The View From The Institutions

GOP Rep. Dan Meuser on CNN euphemistically describes a lawsuit he's involved in challenging Pennsylvania ballots mailed home from abroad by members of the military as "a law-abiding court-based protest." An incredulous Brianna Keilar challenges him -- and Meuser has nothing. pic.twitter.com/ff0bWv8uUV

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 18, 2024

It seems the trial court agreed.

NEW: Suit 6 GOP Congressmen brought to challenge Pennsylvania process for overseas voters loses traction over timing, standing issues.
Federal Judge Christopher Conner (GW Bush) in Harrisburg didn't sound receptive to taking action before Election Day.https://t.co/DaiiiKpFiL

— Josh Gerstein (@joshgerstein) October 18, 2024

I will confess I’m not sure Trump is in “mental decline” so much as old age (disinhinbition) and public exposure has finally rendered it undeniable that the Emperor is naked. No matter; the blood is finally in the journalistic water, and the sharks are frenzied.

Finally, Trump’s Alarming Mental Decline Has Become a Big Media Story https://t.co/Jl2hd6uypo

— The New Republic (@newrepublic) October 19, 2024

Thank you @BostonGlobe for this. It’s time we all acknowledge how unwell and unfit Donald Trump is. pic.twitter.com/ENJ2oaEHCd

— John Pavlovitz (@johnpavlovitz) October 18, 2024

“He is disoriented.” Wolf Blitzer is as perplexed by Trump as you are. He asks Maggie Haberman, “Why do you think his speeches are getting crazy?”. (Video: CNN) pic.twitter.com/r6dhvy1u3m

— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) October 18, 2024

Transcript: NYT Exposes Alarming New Signs of Trump’s Mental Decline https://t.co/ZumAOPZabF

— The New Republic (@newrepublic) October 19, 2024

“You would be worried if your grandpa was acting like this” — Obama pic.twitter.com/31Vvtvi2Fh

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 18, 2024

And then there are the voters:

In Pennsylvania: “I think Trump is the Antichrist,” said Susan, 72. “This man is so despicable, the way he puts down people, degrades people, lies constantly, calls everybody names. She said she plans to vote for the first time in her life this fall…” https://t.co/rFvhDUaTTd

— Barbara Comstock (@BarbaraComstock) October 19, 2024

It’s official!

Over 1 Million Michigan citizens have voted already!

And over 2.2 Million have requested their ballots.

Over two weeks to go and we are on track for a great turnout this year!

Find out more at https://t.co/qzMX2WLYdM pic.twitter.com/X3ydNMRxys

— Jocelyn Benson (@JocelynBenson) October 19, 2024

North Carolina early voters top 2020 numbers during Helene recovery https://t.co/UJPb1nubCi

— Axios (@axios) October 18, 2024

The storm-impacted portions of NC are still in early recovery (it will be years). Which means either people in those areas are determined to vote; or people in other areas of the state are turning out in truly record numbers (the data relied on by Axios is not particular enough to tell). Either way, big turnout in early voting states is now a common story. I don’t think the enthusiasm for Trump is that strong (he’s been running too long). So it’s enthusiasm for Harris, or just a desire to end this interminable election campaign.

We’ll see.