"Now [Christie's] ...Trump’s sidekick — his Robin, or maybe...his Chewbacca."
Is this the GOP's response to a previous GC complaint--that Republicans have "no aptitude for comedy!"
"The Republican Party has been roiled and transformed by angry talk radio...Liberals...don’t seem to have any talent for yelling into a radio mic...Republicans seem to have no aptitude for comedy. Late night is packed with liberals making fun of conservatives....You can argue that this is discrimination of some sort, but I’ve always wondered if it speaks to some fundamental difference. What do you think?"
I think--Some people get off on love and laughter; others get off on hate and rage.
Conservatives were famous for chanting "Love it, or leave it." As though the USA were God's chosen land--discrimination--big time--on His/Her part--due to a long list of insufferable faults.
Conservative patriotism is unconditional love--warts, injustice, incivility irrationality and all. Trump seeks to "Make America Great Again" --by hating and expelling all those who do not love it.
But HRC responds with humor--not anger--(t must be a joke no?)--"The USA has never stopped being great."
If so, USA must be heaven on earth--no room for improvement--as long as the 1% keep getting their share. But it's not so great for the 99% and much much worse for a great many.
Well the Prophets like Sanders railed against Israel's failure to keep the Commandments after it got the Promised Land. But maybe only 1% got it?
Is this the GOP's response to a previous GC complaint--that Republicans have "no aptitude for comedy!"
"The Republican Party has been roiled and transformed by angry talk radio...Liberals...don’t seem to have any talent for yelling into a radio mic...Republicans seem to have no aptitude for comedy. Late night is packed with liberals making fun of conservatives....You can argue that this is discrimination of some sort, but I’ve always wondered if it speaks to some fundamental difference. What do you think?"
I think--Some people get off on love and laughter; others get off on hate and rage.
Conservatives were famous for chanting "Love it, or leave it." As though the USA were God's chosen land--discrimination--big time--on His/Her part--due to a long list of insufferable faults.
Conservative patriotism is unconditional love--warts, injustice, incivility irrationality and all. Trump seeks to "Make America Great Again" --by hating and expelling all those who do not love it.
But HRC responds with humor--not anger--(t must be a joke no?)--"The USA has never stopped being great."
If so, USA must be heaven on earth--no room for improvement--as long as the 1% keep getting their share. But it's not so great for the 99% and much much worse for a great many.
Well the Prophets like Sanders railed against Israel's failure to keep the Commandments after it got the Promised Land. But maybe only 1% got it?
3
Drumpf. Good. Donnie Drumpf. Better.
31
Mr. Trump, the Republican Party is obviously not being "good" to you; it's time for you to take all your followers and run as an independent. After all, you have increased the voter participation in primaries to date, and, with the support you have of disenfranchised Democrats; from Hispanics and African-Americans, you can beat Hillary or Bernie.
Go for it. Leave the party.
Go for it. Leave the party.
9
I can only say that Governor Christie's humiliation is cosmic justice for arrogantly making the good people of New Jersey suffer excruciating traffic jams for days on end. All in all, he is getting off easy.
70
yeah, but it's not a joke anymore. it's dangerous. trump needs to be dismantled. we need an IRS bombshell and schneiderman needs to ramp up the trump university situation. mostly, we need something like the mitt romney/47% video to go viral. there's too much at stake here. fire torpedoes!
37
Donald J Trump
Bart J Simpson
Rocket J Squirrel
I see a pattern.
Bart J Simpson
Rocket J Squirrel
I see a pattern.
46
People call The Donald "Mr. Trump" who don't want to hear the words "You're fired!" It's identical to the reason pro football team owners' underlings call them "Mr." (and some owners publicly insist that other team owners' underlings call them "Mr."). And The Donald was a pro football team owner decades ago. Pro football is the national religion. I'm starting to see a thread here...
14
Il Duce, Der Fuhrer, Donald the Impaler, Chairman Trump, Premier Donald, just to name a few. All much better than "Mister."
51
I've spent some time thinking about why it's Hillary and Bernie and not Ted or Marco or Donald (unless it's THE Donald, which has a different connotation, a sort of movie star parody). Hillary isn't cuddly. People want to believe Bernie is, I guess. But they seem quite human. The others do not. It's Cruz. It's Rubio. I guess there was Jeb! Dr. Carson? Never, while I can still speak, will I say Mr. Trump out loud. Mister? Just plain TRUMP, like those gilded letters that are plaguing NYC. Just plain shameful.
42
Excellent question, Gail. It might be worth recalling that "Mr." originally was shorthand for "Master" and was applied in general to free and independent men who otherwise lacked a title like Lord, Sir, Reverend, Professor, Doctor, etc. While "Master" has wide application--there are still ships masters, master carpenters, Master Sergeants in the Army, Master's degree holders, etc.--there's no doubt that the title was used to identify owners of slave plantations, who also were known as slave masters. In this context, the slaves were typically addressed by their first names,while their owner was Mr. Perhaps that's the thinking here. I'm grateful, however, that no one so far has decided to call Trump "the Honorable." He may have the psyche of Simon Legree, but honor doesn't come into it.
14
"Rubio [wrote] a memoir, 'An American Son,' for which he got $800,000."
From 2010 to 2014 Rubio's average income was $461,242.
And in 2014, according to his IRS 1040, Rubio had total dividend and interest income of $51.
Think about that for a moment: Here's a man who earns roughly ten times what the average American earns, an he hasn't saved a penny of it.
Clearly the days when the Republican Party was associated with fiscal restraint are long behind us. But in Rubio's case, the lack of personal fiscal discipline is absolutely breathtaking.
https://marcorubio.com/news/marco-rubio-tax-returns/
http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/marco-rubio-releases-five-...
From 2010 to 2014 Rubio's average income was $461,242.
And in 2014, according to his IRS 1040, Rubio had total dividend and interest income of $51.
Think about that for a moment: Here's a man who earns roughly ten times what the average American earns, an he hasn't saved a penny of it.
Clearly the days when the Republican Party was associated with fiscal restraint are long behind us. But in Rubio's case, the lack of personal fiscal discipline is absolutely breathtaking.
https://marcorubio.com/news/marco-rubio-tax-returns/
http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/marco-rubio-releases-five-...
156
This confusion over names was best expressed in the famous New Yorker cartoon, showing Donald Duck mumbling over his drink in a bar "I remember when I was The Donald".
98
It's a "thing" with the super rich to be addressed by their last name. Daniel Snyder, the owner of the Washington Redskins, insists that his players address him as "Mr. Snyder," and never "Daniel." After all, these football players are mere millionaires.
11
Oh, as far as what we should call him, we will call him whatever he decides we should call him, just as we will all be ordered to say "Merry Christmas."
My guess? We'll be mumbling something like this with our eyes averted, of course: Merry Christmas, My Lord. or Master? or Second Coming?
My guess? We'll be mumbling something like this with our eyes averted, of course: Merry Christmas, My Lord. or Master? or Second Coming?
9
When your information comes from infotainment and memes, you vote accordingly. What we call the guy with the nutty comb-over is less important that what we might be calling him in the future....and therein lies the problem.
Drumpf is his own best creation. After a string of HUGE business failures, he re-fashioned himself as a TV host with the power to hire, humiliate, and fire people with absolutely no talent, much less grounding in reality...all for the sake of ratings. Is this what he's going to do to his cabinet? I hope he televises that, because it'll be HUGE.
But that Frankenstein monster will also be the face of We, the People, out in the rest of the world. Are we prepared for the consequences when he sits at a summit meeting with the fate of nations at stake? Or in a meeting with Vlad Putin or even Queen Elizabeth? Will he go for the photo=op, the shock value, or the best interests of We, the People?
These are not the questions being asked by the media. No, the media is in it for the ratings and the money, just like Drumpf. So maybe, we need to take a page from Milton Berle's joke book.....and call him what he is: Mr. Television.
He sure as hell isn't anything else. And G-d willing, never will be,
http://wifelyperson.blogspot.com/
Drumpf is his own best creation. After a string of HUGE business failures, he re-fashioned himself as a TV host with the power to hire, humiliate, and fire people with absolutely no talent, much less grounding in reality...all for the sake of ratings. Is this what he's going to do to his cabinet? I hope he televises that, because it'll be HUGE.
But that Frankenstein monster will also be the face of We, the People, out in the rest of the world. Are we prepared for the consequences when he sits at a summit meeting with the fate of nations at stake? Or in a meeting with Vlad Putin or even Queen Elizabeth? Will he go for the photo=op, the shock value, or the best interests of We, the People?
These are not the questions being asked by the media. No, the media is in it for the ratings and the money, just like Drumpf. So maybe, we need to take a page from Milton Berle's joke book.....and call him what he is: Mr. Television.
He sure as hell isn't anything else. And G-d willing, never will be,
http://wifelyperson.blogspot.com/
27
"American Also-Ran" could be a Hollywood movie.
And he could be the star of that movie.
This really blows my mind ... .
And he could be the star of that movie.
This really blows my mind ... .
4
Dick Dastardly had Muttley.
In "Young Frankenstein" there was I-Gor (a hilarious Marty Feldman.)
The evil creep in "The Silence of the Lambs" had that dog.
And now Trump has Christie.
Mwa Ha Ha!
In "Young Frankenstein" there was I-Gor (a hilarious Marty Feldman.)
The evil creep in "The Silence of the Lambs" had that dog.
And now Trump has Christie.
Mwa Ha Ha!
5
Trump is a white and ignorant male (he really never heard of white supremacists???) His following is largely white and ignorant males. If he goes up against Hillary, she will garner a landslide of Black, Hispanic, and female voters and Trump will garner those of his ilk: White ignorant males. Any wonder why the GOP establishment is pulling out its hair?
27
Hard to find humor in the Republicans this time around, isn't it Gail?
13
Looks like the Donald has found his Mini-me.
10
Gail, I have no idea what you said after the $100,000 membership fee. I was too stunned to take anything in. Obscene, that's what that sort of wealth is, simply obscene and vulgar.
I visited Versailles a few years ago and my reaction: no wonder there was a revolution.
I want candidates who cannot afford and would not join such a "club."
I visited Versailles a few years ago and my reaction: no wonder there was a revolution.
I want candidates who cannot afford and would not join such a "club."
28
Respectfully Ms Collins, Chris Christie is no Chewbacca as that would imply that Donny Boy is Han Solo. Sorry but we will be having none of that.
20
What I fervently hope is that we will NOT be calling Mr. Trump this time next year is "Mr. President." I also hope that we will not be calling any of the other Republican candidates" Mr. President."
As for Chris Christie he looked out of place and embarrassed standing behind Mr. Trump, because he was. As someone aptly put it in another post, he looked as though he were Mr. Trump's bodyguard. Having to call Donald, "Mr. Trump" must have galled the godfather governor. Humble pie does not go down easily, nor does crow.
As for Chris Christie he looked out of place and embarrassed standing behind Mr. Trump, because he was. As someone aptly put it in another post, he looked as though he were Mr. Trump's bodyguard. Having to call Donald, "Mr. Trump" must have galled the godfather governor. Humble pie does not go down easily, nor does crow.
13
All perfectly correct, CB. But this is all about the POTUS, as if we're electing a dictator. We have divided government. The only one who shows any deeper knowledge of the secrecy underneath the three constitutional branches of government is Clinton.
Her husband saw it clearly while he was POTUS. He was gulled into bombing an aspirin factory in Africa, one said to be an Al Q chem-war lab. Clinton also approved a plan to bomb OBL's camp in Afghanistan. Some bright spark, or some traitor, changed the plan to one that gave Pakistani intelligence officers sight of the approaching surface launch vessel--they, in turn, warned OBL, who did a quick exit. Allen Dulles, CIA director, fed JFK a stupid plan for Cuba, and we got the Bay of Pigs. The CIA plotted in Chile, in Argentina, and in Africa. They plotted in Italy. In recent years, they conducted illegal kidnappings in Sweden and Italy. In the UK, they plotted against Prime Minister Harold Wilson. How long until they have dirty tricks in the USA? Ooops… Isn’t there evidence of a CIA link to cocaine imports?
The GOP has turned America into Animal Farm, with Trump as Napoleon and Christie as Squealer.
If all we talk about is walls and taxes, we're assured of another generation of secret dirty tricks. The main task of Democratic policy today must be to hold the line against further erosion of what’s left of our democracy. If we don’t know that it is under attack, we can’t defend it.
Her husband saw it clearly while he was POTUS. He was gulled into bombing an aspirin factory in Africa, one said to be an Al Q chem-war lab. Clinton also approved a plan to bomb OBL's camp in Afghanistan. Some bright spark, or some traitor, changed the plan to one that gave Pakistani intelligence officers sight of the approaching surface launch vessel--they, in turn, warned OBL, who did a quick exit. Allen Dulles, CIA director, fed JFK a stupid plan for Cuba, and we got the Bay of Pigs. The CIA plotted in Chile, in Argentina, and in Africa. They plotted in Italy. In recent years, they conducted illegal kidnappings in Sweden and Italy. In the UK, they plotted against Prime Minister Harold Wilson. How long until they have dirty tricks in the USA? Ooops… Isn’t there evidence of a CIA link to cocaine imports?
The GOP has turned America into Animal Farm, with Trump as Napoleon and Christie as Squealer.
If all we talk about is walls and taxes, we're assured of another generation of secret dirty tricks. The main task of Democratic policy today must be to hold the line against further erosion of what’s left of our democracy. If we don’t know that it is under attack, we can’t defend it.
16
If Trump is such an outstanding businessman, why did he have to turn his one time home, Mar-a-Lago, into a rooming house?
14
Seeing MR. Trump in his natural habitat at Mar-a-Lago made me realize that if he does become President Trump I will be holding my breath for the big announcement about his makeover plans for the White House.
A little neon on the facade, nothing too garish just a tasteful blue outline around the roof and a Trump Palace sign in red letters less than 3 feet high over the entrance, but no flashing – that would be tacky. Then, moving inside, perhaps a few acres of custom carpeting, the very best, of course, with Trump is the Greatest woven in an intertwining overall pattern of red and gold and areas of gold-veined marble flooring to set off the carpet. The oval office would get some much-needed pizazz with marble lined walls, gilded furniture and some really great fabrics. The Lincoln bedroom will become the Lincoln Presidential Suite and be “totally open to everybody” for about the same amount as a Mar-a-Lago membership. Naturally, the frumpy old Federal furniture will have to go, all the metal from doorknobs to toilet flush levers will be gold-plated and the staff will get snappy new uniforms with gold trim because, for Mr. Trump, too much is never enough.
It’ll be great!
A little neon on the facade, nothing too garish just a tasteful blue outline around the roof and a Trump Palace sign in red letters less than 3 feet high over the entrance, but no flashing – that would be tacky. Then, moving inside, perhaps a few acres of custom carpeting, the very best, of course, with Trump is the Greatest woven in an intertwining overall pattern of red and gold and areas of gold-veined marble flooring to set off the carpet. The oval office would get some much-needed pizazz with marble lined walls, gilded furniture and some really great fabrics. The Lincoln bedroom will become the Lincoln Presidential Suite and be “totally open to everybody” for about the same amount as a Mar-a-Lago membership. Naturally, the frumpy old Federal furniture will have to go, all the metal from doorknobs to toilet flush levers will be gold-plated and the staff will get snappy new uniforms with gold trim because, for Mr. Trump, too much is never enough.
It’ll be great!
19
Anyone that says they can't believe Donald Trump is being taken seriously as a presidential candidate needs to take a good hard look at this country. You cannot be surprised that a country that worships fame and money is about to elect its natural leader.
95
What a bunch of charlatans have we got in the G.O.P. field. The worst seems to be bully Christie, a vulgar opportunist unwilling to lose the limelight, even if it means been the poodle dog of the head honcho demagogue Trump (forgot to ask: can poodle dogs be this vicious? Even if rabid?). Rubio, another hypocrite that wouldn't doubt selling himself to the highest bidder (Ooops, has occurred already), so far a loser (in Trump's language, at least). And Ted Cruz, a rigid ideologue of the far right fringe of his party (or is it mainstream now?), willfully ignorant of the facts no matter how convincing his 'smooth talk', full of lies too, hated by all his party buddies for his reliable obstructionism of all and any proposal, no matter how sensible and necessary. Trump is the king of boastful empty content promising to make things great again ( for himself, certainly; highly doubtful for the rest). Can you remember a time when we were flying this low, in the kitchen sink at times, in the toilet at others?
14
Democrats are just as responsible for the rise of this guy. They don't vote and give the Republicans the field nearly every time, especially in over 50% of the states. Wake up Democrats, or America will be in deep, deep trouble that will last generations.
37
Marco got $800,000 for his book? What'd he get, $800 per book?
25
Speaking of Minnesota, I miss the wild eyed Michelle Bachmann. Marco can commiserate with her once this gong show is over.
14
Am I too soon to say "good riddance" Marco, or "good riddance" Mr Cruz? Both demagogues themselves. Marco continues to play the fool and Cruz the angry snake in the grass. Trump is no surprise. There is nothing new in neocon politics today that was not evident when Nixon was running and eventually winning the Presidency. Remember Spiro Agnew? Enter stage right: Chris! And what about all those lock-step wanna be's in the house and senate who have nothing to add except promises to tear down everything Obama has ever done. The GOP is right on track to wreck American democracy and ruin what's left of our standing in the world.
20
"Community of underdogs"--reminds me of "Meerkat Manor," where the cute, fuzzy little animals in a clan of Meerkats would pop up out of their holes, look around, and pop back down again. A family of Meerkats is also called a "gang." Again, just like Rubio and his "Gang of Eight!"
3
donald trump
needs a thump
upon his rump.
he's just a grumpy bump
upon a stump.
Let's call
him Gall.
needs a thump
upon his rump.
he's just a grumpy bump
upon a stump.
Let's call
him Gall.
8
Instead of "Donald," or "The Donald," or "Mr. Trump," I propose that he be referred to with the honorific he so assiduously wishes to play across the land:
The Don.
The Don.
8
He should address him as "Mein Drumpf"
21
While much has been written of Trump's success, Secretary Clinton has received more cumulative votes in the 2016 primaries than any candidate from either party.
So far, she has received 3,667,743 votes, over half a million votes more than the next candidate, Donald Trump.
She will keep America safe from a man that wants to bring back medieval torture; end religious freedom; and turn the prosperous and free land of immigrants into an xenophobic, misogynistic, racist land of Archie Bunkers.
So far, she has received 3,667,743 votes, over half a million votes more than the next candidate, Donald Trump.
She will keep America safe from a man that wants to bring back medieval torture; end religious freedom; and turn the prosperous and free land of immigrants into an xenophobic, misogynistic, racist land of Archie Bunkers.
35
perhaps we should refer to him simply as d.t. and that would cover his rabid supporters when they suffer the consequences, delirium tremens, but not from alcohol, but from voting for it, i mean, him.
17
Aw, the old underdog ploy. Everybody cheers for the underdog. Cheers but doesn't vote. Poor little Marco, as the current republican demagogue semi-certain nominee calls him; Marco just can't fathom why his underdogginess/cuteness doesn't work.
The republicans are falling all over themselves, wringing their hands into pretzels over the revoltin' development of Trump as their nominee. Where did he come from? Why didn't we see him coming? Where were we? Why are we here? Now the republicans don't mind settling for an underdog paler demagogue Rubio, who is as far right as can be. They could even hold their noses and settle for Cruz as their candidate, who is even further right than anybody else in the country. In the world.
