[teejers1]

I have read that our allies are basically willing to give the U.S. a pass for the last four years if it makes a change in November.

Those who wrote that are mistaken. Many of our allies have various problems with the US to begin with. The last four years provide a great excuse to act upon those problems. The thing that slows such actions down is the extent to which these allies benefit from the alliance. However it is now credible to argue that the US is not reliable and those benefits can't be relied upon. What if there is another Trump? That damage isn't EVER going to go away. Previously, it could be dismissed as impossible. Not any more.

OMG, people get a hold of yourselves.  Trump is so far in your heads you all are like deer in headlights.

The institutions are far stronger than any one individual (and if not, how valuable were those institutions in the first place?).  A little faith.  This (like the virus) shall pass.

P.S.  Somebody just needs to set Joe's alarm clock for Election Night - no need to see him before that.  The downside is too great.

[teejers1]

I have read that our allies are basically willing to give the U.S. a pass for the last four years if it makes a change in November.

Those who wrote that are mistaken. Many of our allies have various problems with the US to begin with. The last four years provide a great excuse to act upon those problems. The thing that slows such actions down is the extent to which these allies benefit from the alliance. However it is now credible to argue that the US is not reliable and those benefits can't be relied upon. What if there is another Trump? That damage isn't EVER going to go away. Previously, it could be dismissed as impossible. Not any more.

OMG, people get a hold of yourselves.  Trump is so far in your heads you all are like deer in headlights.

The institutions are far stronger than any one individual (and if not, how valuable were those institutions in the first place?).  A little faith.  This (like the virus) shall pass.

P.S.  Somebody just needs to set Joe's alarm clock for Election Night - no need to see him before that.  The downside is too great.