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Drudge Retort: The Other Side of the News
Saturday, November 01, 2025

The New York Times Editorial Board identified 12 markers that shows a country is slipping into autocracy. Trump has started or has already taken those 12 steps. The editorial board notes that the United States still has a largely free press, judiciary and speech, but erosion has begun. If our free and fair elections disappear, the turn back to democracy will be difficult.

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The Times editorial board has compiled a list of 12 markers of democratic erosion. The sobering reality is that the United States has regressed, to different degrees, on all 12.[image or embed]

-- New York Times Opinion (@nytopinion.nytimes.com) Oct 31, 2025 at 4:49 PM

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A democracy cannot slip to being an autocratic fascist gang unless the independent media is intimidated and shut down. That is clearly happening in real time as the billionaire oligarchs like Bezos buy off the media and turn it into just another tool of the far right.
A democracy has to have two independent political parties both dedicated to the rule of law and one person, one vote democracy. The Republican Party has been lost to Trumpian fascism...so there is that.
A democracy has to have an independent legal system, and as exemplified by the Roberts court, far right fascism is seen as originalism, and the rich have the right of representation and the poor have the right to suffer.

#1 | Posted by Hughmass at 2025-11-01 08:44 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 3

Yes, we are losing our democracy. The Founders were counting on resistance from a principled and patriotic Congress, and look at what we've got: a heap of right-wing pansies who compensate with ersatz machismo.

If you've noticed, MAGA has actually abolished the House of Representatives. Johnson has fired himself as Speaker of the House, and Donald Trump brags about taking that role.
'
The immediate crisis began when Trump was re-elected. The climax will come in next year's elections. which Donald Trump will allow to have no other outcome but to keep him in power.

The more naked Donald's coup, the more likely civil unrest. and the more likely that we have dead Americans on the streets. A lot of them, to include women and children.

We've seen this coming for years now. Good luck to all men of goodwill in getting to the other side of it.

#2 | Posted by Zed at 2025-11-01 09:26 AM | Reply

For 4 years of the Biden administration our country was effectively, without borders.

#3 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2025-11-01 09:59 AM | Reply

Short answer: Yes.

Republicans have always despised the 'government for the people' created by Roosevelt and Johnson and have been working tirelessly on the long game of dismantling such policies. And then along came Trump with his wildly successful plan for hate and division, and the whole thing kicked into overdrive.

Good times.

#4 | Posted by Angrydad at 2025-11-01 10:05 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 10

For 4 years of the Biden administration our country was effectively, without borders.

#3 | Posted by lfthndthrds

Has anyone ever described you as being a hack?

Is this your excuse for everything? Appears so.

Bad things are here, and you bear some responsibility for that. As you will the really Bad things to come.

Try to remember when you were a human being.

#5 | Posted by Zed at 2025-11-01 10:19 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 8

#3 = Brainwashing at it's finest.

#6 | Posted by bat4255 at 2025-11-01 10:59 AM | Reply

He'd need a brain first.

#7 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-01 11:00 AM | Reply

Has anyone ever described you as being a hack?

#5 | Posted by Zed at 2025-11-01 10:19 AM | Reply | Flag:

A country without borders isn't a country. For four years anyone who wanted to simply walked into our country without consequence.

bUh oUr dEmOcRaCy!!!

#8 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2025-11-01 11:11 AM | Reply

bUh oUr dEmOcRaCy!!!

#8 | Posted by lfthndthrds

You don't deserve what you have in life.

#9 | Posted by Zed at 2025-11-01 11:19 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

What democracy? This is not a democracy!

We never had a democracy. It was all in your imaginations.

-Bozo the Orwellian Clown.

#10 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-11-01 11:21 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

It's asking a lot, apparently, for rwingers to grok the democratic republic that the Founders created.

#11 | Posted by Corky at 2025-11-01 12:08 PM | Reply

I even asked Grok what it groks and Grok states that the United States is a constitutional republic that functions as a representative democracy.

It does not exclusively identify our system as one or the other but rather describes it as having characteristics of both.

The problem maga maroons have is apparently holding two ideas or concepts in one's mind at the same time. It hurts their heads and apparently makes them very angry.

#12 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-11-01 12:14 PM | Reply

Every citizen over 18 should have their vote counted. EVERY SINGLE ONE.

#13 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2025-11-01 12:18 PM | Reply

For 4 years of the Biden administration our country was effectively, without borders.
#3 | Posted by lfthndthrds

Relevance?

#14 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-01 12:19 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"A country without borders isn't a country."

Do you know what the Schengen Agreement is?
No, you do not.
en.wikipedia.org

#15 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-01 12:20 PM | Reply

Biden deported more people than Trump did in his first term. Lfthandturd is too dumb to know that and he doesn't read real news.

#16 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-01 12:27 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 9

For 4 years of the Biden administration our country was effectively, without borders.
#3 | Posted by lfthndthrds

This country has never been "without borders".

Remember Title 42? Title 42 allowed U.S. authorities to quickly expel most migrants at the border, including asylum seekers, without a formal legal process, to prevent the spread of the virus.

GFY with your hateful lies.

#17 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-11-01 12:32 PM | Reply

... The editorial board notes that the United States still has a largely free press, ... but erosion has begun. ...

White House restricts media access in the West Wing
www.politico.com

... The administration said it's a matter of security, but the new rule appears to be part of a larger effort to restrict the press. ...

