"Something a dictator would say for $1000 Alex."....................
Trump declares anyone who uses the term Artificial Intelligence to be ‘The Enemy!’
President Donald Trump on Thursday opened up a new front in his ongoing war against commonly-used terms and geographic place names by warning that anyone referring to Large Language Models such as OpenAI's ChatGPT or Anthropic's Claude as "Artificial Intelligence" would earn themselves a place on his enemies list.
Writing on Truth Social, he declared that the White House "considers anyone that uses the term, 'Artificial Intelligence,' as opposed to the highly accepted new and more accurate term, 'Super Intelligence,' THE ENEMY!"
The president's outburst-[censored]-veiled threat landed just over a week after he signed an executive order directing executive branch agencies to begin referring to artificial intelligence, which is now embedded across the federal government, as "super intelligence" following a lunch with leaders in the AI industry, including Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, Dario Amodei and others.
That widely-mocked directive followed bizarre remarks to the U.N. General Assembly in which he declared that the U.S. "totally rejects any attempt to construct a globalist scheme" for regulating AI and declaring that the technology would be "hereinafter officially called superintelligence" because "use of the word artificial makes intelligence fake."
"It makes it sound fake, and it is not fake. It's actually amazing," said Trump, who the week before had launched a poll in his Truth Social feed over the weekend asking respondents to vote for either "SuperIntelligence," "Superior Intelligence," or "Extreme Intelligence."
The president's latest linguistic ultimatum is the most recent example of his ongoing effort to change the minds of voters — including many of his own supporters — who've increasingly soured on the industry that has tied itself tightly to his unpopular administration.
In recent months, that souring has shown up in nearly every poll that asks about AI. A Quinnipiac University survey of 1,032 registered voters taken late last month found 73 percent oppose "the building of an AI data center in your community," including 55 percent of Republicans, and 79 percent said safety matters more than keeping the United States at the forefront of AI development. Just 25 percent approve of Trump's handling of the technology against 58 percent who disapprove, and 71 percent said they'd be more likely to back a candidate who supports "stricter guardrails" on it — a figure that includes a majority of Republicans, at 52 percent, and nearly three-quarters of independents.
A separate Fox News poll of 1,211 registered voters conducted earlier in September put overall opinion of AI at 37 percent favorable to 60 percent unfavorable, a net rating of minus 23 that has worsened from minus 11 in April and minus 9 in July. The same survey found voters trust Democrats over Republicans to handle data centers by 14 points, and that among those who oppose the facilities anywhere, Democrats lead the generic ballot by at least 19 points.
Trump's demand for widespread adoption of "super intelligence" in lieu of AI comes just over a month after his last attempt at linguistic coercion, an executive order directing the executive branch to rename Lake Ontario as "Lake America."
The order to rename one of the five Great Lakes along the U.S.-Canada border came in a fit of rage over his ongoing trade war with Ottawa and echoed a similar move from early in his second term when he attempted to unilaterally rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America."
While the president does have the authority to direct how the government recognizes the names of places and landmarks, he cannot force Canada or individual citizens on either side of the border to follow his preferred naming conventions.
The same goes for use of the term "super intelligence." He can direct the government to use it but he cannot force Americans — or anyone else — to use his preferred terminology.
The Independent has reached out to NVIDIA, Palantir, Meta, OpenAI, Google, Tesla and Anthropic regarding whether the companies have any plans to use the president's new terminology in promotional materials or other customer communications; none responded.
But the White House has touted a short list of tech CEOs who'd used the phrase, including Elon Musk and NVIDIA's Jensen Huang.
Complicating the matter, the word superintelligence already means an AI system that surpasses human intellect and ability across multiple domains in couding reasoning, social skills and scientific research — a step toward the kind of rogue AI that many fear, sparking the calls for guardrails and kill switches.
Who could possibly read all of the ignorant and idiotic things that spew from this mans mouth every day and then ask the question "Why Democrats"? Because those running for office give Trump carte blanche for thing like this and the dems are the only other legitimate choice left as sad as that is to say.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
Yes, not so long ago he sanctioned Russian oil companies in defense of Ukraine. Now? It's getting close to election time so he is helping Fund Putin's war against Ukraine in last minute hopes to convince people to vote for him.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping Russia sanctions law that explicitly authorizes the U.S. government to impose secondary tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas. The bipartisan legislation—the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026—passed Congress and was signed by Trump in late September 2026. It mandates targeted economic penalties against the top five importers of Russian energy (primarily impacting major buyers like China, India, and Turkey) unless they drastically curb their imports.
