US Presidential Election 2020

Foxtrol · 12-10-2020 04:33PM

Georgia is voting. Crazy lines again but shows how enthusiastic people are and how they aren't waiting for their minds to potentially be changed.

https://twitter.com/JarrodLoadholt/status/1315640680526557189?s=20

https://twitter.com/ByTylerEstep/status/1315662020453240833?s=20

Quin_Dub · 12-10-2020 04:39PM

Foxtrol wrote: »

Georgia is voting. Crazy lines again but shows how enthusiastic people are and how they aren't waiting for their minds to potentially be changed.

https://twitter.com/JarrodLoadholt/status/1315640680526557189?s=20

https://twitter.com/ByTylerEstep/status/1315662020453240833?s=20

Images like that must terrify the GOP.

Here's a question - Is there any major difference between this kind of early "in-person" voting and mail-in voting?

Are they all lumped together and counted after polling day or are the in-person ones collated earlier?

I saw an article the other day saying that about 70% or so of the votes cast so far were early votes and not mail-in , but I don't know of that makes a difference to any "On the night" tallies that might get announced.

briany · 12-10-2020 04:46PM

About this army of poll watchers Donald Trump wanted to recruit, are they at any of these polling stations (where early voting is permitted) and making a scene?

Also, most US states appear to allow some form of early voting. Not being able to make it to vote on election day shouldn't be an excuse for anyone in these places.

mm_surf · 12-10-2020 04:49PM

People don't like it when voter suppression is as obvious as the GOP are making it. Currently living in saint louis, local news had a segment where they said that with early and absentee voting as brisk as it is, turnout could be as high as 75 to 80%, which is astounding.
If it does get that high, then its very bad news for the GOP. any close races won't be close any more.

Could even swing some states! MO is a red state, but ST louis is very blue and a large population compared to the state as a whole.

M.

dark crystal · 12-10-2020 04:50PM

https://twitter.com/SethAbramson/status/1315560290394742784

More dirty tricks from the Republicans - the same Republicans who are crying 'vote fraud!' at the Democrats.

BonnieSituation · 12-10-2020 04:57PM

Foxtrol wrote: »

Georgia is voting. Crazy lines again but shows how enthusiastic people are and how they aren't waiting for their minds to potentially be changed.

https://twitter.com/JarrodLoadholt/status/1315640680526557189?s=20

https://twitter.com/ByTylerEstep/status/1315662020453240833?s=20

Just thank your lucky stars that we have a competent election administration here.

The state of those queues.

monseiur · 12-10-2020 05:00PM

briany wrote: »

I can't help but notice that the US has only had one Catholic president in its history. Does Biden's faith have much of a potential impact on his electability? Is this something that has been studied? We know it couldn't hurt him in areas with Hispanic voters, who tend to be Catholic themselves, or areas with people of Irish, Italian or Polish backgrounds. Does it hurt him much in the Bible Belt, down in the protestant heartlands of the U.S.? Is it a reason for hesitation among those voters, I wonder, in the case where they would traditionally vote Democrat?

Religion has very little to do with it.
Was it James Carville who coined the phrase 'It's the economy stupid'
If America was booming as was the case up to last March, when Covid arrived on the scene, Trump would be elected no question of that.
But with Covid and it's effect on the US economy, Trump is going to be unceremoniously trumped out of office, the tide has turned and there's no going back now. Biden will have a landslide victory in the popular vote, college votes will be closer.
Unfortunately Biden does not have youth on his side and may not be able for the pressure of the job ( He suffered fairly serious aneurisms in the past) But hopefully that's all behind him now.
America needs a young, dynamic leader like JFK right now to drag it kicking and screaming into the 21st centaury.

Water John · 12-10-2020 05:05PM

If Biden appoints the right people in key areas, which looks like what he will do, then it could be a very dynamic presidency.

briany · 12-10-2020 05:11PM

dark crystal wrote: »

More dirty tricks from the Republicans - the same Republicans who are crying 'vote fraud!' at the Democrats.

Still works, except that it becomes a loud proclamation of intent rather than the pointed accusation as it was probably intended.

VinLieger · 12-10-2020 06:02PM

briany wrote: »

Still works, except that it becomes a loud proclamation of intent rather than the pointed accusation as it was probably intended.

As with everything the Republicans have accused others of doing in recent years its just massive projection.

They assume everyone believe the ends justify the means as much as they do therefore since they would be willing to commit voter fraud to win everyone else is also already doing it so they have to as well to balance things out.

Brian? · 12-10-2020 06:09PM

monseiur wrote: »

Religion has very little to do with it.
Was it James Carville who coined the phrase 'It's the economy stupid'
If America was booming as was the case up to last March, when Covid arrived on the scene, Trump would be elected no question of that.
But with Covid and it's effect on the US economy, Trump is going to be unceremoniously trumped out of office, the tide has turned and there's no going back now. Biden will have a landslide victory in the popular vote, college votes will be closer.
Unfortunately Biden does not have youth on his side and may not be able for the pressure of the job ( He suffered fairly serious aneurisms in the past) But hopefully that's all behind him now.
America needs a young, dynamic leader like JFK right now to drag it kicking and screaming into the 21st centaury.

