David Kelsen

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  • Trump Speech Fact Check – 071726

    Fact-Check Summary of Key Claims

    Claim-by-Claim Assessment

    Claim What Fact-Checkers Found Assessment
    China interfered in the 2020 election in a way that changed the outcome Intelligence documents discussed Chinese efforts to gather information and potentially influence public opinion. However, publicly released intelligence assessments have not found evidence that China altered vote totals or election results. Not supported by available evidence
    Newly declassified intelligence proves the election was stolen Journalists and analysts who reviewed the released material reported that the documents contain allegations, intelligence reporting, and assessments, but do not establish that fraudulent votes changed the election outcome. Some excerpts were presented without broader context. Not supported
    Intelligence agencies deliberately hid evidence from Trump and the public No publicly available evidence demonstrates a coordinated cover-up. The declassified material itself does not establish such a conspiracy. Unsupported
    Venezuela manipulated U.S. voting machines Election officials, courts, and intelligence agencies have repeatedly examined this claim since 2020 and found no evidence that Venezuelan actors altered U.S. vote counts. False according to available evidence
    Michigan experienced significant voter fraud in 2020 Investigations examined suspicious voter-registration forms but did not conclude that widespread fraudulent voting occurred or that election results were affected. Misleading
    Hundreds of thousands of noncitizens are registered to vote Fact-checkers reported that figures cited were based largely on estimates, database mismatches, or unverified assumptions rather than confirmed illegal registrations. Unsupported / exaggerated
    U.S. elections remain highly vulnerable Election-security experts generally agree that election systems face cybersecurity threats and foreign influence efforts. However, vulnerabilities alone do not demonstrate that election results were successfully altered. Needs important context
    Major TV networks refused to air the speech because of political bias Some networks chose not to carry the speech live on their primary channels, citing editorial concerns about airing unverified election claims. Many still covered or streamed the address. Partly accurate but incomplete

    Detailed Review of Major Claims

    1. China Changed the Outcome of the 2020 Election

    Trump’s Claim

    China conducted a coordinated operation that affected the election outcome.

    What Fact-Checkers Found

    • U.S. intelligence assessments have concluded that China attempted influence operations, similar to efforts attributed to Russia and Iran.
    • The released documents do not establish that China altered ballots or vote totals.
    • Intelligence agencies distinguish between influencing public opinion and successfully changing election results.

    Verdict

    Unsupported.

    1. The Newly Declassified Documents Prove the Election Was Stolen

    Trump’s Claim

    The recently declassified intelligence files prove the 2020 election was stolen.

    What Fact-Checkers Found

    • The documents contain intelligence reporting, allegations, leads, and analysis.
    • They do not conclude that fraudulent votes changed the election outcome.
    • Portions of the material remain redacted.

    Verdict

    Not supported by available evidence.

    1. Voting Machines Were Vulnerable

    Trump’s Claim

    Voting systems contained vulnerabilities that could have affected results.

    What Fact-Checkers Found

    • Security experts acknowledge that no computer system is perfectly secure.
    • Election systems require continual monitoring and improvement.
    • No verified evidence has shown that voting-machine vulnerabilities were exploited to alter certified vote totals in 2020.

    Verdict

    Mostly true regarding vulnerabilities; unsupported regarding claims that the election outcome was changed.

    1. Millions of Noncitizens Are Registered to Vote

    Trump’s Claim

    Large numbers of noncitizens are registered and voting in U.S. elections.

    What Fact-Checkers Found

    • Voter-registration databases can contain outdated records and require maintenance.
    • Registration irregularities do not necessarily indicate illegal voting.
    • Investigations generally continue to find noncitizen voting to be relatively rare.

    Verdict

    Misleading.

    1. The Intelligence Community Hid Information

    Trump’s Claim

    Federal intelligence agencies concealed critical information from the public.

    What Fact-Checkers Found

    • The released documents do not independently prove a coordinated cover-up.
    • Intelligence agencies routinely receive conflicting information and assess reliability before reaching conclusions.

    Verdict

    Unsupported.

    1. The Media Ignored the Evidence

    Trump’s Claim

    News organizations largely ignored the evidence presented.

    What Fact-Checkers Found

    • Some media outlets reported extensively on the released documents.
    • Others questioned whether the documents supported Trump’s conclusions.
    • Whether the evidence was “ignored” is ultimately a subjective judgment.

    Verdict

    Opinion claim; not independently verifiable.

