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Yesterday, February 28, 2025, a date which will live in infamy – politicalbetting.com

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  • GardenwalkerGardenwalker Posts: 22,062
    edited March 1
    After yesterday’s disgraceful scenes, Trump will still wants to be the peacemaker, and that starts with a ceasefire.

    On one hand, he presumably thinks he has given so much to Putin that he can wangle a ceasefire from Russia. On the other, he wants those “raw earth” minerals from Ukraine which presumably involves US “operatives”, but not military personnel, on the ground in Ukraine.

    Zelensky in turn wants tougher security guaranteed.

    Seems like the only guarantee Trump is potentially offering is some kind of air cover “backstop” for European troops. Starmer and Macron are not willing to post troops without that backstop.

    Remember folks, this is just to get to a ceasefire.
    But the existence of US economic operatives, UK/JEF/French troops, and American air cover, perhaps answers the outstanding security question, since NATO was never viably on the table.

    That would then just leave the actual borders, and prisoner exchange. Publicly at least, Putin is still sticking to his maximalist position.

    Hopefully yesterday’s contretemps, as awful as it looked. is just a bend in the road.



  • logical_songlogical_song Posts: 9,999

    kamski said:

    kamski said:

    The transcript of Ezra Klein's talk with Fareed Zakaria is well worth a read

    https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-fareed-zakaria.html

    Starts:

    "To the extent you feel you can define it, what’s the Trump doctrine?

    Part of the problem with Trump is that he is so mercurial. He’s so idiosyncratic that, just when you think you figured out the Trump doctrine, he goes and says something that kind of sounds like the opposite of the Trump doctrine.
    But I do think that there is one coherent worldview that Trump seems to espouse and has espoused for a long time. The first ad he took out when he was a real estate developer was in 1987. It was an ad about how Japan was ripping us off economically and Europe was ripping us off by free-riding on security. And what that represents, fundamentally, is a rejection of the open international system that the United States and Europe have built over the last eight decades."
    Trump’s first visit to Russia was in 1987.

    I know it’s considered paranoiac to claim that Trump is a Russian operative but he certainly behaves like it much of the time.
    Who thinks that the Russian's might have tried a honey trap with this young businessman? I guess he'd have made an excuse and left.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 53,305

    kinabalu said:

    Imagine a Federal Europe with a huge military under central command and control. Game changer.

    It would be a disaster, we would have a single point of failure just like we do in America. Imagine that military being controlled by a European Trump, Orban or Schroder.

    Why would you possibly want that?

    Far better to imagine a coalition of European nations that actually spend a decent amount on their militaries each, who can work together.
    More - a variety of coalitions for different purposes. The key point being that everyone in each is 100% committed to the aims of that specific alliance.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 29,598

    kamski said:

    kamski said:

    The transcript of Ezra Klein's talk with Fareed Zakaria is well worth a read

    https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-fareed-zakaria.html

    Starts:

    "To the extent you feel you can define it, what’s the Trump doctrine?

    Part of the problem with Trump is that he is so mercurial. He’s so idiosyncratic that, just when you think you figured out the Trump doctrine, he goes and says something that kind of sounds like the opposite of the Trump doctrine.
    But I do think that there is one coherent worldview that Trump seems to espouse and has espoused for a long time. The first ad he took out when he was a real estate developer was in 1987. It was an ad about how Japan was ripping us off economically and Europe was ripping us off by free-riding on security. And what that represents, fundamentally, is a rejection of the open international system that the United States and Europe have built over the last eight decades."
    Trump’s first visit to Russia was in 1987.

    I know it’s considered paranoiac to claim that Trump is a Russian operative but he certainly behaves like it much of the time.
    Robert Harris wrote ‘The Ghost’, loosely modelled on the Blair’s, with the idea that the PMs wife was an agent of a foreign power and had been from the start. But that’s fiction. Does anyone seriously believe that Trump is a Russian agent? The more prosaic explanation is that he is a massive arse who wants the put USA first. Unpalatable as it is to us in Europe there is an element of truth to the idea that Western Europe has had an easy ride with the US playing role of global peacekeeper. Countries like Ireland, for instance, absolutely take the piss assured that Britain will defend them, and many Americans will say the same about Europe. Isolationism in the US isn’t a new thing, after all.
    Does anyone seriously believe that Trump is a Russian agent? Google Agent Krasnov and let us know.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 74,892

    nico67 said:

    It’s time the media stopped calling the stain on humanity the leader of the free world .

    Only today people are being fired from Voice of America because they’re not showing enough cowering to Trump .

    This is how it all starts, the media become more and more frightened of repercussions and start sanewashing what’s happening .

    The only free speech the far right like is one they agree with .

    The media have been sane washing him a fair bit all the way through the campaign to be honest. He was treated as just another GOP candidate for POTUS and not the threat he literally told them he was.

    Now it will just intensify.

    Hate to say told you so....

    ... but I did.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 53,098

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    The King should take him to Churchill’s tailors*. And there pay for a siren suit as worn by WSC.

    *Turnbull & Asser
    - Look, no offence, but in this world, where someone is claiming to be a billionaire, Brooks Brothers won't cut it.
    - I'm assuming I'm on a budget.
    - Save the world, then we'll balance the books. Can I recommend a tailor?
    - I'll manage. You British don't have a monopoly on snobbery, you know.
    - Well, not a monopoly. More of a controlling interest!
  • boulayboulay Posts: 5,984
    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    Obviously. The king should always wear a suit.

    Zelensky should wear what he thinks is appropriate.
    A tee shirt with **** off you orange **** printed on it?
    Yes, nothing could help Ukraine more at this moment than pissing off the thin skinned leader of the most powerful military in the world so we can giggle about the LOLs.
    It's not clear that kowtowing or imploring him helps either.

    Perhaps we're better off admitting that US support for Ukraine is over, and working out how we can help move the frontline so that Ukraine is negotiating from a position of strength.

    I do wonder if the right answer is simply for Europe - the US, France, Germany and Poland - to deploy troops to Ukraine. Now, sure, that means the end of NATO, but candidly isn't it over anyway? Does anyway truly believe that the US would send troops to defend Estonia?
    Nothing helps dealing with Trump because he’s a dick and is only interested in what’s best for him but pissing him off will definitely not help.

    Ultimately his vanity is key but he’s surrounded by nutters who won’t tell him he isn’t getting a Nobel Peace Prize by treating Ukraine like this and Russia like that. Maybe a “leaked” internal memo from the Nobel committee deploring his position might help.
  • StillWatersStillWaters Posts: 9,254

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    I think the King should turn up in his military uniform…
    Chas could always rock up in his military fatigues rather than his dress uniform.
    William looks better in that.
  • FF43FF43 Posts: 17,735
    edited March 1
    This does warm the heart. The contrast with yesterday's freak show couldn't be starker, and I'm sure deliberate

    https://bsky.app/profile/peterstefanovic.bsky.social/post/3ljdjz5afx226

    'You have full backing across the United Kingdom'
  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 23,854

    kamski said:

    kamski said:

    The transcript of Ezra Klein's talk with Fareed Zakaria is well worth a read

    https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-fareed-zakaria.html

    Starts:

    "To the extent you feel you can define it, what’s the Trump doctrine?

    Part of the problem with Trump is that he is so mercurial. He’s so idiosyncratic that, just when you think you figured out the Trump doctrine, he goes and says something that kind of sounds like the opposite of the Trump doctrine.
    But I do think that there is one coherent worldview that Trump seems to espouse and has espoused for a long time. The first ad he took out when he was a real estate developer was in 1987. It was an ad about how Japan was ripping us off economically and Europe was ripping us off by free-riding on security. And what that represents, fundamentally, is a rejection of the open international system that the United States and Europe have built over the last eight decades."
    Trump’s first visit to Russia was in 1987.

    I know it’s considered paranoiac to claim that Trump is a Russian operative but he certainly behaves like it much of the time.
    Robert Harris wrote ‘The Ghost’, loosely modelled on the Blair’s, with the idea that the PMs wife was an agent of a foreign power and had been from the start. But that’s fiction. Does anyone seriously believe that Trump is a Russian agent? The more prosaic explanation is that he is a massive arse who wants the put USA first. Unpalatable as it is to us in Europe there is an element of truth to the idea that Western Europe has had an easy ride with the US playing role of global peacekeeper. Countries like Ireland, for instance, absolutely take the piss assured that Britain will defend them, and many Americans will say the same about Europe. Isolationism in the US isn’t a new thing, after all.
    Does anyone seriously believe that Trump is a Russian agent? Google Agent Krasnov and let us know.
    Us plebs will never know if he is a Russian agent or not. Ignoring the possibility seems quite over confident though.
  • TresTres Posts: 2,750
    where's that worm farage anyway?
  • Daveyboy1961Daveyboy1961 Posts: 4,257
    boulay said:

    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    Obviously. The king should always wear a suit.

    Zelensky should wear what he thinks is appropriate.
    A tee shirt with **** off you orange **** printed on it?
    Yes, nothing could help Ukraine more at this moment than pissing off the thin skinned leader of the most powerful military in the world so we can giggle about the LOLs.
    It's not clear that kowtowing or imploring him helps either.

    Perhaps we're better off admitting that US support for Ukraine is over, and working out how we can help move the frontline so that Ukraine is negotiating from a position of strength.

    I do wonder if the right answer is simply for Europe - the US, France, Germany and Poland - to deploy troops to Ukraine. Now, sure, that means the end of NATO, but candidly isn't it over anyway? Does anyway truly believe that the US would send troops to defend Estonia?
    Nothing helps dealing with Trump because he’s a dick and is only interested in what’s best for him but pissing him off will definitely not help.

