The poll released this week by the Washington Post may surprise some who are drawn to the high numbers that support authoritarian moves by the incoming president. They would be wrong to focus only on this…what I saw was something different.
The poll results surprised me, not because there was hardcore support for the incoming president’s more fascist-like proposals like investigating his political rivals (40%), rather, I was heartened by the lines drawn in the sand by a majority of Americans.
Unpacking the poll, we learn that 42% support using the US military to deport undocumented immigrants, 54% oppose it. That the figure supporting it is so high demonstrates why the incoming president’s campaign was so successful; he constantly hammered and demonised immigrants on the campaign trail and has done so from the time he descended the faux, gold coloured escalator at Trump Tower in 2016. He knows how to plumb the depths of human bigotry.
However sanctioning the use of the military on American soil is a very dangerous precedent. At least a majority of those polled realise this and would oppose this move. Others who see the reality of US soldiers arresting immigrants might reassess their positions. If it can be done to the undocumented, then how long before those same soldiers come for you?
Worryingly, 38% of respondents thought he should go after his political rivals, yet 60%, a good majority of Americans opposed this move. Here we begin to see the lines that Americans are willing to cross, or not.
The results on pardons for Jan 6th offenders (he too faced charges for his role in the attempted insurrection), was clearly another red line with 66% of citizens against the pardons. If inaugurated, I wonder if the incoming president will proceed with this threat. Early in his term, this would create a perception of criminality and that, combined with a failing economy, would likely hinder the remainder of his term like a bad apple on a bough. There’s no defying gravity once the rot sets in.
Respondents were strongly opposed to using police force against protestors (72%) and overwhelmingly against putting reporters in jail for stories unfavourable to the incoming president (88%). It seems there are some places even the majority of his own MAGA supporters won’t go.
There has been much soul searching since the election by Americans feeling shame such a man – a convicted felon – and previously facing multiple indictments for Jan 6th and for taking classified documents and obstructing their return, could be re-elected a second time. That the majority oppose his worst authoritarian tendencies is something that we can all ‘cling onto’ as we watch the tide undoubtedly turn on the incoming president.
I posted a video this week urging viewers to be open to all possibilities and the unexpected. Life can do that…the incoming president is precariously placed at this time, and in coming months, if he’s inaugurated. We should take nothing for granted in such times of global conflict, foreign governments interfering in democratic elections, highly partisan politics, and the rise of the oligarchy with their own agendas and plenty of cash to see they’re enacted.
The WaPo poll is, therefore, somewhat comforting. No majority supports any of the incoming president’s fascist proposals of retribution and cruelty. Perhaps all they wanted was the ‘billionaire’ celebrity to bring back the good times and deliver them from their financial and class struggles. They won’t get this of course, and so we must traverse this well worn pathway a second time while others learn the hard way they’ve been conned again by the ‘would be’ president.
Thank you Maryanne, many prayers and blessings to you always 💗
Thank you! I really appreciate your analysis!
Thank you for these insights
Thanks, Maryann … in my late night YouTube scanning, I am noticing some pushback beginning to build toward Trump and his plans, giving me some hope! Plus, Biden says Kamala isn’t going anywhere and it looks like she might be coming back into visibility!!
I believe that the light is going to become so intense that it illuminates these dark times & everything that is hidden and done in the dark will be exposed. This is when the event takes place. I’m not sure what it is yet but it could be just one of many scenarios. Into the great wide-open.
Comforting; kind of. It remains an unbelievable situation that sounds like a bad novel.
I agree, this poll is very reassuring. Trump I feel will get a rude awaking, along with his mates that Authoritarianism is a red line, once the people understand what it really means.
What I find very interesting is that many MAGA’s didn’t get vaccine or want to wear a mask because they didn’t like being told what to do.
And yes, some people do have to learn the hard way that they have been ‘conned’ yet again.
Unfortunately many of us won’t be there to help them pick up the pieces. They will be alone in their own stupidity!
You are a fantastic writer, every word range true. Bless you and welcome back from your trip. Thank you for everything you do to prepare us
On the radio I heard Elon’s dad give his forthright, arrogant and condescending views to A.Marr, a journalist of many years. However, when he was asked about his relationship with Leon, he became unsure, stuttered and said family …something…something! Elon now interfering in UK politics, offering money to Farage and his Reform party. Reform is a company, 60% owned by Farage; not democratic, just money making. Why is there a photo of Farage and Trump together. We are all living in interesting times!!
