US Midterm Election Megathread II: The Stretch Run Begins

[The Greater Ohio Valley]

I'm rather irritated at the conservative insistence that they have a monopoly on being "constitutional" given their penchant for ignoring the first, fifth, sixth, and arguably the seventh amendments, just as frequent abuse of executive power, and in many cases desire to disregard or eliminate the fourteenth amendment.

To be fair, this is both sides...

Yet conservatives have generally been the biggest offenders in unconstitutional politics throughout American history, so the “both sides” thing here is really lopsided to one side more than the other. Especially considering that they were the Royalists during the Revolution, the anti-Federalists during the drafting of the constitution, the Confederates and pro-slavers during the civil war, the KKK and enacters of the Black Codes during Reconstruction, the segregationists and Jim Crow-supporters during the 1950s-60s, etc, the opposers of LGBT rights today, etc.

I'm rather irritated at the conservative insistence that they have a monopoly on being "constitutional" given their penchant for ignoring the first, fifth, sixth, and arguably the seventh amendments, just as frequent abuse of executive power, and in many cases desire to disregard or eliminate the fourteenth amendment.

The conservative conception of what the Constitution means is closer to the original.The Alien and Sedition Acts for example got approved by Congress, the Senate, the Executive and SCOTUS (whose Chief Justice was appointed by George Washington). Liberals today would say this is a gross violation of the Constitution if conservatives did something similar, but it's really not, it's just a gross violation of the retconned conception of the Constitution cultivated by progressives.

I’m think you have all of that backwards, Parkus. :^].

Really, if the conservatives had their way in 1789 then the constitution wouldn’t have been a thing to begin with and the Articles of Confederation would’ve remained as they were, or at least until it would’ve collapsed and the states went their separate ways as 13 sovereign nations instead of one federalized one.

[Western Vale Confederacy]

Y'know, at times I wonder why Americans invoke their Constitution so bloody often despite both parties basically using it as toilet paper already.

[Great Confederacy of Commonwealth States]

Y'know, at times I wonder why Americans invoke their Constitution so bloody often despite both parties basically using it as toilet paper already.

Examples are in order.

[Thermodolia]

Y'know, at times I wonder why Americans invoke their Constitution so bloody often despite both parties basically using it as toilet paper already.

Only to bash the other over the head with

[Huntpublic]

Y'know, at times I wonder why Americans invoke their Constitution so bloody often despite both parties basically using it as toilet paper already.

cuz im proud of it, thank you very much

[Big Jim P]

The GOP simply didn't vote. Quite a bit different from trying to smear someone with bogus accusations.

Um, no. It's refusing to hold a confirmation hearing, period. Nowhere near the same as Not Voting.

Even at that, still no where near approaching the filthy action of the dems.

[Big Jim P]

The GOP simply didn't vote. Quite a bit different from trying to smear someone with bogus accusations.

Well, how could the democrats have known that they were bogus if they were? Most criminal investigations begin with an allegation, and then you allow the FBI to investigate. Should the dems have done the work of the FBI themselves? They don't have the capacity to conduct criminal allegations.

Also, the allegations have not been proven to be bogus, the GOP has just not listened to them, and declared that there is not enough corroborating evidence. That is a world apart from saying that they were bogus. If you want to say that Ford lied under oath, you should have proof beyond reasonable doubt, because she is innocent until proven guilty.

The dems sat on the accusation for a month. Plenty of time to initiate an investigation.

Also, as she provided no evidence or corroboration supporting her accusation, the simplest explanation is she lied.

[Ifreann]

Well, how could the democrats have known that they were bogus if they were? Most criminal investigations begin with an allegation, and then you allow the FBI to investigate. Should the dems have done the work of the FBI themselves? They don't have the capacity to conduct criminal allegations.

Also, the allegations have not been proven to be bogus, the GOP has just not listened to them, and declared that there is not enough corroborating evidence. That is a world apart from saying that they were bogus. If you want to say that Ford lied under oath, you should have proof beyond reasonable doubt, because she is innocent until proven guilty.

