For some years, I subscribed to my “Biggest Motherfucker Theory of Electoral Politics,” which posits that, in any election, the best candidate – both in terms of running and governing - is likely to be the biggest motherfucker in the race. One need not be the most vitriolic candidate to be the biggest motherfucker, only the most willing to do the dirtiest deeds. Lyndon Johnson is a good example. The dude was both a horse trader and a horse whipper. Bill Clinton was the biggest motherfucker in the race. Obama was a bigger motherfucker than Romney. George W. Bush was a bigger motherfucker than both Al Gore and John Kerry. And so on…
I tend to be very critical of the Biden Admin's handling of Israel/Gaza and a lot of the policy around the conflict. That said, I really don't get how anybody can conclude that this wouldn't have happened under trump. You're right - it's ahistorical. And it's maddening, too.
In addition to everything you stated, I'd say that Trump's biggest liability is his susceptibility to bribes and blackmail. He and his despicable family have their money-grabbing arms elbow-deep into China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. Anything these three corrupt states command of him, he will do.
Bravo, Michael. Bravo. I stand with you. Thank you for shining a light.
I do feel that it is important to recognize that Joe has been (more than?) a little slow to bring behind-the-scenes U.S. efforts, that need to now come to the fore, to use our influence - and weaponry - to pull this ultra-right Israeli government back from killing thousands of innocents and making Gaza an uninhabitable hellscape, threatening its people with starvation.
Biden did finally publicly stated his support for a two state solution, better late than never. . Netanyahu and his cronies are Israel's Trump and GOP, and, under the very real threat of Hamas and a wider regional war, far too many Israeli's have become OK with the IDF's carpet bombing an oppressed people.
Joe and the U.S. government have to now put respect for human rights - the right to life, above all - at the heart of our approach to this horrendous powder-keg of a regional conflict. It is past time for Joe's very real personal compassion to be reflected in our moral, and military, leadership in the U.S.'s role in finding a settlement to this conflict, one that preserves the safety and security of both the children of Gaza AND Israel, including the West Bank, now and in the future.
I hope that he - and we - are up to the task, along with the absolute existential necessity of preventing our own con-man of a Biggest Motherfucker's return to power, something that keeps me awake at night, and would threaten...everyone, everywhere. Keep speaking out, we need you.
"The paradox of American might is that we are at our strongest when we are the most compassionate. We are mightiest when we are our most merciful. When we are excellent, our excellence comes from our example. Too many motherfuckers who live here get that shit backwards."
Another eloquent statement.
Reading this substack has become my favorite part of the day because while so much else reminds me of how horrible things are and can be, this also then reminds me of how empathetic and good we can be.
LOVE your conclusion. When we show mercy and compassion, we're at our best. I think this is the true heartbeat of America. If we abandon this in the 2024 election, our heart will go into shock; a fate that could send our country into a coma, then death. It's that simple. How many could survive this?
The problem with blaming Joe for the needless and senseless Gaza civilian and children deaths is that our nation has been supporting Israel militarily and somewhat supported their government’s militant stand on Palestinians on a bi-partisan basis since 1948. This easily could’ve happened under Bush, Trump, Reagan, Obama, Clinton, Bush 2, et al.
The Afghan withdrawal crisis and deaths also would’ve happened under any President regardless of party because that was an un winnable occupation. No hearts and minds were won. One need just reflect on Russia’s adventures in Afghan in the 1980s to see how unconquerable that nations populace is.
I tend to be very critical of the Biden Admin's handling of Israel/Gaza and a lot of the policy around the conflict. That said, I really don't get how anybody can conclude that this wouldn't have happened under trump. You're right - it's ahistorical. And it's maddening, too.
In addition to everything you stated, I'd say that Trump's biggest liability is his susceptibility to bribes and blackmail. He and his despicable family have their money-grabbing arms elbow-deep into China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. Anything these three corrupt states command of him, he will do.
Bravo, Michael. Bravo. I stand with you. Thank you for shining a light.
I do feel that it is important to recognize that Joe has been (more than?) a little slow to bring behind-the-scenes U.S. efforts, that need to now come to the fore, to use our influence - and weaponry - to pull this ultra-right Israeli government back from killing thousands of innocents and making Gaza an uninhabitable hellscape, threatening its people with starvation.
Biden did finally publicly stated his support for a two state solution, better late than never. . Netanyahu and his cronies are Israel's Trump and GOP, and, under the very real threat of Hamas and a wider regional war, far too many Israeli's have become OK with the IDF's carpet bombing an oppressed people.
Joe and the U.S. government have to now put respect for human rights - the right to life, above all - at the heart of our approach to this horrendous powder-keg of a regional conflict. It is past time for Joe's very real personal compassion to be reflected in our moral, and military, leadership in the U.S.'s role in finding a settlement to this conflict, one that preserves the safety and security of both the children of Gaza AND Israel, including the West Bank, now and in the future.
I hope that he - and we - are up to the task, along with the absolute existential necessity of preventing our own con-man of a Biggest Motherfucker's return to power, something that keeps me awake at night, and would threaten...everyone, everywhere. Keep speaking out, we need you.
Right all the way Michael.
"The paradox of American might is that we are at our strongest when we are the most compassionate. We are mightiest when we are our most merciful. When we are excellent, our excellence comes from our example. Too many motherfuckers who live here get that shit backwards."
Another eloquent statement.
Reading this substack has become my favorite part of the day because while so much else reminds me of how horrible things are and can be, this also then reminds me of how empathetic and good we can be.
As the phrase goes, "You are never as tall as when you stoop to help a child." Might and compassion.
On Trump as supposed peacenik, don’t forget the U.S. military deaths in Niger in 2017
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongo_Tongo_ambush?wprov=sfti1#
LOVE your conclusion. When we show mercy and compassion, we're at our best. I think this is the true heartbeat of America. If we abandon this in the 2024 election, our heart will go into shock; a fate that could send our country into a coma, then death. It's that simple. How many could survive this?
Joe is a human man. Cheeto is a bot.
The problem with blaming Joe for the needless and senseless Gaza civilian and children deaths is that our nation has been supporting Israel militarily and somewhat supported their government’s militant stand on Palestinians on a bi-partisan basis since 1948. This easily could’ve happened under Bush, Trump, Reagan, Obama, Clinton, Bush 2, et al.
The Afghan withdrawal crisis and deaths also would’ve happened under any President regardless of party because that was an un winnable occupation. No hearts and minds were won. One need just reflect on Russia’s adventures in Afghan in the 1980s to see how unconquerable that nations populace is.
The current GOP front runner can’t even commiserate with people who have experienced a flood or earthquake.