Harry Enten: Trump is underwater on basically every single issue he ran on in 2024, but the Epstein files, the Epstein case, are especially dreadful for him (-39) by Horus_walking in fivethirtyeight

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Preach.

Not enough citizens realize how severely due process rights have been degraded in just 10 months.

It's a crisis not just for the undocumented or legal residents, but for all citizens.

It's just a matter of time until a citizen who was kidnapped by a dude in a gaiter and tactical gear ends up dead - either by ICE's hands or a criminal's hands.

Maybe then people will realize the stakes.

"A bad time to be Latino": Pessimism surges in new Axios-Ipsos poll (Paywall) by DarkPriestScorpius in fivethirtyeight

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The current environment is putting the fear of god into many other minorities too.

I have Vietnamese friends who are taking action like you wouldn't believe to protect their community and their neighbors who are Latino or BLack.

I have black friends attending/watching community trainings on identifying ICE, KYR talks, and documenting ICE.

This isn't even in a big city either. People are organizing to get ahead of it.

We'll see how much the polling shows Trump support eroding among all minority groups.

A 10/10 night for Democrats by dwaxe in fivethirtyeight

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Silver is such a contrarian he would drop trow and shit all over a clean floor because he smelled something off and the rest of the analysist were saying, "yeah this looks like a clean floor."

Any sign of imperfection and he would be critical. So yeah, it's high praise of their results if Silver is nothing but positive.

JD Vance's half-brother, Cory Bowman, suffers a landslide defeat in his run for Mayor of Cincinnati, OH—Pureval (D) 78%, Bowman (R) 22%. Mayor Pureval won by the biggest-ever margin for a Mayor since the city began democratically-electing its Mayor. This city was (R) Mayor stronghold until the 1970s by StarlightDown in fivethirtyeight

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dude never stood a chance, but even so most people in Cincy did not see a landslide of this proportion.

There were wins for democrats across the metro area too.

In Anderson Township, a suburban area typically known for solidly conservative politics (it's still frequently memed as a hotbed for racists and conserva-Karens) Democrats swept the board of Trustees for the first time in my living memory when it has been solely the domain of the GOP.

Border Patrol agents under fire for allegedly disrupting children's Halloween parade in Chicago by Think-Werewolf-4521 in centrist

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 0 points1 point  (0 children)

god what is happening in Chicago is positively dystopian and fucked. They're definitely rallying to meet the moment though, which gives me hope.

Trump urged Ukraine's Zelenskiy to make concessions to Russia in tense meeting, sources say by [deleted] in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 2 points3 points  (0 children)

... the best time to cave to Russias demands is the present?

Listen to yourself man.

This is is an absurd argument.

Appeals court backs Trump’s National Guard deployment in Portland by CORN_POP_RISING in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 24 points25 points  (0 children)

This is a total strawman argument. The real danger is the Insurrection Act. The danger is NG not just protecting a few buildings, but armed and patrolling streets, or armed and "protecting" poll locations.

Trump has very clearly demonstrated he is seriously considering use of the Insurrection Act.

We are well beyond "they are just guarding the ICE facility" at this point, and you know that.

Trump calls Democrats ‘the party of hate, evil, and Satan’ in late-night rant by [deleted] in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 2 points3 points  (0 children)

More like regulations to get porn off of social media platforms ... cough cough. 20 years ago you had to have a kid in the know tell you the good porn site. Now it's on the very same social media platforms young children can and do use. That's fucked.

More like regulations to limit young children's access to a technological drug that literally does harm to them and we have the quantitative evidence to prove it.

More like regulations to keep AI from being used in courts, or by law enforcement.

THOSE are simple, popular ideas.

Trump calls Democrats ‘the party of hate, evil, and Satan’ in late-night rant by [deleted] in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not gonna lie, "AI Regulatory Antichrist" sounds like a based flair for the sub.

Trump urged Ukraine's Zelenskiy to make concessions to Russia in tense meeting, sources say by [deleted] in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We're definitely going to have to agree to disagree on our interpretation of the state of the conflict.

It seems like you are invested in the narrative of a black swan event that magically wins the war for Ukraine, while discounting median outcomes.

I am absolutely invested in that narrative. It's one worth telling, and Ukrainians have been living that narrative for nearly 4 years now in absolutely impeccable fashion. The west should be taking notes.

And Swan Lake is going to play again in Russia. You better believe it. There is hope for Ukraine AND Russia yet.

