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Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Paul Blumenthal: All of the president's schemes have so far failed and his remaining tools are either illegal or implausible

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2026 midterms: 'Trump has many levers to disrupt the election, but far fewer means to turn defeat into victory'

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-- Le Monde in English (@english.lemonde.fr) 8:52 PM · Oct 14, 2026

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BREAKING NEWS: Trump finds out that you can't rape a steel voting booth when your dick is smaller and softer than a toadstool.

#1 | Posted by Nerfherder at 2026-10-20 10:28 AM | Reply

"I have been through every scenario and they all fall down at some point," said Justin Levitt, a professor and election law expert at Loyola Marymount University. "There is one point at which every single one is not practically possible."

This is what I've been counting on from the start.

Now, what does concern me is what individual States can do.

Trump is serving as a decoy of sorts while the real work happens like this....

abcnews.com

#2 | Posted by eberly at 2026-10-20 10:39 AM | Reply | Funny: 1

He can't steal the election?

his remaining tools are either illegal ...

So, then, he can steal the election.

The author is too shortsighted to understand, Trump has no problem doing what's illegal.

He's learned no one can stop him.

#3 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-10-20 11:37 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 3

-The author is too shortsighted to understand, Trump has no problem doing what's illegal.

No, he's not. He fully acknowledges there are no limits to what Trump will attempt.

He simply points out where he's obstructed from succeeding.

Trump's not learning anything, BTW. He already knew his obstacles.

It's where the voters are learning where the obstacles exist and how they work.

#4 | Posted by eberly at 2026-10-20 12:27 PM | Reply

The bullying will continue until Der Dotard is stopped by force, by which I mean members of his own party openly threatening, to Trump's face, to vote for articles of impeachment. Until then, he will set loose ICE, the FBI, DOJ and probably the IRS to hound out his perceived enemies. This will not stop, even AFTER Election Day.

All this nonsense about a golf course is only a ruse for our president to openly defy an order from a sitting federal judge. He will think he is getting away with it on the golf course matter, so why not try it with the election--after all, what force will stop him from openly stealing the election? It is not too hard to imagine Dem governors calling out their national guardsmen to protect their states, and by those guardsmen confronting the US Army on the streets of, oh, Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles or Portland. And then what?

It is fair to believe that the elections will not go the way of the MAGA GOP. And then what? Will members of the US House of Representatives, some of whom will lose their re-election bids by numbers too large to result in automatic recounts, stand together and dare to NOT certify the results of the election? What sitting GOP congressmen or senators will stand in defiance of Trump and the rebellious House members working in concert with Trump, so as to brazenly defy the will of the people?

Americans MUST go to the polls and vote in person (mail-in ballots will be burned). Attempts at election theft must be met by protests to our leaders, and probably in the streets. James Madison, in Federalist 46, argued that wide-spread ownership of firearms was necessary for the populace to check a tyrant. The time for that checking may be upon us soon...

#5 | Posted by catdog at 2026-10-20 12:32 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

He's learned no one can stop him.

#3 | Posted by ClownShack

Biden and Garland taught him that lesson. They could have stopped him. But they didn't want fascists to call them partisan.

#6 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2026-10-20 01:42 PM | Reply

Trump's not learning anything, BTW. He already knew his obstacles.

I'd say he's learned a lot.

The difference between his first term in office and this one are night and day.

If anything, having those 4 years off in between only gave him time to prepare.

#7 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-10-20 01:48 PM | Reply

Biden and Garland

The most worthless president in my lifetime.

Garland might have been a decent Supreme Court justice, but he sucked as the AG.

#8 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-10-20 01:51 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Trump has no problem doing what's illegal.
He's learned no one can stop him.

John Roberts told him no one can stop him.

J6 should have been the end of his freedom. If Americans were not so collectively stupid and corrupt it would have been.

#9 | Posted by Nixon at 2026-10-20 02:34 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

If Americans were not so collectively stupid and corrupt it would have been.

#9 | Posted by Nixon

Americans did their part and elected the other party. The failure falls on the shoulders of useless moderate democrats biden and garland.

#10 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2026-10-20 02:46 PM | Reply

-The difference between his first term in office and this one are night and day.

how so?

BTW, did any of you actually read the article?

#11 | Posted by eberly at 2026-10-20 02:59 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

how so?

I forgot.

You see everything happening under Trump as business as usual.

Nothing to see here, carry on.

#12 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-10-20 03:02 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

you can't point out the differences but claim there are differences between the 2 terms?

what do you ingest that makes you so insane?

Trump was quite lawless and reckless in his first term. So how is that different from this term?

#13 | Posted by eberly at 2026-10-20 03:04 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

I'm going to follow OneTrumper's suggestion and use AI:

Donald Trump's second term differs from his first through a faster pace of executive actions, an administration staffed strictly by loyalists rather than establishment guardrails, and a more aggressive use of presidential power.

