Trump's comedy show has been a colossal embarrassment for America, making us the laughing stock of the world. It would be funny if it weren't so scary. He would be a horrible president. The belief that he would surround himself with capable advisers to guide the ship is the same myth that German politicians held in 1932-33 when they though that once Hitler was admitted to the cabinet, they could control him. Trump has an outsized ego and is a megalomaniac who will not take others' advice, let alone instruction, on what to do as president. He runs his companies with an iron fist. Is such a person going to temporize when it comes to leading an entire, diverse nation? I don't care that Hillary took in huge speaking fees from Wall Street. I don't think she will be beholden to them and prejudice the interests of the country. She has the smarts and experience to be a fine president, let alone the first woman president.
6
Trump very specifically said he would nominate Supreme Court justices who would overthrow same-sex marriage. Given I'm married now (after a 25 year relationship), this is not something I'm willing to risk :(
7
Mr. Trump epitomizes the "some of my best friends are gay" mantra. Sure, his personal life reflects an acceptance of gays but he kowtows to the most extreme elements of his chosen party. I am not sure what's worse, a candidate who believes and promises to impose his religious beliefs on the rest of us or one who doesn't seem to believe but fakes it to get votes. I have nothing against divorce but Mr. Trump seems to consider marriage as a disposable commodity like a car that you might trade in for a newer model. On the other hand, you have Cruz whose website dedicates an entire page to marriage, family, and life in the sense that marriage is the foundation of American society and families all must look like two parents living in a home with 2 or 3 kids. This marginalizes the 51 % of Americans over 18 who are not married and if he thinks marriage is a moral imperative, why exclude gays and lesbians? Mr. Trump is the late night infomercial version of a political candidate. He sells his pitch with empty promises but the difference is that there's no money back guarantee and his office would be on one of those autoship QVC plans that are virtually impossible to break.
3
Should be required reading for all anti-Trump gay people.
4
The Trump Derangement Syndrome here is just hilarious!
2
I am certainly no fan of Trump, but I am even less of a fan of editorialization, sloppiness, and cavalier conclusion-drawings in what are supposed to be journalistic news articles.
Haberman's conclusion that, "[Trump's] ease with gay people does not seem to be the result of deep soul searching,..." is neither supported by any evidence in the article regarding itself nor by any evidence proffered that the author has training in soul searching. Rather, the evidence leads one toward the conclusion that what we do have is a case of creeping editorialization, when it comes to Times' "news" articles regarding the Presidential primaries.
Haberman's conclusion that, "[Trump's] ease with gay people does not seem to be the result of deep soul searching,..." is neither supported by any evidence in the article regarding itself nor by any evidence proffered that the author has training in soul searching. Rather, the evidence leads one toward the conclusion that what we do have is a case of creeping editorialization, when it comes to Times' "news" articles regarding the Presidential primaries.
4
as insanity becomes mainstream in America, trump becomes a more mainstream candidate.
1
Trump is socially liberal, for sure. Politically and fiscally, he's neither conservative nor liberal... he's just ignorant and dangerous. I am a strong Sanders supporter, but I will vote for Hillary if I have to, as she, with warts and all, is still head and shoulders above any Republican candidate.
7
In the same way there will be socially conservative Cruz supporters holding their noses and voting for Trump because they viscerally hate Hillary.
Another contest where the voters vote against the candidate they hate rather than for the candidate they like.
Another contest where the voters vote against the candidate they hate rather than for the candidate they like.
1
Acceptance of gays is a way of life in the Big Apple and has been for a long time as well as it should be. This is a positive note on so called; "New York Values". As a native New Yorker I have no problem with the term because I see the city as the leading the pack on so many issues.
5
Does anyone seriously believe Trump would not say or do anything to win votes. To those who say they will vote for Trump if Bernie Sanders drops out needs to give their head a serious shake. Bernie would shudder at the very idea his supporters will even think about voting for this bozo. Sanders is a true visionary with a clear plan on where he would take the U.S.; Trump is a hollow clown with nothing but bombast and an ego that is beyond pathetic. As a candidate for President , he is a joke. Just because he is not as hard core in being an enemy of the gay community as the rest of the G.O.P. means nothing; except for the fact that Trump`s advisers realize he has to now TRY to bring down the negatives that spell doom come November.
4
More accepting? This is just Trump's latest ploy to get votes. He attended gay weddings and has gay friends. So what? Even Strom Thurmond had a black daughter and other segregationists did personal favors for individual blacks they knew, yet opposed the civil rights of African American as a whole. While Trump may not actively oppose LBGTQ's civil rights, he may do nothing or let others do the dirty work, or just flip-flop like he has on abortion.
7
So he started his "ploy" years before he decided to run for President? Just in case?
2
Trump's "ploy" is not found in his attending gay weddings in the past or having gay friends. It is found in how he is currently responding to this LBGTQ issue at the point in the campaign where he needs to broaden his appeal to the broader American electorate. Supporting transgender people for using their restroom of choice, while intentionally remaining silent on gay marriage and other more controversial LBGTQ issues, is strategic and will gain Trump more support among independents, while not unduly harming his base.
1
He's been considering running for the last 20 years. Not a secret.
It appears that Trump will not garner enough delegates to insure his nomination. It will most likely be a brokered convention. There is no way that the establishment GOP will allow him to represent them in November. Who will it be? As much as Cruz thinks that he is the right choice he doesn't inspire confidence with those in the middle. Kasich doesn't excite the masses outside of the Buckeye state. Rubio couldn't even appeal to the majority of Republicans in his own state. What is the GOP to do?
1
it will be Cruz. It's quite scary, actually. You need to read the right wing press to get a read on this.
2
I've learned more this year about the primary process than I ever thought I would want to know. My question to both parties is: why have primaries if the party activists are going to make the final decision anyway?
1
Mr. Trump is shape-shifter...and a sales guy. He'll say or BE whatever suits his purposes in the moment. The fact that he has, in the past, affirmed (for example) Elton John's marriage says nothing about underlying convictions or principles. At that moment, on that particular visible stage, it's what he calculated to serve his interests---simply who he needed to be. It's an impressive ability, severed from any moral position or deeply held belief or baseline principle. If he wanted to impress a group of African-Americans, I would expect to hear him speculate about his having slave ancestors.
3
Two things about Trump:
!) To use the language of the GOP in a certain debate Trump has ball when he attacks the War on Iraq base on lies, and his position on gay issues.
2) On issue of abortion and Planned Parenthood he is the moderate if you compare to Kasich who cut the money to Planned Parenthood and signed a legislation against abortion even when the life of the woman is in danger. Of course if you compare Trump to Clinton and Sanders than Trump is an extremist too.
!) To use the language of the GOP in a certain debate Trump has ball when he attacks the War on Iraq base on lies, and his position on gay issues.
2) On issue of abortion and Planned Parenthood he is the moderate if you compare to Kasich who cut the money to Planned Parenthood and signed a legislation against abortion even when the life of the woman is in danger. Of course if you compare Trump to Clinton and Sanders than Trump is an extremist too.
1
Look at the disparity between what most elected officials say when running and what they actually believe and do when elected and the gap you will find is often akin to that of the Grand Canyon. The examples are too obvious and numerous to merit listing.
Simply put, we do not know what Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton would do if elected President. Democracy is a very high stakes gamble.
Simply put, we do not know what Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton would do if elected President. Democracy is a very high stakes gamble.
1
I guess this is about who's better and foolish who.
Trump would be like Reagan. He will meet and greet the bible thumpers but do nothing for them, just like Ron. The religious conservatives are absolutely right to fear Don. Unlike Cruz, who would waste his entire presidency trying to get his religion to set the agenda, Ron would try to get the economy and other real issues on the agenda.
3
LOL I had a dark laugh at these comments and the story. Trump is a trojan horse...a life-long liberal who then simply declares "now I'm 'conservative'" and idiots of every persuasion come out to laud him. He is in no way, shape or form fit to be POTUS. One goof talks about how he "has a good head on his shoulders"....based upon what? Spouting leftist nonsense? I almost hope he wins as punishment to all the fake conservatives who blindly follow his obama-esque propaganda. "hope and change" vs "make America great"? Same re-packaged nonsense, and it will lead to the same destruction.
3
I hope he wins as well but for far different reasons.
That does not surprise he a bit...Mr. Trump always has a liberal stance sadly his hatred toward President Obama perhaps the reason he wanted to run as a Republican. It is well know two of his children are Democrats as well.
3
A few sentences in the story are interesting:
Mr Trump made his club more open out of disdain for restrictions against African-American and Jews in most Palm Beach clubs.
This is a genuine evidence seeming to reflect Trump's actual feelings. I've asked people to tell me what Trump has said about blacks or Jews and I get a lot of false or misleading evidence regarding his horrible bigotry.
Also: His website focuses on trade and immigration, and does not mention social conservative issues such as being against gay rights.
Yes, as do his speeches. People who are convinced Trump shouts out or is focused on bigoted right wing issues are simply wrong. His issues are economic. It seems to be his big big passion. I've seen no articles addressing his economic ideas, except Krugman, who gives some of them a grudging pass.
Mr Trump made his club more open out of disdain for restrictions against African-American and Jews in most Palm Beach clubs.
This is a genuine evidence seeming to reflect Trump's actual feelings. I've asked people to tell me what Trump has said about blacks or Jews and I get a lot of false or misleading evidence regarding his horrible bigotry.
Also: His website focuses on trade and immigration, and does not mention social conservative issues such as being against gay rights.
Yes, as do his speeches. People who are convinced Trump shouts out or is focused on bigoted right wing issues are simply wrong. His issues are economic. It seems to be his big big passion. I've seen no articles addressing his economic ideas, except Krugman, who gives some of them a grudging pass.
3
If you give him enough cash, he'll take it, no matter your color or orientation.
The guy took cash from Gaddafi and millions from the Saudis, Russians, and Iranians.
The guy took cash from Gaddafi and millions from the Saudis, Russians, and Iranians.
1
Trump is pandering to several of the left's meaningless hot button issues. And those all important "issues" pertain to just a micro minority of the people. Brilliant.
He doesn't necessarily need the GOP "establishment" but... they better start to rally around him if they want to retain even a smidgen of relevance.
He doesn't necessarily need the GOP "establishment" but... they better start to rally around him if they want to retain even a smidgen of relevance.
The article focuses on things he did decades ago. How was he pandering? The remark about North Carolina laws seemed spontaneous, like many of his remarks, and likely simply reflects how he feels, the law is a bad idea.
4
Trump can do himself and the ticket a world of good if chooses Condi Rice for the VP spot. She will bring gravitas, foreign policy credentials, experience, gender and race balance. She will easily match whoever Hillary picks.
2
Of course, her role in mass murder might weigh them down a bit
7
The woman who ignored the memo of an impended terrorist attack before 9/11, then lied about the " mushroom clouds"? Yeah, she'd be fantastic.
4
The Donald's view of homosexuals is in line with most conservatives. Conservatives don't hate gay people as the left media desperately wants you all to believe. We just believe marriage should be between a man and a woman.
3
Most can live with, even accept the L G & B in LGBT. It's the T that crosses the line. You aren't what you feel you are. You are what you are. And the T issue opens the door for pedophilia and sexual predation. I don't worry so much about women who think their men entering the men's bathroom. Men on balance don't give a rip and can defend themselves if needed. But men who think they're women, or worse pose as one, entering a women's bathroom or a girls locker room is a whole other scary and dangerous matter. And I'm betting that many L's G's & B's privately agree. Especially those with young girls for children. And by the way I’m a grandfather of just such a family.
4
An extremely misleading article. Mr. Trump has gay friends. So what? I've been a gay activist in New York for more than forty years and have never known him ONCE to assist with the advancement of LGBT rights. He is running for President and what counts is what he will do to protect LGBT rights--and the civil rights of all. Two seconds after saying transgender people could use their restroom of choice in his Trump Tower, he said that as President decisions about the rights of transgender people would be left up to the states--leaving them at the mercy of anti-transgender laws proliferating in states such as North Carolina. He does not support the federal Equality Act that would ban discrimination nationwide based on sexual orientation and gender identity. He has put forth no plan to end the AIDS pandemic. While one of our primary goals is ending bullying in schools, Trump is modeling how to be a bully--picking on every vulnerable group that comes into his head from Mexicans to Muslims. The moment Trump cheapened the lives of our Mexican and Muslim brothers and sisters should have been the moment that every LGBT person said that he would be completely unacceptable as President--no matter how many fancy gay weddings he goes to.
16
Does the article say he does support it? I'm confused.
Wait a few weeks. As soon as he notices that homophobia is a core value of the average Trump supporter, he'll recant.
3
It only took a few hours before he walked back his statement
3
Trump expresses this view, and I recall that both BHO and HRC were for the related issue of Traditional Marriage not so long ago.
Trump, at least now, says he doesn't want to gut Soc Sec and Medicare, and i recall Obama and Nancy Pelosi both supporting cutting Soc Sec via the Simpson-Bowles recommendations.
Trump is more outspoken in his rejection of the Iraq War than is Clinton, and she also wanted to send troops into Libya.
Who's the more liberal, who's the more conservative, at least on these issues?
Trump, at least now, says he doesn't want to gut Soc Sec and Medicare, and i recall Obama and Nancy Pelosi both supporting cutting Soc Sec via the Simpson-Bowles recommendations.
Trump is more outspoken in his rejection of the Iraq War than is Clinton, and she also wanted to send troops into Libya.
Who's the more liberal, who's the more conservative, at least on these issues?
4
The only problem for Trump is the gigantic conflict of interest that his Economic Empire presents. For a man who has always been in control and does not like to be told what to do, it is ludicrous to think that he will not be involved in the running of his business while at the same time being President of the United States, a position that requires no distractions, that requires his attention 24 - 7.
If anyone thinks he is going to turn on a dime and delegate his control to a daughter or a son and have a hands off attitude, I will sell you some swamp land in Florida at cheap rates. He can accuse Hillary of being beholden to Wall Street but his allegiance will be not to the United States or its Constitution, but to Donald Trump Enterprises which knows no boundaries, and to the almighty buck.
When Presidents are elected, the first thing they do is to put their assets in a blind trust...Donald can not do that. Almost everywhere you go this megalomaniac has a building with a "huge" sign saying TRUMP. No need to erect him monuments, he has erected many of them already.
America, wake up! This man, no matter what he says, has always been for himself and no one else.
If anyone thinks he is going to turn on a dime and delegate his control to a daughter or a son and have a hands off attitude, I will sell you some swamp land in Florida at cheap rates. He can accuse Hillary of being beholden to Wall Street but his allegiance will be not to the United States or its Constitution, but to Donald Trump Enterprises which knows no boundaries, and to the almighty buck.
When Presidents are elected, the first thing they do is to put their assets in a blind trust...Donald can not do that. Almost everywhere you go this megalomaniac has a building with a "huge" sign saying TRUMP. No need to erect him monuments, he has erected many of them already.
America, wake up! This man, no matter what he says, has always been for himself and no one else.
14
RM is a fraud, and so is Trump.
The political circus has gotten pretty silly. Clinton is a solid representative of all Americans: the rest are dangerous gamers.
We don't need Fascism in America, regardless of what costume is being worn.
The political circus has gotten pretty silly. Clinton is a solid representative of all Americans: the rest are dangerous gamers.
We don't need Fascism in America, regardless of what costume is being worn.
5
That's great, Mr. Trump. Now let's work on your attitude and smarts about women, Latinos, African-Americans, Muslims and the rest of your personal rogues gallery.
13
Please enlighten me as to the so-called negative comments Trump has made about African-Americans.
Ttump says what he thinks. Mrs Clinton says what her 1000000 polls tell her to say. At least he is honest whereas she is a Fraud !!!
5
She's been working for the rights of women, children, and minorities since college. Believe the right wing talking points and decades of smears, but maybe before you vote you could actually check her real history.
3
He is honest ?
You realize that he claims to be self-funding yet he asks for donations at all of his rallies, don't you ?
You realize that his campaign manager just admitted his whole campaign is a lie, don't you ?
You realize that he claims to be self-funding yet he asks for donations at all of his rallies, don't you ?
You realize that his campaign manager just admitted his whole campaign is a lie, don't you ?
2
I wonder how this paper seems to think ALL conservatives believe certain things? Broad statements are made. They cling to their guns and religion etc. I say the left clings to making groups of people they're slaves through the vote. Give them free stuff and they will follow. How insulting can a political party be to any group.
2
There are a few redeeming qualities of Donald a Trump and his view of same sex couple is one. However, he has no experince with government and his remarks show how little he little he knows. If you needed a doctor, attorney, account, etc your first requirement would seeking one with experience. How is the President better with no experience? There is no time to learn.
2
Like in all his stances, Trump is just following the standard GOP rule book: vilify already marginalized communities like immigrants and Muslims to blame them for all of America's problems. Say that gays are okay people but don't deserve the right to marry.
How is this different from any other GOP candidate?
How is this different from any other GOP candidate?
4
"His ease with gay people does not seem to be the result of deep soul searching, but, rather, the product of the Manhattan social and political world he has inhabited the past five decades."
Typical lazy-brain PC illogic. If gay rights are obviously part of human rights, then no "soul searching" is required. If gay rights have, however, become a legal reality only gradually over the past five decades, then Donald Trump's here-described evolution is not fundamentally different from most of the rest of America. Slow, yet understandably fair and just.
Quite evidently, Donald Trump IS fundamentally different from most of America in OTHER respects, because a majority of Republicans have been steadfastly choosing other candidates in the presidential primaries, and an even larger majority of Democrats are clearly even more strongly opposed to the Trump "agenda," whatever it may have to do with any real policy issues.
This article is a typical piece of sensationalistic gossip-mongering of the sort which has increasingly replaced real investigative reporting on substantive issues, in the news media generally and, to its particular shame, at the New York Times.
Typical lazy-brain PC illogic. If gay rights are obviously part of human rights, then no "soul searching" is required. If gay rights have, however, become a legal reality only gradually over the past five decades, then Donald Trump's here-described evolution is not fundamentally different from most of the rest of America. Slow, yet understandably fair and just.
Quite evidently, Donald Trump IS fundamentally different from most of America in OTHER respects, because a majority of Republicans have been steadfastly choosing other candidates in the presidential primaries, and an even larger majority of Democrats are clearly even more strongly opposed to the Trump "agenda," whatever it may have to do with any real policy issues.
This article is a typical piece of sensationalistic gossip-mongering of the sort which has increasingly replaced real investigative reporting on substantive issues, in the news media generally and, to its particular shame, at the New York Times.
4
Quite simply, if accepting people that are LGBT ETC takes soul searching you are a very long way from social maturity. Accepting is a natural state of grown up people if you are excepting people then that would require judgement.
Sexual diversity is not a thing, sexuality is a thing and quite personal.
Sexual diversity is not a thing, sexuality is a thing and quite personal.
2
OMG? That hair! Could you do a story on his hairdos over the years?
That was a funny video. Thanks for showing it.
The trouble with Trump is that no one knows what he really is like. He used to be liberal, now he's a bigot. Or is that vice versa? Who knows for sure?
That was a funny video. Thanks for showing it.
The trouble with Trump is that no one knows what he really is like. He used to be liberal, now he's a bigot. Or is that vice versa? Who knows for sure?
3
As if there are no liberal bigots out there?
Trump and rich white gays is not the same as his relationship with other members of the LBGTT community. What seems to be clear is that money is more powerful than the human rights and economic conditions of a particular geoup.
3
Holding up a sign or a sheet saying "Stop hate speech against Muslims" is a show of ignorance at the very least, at the worst it is an attempt to distort and invent a LIE to further an agenda. Donald Trump has been steadfast since the beginning that he has many friends and hundreds of great people who are Muslims. He has also said we must be VIGILANTE when it comes to allowing refugees and other Muslims into OUR country that we cannot vet or have no background information. This has NOTHING to do with HATE and everything to do with common sense security for our citizens, something that Paris & Brussels did not have and something that WE suffered immensely from in San Bernadino because we did not do! Being kind and caring is a virtue being STUPID is just pathetic! With the US being 21 Trillion dollars in debt, rising crime, and millions of Americans out of work, a terrible healthcare situation looming and being the DIRECT target of ISIS... it is in OUR BEST interest to as Mr. Trump says "PAUSE" ALL immigration until WE as a nation can maintain our OWN PEOPLE and debt.
3
Thus, the only thing that has really changed is that selfish white gay men, who happen to look down on Mexicans and pro-choice women now have someone else they can vote for.
2
Rather than deep soul searching, or the lack thereof, perhaps it is just NY values for better or for worse. What does Mr. Cruz have to say about that? And why is any of this important in a presidential election? It is certainly not news. It is rank opinion.
3
Except Trump has already said he would pack the Supreme Court with judges to overturn the gay marriage ruling...
4
Don't be fooled by these theatrics of a prime time entertainer. He knows that he desperately needs the LGTB vote since he has offended just about everyone else.
3
Stop apologizing for Trump.
5
Whenever I run into an ardent Clinton or Cruz supporter, I always ask how many close relatives do they have in the military. The answer, in almost all cases, is the same. None.
I will vote for anyone on the general election ballot who is not a hawk neocon.
I will vote for anyone on the general election ballot who is not a hawk neocon.
10
How do you know Trump isn't one? Or won't be one tomorrow? Or won't start WWIII by shooting his mouth off to some world leader like Kim Jong Un?
You are talking about a guy with no filters, who changes his policy preferences like the rest of us change socks.
You are talking about a guy with no filters, who changes his policy preferences like the rest of us change socks.
4
Wars are begun by the rich, but generally fought by the poor, especially in a volunteer army.
3
Wake up !!! He's the biggest neocon hawk of all.
Trump has ALREADY declared war on Mexico, China, Iran, Iraq, ISIS, and of course the most ironic of all, Vietnam. A place he was so afraid of going to 45 years ago, he faked an injury that magically disappeared the minute the draft ended.
Trump has ALREADY declared war on Mexico, China, Iran, Iraq, ISIS, and of course the most ironic of all, Vietnam. A place he was so afraid of going to 45 years ago, he faked an injury that magically disappeared the minute the draft ended.
2
I am certainly no fan of Trump, but I am even less of a fan of editorialization, sloppiness, and cavalier conclusion-drawings in what are supposed to be journalistic news articles.
Haberman's conclusion that, "[Trump's] ease with gay people does not seem to be the result of deep soul searching,..." is neither supported by any evidence in the article regarding itself nor by any evidence proffered that the author has training in soul searching. Rather, the evidence leads one toward the conclusion that what we do have is a case of creeping editorialization, when it comes to Times' "news" articles regarding the Presidential primaries.
Haberman's conclusion that, "[Trump's] ease with gay people does not seem to be the result of deep soul searching,..." is neither supported by any evidence in the article regarding itself nor by any evidence proffered that the author has training in soul searching. Rather, the evidence leads one toward the conclusion that what we do have is a case of creeping editorialization, when it comes to Times' "news" articles regarding the Presidential primaries.
18
I just registered as a Republican, but I have just been told by Trump that the GOP nominee will be the product of a "corrupt and rigged system", and there is no way I can support such a candidate, whoever it turns out to be.
4
Now that we've got your attention...don't worry about Trump becoming President! It isn't true that the US Pres is the "leader of the free world" or that it matters at all. It doesn't. Only one thing really matters. Prying your hands off the levers of power. Trump is doing that now.
3
What is the point of saying his attitude is not the result of "deep soul searching "? Would that somehow make it a superior attitude? What nonsense. My attitude towards gay people isn't the result of deep soul searching either, as I'm pretty sure I don't have a soul. It's the result of simply accepting people for who they are. And if that's the case with Trump too, then good for him, though he's still a jerk.
23
You still are distracted. Trump is and has always been liberal. He totally sucker punched the less-smart Americans. It's actually pretty awesome what he did.
7
Not liberal on gay marriage equality which he opposed
3
To my collection of broken watches and blind squirrels, I will now add The Donald.
9
He cool with gays. It's women he abhors.
19
If he hates women so much, why does he hire thousands of them and why has he dated and married only women? The hating women thing is not going to stick.
10
Joe:
(1) He can't legally discriminate, plus he can pay them less than men
(2) He's straight. Hating women =/= Loving Men.
He demeans and insults women, speaks of them as if they were sex toys, rates them on appearance, and refers with disgust to specific female biology. Next question?
(1) He can't legally discriminate, plus he can pay them less than men
(2) He's straight. Hating women =/= Loving Men.
He demeans and insults women, speaks of them as if they were sex toys, rates them on appearance, and refers with disgust to specific female biology. Next question?
4
It's not that Donald Trump is misogynistic, he's not really; it's just that his attitude towards women parallels that of Middle Eastern men...they're chattel without rights or say to be enjoyed or ignored as the mood strikes. He is, after all, in the eyes of orthodox Christian dogma a serial adulterer and bigamist with a long list, complied over the decades from his interviews, of documented male chauvinistic as sexist remarks directed toward women.
2
"His ease with gay people does not seem to be the result of deep soul searching, but, rather, the product of the Manhattan social and political world he has inhabited the past five decades."
Why not just say: New York values?
Why not just say: New York values?
4
Do you mean to suggest that NY values are not the values of the majority of Americans? Because they are.
8
He's at ease with gays so i am going to vote for him.
9
Conservatives like Cruz, will trumpet that "Trump is not a true conservative" because he doesn't hate Gay people.
10
I love Donald Trump and the 'nothing' he stands for!
4
If you don't have anyone close to you who is gay, how can the marriage of two gay people you don't know affect your life in any way? If you DO have a gay friend or loved one, do they not deserve a happy married life if they so choose? No one is asking for special treatment, just EQUAL treatment.
As my first-grade daughter says: Don't worry about what other people are doing; worry about your own self.
As my first-grade daughter says: Don't worry about what other people are doing; worry about your own self.
20
Are you kidding me? Good for Trump for supporting LGBT causes throughout the years. He falls incredibly short though by not supporting marriage equality in 2016. That alone establishes him as someone who is not progressive with the LGBT community. Let's not paint a rosy picture of this man on the LGBT front, or on any other front that is about protecting human rights. Trump is an ego-maniac who is poisonous to our democracy and who cares not for our country.
6
While people have been all agog and a-gasp and ahuminnahuminna for nearly a year about Donald Trump, I knew there was no way he could be a lifelong New Yorker and really be the reincarnation of George Wallace.
He's a very smart guy and probably realized long ago he couldn't live in New York and cut himself off from gay people. There's just too much talent from Washington Heights to the Village. Then once he got to know us, he became much more gay friendly. Who wouldn't? ;)
So while I still won't vote for him, it has been wonderful to see someone finally rip down the curtain and upend the GOP deceit machine of the last 35 years.
Special thanks for his comments about the odious HB2 in North Carolina and the rights of transgender people.
Now if we could just get him to come around on taxes...
He's a very smart guy and probably realized long ago he couldn't live in New York and cut himself off from gay people. There's just too much talent from Washington Heights to the Village. Then once he got to know us, he became much more gay friendly. Who wouldn't? ;)
So while I still won't vote for him, it has been wonderful to see someone finally rip down the curtain and upend the GOP deceit machine of the last 35 years.
Special thanks for his comments about the odious HB2 in North Carolina and the rights of transgender people.
Now if we could just get him to come around on taxes...
18
and so, after all your praise, you still can't vote for him and so will vote for the criminal or the socialist? I thought you had an intelligent analysis until you reqched your conclusion
4
I can't vote for a presidential candidate who will likely nominate Supreme Court justices akin to Antonin Scalia.
The GOP has held the SCOTUS for 40 years.
It's time for a change.
The GOP has held the SCOTUS for 40 years.
It's time for a change.
14
Hillary Clinton is not a criminal. Just ask the Trump University students who were swindled out of tens of thousands of tuition dollars who the actual criminal is.
20
As as a gay guy, Trump's failure to match the fundamentally homophobic standards of the Republican party - particularly since it was successfully hijacked by lunatics and fundamentalists in recent years - still doesn't earn him many points.
While he may not be saying particularly bad things about 'us', his comments about Muslims, and other people, are absolutely deplorable. Just because we're like the one kid in class that the school bully tends to pass over doesn't mean that we should see him as anything less than the bully he is - and he is one, as are those he has surrounded himself by.
So, he can praise gay people all he likes - or insult them/us, and whip up cheap, easy bigotry about us gays, if he wants, in just the same ways as he has done about Muslims and Mexicans (after all, it's easier to get votes by taking cheap shots at those groups, rather than gay people, in today's times) - regardless, we Europeans still view him as an outright Fascist. (And, given how many Fascists we spawned here, if anybody knows about Fascism, we do - as such, Trump is very coldly regarded by Europe.)
Any fellow gay people who support that bigot should take a long, hard look at themselves and ask if they're truly okay to cheer on the bully, simply because he's not picking on them. We gay people have a responsibility to all of society, and other people, and not only to ourselves, after all. That is what true equality entails.
While he may not be saying particularly bad things about 'us', his comments about Muslims, and other people, are absolutely deplorable. Just because we're like the one kid in class that the school bully tends to pass over doesn't mean that we should see him as anything less than the bully he is - and he is one, as are those he has surrounded himself by.
So, he can praise gay people all he likes - or insult them/us, and whip up cheap, easy bigotry about us gays, if he wants, in just the same ways as he has done about Muslims and Mexicans (after all, it's easier to get votes by taking cheap shots at those groups, rather than gay people, in today's times) - regardless, we Europeans still view him as an outright Fascist. (And, given how many Fascists we spawned here, if anybody knows about Fascism, we do - as such, Trump is very coldly regarded by Europe.)
Any fellow gay people who support that bigot should take a long, hard look at themselves and ask if they're truly okay to cheer on the bully, simply because he's not picking on them. We gay people have a responsibility to all of society, and other people, and not only to ourselves, after all. That is what true equality entails.
27
the only word left off the headline is "today".. Cause Trump's opinions are, at best, du jour.
18
Everyone is analyzing Donnie's recent statement about gay rights, agonizing about the implications for this, or the implications for that. Paul "Decadence" Manafort (Donnie's new campaign manager) just finished telling everyone yesterday: "Don't worry about all of the things that Donnie says. It's all just an ACT. After he gets the Republican nomination, he'll ACT presidential".
So, you see, there's no need to pay any attention to anything that Donnie says. There's no need to ponder over the philosophical meanings of his latest "tweet". He doesn't mean anything that he says. None of it's real. It's all just an ACT.
So, you see, there's no need to pay any attention to anything that Donnie says. There's no need to ponder over the philosophical meanings of his latest "tweet". He doesn't mean anything that he says. None of it's real. It's all just an ACT.
7
You think it isn't just an act for Hillary or Ted?
Wait a minute! From everything Trump has said, he is anti-women, anti-immigrant, anti-liberal and anti-foreigner but hs is not anti-gay? Has Ms. Haberman, lost her mind?
Either Trump is exactly what he says he is or he is the biggest liar in history. Either way, he is not Presidential material.
Either Trump is exactly what he says he is or he is the biggest liar in history. Either way, he is not Presidential material.
13
I get a kick out of Trump. That could be his campaign theme. My best friend is horrified that I have any positive sentiments toward the man, as we are both lifelong Democrats. But, although it may seem an absurd comparison, Donald Trump's brand of Republicanism is much more along the lines of a Nelson Rockefeller than a Paul Ryan. He is also really funny at times. When he started spraying the water at the audience, saying "this is the way Marco Rubio sweats", I went to bed—and woke up—giggling.
Without bringing up one single issue of importance, without taking any money from the creepy Koch Brothers and their ilk, or Wall Street, and without being politically correct at a time when it is absolutely ennervating to watch other politicians, namely HRC, he is walking into the nomination without dropping a bead of sweat.
And what of Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan, the Tea Party, et al. Not so important after all, no so influential after all, not at all. Tsk-tsk.
Without bringing up one single issue of importance, without taking any money from the creepy Koch Brothers and their ilk, or Wall Street, and without being politically correct at a time when it is absolutely ennervating to watch other politicians, namely HRC, he is walking into the nomination without dropping a bead of sweat.
And what of Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan, the Tea Party, et al. Not so important after all, no so influential after all, not at all. Tsk-tsk.
29
If you want to be entertained, vote for Jerry Seinfeld. If you want a president to govern the country and lead the world with dignity and reason, vote for Hilary.
7
Trump is more Jerry Springer than Jerry Seinfeld.
9
Thinking Man, I'll vote for neither. Nor will I vote for Trump.
Who really cares about how Trump or any other politician feels about gays. We have a country that they have been trying to systematically destroy over the past seven years and this kind of nonsense gets headlines. When are the people in this country going to wake up and realize that we have some REAL problems that need to be addressed?
4
Oh Jim...
I won't even ask how you think we gays - or Gays in America - are trying to 'destroy America', as I suspect that I'd get a reply with RANDOM capital WORDS, and as the lady said: "Ain't nobody got time for that." Indeed, madam, indeed.
I will say, however, that as a gay guy, and a foreigner - take your pick - it's a lot easier to see some of the much bigger problems that America has than us gays. For example, the utter corruption of American politics by money, and lobbyists. How outright lunatics have hijacked the Republican Party, making it a mockery before the world stage. How said lunatics spent every minute of every hour trying to block literally anything Obama wanted to do. (I don't like Obama much; he's a warmonger who has killed an awful lot of civilians and children - but Still - we'll never know the president he could have been, had the Republicans let him do what he was elected to do.)
I could make a few dozen other points related to problems in America - do none of them bother you, Jim? Is it just easier for you to blame The Gays? And - Colon? Really, Jim, really? A serendipitous coincidence to accompany your dislike of gay people, perhaps...
I won't even ask how you think we gays - or Gays in America - are trying to 'destroy America', as I suspect that I'd get a reply with RANDOM capital WORDS, and as the lady said: "Ain't nobody got time for that." Indeed, madam, indeed.
I will say, however, that as a gay guy, and a foreigner - take your pick - it's a lot easier to see some of the much bigger problems that America has than us gays. For example, the utter corruption of American politics by money, and lobbyists. How outright lunatics have hijacked the Republican Party, making it a mockery before the world stage. How said lunatics spent every minute of every hour trying to block literally anything Obama wanted to do. (I don't like Obama much; he's a warmonger who has killed an awful lot of civilians and children - but Still - we'll never know the president he could have been, had the Republicans let him do what he was elected to do.)
I could make a few dozen other points related to problems in America - do none of them bother you, Jim? Is it just easier for you to blame The Gays? And - Colon? Really, Jim, really? A serendipitous coincidence to accompany your dislike of gay people, perhaps...
2
ummm, "they" who?
With all due respect, how in the world did you ever conclude that my comments had anything to do with gays? I simply said that we have some real issues in our country that need to be addressed and that this article didn't even warrant being in print. I wasn't criticizing or condemning gays, at all, and don't understand how you could have come to that conclusion. Maybe you ought to read my comments again; I don't think they were that confusing. That is all I have to say on this matter and please don't waste your time responding to me again. What you or anyone else does is your own business and I am not going to be dragged into a "Gay Issue" by you or anyone else. And by the way, Colon is a Spanish name and if you have a problem with it, that's just too bad.
