Russia-Ukraine War (Threadbanned in op)

I didn't watch the American presidential debate during the night but looking at the write up from sky news it seems it was a disaster for Joe Biden. If they thought that I am sure a lot of Americans thought that and especially Americans on the fence on who to vote for. The debate was closely watched across all of Europe/Ukraine and Russia and I say its given a lot of anxiety in most places but I say those in the Kremlin were extremely happy. B

There's another tide that's turning, and not in Putin's favour. The Russian tide. He doesn't have endless amounts of time, and as they say, a week can be an awful long time in politics. He's facing challenges not only from the republics but also in Moscow St. Petersburg. Because of the manpower shortage, he's come up with the bright idea of making every one work longer hours inc. Saturday, but without any extra pay. Plus, the city infrastructure is being eroded due to lack of funds / maintenance. Trams going of the rails, bridges collapsing, dams breaking, underground water systems exploding etc. If Muscovites thought last winter was bad, they will have another opener this coming winter. Then we have the mobilisation that was not needed, according to Putins pre -election manifesto, but has been going on nevertheless, the quiet one, but going full steam ahead in the background. Russians are becoming more and more outspoken about the regime than they were formerly, its quite common now to see U tube Vids with people speaking out about their grievances, and if still not outright blaming Putin by name, they are still blaming him and his government. He's sailing very choppy waters….and so are his Silovicki and Oligarchs!

Pritzker gets some press being the gov. of Illinois and 'moderate.' Amy Klobuchar might have midwest appeal. I think "Mayor Pete" Buttegieg would make a good POTUS.

But this is a discussion that should have taken place a couple years ago. If Biden steps aside, its a disaster for Ukraine as the GQP will feel empowered to be obstructive. And for Europe. Not as big a disaster as if CFTrump wins, but not good. The EU and Ireland really should ramp up it's military readiness, CFTrump has threatened to abandon it and tariff it's goods coming into America. Just an existential disaster for the West should CFTrump get elected again.

Just going off what I heard on the radio this morning but it was also suggested that Gretchen Whitmer would be a good alternative Democrat candidate if Biden can be convinced it is better to let someone else run in his place. She is from Michigan which I think was referred to as a battleground state so a win there for her could be significant in winning the election.

The point was made as well that Trump did not come across very well either with his unpleasant character showing and numerous blatant lies highlighted during the debate.

Europe's militaries are so degraded that ramping up for 10 years time would be an achievement.

Across most of Europe the will just isn't there.

I think rearmament and preparation for future conflict is the most important issue facing Europeans today, by some distance.

The Putin administration must be delighted and also feeling justified at the apparent decadence at the core of one of their big opponents. The weakness of them that they can only put up these two elderly pensioners for the highest office in the state. Don't be surprised if Vlad starts lecturing us on the final years of the Roman empire.