720 Comments
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Jeff Tiedrich's avatar

have at it, commenters. do your thing, but keep in mind my own personal rule for commenting: "never post anything that could get you a visit from the secret service"

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David (Dave) Jaspers's avatar

You could have stopped at the headline "this is absolutely the last fucking thing we need right now". That's it. That's the post.

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MzNicky in East Jesus, TN's avatar

Well, I for one am glad he didn’t.

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David (Dave) Jaspers's avatar

fuckin' a

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Kathleen Weber's avatar

If there was a zodiac sign called the Drama Queen, I swear we were stuck in it in permanent spin cycle.😕

The wanna-be assassin turns out to be another young American sicko male. And his father bought the rifle for him!!!!

"Law enforcement officials tell The Associated Press bomb-making materials were found inside the vehicle of the man suspected in the Trump rally shooting. There were also bomb-making materials found at his home."

https://apnews.com/live/election-biden-trump-campaign-updates-07-13-2024

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MICHAEL OHALLORAN's avatar

HE WAS A REGISTERED REPUBLICAN.

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Marguerite Foster's avatar

I would call him a fking registered repuklicon. It would surprise me in the least if trump and his looney trumpublicons planned this bs.

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Victoria Wilson's avatar

That was my very first thought upon hearing that he had been shot. I said it was a photo bomb. Since someone was actually killed and 2 others seriously wounded, maybe I was off on this. I don't know though, something is just not right here. Also, Putin and the Russian disinformation machine are going to be out there on steroids too. I have noticed more troll and bot bs on HCRs daily Letters From An American. Methinks this is only going to get worse every day.

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Patricia Williamson's avatar

I agree with you. There is something not right about this but I can't figure it out. I think, possibly Trump wasn't supposed to be hit. Would he sacrifice people to further his election? Is this the same man who didn't care if Mike Pence was hung and others killed?

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Victoria Wilson's avatar

You may be onto something.Well, I know he doesn’t give a tinkers damn about anyone other than himself.Hmmmm.I think we are right when we think something smells bad here.

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Patricia Gomes's avatar

I agree also. I have so many questions. SS has so many qualified people and didn’t see the guy on the roof ? An attendee did. His statement is on video. Where were the victims in the crowd ? Was anyone sitting behind trump shot ? He slapped his ear like he was bitten. A reasonable reaction or on purpose ? Something just doesn’t make sense to me. Maybe I’m way off base but my brain is on overdrive.

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Linda Weide's avatar

I have been reading Strongmen, by Prof. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, it is amazing how many times people try to kill Strongmen, and Trump is listed as one in her book. In fact she wrote it during his presidency. Anyway, most are not successful. It looks like the security was not very good, and it worries me for Biden and Harris too. In fact, Jeff Stein of Spy Talk Substack says that Biden should fire Kimberly Cheatle. https://www.dw.com/en/gun-control-and-firearms-possession-in-germany/a-52450664

I don't agree that Biden should do that for MAGAs, but for everyone. However, with the RNC this week, and the DNC in August, there would not be enough time to hire someone to replace her so quickly who would be on top of things. He would need to promote from within for an interim head, and it just sounded like they need to clean house. They looked shell shocked to me when I saw videos of the response, as well as very young and not so sure of themselves.

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P123Sunny's avatar

The way no one scattered and SS were smiling…

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MICHAEL OHALLORAN's avatar

ME EITHER. HE WIPED HEINZ ON HIS EAR.

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

They said there was flying glass. I figure the glass cut his ear.

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Patricia Gomes's avatar

Another one of my thoughts. Would explain why no one around him was hurt ?

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Theresa Palmer's avatar

I would wonder the same because the shooter missed. But then someone was shot and killed, and two others are critically wounded. So, I can't bring myself to believe that now.

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JOSEPH PEDALINO, JR.'s avatar

No more needs to be said, republicans are insane. There I said more…

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bruce somers's avatar

The old 'ketchup on the ear' trick...

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

Don't worry, by the time the wingnut propaganda brigade gets done, he will have been a mercenary hired by George Soros himself!

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bruce somers's avatar

It'll probably turn out for the wingnut conspiracy theorists; Biden was the shooter,missed because he's too old. 😂

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P123Sunny's avatar

(R) - Seems awkward, no?😏

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Patricia Gomes's avatar

HIPPA protects patient privacy and information about their diagnosis and treatment cannot be shared by any healthcare providers. Everyone else probably has a NDA !

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P123Sunny's avatar

General official / overall statement...? Instead he runs home to play golf and doesn't even call the dead rallygoer's wife. Just unreal. And this is a-ok with his Evangelical base, I assume. There is no line then, ever

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P123Sunny's avatar

Bullied, too😓

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Susan P Thatcher's avatar

That's an ugly pattern

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

He was probably going after "both sides" being as the press always says both are equally the problem.

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Deborah Hunter's avatar

Him getting COVID conveniently a month before the election in 2020 comes to mind. I'm a nurse and I never bought that sequence of events with him playing Superman and having it. I was seriously ill with it a couple of months later and that's not how COVID ran its course at that time. I also have my doubts as to what we were told happened yesterday really happened, but I will stop there.

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Dee Whitman's avatar

With respect, I got COVID in early Oct. 2020, a few days after scump, and I had a mild-ish case. The respiratory problems disappeared quickly, the headaches were on-off for a few weeks, and my energy level was up-down for a few weeks but high enough for me to get out of bed and do chores most days after the 1st five days or so.

Everyone's case was different. And, he was surrounded by so many with COVID (and he refused to wear a mask) that I have no trouble believing that he had it. I acknowledge that if anyone was going to lie about having it and use that lie to further an agenda, then djt would be No. 1 on that list -- but I don't quite remember his using it to advantage at that time.

With regard to yesterday, it *is* a little convenient that the bullet grazed his ear -- that is, it did a little damage rather than none; it did a little damage rather than a lot.

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bruce somers's avatar

Trump really has no use for ears,he doesn't listen to anyone, anyway.

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Marsha's avatar

I remember him returning to the WH after his brief hospital stay because of Covid, and climbing up to wave to reporters. His breathing was very very bad (I have pulmonary hypertension and know how it looks to be secretly taking in breath so it doesn’t show to others.) But he just had to cut his quarantine and hospital stay short to show how tough he is.

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Susie in OH's avatar

He slapped himself on the side of his head where he got grazed, obviously thinking he got bitten by a mosquito or stung by a bee. He looked at his hand but I could see no blood on his palm except his thumb.

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arne link's avatar

He did look mighty sick and sweaty on the White House steps. But then he's always sweaty as all get out. Yuck.

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bruce somers's avatar

I believe he got an experimental cocktail of various drugs,(and claimed they'd be available to every American,yeah,right)and pumped up on steroids. Almost every MAGA rally was a super-spreader event.

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Lisa K. Obrien's avatar

Oh, yeah. Any American can walk into Walter Reed and be given world class health treatment when sick.

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David A Pitock's avatar

Paxlovid before it was approved is my guess.

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bruce somers's avatar

I believe transfusions also.

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HI2thDoc's avatar

Yep, they were. Ask the late Herman Cain

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Susie in OH's avatar

He left the hospital while still infectious.

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David A Pitock's avatar

The worst part must of Been the secret service having to deal with the orange denier he play it off even though he looked terrible.

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Sheila D's avatar

He was having trouble breathing, too!

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Nevertheless, She Persisted's avatar

I've had COVID twice. The first time, zero symptoms, only knew I had it because I was exposed and tested myself. The second time, was a wee bit tired for a day. That's all.

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Sheila D's avatar

You were lucky; more than a million other Americans were not so lucky!

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Nevertheless, She Persisted's avatar

True! I was fortunate to have been fully vaccinated when I got it

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Shalone's avatar

Agree wholeheartedly, the GOP is incapable of the truth.

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Sheila D's avatar

I believe he did indeed have Covid and he was very seriously ill from it. If he could have kept it quiet, he would have--but he was so sick he needed to be hospitalized. D

on't forget he got the experimental drug that we now know as Paxlovid. Wasn't available to you when you got it.