    Ultimately his vanity is key but he’s surrounded by nutters who won’t tell him he isn’t getting a Nobel Peace Prize by treating Ukraine like this and Russia like that. Maybe a “leaked” internal memo from the Nobel committee deploring his position might help.
    If the US doesn't confirm that they stand by article 5 we should kick them out of NATO. Let's face it, NATO was only a buffer to protect USA's arse during the Cold war. I wonder if whether the chips had come down they would have piled in anyway.
  • stodgestodge Posts: 14,239
    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    Obviously. The king should always wear a suit.

    Zelensky should wear what he thinks is appropriate.
    A tee shirt with **** off you orange **** printed on it?
    Yes, nothing could help Ukraine more at this moment than pissing off the thin skinned leader of the most powerful military in the world so we can giggle about the LOLs.
    It's not clear that kowtowing or imploring him helps either.

    Perhaps we're better off admitting that US support for Ukraine is over, and working out how we can help move the frontline so that Ukraine is negotiating from a position of strength.

    I do wonder if the right answer is simply for Europe - the US, France, Germany and Poland - to deploy troops to Ukraine. Now, sure, that means the end of NATO, but candidly isn't it over anyway? Does anyway truly believe that the US would send troops to defend Estonia?
    I think that would be an extremely risky idea.

    The last thing we need is an escalation of the conflict to bring in other powers and the idea of British and Polish troops shooting at Russians and where that could end isn't pleasant to contemplate.

    As to whether NATO is "over", Trump has said he would stick to the obligations of Article 5 and as long as a scintilla of doubt remains, and, given his own parlous state, Putin won't get involved with NATO directly.

    I do agree, absent American assistance, the rest of Europe has to provide as much materiel and logistical support to Kyiv as we can to enable the Ukrainians to not only hold the line but start pushing the Russians back - everything short of joining the fight with our own armed forces.
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 43,538
    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    Obviously. The king should always wear a suit.

    Zelensky should wear what he thinks is appropriate.
    A tee shirt with **** off you orange **** printed on it?
    Yes, nothing could help Ukraine more at this moment than pissing off the thin skinned leader of the most powerful military in the world so we can giggle about the LOLs.
    It's not clear that kowtowing or imploring him helps either.

    Perhaps we're better off admitting that US support for Ukraine is over, and working out how we can help move the frontline so that Ukraine is negotiating from a position of strength.

    I do wonder if the right answer is simply for Europe - the US, France, Germany and Poland - to deploy troops to Ukraine. Now, sure, that means the end of NATO, but candidly isn't it over anyway? Does anyway truly believe that the US would send troops to defend Estonia?
    Where are you going to move the frontline to.
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 4,804

    boulay said:

    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    Obviously. The king should always wear a suit.

    Zelensky should wear what he thinks is appropriate.
    A tee shirt with **** off you orange **** printed on it?
    Yes, nothing could help Ukraine more at this moment than pissing off the thin skinned leader of the most powerful military in the world so we can giggle about the LOLs.
    It's not clear that kowtowing or imploring him helps either.

    Perhaps we're better off admitting that US support for Ukraine is over, and working out how we can help move the frontline so that Ukraine is negotiating from a position of strength.

    I do wonder if the right answer is simply for Europe - the US, France, Germany and Poland - to deploy troops to Ukraine. Now, sure, that means the end of NATO, but candidly isn't it over anyway? Does anyway truly believe that the US would send troops to defend Estonia?
    Nothing helps dealing with Trump because he’s a dick and is only interested in what’s best for him but pissing him off will definitely not help.

    Ultimately his vanity is key but he’s surrounded by nutters who won’t tell him he isn’t getting a Nobel Peace Prize by treating Ukraine like this and Russia like that. Maybe a “leaked” internal memo from the Nobel committee deploring his position might help.
    If the US doesn't confirm that they stand by article 5 we should kick them out of NATO. Let's face it, NATO was only a buffer to protect USA's arse during the Cold war. I wonder if whether the chips had come down they would have piled in anyway.
    Even if they commit to Article 5 I wouldn’t believe it .
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 43,538

    kinabalu said:

    Imagine a Federal Europe with a huge military under central command and control. Game changer.

    It would be a disaster, we would have a single point of failure just like we do in America. Imagine that military being controlled by a European Trump, Orban or Schroder.

    Why would you possibly want that?

    Far better to imagine a coalition of European nations that actually spend a decent amount on their militaries each, who can work together.
    More - a variety of coalitions for different purposes. The key point being that everyone in each is 100% committed to the aims of that specific alliance.
    Yep. I am all for working closely with like minded countries. I certainly have no objection, for example, for British troops to be under French or Norwegian or Polish command if that is the best way for things to be organised for a specific campaign or operation.

    But what we are learning is that static, long term organisations will eventually fail and that we, as indvidual nations, cannot rely on anyone else to come and pull us out of the fire. We must do that ourselves, yes together, but as equals and realising that we will, at times have fundemental differences of opinion and outlook which means our shared arrangements have to be completely flexible.
    Standing a bit like a stockpile beans and ammo kind of guy there, Richard.
  • FF43FF43 Posts: 17,735
    edited March 1

    kamski said:

    kamski said:

    The transcript of Ezra Klein's talk with Fareed Zakaria is well worth a read

    https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-fareed-zakaria.html

    Starts:

    "To the extent you feel you can define it, what’s the Trump doctrine?

    Part of the problem with Trump is that he is so mercurial. He’s so idiosyncratic that, just when you think you figured out the Trump doctrine, he goes and says something that kind of sounds like the opposite of the Trump doctrine.
    But I do think that there is one coherent worldview that Trump seems to espouse and has espoused for a long time. The first ad he took out when he was a real estate developer was in 1987. It was an ad about how Japan was ripping us off economically and Europe was ripping us off by free-riding on security. And what that represents, fundamentally, is a rejection of the open international system that the United States and Europe have built over the last eight decades."
    Trump’s first visit to Russia was in 1987.

    I know it’s considered paranoiac to claim that Trump is a Russian operative but he certainly behaves like it much of the time.
    Robert Harris wrote ‘The Ghost’, loosely modelled on the Blair’s, with the idea that the PMs wife was an agent of a foreign power and had been from the start. But that’s fiction. Does anyone seriously believe that Trump is a Russian agent? The more prosaic explanation is that he is a massive arse who wants the put USA first. Unpalatable as it is to us in Europe there is an element of truth to the idea that Western Europe has had an easy ride with the US playing role of global peacekeeper. Countries like Ireland, for instance, absolutely take the piss assured that Britain will defend them, and many Americans will say the same about Europe. Isolationism in the US isn’t a new thing, after all.
    The facts are the KGB have cultivated Trump since the 1980's; he has at various times been massively indebted to the Russian state; he has acted principally in the interest of Russia when it has conflicted with the interest of the United States that he is elected to represent.

    Whether he has a staff ID and/or the code name Krasnov are details.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 53,098
    TOPPING said:

    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    Obviously. The king should always wear a suit.

    Zelensky should wear what he thinks is appropriate.
    A tee shirt with **** off you orange **** printed on it?
    Yes, nothing could help Ukraine more at this moment than pissing off the thin skinned leader of the most powerful military in the world so we can giggle about the LOLs.
    It's not clear that kowtowing or imploring him helps either.

    Perhaps we're better off admitting that US support for Ukraine is over, and working out how we can help move the frontline so that Ukraine is negotiating from a position of strength.

    I do wonder if the right answer is simply for Europe - the US, France, Germany and Poland - to deploy troops to Ukraine. Now, sure, that means the end of NATO, but candidly isn't it over anyway? Does anyway truly believe that the US would send troops to defend Estonia?
    Where are you going to move the frontline to.
    Putin can end the war IMMEDIATELY by pulling back to the 1991 border...
  • Richard_TyndallRichard_Tyndall Posts: 33,078
    TOPPING said:

    kinabalu said:

    Imagine a Federal Europe with a huge military under central command and control. Game changer.

    It would be a disaster, we would have a single point of failure just like we do in America. Imagine that military being controlled by a European Trump, Orban or Schroder.

    Why would you possibly want that?

    Far better to imagine a coalition of European nations that actually spend a decent amount on their militaries each, who can work together.
    More - a variety of coalitions for different purposes. The key point being that everyone in each is 100% committed to the aims of that specific alliance.
    Yep. I am all for working closely with like minded countries. I certainly have no objection, for example, for British troops to be under French or Norwegian or Polish command if that is the best way for things to be organised for a specific campaign or operation.

    But what we are learning is that static, long term organisations will eventually fail and that we, as indvidual nations, cannot rely on anyone else to come and pull us out of the fire. We must do that ourselves, yes together, but as equals and realising that we will, at times have fundemental differences of opinion and outlook which means our shared arrangements have to be completely flexible.
    Standing a bit like a stockpile beans and ammo kind of guy there, Richard.
    Nah. I recognise the value of states and governments in our defence where individuals cannot act alone. I mean I do stockpile beans but that is more for the next Carrington event rather than Prepper type mentality... or maybe a zombie apocalypse :)

    But it is undeniably the cae that reliance on long term organisations to keep us safe inevitably leads us to end up in a Maginot Line situation. We are seeing that now with the US and it is about time more people started realising it.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 53,098
    Tres said:

    where's that worm farage anyway?

    With his head up Trump's arse?
  • Richard_TyndallRichard_Tyndall Posts: 33,078

    boulay said:

    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    Obviously. The king should always wear a suit.

    Zelensky should wear what he thinks is appropriate.
    A tee shirt with **** off you orange **** printed on it?
    Yes, nothing could help Ukraine more at this moment than pissing off the thin skinned leader of the most powerful military in the world so we can giggle about the LOLs.
    It's not clear that kowtowing or imploring him helps either.