#18 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-11-01 12:37 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 3

Every citizen over 18 should have their vote counted. EVERY SINGLE ONE.

#13 | POSTED BY LEGALLYYOURDEAD

It should be a law that everyone who is eligible to vote votes.

It's your civic duty.

Of course, having served my country I believe it would be in America's and everyone's best interest if everyone residing in America was required to serve America in some capacity.

Instead of just 2% of us.

Semper Fi

#19 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-11-01 12:41 PM | Reply

You know how our government backs coups in other countries to replace one party with another?

Well, the same groups, intelligence agencies, nonprofits, foundations, have long ago turned those tactics inward, backing Democrats to overthrow Republicans.

#20 | Posted by visitor_ at 2025-11-01 12:44 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

For four years anyone who wanted to simply walked into our country without consequence ... .
#8 | POSTED BY LFTHNDTHRDS

"To get back to the warning that I've received, you might take it with however many grains of salt you wish, that the brown acid that is circulating around us is not specifically too good. It's suggested that you do stay away from that. Of course it's your own trip, so be my guest. But please be advised that there's a warning on that one, okay?"
Chip Monck
Master of Ceremonies
Woodstock Music & Art Fair: An Aquarian Exposition

#21 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2025-11-01 12:48 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Yes.

Anyone who says otherwise is a moron.

#22 | Posted by jpw at 2025-11-01 12:49 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 3

Well, the same groups, intelligence agencies, nonprofits, foundations, have long ago turned those tactics inward, backing Democrats to overthrow Republicans.

#20 | POSTED BY VISITOR_

Case in point, this stupid piece of s%^#.

#23 | Posted by jpw at 2025-11-01 12:51 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 5

You don't deserve what you have in life.

#9 | POSTED BY ZED

The only reason somebody is that big of a stupid piece of s%^* is they didn't earn what they have but think they deserve more.

It's the core of maga.

#24 | Posted by jpw at 2025-11-01 12:54 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 6

We have a party-managed republic we call a "Democracy". It's a managed hypocrisy.

#25 | Posted by lee_the_agent at 2025-11-01 01:40 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

" Yes.

Anyone who says otherwise is a moron.

#22 | POSTED BY JPW AT 2025-11-01 12:49 PM | FLAG: "

No.

You are a moron and a cooze drama queen.

#26 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-01 01:49 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Biden deported more people than Trump did in his first term. Lfthandturd is too dumb to know that and he doesn't read real news.

#16 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-01 12:27 PM | Reply | Flag

LMAO say what?

Now that Trump is outdoing Biden on evictions, you're mad about it.

#27 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2025-11-01 02:02 PM | Reply

It is compulsory for all Australian citizens over the age of 18 to enroll and vote in federal elections. Failure to do so may lead to a $20 administrative penalty. If you don't vote, you will receive a letter from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) with instructions on how to pay the $20 penalty.

#28 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2025-11-01 02:04 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

For four years anyone who wanted to simply walked into our country without consequence ... .
#8 | POSTED BY LFTHNDTHRDS

What were the consequences?

#29 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-01 02:16 PM | Reply

Now that Trump is outdoing Biden on evictions, you're mad about it.
#27 | Posted by lfthndthrds

Evictions, lol.
Nice Freudian slip.

#30 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-01 02:18 PM | Reply

The only reason somebody is that big of a stupid piece of s%^* is they didn't earn what they have but think they deserve more.

It's the core of maga.

#24 | Posted by jpw at 2025-11-01 12:54 PM | Reply | Flag:

Look at this @$$ clown trying to be cute.

Nobody gave me anything other than a chance to make something for myself/family. I deserve exactly what me and the people I work for agree upon for my services. This -------- idea that I had a gold spoon in my mouth as a child is nonsense. but lately that's all you have for comments - pure --------.

You're awfully angry lately. Did your SNAP benefits get cancelled because of the government shutdown your party started?

#31 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2025-11-01 02:21 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

- What were the consequences?

They got jobs; were a Net Plus to the Economy as they have long been, and then committed less crimes per capital than did US Citizens.

Of course, Trump told his Cult they were eating dogs and cats.

#32 | Posted by Corky at 2025-11-01 02:22 PM | Reply | Funny: 1 | Newsworthy 1

Yes.

Anyone who says otherwise is a moron.

#22 | POSTED BY JPW AT 2025-11-01 12:49 PM | FLAG: "

No.

You are a moron and a cooze drama queen.

#26 | POSTED BY BELLRINGER

Of course, Gutes Deutsch has to chime in to say "yup, that is correct."

#33 | Posted by jpw at 2025-11-01 02:25 PM | Reply

#31 nobody said a thing about a golden spoon, Mr Trailer House.

#34 | Posted by jpw at 2025-11-01 02:25 PM | Reply

"Nobody gave me anything other than a chance"

This "chance" you were given, what was its cash value, and who gave it to you?

It sounds like daddy hired you. Is that what happened?

#35 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-01 02:29 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Biden deported people LEGALLY.

Republicans used to at least say they cared about the law. A long time before Trump.

#36 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-01 02:30 PM | Reply

Nobody gave me anything other than a chance to make something for myself/family.

Ah, another "self made" man that wiped his own butt.

Sure.

#37 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-01 02:31 PM | Reply

#31 nobody said a thing about a golden spoon, Mr Trailer House.

#34 | Posted by jpw at 2025-11-01 02:25 PM | Reply | Flag:

Trailer house. That's funny. It's also projection. You've stated the you have to strap on a gun to walk in your own neighborhood.

