Election Day 2026: Here's What's Happening

Good morning, America!

Are you ready to refute MAGA today? I'm going to be posting progress throughout the day.

8 a.m. to 7:00 pm PST:

In New York's Westchester County election officials are facing a ballot problem and are now hand counting votes. Officials say they hope to get the problem fixed sometime today. Observers want to know why this mechanical problem didn't show up in the primaries?

Ohio Officials are saying that there's voting machine issues in Lucas and Wood counties minutes after opening the polls. Officials say they are fixing the glitches and expect the machines to work soon and are encouraging voters to come back.

Voting was delayed for 20 minutes at voting sites across Broward County Florida because a new safety feature malfunctioned. I'll keep on eye on this one.

Meanwhile there's a bigger problem in Florida for voters because 21 polling places have been relocated due to flooding and continuing rain. Residents are frustrated and scrambling around to find the new locations.

Two separate polling locations in Fulton County, Georgia are experiencing ballot machine disruptions. One site is dealing with persistent paper jams, while another has a power issue raising potential corruption concerns.

The DOJ sent federal monitors to North Carolina's Meck County voting sites. It's part of the regimes disruption plans and it's also happening in Alaska. Officials say they may extend the voting hours in 4 North Carolina counties.

Just in... the DOJ has sent target letters to Democrats, including Marc Elias, in a shocking escalation of the Alaska Senate battle.

Exit Polls

Senator Jon Ossoff wins in Georgia.

In Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz defeated Scott Singer

In Maryland Gov. Wes Moore wins re-election.

In New Hampshire Pappas defeated Sununu for the Senate seat.

In Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro won re-election 

In Rhode Island Helena Foulkes won the governor's race.

In North Carolina Roy Cooper won a Senate seat.

In Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker was re-elected.

In Georgia's governor race Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Rick Jackson

Too early to call

In Ohio it's Amy Acton (63%) over Ramaswamy (36%)

In Texas Talarico (73%) over Paxton (25.4%)

In Kansas Hamilton (63%) over Marshall (35%)

In Maine Jackson (54.4%) over Collins (45%)

In Michigan El-Sayed (71.1%) over Rogers (24%)

In Ohio Brown (57.5%) is leading Husted (31.1%)

In South Carolina Annie Andrews (53.7%) over Darline Graham (44%)

In Mississippi Hyde-Smith (50%) leads Colum (47.5%)

In Iowa's Senate race Turek (71.5%) leads Hinson ((27%)

In Rhode Island Reed (66%) over McKay for Senate seat.

It's 7 p.m. PST

I'm packing it in for now. I feel it's safe to say the Democrats are going to take the House and the Senate.

As it Stands, I'll comment on the results in tomorrow's post.

Final Thoughts 24 Hours Before Election Day

I woke up this morning to the news that the Trump regime is asking the Supreme Court to intervene with California's election tomorrow. 

A mere 24 hours before the polls open.

This last-minute attempt of furthering bogus charges claiming that there are 20,000 noncitizen voters in the records reeks of corruption and desperation from Trump and his sycophants. This is only one example of the GOP's all-out attack against democracy this election cycle.

A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked the Justice Department from threatening state and local election officials in California. 

Federal courts are standing up for democracy in Alaska where a judge dismissed the Trump regime's lawsuit that sought to block or delay certification of Alaska's Senate race if Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan didn't win. 

That blatant attempt of rigging the outcome in Alaska won't stop further attempts because of this one judge's ruling. I have a hunch the outcome of this election is going to be dragged through courts with frivolous lawsuits for weeks or more after the voting is over.

The Trump regime has enacted unprecedented efforts to assert federal control over voting procedures, which critics and voting experts have warned could cause chaos or disrupt the voting process.

Millions of Americans are concerned about regime interference, partisan disruptions, and voter suppression at the polls by government entities "monitoring" voter lines. It's a scary time testing our freedom to freely vote against a cult and its demented leader.

