# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=188 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 189 --- ## [Obama: Do not underestimate Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-do-not-underestimate-trump/777312)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-do-not-underestimate-trump/777312 "2017-01-20T14:02:20Z")
Barack Obama warns Americans not to ‘underestimate’ Donald Trump in final interview And yes, I know he didn’t mean it as a compliment but a warning. Yet underestimating Trump is just what liberals here on this board an… --- ## [Democrats should thank Trump for one thing: he showed that money isn't necessary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democrats-should-thank-trump-for-one-thing-he-showed-that-money-isnt-necessary/777296)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democrats-should-thank-trump-for-one-thing-he-showed-that-money-isnt-necessary/777296 "2017-01-20T03:40:14Z")
Democrats are clear about the fact that they don’t like it when corporations and the super-rich pour money into politics. Countless threads on this forum, and blog posts and editorials elsewhere, dealing with the Koch B… --- ## [So how many legislators NORMALLY attend an inauguration?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-many-legislators-normally-attend-an-inauguration/777566)
**Author:** [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-many-legislators-normally-attend-an-inauguration/777566 "2017-01-20T03:38:37Z")
All this talk about people choosing not to attend Trump’s inauguration made me wonder: how many attend \*most \*inaugurations? Is missing one unusual? Unheard of? Or does it happen all the time? I’ve never really paid any … --- ## [Any chance for a Democratic Speaker/House==\>Pres after a 2018 Dem mid-term sweep?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-chance-for-a-democratic-speaker-house-pres-after-a-2018-dem-mid-term-sweep/777335)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2017, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-chance-for-a-democratic-speaker-house-pres-after-a-2018-dem-mid-term-sweep/777335 "2017-01-18T22:04:29Z")
Here’s a speculative scenario. Trump does such a bad job over the next two years hat 2018 is a wave election for Democrats. Young up and coming Democrats around the country run on a platform that they will begin to fix a… --- ## [America's first Celebrity President will be elected in 2016](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americas-first-celebrity-president-will-be-elected-in-2016/600693)
**Author:** [@Hyperelastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hyperelastic)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2017, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americas-first-celebrity-president-will-be-elected-in-2016/600693 "2017-01-18T19:46:00Z")
I predict that in 2016 the US will elect its first Celebrity President, meaning a person who is already famous for something other than politics and has not held elected office before. Why? Attention spans are becoming … --- ## [Repeal & replace Obamacare, Donald Trump's first success?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repeal-replace-obamacare-donald-trumps-first-success/776388)
**Author:** [@Frankenstein\_Monster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frankenstein_Monster)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2017, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repeal-replace-obamacare-donald-trumps-first-success/776388 "2017-01-18T01:48:22Z")
Although I myself am quite to the left, I have always thought the Trump panic on the American Left is way overdone. Trump Derangement Syndrome. Although his cabinet picks are a disappointment, the man himself is clearly … --- ## [Any polls of those who hated both candidates?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-polls-of-those-who-hated-both-candidates/777417)
**Author:** [@Sterling\_Archer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sterling_Archer)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2017, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-polls-of-those-who-hated-both-candidates/777417 "2017-01-17T21:07:37Z")
I’d love to see how opinions have shifted since the election. For those who think Clinton and Trump were equally bad options, and for those who held their nose and voted for Trump, do they still think Clinton’s corruptio… --- ## ['Deep State' revealed as anti-Trump architect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deep-state-revealed-as-anti-trump-architect/777249)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2017, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deep-state-revealed-as-anti-trump-architect/777249 "2017-01-16T13:17:30Z")
Read all about it here. Yes, it’s the CIA, along with MI5 et al. Jeebus wept. They’re only missing the Illuminati. --- ## [Experience and "character" don't mean jack to voters, so it's really issues?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-and-character-dont-mean-jack-to-voters-so-its-really-issues/777099)
**Author:** [@Salvor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salvor)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2017, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experience-and-character-dont-mean-jack-to-voters-so-its-really-issues/777099 "2017-01-16T01:37:37Z")
Upon reflection I think it’s safe to say that voters do not give a damn about experience or character when it comes to who they support. These things are often brought up by people but they smack me as the kinds of post… --- ## [Trump's first press conference as president-elect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-first-press-conference-as-president-elect/776878)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2017, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-first-press-conference-as-president-elect/776878 "2017-01-16T00:34:33Z")
