These 2 comments in Mr Cavett's article that require repeating and serious consideration:
First: "Hard-working people in non-glam jobs and humble living quarters might well be attracted to a man who promises to change everything. And the less specific he is, the easier it is for them to fantasize about the how."
Second: Bob Schieffer of CBS tells us: “I’m not sure more fact-checking would have changed that much. We’re in a new world where attitude seems to count more than facts.”
Might these two profoundly statements be applied to all politicians who are pandering to populists? Are any of the leading Republicans, including Gov Kasich, providing any clear details as to their plans? Is Sen Sanders providing other than reprise of his three populist themes?
Sadly, Mr Shieffer seems to have the American voter mentality defined correctly and as such this bodes very poorly for our republic that was, by design, requiring a well informed and educated electorate. Without such an electorate, the Founding Fathers and all who fought to defend USA in WW2 will have worked for naught.
First: "Hard-working people in non-glam jobs and humble living quarters might well be attracted to a man who promises to change everything. And the less specific he is, the easier it is for them to fantasize about the how."
Second: Bob Schieffer of CBS tells us: “I’m not sure more fact-checking would have changed that much. We’re in a new world where attitude seems to count more than facts.”
Might these two profoundly statements be applied to all politicians who are pandering to populists? Are any of the leading Republicans, including Gov Kasich, providing any clear details as to their plans? Is Sen Sanders providing other than reprise of his three populist themes?
Sadly, Mr Shieffer seems to have the American voter mentality defined correctly and as such this bodes very poorly for our republic that was, by design, requiring a well informed and educated electorate. Without such an electorate, the Founding Fathers and all who fought to defend USA in WW2 will have worked for naught.
8
you're going to hear about it with that "Shiite from Shinola" line.
3
When Iacocca was shmoozing for a government bailout--corporate welfare--he was asked how this meshed with his "free-from government-market" philosophy.
"This is not the time to debate philosophy" he said; "it's the time to save a great company."
So it goes. "American Capitalism" is one of Kipling's "Just So Stories."
"This is not the time to debate philosophy" he said; "it's the time to save a great company."
So it goes. "American Capitalism" is one of Kipling's "Just So Stories."
9
Most people in this country would rather have a man as President, any permutation of a man, than a women. And this includes women, too. I can't watch the debates and can hardly read the headlines about the election, it's just too depressing. Maybe keeping my head in the sand means this fiasco isn't actually happening....
3
In my lighter moments I think Trump might be our version of "Life Of Brian's" Bikkus Dikkus. We're all rolling on the floor, laughing and roaring, and he hasn't the slightest idea why.
4
Couldn't agree more, Mr Cavitt. As an educator working in a red state led by a former CEO ("Florida's open for business"), I particularly appreciate your observations about attempts to impose a business model on government; the federal government is not a business, and neither is the university system of which I am a part. While there may be parallels between business and government, there are also striking, compelling differences. To cite one painful example, in universities and in government we simply cannot (must not) index everything to growth. From today's NYT, we can't justify pipelines that destroy wilderness and contribute to our dependence on fossil fuels just in terms of job creation and income/revenue growth. And in universities we can't justify funding cuts based on corporate-model metrics that fail to account for factors other than "fannies in seats" or graduation rates.
10
Great to have you back, Mr. Cavett. We need you now!
12
Dick Cavett comes close to calling Trump what he really is, a sniviling, wining, bully of a ten year old. This is the most childish candidate we have ever seen on the national stage. He is the most thin skinned individual whoever sought national recognition. Can you imagine this pretense of a leader in the Presidency facing the ridicule, charges,and attacks the President faces every morning? I CALL UPON THOSE WHO HAVE VOTED FOR THIS SUB ADOLESCENT AND THOSE PLANNING TO. RETHINK, DO YOU REALLY THINK THE PRESIDENCY IS MEARLY A SCHOOL YARD TO BE RULED BY A DROOLING BULLY?
17
Discussions about the Donald must include the disillusion that caused his rise in the first place. Our government, twice, took our country and the world to the edge of bankruptcy, and three times threatened to shut down the government all because they could not perform the most basic of tasks - agree on the (irresponsibly large) federal budget. This is one of the fundamental jobs for which they have been elected. It was, and is, a bipartisan outrage. 5000 page tax codes, and other purposefully long winded legislation - which no one reads - are more examples of outrageous manipulation. Pork barrel special interest infpuente is scandalously corrupt. The repeal of Glass Steagall, an elegant 53 page document - yes FIFTY THREE pages short - is one of so many examples of our government waste. 20 trillion dollar debt is another. I do not need to say more. Sadly, yes Trump is hardly the answer. But an outsider with campaign reform, Budget reform, special interest reform in his/her sights is our only hope. An Economically solvent USA will project the most power worldwide and will bolster domestic growth. Hilary is not the answer. Bernie hasn't done the math. Maybe next time we will get what we need. Maybe next time ....
4
Brilliant column, it's always a pleasure to read his eloquent prose. I do disagree however with his description of Trump's followers, which is not unlike the way most pundits/media folks/other politicians describe them. Trump is a reality TV larger-than-life personality, an aberration, an outlandish caricature of a successful businessman and his followers are also reality TV personalities a la Honey Boo Boo.
Not too long ago the NYT published a study that showed the demographic break-down of Trump supporters: no high school diploma, not working, the majority living in trailer parks. Describing them as being disenfranchised former middle-class (hard) workers who've fallen on hard times over the past decade is probably giving them too much credit.
Not too long ago the NYT published a study that showed the demographic break-down of Trump supporters: no high school diploma, not working, the majority living in trailer parks. Describing them as being disenfranchised former middle-class (hard) workers who've fallen on hard times over the past decade is probably giving them too much credit.
16
The amazing thing is that most of the lib dems who agree with this column are really in the same boat. But Bernie is their savior-magician (Hilary voters are just Sanders sympathizers with a 401k; yeah, 2016 has turned us all into conservatives!).
Good luck America.
Good luck America.
4
A clever mix of personal attack at the beginning and the usual liberal outrage at the end. I found it ironic of you to attack Mr. Trump on his show business roots considering your own. Also on the hairpiece, people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, you know what i mean. I remember seeing your show one time and laughing for an hour while the late John Cassavettes obviously stoned to the gills, and I believe it was Peter Falk with him, made mincemeat of your outraged petulance at their pot fueled antics. The audience was howling and totally with them as you tried to control the situation in utter futility. It was funny and still is, reading your opinion.
4
It's true Obama hasn't gotten credit for his personal success. Neither did Bill Clinton. A lot of Republicans refuse to accept a Democrat in the White House.
Try to imagine Drumpf or George W. Bush coming up from humble circumstances.
Try to imagine Drumpf or George W. Bush coming up from humble circumstances.
23
Trumpo as a Marx Brother? How about "A Day At The Racists" ?
35
"....wouldn't know Shiite from Shinola." Beautiful! I am definitely stealing that line!!
16
I was done with the NYT and moving on to FB. But noticed the Dick Cavett column, total joy. Keep writing my friend. You are an American treasure.
Agreed, Trump represents an element of American society thats overlooked. He's may be a total fraud but his followers are real. They are angry, under achievers, but they count. They are large in number. They are not well thought out. But they are real. Whats scary is that there are so many of them.
So many people drive by the library. So few stop. So many Trump followers. They are quick to anger and fast to hate. If only they'd stop at the library if only for a moment. A few written words found in the library might change their lives for the better.
Agreed, Trump represents an element of American society thats overlooked. He's may be a total fraud but his followers are real. They are angry, under achievers, but they count. They are large in number. They are not well thought out. But they are real. Whats scary is that there are so many of them.
So many people drive by the library. So few stop. So many Trump followers. They are quick to anger and fast to hate. If only they'd stop at the library if only for a moment. A few written words found in the library might change their lives for the better.
17
After having to endure being the world's laughing stock because of Rob Ford (may he rest in peace) and his leadership in Toronto, we have had experience in this. I mean it was embarrassing at times, but certainly a conversation point when talking to my American relatives. His showmanship and temper tantrums really didn't get anything done. Despite his subways, subways, subways platform, the only subway built while he was mayor was already contracted by the previous administration. While it would be fun for me to 'give it back' to my relatives, Americans really don't need a national leader who deals in 'bad behaviour'. I applaud Dick Cavett for this. It's what the rest of the world has been scratching their head about for months.
12
This and other expert analyses of what's wrong with this picture preach to the converted. They ought to be required reading for people on the other side of the aisle, who, unfortunately, probably wouldn't listen anyway.
6
England does not allow unfettered immigration. One can not simply go there and stay.
Is England heartless and racist?
Is England heartless and racist?
5
Of the many, many opinion pieces that have been written about Donald Trump, this may be both the most clever and insightful. I would simply add one more movie analogy. The Trump candidacy is a bit like a political version of The Producers. It's as if some political consultants designed a candidate to bomb, but instead he generated sell-out crowds each night.
23
Trump's campaign reminds of some of the internet start-ups before the bubble burst in the late 90s -- you know, like the companies that promised to deliver groceries to your door with no delivery charge and no minimum order. They had no viable business plan, other than to capture market share, and eventually collapsed under the weight of their own absurdity. We can only hope that the same will happen to Mr. Trump.
6
Good insights as always Mr. Cavett. However, I disagree with your insights about Trump supporters. The fact is that there has always been a small segment of the American electorate that is willfully uninformed, reactionary and racist. I heard one briefly interviewed in New York last week who said she was voting for Trump because she was tired of having to dial 1 to speak in English on customer service calls. Really?
11
Trump is a horror, but he must win the Republican nomination in order to destroy Fox News's stranglehold on the Republican Party. There needs to be light between that particular media outlet and GOP politicians who wield power in this country. The only good thing Trump does is cleave this pillar into two. It's absolutely necessary for the country to regain some balance. Trump has bucked that network, even as he's used it. But now you can see a real focused effort on the network's part to take him down. That leaves us with Ted Cruz, who is in fact worse than Trump. At least Trump would deal and even compromise with Democrats, something that's sacrilegious to the GOP right now. Cruz's entire brand is built on never dealing with Democrats or even appeasers of his own party. His one true claim to fame is he managed to shut the government down, causing the government and the country to lose millions probably billions of dollars And he wants to be president! If Fox News wants Cruz, he's got to be bad for this country!
20
I don't think Trump "supporters" are actually expecting him to do anything for them. I think they just want revenge on those of us who aren't as miserable and unhappy as they are.
16
Thoroughly enjoyable.
But your description of Trump supporters isn't terribly accurate. Exit polls show that the majority are uneducated, ill-informed, homophobic racists.
And, yes, as Trump himself would put it, they are losers.
But your description of Trump supporters isn't terribly accurate. Exit polls show that the majority are uneducated, ill-informed, homophobic racists.
And, yes, as Trump himself would put it, they are losers.
9
This comment is from a non-Trump fan who deplores Mr. Cavett's poorly expressed stream of unconsciousness. His rambling and poorly connected invective only feeds the needs of the Trumpers whom he despises. And what does Trump's comb-over have to do with his abilities? Indeed, Dick Cavett rages with words in the same way that Trump speaks: without clarity.
5
Dick Cavett, you are a national Treasure. Please keep writing (and more often.) Reading you is like drinking a rare, fine wine. Glad you took on Donald Drumpf.
15
All his supporters need to remember that Donald Trump has never done anything for anyone not named Trump at any time in his life.
23
This entire campaign debacle is a media confab. May we please have some agreement? How did Trump get to be Trump? Media attention! A few years ago, when horse meat was found in IKEA meatballs, do you think the media ever bothered to check that horse meat is full of drugs, because of where the horses come from? No. Could have; there was a food safety issue. Media didn't care. Ratchet up the ice factor boys! Readers love it. But don't bother with actual facts, research. Because media isn't about informing the public; it's about addicting them to its more sugary twin — entertainment.
I am frankly sick of media saying how Trump's voters are disenfranchised more than other Americans who aren't his fans. Trump's fans, it appears, are saying to the rest of America: hey! look what we're doing to the rest of youse.
It's a big f-you. And who gave them their golden boy? You guys. Media.
I'd like to see the MSM take a week off reporting and ask everyone working for it if our system of democracy is worth the race to the bottom for ratings.
I used to work for MSM, and stopped. No one wants to pay for hard, fact-based, inconvenient reporting. It's too bad.
You've handed angry, juvenile Americans their own "Jackass" candidate, and they could care less who it hurts. Now stop blaming Trump and his followers for it and take a bow. This is your doing.
I am frankly sick of media saying how Trump's voters are disenfranchised more than other Americans who aren't his fans. Trump's fans, it appears, are saying to the rest of America: hey! look what we're doing to the rest of youse.
It's a big f-you. And who gave them their golden boy? You guys. Media.
I'd like to see the MSM take a week off reporting and ask everyone working for it if our system of democracy is worth the race to the bottom for ratings.
I used to work for MSM, and stopped. No one wants to pay for hard, fact-based, inconvenient reporting. It's too bad.
You've handed angry, juvenile Americans their own "Jackass" candidate, and they could care less who it hurts. Now stop blaming Trump and his followers for it and take a bow. This is your doing.
1
Dick, you are a true entertainer, being able to tell it and be funny, and still accept criticism and boomerang it at will. But when we deal with a megalomaniac with thin skin (and self-important hair), any attempt to hold him responsible for his irresponsible statements, may be subject to insult and worse, when in the public arena, classy for a coward disguised as bully. And yet, in spite of all his demagoguery, he has opened the door by revealing a corrupt G.O.P. 'establishment', self-serving on top, willfully ignorant of the 'invisibles' in the trenches, the jobless, the disenfranchised, the ones being resuscitated by fanning their fears and anger...so they can be counted to vote for an empty suit. As they say, if you can't succeed now, there is always next time. A note of caution, as you didn't mention Ted Cruz, a religious fanatic intent in 'shredding to pieces' any and all accomplishments of Obama, irrespective of its virtues, the most hated man by republicans, and apparent heir to the candidacy...once Trump is disposed of by the 'never trump' dream team. Dangerous.
8
The worst crime Trump has committed is the elevation of an even worse candidate, Ted Cruz, as the only alternative.
15
I expect I will vote for Trump in next week's primary because he is the most likely Republican candidate to go down in flames in the general election and take the party with him. We need a new Republican party that is able and willing to participate in governing. Good riddance to what we have now.
8
Here in Westchester County, there is a sign. A sign that points to nowhere in the manner of Zzyzx Road. A sign on the Taconic Parkway - Donald Trump State Park. Should you take this path you will find the essence of Mr. Trump - non-existence!
4
Glad to see Dick back after almost a year’s hiatus: hesitant to ask about cause, just happy to see him back.
And it’s so good to read finally an honest, detached review of Donald Trump’s excellent qualifications for the presidency. Given the state of Europe these days, economies going south largely as a consequence of social excess they can’t reverse without blood in their streets, riven by competing ideological impulses between those who would throw away their cultural heritages and those who would hang every Muslim, incapable of finding employment and purpose for so many of their own young due to destructive employment laws, unable to seriously influence the arc of history or of ISIS due to all the focus on butter instead of guns … having them curious as to what’s gotten into us is as healthy an expression that we’re on the right course as any I’ve seen lately.
And it’s actually refreshing to read an honest appreciation of how adroitly The Donald plays both the undifferentiated wad as well as the thoroughly discombobulated pundit liberati. There hasn’t been a national figure so contemptuous of the press since Ike; and few so contemptuous of those who likely will vote for him.
There will be no “next time” for “Trumpo”, the REALLY unfunny Marx Brother. Donald Trump is something entertainingly new, and ALL the Marx Brothers, sadly, are long dead.
And it’s so good to read finally an honest, detached review of Donald Trump’s excellent qualifications for the presidency. Given the state of Europe these days, economies going south largely as a consequence of social excess they can’t reverse without blood in their streets, riven by competing ideological impulses between those who would throw away their cultural heritages and those who would hang every Muslim, incapable of finding employment and purpose for so many of their own young due to destructive employment laws, unable to seriously influence the arc of history or of ISIS due to all the focus on butter instead of guns … having them curious as to what’s gotten into us is as healthy an expression that we’re on the right course as any I’ve seen lately.
And it’s actually refreshing to read an honest appreciation of how adroitly The Donald plays both the undifferentiated wad as well as the thoroughly discombobulated pundit liberati. There hasn’t been a national figure so contemptuous of the press since Ike; and few so contemptuous of those who likely will vote for him.
There will be no “next time” for “Trumpo”, the REALLY unfunny Marx Brother. Donald Trump is something entertainingly new, and ALL the Marx Brothers, sadly, are long dead.
1
Reagan started this denouement with the phoney promise of Morning in American, while the cronies he brought to Washington raped the country to enrich themselves. The inevitable demographic change, a historical process always in this country, have provided more fuel for the fire as the displacement of the middle class accelerated. Reagan's henchmen went after the unions to enable the change and speed up the concentration of wealth at the top. This isn't complicated. Behind the buffoon Trump, is the ever smiling, confident, visage of the Gipper, briskly saluting to his uncovered head, playing the role, fronting for the the owners of this mess.
15
I'm not sure that Trump, despite the crudity and buffoonery, isn't a better choice than Ted Cruz, who comes across as plain smarmy and hypocritical and obstructionist. Trump at least recognizes, or used to recognize, that the U.S. can't play honest peace broker in the Israel-Palestine imbroglio when it places its thumb so heavily on the scale in favor of one party. Trump also recognizes that politics requires the willingness to 'make a deal' that both parties will agree to, even if not be happy about. What would Cruz provide if not more of 'green cheese and ham' or whatever other tomfool menu we were offered a couple of years ago, as he stood valiantly as 'the boy on the burning deck, whence all but he had fled.' And he's considered the smart man from Harvard!!! When politicians repeat ad nauseam the mantra 'the American people', why don't interviewers remind them that they speak at best for only 50% of the American people, if that...'
13
Yes, the Trump supporters are angry for all the reasons discussed, some of which are legitimate. And their anger will increase if St. Donald is "cheated" out of the nomination. But if he were to be elected their anger will intensify and explode with near horrific consequences when he fails to do any of the "winning" he has promised and all those supporters either correctly realize they were lied to and conned or conclude that the system is so unfair and stacked against them that it can never be corrected and ought not survive.
12
I think the saddest thing about this Presidential campaign is that it pulls back the curtain on just how stupid we've become. Finger-wagging, blustering, and name-calling are just the tip of the iceberg. Softball interviews with Trump (and please be reminded that "The Donald" is a semi-affectionate nickname coined by his first wife) and Bengazi-slathering interviews with Clinton are just symptoms of a very serious disease. I can scarcely imagine any serious person with a vision beyond, "I really want to be president and I'm gonna do a lotta good stuff when I am" wanting anything to do with the process.
And I wonder how many potential candidates will having nothing to do with a demeaning, nasty, and ignorant process.
No one seems to care much about the country anymore. My interests are my interests, but, as an American with an affection for democracy, I can sometimes recognize that my interest only have meaning in the context of a national interest. I have absolutely no friends that disagree with me about anything political. And I think that's a problem. No one challenges us and we challenge no one. There are plenty of big ideas being batted around by everyone and there are zero proposals about how to achieve them. "The Wall" proposed by "The Donald" is emblematic of our national discourse.
And I wonder how many potential candidates will having nothing to do with a demeaning, nasty, and ignorant process.
No one seems to care much about the country anymore. My interests are my interests, but, as an American with an affection for democracy, I can sometimes recognize that my interest only have meaning in the context of a national interest. I have absolutely no friends that disagree with me about anything political. And I think that's a problem. No one challenges us and we challenge no one. There are plenty of big ideas being batted around by everyone and there are zero proposals about how to achieve them. "The Wall" proposed by "The Donald" is emblematic of our national discourse.
10
I remember seeing Dick Cavett on British TV. What a delight he was.
If he were a US born citizen he certainly would be a better President than Trump, however I think this time given the selection actually running that someone from the other side would be much better.
Carry on Dick.
If he were a US born citizen he certainly would be a better President than Trump, however I think this time given the selection actually running that someone from the other side would be much better.
Carry on Dick.
2
I'm fairly positive Nebraska is in the US.
6
Misinformed doesn't do justice here. Fool would be unfair to fools. Cretin?
3
"In government, the successful leaders can’t just walk out, or sulk when someone disagrees. To be successful in government, a leader has to build a strong, inclusive coalition. Conversely, in big business, ultimately, the lead dog has to take responsibility and make a decision, and then everybody else has to follow." Too bad the Governor Rauner of Illinois didn't think this through before being elected. He's not getting what he wants so he's content with bringing the entire state down with him. Spoiled one 1%er. It's his way or the highway.
7
http://www.pewresearch.org/quiz/science-knowledge/results/
There are twelve science knowledge questions. They are pretty basic. A well read twelve-year-old should be able to answer all twelve correctly.
Guess how many Americans got all twelve questions right? 6%. Yep, that's right: according to Pew Reasearch, just six per cent of Americans answered all twelve science knowledge questions correctly.