    Perhaps we're better off admitting that US support for Ukraine is over, and working out how we can help move the frontline so that Ukraine is negotiating from a position of strength.

    I do wonder if the right answer is simply for Europe - the US, France, Germany and Poland - to deploy troops to Ukraine. Now, sure, that means the end of NATO, but candidly isn't it over anyway? Does anyway truly believe that the US would send troops to defend Estonia?
    Nothing helps dealing with Trump because he’s a dick and is only interested in what’s best for him but pissing him off will definitely not help.

    Ultimately his vanity is key but he’s surrounded by nutters who won’t tell him he isn’t getting a Nobel Peace Prize by treating Ukraine like this and Russia like that. Maybe a “leaked” internal memo from the Nobel committee deploring his position might help.
    If the US doesn't confirm that they stand by article 5 we should kick them out of NATO. Let's face it, NATO was only a buffer to protect USA's arse during the Cold war. I wonder if whether the chips had come down they would have piled in anyway.
    Up until the end of the Cold War yes. If only because they had hundreds of thousands of their own troops and people over in Europe. Once they had decided on the ill named 'peace dividend' then I suspect it was a lot less likely.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 30,429

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    I think the King should turn up in his military uniform…
    Chas could always rock up in his military fatigues rather than his dress uniform.
    William looks better in that.
    @williamglenn ?
  • mwadamsmwadams Posts: 3,767

    kamski said:

    kamski said:

    The transcript of Ezra Klein's talk with Fareed Zakaria is well worth a read

    https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-fareed-zakaria.html

    Starts:

    "To the extent you feel you can define it, what’s the Trump doctrine?

    Part of the problem with Trump is that he is so mercurial. He’s so idiosyncratic that, just when you think you figured out the Trump doctrine, he goes and says something that kind of sounds like the opposite of the Trump doctrine.
    But I do think that there is one coherent worldview that Trump seems to espouse and has espoused for a long time. The first ad he took out when he was a real estate developer was in 1987. It was an ad about how Japan was ripping us off economically and Europe was ripping us off by free-riding on security. And what that represents, fundamentally, is a rejection of the open international system that the United States and Europe have built over the last eight decades."
    Trump’s first visit to Russia was in 1987.

    I know it’s considered paranoiac to claim that Trump is a Russian operative but he certainly behaves like it much of the time.
    I'm not sure he is exactly a Russian asset. More in the pocket of assorted oligarchs who are bigger and nastier than he is. Which is effectively the same thing in practice, but philosophically slightly different.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 126,015
    edited March 1

    boulay said:

    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    Obviously. The king should always wear a suit.

    Zelensky should wear what he thinks is appropriate.
    A tee shirt with **** off you orange **** printed on it?
    Yes, nothing could help Ukraine more at this moment than pissing off the thin skinned leader of the most powerful military in the world so we can giggle about the LOLs.
    It's not clear that kowtowing or imploring him helps either.

    Perhaps we're better off admitting that US support for Ukraine is over, and working out how we can help move the frontline so that Ukraine is negotiating from a position of strength.

    I do wonder if the right answer is simply for Europe - the US, France, Germany and Poland - to deploy troops to Ukraine. Now, sure, that means the end of NATO, but candidly isn't it over anyway? Does anyway truly believe that the US would send troops to defend Estonia?
    Nothing helps dealing with Trump because he’s a dick and is only interested in what’s best for him but pissing him off will definitely not help.

    Ultimately his vanity is key but he’s surrounded by nutters who won’t tell him he isn’t getting a Nobel Peace Prize by treating Ukraine like this and Russia like that. Maybe a “leaked” internal memo from the Nobel committee deploring his position might help.
    If the US doesn't confirm that they stand by article 5 we should kick them out of NATO. Let's face it, NATO was only a buffer to protect USA's arse during the Cold war. I wonder if whether the chips had come down they would have piled in anyway.
    Trumpites wouldn't care about that, they think Europe and Canada should be responsible for their own defence against Putin anyway.

    Though if China invaded the west coast of America would Europe and Canada definitely send troops and arms and funds to the US to held them defeat the Chinese? At the moment debateable while the Trump administration is in power
  • GardenwalkerGardenwalker Posts: 22,062
    Nigelb said:

    One thing that’s been bugging me is that we’re simultaneously assured that the invasion can’t be defeated, so a truce is imperative - and at the same time that Russia constitutes no threat to Europe.
    The two things aren’t really compatible.

    Who is assuring us that Russia is no threat to Europe?
    It’s been conducting a hybrid war against Europe for a decade or more.

    It is clearly a fascist, revanchist state, with designs on the Baltics and perhaps even the entire former Warsaw Bloc.
  • TazTaz Posts: 16,827
    This is what will destroy the trump presidency

    There are many signs that Trumponomkcs is faltering to say the least.

    https://x.com/julianhjessop/status/1895911300825563340?s=61

  • StillWatersStillWaters Posts: 9,254
    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    Obviously. The king should always wear a suit.

    Zelensky should wear what he thinks is appropriate.
    A tee shirt with **** off you orange **** printed on it?
    Yes, nothing could help Ukraine more at this moment than pissing off the thin skinned leader of the most powerful military in the world so we can giggle about the LOLs.
    It's not clear that kowtowing or imploring him helps either.

    Perhaps we're better off admitting that US support for Ukraine is over, and working out how we can help move the frontline so that Ukraine is negotiating from a position of strength.

    I do wonder if the right answer is simply for Europe - the US, France, Germany and Poland - to deploy troops to Ukraine. Now, sure, that means the end of NATO, but candidly isn't it over anyway? Does anyway truly believe that the US would send troops to defend Estonia?
    Nothing helps dealing with Trump because he’s a dick and is only interested in what’s best for him but pissing him off will definitely not help.

    Ultimately his vanity is key but he’s surrounded by nutters who won’t tell him he isn’t getting a Nobel Peace Prize by treating Ukraine like this and Russia like that. Maybe a “leaked” internal memo from the Nobel committee deploring his position might help.
    I don't think it would make a scintilla of a difference.

    When you are at the top, the single most important thing is to get information that conflicts with your world view. Because the tendency in any organization is to tell the boss what he wants to hear, because that way lies advancement. The optimum strategy for you in the organization is sub-optimum for the organization as a whole.

    Telling Trump that (a) the Ukrainians support Zelenskky, or (b) that he won't get a Nobel Peace prize would likely never reach him (because who wants to bring him bad news), and even if it did, cognitive dissonance would set in, and it would be ignored.

    Trump is not going to change his mind on Ukraine. Therefore, Western Europe needs to decide whether to leave Ukraine to its fate, or whether it should step up.

    Stepping up is incredibly risky. Allowing Russia to win by withholding aid is immoral, and likely just storing up problems for next time.


    I am increasingly coming to the conclusion that the lowest risk strategy is to drive Russia out of Ukraine. Maybe that can be achieved solely by giving Ukraine all the materiel she needs. Maybe it requires more. But the alternative is merely storing up more trouble for the future.
    Welcome Robert. Took you long enough
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 53,305
    TOPPING said:

    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    Obviously. The king should always wear a suit.

    Zelensky should wear what he thinks is appropriate.
    A tee shirt with **** off you orange **** printed on it?
    Yes, nothing could help Ukraine more at this moment than pissing off the thin skinned leader of the most powerful military in the world so we can giggle about the LOLs.
    It's not clear that kowtowing or imploring him helps either.

    Perhaps we're better off admitting that US support for Ukraine is over, and working out how we can help move the frontline so that Ukraine is negotiating from a position of strength.

    I do wonder if the right answer is simply for Europe - the US, France, Germany and Poland - to deploy troops to Ukraine. Now, sure, that means the end of NATO, but candidly isn't it over anyway? Does anyway truly believe that the US would send troops to defend Estonia?
    Where are you going to move the frontline to.
    The Ukraine/Republic of China border
  • StillWatersStillWaters Posts: 9,254

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    I think the King should turn up in his military uniform…
    Chas could always rock up in his military fatigues rather than his dress uniform.
    William looks better in that.
    @williamglenn ?
    Wales
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 53,098
    HYUFD said:

    boulay said:

    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    Obviously. The king should always wear a suit.

    Zelensky should wear what he thinks is appropriate.
    A tee shirt with **** off you orange **** printed on it?
    Yes, nothing could help Ukraine more at this moment than pissing off the thin skinned leader of the most powerful military in the world so we can giggle about the LOLs.
    It's not clear that kowtowing or imploring him helps either.

    Perhaps we're better off admitting that US support for Ukraine is over, and working out how we can help move the frontline so that Ukraine is negotiating from a position of strength.

    I do wonder if the right answer is simply for Europe - the US, France, Germany and Poland - to deploy troops to Ukraine. Now, sure, that means the end of NATO, but candidly isn't it over anyway? Does anyway truly believe that the US would send troops to defend Estonia?
    Nothing helps dealing with Trump because he’s a dick and is only interested in what’s best for him but pissing him off will definitely not help.

    Ultimately his vanity is key but he’s surrounded by nutters who won’t tell him he isn’t getting a Nobel Peace Prize by treating Ukraine like this and Russia like that. Maybe a “leaked” internal memo from the Nobel committee deploring his position might help.
    If the US doesn't confirm that they stand by article 5 we should kick them out of NATO. Let's face it, NATO was only a buffer to protect USA's arse during the Cold war. I wonder if whether the chips had come down they would have piled in anyway.
    Trumpites wouldn't care about that, they think Europe and Canada should be responsible for their own defence against Putin.

    Though if China invaded the west coast of America would Europe and Canada definitely send troops and arms and funds to the US to held them defeat the Chinese? At the moment debateable while the Trump administration is in power
    In that scenario, we could tell Trump to make peace with Putin at any cost!
  • GardenwalkerGardenwalker Posts: 22,062
    Taz said:

    This is what will destroy the trump presidency

    There are many signs that Trumponomkcs is faltering to say the least.

    https://x.com/julianhjessop/status/1895911300825563340?s=61

    As predicted by me on the evening of the election last year.

