If someone in Trump's audience had yelled out liposuction, who knows what we'd be talking about today.
12
Shaa doesn't make free throws, Trump doesn't fit the Presidential mold. Get over it.
What an absolute dunderhead. If any acquaintance behaved this way he’d very quickly become a former acquaintance in most circles. No one I know would tolerate such an insufferable clod no matter the circumstance. The only problem he clearly sees; the one that drives his inexorable quest for victim status, is being insufficiently adored.
20
Excellent Op-ed!!
11
If I'm guilty of treason, then Trump is guilty of reason.
7
So well written and a dead on analysis of Trump. But alas, the people that really need to hear this do not read this paper.
29
The only treason that has been commited has been the Trump campaign's willing collaboration with Russian intelligence services to ensure its election victory at any cost. Despite all the efforts of the Fox/Murdoch propaganda machine, Breitbart, etc. Trump has been clearly exposed as a liar, cheater and swindler.
15
I spent 28 years serving this country as a member of the US Army. I never doubted for a minute that I was doing something that was right. Never in my worst days would I have considered myself treasonous. Yet today, the president, would call me a traitor because I do not support many of his policies and I too was a member of the viewing audience that did not applaud his State of the Union speech.
This president is a small man with an overblown ego and sense of entitlement.
47
Hi Frank - love your columns!
Question: If dems not clapping at his speech are treasonous (sure, why not, we can call it that...), then what about the 8 years of repubs who didn't clap nor stand at Obama's SOTUS speeches, even going as far as yelling "you lie!' Are they not equally treasonous and unamerican? I haven't seen anyone mention that.
28
yes, yes, yes, but it is not enough. Reasoned discourse will not stop this dangerous child/man. Everyone MUST oppose this more than an embarrassment - a real DANGER!!!
10
In the olden days in America, a specific crime had to be alleged to get a warrant.
5
Me too. I refused to even listen to the speech. Perhaps I need to be sent to Guantanamo Bay for the duration.
12
Just read that Nevada Republicans want to recall the Democratic Representatives because they are not for the Republican agenda. It appears several Republican lead states are wanting to recall Democrats in state government & replace them with Republicans who will push the Republican agenda. Talk about treason. When did one party decide it could recall anyone who does not represent their agendas? What has happened to America the Home of The Free? Trump attacking everyone who does not clap for him or bow in his presence, attacks the Law Enforcement Agencies of this country, wants to shut down Free Speech & Free Press, wants to do away with the two party system...Is this not TREASON???
15
So silly. Again, as usual, I must say, I didn't vote for him, not a supporter and think a lot of the same things you do. Egotistical, unqualified, narcissistic, etc. But, I am not going to exaggerate everything he does, pretend he's psychotic or an autocrat (less so than Obama) or that nothing he does is good.
Mr. Bruni surely knows that he didn't say it b/c he wasn't applauded, but that there was also no applause for things all Americans can agree on. Plus, if you actually listen to what he said, he was plainly kidding. Partisans, of course, lose all sense of humor with respect to anything the other side says or pretends that metaphors were meant literally (e.g., when the right claims the left literally believe in a "living constitution"). It is part of the game. So, I guess, go ahead and pretend he believes that Americans are treasonous who don't applaud him. But, don't complain when the right says that Mrs. Clinton claimed women should stay home and bake cookies.
And seriously, as insulting, demeaning and uncivil as Trump can be, on a daily basis he is called psychotic, autocratic and other insulting things. Why can't he say treasonous if you can say autocratic? He can fight back.
I don't know why I expect better from both sides or the press. I should have learned by now. Partisans just don't care what is right or wrong, they care only about what they think helps or hurts their side.
2
According to Sarah Sanders (and several of the writers in this comment thread) when Donald Trump accused the sildent Democrats of treason, he was just kidding.
Okay, my turn:
Given the way he talks about his daughter, is it possible Donald Trump is the Humbert Humbert of politics?
Just kidding.
9
You are? You mean you sat down with Russian ambassador Kislyak while the Trump admin was still in transition to discuss improving relations and lifting Russian sanctions? Listening to progressives, that certainly was an act of treason. Say it ain't so, Frank.
Where there is treason, there must be an act of betrayal. How have the Democrats betrayed their country by not clapping? Is it really giving aid and comfort to the enemy to show that not all Americans are in lockstep with their president?
4
I imagine Resident Trump (he will not earn the P from me) has been stewing about having a military parade since he was in France last year for Bastille Day. He must love parades from his days in military school. People say he has the biggest case of arrested development in the history of the world or even the universe.
13
A suggestion for the Democrats. For Trump's next state-of-the-union (assuming we still have one), sit with your hands inside large knitted hand-warmers. If asked the reason for the unusual gear, say it's to be discreet when you flip him the bird.
8
In comedy, time and context is everything, and this 'joke' wasn't funny.
It was rude, arrogant, childish, and lacking in both sufficient historical and etymological perspective.
Was stony-faced not-clapping for Obama's state of the union speeches, or even crying 'you lie', simply unrecognized hilarious comedy . . or was it treasonous? By Trump's definition, it was clearly the second.
A president - well, an adult, should not joke about treason, the only crime defined in the Constitution.
A president - well, an adult, should not feel the constant compulsion to bash any who don't agree with him.
A president - well, an adult, should not be this profoundly insecure.
10
Commenters who are sputtering and gasping for air need to develop a thicker, and less selective, hide. About one of ten of them below explicitly accuse Trump of treason (though few, if any, understand the legal requirements of that doctrine). And even fewer (of all of us) thought Obama was actually encouraging physical violence when he announced in 2016 that Democrats should not bring a knife to a gun fight.
Trump has trolled everyone perfectly. Whether a president should be in the business of trolling anyone is open to question, but those who are most vociferous come at this with very unclean hands.
If non-aplause for a sitting president is treason, then the Democrats are not the first to commit it. I clearly remember not only our Republican Representative, Paul Ryan's lack of applause, but his clear disdain with audible remarks during President Barrack Obama's first State of the Nation address. I was appalled that anyone in the congress would behave that way. My "innocence" shattered, that negative image of the real Paul Ryan remains.
11
What would happen if for 24 hours everyone (including the media), completely ignored everything Trump said and gave him absolutely no attention whatsoever? Why do we all take the bait? Hmmm.
16
I didn't applaud. I thought many of his remarks were an insult to the intelligence of the nation. But as one writer for the NYTimes said, when we are mired in name-calling, we are playing along with Trump. Instead, we should focus on what his speech did NOT contain. It contained little or nothing of substance. It contained nothing that healed the nation's wounds. It did nothing to bring people together to agree on a vision for the future. It claimed credit where none is due, and passed the buck where the responsibility clearly lies with the speaker. It did not contain the truth, although parts of it were not incorrect. It did not paint a picture of the speaker as a great man. Instead, it magnified his faults and weaknesses. It was a disappointment, and it amplified his complete and utter failure in the office of the presidency.
11
I was born on a tea estate in one of the far away countries in Asia. As a kid, I wore a hat, when the white Superintendent of the estate shouted at me for not removing the hat, when I saw him. Those were the times of colonialism and aristocracy, several decades ago.
Today, we live in the 21st century. It is sad to watch what is happening here in our own country.
It is not right to use words like "treasonous" on some one, unless that person has committed a crime. Also, we must all remember that we cannot demand respect. To gain respect, we must respect others.
8
When he uses the phrase, "Can we call that treason?" I believe he's referring to John A. Stormer's book, "None Dare Call it Treason." A good friend of mine from college recommended it to me back in 1964, and I found it appalling at the time, filled with paranoia. It's a terrible shame those views are becoming more mainstream.
2
I'm afraid his level of intellect is the same as the heads of most major corporations. Our nation has not prospered in decades, because risk is no longer tied to reward, and ability is no longer tied to business achievement. Losing money has become more "profitable" than actual work. Trump still received loans after multiple bankruptcies. Your level of achievement is not determined by your intellect and skills, but to whom you are related, and to whom you donate.
3
After 8 years of nothing but beautiful talk and no action, Frank and others are confused by a leader who doesn't speak as eloquently and nicely. He just does things that make the country better.
1
Everytime I think I have heard and seen it all with Trump, he never fails to deliver something that reminds me that there are no limits to how low and deranged he can be. So here is my latest reaction:
Yes, I am still at a loss for words....
7
I wonder how much of America will be left after the next 3 years have passed. Now Trump wants a military parade down Pennsylvania Avenue that will tear up the pavement. Who will pay for the repairs? What about the damage to our self-image as the land of the free, when we have a parade made to rival Russia and North Korea?
I am a patriot. I believe in the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I doubt the president has read any of them.
9
In an otherwise well-reasoned column Mr. Bruni describes the Democrats' refusal to applaud the president's speach as "largely theatrical." Does this mean that the Dems. should gamely gone along with protocol and clapped?
1
If I were subpoenaed for some reason and did not appear, I would be punished. The police would track me down and remove me from my home. If I can't get away with it, why can a president? Little don has disempowered every possible legal means. And Mueller just wants a chat. Without it, the evidence still abounds. Little don is digging a deeper hole just as Nixon's obfuscations ultimately led to the worst possible consequences. Mueller needs to demand his appearance in the strictest possible legal terms. Lawyers should only deal with the consequences not contribute to obfuscation.
4
I don't think it's a joke to Trump that half the room didn't clap; watch his body language. The looks he leveled at the non-clappers was bone-chilling. There was real anger there. It struck me that this was one of the few times he's had to endure a non-appreciative audience. For most of his speeches he screens for supporters, kicks out protesters, and buses in staff to clap on cue. If he could have MADE the Democrats clap, I'm sure he wouldn't have hesitated. Instead, he solved the assault on his psyche by simply not looking at them; his whole body turned away for long stretches of time. Watch out for this man, he's dangerous.
10
At this point I think NOT clapping for Trump is actually very patriotic and American. I intend to not clap for him as often as possible.
8
Enough with the "What he said today" stuff. Trump and the GOP have created a simple, effective methodology for basically subverting American politics far beyond any previous digressions in to "whimsy" on the right. The visible pattern is to say anything and do something else, to diverge from track and to create issues which go nowhere.
Occasionally they do what they said they'd do, but obviously that's not a major priority. with a virtually illiterate electorate and insiders as the audience. Less visible are the obvious extra-curricular activities - What else is going on in this gigantic sewer?
A few minutes a day generating divisive words are enough to distract from the other 23.9/7/365 ongoing, self-help exercises. Buried under all this useless froth and gas must be much more remunerative things. I suggest more scrutiny of the things that aren't being mentioned, and less attention to the distractions.
1
I have always enjoyed your opinions and, this piece, written so succinctly and on point, took my breath away. I've often felt Trump projects his deepest self-knowledge and darkest fears onto the world, his enemies, but you nailed it. If plotting and planning the downfall of American democracy is treason, than 'lock him up' for he is guilty on all counts.
4
If the treason comment was a joke, why didn't he smile and say, "heh, heh, only kidding?" More curious, I noted his selected group that stood behind him. They stood there poker faced during much of his speech. When it came to the treason "joke" none of them, save one, even changed from poker face to, well what? A sort of half laugh as one man did? No one else changed their expression. It was a "this is really boring" look from the group.
That Mr. Trump can't get an audience response for his show must make him feel like he's really slipping. He couldn't get them to stand, or clap or anything. With a few exceptions, even his own did not look very interested, excited or enthusiastic. Perhaps they were afraid that the next act might be troublesome not only for Trump, but for themselves as well.
5
I've come to this conclusion -- if people don't see it by now, they are incapable of seeing it. It's so obvious what's going on with Trump and his crew. They're not even trying to hide it or spin it. So the obvious is just obvious with no taint of the possibility of its being labeled a conspiracy theory.
I know white people who aren't racists who support him. I know black people with advanced degrees who support him. Recently, one of these acquaintances asked me why I didn't think Trump's business-like approach wasn't going to help fix America.
And that's when it hit me. There's no need to explain it. As out in the open as Trump's agenda -- The Agenda of Trump -- is, there is nothing I can say to persuade someone who believes he's something he SO clearly is not.
But -- thank you, Mr. Bruni, for continuing to put the explanation so precisely and so eloquently. You, I do not find baffling.
5
NOTHING that Bruni wrote is surprising. Through the campaign, pundits, individuals and others have wondered who could work in Trump's administration because he trusts no one (except himself and maybe his kin), he turns on people in a snap, and he uses the insult as a weapon. We have seen his advisors leave or commit the same perjurious acts--including Kelly, Sanders-Huckabee, and Miller. It is pathetic.
And his cabinet is remarkable if only by being so tone deaf and blind to respect for Americans. (Mnuchin, Price, Carson, Pruitt, Sessions are the first five to come to mind but throw in perry, Tillerson, and others for good measure.). I don't know why pundits keep thinking that Trump is anyone but who he has demonstrated himself to be for 50 years now.
3
Excellent article! I will only clap when he leaves our WH and not before. Although I consider him unhinged, possibly due to a lifetime of narcissism and a walking definition of a sociopath, but the 'somebody' Trump always refers to is himself. I don't think his dementia consists of hearing multiple voices inside that vast echo chamber sitting on his shoulders, but it is his own voice he is referring to, the one inside his head, that he uses to bolster his ego, or validate crazy claims made against others. Aka 'somebody' said it was treasonous not to clap for Trump, and this was probably the same 'somebody' who told him he was a greater president than Washington or Lincoln. Trump is all kinds of crazy.
But, there are times he is just pressing our buttons, stirring the pot, or punking. All actions of a juvenile and not recommended behavior for an adult man imitating a president.
Then there's his constant need for attention and to distract us from the horrors under Trump. Americans still do not know what, if anything has been done to protect our U.S. elections in November from Putin. Nielsen of Homeland Security is hiding from public scrutiny and may have joined Pruitt in his secure communications booth in order to do so.
4
Trump is, in every conceivable way I can imagine, a grotesque creature. To call him a man would be doing a great injustice to men of real character.
18
In some countries (over the course of history) failure to show adequate enthusiasm for the ‘leader-of-the-moment’ was considered a crime punishable by extremely harsh measures.
9
My state, Pennsylvania, was named for a man who didn't believe kings were any better than anybody else and that you needn't show them any more deference than you would to any other person. Some of us here at least feel that Trump is a whole lot worse than most other people and certainly all other presidents.
6
Yes, but those were all BAD countries.
[Channeling Arnold Schwarzenegger from 'True Lies'....]
1
Mr. Bruni, you are too generous to spend more than a minute analyzing our president’s words. Every week, every day, his blather plunges White House intelligence to new lows. The “treasonous” comment is a particularly deep fall. The time that it takes to ask “did he actually say that?” and immediately grasp the irony, is time wasted.
15
This is no different than President Obama's ubiquitous strawman. The republican or conservative ogre that didn't really exist except in every one of his speeches.
1
"To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
― Theodore Roosevelt
46
Servile: precisely, and utterly unAmerican.
1
Trump: "Who's Theodore Roosevelt?"
6
Melania Trump was not clapping either. Treasonous? Why not? Some people are saying....
25
Frank, You are not guilty of treason!
He is just self-projecting. The fact he won at all was due to high treason.
11
Trump is playing to an unexpressed feeling that democracy is depriving the people who support him unconditionally of their rights, so they would be better off with an authoritarian head of state who would assure them of their rights in terms of prosperity, security for themselves, protection from the interference from outsiders who have differing beliefs and priorities in life, and restoration of their sense of living in a country that seems to feel normal and comfortable to them. They mistrust the majority of their fellow citizens' intention and fear that they are going to deprive them of their rights with a tyranny of the majority. The trust that is the basis of democracy is eroding and people like Trump are accelerating the process.
4
If Trump really cared about America, he would address the interference by Russia in our election, even though it benefited him. Trump does not necessarily care about America, the flag, our troops, or anything else for that matter. It's all about Donald Trump. In my work, Mind Insurgent Handbook: Official Field Manual for the Revolution of Reason, I describe the "Master Deceiver" as one who uses the beliefs of others to further his or her own ends. Donald Trump is a Master Deceiver, like past and present dictators and televangelists.
See:
RevolutionOfReason.com
TheRogueRevolutionist.com
7
Oh, Frank. Lighten up. Donald is trolling you expertly. He did add, later, for the benefit of those who are slow on the uptake, that he was tongue in cheek. I thought it was uproariously funny.
It is so easy to get you folks worked up. What are you going to do when he says he's thinking of requiring Nancy and Chuck to swear personal loyalty oaths to him before he lets them into the Oval?
1
What YOU going to do. The use of “you folks” is certainly a heads up to what flag you fly. I fly the flag of the USA, am proud Democrat, work in my community, and believe in a better America and work hard for it. I expect better of my President, we all should.
26
I don’t think the tongue was too far into the cheek. Had no one objected he’d have let the comment stand. Besides calling “treason” from the podium at the State of the Union is inappropriate. I don’t think it was trolling but rather calculated abuse to stimulate his base.
2
And you think this is appropriate presidential behavior?
4
Fact is a huge minority of all American residents would not bother to walk across the street to meet this President Trump, never mind applaud him. His speech was not unusually crafted to be received well. Its significance is irrelevant. Many despise the phenomenon of his victory. We question our fellow Americans' sanity in voting for Trump, especially white women. Applying Trump's yardstick, THEY are guilty of possible treason as they stood up and applauded his candidacy.
8
After a year of Trump's ignorance, lying, emphasis on revenge on anyone who has ever dared to challenge him, I can no longer say that Donald Trump is a problem. Trump is not the problem. Trump is only toxic and a problem because of his enablers and apologists, among them: Gen. Kelly, FOX, Congressional Republicans, and his base. I believe that as much as 95% of his enablers know he's nuts and unfit to be president and a danger to the country, but they refuse to not only do what they know is right but continue to do what they know is wrong. I blame them, not Trump. I have never understood people who feed the ego of narcissists and especially megalomaniacs. When has that ever turned out well? It has amazed me to listen to and read the machinations from Trump supporters and Republicans to defend him, when if they possessed even an ounce of honesty, which they don't, they would know that, were this Obama or Clinton, even a tenth of it, they wouldn't be putting up with it for one day, let alone a year.
The right wing in this country is completely corrupt at this point, and Donald Trump has proved that that is the case beyond any doubt.
16
It is beyond discouraging that any American could think for a minute that we are obliged to clap for Dear Leader....it's actually disgusting.
15
Me too.
2
In some circles, opposing Trump is patriotic. I proudly stand in that circle. This is a man who was elected by a minority, uses his office for personal enrichment, and has ignored common decency. Hopefully we will never elect such a non-qualified serial liar again.
106
All of us who detest this revolting clown must start working on strengthen out our hands.
He is now demanding a military parade!
Those who will attend must clap continuously as the marching band will be playing the national anthem-nonstop-in case any of us will dare to kneel. Flying drones will have orders from Trump to shoot down any non-clapping or kneeling citizen.
4
Treason is the only crime defined in the Constitution - there are no references to clapping in that hallowed text. 45 would have known that if he had only accepted Khizr Khan's kind offer and borrowed his copy.
14
Trump's criminal personality is transparent... to any psychiatrist or criminologist. That "somebody said...." is an old fraud technique, I suppose. In terms of politics, fascist rhetoric is based on it: "Somebody said they saw the missing American currency in a vault in the Rothschild Bank... I dunno...."
8
Americans have been killed for treason. Calling your opposition “treasonous” for not applauding you and commenting that "they look like death" is abhorrent. This man’s disregard for what comes out of his mouth is both his greatest weapon and Meuellers sharpest tool.
15
Snore. The number of Democrats who have accused him, explicitly, of treason is legion. One commenter below accused white women who voted for Trump of treason. Time to develop a thicker, and less selective, hide.
1
When Trump denounces Nazis and their sympathizers, it might be reason to applaud. When he indicates support for the truth in all facets of governing, people might applaud. When he apologizes for his virulent racism, his across the board deceit, his abuse of women, his focusing on helping only the rich and powerful -- these all might merit applause. Defend our institutions. Give us a reason to be proud. Think before you talk and act so foolishly -- again, all reasons to applaud. Trump has not served this country, he has disgraced it and undermined it at home and abroad. Now we're talking about true traitorous behavior.
11
If not clapping is treason, what was McConnell's declaration when Obama took office with the global economy in meltdown, that Republican's NUMBER 1 GOAL was making him a one term president.
15
So, let's see. If I don't go to Trump's parade, am I guilty of treason?
56
Conspiring with a foreign government to subvert our election process is much more treasonous than not applauding the SOTU. Republicans sat on their hands when Obama delivered his speeches and as I recall one of them even blurted out "You lie". He's lucky no one yelled that at him although his lying is so frequent it's become commonplace.
14
Just another example -- and there are hundreds more -- of why every thinking person can simply discount as self-serving twaddle every utterance out of this man's mouth. Never mind that he's the President of the United States: that is completely irrelevant to the above statement.
5
So again we are told that Trump is a fumbling fool, a narcissist, a child playing in adult games, incompetent -- but shrewd at advancing his own interests.
Okay. Message received. Now can we ignore 95% of what the fool says/does and pay attention to matters with substance? Can the media look away from the clown in the center ring?
6
Even if the media ignore 95% of what Trump says (and to ignore 95% of what the president says is a bad idea), this latest remark is part of the 5% that should not be ignored. Not only does it reveal Trump's concept of government, but it is a possible portent of worse things to come.
2
My stomach cannot stand even listening to the lascivious scoundrel (both terms can easily be demonstrated). I suggest that someone organize a troupe to follow up on each and every one of his "speeches/pronouncements" dressed up appropriately, to bow in worship, chanting "Hail to the King Donald." That's one of the things his warped ego needs, eh?, some worship. Maybe his warped "Evangelical Christians" could take the lead with one or the other of their "Worship" songs, eh?
2
His disrespectful, racist insult to President Obama was awful and yes, treasonous.
That he was supported by so many was worse.
If he had been widely and vigorously denounced and made outcast then, we might not be in this terrible situation today.
6
Trump and the GOP are so guilty of treason at this point that it seems more than likely that the big military parade he wants will include a military firing squad where he and his traitor collaborators are shot.
