Those tweets were irresponsible and reckless - Trump in a nutshell.

Pictures from these protests and news coverage showed Confederate Flags (here we go again), Nazi symbols, guys dressed in camouflage carrying guns. This is just what we need in a pandemic? Somebody tell me what the things I mentioned have to do with a pandemic and state that you support those things.

This is what Trump does best - gives mixed messages. Day 1 says he has total authority, Day 2 says it will be left to the states, Day 3 prods on protestors. Is this the leadership the country wants and needs?

Notice that he only went after states with Dem governors. If that isn't political, someone explain why it isn't. Many of the GOP governors are pretty much taking the same viewpoints as the governors of the 3 Dem states Trump attacked in his world of tweets, yet he didn't go after the GOP governors. Political?

And let me clarify. I get that many people are struggling economically. How many of the protestors are protesting over economic conditions versus protesting because they want a hands off gov't even in times when the gov't is looking out for their health and that of society as a whole at a time that most of us have never seen anything like in our lifetimes? At some point the health of society has to take priority otherwise there will be no economy. I have no doubt someone will argue the opposite, but if you are dead, then you end up on the short end of the argument. And if you end up sick and transmitting to family members and other members of society, then what does that say?

[Edited on 4/19/2020 by MartinD28]

Is it political, or is it just a guy who has spent a lifetime embracing chaos, contradiction and unease as a leadership style?

In the right contexts, this approach works extremely well.

How many of the protesters are protesting over economic conditions versus protesting because they want a hands off gov't even in times when the gov't is looking out for their health and that of society as a whole at a time that most of us have never seen anything like in our lifetimes?

Because they don't think it's a big deal to begin with?

If one doesn't know anyone who has had this disease and one doesn't care how horrifically and quickly it kills, then it's very easy to consider whatever alternative motives may be behind it all.

And let me clarify. I get that many people are struggling economically. How many of the protestors are protesting over economic conditions versus protesting because they want a hands off gov't even in times when the gov't is looking out for their health and that of society as a whole at a time that most of us have never seen anything like in our lifetimes? At some point the health of society has to take priority otherwise there will be no economy.

Trump is exploiting those who are itching for a violent confrontation to create a distraction from his failure as a leader during this enormous crisis. States' rights has been a rallying cry for many. Now, when states are actually exercising their rights to do what is best for themselves, Trump's become unhinged because HE's not 100% in control. He STILL doesn't get that his authority isn't absolute.

How does setting up governors as assassination targets help him?

As to your question of who is protesting, workers - even those who wouldn't normally qualify for unemployment benefits - can receive amped-up benefits under CARE through July. Are they willing to risk their lives to return to work earlier when nothing is different than before the shutdowns? There's no antibody test, vaccine, or treatment. All we know now is that once the virus gets into a workplace, it spreads quickly & there is no vulnerable population. 20-somethings get it. So do 50-somethings. Seems like opportunistic groups are more likely to be out in group protests.

Trump is exploiting those who are itching for a violent confrontation to create a distraction from his failure as a leader during this enormous crisis. States' rights has been a rallying cry for many. Now, when states are actually exercising their rights to do what is best for themselves, Trump's become unhinged because HE's not 100% in control. He STILL doesn't get that his authority isn't absolute.

How does setting up governors as assassination targets help him?

I think you give him too much credit. He's not that deep. Anyone who doesn't shower him with praise, he attacks. The press briefings have become mini-rallies, all about him.

If any other American publically did the the things Trump the Treason is doing, I am pretty sure we would be charged with inciting civil unrest and calling for violent civil disobedience? They should have the protesters sign in so they can notify next of kin easier when they start dying of virus! My buddy and is his wife are hard core Trumpies, they live one county south of me, here in Indiana, where we vote red and our necks are red, she was badly harassed and teased at the local grocery store, for wearing a mask, they were real hurt and sad, especially when I was sure to point out that it was their good old Trumpsters that were harassing her..........the world is upside down??...........we gotta hang in.......joe

[Edited on 4/19/2020 by crazyjoe]

I sh!t You not, and like I said she seemed a bit oblivious that it was her own Red Trumpsters that harassed her, she was hurt by it, sounded significant, I didn't hurt her by pointing out it was her own Reds, but of course I badgered my buddy gently, he is a Red extremist, old and mean so I tread lightly?.........let some music soothe You..........joe

If any other American publically did the the things Trump the Treason is doing, I am pretty sure we would be charged with inciting civil unrest and calling for violent civil disobedience? They should have the protesters sign in so they can notify next of kin easier when they start dying of virus! My buddy and is his wife are hard core Trumpies, they live one county south of me, here in Indiana, where we vote red and our necks are red, she was badly harassed and teased at the local grocery store, for wearing a mask, they were real hurt and sad, especially when I was sure to point out that it was their good old Trumpsters that were harassing her..........the world is upside down??...........we gotta hang in.......joe

[Edited on 4/19/2020 by crazyjoe]

Harassed by those who are either brainwashed into thinking it's the latest fad of Trump stated hoaxes, or they believe wearing a max infringes on their liberties. God forbid they those in the grocery store catch something. Maybe they should not call the doctor or the rescue squad if they start to feel the signs. Those spots should be reserved for those who have common sense and understand the severity and dangers of a pandemic that is killing by the thousands, and the total deaths are increasing daily. It's real.

