Iran

[Orange_Crush]

I don't think he should have done more so I don't know what the heck you are talking about. And I don't see anyone making that argument. You are just making things up. My point is I see many on here says this should have been done long ago . Previous administrations kicking the can etc etc. Well if you feel that way then surely you can show the class where you claimed Trump was soft on Iran, perhaps advocated for new wars during his campaign, or asked for immediate intervention. Otherwise you are FOS about the other admins. You could claim events on the ground changed urgently and Trump had to act. I'd disagree but that's not relevant. Bc it's not the route you went

I don't know wth you're talking about. Are you claiming that I made up the use of fake intel to paint him as a treasonous Russian asset, thus monopolizing the admin's time, energy and political capital? The unsubstantiated accusations of quid pro quos? AGs personally targeting him to bankrupt him and send him to prison? That he was being impeached?

Do you seriously think that someone should look back on that and think, "You know what he should have done amidst all of that? Start a war!"

Maybe instead of posturing about the mindset you think people should have, you should start by asking questions? And for the record, if you think Trump had the political capital, time, energy and attention to start a war in hist first term, you look like an idiot.

 

[Orange_Crush]

He had too much on his plate to deal with Iran perpetually being "two weeks away" from nukes? Hmm, seems like it wasn't a high priority and we're approaching the point

Yes. He did.

And for the record, I've never personally claimed that we've invaded Iran strictly about nukes. Just the opposite, actually--though I do suspect their nuclear program is a big part of the reason. That's one reason that I am conflicted about it, just like I was about Venezuela. And one reason that I think he's currently taken it about as far as he should without Congressions approval--which takes us back to the first term, lack of Congressional support, impeachment hearing, etc...

 

[NashVol11]

I don't know wth you're talking about. Are you claiming that I made up the use of fake intel to paint him as a treasonous Russian asset, thus monopolizing the admin's time, energy and political capital? The unsubstantiated accusations of quid pro quos? AGs personally targeting him to bankrupt him and send him to prison? That he was being impeached?

Do you seriously think that someone should look back on that and think, "You know what he should have done amidst all of that? Start a war!"

Maybe instead of posturing about the mindset you think people should have, you should start by asking questions? And for the record, if you think Trump had the political capital, time, energy and attention to start a war in hist first term, you look like an idiot.

I would say "he would have done it but he didn't have time, because his time and priorities were dictated by Democrats" makes one look much more like an idiot, but hey

 

[volfanhill]

I don't know wth you're talking about. Are you claiming that I made up the use of fake intel to paint him as a treasonous Russian asset, thus monopolizing the admin's time, energy and political capital? The unsubstantiated accusations of quid pro quos? AGs personally targeting him to bankrupt him and send him to prison? That he was being impeached?

Do you seriously think that someone should look back on that and think, "You know what he should have done amidst all of that? Start a war!"

Maybe instead of posturing about the mindset you think people should have, you should start by asking questions? And for the record, if you think Trump had the political capital, time, energy and attention to start a war in hist first term, you look like an idiot.

Um hes not starting a war now and based current on logic wouldn't need approval then according to him

Has less approval now...that includes pre "war"numbers ....can we call it a war? Asking for a friend...numbers


And still you can't support your argument that other admins kicked the can but Trump did not . Again, where are your criticisms or even advice to the admin How did you support no new wars when you wanted new war? Makes you look...

 

[MontyPython]

No. I'm asking a question. We have it well over here compared to other parts of the world. I'm not suggesting they're going to invade and takeover, but their influence will continue to expand if not held in check or removed completely.

Monty, stop believing what you hear at the no kings rallies.

So... America First and No New Wars were campaign lies... That you agree with.

Who cares if Iranian influence expands? How would that harm us?

Pffft.

 

[EasternVol]

That occurred in 1985-86. I said in the spring or summer of ‘81.

His administration could have found them in violation of something to dissolve the agreement.

The hostages were released soon after Reagan was elected, which was late 1980. Are you familiar with the October Surprise theory?

 

[Weezer]

My "give a damn" on all the problems of the ME seems to have broken. I just want affordable gas.

 

[volfanhill]

So... America First and No New Wars were campaign lies... That you agree with.

