the disgraced pop princess
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summary: oscar is your salvation after things go horribly wrong
pairing: oscar piastri (no.81) x singer! reader
warnings: TALK OF SA and cyberbullying
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comments
user13: WHAT THE FUCK
user15: This is all her fault. She's a bad person
-> user16: Where did you get that from? An anonymous twitter account?
user14: I AM A CHILD OF DIVORCE
Alexy/l/n: ❤️❤️❤️
CharlesOBrien: the end.
DarrelBowser: fin.
user82: WTF.
user45: how could she ruin this? doesn't she care about the fans?
-> user38: you have no idea what happened? stfu
oscarpiastri: GUYS I'M FREAKING OUT RN WTF.
-> user55: WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?
-> logansargeant: he's been a WINGS fan since he was a teenager. He's been in love with Y/n Y/l/n name since he was like 15.
-> landonorris: Can confirm he's having a breakdown rn.
-> alexalbon: It's all too much for little oscar piastri
->zbrown: Zandvoort is fucked isn't it? @/landonorris @/oscarpiastri
-> landonorris: Sadly, yes.
-> oscarpiastri: VERY MUCH SO, YES.
user90: oscar piastri being a WINGS fan was not on my 2024 bingo card tbh.
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BREAKING NEWS! POPULAR MUSIC GROUP ‘WINGS’ HAVE ANNOUNCED THE END OF THEIR WORLD TOUR, AND THEIR BAND!
Speculation has been flying for weeks due to various sources giving people an inside look into popular music group ‘Wings’. Many fans have been left wondering in recent weeks as the band has been seen arguing on stage, not speaking to each other off-stage, and even some of them have been refusing to go on and perform. Many people have been trying to point fingers to who’s at fault for the end of this historic music group, and various pieces of evidence against the front woman Y/n Y/l/n, the singer, songwriter, and lead bass guitarist of the group. Many pieces against her have been posted to the popular anonymous twitter account ‘@/anonymousmail’, detailing how she has been treating the rest of the band badly, by not letting them write their own music, becoming too controlling over the band, and even going as far as to threaten other members of the band.
Late last night after their last of 5 shows in Las Vegas at the historical Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, where rock and roll legend, Elvis Presley played for years, the front woman Y/n Y/l/n posted a photo of her hugging her brother (and fellow band member), Alex Y/l/n with the caption ‘the end of it all. 12 year old me is crying. so is 22 year old me. bye for now and ever.’. On stage, they announced they were parting ways and were all in tears as they left.
This looks like the end for the group, and this publication is sad to see them go. We wish them all good luck, and we will keep our readers posted on any drama from the unravelling group.
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BREAKING NEWS! ‘WINGS’ LEAD GUITARIST SPEAKS OUT AGAINST Y/N Y/L/N!
In a new-deleted instagram story, the lead guitarist of the band called out Y/n Y/l/n with this statement
‘Good f*****g riddance to that b***h . F******g fame-hungry c**t who could never sing for s**t. Good f**k tho’
This left fans shocked, as Y/l/n has said in the past that they were ‘all friends and would always respect each other, even if the band broke up’ (2021 interview with Vogue). Many people have shipped the two online due to their flirty stage-presence and good banter in interviews, but they always vehemently denied the claims that they were together. In other shocking news, it seems the rest of the band Charles O’Brien (lead guitarist), Alex Y/l/n (new lead singer, ‘Wings’ second guitarist), Darrel Brown (drummer), and Axel Smith (new bass guitarist) will be continuing on with ‘Wings’ as this was posted to the band social media account just days after their announced split.
Y/n Y/l/n has refused to comment and all her social media accounts have gone dark. We’ll keep you updated!
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comments
user12: ZAK BROWN IS WILDIN
user59: HE GETS US, BRING BACK THE REAL WINGS
landonorris: bro plz don't jump wtf
alexalbon: we're here for you buddy :)
logansargeant: he's crying in my driver's room rn. he's unconsolable.
-> user90: bro is DOWN BAD.
mclaren: Please don't crash the car Oscar. We'll bribe you.
-> user47: this is insane.
