aka Contrarian

@Pioneer: Being San Frsncisco's District attorney, California's Attorney General, and State senator along with a degree from Howard University are among Kamala's impressive credentials in case you're blind , deaf, or in denial. I've never known what position Michelle Obama ever held other than first Lady. Never knew what she put her law degree to work doing. And, oh yeah, She grew up in a middle-class family on Chicago's south side... Fill me in.

@ProfDThank you for your input. "Should" may be the operative word for Pioneer's reaction to a point I wasn't trying to make but, as usual, his response was irrelevant. You, I, and everybody else already know what determines the role models that children adopt. Pioneer's holding black women to a different standard than black men was what provoked my post, and this was something he neglected to address he was so busy posting pictures. The observations I subsequently expressed after chiding him for his double standard were just me blowing off steam and required no explanatory response from him. Furthermore, the role model most single black girls look up to is a sista who managed to snare herself a brotha with a good job and a car. Having a white husband doesn't necessarily send a positive message.

@Pioneer1So you have a problem if high profile black women do what their black male counterparts do, which is to marry a white person. Puleeze. I, myself, am tired of the role model onus placed on successful Blacks. Kids should be able to look no further than their parents when seeking their role models. lf that fails, I advise using a little imagination and initiative and simply aspire to be the best you can be. Screw trying to be like someone famous. All famous people aren't paragons in private. And not all wanna-bes become gonna-bes. Those are the breaks. The same with that tired ol cliche about wanting to "see people who look like me" in every scenario. If you wanna see somebody who resembles you, then look in the damn mirror and keep on truckin'. Yes, I'm negative. I'm also tired of the younger generations expecting Life to be tailored to their self centered needs. Put your friggin' phones down and be your own inspiration!

Let's hear it for black men organizing vigilante groups to go up against individual acts of racist violence, brandishing their guns, and flexing their muscles to show how tough they are, making a bad situation worse as they try to take the law into their own hands! No way, ProfD. File that idea away with your Reparation fixation. Too bad no such bravado comes into play when a highly qualified black sista is chosen to run against a white racist political opponent who wants to restore a system that undoes what racial progress has been made. Any such group of vigilante renegades would probably be made up of the same type brothas presently sulking over past slights, and bowing out when it comes to supporting and voting for Kamala Harris for president. Forget thèse jive ass misogynists who never have their priorities in order, and belong to that segment of ego-bruised black guys who are resentful of strong black women. In pulling off their dump-Biden-run-Kamala coup, Democrats made a big mistake, apprently thinking they could count on black men to support Harris. Brothas are who will help contribute to a possible outcome that will further diminish their standing in a Trump-led "great again" America! Any clandestine attempt to punish racist killers will be promptly squelched by Retrumpican storm troopers,

@ProdD: Your arguments can't be deconstructed because you remain in denial about the true fabric of the Democratic party. Your narrative also conveniently ignores what Democrats have done for the Blacks it is made up of. Your reparations pipe dream seems to have skewed your perspective. You will never be placated by any party in this country because your demands are not in proportion to the percentage of the population that Blacks represent. Your sense of black entitlement rivals the toxicity of white privilege. Get real. In the process of time bringing change, I predict African Americans will eventually be absorbed into the mainstream and Life will go on. In the meantime, since you think it's all about fear mongering and that a Trump presidency poses no threat to the personal freedoms of all Americans, then don't vote. Go play your piano and mow your lawns and let others worry about the restrictions of a "great again" America. It's not as if you can't flee to Canada. Me, I can only hope that I wont be on the scene when the shit hits the fan.

@ProfD: This particular election isn't about bargaining with special interest groups in exchange for their voting bloc. It's about retaining a leadership that will stave off a takeover of a democratic government by a coalition of right-wing Evangelical Conservatives who want to Make America Great Again under the dictatorship of Donald Trump! We anti-Trumpers are all in this fight together. Forget the ambiguous demands of Blacks whose middle class is bristling with people livng their best lives, and whose underclass is robbing and carjacking, and settling grievances with guns because - it's easier to do bad than good. Beating Trump takes priority over all this in-fighting. We have to come together as one to defeat tRump and what he represents. As for what the future holds, I hope the younger generation does move forward with a different mindset, and sorts all this BS out. But, if it doesn't, then - tough shit. zzzzzzzzzz.

