
posted by tonycpsu at 8:30 AM on November 8, 2020 [31 favorites]
So, I understand AOCs point of view. But how do I make sense of other democrats stating that they have a hard time explaining what defunding the police really means and that it is costing the party votes? It feels foolhardy/rash to dismiss that offhand. The candidates who got behind Green New Deal ( & won) could be because their constituents wanted that not the other way around. We are getting around to not seeing voters as monolithic blocks, right?
posted by asra at 8:34 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by asra at 8:34 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
le président élu Biden, la vice‑présidente élue Harris
I know this is a tiny thing amidst all this, but reading the French feminine for vice president-elect has me crying again.
posted by medusa at 8:37 AM on November 8, 2020 [43 favorites]
I know this is a tiny thing amidst all this, but reading the French feminine for vice president-elect has me crying again.
posted by medusa at 8:37 AM on November 8, 2020 [43 favorites]
There are only [72] golfing days left until inauguration.
posted by joeyh at 8:37 AM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by joeyh at 8:37 AM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
I'm watching clips of last night's SNL show, where they had Dave Chapelle as the host and Foo Fighters as the music act.
For their second number, they did a gorgeous take on Times Like These, slowed down in the beginning so it lets you pay attention to the lyrics.
For their second number, they did a gorgeous take on Times Like These, slowed down in the beginning so it lets you pay attention to the lyrics.
I, I'm a new day risingposted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:38 AM on November 8, 2020 [21 favorites]
I'm a brand new sky
To hang the stars upon tonight
I am a little divided
Do I stay or run away
And leave it all behind?
It's times like these you learn to live again
It's times like these you give and give again
It's times like these you learn to love again
It's times like these time and time again
Enjoy that Avengers clip while you can, folks, because AOC is not taking any shit from the party right now:
Yes. The problem with comparing the real world to comic book/fantasy movies is that these are essentially stories for children, with clear winners and losers and heroes and villains. There is the obvious resonance between the real world and cinematic emotional highs and lows (we beat the truly bad strongarm guy!), but the real world of Democratic politics (and the tensions between centrists, progressives, and leftists) is so complicated and messy and does not at all map to something as purely good vs. bad as the Avengers: Endgame final sequence.
Maybe Captain America: Civil War would be a more apt comparison?
posted by Ouverture at 8:39 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
Yes. The problem with comparing the real world to comic book/fantasy movies is that these are essentially stories for children, with clear winners and losers and heroes and villains. There is the obvious resonance between the real world and cinematic emotional highs and lows (we beat the truly bad strongarm guy!), but the real world of Democratic politics (and the tensions between centrists, progressives, and leftists) is so complicated and messy and does not at all map to something as purely good vs. bad as the Avengers: Endgame final sequence.
Maybe Captain America: Civil War would be a more apt comparison?
posted by Ouverture at 8:39 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
So, I understand AOCs point of view. But how do I make sense of other democrats stating that they have a hard time explaining what defunding the police really means and that it is costing the party votes? It feels foolhardy/rash to dismiss that offhand. The candidates who got behind Green New Deal ( & won) could be because their constituents wanted that not the other way around. We are getting around to not seeing voters as monolithic blocks, right?
Voters aren’t a monolithic block but you have people who are experienced in explaining what it means offering to help you explain what it means to your constituents. They know how to take the fangs off the thing and make it look like a reasonable position.if you refuse their help and get tarred as a radical leftist anyway, which you’re going to regardless, because that’s what the other side does, then you’ll have a problem.
They’re flat out preventing the people who can help the party from helping.
posted by mikesch at 8:40 AM on November 8, 2020 [23 favorites]
Voters aren’t a monolithic block but you have people who are experienced in explaining what it means offering to help you explain what it means to your constituents. They know how to take the fangs off the thing and make it look like a reasonable position.if you refuse their help and get tarred as a radical leftist anyway, which you’re going to regardless, because that’s what the other side does, then you’ll have a problem.
They’re flat out preventing the people who can help the party from helping.
posted by mikesch at 8:40 AM on November 8, 2020 [23 favorites]
> But how do I make sense of other democrats stating that they have a hard time explaining what defunding the police really means and that it is costing the party votes?
I'd start by asking them for the data to prove this unsubstantiated accusation. AOC and other progressives bring data while her ideological counterparts in the party bring anecdotes. Do Republican opponents in these races try to tie Democrats to the most "extreme" progressive positions? Of course. Does it actually work? That's unclear. Here in my PA House district, Conor Lamb's GOP opponent ran a lot of ads trying to connect him to extreme positions, and as mentioned in the NYT piece, Lamb won. M4A, Green New Deal, etc. are indeed liabilities in certain districts, and I think even AOC would tell you not to field a candidate who runs hard on those positions in areas where those positions would be disqualifying. But that's not what's being asked for here.
posted by tonycpsu at 8:40 AM on November 8, 2020 [17 favorites]
I'd start by asking them for the data to prove this unsubstantiated accusation. AOC and other progressives bring data while her ideological counterparts in the party bring anecdotes. Do Republican opponents in these races try to tie Democrats to the most "extreme" progressive positions? Of course. Does it actually work? That's unclear. Here in my PA House district, Conor Lamb's GOP opponent ran a lot of ads trying to connect him to extreme positions, and as mentioned in the NYT piece, Lamb won. M4A, Green New Deal, etc. are indeed liabilities in certain districts, and I think even AOC would tell you not to field a candidate who runs hard on those positions in areas where those positions would be disqualifying. But that's not what's being asked for here.
posted by tonycpsu at 8:40 AM on November 8, 2020 [17 favorites]
If the Democratic Party does manage to piss Ocasio-Cortez off enough to give the game away and go homesteading instead, that's pretty much Game Over for the US's claim to be an actual democracy.
Not because Ocasio-Cortez is so flat-out wonderful that losing her in particular would be a tragedy (though she is, obviously) but because what it would take to make her do that would reveal so much about the severity of the party's entrenched institutional blindness.
If Biden has half a clue he's going to be seeking advice from her daily. And then taking most of it. She sees clearly, that one.
posted by flabdablet at 8:41 AM on November 8, 2020 [29 favorites]
Not because Ocasio-Cortez is so flat-out wonderful that losing her in particular would be a tragedy (though she is, obviously) but because what it would take to make her do that would reveal so much about the severity of the party's entrenched institutional blindness.
If Biden has half a clue he's going to be seeking advice from her daily. And then taking most of it. She sees clearly, that one.
posted by flabdablet at 8:41 AM on November 8, 2020 [29 favorites]
Jamelle Bouie (from Twitter):
the congressional leadership strategy of running on health care did not work, AOC gave a constructive interview noting the ways in which moderate Democrats did not maximize their own advantages to their own detriment, and the response is to, i guess, double down on failure.posted by Glegrinof the Pig-Man at 8:45 AM on November 8, 2020 [57 favorites]
One helpful thing here would be if people got out of their feelings and actually read what Ocasio-Cortez said, which wasn’t “adopt my views” but “build campaigns that can actually reach voters where they are, especially digitally.”
As I understand it, AOC’s message is this: There’s nothing stopping moderate Democrats from building institutional capacity, adopting cutting-edge techniques, and modernizing their campaign infrastructure, and progressives are willing to help if they want it.
also, if you think it is “too early” for this kind of talk, Georgia will have a double-barrel run off election to DETERMINE CONTROL OF THE SENATE in just two months. whether or not Democrats can substantially improve their campaigning may determine the course of the next 4 years.
So, I understand AOCs point of view. But how do I make sense of other democrats stating that they have a hard time explaining what defunding the police really means and that it is costing the party votes? It feels foolhardy/rash to dismiss that offhand. The candidates who got behind Green New Deal ( & won) could be because their constituents wanted that not the other way around. We are getting around to not seeing voters as monolithic blocks, right?
Most of the candidates who were successfully attacked with 'defund the police' didn't try to explain what it meant. Instead they doubled-down on how much they love police and how important they are to safety. It's not a hard policy to explain to people. They're just grasping at straws for why they lost; Robbie Mook trying to keep the job he should be fired from.
I think the Dems lost FAR more votes because of the polls, which predicted an easy Biden win and probable House and Senate gains. There are a lot of people who think the government needs 'balance' and probably voted downballot that way.
posted by graventy at 8:46 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
Most of the candidates who were successfully attacked with 'defund the police' didn't try to explain what it meant. Instead they doubled-down on how much they love police and how important they are to safety. It's not a hard policy to explain to people. They're just grasping at straws for why they lost; Robbie Mook trying to keep the job he should be fired from.
I think the Dems lost FAR more votes because of the polls, which predicted an easy Biden win and probable House and Senate gains. There are a lot of people who think the government needs 'balance' and probably voted downballot that way.
posted by graventy at 8:46 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
I guess this is what I'm talking about. One of the reasons Biden won was because he unambiguously took a stand against it . - But Biden’s unequivocal statement — “No, I don’t support defunding the police," he told CBS News in early June — defanged Trump.
posted by asra at 8:54 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by asra at 8:54 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
> I so feel like printing "A Trump Sign Was Here" signs and planting them in the yards where the trump signs were just last night. Childish, I know but, still.Right now, if you type in "loser" into a Twitter search, Trump is the first thing to come up. I propose that anytime we mention Trump on the Internet going forward, we also always include "loser", so that it becomes associated with him. Childish, I know but, still.
posted by Fiberoptic Zebroid and The Hypnagogic Jerks at 8:55 AM on November 8, 2020 [11 favorites]
Here's the deal with all of the Jeep's at the Biden victory speech
posted by photoslob at 8:58 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by photoslob at 8:58 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
Greg Fallis: donny and the joyful finger
The finger in all its manifestations has been a constant during the Trump years. But take another look at that first photograph. Look at the faces of the people. Notice the absence of anger. That’s what makes this photo important, I think. This finger isn’t an expression of “Fuck you, I HATE you, get out!” This is a joyful Fuck you, Donny. This is an expression of “I’m SO happy you’re leaving, now you can just fuck right off.”posted by Lexica at 8:59 AM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
> I guess is what I'm talking about. One of the reasons Biden won was because he unambiguously took a stand against it . - But Biden’s unequivocal statement — “No, I don’t support defunding the police," he told CBS News in early June — defanged Trump.
Right, because Biden was on the ballot in 435 congressional districts. When you're on the ballot in just one, you have the luxury of using appeals that might not work nationwide.
But really, the "defund the police" thing is almost a complete non-sequitur as the Bouie thread above clearly articulates.
posted by tonycpsu at 8:59 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Right, because Biden was on the ballot in 435 congressional districts. When you're on the ballot in just one, you have the luxury of using appeals that might not work nationwide.
But really, the "defund the police" thing is almost a complete non-sequitur as the Bouie thread above clearly articulates.
posted by tonycpsu at 8:59 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Winning an American election remains a deeply creepy exercise, even if you like the outcome.
posted by clawsoon at 9:02 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by clawsoon at 9:02 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
AOC and other progressives bring data while her ideological counterparts in the party bring anecdotes.
This.
That thing about reality having a liberal bias?
It scales.
posted by flabdablet at 9:05 AM on November 8, 2020 [17 favorites]
This.
That thing about reality having a liberal bias?
It scales.
posted by flabdablet at 9:05 AM on November 8, 2020 [17 favorites]
OMG already I’m sick of the “analysis” of this election. So many people who have their own axe to grind, taking this opportunity to share their pearls of wisdom, without providing any data or evidence to support their opinions.
AOC is at least providing compelling data to back up her views. When I hear Claire McCaskill, or Pat Toomey, or Joe Manchin self-serving opine about how “this is a rejection of the Progressive agenda”, supported by the thinnest veneer of “moderation”, I just want to change the channel on all that.
If Americans were rejecting Progressivism, we wouldn’t have had the enormous Blue Wave in 2018 that swept so many Progressives into office. That was only two years ago! For the Democratic party in a mid-term election, ffs!
It’s not surprising in the least that there would be a little retrenchment from those highs in the following Presidential election, in which an incumbent is on the ticket. Anyone pointing to that retrenchment to suggest that Progressivism was rejected has an agenda, or at least a has shorter-term memory than is probably helpful.
What we can state, unequivocally, beyond any shadow of doubt or argumentation, is this:
In 2018, the country make an enormous statement in favor of Progressive candidates in a massive Blue Wave election. Two years later, the country turfed out the Republican President, as well, by the largest margin in popular vote in modern history. In the context of the past two years, this is indisputable evidence of a national shift toward Democratic candidates and more Progressive priorities.
Steadily, are making Progress. Yes we can!
posted by darkstar at 9:05 AM on November 8, 2020 [27 favorites]
AOC is at least providing compelling data to back up her views. When I hear Claire McCaskill, or Pat Toomey, or Joe Manchin self-serving opine about how “this is a rejection of the Progressive agenda”, supported by the thinnest veneer of “moderation”, I just want to change the channel on all that.
If Americans were rejecting Progressivism, we wouldn’t have had the enormous Blue Wave in 2018 that swept so many Progressives into office. That was only two years ago! For the Democratic party in a mid-term election, ffs!
It’s not surprising in the least that there would be a little retrenchment from those highs in the following Presidential election, in which an incumbent is on the ticket. Anyone pointing to that retrenchment to suggest that Progressivism was rejected has an agenda, or at least a has shorter-term memory than is probably helpful.
What we can state, unequivocally, beyond any shadow of doubt or argumentation, is this:
In 2018, the country make an enormous statement in favor of Progressive candidates in a massive Blue Wave election. Two years later, the country turfed out the Republican President, as well, by the largest margin in popular vote in modern history. In the context of the past two years, this is indisputable evidence of a national shift toward Democratic candidates and more Progressive priorities.
Steadily, are making Progress. Yes we can!
posted by darkstar at 9:05 AM on November 8, 2020 [27 favorites]
I guess is what I'm talking about. One of the reasons Biden won was because he unambiguously took a stand against it.
Man, Clyburn is practically a caricature at this point, he's just talking out of his ass here. "Defund the police" was trending most in June and July, Harrison's peaks in the polls didn't come until almost right before the election. Not coincidentally, June and July was perhaps the most active period of new Democratic voter registrations this year, and if the increase in youth turnout in Georgia holds, it may be POC under 30 that make the difference.
posted by Glegrinof the Pig-Man at 9:07 AM on November 8, 2020 [21 favorites]
Man, Clyburn is practically a caricature at this point, he's just talking out of his ass here. "Defund the police" was trending most in June and July, Harrison's peaks in the polls didn't come until almost right before the election. Not coincidentally, June and July was perhaps the most active period of new Democratic voter registrations this year, and if the increase in youth turnout in Georgia holds, it may be POC under 30 that make the difference.
posted by Glegrinof the Pig-Man at 9:07 AM on November 8, 2020 [21 favorites]
AOC is saying, stop blaming her if your opponent is controlling the narrative about you. Republicans were calling Democrats baby-killing socialists long before AOC was even eligible to vote.
posted by muddgirl at 9:07 AM on November 8, 2020 [52 favorites]
posted by muddgirl at 9:07 AM on November 8, 2020 [52 favorites]
Um, no. Progressive policies are popular. AOC and the squad were all re-elected on progressive platforms.
Police reform was very popular on the ballot this year.
M4A support was popular.
Marijuana legalization was popular.
The Black Lives Matter protests resulted in a surge of Democratic voter registrations, and no impact on Republican ones.
Stop fighting the only part of the party making massive outreach gains.
posted by domo at 9:10 AM on November 8, 2020 [56 favorites]
Police reform was very popular on the ballot this year.
M4A support was popular.
Marijuana legalization was popular.
The Black Lives Matter protests resulted in a surge of Democratic voter registrations, and no impact on Republican ones.
Stop fighting the only part of the party making massive outreach gains.
posted by domo at 9:10 AM on November 8, 2020 [56 favorites]
In the parlance of our times she's saying "get good."
posted by muddgirl at 9:14 AM on November 8, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by muddgirl at 9:14 AM on November 8, 2020 [12 favorites]
You can't use "people supporting these policies were re-elected while people who didn't support them lost" without also looking at the partisan makeup of the districts. If everybody who supported M4A, for example, is in a deep blue district while everybody opposing it were in a purple or red district, it would be completely unsurprising if the blue districts won and the red lost.
It's just a bad use of data.
A bunch of that stuff is definitely popular across the spectrum; weeeeeed for example. But that's not really an excuse for sloppy analysis.
posted by Justinian at 9:14 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
It's just a bad use of data.
A bunch of that stuff is definitely popular across the spectrum; weeeeeed for example. But that's not really an excuse for sloppy analysis.
posted by Justinian at 9:14 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
Voters aren’t a monolithic block but you have people who are experienced in explaining what it means offering to help you explain what it means to your constituents.I guess I don't understand why AOC would have any special expertise in how to explain things to people in Iowa's first congressional district, which is about as different from the district that she represents as it is possible to get in the US. It's overwhelmingly white (about 90%), it's a third rural, and it's a district that went for Obama twice and then Trump in 2016 and 2020. I don't know what to do about the fact that Iowa is trending so profoundly red, but I don't think that New York City progressives can educate us about what to do about it. I actually think the suggestion is kind of grotesquely condescending.
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 9:17 AM on November 8, 2020 [20 favorites]
Just a thought, but maybe we could have a separate thread for the election post-mortem, and keep this one for celebration, glee and joy-scrolling?
The post-mortem is valuable and valid and we definitely need space for it. I have things I'd love to say in it. But it would be great to also have this as a safe place to just breathe for a little while.
posted by invincible summer at 9:17 AM on November 8, 2020 [52 favorites]
The post-mortem is valuable and valid and we definitely need space for it. I have things I'd love to say in it. But it would be great to also have this as a safe place to just breathe for a little while.
posted by invincible summer at 9:17 AM on November 8, 2020 [52 favorites]
I have written this elsewhere but would like to write it here too. For all of our great hard work with turnout and making this election happen, the macro story of the past few years is:
Donald Trump was extremely unpopular, lost the vote, and won the election because of an electoral fluke.
Donald Trump remained extremely unpopular during his administration because he did nothing to become popular.
Donald Trump lost the vote again, and we were fortunate that he this time we made him lose the electoral vote as well.
The big takeaway here is that the electoral college is bad and disenfranchising, and one political party, because of a combination of despicable factors, was fine with it. Forgive, perhaps, but do not forget. There should be no reconciliation without repentance.
Also, kill the electoral college with fire.
posted by Going To Maine at 9:18 AM on November 8, 2020 [29 favorites]
Donald Trump was extremely unpopular, lost the vote, and won the election because of an electoral fluke.
Donald Trump remained extremely unpopular during his administration because he did nothing to become popular.
Donald Trump lost the vote again, and we were fortunate that he this time we made him lose the electoral vote as well.
The big takeaway here is that the electoral college is bad and disenfranchising, and one political party, because of a combination of despicable factors, was fine with it. Forgive, perhaps, but do not forget. There should be no reconciliation without repentance.
Also, kill the electoral college with fire.
posted by Going To Maine at 9:18 AM on November 8, 2020 [29 favorites]
David Slack (writer for Person of Interest, Teen Titans, Law & Order): When I saw all those Bidens come out on stage, I was like, Whoa! But then my whole body relaxed when I remember I don’t need to learn any of their names because none of them will wield insane amounts of power in unelected cabinet positions.
posted by soundguy99 at 9:21 AM on November 8, 2020 [68 favorites]
posted by soundguy99 at 9:21 AM on November 8, 2020 [68 favorites]
I don't think that New York City progressives can educate us about what to do about it. I actually think the suggestion is kind of grotesquely condescending.
Which, again, is a criticism of the strawman version of her article, as opposed the actual one which specifically and in great detail tells Dems to run campaigns targeted directly at individual districts rather than just saying Democrats collectively need to move either right or left.
posted by Glegrinof the Pig-Man at 9:22 AM on November 8, 2020 [41 favorites]
Which, again, is a criticism of the strawman version of her article, as opposed the actual one which specifically and in great detail tells Dems to run campaigns targeted directly at individual districts rather than just saying Democrats collectively need to move either right or left.
posted by Glegrinof the Pig-Man at 9:22 AM on November 8, 2020 [41 favorites]
Fox polls show M4A is popular with both parties.
posted by domo at 9:30 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by domo at 9:30 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
I'm sending congratulations, hugs and kisses and huge thanks to you all. Here's to hoping that we too get rid of our Hateful Old Man and his party, the sooner the better.
posted by hat_eater at 9:30 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by hat_eater at 9:30 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Seconding invincible summer. The discussion about tactics moving forward and struggles within the Democratic party between the moderate/mainstream wing and the progressive/leftist wing to control the narrative for the next years is really important and deserves its own thread, not buried deep down within a celebration thread where people aren't necessarily looking to have that discussion.
posted by biogeo at 9:31 AM on November 8, 2020 [21 favorites]
posted by biogeo at 9:31 AM on November 8, 2020 [21 favorites]
I guess I don't understand why AOC would have any special expertise in how to explain things to people in Iowa's first congressional district...
She is an amazing communicator. Without knowing who is running in Iowa, I think she would probably be able to help almost any candidate with their communication, including how to tailor it to their district. If you haven’t listened to her much, try it and you might be able to see how she could help.
posted by snofoam at 9:31 AM on November 8, 2020 [18 favorites]
She is an amazing communicator. Without knowing who is running in Iowa, I think she would probably be able to help almost any candidate with their communication, including how to tailor it to their district. If you haven’t listened to her much, try it and you might be able to see how she could help.
posted by snofoam at 9:31 AM on November 8, 2020 [18 favorites]
When I saw all those Bidens come out on stage, I was like, Whoa! But then my whole body relaxed when I remember I don’t need to learn any of their names because none of them will wield insane amounts of power in unelected cabinet positions.
I hadn't even thought of that, it's so wonderful - no more Jared and Ivanka and their repulsive, inadequate, unqualified blathering. No more watching them on the national stage. No more of their horrible doll-like faces. No more of Don and Erik and their awful girlfriends.
The thing is, this is a grotesque country and we live in grotesque times, but seeing that whole family up there in all their reality show fashions and hairstyles and plastic surgery trying to run things while being just so, so stupid - it was a particular extra little fillip of horror. It's not "any old atrocity is okay if the people who give the orders have a professional demeanor"; it's seeing that this gold-toilet demeanor was what we as a country wanted in our rulers - that was horrible.
posted by Frowner at 9:33 AM on November 8, 2020 [38 favorites]
I hadn't even thought of that, it's so wonderful - no more Jared and Ivanka and their repulsive, inadequate, unqualified blathering. No more watching them on the national stage. No more of their horrible doll-like faces. No more of Don and Erik and their awful girlfriends.
The thing is, this is a grotesque country and we live in grotesque times, but seeing that whole family up there in all their reality show fashions and hairstyles and plastic surgery trying to run things while being just so, so stupid - it was a particular extra little fillip of horror. It's not "any old atrocity is okay if the people who give the orders have a professional demeanor"; it's seeing that this gold-toilet demeanor was what we as a country wanted in our rulers - that was horrible.
posted by Frowner at 9:33 AM on November 8, 2020 [38 favorites]
I'm getting flashbacks to "88 Reasons Why The Rapture Will Be In 1988".
you say that like it didn't actually happen.
posted by philip-random at 9:37 AM on November 8, 2020
It's just a bad use of data.
A bunch of that stuff is definitely popular across the spectrum; weeeeeed for example. But that's not really an excuse for sloppy analysis.
Cool ... so, what's the evidence that the analysis is, in fact, sloppy? What, if any, are the important differences between [1] the House districts where AOC helped and the Dem won, and [2] the House districts where AOC did not help and the Dem lost? Is the win/loss difference best explained by lack of AOC help (or digital engagement or whatever other things AOC was offering) or by policy positions? Or by something else?
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 9:38 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
A bunch of that stuff is definitely popular across the spectrum; weeeeeed for example. But that's not really an excuse for sloppy analysis.
Cool ... so, what's the evidence that the analysis is, in fact, sloppy? What, if any, are the important differences between [1] the House districts where AOC helped and the Dem won, and [2] the House districts where AOC did not help and the Dem lost? Is the win/loss difference best explained by lack of AOC help (or digital engagement or whatever other things AOC was offering) or by policy positions? Or by something else?
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 9:38 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
When I hear Claire McCaskill, or Pat Toomey, or Joe Manchin self-serving opine about how “this is a rejection of the Progressive agenda”
I ask myself, how much different is this from the Republican MO of "tell blatant lies you can't possibly even believe yourself, because you know damn well you're wrong, but you still want to get your way"
posted by ctmf at 9:39 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
I ask myself, how much different is this from the Republican MO of "tell blatant lies you can't possibly even believe yourself, because you know damn well you're wrong, but you still want to get your way"
posted by ctmf at 9:39 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
Oaklandside: As Oakland-born Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris makes history, Oaklanders take to the lake to share their joy
posted by Lexica at 9:43 AM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by Lexica at 9:43 AM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
> there is no such calendar that I could remotely stomach with Trump
I collect presidential plates and hang them on my wall. I don't think I'll be able to hang a Trump one; it's going to have to leap from Obama to Biden.
posted by The corpse in the library at 9:45 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
I collect presidential plates and hang them on my wall. I don't think I'll be able to hang a Trump one; it's going to have to leap from Obama to Biden.
posted by The corpse in the library at 9:45 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
I collect presidential plates and hang them on my wall. I don't think I'll be able to hang a Trump one; it's going to have to leap from Obama to Biden.
Or, hang an all-black plate as a placeholder. Or a plate with Darth Vader on it or something.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 9:47 AM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
Or, hang an all-black plate as a placeholder. Or a plate with Darth Vader on it or something.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 9:47 AM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
plate with a big coronavirus picture
posted by Heywood Mogroot III at 9:49 AM on November 8, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by Heywood Mogroot III at 9:49 AM on November 8, 2020 [12 favorites]
My partner filmed me doing Middle Aged White Guy dance moves in the street. So now I've fulfilled my oath and have literally danced in the street because Biden won.
That means its time to get down to business and start the letter writing, phone banking, protesting, and faxing to try and drag him to the left so he does the right thing going forward.
I think a big sign about how much he was BSing us and how much he really meant will be if he has the DEA reclassify marijuana so it is no longer a schedule one drug. That wouldn't even take an executive order, just him telling the DEA to do it. It's literally among the smallest, most symbolic, exercises of power he can do without any interference from any other branch of government.
The outcome of the Georgia special elections will determine if the next two years are limited to Executive Orders and other purely executive branch functions, if it goes badly and the Republicans retain control of the Senate then the first thing we need to be on the watch for Biden submitting to McConnell's attempts to control Biden's cabinet.
I suspect that's going to be the first major campaign we on the left have to engage in. Biden can follow the Trump precedent for cabinet and other executive branch appointments and totally bypass the Senate if McConnell is intransigent. But I doubt he will without a massive show of support for doing that, and an equally massive condemnation of McConnell trying to pretend that he's President by picking Biden's cabinet for him.
Biden's natural urge as a congenial true believer in bipartisanship will be to give in to McConnell and present it as reaching across the aisle and building bridges. I truly believe the Democrats can convince Biden to quell that urge and to tell McConnell to STFU. But it'll take lots of work.
posted by sotonohito at 9:50 AM on November 8, 2020 [18 favorites]
That means its time to get down to business and start the letter writing, phone banking, protesting, and faxing to try and drag him to the left so he does the right thing going forward.
I think a big sign about how much he was BSing us and how much he really meant will be if he has the DEA reclassify marijuana so it is no longer a schedule one drug. That wouldn't even take an executive order, just him telling the DEA to do it. It's literally among the smallest, most symbolic, exercises of power he can do without any interference from any other branch of government.
The outcome of the Georgia special elections will determine if the next two years are limited to Executive Orders and other purely executive branch functions, if it goes badly and the Republicans retain control of the Senate then the first thing we need to be on the watch for Biden submitting to McConnell's attempts to control Biden's cabinet.
I suspect that's going to be the first major campaign we on the left have to engage in. Biden can follow the Trump precedent for cabinet and other executive branch appointments and totally bypass the Senate if McConnell is intransigent. But I doubt he will without a massive show of support for doing that, and an equally massive condemnation of McConnell trying to pretend that he's President by picking Biden's cabinet for him.