#38 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2025-11-01 02:33 PM | Reply

I should just stop posting Facts.... Trumpers only believe his lies.

#39 | Posted by Corky at 2025-11-01 02:34 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

You're the one who said trailer house, dips^%%.

#40 | Posted by jpw at 2025-11-01 02:35 PM | Reply

Another thing, Gutes Deutsch, you've been wrong about everything with this administration.

You downplay and deflect everything then ignore it when it happens or becomes true.

#41 | Posted by jpw at 2025-11-01 02:36 PM | Reply | Funny: 1 | Newsworthy 1

Republicans couldn't begin to tell you what it looks like when a nation loses their democracy.

Republicans don't think Germany lost their democracy in the 1930s.

#42 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-01 02:42 PM | Reply

"A country without borders isn't a country."
#3 = Brainwashing at it's finest.

#6 | POSTED BY BAT4255 AT 2025-11-01 10:59 AM | FLAG:

He'd need a brain first.
#7 | POSTED BY ALEXANDRITE

I guess Bernie doesn't have a brain.

BERNIE: "If you don't have any borders, you don't have a nation."
"Trump did a better job. I don't like Trump, but we should have a secure border. It ain't that hard to do. Biden didn't do it."


Do you know what the Schengen Agreement is?
No, you do not.
en.wikipedia.org
#15 | POSTED BY SNOOFY

Who does the US have an agreement with, is Bernie wrong?

You can always tell the CULT members, they don't know whats going on in the world.
Don't you know Lefty is trolling you? NO because you have no idea about the news or reality.

#43 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-11-01 03:00 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Oneironut thinks he made a point. When are you going to get your nose out of Trumps ass?

#44 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-01 03:01 PM | Reply

The NYT's has never called out this administration on anything nor described it's actions for what they are. I'm not at all surprised that they have to ask: "Are We Losing Our Democracy?"

#45 | Posted by Yodagirl at 2025-11-01 03:18 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Well, the same groups, intelligence agencies, nonprofits, foundations, have long ago turned those tactics inward, backing Democrats to overthrow Republicans.

#20 | Posted by visitor_

Well known liberal entities like the CIA, the FBI, multi-national corporations/

------ idiot

#46 | Posted by truthhurts at 2025-11-01 03:45 PM | Reply

"Overthrow"

Written like a foreigner spewing agitprop.

#47 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2025-11-01 03:51 PM | Reply

Congress has stopped functioning.

Trump is ruling the country through executive order.

Trump is starving Americans while sending billions to Argentina.

A handful of billionaires control this nation.

We are not a democracy.

#48 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-11-01 04:11 PM | Reply

But everything is fine according to Gutes Deutsch ...

#49 | Posted by jpw at 2025-11-01 04:24 PM | Reply

It's pointless. Trying to "debate" here or anywhere is a waste with wide-eyed zealots who suck down everything their idol, a known lifelong slumlord, proven fraudster and adjudicated sexual predator, feeds them.

He literally can do no wrong with this crowd, no matter how many laws, customs, or ethical standards he violates, because they think like he does. MAGA zealots are incapable of shame, instead admiring a bully who ignores the law and punishes everyone who doesn't agree with him. They're fine with trashing the safety net in favor of the wealthy. They enjoy watching masked thugs cracking heads and dragging moms out of their cars.

The only thing giving me hope I have is that cracks are starting to appear in the GOP, and the polling is not in Trump's favor.

#50 | Posted by cbob at 2025-11-01 04:27 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Free travel between nations is a good thing.

The ability to work in foreign nations is a good thing.

If Latin Americans want jobs Americans don't Cotton To?

If Americans don't want to pay wages Americans will accept to do these Necessary jobs?

We have what is Called a Conumdrum.

Hypocrisy solves the Delemma.

#51 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2025-11-01 05:22 PM | Reply

Remember when The Washington Post had the line "Democracy dies in darkness" but then abruptly stopped using it when Trump got re-elected?

It's been on the masthead of The Washington Post since 2017. But "Democracy Dies In Darkness" is not just a slogan, it now appears to be the endgame.

On Wednesday, Feb. 26th, Jeff Bezos announced that the paper's editorial pages would now focus on "personal liberties and free markets."
www.dailykos.com

#52 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-01 05:28 PM | Reply

You bet we are, to judicial tyranny.

You think you elect representatives to implement policy and run the government?

Think again.

Some dumb judge will say that those policies can't be enacted.

Want illegals deported in accordance with the law? Some dumb judge will come along blocking enforcement of the law.

Want to stop government fraud waste and abuse of taxpayer money? Some dumb judge will say that that waste is actually a required function of the government.

Judges just openly flout the law, ignore the constitution, ignore the facts and ignore the evidence and play politics from the bench trying to run every aspect of the government no matter what the people actually want.

Do we have representative democracy where the people get to enact the things they want done? Nope and it hasn't been that way for a long time.

#53 | Posted by THEBULL at 2025-11-01 05:35 PM | Reply | Funny: 2 | Newsworthy 1

There needs to be a study done on MAGA as to why they believe billionaires give a shht about them.

#54 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-11-01 05:49 PM | Reply

#53 this stupid pile of s^*% didn't fail civics, he never went to class.

#55 | Posted by jpw at 2025-11-01 05:58 PM | Reply

"Want illegals deported in accordance with the law?"
No, you just want illegals deported.
The 6-3 Republican Supreme Court went 9-0 against you on that one.

