Vlad Vexler: "Will the Trump-Musk Beast Lead to Full Fascism?”

Nov 12, 2024

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NYT:

Trump and Musk: The Bromance That Cannot Last »

En español:

Trump y Musk, el bromance que no puede durar »

How Power Shoulders Tell a Story of This Campaign

OPINION : GUEST ESSAY
THE NEW YORK TIMES: In terms of personality and policy, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are starkly contrasting figures. Yet they’ve often had one thing in common: a silhouette that features powerfully padded shoulders.

For 150 years, the size of a suit jacket’s shoulder pad — which exists today as a small, simple, triangular shaped piece of material stuffed with wadding — has fluctuated in response to fashion trends. But in this year’s election, the power shoulder has become a potent, multifaceted symbol.

The complex history of the power shoulder means it can convey confidence, power and authority. But it can also conjure swagger, playful subversion and an outsider’s defiance of an established order.

For both candidates, this strong silhouette offers the opportunity to shape a defining image: for Mr. Trump, as a billionaire who positions himself as anti-establishment; for Ms. Harris, as a formidable figure who more than belongs in a realm once reserved for men.

That may seem like a lot of meaning to put on a pair of shoulder pads — but the power shoulder can bear it. » | Derek Guy | Mr. Guy is a fashion industry commentator and the editor of Die, Workwear!, a men's wear blog. | Sunday, November 3, 2024

‘Frightening to Consider’: Fears Grow over Trump’s Threats to Political Foes

THE GUARDIAN: Critics alarmed by talk of revenge against Democrats and say second Trump term would pose unprecedented danger

Donald Trump’s extremist attacks on top Democrats as “the enemy from within” and talk of deploying the military against political foes if he wins the election are stark signs Trump will endanger the rule of law in America, say former US justice department officials and scholars.

Trump’s threats – singling out ex-speaker Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff and others as “the enemy from within” and “more dangerous than China [and] Russia” – jibe with his earlier incendiary talk of using a return to the White House to seek “revenge” against political foes led by Joe Biden. He also suggested the military could be used to quell violence at the polls from “radical left lunatics”.

Those comments, along with Trump’s adamant refusal to say clearly he will accept the election results if he is defeated, prompt critics to say Trump poses unprecedented dangers to the US constitution. » | Peter Stone in Washington | Wednesday, October 30, 2024

The Instability of American Politics Can't Be Ignored (with Anne Applebaum) | The Bulwark Podcast

Dec 19, 2023 | Anne Applebaum discusses a ray of hope in Europe with the defeat of Poland's authoritarian government, while also contemplating the consequences for NATO and America's place in the world if Trump were to be reelected. Mona Charen sits in for Charlie Sykes.

Divided Country: Why Is the US So Polarized? | Reupload

Oct 27, 2022 | Once upon a time, the Democrats and Republicans were political opponents. But today, in many cases, they are downright enemies. That's why we often hear that the US is a divided country. Cross-party compromise solutions are becoming increasingly difficult. Some even believe the country is on the brink of civil war. But why is the United States so polarized? In this video, we identify three mechanisms that contribute to polarization.

Will McCarthy's Ousting Leave US Politics 'Paralyzed'? | DW News

Oct 4, 2023 | Members of the US House of Representatives removed Speaker Kevin McCarthy from power in a historic vote Tuesday. McCarthy's ouster represents the first time in the history of the United States that a speaker — the leader of the House majority and second in line from the presidency behind the vice-president — has been removed from office. …

McCarthy Is Ousted as Speaker, Leaving the House in Chaos: A handful of far-right Republicans broke with their party and voted to remove Kevin McCarthy from his leadership post. He said he would not run again. »

McCarthy’s Extraordinary Downfall Reflects an Ungovernable G.O.P.: The glib Californian made many promises and paid a price when he was unable to fulfill them. But his demise also reflected the challenge of wielding a Republican majority that refuses to be governed. »

How a New Christian Right Is Changing US Politics - BBC News

Nov 28, 2023 | A new battle of faith is being driven by some pastors and politicians in the United States. Their central message is that the country's conservative Christian way of life is under threat, and American society is moving in the wrong direction.

