Thankfully I was not raised to have any particular political views. I once asked my father who he was going to vote for during the Reagan era and was told it was none of my business. I have friends (republican) who were raised on their parent’s political views, which in most cases were tied into their religious beliefs. As with religious views their political views are pretty static to this day. I don’t judge them, debate them, or others who independently affiliate with the GOP. What’s that saying that goes something like ‘know that I’m not you and we’ll get along just fine.’ (?) That’s my motto. However, with people who disrespect my views, it’s ‘game on.’ Take your best shot. lol.

Anyway, my point is the GOP used to stand for something - mainly fiscal conservatism - which can be argued ended with Reagan. Ecomonics have gone out the window. If we sought out the brightest economic minds to lead our country, we wouldn’t be dealing with this 3 ring Sh it show with PT Barnum at the helm. It’s devolved into a cult of personality, zero sum game. One of the parties is going to win big and demolish the other. Polls show it will be the dems. There are enough people who aren’t afraid to show their faces, take one for the team, and stick up for people who are being bullied. They’re the real heroes. They stand for something bigger than themselves, which is how this country has evolved. (To this point)

I think we've seen the parties weave in and out, move to the extremes and then drift back toward center and then toward extremes again.....they evolve...they don't look like the parties I observed as a kid. I will say that.

As a kid, I had grandparents who were very politically active. My grandmother was a delegate to the Democratic convention in 1968. She attended Robert Kennedy's funeral.
One year in the 70s, my grandparents ran against each other in a local election. My grandfather was always a Republican.
That year, he won and Grandma lost. The election night party was held at their home.....together. Republicans and Democrats having a combined party. I was there. I remember it as fun, no tension.

On the other side of the family, my grandfather had a portrait of JFK over his fireplace mantel. I asked him to explain....he said the Democrats kept his family from starvation as a kid. He grew up during the Depression.

I remember when I was in the second grade I wrote a letter to president Nixon. I can’t recall what I wrote about, but it was intelligible enough to receive a response. It came in a manila envelope which contained a thank you note and a couple large, glossy headshots of Nixon. My father LHAO. My letters to NASA received more fruitful responses with glossies of the solar system, space capsules and astronauts.
Remember the constant RIF commercials in the 70s wanting book donations? Around the same time I decided to compose a couple of books to donate, made of colored paper and yarn. My sister saw them and asked what they were. When I told her I was donating them to RIF, she also LHAO.

I appreciate the lecture on post-pandemic America. But most cities have not crumbled the way San Francisco has. Unclear why you can't post without a reference to Trump . The problems in San Francisco are not of Trump's doing. But you are going to keep posting that, without direct knowledge or facts, so I'm going to quietly give up trying to explain it to you. And I am not a Trump fan, or MAGA, or any other name you'll call me with missing letters.

@Minime wrote:

@Cassiespark wrote:

His name is Gavin Newsom. No e on the end.

Do any of you live in CA? Simply curious. We left after 15 years there. Know Gavin personally, when he was mayor of SF. Watched the state spiral and continue to spriral. I'm back in the Bay Area frequently for work, and its gut wrenching to see what has happened there.

So, no, I would never vote for him. With or without the extra e.

Thanks for the spelling correction. I guess I don’t see his name in print enough.
As far as SF goes, welcome to post-pandemic America. Cities are struggling across the country. There’s a general feeling of unease with people pulling back, afraid of the future. It leads to depression and social unrest brought on by a leader of the ‘free world’ who is corrupt, and tried to overthrow our democracy. He may continue to be propped up by his underlings for a power grab and to line their own pockets. It needs to be stopped.

Newsom is sending the loudest message that Rump is going for broke. It’s become obvious by the way Rump has made enemies of so many of his own supporters. You don’t need to live in CA to see that Newsom is a very caring, capable leader, which is why he’s supported by all classes in CA.

He’s going to really get under Rump’s skin. Lol! Rump hates how polished and well spoken he is. Rump won’t be able to claim he’s ’better looking’ than him either, like he claimed he was better looking than Mamdami on 60 Minutes. We all know what he’s implying and it’s truly ugly. His dementia can’t be blamed for that. It’s pure racist hate.

