they'd prefer speaking German?
Thanks President Macron. Donald Trump needs to be publicly corrected by his equals or betters, and often. He got away with outrageous behavior when he was an adolescent and then a man, and you see where we are now!
8
In 2020 I want to hear a candidate for the Presidency to avow he will not Tweet! Do a Fireside Chat on TV or something, but no tweeting.
5
Brilliant and accurate response by Macron.
And yet, I'd bet the bank that Trump's base delights in his insults towards Macron and socialist France. I frequently travel to red areas of the country and meet Trump supporters. The vast majority simply do not know or care to know about history. Concerning, especially in light of WWI's 100th anniversary, as those who don't learn history are doomed to repeat it.
6
Apparently the rule is: Don't host Donald Trump.
That's not very practical, is it?
Wonder what it was like when Trump went to other children's birthday parties as a little boy.....
4
@fast/furious
like he would have been invited.....
6
Common decency would have been the appropriate thing.
How come not a single American has the guts to stand up to Trump and tell him this to his face? I have NEVER seen it happen except through the filter of a late-night TV camera or a printed page.
How come Pelosi and Schumer and the rest of the Democratic leadership can't show a spine?
How can anyone be afraid of a President who has degraded his office to the point where foreign leaders openly mock him?
6
How about we change the law which prohibits a foreign national from being President of the USA? I can think of quite a few foreign dignitaries, including President Macron, who would run competency circles around anyone I see in the near-term crop of home grown possibilities, and a monumental improvement over the current US president.
4
Mr. Trump lacks not only common decency but, plain old common sense.
Art
6
Macron was incorrect, nationalism is the natural expression of patriotism, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Nationalism = loyalty and devotion to a nation. This is only a betrayal to globalists such as Merkel, Macron, and Trudeau, not to leaders who put the concerns of their citizens and nation before those of foreign nationals, such as Trump, Salvani, Orban, etc.
Macron was passive-aggressive with his speech, at least Trump is direct with his tweets.
BTW, nationalism is not more social nationalist (as the Nazis) than socialism is. Yes, that socialism, that is getting a lot of attention lately and promoted by the progressive wing of the Democratic party....
1
Nationalism is the refuge of the scared, the weak, the ignorant. And for your assumption on socialism, you demonstrate the ignorant.
Have a nice day.
11
The humiliation of Trump's behavior is killing me. Please can I move to France?
5
the perfect response.
6
The French government spokesman, Benjamin Griveaux, is wasting his time by stating the obvious: that “common decency” is something that is deplorably lacking in President Trump.
And it is about time the French people and the French newspaper Le Monde got used to the fact that when it comes to settling scores with adversaries, Trump relishes using "violent" language.
While the rest of the world may be surprised by the thuggish behavior of the U.S. president, even on auspicious occasions, Americans themselves are left with no choice but to watch it with embarrassment. They will have to continue doing it as long as he remains their president.
3
Trump most likely wasn't even aware he was raging on the third anniversary of the terrorist attacks in Paris and St.-Denis. He's not aware of much of anything unless it happens to be on Fox.
As for common decency from Trump - as they say in New York, "Fuhgedaboudit".
4
Thank you, President Macron! It is beyond refreshing to have a World Leader act like one; with dignity, accuracy, and strength.
The bright side to all of this is; Trump will continually show what a jerk he is, to the point that even his voter base won't be able to stand him, either.
I'm an American, and I love my Country, but Trump is not my President.
6
Donald Trump is the most marginalized executive the US has had for quite some time: neither his own party, his government, nor his peers around the world treat him as anything but a mistake waiting to happen. I still am annoyed at all those un-Americans that went around with bumper stickers saying the absolute lie 'My President is Charlton Heston'. My President is Donald J Trump, he's just obviously an idiot that I wouldn't trust to run a lemonade stand.
3
Maybe he should consider policy by tweets, it can't hurt. Remember what seems like long ago, how the left in America felt about Macron and Trudeau and the liberal leaders - that they were the guiding lights of democracy. Now favoribilty ratings are below our President
Tweeter is today's technology to speak directly to the people. Maybe Macron should use tweeter to speak directly to the people.
At the end of the day Trump is correct on NATO. Follow the agreement and do your part or leave NATO. Trump made that clear and is a very fair statement and he is right in asking the French to do that.
Macron should look at the brighter side; with NATO members on all sides, France only needs to defend the sea borders. Of course leaving NATO may weaken them in the UN and may also loose the permanent seat in the Security Council with India demanding that seat.
Kudos to Macron. Trump's lack of humanity and decency is well known. I look forward to 2020 when he will be voted out of office and we can all say "good riddance, and don't let the door hit you on the way out"
4
Good for Macron! It's about time ALL serious world leaders and their news media ignored the puerile tweets of a US president, who apparently is only capable of speaking on a Middle School level.
9
Let’s not insult the middle schoolers.
7
Je suis Macron.
It is striking how the president of France has a far greater command of English than does this American president.
This nightmare cannot end soon enough.
Continue to vote, advocate, stay vigilant and never accept this terrible "normal."
6
Merci, France. We don't like him either.
6
Macron has put a nice face on Trump, but Macron has made clear that he sees light at the end of the tunnel, and meanwhile he will pretend Trump doesn’t exist. America should do likewise: shut Trump in a soundproof box.
5
Smart. Run against Trump, it will help his approval ratings.
2
Remember: Republicans are resisting calling Trump out for his adolescent behavior. Think about that the next time McConnell speaks the word "bipartisanship."
3
The French should know better. Expecting decency from Trump is like expecting a garbage bin to compose original verses that put Shakespearean prose to shame.
My only prayer to rest of the world is that please don't confuse Trump with America. The vast majority of people did not vote for Trump. While some are, unfortunately, genuine consumers of Trump's bigotry, many were duped into voting for Trump or staying home. Either way, Trump is President until 2020. America has to live with this cancerous blot for another two years.
America and the world will transcend this "accident" of a Trump Presidency.
5
I'm sure we all noticed at the end of the article , who's name was not on the list of insulted and demeaned world leaders Trump has trashed.
....just saying.
2
Would that our Democratic politicians would respond as President Macron did to our cowardly president's pathetic "tweets." Let him twitter and tweet to his little heart's content while the real leaders work together to solve the nation's problems and improve the lives of all Americans.
1
Macron has this exactly correct. No Contact. It would have been better had he said: "No comment."
The appropriate response for a tirade from a Narcissist is:
NONE.
You don't roll around in the mud with a pig. It accomplishes nothing. You get filthy, and the pig enjoys it. You don't engage a narcissist on his own level. There's nothing to gain. You get smeared in the public's opinion, and narc loves the Narcissistic Supply he gains from the exercise of his "control" over you.
Trump exhibits every evidence of being an Overt Narcissist in every meaningful way. It is only that Congressional Republicans and his own Cabinet are too feckless, cowardly, and power-hungry to do anything.
