The Kamala Harris presidential candidacy

[Hyena]

I really hope they have in mind the concept of fact-checking his comments as he makes them. I know it's going to be hard with OR without open mics (still not sure what they settled on), simply because he won't let anyone get a word in edge-wise. But if she can call him out and then counter with her logical ideas, it should be a much easier task to show how categorically deceitful and unhinged he is. I know somehow the right is going to claim success, even if he comes unglued, but I hope at least she can make a case for herself as the calm to his chaos. Please, call him out on his lies!!

If I have it right, the debate moderators have already said that they will not be fact-checking in real-time. Hopefully they'll push back on the most egregious lies, but...

My hope is that the Harris team already has a mechanism in place to fact-check in parallel real-time (via social media) or else to push out an annotated list of Trump's lies within minutes of the conclusion of the debate--and that Harris will be pointing everyone's attention to this resource at every opportunity.

We need to hear her say something like "You're lying, and we have the facts for you" over and over again. It should be the slogan of the evening.

Yeah, this part is what I was referring to. I mean, it's not that difficult to look up what he's lied about in the past month (or year, for that matter) and be prepared to call him out when he says it again.

That being said, I hope they DON'T do any preemptive strikes on his lies, because he'll just be able to deny he ever said it, or spin it somehow. Even if he DID say it during his rallies, he'll easily deny it during the debate and hope no one checks.

And finally, post-debate fact checks are absolutely pointless, because it's like trying to stuff the spring snake back in the tube. It's already out there and the debate is over. If I'm not wrong, he was fact-checked on 30-something lies in the Biden debate and nothing EVER came of it, other than everyone bitching and complaining that no one called him out on it during the debate. Plus, everyone was a bit focused on the train wreck of Biden himself.

[El Guapo]

I hope (and expect) that they'll have an army of surrogates ready to go on every talk show and blog in existence. I think the biggest danger is a media "Trump performed better than expected!" narrative graded against the standard of a racist toddler.

[Alefroth]

As much as I'd like to see it, I really don't think fact checking is the responsibility of a debate moderator. That puts them a little too close to being a debate participant.

[hepcat]

It also would lead to WAY too many stops in the debate as Trump's lies stack up. Then the right news sites would report that the moderators were anti Trump.

It would be nice if they ran a chyron along the bottom of the screen with real time fact checks though. But I doubt they'd be able to get Trump to go along with that. Fact checking is in the top 5 things MAGA hates.

[LordMortis]

It would be nice if they ran a chyron along the bottom of the screen with real time fact checks though. But I doubt they'd be able to get Trump to go along with that. Fact checking is in the top 5 things MAGA hates.

^^^^^
All that.

[El Guapo]

It also would lead to WAY too many stops in the debate as Trump's lies stack up. Then the right news sites would report that the moderators were anti Trump.

It would be nice if they ran a chyron along the bottom of the screen with real time fact checks though. But I doubt they'd be able to get Trump to go along with that. Fact checking is in the top 5 things MAGA hates.

Any sort of moderator fact check (either live in the debate or via a chyron) would be pretty easy for Trump to overwhelm. Some of his answers are so thick with nonsense that, especially live, it would be difficult to sort through, especially if they don't speak MAGA. Plus they would have to do some fact checks of Harris as well, and it would be hard to avoid creating an appearance of balance.

I think trying to prove Trump lied in real time is ultimately a sucker's bet, and that they should rely more on Trump's inability to sound coherent and sane to anyone outside the MAGA bubble. Let him make himself look weird and crazy, for the most part.

[The Meal]

Indeed, but some are crazier than others. Like it would be fantastic if she can get Trump to say "the late, great Hannibal Lecter" on stage.

“Well, Donald, *I* know what diplomatic asylum is, why don’t you tell us your definition?”

[hepcat]

I can see the chryon text now for some of the nonsense he spews.

No, outer space is not a myth. It is a documented fact. Also, the average Mexican male does not have 10 times the upper body strength of a full grown adult white male.

[Carpet_pissr]

I dare them to take up the imigration/border argument, given they/he killed the bill. It shouldn't be hard to plan for a clear and simple answer that explains to America how unserious they are on that one.

Are you serious? All he has to say is "that's not true. That's a lie" etc etc etc.

[Holman]

Daniel Dale is on the case.

[Skinypupy]

Taylor Swift endorsed Harris after the debate.

[Jaymann]

The timing is perfect. Even had Harris under performed in the debate she still wins the night.

[hepcat]

[Pyperkub]

OK, but why do you think Trump will be competent?

Didn't he already answer that? Gut feeling.

His Gut has a concept of a plan...

[Max Peck]

Mark Hamill Will Appear At Lynda Carter’s Geeks & Nerds For Harris/Walz Fundraiser

Luke Skywalker is teaming up with Wonder Woman for a worthy cause.

Mark Hamill has joined the star-studded lineup for Lynda Carter‘s upcoming virtual Kamala Harris fundraiser Geeks & Nerds for Harris/Walz, which will stream live on Sept. 24 at 8pm ET.