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Katy Griffith's avatar

Donny was gasping for breath when he went back to the WH after leaving the hospital. He stood on the balcony & took off his mask & you could see he was having a hard time breathing-he was sucking in air between his teeth. He had mononuclear antibodies while in the hospital which no one got at the time unless you were VIP (Rudy Giuliani got it the mononuclear antibodies too). That’s the only reason he recovered so quickly. It was not surprising that he got Covid because he encouraged people to not social distance or wear masks because it was a “hoax”. It was the only way he could get his idiot cult base to go back to work-he actually thought that just ignoring the virus & convincing everyone there was nothing to worry about while tens of thousands of people were dying is forever unforgivable & tells all of us what kind of leader he is. I have never felt more disgust for anyone than I feel for this idiot & I also am a nurse

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Jul 14
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P123Sunny's avatar

One of the most fascinating things abt this REALITY show has been LDFF getting vaxxed and boosted and his followers - NOT… I mean

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

He did realize they were dying in higher proportions, (not high enough, sadly) and tried to tell them to get vaccinated but they booed him so he dropped it.

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Jul 14
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P123Sunny's avatar

And when I told that to a D friend, they’re like: “I find that hard to believe” - 🤦‍♀️

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bruce somers's avatar

Staged. A stunt. The end.

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Morgan's avatar

Bruce I agree with you.. this was a stunt.. he’s losing to Biden..so what do you do when you’re losing?? You start this shit show and create a an angle that people will then feel sorry that the MangoMussolini was shot.. he’ll get the sympathy vote.. our guy was almost assassinated.. vote for Trump.. as crazy as it sounds.. the shitshow constantly continues with this defiant AHOLE.. this stinks to high heaven.. someone was paid to create this shitshow

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Kaye Stone's avatar

It absolutely stinks to high heaven! I remember how the secret service shoved Reagan down when he was shot! Their job isn't to wait for shoes, and Hitler fist pumps, it is their job to get the person out of there safely and quickly!! Bruises are collateral damage!! TFFG's chest and head were totally open for MANY seconds!! Enough time for a serious shooter to take him out!!

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Sheila D's avatar

Totally open twice--once on the stage and then again at the car door! Insane!

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Ema's avatar

Can I just ask - where were his shoes that he had to "get" them? I didn't understand that from the reports I read.

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bruce somers's avatar

The polls have shown Biden rising,the MAGAs are going to get increasingly desperate if this continues,voter suppression, gerrymandering and redistricting can only do so much,if Joe Biden wins by 10 million votes. It seems the last 2 weeks more and more Americans have been disgusted by the MAGAs and the MAGA courts,the media and the billionaire monopoly control of it,that clown from the Heritage Foundation 'the revolution will be bloodless,if the left allows it', here's the thing,you freakin' moron, 'the revolution' was pretty much bloodless, except it happened in 2020,when 81 million VOTERS rejected your Orange Fuhrer,you can con your ignorant MAGAs with the same old lies,over and over again,but the American people aren't having it. Revolution?? Careful what you wish for,you might be on the wrong side of it.

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Margaret's avatar

AMEN.

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

And they double-crossed the kid and killed him so he couldn't talk.

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Patricia Gomes's avatar

I didn’t think of that ! ????? Brain fart !!

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P123Sunny's avatar

Yet Biden looked physically ‘bad’ during the 90 minute debate (and fine immediately afterwards) - & THEN this incredibly dramatic attempt on LDC life the day after Joe’s AMAZING Detroit rally/speech - literally stopping Joementum from gaining speed… I mean that’s a LOT of LUCK 😳😏

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David A Pitock's avatar

The scene looked staged the crowd didn't react the way you would of thought and unless he had a silencer the boom an AR-15 makes should of gotten everyone's attention even gun nuts. Yet no one moved much, no one flinched, odd 🤔

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Charles Austin's avatar

Flynn? Prince?

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P123Sunny's avatar

Do you think Americans are catching on?…

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Morgan's avatar

No MAGAts are lemmings.. they just follow without asking any questions.. dumbass MFkRS

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Shalone's avatar

Of course, the bullet just grazed his ear, B.S. , if an AR 15 bullet hit his ear, he wouldn't have one , he got cut by a small piece of glass. It was a show, a set up to give that pig sympathy. Not working here.

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Susie in OH's avatar

He obviously posed for that shot and probably added the flag. The next shot shows him bigly smiling, probably looking at his phony PR shot he made an SS agent stop and pose for.

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Linda Weide's avatar

That is something a friend wondered about. However, for a staged stunt a lot of people ended up dead.

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Catherine's avatar

Yeah but MAGA and the orange guy wouldn't care about fatalities in a staged scenario. He had just met with his putin proxy guy. Isn't this something right out of the H#tler playbook? And the shooter a crazed cultists who was ok with doing a suicide mission?

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bruce somers's avatar

Since when has DJT ever cared how many are sacrificed on the MAGA altar,as long as he saves his own ass.

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Morgan's avatar

Exactly Bruce.. exactly 👍🏽

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Suessl's avatar

Who was the other fatality? Was that person killed by the shooter or by the secret service? Where's the bullet that grazed Trump's head? Where are the police that didn't take heed of the warning that someone was climbing the roof with a rifle? The secret service would have a lot of explaining to do if the agency wasn't so corrupt.

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Linda Weide's avatar

The person killed by the shooter was a spectator. I read he was a former fire chief and was killed shielding his family. Two others are injured and in critical condition.

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P123Sunny's avatar

The lack of official announcements has been… peculiar 🦗⁉️

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Melody Annie's avatar

It's called collateral damage.

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Patricia Williamson's avatar

Its called collateral damage. Sorry if I offend anyone but I feel so sad for the 20 year old man. So young to throw his life away. Was he promised that he wouldn't be hurt? If I had just been shot at and wounded, I'd be a shaky, nervous wreck.

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Morgan's avatar

Do you really think that Orange Grifting Fucktwat cares who dies on his fucking cross?? He doesn’t care about anyone but himself.. let me repeat that.. HE ONLY CARES ABOUT HIMSELF.. and staying out of fucking PRISON

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Nevertheless, She Persisted's avatar

Absolutely not. Please don't join the MAGAites in ridiculous conspiracy theories.

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bruce somers's avatar

Excuse me?? He was shot by a registered REPUBLICAN!!

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P123Sunny's avatar

The SS literally let him stand ‘fully exposed head & torso for a fist pump’ -

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Morgan's avatar

No SS would NEVER allow that bullshit.. this was fucking staged

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Anita Smibert's avatar

Totally agree. It's becoming like Marjorie Taylor Greene after Paul Pelosi was attacked.

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P123Sunny's avatar

With you here, sadly… I’m not a ‘theorist’, but LDFF has at various times hung out with HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL reality tv producers, pioneering WWE promoters, and trained ‘false flag’ dudes who REALLY want him back in the Oval… This event seemed kinda simple… he even stopped to put on his shoes? That’s a lotta performance art-oriented friends… just sayin

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Susie in OH's avatar

Couldn’t leave his lifts there. They might get too much scrutiny.

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P123Sunny's avatar

I often miss the obv explanation 😅

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P123Sunny's avatar

Thanks

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bruce somers's avatar

I just saw TMZ video from Saturday,Trump was facing right,and grabbed his right ear,I thought the shooter was in front of the stage or thereabouts?? IDK,but I know this,IMO,DJT is an enormous coward,who,like the MAGAs spend every day of their lives in fear,Mr. Reality show knew he wasn't in any real danger,the SS would've called in a forklift get his fat ass off that stage,he wouldn't be doing his photo-op,when most of your followers are illiterate,optics are everything.

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P123Sunny's avatar

Supposedly they are rolling him on Black Twitter - not buying it AT ALL

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Margaret's avatar

Yes. Thanks, Bruce.

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Daniel Hansson's avatar

I am pretty sure I have at some point had a file with the SS of one country or another. Not today, God!

Anyway, isn't this a perfect time to bring up gun reform and repealing AR15 as "hunting rifles"? The guy didn't strike me as a hunting type.

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DonP's avatar

Apparently you haven't been paying attention to Republicans. It's NEVER a perfect time, or a time at all, for bringing up gun reform.

