Hello, back when he went to military school, white boys were sent off for bad behavior. And he spent from 13 to graduation at military school so he was very bad that his parents sent him off at 13. It's detention for middle class bad boys, not education. He was bad. He's still bad, but now rich. Still bad.
5
I would love to have seen Trump and Cheney in Basic Training. I know DIs who would have taken Cheney's sneer off in a hurry. And a DI would quickly educate Trump on the difference between a preppy military school and being in the army.
5
Sure. And I am qualified to run his companies because of all the time I spent playing Monopoly! As a 32-year Army Veteran I am incensed that he would even THINK such a thing, let alone voice it. And he wants to be Commander-in-Chief????
6
Donald Trump has the kind of personality that is gained from military service. He is strong, unafraid to speak his mind, and is willing to take a hit to help his fellow man. This is also the kind of stuff learned by kids in military prep schools, schools where problem kids are sent by their rich parents, who in some cases, don't realize that they, and not the kid, are to blame. I was a problem child, and had these problems all my life. My folks loved me in spite of the hardship that I caused them. my basic problem was something that I think that Trump and I share. Insecurity about my manhood. I no longer have this problem, and I like to talk about my faith in America. I am willing to talk to anyone about any part of my life, I am willing to talk about my childhood, and even adulthood, fears. I believe in an America for everyone, and I don't like guys like Trump who talk to the fear that one group has for another. I'm afraid and I don't like to talk about fear I like to talk about an America where we all can live together, I think that Trump does too, but as strong as he is, he doesn't have the courage to stand up and tell you why.
1
I also went to a military academy with the uniforms, courses in military history, military tactics and daily drills. As a cadet in high school, we were part of the Junior ROTC. Our military instructors were active duty military instructors from the US Army. Many of my classmates went on to West Point, Annapolis and the Air Force Academy. They were the true members of the military. I did not go to any of the US academies but pursued a college degree at an Ivy League school.
While I have a good understanding of the US Military, UNLIKE Mr. Trump I would NEVER claim to have more military training than those actually in the US Armed Forces.
Only an arrogant, narcissistic, insecure person such as Mr. Trump would make such claims. This is extremely insulting to those who are active duty and veterans of the US military.
While I have a good understanding of the US Military, UNLIKE Mr. Trump I would NEVER claim to have more military training than those actually in the US Armed Forces.
Only an arrogant, narcissistic, insecure person such as Mr. Trump would make such claims. This is extremely insulting to those who are active duty and veterans of the US military.
9
trump conveniently forgets that there was no lottery the year he graduated from college...1968. He had to employ some medical condition to avoid the draft for at least a year. So much for being the great patriot he claims to be.
4
He's an absurd character from tip-to-toe, horribly overweight when viewed carefully, his comb over the 8th wonder of the world. He's at the center of the current Election Debacle 13 months before payday. Each cycle tops the one that came before. There's no end to the US taste for spectacle and absurdity. We love the show but its been non-stop politics since 9/11. Americans are worn out with politics yearning to breath free of this idiocy. Give us a break Trumpster!
2
To think that going to a military themed high school gave him more training than those who were in the military is the height of narcissism.
I was in the military and was fortunate enough to not see combat. I would never dream of equating my military service with that of a veteran who has seen it.
There's nothing wrong with having not served, but I wonder why most Republican chicken-hawks fancy themselves as military heroes.
I was in the military and was fortunate enough to not see combat. I would never dream of equating my military service with that of a veteran who has seen it.
There's nothing wrong with having not served, but I wonder why most Republican chicken-hawks fancy themselves as military heroes.
5
“He’s not a war hero,” Mr. Trump said in July. “He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people that weren’t captured.” (speaking of John McCain)
Well certainly people with multiple deferments, like Trump and Dick Cheney were never in danger of being captured and thus being viewed as "losers" by the likes of Trump.
McCain's family had a long tradition of military service. When the Vietcong learned McCain was the son of a high ranking military dad, they offered to free him but he refused, citing the impropriety of his repatriation while his comrades still languished as prisoners.
Trump's family has a long tradition of unmitigated greed and self aggrandizement, which pursuit has left no time for service to their country.
Well certainly people with multiple deferments, like Trump and Dick Cheney were never in danger of being captured and thus being viewed as "losers" by the likes of Trump.
McCain's family had a long tradition of military service. When the Vietcong learned McCain was the son of a high ranking military dad, they offered to free him but he refused, citing the impropriety of his repatriation while his comrades still languished as prisoners.
Trump's family has a long tradition of unmitigated greed and self aggrandizement, which pursuit has left no time for service to their country.
7
Every Vet who should be insulted by this!
4
Much of what the Donald says I like but he has disqualified himself as Commander-in-Chief by his disgraceful McCain remarks and the disrespect he has shown for all Vets. I don’t speak for all Vets but as a 30 year retiree Vietnam Vet with a CIB that began as a draftee, I’m still pretty well connected with the Military and most everyone I know feel the same as I do. We feel that if “The Donald” had a little more self respect, he would just come clean about his Draft Dodging and confess he was just a coward and did everything short of maiming himself (didn’t have the guts) to avoid military service. Using “Guts” to describe Trump would be a gross misnomer. Bill Clinton is still excoriated as a Draft Dodger, isn’t “The Donald” every bit as worthy of the title?
If “The Donald” was not fit to serve during Vietnam, what makes him fit to serve now? If you want to know how I really feel, check out my Blog article at: http://old-soldier-colonel.blogspot.com/2015/07/does-draft-dodging-trump...
If “The Donald” was not fit to serve during Vietnam, what makes him fit to serve now? If you want to know how I really feel, check out my Blog article at: http://old-soldier-colonel.blogspot.com/2015/07/does-draft-dodging-trump...
4
Hopefully this obnoxious person will soon be eliminated from the primaries. Nobody can claim that Mr. Trump truly represents our American values.
4
If he doesn't like people who were captured, who does he like ?
What does he think about people who served and died in combat or due to their service?
What does he think about people who served and died in combat or due to their service?
3
Ok, as a Vietnam veteran (19 months in country, 3 1/2 years in the military) I feel much better about the Donald leading us now. Certainly he was right to criticize John McCain as a phony war hero. And yes, any fool can see that five years in an expensive military academy high school certainly 'trumps' experiences such as mine.
I'm beginning to think we our in the end days of our republic and we have just met our very own Octavian. All he needs is an Agrippa at his side and an Antony to defeat. We already seem to have our Cicero: Sanders.
As a life long republican I can only hope that someone like Kasich can mount the necessary challenge. God help us otherwise.
I'm beginning to think we our in the end days of our republic and we have just met our very own Octavian. All he needs is an Agrippa at his side and an Antony to defeat. We already seem to have our Cicero: Sanders.
As a life long republican I can only hope that someone like Kasich can mount the necessary challenge. God help us otherwise.
2
Given your military history, and given the really long list of Republican chicken-hawks who evaded military service, it frustrates and amazes me to hear that you are (still) a life-long Republican. I don't understand why it is Trump that makes you react this way, possibly for the first time, when so many of his own party have avoided service while bellowing for war.
And you probably voted against a multi-medaled John Kerry instead of the guy who dressed up in a flight suit (cute costume, actually) and spent part of the Vietnam years in a "champagne" unit, and apparently went AWOL from that.
Perhaps if you were to objectively compare what the Democrats have done for the benefit of most Americans vs. what the Republicans have done for the last 80 years, you might be very surprised.
And you probably voted against a multi-medaled John Kerry instead of the guy who dressed up in a flight suit (cute costume, actually) and spent part of the Vietnam years in a "champagne" unit, and apparently went AWOL from that.
Perhaps if you were to objectively compare what the Democrats have done for the benefit of most Americans vs. what the Republicans have done for the last 80 years, you might be very surprised.
2
Mr. Trump's parents sent him to an expensive prep school, New York Military Academy, to "correct poor behavior......"
Family should demand a refund.
Family should demand a refund.
10
Interesting that Mr. Trump says that when he compares himself to who he was in first grade, he is the same person.
Some of us grow up...some of us do not!
Some of us grow up...some of us do not!
6
The Donald made the most important comment in his life when he said that his attitude hasn't changed since First Grade. I wonder if he will grow up if e is elected President?
4
Very likely, his military schooling plays a large role in making him the cold, competitive, calculating, rude, obnoxious person that he seems to be. Sadly the idea of "team" spirit seems not to have taken root because he was never a soldier in action in which his survival depended on others, and his actions could protect others. Everyone is either a competitor or an enemy.
3
Churchill went to Sandhurst but never served.
1
The title of the new book is "Never Enough" - but for truth-in-advertising purposes, shouldn't it really be called "Trump's Tall Tales"?
2
Please no more Trump stories. He needs no more attention--he cannot win. I'll bet anyone $1000 dollars he will not be president. All right, so my resources are modest.
It is the other candidates who really need more attention--while perhaps not as easy a task, a real journalist would waste no more time on Trump.
Give the other Republican bozos that attention--their election would to President be just as horrible for America.
It is the other candidates who really need more attention--while perhaps not as easy a task, a real journalist would waste no more time on Trump.
Give the other Republican bozos that attention--their election would to President be just as horrible for America.
3
"Mr. Trump said his experience at the New York Military Academy [prep school], . . . gave him 'more training militarily than a lot of the guys that go into the military.'"
It's nice to know the basis of Trump's claimed expertise. Anyone who participated in high school or college ROTC has an equal claim to military expertise to that Trump makes.
It's nice to know the basis of Trump's claimed expertise. Anyone who participated in high school or college ROTC has an equal claim to military expertise to that Trump makes.
2
Maybe it was all those rigid math rules. I wonder if it moved him to start rising early and making his own bed well enough to bounce quarter on it.
2
I can remember when a reporter asked Ralph Houck if he was nervous managing his first game in the World Series. Houck asked: "Why is someone going to be shooting at me?"
You realize that you are in combat when you realize, for the first time, that there is someone in this world trying to kill you. Then you know. And, only then do you know.
It's not the Wharton School.
You realize that you are in combat when you realize, for the first time, that there is someone in this world trying to kill you. Then you know. And, only then do you know.
It's not the Wharton School.
3
Narcissism by any other name is still narcissism. Narcissists have cannot deal with, or accept that failure is part of life. They restructure it, change the circumstance or simply refuse to play. To equate any school with military service aptly demonstrates how deep his delusions of grandeur are. While the rawness can be funny, particularly when applied to other candidates, it also points to the huge flaw inherent in thinking you are rightfully the center of the universe. Imagine this guy negotiating with say....Putin...and you immediately see why his candidacy is both a joke, and scary as hell.
6
There was no draft lottery when Trump turned 18 in 1964. His claim that his number was very high is specious. The lottery started in 1969.
4
He had deferment for education and then a high lottery number. For unknown reasons he had a medical deferment.
“As you can see, I was intelligent enough to avoid conscription.”
2
I went to Catholic grade school back when they had nuns in hooded black outfits. Does that qualify me as a POW?
The logical truth of Drumpf's statement is that his schooling was more like prison. Military school was an expensive step between school detentions and the Juvenile Detention Center. We were sent there to be held and disciplined. Ignorant Americans will eat this up, while veterans should be calling him out. He dishonors the training real soldiers went through.
The logical truth of Drumpf's statement is that his schooling was more like prison. Military school was an expensive step between school detentions and the Juvenile Detention Center. We were sent there to be held and disciplined. Ignorant Americans will eat this up, while veterans should be calling him out. He dishonors the training real soldiers went through.
1
As a veteran I would ask that everyone read this article very closely, and consider if you would want your sons and daughters sent into harms way based on the decisions of a person with the character of Donald Trump.
6
If people in cartoons watched cartoons, here would be their leading light.
I spent 6 years in the Air Force in the 70s, but I do not claim that anything I experienced compared with what today's military must go through. Trump is merely confirming his egomania with statements like that.
What a buffoon!
What a buffoon!
2
As I remember it: I was carrying a Sousaphone, he a cadet sword. We weren't near the lead of the parade. As evidenced from all the NYPD horse land mines we had to negotiate. The parade unit to our front in green plad skirts, we in 1850s style cadet uniforms. The plad skirted charges with their outlier nuns, we with our WWII Veteran tactical officers.
The nuns objected to the proximity of our martial music written by my instruments inventor John Phillip. The message was carried back by the swordsman. Our TAC officers negotiated with the equally formidable nuns. Our parade units switched positions. It was a win/answer-to-prayers solution. Except at the reviewing stand where we were announced as "Saint (somebody's ) Academy". The girls in plad skirts as "New York Military Academy."
The nuns objected to the proximity of our martial music written by my instruments inventor John Phillip. The message was carried back by the swordsman. Our TAC officers negotiated with the equally formidable nuns. Our parade units switched positions. It was a win/answer-to-prayers solution. Except at the reviewing stand where we were announced as "Saint (somebody's ) Academy". The girls in plad skirts as "New York Military Academy."
3
On John McCain: "He's not a war hero. He's a war hero because he was captured. I like people that weren't captured."
On himself: "Because I was a troubled youth, my parents shipped me off to military school. That makes me a war hero. I like people who were shipped off to military school due to behavioral and psychological problems."
On himself: "Because I was a troubled youth, my parents shipped me off to military school. That makes me a war hero. I like people who were shipped off to military school due to behavioral and psychological problems."
4
“Mr. Trump memorably told Mr. D’Antonio that ‘when I look at myself in the first grade and I look at myself now, I’m basically the same.’
‘The temperament is not that different,’ he said.”
Must have been a merciless six-year-old. Does not appear to be much growth emotionally or socially since then either. Maybe there’s something in the water at that military-themed boarding school that stunts mental development but promotes bullying and noise.
“‘After the Vietnam War, all those military academies lost ground because people really disrespected the military,’ Mr. Trump said.” Maybe all those military academies became less relevant for dodging the draft.
‘The temperament is not that different,’ he said.”
Must have been a merciless six-year-old. Does not appear to be much growth emotionally or socially since then either. Maybe there’s something in the water at that military-themed boarding school that stunts mental development but promotes bullying and noise.
“‘After the Vietnam War, all those military academies lost ground because people really disrespected the military,’ Mr. Trump said.” Maybe all those military academies became less relevant for dodging the draft.
1
When the chauffer's wife had a baby this billionaire sent a car seat to the hospital-what did that set him back? Maybe $100? Big deal...
1
I have served 23+ years in both the Marine Corps and the Army, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. I can conclusively state that Trump wouldn't make it through basic training. He started off life with hundreds of millions of dollars that his *dad* made for him, and we're supposed to be impressed that he managed to double it in 3 or 4 decades?? Aside from his dubious business acumen and complete lack of breeding/manners, Trump is an empty suit. I pray that I never have to call him my Commander in Chief!
5
As one who has served, I am insulted by Donald Trump's remarks.
4
"...and once they can figure you out, you're in big trouble."
Interesting coming from him.
Interesting coming from him.
3
So let me get this straight. If I go to a expensive private military school it is the same as serving on active duty? In what world does this happen? So he should be able to collect Veteran's benefits for his bone spurs?
That logic is as messed up as saying if you look at a picture of a male body builder and say I like that look, you must be gay???
We now offer help for bullies to understand their issues and behaviors. If I could afford a Chauffeur I would give him a lot more than just a $100-150 car seat, which was most likely picked out by an assistant and he didn't even know about it until he was asking for things he had done in the past to make him look good.
There is a disconnect that maybe I am not seeing, having served and injured in Iraq and lost most of a foot, maybe he can give me my benefits and a new house for Christmas?????
That logic is as messed up as saying if you look at a picture of a male body builder and say I like that look, you must be gay???
We now offer help for bullies to understand their issues and behaviors. If I could afford a Chauffeur I would give him a lot more than just a $100-150 car seat, which was most likely picked out by an assistant and he didn't even know about it until he was asking for things he had done in the past to make him look good.
There is a disconnect that maybe I am not seeing, having served and injured in Iraq and lost most of a foot, maybe he can give me my benefits and a new house for Christmas?????
1
The evidence cited by this book for Trump's "unexpected generosity" is that he had a car seat delivered to the hospital where his chauffeur's wife gave birth. When a billionaire spends a couple of hundred dollars to reward an employee, I'd hardly call that "unexpected generosity." Generosity by someone as rich as Trump would be an actual car or perhaps a college scholarship fund.
18
It was more like a tip
1
"Former Presidential Candidate" is an award he will keep polished and hold in reserve.
Trump trumps up all the cards in his own favor.
2
He is a cartoon character come to life.
Yosemite Sam crossed with Foghorn Leghorn.
All three from Looney Tunes.
Has DT filed for VA benefits yet? The ignominy of DT not yet having been awarded his Vietnam Service Medal is too much. Did his instructors wear black pajamas and try to kill him each day?
Did Agent Orange do that to his hair?
Yosemite Sam crossed with Foghorn Leghorn.
All three from Looney Tunes.
Has DT filed for VA benefits yet? The ignominy of DT not yet having been awarded his Vietnam Service Medal is too much. Did his instructors wear black pajamas and try to kill him each day?
Did Agent Orange do that to his hair?
2
Were there pillow fights?
3
Gee, you would think that with his military school training it would make him volunteer for Vietnam service. Instead, he was deferred five time and then became 4F (unfit). See the Smoking Gun for the story and review of his deferral records.
1
• ...the New York Military Academy, an expensive prep school where his parents had sent him to correct poor behavior....
I guess they failed.
I guess they failed.
5
Trump: "I like people who weren't captured - okay?" We like people who were actually in the military - okay? Mr. Trump has no credibility.
5
I liken my Bar-Mitzvah studies to the military, the difference being that at after my Bar Mitzvah, I had a party and got great gifts!.
4
By MICHAEL BARBAROSEPT. 8, 2015
.... Mr. Trump said his experience at the New York Military Academy, an expensive prep school where his parents had sent him to correct poor behavior, gave him “more training militarily than a lot of the guys that go into the military.”
from wiki...
"NYMA strives to provide its students with a structured environment, placing an emphasis on leadership development...
The days at NYMA begin at 6:00 am and typically end at 10:00 pm. Cadets attend grade-specific classes during that time, and also participate in organized or intramural sports, activities, and study hall... cadets in good academic standing can apply for weekend furlough..."
hmm.... i really do not think that some class' in High School are anywhere near true military service Donald... have you COMPLETELY lost it? I see nothing on this schools site that even comes close to "REAL MILITARY SERVICE." where is the course that gets you shot at with live ammo and chance to get blown to pieces by bombs and mines and stuff?
you sir need to realize that you are just a draft dodger by technicality and no serviceman. saying that you are more experienced than anyone who has served is a slap in the face to them. you may be rich and have more experience in white collar crimes than them but you are nowhere close to the lowest recruit that makes it past boot camp.
.... Mr. Trump said his experience at the New York Military Academy, an expensive prep school where his parents had sent him to correct poor behavior, gave him “more training militarily than a lot of the guys that go into the military.”
from wiki...
"NYMA strives to provide its students with a structured environment, placing an emphasis on leadership development...
The days at NYMA begin at 6:00 am and typically end at 10:00 pm. Cadets attend grade-specific classes during that time, and also participate in organized or intramural sports, activities, and study hall... cadets in good academic standing can apply for weekend furlough..."
hmm.... i really do not think that some class' in High School are anywhere near true military service Donald... have you COMPLETELY lost it? I see nothing on this schools site that even comes close to "REAL MILITARY SERVICE." where is the course that gets you shot at with live ammo and chance to get blown to pieces by bombs and mines and stuff?
you sir need to realize that you are just a draft dodger by technicality and no serviceman. saying that you are more experienced than anyone who has served is a slap in the face to them. you may be rich and have more experience in white collar crimes than them but you are nowhere close to the lowest recruit that makes it past boot camp.
4
Trump for Pres 2016
Well I guess if he becomes the President it will be interesting to see how a first grader handles the country. I can see the NYTines banner FIRST GRADER WINS. Mac n Cheese now on White House menu.
5
Trump says "For the most part, you can't respect people because most people aren't worthy of respect."
Wow, even Romney said it was only 47 percent.
Wow, even Romney said it was only 47 percent.
6
@Susan: Trump is most definitely on MY list of people who aren't worthy of respect.
And we have people thinking a man like this could be president? God help us all! Why? How?
He has not the training, experience, temperament, or in inclination for it. We don't want a non reflective, shallow, self absorbed, egotist! The president is not a king. In some ways, the President is the role, not the man. The best presidents understand this. As such, even as they are in the center, it's not about them. It's about the role, the tasks, the politics, the policy - much of which needs a vast, vast amount of disciplined study and prep to handle it well.
For Trump, it would be all about him, and his emotions, and his petty need to score points, not the patience, or diplomacy, and certainly not the work. I can think of few who would be less qualified.
He has not the training, experience, temperament, or in inclination for it. We don't want a non reflective, shallow, self absorbed, egotist! The president is not a king. In some ways, the President is the role, not the man. The best presidents understand this. As such, even as they are in the center, it's not about them. It's about the role, the tasks, the politics, the policy - much of which needs a vast, vast amount of disciplined study and prep to handle it well.
For Trump, it would be all about him, and his emotions, and his petty need to score points, not the patience, or diplomacy, and certainly not the work. I can think of few who would be less qualified.
27
The man is clearly insane.
6
Brian Williams got in trouble for exaggerating his resume. Trump gets what ? I guess he's not lying about it.
4
Somebody stick a fork in this guy already.
16
Mr Trump's equating his Military School experience to knowing the Military fits his Readers Digest approach perfectly to almost every topic brought up in his campaign. When asked where he gets his Military advise from he said from watching Military experts on TV- Seriously. When asked which ones he smiled and said You know, all of them, all the big ones (VP candidate Sarah Palin got throughly roasted for telling Katie Couric that she got all her information from reading magazines and newspapers- but could hardly answer which ones- this is where her slogan "Gotcha Questions" was born) Trump knows all about the boarder because he's met some boarder patrol officers. He doesn't have to know the names of heads of states now- because "They change all the time" and by the time he gets to the white house they will all be different- So he will wait till he gets into office.
13
How many bullets did Trump dodge at his prep school? And how many buddies did he see blown to bits?
16
All things that come with self-imposed superlatives come to a tragic end. Titanic-the fastest biggest etc.; and Hindenburg- biggest etc. -were brought down by the unexpected. Time will tell as to how Mr. Trump’s Presidential aspiration ends. And if it reaches the logical end Mr. Trump expects his quest to attain then God exists and he (cannot be she when Mr. Trump is involved) is punishing the US for its sins.
2
I served in Vietnam (31 May 1967 - 31 May 1968). But I lucked out because Uncle Sam made me a corpsman, and I was stationed at Cam Ranh Bay AFB. I was in the rear with the gear and the beer, even though the base was attacked several times with mortars and rockets during the Tet Offensive of 1968. But grunts took three-day in-country R&R at the base. To be quite frank, bringing up who served and who stayed behind is just another ideological red herring brought out during every presidential campaign since I returned to the Big PX. I refuse to play into this game. Looking back on my tour of duty there, I find all the patients who passed through the hospital where I served as victims of that tragic war. And that includes Sen. John McCain. But despite the living hell he endured at the Hanoi Hilton, he is an embarassement of epic proportions to me because he's always beating his little tin drum for the next war. And I never held it against former Vice President Dick Cheney that he had told the press he had "other priorities" during the Vietnam War. But Vice President Joe Biden also got many deferments during the draft. He just doesn't talk about it. So he can keep his mouth shut. I hold no grudges. I'm just tired of these verbal food fights during the race for the White House. They remind me of that classic scene in the cafeteria in "Animal House." Sen. McCain started it when he said only crazies would vote for the Trump. He just should have kept his mouth shut like Biden.
10
No matter how you bend and twist, their is no getting around the fact that this guy said himself, not while running for President, or on the campaign trail, but in an interview he knew would be published in a book, that he actually believed that he was in Vietnamese combat while he was in a fancy prep school.
It is interesting, though, to see another example of those who are determined to vote for him excuse anything he does or says no matter how crazy.
It is interesting, though, to see another example of those who are determined to vote for him excuse anything he does or says no matter how crazy.
4
I have 23+ years in the Marines and Army, and have served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. I respect your Vietnam service. But I'm sorry, I do *not* respect someone that never served, never risked their life for their country, and then tries to swagger about and rattle a saber to act like a phony tough guy (i.e., Cheney). "McCain beating his tin drum"?? Are you freaking kidding me? What about Bush getting the country involved in a pre-emptive war in Iraq based on lies and innuendo? Honestly, anyone that would allow Trump to be POTUS *is* crazy.
2
Memma, I hope you weren't implying I am one of those voters. I would never vote for Trump. But I did vote for Obama. I just find Trump quite amusing. And as a Vietnam veteran, it's kind of hard for me to take this news article with the appropriate and politically correct gravitas demanded by you. I also never took seriously that GOP smear campaign used against Bill Clinton as a "draft dodger" in his first run for president. And I voted for him. How you can take this news article seriously does actually bewilder me a bit. But you are entitled to your opinion. I've mellowed out in my old age about the Vietnam War. And how partisan politics is played like a blood sport in this country. I just find it absurd we're still fighting over the Vietnam War. After the fall of Saigon in April, 1975, we all know what a disaster this war was. Yet here we are almost five decades after the war still fighting about the war. So Trump is a pathological liar. What else is new when it comes to politics in this country? Hillary Clinton voted for the Iraq War aa senator and then lobbied as secretary of state for Obama to get the US involved in the Libyan ivil war. Both are now foreign policy debacles that rank with the Vietnam War. And she'll probably be our next president. That's as absurd as what Trump has said about the Vietnam War in this article. I get the feeling, though I am a Vietnam veteran, you feel I am not entitled to my own sense of humor about the war. Now that's really absurd.
Trump sees life altogether as a zero sum game of "I win - you lose". Nowhere in his rhetoric is a conversation for "we"..it's all "me"..."my way" (or the highway). He's a useful idiot for exposing how the far right really thinks, their exclusionary politics, their xenophobia scapegoating game. While it's easy to cast him as a silly buffoon, with no real substance for leadership, similar ideas were held in the 1930's about a little house painter from Munich with a brushy mustache.
12
Much like Obama, in fact.
