We have a president who wants to lead a lynching party against athletes for respectfully kneeling during our national anthem, then "represents" our country and flag by accepting blame for another country, maybe no longer our avowed enemy but certainly not our friend, attacking the linchpin of our democracy. And people have the chutzpah to defend him? I'm embarrassed to be an American. We have plenty of faults, but for our "president" to stand up with a KGB thug, who clearly wants to reinstate the Soviet empire (which your Saint Ronnie regularly excoriated)? Who's lacking in pride or respect for our flag and country? Not Colin Kaepernick, but DJ Trump and Nimrod Nation, aka Republicans. As liberals have heard for decades, if you love Russia so much, move there.
4
Note to Republicans who disapprove of Trump's foreign and/or domestic policy initiatives as well as his national and/or international public demeanor and conduct:
Re-register as Independents just before the 2018 midterms then vote as you please. The GOP will get the message and you'll not have to compromise your values at the ballot box.
9
Or vote for whichever leading Republican challenges Trump in the primary. Kasich, Romney or Flake? They all look pretty great compared to Trump.
1
None of what I read & saw of Donald Trump's continued attacks on our Intelligence agencies & warping of these agencies reports on Russian blatant attacks on our elections & electoral process; came as a surprise.
The pathetic display of fawning before the Tyrant of Moscow by our senior elected official was disgusting & the lowest day in the history of our Republic!
Never before has an American leader willingly laid down to be a Welcome Mat for any world leader or chosen sides with dictator whose own goals are to strengthen his own position at our nation's expense.
I'm not even surprised by either the generally tepid Republican response to Trump's caving in to Putin, or Mike Pence's twisted display of support or the fact that FOX "news" defended the president on their cable channels.
What cowards they all are!
However I am shocked that these statements & actions aren't truly shocking!
Have we all acquiesced to this feckless leader's morbid corruption of what the United States is as a nation & who we are as a people?
5
We know Trump is a traitor and have known it since he before he was sworn in. It is shocking in degree, but not surprising.
The surprise to me is that so many Republicans are too. While I have not been a fan of the Republican party for a long time, I had hoped that at some core level they were loyal to their country and had some basic core values. Their lack thereof continues to both shock AND surprise me. And sadden.
9
Personally, I also rebuke so-called senator Mitch McConnell.
In light of his abhorrent ego and politics, he isn't worth the suit on his chubby back.
8
"Treasonous Trump endorses "Poisoner Putin".
By their deafening silence, the majority of the Republican party and all of those evangelicals who support this clearly un-Christian man have defined their preference for power over principle.
Our country must regain its soul and reject the agenda of this pathological liar in the the next election. America is a lot better than Trump. It is time we demonstrated that to the world.
7
trump has just made America gag again. His motto has just become "America Last."
5
Most Republicans rebuked Trump very gently, just like McConnell: "The Russians are not our friends."
John McCain did the best job, but even that is too easy on Trump, because McCain is probably unable to go to Washington to advance any bill to rein Trump in.
Rebukes mean nothing when no action follows. That's exactly what will happen: nothing.
Meanwhile, we have no idea what Trump and Putin talked about, but we do know that Trump is aligning with our enemies and alienating our allies. He is a national security risk and should have no more briefings until he has stated, under oath, what he and Putin discussed, at a minimum.
10
I'm a Canadian so I don't understand American obsession with guns and First Amendment rights. Is this the type of government that you need to fend off with an AR-15 assault rifle?
3
@Andrew
Not all of us are gun obsessed, Andrew! We don't understand it either. (It's actually the 2nd Amendment that is "the right to bear arms". The 1st Amendment is free speech/freedom of expression.)
1
Trump can and should be held to account for his double dealing, but I doubt he ever will be. The problem lies with Congress. They do nothing and have done nothing since long before this administration. Many people vote only in a presidential election, if they vote at all. It is time to hold our representatives in the House and the Senate answerable.
6
Dear Senator McConnell,
Please defend the United States, in your unique role as leader of the Senate, against Donald Trump's attacks on our core democratic institutions - including those of the federal government itself - which reached their nadir yesterday in Helsinki. If you don’t immediately initiate hearings into how and why the executive has degenerated to the depth seen yesterday then, respectfully, I think you can be viewed as potentially aiding and abetting an enemy of our country. Mr. Trump himself has overtly and unequivocally stated that he positions himself as such with regard to fundamental elements of the U.S., and he seems to be acting in accord with that view. Please stand together with the Democrats to fulfill your essential checks and balances role with regard to the Executive Branch.
6
What scares me the most are the 40% of voters who still support Trump. The reason the Republicans in Congress won't do or say anything against Trump is their constituents would vote them out of office.
So a large minority of American Citizens think it's fine to denigrate our own justice department and the FBI in favor of a murderous dictator.
What does that say about our country?
6
@Carol
It terrifies me!
1
There was a blurb in the article about Maria Butina's arrest that I found intriguing and could be pertinent to this article:
'Ms. Butina viewed the N.R.A. as a powerful force for shifting Republican policies, court records show. She described the group as “the largest sponsor of the elections to the U.S. Congress” and as a sponsor of the Conservative Political Action Conference. The N.R.A. is not named in court records, but its ties to Ms. Butina and Mr. Torshin have been previously reported...'
In order to better understand the tepid Republican response to Trumps bizarre behavior in Helsinki, I think it would be helpful to know more about who may be orchestrating the Republican congressional response from behind the curtain.
5
If any of us as citizens are careless enough to read something questionable and not verify it's accuracy then the fault is with us, not leadership. Russia may not be our friend but are they really our enemy? We stand a higher probability of getting hit by a comet than a nuclear warhead from Russia. Whether our intelligence agencies are right or not misses the whole issue that the only way our elections can be influenced is if they can hack into our voting machines. They can't. Hillary Clinton lost because she has never been likable and she has a horrible personality and demeanor. It's true that if her husband wasn't President she wouldn't even have the charisma or authenticity to be able to run for office. She lost to a one term Senator (Obama) and a TV Personality with no experience at all. Game, Set, Match. Find a better candidate and the Democrats would have won. Put her up again and she loses again. Where is that 2 Billion Dollars with the Clinton Global Initiative? Certainly not helping Haiti.
1
The hack is an attack. That’s the issue. Not HRC not Obama not anything else. Russia attacked our country. Members of Congress swear to protect our nation. They are not doing that. They need to be tossed. VOTE in November to do just that
3
@John
Enough with the Hillary baloney! Trump has been cheating and lying his whole career.
I think you would feel differently if Trump had lost and then you learned about the Russian hacking. Why do so many Republicans lack the ability to put themselves in another person's shoes?
1
The persistent media portrayal of DJT and the Republican Party as separate entities is dishonest. DJT is a member of the Republican Party, he was chosen by Republicans as their candidate for president, the Republican majorities in both houses of Congress support all of his proposals and choices for appointed government positions, and are now defending DJT's obvious traitorous statements that favor Putin over the United States intelligence agencies.
DJT is an authoritarian racist as are most Republicans. DJT's brand is the Republican brand and visa versa. The Republicans support the fracturing of our relations with Europe and Canada and our embrace of authoritarians leading Turkey, China, the Philippines, North Korea, etc. The embrace tax relief for elites and peanuts for the middle class.
The Republicans and DJT are one and the same. Report it as such so that the American people are not confused when they vote in November. This is important. The Republicans are un-American and do not deserve to be voted back into office.
11
Just follow the money
1
Very strange things are happening in comment land today. None of the main columns: Editorial, David Brooks, Michelle Goldberg have comment sections so the only way to comment is at this or other out of the way day old location.
Since many Republicans still cannot state in simple English something like:
I (senator, congressman/woman) cannot support a president who embraces a dictator while rejecting not only all his allies but even his own staff and agencies.
There is no immediate action that Republican members of the Congress can take against the president, but there is one that may soon become available, voting on the proposed next Supreme Court Justice.
Two or more of these members can declare: "Voting on the next Supreme Court justice must not be done until the President has expressed his rejection of support for a dictator whose nation was until recently USA enemy number 1. If the President does not do this and voting does take place then I - xxxxx - will vote no."
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Citizen US SE
8
More and more each day I believe that Trump/prostitute pee tape really exists and the Russians must have it. I don't know what other leverage they could have. Or maybe Trump owes them billions of dollars in loans, that might give Putin total control as well.
5
We continue to think that putin "has something" on trump. What putin has is probably nothing akin to a pee tape.
What putin has is trump's ego, which renders him incapable of thinking about anything but his own interests.
4
I’m so tired of reading obvious editorial mistakes!
Could you please make a netter effort? The very first paragraph, this is not “his” own intelligence agencies! It’s OUR intelligence agencies. The NATION’S agencies. Those agencies do not now, nr have they ever been a president’s own.
Again, paragraph 3 – not HIS national intelligence director – the NATION’S ( could use “the” instead of “his”).
Sloppy work diminishes you, NYT.
Maybe when I stop being infuriated by the writing, maybe, then maybe, I will comment on the substance
First, I have to past my annoyance. Then I will seethe again as I read how the bottom keeps falling, and the nation of which I was once so proud to part, is disintegrating in front of our eyes with such a treasonous fool at the helm.
4
Republicans — Get rid of Trump before it is too late. Pence can still carry out your agenda.
1
Well, we don't have to worry if the Russians are coming- they're already here. Infested in our electoral system, in Facebook and only God knows, what else.
When one thinks that it can't get any worse, that this is just the pendulum swinging from measured sanity to insanity- Trump goes and blows something else up. he must get some real kicks out of this or maybe it's something else- like $$$.
5
As with talk about the weather, just about all the republicans in the Senate talk about the appalling acts and words of the inept, misguided traitor in the White House; but to date, not one of them has been willing to do something about the situation. Congressional talk is cheap. The price our country will pay for the failure to act will be steep.
4
Democrats aren't in a position to demand anything. Sit down and let the ruling party lead....
1
@There
Not a bloody chance! You are leading our country to disaster!!
1
The Russians watched for a manageable candidate and their eyes popped out of their heads when they found a stupid one to boot. I blame the Russians, but more than that, I blame the GOP that sucked up dark money from corporate america that wanted the same things for the same reasons. They all wanted someone they could manipulate to get what they want. So, I take their complaints as way too little, so late the horse has left the barn. I don't understand why trump even passed even the most superficial security clearances. I had to pass a higher bar to work at the Dept. of Justice in the 90's just to be a clerical level worker.
7
President Trump has just ensured that history will label him a fool.
6
With the nomination and election of Trump, given the Republican Party’s inability or unwillingness to rein him in, and Trump’s demonstrated fealty to Putin, I believe that the Republicans have condemned their party to the ashcan of history. The Republican brand is forever tainted by its association with the Trump brand, like a foul odour that will linger for at least a generation.
6
@Jack Shultz
I hope with all my heart you are correct, Mr. Shultz.
After getting over my initial anger at Trump, I’m left with the very uncomfortable feeling that we have a president who, for some reason(s) feels beholden to an adversary and thug like Putin. I also feel bad for the good men and women of the FBI, DOJ, FBI, and other intelligence and law enforcement agencies who were dissed by their own president in a global setting.
These men and women put their lives on the line everyday for us. They deserve much better from their president, and in this case, that is a massive understatement.
5
It seems the greatest nation on Earth is utterly complacent when it comes to elections.
4
Those mouthy Republicans who ganged up on Strzok and Rosenstein are largely silent now. These guys are wimps who refuse to call out Trump for treasonous statements. How shameful they are.
7
McConnell knows there is nothing to be gained by going further in his comments than he did. In his heart, he knows the POTUS is an abomination, plain and simple. But, the political calculus which drives him, above all else, is to not get his hands dirty. McConnell is a coward. What else is new?
6
"Treason doth never prosper,
What's the reason?
For if it prosper,
None dare call it treason."
- John Harington.
The Republicans have prospered from having a traitor in the White House installed there with Putin's help. So why would they call out treason?
5
Welcome to the Putin Puppet Show. Starring the Donald. Co-starring most Republican Senators and Congressmen. Time to step up and show leadership! Or have your strings yanked and your puppets trashed. Hear the boos from the audience! End the complicity! The next election can't come soon enough......
4
Someone please help him..! he might have been compromised and is under blackmail by Putin... He may need help.!! (it is a logical (only?) explanation of what is happening - cannot be disregarded). Hope congress and the media keeps their eyes open.. I do wish him (and our country) well....
The reason the "share your thoughts" app is here is to allow random , filtered, sensible repost s to NYT Editorial Opinion. In the case of this reportage, I am simple reeling and confused that no one will put a stop to the idiocy and arrogance of the current sitting president. Where are the adults in congress? well, I never actually expected that but, where are the adults in the Senate? Where are the five people in the cabinet who need to join together and declare the sitting President incapable of governing?
3
The latest on the trade war front including Canada....ironically as trump was talking about trashing the WTO...is that the USA has filed a grievance with the WTO against all the nations filing retaliatory tariffs against the USA for the bogus and illegal tariffs on steel and aluminum filed on the basis that Canada and the other nations were national security risks. Note bene...trump has filed no tariffs in this trade war against Russia. When I learned of the disgusting goings on in Helsinki this a.m. I wondered when are American officials going to either arrest him or put him in a straight jacket and take him to the psychiatric hospital.
5
Trump behaves like someone on a manic phase who believes they are God and that those who oppose this state are from the devil. This is the attitude of the certifiably insane.
No one knows how far Trump will carry this attitude, but it is fair to assume he will carry it forever, or until he gets proper help.
In this state he is unable to reason or think like a normal person.
Please, psychiatrists with a medical training, step up and be heard now , Trump can only get into even worse trouble dragging the US with him.
2
Unbelievable. Trump inviting the KGB to help straighten out our intelligence agencies, a US President bootlicking on stage. Unreal.
No judge picks from Trump- the man either has dementia or is so twisted he doesnt even know what country he lives in.
Even more bizarre: The GOP silence. Wow. Sickening.
5
It is obvious that the Republicans prioritize the Supreme Court seat over national security. It will be a hollow victory when we no longer have a free and democratic country after Trump is finished “negotiating” with Putin.
GOP, is it worth the seat in a soon to be fascist country?
It will be a useless victory.
4
The GOP leadership & it's big donors are thrilled whenever Donnie draws attention away from their true agenda. While the public is understandably distracted by the brazen criminality & terrifying antics of an unabashed traitor & swindler, the GOP is quietly & efficiently achieving its goals in the background. A massive increase in tax breaks for the wealthiest? Check. Destroying any regulation and any agency that protects the majority of citizens but which causes the big donors to lose a few cents profit? Check. Gutting any & all social programs that might possibly cost the big donors a few more cents in taxes? Check. Not doing a single solitary thing that might usefully address the nation's most pressing issues, eg health care affordability & access, infrastructure repair & improvement, deteriorating prosperity of the majority of Americans, slowing down or at least preparing for ongoing climate change, clean water for everybody, even in Flint? Check. Robbing as much money for themselves as they possibly can from taxpayer coffers? Check.
The GOP could care less about what Donnie does or does not do, as long as it does not interfere with their agenda. Actions speak much much louder than words. Mitch & his GOP pals might utter the occasional mild yap of complaint, but their actions contradict their rare pretense of integrity.
4
What I find "troubling" is the minimizing of what Russia has done in the 2016 elections as "troubling". Seriously, the complacence and complaisance of the Republican members of Congress regarding Donald Trump's actions is downright alarming. There seems to be nothing this President - or Russia - can do that will rouse them out of their stupor. IMO there isn't a lot of daylight between the Republicans who denounced the summit and those who sidestepped criticizing it.
5
Republican will do nothing against Trump, n fact they may only go as far as asking where is there share of the payoff.
Republicans will turn the country into something, but only they know where this is headed.
Trump will do whatever he wants until Democrats get control of either the House or Senate and put an end to the madness
Republicans are going along for the ride and that “pot of gold” that awaits..
What a country
3
How ironic that Mitch McConnell, in a tan suit, would say only that the Russians are not our friends. Perhaps he should carry that thought a bit further and say, by extension, that Trump is not our friend, either, since he seems to want to cozy up to Putin despite the assessment of the ENTIRE U.S. intelligence community that Putin is lying to his face?
5
@E, McConnell probably likes Putin more than Obama.
2
All I see is Mitch McConnell's tan suit and am wondering how Obama could have been so cruel to put us in this position
1
Time to put Kavanaugh's nomination on the chopping block. Americans don't need a Supreme Court justice tainted by a traitor.
5
Republicans, how long will you continue to allow this to go on? Are you really so desperate to hold on to power that you would sell out this nation and destroy our democracy? Are you really as cowardly as you appear? These are all rhetorical questions because we clearly have the answers now. You are willing to wrap yourselves in the flag and send our children off to war. But we get lies, equivocations, and complicity in the face of a clear threat to our democracy. This is your legacy and this will be the disgraceful end of you.
4
Might Trump just ask Putin if he would allow all these Russiophile Republicans emigrate to Russia? By doing so we could make both countries better.
3
Is there any way to deter Donald Trump’s intolerable habit of insulting others? His insults are propaganda war. Suppose his aggression by insult is fake machismo. We’re too civilized to duel, but if he is a physical coward, a desperate, but possibly effective strategy would be for prominent aggrieved people could challenge him, personally, alone, to, say, a referred, but real, 3 – round boxing match. Loudmouthed macho men do still value physical, face to face courage.
Genuinely insulted (white male) non-Aryan victims of his insults should grab first chance to split his lip or knock a few teeth out of his filthy tweet hole. If he refuses combat, all parties, especially media, should repeatedly, publicly, label him “Cacas-pullum!” The same could be done to Hannity, Beck, Limbaugh, and Alex Jones.
4
Putin is our enemy and Trump is a fool.
6
"The Russians are not our friends..."
Well they are now. If the Republicans want Trump to keep the low information voters on their side, they better get used to answering to the Russians.
They made their bargain, now they have to keep to its terms.
3
It is Time for these Republician elected Representatives to do more than make a statement. Stop Looking to see where the base is and "DO The Right Thing" or is just about your getting Reelected?
4
@frank monaco - The strange irony is that "doing the right thing" is the best way to get re-elected.... but they are not doing it!
This guy in the Whitehouse must be on the payroll for all the pharmaceutical houses who sell anti-anxiety meds. I assume there will be an auction soon for government properties, Congress, Supreme Court, military, US based companies and then the rest of us will follow in an old fashioned slave selling reboot. After all separating families isn't a problem under this administration so we are now primed for what is to come. Thank you GOP for all your thoughts and prayers on this and every other subject that demanded action and courage instead. I can see you have your own back. If more empty words versus action is all a politician has to offer than I consider that politician part of the problem. Might as well go all the way in being the newest 3rd world nation when it comes to governance. Congrats Trump you managed to ruin this imperfect country beyond most citizens wildest nightmares.
1
These so called Republicans are the problem. Just like the Democrats in the swamp. They talk and talk. But do nothing, except trying to keep their jobs.
Regardless who does it, we need the swamp drained, of these life time welfare recipients.
1
I know this has been said before but it is worth repeating. This is how I know that Liberal Democrats are on the right side of history this time:
Imagine for a second that the person in the White House were Hillary Clinton behaving as badly as President Trump. The result would be an tsunami of protest and hyperventilating by Republicans everywhere as never seen in history.
Republicans would be calling for Hillary to be prosecuted for treason and given the harshest punishment. Instead we get crickets from them because it is a Republican who is committing all the treasonous acts.
1
This has been said before but it is worth repeating. This is how I know that liberal Democrats are on the right side of history this time.
Imagine for a second that it was Hillary Clinton in the White House behaving as badly as Donald Trump. The tsunami of Republican outrage and demands for justice and the persecution and prosecuting Hillary for treason would be heard around the world. They were already planning to impeach her for her private email server, had she won.
However, now we just crickets because it is a Republican President committing treason against the USA.
The lesson for me at this stage of the game is that Republicans reserve the right for themselves to lie, cheat and steal.
6
@JuQuin - Hillary really would be in jail by now if she has done this.
The Russians aren't communists anymore. The former Soviet Union is now run by billionaires, so we have to worship them just as we bow down to the rich in America. Television and radio, and especially Fox News has been grooming the population for this transition for decades.
Now the trap springs shut.
11
The GOP congressional majority is repugnant. With few exceptions, they have become Trump lackeys--so frightened that the big bad wolf will disavow them. They forget Judge Moore, Mr Lamb and many others who lost/won in spite of Trump's solid backing. This group has leaders like Ryan and McConnell who are spineless sycophants. Never, in my long life, have I witnessed such a complete abdication of its constitutional powers by our elected officials.
Our GOP congresspeople act like a bunch of masochists who are being whipped and beg for 'just one more,please'.
4
Republican politicians will not strongly rebuke Trump unless they hear complaints from their constituents. It's abundantly clear that they will stand with Trump provided that he continues his hard line against non-whites, be they African refugees; Mexicans or Black NFL players. The Trump base sees him as a last hope of sorts for keeping the country White. Acquiescing to Putin is a small price to pay. As repugnant as this seems, many Congressional Republicans are comfortable with the trade-off.
7
The only mistake President Trump made was saying he thought it a good idea for U.S. to work the security/hacking investigation along side Russia's investigators regarding the Russian indictments. That is absolutely off the table. You can't share that type of technology because you risk being taken over by another country.
Other than that if Trump had agreed with U.S. intelligence knowing that FBI agents wanted to interfere or prevent a Trump presidency, and, he is constantly being accused of colluding with Russia, he essentially avoided a catch 22 and I think he should just move forward and keep a watchful eye on Russia.