2
While it is heartening to see Macron respond to our idiot-in-chief with such restraint, I cannot help but be reminded of these words: “when you’re a star, they let you do it”. We may want to stop letting him get away with it, even if it is considered poor diplomacy.
2
Macron "Allies are not vassals"
Trump's (likely) response: "Did he just call me a hollow container?"
4
Dear France,
Our team will trade Trump to your team in return for Macron; plus, we'll throw in Tom Hanks, Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffet, LeBron James, John Grisham, "Sully", four Edward Hopper paintings, free cheeseburgers for a year for every French visitor, the Guggenheim, the entire State of Texas, and three future round draft choices, if you'll take the deal.
Please feel free to make a counter-offer.
Thanks,
America
4
Bravo Macron! At least he has dignity and behaves like a statesman, unlike our president who rather pout and behave like a spoiled brat who thows a temper tantrum because he didn't get his way and whi refuses to honor men who fell for country.
3
Kudos for Macron to say it like it is!!!!
2
Slightly off-topic: So the commander-in-chief cannot even get the facts straight about a Macron interview before shooting off his mouth. How many wars have been initiated by the misapprehensions of men much wiser than he?
Our president lacks common decency and has no understanding of the ethics of common civil discourse. I am thoroughly insulted as an American of French heritage and a child of a US marine who laid in triage for 3 days on the beach in Saipan before he was able to be treated for his wounds. My husband's grandfather was a surgeon in both WWI and WWII. Trump is an embarrassment to my family and to the United States of America. Why the GOP continues to drag us into the mud is beyond my understanding and my sensitivities.
112
Trump may be common, but decent he is not.
2
Merci beaucoup, Macron!
155
The one thing that we all can count on about President Trump whether you are a Trump lover or a Trump hater or in-between, Trump is going to embarrass the USA whether he is at home or abroad. Trump really knows how to deliver embarrassment to his country, bigly.
Such an emotionally void wreck on the world stage - not a good look.
178
Whether you like his policies or not, it must be nice to have a grown-up in charge. Macron gives Trump too much of a pass in calling it American politics. Trump lashes out whenever he is not petted, praised, and shown extra 'love.' As to the idea of a European force, though I doubt it will come to fruition, Trump has been complaining for years that other countries don't do enough to defend themselves. Now, when they speak about it, he doesn't like that either. He's such a mess.
203
Trump doesn't know enough to care about much, least of which is a European force.
Putin, on the other hand, hates that idea. He is all about divide and conquer and a European force moves that needle away from Putin.
A European force would be more concentrated and focused on Western Europe's security and fortune than NATO. That threatens Putin's plans, so of course Putin's Puppet is going to trash tweet the idea.
9
@Tim
EU will offer up their women when the Russians and Chinese come calling. Keep in mind that the Chinese have not forgotten what the Europeans and the Japanese did to the Chinese. And the anger is worse as the Chinese read their history.
@Anil Get with the program. We are in the 21sat Century. No one is offering up "their" women, for they are not theirs to give.
8
Dear France,
Please excuse our mess while we renovate.
The United States apologizes for any inconvenience this mistake has caused, and promises to return to our former ideals in the near future.
signed,
the Majority of Citizens in the United States of America
325
@rrr Dear Majority of Citizens in the United States of America,
While I cannot speak for my French colleagues, I would like to say that we excuse your mess and look forward to visiting your home again in 2020... please be finished your work by then. We can help.
Sincerely,
Your friends North of the 49th parallel (Canada)
9
The comments made by Mr Trump are typical: one must not expect anything else from someone like him. At least Mr Macron gave him the right answer(s).
1
It would also seem appropriate to remember that the iconic Statue of Liberty in NYC (Liberty Enlightening the World; in French: La Liberté éclairant le monde) was a gift from France to the people of the United States. It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel. It was assembled and dedicated in 1886.
1
President Macron has a correct view of how international diplomatic relations should be handled. Donald Trump, however, to judge from the Tweeting, is not in learning mode. His objective is to destroy the alliance, while the Europeans are trying to preserve it. Whether this destructive impulse is due to tutelage under Putin or his own misunderstanding of America's fundamental interests would be interesting to know - likely it is both; either way, the result is a clear policy clash that will be costly to American interests.
"Mr. Trump highlighted the French leader’s low approval rating and accused him of trying to “change the subject” to avoid talking about France’s unemployment levels, which have remained close to 10 percent despite economic and labor overhauls."
Since when is it the American "president's" responsibility to assess the performance of an ally's chief executive? First, it's none of his business. Second, Trump should be very, very careful about throwing such rocks. If our allies' leaders critiqued him in kind, it would be a massacre.
9
Actually Mr. Macron, it is clear to most of us that Trump doesn't know what diplomacy even means.
5
"Many French people were taken aback by the tone of Mr. Trump’s comments"
Well, they just have to take a number behind lots of Americans who have the same problem and don't have the luxury of distance or being able to just turn him off.
6
Mr. Macron has his history correct. France was The Colonies first and most important ally. They provided the Colonies with supplies, volunteers and leadership that enabled us to emerge victorious. It is estimated that 90% of the arms at Saratoga were French.
So if it weren't for the French, Mr. Trump would not be President. He would more likely be Groom of the Stool to Prince Philip. A role that he is eminently qualified to perform.
6
I wonder if The Con Don even knows that France nearly went bankrupt helping OUR new country fight the British for independence.
I wonder if Mr. Macron even knows that the new United States refused to help them in their war a few years later with the British.
He would be a fool to believe anything The Con Don tells him and I hope, with all my heart, that he continues to stand up for fairness, relative peace and prosperity in Europe and the world.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_in_the_American_Revolutionary_War
11
@njglea
Just remember. You're talking about someone who thought Frederick Douglass was still alive.
3
President Macron has at least two advantages over would-be President Trump: he understands the meaning of dignity and he can speak his own language with expressive skill. A short time ago I watched the state funeral of Charles Aznavour, the much-loved singer and composer of countless songs: the French President made a fine speech, a eulogy. All without in any way detracting from the purpose of the occasion, which was to celebrate the artist's life and his contribution to French culture.
Can anybody imagine Mr Trump even making an appearance at such an event, let alone giving a dignified speech? We once thought that George Bush junior was a little unpresidential, but compared to the present resident of the White House he was a masterly speaker and an admirable President...
9
@Bill George
The shameful spectacle of trump's lame attempts at consoling grieving families who have lost loved ones defending the country is repugnant and sickeningly galling. This man sought deferrals five separate times to blatantly avoid military service. He is is not qualified to be commander in chief. He doesn't know the first thing about military service or sacrifice.
2
Macron should not think what Trumps does is "doing American politics". It is not. What Trump does is disgusting and not diplomacy or policy. It's a horrible child acting out. The majority of Americans are appalled by him.