His first press conference in 160+ days. I wasn’t able to watch the whole thing, but a couple things I saw: He refused to answer a question from CNN, and called them “fake news.” He actually turned it over to a lawyer … --- ## [Is Trump essentially calling the Republican bluff (ACA repeal)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-trump-essentially-calling-the-republican-bluff-aca-repeal/777060)
**Author:** [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2017, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-trump-essentially-calling-the-republican-bluff-aca-repeal/777060 "2017-01-16T00:09:25Z")
At the moment, Trump seems to be pushing hard to have the ACA repealed and replaced RIGHT AWAY. Republican leadership seems much more cautious about rushing things. Part of this is certainly Trump’s total lack of knowl… --- ## [Neverending election? US watchdog to probe FBI Clinton email actions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neverending-election-us-watchdog-to-probe-fbi-clinton-email-actions/776985)
**Author:** [@OwnRules](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OwnRules)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neverending-election-us-watchdog-to-probe-fbi-clinton-email-actions/776985 "2017-01-14T16:42:52Z")
A US government watchdog has launched an investigation into actions taken by the FBI during the election campaign. Much more at source (BBC). --- ## [Are all Trump's appointees undergoing confirmation looking to serve in a Pence administration?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-trumps-appointees-undergoing-confirmation-looking-to-serve-in-a-pence-administration/777088)
**Author:** [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-trumps-appointees-undergoing-confirmation-looking-to-serve-in-a-pence-administration/777088 "2017-01-14T04:09:53Z")
I heard a commentator say tonight that he has never seen so much daylight between an appointee and the president elect. Are they betting that Trump won’t be around long? --- ## [Trump voters explain themselves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-voters-explain-themselves/776307)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 311\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-voters-explain-themselves/776307 "2017-01-14T03:57:26Z")
Over at The Concourse a writer asked Trump voters to email him to explain their reasons for voting as they did. Many replied and the various reasons are fascinating. A Democrat who voted for Trump because he thought he … --- ## [Blocking Trump: step by step history](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blocking-trump-step-by-step-history/776521)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2017, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blocking-trump-step-by-step-history/776521 "2017-01-13T23:37:27Z")
It was a long year. Here’s the history of attempts to block Trump, first by the Repubs then by the Dems, step by step. In April last year, it was ‘stolen delegates’ with Trump claiming that the Republican selection pr… --- ## ["The 15 warnings signs of tyranny"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2017, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-15-warnings-signs-of-tyranny/776928 "2017-01-13T21:55:45Z")
From Robert Reich, a former U.S. Secretary of Labor, professor of public policy at the University of California at Berkeley Has DJT missed any? Take notes now, because in a decade or so, there will be theses, disserta… --- ## [Ukrainian meddling in US elections - with DNC's help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ukrainian-meddling-in-us-elections-with-dncs-help/776903)
**Author:** [@Okrahoma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Okrahoma)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2017, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ukrainian-meddling-in-us-elections-with-dncs-help/776903 "2017-01-13T19:28:37Z")
The article documents (notice the word? that’s something completely missing from Trump/Russian collusion allegations) Ukrainian governing party’s parliamentarians’ self-admitted anti-Trump meddling in US elections … --- ## [US Cities where non-citizens can vote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-cities-where-non-citizens-can-vote/776909)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2017, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-cities-where-non-citizens-can-vote/776909 "2017-01-13T17:12:25Z")
My city’s mayor has said that he wants to allow all residents the right to vote in municipal elections, even if they aren’t US citizens. I highly doubt that he will actually be able to do it, but has anything like this … --- ## [If anyone is interested, Dennis Miller interview.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-anyone-is-interested-dennis-miller-interview/776946)
**Author:** [@Dale\_Sams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_Sams)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2017, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-anyone-is-interested-dennis-miller-interview/776946 "2017-01-12T16:39:00Z")
http://www.thetulsavoice.com/January-A-2017/The-Left-bores-me/ I think most people will read into this what they want. That it will confirm whatever world view they have of him. I admit it did for me. That he’s at heart… --- ## [What to do if you lose an election](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-if-you-lose-an-election/776957)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2017, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-if-you-lose-an-election/776957 "2017-01-12T14:56:11Z")