I have to admit I do like Putin and the interview he gave. He answered all questions honestly and he seems like a genuinely good person. Putin is a leader of a country and so he is charged with tremendous responsibility. Still, no one can be trusted on high level security techniques when it comes to defending and protecting your own country. However, I believe President Trump suggested U.S. investigators work with Russian investigators because he truly believes U.S. intel did not want him to become President and the entire probe is a witch hunt, because he knows the 2016 election was a legitimate win.
2
The only conclusion is that Russia is holding damaging information about Trump?
What in the world could that be? We know that he is a liar, a crook, a traitor, and a sexual predator. A few videos? Some financial blackmail?
To the GOP, anything about Trump is a big 'So What?"
This insistence that some how or other there's another foot to fall--his taxes, on which he has most certainly lied, and which will therefore reveal nothing, or this 'Russian blackmail'--is ludicrous.
There is every reason to impeach this President. The more interesting question is what the GOP stands to lose if they don't. With the exception of John McCain, what they have already lost is their honor, and any claim to uphold the Constitution, which makes clear that it is a duty to remove a President who does not serve and uphold our ideals and institutions.
Let's put some focus on impeaching the GOP members of Congress and in the Senate (i.e., in every district) who have relinquished their oaths of office.
4
“There’s no way any of us can excuse what the president did yesterday”. - Rep Peter King (R-NY) about President Obama wearing a khaki suit.
“I understand in the bigger picture the president genuinely feels that he can establish better relations with Russia the way Nixon did with China, but the nuance eludes him.” - Rep Peter King (R-NY) about President Trump taking the word of a hostile foreign dictator over that of his own intelligence agencies in a press conference.
4
The GOP will do anything, and I mean anything, to stay in power. They are recruited to run for office under Trump for their submissiveness and lack of integrity. Americans must vote them out in 2018. It is imperative for our country. If we vote them out in 2018, 2020 will take care of itself with a good Democratic candidate.
13
The most horrifying aspect of this horror show is the craven behavior of Congress (yes, I mean you, Republican majorities in both houses). What could this needy baby of a so-called President do that would stir you to duty to country? Nothing apparently.
I was going to suggest reading a history of Rome to understand the senate's role in its transformation from republic to autocracy; but realize this would make no difference to you. Have you no self respect left? Shame!
16
Why can't I reach Senator McConnell's office by phone? Is it because when he said, "The Russians are not our friends," he was done dealing with the President's dereliction of duty?
I watched the Trump-Putin press conference yesterday, and I am shocked. It is important to be able to react to Mr. Trump with shock so we do not become numb.
5
The contrast between Obama and Trump is so appalling it is hard to know where to begin to describe it.
Would the Times' readers put decency as a #1 priority? or honesty? Perhaps sanity should be #1, as Trump now displays every symptom of a person so out of control, so deluded by his own ego, that he has become a danger not only to the United States. but, as of this past week and especially yesterday, clearly to the rest of the world.
Next step? Crown himself as a god, like Caligula?
How long will the entire GOP stay silent?
3
Yes, many Republicans will go on the record denouncing their party leader's for what basically amounts to high crimes and misdemeanors. However, I'm willing to bet money I don't have that not ONE of them will actually do anything. What can they do? Stop putting through any of this nominees for one. Shun him. Censure him.
Watch: they won't.
15
"Republicans Rebuke Trump for Siding With Putin"
Sorry, Republicans: too little, too late. You should have rebuked fearless leader long, long, long ago.
We can't wait to see you Stuck-Ups fall down like bowling pins on November 6.
4
Senator John McCain has set out the criteria for and evidence necessary for President Trump’s impeachment for (1) Refusal to acknowledge Russia as an enemy, (2) Refusal to acknowledge our/his own government reports on his presidential election tampering, (3) Refusal to condemn Russia’s aggression war crimes in Ukraine and Syria, and (4) Engaging in a lengthy private, “secret-in-full view” meeting with Russia’s leader, Putin, our enemy.
American interests and security may have been compromised and are at risk. If Congress waits for further secret meetings by this unstable president – they, both House and Senate, acquiesce to his potential high crimes, misdemeanors and outright treason. Failure to act is a failure to fulfill their constitutional duty to protect the safety of our country. Please act to find the truth. Or acquiesce.
4
I wonder what Secretary of Defense Mattis--a man who as an officer of the armed forces took an oath to "defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign AND domestic--thinks of the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces now.
3
Even worse is this: It is good that the average American is poorly educated, and that average includes many who are at the top of the corporate ladders as well as a seeming majority in D.C. Just this week the press, along with many in government, the federal government that is, claimed that the economy was growing as expected resulting from the so-called tax cuts. Today, the economy is running around 19 trillion dollars. Great, right? Well, there is an accounting, excuse me, a legal loophole when it comes to using this number. That number went up around a 4% annualized rate in the last quarter and the Republicans have been bragging. However, those same Republicans do not want to add in the deficit increase, the addition to the national debt which is above 21 trillion, and that is around 1 trillion this year alone. Now, take out the trillion-dollar debt increase, and the economy is actually shrinking by around 1%! Well, whose side are you on now or even better whose side will you be on when we go bankrupt?
1
Evidence is just emerging about the support the Russians gave to many Republicans beyond Trump in the 2016 election. Their excuses for Trump and ferocity against Mueller begin to make sense.
5
Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski need to vote against confirming Brett Kavanaugh to the court. They both may be republicans but they should be Patriots first. They should say it's because they can't support a POTUS pick until after the Mueller investigation -- especially at the heels of this shameful and treasonous way of remarking about his own intelligence agencies vs. Putin's manipulation of our democracy.
They say 85% of the GOP support Trump. Well where are the 15% who support the USA?
11
It's pretty disconcerting to see some in these comments, otherwise violent opponents of the 2nd Amendment, calling in effect for a coup against a duly elected executive. You might want to ratchet the hysteria down a bit before someone gets hurt.
2
People are already getting hurt - and killed - by proponents of the Second Amendment.
The meaning of the republican brand is in free fall. The coming process of spin-cycle obfuscation and re-definition will more firmly enhance this country on the same path. The shame was started by Trump, it will grow under the gutless husbandry of the Republican Legislature.
3
Your piece was restrained. Other adjectives come to mind that better describe the conduct of Congressional Republicans.
Gutless.
Cowardly.
Hypocritical.
They're uncomfortable and mouth cliche' critiques but they won't do anything in the end. It's called aiding and abetting. There are rightwing Supreme Court justices to push through. There are tax cuts to enact for corporations.
Principle? Loyalty to the principles that anchor our freedom?
Fuggedaboutit.
6
What we see here is the GOP frog in Trump’s pot of boiling water.
The GOP made a Faustian bargain to allow Trump to nominated. They ignored the Hamilton Electors’ duty to deny electoral votes to a clearly unfit candidate. They failed to impeach (or to invoke the 25th Amendment).
At first, the water in the pot seemed only lukewarm, and the darting flies were alluring -- tax cuts, Supreme Court nominees, and the other GOP lusts in Trump’s incoherent semblance of a platform. The temperature continued to rise, and few of those flies remain.
But the GOP frog seems unable to jump out of the pot.
Will they finally jump out? Will the mid-term voters throw them out? Or is this how America (and the world) ends?
4
The GOP is dead. They've busted the budget with massive tax cuts for the wealthiest, made it much easier for polluters to foul our nest, refused to expand health care coverage, terrorized immigrants and asylum seekers, and stolen a Supreme seat to assure that dark money rules and radical gerrymandering can continue unimpeded.
Democracy is dying. Trump is unfit. He is a treasonous criminal who must be removed from office and tried for his crimes. Our citizens are outraged and hungry to vote. Will the elections be rigged by more Russian hacking? The GOP resists taking action to assure that the mid-terms are fair and untainted. They aid and abet the treasonous trump.
2
Trump said that the Russians didn't have anything on him because they would have used it by now. That is totally incorrect. If they used it, it would only damage him and destroy its worth to them. The exact opposite is true: If they have something on him, it is only valuable to them until they use it. This makes me think that they do have something.
See: RevolutionOfReason.com
3
If there is one issue on which Trump has never wavered and that is Russia. He has called all the allies down to the dirt, dusted them off and attacked them again. He has pet hate names for all of them as if they are his adversaries.
He has no pet name for Putin and he has never attacked Russia.
He has attacked the Department of Justice, the AG, the deputy AG. The FBI, he has fired the head of the FBI. He attacks the intelligence community repeatedly.
He believes Putin.
What is treason?
When a leader bends to a dangerous adversary at every opportunity? A leader who attacks his own agencies which are in place to protect the country?
This charade has gone on too long. The GOP is corrupt and useless , either cowards or minions.
America is lost if this man keeps his office.
2
The House and Senate should formally censure Trump. That’s the immediate step. Cabinet members should publically denounce Trump’s behavior.
2
So a few Republicans spoke out against the outrageous actions of their president, only one of them spoke very harshly and I don't see any of them actually doing anything about Trump. I do see them working in the background to destroy anything that might be helpful to the People, especially poor people or minorities. I do see them legislating favors for their rich donors at the expense of the nation. I don't think there are many, if any, Republican patriots anymore, only Republican traitors.
15
In his deluded mind, Trump thinks that siding with Putin will build a friendship he can call upon for favors in the future. He does not understand what he is dealing with. Putin is a ruthless manipulator who will only act if 1) in Putin's favor, or a far distant 2) In Russia's favor. To get what he wants, he would just as well have Trump shot as flatter him, if he felt he could win doing it. Perhaps Trump will come to understand this. Just hope he does before Putin's belief that he can achieve victory by destroying America turns to action.
NOW is the time to demand the release Trumps Tax records. His word is simply NOT good enough. He had a secret meeting with Putin – why? His efforts to undermine the US Intelligence Community, to wreak havoc with NATO and his pandering to Putin is nothing short of alarming. All appearances seem to be in keeping with someone who is beholding to Putin, to Russia. WHY? If he is has no financial collusion with Russia then make him prove it.
4
The GOP will do nothing except pretend outrage. There is still a justice to seat, an environment to rape and maybe more tax breaks for the wealthy.
These Republican Senators are not powerless. Each of them has incredible power to stop acting like sheep and vote against Trump, starting with the Supreme Court
1
Resign or impeach. No other choices.
10
@Spucky50
Run a viable candidate but good luck.
Well, the Manchurian candidate has at least revealed himself.
His next step will be to appear in full military uniform announcing he will be president for life. And even then the repubican party will do nothing.
5
Treason and traitor have specific definitions - one can debate whether Trump's behavior rises to that level--even as it carries the stench of both. But even his base couldn't argue that what he did this week was ANTI-AMERICAN, UNPATRIOTIC and defies his own lying slogan of "make America great again".
He is in this for himself. Not for our country. Full stop.
4
How much money does it take to bribe enough congress people to sit on their hands as our president throws our country under the bus?
I keep reading about history will judge the complicit Republicans harshly. It is almost a cliche.
The victorious will write the history; we will not even get that smidgen of satisfaction here with our treasonous president. Unless (to paraphrase the ending of Dr. Seuss's Lorax) each and every one of us take action:
Respect your vote. Treat it with care.
Bring all your friends, Make sure that they're there.
Grow a forest of votes, Protect it from Russians that hack.
Then democracy and decency,
From its ashes
May come back."
See you all in the autumn, make sure you are there.
1
Let’s pause for a moment to recognize why such Republican outrage as exists will blow over by the next news cycle or two: the Supreme Court!
Two picks for the Republicans! And maybe more! (Plus dozens of lower level court appointments thanks to the Republicans dragging their feet during Obama’s tenure.)
Worth the Trump agita? You bet it is.
7
These cowardly republicans aren't going to do anything. They should be demanding Trump's tax returns.
What is it about Kentucky in giving us McConnell and Rand Paul? McConnell is just Trump's lackey and stopped caring about our country years ago. Paul is vigorously defending Trump. What did Trump promise Paul on those 2 golf outings? Those outings turned him into a rabid trump fan.
The republicans will do nothing.
SOME REPUBLICANS rebuke Trump?! For all republicans who are still supporting Trump, their American flag pins should be ripped off their suits and replaced with a Russian flag pin.
15
Sen Cornyn got it right when he stated that Trump is conflating the irrefutable (at least according to all the American intelligence sources)conclusion that Russia did interfere with the 2016 election and the unproven, as yet, accusation that the Trump election team colluded with Russia to rig the election. Trump is so narcissistic and egocentric that he can't see that the issue of Russian meddling in our election system is not about whether he legitimately won the election but whether a foreign enemy influenced the election. When will Trump's supporters finally realize that Trump couldn't care less about them or about America? All Donald J. Trump cares about is Donald J. Trump. And Donald J. Trump is looking worse and worse every day. The question now is whether Republican candidates for Congress in 2018 will be smeared with the same muck with which he is now covering himself?
1
Why only some? It is time to start the impeachment proceedings and here is something that all of us must do to save this great nation. Put pressure to bare on Congress to start impeachment. Thank you Laura Lisi. ... https://lstrn.us/2uJzrom
5
I never would have thought that the members of the Trump base in the south or midwest were pro-Russia!!
However, Trump and most of the GOP must believe they are, given how they behave and what they say (or do not say) to keep that base happy and yet still riled up.
Are most patriots today to be found chiefly on the coasts—forget the so-called heartland who must now believe “better Red than dead”??
I hope our true allies do not abandon us to the Russian bear!!!
Republicans, what can you get out of Trump that you can't get out of Pence?
Once again, GOP leaders get in front of microphones, make sounds, then hope everyone forgets about it.
This is as becoming as timeworn a tradition as offering hopes and prayers after a mass shooting.
Rand Paul ... Mitch McConnell... What's with these Kentucky fools!
Ones a misguided dope, ones a craven power monger... But seriously so much power and media voice, and they are from Kentucky! Kentucky!
Since when was Kentucky the epicenter of American democratic values.
Who cares what Rand Paul thinks. Even his next door neighbor can't stand him.
And Mitch, his day will come, ice courses through his veins. He's on par with Trump, though he's more overt in undermining our gov't and slicker in his ways of accomplishing it.
Mueller doesn’t have to prove that Trump is a Russian agent.
Trump just announced the fact while standing beside his boss Putin.
We can assume that any Republicans who don’t take action to rein in the White House traitor are themselves Russian agents, most likely due to Russian assistance with their own campaigns.
6
This cabal of ignorant, cowering, vermin ( in both paries) need to be removed in November by the American voters.
Omly then can the Constitution work as originally intended.
I was born in 1959 and I watched this process plays out in real time on the television in 1973.
All because of a hotel burglary and associated cover-up.
If that was the Congress we had today, Trump would already be on his wau out.
This Congress is the real danger. There is no precedent for this. Now can 435 people charged defending out Constitution be so collectively dysfunctional at a moment in our history were indeed the fate of our Republic hangs in the balance?
9
Dear Congress: "To sin by silence when we should protest makes cowards out of men." --Ella Wheeler Wilcox
4
Any THINKING American now knows that a "Manchurian Candidate" did make it to the highest office in the land. Putin displayed his being in control by first keeping Trump waiting and when he did arrive walking out first. It gave the appearance that Putin was "hosting" Trump when they were both on foreign soil. For all his talk of being an Alpha Male there was only one in that room and it was Putin!
1
Putin is a master machiavellian - let's give him that. But of course, Trump is such an ignorant stooge that its no great achievement. Republicans in congress - you had better do something quick before all of your supporters turn on you. Otherwise, America is trashed by this lunatic.
The 'Never Trumpers' haven't changed their tune, simply lip-sync the ditsy dem's feigned outrage.
Their subterfuge gets more hilarious every day, as the rotten apples i.e. leaders, of the FBI & DOJ are being laid-bare for their treachery in undermining the will of the American people.
Keep it up, boyz, the election is right around the corner, then you'll want to get on Prez Trump's bandwagon to keep your cushy jobs and obscene perks.
@Mary Berg, yes, it is suck-up or die in Trump's world.
GOP: with the exception of a precious few, Profiles in Cowardice.
1
Headline: "Some Republicans Rebuke Trump..."
Are they all in collusion? I really begin to wonder.
Is there not one of them with a backbone? I doubt it.
It's pretty sad for the ordinary voter out here to have confidence in anyone at all at this time. Euphemisms aside, Donald Trump is a liar and a thief, that's language we all understand. We elected this man and every day his amoral, immoral behavior is more and more obvious. Wake up now, all who respect truth and honesty and the law of the land.
1
So Republicans are troubled about what they should say in response to Trump's treachery? Let me help you out. All you need to say is Donald Trump is a traitor and he should be impeached. See how easy that is? Look in the mirror and repeat it a dozen times, and then call press conference.
3
For the hypocritical GOP to speak up now is laughable. We have, essentially, an agent of Russia in our highest position and they have done everything -- ruining the rule of law and the sanctity of ongoing investigations -- to bolster Trump. Nunes, the weak Ryan, McConnell, who is too dumb to see how he is ruining our democracy, are all complicit in supporting Trump, and therefore Russia, our #1 adversary. They have no right to weigh in now -- they helped to create this monster and have done Russia's bidding for two pieces of silver. Traitorous, all.
1
utterly shameful! Trump hates America and all it stands for. When will his base see and understand that
the response from Congress is abysmal - a simple statement and a shrug - they are the ones who need to be held accountable. Contact all of them now.
It is even more critical that the D get their act together and take back both the house and the senate.
VOTE. VOTE. VOTE
@Sally McCart, Trump sees the US just as P. T. Barnum did, a sucker is born every few seconds now.
Those Supreme Court Justices won’t be worth much to Mitch McConnell when Russia shuts down our internet, electric grid, water supply, and GPS, satellites. We won’t be much of a world power then. How will Amazon figure out how to deliver all that plastic junk from China that you don’t need to you without all that technology? President Bone Spurs is either dumb as a rock or in cahoots with Russia. If Trump went to his briefings they would probably tell him that a guy who just killed a British citizen with nerve gas might just be a liar too. Putin is kicking the billionaire bigots tail.
Why did Trump want the "summit" in the first place? So he can show the world that, again, he will shoot himself in the feet at any opportunity? Why does he insist on being the clown? The killer clown from a bad horror movie. He's crazy.
The reason Republicans don't speak up is because the NRA gives them money. And a lot of that money comes from Russian oligarchs. A Russian woman named Mariia Butina who helped run this scam was arrested. But Republicans aren't saying anything about it. http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/07/mariia-butina-russian-with-...
2
@Bronwyn, obviously Putin knows that the greatest internal threat to the USA is the bizarre God Loves Guns Cult of Perpetual Insurrection.
Let's cut to the chaff. The Republican Party are now collaborators.
3
Trump is not on the side of democratic nations including our own, first and foremost. He sold out NATO and our country prior to his Helsinki meeting. He sold out our country again on Monday and did it with his eyes wide open as he works for Putin and not for America or Americans. He despises our democracy, our Constitution, and our system of American justice as he fears that after 73 years of avoiding responsibility for his actions, his day of reckoning is upon him.
MSNBC reports a Russian agent, Butina, who worked for Torshin who works for Putin, just got indicted and part of her indictment refers to using the NRA as a conduit between Russian monies and our GOP. Those who accepted these Russian monies need to grow a backbone and need to come out and stand for America as patriots and not Trump or Putin Puppets.
They are only doing themselves and their party further harm by remaining silent. My question to them is do you love your country or not? Do you support Americans or not? The longer you stand behind Trump the more fallout and flack about not being patriots will occur. Do you want your name to be spat upon as historically being traitorous and un-American? Do you love your country above your own self-interests?
They are suffering from a crisis in conscience right now within the GOP party and I am waiting to hear their individual as well as collective answers to the fact that we have a treasonous president within our WH, first time in American history.
3
Least we forget the meeting that took place the day James Comes was fired? The commander in Chief had Russians in the oval office that very day refusing our press to be included, and told the Ruskies, firing the FBI director took great pressure of of him.
I was born at night, but not last night, this President has something to hide...
2
Trump will be given a pass for his Helsinki hoe-down with Putin so long as he fills seats on the Supreme Court. Gives new meaning to Russian Justice(s)!
Congress is nothing but greedy cowards who have created the new "Teflon Don"
So what else is new? Trump likes oligarchs and wants to turn this country into an oligarchy. This has been obvious for years. This is just the latest piece of evidence in support of a conclusion that any sane, decent person will have already reached.
I'm not outraged. I just sick of the steady drumbeat of reminders that a toxic, stupid clown is our president and that the GOP will not be deterred by anything in their quest to stick it to working people and the poor, make our planet uninhabitable, and put more money into the pockets of the already-rich.
There's an article in the NYT about some prospective Dem prez candidates looking at a run in 2020. You know what? The Dems could nominate a Schnauzer in 2019 and I'd vote for the dog.
GOP delenda est. Trump is just the rancid cherry on the GOP garbage sundae. Vote Democratic in 2020. No matter who gets the nomination. Even if the candidate isn't pure, or isn't progressive enough. We're talking survival here. Anyone who doesn't understand that is a fool.
5
The Republican Congress was outraged when Obama apologized to countries for, proven, reprehensible US actions over the centuries... But of course now, their MAGA man is in power and whatever he says and does is not a problem for most.
A Rubio, A Cruz would have been just as horrible a presidents as #45. BUT they would never, ever have sold out the country to Putin! Why? They're Americans, real Americans first. And they're not subject to blackmail b/c they have no crumbling real estate *empire* that needs to be saved at any cost!
