Personally, I think Trump won, hands down. Kamala was over-prepped with bromides and Trump was righteously angry. (See Helleniscope‘s perceptive analysis of it here: https://www.helleniscope.com/2024/09/11/trump-was-focused-and-angry-lying-kamala-was-phony-and-rehearsed/)
<—Nothing to see here, please move along.
I also believe that ABC/Disney did themselves no favors. They were positively horrible. The mask of “objectivity” came off once and for all. They –and the legacy media–won’t recover from this. Ever.
I stopped counting the outright lies that David Muir and Linsey Davis spewed. Don’t get me wrong, they were egregious. (Yes Linsey, there are states where newborn babies are killed after birth.) What was even more egregious was their incessant intervention on Kamala’s side.
Because this is so, it’s going to redound to the benefit of Trump. Some say he was rattled, others say he was combative. He was definitely the latter. And he had every right to be. (If he wasn’t combative, me and his millions of supporters would have been mighty disappointed)
As for Kamala, she didn’t collapse into tears or reckless cackling. That was to her credit. However, I noticed that she continuously looked to Trump when he was speaking. She was the Woman of a Thousand Faces. I also sensed fear. Trump didn’t look at her once. This indicates disdain on his part. I also saw a woman who no foreign leader is going to take seriously.
Obviously I’m a Trumpista. Everybody knows that. That said, when the dust settles, I think it’s going to move the needle a little bit more in Trump’s favor. (It’s already been going there in case you didn’t know.)
Why do I say this?
- Kamala was engaging in prissy HR Director behavior throughout the debate. Note to the Democrats: men hate this. Just ask James Carville. He said the Democrat Party is “made up of preachy females.” He’s right.
- She didn’t engage in her typical word salads but her answers were mindless platitudes. It was vapidity on stilts. (If vapidity had enough substance to stand on stilts.)
- Finally, it’s obvious that were it not for the “moderators,” she wouldn’t have stood a chance. Like so many entitled diversity hires, she can’t stand on her own two feet. To be honest, if the American voter buys this, then we’re over as a civilization.*
In other words, what she constructed wasn’t a word salad per se but a souffle. On top of that, there was no “kill shot.” No simple plan that anybody could point to and say “Yes! That’s what I want to see enacted!” As Gertrude Stein once said about Oakland, “there was no ‘there’ there.” Like the sugar high she received in the immediate weeks after she became the announced candidate, her persona will revert to form.
As for Trump, he laid some carefully-laid traps that sounded preposterous but are not. In fact, one of the most famous was his assertion that household pets are being rounded up and eaten by Haitian refugees in Springfield, Ohio.
The ever-smarmy David Muir, in his finest robotic fashion, assured everyone that this wasn’t true. How did he know? Because he called up the City Manager of Springfield and he told him so. Heaven forbid that he should actually get up off his rear and investigate the claim for himself. That would be too icky.
I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more stuff like this in the very near future.
Repeat after me:
The Left: “No one is eating people’s pets.”
Which means: we’re one week away from:
“Why do you care that people are eating pets?”
And three weeks from: “Why eating pets is a good thing.”
And four weeks from: “Refusing to eat pets is white supremacy.”
*And no, don’t wag your finger at me and tell about Queen Isabella of Castile, Elizabeth I of England or Empress Catherine II of Russia. These were tough-as-nails women who inherited their place on the throne due to generations of breeding and deserved entitlement. If you want to talk about Margaret Thatcher, you have even less leg to stand on. That was one tough cookie. She’d take one look at Kamala and know exactly how she got to where she’s at.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
For a very good take on the egregiousness of their interference, please take the time to watch this short podcast by Devory Darkins. He brought all the receipts:
Michael Martin says
More commentary by Josh Slocum:
https://disaffectedpod.substack.com/p/supply-your-own-title
“The point is that Kamala Harris is a dangerous psychopath. She gets away with it in large part because she is a woman. She benefits from the false perception that women cannot be as dangerous as men.
“If she is elected, Harris is going to practice psychopathy on all of us. Not just Donald Trump. I point out the narcissistic abuse so that you can see it and understand how it works, and how dangerous its effects are. I do not do it so that you’ll feel personal sympathy for Donald Trump. I do it so you’ll understand what she’s going to do to you, your family, your children, your legal system, the tax structure, and everything else she will be able to destroy if she is given more power.”
Gail Sheppard says
One could also say she is a “cog in the machine.” I don’t think we’ve seen the last of their maneuverings.
George Michalopulos says
If (s)elected, Harris will be removed within 1 year. She is a psychopath, she also has social anxiety (that explains the cackle). The DS wants Walz, he’s the Manchurian Candidate and a Chinese vassal.
Plus, his wife is a real Mdme DeFarge.