Talking with friends and relatives there has been one common theme of concern; Trump declaring martial law under a twisted version of the Insurrection Act. The Constitutional crisis that would follow could very well be the death of democracy. Or not.

As it Stands, Franklin D. Roosevelt assured Americans during the depth of the Great Depression; "So, first of all, let me assert my belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." 

Let's all keep that in mind when dealing with Trump's corrupt presidency.

Trump Turned the Department of Justice into the Department of Injustice

Thanks to a terrible ruling by the Supreme Court in Trump v. United States, Trump is shielded from post-presidency criminal liability for actions taken within his official powers.

The ruling effectively vaporized the post-Watergate norm of the Department of Justice (DOJ) independence, allowing Trump to legally justify treating the DOJ as an extension of his presidency. This awful immunity ruling opened the door to complete control of the nation's watchdog for justice.

Look at what's happening in Alaska where the DOJ (on Trump's orders) filed an unprecedented, preemptive lawsuit seeking to block the certification of Alaska's U.S. Senate election results if the Republican incumbent Senator Dan. S. Sullivan loses his re-election bid.

One of the DOJ's complaints was that the ballot lists the senator as the "incumbent" rather than stating "Senator Dan Sullivan," arguing that many voters do not understand what the word incumbent means. In other words, the DOJ is saying Alaskan voters are idiots.

The lawsuit centers on the fact that there are two candidates with nearly identical names on Alaska's ballot.

Shell-shocked Americans have watched Trump turn the DOJ into his personal law firm. They've watched Trump's deputized goon squad seek vengeance on everyone who ever crossed Trump with whatever charges they can make up.

The institution that once aspired to norms of nonpartisanship and fact is rapidly buckling under the weight of falsehoods and misrepresentation. 

It's gotten so bad that judges who could once take for granted that the DOJ worked in the interest of something resembling justice are now openly questioning whether DOJ lawyers are even telling the truth.

Trump obtains indictments against his personal enemies by removing career prosecutors from the DOJ. After nearly two years into his presidency, he has replaced those career prosecutors with blatantly unqualified yes-men and yes-women.

What's happening with the DOJ is one of the most serious developments that Americans have ever seen. It's one of the most dangerous developments for democracy, and it's also one of the most dangerous developments for all of our personal safety.

As it Stands, it doesn't take a legal scholar to see Trump has weaponized the DOJ.

When is a Joke Not a Joke?

Whenever the current president of the United States tells a joke people don't know whether to laugh or cry.

A joke is not a joke when it leaves the recipient feeling hurt, minimized, or insulted.

A joke is not a joke when it is used as a shield for harm, an instrument for social division, or a subconscious tool to mask truth.

While the structural definition of a joke requires a punchline or an attempt at humor, the social reality is that humor often ceases to function as a joke when its actual impact and intent becomes malicious.

In toxic dynamics, humor is frequently used to test boundaries, mask cruelty, or deliver a "punch in the gut." Trump is a good example. He's known for his twisted humor that borders on racism, cruelty, and insanity.

When someone realizes they've stepped over a line with their joke, they often use the defense of "I was just joking." Or they may accuse the victim of being "too sensitive." What they are trying to do is control or demean rather than amuse. 

As a matter of fact, jokes relying on humiliation or bullying cease to be true humor and become malicious behavior. Having a malicious narcissist for president is a horrible reality Americans face today.

Trump and his minions are always "punching down" with their brand of humor. Making derogatory jokes about marginalized groups - such as immigrants, people with disabilities, or minority communities - is a tool to perpetuate harmful social stereotypes.

Here's four responses to jokes that experts agree cross the line:

1. Pause and refuse to smile: Do not give the person the validation of a polite laugh.

2. State a direct boundary: Use an explicit phrase like, "Joke or not, that's not how I want to be spoken to." 

3. Call out the lack of humor: If they backpedal by saying they were just kidding, reply firmly with, "I'm all for joking, just not at my expense."