Oh, how I long for that great white knight, that great candidate, Mitt Romney to gather up all the republican underdogs and alpha dog into a crate. and ...
The republicans are falling all over themselves, wringing their hands into pretzels over the revoltin' development of Trump as their nominee. Where did he come from? Why didn't we see him coming? Where were we? Why are we here? Now the republicans don't mind settling for an underdog paler demagogue Rubio, who is as far right as can be. They could even hold their noses and settle for Cruz as their candidate, who is even further right than anybody else in the country. In the world.
Oh, how I long for that great white knight, that great candidate, Mitt Romney to gather up all the republican underdogs and alpha dog into a crate. and ...
25
I really don't know how I would get through this election without Gail.
14
Christie at Trump's side reminded me of Hermann Goering at Hitler's side. The bulk is about the same. Christie should really think about buying some sassy uniforms and a baton.
24
always wondered the same thing...the Mister thing, he demands respect yet he gives none. Behind all the bullying is a very fragile ego.
140
A little more of a sting than she usually offers, good line about the empty seat, too.
5
He should grant himself an honorary Doctor of Letters (or whatever, maybe a Ph.D. in Physics) from Trump University and then Christie and other flunkies could call him Dr. Trump.
14
Call me Mister Trump reminded me of a 70s film starring Sydney Poitier, "They Call Me Mister Tibbs." Could it be that the Donald is a great admirer of Sydney, of the film depicting a black hero? Mister Virgil Tibbs is a totally admirable police detective, who was also the main character in "In The Heat of the Night."
Could this be his code for equal opportunity? Just asking?
Could this be his code for equal opportunity? Just asking?
6
Cruz consistently calls him "Donald." There's clearly a strategy there. Which. isn't. working.
3
If the media took their responsibility of public service....seriously....as
worthy ...yes worthy of the title...of The Fourth Estate..
They would get serious....and stop acting like children writing comic books.
and
The best journalists would.....write about those who have been honorable
public service running for The President
so
Stop this type of poor journalism...you are not funny ...just tabloid...yellow
low class journalism...and you can do much better Gail Collins.
worthy ...yes worthy of the title...of The Fourth Estate..
They would get serious....and stop acting like children writing comic books.
and
The best journalists would.....write about those who have been honorable
public service running for The President
so
Stop this type of poor journalism...you are not funny ...just tabloid...yellow
low class journalism...and you can do much better Gail Collins.
1
The idea that "Mittens" is telling voters that "Mr." Trump is a danger to the Republican party today is breaking the irony meter.
And I especially like it when Mr. Romney tells Mr. Trump to release his tax returns, as though nobody (cough, Romney) has ever refused to release their tax returns when running for president before. Trump learned from the master: just delay and bluster until everyone gives up.
Who's next to step up and tell us to steer clear of Trump? Newt Gingrich, maybe? I can't wait.
And I especially like it when Mr. Romney tells Mr. Trump to release his tax returns, as though nobody (cough, Romney) has ever refused to release their tax returns when running for president before. Trump learned from the master: just delay and bluster until everyone gives up.
Who's next to step up and tell us to steer clear of Trump? Newt Gingrich, maybe? I can't wait.
18
Meister Trump?
That suggests a German connection... Um, you get the idea! (The correct pronunciation is like in Die Meistersinger.)
But I still prefer, for Christie, The Sorcer's Apprentice.
(Think of the Disney Movie. It also fits with Gail's ghost image for his NJ "role" - like Rubio he will soon be unemployed. Fired!)
What a fun game, Gail! We need a little levity at this point in the ever-lengthening campaign - to get a president.
And to get a Supreme Court Justice!
That suggests a German connection... Um, you get the idea! (The correct pronunciation is like in Die Meistersinger.)
But I still prefer, for Christie, The Sorcer's Apprentice.
(Think of the Disney Movie. It also fits with Gail's ghost image for his NJ "role" - like Rubio he will soon be unemployed. Fired!)
What a fun game, Gail! We need a little levity at this point in the ever-lengthening campaign - to get a president.
And to get a Supreme Court Justice!
5
What a bunch of Losers! The whole lot of them.
"If they had brains, they would be dangerous!" as my mom used to say.
Cruz and Rubio should tell us why they are so against immigration for Mexicans while Cubans are pouring across the border as we speak with a little espresso waiting for them. I guess none of them will "take American jobs".
Trumpy Pumpy thinks his chandelier encrusted eyesore is the answer for his pore-folk followers who cant wait to "not be PC", like David Duke. Maybe there will be jobs dusting the statues.
"If they had brains, they would be dangerous!" as my mom used to say.
Cruz and Rubio should tell us why they are so against immigration for Mexicans while Cubans are pouring across the border as we speak with a little espresso waiting for them. I guess none of them will "take American jobs".
Trumpy Pumpy thinks his chandelier encrusted eyesore is the answer for his pore-folk followers who cant wait to "not be PC", like David Duke. Maybe there will be jobs dusting the statues.
7
As social psychologist Roger Brown pointed out long ago, asymmetry in the use of First-name and Title-last-name (DJT calls his serfs by their first names; they call him "Mr. Trump") is a reliable marker of a dominance relationship. Seems as though Christie, in joining the Trump court, has been tamed.
6
Donald Drumpf
- John Oliver
- John Oliver
6
[apparently] "We have met the enemy and he is us." Pogo
I suggest calling this contestant: T. rump, Trumpy Drumpf, the don, or The Donnybrook.
Clearly the religious in this country now worship money.
It's a sad day when Ms. Collins can make me cry...
I suggest calling this contestant: T. rump, Trumpy Drumpf, the don, or The Donnybrook.
Clearly the religious in this country now worship money.
It's a sad day when Ms. Collins can make me cry...
8
Drumpfeter, since blowing his own horn. (see John Oliver's hilarious bit on the Drumpf family name at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnpO_RTSNmQ.)
Christie would be a Drumpfling.
The GOP is a lot of chickens and Drumpflings.
Christie would be a Drumpfling.
The GOP is a lot of chickens and Drumpflings.
8
".. Christie.. Donald Trump’s sidekick — his Robin, or maybe more appropriately, his Chewbacca.
I think "Hermann Göring" more apropos.
Watch Christie watching the crowd as his Führer speaks. A chilling sight indeed.
I think "Hermann Göring" more apropos.
Watch Christie watching the crowd as his Führer speaks. A chilling sight indeed.
11
He's "Mr. Trump" because "Chris" is a vanquished enemy and mendicant wanting a Federal appointment if he gets to be President. Trump has several branded street-names, including: "The Donald", his entertainment/carnival-barker name' "Mr. Trump", his entertainment/CEO name; and "Mr. President", which will be his entertainment/politician name.
3
Perhaps we should call Donald John Trump simply and clearly Tarzan. Or Mr. Tarzan if he insists.
Or maybe Frankenstein or Mr. Frankenstein.
Or maybe Frankenstein or Mr. Frankenstein.
32
Christie's stare into the distance was his dreaming of becoming Cheney to Trump's Bush.
14
Trump is what a successful fascist looks like in post-Iraq, post-crash USA. It begins as farce and ends in tragedy.
32
"...where the chandeliers are high as an elephant's eye..." soooo good. Made my day.
11
NORMAL PERSON : You can't try to teach an old dog new tricks.
Highly educated wonk : It is fruitless to attempt to indoctrinate a superannuated canine with innovative maneuvers
NORMAL PERSON : He who laughs last, laughs best.
GRE STUDENT : The person presenting the ultimate cachinnation possesses thereby the optimal cachinnation.
NORMAL PERSON : All work and no play makes Donald a dull boy.
Wonk : Exclusive dedication to necessitous chores without interludes of hedonistic diversion renders Donald a hebetudinous fellow
(Adapted from how GRE students talk)
Highly educated wonk : It is fruitless to attempt to indoctrinate a superannuated canine with innovative maneuvers
NORMAL PERSON : He who laughs last, laughs best.
GRE STUDENT : The person presenting the ultimate cachinnation possesses thereby the optimal cachinnation.
NORMAL PERSON : All work and no play makes Donald a dull boy.
Wonk : Exclusive dedication to necessitous chores without interludes of hedonistic diversion renders Donald a hebetudinous fellow
(Adapted from how GRE students talk)
6
Obviously, we are all using the NYT stylebook standards, addressing every candidate by his or her current or last title and last name -- or if without title, by Mr. or Mrs. It's the same when we are addressing the President in public. It's Mr. President, not Barrack even if we've known him for decades.
3
I take exception to comparing Gov. Christie to Chewbacca. The Wookie deserves better.
16
Trumplestiltskin!
19
Christie: The Sorcerer's Apprentice!
9
One question: Why haven't the sane members of the Republican Party (surely there must be SOME sane members left) denounced this absurd fool? He is an embarrassment and an insult to the entire electoral process whose election would make the US the laughingstock of the civilized world.
8
Use his original family name: Donald Drumpf. #MakeDonaldDrumpfAgain (full credit to John Oliver).
14
Great piece.
You rocked it today.
Love the proposed title for Marco's follow up book:
'" 'An American Also-Ran', the inspiring story of the man who won the Minnesota caucus."
Delightful.
You rocked it today.
Love the proposed title for Marco's follow up book:
'" 'An American Also-Ran', the inspiring story of the man who won the Minnesota caucus."
Delightful.
23
I just realized that I can't laugh about this anymore. It's not your fault, Gail. Your column is still amusing. But the situation we find ourselves in just isn't funny.
302
"The Donald" is the only monniker that really captures the man.
56
What to call Trump? Just ask Charles Pierce at Esquire, who has the perfect title for Trump, which is the Vulgar Talking Yam. Perfect.
7
How about (T)Rump?
4
Let's follow John Oliver and call him Mr. Drumpf.
8
Gail, I favor "il Donald" to summon up both my perception of his readiness for power, and my respect for him.
4
I have a better image for Marco. He is more the humble and lovable alter ego of Underdog, Shoeshine Boy. He really needs his phone booth now.....There's no need to fear, Underdog is here!
I prefer this Christie tweet: Sometimes, at night, do you still hear them, Clarice? The screaming of the Christies?
I prefer this Christie tweet: Sometimes, at night, do you still hear them, Clarice? The screaming of the Christies?
8
First laugh of the day. Thank you, Ms. Collins. You've made the disaster that is present-day American politics a bit more bearable.
6
I cling to Gail's humor as one might cling to a life raft, because the deluge is upon us.
21
Does anyone know, from historical writings, how level-headed, good-hearted German citizens felt when Hitler was rising to power? Did they think "Oh, this can't last, the country will come to its senses,.." or what? There could be something worthwhile in knowing that. What did they say, in retrospect, that they should have done differently? I'd sure like to know. They say that those ignorant of history are doomed to repeat it.
19
In the spirit of John Oliver, I shall refer to the candidate as Herr Drumpf.
What, isn't he proud of his heritage?
What, isn't he proud of his heritage?
10
It's a WWE thing, Gail. The bossman is always called Mister.
8
Hey GOPers, what do you guys think of this to get rid of that embarrassing loud mouth? start referring to him in print as The Donald! It didn't take long to get rid of the third Bush after he started using that exclamation point, so why shouldn't it work on Donald? Er, I mean Donald!
5
I think that John Oliver is right- he should be referred to as Mr. Drumpf. He should be proud of his heritage, if not his hair.
5
I believe Bernie Sanders refers to Hillary as Secretary.
Now that's R - E - S - P - E - C - T.
Now that's R - E - S - P - E - C - T.
23
Dummkopf seems appropriate. Given the caliber of what comes out of his mouth, Mr. Dummkopf sounds too formal.
12
That is because his first name is Damien.
4
The headline incongruously brought to mind the old Sidney Poitier movie, 'They Call Me MISTER Tibbs!' Or was the allusion, and the irony, intentional? The movie title, and the command, invokes an era when black men and women were not granted 'courtesy titles'. (Whites still taught young'uns to show qualified respect to elders even if black, hence the terms, 'uncle' and 'aunt' - surviving in the trademarks Uncle Ben, Aunt Jemima.) Comes now The Donald, as until recently he was called throughout the media - a man who has made a trade, perhaps a life's work, and definitely a fortune out of showing no respect to anyone, ever. Should we call him 'Mister Trump'? Oh, honey, you don't want to know what I'd call him even if the NYT would print it.
9
I always call him Donny Boy.
3
I'm looking forward to tonight's Republican debacle...I mean "debate". I stocked up on popcorn and beer (of course I may get into the hard stuff if the children get physical).
As to what to we call Trump? How about Mister Donald Drumpf - his real ancestral surname. (kudos and thanks to Mister John Oliver!)
As to what to we call Trump? How about Mister Donald Drumpf - his real ancestral surname. (kudos and thanks to Mister John Oliver!)
7
The photo of the soulful eyed, puppy-like adoring Christie from his position behind and below the Donald has left me breathless. What is the man thinking? Will NJ fire him for leaving his paid position as Governor? They probably should. His support of Trump isn't indicative of sterling leadership qualities or abilities. And what can we say about Rubio?
What would happen if the Republicans fielded a good and reasonable candidate? Would America be ready?
What would happen if the Republicans fielded a good and reasonable candidate? Would America be ready?
7
Let's call him "Mr. Drumpf."
5
I hope one of the candidates calls him by his family name: Donald Drumpf
4
Mr. Trump by any other name stinks just the same.
10
My father was a proud son of Brooklyn, and he cherished (even framed!) an Easter greeting card he once found. On the front, a cartoon bunny asks, "Do you know what they call the Easter Bunny in Brooklyn?" And inside, the punchline: "Jerk. They call everybody a jerk."
Were my father with us today, he'd have far stronger words than that for Donny Least (that's not really fair; I'd rather have TV's Ralph Malph than this guy...), but it's the first thing that leaps to mind whenever I see his sneering face.
Were my father with us today, he'd have far stronger words than that for Donny Least (that's not really fair; I'd rather have TV's Ralph Malph than this guy...), but it's the first thing that leaps to mind whenever I see his sneering face.
4
Master Trump - a fitting title for he who throws tantrums like a three-year old when things don't go his way and also believes he's master of all he surveys.
As for Christie, I now think of him as Trump's caddy.
As for Christie, I now think of him as Trump's caddy.
12
Even the NYT calls Ben Carson, a world renowned brain surgeon, "Mr Carson," so Trump being called, Mr. Trump should be okay.
"Trump," is a world famous brand name, in which people pay a lot, just to put on commercial buildings. That brand name is his principle business. Only enhanced, if he can ever put the name "President" in front of it.
"Trump," is a world famous brand name, in which people pay a lot, just to put on commercial buildings. That brand name is his principle business. Only enhanced, if he can ever put the name "President" in front of it.
2
Donald Trump reminds me of the slimy, seedy Barzini in The Godfather. Let's refer to Trump as "don," in lower (appropriate) case.
5
There is some poetic justice in seeing Tough Guy Christie groveling at the feet of “Mr. Trump.” The question is how long would it take before Trump says to Christie, “You’re Fired!”
I like your observation, Gail, that “If there’s a derrick on the horizon, Cruz can’t lose.” Thank God for the dearth of derricks in the country. Perhaps Cruz can run for office in the Middle East where there are a lot more derricks. While there, he can examine the sand and report back to us as to whether it glows.
Compared to Cruz, Rubio is poorly educated, though it appears Trump, as much as he loves “the poorly educated,” doesn’t love Rubio, probably because the “lightweight” Senator has been railing against the shenanigans at Trump University, among other things.
While attacking Trump, Rubio doesn’t mention his own advocacy on behalf of Corinthian Colleges which was fined some $30 mil by the government. [The college contributed $5,000 to Rubio's Reclaim America PAC.]
Per Bloomberg, Rubio asked the government “to ‘demonstrate leniency’ toward Corinthian Colleges” by allowing the college “to continue accessing millions of dollars in federal financial aid while it was cooperating with a federal investigation.” Further, there was a “$480 million in debt relief for students … ‘harmed by Corinthian's predatory lending scheme.’” http://bloom.bg/1OEUaQk
That’s a lot more than what Trump University students lost, not that Trump should get a pass on his involvement with the “university.”
I like your observation, Gail, that “If there’s a derrick on the horizon, Cruz can’t lose.” Thank God for the dearth of derricks in the country. Perhaps Cruz can run for office in the Middle East where there are a lot more derricks. While there, he can examine the sand and report back to us as to whether it glows.
Compared to Cruz, Rubio is poorly educated, though it appears Trump, as much as he loves “the poorly educated,” doesn’t love Rubio, probably because the “lightweight” Senator has been railing against the shenanigans at Trump University, among other things.
While attacking Trump, Rubio doesn’t mention his own advocacy on behalf of Corinthian Colleges which was fined some $30 mil by the government. [The college contributed $5,000 to Rubio's Reclaim America PAC.]
Per Bloomberg, Rubio asked the government “to ‘demonstrate leniency’ toward Corinthian Colleges” by allowing the college “to continue accessing millions of dollars in federal financial aid while it was cooperating with a federal investigation.” Further, there was a “$480 million in debt relief for students … ‘harmed by Corinthian's predatory lending scheme.’” http://bloom.bg/1OEUaQk
That’s a lot more than what Trump University students lost, not that Trump should get a pass on his involvement with the “university.”
11
I think Herr Trump would be more appropriate or you can salute him with Heil Trump!
8
Call him Drumpf.
4
Chris Christie will make a fine valet for Mr. Trump. And who could have ever dreamed three weeks ago that he could be so malleable and obedient?
13
The was an unfair an nasty thing to say about Chewbacca.
9
What about "Godfather "?
1
Those of a certain age, myself included, remember him as "The Donald" !!
1
"There’s still Ted Cruz, who won Texas, where he lives, plus Oklahoma and Alaska. Three states that are really, really into oil. If there’s a derrick on the horizon, Cruz can’t lose."
"And Marco Rubio won the Minnesota caucus. His first state! “We are so excited about what lies ahead for our campaign,” the junior senator from Florida said. He’d better be, since once this is over Rubio won’t even have a job."
Also-rans seems appropriate for Raphael Eduardo and Marco, but for right now, just call him Donald Trump, Republican candidate for president.
"And Marco Rubio won the Minnesota caucus. His first state! “We are so excited about what lies ahead for our campaign,” the junior senator from Florida said. He’d better be, since once this is over Rubio won’t even have a job."
Also-rans seems appropriate for Raphael Eduardo and Marco, but for right now, just call him Donald Trump, Republican candidate for president.
Ms. Collins, don't you write a book when you need money ?
Have you reread your book The Millennium Book ?
Maybe it's time for an update.
Have you reread your book The Millennium Book ?
Maybe it's time for an update.
Let’s assume the nation finds the wisdom to elect The Donald. What changes would we see? Atop the entrances to the White House would be the name TRUMP in six foot neon letters. Similar signage would be attached to the rotunda of the Capitol Building. Parked at the rear of the White House would be a line of black limousines ferrying his cabinet members, all graying white men and their younger, curvaceous female partners, to and from the Air Force Trump jet. These folks would be escorted to the Diplomatic Reception Room so as not to be confused with the tourists who would be lining up in the Visitor’s Foyer where they could exchange dollars for quarters to play the latest slot machines. The cabinet members would go to the Trump Meeting Room where the men would be seated on one side of the table with their friends behind them. The Donald would be seated opposite and flanked by his make-up lady and gay black hair dresser. Each cabinet member would report on his activities and respond to questions The Donald, or his hair dresser, would ask. If he didn’t like what he was hearing, he would press a button that would set off a buzzer and light up a sign saying “You’re Fired.” He would then announce the same and motion for the person to leave. That person, and his lady friend, would be escorted out through the visitor’s exit where a yellow taxicab would be waiting. The message would ring out across the nation that the business of government would only be handled by winners.
