Dunno why, but I got up this morning with Albeniz’ Sevilla on a repeat loop in my head, so I dug up a couple of versions from y-tube for your listening pleasure to choose, if you like: first, Alicia de Laroccha, piano — https://youtu.be/Vm7XS5X9_2w — and second, John Williams, guitar : https://youtu.be/3On0zvl0x0Y
I slogged thru over a hundred sickening comments, and along with Trump’s Q&A from yesterday, saw practically no, even mild criticism of Putin. Unbelievable!
Aside from the usual “why should we care?” Or “Ukraine is corrupt, they deserve it” there were a few comments that Trump is negotiating. His demands from Ukraine are just his usual outrageous starting position. Fine, and I suppose an oft times reasonable approach, but shouldn’t some outrageous demands be made on Russia? Of course, if you hold to the corrupt Ukraine excuse, since that corruption is usually tied to US assistance and/or the Bidens, I guess it is fine for some country to invade the US.
There are a number of videos I have seen where a certain set of policy positions are presented to people. Those policies are either then applauded or panned, not on actual merit, but on who they are told favors those positions. For example, I recently saw one video from several years ago. Liberal college students were presented with republican tax policies but told that the ideas were those of Bernie Sanders. When they got to the less taxes on the rich position, instead of the instant uproar you might expect, you got a hmm, sorta, maybe, response. I guess this is an example of Neo’s Circle Dancing. Back to the comments on Hinderaker’s post, I wonder how many of those are from people who actually thought thru their stated positions as opposed to those who just want to be in synch with Trump.
Karmi, it’s called PR. Show average American that what Trump and Musk are doing is a benefit to them.
why did they insist on that model of presentation, its interesting how wolf hall, to use one topical example, the finale is to air in march, presents many of the female leads and supporting players, same with the Tudor series,
one of Cromwell’s dialogs with Henry is about the cost of War, in money as in lives, he speaks of a minor campaign in Northern France,
I watched the Trump/Musk interview with Hannity last night. Informative and entertaining. Most relaxed I’ve ever seen Trump. I kept thinking that if I went to a bar and friend called me over and introduced me to the two of them I would immediately like them. Of course I’m a brainwashed fascist. 🙂
Could they not present such blatant fraud, which of course OfCom would not flag,
I’ve mentioned how this viewpoint doesn’t merely enter into the so called official media, but it permeates into fiction, like the late Paul Sussman’s archaelogical mysteries, of course Le Carre was incorrigible, the TV series Spooks had a few instances like that in the 00s, when they suggested that Al Queda had interests that could be appeased, well that is what the Foreign office is doing with the current head of state in Syria, in not so many words,as they did a dozen years ago, with Quadaffi empowering another so- called Freedom fighter, Belhadj after apologizing profusely for their part in his detention, he was a behind the scenes player, in Islamist consolidation, which General Haftar has thwarted over nearly as long a period, with Russian aid as it turns out,
Part 1
SHIREHOME
Karmi, it’s called PR. Show average American that what Trump and Musk are doing is a benefit to them.
Some might call it vote buying and/or some kind of USAID beneficiary, etcetera.
I’ve been checking out Conservative comment boards this morning. Tweak the comments a tad, and one might think that they are some of the “documented” TDS comments mentioned by physicsguy.
TDS vs TCS: I don’t really comment much—other than here, but did this morning to Breitbart’s “Trump Says Price of Peace May be Fresh Ukrainian Elections” post. ME:
Elections in a war zone…geez. Millions of voters fled when Russia reinvaded. Who knows how many Ukrainians are under occupation by the Russians. Cities, towns, and villages destroyed – so apparently Trump supports Putin handling the Voting precincts. Trump has basically become Putin’s mouthpiece in the negotiations. Trump is in over his head when it comes to International Affairs.
Here are the only two civil responses – 1:
Elections in Ukraine, not the war zone. Only a small part of Ukraine is occupied.
Second civil response – 2:
The war is in the Eastern part of Ukraine.
Not even 10% of the country is affected.
MAGA TCS saw it as – No damage in Kyiv or any other towns, cities, or villages outside the “Eastern part of Ukraine” and/or the “war zone”.
I slogged thru over a hundred sickening comments, and along with Trump’s Q&A from yesterday, saw practically no, even mild criticism of Putin. Unbelievable!