Obviously vets who've come home wounded without the benefit of the expensive, private grade-school military education of a spoiled brat would disagree that it and boot camp are in any way remotely similar. Good grief.
9
If going to reform school is like military service, isn't going to prison even more like military service.
5
I understand what Trump is saying. I myself watched 'Platoon' so I know exactly what it was like to serve in Vietnam. In fact my Vietnam was tougher than the actual Vietnam. There were more explosions and it was in stereo.
30
Brilliant comments!
You trump Trump!
You trump Trump!
6
Well put! Bravo!
1
He is an insult to anybody who served in war. It is not because he did not serve when it was his generation's war. No. It is the act of a rational mind NOT to want to serve in war (Catch 22) but to say his preppy military academy experience was like being in the military is hubris carried to the absurd. It appears that he believes himself. When is somebody going to say to Donald, "Just because you say it, doesn't make it so." Oh well, the show must go on and he is entertaining. Somebody, please wake me up when the nonsense is over.
13
Cut him a break. He was a kid at the time and deserves credit for telling it as he saw or sees it. His reality is his. He surely did not mean it literally.
I would tend to agree with Trump on one thing: his temperament today is exactly the same as that of a 1st grader!
16
Most first graders already know that lying is wrong and sharing the toys works better than hogging them all for yourself.
Trump extols the merits of attending a military school and yet his own adult children went to expensive, elite private schools, not military schools. What a great dad shielding them from the horrors of the military rigors that he had to endure.
9
If Trump believes that going to a military prep school was more rigorous than actual military training, and while there, thought he was in Vietnam combat, reveals that he is not mentally competent to be President of the United States. .
One can now better understand why he does not recognize the gibberish that he provides in lieu of realistic explanations for his sometimes ridiculous policy objectives. It is not unusual for such people to believe that they are or should be President of the United States.
There are plenty of people in mental hospitals-- hopefully receiving healing treatment-- who also have a profoundly delusional sense of themselves.
What is alarming is that his supporters, so eager are they to have him be a spokesperson for their goals and beliefs, which seems to include bigotry, racism, misogyny, homophobia and xenophobia, have not considered the consequences of having a President with what seems to be certifiable mental issues.
One can now better understand why he does not recognize the gibberish that he provides in lieu of realistic explanations for his sometimes ridiculous policy objectives. It is not unusual for such people to believe that they are or should be President of the United States.
There are plenty of people in mental hospitals-- hopefully receiving healing treatment-- who also have a profoundly delusional sense of themselves.
What is alarming is that his supporters, so eager are they to have him be a spokesperson for their goals and beliefs, which seems to include bigotry, racism, misogyny, homophobia and xenophobia, have not considered the consequences of having a President with what seems to be certifiable mental issues.
15
Agreed. Trump himself is merely ridiculous. What is truly troubling are the legions of fools who think he is fit to lead this country.
"Donald Trump Likens His Schooling to Military Service in Book"
He also likens his years of marriage to combat duty.
He also likens his years of marriage to combat duty.
11
I can't believe that Mr. Trump equates going to a military high school / academy with serving in the military. It is like someone saying they know the difficulties of working in Law enforcement because they watch Adam-12 or the Blue Bloods on television. His desire to exaggerate his achievements in life is really scary and does not bode well for the country if he were to be elected President. His lack of military experience will become apparent when he tries to bully the rest of the world. I also can't believe he would say that " most people are not worthy of respect." How can this man lead us with this philosophy. We need a leader that respects the people in this country.
14
More like an actor in that genre making the claim I'm not a doctor but since I played one on tv for 6 years, I'm as good as one. I went to nyma, it's NOTHING like the military. Difference is like shooting a bullet and throwing one
He surely did not mean it literally.
I see what the Liberal media is doing and it's laughable! They are trying to get military personnel to turn against Mr. Trump! The liberal media is so lame, nothing they do gets by me or surprises me!
3
Since 9/11/01 only 0.75% of Americans have volunteered to put on an American military uniform. Of the 2016 Republicans running for President and hen clucking for more American war only Rick Perry and Lindsey Graham have ever served in the military. Those are the facts. There is nothing liberal nor conservative nor media about that. I believe that every American war hen should lead the way in war.
15
The "Liberal media" is NOT putting words in Donald Trump's mouth...
17
Yeah, that darn liberal media.
Telling the truth.
Disgusting.
Telling the truth.
Disgusting.
11
I also attended New York Military Academy for two years while Trump was there. Unlike Mr. Trump, I later went to United States Marine Corps bootcamp at Parris Island. Bootcamp was considerably more demanding.
24
Anybody shoot at you in the military school?
9
I was a kid, i belonged to the Maspeth Nautical Cadets. All we did was drill and learn the manual of arms. We never even went near the water. I never, ever thought that i was in the military. After i got drafted and was trained as an infantryman, i never thought in was in a combat situation. i am not delusional. I don't think the same can be said for Generalisimo Trump
15
People have figured you out, Mr. Trump. You have a lot of things that you are compensating for. Big time.
12
I think those Army doctor's must have left some shrapnel behind.
3
Again you give Trump free publicity. Why aren't there articles about all the candidates biographies? Give equal time to everyone. Let him pay for his publicity like everyone else
10
Even for us who disagree with him, we find him fascinating. He sells and moves product. This isn't russia or pbs. In capitalism, you feature candidates who move product and get traffic
Donald Trump can no more consider himself as having served in the military because he went to military school when he was a teenager, than I can call myself a car because I'm standing in my garage.
What an insult to all of those who did serve/who are serving.
What an insult to all of those who did serve/who are serving.
16
Every time this fellow says something that rational people believe to be his "jumping the shark" moment, he ends up gaining momentum in the polls. I think this new revelation will put him in the White House.
2
I know it's an overdone comparison and I'll apologize in advance, but if I told you it was Adolf Hitler who said the following comments you'd think, of course!
On his feelings of superiority: “For the most part, you can’t respect people because most people aren’t worthy of respect."
Perhaps his most revealing statement applies to the time-honored virtue of self-reflection. He is not in favor of it.
“When you start studying yourself too deeply, you start seeing things that maybe you don’t want to see."
“And if there’s a rhyme and reason,” he continued, “people can figure you out, and once they can figure you out, you’re in big trouble.”
Holy…!!
People like this should be kept as far away from positions of political power (policy, sterring public opinion and war-making) as possible!!
On his feelings of superiority: “For the most part, you can’t respect people because most people aren’t worthy of respect."
Perhaps his most revealing statement applies to the time-honored virtue of self-reflection. He is not in favor of it.
“When you start studying yourself too deeply, you start seeing things that maybe you don’t want to see."
“And if there’s a rhyme and reason,” he continued, “people can figure you out, and once they can figure you out, you’re in big trouble.”
Holy…!!
People like this should be kept as far away from positions of political power (policy, sterring public opinion and war-making) as possible!!
15
Adolf Hitler was a decorated injured World War I German army veteran.
1
New York Military Academy, Cornwall-on-Hudson, is floundering and appears out of business. Haven't Donald and the media noticed?
5
Complete the analogy:
Military boarding school :: to military service as:
*reading Sports illustrated :: playing left field at Yankee Stadium.
*wearing alligator boots :: alligator rassling
*starting a business from the ground up :: inheriting one from your wealthy father.
* Running for President by appealing to the basest, most xenophobic impulses of the electorate (and to feed the beast of your narcissism - though admittedly that my include everyone who runs for President) :: Running for President because you genuinely want to move the country toward its highest ideals and appeal to the better angels of our natures (you could fill in any less venal rationale here)
Feel free to make up your own analogies. More fun than knitting OR crosswords!!!
Military boarding school :: to military service as:
*reading Sports illustrated :: playing left field at Yankee Stadium.
*wearing alligator boots :: alligator rassling
*starting a business from the ground up :: inheriting one from your wealthy father.
* Running for President by appealing to the basest, most xenophobic impulses of the electorate (and to feed the beast of your narcissism - though admittedly that my include everyone who runs for President) :: Running for President because you genuinely want to move the country toward its highest ideals and appeal to the better angels of our natures (you could fill in any less venal rationale here)
Feel free to make up your own analogies. More fun than knitting OR crosswords!!!
9
Got to love The Donald, I would love to drink some of the Kool Aid he is drinking. Yes, Donald your schooling was similar to those hardy individuals called the Navy Seals. My guess is that in high school and college you most likely paid a few thug football type classmates to beat up those people who annoyed or offended you. Although I detest what is coming out of your mouth about women and non white people, you are right about certain things. Like raising taxes on the rich etc. and tearing up the most incredible group of lackluster people a political party has ever put forward for president. God Help America!
5
“On his feelings of superiority: “For the most part, you can’t respect people because most people aren’t worthy of respect,” he told Mr. D’Antonio.”
Hey, America, you are celebrating this man? He thinks you’re all losers because most of you aren’t millionaires, many are out of work or making ends meet with two jobs (one in a fast food place maybe? How pathetic) married to less than gorgeous spouses, can't afford a helicopter of your own? (Loser!) or perhaps you have been putting off that winter coat because it's too expensive. You deserve him if he somehow gets into office, like the prize you elected, G. W. Bush – twice.
I may have to agree about Trump’s line, “You can’t respect people because most people aren’t worthy of respect.” Because if he get's into the Oval Office, IMO, he'll be right.
Hey, America, you are celebrating this man? He thinks you’re all losers because most of you aren’t millionaires, many are out of work or making ends meet with two jobs (one in a fast food place maybe? How pathetic) married to less than gorgeous spouses, can't afford a helicopter of your own? (Loser!) or perhaps you have been putting off that winter coat because it's too expensive. You deserve him if he somehow gets into office, like the prize you elected, G. W. Bush – twice.
I may have to agree about Trump’s line, “You can’t respect people because most people aren’t worthy of respect.” Because if he get's into the Oval Office, IMO, he'll be right.
10
Such an odd person. It's interesting that someone with so little self-awareness and with such terrible social and communication skills can get so far in life. I know a few people with the disorder Asperger's; they have special topics (subway schedules, WWII) that they talk about ad infinitum,while having little clue about the effect the discourse is having on others. Trump reminds me of them, his 'special topic' being himself. (Apologies to those with Asperger's for the comparison.)
13
Getting far in life is easy when you inherit money and have no scruples.
11
This article should have come with a warning:
Wait at least one hour after eating before reading.
Wait at least one hour after eating before reading.
17
Seeing the word TRUMP shoul be enough of a trigger warning...
Anyone remember the film The Dead Zone? With every article I read containing this kind of Trumpsplaining, I see Martin Sheen as Gregory Stillson, the popular but creepy candidate who finally showed his true colors by using a baby to protect himself from a sniper.
I'm just waiting for Trump to make his own incredibly revealing move. I can feel it coming. Those of us who grew up in NY already know.
I'm just waiting for Trump to make his own incredibly revealing move. I can feel it coming. Those of us who grew up in NY already know.
18
Yes Donald LePen,
military school was JUST LIKE Vietnam. Hard to even tell the difference.
military school was JUST LIKE Vietnam. Hard to even tell the difference.
7
I can relate to The Donald in that when I was in school and in a fraternity, every spring, as the weather warmed, we had water balloon fights. Certainly, war is hell!
17
President George W. Bush had a tendency to see the things in black and white and act without careful consideration. Hence, his famous statement to the world following 9/11 that "You're either with us or against us." This kind of dichotomous thinking, of good versus evil, of right versus wrong, and his tendency towards impulsivity led Bush to pursue two disastrous wars, the consequences of which will reverberate for generations. Trump's worldview is similar. He has friends, and he has enemies. He abruptly ends his interview when he discovers his interviewer's association with one of his enemies. He punches an instructor because of a disagreement about music. Imagine a President Trump (shudder), dividing the world up into friends and enemies, producers and takers, heroes and wimps, winners and losers. We would become a nation in which you were either in or out. Some would benefit from the functions of government while others would be deemed unworthy of respect and be presented with no opportunity to improve their lives.
14
During the Vietnam era W aka "Shrub" served in the Texas Air National Guard patrolling the skies of Texas protecting against an attack by the mighty vaunted Viet Cong Air Force.
2
It's all about words: he is definitely a master of the word duel, but that doesn't make him anything more than a soldier of lip service. So, what's next? The president of the lip country, I guess.
2
His comment about not respecting most people is eerily reminiscent of Mitt Romney and his 47 percent remark.
10
As portrayed in this article and elsewhere, Trump appears to have a severe case of narcissism-- perhaps a full-blown personality disorder.
It seems clear that Trump, at his core, is profoundly insecure, however much arrogance and bluster he affects. He would be a disaster in the presidency.
It seems clear that Trump, at his core, is profoundly insecure, however much arrogance and bluster he affects. He would be a disaster in the presidency.
11
Is a comment questioning why Mr D'Antonia did not interview Trump's superiors for "Never Enough: Donald Trump and the Pursuit of Happiness" defamatory?
5
That should go over well with vets. I wonder if he was shot at in military school? The part where he says he is basically the same as when he was in fist grade is priceless.
13
Probably dragged by classmate(s)
1
The real shame of it is that he doesn't realize what a complete and total fool he is making of himself. He is proving to be truly ignorant, boorish and childish, no insult to children intended.
14
It had to happen eventually. After a month of free press It seems like the tide is starting to turn against Trump, as people start viewing him as a serious competitor. I expect that a whole bunch more negative stories will come out about trump in the next few weeks, and he'll see his polls dwindle, just like Herman Cain four years ago
10
Oh Mr. Trump, mayhaps we should rethink comparing our military service to your high school. Mayhaps you be from the planet???
1
Maybe he stayed in a Holiday Inn too.
5
Please vave someone at the NYT find the teacher who was hit in the eye by the Donald. If s/he is no longer with us, find Trump's classmates. Was Trump thrown out of school for assaulting the teacher? Was he charged with a crime? Is he bragging about assault? These are legitimate journalistic questions. Believe it or not, he is the leading candidate for the Republican Party and therefore his past needs scrutiny. Compare whatever consequences Trump faces with black students of the same time for the same offense.
11
Was he shot at by people trying to kill him during his time in the military academy? Did he have to walk across mined fields and extract dead bodies from tanks and bunkers? Did he eat MREs for months on end and use a bucket for a toilet? If so, I see no exaggeration in his claim and we should just leave the man alone. If not, then I think he is claiming military valor to which he is not entitled. Is that an appropriate credential for a Commander in Chief?
14
Typical Trump. He prefers to talk in superlatives, though it leads him to wild statements like equating military school with military service. Translate the Trump into English, and it might read, military school gave me some taste of the discipline of the military, as it was taught by former military members. But I had a high draft number! But he doesn't do "some." Anyway, it won't hurt him any. His fans will bit be dissuaded by anything, and military veterans will barely bat an eye, as they've heard this sort of thing from public figures before. That just leaves his adversaries who can't seem to get any purchase on him.
1
After spending 26 plus years in the service one thing I know for sure is that he would have been fragged by his own men.
28
Thank you for your service and for speaking up. I hope more veterans will speak up about this.
8
Trump would be a great secretary of commerce.
1
Really? Legend-in-his own mind Trump likens his elite military academy attendance to service in the actual U.S. military and insulted the record of John McCain. Meanwhile, Ben Carson wants to do away with the Veteran's Administration. Does anyone else want to show the shallowness of their supposed support for our military??
10
I wasn't voting for him anyway, but Jesus this man has no shame. Military prep school is not military service. That one 'feels' like it was doesn't mean it is. The more this man speaks, the more terrified I am that he might actually win.
13
He was sent to a military school to correct his poor behavior? I don't think it worked.
18
If you've never seen the film "A Face In The Crowd," now would be a good time. It stars Andy Griffith in his greatest role -- a true tour de force.
Except for lacking a twang in his voice, Donald Trump is a modern day "Dusty Rhodes," and we can only hope he is destined for the same fate.
Except for lacking a twang in his voice, Donald Trump is a modern day "Dusty Rhodes," and we can only hope he is destined for the same fate.
11
If Donald Trump went to military school and felt like he was in the military can I read the New York Times about him and feel as though I am in a bad dream?
8
Spoiled brats from sheltered backgrounds could bully Palm Beach's council, not it's quite another story to bully Asia
6
Let's see, the guy's a blatant racist who will deport all of the dreamers and undocumented workers. He stated that he has no foreign policy advisers because he learns about it by watching TV. The rest of his comments are arbitrary insults. And this man is in the lead among Republicans.
I'm no longer worried about another Bush presidency.
I'm no longer worried about another Bush presidency.
16
Wow! I wish I had known this back in 1967 when I joined the U.S. Army and in 1969 when I was sent to Viet-nam. All my parents had to do was mortgage their home and sell all their personal belongings to send me to a $31,000/year military school and I could have avoided all that unpleasantness. Mr. Trump must be suffering from military school PTSD.
22
If you have never attended a military academy you can not understand Mr. Trjmp's sentiment. I did, I boarded at a military academy for many years. I was also in military service and fought in Vietnam. I clearly agree with Trump. Military School is far more pure an experience for learning disipline and prepairing to overcome obstacles than basic military service. Truly, while Military School was the most challenging time of my youth, it was also the greatest time of comrodery of my life. Also Donald Trump was along time student of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. If he continues to live by the principals he learned from Dr. Peale he will make America great again. Artu.
Why would Donald Trump laud his attendance at a military academy that went into bankruptcy - run by a bunch of losers, in his parlance?
1
D-2. That explains a lot.
I never heard someone who actually served refer to it as "military service." They say they were a Marine, combat, infantry, special forces, etc. They are ùsually very specific when referencing their service. They at least say which branch.
There is no such thing as a "pure" learning experience. You don't know what you know until life hits the fan.
There is no such thing as a "pure" learning experience. You don't know what you know until life hits the fan.
The narcissist always sees the world in ways that serve to validate his self-image at the expense of truth and logic. Here is a man who has proven to be psychologically and temperamentally unfit to be President: Donald Trump.
7
James,
You mean like President Obama?
You mean like President Obama?
He really has no shame. And people love it!
3
This has been great entertainment but it will get embarrassing if it goes on too long. The rest of the world is gob smacked at the way our lobbyocracy chooses a President.
3
"New York Military Academy, an expensive prep school..."?
NYMA may be expensive but it's definitely NOT expensive and has a reputation as a place for troublesome guys... And among those Wikipedia lists as having attended: "John A. Gotti, Class of 1983 (did not graduate), organized crime figure"
Great company to keep...
And NYMA is a dying institution, with serious financial problems...recently filed for bankruptcy... Maybe THAT'S what Trump leaned there?
NYMA may be expensive but it's definitely NOT expensive and has a reputation as a place for troublesome guys... And among those Wikipedia lists as having attended: "John A. Gotti, Class of 1983 (did not graduate), organized crime figure"
Great company to keep...
And NYMA is a dying institution, with serious financial problems...recently filed for bankruptcy... Maybe THAT'S what Trump leaned there?
5
Its in serious financial problems cause there was 2 wars raging for a decade and a half. Parents don't want their kids to enter the military and get shot. Same thing happened during Vietnam with military schools. As for troublesome schools, NYMA feeds more students to service academies than any other NY school with its size of graduating class. Do I know that for a fact, no. Though when you have 1 out of 15 graduates going to West Point, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Annapolis please take what I said with blind faith.
Military service? Did he ever deploy and see combat. Trump hasn't got a clue what military service is like.
5
I think he's pretending to run so that he can his 501C(tax exempt organization status) loans to himself.
1
My dad's parents didn't graduate from high school. He did - from an overcrowded, violent public school - but was drafted in the Vietnam era and got an all-expenses-paid 4 year overseas vacation courtesy of the U.S. Marine Corps. Back home, he used the G.I. bill to become the first college graduate in his family. He is a man who succeeded. Trump, apparently, is still pursuing success but lacks some essential ingredients, like character.
15
Donald Trump is a salesman who is very good at reworking history to suit his own needs. He is tailor made for disgruntled Americans who are sick and tired of political gridlock. His words express the anger of a population that feels disenfranchised.
1
I believe Paris Hilton also attended NYMA....Need I say more?
6
Now lemme think back... I dressed up as a princess for Halloween one year when I was in elementary school. Does that mean I'm royalty?
11
OMG Military Academy = Military Service? I was in the Boy Scouts in Europe lead by US military officers that should count as well as military training. Well at least both Trump and I didn't have to dodge bullets :)
6
The people who don't understand Trump's popularity have to be clueless to what is happening in America today. Do Jeb Bush or Hillary Clinton offer the beaten middle class anything? No one I know likes either one of these tired old people. Trump is a breath of fresh air for saying (1) our political system is for sale (2) Hedge funds shuffle papers, create no value and get huge tax breaks. What other candidate is saying this? For these two statements alone, Trump has my vote. Trump, if he wants it will be the next President because enough people know the system is broken and neither party wants to change the status quo because they both win with the current broken system.
When did Americans become so deluded? Trump doesn't care anything about the middle class. His clothing line is made in China, his "university" was a con that scammed ordinary Americans out of their hard earned money. There's no end to the rotten things this bigoted jerk has done to hurt people.
9
It's a shame Trump was too busy training to be a king to serve in Vietnam. With his obvious superior intelligence, track record of winning at virtually everything he does, and the expertise he derived from a "military-themed boarding school", it is clear America could have achieved a decisive victory in Southeast Asia had young Donald been in command.
4
Look at it this way. Mr. Trump adds a bit of humor to an otherwise somewhat grim Republican melange. I look forward to his next utterance.
1
"Sometimes I sing and dance around the house in my underwear. Doesn't make me Madonna. Never will."--Joan Cusack in "Working Girl".
3
Like every other Republican Chicken Hawk, Da Chump hisself, would say... "Dose losers, everyone of dem" and wouldn't dare call them out, because,like Da Chump, they always have a reason ( Parents, Money, Influence, or a combo of the three) why they didn't/couldn't/ feel a "need" to serve. From Romney, to Cheney, to Da Chump and Bush Jr. They all want to go to war...Never has one of them ever fired a shot in anger, (except Cheney, and that was his FRIEND!) nor have they worn the uniform of this country. As a VietNam Veteran who spent 19 months over there making sure Da Chumps' 'heel spurs' were being taken care of, I truly resent the fact that Da Chump thinks 'Military' Prep School is anything like the Military, just shows his stupidity on yet another front.
7
Why does the Times insist on giving Trump the continual publicity that propels his candidacy?
2
The New York Military Academy is and has always been regarded as reform school for juvenile deliquents where attendees are subjected to punitive treatment.
It has long been considered a dumping ground for out of control young boys who's families have simply given up on them.
I've never heard anyone brag about attending this place. There is no "military" about it except in the name they choose and they choose that name because of it's approximation to West Point.
This explains a great deal. Probably the most revealing thing I've learned about Trump.
Sad.
It is a forboading facility that looks like a prison when you pass it on the highway. It is only a few miles up from West Point Military Academy where I worked as a civilian employee.
It has long been considered a dumping ground for out of control young boys who's families have simply given up on them.
I've never heard anyone brag about attending this place. There is no "military" about it except in the name they choose and they choose that name because of it's approximation to West Point.
This explains a great deal. Probably the most revealing thing I've learned about Trump.
Sad.
It is a forboading facility that looks like a prison when you pass it on the highway. It is only a few miles up from West Point Military Academy where I worked as a civilian employee.
11
I went to nyma. There is some truth to what u say about reform school but ur also very wrong. There were some foreign students and ambitious types.
You don't know NYMA. What do Bodega owners from the Bronx, Saudi Royalty, Middle class families, Korean Businessmen, and the very top of American wealth all have in common? They have sent their children to NYMA and they have gone on to do great things. I just went on a business trip to San Francisco and Los Angeles with one of my fellow graduates. If you weren't a civilian employee at West Point, but at NYMA you may know that the school sends several students to service academies every year. In my graduating year of 2000 all cadets attended college. Could the same be said about your high school?
I can't help but think that the point of Trump's candidacy is continually missed. What he says is not nearly so notable as the fact that when he says it, millions of good citizens nod their heads in solemn agreement. The headlines should read: "Large Minority of GOP Embraces Stupidity Politics"
6
Mr. Trump is talking about learning discipline, when he likens schooling he had, to military, and not wearing of uniform or carrying guns. What part of his statement you do not understand Michael Barbaro? Oh, please. Mr. Trump is not your punching bag. Perhaps you need to sit down with him for a few minutes and learn who he is, thank you!
Who cares about something from the 60's. Nice try at creating a train wreck to derail Trump. Find fault, create doubt, run your mouth.
I think my military service in Call of Duty counts more that his military school service, how many times has he saved the planet from destruction?
6
Hey, if Rachel Dolezal (remember her?) calls herself black, and Bruce Jenner calls himself a woman named Cait, I guess the Donald can call himself G.I. Joe.
Time to clap for Tinkerbell, everybody!
Time to clap for Tinkerbell, everybody!
8
Trump shall over-comb.
2
One more unforgivable insult/comment by Trump. Add it to the fact that he said he'd date his daughter if he were not her father. Then consider also that he said something along the lines of "If Hillary can't please her husband, how does she expect to please America?"
This man is a narcissistic troll who is quickly bringing out the worst in the United States. All of the white separatists are crawling out of the woodwork to cheer for him, now believing that their time has come. What must other countries think of us as they watch his sideshow? He is appalling.
This man is a narcissistic troll who is quickly bringing out the worst in the United States. All of the white separatists are crawling out of the woodwork to cheer for him, now believing that their time has come. What must other countries think of us as they watch his sideshow? He is appalling.
6
By equating prep school with military service, Trump offends all who have served our country, especially those who have given their lives.
Not sure which is worse, his insatiable ego or his poor judgement. Perhaps the two are linked.
Not sure which is worse, his insatiable ego or his poor judgement. Perhaps the two are linked.
7
The Internet assures that nothing can ever be totally lost or forgotten, This not only applies to Trump but also tho those who have publicly expressed their support of him.