User58: hey so you're crazy.
georgerussel: We're here for you mate :(
lewishamilton: Missing WINGS rn.
user83: i feel bad that oscar just found out his celebrity crush is a bad person :(
-> user33: phone down. NOW. it's an anonymous twitter account with no credibility.
user55: what Charles said about her was mental.
-> oscarpiastri: AGREED. I ALWAYS HATED HIM.
-> landonorris: PUBLIC ACCOUNT.
-> WINGSfanno1: ur right, my b. AGREED. I ALWAYS HATED HIM.
-> user88: no way oscar piastri has a WINGS fan account 🤣🤣🤣
hater66: I hate Y/n, oscar should too.
hater36: she's a slut and an awful person.
hater22: Y/N Y/L/N HATE CLUB!
->hater82: me too!
->hater100: me too!
->hater3792: me too!
->hater38: me too!
->hater202: me too!
->hater26: me too!
->hater77: me too!
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BREAKING NEWS! Y/N Y/L/N IS SET TO BE ATTENDING THE DUTCH GRAN PRIX THIS WEEKEND!
According to anonymous sources, Y/n Y/l/n will be attending the Dutch Gran Prix this weekend. This comes as a shock since she's deactivated her instagram, most likely due to the break-up of her band. The rest of WINGS will also be in attendance, all as guest of McLaren, whereas Y/n is a guest of Sir. Lewis Hamilton, in the Mercedes garage. They have been seen in public recently and have been sparking dating rumours, despite their age difference. Many fans are now speculating that another reason the band broke up is the supposed cheating rumours. Y/l/n was apparently dating lead guitarist Charles O'Brien, but cheated on him with 7 time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton. Their paparazzi photos certainly seem to paint a picture...
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You woke up puffy-eyed and angry. 3 days ago, you were on tour living your life to the fullest, singing and touring with your best friends, and your chosen family. At least, that's what you thought they were. It turns out they'd all been trying to get you out of the band that you started, for a couple of months now. They'd been lying to the press about you, making every little thing you did seem worse than it was, and your 'best friend' Charles O'Brien decided it was time to get you drunk enough to sleep with him.
You felt used. Every time you four went in for a record session, a new contract, a new show, you were told that you were the only reason the band was famous. You were the real talent.You were the moneymaker. You always brushed it off, telling them that you were so good, because the band was so good. You didn't give a fuck about people telling you to get out before they swindled you and felt you in the dirt. Now you wished you had listened. Now you wished you hadn't seen so blind to their blatant disregard for you. Now you wished you'd broken off from them years ago, even your brother.
Charles had been the backbone of getting you out, that you knew. He'd always hated how you got credit for making the band popular, when it really was you who made the band popular. It had been your idea to start a youtube channel at 12 years old, it had been your idea to enter your schools battle of the bands at 13 years old, and it was you who took the risk and trusted a manager for the first time, even going as far as being the only one to sign the contract, so they could always get out of it. You'd always been so considerate, so protective, so blind.
Today was the Dutch Gran Prix, and Lewis had decided it would be best for you to get out of the hotel room you'd been rotting in and come visit him for the race. You'd been to Gran Prix's before, but mostly when you were younger and not in the middle of a world tour, like you had been for the past year and a half. You left your room looking better than you had in days, you'd done your makeup, worn your favourite outfit, and you'd finally stopped crying. Small victories, right? You hadn't checked social media in days, you knew what you'd find, and you didn't want to know what everyone thought of you. You just wanted it all to stop.
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liked by nicolepiastri, charlesobrien and 772,922 more.
comments
alexalbon: Ok this is becoming pathetic now
-> logansargeant: YOU ONLY THINK IT'S PATHETIC NOW?
georgerussel: Poor kid :(
maxverstappen: 🤣🤣🤣🤣
danielriccardo: I'll swing by with some food. We can cry together brother
-> oscarpiastri: the only real one on the grid 💔💔💔 love you daniel
-> logansargeant: mate I held you when you cried last night.
-> oscarpiastri: and you're still complaining about it. Daniel doesn't complain.
nicolepiastri: Kids these days...
hattiepiastri: please take his phone away from him @/logansargeant, I can't handle anymore embarrassment.
-> logansargeant: I'm trying, I promise.
user67: can we talk about zak brown, wtf?
