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SPEAKER 2
this was uniquely the worst week in presidential transition history it couldn't have gone worse for donald trump donald trump who boasts about the stock market this well the stock market tanked this past week as the markets are completely rattled by donald trump's completely insane cabinet picks you don't get much more insane than the cabinet picks psychotic
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dangerous, unqualified, potentially treasonous and traitorous picks. I mean, you've got just the kind of clumsy and weird, and even outside of his cabinet, like, meet your new White House communications director, everybody, Steve Chung, right there. But you move into the actual cabinet, You've got RFK Jr. to lead Health and Human Services.
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Someone who says we shouldn't do research into infectious disease. Someone who said that COVID was like manufactured from 5G radio signals in order to overtake world markets with like Bitcoin. I can't even follow this guy's dangerous unhinged conspiracies who wants to ban fluoride from water, who wants to basically fire everybody. at HHS.

Trump’s Weakness Is Showing. Here’s How We Seize It. NOW!

Written by Ben Meiselas

If you want a Substack that whines and points fingers about the election, this is the wrong place for you. As a former litigator, who led Colin Kaepernick’s case against the NFL, and as co-founder of the MeidasTouch Network, I believe in providing solutions, strategy, and answers. Let me give you two quotes by the ancient Chinese military strategist and philosopher Sun Tzu I would often tell my young associates when I practiced law, when our opponent was getting arrogant and vulnerable to making missteps. They both apply to this past week of Trump’s disastrous transition.

Quote 1: "In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity."
Quote 2: "The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself."

Donald Trump is a chaos agent. He cares about retribution over the well-being of America. He cares about his personal wealth over the happiness and health of We the People. Donald Trump is a malignant narcissist who acts on impulse and acts erratically. All of that was on display this past week as he nominated a Fox News host to be Secretary of Defense, a potential pedophile and drug user in Matt Gaetz to be Attorney General, a potential Russian agent to be Director of National Intelligence, a person who wants to ban all vaccines and says water turns kids gay to be Secretary of Health, and a dog killer as Homeland Security Secretary.

Meidas+ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

We can react to this chaos in two ways. We can be discouraged and run away and hide. Or we can do as Sun Tzu says, and see the chaos as opportunity.

Dictators and authoritarians hate being called out. They have thin skin. Trump has the thinnest of thin skin. Now is the time we act. During this chaos, we organize and mobilize. We get ready to rally against Trump’s picks and the Trump administration. We call him out for his failures every day. We ensure his propaganda fails. We ensure the American people see what a fool he is. We find alliances in unlikely places.

The most dangerous thing Donald Trump could have done was trickle out his dangerous agenda over the next four years—a slow drip. Strategically, he could have sat back, tried to take credit for President Biden’s economy, and played golf while slowly implementing his agenda in a way that phased it in over time. But Trump is incapable of that. In five days, he’s rolled out the most incomprehensibly unqualified and dangerous cabinet picks. Trump is showing how crazy he is right from the jump. Economists are already predicting Trump will cause a recession in the next several months. He’s already a failure, and he hasn’t even started.

Let your voices be heard. Make it clear he is a failure. Do not submit. Never submit. Every day for the past four years, as President Biden did wonders to get us out of the mess Trump created during his first term, the right-wing media put out lies to undermine President Biden. We don’t need to lie. The truth is on our side. Trump is a mess. He’s a disaster. He’s a failure. He’s a loser who surrounds himself with bigger losers.

Yes, there is chaos, but view this moment as a chance to do something powerful. It’s an opportunity we all have to create enduring stability for generations if we fight. Are you ready to fight?

Look, we will do our part here. We will lead as best we can. We are more energized than ever to fight and win.

I made a YouTube video that is going viral right now highlighting Trump’s failures this past week. You can check it out here.

I’d love for you to become a paid subscriber of this Substack since we don’t have outside investors and we need all the resources we can get. We got this. We can do this.

Meidas+ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Discussion about this video

User's avatar
Lonnie E's avatar

I'm reading "On Tyranny".by Timothy Snyder. What we all do grows freedom. Very good.

🔸️Do not obey In advance🔸️Defend institutions🔸️Beware the one-party state🔸️Take responsibility for the face of the world🔸️Remember professional ethics🔸️Be wary of paramilitaries🔸️Be reflective if you must be armed🔸️Stand out🔸️Be kind to our language🔸️Believe in truth🔸️Investigate🔸️Make eye contact and small talk🔸️Practice corporeal politics🔸️Establish a private life🔸️Contribute to good causes🔸️Learn from peers in other countries🔸️Listen for dangerous words🔸️Be calm when the unthinkable arrives🔸️Be a patriot🔸️Be as courageous as you can

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Robin E Ervin's avatar

I'm ready to make his life miserable for 4 years

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SnuffyG's avatar

As the great Cosmo Kramer would say, “Giddy-up!” I’m on board.

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Leslie Goodman-Malamuth's avatar

Trump is perfectly capable of destroying himself, but we can help him along. And then we’ll snatch back the country from his wee orange digits.

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Ginger's avatar

JDV is the real danger..

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Ann Brig's avatar

100%. The terror has been unleashed.

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Blandy Fisher's avatar

People are asking for specifics. HOW to best make noise. Call their senators? Take to the streets? Flaming poop bags at Mar a Lago? If someone has 15 min a day, what do they do with it?

