Hoard of the Flies

[H2O Man]

One of the best teaching methods throughout human history has been the fable, also known as the parable. In these, great teachers from Aesop to Jesus to Malcolm X delivered messages about human nature by way of stories featuring the natural world. After watching last night's presidential debate, I tried to think of something to compare Trump to, but was at a loss. For there is no similar predator to be found outside of the human race.

In past debates, including in the 2016 republican primaries and general election, Trump was obnoxious. He butted in, lied, and insulted opponents frequently. Yet, in last night's debate, he brought it to a compulsie -- and repulsive -- new level, not allowing Joe Biden to answer a single question without rude interruption. This was evidence of the synergy of Trump's frustration with how his re-election campaign is going, his concern for his future, and his fear of Joe Biden.

No one outside the packs of scavengers know as the Proud Boys, the Ku Klux Klan, and Nazis could take pride in Trump's performance. This was their dream of what America should become. They are like flies on fresh shit.

Checking social and anti-social media this morning, I noted that even a number of Trump apologists are unhappy with Trump's display of weakness. Safe to say that he did not win any new supporters last night. One of the funniest things I saw this morning was a response to a facebook post by a friend who said Trump ruined the debate by saying, "Why do you always have to be so negative?" Even Trump supporters can't call his performance positive.

While watching the debate, I found myself thinking of my first interview with Dr. Bandy Lee, regarding how a sociopath named Trump reacts to pressure. I thought that Joe Biden did a great job. There were several barbs he could have used to get further under Trump's skin, but there is no need to shoot all twelve of one's bullets when six accomplishes the job. I took four phone calls from friends, aghast at Trump's extended melt-down.

This morning, I find myself wondering what the rest of the world thinks about this.

Keep on fighting the Good Fight!
H2O

[calimary]

1. I was actually squirming in my chair trying to watch that orange barf-job

try to dominate.

And I kept thinking about his recent assertions about dominating. He was laboring his cold little “heart” out the entire time trying to do that. He probably thinks he did an absolutely smashing job. Instead, I think it will help smash him.

I don’t think his nasty, rude, boorish, constantly interrupting schtick won him any new converts. It was a WHOLE LOTTA off-putting. And he grew increasingly disgusting-looking. Bloated. Not his characteristic orange but inflamed red. Lumpy as though sores were about to open up on his face, like vile swollen floating pustule Baron Harkonnen in “Dune.” (Ironically, the Baron’s first name is Vladimir. I’d forgotten about that.)

It was a real “EEEEEEUUUUUWW” moment.

I was totally with Joe Biden on the “will you shut up, man?” I wanted that, too.

[H2O Man]

4. It was no JFK vs Nixon,

even though one candidate had a sour, sweaty mug.

And your point about Trump's error in thinking -- believing that butting in constantly made up for Stormy Daniel's description of his pet mushroom -- is right on. As someone who has been around lots of actual tough guys, including sharing a boxing ring with dozens of them, I know that tough guys never behave in that manner. Only weak men do.

"Will you shut up, man?" was classic. That and calling him "Putin's puppy."

[cayugafalls]

2. My wife and I could not stop laughing. The orange clown kept the stupid bar high.

We loved Joe's barbs and jabs and I knew we would be seeing more of those quotes today.

Unlike commentary by others who felt it was hard to watch, we were completely enthralled watching Dumpo the Clown meltdown on national TV.

It was the best 1 1/2 hours I have seen in quite a while. I'm still laughing and then I wake up and find this tweet from Joe and the hilarity continued.

I have it on re-run...

Link to tweet

[H2O Man]

6. Right!!!

I thought it was hilarious and horrifying. I didn't expect Trump to be so absolutely out-of-control from the giddy-up. As a result, I was a bit giddy myself.

[hunter]

3. "The US embarrassed itself before the world for 100 minutes," The Times of India wrote.

https://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2020-54354405

[H2O Man]

7. Thank you for that.

The sad truth is that the US has the most unstable "leader" right now. The world watches in horror.

[Nevilledog]

5. I love your term "anti-social media ". That's perfection!

[H2O Man]

8. Thanks!

I think that captures it in its essence.

[Nevilledog]

10. Yeah it does. Do you mind if I borrow it?

[H2O Man]

11. I'd be pleased

if you do.

[spanone]

12. ⭐️K&R⭐️

Good Post.

[H2O Man]

13. Thanks!

That was wild, was it not? I've watched it three times so far, and find it stranger every time.

[lunatica]

14. Here's an excellent ad about the debate from the Biden campaign

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100214169433

The Biden campaign’s messaging has been excellent up to now.

[H2O Man]

15. Wow!!!!

That is so intense! Thank you for sharing that here! I love it!

[lunatica]

16. It's brilliant!

I’m more and more impressed with Biden’s campaign. They’re working overtime on the turnaround reactions. My hat’s off to them.

It feels like they have some younger people who know social media like the back of their hands.

[H2O Man]

18. Indeed, it is!

And I agree about the younger people working on this and other similar things. They are producing powerful responses to the mad king. I am loving the campaign ..... not that I wasn't fully aware of just how ugly it will get, but the amazing manner in which the Biden campaign maintains control while Trump spins out of control.

[malaise]

17. Great post

And the full meltdown is still to come

[H2O Man]

19. That it is!

The full meltdown is in process, and can likely be anticipated in 28 days, at the next full moon.

January will be a particularly difficult month in America .... more so for the Trumpets. Of course, these are merely the predictions of a grumpy old man. But I am confident they will prove to be true.

[Martin Eden]

20. I was agitated and angry watching the debate, pacing about the room

That disgusting spectacle was a debasement of American democracy. I actually felt shame for my country that a presidential debate could feature such behavior from the president of the United States. He turned what should be an example to the world of how a leading democracy chooses its leaders into a sick reality TV show of the lowest order.

This POtuS has been worse than a shame and an embarrassment since he won the nomination of one of our two major parties. He has been and continues to be the single greatest threat to our national security; to the institutions which sustain our republic; and to the health and well being of the American people.

It sickens and angers me to watch him and to be reminded that he occupies the highest most powerful office in the land, supported by 40% or more of my fellow citizens.

I am agnostic regarding religion and I say Please God, make him go away!