Hardkill

I get your first two points, which is what Leo has talked about before. However, regarding your second two points, you're saying that even though American is primarily center-right culturally, left-wing policies still tend to be more popular than right-wing policies because the country has always kept becoming more and more liberal/progressive in the long-run since the very beginning of the country. You also say that whenever left leaning policies that aren't too far to the left for most Americans get enacted they generally stay as popular and well-respected policies for good, whereas most right-leaning policies that get enacted generally never stay popular for long and most people eventually see how bad they've been for themselves and for the country. Do I have all of that right?

I wish South Korea could save North Korea.

China is currently in serious trouble with their economy. They've been struggling with a real deflation problem for several months and the government has been doing a poor job with not allowing sufficient investment. Top economists also say that the size of China's economy now probably won't be larger than the US economy anytime soon.

Yeah, I worry about all of that. However, apparently a majority of the business community wants Harris/Walz because they don't feel comfortable with the bad extreme anti-business policies of Trump such as high tariffs, anti-global trade, anti-manufacturing, against funding the war in Ukraine, and anti-immigration. Most of them don't like how insane and chaotic Trump is. They've found the policies of Harris/Walz and the Democrats to be more in line with corporations. Remember, the Democratic party is still very much captured by corporate interests and by the interests of urban and suburban educated white collar professionals. In fact, the Democrats has increasingly represented suburban voters who now makeup the majority of voters in America. Also, America is still the most powerful country in the world by far. No other country can come close to matching its power and influence in the world.

What if Israel and other developed countries decided to improve the levels of infrastructure, education, and economy of Palestine in order to help their society develop faster and better? Could that work?

We still don't know that for sure. We don't even know what RFK jr. stands for or even where the hell he even is on the political spectrum. I mean nobody knows what Trump truly stands for ideologically deep down either; however, at least Trump has clearly presented himself to the whole country as a radical right-wing Republican. RFK jr. came off as a liberal Democrat when he first tried to challenge Biden in the 2024 Democratic primaries. Afterwards, he quickly changed to running as some kind of very strange Independent who is not a liberal, not moderate, or a conservative. He has present himself as being all over the place with his message and political platform.

Then, why do they keep going towards the brink of an all out war in the middle east?

I think that Netanyahu and the radical right-wing officials in their government want a wide regional conflict in the middle east and don't mind if their actions or decisions lead to an all out nuclear war in the Middle East. I am sure that they all would be okay if they contributed to the cause of WWIII in the future.

How can Leo still say that the world is still more peaceful and civilized than ever before? Weren't 80s, 90s, early 2000s, and even the 2010s periods of greater of greater peace and civility than what we have had going on in the world since 2020? I fear that 5 to 20 years every remaining democracy around the world, including the US, could all be replaced by dictatorships, and WWIII will occur. Things all around the world keep getting worse and worse and worse.

Let's say that about half of the Republicans in Congress turned out to be secret liberals/progressives and helped the Democrats in Congress pass major pieces of liberal/progressive legislation for the country: Major Policy Shifts: Passage of significant liberal/progressive legislation, potentially including universal healthcare, climate action, gun control, and more. A significant shift in the country's policy direction, potentially leading to a more progressive society. Republican Party Upheaval: A civil war within the Republican Party, with conservative members feeling betrayed and seeking to purge the secret liberals/progressives. Potential splits or rebranding within the party, with some members forming a new, more moderate party. Democratic Party's Reaction: Initial shock and surprise, followed by delight and potential attempts to capitalize on the situation. Potential efforts to work with the secret liberals/progressives to pass even more legislation. Public Reaction: Widespread surprise and confusion, with some people feeling betrayed and others celebrating the unexpected turn of events. Potential increases in political engagement and activism, as people respond to the new political landscape. Historical Precedent: This scenario would be unprecedented in modern American politics, with no clear historical analogue. Potential comparisons to historical events like the Civil War-era Republican Party's shift towards abolitionism or the 1960s Democratic Party's shift towards civil rights. Consequences for the Country: Potential improvements in areas like healthcare, education, and the environment, depending on the legislation passed. A more divided and potentially volatile political climate, with some people resisting the changes and others embracing them. This scenario would be a game-changer for American politics, leading to significant policy shifts and a potential realignment of the political landscape.