-> zbrown: he's too sexy to die (and crash my car)??? what don't u get????
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As you walked into the paddock beside Lewis, you felt the cameras on you. He was trying to shield you, but it wasn't exactly working.
"Y/n, how do you feel about what Charles said about you?!"
"Y/n, are you and Lewis together? Did you cheat on Charles?"
What? How could you cheat on Charles when you weren't even dating him? That made no fucking sense. He'd assaulted you. You were going through the motions of suing him. How could anyone think you'd willingly have sex with the boy you'd seen as a brother for the past 22 years of your life?
"Follow me," Lewis whispered, leading you further away from the McLaren garage. "Don't worry about them, they're not going to talk to you."
You nodded, trying to put on a brave face as he led you to the Mercedes garage. You were used to the paddock, Lewis had known you since you were a young teenager embarking on your first tour with a new record deal, he'd shown you around as you stood nervous, just trying to do everything right, make yourself and the band look good. He gave you an important piece of advice that day.
"You don't need to worry about the cameras or the press, be yourself and the rest will come naturally."
A piece of advice you'd followed through your teenage years, and now into your 20's. You were scared again, but this time, you were alone. No band behind you, your brother wasn't there to protect you, and everyone hated you, for no good reason.
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As you sat down in the paddock, Toto gave you a look of pity.
"How's my favourite popstar?" He smirked, trying to cheer you up.
"Disgraced," you groaned, and leaned your head against his shoulder. Mercedes had been like a second family to you, you'd met everyone back when you were 14, just about to start a tour after a song you posted online went viral. Your first stop was Silverstone, playing for so many people made you want to run and hide instead of play, but Lewis and Toto had helped you out, calmed you down, and you'd smashed it. It skyrocketed your fame, and got you an extended record deal.
He sighed. "Not for long. Don't let the boys win, it's always a boy's world."
You chuckled. "Thanks Toto."
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Oscar jogged out of the McLaren garage as WINGS walked in. Logan had promised to let him stay at Williams if the band were too much for him, and he'd just had to listen to Charles O'Brien talk to his race engineer about how it was to fuck you. He felt sick to his stomach, and he didn't have anything else to do ahead of today, so off he went.
"Oscar!" Lewis's voice rung out and Oscar stopped in his tracks, turning to see where it was coming from. "Come here!"
Oscar walked over, confused by the sentiment. Lewis and Oscar didn't often speak before races. He walked over all the same, and there you were. Standing beside him looking gorgeous and flawless, and he knew he was fucked.
"Hi, I'm Y/n," you held out your hand to be shaken, and he did so with vigour, almost squeezing too hard.
"I'm Oscar," he smiled, then dropped your hand.
"See, I am a miracle worker," Logan's voice appeared out of nowhere, and Oscar whipped his head around to see him smirking. "I'm Logan," he introduced himself to you with a handshake which you reciprocated. "Oscar is basically in love with you and your music-"
"Mate!" Oscar tried to cover his mouth, but Logan was already in a laughing fit, as Lewis laughed with him. "I am so sorry about him, he's-"
"It's alright," you smiled. "It's honestly just nice to know that not every WINGS fan hates me now."
He frowned. "I'm really sorry about the break, it must've been awful."
You shrugged. "It was what was best for the band."
"I seriously doubt that. You were like, more than half the reason anyone ever listened," he chuckled. "You're amazing."
You felt yourself heat up. "Thank you. I think you're a pretty amazing driver."
"You watch F1?" He asked.
"Oh yeah, Lewis would kill me if I didn't," you chuckled. "It's also just really interesting, and congratulations on being like, the best rookie of all time."
He blushed and smiled. "Thank you."
You heard a camera snap and the small moment you two were having was ruined. Lewis and Logan had left you two to chat, and obviously now it looked... strange to say the least.
"God, I'd better go, sorry. You probably don't want to be seen with me-"
"I'd rather formulate my own opinion on you, rather than listen to what everyone else is saying. Do you want to go for a walk?"
You smiled, a real, genuine smile. "Yeah, that'd be lovely."
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"So... how are you?" he asked as you walked through the crowds of people.
"I'm alright," you answered hesitantly. "Charles isn't making anything easy."