Only a depraved, deranged man can do that with impunity, so far, with the help of his friends in Congress! And that's the man 40% of the US elected as president! A traitor! Are they still, today, worshiping this madman? Is Republican Congress still following this crook, down the abyss?
@JMD, Rubio would still be waxing cars if the billionaire car dealer who backs him hadn't noticed how useful his unctuousness could be in Washington.
2
Trump is being blackmailed by Putin;Trump will do anything for Russia. GOP is weak; will do nothing. Vote out GOP to save Democracy. Ray Sipe
2
Shameful, appalling and down right disgusting! Treasonous Trump and his cronies in congress....but this is what Trump loves and lives for, turning world order and therefore lives up side down. I'm sure he is basking in all this attention with out a care in the world................It's a very sad time!
When Republican Senator Rand Paul practiced medicine, I'm sure glad I wasn't his patient. Anyone who defends Trump's anti-American performance at yesterday's Helsinki summit is, at the least, a political Quack.
“I guess I don’t quite understand all of the people who have gone completely deranged criticizing the president,” said Paul.
I guess I don't quite understand, Mr. Paul, what made YOU so deranged.
3
McConnell and his buddies will only take action against trump when they think he will cost them votes . What to do, such a dilemma! If they were patriots they would be acting for the country. As disgusting as he is!
We are in deep trouble.
In order to end the Trump debacle patriotic Republicans, in and out of Congress, must unite and lead the way.
The GOP must recognize/accept that Trump is a disaster in need of solution by way of his resignation by any route possible.
All party leaders can end the ongoing deceptive/dangerous/ damaging Trump actions/attitudes taking place in more than one venue.
Trump damages the country, its citizens, and the GOP.
Trump is a world-wide embarrassment.
Is the GOP now able to look down the road. It is this failing that has put them and us in our current untenable position.
May the GOP and its best leaders note the following:
Do not become an enabler of the Trump dictatorial juggernaut.
Fall on your sword with grace, sincerity, decency, and dignity.
You will be the better for it, as will we all.
By your patriotic action the GOP and the country you save will be your own. Spare us from any further embarrassment in the world's eyes.
Make this necessary sacrifice NOW.
Prepare for a worthwhile/reasonable campaign in 2020 with a decent/ honest candidate that the GOP can support with dignity.
Take this wise/practical course of action ASAP.
Time is obviously of the essence, given current events.
The behavior of the House of Trump is NOT normal - apply the label of abnormal to all.
Avoid applying the same label to the GOP leadership.
Consider, attend to, and act upon your patriotic duties as a necessity for our country as a whole.
Terminate the Benedict Trump presidency ........ now.
The Republicans thought they got everything they ever wanted when Trump got elected. They got that and so much more, and they must be choking on the much more. Although they appear to protest, none of them, apart from John McCain, can summon the strength following Trump's sellout today, to sanction him, and sanction him they must.
Enough of this egomaniac and his magical thinking. Get a conscience, GOP.
I awoke abruptly at 3 a.m. to an upsetting realization re our great American embarrassment. He probably doesn't even understand that being thrown a toy, a ball, was another insult to him -- to us. He probably doesn't get it that Putin and the world see him as the petulant baby-blimp effigy. For me, Putin's throwing the child the ball and our president's inability to comprehend Putin's intention and symbolism, it's just too much.
2
The people these Republicans hate the most of all live right here in the USA and call themselves Democrats. They will do business with any kind of crook to undermine Democrats.
1
The American President has been compromised. He is willing to stand on stage with an enemy of the United States and commit treason in attacking American institutions and in his deference to Putin with the world watching. Yet the Republican response...silence. If American voters do not take decisive action in November to remove these feckless, conspirators from office then they deserve what Russia has planned for them.
Spineless, cowards are the only two words that come to mind when i think of the Republican party. They would sell their mothers to stay in power as they have done to obtain power. Russia influenced our elections, that is a fact. Because he was the beneficiary of said meddling, he will lie and deny, but this only confirms the collusion as he is now an accomplice after fact through his deceit and obstruction. I wonder what Nunez has to say? How will he defend his treasonous behavior? There is no wiggle room now, Trump and his lackeys must be impeached, otherwise we are nothing more than a banana republic with Russia as our master.
2
Judge the cowardice or bravery of every single Republican Congressman by his or her reaction. Silence in the face of high crimes is treason.
Are you kidding me? What cowards walk the halls of Congress! Call for his impeachment. He is compromised. Immensely popular? No doubt there are those who for reasons of their own find no fault with Trump. However, I have greater confidence in the majority of people neither choosing to blind nor dumb. This is Purple Time. It's time to say enough to this dangerous game of allowing a traitor to make policies, defend foreign foes and sell our children's and grandchildren's futures like chattel.
Trump and Putin are both thugs who are taking their countries for a personal joyride for profit. Putin has the same disregard for his people as Trump has. Clearly, Putin has the goods on the Donald, and as usual, you need to follow the money. I am sure the Trump Organization is involved in money laundering and other illicit activities for the Russians to support his supposed real estate empire. DT is in Putin's pocket.
2
Trump is a traitor. So are the silent members of Congress. No surprise there. What I want to know is the names of the candidates who benefited from the Russian hacking mentioned in last weeks indictments by Mueller? And can we check the bank accounts of our silent "elected officials," also known as employees of Putin and the Russian oligarchy?
1
An illuminating day that will live in infamy. I hope that Republicans who love this country will get their courage back. They are needed.
In the meantime, I sure can see why Rand Paul's Dr. neighbor might have thought that throwing the dude off of his riding lawn mower was a good idea. I sorta feel like chasing the guy myself on a riding lawn mower, then lassoing him and tying him to a cactus, and I'm a 64 year old woman.
2
It's obvious:
Putin has a copy of Trump's tax returns.....
2
"The Russians are not our friends." Is that the best you can do? What's it going to be, Mitch, your party or your country? When it comes down to treason, you can't have both.
2
Imagine, the GOP selected him, and ran him as their candidate, knowing full well that theres a "Personality" issue going on. The GOP are complicit in this. I cant blame Trump for being Trump, But what were the GOP thinking? Our country and standing are taking blow after blow, and they think its OK??? Now this is happening and the GOP STILL cant do the decent thing?
"Representative Peter T. King, Republican of New York...who has defended Mr. Trump amid the Russia inquiry, was not quite as charitable: “I understand in the bigger picture the president genuinely feels that he can establish better relations with Russia the way Nixon did with China,” Mr. King said in an interview, “but the nuance eludes him.”
!!!
They wrote an opera about Nixon's "nuanced" visit to China --
"Nixon in China is an opera in three acts by John Adams, with a libretto by Alice Goodman. Adams' first opera, it was inspired by U.S. President Richard Nixon's visit to China in 1972. The work premiered at the Houston Grand Opera on October 22, 1987, in a production by Peter Sellars with choreography by Mark Morris."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nixon_in_China#Performance_history
Wait -- I know --
Let's have a contest - !
Who can come up with the best idea for a title and brief synopsis of an opera about Trump's meeting with Putin today --
First Prize will be an all-expense-paid one-week vacation in Russia --
Second Prize will be an all-expense-paid two-week vacation in Russia --
Third Place winners will be forced to have a private dinner with Trump at one of his gold courses --
Winners will be judged on the basis of originality and disgust...
Trump's imbecilic behavior in Helsinki was nothing less than appeasement. He needs to resign or be removed, and any Republican who refuses to move in this direction must be made to pay the price at the ballot box.
Given Trump's actions, words and winks with Putin, the least Congress can do is put protection around Mueller from an increasingly unstable White House. Mueller's role is more crucial than ever before! As to those 12 indicted, good luck on extradition. Trump probably plans to pardon all 12!!!!
2
Trump is a traitor. The politicians who do not oppose him are lice. The people who continue to support those politicians are beneath contempt.
They may still call themselves patriots. They would be more honest and no more reprehensible if they went to the Vietnam Wall and spat upon the names of my schoolmates. Alternatively, they could defame the graves of my relatives that Stalin killed. If my relatives had marked graves.
At some point we may be urged to reunite as a nation and to forgive these people. Trump’s greatest evil deed is to make that well nigh impossible.
3
I am certainly not holding my breath for Republicans in Congress to condemn the most recent bizarre act by the current POTUS. I am sure Repubs are furiously working on spin to convince the world that Trump did not behave the way we all just witnessed! Spine is not part of the body of any of these Republicans and they do not know how to grow one either! They'd rather work on getting rid of Rosenstein or haul an FBI official in to grill thus establishing' Muleller's investigation is really a witch hunt as Trump claims! What a waste of my taxes paying these obedient loyal servants of Trump!
How outrageous can it get?? This nincompoop exceeds even the most loony expectations of his behavior.
But denying the detailed & explicit evidence that our multiple intelligence agencies have produced about Russia’s meddling in our elections, which may well have been enough to push Trump over the finish line to win in spite of having lost the popular vote by almost 3 million votes, & saying that because Putin was “Powerful in his denial” our own intelligence must be wrong.
Hey, it must register even with his most red-necked Republican supporters that the man is un-hinged. How much more does it take for the Republican establishment to act?
1
What are the Freedom Caucus/ Tea Party Republicans saying?
1
These despicable so-called public servants have known for several years that Trump is owned by the Russians, because they are too. They've been getting piles of Russian money. Yesterday, they finally got caught because Trump revealed the depth of his treason on the world stage. He is NOT the leader of the free world. https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2017/08/03/tangled-web-con...
If Trump's behavior is treasonous, McConnell is a traitor.
They both belong in same federal pen.
Another ugly reminder of how hapless and weak we are?
Even we have super-majority in Congress, I very much doubt Tailor Schumer or Careerist Pelosi will dare touch Trump. With one tweet, he will have both trembling in fear and hiding.
Next for Trump, dump clueless pence and appoint Ivanka as VP and heir to the throne.
Those who remain silent from this point on can be considered as nothing more than complicit in this presidents treasonous stance towards our country and way of life. Millions of American devote their lives to preserving our freedoms and way of life. It is a disgrace that their leaders are acting with such animosity towards them. Saaaad.
It is a disturbing thing to watch the Republican Party rot from the core and die right before your eyes. Can America and the west survive the political cancer? In optimistic moments I imagine us getting through this ordeal stronger and more committed to liberal ideals. If progressives, young people, and principled moderates can get off there butts and put aside their differences and vote in numbers that reflect our actual values then we may be able purge this pox upon our Nation. Time will tell. We voted these so called “representatives” into office. We can vote them out.
This is what we expected, no surprise. My biggest surprise was McConnell making any statement. He should have seconded his useful idiot's remarks while he prepares for his stolen SCOTUS hearings. One can only hope there is a subpoena in the wait for McConnell.
Republicans can "rebuke" all they want but unless they act to remove what is clearly a threat to our national security from the White House they remain a spineless -- and useless appendage -- to our government. What will it take for them to realize the damage that has already been done and what they must do to stop it?
2
All Americans who wear American flag lapel pins might consider wearing them upside down from this point on...until this traitor is out of office...as a sign of international distress...
6
Trump has worked to destroy our environment, our protections from greedy corporations, and has shifted the wealth that the American people helped create to the ultra wealthy. He has started a tariff war that is further undermining our economy as well as the world economy, which I suspect helps him personally in some way and helps his wealthy backers.
His more recent actions is to undermine and weaken NATO and our European allies. And now we have him supporting a known enemy of not only the US but also of our allies.
Trump has been investigated for his Russian connections and his election collusion with Russia. I have no doubt Mueller has enough to indict given Trumps increased attacks as well as the attacks made by Republican members of Congress. I suspect he has been working toward an airtight case, as well as working toward a way to keep his findings from being buried by complicit Republicans.
The bottom line? In my opinion Trump is guilty of treason and must by tried in court and in Congress. To those Republicans with your heads buried in sand, a failure to follow your Constitutional duty makes you guilty of treason alongside Trump. Please follow your Constitutional and legal duty; impeach this idiot in chief and send him to be tried in criminal court. Don't force the people to rely on their Constitutional right to remove what is becoming a failed Congress. If that happens, we all lose. The November elections must be allowed to be fair and without outside influence.
5
Six times when Obama interfered with foreign elections:
1. Obama, as a U.S. Senator, illegally used a taxpayer-financed trip to campaign for far-left presidential candidate Raila Odinga in Kenya’s 2006 elections.
2.During Israel’s 2015 elections, the Obama administration — led by Secretary of State John Kerry — illegally intervened when they attempted to defeat the reelection of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by covertly funneling State Department grants to opposition groups.
3.The government watchdog group, Judicial Watch, obtained government documents that “show the U.S. government has quietly spent millions of taxpayer dollars to destabilize the democratically elected, center-right government in Macedonia by colluding with leftwing, billionaire philanthropist George Soros.”
4.In 2011, Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, not only interfered politically in Libya but militarily as well, by orchestrating a series of policies designed to remove Muammar Gaddafi from power.
5.Obama attacked Honduros' leader Zelaya’s removal, falsely calling it a “coup d’état” and a WikiLeaks cable revealed that Obama backed Zelaya’s reinstatement in order to please Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez, who, like Fidel Castro, was an ally of Zelaya.
6.Obama administration encouraged opposition to President Hosni Mubarak and intervened in elections to ensure Mohammed Morsi, was elected president.
1
Republicans are COMPLICIT with Russia and it's dirty, NRA PAC money...
5
The more stupid any particular act is, the more likely it is that a fool will double-down on it. Trump's voters are marching straight to Hell this way.
5
Republicans will never do anything to control or remove Trump until they get their second stolen Supreme Court seat. NEVER. Without that dirty underware for them to show their hard core, a blue maelstrom will carry them to the bottom of the sea.
2
For almost two years the feckless Republicans have sucked up to Trump and his marauding across America and the world. Now that he has admitted ostensibly to being a Russian asset, some members of the GOP are finally waking up. Even if it's because they fear a rout in the 2018 midterms, it still needs to be done.
1
Putin is a very intelligent man. Don’t you know that Putin has complete disdain for Trump and knows that he’s stupid and weak. He can’t believe his good fortune that their scheme to have Trump elected president worked and that there were enough stupid people in America to have ensured this victory. Now Trump is in place for Putin's convenience and to guarantee that his anti-American plans are successful.
4
How utterly discraceful! Don't these idiots realize that there is no sense siding with trump to keep your seat? Your seat will be useless when you don't have a country to be a Rep. or senator of!! Please see the light! Move toward the light!! And find the guts to do the right thing before it's too late!!
3
Yesterday I saw some beautiful black-&-white photographs taken at Iwo Jima in 1945, during the invasion. Most showed Marines lying on the black volcanic sand on a beach, many already hit and wounded or about to be; or already dead, killed. They were in a "Kill Box", a Japanese tactical trap -- a "Hell Hole" -- so that "that nation might live", a Lincoln Gettysburg Address phrase; "that nation" ours.
More to the point, going in every Marine knew that he was probably doomed, because his chance of becoming a casualty were at least 60/40 on the first day alone. Yet they went anyway.
In Helsinki yesterday Donald J. Trump -- ostensibly the President of the United States but, in actuality, no such thing -- undid all that. Standing next to a criminal styled "President of the Russian Federation", a dictator whose great ambition is to destroy the United States, he made common cause with him. He nullified the fruits of courage and sacrifice at Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Guadalcanal, Saipan and Peleliu that is our common heritage.
And at Belleau Woods during WW-1. And at Gettysburg. And Antietam. And Ft. McHenry. All the way back to Yorktown, Concord and Lexington.
All undone by a vile coward who used multiple deferments to avoid military service in Vietnam, and never served a day in the armed forces that he now commands after it ended. He is unfit for high command, something that our enemies understand perfectly well; why must now be removed by Congress for the nation's sake.
5
At this point there are just two explanations left: One, the Russians have seriously compromising information on Trump; or, two, the President is just plain dumb.
I am a mid 30s class climber, and the son of one immigrant parent, and one parent who was a migrant from the African American jim crow south, who has carved out an upper middle class existence through a mix of daily decisive action, selective aggression against cultural baggage hindering progress, and unyielding introspection. The passive aggressiveness of NY Times commenters absolutely astounds me. Without claiming any special powers of insight, I knew Clinton would lose and yelled to the hills, to no avail, attempting to encourage an adjustment of course among centrist Democratcs and Independents. I have witnessed a 1.5 year temper tantrum about Trump and the GOP. I try to progressively study history as much as possible, and believe it offers insight here. Countless class revolts that destroy intellectual and bourgeoisie class values, do so in part because of an insistence on appealing to their norms of order, etiquette, and logic. This is happening now. Your reluctance to take decisive action is hurting you. Trump and the GOP have not adjusted course and they should not be expected to, so stop blaming them and your leaders for doing nothing. The question is, what are you doing? If a fear of disrupting your livelihood prevents you from aligning with people willing to take action (e.g. Sanders and those others deemed too radical), then our current reality is in part, your fault. Be aggressive, because passivity isn’t serving you too well.
1
The desecration of our constitution continues unabated:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect union, Establish Justice, Insure Domestic Tranquility, provide for the Common Defense, promote the General Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
3
The Republican Party is not different from any organization with lofty ideals. It is a group composed of zealots, sympathisers and hypocrites, in other words of people who at a different degree follow the leader. Very few are able to think on their own.
This is an obvious consequence of identity politics and far too few responsible voters.
Mr. Trump is only a symptom of the electorate’s gross dysfunction.
I fear it will only change if and when we have enough suffering that people decide they need to become responsible citizens and not treat voting as part of a team sport.
1
Key Republicans offer a muted response because they are counting the Russian contributions to their PACs. With some luck, Mueller will expose them, too.
3
The Constitution has effective remedies for crooked political activity. But the GOP has to choose to use them. So far, I don't see any Republicans saying Trump should be removed from office via 25A. I don't see any Republicans suddenly supporting the Mueller investigation. I don't even see any Republicans calling for legal action of any sort to preserve and protect our nation from the traitor Trump.
We know who the crooks are, and so does the GOP. What are Ryan, McConnell and a cabinet full of Trump toadies going to do--the right thing or the Trump thing?
Unless McConnell and Ryan each have a come-to-Jesus moment, we already know the answer. Lust for power overwhelms everything Republicans say. Trump is not the only traitor on the red side of the aisle.
3
Much the way Trump became president by mocking and questioning the corruption in the Republican Party and the hypocrisy of the Democratic Party’s lip service to middle class Americans while selling them out to their Wall Street donors, he has easily been able to question the intelligence community that gave us the disastrous Iraq and Syrian wars,
It’s interesting to watch the incredulousness and disconnect of the establishment from both political parties on how to deal with this and the majority of Americans indifference because they really could care less about Russia when both political parties have sold them out to multinational corporations who hardly have Americans best interests in mind. You sow what you reap.
Lip service. No action by the party in power!
4
Only 15 Republicans (out of a great many) actually rebuke Trump for his kiss-up with Vlad? Deeply deeply disillusioning. may they be CREAMED in the mood-terms, or how just how far gone is the whole country?
2
Even if there was no evidence of collusion during the election (and that seems less and less likely), yesterday’s speech seems like ample evidence of collusion now. Trump has made his “America First” slogan laughable.
3
What will Trump need to do next for the Know Nothing Party, Trump’s party to realize Trump is more of a failure with actions bordering on treason than any other president for the party to act?
2
Pence: "...what the world saw, what the American people saw, is that is that President Donald Trump will always put the prosperity and security of America first."
1
Time for large-scale protest action against the Republican Party and most specifically Mitch McConnell. Hey, Mitch, why not try for some real leadership and take back your Party? But it's much easier to follow than lead, isn't it?
5
@Binkomagoo
Good Lord! You certainly can't really want the tertulian McConnell to seize more control of the party of oligarchs then he has already got?
I just keep wondering why Congress cannot be the THIRD BRANCH of our government and protect this marvelous Democracy that sooo many truly good Americans have sacrificed for.
Most of us know what Mr. Trump is and are not all that surprised by his craven cowardice and self involved weakness.But, we are at the crucial moment in time where we need people to stand up to protect and nurture what is rapidly becoming the fantasy of who we believe we are, versus the reality. We have allowed this man to diminish us to our friends and embolden our enemies.
It is not our job to do therapy for this crazy man..But, Congress, it is YOUR JOB to remember every grave marker in Arlington and the fact that the people buried there, right now, are BETTER than each of you in what they stood and fought for.
Truly, do you need a tutor to remind you what patriotism is all about? Or does it only involve a checkbook these days?
1
Trump does not represent the United States of America. He merely represents his own business interests with Russia. Why is he permitted to continue in office? He is destroying everything (and everyone) he touches. No, sir, Mr. Trump is not a popular president.
5
Whatever Putin's hold over Trump, it has become obvious to virtually every member of Congress, Republican and Democrat alike, that it is a fact. And virtually every Republican that is leaving Congress in 2018 is saying so in one form or another. One can only conclude that the remaining Republicans are unpatriotic, spineless wimps interested only in getting re-elected, and continue to put party ahead of conscience, exactly what the country doesn't need. The only thing that will get them to change is a resounding election of Democrats this November. But by then it will be way too late for the Republican party, perhaps for a generation.
2
Don't let this temporary lapse in aiding and abetting Trump fool you. Remember, the mid-terms area approaching and most of the legitimate Republicans have conceded that being vulgar, vile and loyal to Trump, instead of, the constitution is the ticket to re-election. The legitimate Republicans (not Far Right) have accepted that the elections in coming years will be won or lost based on appeasing Trump's 95% (ers) which add up to 35% or so of the voters.