It’s simple. You pull out all the stops, marshal vast resources, do everything in your power to discredit and undermine the legitimacy of your opponent. It’s not a new tactic, it’s been used often in the past, by the Rep… --- ## [What emotion best describes your feelings about Trump's victory/presidency?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emotion-best-describes-your-feelings-about-trumps-victory-presidency/776237)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2017, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emotion-best-describes-your-feelings-about-trumps-victory-presidency/776237 "2017-01-11T21:39:09Z")
To narrow it down, this is single-choice only. For me, mainly worry. Before that it was something akin to angered frustration. (Poll coming) --- ## [Here's why Hillary won the popular vote.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-why-hillary-won-the-popular-vote/774764)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2017, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-why-hillary-won-the-popular-vote/774764 "2017-01-11T00:29:23Z")
Because she went after it and Trump didn’t. From The Wrap: Dumbest election strategy in history but at least she can console herself with her popular vote while Trump prepares for the Presidency. --- ## [Burst my bubble! Recommend good sources of conservative opinion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burst-my-bubble-recommend-good-sources-of-conservative-opinion/775825)
**Author:** [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2017, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burst-my-bubble-recommend-good-sources-of-conservative-opinion/775825 "2017-01-10T23:17:12Z")
I’m a liberal, and while I don’t think I live in a bubble in terms of whom I associate with, I do consume news and opinion from mainly liberal sources. I have finally admitted to myself that I need to seek out more infor… --- ## [Go to CNN.com ASAP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-to-cnn-com-asap/776837)
**Author:** [@skdo23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skdo23)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2017, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-to-cnn-com-asap/776837 "2017-01-10T22:26:51Z")
On my phone, can’t really type a long message explaining why right now. --- ## [The red wall](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-red-wall/775557)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2017, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-red-wall/775557 "2017-01-10T19:26:49Z")
Not long ago, certain people were telling that Democrats were guaranteed to win the presidency because of a “blue wall”, meaning a set of states representing 270 electoral votes that were guaranteed to always vote for a … --- ## [Interesting analysis in National Review of 2016 election](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-analysis-in-national-review-of-2016-election/776830)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2017, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-analysis-in-national-review-of-2016-election/776830 "2017-01-10T19:12:46Z")
National Review is not normally my go to for analysis but this article is quite interesting. It gives a long view historical perspective I have not seen in other articles. The Real Reason Trump Won: Part 1 of 4 --- ## [How can I know what Senators and Representatives are voting on?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-know-what-senators-and-representatives-are-voting-on/776277)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Lowry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Lowry)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2017, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-know-what-senators-and-representatives-are-voting-on/776277 "2017-01-10T02:56:55Z")
There was a vote today about the House Ethics committee, and I called my congressman about it, but I suspect in the upcoming years there will be plenty of other times I’ll want to make my opinion known. What is the best … --- ## [CONTEST: Electoral Results. With prizes!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contest-electoral-results-with-prizes/770403)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2017, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contest-electoral-results-with-prizes/770403 "2017-01-09T06:16:35Z")
OK, fellow babies. I know we have a few threads in our beloved Elections forum about predicting the outcome of the upcoming end-of-the-unpleasantness. I figured one more won’t hurt. First one to predict these four thi… --- ## [Downloadable XLS or CSV file of Electoral College results for the 2016 Presidential election?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downloadable-xls-or-csv-file-of-electoral-college-results-for-the-2016-presidential-election/776505)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2017, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downloadable-xls-or-csv-file-of-electoral-college-results-for-the-2016-presidential-election/776505 "2017-01-07T23:43:37Z")
Ever since November 8, I’ve been looking for a downloadable spreadsheet listing for each state the number of electors it gets and how the EC votes were awarded on election night, but I’ve been coming up blank. Does anyon… --- ## [Forget changing the Electoral College, here’s what we need to do.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forget-changing-the-electoral-college-here-s-what-we-need-to-do/776418)
**Author:** [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2017, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forget-changing-the-electoral-college-here-s-what-we-need-to-do/776418 "2017-01-07T15:04:13Z")
OK, people have been arguing about the Electoral College in one way or another since the 2000 election. There’s a lot of talk about how it protects the “small” states from being over whelmed by the “big” states. (You k… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=187) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=189)