20
I stand with Macron. Many years ago, my grandmother told me, "Anyone who argues with a moron becomes one." It was good advice. Maybe Macron's grandmother told him the same thing. Sound advice!
15
I only half kiddingly wish that if Theresa May's government falls that she cross the ocean & run for president in 2020. Now there's a woman I can get behind.
Trump is basically coward that is why he tweets.
7
“At each important moment in our history we have been allies, and between allies there is respect and I do not want to hear the rest,” he said after detailing French-American mutual support since 1776, when the Marquis de Lafayette fought with the struggling 13 colonies ..."
It was a bit more than Lafayette.
Without the direct and indirect assistance of France, it is doubtful that Americans could have won the war for independence. From 1776 to 1783 France supplied the United States with over a billion of French livres in cash and credit, which it never recovered from the US.
In particular when General Rochambeau landed in Newport with 6000 men, Washington told him of the desperate situation he was in because the Colonial leaders had not paid any salary to his soldiers whereupon, out of his own funds, Rochambeau paid them. Later he joined Washington at Yorktown to defeat Cornwallis while the French fleet defeated the British in the Chesapeake.
France committed 63 warships, 22,000 sailors and 12,000 soldiers to the war, and these forces suffered relatively heavy casualties as a result. The French national debt incurred during the war contributed to the fiscal crisis France experienced in the late 1780s, and that was one factor that brought on the French Revolution.
In the end the French people paid a high price for helping America gain its independence
40
Speaking of denying Birthright Citizenship, isn't one
in high places also subject to it?
1
I wonder if Trump even knows what the word 'vassal' means. I very much doubt it.
Thank you, Mr. Macron, for standing up to this bully. He's a hazard for the free world, the entire free world.
40
@sophia "Vassal" now joins the rank of "dotard" in foreign leaders' use of English words which must be explained to Trump by his staff -- a deliberate aggression which both humiliates Trump and goes over his head!
4
Well, Trump still has North Korea and Russia, although both are probably laughing behind his back.
11
Clearly, Macron is the adult in the room.
28
In response, Trump could tweet, "I Do Not Do Diplomacy."
24
President Trump complains that the Europeans are not doing enough for their defence. President Macron wants to build an European Army and guest what? President Trump is still complaining. But that was not the lowest point in that trip. It was when President Trump did not show up at Bois Belleau because of the rain and therefore showing a total disrespect for the soldiers whom fought there even under the… rain.
28
Is there any chance that Trump and Macron could switch positions? I would sleep so much better with an adult “non-tweeter” in charge at the White House, and would be willing to overlook his French birthplace to see some stability return to the US.
25
@Phil Zaleon Why inflict him upon the French? Rather, let Trump switch positions with any literate felon.
5
I'd sleep better with any adult with resonable critical thinking skills at the White House.
7
From our position outside the country there is a disconnect at many levels. One example: How do devoted religious people, especially prominent leaders who claim to ascribe to the Bible and Christian teachings continue to support this man, his language and public behavior and his chosen officials?
The support from the religious community consistently defies the teachings of I Corinthians 13, and Matthew 5, and the behavior confirms I Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is the root of all evil".
If the well meaning religious constituency will simply require that these scriptures be acknowledged, the Trump house of cards will flounder.
26
Yes....we are also baffled at how we allowed this to happen.
2
If Charles Manson was in a position to help overturn Row v. Wade, they’d support him as well.
3
I believe this is the first diplomatic and policy instance of the Epimenides paradox.
Assuming that international public communications between heads of state constitutes diplomacy, or that their words reflect policy.
1
“Allies are not vassals,” Mr. Macron said.
Many Americans and Trump have a tendency to think precisely that. They would do well to remember that alliances cut both ways and mutual respect is essential. After Trump we will be lucky to have any allies in the democratic world.
35
I applaud President Macron for pushing back against President Trump. He and the other leaders of our allies need to be very firm in sending this message to President Trump. Notice President Trump's facial expressions when he meets with our allies versus those we see when he meets with Vladimir Putin or Chairman Kim - he adores and is excited to be with the dictators but bored and distant to be with our allies. I remember during the presidential campaign Mr. Trump saying that he does not need to be doing this - running for President - as if he were doing America a favor by doing so. President Trump's cavalier approach to the presidency has already greatly damaged America and is continuing so on a daily basis. If there is any chance of trying to reverse this damage President Trump must be confronted and pushed back at every opportunity. America's wounds will take a very long time to heal.
38
Dear France;
Bonjour. I apologize for the ignorance and bad manners of the president of my country. He is not my president, as he makes clear every day with his insults to those who do not 'support' him 100%. Take consolation in the fact that you are not alone, as Mr Trump regularly and consistently insults almost everyone on the planet irregardless of anniversaries of historic or injurious circumstances.
Je desolai,
your average Joe.
46
@Pb of DC - Thank you Joe. I do not believe we take it too personally. We see what you have to deal with every day (I nearly erased that, but actually, it is every day, isn't it ...) and we extend our support and thoughts to you all. President Macron's ratings may be low (welcome to France) but we feel safe in our international and national dealings and while we may not acknowledge that enough amongst ourselves, because we take it for granted, it feels good.
10
Just what Vladimir Putin wanted when he hacked our election; America making friends of enemies and enemies of friends.
38
It was supposed to happen.
Who is going to have an intelligent conversation with Trump...?
He didn't participate in the march because he's an ignorant and a laughing stock of intellects and intelligent world leaders...
It's really shameful for a lot of us that the person put in charge of the Oval Office only knows how to "tweet"...
32
Trump's lack of maturity, world history and any and all nuances of foreign relations, other than for Miss Universe contest held in his buddy Putin's country, rather a model taken from the Wild West in this country, what a century ago, shows itself in such childish and rude behavior in this latest episode of Trump's Follies while in France. Did he know what the purpose of the event was? Does he have any idea of how he appears at these affairs? Great comments by so many in support of Macron. I regret that I missed the interview with Fareed Z. and Macron, but know from all that I read another example of boorish behavior took place. As it always does. At it always will until this dark side of the moon where we find ourselves is over. As one writer noted, look around and see who will still be here after Trump is gone: those like members of my family, fervent Fox watchers, non-readers who voted for this tv reality/real estate person.
17
@Katalina: I especially like the fact that he is angry at his staff for not telling him how much his no-show at the cemetery in France would reflect badly on him.
He had to be 'told'? My god.....And then to blame others? What a toddler he is. Truly, he has the awareness of, perhaps, a second or third grader.
5
@Katalina
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Epb5RwLXA8U
Macron should work on the "the" and not make it sound like "ze" though.
Stop using the Press and public speaking opportunities to shame this President and he might stop using Twitter to shame you back. Did say might. Maybe next time you step up to a podium don't find some way to squeeze in a slight against Mr. Trump. As long as you continue to do that, expect to hear from him on Twitter. Kind of like hiding behind the skirt of the press when you do that but it is France so maybe that's the norm there.