So he is actually breaking an act approved by congress that he himself signed into law just a few weeks ago? Murica!
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
Yes, not so long ago he sanctioned Russian oil companies in defense of Ukraine. Now? It's getting close to election time so he is helping Fund Putin's war against Ukraine in last minute hopes to convince people to vote for him.
This is another all caps major announcement to he lcd that trump is out there working for you. But what does it really mean-not much-300,000 tonnes of diesel is about 2.2 million barrels a month. That is about 18 minutes consumption-big deal-all pomp no results. But for putin it is some revenue and it is a horrible look to what partners we have left in Europe. Russia last month put out about 100,000 barrels of oil for the whole month-partially because of the sanctions and partly because Ukraine is just droning the hell out of their refining capacity.
But this is not a good look for us and Zelensky was super pissed after he heard of the deal- so what does Ukraine do-The drone the hell out of russia oil facilities and rail and storage last night-
The devastating strikes pummelled the key Yug Rusi oil-loading terminal in Rostov-on-Don – which handles petroleum from the Novoshakhtinsk refinery. Raging fires broke out at the key exporting hub after at least 50 drones swarmed in. A linked railway bridge in the region was also damaged, halting traffic in both directions, while two ships in the Sea of Azov were also attacked amid Kyiv’s onslaught. Ukrainian officials defiantly threatened to keep striking Russian oil facilities – despite Washington’s repeated pleas.
And also-alot of our media really doesn't seem to talk about the sraight or the war in Iran much-Not sure why- but there are other news sources like ship trackers and other country papers and sites like Al Jazerra that show that there are still things happening-still ships getting attacked-middle of last week there were 8 ships attached and I think 3 had fires on board and one had to have (I think 12 crewmenbers) flown for care.
The tracker for the incident report is at the link below in the middle of the page https://www.ukmto.org/
Clueless idiot has no understanding of why he didn't get the Nobel Peace Prize after starting a war eight months ago so he throws his typical temper tantrum.
Independent fact-checkers and international observers have heavily disputed Donald Trump's claim that he has "settled eight wars," noting that several of the conflicts he refers to remain highly active, flare up repeatedly, or were never classified as full-scale wars. President Trump renewed these claims at a campaign rally in Syracuse, New York, expressing deep frustration after being passed over for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to South African jurist Navi Pillay. Trump asserted that he was uniquely deserving of the prize, stating he has done what "no president probably has" by resolving eight major conflicts.
Breakdown of the "Eight Wars" Claim
While the Trump administration has been involved in brokering several high-profile ceasefires, a closer look by organizations like the Associated Press and the BBC reveals that many of these conflicts are far from resolved:
• Israel and Iran: Trump touted a June 2025 peace deal between the two nations. However, that ceasefire collapsed when a new war broke out following a joint U.S.-Israeli military attack on Iran in February 2026. The conflict remains highly active.
• Israel and Hamas: Trump pointed to a truce and hostage exchange as the end of his "eighth war". However, negotiations have repeatedly stalled over Israel's refusal to withdraw troops until Hamas completely disarms, leaving the region unstable. Israel is still launching attacks on Gaza though much less fequently.
• Thailand and Cambodia: Though Trump claimed credit for stopping border clashes, fresh fighting broke out again along the border between the two nations.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda: While ceasefires were discussed, heavy fighting between Congolese forces and Rwanda-backed rebels has continued to displace citizens.
• Egypt and Ethiopia: Trump counted long-standing regional tensions over a dam on the River Nile as a "war" he helped stop, though it never escalated into an armed military conflict.
• Armenia and Azerbaijan: Leaders of both nations previously praised Trump’s mediation efforts, but structural territorial disputes remain fragile.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
Trump backstabs Zelensky for five minutes of midterm relief Deal with Putin for Russia’s oil might soften the markets but Ukraine will pay the price
Iona Cleave US Correspondent Show biography Iona Cleave Published 10 October 2026 2:03am BST
1665
Gift this article free
Add us as preferred source Zelensky, whose negotiators were in Florida when Trump announced his diesel deal with Putin, said the plan was 'weak' Volodymyr Zelensky, whose negotiators were in Florida when Donald Trump announced his diesel deal with Putin, said the plan was ‘weak’ Credit: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images It was late Friday afternoon, with about an hour to go before US markets closed for the weekend. Naturally, it was time for Donald Trump to make a big announcement.
