An angle the media continually overlook is Trump is an actor, a celebrity, a performance artist who knows what audiences want & how to manipulate them. By adding that element of surprise Trump holds people's attention.
Yet inexplicably a majority of media folks, pretty much across the board, are stuck on one boring narrative, solely focused on Trump's reactive, bombastic nature leading to his premature demise. No doubt Trump is unruly & uncontrollable, but he is also unpredictable, which makes it difficult, if not impossible, to pigeonhole.
While a bit risky Trump's debate performance may surprise us all, even his supporters. After all what better way to throw off the competition than doing what they least expect.
Where this goes from here is anyone's guess. But expect the unexpected! Who knows, his supporters could be just as unpredictable as he presumably is.
Yet inexplicably a majority of media folks, pretty much across the board, are stuck on one boring narrative, solely focused on Trump's reactive, bombastic nature leading to his premature demise. No doubt Trump is unruly & uncontrollable, but he is also unpredictable, which makes it difficult, if not impossible, to pigeonhole.
While a bit risky Trump's debate performance may surprise us all, even his supporters. After all what better way to throw off the competition than doing what they least expect.
Where this goes from here is anyone's guess. But expect the unexpected! Who knows, his supporters could be just as unpredictable as he presumably is.
1
At least there will be some comic relief on a stage full of blank guys.
1
The American People feel VERY hostile toward the elite, so if Trump comes across as a little hostile, all the better. In any case, Trump is competent, confident and centered in himself; he is a real, authentic and sincere person who isn't plastic or pre-packed, calculating or manipulative, so he pretty much always makes a good impression as far as I am concerned. He just needs to be himself and not allow himself to be cowed by the media or other bullies.
3
This was the year I finally figured out that political journalism, which is now a big business (witness the rise of Politico, started by Washington Post journalists in the mid-00s) is a hand-in-glove operation with national-level politicians. Yes, I'm a slow learner. They need each other in order to stay in business. One hand washes the other. They say to each other: you believe in my lies, and I'll believe in yours.
That's how blowhards like Donald Trump are written about in supposedly serious publications like the New York Times as being anything other than craven attention-hounds with virtually no chance of ever becoming President of the U.S.. Mr. Trump is a creation of the media, both in his own mind and among national-level journalists. He is good copy, and sells online clicks and, yes, physical newspapers, for those who live in areas that still have such things. What? Wow, what did he say today? How outrageous can he get? He is like the political equivalent of a Kim Kardashian Instagram selfie.
The genius of American politics is that it goes to the heart of the American carnival-barker system of capitalism: step right up and see the world's biggest con-man/liar. His tall tales are the only thing taller than he is. That will be $3 for admission to our show, please.
1
He's a nasty piece of work, and those who claim great faith in him
know it well enough.
We could've hoped for a respectable and able candidate to attract
that anger; were unlucky in getting Trump in that accidental place. But the powers be (banks and wall street) have stomped on
the middle classes. and It won't
end at all well and spread all to far in the future.
know it well enough.
We could've hoped for a respectable and able candidate to attract
that anger; were unlucky in getting Trump in that accidental place. But the powers be (banks and wall street) have stomped on
the middle classes. and It won't
end at all well and spread all to far in the future.
We love you Donald
Oh, yes we do
We love you Donald
We will be true.
We love you Donald
Oh, yes we do
On Fox News Thursday
you must come through
Please Donald do that
come through
then Donald dearest
we still love you!
Every day we don't hear you
We're blue.
Oh Donald Please Stay You!
With Apologies to We Love You Conrad from Bye Bye Birdie
Oh, yes we do
We love you Donald
We will be true.
We love you Donald
Oh, yes we do
On Fox News Thursday
you must come through
Please Donald do that
come through
then Donald dearest
we still love you!
Every day we don't hear you
We're blue.
Oh Donald Please Stay You!
With Apologies to We Love You Conrad from Bye Bye Birdie
1
It will certainly garner the highest ratings of any televised GOP potential nominee debate. We will all want to see who draws blood on Trump first. Will it be Rubio, Cruz or Paul?
I wont be surprised if Cruz and Trump self annihilate like particles meeting their anti-particle twin.
I wont be surprised if Cruz and Trump self annihilate like particles meeting their anti-particle twin.
1
We all know that Trump is capable of being a provocative bully. The question is whether he has anything of substance to contribute to solving the many urgent problems facing this country.
1
I hope and pray that Trump, the Dem's biggest weapon, blows out a ton of his usual gassy garbage. The more of it the better, in fact. We Democrats have a lot to be thankful for when a billionaire blowhard like Trump comes to our support.
Keep it up, Donnie!
Keep it up, Donnie!
I'm astonished by the growing acceptance of Trump among people who may never vote for him [or vote at all!] Their comments - though muted - are enamored to his total disregard for politics as usual.
His remark about 'Debates' is all politicians do - while nothing gets done - appeals to pretty wide audience.
Yipes ... Am I too warming up to the Donald?
His remark about 'Debates' is all politicians do - while nothing gets done - appeals to pretty wide audience.
Yipes ... Am I too warming up to the Donald?
5
Please. This is a 90 minute "debate" that includes ten candidates, so if the moderators are being fair - that means less than ten minutes for each candidate to speak. The evening will consist of zingers and sound bites - not any substantive discussion of policy issues. Trump will come prepared with some memorable zingers and insults and the circus will continue.
4
The article assumes that Trump wants to appeal to the rational and informed Republican voter. It's obvious that he has no interest in that and pretty clear that the rational and informed Republican voter is an endangered species.
1
One thing no one has mentioned is that the Trumpster really does not want to be President because he would have to put all his business interest into a blind trust and that will never happen.
2
All I can say is, this is a cheap trick to get Democrats, such as myself, to watch a Republican Debate this early in the cycle.
This lifelong liberal Democrat is looking forward to the Republican debate Thursday with baited breath. I can't wait.
With The Donald on board no one will be bored. I pray each day his numbers rise and on Thursday The Trump trumps the Other Nine Republican Nincompoops sharing the stage with Him, with Them eating His dust.
I really don't think we'll even notice whoever says whatever from the Other Nine. All eyes and ears will be tuned in laser-like to The Donald.
And that's the way it should be. The GOP deserves no less.
OK, Count, start counting.
DD
Manhattan
With The Donald on board no one will be bored. I pray each day his numbers rise and on Thursday The Trump trumps the Other Nine Republican Nincompoops sharing the stage with Him, with Them eating His dust.
I really don't think we'll even notice whoever says whatever from the Other Nine. All eyes and ears will be tuned in laser-like to The Donald.
And that's the way it should be. The GOP deserves no less.
OK, Count, start counting.
DD
Manhattan
6
Donald Trump is the only person running for President with a thought of the future and undoing a bad past!! I sure love the fact he can think for himself, what he says make sense. Any American that don't see how bad this country has gone down is part of this problem. This country will Never get better with Democrats running it. Donald Trump for president. We need that change that wa promised, but a change for Americans not for illegals and deadbeats!! So many career politicians need to go!!
1
If the GOP's standard for winning a debate was set by Ronald—"I paid for this microphone!—Reagan then Trump has this one in the bag.
6
Mr. Trump infuses the Republican party with fresh air as he distinguishes himself from the other candidates who incessantly repeat the stale Republican mantra that calls for tax cuts for the wealthy and dismantling of the safety net. Unfortunately novelty by itself does not make anyone a viable candidate for the presidency.
People have short attention spans. Remember Ross Perot, a Billionaire Texan with a big ego and big words like Trump.
Perot ran for President in 1992: The final result of the popular vote? Bill Clinton 43% George Bush Sr. 37% Ross Perot and amazing 19% (just from bragging)
Perot was a big talker like Trump, he said he would fix the world with his big money. Many people bought his nonsense talk.
Today we have the same cast of characters as 1992. Another Clinton (Hillary) another Bush (Jeb) and another Perot( Trump).
It's all an old game, the wise will ignore this circus.
Perot ran for President in 1992: The final result of the popular vote? Bill Clinton 43% George Bush Sr. 37% Ross Perot and amazing 19% (just from bragging)
Perot was a big talker like Trump, he said he would fix the world with his big money. Many people bought his nonsense talk.
Today we have the same cast of characters as 1992. Another Clinton (Hillary) another Bush (Jeb) and another Perot( Trump).
It's all an old game, the wise will ignore this circus.
2
Trump is going to blow everybody out of the water. Trump has the lead and do not need to go on the attack. He will be serious and presidential. He will lay out a plan of what he thinks will make America great again. Trump will put his CEO hat on and operate within the debate like in a board of director's meeting. Trump is not going to be baited into a shouting match with a candidate.
Anything that doesn't look presidential he is going to avoid. Don't underestimate Donald Trump who is in the lead and don't have to pull a typical Trump at the debate. Shock and awe is Trump's driving force. Kick some butt Donald.
Anything that doesn't look presidential he is going to avoid. Don't underestimate Donald Trump who is in the lead and don't have to pull a typical Trump at the debate. Shock and awe is Trump's driving force. Kick some butt Donald.
4
He's not serious and Presidential now, what makes you think he will change?
As CEO he declared bankruptcy multiple times. Is that really the kind of experience you want?
As CEO he declared bankruptcy multiple times. Is that really the kind of experience you want?
2
Trump has appeal because the other candidates are so bad. He is also optimistic about the future and has some leadership qualities the other candidates simply do not have.
The people are starved for good leadership and someone with a can-do attitude. As long as he can project these qualities and exude confidence, he will do well in any debate with any forum.
The people are starved for good leadership and someone with a can-do attitude. As long as he can project these qualities and exude confidence, he will do well in any debate with any forum.
4
Trump can handle the heat. Regardless of any debates, we are supporting him in our family. Considering what we have had for years in this boring, do-nothing, status quo GOP, he could trip over himself and we would still support him!
3
Trump is the only candidate with a clear and coherent policy on National Security. The rest of them are "liberal" sellouts. No matter how dumb Trump may sound, the rest of the GOP and dems let by scamming Hillary with her nonsensical attitude to State Matters can not be entrusted with America's borders or security. Trump shows the enthusiasm of a real president after Ronald Reagan. That is what America deserves. A true statesman who set America right. Breaking the law is breaking the law. Illegals and criminal "teens" have to be dealt with and to make America the land of the Legal again.
4
Right now Donald Trump is in the UK attending a golf tournament at a course which he owns. Do you really think he is going to give up this lifestyle to be stuck in the White House? Trump has said repeatedly that he wants to be treated "with respect"
by the RNC and other Republicans. He is setting the stage for a pullout a la Russ Perot: he wants a major time slot at the GOP convention during which he'll deliver a memorable Trump style address plus POWER in the party. At some point down the line he'll announce that enough of the candidates have obviously listened to him and withdraw. Right now he's having fun and any gaffe which would immediately destroy another candidate's chances, simply results in higher poll numbers for him. Several people I know have organized Super Bowl type watching parties for the debate and I'll be at one of them. Enjoy the show!
by the RNC and other Republicans. He is setting the stage for a pullout a la Russ Perot: he wants a major time slot at the GOP convention during which he'll deliver a memorable Trump style address plus POWER in the party. At some point down the line he'll announce that enough of the candidates have obviously listened to him and withdraw. Right now he's having fun and any gaffe which would immediately destroy another candidate's chances, simply results in higher poll numbers for him. Several people I know have organized Super Bowl type watching parties for the debate and I'll be at one of them. Enjoy the show!
5
Viva Trump on illegals
4
Humble advice for at least a few of the other nine:
Drill Trump for specific details. Take him away from his detail-less zingers.
Drill Trump for specific details. Take him away from his detail-less zingers.
2
"We have to have legal immigration - LEGAL immigration" said the Donald. Watch him as he handles this question in the upcoming debate. Americans don't object to LEGAL immigration as is enforced successfully in many countries. He knows that when voters 'pull that lever in the privacy of the voting booth' they will remember this. And guess which of the candidates they will vote for?
3
I said it yesterday, I'll say it again. Neil Postman warned us of this future. It amazes me that people of intelligence and ideas like Sanders, Webb, Clinton, and even Paul can't get any airtime in while a self-aggrandizing buffoon sucks all the oxygen out of the room.
I thought that the "information society" was supposed to save us all from this...
I thought that the "information society" was supposed to save us all from this...
4
Trump is right and for me the rest of the candidates are all fools
1
Well, psysword, I guess if anyone is an expert on being a fool, it would be one who finds Trump right for him or her.
1
His running implies that Americans are stupid. We need to run him off as quickly as possible.
2
R's will watch and think they are now policy wonks: though most don't even know what that term means.
D's will watch to laugh/cry at the sorry state of the R Party.
It will draw viewers in the same way and for the same reasons that Americans watch the Super Bowl.
D's will watch to laugh/cry at the sorry state of the R Party.
It will draw viewers in the same way and for the same reasons that Americans watch the Super Bowl.
3
Doesn't make any difference to me what he says. I won't be watching these "debates" anyway. Just too much negativity from them all.
1
FOX News would love nothing more than for Trump to make a spectacle of himself. It's great for their ratings. I expect the moderator will egg him on.
1
Trump needs to hybridize his "normal" self with that of a pundit. Not too much of the latter and surely not an image that detracts from the colorful and attractive nature of the former is, I believe, the key to success for this non-politician. He should advise that the others who may know the third undersecretary of whatever in wherever, like he, completed high school where such trivia is expected but to run the U.S. requires someone who is decisive, honest, and transparent. This is what resonates with the voters for him and he should not try to alter that which makes (and has made) him such a success.
Reading these comments reminds one of just how utterly naive, unsophisticated and gullible the American public really is. Rubes and bumpkins weighing in on Donald Trump and the finer points of presidential campaign politics.
6
Dan, or it reminds us of those who consider themselves the elite who think themselves far superior to a good percentage of the electorate whose frustration with excessive political correctness, coddling of those able but unwilling to work, who denigrate and are ashamed of America, want to cut the military to the bone, and on and on. You mean those hardworking, tax paying, faithful Americans? If so, I am happy to be called a bumpkin.
1
Lise P. Cujar - Where are your sources for the claim that people who are able to work aren't willing? Most people on social services are working.
No one has suggested cutting the military to the bone.
If you're so concerned about taxes, you might want to check out how much of yours are going to corporate welfare.
Take a break from Fox News and do a little research.
No one has suggested cutting the military to the bone.
If you're so concerned about taxes, you might want to check out how much of yours are going to corporate welfare.
Take a break from Fox News and do a little research.
If you would just listen to what ALL the candidates will have to say with careful attention and in possession of facts and commonsense, then I predict that not one of them will come off looking appreciably better than Trump. We can only hope that the Republican Party is on the path to extinction.
5
This article, as a microcosm of the MSM, tells us that Trump is an unserious candidate and doesn't seem presidential when he says things like John McCain is no hero, but Scott Walker, for example, is quite substasive and presidential when he he'll start a war with Iran one his first day in office.
I think the presidential debates and campaign season tell us more about the unseriousness of the US MSM and the ignorance and gullibility of the American public.
I think the presidential debates and campaign season tell us more about the unseriousness of the US MSM and the ignorance and gullibility of the American public.
5
It is too early to have a hard analysis of exactly why Trump is doing so well in the polls, but it could be a number of factors, including, but by no means limited to: he is not a politician; he cares little about political correctness; he says what he thinks; career politicians are falling out of favor; the current political system is failing the average voter; career politicians are perceived as being more interested in getting reelected than in serving their constituencies; people love a winner; people want a change at any cost; and on and on. Time will tell whether Trump's candidacy is a flash in the pan or has a lasting impact.
4
It's funny how the article poses the question, will Trump was just spout off during the debate or give substasive policy positions. That author is funnier than Trump. No candidate will give substasive answers to policy questions, they are all 'preparing' to give nonanswers, fluff or throw meaningless red meat. The GOP (and Dem) presidential debates have all the substastance of Trump's Ms. USA Pageant.
8
It strikes me that Mr. Trump's arrogance is matched only by his ignorance. Whereas I look forward to his scheduled comic performance in the first great Republican debate I am also aware that there are enough fools in this country to take him seriously and, God forbid, it this non-entity should be elected President, it might set the stage for a military takeover of a "failed nation" which was the case when the Roman Republic became the Roman Empire.
H. L. Menchen was right "nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people".
H. L. Menchen was right "nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people".
7
Considering who the rest of the Repub candidates on the stage will be, it IS a reality show of the most pathetic level.
5
Those surprised at Mr. Trump's popularity need look no further Vladimir Putin's remarkable success with Nationalistic manipulation.
5
oHe's wiping out his republican competition one by one. The scary thing is that a lot of people will vote for Trump. Which shows just what kind of mindset a lot of people in our country have. Which is very scary. Although the whole thing is really hilarious and fodder for the comedians. I hope we're still laughing after the election. Only Bill Clinton can outsmart Trump.
5
Hey since when did you have to be an intellectual giant to triumph in politics? George W Bush served two terms. Ronnie Reagan is one of the most loved presidents in US history. People like candidates who say what they already believe, the reality of politics however is that the vast majority of Americans are moderates in their thinking. That's why so many Republican candidates are desperately trying to realign themselves so they don't offend ANYONE. Extremists like Cruz and Trump don't really stand a chance. At the end of the day, people want a safe choice, they want the guy next door, the person they can relate to (the secret to GWB's success, along with 9/11 and fear mongering). They don't want some mogul with an ego the size of Texas and his own private fleet of planes. Who can relate to that? Remember Ross Perot? He had a lot of money too. He was a straight talker too. Didn't do him much good did it.
1
I wouldn't miss the Fox debate. It's going to be funnier than "Hot Tub Time Machine", but then, what wouldn't? Note to self: stock up on popcorn before comedy night gets here!
4
If he can remain civil,. but not Wax and wane, Stay on Point of Moderators, answer with Due Diligence, even if incorrect. I will Make a strong Case for him to Become the Next GOP Nomination. They Need to As well. With 20 % approval, still means 80% do not want. He could Fix that by not Saying too Much.
I am a liberal democrat and find the Trump bashing quite amusing. He is as good a candidate as any in the field at the moment. Honestly, how could he be any worse than the last few clowns that have held the office as of late? Professional politicians all, who brought us worthless wars, more than doubled the national debt, exported manufacturing and the jobs that go with it, have done nothing to secure the border or solve the illegal immigration problem, created an unsustainable welfare state, the list is endless. So while Trump may be arrogant and crass, his message resonates with the public more than media and political elite would like. We already believe our government has become somewhat of a joke. Congress, the Senate, even our President has dismal approval ratings. The wealthy elite, corporations and lobbyists have been enthroned. Political correctness has dictated almost nothing important ever gets done, our representatives try to appease every side on issues to secure every vote possible, creating a never ending gridlock as this flip and flop back and forth like fish out of water. I suggest the media and mainstream Washington take Trump seriously. They need to give him a little more respect. You see they don't chose who deserves to be President, we do.
2
Trump is Jeb Bush's puppet. If you look closely you can actually see the little strings.
2
Donald is going to be exposed for the what we already know him to be: an empty suit, a 'sideshow attraction' with no real DEPTH or substance.. He doesn't want to be President, he just doesn't want to be ignored......
3
Trump will clean their clock. GOP failed plan was to back Jeb Bush. That is asinine and one of the most foolish things I have heard. The last Bush went to war with Iraq = no WMD's and thousands died. ISIS was born because of it and ravages the Middle East taking Nations in white Toyota trucks! Trump is a fighter and has shamed the GOP who are more at war with each other than the Democrats. GOP has failed the American Voter by backing another "Bush" and have only themselves to blame for this foolish path. Trump will get the votes and support- GOP can get behind him or die off - give it to Hillary / Sanders.
4
As the Titanic was sinking the band played on. The US has been sinking for some time, and Trump is the entertainer. Lifeboats are there for those of us ready to emigrate.
1
People like Trump because he says what he actually thinks. Everyone is tired of the focus group tested policy positions that most candidates repeat over and over. Finally a politician who opens his mouth and says what he really thinks, a breath of fresh air even if you don't agree with the man.
5
----It's rather telling that the two candidates who are generating the most "buzz" are Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders. Both are individuals decidedly out of the mainstream of their parties. They also speak to voters' disillusion with the "professional politician," a species readily recognizable by its grating, mincing, inoffensive "group speak."
----The likely chosen ones will be another Clinton and another Bush. With such uninspiring candidates, why wouldn't voters sit up and take notice when someone---anyone---comes along to shake their world?
----The likely chosen ones will be another Clinton and another Bush. With such uninspiring candidates, why wouldn't voters sit up and take notice when someone---anyone---comes along to shake their world?
1
The ace up Donald's sleeve is that - unlike everyone else on that stage - he isn't the least bit interested in giving up his freewheeling lavish lifestyle and being cooped up for four years in Washington DC. He wants to be President like he wants to join a monastery.
The actual Presidential candidates are training hard to look...well, convincingly Presidential, and absolutely more Presidential than the guys and gal on their immediate left and right.
Donald is preening to be the best Trump there ever was. That's his business. And business, folks, is booming.
The actual Presidential candidates are training hard to look...well, convincingly Presidential, and absolutely more Presidential than the guys and gal on their immediate left and right.
Donald is preening to be the best Trump there ever was. That's his business. And business, folks, is booming.
9
Donald Trump is unfit to be president. This is reinforced every time he opens his mouth.
2
They pretty much all are unfit. And Trump is doing the country an enormous favor by pointing that out.
6
And just how does this fact distinguish him from the rest of the Republican field?
3
I'm not sure people care to hear what Donald's specific plans are. I think they primarily want to hear him insult everyone. He is expressing the outrage they feel for them. That seems to be why he's attracting them like a magnet. The other thing is the Koch brothers can't control him, and that's refreshing. Eventually he is going to have to come up with some plans about how he intends to handle things, but until people get their fill of their outrage being expressed through him, that doesn't matter as much.
4
Trump said the other day that if he were elected president he would "build an army that was so strong that, you know what?...we would never even have to use it. They'll say, 'oh boy, I'm not gonna mess with that guy."
He said this. This is an actual quote.
No one said that this revealed a profound lack of understanding of the way the world works. Palin couldn't name a newspaper or news magazine, Bush Jr. couldn't name a single philosopher, so he said that his favorite is "Jesus." But no one thinks this candidate is a moron?
He said this. This is an actual quote.
No one said that this revealed a profound lack of understanding of the way the world works. Palin couldn't name a newspaper or news magazine, Bush Jr. couldn't name a single philosopher, so he said that his favorite is "Jesus." But no one thinks this candidate is a moron?
9
Trump is like the old Scout joke, but I don't know who he fits. Is he the kid that acts like an idiot, or the idiot that acts like a kid?
4
God please have these debates so mr trump can be shown for what he is, a blivet!
Bad news for you.
No matter what happens in the debate, Fox, CNN, and the little cabal of GOP strategists that go on every show will just insist that Trump and Bush came out on top, and they'll repeat it enough times that eventually that will be the way it's remembered.
Don't believe me ? Go back and watch the 1st Obama Romney debate, the one that Romney allegedly won. Watch it and tell me who actually won that debate.
Romney just lied and lied and spouted off dire warnings that never came to fruition. But the media declared him the winner, and the strategists kept saying it, so by the end of the week, that was the story.
I can guarantee you that this will happen with Trump. He will say everything and everyone is a disaster, and the crowd will go crazy, and using that as their metric, CNN and Fox will say he won. And people like you will know he didn't and be left wondering why everybody is saying he did.
No matter what happens in the debate, Fox, CNN, and the little cabal of GOP strategists that go on every show will just insist that Trump and Bush came out on top, and they'll repeat it enough times that eventually that will be the way it's remembered.
Don't believe me ? Go back and watch the 1st Obama Romney debate, the one that Romney allegedly won. Watch it and tell me who actually won that debate.
Romney just lied and lied and spouted off dire warnings that never came to fruition. But the media declared him the winner, and the strategists kept saying it, so by the end of the week, that was the story.
I can guarantee you that this will happen with Trump. He will say everything and everyone is a disaster, and the crowd will go crazy, and using that as their metric, CNN and Fox will say he won. And people like you will know he didn't and be left wondering why everybody is saying he did.
1
"Blivet.' A fine term that I haven't heard for about fifty years.
Thank you for resurrecting it!
Thank you for resurrecting it!
1
I agree with Mark Cuban -- Trump has moved the needle on politics by speaking his mind, and by the mere fact he can not be bought. I'm voting for Trump on Super Tuesday. Why? He speak plainly, he speaks his mind, and there's more truth and common sense coming out of his mouth than I've heard from any "politician" in years.
4
Well, Foghorn Leghorn does the same, but I won't vote for him.
8
Donald Trump
The thing that interest me the most about this article is that a business man is running for president and trying his best to succeed. Another thing that interest me id that if Trump states his opinions in a nice way with offending people then it will be a good chance he will leave with a win. It will show us if he can be a good president or one that would show out for the cameras and fame. He also has not been preparing for the debate he's been playing golf somewhere. It'll be interesting to see who he targets in his debate because he states that he doesn't like some of the Candidates running in the race. Donald Trump is a very judgmental person and likes to make fun at anyone so it'll be interesting to see who he will try to embarrasses this time. Trump also has bad blood with some candidates and it will be interesting to see how it pans out and if it will show a bad dark side of Trump. Mr.Madden said he is"like a big bully going around the neighborhood popping off about how he's the toughest kid on the block." Trump also thinks that debates are a waste and has no influence to who will win? Donald trump has different goals and views on the debates then other Candidates do.Trump fells like like all he needs to impress are the people that have helped him get to the top. He fells he just needs to be confident and he was last longer as a candidates. at the end of the day this is a major event for Trump and he needs to do a good job.
The thing that interest me the most about this article is that a business man is running for president and trying his best to succeed. Another thing that interest me id that if Trump states his opinions in a nice way with offending people then it will be a good chance he will leave with a win. It will show us if he can be a good president or one that would show out for the cameras and fame. He also has not been preparing for the debate he's been playing golf somewhere. It'll be interesting to see who he targets in his debate because he states that he doesn't like some of the Candidates running in the race. Donald Trump is a very judgmental person and likes to make fun at anyone so it'll be interesting to see who he will try to embarrasses this time. Trump also has bad blood with some candidates and it will be interesting to see how it pans out and if it will show a bad dark side of Trump. Mr.Madden said he is"like a big bully going around the neighborhood popping off about how he's the toughest kid on the block." Trump also thinks that debates are a waste and has no influence to who will win? Donald trump has different goals and views on the debates then other Candidates do.Trump fells like like all he needs to impress are the people that have helped him get to the top. He fells he just needs to be confident and he was last longer as a candidates. at the end of the day this is a major event for Trump and he needs to do a good job.
Trump is a new kind of politician, or at least claims to be such. He is active, even aggressive, intolerant and willful, he perfectly fits the requirement of the time, when people find lies behind the freedoms, promised, by democrats, and see that republicans don't care about their own values. Trump has no patrons and will have no lobbyists. He runs for the sake of himself and considers himself to the 'the nation in one man'.
2
This "debate" will strengthen Mr Trump much more than weaken him. There isn't enough time for him to get his foot in his mouth and the others, whoever they are, will be too busy making themselves heard to inflict any damage on him. This will be his stage and he knows it.
7
There will be PLENTY of time for Trump to make an utter fool of himself.
He believes his own propaganda, always a danger when one is an idiot.
He believes his own propaganda, always a danger when one is an idiot.
1
Must See TV.
I haven't looked forward to a televised event like this in a long time. How will Trump enter the forum? How will the others react to him? How will he strike back at those who attack him? How will he handle complicated questions? Will the cameras find Ivanka in the crowd? How will the audience react to all of this and whose side will they take?
I have cancelled my classes for the night of August 6th, and will be on the edge of my couch.