Case in point: Yesterday, in an interview with CNN, Senator Rand Paul made it clear that Trump may have a point in dissing America's intelligence community. The domino effect should begin, shortly.
It is not just Trump who is violating his oath to the Constitution and the American people.
It is most, but thankfully not all, members of the Republican Party as well.
Mind you, I am not saying 'Conservatives'.
When have we become so depraved?
The overwhelming majority of Republicans in Congress have shown no spine or desire to confront Trump on any of his lies and gross mid behavior in office. He has deftly conditioned them to tremble before his base or - God forbid - be voted out of office and forfeit the obscene privilege of being a do-nothing member of the so-called legislative branch. Therefore, why would anyone expect the Mitch & Paul Show and its supporting cast of gutless sycophants to express anything that might be critical of Trump, let alone actually do anything about it? Republicans (including the delegation of fatuous clowns in the Senate who fell all over themselves praising and excusing Putin) are as complicit in this betrayal of our nation as Trump, the Appeaser in Chief. Worse, they have stood by and done nothing. While they cheer on the policy of ridding the US of “undesirables” and putting infants and children in concentration camps, they turn a blind eye to the existential threat to our democracy posed by Russia and its accomplices in the Trump administration. The GOP is no longer the party of Lincoln or Reagan: it’s “heroes” are now Neville Chamberlain and Benedict Arnold.
"Make (Russia) great again"! The Republicans are not responding to this outrageously unbridled treasonous boot licking behavior by Trump because, he is their guy. Under him they have gotten yet more tax cuts for the wealthy, the ACA is on life support, regulations for clean air, clean water, and for financial institutions have been slashed, and the Judiciary from the lowest court to the highest court (with the confirmation of Kavanaugh, which will be railroaded through) will soon be dominated by conservative judges. So they are treading lightly, with mostly only those who have the least to lose speaking out. No proposal of impeachment has been uttered by a single Republican, and there won't be one proposed.
The Manchurian candidate has arrived.
1
If this behavior is not grounds for impeachment, that what is?
2
Republicans like to throw around the world patriotic. Wear the little flag pins. They APPEAR loyal to country with these small displays. But their tempered words show how patriotic they are. They continue to sit idly by on their hands.
2
Not convinced Trump is being blackmailed. I think he simply has more in common with Russian oligarchs than American people. He's taking care of his own and they are taking care of him.
2
Living here in Canada, having Trump next door is like having neighbors who just bought a big angry dog that barks all the time. You can't ignore it but there's nothing much to do about it, except hope they'll hate it as much as you do, and get rid of it sooner than later. On that, the husband and wife are making a lot of noise themselves: He "It's keeping us safe, it's keeping the bad guys out. This neighborhood ain't what it used to be." She "But it's ugly, it's keeping us up all night, I'm afraid of it, and we don't have any friends any more. And those dogfight club thugs are NOT our friends."
2
You should call animal control.
Text of Article 3, Section 3: Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
....any questions?
1
Where now is the Democratic leader who will seize this opportunity and provide the rallying words the USA wants to hear?
Shall ill Republican John McCain be the one most worth quoting?
1
I come to believe and agree with heavy heart that there are no good republicans. They're the one, we have Trump here. They're the one who put Trump in charge and colluded with Russia to cheat election, which they could have never won fairly.
All GOP and it's voters are so selfish that they have no ability to see that they're selling their country (& world) to satisfy their hatred of liberals.
6
I get the distinct impression the water in our pot has been turned up a few notches. The Republicans squirm uncomfortably while the Democrats demand to turn the heat down.
Meanwhile, Russia is planning to have frog legs with their caviar and blintzes.
If you value your freedom, you’ll demand a check on this president. Otherwise, prepare to be what’s on the lunch menu.
1
Republicans, as usual, are offering their thoughts and prayers...
Come November 6, VOTE!
5
Claiming that the FBI's political enemy was the Trump campaign, instead of accepting the plain truth that they were doing their job to protect the nation from foreign meddling in our election system was another ludicrous attempt by Trump, Nunes and the GOP house to obfuscate the facts related to Trump’s treason and the Mueller investigation . Ryan bears the blame for that and more.
5
Silence is death. The amazing silence by the majority of the Republican members of Congress after Trump's egregious performance in Helsinki where he treasonously supported Putin, a lying former KGB agent, and disowned the entire American intelligence community is worse than shameful. Mr. Trump's behavior was treasonous and the silence of the Republican party at this time should come back to haunt them in November elections.
5
(Russia) which remains hostile to our most basic values and ideals.”
It that really true for Republicans? They seem to have some value which are pretty Russian: white, anti-gay, anti-Muslim, tolerance for plutocrats, dislike for liberals, and winning by any possible means. Is it any surprise that elected Republicans won't stand up against the values of their base?
“I think it’s a good idea to have engagement, and I guess I don’t quite understand all of the people who have gone completely deranged criticizing the president.” -- Jr. Republican Sen. from Kentucky, Rand Paul MD (in Opthalmology).
Since at least the days when Winston Churchill said, "Jaw, jaw is better than war, war", people studying conflict have been saying "I think it's a good idea to have engagement". But "I guess I don't quite understand all of the people who have gone completely deranged criticizing the President" constitutes, does it not? a naked bid to succeed Turmp's current position in the Republican Party. Sen. Paul is a Tea Party veteran who played a leading role in BLOCKING a treaty with Switzerland that would enable the IRS to conduct tax evasion probes, arguing that the treaty would infringe upon Americans' privacy. -- Wikipedia
Does an outspoken Republican admirer of billionaires, or would-be billionaires, support acquiescence to the idea that public support for the human rights and democratic values that the US typically trumpets (spelling?? in Yemen?? and Gaza??) is not worth mentioning in a press conference, Helsinki, likely to be drawing the largest audience in, perhaps, all of human history?
If so, it begs the following question: What kind of global effort is immediately needed to redress the tax avoidance habits of rich people so that presidents of the USA and the Russian Federation care about people more than money (or ego) principally?
1
Gosh, this must be what it was like
when Truman fired MacArthur.
In the words of Colin Powell and the Pottery Barn rule “you break it, you own it.” But in this case we’re talking about US democracy and the very future of our country. The Republicans own the disaster of this presidency. They have enabled a dangerous man in the highest office of the land and must be held accountable.
Unless they know that it’s too late. Have they already sold their political futures to the “meddling” of the Russians in our upcoming elections? Is that why they’re not doing anything to stop it? Is that why they are so intent to discredit the investigators in the FBI and the Justice Department?
If so, what are we to call their inaction? Unpatriotic? Collusion? Treason?
If not, they must show some spine and work with every member of Congress to protect our elections and the right of the people to choose their leaders without interference. Whatever the outcome.
By the past (in)actions of today’s Republicans, I’m not confident that will happen. Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan, prove me wrong.
1
Well, this got incarcerating babies and toddlers out of the news. Trust Trump to make a new crisis to cover up the current one.
God help us for his next event.
1
'On Monday, even for members of his own party, Mr. Trump apparently went too far.'
Well, we'll see if they really think so. So far it's been slaps on the wrist. They know they are in up to their necks in Trump's swamp and cannot bring themselves to dump him - or else they're afraid of what he might to rile up his base. (Personally I think he's too spineless to do real damage.) These people have the power to get rid of Trump - the man in command of the world's strongest army, lest we forget - and all they do is express their 'discomfort'. Paul and Mitch, you ain't seen nothin' yet.
2
The GOP will let this pass. They know that Trump needs to pivot back to bigotry and harsh anti-immigration rhetoric and GOP voters will give him a pass on treason.
Republicans love the bigotry and racial provocation coming from the White House, they’re not about to give that up.
4
Republican "patriots" will do nothing. GOP has become POC - Party Over Country.
3
After a year and a half living with atrocities, it's hard to tell when the man has gone too far.
1
From my experience working in mental health, this administration will end in a constitutional crisis. I base this on Trump's personality--it thrives on conflict, ever greater conflict, and chaos.
If we adjust to the conflict and chaos, then Trump, by necessity, must turn up the volume to disturb the new equilibrium. This will continue until the crucible breaks.
The real question for the rest of us is, who shall set the terms of Trump's departure?
Shall we wait for the wave of chaos to crash down upon our heads? Or, shall we rise above our polarization and take action before our republic founders on the rocks?
33
Dr. Rand Paul the other Republican senator from Kentucky in interviews with CNN's Wolf and Fox news Cavuto put all the pettiness aside and presented the big picture and that is a summit was good for the USA and Russia and being the nuclear powers, we do need to have open lines of communication and a reasonable working relation.
Isolating and marginalizing the Russian bear and renewing the cold war will not benefit the world. As far as Trump speaking the truth about the past intelligence agency officials like Clapper and Brennan from the Obama era, he may be absolutely truthful. These guys are proven Trump haters and represent the dark side of America.
All the uproar about Trump attacking US is bogus. Trump is attacking the cancerous part of US, not the non cancerous benevolent nature of USA. America has not been perfect but striving to becoming a perfect union is a noble goal and that only can happen if we recognize our flaws, mistakes and imperfections.
One cannot be like an alcoholic who denies being an alcoholic. The first step for an alcoholic to kick the habit of consuming excessive amounts of alcohol is to recognize that he or she has been consuming excessive amounts that has been harmful and say it.
As an independent, with no respect for the extremists and fanatics in both parties, I say to the critics blinded by their hatred of Trump to stop and think for a while, how some (not all) of Trump's words and actions make perfect sense for a much needed sea change.
4
He sided with the Russian President’s ‘word’ over they assessment of every single one of our intelligence agencies. Attempt to justify this any way you like, but the fact remains he embarrassingly cow-towed to a power that is hell bent on undermining our democratic institutions.
1
@Girish Kotwal, there isn't anything to respect about Trump outside of his capacity to play suckers for the utter fools they are.
Really
When that fool turns over a list of deep cover agents in Russia what will your excuse be?
Enough. You don’t lead by attacking your own country in front of an historical enemy.
He’s a 5 time bankrupt fir good reason.
No bankruptcy for America .
No sir. Indict him . He’s a traitor and speaks only for himself.
Mr. Trump's special talent is the ability to compromise everyone, including the media. Nothing in Mr. Trump's history could lead anyone not interested in looking the other way to conclude that he could ever be fit to be US president. Yet, the republicans created an environment for him to become one. Some believe it was due to racism (after daring to elect a black president, the country deserved to be destroyed and re-built to remove the stain). Now we are being told that it is newsworthy that even republicans now think Mr. Trump went too far during his joint news conference with Mr. Putin. I don't understand the basis for that claim. Mr. Trump did not say anything he had not said before. It was not that he used to say he believed in the United States as constituted and all of a sudden changed his tune. He was the same person he has always been. My strong sense is that he will win re-election to a second term. Ours is a democracy. Those spouting off the stuff about Mr. Trump going too far are missing the point. Enough Americans are now determined to sanitize the country, even if it means selling it to Russia. The self-interest of the republican leadership that propelled them to lay the grounds for Mr. Trump's presidency will continue to cause them to defend him where it counts. Under normal circumstances it would not suffice to remove Mr. Trump from office, it would be necessary to put him in jail. But these are not normal circumstances.
4
@Aderemi Adeyeye. I cringe when I read words like "sanitize" used to describe what Trump's enablers expect of their monster.
1
Respectfully, the time for chastising Trump has passed. If republicans want to show their support for America and have any shot at retaining a share of power in the fall elections, they need to vigorously pursue the Mueller investigations into Trump's presidency and the elections.
However, I sincerely doubt the current republicans have the moral fiber and strength to do anything except quietly acquiesce to this Russian backed, systematic dismantling of American power. Which is why they all need to go.
As they used to say "Better dead than Red".
4
@John T. At this point they don't even need Mueller. Yesterday's actions are impeachable offenses.
1
What could Rand Paul possibly be thinking? And what do people in Kentucky think? They're represented by Paul AND Mitch McConnell. This state is the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican elected president. And now the state's two senators are presiding over the death of their party. There is an upside. It should be good for bourbon sales.
8
I’m old enough to have participated in the the 60’s protest movement against the Vietnam War. The common element between then and now is the extent our government actively lied to their citizens as they proceeded with their unpopular and ultimately catastrophic policies. One big reason our soldiers started coming home from Vietnam was a massive country-wide protest movement that sprung up from people who’d had enough. Today we grind our teeth and watch the news and do nothing. It’s probably about time we started showing the liars what we really think. I don’t think our republican dominated congress is going to do anything about President Trump’s latest outrage, up to us.
18
Robert. I hear you on the country and Vietnam and I agree that's what we need but I just don't see it happening. People get permits to protest and stay in designated area with pre arranged arrests. I do not advocate violence but we do need disruption. The difference is the draft during the Vietnam era served a catalyst.
2
Amen to the observation that , like 50 years ago, citizens who still believe in a non-Russified America will have to do what the pro-Russian GOP will not!
1
And what did Trump agree to in his private meeting with Putin? I await the response from the GOP.
8
To turn over a comprehensive list of deep cover US agents operating in Russia.
Why not?
I don't see here any comments from the so-called "Freedom caucus" (or did I miss it?). What say the likes of Meadows and Jordan. Is the Mueller investigation still a witch hunt? Is the problem that Mr. Rosenstein needs to be impeached, or might it be that things are getting too hot for this collection of Putin, Trump, and Congressional collaborators, the latter hiding behind what they hope is Congressional privilege.
Does collusion and obstruction ring a bell?
9
For Republicans, the controversy is economic--the outsourcing of the prized domestic practice of rigging elections. Russia has accomplished more here than have Republican efforts to suppress voting. I guess that's globalization for ya.
8
This is the logical conclusion: The Commander-in-Chief of the United States disregarded the information provided by his own intelligence apparatus, instead agreed with the enemy’s assessment, and then directed his intelligence units to cooperate with the enemy and reconcile any differences. In essence,the Commander-in-chief of the US forces has surrendered to the enemy. Is this agreeable to the Republicans? Other Americans?
11
Over and over again in subtle ways Trump has said he admires Putin.
Trump wants to do alway with presidential term limits and he hates anyone criticizing him. If fact he goes after them, any way he can. Trump seems to want to take rights away from Americans!
Women have fought hard for the right to control our bodies, he wants to take that away from us. Trump wants to make it harder to vote, like before the civil rights movement. His administration's idea on voting rights would make it nearly impossible for immigrants who entered into this country and had their last names changed at Ellis Island to vote. Trump is working hard to take away the rights of LGBT's, etc.
To me this sounds like the desire to turn this country into a communist country, or communist-like country, like Russia. I am very scarred and I think every American should be.
5
"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Officials can play word games all day. The simple question remains, this oath means something or it does not? Time to decide... and voters will undoubtedly take that into account in 2018 and beyond.
8
When one of the nation's two major parties makes its strategy the distrust of the nations institutions, and the public goes along with that enough to elect that party, you know your nation is on the brink of evaporating.
If the Republicans can accept the unbridled repugnance of Donald Trump and promote his sense of reality as theirs, and a sizable number of citizens accept this and not our law enforcement agencies, we are failed -- as a nation.
Ironically, Mitch McConnell, who as much as anyone in the US has empowered Trump, is one of the few Republicans to even question the bearings of this strange person at the helm. However, we have seen McConnell's own 'work' in government, when he dedicated himself to pure obstructionism during the 8 years of Barack Obama. McConnell, alone, set the tone and the stage for Donald Trump.
11
It's it not unnerving that we have not heard calls from the House and Senate to, at the very least, formally censure this president for his betrayal of the U.S. in Finland yesterday?
Censure is a formal, and public, group condemnation of an individual, often a group member, whose actions run counter to the group's acceptable standards for individual behavior, according to the Legal Dictionary. In the United States, governmental censure is done when a body's members wish to publicly reprimand the President of the United States, a member of Congress, a judge or a cabinet member. It is a formal statement of disapproval.
While it was heartening to hear so much verbal condemnation, the real test will be in the days to come. Will republican leaders carry on as they hope all the outrage will die down, or will they show spine and demonstrate principle and leadership?
If they do not—rest assured, Russia will have gotten exactly what it wanted when they worked to get Donald Trump elected president of the United States---a fact far to many Trump supporting Americans seem to be in denial about.
11
Our duly elected democrats need to do something, calling for action is not an acceptable response. Republicans have a great deal of control but they don't have all control do they? Submit legislation, get republican responses with names on the congressional record. Can you do do anything? Doing nothing is not acceptable!
3
It is amusing to watch Americans, who have repeatedly interfered in other countries’ elections, wax indignant when it happens to them.
4
Because all Americans are unified in thought and action?
@Cynical Jack
You miss the point Jack. First of all, two wrongs don't make a right. Second, the indignation is that our so-called president and so-called ruling party won't even acknowledge the attack on our Democracy. If they had stood with all Americans condemning it and trying to ferret out the culprits your snarky little comment would be appropriate. As of now it's just Fake News and whataboutism.
1
Just look at the bland, uncertain headlines in today's New York Times. It's not just the GOP who is unwilling to call this situation what it is=a national crisis. When will the media and the Republicans get serious about what Trump is doing to America? Would anyone have expected a year ago that Trump would blatantly disregard American intelligence and side with Putin before the whole world? Trump is untethered, unleashed whatever adjective you'd like to use. He's doing as he pleases with no consequences. If we know anything about history, we all know where that situation has led in the past. And now that we're living it, we all know why--no one stands up and speaks up until it's too late. We've allowed ourselves to be sold out to the Russians and neither Bob Mueller or the already-compromised mid-term elections are going to save us.
10
@Meg, Trump has proven that the US Constitution is both badly interpreted and fatally obsolete, but there is nobody in any position to guide negotiation of an updated master social contract.
1
The best solution is to get Trump out as quickly as possible: 25th amendment, family intervention, forced resignation, and replacement of Trump by Pence. Then we have a chance to recover.
5
A concise summary of reactions to trump's treasonous performance. When will the republican party take action against this "clear and present danger" to our democracy?
Only when the "base" moves away from its support of this president. That will take reading, and critical thinking ---
a tall order for that group.
7
@ann dempsey They have already taken action...they were responsible for putting him in office...
3
The conspiratorial silence of the Republicans on Trump's capitulation to Putin and his inability to question Russia for its cyber attacks on the country was not onlly a collective Republican betrayal of the US but also amounted to being a part of the sell out of nation's interests that Trump has done during his summit with Putin in Helsinki.
11
Its not so much the Republicans that we need to begin to criticize Trump, after all, we've been waiting for a year and a half - it's Fox News. Even pundits there were aghast yesterday as Trump supinely lay on his back in deference to Putin. If this continues, and conservative outlets such as Fox slowly peel away from trump, more Republicans will have cover to do the same.
12
In his released statement, Senator Portman needs to replace the word "troubling" with "treasonous."
Trump supporters often accuse Trump opponents of parroting pundits' critiques. I don't think anyone needed any pundit to point out that Trump's news conference was disgraceful.
It is unbelievable to me that Sen. Paul would question what all the hoopla is about. Of course we should always try to maintain communication with Russia and other enemies and frenemies. That is not the same as capitulating to them and not standing up for our own country.
4
@DebraM
Unfortunately, Portman is one of the spineless.
1
Brett Kavanaugh should make a powerful statement in support of the Constitution by pulling out of the Supreme Court nomination and saying he does not want his legacy tainted by association with a Trump presidency.
9
The Republicans know that the election was tampered with by the Russians, which allowed Trump (and them) to take over. So it stands to reason that they would not seriously disagree with Trump's denunciations of the intelligence community's findings, since in four months Russian tampering in the mid-term elections may very well keep them in power. I believe the Republicans are staying silent on this issue for this very reason, actually hoping that Russian tampering with the mid-term elections will occur.
3
When an adolescent misbehaves a responsible parent takes him or her aside and lays out the family values and expectations.
It is time for the citizens of this country to demand that their elected representatives in Washington do just that with their adolescent misbehaving president.
It should be clear, from tongue lashings in public and not behind closed doors at the White House, that our other branch of active government do that, and do it soon. A public dressing down, with not just a warning, but severe limitations and expectations placed upon him, if not carrying power legally but at least a real rebuke from the country, not just one party or the other.
The OFFICE of the president deserves respect. The person sitting in that office right now does not. This erosion, with common citizens such as sports stars and others refusing invitations to attend events, began to show how this previous high office has deteriorated.
It is OUR office, and it is time that we now, partys aside, very clearly point out that Trump's behavior is no longer acceptable. He was given free reign to do his thing for awhile. Not it has gone too far, and it is time to make it very clear to him that this is not acceptable, even if he is president, but because he IS president.
No longer can we accept his behavior. This is the time for real action and correction.
2
It is now way past the point of this being just on Trump. If this Republican Congress does not do something more that just carefully worded rebukes, it is now on them. It's time to stop worrying about what Trump's followers think and start caring about the future of this country and remove Trump from office.
13
It's not that all Republicans are cowards, fearful of alienating "the base." Some of them are dirty, having taken Russian money or assistance in the election. These Republicans are afraid they will get caught in the Mueller investigation. They already sold out to the Russians, who likely have the dirt on them. (Nunes, Ryan, Jordon, we're talking about you!.
10
Trump should be removed from office immediately via the 25th Amendment, incarcerated, and his computers seized.
Mitch McConnell should resign from the Senate. He cannot defraud and lie to the citizens demanding Trump's tax returns any longer.
And every Republican in Congress should face the un-gerrymandered wrath of the voters they've swindled to put this traitor in office.
15
@David Amen! Amen!
