781 Comments
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Nov 6
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It was more of a turnout problem than a Republican gain. Trump got 74M in ‘20 and likely he will end at about $74M in 24. How in the world did Harris go from Biden’s 81M to her 66M. Makes no sense.

An 18.5% drop in raw votes seems unbelievable given the energy of the campaign and the D ground game and volunteers. Makes no sense.

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Nov 6
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Agree. R’s hate the D’s more than they hate the stain and risk Trump puts on our Democracy.

There was early exit polling showing an R defection rate between 11 and 17%. Obviously that was another Trump cult lie.

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This is truly stunning. And as noted, just shocking given the stellar campaign that Harris ran.

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I think four things blunted turnout for the Democratic Party:

1. Low approvals for Biden

2. Anger over Gaza

3. Anger over Merrick Garland

4. No true primary rubbed many voters the wrong way

I also think the gains Trump made with young Gen-Z voters (mostly men) and Latinos was also a major problem.

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Not sure I agree. He got $74M in 2020 and $74M in 2024. It was turnout plain and simple. That’s why the polls were close. No pollster figured in an 18.5% drop in D turnout.

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Nov 6
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Love the MTM vs MT analogy! Only smile in 20 hours!

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I am taking this down for this kind of commentary is self-indulgent right now and unhelpful. You have no data to back any of this up. If you want a refund let me know. Thank you. S

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Nov 6
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CA can take a long time — curing help needed

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Nov 6
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Ted I am taking this post down for it is one of the singular most unhelpful posts ever posted on Hopium. If you want a refund and go somewhere please let me know. Thank you. S

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What?

I think you misinterpreted my fundamentally supportive point. Your assessment of what the electorate would do -- which I shared -- was mistaken. But you were right about worrying less and doing more. I think that you still are.

So I'm not sure what was unhelpful. It certainly wasn't intended to be. And no refund desired. You did a lot of good work and I still support you -- even if I've inadvertently pissed you off on a dark day. Sorry for that FWIW.

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what is FWIW?

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"For Whatever It's Worth"

(Old-ish Internet slang that I might be too old to be using but have picked up from being overly online.)

Intent in using it was to convey my genuine sense of "wow, I just really antagonized someone whose work I respect and admire and perhaps an apology is now inadequate to fix that." A bad day inadvertently made worse -- and a highly inauspicious debut for me here. :-(

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ah..thank you

not to worry

simon doesn't carry grudges as far as I can see

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Hope not.

He has the right to throw me out, but I ain't quitting. :-)

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Nov 6
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Friends, not going there today. Please.

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Nov 6
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Perhaps we would rather be in their position. But I am still grateful to be me, here with all of you, and with my own loving and compassionate family. I would rather be who we are than who they are.

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Lol. Well, for the life of me I would never want to be Donald Trump, that's for sure. So maybe he wins this election. But no matter what he wins, he's still nothing more than a two-bit con. "Misstra Know-It-All."

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Thank you Simon

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Amen brother. This is a hard pill to swallow, but swallow it we must we still have work to do. The house is still in place so that is something we can concentrate on after a period of morning. I would encourage everyone to continue to keep hope alive here’s a prayer that I offered to my church. I hope it is helpful to you.

A Prayer for Post-Election America

Loving God, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude and concern. First, we thank you for the peacefulness of our election process. In a world often touched by unrest, we are grateful for the calm that prevailed, for neighbors who shared differing views without violence, and for the strength of our democratic process.

Today, we also lift up our nation in prayer for unity. This election stirred many hearts, and we know that some feel their values were affirmed, while others feel them betrayed. Help us to reach across these divides, remembering that your love is boundless and that we are called to love one another as you have loved us. May those who feel sorrowful remember that no leader stands above your will, and that your guidance, not politics, is our foundation.

Lord, we pray for our new president, Donald Trump. Touch his heart with compassion for the poor, the marginalized, and those in need. Grant him wisdom to lead with justice and love, humility to listen, and courage to act for the good of all. May he guide our country with grace, always mindful of the weight of his responsibility.

God, we know that our hope rests in you. As we move forward together, give us patience, empathy, and a renewed spirit of unity. May your peace be upon our nation, and may we work together to build a future that honors you.