"Want to stop government fraud waste and abuse of taxpayer money?"
Trump's spending outweighs his cuts in spending.

"Judges just openly flout the law, ignore the constitution, ignore the facts and ignore the evidence"
That's ICE, and Trump's own DOJ. The DOJ made up facts, also known as lying, o justify sending troops to Oregon, and you don't think there's anything wrong with that. Just like you don't think there's anything wrong with J.D. Vance lying that the immigrants are eating people's pets.

"Do we have representative democracy where the people get to enact the things they want done?"
Most everything that DOGE cut was exactly those things. Programs that had already been approved by Congress and signed by the Executive, in an act of representative democracy.

#56 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-01 06:02 PM | Reply

There needs to be a study done on MAGA as to why they believe billionaires give a shht about them.
#54 | Posted by ClownShack

Conservatives hate the poor, so they think billionaires must therefore be good.
The only billionaires Conservatives hate are billionaires who try to help the poor.

#57 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-01 06:06 PM | Reply

"For four years anyone who wanted to simply walked into our country without consequence."

Still waiting for any explanation of how this was actually a net loss for the country...

#58 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-01 06:39 PM | Reply

All statistics available show undocumented immigrants are a benefit to our economy and our country.

#59 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-11-01 06:48 PM | Reply

Judges just openly flout the law, ignore the constitution, ignore the facts and ignore the evidence and play politics from the bench trying to run every aspect of the government no matter what the people actually want.

Are you 12 years old? Just because people vote for something doesn't mean they will get it. It still has to be constitutional and legal.

And Judges are required to take an oath of office and have a duty to be truthful and follow the law.

If they do not they can be sanctioned

Unlike politicians.

That is why we like to get politicians like Trumpy (The Lyin King!) under oath. So they HAVE to tell the truth under penalty of law.

#60 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-11-01 07:52 PM | Reply

We never had a democracy.

#10 | Posted by donnerboy

Well, we arent. And you know it. You are losing in your attempt to change us from a Constitutional Republic to a mob Democracy.

#61 | Posted by boaz at 2025-11-01 08:06 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

The US is a democratic republic:

"AI
The United States is a democratic republic, meaning it is a system where the people hold the power (democratic) and elect representatives to exercise that power on their behalf through a constitutional framework (republic). It is not a direct democracy, where every citizen votes on every law, but a representative one, with a constitution to limit government power."

www.google.com

This is not a difficult concept, Major B... if you can hold more than one thought in your head at a time.

#62 | Posted by Corky at 2025-11-01 08:12 PM | Reply

Do we have representative democracy where the people get to enact the things they want done? Nope and it hasn't been that way for a long time.

#53 | POSTED BY THEBULL AT 2025-11-01 05:35 PM | FLAG: | -------

Yer a jackass

#63 | Posted by cbob at 2025-11-01 08:35 PM | Reply

Well, we arent.
#61 | Posted by boaz

You keep saying what we aren't.
But if you can't say what we are, then you're just a petulant child saying "No!" for the sake of it.
So, tell us. What type of government do we have?

Follow up question, if we aren't a democracy, why do we vote on things? Or are all the elections sham elections like in Iraq.

#64 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-01 08:40 PM | Reply

You could educate yourself, Boaz.

Because you sound dumber than dirt, like a brainwashed North Korean, denying our nation's history.

Despite our thoughts of them as stalwart champions of democracy, the Founding Fathers were an elite class"they feared mob rule and debated vigorously about how the new government should be structured. Most of them were utterly opposed to a direct democracy, in which the electorate determines policy themselves instead of having representatives (presumably wiser and better informed than they) do it for them. Our Founding Fathers, decidedly did not trust the masses to make the decisions that would steer the ship of state.

That said, as we discussed in last week's newsletter, they also eventually decided they didn't want a hereditary monarchy in the United States, either. Thus, the notion of a representative democracy emerged as the best option for the new nation.
archivesfoundation.org

#65 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-01 08:44 PM | Reply

Wonder if I left that bold tag open...

#66 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-01 08:44 PM | Reply

Stop trying to reason with the MAGAs, Snoofy. They're fascist --------, unworthy of respect.

#67 | Posted by cbob at 2025-11-01 08:47 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Well, we arent. And you know it. You are losing in your attempt to change us from a Constitutional Republic to a mob Democracy.

#61 | POSTED BY BOAZ

Of course, this idiot has to show up to prove what an unAmerican idiot he is.

#68 | Posted by jpw at 2025-11-01 08:56 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Stop trying to reason with the MAGAs, Snoofy. They're fascist --------, unworthy of respect.
#67 | Posted by cbob

Indeed, they cannot be reasoned with. They are as sure they're right, as the people who flew planes into the WTC.
So I mostly do it in hopes other people won't fall for the fascist propaganda.

#69 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-01 09:41 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

As promised, there isn't a Republican here who can say what it looks like when a nation loses its democracy.

They can't identify any of the warning signs.

They will tell us It Can't Happen Here.

Even as they are the ones making it happen here.

#70 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-02 12:14 AM | Reply

m.youtube.com

Adios SNAP! | The Adam and Dr. Drew Show

#71 | Posted by THEBULL at 2025-11-02 06:21 AM | Reply

| Posted by THEBULL

You're comfortable surrendering your make member to some strongman.

