German elections on Sunday...
 

Okay - here is my election forecast:

CDU: 36%
SPD: 18%
AFD: 15%
FDP: 11%
Die Grünen: 10%
Die Linken: 10%

All numbers plus/minus 1.

And the winner is: Surprise! Surprise! - Angela Merkel!!!

So far, so bad. Business as usual. But 15% for the new Nazionalsozialisten is horrible. Absolutely horrible. Many countries shifted extremely to the right in the last years (USA) so just 15% in Germany should be considered as tolerable. But it is not. 72 years after the end of the Nazi regime there will be Nazis again in the German Reichstag which is such a shame. An incredible shame.

Definately identify with the 'terrible shame' feeling. Even General Kelly does.

https://i2.wp.com/cdn.bipartisanrepo...size=640%2C328

The Russian preference would be?

The Russian preference -- Merkel.

She is a powerful, sober counter to erratic Trump.

She tried hard to prevent an escalation in Ukraine but was often opposed by the "Nulands" in the Obama admin.

She has an understanding of the concerns of Russia and is not hysterical like the whining Baltics. Notice their over the top reaction to Zapad 2017 -- a red line statement from Russia.

She is the leader with the clout to steer and complete the northern gas line to Germany from Russia. This line has been attacked and opposed from many fronts.

You know, I just glanced at the famous facepalm pic again, and it strikes me that even Meliana, who tries not to emote, is registering what might be dismay at that second.

I can't understand how she puts up with the constant public embarrassment especially since it seems she is a somewhat private person.

Trump money??:D:)

All I can say in this context is that Michelle was a sort of goddess. An intelligent, humorous, educated and very beautiful American First Lady Icon. Miss her.

I suppose money is the obvious answer, but even considering the money... I still can't wrap my head around it.

There would be no amount of money that would be enough for me to allow myself to be treated the way he treats her. And, that treatment is just what we see in public. Probably worse in private.

I really miss Michelle, too.