For proof, 19 kids slaughtered in Uvalde, and it was "Now's not the time to talk about gun control." Same thing after Sandy Hook, Parkland, El Paso Walmart, Las Vegas, Columbine, San Bernardino, Sutherland Springs, Dallas (attack on the cops), Dayton, Allen TX, and on and on.

For Republicans it's NEVER a time to talk about gun reform.

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bruce somers's avatar

Nailed it Don.

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Patricia Gomes's avatar

🎯🎯🎯 Don !

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Doc Blase''s avatar

No it isn't, actually. Joyce Vance has advised it was an AK-47. Not every rifle is an AR.

Here's n inconvenient fact for the gun ban-wagon inevitably rolling out right now: more people are killed by hands and feet than are by all types of rifles in the US.

Check the FBI stats and get back to me if you wish.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/195325/murder-victims-in-the-us-by-weapon-used/#:~:text=Handguns%20are%20by%20far%20the,for%207%2C936%20homicides%20in%202022.

By far the most common firearm used in homicides are handguns. 14 times more.

Let's not blame hardware for crime. Cars don't drive themselves while drunk. Forks don't force themselves into mouths to cause obesity.

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Morgan's avatar

Exactly.. Daniel

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Susan Keefer's avatar

Did you notice that the American flag was not near Trump when glass hit him, but when he got up and raised his fist, suddenly there was an American flag near him for the photographers?

Look for yourselves.

The MAGA are now calling those photos “historic”.

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Morgan's avatar

It was planted and the entire thing was fucking staged..

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P123Sunny's avatar

I wonder what the WH is thinking…

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Burke's avatar

When asked about stopping mass shootings Donald said “Get used to it.” Now he knows the experience of the victims of a mass shooting. They happen every day in America. A 20 year old kid who was bullied. Has an AR 15. A tool specifically designed to kill humans. Sound familiar?

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bruce somers's avatar

'All you need in the US to get a gun is a credit card and a grudge'

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Morgan's avatar

Truth

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P123Sunny's avatar

And then they vote against their own interests- can someone pull us out of this endless cycle???

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Burke's avatar

16 million+ AR 15s in America today.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AR-15%E2%80%93style_rifle

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bruce somers's avatar

330 million Americans,420 million guns.

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Doc Blase''s avatar

So? 300 million cars. What difference does that make? My friend's AR is sitting peacefully in his house. It hasn't driven itself to Mar-A-Largo or anywhere else.

Also it was apparently an AK47 not an AR, not that it makes a difference when crazy people take crazy actions.

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Doc Blase''s avatar

AK47, apparently. It helps to know what we're talking about, adds credibility.

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Ingrid Robertshaw's avatar

I still have more questions : why were Trump's shoes off hisfeet? Why did they not bum rush him off?

Allowed him to raise his fist?photop?? Seems strange!

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bruce somers's avatar

Hey Trumpy-the-clown,

here's what I think about your stunt; 'Hoax!! Fake News!!'... sound familiar??

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Catherine's avatar

And throw in an " I don't really care, do you?" for good measure.

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bruce somers's avatar

Maybe he needs special shoes for his bone spurs??

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

When he was threatened, when only a candidate, they rushed himoff the stage in a football-like tackle. This was weird.

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Linda Weide's avatar

I agree with everything you said except for the last part. I think crazy has already been off the charts! Now it is in the outer stratosphere!

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bruce somers's avatar

Unfortunately I believe if it becomes more obvious Trumpy is going to lose again,the MAGAs are going to get even more desperate. No coincidence Biden has been improving in the polls.

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Lisa59's avatar

King Shitpants is a groomed Russian asset. Not in the cognitive sense, but in the greedy fucking bastard sense. His team are already planning an uprising if they lose this election. Now, with Project 2025 finally getting the attention they don't want, anything is possible. Fucking Viktor Orban was just here. Russian do collateral damage. I think people are underestimating the power of these people. They will do anything for power!!! The goddamn son of a bitch (the diaper rash) doesn't feel guilty. EVER! The Russian Bots are in full gear on both sides. People are arguing with fucking bots. MAGAQ would rather stick pins in their own eyes than post on a 'liberal site'. I'm fucking exhausted. Goddamn greed and corruption.

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Morgan's avatar

Fuck yeah Lisa!!! Exactly!! Groomed Russian asset.. loved the Greedy fucking bastards sense!! If that fat Orange Fuck wins everyone is scared but this new scenario.. this was a fucking plan.. they were losing BIGLY.. now the vonshitzin pants messiah is now going to rake in money so he’s in the WH and can’t be touched.. this was the plan all along .. get him back in the WH and he never leaves.. welcome to communism..

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Lisa59's avatar

People can't fathom what's coming. They don't want to. Too inconvenient. It's an apocalypse knocking on the goddamn front door.

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bruce somers's avatar

Absolutely nailed it Lisa!!! They are power-mad and desperate,and this is their Hail Mary toss into the end zone. You remember in 2015 Republicans were saying nominating Trump might destroy the party completely?? They were right,and they're seeing it come to fruition,they backed the wrong horse,and are now realizing it.

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Catherine's avatar

Except Lindsay Graham, who is declaring eternal love for trump- this might be one of those stories that could be one of the only true "tears in his eyes sir" stories.

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HI2thDoc's avatar

I believe the Russians/Putin have some huge kompromat on him. He tried to build a trump tower in Moscow and was sucking up to Putin and the oligarchs, reportedly offering them cut-rate deals on apartments in his proposed project. It's also been speculated that his business dealings may have laundered Russian money. Not proven, but we know for sure he is impressed the most by money and power and so is susceptible to manipulation by Putin

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James Starr's avatar

agree and these stunts are not going to change political minds in any meaningful way

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Morgan's avatar

James from your mouth to God’s ear !! I’m hoping it doesn’t change anyone’s mind.. this was an orchestrated plot by the RNC so that grifting assmunch gets into the White House again..

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James Starr's avatar

for sure.

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

My ex-military friend said it best, "violence is never the answer, that said, work on your fucking aim!"

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Morgan's avatar

Amen 🙌🏽

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Rebecca Elliott's avatar

I do wonder...well, about a couple of things. First, I noticed that not one person in the crowd behind Trump even FLINCHED when .the shots rang out, and Trump fell...hit by flying glass, BTW, NOT one of the bullets. How very odd. I've seen so many videos (far, far, far too many) of shootings, and EVERYONE scattered. Not these guys. It struck me as very odd.

Second, what will be the response of all of these guys, now that we know that the shooter was, thank God, a registered Republican?

OK, more than a "couple." Will we now be hearing Republicans screaming for more gun safety laws? Should I hear it, I shall respond with their own words, "It is the price of FREEDUMB!"

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P123Sunny's avatar

The popping sound did not sound threatening. Interesting.

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W.C. Jones's avatar

Not worried about a visit, I think they're kinda busy right now.

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Bob Lewis's avatar

Thanks Jeff, for bring this social media conspiracy shit to my attention, and shedding a proper light on it.

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Burke's avatar

This is the tool and ammo of choice for mass shooters. Not designed to kill wild game. Designed to kill humans. 16 million of them in US households. NRA says it's good for target practice and home defense.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/14/trump-shooter-gun-ar15/74399783007/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2023/ar-15-damage-to-human-body/

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240714-the-ar-15-one-of-america-s-most-popular-and-deadliest-guns

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

If he couldn't make the shot from 150 yards away, they aren't very accurate, more for mass carnage than accuracy.

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Joanne Filipo's avatar

😂😂

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Janice Laz- Romo's avatar

I have no sympathy for the devil

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Nancy Potter's avatar

Trump has been promoting political violence since shortly after he came down the golden escalator. And Republicans are the ones who think that somebody who's too young to legally drink a beer should have access to weapons of war. And no Democrat wore a lapel pin with a tiny AK-47 on it. If Republicans didn't have hypocrisy, they'd have no principles at all. But as Trump plays the martyr and shows off his new stigmata, we Dems are supposed to resist the urge to mention karma. I wish I could believe this event would lower the rhetorical temperature.

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Eileen's avatar

Nancy, Wow. Brilliant assessment. “ if the Republicans didn’t have hypocrisy, they wouldn’t have any principles at all.” And “stigmata” reference. Just perfect.