1
@GregP Trump's reliance on Twitter to express his displeasure relects on Trump's immaturity, not the imagined provocation of anyone else.
30
@GregP, Trump causes it himself. He has ranted and raved against anyone who disagrees with him. Just think of previous administrations that were chastised in the press, in press conferences and rallies, and even by foreign leaders. They were able to calm the situation by calm speech and humor. Trump approaches every situation with aggression, like the class bully he is. For example, just take his phone call to Theresa May on his way to France. He has chastised politicians here and abroad. What else do you expect?
24
@GregP Reporting what Trump does and says only shames him if what he does and says is shameful. Asserting that nationalism is not patriotism is not shaming anyone. It’s clarifying the meanings of both words, which is sorely needed in Europe at this time, with dangerous nationalism on the rise. Who better to address this than a European leader, and what better time than when commemorating the ends of wars that grew out of rampant nationalism? In addition, it’s pretty obvious that Trump doesn’t feel shame. Nor does he understand the meaning of either word.
20
I believe it will be interesting in the next months to watch as Trump unravels. Frankly, I doubt he will finish his term in office, let alone run again in 2020. I say this because he is a highly insure man, with a false bravado who needs reaffirmation every day. He goes to the rallies to boost his ego, but cannot ignore the fact that he was rejected in the elections. No doubt he harbored illusions of rescuing the Republicans, to be the hero. But he failed. So he has been hiding out a bit, tweeting, lashing out, yet failing to appear at the World War I commemoration to soldiers lost in that hellish war (omg, such rain!) or travel to California to support people who lost homes and family and continue to suffer.
I believe Trump now feels humiliated, and rightly so. What does such a man do? Can he put himself back into the spotlight when he knows he is detested by so many people not only in the United States but throughout the world? While he can surround himself with sycophants, that's a formula for failure, and on a deeply personal level he has to realize that the gig's up. His whole life has been a bit of a fraud, and for someone with Trump's disposition, the public's continued recognition of that fact must be crushing. Hence, if not otherwise hounded from office by Congress...not too likely, I admit, I believe he either resigns or perhaps even develops a serious illness that prevents him from continuing. He is, after all, obese and not a very stable genius.
28
I’ve had the same sentiments for a while! I don’t feel he’ll make it through his term. I don’t know exactly why, of course, but any of the reasons you cited, or maybe something else. We will see.
Macron of France is sounding more and more sensible to me all the time. And I think he’s found the perfect way to deal with trump - he manages to remain gracious and polite and stay above the fray without allowing dt’s worst insults to go unaddressed.
16
At least the people of France don't have to worry about being embarrassed by Macron.
25
Of course Macron does not. He is an adult.
26
Why is anybody still surprised by this, and even more importantly, why are we giving these outbursts such inordinate amounts of attention?! That is especially true of the media...
13
Trump tweeted insults after he left Macron rather than making statements to his face. This has been his pattern with most European leaders. Trump apparently doesn’t have the courage to say such things face-to-face. What does that speak about his character.
36
Macron's mistake was in even trying to be friendly to the bully Trump who we all know has no decency. It might have improved Macron's ratings if he treated Trump with the icy disdain he deserves while praising Franco-American cooperation throughout our history.
22
Imagine that! When is the New York Times and other news organizations going to ignore Trump's tweets and simply report on official White House statements?
27
@Keith, according to,Trump, his tweets are official White House statements. He has said so.
9
@Keith Is there such a thing as an "official White House Statement"?! You're being generous with this administration. They are all either lies or propaganda which don't provide the public with any credible information upon which to make any sort of decision or increase the level of understanding of what is going on in the Executive Branch of our government.
8
President Macron pf France made a blunder by not clarifying that his criticism of nationalism was that of his domestic political rivals who may destroy him in the upcoming parliamentary elections and not that of president Trump or president Putin or Prime minister of Britain Teresa May or President Xhi of China. This allowed the press and media room for speculation that he was referring to the leaders who were there to remember the fallen soldiers.
Macron appeared micro when he should have paid rich tribute to all the countries especially the USA who sent their armies to rescue France time and time again from world war I through world war II, Vietnam war and the global war on terror. USA has done more than enough for the inhabitants of our planet for 100 years and if American nationalism as defined by Trump is US First, meaning I am elected by Americans to resolve first the problems of US of which there are many then that is the same as patriotism. America at the same time during the Trump administration has not abandoned the NATO countries nor has it isolated itself from other non NATO countries. Trump has met in the white house or overseas more leaders of the world in the 22 months than any other president in history.
Macron may not do policy or diplomacy by tweets which is fine but he should start working on his tweeter following as has Trump and prime minister Modi. Tweeter is a clear path to unfiltered and unspun sharing of one's true feeling directly to the people.
1
@Girish Kotwal
In Trump’s case “tweeter” is a clear path to unhinged rants and raves from the lowest place any President has ever been.
21
@Girish Kotwal "...resolve first the problems of US..." What problem over the past two years has this Administration solved? Please tell us. A huge tax break for the top 1%. An increased debt of $1T. We're still at war around the world with no end in sight. A corrupt administration. Alienated every ally the US has worked hard to create over the past 70 years. Become chumps of the worlds worst dictators. Lies to the American people constantly. Treat people with total disrespect and expects respect in return. Problems do not get solved via tweets. Problems are solved by people talking and working together in spite of technology not because of technology. This is just a start.....DJT has only added to the US problems, domestically and internationally.
17
@Girish Kotwal . I believe the overall goal is for our leaders to forget tweeting all together.
2
Last weekend I watched the entire GPS show by Fareed Zakaria on CNN where he interviewed Emmanuel Macron and went with him to a factory.
As the French president talked about a wide range of topics from A.I. to agriculture, labor to literature, diplomacy to defense, I can’t help but admire his erudition and eloquence.
After the program, in a bit of shock of seeing a President make sense on TV, I asked myself:
What have the French ever done to deserve this intellectual?
Oh, right. They voted with their intellect.
84
My God! These are our closest allies: France, Britain, Canada, Germany. Trump treats them with personal and national disrespect. He attacks them. The French were right to see his remarks as violent. But he loves "loves" N. Korea's Kim and his biggest smiles of last week's Euro trip was for Putie. He is a sick man doing violent harm to this country. What can we do?
80
Trump is ignorant. He was never taught manners, or if he was, they were never enforced. His personality is 60 grit sandpaper for anyone with any awareness of social interaction. Like an obnoxious child, he has learned to get attention by being rude and crude. Good for Macron not to go to Trump's level by giving him a direct response. The other, truer, world leaders behave well and under great pressure from Trump to try to bring them down to his level.