America had a young dynamic leader for 8 years before Trump and the GOP made it their mission to block as much of his agenda as possible.

I'm no fan of Obama, but he was completely hamstrung for 6 years by GOP obstructionism. I can see the same thing happening again to another Dem president.

StringerBell · 12-10-2020 06:32PM

Foxtrol wrote: »

Georgia is voting. Crazy lines again but shows how enthusiastic people are and how they aren't waiting for their minds to potentially be changed.

https://twitter.com/JarrodLoadholt/status/1315640680526557189?s=20

https://twitter.com/ByTylerEstep/status/1315662020453240833?s=20

A guy uploaded his voting time the other day from somewhere in Georgia, can't remember it exactly but think it was like 7 hours 45 minutes to vote. Unbelievable

BonnieSituation · 12-10-2020 06:34PM

StringerBell wrote: »

About uploaded his voting time the other day from somewhere in Georgia, can't remember it exactly but think it was like 7 hours 45 minutes to vote. Unbelievable

"Best democracy"

I wonder does India have such farcical queues?

Quin_Dub · 12-10-2020 06:37PM

Brian? wrote: »

America had a young dynamic leader for 8 years before Trump and the GOP made it their mission to block as much of his agenda as possible.

I'm no fan of Obama, but he was completely hamstrung for 6 years by GOP obstructionism. I can see the same thing happening again to another Dem president.

Which is why getting control of the Senate is essential - If Biden takes the WH but McConnell is still in the chair in the Senate , it'll be a waste of time.

If the Democrats control all three branches after November it is essential that they "front load" their programs - Get all the big stuff done and dusted in the first 2 years because if the Senate were to swing back to GOP control in the mid-terms that would be the end of any legislation being passed.

spacecoyote · 12-10-2020 06:55PM

Brian? wrote: »

America had a young dynamic leader for 8 years before Trump and the GOP made it their mission to block as much of his agenda as possible.

I'm no fan of Obama, but he was completely hamstrung for 6 years by GOP obstructionism. I can see the same thing happening again to another Dem president.

Read a nice piece in the FT earlier, in their swamp notes section about how we can expect to see the Reps get back into their old favourite Fiscal Conservative mode soon. While Obama was in they had the Doomsday Debt clock showing the national debt increase. It did get to 20tn under Obama who was pumping crazy money in to turn around Bushs economic mess.

But under Trump it's now hit 27tn and not a beep. It's gone up at a higher pace than Obama's, supercharged by Trumps tax cuts. But not a peep from the Reps.

If Biden wins you can bet there'll be a timely about face.

The thrust if the piece is basically...debt increase through less tax is good, as it benefits the rich...debt increase through social spending is bad as it benefits those who need it most

Itssoeasy · 12-10-2020 07:19PM

BonnieSituation wrote: »

Just thank your lucky stars that we have a competent election administration here.

The state of those queues.

I can never understand how banjacked a system has be for people to have to que for hours to vote in US elections. Every one I’ve watched there’s always people still in line when the polls close.

I’d say if I’ve had to wait ten minutes to vote in any election, referendum in Ireland that was a lot and ten minutes may be generous. I’m sure I’m not alone in finishing work and getting home, and getting your polling card and walking to vote and it’s grand and handy.

Quin_Dub · 12-10-2020 07:24PM

Itssoeasy wrote: »

I can never understand how banjacked a system has be for people to have to que for hours to vote in US elections. Every one I’ve watched there’s always people still in line when the polls close.

I’d say if I’ve had to wait ten minutes to vote in any election, referendum in Ireland that was a lot and ten minutes may be generous. I’m sure I’m not alone in finishing work and getting home, and getting your polling card and walking to vote and it’s grand and handy.

I've certainly never had to queue outside , at most I've had to wait for a booth come free for a minute or two after getting my ballot papers inside the School hall but never more than that.

I know the actual task of voting takes more time in the US , but even so there being queues like that is utterly ridiculous.

eire4 · 12-10-2020 07:26PM

Quin_Dub wrote: »

I've certainly never had to queue outside , at most I've had to wait for a booth come free for a minute or two after getting my ballot papers inside the School hall but never more than that.

I know the actual task of voting takes more time in the US , but even so there being queues like that is utterly ridiculous.

It is just one of the many examples that show the US is not a functioning democracy at this point IMHO.

salmocab · 12-10-2020 07:35PM

Itssoeasy wrote: »

I can never understand how banjacked a system has be for people to have to que for hours to vote in US elections. Every one I’ve watched there’s always people still in line when the polls close.

I’d say if I’ve had to wait ten minutes to vote in any election, referendum in Ireland that was a lot and ten minutes may be generous. I’m sure I’m not alone in finishing work and getting home, and getting your polling card and walking to vote and it’s grand and handy.