1
After reading Frank Bruni's article which really tells it the way it is, I began thinking of some photographs/pictures that I have seen lately. One in particular included a partial view of Putin's face on the cover of the Jan./Feb addition of The Atlantic magazine.Look at that eye! Then I, went back and looked at multiple pictures of Trump during various talks maligning various individuals who had differed with him. The eyes are the same and show, to me, something very similar : evilness!
3
Lawrence Odonnel on msnbc had a good segment on the definition of treason in a strict sense, and nowhere near the way Trump is using it. Aid and comfort to enemy in time of war. But in his brain, it's all about not getting behind him, because apparently he represents all that is good and just in America. He is dividing America, and that is just not enough for applause from the other side of the aisle. You can't blame them.
1
Oh, come on Frank. The "treason" thing in Cincinnati was funny, with a hint of mockery against his over-the-top critics (e.g., you) thrown in. Not hilarious, granted, but amusing. Which...I think you understand perfectly well, so if it's not too late, change the title of your piece here to "I Hate Trump," and just be done with it. More direct, more honest.
1
Funny? You have an odd sense of humor. "Lock her up" was a real knee-slapper, too.
9
As Senator Jeff Flake said, "Treason is not a punchline". There is nothing remotely 'funny' about treason.
Is Jeff Flake the last conservative in America who actually has a conscience?
7
No, not even mildly amusing. Like a bully who insults and attacks, and only backtracks when called on it by a bigger, stronger, more popular guy, Trump and his enablers always fall back on his overused "just kidding" defense. Excusing away such comments shows a lack of understanding of how words matter.
A sense of humor is the province of an intelligent individual. It is just one of the many good qualities Trump lacks, along with kindness, humility, insight and honesty. Whatever contempt we have for Trump has been duly earned by him, his words, and his own lack of respect for our country.
6
Thank you for bringing up the "psychological tic", projection. That is exactly how I listen to this president. Recently I saw a clip of him saying "they've been caught". I wasn't sure to whom he was referring and then it struck me he was talking about himself. Whether it was in reference to his wife and his affair or the Russia investigation or whatever...he was sharing that he's being caught. I'm worried what he might do when he feels really cornered.
4
If Trump was joking about treasonous Democrats, could we hope he's also joking about a military parade? I immediately pictured goose-stepping Russians, North Korean, and Chinese soldiers. Surely the US doesn't want to project that image!
As for the State of the Union speech, the Republicans resembled an aerobics class jumping up and clapping so often.
3
Well, the Republicans had been told in advance that they needed to jump up and applaud after every Trump sentence. They were just following orders.
And, as for the 'image' projected by a big military parade, that is EXACTLY the kind of image that Donald Trump LIKES. He thinks we need to 'catch up' to the Russians, Chinese, and North Koreans in that regard. Why should THEY have the biggest military parades? Can't America do ANYTHING right anymore?!?
2
Oath of office for the President of the United States including this person sitting in the Oval Office: Preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States which includes ALL of us.
Oath of office for members of Congress including Republicans: Preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States which includes ALL of us,
Not clapping for him? THAT'S treason?
3
Mr. Bruni, it's all on Ryan, McConnell, Gen. Cruella Kelly and the RNC now. No plausible deniability. No excuses. No turning back. Please apply your considerable talent to hammering away at these henchmen. Hold Republicans accountable. Day after day. Every day. Laser focus. No distraction.
The Puppet-in-Chief is not worthy of your time (or ours).
2
The author declares he has lived a virtuous life, yet seems oblivious to what is obvious to school children - that not clapping or standing in simple recognition of historic low unemployment for minorities, tax relief for 90% of taxpayers, amazing heroes who have risked all for freedom and their countrymen, of effectively defeating ISIS in a year after years of ineffectiveness, or of the largest stock market surge in (at least recent) history is nothing more nor less than an expression of sour grapes. He claims to be a cheerleader for America, yet sits silently when faced with success. This is not a man who loves this country or it's people - and while his churlishness may not in fact rise to the level of even the tongue-in-cheek type of "treason" Trump spoke of, it is nonetheless a perfect example of all that is wrong with a segment of our society - that childish, spoiled, and contemptuous viewpoint that if success will not come to them under their terms (which it never has and never will), then they would rather see failure for everyone.
3
President Obama gave tax relief to 95% of American working families with his Making Work Pay Tax Cut of 2009, yet I certainly do not recall Republicans giving him a standing ovation for that, or even clapping for him at all. I recall President Obama bragging in his SOTU speeches about the falling number of Americans who do not have health insurance, and I do not recall Republicans applauding that. [Republicans actually seem to think we are better off now that many Americans are losing the health insurance they gained during the Obama years.] The stock market tripled on Obama's watch, and I do not recall Republicans cheering that. ISIS had already lost more than half its territory BEFORE President Trump took over, but no Republican cheers for that, either. In fact, they could barely bring themselves to cheer when we finally got Osama bin Laden, the author of the 9/11 terror attacks.
You seem to have forgotten the history of the Obama years......
1
The periodic standing ovation during the State of the Union address has always struck me as a bizarre display of partisan loyalty, but Mr. Trump, who sees himself as the feudal overlord and the sovereign of the land, has no appreciation for the traditions of democratic institutions. He might well imagine that public officials swearing oaths of loyalty to him and printing his visage on our currency should be natural prerogatives.
3
While Donald Trump is accusing anyone who doesn't like him of treason, we should be accusing him of dereliction of duty. He has not held a single Cabinet-level meeting on the threat from Russia. To call that irresponsible would be a massive understatement. Terrifyingly, Vladimir Putin and the Russians have pinpointed America's most serious weakness, our Achilles' heel, if you will: our long and tragic history of race relations. We now know that Russian trolls on the Internet were deliberately whipping up racial animosities among Americans during the 2016 campaign.
Russia is NOT our friend. Mr. Trump does not realize that, nor do most of his deluded followers.
3
Recalling my old college psych classes, I remember a professor terming "projection" one of the most "primitive" defense mechanisms. Apt here on 2 levels -- "primitive" meaning "early" as in an infantile stage and "primitive" meaning coarse, boorish, loutish. Thanks, Frank!
6
Speaking of cheapening terms, the one term I know Trump has cheapened is "president".
6
Don't worry Frank, the so-called President did enough applauding of himself to make up for both of us.
6
Trump is beginning to sound like a tyrant. That assertion of failure to applaud by Democrats being, “un-American”, followed by his repeating the assertion of a listener that it was , “treason”, was a demeaning of the core value of our republic—freedom of conscience. All those who have seconded his assertions have also disrespected the basic principles of our liberal democracy.
3
The only part of the Constitution that Trump supporters know about is the 2nd Amendment.
2
If not clapping for the president is treason, then might as well go "all the way" (whatever that is), because one is just as guilty.
In banana republics, clapping for the Fearless Leader is treason, so taking up arms carries no extra punishment.
Great Logic, Conservatives. What could go wrong?
1
All I can add to the article and comments here is "Amen" and hope that all Christians everywhere begin to see beyond any doubt that this president's behavior, speech, attitude, values (or absence of) do not reflect in any way what Jesus would say or do. There will be a reckoning for this deal with a devil. Conservative Christians have made a Faustian bargain indeed.
4
Since Trump projects his faults on his opponents, he has admitted that he is the one guilty of treason.
4
You hear hardly a peep from the party that enables this madness to go on, day after day. If Americans fail to keep their republic from falling into the hands of an autocrat, it will be largely the fault of the Republican Party.
72
Any American who does not rise up and call out the hypocrisy of the GOP. who does not register to vote , does not then register one family member or friend. should also be held to account. The morally and ethically challenged has failed the country badly.
1
Of course he's guilty of treason......just listen to him if you can stomach hearing the garbage he spews out of his mouth. Now he wants to have a grand parade showing off our military might. What it would cost is uncomprehensible. Think of how much good that money would do elsewhere....i.e. veterans, infrastructure, education, etc. And would he have the marchers goose step?
10
"If this be treason, make the most of it!" - Patrick Henry
5
"If this be treason, make the most of it!" Patrick Henry
3
Phony. You wouldn't have dared to write this is you hadn't known that the President's remark was unserious.
1
Are ALL of the President's remarks 'unserious'?
How can you tell the difference? Could you give us a clue as to how to detect when the President is being serious vs being 'unserious'?
5
Barefoot Boy, you wouldn't write a remark like that if you understood how shocking Trump's suggestion of Treason is, whether he was serious or not. This just in not how the President of the United States should behave.
4
Real Americans do not applaud criminal behavior. And now the Liar-In-Chief wants to give himself a military parade like he's some kind of American version of Kim Jong Un or old Joe Stalin.
"Somebody" told me he's crazy. I think it was the 65 million people who voted against him.
11
why should anyone applaud a delusional pathological liar !! Freedom of speech doesn't exist in the trump world ,unless you praise him. Its time the Democrats shoved his pathetic tweets down his throat!! He has ruined public discourse in America! Remember , not one of his mob reads the Times!!
8
"someone said treason"
that is a ploy of his to enable his uttering whatever he wants and pretending it came from outside his sick head
5
Trump was elected without the slightest understanding of how government works, the nature of the separation of power among executive, Congress and the judiciary, and with no desire to learn. That would require reading and real work on his part. He thinks that this is like running his company where he was surrounded by sycophants and yes men/women, that he can rule by fiat rather than consider legislation. He thinks that the DOJ are his lawyers and the armed services serve him. He is as capricious as the Queen of Hearts yelling "off with their heads". Now he wants a parade like that in France. I see him more like one of the Russians presiding over their display of arms and power, perhaps with a chest full of fake ribbons and medals, an American Mussolini. Now he wants applause from everyone. I don't remember him complaining when a Congressman shouted "you lie" at Barack Obama during one of his speeches. Does Trump want to be the dear leader, the fuhrer or POTUS? Does he know the difference? He had already given people permission to voice their racism, sexism, xenophobia, and more in public. He thinks that there are fine people among neo-Nazi anti-semites. Now a cult of personality like almost every dictator in history. American exceptionalism indeed. The founding fathers must be spinning in their graves.
9
Not just the Founding Fathers! The founders of the Grand Old Party! What would Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, or even Ronald Reagan, think of this tinpot wanna-be tyrant? If any of them were alive today, they'd be turning over in their graves!
2
Founders of the GOP here cited would indeed be "turning over in their graves" if any of them were alive today. Did not realize the GOP possessed such powers of resurrection. Awaiting a demonstration.
Not even a Mussolini as Il Duce actually served in the Italian Army and was wounded in battle, unlike Cadet Bone Spurs.
1
Donnie the Grifter in Chief proves for the thousandth time he has no idea what it means to be an American and what America stands for.
8
Redundant! What would The NYT do without Trump? For the op ed columns, everyday is a slight variation of trump is racist. Sad to see the this once esteemed institution become the Fox News of The Left.
The only appropriate response " our dear leader" would expect would be every single person in the room and across the nation on their feet screaming " Sieg Heil" while saluting him. Yes , that is a bit extreme but does it really stretch the imagination when considering how Trump sees the rest of us and the respect and fealty he believes he deserves. This man is a serious threat to our Republic , our way of life and the very basic freedoms and beliefs we hold near and dear.
3
Treason!! Treason!! Treason!!
How dare you not stand for the national anthem?
How dare you not applauding during the SOTUA?
What becomes of a society in which a single individual gets to declare what is treasonous?
Wait, I'm just kidding!!
3
Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.
longing for the good old days...........
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 807; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(2)(J), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2148.)
3
In Trump's version of making America Great Again each of us knows his place. Men work and earn the money, women stay home and raise the children, Mexicans stay in Mexico, Muslims stay wherever they are as long as it's not here, black athletes stand for the national anthem and thank their white masters for their success, white supremacists are some very fine people, the newspapers only print articles that praise the president, coal is clean, protest is un-American, and every member of Congress stands, salutes and applauds Dear Leader.
It's obvious who the traitors are to American ideals... it's the side of the aisle that stood and cheered Trump's MAGA agenda, chanting USA! USA!
4
Is there no end to this man's idiocy?
5
Can someone slip the script of this Bruni op ed onto the teleprompter of his next speech so he is forced to read it? He won't know what he's reading until its too late.
5
You're not guilty of treason. You are guilty of gullibility and being manipulated. Don't you get it? Trump tosses out outrageous hyperbole they way other people toss birdseed to pigeons. Stop being a pigeon.
1
He exemplifies what's at the inner core of every pathetic, loudmouthed bully: a thin-skinned crybaby.
6
Treason feels good to me right now.
2
At least they didn't yell, en masse, "You lie!"
4
Give him a chance people
...but when it comes to white supremacists, "there are good people on both sides."
1
That's right Frank Bruni - you are aiding and abetting Putin's attempt to stir up animosity between the Democrats and the Republicans.
Until then I decline, and if that’s treason, I plead guilty. Careful you could be put in jail or shot for confessing treason.
I knew you would be found out sooner or later; maybe we can form a club.
1
Man, Frank, you nailed Trump. Right. Between. The. Eyes.
Oh, dear. That sounds treasonous. Is that treason?
Guilty!
1
Trump is a child who wants to punish peope not clapping for him and wants big military parades. Reminds me of the cold war videos of "delagates" clapping in unison and of all the big millitary parades passing in review of the dear leader in USSR, China, North Korea.
3
So, if not clapping for him is treason, what do you call actively booing him?
5
Treason as the crime of not applauding the dictator. This is the USA 2018.
5
Donald Trump is clearly jealous of Kim Jong Un. In Kim's paradise of North Korea, if you don't applaud the dictator, you might be stood up in front of some artillery gun and be blasted into smithereens.
That's how they deal with traitors in North Korea.
Shouldn't we be trying to 'catch up'?
1
Trump is lucky no one jumped up and yelled LIAR! as the Republicans did for Obama.
And yet, given that level of indecency, neither Obama nor any Democrat called him a traitor.
He deserves a lot more than no applause and cold stares. He deserves to be run out of town on Rail or in a paddy wagon.
6
Americans are smarter than the fool occupying the White House, and he doesn't like it!!! Where is the courage we need to dumptrump? When will all his toadies find the courage to tell him he is NOT emperor, and things golden do not a leader make?
2
Sorry, Frank Bruni. That day will never come; you'll never get to clap for this president, shameless real-estate huckster that he is. He'll say anything to push his deal; he'll exploit parents' sorrow at the death of their daughters, even the death of a NFL star, to promote his sinister, racist agenda. All we can do, for the moment, is hang our heads in shame, like Nancy Pelosi.
So, resign yourself to your fate as a 'traitor' since you didn't clap - not with your hands, not with your feet - and took fake notes instead. Only one excuse can get you a reprieve - if you can prove you have bone spurs, feet or hands.
AG
Calgary, Canada
"if this be treason , let us make the most of it."
2
I suspect the Russian crisis goes much beyond Trump. It's the only explanation why idiots like Nunes are so complicit in trying to derail the legitimacy of the investigation. Stay tuned folks, russian interference is probably much more broad than any of us thought...
5
Donald Trump and the political action committees for Mitch McConnell, Marco Rubio, Scott Walker, Lindsey Graham, John Kasich and John McCain accepted $7.35 million in contributions from a Ukrainian-born oligarch who is the business partner of two of Russian president Vladimir Putin's favorite oligarchs and a Russian government bank.
Marco Rubio's Conservative Solutions PAC and his Florida First Project received $1.5 million through Blavatnik's two holding companies. Other high dollar recipients of funding from Blavatnik were PACS representing Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker at $1.1 million, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham at $800,000, Ohio Governor John Kasich at $250,000 and Arizona Senator John McCain at $200,000.
https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2017/08/03/tangled-web-con...
2
This has to be part of it - nothing else explains the defense unless there is slime all around....perhaps we simply can’t handle the truth.
Finished reading Fire and Fury,what a shame you have an ego maniac as President,he is a disgrace and a laughing stock.I dont know how your country is running,my god-firing good people because of the kids grab for power,get rid of them.
People i feel sorry for,Melania Trump and the American people.
Shaun Hannity,dont blame Obama ,blame Trump,in fact i wouldn't even call him a president,he's having FUN that is hurting millions of people.
Andrea Taylor
2
He accuses others of treason and insults John McCain, one of our great military heroes.
Some man, some patriot, some bone spurs.
5
Is McCain really our hero? John McCain accepted $200,000 in contributions from a Ukrainian-born oligarch who is the business partner of two of Russian president Vladimir Putin's favorite oligarchs and a Russian government bank.
1
That you, Mr. Bruni, could think that Mr. Trump could somehow change into to being a good president makes me quite nervous. Are you alright?
The man is Popeye, "I am what I am", and Dorothy is thinking, "We're not in Kansas anymore".
For the first time in perhaps a half a century, I didn't watch the State of the Union address. I believe it to be a waste of precious time and I'm sorry to have to say that.
5
Trump should watch tapes of President Obama's SOTU speech's and count how many times the Republicans stood to applaud.
9
He can't. He is not featured. Obama is not talking about him.
What is there for him to listen to?
5
We are the treasonous.
We love our country.
We deplore the deplorable.
We yearn for – e pluribus unum!
6
Sir, If you were truly rooting for America, you would root for its leader to succeed and then vote to change him at the appropriate time. The opposition that Trump has faced since he was in office was really unlike anything other Presidents have faced. Some of you in the media keep perpetuating a cycle that thinks that you can remove the man from office. He is crazy, he is a rapist, he is laundering money, he is colluding with Russia. No. He isn't and he didn't. The things that he is accused of is what the Democrats did in the election and they still did not win. And he won the electoral college, that is the rules. He ran for office playing by the rules and won. That is the truth. If Trump is guilty of treason then you are guilty of sedition.
The evidence of money laundering is immense. It spans decades and continents.
The case for collusion is persuading, but the case for obstruction is overwhelming.
Based solely on verifiable, in some cases, physically documented, facts.
Or, in your parlance, Fake News.
7
"...opposition unlike anything other Presidents have faced."
Yes, that's true. And there is a reason for the opposition, too: Because Trump is unlike any President we have ever had.
I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but Trump will go down in history as the absolute worst President to have ever sat in the Oval Office -- the worst. And if you were truly "objective" you would see the obvious, too. ...He lies with reckless abandon. He has no scruples whatsoever. He is not very bright...I would think you would recognize the obvious. He doesn't "read". He's clueless. Apparently his so-called advisors aren't too bright either because whenever he speaks on important topics, he's lacking in historical perspective. And, finally, he hasn't even tried to fulfill the solemn oath he took on Inauguration Day -- "to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." ,,,He is too afraid of Putin to enforce those sanctions that BOTH branches of the legislature passed as punishment against Putin's Russia for interfering in our cherished institutions -- the right to have free and "fair" elections where the results won't be disputed.
Russia is our enemy...and Trump is essentially playing a conciliatory role by not confronting Putin on his serious transgressions.
8
I think the best gesture would be for patriotic Americans to turn their backs on this disaster every time he is within their view. I suppose he thinks that by having a military parade, as has been reported he is planning, we will all fall into line.
I have served my country abroad, including some with horrible heads of state. Considering that we have always tried to be better, I am deeply embarrassed by this electoral college president who stands for nothing but himself.
7
The problem with the FBI guy is that he is investigating Trump and this makes the FBI guy unsuitable to continue in the investigation. Trump's use of the word is more just plain mindless flapping of his gums. Which Trump does most of the time. Its impossible to take him serious except he nominates Supreme Court justices the Rs confirm, signs into law huge ill considered budget busting tax cuts that the Rs pass through the Congress and he has his finger on the nuclear button.
3
YUP!
2
If this is treason, then there really is no price to pay for it. Ryan, McConnell and the rest of the GOP committed it for 8 straight years. Their treason was televised on at least 7 separate occasions, those occasions being President Obama's State of the Union Addresses.
9
A well written beautifully thought out analysis of Trump and his attempt once again to demean the members of the opposition party. Never have I ever seen a sitting president so blatantly dismiss half the country…and only address his followers, as if it's him and his minions, his army of worshipers against the rest of the country. the people opposed to his man child behavior, and simple want a sane competent president.
4
"so blatantly dismiss half the country…and only address his followers"
Not half, but three quarters of the country.
2
Even if all of the Democrats in the audience stood up and turned their backs on Trump during his State of the Union address it would not be Treason. Trump needs a dictionary.
The sad thing about all of what is happening to our Democracy is that we have men and women serving in the military defending our Democratic values with their lives and we have a President who makes a mockery of our country. He taunts North Korea, China and Russia (well not really Russia); he insults our allies; he pads his own pockets by holding meetings at properties he owns and we the taxpayers foot the bill; insults the very institutions that are sworn to uphold the laws of our country; appoints Cabinet members who are tearing down the very Departments they head; and finally tops it all of by accusing people who do not applaud him as committing Treason.
Trump will be guilty of Treason himself if he does not stop Russia from invading our Electoral process. It is called aiding and abetting a sworn enemy of the state. He has done nothing but wrongly accuse others of being on a "witch hunt". This is no witch hunt. It is already proven that the Russians hacked into our election systems. And as Head of State, Trump has done nothing but stand in the way of stopping the damage done to our Democracy and in fact with his constant interfering with both his tweets and his condemnation of the Justice Department, he is aiding and abetting the Russian.
I believe this is what Treason is.
10
Trump has demonstrated, time and again, that he is nothing more than Putin's Puppet.
Why aren't people outraged over Trump's decision to drop the sanctions against Russia for their interference in our elections? Clearly Putin is out to do as much damage as possible to our democracy and its cherished institutions.
Putin must have a mountain of evidence about Trump's Russian "exploits", and possible money laundering, that Trump knows would immediately put an end to his political career and, more than likely, provide ammunition for Mueller to advocate for criminal prosecution.
Trump's refusal to enforce those sanctions that Congress passed to punish Russia for its efforts to destroy our democracy and its cherished institutions, along with his general servility towards Putin, raises all kinds of questions about divided loyalty, etc..
Trump took a solemn oath to "preserve, protect, and defend" the Constitution of the United States of America. As it's elected leader, he has failed on every count.
When the truth comes out, Trump will be exposed as the total fraud and liar that he is. His life history e.g. Trump University scam, short-changing his contractors money owed, etc., etc. exposes him as the "emperor with no clothes".
