Acosta failed the “legacy” test, but I am not sure he had much of one anyway. A a more confident and courageous politician would have recognized the way to play hardball with Trump to keep his job and help (albeit belatedly) the victims realize justice. He would have been better served saying, “I am sorry to the victims. I faced tremendous political pressure and failed at a key moment to stand up to that pressure. I did what I thought I could. I got him to face some jail time and be registered as a sex offender. With the new information that has come to light, I will do all that I can to help the Southern District put this predator away for good. I regret that I couldn’t do more at that time and want to make up for it. We are a nation of laws.”
Of course, he would have to explain that political pressure to go soft on Epstein, but he should be smart enough to know that will come out anyway. It’s sad to see how few of Trump’s sycophants understand how vulnerable he is. But, that’s how Acosta probably got the job in the first place: no backbone and no creative vision.....like most of our politicians in both parties.
3
I think you are right about Trump, but wrong about what he wants from Acosta. I think he wanted Acosta to come out swinging, which he didn't do. He took the lawyer's approach, not the brawler's, and I think he will pay for that choice.
4
"Character is destiny" - Heraclitus.
The only question is this Trump's destiny, the GOP's, that of the US, or maybe the world. I suppose it depends on who stops him and starts leading.
7
Great insights into the mind of a narcissistic sociopath in this opinion piece.
It is truly bizarre that anyone cares what Trump thinks, let alone holds him as a model of behavior and standards. The man is pathological, an "alleged" sexual predator, con man, serial liar, imbecile, criminal, traitor, tax evader, bully, he seems to have dementia, and he is so deeply disordered that he operates solely on the aggression and anger of his impulses and insecurities...the list goes on.
How is it possible that these people -- the worst and dumbest, not the best and brightest -- have infiltrated and taken control of our government and courts. If humans are unable or unwilling to do something as easy as apologize, if they see that as weakness, then we have lost our civility and humanity.
7
Did Acosta get his Labor SEC post as a reward for the sweetheart deal he gave Epstein , Trump always sides with sexual predators as he sees himself in them.
5
I’m pretty sure Trump’s singular attention ,ignite also be due to him being at some of Epstein’s parties, as well as being accused of raping a then 14 year old girl at one. Acosta’s ability to deflect while not giving away other powerful men who used Epstein’s “services” is pretty important to Trump as well.
3
So a prosecutor makes a decision to plea bargain a weak case and suddenly he’s satan.
Sorry folks - prospectors make those calls all the time, and this occasion is no different.
Nothing to apologize for.
1
In reality he is the weakest of men. The only things big about him are his gut and his shamelessness.
4
Trump detests any person who doesn't hold him in high esteem. He detests any person who criticizes him, disagrees with him, tells him he's wrong, or isn't a man, or isn't rich. I think that covers it.
That means he detests 99% of the world.
8
It's not so much that he doesn't like men who apologise. In fact, apology in these cases is irrelevant, disingenuous and patronising. Fact is, this effect is just a part of a larger picture: the right-wing tactic of refusing to take responsibility for any of their crimes and misdemeanors. It is utterly consistent across the gamut of right-wing politicians and high officials. It's well established. You can look it up. They do it because it works; they stay in power.
6
A lot of people are OK with all of Trump’s , and the republicans , corruption , lawlessness and chicanery . The stunning thing is , if asked , the very same people would claim to be super patriots .
12
What? Acosta tries to explain himself? Very un-Trumpian. Acosta seems out of place in Trump’s Swamp.
1
What Mr. Blow describes is in fact a mis en scene of Trump's entire dog and pony show, which has everything to do with appearance over substance except when it comes to exacting revenge against his ever growing list of enemies or abusing those he deems expendable.
This president is a man who even before he had both the powers of his office and what appear to be symptoms of dementia was underneath the exhibitionist spectacle worse than an empty vessel, a cavern of insatiable appetites lacking the temperament or talent to feed himself without cheating, stealing, lying, bullying and shirking responsibility.
Add to that the fact that he is attractive and attracted to primarily white, male versions of himself, who he demands master his art of the con techniques and you understand why we have been treated to a parade of mini me's begging for their leftovers in displays that range from the infantile temper tantrum, Kavanaugh, to the preening Loyalist, Barr, to the slithering worm, Acosta. God help America.
13
@pixilated
I appreciate many of your insights here, but... "he is attractive"? Maybe that is a typo or auto-correct issue.
I don't know anyone who would call him attractive. He is obese, elderly, orange with a 1950s beehive blonde-dye comb-over, and his skin looks diseased. Add to that his very odd facial expressions and body gestures. Top it off with an narcissistic anti-social personality, an inability to form a coherent sentence, and a life of corruption and moral bankruptcy... Not attractive in the least.
6
Sounds about right, Charles!
3
So do I.
1
All people who screw up feels some embarrassment and concern that their credibility has been compromised. They feel that people must believe that they are reliable in order to trust them. Trump lies like a rug and repeats utter drivel. Nobody believes anything he says without independent confirmation. He does however enjoy the loyalty of his base, who will stand behind anything he claims because he is their man. If he ever admits a mistake, they will suddenly be in one heck of a confusing mess, in their heads. Backing up his admission of fallibility would blow their minds.
5
"In Trump’s world, apologies and punishments are for the weak. They are for losers."
******
America will never get an apology from Trump for all the divisiveness he has created, for all the times he has denigrated people who disagree with him, for all the times he has defended racist behavior and bigotry. America will never get an apology from either Trump or the GOP congress for passing a tax cut for the rich and saddling our grandkids with a deficit that cannot be controlled.
America will never get an apology from Trump for denigrating our own country's security institutions and taking the word of a known ex-KGB Russian leader that they were wrong.
America will never get an apology for all the damage to our country's reputation caused by Trump and his associates.
Sad.
9
donnie trump is the weakest of them all and the biggest joke of all. he doesn't understand that integrity and truth create real strength.
i hope someday integrity, morals and truth will mean something again.
7
Trump is a man of advanced age and stunted, emotional growth.
Most people become wiser as we age. We use our decades of experience and history to find better ways to deal with the future. We learn from our mistakes, as well as our successes.
Trump has never had to do that. He's been handed everything on a silver platter. The only lessons Trump ever learned were to never admit when you're wrong and to lie, lie, lie. He reminds me of a child, maybe 3 to 5 years old, who hasn't learned anything yet, and is an incredibly bad liar. His outlandish lies are the main reason why people think Trump supporters are ignorant. No one could POSSIBLY believe anything of the crazy stuff he says.
But I don't think Trump supporters are stupid. I believe it's more like a cult; the Trump, Evangelical, Fox News cult.
12
It's a white rich man's world and we're just living in it. If I have learned one thing since 2015, it's that you can be stupid and make a ton of money. Of course it helps if Daddy gives you lots to start off with.
America seems to be under the spell of a creepy prosperity gospel type of belief. Money makes the 'man'. Not intellect, character, faith, personal ethics. A wealthy man is better than the rest. The more money the better. And because money buys power, we end up with some depraved men with power.
Trump's malignant narcissism puts him in true sociopathic territory. He's got the money and power and really does not care about anyone else on this earth. Except maybe Ivanka.
Today he was concerned about himself. He tweeted I am good looking and smart. Because it's all about HIM.
And as Sarah Sanders implied, a man bestowed upon America BY GOD of course would never have to apologize for anything.
Acosta is clearly not a good lawyer and he too simply ignored the victims then and now. He wants to keep his job so took advice how to play Trump through the press conference.
At least we can hope that the victims now have people interested on their behalf. I hope the SDNY does not cave to the money being thrown at and for Epstein's defense. He needs to be in jail until his trial.
7
Trump sees telling the truth as weakness and lies as smart. He lives in an upside down world where right is wrong and black is white.
While praising the intelligence of the American electorate, he secretly knows that they can be led around like bulls with nose rings - only instead of bull rings, he uses their beliefs and prejudices to lead them wherever he wants.
If DJT doesn't destroy our fragile democracy, he has published the blueprint and playbook for some other demagogue to do it later. If a democracy like America's is going to exist, there will have to be a paradigm shift in human thought throughout the world.
In the near future, we will program the human mind in the computer based on a "survival" algorithm, which will provide irrefutable proof as to how we trick the mind with our ridiculous beliefs about what is supposed to survive - producing minds programmed de facto for destruction. These minds see the survival of a particular belief as more important than the survival of us all. When we understand all this, we will begin the long trek back to reason and sanity.
See RevolutionOfReason.com
2
@RLB
I believe Adolf Hitler wrote a book on the inferiority of all he did not like. He used that and twisted much that happened in the past to blame others for the problems Germany had after WW1. That book has been a map on how to blame others for your problems and how to make your followers hate those you hate.
A truly nasty thing that many buy into.
1
Acosta was likely influenced by some wealth and powerful individuals to give Epstein the deal that he did. Admitting he was wrong just leads to a series of questions that he is not prepared to answer honestly, I suspect.
7
What a toxic message to the young men and women in this country. Bully, abuse, lie deny., no world I'd choose to live in.
8
And yet, even with all those denials, Trump impresses so, so many as a stooge, a con man, a weakling and a coward. He is routinely ridiculed by his idol, Putin, and those around Putin, who laughed at the Fourth of July display. Kim in North Korea has, now on several occasions, made Trump the penitent, seeking rapprochement, even forgiveness. Trump is always trying to get next to Kim, not the reverse. Trump almost always appears and acts foolishly and ill-informed in the company of other world leaders. He constantly lies. They are obvious, easily proven lies and dismisses as "losers" people who have proven themselves time and time and time again while Trump has not. He avoided national service out of cowardice and dismisses Robert Mueller, a man of sterling credential, bravery and reputation. Trump dismisses over 20 women who bravely accuse him of sexual crimes and Trump counters that they're not attractive enough. Trump doesn't project strength. Heavens no. He projects chutzpah. Brazenness. Indifference. A deep and abiding preoccupation with his own appetites and insatiable gluttony. A new Caligula.
14
Some years ago Erich Segal wrote a novel,”Love Story”- the tag line from it was “ love means never having to,say you are sorry”. Evidently there is a new version of that phrase,” Loyalty to Trump means never having to say you are sorry”.He is pathological in his rage and desperate efforts at self preservation.He expects everyone else to lie and keep the fiction going.Even when Trump commits whoppers like his 4th of July telling of air support during the Revolutionary War he cannot own it-it was the teleprompter’s mistake.The SupremeCourt Just rebuked the administration for telling the Court an untruth- no problem-Trump will look for another plausible reason to add the Citizenship question to the census.Trump does not care for victims -he creates victims as he did in his tepid response to the hurricanes in Puerto Rico.Of course he will support Acosta as long as he meets the Apprentice Challenge and gives a plausible performance on TV.The Courts May step in later with more damning evidence-at that point Trump will ditch him.
5
@JANET MICHAEL
Crises are created so there can be a hero.
1
Charles - have you read the lawsuit filed and then withdrawn by "Jane Doe" a few days before the election? it accuses Trump of rape at Epstein's NYC mansion. Why hasn't this story received more attention? Why hasn't someone contacted the attorneys who filed the suit? Of anyone else who knows those attorneys? I don't get it. A huge story is hiding in plain sight and no one wants to go near it. I guess the rich and powerful can count on the NY Times to protect them. After all, we little people don't pay for the ads.
7
Donald Trump has institutionalized gaslighting. Consistently peddling his alt-reality to the American people, he has managed to manipulate a loud and angry segment of the population into supporting him in spite of his disregard for and dismissal of actual facts. To label such behavior as sociopathic is not a stretch.
In Trumpworld, there is no acceptance of those who disagree with him. There is not even a tip of the hat to any legitimacy of opinions that differ from his own. He brands opponents as traitors, and his supporters suck it up and spit it out with echoes of vituperation and vengefulness, fully aware that the penalty for traitors is death. How sick is that?
Trump thrives on the anger of others, and channels their resentfulness into policies that are explicitly designed to maintain and solidify their support. That in the process, he alienates a huge swath, and perhaps a majority of the American population, matters not a whit to him. Nothing and no one does, except himself.
He will never admit a mistake or accept personal responsibility for his actions. What he has done is institutionalized anomie, a disconnect from cultural norms that have, at least to a meaningful extent, long bound our nation together.
Like lemmings, his supporters will follow him off of a cliff. He won't care and never did. He only pretends to in order to harness their anger. They suck it up, drinking his faux love as if it were Kool-Aid. No matter to them that it could destroy them.
4
Trump Rules:
—everything Trump says is a lie or mistruth
—anything Trump accuses someone else of is something he is guilty of
—anyone who doesn't agree with him completely is a "loser" (and Trump is never a loser)
Combine that with never apologizing for anything and doubling down on any lie he utters, and you have the man's complete (lack of) character in a box.
3
Of course Trump doesn't care about the abused girls or anyone else. I hope that you never expected that he would?
5
To work for Trump, you need to say that the dog ate your homework, your sister broke the vase, you lost your A+ report card on the way home, and you have no idea who ate the cake.
Trump is a child.
4
I’m reminded of that old misogynistic line,
“Who are you going to believe, me or your lyin’ eyes?”
2
As a high school principal, I have noticed lately that student denial of wrongdoings is the go-to defense. Once you admit to anything, it's on the record. If you deny, even when there is overwhelming evidence, it still becomes your word against mine. Once one admits mistakes, sought after college admissions people will know about it. Just deny it and eventually, it will go away. Trump displays this strategy constantly and now children are emulating him.
670
@Mike
I've also noticed that the liberals/Democrats demand admissions of wrongdoing even for things that people weren't responsible for. I suspect this also is a reaction - albeit a backlash - against Trump's refusal to admit to anything.
For example, when Joe Biden didn't apologize and say he was sorry for bringing up segregationists he worked with, the world fell down on him - even though he did not say or even imply what Harris, Warren and Booker accused him of.
Now, Acosta is supposed to apologize for what we all know was a blatantly corrupt sweetheart deal for Epstein - an apology to the victims, for what reason? He obviously intentionally led the decision that enabled Epstein to go free and to hide it from the victims. He should admit wrongdoing and apologize?
If Roy Moore admitted and apologized for hitting on 14 year old girls would that have made him a better man and candidate for Senate that anyone should consider voting for? Of course not.
There's something more to all this denial and apologizing stuff and I can't figure out where it's coming from or why.
5
@Mike. The inability to apologize or admit you may be wrong is a big problem in middle school and high school. I noticed the trend escalating the last year I was in the public schools. It is basically a "fragile ego" symptom. We have so many children now who grow up with little sense of who they are. I imagine that Trump grew up in a world where his Dad dominated everything. He proves over and over again that you cannot call attention to his shortcomings because he will destroy you. Case in point the British Ambassador. Trump never grew up. He lives in a fantasy of where apologizing is his krypton.
40
@Mimi How are the wrongdoings you list "things people weren't responsible for"? Each of these perps (and they are all "perps") performed the action to which you allude. Yes, Roy Moore will still be a pedophile if he apologizes for hitting on 14 year old girls but the apology would be an acknowledgement of his actions and a recognition that they were wrong. Ditto with the others. So yes, they should each admit wrongdoing and apologize. Because they are each, in their own way sociopaths, they don't recognize that they have in fact done wrong and owe their victims (and us) an apology. This really isn't that hard to understand.
26
Trump’s distaste for apology goes all the way to the top:
“After months of reflection, Donald Trump says he still doesn't regret his decision not to ask God for forgiveness for his sins.
In an interview on Sunday with CNN, the Republican presidential frontrunner said that he does not regret never asking God for forgiveness, partially because he says he doesn't have much to apologize for. "I have a great relationship with God. I have a great relationship with the Evangelicals," Trump said in an interview, before pivoting to his poll numbers among Evangelical voters.”
I wonder what God would think of this advice:
“According to Bob Woodward last year, Trump talked about a “friend who had acknowledged some bad behavior toward women.” When counseling that friend on how to respond, Trump said, “You’ve got to deny, deny, deny and push back on these women.” Trump continued: “If you admit to anything and any culpability, then you’re dead. That was a big mistake you made.”
2
Does anyone remember Trump showing concern for the victims? No.? Me either,
2
Trump detests apologetic men. Fair enough, since we detest him. And he and all of us each get one vote next November.
2
Donald Trump is the classic second grade bully. No other psychological insights are required to explain his behaviour. At the slightest challenge, the response is to come out roaring like a gorilla.
This behaviour fools no one, and certainly not the former ambassador of the united Kingdom. It apparentluy impressed Boris Johnson, who seems to have thrown the ambassador under the bus. Boris and Trump are cut from the same mould; Putin must be licking his lips at the prospect of them heading the Atlantic Alliance. Roosevelt and Churchill they are not.
Acosta did a very poor job at his press conference, not nearly outraged enough, and he will soon be gone. His replacement, if Trump's prior replacement appointments are any guide, will be both hapless and corrupt. The Gong Show goes on.
3
I believe I read that Roy Cohn taught that to him: never apologize.
I saw a clip of Trump and of course, he said "I feel bad for Acosta" and said nothing about the victims because he also loves underage girls.
2
Aristotle said that courage is the first virtue because it makes all the other virtues possible. If you accept that axiom, Trump et al are weak – very weak “leaders” whose only way to exercise vain leadership is through fear.
It takes a lot of courage to apologize – but that’s against the “macho” poise. But at the end, fear will fail.
2
"In Trump’s world, apologies ....are for the weak. They are for losers." He's right.
Bill Maher said it best - the Dems keep losing because they're always apologizing for things they didn't do. Like Hillary apologizing for the email issue (why? she was exonerated) or Biden apologizing for courting segregationist senators. Instead of defending himself by explaining why it made sense in those days - thus supporting his record on Civil Rights - he allowed himself to be bullied by a fellow candidate using this topic as a shrewd political move.
What kind of leader do you want who will stand up to the GOP? World dictators?
2
@In the know: The Democrats lose because they always play too safe. That isn't leadership.
2
@In the know: Hillary should have played the tour of Wall Street's inner workings it paid her so lavishly to receive as an education in how to clean up its act. Playing is safe means never thinking outside the box.
1
@Steve Bolger what use is leading if you can't win? My point is that voters respond to candidates who take a stand and defend their positions. That's what leaders do.
"Show me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are”? As much as Trump attempts to deflect and distance himself from the sordid characters who have surrounded him in his life, it cannot be ovetlooked that they were present in his depraved orbit at one time or another. That cannot be denied. His deplorable defense of some of them as "terrific" is particularly disturbing. They are reflections of just who he is.
7
In order to reduce my own horror, I consider my rapists to be sexually abused teens who were acting out their abuse on others to feel in control and masculine when they must have been raped by men they knew and trusted. Their sophistication at non-detection was classic pedophile modus operandi.
I lived their terror, but they lived mine as well as their own. Did it help? Would it help to know I could forgive them if they ever tried? Acting out one's own trauma is a drive many never understand, but we are being led by such a damaged man.
2
@Abby
I am sorry you suffered that. But you seem to have reached a good point. I applaud you and how you think.
1
Mr. Blow, Trump detests everyone, himself most of all. He's just too fragile to be able to realize it.
4
In Trump's world, everything is about "strength," or at least a twisted version of strength in which you never admit a mistake & never apologize. This is the "strength" of a severely insecure & mentally unstable sociopath.
5
Re: "...Trump Detests Apologetic Men..."
Like most people...I CAN, INDEED, think of life-experiences, which, in hindsight, I would've handled...differently.
I remember reading, ('Divine_Comedy'; D. Alighieri), the theological concept that the Deity in his famous poetic-allegory was perfect, and thus, to 'change', was to become imperfect...
President 'Stable Genius' seems to believe HE is thus, also immune to change!!