@ProfD when I said "our" I didn't mean that as a black person. I meant it as a Democrat. I don't care what Harris's pedigree is as long as she can give tRump a run for his money. Black Retrumpicans have taught me that "all skin folk ain't kinfolk". And I'd actually feel more confident with a strong, capable white male running against tRump! Then I wouldn't have to listen to blacks whine about what black voters expect; which is EVERYTHING.

@ProfD: If all these black men bail on Harris, and she still wins, what the hell does she owe them? If black men are instrumental in a Trump win, what the hell will this do for any Blacks other than bible thumping homophobes and pseudo pro-lifers and misogynistic chauvinistic brothas? Black women will not have control over their bodies, and black Gays will be subjected to persecution and black school children will still underperform. And forget reparations. Very little in Plan 2025 benefits Blacks. (Maybe chances of marrying a white woman will remain stable.) This same old tired black narrative in regard to expectations from political parties reminds me of why I divorced the black race.

@nelsI was wondering when you'd show up with your portfolio of links and Youtube videos, ready to slander Kamala, who has all but sewed up the Democratic nomination for president. Yes, she's a flawed, tainted candidate. But she's our flawed, tainted candidate, and if she can defeat that Spawn of Satan, then she's OK with me. You don't send a Pollyanna saint to kick ass, you send a ruthless super bitch! If Hillary Clinton had been elected POTUS, this country would be in much better shape today.

@TroyDon't expect anything but a lot of misogynistic ad hominem tripe from nels if he responds at all to your challenge about Kamala and Obama's qualifications. I am not a big fan of Kamala Harris because I'm a catty female. Truth be told, VP Harris has a superb resume when it comes to being qualified for office. nels' excoriation of Obama is motivated, above all, by jealousy. nels needs to go take a seat next to Tim Scott, Byron Donalds, and that airhead Amber Rose over there in the "colored only" section of the Retrumpican party.

@Troy. Kamala Harris wasn't on my wish list for the Democratic ticket. She has too much baggage and her likeability quotient isn't that high; her nasal voice irritating, her Jewish husband and her white step daughters off-putting. She exudes unwarranted confidence, also brings to mind a giddy school girl just chosen to be homecoming queen. Yes, she is creating a lot of excitement among the Democratic echo chamber but they need help from uncommitted voters to pull ahead. Black men are, of course, dragging their feet when it comes to endorsing her, and who knows which way white Independents and suburban housewives will go? I know an open convention would jeopardize party unity but I still think Dems need to do better than Harris to defeat the MAGA Menace. Yet, the Retrumpicans do seem threatened by her - so there's that... Bottom line, I guess I have no choice but to vote for her. It's not like my opinion matters.

@Kenneth I don't buy the idea that Dems should've stuck with Biden simply because you should fight on no matter what. You gotta know "when to hold 'em or when to fold 'em". Winless battles may be heroic but they're not victories. IMO, It didn't take the media or polls or right wing psychology to manipulate those calling for Biden to step down. Joe's demeanor spoke volumns. It was obvious to anyone who got past their emotions, that Joe is no longer up to speed. Age has taken its toll on him both mentally and physically. I also see no harm in an open. convention. Suppose Kamala doesn't succeed in earning the right to have the nomination handed to her. Defeating Trump is the prime objective. Not projecting a false unity. @ProfD I agree that the Dems have a big job trying to make Kamala palatable. Black men have been among her harshest critics. She has baggage the Retrumpicans are already poised to drag out. She better choose an impressive running mate. Those who I argue with accuse me of being too negative. I tell them that the media they are brainwashed by are motion pictures. They think everything is a conspiracy and that life is like a movie where the impossible happens and the good guys win or the bad guys devastate. Life can be very random. Luck is capricious. Reality is a bitch.

