boognish_bear said:

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The National Debt just topped $38.7 trillion. That’s an increase of $2.6 trillion since Trump took office just over a year ago, on Jan. 20, 2025. If Biden’s deficit spending caused high inflation during his term, why won’t Trump’s larger deficits have the same effect during his?

— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) February 19, 2026

---

Golden age!!!

BigGameBaylorBear said:

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boognish_bear said:

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The National Debt just topped $38.7 trillion. That’s an increase of $2.6 trillion since Trump took office just over a year ago, on Jan. 20, 2025. If Biden’s deficit spending caused high inflation during his term, why won’t Trump’s larger deficits have the same effect during his?

— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) February 19, 2026

---

Golden age!!!

---

late Trump / Early Mid* Biden spiked the Economic Punch Bow(e)l with $12T in Stimmy.......

that's a big jolt in a chort time - not easily absorbed** -

* but never at Dusk.

- UF

** but very easily stolen looted etc.

A gradual meandering towards Economic Catastrophe is manageable - almost unnoticeable.

{ sipping coffee }

D!

>>
Two executives were sentenced to prison for their roles in a $233 million Affordable Care Act enrollment fraud scheme that paid out at least $180 million in fraudulent federal subsidies.

Evidence at trial showed they targeted vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges to generate improper commissions, disrupting legitimate medical coverage in the process.

Health care fraud harms both patients and taxpayers.

FBI, HHS-OIG, and IRS-CI investigated the case.

<<

whiterock said:

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FLBear5630 said:

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whiterock said:

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FLBear5630 said:

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whiterock said:

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nein51 said:

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whiterock said:

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nein51 said:

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Enjoy that while it lasts because we are going to get destroyed at midterms unless the economy picks up dramatically and everyone that does planning/production that I know has no upturn until Q1/Q2 of 2027.

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Mid-terms were lost the day Trump was inaugurated. We are in a decent position to rescue them. His policies are now in place and manifestly bearing fruit. Will it be enough? Dunno. Polling does seem to have stabilized and in some instances is ticking up slightly.

---

That's not going to happen. Again, unless there is a huge surge in the economy it's going to be a slaughter.

---

And lo & behold, there is a huge surge building in the economy......

I'm not predicting we will hold onto both Houses of Congress.
I'm saying the stuff that needs to happen to do so is, at this moment, actually happening.

Will it be enough, soon enough.....and will the public perceive it or get distracted by something else......who knows. But if you're gaming a way to defeat historical precedents, the opening moves are looking like they need to look

---

There is a lot of time before mid-terms, we will get March, June and September numbers before election day. If this continues to build like you say, Senate should be safe and the HOR close enough to at least have influence.

Trump needs some calm time, no mis-steps. No shootings. No bombshells. Build the economy, make nice with Europe (sending Rubio instead of Vance was good move this week), and let Epstein play out (Don't do another Bondi...). Don't invade Iran.

---

your instincts on how to win elections are catastrophically bad = keep it nice & quiet so nobody realizes there's an election underway. Elections are about dominance of narrative.

---

If you are popular! Sure, push it more. You think Team Trump is winning the narrative and invading Iran is going to help? After running as the peace President and threatening to take Greenland?

Dude, you are delusional. He just had to end the surge in MN, Bondi melted down on National TV over Epstein, Vance is taking on US Olympic Athletes in Italy and Rubio had to go 100% Bush NeoCon to patch up fences in Europe.

Winning the narrative with dominance? n He is getting slaughtered, his approval is as low as Biden's was. GOP candidates don't want him campaigning for him. He needs domestic efforts and bring prices down, not go on the offensive. This Viet Nam era management of the message is a nightmare for the Party.

---

LOL your ability to elevate style above substances is amazing.

His personal popularity matters.
His personal popularity matters less than the popularity of his policies.
His polices are squarely athwart supermajority policy positions of the American people.
They are working.
He can rub people the wrong way, but if things get better, they will still vote for him.

Such has always been so.
It's been pretty successful for him.
And things are definitely getting better.

---

There's nothing that screams "Baylor" more loudly than style over substance.

FLBear5630 said:

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whiterock said:

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FLBear5630 said:

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whiterock said:

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FLBear5630 said:

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whiterock said:

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nein51 said:

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whiterock said:

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nein51 said:

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Enjoy that while it lasts because we are going to get destroyed at midterms unless the economy picks up dramatically and everyone that does planning/production that I know has no upturn until Q1/Q2 of 2027.