If Vegas were taking bets on whether Trump would complete his term in office, I bet the majority would place their money on "No" -- that either impeachment", criminal prosecution, or perhaps, Resignation would end his political career.
5
Talk About Treason ... I'm Guilty
I'll let you connect the dots ...
Dot 1: The U.S. Constitution, as it was written, was a seriously flawed document that tolerated slavery and essentially protected the rights of land-holding white men. It would never have been ratified were it not for the promise of the Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments).
Dot 2: There are so many things wrong with our amended Constitution -- that much revered, grossly outdated, dysfunctional, eighteenth century document – that nothing short of a full-scale Constitutional Convention could make our rules of law consistent with the needs and expectations of twenty-first century America.
Dot 3: It may be fun to bash the Supreme Court, but the justices were nominated by several Presidents of the United States and confirmed by several Senates of the United States.
Dot 4: Sure, Congress has a single-digit approval rating, but those truly mediocre (on the average) “representatives of the people” were put there by American citizens who “belong to” obscenely gerrymandered congressional districts. "One man, one vote" ... that's a laugh!
Dot 5: Granted, we live in a truly spectacular country, but Americans are (again, on the average) a remarkably mediocre, chest-pounding populace ... especially intellectually.
If you read this note backwards, you’ll see that we’ve got what we deserve.
Treasonous? Guilty your Honor ... and proud of it!
3
If this be treason, make the most of it!
3
Trumps' political opponents are "treasonous"? He wants a North Korean / Russian May Day-style military parade? Some neo-nazis are good peeople? Mexicans are rapistst? Making rich people richer through the tax bill? Trampling on immigrants with his ICE squad? Ready to shutter the government? Applauding for himself incessantly a la Kim Jong-un and Mussolini? To adapt a line from The Kinks, "He's just a dedicated follower of Fascism. Yes, he's a dedicated follower of FACISM!!"
9
Applauding during the address is about respecting the office of President, not the individual, and failure to do so is just plain rude. I fear that the Democrats lack of good manners and unwillingness to compromise is going to cost them dearly come November.
7
Hi Oldgrey,
Is it also "rude" to call a Senator "Little", as in "Little Marco Rubio" or "Little Adam Schiff"? Is it also "rude" to refer to a senator not by her real name but by a made-up name that deems to insult her ethnic background? Has Trump himself never acted rudely? Did the Republicans stand when Obama gave his SOTU speeches? You may recall one senator having the audacity to shout "Liar!" during one of Obama's speeches. Yet I personally do not take offense in that senator's yelling "Liar!" Each of us has the right to speak, or not to speak, or to stand, or not to stand, at any given moment. Let's all cherish that. Protest is often viewed as rudeness, but if there were no protest back in the 1700s, well, there would be no America today.
23
Sitting quietly is respectful. Applauding is approval.
Picture the audience at a music festival or a sporting match. Are they being rude if they don't applaud a solo or a player's move?
We respect the office; we dislike the words of the guy occupying that space.
23
Well he didn't use the word "rude" and if he did nobody would've made any fuss about it. He used the term treasonous very carelessly and cavalierly. There's a big difference. I notice in your comment you didn't address the Republicans sitting in the State of the Union's for 8 years listening to President Obama and not applauding. Apparently you were OK with that. Truth is its a "free" country at least for the time being. Not approving of our current President by not applauding is about the mildest form of protest I can think of..
30
Bravo Frank, this piece is a tour de force. Your competence, professionalism, and good intentions with the pen contrast brightly with the incompetence, chaoticness, and sinister narcissism of the man about whom you write. The work of you and your colleagues is a great service to this country and the world.
5
Trump is a totalitarian dictator wannabe. Anyone who has the audacity to disagree with him is the enemy. He views everyone in a binary mode. Agree with him and laud him and you're his ally. Challenge his outlandish words and behavior and you're committing treason. We are witnessing a finer and finer distinction between Trump and totalitarian dictators past and present. Now he's calling for brandishing our military might via a parade. He probably knows nothing of Teddy Roosevelt, but it may help for his aides to bring to his attention Teddy's admonition: Walk softly but carry a big stick. But above all, there is a bizarre irony here. Trump called for the Russians to hack the emails of his opponent. What's treasonous: That invocation to Putin or the refusal of certain Democratic legislators to give him a standing ovation?
5
Well said, but the quote is 'Speak softly but carry big stick" and the meaning is do not provoke with words, or purposly offend, but be ready to defend if required.
Please. If this was George W. Bush, darkly accusing someone of being a terrorist, abetting the terrorists, being an enemy combatant, it would be something to worry about. But our collective memory doesnt go back any further than Obama. Trump threw out the traitor remark in his usual offhand way -- it's just the way he talks. As usual, the media and political opponents are apoplectic. You know better, but Resisters can't miss the chance for ginned-up outrage.
During the 2004 Presidential campaign, VP Dick Cheney said that voting for the Democrats would be voting for more terrorist attacks on America.
That kind of statement was every bit as outrageous as Trump's claiming that anyone who doesn't applaud him is being treasonous.
Cheney and Trump were and are both terrible men. Simply vile.
3
This is an "I am Spartacus" moment if ever I saw one.
7
That is why in countries such as China, Russia and North Korea (just to mention an few) everyone is always applauding for the guy in charge ...
7
What's the sound of no hands clapping?
A Democratic tsunami in November.
7
"Do you worship me?"
Evangelical voters, amongst others, answered yes to him with their votes. Now Trump wants a military parade so that our troops can answer yes with their mandatory salutes to him. God help America! Please?
8
As for the "treason" part of his speech, it did sound as though he was joking (a pretty "sad" joke for a president to make). As for the someone said remark, this is his constant ploy of saying something without taking responsibility for it. This tactic from a man who constantly criticizes main stream media for using anonymous sources!
He was quite serious, however, about the Un-American remark. Unfortunately, his ardent supporters more than likely believe this.
In addition to being offended by hearing Trump call people Un-American for not clapping for him, I just couldn't get the picture out of my head of the multitude of North Korean citizens obediently clapping for their dictator Kim Jong-un.
7
Oh my. Not only don't I clap, I must admit I cannot even stand to look at or listen to the man when he talks [although some ranting at the TV when I do catch a glimpse of 'dear leader' is sometimes involved]. After some apparently well deserved self-flagellation, I guess I'll self- deport.
5
This is just a hint of what is to come. Ignore this at your peril, Americans.
12
This is precisely how fascists and dictators normalize their language and accusations against "others."
It started with rhetoric about rigged systems and migrants as murderers and rapists. The rhetoric went on with nasty nicknames for everyone who opposed him. Now anyone who opposes him is "fake" as in news or "treasonous."
Citizens, would-be citizens, judges, the LOYAL OPPOSITION - all slandered.
Most disgusting is that he has been protected by the office he holds - despite MOST votes going for other candidates - and cannot be held to his slander.
At the SOTU speech the audience was arguably representative of the entire nation, and many disagreed with things he said. Clearly that got him upset, so he went on to a rally that does NOT represent the entire country - who would waste their time or safety going to a rally if they did not agree with the nonsensical oratory? And in that speech amplified the divide between "us" and "them."
T University's course "Dictatorship 100"
6
Along with "someone" and "somebody" I count "everyone" and "everybody" as part of his sloppy and poisonous use of language (as in: "everyone says" . . ." or "everybody knows . . ."). The simple translation: "no one" or "nobody" or "one or two of my simpering, fawning, placating 'yes' men and women" or, perhaps, "a few." The "everyone/everybody" trick is one of the most general, simplistic, transparent, specious, and sophomoric tactics of persuasive rhetoric, employed as an attempt to cow or intimidate the listener by making them feel they don't know what they're talking about or are part of a minority of people who don't comprehend what's really happening, what's really true. Fortunately, most of us (some of us? many of us?) learned to recognize this manipulative tool by the time we graduated middle school.
80
Frank actually hit the nail on the head when stating:"Maybe the president is cheapening the term." (treason) "When he degrades language, he diminishes its potency against him.".
Trump has noticed that the word treason is increasing its frequency of appearance in all parts of the media, so he wants to get out ahead of it to water- down its meaning. Though this tactic can work in the public forum, it cannot work in the world of indictments.
6
For the Trump apologists who say “It was a joke,” there are at least a couple of problems. First, if his defenders have to explain and interpret and excuse away every one of his pronouncements, it’s because Trump is so imprecise, vague and mealy-mouthed in his expressions that nobody ever knows what he’s actually saying, which in and of itself disqualifies him from being fit for the office. Second, the fact that he himself is a joke means that anything he says necessarily will be as well. I suppose you could sadly say, the joke is on us. For instance, in describing the Congresspeople who didn’t applaud him, he said, “They were like death.” What in the world does that mean? Who in the world talks like that? Yes, it was a joke, and, yes, he is a joke.
5
A man with no moral compass cannot lead others. A man whose brittle ego prevents him from distinguishing truth from falsehood cannot be trusted. A man who will denigrate and defame others without being able to accept criticism himself cannot claim the high ground. We need an end to this madness.
5
I saw the tape and I don't think he was joking. Isn't there some way to hold this megalomaniac accountable? He's the president of the United States. When he accuses a large group of treason, isn't that actionable? I'll help fund a libel suit on behalf of the Democrats in Congress. He said it for the world to hear; let's see how it stands up in court.
3
Sen. Tammy Duckworth said it all In a tweet: “I swore an oath to the Constitution, not to clap when Trump demands.”
12
No, you are not (guilty of treason):
Treason
The betrayal of one's own country by waging war against it or by consciously or purposely acting to aid its enemies.
I wish people would quit bandying this word about. Criticism of one's leader is not treason.
5
re Trump and Obama’s citizenship,.. “My people,..(Joe Arpaio, being one) are in Hawaii looking into this, and you won’t believe what they’re finding.”
This lie should never be forgotton, and Trump confronted on it at every opportunity.
9
This President does not know how to joke and does not choose his words carefully because he does not know how to speak or even how to read. Period. He is what we say of such a person in French, my mother language " un homme inculte": uneducated, unread, unable to see what words mean because he has no culture and no education. It is an utmost insult in the French language, apart from saying of someone that he is "con" which is every other insult under the sun. That one applies to this President as well. I certainly do not feel unpatriotic, unAmerican and treasonous by not applauding during his speeches. On the contrary, I laud the many Democrats who did no applaud and stood silent during the SOTU. If there is one person who is treasonous in the whole story, how about the person who colludes with the Russian government, who obstructs justice, lies through his teeth and has not been legitimately elected President. America is better than that!
4
Unfortunately, no Democrats shouted "You lie!" at Trump during the SOTU speech, as did Republican Rep. Joe Wilson at Obama in 2009. It's a shame, since it would have been the one moment of honest speech during the entire address.
6
What a short memory our president must have! Doesn't he remember the Republicans in Congress sitting on their hands during the eight State of the Union addresses given by President Obama? Or is it okay to not applaud a Democratic president but not a Republican president? Or is it okay to not applaud an African-American president but not a white one?
The fact that our president is illegitimate, unfit and mentally unstable is more and more obvious every day.
6
Wait - aren't the Russians famous for their military parades? Hmm...wonder where Trump got the idea?
5
By logical extension, the GOP then, is traitorous for only supporting the 1% and constantly inferring that they must eliminate Social Security and Medicare that we citizens have and are paying into for decades. If we Democrats suggested that, Fox News would be all over it, completely ignoring the logic of it. Republicans have been saying that Democrats, and I've been one since I started voting as a combat veteran in Vietnam since 1970, are not patriotic. Is it patriotic to only support the rich 1% of America all the while constantly inferring or outright stating that the rest of us are just not important to the welfare of the country? America has gone off the rails, and it will take super-human Middle Class effort to restore democracy in the nation that I put my life on the line for.
7
Frank, with this new definition of treason, I guess I'm guilty along with you.
3
More and more this President Trump reminds me of some patients we admitted to the Psychiatric ward Unit 3 of the Los Angeles County General Hospital. The only difference is he is the President, not someone who thinks he is.
8
OK, call it a joke. Then, by any rational standard, all of the real acts of treason by which this president is absolutely guilty are a joke too. At least that's what he believes. Is it only when some major calamity befalls us will we get the joke ?
5
Great article. Yes, there is a new definition of patriotism and treason: whether you agree with everything, and I mean every Trump says and does, or not. I am happy to join the large and growing 'treasonous' crowd.
4
Trump has been protected for far too long by the deference, reverence even, that surrounds the office. I have been waiting for people — think of the late Christopher Hitchens — to speak truth to his face and point out his complete unfitness for office. Frank Bruni pointed out that he has spent one day in three in one of his many properties. Yesterday he complained that the 10-page Democratic rebuttal of the Nunes memo is “lengthy.” If he reads it, which is doubtful, it may be the longest document he has read while in office.
7
Democrats, we love Trump because you hate him so much which means he is WINNING and Democrats are losing.
1
Now there's logic and there's logic. And that makes as much sense as your remark, Terry.
1
Perfect take on "treason", especially as committed by Trump.
HOWEVER: Delete your last paragraph. Acknowledge that Trump
is incapable of ever being an "excellent president".
To lend credibility to this "president" is to be complicit in this unprecedented threat to our democracy in the form of a sociopathic malignancy called the Trump "presidency".
4
The thing is, it’s how Trump’s mind works, then what his mouth says out loud that is frightening. And probably crazy.
Many presidents have gone before him with thoughts in their mind (although, guaranteed not calling lack of clapping treasonous), but they don’t just let the words pop out.
You think George W. didn’t have words in his head when he heard the World Trade towers were hit by planes? You think Barack Obama didn’t have more he could say when he addressed his birth certificate finally?
Being president means you have self control and the ability to differentiate the difference between thoughts and speech. They should be two separate things.
We teach our kids that when they are little on up. It’s called growing up.
Donald Trump has never grown up. And John Kelly sure isn’t doing a very good job of showing him how. Kelly said this was his most important job, ever. More important than being a general, right?
Then Kelly, do your job. Shut up Donald Trump. Because a grown up president is dangerous to every American when he just can’t decipher what to say because his mind doesn’t like something.
He puts us all at risk, and we have done nothing to deserve his risk.
5
Treason is shouting "You lie!" at the president of the United States as he addresses a joint session of congress. (Joe Wilson, R SC, Sept. 2009). Today we need not shout what everybody knows.
3
"You lie" was inappropriate, but not treason.
2
You, Mr. Bruni, are guilty. Not of, as you claim, fidelity to the United States Republic but of supporting a self serving tyrant and anti freedom caste system promoting disgrace in Barack Obama and his minions.
It is the irony of the past 25 years that a deeply flawed impeached x president of the United States holds the moral high ground of the democratic party.
Trump shouldn't have said it. But it was obvious he was joking.
Hillary was not joking when she insisted repeatedly that half the country was a bunch, no basket, of Deplorables. Guess that didn't go down very well.
Congresspeople can choose to applaud or not. But when the Dems didn't even neutralize their scowls for issues that were good news for everyone, they looked like they'd complain about fresh air and sunshine.
The Democrats in Congress understand that what you and Trump call "good news for everyone" isn't - it's great news for the .01% and a very temporary, small bit of extra cash in some people's paychecks - but at a great cost to our nation, our democracy, and to 99.9% of us personally.
Nothing to smile about or applaud.
1
Hillary did not say that half the country was a basket of deplorables. Look it up.
As to those complaints about "fresh air?" We can hardly complain about something that we don't have -- and realize that we'll have even less when Trump shuts it all off.
1
This autocrat and his disgusting enablers have made me truly ashamed to call myself an American. You can hardly blame the rest of the world for thinking we are all crazy for having allowed this sick and dangerous man to become our President, and for allowing him to get away with what he is getting away with. And to those who didn't bother voting for Hillary Clinton, if not just to prevent this nightmare from becoming reality, oh yes, he IS your president too.
4
Treason would be voting to reelect Trump in 2020.
3
I am thinking of writing a book entitled: "The President said WHAT!?" ....Nah. It might be too long and no one would believe it.
4
Remember NYTimes and all the others consulting their legal oracles and writing that this truly met the definition of treason?
.
“Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing,” said Mr Trump, speaking at one of his golf resorts. “I think you’ll be rewarded mightily by our press.”
.
Of course, that was back when the idea of paying the Russians for oppo dirt was considered to be wrong. i.e. before it came out the Clinton-controlled Democratic Party was doing just that.
Trump calls it "treasonous" to not applaud him.
If you were applauding him before, that really ought to make you stop.
4
Donald Trump:
Last I heard, it’s still a free country.
• Don’t tell me how to react to your speeches
• Don’t tell me how to behave during the national anthem
• Don’t tell me what god I have to worship (or if I have to worship any
god) to be an American
• Don’t tell me what color my skin has to be to be an American
It’s called freedom. You don’t like freedom? GET OUT!
7
Patrick Henry said, on an historic occasion, "If this be treason, make the most of it." Frank Bruni, although saying much the same thing in a slightly tongue-in-cheek way, shows the same grit. As for me, I'll applaud Trump when he walks toward Marine One for his abrupt (and early) departure from office.
4
Of course Trump's complaint is absurd, but was there anyone who watched the speech who wasn't taken back by the scowl on sour puss Pelosi's face. When Democrats can applaud a little boy who puts American flags on the graves of soldiers, maybe Trump isn't the only child in the room.
I have no wish that Trump becomes an excellent president. That is impossible. I only wish that he is flushed back into the sewer from which he emerged. I wish him no physical harm. The judgement of history will suffice.
3
Well, Frank, I went to bed because I couldn't bear to watch it. Guess that makes me a traitor, too!
4
The author has fallen into the semantics and dreamers trap. Too many go down this path as some sort of excuse in case their hope becomes reality. So:
"Do I wish for Trump to be an excellent president? Yes, and I’ll clap heartily — with my hands and my feet — if that happens."
this author, like many others, have been caught up in some psychic string that there just might be, they hope, one day, an awakening and Trump will be a true president.
So. Sad.
1
Yes, excellent opinion piece. I have listened to and read about some portions of Trump's speech; I did not put myself through the ordeal of listening to the whole speech. The example Mr. Bruni ruminates on today is but one representation of a steady and dangerous current running through the Trump charade. It brings to mind a neat and relevant quote from Samuel Johnson, "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel."
Jack Arndt
5
I am not convinced that Trump's use of the words treason and un-American were said in jest when he followed up this accusation with words to the effect that the Democrats "did not love their country very much."
3
A son of a friend of mine is a Russian expert. He says that Trump is not unlike Stalin in telling the great lie. He also said that when Stalin gave an address, people would clap after and continue for a long long time. The reason is that the first ten people who stopped clapping would disappear forever. Only long after Stalin left the podium would people slowly begin to stop clapping.
Trump I suspect would love this tradition.
7
Your article is very good. Although I live in Canada, I think everyone is affected by Trump's volatile, incompetent, and dishonest presidency. Where will it end? I'm shocked that he has any supporters and I have no faith in Republicans of any stripe. The Democrats need a new, strong leader. Will anyone ever be as good as Obama? I fear not!
2
What lies at the base of this discussion is the definition of treason. The framers of our nation explicitly defined trrason in very narrow terms around "giving aid or comfort to our enemy". Treason in their meaning is an act of betrayal to the nation. Trump's definition of treason is twisted and more in line with the way kings defined treason to be a betrayal against them personally. This is consistent with his complete lack of comprehension of his role and the structure of American government in general. Unfortunately there are too many other Americans out there who also share this lack of undetstanding and who are Trump supporters. The best cure for this is for the news media to educate rather than just report. Facts are still real and still important.
4
He's nuts. And this insanity is dangerous. The explosions from his mouth, the absolute lack of wisdom can lead to god knows what.
Mueller's investigation - plus the voters - must end this darkness.
5
When you lack substance, you talk of national anthems, the flag and something or the other being un-American.
If Trump cares so much about America, he would stop doing and saying things that embarrass the country. Better yet, resign and shut up.
4
When the "dictator-wannabe" mentions "somebody said this" or he "heard it somewhere" or "lots of people agree" or whatever vague phrase is used to indicate that he is just passing on something from someone else (deflection of responsibility), he is lying. He never heard it anywhere else, except maybe from his core minions, er, staff who will lick his boots if he desires. He seems to be a pathological liar and not a very good one.
Trump is determined to appeal to his core supporters by making up stories which appeal to them. He tells the same lie time and time again, and soon those "believers" will begin to see and believe his lies. He could vehemently refer to a banana as an orange numerous times and his core followers would believe him and begin referring to bananas as oranges.
Calling those who don't support him and bow to his every whim and lick his boots ( the latter hopefully in a figurative manner, but who knows what goes on behind closed doors in the White House?) traitors or performing treasonous acts is only being done to continue inciting his vile core of base supporters. Incite to what? Well, let's hope it's not to go out and act in a violent and hateful manner against those who oppose Trump.
Trump is a very dangerous man with a big mouth and no filter from his brain before speaking (or tweeting). He has gotten away with his antics thus far, somewhat due to him feeling wealthy and powerful. Let's hope he is impeached so we can rebuild our democracy.
Peace.
3
---I, and millions of other Americans, are right there with you, Mr. Bruni...and we'll proudly declare ourselves "traitors", if objection to trump and his policies is the primary qualification for that designation.
Actually, there is only one traitor in this picture, and...Mr. Mueller has got him soundly in his sights.
I hear people are really mad about it. Everyone is saying it.
4
Do not fear Mr. Bruni.
There are many millions of Americans myself included who don't like Trump's
style and do not agree with Trump's agenda. Some of us again myself
included believe in light of the ongoing Russia probes and the mystery and lack of transparency surrounding the Electoral College process that Trump was not even legitimately elected and is in Office illegally. Maybe Mueller should investigate the Electoral College too.
If we are traitors because we are exercising our right of free speech guaranteed by the Constitution to peacefully protest the daily abuses of power by an arrogant bully and fraud with bad orange hair then so be it.
If exercising my right to protest is treason then I gladly commit treason.
Believe me when I say you are not alone and never will be as long as Trump is in the White House. Trump is clearly a disaster and a disgrace unfit for Office and richly deserving of all the criticism that can be heaped upon him.
Trump is a sham and a fraud just like the fake University that bears his name.
Trump is all talk and no walk a slick sales pitch full of empty promises.
