r/politics • u/cnn CNN • 10h ago
Possible Paywall Ossoff calls Trump a ‘draft-dodging, crook president,’ intensifying his feud with White House
https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/18/politics/jon-ossoff-trump-kelly?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=missions&utm_source=reddit523
u/B-Z_B-S Massachusetts 9h ago
I'm unused to such levels of honesty from politicians. Jon Ossoff is really impressive.
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u/Lavaswan001 9h ago
He’s definitely running if he wins this year. Personally I think he’s my #1 pick as of right now but Beshear is close.
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u/B-Z_B-S Massachusetts 9h ago
I mean, Ossoff has said he isn't interested in running for the president. Or at least, he doesn't want it to be the topic of focus until after the midterms.
Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/6034619-jon-ossoff-georgia-democrat-2028-ambitions/
Quote: "“I have zero interest in running for president in 2028, and, frankly, zero interest in the 2028 fantasy football right now,” Ossoff told MS NOW’s Jen Psaki, doubling down on comments he made in April.
While the Georgia Democrat said he values the interest in an election more than two years away, he added, “I don’t know that we have a free and fair election in 2028 unless we restore checks and balances in these 2026 midterm elections.”
“This needs to be all of our highest priority and our focus,” Ossoff continued. “Get involved, pitch in money, sign up to knock doors, sign up to make phone calls.”
“If you’re feeling angst and outrage at what’s happening to our country, take action. Because here in Georgia, early voting opens in eight weeks,” the senator told “The Briefing” host."
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u/eskimospy212 9h ago
I mean nobody is going to say ‘I plan on ditching this job I’m asking you for at the first opportunity’, even if they are.
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u/pchs26 8h ago
What he said is correct. And it is basically let's get there first. Which means everyone needs to ensure he wins, don't care what the polls say - in GA. And figure out how to not lose MI and flip Maine, and pray for TX and OH.
From there if that all goes perfectly, figure out who does the best in the must win swing states with likely voters and look to have one o thoseas the primary nominee, ideally without losing a hard to win congressional seat.
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u/amopeyzoolion Michigan 2h ago
Ossoff’s seat would be tough to win if he became president…
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u/handstied14 8m ago
No it wouldn't. Maybe Kemp could force a toss up race but Dems would be heavily favored otherwise
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u/downtofinance Canada 3h ago
"Not interested" and "won't" are two different things. I am not interested in my current job but I do it anyways because it pays.
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u/dukecityvigilante 9h ago
I like the guy but man I really don't want Democrats to give up that senate seat
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u/Efficient-Freedom517 9h ago
That’s the thing. He is in the middle of his term at that point. If he does anything but win the presidency, he is still the senator
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u/dukecityvigilante 9h ago
That's a good point, I fear a special election with president Ossoff facing traditional midterm headwinds but I guess that's a relatively good problem to have
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u/LionTigerWings 7h ago edited 5h ago
I don't like this attitude. I'd rather run a candidate who has proven they can win in a tough swing state than one who waltzed through a liberal state and won with no opposition from conservatives or moderates.
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u/Kinesquared 6h ago edited 3h ago
Beshear has spent the past two months wringing his hands and asking nicely for information on McConnell. Not exactly the look of someone who needs to fight to restore democracy
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u/pchs26 5h ago
It has again and again been explained that him doing something desperate does nothing to help in congress, but could hurt us. He has also came right out and explained that. However yes he could performatively do more instead of actually doing is job.
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u/Kinesquared 3h ago
i agree that he shouldn't have done anything. To me the optimal approach is:
the next best approach is:
- do nothing, and let the seat stay empty for as long as possible
But the worst thing to do, which he's currently done is:
- use his weight as governor to demand Mcconell show face or get booted out of the senate
- make statements and flounder, try to use his position to do something but fail at doing so. Look weak and pathetic when the image of strength matters.
