What are the key issues of US Election 2024?

[QvQ]

What can be observed is that Putin has publicly declared he favored Trump because Trump was for normalizing relations with Russia.

It is not unusual, illegal or even noteworthy that a foreign government would endorse a Presidential candidate. China is not at all shy about favoring Biden and there is more evidence of collusion between Biden and China than there is between Trump and Russia.
Now if I accept that Trump would have welcomed freely given evidence against Hillary and Biden accepting bribes from the Chinese Government, I have to favor Trump.
The fact is that the Russians invaded Ukraine under Biden.
Trump once said that the goal of American Foreign Policy is Peace.
The world is again embroiled in endless wars.
Which brings us back to my main issue...that $200 Billion Global Infrastructure pledge of Biden.

 

[Belk]

It is not unusual, illegal or even noteworthy that a foreign government would endorse a Presidential candidate. China is not at all shy about favoring Biden and there is more evidence of collusion between Biden and China than there is between Trump and Russia.
Now if I accept that Trump would have welcomed freely given evidence against Hillary and Biden accepting bribes from the Chinese Government, I have to favor Trump.
The fact is that the Russians invaded Ukraine under Biden.
Trump once said that the goal of American Foreign Policy is Peace.
The world is again embroiled in endless wars.
Which brings us back to my main issue...that $200 Billion Global Infrastructure pledge of Biden.

This has what to do with the upcoming 2024 election?

 

[QvQ]

This has what to do with the upcoming 2024 election?

It has to do with the price of bananas. Bananas were always abt 58 cents a pound. Now they are 72 cents a pound.
Pennies. The average voter counts pennies while the government spend Trillions without accountability.
What the heck..global infrastructure, sounds good, toss out another $200 Billion.

 

[childeye 2]

It is not unusual, illegal or even noteworthy that a foreign government would endorse a Presidential candidate.
China is not at all shy about favoring Biden and there is more evidence of collusion between Biden and China than there is between Trump and Russia.

Let's not lie about what happened. This was Putin using his military intelligence apparatus to sway the outcome of the United States presidential election so as to implement a change in United States foreign policy more favorable to Putin's interests.

Now if I accept that Trump would have welcomed freely given evidence against Hillary and Biden accepting bribes from the Chinese Government, I have to favor Trump.

I've seen no evidence that Biden accepted bribes from the Chinese government.

The fact is that the Russians invaded Ukraine under Biden.
Trump once said that the goal of American Foreign Policy is Peace.
The world is again embroiled in endless wars.

What Trump could have been implying is that we should give Putin what he wants because otherwise Putin will start a war.

Which brings us back to my main issue...that $200 Billion Global Infrastructure pledge of Biden.

What about it?

 

[QvQ]

What about it?

What about $200 Billion for the global infrastructure fund?
Why, it is hardly worth mention. Nothing important except to prove how generous Biden is, so sharing and caring with tax dollars.
However, Americans are acutely aware of money lately, probably due to counting pennies in the Biden economy.
It is noteworthy that the recipients of Bidens $200 Billion Global Infrastructure money are receiving all that money without paying one cent in taxes or having any responsibility for repaying it.

 

[SimplyMe]

It is not unusual, illegal or even noteworthy that a foreign government would endorse a Presidential candidate. China is not at all shy about favoring Biden and there is more evidence of collusion between Biden and China than there is between Trump and Russia.

There is? I've not seen it. In fact, in a US Intelligence report delivered to the Trump administration in Jan 2021, before they left office, found that China did not seek to influence the US 2020 elections.

Now if I accept that Trump would have welcomed freely given evidence against Hillary and Biden accepting bribes from the Chinese Government, I have to favor Trump.
The fact is that the Russians invaded Ukraine under Biden.

Yes, because Trump had signaled his desire to remove the US from NATO -- and it is NATO that has largely thwarted Russias ambitions in Eastern Europe. Putin was willing to wait for Trump to withdraw the US from NATO prior to moving on his expansionist plans. When Trump lost, Putin no longer had a reason to delay; and NATO has been a huge issue in Russia's war with Ukraine, as NATO countries give supplies and intelligence to Ukraine.

Trump once said that the goal of American Foreign Policy is Peace.
The world is again embroiled in endless wars.

And how would Trump have prevented Hamas from attacking Israel, or prevent Israel from retaliating?

For that matter, once the US was out of NATO, how would Trump have prevented Russia from attacking Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, or any number of other countries (including those, such as Lithuania currently protected as NATO members)?

Which brings us back to my main issue...that $200 Billion Global Infrastructure pledge of Biden.
What about $200 Billion for the global infrastructure fund?