    Although I expect a kind of dead cat bounce in response to certain tax cuts this year.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 58,748

    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    Obviously. The king should always wear a suit.

    Zelensky should wear what he thinks is appropriate.
    A tee shirt with **** off you orange **** printed on it?
    Yes, nothing could help Ukraine more at this moment than pissing off the thin skinned leader of the most powerful military in the world so we can giggle about the LOLs.
    It's not clear that kowtowing or imploring him helps either.

    Perhaps we're better off admitting that US support for Ukraine is over, and working out how we can help move the frontline so that Ukraine is negotiating from a position of strength.

    I do wonder if the right answer is simply for Europe - the US, France, Germany and Poland - to deploy troops to Ukraine. Now, sure, that means the end of NATO, but candidly isn't it over anyway? Does anyway truly believe that the US would send troops to defend Estonia?
    Nothing helps dealing with Trump because he’s a dick and is only interested in what’s best for him but pissing him off will definitely not help.

    Ultimately his vanity is key but he’s surrounded by nutters who won’t tell him he isn’t getting a Nobel Peace Prize by treating Ukraine like this and Russia like that. Maybe a “leaked” internal memo from the Nobel committee deploring his position might help.
    I don't think it would make a scintilla of a difference.

    When you are at the top, the single most important thing is to get information that conflicts with your world view. Because the tendency in any organization is to tell the boss what he wants to hear, because that way lies advancement. The optimum strategy for you in the organization is sub-optimum for the organization as a whole.

    Telling Trump that (a) the Ukrainians support Zelenskky, or (b) that he won't get a Nobel Peace prize would likely never reach him (because who wants to bring him bad news), and even if it did, cognitive dissonance would set in, and it would be ignored.

    Trump is not going to change his mind on Ukraine. Therefore, Western Europe needs to decide whether to leave Ukraine to its fate, or whether it should step up.

    Stepping up is incredibly risky. Allowing Russia to win by withholding aid is immoral, and likely just storing up problems for next time.


    I am increasingly coming to the conclusion that the lowest risk strategy is to drive Russia out of Ukraine. Maybe that can be achieved solely by giving Ukraine all the materiel she needs. Maybe it requires more. But the alternative is merely storing up more trouble for the future.
    Welcome Robert. Took you long enough
    It's the problem of being at the top, @StillWaters.
  • Northern_AlNorthern_Al Posts: 8,694
    edited March 1
    FF43 said:

    This does warm the heart. The contrast with yesterday's freak show couldn't be starker, and I'm sure deliberate

    https://bsky.app/profile/peterstefanovic.bsky.social/post/3ljdjz5afx226

    'You have full backing across the United Kingdom'

    Yes, what a contrast. Starmer treats Zelensky with the dignity and respect he deserves.
    Yesterday, Trump and Vance's treatment of Zelensky was significantly worse than Blackadder's of Baldric.
  • JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 44,797
    eek said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    Obviously. The king should always wear a suit.

    Zelensky should wear what he thinks is appropriate.
    Zelensky will be wearing the same outfit he has worn every day since the war began...
    I hope he has more than one, or it will be more than a little stinky by now...
  • GardenwalkerGardenwalker Posts: 22,062
    rcs1000 said:

    mwadams said:

    kamski said:

    kamski said:

    The transcript of Ezra Klein's talk with Fareed Zakaria is well worth a read

    https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-fareed-zakaria.html

    Starts:

    "To the extent you feel you can define it, what’s the Trump doctrine?

    Part of the problem with Trump is that he is so mercurial. He’s so idiosyncratic that, just when you think you figured out the Trump doctrine, he goes and says something that kind of sounds like the opposite of the Trump doctrine.
    But I do think that there is one coherent worldview that Trump seems to espouse and has espoused for a long time. The first ad he took out when he was a real estate developer was in 1987. It was an ad about how Japan was ripping us off economically and Europe was ripping us off by free-riding on security. And what that represents, fundamentally, is a rejection of the open international system that the United States and Europe have built over the last eight decades."
    Trump’s first visit to Russia was in 1987.

    I know it’s considered paranoiac to claim that Trump is a Russian operative but he certainly behaves like it much of the time.
    I'm not sure he is exactly a Russian asset. More in the pocket of assorted oligarchs who are bigger and nastier than he is. Which is effectively the same thing in practice, but philosophically slightly different.
    I don't think Trump is a Russian agent at all.

    I think it is really very simple: Trump comes from a time when Russia was the other Superpower. He cannot imagine how a small country like Ukraine could possibly win against them, and therefore they are behaving illogically in resisting. (Just as Canada and Greenland Denmark would be illogical to resist US aggression.)

    Words will not change his mind. The older you get, the more severe cognitive dissonance is.

    Therefore facts need to change.

    And this is why Europe needs to step up.
    How many New York businessmen were visiting Russia in 1987?
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 58,748
    edited March 1

    Nigelb said:

    One thing that’s been bugging me is that we’re simultaneously assured that the invasion can’t be defeated, so a truce is imperative - and at the same time that Russia constitutes no threat to Europe.
    The two things aren’t really compatible.

    Who is assuring us that Russia is no threat to Europe?
    It’s been conducting a hybrid war against Europe for a decade or more.

    It is clearly a fascist, revanchist state, with designs on the Baltics and perhaps even the entire former Warsaw Bloc.
    Quite:

    Russia has been quite happy to bribe our politicians, cut underseat communications cables and spread disinformation.

    And we've just sat there and taken it.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 74,892
    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    Obviously. The king should always wear a suit.

    Zelensky should wear what he thinks is appropriate.
    A tee shirt with **** off you orange **** printed on it?
    Yes, nothing could help Ukraine more at this moment than pissing off the thin skinned leader of the most powerful military in the world so we can giggle about the LOLs.
    It's not clear that kowtowing or imploring him helps either.

    Perhaps we're better off admitting that US support for Ukraine is over, and working out how we can help move the frontline so that Ukraine is negotiating from a position of strength.

    I do wonder if the right answer is simply for Europe - the US, France, Germany and Poland - to deploy troops to Ukraine. Now, sure, that means the end of NATO, but candidly isn't it over anyway? Does anyway truly believe that the US would send troops to defend Estonia?
    Nothing helps dealing with Trump because he’s a dick and is only interested in what’s best for him but pissing him off will definitely not help.

    Ultimately his vanity is key but he’s surrounded by nutters who won’t tell him he isn’t getting a Nobel Peace Prize by treating Ukraine like this and Russia like that. Maybe a “leaked” internal memo from the Nobel committee deploring his position might help.
    I don't think it would make a scintilla of a difference.

    When you are at the top, the single most important thing is to get information that conflicts with your world view. Because the tendency in any organization is to tell the boss what he wants to hear, because that way lies advancement. The optimum strategy for you in the organization is sub-optimum for the organization as a whole.

    Telling Trump that (a) the Ukrainians support Zelenskky, or (b) that he won't get a Nobel Peace prize would likely never reach him (because who wants to bring him bad news), and even if it did, cognitive dissonance would set in, and it would be ignored.

    Trump is not going to change his mind on Ukraine. Therefore, Western Europe needs to decide whether to leave Ukraine to its fate, or whether it should step up.

    Stepping up is incredibly risky. Allowing Russia to win by withholding aid is immoral, and likely just storing up problems for next time.

    I am increasingly coming to the conclusion that the lowest risk strategy is to drive Russia out of Ukraine. Maybe that can be achieved solely by giving Ukraine all the materiel she needs. Maybe it requires more. But the alternative is merely storing up more trouble for the future.
    That tends to link to my last comment.

    I think the position that Russia constitutes no threat to Europe is patently absurd. And a Russia with control over a substantial proportion of Ukraine, and restored economic relations with the US would present a much larger future threat.

    I’m also tending to your conclusion.
    A maximalist “drive Russia out” might be a lot harder than (for example) reversing their advance, and creating a defensible border, though.

  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 74,892

    Nigelb said:

    One thing that’s been bugging me is that we’re simultaneously assured that the invasion can’t be defeated, so a truce is imperative - and at the same time that Russia constitutes no threat to Europe.
    The two things aren’t really compatible.

    Who is assuring us that Russia is no threat to Europe?
    It’s been conducting a hybrid war against Europe for a decade or more.

    It is clearly a fascist, revanchist state, with designs on the Baltics and perhaps even the entire former Warsaw Bloc.
    Quite a large number of those arguing for immediate peace without conditions have been saying Putin wouldn’t dare invade a NATO state.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 30,429

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    I think the King should turn up in his military uniform…
    Chas could always rock up in his military fatigues rather than his dress uniform.
    William looks better in that.
    @williamglenn ?
    Wales
    Gallows humour.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 58,748

    rcs1000 said:

    mwadams said:

    kamski said:

    kamski said:

    The transcript of Ezra Klein's talk with Fareed Zakaria is well worth a read

    https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-fareed-zakaria.html

    Starts:

    "To the extent you feel you can define it, what’s the Trump doctrine?

    Part of the problem with Trump is that he is so mercurial. He’s so idiosyncratic that, just when you think you figured out the Trump doctrine, he goes and says something that kind of sounds like the opposite of the Trump doctrine.
    But I do think that there is one coherent worldview that Trump seems to espouse and has espoused for a long time. The first ad he took out when he was a real estate developer was in 1987. It was an ad about how Japan was ripping us off economically and Europe was ripping us off by free-riding on security. And what that represents, fundamentally, is a rejection of the open international system that the United States and Europe have built over the last eight decades."
    Trump’s first visit to Russia was in 1987.