Trump speaks to powerlessness and poverty, impotence and indigence, paucity of mind and paucity of spirit. Trump allows the feckless, the foolish and the forgotten to feel better about themselves. Trump butters up the knaves and the know-nothings alike. Trump is America.
There are twelve science knowledge questions. They are pretty basic. A well read twelve-year-old should be able to answer all twelve correctly.
Guess how many Americans got all twelve questions right? 6%. Yep, that's right: according to Pew Reasearch, just six per cent of Americans answered all twelve science knowledge questions correctly.
Trump speaks to powerlessness and poverty, impotence and indigence, paucity of mind and paucity of spirit. Trump allows the feckless, the foolish and the forgotten to feel better about themselves. Trump butters up the knaves and the know-nothings alike. Trump is America.
12
Pew Research not Reasearch.
4
Nice easy little quiz. Even allowing for two wrong answers, only 15% of folks got it. Pretty pathetic.
2
Also, let's ask: What good has Trump done with his billions and his notoriety? Sure, he has given some free golf time for charity, and a few measly dollars. That's just PR. Where is the real charity? Take a look at Bill & Melinda Gates, Andrew Carnegie, Michael Jackson-- even Bill Clinton for that matter. Michael Bloomberg gave over a billion dollars to Johns Hopkins. There are innumerable opportunities for a rich person, especially one with the ability to attract the media, to do good in the world.
14
He's spending his own money to run for president in which he is exposing the lie of trickle down, the flaws in our trade deals and giving a voice to the people Cavett alludes to, the ones the Democrats and Republicans have ignored.
He has allowed, perhaps required Republicans to from now on say Bush was wrong and his advisors lied about Iraq. He has required politicians to address the wisdom of trade deals that impoverish Americans (no matter how you defend tham, you can not deny that _in practice_ they have destroyed towns, lives, jobs and made the wealthier very rich.)
He has opened the debate as to whether a country with crumbling infrastructure, dismal health care and impoverished citizens can continue to police the world with no reimbursement.
He has asked why the US must have open borders when no progressive nation in this world (including England) does, when our own citizens are impoverished.
You would not question these ideas if Sanders raised them.
He has allowed, perhaps required Republicans to from now on say Bush was wrong and his advisors lied about Iraq. He has required politicians to address the wisdom of trade deals that impoverish Americans (no matter how you defend tham, you can not deny that _in practice_ they have destroyed towns, lives, jobs and made the wealthier very rich.)
He has opened the debate as to whether a country with crumbling infrastructure, dismal health care and impoverished citizens can continue to police the world with no reimbursement.
He has asked why the US must have open borders when no progressive nation in this world (including England) does, when our own citizens are impoverished.
You would not question these ideas if Sanders raised them.
4
Oh, how I miss Dick Cavett in the NY Times!
But I sorely wish, as others have suggested, that he hadn't chosen this topic, if only because he is absolutely right: Trump is not funny. And pretty much nothing said about him, be it by Dick Cavett or Gail Collins or the dreadful late night comedians, is funny either. There's little more of interest to be said about his campaign; all the prognostications--first that his campaign would soon fail, then that his candidacy was unstoppable--have been wrong.
But please write more frequently Mr. Cavett. I've watched all the DVDs of your shows, and this is my only remaining source of your humour.
But I sorely wish, as others have suggested, that he hadn't chosen this topic, if only because he is absolutely right: Trump is not funny. And pretty much nothing said about him, be it by Dick Cavett or Gail Collins or the dreadful late night comedians, is funny either. There's little more of interest to be said about his campaign; all the prognostications--first that his campaign would soon fail, then that his candidacy was unstoppable--have been wrong.
But please write more frequently Mr. Cavett. I've watched all the DVDs of your shows, and this is my only remaining source of your humour.
8
Why did people take home loans they had to know they could not possibly pay? I'm always hearing "the Americn people are smart enough to....." But yet this fact alone makes me doubt that completely.
3
Thank you for the great article Mr. Cavett,
You wrote, "Actually, I don’t think he even wants to be president. His life is only about winning. ", and I agree with those sentiments totally. I doubt that Mr. t. ever really wanted to be president. I just cannot imagine this guy walking into a situation where he is not in total control, micromanaging everything that happens, as he has, in any universe he presides over. Anybody who has been paying attention as I have for the last fifty years, will know that a president of this country, while still probably the most powerful person in the world, has very little power over what is going on as regards her or his daily agenda or the events that unfold around her or him. Unless this guy is living under the fantasy that he will be able to walk into the white house and somehow micro-manage this vast country, not to mention our connections with the rest of the world, makes me wonder if mr. t. has been trying to get out of this from the beginning.
If he somehow does get in there, I suspect that he quickly have less of that mop to comb around to cover the increasing bald patches.
You wrote, "Actually, I don’t think he even wants to be president. His life is only about winning. ", and I agree with those sentiments totally. I doubt that Mr. t. ever really wanted to be president. I just cannot imagine this guy walking into a situation where he is not in total control, micromanaging everything that happens, as he has, in any universe he presides over. Anybody who has been paying attention as I have for the last fifty years, will know that a president of this country, while still probably the most powerful person in the world, has very little power over what is going on as regards her or his daily agenda or the events that unfold around her or him. Unless this guy is living under the fantasy that he will be able to walk into the white house and somehow micro-manage this vast country, not to mention our connections with the rest of the world, makes me wonder if mr. t. has been trying to get out of this from the beginning.
If he somehow does get in there, I suspect that he quickly have less of that mop to comb around to cover the increasing bald patches.
5
I'm perplexed that it took GOP voters 30 years to comprehend the lie of trickle down economics. Even that pedestrian term for supply-side economics sounds offensive. The mere concept, let alone actual economic policy, of giving vast numbers of people only the crumbs let over from the few in power should have been a big tip-off.
8
Whatever in the world would make you think that any politician might be funny? Especially a republican politician?
When he screws his mouth into that tiny, round nozzle to spew ignorant hatefulness, Trump makes himself laughable maybe, but definitely not funny. Childish, clownish, a caricature of himself, yes, but he hasn't a funny bone in his body. A sense of humor would require him to actually appreciate something humorous to most normal people, and Trump cannot appreciate anything outside of his badly carpeted skull.
Trump was able to make bad jokes at the expense of the other unfunny people exhumed and offered up as republican candidates this cycle because they were so easy to mock. But mockery like that isn't funny, even when it happens to hit the spot.
Trump is about as funny as any other garden-variety, willfully-ignorant, whistle-brained, right-wing, would-be dictator. He may be a laughing stock, but he ain't funny, McGee.
When he screws his mouth into that tiny, round nozzle to spew ignorant hatefulness, Trump makes himself laughable maybe, but definitely not funny. Childish, clownish, a caricature of himself, yes, but he hasn't a funny bone in his body. A sense of humor would require him to actually appreciate something humorous to most normal people, and Trump cannot appreciate anything outside of his badly carpeted skull.
Trump was able to make bad jokes at the expense of the other unfunny people exhumed and offered up as republican candidates this cycle because they were so easy to mock. But mockery like that isn't funny, even when it happens to hit the spot.
Trump is about as funny as any other garden-variety, willfully-ignorant, whistle-brained, right-wing, would-be dictator. He may be a laughing stock, but he ain't funny, McGee.
13
A vote for Trump - something I intend to do - is a vote for hitting Control, Alt, Delete and rebooting a system that has failed the American people. The list of failures delivered by both party establishments and their corporate cronies is mind numbing - broken borders, an embarrassing infrastructure, a healthcare system that benefits big pharma, tort lawyers and private insurers, a tax system made intentionally complex to help special interests, cities that are unsafe, schools that do not educate despite incredible sums of money thrown at them, ISIS run amok, mass incarceration, a so-caled war on drugs that yields nothing. Honestly, I do not care what the elites in Europe think. We are not here to make them feel good. What I do care about is hitting Control, Alt, Delete and rebooting a system that has increasingly been failing American.
4
Your list of failures is sadly accurate and I agree with each one and more. However believing that Donald Trump has the will, the intelligence, or the expertise to do anything at all about even one of them is pure folly. And don't come back with "none of the other candidates can either", because that's no defense. The truth is he is absolutely the least qualified and the least motivated of the lot to take those problems on as a world leader. If you want to reboot the system, Trump is not your guy. He won't reboot it - he'll destroy it.
9
Perhaps one of the things behind our problems today is that television lacks people with the wit and intelligence of Dick Cavett. Perhaps society as a whole no longer values intelligent discourse in our entertainment, and politics has become low-brow entertainment. Our political commentators are as shallow as the sweat on a spring breaker's brow. Our presidential candidates mindlessly respond like dolls with a ring and a string in the middle of their back, and state legislators, like most stand-up comedians, expend most of their routines on bodily fluids. Trump may be the largest carbuncle on America's nether parts, but the rash gets more widespread by the hour.
6
"Actually, I don’t think he even wants to be president. His life is only about winning. The job itself would be a bore." Right on target. The guy's life is about collecting the next trophy by boasting about the last one. This pyramid scheme of "being famous by being famous" may work for marketing and branding, it is doomed to collapse when people start demanding commitment. See what Bernie Madoff (a financial "genius") did to his believers (and the system).
8
Trump is the "let's riot!" candidate. Want to set fire to the neighborhood on a hot Summers night? Vote for Trump!
7
To me it is not that far fetched to imagine Mr. Trump, in order to secure the GOP nomination before the July convention, and endear himself to his base even further, would name Homer Simpson as his running mate. His devoted followers would love him even more I am sure. A Trump/Simpson ticket would be their "Dream Team".
3
By far the funniest description of Trump yet"
"The Donald, with his demonstrated lack of world knowledge, wouldn’t know Shiite from Shinola."
Dick Cavett's words have aways been magic. I have always envied the economy with which he articulates a point to be made.
"The Donald, with his demonstrated lack of world knowledge, wouldn’t know Shiite from Shinola."
Dick Cavett's words have aways been magic. I have always envied the economy with which he articulates a point to be made.
10
Bores, or boors?
4
Good point.
A bore is someone or something that is boring. A boor is a clumsy or ill-mannered person. A boar is (1) a species of wild pig, and (2) the adult male of several species of mammals. (From Grammarist.com)
A bore is someone or something that is boring. A boor is a clumsy or ill-mannered person. A boar is (1) a species of wild pig, and (2) the adult male of several species of mammals. (From Grammarist.com)
5
A Republican neighbor of mine is voting for Trump in our state primary because he wants Clinton to trounce him in the general election. His hope is that the disaster of Trump will awaken the Repulbican party to move closer to center. The Republican Party leaders need to recognize who their members really are. Like this man, many are not true Trump supporters.
6
I think "brutally ignored" is a bit of a stretch. As to the people who support Trump and their cries of being shut-out and ignored,etc, to them I ask; why haven't you been involved? Why have you been so passive for so long?
What's that? Oh, you've been home watching TV, watching and obsessing over who gets voted off, or gets to move to the next round? Or gets "fired!" What? You've been pursuing the leisure "sports" for most of your adult lives. Watching sports from the extremely far sidelines of your couch, consuming lousy, processed foods by the freight train full? Been willfully and gleefully buying all manner of cheap and disposable goods...because to buy cr/ppy stuff is patriotic?!
So now you're angry? And backing a man who never did anything political, except according to him, bribe, err, "contribute heavily" to a system he and you claim is broken and shutting you all out! Backing a guy woefully unqualified to be president of anything but his own floundering enterprises. Backing a man who's sexist track record is long and recorded. Who has never been seen exiting a church!
A man who is now whining, along with the rest of you, that after playing 6 innings of ball, you/he dont like the rules! You're 6 innings in, and now you question the rules...because they might work against a poorly run campaign, due to the narcissism of your Guy, who will not now, or ever listen to better informed advisors?
Where have you been all these years? Stop all your whining!
What's that? Oh, you've been home watching TV, watching and obsessing over who gets voted off, or gets to move to the next round? Or gets "fired!" What? You've been pursuing the leisure "sports" for most of your adult lives. Watching sports from the extremely far sidelines of your couch, consuming lousy, processed foods by the freight train full? Been willfully and gleefully buying all manner of cheap and disposable goods...because to buy cr/ppy stuff is patriotic?!
So now you're angry? And backing a man who never did anything political, except according to him, bribe, err, "contribute heavily" to a system he and you claim is broken and shutting you all out! Backing a guy woefully unqualified to be president of anything but his own floundering enterprises. Backing a man who's sexist track record is long and recorded. Who has never been seen exiting a church!
A man who is now whining, along with the rest of you, that after playing 6 innings of ball, you/he dont like the rules! You're 6 innings in, and now you question the rules...because they might work against a poorly run campaign, due to the narcissism of your Guy, who will not now, or ever listen to better informed advisors?
Where have you been all these years? Stop all your whining!
17
Mr. Cavett writes well, as does the other op-ed contributors, but, really, each analysis says the same thing over and over again --- yes, we know, on whatever criteria you select, Trump is not presidential material. There, I said it, to let's move on to focus on topics worth analysis---say climate change, or urban poverty, or public transportation (the lack thereof), or income inequality, or....anything but what is wrong with Trump.
3
Mr Cavett, I could almost 100% agree with you, except for a few of your points. I spoke with you appx 35 years ago at an IGA (?) market in the town of Montauk where you resided. I thought you a friendly intelligent man at the time, but quite obviously saw that a lot of your opinions were of the ivory tower sort, being wealthy, and living in a VERY wealthy somewhat isolated town. I do not know how to possibly explain to you that affirmative action has had way more victims as a result of those it benefits. A minority should not just be flat out handed more than a majority recieves. They are, after all, a minority, and should be given exactly what everyone else gets. For example: arabs only hire arabs; orientals only hire orientals; blacks tend to only hire blacks; but whites are required by law to hire everybody or face penalties by law. Minorities are never subject to such standards. Not ever. As far as the Obama support you so enthusiastically show, face it. He's ignored the poor and working classes. Except for that mess of a health plan (you can be fined/prosecuted for not having it? IT'S A FINANCIAL HARDSHIP!) just what has he done for the nouveau poor (Read:whats left of middle class)? Food prices have soared to incredible heights last seen in gold boom towns; rents are completely unaffordable; housing 'flipping' is still rampant; jobs? what jobs? And the minimum wage remains miles below the poverty line! So just what has he done? Nada. Thus the lemmings rush to Trump.
3
Given your rather peculiar claims, one trusts you're somewhere near the head of the lemming column, cheering. Or is it squeaking?
2
For me, the compelling question is the psychological state of his supporters. They are unable or unwilling to make a connection between the challenges faced by any President and the knowledge and behavior of a Donald Trump. In a democracy, that is disastrous!
9
'we're off to see the wizard..."
5
Well Dickie, you've just joined the lower class folks - but you really don't notice it. How is it that person with your stature lowers yourself to the point of grade school tactics by calling Trump names, deriding him and making fun of his name by referring to him as Trumpo? You sir, are the laughing stock. At least Mr. Trump has the stones to step up to the plate, with his own money by the way, and trying to change the politics in the country. What have you done throughout your entire lifetime - Nothing!
3
So sad that we finally came up with a topic in which even Mr. Cavett can find no humor.
22
Well said. Dick Cavett the insightful!
1
Some conservatives believe that Trump is actually a "plant" by the Democratic party.
1
I'm not sure, Mr. Cavett. Some of the things you say about who Trump's supporters are may be true, but what catapulted him to the top of the pack and kept him there wasn't an underwater mortgage or a medical bankruptcy or a war, it was (is) a hatred of immigrants, especially those who seem to be doing better than self-styled real Americans. They know Trump didn't "rise from nothing to become 'yuge'," that he inherited a fortune, but that's not it - it's the hateful sounds he makes that are music to their ears - that's what they love about him.
What they really want is to the turn the clock back on 50 years of social progress - isn't that when America was great - for them?
What they really want is to the turn the clock back on 50 years of social progress - isn't that when America was great - for them?
5
In Monty Python's Life of Brian the hero unwittingly is worshipped as the savior with wild crowds following him around worshipping his shoe , but never listening to anything he says. But the thing is that Trump loves the crowds and adulation, but cares little for them as people. Perhaps most politicians have this trait in common. and in some perverse way we idolize them until we become disillusioned and blame them for our own blindness.
Trump is the reincarnation of P T Barnum and we all love the circus. But to put him in the Presidency is to elect the pied piper and like lemnings he would lead us all over the cliff as he yells, Your fired!
Trump is the reincarnation of P T Barnum and we all love the circus. But to put him in the Presidency is to elect the pied piper and like lemnings he would lead us all over the cliff as he yells, Your fired!
2
Cavett just made the perfect case for Trump.
It's another opinion of someone who apparently never worked with their hands in the life. What Cavett calls "non-glam jobs." An elitist who is just as arrogant as Trump but doesn't know it because he hides it under some New England reserve. Who envisions people who live in "humble living quarters" like he he read about them in a Dicken's book.
Cavett calls out that abroad we are "laughinstock." Are these the countries that depend on our military for their freedom which has been won by the blood of our young lower and middle class men? Are these the countries that gladly take checks from Uncle Sam for any number of programs or just plain old graft and corruption? They may be laughing at us because it hides their own shame that they are dependent and they might know a new day is coming.
Cavett calls them the "disaffected........the disenfranchised......the disdainful." How about the scorned like what Cavett does in this piece? He says "Trump doesn't really respect them" which could be true but he ignores the fact that he doesn't either.
Cavett perfectly captures the arrogance and entitlement of the elitists and 1% who think they are the smartest guys in their echo chamber, who deserve the limelight and the stage but they have been Trumped and they are bitter. These are the people who should be ashamed. They have failed......HUGE.
It's another opinion of someone who apparently never worked with their hands in the life. What Cavett calls "non-glam jobs." An elitist who is just as arrogant as Trump but doesn't know it because he hides it under some New England reserve. Who envisions people who live in "humble living quarters" like he he read about them in a Dicken's book.
Cavett calls out that abroad we are "laughinstock." Are these the countries that depend on our military for their freedom which has been won by the blood of our young lower and middle class men? Are these the countries that gladly take checks from Uncle Sam for any number of programs or just plain old graft and corruption? They may be laughing at us because it hides their own shame that they are dependent and they might know a new day is coming.
Cavett calls them the "disaffected........the disenfranchised......the disdainful." How about the scorned like what Cavett does in this piece? He says "Trump doesn't really respect them" which could be true but he ignores the fact that he doesn't either.
Cavett perfectly captures the arrogance and entitlement of the elitists and 1% who think they are the smartest guys in their echo chamber, who deserve the limelight and the stage but they have been Trumped and they are bitter. These are the people who should be ashamed. They have failed......HUGE.
5
Oh, please. Just stop with the victimization game and the "blame the elites " speel. And the anger. Where is all this anger when the housing market crashed in 2008? Or when W's wmd fiasco cost thousands of American lives? This bubbling fury seems to have corresponded to the election of the Democratic black man, and it's no coincidence that so many Trumpeters spew such venom at anyone who isn't white, male or as vitriolic as they are.
Trump IS the elite. And Cavitt is absolutely right. He doesn't give a tinker's damn about the people who so slavishly follow him. People who, you recall, kept electing the politicians they now claim are so horrid. Just be honest and admit that you don't care about Trump the president. You just care about Trump the mouthpiece, because he truly does speak for you.
Trump IS the elite. And Cavitt is absolutely right. He doesn't give a tinker's damn about the people who so slavishly follow him. People who, you recall, kept electing the politicians they now claim are so horrid. Just be honest and admit that you don't care about Trump the president. You just care about Trump the mouthpiece, because he truly does speak for you.
10
Oh TSK TSK - that nasty New England elitist Joe Sixpack/USA hating Cavett.
You appear to know so much about him! Judging from the comments here, you occupy a particular kind of 1% zone all by yourself. What kind of "elitism" that is, I'll leave for you to figger out.
You appear to know so much about him! Judging from the comments here, you occupy a particular kind of 1% zone all by yourself. What kind of "elitism" that is, I'll leave for you to figger out.
4
I wonder if people are really listening to Trump, I mean the actual words coming out of his mouth. On the Mexican wall for example he insists “I would build a great wall, and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me”. And it doesn't stop there. Consider these dillies ...
> “I will be the greatest jobs president that god ever created”
> “No one knows the system better than me”
> “No one would be tougher on ISIS than Donald Trump”
> “No one loves the bible better than I do”
> “There’s nobody bigger or better at the military than I am”
> “I could be more presidential than anybody”.
When asked about his information sources he asserts "All I know is what’s on the internet”. Regardless whether he is a 'successful' business person or a TV celebrity, this guy has serious mental health issues.
> “I will be the greatest jobs president that god ever created”
> “No one knows the system better than me”
> “No one would be tougher on ISIS than Donald Trump”
> “No one loves the bible better than I do”
> “There’s nobody bigger or better at the military than I am”
> “I could be more presidential than anybody”.