Because you don't know how to use it? Because you're afraid that if you try to use it, you'll make a mistake?

I'm sorry, I've always found your BULL handle to be comical.

Sort of gives away what you're self-conscious about.

#72 | Posted by Zed at 2025-11-02 08:00 AM | Reply

"You're comfortable surrendering your male member to some strongman"

I mean your penis, Bevo.

#73 | Posted by Zed at 2025-11-02 08:01 AM | Reply

" Stop trying to reason with the MAGAs, Snoofy. They're fascist --------, unworthy of respect.

#67 | POSTED BY CBOB AT 2025-11-01 08:47 PM | FLAG: "

Has it ever occurred to you that perhaps lefties are the problem?

How many lefties actually try to engage in discussion on this site? A small handful at most. Maybe one or two. The rest is all just personal attacks. I think Trump has a very mixed record. Some of it is bad, some good. When it comes to Trump any kind of nuance is deemed Trump ass-sniffing. The degree of absolutism coming from the left is cult behavior. It happens when people cloister together and live in an ideological and informational bubble. That's what I see on this site.

#74 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 11:45 AM | Reply

"nuance"

dude. you voted for this. own it, water carrier.

#75 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-02 11:50 AM | Reply

"How many lefties actually try to engage in discussion on this site?"

We engaged you in so many discussion you had to change your username and pretend you're not the same guy as before.

Name any lefty who created new accounts after their previous account was banned for not being able to engage in discussion, but rather sabotage them.

"When it comes to Trump any kind of nuance is deemed Trump ass-sniffing."

You haven't made any nuanced comments. You said Trump has good and bad sides to him. That's not nuanced. That's not even really a comment, because you could say that about Mother Teresa or Martin Luther King too.

#76 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-02 11:52 AM | Reply

" dude. you voted for this. own it, water carrier.

#75 | POSTED BY ALEXANDRITE AT 2025-11-02 11:50 AM | FLAG: "

Did you support 100% of Biden's agenda? Did you agree with 100% of his words and deeds? Are you good with the lengths that his team went through to try and hide his condition (with a huge assist from the MSM, of course?).

Things aren't nearly as black and white as you pretend. There are no unicorns in politics. Positive and negative tradeoffs abound.

#77 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 11:54 AM | Reply

"The degree of absolutism coming from the left is cult behavior."

If this were true, you'd have examples.

But it's a lie, and you don't have examples.

This is how most every "discussion" with you has gone for ten years.

Now you'll remember you have some chores to do.

Good bye.

#78 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-02 11:54 AM | Reply

" How many lefties actually try to engage in discussion on this site? A small handful at most. Maybe one or two. The rest is all just personal attacks."

Then why do you post here?

#79 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-02 11:54 AM | Reply

"Did you support 100% of Biden's agenda?"

The autopen had an agenda?
You're a clown.

#80 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-02 11:55 AM | Reply

Biden didnt rape anyone, but IM a cultist.

youre a joke, bellringer. you post here to troll.

#81 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-02 11:55 AM | Reply

"It happens when people cloister together and live in an ideological and informational bubble."

Trump officials are afraid to live in public, hiding out on military bases, because they know they will be mocked and shamed when they show their faces in public.

That's the bubble.

#82 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-02 11:59 AM | Reply

The degree of absolutism coming from the left is cult behavior.

Ah yes. The classic cult of academia and knowledge. Yeah.. I know them! You really have to look out for those folks who try to stick to the truth and the facts and not get bogged down in the "Charlie Kirk filth" with you.

Great "discussion!"

Now GFY with your maga filth.

#83 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-11-02 12:06 PM | Reply

" Then why do you post here?

#79 | POSTED BY ALEXANDRITE AT 2025-11-02 11:54 AM | FLAG: "

Sometimes for entertainment. Sometimes to try and persuade.

#84 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 12:07 PM | Reply

" , but IM a cultist.

#81 | POSTED BY ALEXANDRITE AT 2025-11-02 11:55 AM | REPLY | FLAG:"

Way to avoid my point.

And for the record, when I made an exception for a small handful of lefties on this site, you fall into that group. I don't think you personally engage in cult behavior

#85 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 12:09 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

Sometimes to try and persuade.

#84 | POSTED BY BELLRINGER

You sure convinced me.

I believe!

That you are a complete arse and maga troll.

Your work here is done. You are now fully eligible to receive your maga devil horns.

#86 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-11-02 12:14 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"I don't think you personally engage in cult behavior"

So, no names, no details, no evidence to support your claim.
But you're 100% sure it's true.

It's so true and so obvious, you don't need evidence!
Because you are brainwashed.

#87 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-02 12:17 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"The degree of absolutism coming from the left is cult behavior."

I have a question about the absolutism coming from the left.
Counting or not counting gang violence?

#88 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-02 12:18 PM | Reply

Do we have representative democracy where the people get to enact the things they want done? Nope and it hasn't been that way for a long time.

#53 | POSTED BY THEBULL

We have never had a country where people get to "enact the things they want done" if those things are against the law and against the declared intent of our Constitution.

What are you? 12 years old? Time to grow up little Bull.

It's a big world for such a little Bull.

#89 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-11-02 12:22 PM | Reply

lol ballwasher thinks he has "nuance" in his support of Trump.

All he has is blanket "I don't agree" when concepts are presented, but he's a good little compliant b*^%# when the practice becomes reality.

