President Trump to hold Duluth rally June 20

President Donald Trump will become the first sitting president since George W. Bush to visit Duluth on June 20, 2018. He will stump for his policies and campaign for Republican candidates like Pete Stauber in Minnesota’s Eighth District. (PHOTO: Michael Vadon, Flickr CC)

President Trump will hold a June 20 rally in Duluth, Minn., to sell his policies and stump for Republican candidates.

The rally will be held at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center at 6:30 p.m. June 20. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m.

UPDATE: The rally has been moved to AMSOIL Arena in the DECC complex to accommodate more people. In addition, a short round table discussion with mining industry leaders and Trump-supporting local officials will occur before the rally at the Port Authority.

Duluth is the biggest city in Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District, one of the nation’s most closely-watched races. Republican Pete Stauber has run closely with Trump so far. He will surely sit front and center at this rally.

Trump will also sell his policies, especially his aggressive tariffs on many nations, including U.S. allies like Canada. Trump greatly outperformed past Republican candidates on the Mesabi Iron Range in 2016, carrying several towns along the former DFL stronghold. Trade protectionism remains popular among Republicans and Democrats here.

“We are so excited to welcome President Trump back to Minnesota next week,” said Minnesota GOP chair Jennifer Carnahan. “The importance of Minnesota this election cycle – in influencing the balance of power in Washington D.C. for the next two-years – and ensuring we send the President conservative reinforcements depends on our ability to Make Minnesota Red.”

Five candidates seek the DFL nomination in the 8th District which will be conferred in the Aug. 14 primary. They include Kirsten Kennedy, Michelle Lee, Jason Metsa, Joe Radinovich and Soren Sorensen.

Stauber is heavily favored in a Republican primary against Trump critic and former Duluth School Board member Harry Welty.

Ray “Skip” Sandman has filed to run under the Independence Party banner.

I’ve got a primer on the MN-8 race here and will have further analysis of Trump’s recent trade gambit in coming days.


Comments

  1. Ranger47 says

    If you ever played high school sports, I’m guessing you had a coach that in his own way tried to instill the following in you. If not, he was a lousy coach:

    “Winning isn’t everything, but it beats anything comes in second.” – Paul Bryant
    “No matter how much you’ve won, no matter how many games, no matter how many championships, no matter how many Super Bowls, you’re not winning now, so you stink.” – Bill Parcells
    “The person that said winning isn’t everything, never won anything.” – Mia Hamm
    “If you’re going to play at all, you’re out to win. Baseball, board games, playing Jeopardy, I hate to lose.” – Derek Jeter

    Trump is a leader/coach who plays for America to win. B.O. (and the Democrats) played not only for America to lose, but they took America out of the game…and apologized for our past winnings!

    B.O. whined from the sidelines, telling us our past wins were unfair. Telling us it’s someone else’s turn to win. What a loser! B.O. is B.S.!! Trump is a winner…MAGA!

    • What is it exactly we are trying to ‘win’? A race? A contest? We’re trying to see who can make the most money? I guess I’m confused by this implication that there is some big grand prize somewhere.

      So I shouldn’t have run the Garry Bjorkland Half Marathon last weekend because I wasn’t going to win it? Really? I’m pretty sure if you’d have seen the thousands and thousands of people in Duluth who were ‘not going to win’ you’d be questioning your analogy. I, like most other runners, do it for a myriad of reasons. If you’d seen some of the people on the course that I did, you’d wonder why they were there because they looked like they belonged on the couch. For lots of us, it’s just about having a goal and reaching it. It’s maybe trying to do better than the year before. For most, it’s better than sitting on the couch (or sidelines). Because being active is better than being sedentary.

      Ask the city of Duluth how much money ‘they’ make on this weekend. I’m pretty sure that they ‘won’, as did many hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.

      Clearly, you are a Trump supporter and I find the same is true of you as is with many other Trump supporters. You think ‘winning’ is more important than being a kind human being. You think it’s more important to be ‘the best’ rather than work together collectively to accomplish something.

      If only the people who were going to ‘win’ the race in any given category last weekend were the ones who showed up, Duluth would have lost a lot of money. Thousands, if not millions (collectively) would still be sitting in the wallet of many ‘losers.’ Who would be the real loser then?

      My prediction is that the only thing Trump is going to win in the history of the U.S. is the title of ‘Worst President.’ Americans of the era will win the title as ‘Stupidest Voters Ever.’

      #notmypresident

  2. John Packa says

    No matter how you feel about Trump you have to admit it is pretty cool that a president is coming to Duluth.

  3. I’ll be standing in the reporters’ section, ready to weather the rage of the crowd if he starts crying about fake news.

  4. Ranger47 says

    You can rest assured JR, he speaks the truth so fake news will get hammered. However, he also fills in the gaps the mainstream news doesn’t report.

    We’ll be presented with two platforms, either the Trump Platform – Make America Great Again (and steps he’s taken to do so):

    Neil Gorsuch on the Supreme Court
    Stock Market reached an all-time high
    Consumer confidence at 17-year high
    More than 3.5 million jobs created
    Mortgage applications for new homes rise to a 7-year high
    Unemployment rate at all time low
    Signed the Promoting Women In Entrepreneurship Act
    Gutted Obama-era regulations
    Ended war on coal
    Weakened ineffective Dodd-Frank regulations
    Promote buying and hiring American
    Encouraged investment from major businesses (FoxConn, Toyota, Ford and others)
    Reduced illegal immigration
    Fighting back against illegal sanctuary cities
    Created Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office
    Changed rules of engagement against ISIS
    Drafted plans to defeat ISIS
    Worked to reduce F-35 cost
    5-year lobbying ban
    Sanctioned Iran over missile program
    Responded to Syria’s use of chemical weapons
    Introduced very effective tax reform plan
    Renegotiating NAFTA
    Withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
    Removed The United States out of punitive “feel good” The Paris Accord
    Created task force to reduce crime
    DOJ targeting MS-13
    Signed an Executive Order to promote energy independence and economic growth
    Signed Executive Order to protect police officers
    Signed Executive Order to target drug cartels
    Signed Executive Order for religious freedom
    Sending education decisions back to The States
    Fixing the Department of Veterans Affairs
    SCOTUS upheld parts of President Trump’s temporary travel ban Executive Order
    Authorized the construction of The Keystone Pipeline
    Created commission on opioid addiction
    Combating human trafficking (both EO and action)
    Rollback of Obama’s Cuba policy
    Food Stamp use lowest level in 7 years
    Reduced White House payroll
    Donating Presidential Salary
    Executive Order on Obamacare subsidies
    Would not certify the Iran Nuclear Deal
    Designated North Korea a terrorist state
    Negotiating to end North Korea nuclear program
    ISIS lost virtually all of its territory
    Recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital
    Passage of Tax Reform Bill
    Signed 130 bills into law
    Made 136 Presidential Proclamations
    Signed 64 Executive Orders

    Or…the Democrat Platform:
    “F**K Trump!”

    Which is most inspiring? Which offers more opportunity for Iron Rangers?

  5. Gerald S says

    Just a few corrections:

    1.) Economic changes represent a smooth continuation of the recovery initiated under Obama. The curve has not changed since the recovery began under Obama in 2010. It is a long slow rise, with no significant acceleration of rate, but at least no deceleration.

    2.) Job growth is slightly lower than under Obama, but still good.

    3.) Unemployment is not at an all time low. It is at an 18 year low. It was lower in the 90’s and in the 60’s, and the all time low was in the early 50’s. Again, the decline in unemployment was more rapid under Obama..

    4.) End to the “war on coal” has not led to more coal mining or more coal jobs. Coal mining is down because coal cannot compete with low cost natural gas, not because of any rules or regulations. Natural gas is simply cheaper, easier to handle, and requires no storage.

    5.) Illegal immigration and trafficking has actually increased substantially in the last year.

    6.) The plan to defeat ISIS, despite a lot of noise and a few stutter steps forward and back, is the same plan pursued under Obama. It was working then, pushing ISIS back on a broad front, and has continued to work.

    7.) The “five year lobbying ban” has been subverted by the hiring of dozens of high ranking officials who were former lobbyists.

    8.) The Steelworkers Union OPPOSES TRUMP’S TARIFFS ON CANADIAN STEEL. Why? We actually export MORE steel to Canada than we import. A steel trade war with Canada will hurt Range miners, and their union has moved to try to stop it.

    9.) The tax cuts have failed to lead to any increase in economic expansion because the cuts are being used almost entirely to do stock buy backs, not to expand business. April of 2018 was a record month for stock buy backs. The continued slow rate of economic expansion primarily is due to a lack of demand, driven mainly by the low level of income and high level of income insecurity among over half of Americans, and by the aging of the population (old people tend to buy less stuff.) Since the overwhelming impact of the tax cuts are to put more money in the pockets of high income people, there is little increase in available cash for working people to spend. As long as policies focus on putting more money into the pockets of the wealthy, this will continue.

    In general, the economy is in the midst of the second longest expansion in history, which began in 2010 under Obama and has continued under Trump, but that expansion remains very slow by standards of past recoveries. Lack of growth in demand is the central culprit, as noted. But at least the slow smooth rise over that interval continues. Hopefully, the developing trade conflagration will not destroy it.

    Otherwise, the rest is, to quote the Bard, “full of sound and fury but signifying nothing.”

    • Joe musich says

      Well crafted bullet point response. So if Agent Orange is the superpowered sensitive that he alone claims he is why the delay in being knowing what Trudeau was doing it when he was doing it ? I would suggest a mass cosplay of Sinclair Lewis show up. This guy’s BS boat could loose it’s mast trying to force it’s way under the aerial lift bridge.

      • Ranger47 says

        Joe….I put your response side-by-side with comments by High Crime, MS-13 supporter Nancy Pelosi. And the similarity is striking. You both are, well….unintelligible. The word on the street is she’s either got a dependency problem…or, she’s not aging well upstairs.

        • Just worth noting that crime rates are at very low levels right now — much lower than under Reagan, Bush I, Clinton, or the early Bush II years, although slightly increased compared with the end of the Obama presidency. No one knows why, but we should certainly be celebrating that. Violent crime rates are even lower.

          If we knew what magic impacted crime during the Obama years and the later Bush II years, we should certainly do even more of that.

          • Ranger 47 says

            Typical fake news, “f**k Trump” that no ones buying.

          • Gerald S says

            If you know how to use Google, you can look it up.

          • If I had to guess, I’d say the magic that impacted the crime stats under Obama wasn’t mystical. It more than likely had to do with under-reporting by local governments in order to get funding from the federal government.

          • Gerald S says

            The crime stats have continued on the same path since the second Clinton term. Downward trends continued under Bush II, under Obama, and now under Trump, reaching levels well below the 80’s and 90’s. People are usually surprised at that, probably mostly because of the “if it bleeds, it leads” policy of so much of the media, especially the Echo Chamber.

            And further, for those of you shaking in your boots over MS-13, crime by immigrants is much lower than by native born Americans (and before the racists kick in, lower than by native born white Americans,) and is even lower among undocumented immigrants. Immigrants simply have too much to lose by breaking the law.

  6. Ranger47 says

    Our Local Township Economist, Gerald, is sounding like the charlatan Paul Krugman….trying to give B.O. credit for the Trump’s economy is like awarding B.O. the peace prize…laughable.

    Deriding the accelerating economy and declining unemployment, is so nonsensical that it demeans all Democrats’ credibility, including yours Gerald. It shows how remarkably out of touch you are with the average Ranger. I supposed you think the thousand-dollar bonuses are “crumbs?”

    Listen to our yourself Gerald, you sound like Negative Nancy Pelosi…”‘Oh my goodness, … people are saying the unemployment rate is down, why isn’t my purchasing power increasing? So, this isn’t just about the unemployment rate, it’s about wages rising in our country, so that consumer confidence is restored.”

    We should get of picture of you and Negative Nancy for the midterm campaign ads.

    Unhappily for you, Gerald, but happily for the U.S., consumer confidence doesn’t need “restoring” – it is actually booming.