Attention Trumpies: this is your last chance to disavow your endorsement of the Donald. We have all been guilty of bad judgment and we can understand your enthusiasm up to this point. However, now no reasonable person can continue to support this lout. Hereafter you will not be able to hide nor escape the consequences of your moral flabbiness. Unlike Trump, we will continue to respect your humanity, but we will not forgive or forget,
Attention Trumpies: this is your last chance to disavow your endorsement of the Donald. We have all been guilty of bad judgment and we can understand your enthusiasm up to this point. However, now no reasonable person can continue to support this lout. Hereafter you will not be able to hide nor escape the consequences of your moral flabbiness. Unlike Trump, we will continue to respect your humanity, but we will not forgive or forget,
9
“when I look at myself in the first grade and I look at myself now, I’m basically the same."
If Trump does get elected, we'll be going from a petulant toddler in the WH to an entitled first-grader. At least the trend is in the right direction.
If Trump does get elected, we'll be going from a petulant toddler in the WH to an entitled first-grader. At least the trend is in the right direction.
33
Anyone's better than a community activist with a shrouded
academic and questionable personal history
academic and questionable personal history
Making a lot of money is hard...
Odd how no one remembers the Donald's multiple forays into corporate bankruptcy...not even Donald! Trump's amnesia about his disastrous business deals remind me of his distorted memories of military school. This guy loves to trumpet how wonderful he is and he cannot accept anything that deviates from the script in his head.
Trump runs away from situations that he cannot control or end badly. The man spews hot air and self-promotion because that's the only way he can keep going. He is addicted to getting attention. I won't comment on how his behavior and mindset make him unsuitable for the Oval Office because anyone with a shred of common sense knows that he's unfit for that job.
Trump, like Sarah Palin, is a funhouse-mirror reflection of American politics and culture. It's great that he's shaking up the Republican primaries and exposing people like Jeb Bush. Ultimately, though, Trump's hate-filled positions are going to backfire and on themselves and discredit intolerance and bigotry in this country.
Trump runs away from situations that he cannot control or end badly. The man spews hot air and self-promotion because that's the only way he can keep going. He is addicted to getting attention. I won't comment on how his behavior and mindset make him unsuitable for the Oval Office because anyone with a shred of common sense knows that he's unfit for that job.
Trump, like Sarah Palin, is a funhouse-mirror reflection of American politics and culture. It's great that he's shaking up the Republican primaries and exposing people like Jeb Bush. Ultimately, though, Trump's hate-filled positions are going to backfire and on themselves and discredit intolerance and bigotry in this country.
13
Nothing in my life has been going well lately but I know that as soon as I go online and start reading the latest Trump story I will double over with laughter. I just laughed so hard reading this that I have tears rolling down my face. Thanks Donald and don't quit anytime soon b/c lately you're all I have to lighten my day.
12
How far into the rabbit hole do we have to fall?
11
I really don't see how anybody in their right mind would think that this guy would make a good president. Donald Trump lacks the type of leadership needed to deal with Russia and China; leading a nation is not reality TV. You don't bring solutions when you get to fire people, you just get rid of the problem that you don't like and that's his approach to everything. Adding Sarah Palin to the mix brings even more stupidity, this woman has no common sense and she shouldn't be in charge of anything. Donald Trump will never be president, unless the Association of Clowns is looking for one.
12
His conceit is breathtaking, isn't it?
11
Gee, remember when the hapless Dan Quayle likened himself to Jack Kennedy?
6
I believe the only comparison he drew to Kennedy was the fact that they were both young when running for office. I'm no Quayle fan but bashing him for this seems a bit silly.
Oh, I don't know...I knew and served with military men; Don, you're no military man.
1
I don't think his parents took care of correcting his poor behavior by sending him to his expensive 'military' prep school..... they just created a monster instead
5
Finally Mr. Trump, have you no shame??
You ridicule a true military veteran, John McCain, and then claim hanging out in a second-rate high school military academy as being equivalent to military service.
I suppose you think yourself battle hardened by having to endure all those wet-willies, purple-nurples, and having your underwear pulled up into a wedgey.
Everyday you open your mouth to continue your self-portrait as a crass and pathetic narcissist.
You ridicule a true military veteran, John McCain, and then claim hanging out in a second-rate high school military academy as being equivalent to military service.
I suppose you think yourself battle hardened by having to endure all those wet-willies, purple-nurples, and having your underwear pulled up into a wedgey.
Everyday you open your mouth to continue your self-portrait as a crass and pathetic narcissist.
12
Just another opportunity for Mr. Trump to tell us how he is "more" than more itself. More military than the military...well, really??!!.....he is also "more" pompous than pompous itself.
12
As a Vietnam-era veteran, allow me to remind Mr. Trump that the military emphasizes teamwork, supporting your buddies, putting yourself in danger to save them when necessary....
Talk's cheap.
Talk's cheap.
19
Done with Trump, as if I ever cared in the first place. This ninny thrives on attention and I do not want to feed him anymore.
10
Sure, Trumpet. I can remember when I was living in a tent in Vietnam and got to go home whenever I wanted, and certainly for Labor Day and the Fourth of July. Truly, in his pretend world--always count the use of "I" in his speeches.
When people speak about "Freedom of Religion", they are often speaking in Code, and really are attempting to eradicate other people's "Freedom from Religion". You can believe in whatever you wish; but, justy don't try to force your religion, and your beliefs, on others. And likewise, don't try to force any religion on people who choose not to believe at all. That's what Freedom of Religion truly means.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
When people speak about "Freedom of Religion", they are often speaking in Code, and really are attempting to eradicate other people's "Freedom from Religion". You can believe in whatever you wish; but, justy don't try to force your religion, and your beliefs, on others. And likewise, don't try to force any religion on people who choose not to believe at all. That's what Freedom of Religion truly means.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
10
The first draft number was in 1969. Before that there were no "numbers".
The Donald is skipping five years of draft eligibility.
The Donald is skipping five years of draft eligibility.
16
Gosh, Mr. Trump. Thanks for your service.
15
Drawing a high number in the draft lottery is not the same as fleeing to Canada to avoid service. He won the chance to sit out the war fair and square. And really, I'd call anyone who avoided that miserable war pretty smart.
3
Really M, do you actually believe that he got a high number in the draft because I don't believe it. He is a mean, horrible person.
2
Actually, no. That was his first story about why he didn't serve. Now he says that he had a medical deferment for a bone spur in his heel. He can't remember which one, but it's okay now. I don't have any problem with his daddy buying him a medical deferment. I do have a problem with his taking it, then criticizing John McCain for having been a prisoner of war.
7
Since when does being lucky make someone "smart?"
Pope Francis can't get here fast enough to replace Donald Trump as a headline grabber.
23
Thank you for the laugh. I needed it and could agree more.
Wow - really? In military school did young Trump get shot at, see his best friend die next to him, or have to carry buddies whose legs had been blown off and were hemorrhaging to death?
It's chilling to think that DT as Commander in Chief would send troops off to war, thinking that war is like going to military school.
It's chilling to think that DT as Commander in Chief would send troops off to war, thinking that war is like going to military school.
24
Bobby Jindal, January 2013: Republican Party must "stop being the stupid party."
Sorry Bobby.
Sorry Bobby.
11
So is this a Presidential campaign or a book tour?
5
Trump's militarism is ridiculous, but no more ridiculous than the militarism of the general public, which cheerleads wars without thinking of their consequences. Once again, Trump is a man of the people in the worst way.
11
Amen. This country has not been at war - our military has. For the rest of the country, it's been "Hug your kids and go shopping." Or gambling at a Trump casino.
1
To paraphrase Harry Truman's comments about a newly elected Dwight Eisenhower; when he is President, the General is going to issue an order and expect it to be obeyed.
What will happen if Mr. Trump is elected? When he finds out not everyone in government is going to obey his orders, will he just "walk off the trail" or will he try to get the powers of a dictator?
I sincerely hope we don't ever find out.
When times got tough, many countries have found out democracy was not as deeply rooted as they thought.
What will happen if Mr. Trump is elected? When he finds out not everyone in government is going to obey his orders, will he just "walk off the trail" or will he try to get the powers of a dictator?
I sincerely hope we don't ever find out.
When times got tough, many countries have found out democracy was not as deeply rooted as they thought.
6
"The biography offers candid and sometimes unflattering assessments of Mr. Trump by co-workers, friends, enemies and, most entertainingly, by his ex-wives."
Does this mean Trump's shot-callers were not interviewed?
Why not?
Does this mean Trump's shot-callers were not interviewed?
Why not?
1
Really - why are we still talking about this guy? I realize it is interesting and entertaining to a point but now the NY Times is promoting his book? Shame.
5
Is there anyone on planet—or, for that matter, the universe—who has NOT figured out what Donald Trump is all about? It hardly requires the time required to read Mr. D’Antonio’s biography. Listening to The Donald for about 30 seconds is sufficient.
7
I graduated from a military high school at roughly the same time as Mr. Trump. While not as pricey, I was subjected to plebe hazing, I marched to breakfast at 6:00 AM and on every Sunday with an M1 rifle ready for inspection, and learned to take meaningless orders from peers and adults I did not respect.
But when I was recruited to play football at West Point, despite being from a family of 7 with few college resources, it was the easiest "No thank you ,sir" I even made because I knew that we were just playing toy soldiers compared to what I would experience at West Point or in Vietnam.
For Trump to even think that a military high school remotely compares to what our military experiences is not only ludicrous, it betrays a man completely out of touch with reality. Please, Please let this be the final gaffe that puts this buffoon on the sidelines forever!!!
But when I was recruited to play football at West Point, despite being from a family of 7 with few college resources, it was the easiest "No thank you ,sir" I even made because I knew that we were just playing toy soldiers compared to what I would experience at West Point or in Vietnam.
For Trump to even think that a military high school remotely compares to what our military experiences is not only ludicrous, it betrays a man completely out of touch with reality. Please, Please let this be the final gaffe that puts this buffoon on the sidelines forever!!!
11
I hate to be a stickler for details here, but Trump's words were:
“My number was so incredible and it was a very high draft number. Anyway so I never had to do that, but I felt that I was in the military in the true sense because I dealt with those people,”
I have dealt with people who are ex-military in job situations, where they had authority ranking above mine, and I think I know what the Donald means. He has been ordered about as a military commander might order about a subordinate, he has been expected to perform as if lives defended on it, he has been expected to do what he was told, without question, he has been disciplined for insubordination in a way that would not otherwise occur
except in the military.
This experience would provide a good sense of certain very important aspects of being in the military. It is not the same as actually being in the military of course, it does not put one's life at risk, but it does explain Trump's statement.
“My number was so incredible and it was a very high draft number. Anyway so I never had to do that, but I felt that I was in the military in the true sense because I dealt with those people,”
I have dealt with people who are ex-military in job situations, where they had authority ranking above mine, and I think I know what the Donald means. He has been ordered about as a military commander might order about a subordinate, he has been expected to perform as if lives defended on it, he has been expected to do what he was told, without question, he has been disciplined for insubordination in a way that would not otherwise occur
except in the military.
This experience would provide a good sense of certain very important aspects of being in the military. It is not the same as actually being in the military of course, it does not put one's life at risk, but it does explain Trump's statement.
2
@GBC: I understand what you are saying, but whatever Trump encountered at that "military" school didn't make a dent in his ego or his behavior. (Which is my definition of a loser: someone who does NOT learn from experience!)
1
"To avoid being mistaken for a sellout, I chose my friends carefully," Obama wrote in his memoir, "Dreams From My Father." "The more politically active black students. The foreign students. The Chicanos. The Marxist professors and structural feminists."
NY Times verdict: He's The Won! The Light-Bringer! Will Stop the Rise in the Seas.
Mr. Trump said that his experience at the New York Military Academy, an expensive prep school where his parents had sent him to correct poor behavior, gave him “more training militarily than a lot of the guys that go into the military.”
NY Times verdict: Ridicule and scorn.
NY Times verdict: He's The Won! The Light-Bringer! Will Stop the Rise in the Seas.
Mr. Trump said that his experience at the New York Military Academy, an expensive prep school where his parents had sent him to correct poor behavior, gave him “more training militarily than a lot of the guys that go into the military.”
NY Times verdict: Ridicule and scorn.
3
@Sharon Morgan: It's obvious that no one/nothing has succeeded in correcting Trump's poor behavior - anyone involved in that endeavor has failed utterly, with Trump himself being the biggest failure of all. But I'm sure he'd like that: if he's going to be a failure, he'd want to be the BIGGEST failure, and he IS!
I don't understand the comparison between choosing friends in college and being packed off to reform school for bad behavior. Also, your characterization of the NYT's coverage is cartoonish.
That's not what he said. That is what you said he said.
Vietnam was a very bad war and a sham costing millions of lives. I don't think anyone should be proud of that war.
4
Mavis, no one is proud of that war but you should be proud of the men and women who were drafted and/or enlisted. These people are true heroes in every sense of the word. I am sure there were many who could have gone to Canada or have their rich Daddies to get them out of the war but they decided to do the right thing even if it was a bad cause.
4
A portrait of just about everything you would not want to raise your child to be. A wealthy and meaningless life is still meaningless.
20
Please stop trying to expose Trump for who he really is. You'll ruin all the fun we're having and allow Jeb to regain control of the clown party.
13
First there was the other lady who self identifies as black and now mr trump self identifies as a military veteran. Well this 40 year old african man is now officially self identifying as the queen of England.
23
ME: Your Majesty, your grandsons are turning out very fine indeed. If we elect Trump as president, can you send the Redcoats back and renegotiate the American Revolution? King William will beat King Donald any day of the week.
2
Three thoughts. Never mind the faux-military braggadocio of Mr. Trump.
1.) Trump describes his temperament as not being different from when he was in first grade. That's a shame, because I expect someone running for President to be a mature adult.
2.) Trump "couldn't stand" that his Ivana, his wife, skied better than he could -- so he took his skis off, and walked off the course? That's a shame, because if you 'cherish women,' you note and support their accomplishments.
3.) The third shame is the media. Few specifics have been dragged from Mr. Trump about what he'd actually do as President, aside from saying how 'great' he'd be. Articles like this are just feeding (or starving) the cult of personality. If running for President is a vetting of the candidate, put Mr. Trump's claims to the test; get him to actually discuss policy; and remove the focus from 'him.' Running the country is about US. Maybe a billionaire could run the country, but a man-boy such as this -- I'm frightened.
1.) Trump describes his temperament as not being different from when he was in first grade. That's a shame, because I expect someone running for President to be a mature adult.
2.) Trump "couldn't stand" that his Ivana, his wife, skied better than he could -- so he took his skis off, and walked off the course? That's a shame, because if you 'cherish women,' you note and support their accomplishments.
3.) The third shame is the media. Few specifics have been dragged from Mr. Trump about what he'd actually do as President, aside from saying how 'great' he'd be. Articles like this are just feeding (or starving) the cult of personality. If running for President is a vetting of the candidate, put Mr. Trump's claims to the test; get him to actually discuss policy; and remove the focus from 'him.' Running the country is about US. Maybe a billionaire could run the country, but a man-boy such as this -- I'm frightened.
17
"“When you start studying yourself too deeply, you start seeing things that maybe you don’t want to see,” Mr. Trump once told Time."
For normal people, this is what we call "growing up." We see, we adjust, we correct, we improve. We DEAL and then we live on, happier because we're learning how to leave a better impact on the world around us.
For normal people, this is what we call "growing up." We see, we adjust, we correct, we improve. We DEAL and then we live on, happier because we're learning how to leave a better impact on the world around us.
12
His father created a monster. Such characters always seem to evolve from being reared with poor values promoted by ill-formed and twisted parents.
10
Shortly after Trump graduated, my Dad, a USAF Major supporting the Vietnam war effort, died in a military airplane accident. He was a volunteer who wanted to defend democracy and looked forward to getting his college degree after his service. He left behind four sons, ages 5 to 11.
Big-talking, conservative chickenhawks like Trump turn my stomach.
Big-talking, conservative chickenhawks like Trump turn my stomach.
21
"Once they figure you out, you're in big trouble."
He has written his campaign's epitaph, as there's only so much tolerance for ad hominem attacks and bombast, even among the too-easily entertained. The Trump act will wear thin; the show will be cancelled.
He has written his campaign's epitaph, as there's only so much tolerance for ad hominem attacks and bombast, even among the too-easily entertained. The Trump act will wear thin; the show will be cancelled.
3
Something tells me Micheal D'Antonio will not be getting a Christmas card from the Donald this year.
2
Michael: Does Donald even celebrate Christmas? Jesus was a born loser. I have a feeling he prefers the winners who didn't get crucified.
3
Where are the shouts of indignation from the right? Where is the condemnation for the gross disrespect for the soldiers in uniform?
What you're hearing is silence. You're hearing it because the Republicans are scared to death of Mr. Trump. They cannot control him and that fact alone is shaking the Republican establishment to the core.
What you're hearing is silence. You're hearing it because the Republicans are scared to death of Mr. Trump. They cannot control him and that fact alone is shaking the Republican establishment to the core.
13
It’s a good idea to make friends with the chaplain at a VA hospital: you’ll have someone looking out for you.
Ivana was on the Czech national ski team and Trump knew that when he married her. The man seriously expected to ski better than a professionally trained national team ski racer? By the way, the gossip here in Aspen, where I am now, is that she passed him going BACKWARDS. Yes, that's right, Ivana could outski Donald even when she's skiing backwards. One wonders how would he handle it if Putin invited him out onto the slopes. Putin is a decent skier, but according to an online analysis of his technique, he needs a few lessons to get out of the "back seat" and use his poles properly. Maybe Putin and Trump could take a few private lessons together.
6
But of course Bill Clinton, who also made sure he was deferred and even went so far to say in his letters at the time that he would go to Canada if his draft status was changed, is a hero of the Liberal-Left.Oh well, cheer up NY Times and its claque of like-minded Lib Lefties. When Trump gets elected you'll be able to scream and rant for 4 or 8 years.
2
Bill Clinton actually accomplished a great deal, unlike this clown, and never claimed that dodging the draft made him the equivalent of a veteran. Also he's not running for president, sadly.
1
@james: I'm not worried, b/c Trump has the same chance of success that a snowball does on a summer day in Houston.
Please stop giving every utterance from this narcissistic fool front page space. The NYT is part of the problem and he is playing the media like a violin. Enough is enough.
12
regardless of whatever, you gotta respect his success.
1
Dear mm,
Not really. He inherited 0.5 billion twenty five years ago, which inflation would make 2.25 billion today. He currently has 1.15 billion in assets, so he has been losing money continuously and is down to about 50% of what he inherited. That kind of success is known as "failure".
Not really. He inherited 0.5 billion twenty five years ago, which inflation would make 2.25 billion today. He currently has 1.15 billion in assets, so he has been losing money continuously and is down to about 50% of what he inherited. That kind of success is known as "failure".
8
Oh, really mm. You got to be kidding. He got his money from daddy. Now if he was a self-made man, then I would think that, oh forget it, NOT
1
Congratulations. In one sentence you have pretty much summarized everything that is wrong with this country.
3
Trump is owned by the banks, always has been. He's a plastic inflate-a-candidate pushed on stage to protect the looters.
3
I was at prep school with Donald Trump and he saved my life.
It was the night of Prom and our Limo was late AND they were out of the Dom Perignon '62 but Donald stayed cool.
Cool, that is, until the Panty Raid started.
All hell broke lose and the last thing I remember was Donald pulling me into a lockerand dressing my wounds until Mrs. Culpepper, the school nurse fixed my bloody nose properly.
Donald Trump is a blue blood American Hero.
It was the night of Prom and our Limo was late AND they were out of the Dom Perignon '62 but Donald stayed cool.
Cool, that is, until the Panty Raid started.
All hell broke lose and the last thing I remember was Donald pulling me into a lockerand dressing my wounds until Mrs. Culpepper, the school nurse fixed my bloody nose properly.
Donald Trump is a blue blood American Hero.
7
The longest-running train wreck in media history.
6
Well, I watched the movie "Taps" twice. So I think that is akin to having military experience too!
8
Yep, and if you watch platoon the donald will send you a CAR
1
Trump is a delusional demagogue. Here in Mississippi we have seen loud mouth demagogues like Trump before: Ross R. Barnett, John Bell Williams, Theodore J. Bilbo, James K. Vardaman.... We have seen this movie before. It never ends well.
5
His military school recently declared bankruptcy, so we know where he got his style. Doubt if many who spent time in fox holes think a military school is the same.
3
Thanks Mr Trump, for helping the democratic party on this 2016 presidential election... Trump is the real democratic force, what such irony ...
1
That Trump didn't serve in the military is okay by me. That he is boorish, childish, and is incapable of self-reflection (all of which are obvious) is okay, too. That he is a public figure is another thing altogether.
6
Trump, to paraphrase Alec Baldwin in the Capital One commercial, "I was not a soldier, but I did play one in military school".
Running for president is nothing more than Trump produced TV show, staring himself. He doesn't have to pitch it to the media channels for it to run. It's on 24/7 thanks to those same media channels. In the end, if for some bizarre combination of events he actually gets close to being the candidate, I think he'll bow out because being president is not really his goal.
Running for president is nothing more than Trump produced TV show, staring himself. He doesn't have to pitch it to the media channels for it to run. It's on 24/7 thanks to those same media channels. In the end, if for some bizarre combination of events he actually gets close to being the candidate, I think he'll bow out because being president is not really his goal.
2
Can we get another view of "The Donald" from some of his fellow first graders?
3
Way to go. Bemoan the dearth of military school enrollment out of one side of your mouth and say you only like winners regarding a soldier/airman who could have left captivity in VietNam, but refused to do so without his colleagues, out the other side of your mouth.
I don't want that mouth as my president. He can't even show respect for those who served this country and he thinks he is prepared to lead us. He'll lead us to destruction with that mouth of his.
I don't want that mouth as my president. He can't even show respect for those who served this country and he thinks he is prepared to lead us. He'll lead us to destruction with that mouth of his.
10
Ya know, the constant coverage of Trump's delusional braggadocio and lies makes me think most of the old saying they have in Tuvalu, "te palapala vai moana ao fafine makona aho", which means roughly, "the mud in the river is different every day".
So nothing to see here but the usual folks, let's wait to see what outrageous nonsense he comes up with tomorrow, I'm sure it'll get plenty of media space.
So nothing to see here but the usual folks, let's wait to see what outrageous nonsense he comes up with tomorrow, I'm sure it'll get plenty of media space.
6
Reminds me of what "Queen Ann Romney" said when asked why their big strapping boys who supported the Bush wars in the middle east, did not bother to enlist and serve their country.
She said the boys had been on a Mormon mission, which was just like being in the military.
Chicken Hawks Ann, and the donald could not be further from the truth, a position in which they often find themselves.
She said the boys had been on a Mormon mission, which was just like being in the military.
Chicken Hawks Ann, and the donald could not be further from the truth, a position in which they often find themselves.
12
I went to New York Military Academy for 6 years in the late 90's and graduated. This is a school that delegates in loco parentis to senior cadets. NYMA often weeds out weak students in their 1st or 2nd year. Trust fund babies were calling their parents during the 1st week to take them home. Often cadets didn't return after Holiday furlough. This is a place where a cadet learns by the numbers, speaks when spoken to, and will learn fast to show respect for senior ranking faculty and staff. Unbecoming cadets came to understand discipline at a late hour in the barracks. For Donald Trump to graduate, with honors, shows that he can handle his peers. He also likely learned how to pull off a savvy trick or two in the business world from his days here. Military boarding school is no Vietnam, but it sure isn't Dalton. Also Google "Cadets' Bravery Can't Conquer Everything". NY Times ran this article on NYMA 10 years ago.
6
No, it ain't Dalton, because at Dalton you have to, you know, read books and study - not march around playing soldier and honing your bullying skills. (No personal attachment to Dalton, though have met several impressive people who did attend).
1
@NYMA Graduate: I'm sure Trump was among those calling home for mommy & daddy to take him outta there, and I'm equally sure they didn't want their unmanageable kid back.
LOL @ the NYT and the rest of the mainstream media trying their darndest to find "the smoking gun." If it wasn't the McCain thing, it MUST be that he clumsily compared his attending a military school to being the military. "THIS should get him!"
PLEASE stop! If he is to fall, let it be organic. Your transparent attempts to befall him only embolden him and it makes curious onlookers wonder "what is it about him they are so afraid of?"
It appears Trump has stumbled onto something I suspect is bigger than even he imagined. He is almost single-handedly bearing the long-overshadowed populist cry and bringing down the arrogant entitled corporatist establishment in the process. When you step back and really let the magnitude of what's really going on sink in, it's difficult to not be giddy. It's nothing short of a revolution.
PLEASE stop! If he is to fall, let it be organic. Your transparent attempts to befall him only embolden him and it makes curious onlookers wonder "what is it about him they are so afraid of?"
It appears Trump has stumbled onto something I suspect is bigger than even he imagined. He is almost single-handedly bearing the long-overshadowed populist cry and bringing down the arrogant entitled corporatist establishment in the process. When you step back and really let the magnitude of what's really going on sink in, it's difficult to not be giddy. It's nothing short of a revolution.
6
This man is going to be the next POTUS. He will receive a large percentage of both the Black vote and the Hispanic vote including a respectable percentage of the liberal White vote.
6
Not!
1
Can I get some of what you are smoking?
2
You forgot to note at the end: SARCASM.
6
So he admits that he has the temperament of a first grader. This is not presidential material.
8
If the true nature of a person is self-absorption and blithering, Trump has achieved his goal of lead position, and being King in his own mind delights and enthralls him so much the rest of us who 'aren't worthy of respect" aren't necessary for the delusion, either. How profound he must find himself with that sort of reasoning. To even consider a President of the United States who still has 'daddy issues' is strange, and beyond reasoning.
8
And then we have heroes like Ali, an Olympic hero who wen to jail doing it the right way-an actual religious basis... And, Ali was targeted because he was the Negro who would not abide to the establishment's wishes to go kill the brown man. Meanwhile, in another part of Gotham, rich white guys, like Cheney, Romney, Bush, Trump were cowering under their rich boy deferments. Now, in today's world, where are Romney's and Trump's kids. I don't see them in Iraq fighting their illegal wars and invasions? Cowards!
20
Thought experiment: imagine if a Democrat had said this.
16
Mike Dukakis
The Presidency is certainly not drama and tough talk and bluster. We need a person with empathy and humility to deal with all kinds of leaders and problems.
