I'm tired of the daily updates on Trump in this newspaper. What's going on with Bernie Sanders?
80
I love Donald Trump. He is the distilled essence of all of the disgusting racist, xenophobic, homophobic, theocratic, pompous, money-grubbing, core of the GOP. He's the human eqivalent of a thirty year old sebaceous cyst that bursts open and spews it's necrotic, cheesy, foul smelling contents all over the Christmas dinner table. I can think of NO ONE that I would love to see as the GOP presidential candidate.
69
Let's be honest. Politics is just a game. It is a horse race that the media creates and exploits because that is how they make a living. That is why I hate these hypocritical articles. The journalists rant and rave about trump but they know that writing about the egomaniacal vulgarian gets readers attention which is what they are paid to do. No matter what they say about him good or bad it only gives him more oxygen and makes him stronger. Trump was created by and for the media and they are going to ride that pony all the way to the finish line.
30
Merry Christmas Gail, we love you!
45
"'Twas the night before ?-mas and all through the dump
Not a creature was stirring not even a Trump.
The stockings were hung on the Op-Ed by Gail,
In the hopes that The Donald would soon start to fail.
The readers were nestled all snug in by their fires,
While visions of politicians revealed them as liars.
And Ms. Collins in her kerfuffle, and I in my despair
Had just settled our addled brains for a long campaign's nightmare.
....
Merry Chanumas to all, and to all a good-night."
Not a creature was stirring not even a Trump.
The stockings were hung on the Op-Ed by Gail,
In the hopes that The Donald would soon start to fail.
The readers were nestled all snug in by their fires,
While visions of politicians revealed them as liars.
And Ms. Collins in her kerfuffle, and I in my despair
Had just settled our addled brains for a long campaign's nightmare.
....
Merry Chanumas to all, and to all a good-night."
68
What do Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton have in common. The answer is that they all have New York backgrounds. Bernie Sanders was born in Brooklyn, Donald Trump came from Queens and Hillary Clinton settled in New York in order to qualify to run for the Senate. Could it be that there's just a bit of anti-New York bias in some of the comments? For the first time in decades the leading presidential candidates aren't from the South and the West. The three main contenders are from New York and I believe that's part of the problem. There's plenty of anti-New York bias out there.
11
Donald Trump is the dog that fell off of Mitt Romney's car. Then again all the Republican candidates give Gail a chance to do what she does best: Ridicule them by telling the truth about them. I mean, really, what could she say about Bernie Sanders that would be negative? The guy is a saint and, as we all know, unelectable in a country of sinners. So onward into 2016 Gail. Sic the Donald. How about a column about Trump and Putin? The steely-eyed bare-chested judo ex-KGB guy in love with the symbol of Capitalist excess. When Trump eventually loses will Putin dump him? Ah it's a cruel, cruel world.
25
Donald Trump is such a raving goofball. He must have some very talented minions who keep him from losing everything he holds dear, on a dreary daily basis. What a schnook. President Schnook--I'll hold my breath.
14
While I understand the almost irresistible temptation of devoting another NYTimes column to Trump, I am dismayed.
Psychology 101--if you want to extinguish a behaviour, ignore it.
Trump should be covered only if and when he has a serious policy pronouncement. Covering his antics simply encourages his behaviour, distorts democracy and takes time and attention away from incredibly important matters.
Can the NYTimes (and even you, Ms Collins) make it your New Year's resolution to be responsible journalists and stop aiding and abetting the Trump Circus?
Psychology 101--if you want to extinguish a behaviour, ignore it.
Trump should be covered only if and when he has a serious policy pronouncement. Covering his antics simply encourages his behaviour, distorts democracy and takes time and attention away from incredibly important matters.
Can the NYTimes (and even you, Ms Collins) make it your New Year's resolution to be responsible journalists and stop aiding and abetting the Trump Circus?
88
On the twelfth day of Christmas, Trump gave to you and me:
Twelve stupid voters
Eleven million "rapists"
Ten "disgusting slobs"
Nine-hundred dumb comments
Eight handicapped journalists
Seven ugly buildings
Six personal bankruptcies
Five guns in every home
Four scary years
Three natural hairs
Two dimwit wives
And a long and tiring nightmare for all.
Peace On Earth.
Twelve stupid voters
Eleven million "rapists"
Ten "disgusting slobs"
Nine-hundred dumb comments
Eight handicapped journalists
Seven ugly buildings
Six personal bankruptcies
Five guns in every home
Four scary years
Three natural hairs
Two dimwit wives
And a long and tiring nightmare for all.
Peace On Earth.
33
Donald Trump has said that he thinks protesters who yell during his campaign speeches are "disgusting".
So, I wonder what his reaction would be this instruction memo, which surfaced during the period of numerous town hall meetings about proposals contained in the Obama Care law.
- thinkkprogress.org - "Right Wing Harassment strategy ... Yell ..."
So, I wonder what his reaction would be this instruction memo, which surfaced during the period of numerous town hall meetings about proposals contained in the Obama Care law.
- thinkkprogress.org - "Right Wing Harassment strategy ... Yell ..."
9
Gail: This was definitely one of your best. I especially enjoyed your personal encounter with Mr. T. But you haven't addressed the rumor that the Clinton foundation is bankrolling Trump, because he would, as Republican candidate, insure Hillary's victory.
6
I'm surprised that Trump has not brought up the fact that Cruz is Canadian by birth.
35
You liberals are a funny bunch - so smug in all your explanations of The Donald, making fun of his huuuuuuuuge amount of fans, all the while trying to belittle him and make him out to be far less than he is. But one thing you Libs never counted on was a candidate from the right actually manipulating and mastering the very media machine that up till now, had been a tool for the Left - (a media machine that had certainly made Obama out to be far, far more then he actually is!) Its funny, all the Libs I know extoll the virtues of Hillary - her skills, her education, her abilities at state-craft and of course her shrewd, steely feminism - so why then is Trump a gift for her? Are not her skills, talents and oh-so-correct positions enough to get her to the White House all by her little self? Or perhaps is it necessary that she face a perceived buffoon so that not too terribly much attention is paid to her, her lies, her abysmal record and her large polyester pant suits and nasty personality? I say matching up Hillary against Trump may be a nightmare in the making for the Liberals!
11
Wow -you people are missing common sense. Note to you-definition of insanity-keep electing the Clintons, Bushes and maybe the Rubio's of the world every election and expect a different outcome. And each party is to blame for the mess we're in, starting with, let's see,...how about Korea (when we were in the driver's seat and Truman brought MacArthur back); or how about Vietnam (no explanation needed); or the Bushes? (again-what a disaster now that they've riled up half the world). So we're supposed to be happy about another go round with two Clinton's for the price of one, or that non-stop yakking, pre-recorded Rubio? I and apparently a lot of the country have finally had enough. Yes, I want a Trump type for once. Yes, we'll call it like it is and speak out loud and too bad if you're too sensitive. It's what you're thinking anyway-so don't be a hypocrite.
8
Trumps biggest gift is yet to come: handing the senate and 2016 election to dems.
33
One idea that Trump has expressed that I wholeheartedly support is to reexamine the relationship between the USA and Saudi Arabia.
It's a criminal regime, a state sponsor of terrorism, and a genuine roadblock to peace in the Middle East.
Time to cut the cord.
It's a criminal regime, a state sponsor of terrorism, and a genuine roadblock to peace in the Middle East.
Time to cut the cord.
42
Thank you Gail. Trump seems to have been designed to get under my skin in every possible way. So, if we won't let Muslims into the country, are we all going to be asked to declare our religion to enter or stay in the U.S.? Wow. What if I have no religion. I was born here, as were many others of diverse beliefs. His idea sounds even worse, when put that way -- if sounding worse is even possible.
14
To me, Donald Trump makes lots of sense of many issues, particularly suspending immigration until we are better at understanding who is crossing our borders and for what reasons; producing trade agreements that actually benefit American workers; and where to put Federal dollars -- i.e. especially not in wars we are bound to lose. I have read his book, "Crippled America," and it made plenty good sense to me. Donald Trump speaks for a large number of Americans who feel lost, forgotten and totally unable to influence politics and politicians because they have neither the funds nor the friends in power. Don't be surprised by his popularity. Be surprised the revolution didn't happen sooner.
11
I predict Donald Trump will be elected.
This reminds me so much of Ronald Reagan's run in 1980. Most, even many who voted for him, thought he could not win. He was unelectable because he was too conservative. Even the mainstream Republicans did not like him. But of course, they would not vote for Jimmy Carter.
For myself, i agreed Reagon was unelectable, and that year, tho i cannot remember the logic, i voted for John Anderson on a fluke. I think i was feeling demagogic. I did not realize it until the day after the election, but i actually voted for Reagan myself, by not voting for Carter.
I predict, Trump will be elected. Republicans know that if they do not nominate him, to stay in the limelight (and because he is not really a loyal Republican) he must run as a third candidate, making any other Republican nominee unelectable in practicality. So they will hold their noses and nominate Trump.
Bernie Sanders, as a principled man and another not particularly loyal to the Democratic party, will run as a third party candidate, in the style of Ralph Nader. Sanders will drain enough votes from Hillary Clinton for Trump to win the election.
Historically, i have always been wrong about every political prediction, (note the second paragraph) so if the thought of a Trump administration causes you nightmares, i wouldn't lose any sleep.
On the other hand, you read it here first.
This reminds me so much of Ronald Reagan's run in 1980. Most, even many who voted for him, thought he could not win. He was unelectable because he was too conservative. Even the mainstream Republicans did not like him. But of course, they would not vote for Jimmy Carter.
For myself, i agreed Reagon was unelectable, and that year, tho i cannot remember the logic, i voted for John Anderson on a fluke. I think i was feeling demagogic. I did not realize it until the day after the election, but i actually voted for Reagan myself, by not voting for Carter.
I predict, Trump will be elected. Republicans know that if they do not nominate him, to stay in the limelight (and because he is not really a loyal Republican) he must run as a third candidate, making any other Republican nominee unelectable in practicality. So they will hold their noses and nominate Trump.
Bernie Sanders, as a principled man and another not particularly loyal to the Democratic party, will run as a third party candidate, in the style of Ralph Nader. Sanders will drain enough votes from Hillary Clinton for Trump to win the election.
Historically, i have always been wrong about every political prediction, (note the second paragraph) so if the thought of a Trump administration causes you nightmares, i wouldn't lose any sleep.
On the other hand, you read it here first.
16
Well...I read somewhere that the only professions where stupid people can be widely successful are politics and show business. I guess that explains Trump to a T.
If this guy wins, I really am moving to Belize.
If this guy wins, I really am moving to Belize.
8
Dear NY Times:
Enough about Mr. Trump. He hasn't had a newsworthy pronouncement since his reprehensible comments about a religious test for Muslims to enter the U.S.
We deserve better than the TV style coverage of personality and drama that passes for political news today. There's been several major debates-- how about some real coverage of the actual policies that the candidates are promising to enact and that we will have to live with.
Enough about Mr. Trump. He hasn't had a newsworthy pronouncement since his reprehensible comments about a religious test for Muslims to enter the U.S.
We deserve better than the TV style coverage of personality and drama that passes for political news today. There's been several major debates-- how about some real coverage of the actual policies that the candidates are promising to enact and that we will have to live with.
22
I can't stop thinking that a four-year Trump presidency would give a bitter and useful lesson.
8
I don't know why it took so long for the many public speakers (journalists included) to begin getting more serious about the danger Mr. Trump has done to the USA, forget running for President. Trump appeals to the worst nature of humans, almost parallel to what we see in documentaries on how Lions, Tigers, Komodo Dragons, wild dogs and hyenas stalk and devour their
15
...devour their animal victims, often eating the poor animal before it has died. I stopped listening to Trump after I heard his first few speeches. He's like daytime television: he rots the brain. He says things that will be heard in bars and on busy loading docks when the people there have had a few or many drinks too many. There's nothing special about that. For President, I want someone competent, educated, compassionate...and special in a positive way. Trump is none of the above. I feel badly for the people who rush to the scene of a Trump speech to hear nothing, period.
31
You may hear nothing but all the educated types got us into this mess dude. Wake up
6
I always have loved Gail's writing. She is one of the best. But lately, I have started to notice she has a soft spot for Billary. And she never mentions Bernie. That's disappointing, if true, because Billary would just be more of the same. And aside from some women who will vote for her for sexist reasons, Billary has nothing to offer. She's a wall street tool, opposes free college and Glass-Steagall, does not favor single payer or federally funded elections. And worst of all, she favors perpetual war. She's a puppet for the military-industrial complex. Billary's a plutocrat. One of THEM.
14
Rather than a comment I have a question for KMW or anyone else who agrees with his/her? broad but undefined statement. "Trump will take us back to the values in which our country was founded"
What values would that be?
What values would that be?
11
Perhaps the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future will visit him tonight, taking him into the dimension beyond, but not permitting him to return to our world. It would be a great gift to us all.
3
I guess Trump has done the rest of us a huge favor in bringing the deep racism in America into the wide open, and along with reminding of us of our crumbling infrastructure, showing us how backwards so many Americans still are.
12
The thing is that the press has run with Trump top center or top left pretty much everyday for months and most days there was nothing news worthy to report. The press is making news not reporting it. And yesterday this paper chose to run a guest op-ed on Chinese corruption and the leading Times pundits above an essay by leading Democratic Party nominee Bernie Sanders. Not some also ran but one of the two leaders in the race. The press is controlling the message not disseminating it.
Fortunately despite the childish behavior of our press a majority of Americans had Trump figured, out of the gate, unfortunately the country apparently could not stop themselves from expressing a prurient interest in the man as a grotesque while his pitchfork wielding followers simply have no grasp of reality.
But equally unfortunate are all Americans in that they cannot envision Bernie Sanders as president so we are doomed to another Republican light leader who will maintain the very destructive status quo.
Mark these words, when history looks back on the treatment by the press of the Sanders campaign the failure it will rank along side the lowest journalism of our time
Fortunately despite the childish behavior of our press a majority of Americans had Trump figured, out of the gate, unfortunately the country apparently could not stop themselves from expressing a prurient interest in the man as a grotesque while his pitchfork wielding followers simply have no grasp of reality.
But equally unfortunate are all Americans in that they cannot envision Bernie Sanders as president so we are doomed to another Republican light leader who will maintain the very destructive status quo.
Mark these words, when history looks back on the treatment by the press of the Sanders campaign the failure it will rank along side the lowest journalism of our time
16
Even if a candidate for the Presidency of the United States is merely a befuddled--to put it nicely--savant neurosurgeon, you still should refer to him with a who or a whom. Since when do we refer to people with a "which"?
4
For heavens sake, just stop reporting on this maniac. Stop talking about him. Don't write any columns on him. Otherwise there will just be no expiration date on him.
25
Absolutely! I was shocked when he talked about how much he hated reporters while pointing out his press corps corralled in the middle of a hostile crowd. I'm sure that they felt much better when he confided that he wouldn't murder them. Talk about a hostile environment, the entire group should have walked out and refused to come back.
10
Gail, another great column. You trumped the man whose name I can't pollute my keyboard typing. Christmas? It's still here. Whenever I read your columns and chortle - sometimes I even laugh out loud - it's Christmas. You bring good cheer every day your column appears. A happy and healthy one to you, and to all the the readers who love you. You are a treasure. Thank you.
12
An excellent article! And Trumpian power! May there be 8 years of it!
I love Gail Collins, so pls NYTimes, don't even think about letting her go. I need her opinions, humor, sarcasm and NY snarky attitude to be happy. She gives me hope for the future of this wacky country. Thank you NYT
10
Let me speak on behalf of the hundred million or so of the electorate that is done with the current establishment politicians, the media and news outlets.
You do not understand us nor will you understand how Trump will become our next president.
Many of us over 60 remember an America that had no foodstamps or welfare but Americans got by. We remember a time when the worst thing that happened at school was a fistfight and a black eye was a badge of courage. We remembered if you talked back to a teacher at school you got paddled and if your parents found out your dad gave you the belt when you got home. I remember a time when made in America was the norm and made in Japan or China was a cheap copy cat. I remember a time when men married women and women married men. Back when I was in school America was number one in science and math in the industrial world. Back then legal immigrants learned English and flew an American flag. They came here to get away from their miserable country. In those days we won Wars by using Armageddon type retaliation. I remember the Great America, and so do tens of millions of others that haven't gone out and voted lately.
We're all going out voting this time and this time will be for Trump.
Democrats for Trump!
You do not understand us nor will you understand how Trump will become our next president.
Many of us over 60 remember an America that had no foodstamps or welfare but Americans got by. We remember a time when the worst thing that happened at school was a fistfight and a black eye was a badge of courage. We remembered if you talked back to a teacher at school you got paddled and if your parents found out your dad gave you the belt when you got home. I remember a time when made in America was the norm and made in Japan or China was a cheap copy cat. I remember a time when men married women and women married men. Back when I was in school America was number one in science and math in the industrial world. Back then legal immigrants learned English and flew an American flag. They came here to get away from their miserable country. In those days we won Wars by using Armageddon type retaliation. I remember the Great America, and so do tens of millions of others that haven't gone out and voted lately.
We're all going out voting this time and this time will be for Trump.
Democrats for Trump!
3
A hundred million? You should know that about 130 million people voted in the entire 2012 election, so I believe you're overstating your claim by a bit--though we are used to some exaggeration from the "greatest!" "best!" "winningest!" candidate's "fans".
From your paean to the good old days, when life was good (for the pale and male and well-off among us anyway and not good at all for many of the rest), and your longing for Armageddon, you don't sound like any democrat I've known since the Dixiecrats left for the right and never looked back.
From your paean to the good old days, when life was good (for the pale and male and well-off among us anyway and not good at all for many of the rest), and your longing for Armageddon, you don't sound like any democrat I've known since the Dixiecrats left for the right and never looked back.
18
"In those days we won Wars by using Armageddon type retaliation." There we are. That's a pretty scary glimpse of what a Trump foreign policy would mean: a nuclear attack on someone or other motivated (to judge by this post) by nostalgia for the 1950s. Mr de Luca gives us a valuable insight into what Trump's endless talk about greatness and winning will mean in practise.
18
Oh Ms. Collins, what would we do without you?
7
Bromance is overrated. But Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson should have been nicer to Jeremy Irons.
When quizzed, Trump supporters almost always point to his not being politically correct, which is how he has branded himself while also branding his GOP opponents as low-energy, lightweights, and pathological while labeling everyone currently in government as “stupid.” For Trump's supporters, “not PC” has become an all-purpose way to excuse what he really is: a political bully whose has tapped into American xenophobia and whose currency is fear-mongering, racial hatred, personal insults and pie-in-the sky campaign promises that are impossible to keep.
Besides raising the bar for outrageous claims to towering heights, he's set new standards for manipulative whining by a presidential candidate, constantly insisting the he must be “treated fairly” and demanding apologies from critics—yet not ever producing one himself. The media should treat him fairly—demanding proof for his claims, insisting that his interviews (actually infomercials) address policy rather his insult parade. Is he willing to debate his tax plan with Tax Policy Center experts who found it will enrich the Trumps of the world while adding more burden to the middle class.
The same “not PC” armor Trump wears also allows to supporters to ignore or defend the massive litany of debunked falsehoods that earned him a clean sweep of the 2016 top liar designations from Politifact, FactCheck.org and the Washington Post. Among Trump’s supporters, “not PC” is the perfect excuse for being willfully ignorant.
Besides raising the bar for outrageous claims to towering heights, he's set new standards for manipulative whining by a presidential candidate, constantly insisting the he must be “treated fairly” and demanding apologies from critics—yet not ever producing one himself. The media should treat him fairly—demanding proof for his claims, insisting that his interviews (actually infomercials) address policy rather his insult parade. Is he willing to debate his tax plan with Tax Policy Center experts who found it will enrich the Trumps of the world while adding more burden to the middle class.
The same “not PC” armor Trump wears also allows to supporters to ignore or defend the massive litany of debunked falsehoods that earned him a clean sweep of the 2016 top liar designations from Politifact, FactCheck.org and the Washington Post. Among Trump’s supporters, “not PC” is the perfect excuse for being willfully ignorant.
15
Thank you, Gail for making us all smile.
Happy Festivus!
Happy Festivus!
9
Donald Trump : Like you never met Doug Neidermeyer or Greg Marmalard before? Please , we have always run or rather avoided these characters before.Usually on the other side of a boundary line dispute of 5 inches between neighbors. He's just dust in the wind, and will blow away when it's time to give it a thought- like prior to voting not when BIG media decides it needs ratings.
1
Wow! On the 7th day of Christmas, he has given us so many wonderful presents!
I cannot think of anymore. Do you? One never knows with Trump. Just when you think, he cannot do any better ( or lower ), he surprises us with another crass, 'disgusting', unimaginable low ball.
I cannot think of anymore. Do you? One never knows with Trump. Just when you think, he cannot do any better ( or lower ), he surprises us with another crass, 'disgusting', unimaginable low ball.
5
For me the scariest thing about the Trump campaign is that anyone I meet who says they will vote for him says, "he is saying what I am thinking." Now THAT is scary.
21
Touche, Gail! Love your columns! You always nail it!
4
Thank you for all the great writing..Have a great new year and Merry Xmas too!
3
"...the party establishment and many Republican billionaire donors... regard Cruz as an obnoxious self-promoting egomaniac."
Wow! A bipartisan agreement has been found!
Wow! A bipartisan agreement has been found!
8
Attacking Donald Trump makes his supporters like him more . He is already at 45% Nation wide. GO DONALD !!!
3
Aw, Gail, you put your needle/stiletto/whatevah right into IT (I can''t bear to call it a "him").
Particularly loved this part: "This is a guy whose great keys to fortune were inheriting real estate and putting his name on things that other people often paid for." Something many do not realize. Good on ya'!
Particularly loved this part: "This is a guy whose great keys to fortune were inheriting real estate and putting his name on things that other people often paid for." Something many do not realize. Good on ya'!
4
The ONLY reason that Trump's name is everywhere is that the media (including Ms. Collins herself) gives him all that attention! More is written about him than about any other candidate - AND he's on television & radio incessantly. He knows that there is no bad publicity.
4
Ms. Collins, Why is “Happy Holidays” an issue? The holiday is a celebration of Christmas. The greeting of “Happy Holidays” as an alternative to “Merry Christmas” emerged because we were afraid of being non-inclusive to non-Christians or our desire to be “politically correct”. A better way, as is done in Trinidad, is for everyone to celebrate everyone’s holidays: Christmas, Diwali, Eid, and Hosay.
gail, happy hanukkah, kwanza, festivus and whatever to you........
but you didnt include the other days of Austin's saturnia rhyme or rap song.
I suggest the following;
12 (war) drummers drumming
11 (faux news) pipers whining
10 (republican candidates) losers losing
9 ladies peeing (as nature intended)
8 female deposition lawyers "a-milking"
7 anonymous campaign donor rats - "a swimming"
6 pundits predicting downfall "a-laying" eggs
5 gaudy cartoon towers......
4 bank-rupt-cies
3 arm-ornament ex-wives
2 turtles swimming (to avoid global warming)
and an orangutan thats out of his tree.......
but you didnt include the other days of Austin's saturnia rhyme or rap song.
I suggest the following;
12 (war) drummers drumming
11 (faux news) pipers whining
10 (republican candidates) losers losing
9 ladies peeing (as nature intended)
8 female deposition lawyers "a-milking"
7 anonymous campaign donor rats - "a swimming"
6 pundits predicting downfall "a-laying" eggs
5 gaudy cartoon towers......
4 bank-rupt-cies
3 arm-ornament ex-wives
2 turtles swimming (to avoid global warming)
and an orangutan thats out of his tree.......
5
The scariest thing about Trump's popularity is that it shows there are a lot of Americans that are really closet bigots and racists. They have always thought the same things that The Donald is preaching, but had to suppress these opinions because they weren't PC enough for American society. Until of course, Trump started saying all the same things that these people really believe. Now they can be open about their true feelings about Hillary, Obama, Mexicans, Muslims, African Americans and every other group that Trump prejudices against. I find it so ironic that Trump wants apologies from Hillary and the other candidates when they voice their opinion on Trump's crazy statements, but he can ruthlessly blast everyone else without any thought of truth or hurting someone's feelings. He's a complete EGOMANIAC right down to his soul!
14
Use the past plu-perfect when recounting Trump. "In grammar, the past perfect is an aspect of the verb that designates an action which has been completed before another past action. Also known as the past perfect or the pluperfect. It is formed with the auxiliary had and the past participle of a verb."
Corrent: 'Speaking to supporters several weeks ago, Mr. Trump said that in the 2008 Democratic primary , Mrs. Clinton HAD BEEN schlonged by Mr. Obama.'
Incorrect: 'Speaking to supporters several weeks ago, Mr. Trump said that in the 2008 Democratic primary, Mrs. Clinton WAS schlonged by Mr. Obama.
Corrent: 'Speaking to supporters several weeks ago, Mr. Trump said that in the 2008 Democratic primary , Mrs. Clinton HAD BEEN schlonged by Mr. Obama.'
Incorrect: 'Speaking to supporters several weeks ago, Mr. Trump said that in the 2008 Democratic primary, Mrs. Clinton WAS schlonged by Mr. Obama.
1
On the 12th day of Christmas the Donald gave to me...
Twelve brand new insults,
'Leven jerks a smirking,
Ten bouts of pouting,
Nine mugs a smugging
Eight rigid hairs...
Twelve brand new insults,
'Leven jerks a smirking,
Ten bouts of pouting,
Nine mugs a smugging
Eight rigid hairs...
3
Trump and his followers embrace the Three Poisons of Buddhism: Greed, Hatred and Ignorance.
12
Donald Trump is more in synch with and reflects more Americans opinion than most if not all pundits would care to acknowledge.
The man, in his clownish/wise man appeal is expressing a sense of deep disenchantment and distrust of presend day America that even the most pro change Americans would avow.
He is to most Americans, irrespective of polls, the first serious pretender to challenge the ruling ESTABLISHMENT and the prevalent life forming doctrine, psyche moulding doctrine of Liberal Capitalism that on one hand rules uninteruptedly and on the other forms the mentality and psychic attitude of more Americans .
Some are voicing it in polls and may act on it in the primaries with most, presumably more than 90 plus percent , supporting him but unable to voice it for its destructiveness of a long held and deeply cherished self image .
AS a non American who claims to know America the USA as a state and form of political/economic/social order is the subject of keen questioning and heart felf malaise , at best, and the object of a strong desire for a real change/
Trump caught and rode that mood .should his future as a politician espousing the felt and, mostly, unfelt mood of the American people will ultimaely depend on how many Americans will dare come out with it in actual votes that would, in substance and essence, reflect deep unhappiness of what America has been all about!
The man, in his clownish/wise man appeal is expressing a sense of deep disenchantment and distrust of presend day America that even the most pro change Americans would avow.
He is to most Americans, irrespective of polls, the first serious pretender to challenge the ruling ESTABLISHMENT and the prevalent life forming doctrine, psyche moulding doctrine of Liberal Capitalism that on one hand rules uninteruptedly and on the other forms the mentality and psychic attitude of more Americans .
Some are voicing it in polls and may act on it in the primaries with most, presumably more than 90 plus percent , supporting him but unable to voice it for its destructiveness of a long held and deeply cherished self image .
AS a non American who claims to know America the USA as a state and form of political/economic/social order is the subject of keen questioning and heart felf malaise , at best, and the object of a strong desire for a real change/
Trump caught and rode that mood .should his future as a politician espousing the felt and, mostly, unfelt mood of the American people will ultimaely depend on how many Americans will dare come out with it in actual votes that would, in substance and essence, reflect deep unhappiness of what America has been all about!
2
Constantly writing stories about Trump is a fool man's error, or as Einstein used to say "repeating the same known error is insanity." Every time I see NYTimes articles on that multimillionaire spending his own money successfully on getting voters to vote for him I can only think what a stupid country we have become. Let's focus on the latter rather then Trump. Millions of Germans made the same mistake and the world ended up with a guy named Hitler. Things happen.
11
America's greatest day will be when "The Don" is POTUS and hopefully the Senate will have 60 Republicans for cloture.
A total domination for a new leader in Trump and a political castration of the social policies being supported by the NYT and the the rest of the left wing cabal of open border welfare socialists.
Trump is the Last Hope to save The US from bankruptcy, terrorists, Iran and the destruction wreaked by the 5th columnist and traitor Obsma and the Democratic Party.
The change coming will hopefully make Trump a dominant iron fisted ruler along with Ted Cruz and maybe the next 16 years of 4 terms we can build a Isreali type of 50 foot seamless wall deport the 20 million illegals, keep most Muslims in their home countries and make the unskilled lazy welfare recipients work at the jobs these illegals have now.
Trump the Dominator is the only hope and change left to save America.
Merry Christmas!
A total domination for a new leader in Trump and a political castration of the social policies being supported by the NYT and the the rest of the left wing cabal of open border welfare socialists.
Trump is the Last Hope to save The US from bankruptcy, terrorists, Iran and the destruction wreaked by the 5th columnist and traitor Obsma and the Democratic Party.
The change coming will hopefully make Trump a dominant iron fisted ruler along with Ted Cruz and maybe the next 16 years of 4 terms we can build a Isreali type of 50 foot seamless wall deport the 20 million illegals, keep most Muslims in their home countries and make the unskilled lazy welfare recipients work at the jobs these illegals have now.
Trump the Dominator is the only hope and change left to save America.
Merry Christmas!
2
Donald Trump is difficult to describe. You could starts with words like arrogant, ignorant, egotistical, racist, misogynistic, delusional and dishonest. Not necessarily in that order.
Given that this description has proven to be a fair and accurate rendition, it makes you wonder why anyone would vote for him, or indeed pay him any attention whatsoever.
Being fuelled by Republican votes appears to be the only answer.
Given that this description has proven to be a fair and accurate rendition, it makes you wonder why anyone would vote for him, or indeed pay him any attention whatsoever.
Being fuelled by Republican votes appears to be the only answer.
2
Envision Trump at at a gathering of Iowa pig farmers rushing to greet him & discovering that he's run out of Handi-Wipes, while across town Cruz is crooning Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire to a crowd of hooting, derisive, torch bearing Evangelicals. The Republican primaries should be covered not by the mainstream press, but by National Geographic.
11
I can think of two other reasons for DT's behavior:
1) He is at the front of a vast left wing conspiracy to elect Clinton.
2) He's become afraid that he might actually win, and is upping the insanity to avoid being placed in a really scary job.
1) He is at the front of a vast left wing conspiracy to elect Clinton.
2) He's become afraid that he might actually win, and is upping the insanity to avoid being placed in a really scary job.
7
This man's revolting candidacy is supported by one thing and one thing only: the attention given to him by a crass media famished for 24/7 copy of any sort. The only figures that count are the ones showing how he'd do in a race against Hillary (who will be the Democratic candidate, like it or not). Unless those figures show he's within a plausible margin to win, all the rest is media hype and the lunatic old-white-southern-male fringe.
2
Trump is wonderful entertainment. He reminds me a lot of the very politically incorrect bosses I had in the '60's and '70's. Language that would "make a crow blush" as the song goes. Indeed, Trump is a throwback. So, during this Holiday Season, let us enjoy and savor these sentimental moments when we are taken back to the old days when all we had to worry about was if and when the world was going to be blown up.
6
There is the possibility that the GOP has painted themselves in the corner and knowing it is a lost cause, they are dropping our and will continue to do so as a way of conceding the election to Hillary (assuming she is the nominee) knowing full well that NO country in its right mind would elect Trump as president.
Trump is an embarrassment to the party and rather than have him be the national head, they would just as soon flush themselves down the electoral toilet.
Trump is an embarrassment to the party and rather than have him be the national head, they would just as soon flush themselves down the electoral toilet.
2
What the Billionaire Bully fears most is anyone with a sense of humor, who sees past the bluster to a freighted little boy who during his exile into military school and after bullying, decided he would always be #1, no matter the cost. Students of Shakespeare will see a tragedy playing out as he's finally brought down by his own bullying, becoming the bully he was reacting to. In the short term he's an outrageous and funny little man (like the house painter in 1924); but in the end he will be a sad and pathetic footnote to political history, secluded in his final years like Howard Hughes, surrounded by sycophants.His drama having played out on the world stage.
7
"Obnoxious self-promoting egomaniac" seems to encapsulate the criteria to be a GOP frontrunner today. There is a difference between Trump and Cruz though. Trump is all bombast. Cruz has some political instincts although they veer to the extreme right. He resembles the infamous '50s senator Joe McCarthy in more than looks. I am reminded of "Dr. Strangelove" whenever I hear him speak. Oh well, all we can do is stand back and allow the Tea Partiers, religious right, and other zealots claim their victory in nominating a candidate that represents what they think is the real America. It is the natural progression of their having taken over the GOP. Come election day, their candidate will have the same fate as Barry Goldwater did in the '60s. Or at least we have to hope so.
8
Soon after the Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire primary, Donald Trump is going to fall like a poached rhinoceros as will that tick bird riding his back, Ted Cruz. That leaves us with Marco Rubio as the likely Republican Presidential candidate. And that also leaves all those likely Republican voters out there who think Trump's bombast and vulgarity is the new face of politics in America. Those who have been carefully tutored by the Limbaugh's and the Levin's and Roger Ailes that compromise is a sign of weakness, that civility is 'political correctness'. Those who fear that 'the Other' is going to get some of the government benefits that are rightly theirs and theirs alone. We'll be dealing with those grumblers for awhile, insufficient in number to alter the outcome of the 2016 Presidential election but sufficient in number to put Trump and his adolescent antics at the head of pack for now.
4
What worries me most about Donald Trump is not his bloviating rhetoric, but the volume of his support. Or am I the only one worried about this being some sort of perverse canary in our democracy coal mine?
Yeah, yeah, I know, there is no such thing as Santa Claus or a true democracy, but we've had a not so insignificant run with a Constitution that manages to stay pretty current with the times. That a high percentage of GOP voters think it's okay to target people based on ethnicity and/or religion is a little bit to 5th Reich from my perspective. There is real danger in that rhetoric become bills and ultimately laws.
I don't think the Donald will be either the nominee nor POTUS, but I think we are making a grave error in dismissing his supporters as total nutballs. The Donald has done us the favor of bringing this lunacy out of the political closet and making it part of a rather public platform. The hatred is palpable and it's out there.
On the other hand, when he starts his own network to run his latest reality TV show, The Trump Road To The Presiduncy, perhaps people will figure out they've been played for ratings and his personal profit statement.
We can only hope.
http://wifelyperson.blogspot.com/
Yeah, yeah, I know, there is no such thing as Santa Claus or a true democracy, but we've had a not so insignificant run with a Constitution that manages to stay pretty current with the times. That a high percentage of GOP voters think it's okay to target people based on ethnicity and/or religion is a little bit to 5th Reich from my perspective. There is real danger in that rhetoric become bills and ultimately laws.
I don't think the Donald will be either the nominee nor POTUS, but I think we are making a grave error in dismissing his supporters as total nutballs. The Donald has done us the favor of bringing this lunacy out of the political closet and making it part of a rather public platform. The hatred is palpable and it's out there.
On the other hand, when he starts his own network to run his latest reality TV show, The Trump Road To The Presiduncy, perhaps people will figure out they've been played for ratings and his personal profit statement.
We can only hope.
http://wifelyperson.blogspot.com/
4
Waiting in the airport yesterday, I couldn't get away from Donald Trump. Every screen had him on it, highlighting Trump's latest rant against his victim of the week. I overheard a (white, middle-aged) guy say to his companion, while gazing at the TV, "He speaks the truth. He does it in derogatory way, but it's the truth."
It wouldn't have done any good to parse Trump's rhetoric to show that much of what he says is not the truth. Because like most Trumpers, this man would chalk up any criticism to political correctness. The Trump strategy is brilliant in its bone-headed simplicity: aggressively attack and abuse and tell anyone who disagrees that they're being overly sensitive.
The "truth" is what his followers know in their heart of hearts to be so, despite teams of evidence to the contrary.