    The Conference Board reported just this week that its Consumer Confidence Index rose 2.4 points in May, and reached its highest reading in more than 17 years. Lynn Franco, the Conference Board’s Director of Economic Indicators, said in a press release, “Overall, confidence levels are at historically strong levels and should continue to support solid consumer spending in the near-term.”

    The Conference Board survey echoes other such measures, all of which point towards continued growth and nearly all of which moved sharply higher after Trump was elected president.

    In December 2016, the confidence index rose to 113.7, the highest level since July 2007, beating expectations by a wide margin. At the time, Franco noted that the so-called “expectations” part of the survey “hit a 13-year high.” The December 2016 report from the University of Michigan, which also tracks consumer sentiment, showed the highest optimism level since August 2001.

    Those figures are impressive. Note thatat no time during Barack Obama’s presidency did consumers feel similarly upbeat, despite the president’s personal popularity and his promises of “hope and change.” He delivered plenty of change; hope, zero.

    Confidence is key. With consumer spending accounting for 70 percent of the economy, how people feel about their prospects guides their decisions to buy a house or a car, whether to invest or to save. Instilling optimism about their personal outlook is essential to an expanding economy.

    Recent polls show that Americans give Trump credit for the roaring economy, which has boosted his approval ratings. Much higher than B.O.’s at the same point in his failed presidency.

    What’s got people feeling more positive? Gallup reports that 67 percent of Americans think it is a good time to find a quality job, the highest in 17 years of polling on this topic and up 25 points since Trump was elected.

    That reading is not surprising, except to you Gerald…and Negative Nancy apparently. All the indicators point to a tightening job market. For the first time ever….ever!, there are more job openings than people looking for work.

    The vacancies are especially high in manufacturing, which is gratifying since for years elitist liberal economists such as those who guided Obama’s economic policies have been telling us the U.S. could no longer compete as a producer. Over the past year, we’ve added 259,000 jobs in manufacturing.

    Pelosi is concerned that wages are not rising. In fact, take-home pay is going up, above the rate of inflation, and more quickly than it did under Obama. Hourly wages rose 2.7 percent year-over-year in May.

    Under Obama, businesses lacked confidence to invest for the future, so assaulted were they by onerous and costly regulations. Today, with tax cuts that encourage spending and Trump’s aggressive reduction in regulations, business spending has started to rise. It was up 9.2 percent in the first quarter, after a 6.9 percent increase in last year’s final three months. Productivity gains will surely follow, boosting wages.

    Democrats have no response to the accelerating economy. They are relying on attacks on President Trump to retake the House this fall, a meager strategy of – “F**k Trump”. Go for it Gerald..

    • Wrong about the approval ratings. Trump’s ratings are trending down right now, giving back some of the gains he made immediately after the tax bill passed, when he benefitted from many conservative voters coming home due to approval of the tax law. He is at a level of approval (41.5% in average of all polling) that is slightly worse than the worst average for Obama (42.1%.) The difference is certainly not statistically significant, but clearly Trump is not more popular than Obama. However, it is unclear if the popularity polling means much, since Obama went on to win re-election by a comfortable margin despite consistently net negative ratings. It may well be that the larger impact will be on the down ticket races for the President’s party, something that was seen during the Obama era.

      Also, there have frequently been more job openings than people seeking work. That was actually normal in the 50’s and first half of the 60’s. It has not happened since the 90’s, however, so that is a positive trend. Unfortunately , so far it has not been accompanied by significant increases in median wages (the mean wage you cite is much less indicative of the experience of most Americans, since it includes the very high increases experienced by workers in the top few percentage points of income,) but perhaps it may in the future, since classically it would. The one wild card here is the continued impact of technology change, with companies who do choose to invest rather than use their tax windfalls on stock buy backs and on mergers and acquisitions frequently spending on job destroying automation.

      As I am sure you know, there has been a disconnect between productivity gains and wage increases since 2000, with large gains in productivity not accompanied by significant wage increases — the increased income has been held as profits. For that reason, profits have consistently been at record levels while wages continued to stagnate. That occurred under Bush II, Obama, and continues under Trump.

      There is absolutely no possible argument that the economy has changed significantly in terms of rate of growth, rate of job production, rate of decline in unemployment, rate of rise in consumer confidence, rate of increase of inventories, orders, etc. etc. Anyone who is mathematically literate can read the graphs and see that the curve is smooth and steady since 2010, with no significant acceleration or deceleration. Yes, the numbers are improved now, but that is what happens when a positive trend continues unchanged.

      The economy is continuing a slow recovery that is not as rapid as from past recessions, but its duration — now about 8 years, the second longest in history — has brought indices to levels that match or exceed levels before the Bush recession. Trump does deserve credit for not messing this up, but he has not produced any different result in the last two years than Obama produced in the first six years of the recovery — again, that is obvious if you can read a line graph.

      So far, the public is happy with the economy but not inclined in polling to give Trump or Obama much credit. This may be partly because of the fact that so many people are not experiencing the impact of the improvement, which is being pocketed primarily by the wealthy, a trend accelerated by the recent tax law. That in turn is undoubtedly why the tax law continues get such poor ratings in polls — so much so that the Republican National Committee has advised that GOP candidates stop using it as a campaign talking point. The issues that do attract attention — especially health care, which is consistently the top concern — have tended to work against Trump and the GOP. That is probably why the GOP has done so poorly in interim elections and continues to do so poorly in generic polling.

      As usual, all of this has to be accompanied by the caveat that this is June, and the election is in November, and that opinions can change. A significant success with Korea could drive approval up, or following through on threats to end the ban on refusal of insurance to people with pre-existing conditions could drive it down.

      It is also worth noting that there has been very little polling in Minnesota, so we don’t really have any objective evidence that the same trends we are seeing in the country, including in Wisconsin and Iowa, are occurring here. Time will tell, but time is ticking by.

    • George Matkovits says

      BO started with an almost ZERO economy thanks to Bush 43 and a very high unemployment rate. I am a one-time escapee from behind the iron curtain and I am grateful to the ‘Deep State’ for keeping the Deputy-KGB-Colonel Putin off our shores and from a deeper embrace by our unelected President

      After all these years I still would hear when an AK clicks open and I must step around the corner to use my bayonet! Otherwise, I am a refugee from Hungary(Budapest) and used to work for the Control Data Corporation for 24 years as a Systems Engineer.

  7. Ranger47 says

    Gerald…You think Trump’s “end to the war on coal” was about opening the mines immediately? You’re a fool. It was about votes….and letting captialism play out. You should get out more.

    How stupid can MS-13 Nancy be by saying she planned “to put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business.”

    As Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said in an interview published Wednesday, he regrets backing Hillary Clinton in 2016, and hinted that he could back President Trump’s re-election in 2020.

    In an interview, Manchin said that he urged the doomed Democrat (Crooked Hillary) in 2016 not to travel to the coal-rich state after she said she planned “to put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business.”

    Manchin also hinted that he could cross party lines in 2020 and back President Trump’s re-election.

    “I’m open to supporting the person who I think is best for my country and my state,” Manchin said. “If his policies are best, I’ll be right there.”

  8. Bigbassguy says

    Trump was elected, ____ and square. He seems to be be carrying out everything he promised and a lot he didn’t, the country be damned. It’s his unethical behavior that’s really going to get us in trouble. I’d bet he doesn’t show in Duluth.

    • Ranger47 says

      I’ll grant you Bigbassguy…..no one, not even you or me are 100% ethical. However, we all knew the ethical backgrounds of B.O., Crooked Hillary and Trump. Trump won…why you say?

      We all saw that B.O. had driven our country in the ground. He and his wife hate the U.S. We all saw Crooked Hillary was worse. We all chose Trump…and good thing we did.

  9. Ranger47 says

    Gerald….You never heard words like this from ICE agents or Home Land Security when B.O. was in charge of stopping illegals.

    The apprehension of illegal immigrants along the southwest border with Mexico jumped 160 percent in May 2018 compared to the previous year.

    The numbers increased each month this calendar year.

    Border Patrol agents apprehended 40,344 illegal immigrants between the ports of entry along the southwest border with Mexico —up from 14,535 in May 2017.

    Those arrested include 9,485 Family Unit Aliens (FMUA) and 6,405 Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC), according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Southwest Border Migration Report released Wednesday evening.

    “These numbers show that while the Trump administration is restoring the rule of law, it will take a sustained effort and continuous commitment of resources over many months to disrupt cartels, smugglers, and nefarious actors,” the DHS Press Secretary stated.

    “We are taking action and will be referring and then prosecuting 100 percent of illegal border crossers.

    • You have the right numbers but the wrong interpretation. The increased numbers of arrests are due to increased numbers of immigrants, not to superior enforcement. Many of the families and minors actually present themselves at the border check points and ask for asylum, so arresting them is not a challenge.

      Increases at the border each month are bad news, not good. That is why Trump threatened the woman who was in charge and reduced her to tears.

  10. Ranger47 says

    You lie Gerald…the curve economic curve has changed under Trump. B.O. had us on an historic third world country course. His legacy is the failure of centralized, top-down, big government-centric policymaking.

    Annualized top-line growth in gross domestic product averaged a dismal 2 percent over B.O’s eight years. The poor overall growth is a direct reflection of poor productivity growth which generated especially poor wage growth. Inflation-adjusted average hourly earnings grew at a minuscule annual rate of 0.25 percent during B.O’s so called recovery.

    The ultimate indictment, however, was the damage done to the long-term prospects for the U.S. economy. From the end World War II to 2007, the U.S. economy grew rapidly enough that – even with the arrival of the baby boomers – GDP per capita doubled approximately every 35 years. That is, in one working career it would be possible to see the standard of living double. This provided the environment for millions of workers to pursue their version of the American Dream, whether it was a car, a house, a college education or some other new opportunity.

    Under B.O.’s eight years of 2 percent growth, combined with projected population estimates, growth was so slow that the standard of living would double only every 70 years. The American dream disappeared under B.O. He tried to sell us snake oil saying – “this is the new economic norm”. He and his wife tried to destroy America….they hate it’s history, it’s people and it’s Christian heritage.

    Then the people said “enough”…and put a real leader in place. Trump’s economic hockey stick curve is real, unlike the phony global warming Michael Mann curve.

    • Sorry, your ideas are simply wrong. Just look up any graph of the performance of GDP, GDP per capita, unemployment, job creation, consumer confidence, etc. etc. They all fell spectacularly in the last five quarters under George W. Bush, and continued to fall for the Q1 and Q2 of 2009 under Obama. By the Q3 of 2009, the downturn was reversing unevenly, and from 2010 on it steadily went up. The damage was done under Bush, and was repaired under Obama and continues to be repaired under Trump. Every single index has trended positive since 2010. Far from heading into the third world, under Obama the US outperformed every developed economy. And far from a “hockey stick,” Trump has shown a steady but modest growth. Trump experienced a 2.3% growth in 2017, very similar to many Obama years, and that was attained only because Q4 was much stronger than the rest of the year, at 2.9% growth. Q1 of 2018 continued at the same 2.3% rate, but Q2 is actually slowing slightly. Consumer spending is down, at its lowest level in five years, which is most likely the major reason for the slowing.

      Again, rates of growth under Obama and Trump have been slow, but they have been very steady and the recovery has been very long-lived. Among other things, Obama completely dodged the recession Britain and most of Western Europe experienced in 2013-2014.

      The “hockey stick” is pure fantasy. You really need to start Googling some of your assertions before you write them down. Measure your ideas against the real world, not against the bombast coming from Trump and his lackeys in government and in the media.

  11. Ranger47 says

    ISIS might not be dead Gerald, but those still alive aren’t getting a good nights sleep like they were under B.O. Trump and Mad Dog have had a significant impact.

    Days after being inaugurated, Trump signed an Executive Order requesting a Pentagon-led review be provided to him within thirty days on how ISIS could be defeated. Change in tactics quickly began to appear. Mad Dog said Trump “delegated authority to the right level to aggressively and in a timely manner move against enemy vulnerabilities.” This meant that when those on the ground requested airstrikes, fewer layers of sign-off were required; the approval process was decentralized and, subsequently, faster.