Of course, even before this magic night, will be the Fox Network decision
on who will be allowed to compete for the Republican nomination.
I haven't looked forward to a televised event like this in a long time. How will Trump enter the forum? How will the others react to him? How will he strike back at those who attack him? How will he handle complicated questions? Will the cameras find Ivanka in the crowd? How will the audience react to all of this and whose side will they take?
I have cancelled my classes for the night of August 6th, and will be on the edge of my couch.
Of course, even before this magic night, will be the Fox Network decision
on who will be allowed to compete for the Republican nomination.
5
You totally took the bait.
Fox is using Trump to drum up ratings, hoping to drag in the Jerry Springer crowd who want to see politics as entertainment and not a civic responsibility to be taken seriously. They'll get you to watch, and then brainwash you by telling you afterwards why Trump and Bush came out on top, and that the real loser was Hillary Clinton.
Amazing that stunts like this actually work when they are so transparent, but somehow they do.
Fox is using Trump to drum up ratings, hoping to drag in the Jerry Springer crowd who want to see politics as entertainment and not a civic responsibility to be taken seriously. They'll get you to watch, and then brainwash you by telling you afterwards why Trump and Bush came out on top, and that the real loser was Hillary Clinton.
Amazing that stunts like this actually work when they are so transparent, but somehow they do.
1
How brilliant is this street fighter? Lowering expectations for his debate performance. He has "never debated before". He is a "businessman". Nothing but upside. Gotta give him credit for marketing genius. C'mon. Without him. Yawn.
7
Trump will vigorously attack his opponent's positions. Trump's message will be "If these guys can't handle me in this contrived format, how can you expect them to deal with China or Russia in direct negotiations? Don't waste your vote on these career politicians who wilt when confronted by a determined opponent. Vote for me, that determined opponent. And just wait until you see what I have planned for dealing with Congress!"
6
Donald Trump is a RARE BIRD only America could produce !
His adversaries will try ANYTHING from false scandal to concocted derogatives to prevent his inevitable climb to popularity and power, but being the gutsy individual he is Trump will rise above all this and not only survive he will FIGHT BACK with the same ferocity he built his empire !
His frustrations and anger are shared by MOST Americans who are
" MAD AS HELL AND NOT GONNA TAKE IT ANYMORE "
Trump doesn't need a campaign or PR manager or political team because he is a one man UNSTOPPABLE high energy force by himself.....he WILL succeed !
His adversaries will try ANYTHING from false scandal to concocted derogatives to prevent his inevitable climb to popularity and power, but being the gutsy individual he is Trump will rise above all this and not only survive he will FIGHT BACK with the same ferocity he built his empire !
His frustrations and anger are shared by MOST Americans who are
" MAD AS HELL AND NOT GONNA TAKE IT ANYMORE "
Trump doesn't need a campaign or PR manager or political team because he is a one man UNSTOPPABLE high energy force by himself.....he WILL succeed !
5
Someone once quipped, "no one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people" and here we have an excellent example.
2
I read that Trump isn't doing anything to prepare for the GOP debates just like he doesn't need no stinking speeches. I thought Tea Party types didn't like presidential types on golf courses, but maybe now it is cool again.
Sounds like Trump figured out to just be more right wing than the John Birchers as his main strategy: go for the veins popping out and ask somebody to tell you what you said later. Plus I heard that he is flattering Mrs. Palin so he can grab her vanishing supporters and maybe offer her a cabinet position. Wow. Whatever happens, the whole thing sounds like one of those rings of Hell from Dante's Inferno.
Sounds like Trump figured out to just be more right wing than the John Birchers as his main strategy: go for the veins popping out and ask somebody to tell you what you said later. Plus I heard that he is flattering Mrs. Palin so he can grab her vanishing supporters and maybe offer her a cabinet position. Wow. Whatever happens, the whole thing sounds like one of those rings of Hell from Dante's Inferno.
4
Donald Trump is a smart businessman who understands years of poor leadership and rampant corruption in our government is destroying our country. Trump is his own man and he can not be bought by the special interests, the banksters, and big business... and that threatens them. America is circling the drain and the owned politicians can not do what needs to be done to save our Republic. I believe that Trump finally decided to take the risk and run for President because he loves our country. He is in to win. Trump will Make America Great Again!
I very much look forward to hearing more about the current vital issues as Trump sees them. He thinks on his feet and I don't think the pc politicians will be able to hold a candle to him.
I very much look forward to hearing more about the current vital issues as Trump sees them. He thinks on his feet and I don't think the pc politicians will be able to hold a candle to him.
5
This is precisely why Senator Sanders is doing so well.
He is speaking the truth and people are craving truth.
Clearly both candidates , in very different yet unique ways, are turning great beams of light onto the nefarious.
That is why they are both like fresh air.
Incredibly exciting times.
Truly amazing to have lived during the revolution of the sixties and to live through the revolution of the 20 teens. Different yet not.
He is speaking the truth and people are craving truth.
Clearly both candidates , in very different yet unique ways, are turning great beams of light onto the nefarious.
That is why they are both like fresh air.
Incredibly exciting times.
Truly amazing to have lived during the revolution of the sixties and to live through the revolution of the 20 teens. Different yet not.
2
Naive. Unsophisticated. Gullible. Rube.
1
I'm really looking forward to this. If Trump doesn't make a complete fool of himself, I'll be shocked.
2
Trump is a 'natural' for politics, he's accustomed to going bankrupt and sticking others will the bill, he uses the Ringling Brothers Announcement for every mundane, and inept, and insulting thought that pops into his otherwise empty head, and he no moral compass to steer him, God is not a part of his thought process. In fact almost any decision is predictably based on the phrase, " What's In It For ME ? "
12
As opposed to the selfless politicians who are animated by God?
I'd like to see Trump asked what the differences are between business and politics... betting that he couldn't, but would instead try to say how they are the same. (can you fire another country??) The best description I've seen of Trump is that he's a toddler in an adult body. No impulse control, it's all about him, and his insults about 4th grade level. He will, unfortunately, probably make the other candidates look a lot less crazy. The debate should be fun to watch!
8
Donald trump is already different from other candidates. He does not give his constituents banal promises. Experience showman speak for himself, he perfectly kept in public and with proper construction of the text will be able to look decent in the political arena of the United States.
4
I watched a focus group this morning on TV who were apparently quite enamored of Mr. Trump. They thought he was "honest", not a "politician", he was "approachable". My goodness, he almost sounds too good to be true. And actually, he is. Mr. Trump is simply taking advantage of the moment, with so many Americans disheartened and disgusted with poltics...he is the uncensored, unfiltered voice, the "anti-politician". I think Mr. Trump is the quintessential politician. He knows how to be heard, to make noise, to appeal to the mirthless masses. I don't believe he will "make America great again". He has offered no specifics, no game plan. He is merely taking advantage of the moment, and many disillusioned folks are latching on to his fairytale.
11
Agreed. In addition, I think those supporting Trump see in him themselves...and, heck yeah, they'd make a great president, too. How Palinesque. Oh, except she really is a politician.
1
None of them has offered specifics, only more negativity--repeal this, repeal that--and pipe dreams, like "Let's make America great again," and "I will create more jobs." The devil is in the details. Let's hear details.
1
Trump is the "Truth in Advertising" version of the Republican Party. There aren't any long scientific names for the ingredients inside disguising the bad elements of the product. There aren't any pretty labels on the front making the cow pie inside look like it must be the most wonderful product inside. There is no confusion of how much the container actually holds because the bag hasn't been inflated to make the bag look fuller than it is. Trump is the in-your-face, arrogant, superior, aggressive, super rich, "Your Fired", person, just another human being, who "really" is the Republican Party. The rest of the republican party just doesn't want to be seen that way because that is what narcissist do...they want to be seen as being good, when they aren't, while projecting the worst of themselves onto others. In any GOPP debate, you will only hear the Koch party line, all saying the same thing. You won't hear any direct answers. The debate will be more like a choir...a choir at hell's gate...but a choir.
11
There's a whole lot of speculation about The Donald, but I think his act will wear thin in actual presidential debates. He's all hair and no specifics.
4
I had not planned on watching the GOP "debates" as they are a total bore and are not genuine debates at all. However, as despicable and obnoxious as "the Donald" is, I am tempted to watch as, one by one, the clown car passengers struggle to match his outrageousness word for word. In Trump, the republicans have created their very own Frankenstein.
9
Which of the Republicans has the intestinal fortitude to tell The Donald to his face (and make clear to the electorate) that he does three things: he brags about his wealth (even after admitting that he makes up the numbers based on his feelings), he bloviates without ever explaining how he will accomplish the absurd "accomplishments" that he says he will acheive (such as charging and actually collecting from Mexico for a wall on the border or for each illegal who enters the US), and when pressed he changes the subject.
He is a major windbag, and nothing more. If the Republicans give him their nomination, they deserve the disaster that will follow.
He is a major windbag, and nothing more. If the Republicans give him their nomination, they deserve the disaster that will follow.
8
Trump has a persona which is being shown through media as embarrassing the rest of the GOP field, yet the Koch brothers are still right behind him. Donald Trump is staffing up his presidential campaign by turning to the Koch-backed Americans for Prosperity for his high profile hires. At first Trump seemed outside the box. Now.. .he's just another Koch droid. That removes the confusion of what Trump and now the rest of the GOP's goals are... the Koch goals.
Deregulation of the medical insurance industry
Compulsory insurance or tax-supported plan to provide health services, including those which finance abortion services
Privatization of the railroad system, public roads, national highway systems, waterways, and water distribution systems
Eliminate:
Federal campaign finance laws & FEC
Medicare
Medicaid
Programs in support of child-bearing,
Taxation in support of children,
Welfare
Relief Projects
Aid to Poor
Social Security
Minimum wage laws
Government Postal Service
EPA
Department of Energy
Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Food and Drug Administration
Consumer Product Safety Commission
All taxation to include income and capital gains, criminal/civil sanctions against tax evasion
Governmental control of the education system and compulsory school requirements
Laws concerning safety belts, air bags or crash helmets
Occupational Safety and Health Act
All branches of the services except the Army
Ck Walker and Koch goals, sad
Deregulation of the medical insurance industry
Compulsory insurance or tax-supported plan to provide health services, including those which finance abortion services
Privatization of the railroad system, public roads, national highway systems, waterways, and water distribution systems
Eliminate:
Federal campaign finance laws & FEC
Medicare
Medicaid
Programs in support of child-bearing,
Taxation in support of children,
Welfare
Relief Projects
Aid to Poor
Social Security
Minimum wage laws
Government Postal Service
EPA
Department of Energy
Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Food and Drug Administration
Consumer Product Safety Commission
All taxation to include income and capital gains, criminal/civil sanctions against tax evasion
Governmental control of the education system and compulsory school requirements
Laws concerning safety belts, air bags or crash helmets
Occupational Safety and Health Act
All branches of the services except the Army
Ck Walker and Koch goals, sad
5
You should do some research. The Koch Bros. are NOT happy that Donald Trump is making their bought and paid for political candidates look bad. They have refused to let one of their subsidiaries sell Trump voter research lists and have been trying to get Donald out of the race. They even tried to pressure the Republican National Party to threaten him, butt they are NOT succeeding, because Trump can run on a 3rd party ticket if he needs to, and that scares the bejezzus out of them. Donald Trump for President 2016!
Having lost his weekly show due to his outrageous comments about Mexicans, the 69 year old Mr. Trump now has to either win the Republican nomination or run as an independent in order to maintain any public relevancy in his diminishing years. Sad.
5
He lost the show because if he continued it, NBC would have to offer equal time to the other candidates.
If these people don't know what Trump is by now, they'll never know.
4
Mr. Trump told a reporter yesterday he would deport all "illegals" and allow non-criminals to apply for re-admission in accordance with immigration law. He could not respond to how he would round up violators of the law and send them back, but he said he had a plan. Perhaps he plans to enforce current law and fine/sanction employers who hire/employ them - thus, drying up their jobs so they will "self-deport" as proposed by Mr. Romney. Lots of Republican-backer business types will be angry to lose such cheap, exploited labor. Indeed, Republican hypocrisy is most evident on this issue. Ask all candidates if they support the employer sanctions law. Let the pivoting, advoidance responses begin (:
8
The people that like Trump are like Trump, or so they think. Loud, over-opinionated, masters of the universe. They are the same people that love Russ, Coulter, and Palin. When push comes to shove, they will back down from this divisive speech, no one wants to live in a country that endorses this kind of behavior. Trump will eventually end up on the fringes where he belongs.
5
American politics has always been our national 'reality show' - Trump harkens back to our founding fathers with their intensely personal attacks and their obvious lack of national leadership experience [ there was none - nobody had any ].
Its quite interesting that he has already earmarked Palin as SecInt. Even though her selection by McCain doomed his 2008 run, it occurred to me then that she would be a credible choice for that cabinet post given the scandals extant there then. Chalk up one to TheDonald for political astuteness for this...
Its quite interesting that he has already earmarked Palin as SecInt. Even though her selection by McCain doomed his 2008 run, it occurred to me then that she would be a credible choice for that cabinet post given the scandals extant there then. Chalk up one to TheDonald for political astuteness for this...
1
Mr. Trump has the same type of appeal that H. Ross Perot had in the 1992 election. Like Perot, Mr. Trump will eventually have some bizarre meltdown (in Perot's case it was alleged altered photos of his daughter that would disrupt her wedding????) and his supporters will drift away.
1
To me, Mr. Trump looks like Russia's V. Zhirinovsky. Both act in similar ways. Lots of right-wing and/or ultra-nationalists in Russia love Zhirinovsky. While debating, he usually wins by not letting his opponent speak (he keeps speaking on and on, and very loudly).
However, everybody there knows that Zhirinovsky cannot win the election, or shouldn't.
Action speaks louder than words. Mr. Trump should convince us by behaving well, and showing us evidence of what he has done so far in handling different matters. "I will do that, I will change that" is not sufficient. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. What has he done to tackle different problems he has faced? What has his stance been on different policies?
However, everybody there knows that Zhirinovsky cannot win the election, or shouldn't.
Action speaks louder than words. Mr. Trump should convince us by behaving well, and showing us evidence of what he has done so far in handling different matters. "I will do that, I will change that" is not sufficient. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. What has he done to tackle different problems he has faced? What has his stance been on different policies?
2
The problem with Trump is that he should be more concerned with the first debate of the 2016 presidential race rather than saying to the Scottish people a second referendum on Scottish independence would be "ridiculous". His comments came as he held an international media conference at the Turnberry golf resort in South Ayrshire, which he bought last year. He intimated that the referendum campaign in Scotland had been "turmoil and bedlam for so long"
So his mother was born in Scotland, my grandmother was born in Brazil but I don't interfere in their politics.
July the Fourth is Independence Day in America but Trump does not believe Scotland should have their Independence ironic!!!
So his mother was born in Scotland, my grandmother was born in Brazil but I don't interfere in their politics.
July the Fourth is Independence Day in America but Trump does not believe Scotland should have their Independence ironic!!!
3
Let's be clear, this is not intended to be an actual debate. It is merely free ad time for the few actual candidates and the many who are involved merely to increase the commercial value of their brand.
Trump is, arguably, the only one who knows how to play to a mass audience. The others have honed their skills to appeal to very small groups of the very, very wealthy. Nobody will be watching this this event expecting to learn anything about the candidates, let alone about substantive issues. Before Trump those who watched would have been limited to those who could find nothing appealing on Comedy Central at that time. Throw in Trump, and you will add viewers who are looking for good entertainment.
Though the many talking heads will pretend otherwise, the implications collectively will be absolutely minimal, though it is likely one of the actors will crash and burn. A real debate among serious people -- e.g. Webb, Huntsman, and Sanders -- would be of great benefit and, contrary to the received "wisdom" of the mouths and pundits, would be of substantial interest to the American people. Both parties underestimate the electorate by thinking it cannot differentiate substance from entertainment.
Trump is, arguably, the only one who knows how to play to a mass audience. The others have honed their skills to appeal to very small groups of the very, very wealthy. Nobody will be watching this this event expecting to learn anything about the candidates, let alone about substantive issues. Before Trump those who watched would have been limited to those who could find nothing appealing on Comedy Central at that time. Throw in Trump, and you will add viewers who are looking for good entertainment.
Though the many talking heads will pretend otherwise, the implications collectively will be absolutely minimal, though it is likely one of the actors will crash and burn. A real debate among serious people -- e.g. Webb, Huntsman, and Sanders -- would be of great benefit and, contrary to the received "wisdom" of the mouths and pundits, would be of substantial interest to the American people. Both parties underestimate the electorate by thinking it cannot differentiate substance from entertainment.
4
Mr. Trump's approach to the beauty contest laughably called a debate is intelligent. There is no for any preparation other than a good haircut and appropriate clothing and TV make-up.
Does anyone expect anything of substance to come from the "debate"?
Each candidate will reliably repeat the same basic ideas that constitute the modern Republican Party: eliminate government, eliminate taxes, deregulate, increase military spending, privatize Medicare and Social Security, repeal Obamacare, criminalize women's health, support Israel, deport immigrants, support the NRA and America is #1.
Deviation from those tenets is not permitted. So it becomes a question of how fervidly each repeats the mantra and how amusing they are.
Does anyone expect anything of substance to come from the "debate"?
Each candidate will reliably repeat the same basic ideas that constitute the modern Republican Party: eliminate government, eliminate taxes, deregulate, increase military spending, privatize Medicare and Social Security, repeal Obamacare, criminalize women's health, support Israel, deport immigrants, support the NRA and America is #1.
Deviation from those tenets is not permitted. So it becomes a question of how fervidly each repeats the mantra and how amusing they are.
16
The only people who care about Trump's performance in this debate are the corporate media and the growing numbers of shockingly uninformed voters who've been herded into Trump's corral by the corporate media's fatuous sound byte campaign.
33
Trump does not need the debates to 'make a name' for himself. He is already the star of the show. And ten minutes is too short to outline any real policy.
So, there is no real upside for Trump in the debate, but lots of downside if he fails to 'look presidential'.
He has all the rest of the media, and plenty of time to work with to build on the excitement he has already generated. His best outcome in the debate would be to look statesmanlike, and save the fistfights for after the party, out in the street, where he rules.
So, there is no real upside for Trump in the debate, but lots of downside if he fails to 'look presidential'.
He has all the rest of the media, and plenty of time to work with to build on the excitement he has already generated. His best outcome in the debate would be to look statesmanlike, and save the fistfights for after the party, out in the street, where he rules.
5
Nearly every candidate, save Bernie Sanders, is a dud. Even Hillary has been too quiet, going on about her grandchild. Where is that firebrand that said she wouldn't bake cookies?
So of course the media turns to Trump and I will definitely be turning on Fox to watch the debates. I LOVE the Presidential debates...It was so much fun watching Newt and Oops (Perry) last time around.
Can't we have Obama for another 8 years? Or Biden?
So of course the media turns to Trump and I will definitely be turning on Fox to watch the debates. I LOVE the Presidential debates...It was so much fun watching Newt and Oops (Perry) last time around.
Can't we have Obama for another 8 years? Or Biden?
18
it should and will be President Bernie Sanders!
I'm a democrat and would never vote for any of them.
But it strikes me Trump is no less qualified than the rest and actually has a leg up in some ways. Have Walker or Huckabee ever set foot in China, Japan, Dubai, Russia, Saudi Arabia or eastern Europe? Can any of those guys really imagine the lives and dreams of those who not of their religious background? Trump's complicated but there are some small hints of empathy and decency there. And he's probably far better educated - and more intelligent - than most of them. He seems to have something they lack - a real curiosity about the wider world and how things work there. He seems interested and knowledgable about the rest of the world - which is essential for a president now - and not just obsessed with Israel vs. Iran. It's possibly a blessing that he's never held office. To all who think that kills his chances - I don't agree. I think it's much less a hindrance than Walker not bothering to finish college. Or feeling like you're on a mission to carry on your family's awful legacy.
He's a lot like Reagan - no favorite of mine - he's a big personality who speaks with tremendous conviction and (unearned) authority - which many people seem to like. I get that it beats the cautious, overly managed personas of the other candidates.
If he can control his need to constantly inflate himself and instead just speaks about his wishes for the country, he should be fine. I won't like that but I expect him to pull it off.
But it strikes me Trump is no less qualified than the rest and actually has a leg up in some ways. Have Walker or Huckabee ever set foot in China, Japan, Dubai, Russia, Saudi Arabia or eastern Europe? Can any of those guys really imagine the lives and dreams of those who not of their religious background? Trump's complicated but there are some small hints of empathy and decency there. And he's probably far better educated - and more intelligent - than most of them. He seems to have something they lack - a real curiosity about the wider world and how things work there. He seems interested and knowledgable about the rest of the world - which is essential for a president now - and not just obsessed with Israel vs. Iran. It's possibly a blessing that he's never held office. To all who think that kills his chances - I don't agree. I think it's much less a hindrance than Walker not bothering to finish college. Or feeling like you're on a mission to carry on your family's awful legacy.
He's a lot like Reagan - no favorite of mine - he's a big personality who speaks with tremendous conviction and (unearned) authority - which many people seem to like. I get that it beats the cautious, overly managed personas of the other candidates.
If he can control his need to constantly inflate himself and instead just speaks about his wishes for the country, he should be fine. I won't like that but I expect him to pull it off.
16
It seems a large portion of the American population can't tell the difference between political discussion and entertainment. I wonder why?
16
I don't think it will matter very much. Mr. Trump has resonated with the reptilian part of many voters' brains. He appeals to bullies, to those who hate others who are somehow "different" and to those who are afraid of many, many things. Some of these people are undoubtedly intelligent, but their fear and hatred rules over their intellects.
As Dickens wrote in "A Christmas Carol", 'this child is want, this child is ignorance. Fear them both, but fear the second child most".
As Dickens wrote in "A Christmas Carol", 'this child is want, this child is ignorance. Fear them both, but fear the second child most".
16
Trump will do fine . After creating an open season on President Obama by using off-the-chain attack rhetoric to impugn the President for years, Republicans have clumsily unleashed a monster of their own making--an impulsive bundle of non-stop hyperbole who frighteningly needs neither Republican endorsements nor Koch cash to sustain himself. Trump plays the game of invective better than any of the old guard conservatives do, and what really frightens them is that he's not beholden to anybody. They better huddle up with the Kochs soon to plan how to artfully deny Trump the nomination, because he could well be leading the polls come Cleveland convention time. The Republican problem with compulsively sowing divisiveness by throwing verbal hand grenades is that the anger has grown exponentially and now threatens to consume the entire party. Like a rogue torpedo unpredictably turning around and rumbling back toward its source, Trump threatens to blast the very machinery that created him.
18
I think we can easily imagine the insulting, lack of substance zingers that will be the centerpiece of this so-called "debate". What we should be imagining is The Donald as president, meeting with world leaders, formulating complex strategies, speaking with authority based on intellect and character, etc. One cringes at the thought of this buffoon as president. The only thing worse would be his choice of Chris Christie as vice president. Beam me up Scotty!
20
Wow, Trump is soooooo smart.
He will deport EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THE 11M UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS and let back "the good ones", right after he finishes replacing Obamacare with "something terrific."
.....all that while POing POWs, Vets and pretty much every woman with boobs and/or a spouse.
Nice.
Yeah, he's winning something alright: the king of the pigs contest.
He will deport EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THE 11M UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS and let back "the good ones", right after he finishes replacing Obamacare with "something terrific."
.....all that while POing POWs, Vets and pretty much every woman with boobs and/or a spouse.
Nice.
Yeah, he's winning something alright: the king of the pigs contest.
16
I believe Trump brought up a lot of great points, including the two horrible deals America made by selling off our debt to two countries who are vying to dethrone the American economy such as China and Japan.
Trump brings up a lot in his speech which most politicians avoid. Immigration is always brought up but it is skirted so well by politicians that you never hear anything remote to what Donald Trump states which is true. For instance many criminals travel to Mexico for the purpose of crossing into America, this is known...look it up.
It may sound arrogant or brash for how Trump brings up these matters but it is his uncensored perspective and that is what a lot of people respect about him.
Trump brings up a lot in his speech which most politicians avoid. Immigration is always brought up but it is skirted so well by politicians that you never hear anything remote to what Donald Trump states which is true. For instance many criminals travel to Mexico for the purpose of crossing into America, this is known...look it up.
It may sound arrogant or brash for how Trump brings up these matters but it is his uncensored perspective and that is what a lot of people respect about him.
5
Like it or not, viewership of the debate is going to explode because of Trump's presence. Will we hear snarky one-liners or see a somber, dignified, presidential roll out of The Donald? Ooh! The suspense!
5
Is it the goal of the "media" to keep Mr Trump in the ears of their viewers?listeners?
As for me, I wonder who cares what Trump says or thinks.
Artie Kane
[email protected]
As for me, I wonder who cares what Trump says or thinks.
Artie Kane
[email protected]
8
This will just be Fox News performance art. Nothing of substance from anybody. So unless you like watching a train wreck, it's better to find something else to do. Two recent Trumpisms: he said that he donated money to Walker, although he stated he did not know what his positions were, and when asked about abortion today, he replied that he has the same position as Ronald Reagan. So there. Some time ago I read an article about American colonials who were loyal to the crown and moved to Canada during and after the American Revolution. Stated one: I would rather deal with one tyrant 3000 miles across the ocean than 3000 tyrants right down the street. I think this person was on to something about the American character.
12
It's strange. The Republicans are always pining for that CEO, business savvy, take charge guy, and now they have him. Be careful for what you wish. Personally, as much as I dislike Trump on many levels, he will absolutely destroy the clowns he's up against. It will be huge.
14
And then The Donald will crash and burn when people realize that there is no "beef" but just lots of pure hot air. The Donald is the ultimate "trust me (because I say so)" candidate. He never provides any discussion of any topic that has any substance, just his opinion.
How does a guy like that deal with Congress and 535 prima donnas? Fire them? Not going to work.
How does a guy like that deal with Congress and 535 prima donnas? Fire them? Not going to work.
Trump will underplay, and confound everyone. The end result is everyone STILL talking about Trump.
6
You got it. Exactly what a smart narcissistic megalomaniac would engineer. He's figured out how to stump the chumps. It's on to his new "reality" show.
Trump, of course, is rehearsing his best lines.
"Idiot." "His state's a mess." "He can't protect his own borders." "The worst president in history." "She's the worst secretary of state in history." "You're fired." "I'm, like, really smart." "I'm, like, really rich."
The Clown Bus is finally on its way to Cleveland and The Donald is driving. This is going to be sweet. Break out the popcorn, adult beverages and sit back and enjoy the greatest circus since Barnum and Bailey.
"Idiot." "His state's a mess." "He can't protect his own borders." "The worst president in history." "She's the worst secretary of state in history." "You're fired." "I'm, like, really smart." "I'm, like, really rich."
The Clown Bus is finally on its way to Cleveland and The Donald is driving. This is going to be sweet. Break out the popcorn, adult beverages and sit back and enjoy the greatest circus since Barnum and Bailey.
14
This 'debate' should make every Democrat race to the polling booth come November 2016. All participants are very very scary, not just Donald Trump.
10
People who approach this as a political event got it wrong. Do a short term buy for every stock whose parent companies sell popcorn and chips. Their profit is going to spike, people.
13
rump will excel at the debate, and if he doesn't his supporters WILL blame the Fox moderators, as they believe that Fox is in the tank for the establishment candidates. It's more likely that one of the other 9 will go over the top in an attempt to get some air time back from Trump. It is amazing how the wishful thinking of the political press continues to cloud their vision and how little they grasp about what Trump represents and how unaffected his supporters are by their hand wringing.
3
You don't have to watch more than 5 minutes of "The Apprentice" to realize that Trump is just another jerk CEO who damps down competition for his own slot by pitting everyone who works for him against each other.