I will never understand why so many Americans would convince themselves that a con man and criminal, a rapist and a huckster is the perfect man for the serious job. While he sets up house with horrible people little do the citizens of the red states who will be losing their pensions, their social security and the lives of their pregnant wives and daughters. Chaos will most certainly ensue while he attempts to do his dirty deeds, firing cabinet members as they reach their own red line will have to measure their own sense of justice for their beloved vs indictment which will fill the DC courts come 2028 if not sooner. This madhouse of flying monkeys will crumble under his lack of leadership as paranoia and dementia take over in a hitleresque downhill slide of the Republic. If we can keep it and the constitution from going up in flames by the next presidential election and if he has not declared himself King of America and decide not to leave at all, using the military to to round up rebels and declare martial law law in all the blue states, we may survive this anarchist and his crew.
We are heading for even a harder time than ever before, so much pain is coming towards so many. My God have mercy on us all
Your commentary concerning the incoming president was excellent. He only cares about himself and gaining more power in the world. I wonder if he will try to turn America into a dictatorship with him at the helm. I pray for our freedom.
Great analysis, Maryann. I think it is slowly dawning on many 45 supporters, in particular given the absurd and clearly chummy nominations, that this is not what they thought it would be. Some of those who do approve his positions may be doing so through refusal to admit they were wrong, and I wonder how much online polling may include any “bot” activity.
Well said!!! This whole debacle is akin to watching your sister return to her abusive husband after her release from hospital for traumas suffered by said, same abuser!! Thank you, again, dear MaryAnn!! The ways of the Universe are miraculous and mysterious!! We pray for deliverance and tenacity!!
Thank you. 😊
It appears the learning of lessons has begun. If he is inaugurated, I would imagine numbers favoring his proposed actions to quickly decrease. Hopefully, we are very fast learners.
Maryann thank you for your pragmatism and shared knowledge! I’m writing to you in northwoods Wisconsin; for 25-years I have studied the Algonquin (Ojibwe) culture as a hobby. I remember a loving friend saying to me in one of the Native American Studies Program (gov v gov) at my nearby tribal university, “They did it to us, what makes you think they wouldn’t do that to you?” Merry Christmas and have a wonderful holiday season & a healthy new year! Blessing, Jean Dorsey 🤓💕
It’s a shame so many American voters didn’t think of these things before voting. This information was out there, he clearly stated what he’s planning.
Thank You!❤️😇🙏
It appears more citizens oppose the hardline than approve. How did he get reelected? Hmmmm!
Love it!! Your words and intuitiveness always ease my mind. I still have absence of calmness even though I believe something big will be exposed before 1-20-25. I will remain vigilant and keep my eyes open. I will make sure our pantry is full with necessary food. And I will continue to send our President Joe Biden light, love and strength to defend our democracy from the evil that is near. Thank you Marianne!
This goes, indeed, give me hope. Thank you for doing the deep dive that shows us that all is not lost…❤️
Thank you Maryanne for watching as the tide of change rolls in. We are praying 🙏 for the highest and best good of the planet 🌏
Thanks for being brave and sharing what is really going on. I’m a very disappointed American. Given what I know about my fellow Americans. I would never have served in the Navy. I don’t feel patriotic anymore. Just ashamed. I’m trying to stay hopeful for the future.
Thank you,Maryann. Your article was a welcome reminder of Abe Lincoln’s words: “You can fool some of the people some of the time, and you can fool all of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all the people all of the time.”
Even though the people most needing to see that poll – like the people I live among – won’t, because it was done by the hated institutional media. If Joe Rogain says it, they might listen, but only grudgingly!.
But even if you’re preaching to the choir, it’s a welcome sermon, so any more tidbits of reassurance you want to send out, don’t be shy!
Sandi Campbell
It’s like a never ending nightmare we’re living in, in the US. But, I hope that Trump is showing us what we don’t want and the pendulum will swing back to balance eventually. Thank you for caring and having such an intelligent and intuitive analysis of on going events. I value your viewpoint! It is so important to know there is still someone with sanity out there!
Words of wisdom once again Maryann, thank you.
I advise people to have plenty of dry goods and a water source. It feels like the air is charged with negative energy. I’m not scared but I am ready.
Thank you. We need every bit of hope we can hang onto here. I’m grateful he’s still the “would be” president, but as time runs short the dread grows stronger.