Also joining the lineup are Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings, Stranger Things) and Andy Merrill (The Brak Show, Aqua Teen Hunger Force), as well as the casts of The Boys and Supernatural, along with creator Eric Kripke.

Co-hosted by fan activist and Carter’s Potomac Productions media director Sabrina Cartan, the event is produced is Broadway Unlocked. Previously announced appearances include Stacey Abrams, Yvette Nicole Brown, LeVar Burton, Misha Collins, Patty Jenkins, Bill Nye, Jeri Ryan, Anthony Rapp, Matthew Modine, George Takei and Mary Trump’s Nerd Avengers.

In addition to the celebrity guests, Geeks & Nerds for Harris/Walz will feature a group of the nation’s leading scientists, technologists, engineers and inventors. Virtual attendees will be asked to sign an open letter in support of Harris and running mate Tim Walz, as well as “a future where innovation thrives.”

[hepcat]

Gaaah, I wish the Harris campaign would stop this shit.

A social media account run by Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign has been repeatedly deceptive.

The @KamalaHQ account, which has more than 1.3 million followers on the X social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has made a habit of misleadingly clipping and inaccurately captioning video clips to attack former President Donald Trump.

There’s no need to make shit up. Trump is handing you PLENTY of ridiculous sound bites.

[Alefroth]

Agreed. I also wish CNN would stop doing that shit.

[hepcat]

Are they pretty bad at it? I'm not aware of any outright violations, but I don't check that often. I am surprised when I see things like the piece I linked to as you're lead to believe by Trumpers that CNN is owned by the democratic party.

[Alefroth]

I mean, they report on a trickle of deceptively edited Harris videos while basically ignoring the firehose of misinformation from the Trump campaign.

[hepcat]

CNN reports on a lot of Trump falsehoods.

[YellowKing]

I think CNN is guilty of "both sides-ism" more than anything else.

It's rather rich, I think, that they're concerned enough about misleading videos on Trump's age to make it a headline, but didn't seem to have any issue harping on Biden's gaffes for weeks on end.

[Max Peck]

For science!

Vote for Kamala Harris to Support Science, Health and the Environment

In the November election, the U.S. faces two futures. In one, the new president offers the country better prospects, relying on science, solid evidence and the willingness to learn from experience. She pushes policies that boost good jobs nationwide by embracing technology and clean energy. She supports education, public health and reproductive rights. She treats the climate crisis as the emergency it is and seeks to mitigate its catastrophic storms, fires and droughts.

In the other future, the new president endangers public health and safety and rejects evidence, preferring instead nonsensical conspiracy fantasies. He ignores the climate crisis in favor of more pollution. He requires that federal officials show personal loyalty to him rather than upholding U.S. laws. He fills positions in federal science and other agencies with unqualified ideologues. He goads people into hate and division, and he inspires extremists at state and local levels to pass laws that disrupt education and make it harder to earn a living.

Only one of these futures will improve the fate of this country and the world. That is why, for only the second time in our magazine’s 179-year history, the editors of Scientific American are endorsing a candidate for president. That person is Kamala Harris.

Of course, if you're the sort of person that reads Scientific American you're probably not a MAGA voter in the first place, so this feels like preaching to the choir for the most part.

[Unagi]

For science!

Vote for Kamala Harris to Support Science, Health and the Environment

In the November election, the U.S. faces two futures. In one, the new president offers the country better prospects, relying on science, solid evidence and the willingness to learn from experience. She pushes policies that boost good jobs nationwide by embracing technology and clean energy. She supports education, public health and reproductive rights. She treats the climate crisis as the emergency it is and seeks to mitigate its catastrophic storms, fires and droughts.

In the other future, the new president endangers public health and safety and rejects evidence, preferring instead nonsensical conspiracy fantasies. He ignores the climate crisis in favor of more pollution. He requires that federal officials show personal loyalty to him rather than upholding U.S. laws. He fills positions in federal science and other agencies with unqualified ideologues. He goads people into hate and division, and he inspires extremists at state and local levels to pass laws that disrupt education and make it harder to earn a living.

Only one of these futures will improve the fate of this country and the world. That is why, for only the second time in our magazine’s 179-year history, the editors of Scientific American are endorsing a candidate for president. That person is Kamala Harris.

Of course, if you're the sort of person that reads Scientific American you're probably not a MAGA voter in the first place, so this feels like preaching to the choir for the most part.

Most of this stuff (that's clearly talking to people already "in line") is more of a "we really need you to get off the PC and actually vote", I would image.

[Max Peck]

True dat.

[Jaymann]

Woot. Billie Ellish endorses Harris/Walz.

[Kurth]

Woot. Billie Ellish endorses Harris/Walz.

Shocker!!!!!

No, seriously, that’s great, but isn’t this akin to hearing that Kid Rock endorses Trump?

[Smoove_B]

Endorsement vs Public endorsement is a big deal, imho. Because now she's painted a target on herself. I can only assume TFG will be sending "I hate Billie Ellish" messages on social media tonight.