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Susan P Thatcher's avatar

In the words of Malcolm X, the chickens came home to roost

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Mary Virginia Hughes's avatar

Zero. And I shall not say what else I'm thinkng under heightened alert time.

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Linda Weide's avatar

Prior to Trump being shot I was worried about Biden and Harris getting shot because of reading about Putin's uncovered plot to have the CEO of Reifeisen Metal company killed and others who are supplying Ukraine with arms. However, now I am even more worried because the Republicans are as vengeful as a bunch of Kindergarteners before they learn right from wrong. It is so scary.

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Jennifer Lennox's avatar

I know, right? All I thought at first was, "Damn!"

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Linda Weide's avatar

I agree it is very important to not let ourselves be manipulated by a master fascist propagandist and his acolytes. We need to be reading Project 2025, or other's discussions of it, and SPREADING THE NEWS. If that is unhinging people it is not our fault. Also, the media will probably spend the entire RNC on this, and not covering the convention. Guns help people kill, and so does living in such an incessantly violent society. There is a reason we are in place 131 on the Global peace scale. There are around 20 African nations that are higher up the chart. Scroll down to page 8 to see the list. https://www.visionofhumanity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GPI-2023-Web.pdf

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P123Sunny's avatar

Trying not to be picky!

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

They ignored those, I have only seen mention in one place.

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David Skoglund's avatar

Maybe the Epstein Files will be the October surprise!

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Bob Lewis's avatar

I agree Project 2025 is more important than encouraging violence or advancing conspiracy theories.

For those who wish to read Project 2025, while reading it myself I made a glossary of acronyms used. The list is seven pages long, my readership only covers 31 states. here's a link to it for anyone interested in reading the plan themself.

https://ki6mnk.substack.com/p/project-2025-glossary-of-acronyms

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Linda Weide's avatar

Thanks Bob! This is super helpful!

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Bob Lewis's avatar

My pleasure. I'm glad you're finding it useful.

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Kaye Stone's avatar

I was/am sorry for America that it was a poor shot!

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James Starr's avatar

Zero !

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George A. Polisner's avatar

Thanks Jeff.

For what my perspective is worth, I do condemn the attempt on Trump's life. If you believe in democracy, equality, and justice, there's no room for political violence (and we should be evolving beyond violence of any kind).

As conflict, tension, and uncertainty continue to rise in America, perhaps we can all agree that assault rifles are not ok, and the push to proliferate guns to the point that now bullets are available in vending machines is a remarkably moronic idea. Are we learning anything yet?

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Kathleen Weber's avatar

For what your perspective is worth . . . your perspective is worth a billion bucks.

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George A. Polisner's avatar

Thanks Kathleen!

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Eileen's avatar

I like your thinking, George. President Biden should take the mantle and talk about the dangers of more guns in America than people.

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Jim The Fed Up Traveler's avatar

And then the gun people will say “how can you politicize this issue”? So predictable you can set your watch by it.

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James Starr's avatar

yes ! he should ! I hope he utilizes this incident to the max and come out strong !

Something tells me he will remain docile about it.

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Eileen's avatar

James, Agreed. My fear is that the JD Vance threat of “if you even dare to criticize Trump you’re going to get him killed” silencing of Biden will stop Biden from saying facts. Fact Trump is a fascist authoritarian who wants to be dictator day one. Trump’s own words. Fact, Trump assembled the goon squads to go after people in Portland and Lafayette Square. Fact, Trump is a racist a fraud and a felon. If JD Vance and the Republicans cow Biden into being the mind your P’s and Q’s statesman, I’ll choke.

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Chet Brandt's avatar

Fact: trump incited the mob and subsequent violence on 1/6/2021 which resulted in the deaths of four of his supporters and the death of Officer Brian Sicknick (Capital Police) on 1/7/2021. There were four suicides of participating police officers in the days and weeks following the insurrection. LDFF does NOT care about any “collateral “ damage.

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P123Sunny's avatar

Funny a person like this is even eligible to run 🙆‍♀️

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bruce somers's avatar

He mentioned reinstating his assault weapon ban in his speech in Michigan Friday.

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

Wonder if that caused this?

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JOSEPH PEDALINO, JR.'s avatar

It would appear the ‘learning’ for some is not possible because they want to be told by their imaginary leader what to think and what to do.

Even the neanderthals existed for some time before being usurped by humanity.

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Charles Austin's avatar

We never learn anything until it's too late.

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bruce somers's avatar

Guns are usually cheaper than food in the US.

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Jane Redmond's avatar

Now there are ammo vending machines at grocery stores in Texas. We are doomed.

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Janice Laz- Romo's avatar

And soon they will have ammo vending machines in Texas and some other red states

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Janan Broadbent's avatar

George & others: when one promotes hate and violence, it’s a bit like lava from a volcano. You can’t predict which direction it will go. There are enough nut jobs(not a clinical term) in this country and absolutely ridiculously too many guns so that something like this should be no surprise to us. I feel so sorry for those that got killed and wounded.

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

Trump first moved to reverse the law, about keeping guns from the mentally unstable. which always was a recipe for disaster, as they would be prone to self harm, at the very least, and taking many with them if they had violent tendencies.

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Jennifer Lennox's avatar

You are right, but the answer to your question is, "Nope."

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Marie Martin's avatar

The "shot heard round the world" was the opening shot of the battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, which sparked the American Revolutionary War and led to the creation of the United States.

Let’s insure that yesterday’s “shot” signifies that we understand the need to nonviolently protect our democracy by VOTING BLUE in such strong numbers that there is no doubt, no wiggle room as to what this nation is really about. Let’s insure yesterday’s shot fires up common sense to lead us away from in-fighting and bickering.

That shot inspired and mobilized his people into a robust revival of his campaign in a matter of hours. Dems need to mobilize around one goal: VOTE BLUE up and down the ballot to protect democracy.

This is not the time to be overwhelmed with the firehose of craziness that blasts us daily.

Are we going to let him walk away with this election?

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Melody Annie's avatar

I completely agree with you, George, however, the right wingers will now say they need guns more than ever to protect against more shootings. Within an hour of the shooting, the narrative racing around social media was that the shooter was known to be an antifa extremist 🙄 I don't know if we'll ever know the truth about who is involved in what really happened, but you can color me extremely skeptical that it wasn't a Trump-planned setup with the full cooperation of the Secret Service.

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George A. Polisner's avatar

Thank you Melody. I can’t help but think if Trump were in prison where he belongs, this wouldn’t have happened.

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bruce somers's avatar

'Truth' is a pretty rare commodity these days unfortunately.

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Kaye Stone's avatar

No. No we are not learning. We'll, we can assume that the secret service is OBSERVABLY incompetent, or that it was all cosplay... (announced on the event roster).

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Ema's avatar

Someone on Twitter suggested the Dems introduce a bill banning assault weapons but naming it after the assassination attempt of former President Donald J. Trump to "honor the orange guy" and that way, since his ego might like the name and that a bill is named for him, it might get passed by the GOP. I kind of thought it was brilliant.

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George A. Polisner's avatar

Yes. Should call it the "Assaults on Sadistic Shameful Hideous Orange Lamentable Ended and Stopped" Act.

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Susan Niemann's avatar

“His mastery of the modern media age”. 🤮🤮🤮 I still suspect this was a staged event. And you’re so right-the cultists will fling more poo than ever. It’s primal and sick. Buckle up is right. 🙄 ( the trading card was so predictable. The grift never stops does it?)

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Mingo's avatar

Agreed. I also think it was a staged event. This will be incorporated into his campaign. " I took a bullet for you". Such a photo as there was ever complete with raised fist. That's what made me think it was staged.

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Jennifer Lennox's avatar

He dodged a bullet. He didn't take one.

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steve robertshaw's avatar

Thank you. If only professional reporters spoke truth rather than hyperbole. Oh hell, what am i saying. The goddamned politicians IN CONGRESS lie through their teeth to raise their profile with the district voters back home for the next primary. Safe Republican districts as far as the eye can see....

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P123Sunny's avatar

First I heard his ear was ‘shredded’ - didn’t look like it(?!)… then when I said it could have been a fake blood squib (WWF style) - ppl were like ‘ no way’- really sure for some reason… could have been an MBurnett Production - he’s got a lot of friends in ‘entertainment’- 🤔 what do I know.