When asked about his information sources he asserts "All I know is what’s on the internet”. Regardless whether he is a 'successful' business person or a TV celebrity, this guy has serious mental health issues.
33
Thanks for putting "successful" in quotes. It's important to remind people that Trump is not self made, as many of his followers seem to think. There is a big difference between someone like Obama, who truly is self made, having grown up in a working-class single-parent family and rising to be a star student at Harvard, and Trump, whose father handed him a big pile of money and all the contacts he needed.
11
"Wouldn’t know Shiite from Shinola." That's Cavett at his most brilliant...once again. What a pleasure it is to read his columns.
20
Bravura Mr. Cavett
Yes, Trump is a frightening joke, on us.
He is a fascist demagogue, America's worse nightmare--and a joke to the rest of the world
Yes, Trump is a frightening joke, on us.
He is a fascist demagogue, America's worse nightmare--and a joke to the rest of the world
10
What's most unfunny about Trump is his bringing out the worst in his base has become so run of the mill there were no big headlines last week when one of his supporters shoved a protester in the face.This is to be expected because someone who as Trump does speaks the language of thugs attracts to his rallies thugs.
I also don't think Trump wants or ever wanted to be President.This has all been about him getting maximum publicity.But he has no intention of facing the responsibility that comes with the job itself. Which is why the longer he remains the GOP frontrunner,the bigger his outrages get.If only they'd start chasing away his supporters because he likely thinks this has gone long enough.So he won't feel any guilt if in how he avoids the job itself he takes down the GOP with him.
I also don't think Trump wants or ever wanted to be President.This has all been about him getting maximum publicity.But he has no intention of facing the responsibility that comes with the job itself. Which is why the longer he remains the GOP frontrunner,the bigger his outrages get.If only they'd start chasing away his supporters because he likely thinks this has gone long enough.So he won't feel any guilt if in how he avoids the job itself he takes down the GOP with him.
7
The shamsters have run the show for a very long time. Many of us have suffered from their faux pas' or outright transgressions. Me: The H-1b visa scam after the uncharismatic fake 'W' became elected. He jacked up the numbers from 65,000, (probably too, high) to 195,000. Greedy, anti-social, ceo's took advantage.
Then after 8 years of his erroneous leadership, the nation had to be bailed out. Interest rates went to zero and our nation's prudent savers and investors got screwed. Of course, there is more!
I'm not voting for Trump, but I know some that have given up and would rather have a visible yellow head running the circus, than a phony, flannel, suit. It's as simple as that.
Then after 8 years of his erroneous leadership, the nation had to be bailed out. Interest rates went to zero and our nation's prudent savers and investors got screwed. Of course, there is more!
I'm not voting for Trump, but I know some that have given up and would rather have a visible yellow head running the circus, than a phony, flannel, suit. It's as simple as that.
6
But Trump is a phony flannel suit, too!
3
@ Keen Observer
You missed the point. Except for his histrionics, he is useless, but visible. He doesn't try to get over on the populous, by blending into the woodwork.
You missed the point. Except for his histrionics, he is useless, but visible. He doesn't try to get over on the populous, by blending into the woodwork.
3
There is a very high likelihood that Groucho is spinning in his grave knowing the Marx Brothers have been 'linked' to Donald Trump.
However Rod Serling is not spinning in his grave. He clearly understood how easily the human psyche could be manipulated by a demagogue like Trump. In countless episodes of the Twilight Zone he warned us about blowhards, authoritarians and those who preyed on the weak. But I am sure even Rod is asking himself whats with the hair. Where does the vanity and narcissism that allows for that mane to exist.
We've just crossed over into that Twilight Zone.
However Rod Serling is not spinning in his grave. He clearly understood how easily the human psyche could be manipulated by a demagogue like Trump. In countless episodes of the Twilight Zone he warned us about blowhards, authoritarians and those who preyed on the weak. But I am sure even Rod is asking himself whats with the hair. Where does the vanity and narcissism that allows for that mane to exist.
We've just crossed over into that Twilight Zone.
9
Indeed, Trump is not funny, but he is "a dangerous man, and one who ought not be trusted with the reins of government", in the words that were allegedly said by Hamilton about Burr and led to the duel.
5
The Trump phenomenon, or moment, is essentially over. He has managed to stiff arm the media and his opponents on policy questions and feigned issues, but his campaign is essentially self-destructing under the weight of its own unhinged disorganization.
The benefit of Trump to American politics is that it has thrust upon an unsuspecting nation the extreme limit of tabloid politics. It has destroyed the Republican National Committee--not necessarily a bad thing--and has the Convention still on its radar for an upcoming kill. One hopes that the GOP will admit to the overused, but apt, Frankenstein metaphor and take the opportunity to rethink their platforms and policies after the 2016 loss and humiliation. Even though I am a lifelong Democrat, I see serious fault in my own party that can only be corrected by a vigorous political system with other serious parties and views.
The benefit of Trump to American politics is that it has thrust upon an unsuspecting nation the extreme limit of tabloid politics. It has destroyed the Republican National Committee--not necessarily a bad thing--and has the Convention still on its radar for an upcoming kill. One hopes that the GOP will admit to the overused, but apt, Frankenstein metaphor and take the opportunity to rethink their platforms and policies after the 2016 loss and humiliation. Even though I am a lifelong Democrat, I see serious fault in my own party that can only be corrected by a vigorous political system with other serious parties and views.
3
Yes, yes, yes, he is all of the above but he has done us ALL a tremendous service. Will it go back to hateful business as usual for the GOP after Hillary is elected? More relentless bile from RW radio that we can thank for pretty much everything that's wrong with 21st century America? One can only pray, for the sake of our children, that it's the beginning of the end of this shameful period in our history -
9
"and give us those tax returns" - if he did that, he would have to show that he really has nothing. The Phoniest of the Phony when it comes to Business. Barnum was shy compared to this guy.
This is the 1st time I have seen "The Do' " this well. If I walked in anywhere I would be laughed out of the place - Hands down. Yes, I would be. But this guy has told folks he is "Someone" for so long, there are actually people out there who believe it. Thanks Mr. Cavett for pointing out those misguided Folks.
Burt Lancaster would have been great portraying him in the Biography.
This is the 1st time I have seen "The Do' " this well. If I walked in anywhere I would be laughed out of the place - Hands down. Yes, I would be. But this guy has told folks he is "Someone" for so long, there are actually people out there who believe it. Thanks Mr. Cavett for pointing out those misguided Folks.
Burt Lancaster would have been great portraying him in the Biography.
6
The making of Trumpo the performer: take a privileged kid who developed a incurable case of narcissistic personality disorder, throw in a fearless desire to be successful at any cost by learning how to tell people what they want to hear, steamroll over anything that gets in your way, adopt the attitude of bad press is worse than no press then measure your significance by media attention, ratings and crowd size - viola!
4
Very true. I know you meant to say "bad press is better than no press".
2
The point made at the end might warrant more than just "Actually, I don’t think he even wants to be president. His life is only about winning. The job itself would be a bore." This is something that has plagued me and should plague anyone who knows anything about narcissism. The question I would ask repeatedly is "What do you think would happen after he got elected?" In fact, interviewers should be asking him that very question over and over and not letting his "I'll have the best advisors" go as a sufficient response. His supporters have picked up on that and accepted it because no one is challenging it. Not only does he need to be educated but so do his supporters.
On the subject of his supporters, while the common refrain is "disenfranchised, poor, disaffected" the few supporters I know (actually one and some of her friends) are wealthy country clubbers. They might not be the brightest people but they think they are; they are college educated, consider themselves career women and even support the concept of "strong women" at least for themselves. Nonetheless, what they say is "it's time for a good businessman to be President" (not realizing that the country does not exist to be a profit-making entity). They think he will give them more, take away less so they can keep and enlarge their piece of the pie. This is what they *say*. My belief is what they think and don't say is he protects their bigotry against "others" including the poor.
On the subject of his supporters, while the common refrain is "disenfranchised, poor, disaffected" the few supporters I know (actually one and some of her friends) are wealthy country clubbers. They might not be the brightest people but they think they are; they are college educated, consider themselves career women and even support the concept of "strong women" at least for themselves. Nonetheless, what they say is "it's time for a good businessman to be President" (not realizing that the country does not exist to be a profit-making entity). They think he will give them more, take away less so they can keep and enlarge their piece of the pie. This is what they *say*. My belief is what they think and don't say is he protects their bigotry against "others" including the poor.
14
I often read the comments and have for the most part found my thought in concord, however with regard to Mr Trump destroyong the country I take issue.
The country is for all intent and purpose already in shambles, not because our President or any particular member of Congress put a pin to our balloon, rather we as a people choose to live with the guidance of religious belief, which has always been used by the entrenched as a tool to maintain power.
It is the religious among us, those at each end of the spectrum deeply held by belief or superficially embracing "the word of God", who by separating the worthy from the unwashed will morally bankrupt us.
Mr Trump could do no more damage to our nation than those who in their desire to do the will of their god, have set us on a path that for years has denied the reality of existence in favor of the unreality of an afterlife.
Belief in an afterlife is harmful to all of us including the believers who use it to avoid dealing with literal existence. Most people including myself accept differing views, but the denial of our existence in favor of an afterlife indicates an instability that Mr. Trump does not exceed.
While I have never thought he was serious about seeking the Presidency, and have held the opinion he will withdraw at his convenience, he certainly could be no worse than any with whom he shares the stage.
He is not the incarnation of fear he is just in over his head and as said, he is looking for a face saving way out.
The country is for all intent and purpose already in shambles, not because our President or any particular member of Congress put a pin to our balloon, rather we as a people choose to live with the guidance of religious belief, which has always been used by the entrenched as a tool to maintain power.
It is the religious among us, those at each end of the spectrum deeply held by belief or superficially embracing "the word of God", who by separating the worthy from the unwashed will morally bankrupt us.
Mr Trump could do no more damage to our nation than those who in their desire to do the will of their god, have set us on a path that for years has denied the reality of existence in favor of the unreality of an afterlife.
Belief in an afterlife is harmful to all of us including the believers who use it to avoid dealing with literal existence. Most people including myself accept differing views, but the denial of our existence in favor of an afterlife indicates an instability that Mr. Trump does not exceed.
While I have never thought he was serious about seeking the Presidency, and have held the opinion he will withdraw at his convenience, he certainly could be no worse than any with whom he shares the stage.
He is not the incarnation of fear he is just in over his head and as said, he is looking for a face saving way out.
1
I don't think he wants to be president either. I think to him it's all a big game, and that he is surprised he's still in. How could someone do the hardest job in the world if they aren't even particularly interested in doing it? Just one more reason America should be very scared!!
17
Mr. Cavett, I wish I could write and speak as eloquently as you. There have been countless great articles on Trump, but yours tops them all. Your criticisms are spot on-I especially liked your comments about his hair. That, in itself disqualifies him!
6
I despise Trump, but I also despise the dismissive elitism dripping from this column.
4
Is what you call "elitism," SKV, otherwise known as "intelligence?" It is, isn't it?
8
I just don't buy this notion that Trump's supporters are angry because of their economic condition. One look at the people who make up his audiences seems to me to suggest that they are secure retirees, affluent suburbanites and cranky old bigots who just don't like darkening skin tone of America in general. I think it has less to do with jobs and economics than it does with pure old bigotry.
24
Yes, DT supporters seem to live in the world fear, hate, anger and violence thanks to social conditioning and fox so-called news and other rabid media. Imagine if they put all that energy to work to do something positive to improve America. DT is not the leader to make that happen. He's a scam/sham artist like the old shell game scammers.
7
"Actually, I don’t think he even wants to be president." I agree. I don't think he has even thought about this. He just wants to win the competitions to become president. Why? Because he has an insatiable ego. If he did become president, his actions would continue to center around feeding this ego. Nothing would or will ever be enough to satisfy his infantile desire for attention.
8
It's not Obama's skin. It's his "elitism." He didn't start a company and work late hours. He spent them studying. But educated people aren't really smarter than uneducated ones, you see. Your LPN is as smart as the RN and so on and so forth. And I don't mean to be elitist. Working with one's hands requires intelligence, too, and maybe it's that: we've stopped valuing that kind of work.
3
RE "He didn't start a company and work late hours. "
To be fair, Obama didn't inherit tremendous wealth either. He was raised from humble beginnings in a fatherless home. Unquestionably under his coherent stewardship we are much better off today than we should have been able to expect we would be, when viewed from the bottom of that deep chasm left by Bush.
To be fair, Obama didn't inherit tremendous wealth either. He was raised from humble beginnings in a fatherless home. Unquestionably under his coherent stewardship we are much better off today than we should have been able to expect we would be, when viewed from the bottom of that deep chasm left by Bush.
19
Without access to Mr. Obama's school records and grades, you do not have sufficient evidence to state he spent his hours studying rather than working late hours. I am sure that once historians have access to these records, we will discover this "brilliant" man was not a great thinker or scholar.
2
Besides all the spot on observations by Mr. Cavett, the most salient point made here is that Trump doesn't really want to be president, or do the job of a president. The only thing that drives him is his insatiable egotism.
7
Cavett is disgustingly elitist. He's the type of "expert" NYTimes commentator that makes Trump seem attractive to the "lower classes". In a prior article Cavett remarked about an American soldier who randomly shot a Vietnamese's cow during a sweep. Cavett remarked that he would have liked to have been there, which I assume was an implication he would have imposed some sort of physical revenge on the soldier. Maybe so, but he wasn't there, and as in the present article, he do be kinda stereotyping the common folk.
6
Blustering vacuous fool Trump has provided the perfect foil for the clown car of supposed GOP candidates for the presidency on full display in debates. Most of these jerks couldn’t handle this bloviating buffoon, clearly demonstrating they weren’t ready. If he’s the last man standing, so be it. Then the real contest is the election itself where we’ll find out if americans are really that stupid.
10
Donald John Trump has summoned the darkest denizens from an ugly physically, mentally and emotionally crushed invisible white American cohort by appealing to the worst demons of their nature with a message of enraged despair. For that we owe the Donald some thanks and gratitude. Who knew or cared about them before they answered the Donald's barking, growling and howling call?
But the real dilemma is how to respond to our fellow Americans anguish with a positive hopeful humane empathetic inclusive message.
Having summoned the socioeconomic political wind are we doomed to reap the whirlwind blowback of another disappointment and more disrespect?
Can we overcome the governing gridlock that the Founding Father's intended in our divided limited powered democratic republic in the absence of good faith negotiation and compromise? Or must we eternally stand just short of another hot civil war?
But the real dilemma is how to respond to our fellow Americans anguish with a positive hopeful humane empathetic inclusive message.
Having summoned the socioeconomic political wind are we doomed to reap the whirlwind blowback of another disappointment and more disrespect?
Can we overcome the governing gridlock that the Founding Father's intended in our divided limited powered democratic republic in the absence of good faith negotiation and compromise? Or must we eternally stand just short of another hot civil war?
8
It is amazing to witness Trump supporters who appear to be "mildly educated" as opposed to the "poorly educated" ones the candidate himself is quoted as loving. How can anyone write, in a sentence that reveals a bit more than a modicum of education, that Trump "says what he means" when his statements are replete with fabrication.
8
"Actually, I don’t think he even wants to be president. His life is only about winning. The job itself would be a bore."
No one else I've heard has realized this and it's self-evidently, brilliantly true. Is this pattern true of other demagogues? But maybe his boredom in office would lead to some real mischief. Maybe Dubya was bored before he invaded Iraq.
My come-to-Jesus moment re: Trump occurred when I noticed his fans committing violence in his name at one rally and Trump was actually enjoying—the best phrase is "getting off on"—it. This man is truly disturbed.
No one else I've heard has realized this and it's self-evidently, brilliantly true. Is this pattern true of other demagogues? But maybe his boredom in office would lead to some real mischief. Maybe Dubya was bored before he invaded Iraq.
My come-to-Jesus moment re: Trump occurred when I noticed his fans committing violence in his name at one rally and Trump was actually enjoying—the best phrase is "getting off on"—it. This man is truly disturbed.
103
As a college student in the '60's, I watched Dick Cavett's show religiously. He had an educated talk show with great guests, and he knew how to interview them. His show wasn't for many American viewers, so Carson always got better ratings. I've followed him since and he always makes perfect sense. Thank you Mr. Cavett, and don't listen to the Bernie bros.
3
A copy of “The Trump Wit” would easily fit into the penny pocket in my jeans and I loved the Pope joke.
Thank you Mr. Cavett.
PS Once met Groucho (got an autograph) in the audience at a Woody Allen concert with Jim Croce opening, memorable.
Thank you Mr. Cavett.
PS Once met Groucho (got an autograph) in the audience at a Woody Allen concert with Jim Croce opening, memorable.
2
Trump is too easy an object of ridicule. And derision is his spinach. If defiant audacity is his calling card- the more elites make fun of him the better.
More crucial would be to unravel Cruz & Ryan !
More crucial would be to unravel Cruz & Ryan !
7
Well done Mr. Cavett. This one year between columns is not acceptable. Write on please.
7
Devastating. Really shredded him. What if it doesn't matter?
3
Dick--
Really beautifully said.
And as for your comment, "Actually, I don’t think he even wants to be president. His life is only about winning. The job itself would be a bore." I've been telling people that for months! So let's give Trumpo a medal for Best in Show--a way out of actual job responsibilities--and maybe he'll go away...
Really beautifully said.
And as for your comment, "Actually, I don’t think he even wants to be president. His life is only about winning. The job itself would be a bore." I've been telling people that for months! So let's give Trumpo a medal for Best in Show--a way out of actual job responsibilities--and maybe he'll go away...
9
Thank you Mr Cavett
I teach a class in Children's literature and I have been unable to shake the image of Trump as the Emperor, wearing no clothes
And your saying this: (finally!!!!)
The wearer is clearly averse to exposed bald patches of the pate. But can you picture any pattern of baldness that could look worse than that layer of frayed golden carpet sitting on top of the head?
Thank you!
And the worst of the problem? DT thinks he is handsome!
I teach a class in Children's literature and I have been unable to shake the image of Trump as the Emperor, wearing no clothes
And your saying this: (finally!!!!)
The wearer is clearly averse to exposed bald patches of the pate. But can you picture any pattern of baldness that could look worse than that layer of frayed golden carpet sitting on top of the head?
Thank you!
And the worst of the problem? DT thinks he is handsome!
7
Dick's analysis of the hair-do is (bald) spot on.
7
Trump will not be President but he has been very successful in diminishing America in the eyes of the World . He is a weak man who needs to prove something . He is not a self made man but a man who inherited a business and wealth and used this wealth to get attention . His Father Fred started his business when he was a 15 years old boy with his Mother as a partner . That is a self made man . Donald never got over it . He needs to validate his worth as a man . Queens was not enough , he needed to be successful in the Manhattan real state arena . The multiple bankruptcies do not matter . He wanted models for wives . The divorces do not matter . It was not enough to be a well known businessman . He needed to be a TV start . It was not enough to be a household name . He needed to be taken seriously and now wanted to be President . In this sick pursuit he is destroying the Republican Party and the good name of this Country .
15
"He is a weak man who needs to prove something."
Do you do realize Mr. Cavett is not writing about the current president?
Do you do realize Mr. Cavett is not writing about the current president?
2
Mr.Cavett--it's time to get off the stage--Nixon has been dead a really long time--
4
His most glaring omissions:
Everyone we "protect" must pay more, the list is long, but somehow Israel is not mentioned.
All immigrants and refugees are bad, but somehow the thousands of Cubans that are being bused to the Mexican/U.S. border walk across and are not mentioned.
What's up with that?
Everyone we "protect" must pay more, the list is long, but somehow Israel is not mentioned.
All immigrants and refugees are bad, but somehow the thousands of Cubans that are being bused to the Mexican/U.S. border walk across and are not mentioned.
What's up with that?
2
I started laughing at the headline; when I read Dick Cavett, I had to "Stifle".
Never a fan of the Marx Brothers, I still loved the A-llusion to the Magnificent Harpo. Sorry for jumping the gun, but I had to distract myself from the Mirth,
Now, I'll read the article.
Never a fan of the Marx Brothers, I still loved the A-llusion to the Magnificent Harpo. Sorry for jumping the gun, but I had to distract myself from the Mirth,
Now, I'll read the article.
I've been enjoying your old TV shows on my retro channel, Dick. Last night the subject was wolves and the cruelty of killing them from airplanes. Just a few years ago Sarah Palin was doing just that in Alaska. It seems we haven't progressed very much, have we? Pitiful.
6
Welcome back Cavett. I am not sure if I have to thank you or disdain you for masterfully associating the Marx brothers to Trumpo. High energy Trumpo! Would not be magical to have Harpo wreck havoc in a Trumpo gathering?
Unfortunately, the gatherings are real, and there is substantial work to be done to alleviate bitterness in a large fraction of the population without condoning discriminating, disrespectful and plain ignorant views. The problem is not Trumpo.