McConnell and his band of nearly equally nasty men could do themselves and the world a favor by publicly dressing Trump down over his diplomatic malpractice. They have the power to do so. They just refuse out of fear of Trump's very nasty followers. Well, those followers didn't overcome the majority of voters who gave the only meaningful rebuke to both Trump and the GOP they could: voting for Democrats.
GOP, you reached your zenith. It is all downhill from here.
52
If I were France I would take back the Statue of Liberty. After the debacle over "freedom" fried in the Capitol during the Iraq lunacy and Trump's comments now, I think the French should wish us au revoir.
26
Never ever we would take back a gift. That gift is your proof that our friendship, is way above our representatives, chest battle egos.... It’s much more complex than what a Twitter message will ever be able to carry. It’s between “We” and “We”the people(s).
Time will pass, love will stay.
1
Smart man, that President Macron.
49
A truely regrettable moment in our nation's history, when an "unhinged" and rogue president pulls us all down the gutter of abominable relations and perilous policies. America took a small step on Nov. 6. It should have been bigger.
33
If only more people would react to Trump's tweets as Macron did. Too many engage with Trump in a race to see who can be more insulting. Instead, Macron stayed above it and just swatted Trump away like he would an annoying insect. Kudos to Macron for his decency and his decorum.
66
Macron is definitely Presidential.
46
I am convinced the only thing our so-called President deems worthy of his time are his infantile tirades masked as 'rallies'. The last time I attended a rally was in high school. And they were positive events, not a stage for lashing out willy-nilly. Thank you Macron for responding with grace in succinct English.
49
Mr Trump expresses without finesse that the usa are stronger than us, it's true, and we owe them a lot, that's true too. Simply he does it without any elegance and with very little intelligence. I thank him because we are aware of the need to depend less on the USA. That said, America is on the decline, despite a military budget designed to keep friendly countries in a state of dependency, which we finally achieve. Want to say that we are a little angry, but above all surprised to see the lack of education of so many Americans. What should we envy? Mass murders in your schools? the racism of your society? your social inequalities? your wines? (normal, I'm french!) For a long time, I thought friends saying America. It's over, I'm sad. And we are starting to realize how unfriendly cyber espionage is. etc. Two centuries ago the USA could not exist without us. A century ago, we would have sunk without you. What will you be in 50 years? So yes, Mr. Trump is a disaster, but for whom in fine?
35
@François Have faith, my friend, that history is much longer than our current perspective... and follows a much more profound logic than current circumstances. We'll need each other again, and will rouse ourselves again, each for the other, and will build history together again... The bonds of centuries are more definitive than the antics of an election cycle... I doubt any of us is wise enough to understand why our destinies are conjoined, but centuries of history prove them to be...
4
@François well said, but it is spelled whines. :)
1
You and your 1% buddies need to finish this assault on your bodies and minds. You will go down as the worst president in the history of this country in one and only one term.
32
As a dual French/US citizen, I am appalled (but unfortunately) not surprised by the lack of decency coming from the Fake news commander in chief in his shameful attacks on our president Emmanuel Macron, whose IQ is inversely proportional to Trump's. The man cannot even read, otherwise he would have spared us these totally unjustified attacks.
43
Perhaps in the very near future Trump, with his toxic brand of "diplomacy" and his disparagement of others through his favorite mode of communication (then he does not need to face the fake media, take away credentials from members of the media or answer hard questions), tweeting, will find himself on the sidelines with few allies, which will in turn cause harm to this country.
But, our dear leader, in his arrogance, ignorance and stunted intellectual growth cares little. After all, the presidency is all about him and how to keep his blood thirsty supporters and his wimpy McConnell republicans happy.
33
Good for Macron, he’s found a country where he’s popular.
4
This is the president marginalizing himself and, by extension, marginalizing us. We’re on that slippery slope sliding down and there is nothing Trump can do to stop us. He simply doesn’t have the skills.
This is why businessmen, er salesmen, don’t make good political leaders.
31
The word decency in the same sentence with DJT is a paradox par excellence.
29
What a contrast. In Macron, an educated,
erudite and polished diplomat with a worldview versus a buffoonish, crude oaf in Trump who revels in picking fights. Total mismatch.
49
Loathe him. Love him. But, look around you, everything about him is around you in those who vote for and support him. After he’s gone, they remain.
16
I too can hardly wait to have a President who deserves and rises to the level that the office requires.
24
Macron is a smart man; however he is not immune to making mistakes; no one is. He's made a big one now; and it'll take a lot to correct it. He, like most French believes he is Napolean of Europe but he's far from that to everyone else. He's a hero in his own mind as they say. He's surrounded by Nationalist countries and politics and naively believes he can change that. As a result of his self-inflated thought pattern he's permitted himself to "play the angel". France is not a model country other than the style, food, wine and conceit that many in the US fall for.
2
@Dixon Duval Surrounded by nationalist countries? Are talking about Luxembourg? Belgium? Spain? The Netherlands? Germany? I am puzzled...
19
@Dixon Duval: And so what is Macron supposed to do if he is surrounded (Poland and Hungary are two....who are the rest?) by nationalist countries? Cave to them? Join them in becoming an autocrat?
What is it about freedom and liberty that bothers so many people?
4
When Mr. Macron said he'd reply in English, he should have added, "Though there's hardly reason to expect him to understand that language, either."
43
I do realise that the audience for all these tweets from Mr Trump, is his base of supporters, perhaps they all enjoy these sound bite sized messages. However, I don't personally know another "adult" who attempts to communicate about anything meaningful via twitter. Nor can I think of another credible world leader whose diplomacy consists of habitually verbally abusing their allies. We live in "interesting" times.
14
Macron should also inform Trump and his base that being on unemployment in France (and other civilized countries) is not almost a death sentence as it is on US.
28
Dear President Macron,
Thank you for speaking truth and wisdom over demagoguery. As the recent mid-term elections proved, the vast majority of Americans do not approve of Trump and want this dangerous Administration to end. I certainly hope that most Europeans understand this and don't hold the American public responsible for the actions of a few. We should never normalize Trump's behavior anymore than we should normalize the aiding and abetting by the GOP. Thank you again.
42
Trump has never risen to the office of the Presidency. Instead he degrades it on a daily basis. Thank you President Macron for showing him what leadership skills, and class, look like.
39
When Pres Macron first came into office, I noticed he was very nice, way too nice. Putin left him in the rain at Russia's world cup while Putin had more than one umbrella on himself, and Trump feels free to openly criticize . I'm glad to see he is toughening up. Now as a very patriotic American, I'll say that I believe our European friends should go to the UN and demand to know the full relationship of Putin and Trump as our own congress will not do this. I believe there was a secret meeting of the two during the 100 year celebration that was missed by both Trump and Putin, I see on the news that Putin says they both met. If I were Macron, I would be appalled. My gut feeling is that the meeting would have been about Trump taking us out of , or disrupting Nato. I think there needs to be an investigation.
14
@Missy
I completely agree!