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Karla's avatar

I can’t say that I think it was staged, but if we learn that it was, I won’t be surprised. There are apparently reports from law enforcement that he was cut by glass, not hit by bullets.

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James Starr's avatar

I hope the FBI digs good and investigates it....and see who the shooter is connected to.

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Susie in OH's avatar

In one magnified frame on much, there looks like a little piece of glass stuck in his ear or matted hair on the top of his ear. Next time you all look at the footage, see if you notice the same thing.

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bruce somers's avatar

I could see Trump replica bullets....$99.99.

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Mingo's avatar

The grift will not stop. Maybe the shooter was a DeSantis supporter. Most of these wingnuts are a picnic shy of a sandwich.

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Mingo's avatar

I meant sandwich shy of a picnic. Senior moment.

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arne link's avatar

Thanks, that made me laugh out loud. Brilliant comment.

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DonP's avatar

Actually, that was a pretty spot on statement. Made me LOL, and it is more true than what you meant to say.

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bruce somers's avatar

Maybe more appropriate for Trump, 'A few fries short of a Happy Meal'

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Patricia Gomes's avatar

The t-shirts were ready really fast !! Another money maker.

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Bill Lawrence's avatar

Maybe. Tee shirts at least.

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Bill Lawrence's avatar

I would agree had not one attendee been killed and two more critically wounded.

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MzNicky in East Jesus, TN's avatar

collateral damage?

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arne link's avatar

They wouldn't care, that's for sure.

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Catherine's avatar

I don't think the orange crew would care about fatalities in a staged scenario 😔

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bruce somers's avatar

Not a bit.

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bruce somers's avatar

There's been quite a few Ashli Babbits for the cause...ask Rudy,Ronna,Liz,Adamand Jeff about it...

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steve robertshaw's avatar

Trump'll be calling the rally goer who died a martyr and be touring with his family as part of his stage act beginning next week.

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Donatella  Dillon's avatar

Collateral damage

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arne link's avatar

I agree. He was on the ground and the minders let him stand up and potentially take a fatal shot? That seemed weird. They should have kept him down and shielded him. Maybe they are sick of him too?

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🌷IntheHalloftheMtnKing's avatar

Who knows?

You'd think the secret service would rush him off stage in zero seconds flat - not stay for a photo op.

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

Like they did when he was threatened as a candidate.

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Jane Redmond's avatar

Right, and then again when he stepped up into the vehicle, head totally out in the open. Plenty of photo opportunities provided by SS.

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Nancy Potter's avatar

That one bullet came too close to Trump for me to think it was staged. They wouldn't have used a kid, and had the bullet been three inches to the left, today would have been a totally different conversation.

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Dave Drell's avatar

This wasn’t staged- stop that ridiculous line— ya think the shooter would have gone along with the “stage” if he knew he’d be dead right after?

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Donatella  Dillon's avatar

I don’t think he thought he’d be dead

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Robert R's avatar

Happens unfortunately almost every day..mass shooting ..gunman kills self or a cop kill ..a nut is a fucken nut no regard for human life or his own life ! Trump is going to be selling vials of ear tissue as religious relics in a day or two ! The minions will be eating dog food just to get their hands on a piece of the second coming! BAG JOB !!💼💸💵💰

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Nevertheless, She Persisted's avatar

I agree. Please all, do NOT entertain these nutcase theories.

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Mary Hall's avatar

Who are you to say what is a nutcase theory? I have learned over the years that whatever I think LDFF has done, the truth is 100 times worse. It would be irresponsible not to speculate. Additionally, your name is "Skeptic" so what's up with not allowing others to be skeptical of the official line? FFS!

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Nevertheless, She Persisted's avatar

The "Skeptic" in my name refers to using logic, reason, and the scientific method to be skeptical of claims that cannot be validated. So for example, I'm skeptical of claims that Covid was a Chinese or liberal or Clinton plot and ivermectin is its cure, that megadoses of vitamins cure disease, that "cancer researchers" are hiding cures from us because cancer treatment makes more money than a cure would, that the positions of stars affect our love lives, or that Queen Elizabeth and Elvis and the JFK Sr and Jr are all alive and secretly scheming for the downfall of X Y or Z.

Few if any conspiracy theories hold up to examination. For one thing, it's very difficult to get large numbers of people to not tell secrets. For another, conspiracy theories are typically built on a number of inplausible/impossible assumptions. So in this case, we are to believe that Trump was willing to entrust his life to a 20 year old shooter who was to nick his ear but not hurt him seriously, while injuring/killing others? Ha. And that all of the secret service people involved were willing to go along with it? Nnnnno. Incompetence is real. "Conspiracies" like that are not.

I'll change "nutcase" to "logically deficient," how's that?

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🌷IntheHalloftheMtnKing's avatar

There is nothing wrong in trying to process this. If you don't entertain the scenerio how can you be sure that is the truth?

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arne link's avatar

Ah, be still my heart.

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Michael M's avatar

Leave the conspiracy theories to the experts.

"There were more people at Trump's inaguration than at Obama's" etc.. Nobody wants to live in a country with politicians getting picked off. Nobody deserves to die behind bars more than Trump does.

Meanwhile, Republicans are shooting at each other while saying the Democrats

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Catherine's avatar

Same here.

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Linda Fulcher's avatar

If you haven't already done so, cancel your subscription to the New York Times. The paper is clearly in the tank for Trump and salivating at the thought of his re-election. Damn fools - do they think they will be protected?

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Mark Marderosian's avatar

This is always the mistake they make. Michael Cohen made it to his regret: "Oh, sure, he treated his last lover like crap, but I'm SPECIAL. He won't do that to me because I understand him so completely!" If the NY Times hasn't figured out everything is transactional with this guy and only in one direction, they are bigger fools than I thought.

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bruce somers's avatar

How many reporters were threatened and attacked at Trump rallies?? Too many...on Jan 6th they were smashing MSMs cameras and equipment...time to wake up MSM.

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Susan Niemann's avatar

I canceled the Times months ago and written their editorial department. It’s disgusting.

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Cheryl Fleming's avatar

Canceled months ago. And yes, of course they're hoping to be the "paper of record" for the New America of Project 2025. Mfkrs.

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Marie Martin's avatar

Did it several months ago and told them why. They are getting worse by the day.

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Stephanie Lajeskie's avatar

Canceled months ago.

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Catherine's avatar

I will, right now.

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

The editor, Joe Kahn said he was looking forward to trump back in the white house!~

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Linda Fulcher's avatar

We'll see how he likes it when he's sitting in jail because he wasn't subservient enough. Fool's paradise.

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Shalone's avatar

Did that a few months ago, it was intolerable.

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Deb Martina's avatar

I'm with you Susan, sad that innocent lives were lost and injured in the process.

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Kristy Kanen's avatar

COLLATERAL DAMAGE, tRump couldn't care less.

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Dawna Borras's avatar

Maybe this was his prediction about shoot someone on 5th Ave and not losing supporters🤷

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Charles Austin's avatar

👍👍

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Lorraine Parish's avatar

I'd like to know FOR SURE there were two people killed.

This does not pass the smell test for me.

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Robert R's avatar

Anything associated with that scumbag stinks to high heaven! How many did the evil prick kill during the Pandemic ?😷

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Mary Hall's avatar

More than half a million deaths are attributed to LDFF's Covid lies. I blame him for ALL of the American Covid deaths (1M+) because he dismantled the team based in China to watch for such events. I personally know three people who died from Covid.

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

He also threw out the "Pandemic Playbook," not that his incompetent team of grifters would have been able to implement it.

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Patricia Gomes's avatar

Prepared by the Obama Administration.

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Cheryl Fleming's avatar

I'm sure by now you've since learned that the dead and injured have been identified.

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Elizabeth Ellis's avatar

I agree Susan. Do you remember a video where trump was posing next to an eagle, and when it flapped its wings he literally dove under the desk? No way he believed he’d been shot then jumps up and raises his fist like that.

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bruce somers's avatar

The guy literally told his supporters on Jan 6th to 'fight like hell and take our country back' behind a shield of bulletproof glass, before waddling off to his armored car,to watch the insurrection on TV,from his bunker.