As I’ve said before here they actually have a schedule for it too, the date is fixed in stone they literally have years to plan to an exact date and still can’t seem to get a functioning system. I suspect a major part is that it’s ran by the actual governments and not by an independent body, same reason that gerrymandering happens.

Foxtrol · 12-10-2020 07:46PM

salmocab wrote: »

As I’ve said before here they actually have a schedule for it too, the date is fixed in stone they literally have years to plan to an exact date and still can’t seem to get a functioning system. I suspect a major part is that it’s ran by the actual governments and not by an independent body, same reason that gerrymandering happens.

Lines and general difficulties with voting isn't a mistake, this is the design by the GOP (via actually setting the rules or cutting budgets)

pixelburp · 12-10-2020 07:51PM

I've voted in every major election since I hit 18 and consider it a duty and a right. I have no time for those who skip or ignore voting days ... ... but. I'm not honestly sure I'd have the stomach or patience to queue for 7+ hours to cast a ballot. It's an utterly obscene amount of time and flies in the face of their self promoted mythology. Voter suppression in action.

Brian? · 12-10-2020 08:33PM

Quin_Dub wrote: »

Which is why getting control of the Senate is essential - If Biden takes the WH but McConnell is still in the chair in the Senate , it'll be a waste of time.

If the Democrats control all three branches after November it is essential that they "front load" their programs - Get all the big stuff done and dusted in the first 2 years because if the Senate were to swing back to GOP control in the mid-terms that would be the end of any legislation being passed.

Not just winning the senate. The key is actually holding both chambers of Congress in 2022. It’s the only way they’ll get a decent agenda passed. I wouldn’t put money on it. There’ll be an anit Dem wave in 2022 because the economy will be in the toilet again. Same thing happened to Obama.

Water John · 12-10-2020 08:40PM

The Dems will have to introduce the major changes they want to make in the first 100 days and then implement them in the 2 year window.

TomOnBoard · 12-10-2020 08:46PM

Water John wrote: »

The Dems will have to introduce the major changes they want to make in the first 100 days and then implement them in the 2 year window.

The Dems will need a clean sweep of House, Senate and White House if they have ANY chance of making 'major changes'. Assuming they retain the House, a Biden win which leaves Mc Connell's legislative graveyard in place in the Senate will only paper over the dreadful fissures in U.S. Politics.

Timberrrrrrrr · 12-10-2020 08:52PM

TomOnBoard wrote: »

The Dems will need a clean sweep of House, Senate and White House if they have ANY chance of making 'major changes'. Assuming they retain the House, a Biden win which leaves Mc Connell's legislative graveyard in place in the Senate will only paper over the dreadful fissures in U.S. Politics.

Even then could the Republicans make challenges in court and hope it gets sent to the SCC?

TomOnBoard · 12-10-2020 09:06PM

Timberrrrrrrr wrote: »

Even then could the Republicans make challenges in court and hope it gets sent to the SCC?

They could try for sure.. however, they would have to prove 'standing' to bring cases against a combined Congress/White House in order to take such actions.

I would hope/expect that, facing a deeply Conservative SCOTUS, a Dem Congress/White House would ensure that all future legislative proposals would be fine-toothcombed to ensure adherence to both the letter and the spirit of the Constitution. This would starve the SCOTUS of power to undermine their agenda and lead to better laws.

Igotadose · 12-10-2020 09:07PM

Timberrrrrrrr wrote: »

Even then could the Republicans make challenges in court and hope it gets sent to the SCC?

Of course. The changes get enacted into law, the law goes into effect and the effects are then subject to legal challenge, potentially reaching the USSC.

BonnieSituation · 12-10-2020 09:14PM

Igotadose wrote: »

Of course. The changes get enacted into law, the law goes into effect and the effects are then subject to legal challenge, potentially reaching the USSC.

Such a amazing system.

Manic Moran · 12-10-2020 09:45PM

BonnieSituation wrote: »

Such a amazing system.

Generally works. Just because laws are passed doesn't make them legal, the point of the third branch is to ensure that there is a basic standard that the legislature cannot breach.

As SCOTUS has opined in the past, just because something is considered to be good policy, that doesn't make it a lawful policy. Which, if you look at how Democrats are pushing the "risk to ACA" aspect during the Barrett hearings right now, the argument they are making is "This legislation is at risk" without saying anything about why there are legal challenges to it in the first place.

spacecoyote · 12-10-2020 09:58PM

Manic Moran wrote: »

Generally works. Just because laws are passed doesn't make them legal, the point of the third branch is to ensure that there is a basic standard that the legislature cannot breach.

As SCOTUS has opined in the past, just because something is considered to be good policy, that doesn't make it a lawful policy. Which, if you look at how Democrats are pushing the "risk to ACA" aspect during the Barrett hearings right now, the argument they are making is "This legislation is at risk" without saying anything about why there are legal challenges to it in the first place.

I would say it's great in theory, but it should be independently filled rather than political appointments though

US Presidential Election 2020

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