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politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Trump’s massive midterms gamble has been to make it about hims

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    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,534
    Anazina said:

    Barnesian said:

    Barnesian said:

    Any ideas why there is such a mismatch on the chances of the Democrats winning the House between Betfair (65%) and the models?

    538 has it as a 86% chance.
    https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2018-midterm-election-forecast/house/

    0ptimus has it as a 93% chance.
    https://0ptimus.decisiondeskhq.com/

    My gut instinct is that the Dems are going to win big in the House.

    I’m not sure if I should bet on my gut instinct:
    Follow the models not your gut or any anti-model sentiment.
    Wise advice, although I should say it’s “informed” gut and not what I want to happen.
    You would prefer Trumpton to prosper?
    That’s not what I meant.

    I meant it’s not coloured by what I want to happen.
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    BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 7,997

    Barnesian said:

    Polruan said:

    Polruan said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Sorry to go off topic, but if Preston is right and the EU red line is that the UK must be divided then we MUST leave with no deal:
    https://twitter.com/Peston/status/1054415569896792065

    I don’t think he’s quite right - my reading is that the EU will also be satisfied if the para 49 backstop commitment to ‘full alignment’ is met by the U.K. agreeing to maintain SM/CU alignment in a way which doesn’t seek to divide the four freedoms or take the benefits of market access without the corresponding obligations. So that means financial contributions and continued freedom of movement and will probably have a snappy name like ‘Norway Super Plus’. Or perhaps ‘Not Leaving’.
    Or perhaps, "Brexit Not Settled".

    I really thought it would be impossible to get anybody fired up about re-opening the 2019 Brexit settlement. Well, May looks set to do the impossible....
    Rather like Osborne with austerity, the Tories need to redefine Brexit as a journey rather than a destination. Then they can fight future elections claiming that it’s too risky to elect Labour, because the job is only half done, and Labour will throw away all the progress that has been made. Brexit: a present continuous verb, not a noun.
    Great idea, and it could work. But I think the Tories are losing their ability to set the agenda.
    Only me!

    People who attended People's Vote Rally 2018 = 700,000
    People who voted Leave in 2016 = 17,400,000
    People who post nonsensical comparisons = 1
    Surely "People who post nonsensical comparisons = fish cushions"?
    :)
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    PolruanPolruan Posts: 2,083

    Polruan said:



    I’ve just been trying to summarise today’s statement for a client newsletter and reached roughly the same conclusion, but still wonder if I’m missing something. Did May really say that her ‘improved offer’ was to keep the UK in partial alignment with NI, but that it could only be temporary and there could be no barriers between the UK and NI? Because that doesn’t seem to offer anything new at all to meet the concerns raised the EU.

    Her modus operandi is to say whatever is needed to satisfy the current audience, and kick any awkward decisions down the road. I imagine she will agree a plausible scenario with the EU on how the backstop will end, everyone will solemnly confirm that they don't want it to go on indefinitely, and Parliament will let it through. Then we can spend the next few years peacefully debating whether the necessary conditions have been met.
    Agreed re TMPM’s MO but today’s proposal doesn’t seem to meet any of the criteria for a functional backstop, even if you ignore the temporary/indefinite language games. It’s almost like she has gone back to believing the the EU have no television, internet or Hansard.
  • Options
    RecidivistRecidivist Posts: 4,679

    Polruan said:

    Polruan said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Sorry to go off topic, but if Preston is right and the EU red line is that the UK must be divided then we MUST leave with no deal:
    https://twitter.com/Peston/status/1054415569896792065

    I don’t think he’s quite right - my reading is that the EU will also be satisfied if the para 49 backstop commitment to ‘full alignment’ is met by the U.K. agreeing to maintain SM/CU alignment in a way which doesn’t seek to divide the four freedoms or take the benefits of market access without the corresponding obligations. So that means financial contributions and continued freedom of movement and will probably have a snappy name like ‘Norway Super Plus’. Or perhaps ‘Not Leaving’.
    Or perhaps, "Brexit Not Settled".

    I really thought it would be impossible to get anybody fired up about re-opening the 2019 Brexit settlement. Well, May looks set to do the impossible....
    Rather like Osborne with austerity, the Tories need to redefine Brexit as a journey rather than a destination. Then they can fight future elections claiming that it’s too risky to elect Labour, because the job is only half done, and Labour will throw away all the progress that has been made. Brexit: a present continuous verb, not a noun.
    Great idea, and it could work. But I think the Tories are losing their ability to set the agenda.
    Only me!

    People who attended People's Vote Rally 2018 = 700,000
    People who voted Leave in 2016 = 17,400,000
    Come come Mr Prassanan. You are supposed to be a scientist. The two cases are not comparable.
  • Options
    viewcodeviewcode Posts: 18,950
    edited October 2018

    Barnesian said:

    Polruan said:

    Polruan said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Sorry to go off topic, but if Preston is right and the EU red line is that the UK must be divided then we MUST leave with no deal:
    https://twitter.com/Peston/status/1054415569896792065

    I don’t think he’s quite right - my reading is that the EU will also be satisfied if the para 49 backstop commitment to ‘full alignment’ is met by the U.K. agreeing to maintain SM/CU alignment in a way which doesn’t seek to divide the four freedoms or take the benefits of market access without the corresponding obligations. So that means financial contributions and continued freedom of movement and will probably have a snappy name like ‘Norway Super Plus’. Or perhaps ‘Not Leaving’.
    Or perhaps, "Brexit Not Settled".

    I really thought it would be impossible to get anybody fired up about re-opening the 2019 Brexit settlement. Well, May looks set to do the impossible....
    Rather like Osborne with austerity, the Tories need to redefine Brexit as a journey rather than a destination. Then they can fight future elections claiming that it’s too risky to elect Labour, because the job is only half done, and Labour will throw away all the progress that has been made. Brexit: a present continuous verb, not a noun.
    Great idea, and it could work. But I think the Tories are losing their ability to set the agenda.
    Only me!

    People who attended People's Vote Rally 2018 = 700,000
    People who voted Leave in 2016 = 17,400,000
    People who post nonsensical comparisons = 1
    Surely "People who post nonsensical comparisons = fish cushions"?
    So fish can't have cushions now? How are they to rest their weary fins? How would a fish chaise-longue work? They'll get fish cramp from the awkward pose.
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    stodgestodge Posts: 12,889

    Polruan said:


    Rather like Osborne with austerity, the Tories need to redefine Brexit as a journey rather than a destination. Then they can fight future elections claiming that it’s too risky to elect Labour, because the job is only half done, and Labour will throw away all the progress that has been made. Brexit: a present continuous verb, not a noun.

    Great idea, and it could work. But I think the Tories are losing their ability to set the agenda.
    The other problem is, and I'm going to channel my inner HYUFD here, the polls show most people are "tired" of Brexit and want it over and done with. The thought of this continuing into the next decade unresolved isn't going to be palatable even for those who have given My the benefit of the doubt thus far.

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    glwglw Posts: 9,554
    What do people think of the reports of large numbers of people turning up for early voting? Most commentators seem to think that is good for the Democrats, is that correct?
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    NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,360

    FF43 said:

    Not exactly packed Chamber, is it?
    The conservative benches are typically empty for Brexit debates. You have a small huddle of Pro EU MPs and a bigger group of headbangers. The others stay away or if they do attend, have a worried distracted look.
    Actually at the start of the debate the benches were quite full apart from the SNP but of course as time went on (over an hour) mps drifted away
    Yes, and MPs can follow it over the screens, but it's not exactly a Show of Force by the ERG.

    I used to tease the Tories on the European Affairs Select Committee that they consistently didn't bother to attend the subcommittee meetings examining in detail exactly the sort of EU legislation that they claimed to object to. But equally, I remember a meeting to discuss concerns about the Iraq war just before it started, chaired by the then Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw. About a dozen MPs turned up, out of 650. "Evidently not an issue of much concern to colleagues," he said drily. The problem is that there's too much to do and if a meeting is merely discussing an issue without a vote, people don't attend.
  • Options
    viewcodeviewcode Posts: 18,950
    edited October 2018

    Polruan said:

    Polruan said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Sorry to go off topic, but if Preston is right and the EU red line is that the UK must be divided then we MUST leave with no deal:
    https://twitter.com/Peston/status/1054415569896792065

    I don’t think he’s quite right - my reading is that the EU will also be satisfied if the para 49 backstop commitment to ‘full alignment’ is met by the U.K. agreeing to maintain SM/CU alignment in a way which doesn’t seek to divide the four freedoms or take the benefits of market access without the corresponding obligations. So that means financial contributions and continued freedom of movement and will probably have a snappy name like ‘Norway Super Plus’. Or perhaps ‘Not Leaving’.
    Or perhaps, "Brexit Not Settled".

    I really thought it would be impossible to get anybody fired up about re-opening the 2019 Brexit settlement. Well, May looks set to do the impossible....
    Rather like Osborne with austerity, the Tories need to redefine Brexit as a journey rather than a destination. Then they can fight future elections claiming that it’s too risky to elect Labour, because the job is only half done, and Labour will throw away all the progress that has been made. Brexit: a present continuous verb, not a noun.
    Great idea, and it could work. But I think the Tories are losing their ability to set the agenda.
    Only me!