***
Fine, and I suppose an oft times reasonable approach, but shouldn’t some outrageous demands be made on Russia?
***
Back to the comments on Hinderaker’s post, I wonder how many of those are from people who actually thought thru their stated positions as opposed to those who just want to be in synch with Trump.
Yeah, really TDS ‘n TCS are just two peas in a strange pod…
”Elon Musk considers ‘DOGE dividend’ that would send $5,000 check to all Americans following massive budget cuts”
Good grief! So now we’re going to increase the deficit by another $1.65 trillion, sparking even more inflation.
Doesn’t anyone have a clue how money works?
”His demands from Ukraine are just his usual outrageous starting position.”
AAAARRRGGGHHH!!!
WHY IS HIS “OUTRAGEOUS STARTING POSITION” THAT OF MAKING OUTRAGEOUS DEMANDS OF THE VICTIM?????
This is like making outrageous demands of a rape victim before we even ask her rapist to stop raping her! Shouldn’t his outrageous demands be directed toward the rapist? I don’t know, maybe something like “Get off of her and maybe we won’t kill you.”?
This isn’t just wrong, it’s disgusting. It’s disgusting and it’s evil, and so is anyone trying to justify it.
the last portrait looks like rebecca Hall, a character actress who has been in a number of films, including one regretable Marvel Entry, one item about artificial intelligence,
Reading comprehension isn’t very good this would be after all the cuts,
as we have seen, most of the support
for this caucasus boondoggle seems to have come from USAID, including the InterNews arrangement
Another good post by John Hinderaker of Powerline blog
“TRUMP STANDS UP FOR DEMOCRACY
Yesterday President Trump signed what could prove to be his most important executive order to date. The order addresses the so-called “independent agencies” of the Executive Branch–the SEC, the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and so on. The purpose of the order is to bring these agencies under presidential control.”
The left loves these “independent” agencies because they are invariably staffed with leftist inside the beltway Democrats. Read the post and Hindersker’s defense of it on constitutional basis.
In the meantime, Robert’s is taking his sweet time, considering the emergency appeal by the administration on the district judge’s “temporary” restraining order.
But I thought this comment was worth pointing out.
Margaret Brennan’s bizarre response to JD Vance’s speech in Munich — free speech? but that’s the weapon the Nazis used to commit the Holocaust! — wasn’t mere ignorance or accident. It’s a maneuver. You’re going to see more of it,
Imagine for the moment that DOGE policies were implemented by Biden or Obama or, God forbid, Kamala Cackling Harris.
The media would be talking up how great this was, how beneficial to the nation eliminating waste/fraud was, how brilliant the president and his selected auditors were, etc. etc. They would not report one negative aspect of such a plan (e.g., interviewing those who lost their jobs).
But since it’s Trump, the entire DOGE program is evil, anti-democratic, a coup d’etat, executive usurpation of power, a disaster, etc. etc.
It just confirms – yet again – how disgusting, how dishonest , and what pieces of dog excrement the media folks are. They are poisonous snakes .
It’s so strange to come back to “the new” Neo site and start commenting again after a lengthy absence, which was triggered by my own case of TDS. Now I’m seeing the same thing with other commenters here tearing Trump into pieces. It’s like waking up and looking in a mirror. As hard as I try to still hate the man, reading these comments is like someone throwing all the nonsense I spewed right back in my face.
Get over it people. What we are witnessing is the wonderful transformation of a country and its citizens, the pushing aside and discarding of failed policies, the opening salvo of a fantastic new future.
“We never had to take any of it seriously, did we?”
“No, we never had to.”
I’ve read several polls that put Trump’s approval in the mid-50s and rising.
And of course, as you probably well know, we don’t have new elections because of low approval ratings in this country, anyway.
sdferr, somewhat confusing article by Lee Smith about the Elbridge Colby nomination.
Here’s one thing Smith said about Trump’s foreign policy:
That Colby is moving in the opposite direction from Trump was inadvertently underscored by New York Times columnist Ross Douthat when he, too, came to Colby’s defense on X. “The Trump administration is formally committed to a strategy of rebalancing American commitments from Europe to the Far East, containing and repelling Chinese aggression and adapting to a multipolar world,” wrote Douthat. “Very, very few people the GOP over the last decade have argued and written more seriously about what that kind of strategy looks like and how to make it work than Bridge.”