The issue of gay marriage is irrelevant, because Anthony Kennedy single-handedly imposed it on the entire nation last year. There is no recourse other than a constitutional amendment. One man can write a law that it takes 2/3 of the states to overturn in a long and arduous process.
The only question that remains is to what degree the government will persecute people of faith in an attempt to force them to actively affirm, endorse and participate in gay marriage ceremonies.
The only question that remains is to what degree the government will persecute people of faith in an attempt to force them to actively affirm, endorse and participate in gay marriage ceremonies.
2
This again. No one has to "actively affirm, endorse and participate in gay marriage ceremonies." No one. However, if you are a public official, you must serve the public, regardless of your thoughts on their personal lives. And if you have a business with a sign that says you sell some item to the public, then you sell that item to members of the public who enter and wish to purchase it.
I'm Jewish, but when I had a craft store where I made or helped make all kinds of non-Jewish religious items. I do not myself believe in Christianity, nor observe it, but making someone an item symbolic of Christianity like a baptismal gown or confirmation veil, does not require me to accept or approve the divinity of Christ and the truth of Christian doctrine and ceremonies. I am not violating the Jewish precept against idol worship or the admonition that God is a single being, because I'm NOT affirming, endorsing or "participating" as a member. Being a vendor is just business.
I made an object, like flowers and cakes are objects. The object has no religious significance to me, and I don't assign it any. If the customer wants to do that, it's their decision. I figure judgment of people's religious observance is God's business. My business is waiting on customers, filling my till, and conducting honest trade.
I'm Jewish, but when I had a craft store where I made or helped make all kinds of non-Jewish religious items. I do not myself believe in Christianity, nor observe it, but making someone an item symbolic of Christianity like a baptismal gown or confirmation veil, does not require me to accept or approve the divinity of Christ and the truth of Christian doctrine and ceremonies. I am not violating the Jewish precept against idol worship or the admonition that God is a single being, because I'm NOT affirming, endorsing or "participating" as a member. Being a vendor is just business.
I made an object, like flowers and cakes are objects. The object has no religious significance to me, and I don't assign it any. If the customer wants to do that, it's their decision. I figure judgment of people's religious observance is God's business. My business is waiting on customers, filling my till, and conducting honest trade.
28
and that's the issue. we are all equal, but se are more equal than others and their rights take precedence over others
2
The Constitution enumerates the rights that all American citizens share. There is no mention of sexual orientation in the Bill of Rights. That means you, as a citizen, have all the same rights gay Americans have.
Strictly speaking, The Donald is not a Republican. These days, of course, he's not really a Democrat, either. He's ... Trump. He believes what he believes.
This is one of the reasons I think he can win, and that if he does the world wouldn't end -- would give the extremes of BOTH parties some time to get their acts together and learn to play nice once again. But wouldn't it be nice to see a president act because it made sense rather than because it conformed to strongly-held preconceptions of a base that needs to be placated?
You can bet that Trump wouldn't be doing a lot of placating.
This is one of the reasons I think he can win, and that if he does the world wouldn't end -- would give the extremes of BOTH parties some time to get their acts together and learn to play nice once again. But wouldn't it be nice to see a president act because it made sense rather than because it conformed to strongly-held preconceptions of a base that needs to be placated?
You can bet that Trump wouldn't be doing a lot of placating.
8
He believes he is self - funding, but he takes in donations, has taken millions of dollars from the Saudis, and has a super-PAC.
So whatever he believes, he is either wrong or completely delusional.
So whatever he believes, he is either wrong or completely delusional.
3
Republicans hate blacks, women, Mexicans, Muslims, and gays, too. The Donald will pander to the party. He is already proclaiming "states rights" on allowing transgendered people to use bathrooms-- a cowardly cop-out. Will we allow the South to make separate bathrooms for transgendered people? The Donald would as President, apparently.
The Donald is a lazy, rich brat who really just tries to be in fashion. I doubt he cares about gays beyond having a couple of cool friends and trendy causes. When the going gets tough, Trump will fold like a cheap, empty suit.
The Donald is a lazy, rich brat who really just tries to be in fashion. I doubt he cares about gays beyond having a couple of cool friends and trendy causes. When the going gets tough, Trump will fold like a cheap, empty suit.
3
Yet when a black man entered the White House, Il Trumpo went completely bonkers. The guy is a gilded piece of trash.
29
totally.
7
There is nothing moderate about Trump. NOTHING. He has denigrated, and continues to denigrate women, immigrants, the handicapped, and all who disagree with him. And while he has many so-called "friends" who are gay, he has repeatedly promise to strip them of the right to marry.
All I want to know is: was this article paid for by Trump himself, or his organization? It may be the most factually-inaccurate article the Times has published in years.
All I want to know is: was this article paid for by Trump himself, or his organization? It may be the most factually-inaccurate article the Times has published in years.
11
actually, based on your descriptors, he sounds like a democrat
1
Play to right in the primaries- quick pivot to the left in the general. Trump is strumming everyone as skillfully and beautifully as Jascha Heifetz played his Stradivari.
6
Trump knows how to sucker people and look at all the people posting here who fall for it.
I have FRIENDS who are gay and married. Well hooray!
Now when it comes to the laws for all the citizens of the U.S. -- well screw them, it's OK to discriminate against them.
Speaking of elitism -- it's the FOD (friends of Donald) club.
I have FRIENDS who are gay and married. Well hooray!
Now when it comes to the laws for all the citizens of the U.S. -- well screw them, it's OK to discriminate against them.
Speaking of elitism -- it's the FOD (friends of Donald) club.
5
He pulls the same routine with Muslims.
Ban them all, unless they want to pay me some cash, then they're cool with me. Even terrorist, torturer, mass murderer, and Pan Am 103 accessory Muammar Gaddafi got the red carpet treatment from the Fraud in exchange for a sizable donation.
Ban them all, unless they want to pay me some cash, then they're cool with me. Even terrorist, torturer, mass murderer, and Pan Am 103 accessory Muammar Gaddafi got the red carpet treatment from the Fraud in exchange for a sizable donation.
1
What this article points out and up, is how badly news media has failed us. News media gives not a damn for critical appraisal of candidates or the concerns of voters. All it cares about is the hook each morning. Never mind what is important, life changing, and central to the progress of humanity. Just throw the stinky garbage, prey on prurient interest and the lunatic fringe. It is the same thing as "it bleeds it leads" never mind accepting the roll of a responsible press playing its part in a dynamic democracy. It is so disappointing watching the Times voluntarily drive itself into a ditch. The Times handling of this political season proves it prefers to go back one hundred years rather than move forward one, again, how disappointing.
9
You should definitely learn more about what Sanders believes in if you're a supporter of his. Having lived in Vermont for the past twenty years, and thereby knowing Sanders as a politician quite well I can say that a Trump presidency would be anathema to basically everything he's fought for. If you actually support and agree with him then you wouldn't vote for Trump, even as a protest vote.
9
Ms. Haberman can join David Brooks as another NYT right wing apologist. Not being a anti gay carries no weight whereas the rest of the intolerant hate filled nonsense Trump spouts is heavy, and heavily revolting. A loathsome creature in a loathsome party with even more loathsome candidates.
11
This is no surprise to anyone who knows anything about Donald Trump. He's not a sexist either, but when you see every single difference in opinion through a "racist", "sexist", "homophobic", etc., lens, it's hard to see a person clearly.
Many of the views of Trump are just as exaggerated as the man, himself. In fact, you can tell how much a person knows about Trump by the way he describes Trump.
Many of the views of Trump are just as exaggerated as the man, himself. In fact, you can tell how much a person knows about Trump by the way he describes Trump.
5
Trump is 3 times the husband Bill Clinton is.
He's so good to women. He's been known not to hurt his wives feelings by letting them in on the fact that he's dating his next wife. Very kind of him.
He's so good to women. He's been known not to hurt his wives feelings by letting them in on the fact that he's dating his next wife. Very kind of him.
4
Trump wouldn't have a snowball's chance in hell if the Democrats were planning to run a strong candidate. But they're not.
2
Donald Trump will be the best President for the country...As a lifelong democrat I am tired of the Clinton's...and do not see the reforms we need happening in a Hillary presidency. I will not longer vote for any candidate who does not address special interest money and super pacs....they are the bain of America and take our rights and our children s rights away from us...There is a reason these elected officials go to D.C. and come out millionaires...lets give Trump a chance...to give us our country back...Hillary will not do it Cruz will not do it...
11
If you'd vote for Trump as Birther-in-Chief, I seriously doubt you were ever a Democrat, let alone a "lifelong" one. He is the personification of money in politics. His positions change daily. He says what his immediate audience wants -- the one he's pitching to. Right now, that's you. To whom will he be selling policy after he's in office and doesn't need your vote?
Despite minute investigation over decades, there is no evidence Clinton is corrupt. NONE. Just innuendo. Trump is being sued in NY and CA for defrauding millions from customers who trusted in him.
But heaven forbid you should trust a politician whose tax returns and voting record are all out on the internet where you can see them. Trust the guy who's hiding them.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanellis/2016/03/08/donald-trump-and-the-em...
Despite minute investigation over decades, there is no evidence Clinton is corrupt. NONE. Just innuendo. Trump is being sued in NY and CA for defrauding millions from customers who trusted in him.
But heaven forbid you should trust a politician whose tax returns and voting record are all out on the internet where you can see them. Trust the guy who's hiding them.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanellis/2016/03/08/donald-trump-and-the-em...
11
Well said. Thank you.
1
Bob in Texas, a life long Democrat who would even consider voting for a republican for president is as phoney as a $3 bill. Democrats realize the future of our country as well as the makeup of the Supreme Court are what are truly at stake in this election. if you want money out of elections who does voting for a Republican who supports Citizen's United help your cause?
2
I've been telling everyone I know that Trump is a good guy, loved by all who know him, gay or straight, Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, and would be a "terrific" president focused on the nation's security and fixing our messed up economy. Now - all you 'doubting Thomas' - after this article - do you finally believe?
6
MY friends would say I'm wonderful.
YOUR friends would say you are wonderful.
Um, I mean read the definition of "friend" -- it's someone who supports you at all times, right or wrong.
Trump's former employees, and former tenants, and former golf club members, and former business partners, and on and on and on . . . . tell a very different story.
It's like when you give references for a job and they ALL say you are wonderful -- well DUH, who would give a reference of someone who dislikes you.
The flaw in your argument is when you say "ALL who know him." If you'd said those who know well, that's one thing. But there are hundreds of people who know him in different roles, and many who loathe the man.
YOUR friends would say you are wonderful.
Um, I mean read the definition of "friend" -- it's someone who supports you at all times, right or wrong.
Trump's former employees, and former tenants, and former golf club members, and former business partners, and on and on and on . . . . tell a very different story.
It's like when you give references for a job and they ALL say you are wonderful -- well DUH, who would give a reference of someone who dislikes you.
The flaw in your argument is when you say "ALL who know him." If you'd said those who know well, that's one thing. But there are hundreds of people who know him in different roles, and many who loathe the man.
5
One notes that you left Mexicans and Muslims off that list.
Need I say more?
Need I say more?
1
Whims, Trump doesn't have "views." He has, at best, whims.
20
Is this the remaking of Donald Trump from misogynistic Muslim/Mexican basher to accepting Presidential statesman?
Why do I smell a rat?
Why do I smell a rat?
18
Imagine if Trump had decided to run as a Democrat, after all everyone knew HRC was the DNC favorite, Trump ran for the available nomination.
Yup, polythene Donald contoured his message to his audience. The same as Hillary tacking to the left after she cranked Wall Street for millions.
Yup, polythene Donald contoured his message to his audience. The same as Hillary tacking to the left after she cranked Wall Street for millions.
3
As a card carrying liberal I am elated that the Republicans are nominating Donald J Trump! I would hate to be responsible for spinning the word vomit that comes out of his mouth. #baileys_and_cheerios
4
"Donald J. Trump’s ease with gay people does not seem to be the result of deep soul searching"
But at least I can sleep well realizing that each position that Hillary Clinton takes on social issues is based on weeks of soul searching and prayer.
But at least I can sleep well realizing that each position that Hillary Clinton takes on social issues is based on weeks of soul searching and prayer.
3
This is a relief to this Sanders supporter since after Hillary's actions on Tuesday I have to vote for him.
It seems that she is not just a compulsive liar. She's also a proud thief.
ABC
It seems that she is not just a compulsive liar. She's also a proud thief.
ABC
10
Her actions on Tuesday?
Like winning -- beating the pants off Bernie?
SO OK you don't believe in Bernie's values given that you are going to vote for the person who is anti-thetical to him.
Odd but certainly your right.
IF you are referring to the 120,000 voters allegedly purged from the Brooklyn lists -- OK, let's assume they ALL would have voted (some have move or are dead, but feel free to count them) and ALL would have voted for Bernie.
That would give Clinton 1,034,000 votes, and Sanders 883,000 votes. Even with all those "stolen?" votes -- he'd STILL lose.
Of if you are whining, like Bernie, about independents "suddenly" not being able to vote in the Dem primary -- grow up (you and him). Those have been the rules for decades, and OK, maybe some (many) dumb independent voters didn't realize it, but you can be SURE smart Bernie and his campaign team knew it, and just seized on it as an alibi for losing big time.
The deceit of his shock and surprise is disgusting. He knew the rules.
Like winning -- beating the pants off Bernie?
SO OK you don't believe in Bernie's values given that you are going to vote for the person who is anti-thetical to him.
Odd but certainly your right.
IF you are referring to the 120,000 voters allegedly purged from the Brooklyn lists -- OK, let's assume they ALL would have voted (some have move or are dead, but feel free to count them) and ALL would have voted for Bernie.
That would give Clinton 1,034,000 votes, and Sanders 883,000 votes. Even with all those "stolen?" votes -- he'd STILL lose.
Of if you are whining, like Bernie, about independents "suddenly" not being able to vote in the Dem primary -- grow up (you and him). Those have been the rules for decades, and OK, maybe some (many) dumb independent voters didn't realize it, but you can be SURE smart Bernie and his campaign team knew it, and just seized on it as an alibi for losing big time.
The deceit of his shock and surprise is disgusting. He knew the rules.
8
And Trump is not a lying thief and a thieving liar of young people and their futures with the scandalous Trump University?
Trump is a Rorschach test. I see an intuitively gifted marketer who is brilliant at perceiving and responding to the deepest needs of the customer in front of him. People experience him as authentic because he says aloud something they feel that no one else has addressed. Powerful stuff.
But he changes day-to-day, as his audience does. He's being sued for consumer fraud, and has a checkered financial past he misrepresents. He pushed the birther lie big-time. He seems OK with LGBT and Jewish people, but willing to throw Muslims and Hispanics under the bus. He offers simple, grandiose non-solutions. He adores flattery and resorts to childish insults. Personally, I think he's in it to thumb his nose at all the politicians who mocked him.
Yet it is Clinton who is accused of being corrupt, dishonest and inauthentic? She's not perfect. She has a long history in politics and public service, with both successes and failures, but ZERO objective evidence of being untrustworthy or doing favors for private interest. Politifact finds her MORE truthful. (Link below). She could overpromise or give easy answers but doesn't.
Authenticity is more than saying what other people want to hear. It's about confronting reality instead of turning to fantasy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/13/opinion/campaign-stops/all-politicians...
But he changes day-to-day, as his audience does. He's being sued for consumer fraud, and has a checkered financial past he misrepresents. He pushed the birther lie big-time. He seems OK with LGBT and Jewish people, but willing to throw Muslims and Hispanics under the bus. He offers simple, grandiose non-solutions. He adores flattery and resorts to childish insults. Personally, I think he's in it to thumb his nose at all the politicians who mocked him.
Yet it is Clinton who is accused of being corrupt, dishonest and inauthentic? She's not perfect. She has a long history in politics and public service, with both successes and failures, but ZERO objective evidence of being untrustworthy or doing favors for private interest. Politifact finds her MORE truthful. (Link below). She could overpromise or give easy answers but doesn't.
Authenticity is more than saying what other people want to hear. It's about confronting reality instead of turning to fantasy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/13/opinion/campaign-stops/all-politicians...
61
Pro-Hillary supporters.
Please list the successes, with details, achieved by Hillary Clinton during her long political career.
Please list the successes, with details, achieved by Hillary Clinton during her long political career.
1
"Personally, I think he's in it to thumb his nose at all the politicians who mocked him." You have part of Trump's motivation there Naomi and I never heard anyone say that before. Isn't Trump kind of a childish Showoff? I really think that he sees being the President of the United States of America as probably the Coolest Thing you can be in this Country. I think I heard him say that. That being said, as crazy at this all sounds, I think he's going to get elected easily and do a really, really outstanding job as our President. Time will tell, but you heard it here first.
1
•Senator Walter Mondale's Subcommittee on Migratory Labor.
•Co-founded Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
•Crucial work on passage of State Children's Health Insurance Program, halving the rate of uninsured children; currently civering over 8,000,000 children
•Increased NIH research funds for prostate cancer & childhood asthma
•Investigate reports of illness later identified as Gulf War Syndrome
•Helped create DOJ Office on Violence Against Women
•Helped pass the Adoption and Safe Families Act
•International initiative to include women in political processes
•Served on five Senate committees:
-Budget
-Armed Services
-Environment and Public Works
-Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
-Special Committee on Aging.
•Member, Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
•Instrumental in securing $21 billion in funding for the World Trade Center site's redevelopment
•Leading role investigating the health issues faced by 9/11 first responders.
•Post 9/11, worked with Sen. Schumer, to fund World Trade Center redevelopment.
• Middle East ceasefire, Nov. 2012, Sec. Clinton brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
•Pushed U.N. to defend LGBT rights worldwide; instituted changes to improve State Dept. policies for LGBT employees
•Member of bipartisan effort to ensure health care access for National Guard, reservists, and their families
•Worked to expand Family Medical Leave Act, so families could care for wounded service members
•Co-founded Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
•Crucial work on passage of State Children's Health Insurance Program, halving the rate of uninsured children; currently civering over 8,000,000 children
•Increased NIH research funds for prostate cancer & childhood asthma
•Investigate reports of illness later identified as Gulf War Syndrome
•Helped create DOJ Office on Violence Against Women
•Helped pass the Adoption and Safe Families Act
•International initiative to include women in political processes
•Served on five Senate committees:
-Budget
-Armed Services
-Environment and Public Works
-Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
-Special Committee on Aging.
•Member, Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
•Instrumental in securing $21 billion in funding for the World Trade Center site's redevelopment
•Leading role investigating the health issues faced by 9/11 first responders.
•Post 9/11, worked with Sen. Schumer, to fund World Trade Center redevelopment.
• Middle East ceasefire, Nov. 2012, Sec. Clinton brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
•Pushed U.N. to defend LGBT rights worldwide; instituted changes to improve State Dept. policies for LGBT employees
•Member of bipartisan effort to ensure health care access for National Guard, reservists, and their families
•Worked to expand Family Medical Leave Act, so families could care for wounded service members
3
So by being in his inner circle he's capable of building empathy for certain minorities. Here's an idea, invite Muslim and Mexican immigrants to a town hall soiree at, let's say, the Four Seasons or 21, complete with Beluga and Cristal for some good solid bridge-building.
Just make sure to invite the guests an hour early to be frisked for bombs and profiled to make sure they're not "killers" or "rapists".
Sarcasm intended, along with incredulity about Mr. Trump's image makeover.
Just make sure to invite the guests an hour early to be frisked for bombs and profiled to make sure they're not "killers" or "rapists".
Sarcasm intended, along with incredulity about Mr. Trump's image makeover.
11
Score one point for "New York values." Would not in a million years vote for The Donald -- but take that, Cruz and all you other GOP haters!
3
Couldn‘t care less about his view on gays, but I do remember his snide, calculated, cynical demand for Obama‘s birth certificate, even after it was published. It was vulgar behavior.
Then he sues Bill Maher for speculating that Trump‘s mother was an orangutan. The Donald just can‘t take it when the table is turned-!
Which is what worries me about him.
Then he sues Bill Maher for speculating that Trump‘s mother was an orangutan. The Donald just can‘t take it when the table is turned-!
Which is what worries me about him.
18
Surely the LGBTQ community needs more than this for their trust. If a profit is to be made, discrimination is bad. What happens when discrimination turns a profit? Perhaps the community has become accustomed to entrusting changes in social mores to economic pressures.
That may be the world works. If so, I, for one, find myself tremendously saddened.
That may be the world works. If so, I, for one, find myself tremendously saddened.
5
Clearly you've never met a Log Cabin Republican. They symbolize desperation with a capital "D." They are so hungry for someone to endorse that they will take the smallest of scraps and try to turn it into a gay friendly buffet. They won't even care that 24 hours later Trumped yanked the food right out of their mouth. Greg Angelo didn't lie when he declared Trump the most gay friendly republican presidential candidate ever. He just didn't tell you how low of a bar he had to meet to earn that distinction.
16
So true. Log Cabin Republicans are like that sad puppy at the pound that's been abused its entire life. Everytime (rarely) that a republican comes by that doesn't treat them with overwhelming scorn or disgust, they wag their tail, run over, and say 'please please pleeease take me home with you'. It's pathetic
2
Jose Cunningham, the chairman of the Republican Party in the District of Columbia is a Log Cabin Republican. Does he match your stereotype?
No person is all angel or all demon, not even -- gasp! -- Bernie Sanders. Trump doesn't hold the same homophobic views as rural conservatives, partly because he's not a rural conservative. He's not, for that matter, even a Republican. He's as much Republican as Sanders is Democrat, which is to say not at all. Gays may think Trump preferable to Cruz because of this, but the tide of history, as the President might put it, is turning, and even with a short-term setback, gays have a bright future in America.
Trump is a xenophobic cretin whose few consistent ideas are patently absurd and whose rhetoric is part calculated rabble-rousing, part impulsivity. The "he's better than the others" line of thinking is gaining ground rapidly, as evinced by the comments, particularly among centrist Republicans and far leftists. I think it's potentially tragically mistaken.
As Mitt Romney said, Trump's imagination must not be married to real power. Ted Cruz is repellent, but he has a deep understanding of, and respect for, the Constitution. And I would trust him as Commander in Chief long before I'd consider trusting someone like Donald Trump.
That conservatives in Congress will moderate their beliefs if a socially liberal Donald Trump wins the presidency is a fable. Whatever he thinks of gays, he is uniquely unqualified to be president, and considering the office's ever-expanding powers, uniquely dangerous. Whether or not America trusts Trump, Trump cannot be trusted with America.
Trump is a xenophobic cretin whose few consistent ideas are patently absurd and whose rhetoric is part calculated rabble-rousing, part impulsivity. The "he's better than the others" line of thinking is gaining ground rapidly, as evinced by the comments, particularly among centrist Republicans and far leftists. I think it's potentially tragically mistaken.
As Mitt Romney said, Trump's imagination must not be married to real power. Ted Cruz is repellent, but he has a deep understanding of, and respect for, the Constitution. And I would trust him as Commander in Chief long before I'd consider trusting someone like Donald Trump.
That conservatives in Congress will moderate their beliefs if a socially liberal Donald Trump wins the presidency is a fable. Whatever he thinks of gays, he is uniquely unqualified to be president, and considering the office's ever-expanding powers, uniquely dangerous. Whether or not America trusts Trump, Trump cannot be trusted with America.
7
Trump has sowed up the Southern primaries, so he could keep that opinion to himself until now. Mid Atlantic state primaries continue followed by the all important California primary. Trump taking that position in those states will probably help not hurt him. I am sure we'll see more chameleon like changes towards the center and liberal side as his campaign progresses. By the time he sows up the nomination, conservatives will not recognize him from the earlier Trump they were so enthused by.
8
Ok fine. Good. So why doesn't he support same-sex marriage? Sounds a lot like GW Bush, who had gay friends (and a gay National Security Advisor), but horrible policies. Sounds like politics as usual, a calculation.
7
Quite amusing to see the bien-pensant NYT readers twist and turn... The simple fact seems to be that Trump just doesn't much care about gay issues, one way or the other. Deal with it.
6
After 8 years of Obama, it's hard to imagine a president who is not fixated on identity. Hopefully, the economy and jobs will soon take center stage. Greater emphasis on the "identity" of the American worker would be nice.
3
The sad fact is Mr. Trump is the better alternative to the other candidates.
Mr. Trump is no dummy and realizes that the gay population is politically and socially active, often affluent and highly competent members of a work force. Mr. Trump may be volatile, which is not a good thing but can be tempered by both the reality of a situation and strong advisers. However, Mr. Cruz is truly dangerous.
Mr. Trump is no dummy and realizes that the gay population is politically and socially active, often affluent and highly competent members of a work force. Mr. Trump may be volatile, which is not a good thing but can be tempered by both the reality of a situation and strong advisers. However, Mr. Cruz is truly dangerous.
11
Trump haters are a minority. Probably largely illegal aliens and the people who hire them and think breaking our immigration laws is OK. By the way breaking our immigration laws is NOT OK. FYI, Trump has adjusted his position on transgender use of bathrooms. He said the States should decide. Good enough for me. I think if you have male sexual organs you should use the men's bathroom. If you have female sexual organs you should use the Ladies bathroom. We have gotten along fine with that approach for hundreds of years and I do not see any reason to change it.
5
If Trump is serious he'll prosecute the real lawbreakers -- the employers who HIRE illegal workers. You turn off a faucet at the handle, not by sticking your finger up the nozzle. But you won't see him or any other Republican take such action, because it would hurt them and their donors, and Trump would have to arrest himself. He's playing you. You'll cheer as he makes a show of rounding up and deporting brown people -- he's fixing it! he's showing those criminals! -- even as he and his friends happily continue the criminal act of hiring them.
6
Trump has managed to get, in total, about 39% of the GOPers who turned out to vote.
The GOP are the minority party in the U.S. 26% of voters say they are Republicans.
So when you say Trump haters are a MINORITY -- how about using a calculator to do the math?
39% of 26% = 10%.
He has the support of TEN PER CENT of Americans.
That is a tiny minority.
And if "we've done it for hundreds of years" is your standard for behavior, then I guess you're big on slavery, not letting women vote, discriminating against Jews, Catholics, etc.
If you are so afraid of being in a bathroom with a woman -- stay home.
The GOP are the minority party in the U.S. 26% of voters say they are Republicans.
So when you say Trump haters are a MINORITY -- how about using a calculator to do the math?
39% of 26% = 10%.
He has the support of TEN PER CENT of Americans.
That is a tiny minority.
And if "we've done it for hundreds of years" is your standard for behavior, then I guess you're big on slavery, not letting women vote, discriminating against Jews, Catholics, etc.
If you are so afraid of being in a bathroom with a woman -- stay home.
5
Three cheers for New York Values!
7
I am voting for Secretary Clinton. A Trump presidency is short sighted and dangerous. His approach to problems is not good.
20
Good point, because we've had nothing but short sighted dangerous approaches to problems from Barack Obama over the last 7.5 years.
6
Hilary is 100s times more dangerous than Trump. This is the same person who twice endorsed the decisions to get us trap in the Middle East (Iraq, and Libya).
1
Hillary's approach isn't exactly sound or even legal. He's got more in his tool chest of skills than stonewalling, which seems to be her greatest strength. It certainly isn't judgment.
2
Don't you think that all those recent boycotts by Paypal, Apple and such are really the same thing? More a business decision than a moral or ethical one
Who wants to alienate customers?
Who wants to alienate customers?
1
Now maybe a list of people he doesn't hate can get started, who will he chose to be second on that list?
6
First, unless Trump make an unequivocal statement in support of gay marriage, he believes that no everyone is entitled to equal rights. In fact, he has clearly stated the opposite: that if elected, he would appoint Supreme Court justices who would be likely to overturn gay marriage. His statements about Muslims, Mexicans and women make it very clear that he believes we are not entitled to equal rights.
It seems clear that this is a man with no moral ground, no clear positions at all ... he'll simply say what he needs to say to get elected. His agenda is to get power for himself. He has no track record of public service. Why would we think that his desire to become President is to help Americans? Look at how he has lived his life. He has simply amassed more and more stuff for Donald Trump. He has enough money. So now he's going after power.
Why would we choose someone with this kind of character to be our President?
It seems clear that this is a man with no moral ground, no clear positions at all ... he'll simply say what he needs to say to get elected. His agenda is to get power for himself. He has no track record of public service. Why would we think that his desire to become President is to help Americans? Look at how he has lived his life. He has simply amassed more and more stuff for Donald Trump. He has enough money. So now he's going after power.
Why would we choose someone with this kind of character to be our President?
16
This would also describe Hillary Clinton. Oh, but she's a Democrat so that's okay. Move along, nothing to see here.
8
CW, that's a popular GOP meme. And a complete lie. She has a long record of public service, in and out of political office. There used to be Republicans who served the people, too. The big donors drove them out. I was sorry to see that. My late father, a "Rockefeller Republican," would be horrified at today's GOP the same way he was horrified at George Wallace.
11
Naomi, you do you to lecture. Democrat in good standing, I'd say!
1
The fascinating thing about the rise of Mr. Trump is how quickly he's unmasked the GOP. It turns out that cobbling together wedge issues--as Mr. Rove and his ilk have done in past elections--does not make for a coherent electorate. The base is far more fractured that we might have believed. Mr. Trump may be summoning the darkest forces of the party with his xenophobia and misogyny, but he's also drawing others who care more about his economics than his social politics. Too bad it's all so frightening.
12
It's not so much that Trump's views on gay issues set him apart from most in the GOP. It's that Trump is not afraid to acknowledge that he has employed gays and has celebrated their weddings. Think of how Dick Cheney kept is twisted mouth shut when Bush was promising to make same sex marriage unconstitutional. Think also about the GOP having a gay man as their chairman during the anti-gay presidential campaigns of Bush. Most likely there are a number of supporters of gay rights in the GOP but they are cowards, afraid to speak out against bigotry and discrimination. Of course there are many who are hateful, ignorant, and bigoted, but let's not ignore those who know that anti-gay legislation is morally wrong but don't have the integrity to stand up against it.
I would never vote for Trump - but I will say that he does show some unusual courage for a Republican politician - at least in this one area.
I would never vote for Trump - but I will say that he does show some unusual courage for a Republican politician - at least in this one area.
7
No, it's not just the social world, Mr. Trump has inhabited. It's follow The Money!
2
Trump is running as a Republican and the Republican Party platform does not support gay rights. Why would anyone give him a vote based on his so-called "acceptance" of gays? What has he ever done for the gays or for human rights generally?
8
Trump is right in the middle on abortion and on LGBT. He should adopt Sanders message to some extent on income inequality, health care and free tuition at state colleges by saying Sanders is correct on those issues. He should say that Sanders would have won the Democratic nomination if the system is not rigged. That would attract Sanders supporters to extent to win the general election. If Sanders doesn't make it, I will be voting to Trump.
9
In every act, Trump calculates who to offend and who to attract (basic marketing). With this move, he's alienating some conservative primary voters whom he'd already lost to Cruz, but he's picking up those sick and tired of ultra-conservativism. Cruz will make a meal of this for zero net gain, wasting additional resources and time on this shadow play. And he's given liberal swing-voters one less reason to hate him. Good move, Trump. Bad news, everyone.
6
This is an absurd puff piece. Donald Trump believes that gay people should not be allowed to get married, and that Obergefell should be overturned, and he has been just as happy to pander to homophobes as any other Republican candidate. If Donald Trump cared one little bit about gay people -- or about anyone other than himself -- he would denounce his homophobic supporters and embrace same-sex marriage. He may be more of a craven opportunist than a bigot, but he sure isn't "accepting" in any meaningful way of our recent, hard-fought civil rights victories. Quite the opposite.
7
As dyed-in-the-wool progressive, a pacifist, and a gay person, I hate it when Trump says something I actually agree with...I nearly plotzed at my own delight when he mentioned in one debate that Bush/Cheney had lied the US into the war in Iraq. While I accept that as a fact, I don't think I have ever heard any politician (including Obama, Clinton or Sanders), be so frank and unequivocal on the subject. I felt my opinion shifting even as I fought the urge to agree with anything he said. His understanding of the reality of gay life is partly an aspect of his "New York values" but also, as this article states, good business. Why let a table in a restaurant or a room in a hotel go empty when there is a willing purchaser who happens to be gay...or by extension, black, Hispanic or female? Everyone may be welcome at the table but only if they can afford it, and it will always be HIS table. That is where it gets scary.
4
Trump's acceptance of gay and lesbian people, to a degree, does not trump the fact that he has stirred up anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiments in this country to a degree that is frightening. And further than that he stated in one of the debates that "Americans make too much money" so how does this fit in the thought processes of working and middle class people who vote?
6
His followers rushed to his banner because they thought he was a Christian Taliban. Will they stay? Will they bother to vote if he is just another Beltway candidate. Seems unlikely. Many may feel betrayed.
And of course The Donald just walked back his very recent statement:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2016/04/22/trump-backtracks-on-pro-l...
http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2016/04/22/trump-backtracks-on-pro-l...
8
I don't believe him for a second.
He is a complete fraud and is as anti-gay as they come. At least the White Supremacists that he likes and retweets are upfront about it.
Donald pretends to be inclusive and then stabs people in the back.
He is a complete fraud and is as anti-gay as they come. At least the White Supremacists that he likes and retweets are upfront about it.
Donald pretends to be inclusive and then stabs people in the back.
5
Not a tough choice in this election:
Trump: A pragmatic successful businessman and true centrist
Cruz: A right wing politician who never accomplished anything other than a successful run for office.
Sanders: Correct on single payer, wrong on most other socialist issues
Clinton: Corrupt took money from anyone and any corporation
Trump: A pragmatic successful businessman and true centrist
Cruz: A right wing politician who never accomplished anything other than a successful run for office.
Sanders: Correct on single payer, wrong on most other socialist issues
Clinton: Corrupt took money from anyone and any corporation
8
Trump: bribed multiple politicians - confessed on national television
Trump: claims he's self funding, takes donations
Trump: claims he is a "successful businessman", bankrupts companies yet absconds with their revenues.
Trump: insisted Obama wasn't born in America.
Trump: claims to be a Washington outsider, yet surrounds himself with a Klan of beltway lobbyists.
Trump: claims he's self funding, takes donations
Trump: claims he is a "successful businessman", bankrupts companies yet absconds with their revenues.
Trump: insisted Obama wasn't born in America.
Trump: claims to be a Washington outsider, yet surrounds himself with a Klan of beltway lobbyists.
2
Donald Trump - 2016 and beyond!!!
5
Trump's view are whatever gains him the most attention, votes and applause. His views may be more liberal than those of Kasich or Cruz, though I suspect they're more about public relations and status (ex: Elton John), than sincere sentiment. If Trump is so supportive of gay people, he might remember some of us in the LGBT community are black, or Mexican, Muslim, women, and immigrants.