Michael Martin says
Here is Josh Slocum’s take on the debate:
https://disaffectedpod.substack.com/p/what-i-saw-in-the-debate
Relevant quote:
“If this country elects Kamala Harris, they will be electing a facsimile of my mother. I’ve said before that we’re all living in my childhood home, but it will be literally true if this happens.
She is much more dangerous than I knew before watching this debate. Heed the commentators pointing this out; they’re right. She is a highly skilled Cluster B chameleon. Do not underestimate her. She is a clever serpent; I saw a new side of her in that performance.
Many don’t wanna talk about ‘toxic femininity.’ I know. Toxic femininity is already talking to you. It can get worse.
“I want to break the spell you’re under. Half of America is Snow White about to take the poison apple.”
Michael Bauman says
BTW, did anyone notice that I said, “I” am not voting? Nor have I attempted to convince anyone else they should not vote.
I made that decision for a great many reasons. As noted in my longer explanation, voting is ALWAYS the lesser of evils.
The first vote I cast in a Presidential election was for McGovern.
I am intrigued by the vehemence of those who are voting that they seemingly want to compel me to vote.
Christine says
The debate showed clearly that this woman cannot do anything without tremendous amounts of help and playing dirty. It was painful to watch because I couldn’t help but fast forward in time and think about what life will be like if/when she wins. It is going to be extremely brutal for those of us with a conscience and a moral code. (See all her promises here: https://www.breitbart.com/2024-election/2024/09/12/everything-you-need-to-know-about-kamala-in-her-own-words-in-one-place/) Just her facial expressions unabashedly displaying her callous disregard for all the troubles that Americans are going through when Mr. Trump raised them! And Mr. Trump’s now infamous comment about Haitian immigrants killing neighborhood cats–instead of being a leader and saying, “I’ve heard these concerns recently too and will be looking into it” she just was disdainful of Americans. It is hard to know what to expect in two months. One thing we do know: the fabulous memes about Mr. Trump saving cats will endure far longer in history than her vapid responses to the debate. Long live MAGA, and may God save Mr. Trump.
Gail Sheppard says
She’s just going on “auto pilot” now. They planned this all the way back when they started infiltrating our schools.
I remember picking my son up early for a doctor appointment or something. The school said they couldn’t interrupt the class. I asked them what the class was and they told me it was a “self-esteem” class. I started laughing and said, “Do you know my son?! Of all the things he needs to learn, self-esteem isn’t one of them.”
You know that woman who fell to her knees and just screamed. I saw that woman! She is now back to being a guy and he’s voting for Trump!
George Michalopulos says
Maybe Biden is endorsing Trump now? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4d_ZKD2hEI
Brendan says
Perhaps Joe is exacting revenge?
George Michalopulos says
It got even worse for Kamala today: As he was ascending the steps of Air Force One, Joe was carrying that bright red cap in his right hand.
I expect if the dullards at the Deep State don’t get the message, he will address the nation wearing that hat.
Brendan says
Truly a man of principle;
as in: “These are my principles
and if you don’t like them, I have others!”
Michael Bauman says
https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-quality-of-mercy/
Brendan says
I repeat:
“Blessed are the peacemakers…”
Michael Bauman says
Both candidates have peanut shells for brains and darkened hearts without love or compassion. I cannot in good conscience vote for either nor any on either ticket.
I am not voting as we are already in a totalitarian state and have been for a long time.
See http://www.lewcromwell.com for some persuasive documentation.
Gail Sheppard says
You’re not making a better choice by making no choice! There is no “good conscience” here! There is no “persuasive argument.” There are excuses. You’re free to do nothing but there is nothing laudable about nothing. Nothing is nothing. That’s the position you keep saying you’ve chosen and I want you to know we’ve heard you. Your position is officially acknowledged.
Michael Bauman says
Gail, I apologize, since my stroke a year ago January, my short-term memory is bad. I had no recollection of posting that before.
2. There are three choices in elections:
A. Vote;
B.Do not vote out of a sense of hopelessness;
C. Do not vote out of feeling a deep need to repent.
My reason is C.
Before I took off to find Jesus, I was on my way to becoming a professional Presidential historian. Only in the very early stages but still a clear choice. All of our Presidents have been deeply flawed. Got that.
My stroke also changed my brain and greatly reduced my desire to pursue rational courses at all. The need for repentance, personally and corporately seeking the Joy of the Lord has become paramount. Quite possible I will not be here for the next election.
Therefore, as I look at this election in light of everything, I can only ask our Lord to forgive all the evil in our history and refrain from adding more.
I pray for each and all for our Lord’s Mercy.