4. Disengage from bigoted comments: For openly racist or prejudiced remarks, a simple "Your ignorance is showing" followed by turning away strips the speaker of the attention they are looking for.

I do have a caution about number four. Be prepared to defend yourself if the speaker physically comes after you. It's not unheard of.

Here's three witty and sarcastic one-liners:

* Mitch Hedberg - "My fake plants died because I did not pretend to water them."

* Marilyn Monroe - "I don't mind making jokes, but I don't want to look like one."

* Oscar Wilde - "The man who says his wife can't take a joke, forgets that she took him."

As it Stands, humor can be a double-edged sword.

Beware of January 3, 2027 - It Might Be Another Day in Infamy

As hard as Trump and his minions try, they can't erase history. January 6, 2021, will always go down as a day of infamy in the American story.

That's not the end of the story, however.

Political analysts are warning Americans that January 3, 2027, could be more catastrophic to Democracy than the prior attempt to rig the 2020 presidential election by Trump.

Trump has been preparing for these midterms in what he considers his final battle in his war to corrupt American democracy. Since his return to the White House, Trump's every unconstitutional act has been an effort to seize control of the midterm elections.

When the MAGA faithful applaud Trump's crazy theories and lies - their applauding that: the middle finger he's waving at the world. It helps to keep in mind that non-Republican voters have middle fingers too.

The GOP majority in Congress has been putting Trump before their country since his return. There's only a week before the election and the potential aftermath of Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson figuring out a way not to seat the new Congress looms.

Congressional Republicans have shed their spines and are ready to challenge a decisive win by the Democrats and a resounding repudiation of Trump at the polls in November.

Their victory will not guarantee that a Democratic majority-elect will be seated in the 120th Congress on January 3. Then we'll have a Constitutional crisis.

Trump has exploited every conceivable unlawful means possible to rig the midterm elections in favor of the Republicans. 

The federal courts have struck down his attacks as unconstitutional on every one of his unlawful attempts to assure Republicans win thus far.

As it Stands, let's hope the courts continue to stand up to Trump's ongoing attempts to turn our republic into an autocratic state when the time comes.

If Someone's Name Scares You - Seek Help

The chaos resulting from Trump's attempt to rig the midterm elections has politically paralyzed voters with lies, and racial attacks coming from Republican candidates.

A desperate Republican party is trotting out old racist tropes against minorities. Again. It happens every election cycle. One year it's the Hispanics, the next it's Hattians eating cats and dogs. 

This election's top target is Muslims. One of the most polarized midterms in history is unfolding in the 2026 Michigan Senate campaign.

Mike Rogers the GOP candidate opposing Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, has been playing the race card and is attacking his faith and background. Roger's baseless allegations that El-Sayed had Muslim Brotherhood ties are lies coming from a fevered MAGA base.

One common denominator in these midterms is the use of fear. Trump has been doing his best to instill fear into voters like he did in his last two campaigns. Fear Hispanics. Fear African Americans. Fear Asians. Fear Muslims. Fear the Woke culture.

How successful has the use of fear been so far? I'll put it this way, candidates with Muslim sounding names have become the boogeyman in MAGA circles this fall. 

Ghosts that shout "Boo!" have long been part of a Halloween tradition among trick-or-treaters. This Halloween I expect to see MAGA morons dress up like El-Sayed, Zohran Mamdani, and Ilhan Omar. They'll be carrying signs with their names on them, and they will scare the shit out of faithful Trumpers.

Big money has been pouring into Roger's campaign coffers from five different PACS to the tune of $202 million dollars - according to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) - and counting.

The people of Michigan have supported El-Sayed by raising $45,175,566.89 in receipts according to the FEC. 

He didn't rely on big money PACS like Rogers has. He got $39,666,901.87 million dollars from individual contributions. El-Sayed set a Michigan fundraising record by pulling in $30.7 million in a single recent quarter, driven by a grassroots donor base averaging around $50 per contribution.