Ability to come up cooperatively with innovative solutions to world's problems like the Middle East, influx of refugees or poverty, or border conflicts in Europe to name a few.
Hope Mr Trump and other Presidential candidates will demonstrate their grasp of the problems and abilities as a Presidential candidates.
Ability to come up cooperatively with innovative solutions to world's problems like the Middle East, influx of refugees or poverty, or border conflicts in Europe to name a few.
Hope Mr Trump and other Presidential candidates will demonstrate their grasp of the problems and abilities as a Presidential candidates.
2
Trump avoided military service. Beyond his possible fear of being told what to do by others smarter than he I suspect he was equally worried about them shaving his head for boot camp - not an image he or I want to contemplate.
5
Wait. He's worth how many billions (he says)? And he gives a CARSEAT as a present to his chauffeur and wife? That is hilarious! What a cheapskate!
12
sophia: I agree. Elvis would have given them a whole car.
1
Really and how many North Vietnamese were firing at him while in the "military boarding school". I never tried that option with the draft board when I was drafted, my bad. I'm sure his fathers millions had nothing to do with his draft deferments.
8
I was in ROTC for 2 years. Would that count for military service. I had to drill one evening each week during the semester. How about some veteran benefits?
8
Dear Donald,
Does this mean that I was in WWII because I've seen all of John Wayne's war flicks?
Sincerely,
Mather
Does this mean that I was in WWII because I've seen all of John Wayne's war flicks?
Sincerely,
Mather
15
Actually Mather you only need to have seen three John Wayne war movies, or five equivalent movies such as "A Bridge Too Far". I too have been in WWII thanks to this definition.
2
Anyway so I never had to do that, but I felt that I was in the military in the true sense because I dealt with those people,” he told Mr. D’Antonio. " those people"? and being in an academy is the same as serving in the military? He is clueless , isn't he?
5
Sad, sad little man. Probably despised by all his peers since first grade
7
I have never seen such on the mark comments. I have never agreed with so many. Actually agreed with every one I read. Most had insightful flavor.
2
Mr. Trump also likes to mention, frequently, about attending the Wharton School of Finance (as he calls it, erroneously).
However, he attended for just two years, after transferring from Fordham, as an undergraduate -- and not in the prestigious MBA program.
Predictably, he never mentions Fordham.
"Writing in the New York Times magazine in 1984, William Geist reported that 'the commencement program from 1968 does not list him as graduating with honors of any kind,' even though 'just about every profile ever written about Mr. Trump states that he graduated first in his class at Wharton in 1968.' … In 1988, New York magazine reported that the idea that Trump had graduated first in his class was a 'myth'."
However, he attended for just two years, after transferring from Fordham, as an undergraduate -- and not in the prestigious MBA program.
Predictably, he never mentions Fordham.
"Writing in the New York Times magazine in 1984, William Geist reported that 'the commencement program from 1968 does not list him as graduating with honors of any kind,' even though 'just about every profile ever written about Mr. Trump states that he graduated first in his class at Wharton in 1968.' … In 1988, New York magazine reported that the idea that Trump had graduated first in his class was a 'myth'."
11
This is a pretty old story. It happened about 50 years ago. What is your point? Trump received deferments from being drafted because he was in college just like everyone else who was in college before the lottery system was implemented to replace the traditional draft. It appears Trump got a very high lottery number, like Bill Clinton and was not called. He did also have some sort of medical deferment during the same period. It was granted by an Army Doctor at the time. Since it is about 50 years ago that all this stuff went on there aren't any records or details anymore. Time to move on.
3
At least Clinton was against that in which he did not participate; makes sense. Trump is not against war; that is a fact.
The point is that he claims to be on the same level as actual soldiers, when empirical evidence clearly demonstrates otherwise.
Are Republicans really so simple that they cannot see what is so very wrong-headed about claiming to know more militaristically than soldiers who actually use their training?
Honestly, the daily passes the Republican base bestows upon Trump truly belie their claims about supporting the troops.
The point is that he claims to be on the same level as actual soldiers, when empirical evidence clearly demonstrates otherwise.
Are Republicans really so simple that they cannot see what is so very wrong-headed about claiming to know more militaristically than soldiers who actually use their training?
Honestly, the daily passes the Republican base bestows upon Trump truly belie their claims about supporting the troops.
1
Donald Trump compares his high-priced military-style private prep school to military service.
Mitt Romney compared his and his 5 sons' Mormon church evangelizing missions to military service.
Dan Quayle and George W. compared their hiding out in noncombatant guard units to active military service.
When will Republican candidates learn that a chicken is a chicken, a chicken hawk is a chicken hawk, and a weaselly excuse is a red flag to real veterans who saw real service instead of using Daddy's money to run away?
Probably about as soon as the Republican base admits that their so-called red-meat candidates are so pathetically dishonest they'd claim high school marching band makes them qualified as a commander in chief. It doesn't even qualify them as baton twirlers, although in Trump's case it certainly helped with his career of being his own ego's cheerleader.
Mitt Romney compared his and his 5 sons' Mormon church evangelizing missions to military service.
Dan Quayle and George W. compared their hiding out in noncombatant guard units to active military service.
When will Republican candidates learn that a chicken is a chicken, a chicken hawk is a chicken hawk, and a weaselly excuse is a red flag to real veterans who saw real service instead of using Daddy's money to run away?
Probably about as soon as the Republican base admits that their so-called red-meat candidates are so pathetically dishonest they'd claim high school marching band makes them qualified as a commander in chief. It doesn't even qualify them as baton twirlers, although in Trump's case it certainly helped with his career of being his own ego's cheerleader.
8
Wow! He gave his servant's wife a car seat, costing about $30, when she had a baby. I'm so impressed by his generosity...maybe he'll hand out apples at Halloween. Or maybe not; candy is cheaper. He'd probably demand a kickback from the local dentist.
11
I remember the lecture on first aid we received at camp; it was pretty much like going to Med school.
15
Let us not be harsh on Mr. Trump for getting deferments. If he didn't have heel spurs (treatable later by ultra sound) he could have gotten student deferments until the lottery system came up. Here are some of the fine and not so fine ways in which members of my generation (four years older than Trump) either deferred or avoided military service or avoided orders to Vietnam (all true): doing well in law school and clerking for a federal judge (kudos); going to a psychiatrist for imaginary symptoms; going to a fourth rate business school at night; working on alumni relations at a great university that had been plagued with anti-war riots; getting into a reserve unit or National Guard unit, perhaps to play the flute in a band or be a baker, because President Johnson never called up either type of unit; getting into the Navy JAG and therefore agreeing to serve for three years instead of two; while an ROTC-commissioned Army officer, volunteering for an extra year to be served in a two year tour in Europe, not subject to levy to Viet if you kept nose clean; getting mono, getting an ulcer; going to divinity school when one already had a law degree; teaching until past age 26, only. Then there is President Wlm Jefferson Clinton: promise to join ROTC (during future time at law school), after draft board lets you finish study at Oxford, get high number, withdraw from ROTC. BTW, ROTC summer camp is being in the military -- quite rigorous. Don't know about NY Military Acad.
14
Very instructive, but part of your premise is wrong. For men not yet in the service, the decision to defer was a local one--your draft board--with perhaps some guidance from your state, which operated under very vague federal guidelines. A certain (faked) malady might qualify for a 1Y or 4F deferment in Scarsdale, but not in Schenectedy, for example. Ditto for most of the things you name.
Re Trump, he is only guilty here for having the supreme chutzpa to think a little marching was anything like the US Army--in the United States, not to mention Vietnam. If this is a demonstration of his intelligence and sense of reality and of fairness, he's not the clever disrupter many think he is.
Re Trump, he is only guilty here for having the supreme chutzpa to think a little marching was anything like the US Army--in the United States, not to mention Vietnam. If this is a demonstration of his intelligence and sense of reality and of fairness, he's not the clever disrupter many think he is.
And then there was President George W. Bush, who joined the AF Reserve, became a pilot, went AWOL a few times, managed never to serve further than some base in Louisiana. They're all in there.
Got another for you. I had a boss how bragged about how he starved himself to get down below the minimum weight.
1
This article and the book it describes are yet another indication, in addition to the ongoing Trump reality TV performance, that The Donald is a self-important bloviating hot air bag who demands public adulation.
The appropriate response to The Donald would be a resounding defeat in November 2016, assuming that the Republicans are dumb enough to give him their nomination. Unfortunately, he would probably tale that as proof that millions of voters actually like him.
The appropriate response to The Donald would be a resounding defeat in November 2016, assuming that the Republicans are dumb enough to give him their nomination. Unfortunately, he would probably tale that as proof that millions of voters actually like him.
4
I'm surprised at Donald bringing up his education at the New York Military Academy given the condition of the 126 year old school today. I live in the same town as NYMA. The school has been mismanaged by its board of trustees, is in default on $12 million in mortgage debt and is now under the control of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. A proposed sale to a questionable buyer is now in doubt because the buyer cannot come up with the down payment. NYMA's board of trustees announced it will not open this September after previously saying it would. The school will likely be auctioned off in October. Donald was asked some time ago by the NYMA board to help his alma mater (perhaps buy it, Trump Academy maybe ??). He perfunctorily turned them down at that time. He continues to be silent on this matter. Maybe he will step in at the auction to save NYMA and really show how much he valued his education there.
8
It is quite apparent to anyone with a modicum of insight (which Trump willfully and woefully lacks) that all his bullying blowhard insults and antics are the signs of a classically highly insecure and frightened person unhappy with himself and terrified of being caught "not measuring up".
8
I'm pretty sure Hillary's missing e-mails were her negotiating with Trump to enter the GOP primary to ensure her election. What ambassadorship did she promise him in those e-mails? Perhaps use of Air Force One?
2
and John McCain felt his time in the Hanoi Hilton was preparing him for a future as a real estate mogul. Brilliant Donald, simply brilliant.
4
The Republican Party has for a long time created a culture of "make believe," where false statements are made routinely and the truth does not matter. Trump has capitalized on that by making outrageous statements that are nowhere based in reality. They are based on a culture of fantasy. The truth is that it does not take any courarge to be in a military prep school at age 14-18 where you know you will wake up the next day, and being 18+ in a real chaotic war where your buddies are dying and you could end up dead at any time. He is a loser and deserves no respect.
12
Mitt Romney, at his prep school, thought it was hilarious to walk his blind teacher into a door and bullied a gay student who then left the school (and later committed suicide). George W. Bush, at his prep school, was infamous for bullying his classmates and taunting his teachers. His younger brother JEB!, at the same prep school, admits that "I was a cynical little sh-t at a cynical school" (nicely deflecting responsibility for his bratty behavior onto the school). And now we learn that Donald Trump, at his prep school, gave his teacher a black eye for not knowing about music (whatever that means).
What a bunch!
What a bunch!
16
Trump has served his purpose, he exposed the Republican candidates for what they really are, paid scam artists, working for their campaign contributors, period.
The service Mr. Trump has provided is priceless, it far exceeds what the "4th Estate" (national news media) provides (which is nothing) and allows the voters to make a far better decision than was possible before he entered the race
Thank you Sir!
The service Mr. Trump has provided is priceless, it far exceeds what the "4th Estate" (national news media) provides (which is nothing) and allows the voters to make a far better decision than was possible before he entered the race
Thank you Sir!
7
"He arrived at the military academy — where tuition now reaches $31,000 a year — for eighth grade in 1959 and remained for high school. Like all students at the Cornwall-on-Hudson, N.Y., campus, he wore a uniform, participated in marching drills and was expected to conform to a hierarchy imposed by instructors, some of whom had served in the military"
Are kidding us? I proudly spent 12 years of my life in my country's uniform serving and paying my debt to my country for the freedom and liberty I have. This is an insult to any veteran.
Are kidding us? I proudly spent 12 years of my life in my country's uniform serving and paying my debt to my country for the freedom and liberty I have. This is an insult to any veteran.
8
I don't begrudge The Donald for avoiding service in what was a big mistake of a war. However somebody else went in his place. Bill Clinton and George W Bush have the same issue. Those who avoided service must live with the moral ambiguity of their actions. None of them should or should have run for the White House. There are plenty of other Americans to choose from.
2
And I liken my scuba diving license to walking on the moon. Same thing, apparently.
7
Why on earth do you keep giving attention to this bozo and almost none to Bernie Sanders?
What is wrong with you NYTs?
What is wrong with you NYTs?
12
So now the same Republicans who swift boated John Kerry's honorable service in the Vietnam war, where he won a Purple Heart and various medals for bravery under fire, and the very same Republicans who looked the other way when Trump slandered Sen. John McCain as a "loser" for being captured and tortured during the same war, are OK with Trump equating a military prep school experience for rich kids with actual military training and service? Republicans should be using the words of his very own reality show: "Donald Trump, you're fired!"
5
America is the land of Opposites.
If we get a Democratic President he or she feels they have to prove themselves to the Right Wing by eliminating Welfare, globalizing the economy and starting pointless wars.
If we get a Republican President he or she feels they have nothing to prove so we get universal healthcare, tax raises on the rich and world peace.
Easy, see?
If we get a Democratic President he or she feels they have to prove themselves to the Right Wing by eliminating Welfare, globalizing the economy and starting pointless wars.
If we get a Republican President he or she feels they have nothing to prove so we get universal healthcare, tax raises on the rich and world peace.
Easy, see?
If my parents only knew that by sending my brother to a military school would have sufficed his military service I would have my brother here and not his medals to look at. Coming home wrapped in the American flag gave him more dignity and honor than TRUMP has in one strand of hair.
20
Wonder that even the NYTimes editorial staff isn't getting bored with this incessant trumpery; why are this article and character even profiled in today's paper? Who does not have better things on which to waste time and mind?
3
Mr. Trump appears to be suffering from some sort of mental illness. Equating attendance at a military school with combat in Vietnam indicates he is living in a reality different from the rest of us. I wonder into how many other aspects of life his insanity reaches.
5
He seems to be a walking illustration of the Dunning-Kruger effect (as is Walker, perhaps even more-so).
After almost 16 years of George W. and Barack Obama, you would think that America might catch a better break than Trump and Hillary. Apparently, the "decline and fall" is a long ways down.
1
People sure are mighty gentle with this guy. Everyone seems to think he's a comedian or a celebrity or something else worthy of glitter and glitz coverage. He wants to round up 11 million people and ship them off somewhere. I think this is bald fascism. it's not amusing.
9
The sad truth is that this article and the book will only make Trump more popular with a large segment of the Republican base.
1
I will never forget the Christmas Day from a decade ago when a family member broke the news to my mother that he, a soldier, was being sent to Iraq right away.
Anyone with even a lick of sense can imagine what that room felt like at that moment. The recollection still makes me tear up.
Trump is a disgrace, anyway, but he is a *particular* disgrace for boasting that he has more military training than our brave soldiers do.
Absolutely disgusting.
Meanwhile, my relative made it out alive and physically uninjured but emotionally scarred.
How dare you, Trump.
Anyone with even a lick of sense can imagine what that room felt like at that moment. The recollection still makes me tear up.
Trump is a disgrace, anyway, but he is a *particular* disgrace for boasting that he has more military training than our brave soldiers do.
Absolutely disgusting.
Meanwhile, my relative made it out alive and physically uninjured but emotionally scarred.
How dare you, Trump.
13
Trying to attack Trump for not being a conservative is ridiculous. His supporters know that.
Trump's life provides the best line of attack: draft-dodging party-boy who, even today, equates being sent to military school by his disappointed father (for being a first-class jerk) with honorable military service in a war zone.
Republicans could actually use most of what Sid Blumenthal wrote about John Boehner: "Louche, alcoholic, lazy, and without any commitment to any principle." (Trump isn't lazy; there are just too many important things about which he doesn't give a flying f*@k.)
And every Republican candidate visiting Sheldon Adelson should remind him that Trump's regard for the Jewish people begins and ends with "the little guys in yarmulkes who handle my money," that Trump couldn't tell he difference between Israel's allies and enemies and that he didn't seem to care that he didn't know the difference.
Trump's life provides the best line of attack: draft-dodging party-boy who, even today, equates being sent to military school by his disappointed father (for being a first-class jerk) with honorable military service in a war zone.
Republicans could actually use most of what Sid Blumenthal wrote about John Boehner: "Louche, alcoholic, lazy, and without any commitment to any principle." (Trump isn't lazy; there are just too many important things about which he doesn't give a flying f*@k.)
And every Republican candidate visiting Sheldon Adelson should remind him that Trump's regard for the Jewish people begins and ends with "the little guys in yarmulkes who handle my money," that Trump couldn't tell he difference between Israel's allies and enemies and that he didn't seem to care that he didn't know the difference.
7
Driven by his father’s formative instruction to self-promote, Trumps insatiable “killer” ego now mainlines the political spotlight fueled by a grotesque co-dependent relationship with the media. Neither a caring statesman nor passionate patriot, he has no genuine interest to make America great again as anything he says or does is an expression of unrestrained narcissistic calculation. Trump’s only challenge now is how to make this real-time reality show pay.
3
Make no mistake- Trump is not a man who would do anything for free or sacrifice himself for nothing. People who vote for him are substituting one evil for another evil.
1
Going to the military prep school has not mediated his poor behavior, and as his spoon turned from silver to gold, those attributes have only been exasperated.
1
Write personality driven Trump article devoid of policy. Hundreds of comments appear. Article rockets to Top Viewed and Most Emailed lists. Write personality driven Trump article devoid of policy. Hundreds of comments appear. Article rockets to Top Viewed and Most Emailed lists.
Repeat, repeat, repeat....
Abe Rosenthal is rolling over....
Repeat, repeat, repeat....
Abe Rosenthal is rolling over....
7
@Lucian Roosevelt: That would be because TRUMP is DEVOID of policy - he has no policy thoughts, no policy plans. There is no room in his head for anything that does not further his aim of propping up his sad little ego.
Right. And Josh Duggar says that playing doctor with his sisters makes him an MD.
6
The training is not the point. Serving in the military means you might get shot at, or worse. The worse that could have happened to Trump was a sharp towel slap in the shower.
3
an ego without equal...man is clueless but the real fools are those lining up behind the rich kid with no soul, no solution and a dangerous self absorbed approach to everything. he is incapable of putting the nation ahead of himself
he will say anything and has advanced so many competing notions you are foolish to trust him. one day the liberal one day the conservative and everyday the ass
he will say anything and has advanced so many competing notions you are foolish to trust him. one day the liberal one day the conservative and everyday the ass
3
Well, maybe Trump considers the pillow fights in military prep schools, like those provided by super revered West Point, adequate military training. Makes sense probably to Trump and his worshipers.
Trump is really a New York City style stand-up comic, filling the insult void left by Joan Rivers, but not nearly so funny. And the hair ...
Trump is really a New York City style stand-up comic, filling the insult void left by Joan Rivers, but not nearly so funny. And the hair ...
"In A Perfect World" #420: Here's hoping tonight's debut of "The Late Show" has a HYUGE surprise for us--Darrell Hammond, known for his brilliant spot-on Trump impersonation, in-character as Stephen Colbert's sidekick/Paul Shaffer for the duration of the 2016 presidential run!
Ahhh, if only.
Ahhh, if only.
3
Where is the coverage of Bernie Sanders?
8
His equating a prep school education at a military academy to real military service shows two things:
1) an abhorrent disrespect to our current military and veterans
2) a lack of appreciation of the sacrifice required by our military and their families.
He's so unfit to be President it's ridiculous.
1) an abhorrent disrespect to our current military and veterans
2) a lack of appreciation of the sacrifice required by our military and their families.
He's so unfit to be President it's ridiculous.
6
Someone attending a military school should not spout fascist nonsense about rounding up, detaining and deporting 11 million men, women and children. The historic precedents for this are atrocities. It is humorous in a way that Republicans worship this Make your Own Reality Star so much - but he spent years encouraging the racist and lunatic lie about the president's birth, and has encouraged the white supremacists that make up his base.
Military service - the true service - is more about honor, willingness to fight for one's country, and true patriotism - not this hype. So much for the GOP.
Military service - the true service - is more about honor, willingness to fight for one's country, and true patriotism - not this hype. So much for the GOP.
5
I never thought I'd admit finding truth in anything uttered by The Donald, but his words “when I look at myself in the first grade and I look at myself now, I’m basically the same" hit the nail squarely on the head.
We don't need a first-grader as our Commander-in-Chief.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
We don't need a first-grader as our Commander-in-Chief.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
12
Perhaps Trump's hair is a tribute to the helmet he never wore in a war.
6
Mr. Trump once recalled giving a teacher at Kew-Forest a black eye “because I didn’t think he knew anything about music.”
So, said another way, he physically assaulted a teacher.
Trump is a world-class loser in every measure that matters.
So, said another way, he physically assaulted a teacher.
Trump is a world-class loser in every measure that matters.
14
Too bad the school couldn't correct his bad behavior.
6
And Trump, as he endlessly tells us, went to the famous Wharton School. "The best school. I'm really smart." Of course what he doesn't say is that he spent four semesters at Wharton in COLLEGE, i.e., as an undergraduate. What other successful adult brags about the Econ courses they took during there Junior and Senior years of college? Mussolini had his insecurities, I guess. So does Putin.
3
So, Presi.....(sorry), Mr...(er,more appropriately General) TRUMP had military training. Even though it was rich kiddy stuff, It was actually TOUGHER (he assured us) than the real thingy offered by the US Army. I knew there was something special about him.
The country lost the chance of having a great military leader when he was exempted from the draft because of a big mou.... (er, heel trouble) But he showed the country that he was, indeed, a big Heel. Give them hell GENERAL CHUMP.....(er Trump.) We are on your side.
The country lost the chance of having a great military leader when he was exempted from the draft because of a big mou.... (er, heel trouble) But he showed the country that he was, indeed, a big Heel. Give them hell GENERAL CHUMP.....(er Trump.) We are on your side.
4
He is Barnum AND Bailey rolled in to one (assuming you don't count his hair separately.)
Very entertaining and has as much to say or more than the other candidates. A welcome addition to the primaries regardless of whether you love him or hate him.
Very entertaining and has as much to say or more than the other candidates. A welcome addition to the primaries regardless of whether you love him or hate him.
1
I guess my eight years in the United States Navy don't count for squat in Donald Trump's eyes.
5
I have Platoon & Full Metal Jacket on DVD ... gee, I feel like I was in Viet Nam!
3
Instead of my faith in the American politics got finished, I hope I will be a better and calmer person when the 2016 residential race is finished.
With Donald Trump in the national politics, I am getting a two for one deal. The whole two year of Presidential race won't be boring and Mr. Trumps brings out both the best and worst out of everyone.
With Donald Trump in the national politics, I am getting a two for one deal. The whole two year of Presidential race won't be boring and Mr. Trumps brings out both the best and worst out of everyone.
Which just shows how delusional and how taken with himself si this buffoon. A much as I am rooting for this jerk over all the other jerks in the Republican circus, I hope all the other vets, like me, remember this when the day arrives to cast a vote. My sons high school football team played NYMA and they were a bunch of flakes, so I cant imagine how tough was their training. Ask John McCain.
1
Hey, I went on a challenging hiking trip at age 17. Does that mean I can claim experience in the Marines? Or maybe the Army Rangers? Who says women were never permitted to join? That was 1978......
3
On his feelings of superiority: “For the most part, you can’t respect people because most people aren’t worthy of respect,” he told Mr. D’Antonio.
And people want him to be our president? When he believes that most people aren't worthy of respect? Shame on him.
And people want him to be our president? When he believes that most people aren't worthy of respect? Shame on him.
4
A bunch of liberals responding to an article about Mr. Trump and making silly comments. The last statement says it best " once people can figure you out you are in big trouble. You guys cant figure Trump out. His politics will not be predictable, like Hilary or Jeb same old , same old, wars, pandering to elites and just plain old dirty politics. I remember you same liberals critical of Obama for being to meek and weak, now Trump is too brash, some of you guys cannot face the truth if it hit you like a brick in the face. Trump has my vote all the way.
I love it when rightists whine like school girls when the press reports what some rightist actually said.
2
“For the most part, you can’t respect people because most people aren’t worthy of respect”.
That surely tops the 47% mark established by the previous Republican front runner.
That surely tops the 47% mark established by the previous Republican front runner.
9
Did Trump's military school ever have an "Incoming." like when the VC sent mortars & rockets into your base or out in the boonies? This guy Trump is more absurd everyday. Bob Mulholland 101st Airborne, Vietnam (1967-68)
5
Everyone deserves some level of respect. The only kids that get sent to military school are those who would be or had been kicked out of a regular school for bad behavior.
Some men turn their wounds into wisdom; others wield their psychic bleeding against others in an endless cycle of misery for all.
Some men turn their wounds into wisdom; others wield their psychic bleeding against others in an endless cycle of misery for all.
1
I will simply love to the one with a video camera when Presidents Trump and Putin are in a room, having one-to-one negotiations.
1
A car seat, really? How generous! In 2008 when a babysitter (who went to college part time) had a baby, I gave her a Medela breast pump. It was expensive (for me, about $280)- I am saying this not to pat myself on my back but to highlight that a few hundred dollars is a pittance to someone like Mr.Trump , but to someone like me it a couple of weeks of groceries. To use the car seat as an example of Trump's generosity is really disgusting.
4
This is reminiscent of Romney sitting with a veteran in NH, and saying that while the vet served the country, Romney was "serving his church", as if , in any way, there was an equivalency.
152
but spreading the word of God in France is more difficult than fighting VC in Vietnam, is it not?
Might Mr. Trump's sometimes bizarre behavior be explained by his having suffered from PTSD as a result of his "military service."
10
The self -desruction of his candidacy starts now...
9
That's what they said two months ago...
Trump graduated in 1964 - and was worried about the draft then? So, where was he from 64 til when 'draft numbers' began? I don't recall seeing him out in the streets or in Boston Commons burning his draft card.
And both the author and Trump have it backwards: A 'high' number was '1', pack your bags, you leave at dawn.
A 'low' number was 356, don't give it a thought, they'll have to kill every male before you get called.
But then, Donald would never admit to having ANYTHING 'low', not even a draft number.
What a whackjob!
And both the author and Trump have it backwards: A 'high' number was '1', pack your bags, you leave at dawn.