Beware America of Trump bearing gifts. Trump in Prison in 2020.
That would really make America great again because with Trump in the White House America is far away from being great and getting further every day.
1
The Trump recipe is simple: simmer until those who disagree collect their thoughts and then stir base.
2
The majority of Americans don't read the NYT or the WaPo........actually, the majority of Americans don't read a newspaper.
But perhaps the majority of Americans still have a sense of what's right and wrong. They know, down on the ground where most of them live, that taking care of Americans is the right thing to do. They know that right and wrong are pretty simple concepts, not requiring lawyers to explain.
But the minority of Americans who do read the NYT/WaPo/other major newspapers, and who watch MSNBC, CNN, of FOX seem to me to be a bit guilty of treason. We march in lockstep, we believe what MSNBC, CNN, FOX and a double handful of op/ed writers tell us, and we believe what the leaders of the DNC and RNC tell us.
But we forget that the talking heads and opinion writers and party leaders have one agenda........get their politicians elected and their policies put in place. If the policies are not the best choice for the country, so be it! If the policies help people in other countries to have work but do so by moving the jobs to other countries, so be it! If our tax dollars are sent to countries to help but the dictators of those countries quickly transfer the money to hidden bank accounts, so be it! If legal immigrants take the jobs of Americans who are told to train them in order to get a severance package (see 60 Minutes), so be it. If illegal immigrants receive billions in tax dollars by use of ITINs, so be it.
To my way of thinking, that's treason.
1
So what's next? Get rid of all those in the country who (like me) didn't applaud? Even in their own homes? Even if they (like me) refused to even watch the egomaniac Trump deliver his address (knowing they could read or hear about it later and if they really wanted to torture themselves, watch it later)? What about Republicans who refused to applaud, including the representative who yelled out during Obama's address? Didn't they commit treason, too?
The penalty for treason is, I believe, prison. At one time the punishment was death. So obviously most of America, not just Democrats in Congress, needs to be imprisoned. If Trump really wants to make it right, he should really just kill those who didn't applaud, which is probably the majority of the country.
And he could always blame in on that conveniently unknown but incredibly wise "somebody" who called those who didn't applaud "treasonous" in the first place.
2
So what happens if we don't all show up in DC for the military parade he and his military henchmen are planning?
Will guys drop from helicopters in the dead of night and sweep us off for renditioning?
2
What is happening in America is so incredibly scary. For the first time I fear we are headed down the path towards actual fascism. I am afraid.
2
Trump is really funny. That is one reason he was a successful entertainer and got massive press his whole life. Lifting his "treason" statement out of a rift is so so so lame by the liberal press.
You will never beat Trump if you keep doing this. So fun to watch the liberal press try, and fail, to harm Trump. GOP runs 70% of America
"GOP runs 70% of America?"Only because they gerrymandered.
Yes Mr. Bruni, you are. I have no respect for Trump. But I do respect the office he holds. You and others like you are not respecting the office. Whereas that is not truly treason, it does show a lack of respect for out form of government.
It's Trump who is not respecting the office which he holds - to which he may not even have not been legitimately elected. The evidence? Only his every word and action while in office.
Surely demanding applause and adulation - and accusing those who decline to do so of treason (!) - shows a disgraceful lack of respect for our form of government - which last I heard, is democracy. Which includes this thing called the First Amendment.
And I point out once again that while President Obama was in office, Republicans and other assorted racists showed absolutely no respect for the office he held - to which he was elected by clear majorities in both the Electoral AND popular votes. In fact, he was shown the most atrocious disrespect, far worse than mere lack of applause.
I'd say those not applauding Trump are actually showing utmost respect for the office of the Presidency - and what it always stood for before he sullied and degraded it.
3
Re the POTUS apparent unilateral repeal of the First Amendment, Sen. Duckworth replied “We don’t live in a dictatorship or monarchy. I swore an oath — in the military and in the Senate — to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, not to mindlessly cater to the whims of Cadet Bone Spurs and clap when he demands I clap”.
Sen. Duckworth also included a quote from an opinion piece written by Pres. Theodore Roosevelt during WWI “To announce that there must be no criticism of the president or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
Are we coming to a time when the crude tweets will be replaced by Presidential SWAT teams pounding on doors of any and all who do not swear fealty to the Trump Empire at 3:00 in the morning?
2
If you listen closely, Trump is responding to someone in the crowd who suggested Democrats who did not applaud Trump were committing treason. Trump jumped on it, asking "Can we call that treason? Why not?" Trump could have said, "No, failing to clap at a SOTU address is not treasonous, it is exercising your First Amendment rights." Trump could have educated the crowd. Instead, he chose to inflame it. What a sorry excuse for a president, for a leader. Any immigrant could have instructed Trump that failure to applaud or salute the president is not treasonous. Any Eagle Scout could. Lady Liberty is weeping.
3
Trump is utterly, completely, willfully, pathetically incapable of grasping a potent and essential truth: the president's words carry great weight and power. At least, they did. Back when (it seems eons ago) we had great orators like Barack Obama, the words of POTUS shaped national policy and moved economies. Now that we have the toxic adult equivalent of an up-too-late eight-year-old who didn't get what he wanted for Christmas in the Oval Office, that is no longer true. Now the president's words are simply an ongoing embarrassment.
1
'President Trump at the State of the Union address last week. On Monday he called Democrats “un-American” for not applauding during his speech.'
Un-American? You have no idea, not a clue what those words of sarcasm even mean.
Well here you go Trump;
We the People are;
" Guarded against the imposter of pretend Patriotism"
George Washington
1
Some preacher's kid, that Sarah Huckabee Sanders, willing to try to sell the lie that aw schucks, he didn't mean it at all..,,was just joking around.
4
Dems are all traitors. The GOP says NOTHING (Sen Flake excepted),
Putin is just SOooo giddy.
But it is unclear if Putin is happier of the divisions in this country, or Conservatives with their Power to say and do ANYTHING to "punch liberals in the face", regardless of result.
1
I outsourced critical analysis of the SOTU speech to Frank and his cohorts at NYT because I could not stomach Trump’s theatrics. In truth, I avert my gaze whenever he appears on TV. It’s my automatic coping response to keep myself sane.
3
Yoga, Frank, yoga..... otherwise you risk harming your health through anxiety. I don't know what I'd do without it. Think I'll go do some warrior salutations.
If not clapping is treason, what's the charge for non watchers?
2
In the Politburo, when Stalin spoke the applause went on forever because no one dared be the first to stop clapping.
When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. - Maya Angelou
2
I want to give deep thanks to Robby Mook, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, the DNC apparatus, and the entire Hillary Clinton campaign team for bringing us yet another moment like this. The easiest election in history against the worst candidate in history - a layup, a gimme, bowling with the bumpers on - and they still managed to blow it. Even during the primaries it was obvious team Clinton were taking the wrong stances, adopting the wrong messages, reacting to Dotard Donald instead of setting the dialogue.
We were told not to worry, she's got this.
Well, if by "this" we mean an unimaginable shame and embarrassment for America on practically a daily basis mixed with existential dread, then yes, she's got this.
1
“Somebody said ‘treasonous.’ I mean, yeah, I guess, why not? Can we call Trump treasonous? Why not? I mean, he certainly doesn’t seem to love our country like he loves himself.”
1
Bruni is proving his extreme bias outweighs professional journalism. Trump was obviously joking with that comment. How can any journalist not adjust for "Trump-speak", after more than a year of covering him? Assuming Bruni is smarter than a first grader, then he simply refused to acknowledge the joke so he could put out this ridiculous puff piece. No one can deny that the Dems didn't do themselves any favors by refusing to honor the amazing heroes and families with tragic stories that were guests at the SOTU speech. What an embarrassment? The Black Caucus apparently would rather see high Black Community unemployment than allow Trump to get credit for his economic policies. Those guys truly need to be disbanded!
While I would rarely give a President credit for upturns and downturns in the economy, it is easy to point to very specific actions and accomplishments achieved by Trump that led to the boom in the economy and drop in the unemployment rate. Keep in mind how much harder it is to lower unemployment once you are getting close to full employment which is when Trump took over - Kinda like getting those last 10 lbs. off when you are dieting. Can anyone name even one specific action or policy taken by Obama for which he we experienced growth in the economy under his watch, albeit anemic as it was? He inherited the economy at the lowest possible point when it had nowhere to go but up. He invented business prevention with higher taxes and i1000’s of regulations.
1
In North Korea, government police monitored mourners after Kim Jong-il died, and reported people who did not weep sufficiently. Next, our current Dear Leader in the White House will have deputized Trumpsters monitoring the public to make sure that they show sincere adulation for all of the brilliant things he says, and if not, charge them with treason.
1
I am guilty too.
After 33 years of serving my country here and abroad this fool tells me I must applaud him when he so orders.
No way.
I will only applaud when he and his family leave the White House forever.
2
If Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina could yell "YOU LIE" at President Obama during his State of the Union address, how can sitting in your seat stoically be treasonous? If we want to go by Joe Wilson's standards, then every Democratic Congressperson and Senator should have stood up and yelled to Trump, "Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire."
1
Are we at the place in the movie where Jimmy Stewart busts in and clocks Richie Rich yet??
3
"Do I wish FOR Trump to be an excellent president?" Treason to style and the English language...!
Trump mentioned treason because by projecting his own internal treason outward, he feels he has neutralized both his fear of it, and at the same time , it’s ability to threaten him.
He does this weird jujitsu with everything he views as a threat.
It’s his “tell”.
A master projectionist as in, “ no, you’re the puppet “ for example.
2
Joe Wilson yelled “You lie” and Republicans booed during President Obama’s State of the Union speech in 2009. Republicans have smeared themselves with racism. Disrespecting Obama was acceptable by Republicans because they are racists and depend on racism to win.
So, I chose not to watch it. I guess I committed treason to?
1
Hey, if you don't stand for the national anthem (remember that one?), shout "USA-USA" all the time (how idiotic!), and applaud blindly the America First rhetoric (America "uber alles"?), then you must be a truly treasonous un-American. Our "American A." just can't stop spouting his stuff. But don't worry, we're still an exceptional country (fill in whatever blank one wishes for exactly what "exceptional" now means).
"Treason" for not applauding his policies? Then by Trump's logic, GOP congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina should have gone to jail for shouting "you lie” at Obama during his State of the Union speech.
1
A leader who is planning a giant military parade while trying to take down the federal agency investigating him, threatening nuclear war against NK and granting Russians VIP full access...accuses people who don’t clap of treason? Should we applaud the first American Dictator or lock him up?
2
“Somebody said treasonous”. Huh. The only somebody who said that was Donald J. Trump. As they say on the schoolyard (where DJT gets all his best material), it takes one to know one.
2
To quote Patrick Henry -- "If this be treason, make the most of it."
1
patriotism: the last refuge of scoundrels. when fascism comes to america, it will wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross. and yea, lets have large military parades, not celebrating a victory, but just because the draft dodging prez wants to. that doesn't smack of the military displays of communists, totalitarians or fascists at all, not even a teeny bit. trump and his behavior, is not normal, and it will not be the new normal. the clown is gone in less than three, and the repubs are abandoning the sinking ship. the last rogue wave, that climbed the highest, is heading back out to sea, with the quickly and permanently receding tide of history. and trump is good, because he is the epitome and the repubs are in control so there is no denying what they are and what they do. no question. maybe he'll start a war to stay in power, but i really don't think he's that low. that takes a real republican war monger/criminal like bush/shrub and his cohort of truly dangerous and destructive neocons. shrub is still the worst president ever and trump is good by comparison. bless his heart, treasonous president that he is.
1
Guilty as charged here.
The Republicans at the SOTU looked like Kim's sycophants in the staged photos from North Korea, minus the terrified underlings clinging desperately to their little notebooks, ready to record the musings of their own "stable genius". I don't know how they can look at themselves in the mirror. They have collectively sold their souls to follow this monster...God help us.
Every day Trump sinks lower in the muck of his own creation. Those who don't clap are committing treason. Those who don't adore him are un-American. Now he wants a military parade so he can sit on a dais and watch his troops goose-stepping by with all his nuclear weapons for the world to see, just like Kim Jong-un. And those who don't cheer the emperor will be executed. The real traitors here are Trump's Republican enablers, either too scared to rein in the demagogue or too willing to "let Trump be Trump" as long as he signs whatever they put before him. An the chief traitor here is Gen. Kelly, a disgrace to his uniform and the sacrifice of his son.
3
"Do I wish for Trump to be an excellent president?"
Please. All of us know that will never happen. The die is cast. The fraud is confirmed. The deceit is legend. The pattern of irresponsibility is irreversible. What you see is what you get and it is far from a pretty picture. Unless the fake president is removed from office for "treason, high crimes and misdemeanors," we're stuck with him and his gang of miscreants, sycophants and thugs.
I guess I'm another traitor, because "somebody" said so. Fortunately, I have a lot of company.
Cannot wait for the day when Trump is no longer in my life. He dirties everything he touches. His vile pronouncements and idiotic policies can’t exit quick enough. He and his enabling Party need to be put on the trash heap of history as they are a scourge on this country. The Paul Ryans and Mitch McConnell’s of this world and their unprincipled and brain dead buddies in Congress need to be shown the door.
This malignant creature has the audacity to accuse those who did not find his actions worthy of applause is disgusting to say the least. To accuse the Democrats,and all Americans who have lived in this nightmare since it's beginning, and have watched the systematic destruction of their country to the gleeful merriment of his band of faithful deplorables is reprehensible. To accuse me, and others like me who are fed up with this destructive creature of treason is hypocritical.
I think back to the beginning days of the Obama presidency when many members of the GOP declared their main goal was to oppose every action of the President, causing failure, and limiting his Presidency to one term. This IS treason. These traitors persisted in this for 8 years, caring little for their country, but only for their own perverted ,disgusting Un American agenda.
If not applauding this loathsome individual is treasonous, I am guilty as charged !
1
If not applauding Trumpolini is treason in his book, then my visceral reaction to him every time I see his lying countenance on TV certainly is. He merits a one fingered salute from me for the full duration that his bloated, lying face is visible. I detest this tin pot dictator wannabe because I do love my country.
1
Soon, very soon, we'll see the word treason in the indictments of trump and his gang.
1
Oh Frank, you still don't see it, do you?
The way you media are covering Trump, and hanging onto every little word he says and publicizing it as though it is national news... you're determined to get him elected again, eh?
(He sure makes your "job" covering the "news" easier...)
Way to shift the narrative.
For all of us who actually watched the speech, it was disgusting to see democrats sitting with their blank faces when the nation clapped for heros victims.
How many of you expert commentators here actually bothered to listen to the speech. Paraphrases from you liberal masters does not count.
1
The word “treason” was said in a joking matter. Agreed, he could have used better words like “those sour-Puss democrats...couldn’t even applaud orstand up in recognition and respect of our invited guests. What kind of Americans are they?” I sure hope the Republicsns got lots of film footage of these disgruntled democrats whose faces were filled with such animosity and hatred for Trump to use in their tv commercials for the 2018 elections. MAGA.
1
Puleeze. It was obvious Mr. Trump was unserious in Re. “treason”. Do you not recognize satire and hyperbole? You’re being trolled by the POTUS.
How long must it take, before people actually take this lawless would-be dictator seriously? This is a very sick man, a very bad man, and his every act points to treason. Wake up people, we're witnessing a slow motion coup!
1
Trump's utterance of "treasonous" and "treason" was the same thing as a small child saying a four letter word.
Look at his face -did the adults notice the word? A giggle, a smirk. Say it again.
Oh, gee they're laughing! I did good!!!.
Anyone who's ever spent anytime around a 3 year old recognizes this.
1
"One nation, under god, with liberty and justice for all" - its hard to be a traitor to a country that no longer exists.
"Me too!"
This "so-called" president is getting more desperate to retain power and wealth. Now, not only does he want loyalty but military parades and everyone to clap for him, as if he can force others against their will to approve of his un-American antics. He is a spoiled brat in need of discipline and unconditional love that calls him into account for his bullying. Yet, because he is the most powerful leader in the world, who can reign him in? Will our government crumble to his selfish demands? Can our Constitution and institutions continue to stand for liberty and justice for all, with this onslaught of denigration and Russian bots to boot? Who will stop this "treasonous" traitor who is president, but rarely acts like one? This man-child who became president by Russia's influence that was welcome by he and his campaign if not aided and abetted, has a stranglehold on our country, the country we love that he apparently despises with its "awe"full checks on his power and ultimately his demise, as he can't help lying. Please God and all good folk in high places, take him down before he destroys our nation. We will definitely applaud that!
2
"No puppet, no puppet - YOU'RE the puppet!"
Clean coal indeed... there is no such thing. Treason? Trump doesn't understand what it means. The man is a fool. Worse, he is a disaster for the U.S.
Trump wants to celebrate his apotheosis the way other dictators do: with a huge military parade paid for by You, the Little Guy.
And of course the tiny-handed Russian stooge must insist You are guilty of his own crime: Treason.
Are we done being entertained by this clown? Can we start seeing past his distraction and get on with shutting down the GOP's effort to destroy the country? I already assume I'll be among the first targets of the GOP's firing squads, so I have nothing to lose.
1
You're also guilty of a lack of sense of humor and an uncanny inability to see irony. You and your ilk have called an American President a traitor for a year and a half with no concrete proof and underwhelming circumstantial evidence. You and your ilk constantly take the bait as this guy plays three-dimensional chess while you play checkers. He makes an absurd joke that the Dems in Congress were treasonous and the Indignation Machine roars to life. Talk about the Irony.
CNN is reporting that Donald Trump wants the Pentagon to plan a "military parade." Remind you of anyone???? This man is DANGEROUS!!!
1
I guess Trump expects what we see in North Korea when the Dear Leader says something (anything) and hundreds of people clap in unison like trained seals...to be followed by a military parade like Bastille Day in Paris...wait a minute...Trump has told the military to plan a parade in Washington and Republicans are clapping...It will be the biggest military parade ever seen with more people clapping than we've ever heard. Trump really is the best president ever (clapping).
2
No, not possible for DT to become an "excellent president" at this point. He is a sickening, detestable person who is incapable of putting anything, including our country, above his own personal vanity and net worth. Not my president - ever. Is that treasonous enough for you, Donald?
2
It is astonishing to hear this president admonish members of Congress for sitting and not applauding what he said in his State of the Union address. This is behavior reminiscent of Hitler. We must remember history so as not to bring it to our shores. First,Trump admonishes, next he threatens, then he shuts it down. There are enough generals in the White House to pull it off. I have seen our democracy lose its letters under Trump's march to authoritarianism--we are now down to "d-e-m".
1
Well said!!
Treason for not clapping at the distorted statements of the Liar in Chief? I thought it was called First Amendment right of free speech. Another projection by Trump who will be proved to be a traitor to this country.
Oh, shut down the government and let's have a military parade! And then we can all go play golf:)
1
Brilliant, lyrical column. All I can say is, “Wow, Mr. Bruni! I’m inspired!”
Leftists always love to take someone's comment exactly literally when it suits them, as it does here. Trump clearly intended to criticize Democrats who refused to take joy in record low black unemployment and other issues. Instead of writing a piece about why it makes sense to be sour in face of obvious good news, leftists like Bruni here focus on a literal meaning of a word Trump used.
This would a great example of why normal Americans don't seem to be buying the Trump hatred sold by the Times, 24/7.
1
Yes, trump is cheapening the word 'treason' by overuse -- so that when there is evidence given suggesting that he has been guilty of treason (in the form of material "aid and comfort" to enemies of the US -- such as failing to enforce sanctions against Russia enacted by Congress), the charge will seem as silly and overwrought as his own 'tongue in cheek' use of the word.
trump is making 'treason' meaningless, just as he has done with so many other words.
This is the sound of me not clapping.....
106
you hit the nail on the head…yes, that's exactly why Trump is starting to use that word…yes…that's one of Trump's tricks he likes to use…throw a word around enough in inappropriate ways…lessens it's impact, blurs the lines of reason, etc…yep. very telling….
5
Given Trumps penchant for projection the only treason I fear is that going on in front of our eyes with purges of the Judiciary and FBI, his demands for personal loyalty and his appointment of unqualified cabinet officers that appear hell-bent on weakening the very departments they are sworn to protect. Talk about a deep state; hidden right in front of us ...
1
I am a treasoner.
3
It was a joke. Trump says, and does, enough awful stuff for all of us to be outraged about. But, in this case, he was obviously joking; listen to his tone.
By treating a joke (a real joke this time) practically as a constitutional crisis, Mr. Bruni and many other journalists are lending credence to the Trump supporters who think that they are nothing but biased.
17
The word,treason, is no joke and when trump says something and gets called out for it, Sanders is always there to say it was a joke. The man knew what he was saying. Why pretend otherwise.
12
When a president uses the Bully Pulpit to advocate for issues that are important to him, it's newsworthy by default, and we usually attempt to parse the arguments at face value. It is not the function of the news media to write off these episodes as "just kidding".
6
Oh, really? So Trump can always say anything he wants about anybody, and it's either true, or a joke? Sorry, but I refuse to normalize such talk from the President of the United States.
It would appear to me that calling legislators treasonous, absent evidence meeting the rather high bar set by Article 3, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution meets the definition of slander. Maybe a couple hundred lawsuits would get the message across. Then Trump can denigrate the judge as a "Mexican" like he did before. Oh, wait, I suppose that was a joke too.
The entire executive branch, and most of the rest of the federal government at this point are the real joke.
13
Samuel Johnson said it best: “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel”. I’m not sure why every congressperson on BOTH sides of the aisle isn’t howling in protest over this latest effort to distract us from the Mueller investigation, but I do have a pretty good guess as to why the GOP is remaining silently complicit.
11
I will clap when Trump and the Gang That Couldn't Conspire Straight are indicted.
11
First, I will say this was a very good article.
In regard to Mr Trump, he is the biggest mistake this nation has ever made.
His strategies are remeniscent of 5th grade recess, his political savvy
nonexistent. Extremist in conspiracy theories, bordering on patholigical.
I cannot applaude him. Am I treasonous? No, I am very much a patrot and am very concerned about the safety and welfare of our country. I will not encourage a man who is on a path to our destruction.