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arne link's avatar

Thanks for the reminder of that hilarious moment. We need some levity today.

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bruce somers's avatar

I heard he has a fear of people throwing fruit at him.

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AlbanianQueen's avatar

Actually it's mashed potatoes that he fears the most😁

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Patricia Gomes's avatar

Cause he knows what it feels like. 😂

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Michael M's avatar

Leave the conspiracy theories to the pros.

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DonP's avatar

Why? So they can manufacture an even bigger conspiracy that implicates Biden and others?

No thanks! I'll take a CT that says this was most likely a setup over "Biden gave the order!" any day.

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Patricia Gomes's avatar

Like the NYT ?

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Linda Fulcher's avatar

This will be America's Reichstag fire.

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Nancy Potter's avatar

Possible, but I sincerely doubt that anyone who supports Biden now is going to go for Trump just because of this event. It does harden MAGA support.

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Stephanie Lajeskie's avatar

The bullet may have bloodied his ear and turned him into a martyr among his cult members, but it didn’t make him less of a corrupt, treasonous, felonious asshole.

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Cheryl Fleming's avatar

Oh hell, we've already had a few of them already. How many more things can tey find to burn down? Wait, don't answer that. 🔥🏛🗽

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Susan P Thatcher's avatar

What I was thinking

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Marcie's avatar

In most events the assailant is identified down to DNA in about four hours, but I don't see much on this kid. ??

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JOSEPH PEDALINO, JR.'s avatar

Registered republican, taking one for the team.

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Dee Whitman's avatar

Unfortunately, he also donated $15 to ActBlue in either 2020 or 2021.

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Nevertheless, She Persisted's avatar

when he was 16/17?

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steve robertshaw's avatar

Maybe his girlfriend (still in high school!) asked him to.

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Kristy Kanen's avatar

Turming Point, actually.

$15.00

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Robert R's avatar

Could be the kid with the Bentley ! Needed another 15 minute fame fix !🤯

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bruce somers's avatar

The right-wing wingnut outrage machine has been crying wolf for so long now I've completely lost interest.

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Jennifer Lennox's avatar

It did LOOK staged at first watch. But of course it wasn't. Was it?

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Rusalka's avatar

I still believe this was staged to change the narrative from his Project 2025 platform and Epstein papers being released. Not all of them.

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Name: lenora good, Guest's avatar

That was my first thought, too. That the OP (orange pustule) ordered it, and promised the shooter a full pardon when elected. I'm still not convinced otherwise, though I seriously doubt he would put himself in danger of a missed bullet. Oopsie! My bad.

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bruce somers's avatar

And apparently he has ketchup on him at all times. OOO!! Fries?? You gonna finish those?

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P123Sunny's avatar

There was also a billboard truck operating the same night about what happened - pretty quick!

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Charles Austin's avatar

Never.

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Robert R's avatar

Had a stuntman blood bag in his hand 🖐️🩸💥👂

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Mike Hammer's avatar

Really?

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Sharon C Storm's avatar

No, it never stops. The fact that a bullet or shard of glass hit his ear is really a denial of the staged incident. Another inch to the left, and he would be gone. Guns are not that accurate. Even a military sniper could not control an AR type rifle that closely at that range.

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Lynn Van Haren's avatar

I can’t get over the questions? Why did the secret service agents not listen to the PA man who was pointing to where the man was on the roof? Why did the SS leave Donnie’s head & shoulders completely exposed as they hustled him off the stage? Why did tRump have to put his shoes on before SS hustled him out? Was he airing out his feet? How were 8 shots fired & Donnie only got grazed? How come there aren’t 8 people dead in the crowded stands right behind Donnie? So many unanswered questions! It would not surprise me one bit if the whole thing was staged.

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Robin's avatar

I don't think he even got grazed. They are saying it was flying glass from when a bullet hit the teleprompter. I also don't understand how an AR-15 didn't do more damage. Something is hinky

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Charles Austin's avatar

Very.

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bruce somers's avatar

Seems pretty hoaxy.

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Lynn Van Haren's avatar

Right?

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Lorraine Parish's avatar

I've been reading other Substack newsletters commentors and I bet over half think it was staged.

I hope it is being investigated.

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Dan Beach's avatar

The key, sadly, is who will be doing the investigation. Call me skeptical.

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Catherine's avatar

Very good point-we can give up if it's Merrick G, unfortunately. He's totally ineffective.

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Lynn Van Haren's avatar

Or the FBI, who usually skews Republican

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bruce somers's avatar

Christopher Wray wasn't at Biden's press conference today.

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Catherine's avatar

Oh wow...

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Shalone's avatar

So true.

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Richard Von Busack's avatar

What makes me think this was not a staged event is that the bit with the shoes is something someone in a traumatized state would say. The fist bump is Trump all over. He thinks he's the plucky little lad in a disaster movie. Did you see that he was talking seriously about getting a flying metal suit from the Muskrat, you know, like in that documentary Iron Man? They better build it in XXXL, because he has a larger breadbasket than Tony Stark.

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Nancy Potter's avatar

And be sure to build the suit to accommodate an XXXL Depends.

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Robert R's avatar

And a Bombay drop door ,🧻💩😷

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bruce somers's avatar

And internal oxygen supply.

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Jennifer Lennox's avatar

I don't like to laugh at a time like this, but LMAO.

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Robert R's avatar

Nothing else to do! Worrying gets you ulcers !what will be will be and besides that friggen pig 🐷 isn’t worth it ! He’s ruined life enough for too many already!

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bruce somers's avatar

Help Muskie!! I'm sinking in the creek mud!!!

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Teri's avatar

Agree, asking for his shoes is something a traumatized person would say.

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Richard Von Busack's avatar

It makes you wonder why they came off so fast

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bruce somers's avatar

Special bone spurs shoes?? Maybe...

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

Lifts he leans forward like he's sway-backed because of them, no way he is 6' 2".

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Catherine's avatar

Unless he had embarrassing holes in his socks... jk!

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Kristy Kanen's avatar

Didn't want the cameras to see the lifts in them.

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bruce somers's avatar

I do have a pair of pricey,vintage Air Jordans but...naaah.

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Lynn Van Haren's avatar

Anyone fearing for their life would not stop to put on their shoes

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bruce somers's avatar

Must have been a second shooter...on a grassy knoll....

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Robert R's avatar

Or a grassed up hooter with a gassy troll 🧌

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Richard Von Busack's avatar

Stealing’

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bruce somers's avatar

Nice...

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Kristy Kanen's avatar

Named Michael Shnooks ?

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Kristy Kanen's avatar

They are COMPLICIT, remember Tony ORNATO ? Missing messages etc.

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Abigail Norling's avatar

YES!!!!

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Jennifer Lennox's avatar

Exactly my thoughts too.

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Donatella  Dillon's avatar

Exactly, thank you!

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James Starr's avatar

me either. the FBI should look really hard into this and tell us if they thought it was with evidence, not just theories.

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bruce somers's avatar

I'm sure the DOJ and FBI will get right on it!!...in a couple years...

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James Starr's avatar

exactly

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Anita Smibert's avatar

They didn't tell SS. They told local police who didn't relay the message in time.

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Ann Anderson's avatar

The screeching headlines about the shooting "upending" or "roiling" the race are just more tabloid nonsense we get from the mainstream. Nobody really knows how this will play out electorally. However, it's probably safe to say that Trump-lovers will continue to love him. Non-Trump-lovers will continue to not love him. It's probably for the best that Trump survived the attempt because God only knows what a successful assassination would unleash. Violence is bad. There, I'm on record. Now I'm going to do what I have been doing - keeping my head down and writing get-out-the-vote postcards. Eyes on the goal. Ears tuning out the noise.

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Kathy J's avatar

I needed to read that last bit you wrote, "Eyes on the goal. Ears tuning out the noise," especially the part about tuning out the noise. I've been overly stressed lately, feeling overloaded and worried beyond comprehension for our country if the worst thing happens in November. I get so worked up that it invades my thoughts too much of the time. So, I will try to tune out the noise and offer myself some grace.