But that’s not Trump policy. The 47th president of the United States says China, Russia, and Iran are the threats facing the country.
I think Smith is misstating/misunderstanding Trump’s policy. I don’t think Trump views Russia as a threat, or if he does, he thinks he can decouple Russia from China and Iran and contain the threat.
If you want to understand Colby’s positions– what better than to listen to him talk. He was on Tucker shortly after the election and while it’s free flowing I think Colby understands that we need Taiwan, but at the same time, according to Smith’s view of Colby’s position, “It is not, however, an existential interest. America has a strong interest in defending Taiwan, but Americans could survive without it.”
I think that align’s with Trump. Trump has repeatedly said he wants to engage with China, not isolate or pick a fight with them.
neo – Trump said Zelensky approval rating was 4% – which is a lie at best.
Grok – What is President Trump’s approval rating?
As of February 19, 2025, President Donald Trump’s approval rating varies slightly depending on the source and the timing of the polls. Here’s a summary based on the most recent data available:
• Reuters/Ipsos Poll (closed February 18, 2025): Trump’s approval rating is at 44%, a slight decline from 45% in late January and 47% right after his inauguration on January 20, 2025. This poll also notes a rise in disapproval to 51%, with concerns about the economy and tariffs impacting public sentiment.
• Gallup Poll (February 3-16, 2025): Trump’s approval rating stands at 45%, consistent with a historically low start compared to other elected presidents since 1953, though it’s a slight improvement from his 40% in February 2017 during his first term.
• SurveyUSA Poll (February 13-16, 2025): This poll reports a higher approval rating of 51% among U.S. adults, with stronger support in rural areas (59%) compared to suburban (48%) and urban (51%) regions.
• CBS News/YouGov Poll (early February 2025): Trump’s approval rating is cited at 53%, one of his highest marks, with 70% of respondents saying he’s fulfilling campaign promises, though this figure is also echoed in posts on X reflecting public sentiment rather than new polling data.
The variation in these figures reflects differences in polling methodologies, sample sizes, and timing relative to recent events, such as Trump’s tariff threats and executive actions. Historically, Trump’s approval ratings have been polarized and lower than the average for new presidents (typically above 50%), yet they show a stronger start in his second term compared to his first. For the most current and precise figure, ongoing polls may shift these numbers in the coming days, but as of today, his approval rating ranges between 44% and 53%, with 45% being a commonly cited midpoint from recent comprehensive surveys.
Lucky for Trump “we don’t have new elections because of low approval ratings in this country” 😉
Karmi, if Zelensky is as popular as you suggest, he should have not hesitancy in holding elections.
At minimum there should be a referendum on a negotiated end to the war.
Ukrainian public opinion on ending the war with Russia has evolved over time, reflecting growing war fatigue, battlefield realities, and shifting political dynamics. Based on recent data:
Gallup Poll (August and October 2024): A Gallup survey found that 52% of Ukrainians favored negotiating an end to the war “as soon as possible,” while 38% supported continuing to fight until victory. This marked a significant shift from earlier sentiments—73% favored fighting until victory in 2022, dropping to 63% in 2023. Among those open to peace, 52% were willing to consider territorial concessions, though specifics weren’t outlined.
Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS, December 2024): A later poll showed 38% of Ukrainians were open to territorial concessions to end the war quickly while preserving independence, up from 32% in October 2024. However, 51% opposed concessions “under no circumstances,” even if it prolonged the war, down from 58% in October 2024 and 74% in December 2023. This indicates a gradual increase in openness to compromise, though a majority still resists territorial losses.
Regional Variations: Support for ending the war is strongest in eastern regions near the front lines (e.g., 63% in the East favored a quick end in the Gallup poll), while areas like Kyiv (47% supporting continued fighting) show more resolve to persist.
Historical Context: Earlier in the conflict, Ukrainians overwhelmingly rejected concessions. For instance, a KIIS poll in May-June 2023 found 84% opposed territorial compromises, and in 2022, Gallup reported 70% favored fighting until victory, defined as reclaiming all territories, including Crimea.
