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Bob Hadley's avatar

Speaking of Kim Jong Un, did you happen to see or hear the joint press conference with President Trump and the president of S. Korea? I saw about 15 minutes of it. During most of this time President Trump spoke fondly of the North Korean dictator while S. Korea's president sat quietly.

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John A. Daly's avatar

I didn't see it, but it certainly tracks.

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Bergman, Jay (History)'s avatar

Bernie's nearly busting a gut in the podcast I just finished watching testifies to his personal and political integrity. In today's politically polarized atmosphere, his willingness to direct sharp, pointed criticism at both political parties and their leaders is refreshing. Were it not for the fact that John does the same thing, I'd consider his doing so unique. I just hope Bernie doesn't develop an ulcer or some other ailment caused by stress. He's a national treasure whose visage is more deserving of reproduction on Mt. Rushmore than either Trump's or Biden's -- which I admit is not saying much. To me, as an American and as Jew, I give Trump enormous credit for Operation Midnight Hammer vs. Iran. He did what previous presidents merely promised. And on Israel and anti-semitism the GOP, notwithstanding bigots like Carlson, is far preferable to the Democratic Party of Mamdani, Sanders, and AOC -- bigots all. But after bombing Iran and fighting the woke idiocies on American college campuses, Trump sics the FBI on John Bolton, which as Bernie said is not only indecent but authoritarian. Even worse, out of pique Trump withdraws security from someone the murderers in Tehran seek to assassinate. This from a man who was almost assassinated himself!

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Roger Smith's avatar

I rarely jump in on Bernie and John's commentaries, but this one happened to catch me at a time when my Trump Frustration Meter was in the red zone. The issue that triggered it was the John Bolton raid. I agree with Bernie and John that it seems to be political retribution. If they find something of substance then ok, it may have been warranted. However, I feel these days we are in an arms race of hypocrisy.

I really like some of the things Trump does such as cleaning up crime in DC but then something always follows that negates the good will. I'm growing tired of the rollercoaster ride. I will continue to support the good things that this administration gets done and likely be seriously disappointed (if not angered) by the typical words and actions that always follow.

On another topic, in my own family, there is a growing trend to support anything and everything that comes out of the Trump White House. At a recent family gathering there seemed to be new game that I called (to myself of course) "pin the crown on the president". When I offered a few counter points I was firmly told: "Well, you need to understand that Trump knows more about these things than we do". Wow. I was quite surprised that we no longer valued friendly objective debate. I share this story in response to Bernie saying someone canceled their subscription due to hearing an opinion they disagreed with. It's childish. I don't like this growing epidemic of isolating ourselves from differing opinions.

Regarding the Putin/Russia/Ukraine dilemma, I'm more convinced than ever that Trump is afraid of Putin. Trumps red line has been crossed numerous times and yet none of the serious consequences that we've heard so much about have been implemented. It appears that Putin is in the driver's seat and knows it. Who knows where this dangerous game is headed. The much coveted and sought after Nobel Peace Price may be in jeopardy. Oh no.

Thanks Bernie and John for continuing to provide thoughtful commentary.

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John A. Daly's avatar

Great to hear from you Roger, and thanks for the compliments.

What you're describing is a huge problem. When people treat an elected leader like their lord and savior, instead of a politician, the let themselves be suckered into literally anything.

With his recent move on Intel (with apparently similar deals forthcoming), Trump is pulling us closer to socialism than anything Biden, Obama, etc. ever did. And his loyal fans are totally cool with it.

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Scott Harold Kidwell's avatar

Sounds like we have the same family members. A Jonestown like adoration to every utterance out of the orange pie hole scares the hell out of me.

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Fair Dinkum Mate's avatar

I'm surprised Bernie had the self control to not throw himself out the window after this episode. The nonsense Americans have to put up with on a weekly basis must be draining.

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Samuel Stinson's avatar

Nobody is above the law?

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John A. Daly's avatar

I mean, Trump is.

But as Bernie and I said in the episode, we have no problem with Bolton facing legal consequences if he indeed break the law.

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Samuel Stinson's avatar

I just wonder if the expression nobody is above the law has been hollowed out. In the case of Bolton I’m withholding judgement.

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John A. Daly's avatar

Kash Patel's use of that phrase was straight-up trolling.

If Bolton is found to have committed a crime, he'll pay the price (which will be cheered on by lots of people who cried foul when Trump was charged for far worse infractions).

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Sonja Gross's avatar

Bernie, in regard to firing any journalist who sat in that chair and spread false information about he Dominion voting machines - was it your intent to distinguish journalist from commentator? Because I heard plenty of commentators who may think they are journalists, but are simply commentators.

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Scott Harold Kidwell's avatar

I never thought I would ever say this. I hope the democrats gain control of at least the house or senate in the mid-term election!

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