    In March 2017 when U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces asked for U.S. air transport for a surprise operation in Taqba, a Syrian town on the Euphrates and where ISIS controlled a dam, those on the ground gave approval immediately. Under B.O., this took days, weeks, or never happened.

    Mad Dog also said that another change was a “shift from shoving ISIS out of safe locations in an attrition fight to surrounding the enemy in their strongholds so we can annihilate ISIS.” The purpose behind this Mattis said, was to dry up the flow of foreign fighters leaving the region.

    Undeniably, the foreign-fighter flow was stunted.

    Another shift came in the role of U.S. troops in combat operations. During the fight for Mosul, hundreds of U.S. Special Forces operators were given latitude to work much closer with their Iraqi partners. Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, the head of U.S. military efforts in Syria and Iraq confirmed that “We are operating closer and deeper into Iraqi formations.”

    Some of the problems the Trump administration is now trying to resolve are those the Obama administration created. The premature U.S. troop withdrawal in 2011 by B.O. helped give Al Qaeda in Iraq the space it needed to regenerate. B.O.’s failure to act after declaring a “red line” destroyed U.S. credibility….and has been very costly in lives, money and equipment.

    In a speech at Stanford this month, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson proclaimed that lessons from Iraq had been learned. Tillerson outlined why a U.S. military presence would still be required in Syria even though ISIS’ “Caliphate” had fallen. “We cannot allow history to repeat itself in Syria,” Tillerson said. “ISIS presently has one foot in the grave, and by maintaining an American military presence in Syria until the full and complete defeat of ISIS is achieved, it will soon have two.”

    • You’ve just written more words this evening in the comments than I’ve written on the blog in the past two weeks. Take a walk, Bob. Or write a book. Let some other people speak for a while.

      • Simply correcting the B.S. comments by our Local Township Economist Gerald.

        It is getting time for a nap though. But I have a tendency to glance at a half dozen sites when I awake for a bathroom calls multiple times a night. It’ll be fun to hear how Trump tied Rocket Man into knots..

    • As I am sure you realize, most of the territory and several major cities captured by ISIS in Iraq had been recaptured before Trump even took office. The battle for Mosul was a fight for the last territory that had to be recovered.

      In Syria, most of the territory ISIS had taken had also been retaken by 2017. Our surrogates the Kurds had done some of the heavy lifting, and we continued to support them. However, most of the fighting was done — with great brutality, including use of poison gas and extensive bombing of non-combatants — by the Syrian government with the support of the Russians. The US has been doing some active missions there, but the policy changes almost weekly — including a recent statement by Trump that he would withdraw all of the US forces very soon, quickly corrected by his military advisors. We did do two attacks on Syrian forces as penalties for use of gas.

  12. William Shakespeare says

    Brevity is the soul of wit,
    And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes.

    • Ranger47 says

      You’re spot on William, sorry. Got carried away responding to fake news. My mistake..

      • Gerald S says

        “Fake news” in this case means data from the US Treasury department.

        In measuring growth under Trump, we have not even gotten to the data on growth corrected for inflation. On that, Trump is actually seeing a slowing of the economy compared with Obama.

        Oh well, Ranger is a big believer in the old motto “If the facts support you, site the facts. If the law supports you, site the law. if neither the facts nor the law support you, shout and pound the table.”

  13. Ranger47 says

    More reason to show up at the DECC wearing your MAGA hat on June 20th..
    “The number of households on food stamps has dipped below 20 million for the first time in eight years, according to the latest data released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).”

  14. Ranger47 says

    As “The Worm” Rodman wearing a MAGA hat said, “where was B.O. on this difficult, dangerous issue”. Totally avoided it, would even lead from behind…didn’t lead at all. The DECC is going to go wild when Trump brings this topic up…

    11 Jun 20181,847
    The vast majority of Americans support President Donald Trump’s historic meeting with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, according to a poll released on Monday that shows 71 percent approve.

  15. Ranger47 says

    Ya gotta love Trump’s “America is running this show” style…

    KIM SWEATS AS SUMMIT ENTERS THIRD HOUR
    4:19 AM 06/12/2018
    Saagar Enjeti | White House Correspondent

    North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could be seen sweating and looking fatigued as his Tuesday summit with President Donald Trump entered its third hour.

    The photo was captured as Kim Jong Un and Trump entered the working lunch phase of their summit, which is scheduled to be the end of their meeting. Trump and the North Korean leader began the summit with a one-on-one personal discussion followed by a slightly larger expanded bilateral meeting. The two leaders were joined at lunch with several members of their senior staff.

    Trump tried to achieve some levity as they sat down for lunch asking the photographers “Getting a good picture everybody?,” adding, “So we look nice and handsome and thin? Perfect.”

  16. Ranger47 says

    You watch…the elitist liberals, and our Local Township Economist, will spin the North Korea work as having begun under B. O. as well. Little George Stephanopoulos went down that path already..

  17. Gerald S says

    The BBC described the result as “a return to the status quo of ten years ago.” Both sides seemed to be willing to abandon bluster.

    The positive here is that Trump and Kim seem to have stepped down from their rounds of bluster, threats, and insult that had escalated tensions in the region and the world. That is a good thing just by itself. We must await further details to see what actually happens.

    The agreement exchanges a promise by Trump to end all joint military exercises with South Korea for a promise by Kim to dismantle his missile testing site. Both are fairly empty symbolic gestures, since the end of the exercises has no significant effect on the preparedness to engage the North, and since the North’s military arsenal is already proven. We do not waste time and money testing our proven missile systems either, and have not conducted a nuclear test in more than 40 years.

    There was a general promise to pursue “denuclearization,” but no definition of what that means. Trump and the US tend to define it as the North giving up and destroying its nuclear weapons. The North tends to define it as the withdrawal of all nuclear forces from the Korean theater and the ending of the US policy of extending its “nuclear umbrella” to cover South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. The North frequently includes a call for complete withdrawal of US forces from South Korea and from the region.

    That is a lot of difference to cover. Needless to say, the Chinese would be very happy to see the second definition adopted.

    • Ranger47 says

      Local Township Economist…
      As William said, brevity is in order.

      Rather than rooting on the strong economy, you have taken to ignoring it, belittling it or, like Bill Maher did over the weekend, rooting for a recession. The extent to which you elitists will go is truly mind-boggling.

      The unemployment rate is at 49-year lows overall, and lower than ever for African-Americans. Household incomes are at record highs. The U.S. reclaimed its No. 1 rank in competitiveness. Economists are revising their growth forecasts upward. Optimism is at levels not seen in more than a decade.

      Clearly the economy is doing well. And what’s more, the public is crediting President Trump for it….as they should, since the turnaround is due to his dumping Obamanomics.

      But what’s an elitist, Local Township Economist like you to do to reclaim the House majority in November?

      One is to ignore the economy altogether…..turn attention to things like ObamaCare premiums (driven all by B.O.) or alleged corruption in the Trump administration or social issues, or global warming…but those don’t make the top 10 concerns of Rangers. And, ignoring the economy can’t be done with all the positive broad based results. And saying B.O. did it is well….Fake News.

      The second option is to belittle it.

      You’re pursuing both options Gerald and it’s way too lengthy, unbecoming…and fake.

  18. Gerald S says

    I do agree with Ranger on one thing. The whole “War on Coal” trope is a meaningless political slogan and meaningless posturing designed to shift votes in coal country, most importantly in Southeast Ohio, while failing to move the needle even a little bit for coal production and coal jobs. The decline of coal is not due to policy, but rather to technology, especially the availability of cheap natural gas that is much less expensive, cumbersome, and capital intensive than coal burning.

    Let’s just summarize.

    Think of the economy as a bath tub filling with water. The level in the tub is higher than it has ever been, since more has been flowing in than draining out for the last several years, a statement that also pertains to most of Obama’s second term.

    The inflow of water is the same as it has been since 2010. Corrected for inflation (growth of the economy as measured in dollars that are worth less,) it is actually slowing.

    I agree with Ranger’s statement that the rate of growth is below historic post-WW II levels, and that that will mean much slower doubling of the GDP over time, an issue that is problematic for providing good lifestyles for people outside the most wealthy levels. Bush II, Obama, and Trump (so far) have failed to be able to find a way to accelerate it further.

    Meanwhile, the distribution of money in the economy has changed significantly, with larger and larger shares going to the richest 10%, the richest 1%, and the richest 0.1%. That trend has existed since 1980, and has accelerated since the early Bush II administration, continued through the Obama administration, and, so far, through the Trump administration. The trend has been accelerated by the new tax law, which provides almost 90% of its benefits to the most wealthy. As a result, working class and middle class families find their incomes growing much more slowly and find themselves more and more stretched. Efforts to remove safety net programs that provide additional resources to lower income and lower middle class people, like the ACA, just make that worse.

    All of this can be easily verified by looking at US Treasury and US Census data. Shouts of “fake news” essentially mean “I don’t like reality, let’s pretend it’s different.”

  19. John Ramos says

    I haven’t seen Ranger this high on Trump since the election. I envision him skipping and dancing around his house, spraying Metamucil and porridge as he tries to whistle half-remembered songs of his youth.

  20. You sound like MS-13 supporter Pelosi, touting income redistribution as an engine for economic growth. Again, you, as Local Township Economist, should get out more.

    It’s the rich people’s fault, tax ’em more doesn’t do anything for economic growth. It does however get Minnesotans to move to Florida.

    In the spirit of Williams comment, I’ll try to keep it short…tough though for slow learners.

    When the government provides benefits to people without much income or spending power, those people will immediately go out and spend all the money they receive.

    There is nothing particularly wrong with that as far as it goes. Spending more by some people does add to GDP. However, it’s an incomplete story.

    Where did the money for them to spend come from? There are three possible answers: the money came from another American through increased taxes, the money was borrowed from another American, or the money was borrowed from abroad. The fact that the money came from someplace is key because for the government to have money to hand out it must first take it from somebody. Make sense so far?

    If the government raised the money in taxes, then the people paying the taxes have less money to spend in the exact amount that is going to be handed out. Plus, it costs us for the government to transfer this money…and government employees get some along with way. The point remains, somebody’s spending power was reduced by the exact amount that somebody else receives. The person paying the taxes will now spend less and that missing spending cancels out the economic boost from the eventual recipient.

    If the money is borrowed from an American, the same thing happens. The person lending the money now can’t spend the money themselves. Again, the economic boost from the government handout is offset.

    What these saving and investment examples mean is that redistributing money from richer to poorer people does not create economic growth.

    So the final hope for economic growth from government transfers would be if the government borrowed the money from abroad. This could work, as long as the money otherwise would not have appeared in the U.S. economy. But it always has, so that adds nothing to GDP as well..

    In the end, it is quite simple. Government does not make money appear by magic. All the money it spends it must first obtain by either taxing or borrowing. That means that the claimed economic stimulus from giving money to the poor is offset by the lost spending we do not get from the original holder of the money. Still listening LTE?

    What you’re promoting Gerald is the equivalent of going out and breaking Hibbing homeowner windows and Duluth store shop windows…lots of them.

    In doing so, you’re saying there’ll be an economic boost because everyone has to replace their broken windows. What you intentionally don’t say, or foolishly don’t say, is if the homeowner or store owner didn’t have to replace their windows, they could have bought something else with her money. So….in the real world Gerald, the economy is unchanged….or worse than before cause the government keeps a share when redistributing money.

    Redistribution, “tax the rich”, advocates like you Gerald foolishly don’t believe that spending by the poor with their newly bestowed income is just the repair of broken windows. It may be economic spending that is easy to see and track, but it just replaces spending that would have occurred in its absence. How foolish of you….unless of course you’re trying to buy votes.

    • Truly amazing.

      Yes, it is so much better when the rich have all the money, hoarding it, than when middle class and working class people have it and spend it to support themselves and their children. Investments in overseas corporations are so much better for our country than buying goods and increasing the economy.

      Do you ever read what you write?

  21. “The economic fallout of a Donald Trump presidency will probably be severe and widespread enough to plunge the world into recession” – Paul Krugman, Day after Trump was elected.