7
will someone explain to Mr. Trump what a "vassal" is and let him know that people are saying really enormous stuff about this guy Lafayette, who really admires the president and thinks he's definitely not getting the respect he deserves.
22
"Mr. Trump’s tweets were aimed at his domestic constituency, Mr. Macron said. He is “doing American politics,” Mr. Macron said."
He is absolutely right. I cannot wait for an American President whose behavior befits the role.
72
@anniegt Unfortunately, you have to (wait).
3
Ah, the fine art of diplomacy as practiced by a French leader on the world stage: Dressing down his American counterpart without having to use the word 'pathetique.' Regardless, his counterpart would have had to look it up.
73
Once again, a world leader puts the puerile Trump in his place: in a playpen stocked with bullying tweets.
71
This is a great statement by the French President.
I hope Trump understands how low he has taken the office the USA President.
68
@Rainbow Alas, Virginia; he's incapable of introspection.
9
@Rainbow. Trump is completely aware deep down of his massive inadequacies, will never allow his conscious to acknowledge his subconscious, is aware of how deeply unlovable and unloved he is, and spends every hour running in vain from his entire sham of a life. And he has the nuclear codes.
Europe needs more politicians like Macron. Non use of tweeting like Trump does is smart by Macron, and he stands up nicely to the bully Trump. Of course Trump uses Tweeter because he is a poor communicator, not only to the American people but exceptionally so with the White House staff. The man is uncomfortable around people.
31
Macron thinks about the song "tu te laisse aller" by charles aznavour.
5
Mr Macron should remind Trump that if it wasn’t for the French the US would still be a Colony. Maybe Trump would be speaking English and bowing to the Queen. Wouldn’t that be refreshing.
42
@Rmski77 Mr. Trump's forebears wouldn't have made it here in your scenario. An even more refreshing prospect.
24
Monsieur Macron refers to Trump's shtick as "American politics" rather than "Trumpist politics." Thus the once good reputation of the United States that was earned over a period of more than 200 years has been trashed in less than 2 years by a buffoon. Quel dommage!
62
Good reputation?! You may want to re-read and re-learn your history! The US had good moments. And in the grand scheme of things it is the preferable anchor for the world order rather than China or Russia...just like the Roman Empire was the preferred choice to all the other powers at the time...but that doesn't make one reputable or good...
2
@loco73, I realize our country isn't always right but I do believe we have always strived to correct our flaws. Unfortunately, the age of Trumpism has negated many of our previous gains. I point to the gains made in civil rights for African Americans and women as one instance.
2
I wonder if any Republicans in Congress or statehouses in America are taking notes.
28
The embarrassment I endure from having Mr. Trump represent my country to the rest of the planet is almost too much at times.
I take the long view: Trump is headed for an unpleasant destination of his own making. America will recover.
46
@Alan R Brock - well it could be worse, you could be British at the moment!
2
@sam
We don't lack for challenges, do we?
1
Touche, Monsieur Macron! Finally someone is standing up to this president who has neither tact or diplomacy.
Well done, indeed.
69
Love him or hate him personally, our President will never and will not back down to any disparaging comment about our country. I guess you have to be "diplomatic" when you respond to an obvious dig against our country. There is absolutely NOTHING to apologize about when the President of France snidely takes a swipe against our President. I am proud again to be an American abroad. President Trump, not everyone will love you but a great majority of us Americans have your back just like you have ours abroad. We pray for you!
3
@Rexmano No, the majority of Americans do not have Trump's back. Have you forgotten that he received three million FEWER votes than Clinton? Did you not notice that he and his policies have resulted in GOP loss of the House of Representatives to Democrats? Due to quirks in the Electoral College system and districts gerrymandedred by Republicans, we have been living in a situation of minority rule. Only a minority of Americans have Trump's back. The rest of us are disgusted by him.
35
@Rexmano
Great majority? He didn't even win a plurality of voters in the election. His popularity has not imporved since.
19
@Rexmano Your renewed pride won't get you far internationally. Unfortunately the US standing in the world has fallen dramatically. Also I question your "great majority" comment but I do agree he could use some prayers, lots.
15
The next Speaker of the House - whoever he or she is - should invite President Macron to address congress.
69
@Dilip
Agreed. The Republicans need a lesson in what real leadership looks like.
11
People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are characterized by persistent grandiosity, excessive need for admiration, and a personal disdain and lack of empathy for others. As such, the person with NPD usually displays arrogance and a distorted sense of superiority, and they seek to establish abusive power and control over others.
Sound familiar?
56
Alas of the Politician with cahunas. Merci, Macron.
Madam Merkel?
15
Ultimately, Macron's way is the best way to deal with Trump's childishness. Ignore him.
That's what America's politicians and the press ought to do. Ignore his tweets. Ignore his press gaggles and the White House press conferences. Ignore his surrogates who ask to appear on cable news shows.
Stick to striking down what his administration actually does.
64
President Macron should be somewhat flattered and encouraged by this attention. It means, after all, that he is president of a democracy that values human rights and free speech. Trump's ego-ideal is the ruthless dictator who tortures and starves his people in camps (Kim) or runs a kleptocracy corrupt beyond the dreams of avarice (Putin). As long as attacks like these continue a leader knows he or she is on the right track. Under Trump what track the US is on is another question.
24
She won the elections by more than 3 million votes. That explains everything. It is not our fault . We did our job voting. They did not!
15
“I do not do policy or diplomacy by tweets,”
Well at least there is one adult in the room. We just need to survive another 719 days ladies and gentlemen.
62
All I can say is Sorry Europe.
We will have a new president in 2 years (pray) and I hope you all can put this nightmare behind us and move forward.
49
In his sickening tweets of Nov, 13, President Trump addressed the French president merely as "Emmanuel" .
The angry tweet accusing France of giving difficulties for the American wine export to France with heavy taxes is a total lie.
There is no such thing as emphasised by en investigation by Le Monde. I myself see American wines on the shelves in every supermarket and wine shops. If they do not sell all that well the reason is hardly what is suggested by the American president.
34
With only about 30 % of his own citizens approving his performance in office, Macron is struggling to make some noise on the global scene. Desperation on a French scale.
2
@boroka Macron's approval rating doesn't make what he said wrong.
15
@Adam Phillips
Who said what he said was wrong?
I did not. Read. Please.
2
@boroka It seemed to me that by calling it "noise," you were implyinging there was no substance to Macron's comment - that it was just a "desperate" gesture to boost his own popularity.
3
Macron and thus France's defensive reaction verbal and in other practical matters flows from the often childish mean spirited unstable unreliable character of president Trump and the enormous power that he wields. This again shows how important a person our president is and what damage he can do on in foreign affairs. Macron can be proud of France and the French people who have given the world much. I am ashamed of our president and that we have kept him this long. Trump's approval rating is not much to brag about either.
18
“Allies are not vassals..."
