Meet the Future of the Democratic Party

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Kat Abughazaleh announced she is running for a U.S. House seat in Illinois that is currently held by 80-year-old Democrat Rep. Jan Schakowsky. Abughazaleh is a former journalist who covered right-wing media for Media Matters but was laid off after Elon Musk sued that publication.

Posted by retort at 10:51 AM | 124 COMMENTS | permalink

Once a target of Musk's ire, Gen Z creator Kat Abughazaleh is running for Congress [image or embed]
-- TechCrunch (@techcrunch.com) March 25, 2025 at 11:13 AM

Comments

Loved it! Her intro page VIDEO:

"What if we didn't suck?"

www.katforillinois.com

#1 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2025-03-26 11:03 AM

I predict one thing MAGA isn't expecting next year:

Younger (and older voters) will rally against them to preserve democracy and the America we knew before Trump.

Remember what happened in 2006 when America voted in record numbers to say "enough!" and Dems won Congress in a landslide?

#2 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2025-03-26 11:10 AM

I remember seeing her Mother Jones videos pop up in my recommends last year

#3 | Posted by hamburglar at 2025-03-26 11:13 AM

I guess it was only a matter of time before Instagram Influencers started running for office...

#4 | Posted by madbomber at 2025-03-26 11:16 AM

If they punch back harder against fascism than an 80 year old incumbent, then influencer or not, they get my vote

#5 | Posted by hamburglar at 2025-03-26 11:29 AM

Younger (and older voters) will rally against them to preserve democracy and the America we knew before Trump.
- AmericanDisunity

The young are more conservative than ever.

It's the Boomers that are keying Teslas.

She offered nothing, need a track record, the only way Democrats get better is fixing things locally. We can win nationally when people in Oakland and LA are stuck in a dysfunctional Democrat city.

#6 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-26 11:38 AM

#6 Its cute watching trumpt*rds demanding a "track record" for democrats after electing the worst track record in history to office twice and then rally around a corrupt bunch of unqualified morons leak war plans on a private messaging app.

#7 | Posted by Nixon at 2025-03-26 11:42 AM

But you do suck

#8 | Posted by THEBULL at 2025-03-26 11:43 AM

- The young are more conservative than ever.

Always Wrong poster is almost the perfect Reverse Barometer:

Donald Trump's Gen Z Popularity Plunges

www.newsweek.com

He's dropped almost 40 points with this group just since the election.

#9 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-26 11:48 AM

Donald Trump's Gen Z Popularity Plunges

Unlikely.

4M Gen Z are jobless. There's been a mass derailment when it comes to Gen Z and their careers: about a quarter of young people are now deemed NEETs"meaning they are No longer in Education, Employment, or Training.

#10 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-26 11:54 AM

Democratic Pollster 'Shocked' At Gen Z's Conservative Shift
Published Mar 22, 2025 at 2:04 PM EDT
www.newsweek.com

#11 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-26 11:56 AM

#10

Hilarious. Numbers don't matter, Chinese Tech Bros lover's opinions matter.

#12 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-26 11:57 AM

But you do suck
#8 | POSTED BY THEBULL

You can't read?

#13 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-26 11:57 AM

4M Gen Z are jobless.

What's Trump gonna do for them?

They're too old for his liking.

#14 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 11:57 AM

Hilarious. Numbers don't matter, Chinese Tech Bros lover's opinions matter.
#12 | POSTED BY CORKY

I didn't say they don't matter, I just posted a Democrat pollster claiming, GenZ is MOST conservative. This is why Liberals are losing, they have no argument, no way to fix things for the youth. .

They are offering nothing at the local level. What do we off 4M NEETs? More mass immigration and crime?

#15 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-26 11:59 AM

#11

Pro Tip: Numbers from last month don't discount numbers from this month.

#16 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-26 11:59 AM

You think Ezra Klein, New York Times Columnist is just ignoring reality?

"Democrats are getting destroyed now among young voters... They thought that this was a last gasp of something and that if Donald Trump couldn't run up his numbers among seniors and you had Millennials and Gen Z really coming into voting power, that would be the end of this Republican Party. That is just completely false."

#17 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-26 12:01 PM

"More mass immigration and crime?"

Desperation is when your central point is a lie.

#18 | Posted by Danforth at 2025-03-26 12:02 PM

Pro Tip: Numbers from last month don't discount numbers from this month.
#16 | POSTED BY CORKY

ProTip: You're losing the argument, don't obfuscate.

#19 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-26 12:02 PM

I KNOW the poll numbers changed drastically from Feb to March... yours were from a poll a month before the Big Drop.

#20 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-26 12:03 PM

Been a pleasure Corky, you just reinforce the idea that all Democrats offer is calling people "stupid" & "messaging", instead of offering real solutions.

75 days after the LA fire only 4 permits, Democrats could really have had a win in LA. But corky would rather call people "stupid" and "look at the biased polling number I have".

Its not going to work.

#21 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-26 12:05 PM

"A survey from The Economist/YouGov released Wednesday revealed the president's net favorability rating among those aged 18-29 is minus 18 points. This is a drop from the plus 19 favorable rating he scored among this demographic in the days following November's race."

From the link in #9. The poll you quote is from Feb 22.

Reading is your friend... if you let it be.