    Calling Trump the “mother of all adverse effects,” the Nobel Prize-winning economist predicted that the GOP nominee’s administration would quickly undo the less than 2% economic growth of Obama over the past eight years.

    Krugman wrote – “So we are very probably looking at a global recession, with no end in sight.”

  22. Fast forward to today Gerald….The elitist left, like you, our Local Township Economist, are quickly running out of excuses for why Trump’s economic policies have caused a boom rather than the bust that they predicted with such great certainty.

    Last year, when the U.S.economy showed faster growth, the media and other Trump haters argued that this simply reflected a pickup in worldwide growth: Trump was riding the wave of what economists were calling “synchronized growth.”

    But now what do they have to say? The latest indicators are that, as a Wall Street Journal headline reported on June 3: “Global Economic-Growth Story Fades.” Japan’s growth rate is estimated to have slowed to slightly negative in the first quarter. The European Union was at an anemic 0.4%. The pace of global growth is expected to be much slower over the next two years, according to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

    Then there is the outlier: the United States.

    Here at home, growth is sizzling. Almost all economists now predict a growth rate of above 4% for the second quarter of 2018, and Dan Clifton of Strategas, one of the best forecasters of recent times, believes we may hit 5% later this year. He points to the surge of investment capital flowing into the United States and how the increased business spending points to several more quarters of this torrid growth. Meanwhile, the rest of the world treads water.

    So much for synchronized swimming.

    Then there is the argument that Trump’s policies have nothing to do with the American prosperity burst. Politico’s economics reporter recently published a column insisting that the “GOP tax cut is not why (the) economy is booming.” He contemptuously added, “Economist are rolling their eyes at candidates’ claims (that Trump’s policies inspired faster growth).” Which economists? Krugman?, our Local Township Economist?

    As it happens, it’s the same idiots that were dead wrong about the likelihood of growth in the first place. (Not to mention, wrong about the election).

    Now they argue that the tax cuts are just kicking in and can’t account for the increased economic activity. But this ignores the anticipatory effect: Businesses are anticipating the tax bill’s lower rates on their profits and investments and making decisions accordingly.

    Whatever the cause, it is undeniable that America has a new spring in its step. After a decade of malaise under B.O., the American economy is the envy of the world today.

    A recent Bloomberg article reports: “The U.S. dethroned Hong Kong to retake first place among the world’s most competitive economies, thanks to faster economic growth and a supportive atmosphere for scientific and technological innovation, according to annual rankings by the Switzerland-based IMD World Competitiveness Center.”

    But the ultimate judges of all this are the American people, us Rangers – the voters. We know something big is going on….Trump!

    In the years before the 2016 election, about 3 in 10 voters described the economy as good or great. This year, 7 in 10 do. That surge in optimism began immediately after Trump’s election and hasn’t subsided. The same trend is true for the confidence of small businesses and manufacturing businesses. Up, up and away.

    Perhaps the best news of all is to think that maybe Trump’s critics, our Local Township Economist and Krugman are right, that the economic thrust from the tax cut hasn’t even kicked in yet. If that’s true, then buckle up, because we’re in for a hell of a ride.

    Meet you at the DECC June 20th!!

    • Gerald S says

      5% growth?!! Daring prediction, Ranger. Especially in view of 2.3% for last year, 2.3% for Q1 of 2018, and indications of slower growth in Q2 2018. The best quarter Trump has managed so far is 2.6% for Q4 last year. Basically the same as Obama.

      Of course it is much more fun to live in an imaginary world conjured from thin air by the echo chamber.

      The tax cut has made a lot of people like the Kochs, Rupert Murdock, and Ivanka and Jared (who managed to make $80 million in the last 18 months of flitting in and out of the government) very happy — saved them 10’s of millions to hundreds of millions. The normal people, not so much: approval is less than 30%. So far, no evidence of any impact at all on growth. That is probably good news, since similar tax cuts by Bush II were actually followed by a mild downturn that segued into the second most massive downturn in US history.

  23. Nice to see Nolan’s name on the list…maybe he’ll even show up at the DECC to congratulate Trump!

    A group of House Democrats, led by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), is bucking their leadership and supporting President Trump’s diplomatic efforts on North Korea.

    Khanna and 14 Democratic colleagues on Monday sent a letter to Trump — ahead of his historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un — saying they were “encouraged” by his efforts to resolve the Korean War and achieve denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

    “We are encouraged by your efforts to pursue direct diplomacy with North Korea with the dual goals of resolving the nearly seven-decade-long conflict and achieving the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula,” they wrote.

    The House Democrat letter is signed by Reps. Raul Grijalva (AZ), Barbara Lee (CA), Mark Pocan (WI), Pramila Jayapal (WA), Tulsi Gabbard (HI), Bobby Rush (IL), Zoe Lofgren (CA), Madeleine Bordallo (GUAM), Colleen Hanabusa (HI), Mark DeSaulnier (CA), Richard Nolan (MN), Karen Bass (CA), Jared Huffman (CA), and Jamie Raskin (MD).

    Their letter stood in stark contrast to one sent on Monday to the president by Senate Minority Leader Cryin’ Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and six Senate Democrats, which said they would oppose any agreement Trump reached with North Korea.

    • Gerald S says

      I am encouraged too. It certainly is an improvement from the schoolyard name calling the two of them have engaged in over the previous year. I hope they go on to actually accomplish something now.

      That list is pretty much the list of the most left leaning members of Congress. Unfortunately, for Trump and his constituency, the military is complaining about the deal. They are unhappy with cancelling the war games, which are the biggest in the world. The South Koreans are unhappy with that too. It will be interesting to see how Trump reacts to the public disagreement with his deal by his military leaders.

    • Cheryl Demarais says

      Will be at the protest with trump for prison shirt the vile pervert who opens his mouth spews nothing but lies which is a fact is using the white House as his personal check book alienated our allies is nothing g but a con man and has no decency ,and is a pathetic excuse for a human being Minnesota supports our people, unions and will stay blue we don’t want the orange dictator here take his ignorant racist bigoted ugly self elsewhere majority of decent people do not support this pervert

  24. So many Obama lack of leadership legacy disasters to clean up, so little time. Only six and a half years left..

    Just a few hours after his historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, President Donald Trump has his eyes on making a new deal with Iran.

    “I hope that, at the appropriate time, after the sanctions kick in — and they are brutal what we’ve put on Iran — I hope that they’re going to come back and negotiate a real deal because I’d love to be able to do that,” Trump said, speaking to reporters in Singapore on Tuesday.

    Trump pulled out of the controversial Iran Deal, formally named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on May 8,calling it “one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into.”

    Trump has long despised the terrible, costly, nuclear deal created in 2015 for its failure to ban Iran from creating nuclear programs as well as failing to address Iran’s behavior across the Middle East.

    Trump signed a memorandum to reimpose significant economic sanctions on the nation immediately after pulling out of the deal.

  25. If this were B.O., Berit Reiss-Andersen would have called an emergency meeting of the Norwegian Nobel Committee by now and overnight FEDEX’d Obama a prize of some sort. These elitist liberals have got to be wringing their hands, hoping like Bill Maher, the North Koreans launch a missile or something…Wait, there’s a good chance they’ll award it to “The Worm” Rodman. That’s their out!

  26. “Forget it, Jake”, it’s Trump Cult Town.

  27. Just out Gerald, spin it…

    Small business optimism soared in May to its highest level in 34 years, with some components hitting all-time highs, the National Federation of Independent Businesses said Tuesday.

    The NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index rose 3 points in May to a reading of 107.8, its second-highest level in 45 years and strongest level of the recovery. Economists were expecting the index to rise to 105.2 from 104.8.

    The May reading was just under the 1983 record of 108.

    Several measures hit the highest levels ever recorded. Plans for business expansion, reports of positive earnings trends, and compensation increases broke new records. Expectations for strong increases in sales reached their highest level since 1995.

    “Small business owners are continuing an 18-month streak of unprecedented optimism which is leading to more hiring and raising wages,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “While they continue to face challenges in hiring qualified workers, they now have more resources to commit to attracting candidates.”

    The NFIB cites tax cuts and regulatory cuts as helping drive the optimism of small businesses.

    “The new tax code is returning money to the private sector where history makes clear it will be better invested than by a government bureaucracy,” the NFIB said in its report. “Regulatory costs, as significant as taxes, are being reduced.”

    • Gerald S says

      Actually, history in both the US and overseas makes clear that tax cuts directed at the wealthy do not strengthen the economy, they just worsen inequality and actually often decrease growth. Sequestering money in savings or shipping it overseas does not help the economy, nor does doing stock buy backs or mergers that end up destroying jobs. Maybe this time it will be different, although that thought is the famous definition of insanity.

      There is literally no argument that you can make that can change the facts. The slow growth that had characterized the long recovery under Obama has continued unabated into the Trump administration. Perhaps the predictions you cite for stronger growth will turn out to be true, but so far there is nothing to suggest that in terms of facts. You can complain all you want that the facts are unfair and do not fit your fantasies, and you can imagine all sorts of counter-factual scenarios, but this is the world we are stuck with.

      None of this is an attack on Trump — the fact that the economy continues to expand, albeit slowly, is a lot better than it contracting as it did under Bush. It is merely an effort to introduce some reality into your enthusiastic and imaginative peon to non-existent triumphs.

      • Ranger47 says

        Words, nothing but words from a Local Township Economist. You have no credibility Gerald. No one is listening..

        • David Gray says

          Gerald is verbose and sometimes knows what he is talking about. But he sounds just the same when he has absolutely no idea what he is talking about and is impervious to evidence. I wouldn’t invest so much time interacting with him.

          • Ranger47 says

            Great advice David, I’ll try. It’s tough to let his lies lie though…The good news is if I wait long enough, “the stones will cry out.”

          • Gerald S says

            Let’s see. The “lies” David and Ranger are talking about are:

            That the reports on the status of the economy by the US Treasury — run by Trump appointees, by the way — are correct.

            That the news statements by our government and foreign governments of rollback of ISIS in Syria and Iraq from 2014 on are correct.

            That US crime and violent crime rates reported by four administrations, both Republican and Democrat, are correct.

            That the power of local government proceeds from the people governed, not from the state.

            A corollary: the state and the federal government have the power to pre-empt the laws of local governments, but must act specifically to do so in either laws or their Constitutions, otherwise the local governments are free to create their own laws and regulations. This, of course, has been upheld many times by courts, examples including the smoking ordinances, the minimum wage ordinances, the sick and safe time ordinances (the court did overturn one small part of Minneapolis’ ordinance, forbidding them to regulate businesses outside the city whose employees enter the city on some occasions,) human rights ordinances, etc. etc.

            That the consensus projections for GDP growth for 2018 (between 2 and 3%) are what they are.

            Part of the confusion here on the part of my conservative critics is most likely that they are looking at nominal versus real GDP growth. Real growth is growth corrected for inflation, and is what is classically reported as GDP growth in news reports, and right now is around 2 to 2.5% lower than nominal GDP. I have never seen anyone reliable reporting nominal GDP rather than real GDP growth, but that might be attractive to the conservative echo chamber as a way of making things look better just now. Some may also be confusing world GDP growth (around 4%, due to the large impact of China and India and a few other developing nations experiencing high growth) with US GDP growth.

            All of this is easily checked by anyone who wishes by using Google. I would really suggest that people do that before they start lengthy posts loaded with errors. I recommend that anyone commenting based on information in either right wing or left wing media, from Fox to MSNBC and from National Review to Salon, be sure to check it with sources outside the respective echo chambers before posting.

            Of course if reality is not comfortable for you, you are certainly free to live in a fantasy world. Probably best not to share it with the rest of us, though.

          • David Gray says

            Just a reminder. I didn’t use the word “lies” and I didn’t comment at all on the content of Gerald’s current post as there is no utility in doing so for reasons previously discussed.

  28. Ranger47 says

    Gerald…When I grew up on the Range, each mining town had a boxing club…even Bovey. I remember going to a big event in Hibbing where a good friend of mine (wasn’t a boxer, but a gifted athlete..and undefeated street fighter) was asked by the Nashwauk club to join them for this event. He did, he loved to hit people. He put up a heck of a fight but then got knocked out cold! Some talented black guy from the cities.