Biden's natural urge as a congenial true believer in bipartisanship will be to give in to McConnell and present it as reaching across the aisle and building bridges. I truly believe the Democrats can convince Biden to quell that urge and to tell McConnell to STFU. But it'll take lots of work.
posted by sotonohito at 9:50 AM on November 8, 2020 [18 favorites]
I collect presidential plates and hang them on my wall. I don't think I'll be able to hang a Trump one.
Hang it facing the wall.
posted by Thorzdad at 9:54 AM on November 8, 2020 [41 favorites]
Hang it facing the wall.
posted by Thorzdad at 9:54 AM on November 8, 2020 [41 favorites]
Well, I for one am a happy Canadian.
Anything that isn't Trump is a win.
I have drawn a lot of Trumps over the past four years, here's a gallery of 45 images I did concerning the mendacious idiotstick.
And, thank you America, I wish you all the best from North of 49.
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 9:57 AM on November 8, 2020 [34 favorites]
Anything that isn't Trump is a win.
I have drawn a lot of Trumps over the past four years, here's a gallery of 45 images I did concerning the mendacious idiotstick.
And, thank you America, I wish you all the best from North of 49.
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 9:57 AM on November 8, 2020 [34 favorites]
re: Biden cabinet, I heard a rumor about Meg Whitman being considered. I really only heard it as rumor. Does anyone have any actual data about this?
On my way out the door shortly to do vote-curing in AZ -- the blue mirage here (because AZ counted mail-in ballots starting 2 weeks before the election, many of them released earlier, resulting in a definite red-shift) has meant a few local races (e.g. our county recorder in Maricopa) have just recently gone red again.
My emotional state is very complicated. I'm simultaneously elated (DJT is being tossed out!) and massively depressed (downballot, even just a little downballot like Senate and House, is total disaster). We need 49 more Stacey Abramses, pronto.
posted by nat at 10:00 AM on November 8, 2020 [14 favorites]
On my way out the door shortly to do vote-curing in AZ -- the blue mirage here (because AZ counted mail-in ballots starting 2 weeks before the election, many of them released earlier, resulting in a definite red-shift) has meant a few local races (e.g. our county recorder in Maricopa) have just recently gone red again.
My emotional state is very complicated. I'm simultaneously elated (DJT is being tossed out!) and massively depressed (downballot, even just a little downballot like Senate and House, is total disaster). We need 49 more Stacey Abramses, pronto.
posted by nat at 10:00 AM on November 8, 2020 [14 favorites]
Phlegmco(tm) Those are fascinatingly cathartic drawings.
posted by gwydapllew at 10:01 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by gwydapllew at 10:01 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
Phlegmco(tm) Those are fascinatingly cathartic drawings.
Seconded.
posted by Orlop at 10:05 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
Seconded.
posted by Orlop at 10:05 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
downballot, even just a little downballot like Senate and House, is total disaster
I might push back on this a little. I'm definitely unhappy about us losing seats in the House (although it looks like we'll retain our majority), but in the Senate, it was always going to be an uphill climb and very few predicted wins didn't pan out. Two seats flipped our way, one of which was a pretty close thing and had been predicted as potentially such. One seat flipped back but Jones was on borrowed time and everybody knew it. Collins beating out Gideon is somewhat embittering, yes, and that is one which I will agree is a deep disappointment. We might've always been fooling ourselves about our chances in South Carolina, but North Carolina isn't quite over yet (although not optimistic), and neither is Georgia (which will end up being a complete wild-card, because who knows what things will be like for the runoff?).
posted by jackbishop at 10:09 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
I might push back on this a little. I'm definitely unhappy about us losing seats in the House (although it looks like we'll retain our majority), but in the Senate, it was always going to be an uphill climb and very few predicted wins didn't pan out. Two seats flipped our way, one of which was a pretty close thing and had been predicted as potentially such. One seat flipped back but Jones was on borrowed time and everybody knew it. Collins beating out Gideon is somewhat embittering, yes, and that is one which I will agree is a deep disappointment. We might've always been fooling ourselves about our chances in South Carolina, but North Carolina isn't quite over yet (although not optimistic), and neither is Georgia (which will end up being a complete wild-card, because who knows what things will be like for the runoff?).
posted by jackbishop at 10:09 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
I collect presidential plates and hang them on my wall. I don't think I'll be able to hang a Trump one.
Perhaps a shard that doesn't include any of his face?
posted by Spathe Cadet at 10:11 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Perhaps a shard that doesn't include any of his face?
posted by Spathe Cadet at 10:11 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Everyone knew that Graham and McConnell were not going to lose, but you challenge them and make them work anyway.
Collins was vulnerable, but her state values the persona she puts on as being bipartisan and neutral. That is the most bitter loss.
Jones shouldn't have won. The Alabama Democrats did everything they could to keep him afloat, but if he crossed party lines he'd have been torpoedo'd and if he didn't, he'd be sunk. And now Tuberville gets to fuck Alabama again.
Everyone always knew that 2020 was a bad year for Democrats, but the possibility of a Blue wave made it seem like we'd win big. That's the problem with polls showing an overwhelming strength; it knocks your brain out of its common sense loop and into daydream territory.
posted by gwydapllew at 10:13 AM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
Collins was vulnerable, but her state values the persona she puts on as being bipartisan and neutral. That is the most bitter loss.
Jones shouldn't have won. The Alabama Democrats did everything they could to keep him afloat, but if he crossed party lines he'd have been torpoedo'd and if he didn't, he'd be sunk. And now Tuberville gets to fuck Alabama again.
Everyone always knew that 2020 was a bad year for Democrats, but the possibility of a Blue wave made it seem like we'd win big. That's the problem with polls showing an overwhelming strength; it knocks your brain out of its common sense loop and into daydream territory.
posted by gwydapllew at 10:13 AM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
I'm still glowing here, and I want to enjoy it for just a few hours longer. Could one of y'all who wants to talk about what didn't go right, or what Joe & Kamala may be about to do wrong, please start another thread for that (indisputably important) conversation?
posted by PhineasGage at 10:13 AM on November 8, 2020 [17 favorites]
posted by PhineasGage at 10:13 AM on November 8, 2020 [17 favorites]
The Romans had a concept of damnatio memoriae where the very memory of a bad emperor would be erased, official statues and portraits removed, etc. Just a thought.
posted by graymouser at 10:14 AM on November 8, 2020 [14 favorites]
posted by graymouser at 10:14 AM on November 8, 2020 [14 favorites]
Long comment prompted by the question of House losses and whether running away from progressive policies cost us.
I wonder how much the of the difference is about whether candidates are chasing the electorate or whether they're trying to persuade the electorate. I grew up in a very "conservative" (white evangelical) house, and I was completely convinced up through undergraduate and into grad school. It took me a long time to grow up. Something good (I think) that I saw routinely on the "conservative" side growing up is a pro-attitude toward persuading the other side. We were serious and taught to be serious about the commands in 2 Timothy 4:2 and 1 Peter 3:15-16 to preach and to be ready (in season and out) to tell people why we believed what we believed. So I was always ready to argue in defense of what I believed. Always. I was out to convince people who (I assumed) didn't believe what I believed.
Anyway, it seems to me that the Republicans have been much more willing to and much more active at assuming that they're right and that anyone who disagrees with them is wrong and that they can convince people to change their minds. This is, I think, a good habit to adopt. It's something that I like in the progressive leaders I've seen. I don't want us to be as closed-minded as some Republicans of my acquaintance. But I do want us -- and especially the party leaders -- to have the courage of our convictions and to stand for something. I want the Democrats to stop chasing what they think the electorate wants to hear and start convincing the electorate that our side is better. Anyway, I'd be interested to see whether this was an important difference between House districts where the Dem won and House districts where the Dem lost -- at least, the ones that AOC is talking about.
If I'm wrong in thinking that the Republicans are better at this than the Democrats are or that "running away" from their own policy positions (or what should be their own policy positions -- for Democrats, positions like M4A) is more of a problem for our side than for the Republicans, please correct me. Also, just to be careful and clear, I'm not saying that candidates should prioritize persuading moderates over getting out the vote from those who already agree. I think it's probably easier to get out the vote than to persuade. But in the long run, I think persuasion is the best route to secure, long-lasting gains.
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 10:16 AM on November 8, 2020 [23 favorites]
I wonder how much the of the difference is about whether candidates are chasing the electorate or whether they're trying to persuade the electorate. I grew up in a very "conservative" (white evangelical) house, and I was completely convinced up through undergraduate and into grad school. It took me a long time to grow up. Something good (I think) that I saw routinely on the "conservative" side growing up is a pro-attitude toward persuading the other side. We were serious and taught to be serious about the commands in 2 Timothy 4:2 and 1 Peter 3:15-16 to preach and to be ready (in season and out) to tell people why we believed what we believed. So I was always ready to argue in defense of what I believed. Always. I was out to convince people who (I assumed) didn't believe what I believed.
Anyway, it seems to me that the Republicans have been much more willing to and much more active at assuming that they're right and that anyone who disagrees with them is wrong and that they can convince people to change their minds. This is, I think, a good habit to adopt. It's something that I like in the progressive leaders I've seen. I don't want us to be as closed-minded as some Republicans of my acquaintance. But I do want us -- and especially the party leaders -- to have the courage of our convictions and to stand for something. I want the Democrats to stop chasing what they think the electorate wants to hear and start convincing the electorate that our side is better. Anyway, I'd be interested to see whether this was an important difference between House districts where the Dem won and House districts where the Dem lost -- at least, the ones that AOC is talking about.
If I'm wrong in thinking that the Republicans are better at this than the Democrats are or that "running away" from their own policy positions (or what should be their own policy positions -- for Democrats, positions like M4A) is more of a problem for our side than for the Republicans, please correct me. Also, just to be careful and clear, I'm not saying that candidates should prioritize persuading moderates over getting out the vote from those who already agree. I think it's probably easier to get out the vote than to persuade. But in the long run, I think persuasion is the best route to secure, long-lasting gains.
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 10:16 AM on November 8, 2020 [23 favorites]
I would be fine with a retroactive annulment of every act, appointment, or even his very number in the presidential order, but no, we should not bury the memory. It should be, it happened, and then it didn’t happen, because it should not have been allowed to happen.
posted by notoriety public at 10:18 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by notoriety public at 10:18 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
As for his number in the presidential order, technically, because Grover Cleveland gets counted twice, Joe Biden is the 45th person to be President of the United States.
posted by wabbittwax at 10:21 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by wabbittwax at 10:21 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
The Romans had a concept of damnatio memoriae where the very memory of a bad emperor would be erased, official statues and portraits removed, etc. Just a thought.
My entire family without any discussion started doing this four years ago on an individual level. President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, 45, President-Elect Biden. On MetaFilter I usually refer to the current occupant as the president* but I have never put title and name together.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 10:21 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
My entire family without any discussion started doing this four years ago on an individual level. President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, 45, President-Elect Biden. On MetaFilter I usually refer to the current occupant as the president* but I have never put title and name together.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 10:21 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
The Trump legal team’s failed Four Seasons press conference, explained:
The New York Times reported, however, that the mistake was “not in the booking, but in a garbled game of telephone.” The president was apparently told the conference would be at the business but misunderstood the name of the venue, thinking it would be held at the upscale hotel...
The campaign, which has held a number of similar press conferences in Philadelphia attempting to cast doubt on the state’s vote count, has struggled to find appropriate venues for these events...
...The space outside the Philadelphia Convention Center, where votes were being tabulated, was filled all week with Biden supporters chanting “count every vote.” It made for a difficult setting for the various Trump press conferences baselessly alleging voter fraud...So a new, more remote location was looked for and apparently found at Four Seasons...
...The idea that multiple states, some of which are controlled by Republicans, conspired to illegally rob Trump of an election win is ridiculous. And the Four Seasons press conference was a real emperor-has-no-clothes moment: A presidency that began with Trump’s descent into a golden lobby ended at a remote landscaping company, with the press packing up and leaving instead of staying and listening to nonsense.
posted by nubs at 10:24 AM on November 8, 2020 [30 favorites]
The New York Times reported, however, that the mistake was “not in the booking, but in a garbled game of telephone.” The president was apparently told the conference would be at the business but misunderstood the name of the venue, thinking it would be held at the upscale hotel...
The campaign, which has held a number of similar press conferences in Philadelphia attempting to cast doubt on the state’s vote count, has struggled to find appropriate venues for these events...
...The space outside the Philadelphia Convention Center, where votes were being tabulated, was filled all week with Biden supporters chanting “count every vote.” It made for a difficult setting for the various Trump press conferences baselessly alleging voter fraud...So a new, more remote location was looked for and apparently found at Four Seasons...
...The idea that multiple states, some of which are controlled by Republicans, conspired to illegally rob Trump of an election win is ridiculous. And the Four Seasons press conference was a real emperor-has-no-clothes moment: A presidency that began with Trump’s descent into a golden lobby ended at a remote landscaping company, with the press packing up and leaving instead of staying and listening to nonsense.
posted by nubs at 10:24 AM on November 8, 2020 [30 favorites]
The advantage Republicans have is they have no qualms with lying, fabricating, obfuscating, etc. if it serves their aims, and their constituents seem to eat it up. Democrats, for the most part, try to keep things aboveboard and truthful.
The problem comes when it seems the general electorate is more amenable to swallowing easy lies than hard truths, and I'm not sure what the cure for that is.
posted by Thorzdad at 10:24 AM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
The problem comes when it seems the general electorate is more amenable to swallowing easy lies than hard truths, and I'm not sure what the cure for that is.
posted by Thorzdad at 10:24 AM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
Not quite the oral history we are all eagerly awaiting, but more info on FourSeasonsGate.
posted by PhineasGage at 10:25 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by PhineasGage at 10:25 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
I agree that willingness to lie and bullshit and all the rest is one advantage Republicans have. But that's not something I'm willing to emulate, even if doing so would increase my likelihood of winning. I'm curious whether you think this is really the only advantage -- or maybe better to say, the only strength -- Republicans have.
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 10:29 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 10:29 AM on November 8, 2020
The other strength is their solidarity. Republicans are a monolithic entity speaking with one voice, because they’re fundamentally authoritarian and always fall in line. Also not exactly something to emulate.
posted by wabbittwax at 10:31 AM on November 8, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by wabbittwax at 10:31 AM on November 8, 2020 [11 favorites]
And the Four Seasons press conference was a real emperor-has-no-clothes moment: A presidency that began with Trump’s descent into a golden lobby ended at a remote landscaping company, with the press packing up and leaving instead of staying and listening to nonsense.
At least we finally had a chance to see them in all their glory.
posted by snofoam at 10:31 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
At least we finally had a chance to see them in all their glory.
posted by snofoam at 10:31 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Maybe Captain America..."
Speaking of ... the band moe. opened their show in Frederick, Maryland last night with their song Captain America. The rest of the setlist followed suit.
<3
posted by terrapin at 10:32 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Speaking of ... the band moe. opened their show in Frederick, Maryland last night with their song Captain America. The rest of the setlist followed suit.
<3
posted by terrapin at 10:32 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Not quite the oral history we are all eagerly awaiting, but more info on FourSeasonsGate.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 10:32 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
As for the confusion with the hotel, [foreman Kevin] Moran said, “everybody gets mixed up. There’s multiple Four Seasons. Four Seasons Hotel, there’s two Four Seasons Landscaping. We’re ‘Total,’ the other one, I think it’s just landscaping.”Glorious.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 10:32 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
If anyone's got some non-paywalled links to supplement the NYTimes ones that tonycpsu provided above, sourcing AOC's arguments about progressivism not hurting the party in key races, and her criticism of the party's ground-game strategy, plus maybe some links sourcing some of the "moderate" Democrats complaints, I think that would make a really nice basis for an FPP to get a discussion going. I can't do it myself right now but if no one else does before then I might try to sometime tonight.
posted by biogeo at 10:34 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by biogeo at 10:34 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
I collect presidential plates and hang them on my wall. I don't think I'll be able to hang a Trump one; it's going to have to leap from Obama to Biden.
THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
posted by tigrrrlily at 10:34 AM on November 8, 2020 [26 favorites]
I threw a post together, biogeo (first time!) - but would absolutely welcome additional links.
posted by invincible summer at 10:37 AM on November 8, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by invincible summer at 10:37 AM on November 8, 2020 [11 favorites]
Am I the only one who wants more and more electoral updates with every last crushing vote?
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 10:37 AM on November 8, 2020 [18 favorites]
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 10:37 AM on November 8, 2020 [18 favorites]
The Inquirer article links to a post on the Four Seasons Total Landscaping page, and in the comments is another post from the company:
"For those asking, here is breakdown of how this all came about..."
And then a gif of the Pepe Silvia scene
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 10:38 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
"For those asking, here is breakdown of how this all came about..."
And then a gif of the Pepe Silvia scene
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 10:38 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
A tweet that speaks to the ST nerd in me: Four Seasons Total Landscaping, when the campaign ended.
nubs, at rest.
on this story at least
posted by nubs at 10:40 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
nubs, at rest.
on this story at least
posted by nubs at 10:40 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
I collect presidential plates and hang them on my wall. I don't think I'll be able to hang a Trump one.
Hang it facing the wall.
I mean, if he loves walls so much.
posted by leotrotsky at 10:46 AM on November 8, 2020 [16 favorites]
Hang it facing the wall.
I mean, if he loves walls so much.
posted by leotrotsky at 10:46 AM on November 8, 2020 [16 favorites]
damnatio memoriae
i, too, have avoided using his name, principally on machine-searchable media, though also in person. my rationale: that guy loves his ratings, and there's no such thing as bad press. a usage count would enumerate instances of the syntax without necessarily noting whether any particular instance was preceded by "fuck --" or "---, the grotesquely cruel and determinedly stupid" or "impeached, grifting, one-term president --," permitting those so inclined to say: [name] trended high, even though my every invocation may have been scathingly, bitterly critical: ratings!
maybe this has led to imperfect clarity now and then, but i don't mind being a bit obscure.
(i wore my threadbare "fuck bush" shirt some of this week; told little lurk, when asked, it said bad words about the president thought to have been the worst before this guy and that i was wearing it because i don't have one saying bad words about this guy and wouldn't wear his name on my body anyway)
as to the plates: i think some of the value multiplier in the collection may lie in its completeness. i was gonna recommend breaking the plate and gluing it back together wrong, but turning it to the wall, or covering it with black crepe are solutions that preserve the collection's value. and, you've got nixon, and dubya, and 18 slaveowners, several willful genociders, &c., there.
final thought: hope treasury never puts him on the legal tender, but if tempted, i suggest his be the face on the three-dollar bill.
posted by 20 year lurk at 10:51 AM on November 8, 2020
i, too, have avoided using his name, principally on machine-searchable media, though also in person. my rationale: that guy loves his ratings, and there's no such thing as bad press. a usage count would enumerate instances of the syntax without necessarily noting whether any particular instance was preceded by "fuck --" or "---, the grotesquely cruel and determinedly stupid" or "impeached, grifting, one-term president --," permitting those so inclined to say: [name] trended high, even though my every invocation may have been scathingly, bitterly critical: ratings!
maybe this has led to imperfect clarity now and then, but i don't mind being a bit obscure.
(i wore my threadbare "fuck bush" shirt some of this week; told little lurk, when asked, it said bad words about the president thought to have been the worst before this guy and that i was wearing it because i don't have one saying bad words about this guy and wouldn't wear his name on my body anyway)
as to the plates: i think some of the value multiplier in the collection may lie in its completeness. i was gonna recommend breaking the plate and gluing it back together wrong, but turning it to the wall, or covering it with black crepe are solutions that preserve the collection's value. and, you've got nixon, and dubya, and 18 slaveowners, several willful genociders, &c., there.
final thought: hope treasury never puts him on the legal tender, but if tempted, i suggest his be the face on the three-dollar bill.
posted by 20 year lurk at 10:51 AM on November 8, 2020
Pretty sure this reportage has already been linked, but here it is again just in case. Fascinating stuff:
‘This f---ing virus’: Inside Donald Trump’s 2020 undoing
In one call with high-dollar donors, the question came up: Wasn’t Trump scaring off potential Democratic voters? More troubling: Trump had also refused to promise to accept the results of the election — what if he refused to leave the White House?
Why wasn’t the Biden campaign raising hell?
As the campaign gave behind-the-scenes assurances, one notion held steady and the attitude came from Biden himself: Trump was not God. The nation’s laws would win the day.
“In Donald Trump's case, you have to separate fantasy from reality,” says Bob Bauer, former Obama White House counsel who is helping head up Biden’s voter protection program. “You don't want to help him elevate his more fantastic pronouncements by overreacting to them because that's what he wants you to do.
“He wants everybody to chase him into fantasy land, and that helps him to control the narrative.”
posted by philip-random at 10:59 AM on November 8, 2020 [23 favorites]
‘This f---ing virus’: Inside Donald Trump’s 2020 undoing
In one call with high-dollar donors, the question came up: Wasn’t Trump scaring off potential Democratic voters? More troubling: Trump had also refused to promise to accept the results of the election — what if he refused to leave the White House?
Why wasn’t the Biden campaign raising hell?
As the campaign gave behind-the-scenes assurances, one notion held steady and the attitude came from Biden himself: Trump was not God. The nation’s laws would win the day.
“In Donald Trump's case, you have to separate fantasy from reality,” says Bob Bauer, former Obama White House counsel who is helping head up Biden’s voter protection program. “You don't want to help him elevate his more fantastic pronouncements by overreacting to them because that's what he wants you to do.
“He wants everybody to chase him into fantasy land, and that helps him to control the narrative.”
posted by philip-random at 10:59 AM on November 8, 2020 [23 favorites]
final thought: hope treasury never puts him on the legal tender, but if tempted, i suggest his be the face on the three-dollar bill.
I hope that in the fullness of time, the face that gets put on the $3 bill is that of the first openly queer President, rather than honoring the orange assclown in any way.
posted by notoriety public at 11:00 AM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
I hope that in the fullness of time, the face that gets put on the $3 bill is that of the first openly queer President, rather than honoring the orange assclown in any way.
posted by notoriety public at 11:00 AM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
hmm. maybe the wooden nickel, then.
posted by 20 year lurk at 11:04 AM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by 20 year lurk at 11:04 AM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
Who's the last non-assassinated POTUS to get put onto money? Ike? I don't think we have to worry about Trump getting his own bill ($3 or otherwise) until at least Reagan and Obama get there's, and they probably won't ever get it.
posted by sideshow at 11:05 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by sideshow at 11:05 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
From The Inquirer story: "The New York Times reported Saturday that Giuliani and Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski had always intended the news conference to take place in a section of Philadelphia where they might receive a more welcome reception than at the raucous celebrations of Biden’s victory going on in Center City."
This seems to be the going explanation, but since the Biden call was made minutes before or into the press conference, how would they have had the foresight to avoid those celebrations when planning? Unless they were going on already in anticipation of the election call?
posted by sundaydriver at 11:08 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
This seems to be the going explanation, but since the Biden call was made minutes before or into the press conference, how would they have had the foresight to avoid those celebrations when planning? Unless they were going on already in anticipation of the election call?
posted by sundaydriver at 11:08 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Who's the last non-assassinated POTUS to get put onto money?
FDR on the dime, I think, but I'm not sure about that.
posted by box at 11:23 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
FDR on the dime, I think, but I'm not sure about that.
posted by box at 11:23 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Ha! They should put FoPOTUS on the -1 dollar bill.
posted by sexyrobot at 11:25 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by sexyrobot at 11:25 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
This seems to be the going explanation, but since the Biden call was made minutes before or into the press conference, how would they have had the foresight to avoid those celebrations when planning? Unless they were going on already in anticipation of the election call?
IIUC correctly, those celebrations started as demonstrations to call on the poll workers to keep counting. So they were already out in the streets.
posted by ocschwar at 11:26 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
Surely the square root of the negative one dollar bill.
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 11:26 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 11:26 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Monopoly money marked "Not Legal Tender".
posted by vers at 11:29 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by vers at 11:29 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Who's the last non-assassinated POTUS to get put onto money?
FDR on the dime, I think, but I'm not sure about that.
Ike on the silver dollar.
posted by LionIndex at 11:29 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
FDR on the dime, I think, but I'm not sure about that.
Ike on the silver dollar.
posted by LionIndex at 11:29 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
The only appropriate money related paper his face should be on is an IOU that is never intended to be paid.
posted by Joey Michaels at 11:33 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by Joey Michaels at 11:33 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
I need to read comments more carefully before I make my own comment which repeats an earlier comment.
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 11:36 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 11:36 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
A plug nickel, I think. Debased currency for the debasement of the office.
posted by Vigilant at 11:41 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by Vigilant at 11:41 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
This article, I think, best captures the profundity and absurdity of The Press Conference.
I saw Donald Trump’s presidency come crashing down at Four Seasons Total Landscaping
I saw Donald Trump’s presidency come crashing down at Four Seasons Total Landscaping
One journalist remarked that the entire episode was beginning to acquire a Muammar Gaddafi flavour to it. When Nato powers started to bomb Tripoli in support of Libyan rebels and it appeared the leader was on his last legs, he emerged briefly from hiding riding a golf cart and holding an oversized umbrella. It was intended to project perseverance and strength — it had the opposite effect.posted by J.K. Seazer at 11:42 AM on November 8, 2020 [18 favorites]
Not worried about Trump on money. I’m just hoping there’s never a USS Trump.
I think Poland was planning to name a NATO base Fort Trump (presumably to flatter him into not handing them over to Moscow's sphere of influence), and Israel was naming a railway station after him. There may be some other instances.
posted by acb at 11:47 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
I think Poland was planning to name a NATO base Fort Trump (presumably to flatter him into not handing them over to Moscow's sphere of influence), and Israel was naming a railway station after him. There may be some other instances.
posted by acb at 11:47 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
(Almost) all presidents have gotten dollar coins. Last one so far is Reagan, though Bush Sr. should get one this year or next.
posted by Huffy Puffy at 11:49 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by Huffy Puffy at 11:49 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Not worried about Trump on money. I’m just hoping there’s never a USS Trump.
Up here the navy gives the HMCS ship designation to some of their shore-bound facilities. Does the USN do the same? You could have the USS Donald J. Trump being an on-base public lavatory or a garbage dump or a stockade or....
posted by Clever User Name at 11:51 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Up here the navy gives the HMCS ship designation to some of their shore-bound facilities. Does the USN do the same? You could have the USS Donald J. Trump being an on-base public lavatory or a garbage dump or a stockade or....
posted by Clever User Name at 11:51 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
We should really try to find some common ground with the people who want us dead.
posted by guiseroom at 11:53 AM on November 8, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by guiseroom at 11:53 AM on November 8, 2020 [11 favorites]
Clever User Name: "Not worried about Trump on money. I’m just hoping there’s never a USS Trump.
Up here the navy gives the HMCS ship designation to some of their shore-bound facilities. Does the USN do the same? You could have the USS Donald J. Trump being an on-base public lavatory or a garbage dump or a stockade or...."
Tugboat Trumpy McTrumpface
posted by chavenet at 11:55 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
Up here the navy gives the HMCS ship designation to some of their shore-bound facilities. Does the USN do the same? You could have the USS Donald J. Trump being an on-base public lavatory or a garbage dump or a stockade or...."
Tugboat Trumpy McTrumpface
posted by chavenet at 11:55 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
Omg curbed has An Architecture Critic Looks at Four Seasons Total Landscaping ...nice deep shade.
posted by sexyrobot at 11:58 AM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by sexyrobot at 11:58 AM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
USS Trump would be a broken piece of barely-floating shit that the Navy would have to keep lying about inspection results and refusing to do maintenance on because that would be admitting it's not perfect. It would veer all over the channel, violating rules of the road right and left and hazarding other vessels. And everyone who served on it would have to be a buffoon who got fired before completing their tour.
I'll pass.
posted by ctmf at 12:00 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
I'll pass.
posted by ctmf at 12:00 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
The dildo store and the crematorium and the Trump campaign all deal with stiffs.
That is a proper joke, and the cleverest in this entire thread by a fair margin! I think it deserves many more favorites.
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:11 PM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
That is a proper joke, and the cleverest in this entire thread by a fair margin! I think it deserves many more favorites.
