TVTropes Now available in the app store!
Open

Follow TV Tropes

Following

The General US Politics Thread

Go To

Nov 2023 Mod notice:


There may be other, more specific, threads about some aspects of US politics, but this one tends to act as a hub for all sorts of related news and information, so it's usually one of the busiest OTC threads.

If you're new to OTC, it's worth reading the Introduction to On-Topic Conversations and the On-Topic Conversations debate guidelines before posting here.

Rumor-based, fear-mongering and/or inflammatory statements that damage the quality of the thread will be thumped. Off-topic posts will also be thumped. Repeat offenders may be suspended.

If time spent moderating this thread remains a distraction from moderation of the wiki itself, the thread will need to be locked. We want to avoid that, so please follow the forum rules when posting here.


In line with the general forum rules, 'gravedancing' is prohibited here. If you're celebrating someone's death or hoping that they die, your post will get thumped. This rule applies regardless of what the person you're discussing has said or done.

Edited by Mrph1 on Nov 30th 2023 at 11:03:59 AM

Rationalinsanity from Halifax, Canada Since: Aug, 2010 Relationship Status: It's complicated
#174126: Feb 13th 2017 at 12:08:27 PM

Trump's approval rating has hit a record low of 40%.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/13/politics/donald-trump-approval-poll-low-gallup/index.html

Also, it looks like the Trump-Trudeau meeting isn't turning into a shitshow.

Politics is the skilled use of blunt objects.
Wildcard Since: Jun, 2012
#174127: Feb 13th 2017 at 12:09:06 PM

[up][up]We need to donate and march if we can, but we also need our politicians to be smug dicks to Republican crowds. Show some "strength" because apparently the undecided voters care a lot about that. If we have to do that so the dumpster fire republican party loses and takes all their idiotic "ideals" down with them then we show do it.

edited 13th Feb '17 12:17:07 PM by Wildcard

Rationalinsanity from Halifax, Canada Since: Aug, 2010 Relationship Status: It's complicated
#174128: Feb 13th 2017 at 12:47:57 PM

Also, I'm noticing a lot of trends on social media (from far-left idiots) accusing Trudeau of being a collaborator for not going after Trump directly.

Fuck that noise, its not our job to fuck over our economy, radicalize our politics, and alienate our core diplomatic partner over a useless act of resistance. Your system elected Trump, and now we have to work with him.

Also, just got some news that 4 GOP Senators aren't supporting Trump's Sec of Labor choice.

Politics is the skilled use of blunt objects.
DingoWalley1 Asgore Adopts Noelle Since: Feb, 2014 Relationship Status: Can't buy me love
Asgore Adopts Noelle
#174130: Feb 13th 2017 at 1:02:09 PM

[up][up] Really? Out of all the people Trump did pick, the Senate will actually block Andrew Puzder of all people?!

Well, I guess that's a good thing. A man who runs 2 Fast Food Chains probably isn't the best person to represent Unions and the Workplace.

edited 13th Feb '17 1:02:23 PM by DingoWalley1

sgamer82 Since: Jan, 2001
#174131: Feb 13th 2017 at 1:06:18 PM

[up] Lets them make a "principled stand" against someone that won't generate as much backlash, maybe?

speedyboris Since: Feb, 2010
#174132: Feb 13th 2017 at 1:06:54 PM

The guy is against raising wages. I am for this decision.

TobiasDrake (•̀⤙•́) (Edited uphill both ways) Relationship Status: Arm chopping is not a love language!
(•̀⤙•́)
#174133: Feb 13th 2017 at 1:09:00 PM

I mean, I don't think anyone's really against Puzder being blocked. It just seems awkward that this is where they draw the line in the sand. He's one of the least harmful picks.

edited 13th Feb '17 1:09:34 PM by TobiasDrake

My Tumblr. Currently side-by-side liveblogging Digimon Adventure, sub vs dub.
kkhohoho (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#174134: Feb 13th 2017 at 1:13:06 PM

[up]Indeed. He is one of the least harmful. Both to us and to them.tongue

DingoWalley1 Asgore Adopts Noelle Since: Feb, 2014 Relationship Status: Can't buy me love
Asgore Adopts Noelle
#174135: Feb 13th 2017 at 1:14:20 PM

And yet these guys couldn't gather the courage to block off Betsy DeVos. This also means that the 50 Republican Senators, who were saying for DeVos "The President always gets his picks in; that's the precedent and we're not breaking it now", were lying pieces of crap who wanted DeVos in because they do want Public Education to die!

But yes, by all means, not putting Puzder in is a good thing, at least.

sgamer82 Since: Jan, 2001
#174136: Feb 13th 2017 at 1:21:27 PM

That was my earlier point. Let's the Republicans take a stand without taking too big a step out of line.

Journeyman Overlording the Underworld from On a throne in a vault overlooking the Wasteland Since: Nov, 2010
Overlording the Underworld
#174137: Feb 13th 2017 at 1:31:20 PM

Who would Trump pick if this one fails?

Might be he's too lenient for their kind of labor secretary and they want Trump to pick someone who would abolish unions entirely.

singularityshot Since: Dec, 2012
#174139: Feb 13th 2017 at 1:41:21 PM

Alternatively, Republicans don't like the idea of the Department of Labor period. So some think that keeping it headless is more damaging than appointing anyone, even someone who supports the Republican agenda.