It wouldn't have done any good to parse Trump's rhetoric to show that much of what he says is not the truth. Because like most Trumpers, this man would chalk up any criticism to political correctness. The Trump strategy is brilliant in its bone-headed simplicity: aggressively attack and abuse and tell anyone who disagrees that they're being overly sensitive.
The "truth" is what his followers know in their heart of hearts to be so, despite teams of evidence to the contrary.
21
I actually don't think Trump has any intention of implementing or enforcing 80% of the stuff he says. It's all an empty sales pitch, of course. That leaves the question, what does he actually plan on doing? Does anyone care that his tax plan will increase the deficit by 50% and will cut taxes for the very richest Americans? Does anyone care what specifically he might plan on doing with the military or our foreign policy? Is anyone worried that we're going to spend four years listening to him brag about himself while whatever clan of loyal lackeys he assembles attempt to run the government?
13
Trump is an embarrassment. If he's elected, I may move to that new planet that is somewhat like Earth. If he doesn't shut up soon, I may move there anyway. I think I overheard him say, recently, "If those people elect me, then they're more stupid than I thought!"
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. God save us from this man!!!
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. God save us from this man!!!
16
Take me with you!
4
Brava, Gail!
I thought the same thing when a friend showed me Trump's "Happy Holidays" tweet -- Wasn't this the guy who said we'd all be saying "Merry Christmas" again... once he was president?
There's plenty of that happening at Radio City Music Hall in the Rockets' Christmas spectacular. I'm fine with people doing "Merry Christmas" on their own property and/or time. I just don't want to see government endorsing any one religion or tradition over another.
I thought the same thing when a friend showed me Trump's "Happy Holidays" tweet -- Wasn't this the guy who said we'd all be saying "Merry Christmas" again... once he was president?
There's plenty of that happening at Radio City Music Hall in the Rockets' Christmas spectacular. I'm fine with people doing "Merry Christmas" on their own property and/or time. I just don't want to see government endorsing any one religion or tradition over another.
20
Speaking of branding, the people who own the Republican Party aren't about to allow Donald Trump to tarnish their brand. Establishment Republicans would support Hillary before Trumping the GOP.
4
I wish Gail Collins was running for President, the debates would be infinitely more listenable. And if elected, who knows a good sense of humor might be the remedy to fix Congress. Lightness, irreverence would be welcome displacing some of the world's daily bad news. People would have something else to talk about besides ISIS. There would be a mood shift helping to cure what ails like climate change and the disappearance of Miami Beach.
9
Does he realize that POTUS is a full time job? He won't be able to manage his sprawling financial empire, do his reality shows, sell his various beauty pageants, etc. I assume that all of that is a full time job as well. The man doesn't strike me as someone who will be able to put aside his personal life in service to the Nation, and that's the heart of the job.
12
Gail
In 2008 Obama made over 600 campaign promises. 600. How many did he fulfill? 151
How is what Obama did or what Trump, Hillary is doing now any different than what any other candidate has done in previous elections? It's not So why are liberals so obsessed with this guy? Does anyone think Tha Trump is going to build a wall? Does anyone think the bill to propose one, would survive a Supreme Court decision?
Trump is a carnival side show and the members of the New York Times keep going back. If that were not the case why the daily front page columns?
Candidates do not affect economic or foreign policy decisions. Can anyone show me how Trump's comment's have affected Obama's decisions?
What I think people should be worried about is Hillary. She was Secretary of State when
1) Mubarak was deposed and put the Muslim Brotherhood in power
2) Dhe called Bashir Assad a positive reformer
3) Shd refused to call Biko Haman a terrorist organization and they now swear allegiance to ISIS
4) She was the chief architect of the decision to topple Gadaffi
5) The reset button with Russia
Trump has no legislative or policy making decision trail. Hillary does. And yo me that carries far more weight. The decisions she was a part of are a clear indication how she will act going forward. History does teach us something
In 2008 Obama made over 600 campaign promises. 600. How many did he fulfill? 151
How is what Obama did or what Trump, Hillary is doing now any different than what any other candidate has done in previous elections? It's not So why are liberals so obsessed with this guy? Does anyone think Tha Trump is going to build a wall? Does anyone think the bill to propose one, would survive a Supreme Court decision?
Trump is a carnival side show and the members of the New York Times keep going back. If that were not the case why the daily front page columns?
Candidates do not affect economic or foreign policy decisions. Can anyone show me how Trump's comment's have affected Obama's decisions?
What I think people should be worried about is Hillary. She was Secretary of State when
1) Mubarak was deposed and put the Muslim Brotherhood in power
2) Dhe called Bashir Assad a positive reformer
3) Shd refused to call Biko Haman a terrorist organization and they now swear allegiance to ISIS
4) She was the chief architect of the decision to topple Gadaffi
5) The reset button with Russia
Trump has no legislative or policy making decision trail. Hillary does. And yo me that carries far more weight. The decisions she was a part of are a clear indication how she will act going forward. History does teach us something
4
In October 2012 Hillary voted to authorize the invasion of Iraq. We can safely predict that Hillary will continue the foreign policies of Bush and Obama i.e. more foreign interventions and war.
Collins: "...PolitiFact...announced that out of 77 Trump statements it looked into, 76 percent were rated Mostly False, False or Pants on Fire."
Trumps approach to reality is the same as Alice in Wonderland: "Things are what I say they are."
Trumps approach to reality is the same as Alice in Wonderland: "Things are what I say they are."
17
Or George Costanza's: It's not a lie if *you* believe it.
2
I laughed when GW Bush ran the first time thinking no one would vote for such a baffoon. I don't find any humor in the GOP clown car of candidates only abject fear. I'm fearful when I see how many people support these cretins and they're hateful ravings. I'm truly amazed and saddened at how many People fail to recognize how dangerous trump and cruz
36
One of the saddest things about political polarization, coupled with ignorance, is the loss of proportion. Trump is not Hitler. Not even Mussolini or Franco. I read "Mein Kampf". It is not "demeaning" or "rude" or "insensitive". It is very logical - if you accept Hitler's insane premise that the Jews are not human beings. Apparently enough people in Weimar Germany believed this to be the case. Another wild exaggeration is Clinton's remark about Da'esh using Trump's videos. I'm Clinton's supporter but does she know so little about the Middle East? For Da'esh, we are all "crusaders", regardless of who sits in the Oval Office. This said, I have a perfect analogue for Trump which has been suggested many times already. He is another Berlusconi. Now, Berlusconi did a lot of damage to Italy but he neither started a world war not committed genocide. I visited post-Berlusconi Italy recently and it's just fine. So take a deep breath and have a merry Christmas (and I'm a Jew).
38
Take a deep breath and repeat: the United States is not Italy. An American Berlusconi has the potential to cause a lot more damage than Mr. B.
4
Gail, your column remains my chief resource for following the GOP campaigns, but I've finally reached the point of not being able to find any amusement in Trump's fascistic false pronouncements. I haven't watched any of these so-called debates because I dread vomiting all over myself, or throwing something destructive at my TV. I'm terrified at the number of people who support Trump. We shouldn't take him or Cruz lightly. After all, Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany, based on similar lies and hate-filled statements.
8
Can we take bets on when the thousands of Trump supporters will wake up to realize that not one of them is perfect enough to be invited over to his house or sit next to him on an airplane. Because each one of them--as all of us Americans-- needs to use the bathroom; each one has some sort of physical imperfection; each one has some sort of inadequacy; each one has shown kindness, admiration or love to someone who is not white or Christian or American ( I'll leave the White supremacists out of this last category). The man who shouts "Loser" to cheering crowds can and will so easily direct that word on those who now applaud him. I feel sure of this. I daresay we use the adjectives most often with which we are most personally acquainted and that particularly applies to DT.
10
We have to pass an examination to drive a car or work as a lawyer. How many of the current candidates could pass a basic civics test, or recite the constitution?
13
Donald Trump is a Pretender to the Throne and would be an Unenlightened Despot and and universal embarrassment if elected.
9
Gail,
With Trump we all collectively know what we are getting in pure white and black. There are no gray or triangulation areas.
To his credit, he never shies away from any confrontation, nor try to be politically correct. He spread his insults equally: Megyn Kelly (darling of Tea party) and madam neo-con(darling of Wall Street and Dems women)
Is he playing the fear and racism cards to gain support? Absolutely. But so does all of them Dems or GOP
Unlike madam neo-con, Trump did not vote to authorized sending Americans to the death sands of ME to advance his political career and looks more macho than Bush.
With Trump we all collectively know what we are getting in pure white and black. There are no gray or triangulation areas.
To his credit, he never shies away from any confrontation, nor try to be politically correct. He spread his insults equally: Megyn Kelly (darling of Tea party) and madam neo-con(darling of Wall Street and Dems women)
Is he playing the fear and racism cards to gain support? Absolutely. But so does all of them Dems or GOP
Unlike madam neo-con, Trump did not vote to authorized sending Americans to the death sands of ME to advance his political career and looks more macho than Bush.
3
I agree we all know what we are getting with Trump. That anyone would support him based on what we see is the awful part.
3
Gail
Please don't underestimate the damage a Trump building can do to one's neighborhood. As you know we have a few dozen here in NYC and they are actual blight! City planners have labeled Trump "architecture" as "regrettable".
Trump buildings generally need two things. They need to be tall. Or at least pretend to be tall. (He generally adds about 20 stories to the actual height, so you may THINK you are on the 75th floor, but you are really on the 55th floor. Surprised by this?) And they must have TRUMP written all over them in tacky gold letters.
They are no laughing matter.
Please don't underestimate the damage a Trump building can do to one's neighborhood. As you know we have a few dozen here in NYC and they are actual blight! City planners have labeled Trump "architecture" as "regrettable".
Trump buildings generally need two things. They need to be tall. Or at least pretend to be tall. (He generally adds about 20 stories to the actual height, so you may THINK you are on the 75th floor, but you are really on the 55th floor. Surprised by this?) And they must have TRUMP written all over them in tacky gold letters.
They are no laughing matter.
9
A Trump presidency would be as welcome as your Aunt Matilda's Fruit Cake at Christmas. A primary ingredient: Nuts.
18
Gail Collins misses the point that Mr. Trump has capitalized on: that political correctness has turned a “Merry Christmas” greeting into a perceived affront. But instead of replacing the salutation with the insipid, PC “Happy Holidays”, we should make it a point to reach out to others during their holidays with their respective greetings, such as “Happy Chanukah” and “Ramadan Mubarak”.
35
Wrong. PC did not change Merry Christmas into an affront. It recognized that non-Christians live here, too. Why is this perceived as oversensitive PC-ness?
To do what you suggest means that I would have to ask people what their religion is before wishing them well. Sorry, but that's ridiculous. I wish people Merry Christmas when I know that they celebrate it. Otherwise, Happy Holidays does the trick well: conveys general goodwill. If someone wants to be affronted by that . . . good grief, they need something better to do.
To do what you suggest means that I would have to ask people what their religion is before wishing them well. Sorry, but that's ridiculous. I wish people Merry Christmas when I know that they celebrate it. Otherwise, Happy Holidays does the trick well: conveys general goodwill. If someone wants to be affronted by that . . . good grief, they need something better to do.
15
The greeting doesnt matter. All holy scriptures are less concerned with the verbage of the greeting (I don't remember reading a Merry Christmas greeting anywhere in the Bible ) than with the offer of assistance to those who hunger and thirst, those without shelter. Truly, a wish of Merry Christmas currently sounds like encouragement to eat, drink and purchase in abundance.
2
You do know that "happy holidays" has been around as a legitimate greeting since at least the 30's - otherwise, Irving Berlin (the Jew who wrote White Christmas) would never have written his famous song, "Happy Holidays."
2
Trump is a creature of the media. He pretends to hate the press, but gets free coverage daily by calling in to talk shows. Without the media coverage he would be nothing.
20
Thank you, Gail, for continuing to try to inject some lightness into a situation that has most of us on edge. We need a break from the fear and loathing. Happy Holidays to you, and by that I mean each and every holiday we may be celebrating around this time of year, including, but not limited to Christmas. May you continue to enjoy good cheer throughout the coming year.
11
Merry Christmas Tsultrim, and may you try to use your head. I wrote the following comment in response to someone down below who said Trump would start a war. Since I can't find him now it is my Christmas gift to you, You're welcome.
bnc you have got it exactly backward. In fact it is all the other candidates who warmongers, except possibly O'Malley, and Trump is the only peacemonger.
Trump is the only candidate who has dared to question the lying propaganda demonizing Putin which was issued by our government and swallowed whole by the press. The press and the political establishment in turn has mounted a hate-Trump campaign, the results of which we see in these comments, including yours. But facts are facts.
See this link: https://consortiumnews.com/2015/12/21/trump-schools-abc-tv-host-on-reality/
Trump is approaching politics as the farce that it is, and he has chosen to present himself as the funniest clown in a field of clowns. But his inner message is his contempt for American politics and politicians. He is actually a radical, and that's why the establishment is trying to destroy him.
bnc you have got it exactly backward. In fact it is all the other candidates who warmongers, except possibly O'Malley, and Trump is the only peacemonger.
Trump is the only candidate who has dared to question the lying propaganda demonizing Putin which was issued by our government and swallowed whole by the press. The press and the political establishment in turn has mounted a hate-Trump campaign, the results of which we see in these comments, including yours. But facts are facts.
See this link: https://consortiumnews.com/2015/12/21/trump-schools-abc-tv-host-on-reality/
Trump is approaching politics as the farce that it is, and he has chosen to present himself as the funniest clown in a field of clowns. But his inner message is his contempt for American politics and politicians. He is actually a radical, and that's why the establishment is trying to destroy him.
1
So, would the clerk who just wished me "happy holidays" be a political prisoner under a Trump Presidency?
9
The worrisome thing about Trump is that, to paraphrase West Side Story, he is very likely "psychologically disturbed."
12
I think the base republicans would like nothing better than to blow up the party.
They hate the direction of the country and see that the regulars haven't done anything to 'fix it'. Along comes trump who has tapped into this anger. I personally feel most of these people don't care if they lose they just want this party broken. Fasten your seat belts it's going to be a bumpy ride!
They hate the direction of the country and see that the regulars haven't done anything to 'fix it'. Along comes trump who has tapped into this anger. I personally feel most of these people don't care if they lose they just want this party broken. Fasten your seat belts it's going to be a bumpy ride!
13
The difference between Donald Trump and Ted Cruz is that while both firmly and consistently practice the low art of misleading the American people, one knows that the conduct is wrongful if proven and the other doesn't know or care about right from wrong at all because he could care less about the well being of anyone besides himself. Surprisingly, from his business dealings, it is Trump who knows right from wrong and practices his brand of reality tv on the campaign trial. Cruz is the dangerous, people-hating real menace to the United States, just as Sen. Joe McCarthy was in the 1950's. Cruz says he wants to attack ISIS and make the sands of Syria "glow in the dark," implying that using nuclear weapons is OK. Perhaps the military again will be the ones who take down the dangerous shyster.
17
"He appeared to be mulling ......we're supposed to be grateful." Well, what can I say about that except that's mighty Trump of him!
"But the president thing is no longer a joke." Er, sorry Gail. I love you, but considering everything at stake, not the least of which is this planet and our survival on it, a joke is one thing this never was--not to me.
I'm in mourning, literally, this season, so I'm celebrating nothing. Also, having more of a preference for the original reason(s) for Dec 25 (not the birth of Jesus aka Yeshua), I read your seven days of Xmas and think of: my instructor of my last 2 classes in Spanish during undergrad who's Mexican- American; former classmates who're friends + neighbors in my bldg who're Muslims; I could go on, but, I think you get it.
Whether it's whistling in the dark or satire, etc., perhaps I can come back and find this funny. Right now, it isn't and even so, my sense of loyalty's such that unless any of those I've mentioned signed off on calling this funny ...
BTW, there's one name that could've have made into this column today and hopefully might, the next time: Bernie Sanders. Would it really kill the NYT to acknowledge his existence more often?
12-24-15@12:08 p.m. e.s.t.
"But the president thing is no longer a joke." Er, sorry Gail. I love you, but considering everything at stake, not the least of which is this planet and our survival on it, a joke is one thing this never was--not to me.
I'm in mourning, literally, this season, so I'm celebrating nothing. Also, having more of a preference for the original reason(s) for Dec 25 (not the birth of Jesus aka Yeshua), I read your seven days of Xmas and think of: my instructor of my last 2 classes in Spanish during undergrad who's Mexican- American; former classmates who're friends + neighbors in my bldg who're Muslims; I could go on, but, I think you get it.
Whether it's whistling in the dark or satire, etc., perhaps I can come back and find this funny. Right now, it isn't and even so, my sense of loyalty's such that unless any of those I've mentioned signed off on calling this funny ...
BTW, there's one name that could've have made into this column today and hopefully might, the next time: Bernie Sanders. Would it really kill the NYT to acknowledge his existence more often?
12-24-15@12:08 p.m. e.s.t.
12
.
Regarding Bernie Sanders (who recently had an Op-Ed in NYT) and the "acknowledge his existence" issue:
NYT has, of course, done articles about the Senator. His existence is not ignored at all.
But let's say NYT were to run more news articles about him. Which of these topics would satisfy the psychological need that he be "acknowledged"?
-- an article about why zero US Senators (his colleagues) are endorsing him?
-- a specific article about Vermonters who aren't endorsing him? (Governor Shumlin, former Govs. Dean and Kunin, Senior Senator Patrick Leahy, the current mayor of Burlington, etc.)
-- a series of articles about the likelihood of Sanders's policy proposals being blocked by Republicans in Congress?
These are articles that a serious publication would write if it were taking Sanders's candidacy seriously. I do not want that to be the case, because I agree with 85%+ of his policy proposals. But the articles have to go the way the sources go. And I think the items I listed above would be mentioned by objective sources.
Regarding Bernie Sanders (who recently had an Op-Ed in NYT) and the "acknowledge his existence" issue:
NYT has, of course, done articles about the Senator. His existence is not ignored at all.
But let's say NYT were to run more news articles about him. Which of these topics would satisfy the psychological need that he be "acknowledged"?
-- an article about why zero US Senators (his colleagues) are endorsing him?
-- a specific article about Vermonters who aren't endorsing him? (Governor Shumlin, former Govs. Dean and Kunin, Senior Senator Patrick Leahy, the current mayor of Burlington, etc.)
-- a series of articles about the likelihood of Sanders's policy proposals being blocked by Republicans in Congress?
These are articles that a serious publication would write if it were taking Sanders's candidacy seriously. I do not want that to be the case, because I agree with 85%+ of his policy proposals. But the articles have to go the way the sources go. And I think the items I listed above would be mentioned by objective sources.
1
There is no such thing as bad publicity. Trump knows this and is playing the press for suckers. Journalists of columns like this one are doing all of Trumps work for him while ignoring a serious candidate like Bernie Sanders.
Does the New York Times really want to be the mouthpiece for Trump's campaign? A Nazi minister of propoganda would be proud of Trump's manipulation of the press and contemptuous of the Times!
Does the New York Times really want to be the mouthpiece for Trump's campaign? A Nazi minister of propoganda would be proud of Trump's manipulation of the press and contemptuous of the Times!
5
Very true. Thank you for your comment.
2
Let's face it, people love celebrities and that is one of the big reasons Trump is ahead in all the polls. His brashness and colorful language aside, his policies are not that different from a Rubio or a Huckabee or a Cruz.
I say this with some trepidation, Jeb seems to be the most reasonable of these Republican candidates!
I say this with some trepidation, Jeb seems to be the most reasonable of these Republican candidates!
3
Hillary and her videos. She does like her videos, doesn't she? First it was a video that started the Benghazi riots, now it's Donald Trump causing the riotous videos. Don't know what to make of it.
All the left wing liberals including the author who I presume subscribe to political correctness, tax and spend, welcoming illegal immigrants, and leading from behind, are all clamoring all over each other to politically eliminate Trump from the race.
Unfortunately, Trump is a guy who does not believe in political correctness, and sees as many of do, a completely broken Government, with its waste of tax dollars, unbridled and unfunded socialist programs.
Yes, he is way over the top sometime, and has yet to articulate how he would accomplish his objectives, but he stands for change by many of us. I believe too, that if he did become President, he would surround himself with some of the best and brightest NON-POLITICAL hacks, that would solve some of our worst economic and foreign policies we have seen in over 60 years.
For us who are sick and tired of the mess we are in in from the Government and the promise more of the same from the Democratic 'anointed one', we can only hope that perhaps Trump can calm down the rhetoric and show us how he would govern. Sadly, those of us who feel that Rubio may be an interesting alternative, know that with all the money showered on him from the special interests, he will be beholden and bring us a continuation of a government run by the special interests.
I recommend that the left calm their hysterics over Trump because is greatest threat to the left is that he may finally 'upset the apple cart' of
special interests.
Unfortunately, Trump is a guy who does not believe in political correctness, and sees as many of do, a completely broken Government, with its waste of tax dollars, unbridled and unfunded socialist programs.
Yes, he is way over the top sometime, and has yet to articulate how he would accomplish his objectives, but he stands for change by many of us. I believe too, that if he did become President, he would surround himself with some of the best and brightest NON-POLITICAL hacks, that would solve some of our worst economic and foreign policies we have seen in over 60 years.
For us who are sick and tired of the mess we are in in from the Government and the promise more of the same from the Democratic 'anointed one', we can only hope that perhaps Trump can calm down the rhetoric and show us how he would govern. Sadly, those of us who feel that Rubio may be an interesting alternative, know that with all the money showered on him from the special interests, he will be beholden and bring us a continuation of a government run by the special interests.
I recommend that the left calm their hysterics over Trump because is greatest threat to the left is that he may finally 'upset the apple cart' of
special interests.
2
Would these be the same special interests as the wealthy Saudis that your boy's in business bed with? The ones who've bailed him out a couple-three times?
By the way, I was wondering--do ya think Das Trump has gotten over the thrashing that the Anonted One handed him at the Correspondent's Dinner, a couple years back? He sure acts like he's still all chapped in his tender places.
By the way, I was wondering--do ya think Das Trump has gotten over the thrashing that the Anonted One handed him at the Correspondent's Dinner, a couple years back? He sure acts like he's still all chapped in his tender places.
9
Hillary Clinton has remained aloof and presidential except when Mr. Trump reminds the country what she was doing in the bathroom. She is, after all, the woman Donald Trump actually paid (via Clinton Foundation donation) to attend his wedding. Trump knows why she (and Bill) showed up and who has the biggest bank account. Let's face it, no one looks or feels presidential next to Donald Trump. He has given all of us the gift of feeling small and dirty.
4
It would be very difficult as a journalist to not write about the Trumpster. He is so bizarrely entertaining- in a sicko kind of dystopian way. Sort of like shooting up when you know it isn't really good for you but you cant resist
3
Gail readers take note: keep patting each other on the back and saying how superior you think you are- because you are precisely the reason why Trump has so much support. Most people are sick and tired of your self-righteous groupthink and are prepared to vote against you in large numbers. You are not the majority in this country.
1
Yeah, maybe, but at least we have a functioning sense of humor. Probably based on actually knowing stuff.
15
Perhaps you admired Hitler or Mussolini. This is fascism at its ugliest. Get a grip, and start asking questions of your candidate, like, does he have any actual plans to help the people of America, or does he just have a big, ugly mouth.
2
Here's the problem......a vote for Trump is a vote against people whose views you don't like. Wow. Sad. I prefer to vote for the candidate who will make the best president..
1
On the Christmas point - Trump is quite right in my opinion.
Christmas is not just about religion - it is a very old and one of the most important Western traditions. It is also considered Jesus Christ's birthday - which obviously is a part of the religious part.
With all due respect: Everyone knows that the "holiday" greetings are a Jewish thing - something Jews say among themselves, to avoid the Christmas word. Which is fine. But in small baby steps, Jews seem to have started to impose their own view of Christmas on the rest of the US population - and even the world.
I'm Icelandic, and I live in Copenhagen, where Christmas is a very big thing (90% of the population celebrates Christmas and loves it).
The other day I just passed the American Embassy in Copenhagen, and it actually struck me as disrespectful when I saw that the embassy "Christmas posters" all said "Happy Holiday!" on them - no mention of Christmas - or Merry Christmas. Sorry - and frankly: I find it rude and disrespectful.
Jews are about 2-3% of the US Population, and Christians just about 65%. And I'm sorry to say it, but I find this holiday thing to be an example of a tiny minority trying to wipe out very important parts of the mainstream culture.
Also. What is the problem with Christmas? I don't get this hostility and this lack of respect.
: )
Christmas is not just about religion - it is a very old and one of the most important Western traditions. It is also considered Jesus Christ's birthday - which obviously is a part of the religious part.
With all due respect: Everyone knows that the "holiday" greetings are a Jewish thing - something Jews say among themselves, to avoid the Christmas word. Which is fine. But in small baby steps, Jews seem to have started to impose their own view of Christmas on the rest of the US population - and even the world.
I'm Icelandic, and I live in Copenhagen, where Christmas is a very big thing (90% of the population celebrates Christmas and loves it).
The other day I just passed the American Embassy in Copenhagen, and it actually struck me as disrespectful when I saw that the embassy "Christmas posters" all said "Happy Holiday!" on them - no mention of Christmas - or Merry Christmas. Sorry - and frankly: I find it rude and disrespectful.
Jews are about 2-3% of the US Population, and Christians just about 65%. And I'm sorry to say it, but I find this holiday thing to be an example of a tiny minority trying to wipe out very important parts of the mainstream culture.
Also. What is the problem with Christmas? I don't get this hostility and this lack of respect.
: )
7
As a Christian, I find the effort to insist that people who aren't should say "Merry Christmas" in honor of Jesus to be highly misguided. You don't spread your faith or demonstrate your mercy by ordering other people to say what you demand, any more than you would accept being told to say "Peace be upon him" when Mohammad's name is mentioned. As Christians, we were told to love and to serve, not to make requirements for our neighbors to follow even against their wills or beliefs. If you want to rule others rather than loving and serving them, you do not know the manner of spirit or faith you claim to follow.
47
Always good to get a little anti-semitism in for Christmas Eve: thanks.
May this gentile recommend a high colonic, while listening to Adam Sandler's "Channukah Song?"
May this gentile recommend a high colonic, while listening to Adam Sandler's "Channukah Song?"
34
And I don't get this anti-Semitism that paints Jews as a minority that's out to subvert the larger society. Where have we heard this before?
America is a secular democracy. If your figures are correct, 45 percent of the population is not Christian. Why should Christians be allowed to impose their traditions on the rest of us at this time of year?
In civilized societies, people look for ways to compromise to get along peacefully. Saying "Happy Holidays" is just such a compromise. In the private sphere, which is enormous, anyone is free to say "Merry Christmas" to anyone at any time. To insist on public obeisance to "Merry Christmas" seems to me to conflict not only with the values of our secular democracy but also with the professed Christian values of peace and joy at this time of year.
America is a secular democracy. If your figures are correct, 45 percent of the population is not Christian. Why should Christians be allowed to impose their traditions on the rest of us at this time of year?
In civilized societies, people look for ways to compromise to get along peacefully. Saying "Happy Holidays" is just such a compromise. In the private sphere, which is enormous, anyone is free to say "Merry Christmas" to anyone at any time. To insist on public obeisance to "Merry Christmas" seems to me to conflict not only with the values of our secular democracy but also with the professed Christian values of peace and joy at this time of year.
122
Note to the editor: Why do you keep putting Donald Trump on the front page even though he hasn't done anything more than usual? You are just feeding his narcissism. That is called enabling and should stop. You are supposed to be the adults.
18
I am commenting without having read this column. I am tired of NYT and other media giving this jerk free publicity, even if the column treats him derisively, which I assume it does. No more. Write about other candidates, other stuff, anything but this jerk.
24
Let us not forget that our Congress added "under God" to our Pledge of Allegience during the "Cold War" against the Soviet Union. Donald Trump represents the same war-mongers who wanted an all-out nuclear confrontation of the believers in God versus the "enemy" that did not..
Who really started this feud in the first place? I don't believ it was the Islamics.
Who really started this feud in the first place? I don't believ it was the Islamics.
5
Trump is the embodiment of unregulated capitalism, out of control, dangerous when unhinged from social democracy. Senator Sanders seeks to restore the partnership btw. capitalism and social democracy, allowing our government work for all of us.
8
It's kind of amazing for everyone to be fixating on Trump when a very likely scenario next year is that Rubio and maybe Bush or some other right wing lunatics will emerge instead for the first and second spots on the GOP ticket with our ridiculous pandering media suggesting with supposed relief to a gullible public that those particular clowns are more "moderate" than Trump (even though he is actually, in some areas, the least "conservative" right wing lunatic of all of them). Scary ignorance.
3
Trump is a fool but watching you witting or unwitting cultural Marxists get yourselves into a lather over his antics is just a gift of God. By all means, knock yourself out and I mean that literally. The more you rant the less the people listen. The most humorous and ironic part is that it has nothing really to do with Trump or "Teflon" Reagan. The people don't trust you arbiters of a decadent political correctness that they know is at bottom, a lie. Have fun spewing your propaganda now but whether or not you know it a sleeping giant is awakening and judge as you will be judged.
1
Donald Trump is not a joke. But that doesn't mean we can't and shouldn't make fun of him. In fact, that may be the best tactic to bring him down. He does not respond well to being the butt of a joke. In fact, none of the Republican candidates do. Take a look at this recent Hillary Clinton video. "Hillarious!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLKHXiiE4_Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLKHXiiE4_Y
3
Here’s what the GOP candidates are saying:
“This is about ‘rights.’ We’ve had a half-century of bowing to ‘rights.' Civil rights, abortion rights, voting rights, sexual revolution rights, criminal defendants’ rights, school integration rights, employment rights, clean air and water rights, workplace safety rights, and more.
“And you know who are the only people who benefited from those 'rights'? The least deserving: those who refuse to lift themselves up and accomplish something on their own. Those who have taken and taken and taken from your hard work, your doing the right thing, your trying to live a normal life, your educating your children in the best schools your taxes can build and with the best teachers your taxes can hire, your maintaining your neighborhood, your paying your taxes plus theirs too, your being a peaceful, law abiding citizen so they can take, steal, rob, and destroy everything you built.
“The ‘rights era’ is over. We are reversing a half-century of rights for the undeserving and we’re restoring America to the land it was before Earl Warren, the EPA, the Voting Rights Act, the Civil Rights Act, OSHA, and all the other 'rights' poppycock. We are making this nation great once more by returning it to its pre-FDR and New Deal days. We are restoring states’ rights and state sovereignty to their proper places of dominance over national government.
“And we will unshackle big business.”
There are voters who are lapping it up. Merry Christmas. God help us.
“This is about ‘rights.’ We’ve had a half-century of bowing to ‘rights.' Civil rights, abortion rights, voting rights, sexual revolution rights, criminal defendants’ rights, school integration rights, employment rights, clean air and water rights, workplace safety rights, and more.
“And you know who are the only people who benefited from those 'rights'? The least deserving: those who refuse to lift themselves up and accomplish something on their own. Those who have taken and taken and taken from your hard work, your doing the right thing, your trying to live a normal life, your educating your children in the best schools your taxes can build and with the best teachers your taxes can hire, your maintaining your neighborhood, your paying your taxes plus theirs too, your being a peaceful, law abiding citizen so they can take, steal, rob, and destroy everything you built.
“The ‘rights era’ is over. We are reversing a half-century of rights for the undeserving and we’re restoring America to the land it was before Earl Warren, the EPA, the Voting Rights Act, the Civil Rights Act, OSHA, and all the other 'rights' poppycock. We are making this nation great once more by returning it to its pre-FDR and New Deal days. We are restoring states’ rights and state sovereignty to their proper places of dominance over national government.
“And we will unshackle big business.”
There are voters who are lapping it up. Merry Christmas. God help us.
5
Are you going to abolish the Bill of Rights while you are at it?
1
"videos of Donald Trump insulting Islam and Muslims" don't exist. So using them is not probable.
1
Maybe it's hard to take Trump seriously because he so resembles a pre-adolescent school yard bully with absolutely nothing going for him. But I guess there are a lot of pre-adolescent school yard type bully losers who identify with Trump because they are so angry, alienated, disaffected and shut out because of their loserness and general ugliness. Not to speak of their ignorance or willful stupidity. I hazard a guess that most of the howling mugs in Trump's audience haven't a clue what "schlonged" means, not being big city New York school yard bullies. Oh, but they love him anyway.
It makes me so long for the days when all we had was a submediocre republican rich guy whose major flaw, outside of his inability to speak, was carting his dog on the top of one of his Caddies. Those were the days. Now we need a supply of air freshener just to get through the news.
It makes me so long for the days when all we had was a submediocre republican rich guy whose major flaw, outside of his inability to speak, was carting his dog on the top of one of his Caddies. Those were the days. Now we need a supply of air freshener just to get through the news.
3
Funny how the "respectable" GOP, many on Fox News, etc are horrified by Donald Trump. It is their snide insults of President Obama and giving legitimacy to the birther bigots, demonizing of immigrants and sneering, combative style that gave birth to The Donald. Now they see their child as an nasty, out of control delinquent? Check the mirror!
www.newyorkgritty.net
www.newyorkgritty.net
4
I worry much more about the supporters of Trump, Cruz & Carson. It's the same kind of worry I've carried for years for people who listen to Rush Limbaugh. Trump, Cruz, Carson & Limbaugh won't ever be the person who kicks open the door & shoots everyone in the joint. But their glassy-eyed supporters....I really worry about them.
I worry because Americans who like these guys have to be nuts. They also seem to be mad as hell, spinning around in a fit much like the Tasmanian Devil who was frothing at the mouth at all times in old cartoons. I understand the natural anger that comes with aging, "long after the thrill of livin' is gone."
I worry because Americans who like these guys have to be nuts. They also seem to be mad as hell, spinning around in a fit much like the Tasmanian Devil who was frothing at the mouth at all times in old cartoons. I understand the natural anger that comes with aging, "long after the thrill of livin' is gone."
9
This column mentions Bernie Sanders how many times? Zero...It's all Trump, all the time, with Hillary filling in as the presumed - or anointed - Democratic nominee. I usually find Gail's columns to be amusing, but no longer. Instead of trying to humorize the Trump nightmare, she could be telling the truth about how well Bernie is doing and how humorous it is that he scares the all powerful establishment. But no, the NYT must continue to deny and spin the good news about the Sanders campaign, lest they upset their cadre of corporate sponsors.
14
Trump would beat Hillary. Is the NYT ready for a Jewish (secular) president ? For that matter. How about the U.S.?
This vulgar, bragging bully is obviously a smart man when it comes to promoting himself and his brand. But my questions are these. Somehow he has managed to raise a posse of very bright, thoughtful and personable children. But where is his child he fathered with Marla Maples, his mistress who he finally married ? And why haven't we heard one word from his third and present wife ? Something is out of sync about the way he talks about women and his apparently honest skills in raising nice and smart kids. Will some psychotherapist please comment.
1
Tiffany Trump, the daughter of Marla Maples and Trump, is a college student at Penn. She was raised by her mother in California. As for the other Trump children: Barron is the youngest, at around age 10, being raised by Melania, Donald Jr. likes to hunt endangered big game animals, so not so nice. Eric runs Trump Winery, near my home in Va. Ivanka is married to Jared Kushner and has converted to Judaism. I suspect that Trump's wives have done most of the child rearing, but Donald likes to take all the credit.
It's a darn shame that Gail's going for the easy laugh and giving even more ink to this outrageous boor... except his IS speaking to many topics Americans are thinking and doing it without fear.
But then, so is Bernie Sanders. And yet, the NY Times and the rest of 'corporate media' ignores this man and his message. You and your colleagues can't sneak in a Bernie comparison when you're writing about Trump? That way you are showing a sort of fairness, right?
I just wish that the media would give Bernie a fair shake. You've been quite generous to Donny Boy.
But then, so is Bernie Sanders. And yet, the NY Times and the rest of 'corporate media' ignores this man and his message. You and your colleagues can't sneak in a Bernie comparison when you're writing about Trump? That way you are showing a sort of fairness, right?
I just wish that the media would give Bernie a fair shake. You've been quite generous to Donny Boy.