    1. The SAVE America Act Is Necessary Because Elections Are Insecure

    Trump’s Claim

    Election insecurity justifies passage of the SAVE America Act.

    What Fact-Checkers Found

    • Election-security experts generally agree that election systems can always be improved.
    • Experts generally do not agree that current evidence demonstrates the widespread fraud alleged in the speech.

    Verdict

    Policy opinion based partly on disputed factual claims.

    Economic Claims

    Trump also stated that:

    • Employment is at record highs.
    • Investment is at record levels.
    • Inflation recently experienced its largest monthly decline in years.

    Assessment

    Fact-checkers generally focused more heavily on the election-related claims than the economic claims. Reporting indicated that these statements were broadly tied to current government economic statistics, although critics noted that the language often emphasized the most favorable interpretation of the data.

    Verdict

    Generally based on current economic indicators, though framed favorably.

    Tax Claims: “No Tax on Tips” and “No Tax on Overtime”

    No Tax on Tips

    What the Law Does

    • Allows eligible workers to deduct qualifying tip income from federal income taxes.
    • Tips remain subject to Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes.
    • State income taxes may still apply.
    • The provision is temporary and currently scheduled to expire in 2028 unless extended.
    • Eligibility limits and deduction caps apply.

    Verdict

    Partly true.

    No Tax on Overtime

    What the Law Does

    • Provides a federal income-tax deduction for qualifying overtime pay.
    • Generally applies only to qualifying overtime premiums under federal law.
    • Income limits and deduction caps apply.
    • Social Security and Medicare taxes still apply.
    • Some workers may not qualify due to differences in how their overtime compensation is governed.

    Verdict

    Partly true.

    Overall Assessment of the Tax Claims

    If interpreted as shorthand for tax relief on tips and overtime, the statements are substantially accurate. If interpreted literally as meaning tips and overtime are entirely tax-free, they are inaccurate because significant taxes, limits, and eligibility requirements remain.

    Areas of Broad Agreement

    Not every statement in the speech was disputed. Analysts generally agree that:

    • Foreign governments, including China, Russia, and Iran, attempt to influence American politics through propaganda, cyber activities, and information campaigns.
    • Election systems require ongoing cybersecurity improvements.
    • Declassification can improve public transparency and oversight, although declassification alone does not prove the underlying claims are true.

    Overall Conclusion

    Across major fact-check reviews, a broad consensus emerged on one central point: the speech did not present publicly verifiable evidence that the 2020 election outcome was changed by foreign interference or widespread fraud.

    Fact-checkers generally concluded that many of the speech’s key allegations repeated claims that have been extensively investigated since 2020 without being substantiated by courts, election officials, or publicly released intelligence assessments.

    At the same time, reviewers acknowledged that:

    • Foreign influence operations do occur.
    • Election systems face ongoing security challenges.

    Sources:

    1. PolitiFact (Primary Fact-Check)

    Louis Jacobson and Amy Sherman. “Fact-Checking Trump’s Address on China, 2020 Election.” PolitiFact, July 16, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    This is one of the most direct, claim-by-claim fact-checks of the speech. It evaluates Trump’s assertions about Chinese interference, intelligence claims, and election fraud. PolitiFact is a nonpartisan fact-checking organization known for structured ratings of truthfulness. (PolitiFact)

    1. PolitiFact (Live Fact-Check Coverage)

    PolitiFact Staff. “Live Fact-Check: President Donald Trump’s Address on Election Security.” PolitiFact, July 16, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    Provides real-time verification during the speech, useful for understanding how claims were evaluated immediately. Complements the more polished post-event analysis. (PolitiFact)

    1. PBS NewsHour (Fact-Check Syndication)

    PolitiFact Staff. “PolitiFact: Live Fact-Checking Trump’s Address from the White House.” PBS NewsHour, July 16, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    PBS republishes PolitiFact’s work, adding editorial oversight from a public broadcasting outlet. Generally considered high reliability and low partisan bias. (PBS)

    1. Associated Press (Straight News Reporting)

    Associated Press. “Trump Doubles Down on US Election Attacks in His Primetime Speech.” AP News, July 16, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    A neutral, widely trusted wire service report summarizing the speech and noting that claims about election fraud lacked supporting evidence and contradicted prior investigations. (AP News)

    1. Associated Press (Live Updates)

    Associated Press. “The Latest: Trump Delivers Primetime Address to the Nation.” AP News, July 16, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    Provides timeline-style reporting and includes reactions from officials and experts, noting that audits and investigations found no widespread fraud. (AP News)