I think you give him too much credit. He's not that deep. Anyone who doesn't shower him with praise, he attacks. The press briefings have become mini-rallies, all about him.

All true, but this had a more sinister tone given the Democratic targets & specific reference to guns in Virginia. He'd just come from a press rally where he laid out the blueprint for governors to use when he got the urge to tweet.

If @crazyjoe's Trumpster friend was harassed by her comrades for wearing a mask at the grocery store, imagine what they'd do if their leader pointed out opposition targets. Trump isn't deep or smart, but his disciples are dangerous.

Pictures from these protests and news coverage showed Confederate Flags (here we go again), Nazi symbols, guys dressed in camouflage carrying guns. This is just what we need in a pandemic? Somebody tell me what the things I mentioned have to do with a pandemic and state that you support those things.
[Edited on 4/19/2020 by MartinD28]

I must be missing something, or you're watching a different news channel that I do (CBS, NBC, ABC, OAN, Al-Jazeera, BBC One).

I've seen "Trump2020" signs, but I haven't seen any of the things you mentioned in the protests of the stay at home orders.
Could you post some links to photos/news reports with what you are describing?
Note: Just went through several pages of Google search about stay at home protests. No Confederate flags on any of the news reports (CNN, ABC, CBS, The Guardian, NBC, Vox). Did see one photo of a man with a rifle, but no location was given as to where/when the photo was taken.

I'll strongly agree with anybody who calls Trump any harsh name that they want. The man's a jacka$$, for sure. I wish the Democrats were running a candidate who has a snowballs chance in hell come November.

*Trump’s a jackass
*Trump will surely be re elected

If he’s that bad then what is your description of the Democrats challenging him
If they’ve not a snowball’s chance in hell against a jackass, what does that make them?

Have never understood this line of thinking
If he’s re elected, it will be b/c the incumbent enjoys more support in the nation than his enemies will Ever admit - even in the face of being outvoted

Some of Trump's opponents do say how bad he is and then at the same time think he will be reelected.

I think he will not be reelected because he continues to show how bad he is.

So I don't know their line of thinking. It might just be setting themselves up to expect the worst now, so that if by some chance he would reelection at least they have partially prepared for it. Other times I think it is just to make a point to call out how terrible they think about half this country is. What is Trump's base, 30% of the voting public? He can't win on his base alone, the numbers are not there. Trump is going to face enormous turnout to vote him out, enormous. When it comes to elections, I think it is easier to rally cries for change than it is rally support to keep what is status quo, especially when so many are outraged at what a Trump status quo has become. As a whole, status quo people don't get all energized and fired up to keep what we have, I mean sure some do, but once you have what you want it is harder to keep fighting for it vs fighting to get something you don't have. People fighting for change get very fired up and determined to make a difference.

Both bases are going to be into this election no doubt, but I will give an edge to the Democratic base in overall turnout and enthusiasm even if some of the primary data showed contrary. That leaves the middle. I can't see a lot of middle voters coming out for Trump in large numbers. Like we talk about here, it's only a handful of states, unless Trump flips a couple close ones, but the Dems could flip a couple close ones. Theory there could be more states in play than anticipated. At the end of the day, I still can not see a repeat in states like PA, MI and WI. Those normally blue states going red for Trump isn't going to happen again I don't think. But you don't do it on paper, you have to play the game.

Joe Biden is a fine candidate. I'm not in agreement from a policy perspective, but he isn't or shouldn't be a bad President just looking at things independently. The problem I do have is his mental abilities and capacities are dimming. He could end up being a figure head - which just makes you wonder what the actual policy will be and who will be controlling the show.

Here is what I hope. If Trump is reelected I want Democrats in the House and Senate. If Biden is elected I want Republicans in the House and Senate. These people can not work together to save their lives, but damn it that is really what needs to happen. If we get Democrat leadership in both bodies and a Trump second term, I wonder just how "reckless" and "conservative" he'll actually be when the Senate isn't there to protect him. Really, if we had to have Trump as POTUS the first time around, I think things could've been different with Democrats in control of both houses. Once Trump realized the power he had with Republicans by his side, everything went to his head, I mean more than it does anyway.

Pictures from these protests and news coverage showed Confederate Flags (here we go again), Nazi symbols, guys dressed in camouflage carrying guns. This is just what we need in a pandemic? Somebody tell me what the things I mentioned have to do with a pandemic and state that you support those things.
[Edited on 4/19/2020 by MartinD28]

I must be missing something, or you're watching a different news channel that I do (CBS, NBC, ABC, OAN, Al-Jazeera, BBC One).