4
@R.G. Frano: Trump throws the first stone because he believes himself sinless.
2
Deny, deflect, and defame. And there is something he considers lower than apologetic men: The majority of the human race whom he considers to be not people but merely things for rich powerful males to use with impunity.
4
It is lucky for Trump he didn't serve in the military, as his value system is incongruous with any sort of selfless national service. which is ironic considering his fascination with military shows of power. There are likely hundreds of unit mottoes that don't align with his sense of personal honesty that can be found on the wikipedia page that houses unit mottoes. Below are a few that jump off the page for me
United States Military Academy (West Point) - Duty, Honor, Country (adopted 1898)[16]
United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets) - De Oppresso Liber (To Free the Oppressed)
120th Adjutant General Battalion - We Set the Example
3
@Kevin
Can it be the U.S. Armed Services are like toys to be displayed with pride to those who don't have them?
The most obvious victims of Trump's rhetorical cruelty are the Central Park Five, to whom he has never apologized. But I believe we need to look much deeper, to the systemic roots of white male rage. Before Rush Limbaugh and Reagan's repeal of the Fairness Doctrine, Sean Hannity used the public airwaves to violently insult the terminally ill. He was tossed off the radio at UC Santa Barbara for saying things I cannot repeat, but that was okay with Roger Ailes. The rest is the sad history of vulgar infotainment.
Sean Hannity, you're a bigot and a bad American. Donald Trump, as well as the fiscal and judicial assault upon democracy, is on you.
6
tRump also has a habit of denying that he knows people who are accused of horrific behavior until photos appear of him being chummy with said persons. Deny, deny, deny is his mantra.
8
@PCB: One is astounded that Trump's behavior receives any positive feedback at all.
2
A lot of people are upset with Acosta's press conference. I do not think he needs to apologize. That doesn't mean I agree with his actions, but here's the thing: He obviously was not "sorry" when he took those actions, so apologizing now would be phony. For some reason, we require apologies for things we deem as wrong. It's the parental model..."now junior, apologize to Mrs. Wilson for ...". We need to stop doing that...it serves no purpose. Saying "I'm sorry" does not prove remorse!! It just means he's checked that box.
6
@J. G. Smith: Cowards never apologize.
2
The Senate knew about the plea bargain agreement when it voted unanimously to approve Acosta's appointment as attorney general.
2
@William Case: William Barr is Attorney General. Same difference, though.
2
well we have mitch heading the Senate and he is about as amoral and unethical as you get besides trump
3
Just another example of the corrosive effect of proximity to President Trump. People who choose to stay in his orbit---who work hard to stay there by performing the way Secretary Acosta did today for the cameras--deserve every ounce of scorn heaped upon them now and by history.
5
Charles,
Are we aware that all records regarding the adjudication of Juveniles between 1967 and 1972 were expunged with the evidence of their delinquencies no matter how severe? The physical evidence, victim and witness statements, the court records and even educational records of those Juveniles are GONE.
This was the outcome of over-correction following the Gault Decision on 1967 when a 15 year old was given a five year detention for making an obscene phone call. So, instead, we led kids who today are between 60 and 70 to believe they can get away with anything.
Not that that didn't backfire on the innocent kids. Police detested this hands off approach to kids and thus ignored parents calls for their missing sons in Houston until the Candyman and his victims he'd trained in sexual torture and murder killed 22 of them. Just saying...Epstein is in that Gault Gap. Trump is NOT.
Police retook my report as they have no data on Juvenile sex offenders in that era. I fear my assailants were terribly abused themselves as their sophistication at avoiding detection mimicked many a professional pedo's. They damaged my uterus.
How do I even begin to alert those who may have fallen prey to these juvenile victims acting out their trauma on others? I know what school they attended, even if the school now has no record. Should I advise them? Or would this be too damaging for those unable to take care of themselves?
1
The surest signs of a moral failure is never apologize when you're wrong and know it, and always pretending you know everything and are never wrong. The smartest people are the ones who say "I don't know". Trump is the gold standard of a small, petty, scared little failure as a man and a human being.
11
Another example of Trump appointing someone unfit for the job. Acosta let Epstein off the hook for crimes that should have put him in jail for years. Both are a disgrace. Hopefully, Acosta will do the right thing and resign. Hopefully, Epstein gets convicted this time.
7
@Eric Thoben
Do we know the security guy for Nixon's CREEPs who held Martha Mitchell in a DC hotel room under sedation for four days to keep her from telling Dick Cavett what she knew about the Watergate Break-in was made Ambassador to the Czech Republic by Trump? Is he settling debts for Nixon, too?
Check him out!
2
Yes, Trump and his cohorts will always blame others for their crimes, just as his “base” will blame immigrants and black and brown people for their own personal problems.
Facts, morality, ethics are irrelevant in all their minds.
11
Mr. Blow, I have to disagree with your final statement, "there's nothing weaker than an apologetic man." Sure there is, to Trump. It's a woman.
5
@Dee S: Trump has no appreciation for the burdens women bear. It is much easier to be a man.
4
"In Trump’s world, apologies and punishments are for the weak. They are for losers."
Ah yes, acts of contrition are for "losers." Funny, he never asked for forgiveness from God either; apparently he wasn't guilty of anything, because in the minds of psychopaths they can't be guilty as they feel no empathy towards anyone but themselves. After the massacre of children at Newtown I thought that every American would get down on their knees (literally, or figuratively) and beg God's forgiveness, even us without guns, for allowing our collective madness about "personal liberty" to cloud our responsibility for each other. Of course, I was wrong. Contrition is too hard for many of us, and we need leadership that can, and will show us the way to find our souls again. After Newtown, Obama cried and showed us how real leadership should react to the horror in our midst. But now? Ain't gonna happen ever with what we have for "leadership."
6
As I began reading this opinion piece, I thought that Mr. Blow was overstating the obvious. Of course Trump believes that denial is the name of the game in defending one's self - that's how he has defended himself throughout his sordid career from charges of lying, cheating, stealing, racism, etc. Never one admission of wrongdoing, and thus, never one apology for anything, no matter what.
But as I read through the list of accused sex abusers Trump has defended and how they followed the Trumpian formula to "strongly deny and strenuously deflect", and "if possible, personally attack the person making the accusation" and "deny, deny, deny and push back on those women", I realized that Mr. Blow is correct in pointing out the trend.
It seems that in the age of Trump, his despicable cadre of serial rapists and misogynists have successfully avoided paying for their crimes against women, and have, as in the case of Kavanaugh, managed to not only defend themselves, but achieve lifelong positions in the highest offices in America.
And no, of course Trump cares nothing about the girls who have been abused. He cares only about his own image. To use Trump's favorite adjective when attacking someone who has attacked him - DISGRACEFUL.
9
@Chris Wildman: The US president will always be taken as a role model of success by some.
1
@Steve Bolger
I understand that there are some who feel that money and power are admirable, and the only things necessary to make a man a success. I am not one of those people.
The presidents I admire are those who are thoughtful and intelligent, who have broad knowledge of world and national affairs, and have studied the issues we face and work toward solving them.
I admire presidents who, for the most part, tell the truth - I like to be able to believe what the president says.
Presidents that have earned my admiration don't call their opponents childish names (like "Sleepy Joe" or "Pocahontas"). They may not agree with the opposition, but they don't resort to taunting or making things up about them.
In my lifetime, I have admired many presidents. I don't have an ounce of admiration for the current one.
2
@Chris Wildman
Agree!!!
There IS a plane above us average people where the rich and powerful live. I'm glad Charles Blow says it out loud. I have observed and thought they all live in a different world than us. We are only numbers if we are even that.
8
Trump detests apologetic men? He must detest Pete Buttigeig who said, "I couldn't get it done," when asked about his efforts to defuse racial strife in his hometown. But consider how often US politicians, Democrats and Republicans, allow days or years to pass before doing what everyone calls on them to do: to apologize. The best leaders in any field are quick to acknowledge faulty judgment and behavior to those they lead. Politics in the US does not attract enough of those kinds of leaders.
91
@blgreenie I thought that this was "the" moment of the debate. A clear statement of responsibility. Leadership.
22
@blgreenie: And an acknowledgment of reality as most of us have lived it and observed it, many times.
Good intentions and very hard work do not always pay off. There are things well beyond any individual's control, including the actions of many, many other individuals.
9
@blgreenie
When I heard Mayor Peter said "I couldn't get it done," I was astonished. And I remember saying to myself that the PINO would never, ever apologize for anything. And what a breath of fresh air Mayor Peter is.
19
Trump's equation of denial with strength conforms perfectly to the outlook common to bullies. Insecure in his self-image, the president fears the vulnerability exposed by an apology. Mature men and women, confident of their self-worth, can admit their imperfections without despairing that their faults define who they are.
Trump's view of the world as a hostile environment convinces him that any admission of weakness provides an opening that his enemies can use to destroy him. If his paranoia did not inflict so much harm on so many people, one could almost feel sorry for him. As it is, his powers and fears make him a very dangerous man for the public welfare.
107
@James Lee: Trump lives in a world he made for himself. He deserves no pity.
10
"In Trump's world," you say?
Let's look at the situation critically using a recent example: Louis CK was accused of asking women if he could gratify himself in their presence. Just the mere accusation caused his movie to be "suspended". Several days later, he penned a very eloquent, sincere public admission of guilt and an apology to his victims. He also stated he would work hard to educate others--including his own daughters--based on the mistakes he made.
What was the result of Louis' admission and apology? The immediate cancellation of his movie, all of his Netflix specials removed, EVERY booked show in the United States canceled, and his being relegated to the status of pariah. He estimates he lost $15 million in revenue, total.
That wasn't the doing of Trump. That was square at the feet of the Orwellian progressive mob. In 2019, if you are accused of wrongdoing, you can either admit guilt and receive NO forgiveness, redemption, or mercy at the hands of the progressive kangaroo court; or, you can deny, deny, deny, and hope the whole thing blows over.
Intelligent people are starting to understand that the latter strategy may be the only way to ensure you don't eventually end up homeless--or the target of mob violence. It worked fine for Virginia Governor Northam, after all.
Progressives take note: when you build a world where you ruthlessly punish people for telling the truth or admitting guilt, you fertilize the soil from which liars will grow.
Reap what you sow.
9
@James Smith: Accepting a "NO" for an answer is the normal gentlemanly way to avoid punishment for such boorishness. Apparently that is the issue.
3
The mark of a real man is never to appear to be wrong, or to appear to never be wrong. Projecting this appearance strongly and successfully is the way to succeed, to be a leader that people will follow. Not being able to project this appearance is a weakness of ability. Not being willing to project this appearance is a weakness or absence of character.
People who believe this have to like and admire Trump, who continually creates his appearance of always being right ex nihilo. He is totally all froth and no beer; if the layer of froth is thick enough, what is under it remains undiscovered and therefore irrelevant. Dubya tried this projection of appearance of success with the Iraq war, and it worked to get him reelected. He did a reprise with the surge.
This approach often works in the political and business world, which only shows that this world is based on appearance and not on reality. Boeing rolled out its new jet by creating an appearance carefully calculated to maximize both sales and profits, until reality twice intruded; in Boeing's military business, the armed forces help keep reality under control or hidden.
@sdavidc9: All the most successful leaders look after everyone else they are responsible for first.
1
Calling the phenomenon of the apology as cathartic for both the transgressor and the victim is wildly naive and mistaken. It is one thing to claim the wonderful attributes of apologizing, but another to actually ever see them accomplish anything in practice. We might have wanted Bill Clinton to apologize and all would be righted, but that was really not the case. Pie in the sky thinking along the lines of any apology and forgiveness is academic at best. Clinton won by not apologizing. Trump wins by not apologizing. Greenspan, Milken, Bush (all of them), Reagan, Giuliani, Blair, Thatcher, Churchill, and the list goes on. This is all about the win and not fitting into society's projected behavior. We might not like how they behave, but that is the mistake society makes. Repeatedly. Never forget this is about the "win" and nothing else. Feel free to throw every pseudo-psychology theory at them, but they'll just ignore it as weakness. And weakness does not get you the win. It sends you home to unpaid speeches at the local Rotary luncheon.
4
@Matt: Clinton lost and wrecked his own wife's career.
The shallowness of Trump's backers here never ceases to amaze.
5
@Steve Bolger - Thanks Steve. Yet, would count Bill at a huge win. No glare of the scrutiny being back in the White House and no income, Mrs on her own ( and very separate) $peaking circuit, Bill on the private jets with his buddies, the ladies, and lucrative speaking engagements. Mrs. in office for 8 years would have been his loss.
2
The public should note one central foundation to Trump cutting Epstein out of his life: Epstein treated Trump as Trump treats everyone else and “dis’d” Trump in a financial deal.
Trump cutting Epstein out of his life had nothing to do with morality or ethics or a depraved lifestyle. Trump’s own life was the equal of Epstein.
No, it was that Epstein “one-upped” DT, and no one is allowed to do unto Donald as Donald does unto others.
5
Once again it seems like a cancer is spreading throughout this country on so many different levels, a cancer which is promoted, encouraged and abetted by the malignant and destructive narcissist who occupies the Oval Office.
Where and when will this rampant disease rear its ugly tentacles next? It is just a matter of time. Can it be stopped or will it just fade into the countless other lewd, lascivious and sordid episodes associated with the Trump presidency over the past two and a half years? Stories like these have become what many of us have come to expect from Trump. We are beoming jaded and worn out. For some of Trump's supporters they have become an accepted and at times dangerous validation of their own beliefs and defects of character.
"America, America, God shed His grace on thee..." We must recognize that we have lost that grace for what might be years to come should Trump remain in power. Even if he is defeated in 2020, the malignancy he has already unleashed upon this divided nation may take decades to undo, rebuild and finally be arrrested and declared to be be 'in remission.' I often wonder if its full yet unlikely full recovery will happen in my lifetime or if it will take new generations to make America great again.
7
Will Trump ever apologize to Putin? I certainly have no doubt he could within a heartbeat. He simply follows every order from Kremlin, just like he wants the US gov't to follow every one of his outrageous orders. Heck, he even "falls in love" with Kim Jong Un upon Kremlin's order, simply because Russia wants to win over N. Korean before China could.
The USA has been a stumbling block to Russia's ambitions. But the folks in Kremlin knows about corrupted minds very well. They clearly see how incredibly corrupted the GOPs are, and they certainly see the greed and corruption in the Trump family. This is simply a golden opportunity for Kremlin to not just befriend, but gain control over the US politics. Putin and his staff surely are smart enough to use their leverage over Trump and his family to make the so-called US president to do just this. Moreover, Kremlin extends its abuse over this country in making the so-called US president to "fall in love" with Kim Jong Un on its behalf.
While the right wing plans to paint the democrats as socialists, Trump and the GOP in the US Government has been trying to turn this country bright red - COMMUNIST Red. Those uneducated right wing public have no idea what damages they are doing by being totally blind to their own party's incredible corruption! Maybe they prefer living under real dictators like Putin and Kim Jong Un than living in a democratic based country with a socialistic military system.
3
I almost had to admire Felicity Huffman, following the USC bribery for admission scandal, for having the decency to accept responsibility for her wrongdoing and apologize and express shame for her conduct. When she appears in public she looks truly contrite. Then there is Lori Loughlin who has followed the Trumpian playbook and pleaded not guilty and appears in public with a smug smile on her face. She looks neither ashamed nor contrite. Maybe there’s a place for her in the Trump administration.
4
One small correction: as reported elsewhere in today’s Times, there’s no evidence that Epstein is, or has ever been, a billionaire. Something else he has in common with our con-artist-in-chief.
7
America has got admit the fact: it has a non caring president, a man whose ultimate concern is himself and all the attention he can garner. Rather than a strong man that he tries to project, the evidence is that this draft dodger is a bullying coward. He has cowardly hid behind his money and sleazy lawyers all his life. It's time to call his number.
6
Wait, did Biden apologize?
1
The only solution is Impeachment now on three counts:
1. Treason : Failure to protect the country from enemies foreign and domestic.
2. Obstruction of Justice :Part 2 of the Mueller Report
3. Violation of the Emoluments Clause: accepting money from foreigners and domestic suitors hoping to gain political favor via his hotel businesses.
In addition, when he losses the election he and his accomplices should be prosecuted by the next Attorney General and placed in the cell between his "really good guy friends" Manafort and Epstein.
6
Cowards live to deny.
2
McCarthyism was taught to SenMcCarthy by Infamous Machiavelian Traitor Roy Cohn... Who Mentored Trump and it was fostered by Paul Manafort, and Roger Stone.
McCarthyism thrives and lives in the White House.
The Phrase "People are saying " is not original, and is Trump's biggest tell.
4
Why was it a gamble to go to trial, Secretary Acosta? Would you risk getting kicked out of the Mar-a-Loco brat pack?
7
Any person who doest't face the truth and who lies to himself and others is the worst kind of coward....Trump is the worst kind of coward...tanks and all.
7
@Robert Perez
Nicely stated! Let's hear the mainstream media/liberal press talk about Trump like that.
Trump does not even care if he is president. He has always acted like one anyway and he is still acting. Face it, we have no president, no leadership and no constitutional protections. Trump's focus is always on himself and money. If he can leave office with more money or potential after his presidential screw-ups, he will have won. He may care a little about his image but he loves to fight for almost any reason, Our attack president likes only those in his image, even if his image is distorted by greed and rage.
6
Trump has the bit in his teeth. Everywhere he looks he’s winning. The press repeats his lies, the stock market is booming and he is impervious to scandal and failure. He gets ambassadors fired, his daughter a seat at the table at the G-20, and the interests rates cut. He’s hollowed out the government and no one can counteract his power. We have seen this movie before. Americans aren’t terribly picky about morality, but they really don’t care for government officials who overreach. They do like to take them down a peg or two. Trump will screw up. How and when I can’t say. But he’s stopping up so many holes in his story, something is bound to give. I’m guessing money laundering.
4
Those who cannot take ownership of their actions are the weak ones. To hide their weak position, it seems that Trump and his cronies are very good at deflecting responsibility. If they can't do what the POTUS expects they are out.
On the other hand conviction and moral compass show strength. Yet few in this administration possess these qualities. I urge those who have the time to read Language War by Dr. Tolmach. She is a linguist. This book will explain to the reader how those who control language will control culture and power. That's what Trump is doing . It's time we all read it to help change the sick landscape Trump and his followers have created. We need to change the current paradigm now for the sake of the country. It is doable.
8
@Wendy
I agree with much of what you commented on. What boggles my mind is what happened to Critical Thinking? I remember it being taught in grammar junior and high school. Then again it was a part of college courses in English reading and comprehension.
Mr Trump and his Administration would have us believe that only he can perceive reality but his reality is an alternate reality to what most of us see.
So many buy into that...Snake oil will cure all illnesses!
Right!....As if!...
4
@Wendy
Exactly! Those who cannot confront their own weakness are doomed to act like iceflows no one wants to float around!
Trump specializes in trauma. He pokes that wound as often as he can. He upsets as many humans daily as possible. Rational people can't be undone by him, but angry, irrational people on either side are his stock and trade.
It's science. See the underbelly of Positive Psychology. How to drive people to destroy humanity.
5
@Alecfinn. Agree with your thoughts. Most folks have knee jerk reactions. Critical Thinking is extremely important. But most of us are so turned around and exhausted by this president. It's hard just can't get it together. But we must move forward and have the energy to withstand this very dangerous nonsensical way of governing.