    People who attended People's Vote Rally 2018 = 700,000
    People who voted Leave in 2016 = 17,400,000
    Come come Mr Prassanan. You are supposed to be a scientist. The two cases are not comparable.
    Come come Dr Prasannan. You derive as much pleasure from posting obscure references as I do...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUOimokeY7s
  • Options

    Polruan said:

    Polruan said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Sorry to go off topic, but if Preston is right and the EU red line is that the UK must be divided then we MUST leave with no deal:
    https://twitter.com/Peston/status/1054415569896792065

    I don’t think he’s quite right - my reading is that the EU will also be satisfied if the para 49 backstop commitment to ‘full alignment’ is met by the U.K. agreeing to maintain SM/CU alignment in a way which doesn’t seek to divide the four freedoms or take the benefits of market access without the corresponding obligations. So that means financial contributions and continued freedom of movement and will probably have a snappy name like ‘Norway Super Plus’. Or perhaps ‘Not Leaving’.
    Or perhaps, "Brexit Not Settled".

    I really thought it would be impossible to get anybody fired up about re-opening the 2019 Brexit settlement. Well, May looks set to do the impossible....
    Rather like Osborne with austerity, the Tories need to redefine Brexit as a journey rather than a destination. Then they can fight future elections claiming that it’s too risky to elect Labour, because the job is only half done, and Labour will throw away all the progress that has been made. Brexit: a present continuous verb, not a noun.
    Great idea, and it could work. But I think the Tories are losing their ability to set the agenda.
    Only me!

    People who attended People's Vote Rally 2018 = 700,000
    People who voted Leave in 2016 = 17,400,000
    Come come Dr Prasannan. You are supposed to be a scientist. The two cases are not comparable.
    17,400,000 VOTES mean nothing to you, Mr Reccidivist?
  • Options

    FF43 said:

    Not exactly packed Chamber, is it?
    The conservative benches are typically empty for Brexit debates. You have a small huddle of Pro EU MPs and a bigger group of headbangers. The others stay away or if they do attend, have a worried distracted look.
    Actually at the start of the debate the benches were quite full apart from the SNP but of course as time went on (over an hour) mps drifted away
    Yes, and MPs can follow it over the screens, but it's not exactly a Show of Force by the ERG.

    I used to tease the Tories on the European Affairs Select Committee that they consistently didn't bother to attend the subcommittee meetings examining in detail exactly the sort of EU legislation that they claimed to object to. But equally, I remember a meeting to discuss concerns about the Iraq war just before it started, chaired by the then Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw. About a dozen MPs turned up, out of 650. "Evidently not an issue of much concern to colleagues," he said drily. The problem is that there's too much to do and if a meeting is merely discussing an issue without a vote, people don't attend.
    Makes sense if anything does these days
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    Sturgeon won't be happy about Boris wanting to take back control of the Bawdaz.
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    CyclefreeCyclefree Posts: 25,222
    A week ago the Cox report on bullying in the House of Commons was published. And yesterday we read of an MP who talks about knifing the PM in a brutal way.

    If proof were needed of what the Cox report said that MP’s words provided it. I hope he or she is unmasked soon so that the opprobrium they so richly deserve is unleashed on them.

    Good to see MPs from all parties criticising such revolting language.
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    Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    MPs take note

    https://twitter.com/Coral/status/1054475070888964099

    This is what happens when you sack the manager...
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    archer101auarcher101au Posts: 1,612

    Barnesian said:

    Barnesian said:

    Polruan said:



    I’ve just been trying to summarise today’s statement for a client newsletter and reached roughly the same conclusion, but still wonder if I’m missing something. Did May really say that her ‘improved offer’ was to keep the UK in partial alignment with NI, but that it could only be temporary and there could be no barriers between the UK and NI? Because that doesn’t seem to offer anything new at all to meet the concerns raised the EU.

    Her modus operandi is to say whatever is needed to satisfy the current audience, and kick any awkward decisions down the road. I imagine she will agree a plausible scenario with the EU on how the backstop will end, everyone will solemnly confirm that they don't want it to go on indefinitely, and Parliament will let it through. Then we can spend the next few years peacefully debating whether the necessary conditions have been met.
    I think you may have got it in one Nick
    Agreed. But it means she leaves a growing trail of aggrieved people who though she meant what she said. Grieve (the next temporary PM) is an important example.
    Well that is a first. I haven't heard Grieve mentioned by anyone. He would have far too many mps against him. They may as well co-op Vince, well maybe not
    If there is no deal and parliament wants to take control to prevent it, they first need a VONC in the government. The government falls and the LOTO has 14 days to show he can form a government with the confidence of the house - which he can't. Meanwhile the clock is ticking towards no deal. The polls indicate that neither party will get a majority in a GE and chaos faces us. In this circumstance I think it is possible that a cross-party group could command the confidence of the house if they
    a) made it clear that it was temporary, for say six months
    b) asked the EU for an extension of A50 for six months
    c) agreed to hold a referendum (leave or remain) within the six months with a commitment that this would be the final say on it for twenty years. NB Leave would mean no deal crash out.
    d) were led by someone who was competent, a parliamentarian, had the respect of the house and was without personal ambition.
    TM said she will bring back her deal and it is upto the HOC to decide.

    No deal is unacceptable and in those circumstances a second referendum becomes almost inevitable
    Yet she has ruled it out and promised today that in all circumstances the UK will leave the EU on 29 March 2019. Unless you are saying she is lying....
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    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,314

    Sturgeon won't be happy about Boris wanting to take back control of the Bawdaz.
    Boy I bet Boris thinks he should have sent the other column in...
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    MTimTMTimT Posts: 7,034

    Barnesian said:

    Any ideas why there is such a mismatch on the chances of the Democrats winning the House between Betfair (65%) and the models?

    538 has it as a 86% chance.
    https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2018-midterm-election-forecast/house/

    0ptimus has it as a 93% chance.
    https://0ptimus.decisiondeskhq.com/

    My gut instinct is that the Dems are going to win big in the House.

    I’m not sure if I should bet on my gut instinct:
    Trump's base is obdurate, but has visibly shrunk. Outside of his base, there is an overwhelming desire to see the GOP lose the House. On the other hand, there is no strong love from swing voters for the Dems at the moment as they are more and more controlled by their left wing.

    So I am expecting a blue wave in House elections, but a very much tighter race for the Senate, with the GOP probably, but not certainty, holding on by their fingertips.
  • Options
    RecidivistRecidivist Posts: 4,679
    edited October 2018

    Polruan said:

    Polruan said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Sorry to go off topic, but if Preston is right and the EU red line is that the UK must be divided then we MUST leave with no deal:
    https://twitter.com/Peston/status/1054415569896792065

    I don’t think he’s quite right - my reading is that the EU will also be satisfied if the para 49 backstop commitment to ‘full alignment’ is met by the U.K. agreeing to maintain SM/CU alignment in a way which doesn’t seek to divide the four freedoms or take the benefits of market access without the corresponding obligations. So that means financial contributions and continued freedom of movement and will probably have a snappy name like ‘Norway Super Plus’. Or perhaps ‘Not Leaving’.
    Or perhaps, "Brexit Not Settled".

    I really thought it would be impossible to get anybody fired up about re-opening the 2019 Brexit settlement. Well, May looks set to do the impossible....
    Rather like Osborne with austerity, the Tories need to redefine Brexit as a journey rather than a destination. Then they can fight future elections claiming that it’s too risky to elect Labour, because the job is only half done, and Labour will throw away all the progress that has been made. Brexit: a present continuous verb, not a noun.
    Great idea, and it could work. But I think the Tories are losing their ability to set the agenda.
    Only me!

    People who attended People's Vote Rally 2018 = 700,000
    People who voted Leave in 2016 = 17,400,000
    Come come Dr Prasannan. You are supposed to be a scientist. The two cases are not comparable.
    17,400,000 VOTES mean nothing to you, Mr Reccidivist?
    Yes it does certainly mean something to me. But so does the number 634,751 - the number of votes that would have to change to get a different result. It's a big number, but smaller than the number who turned out last Saturday.
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    CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    Anazina said:

    Norway Super Plus?

    The list of brexitisms just grows longer and longer.

    Presumably the goal is to deliver a deal that is described by the most tortured and wordy neologism? A worthy aim!

    Norcan?

    Or Can-way Island?
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    CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758

    Anazina said:

    Norway Super Plus?

    The list of brexitisms just grows longer and longer.

    I am waiting for Brexit+++CU--SM++/EEA~EFTA+-/YesNoMaybe/Barnier to turn up in the list of concise deals
    At university I was graded on one paper as

    A-?A—/B+++

    Which I think meant about A—
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    steve_garnersteve_garner Posts: 1,019
    Scott_P said:

    MPs take note

    https://twitter.com/Coral/status/1054475070888964099

    This is what happens when you sack the manager...