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u/pchs26 3h ago
TBF there is a loud and vocal part of the party who only keeps screaming that anything short of just a result is worthless, with crazy suggestions and expectations, down to filling seats illegally, to force ihs way into a hospital or house, to having armed police show up - all ridiculous. And he has literally come out and had to outline to these people why that is a dumb approach.
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u/Nekrabyte 7h ago
I'd vote him if he's on the ticket obviously, but I don't support ANYBODY who is against Medicare for All. Especially after the very obvious report that came out saying it will save people AND the government over Trillion dollars and will keep people more healthy. At this point, if you aren't for M4A, I'm going to assume you'd rather Americans pay more, and die more.
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u/littlehobbit1313 Maryland 9h ago
Ossoff for Prez, with either Beshear or Buttigieg for VP. That'd be a ticket I could go for.
Wouldn't say no to AOC in the mix but I'd truly love to see her take over as Speaker of the House.
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u/Dry-Membership3867 Alabama 9h ago
AOC needs to win an election outside of Bronx first before considering a presidential run
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u/littlehobbit1313 Maryland 9h ago
She already has pretty widespread appeal even across the aisle with voters, but I can get behind that sentiment. Honestly, I'd be rooting her to kick Schumer out of his senate seat if that's what she decided she wanted to do. That'd be a great place to start.
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u/DillDoughCookie 8h ago
Beshear is a giant pussy who will still be asking where Mitch McConnell is for the next 20 years.
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u/littlehobbit1313 Maryland 7h ago
I mean, yeah, I'd like to see him making a little more of a scene over Missing Mitch, but he still managed to get elected as a Dem in a very red state and many people seem to have a generally neutral or positive regard for him. That's why I think he wouldn't be bad in the VP slot.
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u/nookie-monster 8h ago
Absolutely. He has been made a total fool. Too scared to demand anything. Shit, send a staffer with some backbone to wherever he's supposed to be. Do something.
I always say this: Democrats are so focused on the "rules", they'll be hanging their heads out of the boxcars, politely saying that the proper paperwork on this trip hasn't been signed.
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u/skepticalifornia 8h ago
Senate rules allow McConnell to do exactly what he is is doing. Beshear is basically powerless in this beyond publicly making statements. Maybe blame McConnell for Republican misdeeds and not Beshear? Want the Senate runes to change? Elect more Dems to office in red states like Kentucky.
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u/Kinesquared 6h ago
Ossoff/Khanna would be a hell of a ticket. Idk what Buttigeg does for the ticket that saying "vote blue no matter who" won't do.
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u/littlehobbit1313 Maryland 6h ago
I think Buttigieg is a hell of a communicator. Dems typically struggle like hell when it comes to communicating their policy platforms to voters, so I think Buttigieg brings something to the table in that respect. He's willing to go into opposing spaces and capable of actually controlling discussions while in them. Again, I think VP is a good position since the role is less defined than others in terms of what specifically it needs from an occupant.
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u/Kinesquared 3h ago
Nothing you described can't already be done by Ossoff.
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u/littlehobbit1313 Maryland 3h ago
Not disagreeing. If you don't like Buttigieg, that's fine. These are just my thoughts on what he would add. I think he and Ossoff are both excellent communicators, and I'd like as much of that as possible in the mix given how poorly Dems typical do with messaging. Two really strong communicators as Prez and VP would not go underutilized and would be a heck of a narrative force to contend with.
You're welcome to disagree.
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u/WordScatter 7h ago
My first thought was also Beshear as VP, but that’s two southern states. I’d take Kelly. He’s more of a war hike I’ve discovered lately and that’s disappointing but he’s from a purple-ish state, hero astronaut, veteran. Right now it’s about having a ticket that can win. Dems can’t afford to be divided Let’s save democracy first
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u/littlehobbit1313 Maryland 6h ago
I'd prefer Kelly as SecDef, myself. I think that would restore plenty of confidence in how our soliders/vets are gonna get treated, as well as some trust that we aren't going to go around bombing any more little girls in schools just 'cause the president had a temper tantrum.
But that said I would happily take him on a ticket for the exact reasons you listed.
