An Interview with the Last Remaining Undecided Voters

An Interview with the Last Remaining Undecided Voters

These nine people all have something in common. They all still have no idea who they’re going to vote for in the upcoming presidential election. I interviewed them to find out what the f*ck’s wrong with them, I mean, what is keeping them from making up their mind.

These nine people all have something in common. They all still have no idea who they’re going to vote for in the upcoming presidential election. I interviewed them to find out what the f*ck’s wrong with them, I mean, what is keeping them from making up their mind.

With only weeks remaining before the 2024 presidential election, the contrast between the two candidates for our nation’s highest office could not be more obvious. On one side is a 59-year-old black / South Asian woman, the child of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, a liberal who smiles relentlessly, talks about joy, and exudes optimism about the future.

On the other side is the oldest candidate ever to run for president, a crotchety 78-year-old massively overweight orange man, convicted of sexual assault, who posts dozens of rambling texts every day railing about how horrible everything is and that only he can save America from a terrifying, dystopian future of doom, despair, and imminent collapse into a hopeless hellscape.

One is a former prosecutor. The other, a convicted felon. One is named Donald, the other goes by Kamala – or perhaps it’s Kam-MAL-a or maybe Kamabla – I’m not really sure anymore.

Their differences in policy, ideology, personality, and ability to utter coherent thoughts could not be starker. And yet, incredibly, there remains a handful of people who still claim to be undecided about who to vote for. Who are these people? What the Hell is wrong with them? I mean, why have they still not made up their minds? And what will it take for them to finally pick a candidate?

I recently conducted an informal focus group with a few of the last remaining undecided voters to get some answers. Here is what I learned.

Tim Jones: I understand that you have not yet made up your mind about whether to vote for Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. Why is that?

Undecided Voter Mary: Who was that first person you mentioned?

Tim: Kamala Harris.

Mary: No, can’t say that name rings a bell. Who exactly is he anyway?

Tim: It’s a SHE. And she’s the Democrat in the race. That’s Kamal Har–

Rebecca is a busy mom. She said she plans to read up on the two candidates just as soon as she has some downtime between taking her kids to soccer practice and making everybody dinner. She will get around to picking a candidate by early December at the very latest, she promises.

Rebecca is a busy mom. She said she plans to read up on the two candidates just as soon as she has some downtime between taking her kids to soccer practice and making everybody dinner. She will get around to picking a candidate by early December at the very latest, she promises.

Mary: Oh, you mean KamABla? Yes, I think I’ve heard of her. Why do you ask?

Tim: She’s running for president. What will it take for you to decide who you’re voting for?

Mary: Well, I’m just waiting until my husband tells me who to vote for.

Tim: Pardon me? And who is your husband planning to vote for?

Mary: He’s not sure yet. He is hoping Gerald Ford might run again this year.

Tim: I hate to break it to your husband but Ford passed away in 2006. You sir. I understand that you have not made up your mind yet about who to vote for in the presidential election.

Undecided Voter Bert: Is there an election this year? Gosh, it feels like there was an election barely four years ago.

Tim: That’s right, sir. Every four years – like’s it’s been done since 1788, when George Washington was elected. May I ask you, why are you still on the fence?

Bert: I’m not on the fence. I’m sitting right here, on this leather couch. Maybe you need to get your eyes checked.

Tim: No, I mean figuratively speaking, why are you on the fence – undecided about who to vote for, for president?

Bert: I don’t like to rush into things. I’m a muller. I’m still unsure about whether or not to take a shower today.

Tim: Just curiously, when’s the last time you took a shower, sir?

Bert: August 2011. Like I said, I’m not one for rushing into things.

Tim: Ma’am, I understand that you too have not made up your mind about this year’s presidential election. Why is that?

Undecided Voter Trixie: There are just so many choices. I just can’t make up my mind.

Tim: So many choices? Not really. There’s the Republican candidate, Donald Trump, and the Democrat candidate, Kamala Harris. Oh, and a third guy named Kennedy running as an independent, but he’s a bit of a wackadoodle. He claims a worm ate part of his brain. And recently he admitted to dumping a dead bear in Central Park. A bit of an odd duck.

