Elections, Results and Impact Discussions

[Positive]

They have always been spineless. I have been watching them being accomplice to the Iraq war, anti muslim sentiment, anti immigrant sentiment, unnecessary tax beneifts (estate tax / dividend tax ), abolition of glass steagall limitation ... I mean there are way too many things to list. And the reason this nonsense goes on is because the interior states are bigger in numbers and get 2 senators each no matter what. All these backwards ass republican states are poor and GOP fully leverages their ignorance and helplessness to rile them up on useless issues that matter to no one. All the while profiting GOPs rich donors in arms, oil, financial industry.

This is my 4th presidential election, having worked here for 14+ years and not sure I will ever be voting in one but it was painful to see the country marching towards Trumpocracy. Luckily, enough Americans weren't blinded by greed, racism, misogyny or willful ignorance/herd/cult mentality and showed up for American democracy. The distortions in American democracy are manifold. Some are foundational -the allocation of senate seats and electoral college based on the compromise necessary for forming the republic, the high threshold in amending the constitution drafted by slave owners, political appointment of judges; others are driven by shortsighted self interest of the political class -partisan gerrymandering, voter suppression, legalized corruption called lobbying, unfettered accommodation of money and moneyed in the political process which has corrupted all branches of government-the courts, the congress and the presidency (depending on the person occupying the position)... Until enough Americans realize that letting rich individuals and corporations unlimited power to influence/pick legislators, draft legislations, select judges, mold case law is not going to work out for most of the people. Until then, corporations are people, and money is speech in America.

[qesehmk]

This is my 4th presidential election, having worked here for 14+ years and not sure I will ever be voting in one but it was painful to see the country marching towards Trumpocracy. Luckily, enough Americans weren't blinded by greed, racism, misogyny or willful ignorance/herd/cult mentality and showed up for American democracy. The distortions in American democracy are manifold. Some are foundational -the allocation of senate seats and electoral college based on the compromise necessary for forming the republic, the high threshold in amending the constitution drafted by slave owners, political appointment of judges; others are driven by shortsighted self interest of the political class -partisan gerrymandering, voter suppression, legalized corruption called lobbying, unfettered accommodation of money and moneyed in the political process which has corrupted all branches of government-the courts, the congress and the presidency (depending on the person occupying the position)... Until enough Americans realize that letting rich individuals and corporations unlimited power to influence/pick legislators, draft legislations, select judges, mold case law is not going to work out for most of the people. Until then, corporations are people, and money is speech in America.

Very well said!

[qesehmk]

Criticizing India while in the opposition is different from doing so when number two in the government. They will not be any different than Obama admin was to Modi government. In fact rising Chinese power just makes common cause for US and India. There will be occasional pandering to the Muslim hot button issues from the Biden administration but that will not be the defining feature of the relationship. And that is a good thing. Having supported Modi's good governance agenda I am dismayed at his increasing reliance on divisive issues and Muslim baiting for political success, even when it is uncalled for and unnecessary. Modi ha enough political capital to steer the country to success instead of getting bogged down by parochial score settling.

I agree with most of your post except the reference to Muslim pandering. My view is that Muslims are hardly pandered. If they were they wouldn't be under represented in administration business and white collar jobs. Who else is under represented ? Dalits women and most of India's martial castes. I think it is important India fixes this under representation that IMHO systemic in nature.

[qesehmk]

Not surprised to see some BHAKTS here.
Hey Q, you run this amazing forum. You must be working 18 hrs a day to have some day time job and running this forum too. I have to say this - "Ek fakiri hai aap mein".

Are yaar kuch bhi bolo "fakir" mat bolo. India kaa satyanash jitana fakir swami baba logone kiya hai utana kisine nahi kiya hai.

Thank you for your kind words. Initially this started as personal quest that turned into social service + therapy and later on as a side business i.e. WhereismyGC. This forum though is run in a free fair and independent way and will remain so as long as people find it valuable.

[AceMan]

Not surprised to see some BHAKTS here.

Bhakt means a devotee. If you are using it as a slang to refer to people who support the Modi, you are pushing down the chance for a decent debate with the cheap shots.

[longwaitgigu]

This most likely will be waived. JB was elected that he will take the pandemic seriously. Cancelling unnecessary interviews in a pandemic seems like a no brainer to me.

Was the interview mandate via executive order

[gc_dedo]

Bhakt means a devotee. If you are using it as a slang to refer to people who support the Modi, you are pushing down the chance for a decent debate with the cheap shots.