A 'low' number was 356, don't give it a thought, they'll have to kill every male before you get called.
But then, Donald would never admit to having ANYTHING 'low', not even a draft number.
What a whackjob!
12
This guy is a legend in his own mind
13
"Perhaps his most revealing statement applies to the time-honored virtue of self-reflection. Mr. Trump is not in favor of it.
“When you start studying yourself too deeply, you start seeing things that maybe you don’t want to see,” Mr. Trump once told Time.
“And if there’s a rhyme and a reason,” he continued, “people can figure you out, and once they can figure you out, you’re in big trouble.” "
This is the mantra of the GOP. Nothing else explains the election of the dummy Bush II , twice.
“When you start studying yourself too deeply, you start seeing things that maybe you don’t want to see,” Mr. Trump once told Time.
“And if there’s a rhyme and a reason,” he continued, “people can figure you out, and once they can figure you out, you’re in big trouble.” "
This is the mantra of the GOP. Nothing else explains the election of the dummy Bush II , twice.
18
Yes Duncan.
I just hope the American voters have "figured" out the GOP and their perpetual scam!
I just hope the American voters have "figured" out the GOP and their perpetual scam!
My first reaction to this article was: Isn't this a rerun of "Citizen Kane?" Unfortunately, someone beat me to it: "Errol Morris Asks Donald Trump about the Meaning of Citizen Kane," Filmmaker Magazine.
What is the "Rosebud" in The Donald's history?
What is the "Rosebud" in The Donald's history?
7
I think Kane had some substance.
I honestly could not care less about anything Trump says. He's the king of blowhards.
11
There's no exaggeration too great for Il Donald! He just keeps on keeping on. Wait until we learn he's been employing illegals at home, at his hotels, golf courses and casinos! Surely it will be another sign of his brilliance! Il Donald is really working those illegals over, showing them how strong Il Donald is! And NOBODY will do the military better than Il Donald! He attended NYMA, clearly he's better at being a military dictator than anyone! Il Donald! Il Donald! Il Donald! (Just don't expect him to goose step. He's got heel spurs.)
12
I do not understand very well what the NYTimes is doing by running article after article about Trump. At least this article reveals his bully, brat-ish-ness. Of course he would not want to study himself too deeply because, yes, duh, he would see things he didn't want to see (that is the purpose of self-awareness). He'd see the mess that the bullying covers over. Brash, egoism, attacking others, is just bravado that covers a mushy mess inside. Deceit, and not letting others' see you and 'figure you out' is a tap dance of neuroticism. It is sad because the lack of genuine humility and connection will keep Trump emotionally isolated --- probably just the way he likes it -- it also keeps him safe -- from the people he has no respect for. His loss of humanity is reveal so very often when he is quoted. Can we focus on genuine, humble, sensible, SANE, Bernie Sanders -- Please! Trump is not a well man -- perhaps it reflects American society's illness too.
16
“And if there’s a rhyme and a reason,” he continued, “people can figure you out, and once they can figure you out, you’re in big trouble.”
Mr. Trump has already been figured out...by those who have a reasonable IQ.
Mr. Trump has already been figured out...by those who have a reasonable IQ.
10
"...gave him “more training militarily than a lot of the guys that go into the military.”
Wouldn't you like to be a fly on the wall when Trump and Dick Cheney got together to compare their military experiences.
Wouldn't you like to be a fly on the wall when Trump and Dick Cheney got together to compare their military experiences.
9
Good one!
When will America get enough of being trolled?
12
Sorry, Donald. Not only is your education an inapt substitute for military experience, your self-absorption shows that you could never work for the greater good of the group. Loyalty is to your unit, your cause, your country, not your individual well-being.
9
Oh, so this is just like my telling folks that I "served my country" by going to work for a national lab back in the 80s when I got out of school...well, except I was always just joking when I said it...eh-heh.
Anyhow, just keep in mind folks, this guy needs careful cultivation over the coming weeks and months, we don't want him to peak out too soon. The damage potential is historic and fascinating.
Anyhow, just keep in mind folks, this guy needs careful cultivation over the coming weeks and months, we don't want him to peak out too soon. The damage potential is historic and fascinating.
10
"Trump Likens His Schooling to Military Service in Book"
By MICHAEL BARBARO 5:00 AM ET
Like everything Donald Trump says, my only response is: Ha, ha, ha!
By MICHAEL BARBARO 5:00 AM ET
Like everything Donald Trump says, my only response is: Ha, ha, ha!
3
Did he stop the earth's rotation and save Lois Lane too?
8
Be careful about tearing him down, he's the anti-Bush and could be the lucky accident that gives us a pivotal president like Bernie Sanders.
7
The CENTER of D. Trumps universe is D. Trump.
He is a flim flam man right out of the mold.
What do you want to hear?
He'll say it.
Words to Trump are like sand to a concrete mixer - there plenty more where they came from.
The only difference is Sand has to be bought.
Maybe there is no difference after all;
If we put this clown in the White House, we will all pay for believing the words that pour out of his mouth like water.
He is a flim flam man right out of the mold.
What do you want to hear?
He'll say it.
Words to Trump are like sand to a concrete mixer - there plenty more where they came from.
The only difference is Sand has to be bought.
Maybe there is no difference after all;
If we put this clown in the White House, we will all pay for believing the words that pour out of his mouth like water.
10
How many classmates at his ritzy military academy were blown to pieces on their way to lunch? I was in a unit with many "troubled" kids and their means to rehabilitation was a hard year, if they made it, in the jungles of SE Asia and not a few years of some make believe let's play war school.
12
Nothing ritzy about New York Military Academy. Also NYMA has been a feeder school for the military since it started in 1889. I personally know several dead and wounded grads and I'm still in my early 30's.
.I went to Catholic schools for 12 years. I guess that qualifies me to be a general in Trumps army. [SARCASM]
12
those nuns were much harder than any marine training officer could ever be!
Chaplain maybe.
@Lifelong: You said it before I could. I went to Catholic schools for 12 years, and I think our actual qualifications far outstrip The Donald's in every substantive way.
Maybe that's what Trump's parents did wrong: no civilian "military school" can effect personality-changing "correction" as well as a determined nun can!
Maybe that's what Trump's parents did wrong: no civilian "military school" can effect personality-changing "correction" as well as a determined nun can!
1
I have yet to figure out if Trump is a RINO inserted into the Republican race by another party to pretty much show America what a bunch of clowns and absurdities Republican White boys have become. Or...is he doing a satire, mocking the Republicans (and their choice of candidates) through his own persona as personality, which is ingenious and worth watching...and getting him on the next TV show. If he is really running then US needs a lot of therapy, medication and forced isolation from the rest of the world.
11
"Mr. Trump once recalled giving a teacher at Kew-Forest a black eye “because I didn’t think he knew anything about music.”"
Now hold on a second. Where's the rest of this story? Ignoring for a second the sociopathological behavior, if I had cold cocked a teacher when I was in school I would still be in detention 55 years later. I once mouthed off at a teacher and the repercussions were so swift and decisive I still shudder at the thought. Did he just get away with it? It almost seems he's proud of it...
Now hold on a second. Where's the rest of this story? Ignoring for a second the sociopathological behavior, if I had cold cocked a teacher when I was in school I would still be in detention 55 years later. I once mouthed off at a teacher and the repercussions were so swift and decisive I still shudder at the thought. Did he just get away with it? It almost seems he's proud of it...
210
At least it wasn't like Mitt, with a blind teacher that he walked into a closed door.
You are assuming this is a true story.
1
I bet that his daddy told the school that they would miss out on a bundle of bucks if The Donald was disciplined. Typical rich kid getting bailed out by daddy's checkbook.
War Deferments Trump, War Deferments Cheney, AWOL Bush, draft dodger Romney, Stateside Reagan, draft dodger John Wayne...remind me again why these born to privlege, yellow bellied, rightist cowards act so tough and why the rightist voters allows them to get away with it.
11
We also need to be reminded why the right wing swift boated genuine war heroes like Kerry and Cleland. I never could figure that out - the uber patriotic America love it or leave it crowd doesn't know a real hero from a fake - but that would explain their love of Reagan and John Wayne.
Wayne and Reagan...they pretended to be American men on screen...and that's about it.
laugh, cry, both???
immediately reminded of another candidate who had foreign policy experience because she could see Russia. love the comment a reader made about seeing many rock shows does not make one eric clapton.
immediately reminded of another candidate who had foreign policy experience because she could see Russia. love the comment a reader made about seeing many rock shows does not make one eric clapton.
11
The Republican Party leaders are going to need a very large shovel to dig themselves out of the Trump-financed hole they put themselves in...
As Chief Wiggum once said, 'Dig UP, you idiots!'
As Chief Wiggum once said, 'Dig UP, you idiots!'
8
Yes, PLEASE!
Make him go AWAY!!!
Make him go AWAY!!!
4
Draft dodger!
3
Cheney, Bush Jr, ROnald Reagan and Clinton have not served either. Does this imply they are cowards and lack the ability to lead the nation?
2
Only if they're Gung Ho to send other people's kids to war...like Bush Jr, Hollywood Reagan and war deferments Cheney
Mr. Trump’s preoccupation with winning — at anything and everything, big or small — dominated his youth.
That sounds like it could have been something said of Gen. George Patton. Maybe Trump's not too out there when he says what he says about his lack of military service.
That sounds like it could have been something said of Gen. George Patton. Maybe Trump's not too out there when he says what he says about his lack of military service.
1
What kind of person supports this guy? Does he really deserve all the media coverage he gets?
13
The same as discussed in the NYT about Steve Jobs and Martin Luther King the focus should be if objectives are met by a person. The Donald has reached his objectives (women and money and shiny buildings and always in the news) so what is wrong with that? Nothing. Do I like the guy? No, but I respect him. He knows what he wants and knows how to get it.
Rudolph: Unless you, too, are viewed as "successful" through The Donald's distorted narrow lens, what are the odds of that respect being mutual?
Is that you, Mayor Giuliani?
Jeffrey Dahmer met his objectives - he killed, ate and preserved something like 17 victims. Hitler didn't ultimately meet all of his objectives, but he got pretty close. Same with Stalin. This is the problem with calculating "winners" on a content-free basis: Trump, King, and whoever else "succeeds" are all elevated to the same meaningless celebrity status. Somehow I don't think King would thank you for the tribute.
Obviously, military school did not correct the poor behavior problem!
18
Somewhere, up there, H.L. Mencken, is snickering, saying, "I told you so..."
12
Trump is Everyman...with money
1
A high school/private prep school with military overtones...really!
Sorry Mr. Trump...even if you spent your entire primary, secondary and college education in such institutions; they don't equate to one day in Marine Corps Boot Camp.
I doubt you would have made it through the second day of Boot Camp.
you're nothing more than another Vietnam War 'legal' draft evader, who knows nothing of the sacrifice of War Veterans and who shows disrespect to us.
Semper Fi
Vietnam Veteran
USMC 1966-1978
Sorry Mr. Trump...even if you spent your entire primary, secondary and college education in such institutions; they don't equate to one day in Marine Corps Boot Camp.
I doubt you would have made it through the second day of Boot Camp.
you're nothing more than another Vietnam War 'legal' draft evader, who knows nothing of the sacrifice of War Veterans and who shows disrespect to us.
Semper Fi
Vietnam Veteran
USMC 1966-1978
30
This blowhard perfectly represents the typical American Republican's attitude about science and knowledge: Just keep repeating how great and smart you are and eventually people will believe it.
18
Trump's presidential campaign is the most hilarious - and terrifying - reality show ever.
28
Trump might not be a fan of self-reflection and analytical thought, but he really should reflect on what the job of President actually is. It isn’t a me-first platform, as he seems to think it is.
As the head of one-third of the government, a US President always has to negotiate with co-equal branches of government. And no amount of bluster can move a President to the “front of the parade.” How long would it be before President Trump would want to “take off his skis and walk off the trail”?
As the head of one-third of the government, a US President always has to negotiate with co-equal branches of government. And no amount of bluster can move a President to the “front of the parade.” How long would it be before President Trump would want to “take off his skis and walk off the trail”?
15
Trump graduated first in his class from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. Seems to me that might have taken some analytical thought.
Did you say negotiate? That's right up Trump's alley.
Scott Walker claims his Commander in Chief credentials were gained while hiding out in a tunnel under the State Capitol while 100,000 Wisconsin Citizens marched in protest against his attack on Teachers and our education system. Now spending $9million in ads to show the "Isis like protesters" but doesn't show him hiding in the tunnel. Donald needs to up his game.
8
God, this braggart has no shame. Why people think he is POTUS material is just bewildering…and says a lot about the level of ignorance in this country. Sad.
34
suzanne,
you do know that 43% of Americans believe that evolution is a "myth" and about 1/6 believe that the Earth is 10,000 years or less in age?
you do know that 43% of Americans believe that evolution is a "myth" and about 1/6 believe that the Earth is 10,000 years or less in age?
Ohno! This is so funny!
Shades of Bush, Cheney, all of the Republican candidates, most of the Democrat ones (Hillary gets off because we live in a sexist country), and, not only them but all of their children. (I do not include Beau Biden's service because his father, Joe, has not said he will run.)
But, you know, Donald, I, too, went to prep school and it was more akin to a juvenile detention center than West Point. Although, come to think of it, West Point has come to remind me lately of my old stomping grounds.
No sale, Donald. There's been too many bios passed out by the Bushes and Romneys where it was all sex, drugs (both buying and selling), rock 'n roll and getting those hippies down and taking scissors to them.
The one thing I do NOT believe is that your years at prep school in any way reflected the reality of any young man who was drafted and sent to Korea or Vietnam, or even, male or female, volunteered and went to Afghanistan or Iraq.
Too funny, Donnie. I fact, I think the closest you've ever gotten to the military is saying, "You're hired!" to your cadre of Trump-Thumpers that haul out reporters or sock protesters.
My laugh for the day, Donnie! Thanks!
Shades of Bush, Cheney, all of the Republican candidates, most of the Democrat ones (Hillary gets off because we live in a sexist country), and, not only them but all of their children. (I do not include Beau Biden's service because his father, Joe, has not said he will run.)
But, you know, Donald, I, too, went to prep school and it was more akin to a juvenile detention center than West Point. Although, come to think of it, West Point has come to remind me lately of my old stomping grounds.
No sale, Donald. There's been too many bios passed out by the Bushes and Romneys where it was all sex, drugs (both buying and selling), rock 'n roll and getting those hippies down and taking scissors to them.
The one thing I do NOT believe is that your years at prep school in any way reflected the reality of any young man who was drafted and sent to Korea or Vietnam, or even, male or female, volunteered and went to Afghanistan or Iraq.
Too funny, Donnie. I fact, I think the closest you've ever gotten to the military is saying, "You're hired!" to your cadre of Trump-Thumpers that haul out reporters or sock protesters.
My laugh for the day, Donnie! Thanks!
11
Let's tell it like it is, the Libs are scared to death of a Trump presidency. The anti-Trump campaign has been in full swing for some time. When's the last time you saw a foto accompanying a story on the Donald that wasn't an unflattering take? As opposed to Obama, when do you ever see an unflattering image of him?Never! Whe do you ever see his many malaprops given wide coverage? Never! The Times and the rest of the Liberal MSM are obedient water-carriers for the Dems.. Clinton, in his own letters at the time, expressly stated he was prepared to do anything to avoid being drafted.
1
Does a photo exist that IS flattering?
And do you think that it's a fair statement to compare a military school with actual military service?
And do you think that it's a fair statement to compare a military school with actual military service?
Some people photograph well and some don't. You don't have to read LIBERAL CONSPIRACY into everything.
Doron,
the liberals are not the only ones opposed to a Trump candidacy. look at the Republican "establishment". WOuld like to add that CLinton opposed the war, did not shout out, like Cheney and Trump, his support for it.
the liberals are not the only ones opposed to a Trump candidacy. look at the Republican "establishment". WOuld like to add that CLinton opposed the war, did not shout out, like Cheney and Trump, his support for it.
POP QUIZ:
Pick the American who actually went to Vietnam during the actual Vietnam War.
A. George W. Bush
B. Dick Cheney
C. Mitt Romney
D. Donald Trump
E. Jane Fonda
Pick the American who actually went to Vietnam during the actual Vietnam War.
A. George W. Bush
B. Dick Cheney
C. Mitt Romney
D. Donald Trump
E. Jane Fonda
22
What about Al Gore, Jr.?
Heh, heh, heh...I love when confederates get desperate.
I think you meant John Kerry...
What made me laugh in this article was the news that the multi-millionaire Trump proved his “generosity” by giving an infant car seat to his chauffeur, after that driver’s wife had a baby. Generosity, in such a case, would have been Trump saying, “I will pay for you kid’s college education, so make sure you pick an expensive school!” A car seat? Was it new or used?
18
I don't think Trump at his worst could do to our country what John McCain did when he appointed Sarah Palin as his running mate.
Why has everyone forgotten McCain's disdain/contempt for us in deciding to put such a person a heartbeat away from the presidency?
Why has everyone forgotten McCain's disdain/contempt for us in deciding to put such a person a heartbeat away from the presidency?
16
Who?
Oh, McCain...that's right...he used to be somebody huh?
Oh, McCain...that's right...he used to be somebody huh?
He was sent to New York Military by his parents to "correct poor behavior."
Seems like the Senior Trumps are owed a refund.
Seems like the Senior Trumps are owed a refund.
340
Perhaps Bill Clinton should have been sent to a reform school, or a treatment center for sex addiction.
A car seat? Big deal. I give more generous baby shower gifts. And I am not a tycoon one-percenter but a middle class slob.
17
And he took it off his taxes.
I graduated New York Military Academy after attending for 6 years in the 90's. I can say for sure that a school like this weeds the weak out after 1 or 2 years. Most trust fund babies begged their parents to leave after the 1st week, and often didn't return after the Holiday furlough. This is a place where you learn by the numbers, speak when spoken too, and one must show respect for ranking staff and faculty or that Cadet will find out what the punishment for disobedience is. A punishment often handed down in the cadet barracks. For Donald to graduate, with honors, shows that he his a person that can handle his peers. This school isn't Vietnam, but is sure isn't Dalton. NY Times ran this article a few years back on my school. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/20/nyregion/cadets-bravery-cant-conquer-e...
2
Sarah Palin knows about foreign affairs because she could see Russia from her front porch. Trump is a seasoned military veteran because he went to a private school where they wore uniforms. For Trump running for President is just another episode on a reality TV show.
265
An episode on a NON-reality show?
So he thinks being a Cub Scout qualifies him to do battle with ISIS? Trump has no stomach for a fight of this kind. Elections are very tough in America and the losers are sorted out by the people. That's why you never saw a Vice President Palin. You will never see a President Trump, or a President Kanye West. These people are in for personal gratification and publicity. They easily, and without guilt, ridicule the process that makes this country great. Trump doesn't even believe in the greatness of America. He thinks we need him to make it great!
I think in clown school they wear uniforms, some of them military . He is just a sad excuse for a real human being.
The suit just keeps getting emptier and emptier.
16
If he becomes President he'll probably award himself the Medal of Honor.
12
I can relate to The Donald. I played with GI Joe as a kid. That makes me feel like "I was always in the military."
12
A lot of people gave their lives providing and protecting the freedom this narcissistic clown enjoys. Wrap your head around that.
19
Fighting in Vietnam didn't protect anyone's freedom. Wrap your head around that.
Hmm, this could set a great precedent for all kinds of people. I attended two Harvard Summer School courses and lived on campus for a couple months. So basically I'm a graduate of Harvard.
I'm going to update my résumé right away!
I'm going to update my résumé right away!
13
I suppose the Republican base that abandoned their war hero John McCain, castigated John Kerry who volunteered to go to Viet Nam and received both purple hearts and medals for valor for his trouble, and applauded Bush's "mission accomplished" cake walk on a battle ship dressed in fatigues; will have no problems applauding Trumps faux service to his country in a posh boarding school with tuition paid by his dad. The GOP and its base is a sad sight to behold.
317
Plus many, many of the southern whites who support him have family members in the military. But this won't sway their lunacy either. Education matters.
I agree. I don't see this hurting him at all with his base, which is a good third of the GOP primary electorate. The tone is the message--dismissive and arrogant. That looks like strength to a lot of people. It's not like he needs votes from actual veterans anyway.
he was on a carrier
As for Trump's insight that he has not changed since his 1st grade-self: 1st-graders aren't allowed to vote, let alone run for President.
3
The Chinese currency is up from last week. I guess China likes Obama more this week according to Trump's analysis at the last debate.
1
The Donald is the same person he was in first grade, he says. I agree.
7
The Donald is not really running for president -- he is auditioning to take over Stephen Colbert's conservative pundit role in the new Comedy Central show The Trumpery Report. Who knew he could do satire?
1
Yes, of course, and high school sports is exactly like combat, except for all the dead people.
6
Really? Military school(high school) is equal to time served in a foxhole or submarine? Its time to recognize that all of this buffoonery is only keeping the real issues in the background.
4
And for this the MSM is eternally grateful to Mr. Trump.
More on the human side of Mr. Trump. When one of his drivers lost a love one, he went to the wake; in a very simple poor neighborhood in Queens.
I see no difference between Trump and Obama with regard to self promotion and a desire win.
1
You need your eyes checked.
If he has a DD214, then he can say he was in the military. However, he does not, so just like Romney, bush, Cheney, et al, this false claim not only demeans the men and women who have actually put their lives on the line to defend the Constitution and this country, it makes Trump look like an unaware, insensitive and narcissistic buffoon.
4
Trump is great for us Republicans. Here's why. He's keeping Sanders out of the headlines.
True he's keeping other Republicans like Bush out of the headlines too. That's not a bad thing. Trump will crash as soon as he can prove that he could have won if he wanted to. That will restart the field, and give a candidate like Kasich with little name recognition a chance to slowly catch up in the meantime. It also protects the eventual candidate from becoming a target too early.
Bernie is in the opposite situation. He needs air-time right now to compete with Clinton.
The best Republican ticket by far is Kasich-Rubio. Whatever you think of them, be honest and admit that with Ohio and Florida the Republicans will have a very serious chance of winning.
Clinton is horrible. Flat, boring, manipulative, tied to lobbyists, same old. She's the anti-anti-politician. She encapsulates everything America despises right now in a politician. With her as the candidate vs Kasich-Rubio we have a very good chance.
It is obvious to anyone following the news that the Democrat Party machine/media has made a tacit agreement to mention Sanders as little as possible. Lord Sanders; "He, who's name may not be mentioned." It's like Hillary called each one personally and made them take a dark oath. Or maybe she just sent them an email.
The Dem party is just as overtly corrupt as the mainstream Republicans. If you Democrats lose this election it will be your own fault for letting Hillary bully her way.
True he's keeping other Republicans like Bush out of the headlines too. That's not a bad thing. Trump will crash as soon as he can prove that he could have won if he wanted to. That will restart the field, and give a candidate like Kasich with little name recognition a chance to slowly catch up in the meantime. It also protects the eventual candidate from becoming a target too early.
Bernie is in the opposite situation. He needs air-time right now to compete with Clinton.
The best Republican ticket by far is Kasich-Rubio. Whatever you think of them, be honest and admit that with Ohio and Florida the Republicans will have a very serious chance of winning.
Clinton is horrible. Flat, boring, manipulative, tied to lobbyists, same old. She's the anti-anti-politician. She encapsulates everything America despises right now in a politician. With her as the candidate vs Kasich-Rubio we have a very good chance.
It is obvious to anyone following the news that the Democrat Party machine/media has made a tacit agreement to mention Sanders as little as possible. Lord Sanders; "He, who's name may not be mentioned." It's like Hillary called each one personally and made them take a dark oath. Or maybe she just sent them an email.
The Dem party is just as overtly corrupt as the mainstream Republicans. If you Democrats lose this election it will be your own fault for letting Hillary bully her way.
1
Ronald Reagan likened his making movies about war on a Hollywood lot during World War II, as being akin to the real uniformed military service. Reagan, unlike Trump, was actually serving in the American military. John Wayne dodged the draft during World War II which he spent playing men like George McGovern and George H.W. Bush in real life.
Other than Rick Perry and Lindsey Graham, none of the Republican 2016 candidates have ever been bravely patriotic honorable enough to ever volunteer to serve in the American uniformed armed services. Since 9/11/01 only 0.75% of Americans have volunteered to join the American armed forces. The clucking, prancing, profane war hens among the Republican 2016 Presidential candidates are perfectly willing to mentally, emotionally and physically grind the select few to dust by repeated pointless deployments.
Let them all prove their military war mettle in a gladiator duel with Vladimir Putin.
Other than Rick Perry and Lindsey Graham, none of the Republican 2016 candidates have ever been bravely patriotic honorable enough to ever volunteer to serve in the American uniformed armed services. Since 9/11/01 only 0.75% of Americans have volunteered to join the American armed forces. The clucking, prancing, profane war hens among the Republican 2016 Presidential candidates are perfectly willing to mentally, emotionally and physically grind the select few to dust by repeated pointless deployments.
Let them all prove their military war mettle in a gladiator duel with Vladimir Putin.
3
The comments about Mr. Trump are no different than what was said of Mr. Bush. And we elected him twice.
I guess you become a president if you can last a long campaign and not lose energy or focus - whatever the focus maybe is no longer an issue. Last time Ms Clinton broke down and cried. No! Don't do that. It betrays the fact that you are sensitive. That is not needed. Or even weak. That does not get elected. This man's energy appears to come from his vitriolic - the more he insults the higher the polls. So he should read up more on political insults - all the way to November and into the White House! After all, no matter who the president is does not matter that much as congress blocks everything any way!
I guess you become a president if you can last a long campaign and not lose energy or focus - whatever the focus maybe is no longer an issue. Last time Ms Clinton broke down and cried. No! Don't do that. It betrays the fact that you are sensitive. That is not needed. Or even weak. That does not get elected. This man's energy appears to come from his vitriolic - the more he insults the higher the polls. So he should read up more on political insults - all the way to November and into the White House! After all, no matter who the president is does not matter that much as congress blocks everything any way!