    It helped that the ref played for Arsenal tonight. His first half performance was abject, and guess which team got the benefit of his numerous errors. Arsenal played some great stuff in the second half but the ref simply robbed Leicester.
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    archer101auarcher101au Posts: 1,612
    HYUFD said:

    HYUFD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Pulpstar said:

    spudgfsh said:



    Whatever politicians say, no-deal will lead to another vote. all it would take is for the DUP to abstain from a vote of confidence (which would happen). it would be as tight as 1979 but without the DUP (even if they abstain) the tories would lose. a defeat of the government by a no confidence motion will make the Tory vote share drop by enough for Labour to win (even if not outright).

    I don't see why the DUP would not back the government in the event of no deal, it is if a NI only backstop is agreed they will not back the Govt.
    In the event of no deal it'd potentially be Grieve, Soubry and some others no confidence get the Govt.
    Then Corbyn PM or EUref2 and Remain.

    Hardline Brexiteers will have killed the chance of a FTA for GB beyond BINO by their refusal to compromise and will have nobody to blame but themselves
    You are determined to miss the point.

    The ERG have forced May to set out criteria today that the EU will never agree. Surely you can see that?

    The ERG are not going to have to vote down May’s deal at this rate - she simply won’t get one.

    The backstop is not the ERGs fault, nor their idea. But they have played it beautifully against her and she is now going to end up vetoing her own deal. She can’t backtrack on her latest ‘four point plan’ but nor can she deliver it. No need to get rid of her right now.
    Firstly there was nothing May said today which prevents her agreeing a backstop with a break clause e.g. a technical solution is found to the Irish border.

    Secondly May also refused to rule out a second EU referendum for the first time today if negotiations break down so as I said if the ERG push it too far they may end with No Brexit at all

    Exactly what do you think May said today - do you have a quote? Because I heard her rule out a second referendum, a general election and an extension to article 50. She promised the UK would leave on time regardless of the circumstances.

    But in the end, May is not going to be able to fudge. The ERG trap is closing - forced her to make commitments today that the EU will not accept and Cabinet forced her to obtain legal advice from Cox, who won’t be fooled, about whether the UK can leave the backstop unilaterally which is what she promised today,

    She will end up with no deal herself.
  • Options
    BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 7,997

    Polruan said:

    Polruan said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Sorry to go off topic, but if Preston is right and the EU red line is that the UK must be divided then we MUST leave with no deal:
    https://twitter.com/Peston/status/1054415569896792065

    I don’t think he’s quite right - my reading is that the EU will also be satisfied if the para 49 backstop commitment to ‘full alignment’ is met by the U.K. agreeing to maintain SM/CU alignment in a way which doesn’t seek to divide the four freedoms or take the benefits of market access without the corresponding obligations. So that means financial contributions and continued freedom of movement and will probably have a snappy name like ‘Norway Super Plus’. Or perhaps ‘Not Leaving’.
    Or perhaps, "Brexit Not Settled".

    I really thought it would be impossible to get anybody fired up about re-opening the 2019 Brexit settlement. Well, May looks set to do the impossible....
    Rather like Osborne with austerity, the Tories need to redefine Brexit as a journey rather than a destination. Then they can fight future elections claiming that it’s too risky to elect Labour, because the job is only half done, and Labour will throw away all the progress that has been made. Brexit: a present continuous verb, not a noun.
    Great idea, and it could work. But I think the Tories are losing their ability to set the agenda.
    Only me!

    People who attended People's Vote Rally 2018 = 700,000
    People who voted Leave in 2016 = 17,400,000
    Come come Dr Prasannan. You are supposed to be a scientist. The two cases are not comparable.
    17,400,000 VOTES mean nothing to you, Mr Reccidivist?
    Fish cushions
  • Options
    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,314
    MTimT said:

    Barnesian said:

    Any ideas why there is such a mismatch on the chances of the Democrats winning the House between Betfair (65%) and the models?

    538 has it as a 86% chance.
    https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2018-midterm-election-forecast/house/

    0ptimus has it as a 93% chance.
    https://0ptimus.decisiondeskhq.com/

    My gut instinct is that the Dems are going to win big in the House.

    I’m not sure if I should bet on my gut instinct:
    Trump's base is obdurate, but has visibly shrunk. Outside of his base, there is an overwhelming desire to see the GOP lose the House. On the other hand, there is no strong love from swing voters for the Dems at the moment as they are more and more controlled by their left wing.

    So I am expecting a blue wave in House elections, but a very much tighter race for the Senate, with the GOP probably, but not certainty, holding on by their fingertips.
    Ok, I am going out on a limb here.

    But I think the GOP/Trump party are about to get an absolute shellacking. Massive, angry Dem turnout.

    I am on Dem Senate and I know it is mad, given BF rules on indies.

    What the hell...
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    CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758

    HYUFD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Pulpstar said:

    spudgfsh said:

    HYUFD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Sorry to go off topic, but if Preston is right and the EU red line is that the UK must be divided then we MUST leave with no deal:
    https://twitter.com/Peston/status/1054415569896792065

    Nope, if we go to No Deal even Remain would be better than the economic damage and risk of the Union breaking up that would result from No Deal. Voters prefer Remain to No Deal 55% to 45%.

    http://uk.businessinsider.com/yougov-poll-voters-would-rather-remain-in-eu-than-accept-a-no-deal-brexit-2018-7

    In any case most Northern Irish voters want to stay in the single market and customs union, it would be far better to agree the backstop (with a break if a technical solution is found to the Irish border) and work for a FTA for GB
    Whatever politicians say, no-deal will lead to another vote. all it would take is for the DUP to abstain from a vote of confidence (which would happen). it would be as tight as 1979 but without the DUP (even if they abstain) the tories would lose. a defeat of the government by a no confidence motion will make the Tory vote share drop by enough for Labour to win (even if not outright).
    I don't see why the DUP would not back the government in the event of no deal, it is if a NI only backstop is agreed they will not back the Govt.
    In the event of no deal it'd potentially be Grieve, Soubry and some others no confidence get the Govt.
    Then Corbyn PM or EUref2 and Remain.

    Hardline Brexiteers will have killed the chance of a FTA for GB beyond BINO by their refusal to compromise and will have nobody to blame but themselves
    You are determined to miss the point.

    The ERG have forced May to set out criteria today that the EU will never agree. Surely you can see that?

    The ERG are not going to have to vote down May’s deal at this rate - she simply won’t get one.

    The backstop is not the ERGs fault, nor their idea. But they have played it beautifully against her and she is now going to end up vetoing her own deal. She can’t backtrack on her latest ‘four point plan’ but nor can she deliver it. No need to get rid of her right now.
    You have no idea what the deal will be, as does anyone else, and your portrayal of ERG would do Comical Ali justice

    They have shot themselves in the foot and been hit by a backlash that empowers TM
    Wouldn’t you fall over if you were shot in the foot AND hit by a backlash at the same time?
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    viewcodeviewcode Posts: 18,950
    Apropos of nothing, I'm looking at the clips from "The Trip" (2010) and "The Trip to Spain" (2017) and by fuckery Steve Coogan has aged fast.
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    CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    Barnesian said:

    HYUFD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Anazina said:

    Barnesian said:

    ydoethur said:

    Barnesian said:

    Any ideas why there is such a mismatch on the chances of the Democrats winning the House between Betfair (65%) and the models?

    538 has it as a 86% chance.
    https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2018-midterm-election-forecast/house/

    0ptimus has it as a 93% chance.
    https://0ptimus.decisiondeskhq.com/

    Because punters don't know what to think after recent events?

    One of those said Clinton had a 100% chance of winning, remember.
    These are simulation models so I doubt if either of them had Clinton at 100% chance of winning. From memory, 538 had her at about 70%.

    Both modelling companies have their reputations at stake so they are trying their best to use up-to-date data and follow reasonable and tested assumptions. They recognise the uncertainty and each give a wide spread. They are the best estimate available. If punters "don't know what to think" they shouldn't bet!

    Given that Trumpton lost the popular vote by three million votes, it’s hardly surprising that many models gave it to Hillary. I’m not sure what the odds of a 3m PV win - EC loss are, but I suspect they are very long.
    Not so long, TX is way less GOP than CA is Democrat but both are safe. It's the Dems running up the score in CA in particular that produces the disparity.
    Yes, Trump actually led the popular vote until the California votes came in
    California should split into two states and get two more senators and more EC votes.
    Or 3 - NorCal, SoCal and Central Coast

    You’d stand s good chance of (4 GOP and 2 Dem though)
  • Options
    NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,360
    glw said:

    What do people think of the reports of large numbers of people turning up for early voting? Most commentators seem to think that is good for the Democrats, is that correct?

    Tim B here said the other day that the consensus among commentators is that they had no clue what was happening.

    But early voting, like its cousin postal voting, is only useful because it means you don't forget to vote on the day. If you'd have voted anyway it doen't help to do it early.

  • Options
    Beverley_CBeverley_C Posts: 6,256
    Charles said:

    Anazina said:

    Norway Super Plus?

    The list of brexitisms just grows longer and longer.