The BBC’s Barbara Plett Usher explores the impact of this growing movement on US politics.

Doc Martens, Bomber Jackets, No Ties: Parsing Gen Z Politicians’ Style

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Many of the country’s youngest elected officials hope to express authenticity through their clothing choices.

Representative Maxwell Frost, a 26-year-old Democrat of Florida, said Gen Z-ers like himself are open to “whatever fashion and whatever creativity people bring to the table.” | Kenny Holston for The New York Times
Wearing a dark green suit from Express and Cole Haan dress sneakers, Representative Maxwell Frost, Democrat of Florida, took the stage at Metrobar in Washington. He was speaking at an event this summer by Run for Something, a political action committee that supports young Democrats seeking state and local office.

“How’s everybody doing?” Mr. Frost, 26, asked a crowd of about 200 people, in which more than one brightly colored Telfar bag could be spotted. A number of attendees, including Mr. Frost, were members of Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012.

In an interview after his speech, Mr. Frost said that “a cool thing about our generation is that we’re super-open to whatever fashion and whatever creativity people bring to the table.” Much of his professional wardrobe consists of suits, but he has worn bomber jackets and Dr. Martens shoes at more casual events, he said, as well as T-shirts on the campaign trail.

“I feel like there’s a direct connection between Doc Martens, and a certain style, and progressive young people,” Mr. Frost said. » | Rachel Janfaza | Sunday, September 17, 2023

Kari Lake Amplifies Donald Trump's Lies, Kevin McCarthy's Cynicism Exposed | The Warning

Sep 12, 2023 | Steve Schmidt breaks down Kari lake's lies about Donald Trump regarding his actions on 9/11. Later, he discusses Kevin McCarthy's cowardly action of bringing an impeachment inquiry against Joe Biden.

Steve Schmidt: Mitch McConnell's Health Scare Is a Reminder That America Needs a New Generation of Leaders

The West is being led by geriatrics. People who are ripe for the old folks' home.

'Retire!': Mitch McConnell Heckled during Speech in His Home State

Aug 7, 2023 | Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate, has been urged to retire by hecklers after freezing during a press conference last week. The 81-year-old senator attempted to make a speech at one of the state’s key political events, the Fancy Farm picnic, but was drowned out by the hostile crowd. Footage from Saturday’s gathering shows an unsmiling Mr McConnell talking from behind a podium as the crowd repeatedly boos and chants “retire”.

No wonder the Western world is in a mess! It is being led by geriatrics – old folks who should be contemplating their future in old folks’ homes rather than contemplating our future!

There is such a thing as knowing when to give up, when to call it a day. – © Mark Alexander

‘We Can’t Rest or Relent’: Pence Reiterates Support of Staunch Abortion Restrictions

THE GUARDIAN: Former vice-president hails Dobbs decision as ‘historic victory’ but says it didn’t go far enough and urges a nationwide abortion ban

Republican presidential candidate and former vice=president Mike Pence speaks during a Celebrate Life Day rally outside the Lincoln Memorial, on Saturday, in Washington. Photograph: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Despite their unpopularity with the American public, former Republican vice-president and 2024 White House hopeful Mike Pence doubled down Sunday on his hard-line support of staunch abortion restrictions, saying: “We just can’t rest or relent until we restore the sanctity of life.”

Pence – in an interview on Fox News Sunday – made clear that he viewed bringing the elimination of abortion “to the center of American law” as both essential and “a winning issue” for the Republican party trying to wrest back control of the Oval Office.

“I’m pro-life, and I don’t apologize for it,” Pence boasted to host Shannon Bream, even though polling shows most Americans favor keeping the termination of pregnancies legal in most cases. » | Ramon Antonio Vargas | Monday, June 26, 2023

Such hypocrisy! Such concern for embryos and the yet-to-be-born. Such lack of concern for schoolchildren being shot by the dozen because of America's out-of-control gun ownership and unwillingness to control the ownership of guns strictly. Such conern for the embryo; such lack of conern for the pregnant mothers.

