I’ve scrupulously avoided politics on this blog for some years now, as any post of political persuasion seems to ignite passion and lead to endless discussion. Well, I’ve kept my mouth shut for long enough during these nightmarish months and I want to say a few things that are probably obvious to anyone who reads this blog (I can’t imagine any Trump supporters finding anything of interest here).
I’m just stupefied that even 40% of Americans support this ugly, aggressive, lying bully. I have always liked (maybe “loved” is too strong a word) Americans. I’ve been in 45 states, made the 3000 mile cross-country trip by auto six times, and have had continuously wonderful experiences with Americans from coast-to-coast. Truck drivers, farmers, waitresses, gas station attendants, cops (yes — a bunch of them), store keepers, people-in-the-street, invariably friendly and helpful.
I just don’t understand how any Americans can support Trump. How can anyone look at him and not be repulsed?
Bill Maher had a wonderful program this week. He interviewed Pres. Obama at the White House, who was relaxed, insightful, and humorous. Graceful. I’m proud of him. Bill was passionate this time around. His opening remarks were carefully crafted and perceptive. Chris Christie as attorney general, Rudy Giuliani as head of the FBI… there wasn’t much comedy in this episode.
I want to encourage anyone who doesn’t intend to vote, or is thinking of a third-party candidate, to vote for Hillary. Period. Over and out. Please vote.
From Paul Krugman, today’s New York Times:
“…So in the days ahead it will be important to remember two things. First, Mrs. Clinton has actually run a remarkable campaign, demonstrating her tenacity in the face of unfair treatment and remaining cool under pressure that would have broken most of us.
Second, and much more important, if she wins it will be thanks to Americans who stood up for our nation’s principles — who waited for hours on voting lines contrived to discourage them, who paid attention to the true stakes in this election rather than letting themselves be distracted by fake scandals and media noise.
Those citizens deserve to be honored, not disparaged, for doing their best to save the nation from the effects of badly broken institutions. Many people have behaved shamefully this year — but tens of millions of voters kept their faith in the values that truly make America great.”
Love your blog. But I also cannot understand how can anyone look at Hillary and not be repulsed.
Canadian here. Fingers crossed, worrying. I've watched the Clintons, both of them, being accused, lied about, demonized, for at least 20 years now. It started with the Religious Right, afaik. Financial skulldudgery, murder, theft, and now treason; nothing sticks, in spite of the efforts brought about to bring them down. And yet, a friend who should know better tells me they're a "Crime Syndicate".
We (the US and the world) are in for some difficult years, no matter who wins this election. Worse than difficult, if it's Trump. His supporters are going to be wondering what hit them, once none of his promises pan out.
Agree 100%, elect Clinton for your children's and countries future. The amazing thing is Trump's primary opponents like Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio and 14 others allowed themselves to be bullied and defeated without a wimper then or now. Only HW Bush, of all influential Republicans, has spoken against Trump. The rest have caved to an opponent without a governing track record who was not a Republican three years earlier. I believe there are 40% on either side that would vote for the devil as long as he or she were their parties candidate. To think these voting blocks really care about experience, integrity, safety or leadership is clearly wrong if it means voting against their parties nominee. I am confident that if Trump were the Democrat and Clinton were the Republican, both with their views as is, Trump would be crucified by the right and grudgingly supported by the political left. As is Trump is probably the most dangerous candidate since Goldwater, a Republican who also advocated use the nuke card.
Just as worried about my kids' future under a Trump presidency over here in the north of England! Where is the love these days…seemingly absent the world over.
ps – huge fan of your books Lloyd
Lloyd, I agree with you 100%. Trump is truly horrifying and it is unbelievable to me that anyone could support him.
Long time blog reader and sort of Trump supporter. Two bad choices this election, and given the choice between a vulgar loud mouth egotist, and a person who even her own staff thinks lies constantly, who paid people to start fights at a rivals political rally, who spearheaded a war in Libya that was a disaster all around, who was so careless with government business that she had her maid print her emails, who violates any rule she doesn't like, who formed a "charity" that she used to sell influence and access, and who exposed state secrets to virtually any hacker at all and which certainly makes her blackmail bait, well, I feel forced to go with the loud mouth vulgar egotist. I find it shocking as well that what we learn about her and her party has to come from Wikileaks. Where is the press? Oh, why they are feeding debate questions to our gal, who seems to have no problem accepting them and using them – cheating, in other words. She's a constitutional crisis in the making. Ugh.
I agree Lloyd, as someone living on the other side of the world (Australia) I can tell you we are totally mystified as to how he has gotten this far. We are praying that clear thinking Americans actually go and vote to ensure he does not reach office, rather than tut-tut from the sidelines after they failed to take action to prevent it happening. The world does not need or want his influence and approach to destabilise it further. Please vote !!! (for Hillary) 🙂
The rest of the world looks on in amazment.
For any one who thinks that Trump will do anything to help any one but himself, DREAM ON.
Wake up America.
I can't say that I don't completely disagree with you, but no mention of Hillary's enormous path of corruption leaves me a bit bewildered. I have followed you for many years and absolutely love everything about you and your work on sustainable, innovative, and DIY living (with a little scateboarding to boot-lol)including you overflowing love of people in general. And as a leaning-conservative I will continue to follow you for those reasons. To be honest, I come here not just to learn, but find it a pleasant respite from the over-abundance of political activism that is inescapable (even for a moment) in today's highly connected cyber world. I respect your opinion, but do hope that the polarization doesn't appear more than once every 4 years, if at all. Keep up the good work that brings us all together, and less on what tears us apart, and I believe 'that' is a more powerful step in changing the world for the better than anything.
Amen, Anon. Very well said.
Many of my friends and I are very well educated professionals but we love Trump.
Please look beyond his crassness. That is what one needs to run a construction business in NYC and world wide.
Look, he does not need pop stars to attract attention.
Trump is a new force to last. Please don't say only un educated whites support Trump.
We are tired of the platitude of traditional politicians. all talks, all corruptions, no real actions.
Peace to USA and all.
https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/
The election is over.
The results of over 40 years of propaganda, poor schooling and endless distraction are on world-wide display.
Read the text of his victory 'speech'
He says nothing about nothing, as usual.
Jesus H. Christ, we are in for a far rougher ride than we might have been with Hilary.
I appreciate your blog and I am sorry to sully it with this.