#22 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-26 12:05 PM

I have one observation about the favorable or unfavorable rating of President Trump:

We sure aren't seeing massive reports of UFOs that the government can't explain, now that the election is over!

#23 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-26 12:12 PM

you just reinforce the idea that all Democrats offer is calling people "stupid" & "messaging", instead of offering real solutions.
#21 | POSTED BY 1LUMPYGUMP

Democrats are calling people "messaging"?

What solution is Trump offering young people? Or anyone at all?

You really are stupid.

#24 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 12:15 PM

Pro Tip: Numbers from last month don't discount numbers from this month.

#16 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-26 11:59 AM | Reply

Pro tip: You got smoked in November, learn from it if you are capable.

#25 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-03-26 12:21 PM

learn from it if you are capable.

#25 | POSTED BY FISHPAW

Oh we are learning all right. It's only been two months (can you believe it?) And America is a bit slow on the uptake but ALL of America is learning a very valuable lesson right now.

FAFO

#26 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-26 12:25 PM

#25

Fishpus is going to have that put on his grave, rofl!

Gen Z, who basically threw the race to Trump, has realized their mistake.

Which is something you will never do.

#27 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-26 12:27 PM

You got smoked in November

Last time republicans did so well was in 2004 when BushJr won.

You remember BushJr, don't you?

He's the guy republicans pretend they never voted for.

I see a similar future for Trump voters.

#28 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 12:28 PM

What solution is Trump offering young people? Or anyone at all?

You really are stupid.

#24 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 12:15 PM | Reply | Flag:

How about walking the streets and not getting killed by some random illegal or some convict that the Dems let roam? How about a government where they pay their taxes and it doesn't go to some corrupt bloated bureaucracy? How about a government that takes your money every month for SS and Medicaid and actually gives it back you when you retire instead of giving it out to those who didn't work?
But you know the biggest reason these kids are going conservative? Because the negative, whiney, no idea screaming from the left ranting, like you everyday Clown, is a complete turnoff. And last but not least, they don't want to be associated with the party that is too stupid to figure that all out.

#29 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-03-26 12:31 PM

Gen Z, who basically threw the race to Trump, has realized their mistake.

Which is something you will never do.

#27 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-26 12:27 PM | Reply | Flag:
(Choose)

Yes I made a mistake in voting for lowering crime, stopping uncontrolled immigration, lowering inflation, gas prices, food prices and getting rid of our bloated government. And btw, since she couldn't tell us, why don't you, what was Harris going to do about any of that?

#30 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-03-26 12:37 PM

- getting killed by some random illegal or some convict that the Dems let roam?

Immigrants, legal or illegal, are less likely to commit crimes in the US than are citizens. Fact.

- actually gives it back you when you retire instead of giving it out to those who didn't work?

Complete and utter BS. People don't get more if there are less others in the program.

- a complete turnoff.

Poster is turned on by Traitor Trump and the Grifters, his newest Boy Band.

Also loves they way Trump has given Russia what they have always wanted... the disintegration of the Western Alliance, while also aiding Putin's child murder campaign in Ukraine.

You must be SO proud!

#31 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-26 12:37 PM

How about walking the streets and not getting killed by some random illegal or some convict that the Dems let roam?

Trumpy just pardoned 1600 criminals who attacked the police and ransacked our nations capitol.

GFY .. You have no moral ground to stand on.

And your lies and distortions of the truth are only reinforcing how divorced from reality you are.

#32 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-26 12:41 PM

"How about walking the streets and not getting killed by some random illegal or some convict that the Dems let roam?"

Exactly how long have you been hiding in fear, like a beta cuck?

Because crime rates are at like a 30 year low. (Federal national security crimes notwithstanding.)

#33 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-26 12:45 PM

what was Harris going to do about any of that?

#30 | POSTED BY FISHPAW

Well all she needed was a Concept of a Plan.

And that Plan was to make government of the people work for the people. And definitely NOT decimate it and become a surrender monkey for Pooty Pants and a mob boss hell bent on revenge and retribution against perceived enemies.

And I guarangawdamntee she would have better OPSEC than these Fn clowns.

#34 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-26 12:47 PM

And your lies and distortions of the truth are only reinforcing how divorced from reality you are.

#32 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-26 12:41 PM | Reply | Flag:
(Choose)

Ok, I'll ask you since no others here can answer it, what are the Dems answers for lowering inflation, gas prices, food prices, getting immigration under control, lowering crime.
Trump campaigned on these, gave answers. Harris campaigned that she wasn't Trump. The Dems thought the majority of voters were stupid enough to think that was what was best for our country. They were wrong and continue to be wrong. Don't take my word for it, look at your approval ratings.

#35 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-03-26 12:51 PM

Well all she needed was a Concept of a Plan.
#34 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-26 12:47 PM | Reply | Flag:

You are right, but she didn't have one which meant she didn't want to change a thing. Now you have a party with an approval rating in the 20's and no leaders. Good luck with that.

#36 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-03-26 12:55 PM

what was Harris going to do about any of that?

#30 | POSTED BY FISHPAW

And I guarantee she would NOT have fired the Inspectors Generals whose job was to make sure there is no fraud waste and abuse in our government. Nor would she allow some billionaires who has billions of dollars worth of contracts with the U.S. government rifle thru sensitive US government files. Nor would she attack the judiciary if they ruled against her.