“I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace,” he wrote on Truth Social. Better yet, there was more fuel to come after that, Mr Trump teased.
The result? “Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST!” he said.
As Mr Trump desired, diesel futures took a small dip (4 per cent) – a paltry concession for American voters struggling with the soaring prices of a fuel that underpins transport and food costs.
Advertisement
With just three weeks before the midterm elections, Mr Trump’s last-ditch effort to win back his tumbling support base appears more desperate than meaningful. Last weekend, his approval ratings hit a historical low at 32 per cent. He is widely expected to lose control of Congress, come Nov 3.
In reality, the fuel numbers Mr Trump touted are small relative to global demand. The shortages are largely driven by the president’s war with Iran, but amplified by Ukraine’s successful drone strikes on Russian oil facilities that have curtailed its refining capacity.
“It is the latest empty gesture after a week of hollow rhetoric,” said Tom Kloza, a veteran oil analyst.
“The Trump administration wants to be perceived as having an ‘all-hands on deck’ approach,” he said. But it cannot edit reality.
Citing Russia’s significantly degraded refining capacity, Mr Kloza does not expect Russia would be exporting diesel soon or that there will be any lasting drop in prices tied to his statement.
Where his plan may hold some sway is in the mind of the voter. Mr Trump has twice propelled himself to the White House (three – if you ask him) by speaking to the working classes. But whether a brief promise of fiscal relief turns into votes remains to be seen.
And for those five minutes of respite, Ukraine will pay an outsized price.
Volodymyr Zelensky, whose negotiating team was talking to US officials in Florida at the time of the announcement, called the deal “weak” and a “gift to Putin”. A spokesman said the Ukrainian leader had been blindsided by the announcement.
“At this very moment, while we are talking about peace, America is allowing Russia to export diesel… all of that money goes toward the war against people, against Ukraine, against all of us,” Mr Zelensky raged.
Only last month, he made an in-person appeal to Mr Trump to tighten the screws on Putin and cut Russia off from its main war revenue – oil.
Instead, eyebrows will be raised in Washington and European capitals over the White House’s apparent decision to provide economic relief to the Kremlin.
Robert Price, chief executive of Texas-based Greenland Energy Company, criticised it as a short-sighted move.
“Are we strengthening our supply security or giving an adversary more leverage?” he asked. “The answer should be more domestic capacity and more supply options from trusted partners, not simply finding the cheapest available cargo during a crisis.”
The problem multiplies if other countries see the agreement as permission to turn to Russia to bring fuel prices down in extreme circumstances.
For the Democrats, it serves as useful ground for them to imply Mr Trump is betraying Ukraine and carrying out dubious dealings with his preferred despot.
Advertisement
“This agreement with a murdering dictator is a stain on our nation’s character, an insult to Lindsey Graham’s memory, and directly contrary to Congress’s intent in our bipartisan sanctions bill,” Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said, referring to legislation Mr Trump signed last month to punish countries for importing Russian oil.
For all his appearances of calm, Mr Trump is well aware that US refineries are running on overdrive (hitting 95 per cent capacity) and yet it is still not enough to ease the pressure on markets.
Most US voters are also aware that their military is not in “TOTAL CONTROL of the Strait of Hormuz” as his Friday announcement claimed. Fuel is moving through the critical global chokepoint under threat of Iranian attacks at a sluggish pace.
Advertisement
What’s more, he has become electoral kryptonite for most Republicans. He visited Texas – once a safe territory – no less than three times in four weeks to throw his weight behind Ken Paxton, his hand-picked Senate candidate. Mr Paxton, incidentally, has been grumbling that he loses votes whenever his blond-haired friend shows up to support him.
As Mr Trump turns his attention to the campaign trail at the weekend, Putin, meanwhile, has to figure out where these 300,000 tons of diesel are coming from.
I feel the need to speak out against this as well. I’m pro-Ukraine l, but it transcends that.
