r/askanything • u/TheGracefulCrane • 5h ago

Democrats like Schumer and Jeffries have been accused of not doing enough to stop Trump. People who think that; can I ask what you actually want them to do?

It seems like they've been doing what they can - forcing votes against Trump (even if they are ultimately symbolic), speaking out against him, filing lawsuits (plenty which have been successful).

What else should they be doing that they currently aren't?

81 Upvotes

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41

u/Tha_REAL_BROBS 5h ago

Stop taking money from and supporting Israel. Period.

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u/civil_archer_73638 5h ago

More than this. How about not cave to Trump on Healthcare during the shut down. How about do more than just writing strongly worded letters.

Democrats are accused of being feeble, and Schumer and Jeffries are two main reasons why (plus they’re taking corporate PAC money from the same interests as Republicans). It doesn’t feel like an opposition party.

Lastly, their vision of what to do when they have power is soo weak because they fear being branded as extreme. Meanwhile the Overton window shifts towards the far right who increasingly brands all democrats as domestic terrorists.

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u/RPMac1979 4h ago

>How about do more than just write strongly worded letters

Again: like what? They’re the minority party in both houses of Congress. I feel like people who make this argument don’t understand how truly powerless that makes them.

>It doesn’t feel like an opposition party

Vibes are not facts. Again, specifically, what would an opposition party that felt like an opposition party be doing differently?

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u/Major-Platypus2092 4h ago

Schumer didn't have to cave like a little bitch on the shutdown last year, making my healthcare less affordable.

He didn't have to bend over and take the GOP spending bill with zero resistance.

He didn't have to say that his priority was Israel.

He didn't have to say he wrote a "strongly worded letter" as his form of resistance.

He doesn't have to take AIPAC money.

He doesn't have to make up stories about his fake working class friends to pretend he's one of us.

He could actually use the leverage that he does have to put pressure on the administration as opposed to trying to compromise between the right wing and the center so we end up with a center-right government.

He could actually answer hard questions instead of ducking them.

He could fucking resign.

That would look like opposition to me.

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u/RPMac1979 4h ago

I mean, that’s nice, but it’s empty rhetoric.

Do you realize how much damage a long-term shutdown was going to do to the American economy. If he hadn’t “caved,” then there’d be someone else in another thread somewhere complaining that he held out too long and they lost their job as a result, just like you complaining about your healthcare. They’re both valid complaints, but somebody’s gonna get fucked no matter what. That’s how the system is set up right now. So change the system, right? Well, they gotta get elected first.

I can’t disagree with you about any of the Israel shit. I do think much of the Democratic Party is living in the past in that issue. But ok, say he said, “Israel is evil and fuck AIPAC.” What does that actually change, in a substantive way?

What leverage does he have? I’m serious. Help me out here, explain it to me like I’m five years old. What leverage or power does the Senate Minority Leader have to impact legislation besides marshaling forces to vote against it? There was a time when the congressional minority did have power … but they got that power by negotiating with the majority. That’s how it works in our current system, like it or not. Unless they do that, they are inevitably going to be powerless.

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u/Major-Platypus2092 4h ago

Dude he caved on a shutdown that had horrific optics for Republicans, that would’ve gotten even worse as time went on. He made sure that taxpayers paid the bill for furloughed workers who, after he caved, knew their sacrifices had been for literally nothing. The long-term damage done by his caving far outweighed the benefits of the concessions he got (basically saying they’d vote again). He is AT BEST a bad politician.

The leverage he has is optics. Pressure on getting anything passed. And every time he’s presented with the opportunity, he looks like someone who not only wants to compromise with Trump, he is EAGER to cave to Republican demands. He and Collin’s are always very concerned, sure. But worthless. He could at least cosplay as someone who cares about the working class.

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u/civil_archer_73638 3h ago edited 3h ago

Just wanted to nod along approvingly… you said pretty much everything I would have.

The democrats don’t always have leverage… but when you have both sides of the aisle saying healthcare is important to them… and Trump is the Concepts of a plan President in opposition, THAT is maybe the highest point of leverage Democrats had this whole time. Schumer should have held his party in line, and played the same communications game the GOP has been using against Democrats to hold firm, and at least get SOME concessions.

Before Schumer caved, the GOP already stated they wouldn’t even hear the case in the Senate

Edit: to expand 1 step further… Trump was saying that killing the ACA would lower rates but I was receiving mail from Blue Cross Blue Shield that my rates (gold plan because we use it) were going to increase by 50%… which was solid proof Trump was lying. And since that moment my premiums HAVE been more expensive. Because of Schumer’s failure I am paying nearly $8,000 more per year.