I could go on and on but why bother? You will never get IT. And if you ever happened to stumble upon IT you would never admit IT.

#37 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-26 12:55 PM

what was Harris going to do about any of that?

#30 | POSTED BY FISHPAW

I could go on and on but why bother? You will never get IT. And if you ever happened to stumble upon IT you would never admit IT.

#38 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-26 12:55 PM

Younger (and older voters) will rally against them to preserve democracy and the America we knew

They are the ones who voted you dumb asses out of office! LOL..

#39 | Posted by boaz at 2025-03-26 12:56 PM

"You are right, but she didn't have one which meant she didn't want to change a thing "

All that means is that you were not paying attention.

...

Now you have a party with an approval rating in the 20's and no leaders. Good luck with that.

#36 | POSTED BY FISHPAW

It's only been two months. Leaders will rise to meet the moment. They always do.

And Republicans have nearly brought the entire nation to a stand still and has half the world turned against us including what used to be our allies.

And we still have four years of this Mr Toads Wild Ride insanity to go.

Good luck with that.

#40 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-26 01:01 PM

"stopping uncontrolled immigration... and getting rid of our bloated government"

How exactly do you think the government is going to stop uncontrolled immigration... when you get rid of the government?

#41 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-26 01:03 PM

They are the ones who voted you dumb asses out of office! LOL..

#39 | POSTED BY BOAZ

And after watching you fools fumble and bumble for four years they will just vote them "dumb asses) right back in to office to clean up the messes you will have made of it all.

Just like last time.

#42 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-26 01:03 PM

Trump campaigned on these, gave answers.

Lies and unfounded conspiracies are not "answers".

They are NOT eating the pets!

And telling those lies does not in any way hold some "greater truth". Just more lies.

#43 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-26 01:07 PM

Beware. Radical Dem women are all perpetually rabid angry trash talking violence inciting clueless ones who exemplify their own version of authoritarianism. Every other word is f this or f that. No respect!

Did you see the self proclaimed intellectual white lib bxtch who tried to take Trump cap from young black boy on NYC subway. These people do think they have an inalienableq right to run society. No freedom for you on caps or cars or stoves. Never give your rights away to these people.

#44 | Posted by Robson at 2025-03-26 01:08 PM

Never give your rights away to these people.

#44 | POSTED BY ROBSON

Now stand back and watch while he goes and rolls some coal on that little Prius over there.

#45 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-26 01:13 PM

www.foxnews.com

#46 | Posted by Robson at 2025-03-26 01:16 PM

Looks like ICE needs to send her back to her middle east --------.

#47 | Posted by fortfisher at 2025-03-26 01:24 PM

Hey Dems - you should go and pick a new leader from the only entity with trust and approval ratings lower than the Democrat party itself - the MSM. Oh wait, you just did that.

#48 | Posted by ScottS at 2025-03-26 01:31 PM

So much stupid to unpack.

Let's start.

How about walking the streets and not getting killed by some random illegal or some convict that the Dems let roam?

How often was that happening? Citation necessary.

Most murders in America are in red states carried out by Trumpers.

www.thirdway.org

www.congress.gov

How about a government where they pay their taxes and it doesn't go to some corrupt bloated bureaucracy?

You can't be typing that out with a straight face when Musk is gutting the federal government in order to give himself a tax cut.

Are you expecting to be taken seriously? I doubt it.

How about a government that takes your money every month for SS and Medicaid and actually gives it back you when you retire instead of giving it out to those who didn't work?

Every month?? How often do you get paid? I get my income taxed every week. Every paycheck I see deductions for Social Security.

Regardless. Trump and Musk are killing both SS and Medicare and you're here for it.

Fkkk Americans who depend on it, right FishPawn?

You hate America and Americans and so does Trump!

But you know the biggest reason these kids are going conservative?

Joe Rogan's podcast?

Because the negative, whiney, no idea screaming from the left ranting, like you everyday Clown, is a complete turnoff.

They prefer the negative, whiney, no idea screaming from the right instead?

They're getting it. Hope they like it.

And last but not least, they don't want to be associated with the party that is too stupid to figure that all out.
#29 | POSTED BY FISHPAWN

Don't you worry. Most of gen Z got their first chance to vote in 2024, bases on recent polls, seems like a lot of buyers remorse.

Best of luck to America as Trump and Putin dismantle our nation and hand global power over to China and Russia.

I hope you feel better after your stupid tirade, you moron.

Your best role on the DR was Wisgod's panty sniffer. Since Wisgod died you're on your own and covered in Trump's shht.

#49 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 01:32 PM

" ... a new leader from the only entity with trust and approval ratings lower than the Democrat party itself - the MSM. Oh wait, you just did that."

But enough about Pete Hegseth.

#50 | Posted by Danforth at 2025-03-26 01:33 PM

what are the Dems answers for lowering inflation, gas prices, food prices, getting immigration under control, lowering crime.
Trump campaigned on these, gave answers.

He gave answers???

When? What were they? Firing 90,000 federal employees only to rehire them back? Killing social security and Medicare? Attacking political rivals?

Come on FishPawn! Show your work!

Let's see the "answers"!

Provide some citations.