7
Hillary Clinton recently praised the role that Nancy Reagan played in addressing the AIDS crisis during the 1980s. In fact Nancy Reagan, like her husband (President Reagan), said and did almost nothing to address this terrible disease during the critical years when it when spreading among amd mostly affecting the gay male community. During the same time, which was a time of great homophobia and ignorance about AIDS, as this article points out, Donald Trump was holding fundraisers and donating his own money to fight AIDS. Hillary was First Lady of Arkansas, never said a word about AIDS during that time, and was apparently admiring the way that Nancy Reagan was addressing this issue (by ignoring it). Donald Trump is a master marketer in public, has been for over 3 decades but in private he is a different man, a devoted father who is deeply admired by all of his children, he's even admired by his ex-wives who say only positive things about Trump and who apparently have very good relations with his current wife. He's not a religious zealot, a bigot, homophobe or xenophobe-- he's a master marketer and he'll soon be the President of the United States.
11
Nice piece of revisionist history.
Hillary was speaking at Nancy Reagan's funeral. If you expect a former First Lady to criticize another first lady at her funeral, you are really quite delusional.
And you know nothing about what Nancy Reagan really thought about AIDS - none of us do.
No matter how she personally felt about it, the Reagan brain trust was completely controlled by the religious right and there was no way that they would let the first lady speak her mind about AIDS even if she wanted to.
Hillary was speaking at Nancy Reagan's funeral. If you expect a former First Lady to criticize another first lady at her funeral, you are really quite delusional.
And you know nothing about what Nancy Reagan really thought about AIDS - none of us do.
No matter how she personally felt about it, the Reagan brain trust was completely controlled by the religious right and there was no way that they would let the first lady speak her mind about AIDS even if she wanted to.
5
Donald Trump NEVER donates his own money.
He solicits money for his foundation and that's where the money comes from -- he takes it from others and doles it out.
(You'd see this on his tax returns under donations -- IF HE WEREN'T HIDING HIS TAX RETURNS).
He raised $6 million for "veterans" as a cover for skipping a debate because he was mad at Fox -- ask any of the vets groups if they have seen a penny yet. His campaign said they have given out $2.9 million -- but CNN checked and most of that money came from other foundations run by friends of Trump including Carl Icahn.
As for Hillary's comments -- which have NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS STORY -- she flew all night to the funeral, got off the plane, did an interview with Andrea Mitchell, made her statement (and was obviously referring to Alzheimer's) and within the hour had corrected her statement.
Nice try at embroidering the truth. You should work for Don.
He solicits money for his foundation and that's where the money comes from -- he takes it from others and doles it out.
(You'd see this on his tax returns under donations -- IF HE WEREN'T HIDING HIS TAX RETURNS).
He raised $6 million for "veterans" as a cover for skipping a debate because he was mad at Fox -- ask any of the vets groups if they have seen a penny yet. His campaign said they have given out $2.9 million -- but CNN checked and most of that money came from other foundations run by friends of Trump including Carl Icahn.
As for Hillary's comments -- which have NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS STORY -- she flew all night to the funeral, got off the plane, did an interview with Andrea Mitchell, made her statement (and was obviously referring to Alzheimer's) and within the hour had corrected her statement.
Nice try at embroidering the truth. You should work for Don.
3
Trump is a draft dodger, publicly proclaimed his utter contempt for our brave POWs, and stole from veterans
2
The only reason Trump's support of gay rights is news is because the Republicans and Tea-party extremists have made compromise impossible with their manipulative litmus test for any elected official. Abortion, women's health, health care, gay rights, bathroom rules, etc., have all been demonized and leveraged to create anger and get out the vote for Repubs. They drag religious piety into government where it does not belong. Trump is many things, including a narcissistic opportunist, but the fact that he is wealthy enough to reject the Repub litmus test on social issues only means he exposes the emptiness of the little men behind the curtains, not that he is some amazing candidate because he supports gays. To quote another commenter, "pretty low bar to set."
1
"Donald Trump simply made a strategic political and marketing decision a few years ago that if he wanted to run for President, he'd simply have a better chance marketing to Republicans than to Democrats because Republicans are more likely to believe anything a candidate says where Democrats want someone who believes in fair public policy unconnected to billionaire entitlement."
------------
I love stuff like this from liberals. O! The smugness!
http://www.vox.com/2016/4/21/11451378/smug-american-liberalism
------------
I love stuff like this from liberals. O! The smugness!
http://www.vox.com/2016/4/21/11451378/smug-american-liberalism
6
Simply incorrect, Mr. Takei. Marrying multiple times is actually much more traditional than absolute monogamy. One can look up the word "polygyny" on the web, and study the issue for themselves. This has been the most common marriage pattern everywhere (and also in many places in Europe, all the way to 10th century) until arrival of Christianity, which (with some rare exceptions) explicitly forbids it. This is neither an argument for nor an argument against, simply a statement of fact. Even when it came to monogamy, e.g. in ancient Rome or Greece or Persia, all the way to Sassanian dynasty, it was rather rare for societies to prohibit divorce (usually, initiated by the family's patriarch). So, even here it's arguable. For more info on marriage patterns, find JD Unwin's comprehensive "Sex and Culture" study.
However, gay marriage has *never* been traditional, at any point of history. I'm not sorry, Mr. Takei, that's how it really is and was.
However, gay marriage has *never* been traditional, at any point of history. I'm not sorry, Mr. Takei, that's how it really is and was.
3
I think Trumps views on gays and the LGBT community in general reflects his pragmatism; what business sense does it make to exclude these groups? How else do you reconcile his statement about “traditional marriage” between a man and a woman (the required GOP stance), and his history of support of gay marriage – or at the very least his neutrality.
People seem to question what side of Trump we’re seeing. I would argue that his actual views are much more nuanced than some of the radical positions he’s articulated in this campaign season. Unfortunately in this age of short attention spans and reality TV, if it weren’t for the “theater” I doubt we’d even be discussing his candidacy by now because it would be over. Love him, or hate him, he’s bringing people out of the woodwork to debate the issues and vote. People do tune in for the drama, which is obvious from the emotional responses he gets, both good and bad.
Weather you believe Trump would make a good presidential or not, I think it’s naïve to base that opinion solely on what has transpired in the media these past few months. It may be wise to look at his “body of work” and that of the other candidates then decide how he compares to the others. Base your views on objective research, rather than the emotional response to his more incendiary remarks that are part of the media theater we’re getting from all the candidates. Some are just better at at it than others.
People seem to question what side of Trump we’re seeing. I would argue that his actual views are much more nuanced than some of the radical positions he’s articulated in this campaign season. Unfortunately in this age of short attention spans and reality TV, if it weren’t for the “theater” I doubt we’d even be discussing his candidacy by now because it would be over. Love him, or hate him, he’s bringing people out of the woodwork to debate the issues and vote. People do tune in for the drama, which is obvious from the emotional responses he gets, both good and bad.
Weather you believe Trump would make a good presidential or not, I think it’s naïve to base that opinion solely on what has transpired in the media these past few months. It may be wise to look at his “body of work” and that of the other candidates then decide how he compares to the others. Base your views on objective research, rather than the emotional response to his more incendiary remarks that are part of the media theater we’re getting from all the candidates. Some are just better at at it than others.
7
You are right about it's all about business.
That's why he screams about immigrants taking away jobs, and then hires Mexican citizens to work at Mar-A-Lago. First he said he couldn't get Americans to take the jobs. Then when the local employment bureau said we have hundreds of Americans who would take those jobs,he said "hey, it's business, I have to make a profit." As in, they'll work cheaper.
And when he and his daughter have their products manufactured in CHINA -- hey, it's just business, let's go bash Carrier for moving jobs overseas. I guess the difference he sees is Carrier and other companies had jobs here and are moving them, whereas Trump and Ivanka have never created a job -- they just go straight to China.
That's why he screams about immigrants taking away jobs, and then hires Mexican citizens to work at Mar-A-Lago. First he said he couldn't get Americans to take the jobs. Then when the local employment bureau said we have hundreds of Americans who would take those jobs,he said "hey, it's business, I have to make a profit." As in, they'll work cheaper.
And when he and his daughter have their products manufactured in CHINA -- hey, it's just business, let's go bash Carrier for moving jobs overseas. I guess the difference he sees is Carrier and other companies had jobs here and are moving them, whereas Trump and Ivanka have never created a job -- they just go straight to China.
I'm as gay as the next guy, but there's no way I can vote for someone to be president who doesn't know how to run a business (4 bankruptcies), much less a country, who disrespects the majority of people in the country he pretends he wants to lead, and who really has no plan to move the country forward.
He doesn't want to outlaw my existence? WOW! Great! now what about everyone else, or anyone else?
He doesn't want to outlaw my existence? WOW! Great! now what about everyone else, or anyone else?
9
"His ease with gay people does not seem to be the result of deep soul searching, but, rather, the product of the Manhattan social and political world he has inhabited the past five decades."
So says a writer for NYC's paper of record, whose writers increasingly vibrate to a limited range of stimuli. Do their antennae ever detect irony bouncing off that echo chamber? Is this writer going to say, then, that all of the highbrows of New York do not do soul searching themselves, but just parrot the wisdom of their own locale? Surely, she is not implying a kind of superficiality for them- or herself.
So says a writer for NYC's paper of record, whose writers increasingly vibrate to a limited range of stimuli. Do their antennae ever detect irony bouncing off that echo chamber? Is this writer going to say, then, that all of the highbrows of New York do not do soul searching themselves, but just parrot the wisdom of their own locale? Surely, she is not implying a kind of superficiality for them- or herself.
3
All the cooing on this thread about Trump the Liberal shows Trump one thing: he really can sell just about anything to a gullible public. Maggie Haberman is doing what she likes to do rather than objective reporting: stirring the pot.
7
It does not matter what Mr Trump says or does. He has left a slime trail that is decades long - on film, in print and etched in our minds. That he is to the left of the party he is assaulting is not news. He is on every side of everything.
Mr Trump is salesman trying to close a deal. He promises when buying your house that he will preserve your mother's rose bushes. Then levels them to build a casino - which he then abandons when the market turns, declares bankruptcy - possibly sues a few people and then departs.
If there is a majority that wants to elect him - to believe that he is reformed or that his current skin is his true-skin. There is nothing we can do, short of howling at the moon.
We don't need to believe Mr Trump or even listen to his words. Follow the slime trail. See where he's been.
It is shocking.
Mr Trump is salesman trying to close a deal. He promises when buying your house that he will preserve your mother's rose bushes. Then levels them to build a casino - which he then abandons when the market turns, declares bankruptcy - possibly sues a few people and then departs.
If there is a majority that wants to elect him - to believe that he is reformed or that his current skin is his true-skin. There is nothing we can do, short of howling at the moon.
We don't need to believe Mr Trump or even listen to his words. Follow the slime trail. See where he's been.
It is shocking.
6
I heard Donald say it didn't matter but... as with so many of his answers, I can't tell if he really understands the question. Let'e hope he doesn't say something else tomorrow.
2
"I can't tell if he really understands the question."
Has it ever occurred to you that a man who runs an organization that employs approximately 25,000 people and does business on international scale might have the ability to "understand" at least equal to, if not magnitudes greater, than your own? I think I know the answer...
Has it ever occurred to you that a man who runs an organization that employs approximately 25,000 people and does business on international scale might have the ability to "understand" at least equal to, if not magnitudes greater, than your own? I think I know the answer...
3
As soon as Trump starts to feel push-back from conservative Republicans on his statements on the NC law, he will likely do his typical about-face, followed by a ¼ turn back, etc. Eventually he will make a complete hash of what he said and meant, including heavy doses of how the media and his opponents mis-characterized his moving-target of a position.
2
....aaaannnd, he's already backtracked and said it's a states issue. Oops!
7
As a strong Sanders supporter, I think I may have to vote Trump if Bernie winds up losing the nomination. This article points out the socially liberal streak in Trump, and I have to believe he doesn't really mean much of the ultra-conservative "trumpisms" he's uttered during this campaign. For me, the bottom line is what kind of person a candidate is. Bernie is in it for the people, Clinton is in it for the power, and Trump is in it for the fame. Given the choice between someone obsessed with power or fame, I'll choose fame as the less dangerous of the two. I think a lot of moderates and independents will feel the same come November, and the DNC will be in for a shock at the anti-Hillary turnout.
57
Just as Surprised as the RNC will be for the anti-Trump turnout. There really are two sides to that coin!
3
Tom, although I'm hoping that you're wrong, you may very well be right, and the Clinton campaign and the Democratic establishment ignore this risk at their peril.
1
If you think that Trump is in this race just for the fame and not the power, you are frighteningly naive. Trump has all the fame he'll ever need. Of course, he wants the power. He's a bully and dictator in his business dealings and there is no indication that he'll be anything else were this nation to lose its collective mind and elect him President.
Any supporter of Bernie Sanders who would even consider voting for Donald Trump doesn't have a clue the different views that Sanders and Trump stand for. electing Trump would result in a radical right wing Supreme Court for decades. Essential regulations that prevent the private sector from abusing the public would fall. Electing Trump would not implement a darned thing that Senator Sanders seeks. It would just enable to radical right to control all 3 branches of the federal government -- and move this nation further down the path of friendly fasc*sm that the GOP and Trump seem to favor.
Any supporter of Bernie Sanders who would even consider voting for Donald Trump doesn't have a clue the different views that Sanders and Trump stand for. electing Trump would result in a radical right wing Supreme Court for decades. Essential regulations that prevent the private sector from abusing the public would fall. Electing Trump would not implement a darned thing that Senator Sanders seeks. It would just enable to radical right to control all 3 branches of the federal government -- and move this nation further down the path of friendly fasc*sm that the GOP and Trump seem to favor.
9
It's an outright miracle: According to the wise, sage and totally honest national political reporters, Trump has suddenly turned over a new leaf and is "presidential" and "measured." Wow. How did that happen so fast? Virtually overnight. Amazing.
4
Apparently he just went back the other way a few minutes ago. But stick around, maybe 25 minutes from now or so he'll claim he always wanted to be able to marry a guy.
3
New York City based WABC-AM host John Batchelor and guest Monica Crowley discussed the Trump situation on Friday. Batchelor is a self described Rockefeller Republican, Princeton graduate, historian, and Republican political consultant. His online partner on the ABC radio network before and after 9/11 was Paul Alexander, an openly gay Democrat. They are genuine friends.
All through the primary season, Batchelor has been derisive about Trump, encouraging his guests to not even say Trump's name. As a Republican who is not Conservative, Batchelor is not bashful pointing out that Trump is not a Conservative.
The Trump victory in New York changed everything. They are both resigned to the reality that Trump probably can reach the nomination. Batchelor has moved from outright opposition to damage mitigation for his beloved party and its internal party structure. He is hoping Trump is a soft lump of clay who seasoned consultants can form into a "real" candidate. That is unlikely, since tearing up the party of John Boehner and Mitch McConnell and the Bush clan is why Republicans have been choosing him over the alternatives
All through the primary season, Batchelor has been derisive about Trump, encouraging his guests to not even say Trump's name. As a Republican who is not Conservative, Batchelor is not bashful pointing out that Trump is not a Conservative.
The Trump victory in New York changed everything. They are both resigned to the reality that Trump probably can reach the nomination. Batchelor has moved from outright opposition to damage mitigation for his beloved party and its internal party structure. He is hoping Trump is a soft lump of clay who seasoned consultants can form into a "real" candidate. That is unlikely, since tearing up the party of John Boehner and Mitch McConnell and the Bush clan is why Republicans have been choosing him over the alternatives
A republican who can't be beaten on social issues would be a nice change!
Trump is staking out a unique position among the candidates and especially as regards recent republican candidates:
As per his interview on Hannity last night, he is saying that he is personally in favor of liberal views of social issues, but that he believes those issues should be decided - if at all - locally at the state level.
In other words, he believes that the federal government should keep its nose out of things that do not involve the federal government.
This is consistent with his positions on trade and immigration, as those are absolutely federal issues, as they relate directly to federal law.
A republican who actually walks the "smaller government" line that others just talk? No wonder so many in the media are confused!
Trump is staking out a unique position among the candidates and especially as regards recent republican candidates:
As per his interview on Hannity last night, he is saying that he is personally in favor of liberal views of social issues, but that he believes those issues should be decided - if at all - locally at the state level.
In other words, he believes that the federal government should keep its nose out of things that do not involve the federal government.
This is consistent with his positions on trade and immigration, as those are absolutely federal issues, as they relate directly to federal law.
A republican who actually walks the "smaller government" line that others just talk? No wonder so many in the media are confused!
5
I still can't see myself ever voting for Mr. Trump, but I do like the fact that he isn't pandering on this issue. I certainly would prefer Trump to Cruz if it were to come down to it. Mr. Trump at heart is probably not a dogmatic person. It's difficult to determine on some issues what is bombast, and what is true belief. Cruz, on the other hand, is a religious fundamentalist whom I cannot abide. While Trump stumbled on the abortion issue (punishing women how had an abortion), in the end I don't believe social issues are all that important to him. His focus would be on trade and business - things that really matter to a billionaire businessman. It's really rather entertaining to see how the GOP right wing is twisting in the wind at this point. I hope we don't get the entertainment that would certainly be part of a Trump Presidency.
17
Actually, I don't think Trump stumbled on the abortion issue. He just followed a logical train of thought. That is, if you consider a fetus to be a human who can be murdered, then the person arranging that murder (i.e., the pregnant woman) has to be punished because she would be a party to "contract killing," which I believe is considered first degree murder.
Unlike the Republicans who want to criminalize abortions yet insist that they would not punish the woman, Trump brought their argument to its logical conclusion. Contract killing requires a party that solicits the contract and one party to carry out the contract. Both are usually charged with murder.
Unlike the Republicans who want to criminalize abortions yet insist that they would not punish the woman, Trump brought their argument to its logical conclusion. Contract killing requires a party that solicits the contract and one party to carry out the contract. Both are usually charged with murder.
"They" are welcome to spend money at his businesses, but, "they" shouldn't be free to marry the person of their choice. This constitutes, apparently, a laudatory position for the Log Cabin Republicans, and a controversial one amongst the fundamentalist "Christians." No wonder the GOP is in the state it's in today, a once structurally sound ship slowly slipping beneath the surface of the water.
2
What about gay Mexicans?
11
Now you don't have to read they book or watch the Kirk Douglas movie.
The Donald is an actual Trojan Horse.
A moderate to liberal Dem ---pro and anti the exact same issues even on the exact same day---who is destroying the GOP from the inside.
Yes he is a wacko that can't be elected. But he can destroy a political party.
What is that sound you hear? Ike screaming and distraught from his grave.
While Bobby Kennedy laughs with joy and glee.
The Donald is an actual Trojan Horse.
A moderate to liberal Dem ---pro and anti the exact same issues even on the exact same day---who is destroying the GOP from the inside.
Yes he is a wacko that can't be elected. But he can destroy a political party.
What is that sound you hear? Ike screaming and distraught from his grave.
While Bobby Kennedy laughs with joy and glee.
2
On the bathroom issue, when you think about it, it doesn’t really make sense either way. From a strictly business point of view, transgendering presents a form of disability that could be accommodated under the ADA.
1
I support Donald J. Trump for president. #GaysForTrump
5
Please, please, please don't drink that Trump Kool-Aid! I'm a Gay African-American with gay and non-gay Muslim, and Mexican friends. Remember how he questioned the legitimacy of President Obama's American birth? Donald Trump is a bigot pure and simple.
3
Does anyone seriously believe anything this buffoon utters, shouts or swears?
9
No. None of us down here in Miami do.
2
I believe that Trump's personal views are far more liberal than he professes in public. In his personal values, I think he is pro-choice and supports same sex marriage. Look, he chose to run as a Republican, so has aligned himself somewhat with their platform. Independent candidates have no path to the White House. The electoral college math is against them. He understands this. I think there's no question he would be far more liberal once elected. For me, that is reassuring.
That said, who knows if he would ever make it to the White House and what kind of a leader he would turn out to be? Just look at predictions on Supreme Court nominees past voting ideologies and those Justices' actual views/votes once confirmed. There have been more than a few suprises over the years (think ex-Justice Souter). That's the nature of politics.
Trump is a strange mixture of honesty, bluntness, and stretching the truth for media coverage. Primary voters seem to prefer that to deliberate flip-flopping on the issues like Hillary Clinton. Although she now claims she has 'always supported gay rights', Hillary refused to support same-sex marriage in her NY State senate runs in 2000 & 2006 and during her presidential run in 2008! Incredible for someone who calls herself a Democrat and a 'progressive'. She has a long record of professing to believe in whatever is politically expedient, whatever will get her elected.
That said, who knows if he would ever make it to the White House and what kind of a leader he would turn out to be? Just look at predictions on Supreme Court nominees past voting ideologies and those Justices' actual views/votes once confirmed. There have been more than a few suprises over the years (think ex-Justice Souter). That's the nature of politics.
Trump is a strange mixture of honesty, bluntness, and stretching the truth for media coverage. Primary voters seem to prefer that to deliberate flip-flopping on the issues like Hillary Clinton. Although she now claims she has 'always supported gay rights', Hillary refused to support same-sex marriage in her NY State senate runs in 2000 & 2006 and during her presidential run in 2008! Incredible for someone who calls herself a Democrat and a 'progressive'. She has a long record of professing to believe in whatever is politically expedient, whatever will get her elected.
3
"And Mr. Trump, who has inflamed tensions with almost every group, from Hispanics to women to African-Americans, has avoided attacking or offending gay men and lesbians during the campaign."
I'm sure all of those gay Hispanic and Black people will surprised to hear that apparently they're not included in the description of gay or lesbian.
I'm sure all of those gay Hispanic and Black people will surprised to hear that apparently they're not included in the description of gay or lesbian.
2
Really? Is The New York Times now painting Trump in a positive light? With regards to same-sex marriage, he says in a Fox interview (on YouTube) that he would have liked to see the Supreme Court "decision differently." I don't believe him. Trump wants to appeal to close-minded Republicans, who comprise a majority of his party. Trump will say what he thinks he needs to say to get elected. He is a phony and a liar. Please don't give this man anything close to a pat on the back.
6
Donald Trump has managed to attract a whole bunch of people for whom hating is a favorite pastime. Before someone jumps on me for saying that, I have no problem acknowledging that his messages appeal to others, too, for whom hating is not a favorite pastime. But the haters seem to be his most fervent supporters. I never suspected Donald Trump of being homophobic but always find is refreshing for those with impact and influence to shrug their shoulders and say, "it should not matter." I just wonder how this very public pronouncement is going to play with the haters.
2
Given his past record, DT may decide to change his mind about this, or anything else which he has recently embraced. I am far from convinced of his lasting sincerity...about anything. I will be voting for the Democratic candidate.
7
Right, because Hillary has never changed her position on anything.
6
Yet another contrived Trump (non) story....? Ho, hum...
And the media wonders why Trump has become so prominent? Despite the endless coverage and PR they're giving him. Talk about FREE campaign promo!
And the media wonders why Trump has become so prominent? Despite the endless coverage and PR they're giving him. Talk about FREE campaign promo!
4
So because he's pleasant to gay individuals, he gets a pass on ignoring their civil rights.
And a complete whitewash on his objectivication of, contempt for and oppression of women.
Gee, thanks. Especially to you, Log Cabin Republicans.
And a complete whitewash on his objectivication of, contempt for and oppression of women.
Gee, thanks. Especially to you, Log Cabin Republicans.
5
We are going to be 21 trillion in debt, men are killing each other in Chicago, girls are being killed at school by gangs, and the Democrats are opening the borders to MS-13 gang members for the sake of new dependent voters.
We need to stop talking about gays, and focus on more important and existential issues.
We need to stop talking about gays, and focus on more important and existential issues.
9
And Trump wants to cut taxes on the extremely wealthy like himself. Republican policies led to our $21 T debt. Look it up. Republicans policies relating to gun control have led to people being murdered on the street (30,000 gun deaths a year). Yes something need to be done, but Trump is not that guy. He cannot even manage his own campaign. How can he manage the country?
3
Like Trump, I like gay people as individuals. I was A liberal activists who fought to overturn the 'sodomy laws' targeting sexual acts between persons of the same sex. You don't arrest people for what they do consensually in private, period!
But also, I'm against the legalization of gay marriage - or more precisely the 'appropriation' of the marriage ceremony by gays - because it diminishes the universal meaning of marriage throughout human history, as a celebration of the union of the masculine and feminine, the yin-yang of human existence. It is antithetical to the bedrock of heterosexual marriage - the sexual bonding of male and female - thereby undermining the age-old planet-wide cultural significance of marriage as it has been understood by the ENTIRE human race.
I state this not to diminish the value of homosexual bonding anymore then the value of love between siblings - but as the blurring of eons-long human custom. The PRIMARY significance of heterosexual marriage is its masculine-feminine sexual orientation. That duel fusion defines our species. Gay marriage undermines that basic cultural understanding.
I think anyone in long term dependent relationships should have legal benefits equal to heterosexual married couples. Like those in domestic partnerships, gays should be as equally protected under the law as their married neighbors. But to confer an equivalency of significance between heterosexual and gay marriage is a preposterous distortion of reality.
But also, I'm against the legalization of gay marriage - or more precisely the 'appropriation' of the marriage ceremony by gays - because it diminishes the universal meaning of marriage throughout human history, as a celebration of the union of the masculine and feminine, the yin-yang of human existence. It is antithetical to the bedrock of heterosexual marriage - the sexual bonding of male and female - thereby undermining the age-old planet-wide cultural significance of marriage as it has been understood by the ENTIRE human race.
I state this not to diminish the value of homosexual bonding anymore then the value of love between siblings - but as the blurring of eons-long human custom. The PRIMARY significance of heterosexual marriage is its masculine-feminine sexual orientation. That duel fusion defines our species. Gay marriage undermines that basic cultural understanding.
I think anyone in long term dependent relationships should have legal benefits equal to heterosexual married couples. Like those in domestic partnerships, gays should be as equally protected under the law as their married neighbors. But to confer an equivalency of significance between heterosexual and gay marriage is a preposterous distortion of reality.
6
Jay Roth:
I have yet to understand what all the sound and fury is on the part of heterosexuals towards gay marrage. Certainly there is "an equivalency of significance between heterosxual and gay marriage." Please explain why not? I think thar love is love is love. You don't??
I have yet to understand what all the sound and fury is on the part of heterosexuals towards gay marrage. Certainly there is "an equivalency of significance between heterosxual and gay marriage." Please explain why not? I think thar love is love is love. You don't??
2
Dear Jay Roth,
The trouble with your view is that marriage is a preposterous distortion of reality too. It has nothing to do with biology or reproduction, often ends in tears, and is merely a social construct we've found useful. Marriage has included many wives for one husband, sometimes many husbands for one wife, divorce goes on all the time these days; it's a highly malleable concept.
So if two women love eachother and want to spend the rest of their lives together, and have that be legally binding, what's the problem with them getting married? How would it affect you?
I'm guessing though that your objections stems from a literal reading of the Bible in English, as if English existed when it was written down by a batch of pre-technological people who thought the world was flat. And since the Bible is so blatantly in error in so many ways, its distaste for same-sex marriage should be rejected.
The trouble with your view is that marriage is a preposterous distortion of reality too. It has nothing to do with biology or reproduction, often ends in tears, and is merely a social construct we've found useful. Marriage has included many wives for one husband, sometimes many husbands for one wife, divorce goes on all the time these days; it's a highly malleable concept.
So if two women love eachother and want to spend the rest of their lives together, and have that be legally binding, what's the problem with them getting married? How would it affect you?
I'm guessing though that your objections stems from a literal reading of the Bible in English, as if English existed when it was written down by a batch of pre-technological people who thought the world was flat. And since the Bible is so blatantly in error in so many ways, its distaste for same-sex marriage should be rejected.
2
If you agree that those long term and legal relationships should have the same benefits and rights as heterosexual couples, then let us call it something else than marriage. No problem. It seems you are just objecting to the label: Marriage. In due time, a new term will come up. Maybe the Greek, French or Berber languages will come up with one. We need new terminology to describe it. At a fundamental level a "marriage" between to people of the same sex and one from opposite sexes are different, but it does not mean they should be banned or its
rights limited.
rights limited.
2
Trump trumpets that he is a novice at politics. BALONEY. His "accepting views" are what he considers beneficial to his chances of reaching across the aisle to steal some Democratic votes. Interesting that he claims there should be some kind of punishment for women who terminate their pregnancies (a position too severe for conservatives) and at the same time takes this stance (a very thinly veiled pandering to liberals).
4
I'm no fan of Trump - but for those of you saying this is a very low bar, or that his reasons for impartiality is purely self-serving: I wonder if you could say the same for Hillary Clinton, who sure took her sweet time about becoming supportive of gay rights. She was against same-sex couples for a very long time until a few years ago. ( And let's not even mention that rat, Cruz.) Whatever his reasons, credit must be given where it's due to the Big Bad Donald's consistency on this "debate".
4
Agreed. In addition don't forget Hillary, who was co-President for 8 years, should bear some responsibility for the Defense of Marriage Act, one of the most hateful pieces of legislation enacted in the last 30 years. I have yet to hear her formally apologize for that loathsome law. Hillary ain't no friend of LGBT. The likelihood of her pushing for LGBT anti-discrimination legislation is about as likely as Bill Clinton advocating for monogamy. Never.
2
NOT TRUE, Sam. Clinton was NOT "against same sex couples" as you say, nor against civil unions. She publicly opposed marriage equality, because until quite recently, "marriage" was the magic scary word that Republicans used to drive HUGE voter turnouts that could swing races up and down the ballot -- big majorities of people who wanted to bring back anti-sodomy laws and other delightful relics. A very dear gay friend of mine agreed with her caution, feeling that a more aggressive approach would spark a huge backlash and reverse any gains. It seems unthinkable now, but that was the reality in the 90's.
ppose gay marriage for the excellent reason would point out that until recently
ppose gay marriage for the excellent reason would point out that until recently
3
Until he extends the same common-sense decent to women, Latinos, immigrants, and Muslims, he remains a bigot.
8
No one ever said, during Trump's long years in new York, that he discriminated against women, gays, racial or religious minorities, etc. And I think someone would have, had those things been true.
44
No, it's just what Trump himself has been saying for the length of the campaign. Are you saying he should be president because he's such a good liar?
1
Demonlino shouldn't get a NYT pick for stating a complete lie like that. Plenty of people have not only said Trump has discriminated against women and minorities, they've sued him in court over it. I'm afraid Demolino simply accepted what Trump says, and as is pretty clear, Trump lies all the time.
4
If Trump imagines he will lure voters by changing his "views" or behavior - in order to cultivate a more electable "image" ... Good luck with that!
If the man wants people to trust him?
If the man imagines people will believe him?
If the man imagines voters are so malleable?
If the man believes he is a magician?
Good luck with all of that!
If the man wants people to trust him?
If the man imagines people will believe him?
If the man imagines voters are so malleable?
If the man believes he is a magician?
Good luck with all of that!
4
Judging from the credulous comments here today about the New Liberal Trump, he may be right.
1
Why should this require deep soul searching?
8
Once He officially puts Cruz away, Mr Trump will officiate at a Gay marriage ceremony, light up a joint, adopt an orphaned Syrian refugee, get a prayer rug, Change the writing on his hat to: "Save the Whales", and proclaim that Hillary is way too conservative to lead us forward. And, the GOP leaders will consider mass suicide.
31
Too funny...Thanks for the laugh! :)
1
Yes I agree. I think he is part of a very complicated plot by the Democrats to shatter the Republican Party. Once he is nominated, is positions will go further to the left. The question is, which candidate is the one who the Dems really want? will it make that much of a difference? Stay tuned...
There is not enough brain power in the DNC to think of, let alone implement, a scheme of that kind. They're too busy looking in the mirror and contemplating the wonders of their world view and the stupidity of those who disagree with them...
1
Even a broken watch is right twice a day...
10
I'm curious to see the other time Trump will be right.
Whenever it happens, it will mark two more times that Trump has been right than Obama ever has.
4
Gosh, was he wrong about overseeing the demise of Osama Bin Laden? On Health Care of poor Americans? You are an extremely angry DC Barrister, fond of telling us over and over again that you are black and a lawyer. And for inexplicable reasons, you hate, loath and despise everything President Obama has done in his two-term presidency. I wonder why.
8
Imagine, one ray of light in an otherwise cloudy, roiled, gloomy and tornado-ey looking horizon has all the Dems twittering like birds before the dawn. Be still! my heart: The man still babbles nonsense.
5
Now I see what's wrongwith Trump. He's a Liberal.
Wait a minute, I'm a Liberal !
Wait a minute, I'm a Liberal !
4
I would still never support Mr Donald Trump unless/until he retracts and apologizes disparaging comments he made of other groups. The comment about "Mexicans" is especially galling to me because it runs contrary to the vast majority of my personal experiences in my corner of Los Angeles.
6
It's obvious that there's a new dynamics going on with Trump, either he's sounding better or Hillary's sounding worst or maybe it's a combination of the two. Trumps's position on gays and taxing the rich has seemed to turn a lot of anti Trump voters into maybe give Trump another look voters. Hillary comes across as wanting the Presidency too much. So much so that she's stayed within the party lines and played the system game to get as much money and support as possible. In doing so she has not defined herself. It isn't as if Sanders ideas are so profound it's that Hillary hasn't said anything p really progressive. Being a middle of the road moderate worked for Bill, but the times are different and Hillary needs to do more to excite the Independent voters or she might just lose another election.
3
The laws that recently went into effect in North Carolina and Mississippi are prime examples of why the Republican Party has been unable to win the Presidency of late, and why it is expected to have a hard time doing so in the near-term. The Obama Presidency has been marked by increased economic hardship for many and the appearance, in many instances, of favoring big corporations and wealthy interests over the less fortunate (packing the 2009 stimulus with donor projects instead of plain-vanilla infrastructure, not breaking up the big banks, siding with big banks over struggling homeowners during the housing crisis, not pursuing any meaningful criminal prosecutions for the financial crisis, the ACA, and VOLUNTARILY putting Social Security and Medicare cuts on the table in 2011). This should have given the Republicans a wide opening for this year. But they just can't seem to help themselves when it comes to looking like, and acting like, bigots. Even many of those who are struggling economically aren't willing to vote for a party whom they equate with bigotry (and it also doesn't help that the party's economic prescriptions are all wrong too).
Pretty difficult to swan around NYC in the circles he inhabits without meeting lots of gay people. So I think he's accepting of them.
The bible bashers in the Republican Party are probably aghast at his position being that they think gays are committing a sin and just need a few nights in jail to straighten them out. But they should examine the labels of the suits they wear. A good portion were probably designed by gay men.
The bible bashers in the Republican Party are probably aghast at his position being that they think gays are committing a sin and just need a few nights in jail to straighten them out. But they should examine the labels of the suits they wear. A good portion were probably designed by gay men.