Especially for you and George that anger and fear not overcome you. May His Mercy endure forever.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
George Michalopulos says
Michael, thanks for this response. I’ll let Gail respond on her own, as for myself, you’ve (perhaps unwittingly) touched on an insight that has been plaguing me for awhile. One that I hope to expound on in the very near future.
And that is this: after the Fall, this is a deeply flawed world and any political arrangements that are made are deeply flawed as well. Some, more so than others. I personally believe that after the Protestant Reformation (1517) these flaws have only increased. In fact, I think they’ve accelerated.
Your knowledge about the Presidents is a testament to this fact. While America was a source for good in the world (pre-1960), the intrinsic defects of our political arrangement has intensified and the chaos has intensified.
Well, that’s a teaser of what my thesis is going to be. At least one of them. The other is going to be about political engagement and whether we as Christians should be involved in political affairs. (Short answer: yes.)
Anyway, I pray for your recovery and hope that when the time comes (as it will for all of us) that it is peaceful.
Brendan says
One wants to end the war in Ukraine, the other does not.
“Blessed are the peacemakers…”
Gail Sheppard says
Exactly.
George Michalopulos says
The natural inclination of the State is to be totalitarian. The natural of Americans is to not acquiesce.
I for one, intend to resist until my dying breath. (I think it’s time for me to write something about the present situation.)
Brendan says
PS: There is no http://www.lewcromwell.com.
There is, however, a http://www.lewrockwell.com
which contains vast amounts of documentation.
Your ‘argument’ (such as it is) is not helped
by this misplaced lack of specificity.
Michael Bauman says
Oops.
Ronda Wintheiser says
Hi, Michael.
Long time no see! 🙂
I’m going to side with Gail on this.
I was recently in a conversation with a couple of young bucks. Sorry, I don’t mean to be glib. I admire these young men in the Church who love the Church so much. But as young people tend to be, they are far too taken with their own idealism (says the idealist).
They were having a crisis of conscience because, they said, clutching their pearls, that Trump had made that sweeping promise of IVF for everyone and the Republican party has reduced their abortion platform to nothing. They didn’t want to choose the lesser of two evils.
They were quite contemptuous of my argument to the contrary. I told them that those of us who have been working to see Roe v. Wade overturned for decades shouldn’t have to see it all go up in flames because the younger generation doesn’t pick up the baton and run with it at the state level instead of looking to the big guys to fix everything for them.
Suddenly that post was summarily taken down. So I went to check myself with a bit of wisdom from Fr. John Peck. I asked him if he would be voting this year. He said he would; that he always votes. I told him about these young bucks’ crisis of conscience with regard to the odious task of choosing the lesser of two evils.
He said, and I quote, “(N)onsense. They make the perfect the enemy of the good. Between the bad man and the mad man there is no choice. You don’t empower those seeking your destruction. I vote because I’m an American and generations of my house have fought and died to give me this privilege. Whining about candidates doesn’t remove our God-given duty to act for the better of our society and the protection of our children. Those who abandon their duty will have to answer for it. In this life or the next.”
I felt better.
Gail Sheppard says
Great comment, Ronda.
It occurred to me that scripture is full of people standing for something. Not something “perfect.” Perfection doesn’t exist in this world, but to make choices. God, Himself, made choices. One could say He is the KING of choosing imperfect people like Moses, Gideon, and David. All of them lacking, yet all of them worthy, often by virtue of being chosen.
Had they not been chosen, we wouldn’t know how a stutterer could find his voice to lead people his people out of captivity, how a fearful man could make an army out of a few good men and be victorious, or how a woeful sinner could be the one after God’s own heart.
We are to anoint the one who is MOST likely to serve God’s purposes. I am honored that He chose me to be here, in this place, at this time, to help make that choice. To be able to choose is a great honor and a great responsibility. If people don’t know what the differences would be under these two administrations, they don’t care enough to pay attention. The “un-deciders” are the enemy. I can have a dialog with someone who cares enough to vote, even if their vote differs from mine, but no conversation can be had when there is no common ground. Lofty, esoteric reasons are really just excuses in my book.
Brendan says
Often a refusal to choose is
a declaration of superiority.
Michael Bauman says
Ah, Gail…..
Trying to approach political life from repentant posture is an “esoteric excuse”?
Praying for candidates and offering the Jesus Prayer on their behalf and on behalf of our country and myself.
All of the sins of politics and government are in my own soul. I am praying that I and those I know be lifted up and, as much as possible, sin no more. That the way of The Cross conquer once again.
That is not “esoteric”. I know esoteric from the 15 years I spent trying to follow Jesus outside the Orthodox Church.
Is John Chapter 6 “esoteric” or Matthew 4:17: “Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand”.
Again I do not demand or ask anyone else here not to vote. In fact, I am praying for each of you too as much as I am able. I do not have many days left in this life I suspect. God knows.