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:11 PM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
Ohhh I get it now. I got the first two meanings of "stiff" when I read it the first time but not the third until just now. Damn, yeah. Well done.
posted by biogeo at 12:17 PM on November 8, 2020
posted by biogeo at 12:17 PM on November 8, 2020
Background and updates from the designer of the Four Seasons Total Landscaping t-shirt: Twitter | Threadreader
Summary: what was started on a bubbly-induced whim turned into a huge fundraiser for the GA runoffs!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:19 PM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
Summary: what was started on a bubbly-induced whim turned into a huge fundraiser for the GA runoffs!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:19 PM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
This was posted on the UK thread, and it is truly worth a listen: “This is not America”: former US Vice President JOE BIDEN on the power of positive example
It's a conversation between Nick Clegg and Joe Biden, and while there are still things about Biden's politics I don't support, I understand his appeal much better now.
posted by mumimor at 12:21 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
It's a conversation between Nick Clegg and Joe Biden, and while there are still things about Biden's politics I don't support, I understand his appeal much better now.
posted by mumimor at 12:21 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
Not worried about Trump on money. I’m just hoping there’s never a USS Trump.
Besides the fact the brass HATES him, I think his upcoming indictments will put a kibosh in any of that.
What will be interesting is the total dearth of acceptable Republican Presidents that the party can point to as an example of acceptable executive leadership. All they have right now is Reagan*, and the youngest person alive today who could have voted for Reagan is 54. I mean:
Trump (crook)
GW Bush (legacy of Iraq and Afghanistan, abandoned by party)
GHW Bush (one term, lost to Clinton, abandoned by party)
Reagan (meh)
Ford (less than one term, never elected)
Nixon (crook)
They've got nothing.
*Yes, I know he was terrible too.
posted by leotrotsky at 12:24 PM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
Besides the fact the brass HATES him, I think his upcoming indictments will put a kibosh in any of that.
What will be interesting is the total dearth of acceptable Republican Presidents that the party can point to as an example of acceptable executive leadership. All they have right now is Reagan*, and the youngest person alive today who could have voted for Reagan is 54. I mean:
Trump (crook)
GW Bush (legacy of Iraq and Afghanistan, abandoned by party)
GHW Bush (one term, lost to Clinton, abandoned by party)
Reagan (meh)
Ford (less than one term, never elected)
Nixon (crook)
They've got nothing.
*Yes, I know he was terrible too.
posted by leotrotsky at 12:24 PM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
The Romans had a concept of damnatio memoriae where the very memory of a bad emperor would be erased, official statues and portraits removed, etc. Just a thought.
I appreciate the concept, but I am taking a hard pass on that. I had one grandfather in Pearl Harbor when it was attacked and another grandfather who was a minesweeper in Germany during WWII.
"Those that do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
Why should any of us just "forget" so future generations have to through this again?
Why should we not be full throated and say NO MORE HITLER! NO MORE MUSSOLINI! NO MORE NIXON! NO MORE TRUMP!
That's only a handful of people who are responsible for the deaths of millions. My kid is old enough to be aware of these crazy 4 years. I will not be complicit in forgetting history in some weird sort of "this didn't really happen"
BECAUSE IT FUCKING DID!
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 12:24 PM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
I appreciate the concept, but I am taking a hard pass on that. I had one grandfather in Pearl Harbor when it was attacked and another grandfather who was a minesweeper in Germany during WWII.
"Those that do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
Why should any of us just "forget" so future generations have to through this again?
Why should we not be full throated and say NO MORE HITLER! NO MORE MUSSOLINI! NO MORE NIXON! NO MORE TRUMP!
That's only a handful of people who are responsible for the deaths of millions. My kid is old enough to be aware of these crazy 4 years. I will not be complicit in forgetting history in some weird sort of "this didn't really happen"
BECAUSE IT FUCKING DID!
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 12:24 PM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
President Elect, not President.
And, maybe not the 46th, but the 47th after Mike Pence.
Small probability.
posted by davebarnes at 12:36 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
And, maybe not the 46th, but the 47th after Mike Pence.
Small probability.
posted by davebarnes at 12:36 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
The youngest person alive today who could have voted for Reagan is 54.
Yeah, but Hologram Soundbite Reagan is much better than the real thing--you get 'shining city on a hill' and 'tear down this wall' and 'the most terrifying words in the English language are 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help',' and, unless you hit the wrong button, you never have to hear 'facts are stupid things,' 'trees cause more pollution than automobiles do,' and 'I've signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes.'
posted by box at 12:41 PM on November 8, 2020 [20 favorites]
Yeah, but Hologram Soundbite Reagan is much better than the real thing--you get 'shining city on a hill' and 'tear down this wall' and 'the most terrifying words in the English language are 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help',' and, unless you hit the wrong button, you never have to hear 'facts are stupid things,' 'trees cause more pollution than automobiles do,' and 'I've signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes.'
posted by box at 12:41 PM on November 8, 2020 [20 favorites]
Naomi Klein: We were told Joe Biden was the 'safe choice'. But it was risky to offer so little
posted by progosk at 12:47 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by progosk at 12:47 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
They've got nothing.
Off the top of my head: Nikki Haley. No doubt there are many others who I'm not familiar. After all, Obama was essentially no one politically and became President without years in either chamber.
Also don't forget that Trump has received the second most votes for a President in US History. Had he handled COVID better or had it not appeared, there's a great chance he could have one.
They got plenty and left leaning folks should never, ever forget that, especially after 2016 and this year where Trump increased his percentage in minorities.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 12:49 PM on November 8, 2020 [22 favorites]
Off the top of my head: Nikki Haley. No doubt there are many others who I'm not familiar. After all, Obama was essentially no one politically and became President without years in either chamber.
Also don't forget that Trump has received the second most votes for a President in US History. Had he handled COVID better or had it not appeared, there's a great chance he could have one.
They got plenty and left leaning folks should never, ever forget that, especially after 2016 and this year where Trump increased his percentage in minorities.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 12:49 PM on November 8, 2020 [22 favorites]
I saw Donald Trump’s presidency come crashing down at Four Seasons Total Landscaping
I've been following this one from the get-go, watching it evolve from raw reportage to what now feels like a final cut. The last few words:
The owner of the Fantasy Island adult book store had come out onto his porch to watch the circus. He stood and stared in disbelief until a customer jolted him awake again.
“Are you open?”
“Yes,” he said, before following him inside.
It felt like an ending.
posted by philip-random at 12:58 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
I've been following this one from the get-go, watching it evolve from raw reportage to what now feels like a final cut. The last few words:
The owner of the Fantasy Island adult book store had come out onto his porch to watch the circus. He stood and stared in disbelief until a customer jolted him awake again.
“Are you open?”
“Yes,” he said, before following him inside.
It felt like an ending.
posted by philip-random at 12:58 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Reagan (meh)
Should probably add "crook" to Reagan as well, given that there were two large, criminal scandals during his administration: 18 indicted & 16 convicted of fraud in HUD, and 14 indicted & 11 convicted in the Iran-Contra affair.
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 1:01 PM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
Should probably add "crook" to Reagan as well, given that there were two large, criminal scandals during his administration: 18 indicted & 16 convicted of fraud in HUD, and 14 indicted & 11 convicted in the Iran-Contra affair.
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 1:01 PM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
We have found the Trump Presidential Library.
"In addition to what appears to be a fake front page from the Washington Times, it seems the Trump campaign has wallpapered their office kitchen with tweets from the President."
posted by MonkeyToes at 1:12 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
"In addition to what appears to be a fake front page from the Washington Times, it seems the Trump campaign has wallpapered their office kitchen with tweets from the President."
posted by MonkeyToes at 1:12 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
It’s neat to see Sam Bee’s first election video followed by the revised version.
posted by Monochrome at 1:24 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Monochrome at 1:24 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
GOP lawmakers are refusing to acknowledge the reality that Biden won the election
posted by tonycpsu at 1:25 PM on November 8, 2020 [24 favorites]
In an interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) refused to acknowledge that Biden is the president-elect, saying, “It’s time for the president’s lawyers to present the facts and it’s time for those facts to speak for themselves.” [...]Remember the names of these dead-enders in a few months when the GOP is trying to rehabilitate their image and make everyone think Trump was the problem.
Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) took a slightly softer approach on CBS’s Face the Nation, acknowledging that his home state’s vote count — which put Biden over the threshold of 270 Electoral College votes needed to win — is “probably correct, but there’s a reason that we do the count.” But he still wouldn’t go as far as acknowledging that Biden won. [...]
In contrast, North Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a vocal and enthusiastic supporter of the president, alleged, as the president has, that there was widespread voter fraud. As Stephanopoulos noted in his discussion with the governor, secretaries of state across the US have repeatedly said there has been no widespread fraud — and when pushed to provide evidence otherwise, Noem could not. Instead, she brought up the minor, and common, problems that election officials deal with routinely.) She too, however, refused to acknowledge the reality that Trump lost the election.[...]
posted by tonycpsu at 1:25 PM on November 8, 2020 [24 favorites]
Not worried about Trump on money. I’m just hoping there’s never a USS Trump.
What I'd like to see is a 'US Presidents' themed pack of Top Trumps which doesn't have Trump in it.
posted by Cardinal Fang at 1:25 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
What I'd like to see is a 'US Presidents' themed pack of Top Trumps which doesn't have Trump in it.
posted by Cardinal Fang at 1:25 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
My kid is old enough to be aware of these crazy 4 years.
Over here it was a crazy 6 years. (Unless you're talking about the Trump presidency and not WW2.)
posted by Cardinal Fang at 1:29 PM on November 8, 2020
Over here it was a crazy 6 years. (Unless you're talking about the Trump presidency and not WW2.)
posted by Cardinal Fang at 1:29 PM on November 8, 2020
ABC and The Hill managing to misunderstand Guy Fawkes fireworks as celebration of a Biden victory.
posted by MattWPBS at 1:31 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by MattWPBS at 1:31 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
(we were celebrating burning a Catholic, please don't look at us like that)
posted by MattWPBS at 1:33 PM on November 8, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by MattWPBS at 1:33 PM on November 8, 2020 [12 favorites]
Some of the first things President Biden can, and will, do by Executive authority, almost immediately:
1. Establish a Covid task force with science-based solutions, in a federally led initiative.
2. Rejoin the Paris climate accord.
3. Rejoin the WHO. (The World Health Organization, not the rock group. Although, come to think of it...)
4. Repeal the Muslim travel ban from many countries.
5. Reinstate DACA.
6. Reinstate guidance on allowing transgender students to use the restrooms, locker rooms, etc. that conform with their gender identity.
7. The article doesn’t state it outright, but Biden is on record supporting revoking the ban on transgender persons serving in the military.
A LOT of other things that will be fixed by executive action, some alluded to in the article.
This is real, folks.
posted by darkstar at 1:39 PM on November 8, 2020 [43 favorites]
1. Establish a Covid task force with science-based solutions, in a federally led initiative.
2. Rejoin the Paris climate accord.
3. Rejoin the WHO. (The World Health Organization, not the rock group. Although, come to think of it...)
4. Repeal the Muslim travel ban from many countries.
5. Reinstate DACA.
6. Reinstate guidance on allowing transgender students to use the restrooms, locker rooms, etc. that conform with their gender identity.
7. The article doesn’t state it outright, but Biden is on record supporting revoking the ban on transgender persons serving in the military.
A LOT of other things that will be fixed by executive action, some alluded to in the article.
This is real, folks.
posted by darkstar at 1:39 PM on November 8, 2020 [43 favorites]
I really hope he does all of that and also pardons Reality Winner.
posted by cyndigo at 1:42 PM on November 8, 2020 [15 favorites]
posted by cyndigo at 1:42 PM on November 8, 2020 [15 favorites]
Noem has spent the entire pandemic aspiring to become a wart on Trump's ass, and has killed a lot of her state's citizens as a result.
posted by benzenedream at 1:45 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by benzenedream at 1:45 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
I don't care if it's four years too late, I'mma quote some Hamilton: "We won! We won! We won! We won!"
Fuckin' finally.
posted by whuppy at 2:15 PM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
Fuckin' finally.
posted by whuppy at 2:15 PM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
Much, much gratitude to you all for updating the threads with ballot counts and analysis and cautious cheer throughout the past several days!! And a special thank you to everyone who suggested watching Biden's 2012 TAPS speech.
To add to Orange Dinosaur Slide's comment, the artist for that Gritty Landscapes tee is the same Shing Yin Khor who created the Long Live Resistance Auntie art, Jan 2017 :)))))))))!!!!!!! The purple coat wearing woman giving Tr*mp the double bird flip is Anita Yavich, an award-winning costume designer and theater professor.
Music: for me, I've been rewatching multiple live performances of the Girls' Generation 2007 debut song "Into The New World," and crying. Especially this 2015 Phantasia in Seoul performance, a rock ballad style version of the original song, all the members wearing brown fatigues, albeit popstar style, and combat boots. The song's lyrics (youtube) are about persevering through seeming insurmountable loss.
Also, have a yesterday morning tweet from J-pop legend Utada Hikaru:
@utadahikaru
Thank fucking goodness
10:36 AM PST · Nov 7, 2020
posted by one teak forest at 2:19 PM on November 8, 2020 [12 favorites]
To add to Orange Dinosaur Slide's comment, the artist for that Gritty Landscapes tee is the same Shing Yin Khor who created the Long Live Resistance Auntie art, Jan 2017 :)))))))))!!!!!!! The purple coat wearing woman giving Tr*mp the double bird flip is Anita Yavich, an award-winning costume designer and theater professor.
Music: for me, I've been rewatching multiple live performances of the Girls' Generation 2007 debut song "Into The New World," and crying. Especially this 2015 Phantasia in Seoul performance, a rock ballad style version of the original song, all the members wearing brown fatigues, albeit popstar style, and combat boots. The song's lyrics (youtube) are about persevering through seeming insurmountable loss.
Don't wait for a miracle, there's a rough road in front of usWritten on the paper planes being sent through the venue are the words: "언졔까지라도 함께 하는 거야 (It's something we'll do together to the end)". ITNW was played during protests in South Korea, Hong Kong (article is mostly about "March for the Beloved"), and the recent prolonged anti-monarchy pro-democracy protests in Thailand.
With obstacles and future that can't be known, yet I won't change, I can't give up
...
I leave behind this world's unending sadness
I get stronger just thinking about you. Help me so that I won't cry
We are together, feeling this moment, into our new world
Also, have a yesterday morning tweet from J-pop legend Utada Hikaru:
@utadahikaru
Thank fucking goodness
10:36 AM PST · Nov 7, 2020
posted by one teak forest at 2:19 PM on November 8, 2020 [12 favorites]
Off the top of my head: Nikki Haley.
Eh. Her social media record is as much of a minefield as her job performance under the Trump regime, including whining about having to work on a holiday while being US ambassador to the UN and dealing with a potential nuclear war, and complaints about an online popcorn delivery service.
Never say never, but Haley is not a serious person and does not have the gravitas and competence to understand and handle even the responsibilities she was assigned. While she might have had a shot at the presidency before Trump, and before Trump put her in roles she was demonstrably incapable of fulfilling, my hope is that the public will be sufficiently inoculated by Trump's one-term disaster that unserious bozos like her will never have a successful run at the office in our lifetimes.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 2:29 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
Eh. Her social media record is as much of a minefield as her job performance under the Trump regime, including whining about having to work on a holiday while being US ambassador to the UN and dealing with a potential nuclear war, and complaints about an online popcorn delivery service.
Never say never, but Haley is not a serious person and does not have the gravitas and competence to understand and handle even the responsibilities she was assigned. While she might have had a shot at the presidency before Trump, and before Trump put her in roles she was demonstrably incapable of fulfilling, my hope is that the public will be sufficiently inoculated by Trump's one-term disaster that unserious bozos like her will never have a successful run at the office in our lifetimes.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 2:29 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
John Oliver's show is going to be one for the ages tonight.
posted by jquinby at 2:31 PM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
posted by jquinby at 2:31 PM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
Never say never, but Haley is not a serious person and does not have the gravitas and competence to understand and handle even the responsibilities she was assigned.
I'm not sure how anyone can say this after seeing Donald Trump elected.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 2:42 PM on November 8, 2020 [29 favorites]
I'm not sure how anyone can say this after seeing Donald Trump elected.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 2:42 PM on November 8, 2020 [29 favorites]
Easy: he's way below the bar being used to measure Haley.
posted by rhizome at 2:45 PM on November 8, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by rhizome at 2:45 PM on November 8, 2020 [12 favorites]
Favorited both of those comments, because, yeah.
posted by darkstar at 2:50 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by darkstar at 2:50 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
It just doesn't seem smart to so blithely dismiss the governor of a state who was also UN Ambassador. We can disparage her views or performance in office, but even before Trump the phrase "doesn't have the gravitas and competence" for someone with her resume is not useful political analysis.
posted by PhineasGage at 2:50 PM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by PhineasGage at 2:50 PM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
I imagine the Rs will just nominate Q.
posted by Going To Maine at 3:01 PM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by Going To Maine at 3:01 PM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
Nikki Haley is top of my list of likely future candidates, when I think of how the GOP plans to respond to Biden/Harris in 2024 or 2028.
As noted: Governor of a state, so she has statewide executive experience. UN ambassador, so she has foreign policy experience. And as a woman of color, she could chew into those demographics, so important to the Dem victory this year.
After Trump, no one can be said to be too incompetent to win the Presidency. Sure, Haley will be held to a higher standard than, say, Tim Cotton. But she’s well positioned to run in 2024, and could be a very powerful candidate. I wouldn’t underestimate her appeal.
posted by darkstar at 3:03 PM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
As noted: Governor of a state, so she has statewide executive experience. UN ambassador, so she has foreign policy experience. And as a woman of color, she could chew into those demographics, so important to the Dem victory this year.
After Trump, no one can be said to be too incompetent to win the Presidency. Sure, Haley will be held to a higher standard than, say, Tim Cotton. But she’s well positioned to run in 2024, and could be a very powerful candidate. I wouldn’t underestimate her appeal.
posted by darkstar at 3:03 PM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
I dunno, I dunno, neither Scott nor Haley (or indeed any of the Trump children) have that snake-bully charisma that lights the fire of Trumps core believers. The thing that repulses us is the thing that they love about him, and none of those other admittedly noxious folks have the same malevolent magic that Trump exudes.
posted by valkane at 3:09 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by valkane at 3:09 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
Cotton has that right-wing magic. He's fascist id in a bottle, which is why he is dangerous. Anyway, Republicans may try with Haley what they tried with Sarah Palin, but it didn't work then, and it probably wouldn't work now, especially after Trump vetted her for us. There will always be that diehard 35-40%, maybe, but getting another ten points will be hard with her record.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 3:15 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 3:15 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
Governor Noem is a die hard Trumper who looks like a Fox news host, and is a more polished liar than Palin. Watch out for her.
posted by benzenedream at 3:21 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by benzenedream at 3:21 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
Anyway, I don’t even want to get into prognosticating the fight four years from now. I need to be able to enjoy this victory for a while, yet. My psyche is desperate for relief from the horse-race and gaming out GOP shenanigans, at least for a while.
My canvassing days are over. And I’m too burned out on activism to engage in the text- and phone-banking. I have, however, earmarked my next paycheck to be split equally between Warnock, Ossoff, and Abrams.
posted by darkstar at 3:21 PM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
My canvassing days are over. And I’m too burned out on activism to engage in the text- and phone-banking. I have, however, earmarked my next paycheck to be split equally between Warnock, Ossoff, and Abrams.
posted by darkstar at 3:21 PM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
serious question does anyone know how qanon is spinning the four seasons total landscaping debacle?
posted by Reclusive Novelist Thomas Pynchon at 3:24 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by Reclusive Novelist Thomas Pynchon at 3:24 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
neither Scott nor Haley (or indeed any of the Trump children) have that snake-bully charisma that lights the fire of Trumps core believers.
My feeling too at least with Haley. If party leaders were deciding she might be the best pick, but I don't feel like the reaction to this defeat, by the ones who stuck with Trump, will be "we need to be more moderate and put up someone who someone who at least appears mainstream and liberal."
posted by mark k at 3:29 PM on November 8, 2020
My feeling too at least with Haley. If party leaders were deciding she might be the best pick, but I don't feel like the reaction to this defeat, by the ones who stuck with Trump, will be "we need to be more moderate and put up someone who someone who at least appears mainstream and liberal."
posted by mark k at 3:29 PM on November 8, 2020
Travis View (who tracks QAnon and co-hosts QAnonAnonymous podcast): Most Q followers are still deep in denial. And they're probably going to stay there until Trump concedes and/or on inauguration day.
posted by Going To Maine at 3:31 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by Going To Maine at 3:31 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
so a cursory glance seems to indicate that one qanon storyline is that the security cameras of the landscaping place are pointed at the crematorium where all the trump votes were burned
posted by Reclusive Novelist Thomas Pynchon at 3:33 PM on November 8, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by Reclusive Novelist Thomas Pynchon at 3:33 PM on November 8, 2020 [11 favorites]
It just doesn't seem smart to so blithely dismiss the governor of a state who was also UN Ambassador.
Consider how she BECAME the UN Ambassador however.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 3:34 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Consider how she BECAME the UN Ambassador however.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 3:34 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Mod note: Please don't go too far down the qanon rabbit hole here.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 3:36 PM on November 8, 2020 [16 favorites]
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 3:36 PM on November 8, 2020 [16 favorites]
Bidenfreude - tentative relief without joy
Tremendous gratitude to (especially) Stacy Abrams and everyone who worked to make this happen. I celebrate Biden, am thrilled about Harris, but don't think I can feel joy until they're both sworn in.
posted by Joey Michaels at 3:53 PM on November 8, 2020 [16 favorites]
Tremendous gratitude to (especially) Stacy Abrams and everyone who worked to make this happen. I celebrate Biden, am thrilled about Harris, but don't think I can feel joy until they're both sworn in.
posted by Joey Michaels at 3:53 PM on November 8, 2020 [16 favorites]
Just want to point out that Kristi Noem is governor of South Dakota, not North Dakota. (The Vox article remains uncorrected)
posted by achrise at 4:11 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by achrise at 4:11 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
Just in case anyone's feeling a little nervous, David Lauter, Washington correspondent from the LA Times: Day after the race was called, Biden's margins in PA, GA & AZ have all grown. In PA, his lead now >43,000 votes and likely will expand further.
posted by soundguy99 at 4:41 PM on November 8, 2020 [18 favorites]
posted by soundguy99 at 4:41 PM on November 8, 2020 [18 favorites]
I’m just nervous about the delusional nature of the conversation by Trump supporters.
My next door neighbor still has his “TRUMP 2020: MAKE LIBERALS CRY AGAIN” flag up. It’s disturbing.
posted by glaucon at 4:46 PM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
My next door neighbor still has his “TRUMP 2020: MAKE LIBERALS CRY AGAIN” flag up. It’s disturbing.
posted by glaucon at 4:46 PM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
Here are more examples of delusional Trump voters. [Content Warning: delusional Trump voters.]
posted by PhineasGage at 4:47 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by PhineasGage at 4:47 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
I celebrate Biden, am thrilled about Harris, but don't think I can feel joy until they're both sworn in.
Likewise on all counts. Because I am an idiot and occasionally read the comments on news stories, I have noticed that for the last three days that supporters of the current president* rely heavily on two rhetorical tacks:
1. "Media doesn't certify the results -- only the electoral college does" (sure, yes, but barring a lot of illegal jiggery-pokery with faithless electors and such, it's done); and
2. "This just means we will wind up with President Harris" (its an odd tactic to try to scare people by threatening to give them exactly what they want, but knock yourself out)
posted by ricochet biscuit at 4:48 PM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
Likewise on all counts. Because I am an idiot and occasionally read the comments on news stories, I have noticed that for the last three days that supporters of the current president* rely heavily on two rhetorical tacks:
1. "Media doesn't certify the results -- only the electoral college does" (sure, yes, but barring a lot of illegal jiggery-pokery with faithless electors and such, it's done); and
2. "This just means we will wind up with President Harris" (its an odd tactic to try to scare people by threatening to give them exactly what they want, but knock yourself out)
posted by ricochet biscuit at 4:48 PM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
Here are more examples of delusional Trump voters. [Content Warning: delusional Trump voters.]
The NYT immediately looking for the reactions of the batshit crazy rural white electorate?
I can set my watch to these fuckers giving credence and attention to the worst people to give it to.
posted by Your Childhood Pet Rock at 4:51 PM on November 8, 2020 [22 favorites]
The NYT immediately looking for the reactions of the batshit crazy rural white electorate?
I can set my watch to these fuckers giving credence and attention to the worst people to give it to.
posted by Your Childhood Pet Rock at 4:51 PM on November 8, 2020 [22 favorites]
George W. Bush has officially congratulated Joe Biden.
posted by soundguy99 at 4:53 PM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
posted by soundguy99 at 4:53 PM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
Oh my God, what a chump by Tom Ley
This country is not fixed, and won’t be anytime soon, and there will be plenty to feel awful about in the coming days, months, and years. But for now, give yourself a moment to enjoy the fact that one of the worst people this place ever produced and empowered feels like absolute dog shit right now. I think that’s nice.
posted by medusa at 5:26 PM on November 8, 2020 [24 favorites]
This country is not fixed, and won’t be anytime soon, and there will be plenty to feel awful about in the coming days, months, and years. But for now, give yourself a moment to enjoy the fact that one of the worst people this place ever produced and empowered feels like absolute dog shit right now. I think that’s nice.
posted by medusa at 5:26 PM on November 8, 2020 [24 favorites]
"Noem has spent the entire pandemic aspiring to become a wart on Trump's ass, and has killed a lot of her state's citizens as a result."
And yet, her state voted for Trump hard. Very hard.
posted by jadepearl at 5:38 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
And yet, her state voted for Trump hard. Very hard.
posted by jadepearl at 5:38 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Dunno why it took so long to think of it, but this is my new Zoom background.
posted by PhineasGage at 5:48 PM on November 8, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by PhineasGage at 5:48 PM on November 8, 2020 [11 favorites]
Noted on watching the victory speeches: Harris is a really good speaker, possibly more so than Biden. Nice to see such a diverse and happy crowd: Harris having to say "Thank you, good evening" about ten times before the cheering died down enough for a speech.
My overall non-USian feeling: the Airplane! America has found someone who is qualified to fly a plane, and that is a huge improvement on the previous situation. There's still no overall agreement on who should be allowed to remain onboard the plane, or where the plane should go, but now there are options, whereas with the previous non-pilot occupant of the cockpit, crashing was the only option. The world's airports are breathing a sigh of relief.
Still to be answered: how did he get in the cockpit? is air travel a sustainable thing? will the next person also be a qualified pilot?
posted by Wrinkled Stumpskin at 5:56 PM on November 8, 2020 [12 favorites]
My overall non-USian feeling: the Airplane! America has found someone who is qualified to fly a plane, and that is a huge improvement on the previous situation. There's still no overall agreement on who should be allowed to remain onboard the plane, or where the plane should go, but now there are options, whereas with the previous non-pilot occupant of the cockpit, crashing was the only option. The world's airports are breathing a sigh of relief.
Still to be answered: how did he get in the cockpit? is air travel a sustainable thing? will the next person also be a qualified pilot?
posted by Wrinkled Stumpskin at 5:56 PM on November 8, 2020 [12 favorites]
Twitter has this amazing Venn Diagram. Trump was truly a singular president: the only one who lost the popular vote, was impeached, and only had one term.
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 6:03 PM on November 8, 2020 [25 favorites]
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 6:03 PM on November 8, 2020 [25 favorites]
If you want to keep riding the good feelings this weekend I'd recommend re-watching Obama present the Medal of Honor to Biden in 2017.
posted by pilibeen at 6:06 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by pilibeen at 6:06 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
Cool...so, if you were elected President without getting the popular vote, AND then manage to act so badly as to get yourself impeached during your first term, then don’t count on getting re-elected.
posted by darkstar at 6:10 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by darkstar at 6:10 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
And so it starts GSA refuses to start transition.
posted by 922257033c4a0f3cecdbd819a46d626999d1af4a at 6:21 PM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by 922257033c4a0f3cecdbd819a46d626999d1af4a at 6:21 PM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
I know this topic has passed but I hate the "defund the police" term so much, worst branding ever. It's not about explaining it better. Police reform, reallocation of police resources, almost anything would have been a better choice.
posted by shoesietart at 6:25 PM on November 8, 2020 [22 favorites]
posted by shoesietart at 6:25 PM on November 8, 2020 [22 favorites]
I do take exception to this in that NYT article on Trump voters He lives in Nanty Glo, Pa., in the interior of the state that the so-called elites in Philadelphia sometimes call "Pennsyltucky."