Russia is actively helping Iran out, both by purchasing their UAVs and by giving them intel against our own troops. We also JUST signed a sanctions bill against them several weeks ago named after Lindsay Graham.
It is not a good look when we sanction a country who is aiding our adversary-in-war, then purchase from that same country to enable them to further act against our own troops and interest.
We really need to start decoupling from our adversaries economically and focus on a renewed interest with our allies countries, who we seem to also be distancing ourselves from.
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
It's a "strategy of strategic ambiguity". On one hand, I tend to agree that public positions can, and sometimes should, shift to maximize leverage; on the other, Trump has become a chameleon on the world stage.
And it's hard to take someone seriously when their colors constantly change.
Shifts are one thing; U-turns are quite another. You can only walk the fine line of leverage vs alienation for so long before nobody wants to be your friend.
It's a distinct dichotomy from what were not very long ago considered American principals and a total reversal of what was established only weeks ago. I guess it's yet another instance of "Do as I say, not as I do." And now he is blaming this all on Zelenksy, making threats and telling Ukrainians they need to have a new leader. Of course including tossing in his fake 2020 election conspiracy theory in for good measure. This has all gotten well beyond the point of disgusting......
I suppose he has forgotten all about this.............
The "Day One" Claim: On the 2024 campaign trail, Donald Trump repeatedly stated he could resolve or stop the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office by forcing both sides to the negotiating table.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
While commenting on the enthusiastic atmosphere and affection from the audience in Clarksville. TN. Trump said: "I could say the stupidest things and you'd clap. 'Oh, I love you so—' It's true."
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
Senators say Trump's Russian diesel deal violates US law, demand White House reverse course
A bipartisan group of senators says Trump's deal to allow Russian diesel imports violates a 2022 ban on Russian energy enacted in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
A growing number of Republicans are pushing back on President Trump's deal to get more Russian oil into American and global energy markets.
The deal was announced Friday after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump detailed a staggered release of Russian diesel totaling nearly 5 million tons going into American and global markets.
A bipartisan group of senators released a statement Sunday saying Congress banned Russian energy imports in 2022 in response to the war in Ukraine. The statement came from U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and John Curtis (R-UT).
"President Trump's decision to allow Russian diesel imports to the U.S. runs directly counter to that law. The Administration has also failed to consult with Congress or submit any explanation to justify its decision as required by statute," the senators said.
"The United States should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians. The Administration must reverse course," the senators said.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) is promising to force a bill to the House floor to block any Russian oil purchases.
Former Vice President Mike Pence, who recently visited Ukraine, said the deal makes no sense and is a betrayal of the legacy and leadership of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Just over three weeks ago, President Trump signed a new bill into law named after Graham that expanded sanctions and tariffs on Russia.
Trump's Russian oil announcement did not include specific dates for the staggered release, and no prices were provided for whoever would buy the additional oil.
It's a "strategy of strategic ambiguity". On one hand, I tend to agree that public positions can, and sometimes should, shift to maximize leverage; on the other, Trump has become a chameleon on the world stage.
And it's hard to take someone seriously when their colors constantly change.
Shifts are one thing; U-turns are quite another. You can only walk the fine line of leverage vs alienation for so long before nobody wants to be your friend.
Sorry FATE I missed your reply. Well said.
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
Something stinks but we shouldn't worry about our POTUS who is siding with Russia as it invaded another western ally should we?? After all Faux News has said nothing to see here.
The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.
Elon Musk quietly becomes biggest known donor in midterm contests as he tries to save Republicans
NEW YORK (AP) — Elon Musk, the world’s only trillionaire, has quietly become the biggest known donor in this year’s midterm elections, doling out more than $276 million since July to try to save Republican majorities in Congress.
The numbers, first reported by the New York Times ahead of this week’s federal filing deadline, were confirmed by Andrew Romeo, a spokesperson for Musk’s super PAC.
The money includes $158 million given to the Senate Leadership Fund, the main super PAC supporting Republican Senate candidates, one of the largest known political donations in American history, according to the Times.
Another $76 million went to America PAC, a Musk super PAC, which has once again built out a major turnout operation like the one it used to help elect President Donald Trump by knocking on doors in 2024.
Musk also provided $10 million to Lone Star Liberty PAC, a group that supports the Republican nominee for Senate in Texas, Ken Paxton. The race has been a major focus of Musk’s efforts.