Thank you for your invaluable insights into the politics of the US and further. Your writing is smooth and easy to follow. Truly enjoyable reading!
In relation to all of this, there is a profound children’s book: The Terrible Things, an allegory of the holocaust by Eve Bunting. Tho written for children in the 1980’s, the simplicity and clarity is poignant to all. Thank you Maryann
Thank you, Maryann, for all you do for us living in the U.S.! Much love and appreciation! Good news within the depression many of us are feeling. 💙💙🙏🏻 Cathie
Thank you for the recap of the Washington Post survey.
I am increasing coming to the understanding that Harris/Walz would have made a valiant effort to close and heal our wounds. The problem is, the wounds are too deep for that. They need to be left open for more people to see. Then healing can come from the inside out.
Your words are a comfort. Thank you for dissecting the WaPo poll. I remain optimistic. No point in worrying about what might happen. We chose to be here at this time after all. Pray for enlightenment.
Thank you, did not know this. Could be worse, all things considered.
This election was stolen, and I will never believe that there are more of them than us. I am glad that you found some positives in the WP survey. It will not be a peaceful few years coming up. I am an old woman, but no fools need to get in my face about their foolish, selfish , wontedly ignorant behavior . Keep up the good work.
Thank you, Maryann- your insights are so helpful xo
Thank you, Maryann. You’ve encouraged me to take a much-needed deep breath. These are unbelievable times but I’m trying with all my might to Keep the Faith.
Honestly tRump doesn’t cara about percentage and definitely not what the people want. But hopefully enough people in Congress do.
Thank you, once again, dear MaryAnn. This reasoned approach to dissecting the poll is very helpful. You are a much-needed voice in the world.
Great analysis. I hope those that chose tyranny will be faced with the fact that it may be the last time they are able to make a choice if oligarths are in power. The power lies within each individual, there will be no magic savior. We have to save ourselves in order to save democracy. Thank you, Maryann.
So grateful to you as a source for information, discourse, and comfort. I have little ability to engage at this time due to heavy personal challenges as opposed to mental fatigue from the past decade of 45isms. Your voice is reliable, well informed, professional. Especially grateful for your read on the would be shadow president. Very helpful to know that his runway is short. .
That was a brilliant, somewhat encouraging, albeit it sobering analysis of the WaPo poll of would be incoming president. You are indeed a great journalist Maryann. I pray the GOP draws many more red lines in the sand, but even more so that he is never inaugurated, i.e. that something comes to light that forces his capitulation or defeat.
Choice is the word taken for granted. Democracy gives us a choice to choose our leaders, and that is our power. Those that chose oligarchy and strong man leadership will soon find out it may be the last time they will be able to use the democratic way to choose. There will be no magic savior. Our power remains with in each individual to not agree in advance. There is power in community where love and humanity are cherished over gold, bitcoin and power for the few. Thank you, Maryann for pointing this out.
Idk that his supporters will ever realize that voting for him was a mistake . If he says it’s the dems fault,because we all know he won’t take accountability for anything, they’ll believe him.
Do you see him pardoning the guy that attacked Pelosi’s husband with a hammer? 45 hates her so much I can see him doing it just for that reason.
Do you see mass deportations?
Thank you! ❤️
I’m still flabbergasted that we are even here a 2nd time around
Do you see him pardoning the guy that attacked Pelosi’s husband with a hammer? We all know how he despises her….
Also do you see mass deportations on the scale 45 wants?
Thank you, Maryann
Appreciate your time
Thank you for this posting! For self protection, I’m not reading or listening to the news……
In my opinion, it is unconscionable to allow this conman into the white house, with his stated agenda to destroy our constitution, our government agencies, environmental protections, social programs, etc. etc. to dismantle our country and destroy it, if there is anything that can stop him from taking over. I do believe that our President, Joe Biden, has the means to do so. Now is not the time to ‘save face’ for stepping on toes, but the time to stomp on every one of those ‘toes’ and stop this monster and his minions. All of them!
You are so right!
Well said.
Thank you
Beautifully expressed and I appreciate receiving your insights and reflection
Yes, thank you for your insights.
Happy Holidays,
Natasha
Thank you for your time and effort spent on current affairs. I very much enjoy your YouTube channel.