9
seven mexican rapists? look @ the stats i believe there are 100's. six refugees? try several 100 thousand. war on christians, xmas being banned? why dosent the Times report major news? the NYTs will do it propaganda 24/7. you also wont print this. the artical isnt even funny.
2
You know, I keep wondering when the great NYC press core will stop snickering and pull out all the stories they've been writing over the last thirty years or so about Trump's so-called business acumen, his publicly-funded bankruptcies, the way he stiffed construction workers on project after project, and the appalling trail of architectural diarrhea he left in his wake.
One thing I'm surprised Trump himself hasn't pulled out, though, is the Jones Beach restaurant debacle, "Trump on the Ocean," the 33,600 sq. ft. obscenity which would have included an "immense" parking garage below-grade in a flood zone. I could imagine something along the lines of, "And folks, let me tell you: it took an act of God to put an end to a that project: a force-5 hurricane. That's the kind of guy you're dealing with here!"
He has always been a conniving blowhard and a bully, and so feculent you can smell it every time he opens his mouth.
“Donald Trump continues to distinguish himself as a visionary entrepreneur committed to excellence..." (G. Pataki, 2006)
One thing I'm surprised Trump himself hasn't pulled out, though, is the Jones Beach restaurant debacle, "Trump on the Ocean," the 33,600 sq. ft. obscenity which would have included an "immense" parking garage below-grade in a flood zone. I could imagine something along the lines of, "And folks, let me tell you: it took an act of God to put an end to a that project: a force-5 hurricane. That's the kind of guy you're dealing with here!"
He has always been a conniving blowhard and a bully, and so feculent you can smell it every time he opens his mouth.
“Donald Trump continues to distinguish himself as a visionary entrepreneur committed to excellence..." (G. Pataki, 2006)
5
For decades, the message daubed on store windows (in fluorescent paint starting in the '60s, which kind of detracted from the Olde English script usually used) was either "Seasons Greetings" or "Happy Holidays." It was only in recent years that somebody decided such sentiments posed a threat to "Merry Christmas."
All the "Merry Christmas" militants have succeeded in doing is stain the sentiment with a tinge of hostile defensiveness, almost in the hope that it does offend people: "MERRY CHRISTMAS!! There, I said it. What are you going to do about it, huh? Huh?" Kind of takes the ho-ho-ho and jingle bells out of it, doesn't it?
Under a Trump rule, I wonder if we'd be forced to say "Merry Christmas" even at Easter. We already know that he's not much for Peace On Earth or Good Will Toward Men (and most certainly not for women, if he begrudges them their bathroom breaks).
All the "Merry Christmas" militants have succeeded in doing is stain the sentiment with a tinge of hostile defensiveness, almost in the hope that it does offend people: "MERRY CHRISTMAS!! There, I said it. What are you going to do about it, huh? Huh?" Kind of takes the ho-ho-ho and jingle bells out of it, doesn't it?
Under a Trump rule, I wonder if we'd be forced to say "Merry Christmas" even at Easter. We already know that he's not much for Peace On Earth or Good Will Toward Men (and most certainly not for women, if he begrudges them their bathroom breaks).
6
Gail saved her best line for the last: "And a bromance with Vladimir Putin."
This bromance has great possibilities, and deserves a name of its own. I call it the Trumputin Saga, or The Love that Dare Not Speak its Name.
This bromance has great possibilities, and deserves a name of its own. I call it the Trumputin Saga, or The Love that Dare Not Speak its Name.
4
If you have ever been curious as to what a totally unmediated id looks like, look no further than T Rump and his acolytes. Pure, unfiltered rage, hate, lust, envy, fury and contempt with no thought as to the consequences of following only one's basest desires.
6
On a Sunday morning talk show last week Trump was interviewed and what I heard sounded like a raving crazy man. He never truly answered any questions and all he did was insult everyone and puff out his chest to say how wonderful, smart, important,etc. he is. I don't understand the appeal at all. Have Americans gone mad?
10
Gail Collins,
I am a fan and enjoy your column with satire. Many of us are still smiling about Mitt's dog on top of the car.
Writing about the Donald gives him more publicity not that needs any more and it certainly fits into his playbook. You're better than this.
The sooner we tune him out the better for US.
Thanks and happy holidays.
I am a fan and enjoy your column with satire. Many of us are still smiling about Mitt's dog on top of the car.
Writing about the Donald gives him more publicity not that needs any more and it certainly fits into his playbook. You're better than this.
The sooner we tune him out the better for US.
Thanks and happy holidays.
6
Pulitzer Prize-winning former reporter at Newsday, Michael D’Antonio, awrote an authorized biographry of Trump entitled, “Never Enough: Donald Trump and the Pursuit of Success." Some memorable quotes from the book are: "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." Ah, that explains so much.
According to the book, Trump's parents sent him to the New York Military Academy after years of bad behavior at Kew-Forest, an exclusive prep school in Queens, where the current full time tuition is $36,390/year. According to Trump, he gave a teacher at Kew-Forest a black eye “because I didn’t think he knew anything about music.”
Since he left (or was expelled from) Kew-Forest in the 8th grade, that would make him no more than 14 years old when he attacked his teacher because he didn't respect his/her knowledge of music. Coincidentally, that's around the same age as Carson when he attacked his friend (or relative) with a knife, an act Trump called "pathological" behavior that would never change throughout a person's life. Just saying...
In describing his feelings of superiority to others, Trump said: “For the most part, you can’t respect people because most people aren’t worthy of respect."
Well, there ya go. That's "the rest of the story" of "the real Donald Trump". I guess that if you don't want the respect of your president, Trump's your man.
According to the book, Trump's parents sent him to the New York Military Academy after years of bad behavior at Kew-Forest, an exclusive prep school in Queens, where the current full time tuition is $36,390/year. According to Trump, he gave a teacher at Kew-Forest a black eye “because I didn’t think he knew anything about music.”
Since he left (or was expelled from) Kew-Forest in the 8th grade, that would make him no more than 14 years old when he attacked his teacher because he didn't respect his/her knowledge of music. Coincidentally, that's around the same age as Carson when he attacked his friend (or relative) with a knife, an act Trump called "pathological" behavior that would never change throughout a person's life. Just saying...
In describing his feelings of superiority to others, Trump said: “For the most part, you can’t respect people because most people aren’t worthy of respect."
Well, there ya go. That's "the rest of the story" of "the real Donald Trump". I guess that if you don't want the respect of your president, Trump's your man.
19
Liberals have been laughing at Trump for years. 8 years of President Trump would be the ultimate last laugh of ALL TIME.
2
He does not represent Americans who are kind, gracious, inclusive, generous and mostly unspoken heroes who don't go about blowing their own horns. No he is quite UN American.
5
While I love the idea Donald Trump is going after the presidency by just trying to brand it as he does hotels & office buildings paid for by others, I think I understand the strategy for The Trump: He will make increasingly outrageous statements to crowds thrilled by his non-PC language until he crosses a line no one thought could be crossed. Perhaps it will be insults to people over 65 who collect SS or perhaps he will reveal secret information that St. Ronnie was transgender or he will say something else beyond all imagination. Then the Trump bubble will burst and the debate ratings for the GOP will dwindle into nothing.
As a backlash to The Trump, the GOP will nominate the most boring of their current candidates. All the presidential debates between Mrs. Clinton and her boring opponent will be about policies and the fine print of legislation. Only high information voters will have the enthusiasm to vote and the US will have 8 more years of a "no drama, hard-working president". Now that would be worth the re-writing of a few Christmas carols.
As a backlash to The Trump, the GOP will nominate the most boring of their current candidates. All the presidential debates between Mrs. Clinton and her boring opponent will be about policies and the fine print of legislation. Only high information voters will have the enthusiasm to vote and the US will have 8 more years of a "no drama, hard-working president". Now that would be worth the re-writing of a few Christmas carols.
3
I, for one, can't wait for a possible one-on-one debate between 'The' Donald and and Hillary. It would most certainly be the former's Waterloo, or - in his own classy vocabulary - his being schlonged by Hillary, and the most hilariously entertaining presidential debate ever in the annals of the good, old, US of A.
9
Trump, Carson, Cruz and Rubio have between them about 10 years elective office experience yet they represent almost 80% of the GOP preference in the primaries.
Why do Democrats think they can reach across the aisle and work with people who have no experience on the job and who think their "employer" needs to be put out of business?
Why do Democrats think they can reach across the aisle and work with people who have no experience on the job and who think their "employer" needs to be put out of business?
7
Laughing, as usual, from the author's wonderful wit, until the seriousness of the Trump phenomena brought me down to reality. Just how would he enforce the "Merry Christmas" edict. With the "Thought Police", of course. You know guys in trench coats and black fedoras and a red T encircled in a black armband. Let's not be PC and refuse to see the ghastly similarities between Trump and the rise to power of Hitler and Mussolini. Remember they were both elected using Trump-like slogans, demonizing minorities, promising to make their countries great again. And both had a compliant judiciary and legislators give legitimacy to their grab of absolute power. It could happen here. Happy Holidays and don't forget to vote in defense of our American Democracy.
4
PBS/NC produced an excellent documentary about the large membership in the KKK towards the middle of the last century. It was shocking to most as NC was considered to be a progressive Southern state and had the largest KKK membership. How was this possible? They were not particularly violent as those south of them in SC were. They had their rallies and burned crosses, but what they wanted was voting power. The members were poor whites that feared the future and they hated the limited progress blacks were making. Fear of the future motived them and fear is what motivates Trump supporters. (The KKK/NC crashed and 'burned' after a federal investigation of corruption by the Grand Dragon and the higher ups---who needs the Feds nosing around anyway.) Beware the poor and isolated. Nobody really wants to do anything for them, but Trump vents the anger that is bottled up inside. He tells it like they see it.
4
With Trump the crude buffoon and Clinton the monster, we might have an election that just might do the country in. Saner voices call for a Sanders - Bush matchup in 2016. It won't sell as many papers but we all will be better off for it.
8
Clinton the "monster?"
6
Trump and the media, O'Reilly included, have missed the true war: THE WAR ON CHANUKAH. In my visits to countless stores this month, not one (1) salesperson wished me a happy chanukah, even when I bought two boxes of Chanukah cards. Evidence enough? War on Christmas, bah humbug.
9
Trump learned that a lot of Americans got their news from the John Stewart Show without"getting it" that it was mostly joking. Same thing with Trump. Its a Show.
2
I get the feeling that Trump's support is not only about the "failed political system" but also about taking a shot at the "unbiased" communications industry. It is rather funny to see and hear "all various media experts" confused when the polls don't change as they think they should. Maybe Trump supporters are using Trump (even if they don't really support him) to "stick it" to media experts who tell everyone "what to think!"
2
God save us - and I mean that. There may be not much to love amongst the Dems, but at least none of them are as vile as the Republican runners. This is a dangerous time in Presidential politics.
9
Gail: it is truly a real pity that Trump supporters do not read your column. They have blinders on, will never ever take them off. And like lemmings, led by Don (i am on a first name basis), tragically will go willingly off the cliff and into the sea.
5
Trump is a paper tiger. The beneficiary of free media time and countless op-eds. If he's not covered by the media, will he go away? Let's find out.
4
What's most astounding is a current poll showing Hillary beating The Donald by 2% (49 to 47)! Certainly within the margin of error. A reasonably effective Democratic candidate would be way ahead of this blowhard buffoon. Hillary is not that candidate, and this country could be in a world of trouble (and the rest of the world right along with it) come next November.
5
Our economic and political systems have failed millions of Americans and two "outsider" candidates - Trump and Sanders - are speaking to and for them.
One of them, Bernie Sanders, looks at the root causes of the problems and proposes well-reasoned reforms intended to reduce inequality and promote social justice. For this he is rewarded by deafening silence in the media and, it seems, among the electorate.
Trump offers no solutions, opting instead to capitalize on nativist resentment within the very sectors that have lost the most as manufacturing jobs have vanished overseas. This is Duck Dynasty America, frightened, resentful and, it seems, profoundly mean spirited. Their anger is beyond the reach of reason, which is why they'd tag Sanders as a commie loser before they'd admit he's on their side. Time and again Republicans are able to make them vote against their own interests.
It's true what they say that people get the candidates they deserve.
One of them, Bernie Sanders, looks at the root causes of the problems and proposes well-reasoned reforms intended to reduce inequality and promote social justice. For this he is rewarded by deafening silence in the media and, it seems, among the electorate.
Trump offers no solutions, opting instead to capitalize on nativist resentment within the very sectors that have lost the most as manufacturing jobs have vanished overseas. This is Duck Dynasty America, frightened, resentful and, it seems, profoundly mean spirited. Their anger is beyond the reach of reason, which is why they'd tag Sanders as a commie loser before they'd admit he's on their side. Time and again Republicans are able to make them vote against their own interests.
It's true what they say that people get the candidates they deserve.
6
Donald doesn't need to spend money because he gets so much free air time. The press can't wait to air his latest absurd utterance and his followers think it's not only brilliant but very appropriate, It will only get worse if he starts winning primaries. Whatever happened to Jeb Bush and all his money?
Going fast.
Going fast.
2
I cannot remember another campaign where anyone spoke as dangerously as Donald Trump. I think that's because earlier campaigns respected the sensibilities of the American voter, but Trump found the ugly underbelly of America, and has exposed us not for who we are, but who we can become. I am alternately appalled and shocked by the roaring approval of his crowds each time Trump hits a hateful new low. The problem, as I see it, isn't Donald Trump, the problem is that we, the people, have created a Donald Trump, we've said hate Is okay, facts need not apply, respect is obsolete, and we are America,
10
Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders are two sides of the same coin.
Voters know that they have lost control of their government, their jobs and their lives. They see Wall Street destroy the economy, their savings, their home ownership and jobs. And they see blatantly criminal acts by our banks and hedge fund owners discovered but which never lead to indictments or jail, even as we have the highest imprisonment of the population in the world. Our Supreme Court, usually the last refuge for Justice, is dominated by 5 conservative Catholic Republicans who have brought their ideology and religion to the Court and Justice is no longer even handed.
Sanders is proposing real solutions. Trump is projecting attitude. One appeals to one set of voters. The other to another. The greatest advantage of each is they are not part of the Establishment, indeed are despised by it.
And our Republican and Democratic establishment politicians are so indebted to those who finance their campaigns that they are paralyzed. The fact, as the Times reports, that 158 families are providing most of the funding for this Presidential campaign makes Trump attractive because he is not beholden to those oligarchs and Sanders is attractive because he is funding from crowd sourcing.
Eventually, the Establishment of both parties will support Hillary Clinton, but whoever wins -- Trump, Sanders or Clinton -- the two parties need to rethink their relevance and how to restore real democracy.
Voters know that they have lost control of their government, their jobs and their lives. They see Wall Street destroy the economy, their savings, their home ownership and jobs. And they see blatantly criminal acts by our banks and hedge fund owners discovered but which never lead to indictments or jail, even as we have the highest imprisonment of the population in the world. Our Supreme Court, usually the last refuge for Justice, is dominated by 5 conservative Catholic Republicans who have brought their ideology and religion to the Court and Justice is no longer even handed.
Sanders is proposing real solutions. Trump is projecting attitude. One appeals to one set of voters. The other to another. The greatest advantage of each is they are not part of the Establishment, indeed are despised by it.
And our Republican and Democratic establishment politicians are so indebted to those who finance their campaigns that they are paralyzed. The fact, as the Times reports, that 158 families are providing most of the funding for this Presidential campaign makes Trump attractive because he is not beholden to those oligarchs and Sanders is attractive because he is funding from crowd sourcing.
Eventually, the Establishment of both parties will support Hillary Clinton, but whoever wins -- Trump, Sanders or Clinton -- the two parties need to rethink their relevance and how to restore real democracy.
11
No, Trump and some of his cohorts are not funny. This is the scariest political season ever.
14
Ms. Collin,, the best thing you could do for your devoted readers is to write about something other than Trump inanities. You and your colleagues, especially Mr. Bruni, seem a bit enthralled by him. Easy pickings for a satirist, I know, buy enough already.
12
Trump's secret weapon is his ability to connect to the middle income white men who talk the Trump talk but normally don't vote. There are a lot of those guys and they love Trump for telling it like they want it to be rather than the way it is. If Hillary doesn't inspire the same kind of voter turnout Obama got, she'll have a hard time competing with Trump, Cruz or Rubio. Remember, there are only a handful of swing states in presidential contests so running up a big margin in New York, California and Illinois isn't going to do it for Hillary.
2
Are there enough rational people (Democrats and left-leaning Independents) in America to prevent any of the Republican candidates from becoming president? I hope so.
If not, the country will go down the toilet along with Donald Trump's pee. That will truly be disgusting to see.
If not, the country will go down the toilet along with Donald Trump's pee. That will truly be disgusting to see.
11
Obama vs. Trump would have been the most fun election in US history, world history
- is it too late to undo term limits?
- is it too late to undo term limits?
8
If Donald Trump had not inherited his father's money and business, what would he be? I imagine him as working at a junk yard, cursing minorities while he chews on the stub of a cheap cigar. Donald, minus his old man's money and influence, is a nobody. Also, my apologies to employees of junk yards.
13
Is the man is an embarrassment to our society or is he really a reflection of who we really are?
10
May I offer a prediction for the upcoming primary season?
1,236 delegates are needed to win the Republican Party nomination.
In February, 133 delegates will be awarded in various primaries and caucuses, with only one “winner take all” event (South Carolina)
Prediction: At the end of February, Ted Cruz has the lead in delegates thanks to a win in South Carolina
In March, 1,253 delegates will be awarded with six “winner take all” events (Florida being the largest prize).
Prediction: At the end of March, Donald Trump takes the lead in delegate count thanks to wins in Florida and Missouri.
In April and May, 296 delegates will be awarded with six “winner take all” events (Indiana being the largest prize)
Prediction: At the end of May, Donald Trump still has a lead in delegates, but Ted Cruz, Chris Christie and Jeb Bush pick up delegates to remain close behind.
In June, 294 delegates will be awarded with four “winner take all” events (California being the largest prize)
Prediction: Donald Trump wins California and New Jersey (both “winner take all) and, by the end of June, has amassed the largest delegate count, but still short of 1,236 delegates. Negotiations begin with Ted Cruz. In exchange for his delegates, Cruz gets the Vice Presidential slot. Your 2016 Republican ticket is…..Trump & Cruz.
Thanks to Time Magazine for their excellent description: http://time.com/4059030/republican-primary-calendar-2016-nomination-conv...
1,236 delegates are needed to win the Republican Party nomination.
In February, 133 delegates will be awarded in various primaries and caucuses, with only one “winner take all” event (South Carolina)
Prediction: At the end of February, Ted Cruz has the lead in delegates thanks to a win in South Carolina
In March, 1,253 delegates will be awarded with six “winner take all” events (Florida being the largest prize).
Prediction: At the end of March, Donald Trump takes the lead in delegate count thanks to wins in Florida and Missouri.
In April and May, 296 delegates will be awarded with six “winner take all” events (Indiana being the largest prize)
Prediction: At the end of May, Donald Trump still has a lead in delegates, but Ted Cruz, Chris Christie and Jeb Bush pick up delegates to remain close behind.
In June, 294 delegates will be awarded with four “winner take all” events (California being the largest prize)
Prediction: Donald Trump wins California and New Jersey (both “winner take all) and, by the end of June, has amassed the largest delegate count, but still short of 1,236 delegates. Negotiations begin with Ted Cruz. In exchange for his delegates, Cruz gets the Vice Presidential slot. Your 2016 Republican ticket is…..Trump & Cruz.
Thanks to Time Magazine for their excellent description: http://time.com/4059030/republican-primary-calendar-2016-nomination-conv...
2
Oh god forbid! What a grim ticket and it is probably electable, which is really distressing.
I loved this article, particularly the precise analysis of Hillary Clinton's comment on ISIS "going to people showing videos of Donald Trump . . ."
The comment was unfairly labeled as "False." I am flummoxed by PolitiFacts and CNN putting the False label on this unsupported but highly likely statement. If they wanted to label it "Unsupported", OK. But "False" is a false conclusion: there is no proof that ISIS is not using the video.
Thank you, Gail!
The comment was unfairly labeled as "False." I am flummoxed by PolitiFacts and CNN putting the False label on this unsupported but highly likely statement. If they wanted to label it "Unsupported", OK. But "False" is a false conclusion: there is no proof that ISIS is not using the video.
Thank you, Gail!
6
It's a sure thing that Trump's statements have been broadcast in the Muslim world. It's a very short step to the conclusion that it brings recruits to the ugly cause of ISIS.
7
It is amazing how everyone on the left is clueless about Donald Trump. They can’t really believe our politics have sunk so low and that everyone is so disgusted with liberalism that he may get elected.
The real dynamic in our politics isn’t between left and right it is between establishment and populist. People are feeling insecure because of a stagnant economy and terrorism. They don’t understand or care about the details of policy they are too busy living. They only know how they feel, which isn't good, and they blame the party of the President in power whether it is justified or not. This is the reason they are always fooled by a Republican candidate who feels “authentic”.
The Democratic race is between a true populist, Bernie Sanders, and a card-carrying member of the establishment Hillary Clinton. There isn’t a strong establishment candidate on the Republican side because it isn’t necessary; Trump is the establishment candidate in populist clothing. He is using populism to get elected and when and if he is elected he will do everything the financial and business elites want, he will be no different than George W. Bush. The way to beat him is to expose him as the wolf in sheep's clothing that he is, to criticize the things he says just makes him seem more like a populist and plays right into his hand.
The sad thing is people are scared enough and angry enough to allow themselves to be fooled again.
The real dynamic in our politics isn’t between left and right it is between establishment and populist. People are feeling insecure because of a stagnant economy and terrorism. They don’t understand or care about the details of policy they are too busy living. They only know how they feel, which isn't good, and they blame the party of the President in power whether it is justified or not. This is the reason they are always fooled by a Republican candidate who feels “authentic”.
The Democratic race is between a true populist, Bernie Sanders, and a card-carrying member of the establishment Hillary Clinton. There isn’t a strong establishment candidate on the Republican side because it isn’t necessary; Trump is the establishment candidate in populist clothing. He is using populism to get elected and when and if he is elected he will do everything the financial and business elites want, he will be no different than George W. Bush. The way to beat him is to expose him as the wolf in sheep's clothing that he is, to criticize the things he says just makes him seem more like a populist and plays right into his hand.
The sad thing is people are scared enough and angry enough to allow themselves to be fooled again.
10
The Trumpster recently visited this scarlet letter state, where A stands not for Hester Prynne's adultery but for Arizona, Arpaio, avarice, and anger. The expected band of nut cases turned out to meet and greet the Vulgar one,who was welcomed by the notorious sheriff of Maricopa County whose call to judgment by the Feds for his corruption, racism, and cruelty may soon , please God, end his criminal tenure. Some of my wonderful high school students attended the event to demonstrate against the T-rump, and when a local reporter asked what they thought of his possible administration, one replied that Trump would be great if you wanted a president who sounds like he's on crack. This youngster votes in the next election. My fellow Americans, fear not- we bring tidings of great joy. The next generation is just fine.
23
I recall that Trump's dictator-esque proclamation that every clerk would say "Merry Christmas" under his Presidency followed his statement about being into religion. Apparently, The Donald, having said he does not lower himself before God, had to outdo Carson, who said that Jesus saved an unknown person he wanted to assault, with the religious right. Set aside, briefly, whether it is even appropriate to get behind candidates, based on professed religiosity. What Trump said, wherein beliefs are expressed via cashiers, was a show of faith only for one who worships the almighty dollar.
2
"The Trump campaign is a new phenomenon."
While living in Dallas for ten years, I heard any number of insults tossed around by candidate during local primary elections. None were elected, but they did appeal to a segment of their party.
Perhaps the "new" in Trump's campaign is that it works for a national campaign without using coded language. It reveals a degree of bigotry and frustration in a large segment of the electorate that all political parties will have to address for years to come. Whether or not Trump disappears this spring, these voters will remain.
While living in Dallas for ten years, I heard any number of insults tossed around by candidate during local primary elections. None were elected, but they did appeal to a segment of their party.
Perhaps the "new" in Trump's campaign is that it works for a national campaign without using coded language. It reveals a degree of bigotry and frustration in a large segment of the electorate that all political parties will have to address for years to come. Whether or not Trump disappears this spring, these voters will remain.
7
What I like about Trump is that he convinced a significant number of voters to reject the Republican primary script the conservative billionaires paid for. The sad part is he is holding up a mirror to show us what is in the hearts of a big tent of voters the Republican Party courted and manipulated to become the majority party in Congress and many state governments. With talk radio conservative ranting personalities and TV "news" many minds have been closed to open dialogue, careful reasoning, and intelligent inquiry.
6
Since this article began about the Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays salutation, I will talk about my feelings on this subject. I hate the HH saying and it is extremely personal for me. In the early 1980s, I was working for a well-known corporation in their large medical department. At the conclusion of our Christmas party, I wished everyone in attendance a Merry Christmas only to have a female doctor scream Happy Holidays in my face. I was stunned and visibly upset. She was Jewish as I learned later but still thought this behavior rude and uncalled for. I was speechless for the remainder of the work day; and upon arriving home, called my parents and told the story. My Catholic mother told me to go in the next morning and go up to this woman and wish her a Merry Christmas. I have been wished Happy New Year by Jewish residents of my apartment building and do not scream I am not Jewish which would be rude and unkind. I am flattered they think of me at their very important time of year. Christmas is an important religious holiday for me and one in which I take quite seriously. All I am asking for is respect. Please New York Times print this for me because I feel it is important for readers to read.
3
I'm Jewish: have a great Christmas! And next year, make sure to tell your Jewish neighbors "Shona tovah!" or "Have a happy Chanukah!"
9
I too am Jewish and hope you have a wonderful Christmas. I went through a long period of resenting people wishing me a Merry Christmas -- their "just assuming" that I was in the majority. I now believe it's usually just an innocent assumption - we are, after all, a country with a Christian majority population. BUT we are also a country where there is freedom of religion, and when someone decides to make a point of saying Merry Christmas to pretend there is a "correct American religion" then I more than resent it: It is truly un-American.
6
I'm sorry that a rude woman wished you Happy Holidays 30 years ago. i still think you and the other vast majority of Americans who celebrate Christmas as safe to do so freely, in peace. And by the way, your mom was wrong. Yelling greetings of any sort in a retaliatory manner is not only rude, it's childish and not at all Christian.
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays!
2
Strictly speaking, the comment about Daesh recruiting should be attributed to Ted Koppel, but agree if the language had been less specific the idea was correct. There is nothing like intolerance for Christmas!
Ted Cruz is a monster, and joins the brigades wanting to build a wall around the Arctic and Antartica and make the natives pay for it. I am much more scared of him than of Trump, he not only looks like but channels Joe McCarthy.
Some people might enjoy this takeoff:
"Cruz and Smith Subpoena Ice"
"Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX) have issued separate subpoenas for those they believe are withholding crucial information in order to advance President Obama’s global warming agenda. They have threatened criminal prosecution if the targets of their subpoenas fail to appear, or refuse to surrender their private e-mails.
"They target of their separate subpoenas: ice."
https://tamino.wordpress.com/2015/12/23/cruz-and-smith-subpoena-ice/
Ted Cruz is a monster, and joins the brigades wanting to build a wall around the Arctic and Antartica and make the natives pay for it. I am much more scared of him than of Trump, he not only looks like but channels Joe McCarthy.
Some people might enjoy this takeoff:
"Cruz and Smith Subpoena Ice"
"Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX) have issued separate subpoenas for those they believe are withholding crucial information in order to advance President Obama’s global warming agenda. They have threatened criminal prosecution if the targets of their subpoenas fail to appear, or refuse to surrender their private e-mails.
"They target of their separate subpoenas: ice."
https://tamino.wordpress.com/2015/12/23/cruz-and-smith-subpoena-ice/
8
It's been articulated throughout the ages in myriad spiritual texts: Wealth, power and fame are not pathways to happiness or self-fulfillment. In this season of lovingkindness and forgiveness, I have compassion for Donald Trump. I pray one day that he awakens, becomes devoted to selfless service, and makes a wonderful difference in the world.
4
There is much made of Trump garnering of support from uneducated, white males and a certain smugness in thinking that demographic doesn't vote so all will turn out well. A caution. Not all Trump supporters are uneducated. During the last general election cycle a retired example of corporate America - big house, fancy car, country club membership, MBA, - asked me if I felt "guilt" over voting since I was not, " a real American". I became a citizen in 2003. His ilk too harbour dark thoughts about what constitutes a "real American", make not so subtle racist jokes about our current President and roundly blame the "welfare class" for what ails this country. They too feed at the trough of rhetoric, hatred, greed, bias that Trump stands for. My fear is that they might also vote.
139
Trump's just a more vulgar version of Romney. This country is still so much better than the vision those two have of it and for it. Lord Trump won't fare any better than Lord Romney.
1
Having an MBA does not make one educated!
The scary part is watching a Trump rally. What he shouts are brags, lies and insults. His supporters are whipped up! The last one I saw made me sure that they'd suddenly pull out their (concealed carry) beloved pistols and start shooting in the air with excitement, Yosemite Sam style.
Other than boasts about how "great" things will be, he hasn't mentioned the part about governing. Like any specific proposals? And how will they play with those other two branches of government that are mentioned in the U.S. Constitution?
His is the worst side-show in the campaign, but I never thought "The Apprentice" would run as long as it did. There's no accounting for taste anymore.
Merry Christmas!
Other than boasts about how "great" things will be, he hasn't mentioned the part about governing. Like any specific proposals? And how will they play with those other two branches of government that are mentioned in the U.S. Constitution?
His is the worst side-show in the campaign, but I never thought "The Apprentice" would run as long as it did. There's no accounting for taste anymore.
Merry Christmas!
35
I would be curious to know how many Trump supporters have heard Bernie Sanders' message? Many of the anxieties that plague these people and prompt them to lash out are, in the end, textbook symptoms of wealth inequality and are addressed quite clearly, in language anyone can understand, by Senator Sanders. If everyone could be assured of financial security, affordable healthcare and education, much of this misdirected animus would quickly go back into hibernation.
26
I'd be curious to know how many NYTimes readers have heard Bernie Sanders' message.
They sure didn't read it in the Times.
They sure didn't read it in the Times.
4
I just realized that the Republicans have managed with this to ruin "Merry Christmas" for me.
I just got a Merry Christmas greeting from my hard right Republican Congressman, and it felt like political bluster, not season's greetings.
I'd like to send a Merry Christmas e-mail to friends as usual, but I realize that too might sound political instead of friendly.
Well, Merry Christmas to all her anyway.
And no that is not political. Politics, bah humbug!
I just got a Merry Christmas greeting from my hard right Republican Congressman, and it felt like political bluster, not season's greetings.
I'd like to send a Merry Christmas e-mail to friends as usual, but I realize that too might sound political instead of friendly.
Well, Merry Christmas to all her anyway.
And no that is not political. Politics, bah humbug!
83
I feel the same way. The only greeting I want to hear is "Peace."
1
There may not be hard evidence of DT's fanning the fires of ISIS, but there is some on his fanning the flames of the white supremacy contingent.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/12/21/how-donald...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/12/21/how-donald...
21
If I could draw I'd make a cartoon with a huge TRUMP sign over the White House and a bankruptcy notice over the door. But since I can't draw I suppose I should just go around wearing a Trump wig and wishing everyone a Feliz Ramadan.
37
Friends and I who were against Donald Trump at the beginning of his campaign are now starting to take a closer look at this candidate. At first, he was ingratiating but now makes sense. He is saying what many of us want to say but are hesitant for fear of being labelled bigots and racists. He loves America and wants it to remain the great nation that it is. People who are against him and ridicule him are really afraid that he might just get the nomination of the Republican Party. If he wins the nomination, I will vote for him as will some of my friends. By the way, we are college educated and many with advanced degrees. We have just been paying close attention to the direction that our country has been heading and fear for the USA in the coming years. Donald Trump wants to bring our country back to the values in which our country was founded. Good luck Mr. Trump and you can count on some of us for your vote. Merry Christmas to all.
22
You can love America and not be hateful like Trump and what he promotes. There is another way. We each have a choice, tempted by divisive exclusionary Trump or kindness and generosity that is emblem of America's greatness.
44
KMW, what is this "fear" about? losing your acct on facebook? job @ stake? i count on intelligent mature people to speak their minds. i have been pro trump for years. if he was "bought" then the NYTs would endorse him.
1
"[Trump] loves America and wants it to remain the great nation that it is."?
No, dear, Trump only loves Trump, but that with a passion.
No, dear, Trump only loves Trump, but that with a passion.
11
Are you all naive or simply enjoying using media to promote this maniac? Just because he says inflammatory stuff doesn't mean he merits attention. In fact, audiences have been trained by tv entertainment to root for bluster and bombast. You keep repeating the nonsense! Can't you all make a living without him? This sells papers and tv time, many of us know this. And it diminishes journalists again in the eyes of serious voters.
25
If Trump got the same coverage as Bernie in the press, he'd be a nobody.
69
The sooner Romney puts him on top of one of his cars and drives off, the better!
53
Would it kill New York Times, so called intelligent, columnists to just stop writing about him? The same with us, said to be smart readers, busily throwing in our two cents? I think Trump has suckered us. I don't think he means anything he says. He speaks outrageousness for outrageousness sake, just to get attention. Ben Carson is very similar. Maybe all of them. Paying attention to him is pointless, except to add titillation to our lives. Do we really think we are doing a democratic public service discussing him...still?
26
Trump and Carson are part of a hoax. The real candidate is Cruz. Now that is scary and something that the NYT would be writing about.
3
It is amazing how dems label and despise Mr. Trumps rhetoric, yet they engage in the most unfair and nasty rhetoric themselves. They want everything Mr. Trump says fact checked, yet they let slide anything Hillary says: "There is actually no specific evidence this (recruitment) is happening, although it certainly seems probable." Talk about a double standard.
More disconcerting is how democrats ignore the facts. Mr. Trump points out he does not hate immigrants, he simply wants them to arrive legally. There is good reason: According to federal (U.S. Sentencing Commission) data, in FY 2014, illegal immigrants accounted for 36.7 percent of cases, while legal immigrants made up 4.0 percent. Broken down, illegal immigrants represented 16.8 percent of drug trafficking cases, 20.0 percent of kidnapping/hostage taking, 74.1 percent of drug possession, 12.3 percent of money laundering, and 12.0 percent of murder convictions. Hey, do you think we can all (dems and republicans) save a lot of federal money by getting control of illegal immigration?
At the end of the day it will be Donald and Hillary debating Terror, unemployment, erosion of the middle class, immigration, trade, Iran, super pacs (e.g., money from Wall St), Whitewater, Benghazi, Egypt, Tax reform, energy policy, Obamacare, scandals (IRS, NSA, VA, GSA), Iraq withdrawal, Guantanamo, national security / Syrian refugees, and why she thinks the country is on track. Her poll numbers will tank quickly.
More disconcerting is how democrats ignore the facts. Mr. Trump points out he does not hate immigrants, he simply wants them to arrive legally. There is good reason: According to federal (U.S. Sentencing Commission) data, in FY 2014, illegal immigrants accounted for 36.7 percent of cases, while legal immigrants made up 4.0 percent. Broken down, illegal immigrants represented 16.8 percent of drug trafficking cases, 20.0 percent of kidnapping/hostage taking, 74.1 percent of drug possession, 12.3 percent of money laundering, and 12.0 percent of murder convictions. Hey, do you think we can all (dems and republicans) save a lot of federal money by getting control of illegal immigration?
At the end of the day it will be Donald and Hillary debating Terror, unemployment, erosion of the middle class, immigration, trade, Iran, super pacs (e.g., money from Wall St), Whitewater, Benghazi, Egypt, Tax reform, energy policy, Obamacare, scandals (IRS, NSA, VA, GSA), Iraq withdrawal, Guantanamo, national security / Syrian refugees, and why she thinks the country is on track. Her poll numbers will tank quickly.