I want to thank you though especially because your questions and statements have brought me to much better clarity as to what I must do.
May the Joy of the Lord be with you embedded in your heart.
Gail Sheppard says
Surely you don’t think those who vote don’t also pray for the people or our government!
No one is demanding anything.
Michael Bauman says
Apparently not as that is too “esoteric”. The people I have known in the past who applied that term have often failed to appreciate prayer as foundational to the Christian life and to acknowledge our common sinfulness.
Voting, IMO, and government has become like a pagan sacrifice with the big bloodlust every four years.
So far our Presidents have not yet shot the losers.
Michael Bauman says
Your tone Gail belies the statement that you are not demanding.
Plus the word ‘esoteric’ is a word most often used to deny the reality of Sacraments , icons and monasticism in
experience. So I tend to look at it as a way of denial of all that is Holy including the Divinity of Jesus and the power of the Cross to heal.
“There is more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy”
Hamlet, Act 1, scene 5
Brendan says
Michael, repentance for sin is good.
Public repentance for public sin is particularly good.
Perpetual public display of personal repentance seems excessive.
Matthew 5:6 [KJV]
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are:
for they love to pray standing in the synagogues
and in the corners of the streets,
that they may be seen of men.
Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Michael Bauman says
George, the Orthodox Church has the best political model: leaders with authority meeting in council. Indeed that was one of the ideas floating around in the the early days of the US
George Michalopulos says
At this point, I’m beginning to see the flaws or republicanism and starting to see the merits of monarchy. (I’m not being facetious, btw.)
Michael Bauman says
Ronda, a long time indeed. Good to talk. I have a deep fondness for you. I hope you read my longer reply to Gail.
To add to it, I have to say I have never been a fan of democracy. The manner in which the Orthodox Church is governed: by a hierarchy in councils, is much better.
Gail Sheppard says
It’s the people on the left who have normalized the term democracy knowing that few understand what it means.
In a democracy, people elect leaders who make decisions without constraints. A democracy is essentially mob rule. For example, they’ve been known to pass laws to nullify the authority of the other branches. People waving the banner of “public health” took down the establishment by passing legislation that annihilated our freedoms, up to and including locking us out of our churches.
They would not have been able to do that in a solid republic. In a republic, people also elect leaders who make decisions, however, the leaders are constrained by the constitution. They can’t force experimental vaccines on people or put them in lockdown. They can’t close your churches. They can’t punish you for speaking.
The Church, unfortunately, is no longer governed by councils. If that were true, Ukraine would never have happened.
The term hierarchical is used to describe non-Orthodox churches like the RC, Protestant, and Evangelical churches where there is a distinct head who makes the decisions.
Orthodox Churches, on the other hand, are self-governing. There is no central authority.
George Michalopulos says
Another reason why government schooling has jumped the shark (courtesy PJMedia):
What do you think of these questions given to seventh-grade students at the Middle Village Prep Charter School in Queens County, New York? These are questions they were told to ask one another. And they were asked to write about them.
“5. On an airplane, you are talking pleasantly to a person of average appearance. Unexpectedly, the person offers you $10,000 for one night of sex. Knowing there is no danger and that payment is certain, would you accept the offer?
14. What are your feelings about killing a handicapped child at birth?
19. What has been the worst sexual experience of your life?”
“These questions are disturbing. They caused a lot of stress to students, especially to my child,” said one of the parents. Indeed!
Brendan says
“Knowing there is no danger and that payment is certain…”
Knowing…???
George Michalopulos says
Speaking of Jamie Dimon, Chairman of JP Morgan Chase (the world’s largest bank with $4 trillion in assets), there’s something “worse than a recession” in our future:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/yourmoney/consumer/article-13847325/jamie-dimon-warns-economy-outcome-stagflation-worse-recession.html
CrZyDcn says
When I hear about immigrants eating a cat, two questions come to mind.
Was the cat cooked and was it prepared better than the local Chinese restaurant?
George Michalopulos says
Speaking from memories of Anatomy 101 during my college years: it’s darn hard to skin a cat!
Mark E. Fisus says
The debate did not change the views of anyone already firmly in either Trump’s or Harris’ camp. Your blog is a case in point.
The debate moved the needle a little among undecideds in Harris’ favor, and that’s probably what they were aiming for.
George Michalopulos says
Your first sentence is correct. Your second sentence is not being supported by the latest polls. Realtime polling data among independents are tracking with GOP voters.
Brendan says
Third sentence… 🙂
George Michalopulos says
Remember that comment Trump made somewhat surreptitiously? That Biden hates Harris?
https://www.tmz.com/2024/09/12/president-joe-biden-wears-trump-hate-video/