The Trump Presidency 2.0

[GrantDawg]

Reports of a girls primary school being hit in Iran.

[dubb93]

I hope there is a real plan here.

[JPhillips]

The plan is to create a power vacuum and hope that a new leader emerges and makes Iran great again.

[dubb93]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

The plan is to create a power vacuum and hope that a new leader emerges and makes Iran great again.

That’s the fear. I really hope that isn’t the plan.

[JPhillips]

We're Japan now.

YESTERDAY, December 7, 1941 a date which will live in infamy the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.


The United States was at peace with that Nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American Island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.


It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

[JPhillips]

dola

Holy fuck. On Monday, when the Security Council meets, we have installed Melania as the presiding officer.

[bronconick]

I see the Peace President is at war again.

[Ghost Econ]

So technically we broke the Olympic charter that states each country must abstain from hostilities from a week before the Olympics to a week after the Paralympics. This was used to ban Russia from the Olympics.

The next Olympics are in LA.

[Ghost Econ]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

dola

Holy fuck. On Monday, when the Security Council meets, we have installed Melania as the presiding officer.

Could you imagine if Obama had done that with Michelle? Conservatives would have put on their robes and burned crosses on the white house lawn.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

The plan is to create a power vacuum and hope that a new leader emerges and makes Iran great again.

The first part yes, they don't care about the second. Sow chaos in all these countries. Turkey is next which will be a real interesting one.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by dubb93

That’s the fear. I really hope that isn’t the plan.

That is absolutely the plan. It feels more like spending billions of dollars on a lottery ticket and hoping it works. To be fair, it is no worse a plan than invading and occupying and hoping that a puppet regime can control the country. Actually it might be more likely to work than that, but not by much. There are a large number of Iranians that would love to topple the regime, but can just a air campaign weaken the government enough for the untrained and not well organized civilians take control? And if they do, what makes us think they still won't be the enemies of the US and Israel that have been killing their countrymen for decades?
The possibility of boots on the ground are part of the plan can't be ruled out as well, but I expect it is not full on invasion. Targeted special forces action to kidnap or kill Iranian leaders is possible once they feel the anti-air capabilities have been degraded enough.

[Atocep]

Saw someone call this Operation Epstein Fury and nothing could be more accurate.

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by Ghost Econ

So technically we broke the Olympic charter that states each country must abstain from hostilities from a week before the Olympics to a week after the Paralympics. This was used to ban Russia from the Olympics.

The next Olympics are in LA.

Much shorter term, there's a FIFA World Cup coming up. Of course, these are first world problems.

[Ksyrup]

Love the "there's a tweet for everything" going back to Trump chiding Obama in 2013 and predicting he would attack Iran because he's a weak and ineffective negotiator.

[Lathum]

Conflicting reports that Ali Khamenei is dead. Iran saying he is alive and Israel TV reporting he is almost certainly dead.

I would trust Israeli intelligence in this, and it is odd he hasn't been seen since the atacks.

[RainMaker]

Israel doesn't typically boast about killing a target unless they have.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Israel doesn't typically boast about killing a target unless they have.

o
I have an unofficial confirmation that it is true. Or at least US intelligence believes it is true. They supposedly hit a meeting of Iranian leaders to kick this all off, and if that is true it is many more than just the Ayatollah.

[Lathum]

So I admittedly know nothing of the chain of command in Iran, but it would seem to me the assassination of their leader would trigger a stronger than usual retaliation.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by Lathum

So I admittedly know nothing of the chain of command in Iran, but it would seem to me the assassination of their leader would trigger a stronger than usual retaliation.

They have already struck multiple countries in retaliation, but in reality it has been a tepid retaliation so far. There are theories behind why. One is that the early strikes have been massively successful in taking out launchers and stockpiles along with the leadership needed to authorize greater strikes. They shot the wad they had armed and ready and still available, and are now scrambling to get more possible launchers online. That is the US side optimistic view.
The counter view is they are holding back stronger attacks until US and Israel's defensive weapons have been depleted, and then will hit with overwhelming attacks. They have put missiles and drones in a more destabilized command so the "cutting off of the head" approach will not work.
Either could be possible.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Lathum

So I admittedly know nothing of the chain of command in Iran, but it would seem to me the assassination of their leader would trigger a stronger than usual retaliation.

Head of the snake principle could be in effect. Plus internal jockeying for position as a bonus.