The gasping surprise expressed in the media and in these comments continues to puzzle me.
Was no one watching The Apprentice? Reading Page Six? Thinking about what a con job America was falling for. The signs have been there for more than 30 years and still . . . the US of A swallowed it all down. It's like watching an abused fiancee marry her abuser convinced that he'll change as soon as the ring is in place. This was all totally predictable.
Wake up people! Nothing is new in Trump-landia, nothing has changed, this is what America voted for and, in addition to looking for better representatives in the future, start looking into yourselves and asking how your values, your way of life, your most intimate beliefs brought you either to support this monstrosity or to disregard its dangers. Perhaps a little tolerance might have been more useful? What are are few married gay people compared to nuclear proliferation and being held hostage to an enemy? What did you think was going to happen? I feel very fortunate to live outside the US most of the time.
9
@JNR2, Trump's enablers expect to be punished by God after death for lacking faith.
God, can we please wake up from this nightmare?? Clearly we are in a bad Hollywood movie. Our enemies have literally put a president into office and then blackmailed him. Trump is a puppet. Will our elected officials do nothing????
17
@Suzanne, they're praying feverishly for divine intervention.
Not unlike WWII Germany, when so many who were in power turned their head and looked away.
8
Many Congressional Republicans remain silent because they've accepted laundered Russian mob money, posing as 'campaign donations' from the NRA. Complicit!
18
@Kevin C. Yes, and now these venal fools cower from the God Loves Guns Cult of Perpetual Insurrection they equipped with AR-15s and the like.
Trump clearly erred - his impulse to smack back at the allegations of collusion caused him to say something stupid - amateur hour. However, why would GOP Senators hold up a Supreme Court nominee or other nominees to "punish" Trump? That would be punishing themselves and their constituents. My guess is the President will back track tomorrow... and by Thursday or Friday something else will be in the news.
1
Our only hope lies in Mueller having enough evidence to force Trump to resign or go to jail. Or, enough Democrats to win the House in November so Trump can be impeached and convicted. Enough of this abhorrent man, his criminal family and his enabling toadies.
11
My first time in my life, I felt sick and throw up from news.
The...one...and ...only...the President of United States of America, went to other country and BASHING his own country and praise Russian President.... where the whole world to see; as if, America is giving.. approve of dictator country of Russia.
Mr. Trump totally ignoring How and What our founding Fathers build this country. And he ignoring people who give their life to protect our country; serving as CIA agents, FBI agents, US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp...they died during Vietnam War, Korean War, WW II....and he ignoring dedicated Political leaders in both side, political scholars, news reporters.....they give their lives to protect America; in that we become who we are and what we are now.
I am an America citizen who was born during Korean War in Korea.
I am asking LEADERS of this country in both sides that EVENT like today is went too far. It is THE time, the leaders of this country has to stand up to protect our democracy.
with Deepest Gratitude,
Average U.S. Citizen
12
It figures that a Vietnam veteran, a former POW and a war hero is the only Republican with a spine and who has the true courage to forcefully rebuke Trump. His name is John McCain. The rest of the GOP are cowards.
27
Thank you. It’s about time someone stood up for an American hero who has been telling the truth all along. His congressional brethren turned a deaf ear.
@susan
John McCain has forbidden Trump to attend his funeral. That says it all.
I thought those who labeled Trump treasonous were over the top...until I watched the press conference.
Trump's words were despicable. He has betrayed his oath to protect and defend this nation, and they debased both his office and our country.
As John McCain said, this was not just the perils of under-preparation and lack of knowledge, those words were his deliberate choice to defend a violent dictator.
We are again and again challenged to learn what compromising information does Putin have on Trump? And why should this country accept a weak, illegitimate, cowardly fool as a president?
12
“Yet no Republican in Congress pledged any particular action to punish Mr. Trump...”
Right. Just more blah, blah, blah because (a) they’re retiring and couldn’t give a plug nickel, (b) they’re not running in 2018, or (c) they figure they’ll be out in 2020 and why go through the torment and anguish of growing a spine when they can then retire and suckle the public teat under the grossly mistaken claim of having been a public servant.
Fatuous hypocritesn the lot of them.
3
I’d like to see the evidence of Russian spying . Hmmmm it’s definitely mysterious
Does Pence share Trump's views? Or is he hiding somewhere until the next thing erupts? (SCOTUS hearing?)
1
I'm convinced now: Vladimir has the tapes.
5
Today's GOP is morally bankrupt. Sad.
12
Trump once said, accurately, that he could murder someone in Times Square and his followers would still support him.
Today he murdered America... and they’re still supporting him.
17
Actually, it was 5th Avenue — but otherwise your comment is entirely accurate.
At long last, GOP: Do you have NO Patriotism ? Party OR Country.
CHOOSE.
9
Can we let a Russian stooge choose our Supreme Court justices? What neo-communist agenda is hidden behind the choice of Kavanaugh?
9
Trump deserves more respect from the liberal media. The liberal media is undermining our Republic.
Geez, dude, some people on Fox News are unhappy.
@Patrick McCord; people of insight take about 5 minutes to read the whole book of Trump. The man is the same spoiled barracks brat he grew into when his daddy sent him to a military reform school with a fat bankroll.
Possible Republican talking points:
It's a nothing burger
It's Trump being Trump
Something about Obama
Something about Clinton
Trash Mueller
Slap Trump on the wrist and rattle off some job stats
Pretend it didn't happen
Distract, distract, then distract from the distraction
6
Its not just complicity born of silence. Russia’s cultivation of the American Right has been going on for years. To use the intelligence community's nomenclature, the congressional GOP (writ large), has been "turned" ... they are "agents of influence" .. treasonous, pure and simple.
10
Treason: "To betray one's country to the enemy." Republicans in Congress, your president is treasonous. Do not waste my time - and millions of others' - by feigning outrage. You are as guilty as Trump if you do nothing to remove this man from his office. This country is in a crisis. The crisis is Donald Trump. He is single-handedly destroying a democracy. And you...you, are complicit.
I have lived through many a president, but never, never have I been shaken to the core as I was today. Before the world, our country was thrown under the bus. Before the world, this so-called leader of a once thriving democracy pledged his allegiance not to the Stars and Stripes but to a murderous dictator. You have abetted this disgrace of man through your silence and cowardliness. Now it is up to you to become humans again and protect us. Grow a spine, for heaven's sake. You, too, Democrats.
9
Let me guess that the mealy-mouthed and the head-in-the-sand Republicans (and even Putin's Puppet-in-Chief) will begin trumpeting about Russian meddling in the 2018 midterms if any significant blue wave does materialize. If not, they'll just continue ducking from their oaths of office.
3
"Slavery is now no where more patiently endured, than in countries once inhabited by the zealots of liberty."
Samuel Johnson, 1758, on American hypocrisy
4
Our system of "checks and balances" is neither checking nor balancing. Vote them out!!!
9
Putin has asserted numerous times on various forums that America's imperial hubris like in "Quod licet Jovis non licet bovis" no longer applies to Russia.
I am flying my American flag upside down.
8
Really? Trump is an ignorant man who only cares about the optics of HIS election victory and is willing to spout nonsense to defend it. He is seriously dangerous and where is the GOP? When will the drip drip drip of inappropriate comments rouse them to action? To what lengths is he willing to go to say that his victory was legitimate? He is not all there and I am afraid for all of us. His whole cabinet know it and is hiding the facts.
5
GOP once a party of anti-communism is run by a bunch of cowards. Mitch McConnell’s criticism of Trump, if you want to call that a criticism, tells that Mitch is still with Trump.
5
Mitch McConnell is purely disgusting. He puts party ahead of country, and electioneering ahead of the Constitution. If we survive the Trump era with our democracy more or less intact, he will be treated as harshly as he deserves.
15
George W. Bush famously said he looked Putin “in the eye and got a sense of his soul.”
Donald Trump looks Putin eye, sees only reams of “Kompromat,” and acts accordingly.
3
It’s clear this President is beholden to Putin’s regime. It is time for high crimes and misdemeanors to include this treasonous behavior.
3
The honorable man with an inoperable tumor in his head is showing the thoughtless cowardly Republicans the the only just way forward. But they will not listen. Terribly immoral bunch.
Thank you Senator McCain. Please use whatever actions you have available as well.
6
There isnt a "possibility" that Putin has kompramat on Trump Mr. Schumer ie you can be assured that Putin has kompramat on Trump after todays performance, with my guess being that of a sex tape that Trump is terrified of making the rounds on the world wide web. Can you even begin to fathom a Trump sex tape and what he would do to make sure that never happens? We've been witnessing the effects for over two years now.
2
Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards once said that "the only way I lose this election is if I'm caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
1
What a pack of cowards these Republicans are. Their silence towards Trump's actions are the clearest indication that they care nothing for our country, only in lining their pockets and wielding power. I hope karma pays them all a visit very soon.
8
Let me guess that the mealy-mouthed and the head-in-there-sand Republicans (and even their Puppet-in-Chief) will begin trumpeting about Russian meddling in the 2018 midterms if any significant blue wave does materialize. If not, they'll be just continue ducking from their oaths of office.
3
Trump's behavior at the summit news conference is proof positive that the Russians are holding something very threatening over his head. If you are a Trump supporter, what other possible explanation is there of his treasonous behavior? Make America Sane Again. Dump the Trump.
3
The Russians also hacked Republican websites and have blackmailing "dirt" on the Republicans as well.
3
You're my president, but "Don't ever side against the family again, ever."
- Michael Corleone-
3
@LD "Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer"
I have already written my Senator to vote for impeachment Now. SAVE this great country!!!
5
Earlier in my lifetime, in the early 1950’s, the Republican members of the House Unamerican Activities Committee (HUAC) repeatedly asked during the Red Scare: “Do you now, or have you ever, supported the Communist Party? Do you know or are you fiends with anyone who supports the Communist Party?” Similar questions must be asked today of the President of the US: “Do you now, or have you ever, supported the Russian Federation?” How the Republicans have changed.
4
The prevailing "I do declare..." responses from the Republicans are beyond weak. Pass a law protecting indepdent prosecutors such as Mueller — yesterday.
6
Time to face the truth. Republicans don't care about treason when they can give tax breaks to the rich and stop abortions. That is what the entire party is about nowadays
6
What do Republicans represent, now that all policies are the opposite of what they were, friends are enemies and enemies friends? Treason.
Who took over the Republican Party? Former Southern Democrats. Who are they? Confederates who joined what was at that time the party of racists, as they hated the party of Lincoln. Treason is to be expected of those who love slavery and torture.
How do we know they still love and practice the worst evils known to man? Babies in cages, separated from their families, facing US judges speaking in English, alone.
Time to remove every single, last monument to treason and cowardice across the country, and dig heels into Confederate flags as they lay in the muck. symbols of unAmerican cowardice, treason, and ill-will toward fellows and neighbors. Stone Mountain? Ought to get the Mother of all Bombs dropped on it, but let's be nice and let decent folks use sledge hammers and pay them a fat salary.
4
Roosevelt and Stalin split up Europe in WWII. What Russia offered then was the blood needed to defeat the Nazis. We didn't have the will nor the blood to push them back. What did the Russians sacrifice, what did the US get from this meeting? I am sure that Trump got his deals, leaving the rest of us hanging.
1
They all know what's clearly happening and perhaps realization and regret just set in...either way, what a crowd of cowards!
Glad to know how much the GOP's worth!
1
Just 4 days ago, Trump told two different news organizations that he is now more popular among Americans than Abraham Lincoln.
Hmmmmm......
2
Mr. Trump, you are no Abraham Lincoln.
McConnell is Darth Sidious and Trump Vader, for "only a sith Lord deals in absolutes".
1
Some GOP rebuke Trump?
We have a treasonous President who sides with murdering dictator, Putin, over his entire National Security Community... and all the cowardly GOP can do is merely "rebuke" him.
I have never been so frightened for our country.
11
Nobody wants to take the keys away from Grandpa. But now he's driven the family car right through the garage door. What more has to happen before the family will take his blessed keys away? #Impeach
9
The spineless, traitorous GOP will not hold this mongrel responsible for anything until the next rigged election in the fall. It is still happening. We still have no idea how deep this Russian invasion went and all those, on both sides, who say no vote was changed is jumping the gun. I'm sure they did and they will again in the fall. Why would they stop a president that will enable a fraudulent election that will land in their favor? These people are not patriots, they're self-serving animals. We need to rise up along with our military and clean this filthy slate.
6
@b d'amico Are you calling for a military coup in the U.S. ?? And I thought you Blue Staters did not appreciate the actual purpose of the 2nd Amendment (hint: it wasn't meant to protect you vs muggers and burglars)
So, other than John McCain, the sycophantic Republican mice can barely muster a word of criticism of this tawdry fraud who temporarily "occupies" the Oval Office, while violating the sacred oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and lying pathologically every day. There must not be any vote on Kavanagh until the Mueller investigation is completed, as there are grave doubts about this person's legitimacy. And the Republicans who are all so frightened of criticising this ignorant, cruel traitor should be voted outed of office comprehensively. The future of American democracy hinges on the November mid-terms. People who are concerned must vote, vote, vote vote. If you don't, we will all continue to leave this repulsive fool unchecked, and the damage will be incalculable.
2
"Yet no Republican in Congress pledged any particular action to punish Mr. Trump, such as holding up his nominees or delaying legislation, nor did any Republican promise hearings or increased oversight."
There's the rub: no action. They're worthless, spineless pukes, all of them. Only Chris Gagin, of Belmont County, Ohio, had the integrity to act on principle (and my hat is off to you, sir). Perhaps news of other Republicans acting similarly will come to light soon. I hope so. As far as the Republicans in Congress? Worthless hypocrites. Get rid of 'em all; vote every incumbent up for reelection out in November. They won't act in defense of our country and our Constitution. Be gone with ye and live in enduring shame.
6
Hey republicans, it's time to rein in your despot. Please cut-off all international travel funds for the executive branch, outside of the diplomatic corps.. Everyone will be too embarrassed to say they were a part of the "grounding" of this nincompoop, so it will just seem like the US president decided not to take any international trips during his last two years in office.
If you won't impeach this guy, then take away his plane.
2
Take away his phone, too.
Trump has spit in America's face. What a disgrace. These comments all point strongly in the direction of a solution: that of removing as many Republicans from Congress as possible.
This Trump Putin love fest must be punished and America can best be heard from the voting booths.
6
It is time for the media to speak up. Trump is a traitor who is being blackmailed by Putin, and the GOP is passively involved.
13
NY Times: I want you to contact every Republican in Congress and ask for a statement on this press conference. I would do it but I can't--they'll block me (I've been blocked before and tweeted them, but that was just in NJ and easy). PLEASE DO THIS.
11
Vlad must have info or very embarrassing videos of Trump. 2013 Miss Universe pageant? Trump must be kicking himself for falling into this trap. He's the manchurian president.
11
Maybe Chuck now has a narrative for November??? Hopefully... but I doubt it!!!!! At least they will have video footage to use in commercials !!! Ah who knows.....
What about Trump's 40% base... how did they see this??
1
@I finally get it: Through the screens of their TVs tuned to Fox News.
Treason.
How will Trump supporters explain away this despicable and extremely dangerous act?
Putin knew he was dealing with a narcissistic, infantile megalomaniac and played him like a fiddle.
Our country, sold out for a soccer ball!
4
Impeachment is not enough, for treason, Donald Trump should IMMEDIATELY be led to the stockade. It is time to put the mentally ill, pathologically lying freak behind bars, Enough is enough. The IRS must also release Trump's taxes. This Trump nightmare must come to a proper end. It's over.
7
Treason is a capital crime, and used to be enforced with a noose or a firing squad. It's that serious. The GOP is trying to brush it away, and that's how we get Democratic majorities.
How much KOMPROMAT do the Russians have on the spineless GOP? Apparently a lot.
10
@Eskibas, the Russian involvement with the NRA has only just been scratched.
I hate what President Trump said and I side with Trump haters: we should nuke Russia. Seriously satyrical.
3
Republican ....all talk, no action. Instead of being heros, they will cowardly do nothing to correct the problem they created. For two years they rebuke, then do nothing. They got their Supreme Court Judges. They killed Health Care. You would think, they would have had enough, but I guess they want to follow Putin also. Their new moto ...Republicans, the Comrad Party.
8
Traitors. Republicans are all traitors. They sold America's birthright to a lying, two-bit charlatan so they could get their corporate tax heist and appoint anti-abortion judges. Traitors. Mitch McConnell should be the first tried and punished, after Trump and his crime family, of course. Silent Paul Ryan should be next.They all need to face the appropriate punishment for their treason. They watched Trump demean and insult a Gold Star family and said nothing. They sat on their hands as he claimed control of their wayward and sclerotic party. They gleefully voted for his every egregious policy, incompetent appointee, and stolen court seat. Traitors, every one.
19
Republicans portray themselves as the patriotic party and only party who has american interests and has proved once again that is such an hypocrisy. Shameless.
4
since I don't believe that Trump is stupid, I can inly see his believing Putin's denial as indicating some type of complicity.
after all does he really think Putin would admit to cyber meddling or cyber warfare. even Trump would not admit to something like that and would just flat out lie instead.
opps, he does that all day every day already.
Never in the history of America has there been such a loathsome party as the current GOP. What a bunch of weenies wearing fake American flag pins on their lapels. I am in total disgust of them right now. What is going on in DC with this bunch of scallywags who have lost their collective minds? I am still in total shock from what I witnessed yesterday. There seems to be no damage control as we sink below the waves of decency.
6
yeah right - just vote these useless republican lackeys out.
9
Blah, blah, blah.
Such sound and fury, signifying nothing in the vacuum of inaction. President TrumPutin (for as we now see, there is no distance between them) have (or should it be 'has': are they two, doppelgängers, or one, a fused Unity? Perhaps the NYT copy editors can help here) .....
TrumPutin has little to fear, even less reason to change. They are kept warm from the blizzard of paper by the self-immolation of GOP acolytes. He is safe from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune because they unleash them into a world made unable to distinguish up from down, left from right, self-interest from common weal.
DO NOT RESIST !
All hail TrumPutin, leader of the new era.
1
@Ronin Blade, universal fakeness is the new reality.
There is one thing that might explain and justify what Trump has done but hasn't been explored because it isn't known.
I assume this issue was not the only issue that was discussed.
I have no idea what they could have been as I have not read anything that has mentioned it.
I believe there are more important issues and if progress can be made with these issues the meeting between Trump and Putin would be justified.
Since I don't know I can only speculate.
What if they discussed nuclear proliferation.
Iran and North Korea are two countries where this issue has dominated the headlines this year.
Maybe Trump and Putin agreed that Russia will stop aiding Iran and North Korea with their development of a nuclear bomb small enough to fit on top of a missile.
I am pretty sure the topic had to be mentioned.
I am not the only person who thought about this.
https://www.npr.org/2018/07/15/629282003/how-the-trump-putin-summit-coul...
If we are to judge Trump's actions at the meeting it should not be based on just one issue.
I believe Trump had to make Putin look good because in the long run it was more important to be on his good side then his bad side if progress will ever be made towards world peace.
These are the same Republican leaders who, along with Hillary, swallowed the Weapons of Mass Destruction story hook line, and sinker. They started a war over it, that has never ended, has killed a hundred thousand people or more, and spawned ISIS. And siphoned about $8 trillion out of our treasury. And what do they want to do now, start a second Cold War?
The big cyber invasion case involved the DNC falling victim to a con game worthy of a Nigerian money transfer story. No sophisticated breaking into computers or systems (as we did to send the Iranian centrifuges out of control). All that happened is they conned some babes in the woods into giving up user names and passwords to get into their system. And the DNC was warned in advance to be on the lookout for such things.
Everyone admits that this situation had no impact on the end result of the election. So it would seem ridiculous to start another cold war over it. Unless we are prepared to stop such behavior, we have no higher ground to demand that others do the same.
Sometimes, one's long term interest is better served to turn the other cheek. And so long as there appears to be a willingness to curtail such behavior in the future, we should put this behind us without making a big deal of it.
2
@RM, you are wrong about Hillary. She voted in support of the resolution to keep the pressure on Iraq to cooperate with the UN inspections that she expected to resolve the WMD issue peacefully.
And what are our long term interests here? Bowing to Putin? They do not have our long term interests in mind - only the break up of the current world alliance structures so that they can take advantage of the chaos.
Find the tape. Or the mattress. Or the taxes. Or the bank account anomalies. Let's bring this all to a head instead of letting this guy hold the entire world hostage until November when this mess will be cleaned up.
13
The disgraceful and shameful actions of our Republican leaders, who have put votes and self-preservation above country, won't soon be forgotten.
17
What about the people who voted for Trump? Did they not put everything before the interests of our country to cast their vote for this mess?
"I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country..." Thomas Paine, September 22, 1776.
"I think that the United States has been foolish..." Donald Trump,
July 16, 2018.
16
@Chris, that was Patrick Henry. Tom Paine was the outspoken atheist who wrote the pamphlet, "Common Sense", that more or less catalyzed the American Revolution.
says it all!
Nathan Hale
Treasonous behavior aside, isn't there a mandate to impeach if Mr. Trump is actually mentally incompetent to lead? Here's a thought. Have the entire population of honorable and decent folk (a majority of the American population) move up to Canada where they, their families, their social and moral fabric are actually consistent with the established national values.
7
The 25th Amendment allows for the removal of a President unable to fulfill the duties of the office. And the 25th does not expressly state whether the VP then becomes the president or acting president, so we're not risking a Pence presidency if we dump Trump.