By Bhakt I meant blind supporter of a leader, doesn't matter which leader. Also not interested in a debate here. When it comes to debate on politics, most people have already chosen sides. There is no crossover, at least in short term. In longer term, some people have reckoning. Also, few percentage of people are independent, so there is hope.

[smuggymba]

By Bhakt I meant blind supporter of a leader, doesn't matter which leader.

Bhakt - Devotee

Andh-Bakht - Blind Devotee.

I'm modi supporter but pissed off at this arnab thing and many others since he hasn't done much so I'm a bhakt and not andh-bhakt

[qesehmk]

Beautiful article by Forbes. Folks I have been saying this since 2009 that immigration is not just vote bank politics. It makes great economic sense and is a strategic goal of United States. Do read ....

https://www.forbes.com/sites/stuarta...h=271bac907842

[Positive]

I agree with most of your post except the reference to Muslim pandering. My view is that Muslims are hardly pandered. If they were they wouldn't be under represented in administration business and white collar jobs. Who else is under represented ? Dalits women and most of India's martial castes. I think it is important India fixes this under representation that IMHO systemic in nature.

The Muslim pandering I mentioned here, "there will be occasional pandering to the Muslim hot button issues from the Biden administration," is that which democrats indulge in in their foreign policy position towards India (and Pakistan) generally, such as during the Obama administration, positions likely to be reflected in Biden administration.

As it comes to internal Indian politics, it is undeniable that congress has long pandered to Muslims for its own political expediency. That includes partition of India to carve out a Muslim nation and subsequent coddling of fundamentalism of the Muslim community leadership. For example, state sanction of triple talaq in India when it did not exist in a majority of Muslim countries. Whether that pandering has helped Muslims is obviously a completely different subject. Politicians see a virtue in perpetuating what works for them not the people. The congress perpetuated grievance politics among Muslims as much as they did among the poor without actually putting in action policies that would have helped betterment of Muslims or the eradication of poverty notwithstanding the sloganeering.

I think India has tried to much in terms of affirmative action to uplift the historically exploited. Unfortunately, affirmative action has been cornered/exploited by just a few within those communities. In my view, affirmative action should be based on economic parameters alone to deliver relief in a targeted manner without creating perverse incentives. I think when people are economically secure, they are better placed to overcome social prejudices.

[vedu]

When it comes to debate on politics, most people have already chosen sides. There is no crossover, at least in short term. In longer term, some people have reckoning. Also, few percentage of people are independent, so there is hope.

Agreed! People unnecessarily get worked up and emotional when it comes to choosing sides in politics. In reality, all politicians from all parties in India as well as in US are greedy and can change sides easily when it benefits them. Shivsena showed us a good example of that in Maharashtra. And now let's wait for the Bihar election results. You will see how these politicians change sides if no party gets clear majority. Same is here in US. Politicians here mostly work for the corporate interests. Here is an example of an honest political ad. Do watch it and have a good laugh!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdZ5ThrtTtM

[qesehmk]

The Muslim pandering I mentioned here, "there will be occasional pandering to the Muslim hot button issues from the Biden administration," is that which democrats indulge in in their foreign policy position towards India (and Pakistan) generally, such as during the Obama administration, positions likely to be reflected in Biden administration.

As it comes to internal Indian politics, it is undeniable that congress has long pandered to Muslims for its own political expediency. That includes partition of India to carve out a Muslim nation and subsequent coddling of fundamentalism of the Muslim community leadership. For example, state sanction of triple talaq in India when it did not exist in a majority of Muslim countries. Whether that pandering has helped Muslims is obviously a completely different subject. Politicians see a virtue in perpetuating what works for them not the people. The congress perpetuated grievance politics among Muslims as much as they did among the poor without actually putting in action policies that would have helped betterment of Muslims or the eradication of poverty notwithstanding the sloganeering.

I think India has tried to much in terms of affirmative action to uplift the historically exploited. Unfortunately, affirmative action has been cornered/exploited by just a few within those communities. In my view, affirmative action should be based on economic parameters alone to deliver relief in a targeted manner without creating perverse incentives. I think when people are economically secure, they are better placed to overcome social prejudices.

Ok. Thanks. If we are talking about American geopolitical bend towards Pakistan we should call it as such. It is not muslim pandering.