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Sharon Bouchard's avatar

My question exactly. I am limited physically, and all my legislators are Dem. Do they really need encouragement? But I am fast on a keyboard. Aim me somewhere I can make a difference. I've got friends in the same boat and we know how to coordinate.

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Blandy Fisher's avatar

On the Indivisible call this week, Eliz Warren said *do* push your Dem reps. They fight harder when they know their constituents are paying attention. She said get them to fight on everything when they are in the minority.

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Kricket's avatar

What can we do if we are not represented by Dems? I’m out here south of Chicago in a sea of red and those of us ‘blue folk’ have no idea what to do or where to turn. It’s frustrating but I’m ready to march!

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Patricia Bulleigh's avatar

Still tell them part of our mess is we the voters didn't keep after our employees. They got bought up by corporations. But they only work if we vote for them. If we are loud enough they will cave.

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Sharon Bouchard's avatar

OK that's great to know, thanks! We have a whole team here well practiced in writing the Congress critters. We'll get on that. Especially Senators.

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Blandy Fisher's avatar

I attended the first Indivisible meeting in my city yesterday. Great info on how to be active right now, from home. Download the 5 Calls app on your phone. We learned that Dem reps need to be pushed too — makes them fight harder when they know their constituents are interested/concerned about an issue. And GOP reps, even when hearing from Dem constituents, get the same message. They have to get reelected too.

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Sharon Bouchard's avatar

I always make it very clear I'm an independent voter. Earn my damn vote already. Sheesh

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DCWASHING's avatar

Yes there must be clear path worked out. Perhaps later a national vote no electors

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Sharon Bouchard's avatar

Once we get through this crisis this is definitely an amendment we have to push.

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Lonnie E's avatar

The DNC Presidental Campaign

- Silence for 3 years, 9 months

- Campaign 3 months in swing states

The RNC Presidential Campaign

- 4 years constant FOX campaign for GOP's

From Hopium Chronicles on SubStack.

We need a more robust 24/7/365 pro-democracy media we discussed yesterday, but we also need a more aggressive Democratic Party-led strategy to engage Democratic voters in all 50 states to drive turnout in every election, in every state. The Democratic Party and our Presidential campaigns have to be more than just 7 battleground states.

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Terry's avatar

Very well stated - great input that we need to put into action. Local races are just as important - and are what really influences our daily lives. Start the momentum - get involved.

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BJTS's avatar

I live in deep red Nebraska. I desperately want to do something, ANYTHING helpful. I just don’t know what that is. I spent more money on this election than the entirety of my voting life previously. I don’t have a lot to give in the best times. My senators and representatives do not listen. I write them, and get form letters back if I get any response at all.

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Patricia Bulleigh's avatar

But they are getting your voice! It matters. I am in a red area in a blue state. My voice is mostly drowned out, but that has been changing the last few weeks because of the administration's idiocy. More people are talking. I try to get them to call when we talk at the store, coffee shop,laundromat.

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Patricia Bulleigh's avatar

Call all the republican representatives in your state. Tell them. Write the Supreme Court and tell them how you think about their foolishness. Post how your representatives vote on the issues.

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Nick P's avatar

Trump’s cabinet is a gaggle of extremists, Logan Act violations, and monsters willing to happily kill millions of people. This will go down as the largest natural disaster in American history, maybe the world.

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DJT Luvsputin's avatar

The vindictive wanna be dictator just threw out there that he is collecting names of military leaders from the Afghanistan withdrawal for the purpose of court marshall... more production for his base. Something the media can chase til the next bread crumb. Doubt it has any legs but the media will eat it up!

Trump is the one that handled Afghanistan to the Taiiban before Biden was elected.

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KCM's avatar

Ben, I love MTN's content, and I've been following your posts for years. I have to call you out on a term you are misusing. A pedophile, according to the DSM-IV, is someone who is sexually attracted to prepubescent children. In this case, the victim was 17, so not prepubescent. Let's just call Matt Gaetz an alleged sex offender. Using terms correctly is essential for credibility, as the right constantly misuses this word. I appreciate your dedication to democracy!

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Sharon Bouchard's avatar

Sorry but sex offender doesn't quite cut it, as it sounds like the victim is adult when they are not.

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User's avatar
Comment deleted
Nov 16
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Link's avatar

Ephebophile; the person attracted to 14 -17 year old children.

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Jonda Ward Young's avatar

Sex offender.

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KCM's avatar

sex offender

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Randy S. Eisenberg's avatar

Be nicer to see “registered” added to that term.

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Alicia Norman's avatar

Ephebophile

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Barbara Gierzak's avatar

80+, and I'm all in!

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Klm808150's avatar

maybe flump is rushing through to get his nonsense in while the economy has not reacted to his chaos? this way he can convince people that his policies work - they believed all the other nonsense flowing from his mouth

we cannot rely on supreme court for anything and he knows it -

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Ginger's avatar

The stock market is reacting.... the trigger was Gaetz... the Afghanistan witch hunt may be next... tfg put in place the mess in Afghanistan... remember he had the taliban visit him at Camp David before he left office

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marsha walker's avatar

You are not telling us how to do any of the stuff you are suggesting. Make our voice heard how exactly?