    I am waiting for Brexit+++CU--SM++/EEA~EFTA+-/YesNoMaybe/Barnier to turn up in the list of concise deals
    At university I was graded on one paper as

    A-?A—/B+++

    Which I think meant about A—
    Did you agree with your grade? :)
  • Options
    Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    We have had enough of experts...

    https://twitter.com/ftwestminster/status/1054479023340961792

    Oh, wait.
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,131

    HYUFD said:

    HYUFD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Pulpstar said:

    spudgfsh said:



    Whatever polht).

    I don't see why the DUP would not back the government in the event of no deal, it is if a NI only backstop is agreed they will not back the Govt.
    In the event of no deal it'd potentially be Grieve, Soubry and some others no confidence get the Govt.
    Then Corbyn PM or EUref2 and Remain.

    Hardline Brexiteers will have killed the chance of a FTA for GB beyond BINO by their refusal to compromise and will have nobody to blame but themselves
    You are determined to miss the point.

    The ERG have forced May to set out criteria today that the EU will never agree. Surely you can see that?

    The ERG are not going to have to vote down May’s deal at this rate - she simply won’t get one.

    The backstop is not the ERGs fault, nor their idea. But they have played it beautifully against her and she is now going to end up vetoing her own deal. She can’t backtrack on her latest ‘four point plan’ but nor can she deliver it. No need to get rid of her right now.
    Firstly there was nothing May said today which prevents her agreeing a backstop with a break clause e.g. a technical solution is found to the Iri it too far they may end with No Brexit at all

    Exactly what do you think May said today - do you have a quote? Because I heard her rule out a second referendum, a general election and an extension to article 50. She promised the UK would leave on time regardless of the circumstances.

    But in the end, May is not going to be able to fudge. The ERG trap is closing - forced her to make commitments today that the EU will not accept and Cabinet forced her to obtain legal advice from Cox, who won’t be fooled, about whether the UK can leave the backstop unilaterally which is what she promised today,

    She will end up with no deal herself.
    May herself said today she was only ruling out EUref2 "at this stage of the negotiations", so if negotiations break down anything is possible.

    Anyone who thinks the ERG has any sort of trap is deluded, May will agree a backstop with a get out clause if a technical solution found to the Irish border, she will tell them vaguely what they want to hear but she is basically slowly boiling them until it is too late and she signs the deal with the EU at the end of the month.
  • Options
    FloaterFloater Posts: 14,195

    Polruan said:

    Polruan said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Sorry to go off topic, but if Preston is right and the EU red line is that the UK must be divided then we MUST leave with no deal:
    https://twitter.com/Peston/status/1054415569896792065

    I don’t think he’s quite right - my reading is that the EU will also be satisfied if the para 49 backstop commitment to ‘full alignment’ is met by the U.K. agreeing to maintain SM/CU alignment in a way which doesn’t seek to divide the four freedoms or take the benefits of market access without the corresponding obligations. So that means financial contributions and continued freedom of movement and will probably have a snappy name like ‘Norway Super Plus’. Or perhaps ‘Not Leaving’.
    Or perhaps, "Brexit Not Settled".

    I really thought it would be impossible to get anybody fired up about re-opening the 2019 Brexit settlement. Well, May looks set to do the impossible....
    Rather like Osborne with austerity, the Tories need to redefine Brexit as a journey rather than a destination. Then they can fight future elections claiming that it’s too risky to elect Labour, because the job is only half done, and Labour will throw away all the progress that has been made. Brexit: a present continuous verb, not a noun.
    Great idea, and it could work. But I think the Tories are losing their ability to set the agenda.
    Only me!

    People who attended People's Vote Rally 2018 = 700,000
    People who voted Leave in 2016 = 17,400,000
    Come come Dr Prasannan. You are supposed to be a scientist. The two cases are not comparable.
    17,400,000 VOTES mean nothing to you, Mr Reccidivist?
    Yes it does certainly mean something to me. But so does the number 634,751 - the number of votes that would have to change to get a different result. It's a big number, but smaller than the number who turned out last Saturday.
    I was talking today to a guy who didn't vote in the referendum.

    I asked him if there was a second vote what would he do

    Sit it out he says

    Amusingly he was going through the pros and cons of the EU

    He had some serious cons

    His two main pros -

    He likes to travel (except he mainly travels further afield than Europe)

    He has friends in Europe - when asked why he couldn't still be friends he thought about it and said, well - I guess I still could.

    Strangely he never mentioned financial Armageddon
  • Options
    Beverley_CBeverley_C Posts: 6,256
    edited October 2018
    Scott_P said:

    We have had enough of experts...

    https://twitter.com/ftwestminster/status/1054479023340961792

    Oh, wait.

    Post-Brexit England will be filled with golden sunshine and healthy people leaning on country stiles gazing over fields of barley and corn and downing well-earned ales served by buxom barmaids wanting a roll in the hay after their shift in the tavern.

    No one will get ill or work in a lab. There are no foreigners in sight.....
  • Options
    GIN1138GIN1138 Posts: 20,894
    Scott_P said:
    If they want to avoid Hard Brexit they should tell the EU to stop trying to annex Northern Ireland...
  • Options

    Barnesian said:

    Barnesian said:

    Polruan said:



    I’ve just been trying to summarise today’s statement for a client newsletter and reached roughly the same conclusion, but still wonder if I’m missing something. Did May really say that her ‘improved offer’ was to keep the UK in partial alignment with NI, but that it could only be temporary and there could be no barriers between the UK and NI? Because that doesn’t seem to offer anything new at all to meet the concerns raised the EU.

    Her modus operandi is to say whatever is needed to satisfy the current audience, and et.
    I think you may have got it in one Nick
    Agreed. But it means she leaves a growing trail of aggrieved people who though she meant what she said. Grieve (the next temporary PM) is an important example.
    Well that is a first. I haven't heard Grieve mentioned by anyone. He would have far too many mps against him. They may as well co-op Vince, well maybe not
    If there is no deal and parliament wants to take control to prevent it, they first need a VONC in the government. The government falls and the LOTO has 14 days to show he can form a government with the confidence of the house - which he can't. Meanwhile the clock is ticking towards no deal. The polls indicate that neither party will get a majority in a GE and chaos faces us. In this circumstance I think it is possible that a cross-party group could command the confidence of the house if they
    a) made it clear that it was temporary, for say six months
    b) asked the EU for an extension of A50 for six months
    c) agreed to hold a referendum (leave or remain) within the six months with a commitment that this would be the final say on it for twenty years. NB Leave would mean no deal crash out.
    d) were led by someone who was competent, a parliamentarian, had the respect of the house and was without personal ambition.
    TM said she will bring back her deal and it is upto the HOC to decide.

    No deal is unacceptable and in those circumstances a second referendum becomes almost inevitable
    Yet she has ruled it out and promised today that in all circumstances the UK will leave the EU on 29 March 2019. Unless you are saying she is lying....
    I don't use lying or idiots. It is not my way. And no deal will not happen
  • Options
    OblitusSumMeOblitusSumMe Posts: 9,143
    If I were a conspiracy theorist I would be looking for Russian tourists who had recently visited Honduras. The refugee march towards the US is fortuitously timed for the mid-terms for Trump.
  • Options
    CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758

    Charles said:

    Anazina said:

    Norway Super Plus?

    The list of brexitisms just grows longer and longer.

    I am waiting for Brexit+++CU--SM++/EEA~EFTA+-/YesNoMaybe/Barnier to turn up in the list of concise deals
    At university I was graded on one paper as

    A-?A—/B+++

    Which I think meant about A—
    Did you agree with your grade? :)
    It was fine. If I hadn’t got a B- on econometrics I would have got a first :neutral:
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,131
    GIN1138 said:

    Scott_P said:
    If they want to avoid Hard Brexit they should tell the EU to stop trying to annex Northern Ireland...
    Voters in Northern Ireland want to stay in the Single Market and Customs Union, since when was giving voters what they want annexation? Especially as it still allows for a FTA for GB with the EU

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-44162470
  • Options
    CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    Scott_P said:

    We have had enough of experts...

    https://twitter.com/ftwestminster/status/1054479023340961792

    Oh, wait.

    FWIW when I was on the Finance Committee of a university I realised most academics knew the square root of FA about academic financing
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,131
    edited October 2018

    If I were a conspiracy theorist I would be looking for Russian tourists who had recently visited Honduras. The refugee march towards the US is fortuitously timed for the mid-terms for Trump.

    If stopping refugees is the be all and end all for you I would imagine you were 99% certain to be voting Republican in the midterms anyway. If the Democrats win it will be because of healthcare, the need for a check on Trump etc controlling immigration is already factored in for Trump and the GOP.


    Though the issue could boost Hispanic turnout for Democrats
  • Options
    CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    Scott_P said:
    The actually said that the EU should open up its scientific programmes to associate members
  • Options
    glwglw Posts: 9,554

    glw said:

    What do people think of the reports of large numbers of people turning up for early voting? Most commentators seem to think that is good for the Democrats, is that correct?

    Tim B here said the other day that the consensus among commentators is that they had no clue what was happening.