7
I can't imagine anything substantive coming out of this debate. Though, we'll find out if any one of the candidates has the courage to criticize Trump directly and then withstand his tirades.
I feel a little sorry for the moderators. Trump will not be kind to them.
I feel a little sorry for the moderators. Trump will not be kind to them.
5
"I can't imagine anything substantive coming out of this debate."
As compared to any other debate? Other than perhaps the Lincoln-Douglas debates?
As compared to any other debate? Other than perhaps the Lincoln-Douglas debates?
3
GM, a debate between my cat and dog would be more substantive.
1
He will talk without stopping until and unless he is either shot or the moderator turns off his microphone. This debate needs a set time to answer and an automatic mike cutoff or he will turn it into circus.
4
Trump will excel at the debate, and if he doesn't his supporters WILL blame the Fox moderators, as they believe that Fox is in the tank for the establishment candidates. It's more likely that one of the other 9 will go over the top in an attempt to get some air time back from Trump.
It is amazing how the wishful thinking of the political press continues to cloud their vision and how little they grasp about what Trump represents and how unaffected his supporters are by their hand wringing.
It is amazing how the wishful thinking of the political press continues to cloud their vision and how little they grasp about what Trump represents and how unaffected his supporters are by their hand wringing.
4
Mr. Trump appeals to that class of Republicans who despise a strong central government, and would be more than happy to see it run by a game show host, for their entertainment.
8
And no badly he does he will say that he won. Just like when he leaves the race that he is not running.
Does it strike anyone else as deeply ironic that both Trump, on the troglodyte right, and Sanders, on the moonbat left, are making a big deal of their opposition to unconstrained immigration, and that the public seems to be lapping it up?
How about the idea that they are the only politicians crazy enough to say what the great majority of the country is thinking: that we need to improve the lot of Americans before we get overklempt with the problems of everyone outside our country?
Who is really behind the push for more and more immigrants? Really, it's the elites who always seem to profit from them, literally, and never seem, in their luxurious enclaves, to experience a downside to it.
How about the idea that they are the only politicians crazy enough to say what the great majority of the country is thinking: that we need to improve the lot of Americans before we get overklempt with the problems of everyone outside our country?
Who is really behind the push for more and more immigrants? Really, it's the elites who always seem to profit from them, literally, and never seem, in their luxurious enclaves, to experience a downside to it.
5
way off the mark....the battle for control of the republic has become a reality show...skip jefferson and the ghosts of those who wrote the founding documents, think barnum...buckle up for the fox gong show.
3
The show definitely attracts the largest audience. Everybody is waiting to see what Trump has to say. I hope Trump will not disappoint the audience by going soft on opponents or using soft gentlemen's language. His strength is blunt and say what he thinks as opposed to say what the 'consultants' told them to say. The public is hungry for a candidate who is authentic and gloves off fight with opponents and the press. Most of the people who are tuning in are to hear what Trump has to say and not the routine boring responses from the rest. Go Trump!
4
Once again it is obvious that the Media, Pundits, and the Political Elite just don't comprehend his appeal. His abrasive, insulting, impulsive comments dismissing the pandering of his opponents, and the way he faults them for their past behavior is exactly what will attract the primary voter to his camp. Each time he has appeared to stumble the elites have crowed, only to watch in dismay as he has surged. The debate stage, with ten participants, and a corresponding lack of time for nuanced or insightful response is perfect for him. His brand is tailor made to attract a typical right wing republican voter and that will shine through, possibly to the nomination. You heard it here first!
6
Mr T comes to political prominence over the Mexican (and others) invasion of the US, with major enablement from Left and Right
No post here, per moderator/ editor discretion acknowledges that, too bad, denial leads to surprises
what you see is what you get, an accomplished figure entering the public arena to save his vision (and mine) of America, a nation of laws, accomplishment, merit, accumulation, individual entrepreneurship (he got a grubstake from his father, don't over emphasize that)
I expect in the Trump presidency - competence in public works, strategic default (Mr T knows bankruptcy is tool of business he has done that several times), a gruff pro America non-internationalist non-Euro trash weenie
he WILL be Green, support universal health care from a business-owner perspective- and I expect extensive constituency/ coalition building across interests with No Doubt as to who Is Boss
and will tame unions THAT will be a fine food fight
- whether he can tame the illegal-worker constituency, which I call the new slavery constituency - remains to be seen , he may be defeated he may be lying, he may get religion when the rubber meets the road but he shifted the debate and outed the mumblers, enablers, liars, and ankle biters
and also the conspiracists and the shallow - those who think Mr T is shallow, he is for real, be afraid be very afraid, or for - me be - cheered be very cheered and gladdened
No post here, per moderator/ editor discretion acknowledges that, too bad, denial leads to surprises
what you see is what you get, an accomplished figure entering the public arena to save his vision (and mine) of America, a nation of laws, accomplishment, merit, accumulation, individual entrepreneurship (he got a grubstake from his father, don't over emphasize that)
I expect in the Trump presidency - competence in public works, strategic default (Mr T knows bankruptcy is tool of business he has done that several times), a gruff pro America non-internationalist non-Euro trash weenie
he WILL be Green, support universal health care from a business-owner perspective- and I expect extensive constituency/ coalition building across interests with No Doubt as to who Is Boss
and will tame unions THAT will be a fine food fight
- whether he can tame the illegal-worker constituency, which I call the new slavery constituency - remains to be seen , he may be defeated he may be lying, he may get religion when the rubber meets the road but he shifted the debate and outed the mumblers, enablers, liars, and ankle biters
and also the conspiracists and the shallow - those who think Mr T is shallow, he is for real, be afraid be very afraid, or for - me be - cheered be very cheered and gladdened
2
So the article mentions analysis by former Romney advisors, twice, and one for Lindasay Graham, who represent(ed) losers. Talk to potential voters (like the Bloomberg focus group in NH) and you will find that voters like the fact the Donald is bringing up issues that are off limits for Republicans and Democrats, like immigration, and trade, and not treading lightly.
The media and the major party bosses don't realize how badly they are regarded by the average person as being dishonest and out of touch. Trump is not controlled and selected for us by this bunch, and that's his appeal. He's also brought up several issues that isn't getting much air or print play and he exploited that niche.
So, unless he totally self-destructs, he will remain popular as the other candidates, both Democratic and Republican, will keep spouting talking points dictated by their handlers, and issues and non-solutions that offend nobody and solve nothing.
I think he's going to shred the other candidates and if the Democrats aren't careful, he will shred Hillary too.
The media and the major party bosses don't realize how badly they are regarded by the average person as being dishonest and out of touch. Trump is not controlled and selected for us by this bunch, and that's his appeal. He's also brought up several issues that isn't getting much air or print play and he exploited that niche.
So, unless he totally self-destructs, he will remain popular as the other candidates, both Democratic and Republican, will keep spouting talking points dictated by their handlers, and issues and non-solutions that offend nobody and solve nothing.
I think he's going to shred the other candidates and if the Democrats aren't careful, he will shred Hillary too.
4
Republicans should be thankful that The Donald is leading their polls, and should do everything they can to nominate him. When he doesn't win one state, they can blame him.
If they nominate Jeb! and lose badly when running by attacking Hillary and making empty criticisms of the Iran deal, Obamacare, the Import-Export Bank, etc., the Party will be blamed for lame candidates and lame ideas.
If they nominate Jeb! and lose badly when running by attacking Hillary and making empty criticisms of the Iran deal, Obamacare, the Import-Export Bank, etc., the Party will be blamed for lame candidates and lame ideas.
3
Trump has no baggage. Jeb has the terrible baggage of hiding legal ballots in Florida to hand the state to his brother in 2000 - when we know that Gore actually got the most votes. Walker has no education, hates the American worker and has nobody in Wisconsin that can stand him. None of the other GOP candidates is without sin, nor have they anything that distinguishes them from any other GOP candidate. Frankly, it's just like 2008, when the GOP ran Romney as a stand in for a real candidate, knowing that the GOP could not win following the Bush2 debacle. The only real question at this point is who will be Hillary Clinton's running mate - that is the real political story that we are interested in. It would not be a surprise at all for the GOP to run another billionaire - albeit that Trump is not like Romney in that Trump actually knows how to conduct business, stands by his true achievements, and actually did create jobs - so that the nominee can function as yet another GOP write - in for an election year when the GOP cannot and should not win.
2
why do you insist on crowning Hillary Clinton? If we are lucky, it may not happen.
It amazes me about all of the attention Trump is getting. One thing for sure he can think on his feet and under pressure. Hiliary cannot do either. I think these too early (ridiculous) poles are showing some silent majority is hungry for a LEADER.
4
I'm no fan of the party, but I don't begrudge them a healthy debate in the primary process. If Trump attempts to turn the primary into his own personal reality show it would be highly inappropriate, and grounds for excommunication.
2
A Trump victory in 2016 could be a very good thing for this country. Here’s why:
1. Liberals would finally be forced to admit that they got everything wrong since Franklin Roosevelt except Social Security, Voting Rights, Medicare and Medicaid.
2. Republicans would be forced to jettison the extreme right-wing of their party, lock- stock-and-barrel and once-and-for-all-time.
3. Trump’s Presidency would usher in a golden age of cooperation between Republicans and Democrats lasting 25 years, beginning on the day six months after the election that he is impeached, and would quickly lead to a massive improvement in the economy affecting all sectors of the population.
Don’t dismiss this conjecture out-of-hand. If realized, it could be the perfect answer to all of our problems.
1. Liberals would finally be forced to admit that they got everything wrong since Franklin Roosevelt except Social Security, Voting Rights, Medicare and Medicaid.
2. Republicans would be forced to jettison the extreme right-wing of their party, lock- stock-and-barrel and once-and-for-all-time.
3. Trump’s Presidency would usher in a golden age of cooperation between Republicans and Democrats lasting 25 years, beginning on the day six months after the election that he is impeached, and would quickly lead to a massive improvement in the economy affecting all sectors of the population.
Don’t dismiss this conjecture out-of-hand. If realized, it could be the perfect answer to all of our problems.
3
I'm curious. What is included in your "everything" statement?
2
I really don't understand how people can respect this man. He seems like a spoiled rich kid to me. I'd love to see a debate with Trump and Bernie Sanders.
5
I've marked my calendar for this one ! It's either going to be fascinating or deadly boring. I understand many networks are hosting pré and post debate analyses.
The winner of course will be Roger Aisles and Murdoch for FOX news. It's a hot boring type of week so political junkies on vacation should have a field day. I think the problem for Trump will be having to bide his time between airtime for him. The problem for analysts is not knowing which trump will show up.
It should be a good show. Make plenty of popcorn.
The winner of course will be Roger Aisles and Murdoch for FOX news. It's a hot boring type of week so political junkies on vacation should have a field day. I think the problem for Trump will be having to bide his time between airtime for him. The problem for analysts is not knowing which trump will show up.
It should be a good show. Make plenty of popcorn.
3
The first GOP debate will be entertaining with Donald Trump in it. I suspect too that it will have unusually high viewership rating with many people who normally don't give politics a second's thought at this early stage tuning in.
1
the pregame hype is already revving up. yes, the government has become captive and tool of the political parties, the political parties have devolved into entertainment, and the entertainment has trivialized itself into mockery and impudence.
smells like fox news, doesn't it?
smells like fox news, doesn't it?
1
I can just imagine Trump's response when the Fox moderator presses him for details on the issues and what he would do as president - he'll attack the moderator personally, just as he's done with his Republican contenders and with reporters who ask him pointed questions. He's the ultimate "empty suit" with nothing to offer. It'll be entertaining and offensive, I'm sure.
3
Donald Trump is a real American who speaks from the heart, and who truly cares about our country, just as the vast majority of us do.
He will win the nomination, and the presidency, because he us one of us.
When Donald wins, we all do. God bless him.
He will win the nomination, and the presidency, because he us one of us.
When Donald wins, we all do. God bless him.
5
Trump speaks truth to the power of the politically correct who control the American media. He is a breath of fresh air in the political discourse which has been controlled to an ever increasing degree by the far liberal left of the Democrat party. He may not be our next president, but he has made the Republican field of candidates understand that they had better get themselves reconnected with the grass roots of their party.
4
It's really disheartening to see how many people equate hate speech with fresh air.
On the upside, it's amusing to see the family values/personal responsibility crowd fawn all over a thrice married jerk who declared bankruptcy multiple times.
On the upside, it's amusing to see the family values/personal responsibility crowd fawn all over a thrice married jerk who declared bankruptcy multiple times.
2
Oh, the lunatic can't exactly lose at the moment; if he "shines" (I can't quite picture it, but ok), then I guess he shines, and that's some sort of win; if he melts down, then it'll probably propel him even higher into whatever bizarre stratosphere he's managed to concoct for himself at the moment. Regardless, it's all a never-in-a-million-years-could-I-have-written-this scenario for the rest of the American people, so I'm sure not complaining.
2
People say Pakistan with A Bombs is scary. I think America under current Republican lineup with A Bombs is even scarier. If any of them gets elected, let alone Trump, Putin would seem more level headed.
6
The NYT should follow the Huffpost's lead and move Trump to a non-news, non-political, non-opinion section.
A new all-Trump Crossword every day, perhaps. Or even better a reverse Crossword: the puzzle is filled out, the reader's submit the clues. It'd be HUGE!
A new all-Trump Crossword every day, perhaps. Or even better a reverse Crossword: the puzzle is filled out, the reader's submit the clues. It'd be HUGE!
I can't for the life of me understand why the news media follows Trump and the others. They offer little to nothing in rebuilding this country. If anyone was privy to the speech that Bernie Sanders gave last night, it was very pragmatic. Educate our children, rebuild our infrastructure, protect innocent people, etc.
If Washington and the news media would only realize that this country is not and will never have a conservative mindset. If only people would understand that to get things done, we have do be pragmatic... PERIOD!
If Washington and the news media would only realize that this country is not and will never have a conservative mindset. If only people would understand that to get things done, we have do be pragmatic... PERIOD!
2
You know the rest of the clowns will be gunning for Trump. As long as he deflects and hits hard. He wins.
Bush has the most to lose here.
BTW, Ted Cruz is from Canada.
Bush has the most to lose here.
BTW, Ted Cruz is from Canada.
1
The next presidential election is not until November 2016. Why is this even going on? It's a sideshow. It makes us, as a Nation, look utterly ridiculous.
1
Donald Trump is a prima facie case of the danger of the half-retarded acquiring money.
It is quite telling that so many support Donald Trump. He's a showman - a vaudevillian, a Keystone cop. Anyone who would seriously support him is deluding himself. But it just shows how out of sync and confused most voters are. When it comes to understanding the real issues facing people today, few take the time to examine the issues, get a keen understanding of their community and state and then form an opinion based on real information. Most voters go for who looks good (Kim Kardashian could run and win) or who performs the best. That's what we're seeing here with Trump. Showman extraordinaire!
Okay, is this new or is this the 5th article on Trump in as many days? Switching to another paper.
Our country began as colonies. With Trump at the helm, the U.S. will end up as part of licensing agreements and should they turn out to be losers, we can just declare bankruptcy. Folks...this is HUGE!!!
6
The Republican base craves entertainment, preferably in the form of theatrical mud-slinging and grandiose self-righteousness. Trump should have no problem hanging onto these voters and possibly winning the Republican nomination. I say again to the Republican party: what goes around comes around.
When it comes time for the general election, I'm reminded of a phone call from a friend who lives in Switzerland, aghast that Trump had become so popular. She said it all in a few words: "What's going on over there?"
When it comes time for the general election, I'm reminded of a phone call from a friend who lives in Switzerland, aghast that Trump had become so popular. She said it all in a few words: "What's going on over there?"
4
what dismal choices on either side
1
Aside from the entertainment value, and aside from the fact that he has wiped the smirk off of every so-called political expert's face who sneered at him, I just can't imagine it. Yes, it's hard not to admire his combativeness, his relative genuineness and other reminders he's not a typical politician. But, he's a bully and a braggart to whom name calling comes to easy. It will get embarrassing. And, he may be proud that his companies took advantage of bankruptcy laws four times (so it is reported), but, I'm sure the creditors and other investors weren't very happy about it. Once, okay. But four times? Don't forget the birther nonsense either - especially Republicans. He came off as ignorant and dishonest and hurt his own team. And when proved wrong, he bragged he forced Obama to produce his birth certificate. That's a smart man. And if he says one more time he's a nice guy he might actually deserve the dreaded cream pie.
I just can't picture him as president without imagining him pulling Angela Merkel's hair and screaming "It's a man, baby" or as Curly Howard selling a coffin to a widow. You think I'm being unrealistic? Think Mexico and John McCain. And he had barely started!
But, he's proved most everyone wrong so far. And our last two presidents weren't exactly elected because of their great political experience. And many of us are really sick of it. And we've learned over and over, presidential debates aren't scored like other ones. So, who knows?
I just can't picture him as president without imagining him pulling Angela Merkel's hair and screaming "It's a man, baby" or as Curly Howard selling a coffin to a widow. You think I'm being unrealistic? Think Mexico and John McCain. And he had barely started!
But, he's proved most everyone wrong so far. And our last two presidents weren't exactly elected because of their great political experience. And many of us are really sick of it. And we've learned over and over, presidential debates aren't scored like other ones. So, who knows?
3
How about The Donald not showing up at all, staying in Scotland to play golf. As the article says, he will probably get only 10 minutes of airtime anyway; and by being on stage with the midgets, he gives them credibility. Instead, hold a substantial news conference the next day.
3
Trump has a showman side to him, but he is appealing to people because
of his ideas. Let's not underestimate the intelligence of the American
people, despite the maxim.
of his ideas. Let's not underestimate the intelligence of the American
people, despite the maxim.
2
His strategy is so transparent. This NY millionaire will eventually become a third party candidate, siphon Republican votes from the nominated Republican candidate and assist the election of the other NY millionaire.
3
Odds are: he will shine. Because many of the competitors are unskilled and uninspired--and uninspiring, just airbags. All he has to do is suppress the tendency to Flame.
5
The person that DT is really helping is the Republican candidate who posssses his views but is not him because that person, and I don't know who it is, will have the conservative views but all of a sudden start looking Presidential when compared to The Donald.
Is this the New York Times giving this spin guidance to Trump? Why? Sounds more like the Washington Post. Please in these buzz political articles give some perspective in paragraph 2 what a anti-American message he is sending. Otherwise, the media is indeed the message.
2
It appears with Mr. Trump's meteoric rise in the polls, that Republican voters want anything but a career politician, so they're willing to take Donald for a test drive.
He will likely shine in the debate because you will see nine totally scripted career politicians with carefully rehearsed sound bites (blah, blah, blah), and then Donald, who will be spontaneous and outrageous and may leave many voters wanting more--of him.
He will likely shine in the debate because you will see nine totally scripted career politicians with carefully rehearsed sound bites (blah, blah, blah), and then Donald, who will be spontaneous and outrageous and may leave many voters wanting more--of him.
8
The only clown in a presidential debate will be Trump and the media stuffed me up with his nonsense already. The rest of the candidates I've heard them all say the same things over and over and over before. Nothing will be new, nothing they say will be with substance or specific and nothing will be enlightening. It's going to be more like a "reality tv show" than anything else...
You'll see it after the grilling.....
You'll see it after the grilling.....
The danger for the GOP is that Donald Trump doesn't care whatsoever about the Republican platform. He'll build his own platform, out of the wreckage of the primary campaign. Rand Paul and Christie are the only two who can likely turn Trumps offenses into an offense.
Pretty much a guarantee Republicans stand no chance of taking back the White House.
Pretty much a guarantee Republicans stand no chance of taking back the White House.
Trump has a better chance than anybody since Ronald Reagan in 1980 of defeating a Bush family member in the GOP nominating process for president. It is true that Reagan had been a two-term governor of California prior to 1980, which gave him as much (if not more) credibility as the wandering child of privilege George H.W. Bush (who had gone from one appointed short-term job to another after serving two uneventful terms in the House from 1967-71 and then losing a Texas Senate race in 1970). But Reagan was also dismissed by many as a lightweight riding the coattails of his celebrity status as a former actor.
Conventional politicians stood no chance against Bush family members in 1988 and 2000 when they sought the GOP presidential nomination. Trump knows this and understands his chances of defeating Jeb Bush for the GOP nomination are better than anybody else's right now.
Conventional politicians stood no chance against Bush family members in 1988 and 2000 when they sought the GOP presidential nomination. Trump knows this and understands his chances of defeating Jeb Bush for the GOP nomination are better than anybody else's right now.
4
Trump will certainly only melt because he has reached the melting point. It is only downhill for him after all the people can only tolerate only this much crassness, brashness, rudeness,insensitivity, lies, bravado, smugness and entitlement from a candidate. This will happen sooner than later with or without the Fox stage. Aug 9th would be the beginning of the end for him .
1
The fact is Trump has nothing to lose.He might be a very opinionated,rather limited, exceedingly rich clown but at least he's introduced the unknown element into the process.Something I for one find quite refreshing when juxtaposed against the utter dullness and boredom of the ubiquitous politically correct cloned contestant.
And I for one applaud him for that.
Should be compulsive viewing.
And I for one applaud him for that.
Should be compulsive viewing.
7
I am so sick and tired of what this country has become -- at the hands of crooked politicians -- with obama leading the pack -- Trump is a breath of fresh air. He is smart and capable of running this country and bringing back the respect we lost under obama.
He has my vote - plus he cannot be bought, and I have no worries about muslim or another foreign countries contributing to his campaign like they do for the Clinton Foundation.
He has my vote - plus he cannot be bought, and I have no worries about muslim or another foreign countries contributing to his campaign like they do for the Clinton Foundation.
10
That's quite a load of ignorance and hate speech you're carrying. Trump is a buffoon who hasn't come up with a single workable idea or policy. He's declared bankruptcy multiple times and can't seem to open his mouth without sounding deranged.
Obama crooked? How about 1, just 1, only 1, simply 1 piece of evidence to support that. Not your opinion; set forth a fact. Trump is a racist phony. Where is his birth certificate? Probably right next to his running mate, Sarah Palin. They should both be in Alaska, no offense Alaskans.
Rick Perry versus the Donald could be the most interesting part of this debate.
4
Um, no, nice try, NYT. Trump will not come out a "winner", unless you are trying to make some sort of "king of the pigs" analogy.
In the past month,, Trump insulted a mother for breastfeeding, attacked the honor of all POW, and offered "something terrific" to replace Obamacare. (caveat, every time I hear the "something terrific" comment, I picture a naked Trump in a trench coat and you get the point).
Anyway, there is no way a highly impulsive, reptilian-brained Trump will resist being bated. Trump simply has zero ability to cope with any equal-footing challenge after decades of yes-men. One well-placed verbal right hook, and Trump is likeky to meltdown faster than a toddler on a playground upon losing a toy. It will be equal parts horrifying and entertaining.
Yet any so-called win will be predicated by how many bozos show up and how many cringe-worthy moments end up on You Tube.
I do think he has a shot at the nomination. When you look at the angry, cheating, bullying mentality of the remaining GOP faithful, Trump is clearly singing their song.
However, that's as far as it will go if it even gets there. The inmates may have taken over the asylum, but outside the gates of the GOP sanitarium, there is entire populace made up of disenfranchised voters. Reps and Dems alike, are just beginning to taste actual leadership finally seeping out of the White House. It remains to be seen if there will be a centrist that can finally heal all the current crop of pols have broken.
In the past month,, Trump insulted a mother for breastfeeding, attacked the honor of all POW, and offered "something terrific" to replace Obamacare. (caveat, every time I hear the "something terrific" comment, I picture a naked Trump in a trench coat and you get the point).
Anyway, there is no way a highly impulsive, reptilian-brained Trump will resist being bated. Trump simply has zero ability to cope with any equal-footing challenge after decades of yes-men. One well-placed verbal right hook, and Trump is likeky to meltdown faster than a toddler on a playground upon losing a toy. It will be equal parts horrifying and entertaining.
Yet any so-called win will be predicated by how many bozos show up and how many cringe-worthy moments end up on You Tube.
I do think he has a shot at the nomination. When you look at the angry, cheating, bullying mentality of the remaining GOP faithful, Trump is clearly singing their song.
However, that's as far as it will go if it even gets there. The inmates may have taken over the asylum, but outside the gates of the GOP sanitarium, there is entire populace made up of disenfranchised voters. Reps and Dems alike, are just beginning to taste actual leadership finally seeping out of the White House. It remains to be seen if there will be a centrist that can finally heal all the current crop of pols have broken.
3
Our current president, the one that's insulted, derided, and disrespected at every turn, has done a pretty good job of demonstrating to Republican and Democratic presidential candidates how to comport oneself with grace, elegance, and intelligence during a campaign and as president. I'm mystified that the media never contrast Trump's behavior with the stellar conduct of President Obama, at least to remind the populace that there is a precedent for how to behave as a president. Even in this, President Obama is ignored.
27
Obama has mocked, ridiculed and actually violated Congress.
And the Constitution.
I'm sorry, what Presidency are you watching?
And the Constitution.
I'm sorry, what Presidency are you watching?
2
Yep - Trump learned how to badmouth others from Barry.
Our culture has become consumed with avarice and selfishness so of course Trump is being idolized.
History is full of characters who have been able to convinced disenfranchised and down trodden groups of the population that he or she is "just like them" although so clearly they are not.
I won't name them but I am sure you know who i am referring to.
Donald Trump is a wave that could easily wash over our country and remove any last vestiges of civility and discourse; of rational thought and ideas.
This may very well happen so I will start praying for my country now. As the first generation child of immigrants personally he disgusts me.
God help us.
History is full of characters who have been able to convinced disenfranchised and down trodden groups of the population that he or she is "just like them" although so clearly they are not.
I won't name them but I am sure you know who i am referring to.
Donald Trump is a wave that could easily wash over our country and remove any last vestiges of civility and discourse; of rational thought and ideas.
This may very well happen so I will start praying for my country now. As the first generation child of immigrants personally he disgusts me.
God help us.
2
If I didn't know you were commenting on Trump, I would swear you were commenting on Hillary Clinton.
1
Trump is the "hot" candidate. By that, I mean like the television medium is "hot" and the cinimatic movie is "cool". He's in your face, while the other candidates don't even want to look at your face.
This is tailor made for him to succeed.
This is tailor made for him to succeed.
I've never met anyone who thinks Donald Trump is a genius, but I'd bet my house (FYI--I'm very fond of my house) that his IQ is higher than the total of every other Republican candidate combined.
I don't agree that things go badly for Trump if it seems like a reality show. BY every definition, the first presidential GOP debate (hosted by Fox) will be a reality show, and Trump's true believers want what he's famous for.
He is Frankenstein's monster--this is what the Republicans get for acting like there are no consequences to cutting education, empowering corporations and insisting that the rest of us look up to people like Trump.
My grandfather used to say, "If you think God loves money, take a closer look at who he gave it to."
I don't agree that things go badly for Trump if it seems like a reality show. BY every definition, the first presidential GOP debate (hosted by Fox) will be a reality show, and Trump's true believers want what he's famous for.
He is Frankenstein's monster--this is what the Republicans get for acting like there are no consequences to cutting education, empowering corporations and insisting that the rest of us look up to people like Trump.
My grandfather used to say, "If you think God loves money, take a closer look at who he gave it to."
8
There is so little of substance said by the Republican candidates. There should be no expectation of debating important issues or outlining how the U.S. should do things differently, just entertainment like the GOP has been doing for much of Obama's presidency. The only meaningful measure of the quality of the upcoming debate is whether it is more entertaining than the reality TV perfected by Trump.
1
You should have left out the "the" in front of "Republican candidates". I have never seen a debate, and I've seen many, where a Republican candidate has ANYTHING of substance to say. They rely soley on talking points, vague ones at that.
