To be clear, it seems that the problems for tourists come from trying to cross the US-Canadian border - I don't think tourists who stay wholly in the US are having problems (not that I would endorse travelling to the US right now anyway).
I saw quite a good YouTube piece with Bernie Sanders meeting up with Trump voters - it was a channel called moreperfectunion - they were in Mingo County in West Virginia,
Basically, it seemed like people were poor, neglected and left behind - and they were looking for someone different who promised to make it better.
To be clear, it seems that the problems for tourists come from trying to cross the US-Canadian border - I don't think tourists who stay wholly in the US are having problems (not that I would endorse travelling to the US right now anyway).
Though that could make life interesting for football fans attending a competition with matches in the US and Canada and Mexico (I assume that issues crossing the Canadian border will also be happening for people crossing the US-Mexico border, but possibly it's less common for European tourists to combine a trip to the US with Mexico than with Canada).
Last year the leader of the Iona Community was to have had a tour of Canada and the USA, partly funded by the US foundation. The trip was cancelled at a late stage when it appeared to members in Canada that her safety at the border could not be guaranteed. Social justice activity can be a dangerous mark on your record.
That's the standard justification for people voting Reform in the UK as well, but I agree with Ruth. It's not just people who are poor and desperate for any kind of a solution who vote for the far right. It's rich people who are doing quite nicely with the world as it is and don't want to share with anyone else. That's also where these parties get their money from.
That's the standard justification for people voting Reform in the UK as well, but I agree with Ruth. It's not just people who are poor and desperate for any kind of a solution who vote for the far right. It's rich people who are doing quite nicely with the world as it is and don't want to share with anyone else. That's also where these parties get their money from.
There's also an element of older people stamping their feet that the world is not the same, nor as apparently simple, as it appeared to them when they were 12. The age skew of voting intentions is stark.
You put your finger on an important factor: provided it is a fair election. I confess that I am not an optimist when I keep seeing how easy it is to persuade people vote against their own interests; not just in the USA, of course. He may be underwater right now, but he has a plentiful supply of oxygen while he is still useful to the oxygen suppliers.
Came across this article about how state AGs are game planning how to respond to Trump's election interference plans.
Yeah, the age skew is much less stark in the US than the UK (presumably, I'd guess, because there are stronger racial, religious, and gender-based "signals" in the data).
The move to the right amongst young voters suggests to me at least a misplaced idealism. I would have thought that issues like climate change and gender equality would have pointed in the opposite direction, but at least in certain segments of the young, there is an anti-woke dimension.
I don’t know if there has been much research into this trend. I’m guessing that there is successful manipulation of the young going on.
The move to the right amongst young voters suggests to me at least a misplaced idealism. I would have thought that issues like climate change and gender equality would have pointed in the opposite direction, but at least in certain segments of the young, there is an anti-woke dimension.
That's not what the link says? It largely points to scepticism about the economy under Biden (which is likely to be a reflection of their own circumstances rather than a comment on the American economy as a whole).
The move to the right amongst young voters suggests to me at least a misplaced idealism. I would have thought that issues like climate change and gender equality would have pointed in the opposite direction, but at least in certain segments of the young, there is an anti-woke dimension.
That's not what the link says? It largely points to scepticism about the economy under Biden (which is likely to be a reflection of their own circumstances rather than a comment on the American economy as a whole).
Polls I've seen cited in the last few weeks show young people moving back to the Democrats. Which would make sense if the original movement towards Trump was based on economics, because in 2026 the economy is still being perceived as bad.
Vote switching for economic reasons is not obviously a matter of idealism, rather materialism. So I may just be wrong! Not idealism so much as (hopefully temporary) confusion.
It was not my intention to tangent this thread. Apologies to Hosts.
So re my last post on here. According to the news Trump is going to impose a 15% tariff on all the world (bar a few) in revenge for the court ruling. It may be short term. Those who did deals based on the now defunct tariffs are trying to work out what to do next.