Key Differences in Governance and Staffing

Staffing and Loyalty: According to the NPR Analysis on Trump's Second Term, the second administration is filled with ultra-loyalists. In contrast, his first term featured establishment figures and traditional advisors who frequently pushed back or acted as internal restraints.
Executive Actions and Speed: Trump moved with significantly greater speed in his second term, signing hundreds of executive orders (focused heavily on immigration, foreign policy, and tariffs) during his opening months at a rate that outpaced his 2017 start.
Federal Government Reshaping: Rather than focusing primarily on judicial appointments as he did early in his first term, Trump has targeted broader federal agency restructuring, attempting to install personnel and policies designed to outlast his administration.

Policy and Institutional Approach

Tariffs and Trade: The second term has relied heavily on sweeping unilateral tariffs and rapid trade disputes involving global allies and neighbors like Canada and Mexico.
Executive Power Boundaries: Analysis from the American Enterprise Institute notes that Trump entered office with a deeper familiarity with federal levers, expressing less patience with traditional bureaucratic or legal roadblocks and openly testing the limits of presidential authority.
Public and Political Climate: According to YouGov Polling Data, a majority of the public perceives the second term as involving more aggressive domestic enforcement, heightened use of federal and military forces, and increased political polarization.

#14 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-10-20 03:12 PM | Reply

" how is that different from this term?"

No guardrails on the inside this term.

Aren't you paying attention?!?

#15 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-10-20 03:14 PM | Reply

-Aren't you paying attention?!?

I'm paying attention to your drama.

Which has no guardrails in either term.

#16 | Posted by eberly at 2026-10-20 03:17 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

First term:
Mattis
McMaster
Bolton
Sessions
Kelly

Now it's Steven Miller and Natalie Harp.

#17 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-10-20 03:18 PM | Reply

" no guardrails in either term."

Nonsense.
www.kqed.org

#18 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-10-20 03:19 PM | Reply

14

So he's governing like there is no tomorrow for him in his second term.

That's where I thought you were going but wasn't sure if that even mattered to you.

Like Danforth, your drama hasn't changed. It's "business as usual" yet you seem to think that applies to me somehow.

#19 | Posted by eberly at 2026-10-20 03:19 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

18

I was referring to guardrails on your drama. Not Trump.

And I think you both make your point quite well with regards to those people in his administration.

I don't know why you take offense at being asked "how so".

Such drama queens.......

#20 | Posted by eberly at 2026-10-20 03:21 PM | Reply

" It's "business as usual".

Remind us how Trump profited a billion in his first term, and his kids got 8-figures of grift.

#21 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-10-20 03:21 PM | Reply

"I was referring to guardrails on your drama. Not Trump."

Well that's stupid. I've stated nothing beyond facts.

Speaking of, anything about the fact there are less guardrails on Trump?

#22 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-10-20 03:23 PM | Reply

Such drama queens.......

#20 | Posted by eberly

Eb is so cool for remaining calm as fascists toppled his party and then the entire country.

#23 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2026-10-20 03:27 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"I've stated nothing beyond facts."

3 oz of facts drowned by 12 gallons of drama.

Christ, you practically knocked Clown out cold so you push him aside in order to answer for him.

#24 | Posted by eberly at 2026-10-20 03:28 PM | Reply

" 3 oz of facts drowned by 12 gallons of drama."

Duuude, the only drama is coming from your mirror.

Feel free to attack any facts.

#25 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-10-20 03:39 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

I asked "how so" and you determined that to be "attacking the facts."

The drama is entirely from you and your band of angry elves.

And you damn well know it.

#26 | Posted by eberly at 2026-10-20 03:41 PM | Reply | Funny: 2

So how is that different from this term?

My opinion, in his first term there were some smart, experienced people around who dared to tell him "no" once in a while.

His second term has none of those.

#27 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-10-20 03:49 PM | Reply

I asked "how so" ...

And your question was answered, and you screamed "Drama!" Because you couldn't respond to what you were told.

You called JustAGirlIdaho "emotional" because she told you she was voting party line democratic in the face of the destruction of the nation by Trump and republicans.

You pretend you're reasonable.

But all you do is gaslight and cheerlead for republicans.

You disagree with Trump so much! But yet, why? He's not doing anything any other President hasn't.

It's all business as usual.

#28 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-10-20 03:50 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

-And your question was answered, and you screamed "Drama!" Because you couldn't respond to what you were told.

--------. you responded with drama before you could muster the energy to respond with facts. I have to endure drama from each and every one of you who are going through a very rough time right now.

Every post....every exchange....every question.....basically anything except 100% agreement (and even that is met with drama)

-You called JustAGirlIdaho "emotional" because she told you she was voting party line democratic in the face of the destruction of the nation by Trump and republicans.

-------- She said SHE was emotional. I simply agreed with her.

You pretend you're reasonable.

It's all realtive....but you're so far from reasonable it's not possible for ANYBODY to be considered reasonable by you. Not a single person unless they agree with you 100%.