I disagree in that Trump would do better if he portrays himself as stately. It is those who believe they hold "traditional american values" and mainly follow sensational reporting who are supporting him. Hopefully, this segment of the US population will not be the final voting majority.
1
Shine? Wouldn't "Glitter" be more appropriate?
2
I was really looking forward to The Donald as clown/candidate until I remembered that at the very beginning I considered W. a clown/candidate. And we all know how that turned out.
Although, The Donald is an idiot espousing idiotic "policies" calibrated to appeal to morons, so is the Republican Party. So on a crowded stage of Republican candidates, how do we tell the difference?
Although, The Donald is an idiot espousing idiotic "policies" calibrated to appeal to morons, so is the Republican Party. So on a crowded stage of Republican candidates, how do we tell the difference?
7
I so want the Donald to win the Republican primary which will guarantee President Sanders at least four years in The White House.
11
Really, a surprise? Does anyone find it ironic that Fox News -- and other hyperbolic partisans -- express such surprise that a candidate spouting infective, with limited emotional maturity and a weakness for dissembling can not only succeed but thrive in the politic news media environment Fox has created for the republican party? Fox and friends should realized they are simply sleeping in the bed they have made. Some day the republican party will wake up and realize their once admirable republican party has been hijacked by a media gone rogue. Until then, the ranks of recovering republicans will simply continue to grow.
1
I find it hard to understand how Americans can take this guy seriously (But then again the lady from Alaska was taken seriously). He is long on general statements and very short on specifics. I seriously don't think he understands any basics..
2
Gosh NYT's ace political reporters are really going out on a limb with their forecast that The Donald The Rapist may melt down or shine. No wonder they hire all these "smart" reporters to come up with a rock solid forecast like that. NYT"s political reporters are the worst in the business and Purdy, Schmidt and Shear are histrionic liars too. Since the slimy slimers don't have to apologize or retract their libelous story on Secr. Clinton being under a criminal indictment I will slime them repeatedly in my comments. Dial it up please we are not nearly as stupid as NYT seems to think we are.
Republican politics have been an UNreality show for a couple of decades now. The Republican Alzheimer Pres. gave the world trickle-down unreality. Whatever happened to Gingrich's term limits? Unreality. Attempted impeachment of Clinton. Government shut-downs. For what? Unreality! How about the way Dubya and Jeb and the Republican SCOTUS of 2000 stole the election from Gore and heaved the unreal team of Cheney and Dubya into the White House? Unreality. How about the mushroom-cloud war against a country that had nothing to do with 9/11? What about "You-Lie" shouted at Obama by a Rep at his first State of the Union? Unreal. How about the inane attempted sabotage of everything Obama by the Republicans? For the rest of the world, Republican unreality.
So if Trump manages to turn the Republican Unreality Show into a Reality Show it will be a step up for the international disgrace embodied by the seventeen climate-change-denying unrealists and clowns of the Republican White House hopefulness team. Go for it Trump. It's America - home of ultimate absurdity and crazed GOPpers.
So if Trump manages to turn the Republican Unreality Show into a Reality Show it will be a step up for the international disgrace embodied by the seventeen climate-change-denying unrealists and clowns of the Republican White House hopefulness team. Go for it Trump. It's America - home of ultimate absurdity and crazed GOPpers.
5
I'm not one to go for the hyperbolic "if so-and-so gets elected, I'll move," but I am so, so embarrassed that we live in a country where someone like this is being treated a serious presidential contender.
8
You could say that about ANY of the GOP candidates this time around. They're a nightmare.
The best way to suffer the fools of the Republican primary season is to ignore them until they choose their candidate. Life is too short of pay them any attention.
7
I wouldn't worry until we find out his entire philosophy and platform. Now, if he appeals to seniors with medicare and social security, appeals to progressives by getting us out of the Middle East, appeals to young by legalizing pot, appeals to workers by spending military-type money on infrastructure projects . . . Look out.
2
Trump is simply telling people what they want to hear, in a loud voice. He's basically running an independent platform within the republican party. Shear genius, which is why the GOP establishment is going ape.
1
I agree, he has so many options because he owes no one, so far.
Ryan
There is no platform. All Trump has is a FACADE. He is a Potemkin Village. Google that if you do not know what it means.
There is no platform. All Trump has is a FACADE. He is a Potemkin Village. Google that if you do not know what it means.
Choosing between Hillary and Trump is like choosing to be hung or shot.Hillary now has an almost daily negative issue on her honesty,integrity,ethics,foundation contributions,etc.Plus she "roped off" reporters in NHampshire and couldn't answer the Keystone question.Trump on the other hand engages mouth frequently before thinking.I'll take Trump reluctantly any day over Hillary.Please Dem leaders,get Warren to run.
5
"To be hung or to be shot" that is THE QUESTION"
The debate is critical for those that want to represent themselves as an alternative to Donald Trump . He will have 20 percent of the vote going in and 20 percentcoming out.As the candidates are whittled down others will pick up support . Donald has zero upside.
At least the Donald has the honest, plain-speaking business sense to point out the US has lost control of its borders to the Chinese and other illegal aliens. Without border control, WE HAVE NO NATION.
7
Naturally, the most interesting candidates in this first round of debates will be Jeb Bush, the likely winner of the primary process though he may be touched up a bit as it proceeds ... and The Donald, who will draw a lot of viewers, expecting that he'll wax outrageous and immensely entertaining.
The Jebster is in this for the long haul, and he's not going to be incandescent but quietly competent, with palpable gravitas and entirely presidential. But I'm willing to bet that millions are going to be astonished at Trump.
They'll expect the monomania to peep through, perhaps something outrageous on criminal immigrants calculated to raise the hair (pun intended) on EVERYONE left of the center-line, perhaps vicious attacks on specific people, such as our befreckled president. I don't think that's going to happen.
Trump, at his best, is composed and highly rational in responses -- I've been watching him for 40 years. It won't last the distance, but expect his numbers to go north soon.
The Jebster is in this for the long haul, and he's not going to be incandescent but quietly competent, with palpable gravitas and entirely presidential. But I'm willing to bet that millions are going to be astonished at Trump.
They'll expect the monomania to peep through, perhaps something outrageous on criminal immigrants calculated to raise the hair (pun intended) on EVERYONE left of the center-line, perhaps vicious attacks on specific people, such as our befreckled president. I don't think that's going to happen.
Trump, at his best, is composed and highly rational in responses -- I've been watching him for 40 years. It won't last the distance, but expect his numbers to go north soon.
2
"The Jebster is in this for the long haul"
The man is in it for his family, for he believes that the White House belongs to his family by birthright. I see right through the Bushes, but apparently you don't. Sorry, but a man who thinks of his own mother as royalty and akin to being the Queen Elizabeth II of America does NOT possess gravitas and is in no way, shape, or form presidential.
The man is in it for his family, for he believes that the White House belongs to his family by birthright. I see right through the Bushes, but apparently you don't. Sorry, but a man who thinks of his own mother as royalty and akin to being the Queen Elizabeth II of America does NOT possess gravitas and is in no way, shape, or form presidential.
3
El Jebe? Quietly competent? You mean quietly incompetent.
Jeb can't seem to go more than 48 hours without flip flopping or putting his foot in his mouth. He might not foam at the mouth like the other candidates but he's not competent and he's certainly not Presidential.
He doesn't appear to actually want the job and that's just as well because he probably won't get it.
He doesn't appear to actually want the job and that's just as well because he probably won't get it.
1
Trump has a speaking style not unlike that of Tarzan. There is no in-between or nuance. According to him everything is either good or bad, great or dismal, best or worst. It's either one extreme or the other. That appeals to those who would vote for Trump because they are not interested in substance.
3
The real question I would like the NYT to explore is the popularity of Bernie Sanders, and how his message is attracting larger crowds than Trump. The Senator from Vermont has a real program and a commitment to helping the 99%.
So, please, enough effort wasted on Trump. Start reporting on the real story.
So, please, enough effort wasted on Trump. Start reporting on the real story.
32
Unfortunately, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for that to happen. He isn't a story precisely because he makes sense when he talks. The clown car is what's garnering all the attention, and not for the reasons the clowns want to be noticed -- they're a comedy show, night after night. There isn't one candidate that should end up near the White House, even for a tour. Not one of them could lead a fly to a pile of....., well, you know what I mean.
1
I would enjoy that as well. It seems Sanders is more than a stealth candidate -- it would be good about his campaign as something more than what appears to be an afterthought: Hillary, Hillary, Hillary, Trump, Trump, Cruz, Perry, etc., and....Sanders. But he seems to be doing much better than we hear about and that is puzzling.
1
YES!!!!
We already know what will happen, don't we?
Trump will make some outrageous statements (and vie with Christie for the most bluster and most oafish yelling) ...
... the media will fall all over itself talking about his "performance" -- thus giving him more credence -- while utterly ignoring what he actually says, or the utter ignorance on issues that he's loudly and proudly manifests!
Trump -- and his 'candidacy' -- is largely a creation of the media! (That's one thing --maybe the only thing -- that Trump is a mater at!)
Trump will make some outrageous statements (and vie with Christie for the most bluster and most oafish yelling) ...
... the media will fall all over itself talking about his "performance" -- thus giving him more credence -- while utterly ignoring what he actually says, or the utter ignorance on issues that he's loudly and proudly manifests!
Trump -- and his 'candidacy' -- is largely a creation of the media! (That's one thing --maybe the only thing -- that Trump is a mater at!)
35
There is no story here. A buffoon shaking up the monotony of the political process to enhance his personal brand. Fantastic.
I have sneaky feeling Trump is running to help Hillary elected by mudslinging the Republican Party. Some people believe he can carry this show all the way to the finish line if he is willing to spend his fortune but I strongly doubt he has gut to do it. His $10 billion fortune has been disputed by wide margin by other media including latest one from Bloomberg Business. Now, his show has been cancelled and he need to keep his name mentioned as Brand Name by bluffing and self humiliating comments. Anybody believe this guy will bring this country from current mess must be from another planet or recently discovered Earthling?
19
Don't be fooled by the Trump sideshow. He's being cynically used by the bush campaign to make bush look "good" in comparison. The same "war machine" corporations that back bush, and would profit most by his election, are quite certain this "distraction" strategy will pay off, much to the detriment of U.S. taxpayers. We now pay more for "defense" than the next 7 countries in the world, COMBINED! Theses people are desperate to continue this insanity.
No one should seriously consider Trump as anything more than Sideshow Don.
NEVER allow another bush near the White House.
No one should seriously consider Trump as anything more than Sideshow Don.
NEVER allow another bush near the White House.
68
I agree about never letting another Bush to go NEAR the White House, but no one, but no one, tells Trump what to do. His ego is much to enormous to be used.
Certainly Trump's wacky "bloviating" makes Bush appear as the voice of reason, the moderate one. But don't be fooled. Jeb Bush is a very conservative Republican.
"... NEVER allow another bush near the White House."
AMEN!
AMEN!
The whole country has turned into a reality show, so this will a great platform for him. Scary !
3
Why do we seem at all surprised that Donald Trump has seized the political initiative...in land where no talent balloon clowns seem to capture the American hearts at every turn, from the Kardashians to Johnny Football, we seem to admire the publicity hounds far more than those who have talent and a genuine work ethic...Donald Trump has made money in real estate and smoke and mirrors marketing...he's had no problem fleecing students at his for profit college or profiting off of licensing his name to unscrupulous developers in the Florida Real Estate Market...and people seem to like that he flies around in a giant Boeing Jet far bigger and gaudier that far more successful businessmen like Warren Buffett or Bill Gates. He's a reality star politician for a country that has become increasingly more afraid and ignorant of the realities of the global world. It's easy to blame illegal aliens for taking jobs..but I'm pretty sure not one illegal alien took one of the 50,000 some jobs lost by a tanking and mismanaged Kodak or the many thousands of jobs shed by Detroit Automakers...hey, but if your white and afraid and you enjoy watching reality TV or FoxNews..Trump is just your kind of false reality maker.
3
Trump will surprise most of these posters.
Democrats have lost many offices since the election of BH Obama.
To believe the nation will embrace another Democrat shows just how out of touch many of you are.
Democrats have lost many offices since the election of BH Obama.
To believe the nation will embrace another Democrat shows just how out of touch many of you are.
1
Keep telling yourself that.
At least we're not delusional.
The Donald will have his "U-beki-beki-stan-stan" moment.
The only question is will it matter to his Legion of Trumpsters.
The only question is will it matter to his Legion of Trumpsters.
2
Donald Trump will neither shine nor melt down; he will be standard issue Donald Trump. By that measure, he will be loud, boastful, patronizing, arrogant, and dismissive. He will interrupt, fail to respond directly to specific questions, and not worry about factual support for anything he says. If that kind of performance is what turns you on, then enjoy every second because that is what you are going to get.
4
Dear The Readers,
So, The Donald "has respect" for some of his competitors on the GOP clown bus and "doesn't have respect" for others? Somehow, this man who sports the definite article before his first name (hey, who needs anything else?) has deluded himself into believing that any person's intrinsic worth depends entirely on The Donald's uninformed opinion of him or her.
Whatever, come the Great Debate next week, The Donald will be in excellent company where each individual richly deserves sharing the stage with any one of the others. They can all judge one another; each one, rightfully, coming up very short.
Yours truly, The John
www.endthemadnessnow.org
So, The Donald "has respect" for some of his competitors on the GOP clown bus and "doesn't have respect" for others? Somehow, this man who sports the definite article before his first name (hey, who needs anything else?) has deluded himself into believing that any person's intrinsic worth depends entirely on The Donald's uninformed opinion of him or her.
Whatever, come the Great Debate next week, The Donald will be in excellent company where each individual richly deserves sharing the stage with any one of the others. They can all judge one another; each one, rightfully, coming up very short.
Yours truly, The John
www.endthemadnessnow.org
1
Mr. Trump should fare well in the swimsuit segment.
10
Does anyone really believe a guy with an ego as big as Trump is going to come out of the debate looking like Perry did in 2012? Trump is where he is today because no one took him seriously. Can anyone think a guy who loves to see his name on anything would want to be remembered as the rube of the debates? Trump is doing a rope a dope now. Trump is acting like the debates are something new to him and he is a novice. For anybody with any horse sense Trump is luring the victims to his web. After calling guys stupid and such who really thinks Trump would want to be bested by the likes of a Perry or a Graham. In the vernacular of the city Trump was raised in. “Sleep on Donald at your own peril”. Donald wants people looking up at his name on buildings all over the world to think of what a jerk he made of himself at the debates not on your life. Like him or not he didn’t get to where he is being a rube.
4
I'm so tired of hearing about Donald Trump. I know he's the Republican front-runner and thus "deserves" coverage but his campaign is pure spectacle. I honestly do not understand his appeal. I can respect viewpoints different from mine, but this is beyond differences opinion. The fact that he is so popular (at least for the moment) is both disturbing and sad.
2
Donald Trump is here to stay. First, he has enough appeal with Republican primary voters to stay in for the long term. Second, he has the money to stay in for the long term. Third, Trump can handle the heat of the spotlight. Fourth, he is having fun. The best that the Republicans can hope for is that he will ultimately lose a relatively close primary contest to a better general election candidate, and he will participate in the convention in a way that draws viewers and increases Republican turn out. I propose that he be a Secretary of Commerce, but I don't think that he will accept that job. Trump management must be a high priority at the RNC right now!
Win or lose this guy has woken up America to the crass and feckless lot of politicians we have on both sides. The existing bunch have no credibility, don't care about the electorate and only care about getting a nice cushy congressional pension and healthcare, which incidentally is NOT the same as the rest of us, as promised by Pelosi & Obama. The only one who deserves a government pension and healthcare is the POTUS who has an enormous amount of strain, whichever party he/she represents. (That's what Hillary wants BTW) Trump for all his faults has struck a nerve and even some Hispanics do like him, believe it or not. Bland Bush, Clinton, Rubio and the rest are just not interesting enough. Can't wait to see if Trump has the stamina to last another 12 months !!
2
Hillary doesn't need the pension or benefits.
I do not understand why in the world our clueless punditry class (with the exception of Lawrence O'Donnell) does not see this charade for what it is. I watch "Morning Joe" this morning, and all the gushing over trump left me bewildered.
Don't these "experts" realize that the very same mr. trump led in polls 4 years ago, but was long gone by the time Iowa/NH came? Do they not realize that the election is 15+ months away (or the that the first primaries/caucuses are 5-6 months out)? Do they not realize that the republic party, if by some miracle he is still leading in polls in Oct/Nov, will do whatever they can to get this guy out?
The coverage of trump is just like his ego: wildly outsized. I can't wait to see these pundits shown replays of their idiotic assessments of trump's chances when he is a bottom feeder come November - I especially hope Lawrence ODonnell gets to watch it on air with that gas bag scarborough.
Don't these "experts" realize that the very same mr. trump led in polls 4 years ago, but was long gone by the time Iowa/NH came? Do they not realize that the election is 15+ months away (or the that the first primaries/caucuses are 5-6 months out)? Do they not realize that the republic party, if by some miracle he is still leading in polls in Oct/Nov, will do whatever they can to get this guy out?
The coverage of trump is just like his ego: wildly outsized. I can't wait to see these pundits shown replays of their idiotic assessments of trump's chances when he is a bottom feeder come November - I especially hope Lawrence ODonnell gets to watch it on air with that gas bag scarborough.
1
So, "...Mr. Trump has repeatedly said he has never debated before and denigrated the whole enterprise: Debates, he said in the interview, are “really irrelevant to running the country and making the country great again.”" Nice little way to justify simply not showing up, no?
1
America loves spectacle. As long as Donald Trump's mean factor is entertaining enough, he will excel as this cycle's Newt Gingrich, and all will cheer and report his antics until around the Florida primary when it's time to get serious. That's when Jeb becomes this cycle's Mitt. It's all so very predicable (and sad).
2
It is a sad commentary on the electorate that the leading candidate has no experience in foreign affairs, government or policy design but has lots of experience in showmanship. This means that a Trump Presidency would be governed by the likes of Cheney, Wolfowitz, Rumsfeld et al. Most of the other candidates are similarly inexperienced, e.g., Carson and Huckabee. These are dangerous times and we have already had 8 years of ineptness (2000-2008) that led only into more trouble.
8
We're talking about Donald Trump, the one who lashes out with childish outbursts of name calling and insults when his thin-shelled ego is bruised. Should be great entertainment. I'd vote for John McCain as debate moderator.
4
Fox News' 1st Presidential debate is scheduled for the same night that John Stewart retires from the Daily Show - how apropos.
72
And of course on the 70th anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Nagasaki.
Trump can be explained. The nice middle class white people sitting behind him are a riddle to me. They just love a man who disrespects everyone, whose wife claimed he raped her (before she said he didn't) who has filed for bankruptcy -- what, 4 times at least, and has such an ego he's slapped his name in big letters across half the buildings in Manhattan. This is their "hero?" Decency, kindness, thoughtfulness, humility, selflessness -- none of these attributes can be attributed to Trump. What has America become?
5
As huge as The Donald himself? Nothing in our galaxy is that huge. He tells us so every day.
1
If the media spent 10% of the time and film on what Bernie Sanders says as they do on what Donald Trump says, we could use the word "debate" about what's going on.
20
Trumpenstein reminds me of the American version of Vladimir Putin, constantly bragging how they both will bring their countries back to some imagined utopia and pandering to the intellectually challenged citizens who can't get enough of the rhetoric.
This morning on "Morning Joe" John Heilman had an interview segment with what looked to be a collection of white lower middle class people in New Hampshire. Asked what they liked about Trump, almost to a person it was their perceived view that he is a straight talker who doesn't care if people don't like his views, and their astounding belief that he's like them.
No doubt these same people probably objected to Pres Obama when he opined that rural people tend to cling to their guns and religion, why this doesn't also reflect someone who talks straight and isn't concerned with the publics perception I can't figure out.
Personally I can't see the Donald staying in this by his own volition. Would someone please ask him, maybe the NYT could, why he wants to be Pres and does he understand he won't be able to run the government like the Trump organization.
This morning on "Morning Joe" John Heilman had an interview segment with what looked to be a collection of white lower middle class people in New Hampshire. Asked what they liked about Trump, almost to a person it was their perceived view that he is a straight talker who doesn't care if people don't like his views, and their astounding belief that he's like them.
No doubt these same people probably objected to Pres Obama when he opined that rural people tend to cling to their guns and religion, why this doesn't also reflect someone who talks straight and isn't concerned with the publics perception I can't figure out.
Personally I can't see the Donald staying in this by his own volition. Would someone please ask him, maybe the NYT could, why he wants to be Pres and does he understand he won't be able to run the government like the Trump organization.
5
NYT does not employ political reporters. They only hire ex-Politico shrieks who lay out headlines where they can't possibly be wrong: The Donald will shine or nose dive....that is really using the old noggin' and going out on a limb with a fact-based analysis to stand upon. Mike Shear call the ACA "Obama's Katrina" less than two weeks after the program launch......and no retraction now that 16 million US citizens received healthcare under that law....and no one died unlike Bush's Katrina. Then the lame and pathetic Schmidt and Purdy just completely lied in their headline fairy tale that the DOJ was investigating Clinton for a criminal matter. Still no retraction, just an underhanded changing of the story as it fell apart spectacularly. NYT is not where one goes for political insight as they just slather on "great big loud opinions' without a shred of fact behind them. WaPo is much more cogent and intelligent than this pap.
Please, NY Times, stop wasting space on this narcissistic personality circus, and let us hear something about real candidates with important things to say about the very serious problems facing us in this world today. Is it really your considered policy that this garbage is more important to cover than, say, Bernie Sanders and Hillary's carefully considered policy proposals, and how they compare with the Republicans' stances?
Front-page speculation about what Donald Trump MIGHT do at a debate? Really? The news media bear some serious responsibility for the dumbing-down of political discourse in this country and the resultant decay of our political process. I am sad to see the Times adding its 2 cents worth.
Front-page speculation about what Donald Trump MIGHT do at a debate? Really? The news media bear some serious responsibility for the dumbing-down of political discourse in this country and the resultant decay of our political process. I am sad to see the Times adding its 2 cents worth.
5
Sadly, he does seem to fit the Zeitgeist in this country: ignorant, crude, loud, in-your-face, and unapologetic. He talks about making us Number 1 again, but his few policy statements mark a path to further, rapid decline.
I turn 60 later this year and am still waiting for the USA to regain its first-world status. What about: (1) universal access to adequate and affordable health insurance, (2) making higher education affordable to the middle class, (3) a transportation infrastructure equal in quality to Europe and many Asian countries, and (4) effective gun control?
I hope he carries on long enough to ensure a Democratic victory in the general election. Any of the Republicans would be disastrous.
I turn 60 later this year and am still waiting for the USA to regain its first-world status. What about: (1) universal access to adequate and affordable health insurance, (2) making higher education affordable to the middle class, (3) a transportation infrastructure equal in quality to Europe and many Asian countries, and (4) effective gun control?
I hope he carries on long enough to ensure a Democratic victory in the general election. Any of the Republicans would be disastrous.
8
The NYTimes' coverage of Trump has been atrocious. I'm not a supporter of his but I'm sick & tired of this paper's news pages permeated by editorial. Earlier this week you ran an article claiming Mr. Trump raped his former wife. Raped! It was false. I have yet to see a retraction. You are teetering on "The Rolling Stone" territory but for the Times v Sullivan case and the fact that Mr. Trump is a public figure.
You are a bunch of snobs who have no clue about the lives, increasing burdens and dreams of the vast middle class of Americans - black, white and Hispanic. Trump's polling numbers have mystified you all.
I generally like your publication - mostly for the features - but there will come a point where I will be able to find a better use for my $30 a month (without the crossword puzzle). A Cecil the Lion fund, perhaps.
You are a bunch of snobs who have no clue about the lives, increasing burdens and dreams of the vast middle class of Americans - black, white and Hispanic. Trump's polling numbers have mystified you all.
I generally like your publication - mostly for the features - but there will come a point where I will be able to find a better use for my $30 a month (without the crossword puzzle). A Cecil the Lion fund, perhaps.
3
Given the moral failings of the Clintons and the 'cast of clowns' running for the GOP; is it any wonder Americans are amused by Trump?
Voters needs humor (given the lack of true substance in this race) before they go to the voting booths and the Donald will deliver that in spades.
While you may not agree with his honesty; at least it is refreshing.
Voters needs humor (given the lack of true substance in this race) before they go to the voting booths and the Donald will deliver that in spades.
While you may not agree with his honesty; at least it is refreshing.
3
Donal Trump gets WAY too much media attention. What I don't understand NYT is why you keep wasting so much valuable space writing him. Give your readers something more valuable to ponder ... like someone else suggested more of what Sanders is up to would be nice. Or perhaps cleaning up the mess you created for Hillary last week.
7
All we ask is ,The Dinald continues to tell it like it is. We can make up our own mind. Just hope is well informed of the issues.
"Mr. Trump could come away a winner if he makes cogent points without sounding too hostile..."
That is a HUGE if... almost the size of his ego...
That is a HUGE if... almost the size of his ego...
"Trump Could Shine, or Melt Down, in Debate Spotlight" - that's the NYT headline on the front page. I had thought he was a puddle of disgrace, his civic persona already melted down, with his racist posturing after the Central Park 5 youth we're wrongly arrested. [See NYT's "Trump Draws Criticism for Ad He Ran After Jogger Attack"] I thought more repugnance was heaped on when he was publicly pushing to be recognized as the Grand Birther with his derogatory remarks - I believe impoliticly racist, I know others don't – about Obama. Then of course his rabid comments about Mexicans. To sum this all up: Trump, regardless of what happens in the debates, will surely shine in the eyes of many, many Americans because there are many, many Americans who embrace his sleaze as good ol' American chutzpah.
4
Yes, get ready for a cacophony of rehearsed one-liner "zingers." Each candidate will have about 2 or 3 of those ready to pierce Trump. The problem is there isn't a candidate in that tribe who has the gift of prose or gravitas to engage Trump intellectually. Everything they say is years of scripted, poll tested, “control group" rhetoric designed to appease the voter. Extemporaneously and verbally disarming a renegade madman is not in their playbook. This will be interesting!
51
Such a good point regarding the limitations of the talents of the other candidates and what that will mean in the context of taking on Trump. I am not sure that I have heard/seen that articulated before. Most of the focus has been on not taking him seriously, or the concern that he makes the other candidates look comparatively reasonable.
One more reason to load up on snacks and settle in for a good show. You give me hope that Donald may be around for a while -- dogging the Republican line-up like gum on a shoe.
One more reason to load up on snacks and settle in for a good show. You give me hope that Donald may be around for a while -- dogging the Republican line-up like gum on a shoe.
If your not intellectual enough to match wits with Trump, then you REALLY have a sorry bunch of candidates. His modus operandi is to keep repeating something, usually inane, until the questioner throws up their hands. Either that, or he accuses them of not knowing what they're talking about.
I expect Trump to shine like the sun, burning up all around him.
2
Trump's probably priming himself for a run on an independent ticket if he does not win the Republican nomination. (He's already hinted as such.) In this scenario, he might not be too worried about his performance in this debate since he'll be in the race for the duration. Plus, expect Fox and the GOP to give him a pretty wide berth in order to avoid what's probably their worst nightmare: as an independent, Trump might well become the Republicans' Ralph Nader.
3
Donald J. Trump is a future US President, if he wins Republicans' nomination. He will win Republicans' nomination, if he portraits himself, especially in the first debate, as a seasoned leader not in the business but in the politics. Financial freedom and success should be on priority list instead of conflicts. He is an accomplished man in the business and people would be willing to vote him for his political endeavors to retain US as superpower!