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WJB Motown's avatar

Hey Marsha.......Ben knows what he is doing.......Su Tzu is the most respected military stragegist in history. I have read and studied his teachings. I can tell you this that is takes months and maybe years to plan,build up suppies, make your battle plan, build fortifications etc...........that battle may last only a few hours. You are in the right place at the right time. The call for action will go down when the time is right....alot of confusion right now......a retreat is a good thing.......take care of yoursef and your closest loved ones for now.

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Jonda Ward Young's avatar

Other groups are already telling people to reach out to their representatives to say release the results of the Gaetz investigation, vote no to recess, vote no to HR 9495….

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WJB Motown's avatar

Ben pointed out the narcisstic basis for Trumps actions........so let him self destruct before our eyes for awhile......get resistance together for the main drive ahead..

The Womens March and Move On have been front line since the Iraq War....

It will all come together.......there is no other choice.

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Sharon Bouchard's avatar

I'm not that physically able, but if anyone organizes marches across the nation during inauguration, I'll figure out how to get to one. And it will trigger That Idiot's narcissism to know that more people turned out for that than his inauguration.

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WJB Motown's avatar

Go to Womens March online. They have actions planned.

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Sharon Bouchard's avatar

Thank you!

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Kevin Carpenter's avatar

That was to get people to click on the link. That's it.

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Leah Marie's avatar

Although elon may have turned twitter into a maga paradise, nothing is stopping moderates and the left from forming armies of volunteer-citizens from going onto every lie-spewing maga and conservative channel, page, space, podcast, etc and taking over their comments sections with comments that include actual facts and links to factual information.

As it is now, the trump supporters, including some people that aren't magas, have heard ZERO factual information regarding Kamala's policies and position, and instead, they heard outrageous lies and skewed information, and when I presented some of them with facts, they were surprised and confused, but some get so ticked-off that they reported me and got my comments removed.

So if people went to the oppositions own turf in the comment sections with talking points sent to them everyday, although some people would be deleted, reported, blocked, and banned, it would be impossible to do that to everyone if they are commenting on each and every video posted, tweets, and on misinformation posts comments sections by the hundreds, and if they get kicked off, they would tag ten people to go in and take their place.

That's how we get factual information to people who will, for whatever reasons, never google or factcheck anything, so the commenters supplying factual information would be giving them that info without them having to do anything other than watch and listen to right wing videos, podcasts, etc, which is what they do anyway.

This strategy has been successfully used in other sectors where grifters and con-artists who pose as good people are running rampant and makjng a fortune end up being exposed, so there is no reason that a coordinated effort of this type wouldnt work in the political sector.

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DCWASHING's avatar

Key point is to start the message with what they value and will loose....Medicare, disability, food, meameat, due to exporting so many immigrants, etc.....

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William Leahy's avatar

That is a great way of spreading the truth.

I think that the Alien Super Show would be a great way of starting the conversation.

Link https://youtu.be/RwmcVRiCzPs?si=CLSKoWMkHeKb1D_0

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DCWASHING's avatar

That is a super idea, as soon as possible.

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Deborah Sylvester's avatar

My first Substack. 😁Thanks Ben.

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Deb Martina's avatar

Can we do anything to stop this travesty? Can states demand recounts?

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Sharon Bouchard's avatar

If they can do it they would have already.

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Teri's avatar

14th Amendment to Constitution: "No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability." Or is Trump somehow immune as he's apparently been to other legalities of this country?

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Burke's avatar

The Constitution is interpreted by the Supreme Court. However, Joe Biden is still the President of the United States, until Jan 20, 2025. He has sworn an oath to protect and preserve the Constitution. And he is charged with enforcing the law of the land. Joe could take Executive Action to apply this provision and deny Trump the White House. Preferably before Jan 6. And the Supreme Court has already ruled that the President has immunity from any official acts. So Joe can't be prosecuted for this action.

The Supremes even anticipated the President ordering a hit on anyone who is deemed to be a "clear and present danger" to the country. Joe could have Trump exiled or imprisoned or even executed.

Will he do this? Should he do this? It is perfectly clear that Trump "engaged in insurrection". He did it in public! 300 million Americans watched him commit treason--live on TV!

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DCWASHING's avatar

Comfort to enemies...galor

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Fifi Efigênia Bernard's avatar

I love this channel. Yes a live this 3 future beautiful people.

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Chris Burgess's avatar

Mark Cuban should offer the Republican senate leaders 1 million dollars if they make a pledge to say F YOU to all dirty Donnie's picks for cabinet 😉

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Teri's avatar

He's not even in office yet and has caused plenty of trouble. There are smaller companies here in California cancelling bonuses, etc. as they feel the need to order business necessities before tariffs cause big price increases. Others are limiting over-time; some are planning to reduce company benefits costs, etc.

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Douglas Goldhirsch's avatar

How about a rally on Inauguration Day. If it could be of historic magnitude that would say something profound!

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DCWASHING's avatar

Rally before to stop him. He will arrest the minute he had power.

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Burke's avatar

Even better, how about a riot on Jan 6?

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DCWASHING's avatar

That is a thought...not sure about riot but that is great day for doing something huge peaceful to show what we need tfor the country. No dictators allowed demand for arrests that are long overdue.