    Just curious, to Davids point of being wrong at least half the time…did you ever box?

    Robert De Niro, a very Low IQ individual, has received to many shots to the head by real boxers in movies. I watched him last night and truly believe he may be “punch-drunk.” I guess he doesn’t realize the economy is the best it’s ever been with employment being at an all time high, and many companies pouring back into our country. Wake up Punchy!

    • Ranger47 says

      Forgot to mention, the De Niro related quote was from our Commander-in-Chief on his way back from saving the world from annihilation.

  29. It’s a good thing for Minnesota to see a visit from the President so soon after his historic meeting with North Korea. It underscores the importance conservative representation in Minnesota at all levels is toward draining the swamp….in D.C. and nationwide. Trump’s following in Minnesota is growing. My hope is that he will gin up the base, fire up the energy….and encourage Republicans to get out and vote in the Primary August 14th, qhe let the people feel THEY have decided the candidates, so that we go into the general election as united as possible.

    • Ranger47 says

      No question Merrill, we’ll hear about his historic trip, saving the world from annihilation, eliminating swamp creatures, getting the economy humming at record levels by any measure…and dozens of other accomplishments.

      We’ll see a sea of MAGA hats…not many with the Democrat platform of – “F**k Trump”. Hopefully one or two show up, it’s enjoyable watching him masterfully deal with them.

  30. Ranger47 says

    Fed raises 2018 outlook for US economy
    June 13, 2018

    Economic activity has been rising at a “solid” rate, the Fed’s statement said, marking an upgrade from “moderate” in the previous statement.
    Policymakers also lowered the unemployment rate expectation.

    • Gerald S says

      Yes, the numbers continue to look good. Eight years of slow, steady improvement are having their impact. The Fed toyed with this in the last few Obama years, but now seem satisfied that the recovery has reached levels that justify turning their attention to inflation, which is now slightly above the targets they sought, instead of growth and employment.

      Biggest worry right now is the chance of a trade war stopping and reversing growth.

      BTW, in case you didn’t read all the way through, that is what Krugman was worrying about in the editorial you like so much. Trump fooled him and held off on his campaign promises of a trade war for all of 2017, and the expansion continued. Since Trump started talking about that in earnest in January, the stock market has stopped its rise and is vacillating a thousand or so below its earlier peak. Q1 fell from the stronger performance in Q4 of 2017 back to the averages of the last eight years. At the moment, Q2 looks the same, but we will have to await the numbers. Trump has a chance to continue the Obama-Trump expansion long enough to set the new record for duration.

      Hopefully Trump will listen to the virtually universal consensus by economists and business people — including even the Kochs — and hold off on acting on his threats and bluster about trade. Perhaps he will stage the same kind of reversal as he has in Korea. If Trump were to suddenly go sane on trade as well, he would probably see a nice bump in performance as businesses become secure in the knowledge that Trump is not going to pull the rug out from under them in a fit of pique at international leaders refusing to kowtow. Businesses might actually begin to spend some of their tax windfall on expansion, rather than just spending on buyouts and acquisitions if they are confident that international markets are not going to be closed to them suddenly.

  31. Ranger47 says

    The federal government ran massive deficits under President Obama. The deficits, and the government’s interest payments on the cumulative federal debt, would have been even greater if the Federal Reserve had not intervened with a massive and unprecedented bond and securities buying program.

    Beginning in 2009, the Fed began its multi-stage program of quantitative easing through large-scale purchases of Treasury and other securities. They lowered the targeted federal funds rate to between zero and 0.25 percent. This Fed policy of unprecedented monetary accommodation, substantially eased the way for massive federal borrowing during the Obama presidency….which Obama recklessly took advantage of. Yet during his eight years, the economic growth was the worst in history…never once achieving even 2% annually.

    On January 20, 2009, when B.O. was sworn in, the debt was $10.626 trillion. On January 20, 2017, when he left, it was $19.947 trillion. Obama added $9 trillion to the debt, far more than any other president in history.

    During his last three years in office, his budget deficits continued to rise…from $438 billion in 2015, to $585 billion in 2016 and $666 billion (the devils sign) in 2017.

    This presented Trump with a fiscal mess. That said, Trumps economic policies are already having a huge impact on America…and it will only get better.

    • Gerald S says

      Ranger, you can’t seriously be talking about deficits. Trump and Congress just voted for a tax bill that will increase deficits to record levels for a period not involving either a major recession/depression or a major world war. Congress actually conceded that that would happen. Deficits will be back to the levels Obama experienced in 2009 and 2010, when tax collections dropped dramatically as the contraction crushed income and profits. The $666 billion will look like the good old days. As of now, Trump is aiming for at least a total $10 trillion deficit if he lasts eight years. If, God forbid, we experience a downturn, $15 trillion is within reach.

      That, by the way, is a large part of the reason the Fed has started to worry about inflation.

      BTW, growth hit 2.6% for 2015, and was above 2% in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Growth under Obama AVERAGED less than 2%, but that was only because of including 2009’s minus 2.8%, when the first two quarters continued the Bush recession that had begun in Q4 of 2007. If you cut out 2009 (and in your post above you seem to want to count 2017 as part of the Obama administration’s record) Obama averaged 2.14%. Trump did 2.3% for 2017, and for Q1 of 2018.

      The quote from Trump you are misquoting is that Obama never had growth over 3%.

      Again, try Google.

      • Ranger47 says

        OK Gerald…I just Googled “Local Township Economist”. Here’s what came up:

        “Donald Trump’s first gift to the world will be another financial crisis.” Headline in the U.K. Independent.

        “I have no stocks. I advise people not to invest in the stock market, not now. Way too dangerous.” Film maker Michael Moore, August, 2017.

        “It really does now look like President Donald J. Trump, and markets are plunging. When might we expect them to recover? A first-pass answer is never… So we are very probably looking at a global recession, with no end in sight.” Paul Krugman of the New York Times the day after the election.

        “If Trump wins we should expect a big markdown in expected future earnings for a wide range of stocks — and a likely crash in the broader market (if Trump becomes president).” Eric Zitzewitz, former chief economist at the IMF, November 2016.

        “Under Trump, I would expect a protracted recession to begin within 18 months. The damage would be felt far beyond the United States.” Former Clinton and Obama chief economist Larry Summers, June 2016.

        “Trump would likely cause the stock market to crash and plunge the world into recession.” Simon Johnson, MIT economics professor, in The New York Times, November 2016.

        “Citigroup: A Trump Victory in November Could Cause a Global Recession”, Bloomberg Financial News headline, August 2016.

        “I have never seen an election in which the markets have so strong of a view as to what was good and bad about the outcome. And what you saw was the markets rallying yesterday because of the FBI thing on Sunday. And the reason I mention this particularly is if the likely event happens and Trump wins you will see a market crash of historic proportions, I think…The markets are terrified of him.” Steve Rattner, MSNBC economics guru and former Obama Car Czar, October, 2016.

        “A President Trump Could Destroy the World Economy”, headline of Washington Post editorial, October 2016.

        Wow…with that track record, you suggest we listen to you?? That’s an insult to Rangers..

      • Ranger47 says

        “Individual statistics, hits, runs, averages are twisted and turned to ones favor, but the enjoyment I get out of baseball is actually winning” – Chili Davis

        In the minds of the people, Obama was an eight year U.S. economic loser and set the country back on international and numerous social issues. In the minds of the people, Trump is a winner. People enjoy winning.

  32. Ranger47 says

    Never once, not once in Obama’s eight years did you read words like this:

    U.S. Federal Reserve officials announced a modest interest rate hike on Wednesday, predicting two more this year as the American economy continues to grow.

    The Fed raised its target range one-quarter of a percentage point, to 1.75 to 2 percent. This was the second hike this year, up from March’s increased range of 1.5 to 1.75 percent.

    Two additional rate hikes are predicted this year, for a total of four. Earlier this year, the Fed’s projections saw just three rate hikes.

    The Fed cited the strength of the economy in its statement announcing the rate hike.

    “Job gains have been strong, on average, in recent months, and the unemployment rate has declined,” the Fed said. “Recent data suggest that growth of household spending has picked up, while business fixed investment has continued to grow strongly.”

    “In view of realized and expected labor market conditions and inflation, the Committee decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate to 1-3/4 to 2 percent,” read a portion of a Federal Open Market Committee statement released Wednesday afternoon.

    President Donald Trump has touted historic unemployment numbers this year with black unemployment hitting an all-time low in May and Hispanic unemployment seeing a similar low. The U.S. unemployment rate dipped below four percent as of April.

    You sound like Krugman, Local Township Economist….

    • Gerald S says

      Ranger, Ranger, Ranger.

      Trump does deserve credit for not having done anything to break up the long recovery we have been experiencing — it will be nine years at the end of this quarter. For the last three years the Fed has regularly discussed how it will respond to the strengthening of the job market, the economy, and confidence in the economy, but have held off because inflation has remained below the 2% inflation target, suggesting a strategy of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Inflation is now rising, reaching 2.5%, with the huge anticipated Trump/Ryan/McConnell deficits raising concern of further increases, and the Fed has decided they should address it by raising interest rates now and at least twice more this year. They believe the economy is strong enough to handle it, and that inflation is now more of a threat than recession. I hope they are right.

      The big concern of all the economists you cite still remains: the impact of a trade war based on Trump’s reversal of the trade policies of the last 70 years under both Republican and Democratic leadership. Trump campaigned on that, an it gave economists of all stripes — you could find similar quotes from right wing economists and prominent business leaders as well — fits. Their dire predictions, hopefully exaggerated, are their response to that fear.

      During the first year of his presidency, Trump refrained from implementing the trade ideas he campaigned on and that scared the economists so much. In the absence of a trade war, the economy continued its slow but steady and longstanding improvement, including the various measures you cite, as it had for the last 9 years. That is obviously a good thing, and Trump deserves credit for not upsetting the apple cart.

      The recent Korean negotiations appear to suggest that Trump, despite his tendency to bluster, insult, and fume publicly, is inclined to return to conventional traditional policies when the chips are down. He actually was far more conciliatory in his concessions to Kim than his predecessors, something I think, along with many others, is a good thing. He appears to be promising Kim a replay of the Marshall Plan in exchange for future concessions, offering massive US financial and economic incentives and trade advantages.

      This is all very heartening in relation to his trade policies, suggesting that he might well be inclined to end his aggressive threats of regressive trade policy and tariffs and insults of his fellow leaders, dismiss them as just theater intended for domestic political consumption (as you pointed out about the “war on coal,”) return to normal international policy, and declare victory and go home. That would most likely make all the dire predictions you cite go away, and allow the economy to continue its modest upward slant of the last nine years. Maybe it would even rise from the 2.3% growth Trump has seen so far during his administration to levels that we saw in some years under Obama.

      Here’s hoping for an outbreak of sanity. Maybe Trump will even announce it during his visit to Northeast Minnesota, where follow through on his threats about Canada will result in very significant losses to mining and our other industries that benefit so much from Canadian trade.

  33. Ranger47 says

    Local Township Economist….

    To your incredible, uncredible, dense, detriment, you’re not listening.

    In the minds of the people, Obama was an eight year U.S. economic loser and his incredibly blasé “new normal” less than 2% growth economic vision. Obama set the country back on the international stage by acting like a second string loser, Obama divided us on all social issues. Obama divided us all on racial issues. Obama is a negative, hateful person. People do not like negative people. He and his wife hate America’s history, hate our country. Obama is big on the single issue Democrat platform of – “F**k Trump”. People go “huh?” They just can’t bring themselves to buying a logo’d hat like that to give to their grandkids.

    Trump is a breath of fresh air. Trump is anti-establishment. People love that, they see through the 90% negative press coverage and turn the channel. The people see Trump as the winner he is. People enjoy winning. Trump is energizingly positive, people love being around positive people. Trump loves America, respects it’s history, people see that. ….show up at the DECC next week and witness it first hand.