    1. Reuters (Context & Analysis)

    Reuters. “Trump’s Championing of Debunked Vote Conspiracies Casts Shadow Over Midterms.” Reuters, July 16, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    Reuters provides global-context reporting, emphasizing expert concern that repeating disproven claims could affect election trust. Highly regarded for fact-based, minimally biased journalism. (Reuters)

    1. Reuters (Media Coverage Decision)

    Reuters. “US Networks Face Dilemma Over Whether to Air Trump’s Election Security Speech.” Reuters, July 16, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    Explains why some networks declined to air the speech live, giving context to Trump’s claim of media bias. Useful for evaluating that specific assertion.

    1. CBS News (Mainstream Broadcast Coverage)

    Caitlin Yilek and Joe Walsh. “Trump Gives Primetime Speech on Elections as White House Alleges Chinese Access to Voter Data.” CBS News, July 17, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    Provides broad narrative coverage and summarizes key claims alongside expert responses. Represents mainstream U.S. broadcast journalism.

    1. The Guardian (Live Blog / Reactions)

    The Guardian Staff. “Trump Rehashes Election Claims in Primetime Address – Live Updates.” The Guardian, July 16, 2026.
    Read article
    Accessed July 19, 2026.

    Annotation:
    Offers real-time political reaction and international perspective. While slightly more interpretive in tone, it helps capture criticism and political implications. (The Guardian)

    ? How to Use These Sources (Quick Guide)

    • Best for factual accuracy: PolitiFact, AP, Reuters
    • Best for context & reactions: CBS, Guardian
    • Best for media/meta-analysis: Reuters (networks decision article)

    ?? Bottom Line

    Across these sources:

    • Claims about foreign interference changing vote results ? consistently unsupported
    • Claims of widespread fraud ? repeatedly contradicted by audits and investigations
    • Some concerns about election security risks ? valid but often misused without evidence of impact (AP News)

     

     

  • The Reflecting Pool Screw up

    The information below is by courtesy of my Gemini Clanker, I’ll call him George.

    I can assign a pronoun to my Clanker, it’s my Clanker after all.

    The recent multi-million-dollar renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool involves two primary contractors that were hired under controversial arrangements.

    Here is the breakdown of who they are, their experience, and their ties to Donald Trump:

    1. Atlantic Industrial Coatings (Sealing & Painting)

    • The Job: This Virginia-based company was awarded the main contract to apply a waterproof sealant and paint the floor of the 7-acre pool a custom “American Flag Blue.” The cost of this contract ballooned from an initial estimate of less than $2 million to roughly $14.7 million.

    • Their Experience: Prior to this project, the company had never won a federal contract. Labor unions and industry critics heavily criticized the choice, arguing that many other firms with deep expertise in historic monument restoration were locked out of the process.

    • Relationship with Donald Trump: Accounts of their relationship have been contradictory. Trump initially claimed a direct connection, stating that he sent “my guy” who had previously done “unbelievable” work on swimming pools at the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia. However, Trump later reversed course, stating he had never worked with the company and didn’t know them. The White House later stated that while Trump has no personal relationship with the firm, he was simply “familiar with the company’s work.”

    2. Green Water Solutions / Greenwater Services (Water Purification)

    • The Job: This Ohio-based company was brought in on a $1.7 million contract to install a patented “Nano Bubble” ozone filtration system aimed at clearing up the pool’s notorious algae blooms.

    • Their Experience: Federal contracting records show the company has minimal federal experience. Its only other government contract was a $1 million deal in 2025 to conduct a feasibility study on sewage flows in the Tijuana River.

    • Relationship with Donald Trump: The company is owned by an investment trust run by John J. Cafaro, a prominent, longtime Trump mega-donor who has poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into Trump’s campaigns (including a $250,000 donation to a Trump fundraising committee). Cafaro is also one of Trump’s wealthy neighbors in Palm Beach, Florida, near Mar-a-Lago, and the water company even used Cafaro’s Palm Beach mansion as its corporate Florida address. Trump has publicly praised Cafaro in the past as a “fantastic man,” though Cafaro told local reporters that Trump “doesn’t know a thing about” the firm securing the pool job.

    Was it Really a No-Bid Arrangement?

    Yes, completely. Both companies were handed their contracts without having to compete against other businesses.

    To bypass the standard federal procurement laws—which strictly require competitive bidding to ensure taxpayers get the best value—the Department of the Interior invoked an exemption for projects of “unusual and compelling urgency.”