#51 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 01:41 PM

"And I guarantee she would NOT have fired the Inspectors Generals whose job was to make sure there is no fraud waste and abuse in our government."
#37 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-26 12:55 PM | Reply | Flag:

Yet there is massive fraud, waste and abuse in our government. Even Obama said it with Joe as his go to guy to fix it. Based on that the existing inspectors failed miserably and needed to be fired.

#52 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-03-26 02:14 PM

He gave answers???

When? What were they? Firing 90,000 federal employees only to rehire them back? Killing social security and Medicare? Attacking political rivals?

Come on FishPawn! Show your work!

Let's see the "answers"!

Provide some citations.

#51 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 01:41 PM | Reply | Flag:
(Choose)

Sure, he campaigned to get rid of waste and fraud. Obama said he was going to do the same but as expected never did. Killing social security and Medicare? When did that happen? Attacking political rivals? What is he calling them the orange hitler?

#53 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-03-26 02:21 PM

Yet there is massive fraud, waste and abuse in our government.

That's what you voted for and that's what Trump is giving you.

Mission Accomplished!

#54 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 02:21 PM

Don't you worry. Most of gen Z got their first chance to vote in 2024, bases on recent polls, seems like a lot of buyers remorse.
#49 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 01:32 PM | Reply | Flag:

So why then, based on those recent polls, are the Dem's approval ratings in the 20s and there is in fighting in the Democratic party. If there was so much remorse the Dems would be surging in popularity. Explain to us why their ratings are so low.

#55 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-03-26 02:25 PM

Yet there is massive fraud, waste and abuse in our government.

That's what you voted for and that's what Trump is giving you.

Mission Accomplished!

#54 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 02:21 PM | Reply | Flag:

Right, he created that in 45 days.

#56 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-03-26 02:27 PM

he campaigned to get rid of waste and fraud.

Yet, it's only increasing.

Do you know how much DOGE has saved taxpayers? Do you know how much they're costing taxpayers?

Do you know how much Trump has cost taxpayers in just 2 months in office?

Killing social security and Medicare? When did that happen?

It's in progress. But the response from Americans has slowed their efforts. Try to keep up with the news instead of just reading Trump's social media posts.

Attacking political rivals?
#53 | POSTED BY FISHPAWN

There's actually a thread up about it.

Try taking your head out of Trump's dung hole for a moment.

If that's allowed. You may get kicked out of the kult if you do.

#57 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 02:29 PM

"Right, he created that in 45 days."

He created DOGE on Day One.

DOGE has been squandering your taxpayer dollars ever since.

You must think it's free to fire tens of thousands of workers and then be court ordered to rehire them.

Because of how proudly ignorant you are.

#58 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-26 02:31 PM

"Yet there is massive fraud, waste and abuse in our government. "

You keep saying that. And we all know there is some of that because that what the inspectors were there for.. to root out and prevent fraud waste and abuse. So naturally Trumpy fired them FIRST.

Still have yet to see the receipts for all this MASSIVE fraud waste and abuse the DOGE douches have found.

Tho I don't need a receipt for abuse. I can see that happening every day now.

The Inspectors General whose job it was to prevent that had plenty of receipts before Trumpy fired them.

Where is your proof of MASSIVE fraud?

Where are the CHARGES?

Where are the PROSECUTIONS?

#59 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-26 02:31 PM

And to top it off Trumpy's main claim to fame is that he likes to fire people.

And he can't even do that right!

#60 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-26 02:33 PM

DOGE's existence is fraud, waste, and abuse

#61 | Posted by hamburglar at 2025-03-26 02:35 PM

So why then, based on those recent polls, are the Dem's approval ratings in the 20s and there is in fighting in the Democratic party.

Because the party is trying to figure out who it is currently.

Something like this happened to republicans after BushJr.

#62 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 02:35 PM

"She offered nothing, need a track record, the only way Democrats get better is fixing things locally."

She's an instagram influencer. Do you think the people she influences really care that much about policy?

Do you really think the current prez and SECDEF would have been in either one of those positions if they had not been media figures? Instagrammers in politics is really just the logical extension of that phenomenon.

#63 | Posted by madbomber at 2025-03-26 02:44 PM

And her commitment to fighting fascism is totally sus.

The vast majority of those fighting fascism hold values that are just as bad as the fascists.

Just because the commies fought the fascists doesn't mean that the commies were any better. Just ask Eastern Europe.

#64 | Posted by madbomber at 2025-03-26 02:46 PM

"The vast majority of those fighting fascism hold values that are just as bad as the fascists."

Quick question.
Were the Nazis fascists, or fighting against the fascists, or both?

#65 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-26 02:49 PM

I never thought of her as an "Instagram Influencer". Does she have an Instagram? I don't know. I saw her as a Mother Jones journalist on Youtube.

#66 | Posted by hamburglar at 2025-03-26 02:52 PM

re: #64

You always demonstrate that you're a product of the Cold War with your paranoid association of left social welfare policy with Stalinist communism.

"The vast majority of those fighting fascism hold values that are just as bad as the fascists." No matter how many times you say this, it's still bull$#!+

#67 | Posted by hamburglar at 2025-03-26 02:54 PM

The vast majority of those fighting fascism hold values that are just as bad as the fascists.