Unfortunately, the gatherings are real, and there is substantial work to be done to alleviate bitterness in a large fraction of the population without condoning discriminating, disrespectful and plain ignorant views. The problem is not Trumpo.
"...wouldn't now Shiite from Shinola." Well done, Mr. Cavett. I enjoy reading your dispatches here but nearly passed on this one simply because, like most, I think enough ink has been spilt upon this particular subject. However, out of respect for the name in the byline I dove in. And the water was fine.
2
Anything bad anyone says about Donald Trump in his new-found role of savior of the republic has a home with me. But:
Donald Trump as an entrepreneur who rose from nothing to “yuge?” Hardly describes the $1 million grub stake he had from his large real estate holding father.
Barack Obama a similar nothing to “yuge” entrepreneur story had he only been white (what would a Dick Cavett Op-Ed be without the required race card)? A new meaning for “entrepreneur.” Community organizer to career politician who never ran a business in his life
Donald Trump as an entrepreneur who rose from nothing to “yuge?” Hardly describes the $1 million grub stake he had from his large real estate holding father.
Barack Obama a similar nothing to “yuge” entrepreneur story had he only been white (what would a Dick Cavett Op-Ed be without the required race card)? A new meaning for “entrepreneur.” Community organizer to career politician who never ran a business in his life
1
To quote Mr. Trump, "I love the under-educated!"
2
Queue the hate-filled bigots who support Trump - they don't take kindly to anything but worship for their idol.
4
My only concern with Trump being the GOP nominee is if he picks Palin for a running mate. I would have no choice but to quit my job and follow them around the country, like I did with the Grateful Dead in the 80's. The chance to witness history, and the greatest comedy show of all time would be impossible to pass up.
5
Mr. Cavett said "Many have legitimate gripes. Those who were granted a mortgage they couldn’t afford on a house they couldn’t afford and then lost it to foreclosure in 2010."
Which I think is a falsehood. That is not a legitimate gripe. One who obtains a mortgage they couldn't afford for a house they couldn't afford has no one else to blame but themselves. That falls outside any reasonable definition of legitimate gripe. They are part of the chorus that needs to find a dupe for their own failures.
Which I think is a falsehood. That is not a legitimate gripe. One who obtains a mortgage they couldn't afford for a house they couldn't afford has no one else to blame but themselves. That falls outside any reasonable definition of legitimate gripe. They are part of the chorus that needs to find a dupe for their own failures.
2
I can't stand Hillary's laugh. Does that make me a sexist? Her most recent chance at standup and she blows it with a racist joke about colored people, and then blames de Blasio for the tasteless joke. With friends like that who needs enemies.
1
My request from a village in Brittany:
Please don’t dump Donald Trump as your nominee.
I would then be deprived
Of the joking derived
From his boastful, nonsensical litany.
Please don’t dump Donald Trump as your nominee.
I would then be deprived
Of the joking derived
From his boastful, nonsensical litany.
5
Granting everything Dick says, who is the alternative the GOP offers? Ted Cruz is even worse -- a rigid ideologue who would speed the unraveling of our democracy.
I still have to pinch myself sometimes to realize that the ticket of McCain/Palin really happened, that it wasn't just a spoof on SNL.
I still have to pinch myself sometimes to realize that the ticket of McCain/Palin really happened, that it wasn't just a spoof on SNL.
6
This passes for a serious Op-Ed Contributor material page in the NYT, these days?
Yet another elite posing as the arbiter of what the rest of the nation should get as a candidate, and what we should be talking about, and how they should run their campaign.
It's not even remotely funny when you can't understand what the subject is.
Yet another elite posing as the arbiter of what the rest of the nation should get as a candidate, and what we should be talking about, and how they should run their campaign.
It's not even remotely funny when you can't understand what the subject is.
3
Elite? You mean anyone who doesn't agree with you?
3
Au contraire, Mr. Cavett. While I find Trump to be (use the derogatory adjective of choice), he's still funnier than Zeppo.
In comparison with the dishonest oligarch Hillary Clinton pandering to Black voters,focusing on mass incarceration rather than mass crime, and attacking the American justice system as unfair and racist, one is encouraged to overlook his deficiencies.
3
The popularity of that jumped up slumlord, blowdried, blowhard ripoff artist has always been lost on me. The man robs his investors, stiffs his contractors, and uses bankruptcy court like an ATM machine.
12
Why aren't the anchors and news commentators who interview Trump asking him pointed questions like " Will you raise the minimum wage?" or
"What would you do with Social Security?" These are the things that
would directly affect those stalwart Trump supporters. I don't think Trump
would lift a finger to help the struggling middle and lower classes, and he
has said he won't raise the minimum wage because to " Make America
Great Again" he would need to recreate a time when some people got
richer on the hard working backs of the grossly underpaid. Trump is not
making America Great Again for every man, just for the ones like him.
"What would you do with Social Security?" These are the things that
would directly affect those stalwart Trump supporters. I don't think Trump
would lift a finger to help the struggling middle and lower classes, and he
has said he won't raise the minimum wage because to " Make America
Great Again" he would need to recreate a time when some people got
richer on the hard working backs of the grossly underpaid. Trump is not
making America Great Again for every man, just for the ones like him.
4
SEA
Why doesn't the media ask Trump important questions? Because they're afraid of his bullying too. What a mess.
Why doesn't the media ask Trump important questions? Because they're afraid of his bullying too. What a mess.
9
At least Cavett gives us a type of understanding who does admire Trump. It's been hard to try to figure out.
2
"But Trump doesn’t really respect them. They are to him the little people who boost the ratings and populate the events."
To which GOP candidate does this NOT apply? To which right-wing supporter pretending populism when, in fact, what they're about is enriching themselves? Donald Trump (not to mention Ted Cruz) aside, does anyone really believe that the Koch brothers, Sheldon Adelson, the CEOs of companies belonging to the American Petroleum Institute or, for that matter, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, et. al., are supporting GOP candidates because they're going to be good for all those people you describe? C'mon, people.
To which GOP candidate does this NOT apply? To which right-wing supporter pretending populism when, in fact, what they're about is enriching themselves? Donald Trump (not to mention Ted Cruz) aside, does anyone really believe that the Koch brothers, Sheldon Adelson, the CEOs of companies belonging to the American Petroleum Institute or, for that matter, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, et. al., are supporting GOP candidates because they're going to be good for all those people you describe? C'mon, people.
13
You're right! The country needs Trump for something, just not President. We need him to annoy the people who worsened the lives of those with those legitimate grips you listed so perfectly. The President should be the head of state who is a leader, but, can we create the office of Spanker? Isn't that the job he is really made for? And aren't there more than a few, in the House and the Senate and maybe even on the Court who would might improve themselves with Spanker Trump watching their every move?
3
You're right. There is nothing funny about this. Whatever the outcome, it is tragic that reason and thoughtfulness are sacrificed to the demands of acting out and, as one observer noted about us decades ago, entertaining ourselves to death.
3
You could say that Trump gets support because he panders, not because of his positions on any issue, but then isn't that true about all the candidates except one? It's always "I understand your problem," never "This is what we should do." Except one candidate, who stands out policy wise, but doesn't get support because "he doesn't understand us."
1
Someone, he must have been British, said to the effect that Trump is massively unqualified to be POTUS. That is a massive understatement.
3
This is an excellent column, and I agree with everything Mr. Cavett says. However, I still find Ted Cruz to be far scarier than Donald Trump.
10
Great column by Mr. Cavett.
I part that I disagree with, however, is that Mr. Trump is very funny, albeit in a completely unintentional way. The complete lack of irony in his presentation and his unapologetic embrace of being a jerk is simultaneously what repulses his detractors and enthralls his supporters.
Like the end of the eighties classic flick "Roadhouse" with Patrick Swayze, a movie that was so monumentally bad that it became "great", so is Trump's campaign. It's a horror show beyond compare, so unreal that you have to squint your eyes and reframe everything you see and hear that comes from it to confirm that it was something that you didn't just imagine.
You love it "because" it's so preposterous and it takes itself just seriously enough that you are able to suspend disbelief, but in the end you know it's utterly ridiculous.
But it's a "fun" ride. The people who are "fans" of Trump, and yes, they are more "fans" than true "supporters", know in their hearts that they are watching something closer to a WWE Slamfest that a real presidential nominating contest.
But they don't care, they are having the time of their lives.
I part that I disagree with, however, is that Mr. Trump is very funny, albeit in a completely unintentional way. The complete lack of irony in his presentation and his unapologetic embrace of being a jerk is simultaneously what repulses his detractors and enthralls his supporters.
Like the end of the eighties classic flick "Roadhouse" with Patrick Swayze, a movie that was so monumentally bad that it became "great", so is Trump's campaign. It's a horror show beyond compare, so unreal that you have to squint your eyes and reframe everything you see and hear that comes from it to confirm that it was something that you didn't just imagine.
You love it "because" it's so preposterous and it takes itself just seriously enough that you are able to suspend disbelief, but in the end you know it's utterly ridiculous.
But it's a "fun" ride. The people who are "fans" of Trump, and yes, they are more "fans" than true "supporters", know in their hearts that they are watching something closer to a WWE Slamfest that a real presidential nominating contest.
But they don't care, they are having the time of their lives.
31
Your comparison of the fascination with Trump campaign to 'wrestling' is spot on. Now I understand WWE!
2
If you think his personality is not a fair thing on which to judge him as a candidate, how do you look at a man so bizarrely thin-skinned and say he is good material for a President? Rubio, who with one wisecrack singlehandedly generated "handsgate" was out of the race for 3 weeks and Trump was still bringing up, unprovoked, how everyone on the rope line is impressed with his manly hands. According to Trump he is simply forced to make tacky embarrassing attacks on opponents because he is a "counterpuncher". But we are supposed to assume he will demonstrate an entirely different personality when he is POTUS and somebody hurts his feelings. No wars or crazy policies will be started over Trump's vanity or pride we are assured. Isn't this a historically new idea, that the personality we see during the campaign is exactly what we should not expect after he wins the office?. Truly amazing, to use a word Trump uses even more often than "yuge".
47
Trump will reach 70 in May, it is perplexing and ridiculous to hear politicians and many others (Maureen Dowd) urging him to be more "presidential" which Donald J. solemnly states he can be, any day now. Hasn't life taught all of us how likely that is? Changing lifelong personality traits at his age will not happen. It is difficult, with much back sliding to change flawed responses we know are not healthy and that is with self awareness, which Donald Trump lacks completely. He will not change.
4
Trump, no one forced you to be a nasty 'counterpuncher'. You chose it for yourself because you very much enjoy hurting the opposition. You are the prime example of an immoral bully. Perhaps you think your parents trained you to be that way. Perhaps there is some truth to that, who knows, but you still made a conscious choice to continue with it and to enjoy doing it. You have no conscience, no morals.
1
Trump is proof of the old axiom that "there is no bad press."
He wants attention, you give it to him. He gets attention, it makes him more electable.
Lies? Misstatements? So what? They all do.
A vote for Trump is a vote against government and its ability to accomplish anything.
He wants attention, you give it to him. He gets attention, it makes him more electable.
Lies? Misstatements? So what? They all do.
A vote for Trump is a vote against government and its ability to accomplish anything.
2
great column.
cue up candide.
lisbon's in for another earthquake.
and it's the best of all possible worlds.
cue up candide.
lisbon's in for another earthquake.
and it's the best of all possible worlds.
Dear Dick, Thank you for a superbly written, truthful and very funny column. I think that one element of political campaigning that has been noticeably absent from this one is humor. It's been a grim slog, with insults flying and fingers waving -- nothing to engage the voter but snark (if you like that sort of thing) and outrageous lies (ditto). I hope that you will take on the Hilary-haters next. Based on some of the letters I've received (I'm a big supporter of our soon-to-be first woman president) I'd say they need a lot more levity and a little more bran in their diets. Throw in some remedial grammar lessons too (spelling, punctuation, when to use capital letters, etc.) and we'd really have something! Best always, Rosie
1
Forget "shirt pocket." A complete compendium of Trump Wit, along with a Concordance, would fit into the change pocket of my jeans.
2
"Since then, it's been like watching a man trying to self-destruct, but nothing he tries works."
Reminiscent of "The Producers".
Springtime for Trump, and America!
Reminiscent of "The Producers".
Springtime for Trump, and America!
3
Cavett is right. Trump is a dangerous demagogue who has no concept of political leadership or knowledge of the complex issues in the modern world. He's a bully whose followers see his chauvinism as characteristic of a true leader who will recoup American dominance. This is the same fantastical impulse that seduced the followers of Il Duce or the Fuhrer. We are the laughingstock of the world waiting for intelligent American leadership on a planet facing insidious warming and global terrorism. What a pity that they must watch a puerile "reality show."
4
Many thinking citizens/voters have been saying much the same things as Dick Cavett since Trump first began his circus parade. We've noticed, in frightening ways, how Trump supporters/worshipers go off like a short fuse when the least criticism or questioning of Trump's comments and behaviors on stage are mentioned. I couldn't be more frightened if a wild animal had broken out of its cage at the zoo, and came face-to-face with me. You can feel their hot, hateful breath, which might be followed by violence and a cheering crowd and a cheer-leading Trump. I'm old enough to have not fallen for the republican party's marketing of 'the great communicator,' having experienced his down-home act when pushing General Electric on tv. Many movie start like Reagan, could not get away from their on-screen characters when becoming political (mostly cowboys and rogue cops). Surprise! Surprise! Trump and his worshipers would not like his being compared with the guy in the vigilante crowd who first yells, "Let's string 'em up! Are you with me?"
1
Trump's audience is composed of the same dolts (including famous celebs) who initially thought Sarah Palin was the second coming of Eleanor of Aqua Velva, or something. Just richer and more successful. They appear to know nothing about the responsibilities of a president, or care, and think it's some kind of ceremonial position like, being the Queen of England. One cannot even apply the oft used and, meaningless description of "He/she tells it like it is!", so popular with the NASCAR crowd, to Trump's utterances. My own guilty pleasure will be watching Trump's post candidacy life after he has so damaged the brand.
Just getting fatter and older, a perennial talk show guest, more the third Gabor (sorry, Jolie) than the fifth Marx Brother.
Just getting fatter and older, a perennial talk show guest, more the third Gabor (sorry, Jolie) than the fifth Marx Brother.
2
You have a point about Obama not being respected despite success from modest roots due to color. But anti-intellectualism is probably more prevalent. You can't do much about stupid respecting stupid once they reach a certain age.
4
Seems to me it's a parody in a fantasy about Fredonia. The framework of our Presidential campaigns is absurd. Candidates are judged by the "visionary" programs they propose. But Presidents don't legislate. Congress does or more like doesn't. It's a world in which fake is better than real. Trump is a better fake. Just look at the hair.
1
Those who were granted a mortgage they couldn't afford and then lost it to foreclosure???
I'm really angry at people who are angry because their eyes are bigger than their stomachs, and then blame their failure on the 1%.
Grow up, America.
I'm really angry at people who are angry because their eyes are bigger than their stomachs, and then blame their failure on the 1%.
Grow up, America.
1
Your comment about winning the Lottery is what Mr. Trump's appeal is all about. It is fun to fantasize about what life would be like if you were to win $300 million in the Lottery. Mr. Trump is telling us that we will all win the Lottery if is elected President. It is a fantasy that will end in disillusionment of his supporters and chaos for the rest of us.
5
The people following him are not only people who lost jobs, houses, etc. they are also haters -- they hate blacks, they hate the president, they hate immigrants of any kind, they hate the government, they hate laws that would restrict the proliferation of guns etc. I have a hard time being sorry for people who bought houses they couldn't afford with money that they didn't have -- that's a personal responsibility issue. They can be bitter about what happened but they need to look in the mirror too. Frankly I see a lot of reckless, hate-filled people clamoring for Trump and doing is solely because he rants about their hot button issues -- he hits the hate button and tells them that is't OK to be a hater and a spewer of hatred toward anyone or anything that they believe have "wronged" them. Unfortunately they don't demand of him any answers to their "issues" and he offers none because he has none.
Just remember that Hitler's "answer" to Germany's problems was the annihilation of groups of people that he found "undesirable" and who he "blamed" for the problems in Germany - economic and otherwise. That's Trump's MO -- no solutions, just potential "victims" to sacrifice to make his followers think he is going to do something that will help them..
Just remember that Hitler's "answer" to Germany's problems was the annihilation of groups of people that he found "undesirable" and who he "blamed" for the problems in Germany - economic and otherwise. That's Trump's MO -- no solutions, just potential "victims" to sacrifice to make his followers think he is going to do something that will help them..
9
THE OTHER MARX Is Karl. Or so I thought. He was not known for his humor nor political performances either, but warned us that religion is the opiate of the masses. Given the explosive mixture of the chimera of religious beliefs and political ideology, you get the idea that the politics have sunk to the level where they are indistinguishable from a bad drug trip. Thereby proving that in the 21st century, opium is the religion of the masses. Trump's burgeoning lunacy looks ever more like the acts of a person suffering from dementia of the frontal lobe type primarily. First, he has extremely poor judgment and insight. Second, he covers for his retrograde amnesia--a form of memory loss--by denying what he said on video. Trump disregards the evidence, a fact that demonstrates his concrete thinking. He is unable to control his impulsive statements. His confronting a lady who had nursed her baby is a new low in lack of restraint. If Trump can't restrain his reactions to a nursing mother, what will happen when he gets access to the nookyelur button? His public deportment is closer to a tragicomic rendering if Shakespeare's King Lear, utterly devoid of poetry or thought. Of Trump, I words fail to describe his lunacy. With Cruz, to know him is to despise him. To compare him to a snake oil vendor is a high praise. Every time I see him, he channels Joe McCarthy. I can see him at a White House press conference holding up an envelope and saying, I've got a list of names.
6
Trump and his ilk are exactly the folks who double-crossed the poor disenfranchised whites who are now his biggest supporters! It makes my head spin!
Mr. Cavett's remark about Lee Iacocca is exactly on-point. Politics and Business are different skills. Rarely do we see both these skills in one person.
Mr. Cavett's remark about Lee Iacocca is exactly on-point. Politics and Business are different skills. Rarely do we see both these skills in one person.
5
I, too, find Trump a boring bloviator. I'd have a shred of respect for him if he were thinner, somewhat acrobatic, and could pleasure himself orally, and were Crazy-Glued into that position, thereby leaving the rest of us in peace.
5
"Many of the people who like Trump are people who have been brutally ignored by the government and the media for a long, long time."
This is an interesting comment. It seems to me that most of the people who like Trump are the same who have, for decades, bashed the government and media, said they want government out of their lives, that "government is the problem, not the solution", that there is some liberal bias conspiracy within the media (and their antidote was, ironically, FOX and Rush Limbaugh)....
Seems like another, "Keep your government hands off my Medicare!" moment for this group.
This is an interesting comment. It seems to me that most of the people who like Trump are the same who have, for decades, bashed the government and media, said they want government out of their lives, that "government is the problem, not the solution", that there is some liberal bias conspiracy within the media (and their antidote was, ironically, FOX and Rush Limbaugh)....
Seems like another, "Keep your government hands off my Medicare!" moment for this group.
7
This is one of the saddest moments in our history when you consider this man came out of a generation that fought for women's rights, racial equality, gender equality, LGBT rights, better medical care... and against needless wars, earth despoliation, better health care and overall health, better education... the list could go on and on. Mr. Trump represents the worst of that generation - greed, lack of manners, lack of knowledge, egotism beyond belief....
He is an embarrassment, and a sad comment on just where our political system has taken us. I pray that America sees the light and realizes the dangers he poses before its too late.
He is an embarrassment, and a sad comment on just where our political system has taken us. I pray that America sees the light and realizes the dangers he poses before its too late.
9
Cavett's nicely crafted piece on the absurdity of the Trump candidacy touches on an important and under reported aspect of this candidates failure as both a candidate or celebrity. It is the headline assertion that he isn't funny. He most assuredly isn't. He lacks wit, timing, funny material and empathy with his audience.
4
We have been waiting too long for your words, Dick Cavett! At last you've written the 'mene mene tikal upharsin' of today re Trump - "you have been judged and found wanting". The Marx brothers didn't promise us diddly but laughs. But Trumpo, the "unfunny" Marx Bro, promises his millions of followers that he will change everything! The disillusioned and angry who are his followers have opened their windows and shouted "we're madder 'n hell and won't take it any longer!" The Donald's attitude counts far more than any factoids he can present re economics, and American foreign policy (building the YUGE wall on our southern border and promising that Mexico will pay for it. Fat chance). Is it fair, dear David, to make mock of The Donald's hair-hat - that unbelievable coif of bending and sticking every golden or gray hair on his scalp into a "do" for the ages? It looks like gold spun out of straw by Rumpelstiltskin. If it hadn't happened before the eyes of the world, who could have believed that Republican contenders for the Presidency (one an unelectable Texan via O, Canada, evangelical beyond belief and the other one, the Trumpo carny-barker whose words "You're Fired" caused quakes among his TV audience) would snipe at each other's wives? Your elucidation that The Donald doesn't even want to be President is undoubtedly true. Who's big enough to get the big Trumpo shark with the remoras, Cruz and Kasich attached to him, out of his louche campaign for the Presidency?