5
That's a fantasy. The GOP establishment will never allow Trump to be the nominee. If he is, his vacuousness will become even more obvious and he will lose badly. In comparison, despite years of smear campaigns directed at her by the GOP, Hillary will be the voice of reason, competence and deep experience, and she will win.
13
It's enlightening that Trump has so far only named one person that he really likes, by name, and that is Putin.
The rest of us, he hates.
The rest of us, he hates.
51
Trump's contemptible rhetoric reflects the deep contempt many Americans have for the political class and our failed political system. What Trump says doesn't seem to matter as much as the bluntness with which he says it. It feels good. He's the ultimate protest candidate in that he represents a total rejection of the GOP establishment and its usual mealy-mouthed hypocrisy. Unfortunately, like other GOP candidates, he also represents the rejection of good judgement, thoughtfulness and the acceptance of basic facts. In the end, Trump personifies the deep intellectual rot within the GOP. Having watched the GOP inflict catastrophic damage on this country for more than 20 years, I hope Trump becomes the earthquake that brings it all crashing down.
26
I heard on progressive radio that Trump and Hillary are in a dead heat (sorry). American voters are truly stupid, and have no sense of future. If that statistic is even close to being true, that means a lot of Democrats support Trump. Well, Democrats don't vote anyway.
7
Trump and Hillary used to be friends, check the facts! He donated $100,000 to the Clinton Foundation. Hillary attended his wedding (to his latest wife) and Bill too attended their reception. It's all in politico, in open view.
2
I spent much of the past summer and fall wondering when Donald Trump would get around to dissing my religion/ethnicity. After all, he’d managed to insult every other minority ethnic group, not to speak of slurs aimed at women, prisoners of war, refugees, unprepossessing or handicapped people – the list goes on. Meanwhile, my long-suffering tribe seemed untouchable, unless you counted his speech to that Republican Jewish organization where he said something on the order of “you guys all know something about deal-making,” no doubt meant as a compliment. What was going on here? Now it turns out that Trump has not only mastered the art of the deal, but even knows some choice Yiddish curse words. They used to say that Bill Clinton was the first black president. If by some fluke Trump made it to the White House, it would be like having Don Rickles in the Oval Office. What’s not to like? At a time when nothing seems to go our way anymore and the role of the president has essentially been downsized to Comforter-in-Chief—when we have the Bully Pulpit minus the bully——the country may be ripe for an insult comedian. Nothing much will change for the better, but a lot of angry Americans will feel vicariously empowered.
6
Years ago, George H.W. Bush winced at Bill Clinton saying "I feel your pain" to voters. He considered such pandering beneath the dignity of the office. Little did he know the dialogue would sink to levels unimaginable in 1992.
10
HW did his share of appealing to the common man, as all politicians do. For just a couple of examples, "I don't know that atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots. This is one nation under God." (news conference, Aug. 27, 1987)--or
"I do not like broccoli. And I haven't liked it since I was a little kid and my mother made me eat it. And I'm President of the United States and I'm not going to eat any more broccoli." (news conference, Mar. 22, 1990).
But you're right when you say neither of them would've sunk to the juvenile, if not infantile, absurdities of the candidates for the ostensibly grand old party.
"I do not like broccoli. And I haven't liked it since I was a little kid and my mother made me eat it. And I'm President of the United States and I'm not going to eat any more broccoli." (news conference, Mar. 22, 1990).
But you're right when you say neither of them would've sunk to the juvenile, if not infantile, absurdities of the candidates for the ostensibly grand old party.
3
Requiring all of us "to be saying ‘Merry Christmas’ again” is a clear violation of the First Amendment.
6
Trump is a megalomaniac. Only his opinion counts. Here is a short true story that explans his thought process.
Many years ago, my father, my uncle and I went to a department store (E.J. Korvette off of Queens Boulevard) and bought two 19 inch black and white TVs, one for my family and one for my uncle. They were the same model, purchased from the same salesman for the same price. They differed only in their serial numbers. A week or so later, my father and I went to visit the uncle. He invited us into his livingroom and commented on his new TV. When we replied that we had one just like it, we got the response "Mine is better."
Yep. Trump is always "better", even when he really isn't.
Many years ago, my father, my uncle and I went to a department store (E.J. Korvette off of Queens Boulevard) and bought two 19 inch black and white TVs, one for my family and one for my uncle. They were the same model, purchased from the same salesman for the same price. They differed only in their serial numbers. A week or so later, my father and I went to visit the uncle. He invited us into his livingroom and commented on his new TV. When we replied that we had one just like it, we got the response "Mine is better."
Yep. Trump is always "better", even when he really isn't.
10
Born with a silver spoon up his, mouth, Trump displays a dizzying cocktail of sociopathy, narcissism and intellectual ADHD.
His constant need for attention has caused the most reckless, vile and inflammatory statements to dribble out of his festering gob of a mouth like an incontinent alley cat.
In my view, months before the elections, Donald Trump has already won a couple of prizes, most arrogant prig of the 2016 Presidential race and most likely to start World War lll if elected.
His constant need for attention has caused the most reckless, vile and inflammatory statements to dribble out of his festering gob of a mouth like an incontinent alley cat.
In my view, months before the elections, Donald Trump has already won a couple of prizes, most arrogant prig of the 2016 Presidential race and most likely to start World War lll if elected.
11
"Donald Trump ...most likely to start World War lll if elected."
Too late. Mrs. Clinton gets the prize. She engineered the Russian reset farce, the Libya disaster, the global Armageddon King Abdullah, the Pope & the generals call WWIII.
She endangered national security by her malfeasance, outdoing by orders of magnitude Gen. Petraeus who was prosecuted.
She unleashed global terror in 90s.
She went from bankrupt to billionaire by selling out US.
She abused IRS/FBI to quash opponents/enemies, many of them women.
She set the stage for Obama's de facto nuclear arming of an apocalyptic region: With the resultant nuclear arms race there, her failed judgment was anthropogenic interference of cataclysmic proportion. It will threaten the world forever.
We put her back in power at our own peril. And our children’s.
Too late. Mrs. Clinton gets the prize. She engineered the Russian reset farce, the Libya disaster, the global Armageddon King Abdullah, the Pope & the generals call WWIII.
She endangered national security by her malfeasance, outdoing by orders of magnitude Gen. Petraeus who was prosecuted.
She unleashed global terror in 90s.
She went from bankrupt to billionaire by selling out US.
She abused IRS/FBI to quash opponents/enemies, many of them women.
She set the stage for Obama's de facto nuclear arming of an apocalyptic region: With the resultant nuclear arms race there, her failed judgment was anthropogenic interference of cataclysmic proportion. It will threaten the world forever.
We put her back in power at our own peril. And our children’s.
1
Physiologist Ivan Pavlov discovered that if you stop rewarding a particular behavior it will go away. He called it "extinction" Not possible in the infotainment age. Rush Limbaugh hasn't gone away. Why would Trump? We do get what we deserve when we replace statecraft with stagecraft.
Celebrities like Ronny Reagan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sonny Bono, Jesse Ventura and Fred Thompson are manifestations of America's new royalty. Al Franken is the exception. He's the jester in the conservative court.
Celebrities like Ronny Reagan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sonny Bono, Jesse Ventura and Fred Thompson are manifestations of America's new royalty. Al Franken is the exception. He's the jester in the conservative court.
6
Trump is incompetent.
He does not speak or propose policy, but rather offers peanut gallery commentary -- which is the heart of his appeal as 'truth-teller.'
Attacks on his boorishness -- however much merited -- do not make a dent because that's precisely why he is celebrated among his supporters. It plays into his hands and is in his sole wheelhouse.
Carson fell like a stone when it became painfully obvious just how clueless and incompetent he is on the basics of foreign policy -- plus it became clear the extent to which he would lie or bend the truth to promote himself.
Sound familiar?
Trump offered a word salad on the basics of nuclear defense. And that's just one example: he falls short every time on defining the problem (apart from complaining that "we're losing"), demonstrating meaningful knowledge on the issue, and articulating specifics on implementing a solution.
He is fundamentally incompetent when it comes to knowing how our government works , and ignorant of the basics of our constitution -- which has been pointed out to him more than once. And he is ignorant on foreign policy.
Trump's perceived strength is as 'truth-teller' and the guy who would 'get things done.' He is neither.
Just go after his 'strengths' and he will wilt, because he is -- on those accounts -- one of the weakest candidates this nation has ever seen.
Oh, and maybe illuminate his business dealings and failures. He's gotten a free ride on that longer than Romney ever did.
He does not speak or propose policy, but rather offers peanut gallery commentary -- which is the heart of his appeal as 'truth-teller.'
Attacks on his boorishness -- however much merited -- do not make a dent because that's precisely why he is celebrated among his supporters. It plays into his hands and is in his sole wheelhouse.
Carson fell like a stone when it became painfully obvious just how clueless and incompetent he is on the basics of foreign policy -- plus it became clear the extent to which he would lie or bend the truth to promote himself.
Sound familiar?
Trump offered a word salad on the basics of nuclear defense. And that's just one example: he falls short every time on defining the problem (apart from complaining that "we're losing"), demonstrating meaningful knowledge on the issue, and articulating specifics on implementing a solution.
He is fundamentally incompetent when it comes to knowing how our government works , and ignorant of the basics of our constitution -- which has been pointed out to him more than once. And he is ignorant on foreign policy.
Trump's perceived strength is as 'truth-teller' and the guy who would 'get things done.' He is neither.
Just go after his 'strengths' and he will wilt, because he is -- on those accounts -- one of the weakest candidates this nation has ever seen.
Oh, and maybe illuminate his business dealings and failures. He's gotten a free ride on that longer than Romney ever did.
5
And the media journalists play on! Herr Trump is the master of manipulation. He gets all the free air time he wants while the others have to pay to get some. He's not as frightening as those who support him. This same insanity was stage center in Germany just prior to WWII. Remember the "Master Race? Now we have the "Real Americans." It's so absurd that I want to laugh, but something inside of me keeps whispering that this isn't a dream. It's real!
13
It's been nearly 100 years since the U.S. was a majority agricultural nation. It's been even longer since the U.S. was dominantly a non-industrial, backwoods pioneering nation. It has been 150 years since the Civil War, which seems to never die is South Carolina - its birthplace.
So why are the first three primary states among the most non-representative, and most generally uneducated in our Nation? It's because of this that someone like a Trump, Cruz, Rubio, et al, and even a Gingerich, can thrive, garner so much publicity using the tendencies of the ignorant as diversion, and not talk about substantive, representative issues such as lack of wage growth that is inhibiting our national economic growth.
Why aren't the first primaries in states such as Massachusetts, California, Colorado, Nevada? The first primary states aren't specified in our Constitution. They're chosen by political party leaders.
Trump's campaign strategy is word association. He says Low Energy and gets the audience to say Bush. He says Sad and gets the audience to say Lindsay Graham.
When we say Trump, the appropriate response is Bankrupt. Morally and Intellectually Bankrupt. (He was also head honcho when 4 of his sub companies went bankrupt, too.)
Disgusting.
So why are the first three primary states among the most non-representative, and most generally uneducated in our Nation? It's because of this that someone like a Trump, Cruz, Rubio, et al, and even a Gingerich, can thrive, garner so much publicity using the tendencies of the ignorant as diversion, and not talk about substantive, representative issues such as lack of wage growth that is inhibiting our national economic growth.
Why aren't the first primaries in states such as Massachusetts, California, Colorado, Nevada? The first primary states aren't specified in our Constitution. They're chosen by political party leaders.
Trump's campaign strategy is word association. He says Low Energy and gets the audience to say Bush. He says Sad and gets the audience to say Lindsay Graham.
When we say Trump, the appropriate response is Bankrupt. Morally and Intellectually Bankrupt. (He was also head honcho when 4 of his sub companies went bankrupt, too.)
Disgusting.
21
We no longer have a representative democracy. Otherwise the artificial cap placed on congress in the 1920s of 435 members of the house would have been lifted a long time ago. (Great Britain has over 600 members of the lower house, so does Japan-- both with a tiny percentage of the US population!) We would remove the electoral college entirely. And as you say, meaningful states would go first in the primaries. Oh, and of course-- Citizens United would somehow be turned over.
2
100's of companies. 4 chapter 11's. thats a good record, he has my vote.
Not to worry: Trump is almost guaranteed to finish no better than THIRD in Iowa, thanks to the much better ground organizations of Cruz & Carson, and the strong evangelical base of Iowa GOPers who will caucus with those two. I can hardly wait for Trump to be branded the big loser in Iowa, and his reaction to his new loserhood! And maybe he'll then drop out of the race!
BTW: Since the campaign talk has already descended into the gutter, why has no one tied Trump's bullying to his cowardice, since all bullies are essentially cowards? Someone in an anti-Trump camp needs to rename him Bonespur Chickenhawk, the coddled coward-bully.
BTW: Since the campaign talk has already descended into the gutter, why has no one tied Trump's bullying to his cowardice, since all bullies are essentially cowards? Someone in an anti-Trump camp needs to rename him Bonespur Chickenhawk, the coddled coward-bully.
Everyone can say 'Merry Christmas', in fact, they can say what ever they want – no one stops them; pornography is readily available and the “f” word is often dropped on commercial TV. The very people who whine about wasteful government waste all their time on non-issues.
2
Something I've begun to ponder. Does Donald Trump ever consider the impact of what he says and does on his susceptible nine year old son, Baron? Did he forget that a parent's role is to be a positive role model and that what a parent says and does influences the values, beliefs, and behavior of their growing children? Would Donald Trump, for example, advise his young son to insult those who disagree with him, to retaliate when anyone criticizes him, to belittle women, disparage minorities, narcissistically focus on himself, say unfiltered whatever hurtful mean-spirited thoughts visit his mind? There's for sure one old saying that Trump can sadly never say to his son: "Do as I say, not as I do."
7
This is the count-em 3rd screed against DT in less than 36 hours that I've read. Hey, "people," what DT was labeling as 'disgusting' was the fact that the REASON HRC was late was that she refused to use a rest-room, made for several women at a time, until it was totally empty. And she was told that there was one other woman in there. The Let Them Eat Cake attitude that is Legend with this woman is what DT, and many of us, think is disgusting.
4
Donald Trump believes he has outsmarted everyone, including voters. Hopefully voters will come to their senses when it counts and outsmart HIM, burst his bubble, and make him a "BIG FAT LOSER". Donald Trump is a >CON MAN<.
5
Let us hope the universe lets him have a "gentle" fall from fame and riding the high. It's all downhill from now...
1
If we would all be honest, we would all admit that there is rational anger based on what has happened to the middle class, which would be the majority of us in this country.
I almost wish that the banks had been allowed to fail in 2008 so that there could have been a very much needed correction. I just watched The Big Short'"and became incensed by the end of the film. Not one banker went to jail. Instead, they, and the rest of the 1%, reaped almost 95% of the rewards of the recovery. And this was under a Democratic president and a feckless attorney general, who now works for the 1%.
So, when Hillary smugly says in the debates, with a laugh and a grin, that she wants Wall Street to like her, I feel like throwing up.
I feel like we're all getting schlonged by Donald, but we've all been getting schlonged for a long time in this country.
But, at least we have Gail Collins, the best Christmas gift ever! Merry Christmas, and Merry everything else too!
I almost wish that the banks had been allowed to fail in 2008 so that there could have been a very much needed correction. I just watched The Big Short'"and became incensed by the end of the film. Not one banker went to jail. Instead, they, and the rest of the 1%, reaped almost 95% of the rewards of the recovery. And this was under a Democratic president and a feckless attorney general, who now works for the 1%.
So, when Hillary smugly says in the debates, with a laugh and a grin, that she wants Wall Street to like her, I feel like throwing up.
I feel like we're all getting schlonged by Donald, but we've all been getting schlonged for a long time in this country.
But, at least we have Gail Collins, the best Christmas gift ever! Merry Christmas, and Merry everything else too!
9
Trump has called his audience his "fans". Yesterday he excused his recent vulgarity by saying that his "fans" thought is was acceptable discourse. The silence of the RNC about this person make me think that they are using him for some greater purpose. The old Southern Strategy, rile up the base with hatred and get them out to vote for Cruz? Remember that Reince Preibus is a Scott Walker acolyte.
3
Donald Trumps is living proof that money cannot buy happiness. He is enduring life on this planet among a bunch of losers and incompetents. Only he (and perhaps Putin) can make a world worthy of him to live in.
He has convinced the mobs of his omnipotence and that they too will join him in the coming utopia.
He has convinced the mobs of his omnipotence and that they too will join him in the coming utopia.
3
the donald is risking his life to save america? on his own dime. what have you done for me lately?
Too bad you couldn't resist the urge to give us a Trump-free Christmas. At the very least, you could support bringing the menorah back along with all those wonderful Dickensian ghosts. Perhaps one will pay a visit to that modern-day Scrooge. In any case, 'tis the season for charity, compassion, embracing the other who has suffered and, believe-it-or-not, sharing the wealth along with the joy! So Gail, I wish, and even that lonely man pacing the treasury high up in his golden tower and most Merry Chanumas and a Happy New Year that will finally bring to all of us the spiritual awakening, as Pope Francis urged, "to the transcendent dignity of the human being."
1
Gail, you must be very grateful for Trump's presidential ambitions. Seldom has such a source of potential humor (and disgust) been available for target practice (or more deserving).
Just the same, I am saddened to see America succumb to such a rude, thoughtless man. Insults-are-us.
It is beyond difficult to wish any Republican candidate Merry Christmas. It is a salutation that somehow doesn't apply.
Just the same, I am saddened to see America succumb to such a rude, thoughtless man. Insults-are-us.
It is beyond difficult to wish any Republican candidate Merry Christmas. It is a salutation that somehow doesn't apply.
8
Dear Humorist in Chief Ms. Collins,
Thank you as ever... May you and yours with which ever holidays you celebrate, have the best holiday season yet!
The "reality TV" programming Lord T-rump has inflicted upon the nation is illuminated by your every gentle and civilized word...I liked most your particular phrase.. "Maybe he figures he can become president just by branding it." This brought to mind for me the image of a burning hot iron applied to the hind end of a hobbled critter. This seems a suitable metaphor of torments of hell the T-rump critter is visiting on us and is earning for himself daily. I would and should feel sorry for this little guy all puffed up as he is... full of such slimy hate...The little poor man, how can any one have so much bile ooze from one's every expression. Unfortunately for us these are not the products of just some verbal tics...rather he also is quite happy with the outcomes and cultivates his vile temperament and for that he deserves all the censure he gets.
Thank you as ever... May you and yours with which ever holidays you celebrate, have the best holiday season yet!
The "reality TV" programming Lord T-rump has inflicted upon the nation is illuminated by your every gentle and civilized word...I liked most your particular phrase.. "Maybe he figures he can become president just by branding it." This brought to mind for me the image of a burning hot iron applied to the hind end of a hobbled critter. This seems a suitable metaphor of torments of hell the T-rump critter is visiting on us and is earning for himself daily. I would and should feel sorry for this little guy all puffed up as he is... full of such slimy hate...The little poor man, how can any one have so much bile ooze from one's every expression. Unfortunately for us these are not the products of just some verbal tics...rather he also is quite happy with the outcomes and cultivates his vile temperament and for that he deserves all the censure he gets.
6
Enough with Trump! Americans are not that stupid. He is NOT a viable or serious candidate for President. He is having ego fun and enjoying all of the attention he is getting from the media. But enough with Trump - he would not be anywhere if not for this constant media attention on his stupid moronic remarks. I am completely confident that his views does not reflect the thinking of the majority of Americans.
7
TRUMP Makes a fetish of going over the top. The question is how do you find the top when he's mucking around in a pond of pig poop of his own making? The bottom's not so easy to find either. And just imagine, when Trump throws up, the result is a hideous pile, using a new construction technique. I had thought that he was just a bored, rich, narcissistic foul-mouthed, bad-haired windbag. That is, until he began attacking women for unspeakable acts such as needing to urinate and nursing a baby. If he weren't so rich and famous, people would understand immediately that his concrete rantings are symptoms of dementia--frontal lobe dementia. In my personal opinion, Trump rump is suffering from a disease that disqualifies him from being mentally fit for high office. For low or medium office too. Poor Trumptser rumpster--sigh. He's going to have to go back to firing people from his TV quiz show. Then he's going to have to get out of Dodge, schlonging along with hop-along on his former fiery steed, Schlumpster, affectionately known as Rocinante. Ah yes, to dream the impossible dream. To ride off into the final sunset, following in the trail of Ronnie Ray Gun, humming And The Wall Came Tumblin' Down. Getting ready to spend the rest of eternity in the Trump Pyramid.
3
Trump is a RINO. Real Republicans: Lincoln, Robert Taft, Eisenhower, Hatfield, Buckley, et al must be rolling over in their graves. The current crop of candidates would do themselves proud to disavow themselves of Trump, a vile, boorish, bully. Jeb Bush called Trump a "jerk." Would he prefer a jerk as his President? Would the other Republican candidates? Would anyone? It's past time for real Republicans to call Trump what indeed he is: A RINO.
1
I believe it is important to give Mr. Trump plenty of rope to hang himself with. At one point it is absolutely sure he will say or do something even more outrageous than all his trash talk put together. Of course it's depressing to hear him badmouthing or insult anyone who dare challenge his lack of polish and good mannerism, but he is somehow a blessing for exposing the GOP people and followers for what they really are ; a bunch of people who are having great fun at the expense of others such as the less fortunate or the handicapped or minorities, or women, name it... Democrats must be having a ball watching the GOP making Trump the front runner of their brand.
But I can't wait for the moment when the media begin analyzing Mr. Bernie Sanders' ideas and program as deeply as they've been analyzing Mr. Trump's trash talk and superficial sound bites about American policies.
But I can't wait for the moment when the media begin analyzing Mr. Bernie Sanders' ideas and program as deeply as they've been analyzing Mr. Trump's trash talk and superficial sound bites about American policies.
7
Did everyone forget the rumors that Donal Trump paid people $50 to be at Trump tower when he announced he was running for President? Stands to reason now. I think Barnum once said clowns hold up the circus. And we have a doozy in Trump. And there's a lot of people who like clowns.
3
Also, a sucker is born every minute!!!!
1
Trump is the thinnest skinned politician in the history of presidential politics. In the Soviet Union and Red China, his popularity would have been a cult of personality. In film history, it's "I'm really mad, and I'm not going to take it anymore." Bernie Sanders is tapping into the same frustration, but he actually has policies designed to address the plights of the poor and the middle class. His scapegoats are real - billionaires and big corporations who buy influence. Trump's are largely imaginary, at the very least wildly exaggerated, whether they be immigrants who are all criminals, Muslims or reporters. No, he's not funny. He's drunk with fame, and he's not a nice drunk.
5
It's sad that politics continues to degenerate into entertainment value. We should elect Bill Maher - he's funnier and may not take himself so seriously. Cracking wise isn't much of an agenda. But if Trump intends to do what he says, well...people didn't take Mein Kampf seriously either. To pirate from Will Rogers, when President Trump makes a joke, it's a law. We don't need the presidency to become a joke. Those who want to be entertained should tune in to Seinfeld and stay home on election day.
4
Trump is a symptom of what has happened in American politics. Like many others, I have lost confidence that I am represented in Congress by my Congressmen and Senators. And that goes for both Democrats and Republicans.
Folks can support Trump up until November 8th, 2016. But, then it is time to become a mature adult and realize what a disaster he would be for this country.
Folks can support Trump up until November 8th, 2016. But, then it is time to become a mature adult and realize what a disaster he would be for this country.
2
We would not know who Hitler was had the German public not fallen under the spell of this morally deformed being who brought ruin not only to the world at large, but to his 'beloved' Germany as well. By the same token, it is the American public that has catapulted Donald Trump to a position from which he may yet rain (even more) destruction upon all of us. If not for his adoring supporters, I have no doubt that Trump would become lost to history, his memory hardly outliving the longevity of the string of ugly and ostentatious buildings he's thrown up over the years. Hitler was a failed painter. Trump is a failed (sometime bankrupted) realtor, evidenced by his massive insecurity and his almost exclusive obsession with pumping up his fragile ego, not to mention that teased up mess on top of his head.
9
Twas the night before Christmas
When all through the land
All the Republicans were in a riot
Over who could hurl the worst insult.
There was lots of cheering and mirth
When the Great King Trump entered the ring
And opened his mouth to damn
All immigrants and anyone different from him.
But then all came to a sudden halt
When someone not related to these buffoons
Held up a mirror to the riotous Republicans
Who then all fled in horror seeking refuge from the truth !!!
When all through the land
All the Republicans were in a riot
Over who could hurl the worst insult.
There was lots of cheering and mirth
When the Great King Trump entered the ring
And opened his mouth to damn
All immigrants and anyone different from him.
But then all came to a sudden halt
When someone not related to these buffoons
Held up a mirror to the riotous Republicans
Who then all fled in horror seeking refuge from the truth !!!
2
Ms. Collins: As much as I like and admire you -- could we possibly have a day without a story on the bully? This column enables him, helps him win support and saves him a hell of lot of ad money.
A press blackout, or at least minimal coverage unless he gets constructive, would force him to become more moderate -- which would lose him support. The last thing his cult wants is moderation, "normalcy." They love when he pushes the envelope, even though his statements are mainly destructive and childish and accomplish nothing. It makes these supporters, who feel powerless in their own lives, feel part of something important. And so the insults are just going to keep coming, as long as the press fully cooperates. Ignoring him, or just giving him only three lines (no photo) would drive him crazy. He's already shown that he readily backs off when threatened -- such as when his Iowa numbers seemed to dip a few months ago. How about focusing on the relatively moderate Kasich, at least -- that would be news, because no one writes about him.
A press blackout, or at least minimal coverage unless he gets constructive, would force him to become more moderate -- which would lose him support. The last thing his cult wants is moderation, "normalcy." They love when he pushes the envelope, even though his statements are mainly destructive and childish and accomplish nothing. It makes these supporters, who feel powerless in their own lives, feel part of something important. And so the insults are just going to keep coming, as long as the press fully cooperates. Ignoring him, or just giving him only three lines (no photo) would drive him crazy. He's already shown that he readily backs off when threatened -- such as when his Iowa numbers seemed to dip a few months ago. How about focusing on the relatively moderate Kasich, at least -- that would be news, because no one writes about him.
9
Is it safe to come out of the closet in a liberal publication to say I support Trump? Time will tell I guess. Let the politically correct scolding a begin.
2
That should read puerile
3
Two, four, six, eight,,
Who do we appreciate?
Hillary, that's who!
Yeah!
Gail Collins' columns take me back to my high school days, listening to high school cheerleaders during basketball games.
Our team was great; the other team was made up of losers. Black and white.
One or two columns like this one be fine during an election season, More than that becomes tiresome.
Who do we appreciate?
Hillary, that's who!
Yeah!
Gail Collins' columns take me back to my high school days, listening to high school cheerleaders during basketball games.
Our team was great; the other team was made up of losers. Black and white.
One or two columns like this one be fine during an election season, More than that becomes tiresome.
3
Well, Gail, better a bathroom sniping and a bromance with Putin, than the recent promise from Hillary that she would close all schools not above average.
It requires an intellect far below average to make a statement like that, which is what we have come to expect from far too many of our pols and candidates lately, no matter which.
By the way, thanks for all the left-leaning laffs this past year. You are a real hoot!
It requires an intellect far below average to make a statement like that, which is what we have come to expect from far too many of our pols and candidates lately, no matter which.
By the way, thanks for all the left-leaning laffs this past year. You are a real hoot!
4
Trump is the ultimate "ignorance is bliss" candidate. His appeal is based on his persona of "telling it like it is". The fact that he's telling lies or unsubstantiated tales is irrelevant to his followers. His persona is based on:
- He's his own person. He's not dependent on, or beholding to corporate and wealthy donors. (Forget about the fact that he is part of the wealthy class, so in watching out for his financial interests, he's also taking care of theirs).
- He's not encumbered by a need to be "politically correct". He's not afraid of playing to people's fears and making blatantly prejudicial statements. He's not afraid of making hateful and demeaning statements about anyone.
To his followers, this translates into the belief that he's "telling it like it is". Unlike Cruz, he doesn't say one thing to the general population and another thing to the party power base. His followers are secure in the feeling that they can trust Trump. Facts don't really matter.
So, Trump can dismiss the mainstream media -- even muse about killing journalists, and it enhances his appeal. He can refuse to surround himself with advisors to educate him on facts and policies. These are all facts which are irrelevant to the narrative. Trump can say the most outrageous and hateful things about ethnic groups, religious groups and individuals. It enhances his appeal as someone you can trust -- he's not afraid to be politically incorrect. It is the ultimate "ignorance is bliss" strategy.
- He's his own person. He's not dependent on, or beholding to corporate and wealthy donors. (Forget about the fact that he is part of the wealthy class, so in watching out for his financial interests, he's also taking care of theirs).
- He's not encumbered by a need to be "politically correct". He's not afraid of playing to people's fears and making blatantly prejudicial statements. He's not afraid of making hateful and demeaning statements about anyone.
To his followers, this translates into the belief that he's "telling it like it is". Unlike Cruz, he doesn't say one thing to the general population and another thing to the party power base. His followers are secure in the feeling that they can trust Trump. Facts don't really matter.
So, Trump can dismiss the mainstream media -- even muse about killing journalists, and it enhances his appeal. He can refuse to surround himself with advisors to educate him on facts and policies. These are all facts which are irrelevant to the narrative. Trump can say the most outrageous and hateful things about ethnic groups, religious groups and individuals. It enhances his appeal as someone you can trust -- he's not afraid to be politically incorrect. It is the ultimate "ignorance is bliss" strategy.
7
We could continue wasting the precious op-ed and columnist pages on debating whether we should be saying “Marry Christmas” or “Happy Holydays”.
That’s useful because such a practice correctly indicates our strategic national priorities.
Nobody cares that we are court marshaling Sergeant Bergdahl for having a mental breakdown in the Afghan wilderness. That man volunteered to protect our homeland, not a corrupt Karzai government.
The smart people should have a mental breakdown if their leaders wasted the lives of thousands US troops and the national treasury on propping the most corrupt local governments in Kabul and Baghdad.
How could we know that Sergeant Bergdahl had a mental breakdown?
What a normal and sane American would voluntarily walk unarmed into the hands of the Taliban or the ISIS to be beheaded with 99% probability!?
Are we really court marshaling that man just for being temporarily mentally disabled and still alive?!
At least he endangered solely his own life, not the well-being of the hundreds thousands US troops deployed to the senseless foreign wars on behalf of the worst world tyrants.
The Iraq War directly benefited the Tehran Ayatollahs.
Dethroning Gaddafi regime and effectively paralyzing Assad government directly propped up the ISIS.
How come that no single US politician was court marshaled for such a kind of treason?
Those issuing the must-do orders to the US military should be a subject of the military laws too.
That’s useful because such a practice correctly indicates our strategic national priorities.
Nobody cares that we are court marshaling Sergeant Bergdahl for having a mental breakdown in the Afghan wilderness. That man volunteered to protect our homeland, not a corrupt Karzai government.
The smart people should have a mental breakdown if their leaders wasted the lives of thousands US troops and the national treasury on propping the most corrupt local governments in Kabul and Baghdad.
How could we know that Sergeant Bergdahl had a mental breakdown?
What a normal and sane American would voluntarily walk unarmed into the hands of the Taliban or the ISIS to be beheaded with 99% probability!?
Are we really court marshaling that man just for being temporarily mentally disabled and still alive?!
At least he endangered solely his own life, not the well-being of the hundreds thousands US troops deployed to the senseless foreign wars on behalf of the worst world tyrants.
The Iraq War directly benefited the Tehran Ayatollahs.
Dethroning Gaddafi regime and effectively paralyzing Assad government directly propped up the ISIS.
How come that no single US politician was court marshaled for such a kind of treason?
Those issuing the must-do orders to the US military should be a subject of the military laws too.
7
Kenan, lighten up.
1
If Trump actually has as many as say 10% of the voting public favoring him, it's no joke. It's more than sad. It's dangerous. Something has gone quite wrong here. There are a number of things wrong in America, but having it as our solemn duty to select a President is not one of them. Can we agree on that much? When a major candidate for that office, lies, bullies, insults, and denigrates significant portions of our citizens, it's time for self-examination. When a major candidate for office a month before the first primary has yet to make a significant positive proposal, it's time to examine ourselves. Why would such a large minority of our fellows choose for a candidate such a man?
12
Small correction to the first paragraph: "So very much water has been passed under the Trumpian bridge ...". This too should be discussed.
The vote is in. Trump is a boorish, infantile, foul mouthed individual. However by giving him more ink this is precisely the publicity he is seeking.
There are too many people who believe a street corner hiking contest is how you succeed in life. He has mastered it so well that it is music to the ears to a significant plurality who feel they have been harmed by their government, and some of their fellow Americans. Their vision is a dis-United States of America.
Every time an opponent tries to insult him back, they are no match for Donald Trump. You have entered his wheelhouse.
Instead candidates should put forth a positive vision for our country persons without trying to concoct a topper retort. We'll never get to discuss who should lead this country, and figure out how we can be comfortable with each other.
Let's just say Mr. Trump presents the argument that we should be at each other's throat, and should always be on edge. Life should be a constant battle according to Mr. Trump. The opposite has to find its voice to give voters the choice they deserve. It is past time when we should know we get more done toward a better nation when we work together.
There are too many people who believe a street corner hiking contest is how you succeed in life. He has mastered it so well that it is music to the ears to a significant plurality who feel they have been harmed by their government, and some of their fellow Americans. Their vision is a dis-United States of America.
Every time an opponent tries to insult him back, they are no match for Donald Trump. You have entered his wheelhouse.
Instead candidates should put forth a positive vision for our country persons without trying to concoct a topper retort. We'll never get to discuss who should lead this country, and figure out how we can be comfortable with each other.
Let's just say Mr. Trump presents the argument that we should be at each other's throat, and should always be on edge. Life should be a constant battle according to Mr. Trump. The opposite has to find its voice to give voters the choice they deserve. It is past time when we should know we get more done toward a better nation when we work together.
3
The republican blood-letting will start in earnest in January 2016. This will be some wild ride for the voters and world to observe. Enjoy your Christmas . . . er Holiday.
2
I knocked on more than one door where the wife was embarrassed to tell me her husband was supporting Trump ----- I think this is the part where the nine ladies, dance right past the ten lords leaping and hook-up with the pipers and drummers! Leap away!
2
Trump vill make Amerika gar-rate again. The peep hole will call it Trumpiana. Take a gamble with the new ordinary you have nothing to loose but your liberty. Merry X-Mas and to Trump a good night. Santa is going to put Ted Cruz in his stocking.
2
I hope he keeps it up. No surer way for Hillary to get elected.
7
I love you, Gail!! I love you!
6
While it's true that Trump is hateful, I don't find him more so than the general tone of comments in this section towards the half of Americans that disagree with them. Of course, he's out there in public and we're sitting smugly behind out screens.
1
You do get that the man wants to have the most powerful position in the world, with his chubby angry fingers on the nuclear button? So no, it's not the same if we evince contempt for people who to us appear ignorant as it is if he evinces contempt for people he doesn't like. Nor do most of us, I think, consider that people who disagree with us "should get roughed up", as Trump put it about dissenters at a speech of his. So you might mind the rough tones of some, but don't think for a minute that there's parity with Trump in our situations or our means.
2
Thank goodness Gail is here to inject a bit of levity—admittedly dark levity—into what has to be one of the darkest chapters in American politics. And to think that once the mere mention of the letter W by my European friends. caused me such embarrassment. Georgie, I miss ya!
8
In the middle of this piece is the seemingly innocuous sentence -- "Maybe [Trump] figures he can become president just by branding it." That's it. Right there. That's exactly what he's doing.
Brilliant, Gail! Trump has not articulated one real policy. He actually said that the ACA would be repealed on day one of his presidency and be replaced with (and I quote), "something really, really good." Cheers from the crowd. Everything is "disgusting," everyone is a "loser." The losers will be deported, the wall with Mexico will be "great," and everyone will be vetted as Christian. Cheers galore!