    But early voting, like its cousin postal voting, is only useful because it means you don't forget to vote on the day. If you'd have voted anyway it doen't help to do it early.
    I've seen a lot of "this means something" but very little explanation of why it does so.
  • Options
    RecidivistRecidivist Posts: 4,679
    Floater said:

    Polruan said:

    Polruan said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Sorry to go off topic, but if Preston is right and the EU red line is that the UK must be divided then we MUST leave with no deal:
    https://twitter.com/Peston/status/1054415569896792065

    Or perhaps ‘Not Leaving’.
    Or perhaps, "Brexit Not Settled".

    I really thought it would be impossible to get anybody fired up about re-opening the 2019 Brexit settlement. Well, May looks set to do the impossible....
    Rather like Osborne with austerity, the Tories need to redefine Brexit as a journey rather than a destination. Then they can fight future elections claiming that it’s too risky to elect Labour, because the job is only half done, and Labour will throw away all the progress that has been made. Brexit: a present continuous verb, not a noun.
    Great idea, and it could work. But I think the Tories are losing their ability to set the agenda.
    Only me!

    People who attended People's Vote Rally 2018 = 700,000
    People who voted Leave in 2016 = 17,400,000
    Come come Dr Prasannan. You are supposed to be a scientist. The two cases are not comparable.
    17,400,000 VOTES mean nothing to you, Mr Reccidivist?
    Yes it does certainly mean something to me. But so does the number 634,751 - the number of votes that would have to change to get a different result. It's a big number, but smaller than the number who turned out last Saturday.
    I was talking today to a guy who didn't vote in the referendum.

    I asked him if there was a second vote what would he do

    Sit it out he says

    Amusingly he was going through the pros and cons of the EU

    He had some serious cons

    His two main pros -

    He likes to travel (except he mainly travels further afield than Europe)

    He has friends in Europe - when asked why he couldn't still be friends he thought about it and said, well - I guess I still could.

    Strangely he never mentioned financial Armageddon
    Well I am not fussed by financial Armageddon either. None of us know what the effect of Brexit is going to be on the economy. Even if it is bad it won't feel that bad. Most spending is of money we don't have, on things we don't want, to impress people we don't like. If we are all down around 10% we'll be just the same relative to each other so won't notice it.

    My problem with Brexit is it is just so negative.
  • Options
    AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395

    If I were a conspiracy theorist I would be looking for Russian tourists who had recently visited Honduras. The refugee march towards the US is fortuitously timed for the mid-terms for Trump.

    Mexico is mostly peaceful and relatively prosperous compared to most Central American countries. Why are they so determined to enter the USA?
  • Options
    archer101auarcher101au Posts: 1,612
    HYUFD said:

    HYUFD said:

    HYUFD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Pulpstar said:

    spudgfsh said:



    Whatever polht).

    I don't see why the DUP would not back the government in the event of no deal, it is if a NI only backstop is agreed they will not back the Govt.
    In the event of no deal it'd potentially be Grieve, Soubry and some others no confidence get the Govt.
    Then Corbyn PM or EUref2 and Remain.

    Hardline Brexiteers will have killed the chance of a FTA for GB beyond BINO by their refusal to compromise and will have nobody to blame but themselves
    You are determined to miss the point.

    The ERG have forced May to set out criteria today that the EU will never agree. Surely you can see that?

    The ERG are not going to have to vote down May’s deal at this rate - she simply won’t get one.

    The backstop is not the ERGs fault, nor their idea. But they have played it beautifully against her and she is now going to end up vetoing her own deal. She can’t backtrack on her latest ‘four point plan’ but nor can she deliver it. No need to get rid of her right now.
    Firstly there was nothing May said today which prevents her agreeing a backstop with a break clause e.g. a technical solution is found to the Iri it too far they may end with No Brexit at all

    Exactly what do you think May said today - do you have a quote? Because I heard her rule out a second referendum, a general election and an extension to article 50. She promised the UK would leave on time regardless of the circumstances.

    But in the end, May is not going to be able to fudge. The ERG trap is closing - forced her to make commitments today that the EU will not accept and Cabinet forced her to obtain legal advice from Cox, who won’t be fooled, about whether the UK can leave the backstop unilaterally which is what she promised today,

    She will end up with no deal herself.
    May herself said today she was only ruling out EUref2 "at this stage of the negotiations", so if negotiations break down anything is possible.

    Anyone who thinks the ERG has any sort of trap is deluded, May will agree a backstop with a get out clause if a technical solution found to the Irish border, she will tell them vaguely what they want to hear but she is basically slowly boiling them until it is too late and she signs the deal with the EU at the end of the month.
    Can you provide the complete question and answer?
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,131
    AndyJS said:

    If I were a conspiracy theorist I would be looking for Russian tourists who had recently visited Honduras. The refugee march towards the US is fortuitously timed for the mid-terms for Trump.

    Mexico is mostly peaceful and relatively prosperous compared to most Central American countries. Why are they so determined to enter the USA?
    They are about to get a populist leftist friend of Corbyn inaugurated as their President next month?

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-44677829
  • Options
    OblitusSumMeOblitusSumMe Posts: 9,143
    edited October 2018
    HYUFD said:

    If I were a conspiracy theorist I would be looking for Russian tourists who had recently visited Honduras. The refugee march towards the US is fortuitously timed for the mid-terms for Trump.

    If stopping refugees is the be all and end all for you I would imagine you were 99% certain to be voting Republican in the midterms anyway
    If you were motivated to vote. But there will be voters for whom it is one of a mix of concerns and if it is more prominent in the news then it is possible it will be more prominent in voters minds when they vote. It also distracts attention from issues that might be negative for the Republicans.

    In some respects it was the direction of the media attention span - emails! - that made the difference in 2016. This helps with that too.
  • Options
    glwglw Posts: 9,554

    If I were a conspiracy theorist I would be looking for Russian tourists who had recently visited Honduras. The refugee march towards the US is fortuitously timed for the mid-terms for Trump.

    If 2016 is a guide it will be 6-12 months later before we really know what the Russians (or maybe others) have done to interfere.

    This is a big problem for democracies, you need to fight intelligence operations at a very high speed in the era of the internet.
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,131
    edited October 2018

    HYUFD said:

    HYUFD said:

    HYUFD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Pulpstar said:

    spudgfsh said:



    Whatever polht).

    I don't see why the DUP would not back the government in the event of no deal, it is if a NI only backstop is agreed they will not back the Govt.
    In the event of no deal it'd potentially be Grieve, Soubry and some others no confidence get the Govt.
    Then Corbyn PM or EUref2 and Remain.

    Hardline Brexiteers will have killed the chance of a FTA for GB beyond BINO by their refusal to compromise and will have nobody to blame but themselves
    You are determined to miss the point.

    The ERG have forced May to set out criteria today that the EU will never agree. Surely you can see that?

    The ERG are not going to have to vote down May’s deal at this rate - she simply won’t get one.

    The backstop is not the ERGs fault, nor their idea. But they have played it beautifully against her and she is now going to end up vetoing her own deal. She can’t backtrack on her latest ‘four point plan’ but nor can she deliver it. No need to get rid of her right now.
    Firstly there was nothing May said today which prevents her agreeing a backstop with a break clause e.g. a technical solution is found to the Iri it too far they may end with No Brexit at all

    Exactly what do you think May said today - do you have a quote? Because I heard her rule out a second referendum, a general election and an extension to article 50. She promised the UK would leave on time regardless of the circumstances.

    But in the end, May is not going to be able to fudge. The ERG trap is closing - forced her to make commitments today that the EU will not accept and Cabinet forced her to obtain legal advice from Cox, who won’t be fooled, about whether the UK can leave the backstop unilaterally which is what she promised today,

    She will end up with no deal herself.
    May herself said today she was only ruling out EUref2 "at this stage of the negotiations", so if negotiations break down anything is possible.

    Anyone who thinks the ERG has any sort of trap is deluded, May will agree a backstop with a get out clause if a technical solution found to the Irish border, she will tell them vaguely what they want to hear but she is basically slowly boiling them until it is too late and she signs the deal with the EU at the end of the month.
    Can you provide the complete question and answer?
    That was a quote from the Parliamentary debate today
  • Options

    Scott_P said:

    We have had enough of experts...

    https://twitter.com/ftwestminster/status/1054479023340961792

    Oh, wait.

    Post-Brexit England will be filled with golden sunshine and healthy people leaning on country stiles gazing over fields of barley and corn and downing well-earned ales served by buxom barmaids wanting a roll in the hay after their shift in the tavern.

    No one will get ill or work in a lab. There are no foreigners in sight.....
    Of course! There are no scientific research labs or universities in countries outside the EU!
  • Options
    PolruanPolruan Posts: 2,083

    Polruan said:

    Polruan said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Sorry to go off topic, but if Preston is right and the EU red line is that the UK must be divided then we MUST leave with no deal:
    https://twitter.com/Peston/status/1054415569896792065

    I don’t think he’s quite right - my reading is that the EU will also be satisfied if the para 49 backstop commitment to ‘full alignment’ is met by the U.K. agreeing to maintain SM/CU alignment in a way which doesn’t seek to divide the four freedoms or take the benefits of market access without the corresponding obligations. So that means financial contributions and continued freedom of movement and will probably have a snappy name like ‘Norway Super Plus’. Or perhaps ‘Not Leaving’.
    Or perhaps, "Brexit Not Settled".