1
Do you not get any actual news there in Pakistan?
1
"Mercurial" is the right adjective to describe the slash and burn, Mr. Trump, who seems desperate for notoriety and admiration and is quite capable of changing, like a chameleon, his views on a dime; he was once pro-life.
However, he's running as a Conservative and has the prerequisite qualities of being nasty and impolite, in a party that has ginned up the fear for their hate/call-in radio constituency. A Rush Limbaugh, "take back my country" satisfaction of scapegoating others, who are unlike them and foreign, for all their perceived slights is the modus operandi for many in the party.
At this point Trump's just winging it, as a good television reality star would. He hasn't any policies to back up his demagoguery, just vehemence. You reap what you sew and eventually in one of these debates the emperor's new clothes will be visible to all.
Trump will be relieved (he doesn't want the aggravation of the presidency), but the Republicans will be holding the bag for their well earned reputation of attracting the intolerant.
Train wreck a coming!
However, he's running as a Conservative and has the prerequisite qualities of being nasty and impolite, in a party that has ginned up the fear for their hate/call-in radio constituency. A Rush Limbaugh, "take back my country" satisfaction of scapegoating others, who are unlike them and foreign, for all their perceived slights is the modus operandi for many in the party.
At this point Trump's just winging it, as a good television reality star would. He hasn't any policies to back up his demagoguery, just vehemence. You reap what you sew and eventually in one of these debates the emperor's new clothes will be visible to all.
Trump will be relieved (he doesn't want the aggravation of the presidency), but the Republicans will be holding the bag for their well earned reputation of attracting the intolerant.
Train wreck a coming!
2
Meltdown. Certain of it. He is a political know-nothing bully.
If I am wrong however, leadership in this country is a thing of the past and life here for 99% of us will get even harder than we have ever known it.
If I am wrong however, leadership in this country is a thing of the past and life here for 99% of us will get even harder than we have ever known it.
10
"...really irrelevant to running the country and making the country great again.” -- Trump
And therein lies the rub. The President does not "run" the country and the country is not a business. And most experts will agree that "leadership" is not about "running" a company nor do the best business managers always make the best leaders.
And therein lies the rub. The President does not "run" the country and the country is not a business. And most experts will agree that "leadership" is not about "running" a company nor do the best business managers always make the best leaders.
3
So let me get this straight.
People will actually vote for this man for president of the U.S.?
A man who talks about how many women he's "bedded" and how great it was for them?
The thought of voters thinking he's a viable candidate makes me laugh AND cry.
People will actually vote for this man for president of the U.S.?
A man who talks about how many women he's "bedded" and how great it was for them?
The thought of voters thinking he's a viable candidate makes me laugh AND cry.
16
Problem is that I see Hillary and I think the same way.
No one took Reagan or Arnie seriously. Actors. Buffoons. Knew nothing. Remember how incredibly good RR was in debates. He didn't need substance. He was a polished actor, a commanding stage presence. DT might very well prove similar. I would not underestimate the man. Substance, policy, government experience. These all count for little in American elections. As good as BA has turned out as president it was his soaring, preacher-like oratorical style that won him the election. Was it PT Barnum? Or maybe HL Menken who once said 'no one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public.'
4
Too bad you use acronyms so I can't understand who you are talking about.
Donald Trump is the personification of the Republican base, i.e.,
the most committed primary voters, and for this reason he could
be the nominee of the Republican Party.
the most committed primary voters, and for this reason he could
be the nominee of the Republican Party.
4
If I were a strategist for any of the other Republican candidates, I would:
1) find people from the companies he decimated by declaring bankruptcy four times (after already having received goods and services, simply paying pennies on the dollar against their true value.) People who work for a living do not like being stiffed so a millionaire can get richer.
2) hit him hard on family values (He's had three wives, two younger trophy wives, so far.) He's also said he would sleep with Ivanka if she weren't his daughter.
3) hammer him to provide and specifics on policy issues. His business record is spotty at best, so he's not much of a businessman, business degree notwithstanding. He truly IS the id of the Republican party, and have your candidate remain calm and reasonable the more he blusters and insults people.
1) find people from the companies he decimated by declaring bankruptcy four times (after already having received goods and services, simply paying pennies on the dollar against their true value.) People who work for a living do not like being stiffed so a millionaire can get richer.
2) hit him hard on family values (He's had three wives, two younger trophy wives, so far.) He's also said he would sleep with Ivanka if she weren't his daughter.
3) hammer him to provide and specifics on policy issues. His business record is spotty at best, so he's not much of a businessman, business degree notwithstanding. He truly IS the id of the Republican party, and have your candidate remain calm and reasonable the more he blusters and insults people.
4
Trump's cult of personality self image has a shelf life in America, so we must consume it and enjoy it while we can. And yet, I can't decide which is more entertaining . . . watching this bombastic bouffanted buffoon embarrass himself and the Republican Party or contemplating the irony of the common man finding anything in common with this conspicuous consuming third rate entertainer.
4
boy, that debate is going to be the best, most entertaining fun of the season! I haven't looked so forward to something in a while. I'm stocking up on the best TV snacks ever.
2
We've learned to distrust all politicians, hence, the popularity of Mr. Trump. Never underestimate this man, who is probably the smartest of the bunch. Sometimes I wonder if the Democrats have hired him to destroy the Republicans' chance of reaching the White House.
2
Whatever he does, it'll be both great entertainment and a sad commentary on the state of the U. S. political process.
3
What is everybody so wound-up about? This is MEDIA. This is News, and at the same time, this is also Info-Tainment. That's what Media does. Whether its a fire, or a sinking boat or airplane, wind it up tight, and pour it all over the front page.
The Presidential Debates SHOULD be an accurate assesment of the Candidate's qualifications. More often than not, its just a Carnival, with people juggling like crazy, and a few lions running amuck.
While I wouldn't vote for Mr. Trump, right or wrong - I DO like the way he puts his cards on the table. I had what I would call "Hope" eight years ago, but that has vanished. Our President has done precisely what he said he would not do; continued larger US involvement in the War in Iraq, and permited further Environmental degradation. Between allowing Shell Oil to drill offshore in the Arctic, and permitting more Nuclear Reactors to be on line after the Fukushima disaster, I find nothing to believe in about our President. We need a good change of direction.
We've seen politicians come and go, and, at the end of the day, most of them are as phony as a 3 dollar bill. There's no one on the field that I like, but - maybe Mr. Trump can cull the herd a little. In the "business" of Politics, this businessman is shaking things up, and that's a good thing. If you don't like the heat, stay out of the kitchen.
The Presidential Debates SHOULD be an accurate assesment of the Candidate's qualifications. More often than not, its just a Carnival, with people juggling like crazy, and a few lions running amuck.
While I wouldn't vote for Mr. Trump, right or wrong - I DO like the way he puts his cards on the table. I had what I would call "Hope" eight years ago, but that has vanished. Our President has done precisely what he said he would not do; continued larger US involvement in the War in Iraq, and permited further Environmental degradation. Between allowing Shell Oil to drill offshore in the Arctic, and permitting more Nuclear Reactors to be on line after the Fukushima disaster, I find nothing to believe in about our President. We need a good change of direction.
We've seen politicians come and go, and, at the end of the day, most of them are as phony as a 3 dollar bill. There's no one on the field that I like, but - maybe Mr. Trump can cull the herd a little. In the "business" of Politics, this businessman is shaking things up, and that's a good thing. If you don't like the heat, stay out of the kitchen.
4
I expect Trump to perform exceptionally ... so long as nobody bothers to fact-check his constant stream of fantastical statements.
Furthermore, it will make for a great drinking game as we note how often he refers to someone else as a "loser" or an "idiot".
Furthermore, it will make for a great drinking game as we note how often he refers to someone else as a "loser" or an "idiot".
5
If worst comes to worst for him and he bombs the GOP debate, Donald "I'm a very smart man" Trump will make good on his threat to run as an independent. This is what our political system has come down to, an industry in which so unlikely a leader as himself can buy their way onto a national platform.
1
Trump is very, very different than previous bombastic fifteen minute of fame candidates like Herman Cain or Newt Gingrich.
1. Trump is a billionaire and completely self-funded. He needn't worry about donors souring on his candidacy, about limping into Florida with limited funds on hand, about having to kiss the ring of Sheldon Adelson and beg for a campaign saving injection of Super-PAC money.
2. Unlike most of the candidates Trump has been under the intense glare of the media for decades. The New York media glare no less. Pressure, tough questions and relentless media criticism is nothing new to him.
3. He's an extremely experienced television performer. He's done thousands of television interviews, promoted something like 20 books, opened hotels and golf courses, been on late night shows, morning shows, just about everywhere. He's also starred in a wildly successful television show for over a decade.
4. He's totally independent. Can you imagine a few Republican party elders pulling him aside and convincing him to drop out of the race "for the good of the party" or to "not burn any bridges in the party" so he remains a viable cabinet security choice? Absolutely not.
A media savvy billionaire beholden to nobody can never underestimated.
1. Trump is a billionaire and completely self-funded. He needn't worry about donors souring on his candidacy, about limping into Florida with limited funds on hand, about having to kiss the ring of Sheldon Adelson and beg for a campaign saving injection of Super-PAC money.
2. Unlike most of the candidates Trump has been under the intense glare of the media for decades. The New York media glare no less. Pressure, tough questions and relentless media criticism is nothing new to him.
3. He's an extremely experienced television performer. He's done thousands of television interviews, promoted something like 20 books, opened hotels and golf courses, been on late night shows, morning shows, just about everywhere. He's also starred in a wildly successful television show for over a decade.
4. He's totally independent. Can you imagine a few Republican party elders pulling him aside and convincing him to drop out of the race "for the good of the party" or to "not burn any bridges in the party" so he remains a viable cabinet security choice? Absolutely not.
A media savvy billionaire beholden to nobody can never underestimated.
95
I agree Lucian 100%. But Donald like most Billionaires is notoriously CHEAP! He is going to ride this thing OPM "Other Peoples Money" as long as he can. The true litmus test for Trump will be spending his own money- He may have billions but it's primarily in assets- how much of those is he willing to liquidate in order to keep his campaign afloat? If he's serious enough to sell a building or other property to expand his campaign, then he has my vote. If he drops out all together then this was just another publicity stunt on a grand scale and all of us were scammed.
1
He's the anti-Christie.
Did you mean "overestimated"?
Trump will probably play it more low key, more "civil". That might leave his opponents a bit stumped.
On the issues, there isn't much substantive difference among the GOP candidates. It's all about different styles. Trumps style works well in front a campaign rally audience. In the upcoming debate, where he'll only have a few minutes, his bombast won't work.
Once he's back out on the hustings, he revert to his "old self".
On the issues, there isn't much substantive difference among the GOP candidates. It's all about different styles. Trumps style works well in front a campaign rally audience. In the upcoming debate, where he'll only have a few minutes, his bombast won't work.
Once he's back out on the hustings, he revert to his "old self".
1
He has not gotten as far as he has in business without knowing how to prepare for a meeting, including the set up of low expectations and the analysis of how negotiations can go. I will be very surprised if he comes off anything other than Presidential, no matter how many truths get dismissed. You know how prepared you have to be to get the best price on a car or house, he will be better prepared than that. His flight to and from Scotland will be practicing zingers and deflections. Let's watch.
37
He's declared bankruptcy multiple times. How well prepared was he really when it came to business?
Underestimating Trump has been common for years, and those making those estimates have been wrong again and again.
I don't like Trump at all, but he is a phenomenon to be dealt with carefully, not dismissed.
I don't like Trump at all, but he is a phenomenon to be dealt with carefully, not dismissed.
1
Well, not watching. You watch and report back
Since no real issues won't be discussed anyway in the GOP "debate," the way to show Trump's 2-year-old side would be simply to find one of his many hot buttons and push it. Or pull out a breast pump.
2
At least the Republicans have a choice. For the Democrats, the media has already chosen their candidate for them. Who needs the little people anyway?
4
What choice is that? All of the Republican candidates are pretty much the same, some are a bit meaner or crazier than others. When all is said and done Jeb will be the nominee.
Why are we covering this clown in the NYT?
This is supposed to be a respectable paper, not a supermarket checkout tabloid.
Donald Trump is a rich guy feeding his preening ego. He's the real life equivalent of an Internet troll.
So let's not feed the ego. Let's not buy into the red flagged red herrings. Let's ignore the trainwreck, please.
This is supposed to be a respectable paper, not a supermarket checkout tabloid.
Donald Trump is a rich guy feeding his preening ego. He's the real life equivalent of an Internet troll.
So let's not feed the ego. Let's not buy into the red flagged red herrings. Let's ignore the trainwreck, please.
1
This comment should have been a new york times pick.
This will not only be great theater, but we may actually get a chance to hear a Republican other than Trump express an opinion on an issue other than opposition to Obama's, although it is likely that Donald will lead the way and the others will merely disagree with him. Republicans seem much better at disagreement than solutions.
Donald Trump has gotten this far stating that Mexican immigrants are rapists and drug leaders; he has a plan for victory over ISIS which he can't yet disclose; at he would want to date his daughter were they not related; that Scotland installing wind turbines would be the worst thing to happen in their history; on and on. The upcoming debate is not going to unearth The Don's liberties with truth or abrasive personality.
1
"Trump could melt, or shine in the next debate". It doesn't matter if he melts or shines. He's there only as a figurehead to re-energize a pretty much dead-on- arrival Republican base. Trump is essentially a mouthpiece for the much too polite Jeb, for the unpopular Walker, for the tasteless Huckabee, for the other eleven or so 'candidates' who shrink away when faced with the really hard questions asking for real solutions to our country's difficult and mostly self-induced problems. I just wish main stream media would finally start calling out the rest of these candidates who are too politically correct to tell the truth about how much (or how little) they agree with their master agitator of the hour, Trump.
4
Trump has gotten this far because he is tall. If he were five foot seven, someone would have shoved him into a gym locker ages ago and he'd still be there.
5
there will not be that many debates. The candidates should be required to present their ideas on how to change what they perceive to be wrong in the country. they should be instructed that attacks on Obama, or other candidates should be left to the stump. With so many people running it is important to see just how serious they are. Talking points and reminders about how Obama has ruined the nation are not going to tell us anything about what makes them a worthwhile choice.
4
Let us not forget that this Show of Shows is financed, written, produced,and directed by The Republicn Party and Fox News. The actors chosen for this episode have been auditioning by showing how they will read the script. Prime Time Republicans. Everything flows from the script. I am sticking with President Obamas observation that in 18 months he will be turning over the keys and candidates need to show they can talk seriously about serious issues affecting the American People to get the keys. Probably hard to find with this caste of actors.
4
I think this analysis is absolutely wrong. What people seem to like about Trump is exactly the things Ms. Haberman and Mr. Corasanti suggest he should suppress. It's precisely Trump's willingness to break all the rules of conventional political discourse that separates him from the "limp noodles" he's opposing. To violate his own brand (if brands can be violated) would wreck him, not help him. In the American Studies business, he's an "antinomian." His strength is that he doesn't recognize the norms, doesn't follow them, and people seem to love it. You're suggesting his becoming just another pol would improve his position seems kind of backwards.
4
especially since so many Republican primary voters love what he's saying and doing, and his poll number prove this. Why should he change anything?
Look, I personally despise Trump, almost everything about him, but I think he will make a really boring debate much more entertaining. I'm just sad he won't be one of the candidates who actually gets chosen. Now that would be entertaining.
3
"The poor man wants to be rich. The rich man wants to be king."
Different parts of the old adage apply to Trump's supporters and Trump himself.
Different parts of the old adage apply to Trump's supporters and Trump himself.
11
There isn't going to be a "debate." More like a carnival sideshow. As such, I predict big TV ratings- relatively speaking for these sorts of things.
Why?
Because Trump has turned the Republican primary season into something ripe for Reality TV. If by some miracle he gets the nomination look for him to choose Kim Kardashian or Caitlan Jenner as his running mate and for them to sign a deal with Bravo channel (or whatever channel is into Reality TV) to turn the campaign for president into a reality TV series.
That is how substantive our national politics is at this time.
Why?
Because Trump has turned the Republican primary season into something ripe for Reality TV. If by some miracle he gets the nomination look for him to choose Kim Kardashian or Caitlan Jenner as his running mate and for them to sign a deal with Bravo channel (or whatever channel is into Reality TV) to turn the campaign for president into a reality TV series.
That is how substantive our national politics is at this time.
5
I just can't believe that by the time this debate airs, I won't have Jon Stewart (or Stephen Colbert, for that matter), to put this all in perspective. Please don't go, Jon!
11
There's always John Oliver
The idea, 40 years ago, that I began to read the NY Times was due to its writers intelligence, and its ability to report in my view, in a manner which took no sides. Republicans, Democrats, Independents and others always had their point of view yet the Times, correctly so, reported the news. It didn't 'make' the news.
I must say that in the past years it has not been so for the NY Times. It is clearly taking sides and reporting in a lopsided fashion. I like the Republicans on some topics. I also like the Democrats on other topics and even some independents. How about going back to your 'days of glory', NYTimes and just reporting the news.
If Donald Trump wishes to be 'out there' in his behavior, so be it. Its his gig, not yours. And if Hillary or others are doing something wrong or right, just report it, don't insert your 'spin' on it.
Will I continue to read the NY Times? Like others, I can disagree yet not cancel my subscription. I will not since I like the paper yet each of us must take stock in ourselves, whether personal or business a few times in life.
I think it is time that the New York Times considers doing that and 'righting its ship', once again.
Thank you -
I must say that in the past years it has not been so for the NY Times. It is clearly taking sides and reporting in a lopsided fashion. I like the Republicans on some topics. I also like the Democrats on other topics and even some independents. How about going back to your 'days of glory', NYTimes and just reporting the news.
If Donald Trump wishes to be 'out there' in his behavior, so be it. Its his gig, not yours. And if Hillary or others are doing something wrong or right, just report it, don't insert your 'spin' on it.
Will I continue to read the NY Times? Like others, I can disagree yet not cancel my subscription. I will not since I like the paper yet each of us must take stock in ourselves, whether personal or business a few times in life.
I think it is time that the New York Times considers doing that and 'righting its ship', once again.
Thank you -
23
Having set the stage for turbo-charged rhetorical bluster practiced by party stalwarts to trash Obama, the Republicans have now been upstaged by an unwelcome guest who plays their game better then they do. Republican insiders working with the the Kochs will need to start planning early in order to circumvent the strong likelihood of Trump vying for the Republican Presidential nomination by the sheer power of his poll numbers.
5
I find it extremely interesting that many of the commenters are mocking the very notion of the republican debates, some even using quotations around to word as a show of mockery ("debates.") This might be a valid point if the democrats had not already chosen their nominee in Ms. Clinton before any debates have occured. You can accuse the GOP field of being chaotic and having too many candidates, but at least it gives everyone a true vetting. The democrats have anointed their chosen one by fiat.
2
Wrong. In case you haven't noticed, there is more than one Democratic candidate, and there are still going to be caucuses and primaries where the voters will decide who will be the nominee. Our candidates all happen to be sane, intelligent, and competent, so their debates will probably be much more substantive--as opposed to asking which candidates believe in evolution and global warming.
That's not true. The NYT refuses to cover Sanders' campaign but he's gotten quite a bit of attention and support from voters all over the country.
Politics has crossed into the reality show realm long time ago. What is new here?
3
On "Morning Joe", they were talking about what can bring Trump down, since the kind of statements he has made would normally eliminate a candidate. My idea is that what could sink Trump is his performance in the debate. That is, if he is asked questions for which he has no coherent answers. He need not necessarily give good answers, just coherent ones. Here, the moderator must phrase questions that require real answers and not the stale "the country needs a new direction and leadership".
If he gives lame or irrelevant answers, we will see if those that are for him think that "he says what he thinks" is sufficient, regardless of whether it makes sense. Then, we'll know we are in trouble. On with the show!
If he gives lame or irrelevant answers, we will see if those that are for him think that "he says what he thinks" is sufficient, regardless of whether it makes sense. Then, we'll know we are in trouble. On with the show!
1
Lame and irrelevant answers will be just fine by his supporters, who love complete ignorance because they feel, correctly, that it represents them.
One rumor among many about Trump is that he is determined to stop Jeb Bush from winning the GOP nomination. Who can blame Trump for wanting to do that? That the younger brother of George W. Bush is a serious candidate for the GOP nomination in 2016 is unbelievable and arguably the main reason for the attraction of Trump's campaign. I mean, did the GOP turn to one of Richard Nixon's younger brothers in 1980 for the presidential nomination? No, because that would have looked every bit as stupid as Republicans turning to George W. Bush's younger brother in 2016 for the presidential nomination.
Trump appears to understand how totally ridiculous Jeb Bush's presence in this campaign looks to ordinary people, and Trump knows that his own campaign for president looks no more ridiculous than Bush's and may actually have stronger merits.
Because you see, the presidential campaign of virtually ANY human being on planet earth would contain stronger merits than one being waged by the younger brother of George W. Bush. Even if Jeb hadn't been pulling strings for his brother's campaign in Florida 15 years ago, that would still be true.
Trump appears to understand how totally ridiculous Jeb Bush's presence in this campaign looks to ordinary people, and Trump knows that his own campaign for president looks no more ridiculous than Bush's and may actually have stronger merits.
Because you see, the presidential campaign of virtually ANY human being on planet earth would contain stronger merits than one being waged by the younger brother of George W. Bush. Even if Jeb hadn't been pulling strings for his brother's campaign in Florida 15 years ago, that would still be true.
12
And yet the DNC is relying on the wife of a former president, she had no mentionable accomplishments as SOS and was a mediocre NYS senator wich qyalifies her as just another politician vying for glory.
2
Seeing all the gleeful comments anticipating the show we are to expect, I would think the journalists at fox news would be able ask careful questions that require intellectual thought to answer. The answers and discussions will show the true intellectual and leadership value of the GOP candidates. I would see this as a good opportunity to know where the candidates stand.
1
Fox News asking "careful questions that require intellectual thought to answer?"
Seriously?
Seriously?
1
Much like Gwen Iffel or Anderson Cooper falling over themselves to lob softballs at Obama and Hilary.
What scares all of the other candidates about Trump (HC included) is that Trump doesn't make promises he cannot keep and doesn't tell the American people what they want to hear or promise free stuff. In reality the Politicians don't know to do because that's all the know.
2
You obviously haven't followed him for many years. How many marriage promises did he break? He is pro-life and Republican today, he was pro-choice and Democrat before, what will he be next? Just because he is loud, doesn't mean he is sincere.
6
Trump doesn't come up with any actual solutions or ideas. That should bother you.
2
"Trump doesn't make promises he cannot keep" ?
He declared bankruptcy four times!
He declared bankruptcy four times!
2
In any debate he will sound like a bloviating ego tripping idiot.
Unfortunately that will resonate well with a large percentage of American voters.
Unfortunately that will resonate well with a large percentage of American voters.
11
This is what American politics has come to? Hoping, in all seriousness, that one of the contenders for the Republican nomination doesn't come off sounding like a clown or a jerk or a bombastic, blowhard idiot? Or that he doesn't turn the debate into a "reality show"?
Really? This is the best the Republican voters can come up with?
Perhaps America DOES deserve the politicians it gets.
Really? This is the best the Republican voters can come up with?
Perhaps America DOES deserve the politicians it gets.
8
You have to remember that the only difference between Trump and the other Republicans on that stage is that Trump knows he's a buffoon and acts that way on purpose while the rest of them try to hide it with fancy rhetoric and pearly white smiles.
I, like many others, expect this debate to be a legitimate circus. I think Trump will shine as ringleader. Everyone else will be relegated to clown, or sideshow status.
The whole thing will highlight in embarrassing fashion just how far American politics and the Republican Party, in particular, have fallen.
Get your popcorn ready.
I, like many others, expect this debate to be a legitimate circus. I think Trump will shine as ringleader. Everyone else will be relegated to clown, or sideshow status.
The whole thing will highlight in embarrassing fashion just how far American politics and the Republican Party, in particular, have fallen.
Get your popcorn ready.
33
It will be interesting to see the democratic debates-do they all kowtow to Hillary or dare to challenge the aointed one?
1
You mean the way Gwen Ifill gave softball after softball to Obama during his first go round? The press adored Obama and the love has never left them. According to the press he's done a smashing job these past 6+ years. The MSM is so far up the butt of the dnc it's shameful.
The debate will be a great show, with the clown Trump outshining all the other clowns. Isn't anyone surprised that Trump hasn't introduced his wife, the potential First Lady, or that he has not laid out any plans for the future? This man wants publicity, he feeds off the adulation of the Tea Party and other uniformed citizens. Oh, what a show, sit back and enjoy it America, we will probably never see such an event again in our lifetime.
7
The people who support Trump want to see a "realty TV" slugfest.
7
It isn't clear to me that there is any difference between his shining and his melting down.
18
I wouldn't miss this for the world. DT probably has a few IQ points on his competitors, maybe more than a few. Doubt any of them except maybe Bush or Rubio know where Iran is on the map. Trump is stronger, certainly funnier. He is a pretty fair stand-up comic. In fact that is basically what he has been doing -- sort of a right leaning Rodney Dangerfield. Very good chance he totally and completely dominates the debate. Which would truly make him the Republican front runner. Trump and Clinton. At least it will be more amusing than any election in recent memory.
4
Trump is the perfect candidate for the Republican party.... he is a loud, brash, arrogant, prejudiced, bigoted, bossy and abrasive big mouth who gets his point across through insults and accusations and stereotyping anyone not wealthy or white. He is all for the white, rich, entitled population, and against anyone that does not fit his version of who he feels is worthy of his acceptance. Every Democrat should pray he gets the nomination, for that will ensure another Democratic win in the next election. His bubble will eventually burst, and he will come crashing to earth when people finally see what he truly stands for. Alienating large sements of the population may win him the Republican nomination, but it is no way to win the presidential election.
10
The premise of this entire articles shows that Politico-trained "journalists" have absolutely NO IDEA how voters outside the DC bubble think.
Republican voters are not interested in policy distinctions in a primary like this; they are interested in personalities and strong-men. Trump represents the Mussolini version of that.
Republican voters are not interested in policy distinctions in a primary like this; they are interested in personalities and strong-men. Trump represents the Mussolini version of that.
8
I've been reading repeatedly about the Donald's demise. Ain't happening. Good thing too - he's the democrats' best hope. Go Donald!
9
Trump running as a third-party candidate could give Hillary the presidency, just as Ross Perot gave Bill Clinton the president.
Trump is using running for President to promote himself. Of course he won't prepare for this "debate," he's no interested in winning. It's all about drawing attention to himself. It seems that Trump makes a ton of money just by putting his name on things and so the Trump "brand" is huge and he is aiming to make it humongous. Too bad he is turning the whole thing into a circus but maybe that's what needs to be revealed anyway.
2
(a)If the Donald is crass and insulting as usual, he will continue to look like a buffoon, one who can't clean up his act when appropriate.
(b) If he behaves himself, he will fool absolutely no one.
Of course, to his supporters, those two options will come across as (a) genuine, unwilling to put on an act, calls 'em like he sees 'em, etc. or (b) able to pull the wool over people's eyes (because they'll think he did a convincing job).
And as the final sentence of this article makes clear, he has already declared himself the winner in advance.
(b) If he behaves himself, he will fool absolutely no one.
Of course, to his supporters, those two options will come across as (a) genuine, unwilling to put on an act, calls 'em like he sees 'em, etc. or (b) able to pull the wool over people's eyes (because they'll think he did a convincing job).
And as the final sentence of this article makes clear, he has already declared himself the winner in advance.
3
Trump's success so far is testament to the latent disgust felt by many Americans toward the rise of political-correctness as a bludgeoning tool against Truth.