Who cares if Iranian influence expands? How would that harm us?

Pffft.

Trumps fighting of the "deep state" was more important than protecting Israel and America from Iranian nukes is the argument he's making. It's remarkable

 

[EasternVol]

I meant defending against an attempted coup... In the minds of many of the people who didn't expect him to invade Iran while fighting against the use of fake intel to impeach him, while other politicians ran on finding crimes to prosecute him for-- which were the minds in question per the post I responded to.

#HookerPissBaby!

Which didn’t add up to anything close to an attempted coup.

 

[ETV]

So... America First and No New Wars were campaign lies... That you agree with.

Who cares if Iranian influence expands? How would that harm us?

Pffft.

America first, yes.

Part two of your statement, yes...this administration hasn't been honest with the public regarding it's intent with Iran. On the other hand, what was the last administration to NOT lie to the American public and it's voting base, once taking office?

Biden. Hell no. Trump part 1. No. Obama 1 & 2. Nope. (most transparent administration ever...still laughing at that one.) W. Nope. The list keeps going.

 

[BeardedVol]

Yes. He did.

And for the record, I've never personally claimed that we've invaded Iran strictly about nukes. Just the opposite, actually--though I do suspect their nuclear program is a big part of the reason. That's one reason that I am conflicted about it, just like I was about Venezuela. And one reason that I think he's currently taken it about as far as he should without Congressions approval--which takes us back to the first term, lack of Congressional support, impeachment hearing, etc...

Lol

In 2017, Trump spent three months’ time — 91 days — on the golf course. In 2018, Trump spent 75 days playing golf. In 2019, Trump spent 87 days on a golf course and in 2020, Trump spent 54 days playing golf.

Donald Trump Spent Almost A Year Playing Golf During Presidency

Almost a year of time spent on golf courses was punctuated recently as December became the worst month for deaths and infections in the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. Many in conservative media made a point of mentioning time spent playing golf by President Obama. But Trump has now far surpassed...

seattlemedium.com

 

[ETV]

The hostages were released soon after Reagan was elected, which was late 1980. Are you familiar with the October Surprise theory?

I'm not familiar with that theory. I read that there was no credible evidence to proceed.

 

[EasternVol]

I'm not familiar with that theory. I read that there was no credible evidence to proceed.

Sorry, to proceed with what?

 

[ETV]

Sorry, to proceed with what?

My mistake. Credible evidence was absent or insufficient.

 

[ETV]

My "give a damn" on all the problems of the ME seems to have broken. I just want affordable gas.

The Mrs just returned from a business trip to Orange County. She took this on Friday morning. Here are their prices for fuel.

 

[Orangeburst]

The Mrs just returned from a business trip to Orange County. She took this on Friday morning. Here are their prices for fuel.
View attachment 832665

• January 2026: Approximately $4.13 per gallon.
• February 2026: Increased to around $4.45 per gallon.
• March 2026: Jumped to over $5.30 per gallon, with some sources listing $5.26 to $5.38.
• April 2026: Continued to rise, averaging around $5.84 per gallon, with weekly prices reaching over $6.00 by month-end.
• May 2026 (Partial): Prices exceeded $6.00 in the first two weeks, with an average of $6.08 to $6.15.

Shutting down refineries had as much effect as the war.

 

[Orange_Crush]

I would say "he would have done it but he didn't have time, because his time and priorities were dictated by Democrats" makes one look much more like an idiot, but hey

You feel free to do you.

 

[Orange_Crush]

...


And still you can't support your argument that other admins kicked the can but Trump did not . Again, where are your criticisms or even advice to the admin How did you support no new wars when you wanted new war? Makes you look...

You should read the names above posts you respond to. I think you're attributing other people's arguments to me.

 

[Orange_Crush]

Which didn’t add up to anything close to an attempted coup.

I'll agree to disagree.

Whether unseating a duly elected president is considered a soft coup depends entirely on how and why it is done. It ranges from a completely legitimate democratic process to a severe subversion of democracy. [1]

1. When it is NOT a soft coup (Legitimate Removal)
If a leader is removed through established, lawful, and constitutional processes, it is not considered a coup. [1]

• Impeachment: When a legislature uses constitutional powers to remove a president for high crimes, treason, or misdemeanors.
• Elections or Term Limits: When the lawful voting process ends a president's term or replaces them.

