From Voter Suppression to Voter Intimidation

For years, Rethuglicans have been doing their best to shape the electorate to their liking, whether it's Rethug-controlled state legislatures gerrymandering districts to minimize Democratic representation, passing voter suppression laws targeting minorities and other unfavorable demographic groups, or limiting ballot access by reducing voting sites or restricting hours for voting. Now, the Rethugs have their ideal candidate at the top of the ballot: a narcissistic demagogue who won't say whether he'll accept the will of the people in November.

Sociopath Donald "Rump" Trump has been claiming that the upcoming elections will be rigged, now that he's behind and falling in the polls. It's bad enough that he's undermining public confidence in the elections (which are administered by the individual states). He's also telling his gullible (and often violent) supporters to travel to urban / minority polling sites to "monitor" the elections and prevent nonexistent "voter fraud." Clearly, it's not about "election protection"; it's about intimidation, a violation of Federal law. Fortunately, voting rights groups, civic organizations and state and local elections officials are pushing back on Rump's own rigging efforts:

"But Trump’s threat to voting has galvanized state and local election officials and voting advocates across the political spectrum in a pushback against the most serious voter intimidation effort that the country has faced since the 1965 Voting Rights Act ended the routine denial of the franchise to Southern blacks. Republican secretaries of state from coast to coast have lambasted his remarks and pledged to maintain the integrity of the election process. At least one Republican secretary of state, Paul Pate of Iowa, took Trump’s comments as a personal insult. As Salon noted, it’s Republican secretaries of state who control the election process in most of the battleground states, so Trump did the party no favors—no surprise there."

Rump's threat to our democracy is real and imminent. His pathological narcissism causes him to dismiss any possibility of defeat, aside from a "rigged" election, and there are enough of his delusional followers to make election day a potential nightmare for voters if they're not stopped.

Tweet Counter Tweet

First, dangerously delusional demagogue Donald "Rump" Trump:

The results are in on the final debate and it is almost unanimous, I WON! Thank you, these are very exciting times.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 21, 2016

Next, Secretary Hillary Clinton's perfect rejoinder:

Where was this kind of comedy last night? https://t.co/71JhLG55G5

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 21, 2016

Despite what the voices in his head are telling him, Rump lost that debate, just as he lost the previous two. And the Al Smith Memorial Dinner, too, as Secretary Clinton notes above. Clown. Also, sad!

Weekend Song

Eclectic alt- rock quintet Ween has been performing (not in the same lineup) since 1984.  After disbanding in 2012, they got back together earlier this year for some sporadic reunion shows around the country. Now they're set to release a live album in less than a month that was recorded in 2001(!). They also happen to be a favorite of San Francisco Bureau Chief Shauna and Deputy Chief Dave, who suggested this song for us from the mid- 90's, "I'll Miss You."  Hope you enjoy.

Trump's America Video of the Day

The Clinton Campaign has just released a heartbreakingly stunning ad with Khizr Khan, the father of fallen hero Capt. Humayun Khan. It poses the question whether Capt. Khan would have a place in Trump's America. We know the answer, so we need to honor Capt. Khan with our vote. Have tissues ready when you hear his words.

Nasty Woman And Bad Hombres - Coming To A Polling Station Near You

Folks are having a field day with neo- fascist loser Donald "Rump" Trump's slurs in Wednesday's debate, calling Hillary Clinton "a nasty woman" and referring to some Hispanic immigrants as "bad hombres."

Here's a great cartoon response:


(Lala Alcaraz, LA Weekly)

One of the best parodies of this or any other political season, from Vox:

Nasty Woman: the latest fragrance coming to a debate near you pic.twitter.com/1MWQ5D1Imn

— Vox (@voxdotcom) October 20, 2016

Take Donald Trump....Please*

The Al Smith Memorial Dinner charity fundraiser in New York City is a long-standing tradition, where every four years, the Presidential candidates traditionally trade jokes and engage in self-deprecating humor. Hillary Clinton and sociopathic narcissist Donald "Rump" Trump were at last night's event, and the clear winner (again) was Secretary Clinton. Her best lines included:

"This is such a special event that I took a break from my rigorous nap schedule … It is a treat for all of you, too, because usually I charge a lot for speeches like this." 