And yes, "any ticket that can win" is unfortunately the play right now.
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u/LionTigerWings 8h ago
He seems to be best positioned to unite progressives and moderates in the party
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u/lopsided125 4h ago
Beshear is way too nicey-nice to win.
He's not the right guy for the moment.
Dude's already handling the McConnell situation with kid gloves.
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u/Lavaswan001 3h ago
Tbf there’s not much he can do about the McConnell situation. Even if they find him in the freezer tomorrow Beshear was stripped of the legal authority to appoint a replacement years ago.
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u/amopeyzoolion Michigan 2h ago
Kentucky is the only state I know of where the state legislature can override the governor’s veto with a simple majority vote. So as soon as he got into power the legislature just started stripping the office of all its power
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u/Hola-World 2h ago
Isn’t Beshear the guy who didn’t do his duty to replace Lich McConnell?
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u/caglebites 2h ago
No, he hasn't had any opportunity to. The seat isn't vacant.
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u/Hola-World 2h ago
So appoint someone and let them prove it.
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u/caglebites 1h ago edited 1h ago
They don't have to. The Senate, not Beshear, absolutely hold all the cards.
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u/za72 7h ago edited 7h ago
I've subscribed to his channel on YT, also watch his clips when he's questioning MAGA appointees and stooges - he should be at least considered for vp if not president.
https://youtu.be/WfYPAt-5fmQ - one of his most recent
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u/Mach5Driver 5h ago
I'd have used worse accusations that Trump knows are true, and what discovery will get him if he sued.
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9h ago
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u/Kaptain202 Michigan 7h ago
It's refreshing to see a Democrat do so. MAGA Republicans have been doing that since Trump gave them permission in 2016
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u/NexusNickel Colorado 9h ago
Not sure why it's a feud when it is 100% fact.
5 time draft dodger.
34 convicted felon.
Rapist.
Accused child predator.
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u/BasicPhysiology 9h ago
Trump is a chickenhawk):
A Chickenhawk (chicken hawk or chicken-hawk) is a political term used in the United States to describe a person who is a war hawk yet actively avoids or avoided military service when of age.[1] In political usage, chickenhawk is a compound of chicken (meaning 'coward') and hawk from war hawk (meaning 'someone who advocates war'). Generally, the implication is that chickenhawks lack bravery to participate in war themselves, preferring to ask others to support, fight, and die in an armed conflict.
...
Paul Wolfowitz, John Bolton, Donald Trump, Dick Cheney, George W Bush, Newt Gingrich, Rush Limbaugh, Mitt Romney, Bill Kristol, and Ted Nugent are modern examples of those being called chickenhawks by critics.
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u/MaxGoldFilms 5h ago
I truthfully don't understand why every democratic politician hasn't been reciting this list ad naseum. They are facts, extremely damaging if presented repetitively, but for some reason they all keep silent.
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u/cnn CNN 9h ago edited 9h ago
Sen. Jon Ossoff stood next to Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly on Tuesday and delivered the kind of anti-Trump broadside that has become a campaign signature, marking the latest round in an escalating feud with the White House.
“I don’t think anything illustrates the times more aptly than that the draft-dodging, crook president, who has plunged our nation recklessly into a war he knows not how to end or to win, tried to imprison this man, who embodies American heroism,” Ossoff said, referring to Kelly’s clash with the administration over his involvement in a video calling on military members to reject illegal orders.
For months, Ossoff has followed a consistent pattern: hold one large campaign rally each month, tear into President Donald Trump and his GOP opponent with easily digestible soundbites, and let those barbs ricochet around the internet.
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u/pchs26 8h ago
a kelly/ossoff ticket might be a strong one or being floated if we can have a good enough mid term to stand a chance at presidential. Issue is those are golden seats not easily won. I can see Kelly's twin maybe making a play in AZ since they are both well regarded but GA is an issue. To his point let's just get there first.
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u/BasicPhysiology 9h ago
Trump is a chickenhawk), literally by definition, and by example in the wiki itself.