What a comparison! El-Sayed stayed away from the PACS and billionaire donors and although he's only raised about a quarter of what Rogers has, the race is too close to call. It's obvious the people of Michigan want El-Sayed but the millions the GOP is spending might deliver a corporate crony instead of a man for the people.

A focused El-Sayed commented on everyday struggles during a rally where he said, "Everybody's so worried about words, and they're less worried about the actual people who can't afford groceries."

Rogers has relied on the hope that voters will be scared every time they hear El-Sayed's name. That it will invoke fear of a Muslim takeover in America.

El-Sayed has had great responses to this line of attack. "Here's the reality," he told Michiganders' at one rally. "My name is not the reason we're in an illegal war. My name is not the reason you can't afford your healthcare. My name is not the reason you can't afford your rent or your insurance."

If El-Sayed were to win, he'd become the first Muslim ever elected to the U.S. Senate in U.S. history. More importantly, it would prove that the American people aren't all racists and that running a grass roots campaign can prevail. 

As it Stands, a friendly piece of advice; if someone's name scares you - seek help!

Here's the Top 5 Orators Among US Presidents

I watched former president Barack Obama give a speech in Ohio yesterday where he was promoting Sherrod Brown for a senate seat, and Amy Acton for governor.

Waves of nostalgia washed over me as I recalled Obama's presidency and the many magnificent speeches he gave. It got me to thinking about who are the best orators among American presidents? I decided to go with the top five.

While rankings of historical orators can vary by perspective, historical consensus among biographers and presidential scholars consistently points to these five American presidents as the finest speakers in the nation's history:

1. Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as America's greatest presidential orator for his ability to distill complex, monumental national crises into brief, poetic, and profoundly moving language.

Key Speeches: The Gettysburg Address (1863) was a 272-word masterpiece that redefined the American democratic ideal.

The Second Inaugural Address (1865) which was a moral reflection on the Civil War, calling for "malice toward none" and "charity for all."

2. Ronald Reagan who earned the moniker the "Great Communicator" excelled at using television to connect directly with the American public. His style was warm, optimistic, conversational, and story-telling-driven, making complex political ideologies accessible to the average citizens.

Key Speeches: "A Time for Choosing" in 1964 that launched his national political career. Berlin Wall Speech (1987) His direct challenge to the Soviet leader: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down that wall!"

3. Franklin D. Roosevelt understood the power of intimacy in mass media. He revolutionized political communication through his radio broadcasts, projecting a calm, reassuring authority that guided the nation through its two deepest 20th-century crises: the Great Depression and World War II.

Key Speeches: First Inaugural Address (1933): He reassured a panicked nation with the line, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Pearl Harbor Address (1941) He rallied the nation into war by declaring December 7 "a date which will live in infamy."

4. Barack Obama achieved national prominence largely due to his rhetorical gifts. His oratorical style blended the cadence of traditional Black church sermons with professorial prose, focusing heavily on themes of hope, and national unity.

Key Speeches: Democratic Convention Keynote (2004) was his breakout speech that introduced him to the world. "A More Perfect Union" (2008) a sophisticated, widely praised address on race in America. Selma 50th Anniversary Speech (2015) a powerful exploration of American identity and the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement.

5. John F. Kennedy brought a youthful, energetic, and highly articulate style to the presidency. Key Speeches: Inaugural Address (1961) challenged citizens with his most famous line: "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." "We Choose to go to the Moon" (1962): This speech galvanized support for the Apollo space program.

I bet you knew Trump wasn't going to be included in this list; despite the fact he always claims to be the best speaker in American history.

As it Stands, I feel lucky to be able to listen to Obama, one of the five greatest orators this country has ever produced.

Give Trump Credit - He Knows How Stupid His Base Is

After yesterday's Trump rally in Iowa, I have to hand it to Trump...regardless of the consequences from starting an illegal war to crippling tariffs his base still adores him.