[GrantDawg]

More possible dead put out there. The Minister of Defense and the head of the Republican Guard.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Iranian Generals Kicking Themselves For Not Just Meeting Over Zoom | Babylon Bee

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

They have already struck multiple countries in retaliation, but in reality it has been a tepid retaliation so far. There are theories behind why. One is that the early strikes have been massively successful in taking out launchers and stockpiles along with the leadership needed to authorize greater strikes. They shot the wad they had armed and ready and still available, and are now scrambling to get more possible launchers online. That is the US side optimistic view.
The counter view is they are holding back stronger attacks until US and Israel's defensive weapons have been depleted, and then will hit with overwhelming attacks. They have put missiles and drones in a more destabilized command so the "cutting off of the head" approach will not work.
Either could be possible.

Probably just waiting for the U.S. to burn through its interceptors.

[Sweed]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Iranian Generals Kicking Themselves For Not Just Meeting Over Zoom | Babylon Bee

I read it in the voice of Norm Macdonald doing Weekend Update.

[JPhillips]

I think Trump is convinced that a good war will make him super popular, but that's really unlikely absent an attack on us. Even if it's perfectly successful, who is the voter that will now vote or switch to Trump come November based on this?

In general people don't vote on foreign policy.

[JPhillips]

dola

The betting levels on the Iran strike on Polymarket are crazy. People who knew what was coming cashed in.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

I think Trump is convinced that a good war will make him super popular, but that's really unlikely absent an attack on us. Even if it's perfectly successful, who is the voter that will now vote or switch to Trump come November based on this?

In general people don't vote on foreign policy.

I think he got paid a lot of money by donors to do this and also maybe a certain country has blackmail materials on him being a pedophile.

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

dola

The betting levels on the Iran strike on Polymarket are crazy. People who knew what was coming cashed in.

Apparently some drunk white house people were loudly boasting about it at a DC bar last night too.

[JPhillips]

The pipe and drape SCIF at Mar-a-Lago was outrageous. So much stuff that nobody even attempts to object to anymore.

[RainMaker]

It is a sign of a failing empire that you can bet on how many U.S. soldiers get killed in attacks.

[RainMaker]

So it seems like Khamenei is dead. When was the last time a country took out a leader like this? Soviets took out the Afghan leader in the 70's but I can't think of many others.

[miami_fan]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

So it seems like Khamenei is dead. When was the last time a country took out a leader like this? Soviets took out the Afghan leader in the 70's but I can't think of many others.

Do we know which country's forces killed him? The U.S. president announced it to us but I am seeing reports that the Israelis actually did the killing. I would say it does not matter but I know it matters the current U.S. president.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by miami_fan

Do we know which country's forces killed him? The U.S. president announced it to us but I am seeing reports that the Israelis actually did the killing. I would say it does not matter but I know it matters the current U.S. president.

Doubt we will ever know the real story. Trump will want the credit and Israel likely doesn't. They're already trying to sell the blowing up of the elementary school on an Iranian misfire.

The interesting part is damage from Iranian missiles. They hit a few spots although very hard to get any news on the fallout. That spot in Bahrain has tons of Americans and is close to where I lived. Likely get a story about a "training accident" in Poland in a few days if American soldiers were killed.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Doubt we will ever know the real story. Trump will want the credit and Israel likely doesn't. They're already trying to sell the blowing up of the elementary school on an Iranian misfire.

The interesting part is damage from Iranian missiles. They hit a few spots although very hard to get any news on the fallout. That spot in Bahrain has tons of Americans and is close to where I lived. Likely get a story about a "training accident" in Poland in a few days if American soldiers were killed.

Why would Israel not want credit? I believe that there will likely be a complete briefing from the DOD or the IDF on what and who hit the compound, but it was most likely the Israelis. They were first in and that was among the first targets.

[GrantDawg]

Iran is focusing the strength of its attacks on its Arab neighbors. Actually a pretty good strategy considering the teeth of the defensive capabilities are surrounding Israel, and those countries not only allow US military to use bases in their country, but have huge amounts of money invested in the United States and specifically Trump. Hitting the cash cows hard to push the US to stop the attacks could work.

[GrantDawg]

CENTCOM Is confirming three soldiers dead and 5 seriously wounded so far. No confirmation on where and how yet.

[Lathum]

MAGA s totally fine with kids being killed on Trumps watch but if this was Biden or Obama there would be "never forget" signs all over every trailer park in America.

[kingfc22]

Yup. It’s just a never ending game of body pretzeling while moving goal posts

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Why would Israel not want credit? I believe that there will likely be a complete briefing from the DOD or the IDF on what and who hit the compound, but it was most likely the Israelis. They were first in and that was among the first targets.

I think they would prefer playing a secondary role so Americans take the brunt of the retaliation. And being able to drag the U.S. around on a leash is a bigger flex than killing some 86 year old figurehead.