3
As an avid fan of Robert Heinlein’s science fiction writing (for all the SF nerds out there), the current political situation in the USA seems to frighteningly mirror the unwritten Future Histories; specifically, “The Stone Pillow.” Heinlein’s arc of the future pictured an ultra right-wing populist/theocratic take-over of our country sometime in the late 20th or early 21st centuries. An armed revolution at some point in the 2100’s restored the republic. Heinlein chose not to write the stories of the interregnum “... because they would be too depressing to my readers.”
I hope we don’t have to wait 100+ years to return the republic. Voting in 2020 would be a lot less bloody.
8
@Billfer
I see more of the "City's in Flight" books by James Blish and his premise of what is happening.
There is also a bit of JG Ballards "The Drowning World" in regards to climate change.
I am also a science fiction nerd. I read those books in the 1960's they left a lasting impression on me.
@Alecfinn
They Shall Have Stars is definitely on target!
Trump believes that apology is a sign of weakness. However, I'm 100% sure he will not hesitate to apologize to Vladimir Putin, maybe even profusely if Putin should hint at such wish. Trump is simply a service dog to Putin. It's plain obvious!
Remember how trump degraded Kim Jong Un when Kim Jong Un threatened to shoot a missile to the USA? Then within less than a year's time, Trump falls in love with Kim Jong Un without the N. Korean dictator/murderer showing him any affection that anyone could see.
I will not be surprised at all if Trump's "falling in love" with the N. Korean dictator is an order from Kremlin.
My theory is that Kremlin realizes that China is a big threat to Russia with its incredible grow in economy, technology, and military power. Russia simply could not compete with China in the economy aspect. It surely needs more allies and better yet, control over other countries to gain an upper hand over china. It's expansion of its aggression over eastern Europe to the entire European continent is it's plan #1. But Kremlin needs N. Korea with its developing nuclear arms as an ally in Asia.
2
As if this is something new. When has a single US president apologized for the things they have done that made others suffer? Politics is a power play and US is the epitome of that. Wake up people because this is how it was always done. Trump is not a special case, he is only doing what others before him have done, except he is worse at it given his low IQ.
1
@Pansexual Goddess
Some former U.S. Presidents have apologized for bad decisions their and or prior administration's have made. The general attitude of the public seemed to be they were weak and push overs. I disagreed then and still disagree today real leadership includes admitting mistakes and owning up to them.
4
"...not rise above it, but slither beneath it."
...Like a good Trumpian swamp monster. Trump has set the rules for his Legion of Doom: Never admit, never apologize, never be humble, never adapt, never give in; more points if you belittle and strut and name-call. In short, act like Trump and you'll keep your job. This is not functional leadership, but a lawless gang, with the mob boss Trump projecting needed behavior for membership.
5
Focusing on Mr. Epstein makes little sense - it's much wiser, as Mr. Blow has done, to focus on President Trump and on Mr. Acosta.
And, if instead of focusing on Mr. Epstein, it's possible to also throw Judge Kavanaugh under the bus (through inference, not through fact), even better.
4
So now our choices in elections are between the "tax and spend" Dems, or the "lie and deny" Repubs. This is NOT what democracy looks like!
It's time to break thru the douopoly with ranked choice voting that will allow third, fourth and more parties.
@Robert Selover
The two-party system is baked into our Constitution by the single elected President, in control of the entire executive branch of government. Every political actor has tremendous incentive to build a 51% coalition to take that prize. Multiple viable parties are only possible under a parliamentary system.
The two parties we have exist in their present form because this is the country we have. Most voters are loyal to one party or the other, presumably because they like them as they are. Ranked choice would not change their preferences.
3
@Kestenbaum There is nothing in the constitution about political parties. There are several ways to achieve a 51% coalition, including third or fourth parties joining together with either of our present two parties (like independents do today). We do not need a parliamentary system to have more than two parties. Third or fourth parties could move the discussion in ways our present two parties refuse to do. Don't get stuck in a box thinking we have to change the constitution, when nothing of the kind is necessary. Ranked choice voting would better reflect all the people's choices, not just the choices made by the party elites.
Once again, the conversation is all about Trump, Acosta, and Epstein, can we focus on the exploitation of marginalized young girls
Epstein, Acosta, and the men who preyed on these young girls failed to see them as human, just body parts to use
Marginalized girls are invisible, powerless, voiceless, and clearly disposable
8
“President” Trump does not know enough to Care or care enough to Know. I believe he enjoys swimming in his Narcissistic Pool,
Where he is securely circulating in the wonder of only His
Presence. I tire of the Analyzing of Him. I believe he has always,
instead, been Diagnosable....as a Sociopathic Personality Disorder. Look it up. One of the cardinal symptoms of Sociopathy is a propensity for free-floating Lying. “Never Apologize” May seem like Security; it can also be Sick. Trump
doesn’t Care, because he doesn’t Have to. We, the People, have now also given him a presence of Omnipotence. He has even
Been designated by Powers in the “Religious Right” as God’s
Designated. My world as a Lutheran pastor is in a state of Cringe
at such “designation”. My world as Licensed Family Therapist
still holds the Diagnosis. My 82 years and long Retirement
Is Grateful to be “Past It”. In this Foolishness I fear more for
those who must live under the Management Of Man who seeks
Only to Serve Himself.
3
...”perfect the art of denial, deflection and discredit...this be it to all tyrants.
3
I am sorry to hear that. :-)
Our President has lived a life that 99% of us have never seen and will never see in terms of wealth. His morals, or lack thereof put him in a class by himself. He seems not to have any. He also seems to attract the same kind of people to make up his staff and personal acquaintances This is only natural as we all do the same. ... https://lstrn.us/TrumpFuture
5
I always appreciate Charles Blow's passion, and he's spot on regarding Acosta and Trump.
While most of his colleagues are weak-kneed and/or latte liberals, Charles has guts (as does Paul Krugman).
However, it's time for every columnist--including Charles--to be harder on Trump and his administration. Charles is absolutely correct: "The charges are absolutely disgusting." But c'mon man, the same thing should be said about Acosta's handling of the case. And Trump's attitude and behavior should be described with words like disgusting and abhorrent. And what's with "In the mind of the misogynist"?? Let's be clear, Trump is a misogynist. And a liar. Just say so.
5
To me, there is nothing weaker than an unapologetic man.
5
Trump and those who slither below him won’t need to deny anything if he gets a second term. They will have the power they need to ignore all criticism.
3
When the planet we are abusing takes its revenge on our grandchildren, Trump will be long dead, his children and grandchildren and those of the entire Congress will pay for their gutlessness in the face of Trump’s incompetence and the power of capital. Enjoy your life now because the problems only get worse and more costly. Humanity driven into extinction ultimately by its own greed. Trump is simply the head at the top of the pimple.
1
It is interesting that Mr Blow believes that Trump only cares about his own image. The recent incident, with the British ambassador to the US confirms that. However those of us watching on have an entirely different image of Trump than he has of himself. We see thoroughly vain, stupid, capricious, ignorant, shallow, disinterested man who history will judge very harshly. How he or his advisors or supporters believe that he will be portrayed as anything else is utterly beyond me.
The truth matters, how you behave matters, how you treat others matters, particularly those less well off or less powerful, statesmanship matters, putting your country before yourself matters, he does not seem to understand any of these basic principles. We will remember. Those who back him would do well to remember this.
11
Trump detests decent men. Trump detests educated men. Trump detests honorable men. Trump detests honest men. Trump detests men of conscience. Trump detests intelligent men. Trump detests men with integrity.
This is, of course, in addition to other men Trump detests -- minorities, gays, immigrants, moral men, hard-working men, refugees, men of moderate means, and anyone who will not bow down to him and flatter him shamelessly.
And, of course, he detests women, too, if they aren't trying to please him by various means.
We are being presided over by a latter-day Caligula.
8
It is clear that human beings with morals and ethics in the US and outside all understand that Trump has none of the above. Tragically, whether duped, misinformed, or in total agreement with Trump's policies and morals, the President's base might re-elect Trump to a second term. The only saving grace for America's future is Term Limits. Trump must leave office after 8 years. (And I don't think there will be a another Civil War in our days if Trump loses.) Extreme damage will have been done, but our country will survive.
@Seth Riebman: Trump discredits the entire US system of government.
3
@Seth Riebman
Mr Trump has already commented that he may be in office for another maybe 10 years.
That scares me.
3
Sooo agree w/ you.
1
I always tell younger people how sorry I am that my generation is killing our oceans, that our greed and desire for comfort has put our environment at risk. I apologize to children for our sloth, for electing a moron. Does that make me weak? I would love to meet the traitor in chief in person, just the two of us to discuss things like men. Only one of us would be afraid of the other.
5
Trump learned well from Roy Cohn.
7
@Bernard Waxman
Roy got Joe Columbo AND Paul Castellano shotfor talking too mauch, so here's hoping Barr is Trump's Roy.
3
A denial from a compulsive liar is as good as a confession.
3
Likewise, you don't get anywhere with Trump by licking his boots. The Darroch affair showed that Boris Johnson thinks you can. None so blind as those who will not see.
1
Spot on, Mr. Blow, spot on.
5
Donald Trump is a moral cripple and a mediocre intelligence who has parlayed his talent for selling to the gullible into being the mot dangerous creature on the face of the earth.
He is fundamentally stupid and ill-informed. He has no moral anchor whatsoever and his grasp of history would shame a fourth grader.
He is awful but the (American) criminals here are ensconced in the United States Senate.
I admire Pelosi but the time is ripe to begin the inquiry, Madame Speaker. It will take time to get this train moving.
3
Trump learned his behavior from Roy Cohn. Lie and lie and then attack.....and never apologize. That was Cohn's m.o. That is Trump's m.o.
6
“I believe Trump only cares about his own image and how those around him reflect on him. He wants to project strength at all times. To him, there’s nothing weaker than an apologetic man.”
To the extent this true about Trump, and it seems accurate to me, it describes a man who is not only severely out of touch with the times, but clearly unable to recognize a change in society that is necessary and past due.
Projecting strength has its uses, undoubtedly, but not as a one-size-fits-all proposition. In this case, it signals an unwillingness to see women as coequal persons of value in the world. It also signals that strength is the only male virtue that is worth projecting to the world. In Trump’s case it also signals a badly damaged man who is clearly unfit to be a spokesman for the male gender, or, for that matter, any class of human beings.
3
The only thing missing here is the acknowledgement that tens of millions of your fellow Americans feel exactly the same way Trump does, and support him precisely because he refuses to admit mistakes, call out misbehavior among his supporters and staff, or show empathy for the vulnerable and downtrodden. They LOVE his derogatory tweets, his unapologetic claims of privilege and disdain for norms of public behavior, and his mean, nasty policies toward immigrants and other people they like to look down on. Blow regards these tendencies as character flaws or personality disorders. But it's time we realized that to many Americans they are preferred qualifications for high office.
12
@Richard Yes, it's tragic isn't it? Where did our education system go so wrong?
"To him, there’s nothing weaker than an apologetic man."....
....and nothing disgusts him more than an honest person.
10
In Trump’s America (and to be honest, in big chunks of corporate America), one dimension that can characterize you is do you apologize or not?
If the former, you are seen as weak, someone that can be taken advantage of.
If the latter, you can get away with anything. You are Teflon.
I hate it, but have found that an honest society where vulnerability can exist does not live in corporate America (in many cases) nor in the White House (at least today).
To be vulnerable in these settings is to have a target on your back.
As long as the non-apologists are rewarded for it, the apologists will simply be stepping stones.
2
@RG: These cowards are scared to death of people who do not fear to make mistakes because we are human. They will not hire us for anything.
4
This is how it goes in the world of misogynistic narcissist:
- Denial of facts.
- Make the victim as the perpetrator than a survivor.
- Make others suspect the victims and deflect attention.
- Use ambiguity to blur the edges of harsh facts and reality.
- Retaliate to criticism as if... how dare they?
- Subtly make suggestions that men or anyone who is apologetic, has something wrong with them.
This is a game of devious deflection, taking credibility away from victims, painting yourself justified in your actions and all the while watching the audience for reactions... it is a veil of mendacious efficacy in full display.
Humiliate others by calling them losers, denying the reality of a world which is more grey than black and white... no way out for redemption. Because that demands insight and introspection.
And above all, make the victims and observers doubt their own sanity, questions the very facts they suffered through... did we get this man wrong?
Hah. Game well played.
5
"Secrets"
Isn't it funny, when rich white men commit illegal acts, the trials, videos, plea agreements are very frequently 'secret'. Epstein and Kraft are just two examples out of Florida.
I thought justice was supposed to be blind. Seems instead that for the rich white men, it's the rest of society that is blinded.
Maybe it's never been; And justice for all. Perhaps it's been; Injustice for all - but the 1%.
6
Among his many issues, Donald suffers from Oppositional Defiance Disorder.
This is a psychological condition usually seen in uncooperative children, but Donald has never matured so he still has it.
8
@Baba
Donald's got a lot of what one finds in traumatized children as adults. He just gets to act it out on everyone, now.
3
Trump's lack of remorse and empathy is in keeping with the often repeated diagnosis of "narcissistic personality disorder". This is much more than a simple narcissistic tendency. Trump's extreme self-centeredness will be the topic of academic study for years to come. I suggest reading "The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump".
My next question. How can such destructive force garner support of almost half of the voting public?
5
Tell us once again how disgusting and corrupt the trump administration is. Go along with the rest of the press and tv in making every word, every action of trump and his henchmen a major event.
Don't talk agenda. Don's mention what the country needs to rectify the disgraceful condition where the income of 3 wealthy individuals is more than that of 50% of the people in our country.
Don't mention health-care, where the US is the only major nation without health-care for all.
Don't talk about restricting the big banks that helped bring about the recession of '08.
Don't mention the US is the only major nation without free education in state colleges.
No, Mr. Blow, don't discuss this progressive agenda that will bring true democracy to our country, educating the public to our true needs. Merely waste your prized position as Opinion Columnist by describing, over and over, the peripheral dealings already accomplished by our crooked leader, when we already know he is incapable of anything else.
3
Trump is made FRIGHTENED by apologetic men.
5
@unification Trump was and is terrified of men like Mr. Obama. That's why he's doing his best to erase Obama accomplishments. In the long run of history former President Obama's face will be seen on Mt. Rushmore. This will drive Trump crazy with rage for all eternity unless some day, some how Trump can face himself and see himself for what he was all along. A coward who felt nothing positive for anyone or anything in all of his earthly existence. How on earth could that ever be accomplished??? Is Trump a forever loser and Obama a forever winner?
A sad commentary on so many Americans that we fall for this particular type of con man, isn't it? Equally sad that we find it difficult to make sincere apologies -- "I'm sorry if people were offended," not sorry if I did something offensive. To a lot of us Americans, a person who reappraises and finds himself or herself falling short of their own values is... weak.
Oh, yeah, Trump is smart to see all that, smart like a shark, a prehistoric predator with instincts to go for the jugular but a brain the size of a pea.
8
Trump subscribes to the strong offense as best defense philosophy. I had a micro managing friend like that who was also a person addicted to everything possible and had no problem exploiting young women in the Dominican Republic to satisfy his perverted desires.
He also believed that if you acted like you had wealth that was all that was necessary to live that lifestyle. He died destitute, leaving lots of debt behind.
The thing is with people like this is that they crumble when confronted about their misdeeds.
4
It’s not just a Trump phenomenon. Unlike the left, where you get dinged for not apologizing when appropriate (and sometimes even when it’s not), the right is obsessed with putting on a strong front. The GOP relentlessly painted Obama as a weak “apologist” throughout his presidency.
This all plays into the politics of fear on the right. They need a strongman to protect them from all the scary “others” outs there — races, religions, sexual orientations, nationalities.
206
@Desert Rat And deep and pervasive insecurity. The fear is that the least crack in a self-image of invincibility and infallibility will lead to the collapse of the whole house of cards - a kind of death.
22
@John: And, in actuality, it usually does end in a collapse of exactly what you note: the facade that is the proverbial "house of cards."
There's just no there there.
9
@Desert Rat Like it or not, that's why the GOP keeps winning. The the Dem's keep apologizing so for reasons that are far more frivolous that the Republicans - or for things they didn't do, just so they could save face, and guess who's in office?
1
Reminds me of the character played by John Wayne who repeatedly said: "Never apologize, it's a sign of weakness". A screen writer's idea of the tough frontier manhood code. How many people have internalized that questionable lesson?
3
For those of us who have had close personal relationships with narcissists, this is all painfully familiar. Nothing is ever a narcissist’s fault. To admit fault would wound the fragile ego. So instead there is the narcissistic non-apology:
That didn't happen.
And if it did, it wasn't that bad.
And if it was, that's not a big deal.
And if it is, that's not my fault.
And if it was, I didn't mean it.
And if I did...
You deserved it.
14
In Blow’s list of deniers he conveniently leaves out Bill Clinton
2
@Tuco
What about Lew Wasserman's grand kid who's said to be the Number One in sports representation? Why does he need to ride in this guy's jet? Wasserman was well connected in a very old school way. Cleveland's MCA.
2
Those of us, who recognize when we're wrong, are willing to learn stuff everyday, and take steps to remedy the wrong done, DETEST this ignorant, arrogant, blowhard, destructive, sociopathic, usually wrong, illegitimate, pretend president. He's a real sicko. Thousands of psychiatrists can't be wrong.
8
Mr. Blow, you did it again; nailed it! Trump is a degenerate, hires and defends other degenerates. And our America is degenerating in trumps hands. Sad and heartbreaking.
4
Everyone in Trump's sphere has to walk on eggs to avoid inflaming this enfant terrible, for fear he will strike out in uncontrolled rage. I pity his absurd entourage. They are all losers anyway with multiple skeletons in their closets, massive character flaws, transgressions galore, and simultaneously so little self esteem they have to bow and scrape to one of the most deficient human beings on the planet. Can't they see that everyone who comes close to Trump eventually gets destroyed?
5
Lock Them Up! Start with Steven Miller: Charge that louse with Crimes Against Humanity for his policies of purposeful kidnapping, child separation, and cruelty to asylum seekers . . . Un-American to the Core!
3
Mr. Blow,
You are one of the few who possess that truly exemplary ability to cast words, (wordsmith), in such a way that the reader comes away with a crystal clear picture, an accurate and wholly truthful depiction of the topic of discussion.
We all know the Trump creature now, even those who support and stand by him have to know his perfidious nature, such being innate in his being and more fully understood in the synonyms of perfidious -
per·fid·i·ous
deceitful and untrustworthy.
"a perfidious lover"
synonyms -treacherous, duplicitous, deceitful, disloyal, faithless, unfaithful, traitorous, treasonous, false, untrue, double-dealing, dishonest, two-faced, Janus-faced, untrustworthy;
false-hearted, double-faced,truthless, Punic
To me Trump is evil incarnate, something that lay in waiting for the opportunity to undo the ideal that decent Americans had sought to nurture and grow as a template for the survival of mankind.
That ideal is bleeding out, right before our eyes.
3
"Trump Detests Apologetic Men"
We've known that for years. Remember how the Republicans used to complain when Obama apologized to other countries for US blunders?
And of course Trump has never admitted his blunder in saying "some of the people on both sides in Charlottesville are fine people" even though he must know by now that Democrats have interpreted it to mean "Nazis are fine people".
1
"To stay on the president’s good side, you must perfect the art of denial, deflection and discredit."
Same thing you have to do to be a Trump voter.
6
Acosta must go. And so must Cyrus Vance, Jr., the NYC Prosecutor, who, in 1911, was even more helpful to Jeffrey Epstein than Acosta: Vance went into court to oppose Epstein's designation as a top-level sex offender.
But, like Acosta, Vance refuses to apologize and even tries to rationalize his corrupt actions. Who does Vance think he is? Bill Clinton?