I am FROM Pennsyltucky and more people from there call it that than anyone from Philly. It made me laugh though.
posted by 922257033c4a0f3cecdbd819a46d626999d1af4a at 6:25 PM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
I am FROM Pennsyltucky and more people from there call it that than anyone from Philly. It made me laugh though.
posted by 922257033c4a0f3cecdbd819a46d626999d1af4a at 6:25 PM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
I know this topic has passed but I hate the "defund the police" term so much, worst branding ever
It's a good thing that no Democrat running for Congress this year actually campaigned on a platform of "defund the police", then.
posted by Pseudonymous Cognomen at 6:30 PM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
It's a good thing that no Democrat running for Congress this year actually campaigned on a platform of "defund the police", then.
posted by Pseudonymous Cognomen at 6:30 PM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
If you want to keep riding the good feelings this weekend I'd recommend re-watching Obama present the Medal of Honor to Biden in 2017.
posted by pilibeen at 6:06 PM
Oh my...thank you, thank you!
Folks, if you are even a little weary or anxious, and longing for some more of the good stuff, that video is it. Do yourselves a favor and watch it. I’m welling up all over again.
Obama’s words take on extra significance, now that we know the events of this past week.
posted by darkstar at 6:41 PM on November 8, 2020
posted by pilibeen at 6:06 PM
Oh my...thank you, thank you!
Folks, if you are even a little weary or anxious, and longing for some more of the good stuff, that video is it. Do yourselves a favor and watch it. I’m welling up all over again.
Obama’s words take on extra significance, now that we know the events of this past week.
posted by darkstar at 6:41 PM on November 8, 2020
Almost wondering if this needs an AITA preface, but I did A Thing... I just finished sending this to my senators and representatives. Maybe a bit strong (also, did I leave anything out?), but goddammit I meant every word.
---------
Subject: It's time for the Democratic party to make a difference.
At the height of the celebrations and the relief many of us in this country are feeling, for the first time in my 40 years as a registered voter, I am writing to my elected officials. I have an urgent, vehement message: DO SOMETHING!!! Across the board - Presidential, House and Senate - this election has been far closer that it should have been, because of a Democratic party that has failed to unite, Grow a Spine, and accomplish concrete progress. And that makes me angry. I am not just begging, I am insisting on behalf of myself and my fellow Democrats that you truly represent us and take the following to heart:
- Focus on issues and tactics. Be willing to work with your more progressive compatriots - they are there to fight for positive change, both for the country and for the Democratic party. We the People have needed that very very badly for too long. Support Vice-President Harris in encouraging President Biden as far left as you all can stand. "Moderate" or "centrist" ideologies are outmoded and out of step with modern voters, and we WILL continue to elect more progressive representatives if you refuse to keep up.
- Figure out how to make life better for Every. Citizen. In. The. Country. Don't leave ANYONE out in the cold. An effectual response to COVID-19, of course. Infrastructure, social initiatives, universal health care, climate change, police reform, tax reform, ending institutional racism, etc. Show all the disenfranchised people who voted Republican, as well as the ones who voted Democrat, how our party can be the one to actually do the things for them that they thought the Republicans would do (which they will never ever do). I cannot stress this enough; I believe this is critical to our literal survival.
- Extirpate and prosecute the hate speech and terrorist acts of nazis and fascists! How is this not already a major priority? For pity's sake. They cannot be ignored or swept under the rug, they need to be clearly shown they're on the wrong side of history. Be on the right side of history!
- Do not let Moscow Mitch and the rest of the corrupt self-serving Republican wingnuts stop you!! "When they go low, we go high" will get you nowhere. Centrism / reaching across the aisle / conciliation will get you NOWHERE. You can fight back effectively without resorting to dirty tricks or bypassing the rule of law, but being a doormat is not an effective approach. You already know, from ample evidence, that the Republicans have absolutely no intention of acting in good faith. Get tough. Beat them with progress and good works for the common man.
- Encourage President Biden to expand the Supreme Court to balance out the terrible Trump appointees that you let the Republicans ramrod through.
Please, for the sake of the country and every person in it, for the sake of Democracy, for the sake of your own interests and career, come on and do something. This is a critical point for America. It is time to make real, adult decisions and make a real difference. Get out there and fight!
I do not need a response to this letter; I need to see ACTION.
Sincerely,
(my actual name)
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:47 PM on November 8, 2020 [82 favorites]
---------
Subject: It's time for the Democratic party to make a difference.
At the height of the celebrations and the relief many of us in this country are feeling, for the first time in my 40 years as a registered voter, I am writing to my elected officials. I have an urgent, vehement message: DO SOMETHING!!! Across the board - Presidential, House and Senate - this election has been far closer that it should have been, because of a Democratic party that has failed to unite, Grow a Spine, and accomplish concrete progress. And that makes me angry. I am not just begging, I am insisting on behalf of myself and my fellow Democrats that you truly represent us and take the following to heart:
- Focus on issues and tactics. Be willing to work with your more progressive compatriots - they are there to fight for positive change, both for the country and for the Democratic party. We the People have needed that very very badly for too long. Support Vice-President Harris in encouraging President Biden as far left as you all can stand. "Moderate" or "centrist" ideologies are outmoded and out of step with modern voters, and we WILL continue to elect more progressive representatives if you refuse to keep up.
- Figure out how to make life better for Every. Citizen. In. The. Country. Don't leave ANYONE out in the cold. An effectual response to COVID-19, of course. Infrastructure, social initiatives, universal health care, climate change, police reform, tax reform, ending institutional racism, etc. Show all the disenfranchised people who voted Republican, as well as the ones who voted Democrat, how our party can be the one to actually do the things for them that they thought the Republicans would do (which they will never ever do). I cannot stress this enough; I believe this is critical to our literal survival.
- Extirpate and prosecute the hate speech and terrorist acts of nazis and fascists! How is this not already a major priority? For pity's sake. They cannot be ignored or swept under the rug, they need to be clearly shown they're on the wrong side of history. Be on the right side of history!
- Do not let Moscow Mitch and the rest of the corrupt self-serving Republican wingnuts stop you!! "When they go low, we go high" will get you nowhere. Centrism / reaching across the aisle / conciliation will get you NOWHERE. You can fight back effectively without resorting to dirty tricks or bypassing the rule of law, but being a doormat is not an effective approach. You already know, from ample evidence, that the Republicans have absolutely no intention of acting in good faith. Get tough. Beat them with progress and good works for the common man.
- Encourage President Biden to expand the Supreme Court to balance out the terrible Trump appointees that you let the Republicans ramrod through.
Please, for the sake of the country and every person in it, for the sake of Democracy, for the sake of your own interests and career, come on and do something. This is a critical point for America. It is time to make real, adult decisions and make a real difference. Get out there and fight!
I do not need a response to this letter; I need to see ACTION.
Sincerely,
(my actual name)
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:47 PM on November 8, 2020 [82 favorites]
I do take exception to this in that NYT article on Trump voters He lives in Nanty Glo, Pa., in the interior of the state that the so-called elites in Philadelphia sometimes call "Pennsyltucky."
Goddamn am I tired of articles about sadsack (almost always white) working class Trump supporters. I don't remember seeing any articles about people who voted for Trump and turned on him, or people who voted for Hillary Clinton and could list many reasons why she would've been a better choice, or reluctant Trump supporters who are ashamed of the racist fucks they signed up with, or working class people of color who've been fucked by Trump's policies.
One of the biggest tragedies to me is that Trump reached out to people who are legitimately hurting, who've been screwed over or passed by both Democratic and Republican administrations and Congresses, but he's a flim-flam man who doesn't give a fuck about them and didn't do shit for them.
posted by kirkaracha at 6:49 PM on November 8, 2020 [17 favorites]
Goddamn am I tired of articles about sadsack (almost always white) working class Trump supporters. I don't remember seeing any articles about people who voted for Trump and turned on him, or people who voted for Hillary Clinton and could list many reasons why she would've been a better choice, or reluctant Trump supporters who are ashamed of the racist fucks they signed up with, or working class people of color who've been fucked by Trump's policies.
One of the biggest tragedies to me is that Trump reached out to people who are legitimately hurting, who've been screwed over or passed by both Democratic and Republican administrations and Congresses, but he's a flim-flam man who doesn't give a fuck about them and didn't do shit for them.
posted by kirkaracha at 6:49 PM on November 8, 2020 [17 favorites]
Cool...so, if you were elected President without getting the popular vote, AND then manage to act so badly as to get yourself impeached during your first term, then don’t count on getting re-elected.
I know someone — not so much a low-info voter as a no-info non-voter (we’re both Canadian) — who is pushing hard for Trump 2024. I am at a loss to imagine why the RNC might give the nod to a guy who has lost the popular vote twice in a row. As I mentioned upthread, Grover Cleveland is the model he reckons Trump will emulate, but Grover C won the popular vote three times running. I think that is surpassed only by FDR.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 6:49 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
I know someone — not so much a low-info voter as a no-info non-voter (we’re both Canadian) — who is pushing hard for Trump 2024. I am at a loss to imagine why the RNC might give the nod to a guy who has lost the popular vote twice in a row. As I mentioned upthread, Grover Cleveland is the model he reckons Trump will emulate, but Grover C won the popular vote three times running. I think that is surpassed only by FDR.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 6:49 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Jesus, that's probably the most intimate laying-it-out-on-the-line thing I've ever committed to Metafilter history. I hope I didn't fuck it up.
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:49 PM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:49 PM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
I need a drink now.
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:51 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:51 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
It's a good thing that no Democrat running for Congress this year actually campaigned on a platform of "defund the police", then.
They didn't need to it was still a talking point being shouted from the rooftops.
posted by shoesietart at 6:51 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
They didn't need to it was still a talking point being shouted from the rooftops.
posted by shoesietart at 6:51 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
Also, I just made good on my promise to learn how to make a celebratory peach cobbler from scratch, make it, and then eat it, if GA went for Biden.
Thank you, rash, for the recipe. Surprisingly easy to make! I added a half-teaspoon of cinnamon, as you suggested. It didn’t look like much, going into the oven, but it was perfect coming out. No pics, but it was delicious, and accompanied with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, per your instructions.
We really ought to win more elections, y’all.
posted by darkstar at 6:55 PM on November 8, 2020 [11 favorites]
Thank you, rash, for the recipe. Surprisingly easy to make! I added a half-teaspoon of cinnamon, as you suggested. It didn’t look like much, going into the oven, but it was perfect coming out. No pics, but it was delicious, and accompanied with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, per your instructions.
We really ought to win more elections, y’all.
posted by darkstar at 6:55 PM on November 8, 2020 [11 favorites]
Greg_Ace, that was great. Thanks for sharing it.
Gives me an idea for a MetaTalk thread: post the letter you've sent to your elected official(s).
posted by biogeo at 6:57 PM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
Gives me an idea for a MetaTalk thread: post the letter you've sent to your elected official(s).
posted by biogeo at 6:57 PM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
Scoop: Inside Trump's legal warfare (Axios)
posted by ctmf at 7:13 PM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
President Trump plans to brandish obituaries of people who supposedly voted but are dead — plus hold campaign-style rallies — in an effort to prolong his fight against apparent insurmountable election results, four Trump advisers told me during a conference call this afternoon.Which, of course. When he feels bad, he does rallies. But there's a significant stochastic terrorism angle to encouraging 70 million people to consider the president-elect illegitimate.
posted by ctmf at 7:13 PM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
President Trump plans to brandish obituaries Well unless he's got 20k obits, this seems just another delaying tactic to somehow get the SCOTUS involved. Which is where he wants it to go, of course.
posted by 922257033c4a0f3cecdbd819a46d626999d1af4a at 7:20 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by 922257033c4a0f3cecdbd819a46d626999d1af4a at 7:20 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Which, of course. When he feels bad, he does rallies. But there's a significant stochastic terrorism angle to encouraging 70 million people to consider the president-elect illegitimate.
How’s he going to pay for the rallies?
posted by leotrotsky at 7:52 PM on November 8, 2020
How’s he going to pay for the rallies?
posted by leotrotsky at 7:52 PM on November 8, 2020
How’s he going to pay for the rallies?
Simple, just borrow the parking lot of a supporter's landscaping business!
posted by mmoncur at 7:59 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
Simple, just borrow the parking lot of a supporter's landscaping business!
posted by mmoncur at 7:59 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
so that's why he allowed all those people to die!
posted by 20 year lurk at 7:59 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by 20 year lurk at 7:59 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
So there's that Axios article, which CNN has now picked up, and there's the article about Emily Murphy at the GSA refusing to begin transition.
Everyone seems super certain that Trump can rally all he wants and put out recount teams across the country and press lawsuits and it won't matter because on Jan 20 Biden and Harris will be sworn in anyway, no matter what Trump does. I want to be super certain, too. Help me understand why everybody is so confident that will happen?
It seems to me that the Trump administration does what it wants and the rest of the country sucks it up. What levers are in place to prevent him from doing exactly what that article says he will -- convincing republican legislatures to send a second set of electors, or starting investigations that will last through any potential/expected transition period? What prevents him from getting a lawsuit in front of a majority partisan Supreme Court and overturning one or more states?
Does Biden's team have a plan for these possibilities? Does it need one? Or am I just flying high on leftover anxiety from election week.
posted by invincible summer at 8:02 PM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
Everyone seems super certain that Trump can rally all he wants and put out recount teams across the country and press lawsuits and it won't matter because on Jan 20 Biden and Harris will be sworn in anyway, no matter what Trump does. I want to be super certain, too. Help me understand why everybody is so confident that will happen?
It seems to me that the Trump administration does what it wants and the rest of the country sucks it up. What levers are in place to prevent him from doing exactly what that article says he will -- convincing republican legislatures to send a second set of electors, or starting investigations that will last through any potential/expected transition period? What prevents him from getting a lawsuit in front of a majority partisan Supreme Court and overturning one or more states?
Does Biden's team have a plan for these possibilities? Does it need one? Or am I just flying high on leftover anxiety from election week.
posted by invincible summer at 8:02 PM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
How’s he going to pay for the rallies?
Mexico?
posted by zutphen at 8:03 PM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
Mexico?
posted by zutphen at 8:03 PM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
The Four Seasons Total Landscaping press conference is a glimpse of how Trump's post-election legal strategy will go. It'll go the way of Kris Kobach's Election Integrity whatever.
posted by perhapses at 8:03 PM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by perhapses at 8:03 PM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
Greg_Ace, that was great.
Thanks, but in a very real and fundamental way I have Metafilter to thank for helping me formulate it.
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:04 PM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
Thanks, but in a very real and fundamental way I have Metafilter to thank for helping me formulate it.
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:04 PM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
How’s he going to pay for the rallies?
Trump doesn't pay for things. He suckers other people into doing it, or just stiffs the vendor. In this case, I'm actually thinking "legal defense fund donors." Or he just spends government money on it, and dares someone to do something about it.
posted by ctmf at 8:08 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
Trump doesn't pay for things. He suckers other people into doing it, or just stiffs the vendor. In this case, I'm actually thinking "legal defense fund donors." Or he just spends government money on it, and dares someone to do something about it.
posted by ctmf at 8:08 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
I wish I could say this with total confidence but I find it hard to believe that SCOTUS, even the conservative judges, would want to set that kind of dangerous precedent in helping Trump with these baseless lawsuits. Of course I can't be certain, but I think the fact that the votes were being tallied as slowly and deliberately as they were would absolutely help the Dems case that there was no voter fraud.
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 8:09 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 8:09 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
What levers are in place to prevent him from doing exactly what that article says he will
On Jan 20, he is not the president. Even if there is not another president. While he is not the winner of a legal election, he cannot be the president. So on Jan 20, the secret service, who I'm sure does not love him, walks him to the car. Delays and legal shenanigans notwithstanding.
The only thing he can do is get the MAGAs and Nazis to rise up in a coup.
posted by ctmf at 8:11 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
On Jan 20, he is not the president. Even if there is not another president. While he is not the winner of a legal election, he cannot be the president. So on Jan 20, the secret service, who I'm sure does not love him, walks him to the car. Delays and legal shenanigans notwithstanding.
The only thing he can do is get the MAGAs and Nazis to rise up in a coup.
posted by ctmf at 8:11 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
Well, Greg_Ace, then Metafilter has you to thank for this: Share your letters to your representatives!
posted by biogeo at 8:12 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by biogeo at 8:12 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
The owner of the Fantasy Island adult book store had come out onto his porch to watch the circus. He stood and stared in disbelief until a customer jolted him awake again.
“Are you open?”
“Yes,” he said, before following him inside.
It felt like an ending.
A happy one!
posted by Joe in Australia at 9:17 PM on November 8, 2020 [15 favorites]
“Are you open?”
“Yes,” he said, before following him inside.
It felt like an ending.
A happy one!
posted by Joe in Australia at 9:17 PM on November 8, 2020 [15 favorites]
And so it starts: GSA refuses to start transition.
Plz nobody tell him that if they stall the transition entirely and fail to have an inauguration ceremony, Pelosi steps into the office.
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 9:41 PM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
Plz nobody tell him that if they stall the transition entirely and fail to have an inauguration ceremony, Pelosi steps into the office.
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 9:41 PM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
There doesn't have to be an inauguration, all Biden has to do is take the oath of office and that can and has been done on an airplane and in private residences.
posted by tavella at 11:02 PM on November 8, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by tavella at 11:02 PM on November 8, 2020 [12 favorites]
I think Trump's people are going through the five stages of grief. They had Denial and Anger, and now they're in the Bargaining phase. Or the Lawsuit phase, as it is sometimes called. Once we see a bunch of his lawsuits fizzle out, they'll move on to Depression and Acceptance.
Trump himself only has one phase, he's still in Denial. But eventually he'll realize he has the choice of either being dragged out of the Oval like a criminal or proudly coming out to lead his own "revolution"*. So he'll leave.
* actually a 2:30AM show on Fox News
posted by mmoncur at 11:49 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Trump himself only has one phase, he's still in Denial. But eventually he'll realize he has the choice of either being dragged out of the Oval like a criminal or proudly coming out to lead his own "revolution"*. So he'll leave.
* actually a 2:30AM show on Fox News
posted by mmoncur at 11:49 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Their whole premise are that the judges they have appointed will be corrupt, and while I don't think they will in this case, it is a very scary thought.
Somehow, you just know there have been private dinners with all three SC judges to discuss "loyalty".
posted by mumimor at 12:27 AM on November 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
Somehow, you just know there have been private dinners with all three SC judges to discuss "loyalty".
posted by mumimor at 12:27 AM on November 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
> Trump himself only has one phase, he's still in Denial. But eventually he'll realize he has the choice of either being dragged out of the Oval like a criminal or proudly coming out to lead his own "revolution"*. So he'll leave.
While we like to use the five stages of grief model, we could see narcissistic rage, narcissistic withdrawal, or narcissistic mortification in response to a narcissistic injury.
posted by sebastienbailard at 12:29 AM on November 9, 2020 [8 favorites]
While we like to use the five stages of grief model, we could see narcissistic rage, narcissistic withdrawal, or narcissistic mortification in response to a narcissistic injury.
posted by sebastienbailard at 12:29 AM on November 9, 2020 [8 favorites]
Personally, I hope Trump just says, "Fuck it." and stomps off. Planning is not his thing. He's not stalling long enough to... uh... to... you know... lawsuits and... He's stalling because some lawyer (will Trump even pay his lawyers? After the campaign money is gone and Trump has nothing to offer anyone?) told him he could totally win those states that like stole the vote from him bigly.
And those cases will fizzle out/ be laughed out of court and Trump will be just fuck off to Mar-a-Lago. Screaming/squealing that he was robbed and the deep state something something. I would bet a hundred! dollars! that he won't show for the Inauguration.
The moment Fox called Arizona was, I think, the moment the remoras/rats recognized weakness - and as Trump only had his 'power' to offer to anyone, that was it. Stick a coke soon in him he's done.
posted by From Bklyn at 12:37 AM on November 9, 2020 [5 favorites]
And those cases will fizzle out/ be laughed out of court and Trump will be just fuck off to Mar-a-Lago. Screaming/squealing that he was robbed and the deep state something something. I would bet a hundred! dollars! that he won't show for the Inauguration.
The moment Fox called Arizona was, I think, the moment the remoras/rats recognized weakness - and as Trump only had his 'power' to offer to anyone, that was it. Stick a coke soon in him he's done.
posted by From Bklyn at 12:37 AM on November 9, 2020 [5 favorites]
Every relationship with Trump is transactional, but he's so damned stupid that he doesn't understand that transactional works both ways, hence his complete and totalizing idiocy around the support the GOP still has for him.
He's fucked.
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 12:41 AM on November 9, 2020 [5 favorites]
He's fucked.
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 12:41 AM on November 9, 2020 [5 favorites]
There doesn't have to be an inauguration, all Biden has to do is take the oath of office and that can and has been done on an airplane and in private residences.
I suppose that that's one way to allow Trump to brag that his inauguration crowd was bigger than his successor's.
posted by acb at 3:01 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
I suppose that that's one way to allow Trump to brag that his inauguration crowd was bigger than his successor's.
posted by acb at 3:01 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
allow Trump to brag that his inauguration crowd was bigger than his successor's
He's going to do it anyway, and there's still a pandemic so a large inauguration crowd seems kind of irresponsible?
posted by Pseudonymous Cognomen at 3:16 AM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
He's going to do it anyway, and there's still a pandemic so a large inauguration crowd seems kind of irresponsible?
posted by Pseudonymous Cognomen at 3:16 AM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
From Bklyn: "The moment Fox called Arizona was, I think, the moment the remoras/rats recognized weakness - and as Trump only had his 'power' to offer to anyone, that was it. "
Even the New York Times calls him a liar now.
posted by chavenet at 3:36 AM on November 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
Even the New York Times calls him a liar now.
posted by chavenet at 3:36 AM on November 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
And so it starts: GSA refuses to start transition.
She's another one of them. I hope some prosecutions and harsh prison sentences for Trump diehards are coming; there need to be real consequences for interference with elections and with a lawful transition. We just do not have time for this.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 3:40 AM on November 9, 2020 [17 favorites]
She's another one of them. I hope some prosecutions and harsh prison sentences for Trump diehards are coming; there need to be real consequences for interference with elections and with a lawful transition. We just do not have time for this.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 3:40 AM on November 9, 2020 [17 favorites]
And so it starts GSA refuses to start transition.
That is a paywall article that even trying to read in "incognito" mode will not let me read. Can someone sum up?
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:30 AM on November 9, 2020
That is a paywall article that even trying to read in "incognito" mode will not let me read. Can someone sum up?
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:30 AM on November 9, 2020
The GSA is the department that does a lot of boring but necessary bureaucratic stuff, in this case formally allowing the Biden transition team access to information and offices and officials before the inauguration so they can start work as soon as they're actually in place. The head of the GSA is a Trump appointee, she is stalling.
posted by soundguy99 at 4:45 AM on November 9, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by soundguy99 at 4:45 AM on November 9, 2020 [5 favorites]
Unfortunately she has the legal excuse for it that Biden is not formally and legally the President-elect yet, until Trump concedes or the Electoral College meets and anoints him.
Never mind norms, civic virtues, and the common good of all Americans.
posted by sebastienbailard at 4:59 AM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
Never mind norms, civic virtues, and the common good of all Americans.
posted by sebastienbailard at 4:59 AM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
Without a transition process in place, does that make the interregnum a particularly vulnerable phase for, say, foreign affairs or military hijinks?
I hope this does not come off as fear mongering. Mod me if you need to, but it is something I genuinely worry about.
Trump’s utility to Putin MBS et al remains: his position of power. And if they’re going to make use of that, they need to act swiftly. Not like Russia is going to attack us directly, but there’s always North Korea which I assume Putin has in his pocket as plausibly deniable crazy actor for just the right moment.
That angle just looks to me like an underutilized resource from our adversaries’ perspective.
Yet, speculation. I know. I hope.
posted by maniabug at 5:04 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
I hope this does not come off as fear mongering. Mod me if you need to, but it is something I genuinely worry about.
Trump’s utility to Putin MBS et al remains: his position of power. And if they’re going to make use of that, they need to act swiftly. Not like Russia is going to attack us directly, but there’s always North Korea which I assume Putin has in his pocket as plausibly deniable crazy actor for just the right moment.
That angle just looks to me like an underutilized resource from our adversaries’ perspective.
Yet, speculation. I know. I hope.
posted by maniabug at 5:04 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
> That is a paywall article that even trying to read in "incognito" mode will not let me read. Can someone sum up?
Huffingtonpost:posted by sebastienbailard at 5:11 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
Trump Appointee Needed To Start Biden Transition Refusing To Sign Off, Report Says - Biden and his team need an official General Services Administration "ascertainment" to begin the complicated process of transitioning to the White House.
"...
The GSA said over the weekend in a statement to Politico that it had not yet made the ascertainment. It could wait until Dec. 14, when the Electoral College votes are cast and certified, but doing so would undercut weeks of transition time Biden needs to enter the White House prepared for the job.
“GSA and its Administrator will continue to abide by, and fulfill, all requirements under the law,” the agency said in a brief statement.
..."
Mod note: One deleted. Reminder: don't post fear mongering imaginary scenarios of worst possible developments. If there is factual info about something, please link; don't make things up to scare people.
posted by taz (staff) at 5:24 AM on November 9, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by taz (staff) at 5:24 AM on November 9, 2020 [9 favorites]
I am thinking that it is a good thing that Trump will spend his energies disputing the election and not to two more months of destroying the country.
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 5:31 AM on November 9, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 5:31 AM on November 9, 2020 [11 favorites]
Disputing the election is still some kind of damage to the country though. If this was happening anywhere else in the world the whole international community would be quick to condemn his obstruction of the democratic process. I don't know how many of those who voted for him will keep believing his lies about some mysterious unprovable voting fraud, hopefully not the majority, but it's a kind of damage already. Internally and at international level, he's continuing to do damage to the US. It's irresponsible of the Republican party not to step in and get him to concede and accept the results.
posted by bitteschoen at 5:39 AM on November 9, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by bitteschoen at 5:39 AM on November 9, 2020 [8 favorites]
allow Trump to brag that his inauguration crowd was bigger than his successor's
He's going to do it anyway, and there's still a pandemic so a large inauguration crowd seems kind of irresponsible?
Perhaps this was one of the aims of letting the death toll climb. In his dotage, Trump can always look at photos of the Mall on January 20, 2017 and the same date in 2021, when many prudent celebrants decided to stay home and watch on tv.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 5:42 AM on November 9, 2020
He's going to do it anyway, and there's still a pandemic so a large inauguration crowd seems kind of irresponsible?
Perhaps this was one of the aims of letting the death toll climb. In his dotage, Trump can always look at photos of the Mall on January 20, 2017 and the same date in 2021, when many prudent celebrants decided to stay home and watch on tv.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 5:42 AM on November 9, 2020
I am thinking that it is a good thing that Trump will spend his energies disputing the election and not to two more months of destroying the country.
Actually he's spent most of his energy and time golfing so far. So I'm not sure he even wants to participate in his own ridiculous fight.
posted by mmoncur at 5:44 AM on November 9, 2020 [5 favorites]
Actually he's spent most of his energy and time golfing so far. So I'm not sure he even wants to participate in his own ridiculous fight.
posted by mmoncur at 5:44 AM on November 9, 2020 [5 favorites]
This is a happy thread. Please discuss doom and gloom here.
posted by tiny frying pan at 5:48 AM on November 9, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by tiny frying pan at 5:48 AM on November 9, 2020 [8 favorites]
Harris' white suit gave me such pride. Both for it's symbolism, and also for an actual flashback to Clinton wearing hers at the debate 4 years ago. Heart wrenching and yet heart gladdening. :)
posted by tiny frying pan at 5:50 AM on November 9, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by tiny frying pan at 5:50 AM on November 9, 2020 [12 favorites]
I said this upthread and it looks like this bears repeating - if the RNC thought any of these lawsuits had merit they would have retained lawyers who were not Giuliani, Lewandowski, & Bondi. There's a reason why they haven't gotten anyone and it's not because those three are Clarence Darrow in Lionel Hutz clothing.
posted by Constance Mirabella at 6:08 AM on November 9, 2020 [21 favorites]
posted by Constance Mirabella at 6:08 AM on November 9, 2020 [21 favorites]
GSA refuses to start transition.