---

Mid-terms were lost the day Trump was inaugurated. We are in a decent position to rescue them. His policies are now in place and manifestly bearing fruit. Will it be enough? Dunno. Polling does seem to have stabilized and in some instances is ticking up slightly.

---

That's not going to happen. Again, unless there is a huge surge in the economy it's going to be a slaughter.

---

And lo & behold, there is a huge surge building in the economy......

I'm not predicting we will hold onto both Houses of Congress.
I'm saying the stuff that needs to happen to do so is, at this moment, actually happening.

Will it be enough, soon enough.....and will the public perceive it or get distracted by something else......who knows. But if you're gaming a way to defeat historical precedents, the opening moves are looking like they need to look

---

There is a lot of time before mid-terms, we will get March, June and September numbers before election day. If this continues to build like you say, Senate should be safe and the HOR close enough to at least have influence.

Trump needs some calm time, no mis-steps. No shootings. No bombshells. Build the economy, make nice with Europe (sending Rubio instead of Vance was good move this week), and let Epstein play out (Don't do another Bondi...). Don't invade Iran.

---

your instincts on how to win elections are catastrophically bad = keep it nice & quiet so nobody realizes there's an election underway. Elections are about dominance of narrative.

---

If you are popular! Sure, push it more. You think Team Trump is winning the narrative and invading Iran is going to help? After running as the peace President and threatening to take Greenland?

Dude, you are delusional. He just had to end the surge in MN, Bondi melted down on National TV over Epstein, Vance is taking on US Olympic Athletes in Italy and Rubio had to go 100% Bush NeoCon to patch up fences in Europe.

Winning the narrative with dominance? n He is getting slaughtered, his approval is as low as Biden's was. GOP candidates don't want him campaigning for him. He needs domestic efforts and bring prices down, not go on the offensive. This Viet Nam era management of the message is a nightmare for the Party.

---

LOL your ability to elevate style above substances is amazing.

His personal popularity matters.
His personal popularity matters less than the popularity of his policies.
His polices are squarely athwart supermajority policy positions of the American people.
They are working.
He can rub people the wrong way, but if things get better, they will still vote for him.

Such has always been so.
It's been pretty successful for him.
And things are definitely getting better.

---

It is a popularity and style issue. Geez, remember Nixon vs Kennedy? Trump is not the "likeable for the people" or handsome candidate one year in.

---

Not to mention that Trump's policies (e.g. tariffs, Gestapo tactics) aren't nearly as popular as some are claiming.

Yes, it's a rant you left (as usual).

Several issues have seen marked improvement in Trump's term so far, and others are out of his control.


As the adults know.

And of course style points count. Every candidate positions himself or herself according to the image they believe will win. That's why that Ayatollah won the NYC mayor job, despite warning signs that he would be a disaster - he won the media affection and played up charisma.


The funny thing, FLBear, is that you could have made valid points about Trump's garbled messaging, You might have observed how Trump is missing opportunities to win key issues with voters. Instead, you just keep repeating the same banal whine, as if this time it will sound true.


Finally, this is a midterm election. Those are different in voter composition and focus than Presidential-year elections. The hardest thing for both Trump haters and Trump supporters this year, might be that Trump is not going to drive the results of that election.

Oldbear83 said:

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Yes, it's a rant you left (as usual).

Several issues have seen marked improvement in Trump's term so far, and others are out of his control.


As the adults know.

And of course style points count. Every candidate positions himself or herself according to the image they believe will win. That's why that Ayatollah won the NYC mayor job, despite warning signs that he would be a disaster - he won the media affection and played up charisma.


The funny thing, FLBear, is that you could have made valid points about Trump's garbled messaging, You might have observed how Trump is missing opportunities to win key issues with voters. Instead, you just keep repeating the same banal whine, as if this time it will sound true.


Finally, this is a midterm election. Those are different in voter composition and focus than Presidential-year elections. The hardest thing for both Trump haters and Trump supporters this year, might be that Trump is not going to drive the results of that election.

---

Just as much as your lecture's are propaganda driven rants disguised as lectures.

Once again, we are talking elections, they are not logical and not everyone thinks like you do and this is NOT a normal year.

The most naive statement in this discussion is you saying that "the others he has no control over". Since when has that ever mattered in an election? He is the President, he gets the blame for everything. Goes with the title.

And what does "style" include? You ever work with communities and messaging? Everything you mentioned is a specific aspect of "Style". Why go into each item? If you have to go into specifics, you are losing. Get the point out and move on.

Finally, midterm election. Normally, you would be correct. The President would have a minor to middling impact on elections. Trump has made everything about him. You may call it TDS, but it is true. Trump Care, Trump Cards, Trump Accounts, Trump NFTs, Trump Performing Arts Center...

