Trumpled (Alternative Leading)

[Lods]

@ Lods

From what I understand there are many anomalies and inconsisties in the way data is collected and stats put together so reported numbers should be treated with caution.

Yep
We've got a wide variation in how the pandemic has been handled in just a half a dozen states.
Imagine the variation in 50.

One thing is pretty certain Trump's behaviour in the last fortnight would have damaged him amongst moderate and swinging voters.

Covid cost him

[Mav]

And that’s another thing the US did badly. In the early days, Trump failed to ensure the availability of testing kits. Doctors had to ration them and they chose to use them only on the living. If someone died before they had been tested, the death couldn’t be recorded as a covid death even if that was the obvious COD.

Then, states like Florida found it was easier to reduce the case statistics by massaging them rather than to stop the spread of covid, sacking the statisticians who wouldn’t go along with the plan.

And then Trump mandated that Hospitals cease sending their stats to the CDC and instead send them to the DHS (which is more under Trump’s control).

Chances are the US death tally is an undercount, which is pretty amazing given the astounding total.

[capcom]

Covid cost him

Let's wait and see on that and biden's miracle numbers turnaround .... on that and law and order.  I'm on record as saying I'm no great fan of trump, but uneasy wears the crown for sleepy, if he wins

[Lods]

Let's wait and see on that and biden's miracle numbers turnaround .... on that and law and order.  I'm on record as saying I'm no great fan of trump, but uneasy wears the crown for sleepy, if he wins

No doubt.
Trumps a bit like a snake.
You won't really be sure he's dead until sundown.
He'll still have the ability to bite and poison even when you think he's dead.
And as we saw last time don't take anything for granted...especially with the electoral college situation.

The thing is though that there are a rusted on group at both extremes.
They're not going to change their vote.
The election will be won in the moderate/swinging voter range.
I just can't see how the last fortnight would swing voters in this range towards Trump given his behaviour and attitude during his "surprisingly short and seemingly minimal" illness.

However having said that who knows what influences or events could play into the next couple of weeks.
Expect the unexpected.

[PaulP]

https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-ameri...563b7.html

Who knew ?

[Mav]

Don’t worry, that won’t change the minds of his supporters. They’ll be thinking, “No way, man! He’s a brilliant showman who’s owning the libs. It’s like he’s playing multi-dimensional chess!” The reality is he’s more like a wild animal driven by base instincts such as fear and the need to dominate. Just the sort of guy who’s cut out for public service ...

Given how dangerous Trump is, could there be a stunning endorsement of Joe Biden soon by ... George Dubya Bush? Can’t say I’m a big fan of his, but he has more decency in his little finger than exists in the Trump clan and he could swing moderate conservatives.

[PaulP]

His words, behaviours, actions etc. have been analysed by a million and one mental health professionals over the last 4 years, and he's been found seriously wanting. If his supporters don't admit his pathologies now, they should be struck off the electoral roll, because in my view, they're not fit to vote. Opinion and choice should not be an unlimited field - at some point you have to draw the line. He's not fit for office, and should never have been a candidate in the first place.

[cookie2]

That's an interesting insight Paul. Doesn't sound very democratic,  in fact more like a step toward tyranny - not like you at all if I may say so.

[PaulP]

That's an interesting insight Paul. Doesn't sound very democratic,  in fact more like a step toward tyranny - not like you at all if I may say so.

I can't be Marge Simpson all the time.  ;D

Saying his supporters should be removed from the electoral roll was over-egging my feelings somewhat, and I don't really mean it. But you do have to wonder about the way information is presented / concealed and processed in modern western democracies. Trump is off the charts in terms of unfitness for office. I've seen a few vox pop things from his supporters, and their fondness for him seems centred on "he speaks his mind", "doesn't take crap from anyone", "puts America first", which don't give me much confidence tbh.

Is there any psychometric testing for presidential candidates, or any political office at all in the US ? This is fairly common even for lowly positions in the corporate world, and you would think should be a non negotiable, bare minimum for the most powerful job in the world.

[DJC]

I read a chilling article recently that analysed why folk support Trump.  It seems that many don’t necessarily care about his policies and agenda.  They are simply happy that he has given them licence to be as racist, sexist, anti-progressive, and as armed to the teeth as they like.

For a nation that is keen on forcing “democracy” on others, the USA’s version of democracy leaves a lot to be desired.