It’s a dramatic turnaround since last May, when Musk said he intended to cut back on future political spending. “I think I’ve done enough,” he said at the time.
Despite the cash infusion, Musk has generally kept a lower profile than in 2024, when he appeared on stage next to Trump at rallies, and in the early days of the president’s second term, when he led the Department of Government Efficiency.
He had a falling out with Trump while leaving his government post, but the two have since reconciled. Trump presented Musk with the National Medal of Science last week.
Musk’s net worth has fluctuated around the trillion-dollar line this year based on changes in stock prices, but he topped $1 trillion again last week according to Forbes magazine.
Republican have a gaping financial advantage over their Democratic counterparts — a disparity that has been a rare bright spot for a party that is bracing for major potential losses amid deep voter frustration over the president’s performance, stubbornly high prices and the unpopular war with Iran.
They have been using the money to blanket the airwaves in the race’s final stretch.
“These robust investments have allowed the G.O.P. apparatus to get its message out so Republicans can have a fighting chance to defy history,” Romeo told the Times.
Democrats responded to the news by accusing Republicans of using vast amounts of cash to mask their shortcomings.
“Republicans are hoping to buy these elections, injecting tens of millions into races to try and outrun their unpopular candidates, unpopular president, and unpopular economy,” said Lauren French, a spokesperson for Democrats’ Senate Majority PAC.
Since 2020, Elon Musk has donated at least $656 million in publicly known contributions to Republican-aligned committees, super PACs, and election efforts.
Musk's political giving transformed entirely after 2020. During the 2020 election, he did not financially back Donald Trump or Republican national efforts, choosing instead to vote for Joe Biden. His large-scale financial alignment with the Republican party began in 2022 and escalated heavily through the 2024 and 2026 election cycles:
Total Known Donations by Election Cycle
• 2022 Midterms: (Minimal direct federal PAC contributions, though he publicly endorsed voting for Republicans). He also reportedly routed roughly $50 million to a conservative issue-advocacy group, Citizens for Sanity, in the lead-up to these elections.
• 2024 Election: Approximately $290 million, primarily driven by his newly created America PAC to fund massive ground-game and voter turnout efforts to elect Donald Trump and down-ballot Republicans.
• 2026 Midterm Cycle: Approximately $366 million. Recent campaign filings revealed a massive surge in his giving, officially making him the single largest known donor of the 2026 midterms.
Where the 2026 Midterm Money Went
Musk's recent $366 million push is heavily consolidated into saving the Republican congressional majorities:
• Senate Leadership Fund: $158 million (The main super PAC backing Republican Senate candidates).
• America PAC: $76 million (His personal super PAC driving nationwide GOP door-knocking operations).
• Congressional Leadership Fund: $20 million (The main super PAC for House Republicans).
• State & Local GOP Groups: $22 million (Including $10 million to Lone Star Liberty PAC supporting Texas Republicans, $10 million to the Republican Governors Association, and $2 million to the Republican Attorneys General Association).
• Prior 2026 Contributions: $90 million contributed earlier in the cycle before July.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
It’s all so nauseating. Musk is obviously at the top of my chit list but good lord all the special interest and PAC money poured into politics…this is not the form of government we were supposed to have. I don’t care if it’s Musk, Soros, Koch or Santa Claus. It’s awful.
They have supercharged their funding levels as well. Every time I watch a Browns game, my kids and I have to tolerate commercials about how one candidate wants us all to be transgender beastiality vegans and another about how that candidate wants to turn my basement into a data center.
When I talk about how exhausted I am, this is a big reason why.
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
I think Peen responded to me in the other thread so I’ll put my reply here:
has the number of political ads per network increased over time
Yes, the total volume and financial expenditure of political advertising have increased significantly over time, driven by record-breaking election budgets and expanding media channels, though the distribution across traditional broadcast networks versus digital and streaming platforms has shifted.