Oscar sighed. "He's definitely not an easy person to be around."
"You met him?"
"For about 5 minutes before I had to leave so I wouldn't punch him," he chuckled.
You laughed. "He's good at first impressions."
"Evidently," Oscar smirked.
"Yeah it just sucks that he aired all that shit out y'know? It's just... so unfair, especially when the court case is still being pieced together by our lawyers-"
"Wait, what? What do you mean 'court case'?"
"I'm suing him, he assaulted me," you shrugged.
"Holy shit, I'm so sorry," he stopped and took your hand. "I'm so sorry that happened to you."
You stopped for a moment. In the last 72 hours, no one had apologised, no one had checked in, and no one had been so heartbroken for you. Did he have to be perfect?
"T-thank you," you sniffled. "I'd better go, it was nice to meet you, b-bye Oscar."
Oscar was left standing outside Ferrari as you walked off to the Mercedes garage. He felt awful, no one should have that happen to them, and you were so sweet and kind, he almost couldn't believe someone would take advantage of that. He knew one thing though, he needed to see you again.
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comments
hater56: why is lewis still hanging out with her....
hater52: LEWIS RUN
hater79: lewis get away from the slut plz
oscarpiastri: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
-> lewishamilton: out of my comment section now.
-> y/nyl/n: stfu lewis
hater67: how is she still famous?
alexalbon: PLZ LET HER SWING BY WILLIAMS
-> logansargeant: I SECOND THIS ^^^^^
-> y/ny/l/n: omw rn
-> oscarpiastri: same. (just a conincidence)
-> logansargeant: 🧐🧐🧐
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comments
hater77: she's so annoying, why does he like her?
-> oscarpiastri: girl. have you seen or meet her? THAT'S WHY
user66: This is insane.
alexalbon: nurse he's out again!
-> logansargeant: he's scoping out Williams to find her. come back soon plzzzz
lewishamilton: it was embarrassing...
georgerussell: good luck with keeping away from you @/y/ny/l/n !
-> y/ny/l/n: 👍👍👍👍
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Oscar walked into Williams with one objective, to see you. He needed to talk to you again. As he was searching, he finally bumped into you.
"You found me," you smiled.
"I did," he smiled. "And I was wondering if you'd want to talk more."
"Well, right now I have to get to Mercedes," you explained and he deflated slightly. "But I can give you my number and we can get dinner sometime?"
He was elated.
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Months of texting and dating, healing with Oscar, getting into the studio, and finally, your next single was ready. It was called 'Labyrinth', and it was about how Oscar had turned everything around for you. He was perfect. Kind, a gentleman, funny, sweet, everything. You loved him. He loved you.
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navigation for my blog :) (masterlist)
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His Chosen Bride (Senator!Coriolanus Snow x Capitol Reader).
Chapter 1
masterlist
series masterlist
excerpt
summary: senator coriolanus snow seems on top of the world with everything in his life ahead of him except for one thing. the perfect bride. in his pursuit, your life changes forever.
word count: 1.7k
a/n: thank you everyone for your patience as I prepared this!! i hope you all love it and show your support through likes, reblogs and especially comments of what you thought! i love hearing what my readers and other people in the fandom think about my work, so any of your thoughts would be appreciated.
requests OPEN
Upon his return to the Capitol, his reputation restored, wealth acquired from the Plinths who so generously named him the heir to their grand fortune, his path to power was paved for him and he knew he just had to take the strides to get to the prize. The Presidency.
Coriolanus Snow, scion of one of the oldest and most elite of bloodlines of the great Panem families was home, his shameful exile to District 12 remembered by no one and purged from the registry.
Enrolled in university and an apprentice gamemaker, he was eventually promoted to become Senior Gamemaker upon Dr. Gaul’s semi-retirement and her preparation to hand off the reins to her protégé. Her brain child whom she molded from the vestiges of his sorrow and pain, of his loss in the districts and what hardened him into the man he was now.
When he graduated with honours from the political science department, it was only a few months before he was elected in a landslide to become the youngest Senator in Panem’s history, relying on his contributions to the recent games, memories of his late parents to those of a certain age to secure his win.