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Burke's avatar

Sarcasm, of course.

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Brent Abrahamson's avatar

“If you want a Substack that whines and points fingers about the election, this is the wrong place for you.” It may be. I am not in favor of whining either, but the cause of this failure can’t be ignored. Not for one minute do I think you should run the channel any way but what your instincts tell you. I may be wrong but I think the chances of a civil war seem stronger every day. Pointing the finger at others and carefully analyzing the cause are not the same. I don’t think a Nevil Chamberlain is what’s called for now. Just one man’s opinion. I looked at my financial support of this network for this month, and between Substack, Patreon and YouTube it amounts to three hundred fifty dollars, so I have put my money where my mouth is so to speak. Good luck to you.

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@badas5griese's avatar

Unfortunately I think you’re right unless we can stop him in his tracks in 2026. People said that 2024 was the most important election and it was but now that we lost 2026 will be the most important election of my lifetime. I probably won’t be around for the civil war when it comes but if we don’t get hold of the house and senate in 2026 then it’s very likely to come to that. If there isn’t a nuclear war first.

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DoIHaveToLearnRussian's avatar

How do we mobilize? How do we stop the madness? What can we do?

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Jonda Ward Young's avatar

Go to Indivisible.org and read their guide on how to resist Trump’s agenda.

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Francine Koski's avatar

What is it…article 25?? I don’t know 🤷🏻‍♀️. But whoever in congress who is competent must remove this madman immediately to save our country.

I’d plead on my knees and kiss Biden’s feet 🦶🏼 to please 🙏 come back 😭.🤨

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Fastball Fredo's avatar

A new department created by the folks who hate government? Same folks promise less government overreach? What am I to think about this new crop of politicians who see a conspiracy around every corner? I’d prefer to stick with the chickens, a lot more honest than MAGAS. Thank you Joyce.

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Jennifer Huebner Marchese's avatar

Yes, with setback there is opportunity. The uniformed, misguided Americans who voted for Trump against their own interests are going to learn their lesson the hard way. Unfortunately, those of us who may have known better also have a lesson to learn. The vast majority of Americans are uniformed and disengaged, so they don't care. You can't make people care unless they are personally discomforted. So that is about to happen.

Now, we need to understand why people made the choice they did. Apparently, Americans hate "the establishment" more than they hate Trump. America is hungry for an outsider. The people want to get rid of corrupt, career politicians, but they mistaken believed Trump was going to do that, where the truth is the opposite.

Career, establishment Democrats are not the answer. Bernie Sanders is absolutely right and the Democrats have abandoned the working class. The most popular and successful things that Biden accomplished were the progressive policies pushed by the economic populist wing. Progressives need to break off from the Democratic party and start a third party for the people and labor. The central principle should be getting the money out of politics, which includes reversing Citizens United, reforming ethics in all branches, banning stock trading, and considering shifting to publicly funded elections.

Opportunity exists, but Democrats trying to resurrect the status quo that has been rejected is madness.

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DCWASHING's avatar

What is so frustrating is that on a base level Maga does not qualify to take the Oath they do not support the Constitution. I feel like the most obvious reason they cannot take power is just ignored and we are talking votes which may or not let Harris just win. Votes do not matter if Maga can't be in power.

News media is talking like there will be Maga in power. They should be talking about why Maga cannot be. The truth is in our face.

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Debra's avatar

How can someone who regularly chats with Putin be expected to make America great?

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LadyHistorian's avatar

Putin et al are laughing themselves stupid over this clown car of misfits.

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Edward Bear's avatar

Narcissists fear only one thing - ridicule. They are unable to handle being overtly laughed at. We must laugh at Mr Trump, to his face each and every time he opens his mouth, because when he does, he lies, which further fuels the need to laugh at him.

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Linda Morway's avatar

I hope Thune has some balls

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MPT's avatar

trump already has his own DEI hires who are Deranged, Evil, Ignorant.

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Kris Vel's avatar

When the Muslim community voted for Trump, they voted for misogyny and their own survival, so please pardon me if my support for them is lost. I’m going to be negative this time. Sorry folks.

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Veronica's avatar

Yeah. The so-called "protest vote." It was more like a vindictive vote: vote just to get back at the other candidate. It might have made them feel "vindicated" (as one voter reportedly said in a Politico article), but they really just signed their own death warrants--and ours as well.

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ToAIorNotAIthatisthequestion's avatar

The democrats get in office and all they do is play like the other side is a equal party . The republicans get in and they want to burn down the house. I suggest in this case that they let them! But start a movement! “Trump bought the election”. REPEAT IT OVER and OVER! It has some Truth!

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Mikel Hicks's avatar

Okay, does anyone else find it interesting that in September out of the blue, if I recall correctly, Melania was talking about how proud she was of her nudes and now, 2 months later, the pics have resurfaced? It just makes me wonder if some kind of advance warning, at a minimum, was given that it could happen...

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Mark william lane's avatar

With all due respect, your team has consistently reported the inevitable lose of Trump in the election and overwhelmingly were proven wrong. Either the last election was rigged or your polling and or word must br questioned! Perhaps a look at investigative journalist Greg Palast work might help you. Greg is a contributor to Democracy Now news and reliable. Published author and very aggressive investigator. You might want to seek him out or at least view his work or credibility in this realm will cease. Just a thought but winning is never attractive. lol

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Sharon Bouchard's avatar

I saw Greg Palast and his work on the 2000 election that Frontline refused to air, so he took it elsewhere. He's a serious journalist, and one I'd love to see MTN consult.