Will any Republican do the right thing and initiate action based on the 25th Amendment?
1
I checked into moving to Canada. They don't want me because I am retired.
“All talk, no action” seems to be the new Republican platform. A censure, at the very least, is in order here.
7
Where is the outrage from the GOP? Is the GOP so much into partisanship that they are willing to stand up for their country? Where is their allegiance and Patriotism? More importantly, where are their backbones?
With that said, President Trump has succeeded in dividing America from within, alienating U.S. allies while embracing plutocrats and dictators. The President’s patriotism and tough bravado seem to melt like butter right before my very eyes during yesterday’s meeting, almost as if cowering from a nemesis he knew had the upper hand. All this coming from the same President who openly criticized the NFL players for taking a knee during the National Anthem labeling them un-patriotic
11
Thank you Senator Schumer for caring about our country and its imperiled democracy. As for you, Paul Rand -- if you don't understand the world's reactions, you should resign now. And to all the Republicans who offered tempered views and excuses -- resign now. And to McConnell and Ryan, syncophants whose self-interest is more important than the country you serve -- resign now. At least John McCain has a backbone and has honestly cared about the country at the hands of the deranged and money-grubbing man who was elected by a minority. The majority are being held hostage by the Republican Party. You are complicit in the traitor's actions that we all witnessed with the rest of the world.
23
Congress needs to perform its oversight duty and protect our Constitution. Republican or Democratic, it does not matter. What matters is that we are first and foremost Americans. Russia is a foe and has attract us. If this president is not willing to take any action to protect us then congress needs to steps in and do the right thing. Congress, you swore an oath to protect the constitution. The time is now to step forward and uphold that oath. We need our patriots.
5
The only solution now is for all members of Congress to abandon their private desires to hold on to their jobs, and speak out with one voice. IF EVER THERE WAS A MOMENT FOR IT, THIS IS IT.
11
Putin must have "devastating" info on Trump , there is no other Explanation.
17
Why is no one calling for impeachment? This is blatant treason! In the future, our children will replace Benedict Arnold with Donald Trump. And take the Republican Leader and Rand Paul with him to prison.
13
Decades ago, a NEWSWEEK headline for an article on Russia read, "The Great Russian Ripofsky."
Why in the world are we surprised?
2
We were and are under attack from Russia. Mueller investigation charges 30 Russians with conspiracy, and Trump gave aid and comfort to an enemy with which we are at war.
Textbook treason.
Republicans, what are you going to do about it?
19
False News!
Mr Muellers' team indicted 12, 13 if you count the Monday arrest.
The USA is not at war with Russia.
President Trump did not give aid and comfort to anyone.
Stop spreading these blatant lies.
[[Senator Mitch McConnell said “the Russians are not our friends.”]]
Funny...for the past couple of years I've been thinking "Republican politicians are not America's friends."
19
This is a sleepless night for many Americans with a conscience.
10
As always, doing Putin's bidding. Thank's again Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.
14
When enough republican representatives vote for impeachment and enough republicans vote for conviction I may believe that the party puts the interests of the United States first. And, by the way, why do we let their troglodytes call themselves the Freedom Caucus?
5
From the outset, by asking Russia to release emails stolen from his opponent for the Presidency of the United States, Mr. Trump gave his approval for continuing cyber attacks on our country. Such aid and comfort to an enemy during a time of extremely dangerous "cyber-war" constitutes treason. He should accordingly be held to account.
11
First, it is critical to understand that this is not about Russia hacking the Democratic Party. The Mueller indictment makes it clear that Russia hacked our actual election systems. They hacked state secretaries of state and election system businesses that the states contract with to provide hardware and software. Hacks of the Democratic campaign are secondary to this.
Second, Republicans are acting as if Trump putting Russia before America yesterday was as aberration. It is the opposite of an aberration it is his modus operandi.
Trump has been taking the side of Putin and Russia over our own intelligence community for over a year,, and a large part of the Republican Party has been backing him. Trump didn't say anything yesterday that he hasn't been saying over and over. The only difference is that yesterday he did it on foreign soil, standing next to the head of the intelligence agency that did the hack.
It is important also to realize that the FBI, including former FBI Robert Mueller, and including the Mueller investigation, are part of the U.S. counter-intelligence community. The Mueller investigation has been tasked with investigating this attack on our electoral systems.
But instead of supporting this investigation, the President of the USA, the majority of the Republican Party (including the head of the House intelligence Committee), Fox News and the rest of the Republican propaganda machine have been attacking the official U.S. investigation of the Russian attack.
13
What exactly has to happen before our Congress grows a spine? Every time I think enough is enough, it isn’t. This president has clearly shown, from the get-go, that he is in this not for the American people, but for himself. He is in way over his head, and now he’s really playing with fire. I, for one, am appalled, and I feel helpless to stop this inevitable train wreck!
11
It has not been two years.
It has been two decades, plus since Newt Gingrich flipped the congress and the Conservatives of the Old South gained a Confederate foothold in our nation's government.
Now the Slave State Confederacy is firmly ensconced in the Republican party and in statehouses throughout the country.
The Confederacy disguises itself as Conservatives, as Evangelicals, as Family Values voters.
Nonsense. They're just re-branding the same policies they had as Confederates.
13
Let me see if I get this: it's not okay for a football player to kneel during the anthem, but it's okay for our president to side with Russia and throw his own intelligence agencies under the bus.
52
Our Representatives in DC should wear their flag lapel pins upside down as a form of protest and a signal that America is in distress.
15
It's time for the Republican party to get on board the anti-Trump wagon and shut home down or they will forever be remembered as accomplices in the downfall of America.
13
It was flat out unpatriotic to vote for Trump after he refused to divulge his tax returns. You need to enforce disclosures to conduct due diligence. All his voters were derelict about this.
14
Why are only “some” Republicans rebuking Treasonous Donnie? Why is Newt Gingrich calling this Trump’s most serious mistake? This was no mistake! It’s what Donnie wanted all along, and he wanted it very badly! Wake up, Republicans! Renounce Trump now!
11
Beware Republicans who claim THIS is the last straw. If the rest wasn’t enough.…
2
Hillary warned America during the debates that Trump would kowtow to Putin like an obsequious puppet. She was right.
28
The GOP chased this slob because of his money. Then, of course, it turned out he didn't really have the billions he boasted about. If there's a villain here, it isn't Trump, although he deserves life in prison for treason and betraying America, and that's just for openers.
Mitch McConnell engineered the Trump presidency when he refused to confirm Merrick Garland to to Supreme Court. That's our burglar right there. Trump has to go--immediately. And any steps to keep him in office should be considered treason as well.
15
A near 24hrs later, at the "dawn" of a new day, we are staring at the aftermath of:
a GOP that, starved for power, turned not one but two blind eyes to Trump antics.
a GOP that has sided with Trump lies so much that they began to believe them.
a GOP that declared open season on press, and the likes of James Comey and Peter Strzok, who could smell the smoke, and the list goes on.
Where are Trey Gowdy, Louie Gohmert and Jim Jordan today?? All three took centre stage just a few days back in a dramaturgical marathon hearing to drag Peter Strzok and to bring into disrepute the Muller probe.
We just found out - if anything - that the probe needs absolute protection, and in fact more resources.
The firmest statements from the US President yesterday, were his handshake of Putin, and his discrediting of the intelligence documents that sit on his desk - unread.
A "red dawn" indeed.
16
A few congressional Republicans talked big, but as long as they do nothing, it's all talk. For all the lauding of people like McCain, they remain complicit in their inaction. Many of these people are chairs of congressional committees and have subpoena power - they could start issuing them tomorrow to investigate Trump and put pressure on his administration, but they persist in doing little more than nothing. It's all pretty spineless.
15
Yet they "rebuke" ever so gently in stark contrast to Senator Paul's rigorous defense of Trump and Putin on PBS Newshour.
4
Donald Trump received less than 10% of the vote in his home borough of Manhattan in the 2016 election!
In one infamous news conference in Finland, the world got an up close and personal view of what the folks in NYC have known for decades.
20
As a longtime New Yorker, I agree 100% with your statement. The vast majority of New Yorkers have always viewed Trump as a gaudy fool.
2
Maybe have Trump refresh himself on his oath, especially the part about protecting the constitution against enemies both foreign and domestic???? Include pictures if necessary....
5
The Russians are not our friends - Mitch McConnell
The Republicans are not our friends - me and every still standing Democrat
12
Traitorous treason. The world's most accomplished intelligence agencies, the ones who've broken German and Russian and Japanese codes, (Enigma and Venona and Purple) as well as untold (with darn good reason) other codes, these people got it wrong? Impossible. No way. You've got to believe Snowden, we really do know that much, and if you do, Donnie is acting exactly like a man who's on a sex tape he doesn't want anyone to see, and embarrassing himself and all of us because he's got a sex judgement and other bad judgment problems. Trump needs to resign, now, for exactly that reason, because he's incapable of discharging the duties of his office with anything approaching effectiveness or even basic competency.
10
How interesting that this is what it takes to get the Republicans to openly condemn a man who is so blatantly unfit for anypublic office. Trump has never hidden the fact that he is an arrogant narcissistic grandiose corrupt wealthy man. This is no surprise - past behavior predicts future behavior. But the Republicans are unwilling to do anything to reign it in, slow it down or oppose it and stand for principals. They're so in love with power that they do...nothing. Trump has always been for sale.
7
If Mr. Trump has any sense of honour, he should admit his incompetence or fear or whatever it is, put his country before his own interests and step down to prevent more damage and potentially a desaster of unforseen proportions.
6
Greatness. Much Greatness. So Much Greatness !
4
Republicans, what do they have to worry about, why all the collusion with Trump?
The toadying, the shameful, persistent, silence. Does it go beyond Trump's sinister agenda, his wish list so compatible with republican boilerplate?
It's hard to believe that there are not at least a few republicans who were fully informed, and possibly deeply involved, in Trump's "entanglements".
Why else would they obstruct so vigorously and with such unanimity?
Trump the deal maker likely outlined his assisted takeover of the government with at least a few key republicans, ones with enough clout to drag the rest over the line between "politics as usual" into illegal and treasonous.
Maybe that is why the republicans are so...entrenched.
7
It’s really quite simple. Mr. Trump can’t abide the idea that he did not win the election on his own merit. To admit Russian interference on his behalf is admitting he isn’t the “best President ever”.
6
When the history of this period is written many years from now, the shock and amazement at what Americans accepted from this president will be the central topic of discussion. We are harboring a criminal in our midst and the effects will reverberate for the next fifty years.
10
@Jude Ryan, if we don't dump the infantile delusion that nature has a caring empathetic human personality right now, civilization will not survive this century.
The voters who support Trump must hate America to allow Trump to grovel before Putin.
15
So after this performance it is time to ask, are you for America or are you for trump?
14
where are the two Republican senators who will switch parties and take control of the Senate away from the party that supports this treasonous president?
21
Impeach him and after he’s out, arrest him and charge him with treason. He swore an oath to protect this Country from all adversaries. He has broken that oath and is leaving us open to more attacks. He is joining the enemy in attacking our Country while standing on enemy soil. He is a traitor of the worst sort.
VOTE out any and all Republicans from all State and Federal offices. The Republicans brought this about and their Party, as it stands now, needs to be completely neutralized. The welfare of our Country depends on it.
22
The Republicans in Congress, and elsewhere in government, are now in collusion with a man who, as columnist Blow asserted yesterday, is a traitor.
14
"Rebuke" isn't enough. Our Republican-controlled House must vote to impeach him and our Republican-controlled Senate must try -- and convict -- him for betraying his oath of office; a high crime that he is now obviously guilty of committing; partisanship be damned.
That they refuse to even consider it seriously suggests that they are parties to his treason. It's indefensible.
15
Words...mere words. History -- if still written by those with a commitment to facts -- will record this as a pivotal moment in the decline and fall of the Republican Party, founded on human rights principles and destroyed by those unwilling to defend them in the face of a proto-tyrant of their own making.
14
Wouldn't it make sense to ask President, I mean Vice President Pence, where he stands?
4
Great idea! Everyone of us should write Pence asking him how he feels about Putin, Crimea, Russian involvement in Syria, Russian meddling in our government and the NRA, Russian poisonings, etc. After all we may be seeing more of Pence, might as well get to know him.
2
@Peter did you ask gore what he stood when bill was impeached -- gore in hawaii and mute
@Peter
He stands behind Trump. Right behind him.
Treason in plain sight. I called both senators and two congressmen. All Republicans. Senators went to voicemail. Congressmen had aides answering. Told them all to act and defend our country. If everyone protests relentlessly they will act, yes? Tired of just stressing. Let's act please. Let's protect ourselves and our beloved country. Let's not fight amongst ourselves. I believe in you my fellow Americans. Let's defend Mueller at all costs.
16
Couldn't we at least have a motion brought forward to censure the President? Then we would know for sure who is willing to stand with the traitor, no matter what, and who might still deserve to be called patriots.
16
Why is it that the more I follow this "presidency" I am more and more reminded of a 1962 film entitled "The Manchurian Candidate"? Am I really the only one to make this connection?
20
The whole world watched an American President commit treason, openly, without apology.
Republicans watched it too and could only think about how to keep their jobs and tax cuts.
33
Trump has been going to Russia for decades, trying to make a deal for hotels. Over the years, there have been numerous opportunities for Putin to get a video of Trump doing something egregious. From Helsinki to Moscow, Putin has built a negative reputation for himself in his personal and private behavior with women. Trump has been a tag-along for years...
Of course Putin has compromising videos of Trump and now Putin is trying to cash them in to gain legitimacy in the West. Putin is working to figure out how to launder all of his wealth stolen from the Russian treasury. Trump's desire to keep his misdeeds hidden represents an opportunity to somehow provide a pathway.
Where are the patriots who must take action before this pretender of a president gives away the US economy, security and freedoms in exchange for his personal gain?
I would hope that Trump's base can only go so far with their support....they also have a line in the sand..is it at the point to treason?
12
@Leslie Duval.
“You have the right to hope,” said Clarence Darrow. He was being sarcastic.
Donald Trump may be A problem, but he is not THE problem. The real problem is that half of US voters went along with Trump, knowing exactly what kind of clown they were voting for - and that the whole of the GOP is still going along with Trump, in spite of every lie, perverse act, or treachery.
You can remove Trump, but you cannot remove that half of US voters who still back Trump;, nor the Republican Party, who are betraying their country along with Trump, by assuaging everything Trump does, whatever he says and permitting his actions.
With every new election these same people will be there, with the same moral backbone made of rubber.
19
Trump sees in Putin the man he wants to be...perhaps even a father figure...from whom approval is paramount, even at the expense of our country. That Putin denied election interference should have been a given. But lying to a liar is easy, especially to one where facts are fiction and fiction is reality. Time for Republicans to repudiate this fraud.
9
As I move into the world of senior citizens, I am appalled by this President who shows such disdain for our country. He seems to want to only serve one person - himself. It is unbelievable what comes out of his mouth (and his twitter feed). I am done voting for any Republican. This was the last straw. They have become the Party of Wimps.
15
Trump owes Russian oligarchs billions, no doubt. And Trump has no care of country, but cares only about Trump. I am not sure why anyone is surprised by his behavior today.
9
Looking to McConnell or Ryan to allow much less lead any sort of muscular response to yesterday’s fiasco is a fool’s errand. McConnell gamed Obama’s SCOTUS nomination with naked partisanship and Ryan, never a leader to begin with, is a lame duck.
The outrage will fade and yet another brick will have been chiseled out of the foundation of our democracy and American ideals.
10
So DJT basically says ‘all I can do is ask the question’
Here are my questions to his supporters: is this the strength you voted for? this is the America first you supported? this is making America great again? you wanted a president that got on bended knee before the Russians?
Is this what you voted for?
10
@MB
"These supporters will not change their minds, because this is what they always wanted: a president who embodies the rage they feel toward those they hate and fear, while reassuring them that the rage is nothing to be ashamed of."
--Adam Server, "The Nationalist's Delusion"
1
Only “some”? The Republicans in Congress have abdicaticated all responsibility and let this dangerous man go unchecked. Can you imagine had this been Obama? Trump’s insane comments surely top “apologizing” for America.
At some point, REPUBLICANS must stand up and follow the oath they took.
Party over country.
3
The time has come Republicans. Show your hand. Your either for our country or your not. Stand up for America please! Now
is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their Country.
10
And why would they? Republicans are nothing more than a bunch of HYPOCRITES who spent three years investing Benghazi, but think one year into collusion by Trump with Russia is too long, even though our entire system is under attack. The same system that has made the United States the world power that it is today.
12
Trump has committed treason. WAKE UP! If republicans in congress do nothing, they are complicit. They will be made to pay a price higher than losing an election. We will demand prosecution!
12
The only threat that would make Mr. Trump french kiss Putin would be the release of his tax returns on Wikileaks. Why would we not be surprised if they hacked the IRS?
7
Watching the news conference in Finland was excruciating as inarticulate treasonous Trump openly defended, bowed and fawned over Putin while demeaning America. I am aghast that this man represents our nation. Thankfully two or three reporters asked pointed questions only to get more of his tap dance about believing Putin against his own intelligence agencies. We are watching a full blown “Manchurian candidate”who deems it necessary at every opportunity to remind us of the electoral vote even in light of clear campaign tampering by the Russians. Once again he drags poor Hillary to his stage to repeat his circus performance.
I am further disturbed that but a few brave Republicans and Democrats have articulated their alarm, disgust, fear and call for action, while the majority of our spineless representatives are deafeningly silent. Since your jobs are clearly in jeopardy, now is the time to speak up and stand up for a more integral representative. No silence can support you or hide your reticence at a time when you need to do the jobs you were elected to do, to defend and serve your country and your constituents and to speak out when you see injustice.
10
Our intelligence is a mess. The FBI has people who have been shown to be unethical. It is a corrupt organization that serves itself. Who knows the truth? I don't think trump should accept blame publicly for their behavior as it makes the country appear weak, but any educated person that has common sense knows that our intelligence is corrupt and we need a thorough cleaning from top down.
2
I don't expect the Republican politicians to do anything about this . They are making to much money from their handlers. I wonder where the likes of the Koch brothers, stand on this. Money talks and honesty walks.
I grew up during WWII, all those who fought and died must be sickened. The greatest generation saved the world from one tyrant. Who is going to step up for this one ?
10
Anyone who believes that Trump will stop pushing the envelope now is a terminal wishful thinker.
5
Republicans are spineless. Sheldon Adelson, the Koch brothers, the NRA, evangelical wide body preachers, and Trump have them completely duped and completely in their grasp. To think that because a few Republicans condemn Trump for being Putin's lapdog they might take real action is wishful thinking. Republicans will do nothing of any significance to damage Trump. Americans, you need to vote in November--that is our only hope to begin the process of regaining democracy in America.
10
When trump chose his party there was no question. It wouldn’t be the party of business. It would be the party of greed. Untethered, he could run with his lies, deceit and vulgarity, and the rest of the party cheered him on. Go Republicans, but you know where.
5
Surfing some of the astounding comments by American Trump apologists at the NYT (assuming they are not coming from Russia) these people need to ask themselves whose side are they on? Trump and Putin's or ours?
10
How is it that Congress can find the events surrounding President Clinton's marital infidelity impeachable, but they continue to accept the behavior of this president?
Perhaps a foreshadowing of what we have now can be found in a quote from Mitch McConnell in October 2010 regarding President Obama (a man with more integrity than all of Washington combined): “The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.”
9
@Sonia Didriksson Clinton was impeached for lying under oath, not for his marital infidelity.
1
This is hilarious. It reminds me of when Black Americans have clear evidence , such as videos, of police brutality and yet "officials" deny it exists. How does it feel?
6
@Hellen
Not hilarious...but tragically true.
1
The complicity of GOPs in tow including Nunes, Gowdy, Cruz, Cornyn, Mcconnell and etc., emboldened the sitting president to this disgraceful incidents at the expense of American people.
7
Let's face it. We have a dictator in our Presidential Office who came into Power with unclean hands.
His association with Vladimir (RAS)Putin is for one purpose. He sees his own demise and downfall. Yes, the Steve Bannons continue to chant in his ear "Get them out of here! They ALL need to leave!" (referring to undocumented persons from Mexico and probably all of Central America (CBS 60 minutes interview).
And he is getting all the bad deed conservative actions he can doling out like specific candies of want to specific Republicans - like removing the protected Federal land status such as the Three Bears Monument in Utah in order that oil or natural gas can be developed there. He gives the waiver of environmental concerns of candy to the Republicans for their "special interests".
Yet, Trump's true motive is to damage America enough for Russia, where he will retire and live for the rest of his life as a CZAR of the Western economy. He and Vlad will sit watching the sunsets as they conquer and take and develop what they will. And Vlad will protect him whereas the US will accuse him of treason.
We will never get our hands on Trump again.
I mean this.
It is not about the Presidency. This whole episode is all about Trump for Trump's sake.
4
“It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”
- Sherlock Holmes
8
This man Trump, our national leader, is also the architect of immigration policy that separates children from their parents with no provision for locating and reuniting them. And then deports the parents back to their home countries while their children remain...where? Given this latest, disgusting example of ineptitude and indifference, and a history of outright hostility to basic human rights, truth and American values, why would anyone expect anything different from Trump's latest performance with Putin?