When it comes to Indian politics and history, carving out Pakistan was more of need of Congress leaders rather than muslims. Muslims viewed entire India as their playground and home. They viewed themselves as owners of India. They were never happy with half of India. It was insecure congress that had to create a "Hindu" piece for their own benefit. It was their insecurity that led to abolition of native rulers, their private estates, their private enterprises and thus destroying India's ability to rule itself in a wise manner. Now I don't exactly lament loss of rulers in India. But I do lament rise of English aligned pseudo ruling class in India that arose out of clerical and religious ranks and had no real experience or interest in governance. Instead they quickly got busy in same old caste politics, and corruption.

There are some elements like Shah Bano that are thrown around to appease extremists within Muslim community but the reality of modern India is that Muslims in India were a progressive and ruling class society that is now a backward society due to systemic discrimination. I personally knew one guy who studied at Aligarh and couldn't find a job in independent India and had to eventually migrate to Pakistan in mid 50s, and went on to become CEO of a public sector company in Pakistan. His wife was from Nagpur, speaks fluent marathi. She can't visit her mothers place because India doesn't give her a visa.

See this is not really about muslims. This is really about justice. We have been unable to give justice not just to muslims but to Hindus too. We have this small clerical religious class that has f'd us up very well for 70-80 years. Earlier it was called congress, today they have all migrated to BJP. Just look at UP and Delhi and you will see congress is empty. All of them have moved over to BJP.

Muslim pandering is a cliche term. Sorry I can't buy it. That terms masks our unjust system that has systemically kept farmers, dalits, all martial races, and muslims and women permanently disadvantaged.

[Zenzone]

This is my 4th presidential election, having worked here for 14+ years and not sure I will ever be voting in one but it was painful to see the country marching towards Trumpocracy. Luckily, enough Americans weren't blinded by greed, racism, misogyny or willful ignorance/herd/cult mentality and showed up for American democracy. The distortions in American democracy are manifold. Some are foundational -the allocation of senate seats and electoral college based on the compromise necessary for forming the republic, the high threshold in amending the constitution drafted by slave owners, political appointment of judges; others are driven by shortsighted self interest of the political class -partisan gerrymandering, voter suppression, legalized corruption called lobbying, unfettered accommodation of money and moneyed in the political process which has corrupted all branches of government-the courts, the congress and the presidency (depending on the person occupying the position)... Until enough Americans realize that letting rich individuals and corporations unlimited power to influence/pick legislators, draft legislations, select judges, mold case law is not going to work out for most of the people. Until then, corporations are people, and money is speech in America.

WOW! Very eloquently put mate!

[Turbulent_Dragonfly]

One thing I am tired of is how the older generation politicians keep holding on to the power levers. And it's pretty bipartisan too. We are staking our lives and livelihoods on the views of 75+ year old buddas up and down on both sides of the aisle starting from the President down.... I mean Patrick Leahy (80), Chuck Grassley (87!!), Mitch (78), Dianne Feinstein (87!!). These people just keep getting re-elected over and over again. Term limits which I know will never happen is the only way to ensure that the younger generation gets to participate in governance. Sure, they will make some mistakes, but it will also bring some fresh perspectives to the table.

[Turbulent_Dragonfly]

Trump finally concedes so this post election sham can finally end and we can move on to actually tackling serious issues like getting the Covid vaccine, repairing the economy and putting people back to work and repairing the bonds all over the world.

[Turbulent_Dragonfly]

ICYMI, Dick Durbin is positioning himself as the Democratic lead on the Senate Judiciary Committee after Diane Feinstein essentially got booted out for not resisting the ACB nomination. He could become Chairman if the Democrats win both runoff races in Georgia and could bring about a sea change of reform. But the Georgia races are going to be very tight. The prevailing thought is that Biden winning so narrowly indicates that there were many split ticket voters who chose Biden but voted R on Senate races. It's going to be a massive challenge for the Democrats. Stacey Abrams is working hard, but it may just barely be not enough. Georgia is that Red unfortunately.

[qesehmk]

ICYMI, Dick Durbin is positioning himself as the Democratic lead on the Senate Judiciary Committee after Diane Feinstein essentially got booted out for not resisting the ACB nomination. He could become Chairman if the Democrats win both runoff races in Georgia and could bring about a sea change of reform. But the Georgia races are going to be very tight. The prevailing thought is that Biden winning so narrowly indicates that there were many split ticket voters who chose Biden but voted R on Senate races. It's going to be a massive challenge for the Democrats. Stacey Abrams is working hard, but it may just barely be not enough. Georgia is that Red unfortunately.

