Israel-Hamas War 2023

[viper37]

Just imagine ramifications if Netanyahu was caught on a hot mic talking shit about him.

Step 1:
Get the Palestinian leaders to flatter Trump's ego.

Step 2:
Try to catch Bibi on a hot mic talking shit about him.


Instant policy reversal.  Otto has a meltdown.  

[Jacob]

Disagree.  It's my belief that the one interest group he considers absolutely indispensable is evangelicals.  And Israel is their pet.

There are few things Donald Trump loves more than taking advantage of people and pulling something over on people who think he's in their corner.

One theme for the current American radical right is the way they've turned on and jettisoned previous shibboleths and purity tests for their movement. Sure they evangelical right loves Israel, but if Trump could find a way to turn his base against Israel for his own gain (or ego) he'd have no compunction not to. And if the Trump base is given a choice between Trump or Israel, I think they'll break for Trump in large numbers.

EDIT: Not right now, of course. But soon enough.

[Valmy]

Why is everyone surprised when someone who has openly admitted here of his hatred of Muslims said he will vote for Donald Trump 

Jeez people get a grip.

I just...don't understand it. He is babbling insane nonsense.

"1+2 = Fish! 1+2 = Fish!" makes more sense than this means we are now aligned with Hamas. Hamas doesn't even want the damn cease fire.

[Solmyr]

The Trump coalition is full of folks saying "when Trump says he'll sell my interest group out, it's just empty posturing for effect or clever politics; he'd never actually do it. When he says he'll sell out interest groups I dislike, it's honest no-bullshit say-it-like-it-is truth and it's amazing and that's why I love him."

Trump doesn't give a damn about Israel or Palestinians. He'll turn to line his pockets and stroke his ego at any time it seems convenient. That may or may not include selling out Israel at any given point.

Disagree.  It's my belief that the one interest group he considers absolutely indispensable is evangelicals.  And Israel is their pet.

I don't think Trump considers anyone indispensable, not even his own children.

[Tonitrus]

Disagree.  It's my belief that the one interest group he considers absolutely indispensable is evangelicals.  And Israel is their pet.

There are few things Donald Trump loves more than taking advantage of people and pulling something over on people who think he's in their corner.

One theme for the current American radical right is the way they've turned on and jettisoned previous shibboleths and purity tests for their movement. Sure they evangelical right loves Israel, but if Trump could find a way to turn his base against Israel for his own gain (or ego) he'd have no compunction not to. And if the Trump base is given a choice between Trump or Israel, I think they'll break for Trump in large numbers.

EDIT: Not right now, of course. But soon enough.

And even then...isn't the Christian evangelical support of Israel based on some mad idea that they'll bring about the Second Coming/Apocolypse? 

[HVC]

Disagree.  It's my belief that the one interest group he considers absolutely indispensable is evangelicals.  And Israel is their pet.

There are few things Donald Trump loves more than taking advantage of people and pulling something over on people who think he's in their corner.

One theme for the current American radical right is the way they've turned on and jettisoned previous shibboleths and purity tests for their movement. Sure they evangelical right loves Israel, but if Trump could find a way to turn his base against Israel for his own gain (or ego) he'd have no compunction not to. And if the Trump base is given a choice between Trump or Israel, I think they'll break for Trump in large numbers.

EDIT: Not right now, of course. But soon enough.

And even then...isn't the Christian evangelical support of Israel based on some mad idea that they'll bring about the Second Coming/Apocolypse? 

Once all the Jews of Israel convert to the one true god the apocalypse will start, IIRC.

[Josquius]

Disagree.  It's my belief that the one interest group he considers absolutely indispensable is evangelicals.  And Israel is their pet.

There are few things Donald Trump loves more than taking advantage of people and pulling something over on people who think he's in their corner.

One theme for the current American radical right is the way they've turned on and jettisoned previous shibboleths and purity tests for their movement. Sure they evangelical right loves Israel, but if Trump could find a way to turn his base against Israel for his own gain (or ego) he'd have no compunction not to. And if the Trump base is given a choice between Trump or Israel, I think they'll break for Trump in large numbers.

EDIT: Not right now, of course. But soon enough.