Which actually seems to be evidence that Biden is not working with the Chinese, directly contradicting your earlier claims. The $200 Billion Global infrastructure program is a direct competitor to the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative. China has been lending and offering grants to various countries for major infrastructure policies, with the idea of helping their economies. The aim of the Chinese is to bring these countries under Chinese influence -- or, if they can't make the loan payments, under the direct control of the Chinese government. The Global Infrastructure project is aimed directly to counteract what the Chinese have been doing.

Why, it is hardly worth mention. Nothing important except to prove how generous Biden is, so sharing and caring with tax dollars.
However, Americans are acutely aware of money lately, probably due to counting pennies in the Biden economy.
It is noteworthy that the recipients of Bidens $200 Billion Global Infrastructure money are receiving all that money without paying one cent in taxes or having any responsibility for repaying it.

Exactly. Unlike China which is providing "loans" -- so that when economies don't take off like they were "projected" to by the Chinese engineers, the country owes debts to China which they cannot repay. The US program is designed to show the US isn't trying to force countries, by making them pay back debts they won't be able to repay -- and show the US as a more reliable friend than China.

 

[QvQ]

The US program is designed to show the US isn't trying to force countries, by making them pay back debts they won't be able to repay -- and show the US as a more reliable friend than China.

So forcing the American people to pay taxes to fund American infrastructure means the Federal Government is not their friend? Interesting and probably quite true.

Now, as to infrastructure projects, I found these: $25 million for a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Rio Salado riverbed along the Third Street alignment; $27.6 million to build a network of electric vehicle chargers statewide; $194 million for a new taxiway at Sky Harbor; $14.4 million for a new terminal at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport; and $40 million for low- and no-emission school and public buses across the state

Arizona Domestic Infrastructure Funds:
25 million plus 27;6 million plus 194 million plus 44.4 million = 261 million
That is not much even if it is an outrageous amount for 1 foot bridge, one taxiway, one terminal, charging stations and a few buses.
And every penny of it has to be repaid in taxes even if taxpayers might faint away at the figure $194 million for one new taxiway at Sky Harbor.
No accountability, no responsibility and the bill is going to come due.
But tra la, we can pave the third world in streets of gold. Money no object. Just raise taxes on Americans to pay for it all.

 

[SimplyMe]

So forcing the American people to pay taxes to fund American infrastructure means the Federal Government is not their friend? Interesting and probably quite true.

This appears to be a clear case of "So's law." At worst, it appears you need to try and actually read what I wrote, without the spin you are trying to put on it.

Arizona Domestic Infrastructure Funds:
25 million plus 27;6 million plus 194 million plus 44.4 million = 261 million
That is not much even if it is an outrageous amount for 1 foot bridge, one taxiway, one terminal, charging stations and a few buses.
And every penny of it has to be repaid in taxes even if taxpayers might faint away at the figure $194 million for one new taxiway at Sky Harbor.
No accountability, no responsibility and the bill is going to come due.
But tra la, we can pave the third world in streets of gold. Money no object.

So Arizona is getting more for your state than all the countries combined from the Global Infrastructure deal, not sure exactly what your complaint is. Also, sorry if you don't like the price of bridges, taxiways, terminals, etc -- particularly with 120 degree days where, without the added safety features, they become unstable/unusable; such as when planes get stuck in the molten asphalt of a poorly constructed taxiway. And again, no complaints about how the debt increase under Trump, which will be at least as high as the debt increase under Biden.

 

[QvQ]

So Arizona is getting more for your state than all the countries combined from the Global Infrastructure deal, not sure exactly what your complaint is.

$200 billion is the amount the combined countries are receiving from the Global Infrastructure deal
$261 million is what Arizona is receiving
If you do the math you will find that what Arizona is receiving, $261 million is somewhat less than $200 Billion.

Exactly what the complaint is:
American taxpayers are forced to pay that, all of it both American and Global Infrastructure. Or is the government just printing money and giving it away to buy friends and voting blocks. both domestic and foreign?

Meanwhile, I live in this State. I am well aware of temperature and asphalt but $194 million? What you are stating is that the money is basically worthless when a foot bridge across a ravine costs $25 MILLION.

This is an estimate of the cost of foot bridges in 2016 from the Federal Highway Dept:
"The Federal Highway Administration estimates that pedestrian bridges range from $150 to $250 per square foot, totaling a cost of approximately $1 million to $5 million per complete installation."

And if the government is just printing money and passing it out then the money is basically worthless. A wheelbarrow full of it may not buy a loaf of bread in the near future.

 

[SimplyMe]

$200 billion is the amount the combined countries are receiving from the Global Infrastructure deal
$261 million is what Arizona is receiving
If you do the math you will find that what Arizona is receiving, $261 million is somewhat less than $200 Billion.

Exactly what the complaint is:
American taxpayers are forced to pay that, all of it both American and Global Infrastructure. Or is the government just printing money and giving it away to buy friends and voting blocks. both domestic and foreign?