@Cassiespark wrote:

I appreciate the lecture on post-pandemic America. I DON’T RECALL SAYING ‘OK CLASS, THE TOPIC OF TODAY’S LECTURE IS ‘THE FLIGHT OF RESETTLED HEARTLAND TRUMPSTERS FROM POST COUNTERCULTURE SAN FRANCISCO. CAN GILDED SKYBOXES ON THE ROCK AND SEWAGE DUMPS IN THE BAY DECREASE THE EFFECTS OF AMERICAN CARNAGE AND LEAD TO BETTER OUTCOMES’ DID EVERYONE GET THE HANDOUT? But most cities have not crumbled the way San Francisco has. OK I’LL TAKE YOUR WORD FOR IT SINCE GETTING YOU TO EXPLAIN EXACTLY HOW WOULD BE TOO FRUSTRATING FOR YOU TO ANSWER. Unclear why you can't post without a reference to Trump . EQUALLY UNCLEAR WHY YOU CARE SO MUCH, NOT BEING A TRUMPSTER AND ALL…The problems in San Francisco are not of Trump's doing. STILL WAITING ON YOUR REASONING OR DATA. YOU’VE GOT SOME TIME BEFORE THE COWS COME HOME. But you are going to keep posting that, without direct knowledge or facts, so I'm going to quietly give up trying to explain it to you. GIVE UP BEFORE YOU STARTED? WHERE’S THE GONG SHOW HOOK WHEN YOU NEED IT? And I am not a Trump fan, JUDAS or MAGA, NOW THAT THE TIDES HAVE TURNED or any other name you'll call me with missing letters. OK, GOING FORWARD I’LL SKIP THE C. NOW PLEASE GO QUIETLY.

@Minime wrote:

@Cassiespark wrote:

His name is Gavin Newsom. No e on the end.

Do any of you live in CA? Simply curious. We left after 15 years there. Know Gavin personally, when he was mayor of SF. Watched the state spiral and continue to spriral. I'm back in the Bay Area frequently for work, and its gut wrenching to see what has happened there.

So, no, I would never vote for him. With or without the extra e.

Thanks for the spelling correction. I guess I don’t see his name in print enough.
As far as SF goes, welcome to post-pandemic America. Cities are struggling across the country. There’s a general feeling of unease with people pulling back, afraid of the future. It leads to depression and social unrest brought on by a leader of the ‘free world’ who is corrupt, and tried to overthrow our democracy. He may continue to be propped up by his underlings for a power grab and to line their own pockets. It needs to be stopped.

Newsom is sending the loudest message that Rump is going for broke. It’s become obvious by the way Rump has made enemies of so many of his own supporters. You don’t need to live in CA to see that Newsom is a very caring, capable leader, which is why he’s supported by all classes in CA.

He’s going to really get under Rump’s skin. Lol! Rump hates how polished and well spoken he is. Rump won’t be able to claim he’s ’better looking’ than him either, like he claimed he was better looking than Mamdami on 60 Minutes. We all know what he’s implying and it’s truly ugly. His dementia can’t be blamed for that. It’s pure racist hate.

one man once told me: American people like tall candidates. That is why Ross Perot and Mike Bloombers with all millions they have were not choices.

Gavin is the ONE.

@gene wrote:

one man once told me: American people like tall candidates. That is why Ross Perot and Mike Bloombers with all millions they have were not choices.

Gavin is the ONE.

Waiting for Rump to give him the inevitable nickname of NewSCUM. It’s just a matter of time…

Minime, The orange menace already calls him that. Has been for months.

@gene wrote:

one man once told me: American people like tall candidates. That is why Ross Perot and Mike Bloombers with all millions they have were not choices.

Gavin is the ONE.

My husband is 6'6" and there is definitely a tall guy privilege in America.

@Morledzep wrote:

Minime, The orange menace already calls him that. Has been for months.

Ugh, I should have known.

I’ve always liked Sen. Mark Kelly. His joint message to the troops along with the other democratic senators who previously served was pretty badass. Rump won’t take on a decorated military man. It would shine a light on the fact that he was a military school brat who was too afraid to serve.
Newsom and Kelly would make a great one, two punch. Rump wouldn’t dream of going up against them. Rump just wants to pillage as long as possible then move to Dubai when his term is up. He doesn’t give a RA about the mess he’ll leave behind.

Minime, I like it.. You're right, Newsom and Kelly would make a great team. And it wouldn't make any difference which order, either would be great as President or VP. Though I don't think I like the idea of Newsom playing second fiddle.

Agreed MLZ. I think Newsom’s spirit animal is a benevolent alpha dog. Kelly’s is a protective rescue dog. They’re different but in tune, being from the same pack.
I would love to see a debate between Kelly and that lazy bone, identity challenged, couch surfing slacker! Not that it would ever be possible. JD is destined to have his very own podcast after he fails in the primary.

Minime, Oh dear, I laughed through your whole post.. I feel just about the same way about JP Madrell (isn't that what the orange cretin called him when he endorsed him for a senate offce a year or two ago?). I don't really call him by any name, because even the one he uses is not the one his mother gave him.