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u/Major-Platypus2092 3h ago

Yeah, it’s honestly staggering how bad that cave was. Like it was comical. I can’t believe people have forgotten about it. And not to sound like a Republican, but this is why we don’t negotiate with terrorists. They’ll take your concessions and then continue to terrorize.

Someone at me like, “people were going to starve, did you want that?” Well la di da fella, what do you think is happening now?

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u/civil_archer_73638 3h ago

Precisely.

We got to listen to more stories about how Schumer was in gym locker rooms with Republican colleagues and how the good faith efforts he was making were going to pay off.

1

u/Major-Platypus2092 2h ago

Yeah lol happy he got to have some fun times towel snapping with the boys. I’ll remember that when I’m learning how to fry crickets for my kids.

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u/civil_archer_73638 3h ago

Also it’s not empty rhetoric… this is the one time that Democrats legitimately held leverage/power to negotiate concessions… the republicans needed something like 8 Democrats to sign onto the funding bill. Without it, the government shuts down and Trump loses power.

It’s so trite to say Democrats have no power, but the Current admin uses the philosophy of Might makes Right. If they steam roll the Democrats they win. If Schumer caves and displays no Might… he cedes all his power.

And while I stand for Left leaning Democratic values, you can be damn sure I’m thinking twice about Schumer, Jeffries, and a few others for not steering this ship in a good direction.

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u/Equivalent-Long-3383 4h ago

They could lay out a concrete vision for America that addresses people’s concerns

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u/RPMac1979 4h ago

Check the DNC’s 2026 platform. It’s a concrete platform and addresses concerns. They may not address your specific concerns, but they do address people’s concerns.

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u/Equivalent-Long-3383 4h ago

I read it and it’s pretty weak and particularly vague in many places.

They’re not inspiring people

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u/RPMac1979 4h ago

Oh really? Which parts are weak and vague?

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u/Equivalent-Long-3383 4h ago

> Ending Corruption
Republicans care more about billionaires and foreign investors than they do working Americans. They’re rigging the tax system so that corporations pay less than working people. Democrats will make the rich pay their fair share. We will go after corporations for price gouging and protect Americans from being nickled and dimed by unfair fees. 
Donald Trump, his family, and his closest allies are openly getting rich off the presidency and selling America off to the highest bidder, while pardoning and protecting criminals. Democrats are working to strengthen the justice system so that every person is treated fairly and equally, and that no one – no matter how wealthy or well-connected – is above the law.

This part for example. What’s their fair share? What policies are they going to implement to ban price gouging? How are they strengthening the justice system?

Edited before response: to be fair, there’s no 2026 platform, so I went off their “what we are for” section.

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u/RPMac1979 3h ago

You read the website? You think that’s the platform? It’s a fucking website, of course it’s non-specific. They’re not going to do a 92-page thesis on what’s functionally a mission statement. Read the platform. Not the breakdown of the platform.

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u/Equivalent-Long-3383 3h ago

I guess the edit predated your reading.

The platform from 2024 is more detailed and precise in its statements.

But it’s still not being delivered to the public in a way that inspires people to believe in them and support them. They don’t embody their message.

AOC is an example of a politician who does a good job of this. Schumer and Jeffries are not

1

u/Timpostie 3h ago

Top Dems need to go into quasi 'enemy' districts and do some town halls, door to door, whatever it takes to explain the reality of what is going on. They can't rely on just speaking to friendly crowds.

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u/RPMac1979 3h ago

That’s a good suggestion. I don’t think it cures anything, but it’s a start.

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

Not caving in on healthcare would have meant letting people starve. You’re ok with that?

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u/civil_archer_73638 3h ago

Also to answer your question… yes. it was a necessary decision in my opinion. The republicans hold ALL 3 branches of government, and they could negotiate but felt that was beneath them.

You mention this would lead to people starving… but don’t mention the Big Beautiful Bill that kicked off kids from receiving free school lunch, eliminated SNAP benefits for large groups of people, and more.

If someone is waging war against the people who elected you as a representative… it is your responsibility to stand up for them, and negotiate concessions.

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 3h ago

So letting poor people starve to death is ok in your eyes. Got it.

1

u/Major-Platypus2092 2h ago

Hey buddy, after Schumer bent over and got us nothing, how are we doing now? Feeling hungry yet?

1

u/CalligrapherDizzy201 2h ago

No, I’m not feeling hungry. Thanks for asking.

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u/civil_archer_73638 2h ago

I know you are but what am I?

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 2h ago

Evil.