"Come to think of it, it’s amazing I am appearing after Donald. I did not think he would be OK with a peaceful transition of power. And, Donald, after listening to your speech, I will also enjoy listening to Mike Pence deny that you ever gave it." 

"Donald really is as healthy as a horse – you know, the one that Vladimir Putin rides around on."

When it came Rump's turn, he rather quickly dropped any pretense of civility and descended into petty attacks on Clinton, devoid of humor. The crowd, which expects some barbs but not humorless attacks, started booing the angry buffoon.

No one should have been surprised at Rump's loutishness, given the smackdown the Clinton delivered to him on Wednesday night and his long history of attacking people that disagree with him. Since he knows so little about charity to begin with, perhaps he just thought turning the event into a campaign rally would be well received. He was very wrong, as he always is.

BONUS:  You can read a lot of postmortems on the performances of Hillary Clinton and neo- fascist Giant Toddler** Donald "Rump" Trump at last night's Al Smith Memorial Dinner.  (You can start here, or here, or here, or here,  but the outcome is still the same -- Rump bombed.) As we've noted, the event is supposed to be a late- campaign showcase of presidential hopeful humor (traditionally self- deprecating) and civility before people head to the polls.  That this wasn't what happened at the gala should come as no surprise.

We and others have labeled Rump many things, all labels he richly deserves: racist, misogynist, white nationalist, neo- fascist, con man, fraud, cheat, world- class liar, etc.  But underlying all of this is one trait, one enormous flaw that always shows through:  Rump's raging narcissism. It is that narcissism -- that grandiose self- love -- that won't permit him to present himself as an object of humor or deprecation no matter what an occasion might call for, like the Al Smith dinner.  Instead, the narcissist, craving admiration and validation, and hypersensitive to criticism, hews to his abusive treatment of anyone who wrongs or insults him.  Hence, Rump's almost completely humorless performance attacking Secretary Clinton (not so ironically, one of his only laughs came at the expense not of himself, but of his wife Melania).

With every public appearance, Rump piles on more examples of his unfitness, and why he must never be President (or hold any other elective office, for that matter).

* Apologies to the late Henny Youngman.

** h/t Quinn Cummings.

Winner and Loser Pics of the Day

Cameras captured the two Presidential candidates after last night's final debate. These pics tell the story of who "won" the debate by the expressions and body language of the candidates.

CNN.com

Chip Somodavilla, Getty Images

As they once said in tee-vee sports, "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat."

BONUS:  Then there's this gif of Rump ripping his notes at the end. He knows he's toast.

Yup pic.twitter.com/vDf6G8bRmZ

— Chris Cillizza (@TheFix) October 20, 2016

Even Chris "Lizard" Cillizza can be useful at times.

The Doctor Will See You Now Cartoon of the Day

(click on image to enlarge)

If you think misogynist groper Donald "Rump" Trump had problems with women before last night's debate, wait until we see new polls. His venomous comments ("nasty woman") and constant, bullying interruptions, along with his continuing to disparage his assault accusers and deny everything will make a difference on election day. And those women who are sticking with him?  We only play psychiatrists on this blog.

(cartoon: Clay Bennett, Chattanooga Times Free Press, via
Gocomics.com)

"Domestic Insurrectionist" Quote of the Day

"Clinton framed his answer as a pattern of habitual sore-loser-dom, which Trump displayed in calling several Republican primaries rigged, and making the same complaint about losing a television award. (She did not mention that he did this on Election Night 2012, too.) Perhaps she put it this way because undecided voters can relate to the familiar archetype of a bully who happens to be a sore loser. The truth is much darker and more dangerous. Trump is a domestic insurrectionist against the stability of American government." -- Jonathan Chait, writing in New York Magazine about the third and final Presidential debate where neo-fascist demagogue Donald "Rump" Trump clung to his "the election is being rigged" mantra.

Rump remained defiant today, doubling down today on his refusal to declare whether he'd accept the results of the election by saying he'd "absolutely" accept the results..."if I win." So says the monster who must never become President if we want to live in freedom.