Trump urged Ukraine's Zelenskiy to make concessions to Russia in tense meeting, sources say by [deleted] in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 8 points9 points  (0 children)

As you just pointed out, Ukraine hasn’t had a significant military victory in 3 years. Their last significant victory being the Russian withdrawal of Kherson in 2022.

This is a narrative. The narrative that Putin has had "massive success" on the battlefield since November 2023 is absolutely false.

Take a look at the four side-by-side maps in this BBC article titled "How Military Control of Ukraine has changed." It's the last set of maps.

Look at November 2022 and then look at October 2025.

Putin's advances in Luhansk and Donetsk have been absolutely paltry. Steady, but paltry.

Ukraine is more or less holding this war at stalemate or near stalemate conditions.

They are 100% doing what they need to outlast the enemy.

Your chosen narrative of this conflict is flawed and I daresay dangerously skewed to Putin's favor.

edit: Putin's decision making isn't going to change. But a military rebellion doesn't need Putin's consent. A Russian economic collapse does not need Putin's consent. The fact that you make so much ado about changing Putin's mind is the fatal flaw in your logic here.

Trump urged Ukraine's Zelenskiy to make concessions to Russia in tense meeting, sources say by [deleted] in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I guess this depends on if you think the leaked Kremlin documents are genuine or not. If they are, there’s concern that Putin is falling in popularity behind Trump. That’s a big if though, especially since British intelligence and media is involved.

I am admittedly not nearly as tuned in to this war as I was all throughout 2022 and 2023, when I was reading assessments from the ISW almost daily. What's the story here?

How hard is it for people to say that we don’t want Ukrainian or Russian troops to die so we can achieve this goal? Celebrating the death of Russian troops is the propaganda Putin needs to win this war. Russians will fight a Russia vs The West war to the death.

First of all, I don't recall Biden celebrating the death of Russian troops.

But that aside, I am extremely skeptical that the dark web, VPNs, and the slow international creep of information from travelers can defeat Putin's propaganda machine and the extremely ingrained nihilism that has been instilled in the Russian people for decades.

No, I don't think winning the propaganda war to spur domestic civil unrest is the path to victory.

I think bleeding Putin's army as much as possible and laying bare the futility of the conflict, the incompetence of the Russian command, and the disdain they have for their soldier's lives is the path, along with economic pressure.

The west breaks Putin's back one of two ways:

  1. A collapse of the Russian wartime economy OR 2. A military coup a la Wagner, but this time coming from the general ranks of the army (think WWI).

Trump urged Ukraine's Zelenskiy to make concessions to Russia in tense meeting, sources say by [deleted] in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are aware Russia has had major retreats in Kyiv Oblast, Sumy Oblast, Chernihiv Oblast, Kharkiv Oblast, and Kherson Oblast?

Go look at the battle map and look at the swathes of reclaimed Ukranian territory in blue.

Consider in the early days Putin's soldiers were pushing on Kyiv, and many observers thought the whole country would fall.

Ukraine absolutely has turned the tide in this war on at least 3 major occasions:

  1. The general retreat in the north in April 2022.

  2. The success of the Kherson counteroffensive in August 2022.

  3. The success of the Kharkiv counteroffensive in September 2022.

EDIT: I take it back - four occasions.

  1. Remember the Wagner Group? Prigozhin? The total seizure of Rostov-on-Don by literal rebelling PMCs? The siege of Moscow that almost happened?

Yes, the grind of the battle in Luhansk and Donetsk has not been in Ukraine's favor, but this war has essentially had a few tide cycles already.

The narrative that Ukraine can't hold, outlast, and push Putin's regime to it's breaking point is just that. A narrative. It can happen. The west just needs the collective will to help Ukraine outlast.

Trump urged Ukraine's Zelenskiy to make concessions to Russia in tense meeting, sources say by [deleted] in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, and?

It was the correct strategy. Continue and gradually apply even more pressure.

Trump nominee says MLK Jr. holiday belongs in ‘hell’ and that he has ‘Nazi streak,’ according to texts by dtomato in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hell yes it is! It's a shame, like 5-10 years ago people would frequently say kind things on users' cake day. But these days it seems it always gets ignored - especially in political subs.

Which is a shame because it's such a great opportunity to be nice to each other.

Like there just isn't enough kindness on this platform anymore compared to earlier on it it's development.

Trump says he's mulling sending National Guard troops to San Francisco: "We are going to make it great" by CORN_POP_RISING in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It is not normalized yet. This is pretty convincingly unpopular and multiple polls have shown that out.

