Thanks, Ed, for your thoughtful analysis. I will be forever perplexed about how voters can ignore Trump the individual, with all his faults, and focus on his simple message. And maybe that's the most cogent explanation for his win.
In soccer such a loss would be attributed to “own goals”, which in this election were legion—political incompetence at both state of Iowa and national levels.
And, 3:30–? (whenever spouse awakens) most productive time of day—email, WSJ, NYT, DSM Register, Substacks, Bible, etc.
I'm hopeful for the next cycle when perhaps both parties will have strong candidates and there is no "lesser of evil" choice; we all win regardless of the flavor chosen.
We the People deserve better choices and We the People should demand better of our media. Election night coverage said it best when commentators from one station started using the terms "we" and "our" candidate is losing in _________ and _________. "This is not a good night for us." People will vote with their feet, their remote controls and their subscriptions. We've seen that happen already and I suspect we'll see much more of that in the future. It's time for journalists to report the facts as they are and refrain from the incessant opinions offered as "reporting."
Few people look to journalists for economic or financial analysis.
As I've said before, there are opinion journalists and non-opinion journalists. They are both legitimate, and there are plenty of good ones in both camps, including those who provide valuable perspective on the economy.
Ed I appreciate your analysis but find myself in a psychological state of wanting to totally disconnect from the news. I still can’t believe that the majority of America thinks Trump should lead our country. I know this will sound elitist but the conclusion I’ve reached is the electorate is amazingly misinformed or lack the interest in understanding what Trump represents. How any minority can vote for him is beyond my understanding. What is really sad is criminal behavior, hate, chaos, misogyny, racism are what America has voted for. So for now the way I’m dealing with the results is to turn all news off. I’m thinking the only thought I’m hanging on to is just wait and see where this all ends in four years and whether those that voted for him are still happy with the results. Buckle up we are in for a bad time in our history with our whole planet in jeopardy
I don't blame you, or anybody else, for wanting to step away. Last week was so disappointing, and in so many ways. I know it's hard to contemplate four more years, but .... OK, I can't think of anything good to say after that. Be well, my friend.
I have some sad news for Americans--we no longer have a TWO-party system. It started in the 1990's with Bill Clinton--and continued under Barack Obama. The Dems wanted to be just like the GOP, the party of the Wealthy elites. So we now have two parties ( really just one) that will do everything they can to cater to the top 2-3%. The rest of the country 97% have no chance of ever thinking that the economy will improve for them.
Until the mid 1970's the Dems were the party of the Working class--that is now completely gone.
The Dems now are working for the same folks as the GOP. Voter turnout will continue to Decline,
because neither party is working for the American worker who is working 2-3 jobs and living paycheck to paycheck.
We need to realize that the Inequality we see getting worst each month will only continue. Our problems of today were created by the very same people who claim they have the solutions.
BULL-SHIT We keep electing the same A**HOLES WHO keep lying and we believe every word they say.
Lastly, the other major problem is will always be the Mainstream media. They are 100% owned by folks like Elon Musk and Fox News and continue to spew crap that America is only going to get better. Yes, better for the Top 2-3% We have become a government of the wealthy, by the wealthy, and for the wealthy. Two parties now serving the same MASTER. Heaven help us.
No Dem messaging or policy proposal will ever get thru. Republicans are in a cult. Their only goal is to “stick it to the libs” . Presented with any evidence, they have been groomed to respond “fake news “.
Interested in our cadre here—when Trumps import tax makes the price of goods skyrocket, whom will he blame? Immigrants? The media? Woke generals?
Thanks for another great reflection! Many very fine comments have been made and my feelings are right in the middle of this discussion! I will Not stop watching news - I will challenge news by “who, how and where”. Rural voters and the farmers need to learn what is at the bottom of their health concerns (second highest cancer rate in the nation) and how to grow healthier more nutrient dense crops by
reducing chemicals and GE or GMO technologies. Artificially driven high yields should not be the only measure for farm profitability! With that focus in mind Iowa would be THE LEADER again that it deservedly historically had. 60 years ago we farmed more NATURAL and were much healthier! Think about it!
Thanks, Ed, for your thoughtful analysis. I will be forever perplexed about how voters can ignore Trump the individual, with all his faults, and focus on his simple message. And maybe that's the most cogent explanation for his win.
