The only thing shocking about three-fourths of Americans believing that there is wide-spread corruption in government, is that the figure isn't higher.
7
I think you are assuming wrongly that Trump will loose. You've all been wrong about everything, so far this election season.
14
The paragraph that begins with "But please . . ." beautifully sums up the Trump phenomenon. It is really that simple. Hatred for Obama totally unhinged the Republican Party and exposed its intolerance and willingness to pander to racists.
36
But...didn't the light bulb go off in their collective heads when Herman Cain became, at one point, the people's preferred GOP Presidential nominee?
12
"But please, shed not a single tear for this conservative calamity. They brought it on themselves."
True, but the Democrat Establishment faces an identical situation from your calamitous Hillary. Of course, you don't see that yet, just as the Republicans didn't understand what they faced until it blew up.
True, but the Democrat Establishment faces an identical situation from your calamitous Hillary. Of course, you don't see that yet, just as the Republicans didn't understand what they faced until it blew up.
16
This election is incredibly depressing. We've had some bad presidents but the thought of the juvenile, arrogant, completely unqualified loose cannon Trump being seriously considered is beyond unbearable.
76
Pre-Reagan GDP was $3.3T. Post-Obama, GDP is likely to hit $19T. GDP rising at twice the rate of median family income is bad news. Since Reagan, our GINI coefficient, poverty rate and median household income are ALL heading in the wrong direction. 35 years of horrible policy decisions and middle-tier earner neglect.
The "No income growth for you!" recovery from the Great Recession was icing on the 'Greed is good!" cake. Too bad so many Americans think that Donald Trump has anything like an answer to what ails us. His approach to wealth-building is as much a product of the 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous' obsession that got us here as 'supply side' and 'trickle down' economics, ineffectively implemented trade deals and capital gains rates for 'carried interest'.
Should The Donald actually take the oath of office and complete his term (my money is on impeachment), what would the name of his next TV project be? "Celebrity Demesne". of course.
The "No income growth for you!" recovery from the Great Recession was icing on the 'Greed is good!" cake. Too bad so many Americans think that Donald Trump has anything like an answer to what ails us. His approach to wealth-building is as much a product of the 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous' obsession that got us here as 'supply side' and 'trickle down' economics, ineffectively implemented trade deals and capital gains rates for 'carried interest'.
Should The Donald actually take the oath of office and complete his term (my money is on impeachment), what would the name of his next TV project be? "Celebrity Demesne". of course.
27
...Mr Blow should be delighted at the prospect of a Trump candidacy...All on his side of the aisle agree that he stands no chance against Mrs. Clinton, so why the concern...Mrs. Clinton will surely be in the final contest...maybe...
9
The Republicans have been sowing fear, hatred and racism for years, but doing it in the so-called dog whistle style, in code. They would take any position as long as it was not Obama's, which led to some interesting inconsistencies. Trump has simply picked up a bullhorn and is shouting those coded messages in plain language. That some people agree with him is the most disturbing part. But yes, the Republicans brought this on themselves and the country. They are reaping what they have sown: dysfunction.
51
The GOP watched the media promote Trump ceaselessly, and did nothing about it. According to an article in the NY Times in March---in February alone, Trump received $400 million in free media. Celebrity sells. Outrageous behavior sells. Soundbites about women, not policy positions sell. The other candidates never had a chance. The media is to blame for Trump's popularity. They want to sell newspapers, and they answer to their advertisers so it's Trump, Trump, Trump. Now they say, "How did this happen?"
26
While I agree that the GOP has no one to blame for Trump but themselves, I disagree that it is because of their contempt and hatred for Obama. It is because the GOP leadership is disconnected from a large part of their "base"s needs. Growing inequality, a tattered safety net, foreign wars that kill our sons and daughters without making us any safer do nothing for the country. Finally, finally, the social issues of abortion, homosexuality, religion and marriage were simply not enough to hold the masses together.
30
Sure, Republicans have themselves to blame for Drumpf.
Charles, who should Democrats blame for Hillary??
Charles, who should Democrats blame for Hillary??
22
17 years of the marriage between republican party and fox news (and others) has led to the point where a sizable part of the republican party not only knows nothing, but hears newscasts regularly confirming their "knowledge'"it isn't the know nothingness that is the problem, it is the knowing false things that is. Hell, if I believed a foreign born muslim socialist president was conspiring to destroy the USA as I know it, I wouldn't sit still for the politicians to fix it! If I believed obamacare was going to lead to having no insurance, and panels decide whether granma can live, I would be up in arms against it. If I believed that runaway debt was destroying the jobs of myself and my neighbors then I'd be willing to take a chance on any old outsider to fix it. But if you are going to make up "facts" don't be surprised when people start to actually believe them, and expect fixes. and then look for someone to fix them when you don't.
50
"G.O.P. Has Only Itself to Blame"?
Actually, I'd say the press is a PRIME enabler of Trump and the "Trump phenomenon," because of articles like this one! More opining about "who's to blame" and no real info or analysis of Trump's positions! We've heard all this before--many, many times!
The media -- the Times, included -- bears a large part of the "blame" for helping make Trump a media star and for providing him with endless free PR. The press is letting down the US public, our democracy, and faling to do its job. So, just look in the mirror is you want to know "who's to blame"!
Actually, I'd say the press is a PRIME enabler of Trump and the "Trump phenomenon," because of articles like this one! More opining about "who's to blame" and no real info or analysis of Trump's positions! We've heard all this before--many, many times!
The media -- the Times, included -- bears a large part of the "blame" for helping make Trump a media star and for providing him with endless free PR. The press is letting down the US public, our democracy, and faling to do its job. So, just look in the mirror is you want to know "who's to blame"!
35
It was Dubya who said with pride he had looked into Putin's eyes and seen his soul, that he had accomplished a mission in Iraq, that Rice and Cheney had facts that Powell would reveall to the world, and that he went with what his "guts" told him.
He got two terms, and the human, fiscal, and military costs are still borne by all Americans and many foreigners, too.
I shudder to think of another "amiable dolt" in the WHouse, a term applied to Reagan by a friendly journalist. 3 dolts - Ronnie the entertainer, Bush the mostly-refirmed party boy, and reality tv's unreal Trump, and, with Obama, an adult at last. Why am I worried? What, me worry? It's a mad, mad, mad, mad, MAD world, after all.
He got two terms, and the human, fiscal, and military costs are still borne by all Americans and many foreigners, too.
I shudder to think of another "amiable dolt" in the WHouse, a term applied to Reagan by a friendly journalist. 3 dolts - Ronnie the entertainer, Bush the mostly-refirmed party boy, and reality tv's unreal Trump, and, with Obama, an adult at last. Why am I worried? What, me worry? It's a mad, mad, mad, mad, MAD world, after all.
37
As this slow-motion train wreck of an election plunges off the bridge, blown to bits by Trump, and into the bottomless canyon, the likes of McConnell, Jindahl, Palin, Sessions and Mary Fallin (Fall-in?) will be in a bucket brigade slinging coals into the fire with all their might, apparently comforted by the fact that it's not the fall that hurts.
But, oh, that sudden stop.
But, oh, that sudden stop.
13
The only good thing that I have been able to say about the Republican party, in my lifetime, is that many of them will not support Trump. Devious, dumb, dangerous, still they have not lost their minds entirely.
9
Some prominent Republicans HAVE endorsed Trump: Mitch McConnell, Reince Priebus, dick cheney, Sheldon Adelson, and Rick Perry - to name a few. To these men I say - "have you no shame"? Even with Donald Trump as the Republican nominee you would pick "party" over country??
40
The poorly educated cowards that Trump loves have been and are being duped. He is about to start receiving funds for his general election run from outside sources including federal ones and guess what he will do with the new money? He will pay himself back for all his "loans" to run his primaries therefore laughing all the way to the bank how stupid citizens allowed him to use them to finance his clown show and increase his incredibly overvalued by himself a brand value. Shame on you poorly educated and shame on you media.
126
THe scary thing is that to his supporters, and actually the rest of us as well, this is no show.
5
The Republican philanders and child molesters thought that impeaching Bill Clinton was more important than doing the people business. They have told their base they could get rid of and stop Democratic Presidents and they have failled time after time. You add to that they welcomed the Nixon Southern strategy and built on it with Lee Atwater and Reagan opening his presidential campaign in Philadelphia, Miss and extolling state's rights.
36
Yes, Yes, No. Yes Trump is a mad man- literally. Yes, Republican elitism and electoral cynicism have contributed to this debacle. But No- Trump is not mainly or exclusively a Republican phenomena. The Republican party is merely a tool for his brand of egomania and a politics of hate. For this- the nation as a whole must share responsibility and the millions of Americans who voted for them- with his nationalism, racism and narcissism there for all to behold.
18
I don't generally watch Fox News. But I've tuned in a few times over the past week. I noticed a pretty dramatic change in tone. Gone is the arrogant, combative bullying that I remember. O'Reilly and Hannity seem like deflated balloons. Donald Trump has delivered a huge blow to the Republican Party. It had to be done. The party needed to be destroyed so that it can reinvent itself for the new age. I personally hope that Republicans can find their way back.
So Donald has done a good thing. But his job is over. We now must make sure that he never steps foot in the White House.
So Donald has done a good thing. But his job is over. We now must make sure that he never steps foot in the White House.
50
Consider: the two candidates eliciting the most enthusiasm this cycle are a billionaire reality TV star without so much as a second’s worth of governmental experience and a passionate, albeit utterly clueless socialist, a ne'er do well who never held a meaningful private sector job (explaining his economic ignorance). Meanwhile, Clinton – a candidate who would be inaugurated with her own personal Special Prosecutor standing by her elbow – looks almost reasonable by comparison.
Both Trump’s people and Sanders’s people believe the game is rigged by the rich and powerful. And they’re both right. Sanders’s “solution” – to expand the size, scope, and expense of the government, so as to provide lots more opportunity to the rich and powerful to rig the game in their favor – would be laughable, if a huge percentage of Democrats, especially the young, didn’t take this joke as a serious policy proposal.
At least Trump’s people are right about illegal (and legal) immigration being a huge problem. While they get the target wrong about offshoring – it’s caused by high taxes and absurd regulation, not Free Trade – they’re on the right track.
And, in the teeth of Sanders’s rhetoric, HRC runs away from the only policies she ever held which made even a little sense.
But there is very little Republican and nothing at all conservative about DT. At best, DT as POTUS would keep the SCOTUS out of HRC’s claws. That’s enough.
Both Trump’s people and Sanders’s people believe the game is rigged by the rich and powerful. And they’re both right. Sanders’s “solution” – to expand the size, scope, and expense of the government, so as to provide lots more opportunity to the rich and powerful to rig the game in their favor – would be laughable, if a huge percentage of Democrats, especially the young, didn’t take this joke as a serious policy proposal.
At least Trump’s people are right about illegal (and legal) immigration being a huge problem. While they get the target wrong about offshoring – it’s caused by high taxes and absurd regulation, not Free Trade – they’re on the right track.
And, in the teeth of Sanders’s rhetoric, HRC runs away from the only policies she ever held which made even a little sense.
But there is very little Republican and nothing at all conservative about DT. At best, DT as POTUS would keep the SCOTUS out of HRC’s claws. That’s enough.
3
The Republican establishment (media, think tanks, pundits, lobbyists, and politicians) has spent an enormous amount of its capital over the last twenty five years demonizing the Democratic party and its policies, and creating hostility towards the very notion of government itself. It has pursued this strategy relentlessly and through whatever distortions necessary, and the strategy has worked well. Up until the election of Barack Obama it was the Republican establishment and not the Democratic establishment that created the predominant narrative and public perception of the Democratic Party. With the election of Obama, however, the Democratic Party re-established control of its own narrative. Since then, the sole occupation of the Republican establishment has been to regain control of that narrative (by whatever means necessary) and thereby regain control of American politics.
Meanwhile, it has become increasingly clear to much of the Republican base, as they have watched their options and economic prospects dwindle, that the Republican establishment has not been honest with them, nor had their best interests in mind. The result being a fierce sense of betrayal which in no way amounts to a vindication of the Democratic Party (the flames of that well stoked fire burning all the brighter).
Enter into the void Donald Trump. Empty of ideology or even ideas, for these are the tools of betrayal, instead soothing the wounds of the betrayed with the flames of self righteousness.
Meanwhile, it has become increasingly clear to much of the Republican base, as they have watched their options and economic prospects dwindle, that the Republican establishment has not been honest with them, nor had their best interests in mind. The result being a fierce sense of betrayal which in no way amounts to a vindication of the Democratic Party (the flames of that well stoked fire burning all the brighter).
Enter into the void Donald Trump. Empty of ideology or even ideas, for these are the tools of betrayal, instead soothing the wounds of the betrayed with the flames of self righteousness.
23
Distrust of the central government is as old as the Republic. Hillary Clinton and her ilk have defined the party of slavery, Jim Crow, and Tammany Hall quite well on their own with no help from the GOP. As far self-righteousness goes most people can ID a self-righteous twit from a mile away.
2
People who disparage liberals do not know what it is to negotiate contracts equitably. Liberals are people who understand that we live under an evolved law of contracts with all the features of an evolved living organism.
16
Sadly for a Lot of Americans 'what you see IS what they 'expect to get.President Obama has addressed the optics of first and sustained impressions.Conservatives like trump are well aware of how some Americans are deceived and deceivable to false flag illusions.When trump gives speeches,you'll notice there is Always a African American,Hispanic American or young American within the framework of His image.In other words,if/when you see him,you see them.This is Not coincidence and by and large,is the'image that overwhelms whatever,whoever,trump may be advocating or more probably,insulting,at the time.Then the whole narrative of conservativism is absorbed by these like minded individuals.They see 'themselves represented within the frame of trump giving a speech or shaking hands of admirers.The fact that this has all been Staged,is dismissed are denied by trump supporters.In fact 'denial is at the forefront of trump's disingenuous embrace.It's similar to the Theresienstadt propaganda film,but not quite.I am hopeful these Americans will realize their folly before it's too late...but not quite.
1
Mr Blow, I would agree with you if Trump were running against anyone but HRC....but I really think he is going to trump her after a bloody presidential election. I think Bernie could win...because he is authentic and predictable....which is comforting even to old conservatives like me.
8
Is it over for. Bernie Sanders because the media keeps saying it's over for him?
I agree with every thing you said about the Republican Party that seems to have cut off its nose to spite it's face but shouldn't the question be can Trump beat either. Clinton OR Sanders?
I agree with every thing you said about the Republican Party that seems to have cut off its nose to spite it's face but shouldn't the question be can Trump beat either. Clinton OR Sanders?
3
Lizzie, do you really not know the answer to your question? Do you not read any sites that any reason to them? Can you not see that Clinton has 10 million plus votes and is far far ahead on pledged delegates let alone any super delegates?
I hear ya on the media, bit this is just math and has been since super tuesday.
I hear ya on the media, bit this is just math and has been since super tuesday.
10
I hope current polling holds and Trump loses the general election. But I'm not so sure the Republicans will be hurt that badly down-ballot. Perhaps lose the Senate (not a sure thing) and have a smaller majority in the House, but enough to keep blocking progress. A lot of the billion dollars from the Koch brothers and their hyper-rich allies had been amassing to defeat a democratic presidential nominee will now be used in Senate & House races that are easier to influence with influxes of large amounts of cash. There are signs that's already started. And in between presidential elections, they'll still have their huge sums ready to overwhelm governors' and state legislators' races, where its even easier to buy elections. Of course that's where congressional district lines are drawn, and where many state laws and policies are passed that hold people down economically and discriminate against anyone not aligned with those in power.
Can progressives & democrats generally build & sustain a left-leaning "political revolution" through the off-years or amass huge amounts of funds on the left to counter the entrenched Koch-coordinated political money network(s)? If not, Republicans will still have a down-ballot firewall that can keep them with just enough legislative power in Washington to block real national progress, and with enough legislative & executive power in states to keep much of the country moving backwards.
Can progressives & democrats generally build & sustain a left-leaning "political revolution" through the off-years or amass huge amounts of funds on the left to counter the entrenched Koch-coordinated political money network(s)? If not, Republicans will still have a down-ballot firewall that can keep them with just enough legislative power in Washington to block real national progress, and with enough legislative & executive power in states to keep much of the country moving backwards.
12
It doesn't matter what the Republicans do at this point.The country is now a welfare state and Democrats best represent that fact.I figure,in 10 years,Sanders will represent the middle and Clinton the far right.
3
Trump is "the unlikeliest presidential nominee in recent American history"? Give me a break - What about a nominee in 2008 who had ZERO foreign policy experience, almost zero domestic national policy experience, attended a church for 20 years which had an obscenely racist pastor, whose slogan of "hope and change" was a nonsensical Madison Avenue slogan, and while he did not have his own television reality show, campaigned extensively with the assistance of Hollywood and television celebrities? What am I missing?
6
You forgot the part about being a constitutional lawyer with a Harvard degree and US Senator.
26
@Tom,
Thank you. That's rather a lot to miss, aside from a certain war that was going on...
5-9-16@12:39 pm
Thank you. That's rather a lot to miss, aside from a certain war that was going on...
5-9-16@12:39 pm
4
Yes, the Reverend Jeremiah Wright did teach Mr. Obama how central religion is to US politics, particularly among people of African descent. The President was very forthcoming about this process in his book, "The Audacity of Hope". Religion is a tool of communication that organizes communities, and Reverend Wright convinced Mr. Obama that he would not succeed as a politician if he threatened it.
1
Trump 2016..............sweep the broom thru DC...............let the people vote and speak...we are tired of the status quo..................beat Hillary, do not let her pick the next Supremes....................
1
You know what I'm even more tired of than the status quo? The crazy right -- the right that has dominated the Supreme Court for 25 years.
32
Agreed. I'm also pretty ticked off that they seem to think it's ok that a sitting president is being blocked from performing his constitutional duty of filling the open Supreme Court position.
12
Why are we still talking about Donald Trump? -- Don't we already know what we need to know about him??
Isn't it evident what kind of man he is, and what kind of President he would be, if we were foolish enough to vote him into the White House?
Aren't we already aware that the Republican Party has shot itself in the foot with his candidacy, and now it can do no more than to limp pitifully behind him?
Isn't it apparent that Paul Ryan is standing on the sidelines in the hope that he will be thrown into the ring to save what's left of the honor of the G.O.P.?
Don't we know that Trump's eating a Taco and grinning "I Love Hispanics" is futile?
He's still going to kick Muslims out, turn African-American communities into de-facto prisons and build a wall around Mexico.
He's still going to lose interest in this country once elected, if he doesn't blow it up first with his lack of Diplomacy and Foreign Policy inexperience.
All that to say, most Americans probably know the G.O.P has only itself to blame.
So the real question is, is that enough to keep their candidate out of the White House?
Isn't it evident what kind of man he is, and what kind of President he would be, if we were foolish enough to vote him into the White House?
Aren't we already aware that the Republican Party has shot itself in the foot with his candidacy, and now it can do no more than to limp pitifully behind him?
Isn't it apparent that Paul Ryan is standing on the sidelines in the hope that he will be thrown into the ring to save what's left of the honor of the G.O.P.?
Don't we know that Trump's eating a Taco and grinning "I Love Hispanics" is futile?
He's still going to kick Muslims out, turn African-American communities into de-facto prisons and build a wall around Mexico.
He's still going to lose interest in this country once elected, if he doesn't blow it up first with his lack of Diplomacy and Foreign Policy inexperience.
All that to say, most Americans probably know the G.O.P has only itself to blame.
So the real question is, is that enough to keep their candidate out of the White House?
7
"G.O.P. Has Only Itself to Blame"
But I wouldn't put it past the Democrats to snatch defeat form the jaws of victory. First we have Hillary citing Henry Kissinger as role model; now, I hear that the Secretary of Defense is about present Kissinger with some award to recognize his public service!
But I wouldn't put it past the Democrats to snatch defeat form the jaws of victory. First we have Hillary citing Henry Kissinger as role model; now, I hear that the Secretary of Defense is about present Kissinger with some award to recognize his public service!
5
I wish pundits and pollsters would distinguish between the US Congress and the US government as a whole when they do and report these surveys about publics unfavorable views. It's mostly Congress they hate, or perhaps the Obama admin per se, but I'll be most people like the National Park service, the military, social security admin, Medicare etc
I knew that Trump would become the presumptive nominee. Now I hope that logic, reason, compassion and empathy prevail such that Trump is soundly and thoroughly defeated in November.
7
Mr. Blow - neither party is speaking to the despair and discouragement in our country that causes the life span of white men to go down, makes people not go to the doctor due to fear of going bankrupt, causes the young to leave college or not start it due to the debt that will ensue, and consigns so many to being unemployed or underemployed. Both parties' candidates represent those who have made it, though one - Mr. Trump - speaks a populist line. There is one candidate still in the race who has consistently and honestly spoken the truth over many years, and has remedies for our national maladies, but you'd never know it by reading this "paper of record."
7
I can still see Trump descending the escalator in New York to announce his candidacy and finding out later that some number of "supporters" were paid extras.
I did not take his candidacy seriously and gave him zero chance of winning and assumed that Jeb Bush, with over $100 million in Super PAC money, would be running against Hillary.
So I suggest that we don't underestimate Trump which is to say, don't overestimate the American voter.
If Trump were to get 50% of white men and 25% of white women and another 2% of votes from the rest, that would put him tied around 50%.
Add into that equation, voter turnout / suppression.
On the other side, Democrats have a slight advantage in the Electoral College.
But that didn't work in 2000 and we now have 1 million refugees in Europe.
I did not take his candidacy seriously and gave him zero chance of winning and assumed that Jeb Bush, with over $100 million in Super PAC money, would be running against Hillary.
So I suggest that we don't underestimate Trump which is to say, don't overestimate the American voter.
If Trump were to get 50% of white men and 25% of white women and another 2% of votes from the rest, that would put him tied around 50%.
Add into that equation, voter turnout / suppression.
On the other side, Democrats have a slight advantage in the Electoral College.
But that didn't work in 2000 and we now have 1 million refugees in Europe.
Perhaps 3/4 of Americans believe corruption is widespread in government because the Party in charge of 2/3 of our federal government and most of our state governments have told us that over and over for several years.
"Government IS the problem" has been the mantra of the Greedy Old Plutocrats since St. Ronald was President. They've shouted "The Clintons are corrupt" loudly and consistently since 1992, so loudly that now too many DEMOCRATS believe it.
That's one problem with propaganda. People DO tend to believe the Big Lie, and then they don't believe truth when it hits them in the face.
Gaia save this planet from a President Trump.
"Government IS the problem" has been the mantra of the Greedy Old Plutocrats since St. Ronald was President. They've shouted "The Clintons are corrupt" loudly and consistently since 1992, so loudly that now too many DEMOCRATS believe it.
That's one problem with propaganda. People DO tend to believe the Big Lie, and then they don't believe truth when it hits them in the face.
Gaia save this planet from a President Trump.
5
Trump is truly the Pied Piper of the modern era.
3
"No, the threat is not that he will necessarily win, but that he will further poison our national dialogue in the six months between now and Election Day, … “
The media decides which subjects to report on. It has provided unending coverage of the plight of illegal immigrants. It has not chosen to tell us how illegal immigrants have been impacting our medical, educational, social service, correctional, and other societal structures.
Our economy has been hemorrhaging working class jobs to hi tech and to countries with cheap labor and poor environmental records. There simply are not enough jobs left for American citizens with no more than a high school diploma. Yet, illegal immigrants have been allowed to take many of the jobs that are still available. The media has steadfastly refused to cover the impact illegal immigration has on working class families.
We do not even know how many illegal immigrants are here since the Census Bureau’s researchers say that of all foreign born groups, Hispanic males have been the most undercounted. (See "Demographic Analysis 2010: Estimates of Coverage of the Foreign-Born Population in the American Community Survey by Jensen, Bhaskar, and Scopilliti on the Bureau’s web site.)
It would not poison the dialogue if the media began to give us basic facts on illegal immigration.
The media decides which subjects to report on. It has provided unending coverage of the plight of illegal immigrants. It has not chosen to tell us how illegal immigrants have been impacting our medical, educational, social service, correctional, and other societal structures.
Our economy has been hemorrhaging working class jobs to hi tech and to countries with cheap labor and poor environmental records. There simply are not enough jobs left for American citizens with no more than a high school diploma. Yet, illegal immigrants have been allowed to take many of the jobs that are still available. The media has steadfastly refused to cover the impact illegal immigration has on working class families.
We do not even know how many illegal immigrants are here since the Census Bureau’s researchers say that of all foreign born groups, Hispanic males have been the most undercounted. (See "Demographic Analysis 2010: Estimates of Coverage of the Foreign-Born Population in the American Community Survey by Jensen, Bhaskar, and Scopilliti on the Bureau’s web site.)
It would not poison the dialogue if the media began to give us basic facts on illegal immigration.
1
All one has to do to look at the complete and utter dysfunction of the Republicans is look at former Gov. Bobby Jindal, who is making the rounds saying he'll vote for Donald Trump. That's the same Bobby Jindal who absolutely threw his state, Louisiana - one of the poorest states in the nation - under the ground with his "21st Century Republican" ideas.
That state now has no money for anything, it's all his doing, and the new governor, John Bel Edwards, has to clean up Mr. Jindal's mind-boggling financial follies while Mr. Jindal gets to go on TV and get some publicity. It's clear he hopes that Mr. Trump will wave his magic wand and make Bobby Jindal relevant again on a national level.
Gov. Jindal is going with the flow even though it's clear he can barely stand Mr. Trump. Never mind those folks in Louisiana who are suffering and a new governor who basically has to juggle five apples while roller-skating backwards to fix what Mr. Jindal has brought about. Like President Obama, the new governor (who is a white military veteran but is one of those evil Democrats) will likely get no credit for any improvement he makes but instead will get the blame for not doing "enough". Meanwhile, another Republican "leader" gets off scot-free in hopes of inflicting more damage elsewhere.
Like the Talking Heads said/sang: "Same as it ever was! Same as it ever was!"
That state now has no money for anything, it's all his doing, and the new governor, John Bel Edwards, has to clean up Mr. Jindal's mind-boggling financial follies while Mr. Jindal gets to go on TV and get some publicity. It's clear he hopes that Mr. Trump will wave his magic wand and make Bobby Jindal relevant again on a national level.
Gov. Jindal is going with the flow even though it's clear he can barely stand Mr. Trump. Never mind those folks in Louisiana who are suffering and a new governor who basically has to juggle five apples while roller-skating backwards to fix what Mr. Jindal has brought about. Like President Obama, the new governor (who is a white military veteran but is one of those evil Democrats) will likely get no credit for any improvement he makes but instead will get the blame for not doing "enough". Meanwhile, another Republican "leader" gets off scot-free in hopes of inflicting more damage elsewhere.
Like the Talking Heads said/sang: "Same as it ever was! Same as it ever was!"
18
@Erika,
Piyush Jindal?? Please, don't even go there! I was born and raised in LA. From what I hear, except for the food (which I miss) and milder winters (though not the humidity) I'm lucky not to be there anymore.
5-9-16@12:44 pm
Piyush Jindal?? Please, don't even go there! I was born and raised in LA. From what I hear, except for the food (which I miss) and milder winters (though not the humidity) I'm lucky not to be there anymore.
5-9-16@12:44 pm
3
I'm surprised that no one is telling it like it is. That after the Civil Rights legislation of Johnson, the Republican think tanks, with the special blessings and backing of the oligarchs, figured out how to manipulate ignorant whites by cynically playing to their racial prejudice and religious fundamentalism. All this with the benefit of no economic payback. Now the monster they created is out of control.
11
While I agree that the Trump candidacy is a direct result of GOP pandering to disaffected white voters, I think the larger story is in why GOP elites are not lining up behind him. Trump is pedaling the same elixir that other GOP candidates pedaled for years, so why not support him? Really, is Trump more racist or misogynist than any of the others? Not really. He's louder and cruder, but he says the same thing that GOP candidates have been saying since Nixon. I believe these are the reasons:
1) He is separating the conservative values voters from the Republican party; he said as much this past weekend. So to the extent that GOP elites have aligned with "conservative values", Trump is cleaving the two. The realigned Republican party that emerges will be a more traditionally conservative economic party, not socially conservative.
2) Probably more importantly, the real GOP power brokers (Koch, Cheney, Adelson) realize that the populism that Trump has tapped works against their economic interests. It's not that Trump is so toxic, it's that they can't use his toxicity to further their economic interests. Once they figure out how use Trump to continue their economic fleecing of America, every one of them will sign an endorsement.
So, maybe Trump isn't so bad for the country. If he succeeds in breaking the Republican coalition of conservative Christians, big money plutocrats, and Chamber of Commerce types, is that really a bad thing?
1) He is separating the conservative values voters from the Republican party; he said as much this past weekend. So to the extent that GOP elites have aligned with "conservative values", Trump is cleaving the two. The realigned Republican party that emerges will be a more traditionally conservative economic party, not socially conservative.
2) Probably more importantly, the real GOP power brokers (Koch, Cheney, Adelson) realize that the populism that Trump has tapped works against their economic interests. It's not that Trump is so toxic, it's that they can't use his toxicity to further their economic interests. Once they figure out how use Trump to continue their economic fleecing of America, every one of them will sign an endorsement.
So, maybe Trump isn't so bad for the country. If he succeeds in breaking the Republican coalition of conservative Christians, big money plutocrats, and Chamber of Commerce types, is that really a bad thing?
2
And Mr. Blow cares about the GOP??
1
Somebody has to....
3
@stu freeman,
I think Mr. Blow cares about (is slightly infatuated with) Hillary Clinton and making sure the NYT keeps Trump's name in the media for $$$$$. I won't give Mr. Blow more credit than he's earned.
5-9-16@12:48 pm
I think Mr. Blow cares about (is slightly infatuated with) Hillary Clinton and making sure the NYT keeps Trump's name in the media for $$$$$. I won't give Mr. Blow more credit than he's earned.
5-9-16@12:48 pm
2
Trump's rise is not purely the result of GOP action. It is a result of the current national climate and it isn't pretty. When democrats lost the house, Obama went into executive decree mode and dictated everything unilaterally - Yes people are angry and upset about that. You can say Bush lied about WMD, but congress went along - Obama never tried to get congress to go along after democrats lost the house. Obama promised transparency and delivered a black box - this ranges from the most ardent targeting of the press and reporters in four decades by any president of any party. As well as out right lies - (even Barney Frank admits Obama shouldn't have lied about ACA - "if you like your plan you can keep your plan" - he should have been honest - we are outlawing your existing plan because it isn't good enough and your new plan will be better). This only increases distrust. For as much as the GOP is part of the problem - they do not have a monopoly on blame it is equally shared. Trump was never a strong republican and he isn't now - he is all about Trump. Regardless this may well be the end of the republican party; they may not survive Trump.
2
In point of fact Mr. Obama has never stopped trying to get Congress to do anything for the sake of America's citizens apart from cutting taxes for the wealthy and benefits for the poor. He's relied on executive action (though not nearly as often as Dubya did) only because the Republicans in Congress unilaterally decided to keep their salaries and take up space on Capitol Hill.
19
I have my middle-school students joking about the stupidity of Donald Trump. They are smarter than the 40% of Republican voters who want him as the 45th President of the Unite States
14
I have been following American politics ever since President Barak Obama got nominated by the Domocrats. Many republicans ridiculed him and never co-operated with him. They dismissed him as one time president. His programmes were turned down. Latest being not passing the Supreme Court judge nomination. It is just the opposition for the sake of opposition. Previous house speaker got disgusted with his party stance and he resigned.
Now the rank and file is fed up with what Republican representatives and senators are doing and chosen a person who they think is hope for them. They are looking for drastic change. Mr.Trump has been able to offer them hope.
Intellegencia may think that Mr.Trump is going to be disaster. Common voter does not buy it. It is democracy. People choose whom they want as their president. Every one had to respect the people's mandate.
If he gets nominated and wins the election , it may do a lot good to America and to the world. Only the time had the answer to it. Let us wait and watch what the future will be.
Now the rank and file is fed up with what Republican representatives and senators are doing and chosen a person who they think is hope for them. They are looking for drastic change. Mr.Trump has been able to offer them hope.
Intellegencia may think that Mr.Trump is going to be disaster. Common voter does not buy it. It is democracy. People choose whom they want as their president. Every one had to respect the people's mandate.
If he gets nominated and wins the election , it may do a lot good to America and to the world. Only the time had the answer to it. Let us wait and watch what the future will be.
while DJT may have just risen ever so slightly above swamp-level with respect to the other contenders in the GOP primaries,
citizens should make no mistake about too easily decrying his likelihood of winning the presidency in November - - -
his supporters and acolytes are far more numerous than any polling or near-normal political measuring can assess.
NYT readers, as a group, would be amazed at the attendees who are turning out in numbers to experience this circus barker.
selling this person and the people who vote for him short,
by any means,
is a risky endeavor.
the non-Trumpites need an articulate, simple set of arguments in order to out-vote this ground roots mania.
make no mistake about it.
Go Bernie, the only We-the-People candidate in 2016.
4
The GOP has poisoned the political landscape for so long that The Donnie is the inevtable toxic weed that spouted up.
5
I have no sympathy for a political party whose primary motivating factor is exclusion and hate. They treated our president abonimably and gave rise to the candidacy of Trump—the industrial runoff of their own toxic beliefs. Ignorance and vileness are their platform's supporting planks.
A contemptible bunch of hypocrites.
A contemptible bunch of hypocrites.
17
corr: abominably (typing too fast…)
1
America! Is it not priceless that even the Republicans cannot agree upon whom to vote for? GO Republicans!!!!
1
Regarding corruption, where did a former High School teacher/wrestling coach/member of congress (Dennis Hastert) get the million dollars plus he was going to use to buy silence from one of his former pedophile victims? How many other elected officials entered their office broke and left with a net worth in the millions?
The "movement" of the defeated Eric Cantor, from congress to becoming an overnight Wall Street millionaire immediately after losing his bid for re-election, just reinforces the bad taste in my mouth toward our elected officials.
Stretching competence, where were all they elected officials who through their silence gave credence to all the hate mongers questioning then, as well as now, the location of Obama's birth?
Where were they when one of their members shouted, "You lie" during a State of the Union address? Answer - their silence morphed into another fund raising campaign by the Republican party? What kind of questions does such an action by one person and non-action by his colleagues lead to regarding competence by "our" elected officials?
The current GOP establishment jumped into bed with Trump long ago, now they are complaining about having to make the bed. TOO BAD.
The "movement" of the defeated Eric Cantor, from congress to becoming an overnight Wall Street millionaire immediately after losing his bid for re-election, just reinforces the bad taste in my mouth toward our elected officials.
Stretching competence, where were all they elected officials who through their silence gave credence to all the hate mongers questioning then, as well as now, the location of Obama's birth?
Where were they when one of their members shouted, "You lie" during a State of the Union address? Answer - their silence morphed into another fund raising campaign by the Republican party? What kind of questions does such an action by one person and non-action by his colleagues lead to regarding competence by "our" elected officials?
The current GOP establishment jumped into bed with Trump long ago, now they are complaining about having to make the bed. TOO BAD.
10
How many times is Charles Blow, a stubborn and determined left wing blowhard, going to reprint this nonsense piece about Trump? What is this, number four or five 'they had it coming' tripe? You get paid for this?
1
And what blame does our national media have to share for this situation? Who makes politics into "infotainment"?
5
I love your headline and even revel in it.......Thanks.!
2
Excellent summary of the Republican madness Mr. Blow, I would only add that the " Madman Driven Carriage' you correctly point out, that is heading for the cliff, is gaining speed, and reminiscent of Thaddeus J. Toad (see my avatar) when he discovered 'The Motor Car'.
3
As I was listening to one of many morning talk show yesterday..one commentator was saying evidently most of the bragging Trump was spewing are lies, like " Had a nice conversation with Paul Ryan" never was any, same with Marco Rubio is untrue. Yet people were all cheering to all his verbiage. facial gestures, name calling and what not.
Is this the true Picture of America of today ?
What kind of youth are growing up to support these kind of blatant racism and name calling ? I still think these are the older folks who are proud to call themselves White Americans being immigrants themselves.
I am hoping beyond hope their children and grandchildren will be revolting to these kind of hatred and become inclusive .
HOPE is all we have.
Is this the true Picture of America of today ?
What kind of youth are growing up to support these kind of blatant racism and name calling ? I still think these are the older folks who are proud to call themselves White Americans being immigrants themselves.
I am hoping beyond hope their children and grandchildren will be revolting to these kind of hatred and become inclusive .
HOPE is all we have.
11
I like Blow, but his columns continue to read like term papers. He quotes excessively from published news sources and interviews, then just connects the dots. Please: don't tell us what we already know, and don't rely on quotations from published sources to back up your views! What next? Footnotes? Originality please!
1
NEVER FORGET: John McCain paved the way for Chump with his selection of the verifiable moron Palin; the Media elevated Chump in the quest for ratings over their country. Then the Media anointed Chump with their reluctance to call out his lies, falsehoods, claims and vulgarities....which was their Constitutionally protected job to do. Thanks guys.
9
Americans are having a civil war of some kind. The Republican Party, as I once remember it, appears to belong to another era. In the name of America and everything we hold dear, let us take back our Country from Trump.
There may be a revolution if Trump is not elected. Let us be prepared for riots and disharmony. Thank you, Mr. Charles Blow, for your latest column. The British author Huxley wrote all about The Trump Empire in his novel where the swan dies at the end of a long summer.
There may be a revolution if Trump is not elected. Let us be prepared for riots and disharmony. Thank you, Mr. Charles Blow, for your latest column. The British author Huxley wrote all about The Trump Empire in his novel where the swan dies at the end of a long summer.
1
To see hucksters like Mitch McConnell and Jeff Sessions actually suck up to the monstrosity they built day by day isbeyond revolting.
Yes, by all means, look to people like Erick Erickson to fix the rube-goldberg hate machine that is today's GOP.
Yes, by all means, look to people like Erick Erickson to fix the rube-goldberg hate machine that is today's GOP.
4
What's missing from Mr. Blow's article is that Hillary Clinton is just as unpopular as Trump. This alone underscores the galling hypocrisy of the NYT.
4
Not true, sir!
6
What's missing from your comment is accuracy. Clinton's unfavorability rating is 37% and Trump's is 53%. Not really the same, are they?
http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/americans-distaste-for-both-trump-an...
http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/americans-distaste-for-both-trump-an...
9
The GOP* let Trump run wild with his BO Birth Certificate Canard, too. They could have shot him down with an organized campaign using their Rightwing Noise Machine. It would have taken two weeks to assert that BO was born in HI and that is a settled fact; stop with the racism and lies. Instead they let Trump expand his base, and so here we are.
* The media that never called him a bold-faced liar on this issue shares blame.
* The media that never called him a bold-faced liar on this issue shares blame.
7
Why are so many reporters, such as yourself, making the grand statement that Trump will possibly "tear the country apart?"
The only thing he is tearing apart is a certain political party that's myopic in its views of the outside world. The racism and nihilism he represents has been here for ages -yet NOW, it's some existential threat to the very fabric of the Republic.
Good God man -just let them fight it out in the sandbox.
The only thing he is tearing apart is a certain political party that's myopic in its views of the outside world. The racism and nihilism he represents has been here for ages -yet NOW, it's some existential threat to the very fabric of the Republic.
Good God man -just let them fight it out in the sandbox.
2
If a Trump candidacy destroys the "GOP of Conservative Doctrinal Purity," then he will do the country a great service.
3
Republicans were the drug pushers who addicted white rural America to a bag of mind-altering and pain-killing drugs. Drug Number One: In America, you can be a millionaire if you just work hard enough, and anybody who's not a millionaire is just lazy with an "entitlement attitude." It's their (your) own damned fault. (Equally applied to those laid off from their jobs who can't promptly get jobs just as good.) Drug Number Two: Freedom (from taxes, gun control, and government regulations of all kinds) is all you need more of to get ahead. Drug Number Three: You are the "real Americans" because you are white and your mother goes to church and reads the Bible. Drug Number Four: Government is not the answer, it's the problem. Everything government does to help, it makes worse and takes away your freedom. And finally, Drug Number Five: America is a Christian Nation and anything wrong is because "they" took prayer out of public schools. When taken together or in overdose, these drugs will kill you. It is no accident that the literal drugs -- crack, meth and now opioids -- have ravaged not just the inner cities of America but also white, rural and suburban working class and middle class families as these conceptual drugs have been pushed by Republicans. And now government can't even help the drug addicts get clean and return to productive life because government can't do anything right, takes away freedom and will raise your taxes to do it. Besides, they were all just lazy.
8
Trump has cemented the base of the Republican Party, the angry, frightened, ignorant racist, unemployed white guy and his hard working wife. And if you think things are going to get worse, remember George W. Bush, that was hell. Donald Trump will be like a walk in the park. Let's give Donald Trump some more credit, too, he saved us from having to let the Bushes' (and Romney's) rub our noses in their good fortune.
4
I think Trump's appeal centers around racism. All the rest follows. It has been a driving force since the Cro-Magnon wiped out the Neanderthals. Birtherism, Mexico border wall, ban Muslims, David Duke endorsement -- all center around fear and hatred of the other, the non-whites. Where is the outrage that should attend this "Never Again" challenge? The mass media did not do its job in effectively nipping Trump's chances in the bud the way they did for Sanders because racism sells.
10
And sexism. He's a throwback to a toxic machismo that keeps women "in their place" as sex objects, ranked and valued solely based on how attractive he thinks they are.
Never forget that the angry, racist white men that are Trump's core supporters are also sexist, angry that women are allowed to compete with (and often, win against) them and feeling that their selves are threatened by the fact that they aren't automatically considered superior to 51% of the population based on their gonads.
Never forget that the angry, racist white men that are Trump's core supporters are also sexist, angry that women are allowed to compete with (and often, win against) them and feeling that their selves are threatened by the fact that they aren't automatically considered superior to 51% of the population based on their gonads.
12
Flat out wrong. Folks are as sick of McConnell/Reid as anything. Break it up and start over. Shooting the messenger is an age old trick...
Dang! Is that a new picture Mr. Blow? That's a lot to take in before a second cup of coffee.
There is no need to read an article by Mr. Blow. He will talk about how stupid this country is and how terrible Donald is. It's the same column every time
2
He's hoping you get it this time. Guess not . . .
4
We are witnessing the outcome of the Republican's attack on government, and disrespect for the presidency. For years now we have watched them do nothing, provide no useful ideas to guide our country, and to whine, blame, attack, and obstruct our president who was elected by a clear majority TWICE! Mitch McConnell has been determined to do as much damage to the US government as possible. He has shown callous disrespect for Obama, and now is showing that same disrespect for the Supreme Court as he attempts to bring down that leg of our government.
The Republican establishment has known for years that holding on to their power is only possible by controlling small segments of voters in carefully crafted districts, and alienating the majority so they don't vote.
Out comes TRUMP. I wish him the best of success as he stomps on these GOP establishment fools. They deserve all they get including Ryan being thrown out of the speakership.
McConnell foolishly called for the "people to vote" well Mitch.... They have spoken, now leave town!
The Republican establishment has known for years that holding on to their power is only possible by controlling small segments of voters in carefully crafted districts, and alienating the majority so they don't vote.
Out comes TRUMP. I wish him the best of success as he stomps on these GOP establishment fools. They deserve all they get including Ryan being thrown out of the speakership.
McConnell foolishly called for the "people to vote" well Mitch.... They have spoken, now leave town!
2
As if anyone wants to listen to Paul Ryan, Mitt, or the Bushes. Yes, Trump is a bad hair day for the GOP and the nation, but the GOP spokesmen are not looking out for the nation, only corporate America and the NRA.
2
The G.O.P. does indeed have only itself to blame.
They'll blame Obama nonetheless.
They'll blame Obama nonetheless.
7
While Times columnists obsess on Trump the real world is in motion. There are many important races and issues that concern the American people, not to mention real news events impacting the nation.
The Trump thing is settled, he is not going to be president, so you can stop writing about him, stop feeding the stinking pile of irrelevant verbiage you all have been building day in and day out for months.
Times columnist could be working to inform the electorate, raise the bar of our American politics. But no, they see their primary roll as being and perpetuating the media echo chamber.
Awake, awake, Times columnist, you are being sucked down the vortex of irrelevance.
The Trump thing is settled, he is not going to be president, so you can stop writing about him, stop feeding the stinking pile of irrelevant verbiage you all have been building day in and day out for months.
Times columnist could be working to inform the electorate, raise the bar of our American politics. But no, they see their primary roll as being and perpetuating the media echo chamber.
Awake, awake, Times columnist, you are being sucked down the vortex of irrelevance.
2
Remember that at the beginning of the primaries, they made all the candidates -- including Trump -- vow not to run as 3rd party candidates but rather to support the eventual winner (if I remember correctly). Now that Trump won, they are not keeping the promise that they made. Shame on them! As it says in stores, you break it, you buy it. They broke the party, now they don't want to pay. John McCain pretended that Sarah Palin was a suitable candidate for VP (and by extension, for President). Now he's complaining about Trump. They should all stand there proudly next to Mr. Trump and announce solemnly: This is what the GOP stands for!
2
A Third-Party Candidate brings memories of 2000, when Ralph Nader ran as well........and look what we got for 8 years- Dubya. So I can only imagine what will happen when a 3rd Candidate is introduced by the Clown Car Party................
The problem is that Trump's use of a toxic mix " to appeal to the darker side of the Republican party" is that it is also appealing to many non-Republicans, both Independents and Democrats which means he could very well be elected. Way back in the Old Testament, Isaiah warns us ( Isaiah 5:20 ) " Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." I am not sure what manner of " woe " Isaiah had in mind but it couldn't be good.
3
wait a minute . . . didn't every single GOP candidate (except Donald Trump) raise their hand in Cleveland, OH on August 6, 2015 and vow to support the eventual nominee?
Bunch of oath breakers, it seems
Bunch of oath breakers, it seems
3
Trump conned the Tea Party Republicans, and now he's going for his biggest mark yet--the American public.
Let's just hope that the rest of the citizenry, independents and "Reagan Democrats" will step back and take a hard look at his "policies," and won't foolishly hitch a joy ride to his careening carriage, as you say Mr. Blow.
Let's just hope that the rest of the citizenry, independents and "Reagan Democrats" will step back and take a hard look at his "policies," and won't foolishly hitch a joy ride to his careening carriage, as you say Mr. Blow.
1
Dear New York Times commentators,
Please stop writing about this man. The press fascination with him has led him to the nomination, you need to stop before you lead him to the White House. Look at the front page, it's all him and none of her. This calamity will be the fault of the press.
Please stop writing about this man. The press fascination with him has led him to the nomination, you need to stop before you lead him to the White House. Look at the front page, it's all him and none of her. This calamity will be the fault of the press.
10
“a staggering” three-fourths of Americans believing “corruption is ‘widespread’ in the U.S. government.”
Hmm, as is clear from the 75% value... You don't have to be a bigoted blue collar Trumpista to believe that our government is corrupt. Whether it is Hilary collected a cool quarter of a million dollars for a 1 hour Goldman Sacks speaking gig or John McCain admitting that that he couldn't remember the last time he flew on a commercial jet or Judge Scalia getting flown to luxury vacations on corporate jets; our political elite is so drenched in corruption influences that they don't even recognize it as corrupt. And, of course, it is all legal because these are the guys that write the laws.
Hmm, as is clear from the 75% value... You don't have to be a bigoted blue collar Trumpista to believe that our government is corrupt. Whether it is Hilary collected a cool quarter of a million dollars for a 1 hour Goldman Sacks speaking gig or John McCain admitting that that he couldn't remember the last time he flew on a commercial jet or Judge Scalia getting flown to luxury vacations on corporate jets; our political elite is so drenched in corruption influences that they don't even recognize it as corrupt. And, of course, it is all legal because these are the guys that write the laws.
6
If the government were really serious about fighting corruption, or even the suggestion of corruption, and official misconduct they would make both of them death penalty offenses. The execution of a few hundred corrupt bureaucrats and politicians each year would show the public that the government was really serious about fighting corruption.
1
GOP is history. Time for a GN(ew)P!
1
People should be aware that if you keep on shouting that Trump and the Republicans are toast, Clinton voters will not show up in November 2016. Be very prudent.
1
Does anybody else have the experience that Mr. Blow's portrait...with that incredibly annoying expression, part smug, part smarmy...makes you not want to agree with anything he writes?
Did he he actually CHOOSE this photo? "Yeah...that one. That expresses who I am."
Did he he actually CHOOSE this photo? "Yeah...that one. That expresses who I am."