This is Lucas. He isn’t really into politics. Besides, none of his friends plan to vote, so why should he? He’d tell us more but he’s in the middle of an intense game of Mortal Kombat 11 with a 9-year-old from Sweden named Lars, who’s pretty good.

This is Lucas. He isn’t really into politics. Besides, none of his friends plan to vote, so why should he? He’d tell us more but he’s in the middle of an intense game of Mortal Kombat 11 with a 9-year-old from Sweden named Lars, who’s pretty good.

Trixie:  Oh really? I like Kennedy. I voted for him the last time. I think it was 1960.

Tim: Not the same guy, ma’am.

Trixie: Just curious. How did he kill that bear, anyway? With his bare hands? He sounds very brave.

Tim: Excuse me, sir. Can I ask you a question? What is it going to take for you finally to decide on a candidate for president?

Undecided Voter Richard: Well, I hate to see anybody lose. If it were up to me, I’d vote for both candidates, so they could share the job of president.

Tim: That’s not how our democracy works. The voters decide on one person. We don’t let them share the job. 

Richard: Well, that sounds selfish. I always tell my kids they need to share their toys. Maybe it’s time we let both candidates share the Oval Office. Can we vote for a dog? My neighbor’s dog, Barkley, is a basset hound. He’s dumb as a brick, but he’d never get us into a war, that’s for sure.

Tim: Um, I’m pretty sure dogs can’t run for office.

Richard: Are you positive? Because I read once where a town elected a golden retriever mayor.

Tim: Hmmm. This isn’t going quite the way I had hoped. You, ma’am. Why have you not made up your mind yet?

Undecided Voter Gladys: Well, to be honest, I really don’t like either candidate. On the one hand, Donald Trump is old and grumpy and mean and he seems to be a little, well, weird. On the other hand, Joe Biden looks like he’s about to keel over and die. He’s so old and frail-looking lately.

Tim: Ma’am, sorry to interrupt your coma, but Joe Biden is no longer running. Kamala Harris will be the Democrat choice for president. Does that help you make up your mind?

Gladys: I did not know that. When did that happen? And who’s this Kim-OH-la person?

Norm doesn’t really follow the news much, so he’s not really sure who’s running for president. Norm usually just asks his bartender friend Collin who he’s planning to vote for and follows his lead. So, what’s Collin’s system for choosing a candidate? Simple: Whoever has the most TikTok followers.

Norm doesn’t really follow the news much, so he’s not really sure who’s running for president. Norm usually just asks his bartender friend Collin who he’s planning to vote for and follows his lead. So, what’s Collin’s system for choosing a candidate? Simple: Whoever has the most TikTok followers.

Tim: Several weeks ago. And it’s KAM-ah-La. Kamala Harris is his Vice President. 

Gladys: Oh right. I think I’ve heard of her. Is she the one who can’t decide whether she’s a black girl or an Indian? Why won’t she just come out and pick a race?

Tim: Because she’s both.

Gladys: I’m not sure that’s possible. And another thing, Fox News says she’s never had kids. I’m not sure I can vote for a woman who hates children.

Tim: She is the stepmother of two kids.

Gladys: Hmm. I’m not sure that’s true. I heard she hates the Jews.

Tim: She does have kids. And her husband, Doug Emhoff, is Jewish.

Gladys: Hmm. I’m not sure about that.

Tim: Arrgh! Well, I’m not sure what conclusions to draw from this small focus group of undecided voters. From what I can tell, they all have one thing in common: They’re all idiots.

Maybe they all should sit out this election. Besides, they appear to have much more pressing decisions to ponder, like what to watch on TV tonight, Cagney & Lacey or Matlock, and in Bert’s case, whether or not to shower.

That’s the view from the bleachers. Perhaps I’m off base.

Tim Smiling at Safeco Higher ResPS: If you enjoyed this week’s post, let me know by posting a comment, giving it a Like or sharing this post on Facebook. 

