[Boiler]

Sedition, you say?

Sedation would be preferable.

[Tubby Isaacs]

He’s not going to go past 2028. Republicans have at least started speaking about that. I think this is significant because his aura has gone, and some of his self-belief. He’ll probably lose the Senate before too long, because they’re generally experienced politicians who were around before him and intend to be afterwards. The House, unless some rebels can remove Johnson, will remain all in, and hopefully some will be taken down with him.

[Rosvanian]

And I doubt there'll be any amendments to their precious constitution to prevent a repeat of the worst excesses of the Trump era - which ain't over yet, don't forget...

Exactly. Trump's only getting started.

[Andy McDandy]

I think the cracks started showing with him and Hegsgeth's speeches to the military top brass. They went in like it was a campaign event, and thanks to the military policy of "don't clap", they got showed up something rotten. When you hear his campaign speeches with a backdrop of whooping and cheering, it's possible to get caught up - or at the very least understand that the euphoria from the crowd is more akin to a rock concert than to a political rally. "Go on, do 'Build the Wall'!", they're thinking. As with any performance, if the crowd are up for a good time, that's half your job done.

But the generals and admirals? Tough crowd. Stony faced and hard to intimidate into joining in. For all their tough guy imagery, they're facing a lot of genuinely tough guys, and they're not breaking uncontrollably into tears, or bursting into spontaneous standing ovations like the end of a Michael Bay film. Every line is falling flat. Every pause for a laugh becomes a looming chasm. And you can't call them out, because if you attack their patriotism, or professionalism, or body count, you'll only invite people to highlight your own failings.

Taking on the military was the beginning of the end for McCarthy. It may well be for Trump as well.

[Tubby Isaacs]

He's not slowing down with the grift. Also running commercials for Trump Watches.

[Boiler]

But the generals and admirals? Tough crowd. Stony faced and hard to intimidate into joining in. For all their tough guy imagery, they're facing a lot of genuinely tough guys, and they're not breaking uncontrollably into tears, or bursting into spontaneous standing ovations like the end of a Michael Bay film.

Also, I know a lot of US military employees over here had no pay during the quaint "Government Shutdown". If some of them banked with a particular bank, said bank would cover their wages during that time but would want paying back when the shutdown ended. Others? No dice.

[Boiler]

Looks like the fat orange cunt has finally sold Ukraine down the river.

[Tubby Isaacs]

They're back on to this. By next week they'll be in Hawaii investigating Barrack Obama's birth certificate.

Trump’s DoJ investigating unfounded claims Venezuela helped steal 2020 election
Exclusive: Discredited election-rigging conspiracy theory could strengthen Trump’s military action against Maduro

War on Venezuela is coming. Is that going to be particularly popular with Republicans and Independents?

[The Weeping Angel]

So much for Donald the Dove.

[davidjay]

All those billions spent by Russia during the Cold War and all they needed was a couple of minutes of the US President on video.

[Boiler]

All those billions spent by Russia during the Cold War and all they needed was a couple of minutes of the US President on video.

Is there really anything that could embarrass him though, other than the obvious? These days, whatever this mythical tape contains could merely be waved away with the words "AI fake".

I still don't believe this tape exists.

[kreuzberger]

<snip>
I still don't believe this tape exists.

If it happened, the tape exists.

Looking back on the available technology of the era, it is hard to understand just how invasive and ubiquitous the Soviet apparatus managed to be. And, they were involved at a molecular level in anything and everything they thought might come in handy at a later date. They were and remain masters of their craft, and they have exported their know-how to both China and North Korea - totalitarian states have essentially limitless resources. "Playing nice" is not in the doctrine.

1989 changed nothing apart from the window dressing.

[Youngian]

Whether Vance is really this fucking stupid is difficult to believe. Ukrainian family not convinced by his Jeremy Corbyn peace plan to 'demilitarise' the Russian border.

[Boiler]

Whether Vance is really this fucking stupid is difficult to believe. Ukrainian family not convinced by his Jeremy Corbyn peace plan to 'demilitarise' the Russian border.

Oh, Conchita Vance really is that stupid.

Basically, his paymaster is bored now and wants this over and done with in time for the next round of Nobel Peace Prize nominations.

I am very prone to "anger rumination" and you would not believe some of the things my mind wishes upon Trump. I just wish I could stop it; a couple of friends of mine say it's proof I'm on the spectrum...

[Boiler]

<snip>
I still don't believe this tape exists.

If it happened, the tape exists.

But there's the critical phrase - if it
happened.

[Youngian]

Its like being stuck in a dystopian doom loop and this 'peace plan' brings war between Russia and Europe closer.
A ray of sunshine, the gutless GOP in Congress has now tasted Trump’s blood after he backed down on the Epstein files. Some may find the bollocks to stand up to him over this disaster. A disaster not just for Europe but for American power.
If Trump deserts Ukraine he no longer has a hold over Europe and its allies which is rearming at a rapid rate to fill an anticipated US vacuum. If Putin backs down in the face of superior European forces odds amassing on Russia's borders, Europe and its allies in Asia and the Americas could emerge as a pivotal force on the world stage independent of American power.
Even if the US does elect a sane POTUS in 2028, it won't be long before another nutjob is in the saddle. America can never be trusted again as a stable ally.