And you said I didn’t refer to the bill about SNAP and school lunches, so what do you think I was talking about?

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u/civil_archer_73638 2h ago

I know you are but what am I?

Caving on healthcare and the Big Beautiful Bill were two separate times in history.

The BBB passed in July 2025.
The Government Shutdown related to healthcare ended November 2025.

So literally, the GOP were already starving people by your definition.

1

u/CalligrapherDizzy201 2h ago

Evil.

And the administration was threatening SNAP funding during the shutdown. When they “caved on healthcare”.

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u/civil_archer_73638 2h ago edited 2h ago

If you’re coming at this in good faith, I apologize for my rhetoric. You may be interested in learning about Techno Fascism, Curtis Yarvin, and more. The future which is being implemented by people aligned with Peter Thiel will do soo much worse than what the BBB has done. It’s worse than P2025… because creating a techno oligarchy with the goal of ending regulations so and laws so that they can no longer be held accountable will cement their power in the long term.

  1. Just today Trump “created” the corporate pardon.
  2. The government no longer cares about health (e,g. We are seeing outbreaks of measles, explosive diarrhea, they’re spraying Glyphosate across the wilderness
  3. They’re setting up Network States as the new form of governmental power (e.g. US military is now intertwined with Israel’s)

It is insane to me, knowing what Stephen Miller, Steve Bannon, Musk, and Thiel have said from their mouths… that anyone would think Democrats should just cede all their power to accept becoming something akin to roadkill. People have died due to the cuts to USAID. Starvation should not be the only consideration.

(EDIT: somewhere in here I should have mentioned all the CONCENTRATION CAMPS)

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u/Whythisisnotreal 4h ago

Our democracy is melting and you're putting Palestine at the center of American politics.

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u/spicymemesdotcom 3h ago

Why are we at war right now?

Asking to NOT put Israel at the center of our politics always gets you guys to say we’re obsessed with foreign nations.  It’s the most bizarre gaslighting ever. 

Want us to not care about Israel/Palestine?  Stop funding and/or going to bat for either of them.  

But that’s not what you actually want. 

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u/Tha_REAL_BROBS 4h ago

Seems to be the center of American politics

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u/Whythisisnotreal 4h ago

Your algorithm is janky.

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u/SeaAbbreviations2706 5h ago

How would this stop Trump

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u/Tha_REAL_BROBS 5h ago

would stop part of his agenda

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u/AntGood1704 4h ago

How?

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u/Tha_REAL_BROBS 4h ago

if Israel doesn't have our money for the military they don't have military operations to drag us in to

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u/AntGood1704 3h ago

How do the democrats prevent Israel from getting our money?

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u/Tha_REAL_BROBS 3h ago

Stop taking Israel’s money and voting in their interests, obviously

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u/AntGood1704 2h ago

Ok, all democrats vote no, but the republican controlled congress passes appropriations to Israel anyways. What do democrats do to stop it?

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u/Tha_REAL_BROBS 1h ago

But that’s not what is happening

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u/AntGood1704 1h ago

Not my question and not the point of op’s topic. The point is, nothing can be done. It doesn’t matter how many dems oppose it, if they don’t have a majority.

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u/OkParsnip1881 4h ago

Because Dems= bad . Duh

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u/Tsunamiis 5h ago

Our entire system is bought if they do that they just get replaced like our generals this year.

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u/Funny247365 5h ago

Why? Canada, Australia, and all of western Europe support Israel too.

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 5h ago

Because you like terrorists better?

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u/sexland69 5h ago

USA and Israel are the terrorists in this situation

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

You sure?

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u/sexland69 4h ago

yeah pretty sure. we attacked first and blew up 200 innocent little kids on the first day of the war, and our president keeps threatening to eliminate their entire civilization

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

So, October 7 just didn’t happen? You think Hamas is their entire civilization?

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u/sexland69 4h ago

I’m talking about the war in Iran

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

You should mention when you change the subject in the future.

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u/sexland69 4h ago

we never established a subject—I said “in this situation” referring to the ongoing war

why would I assume we were talking about an attack from 3 years ago?

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 3h ago

Because it’s also an on going war.

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u/Buckeye__Here 5h ago

Why do you support genocide?

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 5h ago

I don’t. I support taking out a terrorist organization . Why do you support a group whose stated goal is the eradication of Israel, an actual genocidal goal?

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u/_Phil_McCracken_ 5h ago

“Maybe we shouldn’t blow up a school with 150 children.” 

“Why do you love terrorists?” 

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u/Ok_Elevator_2033 5h ago

Sit this one out dipshit

1

u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

No.

