Political Theatre category archive
Dynastic Desires 0
At the Idaho State Journal, Kim Shinkoskey makes a compelling case that Donald Trump does not aspire to be president.
Rather, he aspires to be king. And that’s one reason why he’s running on a platform of fomenting fear.
A snippet:
The foreign threat comes from brown-skinned folks who want to experience life in America. The king hates these largely innocent people because they may not be open to supporting his kingship. On the other hand, he is happily willing to become besties with all the dictators of Europe and Asia and allow them full and complete access to his court. He allows them to cross our borders clandestinely at first in order to influence our elections, and then openly later, in order to influence our economic and political policies. Why does he love them so much? Because they are autocrats like him.
The domestic threat comes from the middle class and the working poor, who want economic mobility and human rights. Highly contemptible what these ignorant commoners want. Don’t they know they aren’t smart enough to have rights? Many of them are Democrats who want rights for women and minorities, the ones clearly least deserving of rights in God’s kingdom.
MAGA Merch 0
From the Youtube page:
The Taylor Swift-inspired friendship bracelets were a hot seller for the Harris-Walz campaign, so the Trump-Vance ticket is getting in on the action.
“Sane Washing” 0
Farron explains the neologism.
Both Sides Don’t, Reprise 0
Whether or not this holds true for the post-debate analysis–the coverage is still being uncovered–this is certainly an accurate depiction of the campaign coverage in general, extending back even to before Joe Biden withdrew from the race.
Via Job’s Anger.
“Totally Unfit for Office” 0
Steve Anderson, retired brigadier general, explains why so many generals and national security professionals think reelecting Donald Trump would be a national security disaster.
Via C&L, which has commentary.
Both Sides Don’t 0
Steve M. is fed up with the press’s bothsiderism. He notes that the press seems reluctant? incapable? too wedded to the horse race? to identify the instigators. Indeed, he sees a pattern (emphasis in the original):
Follow the link for his reasoning.
(Broken link fixed.)
No, I Will Not Be Watching the Debate, Reprise (Updated) 0
My friend watched some to the debate while I was watching Inspector Frost.
Based on her reaction to the behavior of one of the participants (you know which one–the one of which she said, “I can’t believe they allowed him to be on that stage”), all I can say is, well, I called that.
Addendum:
An early fact-check from Scripps News.
Facts may not lie, but Donald Trump most assuredly does.
No, I Will Not Be Watching the Debate 0
Whatever happens on the debate stage cannot affect my vote, while subjecting myself to political theatrics and demented right-wing ramblings (you know to whom I refer) will likely serve only to increase my stress level, which is high enough already.
Rather, I will likely watch an episode of A Touch of Frost on Tubi. And you should too.
Foxy Shady 0
David discusses Fox News’s banc-and-forth about the behavior of RFK Jr. and what it tells us about Fox News’s integrity. (Warning: short commercial at the end.)
“But It’s the Only Possible Explanation” 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Joe Pierre notes that “For politicians–especially those with authoritarian tendencies–conspiracy theories can serve as propaganda that exploits the psychological needs of a voting populace.” He goes on to list six of the ways that conspiracy theories can sway dis coarse discourse:
- To malign opponents
- To sow mistrust in authoritative sources of information
- To deflect blame
- To create “us and them” narratives
- To portray oneself as a victim or an anti-establishment candidate
- To incite or justify violence
Follow the link for a detailed discussion of each of these items and ask yourself if any of them sound something in today’s news.