4
Citizens of Weimar Germany were angry too.
Trump is taking a page from the pied piper of hate who
was able to channel the anger of post ww1 Germans and
create the most immoral and damaging movement in human
history.
Trump is not Hitler but he is cynically tapping into the identical
methodology that Hitler used.
Trump is taking a page from the pied piper of hate who
was able to channel the anger of post ww1 Germans and
create the most immoral and damaging movement in human
history.
Trump is not Hitler but he is cynically tapping into the identical
methodology that Hitler used.
9
Iacocca was not quite the successful businessman you suggest: he was at the helm when Chrysler nose-dived and needed a then-unique taxpayer bailout to survive.
1
Your article is a bigoted slam against our nation, its citizens and our desire to purge the establiishment of our nation taking it to the presipice of liberty. Farmers like myself did actually attend ivy league universities, serve in the US House of Representatives and were CEO's at one time in the corporate world. You think we are stupid and without a clue to the American political process or the anger with our politicians who go on for decades wine and dined by lobbyists and special interest groups. I have been there. Trump is our on only hope to gey America back on track.
2
I've thought for a while now that Trump doesn't really want the job. Look what he does for a living; fires people on tv, puts his name on cheaply made stuff from China, makes money selling Trump wine and steaks (really?) His business dealings are a mystery. His casinos go bankrupt, he puts his name on buildings he didn't build and everything else he touches, his university wasn't real.
He took his inheritance, which would have grown to 10 billion in an index fund, and turned it into 4 billion (according to Forbes.) That doesn't sound like a very good deal to me.
Surely The Donald knows, really deep down, that he's been kind of a failure. Every late night comedian (and Obama) has done a hilarious and humiliating 15 minutes on him. He's got to know the presidency is just way over his head. He's got to know it's more work than he's ever done or wants to do.
I think he's looking for a face saving way out. And now he's got one, he's been cheated. He'll finally be free and he can blame someone else. Now that's something he's really good at.
He took his inheritance, which would have grown to 10 billion in an index fund, and turned it into 4 billion (according to Forbes.) That doesn't sound like a very good deal to me.
Surely The Donald knows, really deep down, that he's been kind of a failure. Every late night comedian (and Obama) has done a hilarious and humiliating 15 minutes on him. He's got to know the presidency is just way over his head. He's got to know it's more work than he's ever done or wants to do.
I think he's looking for a face saving way out. And now he's got one, he's been cheated. He'll finally be free and he can blame someone else. Now that's something he's really good at.
199
Donald J. Trump is good for America. Why is it so hard to admit that? Who else provides so much fodder for comics and belly laughs for Americans paying attention? Who else is tearing off the mask on Republican hypocrisy? Who else is responsible for the implosion of the Republican Party? Face it, Donald is doing us all a favor; he is single-handedly ensuring a Democratic victory in November...and maybe even Democratic gains in the Senate and House.
P.S. I so much enjoyed Mr. Cavett's dissection of the rodent beneath the orange menagerie.
P.S. I so much enjoyed Mr. Cavett's dissection of the rodent beneath the orange menagerie.
105
If Mr. Trump were any less hypocritical himself, he would have some value in exposing as bluntly as anyone knows how the bait and switch game the leadership of the Republican Party has played with its constituencies since Ronald Reagan beat Jimmy Carter and John Anderson in 1980 with barely more than 50% of the popular vote. As it is, he is the dangerous leader of a cult, whose followers don't at all care if he makes sense or not or if he is hypocritical or not because, since they signed on as his acolytes, they don't question anything he says. Beware anyone at any level who insists, "I will solve all your problems and only I can do it."
2
Why won't Americans realize that no president--not Trump, not Hillary Clinton not Obama, not JFK--is the Messiah? When JFK was killed the world did not stop spinning on its axis. And while I think Obama was a very good president, he didn't actually bring much "hope and change". Hillary as the first woman president? This will be exciting for about two days, just as it was with Obama being the first black president, and then it will just be business as usual. We should be much more concerned about the congress people we elect, because they do much more to either bring on or hamper major (and minor) initiatives. Yet sadly most Americans can't even name their senators.
216
And how many of us go to town council meetings and Board of Ed meetings where decisions are made affecting our quality of life and where our tax money is allocated. We have only ourselves to blame if we do not take an active part in our democracy.
5
The sad thing is, many of these angry Trumpists often only have themselves to blame for their situation, by voting for decades for a party and candidates who won't raise the minimum wage, who shut down unions, and who fight against health care and education. And now they're apparently going to vote for more of the same, only worse.
194
Conservative news outlets have brilliantly riled up these groups to vote against their own self interests. Amazing.
3
Trump is indeed a zombie candidate. Truth is, our political system had already died. We allowed it to happen. It is rigged by the corruption and conspiracy between big money and legalized bribery of Congress. Trump is merely his own lobby. You can't kill something twice. Either we rise up and start over with "we the people" and the collectivism that make us exceptional among nations, or we just become Russia without the vodka. Heroin is cheaper after all.
55
Trump is a Reagan for the second decade of the 21st century but today's Republican "Coalition" is a collation of hate and anger. Hatred of minorities, immigrants "the other" anger against "the system" that stole their jobs and lowered their wages. Reagan was merely a more affable (and, by the way, less intelligent) version of Trump. Reagan's "shining city on the hill" didn't include minorities, LGTB, immigrants, but had a lot of war-mongering neocons who resurfaced to give us non-existent WMDs and disastrous was in Iraq. So what's different now? Well, one word: demographics. Trump, like Reagan, could well win in a 1980 world but doesn't stand a chance in 2016. I don't appreciate Trump being called a buffoon because he quite simply is not, the buffoons are those people who vote for him against their own self- interest.
65
Hatred of minorities, immigrants "the other" anger against "the system" that stole their jobs and lowered their wages.
And these are people who castigate others for insisting on entitlements. Pray tell, why is a less-educated European-American male more deserving of a well-paying job than a less-educated African-American or Hispanic-American? They think they are, apparently, and Mr. Trump eggs them on. I am not suggesting that people with less education shouldn't have good jobs or at least access to the training to graduate into them. I am asking why one group of those whose skills are no longer needed in the economy that has been thrust upon our workers by those who have the power to do the thrusting think they are more entitled to whine, complain, and "punch out" those who disagree with them than other groups who find themselves in the same boat and have been in that boat for decades or centuries ?
And these are people who castigate others for insisting on entitlements. Pray tell, why is a less-educated European-American male more deserving of a well-paying job than a less-educated African-American or Hispanic-American? They think they are, apparently, and Mr. Trump eggs them on. I am not suggesting that people with less education shouldn't have good jobs or at least access to the training to graduate into them. I am asking why one group of those whose skills are no longer needed in the economy that has been thrust upon our workers by those who have the power to do the thrusting think they are more entitled to whine, complain, and "punch out" those who disagree with them than other groups who find themselves in the same boat and have been in that boat for decades or centuries ?
2
No party but the Republican Party --the Republican Party that has evolved in the past 20 years, that is-- could have birthed a Trumpian candidate for president. It has alternately tolerated and encouraged its base (Bases, actually. It has more splinters than a rough-sawn plank.) as long as they vote for whoever is not a Democrat, though termites is probably a more apt analogy than splinters, considering the condition the GOP is in right now.
My favorite Marx brother has always been Harpo, the diametric opposite to Trumpo. Never a sound slipped past his lips. Which, when they weren't turned up in a gleeful smile, rarely remained that way for more than the blink of an eye. His voice was the honk of a bicycle horn or, and always the highlight of the movie, his harp. Trumpo has but one true facial expression: smug self-satisfaction, and but one instrument, a record that skips and repeats, skips and repeats, skips and repeats...
My favorite Marx brother has always been Harpo, the diametric opposite to Trumpo. Never a sound slipped past his lips. Which, when they weren't turned up in a gleeful smile, rarely remained that way for more than the blink of an eye. His voice was the honk of a bicycle horn or, and always the highlight of the movie, his harp. Trumpo has but one true facial expression: smug self-satisfaction, and but one instrument, a record that skips and repeats, skips and repeats, skips and repeats...
76
As one who has held local elected office, I can extend Mr. Iacocca's comment to include ALL government. So often, I was told that we "need to run our city like a business." Indeed, while there are certain aspects of business management that apply to governments, the fundamental differences between for-profit businesses and government are not at all subtle. Governments don't manufacture or sell; businesses do not tax. Trump apparently thinks that his business acumen can easily overcome the issues faced by our federal government. The wider problem at this stage of the campaign is that Trump doesn't have to communicate specifics. He just needs a critical mass of people, to believe in him!
47
I see, if he becomes President, the whole country will face the same sort of bankruptcy that the Atlantic City casinos that Trump owned did.
Now that is a truly horrific concern.
Now that is a truly horrific concern.
If Trump cannot persuade Americans that the expanded economic liberties of the corporate oligarchy represent deprivations of economic and civil liberties to the average citizen, nothing can.
By advocating bizarre stunts such as mass deportations and religious tests for immigration, he demonstrates that he believes that the cure for lost constitutional liberty is further expansion of the oligarchy's ability to cancel out all constitutional liberties.
The fact that he is able to pretend that the problem is one of insufficiently authoritarian government is the astonishing and frightening part. The humorous part is that it appears that he himself doesn't see that his recommended cure is precisely the poison that has afflicted his followers.
By advocating bizarre stunts such as mass deportations and religious tests for immigration, he demonstrates that he believes that the cure for lost constitutional liberty is further expansion of the oligarchy's ability to cancel out all constitutional liberties.
The fact that he is able to pretend that the problem is one of insufficiently authoritarian government is the astonishing and frightening part. The humorous part is that it appears that he himself doesn't see that his recommended cure is precisely the poison that has afflicted his followers.
4
I wish someone would ask Trump the question Katie Couric asked Sarah Palin.
4
I'm no fan of Trump's but he probably does read the Wall Street Journal.
2
At last someone at the Times has commented on Trump's ridiculous hairdo and the bald spot that it covers. You can see it clearly in the pic with this column. What I can't understand is why all those tough, working class white men are supporting a rich pansy who spends an hour every morning with a can of hair spray getting his thinning hair "just so" and then does his makeup. This guy isn't a long lost Marx brother, he's Liberace's cousin.
9
Who scares you more? Trumpo or Cruz? Answer: Both of them. Who scares you more than Trumpo and Cruz? Answer: Their supporters.
12
Best Oped on Trump I have read in the NY Times. Mr. Cavett, you are spot on.
5
Dick Cavett, I've sorely missed your perspective and humor.
You've nailed Trumpo.
You've nailed Trumpo.
4
EXCELLENT editorial, Mr. Cavett! You nailed it right on the head in your analysis of who Trump's supporters are and why they stick with him as well as the character (or lack thereof) of the man himself. What I would tell your friends in London and what we all, thankfully, have to remember is that these disaffected masses who are clamoring for the Donald represent about 25% of the American public. Considering the GOP race as it's unfolding and the support he's received and looking at the numbers in terms of the total population, I'm not even sure he reaches 25% who are truly committed to the man. There are over 300 million Americans and only 31 million registered Republicans who are eligible to vote in the primaries after all. YES there are a lot of crazies out there and Trump is a manifestation of our own creation but to use an English expression, we haven't ALL gone "round the bend" quite yet and we can take comfort in that and the fact that the Donald will NOT be president.
4
Thank you for making your way over your bridge of wisdom and giving us a wonderful anti-trump card. Please give us your essays more frequently. You are a true mensch.
4
Where you been? Thanks for the memories.
3
You should restart your talk show. Now would be the perfect time, we've missed you all this time.
3
Doubt that CAVETT, graduate of Yale, retired millionaire talk show host, has much compassion for the socio economic categories which support DT unconditionally, and whom Mr. Cavett enjoys holding up for ridicule,To insult DT is to insult his followers, to make light of their economic despair, victims of offshoring,open borders policies, and overseas trade deals made by c.e.o.'s in collusion with their allies in Congress, bought and paid for.Also doubt that Cavett has ever had to do any physical work, or has been in the armed services ,much less in combat.The one time that I saw Cavett was on the UES,walking his dog near the now long gone Chez Mortimer.Cavett was shouting and screaming at the top of his voice at the dog who looked bewildered and trembled with fear.The harshness of his verbal attack was so extraordinary,so cruel and uncalled for that his outburst attracted the attention of other horrified passers by.Although never reported in the media because of DC's celebrity status,,that incident of animal cruelty has been engraved ever since in my memory, as well as in that of others who also witnessed it.Cavett's violent words were like physical blows to the poor creature, who had no recourse,and continued to tremble.If Cavettt were capable of mistreating an innocent animal in public, what might he have done to the poor creature in the privacy of his home?Although never reported for animal abuse, Cavett should have been. He behaved like a man unhinged.
1
The ol' laughing stock abroad trick.
How about those who are blowing up Americans abroad? Are they then the funny ones?
From what I read I think many abroad laugh at the US. And we laugh at them.
Laughter is the best medicine don't you think.
How about those who are blowing up Americans abroad? Are they then the funny ones?
From what I read I think many abroad laugh at the US. And we laugh at them.
Laughter is the best medicine don't you think.
"The Donald, with his demonstrated lack of world knowledge, wouldn’t know Shiite from Shinola."
Now that's funny.
Now that's funny.
8
Thank you Mr. Cavett.
I wish you had written this long ago and that your column could have been the end of this slow-mo train wreck that no journalist seems to stop following and writing about.
Alas, it comes too late in the game, so your voice is just one in a crowd.
No: the donald will not be "through" any time soon, mostly because of one detail that you forgot to write about.
Remember when, in one of his rantings he said "...the uneducated, I love the uneducated!"? And they love him.
As you well know, one cannot fight love; particularly this kind of blind love.
All we can do is wait until, after the one-nighter has been consummated; the honeymoon will be over by noontime, the next day and then...
...the coiffed head will be carried on top of a spear, hopefully only figuratively.
Yes, those people are angry, very angry and they will not like having been bamboozled one more time.
Another reason why the man is not funny at all.
I wish you had written this long ago and that your column could have been the end of this slow-mo train wreck that no journalist seems to stop following and writing about.
Alas, it comes too late in the game, so your voice is just one in a crowd.
No: the donald will not be "through" any time soon, mostly because of one detail that you forgot to write about.
Remember when, in one of his rantings he said "...the uneducated, I love the uneducated!"? And they love him.
As you well know, one cannot fight love; particularly this kind of blind love.
All we can do is wait until, after the one-nighter has been consummated; the honeymoon will be over by noontime, the next day and then...
...the coiffed head will be carried on top of a spear, hopefully only figuratively.
Yes, those people are angry, very angry and they will not like having been bamboozled one more time.
Another reason why the man is not funny at all.
3
"Shiite from Shinola" is too funny. Your column explains Trump's appeal better than any other I've read. Your column makes me hopeful that you will write another soon.
2
Wow! Thank you Mr. Cavett! Let's listen to the angry people in our nation ( the populace upon whom Mr. Trump are preying upon), and empathize with their frustrations. We are all only a step or two away from these very same difficulties.
For those of you who have never lived in NYC, please note that the only thing Mr. Trump did for our city is to quickly complete Central Park's ice-skating rink. Is this truly enough achievement at his age, for you to WANT him for president?
For those of you who have never lived in NYC, please note that the only thing Mr. Trump did for our city is to quickly complete Central Park's ice-skating rink. Is this truly enough achievement at his age, for you to WANT him for president?
3
Trump mesmerizes as much as he amuses. What he's saying is nonsense, but we're psychotically transfixed. We can't stop watching. Trump's Tower of Babel is way better than Downton Abbey. Even though, unlike the latter, Republican National Chairman Reince Priebus, isn't sponsoring it.
The Donald is a self-made man. He has made himself in his own image. We can't fact-check what he says. Like any religion, you have to have faith in the Trumpster, you have to believe, you have to worship him. He can say anything or nothing. It makes no difference. You adore him -- and even if he ends up being crucified by nonbelievers, you will forever hold in your heart remembrance of his brief but eternal political life.
The Donald is a self-made man. He has made himself in his own image. We can't fact-check what he says. Like any religion, you have to have faith in the Trumpster, you have to believe, you have to worship him. He can say anything or nothing. It makes no difference. You adore him -- and even if he ends up being crucified by nonbelievers, you will forever hold in your heart remembrance of his brief but eternal political life.
26
So much gold ti be mined, and Dick Cavett mined it.
" His life is only about winning.The job would be a bore."
"Gee Mom, Kim Jung-un started it!"
"The man who claims he can get along with everybody, yet managed to have a tiff with the Pope."
Brilliant Mr. Cavett, and accurate.
" His life is only about winning.The job would be a bore."
"Gee Mom, Kim Jung-un started it!"
"The man who claims he can get along with everybody, yet managed to have a tiff with the Pope."
Brilliant Mr. Cavett, and accurate.
5
Mr. Cavett, I know you know better: the word is "boor", not bore. Other than that, your thoughts are right on.
Lord, I have missed your spin on things! Please come back!
4
This column is an insult to the Marx Brothers.
Your article left me wondering - what audience are you trying to appeal to ?
Surely it cannot be Trump supporters.
Because if they are vulnerable to fantasies, naive to not know that Trump does not respect them, support Trump only because he is on TV, and do not see President Obama beyond his skin color ... they cannot be smart enough to understand you.
But then, it cannot be anti-Trump crowd either ... they already feel the same way about Trump supporters as you do.
Surely it cannot be Trump supporters.
Because if they are vulnerable to fantasies, naive to not know that Trump does not respect them, support Trump only because he is on TV, and do not see President Obama beyond his skin color ... they cannot be smart enough to understand you.
But then, it cannot be anti-Trump crowd either ... they already feel the same way about Trump supporters as you do.
A fight with the Pope? How terminally stupid! How & where did Trump fail to learn, the Pope is never wrong? When Infallible Authority graces you with its wisdom, what fool objects?
Reminds me of an old Rachel Choss cartoon in the New Yorker : "Rambo's Relatives" : Dumbo, Dimbo, Bimbo, and Rumbo. Trumpo is now on the list, appearing with the Trumpolites. Thanks Dick Caveat!
1
"The Donald, with his demonstrated lack of world knowledge, wouldn’t know Shiite from Shinola." Shiite from Shinola. Classic. Mr. Cavett, you've still got it.
I think you nailed it with - the left out electorate is turning to those who reflect their fed up, left out status and attitude is all they got left. Attitude of sticking the finger to 'political correctness' that they see as not telling it like it is, - that is not telling how left out they are. Bernie-ites feel this too about the 1%ers. Many of us feel this- the machine has plowed us under and what we have left is attitude. The question then becomes 'Who best can move us beyond attitude?'
Looking at the Republican refusniks- not gonna happen there, they invented this, they cant pass a budget, approve a SC justice, provide an alternative healthcare plan, admit science is real, much less endorse their own republican candidate. we are entering the 'DADA' times of stop making sense- if this is sense. Whats left?- Bring in the Clowns... and we got em! Now what was that joke?- I can't remember, but the answer is 'PUNCH'M IN THE FACE!'
Looking at the Republican refusniks- not gonna happen there, they invented this, they cant pass a budget, approve a SC justice, provide an alternative healthcare plan, admit science is real, much less endorse their own republican candidate. we are entering the 'DADA' times of stop making sense- if this is sense. Whats left?- Bring in the Clowns... and we got em! Now what was that joke?- I can't remember, but the answer is 'PUNCH'M IN THE FACE!'
"Wouldn't know Shiite from Shinola" should be the first solitary phrase to win the Pulitzer Prize.
1
"..Shiite from Shinola" - You realize, of course, we will never, ever forgive you for this.
Thanks for this note. It gives me a chance to clarify. I am not a Muslim, but I am deeply insulted by Trump's failure to understand -- at all -- the religion and the followers of Islam and the difference among Shiites and Sunnis and other Muslims. I am deeply offended that he is willing to lump over a billion of the world's people in with a handful of criminal fanatics, and not see the difference between those fanatics and the vast majority of Muslims who believe and practice the peaceful preachings of the Quran. It is an indictment of Trump (and not Shiites or Shinola) that he is so uninformed he can't tell the difference between them. Barbyr, I think you and I are in agreement.
2
"...wouldn’t know Shiite from Shinola" Thank you, Dick -- I always enjoy your columns. Truly, the Donald is not worthy of your wit.
1
Aren't you EVER going to fumble, Cavett?
That You, Mr. Cavett....You brilliantly Have it
Trump knows how to Glisten....but has No Need to ever Listen.
His is only one basic Goal....the chronic system of Control.