The dems sat on the accusation for a month. Plenty of time to initiate an investigation.

Also, as she provided no evidence or corroboration supporting her accusation, the simplest explanation is she lied.

If you want to keep talking about Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing, maybe ask the mods if you can make another thread about it.

[Big Jim P]

The dems sat on the accusation for a month. Plenty of time to initiate an investigation.

Also, as she provided no evidence or corroboration supporting her accusation, the simplest explanation is she lied.

If you want to keep talking about Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing, maybe ask the mods if you can make another thread about it.

Just catching up. My mind was made up long before the Kav drama.

Edit: and no matter your personal opinion, it is still a factor in play.

[Ifreann]

If you want to keep talking about Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing, maybe ask the mods if you can make another thread about it.

Just catching up. My mind was made up long before the Kav drama.

Edit: and no matter your personal opinion, it is still a factor in play.

Yes, it is something that may well influence the mid-terms. There's a difference between talking about how it may influence the election and re-litigating it over and over until November.

[Great Confederacy of Commonwealth States]

Well, how could the democrats have known that they were bogus if they were? Most criminal investigations begin with an allegation, and then you allow the FBI to investigate. Should the dems have done the work of the FBI themselves? They don't have the capacity to conduct criminal allegations.

Also, the allegations have not been proven to be bogus, the GOP has just not listened to them, and declared that there is not enough corroborating evidence. That is a world apart from saying that they were bogus. If you want to say that Ford lied under oath, you should have proof beyond reasonable doubt, because she is innocent until proven guilty.

The dems sat on the accusation for a month. Plenty of time to initiate an investigation.

Also, as she provided no evidence or corroboration supporting her accusation, the simplest explanation is she lied.

The Dems sat on it because Ford did not want to go public. It was in respect for her privacy. And the Dems could not have launched an investigation, because they are a political party, not the FBI. The FBI should do the investigating.

What evidence is there normally of sexual assault? What evidence could she have brought if she was assaulted when alone in a room by two attackers? The simplest explanation which does not involve accusion someone of perjury is that the evidence is gone. If you want to say she lied, you will have to prove it beyond reasonable doubt, because apparently that is the standard for public discussion now.

[Valrifell]

So apparently Cruz ditched his last town hall with O'Rourke, giving him a free hour on CNN.

[Petrasylvania]

So apparently Cruz ditched his last town hall with O'Rourke, giving him a free hour on CNN.

Guess he found a victim he couldn't pass up.

[Post War America]

So apparently Cruz ditched his last town hall with O'Rourke, giving him a free hour on CNN.

That's a risky move for him, given that the Texas Senate race is far closer than it should be, and that he has tended to be a stronger debater by all accounts, than O'Rourke.

[The Black Forrest]

Well, how could the democrats have known that they were bogus if they were? Most criminal investigations begin with an allegation, and then you allow the FBI to investigate. Should the dems have done the work of the FBI themselves? They don't have the capacity to conduct criminal allegations.

Also, the allegations have not been proven to be bogus, the GOP has just not listened to them, and declared that there is not enough corroborating evidence. That is a world apart from saying that they were bogus. If you want to say that Ford lied under oath, you should have proof beyond reasonable doubt, because she is innocent until proven guilty.

The dems sat on the accusation for a month. Plenty of time to initiate an investigation.

Also, as she provided no evidence or corroboration supporting her accusation, the simplest explanation is she lied.

Daily reminder: Not remembering is not a refutation.

[Vassenor]

Well, how could the democrats have known that they were bogus if they were? Most criminal investigations begin with an allegation, and then you allow the FBI to investigate. Should the dems have done the work of the FBI themselves? They don't have the capacity to conduct criminal allegations.

Also, the allegations have not been proven to be bogus, the GOP has just not listened to them, and declared that there is not enough corroborating evidence. That is a world apart from saying that they were bogus. If you want to say that Ford lied under oath, you should have proof beyond reasonable doubt, because she is innocent until proven guilty.