8
We are missing the larger picture here. Trump is setting up a response to the Mueller investigation which will undoubtedly find a thousand reasons to impeach him. If not applauding is treason, what is trying to destroy his presidency? He will claim that Mueller and the investigators are guilty of treason and try to have them arrested. He will argue that such investigations harm the country and are therefore treasonous. These people, like kneeling football players, unfriendly democrats, fake news are all the same in their hatred of America.
5
Trump has done a fine job of destroying his presidency all on his own, without any outside help. He's perfectly capable of destroying whatever he touches...And doesn't it bother you that Trump has done NOTHING to stop the Russians from trying to destroy our democracy? He even went so far as to drop the sanctions that Congress (both Republicans and Democrats) voted to place on Putin's Russia.
Trump has done nothing but reveal himself to be a puppet of Putin. If anyone is guilty of "treason", it's the president, himself!
2
I am honored to joint the Trump enemies list of "treasonous" people who did not applaud his sordid speech.
5
You can be pretty sure he did not "read it someplace"
From there to here
From here to there
Funny things are everywhere
-Dr Seuss
2
The one positive about his comments on the Dems not clapping or standing was that he showed how much it bothered and flustered him. If only we could pack his political rallies with people who would sit in front of him and do nothing....
4
Nobody says it better then you! Thank you for having the gift to write what I am thinking! Laurie MPLS.
2
The real danger lies not in the hypocrisy of the statement but in the brazen manner it reveals Trump to be a demagogue. Trump clearly believes that the nation is not 200 million Americans- it is him. L'Etat Cest Moi! He now seeks to hold military parades in DC? He wants to shut down, or at least discredit, all segments of the media that criticize his performance. He appoints only sycophants, firing those who don't lavish him with sufficient praise. How many indicia of dictatorship will the public require before it acts? Our nation is in serious danger when the vast majority of citizens, particularly Trump supporters, do not decry such outlandish comments.
7
Trump sounds like the addled King Lear who gives away his kingdom to the daughters that patronize him the most rejecting the daughter who would not applaud him loud enough. But perhaps the analogy is more like Stalin who saw traitors every where and sent them off to a death sentence in Siberia to consolidate his power. In a democracy if we have one Trump's words and actions degrade our speech and the very system he is pledged to up hold.
5
Let US be clear on what comes mighty close to treason: the 2009 inauguration night conspiracy, organized by Frank Luntz and attended by Paul Ryan and Kevin McCarthy and other GOP legislators. They colluded to obstruct EVERYTHING President Obama wanted to do. And the country was on the brink of a Great Depression at the time.
Near treason is trashing the Constitution to steal a Supreme Court seat and the federal judiciary, making a President who won both the popular vote and the Electoral College a three-fourths president only to give these judicial choices to a Russian asset who lost the popular vote by three million votes.
We the People have to give control of Congress to the Democrats in November. This is our patriotic duty.
20
I, too, Mr. Bruni, am apparently guilty of treason for not clapping at the frequent and clownish displays rendered by Resident Trump when giving one of his so called speeches. His super-sensitive ego simply can't handle any type of criticism or rejection...And, as far as this "military parade" that he now demands, I'm sure that he'll position it close to the November elections so as to gain maximum political advantage from it.
...I will be so glad when our next Congress votes to impeach this man and the Mueller investigation comes out with its findings on Russian collusion. Isn't it rather peculiar that our President, who took a solemn oath "preserve, protect, and defend" our Constitution, has remained silent on Russia's continuous efforts to interfere in our elections? Now, that's TREASONOUS!!!
5
Maybe, just maybe, these people didn't applaud because Donald Trump did not say anything worthy of applause? Just a thought.
5
In all of the state of the union speeches I've seen in my lifetime, the political party routinely sits (takes a knee, so to speak) because that don't like the President's policy.
So now by Trump's new standard, all of the Republicans who refused to stand and applaud at President Obama's 8 state of the union speeches are now "traitors"?
The Republicans at those speeches certainly were not traitors.....
But for now letting President Trump continue his outrageous behavior and undermine our democracy........Republicans in office certainly look guilty now.
4
Trump's chances of becoming an "excellent president" are less than those of a mosquito of surviving the winter outdoors.
3
You nailed it once again Frank. Keep writing about this madman and maybe his supporters will listen. Nay, I doubt that they read the Times so I think I'll have the temerity to put it on FB.
1
Please do not make light of the fact that this man child has the power of the presidency. To do so, may be comforting, but, there is no comfort to be found in humor here.
3
Treason would be talking repeatedly to shadowy Russian agents and con men about schemes involving dirty tricks in US elections, then lying about it to try to cover it up, and then firing whistleblowers who expose the lies.
Donald Trump needs to spend more time with his unraveling family.
The country and the world need him to resign the position he never should have accepted in the first place, and is thoroughly incapable of ever discharging properly.
The elephant in the room, and every day for the past year and a quarter is: Resignation. Nixon did it, Agnew did it, and they were great statesmen (well Nixon sometimes, anyway).
1
If Five Deferments Trump calls me a traitor I consider it a badge of honor. Now he wants a military parade so he can be just like Kim Jung Un, only bigger. He must have some kind of inferiority complex. Everybody who covers for him in Congress could be charged as an accessory to his crimes after all is said and done, that's why so many Republicans are throwing in the towel, the smarter ones at least. Robert Mueller would make a lot better president than Donald Trump.
2
Would lying about a bone spur in one's foot to avoid the draft be considered treasonous? Would asking the Russians for dirt on a political opponent in exchange for help in an election be considered treasonous? Would trying to hawk your properties in China while negotiating trade there be considered treasonous?
3
Trump’s characterization of Democrats as treasonous for not clapping sent a chill down my spine. If there wasn’t enough evidence already, this was truly authoritarian banana republic level talk. Treason is not a word you use jokingly. The nation is listening; the world is listening. The reputation of the US is sinking in world polls and much of that is caused by his often vile and juvenile words and demeanor, let alone direct policies. I fear for my country, I really do. If Mueller has the goods to nail him, I fear the bizarre lengths he may resort to in an attempt to save his skin and money.
2
"Projection, the psychological tic by which a person divines in others what's so deeply embedded in himself."
Often I think of that when I hear him speak, no more so than when I heard him use the word "treason". If there were anyone guilty of treason it is this president. Perfect example of "Projection."
2
The president of the United States is a foreign agent working for Vladimir Putin who is blackmailing him with "krompromat" showing that Trump engaged in money laundering on behalf of Russian gangsters and oligarchs after his bankruptcies had shut him out of legitimate sources of financing. As crazy as that sounds -- right out of the Manchurian Candidate -- it appears to be the simple, undeniable truth. My only question is whether, in our much diminished democracy where the majority no longer rules, it is going to matter.
2
At this point in Trump's presidency, most Americans are "treasonous." Trump should be grateful that is all they the ill will they harbor. Methinks Trump will just have to get used to it.
1
The President's statement that Democrats who did not clap at his State of the Union speech are traitors shows he never read (or read but did not understand) the Constitution. Article III, Section 3 says, "Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort."
I do not think even Donald J Trump would be able to make a case that not clapping at the State of the Union is levying war against the nation or giving Aid and Comfort to its enemies. Of course, he might try to make the Aid and Comfort argument but I do not think he could find two members of even a Republican Congress who would testify in court at a treason trial. I doubt he knows conviction for treason is only on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act or by confession in open court.
No, Mr. Trump, treason is not whatever you say it is.
124
Though the possibility that someone is giving aid and comfort to the enemy (if the enemy happened to be a foreign nation bent upon influencing the outcome of our elections) seems very real. And we can only hope those treasonous individuals are found and tried soon.
3
Conversely, one could make the argument that actively applauding Trump IS giving aid and comfort to enemies of the U.S.
5
Frank, I'm not so sure he is intentionally "projecting". Though, for sure "he routinely accuses his adversaries of the very wrongdoing that can more credibly be attributed to him".
I'm sure the "somebody" was probably Steven Miller.
4
I too am guilty of treason. I didn’t even watch Trumo’s speech.
I was instead watching “Whose Line is it Anyway” — a show where everything is made up and the points don’t matter. So in many respect, it’s just like Trump and the nonsense show in Washington.
But the comedians on “Whose Line...”, unlike Trump and his minions in Congress, are truly intelligent, talented, authentic and decent. Just a much better show to watch, a treasonous act or not.
6
It is clear to the world and to 60% of the American people that Mr Trump suffers from a Napoleon complex and therefore is not fit to be President. However, let us not forget that forty per cent of Americans adore him and will continue to laud and enable him no matter what he has done and what he will do. A rock solid forty per cent. That's a lot of people. That's a very sobering statistic.
4
For the umpteenth time, could someone point out to Donald Trump that he is a public servant, and expected to take criticism as other Presidents before him have?
I would say that the Patriot of this country these days makes those criticisms. The traitor is the one clapping at himself.
5
Nothing new. For years Obama had a standard act that he pulled out anytime people disagreed with him: "Why, that's not who we are. That's Un-American!"
I suppose it was better than saying his opponents were irredeemable racists, but they weren't the right kind of people in any case. There was something deeply wrong with them. They were "un-American."
Nobody challenged him.
1
You are right about the particular, but with Trump, it actually is not about any one particular. It's about layer upon layer of comments and actions which have displayed a man who exploits the basest reactions, fears, and suspicions, to enhance his power. It's about the intent - to separate instead of bringing together; and includes constant hammering of any individuals who disagree - no matter how respectfully.
Pres. Obama made a huge mistake in promising that, for instance, under ACA everyone would be able to keep their current insurance: this simply wasn't under his control (If he had said the government won't force you to change ... it would have been accurate).. This single comment was repeated ad infinitum as proof that he "lied." But with with Trump we have on record hundreds of false promises - and changes that directly affect healthcare options for millions, yet he is given a pass because "it's just how he speaks."
It's the whole picture, not an isolated pixel, that matters.
3
You really think "treason" and "that's not who we are" and even "un-American" (i.e. not acting in accordance with our highest values [which, by the way, is not a crime, especially one punishable by death) are the same thing?
Really? That's the same thing? Really?
1
I found one google reference to SENATOR Obama calling GW Bush "unpatriotic" during the 2008 presidential campaign http://dailycaller.com/2015/02/20/ed-henry-grills-earnest-does-obama-hav... and no references to Obama ever using the term "un-American."
1
I was both amazed and appalled when I read his comment. Even if as some of his apologists have said he was "joking", I'd say it was only a bit in jest. He is filled with self importance as evidenced by his continued exaggerations of his achievements. The reality is that Democrats and Republicans often have conflicting values. None of them ran for an office with a requirement that they clap like a puppet for the president. Honestly, that is more about feeding his enormous ego than anything else.
In the not so distant past, a Republican congressmen called him a liar. Throughout time it is common for members of the other party to express their displeasure during SOTU addressed. Bill Clinton's health care proposal was not met with enthusiasm from the GOP nor was GWB when he talked about Social Security not being viable in 50 years.
Seriously, after his never ending campaign to publicly discredit Obama and how tainted his own administration is--his lawyers worry he will perjure himself with Mueller--he has no room to even joke about treason especially since he does not seem to comprehend how serious that is.
1
The New Yorker had a great article about what applause meant in the Stalinist Soviet Union. Applause was pledge of loyalty to Stalin, and knowing when to stop applauding was demonstration of Stalin's complete power over the party. Stalin ruled his party with unwritten rules that you being a loyal party member should just innately know. Stalin knew that written rules would usurp his power, because the written rule would become the law, the law would rule not Stalin. Stalin saw himself as the law and I think the parallels with Trump are readily apparent. Treason is disloyalty to the country, but Trump sees himself as the country. Hence, disloyalty to Trump is disloyalty to the country. Trump's comments yesterday should have sent a chill down your spine; they were the best evidence yet of a man that wishes to be a dictator.
9
At least the Democrats did not stomp their feet and boo, which would be permissible in any other entertainment venue, and Trump has turned himself and his Presidency into an entertainment venue. And no one yelled "You lie." either.
5
Every Republican member of Congress should be vigorously denouncing Trump for his statement regarding "treasonous" Dems who did not applaud.
Instead, nearly all of them are simply shrugging it off or refusing to comment.
Is their loyalty to the U.S. Constitution or to Trump?
7
Some parts of our culture view bluster and bravado and constant self-praise by men (but definitely not by women) as a sign of strength. Due to his personality and imposing size, Donald Trump can get away with behavior that other Republicans would like to perpetrate but cannot. He said once that he would take the heat for Congressional Republicans' actions. So, Donald Trump's behavior represents the desires of a substantial proportion of Republicans.
4
Caught you around 3 AM - with Don Lemon.
This was about when I heard the would-be dictator's demand that the Pentagon do up a real military parade, for him, complete with tanks and for all we know, nuclear weapons, the biggest. When Puerto Rico is still very much in darkness, and multiple areas of the US are struggling to recover from disasters, money is being cut from community health centers and the CDC - - Of course, his psychic doppelganger Kim Jong Un likewise opts for displays of military might over the welfare of his countrymen. And he as much as said - "Mine is going to be bigger than yours" to Macron, watching the Bastille day Parade in Paris.
Congress owes it to the country to exert controls over this behavior on behalf of the people. We remember and honor our Veterans; we should provide care for those who need it. But we memorialize their service and sacrifice, not our militarism. Perhaps someone should slip the President a copy of the Gettysburg address - and read it to him.
Trump ignores boundaries when it comes to appropriating other people's property, physical, intellectual or emotional. To reiterate -It's up to Congress to wake up and enforce the boundaries that restrict overreach of the executive branch. It is time that they gave him a WALL that he can't get around.
9
When Trump initially rose to power many feared his racially charged rhetoric would unleash the dormant racism that had seemingly died during the post-racial Obama era. That happened but it was only the beginning of the unleashing. There is the anti-woman unleashing, anti-science unleashing, an anti-world unleashing and an pro-nuclear weapon unleashing. Then there is the pro-strongman, pro-czar unleashing. A large number of Americans want their own Louis XIV, Ivan the Terrible, or Henry VIII. A sizable percentage of Americans cheer his declaring Democrats treasonous, love his mocking of his political opponents, support his destroying Aladin’s hometown with nuclear bombs and find his anti-democratic acts refreshing. Trump did not cause this desire for dictatorship, but he did make it great again, even here in America.
2
Frank Bruni has written one of the most insightful articles I've read about the abomination we have as president. Particularly regarding the debasing of language. Trump has proven he is best when he throws his opponents (and everyone else) into the mud. He actually does the same with language. He tortures meaning to bend into new forms, for his own gain. This is a central tool of his malevolence.
8
Again Trump shreds the fabric of my nation. I am represented by Steve Chabot and Rob Portman, 2 Republicans who stand by and say nothing in rebuttal to this verbal outrage and assault on our democracy. My dismay grows. I weep at the thought of how much damage Trump is capable of. He is teaching far too many Americans, including our youngest generation, that hurtful behavior is okay. Thank you, Frank Bruni, for so eloquently saying it is not okay - it is terribly damaging.
8
How much longer do we need to endure Trump?
While he’s accusing others of treason he may have actually committed treason.
6
Surreal, to say the least. And to think it's happening in America. We seem to be watching the slow erosion of all that we value in America. And yet. Where's the outrage?!
7
I did not need to watch the State of the Union to know the state of the Union.
6
I too committed treason. I chose not to watch his speech (and based on the factual Nielson ratings, I am not alone). I also noted in several video repeats of portions of his speech where he was clapping for himself (with the constant need for self gratification, I guess we should be glad all he did was clap) and along with the Democrats, the justices of the SCOTUS and the joint chiefs of staff also were not standing and clapping. I find solace that I am in very good company in supporting the integrity of our constitution, and not of a self absorbed liar and fraud who prefers name calling and challenging first amendment rights rather than governing for the benefit of the entire country.
1
Hey, Frank, we live in an era where everyone gets a trophy with kudos no matter the score. Think about it. On both sides of aisle. Not to worry, though, each party applauds themselves and always has.
What still sticks in our mind and craw, in Trump's SOU address, was Pelosi upbraiding and giving what=for to a fellow Dem to stop her clappying and sit down, even though the comment by Trump was bilateral.
1
The Constitution says "high crimes and misdemeanors" are grounds for impeachment. Is calling patriotic members of Congress who happen to be Democrats guilty of treason not a high crime? Is telling more than 2,000 lies during one year in office a high crime? Is attacking the reputation and, indeed, dedication of those who work at the FBI and CIA not also a high crime when it is uttered by a president?
The Constitution left a blank hole in defining high crimes and misdemeanors, which means we, must do it ourselves with great care and clear understanding that the almost wholly political impeachment of Bill Clinton in the 1990s should never be repeated. That dastardly deed, which paved the way for G.W. Bush to creep into the White House while losing the majority vote, must never be repeated. Impeachment is the nuclear option of American politics but one, in the fullness of time, that even some Republicans will come to support.
The Constitution should have included malfeasance and misfeasance in office in its bill of particulars for sending a president packing. It should have, perhaps, included a remedy for removal as well when the Congress is dominated by the same party as the president. What we have now is a virtual king, a buffoon bringing disgrace to the office, the White House, to the nation and our country's reputation around the world. Yet, we have learned that 1/3 or more of the nation don't care about the damage done as long as they get what they want.
82
But that's the true tragic irony of it all. The vast majority of his supporters are NOT getting what they want.
2
Nothing new here. After a year or more of exposure to this ,I still hold out hope that somebody will wake me from this dystopian dream and declare a better future for my grandchildren.
3
I watched Trump's State of the Union speech. I had the TV on mute most of the time because I'm a pretty good lip-reader and besides, he went on for a very long time. But I had not been feeling well and as he continued to drone on, I started feeling a whole lot worse. By the next day I was really sick, and the only conclusion I can draw is that Donald Trump made me sick. He maybe affecting the whole country in the same way especially when he injects such toxic language with words like treason. WH claims he was just joking. Not funny.
1
For those of us brought up to be humble (or at least to pretend to be), the sight of Trump's self-approbation during the SOTU address, joining the half of the room that did clap--for him--was cringeworthy.
2
Timothy Snyder's "On Tyranny" teaches twenty lessons on how to oppose tyranny.
Lesson #1 is "Do not obey in advance."
Lesson #17 is "Listen for dangerous words", and advises "be angry about the treacherous use of patriotic vocabulary."
4
I believe that the Trump presidency and a rereading of our constitution should convince most people that our founding fathers never envisioned that the office of president would reach the degree of power and privilege that it has become. So much more ink was spent on the legislative branch. So here we are in 2018 with a man who denigrates the media, our intelligence services, the F.B.I., calls those who don't applaud him treasonous, fills the cabinet and many other offices with incompetents or manifestly hateful of the very mission of the agency. We have the modern equivalent of George III and his vassals are over in the House and Senate. Apologies are in order to Our Founding Fathers.
150
Clapping probably won't be enough for long. Trump will no doubt need to ratchet it up. Clapping will become boring, commonplace, meaningless, insufficient. One doesn't feed a giant ego with regular servings of T-bones. It will require New York Strips and then Rib Eyes. It will have to be bigger and better. His insecurities and always unfulfilled need for love will require it. Clapping will eventually become unpatriotic.
Trump loves uncivil war against anyone who dares to withhold praise. Why do you think the South voted for him? Why did he pick Jefferson Beauregard Davis, er Sessions as the AG? Why did he marble his cabinet with generals? Why does he often say he has accomplished more than Lincoln?
1
Here’s a syllogism:
A). Donald Trump is a treasonous threat to everything our country stands for.
B) The Republican Party and its Congressional leaders equate themselves with Donald Trump.
C) Therefore, the Republican Party is a treasonous threat to our country.
(Borrowed from the Laurence O’Donnell show tonight — the best and most courageous hour I have yet seen.)
Courage and patriotism — nowhere to be found in Mitch McConnell or Paul Ryan.
3
You lost me at "never has any president been so gifted at projection." You make it sound like a talent instead of the tell tale signs of an unstable mind.
The term ’treason' used recently by the president is a rather serious matter, far beyond the “locker-room talk” he jocularly has used. Treason is "a violation of allegiance to one's sovereign or to one's state” according to dictionary usage.
I would like to suggest that a president, who is sworn to uphold the Constitution, wanders onto the terrain of treason when he states he intends to shut down the Federal government over important but secondary and partisan issues like immigration policy.
Let's leave the emotion out of this one deal with it as a failure of sworn duty. it stands alone as an indictable offense should it transpire.
I refused to watch so I am not sure whether I am a traitor or exempt. I did my best to mess with Trump’s ratings which I thought would be the best message I could send.
From what I gathered, he was making a joke. I’m not a Trump fan nor a Trump supporter, but he wasn’t serious. Let’s all get a grip.
Niki, if it WAS a joke, it was a very bad joke.
1
Why is it that not one media person, including the Times, thought to ask Trump, or even ask the question in an op-ed piece, what his thought are regarding Ronald Reagan accepting a knighthood from the Queen of England after his leaving office.
With the American Revolution in mind, wouldn’t that be the height of treason?
Just imagine George Washington or Jefferson or Adams or Madison leaving office and jumping on a boat to England to get knighted by King George?
Not only would they have been traitors, but irreparable harm would have been done to an aspiring idea and nation.
Just because Reagan did it 200 years later doesn’t make it any less harmful, in my view.
Reagan was a member of Trumps party. Many in his administration along congressional Republicans are former Reagan administration personnel.
The Democrats are not much better these days in that respect.
The so called “special relationship with Great Britain”
1
Add me to the list of the treasonous. Gladly so. And true to form, his spokespeople claimed he was "only kidding." When will words matter again? When will this man and his supporters comprehend that with the presidency comes a heightened responsibility over the language used? Oh right, never. Because this is someone who lied at every turn, screamed and bullied rather than make cogent arguments, and this same behavior for which most of us would admonish our children, gained this man the presidency.
We are a depleted nation because of this man.
2
Well Frank, you are guilty of allowing your buttons to be so easily pushed. But take solace in fact that you're not close to alone in committing that crime. The media still hasn't figured out Trump and still can't see the forest for the trees.