2
The problem with Trump is not hatred, intolerance or any particular ideology. It's shallowness. He does not think anything through. He makes W seem like Socrates. He seems to have no problems with gay people, yet he has latched onto the idea that they should not be married for no particular reason that he can articulate. He sees banning all Muslims from entering the country as a solution to keeping us from being attacked by Muslims in our country, but does not seem to care about the implications of this, or any other half-baked policy that seems to make sense in the first three seconds it has popped out of his mouth and gotten some applause. He's a dangerous guy to put in the White House who is lucky to be running against someone as creepy and biggoted as Cruz.
3
Trump's candidacy proves once and for all that republican voters DO NOT vote on the issues; they simply and unquestionably vote for whoever has an R after their name. Period. End of story. No more qualifications needed.
How is it that Donald Trump can have so many views absolutely antithetical to everything that republicans supposedly stand for, and yet he's about to win the republican nomination to run for president?
The answer is: republican voters don't care about the issues!
Think about it...
There's a reason why a majority of the country agrees on a number of issues - from taxing the rich more to common sense gun control laws to campaign finance reform - and yet because of republican politicians nothing is ever able to be done about these issues.
Gee, that seems a little fishy.... Why is it that a majority of voters can agree on something, and yet republican politicians can defy the will of their constituencies and still win elections time and time again?
Once again, the answer is: republican voters don't vote on the issues!
They blindly follow a party controlled by the super-rich, never realizing that the party as a whole has absolutely no loyalty whatsoever to its base.
But oh well. It's the same old problem. How do you explain hypocrisy to people who don't even know what the word means?
How is it that Donald Trump can have so many views absolutely antithetical to everything that republicans supposedly stand for, and yet he's about to win the republican nomination to run for president?
The answer is: republican voters don't care about the issues!
Think about it...
There's a reason why a majority of the country agrees on a number of issues - from taxing the rich more to common sense gun control laws to campaign finance reform - and yet because of republican politicians nothing is ever able to be done about these issues.
Gee, that seems a little fishy.... Why is it that a majority of voters can agree on something, and yet republican politicians can defy the will of their constituencies and still win elections time and time again?
Once again, the answer is: republican voters don't vote on the issues!
They blindly follow a party controlled by the super-rich, never realizing that the party as a whole has absolutely no loyalty whatsoever to its base.
But oh well. It's the same old problem. How do you explain hypocrisy to people who don't even know what the word means?
4
Tribalism is hardly a Republicaan specialty, as we'll see this fall when Sanders's voters go for the corrupt retread who happens to be a Democrat.
I would have thought the big news is that the Republican base doesn't care about these issues as much as their party leaders thought. That is really marvelous news. If Trump continues to do well, other socially moderate candidates will be empowered to run. It may signal the end to a dark period in our country.
1
Just more evidence suggesting that, unlike the rest of the repub pack, Trump is not an ideologue. He is not a ranting, raving extremist like Cruz, and he is not an obsessed hawk like Hillary. East Coast repubs are smart enough to be aware of the large bluster component in his talk.
If I'm denied voting for Bernie in November I will be watching the election with some amount of amusement, knowing that my conscience is clear for voting for a third party candidate with no chance of winning.
If I'm denied voting for Bernie in November I will be watching the election with some amount of amusement, knowing that my conscience is clear for voting for a third party candidate with no chance of winning.
4
Trump says and does what will please his audience, something he is very intuitive about. Not being bigoted toward LGBT people doesn't mean he won't adopt policies against "the Muslims," "the Mexicans," or "the bimbos and broads" if he thinks those policies will be popular.
Influence is a product of participation, not withdrawal. Obama could have carried out a more liberal agenda if voters in 2010 and 2014 hadn't sat out, giving us the worst Republican congress ever. It's not just about Presidents. So sit back in smug purity and vote by omission for an unpredictable narcissistic fraud. Or jump into the messy reality of working to change the party that might actually effect changes you want. It's hard work and you have to tolerate the impure to get closer to the pure. But it's a whole lot better than sneering from the sidelines.
Influence is a product of participation, not withdrawal. Obama could have carried out a more liberal agenda if voters in 2010 and 2014 hadn't sat out, giving us the worst Republican congress ever. It's not just about Presidents. So sit back in smug purity and vote by omission for an unpredictable narcissistic fraud. Or jump into the messy reality of working to change the party that might actually effect changes you want. It's hard work and you have to tolerate the impure to get closer to the pure. But it's a whole lot better than sneering from the sidelines.
1
And if a republican gets in, putting in another Scalia, so Citizens United can't be overturned thanks to people like you, well pat yourself twice and be even prouder.
1
Seems to me asking Trump how he feels about this issue is one of those attempts to set a "gotcha" trap by the media. If he comes out anti-LGBT, the media simply adds this to the list of biases and hatreds they have have ascribed to him. If he comes out pro-LGBT as he did, he is portrayed either as insincere or disloyal to his party principles. In other words the media's goal appears to be to rationalize a way to tear him down on every possible issue - disgraceful.
7
jm
I am not a Trump fan.
But he says he is pro LGBT and I believe him.
I am not a Trump fan.
But he says he is pro LGBT and I believe him.
1
Funny, that's exactly what Hillary's critics do -- if they dislike what she says or does, it shows she's evil, greedy, power-hungry, etc etc.
If she changes her mind on anything since grade school, even in a positive direction, she's just a "flip-flopper" who "has no core values" and could revert at any time.
And if they agree with her on something, she's just "faking it to get elected" and will obviously "go back on it once she's in office."
They may as well just say they oppose her because she's Hillary, because no matter what, their agorithm always spits out "evil." I swear, if her hobby was nursing sick puppies and kittens back to health, her detractors would ask why she hates human beings.
If she changes her mind on anything since grade school, even in a positive direction, she's just a "flip-flopper" who "has no core values" and could revert at any time.
And if they agree with her on something, she's just "faking it to get elected" and will obviously "go back on it once she's in office."
They may as well just say they oppose her because she's Hillary, because no matter what, their agorithm always spits out "evil." I swear, if her hobby was nursing sick puppies and kittens back to health, her detractors would ask why she hates human beings.
3
Since the 80s, in many parts of the USA, the Republican party has become the political "brand" of the Religious right. Especially in the south, "Christian" is usually synonymous with "Republican"; and we're not talking about Unitarians here.
And yet there have been non-religious Republicans, or Republicans with other religious traditions who have felt pushed away from the party--and indeed, in states like mine, marginalized.
So it's not surprising that these Republicans would like Trump. If Trump can turn the GOP away from rightwing Christian religious fanaticism, I see that as a good thing. (Not that I'd vote for him in a million years--but Republicans need to wake up and try to comprehend that we are, in fact, a secular nation and this is by design.)
And yet there have been non-religious Republicans, or Republicans with other religious traditions who have felt pushed away from the party--and indeed, in states like mine, marginalized.
So it's not surprising that these Republicans would like Trump. If Trump can turn the GOP away from rightwing Christian religious fanaticism, I see that as a good thing. (Not that I'd vote for him in a million years--but Republicans need to wake up and try to comprehend that we are, in fact, a secular nation and this is by design.)
7
Oh please, he'd throw us or anyone under the bus without blinking if it meant advancing his personal interests.
13
Let's not forget that before he evolved, Obama opposed gay marriage as well, relatively recently. So if Trump is a big or because he opposes gay marriage, so was Obama.
2
Both Tumescent of Trump Plaza and the Leona Helmsley of the Ozarks take positions based on expediency more so than experience.
2
FYI, it was NOT politically expedient to say what Trump said. Ergo, he does not calculate when he speaks.
7
Haberman's conclusion that, "[Trump's] ease with gay people does not seem to be the result of deep soul searching,..." is neither supported by any evidence in the article regarding itself nor by any evidence proffered that the author has training in soul searching. Rather, the evidence leads one toward the conclusion that what we do have is a case of creeping editorialization, when it comes to Times' "news" articles regarding the Presidential primaries.
I am certainly no fan of Trump, but I am even less of a fan of editorialization, sloppiness, and cavalier conclusion drawings in what are supposed to be journalistic news articles.
I am certainly no fan of Trump, but I am even less of a fan of editorialization, sloppiness, and cavalier conclusion drawings in what are supposed to be journalistic news articles.
18
Here here!!
1
Despite the old cliche, familiarity does not breed contempt. At a minimum it usually results in tolerance and often acceptance and understanding.
If you look at GOP politicians who have less intolerant views on gays in general, it frequently flows from having a gay child, other relative or close friend(s).
If you look at GOP politicians who have less intolerant views on gays in general, it frequently flows from having a gay child, other relative or close friend(s).
3
Get it right - it's familiarity BREEDS contempt
1
Not in that sentence, HC. What do you have against good grammar?
2
To AC,
Thanks. I didn't want to be picky with HC.
Thanks. I didn't want to be picky with HC.
2
Trump doesnt say anything out out conviction, he says it for gain. He is a strategy and numbers guy. He knows very well that his base is solidly in his corner unless he suddenly changes his mind regarding building the wall and Muslims, so whatever policy he embraces otherwise will not move them. Looking towards the GE, he is presenting himself as having socially liberal policies to pick off a slice of Sander’s voters, tickling their fancy with the promise of raising taxes on the wealthy. He wagers their disdain for Hillary will cause them to hold their nose and vote for him rather than stay at home. In muddying the waters and not having his foot firmly in either party, that also gives him an advantage with Independents.
49
"Trump doesn't say anything out out conviction, he says it for gain." Yes, it's hard for him to uphold the great standards of integrity demonstrated by experienced politicians.
1
It is hard to figure out how Trump would govern as President. He has been consistently inconsistent. Maybe he will become more consistent as his campaign progresses. This is unsettling, but at least there is hope that "New York Values" have influenced him to be as cosmopolitan and liberal as most New Yorkers are.
In contrast, you can trust Mr. Cruz to be as prejudiced and narrow-minded as he consistently says he is. No doubt there.
In contrast, you can trust Mr. Cruz to be as prejudiced and narrow-minded as he consistently says he is. No doubt there.
2
The NYTimes is clearly now pandering to Trump: look, he likes rich white gay males, just as he likes rich white straight males! What a guy.
His contempt and harassment of women: lets not talk about that - right after he won the NY primary.
Violence towards black protestors, a wall to keep Hispanic 'rapists" out? Aw- look how nice The Donald really is!
His contempt and harassment of women: lets not talk about that - right after he won the NY primary.
Violence towards black protestors, a wall to keep Hispanic 'rapists" out? Aw- look how nice The Donald really is!
4
I don't like it but here comes President Trump. Once he's nominated he will be all business, ditch the racist remarks and etch-a-sketch his way to the middle of the road. He will attract enough progressives with his positions on trade, taxes and war, where Hillary is so weak, to win
18
George Takei's assessment of Trump is spot on, to paraphrase, "(Trump ) is a chameleon or a hypocrite, whichever word you choose". He congratulates Elton John and David Furnish on their marriage, but yet does not support gay marriage. He is not offensive to lesbians, but is a misogynist. He was pro-choice, then he was pro-life, and on and on and on. Why would anyone believe Trump has any core values, other than those based on narcissism? He says what is politically expedient in true P.T. Barnum revivalist style to ensnare those who are looking for a political savior.
Democrats have long been supportive of gay rights, without the hypocrisy. I do not understand why anyone who is gay or part of the LGBT community would even consider voting for Trump. Who knows what would happen to your rights, once he was in office. Would he throw you under the bus, if it were convenient to his self promotion and to appease the odious obstructionist Republicans in Congress? Are you willing to take that risk?
Democrats have long been supportive of gay rights, without the hypocrisy. I do not understand why anyone who is gay or part of the LGBT community would even consider voting for Trump. Who knows what would happen to your rights, once he was in office. Would he throw you under the bus, if it were convenient to his self promotion and to appease the odious obstructionist Republicans in Congress? Are you willing to take that risk?
6
What can Trump possibly gain at this point and time by announcing his support for gay marriage when he's running on the Republican platform? Back in 2008 when Obama was running for President and was asked if he supported gay marriage, he said that marriage was between a man and a woman. Both understand that gay marriage is the deal breaker for many Republicans and older Democrats. Trump's past actions of supporting gays and the LGBT community speak for themselves.
I guess we've now learned what "New York values" really are. Tolerance of others. Good for The Donald. He's doing what most candidates do when the nomination is within their grasp moving toward the center. I doubt if his more "liberal" social views on LGBTs or even taxing the wealthy as he also stated will hurt him much with his base and it may be a part of his strategy to distance himself from the ultra-far right to gain more independent voters. As a Democrat, he's doing just what I feared and will make it very tough for a Wall Street, hawkish centrist and like likely opponent, Hillary Clinton.
5
Dear Paul,
New York values really do include tolerance of others. Unfortunately the Donald fails in this, as he does not tolerate minorities, Muslims, women, Jews, many sects of Christianity (Seventh Day Adventist, Mormon, etc.), and quite a few other groups.
He won't get a batch of liberal voters just due to this one oddball tolerance for gay people but not gay marriage. He has too many other flaws for this to be a big deal.
New York values really do include tolerance of others. Unfortunately the Donald fails in this, as he does not tolerate minorities, Muslims, women, Jews, many sects of Christianity (Seventh Day Adventist, Mormon, etc.), and quite a few other groups.
He won't get a batch of liberal voters just due to this one oddball tolerance for gay people but not gay marriage. He has too many other flaws for this to be a big deal.
2
So, Mr. Trump supports both guns AND gays? Gee, maybe he's got a Libertarian streak running through him? To quote our president, when he was speaking to students in Cuba, maybe Mr. Trump is "pick[ing] from what works"?
A Republican candidate who lays off social issues and focused on the economy would be a welcome change. Is Trump that guy? Could he move the party in a less religious/evangelical/socially conservative direction and actually be more electable across the country than an establishment Republican candidate?
That's an slightly more interesting question, now, isn't it?
A Republican candidate who lays off social issues and focused on the economy would be a welcome change. Is Trump that guy? Could he move the party in a less religious/evangelical/socially conservative direction and actually be more electable across the country than an establishment Republican candidate?
That's an slightly more interesting question, now, isn't it?
3
This story just gives those Bernie Sanders folks who were going to vote for Mr. Trump anyway if Sen. Sanders didn't get the nomination a way to grind out an intellectual-sounding (to them) excuse for not voting for Secretary of State Clinton.
"See, Trump is a true liberal! Never mind that he wants to deport 11 million people, build a wall along our country's south border, and bar Muslims from entering the country. He's OK with gay people - as long as they don't get married. He's open-minded even though his favorite words at rallies are "get out". He once referred to Sen. Sanders as "our communist friend" at a rally, but you know, that's just fine. He was just kidding and he would never use that as a line of attack against the senator in a general election!"
"Even though I lean Democrat if that Democrat's name is Sanders, I feel great about voting for a Republican now. I'm not worried about those little Democrats down the ticket anyway; what difference do they make in my family's life, unless they're Clinton superdelegates who need to be turned? My conscience, which I mention on a daily basis, can be clear as a bell now with a vote for The Donald. That's because I'm such a moral person - just like Donald Trump!"
"See, Trump is a true liberal! Never mind that he wants to deport 11 million people, build a wall along our country's south border, and bar Muslims from entering the country. He's OK with gay people - as long as they don't get married. He's open-minded even though his favorite words at rallies are "get out". He once referred to Sen. Sanders as "our communist friend" at a rally, but you know, that's just fine. He was just kidding and he would never use that as a line of attack against the senator in a general election!"
"Even though I lean Democrat if that Democrat's name is Sanders, I feel great about voting for a Republican now. I'm not worried about those little Democrats down the ticket anyway; what difference do they make in my family's life, unless they're Clinton superdelegates who need to be turned? My conscience, which I mention on a daily basis, can be clear as a bell now with a vote for The Donald. That's because I'm such a moral person - just like Donald Trump!"
12
Erika, there are a good number of Sanders' supporters who will vote for Trump in November because (i) he recognizes there a lot of people in this country who are struggling and whose economic fortunes have declined under President Obama, and has some ideas on how to change this, even if those ideas are completely off-base, and (ii) he's a political outsider who, in spite of his wealth and universal name recognition, will have considerable anti-establishment appeal against Clinton, the epitome of a political establishment that (in the eyes of many) has enriched itself at the corporate trough and is completely tone-deaf to the struggles of ordinary Americans these days.
I won't vote for Trump, or for any Republican, because in my view the Republicans, with their obsession with cutting taxes for the wealthy, have it wrong on the economy. But your allegiance to Clinton should not blind you to the fact that she is a highly tarnished candidate and will need a lot of polishing in order to win over the Sanders supporters and others that she'll need in order to win in November.
I won't vote for Trump, or for any Republican, because in my view the Republicans, with their obsession with cutting taxes for the wealthy, have it wrong on the economy. But your allegiance to Clinton should not blind you to the fact that she is a highly tarnished candidate and will need a lot of polishing in order to win over the Sanders supporters and others that she'll need in order to win in November.
3
Is the NYTimes trying a new tactic to diminish Trump's support by publishing something positive about him? Maybe it will work! *fingers crossed*
And so Trump's makeover to "being presidential" begins. Anyone who believes a single word out of his mouth is a fool. The man is a charlatan. He wants to win. Period. He will say and do anything necessary to achieve that end. I have no doubt he is comfortable with gay people, and I think that's just fine. But that changes nothing about the danger Trump poses to our country.
3
If you are against gay marriage you are not a supporter of the LGBTQ community ... end of story. This massaging of his stance to make him look supportive is beyond annoying.
4
Jane ---That is your opinion, dear. Millions of straight Americans find the idea of a man marrying a man to be bizarre and grotesque at best. It has nothing to do with support of the LGBT Community.
2
Whatever Trump's position concerning gay issues maybe now , it will change instantly to get him the votes he needs.
4
I think it is not far fetched to think that the reason for the posting of this article by the New York Times is not for us Democrats to suddenly switch and give our vote to Mr. Trump (especially a gay Democrat like me). It is glaringly clear that the reason is to erode the base of support that has been at the very center of Trump's "success" up to now: that radical right-wing white working class that cannot be imagined to want anything to do with gay rights.
The stealthiness of such a move is, well.........exquisitely machiavellian.........
The stealthiness of such a move is, well.........exquisitely machiavellian.........
1
I think it is no coincidence that this topic appears the week that Trump has hired a new campaign manager, and now Trump is using a teleprompter and will have less spontaneous remarks. Next week I am sure there will be a story about how he really has had enlightened views on women all along.
So in 6 months, he will have been repackaged as the modern man for the ages and everyone will be expected to forget what we actually know about him...
So in 6 months, he will have been repackaged as the modern man for the ages and everyone will be expected to forget what we actually know about him...
9
well we have done the same with HRC-
1
Why not? Democrats seem to have forgotten much of Hillary's history, as detailed by lifelong democrat Camille Paglia in her most recent Salon column. Check it out and refresh your memory.
2
".. .everyone will be expected to forget what we actually know about him..."
You'll have to, because he'll beat HRC handily. And that will put an end, once and for all, to Bill and Hill...
You'll have to, because he'll beat HRC handily. And that will put an end, once and for all, to Bill and Hill...
2
Look, people who live in NYC or other major urban areas meet, talk to and get to know people who just may not be exactly like them. It is very different from rural America or even suburbia where people either sit in their houses or their cars and rarely interact with folks they don't know. So how can this be a surprise, even for Donald Trump?
1
"It is very different from rural America or even suburbia where people either sit in their houses or their cars and rarely interact with folks they don't know."
You New Yorkers are hilarious. You haven't the slightest idea how people live outside the urbs, yet you have no trouble presuming to pontificate. What in God's name do you think happens outside your parochial paradise?
Ah well, no harm. Folks out here in the wilderness, on the edge of civilization, love you anyway... Keep talking. It induces laughter, and that's good for the soul -- or whatever you guys call it...
You New Yorkers are hilarious. You haven't the slightest idea how people live outside the urbs, yet you have no trouble presuming to pontificate. What in God's name do you think happens outside your parochial paradise?
Ah well, no harm. Folks out here in the wilderness, on the edge of civilization, love you anyway... Keep talking. It induces laughter, and that's good for the soul -- or whatever you guys call it...
2
May his liberal views drive a wedge between him and millions of potential conservative supporters.
Anything that diminishes the chance that this ill-mannered, uninformed, over-priviledged, self-aggrandizing, bully/braggert would become the official national embarrassment on January 20th, 2017.
The nation is already suffering under the weight of the Republican cancer we all plainly see daily in front of us.
Why give it a lethal injection called Trump?
I won't be falling for his "transformation" to controlled statesman. The endless video tape of the last year will upend that ruse.
Anything that diminishes the chance that this ill-mannered, uninformed, over-priviledged, self-aggrandizing, bully/braggert would become the official national embarrassment on January 20th, 2017.
The nation is already suffering under the weight of the Republican cancer we all plainly see daily in front of us.
Why give it a lethal injection called Trump?
I won't be falling for his "transformation" to controlled statesman. The endless video tape of the last year will upend that ruse.
2
Don't forget there is also video of Hillary barking like a dog, and coughing almost to the point of passing out. Her campaign needs to tread very lightly.
2
Even with Trump's history of liberal positions, do we actually believe that being socially progressive and fiscally conservative is effective? Does it not cancel each other out?
You can be as loud as you want on gay rights, but if you don't put your money where your mouth is it means absolutely nothing.
You can be as loud as you want on gay rights, but if you don't put your money where your mouth is it means absolutely nothing.
2
He is not a fiscal conservative. That's why the Club for Growth, Koch brothers, NRO, Weekly standard, etc, are going nuts trying to stop him
1
No they do not cancel each other out. Freedom means you can be as socially progressive as you want, but it also means I shouldn't have to pay for it. It seems to me being socially progressive and wanting a giant government are incompatible.
3
As someone who is saddened to be moving out of New York City after nearly a decade of living here, it's stories like this that show the effects of living in such a diverse and vibrant place. This city forces you, whether you like it or not, into daily experiences with people with vastly different racial, cultural and socioeconomic identities. I disagree with Mr. Trump on just about every political issue, but it's nice to see that he, likely by virtue of living in the most diverse city in the world, has maintained some shred of tolerance - even if we don't see it on a routine basis.
96
Chris,London is the most diverse city in the world,not NYC.More ethnicities,languages,cuisines,economic backgrounds etc.It is also even more Gay friendly.
Amen to all of the above!
Trump is a centrist Democrat, who came to political prominence by appealing to the "poorly educated" (his words) by claiming President Obama was Kenyan born and therefore morally unfit to be president for all Americans.
He's hardly enlightened and his stand on LGBT issues won't hurt with his non-ideological base, who has bought into his promising the moon, but don't worry about the specifics simplisity of "making American great, again" The LGBT community will see through his guise. Don't trust birthers in sheep's clothing.
He's hardly enlightened and his stand on LGBT issues won't hurt with his non-ideological base, who has bought into his promising the moon, but don't worry about the specifics simplisity of "making American great, again" The LGBT community will see through his guise. Don't trust birthers in sheep's clothing.
41
I would add, being against gender discrimination doesn't make him not a misogynist.
2
Unfortunately, Maggie Haberman was a little too quick to credit Trump for openmindedness on the gay rights issue. On the Today show he sounded downright sensible, but later that night on Hannity he expressed no magnanimity, simply saying he thought the individual states should decide about bathroom rights. Hannity seemed quite satisfied. Evidently, Trump's “acceptance” depends on what channel he's on.
7
Those of us who are familiar with Trump's antics, having been exposed to them non-stop just by living in the Northeast, have always known he was more a carnival barker than anything else. Well, may be the word "clown" also comes to mind--but that still doesn't excuse his hateful, bigoted language. The service that he has done by running on a misanthropic platform is expose just how many bigots and ignoramuses there are in this country and most of them are registered Republicans.
2
I believe this is what Ted Cruz is talking about when he says “New York values.” Too bad Donald Trump doesn’t have more New York values.
2
Do you remember what Obama said on this point? He said that, in actuality, he was in favor of gay marriage, but he didn't think the public would be ready to hear it, so he had to pretend to be against it for many years before he could be for it. At least with Trump you don't get stuff like that. He's a very practical guy who doesn't want to spend time on trivial issues (like who gets to use which bathroom), would rather let people do what they think is best and focus on real issues like preventing terrorism and creating jobs.
4
"...so he had to pretend to be against it for many years before he could be for it."
Part of his legacy: the Great Dissembler...
Part of his legacy: the Great Dissembler...
2
Considering Obama could not bring himself around to saying that he is for gay marriage until after he was elected to the second term, it is apparent that Trump is not a calculating politician whose statements are scripted and with an eye to the main chance. That Trump is not a conniving politician is probably what appeals to a lot of voters, including some Dems I know. I would not be surprised if he cleaned Hillary's or Bernie's clock in the general election in NY State.
8
You betray your blind and misguided faith in the Donald. Hillary alone got more votes than nearly all the Republicans combined. Add Bernie's votes nearly 3 times the votes Trump received. There is NO WAY Republicans will win NY in November.
2
Hey @MikeLee, Hill got more votes than Trump did because NYS has closed primary contests and about 67% of registered voters in NYS are Dems. In the General election, anyone can vote for anyone regardless of registered voter status. What do you know, sitting in far, far away MO?
2
Not a big fan of mr T but it sure seems like his views are natural expressions while Mrs Clinton's are purely for political convenience.
7
He used to be pro-choice and virtually said that he was a party to abortions (When Maureen Dowd asked as much, he said: "What's your next question?") , but now he is determined to make abortion illegal to get GOP votes. "Natural expressions" - of his utter disregard for women's health and lives.
1
Yes when he talks about bringing back torture, deporting 12 million people from the country and ending religious freedom in the country, I really believe him.
3
That is nice to hear--though hopefully Maggie has fact-checked this statement. He's still not getting my vote, but he can have my respect.
4
Would you frame his supposed "acceptance" the same way were it other minorities under the magnifying glass? "I saw Trump once, he saw me and my wife were black but he spoke to us anyways!" or "Trump has totally, definitely hired Spanish people before, he's not afraid to hire someone who is totally Latino if it serves his business so he's got a pretty solid bond with Latinos". If he doesn't support gay marriage or if he supports gay people *to a point* until it interferes with his political agenda- he's a fricken homophobe. An implicit homophobe but a homophobe nonetheless.
1
I am a Black lawyer in Washington DC, a registered Republican, a Christian Conservative and a straight Black man. I don't support gay marriage. I also don't disparage it. It's none of MY business. As my grandmother would say, why should I go messin' with bees if I don't like honey?
The problem with this "movement" is there are too many LGBT who want more than freedom, equality and the space to be themselves--you're looking for some sort of forced acceptance, as if I am supposed to fling the doors of my home open wide to allow sleepovers, slumber parties and even partake myself. You're not going to get that.
I respect anyone and everyone's right to love, live and be anything they wish. It would be really nice if those of us who aren't gay could get the same respect and freedom to be who we are, instead of vilified and chastised for who we are not.
The problem with this "movement" is there are too many LGBT who want more than freedom, equality and the space to be themselves--you're looking for some sort of forced acceptance, as if I am supposed to fling the doors of my home open wide to allow sleepovers, slumber parties and even partake myself. You're not going to get that.
I respect anyone and everyone's right to love, live and be anything they wish. It would be really nice if those of us who aren't gay could get the same respect and freedom to be who we are, instead of vilified and chastised for who we are not.
8
It is worth noting that Donald Trump's position on same sex marriage is more inclusive and progressive than Barack Obama's, who "changed" his position on same sex marriage in 2012 when he needed insurance to be reelected just in case Obama's political team couldn't get enough undocumented illegals to the voting booths or the New Black Panther Party couldn't intimidate enough White voters away from the polls on election day.
Until 2012, Barack Obama had the same view on gay marriage as Ted Cruz.
Until 2012, Barack Obama had the same view on gay marriage as Ted Cruz.
7
This is simply a case of what members of the LGBT Community have said for decades: they are just ordinary people, not monsters. To know us is to accept us. In Trump's more cosmopolitan urban world, he was able to do just that.
Sad that in this, and so many other areas, the GOTP rejects that which they never really get to know. Bigotry and ignorance so often go hand in hand together....
Sad that in this, and so many other areas, the GOTP rejects that which they never really get to know. Bigotry and ignorance so often go hand in hand together....
1
Let me make this easy for the supposedly smart NY TImes readers.....Who the GOP has run for the past 2 decades represents The Establishment money of the GOP. Old school racist, homophobic, rich people with fake morality. Trump represents who the people want: he was against the Iraq war, political correctness and doesnt care about gay marriage or anything like that. Live and let live.
3
George Takei's attitude is so typical of the immature militants in the LGBT community. It's not enough for him that Donald Trump has given generously, and often, to gay-related charities, and has held multiple fund-raisers that were designed to raise funds for an AIDS cure, and has been openly welcoming to gays when it comes to employment, Mar-a-lago, etc. No, because just let him disagree on one issue--gay marriage--and Takei, like the other spoiled, juvenile brats, throws the equivalent of a verbal temper-tantrum.
GROW UP.
GROW UP.
10
Here, here. I'm not a Takei fan, who denied being gay for about 50 years, until age denied him acting roles - and suddenly it was convenient to "out" himself. He's trying to market himself now as a gay activist - no dice, not buying it. His attack on Trump being married more than once shows a lack of respect for others that is just astonishing, considering that he has lived among celebrities, who change marriage partners with regularity. One would hope that time and wisdom and living among people with different backgrounds had educated him about the basics of having respect for others - but no. Perhaps when he needs to market himself as a "caring individual," he'll suddenly figure it out.
4
In addition to his alleged views on gay people is also his alleged appeal to evangelicals. Back awhile ago, I heard a previous employee state that Trump was inside of church maybe a grand total of 3 times in his life. One will never know his real attitude about these issues until he is actually in power and even then they may change daily.
5
Trump is a pragmatist, and that bothers people, left and right, who need everything spelled out for them in detail before anything of significance is undertaken. Between Hillary and him, he would get my vote.
12
Haha a pragmatist! YES when your only policy is "we are going to win" PEOPLE SHOULD BE CONCERNED. NAME ME ONE POLICY THAT YOU LIKE? Is it that he is going to cut $9 T in taxes for the wealthy?
1
I believe Mr. Takei said it best of Trump, "He's a chameleon or a hypocrite, whichever word you like." While Trump appeals to a gathering who enjoys his unpredictability and unwillingness to conform to political nuance, it is this very characteristic that makes him so disagreeable to others (not to mention his vitriolic speech). He says whatever comes to mind, whether it's an opinion about what qualifies a woman to be attractive (apparently large breasts are the key) or whether a whole cultural group should be assigned blame for violence.
Although these traits might seem "refreshing" to those who are tired of political antics, do they comprise a good leader? When comforting a nation fearful of and saddened by terrorism, when in the midst of diplomatic negotiations, when tackling controversial bills, is spontaneity really the best option?
Change might be needed, but not this kind of change.
Although these traits might seem "refreshing" to those who are tired of political antics, do they comprise a good leader? When comforting a nation fearful of and saddened by terrorism, when in the midst of diplomatic negotiations, when tackling controversial bills, is spontaneity really the best option?
Change might be needed, but not this kind of change.
69
Yep, I wake up every morning anxious to hear what George Takei thinks.
Chameleon? He came out only after the bravest gay people had risked their lives for the movement.
Chameleon? He came out only after the bravest gay people had risked their lives for the movement.
3
Why is Trump a chameleon or a hypocrite for taking a pro-TG stance that flies in the face of Republican party platform? His position on this issue exposes him to jeopardy in the upcoming primaries and he is no hypocrite, at least on this matter.
4
Kara,
So lets stay with the Status Quo that takes their orders from the Party not the people.Your apathy is whats wrong with this Nation. Along comes a man who will give the government back to the people & he's too risky.
So lets stay with the Status Quo that takes their orders from the Party not the people.Your apathy is whats wrong with this Nation. Along comes a man who will give the government back to the people & he's too risky.
1
4/22 11:10
The narcissist views the world as revolving around themselves. What is good for them is good for the world. Therefore someone like Takei cannot understand how many people not just Trump can genuinely respect their preferences and still be opposed to gay marriage.
Traditional marriage is not about Takei it is about the family, society and children.
I would be more interested in hearing his thoughts of the impact on children who are donor conceived., than his views on Trump.
These children are left with many issues and lacking a male or female role model only exacerbates those issues.
Questions about their ancestral history, the medical risks associated with their biology, where their traits come from, what are the accomplishments and predilections of their missing biological parent are a few examples.
In a study half of all donor children conveyed the feeling “When I see friends with their biological fathers and mothers, it makes me feel sad.”
Heterosexual couples also forsake personal predilections for the benefit of future children. There are many women and men who passed on prospective mates because they wouldn’t make a good parent, and there are many heterosexual couples who gave up having children because of some disorder that they feared passing on to children. The gay agenda dismisses those concerns.
If couple really love each other it isn’t about having kids or the recognition of outsiders but the fulfillment they find in each other.
The narcissist views the world as revolving around themselves. What is good for them is good for the world. Therefore someone like Takei cannot understand how many people not just Trump can genuinely respect their preferences and still be opposed to gay marriage.
Traditional marriage is not about Takei it is about the family, society and children.
I would be more interested in hearing his thoughts of the impact on children who are donor conceived., than his views on Trump.
These children are left with many issues and lacking a male or female role model only exacerbates those issues.
Questions about their ancestral history, the medical risks associated with their biology, where their traits come from, what are the accomplishments and predilections of their missing biological parent are a few examples.
In a study half of all donor children conveyed the feeling “When I see friends with their biological fathers and mothers, it makes me feel sad.”
Heterosexual couples also forsake personal predilections for the benefit of future children. There are many women and men who passed on prospective mates because they wouldn’t make a good parent, and there are many heterosexual couples who gave up having children because of some disorder that they feared passing on to children. The gay agenda dismisses those concerns.
If couple really love each other it isn’t about having kids or the recognition of outsiders but the fulfillment they find in each other.
3
I have to disagree with your assumptions about the children of LGBT parents. Since 1995, there have been 78 studies examining the matter, and only four found that these children faced any adversity or negative implications. All four of those studies were by religious institutions.
1
Implicit in your position is that if there were some impact then there would be something to discuss. That is different from many gay activists whose position is, it’s our lives and we should be free to do whatever we want just like everybody else.
I will grant you there is plenty of that attitude amongst gay and heterosexuals alike.
But as far as the studies go, it seems everybody points to studies proving their points. The republicans have their scientists who dismiss climate change. The Dem’s have their scientists who say a child doesn’t benefit by having a mother or a father.
Too me they both stem from a perceived self interests – one for business profits, one for self gratification.
I for one believe that a mother’s love is like no other love on earth. It is the one person whom if you are lucky will love you whether you are a winner or loser, ugly or beautiful, smart or stupid. It is the force that most fosters a conscience and an ability to love others.
Nor is that to deny the love of a father, but it often happens that the fathers love has a judgmental element to it.
Thus it is throughout the animal kingdom.