He would have considered re-election for another term before advisors of his and other cabinet members of the old, sickly President Ravinstill were close to swearing their support but all echoed the same thing that he lacked, they said. It was not his youth, he was wise for his age they said, but he was not married. If he had a wife, they said - they would be on board for his presidential election. And it seemed that election would be sooner than later, even before his first term finished.
Coriolanus needed to find a wife, not just of good breeding, but of the most impeccable lineage, from among the most illustrious hundred or so families of Capitol society. It was a given it would be purely political and strategic, someone whom he could not love and open his heart to after his previous tragedy pursuing such.
The perfect bride. The search for the perfect companion, the woman whom he would call his wife, his future first lady, and mother of his heirs. The ideal woman who would bridge the gap between his dreams to make them a reality.
He could not just choose the first possible candidate recommended to him or that caught his eye, Coriolanus had to devise a thorough, multi-step testing process to find his perfect wife, his bride.
A rigorous procedure would be curated in finding her. Interviews, tests, exams, genealogical inquiries, fitness tests, and practice scenarios will be prompted from eligible candidates, already filtering through those only from the old, grand families upon application.
Digging through his family library into the latest edition handbook of noble and elite families of the Capitol’s upper class, the creme de la creme, ignoring recently disgraced clans, ones full of scandal and controversy, with plenty of illegitimate children, and extinct ones rotting in poverty nearly like his own had he not reversed their fortune.
He scheduled a meeting with his advisors and closest allies on creating the program, the selection process, examinations and interrogation, and how to make the announcement for the families of these eligible girls to put their names in, with their consent or not.
Coriolanus Snow was born from the upper echelon of society, and only deserved the best woman with whom he would continue his lineage with and hail his presidency with. No one had dared, rather self-important he could argue if he cared, to make as many girls clamour for his attention rather than to propose to a woman of his choice.
Just as he was about to put the book down and shut it closed, a name caught his attention. Yours. Your lineage, accomplishments, your etiquette were second to none, and he had to have you. At all costs. He would burn heaven and hell, but the question remains - would he win you over? Or will he have to force your hand no matter what?
Besides, he requires others to choose from, even if you are the most qualified. It would not do well for your ego to have the satisfaction you were chosen for. He wants you to want it, to beg for it, claim it and aspire to be one worthy to be by his side, motivated by the competition who would slit your throat and ruin your reputation for it.
And yet a lingering thought crept up his mind. He had brought life back into the Hunger Games, that was on its dying breath before his arrival, why not another? Everything is a game if you try hard enough.
…
A brightly lit room surrounded you as you grabbed a few more pieces of dandelions and baby’s breath bunches for your bouquet, in your floral arrangement lessons for the week. Under the watchful eye of your teacher, a premiere florist who is hired by the Capitol’s elite for the most fashionable and well-sought events every season.
Hailing from one of the oldest families among the Capitol’s blue bloods, your family may not be the wealthiest but definitely prosperous to be among them, yet your lineage is prominent even before Panem’s founding, the most ancient of them all.
In your family home’s perfectly manicured garden, you immerse yourself in the arrangement, something that would impress your teacher yet also something you would find pleasant in a vase by your study. No way would someone of your heritage be found associating with anything subpar.
After your studies at the Academy, your lessons and tutoring would never end, usually something different for each day. Piano, ballet, etiquette, floristry, household management, painting and so on.
As you gathered a crimson bow around the branches of your bouquet, you could hear murmurs among the uniformly dressed maids and servants around the stately home, as your mother jaunted towards you in her glossy designer heels.
“Yes, mother?” You greeted politely, observing the unreadable expression on your mother’s face.
She approached you carefully, gently taking your hands in her own, soft and having never experienced hardship.
“A great honour has been bestowed on you, daughter. A promising Senator has taken a liking to you, and wants you to be considered for his future bride.” Your mother smiles in celebration and pride, and your brows furrow in consternation.
“A Senator as old as father? A man old enough to be my grandfather-”
“Hush, darling. He is young, from a proper family of the elite family unlike those Plinths, new money scum. Senator Coriolanus Snow, the son of late General Crassus Snow and his wife Victoria Snow. He is only twenty four, I think you would like him.” She brushes your hair behind your ears, but you turn away from her, pushing her hands away.