A nauseating Presence....with no value in his existence.
Trump knows how to Glisten....but has No Need to ever Listen.
His is only one basic Goal....the chronic system of Control.
A nauseating Presence....with no value in his existence.
2
You left out hedge funds buying the properties back after foreclosure to resell or rent very profitably, and the absolute current nightmare of getting a mortgage approved even for those whose credit is excellent. For whom the bell tolls indeed. Or more aptly, let them eat cake.
11
First time "The Producers" entered my consciousness as a parallel to Donald's nuttiness, but it should have resonated earlier.
5
I want a Democratic President. Also I'd like to see the political pendulum swing back toward the center of reason from the "don't bother us with facts" Party. They have created this monster and it promises to destroy them now. I hope it does. I hope voters vote this time and go for the entire Democratic ticket and give us a Congress that honors its Oath of Office. Sure, the Trump candidacy is a dangerous game for our Body Politic to be playing, as Mr. Cavett and others note. Chances are Trump is the GOP candidate. It's going to be a dirty, outrageous Presidential campaign. It just might change the country's entire political direction. Even the Supreme Court is in play. Let's get ready to rumble.
9
The Left indoctrinates;the Right teaches "l'esprit d'analyse" is a truism as valid today as it was when it was first uttered decades ago. Perusing published comments, all I see r character assassinations of Mr. Trump based purely on speculation, which remarks tell us more about the commenters than about DT. Wrote 2 comments on Cavett who I and others witnessed one day on UES shouting and yelling at the top of his voice at his dog, who stood there bewildered and trembling with fear. This happened near Chez Mortimer, a restaurant now long gone. Cavett behaved like a man unhinged, and I pitied the poor creature who had the misfortune to belong to the "congenial, funny" talk show host. We who witnessed the verbal abuse of the dog were horrified. This is a side of DC that few people r aware of, his sadistic treatment of innocent 4 legged creatures. I hope Cavett has changed. His violent language directed at his own pet were like physical blows to the animal who had no recourse but to stand there quivering in apprehension. Cavett's savage outburst is engraved in my memory and in the memory of those who also witnessed the sad event.
4
How's That for projection?
1
I’m puzzled about your saying that you saw me screaming at my dog in public. This seems unlikely since I adore all dogs (more than all people) and feel subservient and inferior to most of them.
Could it have been my wife I was treating that way? That too seems unlikely because I’ve rarely walked her on a leash. (And seeing her, you’d know why.)
I’m sorry you were upset by the incident and am sure you must have mistaken someone else for me. The late Sonny Liston, perhaps?
Could it have been my wife I was treating that way? That too seems unlikely because I’ve rarely walked her on a leash. (And seeing her, you’d know why.)
I’m sorry you were upset by the incident and am sure you must have mistaken someone else for me. The late Sonny Liston, perhaps?
9
Dick: You can ignore ALALEXANDER HARRISON: His all caps name tells you all you need to know about him! I have seen him on the NYT comments many times, and he really should stick to Brietbart or WSJ sites where he would find more friends. I think your article was spot on!
4
Europe has a long history of thinking we are crazy, from Prohibition, to our sexual mores, to our national addiction to guns and gun-related violence. After the re-election of George W. Bush, which scared Europe and left many Europeans doubting our sanity [despite their penchant for starting internecine wars], there should be no head scratching abroad; we are crazy and given to lunatic fits of irrationality as befits our aging and often senile "democracy". The poor and blue collar working class have finally come to understand that all the power is concentrated in the hands of the 1% and therefore, they and their families are never going to share in the American Dream, which has been replaced by the Lottery. They are ripe for plucking by the most cunning demagogue, who promises them "democracy". Europe should understand this - Hitler, Franco, Mussolini - need we say more?
14
Dear Mr. Cavett,
Your article is really a cheap shot and represents everything that the smirking New York liberals find irritating when their own policy stance is questioned, attack the person not his ideas.
Mr. Trump may not express himself in the plummy tones of establishment politicians, but he is probably the only politician/candidate who says what he means. You may not agree with him, but d not denigrate him personally. Challenge his ideas and his policies. Only in that way will his strengths and weaknesses be evaluated.
It seems to be "de rigueur" in the U.S. for every journalist to mock the man and to focus on his hair, his appearance, and in this article a close-up of his hair.
This is populist journalism at its best. If it continues for the remainder of the pre-election process, I wonder how US citizens will be able to decide anything.
Your article is really a cheap shot and represents everything that the smirking New York liberals find irritating when their own policy stance is questioned, attack the person not his ideas.
Mr. Trump may not express himself in the plummy tones of establishment politicians, but he is probably the only politician/candidate who says what he means. You may not agree with him, but d not denigrate him personally. Challenge his ideas and his policies. Only in that way will his strengths and weaknesses be evaluated.
It seems to be "de rigueur" in the U.S. for every journalist to mock the man and to focus on his hair, his appearance, and in this article a close-up of his hair.
This is populist journalism at its best. If it continues for the remainder of the pre-election process, I wonder how US citizens will be able to decide anything.
4
Mr. Trump's ideas and policies may be written with a sharpie on the head of a pin. Or, if slug'em, ship'em, and bang'em count, then on the side of a peanut.
Not much to D but the slurs, brags, and hair.
That's what a real Liberal snob ad hominem put-down looks like. But all D gave was the man. So it's been hard to attack the policies. Go make yourself Great. Again.
Not much to D but the slurs, brags, and hair.
That's what a real Liberal snob ad hominem put-down looks like. But all D gave was the man. So it's been hard to attack the policies. Go make yourself Great. Again.
5
The man's entire existence - from his entitled and cosseted beginnings to his reality show outbursts to his presumptuous claim to be able to handle the most important job on the planet SCREAMS out for mockery and sarcasm. When you run for high public office, your entire life becomes a book to be opened and nothing is off limits. Furthermore, if Trump or people like you, find fault with the sarcastic humor, then perhaps the reality of politics is too much for both Trump and you.
10
Populist journalism? Actually I think it is fairly factual, with just a little bit of humor thrown in. US citizens won't be able to decide anything anyway. It's the money and the corrupt political system, stupid. Nothing to do with Dick Cavett's excellent analysis of Trump, who is a sham.
4
Early on, I had told myself (and some friends) that Trump would leave the race mid-April when he no longer found "running for President"' amusing. Unfortunately, he found he found an audience that loves his show. Should he be nominated, let's hope his Party makes a wise choice for VP to do some very heavy lifting.
4
No let's not hope for anything good for him or his party, which is reaping what they sowed. They are going to lose and we are going to be "stuck" with Hillary by default, rather than choice. His "party" which is not "his" is pathetic, has learned nothing from their prior losses and "he" just needs to go. Now.
3
It ain't no mystery, if it's politics or history.
The thing you've got to know is, everything is showbiz!
The Donald as Roger deBries. Always refers to himself in as Trump, now starring in the political version of The Apprentice, marketed as the American Savior with panache and a lion's mane. The good old days when insults and degrading others was actually seen as funny and bullying brave.
The thing you've got to know is, everything is showbiz!
The Donald as Roger deBries. Always refers to himself in as Trump, now starring in the political version of The Apprentice, marketed as the American Savior with panache and a lion's mane. The good old days when insults and degrading others was actually seen as funny and bullying brave.
5
I so love some Dick Cavett. But Mr. Cavett when you describe some Trump voters as people "who have been adversely affected by affirmative action (or think they have)", you should probably lose the parentheses. It needs not to be whispered that the Trump voter is one whose anger is wildly displaced. Affirmative action is just one more area where Trumpian rants are aplenty, thoughtful consideration quite hard to find.
And one more thing, and you probably already agree: Trump is scary and very unfunny, but he's hardly alone in this regard in the Republican field. He offers up a buffoonish front, but even with his nonsensical approach to issues, I for one would never consider him as dangerous as Ted Cruz as president. More clownish, sure; embarrassing, more than a little, but less dangerous compared to that lowest of bars, Ted Cruz. Spend some time writing about him in a future column---I'm sure I'm not the one who would appreciate it!
And one more thing, and you probably already agree: Trump is scary and very unfunny, but he's hardly alone in this regard in the Republican field. He offers up a buffoonish front, but even with his nonsensical approach to issues, I for one would never consider him as dangerous as Ted Cruz as president. More clownish, sure; embarrassing, more than a little, but less dangerous compared to that lowest of bars, Ted Cruz. Spend some time writing about him in a future column---I'm sure I'm not the one who would appreciate it!
7
Another wry and witty essay by a master wit on long standing, with some very trenchant observations on the Donald Trump follies.
But one facile though witty phrase ruined the essay: The throwaway line about "Shiite and Shinola" was witty and original but quite a few levels below Mr. Cavett's best jokes.
But most all I found it quite offensive and insensitive. And that is the opinion of someone who is not a Muslim.
But one facile though witty phrase ruined the essay: The throwaway line about "Shiite and Shinola" was witty and original but quite a few levels below Mr. Cavett's best jokes.
But most all I found it quite offensive and insensitive. And that is the opinion of someone who is not a Muslim.
2
Thanks for this note. It gives me a chance to clarify what I thought was obvious: I am also not a Muslim, but I am deeply insulted by Trump’s failure to understand – at all – the religion and the followers of Islam and the difference between Shiites and Sunnis and other Muslims. I am deeply offended that he is willing to lump over a billion of the world’s people in with a handful of criminal fanatics, and not see the difference between those fanatics and the vast majority of Muslims who believe and practice the peaceful preachings of the Quran. It is an indictment of Trump (and not Shiites or Shinola) that he is
so uninformed that he can't tell the difference between them. Ernieh1,
I think you and I are in complete agreement.
so uninformed that he can't tell the difference between them. Ernieh1,
I think you and I are in complete agreement.
8
Dear Mr. Cavett:
Thank you sir, you are a scholar and a gentleman. I know that is a cliche, but what is a cliche good for if we can't use it in the right situation? (I am sure you will get what I mean!)
From a long time Fan.
ernieh1
Thank you sir, you are a scholar and a gentleman. I know that is a cliche, but what is a cliche good for if we can't use it in the right situation? (I am sure you will get what I mean!)
From a long time Fan.
ernieh1
2
I'm surprised that after mentioning the Marx Brothers Mr. Cavett didn't note that they already have given Trump a road map of how to rule a country.
As Groucho sang on becoming president of Freedonia:
"The last man nearly ruined this place, he didn't know what to do with it.
If you think the country's bad off now, just wait till I get through with it."
Certainly sounds like something that could make its way into a Trump inaugural address.
Of course in the movie Groucho does lead his country into an unnecessary war but unlike the U.S., it at least wins it. One can only hope that Trump will at least hire as his chief advisors people as qualified as Chico and Harpo.
As Groucho sang on becoming president of Freedonia:
"The last man nearly ruined this place, he didn't know what to do with it.
If you think the country's bad off now, just wait till I get through with it."
Certainly sounds like something that could make its way into a Trump inaugural address.
Of course in the movie Groucho does lead his country into an unnecessary war but unlike the U.S., it at least wins it. One can only hope that Trump will at least hire as his chief advisors people as qualified as Chico and Harpo.
7
Trump took advantage of the system , and now is claiming to speak for those left behind. Just reading an article in the Guardian about Hayek and the Neoliberal movement. Since the 80's, wages and the economy have been stagnant, greed and competition became enshrined. Caricatures like Trump are empowered to rise to the top. The middle class needs help. The people supporting Trump think he is the answer, because he says what they think are courageous truths. If he is elected the joke will be on us.
7
When it comes to Donald Trump, he is the wrecking ball that keeps on giving. Phyllis Schlafly endorsed him and she is being kicked out of her own organization because of it. I think Trump should be supported as much as possible, until the general election.
6
I would not sully the Marks brothers by insinuating that Donald Drumpf has anything to do with them. They were a class act, especially Arthur (Harpo).
4
Journalists stopped fact checking and challenging anyone especially those on the right long ago. As an astute circus barker, Trump realized that the "big lie" works wonders and ever since he is off to the races. Are his election finances scrutinized - no, we just keep believing what he says, rather than interviewing people who should also be held to do their jobs.
7
While agreeing with much of the journalist-bashing, I am reminded of their bosses, the people who pay them. These are the same corporations who've bought Congress, statehouses across the country, and way too many local and state politicians. It's disturbing, but one can see how it happens. A few brave ones are blogging, which I hope will allow them to earn a living while telling the truth.
6
The great Dick Cavett sublimely eviscerates The Donald: A beautiful thing to read. Trump's exploding demagoguery continually reminds me of Charlie Chaplin's satire "The Great Dictator", in which he courageously lampooned Hitler, Nazis, Mussolini, fascism and anti-Semitism during the incendiary period just prior to our entry into WWII. Those guys and their legions of lock-stepping stooges also had no sense of humor. I simply choose to believe that Trump's traveling reality show will be cancelled due to extremely poor "ratings", and that no one like this guy, or his brother in reactionary arms Ted Cruz, could ever be elected president, other than president of the local asylum inmate rec committee. May they both end up on the ash heap of history, right along side Herman Cain and Ben Carson.
15
But how many Trumpsters actually vote or if they do it is probably for the same party their dad voted for. Vote by rote, never thinking what the actual issues are so year after year they get less and less by their local government who really doesn't give a damn about them.
Along comes Trump, promising them everything they always wished for. No need to think, no need to actually evaluate the truth of his promises. Just vote for him and all will be well.
Along comes Trump, promising them everything they always wished for. No need to think, no need to actually evaluate the truth of his promises. Just vote for him and all will be well.
4
That, or they listen to Rush Limbaugh and the rest of scream-radio, and go the way they're told to. Texas needn't worry; critical thinking isn't being taught in the U.S. any longer. (So Mississippi and North Carolina don't need to ban it)
4
There is no rage as that caused by betrayal. And there is no distrust as that of finding out that those who said they were taking care of you and then did not and then lied about it too. I watched a segment of broadcast news last night about people in Flint who will not use the water, even though the experts need them to run water through the pipes to help fix the problem (additives have been added). These are poor people who are paying for bottled water that they cannot afford, because the don't, and may never again, trust the authorities who lied to them. This is the same thing for the followers of Trump and the Republican party. Their rage at finally learning that they have been lied to, cheated, and played for fools by the people they trusted is truly frightening.
108
One of the cleverest lines I've seen in a long time.........."The Donald, with his demonstrated lack of world knowledge, wouldn't know Shiite from Shinola."
Only Cavett could have blessed us with that one !!!
Only Cavett could have blessed us with that one !!!
17
It is not easy going into the future and I only speak for myself and maybe for a few other Canadians. Nobody is laughing at Donald Trump and nobody has been laughing at the United States. We are very fearful not of Donald Trump but a country which was 1980 leading the world in change , education, science and technology and decided never again to flip the pages of the calendar.
My little Canadian town is very conservative and many of its residents have embraced Donald Trump even as our town newspaper promotes Bernie Sanders. While most Canadians who care about American politics would likely support Bernie Sanders many would support Donald Trump. I suspect this is true for many countries even Israel and Egypt.
Mr Cavett I know you are a witty erudite and thinking individual but I am beginning to understand that it is a very small cadre of Americans who know what is going on in the world and even fewer who know what is going on at home.
I don''t know what the relationship between Russia and the Ukraine really is all I know is Putin's friends and the Ukrainian President are seeing their people demonstrating over money sent to Panama City. China our biggest trading PARTNER is better situated the deal with North Korea.
I think what scares me the most are those people in America that are laughing at Donald Trump. Trump is not the disease. Donald may in fact be a more benign symptom of a prolonged degenerative and fatal disease.
My little Canadian town is very conservative and many of its residents have embraced Donald Trump even as our town newspaper promotes Bernie Sanders. While most Canadians who care about American politics would likely support Bernie Sanders many would support Donald Trump. I suspect this is true for many countries even Israel and Egypt.
Mr Cavett I know you are a witty erudite and thinking individual but I am beginning to understand that it is a very small cadre of Americans who know what is going on in the world and even fewer who know what is going on at home.
I don''t know what the relationship between Russia and the Ukraine really is all I know is Putin's friends and the Ukrainian President are seeing their people demonstrating over money sent to Panama City. China our biggest trading PARTNER is better situated the deal with North Korea.
I think what scares me the most are those people in America that are laughing at Donald Trump. Trump is not the disease. Donald may in fact be a more benign symptom of a prolonged degenerative and fatal disease.
13
Take a deep breath and don't worry. We've been to crazy town more than once and we always seem to claw our way back. Though in the unlikely scenario that Donald Trump should win, I'd start the wall now. I can't see Canada being able to support 200 million Americans who have thrown in the towel and want to run across the border.
On the other hand, I can't really see Donald Trump getting through his first year in office before he's impeached and forced to resign.
On the other hand, I can't really see Donald Trump getting through his first year in office before he's impeached and forced to resign.
3
"Actually, I don’t think he even wants to be president. His life is only about winning. The job itself would be a bore."
A Trump Presidency to the American public would not be a bore. It would be tremendously divisive and chaotic. Picture the spoiled vcious brats in control on the island in "Lord of the Flies". Republicans after being conned by their own Party over the decades have decided to put their faith in the biggest con man to arrive on the scene in the modern era.
A Trump Presidency to the American public would not be a bore. It would be tremendously divisive and chaotic. Picture the spoiled vcious brats in control on the island in "Lord of the Flies". Republicans after being conned by their own Party over the decades have decided to put their faith in the biggest con man to arrive on the scene in the modern era.
9
We will all have the final say in this. If we don't want him, don't vote for him. Eventually this will come down to the real thing (general election). Until then, it is possible to make all the noise and get all the attention without really having that much grass-roots support.
It's possible that many (perhaps most) Trump devotees are not those who have really suffered and are impoverished and downtrodden, as Cavett describes, but instead are regular middle-class men and women who for many years have succumbed to the ranting propaganda of Limbaugh, Beck, Savage, Hannity and the vast army of similar commentators who have taken over talk radio, television and punditry. They've been primed to ignore facts, to despise serious research, to avoid what we now call "critical thinking." Many adults who bemoan the presumed failure of American public education are themselves examples of that failure. "Don't tell me what I don't wanna know" is the comfortable way to evade introspection and (if it exists) outrospection. Thus many will go to the polls and vote against their own self-interests. The Emperor Trump arrived on stage, perfectly-timed to be greeted with cheers and adoration. False idols bring false hopes.
Doug Giebel
Big Sandy, Montana
Doug Giebel
Big Sandy, Montana
23
There have been greater disasters in U.S. history, floods, fires, shipwrecks, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc., but the election of Donald Trump as President is destined to rank right up there with the best of them.
This time, however, there will no mystery at all regarding the cause of it. Ordinary middle-class Americans are sick to death of political correctness, affirmative action programs that are affirmative for everyone but them, Hollywood values, protests /demonstrations/riots without end, schools that teach little; jobs that aren’t there; the moral rot that is evident just about everywhere; who -- when they went looking around for someone to blame -- happened across a word spelled l-i-b-e-r-a-l-s.
Where it will all end I don’t know, but one thing I believe is certain, this is not going to be one of those disasters where you wake-up in a few days and find out that the water has gone down and the sun is shining.
And, oh yes, neoconservatives warned us about this.
This time, however, there will no mystery at all regarding the cause of it. Ordinary middle-class Americans are sick to death of political correctness, affirmative action programs that are affirmative for everyone but them, Hollywood values, protests /demonstrations/riots without end, schools that teach little; jobs that aren’t there; the moral rot that is evident just about everywhere; who -- when they went looking around for someone to blame -- happened across a word spelled l-i-b-e-r-a-l-s.
Where it will all end I don’t know, but one thing I believe is certain, this is not going to be one of those disasters where you wake-up in a few days and find out that the water has gone down and the sun is shining.
And, oh yes, neoconservatives warned us about this.
1
"Political correctness" equals "I'm a bigot and I want to say bigoted things in public without being called out on it." And I'm guessing that for you "moral rot" means "don't let those nasty gay people have any civil rights!"
9
"In government, the successful leaders can’t just walk out, or sulk when someone disagrees. To be successful in government, a leader has to build a strong, inclusive coalition."
Thank you for describing Barack Obama, the adult in the room. Unfortunately, the concept of an inclusive coalition is anathema to today's Republicans.
Thank you for describing Barack Obama, the adult in the room. Unfortunately, the concept of an inclusive coalition is anathema to today's Republicans.
27
I agree that Mr Cavett Iis generally correct in his assessment of, 'The Donald.'