[Kraken]

Woot. Billie Ellish endorses Harris/Walz.

Shocker!!!!!

No, seriously, that’s great, but isn’t this akin to hearing that Kid Rock endorses Trump?

I think the significance lies in motivating people who aren't ordinarily inclined to vote at all.

[Holman]

At 538, Harris's favorability is now 0.1% higher than her unfavorability.

That doesn't sound impressive until you realize how few major politicians can achieve anything close to a positive favorability in today's political climate. Harris was 17 points underwater in early July, so this is a meteoric rise.

Other current favorability vs unfavorability:

Donald Trump -9.9
JD Vance -10.8
Joe Biden -14.6
Ron DeSantis -15.1
Nikki Haley -9.2
Tim Walz +3.8 (wow!)

[LordMortis]

Eilish is doing 2 things the likes of Kid Rock hasn't (to my knowledge. I don't pay attention to him and his like)

1) Her endorse comes after she urges people to register.
2) Her endorsement (and encouragement to vote) comes not just with a positive mention for Harris but an explicit call out to Project 2025. The published actual words of what the hell is wrong with letting things slip to the them.

https://variety.com/2024/music/news/bil ... 236147555/

You can find their endorsement on Xhitter. I won't link to it.

What makes her endorsement of value/effective? Like all celebrity. Her megaphone. It is what it is.

[Unagi]

Woot. Billie Ellish endorses Harris/Walz.

Shocker!!!!!

No, seriously, that’s great, but isn’t this akin to hearing that Kid Rock endorses Trump?

I think the significance lies in motivating people who aren't ordinarily inclined to vote at all.

Also, considering the signifigant threat to the endorser's life - there is, with each additional endorsment - a bit of an "I am Spartacus!" mitigation effect.

[Holman]

Trump has P Diddy though...

Oh, wait.

[Default]

After spending time with my brother tonight, I can see why anything rational would not work with the indoctrinated.

Fortunately, the stones may not move, but the river does.

[hepcat]

Woot. Billie Ellish endorses Harris/Walz.

Shocker!!!!!

No, seriously, that’s great, but isn’t this akin to hearing that Kid Rock endorses Trump?

Dude, you’re seriously underestimating his influence with the get drunk, take off shirt, drive riding lawn mower into town yet undecided on whether or not to vote crowd!

[YellowKing]

Billie Eilish is still HUGELY popular with my daughter's age crowd. Way more than Kid Rock. I mean she had two back to back #1 albums in the US, and her most recent one went to #2. And that would have been #1 had it not been for Taylor Swift.

[Kraken]

Heck, even *I* like Billy Eyelash. Or at least the two songs of hers that I've heard. My favorite college radio station plays her occasionally.

Last week we were eating at a restaurant that piped in generic pop music. I remarked that a particular singer might be Taylor Swift, for all I know, because she had come up in conversation just a few minutes before. Wife googled it...and it WAS! So I have officially heard a TS song, although I don't know what song it was.

Anyhoo, I'm glad they're both on Team Harris.

[Scraper]

Woot. Billie Ellish endorses Harris/Walz.

Shocker!!!!!

No, seriously, that’s great, but isn’t this akin to hearing that Kid Rock endorses Trump?

Dude, you’re seriously underestimating his influence with the get drunk, take off shirt, drive riding lawn mower into town yet undecided on whether or not to vote crowd!

Seriously how did you know what I did last Saturday night?

[hepcat]

Heck, even *I* like Billy Eyelash. Or at least the two songs of hers that I've heard. My favorite college radio station plays her occasionally.

I'm not a fan, but I appreciate that she writes her own music....even if it's mostly bad teenage poems set to two chords and whispered in a monotone voice.

[YellowKing]

I like her, but I do an impression of her where I just randomly sing high-pitched nonsense in a low whisper and it makes my daughter SO mad. Most of her songs are co-written with her brother FInneas who is also her producer.

Also looks like Kamala got a slight post-debate bounce. Have heard some good news from polling that shows her continuing to get some of her best numbers to date.

[Carpet_pissr]

I really dig most of their work (I think Finnias is probably responsible for an outsized share of that duo's greatness, but could be wrong there). My kids hate it when I remind them that when I first heard her (well before she was known or famous, I came across it on an indie playlist I think), I said out loud: that kid is going to be great some day. Can't remember what the song was, but they deny that this happened (and it's happened with a lot of artists they now love! )

As YK said, she is so far above Kid Rock's popularity, they aren't even in the same hemisphere. Multi platinum, multi Grammy winning, etc etc...RABID fanbase of emo girls who cry at her concerts. She's kinda like the Bizarro Taylor Swift maybe...her songs are a bit dark and depressing, while most of Swift's are (musically at least) upbeat and a lot more...poppy.

For pop music, I think Eilish is fantastic, and maybe doesn't have as many fans as Swift, but I bet it's close (re: getting kids to vote).