Ask the common person what this election is about - Trump. So, normally I would agree with you (at least I admit when I agree), but this election is a Referendum on Trump, as banal as you think it is. MAGA is going to lose big if they have your attitude and treat it like a normal Mid-erm. Nothing about this Administration has been normal.

What is the story here? The purpose of this is to rebuild Gaza?

‼️‼️ BREAKING: Trump announces that the United States will be contributing $10 billion to his Board of Peace.

A $10 billion contribution to a Board that Trump chairs without congressional appropriation or authorization.

It’s a giant slush fund. Full stop. pic.twitter.com/NB4SJf5Rqs

— Maine (@TheMaineWonk) February 19, 2026

boognish_bear said:

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What is the story here? The purpose of this is to rebuild Gaza?

‼️‼️ BREAKING: Trump announces that the United States will be contributing $10 billion to his Board of Peace.

A $10 billion contribution to a Board that Trump chairs without congressional appropriation or authorization.

It’s a giant slush fund. Full stop. pic.twitter.com/NB4SJf5Rqs

— Maine (@TheMaineWonk) February 19, 2026

---

Holy *****.. I knew we were going to have to pay for Israel's ****ery in Gaza... anyone who still thinks this country isnt completely controlled by Israel is a ****ing idiot or a traitor

I was told by many posters here that Israel can take care of themselves!

So why are we spending billions every year paying for their weapons cleaning up their messes???

WE ARE $40 TRILLION IN DEBT!!!

Polish PM Tusk says Poland isn't interested in funding foreign interests and foreign wars but would rather fund Polish cities and Polish people.

Imagine if America's leaders did the same.pic.twitter.com/OrCpoLblAm

— Owen Shroyer (@OwenShroyer1776) February 18, 2026

The_barBEARian said:

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Polish PM Tusk says Poland isn't interested in funding foreign interests and foreign wars but would rather fund Polish cities and Polish people.

Imagine if America's leaders did the same.pic.twitter.com/OrCpoLblAm

— Owen Shroyer (@OwenShroyer1776) February 18, 2026

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I wish our leaders were true nationalists

You must really need a nap FLBear, after a tantrum like that.

Trump loves him some Trump

New banner went up at DOJ headquarters this afternoon pic.twitter.com/jH3puvIodG

— Hannah Rabinowitz (@HBRabinowitz) February 19, 2026

Someone didn't learn from Biden's optics face-plants.

Large numbers of Gen Z Trump supporters gathered in Rome, Georgia, hours ahead of President Trump’s speech tonight.

pic.twitter.com/k96ZAy9gwZ

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 19, 2026

DOOCY: Barack Obama said that aliens are real. Have you seen any evidence of non-human visitors to earth?

TRUMP: Well, he gave classified information. He's not supposed to be doing that.

DOOCY: So aliens are real?

TRUMP: I don't know if they're real or not. He made a big… pic.twitter.com/OrihM2EWca

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 19, 2026

boognish_bear said:

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Trump loves him some Trump

New banner went up at DOJ headquarters this afternoon pic.twitter.com/jH3puvIodG

— Hannah Rabinowitz (@HBRabinowitz) February 19, 2026

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Does anyone believe that if this DOJ did find evidence incriminating Trump in the Epstein files that they would release it?

I guess RFK missed this meeting...

Do you understand now? pic.twitter.com/w0xr1k8OIC

— Jake Pixley (@TNHoneyThorn) February 19, 2026

RFK Jr. last month: "I believe that glyphosate causes cancer." https://t.co/SaY2NWi261 pic.twitter.com/82GDjL2uyy

— FactPost (@factpostnews) February 19, 2026

The herbicide Glyphosate is one of the likely culprits in America’s chronic disease epidemic. Much more widely used here than in Europe. Shockingly, much of our exposure comes from its use as a desiccant on wheat, not as an herbicide. From there it goes straight into our bodies.…

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) June 14, 2024

Congrats to the USA Women's Hockey Team for winning the Gold against Canada in dramatic OT fashion!

The Tie

TIE GAME! TIE GAME! THE CAPTAIN! pic.twitter.com/Fg9ycbZ2BY

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 19, 2026

The Win

A GOLDEN GOAL FOR GOLD! pic.twitter.com/oLDfElGnI9

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 19, 2026

boognish_bear said:

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I guess RFK missed this meeting...