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AnnaMarie's avatar

Or the mis dis and malformation from MAGA worked as well as outright lies and confusion added to that with voter suppression supported by our SCOTUS, the bomb threats in Democratic districts in Florida, Georgia, and Michigan etc. on Election Day and here we are!

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WendyG's avatar

so the criteria to get a position in fascist administration is that you have to been indicted for sexual assault. Tulsi is a treasonous witch.

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S Resnik's avatar

According to those who know......a 'new' department can't just be CREATED; it has to go through Congress to add any!

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Burke's avatar

A Bad Faith Mad King can do anything he wants. Who's going to stop him? See Patrick Henry's speech Liberty or Empire, in 1788.

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DCWASHING's avatar

Exec. order...he will just do it.

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Terri Coffey's avatar

Everyone, even some Democrats, is bowing down to this fascist dictator. They are all running scared. Thank God for MTN and the MM. I’m scared to death about what is being ushered in. I’m on Social Security & depend on Medicare for chronic conditions. Without it, I will suffer greatly. Deep consideration for what I will have to do to NOT suffer. I’m screwed. Thanks to a billionaire.

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disciple54Jil's avatar

Your baby needs CANDY!

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Patsy Wolf's avatar

Thanks for your coverage.

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William Cunningham's avatar

Hey Ben, when Trump starts his massive illegal immigration’s round up, could you find out if Baron Trump is going to be deported he wasn’t born to an American Mother, he was born in March of 1990 and his Mom wasn’t and America Citizen until July of 1991, something to look into, Thanks 🙏

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John Adams Ingram's avatar

11-19-24

ABC News reported last night that the president-elect is working his phones, calling Republicans in the Senate. He’s demanding the Senate vote to approve his cabinet nominees without holding Advise and Consent (A&C) hearings.

Of course, our Constitution requires A&C Senate Hearings. We all know what the president-elect thinks of our Constitution. Do you want to resist him? Of course. We all do.

Well, here’s the best way to get in the boxing 🥊 ring and fight him. RESIST him virtually ! Call Your Senators !

https://johnadamsingram.substack.com/p/call-your-senators

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Tom Hasman's avatar

Great post Ben!! Do you have any idea why the Democratic leaders have been silent about Trump’s looney cabinet picks? Where is Biden, Harris, Pelisi, etc? It’s like they’re giving up. Thanks to you and everyone at Meidas Touch for keeping up the fight!

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Tanya Castiglione's avatar

If only we could afford you! Alas, we are both retired.

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LeeEsco's avatar

If Trump is so horrible, how come he wants such a majority of the votes? Maybe you are out of touch

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Ellyn's avatar

I want to know if anyone has thought about the trillions leaving the economy stream if SS, Medicare disappears?

Does NO ONE get this money is pretty much immediately spent- mostly to help our friendly oligarchs.

Way to shoot your…well, let’s say leg-off.

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disciple54Jil's avatar

Well He and Elon DID SAY it was their full Intent to crash the entire economy

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William Leahy's avatar

What is happening in USA right now sounds very like "STATE Capture" which successfully destroyed South Africa.

Why doesn't Ben and Mike Popoc get in touch with DailyMaverick.co.za and amaBhungane.org.

They have a wealth of knowledge in this area as well as investigative journalism.

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Ballard Graham's avatar

Selling our country out is what he and his Republican crazies are doing!

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Ballard Graham's avatar

Great keep banging away at this criminal!

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Ballard Graham's avatar

Doing away with HHS takes away the nations health safety net! Sounds like they want to make Americans sick and diseased!

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DCWASHING's avatar

No...Trump will just take over...or jdv. Do it now

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Ruth's avatar

Apparently President's take a slightly different oath of office than military and Congress. That's the excuse Trump uses and his claim that he didn't violate anything regarding insurrection. He should have been arrested as soon as he started discussing top secret information and refusing to return it to the National Archives. Others who have done something similar, found themselves imprisoned pretty promptly.

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DCWASHING's avatar

More reason he cannot be allowed too take office. At this point it is not about votes.

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Robin Richardson's avatar

I have been in the State of shock and grief since the election. I have been an activist for the Democratic party for 55 years, a volunteer for my fellow Americans for 60 years. Marched for civil rights, protested the war while getting my college degree. I will fight for the good of this country until the day the Lord takes me home. Thank you for keeping me going.

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forcryinoutloud's avatar

While I agree Trump is awful & his picks are INSANE, please FFS stop scapegoating Palestinians for not voting for the woman in the CURRENT admin slaughtering their families & pretending that "Trump is worst" is a good enough reason to vote for the CURRENT genocide, the CURRENT destruction of Palestine, the CURRENT democratic FULL support of Israel's genocide & their "ceasefire" being Palestinians STFU & get back in their cage with Israel in charge. Sweet Jaysus. 🤦🏻

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Walter Jolly's avatar

The Senate, whose advice and consent is required for appointments, needs to hear from citizens now. I think we should simply contact all senators individually with a simple message: "Article II, Section 2" to remind them of their constitutional duty to country. The Senate has this power to insist that the President choose competent people to appoint. It is up to us to ensure that the Senators use this power when as needed as it is now and to not allow some slippery scheme that uses recess appointments to get around their duty.