It remains me of a domestic situation where one spouse is mistreating the other and the other accepts the cruelty just to be next to their lover.

After the rally reporters from several organizations asked attendees about being concerned about the high prices caused by Trump's illegal war.

One attendee, a Nebraska voter, replied, "I'm sure people don't like high gasoline prices, but I look at it, as soon as we get this war over with, it will be worth it."

Another voter said he was more concerned about issues affecting children than about rising prices.

"I'm not worried about the high prices at this point. I'm more worried about how our kids are getting mishandled in schools," said an Iowa voter, identified only as Corey.

Trump's loyal supporters will tolerate high prices if it stops them from admitting Trump broke a major campaign promise. 

Studies have shown this loyalty is driven by a complex mix of psychological mechanisms, differing definitions of "truth," and deep-seated political identities. 

Then you throw in the fact that MAGA is a cult and Trump is their king. The faithful perceive Trump as highly honest because he excels at "belief-speaking." When he makes an exaggerated or factually inaccurate statement, supporters frequently view it not as a lie, but an authentic expression of a deeper truth they already believe.

It helps to take into account that Trump's base lives in an "alternative reality bubble." Within this space, mainstream fact-checkers and traditional news institutions are dismissed as biased or "fake news."

Trump is always asking for, and getting money, from his base. He utilizes continuous, high urgency email and text message campaigns that rely on polarizing language to solicit recurring financial donations year-round.

By leveraging his brand Trump soaks his base through commercial products, ranging from standard campaign merchandise (like "MAGA" hats) to branded bibles, digital trading cards (NFTs), sneakers, and promotional access on platforms like Truth Social.  

As it Stands, because Trump is a malicious narcissist he doesn't love anyone but himself. His clueless base believes he loves them. Trump just grins and keeps taking advantage of their stupidity.

Fantasy Headlines Give People False Hope

As a retired newspaper editor and publisher, I've had some experience with writing and editing headlines.

Writing a great headline is a balance of psychology, grammar, and strategy. Because a headline has one primary job - getting the reader to engage with the next line - successful writers treat headline creation as a distinct skill.

In this age of social media headlines on YouTube videos and in written publications clickbait often overwhelms legitimate headlines to the point where readers can be lured into watching bullshit videos and reading articles.

Typical clickbait is sensational, exaggerated, or misleading titles, or text previews designed to grab your attention and trick you into clicking, watching, or sharing a link. The one's that I find to be really irksome are what I call, Fantasy Headlines.

Here's some recent examples:

From YouTube videos;

 "Musk is F*cked." I suspect this is one that would be popular worldwide. At first glance you assume Musk is in trouble. However, when you view the story, you find out that Musk told advertisers to go f*ck themselves.

"MAGA Violence." Readers are hoping to see MAGA unravel from within but are going to be deeply disappointed with this video.

"Trump Can't Handle it!" High hopes here that Trump poops his diaper when confronted by hecklers at rallies.

"Trump Can't Run from It." At last Trump is trapped by his own corruption and justice prevails. Democracy is saved. Sorry. You're being teased.

From written sources;

The Progressive - "The Christian Supremacist Network is involved in Brazil's Election." This headline shouts out the nefarious Christian Supremacist followers have been caught red-handed in getting involved with another country's elections. But the only one caught is the reader who thinks there will be repercussions for their involvement.

The Daily Kos - "Senators cross aisle to mitigate harms of Trump's pro-AI world." The reader is sure some bipartisan action will happen to save the day, but when they actually read the article it's just another false hope thinking spineless Republicans will stand up to their master Trump.

Common Dreams - "Israeli Settler Attack on Post Photographer Must Force a Reckoning in Washington." I agree, but the likelihood of any kind of action by Congress is zero. It's a fantasy for now. Maybe when the Democrats retake congress such a reckoning could happen.