3
Anyone remember Telly Savales? Balding actor of Kojac fame who shilled on tv for casinos ( The Playahs' Club) with his signature lollipop in his mouth and his famous line: " Who loves ya baby?" Only difference with Trump is Telly didn't have the toupee and did not run for president.
1
I wonder how many Democrats and other non-Trump fans stay at and gamble at Trump operations. It would be rather satisfying to see those operations struggle as decent people decline to support the fascist would-be leader of the free world. Maybe if his despicable statements came back to hit him in the pocketbook, he'd realize we aren't all dittoheads sucking up his vile brew.
2
Donnie has a modicum of attraction because he's so abhorrent to Congress, you know Mitchy, Pauly and Chucky. He's the enemy of my enemy. Christie's behavior is like watching the youngster at a recital who has forgotten the music, it's that cringing painful embarrassment. Oy! What a gubmint.
4
Rubio: “In the days leading up to tonight, a lot of the media had written us off. … I’m happy to be an underdog. We’re a country of underdogs. I come from a community of underdogs, too, as I said in Miami tonight. I’ve been an underdog in the past — and once again, we’re going to be an underdog campaign that WINS.”
Re Mr. Rubio's upcoming unemployment status: Couldn't happen to a more deserving guy. All those missed Senate votes because he was out fundraising. Salon magazine described his fund-raising ability as bad, his ground game as weak, and his campaign as lazy. At one point, his campaign team was reportedly stealing Wi-Fi from a Nevada pizzeria. Certainly not presidential.
Now that he will soon be looking for work, Mr. Rubio could capitalize on his underdog status. How about a cartoon show for kids called "Underdog," featuring the comical cartoon character "Rubio" (drawn by the South Park team and using Rubio's voice)? The show would about all the crazy, mean stuff that goes on on the political campaign trail.
The kids would love it--prepare them for future citizenship in the world of cartoon politics in the exceptional U.S.A.
Re Mr. Rubio's upcoming unemployment status: Couldn't happen to a more deserving guy. All those missed Senate votes because he was out fundraising. Salon magazine described his fund-raising ability as bad, his ground game as weak, and his campaign as lazy. At one point, his campaign team was reportedly stealing Wi-Fi from a Nevada pizzeria. Certainly not presidential.
Now that he will soon be looking for work, Mr. Rubio could capitalize on his underdog status. How about a cartoon show for kids called "Underdog," featuring the comical cartoon character "Rubio" (drawn by the South Park team and using Rubio's voice)? The show would about all the crazy, mean stuff that goes on on the political campaign trail.
The kids would love it--prepare them for future citizenship in the world of cartoon politics in the exceptional U.S.A.
3
Ms. Collins (or should I call you Gail? Friend has already been taken.): You mention that Christie looked as if he "had just been informed that his family was being held hostage and would be released only if he kept quiet and stared straight ahead." Does anyone think even that choice could keep him from babbling on, even though about nothing? Your article reminded me of a book called "The Authoritarians" by Bob Altemeyer from U of Manitoba some years ago which spoke so presciently about just this type of wannabe "leader", which is mentioned in a fascinating article by, of all people, John Dean at: http://www.alternet.org/election-2016/trump-authoritarian-ruler-republic... . So many people see Trump for what he is, yet so many seem not to - the spell of a charlatan can be broad...yet shallow.
3
Hey, Gail, Rubio won in the great state of Minnesota and the home of Lake Woebegone. After a few minutes reflection, you probably remember it's the home state of Paul Wellstone and Hubert Humphrey. Well, maybe you wouldn't, but let's move on.
Our wizened voters picked Bernie and Marco, eschewing the likes of Mister Trump and Madam Clinton. You don't need a cup of tea leaves to augur the meaning of this singularly wise choice. You are barking up the wrong candidates folks.
As Woebegone goes, so goes the nation.
Our wizened voters picked Bernie and Marco, eschewing the likes of Mister Trump and Madam Clinton. You don't need a cup of tea leaves to augur the meaning of this singularly wise choice. You are barking up the wrong candidates folks.
As Woebegone goes, so goes the nation.
2
Underdog Mario? Woof Woof
When he goes back to Florida after losing, there is always a job of used car salesman for him. He has all the credentials and looks.
Thank you Gail
When he goes back to Florida after losing, there is always a job of used car salesman for him. He has all the credentials and looks.
Thank you Gail
9
El Lider Boca Grande (The Leader with a Big Mouth)
Every tin-pot banana-republic fascist dictator was El Lider something or another: El Lider Maximo, then El Lider Maximo Grande ...
Der Furher, Il Duce, Caudillo, El Lider, El Lider, El Lider ...
Mr. Trump is a neo-fasist plain and simple: all the themes are there, though some are in dog-whistle, for now He may be no worse than Berlusconi or LePen, but then you never really know until they come to power. Things have a way of going from bad to worse when a fascist is in charge.
There's a good reason why large numbers of Republicans are stating publicly that they can never vote for this man, must oppose him, must see him defeated one way or another. When have we ever heard this about a candidate of one's own party before?
Incidentally you find (if you search around the web) that there are right-wingers who claim he cannot be a fascist because he does not come into power through a violent revolution. This argument is entirely specious -- Hitler was elected, and took it from there.
The Quislings and toadies and collaborators are already starting to assemble themselves for El Lider. We already hear talk about "he's not so bad," "we need to get behind him," and a few are starting to whisper "resistance will be punished."
He's starting to assemble his brownshirts. The opposition is rising too. In two years or so when he's ready he needs a Reichstag fire.....
Every tin-pot banana-republic fascist dictator was El Lider something or another: El Lider Maximo, then El Lider Maximo Grande ...
Der Furher, Il Duce, Caudillo, El Lider, El Lider, El Lider ...
Mr. Trump is a neo-fasist plain and simple: all the themes are there, though some are in dog-whistle, for now He may be no worse than Berlusconi or LePen, but then you never really know until they come to power. Things have a way of going from bad to worse when a fascist is in charge.
There's a good reason why large numbers of Republicans are stating publicly that they can never vote for this man, must oppose him, must see him defeated one way or another. When have we ever heard this about a candidate of one's own party before?
Incidentally you find (if you search around the web) that there are right-wingers who claim he cannot be a fascist because he does not come into power through a violent revolution. This argument is entirely specious -- Hitler was elected, and took it from there.
The Quislings and toadies and collaborators are already starting to assemble themselves for El Lider. We already hear talk about "he's not so bad," "we need to get behind him," and a few are starting to whisper "resistance will be punished."
He's starting to assemble his brownshirts. The opposition is rising too. In two years or so when he's ready he needs a Reichstag fire.....
5
What do we call Trump?
That's easy Gail. Use the truth:
Trump is a Liar and a Bigot
That's easy Gail. Use the truth:
Trump is a Liar and a Bigot
9
Rubio isn't an underdog. He's an "underpuppy."
21
Der Drumpfster?
Sir Drumpf-a-Lump?
Drumpf-a-Dumpty-Doo?
Beelzetrump?
Sir Drumpf-a-Lump?
Drumpf-a-Dumpty-Doo?
Beelzetrump?
3
Donald has already been called more things than anyone in the history of presidential campaigns, all the worst ones being true. May we never hear him called President Trump. Imagine a V.P. Christie !
All the worst things we know about Trump are also true of the majority of our senate and congress. They know how to hide it better.
To the Republican establishment: Look in the mirror, you're hair is orange and your name is Trump.
All the worst things we know about Trump are also true of the majority of our senate and congress. They know how to hide it better.
To the Republican establishment: Look in the mirror, you're hair is orange and your name is Trump.
8
Christie had the thousand yard stare of a man looking straight at a federal indictment concerning a rather large bridge. But I think his plan is sinister...he places himself as VP and assumes the role of key advisor to a clueless president, becoming a shadow president while he waits for the impeachment and conviction that won't be long in coming. He is obsessed with being president; otherwise why would he abandon the great state of New Jersey which he has worked so hard to lay to waste?
11
If “Mister Trump” is the title Donald Trump prefers from the people around or interacting with him, but people are uncomfortable with it, because Trump addresses everyone by first name, let’s all be unifiers by coming up with a compromise.
How about “Senor Trump?”
How about “Senor Trump?”
3
What to call Mr. Trump? A. Disgrace
148
"What do you think we should call Donald Trump?"
How about "Donald Duck?" Because if it talks like a racist, and walks like a racist, guess what, folks?
How about "Donald Duck?" Because if it talks like a racist, and walks like a racist, guess what, folks?
175
Hello Gail,
Do you remember teaching us about that fun way to catch fish? As I recall, one would place their fist inside the fish's mouth and pull it out of the water. I think you called it noodling? That was fun, until I tried it with the squirrel at my feeder...that was not fun!
Regarding this Trump character and what we call him....not so fun. Maybe putting him in a room with lot's of squirrels...that could be???
Do you remember teaching us about that fun way to catch fish? As I recall, one would place their fist inside the fish's mouth and pull it out of the water. I think you called it noodling? That was fun, until I tried it with the squirrel at my feeder...that was not fun!
Regarding this Trump character and what we call him....not so fun. Maybe putting him in a room with lot's of squirrels...that could be???
3
Drumpf is what to call him. Seriously. On John Oliver's recent show, he referred to some tweets of Drumpf's about Jon Stewart and how Drumpf believes Jon shouldn't have changed his name - that he should be proud of his heritage. Turns out Drumpf was Donald's true ancestral name. So Oliver has launched a campaign "Make Donald Trumpf Again." You can download an app that will change Trump to Drumpf anytime it appears in a browser. Brilliant idea.
5
Thank you Gail, once again, for filling Keith Olbermann's absence in print this election season!
3
“There’s no doubt he feels like an underdog now, but it’s important to recognize what he accomplished last night,..."
Yes, indeed.
He won the state that gave us Michelle Bachman and Jesse "The Bod" Ventura.
Yes, indeed.
He won the state that gave us Michelle Bachman and Jesse "The Bod" Ventura.
10
Chewbacca? Please... Don't insult Wookies. A fictional species of intelligent, hirsute bipeds from the planet Kashyyyk have way more character and integrity than Chris Christie. Or should it be gov'na Chris?
7
D - Chump ...
7
Great column as usual Gail. People should also know that 6 major Gannett NJ newspapers are calling for Christie to resign based on his arrogance, opportunism, hypocrisy etc. If he doesn't resign, they are calling for a recall.
NJ is sick of Christie picking up a governor's paycheck while he is an absentee governor on the campaign trail. Once he dropped out, he immediately attached himself to the Trump campaign- still a no show in NJ.
Christie's career is over in NJ so I guess he figures he has nothing to loose tacking onto Trump's coat tails.
NJ is sick of Christie picking up a governor's paycheck while he is an absentee governor on the campaign trail. Once he dropped out, he immediately attached himself to the Trump campaign- still a no show in NJ.
Christie's career is over in NJ so I guess he figures he has nothing to loose tacking onto Trump's coat tails.
11
The time for jokes and cheat shots came and went. What ideas do you have to fix this train wreck?
3
Marco Rubio's campaign reminds me of Monty Python's dead parrot routine.
9
11
Gail, I just write what the voices in my head tell me to, so I can't take all the credit (or the blame) for what follows.
What to call Trump? Seriously, you say? How about "Unca?" You know: Unca Scrooge, Unca Donald? Rubio, Cruz and Kasich can be re-christened Huey, Louie and Dewey, while Chris "Elmer Fudd" Christy rolls out the red carpet for His Moneybags. Don't want the great man to soil his wingtips on a floor not covered at least twenty feet deep in silver and large-denomination bills.
If my hunch is correct, Tex Avery is the brains behind the Republican campaign this year.
What to call Trump? Seriously, you say? How about "Unca?" You know: Unca Scrooge, Unca Donald? Rubio, Cruz and Kasich can be re-christened Huey, Louie and Dewey, while Chris "Elmer Fudd" Christy rolls out the red carpet for His Moneybags. Don't want the great man to soil his wingtips on a floor not covered at least twenty feet deep in silver and large-denomination bills.
If my hunch is correct, Tex Avery is the brains behind the Republican campaign this year.
5
On a broadcast of Fresh Air on NPR last week Christie was described as the current Boss of Atlantic City. At the same time Christie endorsed Trump. While the media expressed surprise at Chris doing so I thought it was only natural that The Boss get behind Atlantic City's Godfather Don. After all at some point The Boss needed to smooth things over with The Godfather or his "control" of Atlantic City would be snatched away. Strange bedfellows? I think not, they both are part of the same "family" and loyalty to the family is the most important thing. Next up? Christie as VP or perhaps AG?
4
"The last time he was in terrible financial trouble, Rubio solved the problem by writing a memoir, “An American Son,” for which he got $800,000. I am wondering what the bidding will be for “An American Also-Ran,” the inspiring story of the man who won the Minnesota caucus."
Wondering the same about Hillary. Considering the immunity just granted to her IT guy, she may be penning it from the slammer. Unbeatable ambiance.
Flashback to just prior to her $8M "advance" Simon & Schuster book deal:
It was roughly 15 years and several $100M ago. Mrs Clinton pled “not guilty” to selling out the country by reason of poverty.
She said at the time: “We don’t own a house, we own half of a house…. He has his '68 Mustang and I have my '86 Cutlass. A recent magazine said that with our legal bills we are bankrupt. So, if we had intended to trade on my position, I’ve done a very poor job of it."
Anyone wondering why Simon & Schuster would award an $8M "Book Advance" for the memoirs of someone whose prevarication and amnesia are exceeded only by her banality, consider:
PROPOSITION:
Mrs. Clinton's $8M "book advance" is an interregnal Peter-Principle artifact.
GIVEN:
Knowledge is Power.
Time is Money.
Work/Time = Power
PROOF:
Knowledge = Power →
Knowledge = Work/Time →
Knowledge = Work/Money →
lim (Knowledge) as Money approaches infinity = 0 →
The less you know, the more you make. →
CONCLUSION:
Hillary Clinton's $8M "book advance" is an interregnal Peter-Principle artifact.
Q.E.D
Wondering the same about Hillary. Considering the immunity just granted to her IT guy, she may be penning it from the slammer. Unbeatable ambiance.
Flashback to just prior to her $8M "advance" Simon & Schuster book deal:
It was roughly 15 years and several $100M ago. Mrs Clinton pled “not guilty” to selling out the country by reason of poverty.
She said at the time: “We don’t own a house, we own half of a house…. He has his '68 Mustang and I have my '86 Cutlass. A recent magazine said that with our legal bills we are bankrupt. So, if we had intended to trade on my position, I’ve done a very poor job of it."
Anyone wondering why Simon & Schuster would award an $8M "Book Advance" for the memoirs of someone whose prevarication and amnesia are exceeded only by her banality, consider:
PROPOSITION:
Mrs. Clinton's $8M "book advance" is an interregnal Peter-Principle artifact.
GIVEN:
Knowledge is Power.
Time is Money.
Work/Time = Power
PROOF:
Knowledge = Power →
Knowledge = Work/Time →
Knowledge = Work/Money →
lim (Knowledge) as Money approaches infinity = 0 →
The less you know, the more you make. →
CONCLUSION:
Hillary Clinton's $8M "book advance" is an interregnal Peter-Principle artifact.
Q.E.D
3
With all his bluster, bullying and barking like a junkyard dog, I am quite surprised to see Christie turn into a lapdog for another of his breed.
If only Chrisite would do his job and actually sit on that lap the problem of Donald would be solved.
If only Chrisite would do his job and actually sit on that lap the problem of Donald would be solved.
9
Chris Christie - Wookie of the year!
124
Your article headline reminds of a scene from The Lion King. A hyena refers to Puumba (the wart hog) as a "pig". Puumba, indignant, says, "That's MR PIG to you!"
Mr Pig, Mr Trump. Six of one, half dozen of the other. (Apologies to Puumba. He is actually a much better human being than Trump).
Mr Pig, Mr Trump. Six of one, half dozen of the other. (Apologies to Puumba. He is actually a much better human being than Trump).
122
Kaptain Combover wants to be president, hahahahahahahah. Ven dee Furer sez ve ist dee master race we vote, we vote, right in the Donald's face.
5
What to call him? Why, Herr Drumpf, of course.
9
The hit show this season is Mr. Trump. I'm sure we'll catch Rubio et al. in reruns.
2
Remember the derivation of the title of Gail's column?
"They call me MR. Tibbs!"
One of the greatest movie lines ever.
"They call me MR. Tibbs!"
One of the greatest movie lines ever.
3
Ouch.
2
More like Sancho Panza to Don Quixote. Or Igor to Dr. Drumpfenstein!
Does Chris Christie look miserable, like he's just been demoted from Governor and Presidential Contender to whipped and belittled house boy? Good! He's been a dreadful, arrogant, absent embarrassment of a governor for our state, which has embarrassing governors at a rate only rivaled by Illinois and Louisiana (2 states where jail for former governors is always possible). Six of the most widely read NJ newspapers are now calling for Christie to step down, or face either a recall or impeachment since he hasn't been home to do his REAL job. I think it's something like 240+ days out of state last year. That's 2/3 of the time. Even George W. Bush didn't take THAT much time off his job as POTUS!
Too bad Molly Ivins isn't around to skewer Trump as he deserves. She described Dubya as a guy born on 2nd base who thought he hit a double. Trump would claim he hit a home run! He claims the name "Trump" means quality, but to me it's only meant tasteless ostentation combined with shaky financing that could go bust any minute.
Does Chris Christie look miserable, like he's just been demoted from Governor and Presidential Contender to whipped and belittled house boy? Good! He's been a dreadful, arrogant, absent embarrassment of a governor for our state, which has embarrassing governors at a rate only rivaled by Illinois and Louisiana (2 states where jail for former governors is always possible). Six of the most widely read NJ newspapers are now calling for Christie to step down, or face either a recall or impeachment since he hasn't been home to do his REAL job. I think it's something like 240+ days out of state last year. That's 2/3 of the time. Even George W. Bush didn't take THAT much time off his job as POTUS!
Too bad Molly Ivins isn't around to skewer Trump as he deserves. She described Dubya as a guy born on 2nd base who thought he hit a double. Trump would claim he hit a home run! He claims the name "Trump" means quality, but to me it's only meant tasteless ostentation combined with shaky financing that could go bust any minute.
10
Gail, we could call The Donald late for dinner. When Governor Chris Christie stood behind his champion, Mr. Trump, at the mikes in the "Ballroom of Equality" in Mar a Lago, he reminded one of Smee, Captain Hook's Bosun in Peter Pan, of a remora latched onto a great big shark, of a VEEP hopeful only a breath away from the Presidency, of Sancho Panza and Don Quixote's impossible dream. So, revenons a nos moutons (as the French say, back to our sheep) - it doesn't look likely that anyone will rise like brioche tonight or anytime in the near future to beat Donald J. Trump for the Presidency between now and July when the candidates are given the holy nod by Reince Priebus and the GOP Kingmakers at the Cleveland convention (and likewise the nod to Hillary Clinton by her bigwigs and DNC in Philly). By now (since last night) Dr. Mr. Ben Carson (in the UK neurosurgeons are called "Mr"., Mister, not Dr., Doctor) has withdrawn from his candidacy and will go on to undoubtedly more important and worthwhile endeavors. So the chaff of the 17 original GOP Hobson's Choices wannabe POTUSes is gone with the wind, and remaining, to cross swords with Ms. Kelly and FAUX News in tonight's Fox Theatre debate in Detroit are Mr. Trump, Governor Kasich, and los dos caballeros/Senators, Cruz, and Rubio. At least, no matter how the chips may fall tonight, no one is going to call The Donald "MISTER Tibbs"!