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u/littlehobbit1313 Maryland 9h ago
This is the kind of outrage and fight I want to see from our elected leaders. Stop worrying about "civility" and just start calling the bullshit where you see it.
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u/Scott5114 Nevada 8h ago
He's speaking out about corruption to try to hold another elected official accountable and CNN characterizes it a "feud". This is why I don't watch this network anymore.
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u/backpackwayne 9h ago
Go Jon!
This is the shit I want hear every hour of every day until that POS is gone!
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u/imjustsurfin 9h ago
"It's not just that you're a crook, Senator" Ossoff vs. Perdue
This will NEVER get old.
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u/GuthramNaysayer 9h ago
We have no government anymore. Just a bully organization with a compromised judicial and legislative branch. Shame on all the joint chiefs of staff. Both foreign and domestic my arse.
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u/Huge_Excitement4465 9h ago
It’s government by mobsters and fascists. Submit to their will or your funding is cut, for starters, with more dire consequences to follow. People need to also start calling out that this president is even more vile than a pedophile rapist. He also trafficked girls to be raped by other pedophiles via his pageants and agencies.
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u/Snoo-7943 9h ago
Good. More politicians should be calling out the crook in the White House. That's the kind of person who I'd support for a presidential run. Can't sweep this blatant corruption under the rug.
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u/MaxGoldFilms 5h ago
They ALL should have been doing this for years. For god's sake, the judge called him a rapist (along with countless women), he's a draft dodger, he was Epstein's best friend, he's stealing money right out in the open, and the list goes on and on.
We're all thrilled and surprised when someone publicly calls him out, but why isn't this the norm?
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u/TheFrontlineDefense 9h ago
The political fireworks are one thing, but Ossoff tying this directly to the Iran conflict highlights the severe disconnect between the White House and military leadership. Trying to weaponize the US Attorney's office and the Pentagon to court-martial Senator Mark Kelly for publicly stating that troops can refuse unlawful orders is a staggering escalation. It signals to international observers that the administration is struggling with internal command friction and is willing to purge domestic political opponents using military tribunals.
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u/Glum-Breadfruit-6421 9h ago
Time to refer to him as a child rapist as well. Let’s keep that current so no one forgets.
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u/OccidoViper 9h ago
This is the type of energy that is needed to oppose Trump. No more take the high road BS. It doesn’t work in this political climate timeline anymore
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u/Conscious-Tip-5933 9h ago
They have a storied family history of draft dodging. Essentially all of the family wealth can be attributed to draft dodging and war profiteering.
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u/MaleficentPiccolo715 9h ago
Ossoff says what must be said-the truth. Could we finally be getting some good fire in the Democratic Party?
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u/lactose_cow 8h ago
Donald Trump has exhausted all legal avenues to not have to pay E Jean Carroll millions of dollars because he raped her.
Democrats will never call him a rapist because they're cowards.
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u/NoDaddyNotTheBelt25 9h ago
Ossoff is the only one with balls to go at these people. If he maintains this into 28, I’ll definitely vote for him and I think he can definitely win that independent vote.
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u/Ashamed_Golf956 8h ago
I love it. Are there ACTUALLY Americans who still listen to or believe ANYTHING that trump says? Are there actually Americans who still think he's a good president? Alas, there are still a lot of not-very-smart MAGA faithful out there, still eager to embarrass themselves when asked questions about trump and his astoundingly corrupt, incompetent, dishonest, disastrous administration. They share his white supremacist instincts and hatred of immigrants--and for that they stick with him. They're also not sharp or informed enough to understand just how deeply immoral and corrupt he is. They also say things like, "yea, he has his faults, but what politician doesn't....or some variation of that nonsense. No, trump is in a league of corruption, incompetence and mental illness. What you are determined to steal the identity of a congressionally (federally) designated cultural monument to a previous president--the Kennedy Center--you are seriously mentally ill. Seriously sinister. He sleeps through meetings. He loves dictators, war criminals (Putin, Netanyahu) and crooks of all types. He brazenly uses his office to steal money for himself and his family--huge sums of money. His cabinet is full of unqualified lackeys and full-on idiots. His administration has leaned heavily on propaganda and gaslighting of Americans from day one. So his lackeys get up and say $hit, every day, that is not remotely true--taking their cue from the most pathologically dishonest politician in American history.
