Trump's won, the West is goosed ☹️

I’ve just read on Quora the following, regarding Trump’s claim of absolute immunity, but I haven’t yet found anything elsewhere to confirm this Quora reported decision…. Is this fake news?

The Supreme Court has ruled on the highly anticipated case regarding former President Donald Trump’s claims of immunity from criminal prosecution in a landmark decision that has sent shockwaves through the nation. This ruling will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the balance of power and the future of American democracy.

According to The Hill on Tuesday June 25, 2024, The case, which has been a subject of intense debate and speculation, centered around the former president’s assertion that he should be granted absolute immunity from any criminal charges related to his actions while in office. Trump’s legal team argued that the unique nature of the presidency and the significant responsibilities it entails should shield the holder from the burden of criminal proceedings, even after they have left office.

However, the Supreme Court, in a majority decision, has firmly rejected this argument. In a scathing rebuke of the former president’s claims, the Court has made it clear that no individual, not even the most powerful leader in the nation, is above the law.

“The presidency is not a license for unchecked criminal behavior,” wrote the Court’s opinion, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts. “The rule of law must be upheld, regardless of the office held by the accused. This decision serves as a crucial check on the executive branch and ensures that no one is immune from the consequences of their actions.”

The implications of this ruling are far-reaching. It means that former President Trump, who has been the subject of numerous investigations and allegations of wrongdoing, can now be held accountable for any criminal activities that may have occurred during his tenure. This includes, but is not limited to, the ongoing investigations into the January 6th Capitol riots, potential financial crimes, and allegations of obstruction of justice.

Legal experts and political analysts have praised the Supreme Court’s decision, viewing it as a decisive victory for the principles of American democracy and the preservation of the system of checks and balances. Many believe that this ruling will have a significant impact on the ongoing political and legal landscape, as it sets a precedent that no individual, regardless of their position of power, is above the law.

“This decision is a resounding affirmation of the fundamental American values of equality and the rule of law,” said Professor Emily Donovan, a constitutional scholar at Harvard University. “It sends a clear message that even the highest-ranking officials in the land must answer for their actions, and that the integrity of our democratic institutions must be protected at all costs.”

Found this, but don’t know of Pulse News…

https://www.todaypulse.news/detail/3ffbc24fa7609e7d4fba08572a851f6d

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I din’t think the US Supreme Court has come back with their ruling yet

https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4737265-supreme-court-adds-two-opinion-days/

Possibly waiting to see what evolves, and which will be the next president, after the televised US presidential debate, or as this next article states, in order not to interfere with Trump’s electioneering campaign

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/06/27/supreme-court-decisions-cases-abortion-trump-jan-6/

Which I think in itself may indicate the leanings of the Supreme Court, three of whom were appointed by Trump

A sad review of last night’s debate by a great writer

I watched the Biden-Trump debate alone in a Lisbon hotel room, and it made me weep. I cannot remember a more heartbreaking moment in American presidential campaign politics in my lifetime — precisely because of what it revealed: Joe Biden, a good man and a good president, has no business running for re-election. And Donald Trump, a malicious man and a petty president, has learned nothing and forgotten nothing. He is the same fire hose of lies he always was, obsessed with his grievances — nowhere close to what it will take for America to lead in the 21st century.

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Thanks, it did sound too good to be true…!

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Have the democrats elected a replacement for Biden yet? Everyone knows he’s on his last marble and isn’t in charge of anything.

The problem for the Republicans is that no-one wants to stand against Trump as they’d lose their deposit (or whatever equivalent the Spams have to one).

The rest of Mr Friedman’s NYT article, which is too good not to print:

:fountain_pen::black_nib::fountain_pen::black_nib::fountain_pen::black_nib::fountain_pen::black_nib::fountain_pen::black_nib::fountain_pen::black_nib::fountain_pen::black_nib::fountain_pen::black_nib:

The Biden family and political team must gather quickly and have the hardest of conversations with the president, a conversation of love and clarity and resolve. To give America the greatest shot possible of deterring the Trump threat in November, the president has to come forward and declare that he will not be running for re-election and is releasing all of his delegates for the Democratic National Convention.

The Republican Party — if its leaders had an ounce of integrity — would demand the same, but it won’t, because they don’t. That makes it all the more important that Democrats put the country’s interests first and announce that a public process will begin for different Democratic candidates to compete for the nomination — town halls, debates, meetings with donors, you name it. Yes, it could be chaotic and messy when the Democratic convention starts on Aug. 19 in Chicago, but I think the Trump threat would be sufficiently grave that delegates could quickly rally around and nominate a consensus candidate.

If Vice President Kamala Harris wants to compete, she should. But voters deserve an open process in search of a Democratic presidential nominee who can unite not only the party but the country, by offering something neither man on that Atlanta stage did on Thursday night: a compelling description of where the world is right now and a compelling vision for what America can and must do to keep leading it — morally, economically and diplomatically.

Because this is no ordinary hinge of history we are at. We are at the start of the biggest technological disruptions and the biggest climate disruption in human history. We are at the dawn of an artificial intelligence revolution that is going to change EVERYTHING FOR EVERYONE — how we work, how we learn, how we teach, how we trade, how we invent, how we collaborate, how we fight wars, how we commit crimes and how we fight crimes. Maybe I missed it, but I did not hear the phrase “artificial intelligence” mentioned by either man at the debate.