You used to be more subtle about being a deplorable Trumping MAGAt.

Left wing "fascism" wants to bring you healthcare and education funded by our taxes.

Rightwing fascism wants to usher in a new dawn for white supremacy and the patriarchy.

Totally the same.

MadBomber should change his username to WhiteWasher.

#68 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 03:04 PM

Yet there is massive fraud, waste and abuse in our government. Even Obama said it with Joe as his go to guy to fix it. Based on that the existing inspectors failed miserably and needed to be fired.

#52 | Posted by fishpaw

So show it to us.

Because so far, no one seems to be able to show much of anything.

#69 | Posted by Sycophant at 2025-03-26 03:13 PM

he campaigned to get rid of waste and fraud.

Why did Trump fire the inspector generals whose jobs were to prevent waste and fraud?!

#70 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2025-03-26 03:14 PM

Why did Trump fire the inspector generals whose jobs were to prevent waste and fraud?!

Because they would have flagged DOGE as waste and fraud.

#71 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 03:18 PM

Are Russians Commies Today?

"With its national identity linked to communism for nearly a century, and its weak foundations of democracy in the 21st century, many will inevitably wonder: Is Russia communist?

The answer is no, Russia can no longer be seen as a communist country. The communist Soviet Union ended on December 26, 1991. Communist ideologies have, however not totally come to an end in the new, capitalist Russia."

www.historyonthenet.com

"Is there still a communist party in Russia?

"Russia is a dictatorship in all but name, controlled at the top by President Vladimir Putin with his cronies and oligarch friends below him.

His party, United Russia, dominates both the legislative and executive arms of government, giving him an effective free reign to run the country. As seen days ago his cabinet fears him, stumbling and trembling through a scripted attack on Ukraine while Putin basked in the array of subservience before him.

People would be remiss to compare this government with the Soviet Union. Putin's government is not communist nor even socialist.

It is a reactionary and right-wing government. Remnants of Russia's soviet past exist in the form of the Russian communists, who have a not inconsiderbale amount of support inside the state."

en.as.com

There's still some old Communism left over, but it only shows up occasionally in anything that matters to the Oligarchs.

So, what we will see in this country soon; there won't be much left over from that old Democracy idea, while the AI Robot Police are all made Federal Marshalls who protect the One Percenters.

#72 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-26 03:47 PM

"You always demonstrate that you're a product of the Cold War with your paranoid association of left social welfare policy with Stalinist communism."

My goodness. Not at all.

Dude, I live in Germany, when I'm not here, I'm likely in Albania or Norway.

Put simple, Europe has social welfare, but it also demands social responsibility. That's the difference between the US and Europe, and it's where the far left and the far right in the US converge.

In Europe, there are more benefits, but those benefits come at a cost. To everyone. In the US, progressives feel that high income earner should bear the burden for everything, and if they don't, those costs shouldn't be passed on to lower income earners. Rather those benefits just shouldn't exist. It's not that much different than the conservatives, who feel that they shouldn't exist because it would result in a tax increase. The Horseshoe Theory once again proves itself to be a thing.

And let's test this. Let's flesh out support for a VAT on this thread. In Europe, VATs represent a substantial funding mechanism. As much as 25% in some countries.

Let's see how many progressives come out in favor of a VAT to fund those things they think are important.

Ready? Go!

#73 | Posted by madbomber at 2025-03-26 04:08 PM

"The vast majority of those fighting fascism hold values that are just as bad as the fascists." No matter how many times you say this, it's still bull$#!+"

So, how do you view the 2020 rioters in Portland who were flying commie symbology?

Were they the "good" guys?

#74 | Posted by madbomber at 2025-03-26 04:11 PM

#69

There will always be fraud, waste, and abuse. But what is the better value proposition for the taxpayer? Spending $100 to end $10 in FW&A, or just understanding it will always be a thing?

The answer depends on what you think matters most.

#75 | Posted by madbomber at 2025-03-26 04:13 PM

#73

"The paper argues that a Progressive VAT, whereby VAT paid on consumption is re-paid to lower-income households in real-time, at the moment of purchase, can effectively eliminate regressivity while minimizing the political economy, cash-flow, and welfare stigma obstacles, thus overcoming the limitations of both the traditional and the modern approaches.

It would also have other significant advantages, particularly in terms of compliance incentives.

The paper concludes that a Progressive VAT would attain the rarest of prizes in tax policy, namely overcoming the standard trade-off between efficiency and equity, by improving equity without significant efficiency losses."

www.elibrary.imf.org

You're welcome.

#76 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-26 04:15 PM

Tell us you don't get it, without telling us you don't get it:

In the US, progressives feel that high income earner should bear the burden for everything, and if they don't, those costs shouldn't be passed on to lower income earners.

Way to wear your ignorance on your sleeves.

You should be embarrassed. But I doubt you have the self awareness to be.

#77 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 04:17 PM

- the 2020 rioters in Portland

Whataboutisms are still logical fallacies last time checked. Indicating possible hypocrisy, real or imagined isn't an argument, it's an evasive action, Major.

Usually because the perp has no argument to the actual point.

#78 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-26 04:18 PM

I haven't read all the comments here but I watched her video, read some about her online and looked up some of her articles. Her communication and marketing skills seem excellent. I would like to see her debate someone in public - not the televised debacles but an informal one. I am sure we will see something like that on a news channel soon enough.