4
Is Trump worse than W?
3
OH please. The Dims nominated a complete naif for president in 2008 and again in 2012. They've followed that up by being on the verge of nominating one of the most corrupt and unlikable politicians of our time for 2016. Prior to that we had "greats" like Jimmy Carter and Al gore and John Kerry wear the democratic banner. Now -- I'll give you that Bill wasn't a bad president despite his personal peccadilloes, but I'll credit Newt for some of Bill's move from a leftist southern governor to an effective leader. But you simply can't point the finger at the Republicans -- the Dims are a bigger joke. Bernie vs Hillary? The commie vs the corrupt. It feels like the Spanish revolution all over again.
Both parties should try to do better. But while the Times editorial board tries to label Trump as a racist, misogynist, xenophobe -- I don't think he's all that. I think that's lefties sifting tea leaves. All in all, between Trump and HRC -- it isn't even close. The staid Repub leaders are simply aghast that someone has stolen their football and doesn't want to wear their uniform. These are the same right wing nuts the left rants about. You should be glad the GOP has given you a middle of the road candidate who is capable of getting things done.
Both parties should try to do better. But while the Times editorial board tries to label Trump as a racist, misogynist, xenophobe -- I don't think he's all that. I think that's lefties sifting tea leaves. All in all, between Trump and HRC -- it isn't even close. The staid Repub leaders are simply aghast that someone has stolen their football and doesn't want to wear their uniform. These are the same right wing nuts the left rants about. You should be glad the GOP has given you a middle of the road candidate who is capable of getting things done.
1
Mr. Blow, you've described well the Republican Party's challenges. But, you passed too quickly over your citation that "Jim Clifton, chairman and C.E.O. at Gallup, called earlier this year “a staggering” three-fourths of Americans believing “corruption is ‘widespread’ in the U.S. government.” As Clifton emphasized: “Not incompetence, but corruption.”
Democrats are apparently going to run Hillary Clinton. The Donald supplanted the traditional Republican Party by lifting the veil on its crooked promises to the base. Don't you think his new campaign smear - "Crooked Hillary" - is going to resonate with a lot of those three-quarters of Americans who think politicians are corrupt?
Democrats are apparently going to run Hillary Clinton. The Donald supplanted the traditional Republican Party by lifting the veil on its crooked promises to the base. Don't you think his new campaign smear - "Crooked Hillary" - is going to resonate with a lot of those three-quarters of Americans who think politicians are corrupt?
6
Ok. We get the idea. Blow is saying the same thing approximately 75% of the NY Times commenters have been saying, on every single story involving the GOP, for about the lat 12 months: "The chickens have come home . . ." Gah! I cannot even finish typing this beaten-to-death phrase.
But wait! There's more! -- "Two Republicans to watch are Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida. Both are plausible contenders in 2020."
So here we are, already gearing up for 2020, getting our ducks in a row just in case it will then no longer be the GOP's fault their chickens etc. etc. etc.
But wait! There's more! -- "Two Republicans to watch are Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida. Both are plausible contenders in 2020."
So here we are, already gearing up for 2020, getting our ducks in a row just in case it will then no longer be the GOP's fault their chickens etc. etc. etc.
2
Trump's success illustrates what most Americans refuse to see: American is about money. Period.
3
Trump and many in the Republican party are purging the neocons and rinos. The Democrats need to purge the Progressive socialists and big government totalitarians from their ranks. Put America first. John Kerry's borderless world and George H.W. Bush's new world order are destroying our country.
3
Couldn't have happened to a sweeter group.
1
Bring back the Fairness Doctrine! When people are allowed to marinate their brains in Fox and Limbaugh, it is easy to see how their hatred blinds them to reason.
6
What's the problem Charles? You and your staff should be jumping up and down in the hallowed halls of the ny times. You and the other half wits at the nyt have gotten your gal crowned and gotten her an opponent that is a total embarrassing laughing stock. You are part of that Charles.
4
In the tradition of Strom Thurman, Barry Goldwater, George Wallace, Trump continues the long line of demagoguery couched in a white fear, bigotry, and racism that will continue to fail because it is rooted in hate and ignorance.
That biblical principal that “you shall reap what you sow” is as true today as it was in the beginning.
Hey GOP, how do you like yourselves now?
That biblical principal that “you shall reap what you sow” is as true today as it was in the beginning.
Hey GOP, how do you like yourselves now?
5
And Hillary has The New York Times to thank.
3
" ... unfavorable opins of the G.O.P. are high ... and Trump will send that number sinking ..."
Huh?
Huh?
2
Mr. Blow,
You tell us not to cry. I know who's not crying: you, the rest of the NYT and nearly all of the media. Y'all haven't come up for air once. Non-stop writing if the man even coughs or scratches his face. I guess that's how you keep your profits and your high salaries going.
Btw, apropos the use of that "Y" word in your second paragraph, perhaps you should consider refraining next time. It's a tad predictable. And, with respects, I've seen other people use it a bit more effectively.
5-9-16@9:11 am
You tell us not to cry. I know who's not crying: you, the rest of the NYT and nearly all of the media. Y'all haven't come up for air once. Non-stop writing if the man even coughs or scratches his face. I guess that's how you keep your profits and your high salaries going.
Btw, apropos the use of that "Y" word in your second paragraph, perhaps you should consider refraining next time. It's a tad predictable. And, with respects, I've seen other people use it a bit more effectively.
5-9-16@9:11 am
3
The headline on this column (an overly familiar trope) has nothing to do with the column itself.
1
The Republican party didn't act alone; the news media gleefully aided and abetted.
3
Oh Charles, what to make of this exercise?
Lindsey Graham taliking about "good conscience?" As Dylan put it, "don't criticize what you don't understand?"
Erick Ericson mooting a third party candidacy? Did he miss that the infinitely smarter than he Mikey Bloomberg said that a decision would have to be made by mid March in order to get on the ballot in all 50 states? How many states are now out of reach for a putative Red State Party candidate? Hint, New York's rules are notoriously arcane and antagonistic to outside penetration, just as an example.
And you expect me to take seriously predictions from The Upshot, which predicted the demise of the Trumplestiltskin candidacy more frequently than Times reporters and columnists called Bernie Sanders "unelectable?" Sorry, but if the Upshot to,d me that the sky was blue, I'd look out the window before accepting it.
As Mencken put it, "nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people."
If Charles doesn't think that Hillary can't lose this thing, than he's been blithely unconscious during her now three year history of campaigning for the Presidency. Beaten by an upstart first term $enator who was black with a middle name of "Hussein," 8 years ago, then taken to great, desperate lengths by an old, rumpled Socialist Senator from the second smallest state (by population) with single digit name recognition and support just a year ago. Without the complicity of the mainstream media, NYT included...who knows?
Lindsey Graham taliking about "good conscience?" As Dylan put it, "don't criticize what you don't understand?"
Erick Ericson mooting a third party candidacy? Did he miss that the infinitely smarter than he Mikey Bloomberg said that a decision would have to be made by mid March in order to get on the ballot in all 50 states? How many states are now out of reach for a putative Red State Party candidate? Hint, New York's rules are notoriously arcane and antagonistic to outside penetration, just as an example.
And you expect me to take seriously predictions from The Upshot, which predicted the demise of the Trumplestiltskin candidacy more frequently than Times reporters and columnists called Bernie Sanders "unelectable?" Sorry, but if the Upshot to,d me that the sky was blue, I'd look out the window before accepting it.
As Mencken put it, "nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people."
If Charles doesn't think that Hillary can't lose this thing, than he's been blithely unconscious during her now three year history of campaigning for the Presidency. Beaten by an upstart first term $enator who was black with a middle name of "Hussein," 8 years ago, then taken to great, desperate lengths by an old, rumpled Socialist Senator from the second smallest state (by population) with single digit name recognition and support just a year ago. Without the complicity of the mainstream media, NYT included...who knows?
9
Everywhere I read in the NYT I see predictions of DJT losing to HRC by a landslide. I hope they're right. But if you look at HRC's campaign now with it's difficulty in convincingly putting away the Bern. It's hard to see how it's going to be any different with the Donald as the opponent. The same incompetence and disarray will rear it's ugly head in the general election and make this an unnecessarily close contest that will be a coin toss up to the last minute.
Last night NBC showed a hacker from Romania supposedly got into HRC's private "secured" email server. In the program they showed how HRC stated unequivocally that her private server was secure. You can tell her response was scripted and well practiced. Meanwhile the hacker smirked at the claim that it was "secure". I can see the attack ads now being created about this subject. They will hammer HRC and use her own words to show that she's a liar and destroy her credibility. It will be very interesting to see how Mr. Blow and Mr. Krugman and the rest of the pundits on the NYT esplain this away.
Last night NBC showed a hacker from Romania supposedly got into HRC's private "secured" email server. In the program they showed how HRC stated unequivocally that her private server was secure. You can tell her response was scripted and well practiced. Meanwhile the hacker smirked at the claim that it was "secure". I can see the attack ads now being created about this subject. They will hammer HRC and use her own words to show that she's a liar and destroy her credibility. It will be very interesting to see how Mr. Blow and Mr. Krugman and the rest of the pundits on the NYT esplain this away.
8
If you think folks will vote for Trump because of HRC's emails, you're sadly mistaken. I'll take a poor decision about a server over the Donald circus every time. Whatever happened to critical thinking?
8
the fact remains, Trump won. why did that happen?
If only Charles M. Blow and the liberal media weren't so obvious in their concern trolling.
Oh we Obama liberals are so concerned about the fate of the Republican Party that we just can't stop opining, advising and analyzing. Yeah right. I voluntarily put my Washington lawyer hat aside to see the obvious.
After a complete humiliation in the GOP primaries that Trump emerged victorious from, this is just another tact by the liberal elite still chasing windmills and dreaming of being the ones who "took Trump down."
You can't break Trump's bond with the voters, which is solid and getting stronger every day, so you turn your focus to what Obama liberals can control--the press.
Mr, Blow's column omits the single most important fact--that there is no "divide" among the American people. Republicans supporting Trump are doing so regardless of the crying, whining, handwringing and various tantrums of the establishment, who aren't concerned for the future of our country, only their own future as political hacks, lobbyists, groupies and hangers on.
Paul Ryan has a choice.
He can thumb his nose in the faces of ordinary Americans like Obama and his supporters have done for the last 7.5 years, Ryan can join the liberal elite who sit around making fun of unemployed Americans and people down on their luck, or Ryan can respect the voters of HIS party and unite.
Trump and the Republican voters are totally fine with winning in Nov without Ryan.
Oh we Obama liberals are so concerned about the fate of the Republican Party that we just can't stop opining, advising and analyzing. Yeah right. I voluntarily put my Washington lawyer hat aside to see the obvious.
After a complete humiliation in the GOP primaries that Trump emerged victorious from, this is just another tact by the liberal elite still chasing windmills and dreaming of being the ones who "took Trump down."
You can't break Trump's bond with the voters, which is solid and getting stronger every day, so you turn your focus to what Obama liberals can control--the press.
Mr, Blow's column omits the single most important fact--that there is no "divide" among the American people. Republicans supporting Trump are doing so regardless of the crying, whining, handwringing and various tantrums of the establishment, who aren't concerned for the future of our country, only their own future as political hacks, lobbyists, groupies and hangers on.
Paul Ryan has a choice.
He can thumb his nose in the faces of ordinary Americans like Obama and his supporters have done for the last 7.5 years, Ryan can join the liberal elite who sit around making fun of unemployed Americans and people down on their luck, or Ryan can respect the voters of HIS party and unite.
Trump and the Republican voters are totally fine with winning in Nov without Ryan.
6
I agree. Trump's "bond" with his voters is very strong, from the racists sucker punching black non-violent protesters in the face and kicking them in the stomach at rallies, to the idiots beating up homeless Latino men, to the ones giving Nazi salutes and showing off their white supremacist tattoos. A strong bond, just like that of a Grand Wizard and his Klan.
6
So, DCB...; if the press is controlled by "Obama liberals, how in the world did your spiteful, uninformed and divisive comment get published? Sheesh. Your post is just another example of ersatz "conservative" dogma, totally useless in advancing the public good. Away with you and your close-minded meanness.
8
"Ordinary Americans?" Really? So you get to define who and who does not qualify as American. How white of you!
6
No, Charles. The GOP isn't to blame. The media. For the last six months virtually every news outlet in every format has lead with Trump, spent so much time focusing on Trump every other candidate was squeezed out of meaningful coverage. And, did this coverage really address his lack of knowledge, his background of shady deals, his lifestyle...no.
Furthermore, the media has consistently given 'equal coverage' to the crazy Republican ideas you refer to here for the last fifteen in the name of 'fair and balanced' reporting because you were running scared by Fox.
So let's get real. This disaster is a direct result of media chasing ratings and losing sight of its public service responsibility.
Furthermore, the media has consistently given 'equal coverage' to the crazy Republican ideas you refer to here for the last fifteen in the name of 'fair and balanced' reporting because you were running scared by Fox.
So let's get real. This disaster is a direct result of media chasing ratings and losing sight of its public service responsibility.
9
Interesting about the perception that politics is "corrupt." When is the last time we had an administration as uncorrupt as the Obama administration? Eisenhower?
6
Dear Mr. Blow,
I’m afraid your sliver of a Chance that Trump may become President is far more than a Sliver, it’s a reality.This election is no different than all elections before it.it’s all about a Chicken in every pot. In other words it’s the economy stupid. Yes, the economy and being able to live comfortably, trumps all other issues. There are two issues that resonate with me that Trump is constantly talking about. One is the the Great American Blue Collar Tragedy, & the grossly unequal trade deficits that we have with our trading Partners.Our Country is Trillions of dollars in debt. & no one evens mentions a balanced budget out of fear of being laughed at.The Failed Attorneys that have been running our country, are concerned about keeping their Jobs, and are busily putting up Smoke Screens to hide our uncertain future.
Only a Business Man like Trump realizes you can’t run a business this way & certainly not a country.If you put aside his pandering & throwing raw meat at his constituents. He is holding the Trump Card. Once again Mr. Blow you and your fellow pendents are misreading the Polls, which does not include the Millions of Blue Collar Democrats that will cross one & vote for Trump, who will be our next President.
I’m afraid your sliver of a Chance that Trump may become President is far more than a Sliver, it’s a reality.This election is no different than all elections before it.it’s all about a Chicken in every pot. In other words it’s the economy stupid. Yes, the economy and being able to live comfortably, trumps all other issues. There are two issues that resonate with me that Trump is constantly talking about. One is the the Great American Blue Collar Tragedy, & the grossly unequal trade deficits that we have with our trading Partners.Our Country is Trillions of dollars in debt. & no one evens mentions a balanced budget out of fear of being laughed at.The Failed Attorneys that have been running our country, are concerned about keeping their Jobs, and are busily putting up Smoke Screens to hide our uncertain future.
Only a Business Man like Trump realizes you can’t run a business this way & certainly not a country.If you put aside his pandering & throwing raw meat at his constituents. He is holding the Trump Card. Once again Mr. Blow you and your fellow pendents are misreading the Polls, which does not include the Millions of Blue Collar Democrats that will cross one & vote for Trump, who will be our next President.
3
Hmm. I don't know about Mr. Blow misreading the polls, but I have a question for you, as you are an obvious Trump supporter . . .
Just what in the hell does Donald J. Trump, born a millionaire, know about blue-collar ANYTHING?
As to your assertion that Donald J. Trump knows you "can't run a business this way," how do you explain his multiple bankruptcies? Is THAT how you run a business? Yeah, you can't really DO that with a government.
If millions of blue-collar Democrats do cross over and vote for Trump, it will be proof positive that an uninformed electorate will vote against its own best interests. But it WON'T be a demonstration that Mr. Trump is good at anything except identifying a mark and exploiting a weakness.
Apparently, there IS a sucker born every minute.
Just what in the hell does Donald J. Trump, born a millionaire, know about blue-collar ANYTHING?
As to your assertion that Donald J. Trump knows you "can't run a business this way," how do you explain his multiple bankruptcies? Is THAT how you run a business? Yeah, you can't really DO that with a government.
If millions of blue-collar Democrats do cross over and vote for Trump, it will be proof positive that an uninformed electorate will vote against its own best interests. But it WON'T be a demonstration that Mr. Trump is good at anything except identifying a mark and exploiting a weakness.
Apparently, there IS a sucker born every minute.
3
you are underestimating the number of racists in this country.
you are underestimating the amount of hatred and paranoia.
turn on Limbaugh for an afternoon. Look at his ratings and then
tell me "Trum can't win"
you are underestimating the amount of hatred and paranoia.
turn on Limbaugh for an afternoon. Look at his ratings and then
tell me "Trum can't win"
6
Mr. Blow, Trump isn't the last demagogue standing, unless you're looking only at the Republican Party. Politics and demagoguery should be synonyms.
1
Mr. Blow and the rest of The Times columnists who are crowing about the split in the Republican Party over the Trump nomination may be whistling past the grave yard.
Until Clinton secures the nomination, no one knows what she intends to offer Sanders and his supporters in the way of an olive branch and upon this will depend whether they vote for her in November. As The Times just carried an article about her intention is to reach out to Republicans, one has to wonder how she intends to go to the right to do this while at the same time go to the left to assure Sanders' supporters. I don't think she will get many of the latter group's votes if she starts backtracking from the more liberal positions that she took in order to defeat Sanders.
Until Clinton secures the nomination, no one knows what she intends to offer Sanders and his supporters in the way of an olive branch and upon this will depend whether they vote for her in November. As The Times just carried an article about her intention is to reach out to Republicans, one has to wonder how she intends to go to the right to do this while at the same time go to the left to assure Sanders' supporters. I don't think she will get many of the latter group's votes if she starts backtracking from the more liberal positions that she took in order to defeat Sanders.
3
@Steve,
BULL'S EYE!!!!!!
5-9-16@1:01 PM
BULL'S EYE!!!!!!
5-9-16@1:01 PM
2
Trump is the product of the media pounding the populist drum. You reap what you sow.
2
“a staggering” three-fourths of Americans believing “corruption is ‘widespread’ in the U.S. government.”
Only three quarters?
I forgot, the other quarter doesn't believe, it knows it for sure.
Only three quarters?
I forgot, the other quarter doesn't believe, it knows it for sure.
2
When you have a headline in a respected newspaper like the NY Times "Is Trump More Dangerous as Friend or Foe?" you realize (or should) quickly that you are dealing with a person who sees himself as infallible. My definition of such a person is a demagogue. And that is what Trump is. Americans who support Trump's candidacy are playing a dangerous game with our democracy and may one day wake up to find they now live in a fascist state.
1
Trump and Cruz remind me of the two grifters in Twain's "Huckleberry Finn," and that great line: "T'ain't the fools in town on our side? H'ain't that a big-enough majority in any town?"
In Twain's morality tale the two of them didn't move along fast enough, and they ended up tarred-and-feathered by the outraged citizenry.
In our modern reality -- they have their moment in the sun, take the money and run. Dick Fuld is the new American perp -- for a 1/4 of a billion dollars anybody would sit through a congressional tongue-lashing; tantamount to publicizing the fact that in America -- two-bit pot-smokers can do 20 years, but rogues in suits have nothing to fear.
The Republican party and particularly Trump's supporters are starting to see just what the con has been -- and there's that painful moment for anyone who has been conned and realizes it: the mark plays into the con.
The blessing is that "YUUGE" will take down a lot of the right-wing scam machine with it. We can credit Trump's people with killing off "trickle down economics" and "the job creators." Marco Rubio, Braman's hand-puppet, was sent packing. Jib-jab-JEB disappeared without a trace. Chris Cristie has turned into Trump's Wormtail. Carly Fiorina so desperately wants to be Sarah Palin, and won't achieve it -- she'll go home to count her money.
Nobody will be tarred and feathered.
In Twain's morality tale the two of them didn't move along fast enough, and they ended up tarred-and-feathered by the outraged citizenry.
In our modern reality -- they have their moment in the sun, take the money and run. Dick Fuld is the new American perp -- for a 1/4 of a billion dollars anybody would sit through a congressional tongue-lashing; tantamount to publicizing the fact that in America -- two-bit pot-smokers can do 20 years, but rogues in suits have nothing to fear.
The Republican party and particularly Trump's supporters are starting to see just what the con has been -- and there's that painful moment for anyone who has been conned and realizes it: the mark plays into the con.
The blessing is that "YUUGE" will take down a lot of the right-wing scam machine with it. We can credit Trump's people with killing off "trickle down economics" and "the job creators." Marco Rubio, Braman's hand-puppet, was sent packing. Jib-jab-JEB disappeared without a trace. Chris Cristie has turned into Trump's Wormtail. Carly Fiorina so desperately wants to be Sarah Palin, and won't achieve it -- she'll go home to count her money.
Nobody will be tarred and feathered.
"The Republican Party is trapped between a rock and huckster"
You can say the same thing about the Democrats. At least that is the way I see it.
You can say the same thing about the Democrats. At least that is the way I see it.
2
The Repugs haven't learned a thing with the rise of Trump-et. If they'd learned anything and were interested in pulling back into the "sane lane" in regard to governing, they'd announce that they will begin the vetting process for the newly nominated Supreme Court justice as a show that they can play within the rules and aren't "governed" by pure ideology -- but -- that announcement hasn't been made. If the Bush clan, Romney, and the two senators McCain and Graham had any interest in anything other than themselves, they'd be leading the chorus to force McConnell and the other bozos blocking the process toward the vetting of the proposed SC justice. Instead we get "Jeb, GHW and G Bush won't endorse Trump" -- frankly, my dears, no one gives a damn what the Bush clan likes or dislikes. Or we get McCain saying he wants Trump to apologize to vets for his remark in regard to who is and isn't a hero. Hey, Johnny Mc -- where were you when Trump equated his attending NY Military Academy to having served in the actual military -- THAT was the real insult to vets. Meanwhile Miss PittyPat Lindsay Graham whose cell phone number Trumpet handed out like the nasty middle school twerp that he is says -- no, I won't support him. LOL And then Mittens chimes in with a "no support" announcement -- hey, Mittens you were irrelevant when you ran in 2012 and are even less relevant now to everyone except your 1% cronies.
The fact is that the GOP is filled with spineless wimps.
The fact is that the GOP is filled with spineless wimps.
3
Trump's personality has been shaped by his silver spoon upbringing. Unlike most men, his type go through life in a bubble. Most men realize early on if you spout nonsense and insult others you risk being punched in the nose - it does wonders for civility.
2
A US invasion of Texas. Obama taking away our guns. Death panels. Etc. etc. The GOP and right-wing media created these nutty images to frighten and mobilize gullible Americans to vote republican. Well, they got what they wanted - millions of Americans who have no trust in government and news media. Trump gets to roll right into this gaping hole of mistrust and feelings of fear and anger because he is believed. If you've bought the line that all government is corrupt and that virtually all news media is biased and untrustworthy, who can you believe? Since the 1980s, the Republican Party has accepted as fact crazy beliefs and stoked paranoia, if it resulted in more votes. Trump is a big rooster who has come home to roost.
96
And the Democrats counter with a felon.
2
Well, that is untrue for starters.
Listen, the GOP cannot afford any more "friends" who cannot see because they choose to be blind. When you have George Bush and family not getting on board with a GOP candidate the jig is up.
The rot is to the bone and needs to be fixed.
Listen, the GOP cannot afford any more "friends" who cannot see because they choose to be blind. When you have George Bush and family not getting on board with a GOP candidate the jig is up.
The rot is to the bone and needs to be fixed.
3
Watergate, Iran- Contra, WMD's in Iraq . . . I could go on. What did you say about felons?
3
I think it was in Florida after W was appointed war king by the corrupt courts our rigged election system gave us W again. Side by side Trump isn't really much worse and maybe better. Years of GOP lies while preaching hate, bigotry and above all selective ignorance has created this Frankenstein.
3
I'm an old white guy and I approve this message.
2
You say that like it's a bad thing, Mr. Blow.
The Democrats have Hillary Clinton. I'll take Trump over her any day of the week.
All this doomsday talk, yet, he's, still, winning. The Dems are, still, whining.
The Democrats have Hillary Clinton. I'll take Trump over her any day of the week.
All this doomsday talk, yet, he's, still, winning. The Dems are, still, whining.
5
No, actually the Dems are doing cartwheels. You guys just handed them the presidency.
2
Donald Trump has even managed to change our vocabulary. Look at how often his made up word "yuuge" is finding its way into our daily lives. I wouldn't be surprised if "yuuge" eventually found its way into the Oxford English Dictionary.
"The madman driven carriage" heading for the cliff is the best thing that could happen to the Republican party. The danger is that they could take the rest of us with them.
When the GOP started their campaign to broaden their tent they cast their nets and gathered up all the crazies-the KKK, the Tea Party, the religious nuts waiting for the rapture, the gun toting nuts, all of Fox news and more.
In one of their nets they caught Trump who knows a sucker when he sees one. Congratulations, GOP, and you have any shred of decency left you'll say I'm sorry and cast him back into the sea.
When the GOP started their campaign to broaden their tent they cast their nets and gathered up all the crazies-the KKK, the Tea Party, the religious nuts waiting for the rapture, the gun toting nuts, all of Fox news and more.
In one of their nets they caught Trump who knows a sucker when he sees one. Congratulations, GOP, and you have any shred of decency left you'll say I'm sorry and cast him back into the sea.
2
I guess President Obama has shown them! The GOP spent the last 7 years doing all they could to discredit him, stop anything he offered to the American people, convince the people America was going downhill fast and Obama was the blame. Most, if not all, of this was built on half truths and lies. Well this campaign has brought them Donald Trump!. One of the biggest legacies President Obama has is the wreck of the GOP, thank you Mr. president!
5
Dream on Mr. Blow. You, this "newspaper" and the entire leftwing establishment have zero credibility with the people. The Democratic party is trapped between left wing nut jobs, Sanders included, and Mrs. Clinton. Spare us the qualifications baloney. Her tenure as a political payment Sec. of State was and is a disaster. She was elected a carpetbagging senator for one reason and everyone knows what that was, Bill, abuse them at will, Clinton. I have loved watching you and others like you squirm for months trying fruitlessly to tar and feather Trump, now its' time for some new propaganda techniques. First it was the old chestnut," He's a racist!"." He's a fascist". "He started a war on women". It's so amusing hearing how in your liberal cocoon dreamworld you actually think any republicans would vote for "Crooked Hillary". Dukakis led Reagan by 20-30 points when the media firestorm from your comrades was in full swing. Remember the slur about starting WWIII? At election time Reagan won by a wide margin because the people were wearing Teflon, and the lies, exaggerations and propaganda fell on deaf ears. Sound familiar Mr. Blow, after the last few months? Do your worst, that's the real reason no one is listening.
5
It's a Frankenstein story. The Republican Party is Dr. Frankenstein and Trump is the Frankenstein monster they created, and now can't control.
1
I hope that the Trump candidacy disrupts the GOP so definitively that the party cannot regroup on its old, tired terrain.
But I'm not so oblivious that I think ONLY the Republicans need to change. His viability as a candidate reflects our inability, as a society, to see anything beyond superficial, socially defined half-truths.
The sad truth is that most of the OPPOSITION to Trump is just as superficial as his appeal. We label him with some nasty word like "xenophobe" and think that settles the matter. Millions of people agree with this assessment, then change their minds when the wind shifts.
Trump reflects something real about our society as a whole, not just Republicans. And only if we successfully defeat him in November can we have any claim to difference.
But I'm not so oblivious that I think ONLY the Republicans need to change. His viability as a candidate reflects our inability, as a society, to see anything beyond superficial, socially defined half-truths.
The sad truth is that most of the OPPOSITION to Trump is just as superficial as his appeal. We label him with some nasty word like "xenophobe" and think that settles the matter. Millions of people agree with this assessment, then change their minds when the wind shifts.
Trump reflects something real about our society as a whole, not just Republicans. And only if we successfully defeat him in November can we have any claim to difference.
3
Stop giving the Trump voters so much credit...it is not like they 'Think' anything, the reason they are voting for Trump is precisely because they are incapable of thinking.
Ronald Regan started the war on education to achieve exactly this and his plot has finally come to fruition. He wanted a generation of people so stupid that they would vote republican, he knew it was the only way to keep the party alive. A few more election cycles of educated voters and he would have not made it and he knew it.
Now we have election fraud deciding who is installed in office and people know it is happening, over 150,000 voters get purged ONLY in neighborhood that Sanders grew up in...in an election run by a woman in NY who sold a dilapidated house for $6 million more than it was worth to one of Hillary's 'Super delegates' and voila'
George Bush did not 'win' either time he was installed but his family runs a political empire, the man was too dumb to pour urine out of a boot without splashing his own feet and we were supposed to believe that he was running the country instead of Cheney who was REALLY running it...but they think all Americans are stupid.
Blame the GOP and Fox but they were just the scorpion riding on the back of the frog, they did what was in their nature. The democrats are forcing another political empire on us and we are not buying that one either.
Ronald Regan started the war on education to achieve exactly this and his plot has finally come to fruition. He wanted a generation of people so stupid that they would vote republican, he knew it was the only way to keep the party alive. A few more election cycles of educated voters and he would have not made it and he knew it.
Now we have election fraud deciding who is installed in office and people know it is happening, over 150,000 voters get purged ONLY in neighborhood that Sanders grew up in...in an election run by a woman in NY who sold a dilapidated house for $6 million more than it was worth to one of Hillary's 'Super delegates' and voila'
George Bush did not 'win' either time he was installed but his family runs a political empire, the man was too dumb to pour urine out of a boot without splashing his own feet and we were supposed to believe that he was running the country instead of Cheney who was REALLY running it...but they think all Americans are stupid.
Blame the GOP and Fox but they were just the scorpion riding on the back of the frog, they did what was in their nature. The democrats are forcing another political empire on us and we are not buying that one either.
A pox on all your houses. This country has become a Potemkin Village because both sides fail to serve. Sure, the GOP got Trump by being the party of stupid and catering to fear and distrust of the condescending intelligencia. But the Dems have given us slick tricksters who have stolen this country away and handed it to the 0.1%. The disenfranchised either blame gov't and support Trump or blame the Tricksters (who remain unpunished despite their guilt) and support Bernie. I'm in the Bernie camp, fully recognizing that he won't get elected and couldn't deliver even if he did. But what choice do I have? Sadly the MSM has been complicit in this scam for years, including Krugman, Brooks, and yes, you Charles Blow. You have served us poorly by being lazy with the truth. Bernie's right... we need a revolution.
"The pump don't work 'cuz the vandals took the handles." -Dylan
"The pump don't work 'cuz the vandals took the handles." -Dylan
11
Donald Trump is no idiot. He truly believes he has something to offer America as its Chief Executive. Although ideologically a Democrat, he knew his long record of misogyny would disqualify him for his party's nomination so he crossed the street. I bet even Trump is amazed at how easy it was for him to exploit the yawning disconnect between GOP base and its leadership and use its large candidate field to peel off the base and strong arm the leadership out of the "big" tent. But here we are with Tactical-Trump having to figure out how to pivot to electability while riding a political nuclear bomb like some latter-day Major T.J. 'King' Kong from the movie "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb." Well GOP, it is nigh time to run like hell or to stop worrying and love the bomb you have detonated inside your tent.
1
The short and sweet remedy to what the GOP has done to our country"
VOTE DEMOCRAT!
Even if you are a moderate Republican, the only thing that will kill the evil spread of the Trump virus CAN be wiped out. The worst of the Democrats will do more for the American people than the best the GOP has to offer right now. And perhaps, just perhaps, the party can rebuild itself outside of the insanity that now occupies its majority.
VOTE DEMOCRAT!
Even if you are a moderate Republican, the only thing that will kill the evil spread of the Trump virus CAN be wiped out. The worst of the Democrats will do more for the American people than the best the GOP has to offer right now. And perhaps, just perhaps, the party can rebuild itself outside of the insanity that now occupies its majority.
2
"...It's heading off a cliff," and he might take the rest of us with him. Mr. Trump is already threatening to remove the Mr. Ryan. What do you think he'll do to the rest of us if he wins the WH and we disagree with him? And just when will the national media "get it" that Mr. Trump is insane?
1
I am not convinced that Trump supporters care one whit whether the Bushes, Romney, Ryan, Graham and other big shots support Trump or go to the GOP convention.
They support Trump. Period. And to heck with the old-line GOP.
They support Trump. Period. And to heck with the old-line GOP.
4
I hereby propose that the GOP be re-named 'The Donner Party', whose memorial following the November election should fittingly be a statue of a weeping Abraham Lincoln, overlooking a pile of gnawed bones.
1
Of those GOPers who say they will not vote for Trump, who is actually a paragon to be admired and imitated? I give you Senator John McCain. When asked on a morning talk show about Sarah Palin, (Sun, May 8), he said that he was proud to have selected her as running mate. He said that his big regret was the way the media treated her. He said that she beat Joe Biden in debate. With lunacy like that, where in the GOP does one find "thoughtfulness?"
7
In all honesty, Mr. Blow, Hillary Clinton is pretty crazy too. "We came, we saw, he died (hysterical laughter). Ducking bullets in Bosnia. The country would have been better off without Reconstruction. Nancy Reagan led the fight against AIDS.
It's a sad state of affairs all the way around. A report -- from the CATO institute no less --found Clinton to be the second most hawkish of the 17 candidates who began the race, based on foreign policy statements during the last quarter of 2015. Only Lindsay Graham was found more likely to advocate military intervention. Trump was ranked a mere ninth.
It's a sad state of affairs all the way around. The Democratic Party should also be hanging their heads in shame.
http://www.cato.org/blog/2016-presidential-candidate-intervention-meter
It's a sad state of affairs all the way around. A report -- from the CATO institute no less --found Clinton to be the second most hawkish of the 17 candidates who began the race, based on foreign policy statements during the last quarter of 2015. Only Lindsay Graham was found more likely to advocate military intervention. Trump was ranked a mere ninth.
It's a sad state of affairs all the way around. The Democratic Party should also be hanging their heads in shame.
http://www.cato.org/blog/2016-presidential-candidate-intervention-meter
7
@P. Greenberg,
I agree with you that Hillary Clinton's actions and words have sometimes been highly questionable, which is a polite way of putting it. But, I noticed you cited the CATO institute. I gather you're aware that CATO is a Koch bros operation? I didn't vote for Hillary in my state's primary. However, do you completely trust information gathered and /or backed by the Koch machine?
5-9-16@11:34 am
I agree with you that Hillary Clinton's actions and words have sometimes been highly questionable, which is a polite way of putting it. But, I noticed you cited the CATO institute. I gather you're aware that CATO is a Koch bros operation? I didn't vote for Hillary in my state's primary. However, do you completely trust information gathered and /or backed by the Koch machine?
5-9-16@11:34 am
1
The point on corruption is interesting. While I don't believe corruption is "widespread", I do think there is more of it, of subtle and unsubtle types, than is readily apparent, and I think voters are responding to that. Whatever you think about Trump, he does seem like a man who can't be bought...or at least, STAY bought. President Obama is a man of very high integrity, but the rest of the show...the lobbyist-legislator dance comes to mind...is a little bit rotten. Republicans have certainly fanned the flames of "government is the problem" thinking, which is a YUUGE part of the problem they now face. But I wish my party had cleaner hands. Who has been leading the fight for campaign finance reform? For tighter controls on lobbyists? In other words, where are the goo-goos of yesteryear? Warren is the great hope on that front, but she can't do it alone.
2
trump is certainly a huckster (finally the term emerges!), time to revist the 1948 clark gable turn in "the hucksters" which predicted the whole thing including the role of tv in marketing anything, (the chief tactic, repetition, is also the go-to trope of the big lie)...the party has indeed gone "stark raving mad "(avenue).
however, it's worth noting that on today's tv (cnn 7am hour) it was trump himself who tried to take his interviewer off page six and move him (kicking and bleating) onto trade...then, to recapture the low road, the interviewer brings up sarah palin's gibe at paul ryan, trying to restore the bicker only to have trump push back toward the development of the republican vote tally, up thanks to him...go figure.
however, it's worth noting that on today's tv (cnn 7am hour) it was trump himself who tried to take his interviewer off page six and move him (kicking and bleating) onto trade...then, to recapture the low road, the interviewer brings up sarah palin's gibe at paul ryan, trying to restore the bicker only to have trump push back toward the development of the republican vote tally, up thanks to him...go figure.
I must have been out of circulations for a while. When did Mr. Blow start using Donald Trump's name again in his columns? I'm going to miss his tongue in cheek euphemisms for the King of the Oompa-Loompas.
@Sue,
Hey, don't trash the Oompa-Loompas! They deserve better than to be compared with Trump. At least they worked for Willa Wonka. Mr. Wonka's one of this chocoholic's heroes since childhood, which is more than I'll ever be able to say for Trumpinnochio.
5-9-16@11:44 am
Hey, don't trash the Oompa-Loompas! They deserve better than to be compared with Trump. At least they worked for Willa Wonka. Mr. Wonka's one of this chocoholic's heroes since childhood, which is more than I'll ever be able to say for Trumpinnochio.
5-9-16@11:44 am
Maybe the Editors reminded him that he still has "Journalist" in his job title.
As inaccurate and hilarious as that label may be.
As inaccurate and hilarious as that label may be.
1
@SuperNaut,
Pardon the pun, but your second sentence is right smack dab on the $$$.
5-9-16@12:25 pm
Pardon the pun, but your second sentence is right smack dab on the $$$.
5-9-16@12:25 pm
1
It's obviously too late for a viable third party candidate and it would prove nothing except that your time has ended. Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of mean spirited and narrow minded party hacks.
1
The GOP has only itself to blame? Don't sell youself short - Trump couldn't have done it without the mainstream media led by the New York Times ramming him down everyone's throat 24 hours a day. But hey, why not? It beats working for a living.
5
I thought they all took a pledge to support the candidate? Ironic isn't it?
The man is 16-0. How many pundits have egg on their face? People like Blow need to come down from the 27th floor and hit the streets. The people like Trump.
Besides, Hillarys' negatives are monuments, Trumps' can be fixed. Don't kid yourself. He is the candidate and he is a whole lot smarter than Washington DC.
You can't attack him, doesn't work. And you can't buddy up to him, that doesn't work. Hillarys' handlers have an awful lot of work to do.
The man is 16-0. How many pundits have egg on their face? People like Blow need to come down from the 27th floor and hit the streets. The people like Trump.
Besides, Hillarys' negatives are monuments, Trumps' can be fixed. Don't kid yourself. He is the candidate and he is a whole lot smarter than Washington DC.
You can't attack him, doesn't work. And you can't buddy up to him, that doesn't work. Hillarys' handlers have an awful lot of work to do.
4
I'm loving every minute. GOP should stand for "Get Out, Please."
@Dave,
Wow, was that clever! Kinda like what Socrates does. Thanks for giving me good laugh!! ; - )
5-9-16@11:39 am
Wow, was that clever! Kinda like what Socrates does. Thanks for giving me good laugh!! ; - )
5-9-16@11:39 am
The Dems abandoned the Working Class and they are surprised that they didn't just vanish? Golly, where did all those people go?
What is being ignored by Blow and many fauxgressives is that the dissatisfaction amongst the lumpenproles with Republican obstructionism isn't anywhere close to the dissatisfaction with the current administration.
What is being ignored by Blow and many fauxgressives is that the dissatisfaction amongst the lumpenproles with Republican obstructionism isn't anywhere close to the dissatisfaction with the current administration.
4
"Trump has used a toxic mix of bullying and bluster, xenophobia and nationalism, misogyny and racism, to appeal to the darker nature of the Republican Party and secure his place as the unlikeliest presidential nominee in recent American history." Very true.
But we are letting off Trump's supporters way too lightly. Evidently they are willing to install as president a man who knows less about public policy than just about anyone who comments in the NYT. They think so little of their country that they are willing to follow a man whose behaviour has shown him to be utterly unsuited to lead a banana republic let alone the USA. There is nothing he can say, apparently, no matter how outrageous, that will deter his followers.
On NPR this morning I heard a Republican strategist from Florida and staunch opponent of Trumpism refer to his movement as a cult and that's exactly what it is. There is no excuse - none - for supporting such a creature for president no matter how disillusioned some may feel at today's politics. To the Trumpites I would say that rather than showing love for your country you are showing how little you actually care about it and making America a laughing stock around the world in the process.
But we are letting off Trump's supporters way too lightly. Evidently they are willing to install as president a man who knows less about public policy than just about anyone who comments in the NYT. They think so little of their country that they are willing to follow a man whose behaviour has shown him to be utterly unsuited to lead a banana republic let alone the USA. There is nothing he can say, apparently, no matter how outrageous, that will deter his followers.
On NPR this morning I heard a Republican strategist from Florida and staunch opponent of Trumpism refer to his movement as a cult and that's exactly what it is. There is no excuse - none - for supporting such a creature for president no matter how disillusioned some may feel at today's politics. To the Trumpites I would say that rather than showing love for your country you are showing how little you actually care about it and making America a laughing stock around the world in the process.
2
Why are we still having a "dialogue" about how to steer or governmental ship?
We have been at this game for over a couple of centuries and we know what works and what doesn't.
There are much more important things which need attention than the election of what has devolved into the dog catcher in chief and the attendants at the pound.
There is no advantage brought to anyone, but politicians, advertisers, pollsters, columnists, and hangers on by our year long time warp. Just hire impartial skilled administrators and accountants among others who know how to address our actual needs and pay them decently until they retire.
Simple minded I know, but certainly no worse than the wasteful process we engage in every two years and the even more wasteful one every four that often, as now, leave most of us in an impoverishing gridlock.
No womder people are drawn to the fringe.
We have been at this game for over a couple of centuries and we know what works and what doesn't.
There are much more important things which need attention than the election of what has devolved into the dog catcher in chief and the attendants at the pound.
There is no advantage brought to anyone, but politicians, advertisers, pollsters, columnists, and hangers on by our year long time warp. Just hire impartial skilled administrators and accountants among others who know how to address our actual needs and pay them decently until they retire.
Simple minded I know, but certainly no worse than the wasteful process we engage in every two years and the even more wasteful one every four that often, as now, leave most of us in an impoverishing gridlock.
No womder people are drawn to the fringe.
With the exception of Eisenhower I'd defy someone to tell me what GOP Republican president has done anything but wreak havoc and dismantle matters relating to health care, environmental issues, the economy, education, foreign policy, etc., etc. ad nauseam. The cast of Nixon, Bush, Reagan and Bush II, and their inept and incompetent congressional cronies, have finally seen the chickens come home to roost. Look no further than the nearest mirror to see who's to blame.
8
"'Unfavorable opinions of the G.O.P. are now as high as at any point since 1992.' They know that Trump will send that number sinking, as if tied to a brick."
That does not make sense. Isn't Trump tying a balloon to the already high negatives and sending them higher?
That does not make sense. Isn't Trump tying a balloon to the already high negatives and sending them higher?
You have to wonder... where has all of this GOP in good conscience and principled position stuff been over the last eight years? Had the GOP taken honest, moral stands and called out the likes of Fox, Limbaugh and Trump maybe they wouldn't be in this situation. Not only has this situation caused a fracture in the GOP, the Trump candidacy has caused a terrible schism among our people. Paul Ryan should stand his ground not only for the good of the GOP but also for the moral and healthy governance of our country. We have had many great Republicans been great legislators and leaders. Ryan more than ever has to show moral fortitude and reject Trump.
2
There was a theory advanced about Trump that he was going to bow out eventually because he was just running for the attention.
This professed indifference to support from Republican establishment leaders and the money they control suggests that perhaps that theory was the one we should be operating on.
He seems to crave the attention, not want the job.
However, nutty as this guy is, he does bring the Republican schism front-and-center. It's the same schism which has my fellow Democrats nominating a candidate who is a jolly, ho-ho-ho friend of Wall Street (leave out "jolly, two "ho"'s, and "friend" to catch my full drift).
Bernie Sanders doesn't have the answers, in the view of most. But he is sure raising the right questions. So does crazy Trump's candidacy.
The jig is up. Too many jobs have been exported. Wages are too low. As President Obama has reminded us now and then without any plan to fix the problem, the 1% continue to own more and more of the collective wealth each year.
Trump will lose, and go back to reality shows and other attention-grabbing places. But the problem will continue to get worse.
This professed indifference to support from Republican establishment leaders and the money they control suggests that perhaps that theory was the one we should be operating on.
He seems to crave the attention, not want the job.
However, nutty as this guy is, he does bring the Republican schism front-and-center. It's the same schism which has my fellow Democrats nominating a candidate who is a jolly, ho-ho-ho friend of Wall Street (leave out "jolly, two "ho"'s, and "friend" to catch my full drift).
Bernie Sanders doesn't have the answers, in the view of most. But he is sure raising the right questions. So does crazy Trump's candidacy.
The jig is up. Too many jobs have been exported. Wages are too low. As President Obama has reminded us now and then without any plan to fix the problem, the 1% continue to own more and more of the collective wealth each year.
Trump will lose, and go back to reality shows and other attention-grabbing places. But the problem will continue to get worse.
3
@OldGuyWhoKnowStuff,
Your location says Hogwarts? I can tell. I gather you're a Gryffindor? It's a good house and you're proof of some of that wisdom. (That and a touch of Gandolf and Co., from Middle Earth.) What a pity some of the muggles here can't or won't allow some of your wisdom to rub off on them.
5-9-16@11:53 am
Your location says Hogwarts? I can tell. I gather you're a Gryffindor? It's a good house and you're proof of some of that wisdom. (That and a touch of Gandolf and Co., from Middle Earth.) What a pity some of the muggles here can't or won't allow some of your wisdom to rub off on them.
5-9-16@11:53 am
1
Charles, i find myself often in agreement with what you write, but I do not underestimate the possibility that Hillary Clinton and Debbie Wasserman Schultz will lose this election for the Democrats. Though I am supportive of Clinton, I seriously question whether she can strike the right chords to get out the vote. We cannot underestimate Trumps ability to get out the Ku Kux Klan and Blu Kux Klan vote in the southern states where Clinton beat Sanders and in traditional blue States like Pennsylvania. There could be some big surprises in the traditional electoral college math. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are going to need to get robustly behind Clinton to bring all the Sanders supporters to the voting booths.
Dont underestimate the power of the bigoted right to mobilize to turn back history as they succeeded in doing with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. They don't give up, even after 50 years and a demographic sea change. Nothing motivates more than the racial question. And Trump knows that.
So do you I think.
Dont underestimate the power of the bigoted right to mobilize to turn back history as they succeeded in doing with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. They don't give up, even after 50 years and a demographic sea change. Nothing motivates more than the racial question. And Trump knows that.
So do you I think.
4
@wc0022,
You mention Sanders and Warren getting behind Clinton to urge all Sanders supporters to the voting booths. And you mention the KKK. Well, there's something that Sanders and Warren can't help her with and Clinton can't undo: my learning within the last 6 mos, that Clinton considered Robert Byrd a mentor and his history with the KKK and his distaste for the '64 Civil Rights Act. I don't mean Clinton the young "Goldwater girl." I mean Clinton the mature woman. I was late learning that. But, now that I know it I can't disregard that.
Nor do I speak of "Repub talking points" brainwashing. If Clinton's going after Trump, she needs to check her history first. I don't want Trump either. But if I know about this ....
5-9-16@12:08 pm
You mention Sanders and Warren getting behind Clinton to urge all Sanders supporters to the voting booths. And you mention the KKK. Well, there's something that Sanders and Warren can't help her with and Clinton can't undo: my learning within the last 6 mos, that Clinton considered Robert Byrd a mentor and his history with the KKK and his distaste for the '64 Civil Rights Act. I don't mean Clinton the young "Goldwater girl." I mean Clinton the mature woman. I was late learning that. But, now that I know it I can't disregard that.
Nor do I speak of "Repub talking points" brainwashing. If Clinton's going after Trump, she needs to check her history first. I don't want Trump either. But if I know about this ....
5-9-16@12:08 pm
2
Trump is no worse than any of the other sixteen or so Republicans who tried to garner their party's nomination. I don't even want to imagine what a Cruz presidency would be like. Kasich, the media labeled "sane" Republican is nothing more than a radical wolf in sheep's clothes. Rubio is a puppet of a Florida oligarch, and so on for the rest of the Republicans. The media and the NY Times eagerly participated in the Trump frenzy. The NY Times either ignored Bernie Sanders, the one candidate who honestly proposed real help for the 99%, or pushed Hillary Clinton, ignoring many of her faults, including her strong ties to Wall Street and the big banks, the very institutions that wrecked the economy. There is plenty of blame and shame to go around, including Mr. Blow's unjustified and baseless attacks on Sen. Sanders. Should Trump win the presidency much of the blame can go to a shameless media and to the neoliberal elites that are totally out of touch with the suffering and anger that has made Trump a viable candidate.