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Trump’s Final Days – As Reported by Different Media

Trump’s Final Days – As Reported by Different Media

[The following is political satire and not necessarily the news.]

OANN is the first major conservative news media outlet to report on President Trump’s flawless speech at his Jan 6th DC STOP THE STEAL rally where he urged his fervent supporters to break into the Capitol and force VP Pence to certify the election for him – but do it in a polite, orderly, non-violent, totally legal fashion.

OANN is the first major conservative news media outlet to report on President Trump’s flawless speech at his Jan 6th DC STOP THE STEAL rally where he urged his fervent supporters to break into the Capitol and force VP Pence to certify the election for him – but do it in a polite, orderly, non-violent, totally legal fashion.

In looking back over Donald Trump’s tumultuous final 2 & 1/2 months in office, the storm of chaotic tweets, rallies and related events only intensified, as the countdown clock ticked down the final days and hours of his historically scandal-plagued presidency.

But you might not know that, based on how some of the rightwing news media outlets covered these same events.

Here are some of the more notable “breaking news” events of the final weeks of the Trump Administration, as captured by headlines from the mainstream media – and by some on the far right.

November 3, 2020 – Election night in America

The New York Times: Trump Leads in Early Tallies; Biden Closing Gap as Mail-in Ballots are Counted.

The Washington Post: Too Close to Call. Trump’s Election Night Lead Dwindling

Fox News: Trump Wins in Historic Landslide. Biden on Suicide Watch After Humiliating Defeat 

Breitbart: If You Don’t Count Blue States, Trump Delivers Biden Crushing Defeat 

November 7, 2020 – the day the presidential election is officially called for Biden 

Politico: JOE BIDEN DECLARED 46th PRESIDENT OF USA

CNN: BIDEN WINS, 306 to 272 Electoral Votes; Wins 7 Million More Votes Than Trump

Newsmax: Massive Election Fraud Temporarily Delays Nationwide Celebrations for Trump’s Comeback Re-election Landslide Win 

Info Wars: Joe Biden Continues to Deny He Held Under-Age Girls as Sex Slaves in his Wilmington Duplex 

December 12, 2020 – the day Trump’s STOP THE STEAL rally in DC erupted in chaos and injuries 

Fox News Trump, having successfully completed his historic 4-year plan to Make America Great Again, will take time off from his presidential duties for some down time. But he promises to get right back to work as your president after a brief 4-year golfing sabbatical.

Fox News Trump, having successfully completed his historic 4-year plan to Make America Great Again, will take time off from his presidential duties for some down time. But he promises to get right back to work as your president after a brief 4-year golfing sabbatical.

NPR: 4 Stabbed, 33 Arrested After Trump Supporters, Counter-Protesters Clash In D.C. 

ABC News: Violent clashes between pro-Trump protesters and Black Lives Matter supporters as Trump Rally Goes Off the Rails

One America News Network (OANN): Antifa Black Lives Matter Protestors Mar Peaceful Trump Rally by Jumping in Front of Trump Supporters’ Knives, Assault Rifles, and Mace 

Rush Limbaugh: God Told Me in a Dream That Anyone Who Opposes Trump Will Burn Forever in Hell 

January 2, 2021 – the day Trump called the Georgia Secretary of State to pressure him to find him 11,780 votes 

The Wall Street Journal: Trump, in Recorded Call, Pressures Georgia Sec. of State to ‘Find’ Him Votes

The Atlanta Journal Constitution: Trump, in Taped Call, Pressured Georgia Official to Find Votes to Overturn Election

The Drudge Report: Georgia Sec. of State Offers Trump 11,780 Votes. Offended, Trump Politely Declines

Fox News: Tennessee Woman Fosters 100 Cats; Neighbors Consider Her a Saint 

January 6, 2021 – the day Congress convened to certify the election results, which was marred when fanatical Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building 

CNN: Incited by the President, Pro-Trump Rioters Violently Storm the Capitol

Reuters: Trump Supporters Storm the Capitol to Attack Democracy

Newsmax: Breaking News: Eating Apple Pie Can Help You Lose Weight 

Hannity Radio: Alaska Jogger Smashes Ice to Rescue Dog, Then Continues His Run 

January 8, 2021 – the day Twitter permanently banned Trump from its social media platform 

The New York Times: Twitter Permanently Bans Trump, Capping Online Revolt

USA Today: Twitter Bans Trump’s Account, Citing Risk of Further Violence

OANN: Trump Quits Twitter to Protest Media Bias. “I’ll never be back,” He Defiantly Proclaims!