I would suggest that each citizen email, phone, or write this short, easily delivered message to their Senator at least weekly to keep their duty freshly in mind.

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john st. patrick's avatar

Ben, it's admirable that MTN is forcing ahead to beat back Trump's terrifying agenda, and not blaming and whining about the election. However so many of us agree with Anthony Davis that the election results smell mighty fishy. Can one of your hot takes address any efforts you're aware of for Dems to demand recounts in swing states? I'm getting emails from Harris Walz requesting donations l, vaguely hinting at recounts, possibly for other races but also for their race. We are dying for some kind of developments out here on that front, and the Dem leaders are mute. Thank you.

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Phil Odendron's avatar

Ben, please give some suggestions on how to seize it. Thanks

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Levi Lopez's avatar

I agree with all this. But what's with the Mudwater advertisement? That feels like InfoWars shit.

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Abby Rammelkamp's avatar

I admit I didn’t go through the depressing 13 minute recitation of Trump’s traitorous picks in its entirety, but I listened in at intervals to hear the recommendations on how to exploit Trump’s weakness and never found anything to support the clickbait.

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Frieda Ferrick's avatar

the former guy is a psychopath, in my opinion. No conscience, no empathy and a predator. A sociopath knows somewhere in their brain that they are doing something wrong but they don't care a psychopath, they are entitled to do anything they want. Hopefully he won't last long, he does look and sound awful and weak.

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LadyHistorian's avatar

Workplace raids is ANOTHER Putin technique—it’s how he’s pressing soldiers.

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Terry White (Mackiesmom)'s avatar

I keep thinking this is a really bad dream. It just can't be happening. How is this country standing by and letting this clown and his group of maniacs do this to us? Why are we helplessly watching the shit unfold, ruining our democracy and any chance we have of keeping it. The man is crazy, his decisions on his cabinet members are proof of that. He's a dangerous joke, surrounded by even more dangerous ones. This can't be right! This cannot happen! Why are we just quietly sitting here, with our thumbs up our asses, watching our country be destroyed? Something must be done before January or we are doomed.

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James G. Hermsen's avatar

khrushchev's prediction that the soviets would destroy America from within has come true with the "election" of Donald J. Trump

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Jerry Burgess's avatar

I don’t know who was whining the most you or the baby in the background. Get a life.

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Lee Merritt's avatar

It like have said once you all can ease up on Trump because has a habit of saying the wrong thing to the wrong people, let him put his own neck in the noose, just be quiet and sit back watch the circus

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Mary Alice (TX)'s avatar

May I suggest to get your baby some gas drops? ..she sounds just like my little one did. They really helped, especially if she is on formula. 💟💜💟

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Cathy's avatar

Thanks Ben I really enjoy your show

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Dineen Seymour Nahn's avatar

You are amazing. Thank you for your energy and intelligent analysis!!!!! It is truly inspiring.

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Patricia Johnson's avatar

Thank you for giving me hope for the future. I agree Trump doesn’t have the intellect or the ability to focus on the government. He is too concerned about loyalty to himself rather than what the country needs.

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Saeed ahmed's avatar

Blame narrative from Right is already emerging

“There will be hardship, but it’s because they stole from you to fund their pet projects”

Such BS

https://www.westernjournal.com/biden-harris-raided-medicare-fund-green-new-deal-premiums-now-set-spike/

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Gail Kasparian's avatar

Ah yes, some of your video got a laugh out of me, especially the descriptions of pinhead donny.s pinheaded cabinet picks ( btw does Rfk.jr. EVER say anything that makes Any sense?)..

Good to laugh a bit sometimes at this theater of the absurd

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Todd A Raffensperger's avatar

I think these Cabinet picks are about more than just getting loyalists into his administration. He is showing that he can pick anyone he likes and there isn't a thing that the Senate can do about it. And he may well be right.

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DCWASHING's avatar

They are all distraction from what is coming. Another shock and awe

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Todd A Raffensperger's avatar

Do you mean a war? Martial law?

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Linda Morway's avatar

It would take tons and tons of $$$$to be with Gaetz.

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Karen Scofield's avatar

You guys are on Fire 🔥 today, Thanks Ben,and will reStack ASAP 💯👍

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Michael Parker's avatar

Ben Meiselas, you extol yourself excessively and it detracts from your message. Meidas is in the right place at the right time; don't spoil it by making it all about you.

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Sara Frischer's avatar

Thank you Ben

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@badas5griese's avatar

He’s been lying for ever and we, the ones listening, haven’t been able to sound the alarm. How do we need to do this to get to the people who voted for Trump?

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mary-jo amatruda's avatar

Thank you. I am so glad I have found you

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Steve Doll's avatar

I would relish seeing Judge Merchan delay his sentencing until just before certification day, and then impose the most severe sentence allowable, to commence immediately. Let's see them certify his ass while he's throwing his hissy fit behind bars.

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Pitterpat's avatar

I am so thankful that I subscribed to your written work, email updates. Thank you all.