7
@Impedimentus,
I agree with almost everything you said. As for Trump's candidacy, I'd like to alter that word "viable" by removing the a and the b. I'll call him "vile."
5-9-16@12:15 pm
I agree with almost everything you said. As for Trump's candidacy, I'd like to alter that word "viable" by removing the a and the b. I'll call him "vile."
5-9-16@12:15 pm
3
Trump isn't a a politician, he's a troll that enjoys the spotlight.
The only reason he is taken even the slightest bit seriously is because a lot of people dislike Hilary, so the outcome of the general election isn't guaranteed.
At the end of the day, I think Trumps candidacy is a good thing for our country (assuming he loses the general election) because it's the equivalent of a forest fire burning down a bunch of diseased trees (the GOP party).
The only reason he is taken even the slightest bit seriously is because a lot of people dislike Hilary, so the outcome of the general election isn't guaranteed.
At the end of the day, I think Trumps candidacy is a good thing for our country (assuming he loses the general election) because it's the equivalent of a forest fire burning down a bunch of diseased trees (the GOP party).
All those prominent Republicans not supporting Trump, makes me, a bleeding heart liberal, want to vote for the guy! In fact, I love to vote for exactly the candidate, or cause, the Republicans hate the most.
Which brings me to my main point. Hillary, as the next President, is just perfect for the Republicans. They will demonize her just like they did Obama. They have the most Government power in two generations, why do they need a Republican President when they need some one to blame for the countries miserable performance? Republicans need Hillary more then anything else. She's job security!
With Trump, there are no excuses. The Republicans will have to do something to move the country forward, and the long status quo, of just funneling money to the wealthy will be upset. No one hates change more then a Republican. And, Trump, really, a New York liberal at heart is perfect. He, at least has the chance, to change everything, and Hillary, we all know what we are getting, the same old status quo.
Which brings me to my main point. Hillary, as the next President, is just perfect for the Republicans. They will demonize her just like they did Obama. They have the most Government power in two generations, why do they need a Republican President when they need some one to blame for the countries miserable performance? Republicans need Hillary more then anything else. She's job security!
With Trump, there are no excuses. The Republicans will have to do something to move the country forward, and the long status quo, of just funneling money to the wealthy will be upset. No one hates change more then a Republican. And, Trump, really, a New York liberal at heart is perfect. He, at least has the chance, to change everything, and Hillary, we all know what we are getting, the same old status quo.
2
Yes, the republicans brought it on themselves, but no, not because of Obama hatred. Obama hatred, while a serious condition, represents a marginal escalation of Bill Clinton hatred--a game of limitless intransigence that entrenched politicians can play.
The real reason that republicans are in their current predicament has to do with hypocrisy and cynicism. They proclaimed limited government and freedom but pursued a plutocracy. They never missed a chance to distract by demagoguery, and then enrich a wealthy sliver of friends. It was just a matter of time before the growing and dispossessed fraction of the GOP cheering section found a benefactor.
The real reason that republicans are in their current predicament has to do with hypocrisy and cynicism. They proclaimed limited government and freedom but pursued a plutocracy. They never missed a chance to distract by demagoguery, and then enrich a wealthy sliver of friends. It was just a matter of time before the growing and dispossessed fraction of the GOP cheering section found a benefactor.
3
Donald Trump's ascendency should go a long way toward eliminating any smugness on our part that the sociological phenomena that led to Adolph Hitler and the Nazi party in 1930's Germany could never happen here.
6
Further it should serve as a wake-up call for the Left and their delusions about which political direction the country leans, and how important the distinction is between Legal Immigration and Illegal Immigration.
2
The media, including the NY Times, never writes positive stories about any of the Presidential candidates, and rarely covers their policy positions. Instead, America reads only negative statements about the next leader of our nation.
It is depressing.
It is depressing.
1
Thank you, Charles. The Republican poison is finally coming up out of the mud, as is the ugly American underbelly. And now our presidential election process has become a tawdry reality show. Are we getting what we deserve?
You can never turn your back on Republicans. Just when you think they've emptied their bag of dirty tricks, out comes another one. What if the Republican establishment is refusing to back Trump because they are going to take over the Libertarian 3rd party ballot? They don't have to win; they just have to deny Clinton the majority.
Then the vote goes to the House of Representatives, which is...guess what? Overwhelmingly Republican. The other advantage this ploy has is that you still get rank-and-file Republicans out to vote for the down ballot candidates.
The GOP has no qualms about cheating to win, ie, voter suppression. So rigging the Presidential race with a spoiler candidate is right in their wheel house.
I think we should let the plus-size lady sing before we bank on the Democrats winning out right in November.
Then the vote goes to the House of Representatives, which is...guess what? Overwhelmingly Republican. The other advantage this ploy has is that you still get rank-and-file Republicans out to vote for the down ballot candidates.
The GOP has no qualms about cheating to win, ie, voter suppression. So rigging the Presidential race with a spoiler candidate is right in their wheel house.
I think we should let the plus-size lady sing before we bank on the Democrats winning out right in November.
5
DJT is not appealing to the *darker* nature of the Republican Party, he is appealing to the *core* nature of the GOP, for that is what the Party has become. It is not Trump who has hamstrung virtually all governance at the federal level for 7+ years; he is simply the ugliest, nastiest personification to date of a persistently underlying reality. Don't think for a minute that it can't get uglier.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
8
I think that Republican primary voters, in so decisively supporting Mr. Trump, have proven they are not as conservative as we had believed. So wouldn't it follow that the general voting population isn't as moderate/sensible/tolerant (pick your word} as we now believe? If voters want to give the system a real kick in the pants, and that seems to be their inclination these days, what better way to exercise your newfound power than a vote for Donald Trump? While I hope they resist this shortsighted path, I have very little confidence they will, despite the current polls. The temptation is much too great.
3
Charles, as I've said before, dig your evident humanity and more.
But this is status quo fluff. I can basically write the same comment here that I just did re Dr. Krugman's column, "The Making of an Ignoramus."
It's hip-kvetching to club members. It's more terminally myopic symptom-surfing, making doodles in class when there's two shooters with A-Ks coming down the hall.
Guess what? Our culture's manner of interface with reality is non-selectable, won't pass upcoming natural selection tests.
I can edit, with extreme veracity, your last paragraph: Congratulations, status quo hucksters, you've created a Frankenstein system, so wrong, so incongruent with the demands of survival that the sky and ocean are being converted into terrorists, armed with weapons of mass destruction. You're not only heading for the cliff, you helped build the cliff.
But this is status quo fluff. I can basically write the same comment here that I just did re Dr. Krugman's column, "The Making of an Ignoramus."
It's hip-kvetching to club members. It's more terminally myopic symptom-surfing, making doodles in class when there's two shooters with A-Ks coming down the hall.
Guess what? Our culture's manner of interface with reality is non-selectable, won't pass upcoming natural selection tests.
I can edit, with extreme veracity, your last paragraph: Congratulations, status quo hucksters, you've created a Frankenstein system, so wrong, so incongruent with the demands of survival that the sky and ocean are being converted into terrorists, armed with weapons of mass destruction. You're not only heading for the cliff, you helped build the cliff.
While the pundit and NYT class may hate Trump, he won the nomination fairly, unlike HIllary Clinton who depends on Super-delegates to carry her over the finish line - not exactly an example of democracy in the Democratic party. Bernie Sanders is right to call the process rigged. - it is rigged.
Your may not like Trump but he won fairly. People liked him and voted for him, we are not feeble minded because we did so. We did not want a warmed-over version of Mitt Rommney which is all Jeb Bush, and John Kasich were. That is all most of the candidates were promising the same failed policy which caused the Republican party of loose to the destructive Obama.
Believe me Hillary CLinton is the worst choice - she will continue are never ending war and go even deeper. We will see our money spent on the military instead of on the country's needs. She will be running for Obama's third terms - something to be feared. I fear Hillary CLinton more than I could ever fear Donald Trump.
Your may not like Trump but he won fairly. People liked him and voted for him, we are not feeble minded because we did so. We did not want a warmed-over version of Mitt Rommney which is all Jeb Bush, and John Kasich were. That is all most of the candidates were promising the same failed policy which caused the Republican party of loose to the destructive Obama.
Believe me Hillary CLinton is the worst choice - she will continue are never ending war and go even deeper. We will see our money spent on the military instead of on the country's needs. She will be running for Obama's third terms - something to be feared. I fear Hillary CLinton more than I could ever fear Donald Trump.
2
The democratic primaries were set up to use super delegates, which is why the nominee needs to win more than 1000 more delegates than republicans. Both Clinton and Sanders know the rules.Bernie IS a super delegate, and his man Tad Devine helped write the rules.
2
Clinton gave Bush a balanced budget.
Bush gave Obama a whopping $1.4 Trillion deficit.
That is now down 2/3 to $500 Billion.
3 million jobs created under Bush. And that was with two tax cuts for the “job creators.”
13 million jobs and counting created under Obama. And that was with the “jobs killing” Obama care.
Then they say it was the worst recovery since the Great Depression. But they don’t mention it was the worst recession since the Great Depression.
They say the military budget is down but they don’t say the Tea Party did this with the Sequester.
Of course, there are those “Death Panels.”
Bush gave Obama a whopping $1.4 Trillion deficit.
That is now down 2/3 to $500 Billion.
3 million jobs created under Bush. And that was with two tax cuts for the “job creators.”
13 million jobs and counting created under Obama. And that was with the “jobs killing” Obama care.
Then they say it was the worst recovery since the Great Depression. But they don’t mention it was the worst recession since the Great Depression.
They say the military budget is down but they don’t say the Tea Party did this with the Sequester.
Of course, there are those “Death Panels.”
4
Well, when you think about it, Trump isn't far out of the Republican mainstream, and in fact deviates leftward from "R" orthodoxy on some issues. Don't be surprised to see the Republican donors and establishment fall into line, say by August.
Trump could possibly win the election, in which case the U.S. goose will probably be cooked once and for all.
Trump could possibly win the election, in which case the U.S. goose will probably be cooked once and for all.
3
It's a given that we're here primarily due to the GOP fostering a hateful, uncivil, and antagonistic extreme right wing environment which cultivates Trump-like candidates (these types have been around since 2010, in congressional races). This comes as no surprise to anyone; anyone following this with half a mind saw this coming.
However, what's shocking is that the GOP hasn't really learned any lessons. In fact, they're likely to double down further on the absurd. Trump could go away tomorrow, but rabid, blind right wing followers who support the same demagoguery and antagonism will remain.
Where are the calls from the GOP to their supporters to try to be civil and have actual discussions on policy?
Where are the calls from the GOP to their supporters to treat other people with respect, as they'd like to be treated in return?
Where are the calls from the GOP to their supporters to call out that Democrats and anyone who disagrees with them isn't automatically evil, still loves their country, and still wants what best for America?
Where are the calls from the GOP to their supporters to not freak out and have a temper tantrum over every bump in the road on domestic and foreign policy? Where are the calls to not simply support the opposite of whatever a Democrat is proposing?
Where are the calls from the GOP to their supporters to listen once in a while, and not look for the catchiest sarcastic comeback and punchline?
However, what's shocking is that the GOP hasn't really learned any lessons. In fact, they're likely to double down further on the absurd. Trump could go away tomorrow, but rabid, blind right wing followers who support the same demagoguery and antagonism will remain.
Where are the calls from the GOP to their supporters to try to be civil and have actual discussions on policy?
Where are the calls from the GOP to their supporters to treat other people with respect, as they'd like to be treated in return?
Where are the calls from the GOP to their supporters to call out that Democrats and anyone who disagrees with them isn't automatically evil, still loves their country, and still wants what best for America?
Where are the calls from the GOP to their supporters to not freak out and have a temper tantrum over every bump in the road on domestic and foreign policy? Where are the calls to not simply support the opposite of whatever a Democrat is proposing?
Where are the calls from the GOP to their supporters to listen once in a while, and not look for the catchiest sarcastic comeback and punchline?
2
The GOP for decades has been focused on gaining and holding power. They claim to have "ideas" and "principles," but that's part of their flim-flam. They supposedly cherish the principle of a balanced Federal budget, but Reagan and GW Bush blew up the deficit by throwing money to the military while cutting taxes on the higher-end incomes. Their trick to getting elected has been stirring up fear and loathing among the population to the point where a lot of voters ignore their own economic interest to vote only on social or religious issues. Demagoguery is the GOP's main focus, so I don't expect them to call for reason and fairness any time soon.
1
The Republican party has insisted that their "vision" of conservatism is more important than cooperative governing, more important than the well being of the nation. They have sown seeds of vengeance and distrust, nurtured them with flames of conspiracy theories and partisan hatred. Now the fruit is ripe, and it is not to their liking. Hey, you were willing to bring the country down to get your way, perhaps your "vision" is not what America needs.
5
The Democrats should be so lucky. Change is messy, and while no one would have designed a Trump to de-establish the existing Republican Party, this political hyperbole is necessary to bring change to our corrup system. The party of the Democrats looks more and more like rigor mortis has set in.
I am fairly confident that Trump can be defeated in November (fingers and toes crossed), but my biggest fear is the bilious population he's unleashed, the people Blow rightly describes as those who've been fed and nurtured by the GOP for decades. All they needed, it seems was this reckless windbag who had chutzpah, and who was willing to spew every bit of venom that had been building up in these folks for years. No more speaking in the code of the traditional GOP. Finally, a guy to "tells it like it is." Now. What happens to them? What happens to all of that newly energized hate? Who is safe?
4
Trump is not driving a carriage full of well adjusted, well meaning, thoughtful, inclusive, positive, open, good-hearted Republican leaders off the cliff.
He has just hitched his wagon to the back of the carriage while Mitch McConnell is driving his load of bandits into the abyss.
Trump, we can only hope, will go over with them because they deserve what is coming to them having stoked the fire they are falling into.
So stop with analyzing Trump and start with talking about the Republicans who are driving us on this wild ride. Toss them out, and Trump has no clowns to drag his wagon.
He has just hitched his wagon to the back of the carriage while Mitch McConnell is driving his load of bandits into the abyss.
Trump, we can only hope, will go over with them because they deserve what is coming to them having stoked the fire they are falling into.
So stop with analyzing Trump and start with talking about the Republicans who are driving us on this wild ride. Toss them out, and Trump has no clowns to drag his wagon.
3
Trump could win in November. He appeals to the worst among is -- he is racist, sexist, xenophobic, nationalist. That is the core of the GOP.
3
With hundreds of millions wasted $, the Republicans cannot manage one man, one election, and they want to lead the country? The decent thing for Republicans to do now: direct donor money to the poor kids they helped push into poverty and then resign.
6
Trump is unlikely to win, but every vote he gets incrementally harms the United States of America. One factor that may make the race closer than it should be is the instinct of journalists and opinion writers to want to "change the narrative." Right now it is open season on DJT, but as soon as HRC makes some monumental error, and she will, let's say in late August, you will see the beginnings of some rubbish like, "Trump is a competent executive," or "Trump properties are exceptionally well run," or "No rush to judgment on Trump's trade policy." It seems ridiculous now, but it will happen.
This kind of idle "hot take" should be immediately, roundly denounced. Stamp it out before it roots. There should be a hashtag. Trump's returns need to be driven down to minuscule, embarrassing levels.
This kind of idle "hot take" should be immediately, roundly denounced. Stamp it out before it roots. There should be a hashtag. Trump's returns need to be driven down to minuscule, embarrassing levels.
2
You can't top the wishful thinking of people who will back Trump without seeing his tax returns.
Donald J. Trump will either save the GOP in spite of itself, or he will bury it. As for predictions that he will lose by a landslide to Hillary in the general election; that's exactly what they were saying about him and the GOP primaries, yet who is the last man standing? The one thing you can rely on with Mr. Trump is that he will pick a cabinet of extremely competent individuals, and won't have any problem with firing any who don't measure up.
1
Michael: How will he know if someone doesn't measure up? He knows so little about economics, education, foreign policy, or the social safety net that he won't be able to judge what works or what doesn't. He'd be a loud-mouthed puppet.
As an opinion piece, it's clear Mr. Blow supports the democrat, in every case.
However, it is clear that the only reason Bernie is the #2 candidate on the liberal side is because so many people despise Clinton. If it were Biden vs. Benie, this would have been over long ago.
With that, Clinton is disliked and found not trustworthy to some 70%+ of registered democrats.
The reason we have Trump, Hillary, and Bernie is that, in 2016, Americans are totally disgusted.
However, it is clear that the only reason Bernie is the #2 candidate on the liberal side is because so many people despise Clinton. If it were Biden vs. Benie, this would have been over long ago.
With that, Clinton is disliked and found not trustworthy to some 70%+ of registered democrats.
The reason we have Trump, Hillary, and Bernie is that, in 2016, Americans are totally disgusted.
John: Where'd ya get those stats? HRC's unfavorable rating now stands at 52% overall, and that includes republicans. 70%+ of registered Dems? In your dreams.
1
As a single white Jewish lesbian I do not see myself in any of the candidates. I do not see most of my concerns mirrored in Clinton's run for the nomination, Sanders run, or any of the Republicans runs. What I see is a country that is failing to address the needs of all its citizens.
We have a healthcare system that is not working for most of us. We have an economy that is creating jobs that do not offer decent wages, benefits, or opportunities for advancing up the career ladder, and one that is turning a Bachelor's degree into the equivalent of a high school diploma because our educational systems do not offer true career training for any jobs. We have an entire generation that will be unable to retire because of changes made to pensions, etc., to benefit businesses. We have too many people unable to find work.
The political climate has been ripe for a Donald Trump for many years. The only surprise here is that it took so long for him to get noticed. By thwarting Obama at every turn, no matter how good his ideas were, the GOP set themselves up for this. By voting GOP candidates into office we were willing participants in the process. If we didn't listen to or try to extrapolate from the promises various candidates made to the consequences we are to blame. Has no one figured out that each time a tax is cut or eliminated a program disappears, user fee appears, or some part of the government we need stops working? Look before you vote!
We have a healthcare system that is not working for most of us. We have an economy that is creating jobs that do not offer decent wages, benefits, or opportunities for advancing up the career ladder, and one that is turning a Bachelor's degree into the equivalent of a high school diploma because our educational systems do not offer true career training for any jobs. We have an entire generation that will be unable to retire because of changes made to pensions, etc., to benefit businesses. We have too many people unable to find work.
The political climate has been ripe for a Donald Trump for many years. The only surprise here is that it took so long for him to get noticed. By thwarting Obama at every turn, no matter how good his ideas were, the GOP set themselves up for this. By voting GOP candidates into office we were willing participants in the process. If we didn't listen to or try to extrapolate from the promises various candidates made to the consequences we are to blame. Has no one figured out that each time a tax is cut or eliminated a program disappears, user fee appears, or some part of the government we need stops working? Look before you vote!
4
"G.O.P. Has Only Itself to Blame"
Hundreds of newspapers nationwide are observing the fracturing of the G.O.P. Pundits on TV are regularly saying the same thing. Citizens are writing comments both here and elsewhere across the nation, accurately describing the Republican disarray and the reasons for it.
Yes, it is their fault alone, as Mr. Blow describes.
But are the handful of Republican Party leaders admitting any of it, or are they rather characterizing their problems with the same degrees of false spin that have contributed to their dissolution as a reliable party?
Is is still Party first, Country second? Will they show contrition for grievously damaging our ability to govern America, or will they double down yet again with dumbed-down rhetoric on irrelevant distractions?
We're only talking about a handful of people, really. It's their star chamber that decides what to do. Do they still want to tell us that the warts in their mirror are beauty marks?
Hundreds of newspapers nationwide are observing the fracturing of the G.O.P. Pundits on TV are regularly saying the same thing. Citizens are writing comments both here and elsewhere across the nation, accurately describing the Republican disarray and the reasons for it.
Yes, it is their fault alone, as Mr. Blow describes.
But are the handful of Republican Party leaders admitting any of it, or are they rather characterizing their problems with the same degrees of false spin that have contributed to their dissolution as a reliable party?
Is is still Party first, Country second? Will they show contrition for grievously damaging our ability to govern America, or will they double down yet again with dumbed-down rhetoric on irrelevant distractions?
We're only talking about a handful of people, really. It's their star chamber that decides what to do. Do they still want to tell us that the warts in their mirror are beauty marks?
2
It is individual Republican's political career first, everything else second. As a group they have never been serious about changing the GOP to be more inclusive, etc.
Trump has unleashed the dormant hatred and bile that has festered in this Nation since its birth. It was always there as it is in every country, every society. What was different was that here in America, in spite of all the historical incidents of shame ( slavery, internments and more) we as a nation eventually rose up to correct it, end, but more importantly to deny that is acceptable. Trump has made these things acceptable, he has made hatred and ignorance a badge of honor. He did not create it , as Mr Blow points out the die was cast by the modern Republican Party, but he has unleaded it and it will not end with his failure to win, should he fail to win.
That so many 'mainstream' Republicans, like McCain, Haley , Ryan etc will support him when he wins the nomination is a frightening omen of just how easily a Nation can descend into a Strong Man nation.
They stand by the Party - knowing full well that Trump is both incompetent and dangerous to democracy - they choose their Party over America,
THAT is what is frightening
That so many 'mainstream' Republicans, like McCain, Haley , Ryan etc will support him when he wins the nomination is a frightening omen of just how easily a Nation can descend into a Strong Man nation.
They stand by the Party - knowing full well that Trump is both incompetent and dangerous to democracy - they choose their Party over America,
THAT is what is frightening
1
Don't write the GOP off yet, especially if Trump wins, in which case the Republicans in Congress will make the most of his presidency.
1
Tell that to the GOP- the rest of us cannot wait until the mass delusion calling itself a major political party in the US that has devolved into such a shameful mess disappears with its insidious mass of lies.
2
While much of what Mr Blow says is true, the Trump phenomenon can also be blamed on Obama's over-the-top imperial presidency.
2
The sky is not falling for the Republican Party. The GOP will lose the 2016 election and reorganize. Barry Goldwater was creamed by LBJ in 1964, but reorganized behind Richard Nixon (really!) and took the Presidency just 4 years later.
The reason Paul Ryan and other Republican leaders are not supporting Trump is because they wish to be part of the reorganization, not the November debacle.
But, I must add, in defense of Trump, the GOP's current drift to irrelevance began with the invasion of Iraq, not with Donald Trump. Trump is the first candidate with any significant following to point that out. I certainly hope this is one lesson the reorganizers take to heart.
If one wants to bash the republicans, the case of Jeb Bush is more relevant than the case of D Trump. Jeb had over a hundred million in campaign funds in 2015 but wasn't prepared for anyone to ask him about his brother's terrible blunder in Iraq in 2003. The man had a dozen years to anticipate how to answer all the inevitable questions regarding his brother's handling of the invasion, war, and insurgency. He stuck with the republican myth that Obama lost Iraq and "W" kept us safe. Tell me that man deserves to be President.
Voters are angry and they should be. Trump gets that. The GOP can write Trump off as an aberration or they can learn from him. Just because he isn't qualified to be President doesn't mean he can't teach the GOP a thing or two...and speak for voters.
The reason Paul Ryan and other Republican leaders are not supporting Trump is because they wish to be part of the reorganization, not the November debacle.
But, I must add, in defense of Trump, the GOP's current drift to irrelevance began with the invasion of Iraq, not with Donald Trump. Trump is the first candidate with any significant following to point that out. I certainly hope this is one lesson the reorganizers take to heart.
If one wants to bash the republicans, the case of Jeb Bush is more relevant than the case of D Trump. Jeb had over a hundred million in campaign funds in 2015 but wasn't prepared for anyone to ask him about his brother's terrible blunder in Iraq in 2003. The man had a dozen years to anticipate how to answer all the inevitable questions regarding his brother's handling of the invasion, war, and insurgency. He stuck with the republican myth that Obama lost Iraq and "W" kept us safe. Tell me that man deserves to be President.
Voters are angry and they should be. Trump gets that. The GOP can write Trump off as an aberration or they can learn from him. Just because he isn't qualified to be President doesn't mean he can't teach the GOP a thing or two...and speak for voters.
1
They made their bed when they had him pledge not to run as and independent. They thought he would never survive the primaries. Now they have him. If Ryan supports him, he (Ryan) has kowtowed. If he does not, all hell will break loose. Either way they are in trouble. Let them lie in the bed they made!
2
The GOP is like a train wreck in slow motion. The party base has been fed a steady diet of lies, distortions and nonsense by the conservative establishment and its media, led of course by Fox News and the Murdoch disinformation empire. The ignorance, resentment and fear of the base is now running amok and the old republican establishment can't stop it. Even the base doesn't believe them anymore.
1
There is 0 difference between the 2 parties.
I realize that the older a person is, the more likely they are to rabidly support their "team" and the more likely they are to defend "their" candidate to the death, but most people between 20-70 have not been sucked in by the propaganda.
The RNC and DNC are corrupt--look at how Wasserman-Shultze treated Bernie--and they take turns pretending to be outraged while they ceaselessly rip off the American people.
The hatred is not for Obama, but for the corrupt, career politicians killing the country. I applaud the conservatives for cleaning their house. The DNC is next.
I realize that the older a person is, the more likely they are to rabidly support their "team" and the more likely they are to defend "their" candidate to the death, but most people between 20-70 have not been sucked in by the propaganda.
The RNC and DNC are corrupt--look at how Wasserman-Shultze treated Bernie--and they take turns pretending to be outraged while they ceaselessly rip off the American people.
The hatred is not for Obama, but for the corrupt, career politicians killing the country. I applaud the conservatives for cleaning their house. The DNC is next.
1
End the nonsense. Next election, vote against every Republican, for every office, at every level. Be patriotic, save the country.
4
My only real hope for anything positive coming out of the Trump candidacy is that he sinks Republicans in the House and Senate with him.
3
Let's not forget how much time and effort was soent by the likes of Gingrich, DeLay, and Starr to vilify and take down Bill Clinton. Where we are now gained it's true traction then, and gave solid foundation to the stage upon which the Roves, Fox News, Tea Party, and conservative talk radio still stand. Nothing will change until those influences are shown the door for good. And that's not about to happen. Want proof? The supposed lesson learned after Romney's defeat was that the GOP needed to reach out to the Hispanic vote.
2
Since Reagan, dog-whistling was used to cultivate this swath of reliable votes.
It was only a matter of time till an entrepreneurial huckster would come along and harvest the crop.
That said, " only itself to blame" is not quite right.
Trump can also thank our corporatist New Dems for contributing to the conditions needed for this perfect storm.
President Obama, in 2009, stated that "a rising tide lifts all vessels".
Meaning, I'll save Wall Street, General Motors, and our Military-Industrial Complex and the "Free Market" shall do its work and heal our social fabric.
What a joke.
It was only a matter of time till an entrepreneurial huckster would come along and harvest the crop.
That said, " only itself to blame" is not quite right.
Trump can also thank our corporatist New Dems for contributing to the conditions needed for this perfect storm.
President Obama, in 2009, stated that "a rising tide lifts all vessels".
Meaning, I'll save Wall Street, General Motors, and our Military-Industrial Complex and the "Free Market" shall do its work and heal our social fabric.
What a joke.
1
Here is something for McConnell, Boehner, Gingrich, Sessions and the rest of the seditionists who gathered at that steak house on the night of Obama's inauguration; had they pledged to act in good faith for the benefit of the Nation, instead of their party, passed an infrastructure jobs, jobs, jobs bill they would not be in this position.
Had they been willing and able to give the President a little credit they could have shared it with him. We know he is the type of person who would share it.
Now they can take their obstruction and put it where the sun don't shine because the sun will not be shining on the republican party for quite some time, if indeed the Nation does not go completely insane.
Had they been willing and able to give the President a little credit they could have shared it with him. We know he is the type of person who would share it.
Now they can take their obstruction and put it where the sun don't shine because the sun will not be shining on the republican party for quite some time, if indeed the Nation does not go completely insane.
9
The media must accept their share of the blame. Just as equal time for creationism makes no sense, nor does the reporting of every sound bite from Trump (or any politician) simply because it makes for a catchy headline. We are getting less and less useful comparisons between candidates, leaving us to make a decision on what; who is photographed with the most Kardashians?
2
You are wrong, Mr. Blow.
If there is any blame to be doled out, it lays squarely with the American people.
Beginning with Newt Gingrich's election as House Speaker in 1994, more and more Americans have been turning their backs on the basic concepts of democracy.
The bigotry, homophobia, ignorance, misogyny, racism and xenophobia, for which Ronald Reagan quietly and eloquently stood for, is with us today more than ever.
A President Donald Trump is the logical candidate for people who just don't care if their country remains a democracy.
And Donald Trump beats Ronald Reagan on the stage or screen any day. Donald Trump is a Grade A, not a Grade B, huckster.
If there is any blame to be doled out, it lays squarely with the American people.
Beginning with Newt Gingrich's election as House Speaker in 1994, more and more Americans have been turning their backs on the basic concepts of democracy.
The bigotry, homophobia, ignorance, misogyny, racism and xenophobia, for which Ronald Reagan quietly and eloquently stood for, is with us today more than ever.
A President Donald Trump is the logical candidate for people who just don't care if their country remains a democracy.
And Donald Trump beats Ronald Reagan on the stage or screen any day. Donald Trump is a Grade A, not a Grade B, huckster.
3
Agreed that the American people are the agents of their (and our) destruction. But they, too, are victims--victims of lifetimes of poor education, of venomous preaching, of dishonest politics, of mud-wrestling News, and of the honing of lies as character assassins' weapons.
A third party makes sense for many Republicans for all the wrong reasons. Voting for Trump is like declaring insanity ... for anyone. Voting for Clinton is something they just can't bring themselves to do. Not voting at all is abandoning any influence on the country's future.
A third party candidate has zero chance of winning, but voting for one is a declaration of where they stand. In 1856, John C. Fremont ran on the newly created Republican ticket and came in second. In the next election, the Republicans under Lincoln won the election.
A third party candidate has zero chance of winning, but voting for one is a declaration of where they stand. In 1856, John C. Fremont ran on the newly created Republican ticket and came in second. In the next election, the Republicans under Lincoln won the election.
1
Donald Trump as the GOP nominee for president is frightening, certainly: And makes me sad for the country that one it's two major parties would nominate such a vulgar, ignorant, demagogue. But what is more frightening to me is that his supporters exist in such numbers that he's in the position that he is. There is a very large portion of the US population that is grossly uniformed and uncurious and thus swayable by such a man as Trump.
3
The hope is that this debacle will install not only a Democratic President but a Democratic House and Senate as well. Only then will the Government be able to function as it should.
The Founding Fathers were mainly concerned about checks and balances. Apparently they assumed that those in government were civilized and could operate through compromise despite differing party affiliations. Well they got that one wrong.
The Founding Fathers were mainly concerned about checks and balances. Apparently they assumed that those in government were civilized and could operate through compromise despite differing party affiliations. Well they got that one wrong.
2
Trump voters aren't intellectually curious enough to properly vet (ie fact-check) their pseudo-savior candidate, so despite whatever criticism is being aimed at the "mainstream media" for not taking seriously the viability of the presumptive nominee's mass appeal and refuting his nonsense, Trump voters live in the bubble of their alternate reality that's impervious to truth or facts.
They simply don't care or want to care, for that matter. They feel safe, secure and satisfied in their willful ignorance, a reflection of Trump's unfortunate and pathetically inept personality.
They simply don't care or want to care, for that matter. They feel safe, secure and satisfied in their willful ignorance, a reflection of Trump's unfortunate and pathetically inept personality.
3
What do you want to bet that by 2020, Republicans will mimic the Dems who learned decades ago, and adopt some form of super delegates, party elders who when they spot a runaway train will be able to apply the brakes and put a stop to an impending disaster.
As a lifelong Dem I should show no mercy for the GOP. But as a Hillary supporter and DNC member, who has seen my party have to deal with the insurgency of Senator Sanders, a one-trick pony in both the Lower and Upper Houses of Congress, a decent man who like Trump is in way over his head, I can somewhat understand the Republicans dilemma. Though filled with good intentions, Sanders is extremely unqualified to deal with the multiple layers and complexity of the presidency. His role as radical revolutionary in Congress serves its purpose but does not represent the United States in its totality. He would be stifled from Day One. And don't expect his followers to do the hard work Sanders demands of them to sway the hardcore opinions of conservatives.
That said, I hope the GOP finds some way to get behind the Republican Establishment, yes the dreaded Establishment. those who have managed to keep their heads while others are losing theirs, and find some way of thwarting Trump from either getting the nomination or leave him so weak he will have no chance of becoming president. Forget this nonsense about how many support Trump. Most voters don't have a clue. You can fool some of the people all of the time.
DD
Manhattan
As a lifelong Dem I should show no mercy for the GOP. But as a Hillary supporter and DNC member, who has seen my party have to deal with the insurgency of Senator Sanders, a one-trick pony in both the Lower and Upper Houses of Congress, a decent man who like Trump is in way over his head, I can somewhat understand the Republicans dilemma. Though filled with good intentions, Sanders is extremely unqualified to deal with the multiple layers and complexity of the presidency. His role as radical revolutionary in Congress serves its purpose but does not represent the United States in its totality. He would be stifled from Day One. And don't expect his followers to do the hard work Sanders demands of them to sway the hardcore opinions of conservatives.
That said, I hope the GOP finds some way to get behind the Republican Establishment, yes the dreaded Establishment. those who have managed to keep their heads while others are losing theirs, and find some way of thwarting Trump from either getting the nomination or leave him so weak he will have no chance of becoming president. Forget this nonsense about how many support Trump. Most voters don't have a clue. You can fool some of the people all of the time.
DD
Manhattan
None of what Mr Blow says today is news. It has all been true for decades. The elction of Reagan was about as bad with his insane assertion that America could build a ray gun defense against enemy Soviet misiles and protect us all from a thermonuclear war. I understand Mr Blow is still a comparative youth but in my personal and many other informed persons eyes, Reagan was as much a madman as Trump, the difference being he had served as governor of California and had convinced most newsmen that he was a realistic choice. In fact, all of the problems and difficulties in the US increased in severity or were established by the GOP and a complaisant congress of "right" thinking Democrats , as a result of the Reagan administration.All his successors-including the Democrats- have simply followed along the path hacked out of sensible federal laws because all of them were basically conservatives, as well, including Obama.
Trump is no more or less ignorant--at least he hasn't propsed ray guns to destroy enemy thermo nuclear missiles.(Reagan's Rays never worked, could never be made to work and the military faked data to pretend that the system could work, once in a while. There are no ray guns. The hero of the Cold War era was Gorbachev, who willingly gave up an empire to assure world survival and try and save the USSR. Too bad he wasn't born in Brooklyn. . . .)
Trump is no more or less ignorant--at least he hasn't propsed ray guns to destroy enemy thermo nuclear missiles.(Reagan's Rays never worked, could never be made to work and the military faked data to pretend that the system could work, once in a while. There are no ray guns. The hero of the Cold War era was Gorbachev, who willingly gave up an empire to assure world survival and try and save the USSR. Too bad he wasn't born in Brooklyn. . . .)
1
Trump is horrifying on many levels. That said, the American people have been lied to so often by the elites of both parties that it's no wonder they are angry. For instance, the Tea Party Republicans promised that if sufficiently conservative candidates were then the national debt would be reduced. Republicans won the House and Senate and the debt went up. At the other end of Pennsylvania Ave., Mr. Obama promised to get out of Iraq & Afghanistan and close Guantanimo. That hasn't worked out so well. Both argue that the others are responsible for the lack of wage growth over the past 8 years although Mr. Obama claims all the credit for creating more jobs. I think people understand that the government doesn't create jobs, it creates an environment where the private sector creates jobs. In this environment where the stock market has boomed and interest on savings is about zero, people are angry. The elites, the 1% (which includes both Trump and Clinton), have done great; Joe lunch-box not so much. Throughout, the media has devoted plenty of coverage to "gridlock" in Washington where people like Ted Cruz and Harry Reid seem unable to restrain themselves from demonizing each other. Outrage is more entertaining than reasoned discourse.
So after all the disappointments at the hands of the political elite, Republicans and Democrats, many people are ready to throw them all out. Trump and Sanders, as different as they are provide that anti-establishment choice.
So after all the disappointments at the hands of the political elite, Republicans and Democrats, many people are ready to throw them all out. Trump and Sanders, as different as they are provide that anti-establishment choice.
Trump has been a Democrat for most of his life. Even his children were not Republicans and could not vote for him in the NY primary. Like Bloomberg, he cares about wealth and power and will never toe the party line. Mr. Blow should be sounding his praise for refusing to cave in on Social Security, Medicare and health care as the Sanders supporters will do in the general election.
1
Ah yes, the Republicans are clearly on the ropes. They hold 39 governorships, 30 state legislatures with supermajorities, the House and the Senate. And in the primaries their turnout has been up by 60% over what it was in 2008, while the Democrats are down by 40% from the same. The GOP has a nominee, while the Democratic party's "inevitable" candidate keeps losing to a geriatric socialist.
If the Republicans need to blame anyone for this "losing streak," maybe the Democrats should give "losing" a try too. Because at this rate, the progressive form of winning isn't delivering the goods.
It used to be that the GOP had a problem with reality. It's starting to sound like the Democrats are developing the same. Anyone who thinks the economy is going great, that Clinton will fight with them, that the rust belt and FL are a lock, or that Obamacare and our foreign policy have been stunning successes is the one who should be looking into the mirror.
If the Republicans need to blame anyone for this "losing streak," maybe the Democrats should give "losing" a try too. Because at this rate, the progressive form of winning isn't delivering the goods.
It used to be that the GOP had a problem with reality. It's starting to sound like the Democrats are developing the same. Anyone who thinks the economy is going great, that Clinton will fight with them, that the rust belt and FL are a lock, or that Obamacare and our foreign policy have been stunning successes is the one who should be looking into the mirror.
1
I would like to personally thank Trump. The Republican party is it stands needed to be taken out of the hands of the Koch/Adelson .1%'rs and rebuilt into something more mainstream. Eisenhower conservatism rather than Bush/Cheney conservatism. I won't vote for Trump, but a better Republican party will benefit the country in the long run.
3
All true. But this non stop Trump bashing from the left ignores the fact that the Dems are likely nominating their worst candidate since George McGovern. They also have clearly illustrated in basically screwing over Sanders that they are anything but the party of the people that they pretend to be. Hillary is deservedly at risk of criminal indictment, has a track record as a complete hawk, lies as almost a knee jerk reaction, and has the humanistic appeal of a robot. Maybe she can beat a fractured GOP with a reality TV star as its head and maybe she can beat a socialist without a big political machine, but she is anything but a strong candidate and the Democratic party is as fractured as it has been in as very long time. I fear for all the windows in the nation's glass house when the stones really start flying over the next few months.
1
It is altogether too facile, in my opinion, to assume that Mr. Trump is a sure-fire loser in November. It does not easily fit with the numbers of people who believe America is on the wrong track or that the government is hopelessly corrupt. Those numbers - and Mrs. Clinton's ties to establishment politics - play heavily into Mr. Trump's narrative.
Not to mention the fact that pundits have been wrong about his rise all along.
He needs to be taken as seriously as a heart attack until the last vote is counted in November.
Not to mention the fact that pundits have been wrong about his rise all along.
He needs to be taken as seriously as a heart attack until the last vote is counted in November.
1
We're still fighting the Civil War; it's rural vs. urban. In fact, we're still dealing with the fallout of the Crusades. We are tribal beasts in down to our bones, and fight hard to protect our tribes.
Trump gets this, and found his before Republican leaders fully accepted what tribe it is they're leading.
Trump gets this, and found his before Republican leaders fully accepted what tribe it is they're leading.
1
While I am not a friend of Trump (although I suspect he's rather more liberal on social issue than he's letting on), Bush, Ryan, Romney et al are acting like the privileged white men they are and treating Trump the way they treated President Obama.
"Look at the new guy who's come to ruin our party. Let's not do anything or change the rules until we get our way."
That's not a solution to the GOP problems either.
"Look at the new guy who's come to ruin our party. Let's not do anything or change the rules until we get our way."
That's not a solution to the GOP problems either.
Correction, Mr. Blow-- For President Obama the Republicans as a whole felt pure hatred and acted on it. Their contempt was reserved for the American people and the nation's system of governance.
3
Trump may be bad, but he is still better than the other GOP alternatives. Trump may bumble is President, but the other had a definite plan to systematically dismantle the previous 40 year of progressive politics. It would have been good-bye to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAPs; they would make abortion and gay marriage illegal. So don't cry that Trump got the nomination, but celebrate that if he does actually win, he will do less damage than the other candidates that the GOP put forward.
Everything you say is true, kinda, sorta.
Let's not forget that the Democrats took over 8 years ago with a mandate that not only included the Presidency but control of the House and Senate.
Within two years the Republicans had control of both houses. The Democrats having proven they couldn't do anything right, either.
Trump is not just a symptom of Republican ineptitude, but a fundamental loss of faith in government's ability to do anything right - left, right or center.
Let's not forget that the Democrats took over 8 years ago with a mandate that not only included the Presidency but control of the House and Senate.
Within two years the Republicans had control of both houses. The Democrats having proven they couldn't do anything right, either.
Trump is not just a symptom of Republican ineptitude, but a fundamental loss of faith in government's ability to do anything right - left, right or center.
2
The future is not white and it is not working class.At least not working class as understood in the era of industrial capitalism.The leaders of the Republican Party understand this.So the problem for the party is what do you do with these angry white voters.This is where Trump comes in.Trump is the pied piper who will lead these people with all their hate and prejudice out of the party into the countryside of insignificance.They are a doomed class in the political landscape.No matter what happens in November they will be gone sooner but maybe later but they will be gone.
1
While Republicans should engage in some serious soul-searching, their efforts to do so will be in vain, as their party has no soul. In exchange for political power, the GOP long ago sold its soul to the plutocrats and theocrats, ideologues and demagogues. Trump is the soul survivor.
1
Enjoy the fruits of your success. The Republican cynical 40 year "Southern Strategy" to recruit the nations intolerant and ignorant has finally come to fruition. Republicans have succeeded and turned the South from blue to red and picked up the like minded in the North along the way. But Houston, we have a problem. The recruited mindless inmates have become the rank and file majority and hijacked the Grand "Old" Party from the old, rich, angry, country club white guys and taken over the GOP asylum. Lesson, be careful what you wish for my GOP friends, you got the South and the like minded North but they are driving you to extinction. Republican's sowed the whirlwind and are now harvesting their richly deserved bitter harvest, adios
4
Donald Trump could be elected by the people. It will not be just the Republicans loss, it will be the country's loss. This man has no center, no convictions that are consistent with what this country stands for...truth and justice for all. His attitude will hurt us internationally as well.
3
The chaos engulfing the GOP is self-induced. The party didn't run one credible candidate. Even the supposed "moderate" Kasich was thrilled about signing legislation defunding Planned Parenthood, hurting women's health in Ohio.
In the final analysis, Trump is no better or worse than any GOP candidate since Reagan.
GOP, you built this.
In the final analysis, Trump is no better or worse than any GOP candidate since Reagan.
GOP, you built this.
4
Donald Trump is a blessing for America. The Republican party has become a crazy party, a party of obstruction and negative. The party leaders are out of touch with common people. The billionaires and the lobbyists control them. These greedy blind selfish leaders are to be dumped. The Republican Party should be broken and build a new Republican Party.
1
Note to Ryan; loyalty over logic and reason is not necessarily a good thing. Neither the left nor right have shown particular skills in the negotiation of actual deals. It is the "Old Guard" who has to go.
Attacking Trumps mannerisms or sometimes abrasive style is incredibly superficial. Trump has said he will publicaly list his potential SCOTUS candidates and several other key political appointees to allay the fears of the party. What is Ryan's problem with that!?
Ryan is displaying an inability to negotiate even with someone within his own party! Trump is taking a practical approach to negotiating over specific concerns, while Ryan and his dogmatic cronies are spewing sour grapes. The attitude of Ryan , Romney and the Bushes etc. is precisely what is wrong with the GOP and why the "old guard" is being so soundly rejected.
Attacking Trumps mannerisms or sometimes abrasive style is incredibly superficial. Trump has said he will publicaly list his potential SCOTUS candidates and several other key political appointees to allay the fears of the party. What is Ryan's problem with that!?
Ryan is displaying an inability to negotiate even with someone within his own party! Trump is taking a practical approach to negotiating over specific concerns, while Ryan and his dogmatic cronies are spewing sour grapes. The attitude of Ryan , Romney and the Bushes etc. is precisely what is wrong with the GOP and why the "old guard" is being so soundly rejected.
Our system of essentially unlimited money in politics is corruption. You are shocked that 75% of Americans of Americans see the government as corrupt verse incompetent? The reality is that it is competent (our government is functionally competent and does a good job delivering our services, etc.) only you in and those in the plutocracy are incompetent in your failure to use your platform and power to show the corrupting influence of money in politics.
Well, we have six months to see if the carriage actually goes over the cliff. Can American voters stay wedded to Trump with clear consciences? The drawbacks that logic offers and pundits foresee are probably not going to change too many minds . . . unfortunately.
Ultimately, there are 320 million Americans to govern.
Ultimately, there are 320 million Americans to govern.
2
It is not surprising that the least informed among us ( i.e. the "low information voter"- otherwise known as willfully uninformed- also add in racist as needed),
gravitate to the GOP and have done so since LBJ signed the civil rights law and lost the south to the GOP for generations- and the south is still solid red.
With this base of support- why would anyone think the GOP could produce a decent crop of candidates for any elected office? They attract the worst people ( look at the 17 bozos the GOP had to run for president- not the smartest group).
But, these genius GOP party elites still do not get it. They blame Trump for their ills and breaking apart the party. Trump is a side show.
The real problem for them is that they only know how to obstruct- they have no ideas and do nothing. They have forgotten why they are they and why they collect a paycheck. The only thing they know is how to get us into insane wars and then not pay for them.
What legislation have they passed to address one issue? None.
What have they done in decades other than to impeach Clinton, screw up Katrina recovery, obstruct Obama on every idea including SCOTUS nominees, screw up the ME even more and deny climate change while their states confront weather patterns of biblical proportions on a daily basis? Nothing. Inaction and indifference for decades also has consequences. It's time to throw these bums out for good.
gravitate to the GOP and have done so since LBJ signed the civil rights law and lost the south to the GOP for generations- and the south is still solid red.
With this base of support- why would anyone think the GOP could produce a decent crop of candidates for any elected office? They attract the worst people ( look at the 17 bozos the GOP had to run for president- not the smartest group).
But, these genius GOP party elites still do not get it. They blame Trump for their ills and breaking apart the party. Trump is a side show.
The real problem for them is that they only know how to obstruct- they have no ideas and do nothing. They have forgotten why they are they and why they collect a paycheck. The only thing they know is how to get us into insane wars and then not pay for them.
What legislation have they passed to address one issue? None.
What have they done in decades other than to impeach Clinton, screw up Katrina recovery, obstruct Obama on every idea including SCOTUS nominees, screw up the ME even more and deny climate change while their states confront weather patterns of biblical proportions on a daily basis? Nothing. Inaction and indifference for decades also has consequences. It's time to throw these bums out for good.
158
Marian, you wrote a mouthful. Well done.
The fun part of Charles' piece is realizing the inner turmoil he had to have undergone as he had to say nice things about some Republicans, even is it was only done to try to scare voters away from Trump.
But I will always go for the men the liberal statists call a madman because he won't quit trying to lead after a bad election like EpicFail Obama has. Does he even go down to his office anymore?
But I will always go for the men the liberal statists call a madman because he won't quit trying to lead after a bad election like EpicFail Obama has. Does he even go down to his office anymore?
Well, I think we can at least assume the President's not hanging around the bathroom, checking everybody who goes in for gender.
By the way, none of us commies called Trump a madman. We called him a loud-mouthed, born-rich arrogant jerk, whose business record's hilariously spotty, whose Saudi partners give anybody with a brain pause, and whose attitudes towards women and a long, long list of minority folks would gag Lester Maddox.
By the way, none of us commies called Trump a madman. We called him a loud-mouthed, born-rich arrogant jerk, whose business record's hilariously spotty, whose Saudi partners give anybody with a brain pause, and whose attitudes towards women and a long, long list of minority folks would gag Lester Maddox.
1
Trump is the big tumor that finally leads to the diagnosis of a serious cancer. Both parties are full of the cancer of big money. Maybe the big tumor will scare people into at least trying to fight the big money cancer before it's to late.