1
Let's see, if he were a Democrat he'd be labeled a draft dodger by the Republicans. If he were a Democrat, he'd be labeled as having no family values for his three marriages and the court documents including testimony that he forced himself on his ex-wife.
I can certainly see why the Republicans love this guy!
I can certainly see why the Republicans love this guy!
7
Gee. I'm an Army brat - does that qualify me to shop in the PX?
4
Trump has another claim to being in the military I once witnessed: he was walking the red carpet at a Hollywood premiere and was interviewed by Army Archerd.
5
Who cares whether a President has military experience? Lincoln served in the militia for three months and saw no action.
1
Not sure how Trump participated in the draft lottery in 1964. The lottery didn't start until 1969.
7
Yes, George. And '356' wasn't a 'high' number - it was a 'LOW' number. Is this man so obsessive on not being connected to anything 'inferior' that he must redefine numbers???
perhaps it was only in his mind.
A timely portrait in Republican (or in Trump's case, pseudo-Republican) irrelevance, irresponsibility and all-around flapdoodle. The man is the ultimate GOP caricature.
2
try as you might, you can not succeed with these lame hit pieces. Yes military scholl is very much like the military. Talk to people who have attended them, all about taking orders, lack of freedom, and pointless discipline. Some may be worse than the military. --- as for combat in vietnam some numbers -- 27,000,000 draft age men 1964-1975, 8,700,000 did some military service, ONLY 1,350,000 saw combat. So yeah daily life for many in military very similar to people in military school.
1
The republicans who back Trump are the same voters who elected the
republican congress they now call impossible and support by only
7 to 13%.
And now their same splendid judgment is to elect Trump.
republican congress they now call impossible and support by only
7 to 13%.
And now their same splendid judgment is to elect Trump.
6
Earth to the Donald. People put their lives on the line in Vietnam. People who chose not to do that should at least not compare their lives at a military school to service in the armed forces. What a self centered jerk.
4
I graduated from a military prep school myself, in 1965, and I, unlike Trump, also am the child of a career Marine. I think that what The Donald may have been trying to say with he “always felt that [he] was in the military” is that he identified or empathized with people in the actual military because of the ROTC, drill, uniforms, and institutional hierarchy. I get that. When I was a kid, I probably had from time to time similar, perhaps even stronger (because of my family experience) feelings. Yes, we identified with servicemen and women, and we empathized with them. But I and all of my classmates and fellow service brat friends understood full well that being in the actual military was at a completely different level, and we would have bitten our tongues before telling someone that we “always felt we were in the military”.
Was this an isolated utterance? What has he said since about his relationship with the military? If it was atypical, then maybe it's just another campaign season gotcha, but if a major party's leading presidential candidate really feels that spit-shining shoes and getting up for reveille is what serving in the military is all about, then Houston, we have a problem.
Was this an isolated utterance? What has he said since about his relationship with the military? If it was atypical, then maybe it's just another campaign season gotcha, but if a major party's leading presidential candidate really feels that spit-shining shoes and getting up for reveille is what serving in the military is all about, then Houston, we have a problem.
114
not capable of empathy- trump that is, you are better than him....
he was not saying he empathized. have you forgotten his mccain attack? get off it. either you respect the military or you don't. he doesn't. it sounds like you do. remember that.
Well I'm a military brat who never served in the military. I have empathy for all those who have served but that doesn't mean that my years living on military bases was the same as serving in the military. Trump is a fool.
Too much information, Mr. Trump...
The novelty of Mr. Trump is wearing off because, like too many celebrities, he is overexposed. He will soon become a parody of himself.
The novelty of Mr. Trump is wearing off because, like too many celebrities, he is overexposed. He will soon become a parody of himself.
8
'The novelty of Mr. Trump is wearing off because, like too many celebrities, he is overexposed. He will soon become a parody of himself.' Xommenters and other folks keep saying that and yet, he's still here, still gaining ground, or at least, holding his ground.
I keep waiting. I'm still waiting.
I keep waiting. I'm still waiting.
One wonders what it would take for teaparty veterans, or teaparty christians, to be sufficiently offended by Trump that they stop supporting him?
3
Dave,
he may have crossed the line when commenting that taxes need to be raised.
he may have crossed the line when commenting that taxes need to be raised.
Once more Mr. Trump demonstrates his ability to bamboozle. It's no surprise, or shouldn't be, that he has been able to separate his investors from their money.
He's just not as good as Bernie Madoff.
I am in awe of Trump's ability to whip saw the Republican Party. It has been a tour de force.
He's just not as good as Bernie Madoff.
I am in awe of Trump's ability to whip saw the Republican Party. It has been a tour de force.
1
This guy is delusional. As a person who spent two years in the US Army around the time Mr. Trump was parading around in his "uniform", I can't imagine equating military school with my service! Shame both on the Republican party for tolerating this fool for so long and for those who say they would vote for him.
239
He surely did not mean it literally. He was deferred for bone spurs. Is that his fault?
The example of generosity given (buying a baby car seat for his driver) was an odd choice. I do remember when Donald rebuilt the outdoor ice skating rink outside Rockefeller Center many years ago because the city was broke.
2
Actually, it was Wollman Rink in Central Park (not the privately-owned Rockefeller Center rink), and he then proceeded to plaster his name all over it. Quite an inexpensive branding opportunity was certainly not lost on him when he made the decision to do it.
You might also be interested in the state park he donated to New York. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_J._Trump_State_Park
You might also be interested in the state park he donated to New York. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_J._Trump_State_Park
It's sad that military service in this country's imperial wars which have killed, maimed and displaced millions of human beings is seen as some kind of positive experience that a presidential candidate should have had; or if he has not, he should imagine he has had.
"War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today."
--John F. Kennedy
"War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today."
--John F. Kennedy
6
I don't know about anyone else but this piece made Trump even more likable. He clearly has had a strategy about the Republican nomination but its a broad strategy and he is not a minutely calculating person the way the other candidates seem to be.
I understand having a high draft lottery number and deciding not to enlist (while giving respect to those who did), but how on earth can you equate going to a prep school for rich problem children to serving in the military. What a colossal buffoon this man is!
3
Stephen Colbert satirized extremist conservative thinking in "The Colbert Report" and Donald Trump satirized conservative GOP thinking by running for President of the USA- is Trump in fact a comedian, or is his presidential bid an example of life imitating art? Or, is Mr. Trump in fact a secret operative for Hilary Clinton's campaign?
1
What bothers me is not that Trump and others got deferments but how they claim years later that they served their country. Please just be honest that you avoided a controversial war. I would have more respect for that statement than the his statements in this article. I also find it ironic that people like Trump who avoided the draft and military service during Vietnam are some of the most hawkish people out there.
2
when you don't have to worry about being at the front you can be very hawkish. Look at Cheney, one of America's most hawkish political figures. If he had acually served he may, just, have developed a different opinion.
1
Nobody who avoided serving in our military with draft deferments should be considered as a candidate for presidency. This is the Litmus test for the love of this country.
Apropos the person who mocked John McCain's years of torture in a North Vietnam prison camp as the mocker (1) attended a "military" prep school and (2) dodged the draft via "bone-spur" deferments:
"The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity." -- Yeats, The Second Coming
"The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity." -- Yeats, The Second Coming
1
perhaps The Donald suffered more torture in that prep school than anyone ever did in a North Vietnamese prison camp. Why do liberals simply not understand this possibility?
Shame on me, indeed.
Could someone please try to determine what the psychological makeup of a typical Trump supporter is, because for the life of me, I just cannot imagine what kind of person could possibly consider this irresponsible blowhard to have what it takes to be a good president. I feel as if these people and I live on separate planets because I just do not get his appeal at all. I keep hearing that he appeals to those who feel disenfranchised and forgotten, but how monstrous a gaffe is it going to take to finally make these people realize that the emperor has no clothes. Something like this latest nugget, where he compares his time spent in a military high school to time spent in actual military service, would sink just about any other candidate, but he will probably sail through this just like he has previously. Utterly amazing.
4
I don't think Mr. Trump has any idea how he comes across to so very many of us who are not blinded by xenophobia and anger. He doesn't see himself as we do --- as it has been said that to oneself one is always the lead actor and the play is always a success --- but with Mr. Trump, he is the only person worth watching on the stage of his life and all the players are only bit parts who don't get their names mentioned when the credits roll by.
If Mr. Trump continues in the political vein he is going in, with the rhetoric he is employing towards subjects that seem to resonate with a certain segment of society, he will prove to be a far more dangerous man to his party than many in his party are willing to admit. They believe that by waiting him out and watching him eventually drop away, this will all become as it was in previous campaigns. But, even if he drops out, he has stirred the angry sleeping bear of xenophobia and widened the divisiveness that was becoming, not a crack but a stream. And what will the GOP do then and how will they handle the bear that has been woken up and isn't happy about it.
If Mr. Trump continues in the political vein he is going in, with the rhetoric he is employing towards subjects that seem to resonate with a certain segment of society, he will prove to be a far more dangerous man to his party than many in his party are willing to admit. They believe that by waiting him out and watching him eventually drop away, this will all become as it was in previous campaigns. But, even if he drops out, he has stirred the angry sleeping bear of xenophobia and widened the divisiveness that was becoming, not a crack but a stream. And what will the GOP do then and how will they handle the bear that has been woken up and isn't happy about it.
4
Sajwert,
maybe you need to ask the question of how people with your views look like from the perspective of Trump and his supporters.
maybe you need to ask the question of how people with your views look like from the perspective of Trump and his supporters.
Trump's parallel between his education and the military explains why he thinks "The Apprentice" qualifies him to be on TV delivering State of the Union addresses.
4
As Paul Krugman pointed out, Trump has done some very positive things for the Republican party - advocating single payer health plans, rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, taxing the hedge fund managers - all the direct opposite of standard Republican thinking. For these things, he deserves a huge thank you!
On the other hand, his nasty, racist, and intolerant view of anyone different from himself instantly disqualifies him from any elected office. His absurd trashing of Mexican immigrants will cause problems for them for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, as a consolation, he has already delivered the Hispanic votes, and the next election, to the Democrats - and for this I thank him.
On the other hand, his nasty, racist, and intolerant view of anyone different from himself instantly disqualifies him from any elected office. His absurd trashing of Mexican immigrants will cause problems for them for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, as a consolation, he has already delivered the Hispanic votes, and the next election, to the Democrats - and for this I thank him.
9
To claim he is still the same person that he was in the first grade says it all. Do we really want a bratty first grader inhabiting the Oval Office? Then again, there are far too many Americans who, scary as it is, are about the same age emotionally as a first grader and they are the ones cheering Trump on. There is a vast difference between being a "killer" rich guy and an emotionally and intellectually mature person who recognizes the complex issues and problems we are now facing. I for one, prefer the latter as my choice for president, and that is Bernie Sanders.
10
I was a 1969 Army draftee. I served from 1969-1972.
Being a product of Public Schools, I must confess that I cannot speak with authority regarding how "military" Trump's Military training and environment actually was, but I will say this.
If his experiences involved living in more miserable conditions than I endured whether they be barracks where you are packed in like sardines or out in the field suffering under broiling heat or freezing cold while subsisting on inedible food and constantly fearing for your life, then I guess he has a point.
Vietnam may have been a mistake but "snooks" like me didn't have access to doctors who would diagnose bone spurs along with friendly draft boards.
No, the kids from the mines, the mills, the fields, and the ghettos who didn't enjoy matriculation at elite military academies carried the load in Vietnam. Mr. Trump needed to rest those "danged" bone spurs.
Being a product of Public Schools, I must confess that I cannot speak with authority regarding how "military" Trump's Military training and environment actually was, but I will say this.
If his experiences involved living in more miserable conditions than I endured whether they be barracks where you are packed in like sardines or out in the field suffering under broiling heat or freezing cold while subsisting on inedible food and constantly fearing for your life, then I guess he has a point.
Vietnam may have been a mistake but "snooks" like me didn't have access to doctors who would diagnose bone spurs along with friendly draft boards.
No, the kids from the mines, the mills, the fields, and the ghettos who didn't enjoy matriculation at elite military academies carried the load in Vietnam. Mr. Trump needed to rest those "danged" bone spurs.
16
Da Donald is a typical chicken hawk who dodges tough questions and spins his Wharton rhetoric. Fascinating, that it took Trump to stir the voters anxiety about the political system on capitol hill. The voter reaction suggests that they were in denial and now, because of Trump, they all of a sudden see the corruption in politics. One should beware of false prophets; especially the one that says he will make America great, when in fact it's the profiteering and power that has contributed to the fantasy of exceptionalism. Now the inquisition is against illegal immigrants in spite of congressional dysfunctional failures to legislate a comprehensive immigration reform.
3
The Nation has been captured by the narcissists created by an unselective media.
7
The media is plenty selective. Where are the serious articles about Bernie Sanders?
“more training militarily than a lot of the guys that go into the military.”
JFK was on a PT boat when it was sunk by the Japanese, he survived and saved members of the crew in the process. IKE led the EEF during WWII he had to send troops into harms way to liberate Europe. T. Roosevelt fought in the Spanish_American War and led the charge of San Juan Hill. George Washington fought as general in the American revolution. US Grant fought as a general in the Civil War. These men knew what it was like to be in the military, knew the sacrifice and knew the training.
Mr. Trump attending a Military Style Prep School doe snot register on the radar. Not for these presidents nor for the men and women who fought, survived or die, in our wars. It would be an insult to our veterans, and those who are in current service, to have Mr. Trump Commander in Chief.
No. It is not a requirement to serve in the military to be president. Many presidents did not. But, understanding of the military, its training, its traditions and the sacrifices, certainly is a requirement.
What will Mr. Trump do when the phone rings at 3 AM; say "you're fired"? History is full of megalomaniac leaders; the United States should not add another one to the list.
JFK was on a PT boat when it was sunk by the Japanese, he survived and saved members of the crew in the process. IKE led the EEF during WWII he had to send troops into harms way to liberate Europe. T. Roosevelt fought in the Spanish_American War and led the charge of San Juan Hill. George Washington fought as general in the American revolution. US Grant fought as a general in the Civil War. These men knew what it was like to be in the military, knew the sacrifice and knew the training.
Mr. Trump attending a Military Style Prep School doe snot register on the radar. Not for these presidents nor for the men and women who fought, survived or die, in our wars. It would be an insult to our veterans, and those who are in current service, to have Mr. Trump Commander in Chief.
No. It is not a requirement to serve in the military to be president. Many presidents did not. But, understanding of the military, its training, its traditions and the sacrifices, certainly is a requirement.
What will Mr. Trump do when the phone rings at 3 AM; say "you're fired"? History is full of megalomaniac leaders; the United States should not add another one to the list.
12
so you are opposed to the excitment we had under Bush JR?
Why on earth is military service, or the vague hint of it, considered de rigeur for anyone seeking higher office?
And why do politicians feel it necessary to trump up their experiences to make it seem as though they had?
Luckily I was a too young to be of draft age then, but from my dim memory, Vietnam was a pointless horror show that not only killed and maimed countless people and wasted vast resources, but also destroyed the psyches and lives of unknowable numbers of others.
To my mind, anyone who was able to avoid "serving" in that fiasco was combination of smart and lucky.
And why do politicians feel it necessary to trump up their experiences to make it seem as though they had?
Luckily I was a too young to be of draft age then, but from my dim memory, Vietnam was a pointless horror show that not only killed and maimed countless people and wasted vast resources, but also destroyed the psyches and lives of unknowable numbers of others.
To my mind, anyone who was able to avoid "serving" in that fiasco was combination of smart and lucky.
70
Military service has forever been a mark of commitment to Country. It may be a false positive but many of our Nation's leaders have served and served honorably. A partial roll call: George Washington, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy. You could do worse than be in their company.
1
Military service is "de rigeur for anyone seeking political office" because it is evidence of a commitment to country that those who lack it do not share.
The implication of the statement that anyone who avoided serving in Vietnam was "smart" is that those who did serve were "dumb". Your own ignorance and arrogance concerning the real nature of military service is as appalling as Trump's assertion that private military school is tantamount to actual military service.
The implication of the statement that anyone who avoided serving in Vietnam was "smart" is that those who did serve were "dumb". Your own ignorance and arrogance concerning the real nature of military service is as appalling as Trump's assertion that private military school is tantamount to actual military service.
1
And most of them were rich!
1
In every recent election the media pontificates on how the electorate is done with conventional politicians are gravitate towards the outsider. But somehow the establishments preferred candidate wins out. Why is that? I cannot, as much as I try, see the current crop of presidential candidates as worthy of the position.
1
Every time we have a Republican Presidential candidate or President, we have an American Legion or VFW leadership fawning over them. Here we have Trump making these absurd claims comparing going to private school to serving in the military and these two veterans organizations are silent! Why is that? Are they really so partisan that they'll swallow Trump's ridiculous claims without comment?
6
Judging by the mean spirited remarks of some of ur commenters, one would think that DT was the only presidential candidate to avoid serving in the military. But what about Clinton, the serial abuser of women among other flaws in his character that the left has ignored? Did he not get a series of deferments, a fact conveniently passed over as inconsequential by his supporters? Is Barack Obama, who might have volunteered, but chose to be a community organizer instead, blameworthy as well. The last President to serve was George Bush sr. But, so what? What is important is that if he is elected president, that he lives up to the promises made on the campaign trail. Remember, DT is the only one speaking up for the most maligned class in America, working people,white and those of color, who see their futures being compromised by both parties.
1
No one is judging him on serving or not serving, what vets and others like me are saying is that Military style boarding school is not the same as serving in the military. The comparison of the two is frankly insulting to vets. I guess yet another group he will magically gets votes from by insulting them.
1
Clinton (and other Dems) did not support Vietnam ...Republicans like Cheney and Shrub were big supporters of Vietnam - but evaded service. . Hence the term "chicken hawks." To be fair to Trump, i don't know what his position was. If he was gung ho for the war, then he shouldn't have avoided service.
, DT is the only one speaking up for the most maligned class in America, working people,white and those of color, who see their futures being compromised by both parties.
I agree. this is the sad part. So many of politicians both parties treat (or have treated) the middle and lower middle class with such disdain that is it any surprise a popularist like Trump would make headway among these groups? This is what so many commentors on this thread just, sadly, do not see.
I agree. this is the sad part. So many of politicians both parties treat (or have treated) the middle and lower middle class with such disdain that is it any surprise a popularist like Trump would make headway among these groups? This is what so many commentors on this thread just, sadly, do not see.
He certainly didn't feel like winning the war in Vietnam since he was a draft dodger.
17
but Cheney, Reagan, Bush Jr. and Clinton also avoided the draft. Does that mean they did not feeling like wining the war? Liberterians understand that one does not have to serve to be a Patriot. Why do liberals, unlike Ayn Rand, not understand?
“ ... and once they can figure you out, you’re in big trouble.”
Wow, what a mental midget! Hey, Donald, most of us figured you out long ago. You've been in big trouble for ages; you're just too dumb to realize it!
Wow, what a mental midget! Hey, Donald, most of us figured you out long ago. You've been in big trouble for ages; you're just too dumb to realize it!
28
My son is presently in basic training in the Army. He graduated from a college prep school. I do not get to see him for Spring Break. I will see him when he has leave and when he returns from deployment. I did not stay awake at night while he was attending prep school wondering if he would be shot, maimed or killed. I did not spend nights during his expensive prep school years (like the Donald) wondering if he would leave with PTSD.
I resent Trump's assertion that prep school and military service are in any way alike. Shame on him.
Julie Evert
I resent Trump's assertion that prep school and military service are in any way alike. Shame on him.
Julie Evert
435
We have all kinds of crazy claims. Like Walker's claim that fighting State Workers unions qualifies him to fight ISIS.
13
Trump reminds us of a noisy, off-key, multi-colored, steam driven circus-- calliope! Imagine having to listen to his tripe for 4 years!!
My daughter turned down a soccer scholie for college to join the Navy because she just didn't know what to major in and felt she hadn't given much back to the community in her life to that point.
Trump's philosophy would be that she was a fool and a chump. In fact, she's a a consummate professional who can be pround to be one of the "Other 1%" compared to Trump's whooping and hollering about his place in the financial strata's equivalent.
Trump's philosophy would be that she was a fool and a chump. In fact, she's a a consummate professional who can be pround to be one of the "Other 1%" compared to Trump's whooping and hollering about his place in the financial strata's equivalent.
1
How long before this populist, opportunist vulgarian goes away? It can't be soon enough. Will the Republican establishment grow a pair and buy this creep off before their party looks like an even bigger disgrace than it already is. The clown-car analogy is just perfect for their 17, or so, candidates, only 2 of which have even a remote chance of ever occupying the White House. Republicans should be very alarmed about who their party attracts to its ranks. Trump as President is a laughable calamity. As they used to say on the vaudeville circuit, get the hook for this performer.
21
Robin, I detect some envy here.
Trump has not evolved since first grade, by his own account. Says it all, doesn't it?
25
No, actually it doesn't say it all. He hasn't evolved since two years of age. It is at that age that behavioral psychologists say the personality is set in stone.
"Let me tell you, my first deployment was to Fifth Avenue, and it was very, very dangerous. But because I'm not stupid, I never got captured during any of the parades those dumb ethnic groups hold there every year. And then when I flew my very expensive helicopter to my golf course, which by the way is the greatest golf course in the world because I built it and nobody can build one better than I can, we had to take evasive action to dodge all those incoming golf balls. But because I hire only very smart people, although let's be honest nobody is as smart as I am, we never got shot down."
49
but the questions is, does he put highly classified material on non-secure and non-govt email systems (thus handing them to foreign powers)?
Rich, you made my day!! You captured him exactly. Could not stop laughing if it were not so sad that our political class has been degraded to the point that people want this obviously flawed beyond belief character for President.
Considering Donald Trump's contempt for anyone and everyone he deems
unworthy of the respect due himself I'm glad I served at an much earlier
time, when Nixon was C in C. At least we knew he was an unstable paranoid.
unworthy of the respect due himself I'm glad I served at an much earlier
time, when Nixon was C in C. At least we knew he was an unstable paranoid.
10
I'd be more inclined to give Mr. Trump credit on this one if he had gone to public school in Newark.
23
I actually did go to public school in Newark, grades 1-6. And I think it gave me insights that those who went to school in Chatham and Livingstone never gained.
11
No, Mr. Trump. As a Vietnam-era veteran I salute you with my middle finger. Eternally.
Did you ever think that someone might have died because you weren't there to help them fight?
Did you ever think that someone might have died because you weren't there to help them fight?
63
After reading about the pillow fight that left several West Point cadets injured and sent one to the hospital; this makes a lot of sense.
Of course there is nothing like going to the ex-wives for a balanced opinion.
Of course there is nothing like going to the ex-wives for a balanced opinion.
12
There goes the vet vote.
19
Oh, I doubt it. At some point Trumpet will promise to spend more on defense and like Pavlov's dog they'll come running.
"more military training than a lot of guys that go into the military."
As a former Air Force officer, I say "How the hell would Trump know what it's like to be in the military?"
To use language he can relate to, Trump is just a silver spoon-fed entitled-felt spoiled brat who has no idea what it's like to even be a regular American. HE would have never made it in life without getting a huge kickstart from his dad. Trump is not a very intelligent man, and if he defines his life as a success, he has much to learn spiritually, emotionoally, holistically. The people who are agreeing with hm are [and my apologies for the frankness] are an uneducated, bigoted, rednecked lot. And, if he wins even the GOP nomination, then I fear our country has more of these types than I ever imagined.
As a former Air Force officer, I say "How the hell would Trump know what it's like to be in the military?"
To use language he can relate to, Trump is just a silver spoon-fed entitled-felt spoiled brat who has no idea what it's like to even be a regular American. HE would have never made it in life without getting a huge kickstart from his dad. Trump is not a very intelligent man, and if he defines his life as a success, he has much to learn spiritually, emotionoally, holistically. The people who are agreeing with hm are [and my apologies for the frankness] are an uneducated, bigoted, rednecked lot. And, if he wins even the GOP nomination, then I fear our country has more of these types than I ever imagined.
60
And, if he wins even the GOP nomination, then I fear our country has more of these types than I ever imagined.
considering his positions in the polls I think your fear is already greater than you imagined!!
considering his positions in the polls I think your fear is already greater than you imagined!!
I love the pairing of a Viagra banner ad atop the article on Trump's lack of presidential substance.
13
I suppose for Trump, eating a corned beef sandwich on rye, is the equivalent of liberating a death camp in WWII.
Is there any stage in the world big enough for his ego?
Is there any stage in the world big enough for his ego?
24
Trump is a ink blot for his supporters. They see in him whatever they want.
The rest of us may see a crude demagogue (e.g., the nasty little brute on display in Anthony Baxter's 'You've Been Trumped,' which explores Trump's hateful retaliation against a few ordinary Scotsmen who made the mistake of resisting his Caligulan vision for a billion dollar golf course on the Scottish coast).
The Trumpeteers, though, see something quite different in those ink blots.
Raging white folks see an unapologetic crusader for white superiority and hegemony, a valiant defender of the long-suffering white race.
Sexually-disturbed men see a man who gets away with marginalizing women and treating them with contempt and indifference the way God intended.
Angry cops see a man who will turn them loose on the "thugs" without criticism or restraint: no rules, no consequences, no questions, license to kill.
Angry 'Christians' see a man who only violates the commandments they don't care about (they forgive him--they're Christians) but upholds Jesus' endorsement of straight marriage, guns, white supremacy, 100% Americanism and the accumulation of vast wealth--the Gospel of the Sacred American Id.
Now that I've stopped believing we can be saved from ourselves--what's the point?--I can sit back and watch with the clear eyes of, say, a German socialist circa 1932. We've declined, we've fallen, the worst is just around the corner. While it won't be pretty, it will make for quite the spectacle.
The rest of us may see a crude demagogue (e.g., the nasty little brute on display in Anthony Baxter's 'You've Been Trumped,' which explores Trump's hateful retaliation against a few ordinary Scotsmen who made the mistake of resisting his Caligulan vision for a billion dollar golf course on the Scottish coast).
The Trumpeteers, though, see something quite different in those ink blots.
Raging white folks see an unapologetic crusader for white superiority and hegemony, a valiant defender of the long-suffering white race.
