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Didi Hoffman's avatar

It’s incredible that something so clear can’t be seen by half the country. Propaganda works, and this circus barker, though declining, will shill until he is 6 feet under. We can never stop working to expose him. Another important article. Thank you.

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Cindy W's avatar

His desperation is palpable as he grasps for any way he can maintain his delusion. His family and followers (except those who know, and were first damaged by the con) cling to him in an attempt to share in the despot’s future.

The fall is coming and it will mark an important struggle in American history.

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Janet Shapiro's avatar

Let’s just hope that Biden has the National Guard ready on January 6 because if Harris/Walz win & I hope & pray they do, 45 will attempt another insurrection & we can’t let that happen !!!

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Ann Sharon's avatar

States need to be ready also because of the “do not certify” plans. The fight against them is being fought right now.

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Janet Shapiro's avatar

Good point!

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HI2thDoc's avatar

I think signs should be posted around the Capitol on certification day like the signs around Area 51 in Nevada, to the effect of, "Beyond This Point, the Use of Deadly Force is Authorized."

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Al Bellenchia's avatar

The campaign and election is no longer being played on his terms. He can’t handle this truth.

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Ellen Deschatres's avatar

Reallly excellent article. I’m scared, hopeful, optimistic and pessimistic…all at the same time. I know that if Trump takes over again, we’ll be like the poor tortured souls in a Hieronymus Bosch painting. I’m more worried than I’ve ever been, and yet, more excited about the prospect of Kamala and Tim renewing our faith in our great country by winning this election. It heartens me that some Republicans have broken their silence and have begun to speak out and support the pro-democracy movement!

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Patricia Finley's avatar

It says volumes about us that nearly 1/2 of the country would vote for such a small and despicable man, especially as while we have always had an excellent alternative in Joe Biden, we now have a young, smart, professional, experienced, balanced, thoughtful alternative in VP Harris and Walz.

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Ann Sharon's avatar

So many more don’t feel it is important vote. Hopefully Harris/Walz and supporters can keep convincing them to register and vote.

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Nightmaher's avatar

Thank you first Steven, and everyone else who believes that the felony factory must never be allowed to rule our nation again. His brain is not running on all cylinders and his narcissism has prevented him from seeing that his enormous ego is what will shut him down. Together we can fight and we will win.

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Bob W's avatar

Excellent article Steven. Everything and I mean EVERYTHING! was spot on about one of worst individuals ever associated with our Country. Yet, as accurately mentioned in the comments…nearly half our Country supports him. The premier Judicial body in America is populated by his stooges, big money has flocked to him. The Country once known as the “Land of Laws” has fallen to it’s knees. Frankly, I’m heart sick! To Think…the irony of it all…my Grandparents came seeking the “Promise of America.” Some in Steerage. If he obtains the Presidency…they could have been included in his vicious, un-American purge. Where has America gone??? If its not this criminal thug it will be one of the next, there are certainly enough in the Viper Pit slithering around his feet! It’s as if America’s defenses have turned against it. Is it destined to to disappear in the mist as have the other great Nations of history??? It’s really a shame that the infection identified as tRump. LCF, wasn’t scoured from from the Earth like the plague it is!!

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Steven Beschloss's avatar

Thank you, Bob.

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Freda Salatino's avatar

Powerful essay(s), Steven! Unfortunately, you’re preaching to the choir here. My worry goes beyond January 6, 2025, when Trump’s supporters will run out of options for extending MAGA. How can we invite his damaged followers back into a blended society?

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kdsherpa's avatar

I suggest that this outstanding essay be reprinted in as many major newspapers as possible, as an Op Ed. Fingers crossed.

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Mary Andersen's avatar

I wonder about that, too. I just do not respect their MAGA disrespect for the community that we are all part of. Years of "lording" their position in society as the real Patriots. Coloring our national flag as Christian isolationists, somehow deifying the police/military, etc. I worry about the US military, which is heavily supportive of Trumpism.

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Annette D. (North Carolina)'s avatar

First, let me congratulate you on such an insightful, thought provoking post. It is extraordinary. It is also too bad that those that need to hear it will not. Next, my two thoughts are (1) where in the heck is George Bush? As a former president his alignment with the prodemocracy movement and against the Trump movement is very much needed. (2) Even if Trump were to keel over and be out of the picture, there are far too many who are ready and willing to take his place. The rot in the Republican party is deep.

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HI2thDoc's avatar

Yes, I was waiting for Bush to come out and endorse Kamala. Disappointing. Not to be nitpicky, but I think you mean Steven is "insightful." tRump is "inciteful," as he showed on J6, '21.

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Annette D. (North Carolina)'s avatar

Fixed it...thanks. That's what happens when AI "suggests" words for you!

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Mary Andersen's avatar

Excellent.

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kdsherpa's avatar

Your essay is THE best I have ever read on what has happened to us in the past decade. Truly brilliant. I would very, very much like to see it published widely -- as in an Op Ed in the NYT. It is brilliant. (As for the quote from George Washington, I have never heard that before. Talk about prescient! Not as pithy as Franklin's "you have a republic, if you can keep it", but far more thoughtful.)

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Steven Beschloss's avatar

Thanks very much.

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Gail Dragoo's avatar

Such an amazing newsletter, Steven. I'm just blown away. Thank you.

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Steven Beschloss's avatar

Thanks, Gail.

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Generally Speaking's avatar

We must maintain confidence that common sense and patriotism will prevail, while preparing with courage to see this all the way through to Jan 20, 2025, when we first get to say these two words: “Madam President.”

This won’t be over on Election Day… DT is cornered and the fever of his cult will not be broken. I am certain that the Administration will be ready to see it through to the end.

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HI2thDoc's avatar

Spot on, Steven. As pointed out too many times to count, he is indeed a terrible character. It's almost as if a novelist or screenwriter set out to create an over the top villain, almost comically endowed with the absolute worst traits. Yet here he is IRL. Even more disturbing that he exists is that he has beguiled so many into following him. They are incapable of seeing what he really is. I will never understand it.

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Sharon C Storm's avatar

I will never understand it either, but we can see their adoration of him. If you have ever watched a reporter ask his supporters about him, you can see how delusional they are. I firmly believe that the Harris/Walz ticket will win in numbers that are unexpected by the pollsters.

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HI2thDoc's avatar

I used to watch Jordan Klepper interview MAGAs but I just can’t take it anymore

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Elizabeth Tiller (Beth)'s avatar

How is it that so many citizens are ignorant of the basic principles underlying their nation? And, as a Christian myself, how is it that so many of his supposed christian followers have completely missed the essential truths of their faith? Watching both Trump and all his entranced followers is like watching the inevitable decline and death of an alcoholic or drug addict. It is just so hard to realize that they aren't going to change their ways before death. Then I look up and see Kamala and Tim and these questions slide into the matrix you have outlined. And I have hope and strength and even joy. Thank you.

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gpm414's avatar

As he takes control of his campaign, Americans are seeing the desperation and truth about who he is. Everyday more Americans are awakening to the dangers he poses to our very existence. This election will define our Democracy for generations, and voters are getting behind Kamala Harris in a way we've never seen before.

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