Do you understand now? pic.twitter.com/w0xr1k8OIC

— Jake Pixley (@TNHoneyThorn) February 19, 2026

RFK Jr. last month: "I believe that glyphosate causes cancer." https://t.co/SaY2NWi261 pic.twitter.com/82GDjL2uyy

— FactPost (@factpostnews) February 19, 2026

The herbicide Glyphosate is one of the likely culprits in America’s chronic disease epidemic. Much more widely used here than in Europe. Shockingly, much of our exposure comes from its use as a desiccant on wheat, not as an herbicide. From there it goes straight into our bodies.…

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) June 14, 2024

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Really? Now we are removing regulations of pesticides. Let's just bring back DDT and deregulate the use of Benzene.

When Citizens United passed there were all sorts of alarmists screaming that we’re fucked and honestly you gotta hand it to em. https://t.co/JuR0GmFnhv

— Pat Thorman (@Pat_Thorman) February 19, 2026

JUST IN: 🇺🇸 President Trump says he solved the affordability crisis

"Everything is down." pic.twitter.com/zSWQz5iVCP

— Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) February 19, 2026

Bestweekeverr said:

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boognish_bear said:

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Trump loves him some Trump

New banner went up at DOJ headquarters this afternoon pic.twitter.com/jH3puvIodG

— Hannah Rabinowitz (@HBRabinowitz) February 19, 2026

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Does anyone believe that if the DNC did find evidence incriminating Trump in the Epstein files that they wouldn't release it?

---

FIFY

Trump: "Without tariffs, everybody would be bankrupt. Everybody. The whole country would be bankrupt." pic.twitter.com/zfQeGTqwsr

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 19, 2026

canoso said:

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Bestweekeverr said:

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boognish_bear said:

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Trump loves him some Trump

New banner went up at DOJ headquarters this afternoon pic.twitter.com/jH3puvIodG

— Hannah Rabinowitz (@HBRabinowitz) February 19, 2026

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Does anyone believe that if the DNC did find evidence incriminating Trump in the Epstein files that they wouldn't release it?

---

FIFY

---

Did you guys see the names on that list? How do you release Trump but none of the Democrats? How do you release Trump's name and not Clinton, Schiff, and the rest. Not to mention the money people donating to these parties. Really, they think that would have flown?

boognish_bear said:

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Trump: "Without tariffs, everybody would be bankrupt. Everybody. The whole country would be bankrupt." pic.twitter.com/zfQeGTqwsr

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 19, 2026

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Eventually…..Trump is correct.

Our trading 'partners' have been ******* our economy for years.

Jack Bauer said:

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Congrats to the USA Women's Hockey Team for winning the Gold against Canada in dramatic OT fashion!

The Tie

TIE GAME! TIE GAME! THE CAPTAIN! pic.twitter.com/Fg9ycbZ2BY

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 19, 2026

The Win

A GOLDEN GOAL FOR GOLD! pic.twitter.com/oLDfElGnI9

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 19, 2026

---

Gold when it matters most.

Congratulations to OUR TEAM.

Oh and…….**** you Trudeau

Canadians cheating at curling was prolly Trudeau's idea.

🚨 HOLY SMOKES. President Trump announces the US will take in nearly $1 TRILLION DOLLARS in tariff revenue next year, throwing the experts into a state of SHOCK

"Next year, $900 BILLION DOLLARS in tariffs! Unless the Supreme Court says you can't do it, can you believe it?!" 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hU7UAHKLRd

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 19, 2026

Oldbear83 said:

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Canadians cheating at curling was prolly Trudeau's idea.

---

I just hate Trudeau in every scenario.

He single handedly destroyed a beautiful country.

President Trump touts “$18 trillion” in tariff-driven investment. But it’s fake, made of vague announcements, routine spending, and Japanese LNG purchases labeled as “investment.” Real FDI in 2025 was only $266 billion. The $18 trillion is hype, not evidence, says Cato’s…

— Cato Institute (@CatoInstitute) February 19, 2026

FLBear5630 said:

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whiterock said:

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FLBear5630 said:

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whiterock said:

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FLBear5630 said:

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whiterock said:

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nein51 said:

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whiterock said:

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nein51 said:

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Enjoy that while it lasts because we are going to get destroyed at midterms unless the economy picks up dramatically and everyone that does planning/production that I know has no upturn until Q1/Q2 of 2027.

---

Mid-terms were lost the day Trump was inaugurated. We are in a decent position to rescue them. His policies are now in place and manifestly bearing fruit. Will it be enough? Dunno. Polling does seem to have stabilized and in some instances is ticking up slightly.

---

That's not going to happen. Again, unless there is a huge surge in the economy it's going to be a slaughter.