BONUS:

She looks like a President, and he looks like the kind of guy the Secret Service keeps away from Presidents.#debatenight

— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) October 20, 2016

Post- Debate Lede: Trump's Disgraceful Attack On American Democracy

Here's the only thing people are talking about in the wake of last night's third and final presidential debate:

(Attribution: Internet news headlines, via Daily Kos)

That's right.  Once again, when asked directly if he would accept the results of the election November 8, neo- fascist authoritarian Donald "Rump" Trump answered,

“I’ll look at it at the time."

When pressed for a definitive answer, Rump continued,

“What I’m saying is that I will tell you at the time. I’ll keep you in suspense. OK?”

Fellow Republicans, smelling the sulfurous fumes of their party's implosion and Rump's apparent decision to take as much of American democracy down with him, were quick to react:

Trump's answer on accepting the outcome of the vote is the most disgraceful statement by a presidential candidate in 160 years.

— Bret Stephens (@StephensWSJ) October 20, 2016

My thoughts on a 'rigged' presidential election. pic.twitter.com/075n83NXMH

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) October 20, 2016

.@realDonaldTrump saying that he might not accept election results is beyond the pale

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) October 20, 2016

Sorry. He's yours. You deserve him. You built that.


(Mike Luckovich, Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

You Can't Beat The Boss As A Political Analyst

Ladies and gentlemen, Bruce Springsteen:

“He’s such a flagrant, toxic narcissist.” That's Bruce Springsteen's view of @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/jHNrLZIXQr

— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) October 18, 2016

Somewhere, Chris "Krispykreme" Christie's tiny heart is breaking -- again.

Quote And Video Of The Day - "Presidential!"

Speaking of endorsements, this one surely speaks well to the fitness of neo- fascist Giant Toddler* Donald "Rump" Trump to have his tiny finger on the nuclear button:

"I sometimes have said I have two boys at home: I have my young son, and I have my husband." -- Melania Trump, in a CNN interview with Anderson Cooper on Monday night.

"Boys will be boys!" (except in the Oval Office, where we need an adult woman).

BONUS:  Here's Steven Colbert interviewing "Melania Trump" (Mrs. Trump III doppelganger and fine actress Laura Benanti) about her husband's predatory behavior:



* h/t Quinn Cummings.

"Little Marco" Rubio Goes 0 For 4 In Major Florida Newspaper Endorsements

Sometime Florida Republican Sen. Marco "Glug Glug" Rubio (a.k.a., "Little Marco" -- h/t neo- fascist loser Donald "Rump" Trump) is in an increasingly tight re- election battle with Democratic Rep. Patrick Murphy.  Glug Glug, who is being coy about whether he'll finish out his term or make another Presidential run, has already lost in the battle for endorsements from Florida's four biggest newspapers.  While each paper had strong reasons to support Rep. Murphy, they were unified in noting the failings of the transparently ambitious Glug Glug.  As always, we recommend reading the entire editorials.

The Miami Herald, a consistent supporter of Glug Glug, has had a particularly brutal change of heart:

He has fought Obamacare at every step, even though it has brought immeasurable relief to millions who previously had no healthcare. He has joined the Senate majority in the scandalous move to block any consideration of the president’s nominee for a Supreme Court vacancy. He has unilaterally blocked other meritorious presidential nominations for purely political reasons, including confirmation of a judge he himself had once recommended. 

Beyond the political differences, there are issues of sincerity and character for voters to consider. First, he reneged on his unequivocal pledge not to run for re-election for a position he once openly disdained — but only after he lost his bid for the Republican presidential nomination to his nemesis, Donald Trump. Then he endorsed Mr. Trump, whom he called a con man during the campaign. And still at this late date, he continues to stand by that endorsement, even as the Republican candidate stumbles from gaffe to insult to outrage. 

Mr. Trump’s candidacy is a test of character, and Sen. Rubio is failing that test. How can voters believe he’s sincere when he says he does not share Mr. Trump’s awful views on Mexicans, immigrants, Muslims, women, etc., yet — at the same time — stands by his endorsement of the New York billionaire? His act is unconvincing. It reeks of political convenience rather than political conviction. 