5
By punching so many holes in these candidates' "rhetoric," Gail lets the sun shine in on their ridiculous and goofy statements. Yeah, well you take a look Donald at Palm Beach, Fla." Totally open to all...he speaks as though all are idiots. There's a high price for admission. Until this column, I thought this was his home, the former home of Marjorie Meriwether (sp) Post, I believe, and while certainly never open to hoi poi, at least there was nothing completely hypocritical inferred: rich meant rich and you were invited or paid a sum to some charity for attending an event held there. The process of Rubio and the cross to bear in Cruz are other opportunities for further columns. This is in fact just another reality television show. Right? The Candidates for President of the USA.
5
I always thought that celebrities calling him "Mr. Trump" while he called them "Ozzy" or whatever was odd. In the case of the introduction last night I will leave it to others to check the tape, but I am sure that most candidates were introduced by title: Senator ---, Governor ---, etc. His title is just "Mister" and to today's electorate that is better than "Senator".
4
How about "Unca," as in Unca Donald (Duck)?
1
Christie is the consummate brown-noser. As an aside, New Jersey provided me with an opportunity see Klan propaganda first hand when I found a Klan flyer left on a picnic table at a roadside in Warren County.
1
Whatever honorific The Donald (I guess that's old hat now that he's on a presidential glide path) warrants, surely it must be prefixed with the word "Your" as in "Your Blusterness" or "Your Ignorance, The Donald."
As for the construction cone governor, wouldn't a simple "Sir" show sufficient deference?
www.endthemadnessnow.org
As for the construction cone governor, wouldn't a simple "Sir" show sufficient deference?
www.endthemadnessnow.org
2
I know America is famous for it's second acts, but Mr. Christy is going to have to have one hell of a second act to overcome his self castration in the service of Mr. Drumpf. I don't believe that I've ever seen a more complete humiliation than the one Christy brought on himself. It was simply pathetic.
The man revealed himself to the world - in stark relief - for the craven, completely unprincipled empty suit he really is. Drumph dismissing him when Christy announced for Drumpf with, "You can go home now." . . . well, it doesn't get a lot more humiliating than that.
Ah, Chris, we hardly knew ye. Well, actually we did. Too well.
The man revealed himself to the world - in stark relief - for the craven, completely unprincipled empty suit he really is. Drumph dismissing him when Christy announced for Drumpf with, "You can go home now." . . . well, it doesn't get a lot more humiliating than that.
Ah, Chris, we hardly knew ye. Well, actually we did. Too well.
8
South Africa has a president who behaves in a way that is reminiscent of Trump: His name is Mr. Zuma. Look it up and see where you could be headed!
3
In the locker room I frequent I recently asked a Trump supporter what he thought of the Donald's latest antic.
He replied vehemently, 'You call him Mister Trump!'.
He replied vehemently, 'You call him Mister Trump!'.
2
How does Marco Rubio, the Establishment darling, who back stabbed his mentor, who was supposed to be the frontrunner, right out of the race, and who now has billionaires lining up to write checks to Super PACs to drag Marco over the finish line, and has an audience in his favor planted in the the Republican debates, how does this guy have the chutzpah to call himself an "underdog".
9
'Sir'. True it was an accident, and happened years ago when I had to step over gracefully the outstretched legs of a portly gent; I believe it might have been Mayor Washington. My boss did not raise an eyebrow when I managed to give him a message.
'Call me by my first name', when I started at the office, 'after all my garage mechanic does'. You have two people working for you, was my reply. Your assistant to call you by your first; your secretary by your last. And, this worked very well over the years. He started to address my colleague as his 'Assistant', and on sunny days, I would hear him on the phone 'you will have to check my schedule with my Ladies'.
'Christie looks like a hostage, standing behind Donald Trump' from a friend earlier. To cut to the chase, it does not matter what we call this American idol and cult figure because he doesn't hear. When a British friend asked about this phenomenon, I asked if she remembered Billy Bunker, the awkward fat boy at school, now grown up and on his way to becoming the next President of the US of A.
There is really nothing one can do with some men and Trump takes the cake. Should the handyman finally show up this morning, he is going to get a hard time in the kindest of ways.
Maybe I am voting for Mrs Hillary Clinton, not only because she is the candidate of my choice, but because she is a woman. Go get them, Tigger!
'Call me by my first name', when I started at the office, 'after all my garage mechanic does'. You have two people working for you, was my reply. Your assistant to call you by your first; your secretary by your last. And, this worked very well over the years. He started to address my colleague as his 'Assistant', and on sunny days, I would hear him on the phone 'you will have to check my schedule with my Ladies'.
'Christie looks like a hostage, standing behind Donald Trump' from a friend earlier. To cut to the chase, it does not matter what we call this American idol and cult figure because he doesn't hear. When a British friend asked about this phenomenon, I asked if she remembered Billy Bunker, the awkward fat boy at school, now grown up and on his way to becoming the next President of the US of A.
There is really nothing one can do with some men and Trump takes the cake. Should the handyman finally show up this morning, he is going to get a hard time in the kindest of ways.
Maybe I am voting for Mrs Hillary Clinton, not only because she is the candidate of my choice, but because she is a woman. Go get them, Tigger!
3
“Mister Trump” is just a part of the Donald's schtick. This is just one more example of reality television merging with presidential politics. As the Donald is fond of pointing out, it is all about the rating when it comes to debates and not about the substance.
With that in mind other monikers the Donald should consider are, “il Trumpo”, “Herr Drumpf” or “Der Leader”. As the Donald knows all to well in this day and age, it is all about the marketing.
With that in mind other monikers the Donald should consider are, “il Trumpo”, “Herr Drumpf” or “Der Leader”. As the Donald knows all to well in this day and age, it is all about the marketing.
80
Napoleon and Squealer!
53
I wonder if we'll see Christie at Trump's side again. Trump made his point with both Palin and the New Jersey governor. He can roll these Republican icons onto the floor, show everyone he owns them, and then roll them back to the Game of Thrones dungeon. And Trump isn't even perturbed to be upstaged in the news cycle by Christie's hang-dog demeanor. Rather, he's chuckling at Christie's utter humiliation.
11
It was clear to me, while looking at Christie's concerned/alarmed/fearful visage as he stood behind Trump, that a large tarantula was crawling up the back of Trump's head seeking nesting material. A well-placed slap could have solved the problem, but Christie failed to act.
15
I have finally figured out the Republican Party's problem. Think about Cruz's other-worldly religious fascinations, Rubio's rewind button malfunction, Carson's slo-mo enunciations, Jeb!'s "low energy," and now Christie's vacant stare. There's an Invasion of the Body Snatchers epidemic hitting the GOP! Someone contact the State Police!
12
What do you think we should call Donald Trump?
What I would call him in not printable in the NYT and the comments editor would not print my answer to that question. I'm sure he would like to be called, Master of the universe, or Your Majesty, or Lord and protector of the USA.
But we know better. Jerk is more like it.
What I would call him in not printable in the NYT and the comments editor would not print my answer to that question. I'm sure he would like to be called, Master of the universe, or Your Majesty, or Lord and protector of the USA.
But we know better. Jerk is more like it.
8
I prefer to refer to DT as "He who shall not be named.." To name someone is to give them power, which is the last thing needed in this candidate!
96
Wall Street, the Media, and the Washington bunch cannot control Trump. Its tough when you cannot play with all of your toys all of the time.
2
Although I bristle at comparing my beloved Chewbacca to Mr. Christie, it was brilliant to tune into the subtle ways we indicate our attitudes by form of address.
What does it mean to be Mr. or Dr. or Mrs. or Ms.? Many years ago, wasn't it a point of interest when Hillary Clinton went by Mrs. Clinton rather than Ms. Clinton or Ms. Rodman?
I believe Ivanka Trump coined the term "The Donald." But as we dubbed Roosevelt FDR, it would be great to refer to Trump as DT: the sweating, hallucinations & seizures that come with alcohol poisoning.
What does it mean to be Mr. or Dr. or Mrs. or Ms.? Many years ago, wasn't it a point of interest when Hillary Clinton went by Mrs. Clinton rather than Ms. Clinton or Ms. Rodman?
I believe Ivanka Trump coined the term "The Donald." But as we dubbed Roosevelt FDR, it would be great to refer to Trump as DT: the sweating, hallucinations & seizures that come with alcohol poisoning.
7
Dear Ms. Collins,
Not to worry; the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE is, apparently, going to war with the "Trumpster/Dumpster" making an all out effort to de-rail his train ride to the nomination.
And they are doing this for the good of the nation (Soundtrack, please, with tons of laughter and guffaws),excuse me, for the "good of the party".
They REALLY don't want their party branded as exclusive, racist, hate filled, bought off and concerned only with fund raising and billionaires. Did I mention mostly white?
The problem is that the GOP/TP/K.A. IS all of those things and Mr. Trump merely the embodiment of all that is under the Republican rock trying to hide from public view.
Again, they're not so upset with the "Trumpster/Dumpster" because he might just be awful for the country. They don't like him because he makes an already ugly looking bunch of politicians, collectively known as Republicans, look even MORE ugly and, as a bonus to the Frankenstein monster they helped gestate, he's not controllable.
Since the original movie "Frankenstein" didn't name the monster, I might suggest calling Mr. Trump "B.K." (Boris Karloff the actor who originally played the monster) like some kind of weird, golden haired white pseudo-rapper. I know, it's a stretch but just think, Chris Christie could be "Igor" except his hump is on his front!
Just break out a recording of the "Monster Mash" and let the next screaming match, er , debate begin!
Not to worry; the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE is, apparently, going to war with the "Trumpster/Dumpster" making an all out effort to de-rail his train ride to the nomination.
And they are doing this for the good of the nation (Soundtrack, please, with tons of laughter and guffaws),excuse me, for the "good of the party".
They REALLY don't want their party branded as exclusive, racist, hate filled, bought off and concerned only with fund raising and billionaires. Did I mention mostly white?
The problem is that the GOP/TP/K.A. IS all of those things and Mr. Trump merely the embodiment of all that is under the Republican rock trying to hide from public view.
Again, they're not so upset with the "Trumpster/Dumpster" because he might just be awful for the country. They don't like him because he makes an already ugly looking bunch of politicians, collectively known as Republicans, look even MORE ugly and, as a bonus to the Frankenstein monster they helped gestate, he's not controllable.
Since the original movie "Frankenstein" didn't name the monster, I might suggest calling Mr. Trump "B.K." (Boris Karloff the actor who originally played the monster) like some kind of weird, golden haired white pseudo-rapper. I know, it's a stretch but just think, Chris Christie could be "Igor" except his hump is on his front!
Just break out a recording of the "Monster Mash" and let the next screaming match, er , debate begin!
4
"I built the Mar-a-Lago Club totally open to everybody.” Donald Trump, 2016
"Now, you take the average guy, who earns $100,000 a year..." Nelson Rockefeller, 1964
"there are 47 percent... who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them" Mitt Romney, 2012
The common thread is that the GOP elite continue to have a jaundiced view of how most of us live. It's no wonder that their solutions are so completely out of touch with the lives of most Americans
"Now, you take the average guy, who earns $100,000 a year..." Nelson Rockefeller, 1964
"there are 47 percent... who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them" Mitt Romney, 2012
The common thread is that the GOP elite continue to have a jaundiced view of how most of us live. It's no wonder that their solutions are so completely out of touch with the lives of most Americans
12
Marco Rubio is the Platonic Ideal of an 'empty suit.' He's also as crooked as a dog's hind leg. I can't believe anybody would even consider voting for him.
18
Not too long ago, in august of 2015, NBC officially "fired" Donald Trump from hosting Celebrity Apprentice
http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/nbc-officially-fires-donald-trump-celebrity-a...
"NBC cut ties with Trump in June days after he made critical comments about Mexican immigrants and NBC canceled its airing of the Miss USA pageant, which Univision also decided not to air. Greenblatt said he enjoyed working with Trump when the network was still in business with him. “He is a lovely guy. He was very much a collaborator and worked with us closely on ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ and, you know, there’s a really effusive great guy. We weren’t in any sort of adversarial position.”
If NBC could do it, the Republican party can do it too, cut him off, fire him. Do they have the guts to do it, because no one else in their party is drawing such crowds, winning so many "so many" votes, making so many people "so so happy"? The rest of the republican candidates are either too dangerous or too boring. None can excite. So its become an Nielsen rated audience drawing Game of Cable TV (we don't have cable TV so we have never watched Donald campaigning or being interviewed, except some of the clips from debates on regular cable free off air TV).
http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/nbc-officially-fires-donald-trump-celebrity-a...
"NBC cut ties with Trump in June days after he made critical comments about Mexican immigrants and NBC canceled its airing of the Miss USA pageant, which Univision also decided not to air. Greenblatt said he enjoyed working with Trump when the network was still in business with him. “He is a lovely guy. He was very much a collaborator and worked with us closely on ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ and, you know, there’s a really effusive great guy. We weren’t in any sort of adversarial position.”
If NBC could do it, the Republican party can do it too, cut him off, fire him. Do they have the guts to do it, because no one else in their party is drawing such crowds, winning so many "so many" votes, making so many people "so so happy"? The rest of the republican candidates are either too dangerous or too boring. None can excite. So its become an Nielsen rated audience drawing Game of Cable TV (we don't have cable TV so we have never watched Donald campaigning or being interviewed, except some of the clips from debates on regular cable free off air TV).
5
I faithfully answer Republican National Committee questionnaires when sent and send one dollar contributions when asked. After The Donal ... um ... Mr. Trump destroys the Republican party, where should I send my one dollar contributions?
3
"Mr. Trump"
Hah! If you can't command respect, try demanding it?
When the 'reality' show (how did they get that name?) were still running, even grown adults older than he referred to Donald as, "Mr. Trump".
Creepy.
Hah! If you can't command respect, try demanding it?
When the 'reality' show (how did they get that name?) were still running, even grown adults older than he referred to Donald as, "Mr. Trump".
Creepy.
2
He has not always been widely called Mr. Trump. His first wife, Ivanna, used to famously call him "The Donald," and so did the general public back then. Could we return to that? I like the absurdist ring to it: The Donald. If not, "Mr. Trump" works for me, just so long as he is never called Mr. President or President Trump.
5
Picture a balloon over the supremely ambitious Christie's head that reads "if I look and behave serious, Mr. Trump will appoint me to the Supreme Court one day". Picture another balloon over Trump's head that reads "for cryin' out loud will somebody get this guy off the stage? I need him like I need Sarah Palin".
5
Chris Christie is shame-less in his blatant opportunism and desire for riches. He said he is now going to go out and 'make money just like Trump'.
Loser.
Loser.
4
Trump is called Mister because he entertained millions with a tv show for 14 years, wrote a million copy selling book, built skyscrapers and developed high end properties all around the world, build and ran a lucrative international company and became a self made billionaire.
I'm really truly not trying to be rude here but he did this while you were pecking away at a keyboard the last 50 years. That is why you are called Gail and he is called Mister.
I'm really truly not trying to be rude here but he did this while you were pecking away at a keyboard the last 50 years. That is why you are called Gail and he is called Mister.
1
I think you're being very kind in comparing Christie to Chewbacca. As I was watching the press conference, I thought more of The Road Warrior. Christie should have been wearing some kind of bondage mask and a collar and chain. He looked so utterly pathetic.
4
Mr. Relevant. "affording evidence tending to prove or disprove the matter at issue or under discussion" Merriam-Webster. Never misses a beat. "It was a lousy earpiece"
2
"Seriously. When Trump was asked about the Ku Klux Klan…he once again “disavowed” the former K.K.K. leader David Duke, and then added: 'There’s nobody that’s done so much for equality as I have…I built the Mar-a-Lago Club totally open to everybody.'”
A little nuance, please… Only a little is needed to make the distinction between politicking, at worst, and bloody hands.
The Clinton role in the Rwandan genocide, the Haitian refugees' repatriation to certain death, the Ricky Ray Rector execution, and the expansion of mass incarceration, should have long ago disabused all blacks–and all whites–of Clinton nostalgia.
KKK
The Ku Klux Klan
Senator Byrd was a Kleagle
Man's inhumanity to man
Justice Black was no bald eagle.
Between 1882 and 1968
According to a Tuskegee study
3,446 blacks were lynched and burned
Senator Robert Byrd's hands were bloody.
RWANDA
800,000 skulls lined up on shelves
Nyamata Genocide Memorial.
"Never again" didn't apply to blacks.
Clinton denial was categorical
800,000 skulls lined up on shelves
The little children bled
Butchered in 100 days
800,000 Rwandans dead.
Bill Clinton biting his lower lip
Didn't bring the Rwandans back
No absolution from the Africa trip
Still dead, 800,000 blacks.
800,000 skulls lined up on shelves
Clinton indifference raptorial.
Generations of children never born
Nyamata Genocide Memorial.
http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/metal-racks-hold-the-bones-of-thousa...
A little nuance, please… Only a little is needed to make the distinction between politicking, at worst, and bloody hands.
The Clinton role in the Rwandan genocide, the Haitian refugees' repatriation to certain death, the Ricky Ray Rector execution, and the expansion of mass incarceration, should have long ago disabused all blacks–and all whites–of Clinton nostalgia.
KKK
The Ku Klux Klan
Senator Byrd was a Kleagle
Man's inhumanity to man
Justice Black was no bald eagle.
Between 1882 and 1968
According to a Tuskegee study
3,446 blacks were lynched and burned
Senator Robert Byrd's hands were bloody.
RWANDA
800,000 skulls lined up on shelves
Nyamata Genocide Memorial.
"Never again" didn't apply to blacks.
Clinton denial was categorical
800,000 skulls lined up on shelves
The little children bled
Butchered in 100 days
800,000 Rwandans dead.
Bill Clinton biting his lower lip
Didn't bring the Rwandans back
No absolution from the Africa trip
Still dead, 800,000 blacks.
800,000 skulls lined up on shelves
Clinton indifference raptorial.
Generations of children never born
Nyamata Genocide Memorial.
http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/metal-racks-hold-the-bones-of-thousa...
3
Should be an interesting day as the GOP struggles to clean up the mess they made.
This will be a study in American democracy, as elected GOP leaders do everything they can to subvert the will of the GOP people who voted for The Donald.
"Be sure to get out there and vote!" (and then senior GOP officials will do whatever they can to undo the voting results).
I'm gonna get me some popcorn.
This will be a study in American democracy, as elected GOP leaders do everything they can to subvert the will of the GOP people who voted for The Donald.
"Be sure to get out there and vote!" (and then senior GOP officials will do whatever they can to undo the voting results).
I'm gonna get me some popcorn.
3
Sure seems like Trump has some serious dirt on Christie. Why else would Christie put himself through this?
6
It's a bit jarring for me to hear anyone called "Mister" because the only ones I've called mister since graduating high school have been my cats! My bosses go by their first names unless their title is Doctor (and then only in front of clients) and my pastor is Reverend Mary.