Thank you Maryann for your continued support and guidance to us Americans sho fight against the 🤡 that was supposedly elected ! I still know in my soul he stole the election by criminal ways !! Merry Christmas and God bless ❤️🙏🙋🏻🌈🌈
Saw the same poll and agree with your interpretations that DJT does not have the majority of Americans agreeing with him or his policies. Reeks of gerrymandering and the need to do away with the electoral college where the minority rule.
Beautiful!
Thanks for these newsletters as I am in Mexico and cannot watch your youtube videos.
You’re very welcome.
I had a friend who graduated MIT in the 1960’s.In 1968 he moved to France.
He once told me how Hitler took over Germany. He said first he had arrested the intelligencia, the heads if political parties, ( the brain)
then, he the labor unions ( nerve system and organs) and then he had control of the mass of German workers
( the body) who followed him unquestionably.
This is wonderful, well written and heartening. This is such a confusing time for us all and as an Smerican I just cannot understand how the cruel, ignorant minority has seized the reigns of our Democracy, our country and am so exhausted feeling like we’ve been hijacked by the worst of the worst. Those that normally would hide in shame for these beliefs yet now feel completely at ease with it all
History will I hope frown on this time, and not just laugh at the naked emporer buffoon who is in no way amusing, and certainly never really was.
Thank you Maryann from a Canadian living in the US. 😳
Thanks, Maryann for your, (as expected) common sense insight! It feels like President Biden still has a plan which may include NATO and is yet to be announced.
Amen, sister 😊
Well said and somewhat reassuring to hear.
Brilliant, Maryann. It’s good to read that most of those polled are not in lock step with the Orange Menace. Thank you so much for your diligent research and caring for the truth. I can’t help but quietly cling to a small hope he’s never inaugurated. Blessings to you and yours.
I am still able to ‘Hope’ 45 will not be inaugurated (legally) and that ‘president Musk’ will be deported prior to any further damages occurring to the American dream of a peaceful change of leadership. Peace Be, and Thank You, Maryann, for all you do.
My goodness, I couldn’t agree more with this post. And it warms heart that the majority Americans are not supporting the majority of Trump’s fascist remarks. Thank you 🙏
I find what is being broadcast sickening. I remember how it was when I was younger and it was not all roses and champagne, a lot of folks struggled even then (70s and 80s) because the changes since the assassinations of the Kennedy brothers still had us all traumatized.
Granted we got through that time, but then our politicians were not like tRump at all. We did have some corruption and criminality even then but not on the level we see in him. Something will need to change or we will see his critics being rounded up and chaos hit our communities.
I am comforted by your no-nonsense approach, clearly stated facts of what kind of person #45 is and his despicable agenda. My goodness, who votes for a rapist? You don’t even need to go into the array of other crimes- just that alone should have made him a pariah. I appreciate that you have no fear when it comes to your readings and you make it clear, nothing is set is stone. But you still put yourself out there to try and give us hope, even when it’s hard. I cannot watch anything about him, he makes me physically ill. So I will get my news from you and some really great journalists and online news sources who still have integrity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your fighting spirit, kindness, beautiful smile and such a spontaneous laughter! I laugh when you laugh.
I am an American who did not vote for Donald Trump in any of the elections.
He is a sad old man, who can’t even love himself.
He is full of hate and he despises himself so all he does is project himself onto us and how he feels about himself.
Donald Trump was not my president in his first administration and he isn’t or will he ever be my president, he is an illegitimate president.
Thank you for all you do for us Americans over here.
I don’t watch news any longer, since the 2024 elections.
I agree.
Such a high % who ARE still in favor of such aggressive and authoritarian actions is disheartening and so hard to understand. We need change, but going backwards and removing rights is ridiculous. I have lost respect for so many people in my circle and hold hope that somehow they will awaken to reality, the trt and some level of compassion before there is no going back.
History repeats again in history we. Maybe see another Hitler in the world 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Very well stated!
I’m starting to follow Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut. He’s very outspoken and astute. I did a YouTube search of his name and learned a lot about him by listening to him. I think he’s one to watch.
BTW, I love watching and listening to your tarot readings and intelligent conversation about what’s going on in my country. (I’m a resident of North Carolina, recently rearranged by Hurricane Helene.) Your confidence and authenticity is refreshing but also calming and reassuring. Thank you dear, for being here. Kitsy. PS. I’m also learning about reading the Tarot by watching you. I read for myself but not for others. I think I’ll try reading for politics to check my accuracy.