Meanwhile, I live in this State. I am well aware of temperature and asphalt but $194 million? What you are stating is that the money is basically worthless when a foot bridge across a ravine costs $25 MILLION.

And if the government is just printing money and passing it out then the money is basically worthless. A wheelbarrow full of it may not buy a loaf of bread in the near future.

Remember the "bridge to nowhere" that was almost built during the G. W. Bush administration? It was almost $400 million dollars in 2004 dollars. Yes, bridges are not cheap to build.

There is also the new Terminal F, a 15-gate concourse to be built at the Dallas-Ft. Worth airport starting next year that is going to cost $1.63 billion. Seems like the new Arizona terminal is quite cheap, in comparison.

But yes, I did make the mistake of confusing Arizona's millions for billions.

At the same time, while you tried to blow off the fact that for every dollar you pay in federal taxes, $1.75 is returned to your state. In fact, the largest part of your state's revenues, 44%, is money received from the Federal Government. So, despite continually trying to claim you see nothing from the Federal government, the fact remains your income and other state taxes would apparently be roughly doubt today without all the money you get from the Federal government.

 

[QvQ]

So, despite continually trying to claim you see nothing from the Federal government, the fact remains your income and other state taxes would apparently be roughly doubt today without all the money you get from the Federal government.

Your information is incorrect:
New Mexico is the only state paying less in taxes than it receives in support – paying only 85 cents in federal taxes for each dollar of support.
Federal Taxes paid per dollar received Arizona $2.26
Arizona pays $2.26 for every $1 received as per information 2022

I believe that most sites claiming a State pays less than it receives are only computing income tax. However when Income tax, excise, estate, gift and business income tax are included, the figures are somewhat different.

Arizona paid $57,665,724 and received $25,552,145. Where did that $1.26 go to?

That means that 49 States are paying more than they receive. Where is all that money going?

A foot bridge in 2016 cost $1 million to $5 million. That is the Federal Highway Administrations estimate. Now it is $25 million.

 

[SimplyMe]

Your information is incorrect:
New Mexico is the only state paying less in taxes than it receives in support – paying only 85 cents in federal taxes for each dollar of support.
Federal Taxes paid per dollar received Arizona $2.26
Arizona pays $2.26 for every $1 received as per information 2022

I believe that most sites claiming a State pays less than it receives are only computing income tax. However when Income tax, excise, estate, gift and business income tax are included, the figures are somewhat different.

Arizona paid $57,665,724 and received $25,552,145. Where did that $1.26 go to?

That means that all the States are paying more than they receive. Where is all that money going?

Sorry, no. It would help if you supplied links, particularly if you want people to believe your claims (as I did when showing Arizona is one of the top states for getting money from the Federal government, even if they aren't New Mexico. The website you seem to have cherry-picked was one that only looked at the money the federal government paid into the state revenues -- that went into the state budget -- and ignored all of the other money the Federal Government paid into the state. It also reinforced my point that 44% of the revenue for your state government last year came directly from the federal government.

For example, it completely ignores money paid to city governments. It ignores federal money paid to businesses in your state (such as the $3 billion to Raytheon), which ends up creating jobs and increasing state tax revenues (both business and the income taxes of those paid with the federal money). It ignores money paid to service members living in your state and other military spending in the state.

A foot bridge in 2016 cost $1 million to $5 million. That is the Federal Highway Administrations estimate. Now it is $25 million.

Again, a link would be helpful. So how long would the bridge be, what is the construction style (typically a bridge over a ravine costs much more, because of the bridge type that needs to be belt, than a bridge over a highway), etc?

Additionally, the bridge you are talking about is to be a pedestrian and bike bridge, and from what I saw, one with separate "lanes" for the bikes (in each direction) and pedestrians. So, with the increased width, the bridge would be substantially more expensive than a simple pedestrian bridge.

In my previous post I almost linked the Florida bridge that collapsed in the final stages of construction in 2018, where the federal government authorized $19.4 million for the project in 2013. Odd, if a pedestrian bridge was estimated to be only 1 to 5 million in 2016, that a pedestrian bridge would get almost 4 times as much in 2013. Somehow, I suspect you cherry picked a number you liked that doesn't fit that was used for a much smaller and simpler bridge in 2016; part of why you didn't include the link to your claim.

 

[NxNW]

What I know about Bidonomics is
1) Since Biden was elected the price of food has doubled. Other items the prices have tripled.
2) The price of gasoline has risen from $2.29 to $3.89. The Oil Reserves have been depleted.
3) The stock market, being the worlds largest casino, is completely unhinged from any reality.

The three claims above are unhinged from reality.