I used to think that, but I actually came to realize that those viewpoints are common misconceptions. The truth of the matter is that it was never clear that Gary Johnson took more votes from Trump than from Hillary Clinton in 2016. He actually got some voters who were socially liberal, but also got some voters those who were fiscally conservative. There's no clear evidence that RFK jr. is pulling more votes from Trump than from Harris. The pundits have kept going back and forth between saying "it seem like RFK jr. is taking more votes from Biden" and "it seem like RFK jr. is taking more votes from Trump" and "you know, we thought that RFK jr. is taking more vote from Trump but now it's looking like he's taking more votes from Biden." What most people misunderstand is that you usually cannot parse out which kind of votes or voters a third party candidate is taking more votes from unless there is an absolute clear split from either major party. For example, because Jill Stein and Cornel West are left-wingers they obviously are taking votes only from Harris/Walz. Another example, would be if say Matt Gaetz, who is a hard-right Republican, decided to run for president as another third party presidential candidate in the 2024 presidential election. In that case, Gaetz who categorically be taking votes only from Trump.

I am encouraged about Harris's campaign and she is leading for now; however, we still don't know for sure if she's just going through a honeymoon phase that won't last for long. Also, let's not forget that Hillary Clinton was well ahead in the polls before she lost to Trump in 2016.

I am glad that there's been some re-newed hope for defeating Trump, but I worry that there's now this irrational exuberance going on with the Harris/Walz campaign like there was with Hillary Clinton in 2016 before she lost to Trump. I am still very worried about RFK jr. possibly polling at 10% of higher on average and/or getting on the ballot in enough states to become a spoiler like Gary Johnson was in 2016.

I doubt there would be war on the streets when virtually every progressive policy that they would pass would be popular and beneficial in the long run. Most Americans especially in this day and age like most liberal/progressive policies. Think about how incredibly popular the progressive policies of the Square Deal, the New Freedom, New Deal, and Great Society programs were during each of their respective times were even though most Americans have either been moderates or conservatives. Besides, most Americans are getting totally sick and tired of the Republican and conservative policies in this current age. Most people also no longer want the any neoliberal ideas or policies. This is not no longer the conservative era of politics like it was in the 80s, 90s, or early 2000s. People were hoping that Obama would usher in era a new long lasting era of liberal/progressive politics in America, but he and the Democratic Party let us down with that during the mid 2010s. Most Americans want to go back to having something similar to that of FDR.

That's that same naivety that Michelle Obama said "When they go low, we go high." I say play hardball first and damn the consequences. Only make pragmatic compromises in Congress when you can’t what you want done from playing hardball. How did that work out for the Democratic party during Obama's presidency when they didn't do enough to stop the gerrymandering starting in 2010, didn't do enough building a real liberal/progressive activist movement to counter the growing threat of the radical right, and didn't do enough to stop a monster like Trump from coming to power? How did that work out for all of the mainstream media out there who inadvertently helped Trump get elected president in 2016 and have in fact been complicit in letting the right-wing media get away with their extreme right-wing activism for decades all because they’ve been trying to be “fair and balanced”?

Yeah, but in politics, you have to do whatever it takes to win as long as it is legal. Hell, the FBI, CIA, and various police officers have had to use all kind dirty tactics including undercover work to catch all kinds of criminals. Besides, corruption has always been a major part of politics. In fact, there's been nothing more evil and corruption than Trump, MAGA, and the Republican party. For decades, they've been a radical insurgency who have completely backstabbed every one of their constituents! Trump and all of the GOP elites hate this country and look at all of their constituents with complete and utter disdain. Every time they successfully enact a big tax cut policy and other lavish gifts for the rich white racist elites and the corporate tyrants, they celebrate it by saying "Those stupid voters who voted for us really thought that we were going to pass policies that would be helpful to them and their families. It's always easy to trick those dumb rednecks or those disgusting blue collar workers into voting against their best interests. Ahahahahaa!!!!!"

A lot of that is true, but all of that could be taken away or reverse if we have WWIII/nuclear war, Trump becomes president again and MAGA comes back with a vengeance, more democracies around the word fall, the divisions and fighting in many parts of the world keep getting worse and worse, and if the economic inequality in America and around the world keeps getting worse and worse. It’s no wonder most people around the world don’t feel optimistic about the future like they used to.

If an even larger amount of new secret progressive GOP candidates get elected to Congress after purging the previous ones, pundits and conservative media might react with: 1. Sheer panic: A sense of desperation and hopelessness, feeling that the party is being overrun by progressives. 2. Existential crisis: Questioning the very survival of the Republican Party and conservatism as a viable force in American politics. 3. Accusations of infiltration: Claims that progressives are engaged in a deliberate, coordinated effort to infiltrate and take over the party. 4. Calls for radical action: Demands for drastic measures, such as: Purging entire state parties or local organizations. Implementing strict ideological litmus tests for candidates. Creating a new, more rigidly conservative party. 5. Conspiracy theories: Speculation about shadowy forces, donors, or organizations secretly backing the progressive candidates. 6. Blame-shifting: Pointing fingers at: Party leaders for failing to prevent the infiltration. Moderate Republicans for enabling the progressives. Democrats for allegedly colluding with the progressive Republicans. 7. Crisis mode: A state of emergency, with pundits and media outlets sounding the alarm and urging conservatives to mobilize and take action. 8. Rethinking the party's approach: Some might advocate for reevaluating the party's strategy, messaging, and policies to appeal to a broader audience and prevent further infiltration. Notable reactions could include: Sean Hannity: "This is a catastrophic failure of leadership! We need a complete overhaul of the party!" Tucker Carlson: "The Republican Party is no longer a viable vehicle for conservatism. It's time to consider a new party." Breitbart News: "PROGRESSIVE INVASION: GOP Leaders Fail to Stop Secret Progressive Takeover" Fox News: "CONSERVATIVE CIVIL WAR: Party Leaders Under Fire as Progressives Gain Ground"