@ProfDAgreed. I don't know that the undecided male voters who Dems need to swing left can be counted on to rally behind Kamala. And I question whether Michelle is qualified. She is not up on foreign policy and is neither aggressive nor intimidating but was someone who stood around mewing that when they go "low", we go,"high". Not the kind of toughness necessary to do battle with Trump and his cronies who would be amused by her civility. Most of all, she's adamant about not wanting the job. She apparently knows her limitations.

Thanks, Joe. I know I been bad mouthing you, but you've redeemed yourself and have come through in the clutch. You've saved your legacy, and Ametica owes you its gratitude for all you've done to make it a better place. Kamala, you may have to make a sacrifice too, girlfriend. Are the undecided swing voters ready for a black woman president? This country is about to be tested. If preserving democracy is the goal, you may have a shot. But desperate times call for desperate decisions, and - testosterone is better fuel for aggression than estrogen is. Humph. Listen to me, talkin like I give a damn about rescuing America from what Donald Trump represents. ...I got grandkids, y'all.

Me again. Requesting another explanation as to why the possible demise of the United States of America is a cause for anguish. This is a country that currently is at war with iitself. Why? Because the toxic differences between lifestyles, religions, ideals, and political policies have created an atmosphere of mutual contempt among a population whose diversity has become its undoing. So, why should I occupy my time decrying the disintegration of a country whose collective consciousness is schizophrenic? And doesn't it say something about the true character of a man whose hubris drives him to put his obstinate ego above country, refusing to gracefully step aside to give his party a chance to achieve the victory it so desperately needs??

For some reason, black woman are passionate and steadfast in their loyalty to Biden. Maybe they identify with him because of how others are dismissing and doubting his worth. I still can't for the life of me see why teflon Don seems destined to reclaim the presidency. Why him? What has a narcissistic despot like him done to deserve being crowned king of America???. When is Karma gonna kick in? Meanwhile, all the Dems will be left with is a party in shambles where the only consolation one segment of it will have is the chance to taunt Biden backers, with I-told-you-sos! O ye of great faith, void my pessimism with your thoughts and prayers, and prove me wtong. Replace that cranky, staggering, stammering, stubborn, old donkey with a stalwart steed who will miraculously turn things around, win the race, and save the day! Make a believer out of me before I leave this world!

Social media is simmering with suspicion and skepticism. I came across a post suggesting that the Retrumpicans were behind the whole charade, and it had 6K "likes". 😄 Hopefully fence sitters won't be gullible enough to cast sympathy votes for Teflon Don. I'm not a conspiracy theorist. But - I am open to the idea that mischievous aliens are running the show...👽

Help me out here. Nobody has yet to explain to my satisfaction why Democrats should stand on ceremony and stick with a faltering old fart like Joe Biden because when he was at the top of his game, um - he did some good things. Never mind that he is now feeble and in mental decline, - and not polling well! Ignore that Independents and young people are lukewarm about him. Just humor his obstinacy and don't rock the boat. Prop him up, and let him have his way because, well, he is the president and apparently of the same opinion as his opponent when it comes to a president being entitled to special privileges. And above all, continue to wallow in denial and cling to false hopes. This attitude seems to be second nature to black folks, in particular. Oh well, let's just stick with ol Massa. God got this. Jesus, take the wheel. Others like me bestir ourselves long enough to wonder if this is the best fight that the Democrats can put up in the crucial battle for the future of America, and if Biden is the best warrior they can send into battle. If so, count me out. It's bad enough dealing with how the electoral college screws up votes. I'll just bypass the process. I'm too old for it to make me any difference. But, who knows? The Dems may get lucky! Ho hum, good night.