The Daily Caller: Trump Bails on Twitter to Launch a Competitor. Twitter Loses 90% of Its Users in 4 Hours.

January 13, 2021 – the day the House of Representatives impeached Trump for a second time

Newsmax’ Top Story for January 20, 2021: Mrs. Gladys McCloskey of Brattleboro, VT is the grand prize winner in the Wyndham County Quilting Fair. She wins for the third time in five years. Way to go, Gladys.

Newsmax’ Top Story for January 20, 2021: Mrs. Gladys McCloskey of Brattleboro, VT is the grand prize winner in the Wyndham County Quilting Fair. She wins for the third time in five years. Way to go, Gladys.

The Los Angeles Times: House, With Some G.O.P. Support, Votes to Impeach Trump a Historic Second Time

The Huffington Post: President Trump Becomes First President Ever to be Impeached Twice 

Fox News: Breaking News: Hillary Clinton’s Emails Finally Prove She’s the Anti-Christ 

Epoch Times: New Poll Shows 79 Million Americans Want to Ban Congress Permanently 

January 20, 2021 – the day Joe Biden was inaugurated as our 46th President 

US News & World Report: Joe Biden Becomes 46th President Amidst Grave Threats of Further Violence

The Atlantic: IT’S OFFICIAL. BIDEN IS 46th PRESIDENT!

Newsmax: Trump Announces Plans for a Four-Year Hiatus to Rest Up for Historic Second Term

The Glenn Beck Program: Trump Shocks World by Voluntarily Leaving White House, Calling it a Dump; Plans to Move to a Much Classier Residence (just as soon as he can find a country without an extradition treaty with the USA)

It appears I have been missing out on several important news stories that the mainstream media simply refuses to report.

That’s the view from the bleachers. Perhaps I’m off base.

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© Tim Jones, View from the Bleachers 2021.

My Cat Buddy Announces His Bid for the Presidency in 2020

My Cat Buddy Announces His Bid for the Presidency in 2020

[Note: Tim Jones is on vacation (pause for applause and sighs of relief). Standing in is his cat Buddy, who would like to share an important political announcement. – Staff at VFTB]

Greetings, my fellow Americans. I am Buddy. Just Buddy. No last name, as far as I know. That’s me to the right. In case you think I look familiar, it might be because I bear a striking resemblance to another kitty, my uncle Blackie, who, you may recall, composed a very important message in this blog a few years ago. (What can I say, my human, Tim Jones, really sucks at naming cats.)

Ever since Donald Trump was elected president, my human has been pacing around his man cave, going on rants, like “How could such an inept buffoon be President?” and “The man is totally unfit for the office!” Now that I look at Trump, he does look terribly out of shape. He really should stop wearing those tight tennis shorts, if you ask me. He apparently has aspirations to become a bird, as he tweets all the time. I have no idea what he’s writing – but then, neither does he. I guess we are both illiterate.

Watching Tim scream at the TV each night as he watches Rachel Maddow or Lawrence O’Donnell describe the latest Trump abomination, it’s become as plain as the whiskers on my face that I could do a better job running this country. So, that is why today, I am announcing my plans to run for president. I realize some may view me as unfit as Trump, so I have hired a personal trainer to help me shed the kitty fat and get in shape.

You may be asking yourself, “Why should I vote for a cat?” After all, there’s never been a cat that sat in the Oval Office – unless you count President Clinton’s cat Socks. But I’m fairly sure Socks had limited veto power. So, why me? Where do I begin?

