(11-08-2024, 01:41 PM)JagFan81 Wrote:

(11-07-2024, 02:23 AM)jaglou53 Wrote: I totally agree with this. Of course, the "right" is no different. Listen to what Rush Limbaugh and other conservative talk show hosts had to say on a daily basis about Obama or Clinton. Both sides are equally guilty since this is what gets good ratings.

Very few disagree with the opinion that Trump is a very bad person. This includes the many Republicans who say, " I voted for Trump even though I don't like him." This, however, is not the reason people should have voted for Harris. Policies are much more important than personality. The Democrats made a big mistake by going after Trump for things that were done for political reasons only. Had they simply gone after Trump for his actions regarding the 2020 election, the overall public would have been much more supportive. This includes many Republicans who value democracy and the peaceful transition of power from one administration to the next. Instead, they looked at this as just one more thing the Democrats were drumming up to bring down the man they hated so much. Combine this with the economic struggles of too many Americans and it should be no surprise that Trump was victorious.

None of us know for sure how Trump's policies will turn out 4 years from now. Admittedly, I am very skeptical that he will he will be any more successful than he was during his first term. His failure at addressing Covid more expeditiously and effectively lead to thousands and thousands of unnecessary deaths. He added to the national debt to the tune of almost 8 Trillion dollars, about double of the Biden administration. And much of this occurred prior to Covid. The country would be much better off had the Republicans in Congress who were infuriated by Trump's behavior on January 5 voted to impeach Trump for his actions. Instead, they did a 180 when they likely feared for their safety (and their family's) when likely receiving death threats like Liz Cheney and others courageous enough to speak out against Trump. There were several true conservatives who stand for something that would have made excellent candidates and likely would have trounced Harris by more than Trump. Instead, we have a 78 year old man who never stood for anything but himself. 

Jagfan 81, I appreciate your thoughtful post and regardless of my personal distaste for Trump, I will judge his 2nd Presidency based on what he does- as you suggested. It is my hope that my expectations are incorrect and that he makes things better for all those currently struggling to pay their bills.

Sorry for the late reply. As usual your posts are thoughtful and you explain your position with rational thinking and thoughts. You are one of my favourite posters on here and always appreciate your opinions.

I agree with everything you say. I think a cautious outlook is the best approach for those undecided. Promises and quotes during election campaigning are always overhyped and usually under delivered. The nature of government is slow and a fight and then there's the endless unseen situations that land on the table. 

We have a product in the UK called Marmite and the advertising slogan for it is 'you'll either love it or you'll hate it' and that sums Trump up for me really. It's tough when you only have 2 candidates to vote for as you need to try and choose who will best handle the challenges. I get why more undecideds swayed towards Trump but agree there's an element of caution.

I just hope that he realises this is his last 4 years and tries to make a legacy that genuinely changes things in a positive way for as many Americans as possible. There are so many issues that are bubbling away and hope they aren't used to stoke and ignite more friction between people. 

Thank you as always and keep being awesome.