2. When it IS considered a "Soft Coup"
A soft coup (or silent coup) refers to an unconstitutional or illegal overthrow of a government that is achieved without the direct use of military force or violence. It is often used to describe situations where political manipulation is used to nullify a democratic outcome. Examples include: [1, 2]

• Abuse of Process: When a legislature or judiciary circumvents actual laws or fabricated criminal charges to oust a president purely to seize power rather than enforce the law.
• Institutional Sabotage: When unelected officials, intelligence agencies, or bureaucracy work in secret to actively obstruct and neutralize a president's administration, thereby rendering the election null

 

[MontyPython]

Lol

In 2017, Trump spent three months’ time — 91 days — on the golf course. In 2018, Trump spent 75 days playing golf. In 2019, Trump spent 87 days on a golf course and in 2020, Trump spent 54 days playing golf.

Donald Trump Spent Almost A Year Playing Golf During Presidency

Almost a year of time spent on golf courses was punctuated recently as December became the worst month for deaths and infections in the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. Many in conservative media made a point of mentioning time spent playing golf by President Obama. But Trump has now far surpassed...

seattlemedium.com

Add in all the time he's spent on his midnight tweets and Donald has actually spent 3 minutes total doing actual "President Stuff".

 

[MontyPython]

Looking forward to Donald's eventual agreement with Iran... which will be exactly like Obama's JCPOA that he sh*t canned.

Gosh he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize.

 

[volfanhill]

You should read the names above posts you respond to. I think you're attributing other people's arguments to me.

I made a statement about supporters of this war not being able to show where they were critical of this admin for Trump not doing more in his first term. You replied derp deep state. That seemed like a defense of his lack of action. And I'm not critical of it. But Trumpers can't have it both ways. And if you come in defending it then I can only assume you are good with it

 

[Orange_Crush]

I made a statement about supporters of this war not being able to show where they were critical of this admin for Trump not doing more in his first term. You replied derp deep state. That seemed like a defense of his lack of action. And I'm not critical of it. But Trumpers can't have it both ways. And if you come in defending it then I can only assume you are good with it

You attributed arguments to me that I have not made. I will not be held responsible for your assumptions. Like I said, if you want to promote discussion, learn to ask questions.

Good evening.

 

[volfanhill]

You attributed arguments to me that I have not made. I will not be held responsible for your assumptions. Like I said, if you want to promote discussion, learn to ask questions.

Good evening.

Then why respond to my comment, that wasn't directed at you, defending why they cant provide arguments showing their displeasure with Trump on this earlier? lol. Derp deep state. Got it. You may not have espoused it but you sure as hell created an excuse. My fault too?

 

[Orange_Crush]

Then why respond to my comment, that wasn't directed at you, defending why they cant provide arguments showing their displeasure with Trump on this earlier? lol. Derp deep state. Got it. You may not have espoused it but you sure as hell created an excuse. My fault too?

Because you posed a false dilemma, thinking that it wasn't a false dilemma. If someone claimed that the sky is purple, one doesn't have to have a dog in the fight to offer a correction.

The fact of the matter is that Trump had his hands full and was spending massive amounts of energy and political capital on self-preservation in his first term. We don't know what intel reports they had about Iran, how close Iran was to a nuclear bomb at the time, etc... The simplest way to state is that his first term != his second term. so expectations of him at either time should probably be judged separately.

You don't know what his supporters believe now. Do they support Trump's actions in Iran unconditionally? Do they believe nukes was the sole reason for bombing them this time? (Hint: It likely wasn't. It was likely one reason, and a great excuse to do it for leverage against Russia and China--just like Venezuela likely was.) Has Trump even said that that was the only reason for bombing them this time? Do his supporters believe that he actually promised "no new wars"? (Hint: he didn't. Go read the Venezuela thread. Many quotes were offered.)

There are a lot of nuances to the conversation, and one would think that you'd be interested in discussing them if you were interested in more than just running into a room and screaming "cultists!" to a bunch of strangers.