#90 | Posted by jpw at 2025-11-02 12:55 PM | Reply

"Nuance" is when you leave and come back pretending to be somebody else.

Our Woke Cult teaches us lying about who you are is disingenuous at best.

But for Republicans, lying about who you are is right as rain.

#91 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-02 01:02 PM | Reply

thinks he has "nuance" in his support of Trump.

His list of things he disagrees with Lewzer on is pretty short.

And each item is followed up with "and I didn't like it when Biden/Obama/Pelosi/Clinton did it either".

#92 | Posted by REDIAL at 2025-11-02 01:14 PM | Reply

" but he's a good little compliant b*^%# when the practice becomes reality.

#90 | POSTED BY JPW AT 2025-11-02 12:55 PM | FLAG: "

You live in an ideological and informational bubble. You are beyond being divorced from reality. Sit this one out, Pee Wee. The adults are talking. Don't force me to give you a slap.

#93 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 01:46 PM | Reply

Let me make this perfectly clear

Everything a fascist does is evil. An ethical person should not support anything they do.

Even actions that seem reasonable serve the purpose of normalizing them.

Fight fascists everywhere all the time.

as for jeff

I'm a borderline Hall of Fame troll, Alexandrite. I easily elicit multiple responses with a single post. And it doesn't take any effort.
#27 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-04-06 05:42 PM

Fuck that cunt

#94 | Posted by truthhurts at 2025-11-02 01:46 PM | Reply

"How many lefties actually try to engage in discussion on this site?"

posted by jeff

also posted by jeff

I'm a borderline Hall of Fame troll, Alexandrite. I easily elicit multiple responses with a single post. And it doesn't take any effort.
#27 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-04-06 05:42 PM

seriously, fuck that cunt

#95 | Posted by truthhurts at 2025-11-02 01:47 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

You live in an ideological and informational bubble. You are beyond being divorced from reality. Sit this one out, Pee Wee. The adults are talking. Don't force me to give you a slap.
#93 | Posted by BellRinger

^
This is some really lame trolling.

But I can imagine you saying to your children, Don't force me to give you a slap.

#96 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-02 01:50 PM | Reply

Want a tissue, Twoothy?

#97 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 02:03 PM | Reply

Twoothy,

If I met you in person I'd give you a serious wedgie and you wouldn't do anything about it.

#98 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 02:04 PM | Reply

#96

The only time I have to read J Bellefonte is when his posts are pasted... this one appears to be Trumpesque projection from someone who's own Info Bubble is pop proof.

It must be deafening in his Echo Chamber!

#99 | Posted by Corky at 2025-11-02 02:19 PM | Reply

When are Trump supporters going to wake up and start caring about Americans.

Trump and his billionaire buddies do not care about Americans.

They're throwing million dollar parties while stripping Americans of food and healthcare.

Wake up idiots.

Trump is destroying America.

#100 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-11-02 02:22 PM | Reply

#99 The fact that I don't live in a bubble is proven by the fact that I come to this site, read the articles lefties post and put up with your collective BS.

#101 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 02:28 PM | Reply

You live in an ideological and informational bubble. You are beyond being divorced from reality. Sit this one out, Pee Wee. The adults are talking. Don't force me to give you a slap.

#93 | POSTED BY BELLRINGER BELLRINGER AT 2025-11-02 01:46 PM | REPLY |

How many lefties actually try to engage in discussion on this site? A small handful at most. Maybe one or two. The rest is all just personal attacks.

Also BELLRINGER just a few hours earlier AT 2025-11-02 11:45 AM

Great discussion!

Now GFY with your hateful lies.

#102 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-11-02 02:34 PM | Reply

Supposedly both sides of Populism are anti-Elitists, which is why we sometimes see posters like Visitor (100th Bday soon!) and Robson (DOA?) posting against the Elites... apparently still believing that Trump is not the Billionaire's Mob Boss/Stooge.

difference between wing and left wing populism

www.google.com

#103 | Posted by Corky at 2025-11-02 02:40 PM | Reply

#99 The fact that I don't live in a bubble is proven by the fact that I come to this site, read the articles lefties post and put up with your collective BS.
#101 | Posted by BellRinger

You started off good but you ended demonstrating how you live in a bubble, through calling our repeated attempts at discussion wit you "leftist BS."

Half these people you call leftists aren't leftists at all, they're simply left of you. Like JPW, not a leftist, but he gets under your skin for whatever reason.

#104 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-02 02:43 PM | Reply

Has it ever occurred to you that perhaps lefties are the problem?

How many lefties actually try to engage in discussion on this site? A small handful at most. Maybe one or two. The rest is all just personal attacks. I think Trump has a very mixed record. Some of it is bad, some good. When it comes to Trump any kind of nuance is deemed Trump ass-sniffing. The degree of absolutism coming from the left is cult behavior. It happens when people cloister together and live in an ideological and informational bubble. That's what I see on this site.

#74 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 11:45 AM | Reply | Flag:

I've been on the DR for more than 20 years. In that time I've had my share of disagreements with left-leaning posters here. Still do from time to time.

I used to enjoy the give and take with conservatives here. I can truthfully say I changed, or at least softened, my views on a slew of topics after reading well-reasoned arguments from a few of them, possibly even you. I know that neither the Democratic Party nor liberals as a whole have the answers to every problem. I saw these exchanges as a chance to listen, respond and look for common ground among people who come at what can be complicated issues from different points of view.