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Ann Anderson's avatar

I know how exactly how you feel and the worry is lousy, no fun at all. Listen sista, your peace of mind matters. Humor me and go at least 24 hours with no news at all, zero, and see what a difference it makes. Give your vagus (gut) nerve a break already. Cuz what happens in vagus stays in vagus. Do a re-set. (I'll see myself out.)

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Kathy J's avatar

Ha, I love the humor. I have been pulling back on my news intake. It does help a lot. I've been streaming shows and staying in another world that way.

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Ann Anderson's avatar

Yes! I've been reading tons of escapist fiction. Stories! So much better than life. ;-)

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Dee Whitman's avatar

I watch a lot of stand-up on YT -- Comedy Central has clips, as does Dry Bar. And once you start watching some, YT will suggest more.

Fwiw, I really like a British show called "Mock the Week" -- part of it is political, but not all -- and, *their* politics, not ours. If you start with series 11, from a few years ago, you're spared recent stressors.

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Janan Broadbent's avatar

Dee - British humor is tops! Try The 2 Ronnies… I have watched them over and over and laugh

deliriously every time.

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Patricia Gomes's avatar

Been watching Are You Being Served. An oldie but goodie.

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Deborah Hunter's avatar

Yesterday was the first day I didn't look at the news. Not once. Turned off MSNBC days ago. And then I learn of the shooting. This constant drama is never ending.

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Ann Anderson's avatar

True, but then again goes to show that if something truly important happens you'll hear about it without having to be glued to the tv.

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Nancy Potter's avatar

If Trump had been killed, I think it could have been a worse disaster for the country than even his election. Republicans would have had the chance to nominate people who didn't have all of Trump's baggage, and they might have picked up more independent voters and never-Trump Republicans. And the new nominees would have been competent, non-lazy, and would be ready on Day 1 to start implementing Project 2025. Populism would be gone, it would be pure corporatist fascism.

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P123Sunny's avatar

Interesting

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bruce somers's avatar

I'm of the opinion,like the debate,not really changing any minds.

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Ann Anderson's avatar

yes

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Catherine's avatar

Love the last part, that's absolutely what I've been doing. I can only read Jeff Tiedrich and comment here with you wonderful people... I can't even listen to NPR anymore and lately they've been both siding it way too much for my taste.

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

Koch money poisoned that well.

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Catherine's avatar

I was wondering what had happened.

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Patricia Gomes's avatar

Agree - Agree- Agree 👍

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Diana's avatar

If Donald Trump wasn’t running for president, this wouldn’t have happened. Donald shouldn’t have been on the ballot for any reason whatsoever.

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Susan P Thatcher's avatar

If McCarthy hadn't gone to Mar a Lardo within weeks of J6 and begged, we wouldn't be here because the movement to rehabilitate hus reputation wouldn't have happened

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Robin Katzenstein's avatar

If Mitch McConnell had had an ounce of decency, he would have voted to convict Trump after the second impeachment. THAT would have stopped Trump in his tracks. Instead he said that’s what we have courts for. Well we all know how that’s turning out.

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Susan P Thatcher's avatar

Courts that he had stuffed with friendly judges like AILEEN CANNON

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Lorraine Parish's avatar

putin threatened him, bet money on it.

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Deb Martina's avatar

Agreed

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Robert R's avatar

Absolutely right , at most other times in our history he would have been put in jail decades ago ,if not hung !

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Robin Katzenstein's avatar

Or tarred and feathered!

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SPW's avatar

🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯

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Robin's avatar

If Joe Biden ordered the hit (per JD Vance), wouldn't that make it an official act? Immunity!

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Lorraine Parish's avatar

LOL RIGHT!

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arne link's avatar

Why do no libel laws attach to political statements? Anyone?

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DonP's avatar

They actually do if they're able to be shown to not be 1st A protected political speech. And Vance can't hide behind the "speech and debate" clause.

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Catherine's avatar

I've been wondering that too.

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Janan Broadbent's avatar

Lol lol 🎯🎯🎯

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Mary Virginia Hughes's avatar

First, immediately I thought the whole thing was weird. Not that anybody would volunteer himself to get sniped by the Secret Service but Trump's reaction, fist pumping, just so studied feeling, like he expected it. Or perhaps he's just so violent-oriented inside and out he's played this scenario out a thousand times in that dimly lit limbic brain of his. His remarkable luck is truly astonishing. Every time anyone thinks they've cornered him or he's heading for the exit door, something else tumbles everything again and it will take some days to see what's actually happening. So getting shot at is not a qualification for office. There's still the absolute democracy killing danger of Project 2025 and a whole lot of other horrible things we know. So it will make Trump's base dedicated to vote for him, well, that's not new voters. The optics for those who "feel" their way through the world and completely ignore facts are likely to take this as a divine "sign" and turn out for him. That's the scary part. I hope it will equally inspire those who don't like Trump but were going to sit this out because they also don't like Biden, will have a real heart to heart with themselves and get their butts to the voting boot and vote blue. It's even more important now than ever. And now I shall head for the old folks home for lunch where I will be sitting amongst a ton of MAGA Republicans, all wealthy all upper crust and all just as delusional as the beer bellied and toothless branch.

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antlisa1201's avatar

Good points. Have a nice lunch. Let those upper crust senior magas know "getting shot at is not a qualification for office"! Also it was a registered republican not a democrat that did it.

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Mary Virginia Hughes's avatar

I'm having a whole lot of fun throwing that in that the shooter is a Republican and maybe it's a reason Trump suddenly toned things down today and I think we should be very loud and insistent saying that.

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Mary Virginia Hughes's avatar

Those old folks are not in as good a shape as I am so I avoid all political conversations with them anyway. I know I'm not going to convert anyone but more than that, I know they'll never convert me so not a place to have a big argument.

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Catherine's avatar

Probably doing a suicide mission for the cause, with mental illness.

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Bill Lawrence's avatar

I don't think this was staged. As for his fist-in-the-air dramatics, Trump has a highly developed sense of how he appears in the media. This was his reflex action, knowing that the photo will (and has) gone viral.

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Mary Virginia Hughes's avatar

I did not say it was staged. I try not to do that with things I can't possibly know. But it would not surprise had it been.

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Bill Lawrence's avatar

I wasn't referring to you personally; there are many posting who believe it might have been staged. Whatever, Trump will make hay from this and do his usual grift. Look for tee shirts with his fist in the air.

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Mary Virginia Hughes's avatar

We're in wild and crazyland talk these days. Trump normalized it and at first it was just the Republicans mimicking him. I mean even some of the Republican Congress critters these days make zero sense when speaking at a mic and I mean zero. Words that don't exist and they do it with a straight face. I worked so long at work where every word was chosen to mean a very specific exacting thing and lots was on the line so no monkeying around with the truth even though there was a lot of fact shuffling and emphasizing in a way that could change the whole meaning of something long established. Trump is a genius at one thing, knowing his mark and tailoring everything to grifting the heck out of that mark. He is excellent at it. I remember when I was young and thought if you thought hard and paid attention you might one day be sort of maybe even wise. Now I look around and see millions of old people who sure aren't wise and are nuttier than they were when young. We know he will plaster his reaction everywhere that will hold still long enough. I dread it. So I want the taggers to go out there and tag "Republican shot at Trump" on every one that can be reached.

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Bill Lawrence's avatar

I hear you re using words to actually mean something. Every job I ever worked in required clear and, if lucky, concise communications. I'm old now and long, long retired, but these things still mean a great deal to me. Trump's word salads and downright gibberish are truly offensive to me, but as you say, he's a genius when it comes down to knowing how to trigger the response he wants from his gullible followers, and he is a grifter par excellence.

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Mary Virginia Hughes's avatar

We are on the same page, close to the end of a nice long book and with the same sentiments. To me we're in scary, shocking, dangerous and tragic territory. And I say more now, though I've been saying it a lot since 2016, I'm glad I'm old and in my case have no children.

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Teri's avatar

🎯🎯🎯🎯 Maybe that's why he wanted his shoes, to look "stronger". His shirt + tie and HAIR was a mess. Bigger, stronger men WITH GUNS (on stage) were tackled and controlled what happened next. They carried him. His ultrasonic ego -- at least he had "lots of bleeding". Tough guy overtaken by bigger, stronger men. With Guns. In front of the WORLD.