4
Trump is no different than the rest of the clown car with one exception: he says explicitly what the others say in code.
29
"Mr. Trump could come away a winner if he makes cogent points without sounding too hostile..."
No, no, the 25% of the Republican populace that supports The Donald are supporting him because he is not cogent and love him because he reeks hostility. Those who currently favor Chris Christie and Ted Cruz could also readily switch to The Donald because he is even less cogent and can sound/act more hostile and outrageous than Christie or Cruz.
Just remember, these people hate government, intelligence, rationality, caring and consideration. The Donald is a joke, and he knows it, and they love his disrespect, mischievousness, unpredictability, and wrecking ball mentality.
Trump delights in the limelight, pushing everybody's buttons, and acting like a complete jerk. To his supporters, this is just what the US needs to conduct their desired finger-in-the-eye foreign policy.
He is the ultimate creation of American mass media, the entertainment industry, and the current Koched up Republican party. Trump will do very well in the debate in a "popularity" sense.
I believe Trump actually is brighter and certainly more shrewd than most of the rest of the GOP presidential wannabes--which doesn't say a whole lot.
No, no, the 25% of the Republican populace that supports The Donald are supporting him because he is not cogent and love him because he reeks hostility. Those who currently favor Chris Christie and Ted Cruz could also readily switch to The Donald because he is even less cogent and can sound/act more hostile and outrageous than Christie or Cruz.
Just remember, these people hate government, intelligence, rationality, caring and consideration. The Donald is a joke, and he knows it, and they love his disrespect, mischievousness, unpredictability, and wrecking ball mentality.
Trump delights in the limelight, pushing everybody's buttons, and acting like a complete jerk. To his supporters, this is just what the US needs to conduct their desired finger-in-the-eye foreign policy.
He is the ultimate creation of American mass media, the entertainment industry, and the current Koched up Republican party. Trump will do very well in the debate in a "popularity" sense.
I believe Trump actually is brighter and certainly more shrewd than most of the rest of the GOP presidential wannabes--which doesn't say a whole lot.
8
Thank goodness they don't have the swim suit competition !
12
Trump is a hot head. In the mold of Goldwater, I wouldn't want him to be the one to have access to the button or the football. Time to consider the little girl plucking the flower ad in motion; at least figuratively.
3
This is the amazing condition of things in America now. The Far Right Republicans have created Mr. Trump (and I'm proud he's from New York). They are seeing their belligerent superior and are timid before him. Mr. Trump doesn't wave the flag or the bible, just the good common sense of the street, and he is not bought and paid for like all the rest. Give them hell, Donald!
1
What common sense? Trump hasn't come up with one actual workable idea or policy.
1
Trump will be gone by Thanksgiving.
Hillary will implode due to her avoidance of taking tangible positions, lawyer-speak way of communicating to the electorate, avoidance of the press, and the weight of peoples' rightful unease about her "personal server", lack of Libya emails, and the Foundations activities and donors...
The GOP will sort through all the current "front runners" and find them all wanting, and nominate Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
The Dems will find Bernie Sanders interesting because he's a Socialist, and find him unacceptable because he's a Socialist. Martin O'Malley will fade as the national electorate finds his own state of Maryland finds him average.
Dems nominate Jim Webb! Webb-Warren vs. Kasich-Rubio in 2016.
Now THAT will be a horse race to watch. SF
Hillary will implode due to her avoidance of taking tangible positions, lawyer-speak way of communicating to the electorate, avoidance of the press, and the weight of peoples' rightful unease about her "personal server", lack of Libya emails, and the Foundations activities and donors...
The GOP will sort through all the current "front runners" and find them all wanting, and nominate Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
The Dems will find Bernie Sanders interesting because he's a Socialist, and find him unacceptable because he's a Socialist. Martin O'Malley will fade as the national electorate finds his own state of Maryland finds him average.
Dems nominate Jim Webb! Webb-Warren vs. Kasich-Rubio in 2016.
Now THAT will be a horse race to watch. SF
1
In the absence of statesmen and scholars at the debate, Trump can howl as from the wilderness. The competition will offer pale imitations.
2
It depends on who is doing the watching and listening. Trumpophiles and potential Trumpohiles don't want to hear policy statements. They want the Man to spout "truth," that is the "truth" he has been spouting forth since he entered the race. The others will seem like identical bobble-head dolls uttering the same lame positions they've already taken. They will do what political debaters have always done: speak in the same platitudes. I think the debate will raise the Trumpo's standing.
4
The longer this circus goes on, the less time the American people have to hear about where candidates stand on real issues. This voters have less time to make an informed decision at the primary.
2
Democrats hope that Trump destroys his opponents in the debates, over and over again, through any means possible, as he is not electable in the general election. His shots in this debate and any following will be best directed against the one or two opponents currently showing the best poll numbers - divide and conquer. The great majority of Republicans, from the grassroots to the leadership, also knowing that he will not be President, fear that same outcome but are unwilling to go on the record that they want someone rational, mainstream, and compassionate.
Trump will target Bush, as the most likely Republican candidate.
Trump will target Bush, as the most likely Republican candidate.
3
Given the extreme, rigid ideology of most GOP primary voters, any Republican who wins the primary forfeits the general election. Bottom line--when you won't compromise, you lose.
Why is not Trump electable? He is smart. Has gobs of money. Is a polished performer. The republican field is filled with mental midgets and third tier folks. Hillary may seem terrific to you and me, but she is a lousy speaker and has been tarred with many brushes over the years. I would rate DT around 25% to be our next president. Hillary 60%, rest of field of republicans 15%. In fact DT is the only possible republican candidate with a legitimate shot. And you know what? I would much, much rather see him as president than, say, Ted Cruz or Mike Huckabee, bible thumping racists who would force me to move to another country.
1
Mr. Trump does not need to win anything. All that he needs to do is control enough delegates to control the convention.
42
The only thing that's going to "shine" is the top of Trumps head.
The adults in the room all know this guy as the four star loser he actually is.
The adults in the room all know this guy as the four star loser he actually is.
3
Hel'll bring the rest of the stuffed shirts down to size and enhance his poll numbers. I love the scheduling; comedy in prime time.
2
The other candidates should be happy that Trump is taking the attention away from them. With a few exceptions , such as Bush and Kasich, the other candidates are a bunch of losers and classless clowns. Imagine a President Cruz , Rubio , Paul , etc.
If they were getting more scrutiny , their weaknesses would be exposed and they would be out of the game
If they were getting more scrutiny , their weaknesses would be exposed and they would be out of the game
1
Nate Silver recently provided another of his spot-on, prescient analysis of The Donald.
He is in 1st place as a first choice (about 20%) now.
He is in 13th place if you subtract his Unfavorable from his Favorable (4%).
He's a race-horse that is already dead in the starting gate. He's not a runner.
Two words: "Herman Cain". But until he fully fizzles out...entertaining.
Webb-Warren in 2016 !!
He is in 1st place as a first choice (about 20%) now.
He is in 13th place if you subtract his Unfavorable from his Favorable (4%).
He's a race-horse that is already dead in the starting gate. He's not a runner.
Two words: "Herman Cain". But until he fully fizzles out...entertaining.
Webb-Warren in 2016 !!
3
It will be interesting to watch, even only for the mere fact that a person like Trump can get into a debate at that level without having specified any realistic idea once. It's the equivalent of going to a job interview as an engineer, being asked how to solve the instability of the substrate in the river and yelling "WE NEED A BRIDGE". It won't land you the job. Yelling "We need legal immigration" on the other hand, makes you lead in the polls.
Interesting, very interesting. But then again, if even GW Bush could become president twice, Trump should be able to get there too.
A nation gets the leaders it deserves.
Interesting, very interesting. But then again, if even GW Bush could become president twice, Trump should be able to get there too.
A nation gets the leaders it deserves.
9
Why Trump? It's reached a point that people are just tired of the professional politicians. The Hillarys the Bushs etc are all the same. They all belong to this exclusive club and no one is allowed in. Only THEY have the knowledge and expertise to govern. Many of these people never held a job, succeeded in anything else other than being a politician. Yet the only choice we have are these people. That's why Trump appeals to the masses.
2
It is a rare article that doesn't refer to Trump as either a "celebrity" or "reality TV star" or both. In truth, the bar for "stardom" fell to the level of a toddler's ankles when the participants in these vacuous offerings were deemed stars. Prior to the '60s being a celebrity generally carried a positive connotation. Then the phrase "famous for being famous" became synonymous with celebrity-hood. While this is closer to the truth for Trump, he manages to besmirch a now-uncomplimentary term even further.
We've had a "star" as POTUS. Reagan, a saint to some a dementia-ridden mistake to others, was a leading actor in middling movies. He was not a Jimmy Stewart, in acting or in real life. Eisenhower was a genuine celebrity, but he earned his fame the hard way.
So, we've cheapened the language and elevated the likes of the Kardashians and Trump to the pedestals of celebrity-hood and stardom. If these bases fall any lower, a shovel will be required to expose them.
Trump will be Trump on the debate stage. A celebrity he may be, but he is not an actor. He cannot even pretend to express humility, graciousness or, God forbid, error. The fact that Trump is who and what he is is not really a problem. The fact that there are people willing to vote him into the Oval Office is terrifying.
We've had a "star" as POTUS. Reagan, a saint to some a dementia-ridden mistake to others, was a leading actor in middling movies. He was not a Jimmy Stewart, in acting or in real life. Eisenhower was a genuine celebrity, but he earned his fame the hard way.
So, we've cheapened the language and elevated the likes of the Kardashians and Trump to the pedestals of celebrity-hood and stardom. If these bases fall any lower, a shovel will be required to expose them.
Trump will be Trump on the debate stage. A celebrity he may be, but he is not an actor. He cannot even pretend to express humility, graciousness or, God forbid, error. The fact that Trump is who and what he is is not really a problem. The fact that there are people willing to vote him into the Oval Office is terrifying.
3
Using Trump and cogent in the same sentence is a level of optimism formally reserved for Candide or Pollanna.
1
What I look forward to, as a Conservative, is an opportunity for the candidates to actually answer questions, with all honesty, as will be the need with Mr Trump on the dais. I further look forward to head to head debates between our nominee and either of the 2 Libs, one who believes she is to be made POTUS due to coronation or due to her last name, not for accomplishments or views (or lack thereof) and the other who, lets face it, is pushing a system that has never ever in the history of mankind, succeeded!
1
The people of Germany, and of several other northern European countries -- most or all of which have economies doing better than ours, and with social mobility considerably above ours, and whose citizens generally rate *much* higher than ours on surveys of general "happiness" would disagree with your assertion.
You might wonder and question why the plutocratic owners of Fox"News" and the other media you rely on find it necessary to tell you lies like this.
Could it have anything to do with the fact that they're all doing much better now than at any time in the past 100 years -- while 90% of us are doing worse, hmm?
You might wonder and question why the plutocratic owners of Fox"News" and the other media you rely on find it necessary to tell you lies like this.
Could it have anything to do with the fact that they're all doing much better now than at any time in the past 100 years -- while 90% of us are doing worse, hmm?
And what does it tell the GOP that an individual so ignorant, inflammatory, cocky and self-absorbed as Donald Trump is so popular among Republicans that he was assured a spot in the debate and thus far blown the other contenders out of water?
5
I think you and your fellow members of the MSM are kidding themselves--the tea party base of the GOP loves Trumps obnoxiousness, insults, racism, misogyny and xenophobia. It hasn't hurt him up until now, and he's pretty much let all of his negative attributes shine, including an insult against American prisoners of war. His numbers have only grown stronger, so I don't know why you think it would hurt him during a debate.
The GOP is simply reaping what it has sown, with more than a little help from the MSM.
The GOP is simply reaping what it has sown, with more than a little help from the MSM.
10
As much as the Liberals hate him with the same passion that they love Hillary, he is still a much better option than ANYONE who has been in Washington politics for the last 16 years.
You cannot complain endlessly about the do-nothing congress of the last 8 years, or the disaster of administration for the 8 years prior to that, and then turn around and vote one of these people into office as the president.
This is why he is appealing. It's the self centered, rich business man, paying for his own campaign; or a paid puppet for the highest bidder, that will give us 8 more years of the same disaster we have been having for the last 16.
But don't be scared, he will not win the nomination. The candidates have already been chosen for you, Bush vs Clinton. This is just a side show to make you think you have anything to do with electing your leader.
You cannot complain endlessly about the do-nothing congress of the last 8 years, or the disaster of administration for the 8 years prior to that, and then turn around and vote one of these people into office as the president.
This is why he is appealing. It's the self centered, rich business man, paying for his own campaign; or a paid puppet for the highest bidder, that will give us 8 more years of the same disaster we have been having for the last 16.
But don't be scared, he will not win the nomination. The candidates have already been chosen for you, Bush vs Clinton. This is just a side show to make you think you have anything to do with electing your leader.
4
And there ladies and gentleman is "IT" in a nutshell. Sad but true, but thems the facts. Excellent comment Shark.
This is laughable "Fox moderators, who are trusted validators". In what universe?
Trump has gained his standing by making outrageous, rude, politically incorrect statements. The Tea Party loves him for that, they trust him all the more for being so idiotically outlandish. He will lose their backing if he's "statesman-like". The Tea Party doesn't want statesmen, they want bomb-throwers. Trump will deploy a bunch of grenades. And his poll numbers will grow.
Trump has gained his standing by making outrageous, rude, politically incorrect statements. The Tea Party loves him for that, they trust him all the more for being so idiotically outlandish. He will lose their backing if he's "statesman-like". The Tea Party doesn't want statesmen, they want bomb-throwers. Trump will deploy a bunch of grenades. And his poll numbers will grow.
10
If I were the other candidates I would be shaking in my boots once Trump opens up and tells America he owned most these guys with campaign contributions given to them. That's why Trump is so dangerous. He doesn't have to parse his message because nobody owns him but the American people. He doesn't have sell out doing fund raisers etc. He can just tell it like it is and to hell with the lobbyists, special interest groups etc. Let the American people decide whether his message stands up or is a crock....
2
Please. Does anyone actually believe that there will be a substantive discussion of policy on a stage with ten candidates? It will all be about zingers and memorable one liners and throwing red meat to the party faithful. The Donald will have less than ten minutes of air time and his performance will be memorable.
8
Trump's "rhetoric" sounds exactly like the pre-fight braggadocio at a WWE event. Perfect for a GOP "debate". Not a single person on that stage or in that audience will have even a passing familiarity with the facts of the economic, immigration or foreign policy issues facing this country at home and abroad. And since it's Fox, neither will the journalist(s) moderating the debate.
15
This opinion piece is making an assumption. On the basis of what? There is no guarantee that what has become a major summer entertainment will melt down as the writers suggest it might.
Trump is both a very intelligent human being and prone to saying whatever nutty, grandiose thoughts come into his mind - to the delight of some and the anguish of others, depending upon party affiliation or simple wonder at what might come next.
Since he seems to have an ability for deftly skewering attempts to attack him and no one can predict what or who he might choose to feature in a riff bordering on the absurd, I am not betting that the public will tire of him or turn on him any time soon. Why ruin more amusing debates?
So a big question mark hangs over the Republican Party. Donald Trump is enjoying every minute of it! And so, it would seem, is a good portion of the country.
The only way he would ever get my "vote" is if he lasts long enough for the WI primary. There's no party registration. And a strategic vote ... Well, anything is possible!
Meanwhile, the show must go on!
Trump is both a very intelligent human being and prone to saying whatever nutty, grandiose thoughts come into his mind - to the delight of some and the anguish of others, depending upon party affiliation or simple wonder at what might come next.
Since he seems to have an ability for deftly skewering attempts to attack him and no one can predict what or who he might choose to feature in a riff bordering on the absurd, I am not betting that the public will tire of him or turn on him any time soon. Why ruin more amusing debates?
So a big question mark hangs over the Republican Party. Donald Trump is enjoying every minute of it! And so, it would seem, is a good portion of the country.
The only way he would ever get my "vote" is if he lasts long enough for the WI primary. There's no party registration. And a strategic vote ... Well, anything is possible!
Meanwhile, the show must go on!
3
As a lifelong Rockefeller Republican (in hiding), I'm looking forward to the debates. Maybe, just maybe, the party will finally sink so low that we might see a return of ideas, civility and dare I say it, compromise for the greater good of the country. If not, it's just another election where the GOP centrists wind up voting Democrat.
164
It's time to admit defeat and move on. The party is a cesspool controlled by very dark special interests. Trump is just another face of the same.
2
Leo, I hope we get your vote. I heard Tagg Romney (son of Mitt) state he was voting for whatever Republican nominee. So we aren't going to get his vote.
Eisenhower would win this election. He won't be on stage. He isn't anywhere waiting offstage either. It is clowns, all the way down.
2
I can't figure out of Trump is just an idiot or a smart person who is idiotic in some ways. Still, the short putdowns are good. Jeb Bush is an "unhappy person"? In two words, death by putdown.
One of the things I have learned from debating and some public gatherings where issues are being discussed is that if you can make an audience laugh at your opponents points, you've won. You don't have to make the opponent seem ridiculous, but if you can get them smiling with a little laugh on the side, its over. Trump is at risk of that even while he tries to induce it in regard to the others.
Since Trump is taking no one's advice, he won't read this and wouldn't heed it anyway, but, in being outrageous himself, he just might make the whole cavalcade of candidates look like a bus load of too carefully measured, restrained, nattering nabobs of nothingism (the latter is a quote from the late Spiro Agnew, who got it from either Pat Buchanan or William Safire, speech writers).
Trump reminds me of Perot, circa 1992. He was totally uninterested in being managed, in taking advice, being careful or even listening to anyone else. The result is that Perot wasted one of the biggest chances anyone had in the 20th century to win as an independent, even though he achieved his apparent goal of helping to deny a second victory by George H.W. Bush.
One of the things I have learned from debating and some public gatherings where issues are being discussed is that if you can make an audience laugh at your opponents points, you've won. You don't have to make the opponent seem ridiculous, but if you can get them smiling with a little laugh on the side, its over. Trump is at risk of that even while he tries to induce it in regard to the others.
Since Trump is taking no one's advice, he won't read this and wouldn't heed it anyway, but, in being outrageous himself, he just might make the whole cavalcade of candidates look like a bus load of too carefully measured, restrained, nattering nabobs of nothingism (the latter is a quote from the late Spiro Agnew, who got it from either Pat Buchanan or William Safire, speech writers).
Trump reminds me of Perot, circa 1992. He was totally uninterested in being managed, in taking advice, being careful or even listening to anyone else. The result is that Perot wasted one of the biggest chances anyone had in the 20th century to win as an independent, even though he achieved his apparent goal of helping to deny a second victory by George H.W. Bush.
2
Trump will do well because this whole Republican election shenanigan is entertainment. Not one single one of these candidates understands the meaning of honesty and backbone.
7
It's hard to imagine a scenario whereby this "debate" remains civil. Donald Trump's reflexive response when things get adversarial, or for that matter, if there's even an element of tension or slight discord, is to make personal attacks on the person he views as standing in the way of what he wants to do.
He's compelled to do it, it seems The reflex exists on some cellular level, some genetic structure. He just cannot help himself.
He's compelled to do it, it seems The reflex exists on some cellular level, some genetic structure. He just cannot help himself.
6
Only thing Donald has to say is to formulate the following question: "I live in a gold tower on 5th Avenue in New York City, surrounded by hotels and golf courses built by me. Go anywhere in the world, you will see highly successful Trump Towers and Trump courses. And what this country needs is a rebuilding of its, airports, roads, railways, bridges and a huge jobs program. Now just think, whether I will be able to successfully accomplish this, or one of these nine politicians will be able to do it? These nine people and all the world will agree that I am the only one who can do this. So, do not waste your time, and make me President. "
I. Can't. Wait.
9
My gut says that deep down Trump does not want to be president and is looking for a way to parlay his new power into some money-making scheme, some new TV show or something. He doesn't want to divulge his true wealth, he doesn't want to keep travelling. He probably hates speaking so much. Look for a frustrated, tired, pugilistic Trump, as people go on the attack. He will crumble under that focus and come out looking unpredictable, behind on his facts, angry, eye-rolling, and nonchalant all wrapped into one colossally volatile debate performance. Bush, Rubio and Walker will shine with Bush being the front-runner when all is said and done.
4
The Republican party should make the Donald a persona non grata at the debates. Why have a racist, misogynist, and a fool up there. Ban him. If you think he'll put on his big boy pants, then I have a bridge to sell you.
2
Well the reason they want a racist, misogynist fool up there is that that's the epitome of the Republican values in a nutshell. He's what sells to Republican voters.
2
Because most of them, if not all of them, are also racists, misogynists, and fools to one degree or another. That's been the bedrock of the GOP's public image for years now. Bigoted against gays, against equal pay and equal rights for women, terrified of Middle Easterners whether they're terrorists or not, and making stupid claims like "God wants me to be president!" Who can take them seriously?
2
The other candidates are just as racist and misogynist.
3
As much as I find Trump offensive on so many levels - I have to give him props for the way he is managing his campaign so far. He seems to have spent virtually nothing and has gotten far more traction and coverage than any other candidate. While his comments and behavior are just awful - there might just be the tiniest bit of truth in the things he says. Even if a molecule of truth underpins any of his comments - there is such a complete disgust with Congress that he, as a complete political outsider, does come off as a breath of truthful air. Even though his chances of achieving the Presidency are small - the amount of damage he can inflict on the Republican brand is huge. Even as a third party candidate, he will pull enough voters to ensure a Clinton victory
3
Donald Trump should do just fine. He'll only have to deal with two more dwarfs than Snow White did. The only real element of suspense is whether or not the Fox debate moderator asks his audience the questions Maximus asked the Roman mob in Gladiator - "Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?".
What fun!
What fun!
5
Trump is a clown and isn't fit for dog catcher. That said, I pray he gets the GOP nomination or runs as a third party candidate, the Trump Party. I really need the laughs he is sure to provide for anyone with an IQ north of a bedroom slipper.
8
Even as we discuss the problems of bullying, many American want a president who is a feckless bully.
Ironic, isn't it.
Ironic, isn't it.
The fact that he's running in the election is a joke. I guess when people have fame, and a couple billion in the bank they think they can rule the world literally. He's extremely tactless and egotistical. His behavior and mannerisms in debates are comical. He needs a reality check fast, meaning running The Apprentice seasons again. Seemingly, all he is mentally capable of!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wheres the popcorn?????? #IDIOT
3
His appeal is entirely explained by what some wag once said about the Newt, Gingrich:
"He sounds like what a dumb person thinks a smart person sounds like."
While we're at it, with Mr Trump, we can add in,
"He sounds like what people with no power think strong people sound like."
Thank God he's here to show clearly, unambiguously, and most important, undeniably, what Republicans really think, without the usual dog-whistles and code-words.
"He sounds like what a dumb person thinks a smart person sounds like."
While we're at it, with Mr Trump, we can add in,
"He sounds like what people with no power think strong people sound like."
Thank God he's here to show clearly, unambiguously, and most important, undeniably, what Republicans really think, without the usual dog-whistles and code-words.
On the one hand, it can't be a debate if all ten really agree on ALL the key issues. Immigration, lowering taxes, no Iran deal, global warming isn't a problem, etc.
On the other hand, wouldn't it be great if someone came loaded with a devastating attack on Trump. No, Mexico isn't "sending" rapists. No, you are lying to the public when you say a wall should be built on the Mexican border and somehow Mexico will pay for it. No, you can't bully China like you try to bully everyone else.
The candidates with little support have nothing to lose. However, I'd love to see Bush ignore the questions and just tear apart everything Trump has said so far. Even with his name, he isn't polling well so he really has nothing to lose, either.
Not that I like any of them. It would just be more entertaining to see the other guys fight back, and not just offer mild rebukes, like "I disagree."
On the other hand, wouldn't it be great if someone came loaded with a devastating attack on Trump. No, Mexico isn't "sending" rapists. No, you are lying to the public when you say a wall should be built on the Mexican border and somehow Mexico will pay for it. No, you can't bully China like you try to bully everyone else.
The candidates with little support have nothing to lose. However, I'd love to see Bush ignore the questions and just tear apart everything Trump has said so far. Even with his name, he isn't polling well so he really has nothing to lose, either.
Not that I like any of them. It would just be more entertaining to see the other guys fight back, and not just offer mild rebukes, like "I disagree."
2
Donald Trump is the ideal candidate for the emerging Feral Republic of North America (#FRNA), promoted by feral FoxNews. He'll shine and Fox will make sure of it.
2
Considering this is a Fox sponsored debate, it is unlikely we will hear how the candidates feel about important policy issues--other than the first thing each of them will do is to repeal the Affordable Care Act, deport every undocumented person, and possibly promote a law to provide every American with a handgun. It will likely become a bash session seeing who can come up with the most zingers against our President, Ms Clinton or their fellow candidates. The audience will again cheer for the preposterous, such as allowing the poor without health insurance to die, or booing a gay military man. Only reason to watch it is to confirm just how ridiculous this political theater has become.
5
He will make it into a reality show, his big ego will not allow otherwise. Sarah Palin as secretary of State will be a good announcement. LOL
1
The thing that concerns me is his entire platform (if one could call it that) is so egomaniacal and outlandish that it’s hard to take anything he says seriously. Years back when Obama was first running for Pres Trump said he had discovered and had documents to prove his claim that Obama was not born in this country. His “birther” rhetoric was so inflammatory that it was truly disturbing to listen to. When he was called upon by different news outlets to actually present these documents – he NEVER did and it was forgotten about – really, just forgotten about! That said, he has these big ideas about building walls around the southern portion of our country in order to keep out the illegals and he’s going to make Mexico pay for it. How is he going to do any of that? Experts have said it would take years to build such a wall and BILLIONS of dollars to do so. I hate to say it but he seems to appeal to the lowest common denominator of the Republican base. And the rest of the Republican candidates seem rather normal and almost reasonable next to Trump. I’m not sure what the outcome of his foray into this race will be, but the entire situation is not only exasperating, but seriously unnerving.
1
Trump is playing out the archetype of the fool.
The fool is by far not a dummy.
His role is critical to the death and rebirth of our nation at this critical point in time.
He provides needed contrast as he speaks his unfiltered mind.
And unabashedly shows us what a farce the political process has become.
The fool is by far not a dummy.
His role is critical to the death and rebirth of our nation at this critical point in time.
He provides needed contrast as he speaks his unfiltered mind.
And unabashedly shows us what a farce the political process has become.
3
I do believe that Trump isn’t sweating the debate. For all his talk about his ‘management skills, he’s not big on planning & generally just repeats what’s worked in the past & makes new things up as he goes along. (Which is why he’s been bankrupt so often.) Don’t expect policy details. He is, as he says, a big-picture guy, who leaves the details to the little people.
He appeals to angry, relatively dumb people, (especially, but not only, older white males), who feel powerless, in some way: & like that he ‘shoots from the hip’ & ‘says what he thinks,’ & doesn’t worry about being ‘politcally correct’ or playing by any rules. He’s convinced a lot of people that he’ll be harder on groups that they fear or resent than on groups to which they belong. So, if he can convince more people of this, and/or not lose the ones already there, he can count the debate a success. People who like it that he hasn’t had to defer to equal-level colleagues (as senators have), or to legislatures (as governors have) – just the occasional banker, when he’s been in trouble (but I imagine he’s repressed those memories.) No. He’s developed the swagger that too many people (especially angry, relatively dumb people, who feel powerless about something) think should be true of a President of the US (Think W, in that jumpsuit, & that ‘Mission Accomplished’ sign.) Trump just has to swagger, boast a lot, & talk about firing people & he'll win the debate. Unfortunately.