    I really thought it would be impossible to get anybody fired up about re-opening the 2019 Brexit settlement. Well, May looks set to do the impossible....
    Rather like Osborne with austerity, the Tories need to redefine Brexit as a journey rather than a destination. Then they can fight future elections claiming that it’s too risky to elect Labour, because the job is only half done, and Labour will throw away all the progress that has been made. Brexit: a present continuous verb, not a noun.
    Great idea, and it could work. But I think the Tories are losing their ability to set the agenda.
    Only me!

    People who attended People's Vote Rally 2018 = 700,000
    People who voted Leave in 2016 = 17,400,000
    People who attended Leave Means Leave Rally 2018 = 1,200
    People who voted Leave in 2016 = 17,400,000

    People who attended People’s Vote Rally 2018 = 700,000
    People who would vote for a people’s vote (extrapolated) = 10,150,000,000
  • Options
    williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 48,130

    Can you provide the complete question and answer?

    Roger Gale - Is it not the case that talk of a second referendum at this crucial stage in the negotiations can only undermine the Prime Minister’s negotiating position? Will she carry on, ignore the siren voices and get the best deal she can for the people of this country?

    Theresa May - I agree that it is important, at this stage of the negotiations, that the European Union is in no doubt that we will be leaving the European Union on 29 March next year and that we are negotiating our withdrawal agreement and our future relationship. My determination is to put the national interest first and get a good deal for the UK.
  • Options
    Those who support ERG should read the Daily Mail front page and editorial

    They are becoming friendless
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,131
    edited October 2018

    HYUFD said:

    HYUFD said:

    HYUFD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Pulpstar said:

    spudgfsh said:



    Whatever polht).

    I don't see why the DUP would not back the government in the event of no deal, it is if a NI only backstop is agreed they will not back the Govt.
    In the event of no deal it'd potentially be Grieve, Soubry and some others no confidence get the Govt.
    Then Corbyn PM or EUref2 and Remain.

    Hardline Brexiteers will have killed the chance of a FTA for GB beyond BINO by their refusal to compromise and will have nobody to blame but themselves
    You are determined to miss the point.

    The ERG have forced May to set out criteria today that the EU will never agree. Surely you can see that?

    The ERG are not going to have to vote down May’s deal at this rate - she simply won’t get one.

    The backstop is not the ERGs fault, nor their idea. But they have played it beautifully against her and she is now going to end up vetoing her own deal. She can’t backtrack on her latest ‘four point plan’ but nor can she deliver it. No need to get rid of her right now.
    Firstly there was nothing May said today which prevents her agreeing a backstop with a break clause e.g. a technical solution is found to the Iri it too far they may end with No Brexit at all

    Exactly what do you think Mal herself.
    May herself said today she was only ruling out EUref2 "at this stage of the negotiations", so if negotiations break down anything is possible.

    Anyone who thinks the ERG has any sort of trap is deluded, May will agree a backstop with a get out clause if a technical solution found to the Irish border, she will tell them vaguely what they want to hear but she is basically slowly boiling them until it is too late and she signs the deal with the EU at the end of the month.
    Can you provide the complete question and answer?
    It was also reported that May's advisers are working on the assumption she will stop No Deal in all circumstances yesterday in the papers, they are ready for the Deal with the EU, they are really working on a way around the ERG.


    Never forget May voted Remain, she has no interest in No Deal as she knows she will be definitely be ousted sooner rather than later if that is the end result. She has every interest in stringing along the Brexit and free trade talks as long as possible as the longer they go on the longer she stays in No 10
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,131

    Can you provide the complete question and answer?

    Roger Gale - Is it not the case that talk of a second referendum at this crucial stage in the negotiations can only undermine the Prime Minister’s negotiating position? Will she carry on, ignore the siren voices and get the best deal she can for the people of this country?

    Theresa May - I agree that it is important, at this stage of the negotiations, that the European Union is in no doubt that we will be leaving the European Union on 29 March next year and that we are negotiating our withdrawal agreement and our future relationship. My determination is to put the national interest first and get a good deal for the UK.
    Thankyou, a key shift
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,131
    edited October 2018

    HYUFD said:

    If I were a conspiracy theorist I would be looking for Russian tourists who had recently visited Honduras. The refugee march towards the US is fortuitously timed for the mid-terms for Trump.

    If stopping refugees is the be all and end all for you I would imagine you were 99% certain to be voting Republican in the midterms anyway
    If you were motivated to vote. But there will be voters for whom it is one of a mix of concerns and if it is more prominent in the news then it is possible it will be more prominent in voters minds when they vote. It also distracts attention from issues that might be negative for the Republicans.

    In some respects it was the direction of the media attention span - emails! - that made the difference in 2016. This helps with that too.
    Not really, Hillary was from the incumbent party in 2016 and the GOP Congress' approval ratings are even worse than hers.


    It is Independents in the more prosperous suburbs who are moving to the Democrats and who will lose the House for the GOP, they are much more relaxed about immigration than the Trump base who are still in the GOP column anyway
  • Options
    AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    O/T

    "MPs should not criticise soldiers for being obese because many of them are overweight themselves, a defence minister has suggested.

    Mark Lancaster was asked in the Commons about figures showing that there are 18,000 clinically obese members of the armed forces. A further 398 suffer from type 2 diabetes, 160 are on diet pills and 16 have had liposuction."

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2018/10/22/mps-not-entitled-criticise-obese-soldiers-many-overweight-minister/
  • Options
    OblitusSumMeOblitusSumMe Posts: 9,143
    AndyJS said:

    If I were a conspiracy theorist I would be looking for Russian tourists who had recently visited Honduras. The refugee march towards the US is fortuitously timed for the mid-terms for Trump.

    Mexico is mostly peaceful and relatively prosperous compared to most Central American countries. Why are they so determined to enter the USA?
    I don't know how the stats compare between the countries as a whole but I thought that Mexico City was notorious as one of the most violent cities in the world due to the drugs cartels.
  • Options
    kle4kle4 Posts: 91,991
    Charles said:

    Barnesian said:

    HYUFD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Anazina said:

    Barnesian said:

    ydoethur said:

    Barnesian said:

    Any ideas why there is such a mismatch on the chances of the Democrats winning the House between Betfair (65%) and the models?

    538 has it as a 86% chance.
    https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2018-midterm-election-forecast/house/

    0ptimus has it as a 93% chance.
    https://0ptimus.decisiondeskhq.com/

    Because punters don't know what to think after recent events?

    One of those said Clinton had a 100% chance of winning, remember.
    These are simulation models so I doubt if either of them had Clinton at 100% chance of winning. From memory, 538 had her at about 70%.

    Both modelling companies have their reputations at stake so they are trying their best to use up-to-date data and follow reasonable and tested assumptions. They recognise the uncertainty and each give a wide spread. They are the best estimate available. If punters "don't know what to think" they shouldn't bet!

    Given that Trumpton lost the popular vote by three million votes, it’s hardly surprising that many models gave it to Hillary. I’m not sure what the odds of a 3m PV win - EC loss are, but I suspect they are very long.
    Not so long, TX is way less GOP than CA is Democrat but both are safe. It's the Dems running up the score in CA in particular that produces the disparity.
    Yes, Trump actually led the popular vote until the California votes came in
    California should split into two states and get two more senators and more EC votes.
    Or 3 - NorCal, SoCal and Central Coast

    You’d stand s good chance of (4 GOP and 2 Dem though)
    Some rich chap who is always pushing the division of California in various ways had just such a proposal up for potential vote, but IIRC it ran into legal difficulties and he's since withdrawn it.
  • Options
    GIN1138GIN1138 Posts: 20,894
    edited October 2018

    Those who support ERG should read the Daily Mail front page and editorial

    They are becoming friendless

    Daily Mail dropping readers quicker than ERG dropping friends I bet... ;)
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    TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633

    Those who support ERG should read the Daily Mail front page and editorial

    They are becoming friendless

    Does the Mail name the plotters ?
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    kle4kle4 Posts: 91,991
    AndyJS said:

    O/T

    MPs should not criticise soldiers for being obese because many of them are overweight themselves, a defence minister has suggested.

    That's sounds like a pretty stupid counter to make. While obesity is a problem many will face and deserves tackling, different jobs will have different reasonable levels of expected fitness. Was that the best he could come up with?
  • Options
    GIN1138 said:

    Those who support ERG should read the Daily Mail front page and editorial

    They are becoming friendless

    Daily Mail dropping readers quicker than ERG dropping friends I bet... ;)
    Not really. The Daily Express is the ultras paper but the mail have started to back TM in a change of tone

  • Options
    TGOHF said:

    Those who support ERG should read the Daily Mail front page and editorial

    They are becoming friendless

    Does the Mail name the plotters ?
    Haven't had my copy until after 11.00 ish so I cannot say
  • Options
    williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 48,130

    GIN1138 said:

    Those who support ERG should read the Daily Mail front page and editorial

    They are becoming friendless

    Daily Mail dropping readers quicker than ERG dropping friends I bet... ;)
    Not really. The Daily Express is the ultras paper but the mail have started to back TM in a change of tone
    Calling the ERG "saboteurs" is a big shift from the famous front page last year.
  • Options
    TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633

    TGOHF said:

    Those who support ERG should read the Daily Mail front page and editorial

    They are becoming friendless

    Does the Mail name the plotters ?
    Haven't had my copy until after 11.00 ish so I cannot say
    I’d wager they don’t.

