Off Topic Thread 5.0

kuang1 wrote: »

I don't think so. His comment at the start was followed by a grin.
He then went onto say "the world should be confident that the transition necessary, to make sure that the state department is functional today, successful today, and successful with the president who's in office on January 20th, will also be successful."

I interpreted that as if he's nodding at trump at the start just coz he has to, winks (grins) at everyone else, and then follows up with what anyone in his position should say.

Venjur, I think you need to cut yourself from newsfeeds for a couple of days.
You've lost a little perspective I fear.

Ah look - I don't for a second think there is going to be a coup, the Trump family alone and some of their supporters are the only ones with that expectation. The big concern was civilian violence or unrest but if that was going to happen it would have by now. I don't think Trump will see the inside of a cell but I do think he'll have needed to insulate himself pretty well from the proven criminality that was going on around him and that has historically relied on him having some level of legal competence protecting him. I don't think he has that anymore, case in point - Four Seasons Landscaping.

I was fairly glued to the election before the result (like most people), but I'm only passively following it now more for the intrigue and speculation. I do think Pompeo's remarks are a little jarring in the context that this was someone who was the CIA Director for a year, but from his expression in the video he doesn't really believe it himself.

All that said however - the actions being taken, support from senior senators and the complete refusal of the administration to accept the result whilst clearly (as zZippy pointed out) intended to prime the GOP base for future elections, it's also opening a bit of a pandora's box that will impact the legitimacy of all future ballots. The Republican party will be looking to remove the Trumps from the political equation whilst holding onto the cult that has built up - I expect that to be fascinating.

pickarooney wrote: »

What's this Christopher Walken Irish accent thing?

For five years I had this sliotar up my ass

OldRio wrote: »

What's this????

I think tens of thousands of people (probably a lot more going by previous years) coming back to the country during a short period of time and mingling with relatives is a disaster waiting to happen.

It shouldn't really need to be said either, don't travel unless it's essential - Christmas isn't essential. If people can get tested before departure or isolate on arrival fair enough but I see no harm in discouraging anyone who hasn't decided yet.

There is light at the end of the tunnel with the vaccine on it's way, a post Christmas surge would mean another level 5 lockdown which means more unemployment and death.

This shouldn't be a contentious request from the Government.