7
"Republicans Rebuke Trump..." but not one is doing anything. Every single GOP member of Congress is complicit in throwing the citizens of this once great nation under the bus, selling us out to our greatest adversary. When will Americans just admit they've made the biggest, and gravest, mistake of their lives in electing this puppet of the Kremlin? Mitch McConnell and all the rest can face the cameras and the microphones...but they are doing nothing, and they will continue to do nothing. They, too, have been bought...and who knows what compromising material has been held over their heads. This is not just a national disgrace...it is a national nightmare...and a constitutional crisis.
10
The failing states. The president has weakened you globally and placed you on the side of tyrants and murderers. Your current world position is demoted and even weakened your position in the trade wars. There are other buyers to aligned with that have greater morals. You branches of government did nothing and shows your Republicans elected officials have no convictions or backbone to stand up for what is right. The world watches your disaster of your government and the people that supported it.
6
To believe the DNC was only hacked is misguided. The RNC was hacked as well and deceptive deals way before Trump ever announced his presidency were made by several republicans who probably believed the deals were legitimate fundraising or business deals only to find out it was attached to dark money. The only Republicans who are not compromised are the ones that are speaking out. This attack was years in the making, but what people are missing is the psychological warfare being implemented through Facebook, Twitter, and some of our Nations Churches that teach Nationalism instead of Christianity and have brainwashed weak minded Christians that the Republican Party is the Party of Christianity! That is a lie...neither party represents true biblical values, but some Pastors have become deceptive pawns to the Puppetmaster too. Bottom line, as a Country...we have a problem and I pray the truth will come out very soon.
4
Well, clearly when Air Force One lands in D.C. the first thing that should happen is for Trump to register as a foreign agent. Like Manafort, he is and he needs to declare it.
I care not why Trump fawns over despots and longs to be one. I care only what he is doing to this country. He is not just driving it in to the ditch as his predecessor Republican president did; he is driving it straight off a cliff and expecting applause while he is doing it.
Do tells us, McConnell, what do the Russians have on you? You are not innocent. Trump could never get away with what he does without your silent blessing. Trump may be the corpse flower, but the Republican party is the root and branch that sustains it. Cut it down and pull out the root with both hands. It must be gone if we are ever to revive the garden again. Folks, vote like your life depends on it for it does.
12
@nora m Many Republicans are entangled in this Russian sabotage of our democracy because they have taken millions of dollars in campaign contributions from the Russians. The money has come disguised by Russian American cut outs and the NRA and probably other PACs that have not yet been identified. But the truth is that they have betrayed their country for a few dollars more.
4
"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is perhaps the end of the beginning". (Winston Churchill)
2
The Russians won the cold war.
And the White House in 2016.
And all America got was a soccer ball, in a game we did not play.
We are Great. Again!
4
Far, far worse than Trump: the elected enablers. This is corruption on steroids. Pray and vote. Then pray again.
6
LISTEN UP!!!
November 6, 2018. That's the date on which 33 senate seats, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, and 14 governorship's will be up for re-election. Put it on your calendar now and be prepared to be an informed voter. If you are worried, concerned, angry, disappointed about the direction the government is going this is the most effective way to make a change, stop complaining and start planning. Remember the president is only one cog in the government machine, and you can make effective change through voting for your local and state representatives, this is the check that can balance this situation. Pass it on….
9
As appalled as we all might be by Trump's actions, you have to remember that many people who voted him into office to start with BELIEVED he would get Mexico to pay for a wall.....what would cause them to not believe him about Putin/Russia now?
8
Trump sells all of us out every day, preferring his own gain. Why are so many people surprised by yet another Trump blunder?
4
Defeat Russian Republicans in November.
Defeat Putin's Puppet in 2020.
In the meantime, it is important to constantly mention that Trump lost the popular vote by over 2,900,000 votes and was elected through an Electoral College fluke. Even with the critical Russian and Comey interference Hillary was still the people's choice. His press conference again confirmed that nothing angers him more than this obvious truth.
14
Get rid of the electoral college which insures that a minority will rule the majority.
7
Our weaknesses are being probed. If congress does not act the people seeking to weaken America have found the weakest link to exploit.
10
If the Russians have something on Trump, I can't imagine what it would be that would matter to his base. Golden shower party in a hotel? Who cares. Unlike their Federalist Society compatriots who profess to follow original intent, The Christian right has already laughed off biblical anachronisms such as #7 (adultery) along with #9 (false witness). Watch a Trump Rally or Fox News and it's obvious what they think of #2 (false gods.) As Trump himself said, he could shoot someone in the middle of 5th Avenue and he wouldn't lose voters.
24
Trump has been doing"alot" of business in Russia since 2008 as per Donald Jr's claim. Money laundering and other nefarious actions. Serious corruption looms staunch Trump supporters would deny. Trump started his "dark state" campaign in 2015 with the belief if a lie is repeated enough it becomes the "truth". Trump's base isn't concerned about the facts and that is more frightening than Trump himself.
@TJGM
5
If the Russians have something on Trump, it's probably money laundering for Russian billionaires through his luxury apartment buildings and resorts.
But since the Republican base has embraced a pathological liar and professional "bankruptcy king," to be presidency, I don't think that direct proof of Trump committing federal money laundering crimes would bother them either.
The 90% of the Republican Party that still supports Trump, fully embraces Trump using the Oval Office to enrich himself. Trump has given them permission to embrace lying, fraud, hate, greed, and guidelines, and they love him for it.
I am happy to see that Mitch can still remember the lines that he is supposed to keeping saying in order to remain "on the gravy train".
It is shocking that Mitch does so well that he isn't retiring from a legal practice ... suing neighbors that have dogs that bit his clients kids when the kids were pulling on the poor dogs ears.
No, Mitch did way better, a big shot in Dee-Cee, steak dinners at fancy restaurants, et cetera.
And amazingly, even after all these years he still remembers his lines: "Russia equals our enemies".
Just like Democrats. "Democrats = the other team".
6
In another era Trump would be in prison facing charges of treason. Now, we get bluster in the press and the show goes on. Mitch and Paul act stunned but they knew Trump’s agent of Russia role long ago. As long as the money is there via Trump the GOP (Government of Putin) will thrive on our shores. Congressmen are just puppeteers for the wealthy, foreign or domestic.
26
Yesterday was a day that will surely " live in infamy" and the republicans who have compromised with what little principles they have left supporting this president are every bit part of the infamy as Trump himself.
39
My thoughts and prayers are with the souls of republicans in power who choose to remain silent.
May God have mercy on them. I don’t.
27
The GOP enables Trump at all times and this is no exception. Their protestations are meaningless especially to their - and our- Fearless Leader. Sooner or later he will single them out even for the most mealy-mouth protests. After the first few crumble, the rest will hastily swear allegence to the Brand. Then they'll have a press conference to rebuild the love affair with some public GOP banter, i.e. self-serving lies. After all Trump was elected to be a Destroyer. He's not letting his base down. Fire and brimstone. Armageddon. The Rapture. Satan wins? Of course "they" are hoping "we" get it first. He who laughs last laughs best.
8
When will people grasp that Trump is not compromised by Putin. He needs Putin - and Putin's bottomless bag of dirty tricks - to help rid himself of Constitutional restraints on his presidency. He means to consolidate his power to such an extent that he can undo terms limits, thereby becoming President for Life.
His sense of self-importance demands nothing less.
8
@CS
But there's no reason for Putin to be interested in helping if there were nothing in it for him. You think Putin wants a powerful, dictator-like U.S. president? Just the opposite.
Yesterday made unequivocally clear who is pulling the strings.
3
There should be no Supreme court nomination hearing for Brett Kavanaugh. He was nominated by a traitor so his nomination is tainted.
Can the Democrats in the Senate get a few of these outraged Republican senators to stall that hearing until after the midterm elections?
Try Collins, Murkowski, Corker, and Flake.
29
@scrim1
I watched Corker’s interviews here on the Tennessee news stations. His rebuke of Trump was weak. If Corker has any integrity he will withdraw his support of Marsha Blackburn and endorse Phil Bredesen. Unfortunately that could backfire because this is Trump country. The local paper has already turned on Corker.
Keep in mind Sinclair Broadcast Group owns many of the newschannel outlets in the state of Tennessee, ABC, Fox, and The CW affiliates, as is true of most states in the south. They don’t air any story that reflects badly on Trump. It’s spin - spin - spin all the time.
2
@scrim1
Agree! If I were a republican (and thankfully I'm not), I could not support any nomination or any policy this man were to put before me, but that is because I truly care about country over self, something the GOP lack!!!
1
let's not forget Manchin, Heidkamp and Donnelly.
1
The US is no longer a democracy in reality, only in name. The gerrymandering and the failure of Congress and the electoral college to do their job have proved this. Trump is an out of control president whose mental state is questionable to say the least. TheRepublicans are complicit in Trumps treasonous behavior. This sad state of affaires will only get worse,whatever that is, unless real change occurs in Republicans courage and state of mind.
32
@Joyce Morrell, the Electoral College and Senate apportionment are both a complete travesty of "one person, one vote". This nation lies to itself as badly as Trump lies to it.
Whatever the term used to describe the act(s) committed, they have already occurred. All that remains is to find the WILL to remove this man from power before he trashes everything we are as a people, and as a world!
20
Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing should be cancelled and Gorsuch should step down. How do we know Trump’s SCOTUS picks aren’t as compromised as he is?
29
Mr. Trump has committed an impeachable offense. Brennan is correct and if my republican representatives don't begin impeachment proceedings now then they, too, are committing an impeachable offense. Simple as that. Look! The emperor has not clothes!
26
I forced myself to watch a bit of Fox News last night. Every single person was outraged (except for Sean Hannity). Their shock was palpable. Think about that: Trump actually crossed a line with Fox News. Earth shattering.
27
The question remains - are things now bad enough for Congress to act? Or will Ryan and McConnell continue to look the other way as Trump blatantly breaks his Oath of Office?
Trump is very close to treason if not already there.
All members of Congress take the same Oath of defend America from enemas both foreign and domestic.
Vote Democratic on November 6th.
Every seat, every office.
Changing congress is our best hope.
Vote.
34
What do McCain, Gingrich and Ryan have in common? They all urged Americans to vote for Trump over Clinton. Their words mean nothing now. This is what happens when you put party over country.
19
We have come to expect very little in the way of constructive action good for America from Republicans in the Senate and the House, but a simple gesture of patriotism by each body of Congress would be heartening in this terrible moment of the Helsinki treachery by Donald Trump.
Each body should pass a short Resolution, introduced by the Republican and Democrat leaders, saying,
“The Senate [House] was shocked and dismayed by the submissive performance of President Donald J. Trump in his joint news conference with President Vladimir Putin of Russia in Finland. We condemn President Trump for ignoring or belittling the findings of the intelligence and law enforcement agencies of the United States that Russia engaged in cyber attacks and other means to interfere with the 2016 election on behalf of Mr. Trump.
“The Senate [House] also strongly rebukes President Trump for publicly insulting our longtime allies in Europe and North America and our N.A.T.O. partners and for failing to confront President Putin for the ongoing Russian cyberwarfare and other attacks. The praise heaped on Mr. Putin by Mr. Trump was and is completely undeserved. Such behavior by President Trump embarrassed the United States and damaged our standing among the community of nations.”
9
trump has always been trump - we knew what to expect. McConnell and Ryan support trump and that is the only reason trump gets away with treasonous activity - they will have to answer for their actions.
12
The failure of republicans to acknowledge the gravity of this moment indicates one of two things:
They value party and implementation of their lifelong goal to deconstruct the New Deal -over the safety and security of the United States
Or: They are complicit.
13
I stood for improved relations between the US and USSR when it was not fashionable to do so, in part because the dangers inherent in "mutual assured destruction" were too great to ignore. I still favor whatever improvements in relationships between our two peoples are possible after Russia's annexation of Crimea. Most of all, I support further verifiable disarmament initiatives, both nuclear and conventional, along with verifiable efforts to end proxy conflicts in conjunction with the international community. But make no mistake: none of these ideas, or others similar to them, resemble what we have seen from the current President. Based on what we have seen to date, especially in Helsinki, he is not only incapable of advancing responsible proposals, his language and actions are fawning and toadying to President Putin, a long-time adversary of the United States whose blatant disregard for international norms is well known. The indictments of the twelve Russians last week are only the latest evidence of his government's interference in our democracy. Constitutional scholars may debate whether these actions constitute treason (which seems to me improbable, but not impossible, based on definitions of "war" and "enemy"). However, they are shameful, they may suggest "kompromat," and they more than meet the bar for "high crimes and misdemeanors." The GOP must call for the removal of all directly involved in this calumny or be considered complicit.
10
@Klord
Indeed, Rand Paul’s insistence that “engagement” is good totally sidesteps the issue that Trump is an incompetent and weak and his dealings with Putin are shameful.
I doubt the majority of Americans feel the same as our elected leaders and media pundits. Most people, on both sides of the political spectrum, really don't trust the establishment and the media to have their best interest at heart after lying us into the disastrous Iraq war and crashing our economy and seeing the economic recovery go to the top ten percent. I'm part of that ten percent and I watch this country going through a change never witnessed before, yet I understand why it is where it is today unlike the establishment which is clueless to what it has created and seem incapable of understanding what they have created. Fascinating to watch.
Great words from the history of a country with noble and inspiring aspirations.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
The time to act is now.
11
I fear that somewhere among Mr. Trump's delusions is some arcane combination of the U.S and Russia ruling the world. In his dark fantasy Mr. Trump or his family/acolytes would run the U.S. for decades and Putin and his followers would run Russia. But the real leadership and autocracy would come from Russia.
Mr. Trump and showed the world his true colors and intent yesterday. And perhaps more frightening is the general lack of criticism from the GOP. But then, they are the acolytes who will be running the kind of U.S. that Mr. Trump envisions.
Americans have the power to fix this. The question is will we?
13
It's hard to fathom the almost total lack of character and courage among the Republican members of congress. Unless, of course, one assumes that, like the vice president ("I am a Christian, a conservative and a Republican. In that order." Note the absence of the word "American"), they have made a conscious, calculated decision to put party interests above national interest. That (and that alone) explains everything.
11
The members of the republican party are traitors, they took Russian money via the NRA. They have lost all moral ground and are complicit in this dark moment in our history. The communists always claimed they would overcome democracy by infiltrating from within. Well PUTIN smiles, check mate.
33
America, aren't you tired of begging the republican congress to do it's job? The republicans have been selling out this country for a long time. Money and power is their mantra, but mostly money. They've gotten what they wanted; tax cuts, judges and deregulation. In exchange they let Trump install corrupt and venal cabinet members, violate the emoluments clause, separate immigrant families and cage the children and repeatedly call the press 'the enemy of the people' that may have resulted in the deaths of 5 journalists. Trump is sick and corrupt. Now he has thrown America under the bus to please Putin. The republicans have denigrated the FBI and it's members, all to protect Trump. They aren't going to change.
46
Silence is complicity.
Those who say and do nothing now will wear this stain on their hands for generations to come.
To save the country - #BoycottTheGOP
44
The GOPP. The Grand Old Putin Party.
25
Trump cannot survive this; he is gone. The real question is, can the republican party survive it? The oncoming midterms will give us a picture of what is in store for that party in the future.
27
@Sara M, For Republicans, party loyalty trumps (no pun intended) everything, including love of the country. They claim they love the country. But their actions prove otherwise.
4
Where is the outrage from Congressional republicans? Except for a few like John McCain and Jeff Flake, their responses have been as weak as trump’s presidency. Tax cuts and deregulation are not the hallmarks of trump’s miserable presidency. Yesterday’s press conference with his handler, Putin, is. Congress must remove trump from office, we are in great danger from within our borders. And please, at the very least, do not proceed with a confirmation hearing on Kavanaugh.
49
It won't work, but they all need to publicly call for Trump's resignation, or charge him with treason. They really have to rattle him after this disaster.
35
@Tim Moffatt The House can impeach him which would work for me.
It now seems imperative that the GOP decline to nominate Trump/Pence for re-election in 2020.
35
Well, Mitch McConnell obtained his Supreme Court appointments that he desired, and he also received his insanely large tax cuts for the 1%. He also has a Republican president (Trump) that's under the thumb of a foreign president (Putin).
Now what?
33
@Uptown Guy Cutting Medicare and Social Security and completing the dismemberment of the Affordable Care Act - that plus dismantling the EPA among other agencies.
Let’s not forget shackling women and returning them to their proper subservient role.
1
The more his critics try to pin the hacking on Trump, the more he will resist. Trump has fought the "witch hunt" (collusion charges) consistently. He wasn't going to relent now. He will likely be consistent in his response to criticism as well. In other words, he's not backing down. Remember, he's been accused of "treason" since he was elected and for acts having nothing to do with him but that occurred under his predecessor.
That Putin would be sitting across from Chris Wallace and describing improper DNC behavior so accurately was also disturbing. The democrats are embroiled in this scandal as well and have tried to manipulate it to their advantage by pushing false collusion charges.
What a mess politicians have made of this.
9
@AACNY I don't know of anyone trying to pin the hacking on Trump - clearly last week's indictment puts it squarely on the Russians. Potential coordination between the Trump campaign and the Russians is a still an open question but given Trump's actions towards Russia something smells suspicious.
2
November election. Simple as that. Bottle up your outrage and take it into the voting booth. If you can't wait that long, or if your Senator or Congressman is not up for reelection, let them know you are watching and listening.
My guess is most GOP will make some comment to indicate their outrage and then hope the electorate forgets the whole thing and moves on. The public will have to be persistent.
53
It is dawn here. Has it finally dawned on the GOP the Donald Trump is doing the bidding of Putin? And at what point will it?
37
Trying to figure out when Trump is delusional vs. dishonest has been on of the enduring challenges of this presidency. This is feels delusional -- just too wild for even his level of dishonesty. The big question is not what politicians who can safely repudiate his comments will say or do, it is what people who are close enough to Trump (cabinet, National Security staff) will say and do. A delusional Trump at best will simply fail to act on intelligence. At worst he will compromise it, putting lives at risk, creating a crisis in government that we have never seen before.
18
Traveling on an American passport or another, one is asked to write on the customs form one's nationality. 'Irish', this passenger at age nine pens with certitude. Little do I know that one day, I will be asked to take a stand for my country of birth, America.
Whether you are from a great or small country, a democracy, a socialist, a communist or republic nation, the officers in charge of the port of entry are not interested in your party affiliation.
How you feel about being American these days and does it feel good to have thrashed Europe are questions to be revisited. The President of the United States is the Superior to those he represents and the Public Servant to all.
If the Russian Leader is satisfied that America has been effectively stomped on, he has accomplished a feat. An easy feat with an adversary who can not think on his feet. An adversary who shows signs of being less than honorable.
In showing a lack of self-respect for himself, Trump shows a lack of respect for All People of America. That's right, and a rebuke from Republicans is not going to set matters right.
A lost opportunity, where our president could have declared how impressed he is with the power of Russia, without giving away his shirt and dealing a low blow to our country.
A beautifully orchestrated meeting in Helsinki, America stands tall, while all that is missing is a splendid rendition of '2018' by Tchaikovsky for the Yahoo.
6
"Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court."
(U.S. Constitution - Article 3, Section 3)
As measured against the above cited text, the so-called President Trump clearly committed treason at yesterday's press conference in Helsinki. Of course, he has been doing the same ever since he fraudulently usurped the office.
47
I strongly call uponTrump GOP enablers to action. This is the campaign all over again. Only that this time is our national security threatened by our president.
It is not enough to condemn or point out. Majority leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan should address the nation with a plan and a bill to protect America from the president, Putin or anything else. Our intelligence should no be in the hands of officials, elected or not, who do not side with America.
22
Congressional Republicans prefer to “hold their tongues” because they fear “angering” Trump, “who is immensely popular with their voters.”
They tolerate his antics and rants, let him hold rallies instead of urging him to READ and prepare himself for international meetings. They have been singing his praises and parrot his preposterous tweets in public. No wonder he has been able to garner support from gullible supporters.
Perhaps when they realise the heavy price to pay for their unpatriotic behaviour, would they do something about Trump.
Right-wing media and reactionary donors are equally responsible for grooming such a traitorous president.
37
Cleaning up Trump and his fellow traitor travelers will be an employment boom. Thousands will be needed to rewrite regulations, laws, begin the critical reset of our infrastructure, security and military, on and on. The 'deplorables' will find themselves unemployed, their jobs available to among others, immigrants. Citizen cohesion will replace the long night of class and ethic divide and distrust championed and promoted by the soon to be defunct Fox News and the cancerous hate radio. Good times ahead. If not, what we once knew as America is dead.
25
McConnell and Republicans won't do anything about Trump. The only way to stop Trump is to kick Republicans out of office in November.
43
Mr. President. We, the Europeans, are competitors, not foes. Competitors in the best sense of the word. We, the Europeans, have never strived to destabilize the US and its institutions. No President before you has tried to do so. Your actions are disgusting.
Senator Rand, there is nothing wrong in seeking better relationships with Russia - if they are willing to display a modicum of respect for our institutions. Keep your friends close, keep you enemies closer.
But what this President does goes beyond. He surrenders the principles of a liberal democracy to the rule of an authoritarian leader. That's disgusting. If you don't get this, you are not fit for the office in the Senate.
45
"Evil genie" is one way to describe Trump's behavior in Helsinki. We can't let this genie go safely back into his seemingly indestructible, fact-proof bottle in Washington, DC, without endangering everyone.
14
Republicans will have to wait until Trump does a Nixon and resigns, to open their mouths. They have free speech only on paper.
18
@S Ramanujam Nixon resigned under the threat of impeachment by Congress not the other way round. The GOP congressmen are not exercising their responsibilities to uphold the constitution of the USA.