Key Trends Over Time
• Rising Total Spending Records: U.S. political ad spending has broken records across recent election cycles—climbing from roughly $8.9 billion in the 2022 midterms to over $11.2 billion in the 2024 presidential cycle, and projected to reach around $11.6 billion for the 2026 midterms according to AdImpact via Axios and video data. • Shift Toward Digital and Streaming: While traditional broadcast and cable television still capture a large share of spending, Connected TV (CTV) and digital/social media platforms (such as Meta and Google/YouTube) have grown exponentially. For instance, CTV political ad spending surged into the billions as campaigns target streaming audiences. • Network-Specific Fluctuations: Traditional cable and broadcast networks see massive influxes of spot-buying concentrated heavily in the final 30 days before major elections, though individual traditional news networks can experience cyclical dips or shifts depending on how heavily specific candidates lean into digital, podcast, or super PAC-funded outreach rather than direct network airtime.
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
I think Peen responded to me in the other thread so I’ll put my reply here:
has the number of political ads per network increased over time
Yes, the total volume and financial expenditure of political advertising have increased significantly over time, driven by record-breaking election budgets and expanding media channels, though the distribution across traditional broadcast networks versus digital and streaming platforms has shifted.
Key Trends Over Time
• Rising Total Spending Records: U.S. political ad spending has broken records across recent election cycles—climbing from roughly $8.9 billion in the 2022 midterms to over $11.2 billion in the 2024 presidential cycle, and projected to reach around $11.6 billion for the 2026 midterms according to AdImpact via Axios and video data. • Shift Toward Digital and Streaming: While traditional broadcast and cable television still capture a large share of spending, Connected TV (CTV) and digital/social media platforms (such as Meta and Google/YouTube) have grown exponentially. For instance, CTV political ad spending surged into the billions as campaigns target streaming audiences. • Network-Specific Fluctuations: Traditional cable and broadcast networks see massive influxes of spot-buying concentrated heavily in the final 30 days before major elections, though individual traditional news networks can experience cyclical dips or shifts depending on how heavily specific candidates lean into digital, podcast, or super PAC-funded outreach rather than direct network airtime.
That gets back to what i was saying in the other thread. We see more because we watch more, though I don't know it would be all that much given the time frame. Not much has changed in so far as watching habits over that period.
Two factors I can point to. First, simply inflation has increased the cost of ad spots. If higher costs hit at home, they hit the ad budgets as well.
More importantly, as the two parties dig into polar positions, the stakes increase, thus more ads are put out. This country is as divided as it has ever been and seemingly reaching a tipping point. Maybe it is past the tipping point. In my opinion we are far from being United States.
On a lighter note, I don't see how a thread talking about right wing nuts is the appropriate forum for this discussion, but given the options, I suppose it works.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
Bro, I think the data shows we're seeing more because they are paying for a lot more of them. I mean, we are absolutely flooded to comical levels. Mailers, too. I never remember my mailbox being so insanely flooded like it is right now. Yesterday, when I opened it up, I had three of the same flyer.
It's absurd, and I think the spending contributions, especially after Citizens United is waaaaaay outpacing inflation, although I wouldn't even know what index "political contributions" would fall under. That being said, it's so far above the mean inflationary average and we're all suffering as a result.
I think this was a segue from how much Musk has contributed toward campaign funding. I do think he has blown the doors off in terms of how clandestine it used to be. His dog and pony show BS last year demonstrated how harmful it can be. I was on the frontlines for that...still dealing with the fallout as well. And all for what? They saved nothing. They're in depositions admitting to saving nothing. Our deficits and debt are still careening off a cliff. Russ Vought said the admin has no plans to issue a closing or after-action report discussing their findings or assertions. I think it was the GAO that also came out with a report talking about the inaccuracy of assertions already made. I mean, we have to admit the whole thing was silly from the get-go. Cutting $2T from the federal budget means that you have to either cut all non-defense discretionary funding, or that you have to cut social security medicare which is mandatory - and requires an act of Congress.
He's billions of dollars richer, though, and the Spacex investigation never went through.
I'm just tired of all the grifting. That's not just a Musk thing either. I'm tired of any politician coming in and saying platitudes and rah-rah'ing up a bunch of nonsense while only delivering to special interests or self-dealing, and I'm sure as hell tired of the dark money and puppet string-pulling elites having an outsized share in controlling our government.
We need an amendment.
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
The Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court ruling on January 21, 2010, decided that government restrictions on independent political expenditures by corporations and labor unions violate the First Amendment.
What the Decision Changed
• Unlimited Independent Expenditures: Corporations and labor unions can spend unlimited amounts of general treasury funds on ads, media, and other efforts to advocate for or against political candidates.