The Biden team should just go to Deutche Bank and get a short term loan until January.
posted by CheeseDigestsAll at 6:48 AM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
The Biden team should just go to Deutche Bank and get a short term loan until January.
posted by CheeseDigestsAll at 6:48 AM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
Pfizer announced a promising test result for a COVID vaccine, and Biden's statement on this news is sober and responsible in a way that has me in tears.
posted by gauche at 6:50 AM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by gauche at 6:50 AM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
Harris' white suit gave me such pride. Both for it's symbolism, and also for an actual flashback to Clinton wearing hers at the debate 4 years ago. Heart wrenching and yet heart gladdening. :)
I was also thinking about Clinton that night, hoping she can feel some measure of pride at her role in paving the way for this victory and for putting some major cracks in that glass ceiling.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 7:02 AM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
I was also thinking about Clinton that night, hoping she can feel some measure of pride at her role in paving the way for this victory and for putting some major cracks in that glass ceiling.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 7:02 AM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
I'm sure she's as happy as the rest of us!
posted by tiny frying pan at 7:04 AM on November 9, 2020
posted by tiny frying pan at 7:04 AM on November 9, 2020
One of the biggest tragedies to me is that Trump reached out to people who are legitimately hurting, who've been screwed over or passed by both Democratic and Republican administrations and Congresses, but he's a flim-flam man who doesn't give a fuck about them and didn't do shit for them.
This is true and working-class voters actually recognized this despite supporting him in 2016. They gave him much less support this year, despite mainstream media representations you may read in the post-mortems:
People who were hurt by this — people who are poor or middle class, who do not have legitimate, low or no-premium health insurance — noticed.
All of which is to say that, when there is an interview with Trump voters who are invariably white and working class, there is a buried lede there, and it is about what the paper wants to say to its largely well-to-do audience about those who aren't in that audience.
All of which is to say that smart Democrats should listen to this data, listen to progressives, and help push Biden on: 1) raising taxes (out of fairness, as much needing to fulfill our basic and soon-to-be crushing financial obligations), and 2) Medicare for All.
As the data shows, good policy that helps out people who are hurting is what got support for Biden, as much as antipathy towards Trump.
Progressives delivered their states to Biden. Centrists in Ohio and elsewhere did not. Progressive policies won Biden the election and will be what delivers votes for Dems going forwards in 2022 and beyond.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 7:21 AM on November 9, 2020 [18 favorites]
This is true and working-class voters actually recognized this despite supporting him in 2016. They gave him much less support this year, despite mainstream media representations you may read in the post-mortems:
This newfound perception of Trump as ideologically extreme likely stems in large measure from his embrace of an economic agenda that most poor and working-class Americans loathe. In 2016, according to exit polls, Trump lost voters who earned under $50,000 by roughly ten points; this year, he lost them by fifteen points. In 2016, voters earning between $50,000 and $100,000 favored him by four points; this year, that flipped to a thirteen-point deficit.The NYRB piece notes two big pieces of anti-populist legislation that Trump pushed: Tax cuts for the one percent, which was successful, and the dramatic attempt to dismantle Obamacare — memorably paused by John McCain — which may yet succeed with a case currently in front of the extremist Supreme Court.
Among the richest Americans—those earning over $100,000—Trump substantially improved his margin of victory over 2016. But in blue-collar America, his support crumbled. Some of that shift may be because of Trump’s opponent, but much of it is because of Trump himself. Except perhaps on trade, he turned out not to be the economic populist he vowed to be in 2016.
People who were hurt by this — people who are poor or middle class, who do not have legitimate, low or no-premium health insurance — noticed.
All of which is to say that, when there is an interview with Trump voters who are invariably white and working class, there is a buried lede there, and it is about what the paper wants to say to its largely well-to-do audience about those who aren't in that audience.
All of which is to say that smart Democrats should listen to this data, listen to progressives, and help push Biden on: 1) raising taxes (out of fairness, as much needing to fulfill our basic and soon-to-be crushing financial obligations), and 2) Medicare for All.
As the data shows, good policy that helps out people who are hurting is what got support for Biden, as much as antipathy towards Trump.
Progressives delivered their states to Biden. Centrists in Ohio and elsewhere did not. Progressive policies won Biden the election and will be what delivers votes for Dems going forwards in 2022 and beyond.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 7:21 AM on November 9, 2020 [18 favorites]
Governor Noem
Wondering how to pronounce that, here. Governor Noom, or No-em (short for "no empathy")?
posted by Stoneshop at 7:46 AM on November 9, 2020
Wondering how to pronounce that, here. Governor Noom, or No-em (short for "no empathy")?
posted by Stoneshop at 7:46 AM on November 9, 2020
Trump Appointee Needed To Start Biden Transition Refusing To Sign Off,
She is the same GSA appointee who gave the okay for Trump to own the Trump Hotel while president even though the lease specifically forbids it.
The land and building for the hotel are leased from the U.S. government. It was a former U.S. post office building. The lease explicitly says “No ... elected official of the Government of the United States ... shall be admitted to any share or part of this Lease, or to any benefit that may arise therefrom."
The GSA argued, I'm not kidding, that Trump promised he would place his share of the earnings in a piggy bank and not touch it until after he leaves office and therefore it was okay.
posted by JackFlash at 8:05 AM on November 9, 2020 [12 favorites]
She is the same GSA appointee who gave the okay for Trump to own the Trump Hotel while president even though the lease specifically forbids it.
The land and building for the hotel are leased from the U.S. government. It was a former U.S. post office building. The lease explicitly says “No ... elected official of the Government of the United States ... shall be admitted to any share or part of this Lease, or to any benefit that may arise therefrom."
The GSA argued, I'm not kidding, that Trump promised he would place his share of the earnings in a piggy bank and not touch it until after he leaves office and therefore it was okay.
posted by JackFlash at 8:05 AM on November 9, 2020 [12 favorites]
Harris' white suit gave me such pride. Both for it's symbolism, and also for an actual flashback to Clinton wearing hers at the debate 4 years ago. Heart wrenching and yet heart gladdening. :)
Thanks so much for that link, tiny frying pan, I saw people tweeting about the outfit on the night but didn't know its full significance (partly as in the UK, suffragette colours tend to be thought of as purple, green and white all together, rather than just white).
Shivers down my spine reading the article and realising the links not just to suffragettes, but Shirley Chisholm and so many others.
posted by penguin pie at 8:06 AM on November 9, 2020 [7 favorites]
Thanks so much for that link, tiny frying pan, I saw people tweeting about the outfit on the night but didn't know its full significance (partly as in the UK, suffragette colours tend to be thought of as purple, green and white all together, rather than just white).
Shivers down my spine reading the article and realising the links not just to suffragettes, but Shirley Chisholm and so many others.
posted by penguin pie at 8:06 AM on November 9, 2020 [7 favorites]
Pfizer announced a promising test result for a COVID vaccine,
in the none dare call it conspiracy dept ... I have to say I find it interesting that this particular announcement was perhaps delayed until after last week's democracy-in-action.
Thank you, whoever made the call, if indeed, such a call was made. That's my kind of deep-state action
posted by philip-random at 8:27 AM on November 9, 2020 [6 favorites]
"No ... elected official of the Government of the United States ... shall be admitted to any share or part of this Lease, or to any benefit that may arise therefrom."
So what can/do we do about this? One thing this administration has shown is that laws without teeth aren't laws at all. I want all of that stopped.
Of course, if you were looking for return on your law enforcement dollar, you'd prosecute and enforce big crimes, white-collar crime, before focusing on small-time offenders, since that's where your biggest bang for the buck is, but (laughs incoherently)
posted by maxwelton at 8:57 AM on November 9, 2020 [7 favorites]
So what can/do we do about this? One thing this administration has shown is that laws without teeth aren't laws at all. I want all of that stopped.
Of course, if you were looking for return on your law enforcement dollar, you'd prosecute and enforce big crimes, white-collar crime, before focusing on small-time offenders, since that's where your biggest bang for the buck is, but (laughs incoherently)
posted by maxwelton at 8:57 AM on November 9, 2020 [7 favorites]
[Please don't go too far down the qanon rabbit hole here.]
That doesn't take long - it's one sorta vast rabbit hole.
posted by PHINC at 9:06 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
That doesn't take long - it's one sorta vast rabbit hole.
posted by PHINC at 9:06 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
Okay, when Dionysius Exiguus in about 525 created the dating system of A.D. and B.C., he miscounted the number of years going back to what was considered to be the year of the birth of Christ. This mistake is believed to be about 4 years.
This gift of his means we can renumber the past four years and pretend like they never existed.
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 9:18 AM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
This gift of his means we can renumber the past four years and pretend like they never existed.
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 9:18 AM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
It is very interesting that the Democrats "stole" just the Presidential election, but not the Senate or House races, where they didn't do as well as projected.
Despite all those races being on the same ballot.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 9:18 AM on November 9, 2020 [18 favorites]
Despite all those races being on the same ballot.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 9:18 AM on November 9, 2020 [18 favorites]
in the none dare call it conspiracy dept ... I have to say I find it interesting that this particular announcement was perhaps delayed until after last week's democracy-in-action.
Nah, I don't buy that. The vaccine developers are working at absolute record-breaking speed and aren't slowing down for anything right now, not only because of the moral imperative to get a vaccine out as soon as possible but also because whoever is first to market is going to have a huge advantage from being the sole provider of the vaccine until a competitor's becomes available. These announcements are part of the process of communicating findings and moving things forward. No one would delay that for political reasons, not with so much else on the line. Let's not add fuel to the conspiracy-theory fire.
posted by biogeo at 9:34 AM on November 9, 2020 [14 favorites]
Nah, I don't buy that. The vaccine developers are working at absolute record-breaking speed and aren't slowing down for anything right now, not only because of the moral imperative to get a vaccine out as soon as possible but also because whoever is first to market is going to have a huge advantage from being the sole provider of the vaccine until a competitor's becomes available. These announcements are part of the process of communicating findings and moving things forward. No one would delay that for political reasons, not with so much else on the line. Let's not add fuel to the conspiracy-theory fire.
posted by biogeo at 9:34 AM on November 9, 2020 [14 favorites]
No one would delay that for political reasons, not with so much else on the line. Let's not add fuel to the conspiracy-theory fire.
Besides which, Trump has already cured the (fake) covid many times over and given everyone $100k antibody treatments for free, why do we even need a vaccine now. The population who would be swayed by a positive result that might have a practical impact in 8 months is pretty low.
posted by benzenedream at 9:39 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
Besides which, Trump has already cured the (fake) covid many times over and given everyone $100k antibody treatments for free, why do we even need a vaccine now. The population who would be swayed by a positive result that might have a practical impact in 8 months is pretty low.
posted by benzenedream at 9:39 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
Utah governor declares emergency, issues mask mandate: ‘We cannot afford to debate this issue’
This might have been delayed till after the election, though.
posted by mumimor at 9:43 AM on November 9, 2020 [12 favorites]
This might have been delayed till after the election, though.
posted by mumimor at 9:43 AM on November 9, 2020 [12 favorites]
Nah, I don't buy that. The vaccine developers are working at absolute record-breaking speed and aren't slowing down for anything right now, not only because of the moral imperative to get a vaccine out as soon as possible but also because whoever is first to market is going to have a huge advantage from being the sole provider of the vaccine until a competitor's becomes available.
I think the suggestion is not that Pfizer delayed the announcement in order to hurt Trump, but rather to avoid the announcement becoming an October surprise, Trump immediately taking credit for it, people opposed to Trump assuming that the vaccine is just a rushed political favor and refusing to trust it, etc. Arguably, even if they didn't intend it that way, announcing the vaccine after the election was called was the best move purely from the standpoint of public health.
posted by J.K. Seazer at 9:44 AM on November 9, 2020 [14 favorites]
I think the suggestion is not that Pfizer delayed the announcement in order to hurt Trump, but rather to avoid the announcement becoming an October surprise, Trump immediately taking credit for it, people opposed to Trump assuming that the vaccine is just a rushed political favor and refusing to trust it, etc. Arguably, even if they didn't intend it that way, announcing the vaccine after the election was called was the best move purely from the standpoint of public health.
posted by J.K. Seazer at 9:44 AM on November 9, 2020 [14 favorites]
philip-random: "in the none dare call it conspiracy dept ... I have to say I find it interesting that this particular announcement was perhaps delayed until after last week's democracy-in-action. "
Pfizer wouldn't wait a pfemtosecond longer than absolutely necessary to get the stock-price bump from this.
posted by adamrice at 9:58 AM on November 9, 2020 [11 favorites]
Pfizer wouldn't wait a pfemtosecond longer than absolutely necessary to get the stock-price bump from this.
posted by adamrice at 9:58 AM on November 9, 2020 [11 favorites]
Worth noting that Pfizer was not part of Trump's Operation Warp Speed for cronies.
posted by JackFlash at 10:00 AM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by JackFlash at 10:00 AM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
This might have been delayed till after the election, though.
An in-law in Utah notes often that the situation there is getting progressively worse. Only two weeks ago, the Republican government there began discussing implementing the functional equivalent of death panels, triaging care as hospital usage hits a threshold of full capacity.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 10:02 AM on November 9, 2020 [5 favorites]
An in-law in Utah notes often that the situation there is getting progressively worse. Only two weeks ago, the Republican government there began discussing implementing the functional equivalent of death panels, triaging care as hospital usage hits a threshold of full capacity.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 10:02 AM on November 9, 2020 [5 favorites]
Also worth noting that the technology Pfizer is using for its vaccine was bought by acquiring a German startup founded by the children of Turkish immigrants.
posted by JackFlash at 10:14 AM on November 9, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by JackFlash at 10:14 AM on November 9, 2020 [7 favorites]
> Random thought I just had tonight; “Gritty the leftist icon” has the exact same scansion as “Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer.”
Anyone who wishes to take this information and make a song about Philadelphia leading the nation in triumph will get my utmost gratitude and possibly an actual prize. Extra points for including the four seasons landscaping debacle.
'Tis the season / you've earned it / sure, why not. Only wish I saw this earlier.
Gritty the leftist icon
Had a very orange coat,
But not like that other asshole
Who could only whine and gloat.
All of the other mascots
Couldn't step up to the plate,
And dunk this human garbage
Like a basketball of hate.
Neverending Tuesday Week,
Philly came to say:
"This has gone on long enough,
Show that jerk who's really tough."
And the whole nation loved them.
How shambolic it would be
If a dildo shop is where
You end your presidency!
posted by Arson Lupine at 10:16 AM on November 9, 2020 [44 favorites]
Anyone who wishes to take this information and make a song about Philadelphia leading the nation in triumph will get my utmost gratitude and possibly an actual prize. Extra points for including the four seasons landscaping debacle.
'Tis the season / you've earned it / sure, why not. Only wish I saw this earlier.
Gritty the leftist icon
Had a very orange coat,
But not like that other asshole
Who could only whine and gloat.
All of the other mascots
Couldn't step up to the plate,
And dunk this human garbage
Like a basketball of hate.
Neverending Tuesday Week,
Philly came to say:
"This has gone on long enough,
Show that jerk who's really tough."
And the whole nation loved them.
How shambolic it would be
If a dildo shop is where
You end your presidency!
posted by Arson Lupine at 10:16 AM on November 9, 2020 [44 favorites]
Pfizer wouldn't wait a pfemtosecond longer than absolutely necessary to get the stock-price bump from this.
I kind of wish they had held off just a bit. It would have been nice for the markets open with a huge jump on the Biden news alone. That would at least have shut up some of my cow-orkers who have been predicting a collapse if Trump lost, even if most of them were still hoping for Biden.
posted by cirhosis at 10:44 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
I kind of wish they had held off just a bit. It would have been nice for the markets open with a huge jump on the Biden news alone. That would at least have shut up some of my cow-orkers who have been predicting a collapse if Trump lost, even if most of them were still hoping for Biden.
posted by cirhosis at 10:44 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
I blocked my mother-in-law months ago on Facebook because she shares batshit crazy right-wing articles. My wife is the one who usually calls her and says "Mom, no, that's not correct. Where did you even get that information?"
Today she posted something about how AOC has a "hit list" of Trump supporters, and she's afraid she might be targeted because of her political beliefs. Where'd she get this? Breitbart.
When asked why she voted for Trump it was because she was afraid of the economy tanking from the immediate loss of oil and gas jobs that would come with the Biden administration. Our kid is trans. It's going to be hard to heal the deep divide this election has revealed.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 10:47 AM on November 9, 2020 [37 favorites]
Today she posted something about how AOC has a "hit list" of Trump supporters, and she's afraid she might be targeted because of her political beliefs. Where'd she get this? Breitbart.
When asked why she voted for Trump it was because she was afraid of the economy tanking from the immediate loss of oil and gas jobs that would come with the Biden administration. Our kid is trans. It's going to be hard to heal the deep divide this election has revealed.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 10:47 AM on November 9, 2020 [37 favorites]
Utah governor declares emergency, issues mask mandate: ‘We cannot afford to debate this issue’
Otherwise known as "let's try and save Thanksgiving and the Ski Season / Winter tourism by a circuit breaker". I mean I'm glad he finally did something. Except it doesn't apply to Churches. And schools are still open. And no one I know expects much to change due to the order or it to be enforced meaningfully (hope I'm wrong). And it screamed of desperation being released by emergency alert at 9:30pm on a Sunday night. I really *hope* it drives down the now chronically bad numbers....but I would have thought multiple previous alerts and the horrific numbers over the last month or so would have as well....so not holding my breath.
posted by inflatablekiwi at 11:09 AM on November 9, 2020 [9 favorites]
Otherwise known as "let's try and save Thanksgiving and the Ski Season / Winter tourism by a circuit breaker". I mean I'm glad he finally did something. Except it doesn't apply to Churches. And schools are still open. And no one I know expects much to change due to the order or it to be enforced meaningfully (hope I'm wrong). And it screamed of desperation being released by emergency alert at 9:30pm on a Sunday night. I really *hope* it drives down the now chronically bad numbers....but I would have thought multiple previous alerts and the horrific numbers over the last month or so would have as well....so not holding my breath.
posted by inflatablekiwi at 11:09 AM on November 9, 2020 [9 favorites]
My neighbor across and a couple down from me still has a Trump sign in the yard. In his case though, I think it's more of a "still stand by it" statement than actual denial. He also has a Loren Culp for governor sign, and Jay Inslee winning again was not a surprise and as far as I know, not in question by anyone.
posted by ctmf at 12:07 PM on November 9, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by ctmf at 12:07 PM on November 9, 2020 [4 favorites]
Loren Culp as an actual party candidate shows how terrible GOP chances are here in Washington, and how pathetic the GOP is in general. Saw some of his ads, and they all made me say OMGWTF?
His claim to fame was refusing to uphold the laws on guns, while the "Chief of Police", (there is currently only one member of his town's police force, him), of a tiny town in the far northeast of the state.
posted by Windopaene at 12:24 PM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
His claim to fame was refusing to uphold the laws on guns, while the "Chief of Police", (there is currently only one member of his town's police force, him), of a tiny town in the far northeast of the state.
posted by Windopaene at 12:24 PM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
But but but while Culp was away campaigning, he got laid off! If there's ever a time for a Nelson "ha-ha!" this is it.
posted by The corpse in the library at 12:32 PM on November 9, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by The corpse in the library at 12:32 PM on November 9, 2020 [5 favorites]
Oh it seems Culp is refusing to concede as well. Um, Loren. Nobody gives a shit if you concede or not.
posted by ctmf at 12:38 PM on November 9, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by ctmf at 12:38 PM on November 9, 2020 [3 favorites]
Culp ran a billboard in the south Seattle area saying 'masks are forever with Inslee'. That kind of culture war stuff is an excellent path for an R to lose Washington by 20 points.
WA has a republican secretary of state who is definitely an R but, is likely staying in office by not saying kooky shit. Culp is the classic candidate that can win the primary and is useless in the general.
posted by StarkRoads at 1:15 PM on November 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
WA has a republican secretary of state who is definitely an R but, is likely staying in office by not saying kooky shit. Culp is the classic candidate that can win the primary and is useless in the general.
posted by StarkRoads at 1:15 PM on November 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
Joe Biden on C-SPAN (twitter video link from @atrupar ):
"The single most effective thing we can do to stop the spread of Covid is wear a mask. The head of the CDC warned this fall & for the foreseeable future, a mask remains the most potent weapon against the virus ... A mask is not a political statement"posted by Mitheral at 1:35 PM on November 9, 2020 [9 favorites]
She is the same GSA appointee who gave the okay for Trump to own the Trump Hotel while president even though the lease specifically forbids it.
The emoluments clause violation that occurred the second he was signed in and continues on a daily basis.
Worth noting that Pfizer was not part of Trump's Operation Warp Speed for cronies.
Yes and no. They didn't take R&D money but they signed an agreement for $1.9 billion / 100 million doses under Warp Speed and they are also of course benifiting from the relaxed FDA requirements enacted under Warp Speed.
posted by Mitheral at 1:37 PM on November 9, 2020 [5 favorites]
The emoluments clause violation that occurred the second he was signed in and continues on a daily basis.
Worth noting that Pfizer was not part of Trump's Operation Warp Speed for cronies.
Yes and no. They didn't take R&D money but they signed an agreement for $1.9 billion / 100 million doses under Warp Speed and they are also of course benifiting from the relaxed FDA requirements enacted under Warp Speed.
posted by Mitheral at 1:37 PM on November 9, 2020 [5 favorites]
Culp ran a billboard in the south Seattle area saying 'masks are forever with Inslee'. That kind of culture war stuff is an excellent path for an R to lose Washington by 20 points.
Culp was the unknown "chief" of a one-man rural police department whose only two campaign issues were non-enforcement of gun laws and non-enforcement of mask laws. And he got 43% of the vote against Jay Inslee for governor in a blue state like Washington.
Kind of tells you what Democrats are up against. You've lost 43% of the vote before you've even started.
posted by JackFlash at 1:47 PM on November 9, 2020 [11 favorites]
Culp was the unknown "chief" of a one-man rural police department whose only two campaign issues were non-enforcement of gun laws and non-enforcement of mask laws. And he got 43% of the vote against Jay Inslee for governor in a blue state like Washington.
Kind of tells you what Democrats are up against. You've lost 43% of the vote before you've even started.
posted by JackFlash at 1:47 PM on November 9, 2020 [11 favorites]
Washington is a blue state like California is a blue state: the urban areas tend to be blue, but the more rural parts tend to be strongly red. In my experience, many people in the red areas deeply resent that there are enough of us in the blue areas to outvote them and are angry that California winds up blue overall.
posted by Lexica at 1:54 PM on November 9, 2020 [14 favorites]
posted by Lexica at 1:54 PM on November 9, 2020 [14 favorites]
Sens. David Perdue (R-Ga.) and Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) on Monday called for Georgia’s Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to resign, accusing him of failing “to deliver honest and transparent elections.”
That's all you need to know that Raffensperger seems to have run a fair election and that Georgia is going to be a bare knuckle steel cage match.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 1:58 PM on November 9, 2020 [19 favorites]
That's all you need to know that Raffensperger seems to have run a fair election and that Georgia is going to be a bare knuckle steel cage match.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 1:58 PM on November 9, 2020 [19 favorites]
Mod note: Comment removed - greasy is a strongly loaded racist term and maybe you didn't know it when you made your comment but you do now.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 2:12 PM on November 9, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 2:12 PM on November 9, 2020 [4 favorites]
Washington is a blue state like California is a blue state: the urban areas tend to be blue, but the more rural parts tend to be strongly red.
I keep seeing this repeated by various people, but California is less like this than ever: if you look at these maps, the Central Valley is very purple, and increasingly is just blue (especially if you compare margins on 2018 & 2020 congressional races--several challenging House seat flips from R to D in 2018 were easy keeps this time around for the D incumbents, and that's a big deal). The Central Valley has some die-hard Trumpists for sure (like my neighbors), but there is a whole lot of progressive grassroots activism happening around here, too, and this election's numbers say that there are more of us than them.
posted by LooseFilter at 2:32 PM on November 9, 2020 [17 favorites]
I keep seeing this repeated by various people, but California is less like this than ever: if you look at these maps, the Central Valley is very purple, and increasingly is just blue (especially if you compare margins on 2018 & 2020 congressional races--several challenging House seat flips from R to D in 2018 were easy keeps this time around for the D incumbents, and that's a big deal). The Central Valley has some die-hard Trumpists for sure (like my neighbors), but there is a whole lot of progressive grassroots activism happening around here, too, and this election's numbers say that there are more of us than them.
posted by LooseFilter at 2:32 PM on November 9, 2020 [17 favorites]
Thank you, that's encouraging news. I'm pleased to learn that my impressions are out of date and hope the trend continues!
posted by Lexica at 2:52 PM on November 9, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by Lexica at 2:52 PM on November 9, 2020 [4 favorites]
My feeling in this state was that Culp was the placeholder for all of the morons who didn't want to display Trump signs lest they advertise just how much of a moron they are. Here on the island, Culp signs were everywhere, and while some man-trucks had Trump flags, Trump signs themselves were few and far between.
There is no way you voted for Culp and didn't vote for Trump. No way.
posted by maxwelton at 3:11 PM on November 9, 2020 [6 favorites]
There is no way you voted for Culp and didn't vote for Trump. No way.
posted by maxwelton at 3:11 PM on November 9, 2020 [6 favorites]
I noticed the same thing the other week in rural Snohomish County, maxwelton.
posted by The corpse in the library at 3:17 PM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by The corpse in the library at 3:17 PM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
Four Seasons Total Landscaping VRChat world.
(A great place for a press conference).
posted by mazola at 3:29 PM on November 9, 2020 [8 favorites]
(A great place for a press conference).
posted by mazola at 3:29 PM on November 9, 2020 [8 favorites]
I think that map of California is misleading because the vote for President was IMO a referendum on Trump, not on the Republican party. Trump did little to court the goodwill of California Republicans and did a lot to lose it. If you look at the map of the House vote, the urban/rural divide is still plain.
posted by muddgirl at 3:48 PM on November 9, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by muddgirl at 3:48 PM on November 9, 2020 [7 favorites]
whose only two campaign issues were non-enforcement of gun laws and non-enforcement of mask laws.
Well and also classic grievance politics, running against rather than running for. His platform was essentially "get rid of Inslee" and that's it as far as I could tell. I'm not a TV watcher, though.
posted by ctmf at 3:58 PM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
Well and also classic grievance politics, running against rather than running for. His platform was essentially "get rid of Inslee" and that's it as far as I could tell. I'm not a TV watcher, though.
posted by ctmf at 3:58 PM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
"I'll let people break the law, because I think it's dumb" -- not exactly a good look in a police chief. Kind of fractally wrong, in fact.
posted by ctmf at 4:00 PM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by ctmf at 4:00 PM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
I collect presidential plates and hang them on my wall. I don't think I'll be able to hang a Trump one.
Use something like this, in the vein of the JFK presidential portrait.
posted by rhizome at 4:03 PM on November 9, 2020
Use something like this, in the vein of the JFK presidential portrait.
posted by rhizome at 4:03 PM on November 9, 2020
For the plate - maybe something from the Dinild Trimp site.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:08 PM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:08 PM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
A few of my neighbors (deep red southwest Virginia) have their trump signs (and their freakin flags) up too. On Saturday after Pennsylvania was called for Biden I took down my three Biden signs as a statement -THE ELECTION IS OVER FOLKS.