2
Ah, the Republican cynical 40 year "Southern Strategy" to recruit the nations intolerant and ignorant has finally come to fruition. Republicans have succeeded and turned the South from blue to red and picked up the like minded in the North along the way. But Houston, we have a problem. The recruited mindless inmates have become the rank and file majority and hijacked the Grand "Old" Party from the old, rich, angry, country club white guys and taken over the asylum. Lesson, be careful what you wish for my GOP friends, you got the South and the like minded North but they are driving you to extinction. Republican's sowed the whirlwind and are now harvesting their richly deserved bitter harvest, adios
3
Blow is fearful that Trump will win the general election with he will probably do. People have had it with this federal government and Democrats have nobody to blame but themselves. The nanny state is going to come to an abrupt end and the era of buying votes with entitlements will be over. Taking advice in what Republicans need to win from a radical left wing Democrat like Blow would seem to make no sense at all.
2
Conservative voters hate the Republican party. They see its demise as a good thing.
It's not imploding--the conservative voters are blowing it up and leaving Jeb and all the other Establishment crooks in the dust.
Not surprised that an NYT writer can't separate the voters from the party infrastructure. The party system is dying. 0 voters under 70 care about "the party."
Every story about the demise of a political party is music to the ears of voters.
It's not imploding--the conservative voters are blowing it up and leaving Jeb and all the other Establishment crooks in the dust.
Not surprised that an NYT writer can't separate the voters from the party infrastructure. The party system is dying. 0 voters under 70 care about "the party."
Every story about the demise of a political party is music to the ears of voters.
1
"I don't think he's a reliable Republican conservative." Lindsey Graham. We are so far past the point where tepid remarks like this will inform so many obviously completely uninformed voters just how dangerous a Trump presidency would be.
One can only hope that some of the so-called Republican leaders put their own self interests (and their fears of becoming victims of Trump's attacks) aside and do what's right for the country and the world. That "sliver of a chance" Mr. Blow refers to should be enough to keep everyone awake at night.
One can only hope that some of the so-called Republican leaders put their own self interests (and their fears of becoming victims of Trump's attacks) aside and do what's right for the country and the world. That "sliver of a chance" Mr. Blow refers to should be enough to keep everyone awake at night.
Regardless of how GOP grapples with this Trump thing, the everlasting damage that Trump has done to this Republic is to make the unthinkable normal in the nation’s political discourse.
He keeps re-defining the new depths that we are allowed to stoop, for now and ever, in pursuit of a political office.
Trump and his ilk come and go. But the lowered standards of what is considered acceptable in politics stay on. Forever.
He keeps re-defining the new depths that we are allowed to stoop, for now and ever, in pursuit of a political office.
Trump and his ilk come and go. But the lowered standards of what is considered acceptable in politics stay on. Forever.
1
People vote their fear, not their aspirations. It is the major flaw with democracy. The 24-hour-a-day media has only made the fear worse, because fear also sells.
Either the media stops terrorizing people, or we lose our democracy, I really don't think that there are any other options.
Either the media stops terrorizing people, or we lose our democracy, I really don't think that there are any other options.
1
Maybe people feel that Congress is corrupt because Congress IS corrupt. It is totally unresponsive to the desires of the people, such as universal health care, expanding Social Security, and overturning Citizen's United. What we want bears no resemblance to what we get.
Both parties are on the ropes. All of us, Democrats and Republicans and Independents, are fed up with Washington, D.C. The Dems just don't see it yet, but their day of reckoning is also coming. This primary has shown us that the difference between the Rs abd the Ds can be measured in millimeters. Ignore the social issues that are nothing more than calls to rally around the party standard because the other side is "so much worse"' and they can both be found slurping at the Billionaire's Banquet while their constituents go hungry.
Even now, Hillary is courting Jeb's backers. She wants their money and their access. I am sure they will respond positively. She is one of them in oh, so many, ways.
A pox on both your houses!
Both parties are on the ropes. All of us, Democrats and Republicans and Independents, are fed up with Washington, D.C. The Dems just don't see it yet, but their day of reckoning is also coming. This primary has shown us that the difference between the Rs abd the Ds can be measured in millimeters. Ignore the social issues that are nothing more than calls to rally around the party standard because the other side is "so much worse"' and they can both be found slurping at the Billionaire's Banquet while their constituents go hungry.
Even now, Hillary is courting Jeb's backers. She wants their money and their access. I am sure they will respond positively. She is one of them in oh, so many, ways.
A pox on both your houses!
3
I hate to break this, but a LOT of Amerixans just don't agree with you.
I agree, the GOP did this to themselves. They made promises that they knew they could not keep (voting too kill the ACA over 90 times with knowledge that the Pres. would veto), not balancing the budget, letting our infrastructure deteriorate, refusing to consider a supreme court nominee,constantly demonizing the other political party and always playing politics and ignoring the problems of the country and the American worker. You reap what you sow and they will lose big in Nov As for Clinton, it looks like this will be the first election in my 50 years of voting that I will not be voting for a Presidential candidate. The thought of Hillary screeching at us for 4 years turns my stomach. The thought of Trump as President scares me speechless. Biden if only.
I could care less about the G.O.P. and who they might blame. The American people are the ones who are going to suffer because of our broken political system and the way in which that system interfaces with the corporate news-as-entertainment industry. Everywhere, including in the NY Times, Trump has dominated coverage since the day he first opened his mouth and began inserting his feet. No candidate in the history of American politics has received so much free advertising. The head of CBS gleefully admitted that Trump was good for business. ABC News gave us 80 solid minutes of Trump last year versus 20 seconds of coverage on Bernie Sanders. CNN and NBC and Fox have been the same. They did that because they could sell the Trump show and they did not want to sell the ideas and policies proposed by Sanders because those ideas would hurt the profits of their corporate masters.
So, this fall, it looks like Americans will have a choice between a buffoon and and a deceptive, unlikable fraud whose hypocrisy, militarism, support of fracking and allegiance to Wall Street criminals has been ignored by the mainstream media.
Never say never. If an old Jewish socialist from Brooklyn, with not a penny of support from special interests and no support from his corrupt party, despite being completely ignored by the news media, can take on the incredibly powerful and connected Clinton machine and come this close to winning it would be wise not to make predictions.
So, this fall, it looks like Americans will have a choice between a buffoon and and a deceptive, unlikable fraud whose hypocrisy, militarism, support of fracking and allegiance to Wall Street criminals has been ignored by the mainstream media.
Never say never. If an old Jewish socialist from Brooklyn, with not a penny of support from special interests and no support from his corrupt party, despite being completely ignored by the news media, can take on the incredibly powerful and connected Clinton machine and come this close to winning it would be wise not to make predictions.
4
I am not a Trump fan - but look at all the other candidates our "betters" have appointed for us: George Bush, Mitt Romney, Barack Obama, Hillary and Cruz (Cruz!?). It has been a cavalcade of incompetence, venality, privilege, and even crime and so here we are. We have ridiculous unemployment even though the statistics we are provided say we're doing fine and we are being swamped with greater expenses, grown kids living in our basements, yet more wars, and neighbors who don't speak English and don't plan to learn it.
Trump, even if he is a blowhard, a narcissist, and possibly not even a Republican is at least a clean sheet of paper compared to both Parties' favored nominees. Time to make a break!
Trump, even if he is a blowhard, a narcissist, and possibly not even a Republican is at least a clean sheet of paper compared to both Parties' favored nominees. Time to make a break!
My but you have a very low standard for "clean sheet."
Bankruptcies, con games like Trump "university," hiring undocumented on his job sites, abuse of visa programs to staff his resorts...
And now pandering to racism and ignorance.
Bankruptcies, con games like Trump "university," hiring undocumented on his job sites, abuse of visa programs to staff his resorts...
And now pandering to racism and ignorance.
Trump will use scorched earth tactics to try and win the White House against Hillary Clinton. Trump and those who support him are not about rational arguments. They are for, metaphorically speaking, "blowing things up" and not afraid of the aftermath. This is why Trump is dangerous even if he does not win. A losing Trump will be a desperate Trump. And I suspect he will take everybody down with him once he realizes that he cannot win.
3
How about Mr. Trump’s tenuous relationship with the truth? The Washington Post’s Fact Checker reported on Sunday, “Trump makes Four-Pinocchio statements over and over again, even though fact checkers have demonstrated them to be false. He appears to care little about the facts; his staff does not even bother to respond to fact-checking inquiries.” The Post went to report that Mr. Trump had so far accumulated 26 Four Pinocchio ratings, “which accounts for nearly 70 percent of Trump’s statements that have been fact checked.”
For a nation, built on a foundation of truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, it’s not just Republicans but all Americans, who have to be concerned that such a man might occupy the White House.
For a nation, built on a foundation of truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, it’s not just Republicans but all Americans, who have to be concerned that such a man might occupy the White House.
2
The GOP has focused on destroying social security and worker and environmental protections, on improving the lives of the wealthy, and upon a variety of religiously based foreign policies. they have been harmful to the nation and deserve whatever contempt and derision they get.
1
The Republicans aren't known for introspection just as they aren't known for compassion. Therefore, one can argue that they deserve the conundrum with which they find themselves. Yet, the consequences for the of events that have led to the current state, are of national and even global importance.
Joining the dots, from McCain's selection of the ineffable and insufferable Palin, to the arrogant McConnell, who gloatingly led his peers into the Tea Party tempest of obstruction at all cost, we are witness to the inconceivable
climb of Trump. Oh, how the GOP deserves him. How those truculent, bombastic do-nothings tremble lest the down-ticket fallout effect them.
The humor and self-satisfied gloating by those of us left of the GOP, which hopefully number the marked majority of this country, would continue like a national Mardi Gras, but for the sobering notion of Mr. Trump soon being given top secret security briefings. This is a man who cannot hold his tongue, who lacks temperance, and who is a risk like few others.
GOP, the genie is out of the bottle...we all will pay the consequences.
Joining the dots, from McCain's selection of the ineffable and insufferable Palin, to the arrogant McConnell, who gloatingly led his peers into the Tea Party tempest of obstruction at all cost, we are witness to the inconceivable
climb of Trump. Oh, how the GOP deserves him. How those truculent, bombastic do-nothings tremble lest the down-ticket fallout effect them.
The humor and self-satisfied gloating by those of us left of the GOP, which hopefully number the marked majority of this country, would continue like a national Mardi Gras, but for the sobering notion of Mr. Trump soon being given top secret security briefings. This is a man who cannot hold his tongue, who lacks temperance, and who is a risk like few others.
GOP, the genie is out of the bottle...we all will pay the consequences.
2
This was inevitable. All historical, biological and, yes, evolutionary evidence points to the fact that the natural course of things is progress. Change. Moving forward. Blind, unreasoning, dogged and dogmatic conservatism, the fearful need to protect what we have or go backward to what used to be, is doomed to fail. It's taken Mr Trump's over-the-top, surreal embodiment of that mindset to expose its folly and begin the inescapable process of its disintegration.
Though Obama-hatred on the part of the racist right wing may have been the catalyst for Trump's rise - or may not have been; I think it was only one of several - not everyone who found himself in Trump's camp was subscribing to racism. Mr Blow, understandably, is accustomed to seeing everything through those tinted glasses.
They're with Trump because both the Republicans and Democrats failed them. Both parties, in their own distinct ways, played politics for 50 years in setting up a zero-sum game in which any gains for blacks, gays, etc. must come at the expense of the working-class whites whose parents and grandparents were yesterday's disadvantaged. The left demonized them, and the right flattered them with Ayn Randian rhetoric but betrayed them. (Insufficient space to explore this more fully.) Both Democrats and Republicans represent the Establishment, and Trump is like the 1960s Yippies, gleefully thumbing his nose at them. They don't care what he says so much - they love that 'the establishment' hates him.
The Democrats have their own snake-oil peddler for the disenchanted. However, the Sanders contingent hasn't succeeded in hijacking the party - though there are ruts in the ground leading toward the cliff's edge as the remaining grown-ups dig in their heels.
They're with Trump because both the Republicans and Democrats failed them. Both parties, in their own distinct ways, played politics for 50 years in setting up a zero-sum game in which any gains for blacks, gays, etc. must come at the expense of the working-class whites whose parents and grandparents were yesterday's disadvantaged. The left demonized them, and the right flattered them with Ayn Randian rhetoric but betrayed them. (Insufficient space to explore this more fully.) Both Democrats and Republicans represent the Establishment, and Trump is like the 1960s Yippies, gleefully thumbing his nose at them. They don't care what he says so much - they love that 'the establishment' hates him.
The Democrats have their own snake-oil peddler for the disenchanted. However, the Sanders contingent hasn't succeeded in hijacking the party - though there are ruts in the ground leading toward the cliff's edge as the remaining grown-ups dig in their heels.
The Republican Party is not going anywhere. They've made a fortune and taken legislative and judicial control over America simply by doubling down on ludicrous, failed policies. Is anything Trump says so different from the R platform? Whoever controls the narrative controls the nation. The R's have been immaculately successful in controlling the narrative. Now they have the greatest salesman ever barking that message, rich and connected to the world's best politcal operatives. That, coupled with their "ends justifies the means" dirty tactics assures them of victory, no matter what the majority of citizens want. The Republicans will get behind their man, hide and watch. After all, in their minds, a Trump presidency (and facsism in general) is far, far better than allowing the Democrats to cement Obama's legacy. That cannot be allowed to happen, no matter the cost.
1
The ignorance of the "average" voter is staggering. I don't want to seem like a snob or an elitist but it is true.
What I am going to write is going to be fairly provocative but it is true.
Many of those that voted for President Obama probably could not have a remotely serious discussion on the issues. He was extremely popular. He was the "new thing." Thankful he is a thoughtful and highly intelligent gentleman. We did well. But many of his voters voted for the first time (and perhaps only time) due to factors related to his popularity and his uniqueness as America's potentially first black president.
Many of those that voted for Bernie probably could not have a remotely serious discussion on the issues. He is extremely popular. He was the "new/old thing." Thankful he is a thoughtful and highly intelligent gentleman. Free college. Take from the rich and give to the poor. Rhetoric.
Now we have Trump. Many of those that voted for Trump probably could not have a remotely serious discussion on the issues. He was extremely popular. He is the "new thing." Unfortunately he is not thoughtful and any intelligence is masked by naked ambition. He is gentleman.
The common theme is this ... catering to a politically illiterate electorate by leveraging Hope (Obama) or Fear (Bernie and Trump). Promise to shake things up (all three). And this is what you get. It is an American Political Civics/Election Illiteracy problem.
What I am going to write is going to be fairly provocative but it is true.
Many of those that voted for President Obama probably could not have a remotely serious discussion on the issues. He was extremely popular. He was the "new thing." Thankful he is a thoughtful and highly intelligent gentleman. We did well. But many of his voters voted for the first time (and perhaps only time) due to factors related to his popularity and his uniqueness as America's potentially first black president.
Many of those that voted for Bernie probably could not have a remotely serious discussion on the issues. He is extremely popular. He was the "new/old thing." Thankful he is a thoughtful and highly intelligent gentleman. Free college. Take from the rich and give to the poor. Rhetoric.
Now we have Trump. Many of those that voted for Trump probably could not have a remotely serious discussion on the issues. He was extremely popular. He is the "new thing." Unfortunately he is not thoughtful and any intelligence is masked by naked ambition. He is gentleman.
The common theme is this ... catering to a politically illiterate electorate by leveraging Hope (Obama) or Fear (Bernie and Trump). Promise to shake things up (all three). And this is what you get. It is an American Political Civics/Election Illiteracy problem.
1
I meant to write that Trump is not a gentleman.
While I'm sure many agree that the prospect of a Trump victory is "severely unsettling", it is certainly not beyond the realm of the possible. Those who dismiss Trump's chances and see a victory for Clinton ahead in November - as this column implies - do so at their peril.
Trump's negatives may be higher than Mrs Clinton's, but she has much more in her past that can be polically exploited than does The Donald. The digust for Trump presently being expressed by many conservatives is highly likely to prove temporary and the right-wing media outlets will then turn to savaging Clinton. I also suspect that the GOP establishment's distaste for Mrs Clinton will eventually prove enough to overcome any concerns about Trump. The result will be that the party will allow the turning-on of the RNC cash spigots. The resulting negative advertising blitz may be enough to put Trump over of the top, particularly if the already tepid economy stumbles, even just a bit.
The end result could well be not just a Trump White House, but also the solidifying of the GOP majority in the Congress. With the current SCOTUS opening, that would mean GOP control of all three Federal branches. Combined with the existing GOP gubernatorial majority and significant Republican pluralities of state, county and local legislators, the Democratic Party would be consigned to irrelevance.
Democrats who gloat over the Trump primary victory do so at their party's peril.
Trump's negatives may be higher than Mrs Clinton's, but she has much more in her past that can be polically exploited than does The Donald. The digust for Trump presently being expressed by many conservatives is highly likely to prove temporary and the right-wing media outlets will then turn to savaging Clinton. I also suspect that the GOP establishment's distaste for Mrs Clinton will eventually prove enough to overcome any concerns about Trump. The result will be that the party will allow the turning-on of the RNC cash spigots. The resulting negative advertising blitz may be enough to put Trump over of the top, particularly if the already tepid economy stumbles, even just a bit.
The end result could well be not just a Trump White House, but also the solidifying of the GOP majority in the Congress. With the current SCOTUS opening, that would mean GOP control of all three Federal branches. Combined with the existing GOP gubernatorial majority and significant Republican pluralities of state, county and local legislators, the Democratic Party would be consigned to irrelevance.
Democrats who gloat over the Trump primary victory do so at their party's peril.
3
It's a bit too simple to heap all the blame on the GOP. Yes, they have consistently denigrated governance as an electoral strategy since at least Reagan (who can forget that the nine most frightening words in English are supposedly "I'm from the government and I'm here to help.")
But Trump is also consistent with broader, international trends. Berlusconi shows that America is not alone in falling for a rich blowhard with cretinous views of women. And European nationalism has been growing across the continent, in ways that are often explicitly racist.
Left and right have grown suspicious of globalization. There is widespread dislike of institutional authority. Capitalism has managed to become efficient enough to concentrate wealth in the few (and this is certainly not unique to the US). And media has become a partisan echo chamber where the most tawdry of headlines bring the most revenue.
Dr. Frankenstein's monster is on the loose, but ours isn't the only one.
But Trump is also consistent with broader, international trends. Berlusconi shows that America is not alone in falling for a rich blowhard with cretinous views of women. And European nationalism has been growing across the continent, in ways that are often explicitly racist.
Left and right have grown suspicious of globalization. There is widespread dislike of institutional authority. Capitalism has managed to become efficient enough to concentrate wealth in the few (and this is certainly not unique to the US). And media has become a partisan echo chamber where the most tawdry of headlines bring the most revenue.
Dr. Frankenstein's monster is on the loose, but ours isn't the only one.
1
The G.O.P's political elites might have only themselves to blame for the angry insurrection now lapping at their doors. But come November millions of angry rebels who are the insurrection's heart and soul will find themselves adrift and willing -- eager, actually -- to blame everyone but their benighted candidate and themselves for their defeat, laying the groundwork for immense future trouble.
Round up the usual suspects. I predict they will blame "liberal conspiracies"; Obama and Democrats of every stripe and hue; Independents; "women"; Latinos and other racial minorities for Trump's defeat. And I predict Trump will not go gently into that good night but agitate, to fan a rebellion.
Trump will not follow tradition, calmly accept defeat and graciously concede the election. He will surprise everyone by continuing his attacks on "The Rigged, Corrupt System". He, not Hillary Clinton (or Joe Biden should he be nominated in her stead) is the rightful President of the United States, as far as he is concerned and only his opinion counts. Anyone who disagrees is not only wrong but evil.
He will excoriate the winner, declare him or her beneath contempt. He will insist that the election was fixed early on so it should be "disallowed", voided for "fairness' sake". Unsurprisingly, many Trump partisans will not only agree, they will focus their anger on Americans who disagree in the years that follow. After the Republican Party disowns their obdurate radicalism they will abandon it.
Round up the usual suspects. I predict they will blame "liberal conspiracies"; Obama and Democrats of every stripe and hue; Independents; "women"; Latinos and other racial minorities for Trump's defeat. And I predict Trump will not go gently into that good night but agitate, to fan a rebellion.
Trump will not follow tradition, calmly accept defeat and graciously concede the election. He will surprise everyone by continuing his attacks on "The Rigged, Corrupt System". He, not Hillary Clinton (or Joe Biden should he be nominated in her stead) is the rightful President of the United States, as far as he is concerned and only his opinion counts. Anyone who disagrees is not only wrong but evil.
He will excoriate the winner, declare him or her beneath contempt. He will insist that the election was fixed early on so it should be "disallowed", voided for "fairness' sake". Unsurprisingly, many Trump partisans will not only agree, they will focus their anger on Americans who disagree in the years that follow. After the Republican Party disowns their obdurate radicalism they will abandon it.
1
Yes. So easy to be happy that the R's have driven themselves into this wall. But the D's shouldn't get too sloppy happy. There is a kind of cathartic energy to this moment that could easily take us all off the side of a cliff. The real winners will be the ones who can see a path to healing and take us there. And more and more that is looking like each one of us, as individuals, choosing not to play either game.
No, they did not do this alone - the neo-liberal Democrats helped the GOP immensely. They allowed them to get to this point by moving to the right themselves, along with the GOP, while throwing liberalism out the window. I'm fairly certain that was their strategy all along, especially after 1984 and 1988, but now we have a dangerous head of the GOP that could be our next president, and the Democrats are no longer the party of the progressives. So they too have no one to blame but themselves as we are all in this mess together now and it could end very poorly for everyone.
1
It barely matters that Trumpster the Trickster contradicts himself endlessly, foments hatred, bullying, misogyny and spews misguided and meaningless rhetoric. Nor does it matter that his backers are deluded and uninformed. They will vote for him in November. But let's not assume he won't prevail, as the sheer gullibility of the American people should never be underestimated. Thoughtful people must mobilize the vote--for Hillary--a flawed but serious candidate, and let's not forget a simple thing: every election is a choice.
2
"They allowed their unhinged contempt for — and in some cases, even hatred of — Obama drive them insane..." — GOP, your current suffering seems to be your karma, or action-reaction in plain English. One way to relieve the cycle would be to ask President Obama for forgiveness (even silently among yourselves) and support him for the rest of his term. The majority of the voters have supported him for 8 years.
1
Obviously, Mr. Blow hasn't seen enough TV infomercials showing how he, too, can get rich quickly -- and be able to move on to a more productive and happy life. He hasn't attended Trump University. He doesn't understand the concept of "borrow now/default later" capitalism. He hasn't noticed that the US Treasury is about to issue billions of new Harriet Tubman dollars, flooding the market with new money that will cause interest rates to fall to negative numbers. We can all be wealthy (if not wise) once our Savior Donald is elevated to the presidency.
True, Mr Blow- the repubs have toyed with closet disturbing factions for years while continuing to legislate primarily to maintain wealth for the 1 percenters. The party deserves this clown and I trust that Hillary will be our next president- despite a no holds barred approach from the media.
It would be fair to say that the vast majority of Republicans do not support Mr. Trump, and the reasons vary: (1) Mr. Trump is a Democrat ,and as a Republican, I believe that. (2) Mr. Trump knows very little about issues that would come before a president, and as a Republican, I believe that. (3) Mr. Trump is often petulant, and as a Republican, I believe that.
Indications are that for most Republicans , it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for these Republicans to vote for Mr. Trump.
Indications are that for most Republicans , it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for these Republicans to vote for Mr. Trump.
28
Mr. Brown, Trump is no Democrat. He is a con artist first and only. If he could have exploited the holes in the Democratic Party, he would have. He simply saw more potential in the Republican Party, and sadly he found his mark.
1
The Democrats have only themselves to blame for the rise of the ancient Mistress of mass incarceration, welfare deformation, corrupt crony capitalist corporate plutocrat oligarch welfare and military-industrial complex war mongering Mrs. William Jefferson Clinton. The Hillary is the Donald's fraternal twin. The GOP wisely dumped Jeb.
The rise of Bernard Sanders and Donald Trump reflect anger and disappointment from the partisan political bases of both parties. Both men represent a cohort of American voters who have spoken clearly and consistently about their hopes and fears. Better that they be heard and known than not. It is too soon to tell how this will all play out in the fall. There was no President Dewey nor Gore. Obama tripped Hillary on the way to her last coronation.
Moreover, the notion that the G.O.P. is losing this partisan political fight is belied by the fact that the Republicans still control both houses of Congress and a majority of state executive and legislative mansions. And the reality that there is still a white majority in America. In the 2008 and 2012 Presidential elections 57% and 59% of white Americans voted McCain/Palin and then Romney/Ryan. Losing the White House has not frustrated nor deterred the Republican base aka white European Americans.
Trump has died a thousand deaths by pundits. There is no Satan nor Savior in politics. Only flawed ordinary human beings whom we choose to vote for or against in the next election.
The rise of Bernard Sanders and Donald Trump reflect anger and disappointment from the partisan political bases of both parties. Both men represent a cohort of American voters who have spoken clearly and consistently about their hopes and fears. Better that they be heard and known than not. It is too soon to tell how this will all play out in the fall. There was no President Dewey nor Gore. Obama tripped Hillary on the way to her last coronation.
Moreover, the notion that the G.O.P. is losing this partisan political fight is belied by the fact that the Republicans still control both houses of Congress and a majority of state executive and legislative mansions. And the reality that there is still a white majority in America. In the 2008 and 2012 Presidential elections 57% and 59% of white Americans voted McCain/Palin and then Romney/Ryan. Losing the White House has not frustrated nor deterred the Republican base aka white European Americans.
Trump has died a thousand deaths by pundits. There is no Satan nor Savior in politics. Only flawed ordinary human beings whom we choose to vote for or against in the next election.
4
Finally Mamba, you make sense and don't go on a racism or anti-Semitic rant.
I seriously doubt Trump's ascendancy resulted from dislike of Obama, since such dislike would transfer to any of the other candidates. Dislike of Obama is not insanity no matter how Blow wants to make it. And it's not hard to understand the Bush's disdain for Trump given what he said about GWB earlier in the campaign.
The real test of the viability of Trump's chances will be known only after the election, when we'll know how many of those in the polls actually were incensed enough to vote.
The real test of the viability of Trump's chances will be known only after the election, when we'll know how many of those in the polls actually were incensed enough to vote.
1
The Democrats don't have a bed of roses either. Hillary is widely despised and the young and true progressives are alienated from the party. We are living in an age where a good chunk of the public feel betrayed by the politicians.
Its likely to get uglier before it gets better. In the immortal words of James Carville, "its the economy stupid". It's going to take a long time before jobs and wages come back and Hillary's friends on Wall Street appear headed towards blowing up the world's economy again.
Its likely to get uglier before it gets better. In the immortal words of James Carville, "its the economy stupid". It's going to take a long time before jobs and wages come back and Hillary's friends on Wall Street appear headed towards blowing up the world's economy again.
The Republicans have somehow vetoed the RNC establishments selections, and successfully refused to give up their votes, and hold their noses, which has become a commonplace requirement of American Elections, and pull the lever for the lesser evil.
The Democrats are a work in progress, but Bernie is coming on, and he could go third, or even fourth party, given the way that Americans are currently refusing to be led around by their noses.
Blow thinks that this outbreak of grassroots democracy is a tragedy. Of course he must think that, or he will soon be out of a job at the ultra establishment, and thoroughly neocon New York Times.
The Democrats are a work in progress, but Bernie is coming on, and he could go third, or even fourth party, given the way that Americans are currently refusing to be led around by their noses.
Blow thinks that this outbreak of grassroots democracy is a tragedy. Of course he must think that, or he will soon be out of a job at the ultra establishment, and thoroughly neocon New York Times.
1
After nearly fifty years of destructive politics and policies from the Goons On Parade (the Southern Strategy, Watergate, Reagan's coded racism -- the 'states rights' speech in Philadelphia, MS, the 'welfare queens' lie -- the ever-failing Gospel of Supply Side economics, Iran-Contra, ignoring AIDS while tens of thousands died, the first Bush family Iraq war, record deficits, impeachment of a President for sexual infidelities led by a serial adulterer Speaker followed by another serial adulterer followed by a child molester, Florida in 2000, Kathleen Harris, Jeb Bush before his exclamation point, Bush v. Gore, ignoring the warnings prior to 9/11, the second Bush family Iraq war, the botched Afghan war, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, seventy per cent of the national debt from three Republican Presidents, more record deficits, more Supply Side mathematically impossible economics, Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, John Roberts, sometimes Anthony Kennedy, science denial, religious extremism, homophobia, misogyny, etc.), the schadenfreude at the implosion of this sad and toxic excuse of a political party should be deep and profound.
But the big orange bloviating goon could actually be President and that is horrifying.
Lincoln has been weeping for decades over the greed and hypocrisy and wilful ignorance of the party that was once his.
Even he can't cry anymore.
But the big orange bloviating goon could actually be President and that is horrifying.
Lincoln has been weeping for decades over the greed and hypocrisy and wilful ignorance of the party that was once his.
Even he can't cry anymore.
248
The Democrats have been very good at milking votes out of the inner city without delivering much that works. The working class isn't crying they have deserted the Democrats for the Republican Party. The Democrats have always been the party of the corrupt urban machines, but FDR would be crying to see the fat cats take over his party.
You list is great (sad by correctly immense)
Let's get this right. It's Katherine Harris.
Here's where she lives:
https://www.google.com/search?q=katherine+harris+mansion&biw=939&...
Here's where she lives:
https://www.google.com/search?q=katherine+harris+mansion&biw=939&...
Blow, not much of this has to do with Obama, unless it's Obama as a representative of the inside the beltway arrogance that pervades Washington these days. Benie Sanders tapped into the same discontent on the Democratic side.
Hillary has promised America more of the same from Washington. I vote Democrat (voted for Obama 2x) and I'm sorely tempted to give Trump my vote. I'm fed up.
Hillary has promised America more of the same from Washington. I vote Democrat (voted for Obama 2x) and I'm sorely tempted to give Trump my vote. I'm fed up.
1
"I'm sorely tempted to give Trump my vote. I'm fed up."
Fed up with what? Regulating Wall Street, creating agencies like the CFPB to look out for consumers, putting in place stricter environmental standards to help mitigate climate change and encouraging the vast majority of the rest of the world to come along, creating a program that expanded health coverage and puts in place a precursor to single payer by expanding Medicaid.
Or is your problem that he didn't go far enough? Then, sure vote for Trump. I'm sure his platform is chocked full of everything I just mentioned.
Fed up with what? Regulating Wall Street, creating agencies like the CFPB to look out for consumers, putting in place stricter environmental standards to help mitigate climate change and encouraging the vast majority of the rest of the world to come along, creating a program that expanded health coverage and puts in place a precursor to single payer by expanding Medicaid.
Or is your problem that he didn't go far enough? Then, sure vote for Trump. I'm sure his platform is chocked full of everything I just mentioned.
1
Based on the chaos DT has managed to produce since gaining GOP nominee presumption - chaos which seemed exponential as the week wore on - I have now concluded that DT needs chaos. He thrives on it! He takes a situation to its utter recklessness!
He would wreck this country due to this recklessness!
He's tearing everything apart! He's a man on a bender. Some may fail to see this, deluded as they are by his own delusions. But those of us who value sanity, reality, peace and calm need to stop this man's March off the cliff with the country as hostage.
He would wreck this country due to this recklessness!
He's tearing everything apart! He's a man on a bender. Some may fail to see this, deluded as they are by his own delusions. But those of us who value sanity, reality, peace and calm need to stop this man's March off the cliff with the country as hostage.
2
I have a far more benevolent way of looking at it. I think more Republicans love their country more than they love their party and Donald Trump is their way of saying to the ideologues and sociopaths occupying congress and the upper echelons of the the GOP that enough is enough.
I have a more conventional meaning of the word conservative and one thing I know is that real conservatives are not antiAmerican. How do people like Ryan, Cruz and Graham get away with calling themselves conservative when they are against everything America stands for?
I have a more conventional meaning of the word conservative and one thing I know is that real conservatives are not antiAmerican. How do people like Ryan, Cruz and Graham get away with calling themselves conservative when they are against everything America stands for?
3
Mr. Blow observes, “whoever wins the Democratic nomination would be a huge favorite to win in November,” which means we could have had President Sanders—whose administration would have empowered the working class and minorities—but instead we will probably get President Clinton, a marionette dancing at the end of strings pulled by the financial institutions that funded her campaign. Clinton subtly initiated her outreach to white Trump supporters by staging a racist joke with Bill Di Blasio. Now she is openly courting both Republican voters and fundraisers. None of this, of course, fazes Mr. Blow, a wealthy, Clinton-supporting denizen of Park Slope whose children attend elite schools. Like many others at The Times, Mr. Blow understood that Senator Sanders presented the greatest threat to his economic privilege, which is why he did everything he could to ensure that voters would be presented with a choice between a Republican and a de-facto Republican in November.
1
It's tough choice between the one that paid off the politician to facilitate his business transactions as well as sit in the front row of his wedding and the crooked politician that is open to being paid off by someone so repugnant. Yeah - count me in the camp that thinks corruption is widespread in the US government.
1
With over 30 state governors, state legislatures locked up across the country, and a mostly conservative judicial branch that's been starved of appointments, I wouldn't count GOP out just yet. However, they may have to resign themselves to never again controlling the Executive branch for the foreseeable future.
1
Who, exactly, are we supposed to be rooting for in this clash between the Repub "establishment" and Trump? Given its post-Nixon history (yes, Virginia, Nixon would look great in this crowd) the splintering of the GOP into multiple minority cults would be the best possible outcome in the life of the nation.
You know, Clinton's unfavorability chart looks remarkably similar to the graph shown here. There was an equilibrium point briefly in 2015 but otherwise the gap is trending in the wrong direction. Clinton is only slightly less disliked than Trump in most national circles.
That said, I think Trump's lack of support from GOP leaders actually plays to his advantage. Getting rebuked by Ryan, Romney, Cruz, Rubio, all-three Bushes, and McCain is basically an endorsement for Trump. The only thing out of whack here is Dick Cheney's support.
Trump running as the anti-establishment candidate and getting rejected by the establishment leadership fits the campaign narrative quite nicely. Maybe this is part of a larger Republican strategy or perhaps just part of ongoing negotiations. Either way, I don't think Trump caught the small side of the wishbone on this one.
That said, I think Trump's lack of support from GOP leaders actually plays to his advantage. Getting rebuked by Ryan, Romney, Cruz, Rubio, all-three Bushes, and McCain is basically an endorsement for Trump. The only thing out of whack here is Dick Cheney's support.
Trump running as the anti-establishment candidate and getting rejected by the establishment leadership fits the campaign narrative quite nicely. Maybe this is part of a larger Republican strategy or perhaps just part of ongoing negotiations. Either way, I don't think Trump caught the small side of the wishbone on this one.
1
All true, Charles. But I still think Trump can win. I see a high probability that they will circle the wagons and unify. Trump will do deals with the bosses on taxes, the Pentagon, the SCOTUS, and Obamacare. The Greedy Old Pirates will love it. And the sludge machine will go into overdrive on Hillary, while the extremely inexperienced of the extreme left will go on thinking Bernie is electable because they think it's a good idea. Reality is not the most common commodity in American politics.
1
The policies and promises of politicians in both mainstream parties have failed so many people so many times that's it's no surprise people are looking for answers in unusual places. It's certainly true that the GOP has only itself to blame, as Charles Blow so eloquently writes. And Bernie Sanders is nudging the Democrats a little bit back to the party it used to be, before it became Republican light and the Republicans became something else altogether.
2
The "news" has indeed become entertainment and the election is much more a reality show than reality. Our dumbed down population does not know the difference and the one percenters who control both parties have no idea what they have created.
1
Trump's candidacy does introduce a collection of interesting but mostly long-ignored, even personal, questions. One is: At what point, under what circumstances, do fundamental considerations (e.g. truth, common sense, reason, self esteem, morality) overcome party loyalty. How important (to you) is party loyalty? For example, if a Democrat would you have supported (at the time, not in retrospect) George Wallace; if a Republican, Joe McCarthy?
Wow. Mr. Blow has cast Mr. Trump has Satan incarnate.
Let's start with Mr. trump will lose the general election by a wide margin. Polls indicate that the election would be close between Clinton and Trump. One Electoral Map, put out by The Sydney Morning Herald (a conservative newspaper) has Ms. Clinton winning by 4 electoral votes. It will come down to which one of the two can hoodwink Florida into voting for them.
Mr. Trump took advantage of every "off the wall" stands of the GOP and used it against them, Everything from building a wall between the US and Mexico, Mr. Obama was not born in the US, cut taxes, trickle down economic, Muslims should be barred from the US, repeal the ACA, tax cuts for the rich, deregulation, etc., atc., etc. He took their platform, and put it out there like dirty laundry.
The GOP is so upset that Mr. Trump took their package of deceit and used it to his advantage. He also took what they said in back rooms and made it public. He showed the GOP for what it has become a party of no new ideas greed and hate. Then, he speaks against all that the GOP stands for; and, that is why he is so popular.
On the Democrat side, Bernie Sanders did the same kind of exposure of the Democratic Party. This has made him equally popular. Though, teh Democrats have already named Ms. Clinton their nominee; which shows they are no better the the GOP.; in the disaster department.
The GOP created its own monster; Mr. Trump took advantage of it; simple as that.
Let's start with Mr. trump will lose the general election by a wide margin. Polls indicate that the election would be close between Clinton and Trump. One Electoral Map, put out by The Sydney Morning Herald (a conservative newspaper) has Ms. Clinton winning by 4 electoral votes. It will come down to which one of the two can hoodwink Florida into voting for them.
Mr. Trump took advantage of every "off the wall" stands of the GOP and used it against them, Everything from building a wall between the US and Mexico, Mr. Obama was not born in the US, cut taxes, trickle down economic, Muslims should be barred from the US, repeal the ACA, tax cuts for the rich, deregulation, etc., atc., etc. He took their platform, and put it out there like dirty laundry.
The GOP is so upset that Mr. Trump took their package of deceit and used it to his advantage. He also took what they said in back rooms and made it public. He showed the GOP for what it has become a party of no new ideas greed and hate. Then, he speaks against all that the GOP stands for; and, that is why he is so popular.
On the Democrat side, Bernie Sanders did the same kind of exposure of the Democratic Party. This has made him equally popular. Though, teh Democrats have already named Ms. Clinton their nominee; which shows they are no better the the GOP.; in the disaster department.
The GOP created its own monster; Mr. Trump took advantage of it; simple as that.
3
If Bernie's equally popular, why's he several million behind in the popular vote?
I wonder if people in the US saw themselves as immune to the things that brought Mussolini or Hitler to power.
Everything has been said here about the republican party, the rise the tea party movement and the irrationally ideological policies of the republicans. Yet, people vote for them, gave them a majority in congress.
And now the voters are still not happy and support a demagogue. There is something to recognise in the rise of this vote. And if the political establishment does not recognise the need to change the nepotism, corruption, the ever increasing inequalities and the rebirth of a nobility in the US (?!), the lack of social mobility, then one day ...
Maybe not this November or the next election, but one day someone like Donald Trump will be in power if nothing is done to correct the ever deepening injustices of society.
Everything has been said here about the republican party, the rise the tea party movement and the irrationally ideological policies of the republicans. Yet, people vote for them, gave them a majority in congress.
And now the voters are still not happy and support a demagogue. There is something to recognise in the rise of this vote. And if the political establishment does not recognise the need to change the nepotism, corruption, the ever increasing inequalities and the rebirth of a nobility in the US (?!), the lack of social mobility, then one day ...
Maybe not this November or the next election, but one day someone like Donald Trump will be in power if nothing is done to correct the ever deepening injustices of society.
2
Donald Trump has been democratically elected under the rules of the GOP to be the Republican nominee for President. This is a fact. The GOP leadership is now engaged in a process to deny him what their voters have given him. Denial of facts is a cardinal feature of today's GOP. They denied the rule of the majority in Bush vs. Gore, denied the threat of airliner attacks before the Trade Center and Pentagon bombings, denied warnings that no WMDs were in IRAQ prior to the invasion, and denied the obligations of the United States government to pay its debts (debt ceiling).
The GOP continues to deny the role of "our way of life" in causing global climate change.
The GOP denies the legitimacy of Barack Obama as a United States citizen ("birther movement"), denies his election twice, as President by a majority of its voters, denies his nominees for Federal judges and ambassadors.
The GOP Justices deny that racism still exists and allows GOP States to enact laws that deny American citizens their right to vote. The GOP Justices deny that Corporations are NOT people and that their money will not corrupt American politics and governance.
GOP governors deny that their poor need access to healthcare by refusing the terms of the ACA.
The GOP gerrymandered House of Representatives denies elected Democratic congressmen the right to develop and vote on necessary legislation under the child molester "Hastert rule."
Facts, Rules, Laws, Constitution? Today's GOP has its own reality.
The GOP continues to deny the role of "our way of life" in causing global climate change.
The GOP denies the legitimacy of Barack Obama as a United States citizen ("birther movement"), denies his election twice, as President by a majority of its voters, denies his nominees for Federal judges and ambassadors.
The GOP Justices deny that racism still exists and allows GOP States to enact laws that deny American citizens their right to vote. The GOP Justices deny that Corporations are NOT people and that their money will not corrupt American politics and governance.
GOP governors deny that their poor need access to healthcare by refusing the terms of the ACA.
The GOP gerrymandered House of Representatives denies elected Democratic congressmen the right to develop and vote on necessary legislation under the child molester "Hastert rule."
Facts, Rules, Laws, Constitution? Today's GOP has its own reality.
4
Speaking of facts, Trump hasn't yet been "elected," to a blessed thing. He's simply well ahead in the nominating process--which, one might add, includes a whole range of mechanisms that are pretty much the opposite of democratic.
Suppose the Republican party simply canceled the convention, and refused to endorse Trump altogether? Why does it want to go to all that trouble and expense, simply to thrust forward someone they apparently cannot, in good conscience (or even bad conscience) support? If he DID make the run, and by some improbable outcome, win the presidency, whom would he have as allies, and how much harm could he do with real power? The Republican party has had a hard time dealing with the outcome of the Bush presidency; how could it ever survive a Trump term?
Indeed.
The GOP, since Lee Atwater, has been peaching sermons of hate and fear for decades.
Trump is merely the end result. They, like Dr Frankenstein, created the monster that is now destroying them.
The GOP, since Lee Atwater, has been peaching sermons of hate and fear for decades.
Trump is merely the end result. They, like Dr Frankenstein, created the monster that is now destroying them.
3
Fairly sober comments about an opportunist seeking relevance, unable to curb his explosive temperament. You forgot to mention he is being surrounded by 'wise magi' to attempt the impossible, make him an acceptable candidate for the presidency. Cosmetics do work sometimes, but only for prima-donnas in need of a hair cut. His problem is too deep for that, a character and temperament too intemperate for his own good...and for the country. His arrogance, based on a willful ignorance of the facts, clouds his intellect from using reason and logic and common sense. That he is so willing to lie about things, change positions at will and convenience, ought to be a warning sign, akin to a guy wearing a jacket with explosive nonsense, scaring the hell out of the majority, potentially abusing power in a most vulgar fashion. The republican party has been complicit in tolerating this man's vicious and baseless attacks on Obama, and Trump is theirs to keep...even though he is the one uncovering the hypocrisy of the 'establishment'.
1
If Charles Blow is so appalled that Donald Trump is now the presumptive Republican presidential nominee then how come Trumpisms like "yuuge" are finding their way into his columns?
Let's not fault the GOP alone for the improbable rise of Donald Trump as the GOP standard bearer for 2016. The obvious target for blame lies with the main stream media. When Donald Trump's unorthodox campaign for the presidency began last summer, pundits like Charles Blow reacted by treating the abrasive billionaire's White House aspirations by turning it into the national joke. Surely, conventional media wisdom would prevail in the long run!!! The pundits had it all figured out-- Donald Trump would probably get bored, realize that politics should be left to the pros, and drop out. And if that didn't work, there was always Plan B--turn Donald Trump into a laughingstock by heaping nothing but ridicule and contempt on him in every OP Ed section from coast to coast. That worked out great didn't it!!! The elite media and the elitists in the Republican party high command didn't count on just how unhappy Republican voters were as they lined up in droves to vote for the tough talking real estate mogul. The voters were sending their betters a clear message--no more phony candidates who made empty promises they had no intention of keeping. But, was anyone taking them seriously?? No. Well, now they have no choice but to pay attention to Donald Trump.
Let's not fault the GOP alone for the improbable rise of Donald Trump as the GOP standard bearer for 2016. The obvious target for blame lies with the main stream media. When Donald Trump's unorthodox campaign for the presidency began last summer, pundits like Charles Blow reacted by treating the abrasive billionaire's White House aspirations by turning it into the national joke. Surely, conventional media wisdom would prevail in the long run!!! The pundits had it all figured out-- Donald Trump would probably get bored, realize that politics should be left to the pros, and drop out. And if that didn't work, there was always Plan B--turn Donald Trump into a laughingstock by heaping nothing but ridicule and contempt on him in every OP Ed section from coast to coast. That worked out great didn't it!!! The elite media and the elitists in the Republican party high command didn't count on just how unhappy Republican voters were as they lined up in droves to vote for the tough talking real estate mogul. The voters were sending their betters a clear message--no more phony candidates who made empty promises they had no intention of keeping. But, was anyone taking them seriously?? No. Well, now they have no choice but to pay attention to Donald Trump.
45
because he was being cute, did you read or not?
1
Yes, the media (publishers and owners) bear the full blame for this Trump rise. The every day reporters and columnists also should shoulder their blame as well. Be courageous for once...tell it like it is and blast Trump for what he is, an empty shell, a bully, and stupid.
2
Charles Blow, yes the last 8 years of opposing and hating President Obama is the final act in a sorry drama that began with Nixon's "Southern Strategy." Through code words and innuendo racism lived on. Then when Ronald Reagan began his presidential campaign in Philadelphia, Mississippi, he signaled in no ambiguous terms that he and the republican party was not interested in civil rights. Republicans became more open in pandering to racists sentiments. "Welfare Queen", "Willy Horton", then the Florida voting debacle. Now the tea party's campaign to limit the size of government is clearly meant to keep the government from taxing me and giving my money to lazy black or Hispanic people.
4
H does a decent cut-and-paste from his angry-boy blogs. But does H even realize that EVERY President has had to deal with opposition? Of course not.
No one ever discussed the determined war on Pres. George H.W. Bush carried out successfully by the Democratic leaders in Congress down in H's mom's basement. Obama is such a loser he actually demanded everyone do what he said.
Sorry, but sheer arrogance doesn't sell in a democracy.
No one ever discussed the determined war on Pres. George H.W. Bush carried out successfully by the Democratic leaders in Congress down in H's mom's basement. Obama is such a loser he actually demanded everyone do what he said.
Sorry, but sheer arrogance doesn't sell in a democracy.
For a generation now the Republican Party has lead from behind or better described, driven the herd of voters susceptible to its messages of greed, racism, xenophobia, and misogyny to the polls. Once an election was won, these voters were put back on the shelf until the next election cycle when they were called back time and again with howl's from hate radio and the Fox Republican Network that their Republic and constitutional rights were under attack by the godless, socialist, liberals. Liberals replaced the threat of communism as it were.
The "southern strategy" pursued by Nixon's Republican Party and doubled down over the years in an effort to squeeze out an win at the polls at any cost stopped any easing of racism in the South culminating in the Charleston Nine shootings last year.
A citizen's right to bear arms was turned into a dark fetish providing a false sense of empowerment to those white men who feel they are without power. No outrageous act shames these voters created by the Party calling to mind the plague of suicide bombings in Pakistan and elsewhere.
Although freedom was trumpeted by the Party, it was only freedom as defined by them and their wacko religious adherents especially when it came to women's rights.
The list goes on--gerrymandering to enforce a tyranny of the minority, limiting voter turn-out, and even an all out attack on science itself.
Republican's, the fearful and ignorant barbarians you created are at the gates. Deal with them.
The "southern strategy" pursued by Nixon's Republican Party and doubled down over the years in an effort to squeeze out an win at the polls at any cost stopped any easing of racism in the South culminating in the Charleston Nine shootings last year.
A citizen's right to bear arms was turned into a dark fetish providing a false sense of empowerment to those white men who feel they are without power. No outrageous act shames these voters created by the Party calling to mind the plague of suicide bombings in Pakistan and elsewhere.
Although freedom was trumpeted by the Party, it was only freedom as defined by them and their wacko religious adherents especially when it came to women's rights.