So we must ask which one of this bevy of candidates is best qualified to be president.In my opinion Kasich has the most experience and temperament to lead. Cruz has legitimate background but unlikeable by many. Sanders is obviously too far left however amazingly and frighteningly very popular with our youth. Finally, we have Hillary who, throughout her career claims to have a right wing cabal following her creating false accusations about her activities. Obama in a recent interview called her e mail problems careless, not a resounding affirmation of her abilities.There you have it and we wonder why people look to Trunp and Sanders
Cheers Duke
So we must ask which one of this bevy of candidates is best qualified to be president.In my opinion Kasich has the most experience and temperament to lead. Cruz has legitimate background but unlikeable by many. Sanders is obviously too far left however amazingly and frighteningly very popular with our youth. Finally, we have Hillary who, throughout her career claims to have a right wing cabal following her creating false accusations about her activities. Obama in a recent interview called her e mail problems careless, not a resounding affirmation of her abilities.There you have it and we wonder why people look to Trunp and Sanders
Cheers Duke
"In government, the successful leaders can’t just walk out, or sulk when someone disagrees. To be successful in government, a leader has to build a strong, inclusive coalition."
These words should be forwarded to our Republican Congress, and to the gerrymandered districts and forlorn states that elected them. But I fear they'd have no meaning, when apparently, partly thanks to Mr Trump, they believe themselves citizens of a republic founded under their own interpretation of Christianity, and betrayed by a Muslim President," working in behalf of inferior intruders from darker races... and all evidence to the contrary disregarded because it is apparently in conflict with their own cherished inner realities.
Amazingly, there are educated spokesman who lend support to this wonderland nightmare. I'm grateful that one of them is not the crystalline Dick Cavett.
These words should be forwarded to our Republican Congress, and to the gerrymandered districts and forlorn states that elected them. But I fear they'd have no meaning, when apparently, partly thanks to Mr Trump, they believe themselves citizens of a republic founded under their own interpretation of Christianity, and betrayed by a Muslim President," working in behalf of inferior intruders from darker races... and all evidence to the contrary disregarded because it is apparently in conflict with their own cherished inner realities.
Amazingly, there are educated spokesman who lend support to this wonderland nightmare. I'm grateful that one of them is not the crystalline Dick Cavett.
11
I doubt very much that Cavett, graduate of Yale, millionaire retired talk show host has anything in common with socio economic categories who support DT unconditionally, and whom Mr. Cavett enjoys holding up for ridicule. To insult DT is to also insult his followers. Doubt that Cavett has ever had to do any physical work, or been the victim of offshoring, open borders and overseas trade deals which have brought so much suffering to so many. Nor has he been in the service or in combat.One time that I saw Cavett was on the UES, walking his dog near the long gone Chez Mortimer. Cavett was in the process of shouting and screaming at his dog who looked bewildered and afraid. The harshness of his verbal attack was so extraordinary,egregious, so uncalled for that his outburst attracted the attention of others, who were equally horrified. Although never reported in the media because of DC's celebrity status, that incident of animal cruelty has been engraved ever since in my memory as well as in that of other passers by who were also witnesses.DC's violent words were like physical blows to the poor, defenseless creature, who had no recourse but to stand there trembling with fear. If Cavett were capable of mistreating an innocent animal in public, what might he have done to him in the privacy of his home? Inexcusable, and although never reported for animal abuse, DC should have been.Cavett behaved like a man unhinged.
6
"...in big business, ultimately, the lead dog has to take responsibility and make a decision, and then everybody else has to follow. It’s not a democracy. And America won’t be much of one if Trump takes over."
If elected Mr. Trump would be faced with a Board of Directors he did not choose nor can he fire - Congress and The Courts. My guess is that his term of office would be very short as he would resign in disgust when he finds the Presidential suit is, thanks to The Constitution, a straight jacket.
Mr. Cavett cites some of the popularity of "The Donald" but misses the fact that the news media has given him inordinate coverage and turned the race for the nomination into a personality contest instead of an issues discussion. Yes, Trump is good for ratings but that is all he is good for.
If elected Mr. Trump would be faced with a Board of Directors he did not choose nor can he fire - Congress and The Courts. My guess is that his term of office would be very short as he would resign in disgust when he finds the Presidential suit is, thanks to The Constitution, a straight jacket.
Mr. Cavett cites some of the popularity of "The Donald" but misses the fact that the news media has given him inordinate coverage and turned the race for the nomination into a personality contest instead of an issues discussion. Yes, Trump is good for ratings but that is all he is good for.
8
"Media...turned the race for the nomination into a personality contest instead of an issues discussion."
Agreed, George. Let me add that media has been doing that for some time, e.g. G.W. Bush was the guy you wanted to have a beer with or media appreciation for the phrase "fuzzy math" without any kind of analysis of the numbers involved in issue. The problem of appearance over substance goes back at least as far as Athenian democracy, but I'd wager that it's been exaggerated by television and reporters who see themselves as entertainment figures.
Agreed, George. Let me add that media has been doing that for some time, e.g. G.W. Bush was the guy you wanted to have a beer with or media appreciation for the phrase "fuzzy math" without any kind of analysis of the numbers involved in issue. The problem of appearance over substance goes back at least as far as Athenian democracy, but I'd wager that it's been exaggerated by television and reporters who see themselves as entertainment figures.
6
Batavicus, et al.,
Yes, personality has always been a large part of the voting for public office. While the authors of The Constitution dreamed of an informed electorate based on high principles, the fact is that We-the-People do vote our emotions more than our intellect.
We have also elected Presidents who lacked the skills to turn their agenda into the law of the land as well as Presidents that made significant strides in changing America for the better.
Yes, the press is complicit but the press also only gives us what we want. Right now, what we want is entertainment and pandering to either our outrage or our moralistic sentiments regardless of the ability of the focus of those emotions to actually get Congress to turn those emotions into legislation.
In the end We-the-People are going to get exactly what we deserve, although it may not be what we really want.
The authors of our Constitution feared the mob, but the media and We-the-People love it, if for nothing more than entertainment value. Unfortunately, politics like the other important things in life is boring.
Yes, personality has always been a large part of the voting for public office. While the authors of The Constitution dreamed of an informed electorate based on high principles, the fact is that We-the-People do vote our emotions more than our intellect.
We have also elected Presidents who lacked the skills to turn their agenda into the law of the land as well as Presidents that made significant strides in changing America for the better.
Yes, the press is complicit but the press also only gives us what we want. Right now, what we want is entertainment and pandering to either our outrage or our moralistic sentiments regardless of the ability of the focus of those emotions to actually get Congress to turn those emotions into legislation.
In the end We-the-People are going to get exactly what we deserve, although it may not be what we really want.
The authors of our Constitution feared the mob, but the media and We-the-People love it, if for nothing more than entertainment value. Unfortunately, politics like the other important things in life is boring.
1
Donald Trump is a either a caricature from the pen of a disturbed cartoonist - or a wickedly conceived triple conceit that could have been written by Voltaire. Absurdist hardly does justice to the concoction of absurdities and contradictions that he is.
I think Dick Cavett comes closer to defining this political aberration and the reason it is occurring than almost anything I've read or watched - it is staggering that this orange headed man and his vile and offensive bile play any role whatsoever in a US Presidential campaign.
I think Dick Cavett comes closer to defining this political aberration and the reason it is occurring than almost anything I've read or watched - it is staggering that this orange headed man and his vile and offensive bile play any role whatsoever in a US Presidential campaign.
11
"Actually, I don’t think he even wants to be president. His life is only about winning."
You nailed it right there. I knew that the second I saw his name in this or any other ring.
All the rest is just watching him and countless others wasting time and money prattling on, as usual.
What is to be expected? Given the evidence of both the American audience's wants and the "sophistication" it belies.
The man is a walking, talking presentation of a litany so many ego related emotional dysfunctions it is hard to consider listing them.
A very elaborate mirror for those in his spell, I guess.
You nailed it right there. I knew that the second I saw his name in this or any other ring.
All the rest is just watching him and countless others wasting time and money prattling on, as usual.
What is to be expected? Given the evidence of both the American audience's wants and the "sophistication" it belies.
The man is a walking, talking presentation of a litany so many ego related emotional dysfunctions it is hard to consider listing them.
A very elaborate mirror for those in his spell, I guess.
6
Donald Trump is not qualified to be President of the U.S. He simply has
no experience in government, international affairs, or national or international
economics. We do not need another President for on the job training.
no experience in government, international affairs, or national or international
economics. We do not need another President for on the job training.
5
Cruz has experience in government. And all he has learned is how to shut down operations and waste billions of dollars and hurt many hundreds of thousands of people unless he gets his wrong way. How is this better than Trump's extensive economic and chief executive and national and international experience? The last thing we need as President is an extremist and despised politician that will divide and fracture the country further.
4
No one could be as bad as GWB the war criminal
6
After every road, bridge and rail line is repaired and replaced; after all municipal water lines in our country are analyzed for defects, repaired and replaced; after all our schools are also updated and our educational system overhauled; after homeless shelters are built for the impoverished and programs constructed to improve the lives of the poor; after every veteran and every elderly person receives needed medical care with dignity and respect - then if there are any resources (labor and materials) left in this country along with our tax dollars to support it - Trumpo - if elected - can talk to congress about building a wall. In the unlikely event that should happen - start with a gun buyout plan and smelt all the assault rifle and similar weapons down for that - so called fantasy of a beautiful wall.
17
I keep reading about Trump supporters who have never voted before but are highly motivated to come out and vote for him in the primaries. I think there are enough of them for him to win in November, if he gets the nomination. There are certainly enough of them to let him foment civil disturbances, even insurrection, if he is finessed out of the running at the Republican convention.
As for a Trump presidency, I give my take on it here: http://www.matthewhughes.org/loser/
As for a Trump presidency, I give my take on it here: http://www.matthewhughes.org/loser/
1
Reading this, I can picture Cavett's affable smirk and that makes me smile as well. I agree that the media has ignored a segment, but those he points to as having legitimate complaints are the very people the government under Obama has targeted for assistance. They turn to Trump because they don't cotton to getting help from the uppity Obama. He does not fit into their American fantasy. The media ignores these folk because they don't have the inclination any longer to lift the rocks to expose what crawls beneath. Perhaps, Cavett could pay attention to them as insightfully as he has to Trump.
6
Re: "A friend in London writes: 'We are rubbing our eyes in disbelief at the frightening spectacle of the American political scene. It seems to be a nightmare from which the United States cannot awaken.' ”
That would describe perfectly the administration of George W. Bush or, for that matter, Ronald Wilson Reagan, and we haven't awoken from either nightmare. Did your friend somehow miss that? (Bush and Reagan, by the way, really did become president, whereas almost certainly Trump will not.)
Re: "Limited space prevents the inclusion of a complete (or even partial) list of transgressions, but let’s just point out that this is a man who claims he can get along with everybody, yet managed to have a tiff with the pope."
Considering that overpopulation either causes or greatly exacerbates virtually every environmental problem and that global warming and other environmental problems are threatening virtual extinction of the human race in a relatively short time and considering that the Catholic Church remains the greatest obstacle to combating world overpopulation, I'd say there's something wrong with everyone who does NOT have a "tiff" with the pope. Yes, this is supposedly a shiny new liberal-ish pope, but so far that hasn't made a jot of difference for overpopulation.
That would describe perfectly the administration of George W. Bush or, for that matter, Ronald Wilson Reagan, and we haven't awoken from either nightmare. Did your friend somehow miss that? (Bush and Reagan, by the way, really did become president, whereas almost certainly Trump will not.)
Re: "Limited space prevents the inclusion of a complete (or even partial) list of transgressions, but let’s just point out that this is a man who claims he can get along with everybody, yet managed to have a tiff with the pope."
Considering that overpopulation either causes or greatly exacerbates virtually every environmental problem and that global warming and other environmental problems are threatening virtual extinction of the human race in a relatively short time and considering that the Catholic Church remains the greatest obstacle to combating world overpopulation, I'd say there's something wrong with everyone who does NOT have a "tiff" with the pope. Yes, this is supposedly a shiny new liberal-ish pope, but so far that hasn't made a jot of difference for overpopulation.
15
There is no point in trying to convince a Trump supporter that it's a bad idea.
It is nice, though, to read a humorous and accurate description of the
man and his ideas in an editorial that I would be unable to come up with.
I am simply too befuddled by the reality of the Donald and his influence to put it into words.
It is nice, though, to read a humorous and accurate description of the
man and his ideas in an editorial that I would be unable to come up with.
I am simply too befuddled by the reality of the Donald and his influence to put it into words.
15
What makes Trump so scary is that in spite of his flagrantly obvious unfitness for the office, here and there he makes statements that resonate. The GOP establishment really is corrupt. Immigration really is broken. The Iraq war really was dishonest. American industry and jobs are really in a mess. Party establishments and the media really do not listen. They live in echo chambers and are totally out of touch. A lot of people are responding the only way they know how. So the parties (both) need to get in touch and stay in touch. Otherwise this will only happen again with a less bumbling (and therefore even scarier) person in the lead. A lot of what is going on at state level is just as scary as Trump if not more so - if you look at NC and look beyond the widely-reported issues there (on LGBT and bathrooms), you will find far scarier stuff going on about voting districts, the State Bureau of Investigation, the minimum wage and so on. But the national press just doesn't do its research. Journalists just Google each other's work and then call that reporting.
48
Joseph G. Anthony, below, correctly diagnosed the trump phenomena as "poor whites being lied to and exploited by corporate types who ignored their needs once in office." I want to scream every time I hear a republican say "Jobs" and the interviewer does not ask for the R's strategy for creating jobs. It is always the same: don't tax the rich, (the effect of which is the opposite of creating jobs, as the rich clearly can't spend all their money already, so it gets taken out of the economy) and destroy any program that feeds or cares for those who have no job.
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"These are the disaffected. The disenfranchised. The disdainful."
Income inequality is very high and is recognized as a significant factor affecting millions who are either unemployed or under-employed. It is instructive to recall that all revolutions - French, Russian, or other more minor ones - are preceded by great disparity in society. The top 1%, or royalty in the earlier cases, run the risk of being targeted in violent revolutions unless they are smart enough to help facilitate a drastic reduction in the inequality. It will behoove them to voluntarily take on the burden of additional taxes before matters run out of control.
I don't think we are the point of a violent revolution in America but the seething anger that has propelled Trump and Sanders is real. It is time to remedy this dangerous trend and restore the middle class in order for ALL, including the top 1%, to survive.
Income inequality is very high and is recognized as a significant factor affecting millions who are either unemployed or under-employed. It is instructive to recall that all revolutions - French, Russian, or other more minor ones - are preceded by great disparity in society. The top 1%, or royalty in the earlier cases, run the risk of being targeted in violent revolutions unless they are smart enough to help facilitate a drastic reduction in the inequality. It will behoove them to voluntarily take on the burden of additional taxes before matters run out of control.
I don't think we are the point of a violent revolution in America but the seething anger that has propelled Trump and Sanders is real. It is time to remedy this dangerous trend and restore the middle class in order for ALL, including the top 1%, to survive.
27
chickenlover - "Income inequality is very high and is recognized as a significant factor affecting millions who are either unemployed or under-employed."
No, no, no, haven't you read, including in this paper, that the economy is in great shape and that unemployment is at a historic low?
No, no, no, haven't you read, including in this paper, that the economy is in great shape and that unemployment is at a historic low?
2
I can't remember this newspaper recently stating that the economy was in great shape and unemployment being at historic lows. I recall articles claiming that the American economy was faring better in this global recession than many other countries' economies and that unemployment is lower than it had been when Obama first took office. I do recall many articles regarding income inequality. No, no, no, haven't you read?
7
It would be nice to envision not reading analysis of Trump day after day. For the foreseeable near future that will not occur. Trumps demise as a candidate will come to it's end at the GOP convention, if not sooner. Trump will continue to engage his followers, claiming their dream of his candidacy was destroyed by corrupt political process, which is probably correct.
The focus of Trump's followers is misplaced, as their anger and frustration may be better served if voiced against the GOP leadership in present day congress, the ones they themselves elected, who spent more energy being obstructionist's then in solving the problems they now claim to suffer under. Storming the doors of congress instead of the doors of Trump rallies may have accomplished more.
The Trump constituency will remain, for him to further enflame, with claims that his presidency would have been their solution. We will continue to read of this demagogue, unfortunately, for some time to come.
The focus of Trump's followers is misplaced, as their anger and frustration may be better served if voiced against the GOP leadership in present day congress, the ones they themselves elected, who spent more energy being obstructionist's then in solving the problems they now claim to suffer under. Storming the doors of congress instead of the doors of Trump rallies may have accomplished more.
The Trump constituency will remain, for him to further enflame, with claims that his presidency would have been their solution. We will continue to read of this demagogue, unfortunately, for some time to come.
16
I am sure he will be hired by Fox News immediately after he stops running for President. He will probably be paired with his fake nemesis Megyn Kelley.
1
Trump is the ultimate "none of the above" choice for those those who are as you stated, the disenfranchised. Trump swoops in, holds a an old-fashioned tent revival, and rallies people and tells them he will be their savior. He plays on their fears and plays to their prejudices. If (God forbid) he is elected President, the show will be over, the crowds will disappear, and there will be no audience to play to. What then? What does he do when the adoration that was once forthcoming from supporters starts turning to anger over promises not kept? What happens if a world leader ticks him off? Do missiles start flying in a fit or rage? We've already had one entertainer for President, we don't need another. The job of President demands maturity, not narcissism.
183
Ah, yes, just like a religious revival gathering. "I paid my $5 and I was saved from hairy hangnails, hallucinogenic halitosis, and hanging horrors".
1
Brilliant piece Mr Cavett. Even though I'm a democrat, I'm so despondent with the state of the GOP that I am trying my hardest to believe that Mr Trump IS the smartest man in the room. He's not actually running for president. He's putting on the most incredible and modern version of "Tony Clifton" in an effort to hold up a mirror to the GOP and their electorate. After three decades of sloganeering, failed and laughable foreign and social policy...Trump is taking the existing GOP (absurd)policies and talking points and re-delivering them in their most concentrated and racist language. I am, for now choosing to believe that Mr Trump's racist, simpleton rhetoric is intentional and that he is taking a cue from the late great Andy Kaufman to achieve this feat. It's helping me cope with what would otherwise be The Great American Embarrassment.
120
Could he actually be Andy in disguise?
I think you give too much credit to Donald Trump's intelligence. Actually I think his so called intelligence is a Big Man On Campus act--lots of blather but not much substance and very much in need of a fact checker.
3
That's a really interesting way of looking at the campaign. I for one have always thought that Mr. Trump doesn't really want to be president; he just wants a pulpit from which to bloviate by day, and return to his mansion(s) at night.
He would be bored to tears by the actual JOB of the presidency -- all that researching of issues, talking, negotiating legislation, having to be faithful to his wife, etc. He'd last about 3 months, and then he'd have to self-impeach.
He would be bored to tears by the actual JOB of the presidency -- all that researching of issues, talking, negotiating legislation, having to be faithful to his wife, etc. He'd last about 3 months, and then he'd have to self-impeach.
41
Thank you Mr. Cavett! Great column.
I deplore what is happening but I understand it. Many Americans feel betrayed by their government, hence the support for the buffoni Americano. I don't necessarily feel personally betrayed but I've paid a lot of dues - combat military service, college, grad school, professional licensing, etc. I did what was necessary to succeed while many haven't. Good professions don't grow on trees as low hanging fruit to be picked at will. The only permanence is change. Be prepared.
Actually, the Trump supporters are the mirror image of many on the other side of the barricades separated by issues of race and gender in addition to political philosophy.
Me? Independent. I don't know how I'll vote until I see just who is on that ballot - the only poll that really counts.
Hope and change - again.
I deplore what is happening but I understand it. Many Americans feel betrayed by their government, hence the support for the buffoni Americano. I don't necessarily feel personally betrayed but I've paid a lot of dues - combat military service, college, grad school, professional licensing, etc. I did what was necessary to succeed while many haven't. Good professions don't grow on trees as low hanging fruit to be picked at will. The only permanence is change. Be prepared.
Actually, the Trump supporters are the mirror image of many on the other side of the barricades separated by issues of race and gender in addition to political philosophy.
Me? Independent. I don't know how I'll vote until I see just who is on that ballot - the only poll that really counts.
Hope and change - again.
44
Such a pleasure to read Dick Cavett's prose. Using the English language as opposed to the common dialect that passes for English, he perfectly captures the subject. However, the persons most horrified by this spectacle he describes are the GOP Establishment itself, for Trumpo has performed a singular service much to their chagrin, i.e., he has exposed the lie that all the Grand Old Party's talk of "opportunity" turns out instead to have been opportunism - by which they have leveraged middle class resentments to transfer wealth upwards in the chain to their masters. Sadly for the GOP, the pols fell for their own story. Ask former Speaker Boehner if having served the privileged, he is even welcome at their table or if he is still tending their bar.
316
Dear Dick: Your quote from Bob Schieffer is well chosen: (Bob Schieffer of CBS tells us: “I’m not sure more fact-checking would have changed that much. We’re in a new world where attitude seems to count more than facts.”)
This switch to attitude over substance began with the Tea Party, although it has a long historical strain in politics. Think Sarah Palin and her shtick about the President, or just about any major issue of the day. Sarah set the scene for Donald Trump, the master of double speak and inaccurate statements. Challenge him, and all you get are personal attacks.
