US General Election 2016: No Charisma

Laugh of the day!

In spite of Trump's weaker performance in the first debate, most online polls said that he won the debate. This is because the enthusiasm level of his supporters is unparalleled. His support of around 40-45% is solid. Clinton's solid support is much lower...perhaps in the mid 30's. This is evident on their rallies. Trump usually have several thousands in attendance. Hillary's rally averages around 500 - 1000 supporters.

There are still many events that are coming that will hurt Hillary:

1) Wilkileaks will be releasing her hacked emails just before election

2) Continued email and Clinton foundation investigations will continue to embarrass her

3) There are several economic and political events that are worrisome:

   a) The stock market hit some major resistance and has stalled
   b) Deutsche Bank, Germany's largest may go bust
   c) China's economic bubble may burst before election
   d) Syria has escalated the war with Russia and Iran's backing

4) Hillary just does not have the charisma to excite her base. Most people are voting for her because of their dislike of Trump rather than their "like" for her.

5) Trump has more support from the black community and independents than Romney, McCain or Bush.

6) Republicans are starting to support Trump. His support had gone up from 73% (before the convention) to 87%.

-- WP 09/28/2016






16.07.19.18

US Presidential Election 2016: Sign of the times?

I am sincerely perplexed.

I walk our dogs 6x a week for approximately a mile in my DuPage county subdivision. On most general election years, I would see at least a hand-ful of signs/banners supporting a particular candidate. As of my daily walk of this morning, I have seen none -- nary a one for either Presidential candidate.

My (possibly flawed) thoughts, pre first presidential debate:

(a) As in her rallies, Hillary Clinton supporters in my neck of the woods are AWOL

(b) Neighbors are afraid of the backlash if a pro Donald Trump sign is put up

(c) Both candidates are as disliked as I've read

(d) It's a matter of timing.  

(e) Gary Johnson may have an even stronger influence than I am able to fathom

The picture below is on a road leading AWAY from my neighborhood. It is solely for the benefit of my Filipino readers who will know how hard-core Pinoys pronounce the candidate's name; and hopefully, get a laugh out of it as we did,  hahaha.

Donald Trump and his Supporters a-la Victor Hugo

It's too bad we did not see Victor Hugo's  grave site while in Paris, France;

 though we did see his son's plot at  Montmartre Cemetery

Possible new logo?

On a more sobering note:

While waiting for my mom who was in a "Gentle Fitness " class, a couple of seniors, a lady and a gentleman, were arguing about Hillary. I jokingly stepped in to separate them as their arguments were getting too loud. She was a Hillary die-hard and he was a Trump "deplorable". I explained to them that at this point in the election...all the supporters of both camps are fully entrenched. There is nothing that any of them can say that would change the other person's mind. This election has both candidates support at around 40% a piece. The battle is for the remaining 20%. -- WP

Wet behind the ears

Younger son  fell in a dead faint during Bible Study Hour at church on Sunday.  (Later, someone made the observation that among our aging congregation, it was he -- the youngest in the crowd -- who gets the ambulance called on him.  What a distinction that we do not want to repeat!)

He had to be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital's ER. We spent the next 6 hours there. 

view from our car ... waiting to follow the ambulance

good friends commiserate with you

Our email summary to a family member regarding the day's events:  He is on the road to recovery, thank God. It was  surreal hearing the "thud" when he fainted (W who sat next to him on the pew, described it as a graceful slow mo fall to the floor). There was  a split -second when no one in the congregation knew what to do. Finally, dear Connie  broke the ice with her loud cry of the very obvious -- "He fell!"

His music Prof, in response to AJ's email requesting a cancellation of his clarinet lesson because of what had happened, mentioned that strep throat usually makes its rounds during the first weeks of school. Ironically, this made me feel better. It was not neglect nor carelessness on our part after all. Pray that your brother recovers his strength by tomorrow afternoon so that he can get back on track.  We finally found a pharmacy that is open late (another sign of God's care).  He is now on his prescription meds (an antibiotic and a pain reliever), and is in bed.  We are all soooo very tired.  God bless and keep you safe tonight. Avoid getting sick.  Wash your hands often...with soap. We need to keep drumming these words into all of your heads from this day onward. Love, Mom & Dad