The list goes on--gerrymandering to enforce a tyranny of the minority, limiting voter turn-out, and even an all out attack on science itself.
Republican's, the fearful and ignorant barbarians you created are at the gates. Deal with them.
4
I particularly appreciate your point that the contempt for Obama and, by extension, for the presidency itself, has played a role in this horrible story. And there the blame is spread through the senate and the house (and perhaps back to anti-government donors) and seems to have its roots in a misguided sense that democratic governance is not about balance and the search for real solutions.
4
The list of Republicans who struggle or refuse to support the Republican nominee are obviously putting themselves before their party.
Most ran either for the nomination or President and lost so I'm not sure what the significance of their support would be. Some, like Bush and Graham, seem toxic and it could ultimately be easier to build a winning coalition with them positioned as the past than the future.
Most ran either for the nomination or President and lost so I'm not sure what the significance of their support would be. Some, like Bush and Graham, seem toxic and it could ultimately be easier to build a winning coalition with them positioned as the past than the future.
1
Mr Blow's article is a good companion to the recent one that highlighted the priorities of the comfortable Liberals. Rather than bother ourselves with the trials and tribulations of the ignorant redneck, we seem to devote our energies to causes that inflame the rabble.
Look no further than today's issue of the NYT, with the heart-wrenching concern over the Yellowstone grizzly, and probably any number of articles over the rights of miniscule minorities.
Trump's success may be due to no more than his demonstrated concern for these forgotten and unloveable people. For many, they feel they have nothing to lose.
Look no further than today's issue of the NYT, with the heart-wrenching concern over the Yellowstone grizzly, and probably any number of articles over the rights of miniscule minorities.
Trump's success may be due to no more than his demonstrated concern for these forgotten and unloveable people. For many, they feel they have nothing to lose.
2
Yeah! Why should anybody care about the animals we share the planet with (and on whose survival we ultimately depend), let alone about the Constitution and its guarantees of equal rights under the law.
The Republican Party (Grand Old Pirates) is dying. That's cause for joy and glee!
Don't be to sure about their survival at the State level either. Consider the furious response to North Carolina's HB-2, the bathroom bill. The devastation of Brownback's Kansas. Overreach and full exposure of their agenda is having effect. Look for red states to turn purple.
It will take several cycles but we are off to a good start this year.
Don't be to sure about their survival at the State level either. Consider the furious response to North Carolina's HB-2, the bathroom bill. The devastation of Brownback's Kansas. Overreach and full exposure of their agenda is having effect. Look for red states to turn purple.
It will take several cycles but we are off to a good start this year.
2
"If you didn’t already believe that whoever wins the Democratic nomination would be a huge favorite to win in November, a third-party conservative candidate would seal the deal."
We should not be so confident in that. In a 3-way race, if there's no clear winner (although I'm not sure of the specific rules here), then the decision is thrown to be decided in the House of Representatives. And who controls that House?
We should not be so confident in that. In a 3-way race, if there's no clear winner (although I'm not sure of the specific rules here), then the decision is thrown to be decided in the House of Representatives. And who controls that House?
1
As a harbinger, take a look at the NY State primary results for the Democrats. Our "beloved" two-term Senator lost almost every Upstate county to Sanders. These regions are economically depressed and white. Hillary can nod her head in faux empathy on as many "listening tours" as she likes; given a choice between Trump and Clinton, all those communities, nationwide, in similar straits will choose Trump.
3
While the nomination of Mr. Trump as GOP candidate provides of the best chance for Democrats to keep the White House, retake the Senate, and improve on the House, the danger electing an amoral demagogue to be the President of the United State cannot be underestimated. It is now time for progressives, liberals and centrists to unite and to make sure the Mr. Trump learns that the majority of Americans cannot be so easily fooled.
2
When the GOP has even so-called moderates like Susan Collins of Maine throwing their support to Trump, we can be sure that many more will eventually take to low road and fall into line. It doesn't take much intelligence to see that Trump, both morally and otherwise, is utterly unfit for office. However, as intelligence and integrity are in very short supply among Republicans these days, none of this comes as a surprise to the rest of us. If ever a political party is reaping what it has been sowing for decades, this is clearly what is taking place today.
4
You reap what you sow. The Republican Party has used hucksters to promote their anti-education, anti-government and government is a financial institution business rhetoric for 30+ years. Now they have a businessman who uses all the tricks in the book as a businessman, a man who shirks his responsibilities and shirks off his bad business practices in the name of just doing business. A man who talks as though he went to the worst schools in the country instead of the best. A man who let others take it on the chin for his inadequacies. A man who is use to daddy or his privilege borne of money getting him out of trouble. This is who the Republican base wants as president because this is what the Republican owned media has promoted for 30+ years. Trickle down has portrayed the rich, no matter how irresponsible or hurtful they may be, as the Saviors of the nation as some kind of multiple deity religion.. Trump is rich and therefore good and the only one who truly supports the Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh crazy Trickle Down God Rich person as commoner viewpoint spouted for 30 years on the media with the blessing of the Republican Elite.
Yes Trump is the harvest of all your years of sowing the lies and deceit of Rich Godhood upon the American people.
Yes Trump is the harvest of all your years of sowing the lies and deceit of Rich Godhood upon the American people.
2
Much of what was said about Harry Truman in 1948 applies equally to Donald Trump (everybody expected Thomas Dewey to win) Harry Truman also led a split party when the Dixiecrats nominated Strom Thurmond after leaving the convention. The composition of voting America has changed since 1948 but the contest will be determined narrowly in Ohio and (now) Florida. Harry got only 7,000 more votes in Ohio in 1948 but he knew the people were on his side. Donald's Republicans will hold their collective noses rather than see Ms. Clinton and her husband back in the White House. This election will be closer than most people think.
4
Without illegal drug users there is no dangerous drug cartel; without "hypnotized" Trump rhetoric buyers; there is no dangerous Trump nominee/Trump presidency. Both groups have a need to escape reality. Both groups end up with problems worse than the ones they began with. Both groups need to be awaken and shown another more viable productive way to reach their goals. In my opinion, that's where our focus must be; followed by insight that comes from understanding the cause and then strategies for future proactive prevention.
1
Establishment Democrats blind lock-step endorsement of the Clinton Coronation are in all likelihood going to give Republicans all they need to largely erase the public memory of their stupidest presidential choice in history. Four years from now, when Trump is back on the page 20 gossip and scandal page, the New York Times and its columnists will preoccupied with such pertinent priorities as tying themselves in knots overanalyzing trivia of "Billary," obsessing on microscopic examination litmus test tea leaves of presidential appointments, and agonizing to near death over the political correctness (while mostly ignoring other aspects) of the "first woman president" being the part of the first presidential family two members of which were impeached by the Congress.
1
The two parties have become minority parties because they both cooperate to screw working and middle-class people. They offer differences on social issues that are important but that don't much affect the bottom line. More and more people are onto this. The media, in on the game, thought it would be fun to show us lots of Trump, who offers the bizarro critique of the corrupt system. Charles, you and your paper never gave the Sanders critique a fair shot until it was too late. In many ways, voters outside the party system were given Trump and denied Sanders. You wanted it that way and now you're getting the result, a weak Democratic candidate whose only virtue for many voters will be that she's not Trump. This country could have done so much better if the media had presented issues rather than personalities.
3
Glad to see someone agrees with my Obama thesis---that an African-America president drove this party insane. Most of my friends disagree with this thesis, citing, other variables that brought on this madness. But, they continue to underestimate the force that race still holds on this country. The president, alone, gets the last laugh on a party whose mind when blank over blackness.
5
As a progressive, I love the idea of a civil war within the republican party. But, it is way too early to crow about a Democratic landslide in the fall. In fact, I am terribly concerned that such talk will foster arrogance and hubris within the Democratic party that often leads to failure. Just take a look at recent articles in this very paper describing how the the media missed the relevance of Trump's campaign. Do not, under any circumstances, assume that victory is imminent.
6
I respectfully disagree with the title. I think recent Liberal Intolerance and Extremism has caused the disaster that is Trump the Republican nominee. From Melissa Clark, to transexuals in bathrooms, to tearing down monuments, there is a group of people in America that sees the "progressives" as a extreme left movement, and so Trump is an equal and opposite reaction.
3
More entertaining are the few "moderate" Republicans left that still say the party has to change in order to bring more people into the party (i.e. Latinos, African Americans). What are they going to do, become a second Democratic Party? All they say is let's keep repeating the mantra that if we just cut taxes for the rich all Americans will benefit. That's all they (read Paul Ryan) have, since they are only interested in supporting the 1% and their fat wallets. We Democrats seem to think that the Republican Party is doomed, but there are tens of millions of voters, and they always vote, that will never support our party, and believe that religion trumps (sorry) the Constitution, women should stay in their place, Defense is paramount in the federal budget to protect us from "evil doers", and the government to too big and must be destroyed. They will never be one of us. What a paradox for the David Brooks of the world - all five of them left.
2
Trump has succeeded to elevate the drama of the Republican fiasco to rivalrous spectacles of immature irresponsible behavior and parabolic political pornography that have descended to new depths of repugnance, revulsion and vulgarity.
Now with both Cruz and Kasich gone, the Republican convention in Cleveland in July will become a coronation of Trump rather than a nomination.
Most, if not all Republican members are in a real dilemma. In November who will they vote for? their own Trump or a Democrat? Or maybe abstain from voting.
Trump never fails to mesmerize the public or the Republican establishment. He has the penchant to keep pulling new rabbits, … err monsters out of the hat, real ugly monsters!
The recent actions and comments by Republican leaders give the message that the Republican Party is already engaging in damage control … even though there are six months to the November election.
Republican leaders are preparing for a Democratic rout in November and the demise and implosion of the Republican Party with fireworks of self-recrimination that will exceed any July the fourth extravaganza.
The Republican Party has not learned nor recognized the lessons to correct the policy errors that have disadvantaged and hurt too many Americans to the benefit of the Party’s wealthy patrons, lobbyists and interest groups since the reigns of Regan and Dubya.
Americans have always loved populist leaders like Regan and Dubya. Now there is more of the same in the populist Trump.
Now with both Cruz and Kasich gone, the Republican convention in Cleveland in July will become a coronation of Trump rather than a nomination.
Most, if not all Republican members are in a real dilemma. In November who will they vote for? their own Trump or a Democrat? Or maybe abstain from voting.
Trump never fails to mesmerize the public or the Republican establishment. He has the penchant to keep pulling new rabbits, … err monsters out of the hat, real ugly monsters!
The recent actions and comments by Republican leaders give the message that the Republican Party is already engaging in damage control … even though there are six months to the November election.
Republican leaders are preparing for a Democratic rout in November and the demise and implosion of the Republican Party with fireworks of self-recrimination that will exceed any July the fourth extravaganza.
The Republican Party has not learned nor recognized the lessons to correct the policy errors that have disadvantaged and hurt too many Americans to the benefit of the Party’s wealthy patrons, lobbyists and interest groups since the reigns of Regan and Dubya.
Americans have always loved populist leaders like Regan and Dubya. Now there is more of the same in the populist Trump.
1
For decades, the Republican Party has used hot-button cultural issues — initially the "Southern strategy," and more recently "Christian" and "family values" — to distract a solid bloc of voters while they carefully enacted their real agenda, quietly orchestrating a plan of income redistribution towards the top 1%. They showed that you can in fact fool a lot of the voters all of the time. Now they are finding out that they can't fool people forever. The schism in the party is between the rich (the old school conservatives) and the struggling working-class folks who can't buy into the Democrats' cultural values, but who are waking up to how they have been bamboozled for years.
5
This is an excellent column. I come from a family that had been Republican since the civil war. My parents even voted for Goldwater in 1964. But I know if they were alive now, neither would be supporting Donald Trump for President. In fact my parents became disenchanted with the Republican party back in the 1980s when the anti abortion nuts hijacked the party. For more than 25 years the Republican party has been pandering to a base of bigots and know nothings. Now the Republican party is reaping what they have sown. Lincoln, TR, Eisenhower and Reagan must be spinning in their Graves at what their party has become.
1
When you drive through so many parts of this country all you see is ruins, broken down homes and deserted factories. To people remaining in these places government seems far away and out of touch. They may receive some sort of benefits, but even then it is only a small help and gives no hope for the future. and many times old cities are no better. these people die not only for the lack of health care, but for the lack of hope. they see only the downward spiral.
These places are ripe for the rise of a demagogue like trump. the establishment with its riches and secure living situations do not have a clue. This is the result of income inequality and the destruction of the middle class. Many of us write comments about this, but the reality for those suffering from this is life and death.
These places are ripe for the rise of a demagogue like trump. the establishment with its riches and secure living situations do not have a clue. This is the result of income inequality and the destruction of the middle class. Many of us write comments about this, but the reality for those suffering from this is life and death.
4
This is not entirely the GOP's fault.
Trump's victories are also a reaction to the Left's embrace of immigrants, refugees and Muslims - not to mention the Black Lives Matter and LGBT movements, and the movement to kill the fossil fuel industry. Many on the right (and even center) are horrified and hostile to it. This has been building up for many years' and Trump is the beneficiary of all this fear and hostility.
Personally, I'm horrified that someone so offensive and reckless and inexperienced in world affairs might be president - so I'll be voting for Clinton.
Trump's victories are also a reaction to the Left's embrace of immigrants, refugees and Muslims - not to mention the Black Lives Matter and LGBT movements, and the movement to kill the fossil fuel industry. Many on the right (and even center) are horrified and hostile to it. This has been building up for many years' and Trump is the beneficiary of all this fear and hostility.
Personally, I'm horrified that someone so offensive and reckless and inexperienced in world affairs might be president - so I'll be voting for Clinton.
As much as I'm in agreement with your premise that they have reaped what they have sowed, Let's hope that from the republican ashes a party with a constructive vision arises so that our democratic political system is not limited to one rational set of beliefs. This very possible scenario would be more lethal long term then a near future Trump victory.
Perhaps, like after a forest fire, new healthy growth will emerge that will provide the many angry right leaning Americans with a positive and truthful path to travel on.
Perhaps, like after a forest fire, new healthy growth will emerge that will provide the many angry right leaning Americans with a positive and truthful path to travel on.
1
Ryan can't ever resist a nod towards playing the "adult in the room" as he's a natural attention hound, but he's wildly overplayed his hand with his ridiculous statement concerning Trump. This was truly an incompetently played hand, and shows how over matched he is as speaker.
He will be forced to back off quickly, almost certainly before the end of the week. It's simply not a tenable position to hold, even regarding a nominee as controversial as a Donald Trump.
Palin threatening to "turf him out" is a hilarious development, so I guess she's back in the game now. She'll try to take credit after Ryan inevitably backs down this week.
The GOP is not "melting down", they are simply throwing a giant temper tantrum because an outsider came in and changed the rules on them without permission.
As Mr. Blow states, they only have themselves to blame. 35 years of pure incompetence can sometimes have consequences.
He will be forced to back off quickly, almost certainly before the end of the week. It's simply not a tenable position to hold, even regarding a nominee as controversial as a Donald Trump.
Palin threatening to "turf him out" is a hilarious development, so I guess she's back in the game now. She'll try to take credit after Ryan inevitably backs down this week.
The GOP is not "melting down", they are simply throwing a giant temper tantrum because an outsider came in and changed the rules on them without permission.
As Mr. Blow states, they only have themselves to blame. 35 years of pure incompetence can sometimes have consequences.
It's actually a sound strategy for Republicans to support a third party candidate, in the case of those among them who would actually prefer Hillary Clinton to Trump as President, but would be afraid of suffering fallout from Rush Limbaugh and the other purity police of the Tea Party right if they admitted that.
A vote for some conservative spoiler would essentially be a vote for Hillary Clinton, but it would be a way for a Republican politician to vote for her without having to admit doing so. Hey, I voted for the conservative, would be the cover story.
The good news is that since we've now heard of this strategy being considered, this means that they've virtually given up on the idea of electing a Republican as President, and are just going to focus on damage control now.
A vote for some conservative spoiler would essentially be a vote for Hillary Clinton, but it would be a way for a Republican politician to vote for her without having to admit doing so. Hey, I voted for the conservative, would be the cover story.
The good news is that since we've now heard of this strategy being considered, this means that they've virtually given up on the idea of electing a Republican as President, and are just going to focus on damage control now.
Great. According to Gallup, I'm in the majority on an issue. Along with three-quarters of my fellow citizens, I too believe "corruption is 'widespread' in the U.S. government." Today the Times, in an editorial urging smarter defense spending, notes that the House Armed Services Committee, along with the President, propose spending billions of dollars on equipment that the Pentagon does not want. Is this irrational and unsupported proposal a symptom of corruption, incompetence, or something else? I don't know, but it's clear that elected officials have in mind the best interests of someone besides the voters or the military.
2
Granted, the base is feeling two things: pain from real economic conditions and resentment over...well, over what and on what scale? They are surely allowed the first since it is real, but their explanations of how it has happened, and the roots and focus of their resentments must be gleaned from sources external to themselves. Information on the far right is almost exclusively from ratings-dependent right wing radio and blogs and Fox News and explains how we got into this mess. Trump is the brick wall of contradictions and inconsistencies at the end of this path, and the reaction of the base is to simply deny and rage. Lucky US
1
It is true that "Trump has used a toxic mix of bullying and bluster, xenophobia and nationalism, misogyny and racism, to appeal to the darker nature of the Republican Party and secure his place as the unlikeliest presidential nominee in recent American history."
But this is only the first part of the strategy. Now that he has secured the nomination, he is starting to reverse several of the right-wing ideas he used to gin up his support in the primaries. Workers who used to be paid "too much" are now going to get a higher minimum wage in this version of Trump's America. High-income taxpayers will now be paying more. I expect a major pivot at the convention. Considering that the political memory of the average American is on a par with that of a goldfish, it's likely that no one except for a few of us Cassandras will notice the difference.
I desperately hope that I'm wrong, but I feel the upcoming election is going to be closer than we might like. FSM help us...
But this is only the first part of the strategy. Now that he has secured the nomination, he is starting to reverse several of the right-wing ideas he used to gin up his support in the primaries. Workers who used to be paid "too much" are now going to get a higher minimum wage in this version of Trump's America. High-income taxpayers will now be paying more. I expect a major pivot at the convention. Considering that the political memory of the average American is on a par with that of a goldfish, it's likely that no one except for a few of us Cassandras will notice the difference.
I desperately hope that I'm wrong, but I feel the upcoming election is going to be closer than we might like. FSM help us...
1
Sorry to "rain on your parade," but a faculty member in political science here at Stony Brook University has developed an election model that has successfully predicted the outcome of EVERY U.S. Presidential election for over the last 150 years, and it now predicts a Trump victory (52-48 percent with over 80 percent confidence) in November. This is no longer a crisis or problem for the Republican Party, but for the nation and the world. Many psychologists have already come forward to warn that Donald Trump clearly has a clinically diagnosable mental illness, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), in that he meets every criteria for it used by professional psychiatrists. In troubled time we often have very troubled men who rise to seize power with disastrous results. Donald Trump is just the latest in that long line. We cannot, must not, elect a man who is mentally unstable to our highest office. Mr. Trump to put it bluntly is a Nazi Narcissist!
1
I cringe at what's happened to the America I once called home for the better part of 14 years. How little did I know when I left in 2000 how the DubyaCheney monster would set America on a path toward the mother of all political crises.
That Trump has garnered the support to vie for the presidency is likely as clear an indication that the GOP has at last succeeded, however carelessly, in trashing democracy's critical obligations to the public trust.
So it's all down to Hillary. Whereas I'm inclined to relate to the spirit of Bernie Sander's courageous campaign, if it has to be Clinton, then I might ask only that she copper-fasten her victory by extending a more-than-ceremonial olive branch to the Sanders camp. If the Clinton team thinks it can ride the status quo to election day, they open themselves and the country - and the entire planet - to the risk of certain non-negotiable catastrophe. There will be no bail-out, no rescue plan, no miracle to save America should the worst case prevail.
I'd suggest to Clinton's advisers that they mend bridges with Sanders' team post-haste. I'd suggest that they examine very closely the perspectives of Sanders' supporters vis-a-vis the party's inclination to run away from the hard lifting of reconstituting the public trust.
It's my assumption that democracy is about to be dragged behind a pick-up truck for 6 months. The wounds will only be healed by some sense that the thrust of Sanders' message has been embraced.
That Trump has garnered the support to vie for the presidency is likely as clear an indication that the GOP has at last succeeded, however carelessly, in trashing democracy's critical obligations to the public trust.
So it's all down to Hillary. Whereas I'm inclined to relate to the spirit of Bernie Sander's courageous campaign, if it has to be Clinton, then I might ask only that she copper-fasten her victory by extending a more-than-ceremonial olive branch to the Sanders camp. If the Clinton team thinks it can ride the status quo to election day, they open themselves and the country - and the entire planet - to the risk of certain non-negotiable catastrophe. There will be no bail-out, no rescue plan, no miracle to save America should the worst case prevail.
I'd suggest to Clinton's advisers that they mend bridges with Sanders' team post-haste. I'd suggest that they examine very closely the perspectives of Sanders' supporters vis-a-vis the party's inclination to run away from the hard lifting of reconstituting the public trust.
It's my assumption that democracy is about to be dragged behind a pick-up truck for 6 months. The wounds will only be healed by some sense that the thrust of Sanders' message has been embraced.
228
Sanders should withdraw at some early time, use the money in his coffers to travel the country supporting down ballot candidates and Hillary. Nothing less will satisfy me that he is serious about saving this country from disaster.
1
The GOP made the fatal mistake of boasting the number of exceptional candidates vied for the nomination. Behind closed doors, it dismissed Trump as a novelty but not until he emerged as the front-runner did their naysayers voice concerns. He who hesitates is lost. The GOP hesitated and it is lost. The only feasible option now is for them to convince someone who was not in the original 17 to run as an independent, hoping to dilute the electoral votes and throw the election into the hands of the Republican-led Congress. Trump has successfully exposed a party that is about to sink under its own weight of arrogance.
71
nzierler
Let's not be too over confident. Trump is very popular in many parts of this country. People who keep voting against their best interests will keep doing it. We have to elect not just Hillary Clinton, but Democratic Senate candidates to help make things better for all of us.
Let's not be too over confident. Trump is very popular in many parts of this country. People who keep voting against their best interests will keep doing it. We have to elect not just Hillary Clinton, but Democratic Senate candidates to help make things better for all of us.
2
In virtually every important election there are claims that the country will face imminent disaster if a particular candidate is or is not elected. Which side you take depends on where you stand. The reality is that, regardless of who wins, we muddle through somehow and very few decide to go to Canada or wherever to escape the coming catastrophe.
In a true democracy, the electorate is free to make a mistake, and they sometimes do. Sometimes, they even have the good sense to correct it as soon as possible.
Right now, many people think the problem is the elite politicians who are running our country without much regard for what the ordinary people think or want. Trump is resonating with the latter and antagonizing the elites and those who support them, which endears him even more to the ordinary folk. Trump may surprise us and get elected, despite the predictions of disaster. Should Trump get elected and it proves to be a mistake, we will get by, and we can correct the mistake as soon as possible.
In a true democracy, the electorate is free to make a mistake, and they sometimes do. Sometimes, they even have the good sense to correct it as soon as possible.
Right now, many people think the problem is the elite politicians who are running our country without much regard for what the ordinary people think or want. Trump is resonating with the latter and antagonizing the elites and those who support them, which endears him even more to the ordinary folk. Trump may surprise us and get elected, despite the predictions of disaster. Should Trump get elected and it proves to be a mistake, we will get by, and we can correct the mistake as soon as possible.
1
The fact of the matter is that Mr. Trump is appealing to huge numbers of people, and a great many of them are Democrats. The reaction is against politicians who have not provided for the middle class.That's both parties. It's been said many times that Trump and Sanders have sprung from the same discontentment with an economy that hasn't worked for so many. The difference is that Trump actually understands how capital creates jobs, while Sanders hasn't a clue. The other difference is that Sanders appeals to Millennials, who are defined chiefly by politically-correct identity politics, while Trump appeals at least somewhat to the millions who are fed up with PC obsession. We're presented with a choice between a Republican loose canon and a Democratic candidate, whose resume is long, but whose accomplishments are short, and is rightly widely distrusted and under FBI investigation. Our failed leadership has created both and the choice stinks.
2
Why do people believe the propaganda lies? I realize that Fox, Limbaugh, and others have done nonstop propaganda, but part of the Trump phenomenon is that no party leader called him out on his birther lies. He was allowed for years to mouth off blatant lies about the national origins of the president of the United States despite all proof to the contrary, evidence, and common sense. He is doing a similar thing in his campaign -- demonizing people for being immigrants, women, minorities, Muslims, or whatever. It worked for him before, and there is a bottomless pit of hatred for the other.
He should have been stopped with the birther delusion, but the majority of Republicans actually believed the insanity. The same thing is true about government corruption. Corruption is a serious crime: it is investigated and prosecuted. There are a tiny number of politicians in jail for this crime. Of course, the majority of politicians are not corrupt. But the smear is thrown out there, and people get confused. Accepting political money is not corruption unless there is a follow up sold vote. Citizens United has led to confusion about this.
Swfitboating should be unacceptable whether it is by Trump, Sanders or others. If people are gullible enough to believe every lie, then the media and others should constantly call out the lies. Never should there be false equivalence that confuses the issue. Never should a reporter let Trump (or anyone else) just blast out lies.
He should have been stopped with the birther delusion, but the majority of Republicans actually believed the insanity. The same thing is true about government corruption. Corruption is a serious crime: it is investigated and prosecuted. There are a tiny number of politicians in jail for this crime. Of course, the majority of politicians are not corrupt. But the smear is thrown out there, and people get confused. Accepting political money is not corruption unless there is a follow up sold vote. Citizens United has led to confusion about this.
Swfitboating should be unacceptable whether it is by Trump, Sanders or others. If people are gullible enough to believe every lie, then the media and others should constantly call out the lies. Never should there be false equivalence that confuses the issue. Never should a reporter let Trump (or anyone else) just blast out lies.
6
The GOP does deserve Trump, but not because they hated Obama. They disagreed with his policies and so do I, although not a Republican. They deserve him because of the fantasy many conservatives have that only a "real conservative" could win. That's why the establishment backed Cruz, who could neither beat Trump nor win a general election. They should have backed Kasich, who is eminently qualified, has good character and beat the Democrats in every head to head poll. But, he did not pass the GOP's illogical anti-immigration rhetoric test, so they backed the wrong horse. That's why they deserve Trump.
But Trump has two parents and if elected, the Democrats deserve him too, because the anti-political correctness and Make America Great Again movements are fueled, not by racism (not by most, anyway), but by a dislike of Obama's political correctness/identity politics and America is nothing special messages.
And, frankly, if Clinton, also a divisive and very phony candidate who has a looming legal issue that would probably disqualify almost any other candidate (and likely get them indicted) and a poor record as SecState, or Sanders, whose main supporters are children who still believe that socialism is a good idea, get elected, then Democrats deserve them too. They could have nominated a man like Jim Webb, but the party left him long ago, moving far left.
This is our two party system working at its worst.
But Trump has two parents and if elected, the Democrats deserve him too, because the anti-political correctness and Make America Great Again movements are fueled, not by racism (not by most, anyway), but by a dislike of Obama's political correctness/identity politics and America is nothing special messages.
And, frankly, if Clinton, also a divisive and very phony candidate who has a looming legal issue that would probably disqualify almost any other candidate (and likely get them indicted) and a poor record as SecState, or Sanders, whose main supporters are children who still believe that socialism is a good idea, get elected, then Democrats deserve them too. They could have nominated a man like Jim Webb, but the party left him long ago, moving far left.
This is our two party system working at its worst.
Charles, the disaster of Donald Trump rising to become the presumptive nominee for the Presidency is more than "unsettling". It is a catastrophe that the Republicans have brought down on their own heads in their deep loathing for President Barack Hussein Obama, our Democratic President, who alas has only 6 months left of his second term, and who has been our finest president since FDR/Harry Truman. Trump's place as a buffoon, bully, xenophobic demagogue, misogynist, racist was secured by his TV celebrity social media appeal to the low-info hoi polloi who are angry and believe the establishment is corrupt and they need a really new Trump broom to sweep it all away. Trump isn't a Satan, he's just the wrong man for the yuge job of leader and unifier of the strongest country on this earth. Donald Trump is careening toward the edge of the flat earth (Republicans don't believe in climate change, either), followed by millions of lemmings who think Trump is the neatest thing since sliced bread. Note that the newly elected Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, a Muslim of Pakistani descent, hopes that Trump will lose the election. And suddenly upper echelon Republicans are meeting sub rosa (under the rose) to try to come up with a third party candidate for this election. Be of stout heart, Republicans, and plan your best plans like mice and men. No doubt the coming 6 months of this nastiest campaign in American political history will bring forth lots more horrific and weird events.
5
"No, the threat is not that he will necessarily win ...', writes Mr. Blow about Trump's chances in November. This encapsulates nicely the confidence and uncertainty about the race among Liberal Democrats such as myself as we contemplate Hillary Clinton's likely nomination over personal favorite Bernie Sanders. Sure, she is "likely" to win as opinion stands in May. But there is trepidation.
Rather than taking advantage of the weakest GOP nominee ever, or at least since 1964, to put forth a bold liberal alternative to incite enthusiasm and forcefully address the challenges of this century -- inequality, uber capitalism for the few, uncertainties abroad -- the Democrats will go with tired old platitudes of identity politics and cozy relations with the plutocrats. And this with a candidate who has her own high negatives among much of the populace.
Sure, Trump could continue his unfunny clown campaign and lose big. But he has been underestimated throughout this process while Sanders was ignored and the notion of Clinton inevitability unquestioned.
We can only hope that after the election Mr. Blow and other pundits are not lamenting how the Democratic Party Establishment reaped its own fruits of loss.
Rather than taking advantage of the weakest GOP nominee ever, or at least since 1964, to put forth a bold liberal alternative to incite enthusiasm and forcefully address the challenges of this century -- inequality, uber capitalism for the few, uncertainties abroad -- the Democrats will go with tired old platitudes of identity politics and cozy relations with the plutocrats. And this with a candidate who has her own high negatives among much of the populace.
Sure, Trump could continue his unfunny clown campaign and lose big. But he has been underestimated throughout this process while Sanders was ignored and the notion of Clinton inevitability unquestioned.
We can only hope that after the election Mr. Blow and other pundits are not lamenting how the Democratic Party Establishment reaped its own fruits of loss.
1
Sanders and Sanders' supporters seem to be conveniently deaf. Sanders promises a $15 dollar minimum wage when Obama can't get Congress to raise the minimum wage to $10. Sanders wants free college tuition and would tax Wall street transactions to pay for it. Obama can't get Congress to increase the gas tax to rebuild our highways and bridges even though the gas tax hasn't been readjusted for inflation for 25 years. Where is the connection to reality? The key to getting even the most minor thing done is to replace the present members of the House and Senate up and down the ballot. Now that Sanders is clearly not going to be the nominee, why is it that Sanders and his supporters are not hard at work at this absolutely necessary task? Can you answer the question? Did you not read Obama's graduation speech? Change requires hard work, planning, and compromise. But no, Sanders and his supporters believe change is accomplished with fairy dust.
Agree. Why isnt the Democratic party using the rise of Trump to their own advantage? Make the Dem Party THE Party of rational choice, instead of sitting back and waiting for a Personality to rise and win, they need to become the THE party of choice. But where are the party leaders? Where are the new party voices? Where is the Democratic Party?!?
Why cant they ever take advantage of a situation like this? Trump is not unbeatable at his own game, in fact its his exposed and weak side! One need not lower to his crass level, but pointing out his flaws, his weaknesses and the many other problems with his "I'm an epic and awesome businessman" persona can be done effectively. He's not as big a business man as his ego insists. He's not that well connected in the business world, and is in fact, way, way outside those industries that actually drive economies. Golf courses and the occasional hotel deal are not market drivers, nor big, well paying jobs creators.
The Democratic Party has to step up and be like true gladiators, and stop their simpering and whimpering - and step up to Trump's willfully exposed back and drive the sword in once and for all...!
They're being given a ridiculously easy target, but I'm afraid they will wimp out and hope to win based on a Cult of Personality mentality, and the prayers that the electorate will act more mature and responsible this election cycle.
Why cant they ever take advantage of a situation like this? Trump is not unbeatable at his own game, in fact its his exposed and weak side! One need not lower to his crass level, but pointing out his flaws, his weaknesses and the many other problems with his "I'm an epic and awesome businessman" persona can be done effectively. He's not as big a business man as his ego insists. He's not that well connected in the business world, and is in fact, way, way outside those industries that actually drive economies. Golf courses and the occasional hotel deal are not market drivers, nor big, well paying jobs creators.
The Democratic Party has to step up and be like true gladiators, and stop their simpering and whimpering - and step up to Trump's willfully exposed back and drive the sword in once and for all...!
They're being given a ridiculously easy target, but I'm afraid they will wimp out and hope to win based on a Cult of Personality mentality, and the prayers that the electorate will act more mature and responsible this election cycle.
The only surprise for me in the rise of Trump (and Sanders) is what took so long. For reasons yet unknown, this was the year the voter’s long simmering burn with their elected officials inaction on issues that would improve their lives reached a tipping point.
Our government IS corrupt. Too many in Congress represent the corporations, lobbyists and wealthy who fund them, not the voters who elect them. That’s why getting money out of politics is the most important single action we can take to return the power to the people. And it’s why I commend Bernie Sanders for showing how a man of integrity, character and on strength of issues can raise hundreds of millions in small donations to fund a campaign. And I also commend Donald Trump (whom I would never voter for) for exposing the soft underbelly of an ossified, morally bankrupt Republican Party that has forgotten how to govern.
Our government IS corrupt. Too many in Congress represent the corporations, lobbyists and wealthy who fund them, not the voters who elect them. That’s why getting money out of politics is the most important single action we can take to return the power to the people. And it’s why I commend Bernie Sanders for showing how a man of integrity, character and on strength of issues can raise hundreds of millions in small donations to fund a campaign. And I also commend Donald Trump (whom I would never voter for) for exposing the soft underbelly of an ossified, morally bankrupt Republican Party that has forgotten how to govern.
4
Trump is the result of over 50 years of GOP racist dog whistles, misogyny, xenophobia, bigotry, science denial, celebration of ignorance, religious extremism, stoked rage, and more - this is not simply a function of the Obama Presidency. That said, the media is also to blame, in their utter abdication of their primary function, namely, to investigate, analyze, fact-check and call out the obvious mendacity, prevarication, flip-flopping, etc. of all candidates, and then to forcefully report on those issues and do their utmost to educate the American public. Our media is nothing more than a shell for right wing corporate profits - they seek ratings, not truth, and the American public has paid a grievous price for that total dereliction of journalistic duty. Trump is a vulgar carnival barker who is addicted to public adulation - a boorish, ignorant, petulant child who lashes out at anyone who questions him. Despite this, the media has breathlessly covered his every sneeze, absurd accusation, lie, sexist comment, and so on, giving short shrift to reality and truth. The GOP wholly owns their ugly, vile candidate - but they were disgracefully abetted by our greedy, supine media.
484
Rebecca - your summation is spot on. Exposure to Mr. Trump, for me, is so to the point of excess, that to see his face, and hear his voice, induces a visceral reaction of repulsion. From this day forward, I will NOT read another article about him, neither will I subject myself to any television broadcasts that include him. It has been nothing but Trump, 24/7, since he announced. Another six months of him is beyond my tolerance. My real fear is the hordes who adore him - insanity is contagious? If he should wind up in the White House, I'm afraid it will be me that goes into a straight jacket.
4
Superbly articulated bull's-eye.
3
President Obama seemed to be addressing this very same media with his warning of serious times. Most of the media is not serious. They have to chase ratings and sell products first. To do that they must entertain and pander. Then there are serious propaganda machines owned by Murdoch and guided by Ailes. The Fourth Estate is in bad trouble and so is democracy. So let me put in a plug for listener supported public radio with a testimonial. My son is a hard-working lower middle class middle-aged "half-bred" native American white guy electrician. He does not have the time or energy to peruse the NYT. He listens to OPB while he sits in traffic. That's all. Result: he is very well informed. He not only understands how and why Congress works, and also why it doesn't. He knows what the Democratic and Republican platforms are. He can name all the Supreme Court Justices, who appointed them and where they stand today on important issues. He never fails to vote.
We're frankly terrified...not of Donald Trump, who as you say gets way too much of the wrong kind of attention, but of the entire Republican Party. They've made our democratic government the enemy and made governing impossible, aided and abetted by a media that means to entertain for profit.
We're frankly terrified...not of Donald Trump, who as you say gets way too much of the wrong kind of attention, but of the entire Republican Party. They've made our democratic government the enemy and made governing impossible, aided and abetted by a media that means to entertain for profit.
5
Mr. Blow relates the mess we are in very accurately. But he should consider that the Republicans have been laying the groundwork for our predicament since the first election campaign of Ronald Reagan, when they decided to pursue the so called "Southern Strategy". Mr. Reagan vilified the government, welfare recipients, civil rights advocates, liberals and many others. He created a panoply of bogeymen to blame for the troubles of disadvantaged whites. All the while he celebrated his own crude thinking as superior to those who actually studied or did research.
Since Reagan any number of hucksters have risen in the media after realizing that there was serious money to be made in whipping up the passion of the ignorant. They have enriched themselves creating a class of modern "know nothings" who pay to have their prejudices reinforced.
Reagan invited haters into the Republican tent at Philadelphia Mississippi and they have been given comfort there ever since for the crudest of political motives.
So Donald Trump should not be regarded as an aberration but a logical conclusion to these trends. The Republicans have made this Frankenstein to order in their own workshop. He is a product of their hatred for government and also their hate mongering toward President Obama. Only now do they seem to be horrified, while more thoughtful folk have been horrified for decades.
Since Reagan any number of hucksters have risen in the media after realizing that there was serious money to be made in whipping up the passion of the ignorant. They have enriched themselves creating a class of modern "know nothings" who pay to have their prejudices reinforced.
Reagan invited haters into the Republican tent at Philadelphia Mississippi and they have been given comfort there ever since for the crudest of political motives.
So Donald Trump should not be regarded as an aberration but a logical conclusion to these trends. The Republicans have made this Frankenstein to order in their own workshop. He is a product of their hatred for government and also their hate mongering toward President Obama. Only now do they seem to be horrified, while more thoughtful folk have been horrified for decades.
380
Southern Strategy was Richard Nixon's creation. It preceded Reagan and mostly was fecund because of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Even LBJ stated that with that legislation he made the South Republican for a long time.
1
All true, but I would go back further to Nixon's "Southern Strategy," which was designed to move southern segregationists to the Republican Party while rejecting southern white civil rights heroes such a federal Judge Frank Johnson, whom he ignored, preferring to appoint the likes of segregationist judges Harold Carswell and Clement Haynesworth to the Supreme Court.
2
The "Southern Stategy" was Nixon's, not Reagan's
Before his selection as Eisenhower's running mate Nixon served in Congress; both House and Senate, as I recall. From that lofty perch he oberved firsthand the underlying structure of the post-New Deal, post-WW 2 Democratic Party, especially that beneath thecsurface it was an uneasy alliance between white north-eastern liberals and conservative southerners, most segregationists. These "Dixiecrats" traditionally voted Democratic because the Republican Party had waged a war of conquest against their section of the country, defeating its armies in the final phase of the War of the Great Rebellion.
When LBJ pushed civil rights legislation through Congress in 1964 he alienated many white Southerners who saw it as a betrayal of their traditional way of life. Nixon, then out of power, saw a way to detach that disaffected section of the country from its traditional political patron and reattach it to the Republican brand; which he did in 1968. Years later, Reagan capitalized on it.
Before his selection as Eisenhower's running mate Nixon served in Congress; both House and Senate, as I recall. From that lofty perch he oberved firsthand the underlying structure of the post-New Deal, post-WW 2 Democratic Party, especially that beneath thecsurface it was an uneasy alliance between white north-eastern liberals and conservative southerners, most segregationists. These "Dixiecrats" traditionally voted Democratic because the Republican Party had waged a war of conquest against their section of the country, defeating its armies in the final phase of the War of the Great Rebellion.
When LBJ pushed civil rights legislation through Congress in 1964 he alienated many white Southerners who saw it as a betrayal of their traditional way of life. Nixon, then out of power, saw a way to detach that disaffected section of the country from its traditional political patron and reattach it to the Republican brand; which he did in 1968. Years later, Reagan capitalized on it.
3
By one careful estimate I read, Republican aligned groups spent somewhere above $400,000,000. to undermine Obama and the Democrats before the 2010 off year elections, getting, through those expenditures and the gerrymandering of House districts, a majority in the House of Representatives. This itself was a form of political insanity, the idea that elections were no longer contests between individuals with opposing ideas but rather a continual, unending battleground that lights up with mortar fire the moment one election is over, in preparation for the next.
Big money Republicans had earlier seeded the ground against Obama on virtually every front by bankrolling and supplying political operatives for the tea party eruption of early 2009. While wild rumors spread about Obama's birth and religion, thousands suddenly marched on Washington less than two months after his inauguration creating a false atmosphere of crisis.
The Republicans have been playing a dangerous game and those who now back coyly away from Trump, like Lindsay Graham, were full participants and electoral beneficiaries of it. They have portrayed the whole enterprise of federal govt. as evil, as a conspiracy against the interests of middle America and, in not so sly hints, as a godless force opposing religion, the sanctity of life, the survival and health of the nuclear family, and America as a world leader and power.
The chickens have come home to roost and Trump is the messenger.
Doug Terry
Big money Republicans had earlier seeded the ground against Obama on virtually every front by bankrolling and supplying political operatives for the tea party eruption of early 2009. While wild rumors spread about Obama's birth and religion, thousands suddenly marched on Washington less than two months after his inauguration creating a false atmosphere of crisis.
The Republicans have been playing a dangerous game and those who now back coyly away from Trump, like Lindsay Graham, were full participants and electoral beneficiaries of it. They have portrayed the whole enterprise of federal govt. as evil, as a conspiracy against the interests of middle America and, in not so sly hints, as a godless force opposing religion, the sanctity of life, the survival and health of the nuclear family, and America as a world leader and power.
The chickens have come home to roost and Trump is the messenger.
Doug Terry
11
Trump is the rooster giving it to them.
You can't really consider Ryan or McConnell serious. They back power or an idea out of loyalty to the party line trumps everything else. Both have abused their power at the expense of citizens. Both are both loyal to party lines even when absurd as well as holding others to absurdity to consider them true republicans. No, they are far from serious. Republican elites have indeed brought this on themselves but don't drink their koolaid calling the likes of Ryan or McConnell serious.
Ditto for Paul this morning, (comments closed before 6:30am!) Paul forgets that the full quotation is "FOOLISH consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds." The last time I looked it up in the room of a million shouting people (Google) a related Oscar Wilde quotation came up: "consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative".
It gave me pause. Some sort of mental algorithm between the two is more accurately what is guiding party affiliation. Foolish consistency, more a republican problem and unimaginative consistency, more a problem on the left but in truth, both sides are guilty of both. People able to navigate foolish unconsistency and unimaginative consistency first moved from the GOP when it forced them out starting with Goldwater but more so with the Southern solution over to the Dems side. It's not that the democatic party is virtuous, It is a poor refuge for the unfoolish imaginatives who tolerate ambiguity only up to the point it should be.
.
Ditto for Paul this morning, (comments closed before 6:30am!) Paul forgets that the full quotation is "FOOLISH consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds." The last time I looked it up in the room of a million shouting people (Google) a related Oscar Wilde quotation came up: "consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative".
It gave me pause. Some sort of mental algorithm between the two is more accurately what is guiding party affiliation. Foolish consistency, more a republican problem and unimaginative consistency, more a problem on the left but in truth, both sides are guilty of both. People able to navigate foolish unconsistency and unimaginative consistency first moved from the GOP when it forced them out starting with Goldwater but more so with the Southern solution over to the Dems side. It's not that the democatic party is virtuous, It is a poor refuge for the unfoolish imaginatives who tolerate ambiguity only up to the point it should be.
.
3
Um... "All" of the other presidential candidates have not dropped out. Just sayin'.
5
Yet this same bunch controls both houses of Congress.
We already have seen what happens when a Democrat is president and the "New Breed" of GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE's lawmakers clash; nothing. Government shutdowns, fiscal cliffs and the ever present monster of "sequester" seem their only way of "compromise". Oh, I forgot, endless meaningless votes to eliminate "Obamacare" which is supposed to have destroyed the country by know, according to them.
I suggest everyone get off the Trump thing (Hey, the "pundits" say he's going to lose, right? And they're NEVER wrong, right?) and start concentrating on restoring some kind of "balance" to the people who should be controlling the purse strings of this whole shebang.
In short, start telling about the races that might matter before we end up with another four years of government stagnation.
We already have seen what happens when a Democrat is president and the "New Breed" of GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE's lawmakers clash; nothing. Government shutdowns, fiscal cliffs and the ever present monster of "sequester" seem their only way of "compromise". Oh, I forgot, endless meaningless votes to eliminate "Obamacare" which is supposed to have destroyed the country by know, according to them.
I suggest everyone get off the Trump thing (Hey, the "pundits" say he's going to lose, right? And they're NEVER wrong, right?) and start concentrating on restoring some kind of "balance" to the people who should be controlling the purse strings of this whole shebang.
In short, start telling about the races that might matter before we end up with another four years of government stagnation.
4
Depending on where you sit or stand, Trump isn't a disaster at all. Sure, Trump may end up being a disaster for those beneficiaries of the multi-generational farce called the "Republican Party," staged by the conspiratorial triumvirate comprised of the Republican political elite, evangelical and Roman Catholic hypocrites and the billionaire class that has benefited from government subsidies, tax treatment, the Supreme Court's politically-motivated "interpretation of the Constitution" and defense contracts.
FINALLY, the rank-and-file of Republican voters who were used like pawns and blindly followed the demagoguery of their pastors and political leaders like brainless sheep are realizing that they've been duped! Their votes lined the corrupt and hypocritical pockets of their leaders. They thought that by supporting the platform that blamed everyone but white males for everything from the national debt to the fall of western civilization, they would be entitled to a superior economic position without having to work for one penny of it. Instead, these angry, white, male ignoramuses continue to live in backwater trailer communities waiting for the arrival of the monthly government check based on a fabricated disability.
Finally, there is someone with unvarnished ideas and concrete solutions: "We are inherently better than all those other people...We'll re-claim our rightful position at the top of the pyramid. And we'll make THEM build the pyramid, too!"
FINALLY, the rank-and-file of Republican voters who were used like pawns and blindly followed the demagoguery of their pastors and political leaders like brainless sheep are realizing that they've been duped! Their votes lined the corrupt and hypocritical pockets of their leaders. They thought that by supporting the platform that blamed everyone but white males for everything from the national debt to the fall of western civilization, they would be entitled to a superior economic position without having to work for one penny of it. Instead, these angry, white, male ignoramuses continue to live in backwater trailer communities waiting for the arrival of the monthly government check based on a fabricated disability.
Finally, there is someone with unvarnished ideas and concrete solutions: "We are inherently better than all those other people...We'll re-claim our rightful position at the top of the pyramid. And we'll make THEM build the pyramid, too!"
2
To support Trump because the country is "on the wrong track" is like using a wrecking ball to destroy a building without any blueprints for rebuilding the destroyed structure.
Trump will without any doubt destroy the country. What he has not done is to offer anything that suggests that he'll be able be rebuild the country and put it "on the right track", unless you believe that the "right track" for the country is xenophobia, misogyny, intolerance, uncivil discourse, disparagement of invalids, etc, etc..
Trump will without any doubt destroy the country. What he has not done is to offer anything that suggests that he'll be able be rebuild the country and put it "on the right track", unless you believe that the "right track" for the country is xenophobia, misogyny, intolerance, uncivil discourse, disparagement of invalids, etc, etc..
5
Watching someone drive off a cliff is not as much fun as I thought it would be
7
The GOP saw Obama being elected as president. Obama, a son of Kenyan student and a Caucasian lady. Nothing is more repulsive to these God fearing whites than this. On seeing this spectacle, the GOP members closed their eyes, praying and wishing that Obama's term will soon certainly be over for them to take back their country. The time is up now. What they have starring them in the face currently is worse, insidious and more dangerous than the image of Obama. God indeed moves in mysterious ways. Let His will be done.