If you listen to their leaders today, they are already moving on to the next target which is Turkey.

[RainMaker]

And I guess that is why there is a push to get out of NATO.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

I think they would prefer playing a secondary role so Americans take the brunt of the retaliation. And being able to drag the U.S. around on a leash is a bigger flex than killing some 86 year old figurehead.

I am just not getting your reasoning here. Israel loves getting credit for these things. It was an Israeli foreign minster and Netanyahu that first claimed the Ayatollah's death, and really bragged about it. It was a huge intelligence and military win, considering it was not just that 86 year old figurehead that was killed. They already know they are going to be a primary target whether it was a US missile or one of theirs. All evidence points to it being one of theirs, and very purposely. The US assets had been the focus of all the eyes, and were being watch carefully to be tipped off when the attack was going to happen. Instead they launched the first line from Israeli bases for it to be a surprise, and it very obviously worked.

[GrantDawg]

Europe is now being dragged into the war. Iran has hit bases of the French, Germans and UK even though they forbid American use in the strikes. Now the UK has given the US permission to use their bases and Frnce is sending ships to the Gulf.

[JPhillips]

Platner is a character from Skinheads of Maine. Collins is goig to release mountains of oppo on him and it will end with Schumer practically endorsing her.

A total disaster. How can there not be an under 80 Dem without a Nazi fetish in all of Maine?

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

I am just not getting your reasoning here. Israel loves getting credit for these things. It was an Israeli foreign minster and Netanyahu that first claimed the Ayatollah's death, and really bragged about it. It was a huge intelligence and military win, considering it was not just that 86 year old figurehead that was killed. They already know they are going to be a primary target whether it was a US missile or one of theirs. All evidence points to it being one of theirs, and very purposely. The US assets had been the focus of all the eyes, and were being watch carefully to be tipped off when the attack was going to happen. Instead they launched the first line from Israeli bases for it to be a surprise, and it very obviously worked.

I'm just saying that I don't think Israel cares who gets credit for it. It's not going to be some back and forth with Trump. If Trump declares it was him who took out the Ayotollah, Israel will play along. At the end of the day it's American weapons, technology, and money that made it happen. Israel and America are essentially one at this point.

Israel also prefers to stay in the background and let America fight their wars. Iraq being a recent example. I just think they're happy having an attack dog that they can use for their own goals.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

Platner is a character from Skinheads of Maine. Collins is goig to release mountains of oppo on him and it will end with Schumer practically endorsing her.

A total disaster. How can there not be an under 80 Dem without a Nazi fetish in all of Maine?

I have no dog in this race but I genuinely don't think people give a shit about that stuff anymore. Liberal optics died and he is likely going to be the next Senator from Maine.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

I have no dog in this race but I genuinely don't think people give a shit about that stuff anymore. Liberal optics died and he is likely going to be the next Senator from Maine.

Maine is such a weird place. Like most of those New England states, they really love politicians with an independent streak. That why Collins has played so well there for her supposed "standing up" to her party. That's what they are doing with this guy. It is just weird the the Lefties are so far up this guy's butt, when they hate guys like Fetterman and Joe Manchin, who the Union boss is literally comparing him to.

[dubb93]

Rather than allowing Iran to just shoot missiles at whatever they want we really need to render them incapable of doing so. I didn't support whatever this is but you really can't afford to half ass this and let Iran blow up 1/4 of the world because you only wanted to kill one man and create a vacuum.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Maine is such a weird place. Like most of those New England states, they really love politicians with an independent streak. That why Collins has played so well there for her supposed "standing up" to her party. That's what they are doing with this guy. It is just weird the the Lefties are so far up this guy's butt, when they hate guys like Fetterman and Joe Manchin, who the Union boss is literally comparing him to.

I just think they like the fact that he is actually speaking up about things and criticizijg the party for their many failures. Same reason they liked Zohran. Tough to get excited about doormats who agree with most of Trump's policies.

This goes for any politician running in 2026. Liberalism is dead.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by dubb93

Rather than allowing Iran to just shoot missiles at whatever they want we really need to render them incapable of doing so. I didn't support whatever this is but you really can't afford to half ass this and let Iran blow up 1/4 of the world because you only wanted to kill one man and create a vacuum.

Creating a vacuum is literally the goal. Just like with Syria, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Lebanon.

[HerRealName]

Yeah, I hope he isn't Fetterman Jr but is the new issue just that he went on a podcast with a guy that criticizes Isreal and accused them of shooting Kirk? Schumer's endorsement means less than zero at this point so I'm not sure what difference that would make.