1
This is the choice of those Republicans who lack all moral and philosophical principle.
2
I no longer believe Putin has kompromat on Trump. I think Trump is simply a mentally ill person who's only interest in life is being the center of attention. If it meant destroying planet Earth to maintain his hold on the headlines, he would not hesitate to give it a go. It is the only currency he recognizes -- that which makes him the focus of everyone else's attention, and there are no judgments severe enough to deter him from this pursuit.
24
I agree.He will do anything for attention and he assumes he is all important and can do whatever he wants.His attitude is that of someone who is manic and thinks they are God and anyone who disagrees is the devil.
1
Trump's incapacity for office, whether due to a mental disease such as dementia, narcissistic personality disorder, or bipolar disorder (all these are possible based on his out-of-control hatred and total subversion of American democracy), require the 25th Amendment, Sec. 4 be invoked by the VP and a majority of the cabinet or a committee established by Congress. Treasonous acts (during cyberwar) cannot await the time it would take to impeach the president when they derive from delusions, which fit more appropriately into 25/4.
23
Follow the money. The Trump organization has long been funded by Russian oligarchs - Putin's pals - and there is obviously a quid pro quo here. Wonder if they've threatened to call in their loans if the Baby Don doesn't give them what they want. God knows he's trying ...
28
Thus goes the US-led international order not with a bang, but with a whimper.
I hope it’s not too late for any of its allies to come up with a plan where the US is just an.. English-speaking country?
10
The sounds of silence from the Trump base are deafening
32
Scary, too.
In Moscow, Beijing, Pyongyang and Tehran, they are falling off their chairs with laughter at what has become of America. Nobody can take this country seriously anymore.
29
Trump is beyond rebuke. He should be charged with treason. Or at the least have his citizenship revoked so he can not enter this country legally again.
22
Rand Paul: ............"I don’t quite understand all of the people who have gone completely deranged criticizing the president.”
Wow....(!). The president had not one word of praise for our intelligence community who basically hacked their way backwards and without detection to the very desks of the individual Russian military officers who committed crimes against our country. It's hard enough to track an attack while it is happening; it's even harder to put the pieces together after the fact.
11
Senate majority leader - what does you party stand for? To paraphrase MLK - if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
22
Let no Democrat demand impeachment but let them put on the floor of both houses a resolution calling for the president's resignation and refuse to vote on any other bill or motion until it is allowed a recorded vote. Americans need to know where Republicans stand, with our country or with their party.
28
For America this is indeed "a day that will live in infamy"
21
American intelligence agencies have determined that America was attacked by a foreign government. Subsequently, our president has attacked our allies and sided, against all evidence, with our attacker. I can think of one word to best describe President Trump. Traitor. And I can think of one word to best describe the President's party. Complicit.
26
"Stand with Putin"
"Vote for Trump"
That'll be the most effective campaign ad for the Democrats.
15
@yl
Let's broaden your campaign sign:
"Stand with Putin"
"Vote Republican"
1
The Republican party is aiding and abetting treason. Plain and simple. They do nothing while the president assists the enemy of this country with its nefarious plots against our democracy.
The Republican party leaders--including Ryan and McConnell--will do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about this. NOTHING! They are too invested in their own power and that of their party to do anything to stop the maniac in the White House. If that means letting the Russians get away with purposeful, systemic interference in our elections, that's just fine, as long as it favors them and their party. Which it did. And which they and our president know will likely happen again. Probably IS happening right now, in our midterm elections, which are already underway. The media and the public will forget about this treacherous conduct, and the Republican leadership and their foot-soldiers know it. I frankly don't know what it will take for the Republican party to stop helping cover up the truth and expose the full scandal of how our elections were tipped in the Republican party's favor by a foreign adversary, aided and abetted by Americans.
10
Not likely that anyone will forget the supine response of his GOP enablers come November... throw them all out.
13
Plenty of outrage. No action. Congress is therefore complicit, and by extension, so are we.
8
So are democrats. They've pushed a false narrative, collusion, and in doing so created a monumental standoff.
@AACNY You mispose the issue. It is the demonstrated Russian attack on the American electoral process that Trump refused to even acknowledge, siding with a hostile foreign power on the issue, and undercutting our own intelligence services and the findings of GOP-majority Congressional investigation. Collusion is a separate issue. Or was, since Trump's public miconduct yesterday is itself an act of collusion.
1
What false narrative? Did watching that atrocity yesterday not prompt ANY questions on your part about trumps behavior?
The GOP politicians can tut-tut-tut all they want to about Trump's behavior and speech on his recent European tour; not one of them has taken substantive action to stop him. More than one former national-level government official has characterized Trump's press conference in Helsinki as rising to 'treasonable' levels of behavior. The GOP should understand the blunt ramifications of their inaction in the face of those assessments. If they do not, they should be turned out of office by the voters. All of them. They will all be complicit in the destruction of our country, no matter what they say or how they say it or when they say it.
10
Trump's meeting and press conference with Putin confirms we do need a security wall: to keep Trump out of the White House.
13
The Republican Party extends its "thoughts and prayers" to the American people who are waiting for it to rise up in full throated, unequivocal denunciation of Trump's treasonous acts.
10
"At least one Republican, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, veered from the script and delivered a full-throated defense of Mr. Trump: “I think it’s a good idea to have engagement, and I guess I don’t quite understand all of the people who have gone completely deranged criticizing the president.”"
There are people who voted Rand Paul into office He and they are our enemies.
15
All these words are totally meaningless unless Congress takes action!
6
McConnell and others are truly sitting on the fence. They are looking at all those Trump-Base votes, and while recognizing that Trump is way out of line, are mouthing some pablum that has little effect, but keeps them from falling all the way off the cliff. Shame on them! NOTHING is being done to stop the Russian cyber attacks, and we have NO idea of what Trump promised Putin behind closed doors. If the interpreters were to leak their notes, they would be heroes!
11
Given the behavior of McConnell over the last three years it becomes difficult to believe that he hasn't been in on Trump's treason. Given that the rest of the Republicans in Congress are desperately afraid of the 60% of their party, that is, after all just 60% of 30% of the country, that they cower in fear of Trump's Twitter fingers.
They're all complicit, they all deserve to be removed from office and charged with treason.
21
Extremely sad. “America First” is incredibly turning into “America, last”. God bless America and the world at large.
15
Many Congess and Senate republicans failed and will fail to speak out against Trump. They have broken their oath of office to defend America against all foes foreign and domestic. They have colluded with Trump, ergo with the Russian Federation. Trump has now moved into first place as a domestic threat to America.
The time has come for this Russian backed President and Vice President to be removed from office. They are a threat to the national security of America and our previous European allies.
The Russians have something on Trump and he’d rather risk America than the presidency.
So will the average american citizen collude with the president and Russian Federation too?
10
Let the scorecard be written and published of the nation's every Republican politician's response on Trump's words in Helsinki. Let's see who and who isn't a defender of USA interests in security and democracy! God help us!
10
What could be said anymore? It has all been said, and it changes nothing.
3
When you cry, "Wolf!" for so long, when something substantial actually occurs, no one wants to hear it. What Trump's critics don't get is that they've been hollering the same accusations since he was elected. By now we know they will argue with anything Trump says and find "treason" in everything he does.
1
The ultimate irony would occur if the Democrats now decide to run the same sort of campaign against the Republicans that the Republicans so often ran against the Democrats. How does "tricky Trump and his cowardly college of appeasement" sound? That did wonders for the Republicans when they leveled the charge against Dean Acheson back in the 1950s. Or better yet, "I hold in my hand a list of fifty card-carrying Republican party members high in government who have placed the interests of a foreign ideology against our own." Mmmm
9
This reality show is reaching its climax. Will Trump apologize to his supporters and blame this episode on jet lag? Will the Republicans take any actions? What will the voters do in the November mid-term election? What about Michael Cohen? Is he going to talk? And Mueller? Is he ready to announce his findings? The plot thickens!
5
Who among the republicans will stand for America and their pledge to defend our democracy ? The adversaries have invaded the countries most sacred institutions and the dismantling of democracy is underway.
5
Donald Trump claims there was no collusion with Russia in the 2016 presidential campaign. But there is implicit collusion now with Trump aiding Russia and finding no fault with Russian meddling and the indictments against Russian agents by Robert Muller. His public display of disparaging our intelligence agencies while at the same time praising Putin is implicit collusion!
9
The only thing “stunning” about what happened in Helsinki is that Trump is still President after all that he has said and done and was therefore given the platform to continue his destruction of the United States.
13
Comrade Bone Spur's actions make a mockery of our military. I know many of our soldiers voted for Trump but his actions over the weekend have told them that friend is foe and foe is friend and that whatever ideals they've been fighting and dying for in recent decades has been completely for naught. It is no coincidence that over the years, the number of veterans in Congress has steadily decreased, so that none of them on the GOP side seem particularly appalled. Like their President, they're all armchair Rambo's. I don't know what McCain's motivations were in making his denunciation, but viewing Trump's statements as an affront to the armed services must have played a role.
15
@stan continople
Very interesting, cogent comment on how Trump's actions are "an affront to the armed services." It must be getting more and more difficult to be a soldier in our various wars with this Russian promoter constantly throwing our basic institutions under the bus. To be in the military now is basically to defend Fox News and not much else in the U.S. government.
6
Republicans may need to revisit the real reason the went to Washington.
Yes more tax cuts for donors.
11
Mitch McConnell, a Leader still looking for his spine. If he can't speak forcefully, standing up to the President when the President won't stand up for the American people, shouldn't "we the people" be given the opportunity to decide if we trust McConnell to oversee Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing before it begins. If he can't speak truth to power, he's probably not qualified to give his advice or his consent.
9
"Protect the US against ALL enemies, foreign and domentic." Trump failed his oath of office yesterday. This one act is cause to impeach. Until that moment, Trump has not been a traitor to his own nation. Yesterday, he took that unprecidented step.
10
In 2014, India’s newly-minted PM Narendra Modi demeaned India & previous Indian Govts in Public speeches in Britain (its colonial-era Ruler) and in China (its northern aggressor & regional adversary) and in Canada and in Australia.... Yet Narendra Modi’s admirers in India felt comfortable in repeating Narendra Modi’s blatant Lies. The American people are facing the same humiliation from Donald Trump & similar reactions from Trump’s supporters. Even CNN’s Anderson Cooper could merely say ‘..one of the most disgraceful performances by a US President..’. One of ? Were there many others ? Clearly the American people, like Indians since 2014, can live with the most despicable President in the Free World. The Principles & Values which Championed the growth of Democracies in the 20th Century have faltered & waned in the 21st century.This is the challenge faced by Democracies of the Free World in the 21st Century.
3
Trump and the GOP, and their backers are amoral. When the 'ought' is morally subscripted, it still cannot motivate or provide reasons for acting for the uncaring, amoral man. Americans have died for freedom and to keep other countries from tyranny. Don't let that bother you, Trump and GOP. Money is the answer. Just go with it.
6
Thank you NYT for keeping up the articles and opinions, following and deciphering what occurred today in Helsinki.
On a TV news broadcast this evening, a former CIA official, in discussing the harm done to our country by Trump's actions today, mentioned in passing the idea of "possibility of Trump being a Russian "plant" (though he downplayed this as a real possibility) -- and stating that the relationship between Putin's Russia and Trump and his family has gone on for some time. . . and is coming to fruition?
There are Russian sleeper cells (spies) currently scattered throughout our country, families who are passing themselves off as American, but who are loyal to Putin/Mother Russia. This is not a new idea.
Since Mr. Trump refuses to hold Putin accountable for ANY action against our country, or anyone else -- and since he's declared Putin to be his friend, what's to stop Putin's cyber attacks and misinformation campaign from increasing, potentially totally infecting our election system to the point that we won't even know who won or lost or why -- and Trump would never blame Putin, as long as Trump and his family benefit? President Trump has in effect handed our country over to Putin on a silver platter; and most of Republican Congress, Senate are too afraid to ACT to take our country back from Trump and Putin. Cowards and Traitors !
7
Leave aside Trump's bad choice, which I've commented on elsewhere, and that we can never expect our politicians to be historically accurate, it is hardly so that no American president has ever supported an adversary in this way. Maybe he's forgotten the history of Roosevelt and "Uncle" Joe Stalin and that after WWII, it resulted in the iron curtain coming down over Eastern Europe for a generation. Favorable agricultural treatment of Russia during Nixon's second term possibly had greater domestic impact. And, last, memories seem to fade quickly as to Obama's pro-Russian offensive from the "reset" to being "more flexible" to Syria. None of that justifies Trump's mistake, but it is hardly as if he is the only one.
Still, Trump really needs to retreat and fast.
What could cause the President to put the interests of Russia over those of the U.S. ..millions of Americans want to know....Senator Schumer is ridiculously out of touch! I'm guessing a good 85% of Americans have no idea who our president is, who Putin is, where Russia is and how to locate the U.S. on a map. We have decades of the GOP chiseling away at our educational system to thank for our current predicament.
14
@Sharon
... While Democrats pour money money into public school systems and can't understand why they do not improve (e.g. Baltimore). They make tuition money readily available for colleges, who in turn, hire administrators and create new facilities, safe places, and hire bargain basement adjunct professors- burying our children in a lifetime of debt.
But, everyone gets a trophy. Now you know the rest of the story
2
If we knew what the two leaders discussed behind closed doors we could find an explanation of Trump's subsequent kowtowing to Putin.
10
@runout49
He is subservient to Putin because his companies and the companies of his family as well as the companies of many of his closest friends, are indebted to Russian money. You haven't heard his own sons announce this fact publicly? Even in France we know.
3
@runout49 For goodness sake!!! how much evidence do you need. He believes a former KGB Officer over his own security services. I'd call that Treason. Not least because he has sold the people down the river who were subjected to open warfare in the Luansk and Donetz and those brought down on Flight MH17 by a Bug missile in the eastern Ukraine by Putins Russian Proxy's.
The whole purpose of Trump’s visit to Helsinki was laid bare for all to see, naked in its true ambition in trying to leverage advantage against the Muller investigation.
To choose Putin’s words over that of your own security agencies may well be too much to stomach for much of his support base. Truly the the act of a desperate man.
He now has a new Besty (BFF). This is a very, very, highest of high level, special, so special it’s beyond special, the most special special relationship.
In fact, it’s now so special that I can’t tell the difference between a Republican and a Communist.
My dear old Mum used to say in West Coast dialect (Scotland) "yer coat's hingin' oan a shougally peg son". Translated it means that " your coat is hanging on a very shaky coat hook", which usually meant that she'd heard we had done something wrong and we were in trouble. His tenure in office is getting shakier by the day. Its no longer a matter of if, it is only a matter of when.
I’m wondering if I should start taking screenshots or somehow archiving these types of articles because it’s starting to look like if Potus gets his way, we will no longer have a free press. Then I can reminisce about the old days while viewing them.
10
Brave comments from these enlightened Republicans. Now let's see if they have the courage to DO something.
12
This most recent End of the World was so horrific that the DOW finished the day up 50 points.
5
maybe the Dow sees treason as the end of Trump.
McCain should switch parties. It would cement his legacy as patriot....it would save the country from Trump and his soon-to-be packed supreme court.
14
The time has come for Republicans TO TAKE THE LEAD in taking steps to force Donald Trump to resign the presidency. His support of Vladimir Putin and failure to defend the United States constitute a high crime and misdemeanor, if not treason. The Republicans in Congress must take the opportunity to stand up to the president in order to save the Republican Party and US democracy and the United States from a reign of tyranny. Waiting for the 2018 midterm elections may be too late. The leader of the House and Senate should both join forces to take steps to impeach this president ASAP.
9
Too many parallels for the Nixon/Trump comparison to be a coincidence:
1) Courted Evangelicals heavily
2) Unparalleled support for Israel
3) Involved in a DNC breakin ("Russia if you are listening...")
4) Said he would end a drawn out war quickly (ISIS/Syria)
5) Racially divisive
6) Tried to make peace with a former enemy
7) Known for his habitual lying
8) Vengeful to his enemies
9) Thin skinned with the press
10) Made and kept many enemies
However, Nixon's patriotism was never questioned. And he never sought to enrich himself through the office. Time will tell if Trump's Presidency ends through impeachment.
8
https://www.elderconsult.com/blogs/2018/3/21/trump-gets-perfect-score-on...
The MoCA is only a screen. Loss of abstract risk assessment and judgement need the geropsych or neuropsychological testing to reveal capacity.
2
Dear Mitch McConnell
As the leader of the GOP in the Senate, you should be able to rally your colleagues to rein in the President. If you don't want to go down in History as the Senate leader who went into hiding along with your friend and colleague Paul Ryan, the GOP is delinquent in your duties. No more clucking and soothing words.
You have conceded power to the President's authoritarian tendencies. Is that what you want?
This is where the proverbial rubber hits the road, if you allow this you will be labeled as a co-conspirator. At least as far as the American people are concerned. History will be unkind to you.
Citizens like myself will question why you have so much political power and want Kentucky to be merged with half a dozen small states, you wield too much power for a minuscule state. We will push for it.
10
How long the Republican leaders will go to save their seats? Looks like they are willing to sacrifice the National Security.
9
Republicans needn't worry about having to do anything themselves. The voters will handle it in November.
7
People often refer to our country's "two-party" political system. It no longer exists. There's only the Democratic Party and a bunch of unregistered foreign agents and corporate lobbyists.
19
The logic seems clear: If Russia influenced, then no real president. Trump has no choice but to deny allegations of Russian meddling.
A=Putin got Trump elected. B=Trump is not a legitimate president. If A, then B.
If Putin successfully influenced the 2016 election, then Trump cheated and was not elected according to the rules. Acknowledging Russing meddling would undermine his own presidential legitimacy.
11
Statements from Republicans echo their empty statements with respect to mass gun shootings. No more to them than "our thoughts and prayers are with them." Wink, wink, just sit tight. This uproar will pass. We don't need to do anything.
12
So long as they continue to do nothing, the Republicans are just as guilty as Trump of giving aid and comfort to the enemy. They need to tell him to resign rather than wait for the Mueller investigation to finish and then go through the impeachment process. Trump needs to be out office as soon as possible. We can’t afford the damage he is doing to our country. If the Republicans do nothing, then they too should be investigated and be charged with treason.
As it appears that nothing has been done to protect this year’s mid-term elections, I suggest we go back to paper ballots. These will surely protect our elections from interference from Putin.
17
It is beyond difficulty to understand why Mr. Trump would have so much praise for Mr. Putin. Why Mr. Trump would place the interests of the Russian president over those of our country. Russia is our adversary and so is that country's leader. Mr. Trump does not understand this, and sees it differently.
Mr. Trump's comments at today's Press Conference is very troubling. Mr. Trump, our POTUS, prefers to trust the Russian president. He does not trust our own intelligence agencies. It is more troubling and baffling to hear the response from Mr. Putin, when he said that he did want Mr. Trump to be elected. Was Mr. Putin indirectly, implying to his country's involvement and interference in our 2016 general elections?
This so called US - Russia Summit together with the Helsinki Press Conference is a disaster. Much damage has been done. How do we correct this?
4
There doesn’t have to be secret compromising material or evidence of collusion to make the case for Trump’s unfitness. He’s a businessman and he’s cultivating business ties and possibilities. Russia and Russian money have been and can be huge for the “success” of his business. His business is too dependent on international financing deals for him to be president. We all know American banks stop lending to him. He doesn’t have to be under the thumb of Putin to be unfit.
More terrifying than the press conference is to imagine what these two talked about in their two hour private conversation.
Did Trump revealed state secrets? Are we less safe now?
12
I’ve read a headline that the GOP must now choose between trump and country. As far as I’m concerned they made that choice long ago. This is treasonous activity and no one in the majority is doing anything about it. This November we have a chance todo our part. Vote blue.
10
The Republicans will make all the appropriate noises, with long faces and furrowed brows, and then support Trump. But Trump gave the Dems a gift that will keep on giving... all of those images, all of those sound bites from Helsinki. Trump gave the Dems a treasure trove of campaign commercials. The red states have long prided themselves as being the homeland of anti-communist patriots; the Dems will be asking how any red-blooded American Patriot can support a member of a party which supports a President who sold out to the Russians. I too think, beyond the campaign ads, that is a very legitimate question.
11
And your electoral college and all of the Republican gerrymandering will bless America with another four years of worrying what the POTUS will think of next.
3
@CMD Perhaps, but Trump’s term is up in 2 years, so I think you meant 6 years, which I do not see happening. Gerrymandering, of course, has more to do with our Congresspersons. The Electoral College giveth and the Electoral College taketh; 77,000 votes in key districts in 2016 gave the election to Trump, and one can reasonably assume Dems will recapture those votes in 2020, as after Trump’s misadventures and treachery in Europe and Helsinki more Americans are realizing that Trump is a security risk for America.
As Cornyn says, in Trumps mind he seems to mingle collusion and the Russian interference, but why … Well the simplest reason is that in fact he knows it is the same thing, because he was going for collusion, regardless of whether it worked out … the intent was there ...
But seemingly, no-one dears to assume that …
2
It's time.
Congressional Republicans should respectfully ask for Trump's resignation.
Loyal Americans working in the Executive branch need to resign. Now.
It is clear that you are either with Donald Trump or with America but you can't be for both. This is way beyond party, politics or policy.
7
If for some strange unforseen reason Trump was driven into exile, what country he would choose to live in would be interesting, particularly with the assortment of Trump hotels to choose from .
4