And the media again. They're doing their 'but what about the emails' take on 'but he hasn't conceded yet' . They drag on all of these GOP idiots to talk about this stupid thing and it makes me want to scream.
posted by bluesky43 at 5:44 PM on November 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
And the media again. They're doing their 'but what about the emails' take on 'but he hasn't conceded yet' . They drag on all of these GOP idiots to talk about this stupid thing and it makes me want to scream.
posted by bluesky43 at 5:44 PM on November 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
Regarding California and the popular vote margin (Biden minus Trump; source: CNN results page):
US margin: 4,632,642
CA margin: 4,730,457 (2% higher)
I would have expected to see that gap more widely distributed (and in reality it is, but the red state margins effectively have the same totals as the other blue states).
posted by kurumi at 6:36 PM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
US margin: 4,632,642
CA margin: 4,730,457 (2% higher)
I would have expected to see that gap more widely distributed (and in reality it is, but the red state margins effectively have the same totals as the other blue states).
posted by kurumi at 6:36 PM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
Lotta vote still to be counted in, for example, New York. I don't think we can conclude what the final edge will be either in CA or outside of it yet. Not that it matters. I can assure anyone who has never been to California that the people here are in fact human beings and therefore their votes (should) count just as much as a person not from California.
posted by Justinian at 6:41 PM on November 9, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by Justinian at 6:41 PM on November 9, 2020 [7 favorites]
CNN: DOJ's top election crimes prosecutor quits in protest after Barr tells federal attorneys to probe unsupported allegations of voting irregularities
posted by darkstar at 7:34 PM on November 9, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by darkstar at 7:34 PM on November 9, 2020 [13 favorites]
I'm not sure I understand what the effect is here. Does that slow down Barr or does it remove obstacles for him?
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 7:41 PM on November 9, 2020
posted by NotTheRedBaron at 7:41 PM on November 9, 2020
The typical workflow that ends in resigning in protest from a reasonably high-profile government job involves (a) a task or policy that you can't conscientiously comply with, (b) a realization that you can't do anything to change it without getting fired, and (c) a desire to beat the boss to the punch before he makes up some bullshit performance-based reason why you were fired. So it almost surely removes an obstacle, but it wasn't going to be an obstacle for long anyway.
posted by tonycpsu at 7:53 PM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by tonycpsu at 7:53 PM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
My feeling in this state was that Culp was the placeholder for all of the morons who didn't want to display Trump signs lest they advertise just how much of a moron they are.
I didn't get that sense. My feeling is that they would have just as easily voted for chair-thief, campaign-fund-embezzler, and proposition-troll Eyman, if he was in Culp's place and running against Inslee. There are some diehard anti-Inslee types, because wearing a mask hurts their feefees.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 8:18 PM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
I didn't get that sense. My feeling is that they would have just as easily voted for chair-thief, campaign-fund-embezzler, and proposition-troll Eyman, if he was in Culp's place and running against Inslee. There are some diehard anti-Inslee types, because wearing a mask hurts their feefees.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 8:18 PM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
I mean really one of the annoying things about the EC system is that Californians have far *less* influence on the national scale than their population would imply.
posted by aspersioncast at 8:44 PM on November 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by aspersioncast at 8:44 PM on November 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
Bloomberg: Trump Adviser Leading Post-Election Legal Fight Has Coronavirus
posted by darkstar at 10:04 PM on November 9, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by darkstar at 10:04 PM on November 9, 2020 [8 favorites]
So it almost surely removes an obstacle, but it wasn't going to be an obstacle for long anyway.
It removes the obstacle in a way that draws attention to the horrible shit coming downstream, hopefully.
posted by nubs at 10:31 PM on November 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
It removes the obstacle in a way that draws attention to the horrible shit coming downstream, hopefully.
posted by nubs at 10:31 PM on November 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
And from the NYT's , Justice Department reporter, Katie Benner:
@ktbenner 1:25 PM · Nov 10, 2020
posted by Joe in Australia at 10:34 PM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
@ktbenner 1:25 PM · Nov 10, 2020
NEW: Richard Pilger, the official who oversees election crimes has stepped down over Barr's memo:This seems significant.
“Having familiarized myself with the new policy and its ramifications… I must regretfully resign from my role as Director of the Election Crimes Branch.”
posted by Joe in Australia at 10:34 PM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
From that thread: “The election crime is coming from inside the house!”
posted by darkstar at 10:44 PM on November 9, 2020
posted by darkstar at 10:44 PM on November 9, 2020
US margin: 4,632,642
CA margin: 4,730,457 (2% higher)
California uber alles :)
posted by UbuRoivas at 11:00 PM on November 9, 2020 [3 favorites]
CA margin: 4,730,457 (2% higher)
California uber alles :)
posted by UbuRoivas at 11:00 PM on November 9, 2020 [3 favorites]
Dr. Neal Kassell was standing by the door to the operating room when then-Sen. Joe Biden was wheeled in for a second aneurysm operation in May 1988. Biden reached up from the gurney and grabbed the neurosurgeon’s arm.
“He looked me in the eye and said, ‘Doc, do a good job, because someday I’m going to be president,’” Kassell told The Daily Beast on Saturday, after his former patient’s prediction had come true. - Surgeon Who Saved Biden’s Life Recalls Fateful Prediction, The Daily Beast, Nov. 7, 2020 (TW: gore, O/R kind)
Biden transition team unveils members of Covid-19 task force (STAT, Nov. 9, 2020) The list includes Rick Bright, the former head of the vaccine-development agency BARDA ousted by the Trump administration in April [May 2020: Rick Bright, Former Top Vaccine Scientist, Files Whistleblower Complaint]; Atul Gawande, the surgeon, writer, and recently departed CEO of Haven, the joint JP Morgan Chase-Berkshire Hathaway-Amazon health care venture; and Luciana Borio, a former Food and Drug Administration official and biodefense specialist. [...] As expected, the board’s three co-chairs are Marcella Nunez-Smith, a Yale physician and researcher; Vivek Murthy, a former U.S. surgeon general; and David Kessler, a former FDA commissioner.
Biden-Harris Transition Announces COVID-19 Advisory Board at buildbackbetter.com
posted by Iris Gambol at 11:08 PM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
“He looked me in the eye and said, ‘Doc, do a good job, because someday I’m going to be president,’” Kassell told The Daily Beast on Saturday, after his former patient’s prediction had come true. - Surgeon Who Saved Biden’s Life Recalls Fateful Prediction, The Daily Beast, Nov. 7, 2020 (TW: gore, O/R kind)
Biden transition team unveils members of Covid-19 task force (STAT, Nov. 9, 2020) The list includes Rick Bright, the former head of the vaccine-development agency BARDA ousted by the Trump administration in April [May 2020: Rick Bright, Former Top Vaccine Scientist, Files Whistleblower Complaint]; Atul Gawande, the surgeon, writer, and recently departed CEO of Haven, the joint JP Morgan Chase-Berkshire Hathaway-Amazon health care venture; and Luciana Borio, a former Food and Drug Administration official and biodefense specialist. [...] As expected, the board’s three co-chairs are Marcella Nunez-Smith, a Yale physician and researcher; Vivek Murthy, a former U.S. surgeon general; and David Kessler, a former FDA commissioner.
Biden-Harris Transition Announces COVID-19 Advisory Board at buildbackbetter.com
posted by Iris Gambol at 11:08 PM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
maybe something from the Dinild Trimp site.
Needs a trigger warning or something.
I just can't even don't even what. Ouch. What the fuck is all that?
posted by UbuRoivas at 11:11 PM on November 9, 2020 [3 favorites]
Needs a trigger warning or something.
I just can't even don't even what. Ouch. What the fuck is all that?
posted by UbuRoivas at 11:11 PM on November 9, 2020 [3 favorites]
All I see when I go there is a collection of accurate artistic portrayals of the character of the current President of the United States of America. Frankly, Fox News is more distressing.
posted by flabdablet at 12:14 AM on November 10, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by flabdablet at 12:14 AM on November 10, 2020 [2 favorites]
Not this part.
When even Uncle Rupert is against you that's goodbye.
and yes, they are accurate portrayals
posted by UbuRoivas at 12:19 AM on November 10, 2020 [7 favorites]
When even Uncle Rupert is against you that's goodbye.
and yes, they are accurate portrayals
posted by UbuRoivas at 12:19 AM on November 10, 2020 [7 favorites]
Straying off topic here but after former Aussie Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's record breaking petition to establish a Royal Commission into Murdoch, here's another former PM from the Republican-equivalent side (Rudd was Democrat-equivalent).
Money shot:
"The reality is News Corp and Murdoch have done enormous damage to Western democracy and in particular to the United States and Australia"
posted by UbuRoivas at 12:44 AM on November 10, 2020 [11 favorites]
Money shot:
"The reality is News Corp and Murdoch have done enormous damage to Western democracy and in particular to the United States and Australia"
posted by UbuRoivas at 12:44 AM on November 10, 2020 [11 favorites]
Rupert, unlike the Mad Orange Emperor, understands exactly how far you can push manufactured (and therefore profitable) spectacle. Civil war on top of a pandemic could start making serious inroads into his attention share and is therefore best avoided. Pretty sure that's about as close to moral calculus as he gets.
posted by flabdablet at 12:47 AM on November 10, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by flabdablet at 12:47 AM on November 10, 2020 [2 favorites]
Money shot
For me, the money shot was the "I do dare" riposte.
posted by flabdablet at 12:53 AM on November 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
For me, the money shot was the "I do dare" riposte.
posted by flabdablet at 12:53 AM on November 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
Haha, been away so long I had to Ausplain who Truffles & the Ruddster are.
Congrats to our Victorian mates, 3 days nationally without one single new covid case.
I rolled one of these out for Detroit in the election but Melbourne deserves one, very much and for all my friends and rellies there:
FUCK YEAH MELBOURNE
posted by UbuRoivas at 1:00 AM on November 10, 2020 [8 favorites]
Congrats to our Victorian mates, 3 days nationally without one single new covid case.
I rolled one of these out for Detroit in the election but Melbourne deserves one, very much and for all my friends and rellies there:
FUCK YEAH MELBOURNE
posted by UbuRoivas at 1:00 AM on November 10, 2020 [8 favorites]
Australia hasn't had a locally acquired case since Biden was announced the winner.
posted by daybeforetheday at 2:02 AM on November 10, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by daybeforetheday at 2:02 AM on November 10, 2020 [5 favorites]
(The two aren't related but both have certainly improved the national mood)
posted by daybeforetheday at 2:03 AM on November 10, 2020
posted by daybeforetheday at 2:03 AM on November 10, 2020
Four years ago today.
I just met with @VP-elect Pence at the @WhiteHouse to offer our support for a smooth, seamless transition of power: http://go.wh.gov/Gi53Jrposted by MattWPBS at 3:49 AM on November 10, 2020 [2 favorites]
I wish you guys could have heard the Danish morning radio today.
Foreign correspondent: Well, it seems that Mitch McConnell has taken the position that while his votes were properly counted, Trump's weren't.
Morning host: Wait, what?? How would that even work?
FC: Well it just goes to show the power the president has over the Republican Party.
This is insane. I can't wait till it's over and we have President Biden and Vice President Harris. I'm sure they are welcome here anytime.
"The reality is News Corp and Murdoch have done enormous damage to Western democracy and in particular to the United States and Australia"
That made me smile from ear to ear. Congrats Australia.
posted by mumimor at 5:02 AM on November 10, 2020 [18 favorites]
Foreign correspondent: Well, it seems that Mitch McConnell has taken the position that while his votes were properly counted, Trump's weren't.
Morning host: Wait, what?? How would that even work?
FC: Well it just goes to show the power the president has over the Republican Party.
This is insane. I can't wait till it's over and we have President Biden and Vice President Harris. I'm sure they are welcome here anytime.
"The reality is News Corp and Murdoch have done enormous damage to Western democracy and in particular to the United States and Australia"
That made me smile from ear to ear. Congrats Australia.
posted by mumimor at 5:02 AM on November 10, 2020 [18 favorites]
Sigh. The Tories were obviously counting on the nationalist international to continue long enough for the Titanic success of Brexit to get through. Baseline decency and competence would be really lovely for a change.
posted by Wrinkled Stumpskin at 6:34 AM on November 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Wrinkled Stumpskin at 6:34 AM on November 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
I'm beginning to think that some of Trump's circle who are announcing coronavirus are really saying, "Um, I'm going to disappear these next few weeks. Good luck as you launch your assault into no man's land, I'm sure those machine guns are just for show."
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 6:39 AM on November 10, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 6:39 AM on November 10, 2020 [9 favorites]
Sigh. The Tories were obviously counting on the nationalist international to continue long enough for the Titanic success of Brexit to get through. Baseline decency and competence would be really lovely for a change.
The incompetence! For a while I've been thinking that their idiocy might save us all, after all the fascists of the 20th century were capable of making trains run, killing millions and very good propaganda and these guys are hardly able to tie their shoes. But unfortunately, now I think incompetence is the very appeal of Trumpism (and Brexiteers). The people who vote for incompetence are mirroring themselves in their preferences. They are thinking "I could have made that mistake, and it is a blunder, but since I am a good person, Trump/Johnson/any idiot is a good person too". Intelligence and skills are not qualifications for a relatively large portion of the population.
posted by mumimor at 6:58 AM on November 10, 2020 [7 favorites]
The incompetence! For a while I've been thinking that their idiocy might save us all, after all the fascists of the 20th century were capable of making trains run, killing millions and very good propaganda and these guys are hardly able to tie their shoes. But unfortunately, now I think incompetence is the very appeal of Trumpism (and Brexiteers). The people who vote for incompetence are mirroring themselves in their preferences. They are thinking "I could have made that mistake, and it is a blunder, but since I am a good person, Trump/Johnson/any idiot is a good person too". Intelligence and skills are not qualifications for a relatively large portion of the population.
posted by mumimor at 6:58 AM on November 10, 2020 [7 favorites]
Noem’s Pitch To Aid Trump Seems To Benefit Own Campaign Fund
When We Grift One, We Grift All
posted by tonycpsu at 8:03 AM on November 10, 2020 [6 favorites]
When We Grift One, We Grift All
posted by tonycpsu at 8:03 AM on November 10, 2020 [6 favorites]
The Post Office fuckery appears to have paid off. Kyle Cheney:
posted by Dashy at 8:20 AM on November 10, 2020 [31 favorites]
The Postal Service continued receiving thousands of ballots Monday, many of which won't be counted because they've arrived after the deadline for states to process late, postmarked votes."Illegal votes" my ass. We need a Voting Rights Act, and we needed it last month.
posted by Dashy at 8:20 AM on November 10, 2020 [31 favorites]
So in other words, the GOP was heavy handed in setting the "deadline" for arrival of Election-day postmarked votes, then De Joy arranged for those votes to arrive late.
That's election fraud and voter disenfranchisement by the thousand.
posted by Dashy at 8:22 AM on November 10, 2020 [38 favorites]
That's election fraud and voter disenfranchisement by the thousand.
posted by Dashy at 8:22 AM on November 10, 2020 [38 favorites]
Along similar lines here in Western PA: Westmoreland debates how to count mail-in ballots that arrived minutes late on Election Day
posted by tonycpsu at 8:27 AM on November 10, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by tonycpsu at 8:27 AM on November 10, 2020 [5 favorites]
Drudge Report leading links* as of 11:30 AM, Eastern, 2020-10-11 ...
FAKE ELECTION: Bitter Trump blocks cooperation on transition...
Melania refusing to meet with Jill...
Republicans mock Donald behind back: 'What is downside for humoring him for this little bit of time?'
Ivana says not a good loser...
MAGA Books DC Hotel Up Solid for His Inauguration...
Officials fear he could reveal nation's secrets...
Growing Discomfort at Law Firms Representing President...
DOJ's Top Voter Fraud Investigator Steps Down in Barr Protest...
Biden Team Pushes Administration to Stop Blocking Transition...
States say they'll begin working with Joe on virus...
* I tend to keep track of these because the Drudge Report rates a Right-Center bias at MediaBiasFactCheck. Feels like a useful look-in at what the non-rabid other side are thinking/feeling/believing ...
posted by philip-random at 8:37 AM on November 10, 2020 [4 favorites]
FAKE ELECTION: Bitter Trump blocks cooperation on transition...
Melania refusing to meet with Jill...
Republicans mock Donald behind back: 'What is downside for humoring him for this little bit of time?'
Ivana says not a good loser...
MAGA Books DC Hotel Up Solid for His Inauguration...
Officials fear he could reveal nation's secrets...
Growing Discomfort at Law Firms Representing President...
DOJ's Top Voter Fraud Investigator Steps Down in Barr Protest...
Biden Team Pushes Administration to Stop Blocking Transition...
States say they'll begin working with Joe on virus...
* I tend to keep track of these because the Drudge Report rates a Right-Center bias at MediaBiasFactCheck. Feels like a useful look-in at what the non-rabid other side are thinking/feeling/believing ...
posted by philip-random at 8:37 AM on November 10, 2020 [4 favorites]
A provision in a new VRA could simply define the US Post Office as a valid receiver for ballots for national elections, and that the cutoff is midnight at the end of Election Day.
So, if the postmark on the ballot is on or before midnight, then it’s considered timely received by a duly appointed election agency “on time”.
The ballots may take an extra few days then to be delivered to the county elections offices, but that’s immaterial, because the federal government was in possession of them on Election Day.
posted by darkstar at 8:45 AM on November 10, 2020 [28 favorites]
So, if the postmark on the ballot is on or before midnight, then it’s considered timely received by a duly appointed election agency “on time”.
The ballots may take an extra few days then to be delivered to the county elections offices, but that’s immaterial, because the federal government was in possession of them on Election Day.
posted by darkstar at 8:45 AM on November 10, 2020 [28 favorites]
Neighbor vs Neighbor: Rocklin Trump Supporter Files Restraining Order Against Biden-Supporting Neighbor
Sean Millard lives in between the homes in this Trump-Biden block battle. He is not part of the dispute.
“It’s absolutely insane,” Millard said. “2020 has been kind of a crazy year.”
posted by philip-random at 9:07 AM on November 10, 2020
Sean Millard lives in between the homes in this Trump-Biden block battle. He is not part of the dispute.
“It’s absolutely insane,” Millard said. “2020 has been kind of a crazy year.”
posted by philip-random at 9:07 AM on November 10, 2020
We need a Voting Rights Act, and we needed it last month.
I think we need a Voting Rights Amendment that enshrines a basic right to vote, enshrines a right to have one's vote counted, establishes a national voting holiday in which it is illegal to operate a business, restores suffrage to prisoners and former prisoners, and so on.
Anyone want to help me craft such an amendment to start sending around to state legislatures?
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 9:27 AM on November 10, 2020 [15 favorites]
I think we need a Voting Rights Amendment that enshrines a basic right to vote, enshrines a right to have one's vote counted, establishes a national voting holiday in which it is illegal to operate a business, restores suffrage to prisoners and former prisoners, and so on.
Anyone want to help me craft such an amendment to start sending around to state legislatures?
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 9:27 AM on November 10, 2020 [15 favorites]
With a decreasing percent of votes being cast on election day, I'm wondering if the national holiday is necessary. How about a holiday for those states which don't allow early voting or mail-in voting?
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 10:03 AM on November 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 10:03 AM on November 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
Yeah, it's definitely negotiable (at least from my perspective) as long as the basic right to vote is defended in a broad enough way. My thought for having a voting holiday is at least partly symbolic: It says that we value voting and want to encourage everyone to vote. In ordinary times, I would really like to see voting become a more celebratory, community event.
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 10:13 AM on November 10, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 10:13 AM on November 10, 2020 [5 favorites]
We need to make intent-based disenfranchisement an offense punishable by 5 years in jail. How the hell do we prosecute randos for voting twice but allow Secretaries of State to disenfranchise thousands?
posted by benzenedream at 10:20 AM on November 10, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by benzenedream at 10:20 AM on November 10, 2020 [11 favorites]
Hell, after the past week of sleep deprivation, angst and nearly complete distraction, I’d be up for making the whole week a national holiday.
(Elections bureau staff would get an extra week off in December.)
Meanwhile, SCOTUS doesn’t seem to be too sympathetic to the Republican arguments against Obamacare.
Which is probably good for the Republicans, overall. Because if SCOTUS suddenly stripped health insurance from millions of people, throwing the whole country into chaos, all because of the Republican campaign to dispute severability of a zero-dollar tax, the backlash against the that would be enormous.
posted by darkstar at 10:21 AM on November 10, 2020 [8 favorites]
(Elections bureau staff would get an extra week off in December.)
Meanwhile, SCOTUS doesn’t seem to be too sympathetic to the Republican arguments against Obamacare.
Which is probably good for the Republicans, overall. Because if SCOTUS suddenly stripped health insurance from millions of people, throwing the whole country into chaos, all because of the Republican campaign to dispute severability of a zero-dollar tax, the backlash against the that would be enormous.
posted by darkstar at 10:21 AM on November 10, 2020 [8 favorites]
How about a holiday for those states which don't allow early voting or mail-in voting?
How about all states have to allow early voting and mail in voting?
posted by notoriety public at 10:21 AM on November 10, 2020 [14 favorites]
How about all states have to allow early voting and mail in voting?
posted by notoriety public at 10:21 AM on November 10, 2020 [14 favorites]
From Josh Lederman: Pompeo, asked whether the State Department will cooperate with the Biden transition, says:
"There will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration"
Fuck.
posted by Dashy at 10:26 AM on November 10, 2020 [7 favorites]
"There will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration"
Fuck.
posted by Dashy at 10:26 AM on November 10, 2020 [7 favorites]
establishes a national voting holiday in which it is illegal to operate a business
Hospitals? Snow removal? Power plants? Sewage Treatment? Ports? Uber? Pharmacies? Gas stations? Post offices? A national voting day holiday just hurts poor people by giving them a wage cut.
Better to just shift from a voting day narrative to a voting week narrative that is the defacto result of the pandemic this year along with no excuse absentee/mail in/advance voting. Heck some places even had 24 hour poll openings.
posted by Mitheral at 10:27 AM on November 10, 2020 [7 favorites]
Hospitals? Snow removal? Power plants? Sewage Treatment? Ports? Uber? Pharmacies? Gas stations? Post offices? A national voting day holiday just hurts poor people by giving them a wage cut.
Better to just shift from a voting day narrative to a voting week narrative that is the defacto result of the pandemic this year along with no excuse absentee/mail in/advance voting. Heck some places even had 24 hour poll openings.
posted by Mitheral at 10:27 AM on November 10, 2020 [7 favorites]
Yeah, if you mandate universal access to early and mail-in voting, that federal ballots must go out no later than 45 days before an election, that early counting can begin as soon as completed ballots are received, and that states must accept all ballots postmarked on or before Election Day, you don’t even need a holiday, truthfully.
posted by darkstar at 10:31 AM on November 10, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by darkstar at 10:31 AM on November 10, 2020 [9 favorites]
Because if SCOTUS suddenly stripped health insurance from millions of people, throwing the whole country into chaos,
A large segment of GOP voters would revel in their suffering, screaming about their "victory" from the lowest pits of Hell, and vote straight red forevermore. (Because they won! FINALLY!)
posted by The Tensor at 10:43 AM on November 10, 2020 [6 favorites]
A large segment of GOP voters would revel in their suffering, screaming about their "victory" from the lowest pits of Hell, and vote straight red forevermore. (Because they won! FINALLY!)
posted by The Tensor at 10:43 AM on November 10, 2020 [6 favorites]
I hate that I can totally see this happening, but I bet if we have a Republican Senate still when they make their ruling SCOTUS won't rule to kill the ACA because they know Mitch would stonewall any replacement legislation and it could hurt the party in the midterms, but if we do swing those GA runoffs and get the Senate they will rule to kill it to cause political havok for Biden to scramble a replacement into place that the GOP can safely make hay about while not taking any direct legislative stands.
Though I'm sure in the latter case Biden would have a replacement ready to roll out with votes lined up already for that eventuality. Though I'm curious, if we get the Senate and reimpose the tax penalty or otherwise rewrite large parts of the law before they make a ruling, does that moot the whole thing?
posted by jason_steakums at 11:22 AM on November 10, 2020
Though I'm sure in the latter case Biden would have a replacement ready to roll out with votes lined up already for that eventuality. Though I'm curious, if we get the Senate and reimpose the tax penalty or otherwise rewrite large parts of the law before they make a ruling, does that moot the whole thing?
posted by jason_steakums at 11:22 AM on November 10, 2020
A small thing that would be a shame if it got lost in the shuffle -
A distance-runner's association in Philadelphia is now planning a charity run, with competitors starting at the Four Seasons Hotel and ending at Four Seasons Total Landscaping. They're calling it the "Fraud Street Run".
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:34 AM on November 10, 2020 [18 favorites]
A distance-runner's association in Philadelphia is now planning a charity run, with competitors starting at the Four Seasons Hotel and ending at Four Seasons Total Landscaping. They're calling it the "Fraud Street Run".
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:34 AM on November 10, 2020 [18 favorites]
White House, escalating tensions, orders agencies to rebuff Biden transition team (WaPo)
Way down in the article:
Way down in the article:
The Biden effort is being overseen by Ted Kaufman, one of his closest and longest-serving advisers. Kaufman also helped co-write an update to the law governing transitions, which was passed in 2015 and signed by President Barack Obama. While that law was aimed at smoothing the transition process by requiring both presidential candidates to begin preparations after their party conventions, it did not envision a conflict in which the GSA administrator refused to declare the winner.posted by mumimor at 11:43 AM on November 10, 2020 [13 favorites]
After the contested election in 2000, it took until Dec. 12 for the Bush administration to begin the transition process, without access to many federal government resources. The administration’s sluggish start and lack of qualified personnel in place was cited by the 9/11 Commission report as a critical vulnerability to U.S. national security that prompted reforms to the law.
posted by sebastienbailard at 11:47 AM on November 10, 2020 [53 favorites]
Hipster Viking Amy @lasrina · 8:26 AM · Nov 9, 2020
After the other amphibians fished the frog and the scorpion out of the river, the scorpion visited the frog, who was in the ICU on life support.
"I'm never trusting you again," said the frog.
"Wow!" said the scorpion. "You need to be more empathetic and conciliatory right now."
Maybe the wrong place, but this Tweet has me busting a gut right now.
posted by nubs at 1:18 PM on November 10, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by nubs at 1:18 PM on November 10, 2020 [7 favorites]
> From Josh Lederman: Pompeo, asked whether the State Department will cooperate with the Biden transition, says:
"There will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration"
Fuck.
Then he laughed like he'd made a stupid joke, and said it was "ridiculous" to compare what's happening in the US to the elections the State Department routinely criticizes in other countries. Pompeo can't even see the hypocrisy.
posted by Kevin Street at 1:19 PM on November 10, 2020 [2 favorites]
"There will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration"
Fuck.
Then he laughed like he'd made a stupid joke, and said it was "ridiculous" to compare what's happening in the US to the elections the State Department routinely criticizes in other countries. Pompeo can't even see the hypocrisy.
posted by Kevin Street at 1:19 PM on November 10, 2020 [2 favorites]
It's not hypocrisy if you know that God has appointed you and that the other side are literally the forces of evil. (See also: Republican explanations why their hypothetical faithless electors would actually be “faithful” electors.)
posted by acb at 1:37 PM on November 10, 2020
posted by acb at 1:37 PM on November 10, 2020
Because if SCOTUS suddenly stripped health insurance from millions of people, throwing the whole country into chaos,
A large segment of GOP voters would revel in their suffering, screaming about their "victory" from the lowest pits of Hell, and vote straight red forevermore. (Because they won! FINALLY!)
Sorry, bit of a derail, but I feel like I've lost track on this. Remind me who stands to lose the most financially from the existence of a decent health insurance system? Is there anybody besides the current insurance industry, or are they really the main impetus for the Right's fighting against this so hard?
posted by trig at 2:10 PM on November 10, 2020
A large segment of GOP voters would revel in their suffering, screaming about their "victory" from the lowest pits of Hell, and vote straight red forevermore. (Because they won! FINALLY!)
Sorry, bit of a derail, but I feel like I've lost track on this. Remind me who stands to lose the most financially from the existence of a decent health insurance system? Is there anybody besides the current insurance industry, or are they really the main impetus for the Right's fighting against this so hard?
posted by trig at 2:10 PM on November 10, 2020
From what I understand, even the insurance industry doesn't want to overturn Obamacare.