I see that in a rant about tariffs and the Supreme Court decision Mr Trump has declared that tougher tariffs are coming along and "LET THE BUYER BEWARE" The buyer, of course, being the importer who is either the consumer themself or a company who may well pass the cost on to the consumer. So he is saying quite plainly that the voters are paying his tariffs.
I thought he was implying that the judges had been "bought" by foreign interests and that these "buyers" should "beware" because he was going to tariff them harder and more bigly...
I see that in a rant about tariffs and the Supreme Court decision Mr Trump has declared that tougher tariffs are coming along and "LET THE BUYER BEWARE" The buyer, of course, being the importer who is either the consumer themself or a company who may well pass the cost on to the consumer. So he is saying quite plainly that the voters are paying his tariffs.
So, who is going to watch the State of the Union? Not me. Can't stand watching that guy ramble. I will catch the five take aways NPR or another news organization will likely have. Several Congresspersons on the left have already said they will not attend.
I thought he was implying that the judges had been "bought" by foreign interests and that these "buyers" should "beware" because he was going to tariff them harder and more bigly...
From this side of the Pond, it's hard to know just what he does mean, given that he appears to be totally bonkers.
There must surely be a special circle in Hell reserved for his enablers. Dante would no doubt have come up with some suitably gruesome Stuff...
There's the circle of the flatterers, who are buried in shit; corrupt politicians, who are buried in boiling pitch; hypocrites, who are encased in lead; counsellors of deceit, who are encased in fire; fomentors of discord, who are hacked apart by a demon; and perjurers, who are consumed by fever.
There's the circle of the flatterers, who are buried in shit; corrupt politicians, who are buried in boiling pitch; hypocrites, who are encased in lead; counsellors of deceit, who are encased in fire; fomentors of discord, who are hacked apart by a demon; and perjurers, who are consumed by fever.
The only bit of the SOTU I heard here in the UK was on the BBC news this morning, where he claimed he was doing something or other "with dignity". I had to hit myself over the head with a teaspoon to make sure I wasn't hallucinating.
The only bit of the SOTU I heard here in the UK was on the BBC news this morning, where he claimed he was doing something or other "with dignity". I had to hit myself over the head with a teaspoon to make sure I wasn't hallucinating.
Mr & Mrs Sioni have funeral plans with Dignity (other funeral plans are available).
Poor little Donny did go on a bit. We got the highlights on the BBC over here this morning and that felt long enough. A roaring economy, tariffs in other ways, wasn’t Biden rubbish, don’t let the foreigners keep us in trade deficit. That just about sums it up.
Mrs Trump did her duty but she is looking increasingly uncomfortable
I subjected myself to most of it, played at 1.4 speed, though the video did cut out for a few minutes in the middle.
Most concerning was the promise to curb postal voting, which is a clear attempt to limit the rights to free voting.
The most surprising was an attack on rentier capitalism, which I would have thought he and the Republicans would have been in favour of.
The most surprising was an attack on rentier capitalism, which I would have thought he and the Republicans would have been in favour of.
By the standards of contemporary Republicans, Trump is rather heterodox on economics, as illustrated by his mania for tariffs as the dominant trade policy.
Both the Chinese and Ontario governments tried to sway US public opinion by circulating that old clip of Reagan opposing tariffs. I'm not sure what impact that had on the average voter, but I'd reckon Trump himself doesn't care that his policies contradict Reaganism.
I see that in a rant about tariffs and the Supreme Court decision Mr Trump has declared that tougher tariffs are coming along and "LET THE BUYER BEWARE" The buyer, of course, being the importer who is either the consumer themself or a company who may well pass the cost on to the consumer. So he is saying quite plainly that the voters are paying his tariffs.
Would you be able to post a link?
It was on Truth Social and quoted by various news organisations.
I think the average American voter is swayed by the fact tariffs have increased the cost of living by ~$1700 dollars per household.