And he has refused to issue a clear, unequivocal statement on whether he will finish out his term if he wins reelection. And though he used the June massacre at Pulse, the gay nightclub in Orlando, as his excuse for getting in the race, he has a disastrous record as far as LGBT issues are concerned, opposing marriage equality and adoption by gay parents, and voting against giving LGBT Americans workplace protections.

The Sun Sentinel starts off its endorsement with a statement that should leave a mark on Glug Glug:

Floridians deserve a U.S. senator who genuinely wants to do the job and who views his office as something more than a place to cool his heels until it's time to run for president again. That means voters should give the job to Patrick Murphy. 

Democrat Murphy, who lives in Jupiter, serves in the U.S. House. He's running against Republican Marco Rubio of West Miami, who currently is serving — when he shows up for work — in the U.S. Senate. 

The Orlando Sentinel also hit on the absent/ distracted/ weasel Glug Glug theme:

Rubio also backed away from the day-to-day responsibilities of representing Florida in the U.S. Senate. Between April 2015 and March 2016, he missed 65 percent of Senate votes, according to Politifact. He defended himself by arguing that running for president is a full-time job. True, but so is representing Florida in the U.S. Senate. Yet in his current re-election campaign, he has pointedly refused to rule out another presidential bid in 2020. 

So if Rubio is re-elected to the Senate, and decides to pivot for another run for the White House in a couple of years, Floridians won't be getting the full attention that they expect and deserve. They also are more likely to see him do things, like retreating on immigration reform, that make more sense for a GOP presidential candidate than a sitting Florida senator. 

The Tampa Bay Times, before listing 12 good reasons to support Rep. Murphy, has this to say:

Florida voters tired of gridlock in Washington have a clear choice for U.S. Senate. Democrat Patrick Murphy of Jupiter has served just two terms in the House, but he is a centrist who is right on the issues and works in a bipartisan fashion. Incumbent Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Miami is on the wrong side of most every issue, and he changed his mind about seeking re-election after he was crushed by Donald Trump in the Florida presidential primary. A Senate seat should not be a consolation prize for a failed presidential candidate killing time until his next run for the White House. 

Let's dispel with this fiction that Glug Glug is unbeatable. It's 20 days to go until the election, so if you can, please support Rep. Murphy and get this gusano out of the Senate.

Ecuador Clips Assange's Wings

Yesterday, Ecuador announced that it was the "state actor" that had cut of the internet connection for alleged rapist and Russian intelligence services asset Julian "Ass Is Part of Who I Am" Assange this past Sunday. They explained that they couldn't condone the interference of Assange's' WikiLeaks organization in U.S. elections. Assange, who has been holed up in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for the past four years to avoid extradition to Sweden to face rape charges, has been directing the timed release of e-mails hacked by Russian intelligence from the Democratic National Committee, the State Department and the Clinton campaign staff aimed at embarrassing Clinton and influencing the election in favor of sociopathic authoritarian Donald "Rump" Trump.

As a sign that WikiLeaks is prepared to pressure Ecuador to permit Assange's continuing asylum at their London embassy, they released a "pre-commitment" code entitled "Ecuador," which signifies that they have damaging documents that could be used against the Ecuadorean government. Blackmail, in plain language. It's well past time that Assange be brought to justice, and WikiLeaks be exposed as a willing partner with Russian intelligence services in their efforts to destabilize Western governments and institutions.

Mid-Week Song

Nineteenth century Czech composer Bedřich Smetana was considered the father of Czech music, with his heartfelt and evocative compositions reflecting the natural beauty of the Czech homeland. His opera The Bartered Bride is perhaps the best known of his work internationally, but it's his classic "Má vlast" ("My Homeland") -- literally a multi-part poem in musical form to his nation -- that best captures the essence of his love for his country. Our dear friends P.E.C. and John were visiting Prague recently, and heard the lovely "Vltava" (The Moldau) from "My Homeland" played, so we're featuring it as our song.