    I know it’s considered paranoiac to claim that Trump is a Russian operative but he certainly behaves like it much of the time.
    I'm not sure he is exactly a Russian asset. More in the pocket of assorted oligarchs who are bigger and nastier than he is. Which is effectively the same thing in practice, but philosophically slightly different.
    I don't think Trump is a Russian agent at all.

    I think it is really very simple: Trump comes from a time when Russia was the other Superpower. He cannot imagine how a small country like Ukraine could possibly win against them, and therefore they are behaving illogically in resisting. (Just as Canada and Greenland Denmark would be illogical to resist US aggression.)

    Words will not change his mind. The older you get, the more severe cognitive dissonance is.

    Therefore facts need to change.

    And this is why Europe needs to step up.
    How many New York businessmen were visiting Russia in 1987?
    More than you would think: see the history of Occidental Petroleum.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 58,748
    rcs1000 said:

    Nigelb said:

    One thing that’s been bugging me is that we’re simultaneously assured that the invasion can’t be defeated, so a truce is imperative - and at the same time that Russia constitutes no threat to Europe.
    The two things aren’t really compatible.

    Who is assuring us that Russia is no threat to Europe?
    It’s been conducting a hybrid war against Europe for a decade or more.

    It is clearly a fascist, revanchist state, with designs on the Baltics and perhaps even the entire former Warsaw Bloc.
    Quite:

    Russia has been quite happy to bribe our politicians, cut underseat communications cables and spread disinformation.

    And we've just sat there and taken it.
    And, of course, kill people on British soil.
  • TazTaz Posts: 16,827

    Taz said:

    This is what will destroy the trump presidency

    There are many signs that Trumponomkcs is faltering to say the least.

    https://x.com/julianhjessop/status/1895911300825563340?s=61

    As predicted by me on the evening of the election last year.

    Although I expect a kind of dead cat bounce in response to certain tax cuts this year.
    Yeah, a few of us said the same. It was why I wanted a Harris win. She was a terrible candidate but less terrible than Trump. A bit like Starmer v Sunak. Trumps policy on tariffs was mad and he’s been even madder since he won.

    He promised people lower bills and tackling inflation. I suspect many reverse ferrets once the impact is of his economic policies bites
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 74,892
    mwadams said:

    kamski said:

    kamski said:

    The transcript of Ezra Klein's talk with Fareed Zakaria is well worth a read

    https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-fareed-zakaria.html

    Starts:

    "To the extent you feel you can define it, what’s the Trump doctrine?

    Part of the problem with Trump is that he is so mercurial. He’s so idiosyncratic that, just when you think you figured out the Trump doctrine, he goes and says something that kind of sounds like the opposite of the Trump doctrine.
    But I do think that there is one coherent worldview that Trump seems to espouse and has espoused for a long time. The first ad he took out when he was a real estate developer was in 1987. It was an ad about how Japan was ripping us off economically and Europe was ripping us off by free-riding on security. And what that represents, fundamentally, is a rejection of the open international system that the United States and Europe have built over the last eight decades."
    Trump’s first visit to Russia was in 1987.

    I know it’s considered paranoiac to claim that Trump is a Russian operative but he certainly behaves like it much of the time.
    I'm not sure he is exactly a Russian asset. More in the pocket of assorted oligarchs who are bigger and nastier than he is. Which is effectively the same thing in practice, but philosophically slightly different.
    It’s an ill defined term, which encompasses stuff like this:
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agent_of_influence

    “Exactly” doesn’t really pertain.
  • TazTaz Posts: 16,827
    rcs1000 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    mwadams said:

    kamski said:

    kamski said:

    The transcript of Ezra Klein's talk with Fareed Zakaria is well worth a read

    https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-fareed-zakaria.html

    Starts:

    "To the extent you feel you can define it, what’s the Trump doctrine?

    Part of the problem with Trump is that he is so mercurial. He’s so idiosyncratic that, just when you think you figured out the Trump doctrine, he goes and says something that kind of sounds like the opposite of the Trump doctrine.
    But I do think that there is one coherent worldview that Trump seems to espouse and has espoused for a long time. The first ad he took out when he was a real estate developer was in 1987. It was an ad about how Japan was ripping us off economically and Europe was ripping us off by free-riding on security. And what that represents, fundamentally, is a rejection of the open international system that the United States and Europe have built over the last eight decades."
    Trump’s first visit to Russia was in 1987.

    I know it’s considered paranoiac to claim that Trump is a Russian operative but he certainly behaves like it much of the time.
    I'm not sure he is exactly a Russian asset. More in the pocket of assorted oligarchs who are bigger and nastier than he is. Which is effectively the same thing in practice, but philosophically slightly different.
    I don't think Trump is a Russian agent at all.

    I think it is really very simple: Trump comes from a time when Russia was the other Superpower. He cannot imagine how a small country like Ukraine could possibly win against them, and therefore they are behaving illogically in resisting. (Just as Canada and Greenland Denmark would be illogical to resist US aggression.)

    Words will not change his mind. The older you get, the more severe cognitive dissonance is.

    Therefore facts need to change.

    And this is why Europe needs to step up.
    How many New York businessmen were visiting Russia in 1987?
    More than you would think: see the history of Occidental Petroleum.
    That’s a company Warren Buffet is a big investor in.
  • Maybe Trump and Vance should watch Darkest Hour to stiffen their resolve..🧐😏
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 5,399
    kamski said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    No
    kamski said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    No
    I hope the King doesn’t wear one, either.
  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 23,854
    rcs1000 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Nigelb said:

    One thing that’s been bugging me is that we’re simultaneously assured that the invasion can’t be defeated, so a truce is imperative - and at the same time that Russia constitutes no threat to Europe.
    The two things aren’t really compatible.

    Who is assuring us that Russia is no threat to Europe?
    It’s been conducting a hybrid war against Europe for a decade or more.

    It is clearly a fascist, revanchist state, with designs on the Baltics and perhaps even the entire former Warsaw Bloc.
    Quite:

    Russia has been quite happy to bribe our politicians, cut underseat communications cables and spread disinformation.

    And we've just sat there and taken it.
    And, of course, kill people on British soil.
    You don't think they were really on a cathedral tour then?
  • Starmer has played another blinder.

    The rumours of Labour’s demise are severely overestimated.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 126,015

    HYUFD said:

    boulay said:

    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    Obviously. The king should always wear a suit.

    Zelensky should wear what he thinks is appropriate.
    A tee shirt with **** off you orange **** printed on it?
    Yes, nothing could help Ukraine more at this moment than pissing off the thin skinned leader of the most powerful military in the world so we can giggle about the LOLs.
    It's not clear that kowtowing or imploring him helps either.

    Perhaps we're better off admitting that US support for Ukraine is over, and working out how we can help move the frontline so that Ukraine is negotiating from a position of strength.

    I do wonder if the right answer is simply for Europe - the US, France, Germany and Poland - to deploy troops to Ukraine. Now, sure, that means the end of NATO, but candidly isn't it over anyway? Does anyway truly believe that the US would send troops to defend Estonia?
    Nothing helps dealing with Trump because he’s a dick and is only interested in what’s best for him but pissing him off will definitely not help.

    Ultimately his vanity is key but he’s surrounded by nutters who won’t tell him he isn’t getting a Nobel Peace Prize by treating Ukraine like this and Russia like that. Maybe a “leaked” internal memo from the Nobel committee deploring his position might help.
    If the US doesn't confirm that they stand by article 5 we should kick them out of NATO. Let's face it, NATO was only a buffer to protect USA's arse during the Cold war. I wonder if whether the chips had come down they would have piled in anyway.
    Trumpites wouldn't care about that, they think Europe and Canada should be responsible for their own defence against Putin.

    Though if China invaded the west coast of America would Europe and Canada definitely send troops and arms and funds to the US to held them defeat the Chinese? At the moment debateable while the Trump administration is in power
    In that scenario, we could tell Trump to make peace with Putin at any cost!
    With Xi, yes
  • AnthonyTAnthonyT Posts: 130

    rcs1000 said:

    mwadams said:

    kamski said:

    kamski said:

    The transcript of Ezra Klein's talk with Fareed Zakaria is well worth a read

    https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-fareed-zakaria.html

    Starts:

    "To the extent you feel you can define it, what’s the Trump doctrine?

    Part of the problem with Trump is that he is so mercurial. He’s so idiosyncratic that, just when you think you figured out the Trump doctrine, he goes and says something that kind of sounds like the opposite of the Trump doctrine.
    But I do think that there is one coherent worldview that Trump seems to espouse and has espoused for a long time. The first ad he took out when he was a real estate developer was in 1987. It was an ad about how Japan was ripping us off economically and Europe was ripping us off by free-riding on security. And what that represents, fundamentally, is a rejection of the open international system that the United States and Europe have built over the last eight decades."
    Trump’s first visit to Russia was in 1987.

    I know it’s considered paranoiac to claim that Trump is a Russian operative but he certainly behaves like it much of the time.
    I'm not sure he is exactly a Russian asset. More in the pocket of assorted oligarchs who are bigger and nastier than he is. Which is effectively the same thing in practice, but philosophically slightly different.
    I don't think Trump is a Russian agent at all.

    I think it is really very simple: Trump comes from a time when Russia was the other Superpower. He cannot imagine how a small country like Ukraine could possibly win against them, and therefore they are behaving illogically in resisting. (Just as Canada and Greenland Denmark would be illogical to resist US aggression.)

    Words will not change his mind. The older you get, the more severe cognitive dissonance is.

    Therefore facts need to change.