The trend suggests growing exhaustion after nearly three years of war, with Russian advances and strained resources influencing sentiment. However, opinions remain divided, with no consensus on terms for peace. Many Ukrainians fear that compromises might not guarantee lasting security, reflecting a tension between desiring peace and resisting Russian demands. Public sentiment also appears influenced by reliance on Western support and uncertainty about future aid, particularly with potential U.S. policy shifts under a new administration in 2025.
The poll shows conflicted views– ending the war quickly but without territorial concessions. And of course the opinions vary based on geography– which is the split Ukraine has faced between western and eastern parts of the country.
Karmi, in the eastern part of Ukraine, Zelensky’s approval rating may well be 4%.
Another interesting All In podcast with Sacks again joining the conversation.
I would fast forward to 23:20, unless you want to hear a rather unique parenting philosophy from Naval
(14:17) Unique views on parenting
(23:20) Sacks joins to talk AI: JD Vance’s speech in Paris, Techno-Optimists vs Doomers
(1:11:06) Tariffs and the US economic experiment
(1:21:15) Thomson Reuters wins first major AI copyright decision on behalf of rights holders
(1:35:35) Chamath’s dinner with Bryan Johnson, sleep hacks
(1:45:09) Tulsi Gabbard, RFK Jr. confirmed
Brian E – am sure you and Trump would love to have Putin running the election in the background. You are smarter than this…
Karmi:
Many of those approval ratings of Trump’s are higher than when he won the 2016 election as well as when he won the 2024 election. You’re not making much of a point.
For example, immediately prior to the 2016 election, the Gallup poll’s result for Trump’s approval rating was 34%. He won that election, you may recall.
The Other Chuck:
It’s mainly one commenter here who hates Trump, and he has made many comments on this thread (and today’s Ukraine thread) so far.
I have criticisms and reservations about Trump, as I have always had. I think that’s true of most of the other commenters. I call each move of his as I see it. Most of his actions so far have been positive. I’m willing to reserve final judgment on his policy for Ukraine till I see what the deal really is. But his recent statements are very concerning, although they may merely be his opening moves to get Putin onboard.
Karmi, that’s just rationalization.
Martial law gives the government extraordinary powers.
Here’s a few of them (from Wikipedia):
On 26 February, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared a curfew from 5 pm to 8 am every day to expose Russian subversives.[31] The curfew was lifted on 28 February after a two-day search for Russian commando forces.[32]
On 20 March, President Zelenskyy signed a decree that merged all national television channels into one platform due to martial law.[33][34] That same day, he signed a decree suspending the activities of eleven opposition political parties, citing claimed ties to the Russian government, throughout the duration of martial law; the parties included the pro-Russian Opposition Platform — For Life, the second-largest party in the Verkhovna Rada, and other, smaller ones.[35][36][37] On 22 May the Ukrainian parliament extended martial law for another 90 days and automatically renews from that point on.
If Russian influence is so pervasive in the 80% of Ukraine Russia doesn’t control, there isn’t much hope for Ukraine.
The best estimates of Ukraine’s current population is 31.1 million in the 80% that Ukraine controls.
About half of the original population (6 million) of the 20% Russia controls left because of the war, which leaves around 3 million people. Some/many/most of those remaining likely were sympathetic to Russia. We don’t know how many remained that are/were loyal to Ukraine and they would have no way to participate in an election.
Approximately 12 million Ukrainians left the country at the beginning of the war and could vote by mail.
Ukraine government completely controls the media; opposition parties are banned; at any time authorities could impose curfews to root out any outside influences.
The bottom line is most Ukrainians could participate in an election or a referendum. The ones that remained in occupied areas would have no realistic way to participate. The vast majority of Ukrainians would be able to participate.
I watched the Trump/Musk interview with Hannity last night. Informative and entertaining. Most relaxed I’ve ever seen Trump. I kept thinking that if I went to a bar and friend called me over and introduced me to the two of them I would immediately like them.
physicsguy:
I’m glad to hear you say that. It validates my similar impression that this Trump is different, more mature, more relaxed, even funnier than the Trump who ran in 2016 and 2020.
Trump has been through the fire and it has burnt off a lot of the nonessentials. He has become a hero.