@ProfD: America's global status is not an immediate concern; it's the enemy within. These MAGA Evangelicals via Kevin Roberts, chief spokesman for the American Heritage foundation, have implied that it's their way or the highway as they embark on what they refer to as a second American Revolution. A movement which they are prepared to quell any resistance to. Or will they and the Republican party be deterred by the Constitutional checks and balances, especially since the Republicans have weaponized the Supreme Court, and a Republican is the Speaker of the House of Representatives which is, itself, Republican-controlled.There's no way these jackals are going to go quietly. They'll contest any results that don't declare them the winners! If they do win, bye bye democracy, hello monarchy. if neither candidate can be declared a clear winner, there will be chaos. Another cause for concern is how Joe Biden's obstinacy has taken on divine overtones, leading him to declare that only God Almighty can prevent him from running. Talk about white entitlement! (And delusions of grandeur.) 😳 You can't make this stuff up, folks. Are we having fun yet? @troy: I don't have a problem with the media reporting what's going on. The public has a right to know. So, call me an alarmist who is overreacting to the situation. Reach the conclusion that it'll all work itself out. I'll be glad if you're right when - "the chips fall where they may". ...I just hope God ain't a Republican. 😜

I've given up. When it comes to the upcoming presidential election, let the chips fall where they may. Not only is the country divided, but so is the Democratic party. Die hard Biden supporters are holding steady, siding with the DNC and Biden's campaign committee members who seem to be viewing the president through a different set of lenses."Forget the polls", they scoff. "Biden will redeem himself." Yeah, right, all they need is a miracle to turn things around. Ol Joe will snap out of it, manage to finish a sentence and Democrats will be back in business! Seems to me. Biden is stubbornly putting himself before his country. The black vote is also fragmented because while some are dragging along with Biden, others find points of agreement with the Republicans when it comes to opposing the LBGTQ community, resenting the illegal aliens influx, being against the 2 wars, overwhelmed by inflation. And, of course, concern about Biden's unstable mental capacity. Will Blacks end up sitting out the election? Meanwhile, rumors are swirling about behind-the-scene efforts to dump Joe, a movement being spearheaded by such Hollywood heavy hitters as George Clooney and Robert DeNiro. Last but not least, is a document circulating on social media identified as Project 2025, the game plan of the American Heritage Foundation, a powerful ultra conservative Evangelical group allied with the Republican Party and MAGA and who, for some ungodly reason, has anointed tRump as their pseudo Messiah. I'm burnt out. Lord help America.

Come January, what change will America have undergone??? I also wonder if I will even be around to witness the outcome of the presidential election - or if I even want to be. 😵‍💫

Political pundits are now referring to the conservative Supreme Court Justices as "King Makers". The wrath of Trump awaits all of his foes, should he reclaim the presidency. As Commander-and-Chief of the the Armed forces, he will be a ticking time bomb. The handwriting is on the wall. Why just hand the presidency to the Retrumpicans? Time for all the bleeding heart Liberals humoring Biden to take off the gloves, put him out to pasture, then step up and kick ass!

@ProfD & frankster: discussion forums should also include the option of agreeing to disagree .

@ProfD: Not to worry. Just invoke the one-size-fits-all rationale you trot out to excuse black shortcomings. You know, the one about how black corruption, consumerism, conspicuous materialism, etc. can all be attributed to the stress brought on by the oppression of white supremacy. Frankster can co-sign to your explanation to make it official, and it's back to business as usual. 😉

My suggestion is to just retain Biden as a figure head president. Kamala Harris is who should be convinced to step down as VP because she is not an asset. No one is impressed with her or enthusiastic about the idea of her being a heartbeat away from the presidency. Replace her with a strong, younger, capable male leader who will actually be a surrogate president and, along with a competent staff, will run the country from behind the scenes. (Kamala could be appointed to replace Attorney General Merrick Garland who has turned out to be a dud because he is not a team player! Desperate times call for desperate measures. Dems simply cannot continue down their do-nothing path leading to defeat at the hands of Trump and the Evangelicals who are salivating over a chance to turn this country into an autocratic theocracy. I am old and on my last legs, so the election outcome won't have any long term impact on me, but my last wish would be for America to defeat the Retrumpican menace to society and, like the proverbial Phoenix, rise from the ashes, a new nation promising liberty and justice for all!