    And this is why Europe needs to step up.
    How many New York businessmen were visiting Russia in 1987?
    The clues are in Trump's relationship with Deutsche Bank and Deutsche Bank's activities in Russia. That's where part of the story is.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 74,892

    rcs1000 said:

    mwadams said:

    kamski said:

    kamski said:

    The transcript of Ezra Klein's talk with Fareed Zakaria is well worth a read

    https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-fareed-zakaria.html

    Starts:

    "To the extent you feel you can define it, what’s the Trump doctrine?

    Part of the problem with Trump is that he is so mercurial. He’s so idiosyncratic that, just when you think you figured out the Trump doctrine, he goes and says something that kind of sounds like the opposite of the Trump doctrine.
    But I do think that there is one coherent worldview that Trump seems to espouse and has espoused for a long time. The first ad he took out when he was a real estate developer was in 1987. It was an ad about how Japan was ripping us off economically and Europe was ripping us off by free-riding on security. And what that represents, fundamentally, is a rejection of the open international system that the United States and Europe have built over the last eight decades."
    Trump’s first visit to Russia was in 1987.

    I know it’s considered paranoiac to claim that Trump is a Russian operative but he certainly behaves like it much of the time.
    I'm not sure he is exactly a Russian asset. More in the pocket of assorted oligarchs who are bigger and nastier than he is. Which is effectively the same thing in practice, but philosophically slightly different.
    I don't think Trump is a Russian agent at all.

    I think it is really very simple: Trump comes from a time when Russia was the other Superpower. He cannot imagine how a small country like Ukraine could possibly win against them, and therefore they are behaving illogically in resisting. (Just as Canada and Greenland Denmark would be illogical to resist US aggression.)

    Words will not change his mind. The older you get, the more severe cognitive dissonance is.

    Therefore facts need to change.

    And this is why Europe needs to step up.
    How many New York businessmen were visiting Russia in 1987?
    A few.
    The US exported between $2 and $3 billion of goods to the USSR throughout the 1980s.
    https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/notes/2009/N2682.pdf
  • Matthew Goodwin being actually racist now. Shocking, not.
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 23,700
    IanB2 said:

    Leon said:

    IanB2 said:

    ..

    How old are you? 6?

    Grow up
    Seems spot on to me. And you are the last one to talk about people being childish. It is one of the main planks of your whole persona on here.
    These small dick syndome guys are always trouble. Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin, Trump. Being under-endowed simply means trouble for the rest of us.

    We should all be very grateful that Leon just took up writing.
    Allegedly, the internet reason why Musk uses artificial insemination to impregnate his courtesans is that he had a botched penis implant.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 30,129
    rcs1000 said:

    nico67 said:

    Zelenskyy is apparently going to meet King Charles tomorrow . I’m really pleased about that and good to see Starmer pushing the boat out to make Zelenskyy feel loved which is true of how the vast majority of Brits feel about him .

    Hopefully the vast majority of British people don't feel anything so nauseatingly un-British.
    It's nauseatingly un-British to support the democracy invaded by the much larger neighbour?

    Well, it's a view.
    Can you read?
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 30,129
    kinabalu said:

    Imagine a Federal Europe with a huge military under central command and control. Game changer.

    I would be OK with that if the countries of the EU want it. The UK should be grateful we don't need to have any part in it.
  • CatManCatMan Posts: 3,146
    "A baseless conspiracy theory is circulating among pro-Trump social media users alleging that high-profile Democratic figures Antony Blinken, Susan Rice, Victoria Nuland, and Alexander Vindman held a conference call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his flight to Washington.

    The conspiracy theory went viral, with Republicans including US special envoy, Richard Grenell, spreading the baseless claim.

    The claim suggests that they advised him to “stand strong” and be “tough” against president Donald Trump before the confrontation between Zelenskyy, Trump, and vice president JD Vance in the Oval Office took place.

    Worth noting: The initial claim, posted by a pro-Trump author on social media, provided no source or evidence and was later acknowledged by herself as speculation.
    "

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/mar/01/live-european-leaders-rally-behind-zelenskyy-after-trump-vance-clash-updates
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 72,747

    FF43 said:

    This does warm the heart. The contrast with yesterday's freak show couldn't be starker, and I'm sure deliberate

    https://bsky.app/profile/peterstefanovic.bsky.social/post/3ljdjz5afx226

    'You have full backing across the United Kingdom'

    Yes, what a contrast. Starmer treats Zelensky with the dignity and respect he deserves.
    Yesterday, Trump and Vance's treatment of Zelensky was significantly worse than Blackadder's of Baldric.
    He looks like what he is, a dung hill in a suit.

    And Zelensky rocked up in combat fatigues.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 42,924

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    I think the King should turn up in his military uniform…
    If he does, he should wear a Canadian uniform.
    Plaid shirt, jeans, logger boots and fleece lined denim jacket that I’m informed is known as a Canuck tuxedo.
  • FF43FF43 Posts: 17,735
    .
    HYUFD said:

    boulay said:

    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    Obviously. The king should always wear a suit.

    Zelensky should wear what he thinks is appropriate.
    A tee shirt with **** off you orange **** printed on it?
    Yes, nothing could help Ukraine more at this moment than pissing off the thin skinned leader of the most powerful military in the world so we can giggle about the LOLs.
    It's not clear that kowtowing or imploring him helps either.

    Perhaps we're better off admitting that US support for Ukraine is over, and working out how we can help move the frontline so that Ukraine is negotiating from a position of strength.

    I do wonder if the right answer is simply for Europe - the US, France, Germany and Poland - to deploy troops to Ukraine. Now, sure, that means the end of NATO, but candidly isn't it over anyway? Does anyway truly believe that the US would send troops to defend Estonia?
    Nothing helps dealing with Trump because he’s a dick and is only interested in what’s best for him but pissing him off will definitely not help.

    Ultimately his vanity is key but he’s surrounded by nutters who won’t tell him he isn’t getting a Nobel Peace Prize by treating Ukraine like this and Russia like that. Maybe a “leaked” internal memo from the Nobel committee deploring his position might help.
    If the US doesn't confirm that they stand by article 5 we should kick them out of NATO. Let's face it, NATO was only a buffer to protect USA's arse during the Cold war. I wonder if whether the chips had come down they would have piled in anyway.
    Trumpites wouldn't care about that, they think Europe and Canada should be responsible for their own defence against Putin anyway.

    Though if China invaded the west coast of America would Europe and Canada definitely send troops and arms and funds to the US to held them defeat the Chinese? At the moment debateable while the Trump administration is in power
    The Europeans obviously would command Trump to Berlaymont in Brussels and tell Trump the invasion of America was all his fault for not doing a deal with Xi and by the way he doesn't have any cards.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 74,892
    CatMan said:

    "A baseless conspiracy theory is circulating among pro-Trump social media users alleging that high-profile Democratic figures Antony Blinken, Susan Rice, Victoria Nuland, and Alexander Vindman held a conference call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his flight to Washington.

    The conspiracy theory went viral, with Republicans including US special envoy, Richard Grenell, spreading the baseless claim.

    The claim suggests that they advised him to “stand strong” and be “tough” against president Donald Trump before the confrontation between Zelenskyy, Trump, and vice president JD Vance in the Oval Office took place.

    Worth noting: The initial claim, posted by a pro-Trump author on social media, provided no source or evidence and was later acknowledged by herself as speculation.
    "

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/mar/01/live-european-leaders-rally-behind-zelenskyy-after-trump-vance-clash-updates

    FFS.
    And Vance was yesterday accusing Zelensky of peddling ‘propaganda’.
    (By which he meant showing foreign visitors the massacre site in Bucha.)
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 5,399
    rcs1000 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Nigelb said:

    One thing that’s been bugging me is that we’re simultaneously assured that the invasion can’t be defeated, so a truce is imperative - and at the same time that Russia constitutes no threat to Europe.
    The two things aren’t really compatible.

    Who is assuring us that Russia is no threat to Europe?
    It’s been conducting a hybrid war against Europe for a decade or more.

    It is clearly a fascist, revanchist state, with designs on the Baltics and perhaps even the entire former Warsaw Bloc.
    Quite:

    Russia has been quite happy to bribe our politicians, cut underseat communications cables and spread disinformation.

    And we've just sat there and taken it.
    And, of course, kill people on British soil.
    Based on your residence in the USA, what it the view of your neighbours and colleagues? You may have a different view to most of us.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 53,098

    FF43 said:

    This does warm the heart. The contrast with yesterday's freak show couldn't be starker, and I'm sure deliberate

    https://bsky.app/profile/peterstefanovic.bsky.social/post/3ljdjz5afx226

    'You have full backing across the United Kingdom'

    Yes, what a contrast. Starmer treats Zelensky with the dignity and respect he deserves.
    Yesterday, Trump and Vance's treatment of Zelensky was significantly worse than Blackadder's of Baldric.
    "Baldrick, what begins with "Come here" and ends in "Ow!"?
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 23,700
    Taz said:

    This is what will destroy the trump presidency

    There are many signs that Trumponomkcs is faltering to say the least.

    https://x.com/julianhjessop/status/1895911300825563340?s=61

    Not necessarily. In the 1980s the economic policies pursued by Thatcher and Reagan brought grave devastation to existing industries and huge poll deficits. But a divided opposition and the Government ability to assemble new voter coalitions carried them over the hump. Similarly, regardless of how bad Trumpism gets, the USA will adapt and false/misleading narratives pushed by Musk, Besos et al will enable them to get over their adjustment hump. And, as is apparent, the Dems are concentrating on under-bus-throwing instead of constructing a positive vision that attracts votes. I'm not convinced the GOP will lose in 2026 nor 2028.
  • carnforthcarnforth Posts: 5,337
    Charles should break all protocol and give Zelensky a big bear hug.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 30,129
    CatMan said:

    "A baseless conspiracy theory is circulating among pro-Trump social media users alleging that high-profile Democratic figures Antony Blinken, Susan Rice, Victoria Nuland, and Alexander Vindman held a conference call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his flight to Washington.