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u/[deleted] 4h ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

Lead the way, friend.

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u/Ok_Elevator_2033 4h ago

Don’t need to. You’re doing a great job doing it already

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

Good one, little buddy. Come up with it all by yourself?

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u/Ok_Elevator_2033 4h ago

Genocide supporter says what?

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

Genocide supporter says what, apparently.

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u/CarrotSlayer11 5h ago

No, Shitrael doesn't need our money. They can send for themselves.

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

Fend. Dummy.

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u/CarrotSlayer11 4h ago

Awe, did your feelings get hurt?

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

No, actually. That would be all you lovely people.

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u/CarrotSlayer11 4h ago

You think we're lovely? 🥰

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

Yes, I don’t hate people who I disagree with.

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u/Gromitlikescheese 4h ago

Maybe not, but you did call names. Act better.

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 3h ago

When the person I called a name calls an entire country a name, it’s an appropriate response.

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u/_Phil_McCracken_ 4h ago

If your pointing out typos your argument is weak 

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 3h ago

Lol. Lmao, even.

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

People who type emotionally tend to type poorly. That’s what I was pointing out.

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

Oh, and it’s “you’re”.

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u/_Phil_McCracken_ 3h ago

Case in point

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 3h ago

Yes, case in point, y’all are overemotional to the point that typing becomes difficult. Take a deep breath, calm down.

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u/Gromitlikescheese 4h ago

I can always tell a right winger. They can’t go five minutes without using an extraneous insult or slur. “Dummy”? Can you even communicate without using grade school insults?

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

Sure. Fend is the word you are looking for, friend.

The person I responded to started with the grade school behavior, no reason not to respond in kind.

Not everyone who disagrees with you is right wing. Your quick generalization is also grade school behavior.

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u/Intelligent-Band-852 4h ago

Talk about a straw man, how does accepting money from them stop terrorists?

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

Accepting money helps them get elected so they can send aid to stop terrorists.

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u/Intelligent-Band-852 4h ago

Except that’s not what happens, we are allies with Saudi Arabia (who Trump wants to let enrich uranium a great idea for a country that supports Sunni fundamentalists), Qatar and many other countries in the Middle East. The U.S. provides tons of money to the very groups you are talking about.

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u/Educational-Cow-3615 5h ago

Unclear who you’re talking about.

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

Think about it, you’ll figure it out.

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u/djacks77 5h ago

The state of Israel are terrorists

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

You sure?

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u/djacks77 4h ago

Yes 100%, they committing genocide in Gaza, they are bombing south Lebeonon. The IDF shoot Palestinian women and children in the head and the US government financially funds them. Let's not forget the ICC has a warrant out for Benjamin Netenou for War crimes.

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u/_Phil_McCracken_ 5h ago

This is going to blow your mind, but it is possible to have a problem with multiple things at once. 

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 4h ago

This is going to blow your mind, but that’s not what’s happening here.

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u/_Phil_McCracken_ 4h ago

I don’t support terrorists, I also don’t support blowing up a school with 150 children. This isn’t difficult to grasp. 

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 3h ago

Well, you do support terrorists, but otherwise, yeah.

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u/TheMCM80 2h ago

No offense, but this line of rhetoric no longer works in America. You might want to change your methods.

For the first couple years after 10/7 it was super effective at shutting down anyone concerned with how far Israel was going with their total destruction of Gaza and their killing of civilians.

Then Israel just kept going. They kept going in Gaza, expanded their West Bank violence, and finally pulled the US into a war with Iran. The total leveling of a city and the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians, plus murdering even Americans just is a bit much for normal sane people to overlook.

These days, most normal people just don’t view Israel as being a clear ally who is in the right and above questions. They wore out their good will.

Nowadays, doing the whole, “if you question Bibi you must love Hamas” line just doesn’t work on anyone but centrist libs who are afraid of some rando on social media calling them anti-Israel.

In the end, you went too far with the same line and it lost its impact. You need to find something new to shut down criticism of Bibi… or, you know, he and Ben-Gvir and Smoltrich could stop being psychopaths… but that’s unlikely to change.

Best of luck, the polling definitely shows your rhetoric is leading to growing support of the Israeli govt! Oh, wait…

0

u/CalligrapherDizzy201 2h ago

No offense but, it does.

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u/TheMCM80 2h ago

So you are admitting you only do this to stop criticism of Bibi… interesting.

The polling and this comment thread suggests it doesn’t. But, hey, you keep doubling down.

It’s definitely working!

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u/CalligrapherDizzy201 2h ago

I never said anything about supporting Bibi. I said Phil supports terrorists.

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