1
Exactly right. Mr. Blow. As with Kavanaugh, it's the ability to follow the Roy Cohn/Donald Trump playbook -- deny everything, concede nothing, shift blame, counterattack -- that wins points with Trump. The problem for Acosta is that what he said today contradicts a letter he wrote in 2011 in which he expressed his continuing bitterness at the way that he had been steamrollered by Ken Starr, Alan Dershowitz, Jay Lefkowitz, and the rest of Epstein's lawyers. According to him, the Epstein lawyers even hired private investigators to look for "peccadilloes" in the prosecutors' private lives, which if true may cross the line between the merely unethical and the flatly illegal. But today, all of that has gone down the Memory Hole.
1
Trump is not too fond of whiners; neither is anyone else, Charles.
This horrible human being continues his onslaught of immoral behavior yet nothing is done about it. Deny, deny, deny is his MO, yet he continues to be president....what's that say about us?
1
I never watched one episode of "the apprentice" when it was a popular TV show. I have been watching it for the past three years. this is how far we've sunk.
With apologies to Mr. Blow, I think that it goes far deeper than just strength. Trump does not value truth - that is what his fake news mantra is all about.
Truth is an inconvenience in a con man's world.
Justice cannot exist in such a universe since The Donald can bend the truth to be whatever is convenient to him at any moment in time.
The only way to defend ourselves against this version of Big Brother is with facts, facts, facts.
5
We now have two nations: The mobsters and rubes v the truth seekers
7
@Mixilplix: Scholars vs. Snakehandlers.
1
@Steve Bolger
I dunno, Steve. Lots of scientists getting caught up in Epstein's web. Anywhere egos grow, those who groom them for extortion thrive.
1
As do I.
@Bobby Johnson
I see there are many of us who think to be wrong is to fail, and thus to feel shame. I know that form of reasoning.
It is brought on by punitive and damaging strategies to control and oppress people. Free people can speak of their pain without shame. If you work where risking failure is rewarded, you will find yourself among the most creative people on the planet. Otherwise you get shutdown in that disguise that says I'm never wrong...it must be someones else's fault the company, family, country is in a tail spin.
I know that pain. Many who feel that way were abused as children. That is our shame. It isn't even our fault we are so full of it. It's just a default system.
4
@Abby: We learn by trial and error, and the errors are usually more instructive than the successes.
2
@Steve Bolger
It is when I admit I am ignorant I learn the most. It was when I was adamant I knew what I saying I was the most lost. So much has been learned about human neurobiology and trauma in the last ten years, I'm disturbed so few are informed.
I was sexually abused while asphyxiated, and the police, my parents and medical professionals all missed it. So did I for 50 years. I assumed my twisted uterus was my fault.
But I can NOW forgive them and myself because I know I was riding on the HPA Axis of brain chemistry that got me through a week of 5th Grade before my stomach started hurting. Everyone assumed it was just nerves.
It takes 96 hours for that chemical wash of adrenaline, cortisol, oxytocin and opiate all made by the human body in response to severe trauma to wear off. Only after that should we question trauma victims.
Always have children examined. That is less traumatizing then not knowing why your nervous system is always in alarm mode. At least now I understand why I was neglected. IGNORANCE.
2
Trump detests anything that looks ‘weak’ to him because he himself knows, knows, his own core weakness. All bullies are weak. The contempt Trump holds for others is merely a projection of his own self-contempt. And explains why he is so ardently bombastic and vicious — anything to mask that disgusting sense of weakness he knows within himself and his dread of it being discovered. That is why he has to throw red meat to his adoring fans, and whips them into a frenzy — it helps him to lie to himself about his pathetic deficiencies, to reassure himself that he is admired for his (false) prowess.
4
So, once again, we see there has been no change; Trump is still an idiot. When will we tire of seeing and saying it? When will we throw The Imposter out? We have all the information we need or, if not, what exactly is it you are waiting for? He has stumbled through the last couple of years an ineffective leader who hasn't read or doesn't understand our Constitution, doesn't understand that we are a nation of laws not men, doesn't understand that he serves all citizens of this nation, doesn't understand that he is not a king, and doesn't understand that he is in the employ of every citizen and therefore the least of men while he is in the White House. In fact there is little that he does understand, not even the going price of a POA (it's not $130,000, dear boy, if you wait 'till 4am it should be down to $15). He has purchased everything in his life: investments, homes, wives, kids, friends. Everything about this failed human being says "I am a loser" so why are you waiting, people?
5
How ironic that Trump detests apologetic men, given that he is the sorriest President this country has ever had.
8
What isn't an insult to intelligence in a nation striving to protect procreation by rape and incest?
6
All of the "it doesn't matter if's" you site sicken me when I think how these girls have been abandoned and yet we see the law going full force after Texas volunteers tring to help dehydrated and hungry immigrants and their children. Young children in cages while the real animal in this case was left to roam free.
9
The depth of Trump's shamelessness is the secret of his success. He is a sociopath with no moral fiber or empathy, just a cavernous need to feel important. Through an electoral college fluke, we put this sociopath in power.
Now it appears that roughly a third of our people are fine with that so long as Trump shamelessly panders to their fears and hatred -- and lines the pockets of the rich and powerful.
Trump is a symptom of our moral rot, not the disease.
11
@Civic Samurai: Indeed. And it's moral rot that's been actively cultivated by those trumpeting `family values` out of the other side of their mouths for decades now.
The hypocrisy is just breathtaking, and calculated.
3
Finding yourself in a close orbit around Trump is a terminal condition, sooner or later. Even if you manage to keep your job, you will have lost your soul.
Trump is a malignant narcissist. He is sociopathic. He cares only about himself. Each of us is expected to fall on our sword for him. He is the man who would be king.
Our president is very dangerous. He will never stop. He must be defeated. That is the only way out.
Democrats need to stop the internal bickering and unite against Trump. This is not a game. They are fighting for all of us, both nationally and globally. They cannot be overly self-conscious. They need to attack. And they need to keep attacking. Anything else and we are lost.
Attack Trump on health care. Attack Trump on climate change. Attack Trump on his treatment of women and minorities. Never stop.
A stupid debate question form the moderators? Move on. Some bad press in the media? Move on.
Attack. Move on. Attack. Move on.
Trump will never quit. Neither can we.
5
14 year old girls, black, white and brown. And we shrug and blame the media and victims. This is Trump America 2019
7
Yes, it was painfully obvious what Acosta was doing today. Blame the state prosecutors, blame the victims, and blame anyone else possible, but notably he never apologized to those girls.
Was that jail that Epstein went to? Really? No of course not. Epstein was possibly required to sleep in jail but only to spend the nights there. The rest of the time Epstein was "at work in his office" , no doubt having more "massages" in his office. How stupid does Acosta think we are?
3
Trump wants the pathetic denials of his pals to be credible because all he has to say for himself, in many and most instances, is his very strong denial. emphasis on the strong part. or strongly.
I'd bet donuts to dollars that every fright wing grandma has said, at least once, to their grand ones, "You're known by the company you keep". Well, Grandma, you're known by the company for whom you vote and the crowd with whom he runs.
4
The final paragraph closes with the contention that “Donald Trump only cares about protecting his image and how those around him reflect on him.”
If the image Donald Trump is protecting is one of a bloated, lazy, delusional, inarticulate, uninformed, lying racist narcissist with chauvinist tendencies who can easily be manipulated by shameless displays of false praise and has no ability to exercise sound character judgment, then Donald Trump’s image is cemented for all eternity. BOFFO job DJT!
3
Bottom line: If Acosta makes Trump look bad he'll be asked to resign. Thta's all there is to it. All this other arm chair analysis is interesting but Trump isn't worthy of it as a man. We know who we are dealing with: a liar, a racist, an ignoramus, a misogynist, and a self aggrandizing thin skinned narcissist. None of this is a secret...
2
And now look at how he won the skirmish with the British Ambassador who accurately labelled Trump "inept" (an understatement). Trump pushed back, attacked and stupidly called him "stupid". Who knew that the likely future British P.M. would pander to Trump, bringing about the resignation of the ambassador.
3
@Boomer: I certainly did. Boris Johnson and Donald Trump are cut from *exactly* the same cloth.
It is terrifying beyond belief to watch what is happening during this populist forest fire sweeping western democracies!
2
Trump likes when people kill their conscience and channel their inner sociopath.
One might be surprised that so many people readily go along, but it stands to reason that the people who are drawn to work with him already possess some measure of this quality to begin with.
Acosta is just the latest in a long and still-growing list...
3
Acosta is a weak little man who defers to bullies. The sweetheart deal that he is a party to is yet another example of the good old boys network protecting their members. Acosta like many other weak little men who are spineless glam onto the uber bully in charge whether it be Epstein or Trump. They feel that they belong to an exclusive club that bestows upon them status & privilege. Little do they realize that they sold their soul for a high price -their integrity. Watching Acosta "explain" his actions I am reminded of that old & trite saying; " I was just following orders" No wonder Trump has so many pathetic losers in his administration. They are just like him.
1
How ironic that Trump detests apologetic men given that he is the sorriest President this country has ever had.
3
Go back to the summer of 2016 when Trump won the Republican nomination before a rabid convention crowd that was 98% white. Ask yourself this: Would the MAGA hat white racists have come out from under their slimy rocks for John Kasich? No. For Ted Cruz? No. For Jeb Bush? No. Nixon, Reagan and Trump all played the race card, and won. Racists never apologize for their racism. To them, racism is as natural as breathing. After the Civil War, the cry from the Confederate States was, "The South shall rise again!" And, lo and behold, here we are in 2019, aghast at how many millions of US citizens are unapologetic racists. I am wondering if the time has come for the United Sates of America (USA) to begin the process of allowing the Confederate States of America (CSA) to secede from the Union.
2
What's truly pathetic is that so many Americans admire this "president" precisely because he's a "strong" man who never admits that's he's in the wrong (even when he changes his mind on policy decisions from one day to the next). Never mind that he's wrong far more often than he's right. The thing of it is that a human being who can never acknowledge being wrong is one who's arguing that (s)he's something other than human. Besides which the inability to admit wrong-doing (or even plain old ignorance) is actually a conspicuous sign of weakness, of the frailty of an ego whose owner can't bear to be looked upon as fallible. Donald Trump may be a bully, a narcissist, a racist and a xenophobe. But if he were anything other than the nation's elected leader he'd also be deserving of our pity: he is, after all, among the weakest men on Earth.
2
Charles, I know you have to use the required weasel words "alleged", etc. But your truth shines through. One of your best among many great ones. Thank you.
2
The full story of the Acosta sweetheart deal will come out, sooner rather than later. There will be a reckoning, and the Senators who voted to confirm this enabler of a deprived sex trafficker should pay the piper. Unfortunately that isn't the way it goes in Trumps America. All the Senators will dance, like Acosta at today's news conference, bobbing and weaving and lying like a Persian Rug. The Senators will skate. Acosta needs to be held accountable.
1
I think Mr. Blow is absolutely correct. Unfortunately, a lot of people in America think that this is what makes a good leader. Disgusting.
2
Chances are slim to none that Alex Acosta will save his job as Trump's Secretary of Labor. He used your "3 Ds", Charles Blow (Denial, Deflection, Discredit) as he stood up at the Labor Dept. podium to 'splain his horrific misdeeds as Attorney for the Southern District of Florida during the first trial of Jeffrey Epstein in 2008 and his sweet plea-deal that stinks today. Our eyes amd ears tell us Acosta lied, just as they tell us that Trump is a liar.
We know that Trump loathes "weak men" who apologize. Never apologize, never explain, just shout out your monstrous indignation, push back and deny. That's what winners do. How many times has Trump showered his indignation on accusers of his strongmen friends (Putin, Mohammed bin Salman, Duterte, Kim Jong-un, etc.)?
Trump just denies, denies, denies, and never admits to anything. Not even his words on the Charlottesville White Supremacists in June 2017 can whitewash his claims that "there are good people on both sides". How long will Donald Trump be allowed to project his fake strength to the American people and the world?
1
Funny that. Trumpsters never apologize for anyting.
but they and their fluffers are always demanding
the dems and their oppoents apologize.
hmmm
1
@bill b: "Hmmmm?" Not really.
When one equates justified penance and apology with lack of moral fiber and strength, that's precisely what one wishes to get one's "enemies" to do.
OK, I'll say it. Epstein is not just a sleazebag, but he knows who all the other sleazebags are, and they are very big people in very high places. I don't know who they are, but I'll bet we've heard of all of them, and it's truly reprehensible and revolting. This is only going to get worse, and worse, and worse, and worse.
2
The most glaring omission today by Acosta was his refusal to apologize to his victims. Flatly refused.
So Trumpian. So disgusting. Beyond disgust, really. And I didn’t think this administration could get any more disgusting. But a new day always bring new disgust.
Keep shining a light in the dark corners, NYT.
1
I am sorry that i believed Republicans when they talked and crowed about ‚personal responsibility‘. What a joke!
1
@David: That anyone ever believed the Republican lines about "personal responsibility" and "family values" indicates that they have/had a huge blind spot.
They've been evading both of those things for decades now.
1
"For Trump, indignation is redemptive even when it isn’t righteous."
This line, this line above -- a littler deeper and more complicated than the other lines in the opinion -- is the best 'deep state" summary of Trump's "deep state " mentality.
For now -- in our current moment -- Trump IS the "deep state" problem --- not the other way around.
Trump talks about being "harassed," "treated poorly," "treated unfairly," "persecuted," etc., etc. . . ad infinitum.
After suffering through his DAILY MENTAL ABUSE of the American people -- Trump intentionally slaps-us-in-the-face -- EVERYDAY -- relentlessly punishing our minds with amoral overkill and intentional mental cruelty.
Kind and gentle spirits beware -- we are forced to descend to his level of hate and vengeance, creating a constant state of "unnecessary suffering" that marks his methodology.
The rabbi preaches "be kind and gentle." But then, finally, there is a time for inflicting a "necessary evil." We are forced to create a state of justified war. Hitler was one of those enemies that demanded a "just" war. England was our best ally in that war.
Trump is just another version of that kind of evil enemy. We are in that war now, and we will not be "kind and gentle" to him. He knows no other way --- except it's opposite.
He will try to be a nice guy "schmoozer" to everyone he uses for his selfish purposes ---- until you call him out on his lies.
We know "denials" are his strategy. He's trying to slip away.
2
Donald Trump isn't half the man nor half the American patriot that Tammie Duckworth, Colin Kaepernick, Chelsea Manning, Peter Buttigieg, James Mattis, Robert Mueller and Edward Snowden are.
As long as Trump limits how much he 'detests ' people by simply snarky snarling tweeting and speaking nicknames and slurs while watching Fox News and playing golf then the American Constitution is safe.
God forbid that Trump adopts the smiling and smirking methods of his Siberian candidate beloved bromance puppet master aka Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.
Putin sends his foes to hospitals, mental institutions, prisons, urns and coffins with cold calculating emoji face glee.
2
Moral corruption has an effect like the picture of Dorian Gray - one must hide the venality and hypocrisy away and never acknowledge its existence.
That is Trump’s weakness: he reflexively denies anything that hints of the rot within. He can’t abide it, or let a comment go by - even if responding makes him look like an idiot.
The right candidate in the coming election will exploit this.
3
There's no mystery about Trump or the people he likes around him. It's all about having a High Social Dominance Orientation
"High-SDO people are characterized by four core traits: they are dominating, opposed to equality, committed to expanding their own personal power, and amoral. These are usually accompanied by other unsavory traits, many of which render them patently unsuitable for leadership roles in a democracy:
Typically men
Intimidating and bullying
Faintly hedonistic
Vengeful
Pitiless
Exploitative
Manipulative
Dishonest
Cheat to win
Highly prejudiced (racist, sexist, homophobic)
Mean-spirited
Militant
Nationalistic
Tells others what they want to hear
Takes advantage of "suckers"
Specializes in creating false images to sell self
May or may not be religious
Usually politically and economically conservative/Republican"
Sara Robinson put this together based on work that needs to be more widely known. Start here for more: http://dneiwert.blogspot.com/2006/08/cracks-in-wall-part-i-defining.html
1
Here was Trump’s biggest moment to fire Acosta for what he didn’t do by not protecting children instead the Perpetrator. Seems the children of the United States are no different than those migrant children.
2
Remember what he said about John McCain..........."I prefer men who are not captured."
Why are we continually talking about Trump as if he isn't a total piece of garbage, President of the United States or not? Just show him to be what he is a complete waste of good oxygen.
1
And Trump has already begun his own “deny, deny, deny” process with relation to Epstein. Even though irrefutable evidence exists of Trump hobnobbing with Epstein on occasion, and of his admiration for Epstein’s “ways” with women (and especially the young ones), he now claims that he doesn’t know Epstein, and that he “was never a fan.”
SIGH ...... and this is how it goes (and always has gone for Trump and his ilk). Trump’s lying and self-serving behavior in this regard is as predictable as the direction of the sun’s rise.
I suppose it’s much easier to engage in this kind of behavior, as well, when you’re an amoral child of privilege who had it pounded into you from early on that honesty and humility are for suckers. And suckers do seem to abound these days (even PT Barnum would probably be astounded by the number). All the Con-in-Chief has to do is sign some Bibles, hug a flag or two, maybe drop Obama’s or Hillary‘s name, and he can get away with anything in the eyes of many, it seems.
I sense a tremendous amount of frustration, amazement, and despair in much of Mr. Blow’s writing regarding Trump and those who do his bidding. I think I share with Charles a feeling of helplessness when I see how effectively Trump continues to “play” the suckers who buy what he’s selling. The only thing I can do is grit my teeth, persevere, and hope that those of us who haven’t been fooled will UNITE & VOTE in 2020. Those actions alone can save us from this pestilence.
7
Yes, what we’re seeing has to do with wealth, the greater the wealth gap, the farther these fat cats can fall, and you’re right, the less they care about those they hurt ... lifelong hurt. But what isn’t explicit enough here, are the girls and women these men predate. They are the Bluebeards, the Henry VIIIs, the wolves who gobble up the lives of girls and women. See Rebecca Solnit’s Lit Hub piece on the silencing the victims: https://lithub.com/in-patriarchy-no-one-can-hear-you-scream-rebecca-solnit-on-jeffrey-epstein-and-the-silencing-machine/.
1
According to Brene Brown’s research on shame, to be weak is very shameful for men. If apologizing is the height of weakness for Trump, then Trump is avoiding shame. He can’t tolerate it. Trumps behaviour can often be framed as his avoidance of shame. Rather than hiding to avoid shame as many do, his power affords him the luxury of shutting it down with aggression and doubling down. I think that one of the most powerful questions a man can ask is, what is weakness and what is strength?
1
I agree. I don't think Trump cares about anything but Trump. But I think on some level he understands that's wrong. So he play acts when he's pushed into a corner. And that's what we ultimately get.
He's a true sociopath. He doesn't understand when someone is hit it hurts. He only understands his own thin and very delicate skin.
4
It is just so very difficult, day in and day out, to see the abject deficiencies and corruptions displayed again and again in the man currency occupying the Oval Office. We have sunk so very low.
It is just discouraging to wake up every morning and, once again, read about the scuzzy and sordid crimes against humanity this man and his friends and hirelings exhibit, and without remorse, without regret. Every. Single. Day.
How can we ever explain to our children and to our grandchildren why it is that this man is currently the leader of our nation? How can we still expect them to fight against their worst impulses as they grow into adulthood, seeing the horror that is our president, and the criminals that he surrounds himself with?
It's all just so very discouraging.
1
Trump never apologizes. He always deflects and then lies. He is the personification of the Pinocchio principle.