• Rise of Super PACs: The ruling helped establish Super PACs and empowered outside spending groups, leading to a massive increase in political campaign costs.
• Dark Money: It accelerated the growth of "dark money" (secret political spending where original donor identities are hidden through non-profit and shell structures).
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
Victor Marx, the Republican nominee for Governor of Colorado in the 2026 election, has drawn national attention and divided his own party over a series of dramatic, uncorroborated, and controversial personal claims:
• Childhood Killing Claim: Marx has repeatedly stated that he was forced by an abusive stepfather to shoot and kill a man at age seven.
• Voodoo Ritual and Early Trauma: He claimed to have survived a voodoo ritual involving a beheaded cat at age three and an abusive Mississippi childhood where he once put a pistol in his own mouth.
• Combat and Airstrike Exploits: He claims to have coordinated a U.S. military airstrike as a civilian that killed 70 ISIS fighters, completed 150 high-risk international missions, and refused to state how many people he has killed as an adult.
• Phone Exorcisms: He asserts that he performs prayer exorcisms—including over the phone—and claims to have cast a demon out of a teenage girl.
• Global Rescues: He maintains that he has rescued tens of thousands of women and children from human traffickers and conflict zones, though critics and journalists have challenged the scale and verifiability of these assertions.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
Ramaswamy campaign puts convicted child sex offender in TV ad, removes him after reporters expose past
His sexual predator registry photo appears to show the same patriotic shirt Ramaswamy complimented at a county fair before the ad was produced.
Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign featured a convicted child sex offender in a television advertisement, despite public court records documenting his guilty pleas for sexually abusing his niece, who was younger than 13, and an eight-year prison sentence. The campaign removed the man from the commercial after a news organization confronted it with his criminal history.
Vernon Edwards, an Amherst resident classified by Ohio authorities as a sexual predator, appeared repeatedly alongside his wife in Ramaswamy’s advertisement about rising property taxes. His criminal record was not difficult to find: A nearly 20-year-old Ohio appellate court ruling documents his conviction, while the state’s public sex offender registry lists his offenses, photograph and identifying information. According to The Bulwark, which exposed Edwards’ appearance Wednesday, his registry photograph even shows him apparently wearing the same patriotic shirt Ramaswamy personally complimented when they met at a county fair.
Rather than discovering the conviction before producing and distributing the commercial, Ramaswamy’s campaign acknowledged it had been unaware of Edwards’ history after The Bulwark asked about it. Campaign spokesperson Evan Machan said the man had been removed from the advertisement. The campaign also deleted an earlier social media video showing Ramaswamy interacting with Edwards, according to the publication.
Eight-year sentence for sexually abusing a child
Edwards’ criminal history is documented in a November 15, 2007, decision from Ohio’s Eighth District Court of Appeals, which upheld his eight-year prison sentence.
According to the ruling, a Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted Edwards on four counts of gross sexual imposition involving his niece, who was younger than 13. Edwards pleaded guilty to two counts under an agreement that dismissed the remaining charges and required him to stipulate to classification as a sexual predator. A judge imposed two consecutive four-year prison terms, totaling eight years.
The proceedings also revealed allegations involving additional children in Edwards’ family. The appellate court recounted that evidence presented at sentencing indicated Edwards had molested several other nieces. Those incidents were never separately prosecuted because the statute of limitations had expired.
Edwards appealed his sentence, arguing that the trial judge improperly considered conduct for which he had not been charged. The appellate court rejected that argument, finding that the additional conduct was not the sole basis for his punishment. The court noted that the sentencing judge considered the lasting harm inflicted on the victim, the impact on both families and Edwards’ risk of committing another offense.
The appellate judges upheld the sentence. Edwards’ conviction remains documented in the court’s published opinion, and the Ohio Attorney General’s offender registry continues to identify him under the state’s former sexual predator classification, which carries lifetime registration requirements.
None of those records were confidential. The criminal case, the eight-year sentence and Edwards’ sex-offender registration were publicly documented long before Ramaswamy’s campaign selected footage of him for its television advertising.
Ramaswamy complimented the same shirt visible in sex-offender registry
The encounter that eventually put Edwards in a gubernatorial campaign commercial began at the Lorain County Fair in Wellington, which ran August 23 through 30, according to the fair’s official schedule.