Media Matters has been a great source of actual facts and information for a long time. The fact that right wing extremists are going after it so hard makes it all the more credible. This is the right wing way in everything - can't win? Cheat. It has been interesting to watch some of the educated young people in her age bracket switching sides recently too.

She SOUNDS like what is needed desperately by the party. What AOC should have been. She may very well win the primary and the district. She is an excellent communicator and I believe has good intent just looking at her track record. One of the biggest things the Democrats have lacked for a long time is a united front. It is a bunch of competing groups who are not actually united. The platform tries to be inclusive but in doing so drives people off. Her points are EXACTLY what Democrats need to be hitting hard at in the next year. Inflation under Biden was out of the administrations control. Inflation under Trump is by design. I saw the recent news on what makes someone middle class by their income. I am over middle class but it sure don't feel like it so I really am sure the middle class is really feeling the pinch and Trump and co are making it worse. Young people who were pro-Trump are already turning. You want to see boomers turn? Wait until their SS/Medicare is mucked up. Vets? Wait until their benefits are mucked up more. Don't get me wrong a lot of them are still too brainwashed to make a difference but enough will turn. I predict a Blue Tsunami unless Trump pulls some stunt and declares Martial law.

On Presidential elections, the party also needs to understand the AMERICAN demographics and not the party demographics. A woman will not win the Presidency of the US until boomers are gone. The misogyny is real and women are just as guilty as men. My darling mother is one of them. Sorry but IMHO a Gay man is not going to win either. Look at the number of voters in presidential elections as a clue to what gets them out and what was up for debate during those elections. Not only was Harris a woman, she was in they eyes of the nation black and she had a messaging problem throughout. The only reason the "popular vote" was close was it was Trump. Many actual patriots remember J6 and other things. Most Americans are truly dumb and ignorant even though they think otherwise.

#79 | Posted by GalaxiePete at 2025-03-26 04:21 PM

how do you view the 2020 rioters in Portland

The rightwing agitators who started violence at left wing protests in order to smear the message?

You loved them.

#80 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 04:24 PM

There will always be fraud, waste, and abuse.

You should hurry and tell Trump, Musk and the Republican Party.

They're busy spending millions trying to prevent fraud waste and abuse.

Mostly by figuring out how to cut social security and Medicare.

#81 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 04:26 PM

#76

So...you're not a fan of the European model.

Taxation and benefits are still a function of "to each according to need, to each according to ability."

Maybe that's why I like Europe. Maybe that's why people like you would not.

Again-what would be the point. Just make high income earners pay for everything in some way. If that's not American exceptionalism, what is?

#82 | Posted by madbomber at 2025-03-26 04:26 PM

"So...you're not a fan of the European model."

What are you talking about?
It's a great model for Europe.

#83 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-26 04:29 PM

"Way to wear your ignorance on your sleeves."

OK. I'm open to being corrected. So correct.

#84 | Posted by madbomber at 2025-03-26 04:29 PM

"Put simple, Europe has social welfare, but it also demands social responsibility."

What are some of the social responsibility demands that aren't present in America? Are those demands legal here?

And do they have these responsibilities in Canada, seeing as Canada has a VAT?

#85 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-26 04:31 PM

I'm open to being corrected. So correct.
#84 | POSTED BY MADBOMBER

You? You're a troll who posts outlandishly stupid things in hopes of gaslighting someone into believing you.

I Prefer spending my time mocking you.

#86 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 04:32 PM

"It's a great model for Europe."

Just a little too regressive for your taste?

#87 | Posted by madbomber at 2025-03-26 04:37 PM

Regressive? You just described it as Marxist.

#88 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-26 04:39 PM

"What are some of the social responsibility demands that aren't present in America?"

First, the taxes on low-income earners are far higher. So they are actually contributing to the benefits they receive.

Second, college isn't just "free." You have to be doing something that is going to be value-added for the taxpayer. I don't know if the German government would pay for someone to get a degree in Palestinian Activist studies. In the US? Sure. FAFSA will loan you money to get a degree in whatever nonsense you want. But since it's not value-added, you get to pay it back.

But yeah, simple answer. low income earners in the US pay almost nothing. In Europe, they would have a far greater tax burden. Are you cool with that? Do you think they would be cool with that?

#89 | Posted by madbomber at 2025-03-26 04:42 PM

#82

Still no actual argument. Curious and curiouser.

Just another logical fallacy, much like the first.

www.google.com

#90 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-26 04:44 PM

"I Prefer spending my time mocking you."

Fer real?

You're too dumb to mock anyone.

The funny/sad thing is you don't even realize it.

#91 | Posted by madbomber at 2025-03-26 04:44 PM

"First, the taxes on low-income earners are far higher."

I don't see how that creates any additional responsibilities.

My tax rate on some portion of my income went up when it crossed some dollar amount. That didn't oblige me to do anything different than what I was already doing to earn the lower taxed portion of my income.

#92 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-26 04:49 PM

"But yeah, simple answer. low income earners in the US pay almost nothing."

But yeah, that's too simple an answer.

Only pay almost nothing in Federal income tax.

Their Payroll tax is regressive.