BTW I have taken graduate level courses on advanced personality theory, which support my position. Though my views are really based on a lifetime of observation. Thanks for responding.
I will grant you there is plenty of that attitude amongst gay and heterosexuals alike.
But as far as the studies go, it seems everybody points to studies proving their points. The republicans have their scientists who dismiss climate change. The Dem’s have their scientists who say a child doesn’t benefit by having a mother or a father.
Too me they both stem from a perceived self interests – one for business profits, one for self gratification.
I for one believe that a mother’s love is like no other love on earth. It is the one person whom if you are lucky will love you whether you are a winner or loser, ugly or beautiful, smart or stupid. It is the force that most fosters a conscience and an ability to love others.
Nor is that to deny the love of a father, but it often happens that the fathers love has a judgmental element to it.
Thus it is throughout the animal kingdom.
BTW I have taken graduate level courses on advanced personality theory, which support my position. Though my views are really based on a lifetime of observation. Thanks for responding.
2
Reagan was also personally comfortable with gay friends. But that did no one any good when AIDS hit. The president was beholden to his bigoted supporters, and he completely ignored the crisis, allowing it to reach tragic levels without a concerted strategy for fighting the disease.
The (political) company you keep really does matter.
The (political) company you keep really does matter.
5
The New York Times simply cannot have an article on Donald Trump which is fair and balanced without having a shot at Trump at the end. Pretty pathetic. Trump can have his own opinion on what marriage is and isn't and still be a good person who treats gays and straights and transgenders without prejudice. This is what a truly advanced person is all about. You will note that Trump believes that gay marriage is a states issue and doesn't believe that the federal government has any business in it -- including a President Trump. You need to think about that: he doesn't want to have any hand in influencing this issue even though he doesn't agree with it because that is not the President's place. Obama has a lot to learn on how to be presidential, and he could learn it from Trump.
7
Apart from his style of speaking,Trump is the most centrist candidate in the race. Bernie is the most extreme liberal, Cruz is a right winger and Hillary is just dishonest.
7
Civil rights and even environmentalism are long-hidden strains in the GOP (Eisenhower and Nixon), along with it's pro-business slant. Although I think he'd be a terrible president, and I abhor his pandering to the dark desires of white America, it is fun to see Trump shake up the GOP, which has been too long dominated by the wackos like Cruz, Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachmann, and Rick Santorum. He's the rude boy from NY who showed up at the church social, and he brought his friends.
3
In this Mr. Trump rejects the Republican platform of blatant, unashamed, religion-endorsed homophobia. Like him or not, at least he knows what year it is.
10
I think many people see in Trump someone who, despite (or perhaps because of) his faults and occasional past failures, has actually worked and taken real-world risks and created things of value to society – including JOBS. And beyond all that, Trump gets it. Wondrous and impossible though it may seem, he has listened to the voices of the people, and perhaps without even realizing it he has become one of them…
8
I guess all those pesky suits the government have won for his shoddy work and padding his bills, such as renting equipment to do the jobs, but it happens to be equipment he already owns, and he has been found guilty numerous times over the years with Mafia ties, having one application for rentals for whites and another to make it almost impossible to qualify to rent- for Blacks, various nationalities, disabled, and seniors...he has been sued by NYC many times for this and also for elderly abuse because over a certain age limit he wouldn't rent to people... and chasing the Vets off the corner of his street of Chump Towers where they were having a peaceful public talk about their plight for help medically, Chump called the police and told them they looked like bums and to remove them, that's the kind of pressure he can place on the public.. I guess you must feel these were just business decisions- all in the best interest for the business... why oh why if you feel this way , haven't you looked him up online as these things are all public records...just think of how much he hasn't been caught doing
2
Even if the fake Trump "gets" jobs, those jobs are meaningless to women who will no longer have access to safe, legal abortion if Trump (goddess help us) prevails. He used to be pro-choice and now is quite willing to make abortion illegal to get votes. Pro jobs (maybe), anti-choice (for sure). THat's not good enough for women.
2
Well, I won't be voting for him. This is a deal breaker for me.
Perhaps Trump is actually the most brilliant politician ever. He took advantage of an opening in a crowded field and distinguished himself by saying the most outrageous, non-PC things (that, frankly, I believe a lot of people feel in their hearts), and he played the media like a cheap fiddle. He got all the attention all the time and scared the establishment. When lesser, showier candidates couldn't play from his script, they failed. So maybe, just maybe all this bluster and nonsense and offensiveness has been a well calculated way to secure the nomination and diminish the GOP. This latest stance might just win him the presidency.
10
From your keyboard to God's ears.
Trump 2016
Trump 2016
2
Making a front-page issue over an issue that nobody is going to base their vote on - whether the Caitlin Jenner's of the world should use the men's room or the women's room.
So if you are man who dresses like and passes for a woman, use the women's room. Just don't make an announcement, do your business, wash your hands and leave. Just like everybody else.
But if you are a man who looks like a man, but feels like a woman and is more comfortable using the women's room, tough luck. Deal with your anxieties, use the men's room (the stall if you must), do your business, and leave, just like everybody else.
So if you are man who dresses like and passes for a woman, use the women's room. Just don't make an announcement, do your business, wash your hands and leave. Just like everybody else.
But if you are a man who looks like a man, but feels like a woman and is more comfortable using the women's room, tough luck. Deal with your anxieties, use the men's room (the stall if you must), do your business, and leave, just like everybody else.
5
I don't trust Donald Trump to do anything to benefit anyone except Donald Trump. He may not object if someone else benefits from their dealings with him, but it's an unnecessary byproduct, not a goal. That may be fine for a private citizen in business, but not much of a recommendation for public service.
2
Ronald and Nancy Regan lived and worked in Hollywood for most of their lives and had many gay friends, but their personal relationships did not seem to have much of an influence on the Regan Administration's policies.
1
...What else is new.....Trump changes his mind on a topic again. Will the real Trump stand up?
In February 2016 he opposed same sex marriage....see the interview with the Pat Robertson’s television network from back then... http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2016/02/donald-trump-ill-overturn-the-shockin...
And during the August 2015 debate, Trump poo-pood the topic of gay and lesbian rights, noting his exasperation with the climate of political correctness that has led to a world in which it is "medieval times … as bad as it ever was in terms of the violence and the horror.” He waved his hand dismissively and declared, “We don’t have time for tone.”
http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2015/08/06/gop_debate_john_kasich_was...
But now he's stating he's got more accepting views on gays and lesbians. Did Trump change his position because he (or his handlers) suddenly realized there's a large population of voters who find that a candidate's position on that topic significantly affects how they will vote? ...what else is new.....
In February 2016 he opposed same sex marriage....see the interview with the Pat Robertson’s television network from back then... http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2016/02/donald-trump-ill-overturn-the-shockin...
And during the August 2015 debate, Trump poo-pood the topic of gay and lesbian rights, noting his exasperation with the climate of political correctness that has led to a world in which it is "medieval times … as bad as it ever was in terms of the violence and the horror.” He waved his hand dismissively and declared, “We don’t have time for tone.”
http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2015/08/06/gop_debate_john_kasich_was...
But now he's stating he's got more accepting views on gays and lesbians. Did Trump change his position because he (or his handlers) suddenly realized there's a large population of voters who find that a candidate's position on that topic significantly affects how they will vote? ...what else is new.....
1
While this monster Trump seems to be receptive to gays, he continues to foster bigotry toward African Americans with his objections to honoring Harriet Tubman by placing her image on the $20 bill. Ms. Tubman had more courage, bravery, integrity, and decency in her little finger than exists in all of Mr. Trump. Trump's pandering to the racial bigotry that is the backbone of today's GOP further reveals his true colors and that he probably would be quite comfortable in a white hooded sheet or in the browns shirts favored in 1920s-1940s Germany by the ideological predecessors of today's GOP.
4
This is just one example of a more moderate and "presidential" Trump we will see later in the race. He began as the most liberal Republican in the flock, and now he will wave that flag proudly in an attempt to flip independents driven away from the Democratic Party by Clintophobia and The Sanders Effect. Hopefully people will get wise to his poorly informed and contradictory policy positions before they flush their votes.
Meanwhile, Sanders continues to dog Clinton and drive her Left... If she bends, she's a hypocrite and loses GE votes; if she holds her ground, she's a Republican and loses GE votes; if she shifts $ and focus to the GE, she prolongs Sanders' campaign. This is what happens when radical positions dominate the narrative, and it's a major reason why the Tea Party tanked the last several GOP presidential campaigns.
Is Donald Trump seriously the only candidate with a coherent strategy?
(*poster googles US Canada immigration citizenship*)
Meanwhile, Sanders continues to dog Clinton and drive her Left... If she bends, she's a hypocrite and loses GE votes; if she holds her ground, she's a Republican and loses GE votes; if she shifts $ and focus to the GE, she prolongs Sanders' campaign. This is what happens when radical positions dominate the narrative, and it's a major reason why the Tea Party tanked the last several GOP presidential campaigns.
Is Donald Trump seriously the only candidate with a coherent strategy?
(*poster googles US Canada immigration citizenship*)
2
Someone viewed as a troglodyte by many may actually help the GOP move forward by a couple hundred years...
5
The fact of his being an independent thinker is going to save the GOP.
The main defect in the GOP preventing it from evolving is the way it currently runs adopted for the very purpose of preventing it from evolving. It was an attempt to make fallacious dogmatic party policy seem to be permanent in the way universal truths are permanent.
The communistic requirement of adherence to “the party line” established under reagan is long past its sell by date. Calling it discipline, or belief or being, or whatever it is, it was not the positive thing the GOP advertised it as.
It was adopted for the purpose of preventing exactly this sort of independent minded difference among GOPers so they could create that monolithic fallacy of “party discipline” and uniformity of belief* for the last 37+ years.
To my eye if I were an owner of a Press focus on showing how they used the party as a weapon to attack any GOPer who deviated in any way from the “party line” & its similarity to communism.
It is so new and unAmerican the practice has lead to the invention of a new word to describe it ”primaried” - party funding/campaigning for opponents of incumbents who deviate from the party line or “talking points”.
*No legitimate democratic group has a uniform set of belief's held by all members. There will always be at least minor differences in POV. This is the first place pols show if they can compromise and come to consensus the central aspect of being an American.
The main defect in the GOP preventing it from evolving is the way it currently runs adopted for the very purpose of preventing it from evolving. It was an attempt to make fallacious dogmatic party policy seem to be permanent in the way universal truths are permanent.
The communistic requirement of adherence to “the party line” established under reagan is long past its sell by date. Calling it discipline, or belief or being, or whatever it is, it was not the positive thing the GOP advertised it as.
It was adopted for the purpose of preventing exactly this sort of independent minded difference among GOPers so they could create that monolithic fallacy of “party discipline” and uniformity of belief* for the last 37+ years.
To my eye if I were an owner of a Press focus on showing how they used the party as a weapon to attack any GOPer who deviated in any way from the “party line” & its similarity to communism.
It is so new and unAmerican the practice has lead to the invention of a new word to describe it ”primaried” - party funding/campaigning for opponents of incumbents who deviate from the party line or “talking points”.
*No legitimate democratic group has a uniform set of belief's held by all members. There will always be at least minor differences in POV. This is the first place pols show if they can compromise and come to consensus the central aspect of being an American.
1
One of the instructive lessons of a piece like this is to make us a little critically conscious of the Manichean traps (either/or) in our thinking as opposed to the and/both approach. Contradictions are far more interesting and thought-provoking in that they eventually could help us get closer not to some mystified version of truth that is out there or that remains buried within Trump, but just ourselves and in the way we tend to think in categories. Should two-party system mean two-party thinking?
The GOP has regressed so much that we forget that a more notorious yet far more complex figure also inhabited that party once- Nixon. These words by Chomsky on Nixon may seem baffling, but they also point to the fascinating ambiguities that we often tend to miss or (and) dismiss:
"Nixon did a lot of rotten things much worse than starting the modern War on Drugs, but the same is true of other liberal presidents. His liberal initiatives included the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and much else. No president since Nixon has passed such liberal initiatives. "
The GOP has regressed so much that we forget that a more notorious yet far more complex figure also inhabited that party once- Nixon. These words by Chomsky on Nixon may seem baffling, but they also point to the fascinating ambiguities that we often tend to miss or (and) dismiss:
"Nixon did a lot of rotten things much worse than starting the modern War on Drugs, but the same is true of other liberal presidents. His liberal initiatives included the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and much else. No president since Nixon has passed such liberal initiatives. "
4
No one can say Donald Trump is not interesting. Although he falls short on the issue of gay marriage, he certainly stands apart from other Republicans. Candidates on the right who pander to the bigotry of "social" conservatives should be ashamed.
6
There's a lot to follow in this article. He treats people based on some basic standards - if they have the money, they get in. This is a completely revolutionary concept in this country, which was founded on exclusion. People forget that grants, subsidies, real estate and the GI Bill were all administered by race. The impacts of these directives will continue to be felt, all without the general population even knowing they existed. The difference with Trump may be that he holds some personal beliefs, which is guaranteed by his right as an American, without implementing discrimination based on them. This is the essence of being American I think, and where the conservatives get it wrong.
There's nothing wrong with hating specific people (ok, there is, but for the sake of argument), but legislating discrimination based mostly on lies (transgender people attacking children in restrooms - when did this happen?) is the domain of religious conservatives.
The confusion is, which Donald Trump would lead? The fair and principled Trump who judges based on experience and merit, or the demagogue who calls Mexicans rapists?
There's nothing wrong with hating specific people (ok, there is, but for the sake of argument), but legislating discrimination based mostly on lies (transgender people attacking children in restrooms - when did this happen?) is the domain of religious conservatives.
The confusion is, which Donald Trump would lead? The fair and principled Trump who judges based on experience and merit, or the demagogue who calls Mexicans rapists?
2
Having LGBT family and friends can clarify and clear the cloudy corrupt cynical mental denial of the divine natural equal certain unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness of the LGBT by religious and political bigots.
Being "politically correct" is synonymous with practicing the Golden Rule of treating others the same way that you expect and think that you should be treated.
Being "politically correct" is synonymous with practicing the Golden Rule of treating others the same way that you expect and think that you should be treated.
3
In 2005, Trump publicly congratulated a particular gay marriage and publicly spoke in support of gay marriage.
Hillary Clinton gave a speech on the Senate floor AGAINST gay marriage in 2004.
Only in 2013 did Hillary change her position.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2015/jun/17/hillary-c...
So who can claim to have been Progressive on this when it mattered? And who is jumping on the train as it leaves the station?
Hillary Clinton gave a speech on the Senate floor AGAINST gay marriage in 2004.
Only in 2013 did Hillary change her position.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2015/jun/17/hillary-c...
So who can claim to have been Progressive on this when it mattered? And who is jumping on the train as it leaves the station?
14
2004 is the stone age as far as LGBT rights, including gay marriage, are concerned. That's the year Gavin Newsom, Mayor of SF, declared it legal, only to be swatted back hard by the Hateful Prop 8 state ballot initiative. Look how far most EVERYONE has come since then. And don't ignore the important fact that Hillary's top campaign manager, Robby Mook (the son of my college physics & astronomy prof!), is openly gay. Go Robby!
1
MCV207 -- The point is that back in that stone age, Hillary was wrong. Just like she was wrong about the Iraq War.
Meanwhile, she is running against people who were already right, back in that stone age.
And worst, she boasts of her experience from that stone age errors, when she was wrong about gay rights and the Iraq War.
So it doesn't count, except when it does? Being wrong does not matter, so long as she says the right words today, whether she means them or not? How Progressive.
Meanwhile, she is running against people who were already right, back in that stone age.
And worst, she boasts of her experience from that stone age errors, when she was wrong about gay rights and the Iraq War.
So it doesn't count, except when it does? Being wrong does not matter, so long as she says the right words today, whether she means them or not? How Progressive.
4
Who really knows what Trump's beliefs really are. I think Trump is a pragmatist and would be probably be a pretty good president.....or his midnight tweets would have us in WWlll in his first year.
2
Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in a while.
8
In this instance, an acorn found a blind squirrel. LOL.
1
How would Trump's apparent acceptance of gay issues coexist, if at all, with the bigotry underlying his views on, for example, Muslims and Latinos? Seems like fertile ground for yet another Trump double standard squarely at odds with the rich and diverse social fabric of the U.S.
2
Mattias what views of Latinos and Muslims? The guy has never said a single bad thing about the latino culture (quite the opposite actually)... When he says that he loves the mexican people but we have a border problem with illegals he is telling the truth. He has also stated numerous times that he is concerned with muslim refugees coming from the sandbox. Its safe to say that most Americans have some concern over that (see EU).
5
That Trump would embrace romantic relationships between gay people while not embracing gay marriage does not seem that much in conflict here: Gay men and women were gay first - before they had legal options - and apparently Trump was still supportive.
He may be hoping he won't lose a significant number of traditional-marriage votes by being only "mostly" supportive of gay couples. This, I'm told, is what's known as politics.
I have no reason to doubt his sincerity, given his verifiable past history of support for gay people, and good for him.
Perhaps he's the spawn of Vader merely by degrees.
He may be hoping he won't lose a significant number of traditional-marriage votes by being only "mostly" supportive of gay couples. This, I'm told, is what's known as politics.
I have no reason to doubt his sincerity, given his verifiable past history of support for gay people, and good for him.
Perhaps he's the spawn of Vader merely by degrees.
2
I'm not a fan of Trump to his campaign, but I'm starting to think that he may be a political genius.
6
And the seduction of the middle begins. Trump has been a shape-shifter all his career. Today, you may give him credit for a reportedly liberal stand on gays, but remember this is the guy who has the freight cars ready to deport illegals. Just an executive order or two can chip away at four decades of LGBT rights gains. As we move to November, independent voters need to remember the images from the recent hate-filled facist rallies, and not fall prey to a stage-managed metamorphosis.
5
Anyone who thinks Trump is pro-gay didn't watch him on Hannity last night. He talks out of both sides of his mouth. Any moderate or liberal who reads this article and thinks it's okay to vote for him is a fool.
4
Too bad our candidates have to be dancing monkeys to the many know-nothing American people who are playing the organ. They end up saying anything they think the great unwashed wants to hear - they're incredibly inauthentic in front of a mike, yet true to only to their donors. The American political discourse is ridiculous. Only Bernie seems to dance to his own tune, and look where it got him.
2
Trump is self funding his campaign. So your argument doesn't work except for your blind support of sanders.
1
Dear Van Hoodoynck,
Sorry but Trump is not self-funding his campaign. He has taken millions in donations and plans to take millions more. I know it's tough, but try not to fall for his lies.
Sorry but Trump is not self-funding his campaign. He has taken millions in donations and plans to take millions more. I know it's tough, but try not to fall for his lies.
1
We get it. The Times is making Trump acceptable, so he can beat Hillary in the general. As with your biased coverage against Bernie Sanders, I guess the Times now tailors its coverage to the highest bidder, or the entertainer who can bring in the most hits.
2
I'm not sure why I bothered to read this article or why you gave it space. It's nice that Trump likes my tribe (the white gays) but he hates on a bunch of other folks. That makes him an unacceptable candidate who will further tarnish his party (and potentially us all).
6
Well as much as I despise Trump, I can't hate him for tolerating gay people, though it is a bit odd that he wouldn't be accepting of same-sex marriage.
It'd be funny and, at the same time, depressing if this was the issue that made supporters abandon him. But I don't think it will, I think they'll keep ignoring whatever he says that they don't want to hear. Like they have no problem with still reviling President Clinton for his oval office dalliance, while accepting that Trump tends to cheat on his wives with his next wife-to-be. It doesn't bother them that they claim to be super Christian, and Trump clearly knows nearly nothing about Christianity or the Bible.
So I think this odd viewpoint of Trump's (being pro-gay enough to tolerate them and donate some loose change to related charities (for him, $60,000 is peanuts), but not accepting same-sex marriage) will have no effect on anything. People who approve of it will still dislike him for everything else about him, and his supporters will ignore it.
It'd be funny and, at the same time, depressing if this was the issue that made supporters abandon him. But I don't think it will, I think they'll keep ignoring whatever he says that they don't want to hear. Like they have no problem with still reviling President Clinton for his oval office dalliance, while accepting that Trump tends to cheat on his wives with his next wife-to-be. It doesn't bother them that they claim to be super Christian, and Trump clearly knows nearly nothing about Christianity or the Bible.
So I think this odd viewpoint of Trump's (being pro-gay enough to tolerate them and donate some loose change to related charities (for him, $60,000 is peanuts), but not accepting same-sex marriage) will have no effect on anything. People who approve of it will still dislike him for everything else about him, and his supporters will ignore it.
2
Most Republicans are irrational ideological bigots, homophobes, misogynists, racists and xenophobes who differ from ISIS only with regards to what kind of new Stone Age Republicans want to drive humankind back to.
What sets Trump apart from most Republicans is that he is not a homophobe.
I won't be voting for him in November.
But of all the Republican candidates he literally is the G.O.P.'s best candidate.
Sadly.
Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt are definitely dead and dead.
What sets Trump apart from most Republicans is that he is not a homophobe.
I won't be voting for him in November.
But of all the Republican candidates he literally is the G.O.P.'s best candidate.
Sadly.
Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt are definitely dead and dead.
6
Social issues are the main reason I've voted Democrat, and have never, ever, considered voting Republican. If Republicans abandon their backward middle-aged social agenda, I may consider voting for them. Trump won't be the man I would vote for, but he's much better on social issues than any of the other 16 Republicans that once clobbered the field, including Kasich.
7
He doesn't care about race either despite all the attacks of him being a xenophobe or racist.
Imagine if we can export all of our homeless to mexico and have them send us back $ in return!
Trump thinks of America as a business. And he is well aware Mexico exporting millions of its poor and uneducated to us (while getting a huge influx of payment from them to support their families back in Mexico) is a spectacular deal for Mexico and a sorry one for us. Trump is simply being pragmatic and has the personality to speak his true mind(unlike politicians).
Its too bad he cant hide his ego and combativeness... thus make him unlikable... which hurts this popularity contest(what a election truly is).
Imagine if we can export all of our homeless to mexico and have them send us back $ in return!
Trump thinks of America as a business. And he is well aware Mexico exporting millions of its poor and uneducated to us (while getting a huge influx of payment from them to support their families back in Mexico) is a spectacular deal for Mexico and a sorry one for us. Trump is simply being pragmatic and has the personality to speak his true mind(unlike politicians).
Its too bad he cant hide his ego and combativeness... thus make him unlikable... which hurts this popularity contest(what a election truly is).
3
I've been saying it for a long time: Donald Trump is liberal. It might be better to keep some of this a secret from his hateful Republican supporters because he is a far better candidate for human rights than Cruz. I'm a Sanders-supporting Democrat, but I'm rooting for Trump in the primaries. I can't imagine worse than a Cruz presidency.
15
You'll see, DT will turn out to be an extraordinary and democratic president. Both Cruz and Clinton give me the creeps.
5
I would love to hear these liberal views repeated once he becomes the nominee.
Coming soon to a Trump campaign near you...prepared, stump speeches, teleprompters..
Coming soon to a Trump campaign near you...prepared, stump speeches, teleprompters..
1
Good job.
Now please write an article on how Trump was the first businessman in US to put a woman in charge of a major construction project, and you may be on to something.
Now please write an article on how Trump was the first businessman in US to put a woman in charge of a major construction project, and you may be on to something.
5
The NY Times has written more insults and attacks about Donald Trump in the last 9 months than the NYT has ever written about Osama Bin Laden, the San Bernardino ISIS attackers, or the ISIS leader that beheaded James Foley.
Syrian President Bashir Assad has killed over 250,000 Syrians, and the NYT treats him with more respect than they treat Donald Trump.
So good luck getting an honest, unbiased word out of any of the worthless sleaze who write for the NY Times.
Syrian President Bashir Assad has killed over 250,000 Syrians, and the NYT treats him with more respect than they treat Donald Trump.
So good luck getting an honest, unbiased word out of any of the worthless sleaze who write for the NY Times.
3
If people criticize Trump for being a "chameleon or hypocrite", what on Earth is Hillary Clinton? She who spoke on the floor of The Senate in favor of traditional marriage and who undoubtedly advised her husband to sign DOMA when is suited their political needs. Now HRC is all in on gay rights because she has to be in her party and it's politically cost free for her to be. Unlike HRC, Trump has never been in the position to advance gay rights in an official capacity and failed to do so.
7
And the history books are filled with presidents who got elected on pure ideological platforms. There are many reasons to take issue with Ms. Clinton, but I don't believe what was a pragmatic stand on same-sex marriage at the time is one of them. You've got to get elected before you can accomplish anything.
Along with the Clintons long time ability to extract enormous sums of money from a large cross section of influential donors which in many ways makes Republicans look like rank amateurs, it is clear Hillary supporters have never spent much time looking in to her background and the decisions and attitudes that have prevailed during all of that period. The column in yesterday paper about her being more of a hawk than Obama was just the tip of the iceberg.
There is no doubt whatsoever, with Bill closely by her side, if she is elected President, when it comes to flip-flopping on issues and changing with the wind, her political history has continually confirmed, she will make Trump look like the island of stability.
There is no doubt whatsoever, with Bill closely by her side, if she is elected President, when it comes to flip-flopping on issues and changing with the wind, her political history has continually confirmed, she will make Trump look like the island of stability.
3
It would be a breath of fresh air if the party could get away from waging the tiresome LGBT culture wars. But at what cost? A Trump presidency would take anti Muslim and anti Hispanic hysteria to a very dark place. I doubt most gay Americans will throw their neighbors under the bus.
5
At least, Trump has one redeeming factor. But knowing the rest of his characteristics and bigotry, it would be a drop in the ocean.
What was Barrack Obamas stance on gay marriage when he ran against Clinton?
3
I have no problem believing that Obama was not opposed to same-sex marriage but had to take that position in order not to lose votes. I would weigh that one public declaration against everything that happened to advance same-sex marriage during his tenure, not the least of which was his two Supreme Court appointments.
This settles it then, this is it, he clearly deserves to be Pres. Trump. Okay?
OK, so The Donald has a 'nuanced' (read: not vitriolic) attitude about gay people.
How - exactly - do you think that will sit with the goons/thugs who populate his rallies....the same types who sucker punch and threaten to shoot dissenters?
Think they'll have a similarly 'nuanced' stance?
Somehow, I doubt it.
How - exactly - do you think that will sit with the goons/thugs who populate his rallies....the same types who sucker punch and threaten to shoot dissenters?
Think they'll have a similarly 'nuanced' stance?
Somehow, I doubt it.
3
That's what matters - how his supporters will react... Up to this point they accept anything Trump says and stick up for him - but I sense some will remain quiet on this - fewer are likely to speak out against him... to them, it's more acceptable to shoot someone on Fifth Avenue than to have males using restrooms and locker rooms with their daughters.
I may be wrong, but isn't it a stretch to include the words "deep soul searching" when publishing a piece on Donald Trump?
12
This makes me sick. You amass evidence for Trump's progressive side, then pivot off Takei's illogical assumption to poison it all: "He's a chameleon or a hypocrite" ... or a political realist. I won't applaud Trump for choosing political exigency over moral integrity, but I can understand it. You writer/editor make a similar call when choose politicization over journalistic integrity. Just when I thought the mighty lefty NYTimes was going to take the high ground, and say something decent about the most vilified man in America. What sneaky tactics. Shame on you.
2
As a Democrat who switched registration to vote for Trump, this makes me like him even more. I just hope this doesn't fuel the 'anyone but Trump' movement
or it might make them look like the evil bigots that they are.
or it might make them look like the evil bigots that they are.
9
Not surprising to those of who believe that Mr. Trump holds moderate views on some issues despite his campaign posturing. From a strategic standpoint, I'm not sure how it helps him in the general election: his well-documented history of anti-feminine and anti-minority outbursts must be weighed against his support for gay rights (incomplete as it may be) - which may result in some moderate Republicans voting for their candidate without having to hold their noses. On the other side is the Democratic candidate whose position on these matters has been solid and consistent. If I were Trump I'd be more concerned about the Republican voters he will lose than the independents or Democratic voters he might pick up from this one issue.
2
It will likely help with some of the gay/gay friendly vote, but not everyone votes on a single issue. Trump's still off the charts with other statements, and him mellowing out per Manafort will make normal voters (those who vote on analysis of positions vs. bullet-point statements, emotion, and hearing what they want to hear) wonder exactly where he stands. Gotta remember if Congress does their job, Trump can't act unilaterally - Republicans will likely get off their no-account, paycheck-collecting duffs if Trump won the presidency, which he's still unlikely to do.
His campaign-publicity people are saying that he is going to tone down his act or needs to tone down his act. Sounds like a middle school behavior counselor words to a parent about their child. And, it is an act. You want a person who is guided by his act to be president? Of course. That's clear. He's a phony and Clinton is a phony too.
1
Once again Trump tells you his view on anything is changeable and negotiable. In summary, Trump has no principals, accept for being in love with himself. Electable? No, thank goodness.
2
Not electable?, then tell me who else running for president is?
What kind of idiot goes through their entire life thinking they have all the answers and never changes his point of view on anything? I mean, other than Barack Obama.
3
Dear DCB,
Strange, I've never seen you change your point of view on anything, and it seems like you think you know all the answers.
Strange, I've never seen you change your point of view on anything, and it seems like you think you know all the answers.
It is the so called "base" of the GOP which is out of step with the majority in America. In the case of sexual orientation, Donald Trump reflects the mainstream values of our society. However, he needs to work on other issues if his rhetoric matches his beliefs.
1
Trump has gotten away with worse: he called Dubya a liar for 'lying' about WMD in Iraq; he advocates neutral stance in Israel-Palestine debate; he wants to 'cover everyone beautifully' for health coverage a la Sanders; he wants to pull out of NATO.
Now, he is more accepting of gays and TG people. This guy is practical: he thinks of the issues he, as a businessman, would face if there is a law mandating a 'third' bathroom for TG people to use.
His views on illegal immigrants is not indicative of bigotry or bias. Considering that he hires a lot of them to keep his grass green in his golf courses and in his hotels, he cannot be anti-Latino. (Besides, Trump loves beautiful women and Latino women ARE beautiful). When he said that there are rapists and drug dealers among the illegals, he was speaking the truth. He speaks his mind whereas the Dems dish out PC garbage while secretly harboring racial biases (CP time, anyone?).
Rosie O'Donnell called Trump names and he responded in kind. That is tit for tat.
Our collective paradigm may be shifting about this dude. After watching Cruz do the stump speech in which he contorts himself and literally stoops down to make a point, I am beginning to think that this guy may not be all bad. This guy has run a business (going bankrupt is a strategic decision that indicates he knows when to quit as opposed to our pols who persist when the writing on the wall is clear) whereas community organizers are clueless about how anything works.
Now, he is more accepting of gays and TG people. This guy is practical: he thinks of the issues he, as a businessman, would face if there is a law mandating a 'third' bathroom for TG people to use.
His views on illegal immigrants is not indicative of bigotry or bias. Considering that he hires a lot of them to keep his grass green in his golf courses and in his hotels, he cannot be anti-Latino. (Besides, Trump loves beautiful women and Latino women ARE beautiful). When he said that there are rapists and drug dealers among the illegals, he was speaking the truth. He speaks his mind whereas the Dems dish out PC garbage while secretly harboring racial biases (CP time, anyone?).
Rosie O'Donnell called Trump names and he responded in kind. That is tit for tat.
Our collective paradigm may be shifting about this dude. After watching Cruz do the stump speech in which he contorts himself and literally stoops down to make a point, I am beginning to think that this guy may not be all bad. This guy has run a business (going bankrupt is a strategic decision that indicates he knows when to quit as opposed to our pols who persist when the writing on the wall is clear) whereas community organizers are clueless about how anything works.
8
Gee, and for a second there I thought your were going to say something intelligent.
Beyond a snort of derision at the cheap slam on "community organizers," especailly the black ones who get elected President twice and who you're in a tizz about for having got far too much done, let me acquiaint you with a lefty slogan from the old IWW:
An injury to one is an injury to all.
Beyond a snort of derision at the cheap slam on "community organizers," especailly the black ones who get elected President twice and who you're in a tizz about for having got far too much done, let me acquiaint you with a lefty slogan from the old IWW:
An injury to one is an injury to all.
1
this is an important piece because it reiterates the fact that all human beings are multi-dimensional. in particular, american politics and cinema have often painted one-dimensional villains and heroes. it points out the need for more mature and critical thinking by everyone.
10
If you were paying attention the GOP created the requirement of uniformity in dogma to prevent that sort of human difference from altering the party bosses desires in legislation.
If one is paying attention the fact of GOP Nationally organizing to such an extent that virtually ALL GOPers in every part of the country said the same thing in answer to a question, it shows us how large an effort and well organized the group who took control of the GOP has been.
If one is paying attention the fact of GOP Nationally organizing to such an extent that virtually ALL GOPers in every part of the country said the same thing in answer to a question, it shows us how large an effort and well organized the group who took control of the GOP has been.
1
Mr. Trump, who I Like but can’t see as our President, was running in a pack of what - 16 or 18 candidates; He had to break out. Thus all the bluster and he did it, he is winning. It’s a tactic, like Hillary swinging to the left to counter Bernie. Now he pulls to center and starts to behave Presidential, pretty standard stuff here.
As to the chameleon comments, the Clinton's gave us the Defense of Marriage Act and Obama ran on a platform of being against Gay Marriage, so let’s not be overly indignant.
As to the chameleon comments, the Clinton's gave us the Defense of Marriage Act and Obama ran on a platform of being against Gay Marriage, so let’s not be overly indignant.
15
He hasn't won yet unless he gets above the 1237 delegate bar. If he doesn't, I see him not getting the nod from the GOP in a 2nd or 3rd ballot and then running as a third party candidate. Unless a complete surprise happens, he and (likely Lyin' Ted Cruz) will be splitting the GOP vote and Hillary is President.
please! Trump said he would nominate a supreme court justice who would overturn marriage equality. The bar is so low from the GOP on LGBT rights that Trump can be viewed positively. Sad.
9
Good for Trump, he's considerate and not a homophobe like most of the GOP, but on basically every issue he is vicious regarding minorities, woman, disabled and I'm sure he has some choice words behind closed doors for gays too.
I sick of Trump, he's not even remotely qualified to be President, he is divisive, hateful, targets individuals that are not as lucky to be set in life by a rich Daddy and doesn't have a clue about either domestic or foreign policy issues....which is really scary.
When you see one Trump rally, you've seen them all.....I'm great, I'm going to do great things for this country...Ted Cruz is a liar, Hillary is crooked (although we were friends and I invited her to my wedding).....nothing new with this reprobate. If Trump ever get elected to the White House it would be disastrous and the darkest day in our history since the Civil War.
I sick of Trump, he's not even remotely qualified to be President, he is divisive, hateful, targets individuals that are not as lucky to be set in life by a rich Daddy and doesn't have a clue about either domestic or foreign policy issues....which is really scary.