But something changed, probably the greatest of which was the rise of the Tea Party movement and the subsequent election of Trump. Other presidents, of course, have been flawed or misguided to varying degrees, but Trump's intentional divisiveness and disregard for all manner of legal, moral and unethical norms put him in a category unto himself and make him clearly unfit to be the leader of the country. As bad as he was during his first term, he's even more extreme in his second. It has become impossible to have rational debate with the MAGA zealots, who dominate conservative "thought" today.

I won't waste time detailing this any further. Trump has made it clear that he will tolerate no checks on his authoritarian rule. He is leading us to fascism, and in fact we are well on our way already. Fascism is bad. Even if he does one positive thing out of a thousand, he is not to be trusted. Trump constitutes a national crisis. It is black and white. You can either acknowledge his unfitness or pretend you don't see it. There is no debate to be had. There is no nuance.

#105 | Posted by cbob at 2025-11-02 03:11 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 3

CBBo,

I appreciate the thought you put into that post.

I too have softened certain issues via having discussions with lefties. Way back in the day I was opposed to gay marriage. After having numerous discussions with lefties over the issue ,y arguments opposed simply didn't stand up against the stronger arguments for. Now I firmly support gay marriage.

#106 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 03:19 PM | Reply

- When it comes to Trump any kind of nuance is deemed Trump ass-sniffing.

Nuance concerning an obvious traitor, convicted fraud and finger-rapist... is like saying Hitler was evil, but he had a nice moustache.

It's totally irrelevant, meaningless, and usually an obfuscation.

#107 | Posted by Corky at 2025-11-02 03:20 PM | Reply

I too have softened certain issues via having discussions with lefties. Way back in the day I was opposed to gay marriage. After having numerous discussions with lefties over the issue ,y arguments opposed simply didn't stand up against the stronger arguments for. Now I firmly support gay marriage.

#106 | Posted by BellRinger a

And yet even though the SC your party put in place will very likely overthrow gay marriage you will continue to support them

Cause you are a vile lying piece of shit.

#108 | Posted by truthhurts at 2025-11-02 03:22 PM | Reply

#108. While I liked the outcome I thought oberfeld was questionably adjudicated. Regardless, you are telling me how I will respond to a hypothetical. It's childish and stupid, but considering who I'm dealing with ...

#109 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 03:25 PM | Reply

Now I firmly support gay marriage.
#106 | Posted by BellRinger

Everyone here has the opinion that you'll un-support is as soon as the Supreme Court says so.
You spent a decade saying gay marriage was horribly adjudicated.
You will be happy when the bad adjudication is corrected.

Go on, deny it if it's not true. Let's have a conversation about how much you really support gay marriage.

#110 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-02 03:27 PM | Reply

"Regardless, you are telling me how I will respond to a hypothetical."

That's a direct result of you not having conversations.
You could dispel that notion by having the conversation right now.

#111 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-02 03:29 PM | Reply

Gutes Deutsch is just being Gutes Deutsch.

#112 | Posted by jpw at 2025-11-02 03:29 PM | Reply

#12

NW times 100.

#113 | Posted by Corky at 2025-11-02 03:30 PM | Reply

#105, duh... not even close!

#114 | Posted by Corky at 2025-11-02 03:31 PM | Reply

All jeff has done over time is to become a bigger lying piece of shit.

#115 | Posted by truthhurts at 2025-11-02 03:37 PM | Reply

Pretty much.

The only two republicans here worth talking to are Et Al and Danforth.

#116 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-02 03:40 PM | Reply

We are losing our Democracy all kinds of ways...

"Hegseth bars military officials from discussing drug boat strikes with Congress without prior approval

The Office of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has disseminated a broad list of topics that Defense Department personnel are now required to seek prior approval on before engaging with Congress, which includes any and all "sensitive military operations" and US military strikes on suspected drug boats around Latin America, according to people familiar with the latest guidance."

Republican Rep. Don Bacon said on Saturday the policy amounted to "another amateur move" by the secretary that was resulting in military members being "afraid to communicate" with lawmakers.

"I was a five-time commander & our leadership WANTED us to engage members of Congress," he posted on X. "We wanted to share what our great airmen were doing. We were proud of our service. The new rules have put a large barrier between the military & Congress. Pentagon says the change is very small. But I already see the impact with military members being afraid to communicate. This is another amateur move."

www.cnn.com

Trump's SS is creating some bi-partisan disgust.

#117 | Posted by Corky at 2025-11-02 03:56 PM | Reply

There is no debate to be had. There is no nuance.
#105 | Posted by cbob

That's his whole shtick.
If he can't waffle and equivocate, he has nothing to say.

He strikes me as someone who had to learn to lie to survive as a child. and has been unable to come out from that shadow ever since.
Easy pickings for any gang or cult.

#118 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-02 03:58 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Alexandrite,

Danforth is a lefty. He is absolutely not a Republican.

#119 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 04:03 PM | Reply

He's a moderate disgusted by what the republican party has become.

Or did you not catch the meaning of his NAME and EVERY POST he's ever made?

He's left of YOU. Most people are.

#120 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-02 04:23 PM | Reply

"John Danforth" ring a bell?

#121 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-02 04:25 PM | Reply

Danforth is a lefty. He is absolutely not a Republican.
#119 | Posted by BellRinger

Danforth is approximately a Republican of fifty years ago.
Back when Republicans were okay with abortion and had just created the Environmental Protection Agency to clean up some of the messes left behind by Capitalism.
Those Republicans are leftists to you now.
Reagan is a leftist to you now, with his final speech about welcoming immigrants into this nation with open arms.