Except for these vague, empty destructive statements what is there of the Trump campaign? It's the emotion, the feeling, the catharsis his supporters enjoy. It makes them feel like they are part of something. It's aspirational to them. It makes them feel important, like a somebody. They can attach themselves to Trump and feel transported into his world. They can indulge in the fantasy that they are in his world. This is exactly what a successful marketed brand accomplishes.
Brilliant, Gail! Trump has not articulated one real policy. He actually said that the ACA would be repealed on day one of his presidency and be replaced with (and I quote), "something really, really good." Cheers from the crowd. Everything is "disgusting," everyone is a "loser." The losers will be deported, the wall with Mexico will be "great," and everyone will be vetted as Christian. Cheers galore!
Except for these vague, empty destructive statements what is there of the Trump campaign? It's the emotion, the feeling, the catharsis his supporters enjoy. It makes them feel like they are part of something. It's aspirational to them. It makes them feel important, like a somebody. They can attach themselves to Trump and feel transported into his world. They can indulge in the fantasy that they are in his world. This is exactly what a successful marketed brand accomplishes.
22
Trump is a genius who has turned the art of politics on its head. Ever since Reagen we have had a politics of personality. We vote for the candidate whose face we would prefer to see on the TV news for the next four years. Trump is a conscious satire of this trend. In a field of clowns he has positioned himself as the funniest clown. Thereby he has assembled a coalition composed of simple minded people who take his surface message straight, plus more intelligent people who appreciate his deeper message, which is his contempt for politics and politicians. Of course he lies consistently. Than is the point.
It is like a Preston Sturgis movie. But I notice that he seems to be positioning himself to get more serious after he is nominated. A great deal more serious in fact than is normally permitted by our contemptable political system. He will run as the peace candidate against Hillary.
It is like a Preston Sturgis movie. But I notice that he seems to be positioning himself to get more serious after he is nominated. A great deal more serious in fact than is normally permitted by our contemptable political system. He will run as the peace candidate against Hillary.
2
Please Gail please, tell me you're going to finish days 8 through 12 in your next column!!!
3
Thanks for the chuckle over all the celebratory comments regarding this sophomoric column. Way to pat yourselves on the back for being "intellectual elites".
Clearly you don't have a clue what is happening. Most of America is fed up with being lied to by an unrepentant, political class who are destroying this country -- no matter which side of the aisle they come from.
If you can't admit to yourself that Ms. Clinton is a person of low moral character who simply panders to her supporters, then how can you call yourself an "intellectual" when the facts are right in front of your face.
The reason Trump is doing well is because he is actually expressing the real concerns of everyday Americans. Why do you think most establishment candidates are being booted out the door the past few election cycles?
People are supporting him because he is telling the truth. While you're busy getting hung up on his choice of words, his challenging the status quo resonates with a population at large who is sick and tired of our government being unresponsive to the people's will.
Merry Christmas!
Clearly you don't have a clue what is happening. Most of America is fed up with being lied to by an unrepentant, political class who are destroying this country -- no matter which side of the aisle they come from.
If you can't admit to yourself that Ms. Clinton is a person of low moral character who simply panders to her supporters, then how can you call yourself an "intellectual" when the facts are right in front of your face.
The reason Trump is doing well is because he is actually expressing the real concerns of everyday Americans. Why do you think most establishment candidates are being booted out the door the past few election cycles?
People are supporting him because he is telling the truth. While you're busy getting hung up on his choice of words, his challenging the status quo resonates with a population at large who is sick and tired of our government being unresponsive to the people's will.
Merry Christmas!
2
People don't support Trump because he tells the truth. They support him because he regurgitates their lies without shame. In addition to his bad record on telling the truth, let's not forget how wrong he can be about things, and that once proven wrong, his fragile ego still keeps him from accepting the truth. Remember, he was the most vocal figure in the Obama birther movement, and now refuses to answer any questions regarding it. Trump doesn't like to be questioned, especially when proven completely wrong. Such a person is not right for America.
8
Making "Merry Christmas" a belligerent statement of a political nature is the antithesis of Jesus' way. It advertises the desire for power over our neighbors, not in the least born of love or the desire to serve; and rather than lighting the world with faith, it will only harden people in anger because of its coercive spirit. I say this as a Christian, Keith, and I hope you will think it over honestly.
1
Unfortunately, making fun of Trump hasn't had any effect on his continual rise in the polls. As people have been saying for months, Trump and the media are codependent: they get cheap copy, he gets free p.r. And he keeps floating upward on all the hot air. That's because a lot of people basically hate the media. If pundits and analysts want to stop him, they need to take his proposals seriously and indicate where they go wrong. Calling them "racist" or filled with "hate" is the lazy way out. And implying that his supporters are racists and haters is not a winning strategy either. In 2016, the media need to get serious about Trump. Or he might have the last laugh.
8
All this name slinging is just mud off a hog's back, and of course Donald Trump does not give a swine's kidney what we choose to call him. We need some fine American orators from both Political parties to stump him.
The Media has to sludge through this American phenomenon and historical anomaly to keep selling news of the importance of standing with feet grounded in 'The Gutter', while gazing at the stars, and not only is this hard, but boring.
With appreciation to Gail Collins for her contribution, wishing her now a 'Trump=free' Christmas, or one could hardly blame her if she screams.
The Media has to sludge through this American phenomenon and historical anomaly to keep selling news of the importance of standing with feet grounded in 'The Gutter', while gazing at the stars, and not only is this hard, but boring.
With appreciation to Gail Collins for her contribution, wishing her now a 'Trump=free' Christmas, or one could hardly blame her if she screams.
How can we "take his proposals seriously", when he fails to offer any serious proposals at all. Saying that he will stand on his hind legs and howl at the moon to defeat ISIS is not a serious proposal.
2
There a calls for the media to start ignoring Donald Trump, to stop giving him so much free publicity. Too late. Trump has reached critical mass, and pulled back the curtain on a YUUUUGE cancer within the American body politic.
If Trump disappeared tomorrow, we'd still have all of his supporters to deal with, and the conditions that have made them what they are. Dealing with that is the real problem: Trump is just a symptom. There's plenty more like him going after the same voters.
It's time to recognize there are some real divisions within America. We can't bring the country by papering over them or talking around them any more. Trump is forcing us to have a long-delayed conversation, and take a real look in the mirror. It remains to be seen what will come of it.
If Trump disappeared tomorrow, we'd still have all of his supporters to deal with, and the conditions that have made them what they are. Dealing with that is the real problem: Trump is just a symptom. There's plenty more like him going after the same voters.
It's time to recognize there are some real divisions within America. We can't bring the country by papering over them or talking around them any more. Trump is forcing us to have a long-delayed conversation, and take a real look in the mirror. It remains to be seen what will come of it.
8
The corrupt professional pol is a necessary cause, and Clinton is the quintessential example.
Bernie is the Democrat's Trump.
Thou art arm'd that hath thy crook'd schemers straight.
Cudgel thy brains no more, the clinton plots are great.
This latest scam of the Clintons makes their 90s White House quid pro quo look like, (if you’ll pardon the oxymoron), penny ante treason.
While Mrs. Clinton was Secretary of State, the couple pocketed billions in “pay to play.” The multifarious vectors of transaction and the massive, disproportionate Clinton gains are prima facie evidence of the crime. Why else would so many pay so much for so little?
The clintons' appetite for money & power is insatiable. Like laboratory rats, put enough of the goodies in front of these two & they will gorge themselves to death.
The Clintons have a long history of selling out this country to the enemy, often in plain sight. For eight years, the Clintons methodically, seditiously and with impunity auctioned off America’s security, sovereignty and economy to the highest foreign bidder.
And they are selling out the country in plain sight today with the biggest cover and slush fund of all time: The Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation… which brings us full circle and explains why Hillary Clinton chose to scrub the server and risk being charged with obstruction of justice. The alternative is a capital offense.
You put these two miscreants back in power at your own peril. And your children’s.
Bernie is the Democrat's Trump.
Thou art arm'd that hath thy crook'd schemers straight.
Cudgel thy brains no more, the clinton plots are great.
This latest scam of the Clintons makes their 90s White House quid pro quo look like, (if you’ll pardon the oxymoron), penny ante treason.
While Mrs. Clinton was Secretary of State, the couple pocketed billions in “pay to play.” The multifarious vectors of transaction and the massive, disproportionate Clinton gains are prima facie evidence of the crime. Why else would so many pay so much for so little?
The clintons' appetite for money & power is insatiable. Like laboratory rats, put enough of the goodies in front of these two & they will gorge themselves to death.
The Clintons have a long history of selling out this country to the enemy, often in plain sight. For eight years, the Clintons methodically, seditiously and with impunity auctioned off America’s security, sovereignty and economy to the highest foreign bidder.
And they are selling out the country in plain sight today with the biggest cover and slush fund of all time: The Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation… which brings us full circle and explains why Hillary Clinton chose to scrub the server and risk being charged with obstruction of justice. The alternative is a capital offense.
You put these two miscreants back in power at your own peril. And your children’s.
3
Thank you for providing a perfect example of how great the divide is.
Ditto.
I find it fascinating that people support a man who, was he their bragging, posturing, obnoxious classmate in elementary school, they would have if not despised him, at the least rolled their eyes every time the teacher reluctantly called on him to pontificate. And, thank you Gail Collins for pointing out that many of Trump's buildings are eyesores. His version of "classy" is Vegas, which might be entertaining, but only in specific circumstances, like bachelor parties and benders.
3
Nothing sums up the GOPs tactics to keep women and minorities from voting more than the Times itself piece on Amelia Boyton Robinson, who worked tirelessly to register southern blacks to vote.
When one night the Ku Klux Klan threw a brick through her window, she read the attached note, turned to the two nieces she was raising and said, ‘‘They are afraid of us.’’
Really nothing much has changed since then. True, not many literal bricks are thrown, but road blocks are put up all the same. And the reason is the same, they are afraid of losing the political power that elected office assures.
Trump is less coded than his other running mates but the doctrine is the same. FOX news and hate radio are the message deliverers.
When one night the Ku Klux Klan threw a brick through her window, she read the attached note, turned to the two nieces she was raising and said, ‘‘They are afraid of us.’’
Really nothing much has changed since then. True, not many literal bricks are thrown, but road blocks are put up all the same. And the reason is the same, they are afraid of losing the political power that elected office assures.
Trump is less coded than his other running mates but the doctrine is the same. FOX news and hate radio are the message deliverers.
10
The media will stop paying attention to him when the media no longer pays their bills based on the ratings he generates. They created this monster by capitalizing on fear-based "reporting". They can stop it, but they won't because it will cost them. News is a business to them, not a public service.
6
"one of whom" unless you meant that these Republicans are "things", which I'm guessing is what you do think, though you wisely choose not to actually say it.
Thank you for" The Donald Trump Days of Christmas," Gail, but in fact the most popular Christmas carol that Trump and the rest of the GOP, and Fox News want us to be singing this year is undoubtedly:
,
"We Wish You a Scary Christmas and a Gun Filled New Year."
,
"We Wish You a Scary Christmas and a Gun Filled New Year."
11
I love the 7 days of Christmas carol here, but have to add that the media has created their own Trump monster here and now that the Republicans are wringing their hands, the media is now concentrating on the hand wringing too. The media is also creating their own suppression of most news about Sanders including the latest polls showing he could beat the Trumpster. The media would rather assert that Hillary is the nominee (with no votes cast and the unreliability of polls). So as we head into Christmas, we're all in the dumps with Trump and Hillary. But Hillary isn't as benign in her so called imperfect tense about ISIS videos as you imply. She could have damped down all the furor immediately if she had only admitted misspeaking, but she didn't. She couldn't admit any weakness so she persisted with her original words, first having her staff reinvent reality about her words and then reinventing it herself. She--and the media-- enjoy the drama, but drama doesn't get things done. Angela Merkel thrives on hard work, calm, and persistence, and she gets things done. I'd rather vote for a male candidate who has Merkel's qualities than a female who doesn't.
1
"But the president thing is no longer a joke. You may have noticed that the competition is starting to fall away."
When I read this, my stomach literally turned over. Since about the second month of his adventure I have thought that it is not inconceivable that Donald Trump would be the Repubican nominee and maybe even President. I cannot help be remember that the normally common sense population of Minnesota elected Jesse "Ace" Ventura as their governor. One friend described it as waking up in a Las Vegas hotel room with a compete stranger wondering, "What have I done." The image of two empty Supreme Court chairs to be filled is the stuff of my nightmares.
What have we, as a nation, done to deserve this? Okay, let me count the ways.
Our only defense is the vote. At least all of us who are still able to vote, which, maybe unsurprisingly is not longer "all of us."
When I read this, my stomach literally turned over. Since about the second month of his adventure I have thought that it is not inconceivable that Donald Trump would be the Repubican nominee and maybe even President. I cannot help be remember that the normally common sense population of Minnesota elected Jesse "Ace" Ventura as their governor. One friend described it as waking up in a Las Vegas hotel room with a compete stranger wondering, "What have I done." The image of two empty Supreme Court chairs to be filled is the stuff of my nightmares.
What have we, as a nation, done to deserve this? Okay, let me count the ways.
Our only defense is the vote. At least all of us who are still able to vote, which, maybe unsurprisingly is not longer "all of us."
11
Politics makes me want to watch football.
1
Sorry Donald, Maine's right-wing nut governor beat you to the idea of shooting journalists. In fact he expressed this to a group of school children one of whose father is an editorial cartoonist. Maybe LePage only means to shoot to wound? Detestable people.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/06/25/paul-lepage-re...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/06/25/paul-lepage-re...
10
Everything the "Lyin' King" says tells me he's more intent on being appointed Chancellor than being elected president.
4
Instead of berating Trump, the Democrats should back off and hope he is the Republican nominee since he would probably be the easiest one to beat in a general election. Just bide your time during the primaries and then lower the boom. Wait until then to point out that he is an idiot who would be the world's most dangerous laughing stock.
2
What would the NY Times write about without Trump? Global warming?
2
To Trump and his Trumpateers,
Hate is great
But
The Trumpster
Is headed for the dumpster
Unless
We don't vote
Then
It's all she wrote!
Hate is great
But
The Trumpster
Is headed for the dumpster
Unless
We don't vote
Then
It's all she wrote!
195
.
Wonderful!
And once again in today's Comments (SEE NYT Picks), I see a voter saying they will vote in November only if the Democratic nominee is one specific person. If the nominee is anyone else, they prefer to stay home and not support the Party nominee.
Will there be a new group in November: "Abstainers for a Progressive Agenda"? Scary.
Wonderful!
And once again in today's Comments (SEE NYT Picks), I see a voter saying they will vote in November only if the Democratic nominee is one specific person. If the nominee is anyone else, they prefer to stay home and not support the Party nominee.
Will there be a new group in November: "Abstainers for a Progressive Agenda"? Scary.
5
Give it up, Gail. Fighting fire with fire leaves you burned, playing his game... Your sad song at the end shows you too are singing along in these twisted times.
As for me and mine...
As for me and mine...
maybe i am getting my facts wrong but i thought the nyt indicated it would not write so much about trump. who's right? nyt or me?
"Republican billionaire donors, who regard Cruz as an obnoxious self-promoting egomaniac.
Ah, they really do hate competition, don't they?
The only reason they don't embrace him as one of their own is because his wife hasn't earned enough money for them to qualify for the billionaire club - yet. You know, they find the peasants revolting.
Ah, they really do hate competition, don't they?
The only reason they don't embrace him as one of their own is because his wife hasn't earned enough money for them to qualify for the billionaire club - yet. You know, they find the peasants revolting.
5
So, when will The Donald buy the NYT?
Happy D-Day!
Happy D-Day!
When I was young, I enjoyed reading about the strategies people employed when running for president. In 1884, the James Blaine campaign thought it useful to accuse its opponent, Grover Cleveland, of fathering an illegitimate child. (Consider how much more difficult it is to indulge in vicarious divine outrage since we took our noses out of the freezer.) Blaine supporters would heckle Cleveland with, "Ma, ma, where's my pa?" Although this tactic caused Blaine supporters to swell with pride that none of their extracurricular dalliances had evidently produced issue, it didn't produce victory, whereupon Cleveland supporters wrote a second line, "Gone to the White House, ha, ha, ha!"
I wish that the current array of candidates brought more joy. As much as the Republican cohort resembles nothing so much as the call-backs at the "Replace Shemp" auditions, the Democratic Party, which should be taking full advantage of the litany of fictitious calumnies emanating from the mouths of putative contenders for the Presidency, is instead writing another chapter in its serial novel-cum-reality series, "Dropping the Ball."
Our side might do better than depending upon a seemingly suicidal GOP to elect our candidate by default. Our side might want to move on from brandishing Trump as a distraction from our own lack of commitment to human rights, a sane energy policy, and political solutions rather than war.
Mr. Blaine might have spent more time explaining his own positions. Ha ha ha.
I wish that the current array of candidates brought more joy. As much as the Republican cohort resembles nothing so much as the call-backs at the "Replace Shemp" auditions, the Democratic Party, which should be taking full advantage of the litany of fictitious calumnies emanating from the mouths of putative contenders for the Presidency, is instead writing another chapter in its serial novel-cum-reality series, "Dropping the Ball."
Our side might do better than depending upon a seemingly suicidal GOP to elect our candidate by default. Our side might want to move on from brandishing Trump as a distraction from our own lack of commitment to human rights, a sane energy policy, and political solutions rather than war.
Mr. Blaine might have spent more time explaining his own positions. Ha ha ha.
3
unlike my other commenting colleagues I wanted to focus on Ms Collins reference to Trump's misspelling the word "too"
Although she didn't indicate how he spelled it ; I would suggest he took the shortage of "o's" and added it to his net worth?
Although she didn't indicate how he spelled it ; I would suggest he took the shortage of "o's" and added it to his net worth?
2
Where is Silvio Berlusconi when you need him?
6
I'm happy to see that the NY Times is not afraid to discuss the appalling implications of Donald Trump the candidate. Do the Republicans have a real candidate in the wings to rescue us from another "Presidential debate" that looks like budget reality TV?
6
Stop boring me with Donald Trump. Talk about something interesting instead.
3
Gail, your column, as usual, provides readers with the humor many of us need for our mental health. However, in the case of Trump, this is remarkable, since the subject, per se, lends itself more to horror than humor.
6
Never underestimate the STUPIDITY of conservative voters. That said, Merry Christmas everyone!
7
OK, let's all agree that The Donald is a pompous, self-promoting, disgusting, frequently-going-bankrupt real-estate developer who isn't qualified to run for dog-catcher let alone the President of the United States. But because we live in a free country, he can and he is. When his followers say that they support Donald Trump presidential candidacy without qualification, they really mean it.
Yet it's been shown that with every lie uncovered or insult criticized, Trump's poll numbers go up. I suggest that Trump is successfully playing the media to his advantage by establishing a reinforcing feedback loop. This is the same sort of loop that is causing arctic ice to melt: ice cap melts exposing more dark ocean which absorbs more heat and warms, which melts more ice cap, and so on.
The Trump Stupid Utterance loop works like this: (1) say something outrageous that hits a fear/racist/whatever hot button in a target voter group, (2) wait for the media to declare it outrageous/wrong/stupid, (3) wait for the target voter group to feel insulted that what they strongly believe in has been declared outrageous, wrong and/or stupid, (4) watch polls go up having moved another voter group into the Trump camp, and (5) find another voter group with a hot button.
Sadly, there is no shortage of people with in this country irrational fears and innate hatreds, nor is there a shortage of reporters or columnists willing to be seduced into the loop.
Yet it's been shown that with every lie uncovered or insult criticized, Trump's poll numbers go up. I suggest that Trump is successfully playing the media to his advantage by establishing a reinforcing feedback loop. This is the same sort of loop that is causing arctic ice to melt: ice cap melts exposing more dark ocean which absorbs more heat and warms, which melts more ice cap, and so on.
The Trump Stupid Utterance loop works like this: (1) say something outrageous that hits a fear/racist/whatever hot button in a target voter group, (2) wait for the media to declare it outrageous/wrong/stupid, (3) wait for the target voter group to feel insulted that what they strongly believe in has been declared outrageous, wrong and/or stupid, (4) watch polls go up having moved another voter group into the Trump camp, and (5) find another voter group with a hot button.
Sadly, there is no shortage of people with in this country irrational fears and innate hatreds, nor is there a shortage of reporters or columnists willing to be seduced into the loop.
4
The Trump Stupid Utterance, Revision 1:
Don't bother making any efforts in Step 1 to identify target voter groups. Just say something outrageous and wait to see who shows up.
Don't bother making any efforts in Step 1 to identify target voter groups. Just say something outrageous and wait to see who shows up.
1
Donald Trump doesn't believe half the things he says. On the other hand, Ted Cruz doesn't say half the things he believe. Which is worse?
35
I really hope Trump doesn't wish everybody "Merry Christmas", like he said he'd do to everybody .
He also promised to bring back 'Merry Christmas" again which is missing, once he becomes the President.
To that end, all I have to ask is ,"Jesus died, again ?"
Really ?
Most of us thought Jesus was born after he was crucified and living among us.
Now, how would Jesus feel on his birthday when someone like Trump is wishing everyone ,"Merry Christmas" ?
When he uttered those words in one of his campaign stops, I couldn't believe my ears . Even he knew he didn't mean it.
Actually all of us will commit an eternal crime if we utter the words of Jesus and spew hatred at the same time.
Every denomination and every religious and also non-religious people on this earth knows that Jesus was only for peace. And Eternal Love for everyone.
And he Hated no body.
The word 'Love', is what made Jesus so great and so popular.
Imagine Jesus ridiculing a woman Candidate for President coming 5 minutes late from a bathroom (which was almost 10 miles away from the podium in the last debate,literally ) break and saying Hillary went to a 'disgusting' place which was so 'dirty' that he doesn't want to discuss with his followers .
Do we think we'll love anyone who talks like that about another woman.
The answer is No.
I mean this is just only one example of a man ( Trump) who wants to wish his followers a "Merry Christmas".
How about "Happy Holidays ".
Even Lucifer will be ashamed of this man...tkb
He also promised to bring back 'Merry Christmas" again which is missing, once he becomes the President.
To that end, all I have to ask is ,"Jesus died, again ?"
Really ?
Most of us thought Jesus was born after he was crucified and living among us.
Now, how would Jesus feel on his birthday when someone like Trump is wishing everyone ,"Merry Christmas" ?
When he uttered those words in one of his campaign stops, I couldn't believe my ears . Even he knew he didn't mean it.
Actually all of us will commit an eternal crime if we utter the words of Jesus and spew hatred at the same time.
Every denomination and every religious and also non-religious people on this earth knows that Jesus was only for peace. And Eternal Love for everyone.
And he Hated no body.
The word 'Love', is what made Jesus so great and so popular.
Imagine Jesus ridiculing a woman Candidate for President coming 5 minutes late from a bathroom (which was almost 10 miles away from the podium in the last debate,literally ) break and saying Hillary went to a 'disgusting' place which was so 'dirty' that he doesn't want to discuss with his followers .
Do we think we'll love anyone who talks like that about another woman.
The answer is No.
I mean this is just only one example of a man ( Trump) who wants to wish his followers a "Merry Christmas".
How about "Happy Holidays ".
Even Lucifer will be ashamed of this man...tkb
Yes, Donald Trump thinks he can win the presidency by selling his "brand" - and he's proving it. That's not a negative mark against Trump. Right now he may be the smartest (if also the sleaziest) man in the room. It's time for the American public to take a good look in the mirror and analyze how we've become so dominated by commercialism/consumerism which has brought us to this point. It's a failure of values of the American people, not inappropriate actions of the opportunistic Trump.
5
The candidate is a product and the voters are the users/consumers. Repeatedly people make the mistake of blaming the users when it is the product that is flawed. When users employ work-arounds instead of the official business system or when consumers fail to accept a new product, managers always say its the users' fault; users are uneducated. "Train the users!" they say, "and then they will do what we want."
100% of the time it is not the users/consumers/voters who are the problem it is the product.
The GOP and Dem products are weak. Trump is the workaround and like most workarounds he is dangerous and flawed.
100% of the time it is not the users/consumers/voters who are the problem it is the product.
The GOP and Dem products are weak. Trump is the workaround and like most workarounds he is dangerous and flawed.
I live in northern New Hampshire, where there are more Trump yard signs than all other candidates' signs combined. Though there are lots of far right-wingers here, the county as a whole has voted for Obama twice. While many of the Trump signs are in front of small businesses and their owner's homes, one of the shocks is to see Trump signs in front of trailer homes and rundown farms. Yesterday I noticed that the little barely alive bike shop that I patronize has several Trump signs around it. The long-haired environmentally-oriented bikeshop owner, who has to work at a gas station convenience store to survive, who lives in the backroom of his shop, and whose daughter is permanently disabled and on welfare or some other government program, seems an unlikely Trump supporter to me. But he fits the profile: White working class without a college degree. Still it surprises me that a guy I know to be warm and compassionate is now an avid Trump supporter.
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Some businesses where I live posted offensive (to me) political signs in '08 and '12. I remember which ones and assume they don't want my nasty Democrat money. My business goes elsewhere.
9
All the trump supporters I've met are teamster union members. All white. They work with a few Latino colleagues. I suspect there is discord among the ranks.
1
We have a tale of 2 cities, ok just 2 NH towns really. Walk thru the parking lots of Hanover, NH and all you'll see are Bernie bumper stickers. On my side of the Connecticut River, in Vermont, the ratio of Brenie for President signs is even stronger.
Sabatia7, it seems we share a political perspective, despite our respective necks of the woods contrasting greatly. We'll have to call upon the ghost of future Christmases to foretell which scenario will play out. In my opinion these candidates, Bernie and Trump represent the best and worst of future times.
Sabatia7, it seems we share a political perspective, despite our respective necks of the woods contrasting greatly. We'll have to call upon the ghost of future Christmases to foretell which scenario will play out. In my opinion these candidates, Bernie and Trump represent the best and worst of future times.
4
We are a banana republic.
We cannot make distinction between a bully and a sexist.
The bully insults everybody, both men and women. Donald Trump is just a bully.
Hillary Clinton is a sexist. She cowardly turns every personal criticism into an attack on all American women. She thinks that she should be a president not because she is the best qualified candidate but because she is a woman. She is willing to polarize the entire country along the gender lines to get personally promoted.
As the Secretary of State she was directly responsible for dethroning and/or weakening of the Gaddafi and Assad regimes, thus turning the most tolerant, educated, and secular Arab countries into the hotbeds of terrorism, ethnic cleansing and fundamentalism, killing several hundred thousand people, creating millions of the refugees and pushing those countries back into the Middle Ages.
As the US Senator she voted to authorize the Iraq War that inflicted the identical damage upon that cradle of the human civilization. Osama bin Laden and his fundamentalist terrorists attacked us on the 9/11 and allegedly the proper reaction was to dethrone all the pro-socialist regimes in the Middle East and destabilize the countries that used to be the cradles of the regional ethnic and religious coexistence.
We are court marshalling Sergeant Bergdahl for having the mental breakdown in Afghanistan but promoting the politicians that deployed him into the hellish ground war.
We cannot make distinction between a bully and a sexist.
The bully insults everybody, both men and women. Donald Trump is just a bully.
Hillary Clinton is a sexist. She cowardly turns every personal criticism into an attack on all American women. She thinks that she should be a president not because she is the best qualified candidate but because she is a woman. She is willing to polarize the entire country along the gender lines to get personally promoted.
As the Secretary of State she was directly responsible for dethroning and/or weakening of the Gaddafi and Assad regimes, thus turning the most tolerant, educated, and secular Arab countries into the hotbeds of terrorism, ethnic cleansing and fundamentalism, killing several hundred thousand people, creating millions of the refugees and pushing those countries back into the Middle Ages.
As the US Senator she voted to authorize the Iraq War that inflicted the identical damage upon that cradle of the human civilization. Osama bin Laden and his fundamentalist terrorists attacked us on the 9/11 and allegedly the proper reaction was to dethrone all the pro-socialist regimes in the Middle East and destabilize the countries that used to be the cradles of the regional ethnic and religious coexistence.
We are court marshalling Sergeant Bergdahl for having the mental breakdown in Afghanistan but promoting the politicians that deployed him into the hellish ground war.
3
The media gave him to us; please, media, take him away.
9
"…Trump has given us such a not-normal year that people will be drinking eggnog by the fire and discussing the proper use of the word 'schlonged.'”–Ms. Collins
Can Yiddishisms save Hillary?
Ever since Mrs. Clinton's gefilte-fish email surfaced (unredacted, I might add), the Leftist media have been serving up gefilte-fish stories ad nauseam in an attempt to hide therein Clinton's Klingon strangeness and assorted felonies, the transparency of the jellied broth apparently eluding them.
And so it continues with Trump's verbalized Yiddishism, "schlonged," to which I respond in kind…
GEFILTE FISHY
The Clintons:
Meshuga, tref, tsuris.
Shopworn shtick, schmaltz, tsimmes.
Ganef, schlemiel, schlimazel.
A crooked putz with a big schnozzle.
Nudnik, nebbish, tummler.
Two chachkas on Obama's mantel, two schnorrers.
Kibitzer, kvetch with chutzpah.
Yenta, spieler, two stuffed kishkas.
2
It will be easy to enforce the 'Merry Christmas' fiat. All you have to do is deputise a cadre of concealed-carry Second Amendment absolutists. They will pass among the populace in shopping malls and other public places, as well as attending private gatherings. If anyone says 'happy holidays' 'joyous Kwanzaa', 'good solstice', etc. they will shoot the miscreant on the spot. (And no points for 'Feliz navidad', either.) Friends and relatives will be encouraged to inform on those who dare to utter heretical alternative greetings. Before long, fear of the covert 'Secret Santa Police' will enforce the appropriate festive spirit.
Seriously, every time we go into a lather at Trump's antics, his poll ratings zoom. As I've said before, he gets the Beavis and Butthead, Wayne's World vote. He appeals to the contrarian adolescent, who really doesn't care what Trump says but giggles gleefully every time he gets the goat of the grown-ups. I don't know what to suggest, since ignoring him doesn't work either - like a tantrumming toddler, he and his supporters just ramp it up until you can't help but react.
Seriously, every time we go into a lather at Trump's antics, his poll ratings zoom. As I've said before, he gets the Beavis and Butthead, Wayne's World vote. He appeals to the contrarian adolescent, who really doesn't care what Trump says but giggles gleefully every time he gets the goat of the grown-ups. I don't know what to suggest, since ignoring him doesn't work either - like a tantrumming toddler, he and his supporters just ramp it up until you can't help but react.
6
This is what you're spewing on Christmas?
2
John, that whizzing sound is my joke going right over your head.
My new year's resolution is to stop commenting entirely because I'm tired of dealing with reading-comprehension-challenged replies.
My new year's resolution is to stop commenting entirely because I'm tired of dealing with reading-comprehension-challenged replies.
3
I had thought that at my very advanced age that disillusionment had about run its course, that I had just about seen it all. I am stunned by the support for Donald Trump.
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reMDV: Perhaps, just perhaps, reason you are stunned by the support for DT, which is more profound than is reflected in the polls, is that you have had little contact with the "voiceless" in our society, the "silent majority of little whites, held in contempt by our c-in-c who puts welfare of the "extranjero" above that of American citizens, priced out of the job market by undocumented border crossers. C-in-c never misses the opportunity to trash "les petits blancs,," and their adherence to Christianity as well. Trump talks in the language of the people, and even his bathroom remarks re HRC is a way of thumbing his nose on behalf of his constituency,at the snobbish elites who have governed us for so long, and so unfairly.HRC, like Jeb is superfluous, "de trop,"and I hope the coming election will convince them of that.DT owes his popularity to the absence of leaders from both parties to respond to the needs of the people, who r making it loud and clear by their support of outsiders that, having been let down by establishment politicians in both parties, r rooting for the charismatic Mr. Trump..Wake up and smell the coffee!
1
I do not believe it is Trump the man who is drawing supporters, but the hatred he spews. That level of hatred is what is stunning.
5
I am also at a very advanced age, and while I have long suspected that many Republicans care only about reducing their own taxes, I too am stunned by their support not only for Trump, but for the five other ignorant, racist, misogynistic narcissists still presumably in the contest for GOP presidential candidate.
This is a country that was founded on religious freedom. This is a county my forbears fought and died for. This is a country I served as a naval officer during the Korean War. And yet, I'm inclined to advise my three middle-aged daughters to get out while the getting is good.
This is a country that was founded on religious freedom. This is a county my forbears fought and died for. This is a country I served as a naval officer during the Korean War. And yet, I'm inclined to advise my three middle-aged daughters to get out while the getting is good.
8
Donny Frump is disgusting. Bankrupted four companies with daddy's money and investors. Adopted a girly hairpiece and put daddy's bucks into tv with a weird show: "You're fired!".
His unbelievably crude attack on Hillary in the bathroom would qualify him for deportation in ancient Greece. Too bad we don't have the practice here.
The real concern is what motivates his followers. What are they?
Where did they come from. When will they go back?
His unbelievably crude attack on Hillary in the bathroom would qualify him for deportation in ancient Greece. Too bad we don't have the practice here.
The real concern is what motivates his followers. What are they?
Where did they come from. When will they go back?
18
Your snide comments are amusing - maybe you should actually read about the bankruptcies instead of assuming something. And I assume you resent his money - does that mean you wouldn't vote for FDR or JFK either?
1
Ok John, so auntie's comments about Trump are 'snide'? You take the time to point that out to a commenter on a website, yet have no criticism for truly 'snide' comments from a guy running for President? Talk about misplaced priorities. But let's be honest, to support Trump, misplaced priorities are a prerequisite.
7
I find it easier to hear being wished a Merry Christmas when I sense the person is well-intended and using it a vehicle for real good wishes. When I sense instead an assumption about what my religion should be, my reaction is to wonder what would happen if I called the person by the wrong name. When I sense the expressed wish is more of a mindless greeting or mindless closing remark, like "Have a good day" tends to be, then I figure both Christianity and the First Amendment have been diluted to the point where they intersect in a vapidness.
As for Donald Trump, he spotted a political party that was vulnerable, I think, and took advantage of its vulnerability, like any good predator. Maybe we non-Republicans should respond by pointing out that some of that vulnerability was self-inflicted and by pushing it off our own plates by saying it isn't clear how we non-Republicans can help, other than to suggest that the party stalwart pull themselves up by their (political) bootstraps.
As for Donald Trump, he spotted a political party that was vulnerable, I think, and took advantage of its vulnerability, like any good predator. Maybe we non-Republicans should respond by pointing out that some of that vulnerability was self-inflicted and by pushing it off our own plates by saying it isn't clear how we non-Republicans can help, other than to suggest that the party stalwart pull themselves up by their (political) bootstraps.
9
Why is the Trumpster allowed to "phone it in" on all these morning news shows? Is he not as vibrant and healthy as he would have us believe? I can't help but imagine him lying in an ugly rococo bed clad in silk undies and smoking a forbidden Cubano. Media, please make this buffoon get dressed and get to your studios for his almost daily morning drivel! The mental health of many of us depends on it!
6
Donald Trump, the king cretin of America's political dark side, has launched himself into a perilous rhetorical cycle where he has to continue top himself to get the kind of notoriety he craves. His vulgarities directed at Hillary Clinton were an escalation from his,by now, almost quotidian race baiting and ethnic slurs. His addictive narcissism demands the spotlight. Hillary's history is a target rich environment.its only a matter time before Trumps reaches another "new nadir" in American political discouse.
6
Trump is confusing poll numbers with TV ratings.
2
Considering all the groups that Trump has either offended, hated or both, he is running out of targets. If he gets elected, he will turn on older white retired males on Social Security and accuse them as being on the dole and should still be working. He will turn on farmers and eliminate the Farm Bill as an unnecessary expense. He will eliminate rural cooperatives as socialist. He will expand eminent domain so anyone with real estate that catch his eye will have to give them to the government. Goodbye national parks, goodbye public beaches. He already says he hates the media. Fox News and the Washington Times, you're next on his list.
4
What...no mention of his bodily fluids attacks?!!!
Ironic, since (in all ways prurient) HE'S #1! And pretty much #2 as well.