Sexually-disturbed men see a man who gets away with marginalizing women and treating them with contempt and indifference the way God intended.
Angry cops see a man who will turn them loose on the "thugs" without criticism or restraint: no rules, no consequences, no questions, license to kill.
Angry 'Christians' see a man who only violates the commandments they don't care about (they forgive him--they're Christians) but upholds Jesus' endorsement of straight marriage, guns, white supremacy, 100% Americanism and the accumulation of vast wealth--the Gospel of the Sacred American Id.
Now that I've stopped believing we can be saved from ourselves--what's the point?--I can sit back and watch with the clear eyes of, say, a German socialist circa 1932. We've declined, we've fallen, the worst is just around the corner. While it won't be pretty, it will make for quite the spectacle.
34
"...when I look at myself in the first grade and I look at myself now, I’m basically the same. The temperament is not that different.” Huh, Trump finally says something I can completely agree with.
329
Yes, at heart he is still a petulant child, still has the same pouty face.
In other words, Donald Trump is admitting that he never grew up. He's still a little narcissistic brat!
I believe Freud said the Id is ageless. Trump's comments reflect that aspect, but that doesn't mean we don't change, too.
Lets Thank Mr. Trump for Admitting openly about his knowledge of Military Services is based on him being in a Military Theme School lolsss and also tell him By that logic I guess all who Plays Call Of Duty and Other Military Theme Games Are Equally Knowledgeable as you :D
8
These are only excerpts from the book, and, I don't know whether the author has an axe to grind.
However, those excerpts convince me that this is a very dangerous man. he seems almost as delusional as Vladimir Putin.
Whether a person is liberal or conservative, how can a rational human being want this man to lead our Country?
However, those excerpts convince me that this is a very dangerous man. he seems almost as delusional as Vladimir Putin.
Whether a person is liberal or conservative, how can a rational human being want this man to lead our Country?
66
Why would a rational human being want this man to lead our country? It is simple, if even a W presidency can't get the non-voters out to vote, then Trump is what this country deserves. Perhaps 4 years of Trump will re-instill some sense of civic duty into the lazy masses who stay home on Election Day.
Patrick,
according to current polls about a third of US citizens want him to. What are you implying about US society? Think about it.
according to current polls about a third of US citizens want him to. What are you implying about US society? Think about it.
He is exactly like Putin........both angry little boys. But at least Putin conned his own way into power. Trump was essentially a welfare recipient.......from his father.
1
Wow. The most revealing part of this is how Trump just tabled the conversations out of pique for the author doing due diligence on his research subject.
But cast that aside to look at his truly nutty claim about military-style school resembling true military training, better than even today's soldiers. He might want to walk that one back--nobody, but nobody, can believe a fancy pricey prep school with a few former military instructors can come close to true military training. Reform school, yeah, sure--not the military.
For me this line sums up Trump in a bottle: "Perhaps his most revealing statement applies to the time-honored virtue of self-reflection. Mr. Trump is not in favor of it."
He probably doesn't want to look too deeply inside himself, because he might detest what he finds.
But cast that aside to look at his truly nutty claim about military-style school resembling true military training, better than even today's soldiers. He might want to walk that one back--nobody, but nobody, can believe a fancy pricey prep school with a few former military instructors can come close to true military training. Reform school, yeah, sure--not the military.
For me this line sums up Trump in a bottle: "Perhaps his most revealing statement applies to the time-honored virtue of self-reflection. Mr. Trump is not in favor of it."
He probably doesn't want to look too deeply inside himself, because he might detest what he finds.
12
No, Christine, he'd love what he sees inside himself. Self love nourishes itself with self approval. Trump views himself through rose-colored blinders.
Donald Trump: America's answer to Vladimir Putin.
11
There is a line that he will cross that will be his downfall. It won't be an insult--he has already insulted everyone. It will be a moment in a debate when his ignorance or dishonesty is exposed in an embarrassing way and he will not be able to bluster through it. He will have a version of a Rick Perry campaign crusher. After that he will hang on and continue to finger point, but from then on his peak will be in the rear view mirror. Let's hope the other Republican candidates are sharpening their rhetorical knives for him.
4
It's clear TRUMP!! is narcissistic. He meets almost all of the criteria in the DSM-5 for the diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder. Those with identifiable personality disorders, often lack insight, and real change is difficult Bingo!
8
Bush: Trump is this-this-this-and-this!
Trump: Lol yeah whatever, Paid-For.
Clinton: Trump is this-this-this-and-this!
Trump: Lol yeah whatever, Paid-For.
Trump: Lol yeah whatever, Paid-For.
Clinton: Trump is this-this-this-and-this!
Trump: Lol yeah whatever, Paid-For.
2
Out two most disastrous, over reaching, all war all the time, Commander's in Chief Reagan and Bush the war criminal share one defining trait with Trump.
All three are active war dodging cowards.
Reagan and Bush the war criminal have already shamed us with arming Saddam Hussein, death squads in El Salvador, genocide in Guatemala, making torture USG policy, subcontracting torture to, among other's, Bashar al Assad of Syria.
Would a President Trump feel, like Reagan and Bush, the need to play a tough guy with the lives of other people's children and vast numbers of innocents abroad?
Only those who have never been IN a war think it a good thing.
Crashed Three Planes McCain a noted exception.
All three are active war dodging cowards.
Reagan and Bush the war criminal have already shamed us with arming Saddam Hussein, death squads in El Salvador, genocide in Guatemala, making torture USG policy, subcontracting torture to, among other's, Bashar al Assad of Syria.
Would a President Trump feel, like Reagan and Bush, the need to play a tough guy with the lives of other people's children and vast numbers of innocents abroad?
Only those who have never been IN a war think it a good thing.
Crashed Three Planes McCain a noted exception.
20
"I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity." - Dwight D. Eisenhower
McCain crashed five planes, if you include the bomber he piloted when he was shot down.
The Donald is the only entertaining candidate of the whole sad windbag lot. The presidency is largely is a decorative posting, and what Americans really need is more entertainment. He'll be fun. He could tell Congress,"You're fired!". He could cut a deal to buy the Capitol building and convert it into luxury condos and a shopping mall. The Donald for President!
3
At one point when I was growing up I visited Kew-Forest for a round of interviews. Ultimately, I didn't go there and went to the public schools instead. Being from Kew Gardens it wasn't that far from home. I didn't need a Prep School to remind me right from wrong and keeping with social decorum.
I learned a few years ago that Donald Trump went to Kew-Forest. My initial reaction was that he's giving that school a bad reference when he was actually the troublemaker.
I learned a few years ago that Donald Trump went to Kew-Forest. My initial reaction was that he's giving that school a bad reference when he was actually the troublemaker.
8
Too shallow for an existential crisis. Perhaps this is the only saving grace of the absence of self examination.
12
Up until now,although I don't like Trump I haven't taken his remarks personally.But as an Air Force veteran ( 1966-'70 ) his comparison to being in the military offends me.First because his parents could have pulled him out the school at any time of their choosing.While I and my fellow airmen were obligated to the full 4 years if we wanted honorable discharges.2nd,unlike us while he was in the school he was in no danger of being sent to Vietnam.In contrast I and others like me had the choice of volunteering in a branch of the real military or waiting to be drafted because we our parents weren't wealthy enough to buy our way into Trump's type of faux military.He owes ALL genuine veterans an apology.He is right,though,that Vietnam was a mistake.
30
He has no clue!
7
Mr. Trump memorably told Mr. D’Antonio that “when I look at myself in the first grade and I look at myself now, I’m basically the same. The temperament is not that different.”
I believe there is a term for that: Arrested Development.
I believe there is a term for that: Arrested Development.
70
A car seat? I would have been more impressed with college tuition.
25
that could have been a very expensive car seat (maybe gold plated).
Blah, blah blah ... Trump is the ultimate narcissist who thinks he is smarter than any of us mortals who didn't have daddy's money and connections to parlay into a fortune which benefits no one but him. I can't believe how many Republicans have already swallowed a large dose of the Donald's kool-aid. Trump is just the most visible symptom of the sicknesses plaguing our political system.
29
If you look at the recent Republican administration of George W Bush, you have a President who spent the VietNam war in an Air National Guard unit in a totally non combat role. When offered the option of serving on the VietNam air front, Bush declined. Being of about the same age as President Bush, at least where I lived, the waiting lists to get into any National Guard unit at the time were impossibly long unless "you knew somebody". His service in the National Guard sort of petered out at the end, when he transferred to another state's Guard, and it seems nobody remembers seeing him there.
Others in his administration who set policy did even worse, with long strings of deferments, including Vice President Cheney, UN Ambassador Bolton, Paul Wolfowitz, and most others in policy positions. Indeed, the person with the best military credentials, Colin Powell, was largely an outsider in setting our miltaristic policies.
The 2012 Republican nominee, Mitt Romney, while carrying a pro-VietNam war sign in college, avoided service through Mormon missionary work in France. President Obama was never in the military. Nor did President Clinton.
Presidential candidates Gore and Kerry did serve, both lost. Jeb! never served, but is surrounding himself with the same neocons from the last Bush administration.
So exactly why should it bother me that Donald Trump never served in the military?
Others in his administration who set policy did even worse, with long strings of deferments, including Vice President Cheney, UN Ambassador Bolton, Paul Wolfowitz, and most others in policy positions. Indeed, the person with the best military credentials, Colin Powell, was largely an outsider in setting our miltaristic policies.
The 2012 Republican nominee, Mitt Romney, while carrying a pro-VietNam war sign in college, avoided service through Mormon missionary work in France. President Obama was never in the military. Nor did President Clinton.
Presidential candidates Gore and Kerry did serve, both lost. Jeb! never served, but is surrounding himself with the same neocons from the last Bush administration.
So exactly why should it bother me that Donald Trump never served in the military?
12
I have no problem with him not serving in the military. I have a problem with him claiming that the high school he went to was equivalent.
It shouldn't, but the fact he has the gall to compare his experience in high school to actually serving should.
Ah, maybe because he's and out of control megalomaniac. Just sayin' ---.
I went to a lot of rock n roll concerts throughout my life; that doesn't make me Eric Clapton.
627
According to Trump you're a bona fide Rock Star!
Reminds me of Joan Cusak's great line in "Working Girl": "Sometimes I dance around the house in my underwear. Doesn't make me Madonna."
But in today's society thinking you are a particular sex qualifies you as such so why shouldn't feeling you were in the military qualify as being in the military?
And his bankruptcies are the equivalent of running a bank. You won't find this story on CNN or Fox.
11
It is called, " The Dark Triad". it is a group of personality disorders
1) Sociopath...lack of empathy for others.
2) Narcissist...
3) Machiavellianism...intense desire to control others
unfortunately these disorders cannot be controlled by medication.
1) Sociopath...lack of empathy for others.
2) Narcissist...
3) Machiavellianism...intense desire to control others
unfortunately these disorders cannot be controlled by medication.
27
It's insanity, clearly. And a sense of inferiority that constant self
aggrandizement and bragging can't begin to cure.
Whether it has a special psychiatric name is beside the point. Though
a hint of what ails him is interesting.
aggrandizement and bragging can't begin to cure.
Whether it has a special psychiatric name is beside the point. Though
a hint of what ails him is interesting.
Well put. That about sums him up!
Trump would not have survived the first 24 hours of Army Basic Training in 1968, the year I entered service. Hell, he wouldn't have survived to even enter the New York Military Academy if he had tangled with my band teacher, Ms. Huntsberger, at Edison Jr. High in Waterloo, IA. Barely 5 feet tall, she could mop the floor with the biggest, baddest bully at Edison. And did.
I have neither the inclination nor the need to read this book. Trump himself provides on a daily basis all the reasons one needs to ignore him. Imagine Donald at an international summit pouting because he is not the only one who gets to speak. The Pout! Only the pout would suffice as his official White House portrait. Never was the saying a picture is worth a thousand words ever truer.
And his largesse!! How thoughtful of a multi-billionaire to surprise his chauffeur with a $30 car seat, delivered to the hospital no less(!), upon the birth of his baby. The heart flutters, eyes glisten and tears threaten to spill from their corners. Boundless generosity has just become another Trump trademark.
Please. Just make him go away.
I have neither the inclination nor the need to read this book. Trump himself provides on a daily basis all the reasons one needs to ignore him. Imagine Donald at an international summit pouting because he is not the only one who gets to speak. The Pout! Only the pout would suffice as his official White House portrait. Never was the saying a picture is worth a thousand words ever truer.
And his largesse!! How thoughtful of a multi-billionaire to surprise his chauffeur with a $30 car seat, delivered to the hospital no less(!), upon the birth of his baby. The heart flutters, eyes glisten and tears threaten to spill from their corners. Boundless generosity has just become another Trump trademark.
Please. Just make him go away.
47
Why is this slavish pursuit of Trump's story about himself being printed?
4
Trump, a bully? He never faces off with anyone who threatens remotely to take him down. Any volunteers?
7
Trump, Rick Perry, GWBush, all think they actually served their country. Trump's view is only slightly more ridiculous than Bush's or Perry's but the fact is I didn't see any of them in South Viet Nam. Also missing in action were virtually all of the neocons. However none of them having any compunction about your kids in harms way. Restore the draft and require national service from all.
43
At "military school," Mr. Trump was not under threat of imminent death, dismemberment, or capture.
The comparison is false. And it is an insult to all who have served this country.
The comparison is false. And it is an insult to all who have served this country.
34
Larry, that depends on the location of this school. If it was in an "inner city" area the odds would be great.
Now, *this is OFFENSIVE!*
What is with people and Trump? What is shameless narcissism and boastful, self-centered promotion is seen by many as positive character traits. His over confidence is just that: the certainty that many born on third base have that everything will come out OK. Money really buys a raftload of advantages, and Trump has known them all.
People conveniently forget his countless petty social feuds with other celebrities, the many "flatlander" grade gaffes... where he put his foot in his mouth in spectacular fashion, and of course the many bad business deals that hurt many an investor, and caused varied levels of bankrupties. For the amount of money he came from, he's just not done that well over the number of decades he's been at the game. If ever there was such a thing as an "unsuccessful billionaire," Trump is it.
Only Trump would equate being in a military school for spoiled rich kids to being in the military. Only Trump would declare it as equivalent to the real thing, and not see what was wrong with it. A Democrat making a remark like this would be hustled out of the race by his own Party, let alone the GOTP.
John Kerry is STILL sneered at by the Right for his Real and Heroic service. Will Trump be celebrated for his imaginary service by the same people?
I am reminded of the Right-Wingers who still curse Obama's understanding of the Constitution, even though he was a Constitutional Professor. This Party can't tell real from fake.
What is with people and Trump? What is shameless narcissism and boastful, self-centered promotion is seen by many as positive character traits. His over confidence is just that: the certainty that many born on third base have that everything will come out OK. Money really buys a raftload of advantages, and Trump has known them all.
People conveniently forget his countless petty social feuds with other celebrities, the many "flatlander" grade gaffes... where he put his foot in his mouth in spectacular fashion, and of course the many bad business deals that hurt many an investor, and caused varied levels of bankrupties. For the amount of money he came from, he's just not done that well over the number of decades he's been at the game. If ever there was such a thing as an "unsuccessful billionaire," Trump is it.
Only Trump would equate being in a military school for spoiled rich kids to being in the military. Only Trump would declare it as equivalent to the real thing, and not see what was wrong with it. A Democrat making a remark like this would be hustled out of the race by his own Party, let alone the GOTP.
John Kerry is STILL sneered at by the Right for his Real and Heroic service. Will Trump be celebrated for his imaginary service by the same people?
I am reminded of the Right-Wingers who still curse Obama's understanding of the Constitution, even though he was a Constitutional Professor. This Party can't tell real from fake.
43
I suggest people look at his last book: "Time To Get Tough."
Written after the first Obama term, it may surprise those who both like and dislike him.
Written after the first Obama term, it may surprise those who both like and dislike him.
I'll read it when Trump does.
can you save us the pain of reading it and provide some names from the book? NOt judging, just curious
Hardly a surprise that a delusional, egotistical, self-serving buffoon would have a biography full of delusional, egotistical, self-serving claims. Prep school for rich brats who hit teachers, military styled or not, is not at all like serving in the military. He's never had any real military training, rather than his ridiculous claim of having more than military personnel have had.
Still stuns me that so many Americans worship this clown, this business failure, this shouting pumpkin full of lies. I can only pray for his utter defeat, for if by some catastrophe he actually became president, our country would go to hell in a handbasket at top speed.
Still stuns me that so many Americans worship this clown, this business failure, this shouting pumpkin full of lies. I can only pray for his utter defeat, for if by some catastrophe he actually became president, our country would go to hell in a handbasket at top speed.
62
"The hood ornament on the flaming dumpster fire that is the republican parade."
R. Law
R. Law
1
I grew up in the same era as Trump. The differences between us, however, were many. I was a poor boy from Detroit trying to get through graduate school at Mich. State. My mother lost two brothers in previouus wars and was adament that I wouldn't be her third loss. She didn't prevail! Grad students lost their deferments at that time and I was drafted since I was neither connected polictcally nor did I know anyone in the medical community that would lie for me.
I find it personally insulting that Trump would compare his tenure in a rich boy miltary academy to the service of the brave men and women who had little choice but to become involved in the Vietnam tragity. It puts to mind of other hawks of that era like Dan Quale who chose to serve in that famous fighting unit the Indiana National Grard rather than take his chances with the draft.
I find it personally insulting that Trump would compare his tenure in a rich boy miltary academy to the service of the brave men and women who had little choice but to become involved in the Vietnam tragity. It puts to mind of other hawks of that era like Dan Quale who chose to serve in that famous fighting unit the Indiana National Grard rather than take his chances with the draft.
508
The list goes on and on and on, since the dawn of time: Cowards who pick a fight and then hide behind mama's skirts when it's time to get down and dirty.
1
I wonder what Gen. Patton might have thought of this comparison.
Just as a political side-note.
The state National Guard units never saw military action in the Viet Nam War, thus were highly sought positions for anyone 1-A.
Dan Quayle was just following the move made by many "Sons of the Influential" just like former president George "Mission Accomplished" Bush, he of the Texas National Guard a/k/a The Confederate Air Force.
The state National Guard units never saw military action in the Viet Nam War, thus were highly sought positions for anyone 1-A.
Dan Quayle was just following the move made by many "Sons of the Influential" just like former president George "Mission Accomplished" Bush, he of the Texas National Guard a/k/a The Confederate Air Force.
1
Psychopathy is a hell of a drug.
21
Let us not forget that many of the same people who support Genral Trump belittled a real war veteran, John Kerry, back in 2004. I still am angered by the images of those entitled Republicans wearing band aids to the RNC convention mocking Kerry's Purple Heart. The issue here is not Trump, it is the people who support him.
106
Er, um, I don't think they shot at you and aimed to kill with real bullets at NYMA, and you could always quit and go home if you didn't like playing military games. There was also no opportunity for you to get captured and spend years doing hard time in a torture hellhole in a jungle somewheres. And the Academy apparently didn't see any reason to defer you from their military training due some little problem with your feet. Strange you could easily qualify for five years of grueling heavy combat training at the Academy, but yet you quickly got deferred from serving in the real military.
25
As a veteran of five years' service during the Viet-Nam war, I find Mr. Trump's comparison odious. Unfortunately, the part he doesn't seem to understand is the second word in "military service."
27
No, I didn't play football in the NFL, but I did play touch growing up. I can vouch that we all imagined ourselves on the big stage. Then we grew up.
27
Trump's candidacy (the fact that there is even is a Trump candidacy) is a reflection on current American culture where put downs, narcissism, simplistic thought processes and self indulgence are actively celebrated and rewarded on mainstream television and social media day in and day out. The sense of civility and thinking it through and then discussing disagreements and meeting in the middle is long gone. People simply enjoy the visceral shock value and the superficiality of thought is then accepted. The worry all of us should have is this is how demagogues get into power.
36
My bet is, most if not all of the supporters of Trump have no idea what the word 'demagogue' means. That, plus the current American culture you refer to, equals a great potential tragedy for our country, and presently, a continuing slow-motion political train wreck that the media, sadly reflecting that culture, is apparently mesmerized with.
We are not, obviously, any longer a first world country.
The rigged hanging chad election of George W. Bush was a hill too far.
The carrying out of that election and the wars that Israel
pushed us into, with vile press sealing the deal, has clearly been
the beginning of the end.
And now Trump.
The rigged hanging chad election of George W. Bush was a hill too far.
The carrying out of that election and the wars that Israel
pushed us into, with vile press sealing the deal, has clearly been
the beginning of the end.
And now Trump.
Wow, never thought about it n that respect, but so true! Well said!
I don't mind the sons of middle class and wealthy people from that era getting a deferment because they were in college etc... or getting in a cushy champagne U.S. based National Guard unit during the Vietnam War because they had connections.
I wouldn't have wanted to fight in the jungles of Vietnam for a year either.
But - just be honest about it.
I wouldn't have wanted to fight in the jungles of Vietnam for a year either.
But - just be honest about it.
11
Mr. Trump,
I understand why you don't respect the types of people who support you. But, the rest,,,they figured you out.
I understand why you don't respect the types of people who support you. But, the rest,,,they figured you out.
22
When I was reclassified 1A in 1967, I looked for a way to avoid serving. At my physical I presented a list of maladies all for naught. I had a frank discussion with my father, a WWII veteran, who advised me to serve honorably and seek a specialty that would keep me safe. I enlisted in the Air Force a week later. My father never told me I was a king; he did teach me honor and duty.
62
Thanks for going, Mel ( I did too). You did the right thing.
I did the same thing in 1965-1A and I enlisted in the Air Force. I also went to a high school military academy and it gave me great insight into the military mind that served me well in the service.
Gee, when will it end? You tell me that a prep school for the elite has the same effect as serving our country?
The Chief from Cali
The Chief from Cali
11
Whether intentional or not, The Trumpster is a walking parody of what the Republican Party has become: Highly manipulative, narcissistic, materialistic, self-serving, unreflective and simplistic thinking, and no pangs of conscience when promoting blatant lies or scapegoating the vulnerable and less fortunate.
Sometimes I think Trump is just having fun poking his fingers in the eyes of the sanctimonious Republican party of oligarchs and bigots. It has to be tongue-in-cheek when Trump claims his military prep school experience is equivalent to military service--even in some ways more difficult.
Perfect parody of all the Republican neocons and war mongers beating the drums for war anywhere and everywhere, though these paper tigers never served in combat much less the military.
So I am enjoying The Donald's satire, if that is what it is. But what if it is not, and he seriously believes he can and should be elected POTUS of 320 million citizens and the richest, most powerful country in the world?
If this is not parody and satire, then its antisocial personality disorder: "a long-standing pattern of a disregard for other people’s rights, often crossing the line and violating those rights. It usually begins in childhood or as a teen and continues into their adult lives." (http://psychcentral.com/disorders/antisocial-personality-disorder-sympto...
Place your bets, because Trump is beating the other dull GOP primary candidates in the polls as well as H. Clinton.
Sometimes I think Trump is just having fun poking his fingers in the eyes of the sanctimonious Republican party of oligarchs and bigots. It has to be tongue-in-cheek when Trump claims his military prep school experience is equivalent to military service--even in some ways more difficult.
Perfect parody of all the Republican neocons and war mongers beating the drums for war anywhere and everywhere, though these paper tigers never served in combat much less the military.
So I am enjoying The Donald's satire, if that is what it is. But what if it is not, and he seriously believes he can and should be elected POTUS of 320 million citizens and the richest, most powerful country in the world?
If this is not parody and satire, then its antisocial personality disorder: "a long-standing pattern of a disregard for other people’s rights, often crossing the line and violating those rights. It usually begins in childhood or as a teen and continues into their adult lives." (http://psychcentral.com/disorders/antisocial-personality-disorder-sympto...
Place your bets, because Trump is beating the other dull GOP primary candidates in the polls as well as H. Clinton.
37
Using that sort of logic, I could describe my last hour this way: My traffic ticket was the officer's way of saying hello. My child only meant to show love with his foot when he tried to kick his sister and... I am now a writer for the New York Times.
I have to tell you: there is some sadness weaved into that story. I didn't think it was possible, New York Times, but after months of trying, you got me to feel a little sorry for the Donald.
What kid who is clearly flailing academically and emotionally adequately process the "be a killer/king" message? No wonder the man compensates with bombastic narcissim. From en early age, he was told that in his purest form, he was worthless. All that mattered--the only thing of value--was a superior position over others. What a lonely way to go through life.
Even the title of his book is a misnomer. "Pursuit of Success". Not to put too fine a point on it, but if his life is a success, we are clearly pursuing different goals.
Yes, on the surface, he is a rich man running, successfully, for President. He is also a thrice divorced cheater whose financial accomplishments have been achieved inheriting money and bullying others.
His morals are questionable and I can't imagine the people in his inner circle care all that much about him personally beyond the ways they can exploit the relationship.
Poor little rich boy, yes, but pls go work out your trauma on some other country, Donald Trump. What you are selling, I ain't buying.
I have to tell you: there is some sadness weaved into that story. I didn't think it was possible, New York Times, but after months of trying, you got me to feel a little sorry for the Donald.
What kid who is clearly flailing academically and emotionally adequately process the "be a killer/king" message? No wonder the man compensates with bombastic narcissim. From en early age, he was told that in his purest form, he was worthless. All that mattered--the only thing of value--was a superior position over others. What a lonely way to go through life.
Even the title of his book is a misnomer. "Pursuit of Success". Not to put too fine a point on it, but if his life is a success, we are clearly pursuing different goals.
Yes, on the surface, he is a rich man running, successfully, for President. He is also a thrice divorced cheater whose financial accomplishments have been achieved inheriting money and bullying others.
His morals are questionable and I can't imagine the people in his inner circle care all that much about him personally beyond the ways they can exploit the relationship.
Poor little rich boy, yes, but pls go work out your trauma on some other country, Donald Trump. What you are selling, I ain't buying.
566
Thank you, GWE. Can you post this for every article on Trump? Thanks! I need to start sleeping again.
Bottom line, however. He gets it done. The country needs a doer right now, not a teleprompter-president.
"Even the title of his book is a misnomer. "Pursuit of Success". Not to put too fine a point on it, but if his life is a success, we are clearly pursuing different goals."