    The administration justified skipping the bidding process by arguing that the pool had to be overhauled at “Trump speed” so it would be ready for the United States’ 250th birthday celebrations on July 4, 2026. However, because the contracts lacked competition, they faced heavy scrutiny. Internal National Park Service documents revealed that Atlantic Industrial Coatings was locked into a 20% profit margin, which government analysts flagged as “excessive” and roughly double the standard 6% to 12% margin typically allowed on federal projects.

    Synopsis:

    A longtime Trump financial supporter and neighbor got a no-bid contract with very favorable terms but they weren’t the ones who screwed this up by themselves.

    The other no-bid contractor screwed up the painting and sealing because…they are completely unqualified.

    Then typical Trump, he denies knowing the paint contractor (after previously calling them “my guy”) and blames vandals for causing the issue (without evidence), which is ridiculous considering that there are 24/7 cameras on the Reflecting Pool.

    If this was a screw-up at Mar-A-Lago, privately owned and funded, that would be fine. But this is our tax dollars paying for corruption and incompetence.

    What bothers me most is people I deem as intelligent are falling for this because they believe everything, unconditionally, Trump says. sad.

  • Twilight Zone Episode

    I keep thinking this show will end, or I’ll wake up. But I feel the pinch and it hurts.

    We’re watching the de-evolution of American society.

    Disrespect for the law is the first sign of cancer in a culture. That’s where it starts and it will lead to the collapse of this social experiment called democracy.

    Trump was the first president in the history of the United States to reject the peaceful transfer of power.

    That was Treason.

    Disrespect, anger and hate are the driving factors of this putrid individual.

    They are the tenants that rule his damaged psyche.

     

     

  • January 20, 2025 Inauguration day

    Awesome, Here’s what I’m expecting on day one:

    Gas prices go down

    Grocery prices go down

    End of the Russian incursion into Ukraine

    11 million illegal immigrants deported

    Border crisis solved

    That’s it.

    Peace

     

  • Understanding the Persistence of Belief in Donald Trump’s 2020 Election Victory

    Understanding the Persistence of Belief in Donald Trump’s 2020 Election Victory

    Introduction:
    The 2020 U.S. presidential election was a highly contentious and polarizing event that saw Joe Biden emerge as the victor. However, despite the official results and widespread acceptance of Biden as the winner, a significant number of people still believe that Donald Trump won the election. This essay aims to explore the reasons behind this persistent belief.

    1. Disputed Claims and Legal Challenges:
    One key factor contributing to the belief that Donald Trump won the 2020 election is the series of disputed claims and legal challenges made by his campaign and supporters. Trump and his legal team alleged voter fraud, irregularities, and inconsistencies in the electoral process. These claims, though largely debunked and dismissed by courts and election officials, created doubt and fueled skepticism among Trump’s supporters.

    2. Partisan Media and Echo Chambers:
    The presence of partisan media outlets and social media echo chambers has played a significant role in perpetuating the belief in Trump’s victory. Some media organizations and online platforms have catered to specific ideological biases, amplifying narratives that support the idea of election fraud or a stolen victory. This selective exposure to information reinforces existing beliefs and makes it difficult for alternative viewpoints to penetrate these echo chambers.

    3. Emotional Investment and Identity Politics:
    For many of Trump’s ardent supporters, their belief in his victory is deeply tied to their emotional investment in his presidency and their identification with his political agenda. Trump’s presidency was characterized by a strong cult of personality, with loyal supporters seeing him as a champion of their values and aspirations. Accepting his loss would mean accepting the defeat of their own ideological and personal identification, which can be difficult for individuals to reconcile.

    4. Lack of Trust in Institutions:
    The erosion of trust in institutions, including the media, government bodies, and even the electoral process itself, has contributed to the belief that Trump won the election. Skepticism towards these institutions has been fueled by a variety of factors, such as past instances of corruption, partisan biases, and a general sense of disillusionment. This lack of trust in key institutions has created an environment where alternative narratives can thrive, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

    5. Influence of Conspiracy Theories:
    Conspiracy theories have also played a role in sustaining the belief in Trump’s victory. Various conspiracy theories, such as the “deep state” or “QAnon,” have gained traction among some of Trump’s supporters. These theories often posit complex and unfounded explanations for Trump’s loss, attributing it to a vast, orchestrated plot against him. The allure of conspiracy theories lies in their ability to provide simple, alternative explanations that validate pre-existing beliefs.

