With the news media having failed the American people so incredibly this election cycle, and the very real possibility of a Trump presidency looming in the not too distant future, numerous people and organizations, some of whom who have never weighed in on such things in the past, are beginning to come forward publicly in hopes of shaking the American people awake and convincing them not to cast their ballots for the orange goblin that the withered husk of the Republican Party has selected as its nominee.
A few weeks ago, as you may recall, 50 former national security officials, all of whom served under Republican presidents, came out and said that they would not be voting from Trump, as he would be “the most reckless president in American history”. Then, today, 75 career diplomats came out saying they would not be supporting Trump, as, in their opinion, he is “entirely unqualified to serve as President and Commander-in-Chief.” Oh, and then there was the news a few days ago about how the elder George Bush has told people close to him that he will be voting for Hillary Clinton. These are all things that never would have happened in past elections, and I think it speaks volumes as to just how seriously terrifying the prospect of a Trump Presidency is to individuals who understand what’s at stake.
And I suspect that we’ll see a lot more of this as election day draws nearer and the polls begin to tighten… more people coming forward, pleading with their fellow citizens to do the right thing and not vote to put a violent, racist, non-tax paying, reality television-spawned hate monger in the White House… Speaking of which, just a few days ago, billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban not only went public with his concerns, but actually put up $10 million of his own money in order to help derail the Trump campaign… Today, though, something really interesting happened in Hollywood. Industry players came out swinging against Trump with a big one, two punch.
First, came a video put out by Joss Whedon, the man who came to fame with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and now, as I understand it, is responsible for a majority of the super hero projects coming out of Hollywood. I know some will write off the 3-minute ad featuring the likes of Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson as just one more instance of wealthy, far-left, and condescending actors telling hard working Americans what they need to think, but it’s really incredibly brilliant. Not only does it address that potential criticism head-on, by proactively stating that they’re parading a “shit ton” of celebrities across the screen to motivate us by repeating inspiring words and phrases, but, just when you’re thinking that this is just a really clever PSA urging people to register to vote, Don Cheadle comes onto the screen to tell us, without mentioning Trump by name, how imperative it is that we vote in order to keep “a racist, abusive coward who could permanently damage the fabric of our society” out of office. Boom! …I’m sure there will be other campaign ads this cycle, and I suspect that some will be very effective, but I’m pretty confident that, when all is said and done, this will be my favorite. It’s funny. It’s smart. And it packs a hell of a wallop. If you’ve yet to see it, please check it out, and share it with everyone you know.
And, second, it was announced today that Idiocracy, Mike Judge’s biting, cautionary tale about a future America where a stupid, reality television obsessed citizenry is led by politicians who look and behave like professional wrestling managers, will be coming back into theaters. Here’s the trailer for the film, which will play locally at the Michigan Theater on October 4… Again, if you feel so inclined, please share it.
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Jimmy Fallon apparently didn’t get the memo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4bmJmeNux4
A great political cartoon about Fallon and Trump.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cshjo8vUsAIA5Yk.jpg
I only have one problem with Idiocracy. According to Judge, it was going to take us several hundred years to devolve to the point where we are today.
Clinton also went Between Two Ferns today.
The assault continues.
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/b2fc974d1d/between-two-ferns-with-zach-galifianakis-hillary-clinton
October 11 is the LAST DAY you can register to vote in the State of Michigan.
http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1633_8716_8726_47669—,00.html
Here’s the thing though: Trump supporters do not want to listen to any of the critics you write about here. Diplomats? Security officials? Former presidents? Billionaires? Celebrities? Black celebrities?!? They all come across as condescending insiders in one way or another. Trump is stirring up class warfare. The poor, white, undereducated , versus whoever the heck the rest of us are.
I guess we need 50 Nascar drivers to sign a letter.
And, for what it’s worth, I agree with you, Dan. It’s just stunning to me that he’s not more of a fringe player. I get that there are terrified white folks out there. I just can’t believe there are so many.
There are. I know I’ve said this on your FB page before, but there are a ton of them. I haven’t heard any teachers saying that they are voting for him, but I’ve heard all manners of parapros, therapists, nurse’s aides, secretaries, etc. saying anti-Clinton and anti-Obama things. Does this mean that these folks are all voting for Trump? No. But it means that they might stay home. Take my word for it though–the folks I’ve heard HATE Obamacare, hate the idea of Clinton. Are they also racist and sexist? I’m sure some are, but the fact is that they aren’t going to vote for Clinton.
I’m really more concerned about the folks staying home. I have five separate cases this year where the kids’ fathers openly disrespect and dislike women. This is what I’ve been told–haven’t had any actual meetings with them. That got me thinking that while I don’t think they are going to vote Trump, I think they are going to stay home. I haven’t yet been convinced that Clinton supporters/Democrats have plans to get people out there. I’m remembering the first governor’s election that actually registered with me–early 90s (or maybe even 1990), when Blanchard lost to Engler. I’m really worried.
Clinton may have Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, and Mark Ruffalo, but Trump has Don King.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/21/politics/don-king-n-word-donald-trump/
I am worried too that people will stay home. I am not sure what to do about it other than to remind people that they can vote absentee.
Clinton also dropped a new ad today directed at women, and it’s great. Things really all beginning to heat up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHGPbl-werw
That is a great and powerful ad.
This is my take: The vast majority of people who will vote for Trump do not even like Trump. Almost everyone knows he is an over the top ass. They also think he is dangerous. They are voting against, what they perceive as, the more over the top and more dangerous asses on the far left. Ironically, Hillary does not fit into the over the top category at all…
“Trump is stirring up class warfare. The poor, white, undereducated , versus whoever the heck the rest of us are.”
538 posted an interesting analysis of the demographics of only white trump/hillary supporters. The #1 factor correlated to a white person’s preference for either Hillary or Trump was how often they attended church. #2 factor was education. Income was the least correlated, with Trump supporters actually having higher income. That is likely due to being older and male, however.
Personally, I think Trump is banking on the baby boomers. The old school factory workers and war veterans that pine for a mythical American superiority. The people that are afraid of how the world has changed since the 60s, and concerned about personal rights being granted to people they think are gross. He’s picked a good time to exploit the boomers
The Don King endorsement has already yielded results. I just received the following from the New York Times.
Senator Ted Cruz, who declined to endorse Donald Trump at his party’s convention, said today, “I will vote for the Republican nominee”
A note from Joss.
It took them a few weeks, but the Republicans have countered with an ad that isn’t nearly as effective.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5QbDk8EUWw
Trump is shifting his strategy, focusing on the terminally ill.
http://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-37568235