Ironic, since (in all ways prurient) HE'S #1! And pretty much #2 as well.
6
Make that puerile
1
Thank you for a great column.
2
Does this mean Santa Claus is going to look like a scowling Donald Trump?
2
"...Hillary, in the last Democratic debate, said ISIS was “going to people showing videos of Donald Trump insulting Islam and Muslims in order to recruit more radical jihadists.” There is actually no specific evidence this is happening, although it certainly seems probable."
Sigh. Why can't even Hillary avoid misstatements of fact? And, Ms. Collins, your defense is lame. You need to pounce on Democrats when they lie, lest they start to think it is OK like the Republicans.
Sigh. Why can't even Hillary avoid misstatements of fact? And, Ms. Collins, your defense is lame. You need to pounce on Democrats when they lie, lest they start to think it is OK like the Republicans.
You seem to have a good reading on "The Donald". However, I would take exception to your observation about insults being at a new high. Since Obama was elected, I have had numerous exchanges with conservatives on social media. The first thing they do in response to any factual comment is to castigate the sender on a personal level. The field is fertile for the seed that is "The Donald".
12
As the slate of Republican candidates continues to be winnowed...we're going to move into the real entertaining phase of the Trump campaign where he breaks out the real heavy artillery...namely his secret stash of "Your Mama's so fat" taunts. Should be a hoot !
9
The people for whom life is money have paid a lot to cultivate an angry, ignorant, superstitious public in the USA. Now it seems there is no going back. The spokesman for a movement is just that, a spokesman. Count the governorships, state legislatures, and Congressional seats lost to ugliness and hate. Trump is just the pus oozing from the fetid sore the USA has become.
52
The probability of a Trump-ISIS video is a lot less than the probability of American-Muslims celebrating 9-11. But, of course, the media just brushes off Hillary lies.
Which media? Which lies?
5
Thanks for the excellent example of GOP think.
4
You can't stop spilling ink on Trump, don't feel bad, nobody else can in the liberal media. Gullible as you are Collins, you are taking the bait. The man is a news cycle bandit, and it isn't an accident. People read your column and will not remember what you said about Clinton.
Very clever, all without spending a penny. He will make your head explode. Nice guys who refuse to offend, are losers against the machine. They will be turned into evil monsters. Whether it's true or not, doesn't matter. It's Liberal politics 101.
Elections are like prize fights, they only remember the last 30 seconds of the last round. Hillary is doomed, she will punch herself out. All your rants will not help, and even Candy Crowley will not be able to bail her out in that last debate. Can you imagine the stark contrast between the old tired machine and it's talking points and one of these Republicans up on that stage? Everyone in Ohio and Florida will be watching, and that is all that counts.
Right now you are working for the Trumpster, and you don't even know it!
Very clever, all without spending a penny. He will make your head explode. Nice guys who refuse to offend, are losers against the machine. They will be turned into evil monsters. Whether it's true or not, doesn't matter. It's Liberal politics 101.
Elections are like prize fights, they only remember the last 30 seconds of the last round. Hillary is doomed, she will punch herself out. All your rants will not help, and even Candy Crowley will not be able to bail her out in that last debate. Can you imagine the stark contrast between the old tired machine and it's talking points and one of these Republicans up on that stage? Everyone in Ohio and Florida will be watching, and that is all that counts.
Right now you are working for the Trumpster, and you don't even know it!
Huh?
6
Young man: The quality of the thoughts you wish to bestow on us, your eager readers, is betrayed by the level of literacy with which you express them. You need a refresher in the use of commas and conjunctions. Also, please learn the difference between "it's" and "its."
3
Donald Trump is not the surprise to me. What he says does not surprise me either. The fact that he would have supporters is the surprise. Even after he said that Americans are making too much money the guy still has supporters!
8
"No one every went broke under-estimating the intelligence of the American public" -- H. L. Mencken
You have some examples of what Mencken was talking about right here among the comments, some contributed within the last 10 minutes.
You have some examples of what Mencken was talking about right here among the comments, some contributed within the last 10 minutes.
5
Wonder-full, Gail, your Christmas Eve column of Donald Trump's 'Merry Christmas' blatherskite. Donald Trump's word about Hillary ("schlonged by Obama in 2008") is just another example of the former Queen's resident (OB of New York City) using a Yiddish word as a verb, when the world knows 'schlong' is a noun. Trump's war on women and his toilet humor is fodder for Hillary's campaign. "Imperfect verb choice" is just one small error a President must not make - i.e. can it be that 76% of The Donald's statements were judged "pants on fire"? This "president thing" is no joke. Many of the original 17 GOP Tea Party wannabe POTUS candidates have fallen off the bandwagon on their way to the RNC Carny (or brokered convention) next year, and only six first tier contenders may be treading the GOP Debate boards in three weeks. Looks like Ben Carson and JEB! Bush may turn out to be also-rans. Which leaves the three musketeers (NB 2nd Amendment addicts) - Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio still standing. Two egomaniacs out of three isn't bad. Trump's potty-mouth hatred and demogoguery are appealing to his crass base - The Donald is a skilled practitioner of Thuggee, cunning, sly and fraudulent. Thank you for your sweet Christmas carol, Gail - "On the Seventh Day of Christmas, he [TRUMP] gave to you and me..." may it be the "Happy Days Are Here Again" rallying song ot the Democratic candidates. Wishing you happiest holidays from your devotees!
6
Donald Trump needs to have his mouth washed out with soap and be sent to his room with the instruction not to come out until he can behave. He is crying out for the parental loving discipline he apparently never had. (And no I don't really advocate washing children's mouths out with soap as a form of punishment - that said, I'd make an exception for him.)
6
It's all so confusing.
I cannot find where the Bible says "Merry Christmas" or even "Christmas." Where do Jesus or Old Testament prophets and lawmakers say we should celebrate the birthday of Jesus? Or celebrate it on a date which was clearly not the day of his birth, based on historical events like the Census? Or that fat bearded men in red suits, or evergreen trees, should be part of the celebration?
Did the Holy Book itself start the War on Christmas?
I cannot find where the Bible says "Merry Christmas" or even "Christmas." Where do Jesus or Old Testament prophets and lawmakers say we should celebrate the birthday of Jesus? Or celebrate it on a date which was clearly not the day of his birth, based on historical events like the Census? Or that fat bearded men in red suits, or evergreen trees, should be part of the celebration?
Did the Holy Book itself start the War on Christmas?
7
Trump conveniently defines people as either winners or losers, and a large part of his appeal relies on his redefining “losers.” In fact, perhaps his greatest achievement is to make those who have come to feel like losers, those less educated, lower income folks with no hope of upward mobility, feel better about themselves by defining “others” as the real losers. It is this repackaging of the loser label that is attracting otherwise rational people. No one wants to see themselves as a loser and a potential leader who makes them feel important and special will win their loyalty. And who are these “losers” Trump often refers to? First, they are immigrants, legal or otherwise. While most of these immigrants are hard-working folks who make a significant contribution to our economy, he conveniently lumps them together as less deserving of the label “American,” a label that should only be awarded to winners. Secondly, they are the 47% that Romney spoke about in the previous Republican fiasco. These are the folks that are supposedly mooching off the rest of us. And third, they are the blacks and women who choose to assert their rights as inherent in what America stands for. So while Trump is behind the wheel, driving the Republican Party down a dead end, his followers feel reassured that they are no longer the losers that wealthy Republicans can ignore. They are fooling themselves. In the end, Trump won’t tolerate backseat drivers.
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I agree wholeheartedly with this assessment as one of the reason's for the loyalty of the Trump supporters to him, even if he implies someone like Sen. McCain is a loser because winners don't get captured in the first place, a totally nonsensical notion. That's like saying we shouldn't give Congressional Medals of Honor to those who were killed heroically in action, nor Purple Hearts to those wounded while sacrificing for their country in a war. I suppose Abraham Lincoln was a loser, JFK was a loser because they "allowed themselves" to be assassinated. Wiser and more cowardly men (I guess that's the description of a "winner" in Trumpland) would have made sure they weren't in the wrong place at the wrong time, according to Mr. Trump. The people who have been marginalized in our country by a small cadre of other people very much like Donald Trump want to feel like there is someone deserving of even more marginalization than they have been subject to. Unfortunately, they accept describing other groups as "losers" as the quick, easy and flattering solution to their problems instead of figuring out that Mr. Trump is part of the cause of their problem, not part of the solution.
1
Excellent points. The supporter I know is a retired teacher who also feels politically powerless and was very alienated from her public school students who she looked down upon as troubles and lazy in general.
Donald Trump has had his eyes on a run for the presidency for several years, and he has been willing to say anything and do anything to grab attention. It’s been more than five years since Trump attacked President Obama and became the most well-known birther in America.
For a time, many people thought that if Donald Trump were simply ignored, he would fade from the political picture. We now know, however, that Trump has a core of followers (mostly older, white men with limited education) and will be around unless he fades in the Republican primaries.
If the establishment Republicans believe they cannot afford to ignore Trump, it is their problem. Democrats and Independents need not follow suit.
A voluntary moratorium on thinking about Donald Trump or mentioning him or writing about him would be a good thing.
We, the consumers of information, should promise the producers of news programs and the publishers of newspapers and the writers of columns that we are far more likely to read and to listen to them if their output is Trumpless.
For a time, many people thought that if Donald Trump were simply ignored, he would fade from the political picture. We now know, however, that Trump has a core of followers (mostly older, white men with limited education) and will be around unless he fades in the Republican primaries.
If the establishment Republicans believe they cannot afford to ignore Trump, it is their problem. Democrats and Independents need not follow suit.
A voluntary moratorium on thinking about Donald Trump or mentioning him or writing about him would be a good thing.
We, the consumers of information, should promise the producers of news programs and the publishers of newspapers and the writers of columns that we are far more likely to read and to listen to them if their output is Trumpless.
5
We need to remember that in a presidential race, there is rarely a thing called "bad press". The more the media give this man attention, the more his reputation rises, and voters are attracted to his side.
The Republican Party allows him to exist because the leadership and money behind it knows that he will eventually be defeated, fairly or not, and that the candidates living under his craziness; those second and third placers in the primaries will look moderate to the voters in the general elections, thereby allowing the likes of Cruz ETC. to actually compete.
This is a nasty, scary tactic, but it just might carry the general election. I hope the Democrats (or press) have some way to take wind out of Trump's sail, and get him out of the media focus. Cruz and the others need to be be seen for what they are; radical right winger's and corporate shills, but I have seen little to show that they do. I fear for America's political future. It will not be a laughing matter if any one of these men (or woman) is elected President in 2016.
The Republican Party allows him to exist because the leadership and money behind it knows that he will eventually be defeated, fairly or not, and that the candidates living under his craziness; those second and third placers in the primaries will look moderate to the voters in the general elections, thereby allowing the likes of Cruz ETC. to actually compete.
This is a nasty, scary tactic, but it just might carry the general election. I hope the Democrats (or press) have some way to take wind out of Trump's sail, and get him out of the media focus. Cruz and the others need to be be seen for what they are; radical right winger's and corporate shills, but I have seen little to show that they do. I fear for America's political future. It will not be a laughing matter if any one of these men (or woman) is elected President in 2016.
242
Remember this guy thinks biggest is best. Recently selected as the biggest liar in a talented field, he is happy.
Finally, in the voting booth, a plurality of Americans will not believe that largest liar makes b est President. It may be close.
Finally, in the voting booth, a plurality of Americans will not believe that largest liar makes b est President. It may be close.
I don't think this is a matter of the Republican Party "allowing" Trump to exist. He's well beyond their control. If Reince Priebus could wave his magic wand and make this runaway leader in the polls disappear, he'd do in in an instant. Trump isn't a Republican anyway. He's beyond the constraints of the GOP and merely uses it because it's a convenient way to run. If you think he's a Republican, ask the Republican National Committee how many of his "positions" they agree with.
Read that second paragraph again. Trump is cover for a gaggle of bad candidates, and any press is good press. He won't win but he keeps the rest of them alive as candidates.
I love and admire Trump. He is a very good tactician. He has everyone talking about him and his awful statements. If he keeps things going he will be the next POTUS. Every time he opens his mouth he says something truly alarming that appeals to the lowest common denominator. The Americans choosing the President aren't the intelligent and educated minority, who keep on saying the obvious, but the poor dumb sheeple who turn on to his profound wisdom. They love his big mouth and bullying ways, after all that is what makes America great, isn't it? Thug capital, thug foreign policy, historical half truths and downright lies. Ask the rednecks what they think. They love Trump. I bet Texas will vote 100% Trump. He's just a better Bush.
He's working the crowd very well and when he is President he will wise up and behave. All his bluster if for free publicity. Anyone can remember what this loudmouth says but I can't remember what any of the others have said. Makes me glad that we, in this little paradise have a royal family, none of your elections every four years. Err......hang on a moment.........
He's working the crowd very well and when he is President he will wise up and behave. All his bluster if for free publicity. Anyone can remember what this loudmouth says but I can't remember what any of the others have said. Makes me glad that we, in this little paradise have a royal family, none of your elections every four years. Err......hang on a moment.........
5
To the tune of Frosty: Donald, the candidate, is a vulgar man they say,,,,But between cuss words, you can hear him say," I'll be President some day........Donald, the candidate, is as gross as he can be, but rest assured, his face you will see, 24/7 on TV.....There must have been some magic in that red ball cap he wore, for as soon as he put it on, his polls began to soar...............Oh, Donald the candidate, a loss is on its way.....But you will hear him say as he flies out of sight," I'll be back again some day".....Oh, Trumpity trump- trump, trumpity trump- trump, look at Donald go. Trumpity trump- trump, trumpity trump-trump, Its great to see him go.
10
I am not amused.
There is a disturbing linkage between: (a) people who favor Trump, and (b) the rapid increase in deaths of uneducated, middle-aged white males (slow or rapid suicide; see Angus Deaton's work). This is a canary in the mine.
We the electorate have colluded in (among other things) the disinvestment, escalating cost of tuition, hollowing out of manufacturing, allowing lobbyists to funnel cash to the top 1%, and the generation of an American theocracy that holds half the country captive in our version of the Caliphate (where a clerk can deny citizens of their rights, and invite support from presidential candidates).
When religion has more power than law, it is called a theocracy.
We have colluded in producing a corrupt, lawless land with two sets of rules (one for the rich). For the uneducated middle-aged white male, the bible, the gun, Limbaugh, and Fox are proving insufficient. They are lashing out and supporting "I will burn this house down, one segment of population at a time" Trump, or killing themselves in disturbing numbers. The dichotomy is not imagined; it has a real world analog.
This is no laughing matter.
Once elected, Trump will criminalize dissent; he will profit as others are left holding the bag. That has been his life's work; it will not change.
And NY Times, instead of working on evaluating the threat he poses, is smug and self satisfied with the mirth and chortling. Er, fiddling while the democracy is burning.
Kalidan
There is a disturbing linkage between: (a) people who favor Trump, and (b) the rapid increase in deaths of uneducated, middle-aged white males (slow or rapid suicide; see Angus Deaton's work). This is a canary in the mine.
We the electorate have colluded in (among other things) the disinvestment, escalating cost of tuition, hollowing out of manufacturing, allowing lobbyists to funnel cash to the top 1%, and the generation of an American theocracy that holds half the country captive in our version of the Caliphate (where a clerk can deny citizens of their rights, and invite support from presidential candidates).
When religion has more power than law, it is called a theocracy.
We have colluded in producing a corrupt, lawless land with two sets of rules (one for the rich). For the uneducated middle-aged white male, the bible, the gun, Limbaugh, and Fox are proving insufficient. They are lashing out and supporting "I will burn this house down, one segment of population at a time" Trump, or killing themselves in disturbing numbers. The dichotomy is not imagined; it has a real world analog.
This is no laughing matter.
Once elected, Trump will criminalize dissent; he will profit as others are left holding the bag. That has been his life's work; it will not change.
And NY Times, instead of working on evaluating the threat he poses, is smug and self satisfied with the mirth and chortling. Er, fiddling while the democracy is burning.
Kalidan
16
I agree with everything until your last paragraph.
7
Very good column, but it's important to note that Hillary Clinton's Democratic nomination is not a foregone conclusion, despite the media's insistence that it is. Neither is Trump's, albeit everybody loves a guy that "tells it like it is," even when it "isn't."
This election is pivotal for the United States. Neither Clinton nor Trump are responsible candidates. Clinton would have dragged the U.S. into another war in Syria, and in fact, tried by encouraging the rebel faction of Syria to "stick to their guns." Well, they sure have, even developing a little offshoot called ISIS. But the only reason Clinton didn't prevail in dragging America into ME war II - or III or IIII, I can't keep up - is that she forgot to check with the American people, which sadly for her, her boss did, and decided that Americans weren't on board with the idea.
Trump is an irresponsible, uncouth, grotesque image of capitalism at its worst, and frankly, dragging the country through 4 years of his presidency wouldn't be such a bad thing. At that point, the country would indeed wake up. Nobody would have a choice to sleep walk through politics never mind elections again.
The only sane choice is Bernie Sanders. I won't vote for anybody else. And I sincerely hope that he gains the support of the pundits and humorists alike.
This election is pivotal for the United States. Neither Clinton nor Trump are responsible candidates. Clinton would have dragged the U.S. into another war in Syria, and in fact, tried by encouraging the rebel faction of Syria to "stick to their guns." Well, they sure have, even developing a little offshoot called ISIS. But the only reason Clinton didn't prevail in dragging America into ME war II - or III or IIII, I can't keep up - is that she forgot to check with the American people, which sadly for her, her boss did, and decided that Americans weren't on board with the idea.
Trump is an irresponsible, uncouth, grotesque image of capitalism at its worst, and frankly, dragging the country through 4 years of his presidency wouldn't be such a bad thing. At that point, the country would indeed wake up. Nobody would have a choice to sleep walk through politics never mind elections again.
The only sane choice is Bernie Sanders. I won't vote for anybody else. And I sincerely hope that he gains the support of the pundits and humorists alike.
321
If Hilary gets the nomination and is running against Trump, you won't vote for Hilary? You'll actually sit this out out?? Really????
12
Unfortunately for those of us that admire Sanders, to imagine a Sanders presidency or even to imagine him winning the primary requires magical thinking
14
I'm voting for Sanders too. But if you fail to see the difference between Clinton or and Trump, or Clinton and Cruz, you will be making the same mistake Nader voters made when they got George W Bush elected President. Consider that if Gore had been in the Oval Office:
1. On 9/11 he would have left Iraq alone and there would be no ISIS.
2. The United States would have been actively leading the fight against Global Warming for the past 15 years.
By enabling Bush's disastrous presidency, the people who voted for Nader are partly responsible for ruining our world. If Cruz or Trump becomes President, the people who gave us the incompetence in Iraq will be in power again (have you read John Bolton's editorials???!), Scalia and Thomas will have new allies on the Supreme Court and the US will accelerate it's slide into division and decay.
Hillary is far, far from perfect. I resent that she may be the choice I have to make. But when the time comes she has my vote and I sincerely hope she'll have yours. There's bad and then there's horrendous. Please don't make the same mistake the Nader voters did. I'd like my kids to grow up in a better world.
1. On 9/11 he would have left Iraq alone and there would be no ISIS.
2. The United States would have been actively leading the fight against Global Warming for the past 15 years.
By enabling Bush's disastrous presidency, the people who voted for Nader are partly responsible for ruining our world. If Cruz or Trump becomes President, the people who gave us the incompetence in Iraq will be in power again (have you read John Bolton's editorials???!), Scalia and Thomas will have new allies on the Supreme Court and the US will accelerate it's slide into division and decay.
Hillary is far, far from perfect. I resent that she may be the choice I have to make. But when the time comes she has my vote and I sincerely hope she'll have yours. There's bad and then there's horrendous. Please don't make the same mistake the Nader voters did. I'd like my kids to grow up in a better world.
26
Gail, as usual, I love the column. But in our shared delight of all things Trumpish, it is the "howling crowds" you mention that concern me. Given their fear-induced anger and deeply rooted anti-intellectualism (noted by previous commenters), the question remains, will they vote? They do have the franchise, but in the past the angry ignorant have usually thrown up their hands in disgust, muttered "their all a bunch of crooks," and stayed home on election day. Trump may be fun to watch, and the terror he strikes in the cold heart of the GOP establishment is wonderful. It remains to be seen whether he can get people into the voting booth.
3
I wonder if Prince Charming uses wipers!
2
I was flipping through the channels the other night and I came across an episode of CHIPS. And starring in the episode was Bruce Jenner. So what does this have to do with Mr. Trump? The CHIPS were chasing a suspect and when they pulled him over (they were on their motorcycles and the suspect was driving a Malibu or some such vehicle) he ran. And this is where it gets interesting. The suspect wasn't black he was white, the CHIPS didn't pull out their guns and fire, they shouted "Stop!" and the suspect stopped. They didn't throw him to the ground but simply asked him what he was doing and cuffed him.
So Bruce Jenner cared about his fellow American's. Does Mr. Trump care about Caitlan?
So Bruce Jenner cared about his fellow American's. Does Mr. Trump care about Caitlan?
2
Mr. Trump desires to make USA great again, as if it is not already. And to do so he is deploying a no-holds barred, quasi-third-world political tactics of defining his constituency by antagonizing everybody else.
Think, US will redeem itself when the core constituency he seeks to tap, will pass him for his non-gentle ways. The fruits of mainstream religious spirit, Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control; shall remain the guiding spirit of the land.
Think, US will redeem itself when the core constituency he seeks to tap, will pass him for his non-gentle ways. The fruits of mainstream religious spirit, Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control; shall remain the guiding spirit of the land.
5
In 2000 Bush "won" (excluding court ruling), largely because he mobilized the Christian right. It helped that Gore was by most accounts a stiff and uninspiring candidate and did not generate a lot of interest. A low turnout and a hyper polarized group helped Bush win.
2008 with the opposite playbook a democratic candidate excited the democratic base. Obama's strategy mobilized three low turn out groups, African Americans, Latinos, young voters. In both off year elections, 2010,2014, with the Obama machine dormant Republicans did fine.
2016
A Democratic candidate who is uninspiring and polarizing.
A republican megalomaniac who is exciting a shrinking Republican base by exploiting every conservative fear: Hispanics, Women, Muslims, gay marriage etc. As they see "their" country change their fear and anger grows. Trumps speech nourishes and comforts that. The more angry and vulgar the closer to the heart.
Hillary is not Bill or Obama, she will not excite the base. If this election has a low turn out then Trump's minions, polarized angry and willing to cut of the nose to spite the face, can win. If this election gets really ugly and vulgar, Americans will tune out. That clearly helps Trump.
Draw your own conclusion. If Trumps wins the nomination, expect new lows in campaign history...Oh yes we have not seen the "best" from trump yet.
2008 with the opposite playbook a democratic candidate excited the democratic base. Obama's strategy mobilized three low turn out groups, African Americans, Latinos, young voters. In both off year elections, 2010,2014, with the Obama machine dormant Republicans did fine.
2016
A Democratic candidate who is uninspiring and polarizing.
A republican megalomaniac who is exciting a shrinking Republican base by exploiting every conservative fear: Hispanics, Women, Muslims, gay marriage etc. As they see "their" country change their fear and anger grows. Trumps speech nourishes and comforts that. The more angry and vulgar the closer to the heart.
Hillary is not Bill or Obama, she will not excite the base. If this election has a low turn out then Trump's minions, polarized angry and willing to cut of the nose to spite the face, can win. If this election gets really ugly and vulgar, Americans will tune out. That clearly helps Trump.
Draw your own conclusion. If Trumps wins the nomination, expect new lows in campaign history...Oh yes we have not seen the "best" from trump yet.
6
The base of the Democratic party is women, and yes, we are generally excited to elect the first female president. But thanks for trying to mansplaining us out of it, but it won't work. We all go to the bathroom and have for years, so we ignore the old white men railing and ranting about us.
1
The Trump candidacy seems to be good for newspapers. Now these that something definite to print about. But would Trump as president be good for the US?
1
I know lots of guys who like what Trump is saying. And these are retired, well-off guys, who have done well in business, and some who are still doing well. They know Trump is a boor, but they agree with a lot of what he says. They have done well in business and they know that Trump has done well too, although it's not as if he started from nothing. They are successful, and feel the same way about blacks, women in general, and about most ignorant and poor white folks as Trump does: Lazy; Lacking clarity of thought; Lacking diligence and any sense of urgency. And as for Muslims: If Muslims want to attack and kill us, why are we so eager to let them into the country? I mean, really, why? (Which makes sense if you think that the entire world does not have some right to live in the USA. And if you truly think all Muslims, or even many of them, want to attack and kill us. And lots of them do.) And if black people want to make more money than they do, then they should work harder than white people, and do more. No one is giving anything to poor white people. (Maybe that's not entirely true?) Trump is saying things that a lot of people think, and want to say, but find that they would be embarrassed to say. Carly Fiorina is frightening to look at. Sorry. Maybe it is rude? She destroyed HP. But maybe the point is that people who like Trump really see something there? I'm not too crazy about him, but if offered the choice between him and Scott Walker? Fortunately I'm not a Republican.
112
You are not too crazy about him? If Muslims are interested in attacking our country why should we let them in? First off it's not Muslims who are interested in attacking out country. It's some guys who are Muslim. Secondly, how do you keep Mulims and only Muslims out? Trump makes big statements, a 2000 mile wall anyone, but offers no practical way of achieving them.
2
Good heavens, what a reflection of the Donald-state-of-mind. Other than feeling beset by all the lazy/criminal/stupid people around you while your white privilege is being eroded, have you no empathy or compassion for others? It is nice that you and your friends have gotten yours and it would be nice, especially at Christmastime, if it is permitted to invoke Christmas, if you felt you could spare some kind thoughts for someone other than your rich friends. Don't forget, Christ was lower class, a family on the move to comply with a census requirement, and a loser by Trump's definition. If you claim you are Christian, you might look again.
6
"...Muslims, or even many of them, want to attack and kill us. And lots of them do."
As, of course, do many devout Christians. Have those who attack the Islamic faith as a whole picketed in front of a Planned Parenthood clinic in favor of abortion rights or plan to do so soon, while anti-abortion activists of a Christian faith are also there? What might happen? Well, one of those anti-abortion activists might be as zealous and misguided as Robert Dear, and follow the abortion rights supporter home, no? I offer that scenario to those who insist that moderate Muslim clerics, who believe theirs is a religion first and foremost of peace, speak out forcefully against the fundamentalists who feel justified in committing terroristic acts in the name of their religion. Easy advice to dole out, not so easy to take and carry out.
As, of course, do many devout Christians. Have those who attack the Islamic faith as a whole picketed in front of a Planned Parenthood clinic in favor of abortion rights or plan to do so soon, while anti-abortion activists of a Christian faith are also there? What might happen? Well, one of those anti-abortion activists might be as zealous and misguided as Robert Dear, and follow the abortion rights supporter home, no? I offer that scenario to those who insist that moderate Muslim clerics, who believe theirs is a religion first and foremost of peace, speak out forcefully against the fundamentalists who feel justified in committing terroristic acts in the name of their religion. Easy advice to dole out, not so easy to take and carry out.
4
Yes, how very fitting that this is the Christmas season, where cultural conservatives throughout the land lament "the war on Christmas" and the dilution of their interpretation of Christ's message of salvation by the "lame stream media" and other secularists.
Theirs is a message of traditional values: turning a blind eye to refugees seeking shelter (how Christ like!) and carpet bombing the rest should they not venture out from their war torn countries.
It's alright to malign other religions and wrongly characterize Radical jihadists
as representatives of Islam. It's alright to ostracize Mexicans, finding those undocumented, rounding them up and forcing them from our land.
After all, what would Jesus do?
Theirs is a message of traditional values: turning a blind eye to refugees seeking shelter (how Christ like!) and carpet bombing the rest should they not venture out from their war torn countries.
It's alright to malign other religions and wrongly characterize Radical jihadists
as representatives of Islam. It's alright to ostracize Mexicans, finding those undocumented, rounding them up and forcing them from our land.
After all, what would Jesus do?
37
"On the seventh day of Christmas, he gave to you and me
…Hillary-bathroom sniping"
TOILETBREAKGATE
Clinton's bathroom-break empty podium
Created conspiracy theories ad nauseam.
Toilet break pretended?
Huma's coaching extended?
Confused Hillary lost in gymnasium?
Queen Hillary demanding privacy?
Toilet paper much too starchy?
Plastic throne unhinged?
Haute pantsuit too fringed?
Or did Clinton prefer playing victim?
(Enter Trump to assist in that mission.)
ToiletBreakGate on the heels of Bernie Breachgate.
Nothing involving Hillary is accidental.
Dirty tricks of the latter
Flushed down by the former
Keeps Hillary for now unindictable.
5
@ marian,
I don't think Huma was only coaching!!!
I don't think Huma was only coaching!!!
The only patriotic solution left for many in the GOP base is not to vote, since a vote for a Democrat, most likely Hillary, is anathema to them. The frustration of belonging to a party which cannot even offer a decent mainstream candidate for consideration must be baffling for some, but letting the Tea Party and its spin-off zealots run wild for the past seven years has led to the rise of Trump, Cruz, Carson and others. These primaries are more about "de-energizing" the fanatics than they are energizing the base, because the base isn't going to come out to cast a primary vote for one of this motley crew.
It's also illuminating that senior GOP people now think that the one with the best chance to derail Trump is Rubio, who in most people's minds fails the legitimacy test in terms of having the gravitas to perform the job capably. In terms of an upset, writing some evasive rules for the GOP convention might change the game, and allow someone like Paul Ryan to emerge. But if they choose any of the candidates who are getting hammered at the polls by Trump, they will have crossed the Rubicon with respect to "unfairness". Not that Trump isn't already well familiar with that tactic.
It's also illuminating that senior GOP people now think that the one with the best chance to derail Trump is Rubio, who in most people's minds fails the legitimacy test in terms of having the gravitas to perform the job capably. In terms of an upset, writing some evasive rules for the GOP convention might change the game, and allow someone like Paul Ryan to emerge. But if they choose any of the candidates who are getting hammered at the polls by Trump, they will have crossed the Rubicon with respect to "unfairness". Not that Trump isn't already well familiar with that tactic.
13
We should all be grateful that Il Trumpo has given us a national Christmas present and new national monument, the Arc de Trumphe that shall remain forever seared in the national memory (and constructed on the 2017 White House front lawn) and that will remind Americans and international visitors of America's historic descent into mass stupidity, brand merchandising, and worship of Greed Over People.
The front of the arc - to be read by the masses - will display these three idiotic phrases:
'We're Winning !', "We're #1" and "In Trump We Trust".
The back of the Arc de Trumphe - to be read by almost no one - will contain quotes that explain the exceptional American fascination with overconfident idiots.
“There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.” - Isaac Asimov
“Talk sense to a fool and he calls you foolish.” ― Euripides
“Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.” ― George Carlin
“People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use.” ― Søren Kierkegaard
“In politics, stupidity is not a handicap.” ― Napoléon Bonaparte
Thank you, Donald - what Christmas gift could be finer than a giant permanent Trumpian monument to our collapsed national IQ !
The front of the arc - to be read by the masses - will display these three idiotic phrases:
'We're Winning !', "We're #1" and "In Trump We Trust".
The back of the Arc de Trumphe - to be read by almost no one - will contain quotes that explain the exceptional American fascination with overconfident idiots.
“There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.” - Isaac Asimov
“Talk sense to a fool and he calls you foolish.” ― Euripides
“Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.” ― George Carlin
“People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use.” ― Søren Kierkegaard
“In politics, stupidity is not a handicap.” ― Napoléon Bonaparte
Thank you, Donald - what Christmas gift could be finer than a giant permanent Trumpian monument to our collapsed national IQ !
572
I like your writing Socrates. You are almost always spot on, full of good humor and illuminating. Today, I thank you for shining a light on the Dem/ Rep Party, who have led the historic descent into mass stupidity, brand merchandising and greed over people.
You definitely explained Hillary, Barack and the Bushies quite well!
Merry Christmas
You definitely explained Hillary, Barack and the Bushies quite well!
Merry Christmas
2
Thank you for a comment as good as Gail's column!
2
Socrates, atop the monument will be a cherubic young Trump (replete with mounds of hair) urinating into the local water supply.
Trump will claim it's a blessing. And other than firing people on TV it will be the only thing he accomplishes during his reign.
Trump will claim it's a blessing. And other than firing people on TV it will be the only thing he accomplishes during his reign.
2
" he hates journalists, and he appeared to be mulling the idea of killing some of them. To be fair, he did conclude by announcing he wouldn’t do that"
The probabilities of you having to say "President Trump" are increasing. I always wondered what it felt like in countries where reasonable people started
to get the night sweats over a fascist and his hoards taking over their beloved country. Perhaps we could find out. Then that implied threat may become your reality. That bouncer/hit man that Trump uses at rallies to enforce his message may be knocking at your door soon.
The probabilities of you having to say "President Trump" are increasing. I always wondered what it felt like in countries where reasonable people started
to get the night sweats over a fascist and his hoards taking over their beloved country. Perhaps we could find out. Then that implied threat may become your reality. That bouncer/hit man that Trump uses at rallies to enforce his message may be knocking at your door soon.
34
It is beyond frightening that one can fantasize about some crazed Trump supporter deciding to eliminate someone he perceives as an opponent or an obstacle in the way of his candidate's success -- there are all those guns at large in this society -- and after all to such people, a journalist is a member of a hated group, the so-called "liberal Press."
Ms. Collins, I hope you're careful while you're out and about.
Ms. Collins, I hope you're careful while you're out and about.
Happy holidays to one and all. Merry Christmas to Christians. Happy Hanukkah to Jews. Asalaam Alaykum to Muslims. Happy Festivus for the rest of us. And peace to ALL!
May the New Year bring us civility, understanding and acceptance of others...and may 2016 bring an exceptional American dump of/on Trump.
May the New Year bring us civility, understanding and acceptance of others...and may 2016 bring an exceptional American dump of/on Trump.
150
A Bright Yule to Pagans!
9
Namaste to all! "Namaste is usually spoken with a slight bow and hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointing upwards, thumbs close to the chest. This gesture is called Añjali Mudrā or Pranamasana. It means "I bow to the divine in you". The greeting (all over South Asia) may also be spoken without the gesture or the gesture performed wordlessly, carrying the same meaning." No hand shake, which means no sharing of body fluids, hahaha.
"In Thailand, "The word often spoken with the wai as a greeting or farewell is sawatdi (RTGS for สวัสดี, pronounced [sàwàtdiː], sometimes romanized as sawasdee)."
"The Sampeah (Khmer: សំពះ) is a Cambodian greeting or a way of showing respect. It is very similar to the Thai wai."
"Sembah is a Indonesian greeting and gesture as a way of demonstrating respect and reverence. While performing the sembah, the person clasped their palms together solemnly in a prayer-like fashion called suhun or susuhun in Javanese; or menyusun jari sepuluh ("to arrange the ten fingers") in Indonesian, and placed them in front of the chest, and moving the combined palms up to the chin, or all the way up until the thumbs touching the tip of the nose, while bowing slightly."
"In Thailand, "The word often spoken with the wai as a greeting or farewell is sawatdi (RTGS for สวัสดี, pronounced [sàwàtdiː], sometimes romanized as sawasdee)."
"The Sampeah (Khmer: សំពះ) is a Cambodian greeting or a way of showing respect. It is very similar to the Thai wai."
"Sembah is a Indonesian greeting and gesture as a way of demonstrating respect and reverence. While performing the sembah, the person clasped their palms together solemnly in a prayer-like fashion called suhun or susuhun in Javanese; or menyusun jari sepuluh ("to arrange the ten fingers") in Indonesian, and placed them in front of the chest, and moving the combined palms up to the chin, or all the way up until the thumbs touching the tip of the nose, while bowing slightly."
5
Dear Ms. Collins, just wrote to a friend who is still sleeping 'you are a star!' and to another who missed her plane home for Christmas, and is about to go off again today, 'Happy pre-Xmas, Feenix!'.
