I, like many, watched the presidential debate. I know this will be analyzed ten thousand different ways but for me, I was truly embarrassed to be an American last night. This ‘debate’ was seen all over the world and this was nothing short of a major shit show that was a total embarrassment. I thought Biden did OK – not great. But Trump, as an incumbent president of the United States of America, was an absolute embarrassment to himself, to his party and to this country. At this point, I really don’t care if it’s a Republican or a Democrat or an Independent or Mr. Ed, the infamous ‘talking horse’ in a 1960’s TV series – this country deserves better.
In a recent post on Facebook I asked the question, Will we be America? Or will we be Belarus? The question was in reference to the three months of unrest following the ‘election’ of incumbent president, Alexander Lukashenko, who has been ruling Belarus with an iron fist since his election in 1994! The latest election three months ago was widely regarded as fraudulent and Lukashenko is no longer recognized as the legitimate ruler of Belarus by much of the world, including the United States. However, Lukashenko is clinging to power with help from his military. Last night we looked a hell of a lot more like Belarus than the United States of America.
That was not a debate. It wasn’t even a circus. Circuses are designed to entertain and make people smile. Last night was nothing short of a train wreck that shredded every bit of America’s reputation as a beacon of light and hope for other democracies around the world. America can no longer claim the title of ‘leader of the free world,’ because of one man – Donald Trump. The free world does not want to be led by someone who exhibits the temperament of a bully on the kindergarten playground.
There were a couple of big winners from the spectacle last night. The Proud Boys, a right-wing white supremacist group, now have a new slogan – ‘Stand Back and Stand By” – thanks to Trump. When asked to denounce white supremacy, Trump equivocated like he always does when asked about white supremacists, and finally came up with that line which the Proud Boys immediately jumped on. Think about that. On a world stage, the President of the United States cannot or would not made a simple declarative statement denouncing white supremacy. If you ever had any doubts of Trump’s racist leanings, that should dispel them all. A truly disgusting low in American presidential politics.
The other big winner from last night was Vladimir Putin and probably President Xi of China and all of our other adversaries. There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that Putin woke up this morning with a big smile on his face. All of the US intelligence agencies, backed up by recent statements by FBI Director, Christopher Wray, agree that Russia not only interfered in the 2016 election with the intent of helping Trump, but that they are doing so aggressively now for the 2020 election. And one of the primary pillars of the Russian strategy is to help sow division amongst Americans and to work to undermine the credibility in the electoral process. Trump is doing nothing short of aiding and abetting Putin in his work.
Even in spite of the absolutely disgusting performance by Trump last night, some people will continue to tout his policies as the reason they continue to support him. And one of the biggest arguments you hear is ‘the economy.’ Trump must have made the false statement last night that he has provided over the strongest economy in history numerous times. So, let’s do a little fact checking. The Standard & Poor’s index is a widely used barometer of market performance and easy to check.
The return measured by the S&P during various recent presidencies: Clinton (210%), Obama (182%), Eisenhower (129%), Reagan (117%), Truman (87%), H.W. Bush (51%), Johnson (46%), Trump (43%)1. His touting of his economic policies is just more bombast and not supported by facts. And now that his tax returns are finally coming out in the open, it is obvious that he is more of a con man than an astute business man.
If you think things will get better under another four years of Trump, you are sadly mistaken. This country will continue look more and more like Belarus. The real Donald Trump was on full display last night. If that’s the man you want leading this country, then go ahead and vote for him. I am positive he will not win the popular vote and if he gets reelected through any kind chicanery through the electoral college, the House of Representatives, or the Supreme Court then I will have to look at whatever options are available to me. I would very much like to live in the United States of America. I will not live in a Belarus ruled over by a spoiled, racist, lying, kindergarten bully.
Trump proved the power of a cult. 40% of our country now are anarchist thanks to him.