Long live the GOP
Long live the party of Lincoln
Long live the apartheid of Reagan
Long live the PARTY of the TRUMP
Long live the GOP
Long live the party of Lincoln
Long live the apartheid of Reagan
Long live the PARTY of the TRUMP
1
When Trump beats Hillary - & he will beat Hillary - Democrats have only ourselves to blame we let old corporate shills in the party - personified by the Clintons & the DNC - play 'identity politics' into a huge electoral loss.
There are 19 million w/o health insurance - & millions more with huge deductibles. Why do we want Hillary who opposes single payer? Why don't we want a real resolution to the student loan crisis instead of Clinton who wants indentured servitude? Why support Hillary after the failed Libyan intervention - she's itching for another war to prove she's tough! Why a nominee who doesn't support a livable minimum wage?
The theory behind Hillary's campaign is she'll cobble together a 'coalition' - blacks, gays, older women, Latinos & other 'identity blocks' who'll support her if she plays to their grievances - & to hell w/ addressing what's going wrong in this country for the majority. This is exactly what Trump's doing!
The Democratic campaign is just as segmented as Trump voters. The difference is Trump can find more new voters, independents & disaffected Democrats than Hillary can find 'new' blacks, gays, trans & old feminists.
The Democratic campaign run by Hillary/DNC is pitched to a small base just like Trump.
Until someone is nominated who cares about addressing the problems of the vast majority of Americans - and not the pie slices Hillary & Trump's campaigns are pitched to - life in this country won't improve for 99% of us.
There are 19 million w/o health insurance - & millions more with huge deductibles. Why do we want Hillary who opposes single payer? Why don't we want a real resolution to the student loan crisis instead of Clinton who wants indentured servitude? Why support Hillary after the failed Libyan intervention - she's itching for another war to prove she's tough! Why a nominee who doesn't support a livable minimum wage?
The theory behind Hillary's campaign is she'll cobble together a 'coalition' - blacks, gays, older women, Latinos & other 'identity blocks' who'll support her if she plays to their grievances - & to hell w/ addressing what's going wrong in this country for the majority. This is exactly what Trump's doing!
The Democratic campaign is just as segmented as Trump voters. The difference is Trump can find more new voters, independents & disaffected Democrats than Hillary can find 'new' blacks, gays, trans & old feminists.
The Democratic campaign run by Hillary/DNC is pitched to a small base just like Trump.
Until someone is nominated who cares about addressing the problems of the vast majority of Americans - and not the pie slices Hillary & Trump's campaigns are pitched to - life in this country won't improve for 99% of us.
6
What many white Trump supporters really are looking for is some kind of hybrid of the GOP and Democrats. They tend to be social conservatives who are to some degree anti-choice, not comfortable with gay marriage (but have a gay niece they want treated decently), and do not like gun control.
Many are struggling economically whether in the present or in the form of worries about their kids/grands and/or their own old age. That struggle, in turn, makes them fearful of falling further down the economic ladder. Which, in turn, makes them resentful of immigrants and of programs which they perceive as helping only those at the bottom ('taking my hard earned tax dollars to take care of those I fear joining').
Yet, because their position is precarious, they sometimes must depend upon help like food stamps; they don't want anyone messing with Social Security because it may very well be all they have.
Often this population, though nationalistic, can be less hawkish than GOP leadership because their kids are among the ones who end up dying in some hell-hole overseas.
Dems and GOP miss the boat. The former by seeming to tend to the underclass while ignoring those at risk of falling into it. The GOP by continuing to assume that a 'smaller government' position & 'trickle down' economics will keep these folks in the fold because of their agreement on social conservatism. Both parties are wrong.
Many are struggling economically whether in the present or in the form of worries about their kids/grands and/or their own old age. That struggle, in turn, makes them fearful of falling further down the economic ladder. Which, in turn, makes them resentful of immigrants and of programs which they perceive as helping only those at the bottom ('taking my hard earned tax dollars to take care of those I fear joining').
Yet, because their position is precarious, they sometimes must depend upon help like food stamps; they don't want anyone messing with Social Security because it may very well be all they have.
Often this population, though nationalistic, can be less hawkish than GOP leadership because their kids are among the ones who end up dying in some hell-hole overseas.
Dems and GOP miss the boat. The former by seeming to tend to the underclass while ignoring those at risk of falling into it. The GOP by continuing to assume that a 'smaller government' position & 'trickle down' economics will keep these folks in the fold because of their agreement on social conservatism. Both parties are wrong.
48
Both parties are wrong but it's not as simple as you describe. Take Kansas for example. Under Republican leadership, it is fiscally bankrupt. And it's now attacking it's own Supreme Court to become yet more conservative fiscally and socially. The people of Kansas, predominantly white, voted for this mess and continue to vote for this mess, not unlike my own state.
The real question is what makes people vote against their own best financial self-interest just so they can be against abortion, civil rights, gay rights, women's rights, fill-in-the-blank social rights. What makes people vote Republican even though they don't gain under Republican rule? The vote for "the Donald" is a realization that their preferred party doesn't look out after their needs and wants, but yet they can't and won't abandon that party because a vote for "the Donald" is really an attempt to get what Democrats offer, but without having to become all inclusive to do so. The Donald allows them to still think of themselves as superior to others who are not unlike them but whom they consider inferior.
The simple difference between the anger in the GOP represented by those voting for Trump and the anger in the Democratic party as evidenced by the "Feel the Bern" movement of voters for Sanders is the amount of bigotry of each voter, not the amount of financial insufficiency.
The real question is what makes people vote against their own best financial self-interest just so they can be against abortion, civil rights, gay rights, women's rights, fill-in-the-blank social rights. What makes people vote Republican even though they don't gain under Republican rule? The vote for "the Donald" is a realization that their preferred party doesn't look out after their needs and wants, but yet they can't and won't abandon that party because a vote for "the Donald" is really an attempt to get what Democrats offer, but without having to become all inclusive to do so. The Donald allows them to still think of themselves as superior to others who are not unlike them but whom they consider inferior.
The simple difference between the anger in the GOP represented by those voting for Trump and the anger in the Democratic party as evidenced by the "Feel the Bern" movement of voters for Sanders is the amount of bigotry of each voter, not the amount of financial insufficiency.
1
Children having children perpetuates poverty. The GOP actively promotes that.
Trump's rise among the stumbling and aging white male America (my demographic group) is fueled by only two things: Racism and ignorance. The racism has always been there among this group, and they think they've found their little Hitler in Trump. For Trump, these people represent just another mark who he can hustle. If they bothered to read they would find that their man is a spoiled rich boy whose business acumen is marked by bankruptcies, and whose patriotism is colored by his draft dodging years during the Vietnam era. This group gets what they deserve for their hatred and lazy ignorance.
The problem with Democracy is that irrational people vote as well. I do not mean people with who was I disagree, I mean people who make emotional rather than reasoned decisions and emotions can be manipulated.
One of Bush's assets was the perception that " you could enjoy having a drink with him "; one of Kerry's impediments was a smear campaign against one (!) of his war medals.
Trump is winning because he is popular, he entertains, and is appealing directly to a strain of patriotism and self worth that demands that America should be great and will be great with him. There is no rational basis for it, there is only theatre - but irrational people vote.
Add next the smears, from Trump the punchlines, against Clinton or Sanders. Both are great targets - shoot Hilary over Libya and emails and Wall Street ( foreign policy failure, security failure, compromised) - cripple Bernie by playing on the word 'socialist". Months of distraction on exaggerated or false characterization of the Democratic candidate could make them so disliked that, heck, we have to just give Donald a chance.
The GOP has effectively shut down government for years, and the People are losing confidence in the process. The President may be missing the point: for many, this is transformed already into a reality show, and the winner is ... the popular entertainer. Remember, it's your votes at home that count.
One of Bush's assets was the perception that " you could enjoy having a drink with him "; one of Kerry's impediments was a smear campaign against one (!) of his war medals.
Trump is winning because he is popular, he entertains, and is appealing directly to a strain of patriotism and self worth that demands that America should be great and will be great with him. There is no rational basis for it, there is only theatre - but irrational people vote.
Add next the smears, from Trump the punchlines, against Clinton or Sanders. Both are great targets - shoot Hilary over Libya and emails and Wall Street ( foreign policy failure, security failure, compromised) - cripple Bernie by playing on the word 'socialist". Months of distraction on exaggerated or false characterization of the Democratic candidate could make them so disliked that, heck, we have to just give Donald a chance.
The GOP has effectively shut down government for years, and the People are losing confidence in the process. The President may be missing the point: for many, this is transformed already into a reality show, and the winner is ... the popular entertainer. Remember, it's your votes at home that count.
46
It seems as if the GOP has been forced to choose between ideologues and opportunists. Ted Cruz was the leader of the ideologues; Mr. Rubio and Mr. Kasich ran against him and lost. If you look at their politics, these two were milder versions of Mr. Cruz.
Everybody, including the media across the spectrum, grapple with why Mr. Trump has apparently pulled this off. He saw what no one else completely understood: too many people in this country believe that the system is stacked against them, that the power elites are only out for themselves, that the politicians are all corrupt. All Mr. Trump did was tell a lot of people what they wanted to hear, that which they have been hearing from opportunistic talk radio for two decades, and what they have been repeating at water coolers and over coffee and beers ever since.
Mr. Cruz and his ilk made a strategic error that Mr. Trump did not - they thought the radio warriors (both broadcasters and listeners) were for the ideology, and would be for them. The opportunists are always, always out for themselves. Mr. Trump is one of them, and always has been.
Why should anyone really expect anything else? Real estate speculation is a game of opportunity. Mr. Trump has played it pretty well. The question is: to what degree does that actually translate to the American system of government? I think, some, but not much.
Mr. Trump has not yet said anything to dissuade me from believing that he isn't simply out for himself.
Everybody, including the media across the spectrum, grapple with why Mr. Trump has apparently pulled this off. He saw what no one else completely understood: too many people in this country believe that the system is stacked against them, that the power elites are only out for themselves, that the politicians are all corrupt. All Mr. Trump did was tell a lot of people what they wanted to hear, that which they have been hearing from opportunistic talk radio for two decades, and what they have been repeating at water coolers and over coffee and beers ever since.
Mr. Cruz and his ilk made a strategic error that Mr. Trump did not - they thought the radio warriors (both broadcasters and listeners) were for the ideology, and would be for them. The opportunists are always, always out for themselves. Mr. Trump is one of them, and always has been.
Why should anyone really expect anything else? Real estate speculation is a game of opportunity. Mr. Trump has played it pretty well. The question is: to what degree does that actually translate to the American system of government? I think, some, but not much.
Mr. Trump has not yet said anything to dissuade me from believing that he isn't simply out for himself.
18
Every Republican candidate except Trump is a mental child who evidently believes the part of their minds that thinks in language is "The Lord" talking to them. An utterly bereft collection of narcissistic dimwits.
1
You'll get no argument from me. But, Mr. Trump is a narcissist, but far from a dimwit. He knows exactly what he is doing, at least for now.
"A staggering three-fourths of Americans believing corruption is widespread in the U.S. government."
Why would that be "staggering"? There are very good reasons to think that corruption is widespread in the U.S. government. Reasons like:
- Criminal investigations of major corporations get dropped, and then shortly afterwords the regulator leading the investigation in question gets a much higher-paying job at the very firm that they were investigating.
- Politicians give high-priced speeches to major corporations and then stonewall when asked to tell everybody else what was in those speeches. (And the defense offered by one particular politician when questioned on this is, in essence, "what's the problem, everybody else is doing it".)
- Huge sums of untraceable money are moving into political campaign coffers. OK, not technically campaign coffers, but SuperPACs are effectively operating as political campaign coffers.
- Trade agreements that can supercede US law are being negotiated in secret, with lobbyists from major corporations privy to details that are withheld from senators.
It gets worse from there. Basically, all available evidence suggests that they're right to think that public policy is now pay-to-play at the federal level and in most state governments.
Why would that be "staggering"? There are very good reasons to think that corruption is widespread in the U.S. government. Reasons like:
- Criminal investigations of major corporations get dropped, and then shortly afterwords the regulator leading the investigation in question gets a much higher-paying job at the very firm that they were investigating.
- Politicians give high-priced speeches to major corporations and then stonewall when asked to tell everybody else what was in those speeches. (And the defense offered by one particular politician when questioned on this is, in essence, "what's the problem, everybody else is doing it".)
- Huge sums of untraceable money are moving into political campaign coffers. OK, not technically campaign coffers, but SuperPACs are effectively operating as political campaign coffers.
- Trade agreements that can supercede US law are being negotiated in secret, with lobbyists from major corporations privy to details that are withheld from senators.
It gets worse from there. Basically, all available evidence suggests that they're right to think that public policy is now pay-to-play at the federal level and in most state governments.
30
You are completely wrong, and are engaging in hyperbolic smears of your own government . Go look at a serious, unbiased estimation of corruption, like that of Transparency International. Most countries live under far worse conditions of corruption.
The Republican Party was utterly dysfunctional for a long time before Trump. It will have as its "heroes" to point to: Richard Nixon; Newt Gingrich (the guy who got a girlfriend and ditched his wife when she found out she had cancer); Ronald Reagan (who ran the country on Alzheimer's and astrology); Bush Sr., the only public servant of the bunch, but deeply in bed with the corrupt CIA of his time; Bush Jr., a traitor, warmonger and friend to military contractors, to the tune of trillions of taxpayer dollars, and thousands of wasted American lives; Mitt Romney, he of the "G%"; and a whole new generation of Unmentionables, none of whom even the most rabid or most sane Republicans could prop up, with either love or money.
Trump is the culmination of literally two generations of fail. The Congress has ceased to exist, thanks to the GOP; it's really done nothing in over a decade.
We only have a weak, visionless technocrat Democratic Party left now, sclerotic in its outlook and leadership, just as corrupt in its foundations. What progressive voices have arisen have proven naive, inexperienced, without any of the rich theoretical, historical or experiential context a true left would need to be pragmatically useful as an alternative.
These are just the symptoms of a collapsing empire. The plus of having The Donald near its end would simply be that he would help it collapse faster.
The victims of this empire sense that fact, and may well win in the end.
Trump is the culmination of literally two generations of fail. The Congress has ceased to exist, thanks to the GOP; it's really done nothing in over a decade.
We only have a weak, visionless technocrat Democratic Party left now, sclerotic in its outlook and leadership, just as corrupt in its foundations. What progressive voices have arisen have proven naive, inexperienced, without any of the rich theoretical, historical or experiential context a true left would need to be pragmatically useful as an alternative.
These are just the symptoms of a collapsing empire. The plus of having The Donald near its end would simply be that he would help it collapse faster.
The victims of this empire sense that fact, and may well win in the end.
20
It's becoming clear that those who support Trump aren't interested in solving America's problems, but are only interested in having someone validate their resentment. The resentment is key: it fuels the racism, misogyny, bigotry, and blaming. These people cling to negativity because it is all they have, lacking the willingness to understand the complexities of our modern problems. I don't believe DT's supporters can't understand complexity. I believe they are too angry to try. It's so much easier to blame somebody (black people, for example, or Muslims, or women, or LGBT people) and rage, slam the door and refuse to listen, than to take the time to grasp and think through problems. These people are easily manipulated. It's why we aren't hearing about issues this campaign from the right. The candidate is busy stirring up the anger with absurd proposals, such as punishing women for having abortions, and making Mexico pay for a wall along the border.
There will always be a percentage of citizens who prefer anger and resentment to clarity and reason. The question is how can we prevent this from becoming the dominant MO.
There will always be a percentage of citizens who prefer anger and resentment to clarity and reason. The question is how can we prevent this from becoming the dominant MO.
31
"No, the threat is not that he will necessarily win, but that he will further poison our national dialogue in the six months between now and Election Day,"
There are people who find this prospect absolutely delightful. The people who watch reality TV and have elevated the likes of porn stars to top of the celebrity pile. Our current culture is all about how to succeed without doing anything but taking a picture of your posterior etc. so this is simply a progression to now say the president can be a reflection of the very filth so many choose as daily fare and find entertaining. I question which came first: the idea that so many talentless people make for cheap TV and keep the dumb dumbs clicking ads, or the idea that there is no position in our country too important to protect from them.
The Republican Party created the rise of the angry, destructive dumb dumbs as actual leaders and representative as though they could control them, but they didn't control the descent into 24/7 cultural pornography wherein even the word is mainstream and positive. For that, look elsewhere.
There are people who find this prospect absolutely delightful. The people who watch reality TV and have elevated the likes of porn stars to top of the celebrity pile. Our current culture is all about how to succeed without doing anything but taking a picture of your posterior etc. so this is simply a progression to now say the president can be a reflection of the very filth so many choose as daily fare and find entertaining. I question which came first: the idea that so many talentless people make for cheap TV and keep the dumb dumbs clicking ads, or the idea that there is no position in our country too important to protect from them.
The Republican Party created the rise of the angry, destructive dumb dumbs as actual leaders and representative as though they could control them, but they didn't control the descent into 24/7 cultural pornography wherein even the word is mainstream and positive. For that, look elsewhere.
7
Although I agree with Mr. Blow unequivocally that the GOP has done this to themselves and has nominated exactly the candidate that embodies all of the rhetoric they have been peddling (occasionally in veiled terms) for decades, I am not too thrilled and delighted with the Democrats as the anodyne to the terrifying level of hostility being directed at people who are threatening the supremacy formerly enjoyed by the (white, male, hetero) cis-group with impunity. The backlash against some of the most vulnerable people in our society, as well as women, people of color, non-heteronormative people, and so on is going to continue. My question is this: when will people in the USA start taking ownership of this country's supposed values of liberty and inclusion, and refuse to allow the haters, misogynists, bigots, and fascists to run roughshod over them? I am not suggesting violent revolution, I am suggesting that it is the responsibility of all decent, honorable, and compassionate people to talk to these violent extremists and explain, as calmly as possible, why their behavior is not appropriate in a civilized country. Clearly, our elected officials are not going to do this--they are concerned only with maintaining the power they control for their own benefit. It is our responsibility as citizens and residents to do this, and we're doing a lousy job of it.
8
The President is right- this is such a serious issue. It is about the presidency of the US. Let us not just focus on the moment. It has been in the making for some time. Can we go back to Lincoln or FDR or Reagan. Clearly a full accounting of history cannot be done here, however, the same class and race markers that changed the political landscape with these former presidents is currently at work. A group of citizens, not prone to good analytics or intelligence, are looking for escapes to their predicaments, conditions or realities. For Lincoln, the enslaved; for FDR, the workers; for Reagan, the return to enslavement. What was and is missing in all of this is that the targets of the venom spewed is not the cause of the pain. The cause was and continues to be those select few, maybe 1%, who continue to reap vast profits from the sufferings of everyone. Dr. King was right to attempt an organization of poor people to seek remedies. It seems that just like many could and would not support him, -these suffering, angry predominately white men, couldn't support their best interests in the policies/programs of the President. And, they've given themselves the gift of Trump. Can the rest of us be thinking, wise and a compassionate citizenry?
4
"...if current trends in polling hold, [Trump] is likely to lose the general election by an overwhelming margin..."
CORRECTION: According to most polls, if Trump runs against Bernie Sanders, he is likely to lose by an overwhelming margin. If he runs against Hillary Clinton, the margin will not be as large.
CORRECTION: According to most polls, if Trump runs against Bernie Sanders, he is likely to lose by an overwhelming margin. If he runs against Hillary Clinton, the margin will not be as large.
10
Be careful in thinking that Trump could lose the general election. NYTimes own data shows that 34 million Republicans voted in the primaries and caucuses, compared to 22 million Democrats. If Democrats don't come out to vote, we are more than likely to have a Trump presidency. Democrats seem to willing to throw in the towel.
10% IS large. This is what the polls i have seen give HC over Trump. I am dissapointed with many of my BS supporter friends--who are in the "Bernie or nothing" mode. And who put false "facts" like this one online.
Why not look at the issues here? Are BS and HC really very different on the main issues?? No. they are not. this is a personality contest--and the repubs "YUGE" attempt at discretiting HC has worked--sadly.
to me--BS and HC are very close politically. so i will vote for whomever wins the DEM nomination--unlike my angry BS friends.
Why not look at the issues here? Are BS and HC really very different on the main issues?? No. they are not. this is a personality contest--and the repubs "YUGE" attempt at discretiting HC has worked--sadly.
to me--BS and HC are very close politically. so i will vote for whomever wins the DEM nomination--unlike my angry BS friends.
1
WalterZ–I'll bite. What does it matter if Clinton beats Trump by 10 points and sanders beats him by 13 points? And besides, the democrats are voting for their candidate and not the polls.
1
Thank you thank you thank you.....
2
The GOP appointed Sarah Palin to be VP candidate, I.e., ready to assume the Presidency. This was a deliberate effort to capture a certain kind of voter. It failed, but that kind of voter became crucial for the party as it gave up on broadening itself. The line from the decision to appoint Palin to the rise of Trump is a straight one. The GOP leadership went out and got this when it didn't have to, and even when it failed them.
32
The line runs from Rush Limbaugh Through Fox News to Sarah Palin then to Trump.
Is it any wonder that our system for generating candidates -- for either party -- turns out less than the best we can produce? And that's putting it mildly. The press scrutiny, daily social media chatter, and anonymous special interest donor supported advertising digs into every nook and cranny of their lives in often the most irrelevant, mean-spirited and sensational ways. No normal person would want to subject their loved ones to such microscopic scrutiny. Only fringe personalities with outrageous egos and scorched-earth take no prisoner strategies prevail. Trump maneuvers publicly. The Clintons operate more quietly to squelch rivals in other ways.
People like these don't rise in a vacuum. The system cultivates them meticulously. Unless the system changes, this trend will continue.
People like these don't rise in a vacuum. The system cultivates them meticulously. Unless the system changes, this trend will continue.
14
Utter nonsense. Cjm, all you're doing is repeating the GOP smear campaign while ignoring the actual, living, breathing ethics disaster the GOP is about to nominate.
9
Republican legislators (an oxymoron) have shown over the past 8 years, their most sacred inviolable principle is to place their Party interests ahead of our country, ahead of the people's interests. Their hatred of President Obama has united them in lockstep.
Now the Republican "legislators" have a presumptive nominee who they know to be ignorant, crude, vulgar, a liar, a name-calling bully with the temperament of a junior high school child. What will the Republican "legislators" do? Most of them are going to support him. Many of their presidential candidates who were dissed and trashed by him, will hold to their pledge and support him.
The mindless Republican Party will continue to sacrifice the interests of our country, the interests of the people, changing their tactic of absolute obstruction, to absolute destruction. They know they are going down and they intend to take our country with them.
Now the Republican "legislators" have a presumptive nominee who they know to be ignorant, crude, vulgar, a liar, a name-calling bully with the temperament of a junior high school child. What will the Republican "legislators" do? Most of them are going to support him. Many of their presidential candidates who were dissed and trashed by him, will hold to their pledge and support him.
The mindless Republican Party will continue to sacrifice the interests of our country, the interests of the people, changing their tactic of absolute obstruction, to absolute destruction. They know they are going down and they intend to take our country with them.
23
There is a generational opportunity here for the Democrats: win back white lower middle class families even in the Red states. Trump's voters realize how "conservatism" simply wants their votes and does not want to actually make policy to help the economically disadvantaged. Nor does it really care about the real psychological harm that GOP hate and divisive speech has inflicted on lower middle class white Americans, who have been asked to trade their self-respect for resentment and knee-jerk obstructionism. These should be Democratic voters: needing education and support, needing respect, needing a sense of positive self with which to face the future, needing actual solutions for their collision with a world economy. What harm the GOP inflicted by instead feeding them a diet of dissatisfaction and entitlement! Progressivism offers them a satisfying path forward; the GOP only offered them the chance to watch the circus from the Red seats anyway.
To take this opportunity, though, the Democrats need to actually listen to the issues of these people, and take even-handled action to address them. Simply continuing to protect favored Democratic segments will not work.; we need sustainable solutions. With success, this could be a long term voter shift.
To take this opportunity, though, the Democrats need to actually listen to the issues of these people, and take even-handled action to address them. Simply continuing to protect favored Democratic segments will not work.; we need sustainable solutions. With success, this could be a long term voter shift.
14
This really, I believe, is the key for democrats. As important as it may be to point out the harm done by the GOP, it is even more important to emphasize and lay out a plain and believable way forward...specific, attainable, measurable and clearly focused on correcting the harm done by the GOP. This absolutely does not mean backing away from the past vital issues of the democratic party. It just means showing common sense efforts to support the valid concerns of those depicted as goons by one party while chocking on that toxic diet of 'dissatisfaction and entitlement' from the other. I thought Obama's latest press interview was perfect in that regard. Asked to dis' Trump, he gave short shrift to that and turned to the real matters of listing, sensible, practical, doable actions that would directly benefit all Americans, especially those who are now most angry.
2
Maybe they could, but they won't.
Read the comments here. Lefty liberals hate and despise the working class ("stupid low information voters"). They hate the South and Midwest. They hate white people (even when they themselves are white -- they consider themselves "multi-culti"). They hate religion.
Listen to what Barack Obama said in 2008 -- "they cling bitterly to guns and religion" -- someone who thinks that is not a representative of the working classes.
The Democratic Party sold out the working classes 50 years ago, in favor of identity politics.
Read the comments here. Lefty liberals hate and despise the working class ("stupid low information voters"). They hate the South and Midwest. They hate white people (even when they themselves are white -- they consider themselves "multi-culti"). They hate religion.
Listen to what Barack Obama said in 2008 -- "they cling bitterly to guns and religion" -- someone who thinks that is not a representative of the working classes.
The Democratic Party sold out the working classes 50 years ago, in favor of identity politics.
The problem with building a political party upon a base of lies, hate, misinformation, propaganda and rejection of science is that it creates a culture that cheapens the truth. In fact, after decades of this brainwashing, the GOP has built a culture that actually rejects the truth. The statement, facts don't matter, is the backbone of GOP politics. These people truly believe that there are conservative facts and liberal facts. Hence, they reject the so called liberal facts and live in a bubble that denies the acceptance of reality, that denies the truth.
Enter Trump, the king of reality TV, which is a world as unreal as it gets. Reality TV is a fantasy land. Of course he is successful. He is selling a product that the GOP has been pushing for years. He just sells it better than they did.
The lesson here for future political parties is that it is essential to be honest with the public. All politicians stretch the truth here and there but nonstop lies will eventually catch up to them. Witness Sam Brownback and the meltdown of the Kansas budget. He and his followers think everything is fine, and there is no problem except excessive spending. The place is falling apart and the public knows it. Truth is a very fragile commodity.
After Trump loses the election, he should move to Kansas and run for Governor. He will most likely win by a landslide.
Enter Trump, the king of reality TV, which is a world as unreal as it gets. Reality TV is a fantasy land. Of course he is successful. He is selling a product that the GOP has been pushing for years. He just sells it better than they did.
The lesson here for future political parties is that it is essential to be honest with the public. All politicians stretch the truth here and there but nonstop lies will eventually catch up to them. Witness Sam Brownback and the meltdown of the Kansas budget. He and his followers think everything is fine, and there is no problem except excessive spending. The place is falling apart and the public knows it. Truth is a very fragile commodity.
After Trump loses the election, he should move to Kansas and run for Governor. He will most likely win by a landslide.
28
Delusional thinking thrives in an echo chamber. That's what's happened.
W also skipped the earlier conventions. He's poison.
"Lindsey Graham said last week that he “cannot in good conscience” support Trump." Lindsey Graham does not have a conscience.
After such a divisive, dirty, mud slinging campaign, or course they don't have it together yet, months before their convention.
Candidates have lost far greater leads than Hillary has over Trump, often. That is especially true measured from such a low point of internal discord.
Worst, this column treats people like Ryan as if they are sensible, just to abuse Trump. This is pot and kettle fighting. Pot is just bigger.
This column reeks of overconfidence, and double standards for the same wrongs.
"Lindsey Graham said last week that he “cannot in good conscience” support Trump." Lindsey Graham does not have a conscience.
After such a divisive, dirty, mud slinging campaign, or course they don't have it together yet, months before their convention.
Candidates have lost far greater leads than Hillary has over Trump, often. That is especially true measured from such a low point of internal discord.
Worst, this column treats people like Ryan as if they are sensible, just to abuse Trump. This is pot and kettle fighting. Pot is just bigger.
This column reeks of overconfidence, and double standards for the same wrongs.
35
He could not in good conscience... or even using his own conscience, vote for Donald
1
Trump is just dangerous. In so many ways. But what choices did the GOP's working class voters have? They realized that tax cuts didn't create jobs or they wouldn't be getting unemployment and food stamps. Who even spoke to jobs? Trump at least has a solution. Eliminate the competition by putting up a costly wall. Trump could be president and then no telling what would happen. He has no moral compass or even a set of values or consistency.
25
The choice they had, and refused, was to demand that the GOP end its hypocrisy towards them, and to back moderates who actually defended their interests. Instead, they leaned into racism and fearmongering. As real as their problems are (I have the same problems as a working class Democrat), I have a hard time feeling sorry for them as they refuse to recognize that most of their problems were engineered by their own party's politicians, for personal gain.
1
One could easily say the same about Hillary - and more so. This is just another column by the major corporate news media ignoring that the PEOPLE - Not Wall Street, Not 1%ers or 10%ers, - have simply had enough.
The news cycle during this election has demonstrated beyond doubt their corporate owners' bias for maintaining the same old same old. The NYT has lost so much respect for its blatant support for $hillary and ignoring of Sanders. For example, did anyone see an article in the NYT last week about Latino protests against HRC in East LA? No? Hmmmm.
What the media doesn't seem to get is that business as usual is OVER. A tipping point of the public has awoken to the lies we've been fed and we're not going back to sleep. The Pope comes out against Trump? EXCELLENT. The Pope leads a criminal enterprise that harbors pedophiles and steals from its supporteres to fund a lavish lifestyle for a chosen few. WHO CARES what the Pope thinks?
Likewise, who cares what the usual suspects - either the standard Republican elite OR the DNC think about the people's choice? NOT THE PEOPLE. I've been a Democrat my whole life, and I'll tell you right now, there is NO way that I'm ever going to vote for HRC. Why? (1)Wall Street owns her; (2)she lies as she breathes; (3) her support for Bill's accostive "war against women".
And ask yourself this, If there was a draft again, and you had children who qualified, would YOU vote for her? Or any of the bought and paid for standard Republicans?
The news cycle during this election has demonstrated beyond doubt their corporate owners' bias for maintaining the same old same old. The NYT has lost so much respect for its blatant support for $hillary and ignoring of Sanders. For example, did anyone see an article in the NYT last week about Latino protests against HRC in East LA? No? Hmmmm.
What the media doesn't seem to get is that business as usual is OVER. A tipping point of the public has awoken to the lies we've been fed and we're not going back to sleep. The Pope comes out against Trump? EXCELLENT. The Pope leads a criminal enterprise that harbors pedophiles and steals from its supporteres to fund a lavish lifestyle for a chosen few. WHO CARES what the Pope thinks?
Likewise, who cares what the usual suspects - either the standard Republican elite OR the DNC think about the people's choice? NOT THE PEOPLE. I've been a Democrat my whole life, and I'll tell you right now, there is NO way that I'm ever going to vote for HRC. Why? (1)Wall Street owns her; (2)she lies as she breathes; (3) her support for Bill's accostive "war against women".
And ask yourself this, If there was a draft again, and you had children who qualified, would YOU vote for her? Or any of the bought and paid for standard Republicans?
1
Be careful relying upon the Upshot for predictions. They predicted Trump would never get the nomination.
What a great election in which the two most disliked, untrusted candidates will become the nominees. Now that's inspiring and uplifting.
What a great election in which the two most disliked, untrusted candidates will become the nominees. Now that's inspiring and uplifting.
36
EVERYONE predicted Trump would never get the election.
2
It is a testiment to the level of corruption in both parties that two people who are roundly disliked by over half the voters in the country are going to be the nominees. Great strategy, put up your weakest candidates and see who gets bloodied the most. What is this? The Roman arena?
No, the Romans got bread with their circuses. We just get circuses.
No, the Romans got bread with their circuses. We just get circuses.
1
@ScottW,
You made a good point about Upshot. Sometimes it's just better to see what happens.
5-9-16@8:49 am
You made a good point about Upshot. Sometimes it's just better to see what happens.
5-9-16@8:49 am
The cliff-bound GOP gives many, many of us mild satisfaction, if not more.
What concerns us is what will happen to the country under the one likely to be the victor.
I can't break out any swell graphs or slogans from Brookings or Pew but a lot of folks seem convinced that the likely victor isn't the best our country of over 300 million people can produce-- and that we stand to suffer for our failure.
What concerns us is what will happen to the country under the one likely to be the victor.
I can't break out any swell graphs or slogans from Brookings or Pew but a lot of folks seem convinced that the likely victor isn't the best our country of over 300 million people can produce-- and that we stand to suffer for our failure.
16
I suggest that, if we want "the best our country of over 300 million people can produce," we make significant changes to our electoral process and modify what we expect of the candidates who run for office.
At this point, for example, running for the office of POTUS requires a commitment to approximately two years on the campaign trail (and away from family), massive amounts of money (which go primarily to political operatives and media outlets), and outsize egos. In addition, we need to elect respectable individuals and then . . . treat them with respect! That means placing emphasis again on the seriousness of office. The "Joe Wilson moments" must become unacceptable. (Joe Wilson, instead, was rewarded with large financial contributions.) And we must temper our demands that we know everything about every candidate. I, for one, would not run for such an office because I would not be willing to share my income tax returns. Why? Because, simply, they are no one's business but mine.
I'm sure there are many highly competent, knowledgeable possible candidates who feel the same.
At this point, for example, running for the office of POTUS requires a commitment to approximately two years on the campaign trail (and away from family), massive amounts of money (which go primarily to political operatives and media outlets), and outsize egos. In addition, we need to elect respectable individuals and then . . . treat them with respect! That means placing emphasis again on the seriousness of office. The "Joe Wilson moments" must become unacceptable. (Joe Wilson, instead, was rewarded with large financial contributions.) And we must temper our demands that we know everything about every candidate. I, for one, would not run for such an office because I would not be willing to share my income tax returns. Why? Because, simply, they are no one's business but mine.
I'm sure there are many highly competent, knowledgeable possible candidates who feel the same.
4
And the people deserve to suffer, for being ignorant.
US politics is so toxic that smart people avoid it to protect their own sanity.
I can only imagine our Founding Fathers looking down from heaven congratulating themselves on developing a system that self corrects. After all the years of posturing and hating the GOP is being shown the door. A wholesale cleansing and recalibrating is exactly what they intended when things run off the rails.
Oh by the way, they are having quite a belly laugh because they couldn't imagine a more ridiculous and comical leader of this crazy brigade.
Oh by the way, they are having quite a belly laugh because they couldn't imagine a more ridiculous and comical leader of this crazy brigade.
29
As they desired to get rid of monarchies with rights of succession, I'm not sure they would be so happy about their country where, if Clinton wins, the presidency will have been in the hands of just two families in 24 of 32 years.
1
It might only take a couple of exogenous factors to change the heavenly (largely slaveowning) founding fathers' self-congratulation to Colonel Kurtz' moaning "the horror, the horror."
To both you and Charles, never underestimate Hillary's ability to drive her campaign right off a cliff, such as her crowing about putting coal miners and coal companies out of business.
Mencken said it best: "Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people."
To both you and Charles, never underestimate Hillary's ability to drive her campaign right off a cliff, such as her crowing about putting coal miners and coal companies out of business.
Mencken said it best: "Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people."
2
If only this were a comedy... and not a full blown tragedy.
Yeah, I remember reading the same kind of stuff before the GOP won the Senate. Donald Trump will do fine. And there will be plenty of egg on plenty of faces.
10
LOL! Trump will not win ONE blue state! and will certainly lose a few red ones. This disenfranchized minority--the trumpers--is a small % of the total voter population--but--being white (Make America WHITE Again?) and being outrageous and violent--they have garnered an absurd amount of press coverage.
Trump will not "do fine." He has not in the past "done fine"--he is not "doing fine" now--and he certainly has little chance of winning anything besides the repub. nomination--and even this is still not a sure thing.
Trump will not "do fine." He has not in the past "done fine"--he is not "doing fine" now--and he certainly has little chance of winning anything besides the repub. nomination--and even this is still not a sure thing.
The GOP is not blaming; it's celebrating. It's pretending to be alarmed but as long as more tax cuts for the 1% remain untouched, then nothing else matters.
40
@David Henry,
You're definitely on to something. Why should they give a damn as long as their financial picture stays the same?
5-9-16@8:51 am
You're definitely on to something. Why should they give a damn as long as their financial picture stays the same?
5-9-16@8:51 am
1
Trump is the perfect leader for the racist, xenophobic white men. He slurs his speech frequently, so he just sounds like the drunk who won't stop calling. I'm stocking up on Maalox & keeping the remote handy to mute him. I've had it as he's not amusing anymore.
29
He never was amusing.
1
The situation is stressful to say the least we all know how pools work toward the end of the day. What is GOP stands for one wonders look at the candidates tried to dip their feet. Trump was solely created by media with their 24/7 coverage what an irresponsible act.
Ben Howe author of Red Sate is going to vote for HER he said, he can not recognize his party anymore .
HER meaning Hillary Clinton will by fighting the attack machine from Trump, then comes Mr. Sanders who would not stop attacking HER in spite of requests from the Democratic Party leaders so easy for Trump tois borrow his lines..
More than six months of a very long ride left even though I am with HER, so said Bill Maher if Hill becomes the nominee that`s whom he would be voting for.
Ben Howe author of Red Sate is going to vote for HER he said, he can not recognize his party anymore .
HER meaning Hillary Clinton will by fighting the attack machine from Trump, then comes Mr. Sanders who would not stop attacking HER in spite of requests from the Democratic Party leaders so easy for Trump tois borrow his lines..
More than six months of a very long ride left even though I am with HER, so said Bill Maher if Hill becomes the nominee that`s whom he would be voting for.
16
Hey, it's a democracy. Nothing wrong with giving folks the chance to vote for Bernie 'til the convention. Don't demonize Sanders and his supporters. Clinton will need them in November.
1
@James Kidney, nothing wrong with that..But Bernie Sanders needs to change his rhetoric and focus on Trump not on Hillary Clinton by trying to diminishing her chances to beat Trump.
After all he is running on a Democratic platform.
After all he is running on a Democratic platform.
1
Donald Trump used to have lunch frequently, as I have read, with Hillary Trump, I mean Hillary Clinton, at a famous watering hole for the rich and powerful. I contend, or at least strongly suggest, that he engineered a brilliant campaign for Hillary Clinton by posing as a Republican running on the opposite ticket.
He comes from upper middle class real estate, not an Ivy stockbroker from Wall Street, nor would he be seen in the same room with the likes of Mike Huckabee, Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell. For all of his racist theatrics, and I do believe they were done simply for free media coverage to win, and nothing more, he is the best candidate the Republican Party has to offer, because as we all know, it is made up of ordinary people first, who all selected him and who were not impressed by the Koch Brothers financial thuggery of superpacs by the dozen.
He comes from upper middle class real estate, not an Ivy stockbroker from Wall Street, nor would he be seen in the same room with the likes of Mike Huckabee, Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell. For all of his racist theatrics, and I do believe they were done simply for free media coverage to win, and nothing more, he is the best candidate the Republican Party has to offer, because as we all know, it is made up of ordinary people first, who all selected him and who were not impressed by the Koch Brothers financial thuggery of superpacs by the dozen.
12
You're right. For all Trump's blow hearted statements he still is more rationale than any of the other Republican candidates or members of Congress who still refuse to stay the invasion of Iraq was wrong or want to cut funding for Planned Parenthood based on tapes long since proven to be phony.
@Maximillian La Cornise,
You're not the first to suggest that Trump's candidacy was designed to get Clinton back into the W H, this time as Prez. If it is true, it seems awfully risky, since people are voting for him. If it is true, whether that plot backfires or not, it goes a bit of a way toward nullifying any argument that Clinton or her voters have about Trump. I remember the photo of all of them at Trump's wedding reception.
5-9-16@8:39 am
You're not the first to suggest that Trump's candidacy was designed to get Clinton back into the W H, this time as Prez. If it is true, it seems awfully risky, since people are voting for him. If it is true, whether that plot backfires or not, it goes a bit of a way toward nullifying any argument that Clinton or her voters have about Trump. I remember the photo of all of them at Trump's wedding reception.
5-9-16@8:39 am
3
All of which is true, but what stops him from accidentally WINNING?
2
I hope that the media does not continue to provide yuge amounts of free coverage ie publicity to this ridiculous no-nothing candidate. Just say no.
39
President Obama comments on the 2016 election season “I just want to emphasize the degree to which we are in serious times and this is a really serious job. This is not entertainment. This is not a reality show. This is a contest for the presidency of the United States. ” Sounds to me like Trump is really starting to get under the skin of both the established political party's, it will be interesting to watch how this plays out....
10
yeah.......but Obama's statements were true.
4
What amazes me is how detached voters are in the face of this coming election. I just hope that too many of them don't just sit on their hands, as they've done in recent midterms, do not perform their most important civic duty and "watch how this plays out..."
1
What bothered me about Obama was that when African-American leaders like John Lewis falsely said Sanders had no involvement in the civil rights movement he didn't step in and correct them.
1
He is all they got now and it isn't in the what they want but they will come around if the delegates don't usurp Trump.
2
To paraphrase another Republicant war criminal, Donald Rumsfeld: "You go to war with the candidate you've got, not the candidate you'd like to have?"
1
For thirty years we have been unhappy, with no none of the above box to check. Trump is the none of the above box. Don't get complacent. This electorate is thrashing mad.
28
I guess the ballot this time could simply read "evil" and the "lesser of two evils" which is probably how most people will vote depending upon which candidate they put in which group. Not exactly how one would hope democracy to work.
Trump is the logical conclusion of the last fifty years of Republican strategy. The ignorant, bellicose, whining, xenophoic, racist fringe has always been part of the electorate. Trump has just conjured them from the shadows again. Nothing new. Remember, Reagan kicked off his campaign from Philadelphia MIssissippi.
What's new is that Trump scrapped away all of the coded phrases, eg 'welfare queens', 'liberal media', 'activist judges'. I guess it's the KISS principle.
But who is really to blame for Trump is all of us voters who didn't bother to show up at the polls over the past fifty years.
What's new is that Trump scrapped away all of the coded phrases, eg 'welfare queens', 'liberal media', 'activist judges'. I guess it's the KISS principle.
But who is really to blame for Trump is all of us voters who didn't bother to show up at the polls over the past fifty years.
79
I am loving the irony. The Republican party decided to take an obstructionist, uncompromising approach to governing, in the hopes that people would blame it on the Democratic president and they would finally get a true conservative in the white house. Instead, it was their their own party that got fed up and rejected the conservative candidates as too establishment. Any attempt to front a third party conservative candidate is a double-down on that failed strategy. Sure it will keep Trump out, but they really need to rethink their approach to governing, and provide real service to their constiuency in order to win.
116
Trump's rise to "the top" isn't because of pain. It's because Republicans were too sissyish to stop him from the beginning. They all knew he didn't have a clue what he was talking about from the beginning, but they were all so afraid of his bullying, they created this monster.
For example, John McCain is calling on Trump to apologize to all veterans now because of Trump's "captured" statements. No, the Republican Party should have called out Donald Trump when he criticized Joh McCain. Instead, they, like sissies on the playground, stood back and let the Donald beat up on a man who has been a public servant for years, not only in the military, but in Congress too. I am far from a John McCain woman, but there does come a time for respect, unless you're Donald Trump.
Maybe Trump will give Sarah Palin the opportunity to run again - as his VP.
That would suit the Trump followers, just fine. And how indicative of those supporters! Palin, who ran with McCain, endorses Donald Trump, the very man who criticized and tried to demean McCain right before Palin and everyone else's eyes. They all let him get away with it.
The Republican Party - party of the weak, party of the confused, party of the lack of leadership....you got what you asked for - now deal with it. Bullying and allowing bullying only weakens the whole, as has been clearly demonstrated here.
For example, John McCain is calling on Trump to apologize to all veterans now because of Trump's "captured" statements. No, the Republican Party should have called out Donald Trump when he criticized Joh McCain. Instead, they, like sissies on the playground, stood back and let the Donald beat up on a man who has been a public servant for years, not only in the military, but in Congress too. I am far from a John McCain woman, but there does come a time for respect, unless you're Donald Trump.
Maybe Trump will give Sarah Palin the opportunity to run again - as his VP.
That would suit the Trump followers, just fine. And how indicative of those supporters! Palin, who ran with McCain, endorses Donald Trump, the very man who criticized and tried to demean McCain right before Palin and everyone else's eyes. They all let him get away with it.
The Republican Party - party of the weak, party of the confused, party of the lack of leadership....you got what you asked for - now deal with it. Bullying and allowing bullying only weakens the whole, as has been clearly demonstrated here.
72
That is a serious point, I agree. When Mr. Trump smeared Sen. McCain, he was also attacking every American prisoner of war. He himself was close to a draft dodger on Vietnam, with a bone spur or something that kept him out of the draft but didn't hurt his athletics at the time.
I had a brother in Afghanistan not that long ago. The United States supports its military personnel whether they are in a war zone, prisoners or at home. That must be an absolute and is the least that those who have volunteered to serve in the military have the right to expect.
This is a man who is trying to become the Commander in Chief. Would he throw away American prisoners of war? He has already said he would commit war crimes like killing the relatives of supposed terrorists (blood guilt like medieval tyrants would do). He has said he would commit torture, another war crime.
John McCain should absolutely not support Trump as candidate. In doing so, he throws away his honor but also places military personnel at risk morally and physically.
I had a brother in Afghanistan not that long ago. The United States supports its military personnel whether they are in a war zone, prisoners or at home. That must be an absolute and is the least that those who have volunteered to serve in the military have the right to expect.
This is a man who is trying to become the Commander in Chief. Would he throw away American prisoners of war? He has already said he would commit war crimes like killing the relatives of supposed terrorists (blood guilt like medieval tyrants would do). He has said he would commit torture, another war crime.
John McCain should absolutely not support Trump as candidate. In doing so, he throws away his honor but also places military personnel at risk morally and physically.
2
Trashing veterans for their service to our country has precedent. The Republicans did this to John Kerry and Max Cleland.
1
Yes, Republican poll numbers are really going down.....so this matters because?
During the 2014 election cycle when the Democrats ran away from an "unpopular president" and lost Obama was polling at 42% approval, while the Republicans in the Congress were polling at 11-12%. Polls are the tail and Democrats looked behind and not forward and that is always a losing strategy. Republicans will not be looking at their tails, but like a pack of vicious dogs, will be charging ahead with a maniac in their lead.
During the 2014 election cycle when the Democrats ran away from an "unpopular president" and lost Obama was polling at 42% approval, while the Republicans in the Congress were polling at 11-12%. Polls are the tail and Democrats looked behind and not forward and that is always a losing strategy. Republicans will not be looking at their tails, but like a pack of vicious dogs, will be charging ahead with a maniac in their lead.
13
Dumb Donald, as someone else so aptly put it, continues the tradition of ignorant Republicans who pander to their even more clueless constituency. But, you know, he's rich, so whatever he says has to be true and intelligent.
But when people find out he's not worth even close to the $11 billion he claims he is - where are your tax returns, Donald? - will the sheen come off his iron pyrite veneer?
But when people find out he's not worth even close to the $11 billion he claims he is - where are your tax returns, Donald? - will the sheen come off his iron pyrite veneer?
10
It is amazing, but this is where we have been headed for a very long time. Unless you have been asleep, it should not come as any surprise. The country has never recovered from the death of the Kennedys, of King and others, and has been frozen in time since the passage of the Civil Rights Act and Vietnam. We are a country at odds with itself, in a place and time that is really not very much different in sentiment since the Nixon days, except more overt and subversive. This was brought home to me some years ago, while driving through a rather backwater small town in upstate NY, where a young man on a corner had a stand and was handing out "Impeach Obama" leaflets. In all honesty, I truly tried to see and understand this young man's point of view, but it was not only groundless, it was incoherent. Because a law is passed extending health care in an affordable way to people who have been without it and sorely needed it in many cases, and this area was filled with people like that, some came to the conclusion that this was UnAmerican and that Obama should be impeached. The fact that there were many hands and reasoned minds involved in the whole process surrounding the passage of this legislation (Ms. Pelosi probably deserving far more credit than anyone else), the man was blaming the whole thing on Obama. This became, or apparently already was, the illness of the Republican Party. What will they do when they no longer have Obama to kick around? Disintegrate?