As far as I can tell, this suit is all about conservative states seeking to reverse Obama's biggest legislative success purely out of spite, or as a perverse sort of virtue-signaling to the right-wing base (but I repeat myself).
posted by adamrice at 2:22 PM on November 10, 2020 [8 favorites]
As far as I can tell, this suit is all about conservative states seeking to reverse Obama's biggest legislative success purely out of spite, or as a perverse sort of virtue-signaling to the right-wing base (but I repeat myself).
posted by adamrice at 2:22 PM on November 10, 2020 [8 favorites]
i did not see pompeo laugh like he'd made a stupid joke. i saw him smirk, sort of quietly snort, and briefly show his teeth in what, at best, might rise to the level of a pained smile.
posted by 20 year lurk at 2:28 PM on November 10, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by 20 year lurk at 2:28 PM on November 10, 2020 [8 favorites]
NSC whistleblower Alexander Vindman: In the last 24 hours, the Secretary of Defense (SecDef), the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (USD-P), and the Under Secretary of Defense for Intell (OUSD-I) have been sacked. Trump loyalist now sit in the 1, 3, and 4 slots at DOD. Kash Patel is DOD Chief of Staff. Why?
posted by thelonius at 2:37 PM on November 10, 2020 [25 favorites]
posted by thelonius at 2:37 PM on November 10, 2020 [25 favorites]
I really don't think that would be enough for a coup, like some of the people are suggesting in the Twitter thread. The US Armed Forces are filled with people who are non-political and serve the Constitution before their Commander In Chief. He'd need to purge and replace practically everyone in the Department of Defense, and even then it wouldn't be enough.
Democratic traditions are too strong in the US for any of those sudden dictator moves to work. The danger Trump (and the Republicans) have always represented is the erosion of norms and the imposition of a permanent crisis where everyone is on one side or the other forevermore. That's the stuff that needs to fixed most urgently.
posted by Kevin Street at 2:54 PM on November 10, 2020 [5 favorites]
Democratic traditions are too strong in the US for any of those sudden dictator moves to work. The danger Trump (and the Republicans) have always represented is the erosion of norms and the imposition of a permanent crisis where everyone is on one side or the other forevermore. That's the stuff that needs to fixed most urgently.
posted by Kevin Street at 2:54 PM on November 10, 2020 [5 favorites]
Asha Rangappa pointed out -- the common denominator is Nunes; It's like Crabbe and Goyle infiltrating the Pentagon and NSA.
posted by Dashy at 3:05 PM on November 10, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by Dashy at 3:05 PM on November 10, 2020 [4 favorites]
Completely non serious, and no idea where it originally came from, but this Australian ditty about Trump has made me smile repeatedly.
Also, got a really basic question about this exchange, and voting in general in the US.
That gives a rough range of 1,000 to 1,500 per polling station. What's the rough equivalent in the US? Just thinking about the comments above about needing a national voting holiday, or extending polling day to a polling week, and also the queues I saw in some pictures online with people queuing for hours.
posted by MattWPBS at 3:42 PM on November 10, 2020 [3 favorites]
Also, got a really basic question about this exchange, and voting in general in the US.
establishes a national voting holiday in which it is illegal to operate a businessI'm in the UK. Our polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm on polling day, and in a General Election you'll get the first constituency results from about 11pm (a couple of cities in the North East have made a race of it). Newcastle Upon Tyne Central have been fastest the last couple of years, so just going to use them as an example. Electorate's about 60k, and there's about 40 different polling stations through the constituency. So about 1,500 people per polling station in a large city. St Ives is generally the slowest to declare (as it contains the Isles of Scilly), about 70k electorate over about 70 polling stations at 1,000 people per polling station. One other extreme rural constituency is Orkney and Shetland in Scotland, with 33,000 over 28 polling stations at around 1,200 per polling station.
Hospitals? Snow removal? Power plants? Sewage Treatment? Ports? Uber? Pharmacies? Gas stations? Post offices? A national voting day holiday just hurts poor people by giving them a wage cut.
That gives a rough range of 1,000 to 1,500 per polling station. What's the rough equivalent in the US? Just thinking about the comments above about needing a national voting holiday, or extending polling day to a polling week, and also the queues I saw in some pictures online with people queuing for hours.
posted by MattWPBS at 3:42 PM on November 10, 2020 [3 favorites]
My local precinct in the US currently has about 1,300 registered voters. About half of those voted before election day (much higher than usual because of the pandemic).
posted by mefireader at 5:05 PM on November 10, 2020
posted by mefireader at 5:05 PM on November 10, 2020
Keep in mind though that Americans have very complicated ballots because they vote for everything like sheriff, tax collector, dog catcher, and recorder (this varies from place to place). In Canada we have a single choice to make (federally) which I'm guessing is also the case in the UK? Makes things take a lot longer even if the voters per place are similar.
posted by Mitheral at 5:41 PM on November 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Mitheral at 5:41 PM on November 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
Just thinking about the comments above about needing a national voting holiday, or extending polling day to a polling week, and also the queues I saw in some pictures online with people queuing for hours.
My suggestion was mostly prompted by the fact that poorer people and people of color in the U.S. (two groups with large overlap) have historically been disenfranchised by some combination of "can't get time off work" / "can't afford time off from work" / "can't afford the ridiculous time it takes to vote in my district b/c it's been intentionally sabotaged."
I'm convinced by the replies, though, that it would just be better all round to mandate that states provide for early voting and vote by mail options. To do this would still require an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. And I think there are other things we would / should want in a voting rights amendment.
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 7:43 PM on November 10, 2020 [4 favorites]
My suggestion was mostly prompted by the fact that poorer people and people of color in the U.S. (two groups with large overlap) have historically been disenfranchised by some combination of "can't get time off work" / "can't afford time off from work" / "can't afford the ridiculous time it takes to vote in my district b/c it's been intentionally sabotaged."
I'm convinced by the replies, though, that it would just be better all round to mandate that states provide for early voting and vote by mail options. To do this would still require an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. And I think there are other things we would / should want in a voting rights amendment.
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 7:43 PM on November 10, 2020 [4 favorites]
it would just be better all round to mandate that states provide for early voting and vote by mail options. To do this would still require an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Perhaps, but there are potentially workarounds. For instance, Congress could allocate funds for upgrading state voting equipment but attach strings which says that the states can't accept the money without implementing certain changes in their voting laws. There's precedent with highway funds and the drinking age which (IIRC) has survived a Supreme Court challenge.
posted by Slothrup at 7:48 PM on November 10, 2020 [4 favorites]
Perhaps, but there are potentially workarounds. For instance, Congress could allocate funds for upgrading state voting equipment but attach strings which says that the states can't accept the money without implementing certain changes in their voting laws. There's precedent with highway funds and the drinking age which (IIRC) has survived a Supreme Court challenge.
posted by Slothrup at 7:48 PM on November 10, 2020 [4 favorites]
Sure. But that's not a mandate. And I don't see Republican-controlled states -- especially the ones that make us worry about voting rights -- accepting that kind of bargain. Do you?
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 7:50 PM on November 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 7:50 PM on November 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
Are you saying I get an excuse to blame the Democrats for not upgrading my crooked old voting machines and I get to sabotage voting by mail? win-win
posted by benzenedream at 8:51 PM on November 10, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by benzenedream at 8:51 PM on November 10, 2020 [4 favorites]
There is considerable leeway for Congress to establish early polling extra locations and so on in federal elections:
posted by mark k at 8:54 PM on November 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.In principle states could, AFAICT, then hold a separate election where you only get a ballot on election day for president. Seems unlikely to happen to me.
posted by mark k at 8:54 PM on November 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
I'm not sure why you think it would be unlikely. I guess I would expect states that wanted to make voting harder to jump at the chance to make the whole process more confusing. But also, it's not like the ballot would be just for president. There are typically lots of state-level races and issues in any given election. I don't know, maybe I'm just being overly pessimistic here.
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 9:37 PM on November 10, 2020
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 9:37 PM on November 10, 2020
Related: following former Aussie Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's record breaking 500,000+ signature petition calling for an inquiry into Murdoch's media domination, the motion by the Australian Greens in the Senate to set it up has been carried.
Terms of reference for the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee inquiry into media diversity, independence and reliability in Australia
posted by UbuRoivas at 9:48 PM on November 10, 2020 [9 favorites]
Terms of reference for the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee inquiry into media diversity, independence and reliability in Australia
posted by UbuRoivas at 9:48 PM on November 10, 2020 [9 favorites]
disclaimer: paid up & active member of the Greens
posted by UbuRoivas at 9:51 PM on November 10, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by UbuRoivas at 9:51 PM on November 10, 2020 [2 favorites]
Holy shit, clause (j) is going to stir the pot.
posted by flabdablet at 10:45 PM on November 10, 2020
posted by flabdablet at 10:45 PM on November 10, 2020
US postal worker recants voter-fraud claims after Republicans call for inquiry – reports
posted by mumimor at 12:45 AM on November 11, 2020 [8 favorites]
Democrats on the House oversight committee have said that Richard Hopkins, the worker who claimed in a signed affidavit that a supervisor at the US Postal Service (USPS) in Erie, Pennsylvania, instructed staff to tamper with ballots by backdating ones that arrived late, recanted this allegations yesterday in an interview with investigators for the USPS Inspector General.Maybe the explanation lies in something similar to this:
Investigators told the committee that Hopkins “did not explain why he signed a false affidavit”, the committee wrote in a statement.
Republicans have been scrambling to drum up any evidence to back their baseless claims of fraud, opening up a hotline that was inundated with prank calls. On Tuesday, Dan Patrick, the Republican lieutenant governor of Texas, said he was offering $1m to incentivize people to come forth with evidence of irregularities.(My bold) How can that even be legal?
posted by mumimor at 12:45 AM on November 11, 2020 [8 favorites]
Trump Supporter Arrested For Requesting Absentee Ballot For Dead Mother
Well, I guess Penn is either 45,616 or 45,617 to Biden.
And the US has one more felon who may never be able to vote again.
This just illustrates why voter fraud is a total furphy. Unless it's organised on a massive central level that would be impossible to keep secret, the risk (felony conviction) hugely outweighs the reward (a single vote that counts for not much)
posted by UbuRoivas at 1:02 AM on November 11, 2020 [11 favorites]
Well, I guess Penn is either 45,616 or 45,617 to Biden.
And the US has one more felon who may never be able to vote again.
This just illustrates why voter fraud is a total furphy. Unless it's organised on a massive central level that would be impossible to keep secret, the risk (felony conviction) hugely outweighs the reward (a single vote that counts for not much)
posted by UbuRoivas at 1:02 AM on November 11, 2020 [11 favorites]
From the article posted above: “A byproduct of his misinformation is that nearly every instance of voter fraud in recent years has been Trump’s own supporters because they believe his incessant lying.”
posted by mumimor at 1:12 AM on November 11, 2020 [19 favorites]
posted by mumimor at 1:12 AM on November 11, 2020 [19 favorites]
Keep in mind though that Americans have very complicated ballots because they vote for everything like sheriff, tax collector, dog catcher, and recorder (this varies from place to place). In Canada we have a single choice to make (federally) which I'm guessing is also the case in the UK? Makes things take a lot longer even if the voters per place are similar.
I'd forgotten about that, makes a lot more sense taking that into account. Longer time to fill in the ballot, and a longer time to count and validate every entry on there. Also reading this guide to one voting system (Lehigh County in PA) is mind blowing as an outsider. Both for "complete votes on both sides of the ballot", and the "scan your ballot and check it" part.
posted by MattWPBS at 3:18 AM on November 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
I'd forgotten about that, makes a lot more sense taking that into account. Longer time to fill in the ballot, and a longer time to count and validate every entry on there. Also reading this guide to one voting system (Lehigh County in PA) is mind blowing as an outsider. Both for "complete votes on both sides of the ballot", and the "scan your ballot and check it" part.
posted by MattWPBS at 3:18 AM on November 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
As a very long time Metafilter lurker, I finally had to join just to post this: Last night, for their moment of Zen, the Daily Show had a montage of quotes from the 2016 election. All the usual Republican suspects and their Fox enablers were there (Laura Ingraham, Sean Hannity, Newt Gingrich, you name it). With a straight face - and unified message discipline - they were calling the Democrats sore losers, accusing their opponents of inventing false claims of irregularities and attacking the "sanctity" of the US elections. Their unanimous conclusion: Election results stand. Contesting the results of the vote is wrong and baseless. Accept the results and move on. Exactly the mirror opposite of their current claims.
I know irony has died many many deaths those past few years. But why isn't that clip - and I'm sure many others just like it - flooding the airwaves right now? C'mon people - Get it on the news channels and social media.
Let's nip their new narrative in the bud. Hoist them on their own petard.
posted by Bigbootay. Tay! Tay! Blam! Aargh... at 6:38 AM on November 11, 2020 [32 favorites]
I know irony has died many many deaths those past few years. But why isn't that clip - and I'm sure many others just like it - flooding the airwaves right now? C'mon people - Get it on the news channels and social media.
Let's nip their new narrative in the bud. Hoist them on their own petard.
posted by Bigbootay. Tay! Tay! Blam! Aargh... at 6:38 AM on November 11, 2020 [32 favorites]
Welcome. And it's probably not hitting the airwaves due to the same reasoning of appointing a new Supreme Court justice right before the election.
Republicans and their mouthpieces are more than happy to be publicly hypocritical as long as it gets them what they want. There is no other principle, only suckers who believe the lie of whatever "conservative principles" are currently offered as justification. Today's concern about election purity will disappear just the same as soon as it favors them.
posted by Dashy at 8:28 AM on November 11, 2020 [10 favorites]
Republicans and their mouthpieces are more than happy to be publicly hypocritical as long as it gets them what they want. There is no other principle, only suckers who believe the lie of whatever "conservative principles" are currently offered as justification. Today's concern about election purity will disappear just the same as soon as it favors them.
posted by Dashy at 8:28 AM on November 11, 2020 [10 favorites]
You could play that video to a bunch of Trump voters and they would laugh in your face for being a sucker. It's all just propaganda and even most of the marks know it.
posted by benzenedream at 8:45 AM on November 11, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by benzenedream at 8:45 AM on November 11, 2020 [10 favorites]
Georgia will conduct a hand recount of the Presidential race on all 5 million ballots cast.
Trump can request additional recount after state has finished its recount. Biden is currently ahead by 14k .
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 10:17 AM on November 11, 2020 [3 favorites]
Trump can request additional recount after state has finished its recount. Biden is currently ahead by 14k .
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 10:17 AM on November 11, 2020 [3 favorites]
It's all just propaganda and even most of the marks know it.
I think that's why they've dropped all the pretense. Lying on TV isn't to trick their supporters, it's to let them in on the scam and share talking points. You're watching them coordinate "this is what our lie is, everyone stick to the story" on live tv.
posted by ctmf at 10:47 AM on November 11, 2020 [9 favorites]
I think that's why they've dropped all the pretense. Lying on TV isn't to trick their supporters, it's to let them in on the scam and share talking points. You're watching them coordinate "this is what our lie is, everyone stick to the story" on live tv.
posted by ctmf at 10:47 AM on November 11, 2020 [9 favorites]
And people love that. Tell me what to say to make libs furious. HaHA! that's a good one. Meaning and actual give-a-shit for the country have left the building and the TV people know it, why keep pretending?
And now you have a shift to "just say it. Our supporters don't care and the opponents can't do anything. We're going to take the presidency even though we lost. There. It's like that. Do something."
Hence Pompeo. Trial balloon.
posted by ctmf at 10:50 AM on November 11, 2020 [8 favorites]
And now you have a shift to "just say it. Our supporters don't care and the opponents can't do anything. We're going to take the presidency even though we lost. There. It's like that. Do something."
Hence Pompeo. Trial balloon.
posted by ctmf at 10:50 AM on November 11, 2020 [8 favorites]
Georgia will conduct a hand recount of the Presidential race on all 5 million ballots cast.
This is bad news and a sign of the Republican Secretary of State buckling to the Trump pressure campaign. A hand recount is not required by law.
State law only requires that ballots be rescanned for a recount. Doing a hand recount introduces human error and worse, provides an opportunity for Republicans to go into hanging-chad mode, challenging every ballot, slowing down the process and inviting Republican judges to weigh in on the count.
A scanning recount would only take a couple of days. This hand recount might take a couple of weeks.
posted by JackFlash at 10:51 AM on November 11, 2020 [14 favorites]
This is bad news and a sign of the Republican Secretary of State buckling to the Trump pressure campaign. A hand recount is not required by law.
State law only requires that ballots be rescanned for a recount. Doing a hand recount introduces human error and worse, provides an opportunity for Republicans to go into hanging-chad mode, challenging every ballot, slowing down the process and inviting Republican judges to weigh in on the count.
A scanning recount would only take a couple of days. This hand recount might take a couple of weeks.
posted by JackFlash at 10:51 AM on November 11, 2020 [14 favorites]
Who's paying for it?
posted by ctmf at 10:53 AM on November 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by ctmf at 10:53 AM on November 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
Since the Trump campaign didn't officially ask for a recount and Georgia is doing it voluntarily, I guess it's Georgia tax payers who will foot the bill for the recount. A recount in Wisconsin was supposed to be ~$3 million. I wonder how much Georgians will pay for this.
posted by gladly at 10:53 AM on November 11, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by gladly at 10:53 AM on November 11, 2020 [3 favorites]
I wonder if the Georgia hand recount is more about the senate races than the presidency.
posted by corb at 11:37 AM on November 11, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by corb at 11:37 AM on November 11, 2020 [3 favorites]
This hand recount might take a couple of weeks.
This is what it's about.
posted by snuffleupagus at 11:46 AM on November 11, 2020 [5 favorites]
This is what it's about.
posted by snuffleupagus at 11:46 AM on November 11, 2020 [5 favorites]
Federal law requires the count be certified by Dec 8, so I'm guessing Georgia will finish on Dec. 7th.
I *think* Georgia law requires certification by Friday, November 20 though, so this is could be interesting.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 12:11 PM on November 11, 2020
I *think* Georgia law requires certification by Friday, November 20 though, so this is could be interesting.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 12:11 PM on November 11, 2020
I wonder if the Georgia hand recount is more about the senate races than the presidency.
Nope. They are only recounting votes for president. This is all about Trump.
posted by JackFlash at 1:40 PM on November 11, 2020 [1 favorite]
Nope. They are only recounting votes for president. This is all about Trump.
posted by JackFlash at 1:40 PM on November 11, 2020 [1 favorite]
It won't effect the past senate race but the propaganda effect of the recount on the runoffs for senate is still TBD. The Republicans appear to be thinking it can't hurt.
posted by Mitheral at 1:57 PM on November 11, 2020
posted by Mitheral at 1:57 PM on November 11, 2020
I know we're not supposed to trust polls anymore but ...
Nearly 80% of Americans say Biden won White House, ignoring Trump's refusal to concede: Reuters/Ipsos poll
the poll ... which ran from Saturday afternoon to Tuesday, found that 79% of U.S. adults believe Biden won the White House. Another 13% said the election has not yet been decided, 3% said Trump won and 5% said they do not know.
The results were somewhat split along party lines: about six in 10 Republicans and almost every Democrat said Biden won.
yesterdays news, but ...
posted by philip-random at 3:04 PM on November 11, 2020 [3 favorites]
Nearly 80% of Americans say Biden won White House, ignoring Trump's refusal to concede: Reuters/Ipsos poll
the poll ... which ran from Saturday afternoon to Tuesday, found that 79% of U.S. adults believe Biden won the White House. Another 13% said the election has not yet been decided, 3% said Trump won and 5% said they do not know.
The results were somewhat split along party lines: about six in 10 Republicans and almost every Democrat said Biden won.
yesterdays news, but ...
posted by philip-random at 3:04 PM on November 11, 2020 [3 favorites]
> I *think* Georgia law requires certification by Friday, November 20 though, so this is could be interesting
I heard on NPR that that's when Georgia said they'd be done by.
posted by The corpse in the library at 3:53 PM on November 11, 2020
I heard on NPR that that's when Georgia said they'd be done by.
posted by The corpse in the library at 3:53 PM on November 11, 2020
...But that still means that 20+% reject objective reality, so.
There's that.
posted by rp at 3:59 PM on November 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
There's that.
posted by rp at 3:59 PM on November 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
...But that still means that 20+% reject objective reality, so.
Things are gettin' better all the time!
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 4:02 PM on November 11, 2020 [7 favorites]
Things are gettin' better all the time!
posted by Jonathan Livengood at 4:02 PM on November 11, 2020 [7 favorites]
Biden picks Ron Klain as chief of staffposted by Ahmad Khani at 4:57 PM on November 11, 2020 [12 favorites]
The president-elect has named Kain, who served as the “Ebola czar” during the Obama administration, as chief of staff.
Klain, 59. has been a vocal critic of Donald Trump’s pandemic response. He first worked with Biden in the 1980s.
In a statement congratulating Klain, Elizabeth Warren said, he is a “superb choice for Chief of Staff. He understands the magnitude of the health and economic crisis and he has the experience to lead this next administration through it.”
>Federal law requires the count be certified by Dec 8
That's the "Safe Harbor" date. It can go on longer than that if necessary.
posted by Heywood Mogroot III at 5:13 PM on November 11, 2020
That's the "Safe Harbor" date. It can go on longer than that if necessary.
posted by Heywood Mogroot III at 5:13 PM on November 11, 2020
"Safe Harbor" date
Biden should change that to Dar as-Salaam.
Just out of spite.
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:21 PM on November 11, 2020 [1 favorite]
Biden should change that to Dar as-Salaam.
Just out of spite.
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:21 PM on November 11, 2020 [1 favorite]
CNN: Here are 10 climate executive actions Biden says he will take on day one
posted by darkstar at 5:44 PM on November 11, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by darkstar at 5:44 PM on November 11, 2020 [10 favorites]
CNN: Here are 10 climate executive actions Biden says he will take on day one
I hope Biden signs these right there at the podium before he begins his inauguration speech, right in front of Trump.
"Bear with me for a moment as I do a bit of housekeeping before I begin my speech ... "
posted by JackFlash at 6:04 PM on November 11, 2020 [15 favorites]
I hope Biden signs these right there at the podium before he begins his inauguration speech, right in front of Trump.
"Bear with me for a moment as I do a bit of housekeeping before I begin my speech ... "
posted by JackFlash at 6:04 PM on November 11, 2020 [15 favorites]
That's a fairly decent day-1 starting list. Lots more to be done, of course.
posted by biogeo at 6:23 PM on November 11, 2020
posted by biogeo at 6:23 PM on November 11, 2020
begins his inauguration speech, right in front of Trump.
There's not much I'm sure on but...Trump being any where near DC for the inauguration is not going to happen.
posted by 922257033c4a0f3cecdbd819a46d626999d1af4a at 6:23 PM on November 11, 2020 [9 favorites]
There's not much I'm sure on but...Trump being any where near DC for the inauguration is not going to happen.
posted by 922257033c4a0f3cecdbd819a46d626999d1af4a at 6:23 PM on November 11, 2020 [9 favorites]
It would be delicious schadenfreude, but yeah Trump will bug out of Washington on Jan 20 (or maybe sooner) and the only way he'd be at Biden's inauguration is if federal marshals dragged him there. He may take off when the electors cast their ballots and leave Pence to run things for the remainder of his term. I think he'll fight until he can't fight any more, then beat a very hasty retreat just ahead of the prosecutions.
posted by Kevin Street at 8:05 PM on November 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by Kevin Street at 8:05 PM on November 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
I think he'll fight until he can't fight any more
It's important to note that while his lackeys are doing some fighting, Trump isn't fighting. He's pouting, golfing, and occasionally tweeting. He's not even pretending to join in his own fight.
posted by mmoncur at 8:09 PM on November 11, 2020 [14 favorites]
It's important to note that while his lackeys are doing some fighting, Trump isn't fighting. He's pouting, golfing, and occasionally tweeting. He's not even pretending to join in his own fight.
posted by mmoncur at 8:09 PM on November 11, 2020 [14 favorites]
He's already said he'd leave the country if he lost. Odds on him taking Airforce One to Saudi or Russia...?
posted by Marticus at 8:23 PM on November 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by Marticus at 8:23 PM on November 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
CNN: Republican senator says he will step in if Biden doesn't have access to intelligence briefings by Friday
Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford said Wednesday that he will intervene if the Trump administration has not allowed President-elect Joe Biden access to presidential daily intelligence briefings by the end of the week, one of the first rights of a presidential candidate after winning the election.posted by darkstar at 8:27 PM on November 11, 2020 [22 favorites]
"There is no loss from him getting the briefings and to be able to do that," Lankford told radio station KRMG, noting that he sits on the Senate Oversight Committee and that he's already started engaging on this issue.
Yeah, he might be at Mar-a-Lago or he might be "vacationing" abroad in a non-extradition country, but he's not going to be in DC. Though given the way the media sucks up to him, the third option, that he has another superspreader rally that the TV channels split screen with Biden's inauguration ceremony, also seems likely.
posted by tavella at 8:29 PM on November 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by tavella at 8:29 PM on November 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
He's already said he'd leave the country if he lost. Odds on him taking Airforce One to Saudi or Russia...?
Air Force One, packed with file boxes full of any classified information and hardware he can sell. And he'll make a big show about doing as much national security damage as he can, for spite. (but also for money)
posted by ctmf at 8:53 PM on November 11, 2020 [8 favorites]
Air Force One, packed with file boxes full of any classified information and hardware he can sell. And he'll make a big show about doing as much national security damage as he can, for spite. (but also for money)
posted by ctmf at 8:53 PM on November 11, 2020 [8 favorites]
This is why financial distress can be a security clearance disqualifier. There is no way he could have gotten one in the first place, short of becoming president.
posted by ctmf at 8:54 PM on November 11, 2020 [11 favorites]
posted by ctmf at 8:54 PM on November 11, 2020 [11 favorites]
Anderson Cooper on CNN just said "Trump tweeted, and I'm not going to read it or show it here because it's not news anymore."
I can't get enough of that.
posted by mmoncur at 9:06 PM on November 11, 2020 [50 favorites]
I can't get enough of that.
posted by mmoncur at 9:06 PM on November 11, 2020 [50 favorites]
Here's the vid.
Maybe start at about 3:44
posted by UbuRoivas at 12:02 AM on November 12, 2020 [4 favorites]
Maybe start at about 3:44
posted by UbuRoivas at 12:02 AM on November 12, 2020 [4 favorites]
Odds on him taking Airforce One to Saudi or Russia...?
Not to get any hopes up, but there's an airport in Oklahoma that's connected to a transfer center for the federal prison system.
posted by rhizome at 12:42 AM on November 12, 2020 [5 favorites]
Not to get any hopes up, but there's an airport in Oklahoma that's connected to a transfer center for the federal prison system.
posted by rhizome at 12:42 AM on November 12, 2020 [5 favorites]
But could he even get AF1 to take him anywhere? It's not like he can fly the plane himself, let alone carry the boxes of files. I suppose some of his family could transfer data from White House computers to a laptop before they leave on their own plane, but that would be a huge risk.
Unless they are all pretending to be stupid, like in that old SNL Reagan sketch, I don't think they can have much value for foreign powers. The State Department and DoD probably haven't put details that can expose people or methods in their briefings to the White House since January 2017. Pompeo is a trumpist and a vile maggot, but I don't think he is a traitor.
The only thing that worries me is the firing of Esper. Why would any president fire a secretary of defense in his lame-duck period? Well, I know it's because he wants to use military forces against protesters while he tries to do his coup thing, which is bad enough. But an "acting" head of defense is not a good thing when the president might be in the pocket of foreign powers.
posted by mumimor at 1:59 AM on November 12, 2020 [1 favorite]
Unless they are all pretending to be stupid, like in that old SNL Reagan sketch, I don't think they can have much value for foreign powers. The State Department and DoD probably haven't put details that can expose people or methods in their briefings to the White House since January 2017. Pompeo is a trumpist and a vile maggot, but I don't think he is a traitor.
The only thing that worries me is the firing of Esper. Why would any president fire a secretary of defense in his lame-duck period? Well, I know it's because he wants to use military forces against protesters while he tries to do his coup thing, which is bad enough. But an "acting" head of defense is not a good thing when the president might be in the pocket of foreign powers.
posted by mumimor at 1:59 AM on November 12, 2020 [1 favorite]
Pompeo is a trumpist and a vile maggot, but I don't think he is a traitor.
This is the same admin that had Flynn working for them. How could you join the admin if you weren't ok with selling out? Even Bolton quit for G-ds sakes.
posted by benzenedream at 7:00 AM on November 12, 2020 [6 favorites]
This is the same admin that had Flynn working for them. How could you join the admin if you weren't ok with selling out? Even Bolton quit for G-ds sakes.
posted by benzenedream at 7:00 AM on November 12, 2020 [6 favorites]
The only thing that worries me is the firing of Esper. Why would any president fire a secretary of defense in his lame-duck period?