    Conclusion:
    While the 2020 presidential election has been widely recognized as a victory for Joe Biden, there remains a subset of people who persistently believe that Donald Trump won. This belief is driven by a combination of disputed claims, partisan media, emotional investment, erosion of trust in institutions, and the influence of conspiracy theories. Understanding these factors can shed light on the persistence of this belief, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

  • Trump Indicted

    I do not take joy in a former president of the united states being criminally indicted.

    People are losing their minds.

    I wish objectivity could reenter the conversation.

    This is HUGE and little at the same time.

    First thing to consider is the law.

    Second is State vs Federal law.

    Then let’s consider narrative, talking points, spin and how manipulation of information is causing a storm of redirected/misdirected emotion.

    Emotion fuels action.

    Emotionally charged actions are not always fair, accurate or true.

    Actions fueled by emotion are not always reasonable.

    Actions fueled by emotion are not always balanced.

    Refusing to contemplate all sides of an argument, because there is an emotional attachment to one side or another is bias.

    Refusing to seek all sides of an argument is ignorance.

  • Conservative Contradictions 01

    The United States Supreme Court recently overturned Roe v Wade.

    Conservatives want you to believe they advocate for less government, and for deregulation and personal freedom.

    This action is exactly the opposite.

    It strips away the protections of personal choice. It strips away the ability for women to decide for themselves.

    It increases the level of governmental intervention and control.

    The Supreme Court is now illegitimate.

    They no longer represent the law nor the interests of the majority.

     

     

  • Lopsided

    If you watched 2000 Mules, but refuse to watch the Jan 6 Hearings, then you are factually illiterate.

  • The Overton Window Explained (YouTube video)

    An attractive African-American woman explains her version of the Overton Window.

    I absolutely agree with her description of how the Overton Window works.

    In the presentation, however, she uses presumptuous language designed to guide the viewer to a pointed narrative, using the terms “research” and “evidence”.

    Research and evidence are in quotation marks, because there are no references to research or evidence in the clip I watched. Which makes it conjecture and opinion.

    The first red flag for me was a black woman letting white supremacist’s off the hook. I am paraphrasing here but the message is that blaming white nationalists and white supremacists implies a lower level of intelligence (“How to think beyond stage one”), and then stumping for another one of her videos. Smartly done, for sure, but also self ingratiating.

    But when she starts pontificating about gay and trans, the wheels start coming off the message.

    It becomes clear that she is coming from a right-wing, quasi-religious, conservative ideology.

    She implies that trans leads to pedophilia.

    It doesn’t.

    Pedophiles are sick individuals of all sexual persuasions.

    Then we get into socialism = communism, new world order, etc. It gets laughable/pathetic after that.

    Complete right-wing rubbish.

    But convincing propaganda, for some.

    Learn more about Jesus.

    Not whatever version of the bible you’re reading. Not whatever translation or interpretation.

    Jesus may have been a real person.

    But please put this in context.

    The letter J did not exist when Jesus was alive.

     

  • Memorial Day – 2022

    Today we honor those who fought and died for our freedom.

    Those who fought and died, under the auspice of the United States of America.

    Those who trusted the US Government to send them into harm’s way.

    The courage, bravery and sacrifice of these individuals is beyond reproach.

    They believed.

    Believed in what they were doing, believed in their purpose.

    These people are heroes. Each and every one.

    Period.

    Does the US Government deserve this level of loyalty?

    Just like Russia is taking Ukraine (albeit more successfully), the US took this real estate by force. We decimated the denizens of North America and claimed this land for our own.

    We had superior weapons, numbers, and zero morals.

    We built railroads, and shot humans with rifles for sport. We called them savages.

    We imported labor from Africa.

    The beginnings of our capitalist/democratic society.

    Hey, we weren’t the only ones. Slaves have been a condition of society since the beginning of society.

    Still doesn’t make it right.

    But now that we’ve evolved (purportedly), and have accepted that all humans are human. But that’s not really true, is it?

    Some of you out there think people of a different color are somehow inferior, and don’t deserve the same respect. Or, you’re intimidated by the skills people of color.

    I just realized I’m speaking from the viewpoint of a colorless person. I have no color. I am not a person of color, so I have no color.

    What does that make me?

    I’m good with colorless. I’m a colorless person.

    Fear.

    Fear of losing what you have.

    Fear of change.

    Fear of the unknown.

    Fear, ignorance and anger, together (like a spoiled stew) are motivators.

    It’s stronger than faith.