  34. Gerald…more good news out of the U.S. Supreme court today!

    Supreme Court strikes down Minnesota’s broad ban on political apparel at polling places
    BY DEBRA CASSENS WEISS
    POSTED JUNE 14, 2018

    This means I not only can wear my MAGA hat and you can wear your “F**k Trump” hat at the DECC next week… but to the Supreme Court case point, also when showing up at the polling place to vote! Both our kids and grandkids will be proud of us.

    Minnesota’s broad ban on political badges, buttons and insignia at polling places violates the First Amendment, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday in a 7-2 opinion.

    Some forms of advocacy may be excluded from polling places, but the state has to draw a reasonable line, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote in the majority opinion. Minnesota has not drawn that line, he said.

    “The state must be able to articulate some sensible basis for distinguishing what may come in from what must stay out” of the polling place, Roberts said. “Here, the unmoored use of the term ‘political’ in the Minnesota law, combined with haphazard interpretations the state has provided in official guidance and representations to this court, cause Minnesota’s restriction to fail even this forgiving test.”

    Minnesota bans political insignia only on Election Day. Election judges had the authority to decide whether an item is banned.

    Minnesota does not define the term political. A literal reading of the term could lead to a ban on a button or T-shirt that merely implores others to “Vote!” Roberts said.

  35. Say…Local Township Economist, here’s your opportunity to hear the truth first hand!!

    https://www.donaldjtrump.com/rallies/duluth-mn-june-2018

  36. The positive effect of Trump’s leadership just doesn’t end!
    14 Jun 2018

    Jobless claims unexpectedly fell last week, according to data from the Labor Department Thursday.
    New filings for unemployment benefits fell by 4,000 to 218,000. Economists had expected a rise to 225,000.

    The four-week moving average of claims, considered a better indicator of job market strength because it evens out week-to-week volatility, also fell.

    Continuing claims for state unemployment benefits dropped to 1.7 million, the lowest since December 1973.

    • Gerald S says

      Nice. If he keeps that up for another 60 months he’ll be catching up to Obama’s unemployment and job creation record.

  37. The extreme contrast of these great results to our Local Township Economist and his buddies doom and gloom economic forecasts if Trump were to win the White House are astounding, simply astounding! It’s not possible to overstate their idiocy, their loss of credibility…how imbecilic they look today. Sad..And they still put these same guys on the nightly news, the mainstream Sunday talk shows.

    14 Jun 2018328
    U.S. retail sales in May far exceeded forecasts, rising by the most in six-months and signaling faster economic growth.

    Overall retail sales rose 0.8 percent from the prior month, double the consensus economic estimate of 0.4 percent, according to Commerce Department data released Thursday. The prior month was revised up to 0.4 percent, indicating a stronger April than earlier data suggested as well.

    The results reflect the high levels of consumer confidence, a very strong labor market, and lower taxes.

    • Gerald S says

      That is good news. Second best month since the Bush recession, behind only June of 2011.

      Although the leading gainer among retail sectors was gasoline sales, for obvious reasons, there were better than expected gains in general sales and non-store retailers as well.

      When the Fed made their announcement of the interest hike, they predicted a 2.8% overall rise in GDP for this year, which would exceed the best year under Obama, 2.6%. The new data on retail sales is in keeping with that estimate. On the downside, they noted that the rise in inflation, though small, has wiped out yearly wage increases for non-supervisory employees, part of the reason that they are shifting emphasis to control of inflation.

  38. Ranger, I’m sure your references to Gerald as the Local Township Economist are to demean him, but you just demean yourself . No surprise.

    • Ranger47 says

      No demeaning meant whatsoever. Most all Rangers have a nickname with no offense. With his interest and slight knowledge in economic affairs, Local Township Economist seems to fit, don’t you think?

      Nothing negative about it….Not like Crooked Hillary, Crazy Bernie, High Crime MS-13 Pelosi and Cryin’ Chuck Schumer. Those might be somewhat negative but are well deserved.

  39. I can think of many choice words to describe Trump and his minions, but out of respect for Aaron, I won’t use them here.

    • Ranger47 says

      If it’s honest and clean, go ahead Jackie, Aaron wishes to see opposing views. If it’s similar to the Democrat platform – F*** Trump – you’re right on, don’t post it. That’d add no value..

  40. John Ramos says

    Hey, remember when Obama bowed to the Japanese prime minister and the Right had an aneurysm because they thought it made America look weak? I just saw a picture of Trump saluting a North Korean general. According to the NBC story, “The video is now running over and over on North Korean state television with an enthusiastic anchor track.” Why is the president participating in propaganda?

    I know this doesn’t have anything to do with this discussion, but it’s the never-ending thread, so I figured why not?

    • Ranger47 says

      “The Last Salute”. No different than the April 12, 1865 surrender of the Confederates.

      “Salute them!” is the order which sounds.
      Salute them as brothers,
      Salute them as brave men;
      Salute them for more than can be told with pen.
      Salute them as long lost brothers,
      Salute them as new friends!
      Salute them and forget the bitterness of others.
      Salute them; this is the war’s long-awaited end!

      They expect humiliation and receive honor instead.

      It’s what opposing enemy solders do when the war is over. Quit emotional.

  41. John Ramos says

    Oh yes. I’m sure that’s what Donald was thinking. The North Korean narrative has him knuckling under to the Supreme Leader because he’s afraid of the nuclear threat.

    • Ranger47 says

      Besides a great Commander in Chief, The Donald is a negotiator. I’d love to have Mr. Un think Trump is a p***y like Obama. If he does, we’ll all be in for an awesome show once Mad Dog gets the go ahead. I kinda hope he does…It’ll be fun to watch things light up in North Korea.

  42. John Ramos says

    I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen actual hero worship. It’s weird.

    • Ranger47 says

      You must have been under a rock during Obama’s eight years John..92% positive mainstream media coverage on Obama (and still going on) during the Obama years. That’s not hero worship?? We know it’s not journalism. ABC, CBS, NBC wets their pants every night over this guy…all because he was half white.

      And… just the opposite coincidentally, 94% negative coverage for Trump.

      Talk to your neighbors John. They won’t be wearing a MAGA hat cause you might beat them up. But, you can bet they voted for Trump. Not because he’s a hero. He’s a common sense guy, who’s not afraid to wear his MAGA hat and puts America first.

      • Ranger47 says

        ….the irony is John, we love what you do, love what you say.

        It’s language like yours, severed Trump head act heads like Griffins’s, “F**k Trump” statements like De Nero’s, night after night negative Trump news reporting and all the “make fun of Trump and his family” nightly comedy skits that got Trump elected….and will help keep him in office for eight years.

        We love you John. Hopefully you’ll show up at the DECC and protest next week. In the meantime, enjoy your Trump tax cut..

        • Ranger47 says

          Oh John…just a word of warning John. Don’t wear your pink p***y hat or “F**k Trump logo’d hat to the DECC. In numbers, we get mean.

  43. Ranger47 says

    Jackie…based on this, I might have to downgrade Gerald from “Local Township Economist” to…. ??. Not sure what yet. But when he misses the mark this many times, over and over, year after year, not good. Any ideas? Give it some thought, let me know, keep it clean.

    Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow Points to 4.8 Percent Economic Growth
    14 Jun 2018

    The Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow forecast moved up on Thursday to indicate the economy growing at a 4.8 percent pace in the second quarter.

    GDPNow is a running forecast of the rate of growth of the economy, changing in real-time as new economic data are released. The forecast was pushed up Thursday by new data from the U.S. Census Bureau showing increased real personal expenditures.

    The GDPNow forecast differs from the forecasts of other economists and even other Federal Reserve forecasting models. The median Blue Chip forecast, compiled by averaging the GDP forecasts of major business economists, is around 3.5 percent.

    The New York Fed’s Nowcast, which has not been updated since Friday, is at 3 percent. It is expected to rise when updated tomorrow.

  44. As a serial lurking on Minnesota Brown I have to say I really enjoy the debates between the folks who comment on Aaron’s posts.

  45. Michelle D. Lee says

    Well heck, make that a serial lurker.

    • Ranger47 says

      Aaron will be pleased there are lurkers clicking in now and then Michelle! No one expects anyone’s opinion is changed…but it’s fun to debate those with little gravatis. And, as you’ve noticed, brevity and short sentences aren’t understood. One must expound.

      • Michelle D. Lee says

        That is the part I like. Anyone who has heard me speak knows brevity is not my middle name. I am working on that.

  46. Gerald S says

    In an interesting development, Ron Johnson, the GOP Senator for Wisconsin, yesterday demanded that Kevin Hassett, the head of Trump’s Council of Economic Advisors, release a copy of a Council study that found that implementation of the threatened steel and aluminum tariffs and tariffs on Chinese goods would cause an economic downturn. Johnson made the move because Hassett has not been telling the truth in public settings, stating that the tariffs would lead to increased economic growth when his own study says the opposite.

    This highlights exactly what I have been saying above. The continued growth of the economy, now in its ninth year under both Obama and Trump, is gradually leading to a recovery from the impact of the Bush recession, at least in everything except wages. But almost 100% of economists from all political stripes believe that if Trump follows through with the tariff threats that he campaigned on, he will risk reversal of the recovery and spin into a recession. Ranger has cited the writing of many economists expressing their strong concerns about this.

    This is especially true in the Northland, where loss of our exports of steel to Canada, which substantially exceed our imports, and loss of the strongly advantageous cross border trade that benefits our region and state, would have a particularly severe impact. Here’s hoping that Trump chooses his visit to Duluth to announce that he will end the threats and bluster before it is too late, and follow a path of reconciliation reversing his earlier belligerence, just as he has in Korea.

  47. Ranger47 says

    Local Township Economist…

    One of Trump’s NAFTA negotiating points is it should have a sunset clause. In other words, it should not remain valid indefinitely, but expire after five years, allowing its members either to renegotiate it or to walk away. To your howls, echoing those of the same elites who said we’d all be dead by now if Trump were elected, Trump’s insistence to add this common sense clause has torpedoed efforts to update the treaty.

    In seeking to update the treaty, the establishment in all three countries have candidly sought to thwart the will of the people. Why? We know why, Swamp creatures will lose their jobs. Provisions that made sense to the negotiators in the early 1990s make no sense to anyone today, except to the Swamp creatures making a ton of money off the current treaty. And you Gerald…wish Americans to continue to sit in the cheap seats. Why we wonder.

    Even if the people of the US, Canada and Mexico had explicitly consented to NAFTA in 1994, the idea that a decision made then should bind everyone in North America for all time is repulsive. So is the notion, championed by the Canadian and Mexican governments, that any slightly modified version of the deal agreed now should bind all future governments.

    The people of North America did not explicitly consent to NAFTA. The huge grassroots resistance by hardworking folks in all three nations was ignored. The deal was fixed between political and commercial elites, the Swamp creatures, and granted immortality.

    In Rights of Man, published in 1791, Thomas Paine argued that: “Every age and generation must be as free to act for itself, in all cases, as the ages and generations which preceded it. The vanity and presumption of governing beyond the grave is the most ridiculous and insolent of all tyrannies.”

    This is widely accepted as a basic democratic principle….which you’re against. That positions you in one of three ideological camps…socialism, communism or the new, broadly undefined “F**k Trump”. Which is it?

    Say Gerald…an updated nickname being tossed around is Loco Township Economist. Jury is still out, there are a few others. And still waiting for Jackie’s input.

  48. Hi Ranger 47 –
    Would you possibly please consider not writing so many swear words in your posts?
    It really bothers me to read so many words with ** in them, as I’m still reading it as the actual word.
    I know that’s how some people talk now-a-days, but it sure would be good if we didn’t.
    I would super appreciate it.
    As of now, I can’t read here anymore if Aaron keeps letting this language on his site.
    It really bothers me that much.
    Thanks so much for considering it,
    Amy

    • Good input Amy. Food for thought though…

      The dilemma is, this language came into our political discourse by you guys. It’s used commonly, daily, by the largest Democrat party donors, liberal elites and supporters. To a large degree, it’s become the Democrat party single issue platform. How do we not talked about your party platform?