And even then...isn't the Christian evangelical support of Israel based on some mad idea that they'll bring about the Second Coming/Apocolypse? 

Once all the Jews of Israel convert to the one true god the apocalypse will start, IIRC.

Isn't the second coming a necessary precursor for this?

But even in a biblical apocalypse I could well imagine a divide would remain over whether its first or second and the man himself going "Guys. Its my 6th." wouldn't change anything

[crazy canuck]

Disagree.  It's my belief that the one interest group he considers absolutely indispensable is evangelicals.  And Israel is their pet.

There are few things Donald Trump loves more than taking advantage of people and pulling something over on people who think he's in their corner.

One theme for the current American radical right is the way they've turned on and jettisoned previous shibboleths and purity tests for their movement. Sure they evangelical right loves Israel, but if Trump could find a way to turn his base against Israel for his own gain (or ego) he'd have no compunction not to. And if the Trump base is given a choice between Trump or Israel, I think they'll break for Trump in large numbers.

EDIT: Not right now, of course. But soon enough.

And even then...isn't the Christian evangelical support of Israel based on some mad idea that they'll bring about the Second Coming/Apocolypse? 

Once all the Jews of Israel convert to the one true god the apocalypse will start, IIRC.

Isn't the second coming a necessary precursor for this?

But even in a biblical apocalypse I could well imagine a divide would remain over whether its first or second and the man himself going "Guys. Its my 6th." wouldn't change anything

For apocalypse, minded evangelicals it's all about the rebuilding of the temple.  An interesting counterfactual thought experiment is what would happen if evangelicals in the United States, were not so fixated on bringing about the end of the world.

[Tamas]

I think you guys keep missing an important point: a decisive portion of loudly religious people are only loudly religious to find excuses for being the absolute bastards which they are. They take the teachings of their religion about as seriously as your average atheist.

[crazy canuck]

I think you guys keep missing an important point: a decisive portion of loudly religious people are only loudly religious to find excuses for being the absolute bastards which they are. They take the teachings of their religion about as seriously as your average atheist.

I don't think that is accurate.  There is a strong belief amongst evangelicals that their God is responsible for their financial success.  And so they have an economic incentive to be faithful.

That same belief underpins the view that being poor is a moral failing.

All of which works well with right wing ideology.

[viper37]

I think you guys keep missing an important point: a decisive portion of loudly religious people are only loudly religious to find excuses for being the absolute bastards which they are. They take the teachings of their religion about as seriously as your average atheist.

I disagree.

I take my atheism very seriously. 

[Admiral Yi]

Disagree.  It's my belief that the one interest group he considers absolutely indispensable is evangelicals.  And Israel is their pet.

There are few things Donald Trump loves more than taking advantage of people and pulling something over on people who think he's in their corner.

One theme for the current American radical right is the way they've turned on and jettisoned previous shibboleths and purity tests for their movement. Sure they evangelical right loves Israel, but if Trump could find a way to turn his base against Israel for his own gain (or ego) he'd have no compunction not to. And if the Trump base is given a choice between Trump or Israel, I think they'll break for Trump in large numbers.

EDIT: Not right now, of course. But soon enough.

I think you're overstating the case. This maybe describes free trade.  And maybe pussy grabbing.

[Jacob]

I think you're overstating the case. This maybe describes free trade.  And maybe pussy grabbing.

It's my read on his character and way of operating, and I think it's a line that runs through pretty much everything I've learned about his business and political doings.

I'd flip it around... are you aware of any time where Trump has chosen to not throw someone under the bus and/or stay loyal to them over protecting his ego or taking profit?

[Admiral Yi]

I'd flip it around... are you aware of any time where Trump has chosen to not throw someone under the bus and/or stay loyal to them over protecting his ego or taking profit?

Outside his family I haven't seen any loyalty displayed.  But I'm talking about political calculation, not personal loyalty.

[Zanza]

The evangelical right accepted that he is an embodiment of pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony and sloth, his divorces, his de facto pro choice views, fucking porn stars etc.

Why would not supporting Israel all of a sudden turn them away? Seems fairly inconsequential when you glorify this person.