55
Blow has the right title but to me only partly backs it up. The GOP has it self to blame because they have consistently played to the lowest common denominator for at least the past 25 years. Starting wars for no reason. Making up ridiculous excuses against fair taxation, gun control, corporate corruption, a sane defense budget, you name it. The past seven years all they have done is obstruct with no vision except stop the President at all costs ... at the expense of the good of the country. This whole situation with the supreme court pick is a prime example. And they justify it with sheer nonsense. So now in Trump they have the lowest common denominator. Good Luck ..........
Orange, NJ
Orange, NJ
81
@r,
There's a LOT Blow misses. That's something he seems to excel at.
5-9-16@9:17 am
There's a LOT Blow misses. That's something he seems to excel at.
5-9-16@9:17 am
2
Like our ancestors in the 1930s, Americans of this generation face a 'rendezvous with destiny,' at least in the sense that a Trump victory would mark a major departure from our political tradition. We have on occasion chosen demagogues to represent us on the state level and in Congress. But Americans have always reserved the presidency for individuals who, even if unworthy of the office, always sought to preserve popular government.
In Donald Trump, however, the GOP will soon officially anoint a candidate who has openly espoused views that contradict the principles of individual rights and limited government that form the basis of our constitutional system. Even if his comments about torture, the expulsion of millions of illegal immigrants and the ban on Muslim immigration reflect merely the cynical calculations of a man who seeks to assemble a winning coalition, those promises illuminate a set of values potentially fatal to the survival of a free society.
Some pundits have attempted to explain this man's popularity by focusing on the deep alienation felt by many voters who have not benefited from globalization. This analysis, while partially true, ignores the strain of authoritarianism in American culture that has always infected southern politics and also helped create the big city machines in the north.
Trump embodies an authentic tendency of our political culture, and the election will determine if that tendency achieves dominance, even if only temporarily.
In Donald Trump, however, the GOP will soon officially anoint a candidate who has openly espoused views that contradict the principles of individual rights and limited government that form the basis of our constitutional system. Even if his comments about torture, the expulsion of millions of illegal immigrants and the ban on Muslim immigration reflect merely the cynical calculations of a man who seeks to assemble a winning coalition, those promises illuminate a set of values potentially fatal to the survival of a free society.
Some pundits have attempted to explain this man's popularity by focusing on the deep alienation felt by many voters who have not benefited from globalization. This analysis, while partially true, ignores the strain of authoritarianism in American culture that has always infected southern politics and also helped create the big city machines in the north.
Trump embodies an authentic tendency of our political culture, and the election will determine if that tendency achieves dominance, even if only temporarily.
16
The Republican Party has, for all intents and purposes, abandoned national politics. Trump, Clinton, Sanders, it doesn't matter; Kansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma are going to still be Kansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
It's a lot easier -- and cheaper -- for the Kochs to buy governors and state legislatures than to buy US congressmen. They read the bumper sticker, and they're thinking globally and acting locally.
It's a lot easier -- and cheaper -- for the Kochs to buy governors and state legislatures than to buy US congressmen. They read the bumper sticker, and they're thinking globally and acting locally.
19
Initially, as I recall it, the Republican House of Representatives thought that they could control the new Tea Partiers elected to stop Obama and the ACA. They thought they could control Ted Cruz in the Senate. They thought they could somehow manage to operate the Senate and House to bring good governance to Washington. All they managed to do was bring Washington to a stand still. These bozos can't even begin hearings to the nomination of a Supreme Court judge.
Republican "leadership" and their concession to the radical right wing of the party, has brought this nation closer, and closer to a stand still. They will continue to concede to radicals and scalawags within their own midst as long as the party faithful allow them to do so. This party needs to either dissolve itself, or the leadership needs to assert control and some civil sense.
Republican "leadership" and their concession to the radical right wing of the party, has brought this nation closer, and closer to a stand still. They will continue to concede to radicals and scalawags within their own midst as long as the party faithful allow them to do so. This party needs to either dissolve itself, or the leadership needs to assert control and some civil sense.
27
It's Mitch McConnell - not the tea party coalition - that immediately announced that the Senate would refuse to consider a replacement for Scalia.
1
Here in Ohio, our House rep, Brad Wenstrup said he would support Trump. Our district is so gerrymandered that it will never hurt him. However you can't gerrymander the Senate,. Sadly, Ohio Senator Rob Portman, who is up for reelection said he will support "the nominee". Just because he won't say Trump's name doesn't distance himself from what is an endorsement for Trump.
It is stunning and embarrassing to me, that GOP elected officials in Ohio won't stand up and declare they will not support Trump. House Speaker Ryan speaks of putting country before party yet the GOP mantra for the last 7 plus years has been obstruction before country. Their lack of commitment to governing and compromise has caused our country to grind to a standstill.
They deserve Trump and all the issues he brings to their party. The people don't deserve Trump or the party that allowed him to be the GOP nominee.
It is stunning and embarrassing to me, that GOP elected officials in Ohio won't stand up and declare they will not support Trump. House Speaker Ryan speaks of putting country before party yet the GOP mantra for the last 7 plus years has been obstruction before country. Their lack of commitment to governing and compromise has caused our country to grind to a standstill.
They deserve Trump and all the issues he brings to their party. The people don't deserve Trump or the party that allowed him to be the GOP nominee.
42
"Donald Trump is the last demagogue standing. He is their presumptive nominee. Their party belongs to him. It’s a YUUGE … disaster."
Wether the Republican elites like it or not, that's where they are. They embrace Donald Trump or get used to President Hillary for at least four years. When they finally admit a third Party option leads nowhere because Trump's voters aren't going anywhere. And they would need them to be successful.
If they choose Hillary, all thy have to do stay home and save their money for the next fight. If they can't stomach that, they have to support Donald, and I mean Bigtime. Either way, they can forget about Happy Days until 2020 at the earliest.
Wether the Republican elites like it or not, that's where they are. They embrace Donald Trump or get used to President Hillary for at least four years. When they finally admit a third Party option leads nowhere because Trump's voters aren't going anywhere. And they would need them to be successful.
If they choose Hillary, all thy have to do stay home and save their money for the next fight. If they can't stomach that, they have to support Donald, and I mean Bigtime. Either way, they can forget about Happy Days until 2020 at the earliest.
7
I think the Gallup CEO has it right that the underlying issue, the elephant in the room, is not the incompetency of government, but it's underlying corruption. The average Joe the plumber wonders why each political party is tripping over one another in the race to spend perhaps three billion dollars on the current election. How will that investment return to the average American, Joe wonders?
Moreover, what compels average politicians at either end of the ballot to feaverishly spent most of their day on the phone seeking donations to finance their next election(60 Minutes, May 1, 2016)? Joe wonders why the average politician does not better spend his/her time speaking to members of their districts?
If the Gallup CEO reports is accurate, they are on the phone because underlying corruption upon which contemporary political structures are built is the case, and for them to succeed in such a structure, it would take a lot of money, Joe thinks.
He wonders if the best career choice for a young person with or without a college education is to seek political office and would their motivation be to acquire differential wealth and power such as that which is now accessible to the political class if,indeed, The Gallup findings are a trure reflection of voter sentiment.
Joe is scanning for a few good examples of this corruption, but he discounts the Gallup findings because he believes all politicians are honest people, committed to truth, justice and the American Way. He finds none.
Moreover, what compels average politicians at either end of the ballot to feaverishly spent most of their day on the phone seeking donations to finance their next election(60 Minutes, May 1, 2016)? Joe wonders why the average politician does not better spend his/her time speaking to members of their districts?
If the Gallup CEO reports is accurate, they are on the phone because underlying corruption upon which contemporary political structures are built is the case, and for them to succeed in such a structure, it would take a lot of money, Joe thinks.
He wonders if the best career choice for a young person with or without a college education is to seek political office and would their motivation be to acquire differential wealth and power such as that which is now accessible to the political class if,indeed, The Gallup findings are a trure reflection of voter sentiment.
Joe is scanning for a few good examples of this corruption, but he discounts the Gallup findings because he believes all politicians are honest people, committed to truth, justice and the American Way. He finds none.
7
I read a column once about a 19th century person named Brownston. I can't recall all the article but one thing I do remember.
He wondered how a Congressman barely worth his salary could be elected and then be worth a $100,000 or $200,000 when he left office.
I felt then that the only thing that had changed about a congressman was inflation. New when he leaves he's worth millions.
He wondered how a Congressman barely worth his salary could be elected and then be worth a $100,000 or $200,000 when he left office.
I felt then that the only thing that had changed about a congressman was inflation. New when he leaves he's worth millions.
1
Yet another prediction from a pundit who seems to know it all. While I admit Mr. Blow's common use of statistics lends credibility to his arguments, he is yet again launching his argument from sensibilities that long ago departed from this election cycle.
The wheels are falling off everywhere. Voters have had it with D.C. the attitude that those in government know better than everyone else. The gov't. is of the people, remember? The people have woken up to the fact that this is no longer true. We want it back, even if it means putting an egotistical blowhard behind the wheel. And that goes for HRC as well. That's all is election cycle is.
Columnists and pundits have to pay the bills too, so keep publishing the opinions of those that no longer understand what is happening to the rest of us. Just don't expect us to take any of it seriously.
The wheels are falling off everywhere. Voters have had it with D.C. the attitude that those in government know better than everyone else. The gov't. is of the people, remember? The people have woken up to the fact that this is no longer true. We want it back, even if it means putting an egotistical blowhard behind the wheel. And that goes for HRC as well. That's all is election cycle is.
Columnists and pundits have to pay the bills too, so keep publishing the opinions of those that no longer understand what is happening to the rest of us. Just don't expect us to take any of it seriously.
15
Mitt Romney won 60% of the Caucasian vote (18 million more then Obama) and STILL lost by 5 million in the popular vote. Trump isn't winning 60% of the white vote against Hillary and in case you haven't noticed but Blacks, Hispanics, Asians and other minorities all vote democrat 75-80% of the time. Trump ain't changing that. You thought it was a coincidence the sudden concern for voter fraud and the passage of voter ID laws (when zero voter fraud has been prosecuted)? This race will be a blow out - get used to President Hillary Clinton. Even the prominent Republicans know it.
Trump candidacy is like a bad bad movie. The problem is just like a bad movie one wants to see what's the end. People will see this bad movie play out to the bitter end. Problem is this bad movie may end up getting an Oscar.
5
If I can, I walk out of a bad movie. I wish I could do the same here (or wake up and find out it was all a bad dream....)
@Eraven,
Yep. An Oscar when the bad movie should be getting an Razzie instead.
Some are lucky though. For those with duo-citizenship or lots of $$$, they can walk out of that movie if they've had enough. Justin Trudeau jokingly offered asylum for Americans if Trump gets sworn in. That joke was never funny to me. I like maple syrup from Vermont. But, the Canadian syrup is good, too....
5-9-16@9:25 am
Yep. An Oscar when the bad movie should be getting an Razzie instead.
Some are lucky though. For those with duo-citizenship or lots of $$$, they can walk out of that movie if they've had enough. Justin Trudeau jokingly offered asylum for Americans if Trump gets sworn in. That joke was never funny to me. I like maple syrup from Vermont. But, the Canadian syrup is good, too....
5-9-16@9:25 am
1
Republicans need to get a third party candidate going for the simple reason to at least support someone sane. They can worry about the next presidential election and save themselves seats in Congress.
4
At this point, in how many states is it too late to get an independent on the ballot? Mikey Bloomberg thought that he had to commit to that cause by mid-MARCH in order to get petitions circulated in fifty states. It's now mid-MAY...
1
it's worth noting that Trump differs only in STYLE from the 2016 GOP candidates. They essentially agree with his ideas.
13
As a student of philosophy and history, this is what social change looks like. The difference in this epochal moment is that this reconfiguration of shared values and common sense is unlike its default state, which we barely realize, but is on steroids. The way our society will look to ourselves, and to future historians, is still opaque, but is less so every day. Pay close attention to this rare historic moment because it will inform nothing less than what we ourselves become. Keep in mind that all historic seismic shifts share the quality of confusion and alienation, what sociologists call anomie, or lack of clear rules of life and social interaction. Its somewhat misleading to compare this period with when the fifties turned into the sixties, because the future shape is still unclear, but not regarding the magnitude of the difference of how we will view our lives, and our place in society. But we can now choose, putting it a bit simplistically, to be scared or to be amazed.
9
OK Charles, and the rest of the punditry too. Listen UP!
Stop just writing off Trump, with "The polls show..." Remember last fall? No one thought he had a chance. Wise up. The only sure way that we will not be saying anything other than President Trump is to have someone like Kochs run a third party candidate. The more Republicans who publicly endorse Hillary, the higher the percentage of voters who turn to Trump.
The GOP only has itself to blame, but we are all going to suffer for it. The likelihood that the nation will turn to an outsider - and Bernie supporters, look at history and the make up of the states, it will be the Republican outsider, because we are really a pretty conservative nation - is a lot higher than polls suggest.
If were Queen of the Universe, I'd be working on getting that third party guy in there; and if I were Debbie Wasserman, I would be doing something, anything to assure a few more Democratic Senators. Unfortunately I have no faith that either will happen.
Stop just writing off Trump, with "The polls show..." Remember last fall? No one thought he had a chance. Wise up. The only sure way that we will not be saying anything other than President Trump is to have someone like Kochs run a third party candidate. The more Republicans who publicly endorse Hillary, the higher the percentage of voters who turn to Trump.
The GOP only has itself to blame, but we are all going to suffer for it. The likelihood that the nation will turn to an outsider - and Bernie supporters, look at history and the make up of the states, it will be the Republican outsider, because we are really a pretty conservative nation - is a lot higher than polls suggest.
If were Queen of the Universe, I'd be working on getting that third party guy in there; and if I were Debbie Wasserman, I would be doing something, anything to assure a few more Democratic Senators. Unfortunately I have no faith that either will happen.
5
Cathu writes: "Stop just writing off Trump, with "The polls show..." Remember last fall? No one thought he had a chance. Wise up."
Actually the polls last fall had him ahead for the GOP nomination. "No one thought" and what the polls show are two different things. Polls have been pretty accurate so far.
When pundits dismissed his chances last fall it wasn't based on polls, it was despite them. Your ridicule of Blow citing what "polls show" is misplaced, polls have been pretty good predictors. They showed him ahead for the nomination, and he got it, and now they show him getting trounced in the general election. And that will happen also
Actually the polls last fall had him ahead for the GOP nomination. "No one thought" and what the polls show are two different things. Polls have been pretty accurate so far.
When pundits dismissed his chances last fall it wasn't based on polls, it was despite them. Your ridicule of Blow citing what "polls show" is misplaced, polls have been pretty good predictors. They showed him ahead for the nomination, and he got it, and now they show him getting trounced in the general election. And that will happen also
4
@Jeo,
Well, we'll find out. Won't we?
5-9-16@9:29 am
Well, we'll find out. Won't we?
5-9-16@9:29 am
1
Charles Blow is completely correct. However, what is so striking to me is how each side is unable to see the demagoguery of the other side. Trump plays on the economic fears and changes in social mores of the country to demonize minorities, women, foreigners, international foes and anyone who he can attach his brand of opportunistic hatred. The Democrats play on economic fears by blaming Wall Street, entrepreneurs, the 1%, foreign competitors, for all economic woes and unlike Trump who wants to erect a wall and ban Muslims, the Democrats want to take out their wrath by taxing people as through high taxes will improve the lot of the middle class.
Both sides bound this country to a future of perpetual internecine warfare. Hatred will grown, the country will become more divide, solutions are replaced with hateful rhetoric and the people of the Unites States lose while the politicians gleefully get reelected.
Both sides bound this country to a future of perpetual internecine warfare. Hatred will grown, the country will become more divide, solutions are replaced with hateful rhetoric and the people of the Unites States lose while the politicians gleefully get reelected.
5
Be careful what you pray for. The overt hatred of Obama created Trump. Where were these principled gentlemen of the right when Trump was leading the birther charge? Which of them cried foul when the president was called liar at his first State of the Union? Now when the monster that they nurtured, has turned on them they want us to believe they have principles? I guess no one ever told the right that after the genie grants the required three wishes he is not required to go back into the bottle. If Paul Ryan thinks he can get Trump to go to charm school, he is whistling Dixie. It is refreshing to see the GOP pay the price for their past transgressions. Napoleon had his Waterloo Romney had his 47% and now the right is having its Trump. How does the right explain to the millions of their party members that they are Rubes for voting for Trump?.
12
So, Mr. Blow - which one of the sixteen not-so-sweet Republican candidates would you have preferred to get the nomination?
It is not just the "poorly educated" who have rejected them all.
It is not just the "poorly educated" who have rejected them all.
14
@Vexray,
I get the impression that the Repub candidates mean zilch to Mr. Blow. With him, it's Hilary, Hillary, Hillary. Gandhi, King Solomon, Harriet Tubman or Susan B. Anthony could be alive, Blow would still want Hillary. The only thing Blow hasn't done is announce his plans ask Hillary to leave Bill so he can propose to her.
5-9-16@9:36 am
I get the impression that the Repub candidates mean zilch to Mr. Blow. With him, it's Hilary, Hillary, Hillary. Gandhi, King Solomon, Harriet Tubman or Susan B. Anthony could be alive, Blow would still want Hillary. The only thing Blow hasn't done is announce his plans ask Hillary to leave Bill so he can propose to her.
5-9-16@9:36 am
2
The Trumpster isn't the only one engaging in bluster, pomposity and hyperbole as main talking points.
"He's a DISASTER! He'll DESTROY THE COUNTRY!!" Etc., etc., etc. This comes from every established media orifice in this country. Oh how the established order is in a tizzy over this.
To which I must say...."Really?" Come on folks! I'll admit I am no fan of the Trumpster (nor of the Clintonistas for that matter). I will not vote for him in the general. But regardless the country will survive him. As Blow, himself, admits Trump is simply a manifestation of the country's underlying sentiment. It's citizens are unhappy. I suggest the ruling Plutocratic elites in the leadership class need to wake up to this reality. It ain't about Trump. It's about doing what is necessary to insuring the common good. For all of us. Not just for the 1%. They need to start doing their job of governance from that perspective; or else Americans, we who believe in no King, will fire them.
"He's a DISASTER! He'll DESTROY THE COUNTRY!!" Etc., etc., etc. This comes from every established media orifice in this country. Oh how the established order is in a tizzy over this.
To which I must say...."Really?" Come on folks! I'll admit I am no fan of the Trumpster (nor of the Clintonistas for that matter). I will not vote for him in the general. But regardless the country will survive him. As Blow, himself, admits Trump is simply a manifestation of the country's underlying sentiment. It's citizens are unhappy. I suggest the ruling Plutocratic elites in the leadership class need to wake up to this reality. It ain't about Trump. It's about doing what is necessary to insuring the common good. For all of us. Not just for the 1%. They need to start doing their job of governance from that perspective; or else Americans, we who believe in no King, will fire them.
8
The Right ignores inconvenient evidence of many, many kinds: climate change, austerity, evolution, guns.... So why would the rest of us be surprised that the Right would plow ahead and also ignore Reince Priebus's GOP Party post-mortem after the Romney defeat and shamelessly lie to the country about the presidential fitness of its 17 immature, angry, snide, mean, racist, fact-denying candidates?
7
For the past three decades, you have a national party proclaiming "Government is the problem". (that little gift from St. Ronnie of the Alzheimers which keeps on giving.) Then you have a loose network of talk radio hosts and a national TV channel poisoning the ethos with lies of government corruption. Now, we all are surprised no one believes in our governing and social institutions?
All on you Republican conservatives.
All on you Republican conservatives.
24
Lies of government corruption? Seriously? I'm not a Republican, but an Independent liberal who doesn't watch Fox News (or any TV news shows). But maybe you want to have a look at the indictments and convictions lately in NY, CA, RI, NJ, etc., just for starters. These aren't exactly red states either. This might give you a slight clue as to why people don't believe in our governing or social institutions.
Whitewater, Vince Foster's suicide, Benghazi and probably Hillary's eMails.
Yes, we all should pursue criminal activities, but there is a lot made up here on the national stage.
Yes, we all should pursue criminal activities, but there is a lot made up here on the national stage.
Let's consider the GOP veeps over the past almost 64 years. Nixon, Agnew, Quayle, Cheney, and Palin. Who's next? The dog catcher? The devolution of Lincoln's party.
12
You forgot Ford, Rockefeller and Poppy Bush, and, thankfully, Palin never got there.
1
One of the leaders of the "birther" movement, Trump, will soon be the "leader" of the GOP, whose party leadership cynically used Trump and others to de-legitimize President Obama. Now the GOP is finding itself in a quandary. How ironic!
As Haile Selassie once said, "Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph."
As Haile Selassie once said, "Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph."
20
The GOP is breaking into 2 parties, like many suspected would happen: The MeanSelfish v. the PartyofCrazy.
We honestly don't know what Trump believes. 2 years ago, he paid 3 staffers to listen to conservative talk radio for months & report what the hot button issues were: get illegals out of the U.S., keep Muslims out of the U.S. Hence his 2 favored policies.
This is the triumph of a marketing applied to electoral politics - learn through huge amateur focus groups what his audience wants, play a character who would be 'for' those things.
This is a new paradigm for electoral politics - run on whatever a large radio/social media audience wants. The hell with the old GOP establishment/Adelson/Koch Brothers. Go directly to the 'client.'
Is this a better way or simply more stupid? It doesn't seem any more dishonest than the Koch Brothers deciding what the GOP stands for or presenting G.H.W. Bush as a character who loves beef jerky.
Trump threatening Paul Ryan the minute he had the 'presumptive nomination' is outrageous - saying essentially "I own this party now, loser," while roping 'buddy in insanity' Sarah Palin in to say she'll 'primary' Ryan out of office.
This is internal procedural HARDBALL we've never seen before from a party of ideological HARDBALL that obstructed Obama, painted John Kerry as a traitor, blocked Medicaid & hates free school lunches for poor kids.
Party of Reagan meet Party of Twitter.
It couldn't happen to a meaner bunch of guys.
We honestly don't know what Trump believes. 2 years ago, he paid 3 staffers to listen to conservative talk radio for months & report what the hot button issues were: get illegals out of the U.S., keep Muslims out of the U.S. Hence his 2 favored policies.
This is the triumph of a marketing applied to electoral politics - learn through huge amateur focus groups what his audience wants, play a character who would be 'for' those things.
This is a new paradigm for electoral politics - run on whatever a large radio/social media audience wants. The hell with the old GOP establishment/Adelson/Koch Brothers. Go directly to the 'client.'
Is this a better way or simply more stupid? It doesn't seem any more dishonest than the Koch Brothers deciding what the GOP stands for or presenting G.H.W. Bush as a character who loves beef jerky.
Trump threatening Paul Ryan the minute he had the 'presumptive nomination' is outrageous - saying essentially "I own this party now, loser," while roping 'buddy in insanity' Sarah Palin in to say she'll 'primary' Ryan out of office.
This is internal procedural HARDBALL we've never seen before from a party of ideological HARDBALL that obstructed Obama, painted John Kerry as a traitor, blocked Medicaid & hates free school lunches for poor kids.
Party of Reagan meet Party of Twitter.
It couldn't happen to a meaner bunch of guys.
38
fastfurious: Wake up. It's also happening in the Democratic party. The people are NOT happy with either party or the way the country is going. Hillary is actually just a Republican which is why she is going after Jeb Bush's super pac and Republican leadership in her campaign. Some have even suggested she suggest a Republican as her veep. She just isn't crazy, which is about the nicest thing I can think to say of her. She is extremely devious and almost as dangerous as Trump. She certainly is as egomaniacal as Trump.
I totally agree with what Mr Blow is saying here and share his all too grim satisfaction in observing what the Republican party has done to itself.
But does he read his fellow columnists here at the Times? Seems to me that I've read this column (or something very like it) a number of times lately.
Guess he couldn't resist the opportunity to get his licks in. I suppose that there are some first time or very occasional readers, perhaps even a despairing Republican or two that generally avoid the Times, who might find it illuminating.
But does he read his fellow columnists here at the Times? Seems to me that I've read this column (or something very like it) a number of times lately.
Guess he couldn't resist the opportunity to get his licks in. I suppose that there are some first time or very occasional readers, perhaps even a despairing Republican or two that generally avoid the Times, who might find it illuminating.
3
" I suppose that there are some first time or very occasional readers, perhaps even a despairing Republican or two that generally avoid the Times, who might find it illuminating."
I've read the Times for a number of years and I can state that there is very little illuminating taking place here. Certain subjects can be counted upon to bring out the same misinformed and uninformed comments from the same writers over and over who despite being corrected with proofs never receive the illumination you think we Conservatives ought to acquire. The Times seems to have a large number of readers who are unaware of search engines that can aid them in their search for the light on any given subject. Instead they hold to their ignorance with pride and repeat the very same misinformed opinions the next time the subject is brought up.
There are a lot more Conservatives reading the paper of record than you'd believe and we have a stronger desire to be corrected than many of the Times readers from the Left.
I've read the Times for a number of years and I can state that there is very little illuminating taking place here. Certain subjects can be counted upon to bring out the same misinformed and uninformed comments from the same writers over and over who despite being corrected with proofs never receive the illumination you think we Conservatives ought to acquire. The Times seems to have a large number of readers who are unaware of search engines that can aid them in their search for the light on any given subject. Instead they hold to their ignorance with pride and repeat the very same misinformed opinions the next time the subject is brought up.
There are a lot more Conservatives reading the paper of record than you'd believe and we have a stronger desire to be corrected than many of the Times readers from the Left.
Democrats who predict utter disaster for the Republican Party in November should be careful what they wish for. First of all, it is by no means a forgone conclusion that Hillary trounces Trump. The Donald has defied all common wisdom and beaten all odds to get the nomination. Can he pull off one more surprise? I hope not, but Democrats need to take him seriously. Secondly, even if Hillary wins, a third party run might ensure the GOP keep the Senate and House, in which case Hillary's victory would be almost hollow. They'll make governing next to impossible, until they can re-group for the next presidential cycle. So the Democrats have their work cut out for them, and they should stop gloating about the GOP disfunction.
11
The FBI could be holding their indictment of Hillary to maximize a disaster for the Democrats.
3
I hope so. "Maybe it's the October Surprise"?
I can't believe that Obama and his DOJ would hold back on an indictment for after the election because of the constitutional crisis it would create.
I can't believe that Obama and his DOJ would hold back on an indictment for after the election because of the constitutional crisis it would create.
The Times, in its feckless endorsement of Hillary Clinton and minimization of all other candidates, has failed to properly assess the Trump candidacy and, even now, dismisses its potentialities. That the Nation, or a substantial part of the electorate, is fed up with the status quo of having been shafted for decades hardly raises a limp flag. When the flanks are collapsing the center cannot hold but, its still "no business as usual" in Washington, idiocy in the Statehouses and myopia in the media.
16
As a former Republican, it has been sad to see the party disintegrate since the 1980's and moderate Republicans are an endangered species. The Pew polls have also documented the decline in party over the years and the number of self identifying Republicans stands at 23% in the latest poll while independents keep rising.
9
Unfortunately Charles my party continues to ignore the real pain in America and insists on playing to the narrative that the system is rigged for the insiders. Bernie holds the power here of life and death for Hillary. It is so important and I am holding my breathe to see how the Bern uses it!
26
It is incumbent on us Bernie supporters to hold Hillary's feet on the fire till it is most likely she becomes the nominee. After that then it is also our duty to convince other Bernie supporters to vote for the Democratic Party's nominee.
11
Your fantasy about Bernie's power of "life and death" exposes your obliviousness. Who feeds you this stuff?
4
I think those of us who usually or always identify as progressives (or at least as "certainly not FoxNews Republicans") may want to be cautious in concluding "You see, we were right!" or that the only threats are from people like Sean Hannity. There is more going on. People across the spectrum are not just fed up with politics, they don't take politics seriously and so have decided to "goof on" the system.
When I was a in high school we elected my buddy who was, to be kind, the "least likely to succeed, most likely to party." He'd slept through the trig final and would, in the end, never graduate. The principle tried to overturn the election but failed. About mid-year my friend spent all the class funds on a party in his field - we'd raised the money selling candy and the vendor ended up sending letters to the high school for years - but it was a great party. We'd voted for my friend mostly because the geek who was really running was only doing it to pad his Ivy League applications. He retired from HP at age 45 a rich man but no one liked him; we decided to "goof on" the system - I can't think of a better term and that's how we said it then - we elected the happy-go-lucky "stoner" and we all had a good time for one afternoon/evening/late-into-the-night.
I think both the Donald and Bernie are manifestations of this phenomenon: we're all goofing on the system because the system has goofed on us for so long.
If it were Hillary or Ted, I'd choose my buddy and go the party!
When I was a in high school we elected my buddy who was, to be kind, the "least likely to succeed, most likely to party." He'd slept through the trig final and would, in the end, never graduate. The principle tried to overturn the election but failed. About mid-year my friend spent all the class funds on a party in his field - we'd raised the money selling candy and the vendor ended up sending letters to the high school for years - but it was a great party. We'd voted for my friend mostly because the geek who was really running was only doing it to pad his Ivy League applications. He retired from HP at age 45 a rich man but no one liked him; we decided to "goof on" the system - I can't think of a better term and that's how we said it then - we elected the happy-go-lucky "stoner" and we all had a good time for one afternoon/evening/late-into-the-night.
I think both the Donald and Bernie are manifestations of this phenomenon: we're all goofing on the system because the system has goofed on us for so long.
If it were Hillary or Ted, I'd choose my buddy and go the party!
16
That strategy was great for high school, but leave it there. It has no place in the real, adult world, as I suspect you know. Goofing on us are you?
6
He slept through the trig final? Most kids never take trig. He wasn't dumb.
Great comment! Let's elect Bernie McTrumpface!
Where, when, and how the political tsunami started are open for more discussions, while one senses the chaos as worsening because the Trump earthquake signals awesome aftershocks.
Discombobulation of the GOP cannot be taken in stride.
Overall national psychological C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-C-E in ourselves, our existence, our systems, is at stake.
The now usual & ordinary--"normative"--barrage of political obstructionism has resulted in Trump absurdity.
Contradictions--if not deliberate misconstruction of reality--are embedded in GOP politics.
Discombobulation of the GOP cannot be taken in stride.
Overall national psychological C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-C-E in ourselves, our existence, our systems, is at stake.
The now usual & ordinary--"normative"--barrage of political obstructionism has resulted in Trump absurdity.
Contradictions--if not deliberate misconstruction of reality--are embedded in GOP politics.
7
Wake up Robert. The tea party values were just wiped off the map. The People have spoken and they don't want them.
2
Yeah, it would rationally seem so, though nihilistic self-righteousness if not the proudly stubborn mode seemingly continues.
My State of GOP government has let their foolish reactionary politics close-down some rural hospitals including emergency rooms,
I had thought there would have been massive public protest by
rural whites and blacks.
The damage being done seemingly should enrage the white constituency of the GOP, but even that is not (yet) reflected by rebellious over-throwing the establishment as much as GOP Governor Nathan Deal's rational vetoes of the bathroom, liberty and gun-carrying-on campus-bills campus bills.
My State of GOP government has let their foolish reactionary politics close-down some rural hospitals including emergency rooms,
I had thought there would have been massive public protest by
rural whites and blacks.
The damage being done seemingly should enrage the white constituency of the GOP, but even that is not (yet) reflected by rebellious over-throwing the establishment as much as GOP Governor Nathan Deal's rational vetoes of the bathroom, liberty and gun-carrying-on campus-bills campus bills.
Democrats should not rest on their laurels quite yet. Given the building problems the supergdelegates are causing with Hillary's candidacy, I'm not sure we are all that much better. Americans want a hands on election, they are ALL tired of having someone intervening between their one vote and the actual presidential candidate they want in the White House. Bernie would be the likely candidate if there were not so many closed primaries. So the Dems may end up with a candidate the party wants that the people are not all that hot for and therefore can't pull out the enormous voting bloc that will be needed to win over Trump. Hillary is already drifting back to the right after her brief fling courting those of us further to the left than she.
Nevermind Nafta, she hasn't once mentioned the H1B problem in this country, and Trump has clearly said enough! Since this is an issue close to my heart (and career) - I would like her to say she will alter the H1B to ensure it is not abused or even available in areas with more than 40 people per square mile.
So before we pat our selves on our left shoulders, maybe we should pause and take stock and see how we can make our party more responsive to those people currently sending a message on the right - it's not all about capital gains folks. Sometimes its the job a US citizen cant get in Orange New Jersey. Sometimes it's about wanting my vote to simply count.
Nevermind Nafta, she hasn't once mentioned the H1B problem in this country, and Trump has clearly said enough! Since this is an issue close to my heart (and career) - I would like her to say she will alter the H1B to ensure it is not abused or even available in areas with more than 40 people per square mile.
So before we pat our selves on our left shoulders, maybe we should pause and take stock and see how we can make our party more responsive to those people currently sending a message on the right - it's not all about capital gains folks. Sometimes its the job a US citizen cant get in Orange New Jersey. Sometimes it's about wanting my vote to simply count.
54
Hillary would have the nomination sealed if only people committed enough to the principles of the Dem party to join it were permitted to vote. It's why I gave up Independent status many years ago--in order to have the right to choose the nominees of the party for which I found myself consistently voting. We have no guarantee that BS will actually deliver for the Dems. He's all about himself, much like DT. Both BS and DT are saying "my way or the highway" to the end of the Anerican Republic. I guess they think it's all right. After all, Rome fell. Step up and join, or let the party members choose the nominee. What other organizations let outsiders choose their leaders?
1
MER--great comment. No name-calling, just an honest explanation of your situation, which, by the way, reflects what everyone except retirees is facing in this country.
I have no doubt that if Hillary wanted to serve the average American, she could do it. Sadly, I have no doubt that she will not serve the average American with H1B visa reform.
I think one of the biggest companies who get paid to bring in and process H1B visa workers made a huge contribution to Clinton's campaign.
They bought her and she will likely sell you out as a result. Sickening. I hope things work out for you.
I have no doubt that if Hillary wanted to serve the average American, she could do it. Sadly, I have no doubt that she will not serve the average American with H1B visa reform.
I think one of the biggest companies who get paid to bring in and process H1B visa workers made a huge contribution to Clinton's campaign.
They bought her and she will likely sell you out as a result. Sickening. I hope things work out for you.
1
Considering the fact that Hillary cannot put away Ol' Bernie I am not so sure that Trump might not win the Oval Office.
You may be surprised to learn that some voters do not think Hillary to be as pure as the driven snow.
You may be surprised to learn that some voters do not think Hillary to be as pure as the driven snow.
46
Bernie is put away, but he chooses to continue until the last primary anyway. After all, it's not costing him anything, heh. There are not enough pledged delegates left to overcome Hillary's lead.
5
Good point. WHY can't Hillary put this away? How could the GOP nomination already be over in April for all intents & purposes -- but the Democratic primary race still battling it out?
Hillary can't close a deal. That's why she was not the nominee in 2008. She lost to an unknown Junior Senator with the middle name "Hussein". SHE ISN'T A CLOSER.
Hillary can't close a deal. That's why she was not the nominee in 2008. She lost to an unknown Junior Senator with the middle name "Hussein". SHE ISN'T A CLOSER.
4
Open your eyes, Jimmy. Bernie has been put away.
1
The Clintons, the elitists like Rubin and Summers aren't exactly blameless here either. Perhaps I should add the NYT to the list. So may lives are in the crapper in this country, that people are willing to roll the dice on crazy to upend the status quo.
134
There are clearly people here -- plus the NYT Editorial Board and all the pundits and columnists -- who are ecstatically happy with Obama and the last 7 years and don't see ANY problems.
They are all rich, and live in the ivory tower bubble of affluence -- in Manhattan or Park Slope or the DC Beltway or San Francisco. Life is good for them. They are all card-carrying members of the 1% (which starts are an affordable $365K a year!).
They are thrilled and delighted with a system that benefits them and only them. After all it's a meritocracy! and they are the winners!
The rest of us are just stupid. And redneck, low information trailer park trash from Red States. We deserve to lead miserable lives of deprivation, and then, hopefully -- die in our 50s (as all awful lower class white people should die off, because we're so evil) -- so that the proper, correct-thinking liberals can run the country. Because they'd done such a bang up job so far.
They are all rich, and live in the ivory tower bubble of affluence -- in Manhattan or Park Slope or the DC Beltway or San Francisco. Life is good for them. They are all card-carrying members of the 1% (which starts are an affordable $365K a year!).
They are thrilled and delighted with a system that benefits them and only them. After all it's a meritocracy! and they are the winners!
The rest of us are just stupid. And redneck, low information trailer park trash from Red States. We deserve to lead miserable lives of deprivation, and then, hopefully -- die in our 50s (as all awful lower class white people should die off, because we're so evil) -- so that the proper, correct-thinking liberals can run the country. Because they'd done such a bang up job so far.
2
Had the Times been fair in its coverage of the primaries, all of them, Bernie would be on the road to the White House. He is much better liked, trusted and his policies line up with the average American's desires for the country. He fares better than Hillary against Trump, but don't look to the NYT to tell you that. It would disrupt their narrative, received from the Clinton Campaign.
The Times is as culpable as the two parties they represent.
The Times is as culpable as the two parties they represent.
I wish I was as confident as the pundits are that Trump WON'T win. As time passes Mr. Trump's desire to win will compel him to dampen his rhetoric and the gap will narrow... and the highly unpopular presumptive Democrat nominee has a real possibility to be in legal hot water before this race is over... and if something bad happens to her the downticket Republicans will all jump on Board with Trump and we'll have a horrific four years in front of us... or even worse the presumptive Democrat candidate will lurch to the right to pick up "moderate" Republicans like Paul Ryan and his ilk and those of us who want money out of politics and a change in the priorities in this country will have a Hobson's choice.
I can have these nightmares or I can dream... and so for the time being, I am envisioning a rosier scenario: Trump is-what-he-is and he continues to alienate everyone except white males... and as a result every single House member who supports him is thrown out of office and every single Republican Senator loses. Given control of Congress, the presumptive nominee decides to lurch leftward. She enacts Bernie Sander's economic agenda, emphasizes voting and civil rights, and nominates Mr. Obama to serve on the Supreme Court.
I can have these nightmares or I can dream... and so for the time being, I am envisioning a rosier scenario: Trump is-what-he-is and he continues to alienate everyone except white males... and as a result every single House member who supports him is thrown out of office and every single Republican Senator loses. Given control of Congress, the presumptive nominee decides to lurch leftward. She enacts Bernie Sander's economic agenda, emphasizes voting and civil rights, and nominates Mr. Obama to serve on the Supreme Court.
18
Dream on. Phantasy is always appealing when "reality stars" are too hard to face. My concern is that the Repubs saying no will cave, because party matters more than the life of our nation--at risk of implosion if DT were to win.
2
Hey, Charles, while I am not a Trump fan, I will vote for him. Why? Hillary is a crook. A grifter. She sold America to the highest bidders for cash.
Can't wait when Trump merely carries with him Schweitzer's book, "Clinton Cash". All he has to do us ask her this: "Hillary, how does a 'dead broke' couple in 2000 make 150 million dollars in 10 years? Did you invent something? Did you have an IPO we all missed?"
Game. Set. And match.
Can't wait when Trump merely carries with him Schweitzer's book, "Clinton Cash". All he has to do us ask her this: "Hillary, how does a 'dead broke' couple in 2000 make 150 million dollars in 10 years? Did you invent something? Did you have an IPO we all missed?"
Game. Set. And match.
60
You are retailing Republican talking points here. Wouldn't it make more sense to wait till we have 5 years of Trump's tax returns before we get too righteous about the Clinton Foundation's fund raising? (After all, the Clinton Foundation has actually done something for the world. What are Trump's best known philanthropic actions?)
13
so you trust the wisdom of Trump? Why?
4
@ChiMath: are you really making the kindergarten-level argument that Clinton's honesty, or lack thereof, is dependent on Trump's? Is there really such a thing as comparative honesty?
Would you argue the same about Hitler not being a bad guy because Pol Pot also killed millions? Or should we agree that both are independently bad?
And that there's strong evidence of HRC's dishonesty, and that whether Trump cheated or not on his taxes is irrelevant to the question?
Would you argue the same about Hitler not being a bad guy because Pol Pot also killed millions? Or should we agree that both are independently bad?
And that there's strong evidence of HRC's dishonesty, and that whether Trump cheated or not on his taxes is irrelevant to the question?
2
The once Grand Old Party of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Dwight Eisenhower has now morphed into the Tea Party Church of George Bush, Sarah Palin and Donald Trump.
46
Trump and tea party are the ends of the spectrum. Trump wants nothing to do with them.
1
Abraham Lincoln would not be a member of today's GOP--or that of the last several decades. It stands for nothing he believed in.
1
The party is composed of those voting for Republican candidates; and YES Trump indeed wants their votes!
1
Seventeen rugged individuals stood together with only one unifying principle. That each one was the entitled one to be anointed the 2016 Republican nominee for president.
Trump started his xenophobic, misogynistic demagoguery taking each one down - one by one. Was there outrage? Did the candidates and party leaders take a stand saying these are unacceptable principals for the party and country? No, because this isn't against their core principles.
Only when they were down to four did the panic set in. Not because Trump was an anathema to their core social values - they don't have any. It was because he couldn't be controlled and counted on to ensure the corporations and 1% would continue to get their unfair portion of the pie. They tried to derail his train but it was too late.
Now the party of "no", of the birthers, of "you lie!", of Obama is a Muslim - suddenly is finding its values. They aren't anti-muslim, anti-women, anti-immigration reform after all and could never condone a candidate spouting such positions. The problem is so many have seen through this paper thin hypocrisy for a long time and don't buy it. Good riddance!!
Trump started his xenophobic, misogynistic demagoguery taking each one down - one by one. Was there outrage? Did the candidates and party leaders take a stand saying these are unacceptable principals for the party and country? No, because this isn't against their core principles.
Only when they were down to four did the panic set in. Not because Trump was an anathema to their core social values - they don't have any. It was because he couldn't be controlled and counted on to ensure the corporations and 1% would continue to get their unfair portion of the pie. They tried to derail his train but it was too late.
Now the party of "no", of the birthers, of "you lie!", of Obama is a Muslim - suddenly is finding its values. They aren't anti-muslim, anti-women, anti-immigration reform after all and could never condone a candidate spouting such positions. The problem is so many have seen through this paper thin hypocrisy for a long time and don't buy it. Good riddance!!
162
Nobody runs for POTUS and spends all that time, money and reputation if they don't feel somehow "entitled" to do so.
That includes Hillary and Bernie (and before them Obama, Kerry, Gore, Bill Clinton) and all the way back to George Washington.
Come on! do you think that Democrats are shy flowers, who must be cajoled into running for President?
That includes Hillary and Bernie (and before them Obama, Kerry, Gore, Bill Clinton) and all the way back to George Washington.
Come on! do you think that Democrats are shy flowers, who must be cajoled into running for President?
1
They could put their money were their mouth is and start passing bills useful to the 99%. They could conduct a hearing on Obama's supreme court pick.
Ops! No one is talking about radical change. They just don't like that Trump says aloud what the rest if them say in Romney's "quiet rooms."
Ops! No one is talking about radical change. They just don't like that Trump says aloud what the rest if them say in Romney's "quiet rooms."
2
Where does one go after the Republicans have convinced one that competent government is pipe dream?
27
Yes, the decades-long anti-government messaging the GOP has used so well has created a public that hates D.C.
There should be no glee. That a major governing party has devolved to this extent is grotesque. The republicans who are not supporting Trump are doing so out of principle, and even though I believe their conservative orthodoxy is mistaken, at least they actually believe in something other than pure political power. As for those who support Trump, or " the nominee" (haha), it will be a permanent blemish at minimum and perhaps a career-ender
17
Or worse, the end of our country.
1
Trump does not put any American in more danger except for Bernie Sanders who will tax everyone into socialism. Politicians are afraid for their jobs and no one in Washington wants any non-establishment person to see the books which are crooked. At least our financial house would be in order with Trump and not more huge government spending, fraud, taxation, and emotional abuse for the taxpaying citizens.
5
Do you know nothing about Trump's finances? Four bankruptcies in 18 years, unpaid debts to contractors, personal vendettas and much more—just one example: http://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-and-his-debts-a-narrow-escape-1451868915
Oh, maybe you're joking!
Oh, maybe you're joking!
12
False. There will be plenty of emotional abuse with Trump. There already is.
2
Trump was handed a million dollars, bankrupted four time, and faces criminal charges for fleecing those who joined his "university." Yup, he's the man to fix our economy.
1
We need a balance between liberals and conservatives. Our country has thrived when the two sides work together for the good of the country and the people they serve. The current gridlock and refusal to find common ground that will improve the lives of Americans and help us move forward from the last decade of pain, fear, and loss have caused American's to lose faith in our politicians. The party of no needs to become the party of let's work together if they hope to repair voter trust. We need checks and balances not gridlock and hopefully the Republican leaders get the message that Americans have had it with NO.
15
Ami, Dems are the party of no as much as Repubs are. Tell the Dems to stop blocking Repub efforts to reform, and sit down and negotiate with them. Believe me, there are enough establishment politicians on both sides to get them to continue the status quo. Establishment Repubs have gone to the left, and the Dems still aren't satisfied.
1
I'm not sure you get it. Sometimes NO is necessary when the other side wants to push the most extreme aspects of their agenda onto the People.
When the Opposition becomes the House and Senate majority, clashes with the President's agenda are to be expected. If Trump is elected into office, will the House Democrats suddenly become Yes-men? I doubt it.
When the Opposition becomes the House and Senate majority, clashes with the President's agenda are to be expected. If Trump is elected into office, will the House Democrats suddenly become Yes-men? I doubt it.
1
AMI, We have a balance, which is why nothing is being done. There is not enough votes on one side to get things done.
2
Agree with the columnist. For decades now, Republican leaders have allowed media figures like Rush Limbaugh or the Fox News gangsters to spout absurdities about Democrats. Thus not only has Obama been characterized not as a moderate but as the equivalent of a leftist rabble rouser.
Even when genuine issues were involved, as when the ACA was debated, Republicans who formerly supported significant parts of the law, were unable to muster the courage to defend it against the paid rabble that assembled to break up town hall meetings where the law was discussed (and yes, the Tea Party groups were bused in - paid for by dark money.
So truly, by the Trump candidacy, the Republicans reap what they have sown.
Even when genuine issues were involved, as when the ACA was debated, Republicans who formerly supported significant parts of the law, were unable to muster the courage to defend it against the paid rabble that assembled to break up town hall meetings where the law was discussed (and yes, the Tea Party groups were bused in - paid for by dark money.
So truly, by the Trump candidacy, the Republicans reap what they have sown.
40
Well...the good news is that today, the "dark money" is 100% behind your darling Hillary Clinton.
The Koch brothers have announced their support for her, and they ARE the dark money.
The Koch brothers have announced their support for her, and they ARE the dark money.
3
Those Koch boys have been playing with matches in a powder magazine, and Trump is their explosion.
1
The Trump supporters raise an interesting issue for Democrats. lets stipulate that for some of his supporters the primary issue that they relate to is economic pain, not race. If white working people feel they are doing poorly and they have not had their interest looked after by Republican or conservative elites, then is it possible that African Americans who are working class may someday feel similar resentment against Democratic liberal elites. Trump is clearly not qualified to be president, but neither Hilary Clinton nor Bernie Sanders have realistic policies policy to raise living standards. Is a minimum wage of $15 enough in a city like NYC? But most wealthy liberals do not want to reduce imports, since they allow for cheaper goods, and corporations are using technology to reduce jobs. Trump is a huckster, but he is not a conservative Republican. When supporters of Sanders use ATM machines or self check out machines at stores and then decry the loss of American jobs , I have to laugh quietly. So, Trump is a gift to Democrats who will not support Sanders and do not really want to address the concerns of working class Americans.
122
"lets stipulate that for some of his supporters the primary issue that they relate to is economic pain, not race"
Stipulate all you want, but race is the issue for GOP, at least since Nixon's "southern strategy," and your fanciful notion that blacks should resent the Democrats because the GOP house refuses to consider an adjustment to the minimum wage is silly.
Stipulate all you want, but race is the issue for GOP, at least since Nixon's "southern strategy," and your fanciful notion that blacks should resent the Democrats because the GOP house refuses to consider an adjustment to the minimum wage is silly.