It all began last night this winter tale where this widow finds herself alone in a large empty house in CT. with a cell phone she does not know how to use and the internet goes on the blink. She calls her Jewish pragmatic friend still in New York before going to spend Christmas with friends in Philly, a life-saver, and gives up at 2:00 a.m. with the PC.
Early dawn, she pops her head out the window and thinks that at her age, she is spoiled in many ways, her eyes veer to the smiling Buddha on the mantle-piece, calm and comforting in the midst of internal chaos. Perhaps it is this sense of serenity that revives the computer in time to say Merry Christmas to my Jewish, Irish and Muslim friend.
And, singular as it may sound, I feel a bit sorry for 'Old King Crumpet' because he is lonely but does not know it.
Thank you, Ms. Collins, and wishing you the happiest of Holidays spent with the ones you love best, a Merry Christmas on this merry-go-round called Life and 'Good Will' for All.
It all began last night this winter tale where this widow finds herself alone in a large empty house in CT. with a cell phone she does not know how to use and the internet goes on the blink. She calls her Jewish pragmatic friend still in New York before going to spend Christmas with friends in Philly, a life-saver, and gives up at 2:00 a.m. with the PC.
Early dawn, she pops her head out the window and thinks that at her age, she is spoiled in many ways, her eyes veer to the smiling Buddha on the mantle-piece, calm and comforting in the midst of internal chaos. Perhaps it is this sense of serenity that revives the computer in time to say Merry Christmas to my Jewish, Irish and Muslim friend.
And, singular as it may sound, I feel a bit sorry for 'Old King Crumpet' because he is lonely but does not know it.
Thank you, Ms. Collins, and wishing you the happiest of Holidays spent with the ones you love best, a Merry Christmas on this merry-go-round called Life and 'Good Will' for All.
14
Mr. Trump is what he has been all along - a raving narcissist and a bully. He speaks to the worst instincts in the people having plugged into a segment of the population which hates and fears change; which believes that "the real American" is white, Christian, and conservative. As their world has changed, this particular group has become angrier. They tend to blame the symbols of change (people of color, immigrants, non-Christians) for their own life struggles. So, the solution, which Trump mouths loudly, is, in their minds, to drive the "other" out; build walls around "our" country; make rules requiring English as the only language (so sad and regressive - much of the rest of the world is actually bi-lingual); and increasingly make Christianity the national religion.
These folks driven by fear induced anger will not ultimately prevail.
The world is changing. The nation will continue to be more diverse and religiously pluralistic, but they will certainly take a long time to adjust and in the mean time respond strongly to anyone who, like Trump, throws them the red meat of hatred and bigotry.
These folks driven by fear induced anger will not ultimately prevail.
The world is changing. The nation will continue to be more diverse and religiously pluralistic, but they will certainly take a long time to adjust and in the mean time respond strongly to anyone who, like Trump, throws them the red meat of hatred and bigotry.
66
Yep, and still I click on any story with "Trump" in the headline, and he gets one more hit. I comment here, and he runs up his tally of comments. This is the way popularity is measured today. Polls just confirm it.
I'm afraid we're all participants in the Donald Phenomenon. He's this season's pizza rat.
I'm afraid we're all participants in the Donald Phenomenon. He's this season's pizza rat.
13
Nailed ("Gailed"?) it. On Trump: "Maybe he figures he can become president just by branding it." He does. The scary part is that he thinks he's displaying presidential behavior and character. On Cruz: "Republican billionaire donors... regard Cruz as an obnoxious self-promoting egomaniac." Translation: He'll smile, seemingly speak sincerely, spend their shekels and scorn their smug sway while satisfying his own aspirations. Sssssssss... In this clash of egos, neither of these pretenders has allegiance to anything, including our nation's well-being, other than their own power.
22
If Donald were President...
He would expand eminent domain so we would would have ugly hotels and golf courses in all the national parks. Move over Airbnb.... anyone who owns a home with a good view could be put into the Trump domain...your home will become a Trump Hotel with sign, possible escalator and golf simulator included. All national monuments will get signage from Lincoln on the mall to the Pearl Harbor memorial in Hawaii. He may even go huge and annex all of Hawaii into his eminent domain kingdom. The Pentagon will get a total rebuild so that Trump's name could appear on everything from aircraft carriers to uniforms. The massive logo Ralph Lauren put on all Olympic clothing will be nothing compared to Trump. This will be big and in gold, of course.
He wants thousands of miles of fencing.That could be another branding opportunity with flags,not the stars and bars, but Trumpian gold.Our daughters could all pursue careers as trophy wives and our sons can be real estate deal makers.The White House is rather smallish and not Trump's style. It doesn't have an escalator. Maybe he could use it as a guest house for his friend Vladimir and build something huge with a tower and penthouse.
But before all of that..
Dear Santa Claus. Please tell potty-mouth Donald he has been not nice and needs to go back to rich-boy military school for a very long recess, forever.
He would expand eminent domain so we would would have ugly hotels and golf courses in all the national parks. Move over Airbnb.... anyone who owns a home with a good view could be put into the Trump domain...your home will become a Trump Hotel with sign, possible escalator and golf simulator included. All national monuments will get signage from Lincoln on the mall to the Pearl Harbor memorial in Hawaii. He may even go huge and annex all of Hawaii into his eminent domain kingdom. The Pentagon will get a total rebuild so that Trump's name could appear on everything from aircraft carriers to uniforms. The massive logo Ralph Lauren put on all Olympic clothing will be nothing compared to Trump. This will be big and in gold, of course.
He wants thousands of miles of fencing.That could be another branding opportunity with flags,not the stars and bars, but Trumpian gold.Our daughters could all pursue careers as trophy wives and our sons can be real estate deal makers.The White House is rather smallish and not Trump's style. It doesn't have an escalator. Maybe he could use it as a guest house for his friend Vladimir and build something huge with a tower and penthouse.
But before all of that..
Dear Santa Claus. Please tell potty-mouth Donald he has been not nice and needs to go back to rich-boy military school for a very long recess, forever.
396
Maybe in Hawaii, he could take the birth records and destroy them for once and for all ridding the US of Obama
1
Well Bob, you can rest easy, we still have 13 months of President Obama. I truly wish it were one hundred and thirteen.
6
"The Donald" continues to reveal his true identity: the cheesy, bloated self-promoter who puts down critics and opponents with loudmouthed insults and accusations. He is content-free except when doing self-promotion. with no plan beyond marketing himself. In that regard, I wish the two usually well prepared hosts of "Morning Joe" would stop shilling for the Cheesy One.
12
Mika is a personal friend of the 'Prince'
1
sad to see, the fourth estate declining into inanity...when the call is for "happy holidays"
the columns are full of christmas outrage...and so, when the call is for "merry christmas" the columny's force is redeployed to defend, nay proclaim, "happy holidays."
seeing this particular piece stall, paragraph by paragraph, roll over and, finally, crash and shatter into shards of desperate parody was not without its compelling moments...could this really be happening on the op-ed of a major paper?
the columns are full of christmas outrage...and so, when the call is for "merry christmas" the columny's force is redeployed to defend, nay proclaim, "happy holidays."
seeing this particular piece stall, paragraph by paragraph, roll over and, finally, crash and shatter into shards of desperate parody was not without its compelling moments...could this really be happening on the op-ed of a major paper?
1
The Republican establishment (and the more intelligent of their voters) will probably find that the holidays include a bit of acidic heartburn when they think of who just might be the GOP candidate for POTUS. They spent too much time ignoring him when he first began and now that he is on a roll, there isn't anything that they seem to say or the little they do that makes a dent into his forward thrust.
It amuses me whenever I say "happy holidays" to someone and they very emphatically state "Merry Christmas" in a voice that reminds me I'm offending them.
It amuses me whenever I say "happy holidays" to someone and they very emphatically state "Merry Christmas" in a voice that reminds me I'm offending them.
10
"But I’m still trying to figure out exactly how a universal “Merry Christmas” mission would be accomplished."
In the land that Originated 'FREEDOM OF SPEECH" there is no Just Cause for Ostracism for a 'violation' of what is currently soft-sold as Political Goodness, er, strike that, Political Correctness. My parents were 'First Born' here, and ached to be 'American'. Now Diversity is a Common Divide. What We the people must recognize is the EVERYBODY FAVORS THEIR OWN. Once we acknowledge such, We can Unite these States of Beings, even if it is brutally frank. The shock will wear away and we All can then Move On Together as One Country....Indivisible...(You Best Know the Rest)
Let's Invent a New Concept : NOWSTALGIA - Let US Now Figure it out AMONG (Y)OUR SELVES!
In the land that Originated 'FREEDOM OF SPEECH" there is no Just Cause for Ostracism for a 'violation' of what is currently soft-sold as Political Goodness, er, strike that, Political Correctness. My parents were 'First Born' here, and ached to be 'American'. Now Diversity is a Common Divide. What We the people must recognize is the EVERYBODY FAVORS THEIR OWN. Once we acknowledge such, We can Unite these States of Beings, even if it is brutally frank. The shock will wear away and we All can then Move On Together as One Country....Indivisible...(You Best Know the Rest)
Let's Invent a New Concept : NOWSTALGIA - Let US Now Figure it out AMONG (Y)OUR SELVES!
1
Well said, Gail, and clever, as usual. However, I'm upset with the media (you included) for the inordinate attention they've paid (and still do) to this overblown clown. I think the media's fascination with Trump and his buffoonery has helped this ill-tempered egomaniac's frightening rise to the top of the Republican junk heap. I wish less attention would be paid to him and his antics, but people LOVE entertainment.
22
You're right...Trump needs the media (as much as he purports to hate them), and they need him. He's good for ratings and for online clicks, so the media have become his enablers. And their coverage has been entirely focused on the poll numbers and latest outrage, instead of Trump's substance-free campaign.
7
Mark--You nailed it. The media created the Trump monster, and are still feeding it, with their non-stop all-Trump-all-the-time coverage. Lacking any substance or seriousness, he's simply not worthy of the attention, but he's getting it because of ratings. In these dangerous times, and in the midst of a presidential campaign, the media is doing the nation an egregious disservice.
4
I wish people "Happy Holy Days", reflecting the origin of the word "holiday". The calendar, when it was set by the then one and only church in any political jurisdiction, contained many "holy days", which were not times to take off from labor, but on which to reflect on the saint or event that was so recognized.
There is no "War on Christmas" -- it is made up by leaders in Evangelical Christianity to politicize another matter, which is the fact that they do not like First Amendment jurisprudence that says that religiously oriented displays do not belong being sponsored by, or on the property of, governments in the United States. And this comment is by a person who worships daily and in church 2-3 times each week, a life-long evangelical.
There is no "War on Christmas" -- it is made up by leaders in Evangelical Christianity to politicize another matter, which is the fact that they do not like First Amendment jurisprudence that says that religiously oriented displays do not belong being sponsored by, or on the property of, governments in the United States. And this comment is by a person who worships daily and in church 2-3 times each week, a life-long evangelical.
140
"There is no "War on Christmas". I disagree with this part of your comment. The War On Christmas is very real. It is being waged by Wal-Mart, Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Macy's, etc. They have replaced Jesus Birth and "bringing you tidings of good cheer" with BUY BUY BUY and BUY SOME MORE.
4
@Arce: It's so wonderful to read your comment - a reasonable evangelical who knows the truth - there is no war on Christmas. It's just another way to divide us and foment outright hatred of the 'other'. I will very happily say Merry Christmas to you (and mean it). Thanks.
6
Thank you for your comment, Arce. A Merry Christmas to you, and a Happy New Year. Living in our pluralistic society, I enjoy celebrating all kinds of holidays. My own are not mainstream (Buddhist), but why not enjoy what everyone enjoys, and learn and reflect upon the things others consider holy? Sounds like a win-win to me.
1
I believe it is worthy to discuss Trump as much as possible. Silence would be worse. We need to see and hear how outrageously he conducts himself. He is just a bully and seems to have always gotten his way because no one at least the Repubs want to confront him.
29
@Den, I see your point, but in this case I think silence would be better. Newspaper space is scarce, and it could be much more fruitfully devoted to Bernie Sanders.
7
Think about what you said concerning him being a bully and ask yourself what do you think his followers are when they applaud every mean and ugly statement, every denigration of other cultures and religions and races, and his abusive comments about women in general.
It appears to me that there are far, far too many bullies in this country and what should worry many of us is the fact they promise to vote for the Master Bully.
It appears to me that there are far, far too many bullies in this country and what should worry many of us is the fact they promise to vote for the Master Bully.
29
I'm so tired of Trump's campaign
Put fingers in my ears in vain,
It goes on unending
New outrages blending,
My head gets no surcease from pain.
Until I begin reading Gail
My pain starts to ease without fail,
A smile, laughter too,
I'm no longer blue.
She soon has me hearty and hale.
Put fingers in my ears in vain,
It goes on unending
New outrages blending,
My head gets no surcease from pain.
Until I begin reading Gail
My pain starts to ease without fail,
A smile, laughter too,
I'm no longer blue.
She soon has me hearty and hale.
249
I love Gail, and I love Larry Eisenberg.
19
I agree with you about Gail
But it's Hillary about whom I wail.
Her corruption's unending
Her abuses unbending.
The GOP must prevail.
1
It's hard to figure out who is more "disgusting" to use one of Trump's favorite words - Donald Trump himself or his supporters.
What would a person see in a man who makes fun (but not funny) of a woman using the bathroom? No one I know. As a nurse it made me nauseated to see Trump imitate and mock a disabled reporter. Trump would never make it in the health profession would he? After all, he might find that human beings are less perfect than any of Trump's three wives, his children, other family members, his staff or anyone else who he knows or associates with. Makes you wonder who he chooses for his staffers.
And this would be the person trying to figure out and assist this country get fair health care? He can't even tolerate normal bodily functions let alone try to get help for those who may have chronic illness, cosmetic disfigurements, or the dying who may need hospice services.
Donald Trump lacks in the class department, but he lacks even more in the humanity department. And as stated in the first sentence, what may be the personality profiles of his followers?
What would a person see in a man who makes fun (but not funny) of a woman using the bathroom? No one I know. As a nurse it made me nauseated to see Trump imitate and mock a disabled reporter. Trump would never make it in the health profession would he? After all, he might find that human beings are less perfect than any of Trump's three wives, his children, other family members, his staff or anyone else who he knows or associates with. Makes you wonder who he chooses for his staffers.
And this would be the person trying to figure out and assist this country get fair health care? He can't even tolerate normal bodily functions let alone try to get help for those who may have chronic illness, cosmetic disfigurements, or the dying who may need hospice services.
Donald Trump lacks in the class department, but he lacks even more in the humanity department. And as stated in the first sentence, what may be the personality profiles of his followers?
1367
"May be"? No question...it IS.
8
A classic example of 'running scared'. Not to be taken lightly, of course, as FDR noted when he noted that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
1
Thank you for expressing my thoughts, exactly!
2
If I had an insulting message from Trump, like the one you received, Gail, I would have it framed. Let him sputter and rant. He is doing a great job of making himself look foolish. If I were a republican, I would be so embarrassed.
42
You don't have to be a republican to be embarrassed. I'm a dem but I'm mortified that other countries are seeing this undignified sideshow that the Republican Party is embracing.
42
One of the few interesting questions about Trump concerns the origins of his strategy of insulting every segment of the electorate except the white working class. His 'teflon' candidacy seems to thrive harnessed to a policy of substituting personal invective for any explanation of his presidential agenda. If Trump qualified as a modern-day Machiavelli, we could attribute his approach to a shrewd insight into the alienation of the Republican base. Such a man would pose a genuine threat to the Democrats because of his ability to shift tactics to meet the changed conditions of the general election. The calculated nature of his campaign style, however, would offer few clues to the real goals of a Trump presidency.
But this conclusion is no longer persuasive if Trump merely follows his instincts and attacks others because that approach reflects his thugish nature. He would welcome the public's response to his ad hominem attacks without understanding the reasons for it. This interpretation would help explain why Trump insults groups (veterans) who should be his natural allies. An instinctive bully might stumble into the nomination, but his lack of self-awareness would deprive him of the mental agility necessary to shift gears in the general election.
While Trump remains an enigma, the dreary consistency of his campaign style, uninterrupted by coherent discussions of policy, strongly suggests a one-note candidate who may self-destruct in prime time. Here's hoping.
But this conclusion is no longer persuasive if Trump merely follows his instincts and attacks others because that approach reflects his thugish nature. He would welcome the public's response to his ad hominem attacks without understanding the reasons for it. This interpretation would help explain why Trump insults groups (veterans) who should be his natural allies. An instinctive bully might stumble into the nomination, but his lack of self-awareness would deprive him of the mental agility necessary to shift gears in the general election.
While Trump remains an enigma, the dreary consistency of his campaign style, uninterrupted by coherent discussions of policy, strongly suggests a one-note candidate who may self-destruct in prime time. Here's hoping.
481
"dreary consistency of his campaign style"
Yes--that aspect is the dead give-away that he really has an empty head.
Yes--that aspect is the dead give-away that he really has an empty head.
4
Trump is no enigma. He is a self-promoter first and last. His poll numbers are merely a reflection of the segment of the voting age populace which, in lieu of critical thinking, believes their lives will be better off with the opposite of the current administration. You cannot get two more diametrically opposed approaches to governance and problem solving than those of Barack Obama and Donald Trump. But fear not, Trump will not be able to carry Ohio and Florida, and without those two states there is no electoral math available to him to achieve the Presidency.
1
I agree with you except for the part where you said vets are his natural allies. Are we talking about the 4 time deferment for school, where he excelled in baseball, basketball, and marching band? When he got out and was likely to be drafted, listed as 1A, he suddenly had a " heel spur".
So I hardly would call them " natural" allies.
So I hardly would call them " natural" allies.
1
First- That's not water under the T-bridge. He made that clear to Hillary the other day, even though sometimes the liquid is yellow and mammalian made.
Second- Trump has plans to change "Merry Christmas" to "Merry Trumpmas", if elected.
Third, but not last- Do you really think Putin likes Trump? Don't you think the Russian ruler would like to return his nation to a higher orbit in the power space? Helping a bozo get elected POTUS, and watching him bankrupt everything he touches would certainly help!
Happy Holidays, and thanks for lifting my spirits each week!
Second- Trump has plans to change "Merry Christmas" to "Merry Trumpmas", if elected.
Third, but not last- Do you really think Putin likes Trump? Don't you think the Russian ruler would like to return his nation to a higher orbit in the power space? Helping a bozo get elected POTUS, and watching him bankrupt everything he touches would certainly help!
Happy Holidays, and thanks for lifting my spirits each week!
33
Interesting that Gail Collins would use the term "polite political-speak." Political speak is the very thing that is angering the electorate and fueling Trump's political rise. Voters are realizing that they are nothing more than a means to an end for the professional pols in their lust for wealth. EVERY single one of them become extremely wealthy once in office. How? From "Meet The Press" appearances?
Why do you think Rubio is polling in the cellar? He promised the voters he would never support amnesty and once elected did exactly that with Schumer and the Gang of 8. The young politicians like him are easily corrupted.
There is a vast anger against the political class going on in this country precisely because of their smooth talking deceptions.
Media people have shot themselves in the foot demonizing Trump. What they've done is move many uncounted supporters into the shadows watching to see if Trump's in it for the long haul. Once he wins a few primaries they'll emerge and Clinton's numbers will nosedive.
Many, very angry democrats hurt by the heavy burden of Obamacare and the flood of, whatever you want to call them, turning their neighborhoods upside down. Attacks on Trump are regarded as water-carrying for Clinton.
Why do you think Rubio is polling in the cellar? He promised the voters he would never support amnesty and once elected did exactly that with Schumer and the Gang of 8. The young politicians like him are easily corrupted.
There is a vast anger against the political class going on in this country precisely because of their smooth talking deceptions.
Media people have shot themselves in the foot demonizing Trump. What they've done is move many uncounted supporters into the shadows watching to see if Trump's in it for the long haul. Once he wins a few primaries they'll emerge and Clinton's numbers will nosedive.
Many, very angry democrats hurt by the heavy burden of Obamacare and the flood of, whatever you want to call them, turning their neighborhoods upside down. Attacks on Trump are regarded as water-carrying for Clinton.
"EVERY single one of them become extremely wealthy once in office"
Not Bernie.
Do you feel that as a Trump supporter you have to lie?
Not Bernie.
Do you feel that as a Trump supporter you have to lie?
17
You seem to be a Trump supporter largely because he gives voice to your anger. If elected, do you have any idea what policies he would pursue--that he would be able to pursue, within the strictures of the law and the constitutional separation of powers? Because this is what baffles those of us who find him nothing more than a schoolyard bully. He hasn't proposed any platform at all--at least, not one that's even remotely possible.
45
Will somebody start a online funding campaign for the Muslim family whose mother skipped her medical treatments so her family with 9 kids could have the ultimate Christmas thrill--a visit to Disneyland and a chance to see their cousins in America? We aren't all scrooges!
The children's princess dresses broke my heart: here was hope, excitement, the fairy tale that Tinkerbelle promised, the magic of Disney that touches the heart, the joy that makes it impossible for children to sleep--crushed at the airport gate--after all the papers were approved, without explanation. Don't let this family become the symbol of our national paranoia or our national shame! Let's at least return the price of the tickets the airline refuses to refund!
My 2nd Christmas wish is for all to see the real courage and virtue of our fighting troops, who reached out to an 8-year old girl so fearful of her family being rounded up and taken out of the country that she gathered her favorite toys and treasures in a sack to take with her if the knock came. Her mother said she checks the door to see that it is locked, her way of saying she wants to stay in her home and country.
Word got around on Twitter and facebook; 500+ vets/soldiers posted to say: You are safe! No matter her religion or ethnicity or nationality, they wrote, they would protect her and her family and she shouldn't worry about being removed from her home! [http://wp.me/p1mBVu-4AL] (Click the embedded link.)
Happy Holidays!
The children's princess dresses broke my heart: here was hope, excitement, the fairy tale that Tinkerbelle promised, the magic of Disney that touches the heart, the joy that makes it impossible for children to sleep--crushed at the airport gate--after all the papers were approved, without explanation. Don't let this family become the symbol of our national paranoia or our national shame! Let's at least return the price of the tickets the airline refuses to refund!
My 2nd Christmas wish is for all to see the real courage and virtue of our fighting troops, who reached out to an 8-year old girl so fearful of her family being rounded up and taken out of the country that she gathered her favorite toys and treasures in a sack to take with her if the knock came. Her mother said she checks the door to see that it is locked, her way of saying she wants to stay in her home and country.
Word got around on Twitter and facebook; 500+ vets/soldiers posted to say: You are safe! No matter her religion or ethnicity or nationality, they wrote, they would protect her and her family and she shouldn't worry about being removed from her home! [http://wp.me/p1mBVu-4AL] (Click the embedded link.)
Happy Holidays!
34
reWALTERRHETT: What Malarkey! Your heart goes out to the Muslim mother, but what about the Americans who would appreciate your compassion as well?.On the other hand, the easiest way to get published in the NYT is to write liberal tommyrot, so that may be your "arriere pensee!"Be proud of your country and put the welfare of your fellow citizens first, "tout d'abord!"My heart also goes out to Muslim women, which is why I have sponsored my second wife, a Muslim, for entry to the US. I know how rough it is for "les mouqueres"where Sharia Law is in place, and those who suffer most from this inhumane code, paternalism on steroids, are women, even in advanced African nations such as Senegal.
So much false equivalency and bad spirits in the place! So much hate and hurt! So many assumptions that quaff understanding! Is not the mention of one the mention of all? Is not the example of one, reason and cause to include all? Isn't an example a part of a greater whole? Then, be it known: good cheer for all!
Your anger and blame, is it feeling unloved? Is the pain of anyone's heart--"tommyrot?" Country first means pride, love, good will, and virtue first! Courage, small and large, has a high place in divine and material community beyond borders and xenophobic limits. We resist evil through good works!
So peace, and good will to you, Alexander. Peace and good will. To you, your family, and for your work in bringing the evils of sharia to light, peace and good will!
Your anger and blame, is it feeling unloved? Is the pain of anyone's heart--"tommyrot?" Country first means pride, love, good will, and virtue first! Courage, small and large, has a high place in divine and material community beyond borders and xenophobic limits. We resist evil through good works!
So peace, and good will to you, Alexander. Peace and good will. To you, your family, and for your work in bringing the evils of sharia to light, peace and good will!
5
Walter, thank you for this response, and for your post. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
4
During the California gold rush of 1849, Mark Twain believed America was losing its values and sense of proportion. He was appalled. People traveling thousands of miles and being willing to do anything for money was not what he thought America had been to that point.
It seems we've come a fur piece from those days, partner. Now, not only is greed good, the most selfish and greedy among us, Donald Trump, is being hailed by many as a hero for having rapaciously thrust his way into every money grubbing business deal he could get, craftily using bankruptcy as a strategic business tool and rising in infamy to the point where he no longer needs to actually build, he can just sit back and rent out his name
For Trump, bankruptcy is a smart move for a malleable businessman. Given the chance, would he throw America into bankruptcy so he could re-finance our debts off the books? In business, he showed he would use any expediency, including gross insults and intimidation, to get his way. Putin, that great expert on American democracy, seems to see a kindred spirit in Trump.
There is absolutely no reason to believe that whatever skills Trump has built up would translate into running the govt. or dealing with international situations. Zero. He is riding a cult of celebrity and the worship of money over everything else to try to intimidate his way to the Republican nomination. California and Minnesota tried going the "non-politician" route for governors and lived to regret it, terribly.
It seems we've come a fur piece from those days, partner. Now, not only is greed good, the most selfish and greedy among us, Donald Trump, is being hailed by many as a hero for having rapaciously thrust his way into every money grubbing business deal he could get, craftily using bankruptcy as a strategic business tool and rising in infamy to the point where he no longer needs to actually build, he can just sit back and rent out his name
For Trump, bankruptcy is a smart move for a malleable businessman. Given the chance, would he throw America into bankruptcy so he could re-finance our debts off the books? In business, he showed he would use any expediency, including gross insults and intimidation, to get his way. Putin, that great expert on American democracy, seems to see a kindred spirit in Trump.
There is absolutely no reason to believe that whatever skills Trump has built up would translate into running the govt. or dealing with international situations. Zero. He is riding a cult of celebrity and the worship of money over everything else to try to intimidate his way to the Republican nomination. California and Minnesota tried going the "non-politician" route for governors and lived to regret it, terribly.
76
Could it be that Trump's secret plan to "fix" the national debt would be to become President and then declare the country bankrupt, thereby eliminating that nagging weight hanging over my grand children's head?
2
" So really, he’s not all that threatening. As long as he remains a private citizen, the worst he can do is to throw up an ugly apartment building or hotel in your neighborhood"-Collins.
He already did that to me: putting up am apartment building between my building and the Hudson. Although I miss the sound of tugboats on the Hudson, I no longer have to look at New Jersey. I understand that's business.
He won't get my vote because he is a ----. Please insert your own choice word, which the the Times should not print.
He already did that to me: putting up am apartment building between my building and the Hudson. Although I miss the sound of tugboats on the Hudson, I no longer have to look at New Jersey. I understand that's business.
He won't get my vote because he is a ----. Please insert your own choice word, which the the Times should not print.
36
I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to Christmas carols but isn't that song called The Twelve Days of Christmas. Gail Collins only lists seven of Donald Trump's more memorable campaign declarations. Where are the other five Trumpisms???
4
The other 5 were lost in one of his bankruptcies.
22
Why do you and the other columnists continue to write article after article about Trump? Is he really the most newsworthy person in the world? Every piece all of you write trying to "outclever" each other just adds fuel to his empty tank. Please, focus on something else. He is simply not that interesting.
25
Exactly correct. Ignoring him is the best response. He is unworthy of our attention. If ever he says something that is true, recognize him. Otherwise ignore him. The media are rewarding him with attention and press for being a liar and a fool. Is it any wonder he persists in being a liar and a fool?
3
Trump is not the first celebrity to run for public office and win popular support. Many of those who support Trump had parents who supported Reagan.
Reagan's tone was certainly less abrasive but so was the era in which his supporters matured. The Trump supporters have matured in a much more culturally combative era, thus the crude appeal of the Tump rhetoric and vision. The results, were he to become President, would be no different than those of the Reagan era - the degradation of life in America.
Reagan's tone was certainly less abrasive but so was the era in which his supporters matured. The Trump supporters have matured in a much more culturally combative era, thus the crude appeal of the Tump rhetoric and vision. The results, were he to become President, would be no different than those of the Reagan era - the degradation of life in America.
914
Reagan was a 2 term govenor. Pretty darn good As fas as degredation under Reagan what is clearly lacking are factual examples on your part but's it's easier to say something than to have to back it up. Isn't it
my non-Christian parents had been lifelong republican supporters until Reagan came along touting his Christian self-righteousness. They never again voted for another Rebublican.
14
HealedByGod (?)
The real wages of working Americans have been frozen beginning with Reagan.
That is a degradation! Please remind your million and billionaires where their money money came from.
The real wages of working Americans have been frozen beginning with Reagan.
That is a degradation! Please remind your million and billionaires where their money money came from.
24
I wouldn't disparage Trump's ability to damage by throwing up an "ugly apartment building". This is actually not a trivial power. Decades ago, I could finally afford a great one-bedroom bachelor pad in the Yorkville section of Manhattan. I was lucky to find one on E. 84th with a very high floor, a southern exposure and a small balcony with a spectacular view of the Empire State and Chrysler Bldgs. The view alone was worth the rent. For the effect it had on young ladies, I might have forgotten the rest of the apt. and taken up residency on the balcony.
But Trump is like a cockroach: he's not really all that dangerous, but he spoils everything he drops into -- like debates. Within a year of moving in, I saw rising smack in the middle of my spectacular view an apt. bldg. in the East 60s. I walked down to look at the construction site and a billboard there identified it as a Trump residential bldg. that would be occupied about a year hence. I was devastated, left to watch that monstrosity rise by the week to occlude more and more of my wonderful view until the Empire State and Chrysler Bldgs. were completely blocked. The moral? Don't trust The Donald to do anything other than promise you the world but wind up severely damaging your love life.
On the Sixth Day of Christmas, my worst nightmare gave to me,
Cranial roadkill to astonish,
Competence to admonish,
Legions of unhappy bowlers,
Cause to grind our molars,
A dreadful POTUS prospect ...
And the memory of a ruined balconeee.
But Trump is like a cockroach: he's not really all that dangerous, but he spoils everything he drops into -- like debates. Within a year of moving in, I saw rising smack in the middle of my spectacular view an apt. bldg. in the East 60s. I walked down to look at the construction site and a billboard there identified it as a Trump residential bldg. that would be occupied about a year hence. I was devastated, left to watch that monstrosity rise by the week to occlude more and more of my wonderful view until the Empire State and Chrysler Bldgs. were completely blocked. The moral? Don't trust The Donald to do anything other than promise you the world but wind up severely damaging your love life.
On the Sixth Day of Christmas, my worst nightmare gave to me,
Cranial roadkill to astonish,
Competence to admonish,
Legions of unhappy bowlers,
Cause to grind our molars,
A dreadful POTUS prospect ...
And the memory of a ruined balconeee.
49
One is required to inquire HOW long do WE have to wait for Candidate Don to get schlonged at long last?? Y'know, 'defeated badly'?
48
Dear Wendy,
I share your anger and frustration, but WE have to wait until November 2016!
Trump and any of the other Republican candidates are politically indentical.
I share your anger and frustration, but WE have to wait until November 2016!
Trump and any of the other Republican candidates are politically indentical.
9
"But Trump has given us such a not-normal year that people will be drinking eggnog by the fire and discussing the proper use of the word “schlonged.”"
Gail, this is nothing less than your best line of the year! That you can find such humor in the Donald's bawdy, brawling campaign is a testament to your talent. Would Trump likewise at least show a little humor, instead of umbrage at made up slights.
Assuming you're correct in naming the next drop-outs, all I can say is, hope so. I never watch the undercard/kiddie table/"loser" debates, so such relief it will be not to hear Fiorina's arrogant voice which sounds like fingernails on a blackboard (anybody remember those????).
When Trump calls Hillary a liar, it's quite rich. Her accusation has a modicum of plausibility (wouldn't it be terrific if they unearthed a video in the deep dark web on an ISIS recruiting site?) while Trump's don't. You forgot the support for Putin, for whom, "there's no evidence he murdered journalists." Maybe he forgot poisoning journalist opponents counts as murder.
Gail, in this holiday season, please watch your back. And maybe hire a taster when you pour yourself a glass of eggnog. Merry Christmas and thanks for this column.
Gail, this is nothing less than your best line of the year! That you can find such humor in the Donald's bawdy, brawling campaign is a testament to your talent. Would Trump likewise at least show a little humor, instead of umbrage at made up slights.
Assuming you're correct in naming the next drop-outs, all I can say is, hope so. I never watch the undercard/kiddie table/"loser" debates, so such relief it will be not to hear Fiorina's arrogant voice which sounds like fingernails on a blackboard (anybody remember those????).
When Trump calls Hillary a liar, it's quite rich. Her accusation has a modicum of plausibility (wouldn't it be terrific if they unearthed a video in the deep dark web on an ISIS recruiting site?) while Trump's don't. You forgot the support for Putin, for whom, "there's no evidence he murdered journalists." Maybe he forgot poisoning journalist opponents counts as murder.
Gail, in this holiday season, please watch your back. And maybe hire a taster when you pour yourself a glass of eggnog. Merry Christmas and thanks for this column.
207
"hire a taster when....eggnog", is one of the best lines of the year.
6
Fiorina is such a blatant liar, unashamed to continue to lie when confronted with the facts that prove she is lying, I am not surprised her business career ended as it did.
Can you imagine her spinning tales of "weapons of mass destruction"?
Can you imagine her spinning tales of "weapons of mass destruction"?
28
Christine,
So you have no problem with Hillary comparing Republican candidates as terrorists for their stance on abortion and reproductive rights? Glad we cleared that up
And what's interesting is if you look at the Dec 2015'CBS/New York Times and the November 2015 Washington Post/WSJ and June 2015 Qunniapac poll none listed abortion/reproductive rights as the most important issue. Why is that? Hillary's plays to the fears of people like you and you take the bait every time
Wouldn't it be terrific.... ". Maybe to you I guess using that to make a point is more than the lives they've taken. Says a lot about you And by the way Poltifact said it was a lie. Try watching Jennifer Palmieri responding to being challenged on the video
Finally, if by chancce you have a medical emergency and they take you to a trauma center ER and you need a trauma surgeon?
Find out if the attending is a Republican and if so refuse his help and demand they call in a liberal Demlcrat from home. The wait may cost you your life but isn't sticking to your arrogant, condescending hate filled views more important?
So you have no problem with Hillary comparing Republican candidates as terrorists for their stance on abortion and reproductive rights? Glad we cleared that up
And what's interesting is if you look at the Dec 2015'CBS/New York Times and the November 2015 Washington Post/WSJ and June 2015 Qunniapac poll none listed abortion/reproductive rights as the most important issue. Why is that? Hillary's plays to the fears of people like you and you take the bait every time
Wouldn't it be terrific.... ". Maybe to you I guess using that to make a point is more than the lives they've taken. Says a lot about you And by the way Poltifact said it was a lie. Try watching Jennifer Palmieri responding to being challenged on the video
Finally, if by chancce you have a medical emergency and they take you to a trauma center ER and you need a trauma surgeon?
Find out if the attending is a Republican and if so refuse his help and demand they call in a liberal Demlcrat from home. The wait may cost you your life but isn't sticking to your arrogant, condescending hate filled views more important?
The country would be a lot better off if the 90% of normal people in the GOP moved out and started a third party and let the 10%, including all the present candidates hear the sound of the flush!
82
I wish to announce my forgiveness of all old style (pre-201%) politicians who I used to despise for their rapacious greed, their constant need for attention and their lack of a real sense of service. I now realize that it could be worse. It is time to stop reporting every foul, racist, idiotic and self-serving lie that Donald Trump spews. He is just a product of the disgust that many feel about our current political class, and we are desperate to have a "cleaner" leadership. The best our media can do is turn down the volume and don't report on all his blather. A shower in the bathroom of the Trump hotel will leave you filthier than when you entered!