He appeals to angry, relatively dumb people, (especially, but not only, older white males), who feel powerless, in some way: & like that he ‘shoots from the hip’ & ‘says what he thinks,’ & doesn’t worry about being ‘politcally correct’ or playing by any rules. He’s convinced a lot of people that he’ll be harder on groups that they fear or resent than on groups to which they belong. So, if he can convince more people of this, and/or not lose the ones already there, he can count the debate a success. People who like it that he hasn’t had to defer to equal-level colleagues (as senators have), or to legislatures (as governors have) – just the occasional banker, when he’s been in trouble (but I imagine he’s repressed those memories.) No. He’s developed the swagger that too many people (especially angry, relatively dumb people, who feel powerless about something) think should be true of a President of the US (Think W, in that jumpsuit, & that ‘Mission Accomplished’ sign.) Trump just has to swagger, boast a lot, & talk about firing people & he'll win the debate. Unfortunately.
9
The good thing about Trump is that he's not beholden to anyone except himself. The bad thing is that he's as insane as the billionaires who are contributing to the other Republican candidates.
7
You seem to be covering this as if it were a sports event. I suppose if you want to be a part of this (very expensive) cheap entertainment that our democracy has become, that's what you must do. Only pretend that we're still talking about democratic process. Pretend that a lack of cogency, or of knowledge or of honesty, is a liability in this crowd. Pretend that we're talking about a "debate," instead of a charade that's more like a joint press conference with no press attending--only the ethics-deprived corporate spokesmodels of Fox news. Pretend that the democratic process still depends on an informed public, free discussion, and shared goals. And above all pretend that the Democrats' triangulating corporate robot offers a real alternative, just because she's more presentable & articulate. I ask myself if I'm just pretending to have hope that something better & more honest is still possible--and I don't know anymore.
I am more interested in seeing how Jeb Bush fairs in the primaries. I am convinced that this is all a charade. The more absurd the other Republican candidates make themselves the more reasonable it makes Jeb look. All the while they will take cheap shots at Hillary without any consequences. This was always going to be a Bush v Clinton presidential race.
3
As a nation, we should be collectively ashamed that Trump is anywhere near a political campaign, much less the campaign for president.
6
Why?
Trump is the typical American.
Trump is most of us, even if I am not.
Trump is the typical American.
Trump is most of us, even if I am not.
So from what I gather from 99% of these comments is that you'd all rather have another professional politician who will do and say anything to get your vote and yet look out for the interests of a select few. And by that I mean big business, because if the libs like and want Hillary good luck with that, 90% of her top donors are from Wall Street, so if you thought that Obama and his empty promises would bring about change don't think Hillary will do anything either, on that front you lose again. As for the repubs, they want to rid the world of women's rights and bring us back into the dark ages. So who's left? Possibly Mr. Sanders? Certainly not Trump though his tirades are resonating with many disgruntled people. Good luck to us all.
Obviously a comedy of clown-fanatics but I rrally want to know: Will they all, once again, determine that this is INDEED a Christian Nation? This was an important issue they bantered about in the past. I think it is a silly question but I like it anyway (because it's just plain silly).
The whole point of politics is big ideas combined with relentless ground work. Wholesale and retail. Trump will excel at big (dumb) ideas and fail at marketing his ideas to the public.
But all of that aside, I wish someone would teach him how to properly tie a tie.
The tip of the tie should land at the top of the belt buckle, not hallway down the zipper.
An aside, it's interesting that Trump is two years older than Hillary but his age (to my knowledge) has not been a factor. FWIW, Kerry is two years older than Trump and if he announced another run Kerry would have my vote locked up.
But all of that aside, I wish someone would teach him how to properly tie a tie.
The tip of the tie should land at the top of the belt buckle, not hallway down the zipper.
An aside, it's interesting that Trump is two years older than Hillary but his age (to my knowledge) has not been a factor. FWIW, Kerry is two years older than Trump and if he announced another run Kerry would have my vote locked up.
5
Interesting about the Donald.
Say, didn't some other candidate do a nation-wide live video to over 100,00 of his supporters last night? Who was that?
Say, didn't some other candidate do a nation-wide live video to over 100,00 of his supporters last night? Who was that?
6
I finally figured out what Prebus is doing with Trump. Trump is the outlier candidate. He is making JEB look good by comparison since JEB cannot look good any other way. On his own JEB is a dead loser. By comparison to Trump he’s an LBJ or FDR for rich people.
As for debates Donald, Your POV: “Debates, he said in the interview, are “really irrelevant to running the country and making the country great again.” Is dead wrong.
Debates test the mental and intellectual skill as well as political abilities of the debaters. These are qualities a POTUS needs very much in these days that is why the Party bosses work so hard to set the parameters and control what is asked and how much time is spent in answering. A high sign that a Pol is full of it is whether or not what he says responds to the topic directly or winds up being a spin. Spin is a skill that is valued far too highly these days especially as skill at it is a sure sign of moral turpitude.
I suspect Donald doesn’t like debates because like his wealth his political and intellectual “abilities” are mostly boast and don’t actually exist anywhere but on paper.
As for debates Donald, Your POV: “Debates, he said in the interview, are “really irrelevant to running the country and making the country great again.” Is dead wrong.
Debates test the mental and intellectual skill as well as political abilities of the debaters. These are qualities a POTUS needs very much in these days that is why the Party bosses work so hard to set the parameters and control what is asked and how much time is spent in answering. A high sign that a Pol is full of it is whether or not what he says responds to the topic directly or winds up being a spin. Spin is a skill that is valued far too highly these days especially as skill at it is a sure sign of moral turpitude.
I suspect Donald doesn’t like debates because like his wealth his political and intellectual “abilities” are mostly boast and don’t actually exist anywhere but on paper.
5
What a delicious car wreck this "debate" is going to be!
Though seriously, that any significant block of American citizens could put this deeply disturbed and disturbing clown at the top of the polls just reinforces the idea that whoever they are, they should be encouraged - heck, subsidized - to secede.
Though seriously, that any significant block of American citizens could put this deeply disturbed and disturbing clown at the top of the polls just reinforces the idea that whoever they are, they should be encouraged - heck, subsidized - to secede.
6
August 7th News Bulletin:
With his robust debate performance Trump leads the pack with 48.5%.
Romney decides to run to save the republican party.
With his robust debate performance Trump leads the pack with 48.5%.
Romney decides to run to save the republican party.
1
Most people who will be watching any Republican "debates" -- other than those looking in for the sheer comedic spectacle -- will be watching for only three things: (1) gotcha's; (2) slipping on banana peels; (3) the gratuitous Obama/Hillary slamfests they promise to be (in spite of the fact that the country is vastly better off than the last republican administration left it). That's it. Nothing any deeper or more thoughtful will be sought after, because -- wait for it -- nothing else will on is intended for display. Republican candidates want to deliver only a clever ripost, an effective soundbite, no "oops" moments, and, above all, a good close-up of their faux-outrage at a democratic presidency that in fact has been highly effective at cleaning up the prior, smoldering republican mess. They all should carry a doctor's reflex hammer, because knee-jerk voters are all they want to satisfy.
233
"(3) the gratuitous Obama/Hillary slamfests they promise to be..."
Aint it funny that they seem to forget they are running against each other to get the Party nomination and not running against the DEM's just yet?
The only good thing about Trump is that he is the only one doing the campaign right by going after his fellow GOPers. The time for going at the other party is after you get the nomination not before.
Aint it funny that they seem to forget they are running against each other to get the Party nomination and not running against the DEM's just yet?
The only good thing about Trump is that he is the only one doing the campaign right by going after his fellow GOPers. The time for going at the other party is after you get the nomination not before.
2
Surely you either jest or are not paying attention to what is happening to this great country.
91 million people out of work
Staggering increase in debt, which will take literally generation to pay for
Race relations down the toilet
The continual rise of the JV, ISIS, who want to kill us and we do nothing
Our borders are porous....can we just try to have control?
Add to the list so many egregiously run government entities that we look like fools.
There is no doubt, the White House will not have another Lib there for quite some time!
91 million people out of work
Staggering increase in debt, which will take literally generation to pay for
Race relations down the toilet
The continual rise of the JV, ISIS, who want to kill us and we do nothing
Our borders are porous....can we just try to have control?
Add to the list so many egregiously run government entities that we look like fools.
There is no doubt, the White House will not have another Lib there for quite some time!
In order to please my fellow countrymen, I will do my utmost to sneak into the debate arena the night before the spectacle, and liberally strew banana peels and marbles around on the floor. If this bullying tactic suddenly makes me the Republican frontrunner, I would not be all that surprised.
1
The Meltdown may have already started. The NBC Today show reported that he likes Sarah Palin as a potential running mate. Sounds to me like he needs to reshuffle his campaign team if that's true.
24
Why? The same people that like Donald Trump probably like
Sarah Palin.
Sarah Palin.
3
Dear Dean Mirtle,
Sadly your advice is impossible for Trump to follow, because he has no campaign team. He doesn't take advice from anyone, so if it's to be the makeup champion of 2008, the barbeque brawler who can see Russia from her front porch, so be it.
Sadly your advice is impossible for Trump to follow, because he has no campaign team. He doesn't take advice from anyone, so if it's to be the makeup champion of 2008, the barbeque brawler who can see Russia from her front porch, so be it.
1
Because he could control her and her IQ is lower than his.
And Trump would be equally wise to have the presidents of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania written on a card for every "give me three examples" question he is asked from the moderator or candidates. Trump can dismiss this as the same old gotcha questions politicians and the media love --while America declines.
3
May the first debate -- if only for Trump's participation -- be the most-watched Reality TV of the year. Thanks to Trump:
1. In hindsight, every bachelor, bachelorette, survivor, et al. will seem banal.
2. More than likely, he will bring out the worst, rather than the best, in his peers. (Not that's entertainment!)
3. Those peers (if they don't already) will leave the debate dreading the GOP's chances in 2016.
4. The debate will further depict the utter dysfunction of America's political culture.
America, start stocking up on the beer and pretzels!
1. In hindsight, every bachelor, bachelorette, survivor, et al. will seem banal.
2. More than likely, he will bring out the worst, rather than the best, in his peers. (Not that's entertainment!)
3. Those peers (if they don't already) will leave the debate dreading the GOP's chances in 2016.
4. The debate will further depict the utter dysfunction of America's political culture.
America, start stocking up on the beer and pretzels!
10
So when do we drink? When Trumps says "huuuge"? If it is for every insult we will only see the first few minutes before we all pass out.
I predict Donald T. will perform a circus-level impersonation of a fox in the hen house. His performance will surely delight those of us who have nothing but disdain for all of the other Republican career politicians who will offer vacuous answers to any and all softball questions posed by the Fox moderators.
18
More like fox in the Fox house.
2
Trump will shine because he most closely embodies the far right's vision of an un-politician who they believe will carry out their objective of dismantling the federal government. Furthermore, conservatives worship billionaires. It doesn't matter what he says or what he knows. He's already a known commodity from his years in the spotlight.
94
True. He is polling this high because they do know him. What they know of him is his shows. They like that.
Being just that won't discourage his support. It will please them. They already know it about him, and they already like it about him.
That may be his limiting factor too. It will only go so far, to poll well among a field of 15 clowns on the bus, say 15% top end.
Being just that won't discourage his support. It will please them. They already know it about him, and they already like it about him.
That may be his limiting factor too. It will only go so far, to poll well among a field of 15 clowns on the bus, say 15% top end.
You hit the nail on the head. Conservatives worship billionaires, the majority of the populace, not so much. The other issue is being in thrall to celebrity, rather than substance and reality.
Are the GOP debates even for real, with real facts regarding real issues? I can't muster any enthusiasm for hearing Mr. Donald Trump's word bullets or horn toots. Maybe I'll give the "debates" a miss.
My thoughts about Mr. Trump cycle back to his hairstyle, and an unwelcome thought that his Donaldesque forehead hair is a long comb-over lacquered in place and folded back.
I willingly erase the thought. How's the weather where you are?
My thoughts about Mr. Trump cycle back to his hairstyle, and an unwelcome thought that his Donaldesque forehead hair is a long comb-over lacquered in place and folded back.
I willingly erase the thought. How's the weather where you are?
4
No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people. HL Mencken said that and it's Trump's central viewpoint. In this country of suckers born daily, Trump could well win it all.
40
If shining means that he will speak without a filter, and refuse to cower before the altar of the politically correct, then yes, he will shine. And the left will howl...
68
"Shine"? More like The Donald will stink up the joint. He is more than politically incorrect--Trump is an out-and-proud racist. Of course, that is not a turn-off for right-wing Republicans, who rely on the votes of racists to get elected.
6
On the other hand, if "shining" means appearing knowledgeable, organized, thoughtful, disciplined, and capable of leadership in complex political situations, then ... no, he won't shine.
3
Would Mr. Trump please offer one....just ONE...policy proposal?
5
The Bachelorette + Real Housewives + Jersey Shore + Duck Dynasty + Jerry Springer = Republican Debate. This will be entertaining for sure, but you're more likely to hear substantive policy discussion in one of the aforementioned reality shows.
92
or perhaps in a zoo coming from the animals.
Melt down? By whose measure? He'll be a star to his own kind. After all, female baboons look pretty sexy to male baboons.
84
He will implode. The question is just when. When will the "At last, have you no decency sir?" moment occur. Because of this viewership will be huuuge and that suits both FOX news and "the Donald" fine. When the history of this sorry part of our politics is made into a documentary, it won't be David Mculloughs voice you hear, it will be the guy who does the RONCO commercials. I thought I could never be more embarrassed for a politician then I was for Sarah but this guy makes me want to give up my citizenship. We are through the looking glass people and trying to figure this out using past ideas political decorum, intelligence and experience is senseless. We will just have to wait till the fever breaks and we are left with a weakened body politic.
55
What? We know he has no decency! What surprises are there with Trump? The guy already said he would date his own daughter, if she weren't his daughter. How sweet! Wow, that must make for some very cozy family time with his daughter and child girlfriend or is it wife? I cannot even keep track.He is a sexist, racist, not sure if he's a homophobe or not. I am sure he has an opinion. I am glad he is not a democrat. We have clowns too I am sure, but I think he is right where he belongs.
1
My feeling is that Trump is the Sarah Palin of this voting cycle. It will just take time for his admirers to figure out they've fallen yet again for the WWW RAW, rope-a-dope, TV Sitcom appeal of a candidate who has really nothing to offer as a President, except perhaps in this case, a predilection for golf.
2
We don't need to be embarrassed for the politicians (Palin or Trump). They are what they are and apparently are very satisfied with themselves.
We need to be embarrassed for the country and for ourselves. To paraphrase Edward Albee, we have seen these candidates and this electoral process and have still said to ourselves, “Yes, this will do”.
We need to be embarrassed for the country and for ourselves. To paraphrase Edward Albee, we have seen these candidates and this electoral process and have still said to ourselves, “Yes, this will do”.
Trump's empty and inflammatory rhetoric will fit in with the other GOP candidates, like Rick "Oops! What was the other one?" Perry and Scott "I took on union demonstrators, so I can handle ISIS" Walker. The Don's fans will be impressed as ever and the rest of us will be horrified that political discourse has devolved to this.
9
I agree with Mr. Trump that these debates serve very little purpose. But ironically, I will be watching it exactly because of him and the pearls that very likely will come out of his mouth. As a country and thanks to the media, we have become a country where an opinion deserves more cachet if it comes from a celebrity. A tweet from Kim K is worth more than that of a professor. And so Mr. Trump is convinced that whatever success he has had in business allows him to destroy the other candidates. This ought to be very entertaining, indeed.
3
Sorry, but do NYT reporters really know what Senor Trump needs to do to win this debate? Doesn't his whole existence defy logic?
Maybe scorching a few more ethnic groups will make him rise in the polls. Making he'll be more popular if he cranks up the crazy, rather than tones it down. All respect to Maggie and Nick, but do they really know?
Maybe scorching a few more ethnic groups will make him rise in the polls. Making he'll be more popular if he cranks up the crazy, rather than tones it down. All respect to Maggie and Nick, but do they really know?
2
Trump is nothing more than a circus side show who, with his vitriolic attacks, in the end will be forgotten by next summer. To be sure, he'll have his niche, die hard followers. But the US electorate, for good or bad, is highly diverse and becoming increasingly intolerant of the bile he spews.
There is no way he can win the Republican nomination let alone the US Presidency. On that you can bank.
There is no way he can win the Republican nomination let alone the US Presidency. On that you can bank.
2
"...he faces risks if he turns the stage into a reality show episode."
No he doesn't. The GOP electorate has already conflated politics with reality shows. Does much of the base even know the difference anymore? The fact that this man is having the impact he is all the proof you need that a big enough ego coupled with a media-enabled bullhorn, you can convince people you are qualified to be the leader of the free world.
No he doesn't. The GOP electorate has already conflated politics with reality shows. Does much of the base even know the difference anymore? The fact that this man is having the impact he is all the proof you need that a big enough ego coupled with a media-enabled bullhorn, you can convince people you are qualified to be the leader of the free world.
65
Donald Trump will win this debate for the disenfranchised Republican voters. He will be bated and he will respond in the usual manner. His poll numbers will surge among that special republican population according to what we have seen so far.
I really hope it works out for him and wish him the best of luck. It will add several additional nails to the Republican party's demise.
I really hope it works out for him and wish him the best of luck. It will add several additional nails to the Republican party's demise.
9
You can bet the debate moderator (if it's Chris Wallace, we already know he's in bed with the Obama WH) will corner Mr. Trump, interrupt and belittle him and play to the cameras in full gotcha mode.
The question will be how many 2016 GOP hopefuls will pile on, because the ones that do may as well drop out of the race now.
Conservatives in this country are fed up with Republicans acting like liberal Democrats. If you can't stand for something, you'll allow anything. The Obama presidency is proof of that.
The question will be how many 2016 GOP hopefuls will pile on, because the ones that do may as well drop out of the race now.
Conservatives in this country are fed up with Republicans acting like liberal Democrats. If you can't stand for something, you'll allow anything. The Obama presidency is proof of that.
3
Why are you so upset with the Republicans? You elected them.
So far I have not heard any cogent point from any of the Republican candidates. So why should we expect any from Trump. Whatever they say are simple reflection of the general intelligence of their constituents. And they hear only what they want to hear.
23
At some point Trump will either have to present solutions to the problems America faces or else he will fade into the distance. Calling other candidates stupid, impugning their integrity, bragging about his wealth and constantly saying "I know how to fix things, the other candidates do not" is not going to be enough of a reason for any serious voter to pull the lever for him.
There's a part of me (and I am a lifelong Democrat) that actually wonders if Mr. Trump is really a Democrat because in all the many primary seasons and elections I have experienced in my lifetime I have yet to see any candidate try to destroy the chances of their party in an election the way Trump has. He seems intent on destroying his party's chances with Hispanics, women, gays, and veterans and if he is the nominee Hillary Clinton will win in a landslide.
The American people need robust debates in contested primaries from both parties. Whether or not qualified candidates, of which there are many, are fearful of opposing Hillary Clinton, her being anointed the frontrunner before the first primary with no serious opposition is not good for the Democratic Party or our country.
If Donald Trump is truly skilled at creating jobs perhaps he should be campaigning for the job of Secretary of Commerce in the next President's cabinet. Although I'm a Democrat I still want to see insightful debates in the Republican primaries and candidates who have real solutions for our country. Trump is not one of them.
There's a part of me (and I am a lifelong Democrat) that actually wonders if Mr. Trump is really a Democrat because in all the many primary seasons and elections I have experienced in my lifetime I have yet to see any candidate try to destroy the chances of their party in an election the way Trump has. He seems intent on destroying his party's chances with Hispanics, women, gays, and veterans and if he is the nominee Hillary Clinton will win in a landslide.
The American people need robust debates in contested primaries from both parties. Whether or not qualified candidates, of which there are many, are fearful of opposing Hillary Clinton, her being anointed the frontrunner before the first primary with no serious opposition is not good for the Democratic Party or our country.
If Donald Trump is truly skilled at creating jobs perhaps he should be campaigning for the job of Secretary of Commerce in the next President's cabinet. Although I'm a Democrat I still want to see insightful debates in the Republican primaries and candidates who have real solutions for our country. Trump is not one of them.
25
I beg to differ. No one supporting him, or considering supporting him, expects Trump to offer solutions at the debates. If they did, his poll numbers wouldn't be 20%+. Just being what he is (stupid, loud and bombastic) is what the GOP seems to want.
Respectfully, I see not one Publican candidate who could possibly participate in "insightful debates," precisely because they clearly have no "real solutions for our country."
And they all know this to be true -- which is why, like Mr Walker of Wisconsin, they must continually lie about what they intend to do once elected.
(Please recall that Mr Walker said nothing about taking the power of collective bargaining (something to which most Publicans have at least paid lip service) before his election.
He outright denied that any anti-abortion (or "pro-life") legislation was even on his radar screen, let alone a priority.)
The national Publicans have, for years now, stood for only a few constant goals:
lowering taxes on corporations and the wealthy (though this has proven to have no stimulative or "job-creating" effects whatsoever -- and does yield the exploding deficits & debt they claim to oppose);
sending our military into action in catastrophically counterproductive wars;
demolishing rational health/safety/consumer/investor/environmental protections -- with the inevitable effects of collapsing economies; devastating well blowouts and derailments, calamitous droughts, fires, floods, and hurricanes (exacerbated by inadequate federal disaster responses);
and disenfranchising voters, so they can continue to win elections, even as they lose popular vote majorities both nationally and within many states.
OF COURSE they must lie about what they wish to enact.
And they all know this to be true -- which is why, like Mr Walker of Wisconsin, they must continually lie about what they intend to do once elected.
(Please recall that Mr Walker said nothing about taking the power of collective bargaining (something to which most Publicans have at least paid lip service) before his election.
He outright denied that any anti-abortion (or "pro-life") legislation was even on his radar screen, let alone a priority.)
The national Publicans have, for years now, stood for only a few constant goals:
lowering taxes on corporations and the wealthy (though this has proven to have no stimulative or "job-creating" effects whatsoever -- and does yield the exploding deficits & debt they claim to oppose);
sending our military into action in catastrophically counterproductive wars;
demolishing rational health/safety/consumer/investor/environmental protections -- with the inevitable effects of collapsing economies; devastating well blowouts and derailments, calamitous droughts, fires, floods, and hurricanes (exacerbated by inadequate federal disaster responses);
and disenfranchising voters, so they can continue to win elections, even as they lose popular vote majorities both nationally and within many states.
OF COURSE they must lie about what they wish to enact.
It would be good for a change to transcend discussing the Trump phenomenon as part of the sports event that our selecting a president has become. His attraction goes beyond the conservative-liberal spectrum.
He is daring to make statements that have not been subjected to focus groups and quantitative analysis of voter response. He is not constrained by the toxicity or salubrious of a given buzz word. By doing this, no matter what one thinks of his policy prescriptions, he has broken free of the bonds that turn candidates even to the highest office into contestants who must avoid pitfalls and say only what will provide a slight advantage over the other in the race.
Trump is in many ways truer to the ideals of a democratic system than those who wouldn't say a thing that hasn't been tested. Perhaps, Bernie Sanders could be in this mold, as was other third party candidates over the years.
He is daring to make statements that have not been subjected to focus groups and quantitative analysis of voter response. He is not constrained by the toxicity or salubrious of a given buzz word. By doing this, no matter what one thinks of his policy prescriptions, he has broken free of the bonds that turn candidates even to the highest office into contestants who must avoid pitfalls and say only what will provide a slight advantage over the other in the race.
Trump is in many ways truer to the ideals of a democratic system than those who wouldn't say a thing that hasn't been tested. Perhaps, Bernie Sanders could be in this mold, as was other third party candidates over the years.
14
All true, but does that make him fit for the job of president? I mean, I still didn't hear a single idea coming out of his mouth, let alone a proposal that might come close to something that could even be remotely realistic.
The debate will further highlight Trump for what he is- a buffoon with no substance. I'll watch it for the pure entertainment value. What a joke.
16
It's perfectly understandable that Trump supporters like a "reality" tv star as their candidate. His "reality" show is no more real than the vision of the America they want to see.
They are seeking a "reality" much like the 1950s--a time when the term "feminist" didn't yet mean anything, when black and brown folks said "yessa" when spoken to, and when they understood how to fix an automobile with a wrench and hammer. Those voters don't like pushy women, "uppity" Blacks and Browns, and they are uncomfortable with computers taking over our lives.
Mr. "Id" Trump seems the ideal person to take them back to those halcyon days--after all he's rich, and in the charming 1950s it seemed like the rich folks in every town and state were the ones calling the shots, and everything was fine. When those Trump folks say they want to "take their country back," you know that WE are the ones they want to take it back from. That is, the ones who don't want to live in the 1950s.
They are seeking a "reality" much like the 1950s--a time when the term "feminist" didn't yet mean anything, when black and brown folks said "yessa" when spoken to, and when they understood how to fix an automobile with a wrench and hammer. Those voters don't like pushy women, "uppity" Blacks and Browns, and they are uncomfortable with computers taking over our lives.
Mr. "Id" Trump seems the ideal person to take them back to those halcyon days--after all he's rich, and in the charming 1950s it seemed like the rich folks in every town and state were the ones calling the shots, and everything was fine. When those Trump folks say they want to "take their country back," you know that WE are the ones they want to take it back from. That is, the ones who don't want to live in the 1950s.
268
"They are seeking a "reality" much like the 1950s--a time when the term "feminist" didn't yet mean anything, when black and brown folks said "yessa"
Its amazing that liberals can peddle this nonsense, but then people on the right are called "mean spirited". For the vast majority of Republicans, your cartoonish portrayal is simply untrue. Most people do not want to return to the "1950s".
Its amazing that liberals can peddle this nonsense, but then people on the right are called "mean spirited". For the vast majority of Republicans, your cartoonish portrayal is simply untrue. Most people do not want to return to the "1950s".
"It's perfectly understandable that Trump supporters like a "reality" tv star as their candidate. His "reality" show is no more real than the vision of the America they want to see."
You're right. They support him because he is what he is.
Whatever else he may be, he's proven to have a sense for his audience and how to sell himself. That's what he is, all he is.
However, I'm not sure that it is the 1950's they seek or he is selling. Reagan famously sold something more feel good, less specific. I think Trump too is selling something better called, "Whatever, the good stuff."
That does sound like him. He's made a career of making that work, too.
The man is dangerous. People thought to be jokes have proven dangerous before.
You're right. They support him because he is what he is.
Whatever else he may be, he's proven to have a sense for his audience and how to sell himself. That's what he is, all he is.
However, I'm not sure that it is the 1950's they seek or he is selling. Reagan famously sold something more feel good, less specific. I think Trump too is selling something better called, "Whatever, the good stuff."
That does sound like him. He's made a career of making that work, too.
The man is dangerous. People thought to be jokes have proven dangerous before.
2
...or, more precisely, they want a return to the social order of the Herrenvolk (Master or White Race) and the Untermenschen (the poor, people of color, LGBTQ people, and whomever else is the victim du jour). We've already followed that roadmap with 9/11 leading to the "USA PATRIOT" Act and a war based on lies fought to annex a former ally's natural resources.
A hydrant could shine with this crowd.
36
So, Trump could do good. Or Trump could do bad. Good thing I have an article to tell me this.
182
Well, Trump is a seasoned reality TV star. He knows his craft, he will be offensive, brash, but entertaining. He knows how to work a supporting crowd, and the media has been loving him for that. It's a must-watch Thursday night entertainment. Don't forget to have the popcorn available.
11
Mt. Trump is scoring points with voters by being abrasive, abusive, and saying what other candidates might very much want to but won't. He is playing, very roughly indeed, with voter prejudices and hidden thoughts and they are rewarding him with their unofficial votes. I'm fervently hoping that most of them understand that their official votes are too important to go to a person like Trump although he appears to be only the worst of a bad lot.