“Yesterday was Nov. 13, when we commemorate the murder of 130 citizens three years ago in Paris and St.-Denis. So I will reply in English: Common decency would have been the appropriate thing.”
Finally an adult in the house. He should know by now that Trump doesn't comprehend "common decency" or any other form of civil communication. Trump's too smart for the band. He could've learned much from Macron and Merkel.
31
With May tied up in Brexit negotiations and Merkel on the way out, that leaves Macron as the calm and considered face and voice of the Western alliance. A remarkable turn of events as Trump continues with his "me first" (oh, that's "America first") turn away from engagement and leadership with historical allies.
15
I have to believe Trump is only a momentary glitch in time and not an indicator of America's political future. We all are witnessing what happens when an unsuitable presidential candidate is selected. May America never make the same type of mistake again.
20
A few years ago Toronto, that most cosmopolitan, sophisticated, diverse and thoroughly modern metropolis, elected Rob Ford. Look him up. A clear embarrassment and major image problem for the entire country, Toronto survived him with it’s reputation intact. Looking from afar, the voter rebellion that installed Ford remains a strong undercurrent in Canadian politics (see, Doug Ford), but somehow, the city, province and nation seem to survive these characters. Some would call it garden-variety politics. It’s true that Trump might be worse than Rob Ford, who was actually quite good at constituent services; that is, something other than self-promotion. Not to mention that a president can do a lot more damage than a mayor. But I think we’ll survive our child-King in DC. Like Macron, we’re all adjusting to his antics, and we’re cleaning up after the messy accidents. The midterms signaled Trump’s demise; clearly he is rattled. if we can keep it together for a couple more years, he’s done, and the damage so far - to us, the nation and the world - is still repairable. Except, of course, for our shame in electing a president of such previously unthinkable lowly stature, and the lingering fear that we could do it again.
28
A few random points to dwell on. Mr Macron is not above making intemperate or ill thought out statements himself. His Ministers have been know to row back some of his off " le cuff " comments, be it on the UK, Italy or Austria. Secondly his comment “Allies are not vassals,” is very curious as that is his approach of how the EU should treat the UK in Brexit and other countries in the EU generally, except France where he expects more generous treatment. As to Europe in general, he does seek to use it to counter his desperately weak position domestically. Merkel's weakness and impending exit from the scene is an opportunity Macron is capitalising on. His absurd European Army comment is an example. In truth in Europe the only two militaries that significantly matter alone are the UK and France. Germans already don't pay their way!
Generally though the thrust of the article on Trump's general lack of diplomatic skills is correct, especially as it relates to his oafish behavior on his trip to France, including his use of Twitter and the phone on AirForce One. OK, he was in a bad mood because of his poor midterm election results, but taking it out on Macron, May and other Europeans is not just bad behavior but very bad for America. Maybe it plays well to his core, but the long term consequences could be very very damaging. Being strong and tough is great and the US has cause on many issue, but being a bully, rude and a bore wears thin very quickly.
5
Actually, unemployment does not matter, at least across developed countries when it comes to a range of indicators. In the US, being unemployed leads to numerous negative effects, but in Europe, there is no general correlation with human welfare from not working. If the concern was health and happiness, unemployment has little correlation overall with social outcomes, but if you want to drive down labor costs, uproot unions, and remove government protections, unemployment is the wedge to need to drive policy. Globally, where much of the world is poor, employment and hours worked are important, since people need a functioning economy, but beyond a certain level, as with the first world, more work means more profit for a minority of capital owners, and a hastened death for workers.
6
I like this, "when they go low we go high." Macron responded appropriately and maturely. Twitter is not a form of business discussions.
45
Unfortunately, neither Mr. Trump or Mr. Macron are addressing the real problem. The French President is much better looking than Trump. Better educated and better behaved as well. It really has nothing to do with politics, they are allies. Macron shows up better than Trump. Now that we're really getting to know Trump, it's just that simple.
47
The leaders of the world (free and otherwise) see trump for who he is. Calling for common decency was a smart move. Macron was smart enough not to engage with someone who has no rational thought process and who is incapable of behaving appropriately. Trump spreads the hate around fairly evenly, to his own citizens as well. Note his callous response to the death and destruction happening in California and his earlier response to Puerto Rico. Trump will always be a tragic and historic embarassment to the US and the world and I hope our allies understand that he was elected by a minority of people in key states and in no way represents the vast majority of our citizens. We here in this country value our allies and our relationships with European and Asian nations. Unlike trump, we are not under the thrall of sadistic dictators and autocrats. trump cannot and does not speak for us. Sadly, he holds high office, but that will be rectified sooner rather than later.
251
@JayDee Best summary I have seen expressing feelings and thoughts I, and I know so many, share. Embarrassed, angry, and anxious to be rid of this most awful man.
28
@Robert Koorse The dems need to do better than Joe Biden or Elizabeth Warren. They need relative youth and vigor. You can see how the midterms drained Trump and his subsequent low energy left him with only his worst, most basic impulses to rely on. The push to 2020 starts in about 10 minutes. The dems need someone who will get stronger over the course of that campaign, not roll out a series of canned slogans and staged events and get to the finish line exhausted (I'm looking at you, Hil).
11
@JayDee
Having just been in Europe, we as citizens are not looked down upon by the Europeans. They are equally as disturbed and repulsed.
14
The response of the Mr. Macron and his ambassadors should become the model for everyone who is forced to deal with this boorish man - highlight his ill advised behavior by rising above it while pointing out his real motivations. However, it should be clear to everyone that Mr. Trumps response to this will be more petulance, attention seeking and bullying, just what is expected of a narcissistic personality disorder. We should not scream louder than him, just treat him like the stunted and lonely child in the corner that he is.
150
I think President Macron summed it up when he said Trump is just "doing American politics". The whole tweet thing was meant for his base because notwithstanding how embarrassing he can be for the rest of us, his base would want him to hit back.
29
But it’s OK for President Macron to disparage President Trump from the pulpit, which he did, in the beginning.
4
@Edwin Actually, nationalism is on the rise in some European countries (including members of the EU). No names have been named here; it's the wish/perception that the comments about nationalism were all aimed at Trump when in reality the statement also could encompass Hungary, Austria, the UK (Brexit, especially) and others.
The idea that it's solely Trump or American-aimed is a conceit, though a fun one to participate in.
13
“Disparage” is not the right word. Macron RESPECTFULLY voiced his disagreement concerning a policy matter.
28
@Edwin I must have missed that. What did Macron do?
12
GOD aks Donald Trump is right about everything. and everyone else should listen to him. When will the rest of the world wise up and become as smart as the USA ? :-)
4
It’s so embarrassing having Trump as president. My father was an alcoholic blowhard who would occasionally yell and makes scenes in public when we were very young. The humiliation I feel as a native US citizen in 2018 reminds me of being 7 years old while restaurant managers were asking us to please leave.
