Regarding J.D. Vance...

We have an eight year long history of examining the eventual outcomes for people who have publicly associated themselves with Donald Trump.

For the vast majority of those associates, their connections with him have rarely turned out to be personally advantageous. The closer these people have joined with Trump, the more susceptible they were to personal tragedies, political failure, financial bankruptcy, criminal prosecution and otherwise forms of setbacks.

Everything Trump touches turns to shit... We have all seen this time and time again.

So., why would Vance, who had previously opposed Trump by once labeling him an "American Hitler" change his tune and place himself in the uniquely precarious position of being his running mate? What kind of risk vs. reward calculation did he make to be at Trump's side?

Considering his public record in office so far... This path has not been surprising... he's a prototypical slime ball and scumbag. He's perfectly attuned to grow within Trump's MAGASphere.

Instead of being a member of good standing in what used to the The Republican Party, he has hinged his political survival as a loyal devotee of a transformed white grievance apocalyptic death cult.

If anything, this speaks to Vance's character, or lack thereof. It speaks to the opportunistic quality of his character. His willingness to sacrifice any fealty to the country and Constitution on the altar of Trump's cult. He's a weak willed, ambitious and lacks any sense of integrity whatsoever. He is on record for Trump's campaign to transform public service into Trump's personal fiefdom.

Vance is typical for the kind of low integrity individuals who would populate a prospective Trump second term. People who are fated to become an ever growing pile of bodies presided over by Trump himself.

I'll tell you what he isn't though... He's not an attempt to appeal to the center. His value to gain independent votes will not be added. If anything, choosing Vance as his running mate is a sure sign that Trump will lose the election in November. Most of all, the biggest loser in the VP pick looks to be Vance himself.

It really sucks to be him.

I usually watch the national party conventions on C-Span every time...

Because C-Span only focuses on the speakers at the podium and eschews talking heads.

I can't do the RNC this year, because listening to these delusional sycophants and professional political liars publicly fellating Trump up on stage makes me sick to my stomach... That wasn't hyperbole.

The GOP is no longer a political party, it's Trump's personal white grievance apocalyptic death cult.

Unfortunately, I don't believe that this is the lowest that Republicans can get. I'm quite sure that they can get way lower.

Seriously, Lester...

Why are are you on that bullshit?

Tom Tom Club - Genius of Love

"Registered Republican..."

Things that make you go “Hmmm.”

Further in my skepticism...

I seriously doubt that Trump and his cult would ever call or stand up for an atmosphere of civility and respect in America in the aftermath.

The hateful rhetoric, incivility and anger is only going to get worse.

Any discussion about guns, of course, will be ignored.

My skepticism is fueled by the fact...

That with Trump, you can never take appearances for granted. He is entire political existence has been built upon distorted reality and perceived martyrdom.

I do expect him to do everything to monetize and politically exploit this incident.

From every perspective, none of this was good for anyone.

Earth, Wind & Fire - Got to get you into my life.

Norah Jones - Black Hole Sun

Bossa Nova Cover - Master Of Puppets