4
Trump has a very perverted and distorted definition of masculinity. So do many men and Trump validated them. Sadly many women accept this behavior in men as what’s to be expected. These dangerous beliefs were elevated to the level of the presidency. For the sake of America’s daughters, this toxic masculinity must be defeated at the ballot box and through the efforts of good men.
3
He didn't have the courage to join the military and he doesn't have the courage to apologize. He is a weak empty suit who hurts the people who support him most.
4
Is there any evidence that Trump detests apologetic men more than apologetic women? Or is sory (as misspelled by Trump) a four-letter word for him altogether?
2
Two felonies and lifetime registration as a sex offender.
When the Left smells blood, the bar is raised.
Acosta is interesting only to the extent he is a Trump cabinet member.
I think the more interesting drama surrounds Alan Dershowitz, his long-time defense of Epstein, and his own reputation implicated by an identified victim.
Now it’s getting interesting. Also, looking forward to seeing the plane flight logs. You can get into a lot of trouble on a Boeing 727.
3
This is the great irony of Trump and all "tough guys." They are fundamentally weak people.
7
The title of this piece really should be
"Trump Detests Men"
Leadership is not something working class people want to deal with. We find out, when we're young, leaders are trouble makers. Would Trump making apologies change your opinion of him? Would it make him a better leader? No. Joe Biden apologized. Did it do him any good? If Biden turned to Harris and said, "You want an apology?" "What are you my mother?" he would have proved himself a leader, a true American and a stand-up guy. His those things but he didn't prove it.
It helps to be right but when under attack it's always best to defend yourself. If you're unwilling to stand up for yourself who are you going to stand up for?
2
In a nutshell, the Conman-in-Chief is the ultimate judge, jury, and executioner as to how well you measure up as a talented Cabinet Conman, worthy to remain in his Administration of Conmen. The ability to lie with conviction, of course, is the most respected attribute in the C-in-C’s amoral universe.
1
How awful to have a president who emphasizes a man's word instead of his political correctness.
@Michael Livingston’s: Not if that word consists of lies and perjury.
1
Understand: in the minds of these men, there is nothing to apologize for. None of them perceive Epstein’s victims as equals under the law. We know as recorded fact that, like Epstein, the President considers women as subjugates, a piece of meat to be consumed or disdained. Why would these carnivores apologize for enjoying their steak, for not punishing the other wolves, or failing to save the calves from slaughter?
4
Trump is too insecure to ever admit he is anything but the ultimate winner, and everyone he selects to be within his orbit must also be a winner in his eyes. Only "losers" apologize, or exhibit other signs of supposed weakness.
And so this administration is an endless parade of pathetic supplicants trying to avoid falling out of favor with an unforgiving boss, from Acosta's refusal to accept any responsibility for the Epstein plea deal, to Kavanaugh's spitting-angry performance before the Judiciary Committee, to the senators and congressmen who endlessly enable and protect POTUS.
It's long been obvious that Trump has no shame. He began his campaign vilifying immigrants and dismissing John McCain's heroism. Having no shame means having no regrets, and having no regrets means having no need to apologize. Ever.
But that is Trump's personal pathology. Are the rest really as lacking in common decency as he is?
1
Yep, insecure. Just as the UK Ambassador described him.
7
Donald Trump has learned, over a lifetime, that audacity and defiance the way he practices them, have generated huge personal profits for him.
Why would he cease this behavior now that he's in government? If you never apologize, you're telling the world you have nothing to apologize for.
Its against this standard that he's well trained his subordinates, to mimic his behavior. Yell loud and long enough, and you "win".
It's worked until now, but Acosta doesn't know how to play it. Sure he didn't apologize, but he made so many factual errors in his contrived explanation that I predict he'll be forced out.
In Trump's workdview, he only wants winners not losers, irrespective of the law. Acosta was a lousy lawyer and a lousy liar.
I don't think the Donald will be pleased.
4
“Never apologize, mister, it’s a sign of weakness.” Capt. Nathan Cutting Brittles (John Wayne, 'She Wore a Yellow Ribbon')
"Don't apologize, it's a sign of weakness." Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon NCIS - CBS)
All manly men must agree I guess, they don't apologize. Self reflection, self correction and humility must be signs of weakness too.
3
The point of denial is that then you can accuse your accusers of persecution. If you admit guilt or fault, that option is gone.
1
Denial, discredit, deflection. Perfect description of a Greek god incarnate: Narcissus, i.e., Trump. He knows it all, is above the law, has made and makes NO mistakes, has no reason to ask for forgiveness (the very badge of weaklings)...Ergo, his criterion for selecting a team is for the team members to specialize in denial, discredit and deflection...
A tough lesson for all US citizens to acknowledge from this malignant narcissist.
1
In Spanish, the words for I'm sorry are "Lo siento" or I feel it. Trump and his orbit have no feelings, so how could they be sorry?
1
Narcissists don't apologize: they never make mistakes.
2
“For Trump, this isn’t about the charges or the children.”
Similarly, for the opposition media, this isn’t about the charges or the children either. It’s only about Acosta.
1
Everything you're written here is true. Tragically, disgustingly true. In Trump's America, the rich (the white rich) are different, and this is not a problem, nothing to be ashamed about. The brazenness of this disavowal of what Americal is supposed to stand for, and the willingness of so many to accept it, is terrifying.
1
Well written and well told. And in the unfortunate words to ape the one in charge: so sad...
What a dive into the deep receses of lower human behaviour the USA has fallen not only due to the "real stuff" the man in charge is made of (and I do mean Trump) but also becsuse of the media outlets who report this person's degraded thoughts on a daily basis so that after only a few years it has become so normalised that it is practicly accepted as a position and copied by many, knowing that it will pass by in it's way, but never hold to the man responsible. A rather 21st century catch 22 brought to you by the "social media" of our "internet of things".
I am sure it will end some day, but when?
“It doesn’t matter if you are accused of sexual impropriety, assault or rape — Brett Kavanaugh, Rob Porter, Bill O’Reilly, Roger Ailes. Just deny, deny, deny. Admit nothing.”
Very true although wasn’t there a recent Democratic president – whose wife was also involved in politics – that fit this bill? Or is it Blow’s contention that sexual impropriety is strictly limited to one political party?
1
Yes 2008 was a long time ago. Sit down children and I'll explain about that long ago time. We wore onions on our belts because that was the fashion of the day. Rich and powerful men could rape, abuse and traffic underage girls to distant islands and cities because women were only women then, not judges or prosecutors or Congresspeople. In those days hooker lives didn't matter, it wasn't racial like it is today. Yep, America was great in those days. If only we could go back in time. Oh, we can, Mr. Epstein you're under arrest.
1
Sociopaths do not believe they ever make mistakes, they do not apologize for anything. Narcissists are unable to consider themselves as normal, in their minds they do not make mistakes. People criticize him as a normal person, expecting him to behave like most people. He is in fact a psychotic, he actually believes he has the right to act as he does, he is amoral, not just a mental case, but a real danger to society, and will try to get away with any act he thinks will benefit him.
As we see, anyone that contradicts his view of himself, or who brings criticism to him, becomes his enemy immediately. He is loyal to no one, his only emotion is anger, all the others are faked for the benefit of others. He believes the rest of us are suckers, and he can make deals with us. If he was poor, he would be locked up in a rubber room.
If and when he is thrown out of office, hue will make a spectacle of himself, even self destructing.
1
The Empire is beginning to crumble and the UHNWIs of this Disguised Global Crony Capitalist Empire, only nominally HQed in, and merely ‘posing’ as our formerly promising and sometimes progressive country (PKA) America, are likely to throw faux-Emperor Trump under a speeding bus — perhaps careening down hill from a grassy knoll.
2
...and it works!
Trump Administration Pro Tip: When you are officially televised denying any criminal act, make sure to have a bunch of American flags behind the podium.
3
What trump is afraid of is if one of those girls comes forward and accuses him. Maybe this is what Putin has on trump.
3
Worst case Epstein was looking at life instead he got work release. Come on man!
2
And yet there are women who support and will vote for Trump and all his republican followers.
I hope young women organise and get their generation out to vote in record numbers, if not it gets really hard to muster the appropriate level of disgust one should feel towards Trump and his band of brothers. Come on women of America you out number us men.
1
"To him, there’s nothing weaker than an apologetic man."
Not surprising for a fool.
It takes strength to apologize. It's the weak who never do.
2
“You’ve got to deny, deny, deny and push back on these women.” Trump continued: “If you admit to anything and any culpability, then you’re dead. That was a big mistake you made.”
Trump still defended him, saying Moore “totally denies it.” As Trump told reporters: “He says it didn’t happen. You have to listen to him, also.”
----
Trump's brutish logic clarifies what was happening another time he stepped into a controversy to disgrace himself.
When the Central Park 5 - five children - falsely confessed under duress to a horrific crime, Trump the defense attorney, that fair-minded soul who reminds us to listen to the accused as well, was nowhere to be found. After all they confessed. If it wasn't true, it sure was weak, some people are saying or might have said. And so there was Trump, taking out advertisements in the newspaper to call for the killing of children.
After all when the accused is a black or Latino child, he doesn't know about denying everything and explicitly invoking his right to silence until he speaks with his expensive lawyer. If they admit to any culpability they could be quite literally dead. That was a big mistake they made.
When the accused is a wealthy, powerful, and well-connected white man, naturally he denies it. You have to listen to them. And that pattern of what they're telling you is very clear. You have to pay careful attention to it.
As Charles rightly has it, "there is a plane above us average people... on which the rules are different."
1
>>Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta negotiated what many consider a sweetheart deal with Jeffrey Epstein over sex-crime charges <<
That's like saying that "many consider" 2 + 2 to equal 4.
Until you can find ANY person from the middle or lower class in this country who was only sentenced to a year for serial child rape, there is no reason at all to have to qualify the statement with "many consider." That's pathetically weak.
2
To a sociopaths everyone exists to serve the interests of their ego and narcissism. Trump's insecurities, infantile narcissism and misogyny makes him morally insensitive and incapable of doing, or expecting others to do, the right thing. Acosta's 'defence' is partly meant to deflect any responsibility from Trump for appointing him in the first place, but of course he was appointed in the first place because of his capacity for moral duplicity.
1
I watched a few minutes of Acosta's non-apology and excuse for his behavior. I hope that he can be prosecuted for what he did to Epstein's victims. He deserves to be accountable for the deal he cut. Further, I'd like to know what did Acosta get for cutting this deal? Was he paid off? Were Epstein or his lawyer's blackmailing him? Was Acosta just too incompetent, lazy or both to do his job. Was he just plain afraid of crossing a rich sexual predator and his fancy lawyers? I care not whether Acosta stays or goes from Trump's Cabinet. He's just one of the gang of corrupt, greedy folks who inhabit that administration. He's among friends and fellow grifters.
3
I have used this mnemonic from day one as it pertains to Trump, first heard when I worked in surgery ( jokingly so, but in medicine/surgery its application or reliance is no joke ); sorry I digress. The A,B,C,D's of whatever. Accuse, Blame, Criticize, Deny, when faced with doing something wrong. Trump has been doing this his whole life and fined tuned it probably under the likes of guys like Roy Cohn. A generalization of sorts: Maybe Trump's base lives by all or part of the A,B,C,D philosophy. It's always the "other" guys fault and we love that if the POTUS can get away with it, we can to.
162
@SLF: The sooner one recognizes a mistake and corrects it, the less collateral damage will ensue.
10
@SLF I don't agree with your last sentence. I don't love the fact that 45 feels he can get away with it and so do those people who work for him. I am appalled that Congress is ceding its authority to him and allowing him to whatever illegal act commonly know as an EO he wishes to do.
12
@Jennifer: @SLF is talking about Trump's base, which I assume you are not a part of.
4
In the old days, apologies were followed by forgiving. These days, an apology is tantamount to an admission, and instead of forgiving, just brings on retribution.
So why apologize? They are not what they used to be.
Unfortunately our legal principle of "innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt", while morally laudable, has established a legal strategy of pleading "not guilty" even in the face of evidence to the contrary.
Denial works, especially for those who benefit from white privilege and wealth. Trump has devoted his life to breaking the rules and getting away with it, achieving through falsehoods and fraud, the appearance of great success. He is America's new role model. God help us.
3
For the current American president, winning isn't just an important thing; it's the only thing.
4
@Jim Muncy
Incredible how badly he was shaken by that Brit's sterling observations. He had to get his daughter to talk to someone about having him removed. I'm not kidding. He sent his daughter to his own playground fight.
He's really undone by reality. You'd think he'd have mastered that duality Universally, but it seems he fell into his own sand trap and can't get up.
2
@Abby
Well, he always attempts to force his reality on others. Sometimes it works. But he has no choice: It's the only arrow in his quiver.
2
This whole sordid affair seems to have echoes of a quietly dismissed case against a host of people involved in child trafficking the 1980's. It involved people in Omaha, NE, children from Boys Town, and powerful people in D.C. and elsewhere. At the center was a credit union called Franklin Credit Union. There were allegations going all the way up into the Reagan/Bush White House. Many powerful people were implicated, while few of them were ever charged with anything. Most of the children at the center of the scandal died within five years of giving evidence. Several people in Omaha were charged, but the only people who were convicted were the children who testified.
When I read about it at the time, it seemed like getting others to participate in sordid acts with children is a way to gain power over the powerful. Being exposed as a pedophile was a way to strip power from the powerful. Even in this era where powerful people can lie in plain sight with impunity, being accused of being a pedophile still carries a dark cloud (thankfully).
It would seem Epstein is quite guilty of these crimes, but who else is involved? I struggled to believe he acted alone - there were quite likely others facilitating and/or participating in his deeds.
5
@Mark, the hated 'liberal' media already has done this work. They named the 'procurer' of girls, the scheduler, the secretary who transferred money, the man who actually paid the girls, the limo drivers, the minders who went with the girls to buy sexy clothes, the housekeepers, etc.
It's unlikely that FOX will tell you this. That's why trump tells us all to hate America's free press, the enemies of his lies.
2
There are a couple of characteristics, among many others, which are shared by primary narcissists.
The first is a refusal (almost an inability) to apologise for anything. To admit that one is wrong about one thing means that there is a possibility that one is wrong about many other things as well and, from there, it’s only a small step to the complete implosion of the narcissist’s world view.
The other characteristic is an inability to accept criticism without hitting back immediately. We have seen many, many instances of this in trump’s behaviour, even for the mildest of criticisms.
It appears that Roy Cohn taught trump well. Cohn could surely have not been surprised when trump cut him off without a word when Cohn was diagnosed with AIDS.
The narcissist expects loyalty as his rightful due but will not give it to anyone else.
222
@Tony Lewis: Narcissists are horrible horrible humans to tolerate and deal with. They fool many and are extremely talented at fooling many and absolutely correct, they take no criticism whatsoever - results in belligerent if not quasi to full on violent reactions. Horrific mental disease, and utter wastes of space.
21
@Tony Lewis
Trump admired, sheltered and protected Roy Cohn, even after he was diagnosed with AIDS. Once it became clear Cohn was completely on the downturn, Trump didn't rush to his defense as he had in the past because, as we all know, Trump doesn't care to be associated with "losers", but he didn't abandon him either:
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/06/donald-trump-roy-cohn-relationship
Of course, that doesn't change who Trump is, but it does serve as a reminder you should try harder to keep your facts straight.
It also serves as a reminder that even moral failures like Trump can be more complicated than they first appear.
8
trump’s handling of the Hollywood Access tapes confirmed his conviction that ‘deny and attack’ is the only way. His success in turning the fire on Clinton set the course of his presidency. Kavanaugh’s hearing confirmed this conviction as well. And so on.
In fact, every episode in which his presidency has been at risk has confirmed his view, as he pulled through by sheer bluster, lying and aggression.
In the end, it is because we — or a portion of the electorate which is his ‘base’ — let him get away with it, we are confirming his view of ‘reality,’ and are responsible for the continuance of his behavior (and the aping of his behavior by the swamp that surrounds him).
His approval numbers are up, while simultaneously he is viewed by a majority as ‘unpresidential.’ That says everything.
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us umpteen times, shame on us. We did not create this monster, but we feed him every day.
248
@Doug Keller - narcissists crave being fed and that is what is playing out daily with his “yes” people in the administration, elected republicans, foreign leaders and the press. So feeding the beast is creating a monster which is infecting not only your country but also the world. Stop feeding him!!
9
"In Trump’s world, apologies and punishments are for the weak. They are for losers."
Do voters like men (yes, I relate to men now, I think there is a difference in how they relate to men and women on this) who apologize?
My guess is not. It indeed shows weakness and many voters will consider it a ploy. not sincere, just meant to score points with voters (or at least some types of voters) and to deflect media pressures.
Think about how many presidents have apologized for anything and when they did it was often a "historic" apology, not personally connected to them.
13
@Joshua Schwartz, we know that men struggle to understand humility, and how powerful it is. This is why Jesus' love and peaceful commandments are so very hard to fulfill. But are you saying that we have to accept a serial liar who is a bully and a narcissist? One who insults those who disagree? One whose power has magnified his totalitarian desires?
The power of an apology, or even an admission of error, is unknown to trump. This is the basis of reparations! Just admit you made a mistake, even if you don't accept total blame. Otherwise, your logic means we have to accept the worst behavior now, because a president has burrowed this deep.
If a powerful person has to apologize ONLY to deflect public pressure, that's what the power of the people does, right? Right??
3
@deb I am describing a phenomenon, not judging it.
2
@Joshua Schwartz
I don’t totally agree with you. I think Americans have a great capacity for forgiveness, if it is sincere. Of course it depends on how egregious the sin is. For example, if Northam had just said, “Yes, that was me. I was an insensitive college student who never dreamed he was doing anything wrong. I was stupid then and am sorry now for a behavior that Was offensive. That is not who I am today. Today I fight for civil rights for everyone. Just look at my record. That’s all I have to say. Thank you for listening.” Then he should not have said another work except, “No, I am not going to be chased out of office.”
But powerful men never learn! It’s amazing. Bill Clinton was not impeached for what he did with an intern. He was impeached because he lied about it. If he has said. “Yes I made one of the biggest mistakes of my life by having an ill advised relationship with an intern. I let my supporters, my friends and family down. For that, I am deeply sorry. Now it’s between me and my wife who, with the grace of God, will forgive me. I think the American public would have forgiven him and he would have avoided the disgrace of impeachment. We champion the under dog and admire the person who says, “Yes, I did it for which I am profoundly sorry. I intend to work hard on your behalf to win back your trust now let’s move forward.
6
Never admitting error isn't tough, it's the epitome of weakness. It's a moral brittleness, steeped in insecurity and arrogance, that eventually shatters and collapses due to its inflexibility. It's a rigid shell encapsulating a miasma, a void.
Of course, before its inevitable collapse, that mentality often does enormous damage to those around it, either on a personal level, or an institutional one. Men like Trump, and Acosta, and the other various sycophants make the worst leaders, the worst bosses, the worst partners, the worst neighbors, the flightiest of friends. They offer nothing but their own ego and brashness. At one time, perhaps fifty years ago, that kind of thing played well in the sexist, smoke-filled boardrooms of the day. Today, it is grossly outdated and unwieldy, and useless in fixing the challenges we face as a people and as a species, incapable of bringing us together for our mutual benefit. It's a worthless mentality, and its only place deserves to be on the garbage heap.
175
@Dominic exactly!
4
We were all or at least most of us as very young children taught right from wrong. We were taught about the truth and lies. Denial for denial ‘s sake is nothing more than lying. There is no honor, no riches to be gained. And those who practice it are not any we should look up to.