Neo: Of course it is easy to be skeptical of what Trump says. He may say just about anything as he has fun with his enemies, here and abroad. That is what finally penetrated my thick skull after years of being triggered by his instant comebacks and rambling thinking-out-loud speeches. I overcame it a little, held my nose and voted for him with hope. He has exceeded my expectations. It’s the people he appointed or hired like Musk and his crew and the exceptional results in such a short time. As you pointed out to my shame, in no way does he resemble a Hitler, he’s just a showman par excellence.
Yes, he’s still Trump with the personality that can grate on many, but he’s showing results that I really didn’t expect.
As to Ukraine, the lead negotiator is Rubio who has been about as strong an advocate of their cause as anyone. Trump won’t sell out Ukraine, or what remains of their young men. He will be the one to save what can be saved.
The Other Chuck:
I basically agree with you. But Trump drives me crazy sometimes with his mercurial nature and huge mouth. It also gives his opponents lots of opportunity to hate him further – which, personally, causes social angst in my life with certain acquaintances and loved ones.
And if he really does end up utterly selling out Ukraine I will be very upset.
I have not yet heard that anyone claiming that there should be free and open elections in Ukraine who is also seeking to have the same in Russia.
I would hate to end up believing that Trump is dumping on Zalenskyy in reaction to the failed effort to find dirt on Hunter Biden and thus Joe Biden, but such revenge would be partly understandable after what the Biden “regime” put him through.
I also had not heard that Ukraine was all that flush with mineral wealth, but rather that they were generally agricultural in the mid and west areas, but more industrial in the east. If they do have substantial rare earth or other minerals we desire for our high tech world, it does make sense that the US (and some European?) support could and should be reimbursed via that mechanism. But those returns still need to remain proportional to the levels of support received, not become excessive.
“… if he really does end up utterly selling out Ukraine I will be very upset.”
A great deal of Trump’s aspersions are directed at Zelensky in order to smite, discipline, and motivate the Eurocracy to get off their own sweet assess and stand up for their own Europe!
I get his anger and angst here. But does anyone in or reading the the propaganda Media get it? Doubtful.
The Press’s job is to cover a story with a pillow until it stops moving
Dunno why, but I got up this morning with Albeniz’ Sevilla on a repeat loop in my head, so I dug up a couple of versions from y-tube for your listening pleasure to choose, if you like: first, Alicia de Laroccha, piano — https://youtu.be/Vm7XS5X9_2w — and second, John Williams, guitar : https://youtu.be/3On0zvl0x0Y
Elon Musk considers ‘DOGE dividend’ that would send $5,000 check to all Americans following massive budget cuts
Whatever happened with paying down the National Debt?
John Hinderaker “Trump and Ukraine: What is Going On?”
Nothing groundbreaking in Hinderaker’s post, just common sense and common decency.
https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2025/02/trump-and-ukraine-what-is-going-on.php
I slogged thru over a hundred sickening comments, and along with Trump’s Q&A from yesterday, saw practically no, even mild criticism of Putin. Unbelievable!
Aside from the usual “why should we care?” Or “Ukraine is corrupt, they deserve it” there were a few comments that Trump is negotiating. His demands from Ukraine are just his usual outrageous starting position. Fine, and I suppose an oft times reasonable approach, but shouldn’t some outrageous demands be made on Russia? Of course, if you hold to the corrupt Ukraine excuse, since that corruption is usually tied to US assistance and/or the Bidens, I guess it is fine for some country to invade the US.
There are a number of videos I have seen where a certain set of policy positions are presented to people. Those policies are either then applauded or panned, not on actual merit, but on who they are told favors those positions. For example, I recently saw one video from several years ago. Liberal college students were presented with republican tax policies but told that the ideas were those of Bernie Sanders. When they got to the less taxes on the rich position, instead of the instant uproar you might expect, you got a hmm, sorta, maybe, response. I guess this is an example of Neo’s Circle Dancing. Back to the comments on Hinderaker’s post, I wonder how many of those are from people who actually thought thru their stated positions as opposed to those who just want to be in synch with Trump.