“Twenty four, when I am eighteen?”
Your mother shrugs. “It is the way of the world I suppose. I was your age when I met your father. Eighteen and he was twenty one, a match fit for the sort like us.”
“You mentioned I was being considered but no outright proposal or courting has begun. What do you mean?”
She unveiled a large envelope she was holding behind her back, taking it out for you before a gold hued canvas invitation was unveiled.
Dear Y/N L/N and family,
I hope this letter finds you well. As I have progressed through my career as a gamemaker and politician, it has been too long since I have navigated through life without a lifelong companion and wife.
You are a woman of unblemished character, accomplished in many ways, intelligent, well-bred and would fit the bill of what a man like me seeks in a future partner.
There is no guarantee that you must receive this invitation and accept, but rather that your name will be included in a pool of candidates to be considered. I hope that you and your family would view this as a position of honour, and even if you shall not be chosen, you will be compensated for your time and this shall only raise your standing in our society.
Please reply to the number and address attached below with your response, and I would be beholden and pleased to hear if you would put your name forward to possibly become my future First Lady.
Sincerely,
Senator Coriolanus Snow
You could not believe it, the humiliation of not being asked directly for one’s hand in marriage but having to compete with other ladies of society and grovel for his attention.
“Are you and papa seriously making me do this? The Hunger Games to be someone’s wife and heir maker?!”
Your mother sighs, shaking her head as she crosses her arms. “You do not understand, child. I have heard of other elite families whose daughters, sisters, nieces such as the Heavensbees, the Cardews, Dovecotes, among a few have been invited and all have accepted. No one would even think to refuse a Snow!”
“But it is not guaranteed. How would I not be offended if he did not make a guaranteed offer but wants me to participate like I am in a beauty pageant. I have to close off even entertaining other suitors and I am not even assured that I will not be left dry and humiliated if I was not chosen.”
“Your grandmother was Miss Panem many years ago before the war and those rebels ruined everything, I am sure he will choose you. Even if he did not, any other unmarried peer of yours would scoop you up in no time, that if Snow perceived you as someone potential, they are from the cream of the crop.”
You sighed, putting down your shearing tools and your bunches of daisies and baby’s breath. You never liked roses.
“You have always aimed for the stars, daughter. Would you pass on an opportunity like this or be forgotten to the tombs of time?” Your mother suggests, walking over to you with a guiding hand on your shoulder. “Choose wisely if you want to make something of yourself, to not pass on opportunities like this.
Golden letter in hand, you stared intensely at the dark line above your name, signifying whether you would submit your name or not. With a bold stroke of your ink pen, you sign your fate and future away. I agree to participate.
Let the games begin.
His Chosen Bride Taglist:
(if your name is bolded, I put in your user but it didn't show up when prompted so I'm not sure if you got notified!) Please let me know if you'd like to be added and reminded every time I update.
@xsunaxrinx
@bialuvss
@emma0320
@callieyanderechan
@crimsonred13
@starcrosslove
@castellandiangelo
@sylmthadmnglla13
@tragicmiserybone
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@coriosbunni
@nora4us
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@imperfectophelia
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@ellie-bellie-29
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@dante-pearl
@yuuuumii
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@everythingjp
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@aslalali
@addriaenne
@joyfulyouthlover
@rbrsvb
@motomami111
@imamybubbles
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@crystalstars88
@cc13723things
@izzy02soph
@shycandykitty
@thtweirdointhecornr1917
@drpeperrlover11
@starmaiden
@itz-me-cherie
@papi-chulo69000
@meetmeatyourworst
@sombodynotimportant
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@bellaramseysgirlfriend
@mari-mari12
@kis9na
@lvrdilfs
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@livid-euphoria
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@byisy
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@atlasedelgard
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@sophs-sofa
@dreammie-marrie
@cos-ilsee
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@lysonal
@tiffdx
@bingxuu
@noothemoo
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Sign of the Day... in Greenwich Village...
(Mary Elaine LeBey)
* * * *
Kamala Harris meets the moment!