It would appear that the USA is falling into a state of benightedness and darkness. Even Saudi Arabia allows abortions in certain circumstances!

This development in the States shows me, and should show you, that the USA is losing its pole position and hegemony in the world. Who in his right mind would want to follow the USA if it carries on with this sort of insanity? – © Mark Alexander

Democracy Now! Trump Indictment: Scholar of Fascism Says GOP Has Become an “Autocratic Party” Led by a “Cult Leader”

Is Florida a Preview of America's Dystopian Future? | DW News

Jun 7, 2023 | Florida's Governor, who's in the running for the Republican presidential nomination, has repeatedly t

Yes, We’re in an L.G.B.T.Q. State of Emergency: This year there is a pall over Pride. »

'What Happened to Donald Trump': DeSantis Goes on the Offensive

May 26, 2023 | Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, now officially a candidate for president, is no longer tiptoeing around former President Donald Trump – nor is he being shy about his plans to flex the powers of the presidency like never before if he wins the White House.

DeSantis Joins 2024 Presidential Race

May 24, 2023 | Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has entered the 2024 presidential race. He’s stepping into a crowded Republican primary contest that will test his national appeal as a cultural conservative firebrand and the party’s willingness to move on from former President Donald Trump.

What is there about Americans that so many of them find themselves incapable of embracing moderate politics? – © Mark Alexander

All hat, no cattle’: Ron DeSantis, the ‘anti-woke’ Florida governor running for president: The rightwing culture warrior has been called ‘Trump 2.0’ – but what, if anything, is driving him to attain the highest office in the land? »

LIRE AUSSI :

Ron DeSantis, gouverneur républicain de Floride, annonce sa candidature à l’élection présidentielle américaine de 2024 : Quelques heures avant un échange prévu avec Elon Musk sur Twitter, le gouverneur de Floride a déclaré qu’il se portait candidat au scrutin présidentiel en 2024. »

LESEN SIE AUCH:

Republikaner Ron DeSantis will bei US-Präsidentenwahl antreten: Floridas Gouverneur Ron DeSantis will Präsident von Amerika werden – und gegen Trump antreten. Seine Unterlagen hat er bereits bei der Bundeswahlkommission eingereicht. »

Author Carol Anderson: Anti-Blackness Drives US Gun Culture & Right-Wing Assault on Democracy

MAGA Group Unleashes Devastating Ad Attacking DeSantis for Disgusting Pudding Habit

Apr 15, 2023 | Not long ago, reports said that Florida governor Ron DeSantis has a habit of eating pudding with his fingers - a claim that DeSantis has denied. But the pro-Trump PAC MAGA War Room decided to put out a devastating and disgusting ad against the governor for his habits, while also attacking him for wanting to cut Social Security and Medicare. Farron Cousins discusses the ad, and what they left out about Donald Trump.

How a New Christian Right Is Changing US Politics - BBC News

Nov 28, 2022 | A new battle of faith is being driven by some pastors and politicians in the United States. Their central message is that the country's conservative Christian way of life is under threat, and American society is moving in the wrong direction. The BBC’s Barbara Plett Usher explores the impact of this growing movement on US politics.

Robert Garcia Will Be First Out Gay Immigrant in Congress

Courtesy LGBTQ Victory Fund
ADVOCATE: Garcia, an immigrant from Peru and the mayor of Long Beach, Calif., has been elected to the U.S. House from California's 42nd Congressional District.

Robert Garcia of California has been elected as the first out gay immigrant in Congress.

Garcia, currently mayor of Long Beach, has won the U.S. House seat in California’s 42nd Congressional District, according to the LGBTQ Victory Fund.

A Democrat, he bested Republican John Briscoe, a businessman. As of 9:30 p.m. Pacific time, Garcia had 68 percent of the vote and Briscoe 32 percent. Because of redistricting, there was no incumbent in the race. » | Trudy Ring | Wednesday, November 9, 2022

US elections: LGBTQ+ candidates smash through rainbow ceiling as future of queer rights hangs in the balance: Numerous LGBTQ+ candidates have smashed the rainbow ceiling and won seats in the 2022 US elections. »