2
The universe he inhabits is not the one we all inhabit. Where I believe in give and take between myself and another, I get the sense that mentally he does not even acknowledge the other person or people in the room. They simply do not have the same rights as he does. My rights do not matter. And he has surrounded himself with people bent on that same hostile view of the 'other'.
If decency was in such short supply in the rest of us we would never have hope for our children. If we all acted where we did not respect each other we would have civil war.
I don't understand how the country tolerates someone who doesn't even possess the acumen to feign goodness. His lies are direct. They are not clever. I could never imagine having to go to work for someone like him every day. I know that there are other Trumps in this world but, to be far away from them I count as a blessing. And yet, he is president and I do not have the choice as to how much ugliness and displeasure he inserts into my world. You simply cannot turn on the TV and get away from the sheer ugliness of the man. He is there, unabashedly proclaiming to all how unaware he is of his ugliness. I don't think he knows just how ugly he is.
Days go by now where I do not even turn to the satirists to see him skewered. I just want him gone.
1
Guilty as charged - and proud of it!
1
This latest rant converting polite dissent to "treason" from Chairman Trump takes my breath away. And it's being echoed out there in the conservative blogosphere. Can those Forever Trumpers be serious?
It is ironic that our President is quick to throw out the word "treason." This is a leader who places more credibility in the word of an autocrat (Putin) than our intelligence agencies. When someone goes to work for the government their finances are carefully vetted, yet our President's finances are a mystery. He considers it "crossing a red line" if Mueller's committee probes into his family's finances. It makes one wonder if Russian money was used to finance his businesses. If that's the case, who wears the hat of treason?
2
Finally, The the explanation of Trumps dangerous behavior!
Once again, Trump normalizes what in former times (like just over a year ago) would have been considered an outrageous attack on free speech and our Democratic institutions. Can you imagine the outcry from all sides if Obama had "joked" that Republicans were treasonous for not clapping during his SOTU? Equating treason with public opposition, even as a joke, continues our slippery slide into autocracy, and threatens our civil rights. Where is the public outrage from our elected officials on both sides of the aisle?
3
I remember President Reagan, thinking the mike was off, joking: "My fellow Americans, I'm pleased to tell you today that I've signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes." He quickly learned that some subjects are never a joking matter if you're the President. Trump supporters claim his "treasonous" label for the Dems was a joke. Even if it was said in jest, a President calling someone treasonous is never a joking matter. Will President Trump learn? No evidence to date that he will.
165
"Will"? ...can.
1
Trump isn't really president; he knows he was not legitimately elected; plentiful Republican dirty tricks and steps to block voters and Russian hacking saw to that. So he sees him self as above the law and above the rules. Same Trump as always, just now in a position to do lethal damage.
2
Be ready then to be woken in the middle of the night with bangs on the door and govt. gunmen surrounding your residence, for some quick "treason remediation."
Of course it might just be vigilantes doing their bit for el presidente.
But one can hope they'll be "official" and thus less inclined to shoot. Wait a minute. Am I getting this backward?
2
By the definition of Trump, the liar-in-chief, almost all Americans are traitors, or at least "treasonous". When Democrats don't clap as he mumbles, they are "treasonous". By the same token, when Republicans didn't clap when President Obama spoke, they too were treasonous.
That pretty much covers everybody, including him - and we don't even have to go to his lies about President Obama's birth place.
I understand that during WWII the Trumps, from Germany, claimed to be from Norway instead. Perhaps they were from England. After all, weren't the US born from a "rebellion" against the motherland? Wasn't that treasonous too?
3
Newly revealed text messages between FBI paramours Peter Strzok and Lisa Page include an exchange about preparing talking points for then-FBI Director James Comey to give to President Obama, who wanted “to know everything we’re doing
Hey Frank when did you last visit a manufacturing plant outside Cincinnati?
Trump did it a lot and became POTUS. Maybe he knows something you do not.
President TwoFace is being clever in such a notoriously, pathological way. He knows exactly what he's doing. To his supporters it's a wink and a nod: Those people over, the ones that didn't vote for me, they are a true danger to our agenda. And we should do something about them.
And to those who oppose him he says: oh so you can't take a joke. What a bunch of snowflakes (a much used term on The Fox News FaceBook page) you are. And we should do something about them.
2
Sign me up among the "traitors" who continue to believe that American citizens are free to express themselves and whose thoughts and opinions are not subject to proscriptions proposed by a President!
To borrow a phrase = Silence is Death!
3
Trump's trolling you, Frank. Sure, he shouldn't, but it's what his base loves about him. Now you know how the deplorables feel when the mainstream media calls them names 24/7 when in fact most of them love the country in a much more genuine way than I find that progressives do. I'll take your word that you are not rooting against America but, frankly, many far left progressives seem intent on tearing down everything that some of us, even traditionally to left of center, thought the country stood for. Trump was right about one thing after Charlottesville. There's a lot of unwillingness to listen to or compromise about anything ON ALL SIDES. Care about the "Dreamers?" Get on board with 70% of the country.
Invoking "treason" may show that what's sticking in the President's mind is Steve Bannon's application of the term to the family a month ago.
2
My new bumper sticker: "Not clapping"
10
So now we are un-American because we don't applaud him? That is a grave insult from this pompous sycophant with a superiority complex larger than Texas. I've never seen a worse ramble in my life...you didn't miss that, did you Frank? I hope to God we can recover from the damage this ignoramus has done to our wonderful country. I remain ashamed of our government.
7
What is it with spoiled little rich boys?
I see very little air between the likes of Kim Jung Il and Donald Trump. They both consider themselves victims of their privilege, that they should be admired more than they are, worshiped even.
Go to an upper east side private school and you'll meet little dictators in the making. The band XTC wrote a song about such people and their enabling parents. It was called "No Thugs in Our House" and it perfectly sums up the din of terrible parents when confronted with their children's transgressions. How dare you accuse my little (fill in the blank) of threatening to blow up the world.
Trump is asking for a military parade in Washington DC. We're traitors if we don't applaud him. We're traitors for seeking the truth about his corruption and insanity.
Count me as a traitor, then. I will not applaud this fool. I will not support him. I will not protect him and I will celebrate his downfall, when it comes, no matter how severe or terminal it may be. I will have a party the day Donald Trump falls. I will applaud his accusers and his prosecutors. I will applaud when this country steps back from the brink and scrubs this dangerous fool from the People's House.
Godspeed Mr. Mueller and all of the rest of the beautiful traitors like me.
5
Your columns this week do a great job labeling behavior that, for the rest of us victims of Trump's incessant gaslighting, keep us in a fog of fear and confusion. You are so right that he projects his foibles onto others, and surprise!, this is one of the chief traits of a gaslighter. Read this description of gaslighting in Psychology Today, and see if it doesn't describe the President perfectly. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/here-there-and-everywhere/201701/11...
1
If failure to applaud is treason, what's actively booing?
3
Well Donald Trump’s understanding of the word “treason” may be infantile, careless, groundless, made-for-TV, but I’ll bet that Robert Mueller comprehends the meaning of “treason,” based on his knowledge of history and legal precedent. In much the same way, Mueller understands the words “obstruction” and “justice.”
5
Now he wants military parades like dictator countries. It’s not to honor our military personnel it is to give this guy a boost to his ego. “He thinks he is Lord of all he surveys.” He needs to get a dictionary & look up words like treason before he uses them. Could also look up the word lie. He is the very definition of un-American.
Sinclair Lewis wrote “It can’t Happen Here” in 1935 about a businessman becoming president & taking over America. Please read it, it’s scary. He even puts Congress under “protective custody” when they won’t do what he wants & they try to impeach him.
Also, please read the Declaration of Independence, there are some interesting words & lessons in it.
Guess I too am treasonous. “God have mercy on our souls” (Book of Common Prayer).
4
Alexander Solzhenitsyn reminds us, in The Gulag Archipelago, how Cheka and NKVD agents used to appear in the crowd at the end of Stalin's speeches to arrest those who first stopped clapping. Fortunately, this is unlikely to occur in the US, since DOJ and FBI members have also been branded as treasonous for investigating this wannabe Tyrant.
4
All jokes have a grain of truth to them.
What is more disgusting is politicians that celebrate a weekly paycheck bump of $1.50.
5
Frank Bruni is missing the incredibly obvious language needed to describe the democratic behavior during the State of the Union address. It was embarrassingly petulant. Nancy Pelosi acted like a 12 year old. But maybe that insults a 12 year old.
I'll give you the fact that Trump's use of words is a trainwreck each time he opens his mouth. To say he's inarticulate is an understatement.
Mr. Bruni too often gets his underpants in a knot and loses his grip on intellectual honesty. Ms. Pelosi would have been better off, along with the other truculent democrats, by simply not attending.
We had all better brush up on our 'military parade' etiquette-seems like that'll be a ripe venue to round up all the benedict arnolds.
1
He needs a military parade to gain accolades. What a weak ego. A 25 billion dollar wall and a multi-million dollar parade. To heck with health plans, infrastructure plans, budgets, and allies.
3
Trump's a funny guy. He was just joking. Calling the Congressional Democrats (our elected officials) treasonous because they would not applaud him (agreeing with some unheard voice in the rally crowd, anyway) get's a laugh. Why not? Calling a dangerous dictator 'Rocketman' at the United Nations. Just a guffaw. Nuclear war is a hoot, man. Give Trump a round of applause. He's a funny guy. President Obama is not an American, I mean, maybe he is not, you know, the only proof we have is his birth certificate. Funny, funny guy.
3
"L'état C'est Moi" -- it didn't take too long to get there.
4
This isn't really funny.
As inane as it sounds, this is precisely the type of rhetoric that has preceded genocide in the past.
3
As he left Independence Hall on the final day of deliberation at the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, a lady asked Benjamin Franklin, "Well Doctor what have we got — a republic or a monarchy?"
"A republic," replied the Doctor, "If you can keep it.”
(From the notes of Dr. James McHenry, a Maryland delegate to the Convention, first published in "The American Historical Review," vol. 11, 1906, p. 618.)
The question was asked of another Republican more than sixty years ago, "Have you no sense of decency sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?" (Joseph N. Welch to Senator Joseph R. McCarthy, June 9, 1954, the 30th day of the Army–McCarthy hearings.)
Now, as then, the answer to that question for every Republican in Congress (if not every Republican office holder throughout the land) is a resounding, unequivocal and absolute NO.
Nor have they any shame, much less even a scintilla of integrity — nor, of course, any actual patriotism (defined as fealty to the Constitution, to which they swore an oath to support and defend). Indeed, they have revealed themselves to be out-and-out traitors.
Let us fervently hope that the Democrats can move well beyond the all-too-true quip made by Will Rogers more than eighty years ago: "I am not a member of any organized party — I am a Democrat" (from "Ambassador of Good Will, Prince of Wit and Wisdom," 1935).
Nothing less than the literal survival of this republic depends upon it.
Sic transit gloria mundi.
2
None dare call it treason, except Trump, who we all know has not a clue to what treason really means. The guy doesn't read, just watches the FOX, and FOX sure as heck doesn't have a clue. By now, we and the World have Trump figured out. He's a certifiable lunatic. I wouldn't be surprised if some night it's reported Trump was seen out on the Portico howling at the moon.
DD
Manhattan
1
Listen, Donald Trump drunk-dialing America while he’s looking in the mirror and blabbing about what he sees is, as usual, all about him, not you.
2
Treason? It is a fact that the FBI did nothing to bring Trump down before the election even though the deception, posing, fraud and money laundering that are behind all this squirming were there to be discovered. They did nothing to protect the nation from this clown by preventing him from becoming a candidate in the first place. Damage done. So the burning question, and possibly the real scandal, is: why not? What was all that smoke about Hillary's emails?
The FBI is no friend of the Dems, in other words, so let's not be silly. Further, the Dems had better have an excellent plan in place to capitalize on the firing of Mueller because it’s going to happen. Acting shocked and appalled while being outmaneuvered by low rodent cunning isn’t going to cut it, never did. It’s time to bring out the razors and step up their game to deal with the biggest con ever run in America; Trump makes Bernie Madoff look like Mother Theresa. And it won’t be enough to beat the GOP at the polls; they must be thoroughly and permanently discredited. It would be a service to the nation. Stately decorum in the face of this malevolent freak-show is a waste of decency. The good news is that Mueller is shaping up as perfect, for Trump irresistible, bait for what could be the sting of the century: to catch a crooked President and sink his party. If the Dems can bring it off, they will be exposing the GOP, once and for all, as the corrupt and treasonous mob they have become.
Should our great nation have to endure another Trump Teleprompter spoofed State of The Union speech, Democrats should take up loud jackbooted foot stomping.
1
Yeah, he's an awful human being. But with our awful electoral system he has the support of enough awful voters in enough states to be president. And worse, his party, which shares in the general awfulness by enabling and encouraging their leader's worst behaviour, has disproportionate power thanks again to an awful electoral system that in multiple ways favours districts over people and permits all sorts of insidious manipulation to allow the awful party in control to ensure its awful voters have disproportionate influence at the polls.
Awful electoral system, awful voters, awful governing party, awful president—increasingly it is adding up to an awful country. But you better stand for the national anthem and applaud the dear leader. You wouldn't want to be accused of thinking America is awful, would you? That's treason.
1
Trump is the best projector of all time, in the history of the world. He can have that title.
For him to call anyone else treasonous, is spin on a cyclonic scale. It is ridiculous that a president thinks his national intelligence and law enforcement communities are "against" him. It is paranoid, schizoid dereliction of duty. For him to work from his "gut" and ignore the professionals is treasonous. I would also point out that joking about treason to his base is very close to inciting violence, just as he did during the campaign.
And now he wants a full-scale military parade where he can stand and do his Mussolini impression while the hardware destroys Pennsylvania Avenue. I'm going to say it again, GOP, where are you? You can't control this egomaniac, you can't even keep up with him. You need to STOP his nonsense. One of these days his "jokes" aren't going to be funny in a big, awful way.
298
Cool it . A joke is just a joke. Don't get triggered by Trump.
all of them….republicans and democrats….where are the adults, where are the honest selfless people who care about our country, our democracy, the prestige of the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES….Trump is destroying things in his first year in office, that took hundreds of years to establish…WE ARE A GREAT COUNTRY…and, Trump is doing what he always does…ruins things. He cheats he lies he steals he lies more…he goes bankrupt, etc….
2
I couldn't agree more with the points that you make. He is a dangerous mentally ill individual. The audience didn't clap loudly enough at the State of Union (which we won't even get into)? He'll show us what clapping, applause, recognition, approval sound like. He's calling out his army to march down the avenue and remind everyone that he's the King, the Emperor, the Almighty. Yes, please, stop what has gone well beyond nonsense.
4
This is a beautifully written account of the madness that is Trump. The predicament is that about 30% of the country doesn't see the obvious. They just project what they want to on our President.
He was guilty of lying long before he ran as president. He lied as "businessman" for decades as he ran roughshod over small business owners, not paying bills that were owed, then pushing the burden of debt onto others through multiple bankruptcies. Why did anyone think the deceit would stop?
It's hard to pick a seminal moment, when the president and his enablers sink to new depths every week, throwing dirt over the institutions that keep this country in one piece.
However, when Devin Nunes said that Democrats are the masters of projection, that anything they accuse Republicans of they are guilty of themselves, that's when I think this slow motion disaster slipped beyond my capacity for ridicule. Congratulations Devin, that was both surreal and meta.
3
I think that is very telling to use the word treason. It is the word that does not let Trump sleep like he is looking at himself in a mirror and treason looks back at him.
That is why the president is creating diversions. The latest, as reported this morning, the military parade "like the one in France" which probably means much greater than the French parade. Better like a Russian parade.
1
It's our patriotic duty to burn the flag, refuse to put our hand over heart and say the pledge of allegiance or feel compelled to thank someone in a uniform for "their service" (when was the last we thanked a Peace Corps volunteer for THEIR service?!).
Although I haven't missed a SOTU speech for decades, I sat this one out. No need to watch the Trump self-congratulations machine, sans actual accomplishments. I did listen to the post-speech commentary and what I took from it was not outright condemnation of the President but genuine sadness. This guy felt no shame in motioning to the democrats that they should stand and applaud. How will the T.V. audience understand his greatness if half the audience is sitting? And then to charge treason against those whose enthusiasm for the Great One did not include applause for his every utterance simply reminded me of the kid who never got picked for a dodge ball team. He truly is a sad, wounded person who, unfortunately, should never hold the reins of power.
1
There is no joking when it comes to the charge of treason. Someone on Mr. Trump's team should definitely explain the definition of treason to him. This would mean all in congress who have never stood for their opposing president at a state of the union address should be accused of treason and classified as un-American; only in Trump world.
2
When Kim Jong il gives a speech those in attendance had better clap or face dire consequences. A totalitarian regime. Withholding applause is our right and privilege as US citizens. Trump seems to favor the former.
1
There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind of the fact that the president of the United States has a serious mental illness. Donald Trump has no use for people who criticize him, which is all right, but he always takes the next step of accusing them of being critical of the nation. Then, he often takes that crazy second step of equating disloyalty to him with criminal conduct – treason.
Is Donald Trump projecting his own sin on those opposing him, as Frank Bruni suggests? He probably is, and he does it more often now than a year ago. Whether that greater frequency reflects a mental deterioration or the increasing pressure of the Mueller investigation, one can’t be sure. It may simply be the panic of a man who knows that he has no clue how to do his job.
Many Americans support Donald Trump and dispute the illness, believing that he only exaggerates to make a point. He amuses them, and they like that he says outrageous things to important people who wouldn’t give them the time of day. They root for him when he threatens a foreign leader at odds with America.
Those working-class Americans cheer wildly at the rallies for a president who makes decisions to favor his wealthy golf buddies over them. Those faithful fans don't worry that Trump’s emotional outbursts are inconsistent with a man with access to the nuclear codes. If Trump goes too far, one of the generals will step in until he cools down.
In the meantime, what we see as insanity, the campaign stalwarts see as fun.
Maybe he is not insane, just a very foul individual. Somehow, the insanity defense should not apply. He is accountable, no excuses.
And now he's planning a military parade, inspired by the one he saw on Bastille Day when he was in Paris. The military is already at work on it. Talk about disguising the willing acceptance of authoritarianism as "patriotism!"
But until someone bursts the propaganda bubble and more Republicans begin to believe some things they hear that come from outside it, this situation will escalate and we will indeed becoma a banana republic--led by He Who Has Gone Bananas.
A MONUMENT TO RESISTANCE AND PROTEST. Maybe the next decent person who becomes President will see to it that a monument to our country's dissenters and protesters is built on the mall. We sure need them today.
I appreciate Bruni's piece. But we already know all of this. Know it three times over. What I believe now needs consideration is this: should Trump be removed from office because of Mueller's findings, will a group of Senators approach him, as was done to Nixon, and attempt to persuade his resignation? Likely, he would not give it up and will fight. And then the bigger question: Will he call upon his base to fight, take up arms, reminding them of what they believe the Second Amendment is about, and commit violent acts against fellow Americans who are of a different mind?
Every time Trump has heard something that "somebody" said which he then could piggyback on, the speaker was actually Trump's little voice inside his head. The same gremlin reads words to him that aren't on the page.
My question is: Do the voices in Trump's head also have freedom of expression?
Look inside Trump. That is a sizeable portion of America. Now think what do we need to do to respect and work it within our democracy. Trump is nothing more or less than a crucial lesson in becoming a democratic republic. Franklin was right, our republic will be arduous to keep.
Frank, there aren’t enough cells in the world for all of us. Thanks for the column. I wish the truth mattered.
1
I watched America’s Test Kitchen instead. Far more informative and entertaining. I learned how to froth eggs, which looked remarkably like the guy at the lectern.
3
I have committed treason against the United States twice. The first time was when I left it forever in 1968 at the age of 22, just after graduating from Harvard. The second time was when I renounced my United States citizenship in 2000 after the election of George W. Bush. In 1968 the United States was engaged in a war that ended up killing four million Vietnamese people. I knew that Bush would do something horrendous and that is just what he and Tony Blair did when they started the war in Iraq. It seemed to me that both of these wars were a betrayal of the fundamental Judeo-Christian commandment that we should seek peace and avoid warfare. I may have lost the possibility of participating in life in America during the past fifty years, but I have not lost my soul.
3
Trump certainly is misguided in his understanding of the position he holds. He is NOT America. He was not the winner of the people's vote. He is not even living up to the responsibilities of a president. He HAS desecrated his office, and he only seems to respond to the adoring crowds of his base which make up most of those who attend his "rallies" (that we ALL are paying for, by the way). I am eagerly anticipating the hour of reckoning when he has to face what America is really about...justice, truth, and service from those elected to public office.
And to those who give him a pass on remarks such as this? The presidency is no joke...and to be democratic, if he is indeed joking, I would like to see his humor directed toward those who are complicit in tearing our Republic down.
Thank you for stating the obvious truth and not being intimidated by an increasingly frightening and unstable president.
JC
Malignant and noxious as Trump is, it is important that we not forget that he enjoys the support of an activist base that worked to elect him President.
Sadly, Republican officials now cower before that base.
The election this year is important for three reasons:
(1) Hopefully, divided government will result which will curb the power of Trump.
(2) It is an opportunity for the majority of the American people to make clear that Trump’s base will not be permitted to set the national agenda.
(3) The GOP will have an opportunity to reestablish itself around principles it used to espouse.
Democrats can easily undermine these goals if they cast the upcoming election as a prelude to impeachment proceedings.
The very idea that we are all supposed to adore the dear leader together with new reporting on plans to honor dear leader with a military parade sent a chill of fear down my spine like no other time during the last two years. The slope became more slippery this week and there's no life line in sight, especially for those of us who do not fit the white Christian profile.
1
Why is anyone making an issue of this? Am I misremembering or did not the GOP "side" of COngress withhold applause for Obama? Didn't the GOP all but throw eggs and rotten tomatoes at President Linton? No one recalls "WHere's the outrage?!"
The US congress and senate have behaved this way for decades. It is the main reason why so many of citizens wish not to pay attention to them. There is little entertainment value in watching a group of mean, often cruel and self centered people do their worst. Imagine having to watch Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" on TV every day without interruption because there was nothing else but commercials?