It worries me too, but this happened:
Trump administration informs Congress of intent to sell $23B in arms to UAE [CNN]
Here's Exactly What's In America's Massive Advanced Weapons Deal With The UAE [The Drive: Warzone]
posted by snuffleupagus at 7:04 AM on November 12, 2020 [6 favorites]
It worries me too, but this happened:
Trump administration informs Congress of intent to sell $23B in arms to UAE [CNN]
Here's Exactly What's In America's Massive Advanced Weapons Deal With The UAE [The Drive: Warzone]
posted by snuffleupagus at 7:04 AM on November 12, 2020 [6 favorites]
Pompeo is a trumpist and a vile maggot, but I don't think he is a traitor.
Citation needed, unfortunately--I don't read Pompeo as a traitor per se, either, but I also don't believe that his primary loyalty is to the U.S. or its Constitution. He's a Christian fundamentalist who wants a theocracy, and also probably a narcissist himself, so his primary loyalties are to God (as he imagines that) and himself, and then maybe the Republican party and then maaaaybe the United States. (The people of the U.S. are clearly of no concern to any of these assholes.)
Why would any president fire a secretary of defense in his lame-duck period?
Because Trump doesn't work for the U.S. or the American people, so it's most likely that he wants to sell a bunch of weapons to his actual allies/bosses, or intel, or something--ABG (always be grifting), after all.
Honestly, my coup fears were quelled a bit yesterday, when Trump showed up late to the Veteran's Day ceremony at Arlington--the ONE holiday/ceremony in American culture where the actual time (11th minute of 11th hour of 11th day) is significant, and this asshole leaves everyone standing in the rain yesterday morning while he showed up late, stayed for like six minutes, said nothing and left. After that appalling display of disrespect, I have a hard time believing that the U.S. military would back Trump on anything, let alone abrogating the entire Constitution.
(Of course, this perspective is as likely to be a failure of my own imagination as it is an accurate read on any of this. What motivates these people, and how they think, is very very far from my own worldview and ethics and morals and values, and so I'm just guessing along with the all the rest of us decent folks.)
posted by LooseFilter at 7:32 AM on November 12, 2020 [17 favorites]
Citation needed, unfortunately--I don't read Pompeo as a traitor per se, either, but I also don't believe that his primary loyalty is to the U.S. or its Constitution. He's a Christian fundamentalist who wants a theocracy, and also probably a narcissist himself, so his primary loyalties are to God (as he imagines that) and himself, and then maybe the Republican party and then maaaaybe the United States. (The people of the U.S. are clearly of no concern to any of these assholes.)
Why would any president fire a secretary of defense in his lame-duck period?
Because Trump doesn't work for the U.S. or the American people, so it's most likely that he wants to sell a bunch of weapons to his actual allies/bosses, or intel, or something--ABG (always be grifting), after all.
Honestly, my coup fears were quelled a bit yesterday, when Trump showed up late to the Veteran's Day ceremony at Arlington--the ONE holiday/ceremony in American culture where the actual time (11th minute of 11th hour of 11th day) is significant, and this asshole leaves everyone standing in the rain yesterday morning while he showed up late, stayed for like six minutes, said nothing and left. After that appalling display of disrespect, I have a hard time believing that the U.S. military would back Trump on anything, let alone abrogating the entire Constitution.
(Of course, this perspective is as likely to be a failure of my own imagination as it is an accurate read on any of this. What motivates these people, and how they think, is very very far from my own worldview and ethics and morals and values, and so I'm just guessing along with the all the rest of us decent folks.)
posted by LooseFilter at 7:32 AM on November 12, 2020 [17 favorites]
You could play that video to a bunch of Trump voters and they would laugh in your face for being a sucker. It's all just propaganda and even most of the marks know it.
The hypocrisy is part of the point. It shows their tribal contempt for our side by "owning the libs." At best some of them may tell themselves liberals don't actually believe in things either, just like they don't.
posted by Gelatin at 8:42 AM on November 12, 2020 [9 favorites]
The hypocrisy is part of the point. It shows their tribal contempt for our side by "owning the libs." At best some of them may tell themselves liberals don't actually believe in things either, just like they don't.
posted by Gelatin at 8:42 AM on November 12, 2020 [9 favorites]
At best some of them may tell themselves liberals don't actually believe in things either, just like they don't.
That is exactly what they think.
posted by mumimor at 8:46 AM on November 12, 2020 [6 favorites]
That is exactly what they think.
posted by mumimor at 8:46 AM on November 12, 2020 [6 favorites]
the ONE holiday/ceremony in American culture where the actual time (11th minute of 11th hour of 11th day) is significant
no timestamp was evident on the c-span video of the arlington cemetery video i watched yesterday, though there did seem to be a lot of air of people standing in the rain with no president. (the video available now, also lacking timestamp, is truncated to begin at the moment of the orange horror's arrival, though pbsnewshour on yt shows everyone else standing around -- and laying the wreath -- a full 35 minutes before his party gets there.) it struck this viewer as odd -- a poor facsimile of grave engagement -- when he stepped forward and fondled the wreath, but he seemed somber enough otherwise. also i just kept thinking, heh heh, guess they made him come out and stand in the rain this time.
posted by 20 year lurk at 9:28 AM on November 12, 2020
no timestamp was evident on the c-span video of the arlington cemetery video i watched yesterday, though there did seem to be a lot of air of people standing in the rain with no president. (the video available now, also lacking timestamp, is truncated to begin at the moment of the orange horror's arrival, though pbsnewshour on yt shows everyone else standing around -- and laying the wreath -- a full 35 minutes before his party gets there.) it struck this viewer as odd -- a poor facsimile of grave engagement -- when he stepped forward and fondled the wreath, but he seemed somber enough otherwise. also i just kept thinking, heh heh, guess they made him come out and stand in the rain this time.
posted by 20 year lurk at 9:28 AM on November 12, 2020
But could he even get AF1 to take him anywhere? It's not like he can fly the plane himself, let alone carry the boxes of files.
While he's still president, he can order them to do it, and they can't really refuse. It's even arguably legal for him to give classified information to whomever he wants, he's the classifying authority (or the boss of who is).
Problem is, it wouldn't work. To get money, that is. I mean, where's he going to go that won't just say "Money? How about if we just take it from you, chump?" It's hard to bargain a price for something when the buyer can just push you down and take it for free. You think Putin would let Air Force One full of goodies sit on a ramp in Russia while Trump haggles over a price? That would be a better video than the OJ chase. (Short, though)
posted by ctmf at 9:32 AM on November 12, 2020 [4 favorites]
While he's still president, he can order them to do it, and they can't really refuse. It's even arguably legal for him to give classified information to whomever he wants, he's the classifying authority (or the boss of who is).
Problem is, it wouldn't work. To get money, that is. I mean, where's he going to go that won't just say "Money? How about if we just take it from you, chump?" It's hard to bargain a price for something when the buyer can just push you down and take it for free. You think Putin would let Air Force One full of goodies sit on a ramp in Russia while Trump haggles over a price? That would be a better video than the OJ chase. (Short, though)
posted by ctmf at 9:32 AM on November 12, 2020 [4 favorites]
LooseFilter: " I have a hard time believing that the U.S. military would back Trump on anything, let alone abrogating the entire Constitution."
As someone who's been on the receiving end of a (US-backed) military coup, they're not about honor, or respect, or constitutions or anything in that neighborhood. Coups are about power and money and small groups wanting to hold on to power and money and their calculation of whether or not a coup will allow them to do so.
posted by signal at 9:35 AM on November 12, 2020 [20 favorites]
As someone who's been on the receiving end of a (US-backed) military coup, they're not about honor, or respect, or constitutions or anything in that neighborhood. Coups are about power and money and small groups wanting to hold on to power and money and their calculation of whether or not a coup will allow them to do so.
posted by signal at 9:35 AM on November 12, 2020 [20 favorites]
Indeed. I'm often finding myself thinking back to the Iranian revolution after the fall of the (us-installed!) Shah. There was a probably-majority pro-democracy contingent with plenty of respect for parliamentary procedure, and a bunch of hard-line religious fundamentalists who didn't give a fuck and eventually just grabbed control.
I'm somewhat encouraged by the explanation that a lot of what's going on right now is posturing to keep Georgian voters from checking out. But it's goddamn dangerous, and that explanation isn't necessarily true.
posted by kaibutsu at 9:49 AM on November 12, 2020 [7 favorites]
I'm somewhat encouraged by the explanation that a lot of what's going on right now is posturing to keep Georgian voters from checking out. But it's goddamn dangerous, and that explanation isn't necessarily true.
posted by kaibutsu at 9:49 AM on November 12, 2020 [7 favorites]
no timestamp was evident on the c-span video of the arlington cemetery video i watched yesterday
I watched the C-SPAN stream live until 11:21am EST yesterday, and Trump still hadn’t shown up.
As someone who's been on the receiving end of a (US-backed) military coup, they're not about honor, or respect, or constitutions or anything in that neighborhood.
A fair point, I suppose my own hope is that there is a difference between being ordered to do something in another country, to people who are not ‘your own,’ and being ordered to disobey the constitution of one’s own country, in that place, in order to commit violence against one’s own people. My sense is that the U.S. military would not agree to do so; but that’s admittedly hope as much as anything.
posted by LooseFilter at 10:39 AM on November 12, 2020 [4 favorites]
I watched the C-SPAN stream live until 11:21am EST yesterday, and Trump still hadn’t shown up.
As someone who's been on the receiving end of a (US-backed) military coup, they're not about honor, or respect, or constitutions or anything in that neighborhood.
A fair point, I suppose my own hope is that there is a difference between being ordered to do something in another country, to people who are not ‘your own,’ and being ordered to disobey the constitution of one’s own country, in that place, in order to commit violence against one’s own people. My sense is that the U.S. military would not agree to do so; but that’s admittedly hope as much as anything.
posted by LooseFilter at 10:39 AM on November 12, 2020 [4 favorites]
being ordered to disobey the constitution of one’s own country, in that place, in order to commit violence against one’s own people. My sense is that the U.S. military would not agree to do so; but that’s admittedly hope as much as anything.
I'd submit the Kent State murders as evidence that the military has precedent for obeying a corrupt Republican president and killing their fellow countrymen in direct violation of the Constitution.
posted by MrVisible at 11:00 AM on November 12, 2020 [7 favorites]
I'd submit the Kent State murders as evidence that the military has precedent for obeying a corrupt Republican president and killing their fellow countrymen in direct violation of the Constitution.
posted by MrVisible at 11:00 AM on November 12, 2020 [7 favorites]
I'm guessing this was the scene at the White House at 11 AM on Veterans Day:
https://vimeo.com/476497309
posted by JackFlash at 11:05 AM on November 12, 2020
https://vimeo.com/476497309
posted by JackFlash at 11:05 AM on November 12, 2020
I'd submit the Kent State murders as evidence that the military has precedent for obeying a corrupt Republican president and killing their fellow countrymen in direct violation of the Constitution.
Well, maybe, but you're extrapolating from the example of a state National Guard unit firing on students the Governor called "worse than the brown shirts and the communist element and also the night riders and the vigilantes" and "the worst type of people that we harbor in America." Though the fact that the killers escaped criminal conviction set a bad precedent.
posted by Gelatin at 11:24 AM on November 12, 2020 [2 favorites]
Well, maybe, but you're extrapolating from the example of a state National Guard unit firing on students the Governor called "worse than the brown shirts and the communist element and also the night riders and the vigilantes" and "the worst type of people that we harbor in America." Though the fact that the killers escaped criminal conviction set a bad precedent.
posted by Gelatin at 11:24 AM on November 12, 2020 [2 favorites]
Amid Pentagon upheaval, military officers face a fraught few months
Not really a good article (from The Washington Post) But maybe the messy article is a reflection of how things are going. The final paragraphs sum it up:
Not really a good article (from The Washington Post) But maybe the messy article is a reflection of how things are going. The final paragraphs sum it up:
“The last thing you want in national security is gaps and short-term changes that bounce back and forth,” said Anthony Zinni, a retired Marine Corps general who oversaw U.S. Central Command. “You’re really jacking around the military if that happens.”posted by mumimor at 11:51 AM on November 12, 2020 [7 favorites]
Retired Adm. James Stavridis, who served as supreme allied commander of NATO from 2009 to 2013, expressed confidence that Milley and the military leadership would “resolutely” stay out of politics and said they were standing by to work with President-elect Joe Biden’s transition teams to facilitate the turnover as soon as the Trump administration allows government agencies to do so.
“That it has not begun already is dangerous to our national security,” he said.
Marcy Wheeler: Those Complicit in Trump’s False Story about the Election Are Willingly Damaging This Country
These people are willing to tell a story — one claiming that Trump’s legal challenges are meant to be serious legal challenges and not theater designed solely for story-telling — just to “appease” Trump. These people are all admitting that they are willing to damage the country just to allow a narcissist to claim he didn’t lose because a majority of the country, even a majority of people in states that make up an Electoral College victory, rejected him, but instead to claim he lost because over half the country did something illegitimate. These people are participating in Trump’s efforts to rebrand the act of casting a vote against Donald Trump as cheating.posted by tonycpsu at 8:06 PM on November 12, 2020 [24 favorites]
No one making those admissions should be given anonymity, because they are willingly doing damage to the country. [...]
The story that Donald Trump is telling is doing tangible harm to our country. If you are complicit in telling that story — whether you are an anonymous enabler or a both-sides reporter — you also are doing tangible harm to this country.
In case this is the only place you're getting your election news, CNN Projects Biden in Georgia and Trump in North Carolina, giving Biden the same number of electoral college votes Trump got in 2016 (306). Of course, the electors don't vote until December 14, so...
posted by foonly at 12:24 PM on November 13, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by foonly at 12:24 PM on November 13, 2020 [3 favorites]
CBC KIDS NEWS weighs in on Why Donald Trump hasn’t admitted he lost the election.
Could Trump refuse to leave the White House?
Technically, yes.
But it would be the first conflict of its kind in U.S. history so it’s hard to know how it will play out.
Jentleson said he’s worried about “political violence” that could come if Trump does eventually concede.
Biden’s campaign has addressed this concern in a statement declaring, “The United States government is perfectly capable of escorting trespassers out of the White House.”
posted by philip-random at 9:23 PM on November 13, 2020
Could Trump refuse to leave the White House?
Technically, yes.
But it would be the first conflict of its kind in U.S. history so it’s hard to know how it will play out.
Jentleson said he’s worried about “political violence” that could come if Trump does eventually concede.
Biden’s campaign has addressed this concern in a statement declaring, “The United States government is perfectly capable of escorting trespassers out of the White House.”
posted by philip-random at 9:23 PM on November 13, 2020
giving Biden the same number of electoral college votes Trump got in 2016 (306)
Regret to inform that POUTUS got 304 electoral votes in 2016 due to faithless electors.
posted by kirkaracha at 1:13 AM on November 14, 2020 [5 favorites]
Regret to inform that POUTUS got 304 electoral votes in 2016 due to faithless electors.
posted by kirkaracha at 1:13 AM on November 14, 2020 [5 favorites]
I think I need to start getting all my news from CBC News Kids.
posted by mazola at 8:55 AM on November 14, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by mazola at 8:55 AM on November 14, 2020 [6 favorites]
Regret to inform that POUTUS got 304 electoral votes in 2016 due to faithless electors.
At this point in the 2016 election, Trump had 306. We'll see how many Biden winds up with.
posted by MtDewd at 11:52 AM on November 14, 2020
At this point in the 2016 election, Trump had 306. We'll see how many Biden winds up with.
posted by MtDewd at 11:52 AM on November 14, 2020
Also in 2016, Clinton had 232 pledged electors (the same number Trump will have in 2020), but eight of Clinton’s electors attempted to vote faithlessly, and five of those succeeded, so she ultimately received only 227 votes.
posted by mbrubeck at 12:12 PM on November 14, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by mbrubeck at 12:12 PM on November 14, 2020 [2 favorites]
Apropos of nothing, I thought I'd mention here that my vote was just counted today. They sent me an e-mail.
posted by kyrademon at 7:22 AM on November 16, 2020 [21 favorites]
posted by kyrademon at 7:22 AM on November 16, 2020 [21 favorites]
PublicSource: Letters to Kamala: What the vice president-elect’s victory means to these Pittsburgh-area Black and Brown girls
posted by tonycpsu at 9:14 PM on November 16, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by tonycpsu at 9:14 PM on November 16, 2020 [2 favorites]
Just before the election I didn't have any strong feeling who would win the EC.
Turns out that lack of knowledge was correct; just a total of ~22,500 (R) -> (D) swing voters across AZ, WI, and GA prevented Trump from racking up 269 EVs.
Not as close as 2000, but Kerry lost Ohio by ~120,000 votes, or 60,000 by this measure, and Clinton needed ~40,000 swing voters to win PA, WI, and MI.
posted by Heywood Mogroot III at 12:32 PM on November 17, 2020
Turns out that lack of knowledge was correct; just a total of ~22,500 (R) -> (D) swing voters across AZ, WI, and GA prevented Trump from racking up 269 EVs.
Not as close as 2000, but Kerry lost Ohio by ~120,000 votes, or 60,000 by this measure, and Clinton needed ~40,000 swing voters to win PA, WI, and MI.
posted by Heywood Mogroot III at 12:32 PM on November 17, 2020
Not as close as 2000, but Kerry lost Ohio by ~120,000 votes, or 60,000 by this measure, and Clinton needed ~40,000 swing voters to win PA, WI, and MI.
And Trump this time needed 70,000 swing voters to win PA, WI, and MI. So 2016 was a difference of 40,000 voters and 2020 is a difference of 70,000 voters. How is it that you think this election was closer? 70,000 is a lot bigger than 40,000.
posted by JackFlash at 1:05 PM on November 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
And Trump this time needed 70,000 swing voters to win PA, WI, and MI. So 2016 was a difference of 40,000 voters and 2020 is a difference of 70,000 voters. How is it that you think this election was closer? 70,000 is a lot bigger than 40,000.
posted by JackFlash at 1:05 PM on November 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
I'm not going to link to it because it's the Daily Mail but here's a headline that begs to be shared:
Giuliani's court bid to overturn Biden victory turns to farce as he forgets judge's name, calls other lawyer 'that angry man,' claims the 11 biggest cities are conspiring to steal election, then gets directions to the nearest martini bar
posted by philip-random at 2:36 PM on November 18, 2020 [12 favorites]
Giuliani's court bid to overturn Biden victory turns to farce as he forgets judge's name, calls other lawyer 'that angry man,' claims the 11 biggest cities are conspiring to steal election, then gets directions to the nearest martini bar
posted by philip-random at 2:36 PM on November 18, 2020 [12 favorites]
> Giuliani's court bid to overturn Biden victory turns to farce as he forgets judge's name, calls other lawyer 'that angry man,' claims the 11 biggest cities are conspiring to steal election, then gets directions to the nearest martini bar
relevant oglaf
posted by sebastienbailard at 5:56 AM on November 19, 2020 [18 favorites]
relevant oglaf
posted by sebastienbailard at 5:56 AM on November 19, 2020 [18 favorites]
(this is your periodic reminder that while many oglafs are cleanish and very funny like this one or "Labyrinth," oglaf in general is SPECTACULARLY not safe for work and is often outright porn that is still hilarious and awesome but also still porn)
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 6:22 AM on November 19, 2020 [17 favorites]
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 6:22 AM on November 19, 2020 [17 favorites]
Jennifer O'Malley Dillon crunched the data to steer Biden's success - "Campaign manager will enter White House in January as deputy chief of staff."
This week, the Biden campaign announced that Ms O’Malley Dillon, 44, will enter the White House in January alongside the president-elect, where she will serve as his deputy chief of staff.Stacey Abrams's Ground Game Puts Georgia Within Joe Biden's Reach - "After losing out on the governor's office in 2018, she got back to work on turning the state blue."
Since Mr Biden’s victory, she has been credited with keeping the campaign’s attention directed at the “blue wall” states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, which flipped back to the Democrat after propelling Mr Trump to victory in 2016.
The focus on the “blue wall” meant the campaign did not pour additional resources into long-shot states, most notably Texas, even as prominent Democrats insisted the Biden team was letting a huge prize slip away. Polls had suggested Mr Biden was in touching distance of clinching the reliably Republican state, but Mr Trump ended up winning comfortably...
In the early days of the 2020 race, she initially served as campaign manager for Beto O’Rourke, the former Democratic congressman from Texas, before switching to Mr Biden’s team soon after he won Super Tuesday in March. She joined the team, which was in urgent need of an experienced manager, just two days before it shut down its offices due to the pandemic... Ms O’Malley Dillon ran the show from her attic in the Washington DC suburbs, where she lives with her husband and their three children...
Although Ms O’Malley Dillon ran a winning campaign, it was not without its critics. Some Democrats have said the lack of a physical ground game — a conscious decision taken due to the pandemic — ended up hurting Mr Biden; Republicans attribute the fact that Mr Trump outperformed his polls to their superior door-knocking operation.
But Ms O’Malley Dillon never believed those polls. As pundits and traders priced in a blowout Biden victory, hers was one of the few voices of caution.
“This race is far closer than folks on this website think,” Ms O’Malley Dillon warned in a Twitter thread in mid-October. “Like a lot closer.”
“What I don’t see when I look at [the electoral] map are the double-digit leads you might be hearing about online,” she wrote in an email to supporters three days later. “Here’s the honest truth: those are inflated national public polling numbers.”
A “playbook” she sent to party leaders last September proved prophetic: “My campaign for governor engaged, organized and inspired traditional voters and brought new voices to the table.” She urged party leaders to focus on Georgia. “When analyzing next year’s political landscape and electoral opportunities,” Abrams wrote, “any less than full investment in Georgia would amount to strategic malpractice.”posted by kliuless at 10:34 PM on November 19, 2020 [14 favorites]
...Now Abrams, who earlier this year was on Biden’s short list of vice presidential candidates, is once again in the national spotlight, as a potential choice to join the Biden administration. But many in the state believe that Abrams’s focus is still on pursuing the governor’s mansion and that she’s unlikely to be swayed by any opportunity that takes her away from the 2022 gubernatorial race. “I absolutely think she should be offered a position in the administration,” Williams said. “But I would love for her to be my governor.”
...After years in the state legislature, Abrams introduced her plan to corral Georgia’s changing electorate about a year before the 2014 gubernatorial and Senate contests. She founded The New Georgia Project, with the idea of abandoning the typical political wisdom — that elections are won by targeting likely voters — and going after low-propensity minority and young voters instead. The goal: visit each voter three to four times to get them to turn out. She later created Fair Fight, whose mission to combat voter suppression often had her clashing with Kemp, who was then secretary of state. (Michael Bloomberg, the founder and majority owner of Bloomberg LP, the parent of Bloomberg News, donated $5 million to Fair Fight in 2019.)
Hector, who also is a graduate of Spelman, touted Abrams’s connection to the prestigious all-women’s college. “One thing I would have to say about Georgia and the politics down here is, ‘Trust Black women,’” Hector said. “The reason why you’re seeing what you’re seeing from the communities that we’re seeing them from is because there are Black women constantly, day-in-and-day-out working and organizing.”
According to ABC News, Biden's lead over Trump now exceeds 6 million votes:
Biden: 79,784,165 votes
Trump: 73,763,979 votes
Given that the slowest-counting states (New York, New Jersey, California) tend to lean heavily Democratic, a final vote total for Biden of over 80 million votes seems not unlikely.
posted by kyrademon at 2:29 AM on November 21, 2020 [5 favorites]
Biden: 79,784,165 votes
Trump: 73,763,979 votes
Given that the slowest-counting states (New York, New Jersey, California) tend to lean heavily Democratic, a final vote total for Biden of over 80 million votes seems not unlikely.
posted by kyrademon at 2:29 AM on November 21, 2020 [5 favorites]
Georgia:
Dem: 2,474,507
Rep: 2,461,837
Lib: 62,138
Arizona:
Dem: 1,672,143
Rep: 1,661,686
Lib: 51,465
Wisconsin:
Dem: 1,630,716
Rep: 1,610,151
Lib: 38,333
Third-party clown voters gave Biden the win, LOL
posted by Heywood Mogroot III at 8:22 AM on November 21, 2020 [7 favorites]
Dem: 2,474,507
Rep: 2,461,837
Lib: 62,138
Arizona:
Dem: 1,672,143
Rep: 1,661,686
Lib: 51,465
Wisconsin:
Dem: 1,630,716
Rep: 1,610,151
Lib: 38,333
Third-party clown voters gave Biden the win, LOL
posted by Heywood Mogroot III at 8:22 AM on November 21, 2020 [7 favorites]
Third-party clown voters gave Biden the win, LOL
I've seen a few FB posts indicating that people knew what the consequence would be and really, really wanted to get rid of Trump, but couldn't bear to vote for a Democrat. It's silly, but not necessarily dumb.
posted by mumimor at 8:42 AM on November 21, 2020 [9 favorites]
Third-party clown voters gave Biden the win, LOL
Assumes facts not in evidence
posted by Ahmad Khani at 10:18 AM on November 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
Assumes facts not in evidence
posted by Ahmad Khani at 10:18 AM on November 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
There's no way of knowing how the Libertarians would have voted otherwise. They may have split 50/50 for Trump and Biden, which would change nothing. If never-Trumpers they could have simply stayed home and not voted, which would change nothing. They tend to be a bunch of disaffected people who latch onto one hard core issue or another rather than a cohesive ideology so hard to predict.
What is a hard fact is that you can have an election in which one candidate wins by over 6 million votes and it is considered to be close.
Another hard fact is that the polling errors suggest that the country is a whole lot more conservative than the pundits think and Democrats are going to have to figure out how to deal with that.
posted by JackFlash at 10:21 AM on November 21, 2020 [11 favorites]
What is a hard fact is that you can have an election in which one candidate wins by over 6 million votes and it is considered to be close.
Another hard fact is that the polling errors suggest that the country is a whole lot more conservative than the pundits think and Democrats are going to have to figure out how to deal with that.
posted by JackFlash at 10:21 AM on November 21, 2020 [11 favorites]
If my Deep South, very conservative, very Evangelical family and extended family in Georgia are any indication: at our last family reunion, nearly every one of them said they would be voting Libertarian for president as a protest vote against Trump, and straight Republican party ticket for all of the downballot races. Which, if they followed through on this threat, I’ll take it.
posted by darkstar at 11:59 AM on November 21, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by darkstar at 11:59 AM on November 21, 2020 [3 favorites]
meanwhile, Pompeo is on a very weird second honeymoon tour with his wife. Paid for by your tax dollars: Pompeo's strange farewell tour, full of symbolism and silence
posted by mumimor at 1:52 PM on November 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by mumimor at 1:52 PM on November 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
GA President:
Dem: 2,474,507
Rep: 2,461,837
Lib: 62,138
GA Senate:
Rep: 2,462,617
Dem: 2,374,519
Lib: 115,039
¯_(ツ)_/¯
posted by Heywood Mogroot III at 9:18 AM on November 22, 2020 [2 favorites]
Dem: 2,474,507
Rep: 2,461,837
Lib: 62,138
GA Senate:
Rep: 2,462,617
Dem: 2,374,519
Lib: 115,039
¯_(ツ)_/¯
posted by Heywood Mogroot III at 9:18 AM on November 22, 2020 [2 favorites]
meanwhile, Pompeo is on a very weird second honeymoon tour with his wife. Paid for by your tax dollars: Pompeo's strange farewell tour, full of symbolism and silence
Makes perfect sense to do this before you convicted of felonies. Foreign travel is hard once you have a criminal record.
posted by srboisvert at 2:58 PM on November 22, 2020 [8 favorites]
Makes perfect sense to do this before you convicted of felonies. Foreign travel is hard once you have a criminal record.
posted by srboisvert at 2:58 PM on November 22, 2020 [8 favorites]
According to CNN, the GSA has told Biden's campaign they are ready to begin the transition process. On Twitter, Trump is claiming this is a "just in case" process, and also because Emily Murphy was being harassed, threatened, and abused - which is perhaps the first time he's cared about that.
posted by nubs at 3:36 PM on November 23, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by nubs at 3:36 PM on November 23, 2020 [1 favorite]
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posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:42 AM on November 7, 2020 [173 favorites]