Trump Thinks Attacking Iran Will Get Him Reelected. He's Wrong.

[babylonsister]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/trump-thinks-attacking-iran-will-get-him-reelected-hes-wrong/ar-BBYAqYM?fbclid=IwAR2jCXRArnfYSxhHVLuyXsjPJtAnEIds3Rj2mPTZcDdZhSC088w0-qyyAFk


Trump Thinks Attacking Iran Will Get Him Reelected. He’s Wrong.
Jonathan Chait
22 hrs ago


Beginning in 2011, and continuing through the next year, Donald Trump began obsessively predicting that President Obama would start a war with Iran in order to be reelected. Trump stated it publicly, on at least a half-dozen occasions, explicitly positing that attacking Iran would help Obama win reelection.

Link to tweet

Just like Trump’s notions that Obama would direct his attorney general whom to investigate or not, or pressure the Federal Reserve to loosen the money supply in order to help his party win the next election, Trump’s attacks on Obama were the purest form of projection. They reflect his cynical belief that every president will naturally abuse their powers, and thus provide a roadmap to his own intentions.

And indeed, Trump immediately followed the killing of Qasem Suleimani by metaphorically wrapping himself in the stars and stripes. No doubt he anticipates at least a faint echo of the rally-around-the-flag dynamic that has buoyed many of his predecessors. But Trump’s critics need not assume he will enjoy any such benefit, and should grasp that their own response will help determine it.

snip//

Americans historically support their presidents in foreign conflicts, both the wise ones and unwise ones alike, at least initially. Trump no doubt believes the halo effect will last at least through November — that he might undertake an action that would harm his reelection out of some larger sense of duty to the nation or the world is unfathomable.

But presidents traditionally benefit from a presumption of competence, or at least moral legitimacy, from their opposition. Trump has forfeited his. He will not have Democratic leaders standing shoulder to shoulder with him, and his practice of disregarding and smearing government intelligence should likewise dispel any benefit of the doubt attached to claims he makes about the necessity of his actions. Trump has made it plain that he views American war-fighting as nothing but the extension of domestic politics. We should believe him.

[dlk]

1. Russian oil prices just spiked

This was Putin’s plan. All roads lead to Putin.

[Farmer-Rick]

2. Yup...a Russian federation plane recently landed in South Florida

I do believe our orange bafoon and his Slovenian Sex Worker are meeting with the Russians right now.

Champagne anyone?

[TNNurse]

5. Our gas prices have gone up 32 cents per gal this week.

We filled up both of our cars yesterday. A small gesture but it seemed like the thing to do.

[ancianita]

3. He wrapped himself in christianism as much as the flag. Now he'll rally at fundie churches

like the one in Miami.

His competence is only the military's competence, which he hides behind and knows nothing about.

[ooky]

9. The christian who doesn't pray.

He's a fraud at everything.

[abqtommy]

4. tRUMP has never had the majority. His success in politics is based on ratfuckery and corruption

that never ends.

[SCVDem]

6. That's one fine anti dump campaign ad!

All of this because one person was killed. Yet Gallagher is fine murdering in cold blood?

How many thousands have we wiped out at wedding parties?

America has no moral high ground and the evangelicals can hopefully look for a visit from the IRS!

That is why they feel persecuted and I hope they feel it even more!

[bucolic_frolic]

7. Trump will try to paint himself as patriotic for bludgeoning Iran's military leader

and Biden as a tool for Obama's Iran Treaty. But I think Americans are now too smart to buy such sleight of hand, even from Trump, whose motivation here is transparent even to those in his administration.

[Crowman2009]

8. Given the large amount of SAMs and the fact they've be getting ready...

...for almost 40 years. I would say that an air strike or any attack would be a terrible idea. Along with the larger population, mountains, and even the more democratic factions in Iran feel the same way about our military as the radical Shia now. Did I also mention the Shah's family is still living in the states as well?

[packman]

10. Gasoline prices just spiked 15+ cents the last two days

I feel sorry for the guy who has to climb the ladder to change the numbers on the gas station billboard that announces the prices. He's going to be going up and down a lot soon.

[dlk]

11. Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz and, essentially, the flow of middle eastern oil

We can never forget the GOP has intentionally inflicted us with Trump. They are completely unfit to govern in any circumstance. Before this is over, it wouldn’t be surprising if oil prices go through the roof and our economy is seriously impacted. Putin must be so pleased.

[Bradical79]

12. Iraq and Afghanistan have soured the U.S. on these wars

Barring a major 9/11 level attack, I'm not sure anyone would get a huge boost by going after Iran this agressively. I think even President Obama's military actions in Syria weren't that popular. One of the more effective attacks against Clinton was painting her as a warmonger. I think at best Trump gets a small temporary bump in popularity following some media bullshit.

This is all asuming Iranian military doesn't do anything incredibly stupid in retaliation, of course.

[Cyrano]

13. Please don't use the word "reelected."

He stole it in 2016 and he's trying to steal it again.

[smirkymonkey]

14. I hate him so much.

Hate, hate, hate him. I wake up every day hoping to hear news of his passing. The day it happens will be one of the happiest days of my life. I am so tired of what he is doing to this country and to the world.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

15. K&R