The dems sat on the accusation for a month. Plenty of time to initiate an investigation.

Also, as she provided no evidence or corroboration supporting her accusation, the simplest explanation is she lied.

Remember, innocent until proven guilty is only for rich white men. -nod-

[Shofercia]

USA Today predicts Historic Turnout: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/ ... 568186002/

Brett Kavanaugh will trigger historic Democratic turnout led by women in November election... Confirming Brett Kavanaugh will hurt Republicans in the election. Christine Blasey Ford's testimony resonated with women; they will remember and vote... For weeks Democrats have been saying the sexual assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh, the testimony of Christine Blasey Ford, and the ensuing Republican effort to jam through a tainted nominee bode very, very ill for the GOP. Now that Kavanaugh has been confirmed with “yes” votes from all but one Republican senator, Republicans who were already preparing themselves for a political reckoning this Election Day might as well throw in the towel... Amelia Penniman is the Communications Director for Senate Campaigns for American Bridge. Follow her on Twitter: @AmeliaPenniman

In 2010, turnout was at 41%. Midterm turnouts don't usually top 40%, and Republicans are favored to hold the Senate, while Democrats are slightly more likely than Republicans to take the House. However, if Penniman is correct in her predictions, the Democrats should steamroll the House and have a one seat lead in the Senate. In other news, a deficit of Popcorn is expected after Halloween

[The Black Forrest]

The dems sat on the accusation for a month. Plenty of time to initiate an investigation.

Also, as she provided no evidence or corroboration supporting her accusation, the simplest explanation is she lied.

Remember, innocent until proven guilty is only for rich white men. -nod-

And white athletes.

Maybe he was suffering from affluenza.

USA Today predicts Historic Turnout: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/ ... 568186002/

Brett Kavanaugh will trigger historic Democratic turnout led by women in November election... Confirming Brett Kavanaugh will hurt Republicans in the election. Christine Blasey Ford's testimony resonated with women; they will remember and vote... For weeks Democrats have been saying the sexual assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh, the testimony of Christine Blasey Ford, and the ensuing Republican effort to jam through a tainted nominee bode very, very ill for the GOP. Now that Kavanaugh has been confirmed with “yes” votes from all but one Republican senator, Republicans who were already preparing themselves for a political reckoning this Election Day might as well throw in the towel... Amelia Penniman is the Communications Director for Senate Campaigns for American Bridge. Follow her on Twitter: @AmeliaPenniman

In 2010, turnout was at 41%. Midterm turnouts don't usually top 40%, and Republicans are favored to hold the Senate, while Democrats are slightly more likely than Republicans to take the House. However, if Penniman is correct in her predictions, the Democrats should steamroll the House and have a one seat lead in the Senate. In other news, a deficit of Popcorn is expected after Halloween

I know a couple women who never voted; who are registered now. November will be interesting.....

[Len Hyet]

USA Today predicts Historic Turnout: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/ ... 568186002/

Brett Kavanaugh will trigger historic Democratic turnout led by women in November election... Confirming Brett Kavanaugh will hurt Republicans in the election. Christine Blasey Ford's testimony resonated with women; they will remember and vote... For weeks Democrats have been saying the sexual assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh, the testimony of Christine Blasey Ford, and the ensuing Republican effort to jam through a tainted nominee bode very, very ill for the GOP. Now that Kavanaugh has been confirmed with “yes” votes from all but one Republican senator, Republicans who were already preparing themselves for a political reckoning this Election Day might as well throw in the towel... Amelia Penniman is the Communications Director for Senate Campaigns for American Bridge. Follow her on Twitter: @AmeliaPenniman

In 2010, turnout was at 41%. Midterm turnouts don't usually top 40%, and Republicans are favored to hold the Senate, while Democrats are slightly more likely than Republicans to take the House. However, if Penniman is correct in her predictions, the Democrats should steamroll the House and have a one seat lead in the Senate. In other news, a deficit of Popcorn is expected after Halloween

That article isn't exactly convincing when it's being run right next to a different opinion piece saying Democrats have unleashed a red wave of Brett Kavanaugh-believing women voters.