      And, no one leading the Democrat party speaks out against it. We aren’t sure who that leader is, but on paper it’s Pelosi?, silence…Schumer?, nothing…Sanders?, he uses it…Warren?, again silence….Perez?, he uses it as well…Ellison, the same (bet you’re glad to see him quite his party job…he wasn’t doing your party any favors). Like you, I wish they would speak civilly, but they don’t.

      So where does that leave us. Be silent like Mitt Romney and get run over by the likes of you guys? Or…use your language, call you out like Trump does, and get America back on track. For the sake of my kids and yours, it’s an easy choice…no?  

  49. ….not to belabor this language issue Amy, but I, like you, probably never experienced this in your household, in your parents household, or your grandparents home. I wouldn’t have dared, even thought of, using ANY swear words at home…nor usually in public. Still don’t, nor do my kids…at least not when I’m around.

    Sad state of affairs when it’s used so commonly by so-called role models….sports figures, liberal celebrities, top of the chart black singers, other liberal performing artists, left leaning talk show hosts, etc….and those in public office. And now me….but ONLY when describing YOUR platform. Never in dialogue. God help us..

  50. Apparently Ranger wasn’t really listening when Trump was campaigning. Foul language was his schtick, and his supporters lapped it up. Yes, he’s quite the hero. Sooo much to emulate.

  51. John Ramos says

    When your guy does something, it’s great. When the other guy does it, it’s horrible. Any position can be instantly flip-flopped. Hero worship is the strangest thing.

  52. John Ramos says

    ONE HUNDRED!

  53. Norshorguy says
  54. Trump supporters don’t give two hoots about policy. When is the last time we’ve heard them screaming about debt/deficits? As JVLast. said, trumpism is non-falsifiable. Whatever trump does is right. There can be no principled discussion or argument with trump supporters because their eyes are glued Fox/right wing media for the latest trump minute by minute switcheroo tweet or announcement so they know what position to change to.
    Most know he’s a massive liar, mentally a loose cannon, lewd, rude and crude, corrupt, bigoted, adulterous and his only interest is having his ego stroked. Instead of “draining the swamp”, trump and his appointed corrupt second raters have turned the swamp into a reeking cesspool. He’s definitely not a role model for American children and one wonders if they would really want their kids and grandkids to grow up to be a trump. None of this seems to matter. They simply don’t care.
    They ignore all that because they think he is their chance to as Tom Nichols put it, “grab the car keys and throw a kegger before Mom and Dad get back home”.
    Ranger’s first comment was all about winning and losing. Trump himself, his supporters and a lot of republican voters seem to live solely by a winner/loser creed with no room or thought for anything else such as empathy, common courtesy and decency or believing we’re all in this together. “Me, me, me” is all that is important. Real life isn’t like that, at least not for most people. What a sad way to live.

  55. Norshorguy says

    He’s the Great Equivocator. Fair is foul and foul is fair.

  56. Whatdya think Michelle….you think they’re listening? Makes you wonder where their “empathy, common courtesy and decency or believing we’re all in this together” was during the Obama “We Won” years. Expressing such hate when calling for love thy neighbor is so illogical, so psychotic…

    If I were vengeful I’d say the Trump years have shaped up to be really fun times….which they are. But I really pray for the minority, the likes of Loco Township Economist, John, Jackie, norshorguy and bemused who for some irrational reason are having a tough time accepting America’s success led by Trump.

    Maybe De Nero will finally step up to the plate, pull them together, help them understand. He’s the front runner of their party as I see it. 

  57. Norshorguy says

    Ah, the old tu quoque again. Gabby Johnson, it’s not the good economy that troubles me. It’s been years in the making. It’s the other stuff that you so readily accept and normalize.

  58. So Ranger, you’re not rushing to affirm or deny that you don’t care two cents what trump espouses from moment to moment. Granted, repeated whiplash can be very disorientating.

    • Ranger47 says

      I love what Trump does “moment to moment”. Did you hear him being interviewed for a half hour this morning on Fox & Friends? If not, catch it on YouTube. A lot of moment to moment stuff…he’s masterful.

      Joining us at the DECC next Wednesday to hear him in person. You’ll leave a changed, energized person!

  59. Ranger47 says

    I have to admit, part of the enjoyment watching the squirming, the lashing out, the irrational behavior by Obama, De Nero, Pelosi, Schumer and their followers is the following. And to think, we get to enjoy it for eight years! The good news is, it’s good for all..even the Trump haters.

    As Louis Mazzini (Dennis Price), the English actor, said in Kind Hearts and Coronets – “Revenge is a dish which people of taste prefer to eat cold.”

    And we now have a person of taste running the show.

    White House Correspondents Dinner, 2011
    “Now, I know that he’s taken some flak lately, but no one is happier, no one is prouder to put this birth certificate matter to rest than The Donald,” Obama said. “And that’s because he can finally get back to focusing on the issues that matter — like, did we fake the moon landing? What really happened in Roswell? And where are Biggie and Tupac?”

    “Donald Trump has been saying he will run for president as a Republican — which is surprising, since I just assumed he was running as a joke.”

  60. Norshorguy says

    “And now we have a person of taste running the show” –Gabby Johnson

    Thank you, Gabby. You have indeed, once again, clearly stated what needed to be said.

  61. Ranger’s go to tactic: Oh look, squirrel.

  62. Ranger47 says

    The reason Trump and the majority of Americans revenge is so sweet is it’s noble, not hateful. The best revenge is not to be like the one who did you harm. And the contrast couldn’t be greater. It won’t be long before all the damage Obama inflicted will be corrected and his legacy will be…well, non-existent. Even he will look back and be thankful. His size of his presidential library is shrinking day by day..

  63. Ranger47 says

    As I was saying Amy, here it is again today…how do we avoid this talk when it’s the way you guys talk?
    Frustrating!

    Democrats Want Obama Back Because ‘There’s F***ing No One Else’
    15 Jun 2018

    As the Democratic party struggles to find its footing, they look toward past leadership to guide them into the future.

    After former President Bill Clinton’s unapologetic remarks regarding Monica Lewinsky and the #MeToo movement — as well as the revelation that most voters see him as little more than a sexual predator — Democrats are stepping back from the Clinton family. Instead, they are pushing for former President Barack Obama to return from the sidelines.

    “There’s f—ing no one else,” one frustrated Democratic strategist said, according to The Hill. “Bill Clinton is toxic, [former President] Carter is too old, and there’s no one else around for miles.”

  64. Norshorguy says

    That’s really wonderful, Gabby. You know the White House is holding a job fair this afternoon. Polish that resume. Your training in “triggering the libs” is complete! Washington awaits!

  65. Not just a generic job fair either. It’s a Executive Branch job fair. It appears they are having a wee bit trouble finding even second raters applying for WH jobs. Candidates not exactly pounding on the door for the opportunity to work there. For some odd reason, smarter and more qualified folks seem to think it’s a career ender.

  66. Ranger47 says

    See what you guys have done Amy? Now you’ve got even establishment Republicans using your language…but, for the right reasons in this case. He’s a bit frustrated with the fake news, 100% negative approach by CNN.

    LINDSEY GRAHAM ON WORKING WITH TRUMP: ‘I DON’T GIVE A SH**’ WHAT THE CRITICS SAY
    3:51 PM 06/15/2018

    South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham went after the critics who condemn his work with President Trump Thursday, saying he knows how the game is played — and he doesn’t care.

    “You went from — I’ll sum it up — hating him, making fun of him, finding peace, trying to work with him, where you can work with him, then comes out and hits you again on whatever he decided to do on a given day. Do you trust him now?” asked CNN host Kate Baldouan.

    “I trust the president,” Graham said. As does the majority of the country.

    When asked what he thought about being called “two-faced,” Graham said, “When I worked with President Obama, and I did on occasion, I was a hero. When I worked with president Trump, I’m two-faced. I know how the game is played.” (In other words, f**k you).

    “He’s been a friend to me. And he says some things I don’t agree with,” Graham continued. “If you don’t like me working with President Trump to make the world a better place, I don’t give a sh**.”

    Gotta admit I’m not a big Graham fan…but his stock just increased with the majority.

  67. Norshorguy says

    Gabby, I am anxious to see what website you’ll cut and paste next! Breitbart? The Conservative Cartel? CNN? Are you available from 10pm-2am? My bearded, man-bunned, hipster friends want to turn this into a drinking game of some kind!

    Trigger me, Gabby!

  68. Lindsey Graham is trying to keep his bread buttered as long as he can and stay in the game but he’s known the realities for a long time.
    Lindsey Graham said at 2012 Republican Convention: “The demographics we’re losing badly. We’re not generating enough angry white guys to stay in business for the long term”.

  69. Ranger47 says

    As I said, I’m not a big fan of Graham…you’ve just given a great example why. How wrong he was back in 2012!, and still wrong at least half the time.

  70. Ranger47 says

    Not quite sure if it’ll help norshorguy but AA is a free treatment program for people suffering from alcohol abuse or other addictions. It’s worked wonders for some with behavioral disorders you’re expressing…rambling, incoherent, lashing out, difficulty concentrating on topics at hand, encouraging drinking, etc. Many people use a sponsor to help them through the process…I’m available.

    The program uses a spiritual approach that includes a belief in a higher power. Members define that higher power in their own way—it does not have to be God.

    Let me know if I can help. Regardless, you’re on my prayer list..

    • Superior Snark says

      “rambling, incoherent, lashing out, difficulty concentrating on topics at hand”

      So you’ve described your symptoms, what are you going to do about them? The ACA covers mental wellness too, Bob.

  71. Norshorguy says

    Thanks, Gabby. But, your “rambling, incoherent, lashing out, [and] difficulty concentrating on topics at hand” just makes the beer taste so much better. It’s been a pleasure, Gabby.

    • Ranger47 says

      All the best. They say “drink responsibly”…but that’s near impossible for someone with your symptoms.

      • Norshorguy says

        Thanks, Gabby. I get the sense you know this all too well. Judging by the number times you have posted here Groucho’s quip about burning for three days seems especially apt. Now, if only your sense of irony weren’t also so diluted.

        • Ranger47 says

          I see you started early today, it’s only 4:15 pm, not a good sign..

          • Ranger47 says

            The program is 12 steps norshorguy. The first step is very important…

            It’s all about letting go. You admit you have a problem and begin to seek out help. It isn’t easy, but admitting powerlessness allows you to break the cycle of addiction that you’ve been stuck in. Admitting you can’t control your drug use is a necessary first step on the path to recovery.

            Actions to take:

            Accept that something is wrong in your life and that you no longer have control. You must admit complete defeat before building a new life.

            Embrace the truth and want to make an honest change.

            Understand that recovery can’t be done alone, and acknowledge that you need help.

            Again, I’m here to help…

          • Norshorguy says

            Yes indeed, Gabby. I know what you mean. Up until this point i’ve merely been enjoying watching you enjoy yours.

  72. Ranger47 says

    Local Township Economist….in case you missed this yesterday. You’re welcome to pass it on to the NYT, Harvard, MIT, Obama advisers, liberal elites to add to their file.

    With May Job Additions, Minnesota Reaches Lowest Unemployment Rate Since Mid-2000
    The more than 10,000 jobs added throughout the state in May brought the unemployment rate to a milestone mark of 3.1 percent.
    JUNE 14, 2018
    AMANDA OSTUNI

    Minnesota employers added 10,200 jobs in May, bringing the state unemployment rate down to 3.1 percent from its previous three-month-long perch at 3.2 percent.
     
    Those seasonally adjusted figures, reported Thursday by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), mark the lowest unemployment level since July 2000.
     
    “Businesses are continuing to add employees, despite a tightening labor market,” said DEED commissioner Shawntera Hardy in a statement. 
     
    “Minnesota bounced back with its strongest month of job gains in more than a year, following weather-related delays in new hiring in April,” said Hardy.

    • Gerald S says

      Yes. Nice steady decrease in the unemployment rate has been going on since 2009. Down 4.9% under Obama. So far down 1% under Trump, but should continue to decrease, barring a trade war, of course.