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Janan Broadbent's avatar

Agree 💯

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arne link's avatar

Maybe the sniper was very skilled and just aimed for the Teleprompter? It shattered, giving Trump his moment. The other dead are just collateral damage. It was very weird that the SS let him stand up and offer a clear target. Normally, they would have had him duck down and would have covered him. I'm quite sure this was a set-up but maybe Drumpf didn't know about it because he would not have agreed to put himself out there.

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DonP's avatar

I absolutely agree with this sentiment. If it was a setup, Whatshisname wasn't aware of it. Because as you say, he's too much of a coward to put himself out there.

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Mary Virginia Hughes's avatar

We could write screen plays of all the possibilities. We should find a way to monetize Trump things as well.

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bruce somers's avatar

I think 'Clear and Present Danger' is already taken...dang!!

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Mary Virginia Hughes's avatar

Yeah, but it didn't have a real life crazy who'd been president and is now running again with convictions galore and ahead in the polls. We have time to remind people Project 2025 will sail thru if Trump is elected and much worse.

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

It is still highly accurate, though.

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Anita Smibert's avatar

The shooter was not skilled at all. The father bought the gun 6 months ago and he belonged to some YouTube club but other than that no training.

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Patricia Gomes's avatar

Was it a bullet or something already in the teleprompter ? Did they find the bullet ? There goes my brain again !

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Richard Von Busack's avatar

Silver lining alert: he went to the hospital, yes? So maybe some patriot will leak his records.

I'm just glad that the shooter wasn't named Juan Gonzales. I love the smell of burning Reichstag in the morning. The Lee reaction is particularly emetic. Thank you ever so much for the joke about Johnson's Johnson-o-Meter. Martha Radish is currently pointing out that Trump made some ha ha's about being a dictator and carrying out a bloodbath...he was just kidding, you guys!

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Kristy Kanen's avatar

Matthew Crooks ( ! ) 20 year old Republican.

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Richard Von Busack's avatar

False flag! Rino! Deep state!!

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Kristy Kanen's avatar

That's the ticket !

( channeling Jon Lovitz LIAR )

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Richard Von Busack's avatar

Yeah! That'll work!

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DonP's avatar

Never-Trumper!

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Teri's avatar

Very relieved shooter wasn't a Dem or Ind. Wonder how GOP will try to negate AK47 assault rifle issue.

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DonP's avatar

They won't. "Now's not the time to politicize this horrible event, and now's certainly not the time to talk about banning assault weapons".

And it was an AR-15 he used.

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

It won't matter, we are in the trumpanzee post-truth era.

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Kay-El's avatar

While I don’t approve of assassination attempts, I don’t wish Agent Orange anything except an election loss.

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Deb Martina's avatar

You're generous. I want his ass held accountable for EVERYTHING. Period.

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Kay-El's avatar

Don’t get me wrong. I just won’t wish him well nor do I want him dead. I want him in jail until he croaks

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Rick Calegari's avatar

Agreed but he still needs to help accountable for 1/6, Georgia and stealing documents.. The only way to beat this malignant bastard is at the ballot box. Amazing that the shooter appeared to be someone who supported his political ideologies. While the Dems continue to condemn violence, the deranged MAGA hyenas call for more which is never a solution to put an end to these senseless acts. This shit has got to stop.

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Linda McCaughey's avatar

And a prison sentence.

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SPW's avatar

Nice one Kay-El 💯%

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Tails's avatar

So what is it then? Is Biden riddled with dementia, or is he, according to Mike Lee and Mike Collins, some kind of mastermind who talked a young Republican from a red county in PA into taking a potshot at Trump on a suicide mission? But wait, wouldn't Biden be immune from any kind of prosecution based on the SC ruling? Did he wait for that ruling to put this big plan into place? Oh wait, he's got dementia. Seriously, what is wrong with Republican's brains?

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Kristy Kanen's avatar

Greed hate & religion

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Janan Broadbent's avatar

Exactly!

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

A toxic brew slugged down by the worst of humanity.

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bruce somers's avatar

'Republican Brain' is an oxymoron.

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Susan P Thatcher's avatar

Trump was not "shot." The teleprompter got shot and he was hit by flying glass. I'm seeing more and more questions about things like "his ear was bleeding, but there was no blood on his hand," "he wasn't rattled like when an eagle flapped at him," "He was asking for his shoes. Right after he got shot?", "Dude gets shot and he yells 'Fight, fight, fight'?" There are questions as to why the SS had snipers on roofs except that one. I see discussions of Epstein files getting dumped right now with damning accusations, Project Sieg Heil, and the fact that Biden's been looking better, and the convention starts tomortow, so he needed dramatic counter programming. Something ain't right here.

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JOSEPH PEDALINO, JR.'s avatar

Agreed ! Dont be distracted by bullshit

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Lorraine Parish's avatar

where are discussions on Epstein files?

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Susan P Thatcher's avatar

My mistake. They were erroneous

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Derek Smith's avatar

His shoes have lifts in them, and he didn’t want anyone to find out. Unadulterated vanity.

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bruce somers's avatar

Maybe he has special shoes for his bone spurs??

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Robert R's avatar

That’s where the ketchup packs were hidden !

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James Stanley's avatar

If you see photos of the stage after the shooting the teleprompters look intact though

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Anita Smibert's avatar

That was the first report. They have since discounted the teleprompter theory.

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Gini Kramer's avatar

I find it the height of irony that the man who boasted that his administration had done nothing about guns and had told survivors of a mass shooting to get used to it has now been shot at by an AR-15 toting registered Republican.

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Burke's avatar

"Get used to it." We are! Mass shootings are killing Americans EVERY DAY. So common the national press ignores them. This was just the mass shooting for Saturday, July 13.

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Dave Drell's avatar

Hey DonnyFuckface:

Reality sucks, don’t it?

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bruce somers's avatar

Political violence?? Careful what you wish for...

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Eva Porter's avatar

Not to mention this movement to tone down the rhetoric from the man who regularly calls people vermin and scum

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Teri's avatar

Images: Alvin Bragg's NY DA with #turd behind his head wielding a bat; "bloodbath"; pickup truck image Biden tied up and bound; arrest & jail political "enemies"; Jan 6 denial; J6 pardon "patriots"; round up 15M in camps. For starters.

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Diana Hembree's avatar

Everyone on this substack should also read the Raw Story investigation of Trump's self-styled "Minister of Retribution" and his list of the 350 Americans he wants to round up immediately and try for treason (aiming for the death penalty, no doubt) and which includes members of the Jan 6 committee, Capitol police officers, journalists and Congresspeople critical of Trump, and more. https://www.nj.com/politics/2024/07/trumps-secretary-of-retribution-compiles-hit-list-for-vigilante-death-warrant-whos-on-it.html

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Teri's avatar

Michael Cohen on Deadline WH two months ago that he & family are looking for a home outside the U.S. in case Biden loses. He was sure retribution toward him would be massive, including possible jailing.

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Patricia Gomes's avatar

Thanks for sharing, Diana.

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Eva Porter's avatar

Maybe now he knows how those little Newtown and Uvalde survivors felt. He survived.

Of course the shameless bullshit started right up.

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Dave Drell's avatar

Drumpf himself said to violence survivors: “Get over it”

Hey Donnyboy- we ARE over it.

BTW- hope someone finds his ear, like

in the movie Blue Velvet.

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Tess's avatar

Doubtful…but it sure would be nice

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Dawna Borras's avatar

My opinion is it was staged. Really watch the video. He doesn't fall when he's shot he just crouches down, SS took 3-5 business days to get him off the stage, they waited for him to get his shoes?? This whole thing is suspicious. Just my opinion

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MzNicky in East Jesus, TN's avatar

Also, why were his shoes off?

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D Kitterman's avatar

Because he wears loafers, emphasis on Loaf, and they came off as multiple SS agents piled on (carefully, so as to avoid the stink).

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

Because he has lifts in them which make him stand like the front end of a centaur.

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bruce somers's avatar

Probably his golf shoes,late for his tee time.

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Robert R's avatar

The ketchup packs!

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