I've seen "Trump2020" signs, but I haven't seen any of the things you mentioned in the protests of the stay at home orders.
Could you post some links to photos/news reports with what you are describing?
Note: Just went through several pages of Google search about stay at home protests. No Confederate flags on any of the news reports (CNN, ABC, CBS, The Guardian, NBC, Vox). Did see one photo of a man with a rifle, but no location was given as to where/when the photo was taken.

I was watching TV while doing my day job. Can't remember what channel - probably CNN or MSNBC. It was there as described. Maybe Michigan, but I can't remember specifically as that was last week when the report was presented but as described was front & center. I doubt that shoudn't surprise anyone. I just thought it weird that a pandemic brought out the same mindset that sees basic freedoms trampled upon. Yesterday saw people at protests not social distancing - some wearing masks and some not.

What's the correlation between trying to save lives and confederate flags (for example)? Do you think these were organic rallies?

If any other American publically did the the things Trump the Treason is doing, I am pretty sure we would be charged with inciting civil unrest and calling for violent civil disobedience? They should have the protesters sign in so they can notify next of kin easier when they start dying of virus! My buddy and is his wife are hard core Trumpies, they live one county south of me, here in Indiana, where we vote red and our necks are red, she was badly harassed and teased at the local grocery store, for wearing a mask, they were real hurt and sad, especially when I was sure to point out that it was their good old Trumpsters that were harassing her..........the world is upside down??...........we gotta hang in.......joe

[Edited on 4/19/2020 by crazyjoe]

Harassed by those who are either brainwashed into thinking it's the latest fad of Trump stated hoaxes, or they believe wearing a max infringes on their liberties. God forbid they those in the grocery store catch something. Maybe they should not call the doctor or the rescue squad if they start to feel the signs. Those spots should be reserved for those who have common sense and understand the severity and dangers of a pandemic that is killing by the thousands, and the total deaths are increasing daily. It's real.

Check your PMs

Got it. Thx pops. Backatcha.

Some of Trump's opponents do say how bad he is and then at the same time think he will be reelected.

I think he will not be reelected because he continues to show how bad he is.

I believe he will be for two reasons.

1) Joe Biden is an old bully who is moments away from a mental train wreck, If this gent is seriously the most qualified person the Dems can send out...

2) The Dems and the left continue to sport the same rose colored glasses they wore in 2016.

"Why can't everyone see the same Donald Trump we see"?

Because they don't. And when voting day rolls around, once again the Polls will have been wrong because the masses do not appreciate any attempts at expressing their support for the President resulting in a verbal beat down, thus the polarization continues and 50% of the Nation will be in shock.

I believe he will be for two reasons.

1) Joe Biden is an old bully who is moments away from a mental train wreck, If this gent is seriously the most qualified person the Dems can send out...

2) The Dems and the left continue to sport the same rose colored glasses they wore in 2016. ...

We rarely agree. The raving, orange lunatic ... or the guy who can't remember why he walked into the room. Who should I thank for the fact that the Democrats chose their candidate before my state even held their primary?

Pictures from these protests and news coverage showed Confederate Flags (here we go again), Nazi symbols, guys dressed in camouflage carrying guns. This is just what we need in a pandemic? Somebody tell me what the things I mentioned have to do with a pandemic and state that you support those things.
[Edited on 4/19/2020 by MartinD28]

I must be missing something, or you're watching a different news channel that I do (CBS, NBC, ABC, OAN, Al-Jazeera, BBC One).

I've seen "Trump2020" signs, but I haven't seen any of the things you mentioned in the protests of the stay at home orders.
Could you post some links to photos/news reports with what you are describing?
Note: Just went through several pages of Google search about stay at home protests. No Confederate flags on any of the news reports (CNN, ABC, CBS, The Guardian, NBC, Vox). Did see one photo of a man with a rifle, but no location was given as to where/when the photo was taken.

I was watching TV while doing my day job. Can't remember what channel - probably CNN or MSNBC. It was there as described. Maybe Michigan, but I can't remember specifically as that was last week when the report was presented but as described was front & center. I doubt that shoudn't surprise anyone. I just thought it weird that a pandemic brought out the same mindset that sees basic freedoms trampled upon. Yesterday saw people at protests not social distancing - some wearing masks and some not.

What's the correlation between trying to save lives and confederate flags (for example)? Do you think these were organic rallies?

Finally found a photo stating "Protesters wave a Confederate flag block traffic around Michigan State Capitol"
on the Daily Mail website.
Still couldn't find any others, even though many reports say "they were waving Confederate flags" at many locations.
Funny that someone in Michigan was waving the Confederate Naval Battle Flag at a local protest.

Funny that someone in Michigan was waving the Confederate Naval Battle Flag at a local protest.

I doubt they have any clue as to the objective historical interest nor do they share your personal family honor and sacrifice that exists on a separate plane than the more unsavory realities this flag represents.

Anyone barbaric enough to wave it at a protest only has the most extremely base aspects of the symbol at heart.

[Edited on 4/20/2020 by BrerRabbit]

Then again, it has been reported that there are more KKK members in the northern states than the southern ones.