I suspect few Ameicans want to watch the permanent bean bag and small arms fight in the Capitol , not more then once every 4 or 8 years, and then only for about 20 seconds.
Dissing our President, what kind of nation are we? It reflects on us as the United States of America, not Democrats or Republicans. It certainly lessens our stature in the world.
2
On the Cincinnati speech, looked like the crowd there wasn’t clapping too much either.
3
Littoral literati like using their figures of speech but when heartland humor strikes they either don't recognize it or pretend not to. They probably wouldn't understand tales of Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, Pecos Bill, and doubtless took seriously "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County". Trump was clearly joking and playing with his audience.
1
“No one man can terrorize a whole nation unless we are all his accomplices.” —Edward R. Murrow
19
I continue to be puzzled by the Republican Congress. /remember when they were anyone but Trump? They had the numbers to do the constitutional right thing to do. That is, act as an equal part of government. That would have limited the Trump damage. And now he wants a parade. While in Florida he can go to Magic Kingdom and see a parade every day. If this congress provides the funds for his parade, they should be forced to dress in Disney Character costumes and walk in his parade!
12
Every time I think Trump has reached his level of awfulness, he tops himself. His contempt for government is beyond bounds. He wants military parades of all things while Puerto Rico is still struggling to get restored. He wants lavish displays of affection and casually calls people "treasonous" if they don't believe he deserves it. He continues to show that he is totally unfit to be president.
36
I saw a military parade in Paris on Bastille Day. It was the dullest thing I'd ever seen. Kept reminding me that the French usually loses their wars.
1
Republicans didnt clap for Obama, and one of them called out during a speech and called him a liar. Trump is lucky Democrats did not follow this example, because most of his speech would not have been heard.
Their behavior during his speeches did not make them traitors. Their agreement, during a financial crisis, to choose making Obama a one-term president as their primary goal, did.
97
All I can muster is "Why?" to tRUMP. But it does not matter, really. I just cannot follow him. I cannot stand listening to him. I cannot find reason in his actions. I am sorry that he has hurt so many people. I do hope we are rid of him soon, and that what follows is restorative to our union, our actions within the contiguous States. and to our global neighbors. Civilization had reached a pinnacle of caring for each other, and we were making even further inroads. Methinks not so much right now -- begone, thou specter we call tRUMP.
92
Why isn't Congress up in arms over the administration's failure to impose the sanctions? How is this not aiding and abetting our enemies? I can't bear to watch this man demeaning good people and institutions, knowing that many of my fellow citizens fall for his lies hook, line and sinker. Every day I teeter between hope and despair about where this is headed.
106
His refusal to impose the mandated sanctions against Russia tells all. His telltale projection confirms his guilt. Applause would have beee closer to treason than withholding them.
I too, ask where is the public outcry re those un-deployed sanctions?
1
Thank you for expressing your feelings about the situation. My feelings mirror yours and so many others. I fail to understand how he can continue in his position given all of his immature, reckless, and cut-throat behavior that puts all at risk. This braggart can do so much damage and already has. I just don't understand how so many Republicans stand by him and his insanity. What sort of power does he wield over them? Are they so shallow to put party over country? Does his power come from money or something else?
67
Thank you, Mr. Bruni. Once again you’ve written eloquently about something that was on my mind. Am I really a treasonist?
No, not at all! DJT is just being his usual ignorant egotistical self (with a little clinical Narcissism thrown in for good measure.)
Perhaps best to sum all this up with: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."
3 more years. 3 more years.
28
Was it treason not to have watched or listened at all?
101
Just closed minded.
If so there are a lot of treasonous Americans out there!
1
Guilty as Beelzebub, here. Treason---sounds like a tree with a comfortable hammock where I can get some sun rays............
The Trumpet has no shame, no idea of his ineptitude and vulgarity.
How did this happen in America?
But then, most of us know that the Trumpet has no clue to the meaning of many words he uses, nor does he realize how incoherent he sounds. And what is meant by "treason," according to Trumpet? Selfish? Audacious? Genius? Somebody? Does he know the meanings of all the words I wrote here? Who knew it would be so complicated?
41
Probably the russians were applauding his speech.
Surely, they are patriotic.
46
Donald Trump is notoriously erratic, but there's one way in which he's as predictable as they come. Like a child, he responds to criticism by simply throwing people's words back at them.
Let's never forget, for example, that the phrase "fake news" became current when Trump supporters were seen putting out lies and unfounded rumors to advance his election campaign. Later Trump took to pelting CNN and other serious news organizations with it. Now he's fighting back against serious use of the word "treason" in relation to his conduct with frivolous use of it in his usual battle of tit-for-tat.
I recognize that this habit of his is not pure childishness. No doubt he reckons that he can dominate any inconvenient discussion by seizing the words to which he's most vulnerable and getting the public to think of them as his own weapons. Apparently it works with part of the public, too.
Still, I think he has overreached by calling it treasonous that political adversaries don't clap for him. More people than you probably went "Gulp!" at that, and for a different reason. Let's see what the next polls reveal, especially if they include a question about confidence in the president's mental state.
http://thefamilyproperty.blogspot.jp/2018/01/the-voyage-to-restoration.html
27
Perhaps we have passed the point where it is necessary to debate whether the President of the United States is mentally sound; he is not. I have lived long enough to remember the end of WWII at the age of 9. We were guided through that war by FDR, Churchill, and Truman; they were each mentally fit. Our most recent President is of sound mind. Hillary Clinton is of sound mind. Donald Trump makes public statements which indicate he has a problem with impulse control; he throws important policy statements out there via his Twitter account; he opines that those who do not applaud him are possibly treasonous; that is evidence of a man who is both emotionally immature and possibly on the downward side of the ability to lead, or to speak for the country the world still looks to for leadership. We are now reduced to finding a way to force this man to leave, as Nixon did. We can, and must find a way to survive this turmoil; then we move on to elect a leader who is mentally and physically fit, and whose business interests do not conflict with those of the nation. We need to stop debating important issues on Yahoo or other social media sites. We are an important country; we need sound leadership. Both Parties need to address the current leadership, because it is no longer acceptable. We need our allies to trust us. We need people in other countries to trust us, whether they agree with us or not.
I suspect that if Speaker Paul Ryan were asked about this president's comments, he would say they were "not helpful" and they were "unfortunate." Or he might take a cue from his Evangelical sycophants and declare that Trump should get a mulligan.
And therein lies the problem for the United States. Until the elected officials sitting in the House chamber accept that Donald Trump is not fit for office, he will continue to lie, insult, disparage and threaten. As much as people declare Trump is unfit to lead, so too is the Speaker.
132
Tom Q. RIGHT ON!!
And what do we call the politicians that lie or look the other way to protect this President? Not patriots.
96
I agree with you.........but I would ask the same question about politicians and top administration officials of other administrations the same questions.
Won't somebody please ask Sarah Huckabee Sanders how she knows the President was joking with regard to the Dems being Unamerican & Treasonous? Did he tell her?
69
It's called context, and tone of voice, and facial expression. That's how you know the difference.
1
Trump did tell Sarah Wannabee that he was joking.
Unfortunately, no one explained that - Sarah has big hands but
the only laughter she knows is derisive, she
throws word salads at serious reporters with a lunatic grin on her face.
Sarah has a case of self-righteous Huckleberry, sometimes known as
Cloneberry mania.
1
Read the line in Frank Bruni's column. Better yet, watch the clip. He was joking. In that breezy, bantering way he has. Get used to it. Really, if you take everything he says seriously, you'll go crazy.
1
Just waiting to hear from Trump that Hillary caused the stock drop.
32
No, Obama got the blame for this one.
I'm exhausted.
66
I bet every single living former USA President is sickened by Trump's claim that half of all Americans are committing treason.
50
Treason? Oh, come on. It's a JOKE. If you take it seriously, you are much deeper under his spell than you realize.
7
Some jokes Steve, aren’t funny.
Joke or not the purpose was, as Frank pointed out, to inoculate himself from his clear and beating guilt.
His style, granted, may have been cute in a way, but funny? Not so much.
1
This was not a joke. I know jokes when I hear them or see them. I'm a fan of Henny Youngman, Justin Wilson, Rodney Dangerfield, Norm Crosby, Phil Harris, Johnny Carson, Steven Colbert, Jon Stewart, and many other comedians.
Under Trump's spell? Never. Not me. But there are 35 % of Americans who are under his spell and that includes those who thinks his treason remark was just a "joke."
1
I remember a few months back, when tRump was shown a chart of some kind, with red (Republican) and blue (Democratic) bars.
He pointed to the red bars and said: "These are us, right?"
That was the moment I knew he had no intention of being MY president too. For tRump, "us" means him and his base and no one else. In fact, to disagree with him (not clap) is treasonous, not just an American right.
I'm not under his spell, Steve. Unlike you, I can tell a bad man when I see and hear one. Project much?
1
If not clapping for Donald is treasonous, then I'm guilty as charged!
It is YOU, Donald who is a ...traitor! Hint: Russia.
24
When did we declare war on Russia? The definition of treason is to give and and comfort to the enemy, specifically, a country against which Congress has declated war. Every president in recent memory has been applauded for attempting detent with Russia; it was only when Trump similarly endorsed better relations that it was viewed as palling around with dictators, colluding with the Evil Empire. Just another example of how he can do nothing right in the eyes of those who had their minds made up to oppose him on all things in every way from the day he was elected.
This may sound odd but I think people are giving Trump
more credit than he deserves. I do not think he is
trying to be a dictator and following the dictator
handbook. He is just so used to knocking and
attacking anyone who he feels might disapprove
of him, because of his basic lack of self worth.
He is too stupid to do any plotting or machinations,
He throws negative words around
like spit balls. Traitors has no more meaning to him
than grab them by the, you know. Words are his
weapons and his bragger talk. It is unfortunate
that this sloppy motor mouth is president,
in fact it is unbelievable. Everyone in the
government knows he is a cranky and
demanding child and they pretend to
take him seriously because they like
the money or the faux prestige I guess. It is
funny to watch the Democrats take umbrage.
They probably have not had such an acting
burden put apon them in years. If only there
was a way to let everyone in the USA know
that this guy is an idiot.
c
21
Unfortunately, the man child has the power of the presidency. Not funny and quite frightening.
I have a feeling we'll be hearing the word "treason" a lot in the coming months. Until then, I'll give Trump the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps he only just learned the word and he's taking it for test spin. "Treason" is just "reason" with a "T" in front after all. No one would call Democrats unreasonable for sitting on their hands during a Trump speech, would they? They are most certainly guilty of reason. Thanks for letting us know Trump.
11
How can I clap for someone who changes policies based on how Fox and Friends see them? How can I clap for someone who denigrates EVERYONE even Gold Star families and war heroes. How can I clap for someone who lies more than he tells the truth. How can I clap for someone who is Trump First, the rest of us be damned. How can I clap for someone so ill prepared intellectually and tempermentally for the office. How can I clap for someone that is trying to tear down everything that matters to me. It is all about him, no empathy, no loyalty not even to those closest to him. How pathetic.
49
Trump is getting exactly the reaction from the left that he wanted. After the incessant use of the word treasonous by the left about anyone who voted for or supports Trump, the hypocrisy from the left is obvious.
2
The difference is that working with a rival like Russia which is technically not an enemy, and therefore not technically treason, is now being compared to declining to clap for the president, as if this were a banana republic.
Congratulations, you're complacent in this effort to obfuscate the truth about Trump and the republicans.
1
Well actually, I've never heard anyone anywhere describe Trump voters as "treasonous." I have heard stupid, uninformed, desperate, blind to reality, and other descriptions but not treasonous.
Don't make stuff up..
1
There has never been a reaction from Democrats as a group that accused Trump of "treason" for what he has NOT done.
The word has been used in reference to a possible collusion of Trump with Russia, but even then infrequently.
Is it possible that you do not see the idiocy of accusing people of treason for not applauding?
1
The scope of treason has been specifically restricted in the United States Constitution. Article III, section 3 reads as follows: "Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort…."
The United States and Russia are involved with a very real cyberwar. Over 500 members of Congress approved sanctions against Russia for their attacks upon our election. The Trump regime has not only refused to implement those sanctions but through various operatives (including Flynn)assured Russia the sanctions would be either ignored or revoked.
The only persons committing treason are members of Trump's staff. They have been and continue to "give Aid and Comfort" to the enemy. It is way past time for the GOP to unseat Trump.
50
It's the Roy Cohn playbook. Tell the big lie. Repeat the big lie. Continue repeating the big lie. Deny everything. Lash back at every instance of being found out. The best defense is to go on the attack. Break every promise and settle for less than you promised. Make it so unpleasant to deal with you, to defend oneself against you, that people would rather walk away than go to the mat to defeat you. Then call it winning.
86
Yes, yes, and yes! Please repost this often, in fact, every day, if you can. Keep repeating this truth.
By attacking the Democrats who did not applaud during his State of the Union speech, Trump revealed something about himself: until he was elected, he had probably never watched a president deliver one. If he had, he would have known that it is common for members of the opposing party to refrain from applauding the policies they disagree with.
33
As an outsider, I am astonished that the liberal media prefers to give endless coverage to speculation about the Muller investigation, and trivialities like the Nunes memo, rather than the real battleground for America's soul.
It is clearly immigration and white nativism. Trump understood that and rode it to victory. But we're still waiting for the Democrats and the liberal media to rise to the challenge.
12
The FBI investigation into election meddling by a foreign gov in our presidential election is not trivial.
rise to the challenge? What should the "liberal media" do? Forfeit the free press as outlined in the 1st amendment ? Go along with Trump in their coverage, ignoring facts , science, and the truth?
Of course Australia willingly accepts all the immigrants who can manage to arrive on your shores.
1
Soon after the results of the black day in our history when it was announced that this person had won the election, Justice Sottomayor, whom I respect, said that "we must come together and support our country and hope for it's success." I immediately disagreed with that sentiment and with each passing day, I've come to believe that the ONLY way for our country's redemption is for it to, if not fail over these coming 3 years, then at least to stagnate and remain in paralysis. I take no joy in saying this but the fact is that while I have no doubt that my view will come to pass (as it has thus far), ANY success could be attached to the man and this corrupt government and that is a result far worse than any short-term digressions might have on this nation. No, this man and this government (including the GOP Congress) must NOT be allowed to claim any successes that decent Americans would be proud of. What the definition of "decent American" is I leave up to you but as Justice Potter Stewart once said when trying to define "obscenity", he simply said, as I will when it comes to defining a decent American, "I know it when I see it."
9
This brought me to tears. I am so unhappy that Donald Trump is president. But my sorrow is that the combination of rigging and that there are actual people in this country who voted for him and support him to this day.
18
Ironic, that rigged came out of his mouth first. Dah.
The Chinese say we live in interesting times. That translates to "dangerous times" by some, I am told. Thank you for writing this interesting article. We live in dangerous times.
8
As Patrick Henry might have said, "Caesar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell, and Donald Trump . . . " (Of course Henry originally said "George the Third," when the Speaker of the Virginia House interrupted by crying "Treason!") "And Donald Trump may profit from their example. If this be treason, make the most of it."
3
I recall in the beginning of 2017, a crazy San Antonio congressman, Lamar Smith, saying that we should get all our news from Trump, and only believe what he says. At that time, I told all who would listen to me that Smith was upending everything democracy and the Constitution represents.
By Smith's logic, the First Amendment was dead. Smith was elevating Trump to the cult of personality levels akin to Mao, Stalin, Castro and the like. Under such government, we are no longer democratic and no longer protected by Constitutional Rights.
If citizens can only listen to Trump, then we cannot listen to someone like the Pope who believes in global warming or Christian beliefs based upon charity. We can no longer associate with others to peacefully assemble.
The refusal to clap is a form of protest and speech which is a means "to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Mr. Smith, Trump is not Stalin, Mao, Castro, or Rocket Man. Mr. Trump, love of this great country includes loving the freedom to disagree with you.
6
Just as Trump has attempted to trivialize his unwanted groping of women's private parts as "locker room talk", he is attempting to trivialize the meaning of "Treason" as being as minor as not clapping for him- a person in desperate need of approval. This approach allows his adoring fans to say , Treason...who cares? Everybody does it!
16
I have noticed that DT repeats words that are used to describe him on social media, i.e., if someone calls him demented, he uses that word. If someone accuses him of treason, he uses that word. His statements are mindless chatter worthy of ignoring.
6
Hi there, 'Bama............when I was growing up, the expression we used when someone tossed an insult was "It takes one to know one".
1
Good cop/bad cop is a common tool used in negotiations. Detectives use it in interrogations: one is harsh and menacing to the arrested and the other acts quiet, and offers coffee and a cigarette and is disingenuous to induce a confession. Trump and his lawyers devised just such a plan.
Who likes lawyers? A week before the bad cops Trump pretends to be willing to do the honorable thing: testify under oath. Of course that would require him to be in front of a grand jury and a witness cannot have his own lawyer in a grand jury proceeding. HE is not a fool, but is foolish. He would never do that.
Then a week later the lawyers leak to this paper the position they are taking. Trump will not be interviewed nor testify under oath. Most lawyers would advise Trump not to testify unless and until forced to by a court. He could not possibly tell a coherent story without being compromised by his own prior inconsistent statements and hard evidence like tape recordings or the sworn testimony of former White House officials.
In the movie 'Animal Crackers' Groucho played a lawyer. In front of the jury of elderly ladies with feathers in their hats he says he waves his cigar and eyebrows and says, "Well, the issue here is quite clear. Who are you going to believe me or your own eyes?" We are in Animal Crackers these days. Truth and freedom will win out.
We are dancing with a gorilla. And you don't stop when you are tired . You stop when the gorilla is tired
8
Trump may have been joking when he accused of treason Democrats who did not clap. I don't think he was joking, but, in any case, it's not a joke. Trump is probing, probing to see how far he can go in equating himself with the state. The "l'Etat, c'est moi" quotation attributed to Louis XIV may be apocryphal, but Trump gives every indication of actually believing that he is the state. In November, when Trump was asked about the hollowed out State Department he said, "I'm the only one that matters, because when it comes to it, that's what the policy is going to be. You've seen that, you've seen it strongly." That's not apocryphal.
17
And the Republicans are silent. They tow the line.
15
Join the crowd. You are in good company. Just resist the notion that this is normal.
6
Trump must be hard of hearing because I heard the sound of one hand clapping.
6
This latest Trump "joke" is just another deflection on the tanking stock market. And the media and the public are following the ridiculous deflection instead of focusing on the real issues ie, potential govt shutdown, DACA fights, etc. Trump sure knows how to get the media and public to focus on the ridiculous.
7
The president has has taken to redefining words to suit his brand of sloppy thinking.
3
I said it when he won the election due to America's crazy electoral system, and I'll say it again now: this is all going to end badly for Trump and his supporters. Culture and class-based insurrections always end poorly when they are led by a charlatan. Not that there was no reason for complaint against the status quo. There was. But when you hitch your wagon to a con, things don't work out.
18
"Never has a president been so gifted at projection, the psychological tic by which a person divines in others what’s so deeply embedded in himself."
Spot on.
We all know who the traitor is and it's not the people who didn't applaud his speech.
20
Just imagine...for one second...what would had been the reaction of the “patriots” if there were, in an imaginary world, an African-American president stating that McConnell and Boehner were treasonous...
60
I wonder what he would've done if any Democrat had decided to copy the boorish behavior of Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC; remember him?); who interrupted a speech by President Obama by yelling out "You lie!"
Probably would've had the malefactor drawn and quartered on live TV.
51
Guess im guilty as well. I switched to the weather channel in utter disgust.
62
Taking his "jokes" seriously just makes him stronger. Now that he's trivialized treason, I'd say his hair stylist is guilty of treason. Or crimes against humanity.
28
"Maybe the president is cheapening the term." Of course he is; that's what he does, to make all discourse meaningless.
32
Reading these articles is starting to give me that long stare, thinking about future history books summing up the era. How anyone views this as "great" is beyond me.
20
Whether or not Trump is ousted as president is the greatest test of our democracy in the modern era. Watergate was minor compared to this, and the staggering incompetency and eagerness to tear down fundamental functions of our government. Let's get it done, and if the Republicans refuse to, we need to shut down Washington until they decide to uphold their constitutional oath they swore to.
27
I clapped alright... and danced and sang and had a wonderful time with my daughter at ABBA MANIA that evening.
I'm turning away from all the ugly and living life with good kind loving people. It's a decision I can make anytime anywhere.
18
Just remember to vote Democrat at every opportunity. Otherwise that decision will be taken from you.
18
Didn't Kim Jon-un recently have a relative or one of his top ministers executed for not applauding with sufficient enthusiasm when Kim gave a speech? That is what first came to mind when I heard this story.
I hope Trump intended it as a joke--though I have not listened or watched to judge. Still, the fact many of us wonder and have to ask the question, or just assume he was being serious, says a lot about where we are as a country.
19
So well written as always.
11
Isn't it Trump's hated Kim Jung-un whose audience members are terrified for their lives if they do not applaud the dear leader with sufficient enthusiasm? It gave me a chill to hear Trump mention the word treason. We all need to resist him, we dare not gloss over such remarks and accept the walk-back his staff proposes, that Trump was kidding.
688
A president should not be joking during an official speech, except as an initial ice-breaker introduction, if at all.
15
My mother used to say that if you hate something/someone so much that you think about it all the time, you become that which you hate. Our thoughts and what we focus on shape our words and actions.
1
And now he wants a military parade.....
5
Well, I didn’t clap, either. Then, I wasn’t there in corpus, but in my underwear watching the speech in front of a PC monitor that’s actually a TV and which I switch between my PC and service as a TV, chomping on Kentucky Fried Chicken. I forgive Frank for not clapping, either, as he was doing pretty much the same as I, only probably more appropriately clothed and not needing to worry about gobbets of chicken escaping the mouth with every victory-pump.
But I grinned a lot, because to Americans outside the Beltway and not physically resident on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Bel Air, Berkeley or the OTHER usual suspect venues, I was pretty sure that the president’s speech KILLED. And I grinned a lot (did I already write that?)
You can tell when liberals have pretty much given up on impeaching Trump when they start talking again about his “madness”. Next we’ll hear daydreams recounted yet again of the promises inherent in the 25th Amendment.