Everything you say about the former head of Chrysler is true: "Lee Iacocca, a truly successful businessman by any standard, declined to run for the highest office, because he knew that there was a fundamental difference between big business and big government. In government, the successful leaders can’t just walk out, or sulk when someone disagrees."
Your assessment is stunningly acute, and frightening as well. Right now the by far leading GOP candidate is a narcissistic 5-year old in a man's body and head of hideous blonde hair. When he says "I'm going to act more presidential" I cringe.
You can take the mogul out of Queens, but you can't put the mogul in the White House unless you want to destroy the country.
This switch to attitude over substance began with the Tea Party, although it has a long historical strain in politics. Think Sarah Palin and her shtick about the President, or just about any major issue of the day. Sarah set the scene for Donald Trump, the master of double speak and inaccurate statements. Challenge him, and all you get are personal attacks.
Everything you say about the former head of Chrysler is true: "Lee Iacocca, a truly successful businessman by any standard, declined to run for the highest office, because he knew that there was a fundamental difference between big business and big government. In government, the successful leaders can’t just walk out, or sulk when someone disagrees."
Your assessment is stunningly acute, and frightening as well. Right now the by far leading GOP candidate is a narcissistic 5-year old in a man's body and head of hideous blonde hair. When he says "I'm going to act more presidential" I cringe.
You can take the mogul out of Queens, but you can't put the mogul in the White House unless you want to destroy the country.
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And yet Iacocca, as I recall, did sulk a bit after he left Chrysler. And the once labeled "greatest CEO in history" 'neutron' Jack Welsh, was revealed as a spoiled brat when the details of his GE retirement package and all his perks came out during his divorce.
CEOs are mostly ego-maniacs. They somehow receive the reverence usually reserved for the Pope from the public, the media, and especially politicians, as they become filthy rich while preying on the very employees who let them achieve these heights. 'Neutron' Jack got the name because of the sudden disappearance of people while his empire remained intact.
All the nonsense about needing a man (of course) who understands business to be president is just that-nonsense. When you have all the votes, it's easy to make a decision.
CEOs are mostly ego-maniacs. They somehow receive the reverence usually reserved for the Pope from the public, the media, and especially politicians, as they become filthy rich while preying on the very employees who let them achieve these heights. 'Neutron' Jack got the name because of the sudden disappearance of people while his empire remained intact.
All the nonsense about needing a man (of course) who understands business to be president is just that-nonsense. When you have all the votes, it's easy to make a decision.
2
This is one businessman who many feel will not live up to the standard of General Electric spokesman Ronald Reagan. The unexpected number of boat rockers out there is giving folk the heebie jeebies. Maybe its time for another war.
'They love Trump because for some reason they see him as the embodiment of the entrepreneur in America — rising from nothing to become “yuge.”'
Yeah - only if you consider inheriting $200 million from Daddy as "nothing." Trump's followers are delusional and, yes, they are likely projecting their own lotto win-big fantasies onto him. That is also the only explanation I can think of for why so many ordinary working stiffs so fiercely oppose raising taxes on the wealthy. They picture themselves becoming wealthy, then resent their 'having made it' selves having to pay taxes on their windfall.
A Trump presidency would be a continuation of the Trump campaign - lots of pomp, strutting, big ceremonies celebrating the wonderful SELF, but little of substance. Elaborate state dinners with Melania in slinky gowns, golf outings (at a Trump course naturally) with dignitaries, but little in the way of serious conversations (unless, of course, there were side deals to build high-rises or golf courses in Dubai or Beijing or Vladivostok .
Yeah - only if you consider inheriting $200 million from Daddy as "nothing." Trump's followers are delusional and, yes, they are likely projecting their own lotto win-big fantasies onto him. That is also the only explanation I can think of for why so many ordinary working stiffs so fiercely oppose raising taxes on the wealthy. They picture themselves becoming wealthy, then resent their 'having made it' selves having to pay taxes on their windfall.
A Trump presidency would be a continuation of the Trump campaign - lots of pomp, strutting, big ceremonies celebrating the wonderful SELF, but little of substance. Elaborate state dinners with Melania in slinky gowns, golf outings (at a Trump course naturally) with dignitaries, but little in the way of serious conversations (unless, of course, there were side deals to build high-rises or golf courses in Dubai or Beijing or Vladivostok .
48
Thanks Dick, I have missed your columns, you are always good for a laugh. It is even funnier when some of the readers do not get it. I am off to bed in a few minutes and will have a smile on my face as I lay down to sleep.
Your sarcasm and innuendo really put Trump into perspective. I think in the Catskills he would have been considered a Klutz, or a schlemiel, and would have elicited great laughter. Just imagine some of the great old time comedians putting him in their routines.
Your sarcasm and innuendo really put Trump into perspective. I think in the Catskills he would have been considered a Klutz, or a schlemiel, and would have elicited great laughter. Just imagine some of the great old time comedians putting him in their routines.
73
From the Guardian
Vermont senator Bernie Sanders launched one of his most powerful indictments of modern capitalism in his campaign at the Vatican today. “I have been enormously impressed with Pope Francis speaking out and his visionary views about creating a moral economy, an economy that works for all people, not just the people on top,” Sanders told a group of reporters who had gathered just outside the Vatican gates. “And what he has said over and over again: we cannot allow the market just to do what the market does, that is not acceptable.”
Vermont senator Bernie Sanders launched one of his most powerful indictments of modern capitalism in his campaign at the Vatican today. “I have been enormously impressed with Pope Francis speaking out and his visionary views about creating a moral economy, an economy that works for all people, not just the people on top,” Sanders told a group of reporters who had gathered just outside the Vatican gates. “And what he has said over and over again: we cannot allow the market just to do what the market does, that is not acceptable.”
4
Not just the Jewish comedians. George Carlin would have loved to use him, I promise.
4
I was never a fan of Dick Cavett's television show, but his column on the Trump phenomenon is about as spot-on as anything I've read about him--and I've read a lot.
13
I truly hope Trump is the nominee. He is unelectable. Cruz is just as bad and Kasich is a wolf in sheeps clothing
157
I think the comic persona that fits best is Bud Abbott, the hurmorless grouch who is not adverse to using violence ,cunning or conning to bilk the last bit of dignity from the hapless sap who continues to hang around with someone who, obviously, doesn't like him. That comparison also works if you look at his followers as Lou Costellos.
27
Slowly I turned.....step by step.....inch by inch...."
1
Dick Cavett insisted on becoming another apologist for the inept media which does not recognize contrarian political behavior unless it behaves in the acceptable view of what makes a candidate/
Cavett is trading on a false impression of himself, that is = he really is the know it all of what's suitable and what's not.
I am a flat lander small town boy that knows Nebraska, too. And, I suspected Cavett suffered from being a pretentious wannabe sooth sayer, and now he proved it.
Trump's style leaves a lot to be desired, but he has something to say about the way Americans have been conned by the establishment. Cavett, who's an establishmentarian one day, and a revolutionary another day, reveals a synthetic spine by which he supports himself.
Cavett is trading on a false impression of himself, that is = he really is the know it all of what's suitable and what's not.
I am a flat lander small town boy that knows Nebraska, too. And, I suspected Cavett suffered from being a pretentious wannabe sooth sayer, and now he proved it.
Trump's style leaves a lot to be desired, but he has something to say about the way Americans have been conned by the establishment. Cavett, who's an establishmentarian one day, and a revolutionary another day, reveals a synthetic spine by which he supports himself.
14
If Americans have been conned by the establishment you'd think they'd know a con job when they listen to one. The Donald makes P.T. Barnum look like Abe Lincoln.
246
Except Trump really doesn't say ANYthing about how he would go about helping people or fixing things. Does he?
15
You're a flat liner. The problem isn't Trump's style.
He has no substance. He has no ideas. Nothing he says makes any sense. His success is an accident of birth. The cache he got from his father enabled him to get special treatment from banks during bankruptcies which cost him little personally. He certainly feels entitled. That doesn't mean you have to grant him what he wants because he will not return the favor. Belieeeve me.
He has no substance. He has no ideas. Nothing he says makes any sense. His success is an accident of birth. The cache he got from his father enabled him to get special treatment from banks during bankruptcies which cost him little personally. He certainly feels entitled. That doesn't mean you have to grant him what he wants because he will not return the favor. Belieeeve me.
26
Mr Cavett nailed it.
107
Mr. Cavett, you are a national treasure. Thank you for the pinnacle debunking of the (in absentia?) Trump phenomena. Your views on how Mr. Trump could act as POTUS are terrifyingly spot on, and terrifyingly, too believable to contemplate.
If I may, a sidebar. From the wisdom of Mr. Cavett's words: "In government, the successful leaders can’t just walk out, or sulk when someone disagrees. To be successful in government, a leader has to build a strong, inclusive coalition."
To the supporters of Senator Sanders, Mr. Cavett speaks these words profoundly and in a riveting voice of reason.
If I may, a sidebar. From the wisdom of Mr. Cavett's words: "In government, the successful leaders can’t just walk out, or sulk when someone disagrees. To be successful in government, a leader has to build a strong, inclusive coalition."
To the supporters of Senator Sanders, Mr. Cavett speaks these words profoundly and in a riveting voice of reason.
56
It's interesting that this evening I happened to be watching one of Mr. Cavett's old shows from spring 1972. His guest was Jackie Robinson who talked about the impending presidential election. While he said he respect Hubert Humphrey and George McGovern as individuals, he felt that they and the rest of the Democratic Party was turning its back on blacks by courting the supporters of George Wallace and that he wasn't sure if he would vote for Richard Nixon or just stay home.
1
Dear MSC -- I think the supporters of Hillary Clinton can hear these words also and agree with them. In fact any rational person can hear them and agree with them.
3
Steve -- I hope you watched Ken Burns' PBS documentary "Jackie Robinson" which revealed that after Robinson had campaigned for Nixon, he realized that Nixon was not going to push for the passage of a civil rights act and ultimately he voted for Kennedy. It was ironic that initially he doubted that Kennedy and particularly his VP Lyndon Johnson would not move on civil rights -- when ultimately it was Johnson who pushed through the passage of the Civil Rights Act and admitted that by doing so the Democrats would lose the South for the next generation -- and that prediction has come true as the solid Democratic south turned to the Republican party which dog-whistled that it would be the party for white people. Robinson unfortunately still believed that the GOP in 1960 was still the party of Lincoln when the reality was far different.
1
And if Kim Jung-un had "started it", what should President Trump's response be?
11
Remember, only 21% of USA citizens have a four-year college degree.
That's 79% of the country not knowing what the "scientific method" means.
Related, 99% of these people are not aware of their "emotional intelligence" as factors for their decisions.
That's a recipe for disaster, potentially.
But I happen to happily believe: Trump will lose in a landslide to Hillary.
Yuge loss.
Republicans will STILL be looking for a GREAT country as they build their wall of shame.....
That's 79% of the country not knowing what the "scientific method" means.
Related, 99% of these people are not aware of their "emotional intelligence" as factors for their decisions.
That's a recipe for disaster, potentially.
But I happen to happily believe: Trump will lose in a landslide to Hillary.
Yuge loss.
Republicans will STILL be looking for a GREAT country as they build their wall of shame.....
63
Not everyone can afford college and not everyone who didn't attend college is unaware of the scientific method. Many people with only a high school education are capable of reading books and following the news. The snobbery of some college graduates is odious.
163
90% of the students being babysat in college today have no business being there. They are learning nothing and doing nothing but cheering for the ol' team, working on their addictions and copulating. So let's go easy on drawing hard lines between the "educated" 21% and the rest of us. Sanders is right - we need free college - for the qualified.
13
The bigger problem is that most people don't take a civics class in high school and if they do, they forget anything they learned and therefore have no real grasp of the composition of our government or how the government works. Ask 50 people on the street the number of Supreme Court justices and see how many can get it right? Ask the names of the justices. Ask them who the VP is or even the Speaker of the House or the Senate majority and minority leaders are and you'll get blank stares. Then ask what Dodd-Frank is and the intent of it and who were Dodd and Frank. Yet, these same people will vote in November while having a zero grasp of the importance of knowing the issues and the people who represent them in the three branches of government and what those people stand for. That's the problem -- lack of knowledge and an unwillingness to gain the information that they need in order to make an intelligent, rational choice.
42
Hey Dick you're right he's not funny.
If you know Maureen Dowd, next time you see her please let her know.
If you know Maureen Dowd, next time you see her please let her know.
215
"Lee Iacocca, a truly successful businessman by any standard..."
Anyone check that against Chrysler's reported profits & stock price while he was Chairman ?
Anyone check that against Chrysler's reported profits & stock price while he was Chairman ?
15
Trump's run is a comic adventure on a heroic scale, more entertaining than anything ever dreamt up by Andy Kaufman.
34
Trump is the most fascinating bore I've ever witnessed.
54
I think that's spelled "Boor"...
2
"Fascinating bore" is a contradiction.
3
Well, we can see what Cavett got for caving in to the temptation to excuse Trumpism among the jingoistic, racist, self-pitying American dingbat class. He gets the comment here by Fortress America, who shares with many self-inflated "patriots" a penchant for giving himself grandiose nicknames on blogs. You go, Fortress. You won't like the next President either, because he won't be Trump, and he won't be putting you first when he gets up in the morning.
49
Mr. Cavett's comment is refreshing and spot on. While not necessarily apparent, I suspect Mr. Cavett will be only to happy to support the next president of these United States: Hillary Clinton.
This was a wonderfully entertaining piece Mr. Cavett. Thank you!
This was a wonderfully entertaining piece Mr. Cavett. Thank you!
1
I agree with all you've said about Trump and wish you had added neo-fascist etc. But here's the thing: Trump exposed and may have destroyed the Republican Coalition--poor whites being lied to and exploited by corporate types who ignored their needs once in office. They lied to them and manipulated their various prejudices--including but not limited to race. Of course Trump plays to their prejudices, too--but he also points to the Iraq lie, the trade deal lie, and the tax lie.(He had to back off that one.) I wish the Republican Coalition had been destroyed by someone we could respect even a little, but that it's destroyed is one great positive in this mess.
368
Destroying the party isn't the goal. Is it? For the US government to function for all, we need the two-party system. What I hope for is change...a party that is forced to work with the Democratic party...the way this government is supposed to work.
I agree, but how much recognition of being manipulated has emerged. The right wing media tentacles have so consumed reason and nurtured hatred of liberals, minorities and our president that opening those minds seems a steep climb. What I am suggesting is that voting for a Democrat is quite a leap for voters poisoned to see them as the enemy, even as they support the actual policies of that party. Probably Sen. Sanders would garner more support that Sec.Clinton with Trump supporters, but his proposals are DOA with Congress and we see how quickly rabid fans turn to apathy when dreams are not realized pronto, example A, the Congressional elections of 2010.
4
Simulatenously reading your Brief Encounters and The Groucho Letters. If only Groucho were here to see this. Feel free to come speak at the Politcal Union at NC State whenever you'd like, on politics or any other topic for that matter.
14
Mr. Cavett's appraisal of The Donald turns out to be as trenchant as any I've encountered in these pages from the op/ed writers who do this sort of thing for a living. Of course, "Trumpo's" response (watch for it on Twitter) will likely consist of something like "Dick Kravitz. Who even remembers him? What a loser! Couldn't get Carson's ratings even when Brando came on his show and sat there mumbling for 45 minutes. Low-energy L-O-O-O-SER!!"
115
"managed to have a tiff with the pope"
True. That was just plain stupid.
To his credit, he did realize that picking a fight with the Pope was really stupid, that HE had done something really stupid, and quite publicly walked it back. He even ADMITTED he'd done something stupid. He didn't lie about it, or try to make it something else as excuse.
That degree of candor about doing something stupid didn't change that he did it. It did change how many (nowhere near all) thought about him for the whole mess.
He admitted it. He made an effort to fix it. He ven had some success fixing it, since fortunately the Pope didn't want the fight either.
Which other politician in this election has admitted doing something stupid, and publicly walked it back? None.
It isn't even imaginable that any of them would, except maybe Bernie (he hasn't done anything that stupid enough to test the theory).
"Hey, he was stupid, but he did it well" is not a great boast. It does however reveal something about how Trump gets away with what he does.
True. That was just plain stupid.
To his credit, he did realize that picking a fight with the Pope was really stupid, that HE had done something really stupid, and quite publicly walked it back. He even ADMITTED he'd done something stupid. He didn't lie about it, or try to make it something else as excuse.
That degree of candor about doing something stupid didn't change that he did it. It did change how many (nowhere near all) thought about him for the whole mess.
He admitted it. He made an effort to fix it. He ven had some success fixing it, since fortunately the Pope didn't want the fight either.
Which other politician in this election has admitted doing something stupid, and publicly walked it back? None.
It isn't even imaginable that any of them would, except maybe Bernie (he hasn't done anything that stupid enough to test the theory).
"Hey, he was stupid, but he did it well" is not a great boast. It does however reveal something about how Trump gets away with what he does.
29
John Buford wants his face back, after that drivel.
18
Too bad he does so many stupid things. Does he learn?
19
This is not really accurate at all. Bill Clinton, for example, just immediately walked back and apologized for his outburst at BLM protestors last week. Apologizes and admissions are rare in politics, but they happen.
Trump only adds a dash of bluster, which appeals to dullards, dimwits and thwarted souls.
Trump only adds a dash of bluster, which appeals to dullards, dimwits and thwarted souls.
3
I'm a Trump voter. you have no clue;. you have some articulation of the dispossessed, and then throw it all away with snark and incomprehension.
About mortgages, I have credit scores of 815 and LTV 75k loan/135k value, and couldn't get a refi to LOWER my mortgage payment (purportedly b/c I didn't make enough money to pay lower rate), so I stayed with a higher one and paid it fine
Don't whine to me about folks who got free houses, at taxpayer expense, b/c they couldn't pay for them - predatory lenders HA
predatory BORROWERS, and demographically concentrated or so it seems
my turn to whine, I vote Trump
As for Trump not funny, well we in the conservo world find Mr O, funny in the bad ways, well we have Obama Derangement Syndrome , the mirror to Trump Derangement Syndrome
and if the euro weenies don't like us we'll take our armies and bases and economic contributions to their economic, and come home (or they can pay their fair share)
About mortgages, I have credit scores of 815 and LTV 75k loan/135k value, and couldn't get a refi to LOWER my mortgage payment (purportedly b/c I didn't make enough money to pay lower rate), so I stayed with a higher one and paid it fine
Don't whine to me about folks who got free houses, at taxpayer expense, b/c they couldn't pay for them - predatory lenders HA
predatory BORROWERS, and demographically concentrated or so it seems
my turn to whine, I vote Trump
As for Trump not funny, well we in the conservo world find Mr O, funny in the bad ways, well we have Obama Derangement Syndrome , the mirror to Trump Derangement Syndrome
and if the euro weenies don't like us we'll take our armies and bases and economic contributions to their economic, and come home (or they can pay their fair share)
14
@"fortress America": Why is it that conservatives reflexively decline to use their actual names when posting comments that are likely to arouse controversy? In any case, most of those citizens who got "free" (?) houses were talked into purchasing them by people who frankly preyed upon their naiveté. Many of them were bankrupted in the process. Under the circumstances, "predator" seems as appropriate a word as any. Those people are about as guilty as the impoverished Mexicans, Guatemalans and Hondurans who cross into the U.S. in search of jobs and promptly receive them- albeit at subminimum salaries- courtesy of folks like...Donald Trump. So, please enlighten us: what is it that you expect The Donald to do for you (let alone for the country) and how do you anticipate that he will go about doing it? And please do try to answer those questions without using the word "deal."
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Q. E. D.
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There was a substantial segment of the US population that didn't want the US to intervene in WWII even after London was facing annihilation from Nazi air raids. Does it occur to you that our armies and bases are in Europe now not only to protect the "euro weenies". Do you think we should have never gotten involved in WWII and have no strategic interest in Europe? Tough talk is cheap until you get a bloody nose.
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Welcome back, Dick! It's always great to read your column; it's just sad that you had to choose the subject you did. I guess the only up-side is that el "Trumpo" apparently was never a guest on one of your shows, not that I would have expected him to be - so there's no archived video to watch.
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Cavett's show skewed to intelligent and entertaining conversation with people of actual accomplishment -- not ego-bloated, silver spooned guys who fell into a vat of millions of dollars simply by having been born.
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Hey, Americanos. The modern world first started laughing at the US when Reagan was dodging the press beneath the presidential helicopter. Ford was also good for a chortle. We were horrified by Johnson and Nixon, stupefied by Bush/Cheney, cheered for Obama in his first term. And now that Trump and Cruz are slapping each other with pig's bladders, we're rolling in the aisles again.
Good stuff, Dick Cavett. Keep it up.
Good stuff, Dick Cavett. Keep it up.
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http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/12/ted-cruz-new-york-primary...