If there was ever a time that the world needs an America at its best, led by its best, it is now — for great dangers and opportunities are now upon us. A younger Joe Biden could have been that leader, but time has finally caught up with him. And that was painfully and inescapably obvious on Thursday.

Biden has been a friend of mine since we traveled to Afghanistan and Pakistan together after 9/11, when he chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, so I say all of the above with great sadness.

But if he caps his presidency now, by acknowledging that because of age he is not up to a second term, his first and only term will be remembered as among the better presidencies in our history.He saved us from a second Trump term and for that alone he deserves the Presidential Medal of Freedom, but he also enacted important legislation crucial to confronting the climate and technology revolutions now upon us.

I had been ready to give Biden the benefit of the doubt up to now, because during the times I engaged with him one on one, I found him up to the job. He clearly is not any longer. His family and his staff had to have known that. They have been holed up at Camp David preparing for this momentous debate for days now. If that is the best performance they could summon from him, it’s time for Joe to keep the dignity he deserves and leave the stage at the end of this term.

If he does, everyday Americans will hail Joe Biden for doing what Donald Trump would never do — put the country before himself.

If he insists on running and he loses to Trump, Biden and his family — and his staff and party members who enabled him — will not be able to show their faces.

They deserve better. American needs better. The world needs better.

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Sadly this was all totally predictable. Biden and the Democrats have marched US citizens up to the top of the hill, and now they’re up shit creek without a paddle, as Joe might say :roll_eyes:

Foolishly, I assumed at the very start of his presidency that, knowing he had a limited shelf life, he had chosen Harris as his heir apparent. Maybe even standing aside towards the end so that she went into the 2024 race as the incumbent. You know, something smart, forward planning, like one would do in even a half-arsed business :thinking: But as the presidency went on on and she remained on the sidelines it became apparent that that wasn’t going to happen and her abilities, if any, remain unproven.

Viewing his presidency from abroad, I don’t share Friedman’s benign view. He’s screwed up the Ukraine conflict and pushed Russia, China, and goodness help us, North Korea closer together. He’s screwed up the Gaza genocide, apart from a few half hearted settler sanctions he’s ignored the ethnic cleansing of the West Bank, and now things aren’t looking too good for Lebanon. Friedman’s point that he did save the World from a second Trump presidency is valid, but at current course and speed he’s going to throw that achievement away as well.

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I didn’t either though it seems they are imminent. However given their clear conservative bias it is unlikely they will hand down a decision which is a straightforward rejection of Trump’s arguments.

Only the “I’d vote for Pol Pot before Trump” Democrat faithfull would vote for POTUS Harris as every interview I’ve seen with her makes Abott/Truss look like MENSA members in comparison.

She was a DEI placeholder that should have been swapped for someone other than a total moron long ago.

Alas, as with the Republicans, no-one wants to stand against the current ticket/s and are busy keeping a low profile waiting for the dust to settle after November.

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Unless they’ve an outstanding candidate lurking in the wings, the Democrats should offer the nomination to the least offensive failed Republican candidate with a chance of beating Trump. The disaster scenario is Trump in the Whitehouse, it’s be damage limitation to have a Democrat with Republican roots :face_with_hand_over_mouth:

How about Martin Sheen??? :grin: Mind you, he’s 83! But you wouldn’t know it.

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Think I’d prefer Bruce Springsteen ( just heard I’ve got a ticket for Wembley :sunglasses:)

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If Zelenskyy could win (and Reagan) why not?

I thought of Nikki Haley. As a “Democrat” she could give Republican voting women a choice over Dirty Donald. But I did a bit of due dilli and she’s as mad as a bag of cats too, anti choice and pro Israel.

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That’ll be good. Saw him in Hyde Park last summer.

He’d certainly get my vote, and Taylor Swift would probably endorse him… a landslide beckons.

I would guess Newsom but wouldn’t it be glorious if Michelle Obama were to step forward in the crisis!

Perhaps not so glorious for Mrs Obama🥺

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I’ve been listening to the US election debate as I decorate. I thought Biden came across as someone who has sufficient intellect for the role. He didn’t evade questions and seemed honest. He did freeze a couple of times but he came across as someone you would trust in a position of power. Trump on the other hand was childlike. He didn’t give the impression of being a man who could talk about or manage detail at all. He just gushed with superlatives, lies and diverted every topic to ludicrous claims about immigration. Neither are great prospects for the job but I know who I would trust - the grown up. I wonder who could replace Biden if he agreed to step aside.

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Pete Buttigieg seems competent, among the Democrats that have some national recognition.

But I don’t think the US is ready for a gay President, given the religious bigotry that goes on there.

They even had doubts about John F Kennedy in the 60s because he was a Catholic!!

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It’s interesting that so many people appear to care little about criminal behaviour.

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It’s very likely they see it as trumped up (:wink:) charges just like you would find in Russia etc and not real. The subtlety of hiding payments to porn stars as being an offence might well seem unlikely.

Yet they were still many decades ahead of the UK - Blair didn’t feel it was a good idea to convert until he was out of Downing St.

Would you, given the history of England?
:slight_smile:

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