    Peacock suggests Boris not ERG.
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    williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 48,130
    Amber Rudd on Newsnight says you'd have to have Remain on the ballot paper in a People's Vote.
  • Options
    kle4kle4 Posts: 91,991
    edited October 2018

    Amber Rudd on Newsnight says you'd have to have Remain on the ballot paper in a People's Vote.

    Pretty uncontroversial I would say. If you feel the people need to confirm things, then they need all the options. Pretty obvious way for Remain to not be risked though - have MPs just do their jobs already.
  • Options
    TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633

    Amber Rudd on Newsnight says you'd have to have Remain on the ballot paper in a People's Vote.

    3 options -lol..
  • Options
    kyf_100kyf_100 Posts: 3,963

    Amber Rudd on Newsnight says you'd have to have Remain on the ballot paper in a People's Vote.

    Who voted in 2016 then? Badgers?
  • Options
    rpjsrpjs Posts: 3,787
    edited October 2018
    kle4 said:

    Charles said:

    Barnesian said:

    HYUFD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Anazina said:

    Barnesian said:

    ydoethur said:

    Barnesian said:

    Any ideas why there is such a mismatch on the chances of the Democrats winning the House between Betfair (65%) and the models?

    538 has it as a 86% chance.
    https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2018-midterm-election-forecast/house/

    0ptimus has it as a 93% chance.
    https://0ptimus.decisiondeskhq.com/

    Because punters don't know what to think after recent events?

    One of those said Clinton had a 100% chance of winning, remember.
    These are simulation models so I doubt if either of them had Clinton at 100% chance of winning. From memory, 538 had her at about 70%.

    Both modelling companies have their reputations at stake so they are trying their best to use up-to-date data and follow reasonable and tested assumptions. They recognise the uncertainty and each give a wide spread. They are the best estimate available. If punters "don't know what to think" they shouldn't bet!

    Given that Trumpton lost the popular vote by three million votes, it’s hardly surprising that many models gave it to Hillary. I’m not sure what the odds of a 3m PV win - EC loss are, but I suspect they are very long.
    Not so long, TX is way less GOP than CA is Democrat but both are safe. It's the Dems running up the score in CA in particular that produces the disparity.
    Yes, Trump actually led the popular vote until the California votes came in
    California should split into two states and get two more senators and more EC votes.
    Or 3 - NorCal, SoCal and Central Coast

    You’d stand s good chance of (4 GOP and 2 Dem though)
    Some rich chap who is always pushing the division of California in various ways had just such a proposal up for potential vote, but IIRC it ran into legal difficulties and he's since withdrawn it.
    That's right, and in any case it was very unpopular when polled. The States are very embedded into American identity. It would be like re-drawing the borders between England, Scotland and Wales for some administrative convenience. (Yes, I know that legally Monmouthshire was moved from England to Wales in the 70s, but it was already regarded by almost everyone as Welsh.)
  • Options

    GIN1138 said:

    Those who support ERG should read the Daily Mail front page and editorial

    They are becoming friendless

    Daily Mail dropping readers quicker than ERG dropping friends I bet... ;)
    Not really. The Daily Express is the ultras paper but the mail have started to back TM in a change of tone
    Calling the ERG "saboteurs" is a big shift from the famous front page last year.
    Wasn't it the Telegraph last year, but yes it is a complete reversal

    I would say that your chances of seeng a second referendum are growing
  • Options
    TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633
    Maybe a 5 option referendum - leave, remain, deal, no deal, other deal.

    Least votes knocked out and then keep going with more referendums until last 2 .

    Should be done in a year.
  • Options
    MTimTMTimT Posts: 7,034
    kle4 said:

    Charles said:

    Barnesian said:

    HYUFD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Anazina said:

    Barnesian said:

    ydoethur said:

    Barnesian said:

    Any ideas why there is such a mismatch on the chances of the Democrats winning the House between Betfair (65%) and the models?

    538 has it as a 86% chance.
    https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2018-midterm-election-forecast/house/

    0ptimus has it as a 93% chance.
    https://0ptimus.decisiondeskhq.com/

    Because punters don't know what to think after recent events?

    One of those said Clinton had a 100% chance of winning, remember.
    These are simulation models so I doubt if either of them had Clinton at 100% chance of winning. From memory, 538 had her at about 70%.

    Both modelling companies have their reputations at stake so they are trying their best to use up-to-date data and follow reasonable and tested assumptions. They recognise the uncertainty and each give a wide spread. They are the best estimate available. If punters "don't know what to think" they shouldn't bet!

    Given that Trumpton lost the popular vote by three million votes, it’s hardly surprising that many models gave it to Hillary. I’m not sure what the odds of a 3m PV win - EC loss are, but I suspect they are very long.
    Not so long, TX is way less GOP than CA is Democrat but both are safe. It's the Dems running up the score in CA in particular that produces the disparity.
    Yes, Trump actually led the popular vote until the California votes came in
    California should split into two states and get two more senators and more EC votes.
    Or 3 - NorCal, SoCal and Central Coast

    You’d stand s good chance of (4 GOP and 2 Dem though)
    Some rich chap who is always pushing the division of California in various ways had just such a proposal up for potential vote, but IIRC it ran into legal difficulties and he's since withdrawn it.
    It was challenged in court on the basis that it was not an amendment to California's constitution, but a revision, and therefore the ballot initiative approach was not applicable. The judges on the CA Supreme Court want to consider the matter, so have told the state to remove the initiative from the ballot while they do.
  • Options
    TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633
    edited October 2018

    GIN1138 said:

    Those who support ERG should read the Daily Mail front page and editorial

    They are becoming friendless

    Daily Mail dropping readers quicker than ERG dropping friends I bet... ;)
    Not really. The Daily Express is the ultras paper but the mail have started to back TM in a change of tone
    Calling the ERG "saboteurs" is a big shift from the famous front page last year.
    Wasn't it the Telegraph last year, but yes it is a complete reversal

    I would say that your chances of seeng a second referendum are growing
    Nothing in the Mail headline about the ERG.
  • Options

    Amber Rudd on Newsnight says you'd have to have Remain on the ballot paper in a People's Vote.

    Well of course in a second referendum (people's vote is just a deception )
  • Options
    rpjsrpjs Posts: 3,787
    AndyJS said:

    If I were a conspiracy theorist I would be looking for Russian tourists who had recently visited Honduras. The refugee march towards the US is fortuitously timed for the mid-terms for Trump.

    Mexico is mostly peaceful and relatively prosperous compared to most Central American countries. Why are they so determined to enter the USA?
    Because compared to the USA Mexico is decidedly not peaceful or prosperous. Yes there is a certain degree of economic motivation, but the Central Americans don't want to stay in Mexico mostly because they are especially targetted for violence by the cartels and other criminal gangs.

    It's worth noting that these "caravans" are not at all new, there was another one earlier this year and there have been others in previous years; they are caused by the Central Americans wanting to band together for safety. Trump has particularly latched on to them as being some new threat, but I understand the previous one just reached the US border, didn't get let in and dispersed.
  • Options
    MTimTMTimT Posts: 7,034
    rpjs said:

    kle4 said:

    Charles said:

    Barnesian said:

    HYUFD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Anazina said:

    Barnesian said:

    ydoethur said:

    Barnesian said:

    Any ideas why there is such a mismatch on the chances of the Democrats winning the House between Betfair (65%) and the models?

    538 has it as a 86% chance.
    https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2018-midterm-election-forecast/house/

    0ptimus has it as a 93% chance.
    https://0ptimus.decisiondeskhq.com/

    Because punters don't know what to think after recent events?

    One of those said Clinton had a 100% chance of winning, remember.
    These are simulation models so I doubt if either of them had Clinton at 100% chance of winning. From memory, 538 had her at about 70%.

    Both modelling companies have their reputations at stake so they are trying their best to use up-to-date data and follow reasonable and tested assumptions. They recognise the uncertainty and each give a wide spread. They are the best estimate available. If punters "don't know what to think" they shouldn't bet!

    Given that Trumpton lost the popular vote by three million votes, it’s hardly surprising that many models gave it to Hillary. I’m not sure what the odds of a 3m PV win - EC loss are, but I suspect they are very long.
    Not so long, TX is way less GOP than CA is Democrat but both are safe. It's the Dems running up the score in CA in particular that produces the disparity.
    Yes, Trump actually led the popular vote until the California votes came in
    California should split into two states and get two more senators and more EC votes.
    Or 3 - NorCal, SoCal and Central Coast

    You’d stand s good chance of (4 GOP and 2 Dem though)
    Some rich chap who is always pushing the division of California in various ways had just such a proposal up for potential vote, but IIRC it ran into legal difficulties and he's since withdrawn it.
    That's right, and in any case it was very unpopular when polled. The States are very embedded into American identity. It would be like re-drawing the borders between England, Scotland and Wales for some administrative convenience. (Yes, I know that legally Monmouthshire was moved from England to Wales in the 70s, but it was already regarded by almost everyone as Welsh.)
    States have split before though. VA/WV, MA/ME
  • Options
    GIN1138GIN1138 Posts: 20,894
    edited October 2018

    Amber Rudd on Newsnight says you'd have to have Remain on the ballot paper in a People's Vote.