Trump's legal shenanigans just might be the thing that energizes dems and demoralizes republicans in GA.

[inspired_p]

Trump's legal shenanigans just might be the thing that energizes dems and demoralizes republicans in GA.

demoralize Republicans ? I doubt it. Loosing Senate majority and hence giving trifecta of power to Democrats is something that will energize the republican voters. with political rhetoric having "stick it to them" , "democrats are the enemy", " Democratic party is party of satan worshippers and pedophiles who also drink children's bloood" ,, there is no way to demoralize the electorate against the DEMs

[qesehmk]

demoralize Republicans ? I doubt it. Loosing Senate majority and hence giving trifecta of power to Democrats is something that will energize the republican voters. with political rhetoric having "stick it to them" , "democrats are the enemy", " Democratic party is party of satan worshippers and pedophiles who also drink children's bloood" ,, there is no way to demoralize the electorate against the DEMs

Yes. I misspoke. I should have said independents leaning republican.

[monsieur]

GA senate race will be turned out like NC and SC races. False hopes for Dems that they have chance.

Keep in mind David Perdue already scored 49.73% and missed it by just 0.27% margin which he will overcome as LIB candidate is out of picture now. He also has 85K lead over Dem candidate. As for Kelly Loeffler race, again if you remove other Rep candidate she will cross 50% mark. Warnock was the only Dem and he got only 33% where as Reps vote where split in 2 or more.

Another data point - Special election turnouts are generally lower which help Reps. Ppl over 40-50+ age reliably vote and they vote for Rep. Senate control is as good as gone. This realty shows (so far) in Biden admin picks at cabinet level.

[Turbulent_Dragonfly]

Biden/Harris officially voted by the Electoral College as the President/Vice President of the US.

It's a great day for democracy and also inspirational for first generation American children like many of our own to have an Indian American become VP of the US. I never thought in my lifetime there would be a (half) Tamil Maami who would become VP!

[qesehmk]

Biden/Harris officially voted by the Electoral College as the President/Vice President of the US.

It's a great day for democracy and also inspirational for first generation American children like many of our own to have an Indian American become VP of the US. I never thought in my lifetime there would be a (half) Tamil Maami who would become VP!

Absolutely. Happy that the racist guy will be gone. A moderate sane person will be the president. And a first woman VP and a first desi person VP. I couldn't ask for more.

[Zenzone]

Absolutely. Happy that the racist guy will be gone. A moderate sane person will be the president. And a first woman VP and a first desi person VP. I couldn't ask for more.

You are very tamed and polished! I have very many choice words for the person leaving the WH now But keeping the sanctity of this forum intact!!

[qesehmk]

You are very tamed and polished! I have very many choice words for the person leaving the WH now But keeping the sanctity of this forum intact!!

I am afraid this joy is not going to last Zen. It took a super crazy guy and a mammoth pandemic to dislodge this Trump phenomena. And even then Biden didn't win landslide at all.

Next guy who will replace Trump will be much more savvy, his actions will be meaner and sophisticated and more effective against minorities, non-whites, and immigrants.

It's a shitty time period in our lives when both the countries we love - viz US and India are being ruled by opportunistic dictatorial fake nationalists. Next 10 years are going to be tumultuous.

[Zenzone]

I am afraid this joy is not going to last Zen. It took a super crazy guy and a mammoth pandemic to dislodge this Trump phenomena. And even then Biden didn't win landslide at all.

Next guy who will replace Trump will be much more savvy, his actions will be meaner and sophisticated and more effective against minorities, non-whites, and immigrants.

It's a shitty time period in our lives when both the countries we love - viz US and India are being ruled by opportunistic dictatorial fake nationalists. Next 10 years are going to be tumultuous.

True that! But I still believe in the center right leaning people of this country who will not fully align with the right wing GOP (Example - The Lincoln Project folks). Hence I see this election a bit differently and here is my quick take -

75M + 81M people voted this time which is probably everyone we have in the system. All the ppl. who could have shown up actually showed up and every eligible voter in the Trump train as well as in the Biden camp came out and still the arithmetic didn't work for a classic Trumpian political agenda. This simple fact gives me hope for the future that for anyone who aspires to succeed DT should need to do something to make that raw arithmetic to work for them. For them to achieve it they need to tone it down a notch so that those priced Center-leaning right GOP/Independents are sold for that GOP ticket in the future. Call me an eternal optimist or a contrarian and I would say that's not an understatement