I get what you guys are saying, but what if there were secret progressives who pretended to be hardcore right-wing GOP politicians and were okay with serving only one term? That way, the right wing mega donors and the whole party wouldn't be able to do anything about it. Also, I would love to see the shock and anger from every right-winger and GOP leader in the nation: "Betrayal of conservative values and principles." "A coup within the Republican Party." "A new era of bipartisan cooperation and progress." "A betrayal of trust and a violation of campaign promises." "RINO Apocalypse" "The Great Betrayal" "Liberal Wolves in Sheep's Clothing" "The Secret Progressive Coup" Sean Hannity: "This is a betrayal of the highest order! We need to clean house and restore conservative values!" Tucker Carlson: "The Republican Party is being hijacked by progressives. It's time for a new party that truly represents conservative America." Breitbart News: "Secret Progressive GOP Candidates Infiltrate Congress: A Betrayal of Conservative Values" Fox News: "GOP Leaders Under Fire for Allowing Progressive Infiltration"

You sure about that? RFK jr. is even more pro-Israel and more hawkish about the war in Gaza than even Biden and Trump have been. Not once, has RFK jr. called for a ceasefire or even mention a word about the suffering the Palestinians have been going through. At least, Biden, Harris, Walz, and the rest of the Democratic party have been wanting to put an end to the war in Gaza and to help save as many innocent lives in Palestine as possible. Also, Harris was already on the same ticket as Biden was. Plus, look at the record amount of small dollar grassroot funding there has been for her and the tremendous amount of enthusiasm there has been for her. If that doesn't represent what the Democratic voters throughout the entire country truly want for their Democratic nominee for president, then what does?

Man! I think the entire Democratic base is going to be so fired up! Cenk, Sam Seder, Kyle Kulinski, Vaush, BTC, the Pod Save American Bros., etc. and every other liberal/progressive out there are already in such great ecstasy over Walz! I think Michael Moore is also going to love this pick! I never thought that there would already be this much enthusiasm for a Democratic presidential ticket. This really is feeling a lot like Obama in 2008. Maybe, just maybe, we now might have a real chance of defeating Trump and MAGA again. Walz comes off as a very relatable guy to the average everyday America, especially to those in middle America and rural America. He also comes off as a badass who is willing to fight hard for the people and attack Trump and MAGA hard. I think he also should be able to do well with helping Harris win over enough moderates and Independents. In fact, he was already well known for a long time for being a "moderate" during his time as a congressman for several years. Even a significant number of conservative leaning folks and anti-Trump Republicans really seem to appreciate Walz. Plus, more importantly, he did an incredible job with enacting many progressive leaning policies during his time as governor of Minnesota!

I think you're right. It was a tough call, but I think that Shapiro probably turned out to be too controversial of a pick given the fact that he Jewish and criticized too many young people and pro-Palestine voters for their protests. Mark Kelly probably got too much flack for also coming off as "too pro-Israel" and too moderate. Progressives like Cenk thought that Mark Kelly would've been a bad choice because Kelly is too much of an establishment/corporate Democrat and that people don't really care about the fact that he was an astronaut. Plus, I think Democratic operatives thought that their Democratic could not afford to lose a Senate seat if Kelly were to be elected VP. Democrats already have a razor thin majority in the Senate and they are already going to lose a senate seat from West Virginia because Manchin is not running for re-election and Jim Justice, who is the current GOP nominee for Manchin's seat, is too popular and too strong of a candidate for any Democrat to defeat in West Virginia. Liberals/Progressives probably also thought that Buttigieg was also too much of an establishment/corporate Democrat.

Yeah, besides it doesn't look like he is going to be chosen as the VP even though he was one of the 6 VP finalists: The two finalists who are the most likely choices are now Tim Walz and Josh Shapiro. The two finalists who are the 2nd most possible choices are now Mark Kelly and Andy Beshear The two finalists who are the least likely choices are J.B. Pritzker and Pete Buttigieg.