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Catherine Valencia's avatar

Yes Ben, I'm in for the fight. I'm also with Rep.Mr. Raskin. I'll be calling my senator and representatives tomorrow morning. This trump administration will be horrendous. And Ben, give your new daughter a kiss from me. Very, very Sincerely Yours, Catherine Valencia

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Zoe Magnes's avatar

I hope this comment is read by the production team, because I feel like in the process of making otherwise good points, there was a section of blaming Arab- and Palestinian-American that wasn't appropriate.

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Bill Belanger's avatar

I wish there was a two way conversation every now and then. For 9 years I’ve been sharing “ Merchant of Chaos” some use “ Agent of Chaos. Now don’t run to judgment. I read everything from everybody. But the title stuck with me for a long time. I suggest everybody read “ Merchant of Chaos” and just put your thumb over the author. Oh, the author L. Ron Hubbard.

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Shannon M's avatar

Can we also talk about how Kristi Noem is literally BANNED from ALL TRIBAL RESERVATIONS in her home state for making offensive/slanderous statements and now has been put forward for Homeland Security...

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HungarianAgrarian's avatar

You do not give an old man with Dementia the keys to the car, let alone the White House!

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Janice DeFelice's avatar

My investments tanked this week. Yes-sir-ee! He's making America Poor Again!

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CE's avatar

Today..email your Senator, whether Democrat or Republican. If you did it yesterday, or the day before, do it again. If it is a Democrat , encourage them in opposition and suggest that they work with receptive Republicans(and there are some) to push back against absurd and dangerous appointments. If it is a Republican, remind them of their oath to the Constitution (which does not have the word “Trump” in it anywhere) and remind them that while Trump enjoys broad presidential immunity they do not, and that complicity with anti-American activities could be personally and professionally damaging, even dangerous. They need to know that the eyes of America are watching them, and we expect them to behave like the United States Senate and not like low-level Trump employees.

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DCWASHING's avatar

Citizens arrest

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Bambi Vargo's avatar

Oh, God, here in OH one of my two senators is Shady Vance! Is he still technically entitled to all the rights and privileges of a Senator until he is sworn in as VP?

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CE's avatar

Yep. Write to him too. He is a young guy and despite what he says now, he knows what Donald J Trump is. Remind him not to sacrifice his political future on the chaotic pyre that is Trump.

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Kevin Carpenter's avatar

"If you want a Substack that whines and points fingers about the election, this is the wrong place for you."

Then goes on to shame voters in the video instead.

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Joan  Boling's avatar

I am amazed u didn't mention his latest pick, the oil well guy over climate

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Terry L. Johnson's avatar

Thanks dear brother

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Ann G's avatar

Good strategy! I’m in!

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DCWASHING's avatar

Yes

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DJT Luvsputin's avatar

Some of trumps terrorists were convicted, but unfortunately Trump was not charged or convicted. I believe he was charged with obstructing federal business or something like that. But hey, anything to throw a monkey wrench into him taking office is fine with me but Vance is just another extreme billionaires puppet.

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DJT Luvsputin's avatar

Take the mid terms and IMPEACH!!!

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DCWASHING's avatar

Do it now invalidate the election

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Claude Hopkins's avatar

#INVALIDATE

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Claude Hopkins's avatar

Yeah, VANCE IS someone to WATCH, FOR SURE!!!

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Terri Coffey's avatar

I haven’t seen nor heard anything from Vance since Election Day.

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Merriman Boylan's avatar

What do you mean he wasn't charged?!? He was charged and convicted in NYS. He was charged in DC of election fraud. Colorado tried to take him off the ballot based on the 14th Amendment, but the Supreme Court shot them down.

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Sophie Nusslé's avatar

Jack Smith charged Trump with conspiring to defraud the government and disenfranchise voters, and corruptly obstructing an official proceeding.

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Sara's avatar

Hey, the quote you're purporting to be from Jamie Raskin is not true. He did not say that at all. Please don't spread misinformation as we constantly know the other side is doing. He did speak about the 14th amendment & that it was already happening in reference to Drumpf, but did not say they wouldn't certify. Why do you think Drumpf delayed delayed delayed? Because as everyone has been saying, he wanted to avoid jail. Because if convicted of insurrection, he couldn't be president. Apparently when rich enough, the law doesn't matter. As we see before our very eyes. Everything else you said is spot on though! Definitely we should march & speak up loudly about the 14th amendment insurrection clause. This sh*t is ridiculous!

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Lux's avatar

Sadly, I don't think it will matter, his "appointments" are somewhat strategic (if Txxxx can be accused of such a thing), they are the heads of what might be called the "enforcement" arm of the government, AG, DNI, JCOS et al, as well as planning on gutting military leadership, and sacking generals, this is so that all of the LEAs, as well as the military have leadership loyal to *him*, and not the constitution. I believe that once he has done this, he will attempt to purge congress itself of any Republican, as well as Democrat, not sufficiently loyal to him, and will do it at the point of a gun. The only question in MY mind is, why *wouldn't* he do this? The time for the courts, and the constitution to be useful unfortunately, was the last four years, I don't believe they will be using it, other than where convenient, and to placate media organizations, they certainly won't be taking any oaths they took to it seriously, they never have before, why would they begin *now*?