In soccer such a loss would be attributed to “own goals”, which in this election were legion—political incompetence at both state of Iowa and national levels.
And, 3:30–? (whenever spouse awakens) most productive time of day—email, WSJ, NYT, DSM Register, Substacks, Bible, etc.
I have seen projections indicating Trump’s popular vote margin will end up around 2 million (less than Clinton’s advantage in 2016).
I wouldn't be surprised. However it turns out, it was a narrow win. Nothing more.
I'm hopeful for the next cycle when perhaps both parties will have strong candidates and there is no "lesser of evil" choice; we all win regardless of the flavor chosen.
We the People deserve better choices and We the People should demand better of our media. Election night coverage said it best when commentators from one station started using the terms "we" and "our" candidate is losing in _________ and _________. "This is not a good night for us." People will vote with their feet, their remote controls and their subscriptions. We've seen that happen already and I suspect we'll see much more of that in the future. It's time for journalists to report the facts as they are and refrain from the incessant opinions offered as "reporting."
Few people look to journalists for economic or financial analysis.
As I've said before, there are opinion journalists and non-opinion journalists. They are both legitimate, and there are plenty of good ones in both camps, including those who provide valuable perspective on the economy.
Ed I appreciate your analysis but find myself in a psychological state of wanting to totally disconnect from the news. I still can’t believe that the majority of America thinks Trump should lead our country. I know this will sound elitist but the conclusion I’ve reached is the electorate is amazingly misinformed or lack the interest in understanding what Trump represents. How any minority can vote for him is beyond my understanding. What is really sad is criminal behavior, hate, chaos, misogyny, racism are what America has voted for. So for now the way I’m dealing with the results is to turn all news off. I’m thinking the only thought I’m hanging on to is just wait and see where this all ends in four years and whether those that voted for him are still happy with the results. Buckle up we are in for a bad time in our history with our whole planet in jeopardy
I don't blame you, or anybody else, for wanting to step away. Last week was so disappointing, and in so many ways. I know it's hard to contemplate four more years, but .... OK, I can't think of anything good to say after that. Be well, my friend.
I have some sad news for Americans--we no longer have a TWO-party system. It started in the 1990's with Bill Clinton--and continued under Barack Obama. The Dems wanted to be just like the GOP, the party of the Wealthy elites. So we now have two parties ( really just one) that will do everything they can to cater to the top 2-3%. The rest of the country 97% have no chance of ever thinking that the economy will improve for them.
Until the mid 1970's the Dems were the party of the Working class--that is now completely gone.
The Dems now are working for the same folks as the GOP. Voter turnout will continue to Decline,
because neither party is working for the American worker who is working 2-3 jobs and living paycheck to paycheck.
We need to realize that the Inequality we see getting worst each month will only continue. Our problems of today were created by the very same people who claim they have the solutions.
BULL-SHIT We keep electing the same A**HOLES WHO keep lying and we believe every word they say.
Lastly, the other major problem is will always be the Mainstream media. They are 100% owned by folks like Elon Musk and Fox News and continue to spew crap that America is only going to get better. Yes, better for the Top 2-3% We have become a government of the wealthy, by the wealthy, and for the wealthy. Two parties now serving the same MASTER. Heaven help us.
No Dem messaging or policy proposal will ever get thru. Republicans are in a cult. Their only goal is to “stick it to the libs” . Presented with any evidence, they have been groomed to respond “fake news “.
Interested in our cadre here—when Trumps import tax makes the price of goods skyrocket, whom will he blame? Immigrants? The media? Woke generals?
Ed thanks for the analysis
Ed
Thanks for another great reflection! Many very fine comments have been made and my feelings are right in the middle of this discussion! I will Not stop watching news - I will challenge news by “who, how and where”. Rural voters and the farmers need to learn what is at the bottom of their health concerns (second highest cancer rate in the nation) and how to grow healthier more nutrient dense crops by
reducing chemicals and GE or GMO technologies. Artificially driven high yields should not be the only measure for farm profitability! With that focus in mind Iowa would be THE LEADER again that it deservedly historically had. 60 years ago we farmed more NATURAL and were much healthier! Think about it!