Karmi, it’s called PR. Show average American that what Trump and Musk are doing is a benefit to them.
why did they insist on that model of presentation, its interesting how wolf hall, to use one topical example, the finale is to air in march, presents many of the female leads and supporting players, same with the Tudor series,
one of Cromwell’s dialogs with Henry is about the cost of War, in money as in lives, he speaks of a minor campaign in Northern France,
I watched the Trump/Musk interview with Hannity last night. Informative and entertaining. Most relaxed I’ve ever seen Trump. I kept thinking that if I went to a bar and friend called me over and introduced me to the two of them I would immediately like them. Of course I’m a brainwashed fascist. 🙂
Minitrue plays favorites,
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/18/bbc-hamas-abdullah-al-yazouri-gaza-complaint/
Could they not present such blatant fraud, which of course OfCom would not flag,
I’ve mentioned how this viewpoint doesn’t merely enter into the so called official media, but it permeates into fiction, like the late Paul Sussman’s archaelogical mysteries, of course Le Carre was incorrigible, the TV series Spooks had a few instances like that in the 00s, when they suggested that Al Queda had interests that could be appeased, well that is what the Foreign office is doing with the current head of state in Syria, in not so many words,as they did a dozen years ago, with Quadaffi empowering another so- called Freedom fighter, Belhadj after apologizing profusely for their part in his detention, he was a behind the scenes player, in Islamist consolidation, which General Haftar has thwarted over nearly as long a period, with Russian aid as it turns out,
Part 1
SHIREHOME
Some might call it vote buying and/or some kind of USAID beneficiary, etcetera.
I’ve been checking out Conservative comment boards this morning. Tweak the comments a tad, and one might think that they are some of the “documented” TDS comments mentioned by physicsguy.
TDS vs TCS: I don’t really comment much—other than here, but did this morning to Breitbart’s “Trump Says Price of Peace May be Fresh Ukrainian Elections” post. ME:
Here are the only two civil responses – 1:
Second civil response – 2:
MAGA TCS saw it as – No damage in Kyiv or any other towns, cities, or villages outside the “Eastern part of Ukraine” and/or the “war zone”.
Part 2
Steve links to a great post on PL – TRUMP AND UKRAINE: WHAT IS GOING ON?
Steve then comments:
Yeah, really TDS ‘n TCS are just two peas in a strange pod…
”Elon Musk considers ‘DOGE dividend’ that would send $5,000 check to all Americans following massive budget cuts”
Good grief! So now we’re going to increase the deficit by another $1.65 trillion, sparking even more inflation.
Doesn’t anyone have a clue how money works?
”His demands from Ukraine are just his usual outrageous starting position.”
AAAARRRGGGHHH!!!
WHY IS HIS “OUTRAGEOUS STARTING POSITION” THAT OF MAKING OUTRAGEOUS DEMANDS OF THE VICTIM?????
This is like making outrageous demands of a rape victim before we even ask her rapist to stop raping her! Shouldn’t his outrageous demands be directed toward the rapist? I don’t know, maybe something like “Get off of her and maybe we won’t kill you.”?
This isn’t just wrong, it’s disgusting. It’s disgusting and it’s evil, and so is anyone trying to justify it.
the last portrait looks like rebecca Hall, a character actress who has been in a number of films, including one regretable Marvel Entry, one item about artificial intelligence,
Reading comprehension isn’t very good this would be after all the cuts,
as we have seen, most of the support
for this caucasus boondoggle seems to have come from USAID, including the InterNews arrangement
Another good post by John Hinderaker of Powerline blog
“TRUMP STANDS UP FOR DEMOCRACY
Yesterday President Trump signed what could prove to be his most important executive order to date. The order addresses the so-called “independent agencies” of the Executive Branch–the SEC, the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and so on. The purpose of the order is to bring these agencies under presidential control.”
The left loves these “independent” agencies because they are invariably staffed with leftist inside the beltway Democrats. Read the post and Hindersker’s defense of it on constitutional basis.
In the meantime, Robert’s is taking his sweet time, considering the emergency appeal by the administration on the district judge’s “temporary” restraining order.
https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2025/02/trump-stands-up-for-democracy.php
Over on instapundit, so I’m sure everyone has seen,
https://chrisbray.substack.com/p/a-shameless-aggressive-and-dangerous
But I thought this comment was worth pointing out.
I think this is exactly right.
On Instapundit: The Payments from DOGE.
https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2025/02/19/this-might-be-the-best-idea-for-doge-yet-n4937117
Imagine for the moment that DOGE policies were implemented by Biden or Obama or, God forbid, Kamala Cackling Harris.