Their fee for service taxes are taxed at a higher rate in percentage of income paid to taxes.

How long has Danforth been telling you other taxes exist? Are we at twenty years yet, you stupid donkey?

#93 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-26 04:52 PM

Let's see how many progressives come out in favor of a VAT to fund those things they think are important.

Ready? Go!

I pay ~$15,000 a year for health insurance. Most of which is wasted on CEO luxuries.

I would gladly stop paying that if I could pay the equivalent in taxes to get universal healthcare for all.

But that's not what would happen. Republicans would find a way to make it worse and make me pay more instead of making it cheaper and better.

Just to own the libs.

#94 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-26 05:05 PM

"Let's see how many progressives come out in favor of a VAT to fund those things they think are important."

Why does it have to be a VAT?

Why can't it be an income tax, a payroll tax, a tariff, or any other revenue stream?

#95 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-26 05:17 PM

If one is not proven as an asset to USA and to civilized values and long standing principles, then one should never be getting green cards or taking positions and registration away at any USA university from all citizens.

#96 | Posted by Robson at 2025-03-26 06:18 PM

The USA doesn't own the universities, Robson.

#97 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-26 06:19 PM

And nobody took your spot either.
You have to apply to get accepted.
Applying yourself to things you want to improve about yourself is not your approach to life.

#98 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-26 06:21 PM

re: Madbomber

With progressive taxation, the higher income earner contributes more to the national tax, like you said. I know it's only Wikipedia, but the linky for Belgium goes to PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

en.wikipedia.org

Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden, UK, etc. all employ this progressive taxation system, and their combined GDP, according to the almighty Bing Copilot AI (that's a joke, but I'm too lazy to consult the most authoritative source for global financial information and add up each of their GDPs) is $11.7 trillion, or roughly 1/3 of what America puts out.
These countries all scored higher than America on the World Happiness Survey data.worldhappiness.report (I know, it's humanities, which aren't a profitable area of study, but there's $#!+ in this world more valuable than profit)

#99 | Posted by hamburglar at 2025-03-26 06:37 PM

^Oh, btw, I didn't include any "etc." countries when I asked the stupid but helpful-in-a-jiffy AI to tally up the GDPs

#100 | Posted by hamburglar at 2025-03-26 06:39 PM

Too bad all universities are not required to fully fund their apolitical non biased operations and enrollment instead of depending on our Treasury and 4 letter expletives to justify subsidizing foreign interests and socialist ideologies.

#101 | Posted by Robson at 2025-03-26 06:43 PM

If one is not proven as an asset to USA and to civilized values and long standing principles,
#96 | POSTED BY ROBSON

Do we get to kick them out of the country?

Americans whose ancestors were thrown out of Europe because they weren't assets are the most worthless people in America.

Let's ship all those loser back to Europe!

#102 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-26 06:43 PM

- socialist ideologies.

So, it's true... chimps CAN type!

#103 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-26 06:44 PM

Honestly, I've been thinking about whether it'd be better to live in a dystopian authoritarian oligarchy, or in Communist China vs Communist Vietnam vs Communist Cuba.
Cuba would be the hardest for me to say "yes" to, because it'd be a lower standard of living.
Vietnam has its issues with jailing dissidents, but it doesn't seem as bad as what China does (Uighurs and minorities, the 3 Ts of Taiwan, Tiennenman, and Tibet).
Still, I have friends who chose China over America years ago and are still there.

#104 | Posted by hamburglar at 2025-03-26 06:50 PM

"Vietnam has its issues with jailing dissidents, but it doesn't seem as bad as what China does (Uighurs and minorities, the 3 Ts of Taiwan, Tiennenman, and Tibet).
#104 | Posted by hamburglar"

In Vietnam, your interaction with the government will be 10% of that in the US. It is much more a land of the free for 99% of your life than what the US has become.

#105 | Posted by ScottS at 2025-03-26 08:16 PM

Donald Trump hits historic low as new polls shows his net approval rating worse than any modern president in decades

Donald Trump's net approval rating in 2025 has reached a shocking low, worse than any modern U.S. president in the last 70 years. Polls from CNN, FOX, Ipsos, NBC, and Quinnipiac University show Trump's approval rating dropping from +7 in January to -2 in March, a sharp 9-point decline. CNN analyst Harry Enten noted that while Trump is slightly better off than he was in 2017, he remains "underwater," unlike any other president at this stage of their term.

How do Trump's ratings compare historically?
Historically, every U.S. president since 1937 maintained a positive net approval rating by this point in their presidency. Trump, however, is an anomaly.

economictimes.indiatimes.com

#106 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2025-03-27 12:44 PM

Donald Trump hits historic low

America is BACK BABY!

#107 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-27 12:51 PM

let's go though this again.

a MULTIE] millionaire commie....who is 82 by the way so don't forget what you puked out about trump's age.

a woman with only TWO things of value.....two large and supple attributes

an illiterate ---- who's already lost ( to HITLER I might ad... aaaahahahahahahaa )

a woman of color who WANTS you to think she's ghetto trash.

and who else.....HEY I KNOW....HOW ABOUT HILLARY ?

BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

#108 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2025-03-27 03:37 PM

The leader of -------------- party is a brain dead, bankruptcy-prone, serial-raping sack of Putin's ball snot.