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DCWASHING's avatar

Security clearance is required when it comes to info regarding national security I read. Several of the nominees will need that info, so...they must pass clearance. Trump too.

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Victoria Baker's avatar

Sounds good but certainly untrue of trump. He didn't qualify in 2016, was given it anyway. Ivanka and Jared didn't qualify, but trump demanded they be given security clearance anyway, and they were. Already in 2024, for security clearance vetting, they aren't using the federal agencies, they are using a private company. That shouldn't be possible, but apparently it is.

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Bonnie Sue Miller's avatar

This is true. I used to work on classified aerospace programs. It took 6 months for me to receive my clearance from the FBI extended background investigation. I knew that when Jared Kushner received one that the FBI had been compromised. I was outraged! WTF was Congress?

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Cynthia's avatar

Will there be some one to stop their clearance ?? I have my fingers crossed.

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Patricia Bulleigh's avatar

If we the people do not call for it then it is our fault. We are the ones who elect the idiots we get what we put in. Call for his rejection!

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DCWASHING's avatar

Exactly.

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SnuffyG's avatar

Agreed. We don’t need mendacity; we have plenty of verified idiocy, ignorance, and prejudice from Il Douchébag’s history to use.

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Sara's avatar

Oooo really? It says that? I'm honestly so effing sick of no one caring. He COMMITTED INSURRECTION! HE IS DISQUALIFIED!

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DCWASHING's avatar

Who in our government to will stop him? Military, let us see them soon.

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Lux's avatar
Nov 17Edited

This, I believe, is the ONLY thing that has even a brief hope of stopping the coming apocalypse, once he has purged the military leadership, all is truly lost, because whatever these troglodytes want to do, they will simply enforce using the military. We can only hope some of them value their oaths to the constitution more than they value any oath to him. Yes, the time to use them is now....

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DCWASHING's avatar

Hope does not work now now.

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Lux's avatar

I sure don't have much...

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Claude Hopkins's avatar

YES YES YES!!

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Claude Hopkins's avatar

Bring on the military while we STILL HAVE IT!!

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DCWASHING's avatar

How.about a Smooth Transition.to.Harris?

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Claude Hopkins's avatar

Harris YES!!!!

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DCWASHING's avatar

Money power sex

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Robin E Ervin's avatar

Sir can you guys in Congress stop him from taking office?? Surely that rule that says a president can't be removed if he is not capable. President Vance won't be much better but at least he is not a felon.

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Claude Hopkins's avatar

But Vance IS Scary...

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DCWASHING's avatar

As far as we know. But he does not support constitution so he does not qualify either.

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Lux's avatar

Yet...

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DCWASHING's avatar

Yes yes yes. I doubt he will win if counts are counted correctly. Does not matter he is not eligible. On all fronts he not Maga can take office.

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DCWASHING's avatar

He nor Maga can take office

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Judith McDanniel's avatar

Also in my 70's I marched as a child with my parents back in the 60's time to do it AGAIN, AGEEDED

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Claude Hopkins's avatar

I'm STILL HOPING for THAT shoe to drop...

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Burke's avatar

Joe Biden has the power, and the obligation according to his oath of office to protect the Constitution and enforce the laws, to arrest Trump for treason and insurrection. At least until Jan 20, 2025. Joe can have Trump locked up and exiled if he wants. And arrest Donald's criminal co-conspirators, too. And Joe is immune from prosecution by any future opponents, if the action is official, which it would be. Will he do it?

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Henry Barnett's avatar

Unfortunately Biden is too weak to do that. Sad.

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Claude Hopkins's avatar

I'm STILL HOPING for THAT shoe to drop!!...

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Lux's avatar

That picture of them both smiling together in front of a roaring fire should tell you everything you need to know, two sides, same coin. Biden's presidency was what used to be referred to as the "interregnum"....

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Fabe S.'s avatar

My 76 year old mother has been saying the same thing since he ran this time around. He should have been charged with sedition no more than a couple days after Jan 6. Sadly I have felt like the general public has been kinda primed to just sit back and let something like this happen for decades now. And incredible book to read and suggest to others (if you haven't already) is called "Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business", by Neil Postman. Published in 1985. To my knowledge it has pretty much prophesized the shit show we are in now. Ot really is time for younger generations to be motivated to educate themselves about government and politics without the social media, Russian bot propaganda machines.

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Claude Hopkins's avatar

Anyway, thanks for the recommendation of Neil Postman's book!

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Victoria Baker's avatar

Rankin never said that, and it is slander to claim he did. No Democratic members of Congress have ever stated they would not certify.

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Jan08's avatar

I hope that's true! This is a mess! 😱

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Claude Hopkins's avatar

IS THIS A TRUE QUOTE?????????????

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SnuffyG's avatar

No.

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Claude Hopkins's avatar

Jamie, You Go. MAN!! BEHIND YOU ALL THE WAY!!

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Dennis Rosel Bennett's avatar

Yeah, that’s the whole thing, he won’t admit to that 🤷‍♀️

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0:51
Someone who says we shouldn't do research into infectious disease. Someone who said that COVID was like manufactured from 5G radio signals in order to overtake world markets with like Bitcoin. I can't even follow this guy's dangerous unhinged conspiracies who wants to ban fluoride from water, who wants to basically fire everybody. at HHS.