      Minnesota unemployment peaked at about 1% under the national rate, and has continued to run about 1% better ever since. But Minnesota has one of the strongest economies in the US — the strongest of any state not on the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean.

      • Ranger47 says

        A high school economics class could have reduced unemployment by 4.9%. If you have kids, I hope you’re setting a higher bar for them than Obama’s “new normal” economic recovery. Obama’s policies destroyed what should have been record setting unemployment/economic numbers.

        If mismanaging an economic recovery were an Olympic event, President Obama would have stood on the middle platform, accepting the gold medal.

        Deep recessions are supposed to be/have ALWAYS been followed by strong recoveries, until the half white guy. What was the worst recession since the 1930s, was followed by the slowest economic recovery in the history of the republic….in the history of the republic! All led by Obama. In a very real sense, there was no recovery at all under Obama.

        You can twist statistics Loco Township Economist, but you can’t twist history.

        • Gerald S says

          So your argument is that anyone can reduce unemployment by 4.9%, but it takes a real hero to reduce it 1%? Interesting thought pattern.

  73. Ranger47 says

    Just got notice this afternoon on the venue change! Need more room, Minnesotans are pouring in from across the state! Join us, be happy!

    “We’re excited to have you join us this Wednesday for President Trump’s rally!

    In order to accommodate more Minnesotans at the rally, we have now changed the location to AMSOIL Arena in Duluth, Minnesota.

    New venue information is below:

    AMSOIL Arena
    350 Harbor Drive
    Duluth, MN 55802

    DOORS OPEN: 3:30PM CT
    EVENT STARTS: 6:30PM CT

    Thank you,
    Team Trump-Pence”

  74. Ranger, you really, really like being a jerk. It’s no wonder you are drawn to trump. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were a obnoxiously rude middle school boy instead of a grown man.

  75. Norshorguy says

    None of us should really mind. He can’t help himself. It’s fun to draw the real Gabby Johnson out into the open for all to see.

  76. Oh, he has exposed himself many times these past years, and it isn’t a pretty picture

  77. Ranger47 says

    Actually no kissa, I don’t think my junior high classmates would say I was obnoxious, shy maybe. I did attend a Luther League Leadership camp in Gustavus in St. Peter in 8th grade though. I wasn’t crazy about it. It was state wide and had a “who can outdo the other” feel to it…at least to a small town Ranger. Reminds me a bit of some of today’s lifetime Swamp creatures. You can see right thru ’em.

    Junior high WAS a key turning point though. I felt the typical bullying that goes with life at that age, nothing unusual but….it convinced me to play football, left weights and wrestle. By high school, never felt bullied again. Plus…really enjoyed those team sports, especially wrestling. Great social & team sport but also a one-on-one sport. Many of those same team members are great friends yet today.

    Funny how sons will emulate their fathers…both my sons wrestled also. That’s my concern with norshorguy…if he has kids, you can bet they’ll drink like he does. Kinda sad, one doesn’t see it’s happening at the time, nor think anything is wrong with it…

  78. Bigbassguy says

    Stick a fork in it Aaron. This one’s done. Or at least it’s degenerated into a mess of people throwing shade at each other.

  79. Ranger47 says

    bigbassguy….The title of the article is: “President Trump to Hold Duluth Rally June 20”

    I realize you think this is not a big deal, as you stated earlier, you’d bet Trump doesn’t even show in Duluth…Guess what, he’s not only coming but as announced today, needs a bigger venue. Who knows, in another day or two he might have to move it to Target field.

    This is one of the biggest events in Minnesota political history…and you want to kill the dialogue, the political discourse?

    The discuss has just begun, the event is still five days away. A lot yet to be said prior to…let alone after he speaks. 

  80. Ho -Hum…

  81. Norshorguy says

    Gabby Johnson just keeps trying (and failing). Sad!

  82. Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence. Silence is better than foolish, unmeaning words.

  83. Donald Trump says

    …says the guy responsible for 74 of 141 comments.

  84. Gerals S says

    OK. I would like to ask all the progressive commentators to stop stooping to Ranger’s level with name calling and taunting.

    It is sort of the policy on this blog commentary to leave the obscenities, personal insults, racism, sexism, and general stone throwing to the conservatives. They are, of course, in the regrettable position of dealing with the problem that the facts have a well known liberal bias. “Fake news,” following the leadership of their hero, is a term that means “I don’t like the facts and would rather pretend they were not true.”

    The progressives here like to restrict ourselves to the facts, and why wouldn’t we? They are on our side, and also much more infuriating to the conservatives than mere schoolyard name calling, as a short perusal of past threads will show.

    We like to follow the old advice: “When the facts are on your side, cite the facts. When the law is on your side, cite the law. When neither the facts nor the law are on your side, yell and pound the table.” We cite the facts and the law, and let the conservatives yell and pound the table.

    I know it’s sometimes frustrating, but let’s keep being the grown-ups here.

  85. Gerald S says

    OK, let me put in a personal plea for the progressives here to stop stooping to name calling and taunts in dealing with Ranger.

    It is sort of a policy here that we let the conservatives do the name calling, racist remarks, sexist statements, personal insults, and obscenities. The progressives stick to the facts.

    All this is because the conservatives are stuck confronting the problem that the facts have a well known liberal bias. They are stuck with cries of “fake news,” which, as defined by their hero, means “facts I don’t like and wish were not true.”

    In reality, of course, the facts are more upsetting to the conservatives than any amount of name calling, something that a short perusal of past threads will demonstrate.

    There is an old saying, “If the facts are on your side, cite the facts. If the law is on your side, cite the law. If neither the facts nor the law are on your side, yell and pound the table.”

    That’s how it works here. The progressives cite the facts and the law. The conservatives yell and pound the table.

    I suggest we keep it that way.

  86. David Gray says

    Odd Gerald, I’ve found facts aren’t very effective with progressives. But I’ve certainly been called names by progressives. Your “policy” mentioned above is a fantasy. See this statement by you:

    “The “lies” David and Ranger are talking about are:”

    I never used the word lies. I didn’t address the content of your post. Yet you felt you had to wrap me up in your comment. That isn’t showing any regard for even the most basic facts, purely observable on this very site.

    • Just to review, you said:

      “But he sounds just the same when he has absolutely no idea what he is talking about and is impervious to evidence.”

      Ranger then, unsurprisingly, translated that into “lies.”

      I then pointed out that the “lies” and the things I had “absolutely no idea what I was talking about” were, in fact, statistical data from the US Treasury and other branches of government and court rulings.

      • David, your argument seems to be that your comment was just a gratuitous personal insult, not anything connected with the topic we were discussing. Is that really where you want to go?

  87. Will trump stick to selling his trade, etc policies in Duluth and stay away from his and WH deliberate abominable decision to take 2,000 immigrant children away from their parents? Make no mistake. This is brand new policy created by Trump, Jeff Sessions and WH, not previous administration policy unless go back to Japanese internment camps. It’s unamerican, unchristian and unbiblical, no matter what Jeff Sessions asserts.

  88. Aaron….Although we differ in political ideology, if today’s Iron Range had more people with your ambition and drive, the Range would be a better place. You demonstrate with your actions (writing books, Great Northern Radio Show, Dig Deep…) what others could do to make the Range a better place to live…diversify it’s economic activity by using their God given gifts.

    It’s been an enjoyable 10 years, or more, bantering with you, mostly your readers, but I’ve decided to move on…to sign off. What convinced is Matthew 7:6 where Jesus is speaking – “do not cast pearls before swine…”. Now don’t over analyze this, my words are far from “jewels” and you and your readers certainly aren’t “pigs”.

    But…in a small, small way, the world (Range) is not being made a better place by me posting and no one listening…or others posting and me not listening.

    So…time to quit posting. It truly has been fun though. It’s encouraged me to research and become more knowledgeable on issues…and put thoughts into words. Thanks

    Bye

  89. David Gray says

    No, it was advice to someone to stop wasting their time with you.

  90. Screw the Putsch says

    I see Ranger 47 warns someone not to wear anti-Trump gear to the DECC, because ” in numbers, we get mean.” Is that a threat of violence? That seems like the ugly mob mentality these rallies seek to create. This rally is a propaganda ploy to try to make Trump look popular when he is far from it. Film some people cheering the authoritarian leader of their personality cult, and pretend the majority shares their opinions. Trump is an absolutely corrupt conman, and it is fascinating to see how “strongman” cults are built around repeated nonsense coming from outlets like Fox News, which has been shown by fact checkers to be wrong over 50% the time. http://www.politifact.com/punditfact/tv/fox/
    And Fox is a beacon of truth compared to Trump himself.
    http://www.politifact.com/personalities/donald-trump/statements/byruling/false/
    Trump is out to undo 100 years of progress for the sake of his cronies. He shows strong indications of being a sociopath. He uses tactics employed by the authoritarians he’s always bromancing, and his irrational, emotional manipulations play on people’s fears and ignorance, and bring out the worst in those looking for scapegoats. Some of his supporters think government should be run like a business. Well, a business is not a democracy, it’s a top-down dictatorship. And, speaking of running a business, Trump declared bankruptcy at least 4 times, after inheriting a 100 million dollar real estate empire. What will be the last straw that causes his supporters to see his true nature? Is there one? Or can Republicans now come for Social Security and Medicare while Prima Donald’s supporters shout ” guns” and “immigrants” and “abortion.” Where are the law-and-order types when the Orange Swindler uses his charity for personal gain and flouts the constitution likewise? One last thing – stock market wealth is extremely concentrated. It is no measure of the real economy for average people.

  91. David Gray says

    There is more evidence of violence against Republicans and Trump supporters than by them.

  92. Sources please, Mr Gray?

  93. David Gray says

    How many campaign workers for Republican presidential candidates have tried to assassinate a group of House Democrats like a Bernie Sanders worker did, shooting Steve Scalise? Etc.

    But then I don’t generally respond to you. Oops.

    • Gerald S says

      The answer David offers clearly sidesteps any data, but since there is no data, that is not surprising.

      This is a question that has no honest verifiable answer. There simply is no data on the issue one way or the other. I am sure if you are regularly part of the audience for the conservative echo chamber, you have the impression that the Democrats are attacking the conservatives. If you regularly pay attention to the left wing echo chamber, you probably have the impression that the conservatives are attacking the liberals. Anecdotally there have been definite issues of violence on both sides.

      The main point here is more specific: that the now departed Ranger actually made a threat that dissenters at the Trump event in Duluth risk being attacked. David was not involved in that, and has not supported it. To my knowledge, the Trump and GOP campaigns have not offered any support for that kind of behavior since the famous incident during the campaign where Trump offered to pay the legal bills of anyone who attacked protesters at his events. Presumably the offer is no longer valid, and was the result of poorly thought out momentary impulsiveness by a tired candidate, to be filed in the same folder as Hilary’s “deplorable” statement and other unfortunate behavior by candidates overcome by stress, fatigue, and high emotions.

      All of us can hope that the Trump rally occurs without violence from either side. The organized events scheduled on June 20th in Duluth to oppose Trump are all located at sites well away from the rally at the DECC, although I am certain that there will be some individual people at the DECC opposing Trump.

      As far as mass shooters, that whole issue is clearly separate from the issue of the ordinary attendees and protesters at political events. Yes, the Congress shooter was a liberal who had done minor volunteer work, and he specifically was targeting the Republicans. The Vegas shooter was a vocal supporter of right wing politics, and although he specifically had scouted an earlier event where he could have attacked an Obama rally in Chicago, it seems more likely that his actual grudge in the attack in Vegas was with Vegas casinos, Other shooters have belonged to various right wing fringe groups, many of which support Trump, and have targeted groups that they opposed. At least two shooters have claimed to be supporters of ISIS, although there is considerable evidence that other issues like workplace conflicts and sexual identity issues were significantly involved. Other incidents, like “white powder” mailings, have targeted members of both parties. These people are clearly at least partly deranged, and the political settings just offer a channel for their derangement.

      The one thing all of these events have in common is that while some of their perpetrators may have been over-stimulated by political rhetoric from one side or the other, clearly both sides are firm opponents of anything resembling that behavior.

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