    The conspiracy theory went viral, with Republicans including US special envoy, Richard Grenell, spreading the baseless claim.

    The claim suggests that they advised him to “stand strong” and be “tough” against president Donald Trump before the confrontation between Zelenskyy, Trump, and vice president JD Vance in the Oval Office took place.

    Worth noting: The initial claim, posted by a pro-Trump author on social media, provided no source or evidence and was later acknowledged by herself as speculation.
    "

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/mar/01/live-european-leaders-rally-behind-zelenskyy-after-trump-vance-clash-updates

    I think it made a sort of sense for Zelensky to display some sass in the Oval office. In many ways he is now playing to Europe as his main sponsor. Judging from the response from the PB faithful, including the rush to donate their hard-earned cash, he's played a blinder.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 42,924
    edited March 1
    carnforth said:

    Charles should break all protocol and give Zelensky a big bear hug.

    Zelensky may have had enough of big hugs from a bear.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 53,305
    Taz said:

    Taz said:

    This is what will destroy the trump presidency

    There are many signs that Trumponomkcs is faltering to say the least.

    https://x.com/julianhjessop/status/1895911300825563340?s=61

    As predicted by me on the evening of the election last year.

    Although I expect a kind of dead cat bounce in response to certain tax cuts this year.
    Yeah, a few of us said the same. It was why I wanted a Harris win. She was a terrible candidate but less terrible than Trump. A bit like Starmer v Sunak. Trumps policy on tariffs was mad and he’s been even madder since he won.

    He promised people lower bills and tackling inflation. I suspect many reverse ferrets once the impact is of his economic policies bites
    Harris vs Trump wasn’t Starmer vs Sunak

    More Sunak vs Cuthulu
  • Stark_DawningStark_Dawning Posts: 9,922

    https://www.dw.com/en/zelenskyy-says-ukraine-must-be-heard-after-trump-clash/live-71793304#liveblog-post-71794270

    NATO chief: Zelenskyy must 'find a way' to fix ties with Trump

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must "find a way" to restore his relationship with US counterpart Donald Trump, NATO chief Mark Rutte told the BBC on Saturday, a day after Zelenskyy and Trump clashed at the White House.

    Rutte said that he had told Zelenskyy: "You have to find a way, dear Volodymyr, to restore your relationship with Donald Trump and the American administration."

    I take his point, but it's devilish tricky for Zelenskyy to know how to deal with these characters, when they're determined to showboat and play silly beggars. Maybe a meeting on neutral turf behind closed doors with just Trump and selected few of the more sensible US players (whoever they might be). Certainly no Vance within a thousand miles.
  • GIN1138GIN1138 Posts: 22,633
    Good evening PB.

    I notice Electoral Calculus, in it's latest prediction, now has REF short (134 seats) of an overall majority for the first time.

    But given recent developments could we be at Peak Reform?
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 72,747
    Zelenskyy should offer Trump and Vance a Hublot watch as a peace offering.

    They’re both too far up themselves to grasp the reference, but everyone else will get it.

    And enjoy it.
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 44,215
    carnforth said:

    Charles should break all protocol and give Zelensky a big bear hug.

    I think people should stop pawing him.
  • GIN1138 said:

    Good evening PB.

    I notice Electoral Calculus, in it's latest prediction, now has REF short (134 seats) of an overall majority for the first time.

    But given recent developments could we be at Peak Reform?

    Reform are finished.
  • BurgessianBurgessian Posts: 2,924
    GIN1138 said:

    Good evening PB.

    I notice Electoral Calculus, in it's latest prediction, now has REF short (134 seats) of an overall majority for the first time.

    But given recent developments could we be at Peak Reform?

    Well, let's hope so. The thought of a triumphant Farage is truly nauseating after his history of Trump-hugging and Russian talking point recitations.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 64,703
    GIN1138 said:

    Good evening PB.

    I notice Electoral Calculus, in it's latest prediction, now has REF short (134 seats) of an overall majority for the first time.

    But given recent developments could we be at Peak Reform?

    Hopefully

    How anyone can vote for Farage is beyond me
  • GIN1138GIN1138 Posts: 22,633

    Good evening

    I have been with my family today and just catching up on the news

    Full marks to Starmer in embracing Zelenskyy so warmly in Downing Street and speaking for the nation our support for him and Ukraine

    Also excellent that Zelenskyy meets the King tomorrow in a show of support for the beleaguered war leader

    It seems the head of NATO and others are saying that bridges have to be repaired with Trump, which is no doubt true, but how and when that happens, if it happens is open conjecture

    Anyway we must support Zelenskyy and Ukraine irrespective of the madmen in the White House

    Well said Big G. Hope you've had a nice day? :D
  • StillWatersStillWaters Posts: 9,254
    rcs1000 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    rcs1000 said:

    boulay said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Zelensky is meeting the King tomorrow

    Should he wear a suit..?

    Obviously. The king should always wear a suit.

    Zelensky should wear what he thinks is appropriate.
    A tee shirt with **** off you orange **** printed on it?
    Yes, nothing could help Ukraine more at this moment than pissing off the thin skinned leader of the most powerful military in the world so we can giggle about the LOLs.
    It's not clear that kowtowing or imploring him helps either.

    Perhaps we're better off admitting that US support for Ukraine is over, and working out how we can help move the frontline so that Ukraine is negotiating from a position of strength.

    I do wonder if the right answer is simply for Europe - the US, France, Germany and Poland - to deploy troops to Ukraine. Now, sure, that means the end of NATO, but candidly isn't it over anyway? Does anyway truly believe that the US would send troops to defend Estonia?
    Nothing helps dealing with Trump because he’s a dick and is only interested in what’s best for him but pissing him off will definitely not help.

    Ultimately his vanity is key but he’s surrounded by nutters who won’t tell him he isn’t getting a Nobel Peace Prize by treating Ukraine like this and Russia like that. Maybe a “leaked” internal memo from the Nobel committee deploring his position might help.
    I don't think it would make a scintilla of a difference.

    When you are at the top, the single most important thing is to get information that conflicts with your world view. Because the tendency in any organization is to tell the boss what he wants to hear, because that way lies advancement. The optimum strategy for you in the organization is sub-optimum for the organization as a whole.

    Telling Trump that (a) the Ukrainians support Zelenskky, or (b) that he won't get a Nobel Peace prize would likely never reach him (because who wants to bring him bad news), and even if it did, cognitive dissonance would set in, and it would be ignored.

    Trump is not going to change his mind on Ukraine. Therefore, Western Europe needs to decide whether to leave Ukraine to its fate, or whether it should step up.

    Stepping up is incredibly risky. Allowing Russia to win by withholding aid is immoral, and likely just storing up problems for next time.


    I am increasingly coming to the conclusion that the lowest risk strategy is to drive Russia out of Ukraine. Maybe that can be achieved solely by giving Ukraine all the materiel she needs. Maybe it requires more. But the alternative is merely storing up more trouble for the future.
    Welcome Robert. Took you long enough
    It's the problem of being at the top, @StillWaters.
    Next time I’ll pull you up if you need. You only have to ask
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 30,129
    GIN1138 said:

    Good evening PB.

    I notice Electoral Calculus, in it's latest prediction, now has REF short (134 seats) of an overall majority for the first time.

    But given recent developments could we be at Peak Reform?

    If that gets you through the night, by all means believe it.

    I am looking forward to Reform winning a lot of council seats, and proving what they can do.
  • pancakespancakes Posts: 48

    https://www.dw.com/en/zelenskyy-says-ukraine-must-be-heard-after-trump-clash/live-71793304#liveblog-post-71794270

    NATO chief: Zelenskyy must 'find a way' to fix ties with Trump

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must "find a way" to restore his relationship with US counterpart Donald Trump, NATO chief Mark Rutte told the BBC on Saturday, a day after Zelenskyy and Trump clashed at the White House.

    Rutte said that he had told Zelenskyy: "You have to find a way, dear Volodymyr, to restore your relationship with Donald Trump and the American administration."

    I take his point, but it's devilish tricky for Zelenskyy to know how to deal with these characters, when they're determined to showboat and play silly beggars. Maybe a meeting on neutral turf behind closed doors with just Trump and selected few of the more sensible US players (whoever they might be). Certainly no Vance within a thousand miles.
    I think Rutte (as secretary general of an organisation intricately linked to the US, and as a lifelong pro-American who supported the Iraq war) has yet to twig (unlike Merz?) that the US isn't on Ukraine's side.

    Bloomberg suggests Trump might consider meeting Zelenskyy again if the latter issues a full public apology to Trump.
  • GIN1138GIN1138 Posts: 22,633

    GIN1138 said:

    Good evening PB.

    I notice Electoral Calculus, in it's latest prediction, now has REF short (134 seats) of an overall majority for the first time.

    But given recent developments could we be at Peak Reform?

    If that gets you through the night, by all means believe it.