    Amber favouring another referendum rather than a general election... I'm sure the fact the majority in her constituency has dwindled to 346 has nothing to do with this... ;)
  • Options
    rpjsrpjs Posts: 3,787
    MTimT said:

    rpjs said:

    kle4 said:

    Charles said:

    Barnesian said:

    HYUFD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Anazina said:

    Barnesian said:

    ydoethur said:

    Barnesian said:

    Any ideas why there is such a mismatch on the chances of the Democrats winning the House between Betfair (65%) and the models?

    538 has it as a 86% chance.
    https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2018-midterm-election-forecast/house/

    0ptimus has it as a 93% chance.
    https://0ptimus.decisiondeskhq.com/

    Because punters don't know what to think after recent events?

    One of those said Clinton had a 100% chance of winning, remember.
    These are simulation models so I doubt if either of them had Clinton at 100% chance of winning. From memory, 538 had her at about 70%.

    Both modelling companies have their reputations at stake so they are trying their best to use up-to-date data and follow reasonable and tested assumptions. They recognise the uncertainty and each give a wide spread. They are the best estimate available. If punters "don't know what to think" they shouldn't bet!

    Given that Trumpton lost the popular vote by three million votes, it’s hardly surprising that many models gave it to Hillary. I’m not sure what the odds of a 3m PV win - EC loss are, but I suspect they are very long.
    Not so long, TX is way less GOP than CA is Democrat but both are safe. It's the Dems running up the score in CA in particular that produces the disparity.
    Yes, Trump actually led the popular vote until the California votes came in
    California should split into two states and get two more senators and more EC votes.
    Or 3 - NorCal, SoCal and Central Coast

    You’d stand s good chance of (4 GOP and 2 Dem though)
    Some rich chap who is always pushing the division of California in various ways had just such a proposal up for potential vote, but IIRC it ran into legal difficulties and he's since withdrawn it.
    That's right, and in any case it was very unpopular when polled. The States are very embedded into American identity. It would be like re-drawing the borders between England, Scotland and Wales for some administrative convenience. (Yes, I know that legally Monmouthshire was moved from England to Wales in the 70s, but it was already regarded by almost everyone as Welsh.)
    States have split before though. VA/WV, MA/ME
    Yup, but the most recent of those was during the Civil War over 150 years ago, and the other, the last uncontroversial split, was nearly 200 years ago now!
  • Options
    TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633
    Isn’t he calling the chap who is sick enough to use a hospitalised child to virtue signal a cretin ?

    He’s right.
  • Options
    kle4kle4 Posts: 91,991
    rpjs said:



    Yup, but the most recent of those was during the Civil War over 150 years ago, and the other, the last uncontroversial split, was nearly 200 years ago now!

    So you're saying we're due for one? :)
  • Options
    AlastairMeeksAlastairMeeks Posts: 30,340
    Here's a thread for those looking at the US elections to ponder:

    https://twitter.com/BowTiePolitics/status/1054488734157234177

    If the biggest rise is in the unaffiliated, that doesn't sound good to me for the Republicans.
  • Options
    TGOHF said:

    TGOHF said:

    Those who support ERG should read the Daily Mail front page and editorial

    They are becoming friendless

    Does the Mail name the plotters ?
    Haven't had my copy until after 11.00 ish so I cannot say
    I’d wager they don’t.

    Peacock suggests Boris not ERG.
    No idea about Boris but he is a fully paid up member of ERG
  • Options
    kle4kle4 Posts: 91,991
    edited October 2018
    I am quite sure he would be referring to the person posting the message a cretin*, and while that is itself a poor thing to be doing and absolutely needless there is a danger in overdoing the criticism by suggesting he was calling the child a cretin, which looks a lot like deliberately misinterpreting things even more hostilely than deserved. See also comments of Corbyn seized upon, over egged, and thus being ineffective even when the comments deserved criticism.

    *should he confirm he meant the child I'll withdraw that
  • Options
    rpjsrpjs Posts: 3,787

    Here's a thread for those looking at the US elections to ponder:

    https://twitter.com/BowTiePolitics/status/1054488734157234177

    If the biggest rise is in the unaffiliated, that doesn't sound good to me for the Republicans.

    Of course, it could be Trump's base turning out, especially those who had given up voting but came out for him in 2016, and I'm sure some of it is. But I'd wager its more the Dems getting out their supporters and independents who usually sit the midterms out.
  • Options
    OblitusSumMeOblitusSumMe Posts: 9,143
    The reason being that Stewart Jackson has no manners or decency, but that's hardly news.
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    BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 7,997

    Amber Rudd on Newsnight says you'd have to have Remain on the ballot paper in a People's Vote.

    It needs to be a repeat of the original referendum (Leave/Remain) but with much better
    knowledge of the implications of each and an up-to-date electoral roll. The Leave option will be "no deal" assuming the referendum is being called because May's deal has been rejected in parliament.
  • Options
    RogerRoger Posts: 18,894
    Stewart Jackson has lost none of his class since he used to post on here
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    JonathanJonathan Posts: 20,904
    You shouldn’t call anyone a cretin, least of all a sick child or parent thereof. Politics does seem to attract some very unpleasant people.
  • Options
    Barnesian said:

    Amber Rudd on Newsnight says you'd have to have Remain on the ballot paper in a People's Vote.

    It needs to be a repeat of the original referendum (Leave/Remain) but with much better
    knowledge of the implications of each and an up-to-date electoral roll. The Leave option will be "no deal" assuming the referendum is being called because May's deal has been rejected in parliament.
    That is the key problem with a second referendum. It has to be fair and independently decided on the wording, margins, etc
  • Options
    dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 27,995
    edited October 2018
    kle4 said:

    I am quite sure he would be referring to the person posting the message a cretin*, and while that is itself a poor thing to be doing and absolutely needless there is a danger in overdoing the criticism by suggesting he was calling the child a cretin, which looks a lot like deliberately misinterpreting things even more hostilely than deserved. See also comments of Corbyn seized upon, over egged, and thus being ineffective even when the comments deserved criticism.

    *should he confirm he meant the child I'll withdraw that
    However, simply calling people who disagree with you cretins is ill-mannered and unbecoming. What's worse is it is entirely ineffective.
    It is the politics of the playground. And not Secondary School.
    Sorry not directed at kle...
  • Options
    JonathanJonathan Posts: 20,904
    Barnesian said:

    Amber Rudd on Newsnight says you'd have to have Remain on the ballot paper in a People's Vote.

    It needs to be a repeat of the original referendum (Leave/Remain) but with much better
    knowledge of the implications of each and an up-to-date electoral roll. The Leave option will be "no deal" assuming the referendum is being called because May's deal has been rejected in parliament.
    If that comes to pass, the entire May premiership would have been a complete waste of time.
  • Options
    williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 48,130
    Jonathan said:

    Barnesian said:

    Amber Rudd on Newsnight says you'd have to have Remain on the ballot paper in a People's Vote.

    It needs to be a repeat of the original referendum (Leave/Remain) but with much better
    knowledge of the implications of each and an up-to-date electoral roll. The Leave option will be "no deal" assuming the referendum is being called because May's deal has been rejected in parliament.
    If that comes to pass, the entire May premiership would have been a complete waste of time.
    Kicking the can for long enough for everyone to get sick of it is no mean feat.
  • Options
    BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 7,997

    Barnesian said:

    Amber Rudd on Newsnight says you'd have to have Remain on the ballot paper in a People's Vote.

    It needs to be a repeat of the original referendum (Leave/Remain) but with much better
    knowledge of the implications of each and an up-to-date electoral roll. The Leave option will be "no deal" assuming the referendum is being called because May's deal has been rejected in parliament.
    That is the key problem with a second referendum. It has to be fair and independently decided on the wording, margins, etc
    That's why I think a straight repeat would be the least contentious.
  • Options
    AndrewAndrew Posts: 2,900
    edited October 2018

    I don't know how the stats compare between the countries as a whole but I thought that Mexico City was notorious as one of the most violent cities in the world due to the drugs cartels.

    Mexico gets a lot of focus because it has a high population, so the overall number of murders is large. However, in terms of murder rates per 100k population: Mexico 19ish, Venezuela/Honduras 56ish, El Salvador 83.

    The latter three are the highest in the world. For comparison the USA is 5.5ish, and Western Europe is around 1


  • Options
    Jonathan said:

    You shouldn’t call anyone a cretin, least of all a sick child or parent thereof. Politics does seem to attract some very unpleasant people.

    I think we have seen politics descend into a cesspit of abuse and serious threats.

    The reference to the child is sick.

    These people involved in this abusive lanuage need to be taken to task and if a parliamentarian thrown out
This discussion has been closed.