As I said, I did not watch the speech. I saw some outtakes, though. About the only hopeful idea he floated was the idea to allow AI companies to build their own power plants to power their data centers. The question is what kind of power plants? Last year there was a report of a small nuclear power plant before it was fueled being airlifted from where it was made in California to a place in the Utah. I understand the plan would be to mass produce these plants and transport them to other locations for use.
The theme of the Democratic response to the speech centered on the question: How has Donald Trump helped you (the voters) since becoming president?
Now NPR has come out with a report on some missing Epstein files where it seems two women have accused Trump of allegedly abusing them while they were minors. House Oversight Committee Democrats say they will be looking into the accusations.
Funny how similar accusations have brought down princes, ambassadors, prominent educators and businessmen, but the Orange One seems to be wearing a teflon suit.
Ya, know if the Dems get the House Majority again, this will come out.
Funny how similar accusations have brought down princes, ambassadors, prominent educators and businessmen, but the Orange One seems to be wearing a teflon suit.
For now.
The teflon one will eventually wear an orange suit.
Agree, @Lamb Chopped - I'm afraid your scenario is far more likely.
I'm afraid the Dems if they win will be all "national unity" and "reach across the aisle" and "let's hold hands and sing."
I want Nuremberg trials. I'll vote blue no matter who in general elections, but in primaries I'll vote for candidates talking about investigations, trials, and prison time.
I wish. I doubt it. I suspect we'll face the embarrassment of how to do a state funeral for someone who's a complete disgrace.
I suspect the minimum requirements to be considered a state funeral can accommodate a closed, blacked out hearse travelling down an empty street to an unmarked grave.
I think an Orange hearse (closed and blacked-out, of course) would be appropriate...
The Odious Orange Oaf's lickspittles, enablers, minions, and myrmidons, will indeed merit a Nuremberg-style scenario. Pity Mr Pierrepoint isn't still around to assist...
I suspect the minimum requirements to be considered a state funeral can accommodate a closed, blacked out hearse travelling down an empty street to an unmarked grave.
The MAGA faithful will want it marked so they can go and worship. Others will want to mark it for other purposes.
About the closest to a non-state funeral of a formal president was Richard Nixon's. He did not request lying in state in the rotunda of the capital. Instead, he had a viewing at his library in Loma Linda. His funeral was an outdoor funeral on the library grounds. The living presidents, however, all attended the funeral.
I would doubt the Democratic presidents will attend Trumps funeral. Even the one Republican could easily find an excuse not to attend.
I suspect the minimum requirements to be considered a state funeral can accommodate a closed, blacked out hearse travelling down an empty street to an unmarked grave.
The MAGA faithful will want it marked so they can go and worship. Others will want to mark it for other purposes.
I suspect it'll be suitably gaudy, tasteless, and surrounded by grifts (we may even get another memecoin out of it).
Hostly reminder: with an eye on an article in the Guardian today no speculation on the contents of the Epstein files are allowed here, though you may link to any media outlet that has a strong legal team. Dafyd Hell Host.
Comments
To be clear, it seems that the problems for tourists come from trying to cross the US-Canadian border - I don't think tourists who stay wholly in the US are having problems (not that I would endorse travelling to the US right now anyway).
This tallies with Trump supporters also voting for AOC and Mamdani.
There's also an element of older people stamping their feet that the world is not the same, nor as apparently simple, as it appeared to them when they were 12. The age skew of voting intentions is stark.
https://navigatorresearch.org/2024-post-election-survey-gender-and-age-analysis-of-2024-election-results/
Came across this article about how state AGs are game planning how to respond to Trump's election interference plans.
Yeah, the age skew is much less stark in the US than the UK (presumably, I'd guess, because there are stronger racial, religious, and gender-based "signals" in the data).
I don’t know if there has been much research into this trend. I’m guessing that there is successful manipulation of the young going on.
That's not what the link says? It largely points to scepticism about the economy under Biden (which is likely to be a reflection of their own circumstances rather than a comment on the American economy as a whole).