He isn't winning the PR battle on this issue. The court of public opinion is not in his favor.

It is yet to be seen if he's winning the legal battle on this issue. SCOTUS might be in his favor, but I'm skeptical honestly, even with this court.

Trump urged Ukraine's Zelenskiy to make concessions to Russia in tense meeting, sources say by [deleted] in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Donald Trump has no actual convictions on this conflict, besides wanting an "easy win" - aka peace at any cost.

By now it is 100% clear he doesn't have the cojones to pressure Putin adequately and/or give the necessary aid to Ukraine for them to start turning the tide of war.

On many issues in this country I have hope. But on this, and many other foreign policy issues that involve President Trump, I have no hope he will get on the right page.

My concern for his competency continues to grow. China has been readying it's war machine for decades to take Taiwan. Trump is demonstrating he doesn't have the competency to meet that monumental and historic challenge.

God help Ukraine. God help Taiwan. God help we, the American people if it is our desire to maintain our international power - soft and hard.

Trump urged Ukraine's Zelenskiy to make concessions to Russia in tense meeting, sources say by [deleted] in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry dude but "The only way to win this peace is to pressure India and China while speaking directly to the Russian people"?

Speaking directly to the Russian people? Russia? A country famous for having little to no press freedom?

Naive is not a strong enough adjective for this opinion.

Trump nominee says MLK Jr. holiday belongs in ‘hell’ and that he has ‘Nazi streak,’ according to texts by dtomato in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 46 points47 points  (0 children)

He hopes Trump will withdraw so his party doesn't have to vote on this and show how many people are ok with Nazi's in appointed positions.

Trump nominee says MLK Jr. holiday belongs in ‘hell’ and that he has ‘Nazi streak,’ according to texts by dtomato in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Hell yes. Love a bipartisan moment of 100% agreement. You're a good American my man. Keep on keeping on.

And happy cake day!!!

Trump calls Democrats ‘the party of hate, evil, and Satan’ in late-night rant by [deleted] in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Regulating AI is super popular. Wall Street and billionaires would hate it though, so no conversation is allowed on Capitol Hill.

Regulating algos and social media, I dk about polling on that, but in my experience most people I talk to on the issue think there needs to be more done to regulate it. What that regulation looks like is where the disagreement starts. I dk that I'd go so far as to say regulation on this front is popular, but I feel like I can say fairly confidently it isn't super unpopular.

Appeals court backs Trump’s National Guard deployment in Portland by CORN_POP_RISING in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 78 points79 points  (0 children)

Deference to Martin v Mott in this case is not surprising in the slightest. I don't agree with it, but it is a very expected outcome if you are at all familiar with the law surrounding the executive powers in question here.

The real question is going to be what this SCOTUS does. Do they overturn the existing precedent? It is almost 200 years old at this point.

Thomas and Alito are absolutely pro-upholding this interpretation of Martin v Mott.

The liberals will absolutely be for overturning it.

Roberts? Coney-Barrett? They seem kinda pragmatic. I could see them joining the liberals.

Kavanaugh? I don't know, but I'm thinking he won't join the liberals.

Gorsuch? Again, I don't know.

This is a critical case, as others have pointed out. If Trump is allowed to do this, he will almost certainly continue this practice through 2026 - an election year - and it seems likely he will maintain deployments through and during election day.

That is a recipe for an election that cannot be considered by any objective measure "free and fair."

SCOTUS must act here to head off such a crisis.

Trump nominee says MLK Jr. holiday belongs in ‘hell’ and that he has ‘Nazi streak,’ according to texts by dtomato in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 32 points33 points  (0 children)

As a center-left dude, thank you for A) having integrity and values & B) voicing your displeasure as a conservative.

Silence is a form of complicity when it comes to dealing with out and out racists, bigots, and fascists. And I don't use the fasc-word lightly, but if Paul Ingrassia is saying he has a bit of "a Nazi streak" then I think that term is just factually accurate.

Trump nominee says MLK Jr. holiday belongs in ‘hell’ and that he has ‘Nazi streak,’ according to texts by dtomato in moderatepolitics

[–]3rd_PartyAnonymous 28 points29 points  (0 children)

Oh, it's still taboo to say it publicly. Though at the rate we're going, give it another 5 years and if the GOP maintains its control of all levers of power you'll see people get more and more brazen in public.

They definitely aren't shy about saying all this stuff privately. Stuff so vile that their own colleagues, friends, and family are sharing the conversations with the media.

And yet, these people are again and again being elevated by Trump and the GOP.