411
@EllyYou are wrong, Elly. Trump's lies have led to his riches. It's unquestionable that with Trump, we are all learning the dividends of lying. Our children are bound to follow his example, that is unless Trump is made to pay for his lies, but that takes the courage of his fellow Republicans to stand up to him - chances are, they won't.
88
@ Elly: I agree with your comments, but the one sentence “no riches to be gained” unfortunately does not seem to be the case. These faux leaders are most definitely enriching themselves in their positions obtained through lies, at the very high cost paid by the public welfare of not only these U.S. of A., but also reaches international citizenry. The world is currently being ruled by a small number of powerful bullies. While we all learned morals and the value of truth, somehow these immoral strongman got in the door. It is mind blowing to me they actually have supporters.
81
@Serene one When I was in my thirties in the 1980's, I noticed that the "bad guys" (those who lied, who cheated, who deflected, who were lazy, who blamed innocent victims, etc.) won the corporate prizes, and the "good guys" (those who were honest, hard-working, and had a sense of self-respect, honor and integrity) lost. Therefore, it was obvious that I had to make a choice, to be a good guy and lose, or be a bad guy and win. I chose to be a good guy because, at least, I could sleep at night, but it was not without a considerable cost. Crimes, unfortunately, pays very well.
122
I recently tried to read a long book on Stalin's rise to power and Trotsky's exile. I finally had to take that book back to the library before even getting halfway through it because I was overwhelmed by the feeling of living through our own national tragedy with an unstable man at the helm, leading our country with an "eat or be eaten" mentality guiding his every decision. To be clear, Trump is no Stalin but the instability and insecurity of the man at the top can be felt all the way down as it poisons everything in its path.
11
"Let us not listen to those who think we ought to be angry with our enemies, and who believe this to be great and manly. Nothing is so praiseworthy, nothing so clearly shows a great and noble soul, as clemency and readiness to forgive." M T Cicero
I pray and envision that ALL Americans will vote and support presidential candidates who strive and aspire to be a noble soul serving the citizens of this country. I don't know which current candidate is our best choice for the future but I do know that it is not Donald Trump.
12
IMHO
Acosta did the best he could as prosecutor in crazy criminal Florida.
Every county there has a sex trafficking issue.
As a snowbird I am sickened by what I have witnessed.
Basically had he not plea bargained ..., Epstein would have received Aquittal.
He answered questions honestly. He spent a long time and tried to answer as many reporters as possible.
He made major errors w this case but not to benefit Epstein.
He was duped as well as the victims by powerful forces above the law of the land.
Trump certainly took advantage of his goodwill and is using Acosta now as a diversion from his own culpability.
2
@nurseJacki@l Why were the victims not informed. Why didn't Acosta do the right thing and expose the powerful influences pushing for total acquittal? Because the whole thing stinks. But by all means, please continue to defend this corruption.
1
@nurseJacki@l: One male sex offender on a jury is enough to hang it.
1
@Steve Bolger
25% of males have sexually abused someone by the time they are 25. From popping bra straps to rape is a large continuum, but the common thread is unwanted contact.
But by no means should anyone assume women are a rape victim's friend in the courtroom. They would more rather be Tiffany, the 22 year old who procured the 13 year old for Trump and Epstein. To admit to loss of control is an ego crushing thing.
1
Thank you, Mr Blow. Your writing is always on the mark and eloquently describes the shortcomings of a truly ineloquent President.
16
The Epstein-Acosta affair is just the tip of the iceberg. Even as we speak, underage girls are being trafficked for sexual purposes throughout America and the rest of the world. Stormy Daniels’s personal account of prepubescent rape in Louisiana is not that atypical. Films like “Taxi Driver,” “Pretty Baby,” “The Professional,” and the Jon Benét Ramsay tragedy contribute to society’s romanticization of and fascination with precocious female sexuality. And before these was Lewis Carroll.
Let us face it. Many young women are sexualized at a very early age, and they are often enabled by their family environment. And no, this is not to blame the victim but to acknowledge the breakdown of families as a source of social stability and the power of popular culture.
The important lesson to be learned here is why these young women were made vulnerable in the first place and the lack of preemptive intervention—by family and social services. Epstein is a predator and he was aided and abetted by powerful men, including Acosta. But the families of these young women should bear responsibility as well.
If you bring a child into the world, you are responsible for them until the age of consent.
6
@Chance
Some nations make use of the neurobiology revealing a third of us are injured by childhood abuse enough to introduce risk factors like heart disease, addiction, anxiety and depression. Good science suggests prenatal intervention for EVERYONE helps raise a nation of citizens with the best chance of survival. It saves these nations seven dollars for each spent in the long run.
Less addiction, less violence, more productivity. But in the US, we hardly have peeked at the fruits of VAWA research. Instead, Trump denies rape is terrorizing so he can refuse refuge.
In fact, Trump is using the same pain poking technique Hitler did to shame those who lost them the first war. He was sickened by their "weakness" and suggested anyone who wasn't strong deserved to perish for the greater good of his brotherhood. A major trauma victim reliving his own hell on the world stage. It's all the rage, today.
1
"... this is about how men perform denial."
It is long past time to have a woman at the helm. Our country is drowning in the arrogance, the lies, the prioritizing of these particularly depraved male egos above everything else. It is time for a leader who understands that every citizen deserves respect and it is their job to help everyone thrive.
5
I’m not sure Trump loves or hates people in the ordinary sense. He simply USES people.
As long as you are useful to him he keeps you around, though I would certainly not mistake that for love. The moment you become less than useful, he throws you away like the morning trash. Just as he doesn’t hate the trash, he doesn’t really hate the people he throws away. He just finds them useless.
He does not see people as human persons, but things, objects to be used or discarded.
It is not an immoral universe so much as an amoral one. There is no law of moral life to keep or to break. There is only Donald Trump and his power over others, to use or not to use.
For reasons only historians will fully uncover one day, this amoral universe has found a home in the current GOP.
It is deeply troubling.
19
@Paul McGlasson
The present day GOP, its amorality exemplified by Trump, is particularly troubling to those who were once Republicans.
3
I fully agree. It was not always so. Whether Democrat or Republican, it is to be fervently hoped that the GOP may one day soon become itself again. The health of the country needs that.
2
At his core, trump is a weakling. This is why he fears weakness so much. And displays it so often.
17
Acosta did nothing wrong. He explained himself fine. This Epstein guy has a lot of relationships with Dems. If there is a story here, that is the story. Instead - the focus is on Acosta - who tried to get Epstein put away under circumstances partly out of his control. Ridiculous, I think.
@tbs I suppose hiding the deal from the victims is ok, even though it goes against all prosecutorial guidelines. I suppose molesting and raping children deserves a lenient 13 month work release sentence. Now the guy is Secretary of Labor charged with combatting human trafficking. The irony and corruption are palpable. And yes, Epstein had relationships with Democrats as well (like Bill Clinton). How does that change anything about Acosta and Trump?
1
@Chad the work release was not Acosta's idea, and not in his control.
"Real" Republicans: The Party of "real" personal responsibility.
2
Good column. But consider the flip side of all this: Acosta and everyone else in the Trump administration happily work for a man who has been accused of groping and raping women (in the most recent case, the accusation came with credible corroboration).
While nobody has accused Trump of raping children, the fact remains that letting sexual assault of any kind slide in the interest of ambition is a common denominator among Trump associates. And the more compromised his cabinet officials are, the better Trump looks: with every Trump cabinet scandal, the sociopath who appointed the cabinet is allowed to assume the position of the boss who has to make a tough position, rather than the sort of powerful person that the Acostas of the world make a career of kissing up to.
As a result, the question the media asks becomes: what will the president do, rather than: just how much do Trump and his enablers have in common with Epstein and his enablers?
6
Actually I read that a 13-year-old girl did claim that Trump raped her, but the case was not pursued.
3
If not an apology, how about restitution?
I wonder what fraction of Mr. Epstein's wealth would be required to help alleviate the problem at tour southern border? He could forfeit a couple of his overseas mansions, maybe even house immigrant families, provide training for the adults, care for the children, and still remain a very wealthy man.
With all of his resources, he could almost singlehandedly keep our country from being overrun by criminals such as rapists, pimps, and prostitutes . . .
Oh. Wait . . .
What we watch each day, is what Hannah Arendt named the banality of evil. We have normalized evil in this country. You would think sex trafficking of underage girls would finally be the litmus test for Trump to re-calibrate his moral compass. But no...he not only defends evil behavior, but, makes jokes about it---and not a word out of a party that appears to be quite comfortable with evil behavior and evil doers.
16
When there is no honor, no empathy, no shame, there can be no apology, just more lies.
There is only one thing of less value than an apology from Trump or the lackeys he employs: A promise.
2
If you think that Acosta's comments were, in any way, and apology, you are wrong. Acosta is as guilty as Epstein in this matter, not even telling the victims and then not really making Epstein serve his 13 months in jail. Had a common man committed those crimes, they would have spent a lifetime in prison. Equal Justice under the Law means nothing.
4
The press has described Trump's psychotic behavior often enough but the problem is, how to stop it?
#1; He is impeached but only a naif would believe that McConnell would allow that.
#2. He is voted out of office in 2020. He will deny he lost the election, and only when the U.S. marshals arrive, will he vacate the White House, kicking and screaming.
#3. The 25th Amendment. Is there now the remotest possibility that Pence and any member of the Cabinet will make an effort to save reputation and soul and take a stand against him?
Is there any honor amongst these crooks?
7
Lucky for Trump he doesn’t have to interact with many apologetic fellows. Believe me.
Child molesters are considered the worst of the worst in society. Even other criminals look down on them in jail. Now the US has two people at the very top of its Government (three, if you count Bill Barr) who have links with a convicted child molester.
Yet the republican base, which used to be so strong on law and order and family values at one time, sticks by Trump. The pious VP, so voluble on football players, abortions and gay people, is quiet.
What is going on here? What will it take for the people to realise that there is a problem with the leadership?
4
It's much easier to make sense of this administration if you think of it as a crime family. There's the Don,the boss, who's quite familiar how to swindle, connive, grift, con and enlist his enforcers to carry out his criminal operations.
If John Gotti were president would you expect an honorable, truthful, ethical person dedicated to the ideals this country has always aspired to?
Of course not. You would feel a fool to have such a nonsensical notion.
Trump and his fellow travelers are a Mob that operates on the edges of the law, always with one eye on getting back at their enemies and the other on what advantage they can give themselves in their greed, selfishness and crudeness.
It's no accident that Trump, Epstein and various other sleazeballs know each other, They share the same ethics and morality among themselves.
If you realize that some mobsters live to skirt the law while living their grotesque, shabby and repulsive lives acting as if they are somehow better than the thugs that rob and steal on the street you won't be surprised by any of the daily outrages.
They are just mobsters with some thin veneer of fake respectability.
Most of them deserve to be in prison,
4
Trump admires Epstein. He's a fun guy, he's rich, he likes young girls, and best of all...he gets away with it.
3
Apologizing: You're not quite "Army" yet, miss... or you'd know never to apologize... it's a sign of weakness.
Taking responsibility: Only the man who commands can be blamed. It rests on me... mission failure!
John Wayne -- She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
If we want to defeat Trump, we better figure out what his mission is/was and how it failed.
Note: His mission was not to make the world safe for multiculturalists.
1
Ugh, these men - and the adult women who are their beards - are repugnant. They are of no value in a civilized society. Those who protect them are surely guilty of the same monstrous acts. I hope everything under this rock is exposed and vaporized. Of course, the task will fall mostly to women and the percentage of men who are decent. I don't know how many are left.
2
More apologies have been said by Americans on Trump's behalf than space can record.
2
Yet this person you describe, is worthy to be your leader and representative of American values - otherwise how could he still be POTUS after more than two and a half years... truly amazing.
The title would be more accurate if it read "Trump Detests Truthful Men".
To see how the fabulous women of the US soccer world championship team handled themselves and spoke out today so eloquently, compared to hearing Acosta obfuscate and deflect, and Trump dither on about the kidney being the heart...it makes me flabbergasted that all these reprehensible men are the “leaders” when this country has so many talented people who can and should be instead.
2
Namesake, you've nailed it. A culture of impunity. A massive denial of an ugly amoral reality. Moral depravity that comes from the highest office in the land.
2
Deny everything. Admit to nothing. Then go on the attack to smear any and all critics. That's it. It's really pretty simple.
2
Biden’s practicing long established political art necessitating making deals with otherwise deplorable adversaries seeking thoughtful legislation instead resulting in emasculating degrading apologizing gesture, temporary mollifying Democratic left wing immature malcontents, but satisfying nobody instead appearing weak.
1
Hey, I remember this movie. It's from 1967, starring and amazing group of great comedians along with Walter Matthau, Inger Stevens, and Robert Morse.
Even if you get caught, "deny, deny, deny."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN2gU0XU5FU
1
When something in my history is found,
Which contradicts the views that I propound,
Or shows that I perhaps am not the guy I claim to be,
Here's what I usually do.
CHORUS:
I lie.
I simply boldly falsify.
I look the other feller in the eye,
And just deny, deny, deny.
I lie.
I don't apologize. Not me. Instead,
I say I never said the things I said,
Nor did the things some people saw me do,
When confronted by some things they know are true.
(CHORUS)
-- Calvin Trillin
3
I don't understand the modern liberal culture of apologizing. I am still attempting to understand why Joe Biden apologized? If you read his comments he stated that he worked with noxious people to get things done.
The current state of politicians on both sides is that if they don't get their way then they take their toys and go home. Look at how little gets done in Washington. When I look at the current list of Democratic candidates I see four more years of Trump. Keep on apologizing as it does so much to help the country. It is what the head doctors call "task irrelevant behavior".
The same people that voted for Trump in 2018 are going to vote for him again because the Democratic Party has rolled out an insane liberal agenda of free, free, free. The Democratic platform is a gift to the Trump campaign like AOC is to Fox News.
Trump will retain the same voters that voted for him in 2018 because they aren't looking for entitlements they are looking for jobs.
1
@Sean
Mature, responsible adults realize their fallibility, so they apologize when appropriate.
2
So interesting that honesty might be another value that varies across the political fault line. There are many other general differences, of course, like conservatives value tradition while liberals see how tradition might be improved. But never would have thought that a distaste for honesty and apologizing was a fairly visceral and innate conservative trait.
2
@Jim Muncy
Who do they apologize to if the people from that part of history are dead? My apologies for not understanding that.
I read this column and the comments twice. It is all so true. I say “true” knowing that was is true and what is not has been totally blown away in the Trump administration. It boggles my mind.
2
Acosta did not strongly passionately deny his wrong doing. He may have taken a prozac or two to deliver the preternatural calm he demonstrated. I don't know that Trump will be impressed. Trump seems to favor the Bret Kavanaugh approach of fire and fury annd rightgeous indignation. Acosta did none of that. We will see what happens as Trump likes to say.
2
One wonders if there is anyone left with a moral compass or sense of ethics. When people like Trump and his cohorts continuously get away with what they do and face no consequences or retribution for their actions. And what really galls me is the "Christian" right who are so willing to compromise the fundamentals of their religion in order to support this administration, just because it caters to their quest for superiority over anyone who does not look and think like them. Jesus wept.....
13
Trump is hopeless. He is our fault because we let it happen.
Under no circumstances should he be president. This is a national disaster and a national emergency.
We have been unable or unwilling to respond to this national emergency by removing him from office.
It is easier for me to deal with this debacle as an expatriate but distance does not insulate me from responsibility.
As a nation we have only exhibited weakness in the face of Trump.
10
The irony of all this denial is that the perpetrators and liars (this includes the current man in the WH) know that they did something unacceptable, since their actions need to be denied. But they don’t care about that. They happily transgress laws and propriety but indignantly deny having done so when confronted only because they know the public condemns such actions. Then their fun and games would be over. Their only moral rule is “Do whatever you can get away with. No matter how bad.”
Of course the strategy of indignant denial only works when a large part of the public swallows the lie. To those who still support this administration: open your eyes. These are not good people, they just pretend to be.
4
So, tell us something we didn't know about this reprehensible man and his code of conduct.
3
And just remember, every "nice" GOP voter you know owns these policies - the cruelty, corruption, lawlessness, and hatred of the "other." They might "dislike" how Trump behave, but if they've voted for him - they support him. End of story.
8
@CarolSon Trump voters are no more responsible for his election than the nearly 100 million eligible voters who, as some current posters regarding 2020 phrase it, decided to “sit [that] one out” or vote third-party because they were too pure to cast a ballot for Hillary. For pragmatic reasons I am not suggesting public shaming, but we must never, ever forget their shared culpability for this abomination.
Good points, but the title of this piece is too long. It should be, "Trump Detests Men" or (since women and children get even worse treatment) simply "Trump Detests". We have seen Trump minions repeatedly deny, deflect, and discredit, like Trump wants. They end up in the gutter anyway.
5
Mr. Blow accurately identifies Trump's modus operandi when he writes, "In Trump’s orbit you must ape the behavior of the boss: strongly deny and strenuously deflect. And, if possible, personally attack the person making the accusation. That is the Trump way. That is what he has always done."
What is amazing is that how we, the American electorate, not only ignore this mis-behavior, but condone it - by voting for him.
To paraphrase the Bard: the fault Dear Americans is not in our
stars, but in ourselves, in that we are underlings.
tc
3
He may not believe in apologies, but he is nevertheless the sorriest excuse of a man I’ve ever seen.
8
Here's how it works: you bring this stuff up at the guy's confirmation hearing. All of this was well known. I don't believe it was a straight party line vote. Calling for him to resign now or apologize when you confirmed him without any resistance two years ago is a bit silly.
1
As usual, Trump is projecting. He sees himself in these criminals. If he condemns these individual’s behavior, he condemns himself.
3
Mr Blow,
Another great column right on the mark. I'm looking forward to the next President (Hopefully a woman) who borrows the line from Gerry Ford who followed Nixon with this statement: Our long national nightmare is over.
I'm so proud that the US Women's Soccer team is refusing to visit the White House. They have more integrity than Mitch McConnell and his Republican Senators. History will not be kind to this President, his enablers or the people who turned a blind eye to his destruction of the norms that hold our democracy together and as a once shinning beacon of hope to the rest of the world.
4
We like to believe the trope that eventually good wins over evil and that evil doers will get their retribution and victims their justice.
However, for close to 72 years, Trump has gotten away with everything evil he has ever done, without apology, without consequence, without justice for his victims: women he's molested, men whose lives he's destroyed, banks he's defrauded, debts he's accumulated, invoices he never paid, contractors he stiffed, people he's lied to, people and organizations he's cheated.
How is it that someone like this can become President and get away literally with murder. Where is the justice in the universe?
5
This type of behavior on the part of Trump is evidently okay for enough Americans, for enough public officials, for enough people of influence that it will just pass, as every other example of his malignant character has and will do. Acosta may go, I doubt he is as genuinely shameless as Trump and may very well crumple as more details come out. But Trump will carry on, his poll numbers rising, his war chest accruing more millions and he will be emboldened to continue such anti Democratic, anti human and jaw dropping behavior not only unhindered, but gleefully. Just read the paper today, pick a topic -- it is despairing and bone chilling when it comes to this president. It makes me want to drop out of the world, but I believe we are really facing an existential threat "like no one has ever seen". We can't give up.
As a Canadian watching this mess, and something along 39% support Trump unequivocally - what does that say about your value system and your society?
8
"I believe Trump only cares about his own image and how those around him reflect on him." Well, a person who looks in the mirror every day and approves of the image he sees there is not playing with a full deck.
"how those around him reflect on him."? So far, they all reflect back to infinity, in an endless hall of mirrors, in unending corruption and ineptitude.
Whatever became of "The buck stops here"?