#109 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-03-27 03:40 PM

America is BACK BABY!

#107 | Posted by snoofy a

calm down ferret face....

the most radical left wing zealots in the western world knows the "economic times' is a far left

rubber stamp for democrat lies, deceit and fraud.

#110 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2025-03-27 03:41 PM

The leader of -------------- party is a brain dead, bankruptcy-prone, serial-raping sack of Putin's ball snot.

#109 | Posted by reinheitsgebot

REIN'Sagoober speaks.....or that's what he thinks is "speaking"

my party isn't at a 27% approval rating from an NBC poll

moron

#111 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2025-03-27 03:43 PM

Putin's portly butt ---- is dead ------- last.

www.theguardian.com

#112 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-03-27 03:45 PM

Posted by reinheitsgebot

but hey....its always interesting to read your posts.

makes joe biden sound almost normal.

-30-

#113 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2025-03-27 03:45 PM

#111

This is your Party on Trump:

drudge.com

#114 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-27 03:49 PM

this is your party on drugs / alcohol and cocaine....

I normally would post a picture of kamala but there's no need....she's not all of those things..

she's stupid.

enough

-30-

#115 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2025-03-27 03:59 PM

#114 | Posted by Corky

ain't buying that S from unity

one thread he lists the sourse and posts same stuff here without...

a source always found to be left of center.....

OR I'll take a note from you 2 faced liars and say like you do

when a poll is out not in you favor..

"polls don't mean anything"

#116 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2025-03-27 04:02 PM

lmao... pretending that Trumpers care about facts and sources.

That's rich. Stupid, yes, but hilarious.

#117 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-27 04:38 PM

THE FUTURE IS NOW in the democrat party

preaching hate from the media to the party to blogs....look in the mirror

hate and violence..

BUT.....here is an example of your POS GD party...

ain't taking this S no mo no no....

First-Ever Tesla 'Sentry Mode' Lawsuit Filed After Trump Jr.'s Viral Post Leads to Culprit's Arrest
In a groundbreaking legal case sparked by viral social media activity, Donald Trump Jr.'s online post has played a critical role in identifying a man charged with vandalizing a Tesla vehicle at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
The incident occurred on March 16, 2025, when a Tesla Model X owner, identified anonymously as "J.N." in court filings, returned to discover a severe, deliberate scratch along the passenger side of his vehicle. Reviewing the car's built-in "Sentry Mode" security footage, J.N. found clear evidence of a man intentionally keying his vehicle.
As the video spread online, Trump Jr. reposted a screenshot of the suspect's face to his millions of followers, captioning it, "Internet do your thing." This prompted swift identification of the man in the footage, leading authorities directly to 56-year-old Rafael H. Hernandez of Frisco, Texas.

Subsequently arrested and charged with criminal mischief, Hernandez is now also facing a first-of-its-kind civil lawsuit filed by the Tesla owner. The suit, led by attorneys from the Dallas-based Nachawati Law Group, seeks damages for emotional distress, mental anguish, lost wages, and property damage. Attorneys Majed Nachawati, Drew Bias, and Steve Schulte argue the vandalism was politically motivated, linked to a recent wave of targeted attacks against Tesla owners due to Tesla CEO Elon Musk's involvement with the Trump administration's Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE).
"People have the right to purchase whatever vehicle they want, no matter who owns the company, no matter who operates it," said Nachawati. "They should be able to do that free from harassment, intimidation, or harm."

#118 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2025-03-27 05:59 PM

This is emblematic of today's GQP.

Ex-Minnesota legislator released to halfway home after underage solicitation charge

www.usatoday.com

#119 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-03-27 06:03 PM

BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
#108 | POSTED BY SHRIMPdick

There are medications you can take to help ease your discomfort.

Trump suggested hydroxychloroquine and a shot of bleach.

Bottoms up!

#120 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-27 06:44 PM

re: #119

QAnon: Not those pedos!!

#121 | Posted by hamburglar at 2025-03-27 07:17 PM

FUTURE OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY..

BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

prominent Democratic pollster has expressed shock at data revealing a significant conservative shift among Gen Z voters, particularly young men, who helped propel Donald Trump to victory in the 2024 presidential election against Kamala Harris.

This demographic transformation challenges long-held Democratic Party assumptions about younger generations forming an "ascendant majority" that would secure their electoral future.

The conservative trend among Gen Z voters"especially young men"appears to be solidifying during Trump's second term, potentially reshaping American politics for years to come.

SUCK ON THAT.....DOPES.....................BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

www.newsweek.com

Mar 22, 2025

#122 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2025-03-27 08:48 PM

most conservative in DECADES !!

#123 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2025-03-27 08:49 PM

#123 is Cheering on the Nazis.... just like the original America Firsters:

www.theatlantic.com

#124 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-27 09:05 PM

Drudge Retort Headlines

Canadian Tourists Have Stopped Visiting U.S. (87 comments)

DOGE Stimulus Checks to Get Big Boost from Social Security Cuts (82 comments)

Hillary: How Much Dumber Will This Get? (45 comments)

Hegseth Texted Plan Time of Killing of Yemeni 'Terrorist' (44 comments)

Trump's Executive Order on Smithsonian Targets 'Improper Ideology' (21 comments)