    I am looking forward to Reform winning a lot of council seats, and proving what they can do.
    I'm just throwing out the question. Personally, I'm unsure one way or another.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 64,703
    GIN1138 said:

    Good evening

    I have been with my family today and just catching up on the news

    Full marks to Starmer in embracing Zelenskyy so warmly in Downing Street and speaking for the nation our support for him and Ukraine

    Also excellent that Zelenskyy meets the King tomorrow in a show of support for the beleaguered war leader

    It seems the head of NATO and others are saying that bridges have to be repaired with Trump, which is no doubt true, but how and when that happens, if it happens is open conjecture

    Anyway we must support Zelenskyy and Ukraine irrespective of the madmen in the White House

    Well said Big G. Hope you've had a nice day? :D
    Thank you and yes my family all came round to celebrate my 81st though no actual day this year

    I also had a long conversation with our son and his wife in Vancouver who are appalled at Trump but also recognize Canada has been taking the US for granted for far too long

    They confirm that their politics is very uncertain but not impressed by Mark Carney
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 4,804
    One thing overlooked yesterday was how a Tass reporter gained access to the Oval and live streamed the meeting back to Moscow .
  • GIN1138GIN1138 Posts: 22,633

    GIN1138 said:

    Good evening

    I have been with my family today and just catching up on the news

    Full marks to Starmer in embracing Zelenskyy so warmly in Downing Street and speaking for the nation our support for him and Ukraine

    Also excellent that Zelenskyy meets the King tomorrow in a show of support for the beleaguered war leader

    It seems the head of NATO and others are saying that bridges have to be repaired with Trump, which is no doubt true, but how and when that happens, if it happens is open conjecture

    Anyway we must support Zelenskyy and Ukraine irrespective of the madmen in the White House

    Well said Big G. Hope you've had a nice day? :D
    Thank you and yes my family all came round to celebrate my 81st though no actual day this year

    I also had a long conversation with our son and his wife in Vancouver who are appalled at Trump but also recognize Canada has been taking the US for granted for far too long

    They confirm that their politics is very uncertain but not impressed by Mark Carney
    Oh, happy birthday. 31st, surely? 🎂
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 126,015
    edited March 1
    viewcode said:

    Taz said:

    This is what will destroy the trump presidency

    There are many signs that Trumponomkcs is faltering to say the least.

    https://x.com/julianhjessop/status/1895911300825563340?s=61

    Not necessarily. In the 1980s the economic policies pursued by Thatcher and Reagan brought grave devastation to existing industries and huge poll deficits. But a divided opposition and the Government ability to assemble new voter coalitions carried them over the hump. Similarly, regardless of how bad Trumpism gets, the USA will adapt and false/misleading narratives pushed by Musk, Besos et al will enable them to get over their adjustment hump. And, as is apparent, the Dems are concentrating on under-bus-throwing instead of constructing a positive vision that attracts votes. I'm not convinced the GOP will lose in 2026 nor 2028.
    Thatcher and Reagan did not impose tariffs which hit all consumers, Thatcher and Reagan's union reforms and welfare and spending cuts hit some but not all the population and by 1983 and 1984 their tax cuts had boosted growth enough to win while they had contained inflation. In 1930 by contrast the Smoot-Hawley tariffs Hoover as President reluctantly signed were a key factor in worsening the Great Depression and saw the GOP lose Congress and the White House in 1932 and they did not win the Presidency back for 20 years until Ike in 1952 who won on an uber centrist ticket.

    What the Democrats do is largely irrelevant
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 4,804
    pancakes said:

    https://www.dw.com/en/zelenskyy-says-ukraine-must-be-heard-after-trump-clash/live-71793304#liveblog-post-71794270

    NATO chief: Zelenskyy must 'find a way' to fix ties with Trump

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must "find a way" to restore his relationship with US counterpart Donald Trump, NATO chief Mark Rutte told the BBC on Saturday, a day after Zelenskyy and Trump clashed at the White House.

    Rutte said that he had told Zelenskyy: "You have to find a way, dear Volodymyr, to restore your relationship with Donald Trump and the American administration."

    I take his point, but it's devilish tricky for Zelenskyy to know how to deal with these characters, when they're determined to showboat and play silly beggars. Maybe a meeting on neutral turf behind closed doors with just Trump and selected few of the more sensible US players (whoever they might be). Certainly no Vance within a thousand miles.
    I think Rutte (as secretary general of an organisation intricately linked to the US, and as a lifelong pro-American who supported the Iraq war) has yet to twig (unlike Merz?) that the US isn't on Ukraine's side.

    Bloomberg suggests Trump might consider meeting Zelenskyy again if the latter issues a full public apology to Trump.
    Either they know this and are playing along to buy time or are in denial and just refuse to accept that soon the US will be sending arms to Russia !
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 64,703
    GIN1138 said:

    GIN1138 said:

    Good evening

    I have been with my family today and just catching up on the news

    Full marks to Starmer in embracing Zelenskyy so warmly in Downing Street and speaking for the nation our support for him and Ukraine

    Also excellent that Zelenskyy meets the King tomorrow in a show of support for the beleaguered war leader

    It seems the head of NATO and others are saying that bridges have to be repaired with Trump, which is no doubt true, but how and when that happens, if it happens is open conjecture

    Anyway we must support Zelenskyy and Ukraine irrespective of the madmen in the White House

    Well said Big G. Hope you've had a nice day? :D
    Thank you and yes my family all came round to celebrate my 81st though no actual day this year

    I also had a long conversation with our son and his wife in Vancouver who are appalled at Trump but also recognize Canada has been taking the US for granted for far too long

    They confirm that their politics is very uncertain but not impressed by Mark Carney
    Oh, happy birthday. 31st, surely? 🎂
    20 + 1 and in 2028 (God willing) my 21st
  • GIN1138GIN1138 Posts: 22,633

    GIN1138 said:

    GIN1138 said:

    Good evening

    I have been with my family today and just catching up on the news

    Full marks to Starmer in embracing Zelenskyy so warmly in Downing Street and speaking for the nation our support for him and Ukraine

    Also excellent that Zelenskyy meets the King tomorrow in a show of support for the beleaguered war leader

    It seems the head of NATO and others are saying that bridges have to be repaired with Trump, which is no doubt true, but how and when that happens, if it happens is open conjecture

    Anyway we must support Zelenskyy and Ukraine irrespective of the madmen in the White House

    Well said Big G. Hope you've had a nice day? :D
    Thank you and yes my family all came round to celebrate my 81st though no actual day this year

    I also had a long conversation with our son and his wife in Vancouver who are appalled at Trump but also recognize Canada has been taking the US for granted for far too long

    They confirm that their politics is very uncertain but not impressed by Mark Carney
    Oh, happy birthday. 31st, surely? 🎂
    20 + 1 and in 2028 (God willing) my 21st
    You'll make it, Big G. 🙏
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 30,129
    ...

    GIN1138 said:

    Good evening PB.

    I notice Electoral Calculus, in it's latest prediction, now has REF short (134 seats) of an overall majority for the first time.

    But given recent developments could we be at Peak Reform?

    Hopefully

    How anyone can vote for Farage is beyond me
    Come come now. They may offend your delicate sensibilities, but do you really think people who voted for the Tories to reduce immigration to the tens of thousands should do so again?
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 74,892
    nico67 said:

    One thing overlooked yesterday was how a Tass reporter gained access to the Oval and live streamed the meeting back to Moscow .

    I actually read about that before the meeting.
    Apparently AP and Reuters were excluded.
  • GIN1138GIN1138 Posts: 22,633
    edited March 1
    malcolmg said:

    stjohn said:

    Reposted from the end of the previous thread.

    My take on Spatgate is that I don’t think there was a deliberate plan by anyone to sabotage the meeting. What happened was the result of thin skinned egotists losing it.

    After about 30 mins the meeting which has been largely cordial is wrapping up. Vance makes a point targeted against Biden. Says Biden’s chest thumping didn’t stop Putin invading Ukraine. Vance says Trump has the answers - diplomacy (= dialogue) and dealing with Putin.

    Z addresses Vance somewhat confrontationally. Makes the point that dealing with Putin doesn’t work. A deal was struck with Putin in 2022 and Putin went back on the deal. Z concludes to V “JD what kind of diplomacy you are speaking about? What do you mean?”

    Vance is riled. He feels challenged by Z who is effectively saying Vance is wrong. Diplomacy doesn’t work with Putin.

    Vance loses his cool. He is angry that Z has publicly disagreed with his one significant contribution to the meeting, challenging him in front of the whole world. He finds it disrespectful and petulantly reacts saying Zelensky is ungrateful. He raises his voice, points his finger, accuses Z of criticising America, says Ukraine is struggling in its war effort and calls Z disrespectful.

    Z does not accept Vance’s portrayal of Ukraine struggling. Warns America that Putin could come for them next and that they will feel the influence (threat) of Russia

    Trump - triggered initially by Vance saying Z is disrespecting America is further triggered by Z telling America what it feels and it all kicks off.

    Vance pours oil onto the fire challenging Z by asking him if he has even thanked America for its help. Takes him to task for “campaigning for the Democrats in Pennsylvania”

    It then further escalates.

    Conclusion. Z was perhaps unwise to publicly challenge Vance’s “diplomacy thesis”. Vance felt belittled by this and reacted calling Z disrespectful and ungrateful. Trump was triggered by Vance and further triggered by Z forecasting America would in the future also fell threatened by Russia. Trump and Vance both lose it.

    Both spacehopper and teh hillbilly have fragile egos. Both absolute arses.
    Good evening Malcom!

    As someone now unknown to enjoy a bust up yourself, what was your take on the Trump - Zelensky - Oval Office slanging match?
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 64,703
    Changing subjects

    Just how low can some become

    The Millwall goalkeeper tackle on the Crystal Palace forward was the most dangerous I have seen in over 70 years following football and a very serious head injury occurred to the Palace player who was treated on the pitch for 10 minutes before being taken directly to an ambulance and hospital

    And the Millwall supporters response

    'We hope you die"

    I find it difficult even to type those words

    The FA and Police have to take action
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 53,972
    https://x.com/electionmapsuk/status/1895839382504108488

    Westminster Voting Intention:

    RFM: 27% (+3)
    LAB: 26% (+1)
    CON: 22% (-3)
    LDM: 12% (-2)
    GRN: 8% (=)
    SNP: 3% (=)

    Via @BMGResearch, 25-26 Feb.
    Changes w/ 28-29 Jan.
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