When you see one Trump rally, you've seen them all.....I'm great, I'm going to do great things for this country...Ted Cruz is a liar, Hillary is crooked (although we were friends and I invited her to my wedding).....nothing new with this reprobate. If Trump ever get elected to the White House it would be disastrous and the darkest day in our history since the Civil War.
8
Trump's ambivalence on gays, abortion and (previously) some form of gun control is the main reason why the GOP establishment hate him, and why he loses in uber conservative states and states that vote via caucuses where only the far right votes. His views on immigration and muslims also mirror what many ordinary Americans think about that subject, we're just too afraid to speak out in public for fear of being labeled racists as the vocal minority of liberals love to hurl at anyone who doesn't embrace open borders as they do.
For years I have been one of those voters who are caught in the middle as I watched both parties increasingly being pulled to the far left and the far right, aided and abetted by the media and academia who are mostly the far left. Finally a candidate comes along and espouses common sense instead of ideology.
Trump is the champion of the silent majority, the independent thinkers who are not sheep and therefore not pulled to the far left or far right by the ideologues now running our media, academia, and both parties. I really hope he wins. America could use a good dose of common sense governance, and it's about time someone points out the rot in our ruling class who has been doing nothing but pandering to the donor class at the expense of ordinary Americans.
For years I have been one of those voters who are caught in the middle as I watched both parties increasingly being pulled to the far left and the far right, aided and abetted by the media and academia who are mostly the far left. Finally a candidate comes along and espouses common sense instead of ideology.
Trump is the champion of the silent majority, the independent thinkers who are not sheep and therefore not pulled to the far left or far right by the ideologues now running our media, academia, and both parties. I really hope he wins. America could use a good dose of common sense governance, and it's about time someone points out the rot in our ruling class who has been doing nothing but pandering to the donor class at the expense of ordinary Americans.
79
Great one, Beth. I think Trump will win for the very reasons you state. Those too intimidated to express their opinion now will be able to do so in PRIVATE in November.
Dear Beth,
That's very stirring, but incorrect I'm afraid. Trump is not the voice of the majority in the slightest. Trump is the voice of about 10% of the population, that segment that has been voting for him (his chunk of the GOP primary contests represents very little of the overall population).
I agree that most Americans probably are fed up of the radical ideologies of the left and right, and the corruption and incompetence of the system as a whole. But we're not going for Trump, because on nearly all matters he is completely ignorant. Every day he says something that is bafflingly incorrect and demonstrates his total lack of knowledge in some crucial area, like foreign policy.
People who want something different from the two major parties are going with Sanders. People who want isolationism, fascism, racist intolerance, and sexism are going with the fool Trump. Thank god it's not enough people to win the general election; Americans are not quite stupid enough to put this pompous narcissistic ignoramus into office.
That's very stirring, but incorrect I'm afraid. Trump is not the voice of the majority in the slightest. Trump is the voice of about 10% of the population, that segment that has been voting for him (his chunk of the GOP primary contests represents very little of the overall population).
I agree that most Americans probably are fed up of the radical ideologies of the left and right, and the corruption and incompetence of the system as a whole. But we're not going for Trump, because on nearly all matters he is completely ignorant. Every day he says something that is bafflingly incorrect and demonstrates his total lack of knowledge in some crucial area, like foreign policy.
People who want something different from the two major parties are going with Sanders. People who want isolationism, fascism, racist intolerance, and sexism are going with the fool Trump. Thank god it's not enough people to win the general election; Americans are not quite stupid enough to put this pompous narcissistic ignoramus into office.
1
Except that--and speaking for us commies--nobody favors open borders, there've been more deportations lately than ever, and net immigration is at zero.
Feel free to leave, and seek whiter climes, though.
Feel free to leave, and seek whiter climes, though.
1
Well, apparently Trump has at least one position which he has believed in for a long period of time. Everything else he has asserted, he has claimed not to believe in the next day.
1
trump or cruz question: symptom of a moribund political party.
Why @Jim Steinberg? Is Hillary a symptom of anything alive and/or real?
I don't care why a candidate has adopted a certain position.
I care what his position on that issue is.
Forget psychobabble.
I care what his position on that issue is.
Forget psychobabble.
15
On the contrary, if a candidate, such as DT for example, only adopts a certain position TODAY, because of where it will get him TODAY, and is willing to change that position at a instant's notice in order to benefit himself, than the reason that position was adopted is purely self serving, and not truly a "position" at all.
I will not defend Trump's positions on many issues but I don't think Trump has flip flopped on gay rights.
The point you make is valid if a candidate has changed
his /her view on an issue several times.
For then against then for etc.
But for someone who has changed his /her view just ONCE how do you know if the person is insincere.
I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt to the person who has changed only once on an issue.
If that person has flip flopped numerous times on numerous issues that would raise suspicions.
The point you make is valid if a candidate has changed
his /her view on an issue several times.
For then against then for etc.
But for someone who has changed his /her view just ONCE how do you know if the person is insincere.
I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt to the person who has changed only once on an issue.
If that person has flip flopped numerous times on numerous issues that would raise suspicions.
So...in the end...when you look deep enough...all Trump cares about is money and power.
And how exactly does that distinguish him from the majority of New Yorkers?
And how exactly does that distinguish him from the majority of New Yorkers?
11
Dear Nick Melucci,
That does distinguish him from the majority of New Yorkers. Sure, the 1%'ers here are most concerned with money and power, but most of us care about other things primarily, like people, enjoying life, loving relationships, and so on. Please never conflate Trump's way of life with New Yorkers' way of life.
That does distinguish him from the majority of New Yorkers. Sure, the 1%'ers here are most concerned with money and power, but most of us care about other things primarily, like people, enjoying life, loving relationships, and so on. Please never conflate Trump's way of life with New Yorkers' way of life.
1
New York values. American values.
1
How does that distinguish him from Ted Cruz. The man is on a power grabbing mission, even if he wins fewer delegates, earn fewer votes, win fewer states.
I also have really bad news for you - both Trump and Clinton are New Yorkers, one by birth, the other by choice, and one of the two will be our next President. You should hope Clinton wins the election, otherwise Trump will build "the wall" and you won't be able to take refuge in Mexico.
I also have really bad news for you - both Trump and Clinton are New Yorkers, one by birth, the other by choice, and one of the two will be our next President. You should hope Clinton wins the election, otherwise Trump will build "the wall" and you won't be able to take refuge in Mexico.
1
This article demonstrates the importance of media reporting the difference between what a candidate SAYS and what a candidates DOES, and not simply accepting a candidate's statements as unquestionably truthful summaries of a candidate's beliefs.
No one can say, with authority, that Trump BELIEVES in extending the civic institution of marriage to same-sex couples. All reporters can contribute is reports of what he SAYS and what he DOES.
Based on what he says and does, I think it's obvious that Trump has no problem with same-sex marriage, but that he's afraid his belief is anathema to the political party he's involved in. Far from the bold truth-teller he claims to be, that makes him a politically-correct coward.
No one can say, with authority, that Trump BELIEVES in extending the civic institution of marriage to same-sex couples. All reporters can contribute is reports of what he SAYS and what he DOES.
Based on what he says and does, I think it's obvious that Trump has no problem with same-sex marriage, but that he's afraid his belief is anathema to the political party he's involved in. Far from the bold truth-teller he claims to be, that makes him a politically-correct coward.
90
He's a shapeshifter. and an exceedingly clever one, like all narcissists. Very dangerous guy. He's the one you hope your daughter sees through before it's too late.
4
The media narrative around Trump's stances misses the main point. Trump was responding to LGBT issues. His stance that "we should go back to the way things were" displays that he is illinformed on what's been happening in this realm. The "bathroom bills" are broad, encompassing many anti-discriminatory practice. If Trump really cared, he would addressed discrimination in the workplace, housing, etc. Instead, by stating we should go back to the way things were, he ends up supporting pro-discrimination practices.
1
@dm, there's a difference between not caring about LGBTQ issues, and open hostility to LGBTQ issues.
Trumps actions demonstrate he isn't hostile to LGBTQ, but addressing LGBTQ issues isn't on his top-100 list of things he cares about either.
He's trying to convince (R) voters that he's with them on LGBTQ issues (i.e that he's a homophobe), but he really isn't. But don't expect him to lift a finger to protect LGBTQ Americans from discrimination.
Trumps actions demonstrate he isn't hostile to LGBTQ, but addressing LGBTQ issues isn't on his top-100 list of things he cares about either.
He's trying to convince (R) voters that he's with them on LGBTQ issues (i.e that he's a homophobe), but he really isn't. But don't expect him to lift a finger to protect LGBTQ Americans from discrimination.
Donald Trump simply cannot escape his New York origin or his New York values. There are so many reasons to abhor his candidacy, but this is not one of them, reinforcing the reasonable notion that a Ted Cruz candidacy would be far more execrable than Trump's.
When today's push comes to November's shove, however, it will pay to remember that Cruz or Trump would be running at the head of the GOP ticket of mindless intolerance. As candidate John Kasich so aptly declared, the Republican Party "does not like ideas."
www.endthemadnessnow.org
When today's push comes to November's shove, however, it will pay to remember that Cruz or Trump would be running at the head of the GOP ticket of mindless intolerance. As candidate John Kasich so aptly declared, the Republican Party "does not like ideas."
www.endthemadnessnow.org
3
Go back further to the early 1970s when Trump and Roy Cohn meet. Look at that relationship and I think he says a lot about Trumps social views on this subject.
2
Trump should be fully vetted for the good, the bad and the ugly side of his personality just like any of the other presidential candidates should be and what will emerge is the reason behind his emergence as a leading presidential candidate that is electable on his merits and deep down in his heart a love, for all Americans and people of the world. No candidate running currently is unqualified to be the president of USA and no candidate is likely to be found 100% satisfactory from what they propose and promise and ultimately the choice could be the lesser of 2 evils or a person who may be more satisfactory on most issues. Donald Trump will never be able to execute some of the outrageous actions he proposed because of the strength of our constitution and protection of human rights of all the citizens of the world. He will never be able to ban all Muslims from entering the USA, it was a campaign rhetoric and an ugly one. He will soon find that there are limits to the executive powers of the president. On the other hand there is a lot to like about the possibility of Donald Trump as the next president of the USA. He will not tinker with social security. He will play a credible role in mediating peace in the middle east. Be tough on terrorism. Not repeal Obamacare but could modify it. Eliminate debt in 8 years. Not allow discriminating against anyone in the jobs front based on color, race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation. He will ensure free but fair trade.
2
Respectfully, the argument that Trump may be an acceptable candidate because his xenophobic efforts will fail is not much of an argument (to me, at least). In addition to being a decision-maker, the President is a standard-bearer representing us all. Perhaps, in a underground think-tank somewhere, common decency and ethics are secondary, but the same is not true of a high-profile public official like the President of the United States.
1
Must we search deep in our souls to be at ease with gay people?
14
Great Mr. Trump, equality in America for all Americans !
Lying Cruz is a homophobic establishment GOP relic.
Lying Cruz is a homophobic establishment GOP relic.
8
You need to redefine "conservative." True, GOP politicians demonize gays and oppose same-sex marriage, but only because guys like Karl Rove told them to pander to the Christian right, a minority of voters in a handful of states, and strike fear into the hearts of stay-at-home moms. Most Americans outside the South have no problem what whatever two people do behind closed doors as long as they don't disturb the horses.
10
A generation ago California governor Pete Wilson, arguably the strongest Republican in modern California history, was like wise comfortable around gays. And with the issue of abortion and even gun control.
That did not stop him from signing Prop 187 in 1994 to create a state wide screening system to catch illegal aliens.
Liberals and progressives need to over come their congenital need to find Republicans they can get along with in pursuit of that fabled bipartisanship that is as much a myth as the unicorn and Easter Bunny.
Every time liberals and progressive get that tingle in their leg for a Kasich or a Mitch Daniels or a Brian Sandoval, they get their pockets picked and don't even know it and the nation once again moves rightward.
That did not stop him from signing Prop 187 in 1994 to create a state wide screening system to catch illegal aliens.
Liberals and progressives need to over come their congenital need to find Republicans they can get along with in pursuit of that fabled bipartisanship that is as much a myth as the unicorn and Easter Bunny.
Every time liberals and progressive get that tingle in their leg for a Kasich or a Mitch Daniels or a Brian Sandoval, they get their pockets picked and don't even know it and the nation once again moves rightward.
6
Does anyone really believe the lies slung about by those who hate or pretend to hate Trump? He's going to get a lot of votes from those who media tell us should oppose him. Women, etc.
Trump will make a great president. He is concerned with real stuff, not with bathroom restrictions like Lyin' Ted. Or blaming rape victims like Kasich. Or pie-in-the-sky "visions" like Old Bernie.
Thank God for giving us TWO normal human beings to choose between in November. For the first time in my long life, I won't care who wins.
Actually, it would be nice if Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump worked together. Either one would make a good advisor/sounding board for the other one.
Trump will make a great president. He is concerned with real stuff, not with bathroom restrictions like Lyin' Ted. Or blaming rape victims like Kasich. Or pie-in-the-sky "visions" like Old Bernie.
Thank God for giving us TWO normal human beings to choose between in November. For the first time in my long life, I won't care who wins.
Actually, it would be nice if Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump worked together. Either one would make a good advisor/sounding board for the other one.
9
This comes as no surprise since Mr. Trump would not have much of a hospitality business if he had problems with gays.
All voters should be pleased to learn that this new type of candidates is in sync with the times.
All voters should be pleased to learn that this new type of candidates is in sync with the times.
6
I'm a bit confused by this Trump character.
He is at ease with gays and opposes laws that hurt them.
He is clearly not a very religious man.
He has been married and divorced three times.
He wants to put tariffs on companies that go overseas.
He says very wealthy people should pay more tax, including himself.
Have the Republicans nominated a liberal socialist as their nominee?
He is at ease with gays and opposes laws that hurt them.
He is clearly not a very religious man.
He has been married and divorced three times.
He wants to put tariffs on companies that go overseas.
He says very wealthy people should pay more tax, including himself.
Have the Republicans nominated a liberal socialist as their nominee?
29
No. He has been all over the map on most of these subjects. And since when do liberal socialists want to put tariffs on businesses that move abroad?
1
"Have the Republicans nominated a liberal socialist as their nominee?"
The GOP will nominate the person chosen by constituents in a messy democratic contest.
Shrewdly, the Dems avoided all this and will nominate the person selected for them by Hollywood, Goldman Sachs, and the NYTimes & Wash Post Editorial Boards.
The GOP will nominate the person chosen by constituents in a messy democratic contest.
Shrewdly, the Dems avoided all this and will nominate the person selected for them by Hollywood, Goldman Sachs, and the NYTimes & Wash Post Editorial Boards.
1
The GOP is not "Against" Gays. Of course does not care. He is "great" pal of Jeffrey Epstein, you know the NY values guy that had a pedophile Island off Florida. When his little black book became public the rich famous and politicals names were in it. Including Milania's name before tRump married her. He pled guilty to under age sex with girls. The sex slave girls have filed suit. Haven't kept up with the details. So as you can see tRump has no problem with men using restrooms with girls. tRumps supporters are NOT Republicans. they are angry, bigoted hate mongers. They do not even know that tRumps thinks they are all LOSERS!!
Trump is the only "real" candidate on the Republican side, the only candidate not owned by others.
In addition, he is not a social crazy that the Republicans have turned into over the years
To be as successful as he has become, despite his many failures, he has learned you cannot simply exclude large swathes of the population for whatever reason, hate, etc and be successful.
Republicans are ok with cutting off a % of the population, it simply does not matter to them
In addition, he is not a social crazy that the Republicans have turned into over the years
To be as successful as he has become, despite his many failures, he has learned you cannot simply exclude large swathes of the population for whatever reason, hate, etc and be successful.
Republicans are ok with cutting off a % of the population, it simply does not matter to them
6
Donald Trump is okay with gays, but still hates women and Hispanics and Moslems. Even so, I have to congratulate him on having the courage to stand up to the Republicans in one area. I remember that George H. W. Bush believed in freedom of choice until he decided to run for President. He and his entire family became anti-choice after that.
1
Thanks NYT for continuing to round out a portrait of Trump. He'll get no applause, and doesn't deserve any, for this view because its the right thing. But I think it was important (along with the NBA) to tell North Carolina that its transgender law has no support. It isolates a particularly offensive form of GOP behavior. Most will agree that it isn't far enough, but at this point anything that moves the GOP away from extremism is a start. It doesn't balance out his view on immigration. It just is what it is, and that's the what the newspaper is suppose to report.
3
While Trump should be condemned for his divisive views, he should at least be applauded for his more moderate positions against the usual Republican intolerance. Remember Hillary Clinton opposed gay marriage up until 2013 before her "pivot" (is "pivot" the new "flip-flop"?) to the left for this primary campaign. Despite the media piling on Trump after they had alleviated him to frontrunner status, he is still preferable to Cruz or Kasich.
23
Many people have commented that this doesn't make a difference or is too little in comparison to Mr. Trumps obviously discriminatory positions with regards to other minorities, but it does matter. For example, just the fact that he isn't going to go out of his way to destroy my marriage because he doesn't believe in it is enough to make me favor him over Cruz.
Clearly, both are poor choices but at this stage I would definitely prefer Trump to Cruz. Cruz has been all to clear in his hatred for me and mine for me to ever support him.
Clearly, both are poor choices but at this stage I would definitely prefer Trump to Cruz. Cruz has been all to clear in his hatred for me and mine for me to ever support him.
162
If you are gay and prefer any Republican for president, you are a damned fool.
Trump is not a poor choice; he is an EXCELLENT CHOICE. He is a diamond in the rough.
I cannot believe that an article about Trump and his "accepting" views on gay issues would fail to raise the fact that Trump's longtime mentor, Roy Cohn, who, while gay himself, was a documented homophobe with a long history of persecuting gay government officials and cultural figures. Ironically, Trump cut off ties with Mr. Cohn when Mr. Cohn was dying of AIDS. In fact, even now, Trump is surrounded by Lee Atwater-esque creeps who have played the gay card and the race card and every card in countless election cycles.
2
Dick Cheney despises all things liberal but is silent gays because his daughter's one. Ronald and Nancy Reagan didn't support stem cell research; Nancy suddenly did when he got dementia.
Seems ignorance of other's plights is the key here. Exposure to "fearful" things lessens the fear. The fact is as more LGBT people come out the more accepted they'll be, because we ALL know at least one.
Also, a stunning lack of empathy is a key: unless and until these issues hot home, most are fine with destroying another for some otherness.
Human: still the prehistoric species as it designs space flights to Mars....
Seems ignorance of other's plights is the key here. Exposure to "fearful" things lessens the fear. The fact is as more LGBT people come out the more accepted they'll be, because we ALL know at least one.
Also, a stunning lack of empathy is a key: unless and until these issues hot home, most are fine with destroying another for some otherness.
Human: still the prehistoric species as it designs space flights to Mars....
2
That would be those "New York values" that cruz and the Republican faithful find so repellent...ironically the only decent thing trump has said in the last six months.
Also ironic coming from a man whose entire campaign is built on racism, bigotry inciting hate, and lies.
Also ironic coming from a man whose entire campaign is built on racism, bigotry inciting hate, and lies.
I know how Donald made his millions last year.
How Bill and Hillary made 24 million last year, like the contents of the speeches, remains a mystery.
Did I miss the movie, or the cancer cure discovered? Were cable bills lowered?
Which one is the least untrustworthy, (can you begin to trust either?) and which one is more likely to continue the stupid costly wars is what the election will come down to. No more amputee veterans in wheel chairs living under bridges.
How Bill and Hillary made 24 million last year, like the contents of the speeches, remains a mystery.
Did I miss the movie, or the cancer cure discovered? Were cable bills lowered?
Which one is the least untrustworthy, (can you begin to trust either?) and which one is more likely to continue the stupid costly wars is what the election will come down to. No more amputee veterans in wheel chairs living under bridges.
7
Donald Trump is re-configuring the Republican Party the way his former wife Ivanna once redecorated the Plaza. Everybody lost a lot of money but they did modernize the building.
2
In this one narrow respect, Trump is like most other Americans. It's the extremists who do not see LGBTQ people as equals or as threats.
4
I read far more hate in the comments on Trump related stories that I hear from him.
9
Not to mention coming from the reporting media themselves, with their deliberate and selective terms of coverage and paraphrasing or abbreviating his statements to cull them for their most inflammatory content when taken out of context. I guess sensationalizing stories sells commercials and ad space better, so it's maybe business, or maybe bias, but who knows, is there really any difference, anymore?
2
"I read far more hate in the comments on Trump related stories that (sic) I hear from him."
Why do newly-converted Trump supporters seem to have early-onset amnesia? How about the hate-filled comments about women, Obama and the Birther lies, the walls he will build, etc.?
Why do newly-converted Trump supporters seem to have early-onset amnesia? How about the hate-filled comments about women, Obama and the Birther lies, the walls he will build, etc.?
Which Trump on what day is is on what side of which issue again? Of course, he wrapped it all up as a pro-business issue. Even when he tries to do something moral and ethical, he can't quite get there directly.
3
You mean he's okay with gays with money? My guess is he likes anyone with enough money and a lack of taste to stay at his resorts or shop his wares.
12
Trump could publicly endorse single payer at the same time he is showing his scars from his transgender surgery while marching in a pro union parade and your average NYT commenter would still vilify him. I suspect that between his views on gays, foreign wars and his refusal to take money from the 1% puppet masters that he is indeed making the garden variety NYT commenter, stuck with voting for "Wall street Hillary", very, very nervous right about now.
10
He public statements have been strongly pro union. He says strong unions are needed by American families because of globalization. So we have that much already.
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/will-the-real-donald-trump-please-...
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/will-the-real-donald-trump-please-...
1
This snowball will soon evolve into an avalanche of untruthful and unreliable statements as Trump flips on everything he ever said or promised. He congratulates Elton John's marriage, but then says marriage is only between heterosexuals. First he says transsexuals should use whatever bathroom, but now he backtracks.
He promises to bring home jobs even as his empire outsources jobs to China. He initially opposed HB1 visas for overseas workers while he uses them himself. He claims his taxes are in audit, yet he won't release those that aren't and the press and other candidates shamefully fail to press the issue.
Trump's new manager Paul Manafort uttered the only truthful and reliable statement from this campaign when he said "Trump's style is an act." Unfortunately, millions have fallen for Trump's Barnum and Bailey routine. Wake up America, please.
He promises to bring home jobs even as his empire outsources jobs to China. He initially opposed HB1 visas for overseas workers while he uses them himself. He claims his taxes are in audit, yet he won't release those that aren't and the press and other candidates shamefully fail to press the issue.
Trump's new manager Paul Manafort uttered the only truthful and reliable statement from this campaign when he said "Trump's style is an act." Unfortunately, millions have fallen for Trump's Barnum and Bailey routine. Wake up America, please.
14
I vote democratic 95% of the time. If Cruz becomes the republican choice I will hold my nose and vote for HRC, but currently I am uncommitted and will keep an open mind to see how Trump evolves over the next few months.
5
An open mind . . . don't hear much about one of those anymore. Good for you. I only wish more could just learn to shut their mouths and open their minds instead.
1
Trump is offering moderate Republicans a choice - the party refused to accept that the country as a whole does not want to live under extreme right values that are too similar to Islam with the subjugation of women. Trump's views on immigration and use of force make him more than unacceptable as a Presidential candidate.
4
So, uhm, the view that immigration should be legal and existing immigration laws enforced is unacceptable to you?
3
Trump is a moderate. What I find humorous is liberals trying to find some/any position to make Trump's stated acceptance, or perhaps the better word is support, of gay issues anything other than what it is. When it comes to dem candidates support of gay issues merits a gold star!
5
In addition to spreading the kind of venom that would be fatal to most candidates, the man often commits party heresy and always seems to get away with it. Donald is not to be underestimated.
4
"Donald Trump's Constantly Shifting Views on Everything Make Him Indistinguishable from Hillary Clinton Heading into General Election"
You made your bed liberals. Have fun convincing the unengaged American electorate that Mr. Trump is more full of it than Mrs. Clinton and that's why they should vote for her instead of him.
You made your bed liberals. Have fun convincing the unengaged American electorate that Mr. Trump is more full of it than Mrs. Clinton and that's why they should vote for her instead of him.
2
Trump has no ideology, this ridiculous stance tends to lend credence to this lament.
1
Like Mitt in 2012, he primaried as a "conservative" and is now going to be a "middle of the roader" for the general election. Good luck with that, Donald. The only thing missing is a secretly recorded speech at Boca Raton where Donald calls those with less that an average income "takers"
I'm glad trump has expressed acceptance of gays, but I can't help but find his apparent tolerance - in this one instance - at the least paradoxical, especially when we take this ray of light and place it in the context of his general bigotry on most every other issue. I also find it amazing that anyone would actually believe that he truly cares about anyone but himself.
Clearly most of his simplistic, uninformed views appeal to the anger & prejudices of a certain segment, but there is little in the way of well thought out ideas. Nothing in this article alters the fact he's simply not qualified to be president.
Clearly most of his simplistic, uninformed views appeal to the anger & prejudices of a certain segment, but there is little in the way of well thought out ideas. Nothing in this article alters the fact he's simply not qualified to be president.
1
Did you previously (before this was published) feel he was bigoted towards gays? Why did you?
Without bashing you personally, I'll guess based on no evidence.
Based on no evidence, many people believe Trump is right wing and bigoted on many issues. In fact he is very moderate. Here are a list of candidates and their views. I think they will surprise you!
http://www.ontheissues.org/Drugs.htm
Just go to the link, and click on the list to the left, to read about the candidate's stance on issues such as civil rights, the environment, drugs, infrastructure, foreign affairs. (if you use my link, you will go to 'drugs' but you can change to anything.) You can proceed to all the original article from which the site collects its information.
Without bashing you personally, I'll guess based on no evidence.
Based on no evidence, many people believe Trump is right wing and bigoted on many issues. In fact he is very moderate. Here are a list of candidates and their views. I think they will surprise you!
http://www.ontheissues.org/Drugs.htm
Just go to the link, and click on the list to the left, to read about the candidate's stance on issues such as civil rights, the environment, drugs, infrastructure, foreign affairs. (if you use my link, you will go to 'drugs' but you can change to anything.) You can proceed to all the original article from which the site collects its information.
1
Is this newsworthy?
Is he getting a pat on the head from Hillary's newspaper?
How about an article on the stonewalling going on with her federal investigation?
That would make for good reading. Or her split with her party on ethical decision-making.
Is he getting a pat on the head from Hillary's newspaper?
How about an article on the stonewalling going on with her federal investigation?
That would make for good reading. Or her split with her party on ethical decision-making.
6
"His ease with gay people does not seem to be the result of deep soul searching, but, rather, the product of the Manhattan social and political world he has inhabited the past five decades...."
A vivid contrast with the social and political world that produced North Carolina's Republican leaders, who in lieu of even the shallowest soul searching will have to be hammered into eventual economic submission....
A vivid contrast with the social and political world that produced North Carolina's Republican leaders, who in lieu of even the shallowest soul searching will have to be hammered into eventual economic submission....
4
As a conservative Republican, my deep suspicions about Donald Trump is being realized. He also just said he would raise taxes. Soon he will abandon the Second Amendment, religious freedom and then support the ACA.
He is not to be trusted to carry out any conservative agenda. He will change his position to strike a deal as any crooked business man.
He is not to be trusted to carry out any conservative agenda. He will change his position to strike a deal as any crooked business man.
1
Ted Cruz said Trump was "calling for grown men to be allowed to use little girls’ public restrooms." This is why as a Democrat I'd take Trump over Cruz any day.
Cruz continually fantasizes about such things without realizing what his preoccupations say about HIM. I'm still creeped out by the Cruz family town hall on CNN: his joyless, reptilian description of how he plays with his two daughters ages 5 and 8 and compels hugs and kisses from them; how the younger related to him with a physical tic of poking him repeatedly with her finger, as if used to resorting to annoying physical prompts for his attention.
To me as a mom who just concluded 15 years of chaperoning school trips and activities, the demeanors of the two Cruz daughters were more revealing than the campaign should've wanted. Despite Heidi Cruz's accomplishments, which outweigh Ted's, it's all about him.
Cruz is obsessed with controlling other people physically, sexually, biologically. He has dangerous and unhealthy anxieties about the human body, and attracts those who suffer similarly. Although transgender rights may not be the most urgent issue we could be confronting right now, the hysteria over people who don't look and act according to the sex assigned on their birth certificate sounds an alarm. The desire for an absolute either/or in gender comes from insecurity and fear, which turn to hate and attempts to exorcize and scapegoat (as terms of religion) the fear. Trump's just a pig. Cruz is a fanatic.
Cruz continually fantasizes about such things without realizing what his preoccupations say about HIM. I'm still creeped out by the Cruz family town hall on CNN: his joyless, reptilian description of how he plays with his two daughters ages 5 and 8 and compels hugs and kisses from them; how the younger related to him with a physical tic of poking him repeatedly with her finger, as if used to resorting to annoying physical prompts for his attention.
To me as a mom who just concluded 15 years of chaperoning school trips and activities, the demeanors of the two Cruz daughters were more revealing than the campaign should've wanted. Despite Heidi Cruz's accomplishments, which outweigh Ted's, it's all about him.
Cruz is obsessed with controlling other people physically, sexually, biologically. He has dangerous and unhealthy anxieties about the human body, and attracts those who suffer similarly. Although transgender rights may not be the most urgent issue we could be confronting right now, the hysteria over people who don't look and act according to the sex assigned on their birth certificate sounds an alarm. The desire for an absolute either/or in gender comes from insecurity and fear, which turn to hate and attempts to exorcize and scapegoat (as terms of religion) the fear. Trump's just a pig. Cruz is a fanatic.
37
When Trump marches in the Gay parade wearing a tutu, I will believe he cares about that population.
1
I live in NC and oppose HB2. But truth matters, and there is a serious inaccuracy in this report. I read here that the new law "prohibits people from using public bathrooms that do not correspond to the gender they were born with." This is false.
The new law prohibits people from using public bathrooms that do not correspond to the gender on their birth certificate. NC law allows for people to change the gender on their birth certificates.
The new law prohibits people from using public bathrooms that do not correspond to the gender on their birth certificate. NC law allows for people to change the gender on their birth certificates.
5
Yeah, Trump also had lots of Muslim friends and business associates, all of whom he would now bar from entering the country. It won't take the Donald long to figure out his views on Gay don't play with the Confederate GOP.
4
I am not a Trump supporter but I feel grateful that he resisted the temptation to bash transgender Americans for votes as other craven candidates (Cruz) have done. I believe the article is right in saying that Trump has lived in and been influenced by an environment more accepting of the LBGTQ community. Fifty years ago a gay teacher could not come out as gay because it was thought that he would molest (or at least adversely influence) his students. Trans people are the latest group to be demonized.
Yesterday Target announced its bathrooms are open to the transgender community. When I read that I felt proud to be an American. (Not an every day occurrence!)
Yesterday Target announced its bathrooms are open to the transgender community. When I read that I felt proud to be an American. (Not an every day occurrence!)
19
Donald Trump has never been in favor of same-sex marriage. His explanation started (I paraphrase), "I know a lot of great gay people for years here in New York... ." That says a lot.
2
Hillary wasn't in favor of it either, until the polls shifted and it became politically expedient for her to do so.
1
An actual quote would be good. You were obviously hostile to Trump and your characterization less than fair.
Trump wanted to make that estate into a hotel, but Palm Beach didn't want to allow him to take a once private residence and make a commercial venture out of it, so he outflanked them and made it into a private club.
3
I feel that many independents may choose to vote for Trump over Clinton this fall. Opinions like this make DJT palatable to the centrist majority. He brings the populism and anti-establishment people crave, and his true feelings on social policy are more moderate than most of the GOP base. Clinton is too universally reviled. Sanders would do better against Trump. We are heading into dangerous waters this November- and there be dragons!
9
As it should be... if all people are accepted as equals in society, all the identity issues cease to be issues and we can get on with our lives.
6
Are deep soul searching and living in Manhattan the only explanations available, if one need explain Trump's ease with gay people? How about "his family may have been very tolerant" or "he just didn't have the usual prejudice?" Explanations of anything morally interesting are silly. I learned this when a very far left friend was utterly disgusted when her son came out in the 80s and we liberals were officially, and, alas, proudly tolerant. Easy to say that it the "natural" human response but obviously Trump and many others lack it. People are still individuals, and a life history is complicated, even if we know some statistics about people and their backgrounds. Think of novels, where we judge and care about each character as individuals and not as members of groups, which is very much the current preference.
4
At least Trump gets something right.
3
Re "Trump is far more accepting of sexual minorities than his party’s leaders have been."
So what? Trump is a chameleon. He's prone to flippantly changing his views to suit the occasion regardless of the consequences which he often hasn't considered. He used to abide women's right to abortion. Now he's an ardent pro lifer to the point of asserting that women who choose abortion should be punished, but hasn't determined how ... yet.
So what? Trump is a chameleon. He's prone to flippantly changing his views to suit the occasion regardless of the consequences which he often hasn't considered. He used to abide women's right to abortion. Now he's an ardent pro lifer to the point of asserting that women who choose abortion should be punished, but hasn't determined how ... yet.
4
Who'd have thunk it....Donald Trump dragging the Republican Party kicking and screaming into the 21st Century? Go figure.
24
Trump will quit in a few months saying he was treated unfairly and would have won the Presidency. He will run out of money. He is not as rich as he claims and does not have that many liquid assets. Just golf courses, buildings, sells his brand. His brand Trump is taking a beating. His ego makes him continue but he worships money. He has borrowed money for his campaign and how many hats can he sell. If his tax return would be beneficial he would be showing it for all to see. He is as phony as his hair and tan.
1
I wouldn't give him that much credit, if they didn't have financial benefits of renting space, leasing rooms or buying apartments.....he wouldn't careless....it's all about business with Trump.
1
Except for the small matter of his barbaric (new) views on abortion: make it illegal for virtually all women unless they go before a judge and BEG and PROVE they are going to die otherwise or were raped or victims of incest. Not quite the 21st century we live in or want to live in. Swell guy. Yeah, he loves women. But we don't love him and won't vote for him. PS I'm so tired of men not getting this, not taking his barbaric stand on abortion as evidence of what a horrible president he would be for ALL OF US.
Well, thanks NYT for a fair assessment. And let's not be too harsh on Mr.Trump for his views on gay marriage, for you know it lands us in a tu quoque position vis a vis the "evolving" ideas of our own "chameleon" and "hypocrite" in the left.
And Mr.Trump seems to have done lot more for AIDS than Nancy Reagan (as reported to us by HRC).
And Mr.Trump seems to have done lot more for AIDS than Nancy Reagan (as reported to us by HRC).
8
I was beginning to think I was reading a sponsored puff piece on Trump by the Times. At least Mr. Takei sets it all straight (no pun intended) in the end.