22
So why do you keep going back?
CNN has gone to court, seeking financial compensation for the hours of free live airtime it has provided to the Trump campaign while completely ignoring the other dull Republican candidates. A spokesperson for CNN stated that CNN has come to the conclusion that in retrospect giving a billionaire a free ride was only a test of their demographics and not meant to be a permanent policy of the network.
Oh wait ! BREAKING NEWS ! Donald Trump says "rump" let's go to Anderson in New Hampshire !
Oh wait ! BREAKING NEWS ! Donald Trump says "rump" let's go to Anderson in New Hampshire !
7
In the Italian fascist police state, Mussolini made the trains run on time.
We have that to look forward to.
We have that to look forward to.
10
Perhaps Trump's presidential candidacy is really an elaborate plot hatched by the Clintons to destroy the Republican Party and insure Hillery's election. Bill is secretly coaching The Donald and prompting his moronic comments.
8
Jim Davis, the paper in my hometown growing up made a similar claim: that the democrats staged the Watergate break-ins to make the Republicans look bad!
Luckily you comments seem to be tongue-in-cheek.
Luckily you comments seem to be tongue-in-cheek.
11
If you think Trump is obnoxious now, Gail, wait till he loses a primary or two. He'll then start railing against the Republican voters and that could be the end of him. Let's keep hope alive.
Since a Ted Cruz win in Iowa appears likely, we may not have to wait long to see how Trump reacts to losing. Speaking of keeping hope alive, just for you in this instance, that could potentially bring Mitt Romney into the race since none of the others seems to interest the GOP voters and almost everyone, with the exception of some Iowa GOP voters, hates Cruz.
Since a Ted Cruz win in Iowa appears likely, we may not have to wait long to see how Trump reacts to losing. Speaking of keeping hope alive, just for you in this instance, that could potentially bring Mitt Romney into the race since none of the others seems to interest the GOP voters and almost everyone, with the exception of some Iowa GOP voters, hates Cruz.
25
And, looking into the future, do you see a crate on top of a Canada-bound car?
7
I don't have a dog, Lisa, but if Trump or Cruz wins the presidency, that Canada-bound car could be mine!
31
Several month back I remarked to my wife that Donald Trump's act was most reminiscent of a Jackie Mason monologue directed at a non NYC audience. The schlonged episode is nothing short of Mason's October 18th 1964 finger given to Ed Sullivan.
Ted Cruz however is not funny even his annual family Christmas card this year is just lie after lie of the most dangerous kind of historical distortion meant to divide an already too divided country. Too many Americans already believe that America was founded to be a Christian nation but many of the founders like Jefferson, Adams, Franklin and Paine did not believe in the Father, the Son, Satan and the Holy Spirit. Cruz knows better but for him the truth seems to be nothing but a minor inconvenience.
Ted Cruz however is not funny even his annual family Christmas card this year is just lie after lie of the most dangerous kind of historical distortion meant to divide an already too divided country. Too many Americans already believe that America was founded to be a Christian nation but many of the founders like Jefferson, Adams, Franklin and Paine did not believe in the Father, the Son, Satan and the Holy Spirit. Cruz knows better but for him the truth seems to be nothing but a minor inconvenience.
219
Trump is relevant because the system is irrelevant. Put his personal comments aside, which get him free press, and he makes a lot of sense to a lot of people. I am not blue collar not that there is anything wrong with blue collar. I think the establishment just does not get it. I will be registering Republican so I can vote in the primary.
5
Sean Mulligan, Let me quarrel a bit with your idea that the system is irrelevant. I contend that the big messy system we have matches the big big messy country we have and the wide assortment of ways we all look upon politics. A system designed in 1787 (with that constitution!) for a small country is quite amazing insofar as it still compels us as a huge country (330 million) to settle on leaders and accept that our positions don't always hold sway with enough other Americans to win the day. The varying contours of the Senate and the House make getting any bill done tricky and needing compromises to get it done, and then that it must conform with the Supreme's interpretation of the constitution is another check on change that comes too quickly or feverishly. Plus the veto of the president keeps so many of us in the game, and the playing field strangely level. The country is a joyful place to live for so many, free of the insane instability that exists in so many other countries of the world. Our elections have come every four years since our beginning: no other country can even half measure up to such astounding relevance as that! THe freedoms in our society are tricky and must be defended but even that makes our country better and more stable. Our standard of living is high, and we can struggle to fix our ills and weaknesses. If our system weren't still relevant, why would you want to register at all? That is the beauty of our system. (And go Hillary!)
22
But seriously, have you listened to this guy? Have you looked for just what he means to do? I know it's hard; like he said, he likes to be unpredictable. But seriously:
"Some of the candidates, they went in and didn't know the air conditioner didn't work and sweated like dogs, and they didn't know the room was too big because they didn't have anybody there. How are they going to beat ISIS?"
"I watch the speeches of these people, and they say the sun will rise, the moon will set, all sorts of wonderful things will happen, and people are saying, 'What is going on? I just want want a job.'"
"Well, you need somebody, because politicians are all talk and no action. They will not bring us — believe me — to the Promised Land."
This guy? He's not going to bring us to the Promised Land, either, seriously.
"Some of the candidates, they went in and didn't know the air conditioner didn't work and sweated like dogs, and they didn't know the room was too big because they didn't have anybody there. How are they going to beat ISIS?"
"I watch the speeches of these people, and they say the sun will rise, the moon will set, all sorts of wonderful things will happen, and people are saying, 'What is going on? I just want want a job.'"
"Well, you need somebody, because politicians are all talk and no action. They will not bring us — believe me — to the Promised Land."
This guy? He's not going to bring us to the Promised Land, either, seriously.
3
Golf.
A lot of business is developed amongst `players' on the golf course because the participants talk and play in ways that reveal a perspective of their true natures.
Donald Trump likes golf. And he has created typical Trump style courses which are often flambouyant departures from the state of nature.
I like golf, and would really enjoy playing a round with the Donald in order to learn more about his, and perhaps my place, in our world.
A lot of business is developed amongst `players' on the golf course because the participants talk and play in ways that reveal a perspective of their true natures.
Donald Trump likes golf. And he has created typical Trump style courses which are often flambouyant departures from the state of nature.
I like golf, and would really enjoy playing a round with the Donald in order to learn more about his, and perhaps my place, in our world.
2
There had to eventually be one and this is it. The one too (spelled correctly) many Trump space-filler columns.
2
It's scary to think about how many people have such a poor understanding about how politics and government work that they actually feel that Trump could be a successful president. Is it a critical number--might we be headed for that truly unimaginable future?
Reagan and then Bush the younger taught me that things could always be worse. And now they are, much worse.
Reagan and then Bush the younger taught me that things could always be worse. And now they are, much worse.
308
Who was it who said, countries get the leaders they deserve?
4
But will those who stand for Trump in the polls vote for him in the primaries? Responding to a pollster is a good chance to get things off your chest, but actually casting a ballot, even a primary ballot, tends to focus the sense of responsibility. Even simple-minded people can see Trump is not presidential material. Ted Cruz, on the other hand, is presidential material. He is the real danger to watch out for.
5
Here--in my opinion--is the best case scenario for Trump.
He entered the race because he had threatened to do it for so long that he felt it was now or never. He was shocked at how much support he quickly received and started pandering when he decided that he could actually win. If he DID win, he could dial back some of the most extreme statements and ideas...and wouldn't be quite as bad as so many fear.
As I said, that is the BEST case scenario.
He entered the race because he had threatened to do it for so long that he felt it was now or never. He was shocked at how much support he quickly received and started pandering when he decided that he could actually win. If he DID win, he could dial back some of the most extreme statements and ideas...and wouldn't be quite as bad as so many fear.
As I said, that is the BEST case scenario.
8
The worst case scenario is too awful to contemplate.
14
My own guess is that, if elected, Trump will bask in the glory and serve for a few weeks. Then, seeing how frustrating the job is, that as President he can’t just command people to do things and that the experts he will bring in to cover his areas of ignorance want too much, and too many different, things out of him, he will resign. He will of course represent his resignation as a bold act (“This job is for losers”) and triumphantly go back to real estate and TV self-publicity. If he gets nominated, watch out for who gets on the ticket with him for Vice-President.
14
If he wins, he will do exactly as he's always done, for his own personal enrichment. He'll put up a gaudy sign on the white house with his name on it and rent it out to the highest bidder.
4
The presidential debates, when you really think about them, are part of the most popular type of reality television – the awards shows. Why wait until the conventions to learn the winners?
This comes to mind, not because of the recent Miss Universe competition with its plot twist at the end, but because Donald Trump is a veteran of reality television and beauty contests. And, because he is cheap.
Gail Collins writes, “Trump brags about his lack of interest in fund-raising, but he doesn’t seem to be spending much of his own money, either.”
Donald Trump doesn’t need to spend his own money. The journalists, pundits and commentators are giving him all of the free publicity, ink and airtime he needs.
Let’s give the other candidates – all far less experienced and skilled than Trump in getting free exposure – a chance to get some recognition for their debating efforts.
There is still time to schedule an awards show for the candidates in February during the nearly two-week lull after the New Hampshire primary. Someone will have to get busy selecting award categories (Sweatiest debater? Best facial grimaces while being attacked?) and deciding whether to allow call-in voting or to use a non-partisan panel of judges.
Democrats will want the award categories to include best and worst debate answers on various issues, but Republicans will probably be against any substantive categories.
This comes to mind, not because of the recent Miss Universe competition with its plot twist at the end, but because Donald Trump is a veteran of reality television and beauty contests. And, because he is cheap.
Gail Collins writes, “Trump brags about his lack of interest in fund-raising, but he doesn’t seem to be spending much of his own money, either.”
Donald Trump doesn’t need to spend his own money. The journalists, pundits and commentators are giving him all of the free publicity, ink and airtime he needs.
Let’s give the other candidates – all far less experienced and skilled than Trump in getting free exposure – a chance to get some recognition for their debating efforts.
There is still time to schedule an awards show for the candidates in February during the nearly two-week lull after the New Hampshire primary. Someone will have to get busy selecting award categories (Sweatiest debater? Best facial grimaces while being attacked?) and deciding whether to allow call-in voting or to use a non-partisan panel of judges.
Democrats will want the award categories to include best and worst debate answers on various issues, but Republicans will probably be against any substantive categories.
11
Thank you, Gail! And Happy Non-Trump Certified Holidays to you all!
17
I do not know how anyone could consider voting for any of the Republicans vying for the nomination, but that people actually voice support for Donald Trump is appalling. The ignorance, misogyny, racism, and contempt for the poor among the candidates speaks to a dearth of compassion that should be unbelievable.
I used to wonder how the accomplishments of the ancient world devolved over centuries into the Dark Ages. I feel as though I am seeing that history replayed now, though sped up through the wonders of mass communication.
I used to wonder how the accomplishments of the ancient world devolved over centuries into the Dark Ages. I feel as though I am seeing that history replayed now, though sped up through the wonders of mass communication.
496
Please, Republicans will vote plenty for any Republican candidate.
5
I, too, see the world devolving - due to overpopulation.
When humans are scarce, and untold volumes of resources are extant, people see one another as adjuncts, supporters. When humans are rampant everywhere, and resources are only shrinking, 'the other' is seen as competition, best eliminated.
When humans are scarce, and untold volumes of resources are extant, people see one another as adjuncts, supporters. When humans are rampant everywhere, and resources are only shrinking, 'the other' is seen as competition, best eliminated.
1
I keep thinking this Trump thing is just a crazy dream.
America, wake up!
America, wake up!
46
Its not a crazy dream, its part of detox cleansing. First you have to purge all the bad stuff out, that's what Americans are doing, thanks to Trump. Once all that bad stuff is out in the open, the good stuff will start happening as people get tired of the hate talk, division, exclusion of this group that group...and start responding with their hearts. Their higher selves will emerge out of this ugly self. And America will shine, bright, cheerful, renewed in spirit, all embracing of humanity, generous, charming, simply gorgeous, as it was always meant to be. Its gotten so bad, it can only go up, up, up. Come on, America, be yourself! Not Trumpself.
2
@Petey, on some level you may be right. We have roughly 250 years or so (more like 400 if we count back to the beginning of slavery) of a rather brutal history, expansionism at the genocidal expense of Native America, and the Civil War that cost many hundreds of thousands of lives, and still seems to fester. A history of greed and hatred that needs to be purged so that the better angels of our nature (as Lincoln said) might flourish. I fear, though, we aren't through, that we have not hit bottom yet, and that we are holding off something very dire by just a thread. I hope I'm wrong.
3
Against Trump, Bernie would do even better than Hillary.
That is because Bernie appeals to the same sense of rebellion, but with intelligence and class, and he actually makes sense.
Hillary is like Jeb! the living exemplar of everything they are rebelling against. The nightmare was Clinton vs Bush, and that nightmare is still only half gone.
That is because Bernie appeals to the same sense of rebellion, but with intelligence and class, and he actually makes sense.
Hillary is like Jeb! the living exemplar of everything they are rebelling against. The nightmare was Clinton vs Bush, and that nightmare is still only half gone.
101
Jeb! never balanced the US budget, got more people out of poverty than at any time since WWII or given us 8 years of peace and prosperity like President Clinton. So I don't see the false equivalency in dynasties, do you? Hillary is like Jeb!? I'm not rebelling against peace and prosperity. I'm rebelling against the plutocrats who controlled our government using Bush 43 and ran us into the ground so badly it's taken Obama 7 years to start us moving forward again.
57
Mark Thomason,
you offer evidence of my working theory of this election cycle! My opinion is that the craziness on the right (including Donald, who is not to far from the rest of the pack in his anti-diversity, anti-women rhetoric) is all just white male resentment that Hillary is running. The fear of a woman president is so powerful that the rage and tantrums these men feel is on constant display. Their fear of Hillary running and winning so disrupts their idea of their superiority that they truly feel they are saving us from ourselves. Their anger that they can't beat her poll numbers enrages and drives them further. Bernie is running for similar latent reasons. You believing we need a man (Bernie) to beat back Trump is additional evidence of such thinking.
you offer evidence of my working theory of this election cycle! My opinion is that the craziness on the right (including Donald, who is not to far from the rest of the pack in his anti-diversity, anti-women rhetoric) is all just white male resentment that Hillary is running. The fear of a woman president is so powerful that the rage and tantrums these men feel is on constant display. Their fear of Hillary running and winning so disrupts their idea of their superiority that they truly feel they are saving us from ourselves. Their anger that they can't beat her poll numbers enrages and drives them further. Bernie is running for similar latent reasons. You believing we need a man (Bernie) to beat back Trump is additional evidence of such thinking.
7
simzap -- Hillary is not Bill. She is the worst of Bill without the best of him. She constantly pulled him and events to the right.
If Bill had done health care himself, we'd have had a better plan 20 years before Obamacare. Hillary wrecked that. That contrast carries over to everything.
If Bill had done health care himself, we'd have had a better plan 20 years before Obamacare. Hillary wrecked that. That contrast carries over to everything.
Trump's huge intellect aside, he still offers an alternative to a psychotic (Cruz) and a lazy young senator who can't tell his credit cards apart … but best of all, this chronic GOP #1 The Don gets beaten by HRC in national polls (6%) & totally schlonged by Bernie with a 13-14% margin. So there's lots of upside to Trump, not least of which would be Bernie - Trump debates full of barbaric yawks for the world to decipher & delight in for their greater edification & profit.
C'mon, get serious … the GOP is bankrupt. Nothing to offer most of us.
So go Bernie.
C'mon, get serious … the GOP is bankrupt. Nothing to offer most of us.
So go Bernie.
248
I would say, "Go Democrats!"
8
"huge intellect" ?
5
Agree with most of what you wrote, but what do you mean by "Trump's huge intellect"?
4
Red and Green coffee cups? Irrelevant. Trump is all about hate, 24/7 for 365 days of the year. There is his Birther anti-Obama hatred that has reached new levels as Trump has accused the President of being soft on jihadists. There his anti-Latino hatred - the exporting 11 million immigrants and making the Mexican government build a wall across our southern border. And there is Trump's frothing-at-the-mouth hatred of all Muslims. His recent potty-mouthed display of hatred not just for Hillary but for all women is more representative than "Merry Christmas" of a Trump-style, in-your-face holiday greeting to America .
966
Yes: the accusation of being "potty-mouth" has never been more accurately applied!
11
Will Trump use the birther argument against Ted Cruz?
26
If Trump is about hate, his popularity indicates that we are about hate too. In overwhelming numbers. Trump says only those things that he knows resonate deeply in the American population. He is light on detail; he knows the assurance that "it will be good, I will be the best, it will be huge" is enough for most of us who would rather believe than know. He knows that talk about deporting Hispanics, getting rid of Muslims, and speech reflective of his underlying misogyny resonates with at least half of us plus one. And he is right about that. It does. When his goons rough up a protester, his popularity surges.
There is a large constituency angrily waiting to become his very willing, very compliant, executioners (see Goldhagen's work).
The press (and the republicans) have responded with fear. Fox has transformed from "let's get him to create space for the insider" into a groveling knave. Serious media rarely question him on specifics; he dismisses them all - to the hooting and hollering from the gallery.
I can think of several leaders who were called buffoons before the profits from making box cars, cataloging systems, industrial ovens, and uniforms skyrocketed.
Hence, I am not laughing at Gail Collins' ditty; I am quietly sweating, thinking about yet another new language to learn. I would rather be a paranoid person who walked out, instead of a foolish person who was driven out by angry masses incited by Trump.
There is a large constituency angrily waiting to become his very willing, very compliant, executioners (see Goldhagen's work).
The press (and the republicans) have responded with fear. Fox has transformed from "let's get him to create space for the insider" into a groveling knave. Serious media rarely question him on specifics; he dismisses them all - to the hooting and hollering from the gallery.
I can think of several leaders who were called buffoons before the profits from making box cars, cataloging systems, industrial ovens, and uniforms skyrocketed.
Hence, I am not laughing at Gail Collins' ditty; I am quietly sweating, thinking about yet another new language to learn. I would rather be a paranoid person who walked out, instead of a foolish person who was driven out by angry masses incited by Trump.
10
Trump is a one trick pony. Insult the person or group that appeals to the GOP base. And, when that gets stale pick another target for a bigger insult. He's very adept at choosing targets that get the biggest attention. Women who want to be heard and treated with respect, undocumented workers that just need documentation, our Muslim neighbors, with a special venom for his political rivals. Every one of which is lapped up by the press which goes into paroxysms of analysis. When they should just be saying there he goes again and display the boredom I'm starting to feel.
83
Through this column I wish to send greetings to President Donald Trump, who is:
1. Not in anyone's pocket
2. Knows how to create jobs thus giving us self pride, low crimes, and happiness
3. Very knowledgeable regarding making good deals for America
4. Knows how best to look after our military and the vets
5. So knowledgeable regarding the international financing and currency having been to Wharton School of Finance
6. Knows how to bring back industries that went over-seas
So my friends, no more "Yes We Can" vague hopes promised to us by Obama
He has the competence to select an excellent team to make this country great.
1. Not in anyone's pocket
2. Knows how to create jobs thus giving us self pride, low crimes, and happiness
3. Very knowledgeable regarding making good deals for America
4. Knows how best to look after our military and the vets
5. So knowledgeable regarding the international financing and currency having been to Wharton School of Finance
6. Knows how to bring back industries that went over-seas
So my friends, no more "Yes We Can" vague hopes promised to us by Obama
He has the competence to select an excellent team to make this country great.
7
He's a Viet Nam draft dodging coward, talking tough, pimping more war, with other people's children.
With the unique skill's to bankrupt multiple casinos, when even semi literate Sicilian peasants could make billions.
With the unique skill's to bankrupt multiple casinos, when even semi literate Sicilian peasants could make billions.
64
(1) He hired illegals and gave them jobs because they were cheaper. (2) He knows best how to look after himself. He sure did do much good for the people who invested in his schemes. (3) Has he ever brought back an industry or shown any diplomacy? (4) Being rude, crude and jingoistic has worked for Putin but it isn't doing much good for the Russian people. Who's economy is failing and is embroiled in wars in Syria and the Ukraine. Merry Christmas sucker.
61
Good luck with that pipe dream Mr.
18
I like Prof Keillor's take on Mr Trump's campaign for the nomination: http://prairiehome.org/script/guy-noir-december-5-2015/
Basically, Prof Keillor said that Bill Clinton bet $2 million that, if Trump ran for the Republican nomination, he'd win. Trump figured it would be easy to enter and then lose, but no matter what outrageous thing he's said, he continues to hold a plurality of Republican voters that's more then double the percentage than his nearest rival.
Right now, Mr Trump has a plurality of about 35%, and three rivals with about 40% of the vote. The Republican primary rules vary from state to state. Some states give most of that state's delegates to the candidate with the most votes, even if it is not a majority. In other states, one needs at least 10% to win any of the delegates in a state, and all unassigned delegates go to the candidate with the plurality. At the convention, one must have a majority of the delegates to win. There is a small (maybe 10%) chance that Trump will somehow manage a slender majority of the delegates, and a 90% chance that the the Republican leadership will come up with some arcane rule that precludes his winning the nomination (right now, there is a rule that the Republican nominee must have a majority in at least 8 states, but they will probably change that rule in whatever way is necessary to ensure that Trump cannot win).
Basically, Prof Keillor said that Bill Clinton bet $2 million that, if Trump ran for the Republican nomination, he'd win. Trump figured it would be easy to enter and then lose, but no matter what outrageous thing he's said, he continues to hold a plurality of Republican voters that's more then double the percentage than his nearest rival.
Right now, Mr Trump has a plurality of about 35%, and three rivals with about 40% of the vote. The Republican primary rules vary from state to state. Some states give most of that state's delegates to the candidate with the most votes, even if it is not a majority. In other states, one needs at least 10% to win any of the delegates in a state, and all unassigned delegates go to the candidate with the plurality. At the convention, one must have a majority of the delegates to win. There is a small (maybe 10%) chance that Trump will somehow manage a slender majority of the delegates, and a 90% chance that the the Republican leadership will come up with some arcane rule that precludes his winning the nomination (right now, there is a rule that the Republican nominee must have a majority in at least 8 states, but they will probably change that rule in whatever way is necessary to ensure that Trump cannot win).
6
Trump!
What if we all just agreed to ignore his sorry bigot self now that he won't stop polluting our beloved democracy?
What if the media - somewhat responsible for inflating this monster - quit gorging on him? No more endless Trump phone calls on Morning Joe, Anderson Cooper, Don Lemon. No more wall to wall coverage of his call-to-hateful action speeches on CNN and MSNBC. No more boring endless analysis on "Meet the Press" and whatever. No more amused/outraged columns explaining the Trump phenomena - even this one. He stopped being amusing a long time ago.
How can we forget him if he won't go away AND the media won't stop pushing him in our faces 24/7? There are likely quite a few crazy people who are going to vote for him and he'll appear in more of the disgusting GOP debates. But could we tamp down the hysterical wall to wall coverage in the meantime? I mean, he's done nothing of value to deserve this. Called for unconstitutional treatment of minorities, insulted an endless number of women and a disabled journalist and lied about it. Now appears to be weirdly threatening Hillary Clinton on Twitter.
Had enough?
Just stop paying attention to him. Not bored enough yet?
I am.
We've been feeding an addict. He's not going to stop. But we can choose to walk away. Quit feeding him with an audience/ratings/continual coverage and maybe we can be rid of this. Or at least there will be less of this madness.
What if we all just agreed to ignore his sorry bigot self now that he won't stop polluting our beloved democracy?
What if the media - somewhat responsible for inflating this monster - quit gorging on him? No more endless Trump phone calls on Morning Joe, Anderson Cooper, Don Lemon. No more wall to wall coverage of his call-to-hateful action speeches on CNN and MSNBC. No more boring endless analysis on "Meet the Press" and whatever. No more amused/outraged columns explaining the Trump phenomena - even this one. He stopped being amusing a long time ago.
How can we forget him if he won't go away AND the media won't stop pushing him in our faces 24/7? There are likely quite a few crazy people who are going to vote for him and he'll appear in more of the disgusting GOP debates. But could we tamp down the hysterical wall to wall coverage in the meantime? I mean, he's done nothing of value to deserve this. Called for unconstitutional treatment of minorities, insulted an endless number of women and a disabled journalist and lied about it. Now appears to be weirdly threatening Hillary Clinton on Twitter.
Had enough?
Just stop paying attention to him. Not bored enough yet?
I am.
We've been feeding an addict. He's not going to stop. But we can choose to walk away. Quit feeding him with an audience/ratings/continual coverage and maybe we can be rid of this. Or at least there will be less of this madness.
631
Agree 150 % with fast&furious!
There's a very good reason that the Trumpster has not had to spend very much on political ads - he gets all his publicity for free from the mainstream media by making outrageous and insulting statements that become the cornerstone of their news shows every night!
Just imagine one whole week without any reports on the Donald's blustering blather... there might even be some room for reporting on the issues that matter, and on the candidates' policy statements about them. But of course that would mean that the MSM (both left and right) would have give up its tabloid approach and to be content to report real news. Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite must be spinning in their graves at the nadir of "news" being reported these days!
Enough already!
There's a very good reason that the Trumpster has not had to spend very much on political ads - he gets all his publicity for free from the mainstream media by making outrageous and insulting statements that become the cornerstone of their news shows every night!
Just imagine one whole week without any reports on the Donald's blustering blather... there might even be some room for reporting on the issues that matter, and on the candidates' policy statements about them. But of course that would mean that the MSM (both left and right) would have give up its tabloid approach and to be content to report real news. Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite must be spinning in their graves at the nadir of "news" being reported these days!
Enough already!
12
Agree. Perhaps we can finally stop hearing "Has he finally gone too far?"
2
F&F: What we have here is a paradox. While I'm sympathetic to your point of view, it cannot be expressed without making the situation worse. You can't ignore Trump by writing long comments about ignoring Trump.
The only way to ignore Trump is to ignore him. You failed to do so, and I'm failing at it right now.
The only way to ignore Trump is to ignore him. You failed to do so, and I'm failing at it right now.
8
Please, please, please Gail. Don't take any time off in 2016. I don't know how I'll get through it if you do.
PS: I am secretly kind of hoping Trump does win the nomination. Bye bye GOP.
Anyway, happy hol .... er, you know. Merry .... the other thing.
Happy New Year?
PS: I am secretly kind of hoping Trump does win the nomination. Bye bye GOP.
Anyway, happy hol .... er, you know. Merry .... the other thing.
Happy New Year?
127
OK, but remember that Jan. 1 is not everyone's new year.
4
Susan, you made me chuckle! My religious organization celebrates Losar in Feb or March, depending upon the Tibetan calendar. It's a lovely day where we get up before dawn and gather together for blessings and a New Year's talk, then brunches and celebrating all day into the evening. It has a 10-day schedule, too, with huge smoke offerings outside. Very wonderful time of year, as Spring begins to beckon and the days lengthen.
8
The eagerness of the Clinton people to face Trump in the general election is a big mistake. The electorate is, as we are seeing, easily swayed by demagogues. Clinton could stumble in any of a dozen ways. Then we will have placed our Constitution and our nuclear arsenal in the hands of that man.
No, never wish for your candidate to have an unthinkably bad opponent. As citizens we are better off when each party gives us its best.
No, never wish for your candidate to have an unthinkably bad opponent. As citizens we are better off when each party gives us its best.
31
"No, never wish for your candidate to have an unthinkably bad opponent."
Every Republican who has been on stage with Trump has been unthinkably bad. Trump has not even been the worst. At least Cruz and Carson actually may be worse, and they were the only ones to rival him in the polls.
I'd welcome a run by Trump, and not because he'd be the worst. I welcome his rebellion against the noxious GOP and the whole campaign system of donors and their secret primaries and pandering to them. He can pull politics away from the donor class.
And Bernie can beat him handily.
Since Trump represents a reaction against Jeb! and Hillary and their whole political world, he'd actually present a choice against Hillary that she could actually lose. Don't assume his running would mean she wins.
Every Republican who has been on stage with Trump has been unthinkably bad. Trump has not even been the worst. At least Cruz and Carson actually may be worse, and they were the only ones to rival him in the polls.
I'd welcome a run by Trump, and not because he'd be the worst. I welcome his rebellion against the noxious GOP and the whole campaign system of donors and their secret primaries and pandering to them. He can pull politics away from the donor class.
And Bernie can beat him handily.
Since Trump represents a reaction against Jeb! and Hillary and their whole political world, he'd actually present a choice against Hillary that she could actually lose. Don't assume his running would mean she wins.
68
Does your reaction against Hillary mean that you wouldn't vote for her if she were to win the Democratic nomination? I hope not!
8
On what basis do you conclude that the demagoguery of a Trump is somehow better the current system? Further, Trump's candidacy isn't a rebellion against the "noxious GOP" but a fulfillment of decades of its technique. As Paul Krugman pointed out "Bluster and belligerence as substitutes for analysis, disdain for any kind of measured response, dismissal of inconvenient facts reported by the “liberal media” didn’t suddenly arrive on the Republican scene last summer. "
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/21/opinion/the-donald-and-the-decider.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/21/opinion/the-donald-and-the-decider.html
9
I am having a simply glorious time asking my many Republican friends if they will be voting for Donald Trump.
The initial awkward silence is usually followed by a statement that excludes voting for any Democrat.
I then say, "Then don't vote."
Their follow-up to my above sensible conclusive remark is:
"I HAVE to vote." ....... Uttered with obvious signs of frustration.
(I classify this as being on the horns of a dilemma.)
Now my final remark is to suggest that they vote with a write-in of a candidate of their choice.
At least the awkward silence that follows ends with just the hint of a relaxation of facial uncertainty, along with slightly easier breathing.
I almost feel sorry for them ........ but not by much.
They have, after all, brought it all upon themselves.
The initial awkward silence is usually followed by a statement that excludes voting for any Democrat.
I then say, "Then don't vote."
Their follow-up to my above sensible conclusive remark is:
"I HAVE to vote." ....... Uttered with obvious signs of frustration.
(I classify this as being on the horns of a dilemma.)
Now my final remark is to suggest that they vote with a write-in of a candidate of their choice.
At least the awkward silence that follows ends with just the hint of a relaxation of facial uncertainty, along with slightly easier breathing.
I almost feel sorry for them ........ but not by much.
They have, after all, brought it all upon themselves.
421
You express that very well.
I have exactly the same reactions to Hillary.
I'm not alone in that. That is why she could lose.
I have exactly the same reactions to Hillary.
I'm not alone in that. That is why she could lose.
5
Y'know the very thing that conservatives in the GOP are complaining about, that Trump's not a true conservative is the very thing that is attracting angry democrats to him.
You're underestimating the anger in your party over the burdens of Obamacare and the open borders policy of Obama.
Once Trump begins winning primaries the polls are going to change dramatically.
You're witnessing the beginning of a wave of change. It's NOT going to be politics as usual.
You're underestimating the anger in your party over the burdens of Obamacare and the open borders policy of Obama.
Once Trump begins winning primaries the polls are going to change dramatically.
You're witnessing the beginning of a wave of change. It's NOT going to be politics as usual.
1
"You're underestimating the anger in your party over the burdens of Obamacare and the open borders policy of Obama."
Yes, Hillary underestimates the anger among Democrats.
No, the anger is not about Obamacare or open borders.
The anger is as expressed by Bernie, on those issues, not the Republican ones.
If Hillary is the candidate, Democratic voters will have to decide which is more important, being angry at donor-politics as usual represented by Hillary, or specific issues they are angry about which are little more represented by Trump than by Hillary.
Yes, Hillary underestimates the anger among Democrats.
No, the anger is not about Obamacare or open borders.
The anger is as expressed by Bernie, on those issues, not the Republican ones.
If Hillary is the candidate, Democratic voters will have to decide which is more important, being angry at donor-politics as usual represented by Hillary, or specific issues they are angry about which are little more represented by Trump than by Hillary.
9
I am going to pray on Christmas. I will pray for the well-being of this Republic. I will pray that Donald Trump, who is either a 21st century version of Attila the Hun or the Anti-Christ, is halted in his tracks. I am not optimistic that my prayers will be answered. I fear we are entering a new Dark Age.
39
Gail you are the best. Wish you and yours a great Christmas. Too bad the undereducated in our country most likely don't get the humor and insight in your columns. Love em..
67
On the seventh day of Christmas, The Donald gave to us:
Seven guns for free;
Six reporters dead;
Five protestors mugged;
Four walls built;
Three wives trashed;
Two rivals left onstage;
And a loo on every street!
Seven guns for free;
Six reporters dead;
Five protestors mugged;
Four walls built;
Three wives trashed;
Two rivals left onstage;
And a loo on every street!
49
You reap what you sow.
7
For me, "to throw up an ugly apartment building or hotel in your neighborhood"
is about as bad as it gets. We are losing the historic buildings of New York to developers like Donald Trump and, consequently, the quality of our lives here.
I find that threatening.
is about as bad as it gets. We are losing the historic buildings of New York to developers like Donald Trump and, consequently, the quality of our lives here.
I find that threatening.
26
The character from New York Real Estate, Donald Trump, was celebrated in the 80s, an exemplary winner, fine thoroughbreds at his side and always checking his zipper because there were cameras in the lobby to catch his handsome face rise above us like his omnipresent label of a name. We made him a walking 3 bedroom with 1.5 baths in our hearts. Unapproachable but as available as Al Sharpton, we marched near Mister Trump to bask in the possibilities, a walking framed scratch off. And now he is the cocktail guest who refuses to drink and stays for the insults. In the 80's he made rock stars and poodle owners swoon. These days his hair only gets love letters from a K Mart pillow. He appears as strong as the underside of a Jeep: It's caked with something so how can we know? If there is a more perfect whitehead at the pinnacle of all that Republicans have boiled, that man is in federal prison and will be out too late to accept the nomination.
5
You remember a different 80's in NYC with Donald Trump than I do.
7
OK. Where will you be writing it down? This would have been a good place, but you must have other ideas. Which you haven't shared yet.
While this comment is very well written, reminiscent of the styles of Jimmy Breslin or Nat Hentoff, "Make It Fly" misses the final abstraction. Trump is no more, and no less, than a perfect amalgam of Don Rickles, Jack Abramoff, Howard Roark and Justin Bieber (sans any of their respective redeeming features, if you credit them for any at all). Tarantino should have cast him for David Carradine's part in the "Kill Bill" films, he could've done it without rehearsing. Then again he'd probably blurt out his own ad-libs, insisting they were better than the script. Come to think of it, I'd have loved seeing him in a John Waters film, with an appropriate title like "Mondo Trasho" or "Female Trouble". Funny how art imitates life.
There is no way he could actually do any of what he proposes, should he become leader of the free world. He's utterly lacking in substance, his constituency is a grand falloon, as Vonnegut defined it. He's fanning the embers of a fire that has already consumed most of the available fuel, in hopes of emerging from it like a Phoenix from a funeral pyre. The bird I see is Scrooge McDuck, squawking, flapping, scurrying around in circles.
There is no way he could actually do any of what he proposes, should he become leader of the free world. He's utterly lacking in substance, his constituency is a grand falloon, as Vonnegut defined it. He's fanning the embers of a fire that has already consumed most of the available fuel, in hopes of emerging from it like a Phoenix from a funeral pyre. The bird I see is Scrooge McDuck, squawking, flapping, scurrying around in circles.
7
If a Muslim insisted that everyone use a Muslim specific seasonal greeting, instead of a more secular, generic seasonal greeting, we would recoil in fear, that Sharia law was being imposed on us.
Happy Saturnalia, folks.
Happy Saturnalia, folks.
376
You do realize that Christmas..or what we now call the holiday season is, ugh, a Christian holiday. Sometimes it coincides with Haunuka. I don't mind Happy Holidays or Seasons Greetings. But do we really have to talk about the Msulim issue. When it's Ramadan and people acknowledge it, they do in fact use the Muslim specific name of the season so there!
1
And what if all the Jews start saying "good yuntiff"?
6
sorry it's "yontif"
8
Gail Collins for President, or at least Secretary of Communications. Merry Christmas to all1
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