They're both opinion pieces written by people with a vested interest in their opinion being right. Neither take the time to actually analyze polling data, just giving a brief nod to it and claiming it supports their position.

0/10 would not use an opinion piece to predict outcomes

[Corrian]

So apparently Cruz ditched his last town hall with O'Rourke, giving him a free hour on CNN.

Sounds like a smart strategy.

[The Black Forrest]

"John you are not listening to me."

Old McC is not liking being challenged on his knowledge of history over Garland and the Biden rule. It starts at 4:46

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_EcWB-kLJs

[Mardla]

I’m think you have all of that backwards, Parkus. :^].

Really, if the conservatives had their way in 1789 then the constitution wouldn’t have been a thing to begin with and the Articles of Confederation would’ve remained as they were, or at least until it would’ve collapsed and the states went their separate ways as 13 sovereign nations instead of one federalized one.

The Federalists were very much the conservatives, they wanted a state analogous to the British state instead of something new and untried. Hamilton even desired a monarchy for the executive, with John Adams suggesting the title "His Excellency" for the President, and Gouverneur Morris advocating an inherited Senate to parallel the House of Lords--all vocally opposed the French Revolution, by the way. Jefferson and Paine were the Anti Federalists, extremely liberal and pro democracy and supporters of the French Revolution.

[Shrillland]

USA Today predicts Historic Turnout: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/ ... 568186002/

Brett Kavanaugh will trigger historic Democratic turnout led by women in November election... Confirming Brett Kavanaugh will hurt Republicans in the election. Christine Blasey Ford's testimony resonated with women; they will remember and vote... For weeks Democrats have been saying the sexual assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh, the testimony of Christine Blasey Ford, and the ensuing Republican effort to jam through a tainted nominee bode very, very ill for the GOP. Now that Kavanaugh has been confirmed with “yes” votes from all but one Republican senator, Republicans who were already preparing themselves for a political reckoning this Election Day might as well throw in the towel... Amelia Penniman is the Communications Director for Senate Campaigns for American Bridge. Follow her on Twitter: @AmeliaPenniman

In 2010, turnout was at 41%. Midterm turnouts don't usually top 40%, and Republicans are favored to hold the Senate, while Democrats are slightly more likely than Republicans to take the House. However, if Penniman is correct in her predictions, the Democrats should steamroll the House and have a one seat lead in the Senate. In other news, a deficit of Popcorn is expected after Halloween

Depends where they are. A major state, Florida may have their turnout somewhat upended now that Michael's come, seen, and leveled the Panhandle, just as Sandy caused turnout to plummet in New York and New Jersey.

[Western Vale Confederacy]

USA Today predicts Historic Turnout: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/ ... 568186002/



In 2010, turnout was at 41%. Midterm turnouts don't usually top 40%, and Republicans are favored to hold the Senate, while Democrats are slightly more likely than Republicans to take the House. However, if Penniman is correct in her predictions, the Democrats should steamroll the House and have a one seat lead in the Senate. In other news, a deficit of Popcorn is expected after Halloween

That article isn't exactly convincing when it's being run right next to a different opinion piece saying Democrats have unleashed a red wave of Brett Kavanaugh-believing women voters.

They're both opinion pieces written by people with a vested interest in their opinion being right. Neither take the time to actually analyze polling data, just giving a brief nod to it and claiming it supports their position.

0/10 would not use an opinion piece to predict outcomes

These midterm elections are certainly going to be interesting, especially since both parties are rallying previously undetermined or independent people to their sides.

Voters aren't seeing this as mere elections anymore, they are seeing it as a struggle and a fight for victory.

[Bienenhalde]

These midterm elections are certainly going to be interesting, especially since both parties are rallying previously undetermined or independent people to their sides.

I do not understand why. Given how strident and ideologically narrow Democrats and Republicans are nowadays, I would expect independents and apolitical people to be more apathetic and disgusted than anything else.