#29 | Posted by eberly at 2026-10-20 04:27 PM | Reply | Funny: 2

"But all you do is gaslight and cheerlead for republicans."

This is his forte.

And he will deny it.

#30 | Posted by Angrydad at 2026-10-20 04:28 PM | Reply

"You disagree with Trump so much!"

see? the ! is your drama.

You're so unbelievably angry everything from you is drama.

everything.

#31 | Posted by eberly at 2026-10-20 04:29 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

-But all you do is gaslight and cheerlead for republicans.

I'll wait while you make a list of republican policies I'm "cheerleading".

You and angryporchboy can work together on that little project.

#32 | Posted by eberly at 2026-10-20 04:30 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

Yer funny, beverley.

#33 | Posted by Angrydad at 2026-10-20 04:43 PM | Reply

My opinion, in his first term there were some smart, experienced people around who dared to tell him "no" once in a while.
His second term has none of those.

#27 | Posted by REDIAL

see boys and girls....THAT is a response that omits the drama. It's to the point and I understand it just fine.

Take a bow, Redial.

#34 | Posted by eberly at 2026-10-20 04:51 PM | Reply

I have to endure drama from each and every one of you

Now that's some good drama!

Bravo.

#35 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-10-20 05:04 PM | Reply

"I have to endure drama from each and every one of you who are going through a very rough time"

What a drama princess.

#36 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-10-20 05:09 PM | Reply

" see boys and girls....THAT is a response that omits the drama."

Same thing I said. No guardrails in the second term.

#37 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-10-20 05:11 PM | Reply

Beverly thinks Insurrection and Aggressive War are "Drama Queens".

Murder on the High Seas is "Exaggeration ".

He gives Trump a Pass that no one else would Ever get.

Then he wonders why everyone thinks he's a lying Trump Acolyte in hiding.

What a Tool!

#38 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-10-20 05:13 PM | Reply

38

see another great example of having absolutely no point except to express his........drama

-Then he wonders why everyone thinks he's a lying Trump Acolyte in hiding.

No, I don't. Because nobody here thinks I'm any sort of Trump Acolyte (not sure if you know what that means)

If you have examples of me hitting Biden or any Democrat with anything I've giving a pass to Trump for........please post them.

Why are you making this about me?

All that was needed was to answer a simple question upthread......without the drama.

but nope......not possible.

Drama queens.....all of you.


#39 | Posted by eberly at 2026-10-20 05:23 PM | Reply

-Same thing I said.

Drenched in drama.

#40 | Posted by eberly at 2026-10-20 05:24 PM | Reply

" Drenched in drama."

According to the drama princess.

Is that sand pouring out of your ears?!?

#41 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-10-20 05:25 PM | Reply

-Is that sand pouring out of your ears?!?

always....

#42 | Posted by eberly at 2026-10-20 05:27 PM | Reply

"Always"

(Unrecognized) Funny Flag

#43 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-10-20 05:29 PM | Reply

" Then he wonders why everyone thinks he's a lying Trump Acolyte in hiding."

I don't see it. Sorry.

#44 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2026-10-20 05:41 PM | Reply

Whatever Trump has or is learning, he's attempting to steal the elections regardless.

The man's a snake. Treat him that way.

#45 | Posted by Zed at 2026-10-20 05:56 PM | Reply

Maybe not everyone. Maybe not even me.

He is damned annoying tho'

As are you.

#46 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-10-20 05:57 PM | Reply

I'll wait while you make a list of republican policies I'm "cheerleading".
#32 | Posted by eberly

Eberly meticulously never takes a stand on any important issue.

Eberly is the fake "neutral" guy Desmond Tutu told us about.

"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality."
--Desmond Tutu

#47 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-10-20 06:55 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Eberly meticulously never takes a stand on any important issue.

Taking a stand is dramatic, unless you're a woman, then it's emotional.

#48 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-10-20 06:59 PM | Reply

He is damned annoying tho'
As are you.

#46 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-10-20 05:57 PM | Reply

Glad to see Ukraine missed your data center.

#49 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2026-10-20 07:01 PM | Reply

-Taking a stand is dramatic, unless you're a woman, then it's emotional.

What about the gays?

#50 | Posted by eberly at 2026-10-20 07:31 PM | Reply

Being dramatic as a gay man is all about the look.

But we are very emotional people.

Sashay away.

#51 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-10-20 07:34 PM | Reply

What about the gays?
#50 | Posted by eberly

Trump makes fun of Bessent for being gay.
Bessent takes is.
That's the right thing to do, right?
Put up with sexual harassment from your boss.

Scott Bessent reveals that Trump makes jokes about him being gay " to Melania's friends
The out Treasury secretary insisted his sexuality played no role in his Cabinet appointment, but did keep him out of the U.S. Naval Academy.
www.advocate.com

#52 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-10-20 07:37 PM | Reply

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