My plea to headline writers today is to take the TACT Test before publishing your headline.

* Taste: Is it appropriate and respectful?

* Attractiveness: Is it compelling enough to grab attention?

* Clarity: Is it completely unambiguous?

* Truth: Is it 100% accurate to the story?

As it Stands, I wonder how many headline writers today could pass the TACT Test?

Big Break in Epstein's Sex Trafficking Operation: Charges Filed!

Finally.

Two people are being charged in the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein scandal. It's the first time actual legal action has been taken since the messy scandal surfaced years ago.

This story broke today;

New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez filed a federal lawsuit against Jeffrey Epstein's longtime personal attorney, Darren Indyke, and accountant, Richard Kahn.

The civil complaint accuses them of intentionally concealing Epstein's sex traffic operation at his Zorro Ranch near Santa Fe and profiting millions from the illicit enterprise. Both men are currently serving as executors or beneficiaries of the estate, which is valued at over $100 million.

The New Mexico Department of Justice alleges that both men were fully aware of the sexual abuse of girls and young women at the ranch. The state claims they actively helped hide the trafficking network and used financial mechanisms to sustain it.

I expect more charges will be leveled in the ongoing investigation. For instance, both men previously testified before a congressional committee, maintaining under oath that they had no knowledge of Epstein's abuse. If investigators are successful in proving they did have knowledge of what was happening at the Zorro Ranch, they're going to get hit with lying under oath to congress.

Attorney General Torrez stated that the resources currently held by the estate "rightfully belong in the hands of the survivors."

This is what the state is seeking:

* Freeze Estate Payments: Block Indyke and Kahn from accepting any further compensation or payments from Epstein's estate during litigation.

* Racketeering Declaration: Officially declare that both men engaged in racketeering and trafficking activities under state and federal laws.

* Financial Divestment: Force them to divest all Epstein-related interests and restrict them from future related investment activities.

* Restitution: Award compensatory damages, punitive damages, and full financial disgorgement to provide restitution to Epstein's survivors.

This is just a start.

Lawmakers in Congress will read about these stunning charges and see what links they have to their current investigation into the Epstein files.

As it Stands, some may call these charges a convenient October Surprise before the midterms. I call these new revelations and developments the tip of the iceberg.

What Would It Be Like to Live Fact Free?

Imagine living a fact free life.

For starters you have to be shameless. 

A small price to pay for rejecting reality in order to be right all the time when you think about it.

The art of being shameless is a modern psychological and entrepreneurial concept centered on freeing yourself from the paralyzing fear of social judgement when you're caught lying, in failure, and a shield against reality.

Being shameless gives you permission to believe what you want regardless of if it's true or not. The next step is finding like-minded individuals who've formed a cultural cult like MAGA. 

Shame is not physically stored as an object in organs and muscles. Instead, it is experienced as an embodied nervous system and stress responses, according to researchers. 

In order to belong in MAGA or other far-right groups where shamelessness is a virtue, a person has to learn how to suppress outward signs of shame. They have to be careful not to blush, to resist looking down, and stop avoiding eye-contact.

Living fact free means never feeling guilty for your actions no matter how toxic they are. Trump's most dedicated supporters gladly share an alternative reality with him. The key is suspending truth, and glorifying lies with no moral qualms.

As a fact-free follower you can blame former president Joe Biden for everything that's going wrong during Trump's second term. You believe that we're currently living in a "golden age" as Trump calls it and not experiencing economic woes and a never-ending illegal war.

In psychology, sociology, and political science, the phenomenon of people who seem to live "fact free" means they persistently hold beliefs that directly contradict verifiable evidence. 

Experts also note that people heavily prioritize social belonging and identity over factual accuracy.

It's amazing to me that in the 21st century a third of Americans (estimated MAGA supporters) are science deniers and willfully live in a bubble of ignorance and are proud of it.

As it Stands, if you want to know what it would be like to live fact free join MAGA or some other far-right group.