#122 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-02 04:30 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Jeff doesn't realize how radical he is. MAGA either.

#123 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-02 04:31 PM | Reply

Don't believe me, bellringer?

Go see how your abortion beliefs poll. You're to the right of Roe V Wade at 15 weeks, to the right of public opinion, And Ronald Reagan.

#124 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-02 04:33 PM | Reply

"Danforth is approximately a Republican of fifty years ago."

I can both relate to and sympathize with that.
They weren't MAGAts in those days.
That rot settled in with the party's increasing Dixiefication.

#125 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2025-11-02 04:57 PM | Reply

If you have to ask, you don't have it anymore.

#126 | Posted by Jaspar at 2025-11-02 05:04 PM | Reply

" John Danforth" ring a bell?

#121 | POSTED BY ALEXANDRITE AT 2025-11-02 04:25 PM | FLAG: "

He can call himself whatever he wants. I'd be willing to bet he hasn't voted for a GOP POTUS since Reagan.

#127 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 05:28 PM | Reply

" Go see how your abortion beliefs poll. You're to the right of Roe V Wade at 15 weeks, to the right of public opinion, And Ronald Reagan.

#124 | POSTED BY ALEXANDRITE AT 2025-11-02 04:33 PM | FLAG: "

I think abortion needs to be legal during the first trimester.

#128 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 05:28 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

I think abortion needs to be legal during the first trimester.
#128 | Posted by BellRinger

Excellent example of you not realizing how far right you are. You're to the right of Republicans back when abortion became legalized nationally.

Did you agree with sending abortion back to the States; was that well adjudicated? That's also to the right of where Republicans once stood.

#129 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-02 05:39 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"I think abortion needs to be legal during the first trimester."

Really, it's what it doesn't say.

Should women be able to get abortion with no strings attached, or do they need a husband's or father's or parent's consent and/or notification.

Do they have a waiting period? Do they have to watch a video explaining that there is a baby growing inside them? Should they be required to hear the fetal heartbeat before getting an abortion?

What about medical exceptions, does it have to be the life of the mother, or is mere "health" enough, or no medical exceptions?

What if the father is revealed to be from a long line of child molesters in the fifth month, and the mother no longer wishes to continue that bloodline, is it too late?

What if the fetus develops hydrocephaly and the only type of late term abortion that can be done, for any reason, is partial birth abortion?

#130 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-02 05:44 PM | Reply

How about this one?

Should a woman have to have a wand inserted into her vagina to justify getting an abortion?

#131 | Posted by truthhurts at 2025-11-02 05:50 PM | Reply

"Should a woman have to have a wand inserted into her vagina to justify getting an abortion?"

Well she's already had something up there, so what's the big deal?
Signed,
MAGA

#132 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-11-02 05:54 PM | Reply

" Should a woman have to have a wand inserted into her vagina to justify getting an abortion?

#131 | POSTED BY TRUTHHURTS AT 2025-11-02 05:50 PM | FLAG: "

No.

#133 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 06:03 PM | Reply

Since the medical purpose of the transvaginal ultrasound is to establish gestational age, and you support a timeframe for legal abortions, you indirectly support the use of transvaginal ultrasounds, which are akin to rape.

IOW you support rape and the party of rape.

truth hurts bitch

#134 | Posted by truthhurts at 2025-11-02 06:15 PM | Reply

Roe V Wade was 3rd trimester. You're 1st. SO you're to the far right, and as usual, DONT SEE IT.

#135 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-02 06:18 PM | Reply

The first trimester is 1-13 weeks BTW.

#136 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-02 06:19 PM | Reply

"
#134 | POSTED BY TRUTHHURTS AT 2025-11-02 06:15 PM | FLAG: "

Shut the hell up, loser.

#137 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 06:25 PM | Reply

" Roe V Wade was 3rd trimester. You're 1st. SO you're to the far right, and as usual, DONT SEE IT.

#135 | POSTED BY ALEXANDRITE AT 2025-11-02 06:18 PM | FLAG: "

Roe v Wade was 22 weeks. 3rd trimester is 29 weeks through birth.

#138 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 06:28 PM | Reply

correct.

It was a 49 year precedent.

#139 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-02 06:28 PM | Reply

You do understand that states implemented TVUs to establish gestational age, right? With the secondary motive of harrassing women seeking abortions.

You support limitations on when a woman can get an abortion.

That limit must be established medically

Thus the need for TVU

Insertion of an object without consent is rape

Coercion to gain consent is force, i.e. rape

You support rape

Don't blame me for your poorly thought out postions.

#140 | Posted by truthhurts at 2025-11-02 06:29 PM | Reply

" 135 | POSTED BY ALEXANDRITE AT 2025-11-02 06:18 PM | FLAG: "

Severely restricted after 1st trimester has broad support.

#141 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-11-02 06:30 PM | Reply

No, it doesn't.

Views on abortion, 1995-2024
While public support for legal abortion has fluctuated somewhat in two decades of polling, it has remained relatively stable over the past several years. Currently, 63% say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 36% say it should be illegal in all or most cases.

www.pewresearch.org

#142 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-02 06:31 PM | Reply

36% is not "broad support".

#143 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-02 06:31 PM | Reply

You're a minority for once, bell. Enjoy it.

#144 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-11-02 06:32 PM | Reply

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