373
@RickNYC I share your pain.
7
It is sad how one man, GOP cowards and a deplorable base define our historical relationship with our allies now. Mueller help us.
131
Mr. Trump, yet again, embarrassed himself on another international tour. Mr. Macron knows, as do leaders of other allied democracies, that Mr. Trump's increasingly unhinged presidency is careening towards the ditch. I think you'll see more allied leaders drop the pretence of cordiality that traditionally frames diplomatic communications, and treat Trump for what he really is: a morally rudderless con man who scored the biggest con of his life when he won the Presidency in 2016.
224
Interesting details in history in regards of today's politics. The money that admiral De Grasse paid off his own pocket for the American army to move to Yorktown in 1781 was provided by Spain bankers and the deal was struck in Cuba with silver coins being urgently sailed in from Mexico's Zacatecas mines. Undoubtly Mr Trump has no idea about that ...
23
Perhaps this whole unpleasantness could have been avoided had France not supported the traitorous slaveowners in their rebellion against the Crown.
That was said tongue-in-cheek, but imagine what would have happened has the US revolution failed. Slavery would have been abolished much earlier and without a war, less genocide for aboriginals. Full and immediate support for the allies in WWI, and if needed WWII......
17
For a man who claims to have gone to the 'best schools' Donald Trump has appalling manners.
226
If stump is an example, those best schools didn't teach history either.
22
@Cecilia in order to learn something you have to be there and also pay attention.
19
@Bogdan
By what accounts I have seen, Trump was a terrible student who never did his assignments and was pretty unintelligent to boot. He didn't attend college; he just hung out in the environs. Nor, despite his efforts to create the impression, did he graduate with an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. He was just an undergrad who did poorly at his studies.
Didn't he want Obama to release his grades? Maybe Trump should. Seriously.
22
Perhaps the most important ability a candidate to replace Trump must have is as a conciliator. We do not need another strident child alienating everybody our country needs just because his ego wants to come off as a big, tough guy. The emperor wears no clothes.
80
The French have more class and dignity in their croissant crumbs than all of Trump and his administration combined.
317
@Rob
Croissants don't make crumbs, they make flakes. The latter term is apt for a lot of French politicians but but Macron as his remarks have shown
3
Trump and his staff are arrogant bullies who lie and lack dignity and compassion. A petulant Trump skipped out on an opportunity to show the world he was at least equal to his fellow leaders. He fell far short. I am embarrassed by him and his supporters who elected this poor excuse for an American president. I’m sure he does not know that the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France. May she liberate us from Trump.
357
@Barbarra
If he did know about that gift, he'd probably change his plans to have "Trump Statue of Liberty" on a big brass plaque at its base.
9
America’s alliances with fellow democracies will persist long after Trump is gone. He begrudgingly recognizes this fact, which is the source of his impotent rage.
25
Carrying the boat load of insecurities and deficiencies that he is, Trump can only lash out at those perceived to be his betters...which is almost everybody in positions of power.
83
@European American
Actually, his betters are everyone with a modicum of compassion, common sense, or understanding of reality - namely, just about all of us.
1
Expecting common decency from the SCP is like waiting for Godot.
20
@Marc Godot may not come but Vladimir is already here.
4
Macron is acting as an adult. He will not, of course, be a model for the impetuous child occupying our White House. But he is a model for the rest of us -- and, one hopes, for Macron's peers among the rest of our allies.
76
"I do not do policy or diplomacy by tweets"
"Allies are not vassals,” Macron says...
Another world leader, this one from France, wearing the stripe of respect for democracy and modest speech, speaks wisdom instead of Trump trash talk.
404
I have heard and read from more than one source that Trump's tweet storm, and refusal to interact appropriately at his recent Paris encounters was based on his growing dismay over the election results. Mr. Trump was in a pout. Consider that our highest leader is thrashing and trashing foreign countries, and his own administrative staff (Jeff Sessions) because he is emotionally upset. This is the response of a five year old child. Our President lets his personal resentments and anger drive his political actions? That, my fellow citizens, is scary.
210
@Patrick Stevens
What is even scarier is that his own Party, the Republican Party, not only tolerates his behavior, but supports him. They have allowed themselves to be debased in order to attain perceived short term political benefit. If they had any backbone, Trump would be out of office by now. Instead, not only do we, as Americans, have to live with Trump as our President, but the World has to live with Trump as President of an allied nation.
45
@Patrick Stevens. We have not yet begun to see crazy as the noose tightens.
4
@Michael Banks
I share your disgust with the Republican Party's continued and unquestioning support of this appalling excuse for a president, but achieving a conservative majority on the Supreme Court can hardly be considered a "short term political benefit". Scary indeed.
1
There is something so infantile about how Mr. Trump reacts to our allies whenever he feels he has not been lauded and put first above others.
I seriously doubt that Mr. Trump had any idea that the French were honoring the dead on Nov. 13th, and it wasn't from lack of respect as much as a deep lack of interest in even the most recent history.
Perhaps the only way that Mr. Trump should be handled when he makes ugly tweets and insults to not just our allies but people in general, is to rise above it, be polite, and ignore the meanness and go on about one's business as if Mr. Trump had done nothing.
54
@Sajwert
"...ignore the meanness..." I couldn't agree more. The malevolent child craves attention. Don't oblige him: ignore him.
6
“I do not do policy or diplomacy by tweets,” he said.
thank you Pres. Macron.
329
Is this what civility in politics used to look like? I can't remember.
51
Apparently, our President believes it is his duty to assess the abilities of others and then rip them to shreds. He is a embarrassment to his office and to our country!
76
280 characters allowed in a Tweet corresponds with Donald Trump’s ability to think through an idea.
106
@DCJ. Too many letters! Can’t spell! Distracted because cake! Mueller is coming! Where’s my mirror? Awah!
8
President Macron’s discipline to not to rise to the bait shows a maturity our president is incapable of understanding. His restrained response deftly highlights Trump’s weak intellect, insecurity and chronic short sightedness. I love my country, however on this point I say Vive la France.
287
Yes, Le Monde's assessment is appropriate.
After two years of painful percipience, we can reasonably say Trump's mind exudes violence.
34
@IN You're giving him credit for having a mind.
10
Seven years after Independance and France not only giving military assistance but paying for the continental army, the US congress resumed commercial activity with England and declared war to France . Beaumarchais was never repaid of his contract over ammunition, military furnishings against tobacco with the US congress, one of France's first fortune, he died ruined and miserable. His descendant suing and only getting peanuts as compensation .
7
There are two campaigns that need to begin:
1. A boycott of Twitter until it blocks DomntheCon's account. I don't have an account. Who does who will start the call for this?
2. Perhaps someone can persuade Tom Steyer to undertake a boycott of FOX advertisers so as to starve that beast of its filling the airwaves with propaganda -lies - ideas inimical to the full functioning of a vibrant democracy?
41