The media would be talking up how great this was, how beneficial to the nation eliminating waste/fraud was, how brilliant the president and his selected auditors were, etc. etc. They would not report one negative aspect of such a plan (e.g., interviewing those who lost their jobs).
But since it’s Trump, the entire DOGE program is evil, anti-democratic, a coup d’etat, executive usurpation of power, a disaster, etc. etc.
It just confirms – yet again – how disgusting, how dishonest , and what pieces of dog excrement the media folks are. They are poisonous snakes .
Lee Smith, TabletMag, writing on the ongoing fracas over the Elbridge Colby nomination and the issues it subtends: https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/elbridge-colby-nomination-donald-trump
It’s so strange to come back to “the new” Neo site and start commenting again after a lengthy absence, which was triggered by my own case of TDS. Now I’m seeing the same thing with other commenters here tearing Trump into pieces. It’s like waking up and looking in a mirror. As hard as I try to still hate the man, reading these comments is like someone throwing all the nonsense I spewed right back in my face.
Get over it people. What we are witnessing is the wonderful transformation of a country and its citizens, the pushing aside and discarding of failed policies, the opening salvo of a fantastic new future.
“We never had to take any of it seriously, did we?”
“No, we never had to.”
Trump approval = 44% vs Zelensky approval = 57%
What country needs a new election?
‘Long Live The King!’ – Geez…
Karmi:
I’ve read several polls that put Trump’s approval in the mid-50s and rising.
And of course, as you probably well know, we don’t have new elections because of low approval ratings in this country, anyway.
sdferr, somewhat confusing article by Lee Smith about the Elbridge Colby nomination.
Here’s one thing Smith said about Trump’s foreign policy:
I think Smith is misstating/misunderstanding Trump’s policy. I don’t think Trump views Russia as a threat, or if he does, he thinks he can decouple Russia from China and Iran and contain the threat.
If you want to understand Colby’s positions– what better than to listen to him talk. He was on Tucker shortly after the election and while it’s free flowing I think Colby understands that we need Taiwan, but at the same time, according to Smith’s view of Colby’s position, “It is not, however, an existential interest. America has a strong interest in defending Taiwan, but Americans could survive without it.”
I think that align’s with Trump. Trump has repeatedly said he wants to engage with China, not isolate or pick a fight with them.
National Security Expert Elbridge Colby’s Advice to Trump on How to Avoid WWIII & Handle the CIA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtsGqGc-Iuw
neo – Trump said Zelensky approval rating was 4% – which is a lie at best.
Grok – What is President Trump’s approval rating?
Lucky for Trump “we don’t have new elections because of low approval ratings in this country” 😉
Karmi, if Zelensky is as popular as you suggest, he should have not hesitancy in holding elections.
At minimum there should be a referendum on a negotiated end to the war.
The poll shows conflicted views– ending the war quickly but without territorial concessions. And of course the opinions vary based on geography– which is the split Ukraine has faced between western and eastern parts of the country.
Karmi, in the eastern part of Ukraine, Zelensky’s approval rating may well be 4%.
Another interesting All In podcast with Sacks again joining the conversation.
I would fast forward to 23:20, unless you want to hear a rather unique parenting philosophy from Naval
(14:17) Unique views on parenting
(23:20) Sacks joins to talk AI: JD Vance’s speech in Paris, Techno-Optimists vs Doomers
(1:11:06) Tariffs and the US economic experiment
(1:21:15) Thomson Reuters wins first major AI copyright decision on behalf of rights holders
(1:35:35) Chamath’s dinner with Bryan Johnson, sleep hacks
(1:45:09) Tulsi Gabbard, RFK Jr. confirmed
JD Vance’s AI Speech, Techno-Optimists vs Doomers, Tariffs, AI Court Cases with Naval Ravikant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI5qI6ej-yM
Brian E – am sure you and Trump would love to have Putin running the election in the background. You are smarter than this…
Karmi:
Many of those approval ratings of Trump’s are higher than when he won the 2016 election as well as when he won the 2024 election. You’re not making much of a point.
For example, immediately prior to the 2016 election, the Gallup poll’s result for Trump’s approval rating was 34%. He won that election, you may recall.