10
Congratulations NYT. This is the first fair and balanced article on Trump 2016, after a series of doom opinions and hit hits. Hope for a debate about his proposals and substance too, not only on adjectives and invectives. He is a real game changer and thanks to him an otherwise boring primary campaign has become worth following.
4
Rather than writing an article on what Trump may or may not or perhaps may do and giving it such a place in the NYT electronic version, why not write an article on what Bernie Sanders is doing? It could be based on fact and not idle speculation.
375
Read the Guardian first this morning to find out about Bernie Sander's House Party Broadcast. Great results with one hundred thousand people at grassroots house parties across the Nation. One hundred thousand supporters, young, middle aged, elders, of every size, shape, race and political party history attended this grass roots house event. Glad to see so many young people in the photos in the Guardian. We all, and especially our young people, deserve a better America. Bernie Sanders is the Presidential candidate who will most aid us in achieving this goal. There is a snippet in the political section of the NYT regarding the Bernie Sander's House Parties this morning, not much but I have learned to go there for an obligatory paragraph or two about Bernie Sanders from the NYT. Although the Sanders bio. piece recently published on the NYT front page was decent.
1
The NYT is in Hillary Clinton's pocket, and will not give Bernie Sanders or the other Democrat candidates decent coverage. It is sadly that simple.
3
Too boring, because I believe most of the citizenry has the attention span of a fruit fly. Take a look at the topics trending on internet search on Yahoo's home page, for example. BTW, I am a Bernie Sanders supporter and do hope that the Donald is nominated!
1
Trump is a much more rough and tumble person than the others, so he will have an easy time with them. The experience of his TV show is invaluable in this venue.
14
His hypersensitivity just might backfire on him. I think someone else's comment about how to watch "Sharknado 3" is appropriate - it's much better if you are drunk when you watch it. Even slimmed down to only 10 candidates mean that they will be spouting talking points and one liners. There is little chance that there will be any depth to the "debate," not that there are any in most such debates :-(
When have actors ever done well in being elected president?
Oh, wait...
Oh, wait...
1
If nominated, he should name Walter James Palmer (the Minnesota dentist) as his running mate. That would truly endanger the GOP elephant.
169
I predict we will see a more civilized Donald in the debate, if only for those 10 minutes. He is the front runner, so he doesn't have to go after anyone. And he's got the other candidates so cowed that they won't go after him. If one of them actually does throw down the gauntlet, the Donald will take the high road and change the subject by talking about "making America great again." The strategy is to use this forum to show he is above all the others and can act presidential if he wants to. He is the front runner. All the others are wannabe apprentices.
49
I can recall no context in the last 30 years, cornered and criticized or not, where Trump has given the remotest hint of civility. It's not in his DNA.
And if you believe that, I have a building for you to put your name on.
Trump and "high road" have heretofore never been mentioned in the same sentence. The man is genetically incapable of being civilized. Not only will he embarrass himself at the debate, but he will be the chief source of entertainment.
Trump and "high road" have heretofore never been mentioned in the same sentence. The man is genetically incapable of being civilized. Not only will he embarrass himself at the debate, but he will be the chief source of entertainment.
It's all about attitude, huh?
And, of course, being better and smarter than anyone else in the room (possibly, anyone else in the Universe).
Plus, you gotta admit: for a schmo from Queens who comes outta the building trades, The Donald has developed remarkable taste.
And, of course, being better and smarter than anyone else in the room (possibly, anyone else in the Universe).
Plus, you gotta admit: for a schmo from Queens who comes outta the building trades, The Donald has developed remarkable taste.
Never have been a Trump fan. Really detested him for his treatment of Obama. Now comes the but! But I truly love what he is doing. A lifelong Democrat and a born and raised New Yorker I find the guy refreshing. Tired of drinking the Tea the Dems are selling. Tired of the phony love for vets the right always throw in our faces. The Dems always want to give a hand out instead of a hand up. The Dems are ready to go to the wall for a 13 week extension of jobless benefits but never say what happens in week 14. If the right loves vets some much why are there so many homeless vets on the streets of New York? Really tired of Hillary being unable to answer a question until it is poll tested. For whatever I think of Trump I admire that he doesn't have to ask the guy standing behind him what should he say. Maybe I don't like what he says but I sure like the way he says it. I love when he is hit he hits back harder. Guess I don't have to like him but I am growing to respect his spirit. Watching Hillary and her opponents on the right makes me want to take a nap. My hopes is the Governor from Ohio gets into the mix also. He is starting to grow on me. I like him and I have never pulled the lever for Republican in my life. All I can say is Donald keep shaking the bush! I can only imagine what the response would have been if someone had of called Trump a liar at the State of the Union.
24
I think he would have said, SO WHAT?
3
I can't agree more with you, SM. I, like you am a NY since birth. I've voted Democratic many times but the lack of real good candidates in many races (especially in NYC Mayoral races), have made me an independent lately (the last 10 years). When I see the Democrats fighting harder for illegal immigrants, trade deals and beholden to their rich donors, they no longer represent the interests of the average person. Trump may be inelegant and not PC but that's a good thing.
The craziness of sanctuary cities, the "affirmative consent" that is sweeping college campuses, $15 for fast food workers (as opposed to a raise for all workers that would be more modest and fair for the businesses), pro-illegal immigration policies and lack of any real ability to make the average person's life better or easier, or even provide increased job opportunities, and blind support of Obama's bad policies and deals have characterized the Demoratic party of late.
I no longer trust or want Hillary as a candidate and think that the Donald is more sane than he sounds of late. I want him to get a chance, even if it's just to bring the other plastic candidates of both parties to face issues that the average person wants to hear about (and hear solutions to). Good luck Donald.
The craziness of sanctuary cities, the "affirmative consent" that is sweeping college campuses, $15 for fast food workers (as opposed to a raise for all workers that would be more modest and fair for the businesses), pro-illegal immigration policies and lack of any real ability to make the average person's life better or easier, or even provide increased job opportunities, and blind support of Obama's bad policies and deals have characterized the Demoratic party of late.
I no longer trust or want Hillary as a candidate and think that the Donald is more sane than he sounds of late. I want him to get a chance, even if it's just to bring the other plastic candidates of both parties to face issues that the average person wants to hear about (and hear solutions to). Good luck Donald.
You can't be serious? it's better not to vote at all then vote for any Republican candidate.
This appears to be a carefully staged circus intended to shake out the more extreme candidates from the Republican primaries. Trump, probably with RNC support, is doing his best to steal the limelight and air from the extreme elements of the Republican party. Once that is done, the mainstream front runners will find a clear path to the finish line. Nicely played tactic to make the world forget about the Tea Party.
2
It's likely that his supporters will see what they want to see, as will his detractors. The more interesting debate may be a couple of days later when the B list candidates make their arguments for getting invited to the adult's table.
5
Does the Times or it's Obama supporting readers (i.e. hypocrites) ever tire of prejudging Donald Trump? When Barack Obama ran for President, the New York Times ran approximately NO news or opinion articles credibly probing into his past.
For every 100 stories the NY Times published attacking, denigrating and insulting George W. Bush, the Times has published approximately NO articles or columns coming anywhere near the hatred thrown at the previous President.
When the most important newspaper in American history over a six year period NEVER holds Barack Obama accountable, while attacking every Republican in America virtually every day, the decline in civility, inclusiveness and unity in America is fairly easy to figure out.
When a liberal Obama supporter, or the media can show a Conservative in this country 1 second of respect, ever, maybe the rest of us will take you seriously. Until then, forget it.
We're with Trump.
For every 100 stories the NY Times published attacking, denigrating and insulting George W. Bush, the Times has published approximately NO articles or columns coming anywhere near the hatred thrown at the previous President.
When the most important newspaper in American history over a six year period NEVER holds Barack Obama accountable, while attacking every Republican in America virtually every day, the decline in civility, inclusiveness and unity in America is fairly easy to figure out.
When a liberal Obama supporter, or the media can show a Conservative in this country 1 second of respect, ever, maybe the rest of us will take you seriously. Until then, forget it.
We're with Trump.
8
Did you also think Palin was the second coming of Margaret Thatcher?
12
The NYT has reported on what Republicans have done and said. If that upsets you perhaps you should support better candidates. It's not the media's fault that these people do and say stupid and/or insensitive things.
10
Good luck with that.
Thanks to Obama, I have health insurance at a reasonable rate which I couldn't have gotten under the Republican "plan" (doing nothing, but trying to gut Obamneycare 24/7 instead of governing the country.) Health insurance premiums are no longer murderously escalating every year. I know Obama's plan is not perfect, but it certainly beats the Republican inertia which preceded it.
I am happy to hold Obama accountable for actually caring about the people who work in this country, and giving them some hope for a standard of living their parents enjoyed. Work, I might add, which produces the profits enriching investors' (including our tax-paying family, whose breadwinner works two jobs) retirement savings and market-based savings instruments.
Thanks to Obama, I have health insurance at a reasonable rate which I couldn't have gotten under the Republican "plan" (doing nothing, but trying to gut Obamneycare 24/7 instead of governing the country.) Health insurance premiums are no longer murderously escalating every year. I know Obama's plan is not perfect, but it certainly beats the Republican inertia which preceded it.
I am happy to hold Obama accountable for actually caring about the people who work in this country, and giving them some hope for a standard of living their parents enjoyed. Work, I might add, which produces the profits enriching investors' (including our tax-paying family, whose breadwinner works two jobs) retirement savings and market-based savings instruments.
7
The 10 candidate debate is only a week away?
I thought Zoolander 2 was coming out in the late Fall? Oh well, looking forward to the walk off!
I thought Zoolander 2 was coming out in the late Fall? Oh well, looking forward to the walk off!
5
Who cares, all these clowns are all the same. Just as is Hillary and 90% of the democrats . All self interest, self righteous corrupt to the hilt, who careless for the nation or the people.
1
Why speculate? All the pundits were wrong about the McCain comment sinking his campaign, and yet anyone paying attention could see that it would probably help him.
4
Could be really funny!!!! But I will not be watching. Hope the comedians make great fodder of it.
2
"Trump Could Shine, or Melt Down, in Debate Spotlight"
The light shining from Trump could cause melanoma or burn out one's retinas.
But I appreciate that for once a GOP candidate is saying publicly what almost all Republican candidates believe, but are too cowardly to say in public.
The light shining from Trump could cause melanoma or burn out one's retinas.
But I appreciate that for once a GOP candidate is saying publicly what almost all Republican candidates believe, but are too cowardly to say in public.
13
I really don't see how Trump could shine at this event. It's not really a debate because it'll be all, what, 17 or 29 of the GOP candidates tossing out sound bites. If the debate runs two hours, assuming only 17 candidates show, if they get equal time, that comes to seven minutes apiece, for the questions and answers. Most of the questions will revolve around the shooting of Cecil the lion, which is the big news of the day, and have nothing to do with policy or anything of a presidential nature.
So Trump, who is not preparing for this and hasn't prepared for the campaign at all yet, is going to bombastically bluster and spew yet more lies completely unrelated to reality. He'll claim he's worth tens of billions (a lie) and thus should be awesome at running the country (a lie). He'll claim that since he has no experience governing or handling diplomacy, he'll make a great president (a lie). He'll claim all sorts of demented delusions, and he'll shine only in that his supporters will worship him for it, because they're extremely ignorant and don't care that they know next to nothing.
Trump's supporters love him because he's a bully who listens to nobody and has no political experience, knowledge of how to govern, nor major successes (he's as rich as he was at birth). They also love him because he's racist, which they really approve of, and insulting to everyone, and they love that reality-TV Kardashianesque temper tantrum thing.
So Trump, who is not preparing for this and hasn't prepared for the campaign at all yet, is going to bombastically bluster and spew yet more lies completely unrelated to reality. He'll claim he's worth tens of billions (a lie) and thus should be awesome at running the country (a lie). He'll claim that since he has no experience governing or handling diplomacy, he'll make a great president (a lie). He'll claim all sorts of demented delusions, and he'll shine only in that his supporters will worship him for it, because they're extremely ignorant and don't care that they know next to nothing.
Trump's supporters love him because he's a bully who listens to nobody and has no political experience, knowledge of how to govern, nor major successes (he's as rich as he was at birth). They also love him because he's racist, which they really approve of, and insulting to everyone, and they love that reality-TV Kardashianesque temper tantrum thing.
8
Sincerely, I do not understand why the NYT is taking this man seriously. He is not a viable candidate for any office, anywhere, and the entire country knows that.
True, he has the potential to be the USA's Rob Ford, except for the fact that Trump has been a known quantity here for decades.
Additionally, I do not understand why the NYT is styling the Fox reality show called "GOP Debates" as an actual political debate. It is nothing of the sort. I have no doubt that Mr. Trump will find as inventive a war to emerge the most beloved performer, just as Mr. Cain did in 2012.
True, he has the potential to be the USA's Rob Ford, except for the fact that Trump has been a known quantity here for decades.
Additionally, I do not understand why the NYT is styling the Fox reality show called "GOP Debates" as an actual political debate. It is nothing of the sort. I have no doubt that Mr. Trump will find as inventive a war to emerge the most beloved performer, just as Mr. Cain did in 2012.
11
This American voter who is planning on voting for Bernie Sanders (or I'll take another 2 terms of Obama, thank you!) have the perfect bumper sticker for our cars now.
DUMP TRUMP!
DUMP TRUMP!
16
Trump will be wise to take the things he likes about candidates such as Ted Cruz and turn to those he does not like --or who attack him--and ask why they can't be more like Ted Cruz-- or the other "fighters" who "stand up to lobbyists and the media" for the American People (so as to "make America great again"). If Trump divides the stage into "fighters" and "followers" (maybe grabbing Scott Walker to his side) it will make the whole thing interesting --and greatly confusing for those desperately seeking air at the bottom of the rung. (Everyone will have to show how they are a fighter, leaving Trump to point out those who he thinks folded or followed . . .should be fascinating.)
1
In an ideal democracy, the votes of the uninformed, the easily-fooled, and the bigots should be thrown away. We will approach this democratic ideal in the 2016 elections if Mr. Trump decides to run as an independent candidate. Hurray for The Donald!
3
You don't get it, do you? Trump appeals to an America little affected by social meetings, that dislikes the public hatings sparked by political correctness (as that dentist in Minnesota, for example) and that could care less what the NYT thinks of their candidate.
Reminds me an awful lot of 1980 ...
Reminds me an awful lot of 1980 ...
2
Yes the reign of European Man and his systems is finally over. A system where opression and suspression is championed with greed and narissim. I would vote for Trump if he was running for the king of Scotland but he is not. Nor will ever be, the King!
Come on! You know the Donald is going to resort to some sort of puffery/insult/bloviation during this made for TV reality show! Great comedy material, but a sad commentary on the pool of candidates!
123
The smartest thing the other jokesters could do would be to completely ignore Trump. Just don't acknowledge anything he says or does. Talk right past him. Make him invisible. Then stand back and watch him go up in smoke.
"Spends no time preparing for the event."
Pretty much sums up what I want in the next President!
Pretty much sums up what I want in the next President!
102
When you know the Truth, why do you need to prepare?
Although Trump could take a tip from Rick Perry and wear a pair of glasses.
Although Trump could take a tip from Rick Perry and wear a pair of glasses.
2
Did you vote for the guy who refuses to read intelligence briefings as well?
1
I'm not saying I'd vote for Trump, but what do you want, the continued phony presentations of the ruling class? Hillary - PHONY. Jeb - PHONY. I will give this to Bernie Sanders and Trump, they are genuine.
1
Trump is a walking publicity stunt (& equally as relevant).
We’re all getting excited about this “debate”... on the “foxNews” sitcom?!
Fox is but a propaganda machine for the right wing so this episode will merely be the beginning of season 2. That is all fox noise if capable of...
We’re all getting excited about this “debate”... on the “foxNews” sitcom?!
Fox is but a propaganda machine for the right wing so this episode will merely be the beginning of season 2. That is all fox noise if capable of...
112
Just as MSNBC is a puppet for the DNC right? And just about any other MSM news outlet.
1
As tempting as this will be to watch, I have never really been a fan of mud or oil wrestling.
17
The republican debate. The best that America has to offer. I think not.
32
T"he republican debate. The best that America has to offer. I think not."
Is Hillary Clinton the best that America has to offer as a Democrat, or event close to it?
Is Hillary Clinton the best that America has to offer as a Democrat, or event close to it?
1
"The republican debate. The best that America has to offer."
I suppose it's a matter of does one see the glass half empty or half full.
Although I'm normally a glass half full guy, I see the Republican glass as being completely empty.
And I think the Democratic glass is 1/3 full and cracked and leaking.
I suppose it's a matter of does one see the glass half empty or half full.
Although I'm normally a glass half full guy, I see the Republican glass as being completely empty.
And I think the Democratic glass is 1/3 full and cracked and leaking.
3
Trump will crash & burn.
Why? Because the man has zero discipline. He is constitutionally incapable of waiting his turn, of not responding to criticism with childish insults, of not speaking over others, as if being louder and more obnoxious makes him right. He lies, exaggerates and cares nothing for the average American. No one has thinner skin. To be a politician, you need the hide of a rhino. Trump has peau de soie.
Why? Because the man has zero discipline. He is constitutionally incapable of waiting his turn, of not responding to criticism with childish insults, of not speaking over others, as if being louder and more obnoxious makes him right. He lies, exaggerates and cares nothing for the average American. No one has thinner skin. To be a politician, you need the hide of a rhino. Trump has peau de soie.
238
I wish that all were true about him crashing and burning. Like Sarah Palin, the less he acts how we think a politician should act, the more the drooling fearful idiots of the country will love him. He's "just like them" they tell themselves, despite the fact that he's a billionaire from Manhattan who owes every drop of his success to his father and a diagnosable personality disorder. So perhaps it's not that they think he's just like him so much as he embodies everything they wish they could be - rich and powerful enough to make others listen to their blustery nonsense and be taken seriously, instead of just being asked to leave the bar.
9
Most accurate description I've heard yet. Couldn't agree more...
1
You have just described most of the conservative commentators on TV
3
I'm bettin' that Trump will be a no-show at the debate.
Urgent business in Scotland? Oh, you're excused Mister Trump. Here at Fox Noose we still declare you Da Winnah!
Urgent business in Scotland? Oh, you're excused Mister Trump. Here at Fox Noose we still declare you Da Winnah!
7
"Here at Fox Noose we still declare you Da Winnah!"
In ratings of cable news networks the people have apparently declared Fox news the winner. Ratings are democratic in that they are based on what people choose to watch. Why do you suppose that Fox News has such strong ratings among the cable news networks?
In ratings of cable news networks the people have apparently declared Fox news the winner. Ratings are democratic in that they are based on what people choose to watch. Why do you suppose that Fox News has such strong ratings among the cable news networks?
2
John, because you can't fix stupid and ignorance reigns?
Marilyn,
Perhaps you are mistaking different values for stupidity and ignorance. I don't see cable news listeners as stupid and ignorant as a group.
John
Perhaps you are mistaking different values for stupidity and ignorance. I don't see cable news listeners as stupid and ignorant as a group.
John
This really should not be called a "debate."
Ten candidates cannot possibly argue ten "sides" of any given issue. Much less in 90 minutes. All they should reasonably be expected to do is introduce themselves and maybe indicate why they are the best qualified for the job.
Call it a forum or presentation of the leading ten GOP contenders. Or a dog and pony show. But not a debate.
Ten candidates cannot possibly argue ten "sides" of any given issue. Much less in 90 minutes. All they should reasonably be expected to do is introduce themselves and maybe indicate why they are the best qualified for the job.
Call it a forum or presentation of the leading ten GOP contenders. Or a dog and pony show. But not a debate.
306
I will be surprised if anything intelligent is said about any issue of importance in America today.
10
Because Tim, according to people like you only the Democracts have something to say about any given subject and that whatever they say should be given credence and weight? Have I got that right?
In your dreams.
In your dreams.
1
Laura Hunt - Republicans have lots to say but unfortunately they haven't offered any actual solutions or policies.
7
Unfortunately, the Donald will succeed in keeping his angry, sad, ignorant supporters happy. The ten minutes he gets will not be enough to show up his ignorance of policy matters. Those very same ten minutes will give everyone an equal opportunity to yell and scream. Since the Donald is the best at yelling and screaming, this debate is going to be a feather in his cap.
20
Donald has nothing to worry about. The other nine candidates will present messages we've already heard and discounted, "repeal Obamacare", "secure our borders first", "bomb Iran". I may watch to catch the histrionics. In fact, without Donald this could the most boring event in the history of broadcasting.
470
It's actually at least 16 other candidates, and more could show up any minute. But yes, it will be boring and pointless, they'll each have less than seven minutes to speak.
2
This isn't about entertainment! We're supposed to be gathering info on & from the individuals who would be POTUS! Trump & Christie appeal to the angry male/female voter who "want their country back"!
1
All Trump has to do is ask for a show of hands of which candidates promise to build the fence on the US-Mexico border. The picture of the whole crew with only Trump holding his hand aloft would run atop Drudge for days and his popularity would rocket upward.
1
For the love of God I wish Michael Bloomberg would run.
37
So that he and his cronies could then destroy public education nationwide?
Why? He's the same as the others but without the looniness.
@ Richard
at least Bloomberg doesn't take his orders from David and Charles Koch.
at least Bloomberg doesn't take his orders from David and Charles Koch.
2
Trump will undoubtedly shine.
The question is whether it will resemble the afterglow of a nuclear explosion as fallout rains down on the world, or will it be like swamp gas glowing in the shape of a flying saucer heading back to the mother ship?
The question is whether it will resemble the afterglow of a nuclear explosion as fallout rains down on the world, or will it be like swamp gas glowing in the shape of a flying saucer heading back to the mother ship?
326
Such delicious imagery! You made my day. A fine writer you are, sir.
6
Swamp gas carries with it a peculiar smell....which has enveloped the entire GOP.
9
Your comment deserves a written reply: Brilliant!
It will get huge ratings! Even I will watch! Better than SNL!
127
Ah, but who will SNL bring in this fall to play Donald Trump?
I don't see any of the current white male players being able to handle such a role, even though white man Fred Armisen did a great job as Obama. In fact, since SNL finally started hiring black players, the overall level of white male players has dropped off.
I don't see any of the current white male players being able to handle such a role, even though white man Fred Armisen did a great job as Obama. In fact, since SNL finally started hiring black players, the overall level of white male players has dropped off.
3
Bring back Darrell Hammond
2
Maybe that means that he won't make it past the debate! That will be too bad.
If he melts down, he'll just justify that type of behavior to many of his followers. If he's rude, he'll justify that type of behavior to many. If he's dismissive, arrogant, boorish, he'll justify those kinds of behavior. And that political style would define his Presidency.
25
Thankfully he will not have a presidency, just as he has never been elected to anything. His supporters are very supportive and ignorant, no doubt, but they're not a majority of Republicans much less a majority of people. Thankfully, otherwise I'd say our best bet would be unleashing as many genengineered wolves as we could, bred to prey on humans, to trim our numbers and get us to regain our past intelligence.
7
Trump will surprise everyone and be civil. He is everything but a fool, and he will try to build up on his current popularity among Republicans.
Trump may have started his campaign for fun but if starts to believe in himself and becomes a serious candidate he may win the nomination.
Hillary being in some trouble it is possible (not likely) Bernie may eventually win.
Trump vs Bernie, if it happens, will be a lot of fun, and may even pull the country out of funk.
Trump may have started his campaign for fun but if starts to believe in himself and becomes a serious candidate he may win the nomination.
Hillary being in some trouble it is possible (not likely) Bernie may eventually win.
Trump vs Bernie, if it happens, will be a lot of fun, and may even pull the country out of funk.
17
I am good with Trump vs. Hilary. Perfect. But the Republicans are not going to give him the nomination.
1
Bernie will walk all over Trump in a real debate and trump will not know what hit him…..I long for that day.
This article assumes that GOP voters want a candidate with policies and ideas. They don't! They want a cult of personality, a vicious messiah who casts off the "burden" of political correctness and finally says--out loud!--all the things they think but can no longer say. They really don't care about ideas anymore. They just want "their" country back.
490
Amy (in my favorite city): I completely agree with you. Watching a focus group of Donald Trump voters this morning on MSNBC was horrifying. These people think Trump is just swell, "one of us," "he speaks the truth." They had no problem with his comment about Mexicans. I work at a large, for-profit health care company. Three of eleven of my office mates have said they will vote for Trump. That this bozohead is still in the race is so scary.
21
Sounds like you're describing the Democrat party of recent years. Obama is a cult of personality, a "messiah".
3
Trump has stated over and over that he loves and respects Mexican people and that they are welcome to immigrate legally. I'm not saying I'd vote for Trump, but having seen his remarks in their entirety I find it very annoying that many people base their decisions on partial soundbites.
1
From a Bernie Saunders voter: go Donald!
164
This is a democracy, so anyone who can stand to run for office should do so.
In 1933, the German people elected Adolf Hitler, who fixed all of Germany's post-WWI/Great Depression problems.
However, *I* would never run for any elected office as the people of the U.S. don't deserve a person of high level of integrity and honesty.
In 1933, the German people elected Adolf Hitler, who fixed all of Germany's post-WWI/Great Depression problems.
However, *I* would never run for any elected office as the people of the U.S. don't deserve a person of high level of integrity and honesty.
1
How about Bernie v. Trump in the general election? Would be far more interesting than Hillary v. Jeb.
4
He will look good to his audience. He has much more experience in that kind of setting than any of his competitors, he has a talent for putting down people (Perry and his glasses).
Whether any of what he says is true, makes sense or is helpful is a different question.
Whether any of what he says is true, makes sense or is helpful is a different question.
51
The problem with Trump is that he appeals to the unhappiness that many feel about the current class of politicians. Washington is inefficient and corrupted by campaign finance. He mentions many truths about the ineptitude of others and of the system in general and that empowers the unhappy.
However, as much as the incumbent class of politicians has failed, entrusting our country to a Hugo (Chavez) Trump would bring us back and not forward.
However, as much as the incumbent class of politicians has failed, entrusting our country to a Hugo (Chavez) Trump would bring us back and not forward.
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So, they should replace the "current class of politicians" with DONALD TRUMP?
10
NO !!!
8
I have no idea in whose payroll or pockets these writers of this article are. One thing for sure is that Donald is not, and does not owe any favors to any lobbies to boot! He is a breath of fresh air and he is not afraid to tell and correct what is wrong in Wash. D.C. He is a people's man, will care and provide jobs, make proper deals and he is a winner by all accounts. Go Mr. Trump Go, we are with you.
4
Nobody could have forseen Trump getting as far as he did, the way that he did.(Not even Trump, though that's not the answer he would give you, if you were to ask him) Normally, when we look in the rear view mirror of time, we have the illusion that things needed to play out exactly the way they did. But with Trump, that illusion fails. And if we can't hope to understand the past, it doesn't make a lot of sense to tell Trump what to do in the future.
6
Donald will act like the complete arrogant little rich boy he is and his goobers will love it. They still equate speaking your mind with honesty and openness as opposed to having a very small mind.
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ray--But, that still fits with their thinking. The smaller, the better. That's how the GOOPs won with 12% of the eligible vote, and called it a landslide.
22
Everything Trump says in public most Republicans believe in private: Bigotry, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Xenophobia.
29
We all look forward to Trump visiting all 57 states.
4
Without Florida, Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin, Colorado, Iowa, Nevada, New Mexico or New Hampshire, all states that Obama won in 2012, the Democrats have 232 electoral votes and the Republicans have 206. The Dems need only 38 more. If they win Florida, they'll have 261 and will need only 9 more. They're not going to lose every single one of those other states.
We should be concentrating on other office holders...much more important.