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Joined 1 year ago
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Cake day: August 9th, 2023

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  • I think it is measured and professionals who work in areas where this was relevant probably track this number among many others. I think the real question you are asking is why it is always framed as a % of GDP in public discussion and news reporting. Some people here point out how % of GDP can be more useful for comparing across countries with vastly different sized economies but I think we all know the real answer has more to do with how people perceive the value differently by using the larger number. Framing government debt as a % of GDP serves the zeitgeist, whatever that is.










  • One of my low-key unpopular opinions is that this is why Obama never accomplished much. Charismatic, gifted speaker, seemed like a great person etc… but not terribly experienced in politicking. Honestly if you compare Biden’s presidency with Obama’s blow for blow I think, hands down, Biden wins on number of things accomplished. He just knows all the right buttons to press to get things done around Washington.

    Definitely have to acknowledge the unprecedented pushback from congress that plagued Obama, but overall I think an experienced politician can vastly outperform a “good guy” in a lot of elected positions. It’s why I’m not as stoked about term limits for Congress. Sure it hurts to see some of these lifers grift for years on end but it also fosters experienced people in the role. You think AOC is doing great stuff now, give her 5-10 more years of experience in the role and she’ll be capable of doing way more.



  • The smarter people seem to be saying it’s a mixed bag. She could have dragged the case out for more months, maybe even years. Or she could have seated a jury and done a different kind of dismissal thing that isn’t appealable.

    This path let’s Jack Smith appeal to the 11th circuit (I think) immediately and they’re the ones who rebutted her pretty soundly the last time she ruled on a Trump case. We can probably expect a reasonable ruling from them.

    However, here’s the rub. After 11th circuit or whatever has their say Trump can appeal to the Supreme Court. In their recent Presidential Immunity ruling there was a long response by Clarence Thomas that included a section questioning the legality of Jack Smith’s appointment. Which is the same reasoning Cannon gives in her ruling. It’s pretty clear that Thomas was signalling that he would rule in favor of Trump for that same reason if/when an appeal got to him.

    It’s not clear whether the rest of the conservatives on the court agree with Thomas but it all suggests this will go to the Supreme Court and at least one member has already signalled how they would rule. For the time being, Trump continues to prove that he is, in fact, above the law.