Polls I've seen cited in the last few weeks show young people moving back to the Democrats. Which would make sense if the original movement towards Trump was based on economics, because in 2026 the economy is still being perceived as bad.
It was not my intention to tangent this thread. Apologies to Hosts.
Would you be able to post a link?
From this side of the Pond, it's hard to know just what he does mean, given that he appears to be totally bonkers.
There must surely be a special circle in Hell reserved for his enablers. Dante would no doubt have come up with some suitably gruesome Stuff...
That'll do nicely.
Me too. If I wasn't washing my hair, I'd be very busy pondering my belly button lint.
https://roberthubbell.substack.com/p/how-to-watch-the-state-of-the-union?img=https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d3085921-fc64-4a39-b464-3591961af24a_1474x1660.png&open=false
(If that doesn't open, there are lots of others).
Mr & Mrs Sioni have funeral plans with Dignity (other funeral plans are available).
Mrs Trump did her duty but she is looking increasingly uncomfortable
Most concerning was the promise to curb postal voting, which is a clear attempt to limit the rights to free voting.
The most surprising was an attack on rentier capitalism, which I would have thought he and the Republicans would have been in favour of.
By the standards of contemporary Republicans, Trump is rather heterodox on economics, as illustrated by his mania for tariffs as the dominant trade policy.
Both the Chinese and Ontario governments tried to sway US public opinion by circulating that old clip of Reagan opposing tariffs. I'm not sure what impact that had on the average voter, but I'd reckon Trump himself doesn't care that his policies contradict Reaganism.
It was on Truth Social and quoted by various news organisations.
As I said, I did not watch the speech. I saw some outtakes, though. About the only hopeful idea he floated was the idea to allow AI companies to build their own power plants to power their data centers. The question is what kind of power plants? Last year there was a report of a small nuclear power plant before it was fueled being airlifted from where it was made in California to a place in the Utah. I understand the plan would be to mass produce these plants and transport them to other locations for use.
The theme of the Democratic response to the speech centered on the question: How has Donald Trump helped you (the voters) since becoming president?
This sounds like the low grade guerilla movement that Miami Cuban exile groups have carried on for decades.
We know POTUS wants to topple the Cuban regime. The ball is in his court.
Funny how similar accusations have brought down princes, ambassadors, prominent educators and businessmen, but the Orange One seems to be wearing a teflon suit.
Ya, know if the Dems get the House Majority again, this will come out.
And his approval ratings continue to sink.
For now.
The teflon one will eventually wear an orange suit.
I'm afraid the Dems if they win will be all "national unity" and "reach across the aisle" and "let's hold hands and sing."
I want Nuremberg trials. I'll vote blue no matter who in general elections, but in primaries I'll vote for candidates talking about investigations, trials, and prison time.
I suspect the minimum requirements to be considered a state funeral can accommodate a closed, blacked out hearse travelling down an empty street to an unmarked grave.
I think an Orange hearse (closed and blacked-out, of course) would be appropriate...
The Odious Orange Oaf's lickspittles, enablers, minions, and myrmidons, will indeed merit a Nuremberg-style scenario. Pity Mr Pierrepoint isn't still around to assist...
The MAGA faithful will want it marked so they can go and worship. Others will want to mark it for other purposes.
Edited: quotes fixed. Dafyd Hell Host
If my dog is still alive by then, I might take him there so he can mark it.
I would doubt the Democratic presidents will attend Trumps funeral. Even the one Republican could easily find an excuse not to attend.
I suspect it'll be suitably gaudy, tasteless, and surrounded by grifts (we may even get another memecoin out of it).
Multiple copies of the Art of the Deal? Along with all the Peace Prizes he acquired from someone else, presumably.
Presidential libraries don't have to be good libraries ...
Hostly reminder: with an eye on an article in the Guardian today no speculation on the contents of the Epstein files are allowed here, though you may link to any media outlet that has a strong legal team. Dafyd Hell Host.
Colouring in books?