September 11, 2024
Robert B. Hubbell
Kamala Harris’s debate performance exceeded the unfair and asymmetrical expectations imposed on her by the press and pundits. She was terrific—in command of the facts, unfazed by Trump's bluster, personable, sincere, and likable but strong. That is a difficult mix to maintain in the face of a torrent of lies shouted by a bully who could not be controlled by the moderators. For those who were worried about the possibility that Kamala Harris would somehow stumble and harm her electoral prospects, put those worries aside. The reverse happened. She soared while Trump collapsed into his hollow shell.
Kamala Harris was confident and at ease. Trump sputtered and dodged in a futile effort to avoid answering the moderators’ questions.
I was struck by judgments delivered during the debate by two preeminent historians. I follow both Heather Cox Richardson and Michael Beschloss on Twitter. Near the end of the debate, the historians posted the following comments, which encapsulated the debate for me:
Heather Cox Richardson: “Trump is proving world leaders like him by citing Viktor Orban. Dear heavens. She is walking him like a poodle.”
Michael Beschlossos: “From start to end, Kamala Harris has just delivered what is easily one of the most successful Presidential debate performances in all of American history.”
First, I hope HCR writes a book or starts a rock band with the name, “Walking Him Like a Poodle.” HCR’s comment gets to the pith of the debate: Kamala Harris was in charge, leading Trump into traps he knew were traps but could not avoid. In the instance cited by HCR, VP Harris chided Trump, saying that world leaders laugh at him and military leaders believe he is a “disgrace.” Trump responded by citing Viktor Orbán as a leader who respects him. As HCR said, “Dear heavens.” Trump was outmatched and outclassed—bigly.
Michael Beschloss’s comment is significant because it ranks Harris’s performance in the historical context of presidential debates. The precise ranking of her performance matters less than the fact it will be near the top, according to one of the nation’s preeminent historians.
There is too much to cover in tonight’s newsletter, so I will focus on the major newsworthy positions revealed in the debate. I will return later in the week to additional subjects when transcripts and analyses are available. Of note:
Harris presented herself as a candidate offering “generational change.”
Harris advocated for the middle class and small businesses.
Harris promised to sign a bill enacting the protections of Roe v. Wade.
Harris promised to sign the border bill that Trump convinced Republicans to kill.
Harris promised to reinstitute the child tax credit and institute a $6,000 credit for families with newborns
Trump refused to acknowledge that he lost the 2020 election.
Trump refused to express any regret for anything he did or failed to do regarding the January 6 insurrection.
Trump refused to say whether he would veto a national abortion ban.
Trump repeatedly claimed that Democrats advocate for the execution of babies after birth.
Trump refused to say why he urged Republicans to defeat the border bill.
Trump claimed that tariffs are “taxes on foreign nations.”
Trump refused to say whether he hoped Ukraine would defeat Russia war of aggression.
Trump said he didn’t have a plan for healthcare after nine years but has only “concepts for a plan.”
Trump repeated a racist slur that Haitian migrants are stealing and eating pets them in Springfield, Ohio.
No one who watched the debate could believe anything other than the fact that Kamala Harris is smart, capable, and up to the challenge of serving as president and commander-in-chief. Moreover, the debate served as a hyper-charged “media interview”—complete with hostile questions and an obnoxious heckler.
One of the first commentators to publish a review of the debate is David Frum in The Atlantic, How Harris Roped a Dope | She stayed human when Trump went feral. Per Frum,
Vice President Kamala Harris walked onto the ABC News debate stage with a mission: trigger a Trump meltdown.
She succeeded.
Former President Donald Trump had a mission too: control yourself. He failed.
Trump lost his cool over and over. Goaded by predictable provocations, he succumbed again and again.
Trump was pushed into broken-sentence monologues—and even an all-out attack on the 2020 election outcome. He repeated crazy stories about immigrants eating cats and dogs, and was backward-looking, personal, emotional, defensive, and frequently incomprehensible.
One final note: During the debate, I received outraged emails from readers about the moderators' failure to control Trump or treat Kamala Harris fairly. While true, let’s not make the debate about the moderators. That is what Republicans are doing tonight—to avoid talking about Trump's meltdown. Let’s focus on Kamala Harris’s ability to show Americans that she is up to the job of being president. That’s the story; let’s not bury the lead.
[Robert B. Hubbell Newsletter]
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