This is the modern thought process for many Americans and is why the "centrist" is nothing more than a shallow human who thinks the world works in a magical way that every position has an equal and opposite position that is just as valid without examining context as if political and philosophical positions are like laws of physics where everything has an equal but opposite reaction. Yes, impeaching a president for withholding foreign aid approved by Congress for personal reasons of having his private lawyer persuade a foreign leader through withholding said aid to announce a investigation to their political opponent is "weaponizing impeachment".
The Dems best hope for the mid terms is for inflation to subside a bit while keeping a tight labor market. The Dems are afraid to cheer for the recovery because of the inflation narrative. However they just need to tie it to national security with China and bringing supply chains back to North America. It’s just sad how terrible the Dems are at messaging with China and climate change right there.
I posted this in the Republican Gerrymandering thread but according to the NYT there is a possibility that because Democratic gerrymandering the Democrats could hold the House. It is also likely that well before the election that every state will have lifted COVID-19 restrictions under the view that the worst is over and that we can deal with COVID as endemic. It's possible inflation might be under control but that seems less likely. What is more likely is if inflation doesn't rise as much that most people will adjust to higher prices as long as there is practically full employment and wages rising.
@Commodore, thanks, it does seem like a good time to bend this thread toward talking about the actual election before us, the March primary. I'll be voting in the Republican primary, as I've done the last several cycles for a few reasons. One, for statewide offices, the winner of the Republican primary is likely the overall winner. Two, left to their own devices, actual Texan Republicans will pick someone terrible, so they need a moderating influence that I can help provide. And three, I never have much to regret of comes out of Texas Democratic primaries (though that might be because they never win the general). My mission, in general, is to (1) dislodge the incumbents, whom I generally despise, (2) to avoid supporting challengers coming at them from further to the right, and (3) not bother with candidates with no shot. It's tough because the boiler plate strategy is to go to the right of the incumbent in the primary and then return to the center in time for the general. I'm trying to pick the fake right-wing crazies over the sincere ones, and the fake ones still have to have a chance to win. For governor, for example, Huffines seems like a sincere right-wing crazy. Allen West took horse dewormer. Prather and the others, aside from being benighted, have no shot. Abbott somehow is the least objectionable from the bunch, but he's the incumbent. So, which is the least bad option here? I'm considering Kandy Kaye Horn (sounding like Candy Corn makes it memorable) because she satisfies #1 and #2 and has money for her self-funded campaign -- but she's a complete amateur with no shot. The races for lieutenant governor and AG are about as bad. If anyone has insights for how to get less objectionable Texas republicans on the November ballot, I'm listening.
The Midterms Will End The Pandemic Seven out of 10 Americans say "it's time we accept COVID is here to stay and we just need to get on with our lives." Politicians are taking notice. https://reason.com/2022/02/15/the-midterms-will-end-the-pandemic/
The editor who wrote that headline is conflating "pandemic" with mitigation strategies. The article makes a good case about midterms killing our mitigation efforts. But the pandemic doesn't cease to exist just because we decide to ignore it.
the editor who wrote that headline is probably trying to get people to read the article. looks like it’s working
As a voter here in Texas, I often get frustrated with the elections. There are few strong options among Democrats and in my county (Montgomery) there are usually no candidates. Despite my frustration I vote in every election and even though I know the candidates that closest represent my positions won't win (or don't even exist) at least by voting when I can I feel I have at least done all I can do and can criticize the candidates that will win.
I only read it so I could tell you how you're wrong. Don't underestimate the power of your own brand!
Maybe. But I like it open. It's not like I'm going in to troll or sabotage the primary -- though I know others will do that. If Texas closed theirs though, no biggie -- the benefit is pretty marginal.