Amen.

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It will take a miracle to touch Trump's heart with compassion for anyone but himself.

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Was going to respond with a witty Biblical allusion but then I remembered Simon's admonition and am trying to honor and respect his wishes as best I can.

Check 2 Samuel 11 for a little taste of where my mind was headed.

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Let us feel the outrage first, please.

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THank you. I need a breath to feel really scared and angry.

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You are correct . But I do believe in a miracle working God . If we could survive bull Connor’s we can survive and thrive under Trump .

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That's a beautiful prayer. Hard to read the part about Trump though. I don't think it's possible. But I appreciate anything that helps me to feel calm today. Thank you.

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People need time to grieve and feel anger—and space to do that. Read the room, Reverend.

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Thank you LJ!! I agree with you

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Please just let the Reverand be the Reverand and I respect you to be you. This is the kind of mudslinging. We have to be oh so very careful about right now. If you were here, you clearly have done your best and genuinely care, and so do I I am united with you in a deep and profound sorrow.

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You’re right. I wasn’t ready to pray for DT and may never be.

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Me too. NEVER

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I loved the prayer. I take GOD and in my brain change it to Loving Mother, whatever keeps me sane today.

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I’m not sure we have completely survived Bull Connor. His racism is less overt now and more under cover and coded, but still very present. As example A, I present the recently concluded election.

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Trump has said on more than one occasion that he wants to give the cops "immunity."

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Frightening—just like his immunity

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It's code for "beating up on people of color" and even executing them extra-judicially under color of the law

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TRUTH!

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Me too, so I’ll just say at times I hate being human

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Thank you for posting this Rev. Omar. Although I'm saddened and sickened, your prayer brings hope that we can/ will survive.

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Thank you, I'm still a Christian and I can only be who I am because I know who He really is. God save us

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This is beautiful, thank you

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I do believe in God!

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What I liked was that Kamala said the fight's not over. She lifted us up, and is still committed to her beliefs.

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Kamala and Tim and Simon are 3 of my many Heroes; joining Joe Biden and Liz Cheney and Crew! You all included as well. We really do need each other right now!

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Thank you, Simon.

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Thanks for the words

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Thank you, Simon. You were a beacon of hope and sanity during this time.

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Heartbroken.

Thank you, always, Simon for your wise guidance and encouragement.

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We can remain steadfast and focused on our belief in the United States.

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I need to hear that.

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Thank you

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What lovely 🥰 words Simon

I am so sad 😞 and I have been so positive and worked harder than ever-I just don’t know what to do now 🫣

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Agreed on Simon's post. He's giving good advice. As to knowing what to do .... I don't know either. Staying away from the news for a bit seems like a good idea, but at times like this I'm afraid I'll miss important information that affects my life, my marriage, and my household. I'm going to do my best to keep a positive attitude. And ... what Robin Dalinger said above.

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I turned my radio station from msnbc and npr to classic rock.

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I too am devastated but I refuse to totally give in to tears and rage. That is not us. We will continue to work on behalf of all Americans. It will be hard, but we can and must do it. Take care.

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Same

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You feel as all of us do, I bet. Love where you can, be pissed, feel your feels. And endure, right? Good luck to you. Today is harrowing.

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So many groups to join or follow, Indivisible for example. Checkout Rachelle's "To Do" list -- civil society must stay active and engaged -- don't let the fascists take control of our institutions and more; Democracy cannot die overnight -- stay involved and support Marc Elias, Democracy Docket, and the lawyers fighting the abhorrent laws as they try to enact their horrendous agenda...Wow, and I thought I could actually take a break!

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I agree with your comments. Everything was left on the field and we had the best coaches and team! A very special thank you to VP Kamala Harris for taking the torch and running this race. I am proud of her (just not proud of my country).

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Simon, it has been a real joy to follow your writing this year. I still cannot believe or even process this is the result, but I profoundly thank you for everything you’ve done. I’ve recommended Hopium to countless friends over the past several months. I feel like our collective future is lost now. Whatever you do next with this project, I will be eagerly looking to follow.

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Me too!

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