---

And lo & behold, there is a huge surge building in the economy......

I'm not predicting we will hold onto both Houses of Congress.
I'm saying the stuff that needs to happen to do so is, at this moment, actually happening.

Will it be enough, soon enough.....and will the public perceive it or get distracted by something else......who knows. But if you're gaming a way to defeat historical precedents, the opening moves are looking like they need to look

---

There is a lot of time before mid-terms, we will get March, June and September numbers before election day. If this continues to build like you say, Senate should be safe and the HOR close enough to at least have influence.

Trump needs some calm time, no mis-steps. No shootings. No bombshells. Build the economy, make nice with Europe (sending Rubio instead of Vance was good move this week), and let Epstein play out (Don't do another Bondi...). Don't invade Iran.

---

your instincts on how to win elections are catastrophically bad = keep it nice & quiet so nobody realizes there's an election underway. Elections are about dominance of narrative.

---

If you are popular! Sure, push it more. You think Team Trump is winning the narrative and invading Iran is going to help? After running as the peace President and threatening to take Greenland?

Dude, you are delusional. He just had to end the surge in MN, Bondi melted down on National TV over Epstein, Vance is taking on US Olympic Athletes in Italy and Rubio had to go 100% Bush NeoCon to patch up fences in Europe.

Winning the narrative with dominance? n He is getting slaughtered, his approval is as low as Biden's was. GOP candidates don't want him campaigning for him. He needs domestic efforts and bring prices down, not go on the offensive. This Viet Nam era management of the message is a nightmare for the Party.

---

LOL your ability to elevate style above substances is amazing.

His personal popularity matters.
His personal popularity matters less than the popularity of his policies.
His polices are squarely athwart supermajority policy positions of the American people.
They are working.
He can rub people the wrong way, but if things get better, they will still vote for him.

Such has always been so.
It's been pretty successful for him.
And things are definitely getting better.

---

You do realize we are talking elections? Elections where he is underwater with the whole electorate, not just MAGA or even the GOP. Finally, elections where the MAGA and GOP are not going to be the deciding votes?

It is a popularity and style issue. Geez, remember Nixon vs Kennedy? Trump is not the "likeable for the people" or handsome candidate one year in.

LOL, elections are not about style! If what you are saying is correct, people vote on if things are better for them, half the winners wouldn't have won! This is an interesting subject, which I would discuss if you want to get away from the condescension. Because you bring up a point worth discussing - things are better.

Are things better and can the average person determine it? Has Trump made the "kitchen table" items people vote on better?

Housing? Groceries? Fuel? Utilities? Education?

Gas, yes. He lowered gas prices. Others?

Your definition of "better" may not match with the common voters. Attacking Iran is not going to help.

This is where you tell me it is a rant to discredit the points I bring up. Been down this road before. But, I tried.

---

You are absolutely out of touch with reality. two of the top three polling units the last several election cycles (less than a percentage point off of actual result) have him at 50% approval.

Insider Advantage poll | 2/17-2/18 LV

President Trump approval
✅Approve 50% (no change)
❌Disapprove 46% (-3)

Link to poll: https://t.co/tgB1JczRx6 https://t.co/DBKF27KMCQ pic.twitter.com/zT3RH2w4rT

— Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 (@PollTracker2024) February 19, 2026

boognish_bear said:

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President Trump touts “$18 trillion” in tariff-driven investment. But it’s fake, made of vague announcements, routine spending, and Japanese LNG purchases labeled as “investment.” Real FDI in 2025 was only $266 billion. The $18 trillion is hype, not evidence, says Cato’s…

— Cato Institute (@CatoInstitute) February 19, 2026

---

The Cato Institute is 100% bull**** .

Every day; every year.

KaiBear said:

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boognish_bear said:

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President Trump touts “$18 trillion” in tariff-driven investment. But it’s fake, made of vague announcements, routine spending, and Japanese LNG purchases labeled as “investment.” Real FDI in 2025 was only $266 billion. The $18 trillion is hype, not evidence, says Cato’s…

— Cato Institute (@CatoInstitute) February 19, 2026

---

The Cato Institute is 100% bull**** .

Every day; every year.

---

libertarian movement endorses unfettered movement of goods and people across borders.

This week I will introduce the “No Immunity for Glyphosate Act” to undo the recent Executive Order which promotes glyphosate (Round-Up) and insulates manufacturers from liability. #MAHA pic.twitter.com/NLqBRUjZwz

— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) February 20, 2026

It's got to the point where if Trump eats beef for lunch, Massie will have chicken even if he wants beef.