Lisa O`Brien Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 Who else gets really caught up in the US Presidential election every four years? I love it. Love the UK one too. I normally sit up all night and watch the results come in, as I couldn't bare not knowing. The US Election has certainly been interesting this time around, if nothing else. [Hope i'm allowed to post this "political" thread? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 Oh please, not here too! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAB Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 I suppose UK international politics are so intertwined with US ones the outcome is as important as our own. Seems more to do with actual personalities than ours though. It is getting entertaining as we get closer to the vote. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxi4ballet Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 Ye Gods. Will Trump self-destruct before the big day? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 it always surprises me, given their revolutionary history, how much the US loves an almost monarchic presidential dynasty - the Kennedies, the Bushes, the Clintons. Maybe if Trump wins we'll later see a President Ivanka... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 I am heartily sick of the coverage the American election gets over here and am appalled that the palaver around our own elections is going the same way. I shan't come on this thread again. Usually the Forum is a haven from all that sort of thing! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hfbrew Posted October 9, 2016 Share Posted October 9, 2016 I am heartily sick of the coverage the American election gets over here and am appalled that the palaver around our own elections is going the same way. I shan't come on this thread again. Usually the Forum is a haven from all that sort of thing! Let's put it in 101 Janet! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa O`Brien Posted October 9, 2016 Author Share Posted October 9, 2016 LOL. Maybe. But like it or not, whoever is elected POTUS has a massive impact on the whole world. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted October 9, 2016 Share Posted October 9, 2016 My hubby always says that the whole world should be able to vote in the US presidential elections!! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
invisiblecircus Posted October 9, 2016 Share Posted October 9, 2016 It feels as if it has been going on forever! And STILL a whole month away?! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orchidblue Posted October 9, 2016 Share Posted October 9, 2016 I'll be glad when it's over. Can't help thinking the world will be in a worse position whoever gets in! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAB Posted October 9, 2016 Share Posted October 9, 2016 Can't remember a more toxic campaign. What is unique is that pretty much all the republican big hitters have withdrawn support for their candidate, I don't think this has happened before. Tonight's debate will be interesting seeing as there is a growing gap in the polls. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxi4ballet Posted October 9, 2016 Share Posted October 9, 2016 What is unique is that pretty much all the republican big hitters have withdrawn support for their candidate I can't imagine why... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa O`Brien Posted October 10, 2016 Author Share Posted October 10, 2016 At first I liked him. I liked his tough message of how he's going to deal with terrorists. But as time has gone on and more things have happened/emerged. No, just no. I never personally had anything against Hillary anyway. She's obviously a highly intelligent, highly experienced person. I get the feeling if Trump IS elected he won't last too long in the job. Either some scandal will force him to resign, or the powers that be will force him out over some outrageous policy or other. I think if the Republican Party is serious about trying to win they should get rid of Trump and install Pence as the candidate. I know nothing about Pence. But maybe the fact he's a bit of an unknown entity, I.E. no scandals, is a good thing. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAB Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 I see Trump as an egotist who wants the job because it will make him the most powerful man in the world. The fact he has no background in politics is worrying. When he insulted the parents of the Muslim soldier, that was it for me, after hearing that I decided I had scraped better things off the sole of my shoe. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huddsballetmum Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 What terrifies me is not that Trump is a mysogynistic, racist idiot, but that a) He got to be a presidential candidate in the first place There are people in the USA who will vote for him Scary times 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Macmillan Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 It'll soon be time for our quadrennial reminder on how the US Electoral College works, given that voters are actually choosing 'electors' on a state by state basis, and that they in turn elect the President and Vice-President: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/about.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15764542 If it's a close call, this process can prove highly significant for the final outcome. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacqueline Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 (edited) Last night's debate, if one can call it that, has been likened to the Jerry Springer show, in which esteemed guests are invited to air their concerns on national TV. When this fails as it must, shoes already having been removed on the way in, they move on to literally fighting it out in front of a baying audience. The Donald was trying to intimidate Hillary by prowling around while she was talking but our Hils has been around too long to fall for that playground tactic. Imagine if they had started pushing and shoving though. With all we have heard from and about both candidates, what does it take for somebody to be disqualified from running for president of arguably, the most powerful country in the world. This campaign has become so toxic, personal and unburdened by anything as tedious as policy or vision, where is the honour these days in serving one's country, whichever country it may be electing a leader. It seems to be all about power and entitlement and what can one get out of it until kicked out. Never mind the good of the people. The Donald and Hillary are apparently the two most unpopular candidates ever to run, so the result will come down to whoever is the least unpopular. It ain't over till the people vote and as history has shown, the people are fickle. Edited October 10, 2016 by Jacqueline 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna C Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 I know Obama isn't perfect, but looking at Trump (and to a lesser degree, Clinton), I can't help thinking it's a shame that Obama can't run for a third term. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capybara Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 All the news bulletins I've heard today referred to Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton - his name first, hers second. That sort of thing can begin to enter the psyche of voters. I sense that, if Michelle Obama were to stand, she'd walk it. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinMM Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 I don't know whether Michelle Obama is interested in taking a leading role in Politics but I think she may be very good. Perhaps if the worst does actually happen this time round Michelle can rescue the situation next time!! But perhaps she has had enough of the White House! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacqueline Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 (edited) It will be interesting to see how it all plays out, given that it has degenerated into such an unpleasant spectacle of who is least worst. Neither side will concede an inch in my opinion,Hillary has waited for this moment too long and Donald is well, the Donald. Surely no real surprises. It seemed funny when they made jokes about his hands but the laughing time is over. In the words of one of our own greats John Major, When your back is against the wall, you turn around and fight. That's the way to do it John. Oh, Sir John now isn't it. Sorry, I'm just a peasant. Edited October 10, 2016 by Jacqueline Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxi4ballet Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 What terrifies me is not that Trump is a mysogynistic, racist idiot, but that a) He got to be a presidential candidate in the first place There are people in the USA who will vote for him Scary times We have family members in the States (Americans and expat Brits) and all of them are appalled at the prospect of Trump being in charge of anything at all, let alone the country. They are even more appalled that there are some misguided fools people who actually want to vote for him. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa O`Brien Posted October 10, 2016 Author Share Posted October 10, 2016 I don't know whether Michelle Obama is interested in taking a leading role in Politics but I think she may be very good. Perhaps if the worst does actually happen this time round Michelle can rescue the situation next time!! But perhaps she has had enough of the White House! I doubt that somehow. She has often spoken of how much she has hated living in the White House, as it was built by slaves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunrise Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 We have family members in the States (Americans and expat Brits) and all of them are appalled at the prospect of Trump being in charge of anything at all, let alone the country. They are even more appalled that there are some misguided fools people who actually want to vote for him. Agreed. I get that people want change. What I don't understand is how people can defend or choose to vote for such a terrible person. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 Please bear in mind that there may actually be people reading this thread who intend to vote for Trump. You never know. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 It will be interesting to see how it all plays out, given that it has degenerated into such an unpleasant spectacle of who is least worst. Neither side will concede an inch in my opinion,Hillary has waited for this moment too long and Donald is well, the Donald. Surely no real surprises. It seemed funny when they made jokes about his hands but the laughing time is over. In the words of one of our own greats John Major, When your back is against the wall, you turn around and fight. That's the way to do it John. Oh, Sir John now isn't it. Sorry, I'm just a peasant. But wouldn't he just be facing the wall?! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacqueline Posted October 11, 2016 Share Posted October 11, 2016 But wouldn't he just be facing the wall?!Indeed he would which is why Sir John's quotes,back when he was plain old pm are worth a look. Do you remember that giant cartoon of him in his underpants, Superman style,that was etched into the south downs just outside Brighton in the 90s?As for the Donald and Hillary show, have just seen a clip of their recent debate redone with the duet from Dirty Dancing, as though they are singing I've had the time of my life to each other. Just brilliant,made me laugh out loud. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxi4ballet Posted October 11, 2016 Share Posted October 11, 2016 Please bear in mind that there may actually be people reading this thread who intend to vote for Trump. You never know. They can read? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newballetfan Posted October 11, 2016 Share Posted October 11, 2016 LOL Taxi!! What gets me is that these continued debates are supposedly happening for people who are 'undecided'. This campaign has been going on for a year. Who could possibly still be undecided? Have they been walking around with their ears and eyes shut? I'm a historian, albeit not of modern history. The university departments I work in are horrified at the possibility that he might win. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bangorballetboy Posted October 11, 2016 Share Posted October 11, 2016 This thread is getting very unpleasant. Be nice or I'm closing it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxi4ballet Posted October 11, 2016 Share Posted October 11, 2016 BBB - shall we'll just stick to ridicule...? (runs away and hides in corner) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melody Posted October 11, 2016 Share Posted October 11, 2016 I'm just glad I don't live in a swing state or we'd be inundated with political ads. We're getting enough as it is because Virginia is nearby, but I'd hate to live in Ohio or Pennsylvania. At least this election, and Donald Trump in particular, is providing a lot of fodder for the late-night talk show comedians. I'm so glad John Oliver decided to move over here and was given his own show. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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