Oh … and he heard the word “treasonous” from Sean Hannity (who’d’a’thunk-it?).
Frank, and every one of us other Americans, get to withhold our applause for a president for whatever reason we please. It would be a hot day at the center of Hell (which, according to Dante, consists of a vast lake of ice into which Betrayers of all sorts are frozen for eternity into gruesome positions) when liberals applaud Donald Trump even if he were to personally cure cancer and succeed at cloning an Uma Thurman for every (straight) man.
9
Well said! I've thought for several decades that Democrats are not good with math. Now I can add that Democrats have no sense of humor.
Re-reading what I just wrote: I think that POLITICIANS are not good with math, and POLITICIANS have no sense of humor.
2
RL I don't always agree but do enjoy your comments, keep them coming
2
You liked the Unity blabber or the No Unity blabber?
Or like Tree-sun Trump, both at the same time or neither? Pass the chicken fat gravy!
The reason Trump is so good at projection is that he has no imagination or empathy. He can only imagine a mind like his own, and his own has only one principle of action: aggrandize himself at others' expense. So naturally, he assumes that the aggressions he enacts are what all the other guys want to do to him, and he must proactively defend himself. Such is the depressing depth to which the presidency has sunk.
22
Trump is _not_ an outlier. This is precisely what Republicans do: accuse/blame others of things that they themselves are guilty.
29
Quite true. But many of the Republicans do this as a self-conscious, cynical strategy. Trump seems to do it as a visceral act of low animal cunning.
10
If not clapping for Trump is treasonous I am happy to confess I am a serious traitor!
23
So if you are not a Trump toady you're being unpatriotic and treasonous? And before any toadies accuse me of not being able to take a joke, hey, I'm just kidding.
9
"Granted, my hands were otherwise engaged."
Frank, surely you could have spared one finger to give this perfect physical specimen and most amazingly brilliant president in the entire universe the salute he deserves.
33
Best column Mr. Bruni has written. He expresses perfectly the thoughts, feelings, and concern of many. Luckily the many is the majority.
16
Amen. As the Man said at His trial , " Thou hast said it."
6
I, too, was amazed to hear that the Democrats are treasonous. I didn't know that the oath our elected officials in Congress took included blind loyalty to the president. Perhaps Trump is confusing what he's wishing the Democrats were as opposed to what they are: elected officials who do not serve at his whim, to gratify his ego, or to make him look good. They are the loyal opposition and there is no written handbook that states that politicians have to applaud a president's speech at strategic points. There is no handbook stating that they should refrain from shouting out "You lie" as one GOP representative did during a speech Obama made.
If Trump cannot stand being treated by his peers as less than fantastic he should get a dog. A dog usually likes you no matter how awful you've been to your wife, the kids, the neighbors, or the country you're running. People are not dogs.
21
If you are king, if your subjects do not praise you, then they are traitors and subject to your wrath.
Trump’s autocratic behavior is amplified daily. The Washington Post is reporting he has ordered a large military parade like he was feted with in Paris on Bastille Day. But they can’t figure out which holiday it should be on . How about May Day?
19
Or better yet, the day he leaves office.
13
Treasonous for not clapping at the State of the Union Address? Comments like this by Trump will guarantee a mid-term election high turnout rate by Democrats and Independents voters while many Republicans might stay home.
15
Mr. Bruni, you are absolutely correct that Trump is slinging around the word treason to "inoculate" himself against actual charges of the same crime (or analogous crime, as we are technically not at war with Russia.) He knows very well that the Mueller investigation almost certainly has all the good on his Russian activities, and we can expect him to use the word more and more frequently in response to any report critical of him or his cronies. The projection defense is intended to create the same effect he gets from automatically crying about "fake news" in response to any journalism adverse to him or his cronies. Originally the fake news phenomenon was an actual occurrence, in the sense that Trump's Russian allies, using sophisticated bots, were placing fabricated falsehoods such as PizzaGate in online forums that were given credibility by virtue of being on the internet. And it worked! He says it, Fox News amplifies it, is delusional base eats it up and parrots it. The difference, though, between "fake news" and "treason" is that the latter aspersion is a much more emotionally loaded one and therefore likely to inspire violence by Trump's base. We had best be prepared
18
I don't think having a political opposition group , one month after suffering an election loss, form a group entitled " The Resistance " against a duly -elected president seems very patriotic. On the contrary this smacks of the jack-booted, mic-checking , bullying behavior of ACORN or of the anti-capitalist OWS Movement . Yes, this reminds me much more of the community agitating intolerant behavior of a Marxist . JFK must be twirling in his grave.
3
Duly elected? Not by the American voters... And please leave JFK out of it. If he’s twirling in his grave it’s because of Putin Poodle Cadet Bone Spurs blabbering about treason he projected on those who didn’t want to sit and clap for him!
17
"Patriotism" is the blind subjugation of oneself to authority simply because of where one happens to have been born.
Samuel Johnson famously called the appeal to patriotism "The last refuge of a scoundrel."
Intolerance to Trump is not based on anything blind, but on a reaction to his own words and actions, for which we rightly hold him responsible.
That has nothing whatsoever to do with one's feelings about the country, positive or negative, which is nobody else's business.
It's highly "Trumpian" of you to malign ACORN, an organization whose purpose was to get people to vote, in contrast to the voter suppression efforts of Trump and the GOP.
2
Please. Haven't you heard of the Republican leaders meeting at a D.C. steakhouse and deciding to oppose everything and anything that Obama was for. This meeting took place on the night of Obama's first inauguration in 2009.
Obama was born in Hawaii and was way more "duly elected" than Trump.
2
Thanks. I had forgotten how, during the campaign, riffing on the old playground rejoinder from early childhood “I know you are but what am I?” became one of Trump’s main go to moves. The fact that a grownup brazenly used the tactic even when it was pretty obvious that that was what he was doing, and the fact it worked like a charm, really surprised me.
9
Just about every person who admires and appreciates democracy fully understands why President Trump behaves in the manner that has made him a very successful business person. However he is really struggling as the leader of the United States. When the President is struggling the founders designed the system for congress to pick up the slack. The bigger disappointment is that the Congress has not steeped up to the buss saw. Gambo
11
Another great column Frank!
12
Quick Quiz: Who is more likely guilty of treason? (A) Men who, having obtained high elective office, deliberately destroy the essential functioning of a state, including its regulatory apparatus, and law-enforcement and revenue-raising capacity; who undermine its status in the world, work with hostile foreign powers to influence its elections, terminate its hard-won positions in trans-national organizations (like the Trans-Pacific Partnership) that offered that nation both power and wealth, while self-dealing for their own advantage (like Senators Ron Johnson and Bob Corker), or
(b) legislators who don’t clap for Donald Trump?
The former category includes the President, Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan and most Republicans currently in Congress. Let's start calling these people what they are: traitors.
22
In your honor, Mr. Bruni, this American visited 'Oxford', and it sounds as if half the Country should be hanged. Hanged by its heels.
Call them out, before they call you. It's an old defense mechanism. Lock her up, before they get it into their dim heads that I am the one that could be spending time in the tower.
Before Trump gets the clap, correction, before he starts clapping for anything, whether it is Merry Christmas, or for longer hems for women, we do appear to have our first Ruler. Rulers are not historically benevolent when there is a lack of enthusiasm to be detected in the air.
Those of us who show signs of being in slow motion when it comes to bowing to The Emperor, could find ourselves in High Dudgeon. Trump has been accused of being un-American from nearly the onset of his presidency, neither fish nor fowl, neither Republican nor Democrat.
We could join him on airing his Fox News Planet, but not all of us want to live there. It is a remarkable, if unfortunate lesson, to see what can happen when a person is in a position of power and starts believing in their little white lies.
If you had clapped heartily for Trump, you might not have been forgiven. He shows far more signs of being interested in his welfare, than that of The State he represents, and without any of us groveling, he may be affable enough to forgive this little trespass by you and others in the audience, in growing numbers.
5
I did not clap either Frank, but unlike you I didn't even have to hear his filthy mouth. I went to a talk about climate change at the public library in Lewiston, Idaho. After the panel, (a chemist studying the atmosphere, a geologist, a political scientist) was done, those who have taken the kool-aid came out of the woodwork with their questions, that they attempted to prepare for, though did not quite understand the pickle they were getting themselves into by taking on "talking points" issued to them by their political allies. I am usually pretty generous to those who try to make their point in public, but all I can say about these sad soldiers was that they were very patriotic.
Since being a traitor no longer has any meaning or consequence, I'm with you, another traitor. Sorry you couldn't have come to our talk, where what is happening to our environment was explained clearly and with lots of supporting evidence.
17
We don’t dip our flag for monarchs because we are a democracy and not subjects.
That many Trump supporters want to be subjects instead of citizens is tragic.
47
if you can't take a joke well maybe you should... get over it.
3
Well then, I am waiting for the punch line of the joke as I have yet to succumb to the Trump con....
9
Joke??!!
Oh I get it.....The President is a joke.
Just not the numerous type.
17
Someone who calls himself "obummernation," with the sense of humor of a seven-year-old, has no credence in lecturing adults about what a "joke" is.
1
I am a traitor. Not only did I not clap, but I did not watch the speech nor listen to any replays. Something is definitely wrong with him.
27
In Trumperica, what do the following have in common?
Apaches, Arapahos, Aroostook, Assiniboine, Alabama-Coushatta, Blackfeet, Caddo, Cherokee, Choctaw, Cheyenne, Chickasaw, Chippewa, Comanche, Crow, Delaware, Havasupai, Hopi, Hualapai, Iowa, Kiowa, Kickapoo, Kootenai...that is only 22 cherry-picked from a list hundreds and I'm not even 1/2 way through the alphabet.
Their commonality is: Trump is oblivious of them.
In America, these are the names of but just a few of the native tribes still extant on this continent, the surviving descendants of millions of victims of deliberate genocide. There are more, extinct tribes, even their names lost to history. Many of these American citizens, if not most, live in substandard housing. In Trumperica, they are leeches on society. They aren't traitors exactly, but they are, by dint of their ancestry, enemies of The State, "The "State" being embodied in the person of Donald Trump. They are, if you will, the native-grown equivalent of Muslims. I am a descendant of two of the tribes named. I am, in Trumperica, a Traitor, and I wear the name and the act proudly.
43
Has anyone asked Mr. Trump to spell the word treason and define it and give an example of the same?
17
Not clapping is not treason.
Treason is collusion with Russia - as Trump himself did on TV inviting them to hack into HRC computers. How do you spell treason? T-R-U-M-P.
11
I honestly don’t know how the country can survive another three years of this idiot.
70
Agree with everything Bruno had so beautifully stated in the column.
But.....
It's not about Trump- it's about the millions that mean, mad Americans who AGREE WITH HIM! He has no power without their support.
That is the fact that makes me sad, terrified and so ashamed.
Please, Mr. Bruni, figure out a way to explain what the hell is going on with "the base" and how to help them understand that continuing this madness for 3 more awful years us just that, pure madness.
39
A Sage once said that we and all other organisms carry within us the seeds of our own destruction. His base are the seeds of America's destruction.
18
#MeToo
7
Come and get me because I must be a treasonous traitor too. I admit that I didn’t applaud.
10
Treason loving, feckless, Leader in Chief (no offense to 'Indian Chiefs ) just announced he's having a North Korean style parade with Tanks in the streets of Washington followed up by tossing Mueller to the lions in the Capitol Rotunda.
12
Gulp, millions of Americans are guilty of treason.
The firing squad or the guillotine for millions of Treasonous Americans!
Maybe our dictator in chief will do it during his proposed military parade.
9
Trump is like a circus clown who just can't find the perfect way to please the crowd.
10
Our dear leader openly competes
with the other dear leader. They both clap for themselves, but the other dear leader gets forced help from the crowd.
6
I'm saving up all my applause for the day our popular vote losing aspiring dictator is out of office -- one way or the other. And even if he does succeed, due to GOP complicity, with ending the rule of law and making our once great nation an authoritarian state, I'm STILL not applauding when he tells us to. He can stuff it.
9
53% of Americans haven't even elected #TreasonousTrumplestilzkin and now this. 2020 can't come soon enough, Mueller, deliver us.
20
I am tired of Trump making outrageous comments and the next day a spokeswoman says those comments were just his idea of a joke some of the voters and the media just can't understand. I didn't think Reagan was funny when he "joked" about sending bombs over an open mic and I don't think Trump is funny when he speaks like an idiot and calls it joking.
Trump is president by virtue of the Electoral College; over 60 million (deluded) voters voted for him. Shouldn't he have some sense of when his brand of humour is appropriate and when it is not?
Trump is unfit in every way to be President of the US and isn't getting any better at the job he was hired to do. It is time for Trump and the Republican party to end the national nightmare of their pretense at governing. Let them do stand-up comedy in some fake Oval Office, laughing at their own jokes and leaving the actual governing to people who won't harm the people of the US and call it a joke ($1.50 per week tax cut?)
21
He should have also joked about them playing CandyCrush on their phones!
Give it up Bruni, we’ve heard that many times from Democrats when describing Republican behavior.
1
Examples, please?
7
No Democrat ever accused the GOP of treason for the inaction of not showing adulation for their leader.
Colluding with Russia is not inaction and may well merit the term.
You're doing a Trump: accusing others of one's own misdeeds.
Trump is beginning to resemble Kim Jong Un of North Korea. A few months ago it was reported that one of his generals fell out of grace and was ultimately punished by execution because he didn't laugh enough at one of Kim Jong Un's jokes. Trump's button may be bigger than the Korean dictator's but obviously they have matching egos.
19
The most patriotic act an American can engage in is ANY nonviolent act that makes it less likely that Trump will continue to be our Exalted Leader. He is truly an abomination.
17
If he could do it, Trump would set up an authoritarian state in which everything revolved around him. Many in the country seem happy to support his efforts, as long as there is some perceived benefit for themselves. Others have no use for this insane vision of America, refuse to cooperate and hopefully never will. The man is un-American and the more he and his ilk are resisted and weakened the better. All hands on deck.
10
He must have gotten the idea that not clapping is a capital offense from his Twitter pal Kim Jong-Un, who had his uncle, a top defense official, executed fro "half-hearted applause."' Oh how he must envy Kim's 150% approval rating..
17
First, he calls the press the"enemy of the people." Then, he calls those who do not worship him and enthusiastically approve of his lies "treasonous." Now comes word that, at his direction, the Pentagon is planning a military parade in Washington. Is there a pattern of dictatorial behavior here? "Somebody" said so....
21
Thanks, Frank, for setting a good example. I need to self-report my own treasonous behavior during the SOTU. Not only did I not stand up and clap but I also shouted contemptuous imprecations at the TV.
13
Why don't any Republicans step up and try to stop this president from carrying on as he does. Are all of them spineless cowards without courage? Are politicians really that rare of a human being that they will ignore this kind of embarrassing and dangerous behavior? We have always talked about politicians being willing to embrace almost anything to get what their side wants, but this has gone way to far. It looks as if our only hope is the investigation of the Russian interference. It also looks like without charges that can be brought at the state level this president might not be able to be stopped.
12
You hit it on the head, but it's hardly news.
Politicians are collectively among the most spineless and selfish people on earth.
As has been well known since Day One.
Is it presidential when your lawyers advise you not to testify about your campaigns Russian contacts because they are certain you will commit perjury. This cannot end well for any of us.
13
I did not watch the state of the union. Donald Trump has no respect for the American people, this country or the world. All he cares about is enriching himself and saying whatever he has to, to meet that goal. He is a liar, a crook, a racist and just a really bad person.
Trump has no respect for the law, the constitution or for facts. He does not deserve respect and he will never ever get my respect and I can't wait until he is forced to resign.
17
Here's another problem I have with unquestioned obedience. You have to have accomplished something significant in order to demand it in the first place. If you are a world-class neurosurgeon and are working on my head, you have my unquestioned obeisance. I will make you tea. Are you shoes covered in dirt? Please, let me polish them for you. Ah, that looks like a ring. Hold still while I kiss it. .... Now do your best, fixing my head.
Trump watches TV all day. This is not an accomplishment, much less a significant one.
6
Trump wants universal love. He simply does not understand that people can disagree with policies he sees as universally helpful (more money, protecting our nation, etc.). The Dems did look foolish and childish during several moments of his speech. Treason, no. Third grade, yes.
What would have made Democrats look foolish would have been applauding Trump's endless string of lies.
The adulatory applause from the Republicans reminded one of the slavish "Sieg Heils" for another self-styled infallible leader.
Couldn't clap for his state of the union. Too busy giving him the double-birdie salute.
10
We are real the Americans. We want our country back.
sincerely,
1968
6
Trump׳s audience in Ohio lacked the enthusiasm of previous audiences. Some looked down right uncomfortable whe he got to the treason claim.
9
DT: It's called "freedom of speech"... not treason.
9
We resist because trump is un-American. We hope he fails, ... fails to destroy the environment, our institutions, human decency and integrity, truth, justice and the American way. THAT is American.
Somebody named trump believes everyone should be clapping for him in synchronized union the way they do for little Kim Jong Un. Perhaps these traitors should be lined up on 5th Ave and shot, just like Kim would do. "I mean, yeah, I guess, why not?" asks the lynch-mob advocate for the death penalty on innocent civilians.
Trump is a political traitor, as he continues to give aid and comfort to Russian and American conspirators in an undeclared war attacking our democracy, dividing us and subverting our nation's institutions and law and order.
Besides, how does anyone clap someone exploiting victims for the sake of cheap political points - as misguided and cruel as trump did it?
5
Trump enjoys rallys. The idea is to state a phrase that cues the crowd to cheer. Get them into resonance. Louder and more enthusiastic. "Build a wall". "Lock her up". Whatever it takes.
The crowds like it too. They come to cheer. It's better than football.
So why not turn the State of the Union into a rally. What? Half didn't participate. That's a bummer.
3
presidents should be and have - until Trump - been about more than lying every minute and lowering the standards of decency by making outrageous and corrosive statements at rallies.
3
If this be treason, then make the most of it.
13
I am with you, Mr. Blow. But, you can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear.
4
Bruni, geez get your court jesters right!
2
Love the photo: captures Donald Mussolini Trump, in ONE shot.
Seriously.
18
Two words: "You lie."
10
Ugh, I'm glad Bruni is on Trump's case for the theatrics of his politics. Doesn't Kim Jong Eun require standing ovations on penalty of Gulag and death? Trump is obsessed with Kim because he subconsciously recognizes more than a little of himself in his enemy. Projection indeed!
11
It’s certainly consistent that Libs have no sense of humor.
2
Colbert, Kimmel, De Generes, Bee, Fey, Jost, M. Che, A. Baldwin, A. Schumer, McKinnon, Seinfeld, Stewart, Oswalt, Chapelle, Corden...
Gosh, this is too easy.
14
It's true we don't think it's funny - or appropriate behavior for an adult, much less the POTUS - to "joke" that half the Congress is treasonous. I also don't think it's funny that the president foments violence against the press, calls his "enemies" childish nicknames, and brags about sexual predation. I don't think it's funny that he maligns even the people he hires if it suits his current needs. I don't find his lies, laziness, intellectual dishonesty, or his racism funny either. But I DO enjoy watching SNL these days those...so I've got that.
11
John:
Please give us a list, left-leaning comedians on one side, right-leaning ones on the other.
You'd run out of paper on the left, while on the right you could drive a truck through.
The State of the Union address is not a roast.
1
I agree with everything said in this op-ed, just as I agree with darn near every other NYT op-ed pointing out what an awful human and terrible President we have in the White House. If I have to, I guess I’ll read at least some of this stuff for the next three years, but that’s pretty darn depressing. We’re not getting anywhere. It’s a daily whine session, and I admit I like some of it, but nothing is being accomplished.
Lord knows there have been enormous efforts to criticize Trump for his stupidity, lack of diligence, this skin, immorality, arrogance, personal insults, etc., etc. Nothing phases the guy, and I guess that’s just the way it is with a narcissist. If the goal is to change Trump or get rid of him, we need a new plan.
Assuming Mr. Mueller doesn’t find some corrupt, illegal or immoral conduct serious enough to motivate Washington, then about the only thing left is to somehow motivate a few Republican members of the House and/or Senate. Surely, a few of them are experiencing, at least privately, some outrage, moral or otherwise, at the daily listing of Trump madness and misconduct. There have to be a few Joe Welch kind of guys in the Republican ranks. We know it’s not Ryan or McConnell (who both sold their hearts, soles and consciences to the far right long ago), but there must be a few. And even some of those may need a trip to OZ for a little courage, but I’m sure they are out there. If not, then we are in worse shape than I thought.
3
immoral conduct? suddenly the left has morals? astounding...why wasn't bill clinton thrown out for his ACTUAL immoral behavior?
1
Point taken. FYI, I was for Bill's impeachment, not because of the ML affair, but because he lied about it.
2
You're defending Trump by accusing Dems of immorality?
That's textbook deflection.
As well as — apparently unintentionally — giving Trump a pass "because the other guys did it, too."
1
In one spectacular year Donald Trump has attacked all the institutions that form our democracy. In addition he has legitimized neo nazi's as fine people and winked at all the white supremacists that see him as their standard bearer. Like Louis XIV, Trump is simply saying "I am the state." This is what a white supremacist autocrat does. Real patriots will resist him in every way and know that only traitors will be supporting him.
17
Count me among the traitors - and I'm registered as a Republican (perhaps not for long). Not only did I not clap, I refused to watch. The most printable description I have of him is "idiot-in-chief." Never, but never, have I had such utter and complete contempt for a president - even Nixon at least had some decent foreign policy, Vietnam excluded.
19
nixon was minimally responsible for vietnam...he inherited it. that was bungled by political micromanagement of the johnson administration.
as far as being republican, explain how the tax cuts are not a republican issue. you must be a new york "republican" like david brooks
1
Minimally responsible for Vietnam? Perhaps you intended to add, “except for helping to scuttle the peace talks so the war would remain a campaign issue in 1968.” Tell that to the families of the nearly 30,000 KIA after Nixon was elected.
4
Trump’s “treason” riff sounds like something his North Korean nemesis would say. Look in the mirror, Donnie, the enemy is you.
17