First, the only skeleton you’ll find in my closet is from a mouse I killed and left as a gift for my human. (He still hasn’t thanked me, by the way.) Full disclosure: Like Trump, I too have an embarrassing episode involving peeing on a bed. In my defense, I was only a kitten and not fully litter-trained. 

Unlike Trump, I have never said an unkind word about Mexicans and never will – unless they take my spot on the couch. Then they’re dead to me. I will never give any foreign leader a reason to get angry with me or brush me off – unless they’re easily upset by cat fur on their Armani jacket. My breed tends to shed a lot. (more…)

Trump Shakes Things Up with Bold Cabinet Appointments

Trump Shakes Things Up with Bold Cabinet Appointments

trump-cabinet-palinlDonald Trump has wasted no time putting his signature on his new administration. In what some critics are calling a scarily bad case of Opposite Day, President-Elect Trump so far has chosen an Education Secretary who has never held any position in public education, a HUD Secretary with no previous experience dealing with public housing, a Secretary of State with no history in international diplomacy, and an EPA Head who believes climate change is a myth.

In a similarly bold fashion, Trump’s latest Cabinet appointments are sure to win praise from supporters hopeful that he will turn back the clock (to 1953) and destroy unnecessary, wasteful government programs like Obamacare, banking regulation, Social Security and the environment.

Here are some of Trump’s recent appointments, along with his explanation for the choice.

For Director of the CIA: Boris Badenov (the Russian spy on Rocky and Bullwinkle)

Trump: “There’s a lot of nasty stuff going on lately and I need someone who I can trust – someone who knows a thing or two about how spying works. That’s why I chose Boris. He will reveal the dark, embarrassing secrets of my detractors and keep our country safe by ruining their careers. Besides, Boris’ ruler is a close personal friend of mine and he says Boris is great at hacking into email servers.”

Secretary of the Army: Sylvester Stallone

“One word: Rambo. Just imagine how much ISIS butt he’ll kick now that he’s got nukes to play with. I thought about selecting Jim Nabors due to his experience playing Marine Private Gomer Pyle. But then I read a tweet that the actor was gay. One thing’s for sure: Our nation has never allowed gays in the military, and under a Trump Administration, it will stay that way. #I love the gays.”
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Handicapping the Frontrunners for 2020

Handicapping the Frontrunners for 2020

2020-election-flagIn the off chance you’ve been in a coma the past few weeks, I have some unsettling news. You might want to sit down. Donald Trump is our new President-Elect. Please, put down that sharp object.

As denial about this shocking outcome gives way to anger, then depression and finally acceptance, pundits are deeply divided as to whether Trump’s election means four years of utter chaos, financial collapse, violence on the streets, nuclear Armageddon, and the end of civilization as we know it – or perhaps something far worse.

If the 2016 election taught us anything, it’s that if you’re running for the most important job in the world, political experience and proven competence are serious liabilities. Trump has re-written the political playbook. In past elections, having no previous relevant experience, combined with a vengeful temperament, a campaign built around stoking anger, fear, hate, racism, misogyny and a knee-jerk impulse to tweet insults at anyone who makes a joke about your hair might put you at a disadvantage. But that kind of thinking is so November 7th.

Unless our President-Elect amends the Constitution to do away with elections and installs himself as Supreme Commander-for-Life (which experts put at slightly less than 50% odds), then in four years there will be another election. Candidates are already lining up for the chance to go for politics’ brass ring. Here’s a sneak peek at the early frontrunners for the 2020 presidential race.

Kim Kardashian: For those people hoping 2016 would be the year we finally elected a female president, low-education white truck drivers overwhelmingly agree: Hillary was a lame choice – what with all those bland pantsuits, wonky policy papers and annoyingly high intellect. As Trump repeatedly pointed out, Hillary’s not exactly moving the needle on the 10-point beauty scale. No, what this nation is looking for in its first female head-of-state is a hot, curvy reality star who lets her body do the talking. Another qualification: Kim K has 49 million Twitter followers – almost five times as many as Hillary. (We checked.)
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