Besides the convention, the debates will be Biden’s largest audience of the campaign, where he can set the record straight and remind voters of the crucial choices they face. If he can deliver seven separate facts in the debates, he can both rally voters’ support and remind Democrats that voter turnout is essential to preventing a backlash against authoritarianism.
Donald Trump has been certified a rapist and a liar. you While you may be familiar with the civil jury finding that felon and former president Donald Trump sexually abused E. Jean Carroll and lied about it, you’d be surprised at how many voters failed to take note of this astonishing case. Trump may be infuriated if Biden reminds voters that a jury of Trump’s peers, ordinary people, found him responsible for this despicable act. With no live audience, Biden can’t invite Carroll to the debate. But he could remind her for viewers while he forces Republicans to tackle the party nomination of a convicted rapist.
Multiple judges and juries in civil and criminal cases have found that Trump committed fraud. Again, informed voters remember that Trump was fined $2 million for misappropriating charitable funds and was liable for $355 million separately for fraudulently inflating the value of his assets. The criminal trial in which ordinary New Yorkers found that Trump falsified business records to deceive voters was only the most recent example of Trump’s deception coming down on him. To pierce the aura of Trump’s business acumen and infuriate him, Biden should emphasize that his fellow Americans have repeatedly viewed Trump as a con man. Now he is trying to deceive voters.
Biden’s economy is much better than Trump’s. Trump’s supporters believe his economy was the best in history. Meanwhile, the media seems reluctant to acknowledge Biden’s big economic achievements. Biden needs to list the facts: stock market, employment, inflation, manufacturing, wage growth numbers. Voters should hear a stark contrast between the mess he inherited and the current U.S. economy that is the envy of the world. Just to be safe, Biden might also explain that one of the reasons Trump’s economy was so bad was because Trump didn’t take COVID-19 and the coronavirus vaccination plan seriously, which led to hundreds of thousands of unnecessary deaths.
Trump will scream, “It’s all lies!” Biden has the numbers, his campaign can post them on a website and verify each data point.
Trump wants to be a dictator: Biden should only cite Trump’s statements and 2025 plan items, which envision deporting protesters, building concentration camps to deport “15 million” immigrants, using the military to quell protests, amnestying violent criminals from the January 6, 2021 riots, targeting media companies and journalists who do not repeat MAGA talking points, implementing a nationwide Comstock Act abortion ban and ominous mail surveillance, banning mifepristone, and installing cronies in the government who will do Biden’s bidding. Biden’s website should include links to Trump’s statements and 2025 plan items so voters can see for themselves.
Trump will make the Supreme Court even worse and make America a worse place to live. “If I’m re-elected, I intend to appoint two more people,” Biden told an audience at a fundraiser. [justices] Biden added, “The Supreme Court has never been more off balance than it is today. Never, really.” Biden should explain that with partisan reinforcements, justices on the right could follow Justice Clarence Thomas’ road map and attack many other rights, including access to contraception and same-sex marriage.
Trump will side with dictators and make the world less free and stable. Biden expanded NATO, while Trump says he welcomes Russian President Putin’s invasions of NATO countries that don’t spend enough on defense. Biden secured international aid for Ukraine, while Trump wants to force it to its knees. Biden defends democracy, while Trump worships and kowtows to authoritarians in Hungary, China and North Korea. And Trump has taken to quoting Adolf Hitler (former chief of staff John F. Kelly said Trump praised Hitler behind closed doors).
Those who know Trump best will not support him. Trump’s former vice presidents, former Cabinet members, former press secretaries, former chiefs of staff and military leaders have all warned that he is dangerous and unfit. Never before in American history have so many people who have served under so many presidents rejected him. he People who have seen Trump up close say he is incapable of doing his job or understanding an oath of office.
This week’s celebrities
Maryland Governor Wes Moore (Democrat) on Monday issued pardons for about 175,000 people with marijuana-related convictions in his state, “one of the largest pardons in the nation for a drug now widely used for recreational purposes,” The Washington Post reported. As the governor noted, these criminal records have been used to “deny housing, employment, education, and hold back people and their families long after they have completed their sentences.” Rarely does a single unilateral action have such far-reaching effects that extend beyond those directly affected to future generations.
“If we want to achieve inclusive economic growth, we must begin to dismantle these barriers that disproportionately fall on communities of color,” Moore explained. Other governors should follow his example. This would be a dramatic step toward overcoming the racial inequities that have blighted the lives of millions of people of color. Additionally, states should “ban the box,” ensuring that criminal convictions in other states do not disadvantage job seekers in their own states.
Much of the US is experiencing sweltering heat this week, so if you’re thinking of cooler (or cooler) getaway destinations, here are some of my favorite places (you might need a light jacket).
San Francisco: “The coldest winter I ever spent was a San Francisco summer,” is a joke misattributed to Mark Twain but rings true nonetheless. The fog and cool ocean breeze may sound inviting right about now. San Francisco remains one of America’s most enjoyable travel destinations, with great museums, a fantastic zoo, nearby natural wonders, and great restaurants.
Copenhagen: Whether you’re looking for delicious food, music at world-famous locations, castles, stunning views, or gorgeous interior design, you’ll find it in this clean, walkable, and elegant city. Plan on at least 5-6 days and you’ll be amazed at the amount of things to do.
Netherlands: It’s one of my favorite places to vacation, but you don’t have to limit yourself to Amsterdam (although it’s beautiful and historic): Utrecht, The Hague, Arnhem, Haarlem and Rotterdam all have beautiful architecture, rich history and world-class performing arts.
Bar Harbor, Maine: Acadia National Park is great, but don’t miss the local theatre and music festival (held every July) – lots of performances in lovely little venues. The town has shops, galleries, restaurants and ice cream parlors, many of which are dog-friendly.
Vancouver, British Columbia: A truly cosmopolitan city, it’s home to Western and Native American art, some of the most spectacular gardens in North America, and every water sport imaginable. Take a ferry to Victoria Island, enjoy high tea at the historic Empress Hotel, and visit the fascinating Royal BC Museum.
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