6
How about gay Mexicans? Gay Muslims? "Fat pig" lesbians like Rosie O'Donnell? Not so very tolerant.
16
Believing that states should only license traditional marriage (man + woman) and showing and giving respect to gay people and gay couples are not contradictory.
2
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”. 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”. This guy has serious mental health issues.
17
I am nauseated to hear that Bernie Sanders supporters will now go for Trump. If that's you, clearly the issue of access to safe, legal abortion is not important to you or any of the women in your life. Even though Trump is a fake Republican and used to be pro-choice (and no doubt is privately), he has adopted the hateful position of the GOP and is now a REAL anti-choice candidate. Anyone who thinks that there is no difference between living in a country with access to safe, legal abortion and living in a country where women would be denied legal abortions - and end up dead because of it - is issuing a declaration that he doesn't "get it" and doesn't care. Trump is hugely unpopular with women because we actually know what it feels like to fear an unwanted pregnancy day in an day out. Men are spared this deep personal knowledge - and sadly those who would support Trump don't seem to understand that these are fundamental rights, and that Trump is wiling to abandon them for GOP votes. This is not a detail of his campaign. Mr. "I Love Women" would have us return to back alley abortions as a matter of public policy. His supporters are declaring their support for that too. Trump = Illegal abortion.
13
Great article.. until the last paragraph. Absolutely nasty ending. Perhaps it would have been more appropriate to get comment from Jordan Roth or his well-known parents Steven and Daryl.
2
So women, dark-skinned people, Muslims, immigrants and liberals should feel pretty good about this guy just because he doesn't denounce or sneer at gays the way he does at us?
I don't think so.
A partial bigot is still a bigot.
I don't think so.
A partial bigot is still a bigot.
14
Wow, that's pretty strict, Dee. Does that mean that because you're a partial bigot (a person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions) against Stump, you're still a bigot?
2
Dear Pecan,
Don't be silly, intolerance of intolerance is not itself bigotry. Bigotry is disliking people for what they are (race, religion, sexuality, etc.), but it's always acceptable to dislike people for their negative actions.
Don't be silly, intolerance of intolerance is not itself bigotry. Bigotry is disliking people for what they are (race, religion, sexuality, etc.), but it's always acceptable to dislike people for their negative actions.
Trump as said in a comment is very outspoken and practical in his approach. Whatever comes to his mind , he talks. That is a very good quality. He does not depend on tele prompters.
8
Trump adapts himself to the region. He never would have said this when he started the campaign with Iowa and the South looming. But now that he is in the more liberal NE and with California coming up, he changes his message. I guess he is a real politician after all, telling the voters anything to get elected.
4
Rudy Giuliani not only dressed in drag for a party; after his wife kicked him out of Gracie Mansion for publicly dating another woman while still married to her, he went to live with a gay male couple who were close friends of his.
Socially sophisticated Republicans only pretend to hate gays when they need to get evangelicals to the polls. That's why they make a big deal of legislation like the "bathroom bills" that are currently all the rage. And Religious voters always end up bitterly disappointed. After they put George W. Bush over the top in 2004, they expected him to make an anti-abortion amendment to the US Constitution his main priority. Instead, he focused on trying to privatize Social Security, an effort which failed spectacularly when the stock market and housing market both crashed on his watch.
Trump also raised the ire of social conservatives yesterday when he suggested some changes to the official GOP platform on the issue of reproductive rights. For example, he thinks it should say that American women could undergo abortions to save their own lives. What a liberal.
Socially sophisticated Republicans only pretend to hate gays when they need to get evangelicals to the polls. That's why they make a big deal of legislation like the "bathroom bills" that are currently all the rage. And Religious voters always end up bitterly disappointed. After they put George W. Bush over the top in 2004, they expected him to make an anti-abortion amendment to the US Constitution his main priority. Instead, he focused on trying to privatize Social Security, an effort which failed spectacularly when the stock market and housing market both crashed on his watch.
Trump also raised the ire of social conservatives yesterday when he suggested some changes to the official GOP platform on the issue of reproductive rights. For example, he thinks it should say that American women could undergo abortions to save their own lives. What a liberal.
2
It seems that the NYTIMES is brown-nosing Trump a bit but why exactly is anybodies question. Perhaps because the hope is that he will be the Republican candidate but then obviously losing badly in November against Hillary the Democrat. And we call this a newspaper!
2
A newspaper actually should report all the relevant facts. It should print "all the news that's fit to print" and let the chips fall where they may!
I wish I would get a case like this one day, one that proves itself and all I have to do is sit at the lawyer's table and check my emails.
For nine months, the NY Times portrayed Donald Trump as a bigot, literally. Four of the NY Times most prominent columnists and reporters wrote those words. Now, suddenly in some cajoled mea culpa, the slow drip of truth begins to flow.
As we often said in the UK, how does the NYT square that circle. Donald Trump, the so-called bigot is more progressive on same sex relationships in 2016 than Obama was from 2008-2012 (which given the rumors here in Washington DC about Barack Obama and Reggie Love, creates a paradox).
The same Donald Trump who supposedly hates me because I am Black, has sent personal emails and campaign emails thanking me for my support, and Trump has embraced Black church leaders and a myriad of us who decided to leave the Obama liberal plantation and think for ourselves. The same Donald Trump that supposedly hates Latinos has paid tens of millions of dollars in wages and salaries to Latinos, and done business with Latino businesses for decades. The same Donald Trump that supposedly hates Muslims has all sorts of business interests in the Middle East and major business deals with Saudis.
If the NY Times would spend more time reporting the news instead of trying to invent their own, America wouldn't be so divided. Then again if anyone in the news media had spoken or written the truth, Obama wouldn't be POTUS.
For nine months, the NY Times portrayed Donald Trump as a bigot, literally. Four of the NY Times most prominent columnists and reporters wrote those words. Now, suddenly in some cajoled mea culpa, the slow drip of truth begins to flow.
As we often said in the UK, how does the NYT square that circle. Donald Trump, the so-called bigot is more progressive on same sex relationships in 2016 than Obama was from 2008-2012 (which given the rumors here in Washington DC about Barack Obama and Reggie Love, creates a paradox).
The same Donald Trump who supposedly hates me because I am Black, has sent personal emails and campaign emails thanking me for my support, and Trump has embraced Black church leaders and a myriad of us who decided to leave the Obama liberal plantation and think for ourselves. The same Donald Trump that supposedly hates Latinos has paid tens of millions of dollars in wages and salaries to Latinos, and done business with Latino businesses for decades. The same Donald Trump that supposedly hates Muslims has all sorts of business interests in the Middle East and major business deals with Saudis.
If the NY Times would spend more time reporting the news instead of trying to invent their own, America wouldn't be so divided. Then again if anyone in the news media had spoken or written the truth, Obama wouldn't be POTUS.
37
DCB
You (again) miss the forest for the trees here. The article isn't that Trump has (gasp) left leaning views on a subject. It's that his stated position is at direct odds with the GOP Platform and the GOP establishment.
You (again) miss the forest for the trees here. The article isn't that Trump has (gasp) left leaning views on a subject. It's that his stated position is at direct odds with the GOP Platform and the GOP establishment.
3
So never mind that The Donald has called all Mexican immigrants criminals and rapists, has advocated that no Muslim immigrants be admitted to the U.S. and that the great majority of violent acts perpetrated against caucasians are committed by blacks? Who ya gonna believe, the Donald's alleged business records or your own ears?
BTW: You neglected to mention that you're a black attorney in D.C.
BTW: You neglected to mention that you're a black attorney in D.C.
1
In the 45 minutes since this article was published online, Mr. Trump has already changed his mind.
18
"His ease with gay people does not seem to be the result of deep soul searching, but, rather, the product of the Manhattan social and political world he has inhabited the past five decades."
This is the sentence that caught my eye. It leads me to ask if any of Trump's views are a result of "deep soul searching". I have not have the impression that he much engages in such practice, although I suppose I'd like to think otherwise. To me it seems that most of his views are fly-by-night, ephemeral, fluid, and, hence, highly unpredictable. And that summary outlines the immediate problem for the Republican Party and a potential problem for the US.
Is my reading incorrect??
This is the sentence that caught my eye. It leads me to ask if any of Trump's views are a result of "deep soul searching". I have not have the impression that he much engages in such practice, although I suppose I'd like to think otherwise. To me it seems that most of his views are fly-by-night, ephemeral, fluid, and, hence, highly unpredictable. And that summary outlines the immediate problem for the Republican Party and a potential problem for the US.
Is my reading incorrect??
7
I think you've got it.
His big interests are economic. He doesn't change those. He's been very interested for years on the ideas he presents regarding trade, immigration, jobs, business interests, etc.
The social issues aren't his issues, I think you are correct. I think he is actually a fairly liberal guy, but he has to make some stand and he makes it, and later finds it wasn't a good stand. It gets him into trouble. In his hearts of hearts, I'm guessing you'd find, he doesn't really care, and would like everyone to live and let live.
The social issues aren't his issues, I think you are correct. I think he is actually a fairly liberal guy, but he has to make some stand and he makes it, and later finds it wasn't a good stand. It gets him into trouble. In his hearts of hearts, I'm guessing you'd find, he doesn't really care, and would like everyone to live and let live.
"His ease with gay people does not seem to be the result of deep soul searching, but, rather, the product of the Manhattan social and political world he has inhabited the past five decades."
All of our views must be the result of deep soul searching? I don't have enough time on hands for that. My view on people who are gay: they're people and they don't try to hurt me so let them be. Not deep at all.
All of our views must be the result of deep soul searching? I don't have enough time on hands for that. My view on people who are gay: they're people and they don't try to hurt me so let them be. Not deep at all.
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Also, just because someone thinks long and hard on an issue does not mean she will make the right choice, and just because someone makes a decision on gut instinct does not mean the choice will be wrong.
Maybe this would be a good topic to cover in the Stone.
Maybe this would be a good topic to cover in the Stone.
For anyone that believes what Trump says about anything, I have a bridge to sell you (and I'll throw in the river underneath), a real nice used car (just ignore that blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe), a marvelous fur coat (not racoon, chinchilla--I promise), and a large wooden cross (and those aren't burn marks, and no it wasn't a klan rally).
1
ITrump's crazy utterances, drawing the spotlight, allow Cruz' crazier beliefs to remain in the shadows
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oh fer gosh sake's, is this the genetic holocaust we are so fruitfully engaged in, persevered by endless mind numbing clashes that wreaks divisiveness among peoples bent on establishing some sexual definition, one that will survive the simplistic acts of human creation? amplified issues of creed, color, belief, non-belief, lack of character, hair style, vocal twang, etc, etc, etc....... it just goes on endlessly, like a bad record. oh? and that's just how democracy faces the facts of human differences? by juxtaposing each and every willful mind against another, like a 'force to be reckoned with", until some weak willed fool yanks out a weapon and decides to end the conflict? D-Strong before you lose your trivial lives over insignificant conflict!
I'll just echo the thought I've seen before that once you know someone as more than a stereotype it's hard to put them back inside of it.
Is Mr. Trump exceptional in this? It says far more about his present company than his enlightened state of being.
Is Mr. Trump exceptional in this? It says far more about his present company than his enlightened state of being.
1
Trump will continue to "evolve" as he needs the support of more mainstream voters. If he wins the nomination, look for a personal epiphany which makes him more sympathetic to Democrats.
1
Trump, imho, IS a Democrat. Too normal to be a Republican. That's why I will not be unhappy if he wins the presidency. If, by some twist of fate, Old Bernie is the Democratic nominee, I will vote for Trump.
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Cruz’s projection in relation to the bathroom matter is very telling.
One can suppose from Cruz’s bathroom comments that if were to accidentally wander into a female bathroom that he would end up attacking any poor unfortunate girl or woman that was unlucky enough to be there at the time.
And still he claims to be a Christian.
One can suppose from Cruz’s bathroom comments that if were to accidentally wander into a female bathroom that he would end up attacking any poor unfortunate girl or woman that was unlucky enough to be there at the time.
And still he claims to be a Christian.
1
Trump changes his mind on issues all the time--and then denies that he ever held the previous opinion. Are we really gullible enough to believe anything he says?
3
why not? Hillary reinvents herself constantly and none of her supporters seem to mind.
An article about the death of Prince would have been a better lead story today. Why is this even relevant? He is a racist, xenophobe, misogynist, and we find it newsworthy that he accepts transgenders and gays. I am gay and he does not have my respect or vote. Discrimination and hate at any level is wrong and he is the most egregious we have ever had in the political system. For anyone that has ever been discriminated against you form a bond with others that are marginalized. These comments ring hollow to me and my Islamic, Mexican and women friends.
11
Maybe your stridency makes your "Islamic, Mexican and women friends" afraid to tell you they think you're wrong about Trump (and many other things). They will cast their secret ballot for Trump and you can remain steadfast in your determination to vote against him.
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Mr. Trump consistently promotes the notion that business interests trump everything else. He backs same-sex marriage, not because it's the right thing to do but because it's the right thing to do for business. He's businessman, not a patriotic statesman. It's nice that he's nice to gays, but it's not very nice that he uses the wrong reasons.
He would use the lines to justify war. It's good for business. He might even instigate conflict to turn a profit. Maybe he'd be right. It worked for Calvin Coolidge, 'The business of America is business.'
Coolidge wouldn't be a bad choice for a role model for Donald Trump, but Coolidge was much more than the two-dimensional Donald Trump promises to be.
He would use the lines to justify war. It's good for business. He might even instigate conflict to turn a profit. Maybe he'd be right. It worked for Calvin Coolidge, 'The business of America is business.'
Coolidge wouldn't be a bad choice for a role model for Donald Trump, but Coolidge was much more than the two-dimensional Donald Trump promises to be.
1
In fact, his continual line is that, beyond the needless suffereing, war is a big money loser that ought to be avoided at all costs. Interestingly, he also mentions the environmental damage.
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If one thinks about how much money this guy has raised in his lifetime from capital markets -- putting aside whether he's had success or not with it -- one really can't conclude he's a troglodyte or any of the other favorite words liberals use to assassinate the character of people they don't like. He's a smart guy. He's not going to build a wall; he's not going to deport 10 million people; he's not going to put 45% tariffs across the board on imports from China; he's not going to withdraw from Nato.
He'll beat Clinton in November if they're the candidates because she's so unlikeable. If he makes Bernie Sanders his running mate, they'll take 80% of the vote. They both want to help regular Americans. Clinton wants to help herself and her contributors. Trump and Sanders have more in common than Clinton and Sanders. He's been playing the media for months and it's been fun to watch.
He'll beat Clinton in November if they're the candidates because she's so unlikeable. If he makes Bernie Sanders his running mate, they'll take 80% of the vote. They both want to help regular Americans. Clinton wants to help herself and her contributors. Trump and Sanders have more in common than Clinton and Sanders. He's been playing the media for months and it's been fun to watch.
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After commenting on the "favorite words liberals use to assassinate the character of people they don't like", you go on to do the same thing.
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From my experience living in New York City almost all my life and dealing with gay people I feel that intelligence is linked to whatever causes people to be attracted to the same sex. Perhaps Trump feels the same or he knows the California primary is coming up and hopes to attract gay voters or those who have interacted with them. If Cruz becomes president he will try to make life miserable for gays.
4
And for women, of course.
Well, that makes him a RINO, doesn't it .. and not a REAL Republican in what has become the American Taliban party?
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Wait a sec....didn't he already walk back his comments...now it's a state's rights issue. This guy is the definition of a flake. Trump will take any position or all positions, as long as he gets votes and the subsequent GOP nomination. This guy is NOT presidential material. I will not hire him for that position.
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Maybe Trump is "more accepting" because he's a New Yorker. That's one of the great things about New York. We're all inclusive and most of us don't tell other people how to live.
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Susan, please tell me you're joking. The Timrs editorial board and op-eds are in the business of trying to tell the entire world -- not just the county -- how to live... At first it is rather amusing, but as the drumbeat goes on it becomes very, very tiresome...
Trump does not care about social issues and playing to the red meat fundamentalist nutters in the GOP who are frothing about bathrooms. That is Cruz territory. If Trump had a sane plan on immigration, income inequality, and job creation he might be a very compelling candidate but so far that is Sanders territory.
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What percentage of our population is transgender? Estimate: 0.3%. What percentage is gay? Estimate: Gay, Lesbian and Bi-sexual combined; less than 4%. This month’s big deal is what bathrooms should transgender people be allowed to use? Really, haven't people got more urgent and important things to do that are meaningful to 99.7% of the population? I always hear talk about government doing things for the "Greater Good". Is this an example of doing things for the "Greater Good"? I'm of the opinion that people should use the bathroom that matches biological gender. I have lived my entire life believing that should be the way it works. If 0.3% or even 4.0% of the population wishes to change that and we let them, then we have lost our collective minds. If this is so overwhelmingly important and the majority of Americans do not want biological men using the ladies rooms then we should leave it that way. However, to accommodate the 0.3% of self-identified transgender I think we should build separate bathrooms for them. To hell with the cost. Take it out of our foreign aid spending. Transgender bathrooms are much more important to our wellbeing than foreign aid.
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NYChap, you have perfectly captured the righteous Liberal:
overly focused on identity politics, such as the bathroom issue,at the expense of focusing on the dangerous upswing in the press of the beating of war drums in the ME and with Russia, preparing us for more, not less, war.
overly focused on identity politics, such as the bathroom issue,at the expense of focusing on the dangerous upswing in the press of the beating of war drums in the ME and with Russia, preparing us for more, not less, war.
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The GOP social platform is one befitting of 1962. It's about time someone challenged that, even if that someone is Donald Trump.
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Trump is not a republican he's a democrat. I agree with him on many social issues such as accepting gays, but for republicans to think he's a conservative you're wrong. He's a populist.
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Mr. Trump is just what we need in Washington to break the gridlock.
He believes in America, not a party.
He has already said he will sit down and negotiate with both sides of the aisle to find solutions to Americas most perplexing problems.
In a similar manner, both Cruz and Hilary remain polarizing figures promising no more than 8 more years of the same gridlock and polarization in DC and the nation.
He believes in America, not a party.
He has already said he will sit down and negotiate with both sides of the aisle to find solutions to Americas most perplexing problems.
In a similar manner, both Cruz and Hilary remain polarizing figures promising no more than 8 more years of the same gridlock and polarization in DC and the nation.
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Accepting of which gays - those that happen to be white?
3
Donald Trump shows flashes of personality that seem to embrace a lot of points of view over time. But at his core, he marches to a simple rhythm, the addiction to fame, fortune and power. His position on any issue is phony because it originates from and is sustained by whether it enhances his main goal - becoming the next president of the United States.
Calling Mr. Trump a chameleon or hypocrite doesn't explain his motivations. Trump is driven by what so many other people in positions of power crave...more power.
Calling Mr. Trump a chameleon or hypocrite doesn't explain his motivations. Trump is driven by what so many other people in positions of power crave...more power.
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Figures. Took the crook Nixon to pave the way to China, the commie-hater Reagan to make inroads with Russia, and now the carnival Barker Trump to make it ok for Republicans to talk about sex realistically. What's next? Paul Ryan calling for increased taxes on the rich? McConnell opposing gerrymandering? Palin supporting abortion rights?
2
When people figure out that Mr. Trump is far more reasonable and accepting than the media would have you believe, many Democrats are going to vote for him. Blue collar folks that want their jobs back from China and Mexico are going to find him very appealing as are the coal miners. Nobody has bought and paid for Mr. Trump and it irritates many that he refuses their money. On the other side, Sen. Sanders has not been bought either and this makes him an attractive candidate.
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Finally the NYT readers can see why the Republican party establishment fears Trump and why so many ordinary Republicans, like me, prefer him to Cruz, Rubio, and Jeb Bush. Trump is many things but he is not a political tiangulator like Bill and Hillary Clinton. Neither does he pander to the religious right. Trump seems to have consistently supported gay rights for a longer time than the 'liberal' Clintons. In fact his hiring practices reflect that he is very inclusive of women and minorities. No getting around this - OK. As a Southern Redneck and an "Angry Old White Man" I like this development. Trump will cause even more waves in a few weeks and this is a good thing.
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Good comment, Redneck.
(I love the Clintons, but I agree with everything else you say.)
(I love the Clintons, but I agree with everything else you say.)
1
"Neither does he pander to the religious right". Yeah, he just happened to carry his Bible all over when he was campaigning in Bible Belt states. Wake up, he's now campaigning in eastern seaboard, progressive states, thus the moderate stances. He's a snake oil salesman.
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"On Thursday, he startled some Republicans by saying on NBC’s “Today” show that he opposed a recently passed North Carolina law that prohibits people from using public bathrooms that do not correspond to the gender they were born with, striking down a Charlotte ordinance."
I didn't read that Trump would make all bathrooms that he owns or is affiliated with gender neutral. Would he be okay with biological women walking into the bathroom while he is doing his business at a urinal?
I didn't read that Trump would make all bathrooms that he owns or is affiliated with gender neutral. Would he be okay with biological women walking into the bathroom while he is doing his business at a urinal?
Who cares Donald Trump's view on gay and lesbian, we care his mayhem against immigrants and Muslims. Donald Trump is such a selfish, sneaky, blunt and impolite that if he needed he will begin his rhetoric againt gay and lesbian.
Donald Trump should better go to North Pole and make his Trump Plaza there. He does not deserve to live in a civilized country like USA.
Donald Trump should better go to North Pole and make his Trump Plaza there. He does not deserve to live in a civilized country like USA.
2
A politician who rises to prominence by spewing hatred and lies about minorities that are in no position to defend themselves does not deserve to become President of the United States.
That is what Mr. Trump did, and that is why is he is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. Nothing he does now will change that.
So, now the decision is in our hands. We either reject him... or we accept him and say that this was an appropriate route to power in America.
Either way, the choose will be ours: and so will the legacy.
That is what Mr. Trump did, and that is why is he is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. Nothing he does now will change that.
So, now the decision is in our hands. We either reject him... or we accept him and say that this was an appropriate route to power in America.
Either way, the choose will be ours: and so will the legacy.
Having a Gay son has made me a Staunch opponent of conservative issues, although, I am a fiscal conservative.I always liked that Trump is not beholding to anyone, as he finances his own campaign.Some of the positions he takes make me shudder.His comment about McCain was in particular very upsetting, & his ego is his worst enemy.But what you hear & see is exactly what you get. I find this refreshing.I have been leaning towards Trump.However, I was not sure about his position on Gay Rights, this article has broken down any doubts I held, although , he does not support Gay marriage he celebrates the Gay marriages of his Gay friends He has the Strength,Courage, and a sincere love of America.This will be the first time I will vote for a Republican.
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@ultraliberal,
Can't you see that Trump is being politically-correct for conservatives? Far from 'what you hear is what you get' this guy is saying he believes in LGBTQ discrimination even though he had no problem in 2005 with conceiving of Elton John's 'civil partnership' as a MARRIAGE.
If you're refreshed & impressed by Trump's apparent independence, you're missing his political correctness to the haters on the right.
Can't you see that Trump is being politically-correct for conservatives? Far from 'what you hear is what you get' this guy is saying he believes in LGBTQ discrimination even though he had no problem in 2005 with conceiving of Elton John's 'civil partnership' as a MARRIAGE.
If you're refreshed & impressed by Trump's apparent independence, you're missing his political correctness to the haters on the right.
3
Sam,There is no question that he like all his opponents pander for votes, & one has to separate the person from the pandering.
It took courage for him to take a stand against North Carolina's Bigotry, it may have lost the South for him that every Republican must have if they are to get the nomination.
I have been torn between my Love & support for Israel, & my son, but not for Netayanhu. My Granddaughter lives there .I find the Democratic Party is vehemently against Israel. Sanders slanted comments against Israel in Gaza is an example of that, and he is mostly surrounded and supported by Radical Liberals That want their colleges and businesses to divest their interest in Israel, this is what made me lean towards Trump in the first place.I sincerely believe Trump is tolerant & supportive of Gay rights , & his disgust over the Iranian Deal leads me to believe he will be supportive of Israel.I have been a Liberal Democrat for most of my life, but the party left me, I did not leave the party.
It took courage for him to take a stand against North Carolina's Bigotry, it may have lost the South for him that every Republican must have if they are to get the nomination.
I have been torn between my Love & support for Israel, & my son, but not for Netayanhu. My Granddaughter lives there .I find the Democratic Party is vehemently against Israel. Sanders slanted comments against Israel in Gaza is an example of that, and he is mostly surrounded and supported by Radical Liberals That want their colleges and businesses to divest their interest in Israel, this is what made me lean towards Trump in the first place.I sincerely believe Trump is tolerant & supportive of Gay rights , & his disgust over the Iranian Deal leads me to believe he will be supportive of Israel.I have been a Liberal Democrat for most of my life, but the party left me, I did not leave the party.
1
Very thoughtful. Welcome to the #TrumpTrain
1
Well, they will be needed when Donald wants to build an army that is so big, and I mean so big that we will have the largest and I mean largest Army in the world ... then when they retire ... and they will get the best assistance provided, perhaps a vacation at his country club, and it will cost the government$$$, then another new group, etc ...
And then these soldiers might retire by building Great Wall Trump, where thousands and I actually mean millions of retired Military can provide a Great Wall, probably longer than the Great Wall, so the rest of Americans can sit and watch the Hispanics build the Wall from the other side, and give the Hispanics a job as the American industries move back to America, I think.
And then these soldiers might retire by building Great Wall Trump, where thousands and I actually mean millions of retired Military can provide a Great Wall, probably longer than the Great Wall, so the rest of Americans can sit and watch the Hispanics build the Wall from the other side, and give the Hispanics a job as the American industries move back to America, I think.
5
Bob, the army will be YUUUGE! It will be fantastic, the greatest army anywhere, made up of really fine folks. I know those folks, they will be... and the wall, it will be YUUUGE too, a fabulous wall that Mexico will pay for and don't get me wrong, I love Mexicans, they're great people, fabulous food, and they'll be happy to build that yuge wall for us.
2
It's being reported that he is already back tracking, talking about state's rights. I guess another example of his stream of consciousness thing. Then somebody tells him it's not going over well with his fans.
3
I'm telling you. I'm actually very moderate. I told Jeb the Iraq war was "a big fat mistake" in at the Republican debate. I support health care for everyone. I am for free trade, but it has got to be fair. And Sanders agrees with me. I'm fine with trans folks and am pro-gay marriage. I'll be a President people can work with - a uniter.
People say - but you are racist - you call for a wall. I'm not racist - I'm simply saying that we can't have illegal immigrants. They artificially inflate the low-way job pool. If it weren't for illegals, we wouldn't need to artificially inflate the minimum wage to $15.
People say - but you are racist - you call for a wall. I'm not racist - I'm simply saying that we can't have illegal immigrants. They artificially inflate the low-way job pool. If it weren't for illegals, we wouldn't need to artificially inflate the minimum wage to $15.
4
Hey, Donald, why do you keep hiring those illegal immigrants if you want them to stay put in Mexico?
1
Trump's response to the issue of marriage equality -- that he's personally affable to individuals and supportive in the easier ways, while being unable or unwilling to change a basically bigoted, traditional view -- reinforces my perception of the fundamental truth about the guy: he does what works for his business goals and easiest for him personally. Reason #472 why he's not presidential material.
5
Trump's specialty is racism. He really could care less about abortion or homosexuality.
Trump voted for Obama in 2008 and Clinton in 1996.
He's not a Republican. He's simply a racist big city "liberal" in an elephant costume. Racism is the only the Republican Party and Trump have in common.
Trump voted for Obama in 2008 and Clinton in 1996.
He's not a Republican. He's simply a racist big city "liberal" in an elephant costume. Racism is the only the Republican Party and Trump have in common.
9
Ironically, Hillary is a pretty recent convert to the same-sex marriage issue. That conversion conveniently coincided with her run for the President. She is a mile wide and an inch deep - Donald is going to destroy her in the election....
7
Mr. Trump has no chance against the Shouter, Ms. Clinton.
If you really believe that, you should be investing heavily in the prediction markets, all of which are showing overwhelming probabilities of a Democratic win:
Current odds posted for any-Dem-vs-any-Publican (except where noted):
Iowa Electronic Markets: 72:28
PredictWise: 74:26
CNN Politics: 79:21
InTrade: 47:32
PredictIt (Clinton:Trump) 69:28
With those odds, if you're right, you could make some serious bank!
Of course, the prediction markets have, historically, been pretty accurate on such matters...
Current odds posted for any-Dem-vs-any-Publican (except where noted):
Iowa Electronic Markets: 72:28
PredictWise: 74:26
CNN Politics: 79:21
InTrade: 47:32
PredictIt (Clinton:Trump) 69:28
With those odds, if you're right, you could make some serious bank!
Of course, the prediction markets have, historically, been pretty accurate on such matters...
1
“He’s a chameleon or a hypocrite, whichever word you like.”
I like both.
I like both.
17
Looking forward to the spin the numb minded Clinton voters will make of this article..
And what this article also accomplishes is that it pretty much debunks that Trump is a racist also. And what I mean by that, is it does define his overall character and as many have previously pointed out, Trump has long worked with gay people, Black people, really all people, because you know, he's a business man. I'm actually surprised the Times published a factual article about anyone not Hillary Clinton. Maybe we're in for a treat and now the Times will publish the facts about Hillary Clinton....But I'm not holding my breath, because her facts are not so swell..I had a pretty heated conversation with a few folks the other day, here in Manhattan, that of course lack any brain space to think outside of their default level of stupid (you know, Hillary voters) and it finally occurred to me how sad they are.
And what this article also accomplishes is that it pretty much debunks that Trump is a racist also. And what I mean by that, is it does define his overall character and as many have previously pointed out, Trump has long worked with gay people, Black people, really all people, because you know, he's a business man. I'm actually surprised the Times published a factual article about anyone not Hillary Clinton. Maybe we're in for a treat and now the Times will publish the facts about Hillary Clinton....But I'm not holding my breath, because her facts are not so swell..I had a pretty heated conversation with a few folks the other day, here in Manhattan, that of course lack any brain space to think outside of their default level of stupid (you know, Hillary voters) and it finally occurred to me how sad they are.
8
Yea to Trump. He is his own man--unlike Hillary who hasn't been her own woman since she set her sights on Bubba. As a Democratic I will vote for him because he has been willing to take on the political parties, unlike Hillary who benefits from her party and is loyal to it more than to her constituents, at lest those of us who are not in the 1%.
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The best part is, after calling Mexicans rapists and billions of Muslims terrorists, and calling everyone names and all of the other things that everyone thought would end his campaign, not hating gays probably will cost him the nomination.
Best election ever...
Best election ever...
Trump actually is right about many of the problems. He stood on the debate stage and said how had already bought all hi opponents, for example. But his "solutions" are horrible. Find someone with positive non-violent solutions to vote for.
As a Democrat you should recognize that Hillary is a genuine advocate for civil rights while Trump goes with the flow when it comes to admitting rich gay people to his club. Do you really think Trump is more likely to regulate Wall St and corporations and raise taxes on the rich than Hillary? If so, you would be quite deluded.
1
'You can fool some of the people all of the time; you can fool all of the people some of the time, but you can never fool all of the people all of the time.'
When are the die-hard Donald Trump supporters going to learn that he is the modern day PT Barnum. He has managed to convince his base of supporters (probably made up largely of ex-Apprentice viewers) that his TV persona of firing fake employees makes him a serious person in real life.
Donald Trump has a very long history and paper trail of middle of the road to liberal statements and beliefs. He had threatened to run for President the past several cycles, and pulled the plug now because the time was right from his personal age standpoint, the fractured GOP, the anger among white middle class GOP voters, and his 100% name recognition.
As soon as he secures the GOP nomination, he will stop with all the crap language that got him this far. To his die hard supports you fit the category 'you can fool all of the people some of the time'. Good luck!
When are the die-hard Donald Trump supporters going to learn that he is the modern day PT Barnum. He has managed to convince his base of supporters (probably made up largely of ex-Apprentice viewers) that his TV persona of firing fake employees makes him a serious person in real life.
Donald Trump has a very long history and paper trail of middle of the road to liberal statements and beliefs. He had threatened to run for President the past several cycles, and pulled the plug now because the time was right from his personal age standpoint, the fractured GOP, the anger among white middle class GOP voters, and his 100% name recognition.
As soon as he secures the GOP nomination, he will stop with all the crap language that got him this far. To his die hard supports you fit the category 'you can fool all of the people some of the time'. Good luck!
9
For decades, the Establishment politicians have used issues like homosexuality, abortion and guns to whip unsophisticated voters into partisan frenzies.
Meanwhile, they were busy selling off our jobs, healthcare and safety to profit themselves.
Let's not get distracted.
Meanwhile, they were busy selling off our jobs, healthcare and safety to profit themselves.
Let's not get distracted.
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So true, Honeybee. Gay marriage doesn't work, and so this small segment of the population is paraded out for the right-wing to barker over. They never stop waving genitalia and uteri in your face and shrieking like practicers of voo doo to make the gullible take their eyes off their wallets for a split second or two so they can continue this slow execution of the golden goose.
Is that too many metaphors? There cannot be enough for this ginning up of pseudo hysteria. I didn't see the some 700 thousand transgenders among us becoming fodder for weeks of cable news. Surprised me. And now is overdone and annoying. I never thought people would accept multi gender bathrooms the way they always have in Europe in my lifetime, but every Starbucks has one and civilization and its discontents continue, in both their caffeinated and decaffeinated strains. Not when you consider the thousands of children poisoned in Flint MI because of strangulation of government services. That hardly caused a ripple. Flint is the canary in the coal mine. That will be all of us shortly if multinationals continue to suck up tax breaks and subsidies they are not "entitled" too— like the outrage of continued oil subsidies—and offshore not only jobs but also hoarded profits while waving sexuality as cover. And they still have time for affairs and the DC Madam. How do they do it.
How about some Trumpery for Flint, The Donald?
Is that too many metaphors? There cannot be enough for this ginning up of pseudo hysteria. I didn't see the some 700 thousand transgenders among us becoming fodder for weeks of cable news. Surprised me. And now is overdone and annoying. I never thought people would accept multi gender bathrooms the way they always have in Europe in my lifetime, but every Starbucks has one and civilization and its discontents continue, in both their caffeinated and decaffeinated strains. Not when you consider the thousands of children poisoned in Flint MI because of strangulation of government services. That hardly caused a ripple. Flint is the canary in the coal mine. That will be all of us shortly if multinationals continue to suck up tax breaks and subsidies they are not "entitled" too— like the outrage of continued oil subsidies—and offshore not only jobs but also hoarded profits while waving sexuality as cover. And they still have time for affairs and the DC Madam. How do they do it.
How about some Trumpery for Flint, The Donald?
1
Yes, it sets him apart . . . . as a Democrat. Trump is a liar and a fraud. He's free to believe what he wants to believe, but he's been duping the ignorant pseudo-conservatives for months, trying to make them believe he was one-of-them. So, they've forgotten whatever it was that they thought they believed and signed on for life with this crude, vulgar huckster.