1
Why the fuss about what Trumpy cares about or doesn't care about? And how will this help in evicting him from the White House? This constant nit-picking by otherwise deep-thinking writers may have the opposite effect politically and a negative effect on the mood of the people.
1
People keep saying/writing thing like "trump only cares about his own image" or "trump cares only for himself" or "trump as no loyalty" like its news or something that just about everybody in the world doesn't know. We get it. We get it. And we agree with it.
2
Too specific. Trump detests men. And women. Also teenagers and children. Alive or dead, from here, from there, from anywhere. Doesn't matter. We are all two-legged tools, not human beings.
4
Charles you are on to something here!
Trump and quite frankly nearly all powerful plutocrats like him and uncounted aspiring plutocratic men in our society (in fact our entire world) hold to this ideal of "manly mendacity".
There is a serious price to be paid for failing this test and a worse price to be paid by any male who simply refuses to go along with the expectation in the first place. In some society failing or refusing leads to a death sentence. Certainly failing or refusing someone like Putin, Prince Mohammed bin Salman or Erdigan of Turkey can get you killed. In Trump's white house it gets you fired. In academia it gets you passed over and disregarded and in you are on tenure track it gets you unemployed.
Make no mistake about it this is how the plutocracy maintains itself. It is not a bit a surprise that the Jeffery Epstein scandal puts at risk politicians and powerful men across the political spectrum from Trump to Clinton to princes of religion because party does not really matter. What matters is masculinity money and most importantly power.
I'd accuse these guys of being racist too (and most of them are) but the reality is that this problem of empowered elitist masculinity unfortunately transcends race and ethnicity religion.
The only thing that brings this sort of thing to light is when women and girls and other victims stand up and put the case together.
2
Sadly for our country, this is spot on
1
Not to down-play the seriousness of the charges, maybe they ought to consider another plea deal with Epstein.
He could probably testify to some of the same from Donald.
After all, they used to hang out together at Trumps's Florida resort until Epstein got too brazen and was expelled and barred from returning- and was sort of gently busted.
Lord, does this parade of abuse and privilege ever stop?
How many friends do you have that have faced charges of sex trafficking or statutory rape?
I guess some of us just don't get out enough, or move in the right circles.
It's part of the moral high-ground of being middle-class.
2
The Trump credo is stolen directly from Groucho Marx (though the quote probably predates him):
"The most important quality is sincerity. Once you can fake that you've got it made."
In a fact optional multiverse, the only currency is strength of conviction, which the grifters know will generally be interpreted by the hoi polloi as sincerity. And that's why they strongly deny, and then turn the accusation back on the accuser.
The problem, though, in the end, is not with them or this tactic. The problem is us--so many of us fall for this garbage, over and over again.
5
The Law applies to others, not him. Ignoring the Law is de rigueur for him and if possible his friends and family.
Only he is protected by Free Speech, not anyone else. Insulting and disparaging others, (except. Right-wing Nationalists), is his right, but no one else better try it.
Mistreating people of color and women is his entitled privilege. Mentioning how racist this behavior is turns him and his supporters into Cry-bullies.
Had enough winning yet?
3
Trump gets the blame and press for instances like this but he's merely a mirror and spokesman for misogynists as a group, who both aid in keeping him in power and hide behind his public image.
The entire administration is a cartoonish version of selection bias. One might have been tempted to think "Gee, this looks bad for Acosta. What would an average attorney say to the media? An average person?" These are irrelevant questions.
What would someone still on the job with the Trump Syndicate in 2019 do? The answer is the same for all of them.
2
Mr. Blow: Since Trump has been elected, you’ve been the best opinion writer in these pages and elsewhere. Thanks for your cogent analysis. Keep up the great work.
2
It would be such an intense relief to hear a guy like Acosta say, yeah, I totally blew it. Or, yeah, the defense attorneys were breathing fire down my neck, or, I worried they were going to destroy my career, or, I lost sight of what mattered in the case which was justice and some sense of closure for the victims, or, even, I did not think it was a big deal at the time but times have changed. Anything real. Anything honest. He would at least get some grudging respect for courage and a shadow of integrity like Trump's fixer Cohen got. (Btw, let's ask Cohen about the 13-year-old who said Trump raped her.) But instead we get what we always get from this administration led by Trump: preposterous, self-serving, easily verifiable lies which Republicans believe and Democrats don't leaving the lot of us ever and more deeply divided by party about basic facts. And it's not just this case; it's immigration, it's the census question, it's Russian attacks on our election, it's even global warming. These lies are so harmful to our ability to see and solve real problems that it is not clear how we will ever overcome them, not even this one sex-trafficking case.
2
It is bad enough Trump engages in this behavior. Now he's got his wife doing it. The woman he has absolutely humiliated in public by his behavior. Now the victim becomes the perpetrator with her "that woman is lying" statement in describing Dr. Ford. Don't quite understand how she can make that determination so convincingly. She has been lied to more than any other person on the planet. Clearly she has forgone trying to tease the lies from the truth.
2
Acosta made excuses yesterday.
His job was to protect Epstein and all the powerful men he supplied young women to.
The list of these men can be found on the flight manifests for his plane. They were published, along with other articles, on Gawker. You can Google them easily.
Just read between the lines. Some people are having a hard time putting it together. Yes, Bill Clinton and Trump are some of these powerful men.
3
What's not being mentioned often enough is the immunity Acosta gave to Epstein's "co-conspirators" as part of the sweetheart deal. These, no doubt, were the people who helped procure the young girls and/or participated in the rape and abuse of them at Epstein's properties.
Under what system of law is such abhorrent behavior worthy of protection? Epstein at least received some, though not nearly enough, punishment, these others went free to do God knows what again.
2
My only question to Mr. Blow is what his plans are should his dream come true and Trump loses the 2020 election. Because clearly he is a man obsessed, and has almost nothing to write about except the current POTUS. But perhaps he knows, as most of us do, that the likelihood of that happening are pretty slim. So for him, at least, Trump will be the gift that keeps on giving.
Thank you, again, for reminding us that the Emperor has no clothes.
2
"But that’s the thing that stops you: For Trump, this isn’t about the charges or the children. For him, this is about how men perform denial."
You got that right! Since Trump is totally solipsistic, every person he hires, friend he associates with, or dictator he envies, reflects back on to him and must be kept pure to the carefully cultivated image he wants the world to see.
Scandal in his cabinet? Deny it. Incompetence? Defend it, lie about it. Attacks from critics? Hit back harder.
And whatever you do, do it passionately. Nothing makes this amoral man angrier than a lukewarm performance from a minion.
As Acosta did today--which is why I predict soon he'll be history.
4
Anyone who works for Trump and apologizes is a risk, because there is so much to apologize for when working for Trump.
1
It's the American plutocrats paradigm. And it's in 3D.
Deflect
Delay
Deny
1
Whether you're a conservative or liberal, have you ever met someone you considered an honorable, decent person who NEVER apologizes for anything, and who always denies and deflects blame? Imagine if your spouse or partner never apologized to you for anything. Is that acceptable? In normal life, we'd consider that person mentally ill, or just a horrible, rotten human being. But in politics it's okay?
Somehow, with President Trump and his associates, nearly half the country views this characteristic as "strength," as "fighting back." It's not strength or courage at all; it's weakness and cowardice. It's what bullies do. As my father taught me, people who are strong own up to their mistakes, take responsibility for them, and apologize when necessary. That's what decent people do.
2
True what you say about the ego maniac demagogue Trump but what you don't say is left wing radicals do the same thing.
Case in point is the moderate Pelosi, who tells AOC to stop tweeting and tone down her rhetoric because it is hurting the chances of democrats taken over the gov't in 2020. . Result, she is called discriminatory against women of color.
People in glass houses don't throw stones, Mr. Blow.
1
Mr. Blow, I think you may have painted with too broad a brush here. Trump admires denials from white men. He certainly was not impressed by the denials of the Central Park 5, not even when the DNA evidence itself denied their guilt.
Okay, I will admit that you can substitute great wealth, power, and/or fame for whiteness. That explains the pass for MSB. And the pass that Bill Cosby could have gotten if he had engaged in vociferous public denials. (In fact, Trump lambasted Cosby on Twitter for his lack of denials.) I don't know if Trump has ever weighed in on O.J., but I bet he would buy Simpson's denials as well. I don't know where he stands on R. Kelly -- but only because Trump is probably still peeved that Kelly refused to perform at the inauguration.
5
Trump summed up his core belief in the Hollywood Access tapes when he said: "And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything." Deny, deflect, and discredit works only because we let him (them) get away with it. In our society, the wealthy and powerful know that by unrelenting resistance they can break the public will to hold them to account for their wrongs. But first you have to be rich or powerful enough, or have the backing of someone who is, and you must be without a conscience.
25
@Ouzts And Donald fills those requirements swimmingly.
1
"Trump Detests" everyone, sooner or later, as attested to by the revolving door in his administration. My guess is that Acosta won't last. His performance was less than convincing.
12
It's a form of gaslighting; Deny with such force that those who listen to the accusers don't believe their own ears.
It's a male thing. On behalf of men everywhere, I apologize.
46
@Barking Doggerel There are plenty of women out here like that, too.
1
It's not just Acosta, it's not just Trump, it's not just Republicans - it is the new American ethos that everyone seems to be embracing. Look at the Democratic Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. How this country ever gets back from the abyss we have fallen into I have absolutely no idea. America has completely lost its soul - gone, vanished. We are unrecognizable to the country we were just a few decades ago. And it keeps getting worse by the day. I'm embarrassed to be an American these days. A large part of my identity used to be grounded in the great country of which I am a citizen. No longer. I feel as though I have no country any more. Worse than sad.
32
I feel just as you do and have for some time. Every single day, I feel compelled to apologize to the rest of the world for the disgraceful excuse for a human being that now sits in the White House. I know I’m not alone. I don’t really see a way back to civility or decency, especially in the political realm. I haven’t believed in the whole American Exceptionalism propaganda for years and every time I open a news app, that view is solidly confirmed.
2
This is exactly spot on! Sadly whatever Trump does is acceptable to his supporters and to the Republican Party. Shooting someone on fifth avenue would be cheered. I fear for my country. There’s a mechanism in place that has been apparent for some time. It’s ok with the republican leadership to lie steal and cheat their way to white male one party minority rule. The Justice dept, the Supreme Court, appointing judges at a record pace, nepotism. So much is at stake in 2020 but will it be a legitimate election? The last one?
28
Trump's loathing of apologetic men is a subconscious loathing of himself. It is a reminder of how many people he has hurt over the years, and the legions to whom he owes apology, nevermind that other group of legions over there to whom he owes restitution. He'll always be in denial about it, but the groups of both legions are only getting larger.
13
Being able to apologize indicates a moral compass.
It's been obvious for a while that Trump does not have a moral compass.
33
and as long as trump passes laws that benefit his donors, they will keep funding the party to keep it in power.
27
An excellent dissection of the difference between the virtues of strength in a strong man (or woman) and a mere “strongman” such as the ones who now hold executive power in Russia, North Korea , and the United States.
20
I watched Mr. Acosta's TV performance today with the sound off.
I've had enough.
30
@A. Stanton
I listened to and just shook my head in disbelief.
It smacked of the recent appointment of a Supreme Court Justice who put on a hissing fit in a hearing and attacked the Democratic Party.
This is my country? Everything I had been taught is just ignored or discredited...
Sheesh!
2
Trump has as much credibility as when Benedict Arnold told George Washington that "there was absolutely NO COLLUSION between me and the British".
30
Yes to all you say: Trump doesn’t care about the victims. But what about the Republican Party? They stand behind all of this. They are complicit.
84
@AT
They are appearing to endorse this behavior.
Sad!!!
1
How many Americans are seriously thinking about re-electing a Head of State who should be in a high-chair rather than behind the Resolute Desk? I ask merely for information.
38
@We'll always have Paris I don’t have an exact number, but it’s just under half.
2
@We'll always have Paris I don't know about a high chair. I'd opt for the electric chair. Or maybe the kind of special chair Liam Neeson's character employed in "Taken".
2
Charles M. Blow has pegged Donald Trump exactly right on the subject of avoiding an apology at any cost on any issue.
In Trump World, making an apology not only is a sign of weakness and an unmanly thing to do, it invites more questions and diminishes a leader in the eyes of the people he leads.
The word “apology” comes from a Greek expression, which means “speaking in defense.” For Donald Trump, Alex Acosta did what his boss wanted by refusing to apologize for letting a pedophile, Jeffrey Epstein, off with a slap on the wrist.
The problem for Acosta is that his stone-walling performance was not done well. In the mind of Donald Trump, denials are not enough. The best defense always requires a strong offense. Trump wants an unrelenting and angry attack on the victims and the critics.
17
@sdw and as someone else noted, as long as trump panders to his rich donors with laws that favour their interests, they will keep donating hundreds of millions to the cause of the republican party.
12
What is it with so many in Trumps cabinet? They keep coming up with problematic histories and they try and maneuver their way around them, only to ultimately fail. What is it that drives these people to jump headfirst into the Trump snake pit? It seems obvious that they are setting themselves up for a catastrophic downfall bur they still dive in. I don't get it.
13
@Magan to stay in his favor and have continuous access to his hotels and resorts at reduced rates. to continue to pander to his base and his rich donors who keep the republican party afloat.
6
@Magan Trump is not acquainted with anyone of character.
1
In principle everyone should agree, but reality is another matter. We can pretend that this is about Trump, or started with him, but neither is true. Trump took a refusal to apologize and made it a norm, so Trump's made another problem which already existed much worse.
Anyone who works as a criminal defense attorney will tell you how many of their clients, but especially their male clients, refuse to give a credible allocution, which is a formal statement made to the court by a defendant who has either been found guilty, or has taken a plea, prior to his being sentenced. Refusal to admit guilt after being found guilty by judge or jury makes perfect sense as most defendants intend to appeal their convictions. It's a different matter where, for instance, there's a video of a defendant committing the crime, he voluntarily decides to enter a plea for a highly reduced charge and sentence, yet refuses to admit he did anything wrong. This was a constant long before Trump.
No matter how reprehensible this strategy may be, and how contrary it is to everything we're taught (or should be taught) it actually makes sense in the real world. If people watch how society works they quickly learn how little benefit there is in admitting guilt.
Think of Nixon and Watergate and Reagan and Iran-Contra and you'll see how refusing to admit you did anything wrong has long been the norm in American politics. As Reagan proved, without a smoking gun, you'll never pay a price for anything.
23
@Robert B
So Trump resembles s low trade normal everyday man of criminal intent which is all around us all of the time. OK. Agreed. But what is he doing in the white house?
2
There are two worlds. One for the rich and you see how they get treated and one for the rest of the people and we all know how they get treated. Been this way forever.
19
Apologetic men have no place in a Trump pantheon for certain. But our 19th century authors understood the ultimate folly of this position. In "The Ambitious Guest" Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote of the destruction of a family and their guest in a New Hampshire avalanche which also included Longfellow's quote on the role of providence: “Though the mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small; Though with patience He stands waiting, with exactness grinds He all.”
It may not come in my lifetime but Mr. Trump and his cabinet, individually and collectively, will have its comeuppance.
On this I pray every day.
69
@Douglas McNeill And may I add, Amen.
Good insights, but one error. Trump doesn't care one whit about his image or reputation. He is one of very few Presidents with no concern for his historical image. He lives for today, and, it appears like Epstein, for the immediate gratification of his personal needs. History will castigate him, describing this Presidency as the worst since the nation's creation. Trump will not care. While I doubt there will ever be a Trump library, I would imagine it will be devoid of books, perhaps a listing of Tweets and videos of his appearances on Fox. Trump would not be Trump if he had the capacity to look even a few hours beyond the present.
122
@Disillusioned
I disagree. He cares about his legacy and proving himself as the "great" man he knows himself to be. I read in the NYT two articles in the past that lead me to believe that he wants to be remembered as the greatest President in the history of the USA.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/23/todayspaper/quotation-of-the-day-as-stocks-fall-trump-directs-anger-at-fed.html?searchResultPosition=1
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/01/opinion/putting-donald-trump-on-the-couch.html
@Disillusioned I can't say I agree. I think Trump believes every word about himself that he says.
To paraphrase Leona Helmsley's famous observation about the plutocracy's historic aversion to paying taxes,
"Apologies are for little people."
69
"Never apologize, never explain" and "It’s easier to ask forgiveness than to get permission" are both mottos many successful people follow and credit their success to.
Gracer Hopper is one who approved of the latter.
2
@AG Success is subjective and relative. A thing doesn't seize to be true because it isn't accepted by many. For a very long time we lived in a world most people thought the earth is flat. Some still do. Where does self actualization fit in this equation?
3
@AG
I assume that by "Gracer Hopper" you mean pioneering computer scientist Grace Hopper. Though I have only spoken with Admiral Hopper twice, I have also at times read about her life. And, especially as an officer of Marines I have sometimes acted with good effect before receiving permission - it's what we do.
I feel certain that if she were alive today, Admiral Hopper would be aghast at the perversion of that saying to cover the terrible (and in some cases illegal) deeds by Acosta to protect Epstein, who you may remember Trump was praising at the time.
15
Instead of apologizing, Donald Trump would like us to believe he's the Babe Ruth of United States Presidents. If the Trump administration was a Major League Baseball team, Trump would boast, "I have the highest batting average of any President". which maybe true since his team's lineup has Donald Trump as the designated hitter (DH) hitting 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th & 9th in the batting order, only playing in road games in cities where the President is able to fill stadiums (akin to a pep rally) by providing his fans free tickets. In the few games Trump's team plays, the opposing pitchers knowingly throw the President batting practice fastballs like in the MLB Home Run Derby. All other games in other cities in which the fans exercise freedom of thought and pay for their own tickets, the President unapologetically doesn't show up, forfeiting over 63% of regular season games. An argument could be made that Trump hasn't attended a MLB game as President to avoid having to buy tickets for 60,000 Trump supporters. Or maybe Donald Trump is afraid of the optics of getting booed.
27
@José Franco Love the baseball analogy. You might have noticed that our "so called" supreme leader was afraid to show up in France for the World Cup.
@José Franco Good baseball analogy. Still, it’s so easy to nap during a televised baseball game.
Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein are two peas in a pod. By his own admission, Trump has known Epstein since 1987. There has been reporting about Trump’s visits to the Epstein residence prior to 2002. By keeping the spotlight on Acosta, Trump is keeping it off his relationship with Epstein and their similar interest in women.
71
@Robert Pryor That's a very good rational analogy. Keep in mind, shameless also applies to these two.
1
I wrote a Ph.D. dissertation on apologies, and sadly Trump has a point. While there is good literature on the healing role of apologies after a social wrong and many of us continue to apologize for our errors, the literary/cultural representation of the apology is generally NOT used to show a wrongdoer's return to virtue, but rather as a means of emphasizing the wrongdoer's error. The apology, then, in its cultural representation, is just exactly what Trump believes it is--a means of transferring (moral/social) power from a group the author wants to criticize to one he/she wants to support. In western literature, apologizers are universally wealthy white men. Their crimes, almost without exception, are of a sexual nature.
24
@Hazlit
This is self evidently true, particularly in cases like this -- after all we're talking about abetting rape and human trafficking not a spilled coffee or a forgotten birthday. What possible benefit would Acosta gain by apologizing and, thereby, admitting wrongdoing?
If you do not name it, acknowledge it, you cannot correct it. That is the core damage done by this pattern of blaming anything "other".
This is also a cumulative problem as lack of solutions are compounded over time. We are in deep trouble as a nation. Trump and the GOP might as well be playing violins like Nero (I know he didn't really but metaphor).