Meanwhile I need to go clean up Mister J.B.'s hairball.
Meanwhile I need to go clean up Mister J.B.'s hairball.
161
The Ghoulish Old Party.
A friend of Governor Christie's indicates that Chris believes Mr. Trump's health is not all it is trumped up to be (remember his hippie doctor's over the top proclamation a while back?)
So here is the Governor, standing in wait for the Donald to fall, the only viable path to the presidency Christie has left.
Yuck!
A friend of Governor Christie's indicates that Chris believes Mr. Trump's health is not all it is trumped up to be (remember his hippie doctor's over the top proclamation a while back?)
So here is the Governor, standing in wait for the Donald to fall, the only viable path to the presidency Christie has left.
Yuck!
14
Call the Don anything, but President.
29
I agree that Christie's lapdog and lackluster performance is worthy of note... and ridicule. What concerned me more, though, even more than Trump's insistence that he be called "Mr." by lesser beings, was the image of his grim-faced son on stage to Trump's left. (Did you note that the son also gave Christie the cold shoulder?)
I have no doubt that if Trump succeeds he'll name family members to key administration positions and, though nepotism is hardly new, multiple arrogant and entitled mini-me's running around will prove even more antithetical to good governance.
I really dislike commentators who disrespect American presidents by not using "president" before their names. One could respect the position if not the incumbent. Should Trump win, however, and even if petty, I will not use the title with his name. "Mr." is the best I can do.
I have no doubt that if Trump succeeds he'll name family members to key administration positions and, though nepotism is hardly new, multiple arrogant and entitled mini-me's running around will prove even more antithetical to good governance.
I really dislike commentators who disrespect American presidents by not using "president" before their names. One could respect the position if not the incumbent. Should Trump win, however, and even if petty, I will not use the title with his name. "Mr." is the best I can do.
5
I think it's clear. Donald Trump would prefer to be addressed as Your Royal Highness or Our Savior.
Either will do as far as he is concerned.
Either will do as far as he is concerned.
7
Ms Collins, please consider this humble exhortation: consider an invitation to be the Democratic Vice Presidential candidate seriously. Then in proper succession, become the President of these United States. And with your intelligence, charm, and humor, unite the world!
9
I'm shocked that anybody is surprised about Christie's latest "act."
Isn't this the same guy who was well known as a bully who was thin-skinned while at the same time verbally abusing teachers, political opponents, the public and the press.
Someone who created a staff that trapped school children, the police and patients in ambulances over a petty dispute with the mayor of small town that refused to endorse him.
He was a mini-Trump before the "real" Trump, aware of how Christie's antics played so well with a certain demographic (white, uneducated, racist, anti-everything, Fox news loving knuckleheads), got his campaign rolling with that low hanging fruit.
So Tump beat him out as the biggest bully at the "debates", won Christie's strongest supporters and turned the blustery NJ gov. into his mini-me.
Isn't this the same guy who was well known as a bully who was thin-skinned while at the same time verbally abusing teachers, political opponents, the public and the press.
Someone who created a staff that trapped school children, the police and patients in ambulances over a petty dispute with the mayor of small town that refused to endorse him.
He was a mini-Trump before the "real" Trump, aware of how Christie's antics played so well with a certain demographic (white, uneducated, racist, anti-everything, Fox news loving knuckleheads), got his campaign rolling with that low hanging fruit.
So Tump beat him out as the biggest bully at the "debates", won Christie's strongest supporters and turned the blustery NJ gov. into his mini-me.
20
By what title do you call a U.S. presidential candidate who is so germaphobic he will not shake hands with anyone? Who has denounced whole populations to the extent that our closest ally's parliament, Great Britain, has formally discussed barring him from their country? Who has alienated our southern geographic neighbor, Mexico, to the extent that their former president, Vincente Fox, cusses him out on TV? Who has demonstrated no diplomatic tendencies, nothing but ill-considered, testosterone-fueled, solipsistic and egomaniacal bluster and aggression? Who is working on his third wife; who brags about all the "top" women he's bedded; and who says of his daughter that if she was not his daughter he'd likely be going after her too? Who has alienated Latino TV, Univison? Whose living quarters atop Trump Tower is absolutely the gaudiest, least tasteful waste I have ever, via The Apprentice, seen? Who is already threatening Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, a man nominally in his own Republican Party? A man who is utterly incapable of modesty, self-reflection, introspection and who, in his own mind, has never lost at anything and is never wrong? Who dares to lecture the current Pope on appropriate behavior?
Goodness, Gail, that's easy: "Your Highness." Alternatively, "Sun King." But my preference is to call him by his real name: BEELZEBUB.
Goodness, Gail, that's easy: "Your Highness." Alternatively, "Sun King." But my preference is to call him by his real name: BEELZEBUB.
30
The "Mister Trump" thing was really weird. Christy has obvious self esteem issues. His rampant bullying, rudeness toward people, and his need to subconsciously enhance his self concept, by associating with celebrities as a Bruce Springsteen groupie, weirdly hugging Jerry Jones on national T.V., or being a factotum or sycophant for Donald Trump, can be explained by understanding it's simply psychological compensation for the hollow core within.
13
So far Gail, the joke has been on us. If we don't stop the snarky sniveling and take the silly smirks off our faces we'll soon be saying "President Trump." The chief clown in the summer circus that were the Republican debates has now emerged and he is truly the Frankenstein that the Republican Party with its years of successfully cultivating and recruiting white southern bigots has bequeathed us. Now it is the establishment Republicans who have stopped laughing and are rallying their beleaguered forces to stop The Donald. But, it is too late. If Trump is Frankenstein, Ted Cruz is Dracula, and Marco Rubio is the robotic Terminator.
12
So far, Donald Trump has continued staying ahead of the "pack". Well actually, its just Ted Cruz, with Marco and Kasich not really on anyone's tail. Trump better hope that Cruz remains in the race, however; because, that forces even the GOP to consider Donald over Ted. But lately, the Republican Establishment has begun speed-reading Mary Shelley's 1818 classic, trying to get a clue as to how they might actually control the Monster, which they created.
But, with Chris Christie and David Duke behind him, Trump has got nothing but wind behind him.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
But, with Chris Christie and David Duke behind him, Trump has got nothing but wind behind him.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
9
When Chris Christie endorsed Donald Trump, my first thought was what is in it for him. Donald must have promised him a spot in his cabinet if he won the presidency. Now I am not so sure. Christie does look miserable, maybe recognizing what most people think - that he made a huge mistake by endorsing "the Donald." Narcissists are only concerned about themselves and Chris Christie is just a vehicle to get what Donald wants-the Presidency.
10
It's hard to call Rubio "Mister," when he has the work ethic and zest for body part/function jokes of a pre-adolescent. "Senator" is a nominal distinction.
And now he thinks he's going to save his party from Trump. His only suggested plan to do so was getting into his pick-up and driving state-to-state. Lame plan as it is, this also clashes with Rubio stating that this election will be "God's will."
How can supposedly pious Rubio interfere with God's will?
And now he thinks he's going to save his party from Trump. His only suggested plan to do so was getting into his pick-up and driving state-to-state. Lame plan as it is, this also clashes with Rubio stating that this election will be "God's will."
How can supposedly pious Rubio interfere with God's will?
7
It seems that we have a comedian or trying to be a comedian with tasteless shots at men who have accomplished more in their respective lifetimes than this writer will ever dream if she lived another three lifetimes. We all have to agree even if we disagree on the issues that; hit pieces in favor for the Democrats should have a little more substance than deformation; even if it is of failed Senators, Governors, Surgeons, and last but not least a Businessman with 40 years of experience. My question to you my dear…what have you accomplished other than making cheap hit pieces for a living?
James from Montana (whoever you really are),
In answer to, " what have you accomplished, Ms Collins" the answer might include:
1. Editorial page editor of The New York Times - no small feat
2. Published author on many books
3. Reporter for UPI
4. Writer for Newsday, The New York Daily News, et. al.
5. Member of the Pulitzer Prize Board
....and I'm sure quite a bit more.
How dare you display your ignorance in the name of your ideology.
Bruce Mellon
In answer to, " what have you accomplished, Ms Collins" the answer might include:
1. Editorial page editor of The New York Times - no small feat
2. Published author on many books
3. Reporter for UPI
4. Writer for Newsday, The New York Daily News, et. al.
5. Member of the Pulitzer Prize Board
....and I'm sure quite a bit more.
How dare you display your ignorance in the name of your ideology.
Bruce Mellon
4
To teach us, Mr. James, not to take ourselves so seriously and to distinguish what is important and not.
2
John Oliver had the right idea, when he began the meme "Make Donald Drumpf Again", Drumpf being his family name prior to his ancestors' immigration to the U.S. As he pointed out, while "Trump" seems to have a triumphal, concussively masculine sound, "Drumpf" sounds more like the sound a drunk pigeon makes when it falls into a window. Hard to take seriously, as is Don Drumpf.
21
Love you, Gail. Always do. But it's all just so very depressing. I can't get my head around a Trump presidency. This is the end of a once great nation. That is just too depressing to contemplate.
17
Squire Trump has a nice 18th century ring to it.
One old book describes the country-squire as "a clown of rank and degree." Seems appropriate.
One old book describes the country-squire as "a clown of rank and degree." Seems appropriate.
10
Curiously, I couldn't find the details on the Trump plan, all points, in the Times.
Had to go to the Guardian for it.
See link, and scroll to bottom to see all plan tabs describing his agenda.
Much of what he proposes will definitely improve conditions for the poor and middle class.
This comment is from a Sanders supporter.
I avoided all things Trump for months, but decided to take a look after a friend suggested I should; frankly I'm amazed, as it clearly is all about making America great for all Americans.
If Bernie is not the nominee, I can see why many Democrats and Independents will vote for Trump, since Hillary is all about the status quo, and making Big Business ever bigger, eventually beggaring us more than they already have.
https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions/healthcare-reform
Had to go to the Guardian for it.
See link, and scroll to bottom to see all plan tabs describing his agenda.
Much of what he proposes will definitely improve conditions for the poor and middle class.
This comment is from a Sanders supporter.
I avoided all things Trump for months, but decided to take a look after a friend suggested I should; frankly I'm amazed, as it clearly is all about making America great for all Americans.
If Bernie is not the nominee, I can see why many Democrats and Independents will vote for Trump, since Hillary is all about the status quo, and making Big Business ever bigger, eventually beggaring us more than they already have.
https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions/healthcare-reform
6
Trump's hatred of the media and allowing old men to push around young African American women at his rallies is not acceptable. David Duke and his Aryan yahoos are not acceptable.
If you can't tell the difference between Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump, then you already just hated Clinton and were looking for back up.
3
Large tax cuts for the wealthy? Large tax-credits for those who can afford the most expensive medical insurance? If you are a Sanders supporter, sad. You show you know as little as the typical Trump supporter.
2
OK, your pitch caught my interest, seemed like a reasonable, responsible thing to do to flatter myself as a well-informed voter, so I looked at the link. But I confess I couldn't get past the first paragraph. The partisan invective is certainly very rich for my taste, as I was instantly confronted with bombastic pronouncements such as referring to President Obama as "the most divisive President in history" and mentioning the ACA was passed "along a party-line vote." Oh the Irony! In any event, I guess I'm not going to be as responsible of a voter as I hoped to be. But thanks anyway.
2
What shall we call Mister Donald Drumpf? Well, let us count the names. I think, first of all, we should make a list and fashion in like the classic Chinese menus of old. We'll have a Column A and Column B. Instead of picking one item from each column the two shall remain mutually exclusive.
Let Drumpf's supporters have A. They can list all the reasons The Donald will make America great, and don't forget the end part.. Again. Column B will belong to the rest of the country. They will list all the reasons Drumpf would be a disaster as president. We then tally up each side, and the one with the most items wins and gets to decide whether Donald Drumpf is worthy to be the Prez., or whether he will be given his fortune cookie and told to go home. OK? Who will be first to order?
DD
Manhattan
Let Drumpf's supporters have A. They can list all the reasons The Donald will make America great, and don't forget the end part.. Again. Column B will belong to the rest of the country. They will list all the reasons Drumpf would be a disaster as president. We then tally up each side, and the one with the most items wins and gets to decide whether Donald Drumpf is worthy to be the Prez., or whether he will be given his fortune cookie and told to go home. OK? Who will be first to order?
DD
Manhattan
7
In 2000 I was sure that the sensible moderate independent voters would see the difference between Gore and Bush and come out to vote for the sensible moderate democrat. Didn't work out that way, as I recall.
Didn't work out so good for anyone as a matter of fact.
Now we have a sensible moderate running in Hillary Clinton and across the aisle we have the caricature of all that is nasty and wrong in America: racism, fascism, fear, over the top nationalism, corporate crony capitalism, an inability to tell the truth, and a preening primping style of ego that seems to have no basis in reality.
Yes there is also a democratic socialist that his party and the main stream press is determined to ignore. And a couple more republicans who are even scarier than T rump.
I have been taking some comfort in the numbers; if T rump's support is 35 -50% of republican primary voters that should translate to only about 15- 18% of U.S. voters. And yet........
Didn't work out so good for anyone as a matter of fact.
Now we have a sensible moderate running in Hillary Clinton and across the aisle we have the caricature of all that is nasty and wrong in America: racism, fascism, fear, over the top nationalism, corporate crony capitalism, an inability to tell the truth, and a preening primping style of ego that seems to have no basis in reality.
Yes there is also a democratic socialist that his party and the main stream press is determined to ignore. And a couple more republicans who are even scarier than T rump.
I have been taking some comfort in the numbers; if T rump's support is 35 -50% of republican primary voters that should translate to only about 15- 18% of U.S. voters. And yet........
29
Emperor Trump continues to strut down the street. Many of us realize that he doesn't have any clothes on (no policies, no real answers, no ability to articulate them, no ability to take criticism or deal with conflict, etc.). However the media continues to go along with the pretense rather than incur his wrath. And his True Believers still see fancy clothes on him. It is up to all of us and especially the media whenever they get the chance to keep asking the questions with plenty of follow up on the non-answers they get. No doubt there will be plenty of wrath coming from the Emperor. But if he is not continually confronted with the lack of clothes, we may get four years of an Emperor with no clothes who will continue the pretense. My hope is that he gets the nom, the more thoughtful GOPers will hold their noses if nec. and vote for Hillary Clinton. I'm doing my bit to recruit them.
140
I think "Emperor" Trump fits. Well said!
Trump is like Butch Cassidy. After every dastardly deed he turns around to an increasing posse and asks: "Who are those people?"
Well, who are they?
I'm more alarmed of this mob electorate willing to follow Mr. Drumpf (per John Oliver) over a cliff. It's like the villagers in Frankenstein--armed with pitchforks and torches--reconsidering and now liking what the monster has to say.
Well, who are they?
I'm more alarmed of this mob electorate willing to follow Mr. Drumpf (per John Oliver) over a cliff. It's like the villagers in Frankenstein--armed with pitchforks and torches--reconsidering and now liking what the monster has to say.
198
You're correct. The people voting for Drumpf are just as worrisome as Drumpf himself.
4
I know I should be more compassionate, but seeing Chris Cristie reduced to being Donald Trump's valet is great entertainment.
607
I spent the first 30 years of my life living in a Trump apartment building. Fred was the landlord, no better or worse than any others in working class Brooklyn then. In the '80s, when his fancy tower began to rise in Manhattan, my mother used to tell of seeing little Donny. It was his job to collect the coins from the laundry machines installed in each building's basement. Donny would be chauffeured from building to building in the family limosine for the task. The image of this kid in the dingy basement with the chauffeur, surrounded by housewives in flowered housecoats, comes to mind every time I see his smug face.
18
Nicest would be if we didn't have to utter his name in any form at all--but I guess it's too late for that.
You did miss an opportunity here to reflect on that awful nickname whereby the definite article is attached in front of this man's first name. In articles and readers' comments I have seen even opponents of the man refer to him this way, apparently thinking they could make it into a slight. But that misses the fact that it is used by his supporters and is clearly intended as a jocular reference to his "uniqueness". It is a term that wants to express a combination of endearment and respect--or even fear. As far as I know the term was invented by his first wife, Ivana (who at one point accused him of abuse, then retracted the accusation). Ivana is a native speaker of Czech: Slavic languages use definite and indefinite articles very differently from English, and it is notoriously difficult for native Slavic speakers to get a feel for the nuances--so I really wonder whether this fearful-endearing nickname is not the result of accident.
In short: all the options are bad.
You did miss an opportunity here to reflect on that awful nickname whereby the definite article is attached in front of this man's first name. In articles and readers' comments I have seen even opponents of the man refer to him this way, apparently thinking they could make it into a slight. But that misses the fact that it is used by his supporters and is clearly intended as a jocular reference to his "uniqueness". It is a term that wants to express a combination of endearment and respect--or even fear. As far as I know the term was invented by his first wife, Ivana (who at one point accused him of abuse, then retracted the accusation). Ivana is a native speaker of Czech: Slavic languages use definite and indefinite articles very differently from English, and it is notoriously difficult for native Slavic speakers to get a feel for the nuances--so I really wonder whether this fearful-endearing nickname is not the result of accident.
In short: all the options are bad.
1
Apropos the Mar del Lago quotation, I assume that the Donald reads no books but his own, however, one cannot help but be reminded of the following famous line:
In its majestic equality, the law forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets and steal loaves of bread. - Anatole France
In its majestic equality, the law forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets and steal loaves of bread. - Anatole France
6
Did we watch the same news conference? Christie didn't seem unhappy he was just playing the role of the VP as seriously as he could. I enjoyed the press conference, I think Mr. Trump is great, and as Sanders supporter, if Sanders loses or sells out to HRC and becomes her VP, I will vote Trump.
Trump is a successful businessman and he shouldn't apologize for it. He didn't make his fortune like the Clintons (2 billion Clinton Foundation and $153 million in speaking fees) by peddling influence. He has actually build things.
Trump is a successful businessman and he shouldn't apologize for it. He didn't make his fortune like the Clintons (2 billion Clinton Foundation and $153 million in speaking fees) by peddling influence. He has actually build things.
3
"To Sir, with love!" Only he's the bull in the china shop, not a dedicated teacher. It is reaching the point where one can write the ending of this comic relief. The campaign has given new meaning to the word "establishment." When a semi educated robot like Rubio can be hailed as the darling of the establishment, there is no end to the comic possibilities. Can anyone in his right mind envision a Rubio as President? Okay, there are some delusional people, but still!
7
Years ago - heck decades ago - when I was working for an attorney who had landed a job as a lobbyist for a large insurance company, I was charged with attending the committee meetings held at the Michigan legislature in Lansing where "redlining" was the hot topic of the day.
Even in my youth and naivete, it didn't take me long to realize that I could figure out who the real power in the room was, titles be darned, by who the one man was - yes man - who everyone else called Mr. and who addressed everyone else by their first name.
An anthropology student at college, I always found human culture and societal norms fascinating, my own no less so.
Even in my youth and naivete, it didn't take me long to realize that I could figure out who the real power in the room was, titles be darned, by who the one man was - yes man - who everyone else called Mr. and who addressed everyone else by their first name.
An anthropology student at college, I always found human culture and societal norms fascinating, my own no less so.