The Other Chuck:
It’s mainly one commenter here who hates Trump, and he has made many comments on this thread (and today’s Ukraine thread) so far.
I have criticisms and reservations about Trump, as I have always had. I think that’s true of most of the other commenters. I call each move of his as I see it. Most of his actions so far have been positive. I’m willing to reserve final judgment on his policy for Ukraine till I see what the deal really is. But his recent statements are very concerning, although they may merely be his opening moves to get Putin onboard.
Karmi, that’s just rationalization.
Martial law gives the government extraordinary powers.
Here’s a few of them (from Wikipedia):
If Russian influence is so pervasive in the 80% of Ukraine Russia doesn’t control, there isn’t much hope for Ukraine.
The best estimates of Ukraine’s current population is 31.1 million in the 80% that Ukraine controls.
About half of the original population (6 million) of the 20% Russia controls left because of the war, which leaves around 3 million people. Some/many/most of those remaining likely were sympathetic to Russia. We don’t know how many remained that are/were loyal to Ukraine and they would have no way to participate in an election.
Approximately 12 million Ukrainians left the country at the beginning of the war and could vote by mail.
Ukraine government completely controls the media; opposition parties are banned; at any time authorities could impose curfews to root out any outside influences.
The bottom line is most Ukrainians could participate in an election or a referendum. The ones that remained in occupied areas would have no realistic way to participate. The vast majority of Ukrainians would be able to participate.
I watched the Trump/Musk interview with Hannity last night. Informative and entertaining. Most relaxed I’ve ever seen Trump. I kept thinking that if I went to a bar and friend called me over and introduced me to the two of them I would immediately like them.
physicsguy:
I’m glad to hear you say that. It validates my similar impression that this Trump is different, more mature, more relaxed, even funnier than the Trump who ran in 2016 and 2020.
Trump has been through the fire and it has burnt off a lot of the nonessentials. He has become a hero.
Neo: Of course it is easy to be skeptical of what Trump says. He may say just about anything as he has fun with his enemies, here and abroad. That is what finally penetrated my thick skull after years of being triggered by his instant comebacks and rambling thinking-out-loud speeches. I overcame it a little, held my nose and voted for him with hope. He has exceeded my expectations. It’s the people he appointed or hired like Musk and his crew and the exceptional results in such a short time. As you pointed out to my shame, in no way does he resemble a Hitler, he’s just a showman par excellence.
Yes, he’s still Trump with the personality that can grate on many, but he’s showing results that I really didn’t expect.
As to Ukraine, the lead negotiator is Rubio who has been about as strong an advocate of their cause as anyone. Trump won’t sell out Ukraine, or what remains of their young men. He will be the one to save what can be saved.
The Other Chuck:
I basically agree with you. But Trump drives me crazy sometimes with his mercurial nature and huge mouth. It also gives his opponents lots of opportunity to hate him further – which, personally, causes social angst in my life with certain acquaintances and loved ones.
And if he really does end up utterly selling out Ukraine I will be very upset.
I have not yet heard that anyone claiming that there should be free and open elections in Ukraine who is also seeking to have the same in Russia.
I would hate to end up believing that Trump is dumping on Zalenskyy in reaction to the failed effort to find dirt on Hunter Biden and thus Joe Biden, but such revenge would be partly understandable after what the Biden “regime” put him through.
I also had not heard that Ukraine was all that flush with mineral wealth, but rather that they were generally agricultural in the mid and west areas, but more industrial in the east. If they do have substantial rare earth or other minerals we desire for our high tech world, it does make sense that the US (and some European?) support could and should be reimbursed via that mechanism. But those returns still need to remain proportional to the levels of support received, not become excessive.
“… if he really does end up utterly selling out Ukraine I will be very upset.”
A great deal of Trump’s aspersions are directed at Zelensky in order to smite, discipline, and motivate the Eurocracy to get off their own sweet assess and stand up for their own Europe!
I get his anger and angst here. But does anyone in or reading the the propaganda Media get it? Doubtful.
The Press’s job is to cover a story with a pillow until it stops moving
https://x.com/Evans_Wroten/status/1882250147901628507
https://x.com/Project_Veritas/status/1892567459820970303
https://www.eenews.net/articles/epa-green-bank-recipients-lose-access-to-citibank-accounts/