11
Someday Pres. Trump is going to be a victim. Perhaps on November 3, 2020, if he gets trampled (by a woman?) in the election. And the victor is not going to say one nice thing about him, I hope. No need to be nasty, just not nice. Something like, "Pres. Trump was a difficult adversary, but I beat him. I beat him in the popular vote and in the electoral vote. I beat him fair and square. I look forward to succeeding him in the White House on January 20, 2021. If he desires to assist me in the transition, I would welcome that. If not, I will use the knowledge of others to build a successful transition to a new administration." Mr. Trump will then claim the election was rigged, as he was prepared to do (perhaps assuming his opponent would make the same attempt to get some sort of outside help, as his associates did in 2016), and the victor will still not apologize for anything or appease in any way. And when he becomes a victim of some disease (Vladimir Putin and the "Supine" Court cannot protect him from that), and we hear stories about all the pain he's going through, will he deserve any sympathy?
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@Gnirol No. There is nothing nice to say about him so anything that winner (please!) says to compliment him would be a lie to begin with.
2
You are absolutely correct. The best example of this in Trump's own life was his Obama "birther" accusations. When the pressure finally got to much for even Trump and he made a statement to the press, it wasn't an apology for anything. It was a simply declarative sentence that Obama was born in the US and was a citizen. No "sorry" for the five years of taunting Obama on the subject. Not even an "I was wrong" statement. He said Obama was natural born and left the stage. Trump will only have pity and rip apart any of the Democrats who voice regret of any of their positions over their careers. Democrats should never explain or apologize in 2020.
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@Tom If it becomes common practice for one party to stonewall and make the most brazen claims without any reference to reality, just wait until you hear what some arbitrator representing some corporation says in your case.
@Tom. Trump also blamed Hillary Clinton for starting the rumor.
2
There is no excuse for the outrageous way Acosta handled the Epstein case and sentencing which followed. However, Acosta gave a fairly convincing defense of his actions, but only because the reporters present failed miserably to expose the many flaws in Acosta's handling of the case. I would think that Acosta and Trump were quite pleased with the outcome.
20
" I believe Trump only cares about his own image and how those around him reflect on him. "
Honestly, I fail to see how a rational observer could believe otherwise.
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Charles: the fix is in. I believe the rich and powerful have won. I was just reading today ( Thursday) that Trump’s approval rating has ticked up to 47% in one poll. Tragic if true. Acosta will stay UNLESS Trump can’t use him any more to his advantage— while Trump is thoroughly enjoying this whole spectacle of play acting as President.
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@Mike I know two people who voted for him who refuse to talk about him anymore- and more than likely won't vote at all in the next election. A lot of Americans have a short attention span, and Trump is wearing on them.
Don't be surprised if the polls are wrong. How do they do the polling- by phone? Who answers phone calls these days from people you don't know?
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@Hugh G
Who has a landline anymore?
Old people who are most likely Republicans. They are more likely to back their President out of respect and a misguided sense of loyalty.
I agree completely - polls are not necessarily accurate predictions of the future election in 2020. Too much can happen from now till then.
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@Butterfly Well, speaking for myself (age 70) and most of the other "old" people I know, this is a complete mischaracterization of my demographic group.
You should be more careful in making blanket assessments of people.
6
I know a few older men who firmly believe that a "real man" never asks permission, never explains, never apologizes and never makes amends. I only hope that the younger generation of men is wiser than this.
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@Jackie - if this has any relevance at all I think those older men you refer to were saying so-called "real men" don't have to - because real men wouldn't.
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@Jackie
''Real men" don't eat quiche, but if you call it a cheese pie, they will.
4
I’ve got to give it to him, It does seem to work. He’s created his own reality.
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@Bitter Mouse
It might seem to work to you in America , for those looking from the outside it’s just an indicator that America’s moral and ethical collapse is total and complete. You’ve completely lost your way as a nation and abandoned everything you once stood for and the consequences will be horrific , not just nationally but globally.
3
Trump does not possess empathy, so is unable to feel any depth of feeling for anyone suffering, it's just not there. Acosta went out there knowing he was performing for Trump and now awaits his fate. It's the political Emmy's and Trump has the only vote.
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@Holly
The only empathy he is capable of is the kind that projects himself onto other people whom he admires because he sees them as being like him -- powerful, masterful, "winners" -- or better yet, even more powerful or masterful than he is, like the autocrats he worships. So he will always take their side, see things from their point of view, defend their side of the story, because they are avatars for him.
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@herzliebster
And will he acknowledge the US Women's Soccer team as "Winners"?
Maybe, reluctantly, with his tail between his legs.
1
Contrast this performance with that of ADM Bill Moran several days ago, who was selected to be Chief of Naval Operations, who retired because of the complication of a scandal which had already been adjudicated. Under the standard suggested in this article, he was not up to the Trump standard, as he did not get into the 'batting cage' to whack at the critics and media. In reality, Moran must be viewed as a tragic hero, who loves his service and reputation enough to bow out for the greater good of the organization.
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But if these events took place more than a decade ago then there is no way that Trump was involved.
The Democrats are in a vengeful mood. They want Acosta's head as a substitute for Trump's.
While Trump is the most confused president in recent times and quite capable of nasty remarks, yet, I cannot deny a wish that the Democrats will get their comeuppance in November 2020.
Do I want Trump to be re-elected? Not really. Do I want the Democrats to be taught a lesson by the voters? Yes. Unfortunately I cannot have one wish without the other - sigh!
11
This comment makes no sense, starting with the assertion that Trump had nothing to do with it if it happened more than 10 years ago. Wasn’t Trump a living adult 10 years ago? Do you mean Trump had nothing to do with Acosta’s decision on the plea deal? If so, that’s probably true.
But Trump appointed Acosta. Does Trump bear no responsibility for his appointees’ histories? Remember when Trump would only appoint the best to be in his administration? Why are you lowering the bar?
Bringing the Dems in on this shows your true colors. Congress has an oversight responsibility. If Acosta can be shown to have given an unusually lenient deal to Epstein because Epstein is rich has clear relevance to someone’s fitness for running the Department of Labor. It’s not rocket science.
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@Ludwig Of course Trump wasn't involved - nobody says he was other than the fact that Trump and Epstein were friends for many years and they hung out together. Trump jokingly said that Epstein liked beautiful women - on the young side. And then the deal that Acosta made was not the kind of deal he would have made with people of lesser means or even less severe offenses. But this speaks to Trump's judgement most aptly demonstrated by the poor quality of people he has surrounded himself since he was elected. Trump has behaved horribly since the election. What you're calling vengeful the rest of us call doing their job. Had they simply looked away at all of the indiscretions, then yes, they would need to be taught a lesson. But this is just you conjuring up some kind of weird false equivalency.
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@Ludwig What is the lesson you consider the Democrats should be taught, at the expense of four more years of the most morally and ethically corrupt leader of a major country since the 1930s? A lesson worth losing the trust and respect of allies around the world?
2
I would bet several years of paychecks that many psychotherapists such as myself have watched hundreds of hours of Trump's performances -- more assessment hours than most therapy clients sit to -- and would affirm that the man is a militant sociopath. Those professional clinicians who might be diffident about publicizing such a claim would not have to worry, as "sociopath" is not an official diagnostic category like Antisocial Personality Disorder. A feature of a sociopath is this acute sense of discernment: Who is plagued by a moral sense, and who is not. Trump can easily tell who will be in sync with him.
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@Fred If you're actually asking the voters if they would like a string of Donald Trump's taming the corrupted D.C. culture of failure, the answer is yes.
D.C. sounds crazy to the average American, and solvers of D.C. sound crazy to the inmates of this particular asylum.
@Fred
"... Who is plagued by a moral sense, and who is not. …"
It is well known that trump is not plagued by a moral sense.
Acosta has now been definitively outed as not plagued by a moral sense.
I can not name a single trump pick for anything who is plagued by a moral sense. Not a one.
13
@Fred
Fred, there is terror underlying Trump's outward chutzpah. When in Florida he expressed a tiny dollop of empathy for those crossing the southern border, saying he wouldn't mow them down, a supporter shouted, "shoot them." Trump was called upon to reaffirm his assertion that he would do no such thing; he was called upon to lead. Sheepishly, he smiled and said, falsely, "only in the Florida panhandle."
He is weak and afraid of the beast he has uncaged.
1
The problem we all have with Trump is we can't stop pointing out how depraved he is. This problem stems from a lack of vocabulary to describe how craven his supporters are. Until we can enlighten ourselves and others about what it is that provides Donald Trump immunity from norms of ethics, law, and decency, we are doomed to keep pointing to his ever-descending standards. He's not the puzzle we need to solve.
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@Eric Caine
"This problem stems from a lack of vocabulary to describe how craven his supporters are. Until we can enlighten ourselves and others about what it is that provides Donald Trump immunity from norms of ethics, law, and decency, we are doomed to keep pointing to his ever-descending standards."
The vocabulary is available and simple: he entertains his supporters. Entertainment, consisting of his making uncomfortable the educated and sensitive, is all his supporters require of him. And he delivers it, tweet by tweet.
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@Eric Caine
Trump's said it himself mamy times - he operates on fear.
He threatens punishment to anyone who doesn't do what he wants. He follows up to. If you value your job, your income, your reputation you do as he says or he destroys you.
That's pretty simple to understand.
The real question is why people get involved with him.
55
@Matthew Hughes We need to be careful in how we frame trump supporters... sure, some are hideous but many were drawn to him, because he noticed their hardship - they felt heard and seen - I had little problem with HRC myself but can completely see how elitist she comes over... and the 'deplorable' thing... ouch. All I'm saying is we need SOME of those trump supporters to flip and they will I believe, do just so with a viable alternative that sees them... Warren is shaping up to be just that.
25
Truly, the very rich have their own system of ethics and their very own system of laws, laws that extend back into the very origins of human society.
We see that clearly in Epstein's case. We also see that clearly in the Presidency of Donald Trump. We've made incremental steps towards improving the voice of the common man internationally. There is more equity after all, (isn't there?) even as the rich separate ever more from the rest of us.
Trump's Presidency is about nothing at all if not about a primal scream of the very rich to take down even planet earth in service to immediate satisfaction and an even more egregious wealth gap.
Epstein is the tip of the spear, is he not? Caligula would be thrilled to be in Trump's cabinet, or at one of his Florida fetes.
We on the outside must continue to fight, to write, and to find a way to make the voice of the common man heard. That is the true heart of these United States. Trump and his ilk are the rot.
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@David Kesler
>>Trump's Presidency is about nothing at all if not about a primal scream of the very rich to take down even planet earth in service to immediate satisfaction<<
So. Tragically. True.
5
Perhaps he just subscribes to Churchill's "Never complain (well, not that part), but "never explain."
9
Charles,
From start to finish this article nails trump to perfection. Keep up your good work.
171
To apologize; to admit an error; to concede a weakness; to own a wrong--and then to conceal or deny it--is the lowest sort of conduct in a human being. It's much worse than murder--the taking of a life. When one buries a truth inside one's self, they are concurring with the evil that they have spoken or done, and nothing is said or done without being thought first.
When someone wrongs another, they chip away at the self-esteem of that "other," but the worst harm is done to the self. Oh, one can deny it for years, but it's a worm that turns and turns and turns. Donald Trump's turn is coming. Like Herod, he will, one day, be "eaten of worms" (Acts 12:23, KJV).
The flip side of "detesting apologies" is the absence of humility, which, besides obedience, was Christ's greatest virtue. He had no faults of which to admit, but His very life and model, is a cautionary tale against pride, the father of all sins, the monster that devours apologies and apologists.
But of the countless young girls and women whom Jeffrey Epstein allegedly pillaged--and was protected by R. Alexander Acosta, we hear the Secretary of Labor cop a plea, much like a common thug in a courtroom, that, essentially, he didn't do it; he had no choice; he agonized over it. But he never admitted a fault.
This is a virtue to the president. He tries mightily to project an image of a hard guy, someone who's not crossed, who's dangerous and who knows "people." The apology is owed to the victims and their families.
36
I've had it.
This will be a turning point.
My vote is Harris/Mayor Pete 2020
66
I will vote for the Democratic nominee. Yes, I have my preferences, but once there's a nominee, that's who gets my vote. I won't stay home in protest, nor will I vote for a third party candidate, both of which could only help Trump. Further, I will work hard to elect Democrats down the ballot. Republicans have enabled Trump, his swamp creature cabinet, and the attacks on women and minorities. The GOP is complicit in all Trump does.
14
I find nothing more despicable than blaming others for one's own mistakes. There is nobody in Trump's entourage I want to be associated with.
97
I'm sorry Trump was elected president of the United States only with Russian help. I'm sorry he's setting up to receive more help from Russia in the 2020 election. I'm so sorry.
98
Jr, Don't be sorry. Mobilize and help vote him out of office. That's the only way we end this nightmare.
11
@jr The rest of the country is not at all one bit sorry that democratic enabler Epstein was not able to install the clintons in the white house!! Where was HRC when her husband was palling around with Jeff Epstein? Why did he get an invite to Chelsea's wedding?
How close exactly was MRS. Clinton to her husband and Epstein's friendship? Was this another case of... I just didn't know what was going on in my marriage?
1
@Midway
Well, Midway, since you are calling Epstein a democratic enabler when all those who have been trying to hide him from the jaws of justice are Republicans, and you are implying that Trump is the bulwark of marriage vows in the modern era … you most certainly are what we call a Russian Republican.
2
As your neighbour I have observed this.
When an American really and truly apologizes for something, and it feels sincere, it has real and powerful meaning.
From this side of the border, it seems Americans in general do not usually apologize to anyone, for anything, when perhaps they should. So one notices an apology from an American that comes across as sincere.
Here in Canada, we have a Prime Minister who would seemingly, given the chance, apologize to a paper clip.
In my family we wish all Americans much success in your neighbourhood discussions and family meetings as you stitch your country back together.
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@MKS
In Canada people say sorry when you bump into them. Therefore it's only right and proper if Justin Trudeau comes across as a trifle apologetic. To this reader (and fellow Canadian) he also comes across as a singularly progressive leader unafraid to grapple with the toughest challenges facing our country.
132
@MKS
Trudeau finds it easy to apologize for what others have done, not so much to apologize for his own wrongdoings.
4
Trump's narcissism has an outer toughness but inside it is a house of cards anchoring a massive insecurity. Admitting wrong, apologizing, and those cards will collapse exposing the weakness he so fears. He hates in others what he fears in himself. Not being able to admit when you are wrong is a great failing in a leader. Trump cannot admit that Russia interfered in our election as he would have to backtrack from his earlier denials. This intransigence has real policy implications in efforts to prevent Russian interference in the 2020 election. The President can barricade himself in a wall of denial, but that doesn't mean that consequences aren't felt in the country.
202
@nancy hicks: A person who denies his own mistakes has no understanding of mistakes made by others.
2
Of course Trump never apologizes. He is proud of the crimes he's committed. He is proud of every corrupt, unlawful action he's ever taken. Sexually assaulting women is his badge of honor. But underlying all this bravado is a quality that he displays - a quality that his base shares - and that is failing to take responsibility for one's own actions. The belief that others are to blame for one's own wrongdoing, one's own lapses of judgment. And of course he appoints toadies with these qualities, as they are reflections of himself.
And this explains why his base tolerates -- even applauds -- all of his wrongdoing. Why they haven't peeled off, nearly three years into the most disastrous presidency in our history. The narcissism, the resentment, particularly of white males, drives Trump voters. They want to blame someone else for their own shortcomings. And this is what they love about Trump. He absolves them of all their moral failings, their lapses, as well. Commit the crime and blame someone else. It's gotten him into the White House, because he understands that his voters see themselves in him. And as long as he doesn't apologize for his bigotry, his misogyny, then they'll never have to, either.
We've come a long way from the "pulling oneself up by one's bootstraps". Trump voters realize they don't have to do this anymore, when their president tells them it is just fine to demonize women and minorities instead. And this conduct will get him a second term in the White House.
595
@Charles Dodgson. I wish I could disagree even a little, but I cannot. The consequences of what you describe for the country have and will be catastrophic. There is no facing up to any truth. And, for some reason,many women are the enablers.
231
@Charles Dodgson
A most astute comment. And the absolution he affords to his base suggests a quasi-religious element explaining perhaps his popularity among Evangelicals..
182
@Charles Dodgson
I see the American citizens who support Trump a little differently. I see them as people who have been traumatized by him. It is not in our best interests to ridicule them and castigate them, because that only fuels their righteous indignation. What would be wrong with authentically listening to their concerns, and seeking solutions to their problems? They are humans, and their concerns and fears should be important to the rest of us, and there may be common concerns.
31
Mr blow-----you absoluty right on you hit the nail on the head
197
Let's not forget that Trump was tutored by Roy Cohen, Eugene McCarthy's right-hand man, to take the offense at the slightest provocation.
288
@sdf
Joseph McCarthy, but time merges & mashes memories, so not an uncommon slip.
17
@sdf
You're right: Roy Cohn likely did have a strong influence on Trump. However, it should be noted that he was the right-hand man not of Eugene McCarthy, but of Joseph McCarthy, the rabid anti-communist Senator from Wisconsin.
Wikipedia's entry about Joseph McCarthy states that:
"He is known for alleging that numerous Communists and Soviet spies and sympathizers had infiltrated the United States federal government, universities, film industry[citation needed], and elsewhere. Ultimately, the smear tactics that he used led him to be censured by the U.S. Senate. The term "McCarthyism", coined in 1950 in reference to McCarthy's practices, was soon applied to similar anti-communist activities. Today, the term is used more broadly to mean demagogic, reckless, and unsubstantiated accusations, as well as public attacks on the character or patriotism of political opponents."
Eugene McCarthy was a different kind of man altogether, a Senator from Minnesota whose campaign for President in 1968 coalesced a large coalition of voters who opposed, and wanted a swift end to, the Vietnam war.
We can only wish Trump HAD been influenced by someone associated with Eugene McCarthy, rather than by Joseph McCarthy's minion, Roy Cohn!
Last but not least: Thank you, Mr. Blow, for a particularly insightful column.
20
@Bill in Vermont Roy Cohn was Trump's lawyer. It is significant that Trump's favorite lawyer (although he may have a "new" Cohn in Bill Barr), is someone who was disbarred for unethical behavior.
8
This is a great example of how elections have consequences. Brett Kavanaugh was appointed to a seat on the Supreme Court. His performance in the hearing was disqualifying enough, regardless of the allegations. Business deal abound with MBS, and Putin has substantial influence over American Policy. Acosta will likely remain head of Labor Department.
When the occupant of the White House is of low moral standing, favoring appearance over skills and ability, the entire country suffers. The country picked Trump, and Acosta is simply one of the many consequences we must suffer.
People like Epstein, Manafort, and Weinstein, and Trump himself have boldly displayed lawless behavior in public, for years. Trump rallies for all of them when their privilege is threatened. I hope to see this rein end in the next generation.
335
@George Sweetapple
" The country picked Trump"
No we didn't. We picked Ms. Clinton. The Electoral College picked Trump.
831
@Charlesbalpha I agree with you. But the rules apply. Trump won the states that mattered.
34
What “matters” needs fixing. It’s archaic, steeped in this nation’s original sin, is vulnerable to social engineering by those who count cards (i. e. cheat and manipulate), and has failed to perform as a safeguard against wackos gaining office against the will of the majority. What “matters” has been flat-out broken for decades.
But, we’ve been wringing our hands over our addiction to oil for decades, too.
48
Of course Trump doesn’t want anyone around him to apologize or acknowledge that there is a legitimate grievance from an opposing party. Donald doesn’t want to be shown up, after all.
80