Trump is a heartbreaking, empty failure, but it is difficult to feel sorry for him, he is so obnoxious.
Trump is a heartbreaking, empty failure, but it is difficult to feel sorry for him, he is so obnoxious.
If Donald Trump thinks military school is anything like the military he is sadly deluded. If only he didn't have those bad feet and had actually gone to Vietnam, I can guarantee you his views on the world would be entirely different and he most certainly would not have said those disparaging things about John McCain, who is a war hero in anyone's estimation. Perhaps Mr Trump can make up his lack of understanding about war is really like with some judicious reading. I highly recommend the following titles: 'We Were Soldiers Once... And Young' by Lt Gen Charles Moore and Joe Galloway; 'Chickenhawk' by Robert Mason, 'Matterhorn' and 'What It Is Like to Go To War' by Karl Marlantes. He can also dip into the second world war with 'The Thin Red Line' by James Jones and E B Sledge's 'With the Old Breed'. We can only hope Mr Trump takes the time to read material other than the Wall Street Journal.
6
cheney disagrees with you.
Has it gone completely unnoticed that with the exception of Trump that the republican candidates do not draw distinctions with each other's ideals and platforms or attack one another in anyway? But instead collectively they all attack Clinton at every turn. At least Trump is exposing Bush as a dullard and hypocrite. It can only be assumed that the GOP's strategy is to take down Clinton as a united front and allow Bush to quietly be coronated the republican nominee. Up to now Trump has thwarted that plan. But please note that since Priebus has had his little talk with Trump about allegiance last week that Trump has toned things down considerably.
9
As an Army Brat, does my 20 years growing up on various Army bases trump Donald's 5 years of military prep school??
15
Yes ! Thank you for supporting the parent /service member.
He's the king of cognitive dissonance.
However this ends, it's been refreshing to hear someone in the race for the White House say exactly what he feels, without fear of funding being withdrawn.
Huge wealth has allowed Mr. Trump that privilege, and it's unfortunate in a way that he is so crass.
However, an equally wealthy man with charm, and intelligence and respect for others would not have been nearly so entertaining.
However this ends, it's been refreshing to hear someone in the race for the White House say exactly what he feels, without fear of funding being withdrawn.
Huge wealth has allowed Mr. Trump that privilege, and it's unfortunate in a way that he is so crass.
However, an equally wealthy man with charm, and intelligence and respect for others would not have been nearly so entertaining.
4
I sincerely hope that he wins the Primary and is the GOP nominee. He will be so repulsive to the common voter that the Republican Party will be defeated severely. It is not only Trump, it is also the thinking which he represents is so obnoxious ( hatred of immigrants, religious intolerance,apathy towards the middle class and poor,disdain for blacks and hispanics, combined with crass self centered abysmally shameful narcissism ).
20
The "Birthers" must be up in arms over Donald's military admission records.
8
I have a theory that Trump is terrified that he might really get "the job ", but can't resist campaigning to promote himself and his "brand".
To escape the race while saving face, his plan is to keep saying outrageous things until his campaign explodes.
However and to his amazement, the public's appetite for his drivel seems unbounded.
We can expect worse things from Mr. Trump.
To escape the race while saving face, his plan is to keep saying outrageous things until his campaign explodes.
However and to his amazement, the public's appetite for his drivel seems unbounded.
We can expect worse things from Mr. Trump.
16
Somehow, I don't think a billionaire giving a baby car seat to his chauffeur can be described as "generous". Sounds more like cheap to me.
64
Trump self-destruction in 5,4,3,2,1...
7
Someone needs to tell Donald Trump that he was never actually in the military. In fact, he did EVERYTHING he could to avoid serving in the military. His saying otherwise is an insult to all actual veterans.
This man has no business anywhere near the role of commander in chief.
They also need to tell him that there are actually people in this country who did have it rough growing up. Somehow I doubt this pampered prince of wealth ever had to worry about much - at home or at school.
People need to open their eyes - He is a showman - a branding master. He knows how to make soundbites and defend (attack) against those he doesnt like. He would make a great president for an ad agency, but not for the United States of America.
This man has no business anywhere near the role of commander in chief.
They also need to tell him that there are actually people in this country who did have it rough growing up. Somehow I doubt this pampered prince of wealth ever had to worry about much - at home or at school.
People need to open their eyes - He is a showman - a branding master. He knows how to make soundbites and defend (attack) against those he doesnt like. He would make a great president for an ad agency, but not for the United States of America.
18
In spite of very stiff competition, this guy has to be the biggest idiot and the biggest ego ever to run for president of any country anywhere.
24
We only need compare Mr. Trump with Hillary Clinton -- Trump doesn't respect most people?
And he's roasted here.....
But Mrs. Clinton? Well, she doesn't respect the law.
Pick one....
And he's roasted here.....
But Mrs. Clinton? Well, she doesn't respect the law.
Pick one....
4
What law, exactly did she break????
1
gwe,
the law of common sense? Who puts material that should be kept from america's enemies on an unencrypted server? She may as well have just handed all those emails to China and Russia (among others). Like it or not, this is the mark of either an idiot or someone very arrogant (i.e., "I am above the law" or "my interests exceed those of my country's").
the law of common sense? Who puts material that should be kept from america's enemies on an unencrypted server? She may as well have just handed all those emails to China and Russia (among others). Like it or not, this is the mark of either an idiot or someone very arrogant (i.e., "I am above the law" or "my interests exceed those of my country's").
So, by his own admission, Trump doesn't think most people are worthy of respect and avoids any self-reflection. He isn't fit to be president of a class of fifth-graders.
But you all knew that, didn't you?
But you all knew that, didn't you?
53
If your boarding school was not plagued with rocket and mortar attacks and your commute to class did not involve snipers or IEDs, then it certainly was not the same or similar. Only one who knows so little about the military would assume that a little bit of marching and discipline would make the experience equivalent.
607
I try to like him for his disruptive effect, but his equation of military high school to actual military service just screams: Trump is a dunce and Trump has no respect for actual veterans who have served. Even with all of this, one might not have to hold one's nose as tightly for him as for Hillary and her coterie of entitled freeloaders.
1
Exactly. My father was in the military for 40 years and being in an expensive military school is nothing like it. It's amazing that so many people can continue to support Trump with how insulting he is -- is there anyone left he hasn't insulted?
3
I'm sure he'll give a snappy salute as he climbs aboard Air Trump One. That'll prove he is good as the military!
I realize comparisons of this kind are frowned upon, but I do believe the attraction of the American electorate to Donald Trump in 2015 and that of the German electorate to Adolf Hitler in 1932, when his party garnered some 38% of the popular vote in the Weimar Republic, is one worthy of consideration: a frustrated, angered portion of the voting polity that was either willing to overlook or in agreement with a man with a racist outlook on the world and little or no interest in democracy.
152
Extremely insightful comparison.
1
Trump reminds me more of Mussolini.
1
Your comparison may be "frowned upon" like saying the emperor has no clothes was frowned upon. Truth is truth, no matter who is doing the frowning or who is dong the telling.
Gee, what great timing to come out with a book. It's almost as if he planned it this way...
5
His especially contentious campaign is certainly likely to increase the sales of this book.Some of the early speculation was that he was running to sell his next book
Trump is an 'hungry ghost' not a real person, or more specifically, a person who is incomplete. a poorly educated man with little to offer the world but bluster and boast. it is a sad man who creates a storm around himself to appear calm in the center.
29
The feeling of being in the military correctly begins with an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic. In doing so, one writes a blank check to their government, the value of which may be one's life. Trump's feeling is pure self-serving fantasy. As a veteran, I find this line of thinking incredibly insulting and downright laughable.
85
I to am a veteran. I spent 27 years of my life in uniform both as an enlisted navy medical corpsman who served in Vietnam and a staff medical service officer. I can not express how insulting Trumps comments are. When I think of friends who died and others that were severely wounded, and then read that after seeking and receiving numerous deferments from actual service Trump stated that attendance at a private military school "gave him more training militarily than a lot of the guys that go into the military.” I know he has no shame but the people who support him are also becoming totally shameful.
6
I bet those bone spurs hurt a lot when Mr. Trump was sleeping in a wet tent and crawling around in the mud with an 80-pound backpack.
19
Donald Trump is the perfect republican candidate for president. He best represents the republican belief that imagining his qualifications for office makes him qualified.
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What is it with Republicans not wanting to participate in wars but voting massively to send others to fight? Cowards!!!
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@Welcome: They strut around acting all threatening and aggressive exactly because they avoided military service. They need to prove their manhood.
I have this vision...
President Trump is the resplendent warrior.
His hair sticks out from all sides of one of those bus driver hats
with the scrambled eggs on the visor.
He's sporting McArthur-esque sunglasses and corn cob pipe.
Eisenhower would envy the bazillion stars of rank on his shoulder boards.
His form fitting tunic, which accentuates his ample paunch, is bedecked with endless rows of medals, for gigoloing, surfing, bar fights, etc.
He's got two gold plated pearl handled 45's and a jeweled sword that drags the ground.
Truly, every inch the leader of the free world.
And he's greeting Vladimir Putin, who's arrives bare chested...
President Trump is the resplendent warrior.
His hair sticks out from all sides of one of those bus driver hats
with the scrambled eggs on the visor.
He's sporting McArthur-esque sunglasses and corn cob pipe.
Eisenhower would envy the bazillion stars of rank on his shoulder boards.
His form fitting tunic, which accentuates his ample paunch, is bedecked with endless rows of medals, for gigoloing, surfing, bar fights, etc.
He's got two gold plated pearl handled 45's and a jeweled sword that drags the ground.
Truly, every inch the leader of the free world.
And he's greeting Vladimir Putin, who's arrives bare chested...
13
No doubt, the Donald will next say that ducking NYC taxi cabs was even more dangerous than frontline combat. And what about all those drug addicts and rapists who are waiting to bend, fold, spindle and mutilate him?
12
There is only one thing you have to remember.
Trump: He'll say anything.
Trump: He'll say anything.
17
Donald was placed into a school for children with behavioral problems, and was there for a long time. Parents back then used to put their children in such schools when their behavior was extremely erratic or dangerous to other students.
Donald's world has become more delusional. The man is a resentful sociopath, a hater, a weaver of tales, as well as a very weak man who needs to constantly tell people that he is successful. If he were unable to express aloud his great success to others, a clear focus of the real man would appear: a physically large, sweaty man with a constantly scowling face. A nobody.
Donald's world has become more delusional. The man is a resentful sociopath, a hater, a weaver of tales, as well as a very weak man who needs to constantly tell people that he is successful. If he were unable to express aloud his great success to others, a clear focus of the real man would appear: a physically large, sweaty man with a constantly scowling face. A nobody.
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Rob,
in other words he is Presidential material (at least to a large portion of the electorate)!
in other words he is Presidential material (at least to a large portion of the electorate)!
Trump's candidacy reveals the authorization dimensions of the American mindset: he faithfully captures the value system in its social Darwinist content going back to the 1890s, dangerously elitist in both its domestic and foreign policy implications. When we asked (of Nixon), would you buy a used car from this man?, the question for Trump is: would you want this man's finger on the nuclear trigger? Macho international politics is serious enough; compound that with implicit racism and unguarded elitism domestically and you have a heady brew quite unlike anything seen at this level before. That he is known via the personalization of the self--The Donald--only raises more clearly authoritarian dimensions to his policies. I tremble at the thought of a Trump presidency.
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error, line 1, for "authorization" please read "authoritarian".
2
While I wouldn't have bought a used car from Richard Nixon, I wouldn't buy a used car from Donald Trump, either.
He's a billionaire and he gave the guy a carseat? Paying for a year of college would be impressive. A carseat is pretty paltry.
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I also thought that giving his chauffeur's family a carseat was not an indication of generosity.
1
Amen to that. A carseat is what you call "unexpected generosity?"
It was a fitting gift even though it wasn't excessively expensive. I had an aunt and uncle who every Christmas would hand out cheap trinkets as gifts. It wasn't the cheapness of the gift that bothered me but the fact that it wasn't appropriate indicating that no thought went into it. The only consideration was the cost.
So Trump a billionaire's generosity is defined by giving his chauffeur a car seat for his new baby and giving some 10 year old kid who adored Trump's Apprentice show a check to " go have the time of your life." How modest Trump is not bragging about his incredible generosity.
12
Yet another paid informercial?
6
Multiple draft deferments during Vietnam. And now he'll "do military" better than anyone.
Sound familiar, Mr. Cheney?
Sound familiar, Mr. Cheney?
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Trump says he will hire the right people to run military and foreign affairs for him if elected. Who will be his equivalent of Cheney and Rumsfield?
Very sweet, and the sooner we say good bye to him (and Hillary), and get on with some real discussion of the issues, the better it will be for America.
5
Trump is a genius! A sheer genius!
Narcissist got to be narcissist. So bottom line, he's been a jerk since he was a kid and even his dad knew to send him away to military school.
Where is his dad now when we need him to be sent away again?
Where is his dad now when we need him to be sent away again?
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Say what you will about Trump, he does have a sense of humor. What is amazing is that he has exposed the Donor Class establishment that controls the Clinton/Bush Agenda, much to the delight of millions of Americans who are disgusted with Washington politics as usual. If Trump continues to ride the populist wave of support that has revived the American Electorate he will become our next President.
Kenneth Lindsey-- Trump has 25% of the 40% of the electorate who self-identify as Republicans. That is all polling data, too, not an actual vote count. We will see if that is a populist wave next year, or just a blip on the GOP radar screen of a bunch of mad, not-going-to-take-it-anymore people who when push comes to shove don't even show up to vote in the primaries, which is usually what happens when the hotheads are given a chance to put their votes where their mouths are.
1
Attending a rich kid's military school is to being in combat in war as playing the board game "Operation" is to sewing a new aortic valve into a real heart.
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Mr. Trump will always have a problem with his self-esteem amd "I'm OK, you're not OK".. He, like so many of us who were "farmed out" to institutional care as children did not receive the parental love and caring as we were growing up. I call it "conditional love". Christina Crawford wrote a lot about her similar circumstances. I'm certain, too, that George W. Bush still suffers that way after the years he spent away at prep. schools.
10
As HRC famously said - "What difference does it make?" Who cares whether Trump served in the military? None of the front-runners, nor the current President and Vice-President served one day in the armed forces. That's not a requirement for President. If it were, then we'd be focussing on Lindsey Graham and Jm Webb.
5
It makes a heck of a difference if you disrespect people like John McCain, who gave his all in service to the country, Ray. It makes a difference when Trump tries to dishonestly "backdoor" his way into an aura of military service. Given that most of the "boomers" in government, or at least a significant portion, went to college in the 1960s and early 70s to avoid the draft and military, this issue should have been put to rest a long time ago, but since it keeps coming up, an honest answer by a 69-year old man would be welcome. I have a feeling that the name " Donald Trump" and the phrase "honest and ethical" parted ways many, many years ago, if there was a time it ever did exist.
4
The Donald will not be nominated; and if nominated he will not be elected; and if elected he will not serve (can anyone imagine Mr. Trump as a day to day sitting President?) Not going to happen. I also predicted that ISIS would be WASWAS by now so what do I know?
7
This article makes me love Trump even more, the man has a winning mentality, just what America needs at this point in time.
30
Which part did you like best? The part where he insists that he and his classmates march ahead of a group of girls in the Columbus Day parade? Or when his wife beats him in skiiing and he stomps off the slope like a petulant child?
"Make America Childish Again."
"Make America Childish Again."
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I am sorry, did you mean to say a "whining" personality? Cuz that would make more sense.
17
There is always a subset of the population that are attracted to bullies.
10
America used to prefer military veterans as elected leaders. Now, far too many want chickenhawks who misuse and abuse veterans.
13
And running for class president is the same as running for the Presidency of the United States.
15
Just another "truth" which Republican voters won't care about. Facts mean nothing to them.
13
“My number was so incredible and it was a very high draft number. Anyway so I never had to do that, but I felt that I was in the military in the true sense because I dealt with those people,” he told Mr. D’Antonio.
The entitled, self-promoting twit speaks. Hope all those old white guys who dragged their behinds through the Vietnam War and are now cheering for Trump read these words and reflect on their military experience in the jungles and mountains of Vietnam versus Trump's "military experience" at an expensive military-like prep school in Croton-on-Hudson.
The entitled, self-promoting twit speaks. Hope all those old white guys who dragged their behinds through the Vietnam War and are now cheering for Trump read these words and reflect on their military experience in the jungles and mountains of Vietnam versus Trump's "military experience" at an expensive military-like prep school in Croton-on-Hudson.
18
CORNWALL-on-Hudson
North of West Point.
North of West Point.
But of course, Generalissimo Trump.
And while we are at it, if Marshall Generalissimo Donald ever nicked himself while shaving, he deserves a Purple Heart as well. At least.
I just hope that Sacha Baron Cohen is furiously taking notes for his next film.
And while we are at it, if Marshall Generalissimo Donald ever nicked himself while shaving, he deserves a Purple Heart as well. At least.
I just hope that Sacha Baron Cohen is furiously taking notes for his next film.
22
This guy, remaining nameless to me, appears to have significant psychiatric disorders. Do we want a sociopath running our country? Personally, I would question giving him a firearms license.
22
You're right, I mean, we DID have Dick Cheney running the country for all those years, and look what happened there.
I am sure it was EXACTLY like being in Viet Nam, except, of course, the bullets, the dead friends, the blood, the killing of innocents . . . . that must have been some school! No wonder he wants to bomb and destroy in the middle east, he has SO much experience to draw on . ..
32
Are the two examples of Mr. Trump's generosity of such a magnitude to be noteworthy? Gifts to an employee and a kid. That's it?
14
"when I look at myself in the first grade and I look at myself now, I’m basically the same. The temperament is not that different."
Truth!
And therein Dear Mr. Trump, lies one of your many problems.
To his supporters: This passes for exceptionalism?
This self identified "first grader" is the person who is going to "make America great again?"
We are in deeper trouble than I already thought we were.
Truth!
And therein Dear Mr. Trump, lies one of your many problems.
To his supporters: This passes for exceptionalism?
This self identified "first grader" is the person who is going to "make America great again?"
We are in deeper trouble than I already thought we were.
34
It seems to me that high-minded journalists and insightful biographies won't stop the Trump show.
But fighting mass media fire with mass media fire can. Think Tina Fey and Sarah Palin. We need Saturday Night Live to step up and step in with a head-on portrayal of the Donald. There sure is enough material.
Help us, Lorne Michaels; you're our only hope.
But fighting mass media fire with mass media fire can. Think Tina Fey and Sarah Palin. We need Saturday Night Live to step up and step in with a head-on portrayal of the Donald. There sure is enough material.
Help us, Lorne Michaels; you're our only hope.
31
First a report on a few hundred thousand dollars of taxpayer money diverted by Jeb! to a Bush family tribute to their grandma in a dilapidated train station in Florida and now more on how Trump justifies dodging the draft. Heartless rich people.
25
Sounds like Voldemort, but scary in a different way.
11
"I'm gonna be so good at the military, it's gonna make your head spin".
He has actually said this many times over the past couple of weeks.
Now I understand the basis for it.
God help us all.
He has actually said this many times over the past couple of weeks.
Now I understand the basis for it.
God help us all.
54
If this clown ever had to see real combat, he'd run for cover.
16
Thanks, Donald. If you had just given us this pearl of wisdom 15 years ago, several thousand U.S. military personnel could have gone to NY Military instead of dying in Iraq and Afghanistan. You're a fake.
44
Classic narcissistic thinking. Mothers don't let your sons (or daughters) grow up to be in military commanded by this man.
20
When Trump says, " For the most part, you can’t respect people because most people aren’t worthy of respect" he explains his whole persona of being a braggart, tyrant and a bully.
A leader of a democracy understands that virtually all citizens are worthy of respect, even if you disagree with them on issues. If you can't show them basic respect and treat people as you would choose to be treated, you do not deserve to be a leader in a democracy.
A leader of a democracy understands that virtually all citizens are worthy of respect, even if you disagree with them on issues. If you can't show them basic respect and treat people as you would choose to be treated, you do not deserve to be a leader in a democracy.
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Such deep lack of respect for ordinary American citizens whom candidates purport to lead is hardly limited to The Donald. I can name 17 others who show no more respect than he does.
Bernie Sanders is not one of them.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Bernie Sanders is not one of them.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
2
Probably a good thing we're not a Democracy then huh...if you're going to comment on such things, at least take two seconds and proof before you make yourself and your party look like morons.
We, the United States, is already a "braggart," and we are a "tyrant and a bully." We "disagree with them on issues" and impose sanctions that are forced on our closest allies to punish a country. We always back the wrong horse in foreign countries and can always justify why.
At least Trump is not afraid to show who we really are in the world. If we, as a country, start studying ourselves too closely, we WILL see things we don't want to see.
At least Trump is not afraid to show who we really are in the world. If we, as a country, start studying ourselves too closely, we WILL see things we don't want to see.
This article makes no mention of him raping and assaulting his wife Ivana nor his lawyer's recent assertion that rape cannot occur in a marriage. There is nothing that says more about what kind of a person he is than that. And that says a lot about politics and misogyny in our country that despite that violent crime he is now running for president and the revelation of the rape hasn't slowed him down one bit.
22
Strange....I don't remember the Times harping on Bill Clinton's draft deferment during the Vietnam War during his run for the Dem nomination.
3
Ugh, Jacob, don't be that guy. Clinton never equated his education to actual military service, nor did he belittle anyone for being a POW. The spotlight shines on Trump's lack of military service because he drew the light there himself. The NY Times has done many, MANY in depth spotlights on negative aspects of the Clintons. Lack of military service, which they share with 95% of Republicans in Congress, should not be an issue for them. It is only an issue for Trump because he has made it so.
25
But we heard plenty about it elsewhere.
6
Bill Clinton did not demean anyone who was a POW.
14
Trump is indeed a builder, a builder of tall tales reminiscent of Paul Bunyan.
So, is he suing Mr. D'Antonio for telling the truth?
So, is he suing Mr. D'Antonio for telling the truth?
24
"Trump is indeed a builder, a builder of tall tales ..."
A politicians' politician.
A politicians' politician.
2
The senior Mr. Trump, a major real estate developer, counseled his son to “be a killer” and told him, “You are a king.”
The senior Mr. Trump SHOULD have told his son "you're a jerk, and you need to get over yourself." But at least now we know where the problem started.
As for being a "killer," so far the only thing Donald Trump has killed is his own reputation, and the respect any sane person might have had for him.
Unfortunately for Donald, at this point in his life, he alone is responsible for being the jerk he still is today. His comments are so completely delusional that I wonder about his actual sanity.
The senior Mr. Trump SHOULD have told his son "you're a jerk, and you need to get over yourself." But at least now we know where the problem started.
As for being a "killer," so far the only thing Donald Trump has killed is his own reputation, and the respect any sane person might have had for him.
Unfortunately for Donald, at this point in his life, he alone is responsible for being the jerk he still is today. His comments are so completely delusional that I wonder about his actual sanity.
67
So this is the latest bit of "news" on Trump. Truly, I'm amazed by the attention lavished on him by the NYT. And the virtual black-out of news on the Sanders' burgeoning support, primary success, and positions goes on. But we can know at least that the next nugget on the mouthy Trump will not pass unheralded.
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Yeah but watching a train wreck unfold is so much more entertaining than listening to a lecture from an econ professor. Apologies to Dr. Krugman..
2
I could not agree more and could not have written my feelings any more astutely.
Absolutely EXCELLENT comment, jb. I really wish the Times would wake up and do exactly as you suggest.
Again - well done.
Absolutely EXCELLENT comment, jb. I really wish the Times would wake up and do exactly as you suggest.
Again - well done.
5
I agree with you but then why are we reading about him and writing and replying to comments?
an exceptional man who was built to lead an exceptional country!
do you suppose they have a use for him in sweden?
do you suppose they have a use for him in sweden?
4
“When you start studying yourself too deeply, you start seeing things that maybe you don’t want to see,” Mr. Trump once told Time.
“And if there’s a rhyme and a reason,” he continued, “people can figure you out, and once they can figure you out, you’re in big trouble.”
This about sums it up. The rhyme? The reason? Trump's running to become a candidate for the US presidency. I think I've got him figured out. He's nuts. And it's not him that's in trouble, it's clearly this country. Are we really still listening to this man?
By the way, I served in the Army during the Cold War. I wouldn't even claim to have the same military experience as a lot of the kids out there now, or certainly anyone whose had combat experience.
“And if there’s a rhyme and a reason,” he continued, “people can figure you out, and once they can figure you out, you’re in big trouble.”
This about sums it up. The rhyme? The reason? Trump's running to become a candidate for the US presidency. I think I've got him figured out. He's nuts. And it's not him that's in trouble, it's clearly this country. Are we really still listening to this man?
By the way, I served in the Army during the Cold War. I wouldn't even claim to have the same military experience as a lot of the kids out there now, or certainly anyone whose had combat experience.
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When his chauffeur's wife had a baby he gave the couple a car (seat).
37
I wonder if they had pillow fights there.
39
Donald Trump is a master of loud phrases and eversion of the facts inside out. This is useful quality for showman, people love his performances, but it will not help him become a president. I hope so.
15
"master of loud phrases and eversion of the facts inside out. This is useful quality for" ... a politician!
2
Mr. Trump's father sounds like a horrible person, telling his son to be a killer and you are king. It was effective for sure. He produced a narcissistic bully. I know a guy whose parents molded him into a businessman since he was able to walk. They;re pretty horrible too. This guy owns a trucking business. He's good looking, in his 40's thrice married, worth millions. He's also depressed, arrogant, suspicious, greedy, cheap, mean, unfeeling, competitive, jealous and socially awkward, oh, did I mention ill mannered? Well, his parents and many people around this guy treat him like he is a god. I'm repulsed by him and avoid his company at all costs. Yet most people think he is extraordinary...all because he had the luck of making money. He'll go to his grave never knowing what it is to be kind out of human instinct, or liked, loved, simply for his spirit and heart. How tragic. Yet, he is celebrated. He's not a rare case. He bows at the alter of Donald Trump.
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