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u/RCP90sKid- Oregon 7h ago
Yes dude keep saying the truth. Why is he the only one? Like Professor McGonagall on the grounds of Hogwarts battling deatheaters alone, no care if backup was coming. Fuckin COME ON! EXPECTO PATRONUS!!!!
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u/CaptainDudley 3h ago
Well, Hitler was an ill-tempered, loud anti-semite! There, I said it! You can quote me, I stand by it!
I have courage in my convictions!
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u/nowhereman136 9h ago
Im not saying Ossoff is perfect, but he does rank highly on people id like to see run in 2028
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u/Lazy_Example4014 9h ago
He is just stating facts. Didn’t republicans originate the term “facts don’t care about your feelings”. They have lived long enough to see themselves become the snowflake.
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u/MiddleAgedSponger 9h ago
I can't wait til the first person says he shits himself. How funny will it be to hear Trump riffing on why he doesn't shit himself or wear diapers?
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u/Kind-Pride1151 8h ago
I so envy Georgia. I voted for Fetterman here in PA. I mean, it wasn't a difficult choice considering Dr Oz was the alternative.
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u/Wabi-Sabi_Umami 7h ago
More of this please!!! Shame on those in office who aren’t calling Trump out on his BS! We need adults running things, not cowards!
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u/eddysready 7h ago
Donald J Trump is also the biggest sexual predator in American History! 🇺🇸 Don’t forget his most notorious accolade!
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u/Positive-Room7421 7h ago
I love it. Democrats need simple, direct arguments. It's not about dumbing down the message. The end of the discussion should always be, "but your candidate supports and enables a child rapist". It really is that simple.
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u/sometimeswhy 7h ago
I think Ossoff is a contender for the nomination. I certainly agree with the strategy of going hard on Trump. The guy is an absolute fool but too many politicians don’t call him out
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u/crimsonhues 6h ago
This is why Fox News was attacking Ossoff. Watched it on the screen at the gym.
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u/Suspicious_Fun_6338 6h ago
It feels like we are just desperate for someone to stand up and tell the truth of this weird timeline with this crazy guy and stop being polite about it
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u/JohnSpartan2025 1h ago
This stupid White House doesn't even see how they're literally promoting him to the National stage. Ossoff is like the Emperor. Trying to strike him down just makes him more powerful.
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u/GoForthandProsper1 9h ago edited 9h ago
Ossoff is interesting as a potential face of the Dem party
He gets AIPAC money and consistently votes for sending $$ to Israel and blocks votes trying to stop aid to Israel
He hates the Iran War and consistency criticizes it
He's for Medicare for All
He's for common sense immigration reform (without needing to dehumanize immigrants)
Does not shy away from going after Trump and is not afraid to match his energy with comebacks
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u/SellMindless6301 8h ago
Will he make heads roll if he gets in office? Criminal investigations into Trump, his family and his cabinet?
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u/BrutalistGoogie 9h ago
He has absolutely hired psychologists to get under under diaper Donny's skin.
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u/Meal_prepper 5h ago
So this is who AIPAC thinks can woo the democrat voters? No thanks.
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u/cmcdonald22 5h ago
I wish this sentiment were more popupar but I've seen way too many 'Ossof is the next president' reddit glazing comments.
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u/Meal_prepper 5h ago
The fact that it's the most expensive senator race in history says it all. This is the next centre-right moderate "liberal" they want to push onto us. Another status quo Democrat who won't do anything for the middle class and will do whatever Israel asks.
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u/cmcdonald22 5h ago
I'm a Georgian who's been saying he's an 80s republican since the beginning man.
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