Footage subsequently published by Ramaswamy’s campaign showed Edwards greeting the candidate and shaking his hand. Ramaswamy complimented Edwards’ patriotic shirt. Later, Edwards’ wife, Patricia “Patty” Edwards, approached Ramaswamy and became emotional while describing her struggle with rising property taxes and her fear that the family could lose its farm.
According to The Bulwark, the patriotic shirt Ramaswamy admired appears to be the same one Edwards wore in the photograph displayed on Ohio’s sex offender registry. The registry also listed identifying information matching the Amherst address associated with the family.
The interaction became the foundation of a professionally produced campaign advertisement. Ramaswamy’s team contacted Patty Edwards about recording the commercial, which featured her speaking directly to the camera and sitting at a kitchen table while discussing the financial pressures facing her family.
Although Patty Edwards was the principal spokesperson, the campaign incorporated several shots of her husband into the television spot. The original advertisement was publicly circulated before the campaign acknowledged Edwards’ conviction and announced his removal.
The distinction between the two appearances is central to the episode. Ramaswamy’s initial handshake with Edwards was an encounter with a member of the public at a county fair. The subsequent television advertisement was a campaign production, assembled from selected footage and distributed to promote Ramaswamy’s candidacy for governor. At that stage, his campaign had the opportunity to check the identities and backgrounds of the people it chose to feature.
Campaign claims ignorance, then removes Edwards
When The Bulwark confronted Ramaswamy’s campaign with Edwards’ criminal history, spokesperson Evan Machan said the campaign did not know about the conviction and was changing the commercial.
“We had no knowledge of the circumstances now being reported,” Machan told the publication. He added: “The man has been removed from the ad.”
Machan defended the advertisement’s central message, arguing that high property taxes were forcing Ohio families to consider leaving their homes and that Ramaswamy would address the issue.
The campaign’s explanation did not account for how Edwards passed through the production process without his publicly documented criminal history being identified. His conviction was available through Ohio’s court system, his sexual predator classification was listed in a searchable state registry, and his photograph provided another means of identifying him.
After supplying its statement to The Bulwark, the campaign also removed the earlier social media video of Ramaswamy’s interaction with Edwards. The publication reported that at least one Republican state representative who had shared the footage also deleted the post. The removals followed the news organization’s inquiry, although the reporting did not establish whether those accounts independently decided to delete the footage.
Wife disputes allegations despite guilty pleas and upheld sentence
Patty Edwards, whose concerns about property taxes were the focus of the commercial, defended her participation in an interview with The Bulwark. She said Ramaswamy’s campaign had approached her about telling her story, not her husband, and emphasized that she was not accused of any wrongdoing.
She also disputed the accusations underlying her husband’s criminal case, alleging that prosecutors had withheld evidence favorable to his defense. She argued that he had served his punishment and had since been an exemplary citizen.
Her account does not change the disposition of the criminal proceedings. Vernon Edwards pleaded guilty to two felony sexual offenses involving a child younger than 13, received an eight-year prison sentence and unsuccessfully challenged that sentence before an Ohio appellate court. The separate allegations concerning other nieces were considered during sentencing but did not result in additional convictions.
Nothing in the reporting indicates that Patty Edwards committed a crime or was involved in her husband’s offenses. The campaign’s vetting failure concerns its decision to place Vernon Edwards in the advertisement without identifying a criminal history that had been publicly documented for nearly two decades.
Ramaswamy’s campaign has said it removed Edwards from the commercial, but its response did not disclose how widely the original advertisement aired or what background checks, if any, had been performed before its release.
The footage was not merely an unplanned encounter captured on the campaign trail. Ramaswamy’s team selected it for a television advertisement intended to influence Ohio voters, distributed that advertisement and only announced Edwards’ removal after journalists brought his conviction to its attention. By then, the public records establishing his crimes had been available for almost 20 years.
While this mistake seems to clearly be accidental and not purposeful to me, it does make an interesting point. Wrapping yourself up in the flag or proclaiming you are patriotic, or even Christian for that matter, doesn't mean you're actually a Christian, a Patriot or even so much as a decent human being.
The way a package is wrapped tells you nothing about what's inside.
It seems as if in this case Ramaswamy and his team were fooled solely based on the packaging. Don't be a Ramaswamy......
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/small-gator-chomp.gif)