Meanwhile the government is burning through Trillions of $$$. None of that money is being spent in my county. There hasn't been any change in the amount of roadwork, education or any other government service. It is exactly the same as before Biden was elected.
Who is getting all those trillions?
Where is all that money going?
It certainly isn't being spent in my neighborhood.
That is Bidonomics in my corner of the world.

In other words, you're just making stuff up.

 

[NxNW]

Golly, gasoline was $2.47 when Biden took office and now it is down to $3.25? What a huge Reduction!

You got a problem with the free markets? You want government handouts now?

So, Trumps tax cuts are bad. In other words, Trump cut taxes and now the Biden administration is creating huge deficits which if Trump had not cut taxes or if Trump practiced Bidenomics and in fact increased taxes that would mean Biden would not have a huge deficit.

Is that even a sentence?

I know what I pay for utilities, food, gasoline.

Your anecdotes are irrelevant.

The $3 B increase in Fed spending in this state would not quite cover the inflation so it is not an increase.
Where are those Trillions of dollars going? $3B is chump change when trillions are being passed out...to whom?
That is what voters see, their own bills and the government spending. The treasury is being looted and everyone is wondering exactly where all the loot is going.

As Dick Cheney said, Ronald Reagan proved that deficits don't matter.

 

[NxNW]

There was the Russia Hoax that went on for 4 years or more that is the biggest scandal in American history. For 4 years and more a cabal of democrats, mostly unelected civil servants, obstructed, demonized an elected American president using manufactured evidence.

There was no hoax. The Trump administration colluded with Russia. That's why so many of them went to jail. Try to keep up.

 

[NxNW]

The Steele Dossier was manufactured, totally false. Nothing in the Steele Dossier was true.

The majority of it has been confirmed as true.

No one has been prosecuted for the Steele Dossier.

Why prosecute someone for the truth?

 

[NxNW]

Will Trump win? No because 20% of mail in voters admitted to pollsters they committed fraud in 2020 and it will be worse this time around.

This is a lie.

 

[QvQ]

For example, it completely ignores money paid to city governments. It ignores federal money paid to businesses in your state (such as the $3 billion to Raytheon), which ends up creating jobs and increasing state tax revenues (both business and the income taxes of those paid with the federal money). It ignores money paid to service members living in your state and other military spending in the state.

Money paid to service members? And military spending? And probably every thing paid to the tribes and all the Fed employees which Arizona has many.
I bet they even included the border patrol.
That kind of accounting is bogus.
42% of Arizona is Federal Land, 29% is Tribal Land 18% is private.
Yes, the Federal Government spends a pile of money in the State.
However that is not to subsidize the State as the websites the Democrats use for their figures imply. I have seen the websites that came up with your figures and they include Social Security payments. Arizona is a retirement state.
That is totally bogus when stating how much Arizona receives. And how much it pays.

Raytheon is a multistate corporation, primarily California. Are you apportioning that money accordingly?
Here is the web link

Where Your Tax Dollars Go: States Most Dependent on the Federal Government - 2023 Study - SmartAsset

SmartAsset compared tax data to the amount of federal distributions received to determine the states most dependent on the federal government.

smartasset.com

 

[Lost4words]

I cannot vote in your election though close relatives can. But it seems to me that this election is one of the most important ever. So what advice would you give my relatives as to the most important issues in this election?

From my European perspective, the following seems most pertinent. But I would be interested to learn what Americans think are the key issues:

1) POLITICAL PARTISANSHIP threatens to split the country and even provoke a civil war - much to the delight of America's rivals. So what candidate can best unite America and reconcile those on both sides? How can personality politics, abortion obsessions, lies about election fraud, and 'plan-demics' be put into proper perspective?

2) AMERICAN PROSPERITY AND POWER ARE UNEQUALLY SHARED - Your super-rich grows richer while those at the bottom struggle with high prices, debt, a lack of proper health care, and educational disparities. Social mobility continues to decline and various voices among the superrich are too loud while those of the people can hardly be heard. Seething resentment is dismissed as socialism but this just feeds the underlying discontent.

3) PUBLIC DEBT levels are at a record high and this is becoming unsustainable. The political culture seems to disallow the possibility of a balanced budget.

The most important key issues are if Biden will be able to climb any stairs or not fall over!

 

[QvQ]

Additionally, the bridge you are talking about is to be a pedestrian and bike bridge, and from what I saw, one with separate "lanes" for the bikes (in each direction) and pedestrians. So, with the increased width, the bridge would be substantially more expensive than a simple pedestrian bridge.

As in any project, there are real numbers that apply. Material costs and labor, how much per square foot. That could easily be determined if you are really interested.
BTW you talked about asphalt taxi ways however concrete is and has always been extensively used for taxiways for airplanes. Again, the costs can be calculated for material and labor. $194 million, for a taxi way when a mile of interstate is $1 to $2 million pre-Biden cost is a bit excessive by any calculation.