6
I love Gail Collins. Well, actually i love my wife, but I really like Gail. In this dreary campaign season, she is the only columnist who can make me smile. The Chewbacca line is terrific. What is really important about the Trump candidacy is not the demonics of the candidate but why so many people support him. According to a CNN poll, 49% of Republican voters. For answers to that question, see the column by Nicholas Kristoff, the other NY times columnist I really admire.
The last time the Republican party was in a similar fix was when Barry Goldwater was the party's candidate for the presidency. Goldwater promised in 1964 to bomb North Vietnam back into the stone age. The party's elite feared that rhetoric would let the demos take the White House and the Congress. That is exactly what happened. It was the first election in which I voted. I voted for LBJ, who tried to do what Goldwater had promised.
The last time the Republican party was in a similar fix was when Barry Goldwater was the party's candidate for the presidency. Goldwater promised in 1964 to bomb North Vietnam back into the stone age. The party's elite feared that rhetoric would let the demos take the White House and the Congress. That is exactly what happened. It was the first election in which I voted. I voted for LBJ, who tried to do what Goldwater had promised.
6
Ms. Collins got something right when she noted that Trump "has absolutely no record of public service, he lacks a title like Senator or Governor." But she completely misses the point when she suggests that a Trump administration would be "an administration where all millionaires, whatever race, creed or color, will be given equal opportunity."
Trump's wealth, friends, acquaintances, etc., have nothing to do with his popularity except that they show he is definitely not part of the established order created by our current political leaders. Also, the public could not care less if the people Trump might include in his administration are also wealthy, so long as they too are not part of the established political order. Politicians these days are almost uniformly despised by the public.
True, it would probably be necessary to have some people around who have some knowledge about how the government operates behind closed doors, but, so long as the people in charge are not career politicians, the public would not care less.
Let the established political order politicians whine about Trump, being whatever they want to say about him. That only burnishes Trump's image as a non-politician and an outsider. And, it is probably good that they can only call him Mister. It is, after all, not a derogatory term such as Senator or Governor. Mister still conveys an element of respect.
Trump's wealth, friends, acquaintances, etc., have nothing to do with his popularity except that they show he is definitely not part of the established order created by our current political leaders. Also, the public could not care less if the people Trump might include in his administration are also wealthy, so long as they too are not part of the established political order. Politicians these days are almost uniformly despised by the public.
True, it would probably be necessary to have some people around who have some knowledge about how the government operates behind closed doors, but, so long as the people in charge are not career politicians, the public would not care less.
Let the established political order politicians whine about Trump, being whatever they want to say about him. That only burnishes Trump's image as a non-politician and an outsider. And, it is probably good that they can only call him Mister. It is, after all, not a derogatory term such as Senator or Governor. Mister still conveys an element of respect.
" Remember when Christie was supposed to be tough and strong and bold?"
Not for years now.
It will be someday discovered that Christie's hit on Rubio at the New Hampshire debate was orchestrated by Trump. Christie dropped out the next day.
Since then, his full-time occupation, at N.J. taxpayer expense of his private travelling security detail, is to ook adoringly at the Donald while he spreads his hate at rally after rally.
In the words of his padron, "Get on the plane and go home."
Not for years now.
It will be someday discovered that Christie's hit on Rubio at the New Hampshire debate was orchestrated by Trump. Christie dropped out the next day.
Since then, his full-time occupation, at N.J. taxpayer expense of his private travelling security detail, is to ook adoringly at the Donald while he spreads his hate at rally after rally.
In the words of his padron, "Get on the plane and go home."
14
Sadly the US has two political parties, both are tied tightly to their ancient runes, and both are out of date. Both are moribund and fixed and neither offers a solution to the many problems facing the US. An Economy that produces nothing, an out of control military, and an ethnic stew where racial hatred is at an all time high. Political correctness prevents a discussion of any of the above. What a dump!
6
What a sad indictment of our politics when we find ourselves discussing the likes of Trump, Rubio, Cruz, and their ilk, as viable presidential candidates.
It appears our society has become completely dysfunctional.
Sigh.
It appears our society has become completely dysfunctional.
Sigh.
15
If one glances at the sports world, television announcers always refer to the team owners as Mr. not with withstanding their autocratic behavior and often dodgy financial pasts while routinely calling coaches and players by their first names. Given that Americans and sports fans in general never complain about such inequality by name, voters for Trump and sports lovers are prepared to kneel and kiss the ring, just as Chris has done
2
Tell me the underdog thing didn’t actually happen. How incredibly stupid. Well maybe not incredibly.
I feel for the Donald, having a 300 plus pound part time governor tethered to you posterior must be a horrendous burden.
As for Christie, the role of Sycophant in Chief must be better than going home to face the distain of the once adoring citizens of NJ, and that overflowing in box of neglected state business.
As the Trump juggxrnaught rolls on, the fear factor that he might actually be in a position to redecorate the White House in opulent pink and gold becomes an ever ever more frightening prospect. This is, I suppose the price of our prior political passivity and our growing national insanity.
I feel for the Donald, having a 300 plus pound part time governor tethered to you posterior must be a horrendous burden.
As for Christie, the role of Sycophant in Chief must be better than going home to face the distain of the once adoring citizens of NJ, and that overflowing in box of neglected state business.
As the Trump juggxrnaught rolls on, the fear factor that he might actually be in a position to redecorate the White House in opulent pink and gold becomes an ever ever more frightening prospect. This is, I suppose the price of our prior political passivity and our growing national insanity.
10
The editorialists here must be quaking in their loafers and sling backs over the prospect of a Trump presidency. I think it reflects two things: a) An implicit disgust, harkening as far back as both Plato and Aristotle, at the maddening outcomes possible when people are given the franchise to determine for themselves who will be their leader, i.e., the editorial staff loathes democracy, except when it gives them the leaders they approve of, and b) a lack of faith in the strength of the republic to withstand someone they see as an unfit leader.
Both counts seem to arise from a sense of smug intellectual superiority. They're smarter (so they imagine) so they think they know better than the people what's best for them.
I say call him what you will. Insofar as Trump is rattling the establishment rafters in both parties (and Sanders in the Democratic party), I'll call him a refreshing change. Would that we could get a Trump/Sanders ticket. That would really leave the intelligentsia quaking.
Both counts seem to arise from a sense of smug intellectual superiority. They're smarter (so they imagine) so they think they know better than the people what's best for them.
I say call him what you will. Insofar as Trump is rattling the establishment rafters in both parties (and Sanders in the Democratic party), I'll call him a refreshing change. Would that we could get a Trump/Sanders ticket. That would really leave the intelligentsia quaking.
1
Silly me, I always thought smart people had better answers. No, I'm learning it's about making smart people afraid. Mission accomplished I guess.
P.S. Most of our Founding Fathers didn't like what you consider democracy. They knew many people were ignorant and easy swayed buy demagogues. Of course Jefferson, Washington, Hamilton, Adams, what did they know? They were just more of the "intelligentsia".
P.S. Most of our Founding Fathers didn't like what you consider democracy. They knew many people were ignorant and easy swayed buy demagogues. Of course Jefferson, Washington, Hamilton, Adams, what did they know? They were just more of the "intelligentsia".
4
Gail Collins misses a few key points about the rise of Trump. He gets press. Forget policies. With the exception of Gov. Kasich and candidates have dropped out, who have tried to insert policy ideas into debates, the candidates now are focusing on insignificant issues, like the size of a candidate's hands to get press. Trump has brilliantly worked the media, with his 10 second clips, and flashy appearance, complete with gorgeous wife and daughter. His statements are just a little worse than what we have heard from many on both the right and the left, folks who have creatively manipulated facts for years. Trump's statements like so much else less front-page-catchy play into a void in critical thinking, a lack of skills and knowledge no longer taught. Also, Trump says what would get others fired, and some like he does what they cant't. Collins comments on the $100,000 membership fee of the club Trump started in part because some of the other equally expensive, exclusive area clubs rejected him. But, do other candidates belong to similar clubs? Where is the reporting on that? Wealth is our society's highest goal, proved by all the showy accessories. Trump's flashy style also pulls in support from people with little or no chance of even making a comfortable middle class life style, who dream of having what he has or being him. Call for changing our values and our educational system. Don't just condemn someone who has perfected the manipulation of the system.
5
Having spent nearly a third of our children's young life overseas, we returned from an overseas assignment six years ago. America was in rough spot economically (it was 2010), but out family was truly awestruck to think that we were living in the time of such an inspirational, elegant first family. How we have loved living here with such a dignified president as President Obama! How proud to be Americans. Yesterday, however, my daughter came home from school having discussed the very real possibility that Donald Trump is going to be the Republican candidate for President of the United States. At 15, she can't fathom the the kind of people who could listen to the lies he spouts and not label him a crazy at best or Hitler reincarnated at worst. She looked at me with anger and frustration at how anything like this could happen. And then she made me promise that if the worst really came to pass, that if America really was the kind of place where people would listen to Trump's boastful, ignorant rants and then cheer instead of vomit in disgust, then we would have to just leave this hateful country. And I promised. I don't know what word to call him, Gail, but I would never want this beautiful, hopeful child to hear anyone call such a vile man "Mr. President."
86
The party of NO didn't have much to offer in 2012 and it only gets worse. Looking back, they never had much to offer, ever since Eisenhower (who had to be imported from the military). Think about it. Nixon? Bush II? I agree that Bush I was at least offered us a reasonable choice, but that's about it. Keeping the rich rich was always the first goal, but in order to attract voters, the door has been opened to every nut group out there (of which there is apparently no shortage).
16
Many years ago, I thought it absolutely impossible that one George W could be elected president, and if I was a man of my word I would have eaten my hat in 2000. Thus, we must all prepare for the outlandish yet reasonable possibility that Mr. Drumpf will one day be Mr. President.
12
Thinking about a Trump candidacy for President of the United States, I'm just glad that the Electoral College actually makes the final decision.
6
Problem is that the current bunch in Congress gets the next bite at the apple if the Electoral College can't reach a majority. I think it will reach a majority, but that may turn out to be Pollyanna thinking on my part.
2
It's far more frightening viewing the thousands that line up all around the country, to fill the stadiums, waiting breathlessly to hear their savior preach a path to their salvation. Regardless of what happens to Trump, this display of nativism, racism and bigotry is not wasted, as it will surely be studied by some future megalomaniac.
As Trump fades from the national conscience sometime in the future, his followers will wait for the second coming of one who understands their fearful, dreadful, frustrated lives and again claim the greatness they deserve.
As Trump fades from the national conscience sometime in the future, his followers will wait for the second coming of one who understands their fearful, dreadful, frustrated lives and again claim the greatness they deserve.
347
How about Trumpty Dumpty?
58
Sat on a wall...of his own making.
31
Donald Trump is at the top of the food chain, which is scary, and unfortunately fear is often mistaken for respect. He’s like a T-Rex, intimidating due to his towering ego and massive bank account, but disadvantaged by a tiny brain and poor table manners. He’s the T-Rump, trampling on common sense and laying waste to our political process. Where’s an asteroid when you need one?
But removing T-Rump would not save us. Cruz and Rubio are waiting in the wings, determined to turn out the lights and close the door on the American dream. Cruz managed to shut down the government as a mere senator. Imagine what he might do as president. And Rubio is excited about what lies ahead. Considering the lies that got Republicans to this point, I'd say the future isn't a place in which any of us would want to live.
It's a shame that Carson is on the way out. I think he expressed the Republican position as eloquently as anyone could, because to do it properly requires a complete disconnect between mouth and brain. His persona leads me to think that he might have operated on himself, but that's a story for another day.
But removing T-Rump would not save us. Cruz and Rubio are waiting in the wings, determined to turn out the lights and close the door on the American dream. Cruz managed to shut down the government as a mere senator. Imagine what he might do as president. And Rubio is excited about what lies ahead. Considering the lies that got Republicans to this point, I'd say the future isn't a place in which any of us would want to live.
It's a shame that Carson is on the way out. I think he expressed the Republican position as eloquently as anyone could, because to do it properly requires a complete disconnect between mouth and brain. His persona leads me to think that he might have operated on himself, but that's a story for another day.
269
Quite agree, except that I think T-rump's main competitors are more properly known as C-ruse and R2D2-bio.
3
How one addresses or refers to Donald Trump is irrelevant.
That discussion will not influence TRump supporters.
Unfortunately it may increase support for TRump by his supporters.
They have been shafted by the economic policies of BOTH political parties.
They must be educated to understand that Trump's policies will make their status worse.
The Democratic Party must advocate and support policies that will improve their economic status.
That discussion will not influence TRump supporters.
Unfortunately it may increase support for TRump by his supporters.
They have been shafted by the economic policies of BOTH political parties.
They must be educated to understand that Trump's policies will make their status worse.
The Democratic Party must advocate and support policies that will improve their economic status.
22
Me: Black lawyer in Washington DC, with more college degrees than Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
Me: Registered Republican, Trump supporter.
And you were saying about education?
Does Obamacare cover foot in mouth disease? Because liberals need medical attention, fast.
Me: Registered Republican, Trump supporter.
And you were saying about education?
Does Obamacare cover foot in mouth disease? Because liberals need medical attention, fast.
I doubt they would listen. But talking to them around other people might motivate other who may lean Democrat to vote.
2
To New Yorkers, he's always been The Donald. It should stay that way. It's a name that is both dismissive (not worthy of Mr.) and weirdly admiring (his unique bombast and narcissism). But Mr. is too good for him.
240
The Donald fits this megalomaniac. He used to refer to himself in the third person..an affectation of kings and those who would be kings. I agree he is not worth the honorific of Mr.
7
Taking Patrick a logical step further, he should be called "Don Trump."
Especially as he is making America an offer they can't refuse.
Especially as he is making America an offer they can't refuse.
58
or, how about just plain Don. it saves the NYTimes et.al. lots of printers ink and such.
1
You mean an offer we can't understand.....
1
Ah, one needs to smile - even - especially - at a time like this.
I only wish Ms. Collins (or should I say "Gail"?) had given a sentence or a paragraph to what's happening with/between Bernie and Hillary.
And if Ms. Collins can claim "first used" on her Christie/Chewbacca comparison, her place in the humor pantheon is assured. I love cartoons, and I imagine at least a dozen artists hard at work on that fun task.
I only wish Ms. Collins (or should I say "Gail"?) had given a sentence or a paragraph to what's happening with/between Bernie and Hillary.
And if Ms. Collins can claim "first used" on her Christie/Chewbacca comparison, her place in the humor pantheon is assured. I love cartoons, and I imagine at least a dozen artists hard at work on that fun task.
33
Even better, is the photo comparison on the Internet with Trump and Christie at the top, in the now famous photo. And underneath, in a similar pose, Col. Klink and Sgt. Schultz.
3
Speaking of smiles, I wish The Hon. Ms. Collins would devote some space to The Lone (Star) Sen. Ted Cruz and his new smile between sound bites. It used to be that he looked down at the podium. Now there's a little smirk which he clearly hopes will make him look warm and fuzzy. Please please let him start looking down again.
2
So funny that I was just thinking the same thing on Wednesday morning: Christie calling Donald "Mr. Trump" and wondering if he had been directed to do that. Of course he had been.
67
And, I imagine, paid nicely for the "favor."
2
It's amusing that our "friends" have so utterly broken the Eleventh Commandment in a desperate push to make all of us abide by the other ten.
Well, not Herr Trump (my suggestion). It's likely he's broken them all, although he might have been good to his mother.
About six months ago, I remarked to a friend that when the tents come down and the elephants are returned to the zoo, the GOP nominee will be Mitt Romney. This week, he's taken on the role of the unsullied anti-Trump and will speak on behalf of the party. Can a "Draft Romney" movement be far behind?
Each week another Republican bigwig is appalled that his or her party contains so many people who smell like burning crosses. For about as long as I can remember, sensible pundits have noted that the Republican base could give a hoot about anything but perpetuating a racist, sexist, and Christian (sorry for any redundancy) worldview that would render everything that's happened since the Civil Rights Act moot.
And now Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse (Senator Sassy has a nice ring) and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, two peas unlikely to share any pod, have both announced that should Herr Trump become the nominee they'll decline to vote for him. According to a spokesman, Trump replied, "Who?"
It warms my heart to see Senator McConnell scurrying about, contorting his reptilian face, and bemoaning that the Republican Party has become ... the Republican Party.
Herr Trump is the people's choice. All heil, I mean hail.
Well, not Herr Trump (my suggestion). It's likely he's broken them all, although he might have been good to his mother.
About six months ago, I remarked to a friend that when the tents come down and the elephants are returned to the zoo, the GOP nominee will be Mitt Romney. This week, he's taken on the role of the unsullied anti-Trump and will speak on behalf of the party. Can a "Draft Romney" movement be far behind?
Each week another Republican bigwig is appalled that his or her party contains so many people who smell like burning crosses. For about as long as I can remember, sensible pundits have noted that the Republican base could give a hoot about anything but perpetuating a racist, sexist, and Christian (sorry for any redundancy) worldview that would render everything that's happened since the Civil Rights Act moot.
And now Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse (Senator Sassy has a nice ring) and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, two peas unlikely to share any pod, have both announced that should Herr Trump become the nominee they'll decline to vote for him. According to a spokesman, Trump replied, "Who?"
It warms my heart to see Senator McConnell scurrying about, contorting his reptilian face, and bemoaning that the Republican Party has become ... the Republican Party.
Herr Trump is the people's choice. All heil, I mean hail.
309
Good call Jack. My spouse who has finally come over to the Democrats from her "independent" status has been saying "Go Mitt." I'm certain that others who dislike the Donald are welcoming Mitt's strong rebuke of the Donald.
2
Reptilian. That's the word I had been groping for.
4
...contorting his reptilian face...
another worthy description!
another worthy description!
2
Your description of my governor Christie is, unfortunately, an insult to both Robin and Chewbacca but while we're at it, I would suggest that he is much more like the Cisco Kid's faithful sidekick Pancho(forgive me Pancho).
41
I rather like John Olivers idea. Donald Drumpf!
Make Donald Drumpf again!
Make Donald Drumpf again!
203
Oliver offers an app for Chrome that changes Trump to Drumpf. I recommend it to all. Not only does it amuse meeverything I see the new (or original family) name, but it's a constant reminder of how awfully ridiculous Donald is. I truly feel bad for the 2+ million people who have voted him.
4
All right Gail, I'll bite. I think the moniker "D.J. Trump" is the way to go. After all, D.J. is attempting to out-showman, the ultimate showman-turned-politician P.T. Barnum who after providing the people bread and circuses in the form of his famous circus (I don't want to think what D.J. would have said about the "bearded lady"?) and of course his minstrel shows which mocked minstrel shows, served 4 terms in the Connecticut Legislature and went on to become the reformist mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut and a philanthropist. His most enduring contribution as a legislator? Giving us the anti-contraception law that was overturned nearly 90 years later by Griswold v. Connecticut. Enter Trump - trying to reconstitute P.T. Barnum at the national level. Now that's moxie.
22
The day Rubio drops out of the race he'll get the job he really wants. It will secure his shaky financial situation. He will become a million dollar a year analyst for Fox News.
111
I think both Christie and Rubio have future jobs in mind. Maybe Rubio will end up being a commentator on Fox; and maybe Christie will be in Trump's cabinet. Let's hope it's a cabinet at Mar a Lago and not the White House.
4
Nope, that one's not gonna happen. There was a news story yesterday that Marco has apparently angered um ... Mr. Ailes so that Rubio's "favored candidate" status is no long official Fox News policy.