9
You have to hate the "others" to be a true Republican?
2
So there is one good thing about Donald Trump...wow!
7
I think this is one point Donald Trump is true about - that he does accept gays, and this does put him a step above most Republicans. He doesn't even have to pretend on this one. He doesn't have to make up stories, he doesn't have to avoid the topic, on this one what he says what he does mean.
Is Trump's acceptance because he is a New Yorker, home of diversity?
Is Trump's acceptance because he doesn't find scripture which denounces gays? Is Trump's acceptance because he does business with many gays?
Whatever, he is being truthful about his acceptance. And that is a good thing.
As a nurse who worked years ago as a school nurse, I was so dismayed when the young man, Gavin Grimm, was reported to be forced to use the school nurse's bathroom. No child should have to have their birth certificate pinned on their chest (sound familiar from history?) to assign the place for them to urinate or defecate. Nor any adult for that matter either. This legislation is one which will continue to be fought in the courts, and it should be.
I would not vote for Donald Trump. The Republican platform goes against my values. But I give Donald Trump a lot of credit when he publicly says let people use the bathroom the wish to use. Because really, medically speaking, using a bathroom is a pretty basic need and I don't believe any kid or anyone else needs to be discriminated against in where they eliminate their waste.
There's enough other trouble in the world that needs real fixing.
Is Trump's acceptance because he is a New Yorker, home of diversity?
Is Trump's acceptance because he doesn't find scripture which denounces gays? Is Trump's acceptance because he does business with many gays?
Whatever, he is being truthful about his acceptance. And that is a good thing.
As a nurse who worked years ago as a school nurse, I was so dismayed when the young man, Gavin Grimm, was reported to be forced to use the school nurse's bathroom. No child should have to have their birth certificate pinned on their chest (sound familiar from history?) to assign the place for them to urinate or defecate. Nor any adult for that matter either. This legislation is one which will continue to be fought in the courts, and it should be.
I would not vote for Donald Trump. The Republican platform goes against my values. But I give Donald Trump a lot of credit when he publicly says let people use the bathroom the wish to use. Because really, medically speaking, using a bathroom is a pretty basic need and I don't believe any kid or anyone else needs to be discriminated against in where they eliminate their waste.
There's enough other trouble in the world that needs real fixing.
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I am most certainly no fan of Donald Trump's, but Haberman's conclusion that, "His ease with gay people does not seem to be the result of deep soul searching,..." is neither supported by any evidence in the article regarding Trump nor by any evidence proffered that the author has training in soul searching. Rather, the evidence leads one toward the conclusion that what we do have is a case of creeping editorialization, when it comes to Times' "news" articles regarding the Presidential primaries.
25
So a GOP politician gets a gold star for not being a bigot?? Has the bar been set that low?
316
He's also been an advocate for gay rights. Including financially. What have you done?
1
Let's just say that it sets Trump far away from the pack, which reflects all the negative attributes that Far Right conservatives are proud to own.
The issue is not whether he (or anyone else) is a bigot. The issue is whether he would respect the established rights of others, whether or not he approves of those others or those rights.
For instance, Trump says he believes marriage is between a man and a woman. OK, he has a right to his opinion. (I think on this, as on so many issues, he hasn't thought through a consistent line; he reacts from the gut. Thus he can congratulate Elton John on his marriage with no sense that, logically, if you accept his stated position on marriage, it's a sham.)
The issue, though, is: Would he, as president, do anything to try to repeal the rights of LGBT people to civil marriage?
I see no sign that he would, and that's what matters.
Speaking solely for myself, I don't care about changing people's hearts, or even minds. That's futile. Like alcoholics, the change must come from them; you can't impose it. (How much simpler the world would be if we could only choose our feelings.) I DO care, and care only, about behavior. That, you can address by law. Hate me if you like, and even say so; the limits are on what you can or can't do to me. Based on that criterion, Trump passes the test. LGBT-friendliness, though, is not the only criterion in play, and Trump is just about the last person on the planet, other than, say, Kim Jong-un, I'd want to see as POTUS.
BTW before you flame: I hate labels, but if I must have one, I'm 'genderqueer gay/bi female'.
For instance, Trump says he believes marriage is between a man and a woman. OK, he has a right to his opinion. (I think on this, as on so many issues, he hasn't thought through a consistent line; he reacts from the gut. Thus he can congratulate Elton John on his marriage with no sense that, logically, if you accept his stated position on marriage, it's a sham.)
The issue, though, is: Would he, as president, do anything to try to repeal the rights of LGBT people to civil marriage?
I see no sign that he would, and that's what matters.
Speaking solely for myself, I don't care about changing people's hearts, or even minds. That's futile. Like alcoholics, the change must come from them; you can't impose it. (How much simpler the world would be if we could only choose our feelings.) I DO care, and care only, about behavior. That, you can address by law. Hate me if you like, and even say so; the limits are on what you can or can't do to me. Based on that criterion, Trump passes the test. LGBT-friendliness, though, is not the only criterion in play, and Trump is just about the last person on the planet, other than, say, Kim Jong-un, I'd want to see as POTUS.
BTW before you flame: I hate labels, but if I must have one, I'm 'genderqueer gay/bi female'.
Donald Trump has a documented liberal history of supporting single-payer healthcare, abortion rights and a one-time tax on the uber-wealthy, so it's no surprise he treats homosexuals as human beings.
Donald Trump simply made a strategic political and marketing decision a few years ago that if he wanted to run for President, he'd simply have a better chance marketing to Republicans than to Democrats because Republicans are more likely to believe anything a candidate says where Democrats want someone who believes in fair public policy unconnected to billionaire entitlement.
Donald test-marketed and trial-ballooned his electoral approach with Birtherism a few years ago and it was a smash hit with right-wingers and Republicans, so Donald married the GOP strictly for political purposes, his fourth official marriage.
Donald's political ideology is Trumpism; it's neither Republican or Democratic.
He's the Party of Trump, Me, Myself and I.
Having said all that, Trump did the Republican Party and the country a giant favor by reinventing the possibility of a moderate Republican, an extinct species that used to freely roam the countryside.
Trump - in spite of all his George Wallace rabble-rousing - still remains far more sensible a candidate than Pastors Ted Cruz and John Kasich with their forced pregnancy and trickle-down-poverty sensibilities.
But Trump remains true to Republicanism in one important aspect -- like most Republicans, he's an accomplished and gifted scam artist.
Donald Trump simply made a strategic political and marketing decision a few years ago that if he wanted to run for President, he'd simply have a better chance marketing to Republicans than to Democrats because Republicans are more likely to believe anything a candidate says where Democrats want someone who believes in fair public policy unconnected to billionaire entitlement.
Donald test-marketed and trial-ballooned his electoral approach with Birtherism a few years ago and it was a smash hit with right-wingers and Republicans, so Donald married the GOP strictly for political purposes, his fourth official marriage.
Donald's political ideology is Trumpism; it's neither Republican or Democratic.
He's the Party of Trump, Me, Myself and I.
Having said all that, Trump did the Republican Party and the country a giant favor by reinventing the possibility of a moderate Republican, an extinct species that used to freely roam the countryside.
Trump - in spite of all his George Wallace rabble-rousing - still remains far more sensible a candidate than Pastors Ted Cruz and John Kasich with their forced pregnancy and trickle-down-poverty sensibilities.
But Trump remains true to Republicanism in one important aspect -- like most Republicans, he's an accomplished and gifted scam artist.
815
Sensible? I should ask the Muslim marine returning from a tour of duty if Trump is sensible? Socrates! for the first time you sound like Brooks writing glowing stuff about Obama.
3
Michael Bloomberg is another former New York Democrat who found it much easier to get onto the Republican ticket to become Mayor.
3
You my friend are a genius (not sarcastic)
5
Donald Trump doesn't care about gay people. As in, he does not care one way or another. Why he's against Same sex marriage appears to be that someone told him he has to be to be the Republican nominee. His best line about it was in some interview where he was asked what he would tell a gay couple who had been together 30 or 40 years and wanted to be married and argued that someone like him, who had been divorced several times, had no right to claim that they should be prevented from marrying because their marriage would be less traditional. "I'd say they had a good point" was Trump's answer. I mean, I think he'd be a horrible and dangerous President. But that was hilarious.
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It's what Ted Cruz calls "New York values" and it's also progressive, fair-minded, and not tainted with anything except respect for the individual.
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Don't know if you live in NYC but it happens to be one of the most segregated and structurally racist large cities in the US. Don't be patting yourself on the back quite so hard, Stephen. Plenty of work left to do.
Well, historically, northeast Republicans tend to be more pragmatic, then their southern, midwestern and western counterparts. Think Susan Collins of Maine, for example.
So, is Mr. Trump showing the real person who would be president, now, or is the one that people have come to loathe be the real Mr. Trump?
Certainly, his comments, in recent days, indicate a shift from the far right, almost fascist positions, to something more centrist, in nature. He, like Hillary Clinton, now have to "play" to the majority of Americans, not just the fringes. So, both keep "remaking" themselves. Ted Cruz, is the most honest of the three, we know his views are counter to a vast majority of Americans.
Again, out of who is left, who even has a chance, is Mr. Sanders. But, the smears continue from Clinton operatives, the media and the Clintons themselves. He is the only one who has not had to "remake" himself. Of course, the "establishment" has decided, more or less, it will be Clinton vs Trump, in the fall. It is will be the battle of who is the best liar to convince voters to hold their nose and vote for them.
So, is Mr. Trump showing the real person who would be president, now, or is the one that people have come to loathe be the real Mr. Trump?
Certainly, his comments, in recent days, indicate a shift from the far right, almost fascist positions, to something more centrist, in nature. He, like Hillary Clinton, now have to "play" to the majority of Americans, not just the fringes. So, both keep "remaking" themselves. Ted Cruz, is the most honest of the three, we know his views are counter to a vast majority of Americans.
Again, out of who is left, who even has a chance, is Mr. Sanders. But, the smears continue from Clinton operatives, the media and the Clintons themselves. He is the only one who has not had to "remake" himself. Of course, the "establishment" has decided, more or less, it will be Clinton vs Trump, in the fall. It is will be the battle of who is the best liar to convince voters to hold their nose and vote for them.
38
Doubtless GOP strategists are licking their chops in hopes that the democratic presidential nominee will be Sanders, a candidate in his 70s, a self declared socialist and soon to be labelled a fervent communist (a lethal dog whistle for sure). He will be pummelled by Trump mercilessly. At least Clinton knows well how to fight such aggressive no holds barred right wing attacks. Sanders will be a sitting duck unfortunately, and his bid is likely to fail given a fickle low information electorate that put a bunch of gleeful stalwart GOP obstructionists in power not once but twice since 2010.
2
John, Ms. Clinton will get the same treatment; if not worse. You honestly believe Ms. Clinton will get anything done with a GOP dominated Congress? She will not have "coat tails" trying to revert Congress back to the Democrats. So she will have her wish; "status quo".
Mr. Sanders has a better advantage here, he has been in Congress fro decades and has worked with the GOP. to get things done. Ms. Clinton was only in the Senate fro 8 years, so she could get "experience" to run for President. A Senate record that was "ho hum", at best. And her record of Secretary of State, to get more "experience" to run fro President, is still being debated, as well as investigated by the FBI and Congress.
The debates between Trump/Clinton or Trump/Sanders will be a brawl either way. And as far as being chewed up by the GOP, well both Sanders and Clinton will be targeted with attack ads. But, being a Democratic Socialist is less of an issue, than being untruthful, arrogant and backed by Wall Street. Not to mention the Clinton Foundation ties to the Panama Papers. Finally, Mr. anders polls higher against any other GOP candidate.
Earth to Clinton supporters, the GOP is planning the mother of "October Surprises", in regards to Ms. Clinton, and "Slick Willy". They want her more than ever, as the Democratic nominee. The PAC money is already there to have the most dirtiest presidential campaign in history.
Mr. Sanders has a better advantage here, he has been in Congress fro decades and has worked with the GOP. to get things done. Ms. Clinton was only in the Senate fro 8 years, so she could get "experience" to run for President. A Senate record that was "ho hum", at best. And her record of Secretary of State, to get more "experience" to run fro President, is still being debated, as well as investigated by the FBI and Congress.
The debates between Trump/Clinton or Trump/Sanders will be a brawl either way. And as far as being chewed up by the GOP, well both Sanders and Clinton will be targeted with attack ads. But, being a Democratic Socialist is less of an issue, than being untruthful, arrogant and backed by Wall Street. Not to mention the Clinton Foundation ties to the Panama Papers. Finally, Mr. anders polls higher against any other GOP candidate.
Earth to Clinton supporters, the GOP is planning the mother of "October Surprises", in regards to Ms. Clinton, and "Slick Willy". They want her more than ever, as the Democratic nominee. The PAC money is already there to have the most dirtiest presidential campaign in history.
1
The difference, Nick, is that Clinton will get elected. Status quo is 1000 times better than GOP victory.
The Republicans have repeatedly and unsuccessfully tried to bring Clinton down for 25 years. They've bern desperately trying to persuade Dems to nominate Bernie. You think that's because most Americans care more about "Panama papers" than about a guy who will "raise their taxes"? If most of the electorate already agreed with you, we wouldn't be here in the first place. Bernie is not winning among Democrats, and that is not just because "it's all rigged" or "haven't heard his message yet." Even if you agree with the message, there are huge gaps in his plan for WINNING the Presidency that he has never acknowledged or addressed.
If the GOP had some big new weapon to nail Clinton, they'd have used it by now to eliminate her. She has a history of surviving the worst they throw at her. And if you, Nick, really think that "being a socialist" is less of a big deal to the electorate because it isn't a big deal to one demographic, you are very much mistaken. And you may not believe it, but Bill was an extremely popular president at the time, and most people disapproved of the GOP's witchhunt.
The Republicans have repeatedly and unsuccessfully tried to bring Clinton down for 25 years. They've bern desperately trying to persuade Dems to nominate Bernie. You think that's because most Americans care more about "Panama papers" than about a guy who will "raise their taxes"? If most of the electorate already agreed with you, we wouldn't be here in the first place. Bernie is not winning among Democrats, and that is not just because "it's all rigged" or "haven't heard his message yet." Even if you agree with the message, there are huge gaps in his plan for WINNING the Presidency that he has never acknowledged or addressed.
If the GOP had some big new weapon to nail Clinton, they'd have used it by now to eliminate her. She has a history of surviving the worst they throw at her. And if you, Nick, really think that "being a socialist" is less of a big deal to the electorate because it isn't a big deal to one demographic, you are very much mistaken. And you may not believe it, but Bill was an extremely popular president at the time, and most people disapproved of the GOP's witchhunt.
Trump became a front runner by making some bombastic statements that attracted free media attention. He has spent a small fraction of what others have spent, and he is the front runner.
Trump certainly knows how to grab a headline. However, it is clear he is not a Christian Taliban, not a neocon, and has a good head on his shoulders. I am convinced he would surround himself with qualified advisors if elected, and is more interested in a personal legacy than catering to a bunch of special interests.
Now that it appears Bernie will fall short, in the general election, I will support Trump. I have had enough Clintons for one lifetime. If we are going to elect a "moderate Republican", I prefer one not bought by special interests.
Hillary Clinton took in millions for "speeches" and added the money to her personal wealth. And she won't reveal what she said in those speeches. Yet she claims she will give the special interests no breaks. Well, somebody will wind up cheated. Either the general public when she gives them the breaks, or the bankers, who will have paid for the breaks, and then not get them.
Trump certainly knows how to grab a headline. However, it is clear he is not a Christian Taliban, not a neocon, and has a good head on his shoulders. I am convinced he would surround himself with qualified advisors if elected, and is more interested in a personal legacy than catering to a bunch of special interests.
Now that it appears Bernie will fall short, in the general election, I will support Trump. I have had enough Clintons for one lifetime. If we are going to elect a "moderate Republican", I prefer one not bought by special interests.
Hillary Clinton took in millions for "speeches" and added the money to her personal wealth. And she won't reveal what she said in those speeches. Yet she claims she will give the special interests no breaks. Well, somebody will wind up cheated. Either the general public when she gives them the breaks, or the bankers, who will have paid for the breaks, and then not get them.
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Hillary Clinton took millions for SPEECHES; Donald Trump took millions for fraudulent Trump University and was responsible for many questionable business deals.
Hillary Clinton is a dignified, respectful person with thoughtful and well developed views. Donald Trump compares the size of his genitalia for sport and the bombastic of which you speak of has sown more division, bigotry and hatred in a year than anything I could have imagined,
It's magical thinking to look at one side of Trump without looking at the other. Both half make the whole man. The allusion about Hillary's speeches is that she is somehow bought and paid for: well, Donald Trump is exactly that kind of person who glorifies and elevates that type of behavior. He believes everyone is a commodity and that people can be bought and traded like chattel.
Do you honestly think a person who holds his breath to get his way has the maturity to operate in Washington? To get anything actually done? Do you think he has the emotional maturity to outwit world leaders? As I learned in the second grade, yelling the loudest may scare those around you, but it still doesn't get you a cookie.
Just because the man is an adept promoter does not mean he is a LEADER who can command respect. He is a charlatan buffoon and he will do much to diminish our credibility in the world. Traveling around last month, I heard many things about Donald Trump and they all began and ended with laughing at us.
Hillary Clinton is a dignified, respectful person with thoughtful and well developed views. Donald Trump compares the size of his genitalia for sport and the bombastic of which you speak of has sown more division, bigotry and hatred in a year than anything I could have imagined,
It's magical thinking to look at one side of Trump without looking at the other. Both half make the whole man. The allusion about Hillary's speeches is that she is somehow bought and paid for: well, Donald Trump is exactly that kind of person who glorifies and elevates that type of behavior. He believes everyone is a commodity and that people can be bought and traded like chattel.
Do you honestly think a person who holds his breath to get his way has the maturity to operate in Washington? To get anything actually done? Do you think he has the emotional maturity to outwit world leaders? As I learned in the second grade, yelling the loudest may scare those around you, but it still doesn't get you a cookie.
Just because the man is an adept promoter does not mean he is a LEADER who can command respect. He is a charlatan buffoon and he will do much to diminish our credibility in the world. Traveling around last month, I heard many things about Donald Trump and they all began and ended with laughing at us.
17
You seem to forget Trump is a liar, and venal to boot. Remember his University which promised great benefits with the teachers literally forcing people to write favorable reviews of their teaching. By the way, Clinton gave her speech proceeds to charity. You try being "pure" in the world of politics.
9
Of course Mr. Trump, if he becomes president, will nominate a moderate to the SCOTUS, right? He won't succumb to the pressure put upon him to nominate someone in the same vein as Scalia, right? You think he would want a second term, right? If all you have to harp on about Hillary are these speeches and there is no proof she gave special "favors" to special interests, you are being very shortsighted. Bernie supporters seem to be cut out of the same foolish cloth.
8
Where are all the anti trump people.. Come and show yourself.. what do you have to say to this
25
I'm switching teams going straight if Sir Don is for the gays!
1
I am anti Trump. His stand or lack of one of the LGBT+ issues is surprising and laudable. While I do think that electing him as president would be a disaster of the greatest magnitude, at least he is not railing against gay marriage and brandishing a bible.
6
Here I am.
Donald Trump is an undisciplined, impulsive person who thinks whatever he is feeling at the moment without realizing that 1) words have implications and that 2) if you say A on Monday, you can't say B on Tuesday.
Further, I find it incredibly sad that in a year or so of campaigning, people expect the world to stop because Donald Trump finally said ONE reasonable thing.
Fabulous that he was reasonable yesterday. Show me a month or two of reasonable, disciplined and informed rhetoric and I will give you a modicum of respect.
Donald Trump is an undisciplined, impulsive person who thinks whatever he is feeling at the moment without realizing that 1) words have implications and that 2) if you say A on Monday, you can't say B on Tuesday.
Further, I find it incredibly sad that in a year or so of campaigning, people expect the world to stop because Donald Trump finally said ONE reasonable thing.
Fabulous that he was reasonable yesterday. Show me a month or two of reasonable, disciplined and informed rhetoric and I will give you a modicum of respect.
3
I think we're beginning to see that a lot of Trump's early campaign bluster was an act designed to get a attention and differentiate himself from the Republican herd. He has succeeded remarkably at that and now we'll be hearing a lot about Trump, the pragmatic New York businessman.
136
True.
And we'll hear about his failed businesses, too.....meaning he's a businessman and NOT qualified to be a politician who is voice of reason for the USA in the world.
Let him do as he pleases in the business world and let's elect someone with experience as president.
And we'll hear about his failed businesses, too.....meaning he's a businessman and NOT qualified to be a politician who is voice of reason for the USA in the world.
Let him do as he pleases in the business world and let's elect someone with experience as president.
5
That's a lot of column inches (is column inches still a unit?) to say about Trump what should be routinely true of all candidates: that they're not bigots. Still, I'd be a little nervous if I were gay and Mexican, or black, or Middle
Eastern . . .
Eastern . . .
17
Black? What did he ever say that would suggest he is prejudiced against black people, or that he is a racist?
6
Trump failed to denounce the KKK, and it's supporters.
He was sued by the DOJ for racial discrimination.
Trump said in 1991 that “Laziness is a trait in blacks.”
He doesn’t call out some of his supporters for their blatant racism.
And that, John is what is available to research in less than two minutes on the 'net.
He was sued by the DOJ for racial discrimination.
Trump said in 1991 that “Laziness is a trait in blacks.”
He doesn’t call out some of his supporters for their blatant racism.
And that, John is what is available to research in less than two minutes on the 'net.
8
In truth, as far as I can see, Trump seems to avoid those code-phrase discriminatory stances the republicans use against blacks.
His platform does not mention entitlement cut backs, nor does he ever mention such laden topics as teen pregnancy, culture of dependence, ya da yada. I'm going to guess these issues just aren't on his radar.
He uses one standard phrase about blacks in his stump speech: Blacks are going to vote for me. I will bring jobs, good jobs to all communities. I will bring infrastructure jobs. I will bring wealth. I will make America great again. Blacks are going to vote for me. It's very exciting.
That seems okay.
He did retweet a tweet that had some false and offensive statistics about black crime. He says it was a mistake and that he hadn't read it. I don't know, it was pretty bad. He makes those stupid mistakes. I don't think he is racist, personally. I don't think it's his issue, or something he cares about. Just like abortion. He'll say the wrong thing, but it isn't his issue.
His platform does not mention entitlement cut backs, nor does he ever mention such laden topics as teen pregnancy, culture of dependence, ya da yada. I'm going to guess these issues just aren't on his radar.
He uses one standard phrase about blacks in his stump speech: Blacks are going to vote for me. I will bring jobs, good jobs to all communities. I will bring infrastructure jobs. I will bring wealth. I will make America great again. Blacks are going to vote for me. It's very exciting.
That seems okay.
He did retweet a tweet that had some false and offensive statistics about black crime. He says it was a mistake and that he hadn't read it. I don't know, it was pretty bad. He makes those stupid mistakes. I don't think he is racist, personally. I don't think it's his issue, or something he cares about. Just like abortion. He'll say the wrong thing, but it isn't his issue.
1
I never thought I would like a single thing about Trump, but this is pretty cool. He may at heart be a bottom-line businessman and not a civil rights activist, but no matter -- the fact that the frontrunner for the Republican Party can be out there saying it's okay for the trans community to use the bathroom of their gender identity can only be a good thing for the country. Kudos, Mr. Trump!
92
Yes, that's what he said in the morning. But by last night he decided -- or was told by his advisors to say -- he supported states making any discriminatory laws they wanted, and said that to Fox's Sean Hannity. You may want to take back those kudos....
6
Oh no! His politically motivated slide toward the middle is working!
1
The Republican Party has their hands full! On a side note, I've never seen the words "sexual' and "minority" used together before; everything in this country has to be put in a box, huh?
I'm a Democrat, but I share some of the same ideas as Trump on how this country needs to be governed. After reading about his feelings on Gays, it's obvious we share the same sentiments on another issue as well.
Go Trump! Wait... I'm a Democrat.
I'm a Democrat, but I share some of the same ideas as Trump on how this country needs to be governed. After reading about his feelings on Gays, it's obvious we share the same sentiments on another issue as well.
Go Trump! Wait... I'm a Democrat.
76
If you agree with anything that Trump says, you're not a Democrat.
3
I read your book "Lazy Money - The Poor Man's Achilles Heel", and your ideas on economic issues are so righ-wing, that saying you're a democrat is a joke. Trump used to be a democrat, back when him and Elton John were real close; no surprise there.
You're not a democrat, you're a left-wing republican. And you're right, we do have our hands full, that's why Cruz is our guy #TrusTED
You're not a democrat, you're a left-wing republican. And you're right, we do have our hands full, that's why Cruz is our guy #TrusTED
2
So, on the day that Trump's new campaign manager said that Trump has been "putting on an act" in the campaign and will now change we're supposed to believe that his views on gay rights aren't part of the act?
That's the thing with Trump. It's impossible to believe anything he says. He makes it up as he goes along, he gets his information from the internet, he has no interest in expanding his meager knowledge base and now we find out it's been an act all along! Hey Donald, if you want to act audition for a Broadway show.
I wonder how his supporters will react when they find out he's been putting on an act for them from the beginning and he isn't really who he says he is. Any of you care to check in and let us know?
That's the thing with Trump. It's impossible to believe anything he says. He makes it up as he goes along, he gets his information from the internet, he has no interest in expanding his meager knowledge base and now we find out it's been an act all along! Hey Donald, if you want to act audition for a Broadway show.
I wonder how his supporters will react when they find out he's been putting on an act for them from the beginning and he isn't really who he says he is. Any of you care to check in and let us know?
24
I would agree with you on everything else but I've remarked from the beginning that Trump left the LGBT community alone. Hey, he's offensive, but let's give him at least this much -- he's not a Cruz.
5
It looks like the Hillary people are now out in force to take Trump down. I don't think he can be taken down. Too many people like how he thumbs his nose at political correctness and his Party. That is what attracts many Democrats as well as Republicans. We do not want Hillary and will vote for Trump because he is more real. He is the un-Stepford Wife in this campaign.
8
farhorizons: here is the exact quote from Trump's new campaign manager:
"The part that he's been playing is evolving into the part that now you've been expecting, but he wasn't ready for, because he had first to complete the first phase."
So how can you say he's "more real" than other candidates? He admits it's all an act, a "part he's been playing." It's the opposite of real. I don't know how Trump people live with the cognitive dissonance.
"The part that he's been playing is evolving into the part that now you've been expecting, but he wasn't ready for, because he had first to complete the first phase."
So how can you say he's "more real" than other candidates? He admits it's all an act, a "part he's been playing." It's the opposite of real. I don't know how Trump people live with the cognitive dissonance.
9
This article states, "His ease with gay people does not seem to be the result of deep soul searching, but, rather, the product of the Manhattan social and political world he has inhabited the past five decades."
Why is this relevant? Is this meant to suggest that his long-standing position on gay rights is less meaningful than politicians who needed to reflect on issues of equality before openly supporting gay rights.
It strikes me that one of the best aspects of this city is that from the days that the Dutch permitted Jews to settle in New Amsterdam it has always been home to a vast array of people living in close proximity. That physical closeness allows people to see the humanity in others, which leads to tolerance and acceptance that is arguably more meaningful than that achieved through conscious soul searching.
Why is this relevant? Is this meant to suggest that his long-standing position on gay rights is less meaningful than politicians who needed to reflect on issues of equality before openly supporting gay rights.
It strikes me that one of the best aspects of this city is that from the days that the Dutch permitted Jews to settle in New Amsterdam it has always been home to a vast array of people living in close proximity. That physical closeness allows people to see the humanity in others, which leads to tolerance and acceptance that is arguably more meaningful than that achieved through conscious soul searching.
53
Ironically, Peter Stuyvesant wanted to keep Jews out and sent his request to the Dutch East India Company shareholders, who were funding the colony. They sent him a refusal, reminding him that some of the Company's owners were in fact...Jewish.
"not the result of deep soul searching," readers here invited to imagine "deep soul searching" by Cruz / Kasich / Rubio or any other of the Great Pretenders, or even by Maggie Haberman or her boss Dean Baquet . . . Right, when has "deep soul searching" ever entered into any supremely pragmatic US political fight?
2
vishmael, you twice misquoted my comment. I did not write "deep soul searching," but "conscious soul searching," which was intended to capture the arguably artificial nature of the soul searching being undertaken.
1
"His ease with gay people does not seem to be the result of deep soul searching, but, rather, the product of the Manhattan social and political world he has inhabited the past five decades."
So? That pretty much reflects the views of the rest of us: people with good friends who are gay are likely to understand and support them, socially, spiritually, and politically. No "soul searching" required here. Probably pretty much similar to those of us who support abortion rights: if you've had an abortion or if you are close to someone who has had one, why, then, you're going to "get it" in terms of keeping abortion access unfettered.
And as far as you Republican "Log Cabin" dwellers--I say, to h*ll with you, just like I say that to someone who supposedly supports abortion rights but votes Republican. You can't be both--you can't be both--and, personally, I think you're stupid to try.
So? That pretty much reflects the views of the rest of us: people with good friends who are gay are likely to understand and support them, socially, spiritually, and politically. No "soul searching" required here. Probably pretty much similar to those of us who support abortion rights: if you've had an abortion or if you are close to someone who has had one, why, then, you're going to "get it" in terms of keeping abortion access unfettered.
And as far as you Republican "Log Cabin" dwellers--I say, to h*ll with you, just like I say that to someone who supposedly supports abortion rights but votes Republican. You can't be both--you can't be both--and, personally, I think you're stupid to try.
340
It will be interesting how DT tries to morph into a more electable general election candidate. Will he try to move to center, even taking some positions that even out-flank Hillary to the left? Or will he have to button-down the evangelicals on the right so the come out in large enough numbers? I imagine him softening up his stance to women and minorities, continuing to be very vague on policy and continuing to promise impossible-to-do-things to almost everybody. The word is "charlatan", one who promises what he cannot provide.
4
Trump 1 or Trump 2. Which is which? "You can fool all of the people some the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time." I guess Honest Abe saw him coming!
7
Clinton 1 or Clinton 2. Which is which? "You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time." I guess Honest Abe saw her coming.
5
As of now I support Hilarry (policy, experience) but we should recognize that Trump is not evil because he is running as a Republican. I am certain many of his outrageous remarks about women, his opponents etc were calculated to advance his prospects in the Republican primaries and would not guide him in a Trump presidency. I am more swayed about his views on women and minorities by how he treated them in his his business. He evidently employs women in high positions based on ability, not gender. Donating to the Gay Men's Health Crisis took courage at the time not displayed by Ed Koch, Ronald Reagan, Nancy Reagan ( notwithstanding the Hillary comment) or either of the Clintons. OK, we can all see he has zero experience in government at any level, his appointments to the Court may not reflect our views etc and vote accordingly. Evil he is not and we should not demonize him as we Democrats typically find a way to do with Romneys McCains, Bushes. Let's be more fair-minded than the GOP.
64
Trump is now the ultimate politician. He will publicly take any position that will get him elected even though it is so obvious he does not believe what he is saying.
19
So he's getting more like Hillary, is that what you mean? I agree. He will out-Hillary Hillary, and we need someone to do that.
2
No he is not the ultimate politician, he learned form the best - the clintons.
Can't wait to hear about bill's exploits wandering the halls of the white house.
Can't wait to hear about bill's exploits wandering the halls of the white house.
2
He didn't really take a position though. The article is comparing the guy in his personal life to the political life. He clearly doesn't see gay marriage as a big enough issue to address it one way or the other. Most likely because he already sees all those gay couples with civil unions.
1
Seems to me that you are admitting that Mr Trump holds progressive views on gays, but seeking to give him the least possible credit for them.
54
I am not at all surprised by this. Donald was a Democrat for years, then switched to Independent and now is a Republican. He's a Republican because he sees it is the easier path to get on the ballot in November. Donald is closer to the middle than most Republicans would like. In fact some would consider him to be too liberal, especially in light of his accepting views on gay issues.
Between now and November he'll move even further toward the middle or left to enhance his appeal to the general populace.
Between now and November he'll move even further toward the middle or left to enhance his appeal to the general populace.
109
Wait, there is any group that Trump does not hate? That settles it, he cannot be a real GOP candidate.
30
Not hating gays is no badge of honor. It is rationale, human, and to be expected of an adult. Trump gets no extra points for not hating gays.
421
Does he get points for not being bought by wall street ? How about he doesn't accept $225,000 for a speech to wall street? What people will realize is that his policies cut across the conservative/liberal divide.
6
It does make him a maverick in the Republican Party where rationality is suspect.
2
I give him points over Cruz on this and over the Communist and socialist in running our economy
2
I get the impression that the NYT is all breathless about this....I don't think that Trump really cares about this issue or most other social issues....nor do I. There are other things to focus on in this world and these are only issues because politicians seek advantages on both sides of these issues. Our country has absorbed much more challenging differences among us over the centuries than sexual identity....this issue just continues because morons in North Carolina and elsewhere think they can fire up some of their voters on this.....I'll bet that even Cruz and his doofus squad don't care....until they need to care to get votes.
167
Trump is about as amoral as it is possible to be. In that, he elevates himself above the Republican knee-jerk prejudice that any person not absolutely hetero is unredeemably immoral. His pragmatic, essentially what's-in-it-for-me position toward gay people and their rights amounts to a refreshing breeze wafting out of the toxic bluster that passes for Republican campaign rhetoric. Good for him.
He's still not capable of leading this country.
By the way, I am a bit suspicious that Ms. Haberman penned this piece less to raise him up in the eyes of Democrats than to kneecap him in the view of Republicans. It might almost work.
He's still not capable of leading this country.
By the way, I am a bit suspicious that Ms. Haberman penned this piece less to raise him up in the eyes of Democrats than to kneecap him in the view of Republicans. It might almost work.
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It won't "kneecap" him and here's why: most Republicans don't care about these social issues.
Party leaders act like these issues are more important to voters than bad trade deals, flooding the country with low-wage workers and selling out our healthcare to insurance execs.
This is why Republican voters have rejected the party leaders/Establishment candidates like JEB!.
Trump's about trade, wages and sovereignty, which is what most sophisticated voters see as the big picture.
Party leaders act like these issues are more important to voters than bad trade deals, flooding the country with low-wage workers and selling out our healthcare to insurance execs.
This is why Republican voters have rejected the party leaders/Establishment candidates like JEB!.
Trump's about trade, wages and sovereignty, which is what most sophisticated voters see as the big picture.
2
Clinton is not capable of leading this country either. Anyone who really wants to be president shouldn't be one.
4
Honeybee, darlin', if "most Republicans don't care about these social issues," why do they keep votin' those who make a big, and negative, deal out of them into office? You're gonna have a tough time selling that position here in Texas.
3
Donald Trump is his own man -- which is why the country needs him for President.
All the others (yes, Hillary too) are pawns of the political apparatus, the lobbies, and the plutocrats.