One assumes that to accomplish his agenda Puzder will use the powers appointed to his department and position. This very act validates the entire premise of the Department of Labor: that labour should be subject to some sort of government control.

That is too much for some Republicans - they would rather have no one and thus attack the very existence of the Department of Labor.

CaptainCapsase from Orbiting Sagittarius A* Since: Jan, 2015
#174140: Feb 13th 2017 at 1:46:17 PM

[up][up] Wasn't there a politico article cautioning against engaging in "Kremlinology" to try an decipher some larger meaning from what Trump is doing?

Eschaton Since: Jul, 2010
#174141: Feb 13th 2017 at 1:54:11 PM

It's meant to be hyperbolic and humorous, with lines like "[Trudeau] raises his head again to meet Trump's gaze with blazing eyes that scream SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS but also AINSI TOUJOURS AUX TYRANS because bilingualism."

However, those unusually long handshakes probably do indicate something about his character at least, but I couldn't tell you what. Though I do think the Japanese Prime Minister's exasperated eye roll is the best reaction so far.

JBC31187 Since: Jan, 2015
#174142: Feb 13th 2017 at 3:24:15 PM

From what I've seen so far, Trump views everything as zero-sum; either you're dominant or you're losing. So his stupid handshakes are right in character.

Draghinazzo (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: I get a feeling so complicated...
#174143: Feb 13th 2017 at 3:32:14 PM

That's really fitting because much of his base thinks exactly in the same way. For them to be ok, someone else has to lose out.

Jetyl The Dev Cat from my apartment Since: Jan, 2013 Relationship Status: Shipping fictional characters
The Dev Cat
#174144: Feb 13th 2017 at 3:41:16 PM

so, wait. Trump has a signature handshake? how? why? wait, I know why (its ego). but still, really? he tries to turn a handshake into a display of dominance? that's like, not even the point of a handshake.

edited 13th Feb '17 3:50:03 PM by Jetyl

I'm afraid I can't explain myself, sir. Because I am not myself, you see?
AceofSpades Since: Apr, 2009 Relationship Status: Showing feelings of an almost human nature
#174145: Feb 13th 2017 at 4:11:20 PM

Much of our body language is unconscious and yet also an expression of ourselves. It may just be an outward expression of his general behavior he's not even aware of. Talk to any behavior therapist and they can point out a dozen things about yourself you aren't aware of just from watching how you physically interact with other people.

That said, I'd really rather refrain from trying to make a psychoanalysis of anyone in this thread. None of us are mental health professionals, and as much of a narcissist he is he probably doesn't have a mental illness. Asshole does not equal mentally ill.

sgamer82 Since: Jan, 2001
#174146: Feb 13th 2017 at 4:29:37 PM

Oklahoma Lawmakers Want Men to Approve All Abortion

https://theintercept.com/2017/02/13/oklahoma-lawmakers-want-men-to-approve-all-abortions/

An excerpt, emphasis mine:

At first, [Rep. Justin Humphrey, who introduced the bill] said that the original intention of the bill was to ensure that fathers are involved in supporting a child from conception. “I was wanting fathers to have to pay child support at the beginning,” he said, but that specific language was excised from the bill.

Ultimately, he said, his intent was to let men have a say. “I believe one of the breakdowns in our society is that we have excluded the man out of all of these types of decisions,” he said. “I understand that they feel like that is their body,” he said of women. “I feel like it is a separate — what I call them is, is you’re a ‘host.’ And you know when you enter into a relationship you’re going to be that host and so, you know, if you pre-know that then take all precautions and don’t get pregnant,” he explained. “So that’s where I’m at. I’m like, hey, your body is your body and be responsible with it. But after you’re irresponsible then don’t claim, well, I can just go and do this with another body, when you’re the host and you invited that in.”

Also:
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/environment/dnr-magazine-cut-seen-as-latest-climate-science-scrub/article_5b924337-8094-5457-aed7-611b47e8435a.html

DNR magazine cut seen as latest climate science scrub

A state proposal to do away with the subscriber-supported Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine fits a pattern that included spiking articles on climate science and endangered species after Republicans took over state government, the magazine's former editor said Monday.

Gov. Scott Walker proposed shuttering the magazine as part of the state budget he unveiled last week. The cut wouldn't save tax dollars because the nearly 100-year-old publication is supported by its 88,000 subscribers.

edited 13th Feb '17 4:32:31 PM by sgamer82

PhiSat Planeswalker from Everywhere and Nowhere Since: Jan, 2011
Planeswalker
#174147: Feb 13th 2017 at 4:39:11 PM

I am so angry about the above anything I said would probably get chopped due to expletives at the very least.

Oissu!
sgamer82 Since: Jan, 2001
math792d Since: Jun, 2011 Relationship Status: Drift compatible
#174149: Feb 13th 2017 at 4:41:16 PM

Fuck these fucking painthuffing buttwhistlers and everything they and their regressive asshole constituents stand for.

Jesus tapdancing Christ, could they get any more slimy, cowardly and misogynist short of physically morphing into Jabba the Hutt.

edited 13th Feb '17 4:42:44 PM by math792d

Still not embarrassing enough to stan billionaires or tech companies.
Draghinazzo (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: I get a feeling so complicated...
#174150: Feb 13th 2017 at 4:46:49 PM

I heard something years ago to the effect of "if abortion was something that directly concerned men's bodies, it would be legal already".

I think this sort of thing gives some credence to that idea.

Honestly fuck them.


Total posts: 417,856
Top