We should call him by his 'heritage' name (with a nod to John Oliver)...Mr. Drumpf.
50
Take that heritage one step further: Herr Drumpf.
4
A small correction to your casting Christie as Mister Trump's Chewbacca, Gail. My recollection is that the Wookiees were, among other things, a tall and intelligent species...
96
I miss the days when everyone called him The Donald, Spy magazine skewered him regularly, and he was dismissed as a "short-fingered vulgarian."
81
If Marco Rubio may be out of a job soon, and because he sees himself as an underdog, maybe he would make a good dog catcher. Certainly being a dog catcher is a honorable profession and more useful than being a Republican candidate for the presidency.
37
Honorable yes, but is he qualified?
3
What about Mc Donald Trump?
Like the eponimous Mac, he is cheap (you do no need to spend a lot of your already low IQ in understanding where he comes from, what he has been all about. You do not need to part ways with more than two bucks to get he basic Mac fix). He is satisfying, kind of at first bite, awful in the long run if you keep feeding on that kind of food. Like the so-called regular Joes and Janes have been doing for an already too long eight month season. You get heart disease, both the in the physical and figurative way. Those millions of Mc Donald Trump's eaters have already brought irrepairable damage to their hearts and minds. Or maybe they were already damaged in the first place.
Like the eponimous Mac, he is cheap (you do no need to spend a lot of your already low IQ in understanding where he comes from, what he has been all about. You do not need to part ways with more than two bucks to get he basic Mac fix). He is satisfying, kind of at first bite, awful in the long run if you keep feeding on that kind of food. Like the so-called regular Joes and Janes have been doing for an already too long eight month season. You get heart disease, both the in the physical and figurative way. Those millions of Mc Donald Trump's eaters have already brought irrepairable damage to their hearts and minds. Or maybe they were already damaged in the first place.
26
After watching John Oliver's slash-and-burn takedown of "the Donald"on his HBO show, I think the perfect name for the soon-to-be nominee of the GOP is "Der Drumpf"!
65
No, Ms Collins, not Robin or Chewbacca. Not even Sancho Panza. Head pool boy at Mar-A-Lago sounds about right.
45
except pool boys are tanned, thin and sleek. How about Leporello to Don Giovanni?
Mr. Trump! In case no one noticed, or Gail Collins forgot, the N.Y. Times refers to every criminal, no matter how viscous or depraved, as Mister. As in, Mr. Dahmer, facing charges of cannibalism, was dressed in an orange jumpsuit, hands shackled behind him, or Mr. Berkowitz used a Charter Arms .44 Bulldog to kill and maim innocent strangers and terrify a city, or maybe even, Mr. Hiltler left the meeting with Neville Chanberlain feeling upbeat.
24
Gail,
If have not already done so, you owed it to yourself to spend 20 minutes watching John Olivers takedown of the GOP front runner then you will know what to call him. "Make Donald Drumpf Again"
If have not already done so, you owed it to yourself to spend 20 minutes watching John Olivers takedown of the GOP front runner then you will know what to call him. "Make Donald Drumpf Again"
41
While Christie has earned his fate, his obeisance to Trump nevertheless illustrates the candidate's narrow range of relationships with people. Trump deigns to bestow his blessing on individuals whom he can dominate, but anyone bold enough to challenge him provokes a tsunami of invective wholly disproportionate to the victim's criticism. Whom Trump cannot intimidate he seeks to destroy.
This attitude would impair any individual's ability to relate to his peers. In a political leader, however, it destroys the mutual respect essential to the proper functioning of a democratic system. Trump lacks the habit of introspection and sense of his own limitations that encourages mature adults to value the intelligence and independence of their friends and co-workers.
President Obama's critics have cited his alleged failure to reach out to the leaders of the GOP as a prime cause of the impasse between Congress and the White House. Even if this criticism were valid, it would pale into insignificance next to the turbulent relations a President Trump would have with Congress. Trump would bargain with congressional leaders, but only on terms that would flatter his already-outsized ego. His assertion that he would get along well with Congress, otherwise its leaders would pay a high price, sums up Trump's notion of amicable relations between equals.
This attitude would impair any individual's ability to relate to his peers. In a political leader, however, it destroys the mutual respect essential to the proper functioning of a democratic system. Trump lacks the habit of introspection and sense of his own limitations that encourages mature adults to value the intelligence and independence of their friends and co-workers.
President Obama's critics have cited his alleged failure to reach out to the leaders of the GOP as a prime cause of the impasse between Congress and the White House. Even if this criticism were valid, it would pale into insignificance next to the turbulent relations a President Trump would have with Congress. Trump would bargain with congressional leaders, but only on terms that would flatter his already-outsized ego. His assertion that he would get along well with Congress, otherwise its leaders would pay a high price, sums up Trump's notion of amicable relations between equals.
46
Willard Mitt Romney will call him Seamus and today he will do the equivalent of strapping him to the roof of an El Camino and drive non-stop to the birthplace of Ted Cruz. Just to prove that the GOP "staleblishment" since 2012 is undead. Or at the very least it will show that the Donald could be as good with the dogs. For everything else we still have Ben Carson's gifted book-signing hands and Marco Rubio's credit cards.
16
I perceive that most people that do not know him personally and, has not been” instructed” how to call him, would also call him Mr. Trump to be removed from him.
In the 90’s when you were going to a meeting with Mr. Trump, you were “instructed” by a very tamed staff not to shake hands because “Mr. Trump” was afraid of bacteria. Or something. Now he probably needs extra therapy to deal with touching people. Nightmares?
I wonder if this country will stand up for all this bullying. The GOP has not and, it is too late now.
Our choice. President Mr. Trump or President Hillary?
In the 90’s when you were going to a meeting with Mr. Trump, you were “instructed” by a very tamed staff not to shake hands because “Mr. Trump” was afraid of bacteria. Or something. Now he probably needs extra therapy to deal with touching people. Nightmares?
I wonder if this country will stand up for all this bullying. The GOP has not and, it is too late now.
Our choice. President Mr. Trump or President Hillary?
5
Either one, we lose..........................
Naming is an important power dynamic seldom recognized as such by most people. Feminists have been mocked for objecting to being called "honey" or "dear" or "sweetie" by male co-workers, acquaintances, or friends. Yet, historically, the right to call someone by a less formal, more intimate name has always been about power. Slave masters were called "master or "sir" or "Mr. Beauregard," but never by a first name, yet they called slaves "boy" or "Tom" or whatever they wished; ditto in our time for work places where the boss is always Mr. (or Ms) but hoi polloi are called by their first name by the boss as he/she chooses.
The Donald being called "Mr Trump," but calling those around him Chris, Hillary, Bernie etc., is the same kind of power dynamic suggesting that he is/has the power and they do not. Drumpf is used to being the one to whom others bow down; the one with the power to demean, demote, or dismiss at will; he is used to holding the power over all around him, who in the interest of keeping their jobs or staying on his good side, bow and scrape and call him Mr. Trump regardless of what he calls them.
The Donald being called "Mr Trump," but calling those around him Chris, Hillary, Bernie etc., is the same kind of power dynamic suggesting that he is/has the power and they do not. Drumpf is used to being the one to whom others bow down; the one with the power to demean, demote, or dismiss at will; he is used to holding the power over all around him, who in the interest of keeping their jobs or staying on his good side, bow and scrape and call him Mr. Trump regardless of what he calls them.
152
A good example is the English "up-stairs" custom of calling the servants by their last name, but never Mr. or Ms., even by or especially by the children. It's always "Jones" or "Jeeves" but never "Mrs. Jones" or "Mr. Jeeves", since this would convey respect. A first-name basis is a big no-no too, because that would signal friendship.
3
Christie is Grover Dill to Trump's Scut Farkus.
Cry, baby, cry...
Cry, baby, cry...
18
Better to call the electorate stupid, which it has always been. As for Trump, best is a jerk, a strong and bold jerk, but a jerk nonetheless.
33
I prefer thug and goon.
1
According to David Axelrod, people seek opposite characteristics in alternate Presidencies. "Open-seat presidential elections are shaped by perceptions of the style and personality of the outgoing incumbent. Voters rarely seek the replica of what they have. They almost always seek the remedy, the candidate who has the personal qualities the public finds lacking in the departing executive."
"..many Republicans view dimly the very qualities that played so well for Mr. Obama in 2008. Deliberation is seen as hesitancy; patience as weakness. His call for tolerance and passionate embrace of America’s growing diversity inflame many in the Republican base, who view with suspicion and anger the rapidly changing demographics of America. The president’s emphasis on diplomacy is viewed as appeasement."
"So who among the Republicans is more the antithesis of Mr. Obama than the trash-talking, authoritarian, give-no-quarter Mr. Trump?
His bombast allows no room for nuance or complexity. He proudly extols his intolerance as an assault against “political correctness,” and he vows to bring the world to heel, from Mexico to China to Syria and Iraq.
Policies be damned, who better to set things right than the defiant strong man who promises by sheer force of will to make America great again?"
"..many Republicans view dimly the very qualities that played so well for Mr. Obama in 2008. Deliberation is seen as hesitancy; patience as weakness. His call for tolerance and passionate embrace of America’s growing diversity inflame many in the Republican base, who view with suspicion and anger the rapidly changing demographics of America. The president’s emphasis on diplomacy is viewed as appeasement."
"So who among the Republicans is more the antithesis of Mr. Obama than the trash-talking, authoritarian, give-no-quarter Mr. Trump?
His bombast allows no room for nuance or complexity. He proudly extols his intolerance as an assault against “political correctness,” and he vows to bring the world to heel, from Mexico to China to Syria and Iraq.
Policies be damned, who better to set things right than the defiant strong man who promises by sheer force of will to make America great again?"
3
What to call him? The election will take care of that. He'll either go back to being The Donald and sparring with Rosie O'Donnell or he'll be President Trump.
6
I think the GOP has turned into OZ, Donald can be the wizard promising all sorts of great things while being a big bag of wind.
33
Please retract the insult to Chewbacca.
412
And Robin. Try Igor.
2
Remember TV on Saturday morning in the 70's?
"It's a bird, it's a plane. it's UNDERDOG!"
"It's a bird, it's a plane. it's UNDERDOG!"
22
and Andy Kaufman's classic performance of Here, I Come to Save the Day!
1
There's a reason Trump cites Mar-a-Lago as a bastion of racial and religious equality. When he bought the stunning property & began turning it into a private club for the wealthy, local residents & the town council fought the project. According to the Tampa Bay Times (Nov. 15, 2015), “Trump undercut his adversaries with a searing attack, claiming that local officials seemed to accept the established private clubs in town that had excluded Jews and blacks while imposing tough rules on his inclusive one.” And sure enough, he invited blacks and Jews to Trump functions – blacks like Diana Ross who lent glamour to the club, Jews like a town councilman whose opposition to the club Trump sought to mute.
Immigrants are welcome, too, in a way. As the Times reported recently, Mar-a-Lago employs cheap foreign labor rather than Americans for most of its lower-paying jobs.
Trump favors “equality” when he can use it to his financial advantage. Otherwise, not so much.
The Constant Weader at http://www.RealityChex.com
Immigrants are welcome, too, in a way. As the Times reported recently, Mar-a-Lago employs cheap foreign labor rather than Americans for most of its lower-paying jobs.
Trump favors “equality” when he can use it to his financial advantage. Otherwise, not so much.
The Constant Weader at http://www.RealityChex.com
172
Welcome back Marie! I've been reading Reality Chex since you've been gone, but it's great to have to back on the board again! Please don't leave.
1
"What do you think we should call Donald Trump?"
DONALD DRUMPF
Donald Drumpf
His Tower is a dumpf
His opponent on the stumpf
A frumpf, a grumpf
Her turnout's in a slumpf
Her Foundation's a suction pumpf
(Has Jim Comey nailed her rumpf?)
24
Trump's DSM V diagnosis: Typical Republican, Unabashed Multiple Personality.
24
Underdog, Great cartoon series, ok movie as kids movie goes. Giving the name to Rubio just ruins the concept. No underdog plays fluff boy for a rich car huckster. No underdog catches an $800,000 check for a ghost written pile of ink and pulp. This underdog sweats too much and is more of a robot. That's it, CPO3, minus the sweat.
21
Call him Herr Drumpf.
30
A comment elsewhere referred to Trump as "Der Furor".
Sounded about right....
Sounded about right....
4
I'm so sick of hearing people call themselves underdogs. What's so special about being an underdog? One day I'm gonna run for president and make a habit of referring to myself as an overdog. But I have a process I have to follow in order to get there. And the way I process is to follow my process's process, and I'm in the process of doing that now.
29
Mr. Christie looked more like Mr. Trump's Alfred to me.
11
Nope ~ Alfred has dignity and is on the side of good...
2
A caddy to the golfer who takes 18 mulligans...
3
Trump campaign gives press credentials to a White Supremacist…thus legitimizing them….
Trump's son (the one that thinks killing magnificent elephants is fun) gives an interview to the same White Supremacist…
Trump is a dangerous demagogue who incites hate with his rhetoric….
And a large number of his supporters are racists who advocate a "war of the races"…yet Trump does nothing to express outrage…
Trump is a dangerous demagogue…and a danger to our union.
Trump's son (the one that thinks killing magnificent elephants is fun) gives an interview to the same White Supremacist…
Trump is a dangerous demagogue who incites hate with his rhetoric….
And a large number of his supporters are racists who advocate a "war of the races"…yet Trump does nothing to express outrage…
Trump is a dangerous demagogue…and a danger to our union.
148
It's especially scary that many of those who share t's rascist view are armed to the teeth.
1
"True, since he has absolutely no record of public service, he lacks a title like Senator or Governor."
These titles have always bothered me. Why should former government officials be addressed as if they are still in power?
For example, I cringe every time I hear Sarah Palin being introduced and addressed as "governor," though she quit half way through her term.
Talk about absurd!
These titles have always bothered me. Why should former government officials be addressed as if they are still in power?
For example, I cringe every time I hear Sarah Palin being introduced and addressed as "governor," though she quit half way through her term.
Talk about absurd!
255
And it was jarring, and demeaning to Senator Clinton, to have Virginia voters told by their governor that he had just got off the phone with the Clintons? and that both Hillary and President Clinton thanks Virginians for their support. How about the phrase, "Hillary and her husband?" It will be jarring indeed to have to President Clintons in the White House, perhaps we can refer to them as Lurleen and President Clinton?
3
And career killers: "John M Blowhard, General, USMC, ret'd"?
Maybe I should title myself "Jim Blowheard, Assistant Troop Leader, Second Beaver Pack, US Boy Scouts, ret'd".
Maybe I should title myself "Jim Blowheard, Assistant Troop Leader, Second Beaver Pack, US Boy Scouts, ret'd".
2
Soon they will be addressing Mr. Sanders as "Colonel."
29
You mentioned that Cruz won Texas, Oklahoma and Alaska. Guess that means they like oily politicians. Cruz would definitely fit that bill.
131
My gag reflex will never allow me to refer to The Donald as Mr. or any other title of respect.
40
For the record, Cruz, when speaking of Trump, always refers to him as "Donald."
9
For towers and powers one clown overcame
The weakness and bleakness of his strange fam’ly name.
Taking ‘Trump’ as a triumph
Over meek ‘Mister Drumpf’.
And rendering the rhyming of lim’ricks fair game
The weakness and bleakness of his strange fam’ly name.
Taking ‘Trump’ as a triumph
Over meek ‘Mister Drumpf’.
And rendering the rhyming of lim’ricks fair game
24
I think Hermann Christie should call Donald mein Fuhrer.
156
“There’s nobody that’s done so much for equality as I have", said the new GOP Godfather, as his suddenly mute, lobotomized bodyguard and Crispy Crème capo looked loyally straight ahead into his future in the Trump Mime Syndicate.
The newly coronated Godfather, Il Trumpolini, later told Crispy Crème...."you can talk after I'm President, but not before....it's just business, Crispy"
Crispy Crème, who ran New Jersey like a mob operation by systematically shutting down bridges, tunnels, roadways and political discourse by hook or by crook, understands 'business' and the word of the Godfather.
But back to the great civil rights leader of our time, Donald John Trump, who reminds almost everyone I talk to of Martin Luther King Jr.
Donald's 'I Have A Meme' campaign often reminds of MLK's 'I Have A Dream' speech.
"Let greedom ring from the terrific Rockies of Colorado. Let greedom ring from the terrific slopes of California. Let greedom ring from that terrific Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let greedom ring from Lookout Mountain of terrific Tennessee.
Let greedom ring from every bank account in Manhattan. From Trump Tower, let greedom ring.
And when we let greedom ring, in every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all Americans - mostly older Protestant white men actually - and no Muslims and Mexicans for now - will be able to join hands and sing:
Greedy at last! Greedy at last! Thank God Almighty, we are greedy at last!"
Thank you, Greedy Godfather.
The newly coronated Godfather, Il Trumpolini, later told Crispy Crème...."you can talk after I'm President, but not before....it's just business, Crispy"
Crispy Crème, who ran New Jersey like a mob operation by systematically shutting down bridges, tunnels, roadways and political discourse by hook or by crook, understands 'business' and the word of the Godfather.
But back to the great civil rights leader of our time, Donald John Trump, who reminds almost everyone I talk to of Martin Luther King Jr.
Donald's 'I Have A Meme' campaign often reminds of MLK's 'I Have A Dream' speech.
"Let greedom ring from the terrific Rockies of Colorado. Let greedom ring from the terrific slopes of California. Let greedom ring from that terrific Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let greedom ring from Lookout Mountain of terrific Tennessee.
Let greedom ring from every bank account in Manhattan. From Trump Tower, let greedom ring.
And when we let greedom ring, in every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all Americans - mostly older Protestant white men actually - and no Muslims and Mexicans for now - will be able to join hands and sing:
Greedy at last! Greedy at last! Thank God Almighty, we are greedy at last!"
Thank you, Greedy Godfather.
683
Can you imagine the scope of corruption that will accompany a Drumph presidency? Carl Icahn as Chief of Staff; Snarly Fiorina for Secretary of Commerce; Paul Lepage as head of education and Ben Carson as head of HHS. Spiro Agnew will return from the dead just to share in the illegally gotten gains.
7
That was absolutely hilarious.You are really funny man. My partner Judy who's a prof at the "U" think and I think you are uniquely talented.She is going to use your comment in her creative class. Your voice is distinctive. You are really creative.You really should have your own column and Im not being gratuitous.
3
Always look forward to your comments. When will the NYT give you your own column.
3
The hubris of Mr. Trump is what defines the hubris of the wealthy. "I built the Mar-a-Lago Club totally open to everybody.” as long as one has the membership fee of $100,000.
320
Tom,
It's analogous to Mittens' confusion eight years ago when he wondered why all of these unhappy, un-employed, young people did not simply approach their parents for a million dollar loan to start up their own businesses.
It's analogous to Mittens' confusion eight years ago when he wondered why all of these unhappy, un-employed, young people did not simply approach their parents for a million dollar loan to start up their own businesses.
13
The laws of France forbid princes and beggars from sleeping under bridges and stealing oranges.
2
God Gail,, you got me with Rubio's new book, "Also Ran: redefiningt the new American dream. Perhaps it can be advertised not so much as a political memoir but as a self help book along the lines of , " You too can run for president and develop your own donor base who will support you through thick and thin, particularly when you give up your Senate seat."
You have to admit this season has given you an amazing amount of material to work with in developing your columns,. The only reason why some of them are not as funny as this one is because it's hard to treat as satire, an ugly reality unfolding before urrban eyes, as reality run amok.
.
Finding humor in situations more deserving of a reaction of horror is no small feat. I don't envy how you earn a living these days Gail, when Media satire is so close to the truth that the satire loses its punch. Maybe we can hire the Boston Globe "spotlight team" to focus on the real political crimes being covered up by the political establishment.
You have to admit this season has given you an amazing amount of material to work with in developing your columns,. The only reason why some of them are not as funny as this one is because it's hard to treat as satire, an ugly reality unfolding before urrban eyes, as reality run amok.
.
Finding humor in situations more deserving of a reaction of horror is no small feat. I don't envy how you earn a living these days Gail, when Media satire is so close to the truth that the satire loses its punch. Maybe we can hire the Boston Globe "spotlight team" to focus on the real political crimes being covered up by the political establishment.
231
"God Gail,, you got me with Rubio's new book, "Also Ran: "
Really? When, if ever, will this ever get tired?
Really? When, if ever, will this ever get tired?
1
Satire has its limits. It seems Steven King might be the right sort of person to be writing op-ed pieces when the great huckster is the topic. For this a horror show of monumental proportions is in order. The only redeeming factor is that the laugh is on the Republicans. They are the party which has always been able to count on the votes of those who now flock to this con-artist. Republicans can deny this is their prodigy, but most of us recognize their dog whistle, even if it is out of the range of our ear's detection.
6
That fact that he gave up his senate seat screams how confidant he was that he was the golden boy who could not lose. I wonder if he will yell "DO OVER" like the man-child he is. Wait.... I called Dibbs on that seat!
4
The scary thing is that Christie and El Donaldo have apparently known each other for almost 15 years - reportedly from when Christie had business as a prosecutor in the court-room of DT's sister, after which she said " Donald wants to meet you ", and they went to DT's for dinner.
Maybe that accounts for CC's jarring mix-up at Mar-a-Lago Tuesday night where he slipped once, saying ' Donald '.
As for us, like naming pets, we believe monikers should be descriptive of personality, so how about The Mouth, The Chimera, The Peddler, The Seriall Casino Bankruptee, The Condo Sales Guy, Trust Fund Baby ?
Or, remembering his announcement day after descending a golden escalator from on high, The Spittler ?
Maybe that accounts for CC's jarring mix-up at Mar-a-Lago Tuesday night where he slipped once, saying ' Donald '.
As for us, like naming pets, we believe monikers should be descriptive of personality, so how about The Mouth, The Chimera, The Peddler, The Seriall Casino Bankruptee, The Condo Sales Guy, Trust Fund Baby ?
Or, remembering his announcement day after descending a golden escalator from on high, The Spittler ?
60
Don't forget dealer in fraudulent diplomas.
5
That's really unfair. Even if you didn't say it explicitly, nicknames like that have an unmistakable "organized crime" connection for most of us.
I'm not sure, but it's just possible that that's a "club" - ethnicity probably not the biggest reason - that is genuinely too "good" to admit DT.
Hey, I wonder if that one might have legs - "DT, the man who has given 60% of Americans the shakes!"
I'm not sure, but it's just possible that that's a "club" - ethnicity probably not the biggest reason - that is genuinely too "good" to admit DT.
Hey, I wonder if that one might have legs - "DT, the man who has given 60% of Americans the shakes!"
Rubio for court jester! The court of Lord Mr. Trump, of course.
41
Rubio should do his own telenovela show. He has the looks, the jokes, the memorizing and delivery of lines, down pat.
6
When Chris Christie was debating Trump, he didn't hesitate to call him "Donald." Now that he's working for the guy, "Mr. Trump" seems more appropriate. It's sure to come up in the governor's next performance review, after all.
The next time we see Christie, he'll probably have "Chris" embroidered over his breast pocket, right above the Trump logo.
The next time we see Christie, he'll probably have "Chris" embroidered over his breast pocket, right above the Trump logo.
364
You forgot to add the word Newark on his name tag just like in Disney World.
2
Below the logo.
3
Now, if for once, in respect for his office and in honor of him having won two elections, overseeing the Gulf cleanup, removing the cap and including pre-conditions in healthcare coverage; leading an international coalition of Security Council members (including Russia!) in negotiating nuclear disarmament with Iraq (already paying additional dividends; Iraq recently voted into office more moderates), negotiating a global climate agreement, stabilizing the labor and financial markets, securing global health against new threats, limiting American occupation in foreign countries, offering global eulogies from South Carolina to South Africa, and creating a rich cultural legacy at the White House (celebrating among others, Stevie Wonder and Burt Bacharach)--his wife creating a life-affirming focus on healthy eating with a back lawn garden harvested by local students, a national recipe competition for youth and a beehive and Beyonce videos--if now those who seek the office will again remember charity begins at home and know that dignity begins in the heart with how we treat others (or find an epiphany in prayer!)--and set an example gleaned from the best of America's past, and proudly call Barack Obama, the most powerful leader among the world's 196 nations, "Mr. President."
"That guy" is getting old and tiresome and contradicts any claims of greatness; rather, around the world, it brings shade and shames America's promise.
"That guy" is getting old and tiresome and contradicts any claims of greatness; rather, around the world, it brings shade and shames America's promise.
893
Mr. Rhett - perhaps you can fill in with a full editorial this year. I agree wholeheartedly with you assessment of our President!
7
Thank you, Walter,
When Christie referred to our President as a "feckless weakling" I was as shocked as I've been at anything in a very, very long time. And I find Maureen refer to him as "Barry" in her NYT column (which I no longer can bear to read) simply appalling.
When Christie referred to our President as a "feckless weakling" I was as shocked as I've been at anything in a very, very long time. And I find Maureen refer to him as "Barry" in her NYT column (which I no longer can bear to read) simply appalling.
14
First of all, Gail, on behalf of all the Chewbaccas of the world, they would like to disavow any associations with Gov Christie, or Donald Trump for that matter.
Normally, it is the (NYT) writing etiquette to address people with a 'Mr' or 'Ms' after their titles like 'Dr' or 'Prof' is used; but in this case, perhaps everyone can refer him as 'Don.'
Mr Christie's photo-ops with Don have that Stepford Wife quality to them. It is downright scary.
So maybe Sen Cruz and Sen Rubio have something to brag about after all. They have successfully fought off the Stepfords (sincere apology to anyone so happened to share this last name).
I have to admit I paid no attention to it when David Duke came out endorsing Don. Really, what is the surprise? Perhaps the Republican Party is eager to find a way to disavow Don so it tries to make a big stink out of it. David Duke supporting Don is a given. What do people think this birther business was about?
The GOP has fostered the environment in which the Dons, the Teds and the Marcos of the world to thrive. Once it has damaged its own DNA, it is difficult to reverse the genetic damages. Still, you have to give it to people like MA Gov Baker and NH Union Leader's editors to admit they would not follow Mr Christie's lead to join the Stepford family. Or even SC Sen Lindsey Graham (not a fan) who has tasted the Don's poison and chosen not to drink from the cup.
Normally, it is the (NYT) writing etiquette to address people with a 'Mr' or 'Ms' after their titles like 'Dr' or 'Prof' is used; but in this case, perhaps everyone can refer him as 'Don.'
Mr Christie's photo-ops with Don have that Stepford Wife quality to them. It is downright scary.
So maybe Sen Cruz and Sen Rubio have something to brag about after all. They have successfully fought off the Stepfords (sincere apology to anyone so happened to share this last name).
I have to admit I paid no attention to it when David Duke came out endorsing Don. Really, what is the surprise? Perhaps the Republican Party is eager to find a way to disavow Don so it tries to make a big stink out of it. David Duke supporting Don is a given. What do people think this birther business was about?
The GOP has fostered the environment in which the Dons, the Teds and the Marcos of the world to thrive. Once it has damaged its own DNA, it is difficult to reverse the genetic damages. Still, you have to give it to people like MA Gov Baker and NH Union Leader's editors to admit they would not follow Mr Christie's lead to join the Stepford family. Or even SC Sen Lindsey Graham (not a fan) who has tasted the Don's poison and chosen not to drink from the cup.
167
On second thought and in all sincerity, perhaps the public should have some pity on Gov Christie. This is what it's like to be a broken bully. Perhaps it is too charitable to feel compassion for a bully but he is still a human being. While bullies like him and Trump don't have high regards for fellow human beings, one must refrain to return in kind. Otherwise, we are no better than them
8
I don't have any respect for Christie, but I have noticed, in the last few days, that he appears to be physically shrunken when standing in a photo with Donald. I wonder what Donald threatened him with.
2
Be aware that Republican Gov. Baker of MA quickly joined with other Republicans in an attempt to bar Muslim refugees from the state. Also failing to get the basic public transporation system (the MBTA) in any kind of working order -- which cuts into not only lives, but the willingness to bring any kind of world class business enterprise to the state and country, despite our old educational institutions. Public Boston is running too much on fumes, propaganda and corruption -- something both political establishments have in common as their legacy. No wonder Senator Sanders won 49 percnt of the vote, despite the fact that the entire democratic machine in the state was heavy handedly backing Hillary Clinton. Know what I mean, Mister. We are all quite angry at the massive corruption and lack of accountability. And Trump (of Drumpf - as is his old family name) is a step in the WRONG direction!
1
Dear Gail,
I think, as Roger Cohen has suggested, that "Il Duce" matches nicely with Mar-a-Lago Grand Ballroom's ersatz gold-topped Corinthian columns he chose as a suitable backdrop a few days ago, and his defiant thrust-out-and-up chin that he leads with when he himself is not doing the talking.
Your friend,
GEM
I think, as Roger Cohen has suggested, that "Il Duce" matches nicely with Mar-a-Lago Grand Ballroom's ersatz gold-topped Corinthian columns he chose as a suitable backdrop a few days ago, and his defiant thrust-out-and-up chin that he leads with when he himself is not doing the talking.
Your friend,
GEM
85
I think there's an "h" missing.
1
It's "Survivor" time in the election, and the nation owes a debt to Donald for forcing Walker, Perry, Huckabee, Santorum, and Bush off the island. I'm cool with Christie coming back as a sidekick to help Donald get rid of Cruz and Rubio. That will be the Battle Royale.
Then it's crucial that the other team (Hillery, Sanders, Bloomberg, even someone fresh out of the jungle) get rid of Trump and thank him for his service.
Then it's crucial that the other team (Hillery, Sanders, Bloomberg, even someone fresh out of the jungle) get rid of Trump and thank him for his service.
309
Trump and Sen. Sanders were far bigger underdogs, when they started their races, than Rubio. Maybe he should support them if he feels so strongly about underdogs.
53
disagree
3
I was always under the impression that one of Trump's nicknames was "The Donald." However as part of the script of the Apprentice, Donald Trump became known as "Mr Trump" when assigning absurd sounding tasks to the teams of cowed B-list celebrities. But is this what we're down to? Gail Collins is really scraping the bottom of the barrel devoting an entire column to wondering why Donald Trump is always "Mister."
10
Chill out!
18
Each person in Donald's cabinet will fit the description of...old MacDonald had a farm eeya eeya oh "Each verse of the song changes the name of the animal and its respective noise. In many versions, the song is cumulative, with the noises from all the earlier verses added to each subsequent verse." (No offense to animals meant here)
3
How about 'Master Donald' until he grows up?
2
Just a reminder for Ms Collins re Mr.:
It was General (Mr. ) George Washington who decided that the president of the US should be called Mr. (!!) President.
There is Monsieur le President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Justice et al..
The name derives from master and was once used for those above one's station.
There is plenty to attack Mr. Trump on, but "Mister"?
The fact is that the NYT itself, were it to refer to me would also write "Mr.", ignoring my Ph.D and professorship, minor accomplishments of service, but accomplishments all the same.
It was General (Mr. ) George Washington who decided that the president of the US should be called Mr. (!!) President.
There is Monsieur le President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Justice et al..
The name derives from master and was once used for those above one's station.
There is plenty to attack Mr. Trump on, but "Mister"?
The fact is that the NYT itself, were it to refer to me would also write "Mr.", ignoring my Ph.D and professorship, minor accomplishments of service, but accomplishments all the same.
9
It's my understanding Washington picked "Mr." because he wanted absolutely no reference to royalty.
5
.
.
What should we call Donald Trump? Let's look at the scenario:
As a campaigner, he has no clear idea what he's doing; if he learns at all, he learns by watching. Then he tries his hand at the task, and gets feedback about whether he did it right. He's not expecting any money.
As President (should he make it), he will have less of an idea what he's doing. If he learns at all, he'll learn by watching and by asking questions. Then he will try his hand at the task, sometimes succeeding, sometimes failing in embarrassing ways. He could grow into it, or he could make so many mistakes that he loses his position. Even if he stays at the job, the salary will be far lower than what he's accustomed to earning.
What do we call such a person?? Gail, it must be "The Apprentice".
.
What should we call Donald Trump? Let's look at the scenario:
As a campaigner, he has no clear idea what he's doing; if he learns at all, he learns by watching. Then he tries his hand at the task, and gets feedback about whether he did it right. He's not expecting any money.
As President (should he make it), he will have less of an idea what he's doing. If he learns at all, he'll learn by watching and by asking questions. Then he will try his hand at the task, sometimes succeeding, sometimes failing in embarrassing ways. He could grow into it, or he could make so many mistakes that he loses his position. Even if he stays at the job, the salary will be far lower than what he's accustomed to earning.
What do we call such a person?? Gail, it must be "The Apprentice".
385
And I, for one, cannot wait until a co-debater - preferably the Democratic nominee - states "Donald, your statements on immigration, religion, persons with disabilities, women and you consistent misrepresentation of facts make you unfit to be President of the United States and in no position be be the nominee of any political party. Donald, you're fired" [cut to commercial]
2
One can expect "Mister" to be used with Trump in the same way that "don" is used with Corleone. It's a term of respect. Love him or hate him, he has accomplished enough so far to be given his due as a man of respect.
10
Exactly what has he done to earn respect? Employ illegals? Declare bankruptcy several times? Spew hateful, bigoted speech? I'm not following. He certainly hasn't earned my respect.
53
Surely you jest!
28
No man who has spouted off with all the outrageous things he has deserves the title mister.
25
Just so Americans understand the word games Mr. Trump is playing in the KKK brouhaha, I want to remind everyone that disavowing a group/person is not the same as denouncing a group/person.
Disavowing a group or person is simply and weakly saying you do not support or take responsibility for that group or person, you wash your hands of them. Denouncing a group or person is a much stronger action, and it means you publicly declare that group/people to be wrong or evil, you condemn them.
Mr. Trump needs to denounce the Ku Klux Klan, not just disavow them.
Disavowing a group or person is simply and weakly saying you do not support or take responsibility for that group or person, you wash your hands of them. Denouncing a group or person is a much stronger action, and it means you publicly declare that group/people to be wrong or evil, you condemn them.
Mr. Trump needs to denounce the Ku Klux Klan, not just disavow them.
587
I think he heard the word "endorsement" and had brain freeze. Later, when asked to disavow the KKK, his reaction was as if he was thinking, "Oh, all right, if I have to."
24
Thanks for the grammar lesson, John.
Because when someone asks if you disavow a group,, and you disavow that group (repeatedly), that's not sufficient,
When will Hillary disavow those groups who have made her and Bill rich? You know, the groups that wrecked the economy and hurt millions of people.
Because when someone asks if you disavow a group,, and you disavow that group (repeatedly), that's not sufficient,
When will Hillary disavow those groups who have made her and Bill rich? You know, the groups that wrecked the economy and hurt millions of people.
1
Denounce the KKK? What about the lost votes? It's business, John S, just business.
Establishment Republican politicians and just about very single Democratic one probably would be willing to hold their noses and call Trump the sexiest man alive so long as they don’t ALSO need to call him “Mr. President”. That would be a funny concession from Hillary; but, hey, the lady always DID keep an eye on substance over show.
Like a lot of Democrats, Trump understands that when your base consists of people sufficiently lost that they seek a leader who can win FOR them, what keeps them in line are the ceremonies that attend power. Bernie and unions understand this, too. But they all pale when compared to “Mr. Trump”, who has so much power that he gets to fire not just celebrities but an entire nation if the desire hits him. Interesting, though, that he balked at firing a pope – probably because he recognizes that he’s not threatened by a man possessing no real power himself.
Thankfully, while we’re likely to be deprived soon of Rubio, and the Kasich that Gail didn’t even bother mentioning, and that Carson has finally garnered some attention by making it clear that he’s out, Trump’s juggernaut also makes it clear that we have little to worry about from Cruz, as well. That’s a serious load off MY mind, as I’m too young to have been directly affected by Tailgunner Joe McCarthy and I was beginning to think Cruz was fate’s way of getting even.
Christie’s become so irrelevant that it’s not even worth inventing something to say about him that’s both funny and disparaging.
Like a lot of Democrats, Trump understands that when your base consists of people sufficiently lost that they seek a leader who can win FOR them, what keeps them in line are the ceremonies that attend power. Bernie and unions understand this, too. But they all pale when compared to “Mr. Trump”, who has so much power that he gets to fire not just celebrities but an entire nation if the desire hits him. Interesting, though, that he balked at firing a pope – probably because he recognizes that he’s not threatened by a man possessing no real power himself.
Thankfully, while we’re likely to be deprived soon of Rubio, and the Kasich that Gail didn’t even bother mentioning, and that Carson has finally garnered some attention by making it clear that he’s out, Trump’s juggernaut also makes it clear that we have little to worry about from Cruz, as well. That’s a serious load off MY mind, as I’m too young to have been directly affected by Tailgunner Joe McCarthy and I was beginning to think Cruz was fate’s way of getting even.
Christie’s become so irrelevant that it’s not even worth inventing something to say about him that’s both funny and disparaging.
67
Richard
Always love reading your comments. "Tailgunner Joe McCarthy" - that's good. And I am old enough to have lived through that period of time. I personally am for Cruz as the candidate because I think he might get as many as 100 votes from his evangelical base.
Always love reading your comments. "Tailgunner Joe McCarthy" - that's good. And I am old enough to have lived through that period of time. I personally am for Cruz as the candidate because I think he might get as many as 100 votes from his evangelical base.
7
I would use sad for Christie!
2
Unfortunately, McCarthy seriously hurt a number of people during his rampage.
6
McCain had his Lieberman
Trump has Chris Christie
Devotion and fealty
Make one's eyes misty.
Christie a nodder
Behind the Trump shoulder
Christie is tough
The Donald is bolder.
Is there a quid pro quo
Christie desires
Or just Sir Galahad
That Chris inspires?
Christie is seeking?
Trump has Chris Christie
Devotion and fealty
Make one's eyes misty.
Christie a nodder
Behind the Trump shoulder
Christie is tough
The Donald is bolder.
Is there a quid pro quo
Christie desires
Or just Sir Galahad
That Chris inspires?
Christie is seeking?
123
and where did that unwanted last line come from?
49
.
Aren't there more than just the one?
..
Aren't there more than just the one?
..
11
I wondered that, too: it felt like a bold, strong poetic move, though, even if I couldn't come up with a precise name for the new poetic form you were inventing.
Have you thought about dabbling in haiku?
Have you thought about dabbling in haiku?
2
Gail, I have an answer to your question, but that answer is not printable in the NYT. It certainly is not MR. Trump.