10
David, you did not really understand what I wrote.Firstly, you should learn something about Nixon. Firstly, affirmative action began under his administration, social security benefits were expanded, including the SSI program, and he supported a guaranteed income for all Americans. Nixon’s proposed reform would have required employers to buy health insurance for their employees and subsidize those who couldn’t afford it. Nixon’s version of national health care was a far more liberal concept than Bill Clinton’s or Barack Obama’s—and it failed because of Democratic opposition, not lack of support from Nixon’s own party. (Ted Kennedy later said that opposing Nixon’s health-care plan was one of his biggest political regrets.) . In 1968 if you wanted to vote for a racist, George Wallace was on the ballot. Learn something about history and don't just repeat slogans, Nixon did not make racism a cornerstone of his policies. In fact Noam Chomsky call him the last liberal president. Finally, my point wasn't that African Americans should abandon the Democratic Party of the failure to pass the many minimum wage. Working class African Americans should realize that Democrats have no real agenda to address the economic problems which they have, and that white working class supporters of Trump should be a wake up call to Democrats.See : http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/01/09/richard-nixon-last-great-liber...
2
Took a minute to hear what you're saying. I mostly agree. The only place where I get hung up is with this statement:
"When supporters of Sanders use ATM machines or self check out machines at stores and then decry the loss of American jobs , I have to laugh quietly."
There are banks that don't have physical locations. They tailor towards military personnel that move frequently. ATM is often the only option. Also, establishments in many cities prefer cash over dealing with annoying (and often expensive) headaches from credit card companies. ATM enables the businesses to forgo that hassle. Finally, if you've ever traveled abroad, you might appreciate the availability of local currency. I doubt anyone wants to go back to travelers checks on a permanent basis.
Bank-telling might be a good profession but there are certain situations where their service is woefully inadequate.
"When supporters of Sanders use ATM machines or self check out machines at stores and then decry the loss of American jobs , I have to laugh quietly."
There are banks that don't have physical locations. They tailor towards military personnel that move frequently. ATM is often the only option. Also, establishments in many cities prefer cash over dealing with annoying (and often expensive) headaches from credit card companies. ATM enables the businesses to forgo that hassle. Finally, if you've ever traveled abroad, you might appreciate the availability of local currency. I doubt anyone wants to go back to travelers checks on a permanent basis.
Bank-telling might be a good profession but there are certain situations where their service is woefully inadequate.
The story of how the GOP created Trump and in turn found itself unable to control its creation is an old one, going back to the Golem and Dr. Frankenstein. Unfortunately this time it is not a work of fiction.
It could well be said of the right-wing rabble rousing media "If you seek their monument, look around you."
It could well be said of the right-wing rabble rousing media "If you seek their monument, look around you."
18
I'm more worried that Trump actually has female supporters that are either so far beaten down as to misunderstand that Trump uses women with disdain and sexual loathing. It seems to me that the voters, supporters of Trump spent the last decade listening to Fox News and GOP hate talk that they have been infused with crude masculinity, not Femininity. The women at Fox News are all aggressive, vocal and conservative Republicans' that disparage Obama. The times are surly weird and Trump brings out the worst of the human experience.
13
The polls indicate that Trump is loathed by most women, so why are you worried about something that doesn't exist?
2
Maybe not all women are so beaten down that they accept to confine themselves to the roles and opinions allotted them (concentrating on feminist issues). Maybe some actually think there are more pressing issues to deal with than gender theories and perceived sexism. Maybe, like many men who don't totally agree with Trump on some topics and his way of discussing them, they still agree that Amnesty and "a path to citizenship" aren't the sole, or even effective ways, of addressing illegal immigration, or, down the line, overpopulation and stretched resources. Some might also have the sense to realize that competing directly with countries with a semi-slave labor force will, in no universe, benefit American workers, contrary to what NAFTA pushers (D) and supporters (R) continue claiming against evidence.
So, while you worry that Trump-supporting women don't conform to the views you expect them to espouse, I worry that so many mainstream Democrats and Republicans don't bother to question the status-quo, or the inconsistencies and contradictions within the parties they blindly support, perpetuating the scam on the American people in favor of multinational business interests.
My claim is that, if a portion of Trump's supporters may actually be racist hooligans, a sizeable other is interested in what he has to say about trade imbalances, and how both main parties are happy to sell out their interests for the business community, or prospective immigrant voters.
So, while you worry that Trump-supporting women don't conform to the views you expect them to espouse, I worry that so many mainstream Democrats and Republicans don't bother to question the status-quo, or the inconsistencies and contradictions within the parties they blindly support, perpetuating the scam on the American people in favor of multinational business interests.
My claim is that, if a portion of Trump's supporters may actually be racist hooligans, a sizeable other is interested in what he has to say about trade imbalances, and how both main parties are happy to sell out their interests for the business community, or prospective immigrant voters.
3
While the lion's share of the blame falls on the Republican party for making the bed that Trump now possesses, there are others outside the party who contributed to it: the "right-wing" hucksters on radio and TV, the cable and national TV channels that abandoned non-partisan reporting, the President for not being much more direct and assertive in public communications about the havoc being wreaked on the nation by Republican intransigence, the Democrats who abandoned the needs of the middle class and the poor, and there are a whole lot more to blame as well. The frightening part of it all is the hedging that you read in many analyses of the upcoming election. A lot of people express the fear that Trump might actually win!
4
The media and those who profit from the media have much to answer for here. Conservative talk media drove this monster & cable tv - always searching for 'ratings' - brought Trump into your living room for 24 hours a day - ask Anderson Cooper, "Morning Joe" and Chris Matthews who wanted those ratings.
2
Vincent sez: "the President for not being much more direct and assertive in public communications about the havoc being wreaked on the nation by Republican intransigence..."
The President let himself down as well as the people who turned out to put him in office. As we all know, as it was reported even then, that the President abdicated (or what have you) during the critical summer that ACA was being formed in Congress. Unfortunately, he replicated this disappearing act for most of his tenure in office. Every once in a while, he gave a soaring speech (for instance, the one, I believe it was in WV) about the vision of a more equitable economy, then, nothing. No barnstorming the country on behalf of his own ideas and policies. He ceded the ground to the so-called Tea Party.
The question is: Why? who else was going to make the national case?
His communication skills are parceled out very parsimoniously. I have come to think that he is mostly a pedestrian thinker who at times can rise, only fleetingly, to the ocassion.
The President let himself down as well as the people who turned out to put him in office. As we all know, as it was reported even then, that the President abdicated (or what have you) during the critical summer that ACA was being formed in Congress. Unfortunately, he replicated this disappearing act for most of his tenure in office. Every once in a while, he gave a soaring speech (for instance, the one, I believe it was in WV) about the vision of a more equitable economy, then, nothing. No barnstorming the country on behalf of his own ideas and policies. He ceded the ground to the so-called Tea Party.
The question is: Why? who else was going to make the national case?
His communication skills are parceled out very parsimoniously. I have come to think that he is mostly a pedestrian thinker who at times can rise, only fleetingly, to the ocassion.
Not enough has been made of the role of the broadcast media in the rise of Trump, accepting and broadcasting his calls for billions in free publicity, with no effort at evenhandedness or balanced reporting. Or in fact any real reporting--just ratings chasing. They should all be consigned with him to an empty island where they can listen to each other endlessly without harming our country.
I am quite certain the amoral, win- at- all -costs Republican operatives are formulating some September or October surprise.
The Democrats don't need a surprise. The blatant absurdity is there for all to see.
Hopefully, the Republican nihilists in Congress will pay the price as well.
The Democrats don't need a surprise. The blatant absurdity is there for all to see.
Hopefully, the Republican nihilists in Congress will pay the price as well.
14
Take my chances with the amoral democrats? No thanks.
1
"They know that Trump will send that number sinking, as if tied to a brick."
Its more like tied to the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. GOP attitudes about and actions regarding climate change will accelerate the collapse of vast ice sheets, shelves and glaciers, raising sea levels rapidly by 10 feet or more. If a million refugees in Europe is a crisis, imagine what 30 million climate refugees will look like.
Obama is right to criticize both candidates and media for turning a momentous election into entertainment.
Hillary is widely criticized for talking about shifting the West Virginia coal industry into more climate friendly economic activity. But that is exactly the serious and frank discussion we need to have.
If the GOP has retreated into rationalizations, conspiracy theories and hoaxes to keep their fossil fuel clients happy, it is all the more important that the Democratic Party unite around the truly Yuuuge issues like this, now that 195 nations have agreed to action.
A President Trump would be certain to walk away from the Paris agreement.
Its more like tied to the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. GOP attitudes about and actions regarding climate change will accelerate the collapse of vast ice sheets, shelves and glaciers, raising sea levels rapidly by 10 feet or more. If a million refugees in Europe is a crisis, imagine what 30 million climate refugees will look like.
Obama is right to criticize both candidates and media for turning a momentous election into entertainment.
Hillary is widely criticized for talking about shifting the West Virginia coal industry into more climate friendly economic activity. But that is exactly the serious and frank discussion we need to have.
If the GOP has retreated into rationalizations, conspiracy theories and hoaxes to keep their fossil fuel clients happy, it is all the more important that the Democratic Party unite around the truly Yuuuge issues like this, now that 195 nations have agreed to action.
A President Trump would be certain to walk away from the Paris agreement.
14
10 feet of sea level rise would displace over a billion people.
Yes, it bears repeating again and again. Until it sinks in. The Republicans, in their attempt to create divisions they can exploit to regain control of government, have been lying about President Obama's intentions and actions to their gullible constituents for years. Are there death panels in Obamacare? No. Has President Obama cut defense spending to incapacitate the military? No. Has Obamacare led to the loss of millions of jobs? Of course not. Is President Obama out to destroy the United States? Don't be silly. Yet those are the things many Republican representatives, senators, governors as well as every right wing news source have been saying about him and still do. So when they come to Washington and actually have to make the government work and are forced to accept compromises with him as our Constitution intended, it's not surprising their constituents think they have sold out to the devil and look for an outsider who says he is going to do all the things they have been lead to believe need to be done.
How can they fix their party? It's pretty easy conceptually. Stop telling lies about President Obama and the Democrats and start coming up with conservative answers to the nation's problems that might actually work. The hard part will be trying to tell their constituents to ignore everything they've said before and hope they will still reelect them to be more constructive in the future.
How can they fix their party? It's pretty easy conceptually. Stop telling lies about President Obama and the Democrats and start coming up with conservative answers to the nation's problems that might actually work. The hard part will be trying to tell their constituents to ignore everything they've said before and hope they will still reelect them to be more constructive in the future.
366
the eternally feckless democrats allowed the republicans to run unobstructed. the democrats were too afraid to say what Trump said clearly about the Bush administration. Pelosi "took impeachment off the table." Obama too: got to Move Forward, not look Backward! Excuse us, "looking backward" is what we do when we evaluate evidence and assess the culpability of being who make bad or criminal decisions. Moving Forward is an empty slogan with the effect of deflating meaningful opposition to bad policies and bad politics.
The democrats are feckless because to raise the important issues they would have to look critically at members of their own party as complicit in some of the disastrous decisions and policies of the past 20 or so years.
The democrats are feckless because to raise the important issues they would have to look critically at members of their own party as complicit in some of the disastrous decisions and policies of the past 20 or so years.
it's not going to happen one way or the other.
The media has some blame to digest as well. For a long time, we've had to endure this notion of "both sides" from the media. An ethical critique and investigative perspective from the media should have unsettled the dishonest Republican actions a long time ago. Ryan, for crying out loud, is a follower of Ayn Rand who detested organized government. Yet now the media thinks we should be sympathetic to Ryan because he is in the cross-hairs of the Trump fiasco and will soon cave in to it? For whom does this bell toll?
311
Go a step further: the media enabled Trump every way it could. We have had Trump front page daily for at least nine months. Every day, every paper, every t.v. channel has featured him. The old saying is that there is no such thing as bad publicity. Trump thanks you for your free coverage! The GOP, maybe not so much.
It is you, NYT, who is now reaping what it sowed. Take a bow.
It is you, NYT, who is now reaping what it sowed. Take a bow.
1
Why is it staggering that ¾ of Americans believe corruption is widespread in the govt? Does Charles Blow deny it, and why? How to define corruption?
As ex Pres Jimmy Carter said, any candidate for any office needs millions to run. So they must tailor their platforms accordingly. This is poisoning democracy. Candidates need either their own millions/billions or that of super rich sponsors. What kind of person rises to the top in that system--- what are their values, whom do they really work for?
USA corruption is normalized and legalized by the Supreme Court of the land. And the conformist media is part of it---profiting from the system and thus not bucking it much. This is what every column should be about—tracing it to govt policy and the sickness that uniquely ails USA politics.
Trumpf as gross buffoon -- a gift to the Dems as the lesser evil party and to columnists capitalizing on it.
Someone citied Soviet leader Khruschev's comment that there's only one US party, the Capitalist, which divides at regulated intervals to hold elections! Pretty good, never heard that one.
As ex Pres Jimmy Carter said, any candidate for any office needs millions to run. So they must tailor their platforms accordingly. This is poisoning democracy. Candidates need either their own millions/billions or that of super rich sponsors. What kind of person rises to the top in that system--- what are their values, whom do they really work for?
USA corruption is normalized and legalized by the Supreme Court of the land. And the conformist media is part of it---profiting from the system and thus not bucking it much. This is what every column should be about—tracing it to govt policy and the sickness that uniquely ails USA politics.
Trumpf as gross buffoon -- a gift to the Dems as the lesser evil party and to columnists capitalizing on it.
Someone citied Soviet leader Khruschev's comment that there's only one US party, the Capitalist, which divides at regulated intervals to hold elections! Pretty good, never heard that one.
153
And probably normalized by the Supreme Court in the case of the corruption case against the Virginia governor McDonnell.
Might Hillary use the Bush money list? That has been reported. The comment attributed to Khruschev appears spot on. This is the real problem. It isn't Obama's race or Fox News. Those are rationales proffered by those of us who can't or won't see the lives of others in this country. Remember we are a wealthy country which let Detroit happen. For many about to go down for the third time Sanders and Trump are life preservers. Please stop judging them and try to help them, or at least understand them.
And yet, the mega-rich donors that ensured the success of these same Republicans and their very ugly agendas are now being openly courted by Hillary Clinton's campaign for the money, money, money. That makes mincemeat out of her efforts to convince Americans that she cares about the little people, doesn't support GOP agendas and, gulp, has integrity. If whoever has the most money wins, how are voters to decide come November between the presumptive GOP moneyman versus the GOP moneymen-backed multi-millionaire Hillary Clinton? And it's all about ill-got gains. You and your fellow columnists who have supported Hillary Clinton without question and from the get-go have only yourselves to blame. Luckily for the rest of us, the Democratic primaries are not over.
14
If indeed 'a staggering' three-fourths of Americans believe that corruption is a widespread problem in the government, then Mr Blow and NYT better watch out for it is their 'anointed queen' who is more vulnerable to that perception. She is the establishment favourite and has been minting money hand over fist over past two decades.
GOP clearly needs to reinvent itself and it is being forced to do just that by its voters but what about the democrats? NYT and its op-ed columnists have their heads buried under sand if they think all is hunky dory with their side of the aisle. Then again, maybe the strident non-stop coverage demonising Trump is just a sign of panic setting in.
GOP clearly needs to reinvent itself and it is being forced to do just that by its voters but what about the democrats? NYT and its op-ed columnists have their heads buried under sand if they think all is hunky dory with their side of the aisle. Then again, maybe the strident non-stop coverage demonising Trump is just a sign of panic setting in.
9
Over the past 8 years I have suffered the occasional glimpse of the nonstop banter that has been spread in the form of social media commentary, comments to this newspaper, and most important, e-mails that spread like wildfire from one angry old white guy to the next. These "not racists" have laughed at and forwarded some of the most vile, hateful, race-based cartoons and commentary about President Obama that you can imagine.
I cannot tell you the number of times I have responded to some of the more serious-sounding attacks with a link that provided unequivocal proof (real data from the most authoritative sources) that the position being advanced is either overtly dishonest or woefully uninformed - only to be excluded from friends & e-mail lists as a result. No matter how many times I say it, the message hasn't gotten through: if you have to keep repeating lies to support your position, isn't it time to change your position?
Donald Trump is the incarnation of these past 8 years of lies, distortions & misinformation. He is the dream come true for the screaming crowds chanting, "NO DEATH PANELS!!"
But let's not forget that even after those crowds metastasized, Obama won reelection. This gives us hope to believe that in the end, logic & reason will again win the day.
I cannot tell you the number of times I have responded to some of the more serious-sounding attacks with a link that provided unequivocal proof (real data from the most authoritative sources) that the position being advanced is either overtly dishonest or woefully uninformed - only to be excluded from friends & e-mail lists as a result. No matter how many times I say it, the message hasn't gotten through: if you have to keep repeating lies to support your position, isn't it time to change your position?
Donald Trump is the incarnation of these past 8 years of lies, distortions & misinformation. He is the dream come true for the screaming crowds chanting, "NO DEATH PANELS!!"
But let's not forget that even after those crowds metastasized, Obama won reelection. This gives us hope to believe that in the end, logic & reason will again win the day.
1218
I can relate to your frustrations. Offering lengthy refutations of the lies and delusions held so tightly by the torch-and-pitchfork crowd is a mugs game when one considers the bumper-sticker attention spans we're dealing with.
The GOP has worked relentlessly, the chinless McConnell as the vanguard, to destabilize the emotions of its supporters, and what do you know: they've at last succeeded in creating a path forward for one who would exploit the emotional wreckage for the sole benefit of his own depraved ego.
Trump has admitted to reading the National Enquirer. Not a hint of embarrassment; no awareness of how stupid that makes him look. All hail the new King of the Morons.
The GOP has worked relentlessly, the chinless McConnell as the vanguard, to destabilize the emotions of its supporters, and what do you know: they've at last succeeded in creating a path forward for one who would exploit the emotional wreckage for the sole benefit of his own depraved ego.
Trump has admitted to reading the National Enquirer. Not a hint of embarrassment; no awareness of how stupid that makes him look. All hail the new King of the Morons.
7
"I cannot tell you the number of times I have responded to some of the more serious-sounding attacks with a link that provided unequivocal proof (real data from the most authoritative sources) that the position being advanced is either overtly dishonest or woefully uninformed..." Yep! When I counter with verifiable sources, I'm told (usually) that the site has a liberal agenda and can't be trusted, even if it's something as simple as data on the number of executive orders given by the past 5 Presidents. And this is often from people who should absolutely know better, but don't want to know.
When facts are held in such low regard, God only knows what might happen.
When facts are held in such low regard, God only knows what might happen.
9
I think you just have some very weird "friends".
If anything, Obama was treated with kid gloves by the media and elsewhere -- as people are terrified of being labeled "racist".
It is not racist to criticize the President of the United States. Indeed, it is the essence of Freedom of Speech.
BTW: I saw far worse cartoons and caricatures of President George W. Bush -- including one where he was being sodomized by Dick Cheney. I'll bet you that was a perfectly OK presentation of political opinion!
If anything, Obama was treated with kid gloves by the media and elsewhere -- as people are terrified of being labeled "racist".
It is not racist to criticize the President of the United States. Indeed, it is the essence of Freedom of Speech.
BTW: I saw far worse cartoons and caricatures of President George W. Bush -- including one where he was being sodomized by Dick Cheney. I'll bet you that was a perfectly OK presentation of political opinion!
2
It looks as though the NYT is about to become for the Clinton campaign what Fox News was for Romney--statistical liars.
All indications are that she will lose:
.
1) Hillary still can't shake off Bernie, if she were a strong candidate, like Trump, she would already have the nomination. Her issues with Bernie, who barely scratched her, demonstrate that she is a weak candidate.
2) Trump vanquished 17 other people that included, scandal-free Governors, lawyers, a doctor, a women, senators and others. He is formidable.
3) Hillary is actively courting Jeb Bush's donors. While we will probably never get a transcript of what she is telling them, the fact that they are Republican donors says it all.
4) The Clinton's have always played identity politics even with a host of ironic skeletons in the closet. If the past couple of days are any indication, Trump is going to neutralize her every time she tries it. (e.g. She says, "birther", he says, "who started it." She says, "women dislike him," he says, "let's talk Bill Clinton."). If Hillary is left without the ability to use gender, race, etc., there is really little there there. If he continues to pull bones out, it will depress HER turnout.
5) If she does secure the nomination, there is little evidence that Bernie supporters will "fall in line." The idea that people must fall in line is what cause Republicans to lose and what created Trump.
Mr. Blow, repeat after me: President Trump.
All indications are that she will lose:
.
1) Hillary still can't shake off Bernie, if she were a strong candidate, like Trump, she would already have the nomination. Her issues with Bernie, who barely scratched her, demonstrate that she is a weak candidate.
2) Trump vanquished 17 other people that included, scandal-free Governors, lawyers, a doctor, a women, senators and others. He is formidable.
3) Hillary is actively courting Jeb Bush's donors. While we will probably never get a transcript of what she is telling them, the fact that they are Republican donors says it all.
4) The Clinton's have always played identity politics even with a host of ironic skeletons in the closet. If the past couple of days are any indication, Trump is going to neutralize her every time she tries it. (e.g. She says, "birther", he says, "who started it." She says, "women dislike him," he says, "let's talk Bill Clinton."). If Hillary is left without the ability to use gender, race, etc., there is really little there there. If he continues to pull bones out, it will depress HER turnout.
5) If she does secure the nomination, there is little evidence that Bernie supporters will "fall in line." The idea that people must fall in line is what cause Republicans to lose and what created Trump.
Mr. Blow, repeat after me: President Trump.
23
HLC, repeat after me: There aren't enough ignoramuses in the U.S. to elect Mr. Trump president of their country.
28
It's always interesting to read the delusional opinions of Trump supporters. Looking directly at facts & seeing the opposite is a skill developed by the GOP to rationalize their odd policy positions. It it weren't so serious, I'd love to see a Trump presidency because it would be nothing like he says. The Republican Party would be as obstructionist concerning Trump's proposals as they have been towards Obama.
I've read many satirical articles stating that the Trump campaign is a secret plot to elect Hillary Clinton by discrediting everything the GOP has stood for. Tell me what he would be doing differently if he actually wanted Hillary to be president??
Could he have more ridiculous policy proposals? No. Could he lie more? No, how could he? Could he make more GOP leaders NOT support him? Unlikely. How could he make Hillary Clinton look more like the rational choice for president? He can't.
I'm going to love it when we find out Trump has been a Democratic 'plant' this entire election cycle. Brilliant!
I've read many satirical articles stating that the Trump campaign is a secret plot to elect Hillary Clinton by discrediting everything the GOP has stood for. Tell me what he would be doing differently if he actually wanted Hillary to be president??
Could he have more ridiculous policy proposals? No. Could he lie more? No, how could he? Could he make more GOP leaders NOT support him? Unlikely. How could he make Hillary Clinton look more like the rational choice for president? He can't.
I'm going to love it when we find out Trump has been a Democratic 'plant' this entire election cycle. Brilliant!
76
A senior Republican tried to explain to me a few weeks ago that their plan "if Trump won the nomination," to put advertising and support behind down ticket candidates. I responded, noting the flaws in the theory:
First, most surveys show that many Americans are quite ignorant about basic facts relating to their government - in 2014, ⅓ could not identify the party controlling the house and senate. Reminding voters that the senate and house are currently Republican may hurt, not help.
Second, many/most voters cannot identify their own congressman or senators. Is it going to help say Ted Yoho for his constituents to know that this outlandish figure is their congressman? There are nearly no "serious folks in the party," but a lot of Republican members of congress have been so extreme for the last 2-6 years, in senate and the house (Trump with a smaller megaphone), that bringing their antics to their constituents' attention is quite likely to be a disaster.
Third, consider this election to perhaps be a nationwide repeat of California for the Republican Party. A state they dominated, Democrats now overwhelmingly control. Starting with the anti-immigrant Prop. 187, and driven by one nativist after another the party imploded, driven by candidates who reached out in primaries to a shrinking but ever more extreme base.
Fourth, downticket candidates cannot avoid answering questions about Trump, but how? They have to love him or hate him, they cannot be meh!
He looked ill.
First, most surveys show that many Americans are quite ignorant about basic facts relating to their government - in 2014, ⅓ could not identify the party controlling the house and senate. Reminding voters that the senate and house are currently Republican may hurt, not help.
Second, many/most voters cannot identify their own congressman or senators. Is it going to help say Ted Yoho for his constituents to know that this outlandish figure is their congressman? There are nearly no "serious folks in the party," but a lot of Republican members of congress have been so extreme for the last 2-6 years, in senate and the house (Trump with a smaller megaphone), that bringing their antics to their constituents' attention is quite likely to be a disaster.
Third, consider this election to perhaps be a nationwide repeat of California for the Republican Party. A state they dominated, Democrats now overwhelmingly control. Starting with the anti-immigrant Prop. 187, and driven by one nativist after another the party imploded, driven by candidates who reached out in primaries to a shrinking but ever more extreme base.
Fourth, downticket candidates cannot avoid answering questions about Trump, but how? They have to love him or hate him, they cannot be meh!
He looked ill.
10
Trump cpuld not have reached this point without the media's willingness to be manipulated, trading integrity for ratings. Had they simply ignored him six months ago, he never would have accomplished what he has.
112
Instead the press ignored Sanders and followed Trump, tongue hanging out like mad dog paparazzi after Paris Hilton.
No matter how much lip stick you put on this pig, it's still going to be a pig.
The writer hinted at the revealing problem of Trump as the face of the Republican party, and that is that Trump is nothing more than the unadorned reality of most party members.
Trump's mistake was not in being a lying candidate, but rather in telling the truth about what he really believes. Telling the truth is the cardinal mistake in politics and Trump has revealed the truth about the Republican party for all to see.
The only recourse is for party leaders to disavow him and distance themselves from his campaign.
I don't think that America's political system can take much more of this truth without coming apart at the seams.
The writer hinted at the revealing problem of Trump as the face of the Republican party, and that is that Trump is nothing more than the unadorned reality of most party members.
Trump's mistake was not in being a lying candidate, but rather in telling the truth about what he really believes. Telling the truth is the cardinal mistake in politics and Trump has revealed the truth about the Republican party for all to see.
The only recourse is for party leaders to disavow him and distance themselves from his campaign.
I don't think that America's political system can take much more of this truth without coming apart at the seams.
12
YUUGE underestimation of Trump.
HRC lack charisma. Trump lives of being a charismatic reality show. He was not taken seriously -- and here he is. Third party candidate is a disaster for HRC, because Trump's base is with him, and her base is flaky -- there are too many voters who are against Trump, but now really for HRC.
It is a smart move for GOP to have a third-party candidate -- that would help to defeat HRC.
HRC lack charisma. Trump lives of being a charismatic reality show. He was not taken seriously -- and here he is. Third party candidate is a disaster for HRC, because Trump's base is with him, and her base is flaky -- there are too many voters who are against Trump, but now really for HRC.
It is a smart move for GOP to have a third-party candidate -- that would help to defeat HRC.
2
Charles, this could not have happened without the constant drumbeat of Faux Noise Machina since 1996, combined with the WSJ editorial page, and the B-school concept that ' disruption ' should spread everywhere, to everything, far and wide - especially the big bad ol' gubbamint ' - broadcast by CNBC and its guests daily.
The willingness of business leaders (exclusively GOP'ers as far as we could tell) to get on TeeVee 24/7 and spout nonsense pretending the country shouldn't raise the debt ceiling is part and parcel of how we've gotten to this point.
We have to remember the wealthy get wealthier anytime there's turmoil.
The willingness of business leaders (exclusively GOP'ers as far as we could tell) to get on TeeVee 24/7 and spout nonsense pretending the country shouldn't raise the debt ceiling is part and parcel of how we've gotten to this point.
We have to remember the wealthy get wealthier anytime there's turmoil.
43
Trump may, ironically, give the GOP the best thing that could possibly happen, fracturing the Party. Trump's comment on ABC's "This Week," "...And I’m a conservative, but don’t forget, this is called the Republican Party. It’s not called the Conservative Party” may actually force a break between the die-hard conservative ideologues who have "hijacked" the Party that was once home to everyone from Barry Goldwater to Nelson Rockefeller to Jacob Javits into forming a truly right-wing Conservative Party, and leave the rest of the GOP to rehabilitate itself back to political sanity. Either that or the Republican Party as we know it will follow their predecessors, the Whigs, into the history books and some new counterbalance to the Democrats will emerge.
Stay tuned.
Stay tuned.
28
Donald Trump is not that different from many of the talking heads of that Party. They are racist, xenophobic, sexist and as uninformed as they come. Trump has distilled many of their tantrums into simple sentences. His proposals for walls, deportations and other previously repeated Republican ideals are easily understood by disgruntled people. This large portion of the American population includes many who yearn for ascendancy of the Confederacy which still exists in parts of the USA. These folks like many of their Congressional Reps, Republican and Democrat ignore a chunk of the voters. Many of us come from recent Colonies of Europe. We have a history of slavery and its horrible offspring. Our ancestors have died in senseless wars; our women raped and our children abused in much the same way as have many of the citizens of the USA. We, too, say "never again" as we educate our children and toil to reap the benefits for which we have migrated here. To me, Mr. Trump is a living joke who was created to force America to look at itself while denying the ascendancy of a voting block that is non white and non racist. Such people are ill equipped to debate or reason. Just as their elected leaders have been pushed even deeper into their caves by the mere presence of a Black President and his family, they long to further populate the barrel's bottom. Some of these leaders now realize that they are a laughing stock. It's too late for a clean up.
24
A third party option is not necessarily to stop Trump; but to prevent him and Hillary reaching 270 Electoral College votes. Then the House gets to *decide*. President Ryan anyone...
7
Not so. A candidate only needs to win the most votes in order to win a state's electoral votes. Thus, a 3-way race with two "conservatives" would only split the right-wing vote, thus giving Clinton almost all electoral votes. The purpose of a 3-way race is to motivate "anyone but Trump" Republicans to come out and vote down ticket so Dems don't sweep the House and Senate races while they're at it.
13
Trump is tapping into something very powerful in the american electorate, and it is not going away anytime soon. Bernie Sanders is also tapping into the same thing, just in a different way. If you people at the Times think that your average american is going to sit back with 1% economic growth, watch good paying jobs leave the country and be replaced with burger flipper jobs with no health insurance benefits or pensions, and not have explosive political change type candidates in elections, your have another thing coming. If you adjust for inflation ,people make less money now than they made 16 years ago, that is a verifiable fact. Trump is a symptom, not the disease, and people like him are not going away unless the political leaders can make life better for the citizens of the country.
294
"Trump is a symptom, not the disease..."
I have to disagree. Take a look at his bankruptcies, the fact that he has often not paid contractors what he owes them at the end of project, and his scam ridden "University". His behavior as a corporate leader is no different than any other of the American CEO's who have chosen profits over people. He's a scam artist through and through and anyone who believes in him also believes in the Tooth Fairy.
I have to disagree. Take a look at his bankruptcies, the fact that he has often not paid contractors what he owes them at the end of project, and his scam ridden "University". His behavior as a corporate leader is no different than any other of the American CEO's who have chosen profits over people. He's a scam artist through and through and anyone who believes in him also believes in the Tooth Fairy.
10
When the citizens believe government can do no good, and think they can be provided services without paying for them, they get " political leaders" who do just what we see them doing.
I get tired of hearing about all the terribly dissatisfied population. They are ignorant and can't be bothered to turn off Faux Nooz and pick up a book.
They get what they pay for.
I get tired of hearing about all the terribly dissatisfied population. They are ignorant and can't be bothered to turn off Faux Nooz and pick up a book.
They get what they pay for.
2
The sad thing is they actually DO believe it.
Talk about change, and they scream "then I won't get my cheap fruit at Whole Foods! or be able to have a $5 an hour illegal Guatemalan nanny!"
Talk about change, and they scream "then I won't get my cheap fruit at Whole Foods! or be able to have a $5 an hour illegal Guatemalan nanny!"
2
Who cares about the fate of the Republican Party (or the Democratic Party, for that matter)?
I only care about the fate of the United States of America and its people, and the impact of the USA on the rest of the world.
We currently have two parties that have effective control not only of our Presidency, but of our Congress, our Supreme Court, our governorships and our state legislatures. Yet the clear plurality of our electorate is neither Republican nor Democrat but Independent, and the trend is for fewer people to be either Republican or Democrat. Soon, the majority of the electorate will be unaffiliated with the only parties that currently mount most candidates for elected office.
So there's plenty of blame for both parties that are apparently producing candidates many Americans don't want, and yet can't effectively vote against.
It's time for Americans to have the right to be able to vote "None of the above." And candidates who cannot beat the vote for "None of the above" should not ascend to office.
Let the Republicans and the Democrats take care of themselves, or not. I'll bet there'd be a YUUGE turnout for "None of the above," with the candidates both parties keep putting forward, and our overall voting turnout would rise substantially. Many Americans would trust "None of the above" to most faithfully represent them. Many useless "debates," and much useless media coverage, would end.
I only care about the fate of the United States of America and its people, and the impact of the USA on the rest of the world.
We currently have two parties that have effective control not only of our Presidency, but of our Congress, our Supreme Court, our governorships and our state legislatures. Yet the clear plurality of our electorate is neither Republican nor Democrat but Independent, and the trend is for fewer people to be either Republican or Democrat. Soon, the majority of the electorate will be unaffiliated with the only parties that currently mount most candidates for elected office.
So there's plenty of blame for both parties that are apparently producing candidates many Americans don't want, and yet can't effectively vote against.
It's time for Americans to have the right to be able to vote "None of the above." And candidates who cannot beat the vote for "None of the above" should not ascend to office.
Let the Republicans and the Democrats take care of themselves, or not. I'll bet there'd be a YUUGE turnout for "None of the above," with the candidates both parties keep putting forward, and our overall voting turnout would rise substantially. Many Americans would trust "None of the above" to most faithfully represent them. Many useless "debates," and much useless media coverage, would end.
28
I have always voted for the "lesser" of the evils, whatever party it claims.
2
"None of the above" would only work if we had publicly funded elections. At a billion dollars and rising to be president and several million for a house seat who but the entrenched and/or uber-wealthy could afford to risk putting their wealth on the line and in the hands of a fickle and practically ignorant populace, with no outcome--win or lose--assured.
And if public funding takes hold, who "culls" the herd when potentially hundreds of cranks, despots, wackos, and other miscreants emerge to take a shot at governing in their chosen style.
We need to let the fiasco of 2016 run it's course and rebuild both parties from the ashes of the funeral pyre (or pyres) nearly certain to follow. The potential is greater than ever for the GOP to split into two separate factions, the far right conservatives and party elites holding one side, and those which seem to swing with the most current focus of public anger being the other.
The fate of the Democrats is also not ensured, but clearly less fragile than the GOP. The question is has Bernie done enough to shift Hillary toward the left so that he is able to convince his followers to vote Democrat, or as he built enough of a base for the foundation of a socialist movement that will emerge as a semi-permanent voting force moving forward. The answer remains to be seen, but we can be sure that as long as Citizen's United remains lawful, big money will all but extinguish any sparks before they catch fire.
And if public funding takes hold, who "culls" the herd when potentially hundreds of cranks, despots, wackos, and other miscreants emerge to take a shot at governing in their chosen style.
We need to let the fiasco of 2016 run it's course and rebuild both parties from the ashes of the funeral pyre (or pyres) nearly certain to follow. The potential is greater than ever for the GOP to split into two separate factions, the far right conservatives and party elites holding one side, and those which seem to swing with the most current focus of public anger being the other.
The fate of the Democrats is also not ensured, but clearly less fragile than the GOP. The question is has Bernie done enough to shift Hillary toward the left so that he is able to convince his followers to vote Democrat, or as he built enough of a base for the foundation of a socialist movement that will emerge as a semi-permanent voting force moving forward. The answer remains to be seen, but we can be sure that as long as Citizen's United remains lawful, big money will all but extinguish any sparks before they catch fire.
1
Many in the press and most in the political elite said Trump would never be the republican nominee and yet, here he is.
Why should we be confident of the early polling that is telling us Trump can't win?
Why should we be confident of the early polling that is telling us Trump can't win?
11
I think the best thing going for Trump is the media elite tell us that we should not vote for him. Many commoners are rising up and refusing to listen to their betters.
5
It's simple, really. Primary voters never have and never will represent the American electorate as a whole. Primary polls are different from general election polls. Moreover, American voters have demonstrated over the past 5 out of 6 elections (2004 being the only outlier and a close one at that) that the majority swings Democrat in presidential elections. Trump's candidacy is highly unlikely to change that, barring (as Blow mentions) a "September surprise" of some sort.
12
For fun, google some articles about Trump last year -- August through December.
The sheer number is staggering, and most are a variation on "he'll drop out soon" and "he's a loser" and "why he won't be in the race by_______ date".
I guess they were wrong.
The sheer number is staggering, and most are a variation on "he'll drop out soon" and "he's a loser" and "why he won't be in the race by_______ date".
I guess they were wrong.
1
Epiphany; the scales have fallen from my eyes to the degree that were I to write one of the innumerable "Trump Bad News for GOP" columns of which this is just the latest example --although as I type doubtless someone is authoring another -- it would be titled "Trump Bad News for Democrats"
I say this not because he's going to win --although he might; never discount Barnum and Mencken-- but rather that by losing he will allow the Democratic leadership to get away with the same social sops/economic sell-outs that have been its stock in trade since the first Clinton.
For years it's been article of faith among us smug Democrats that the great unwashed were dupes -- dupes, I tell ya -- allowing issues such as abortion, gay rights, gun control, et al -- to dazzle them while their pockets were being picked.
We Democrats, on the other hand, we, um, we...allowed issues such as abortion, gay rights, gun control, et al to dazzle us while our pockets were being picked.
Looking in the mirror this morning I was shocked to see a Grade A Dupe staring back at me.
But of course I can console myself that under the next Democratic administration, while the banks will continue to write economic legislation (an even more retributive bankruptcy law than the one Clinton signed? Maybe debtors' prison is an idea whose time has come round again?) it will become slightly easier for a wheel-chair bound transgendered person to sue for wrongful discharge.
Dupes.
I say this not because he's going to win --although he might; never discount Barnum and Mencken-- but rather that by losing he will allow the Democratic leadership to get away with the same social sops/economic sell-outs that have been its stock in trade since the first Clinton.
For years it's been article of faith among us smug Democrats that the great unwashed were dupes -- dupes, I tell ya -- allowing issues such as abortion, gay rights, gun control, et al -- to dazzle them while their pockets were being picked.
We Democrats, on the other hand, we, um, we...allowed issues such as abortion, gay rights, gun control, et al to dazzle us while our pockets were being picked.
Looking in the mirror this morning I was shocked to see a Grade A Dupe staring back at me.
But of course I can console myself that under the next Democratic administration, while the banks will continue to write economic legislation (an even more retributive bankruptcy law than the one Clinton signed? Maybe debtors' prison is an idea whose time has come round again?) it will become slightly easier for a wheel-chair bound transgendered person to sue for wrongful discharge.
Dupes.
97
Everyone these days seems to decry incremental change, but you make the argument FOR it.
Do you want it to be easier or harder for a wheel-chair bound transgendered person to sue for wrongful discharge? You actually beg the question by using the word "wrongful." (And yes, this IS the correct usage of "beg the question.")
More rights for more people, or fewer rights for more people, that is the simple question. From being able to vote to using the restroom that conforms to your outward appearance (and inward one for that matter). Yes, the banks may still have undue influence on legislation regarding banking. And PHARMA on drugs. And agribusness on farm subsidies, and on and on. But that's a capitalist democracy for you.
Just hold your nose, think of the Supreme Court, and vote for the Democrat.
Do you want it to be easier or harder for a wheel-chair bound transgendered person to sue for wrongful discharge? You actually beg the question by using the word "wrongful." (And yes, this IS the correct usage of "beg the question.")
More rights for more people, or fewer rights for more people, that is the simple question. From being able to vote to using the restroom that conforms to your outward appearance (and inward one for that matter). Yes, the banks may still have undue influence on legislation regarding banking. And PHARMA on drugs. And agribusness on farm subsidies, and on and on. But that's a capitalist democracy for you.
Just hold your nose, think of the Supreme Court, and vote for the Democrat.
3
"More rights for more people, or fewer rights for more people, that is the simple question."
No. I take issue with your use of the definite article (And yes, this IS the correct usage of "definite article."; thought I'd return the favor in case you're also the illiterate you evidently take me for).
It is *a* question, not *the* question. And while I'm all for advances in justice, even when they impact only a tiny percentage of the population, it's small beer if the fire department plucks my cat out of a tree while letting my house burn to the ground. Opposition to incrementalism has nothing to do with it.
No. I take issue with your use of the definite article (And yes, this IS the correct usage of "definite article."; thought I'd return the favor in case you're also the illiterate you evidently take me for).
It is *a* question, not *the* question. And while I'm all for advances in justice, even when they impact only a tiny percentage of the population, it's small beer if the fire department plucks my cat out of a tree while letting my house burn to the ground. Opposition to incrementalism has nothing to do with it.
1
All the "serious" Republican insiders who are alarmed by Trump's ascent are concerned only for their hold on power. McCain has called on Trump to apologize to veterans (fat chance), others have decried his comments about Muslims, women, Mexicans, blacks, etc. Not one, however, has denounced him for the one thing he cannot walk away from -- the vile lie that the President was not born in the U.S., and the bizarre pursuit of his birth certificate.
To me this fact speaks volumes. It suggests that all these people know that it would be political suicide in the Republican Party to attack Trump on this issue. That a very large part of Trump's support is based on his birther exploits. That he is seen as a heroic figure for that reason. It seems clear that none of the birthers were truly in doubt as to where Mr. Obama was born. To declare that you were a birther was a way of signalling your solidarity with other Obama haters and saying that which could not be said openly -- that you could not stomach the idea of a black man as President. That Trump "tells it like it is" is likewise code for "I hate Obama with every bone in my body and I admire Trump for sharing my hatred and expressing it better than anyone else."
To me this fact speaks volumes. It suggests that all these people know that it would be political suicide in the Republican Party to attack Trump on this issue. That a very large part of Trump's support is based on his birther exploits. That he is seen as a heroic figure for that reason. It seems clear that none of the birthers were truly in doubt as to where Mr. Obama was born. To declare that you were a birther was a way of signalling your solidarity with other Obama haters and saying that which could not be said openly -- that you could not stomach the idea of a black man as President. That Trump "tells it like it is" is likewise code for "I hate Obama with every bone in my body and I admire Trump for sharing my hatred and expressing it better than anyone else."
236
My small window providing a tentative basis for believing that there are all too many Trumpian wolves in sheep's clothing to justify confidence in Trump failure is provided by highly recommended NYT comments. Where? Next to every article about the people who streamed into Europe in 2015 from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan to name the top 3.
The top comments are all too often pure Trump. A favorite theme is that "all" who came to Sweden, for example, were male economic migrants. Swedish data show that this is not true but data do not interest these Trumpians in sheep's clothing.
Just an hypothesis, nothing more.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
The top comments are all too often pure Trump. A favorite theme is that "all" who came to Sweden, for example, were male economic migrants. Swedish data show that this is not true but data do not interest these Trumpians in sheep's clothing.
Just an hypothesis, nothing more.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
18
Nobody ever said it was "all male economic migrants". They said most, and the sources were reputable news media and reporters, as well as the preponderance of evidence like photographs clearly showing mostly young males. I have read numbers ranging from 75-85%; I think a rough estimate of 80% is reasonable.
Larry, you clearly feel it is not true. So tell us: is it mostly women then? Mostly old people? Mostly intact families with children? SHOW US THE NUMBERS, and we'll listen. But remember that people do tend to value the evidence of what they see with their own eyes, and not the fudged distortions of lefty liberals who want reality to be different than it is.
Larry, you clearly feel it is not true. So tell us: is it mostly women then? Mostly old people? Mostly intact families with children? SHOW US THE NUMBERS, and we'll listen. But remember that people do tend to value the evidence of what they see with their own eyes, and not the fudged distortions of lefty liberals who want reality to be different than it is.
1
Even with all those unfavorables in 2010 and 2014, the GOP gained control of the House and the Senate. In addition, they control 31 governorships and a majority of state legislatures.
Imagine what would have happened if the Republicans were viewed favorably...
Imagine what would have happened if the Republicans were viewed favorably...
15
Trumps cockamamie ideas are no different or worse than his republican predecessors Bush and Romney.
Andover Prep guy cheerleader, Viet Nam dodger, appointed President Bush thought invading an occupying The Graveyard of Empires was a good idea, that invading and occupying Iraq was a good idea and that torture works.
Cranbrook Prep guy cheerleader, Viet Nam draft dodger Willard Mitty Romney, thought a new war, with Iran, was a good idea.
As another pretender to Commander in Chief, Viet Nam draft dodger Trump thinks torture works, that a trade war with China is a good idea, his Great Wall of Morons would be effective and applying his personal skill at bankruptcy, four times, can be applied to the US national debt.
Andover Prep guy cheerleader, Viet Nam dodger, appointed President Bush thought invading an occupying The Graveyard of Empires was a good idea, that invading and occupying Iraq was a good idea and that torture works.
Cranbrook Prep guy cheerleader, Viet Nam draft dodger Willard Mitty Romney, thought a new war, with Iran, was a good idea.
As another pretender to Commander in Chief, Viet Nam draft dodger Trump thinks torture works, that a trade war with China is a good idea, his Great Wall of Morons would be effective and applying his personal skill at bankruptcy, four times, can be applied to the US national debt.
39
Craig, you'd better have a more effective argument than "Republicans didn't serve in the military".
Because except for John Kerry, no Democrats since (and including) Clinton have either. In fact, this can all be traced to Clinton. In 1992, people wondered if a candidate who had NEVER served even in peacetime military (or Coast Guard or National Guard or ANYTHING) could be elected. Clinton proved that people no longer cared that much, and didn't consider it necessary for the COMMANDER IN CHIEF.
You guys set the bar down that low, so you can't complain now. Clinton did not serve. Hillary did not volunteer. Bernie Sanders dodged the Vietnam draft just as Bush 43 and Romney got out of serving. Barack Obama has never seen a day of military service.
Picking on Romney is silly -- is this 2012? Romney is a private citizen. He was not elected. His service or lack thereof is irrelevant today.
When Kerry -- a veteran -- ran against Bush 43, he was eviscerated. When McCain -- a vet and former POW -- ran against Obama, he lost.
If your argument is that "Americans want a candidate with military credentials", you are living in the last century.
The two presumptive nominees, Trump & Hillary, neither have a day of military experience behind them.
Because except for John Kerry, no Democrats since (and including) Clinton have either. In fact, this can all be traced to Clinton. In 1992, people wondered if a candidate who had NEVER served even in peacetime military (or Coast Guard or National Guard or ANYTHING) could be elected. Clinton proved that people no longer cared that much, and didn't consider it necessary for the COMMANDER IN CHIEF.
You guys set the bar down that low, so you can't complain now. Clinton did not serve. Hillary did not volunteer. Bernie Sanders dodged the Vietnam draft just as Bush 43 and Romney got out of serving. Barack Obama has never seen a day of military service.
Picking on Romney is silly -- is this 2012? Romney is a private citizen. He was not elected. His service or lack thereof is irrelevant today.
When Kerry -- a veteran -- ran against Bush 43, he was eviscerated. When McCain -- a vet and former POW -- ran against Obama, he lost.
If your argument is that "Americans want a candidate with military credentials", you are living in the last century.
The two presumptive nominees, Trump & Hillary, neither have a day of military experience behind them.
2
The Republican Party has been giving America corruption for 50 years. Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan ( whose administration holds the record for number of administration officials who were investigated, indicted, or convicted: over 138), and that fountain of scandal and corruption George W. Bush have sent Americans reeling with the scope and variety of their transgressions. I believe one of the deepest grudges Republicans have against President Obama is the honesty and integrity of his years in office. In a perverse way, they have kept the administration clean by trying so hard to dig up dirt. No space to be corrupt under all that attention! So the GOP continues on, desperately working to smear all government as corrupt, when in fact Repiblicans definitely lead the race here. And now they have the most sleazy, amoral, huckster of all as their presumptive candidate. My grandmother used to say if you lie down with dogs you get up with fleas. No thanks to the Republican Party for inflicting the biggest parasite of all on the rest of us.
272
Yeah, the most transparent administration in history.... "cough cough"....NOT.
1
I was taught by septuagenarian white Irish dowagers of intimidating and strict rectitude (for a public school system in Boston) that our country will fail, in the long run, under anything but healthy two-party system. The key word there, of course, is "healthy." This was between 1950-1962, before Uncle Sam called.
One could sense the solid ground underfoot beginning to shift in the mid-1960's. The Republican party became a magnet for disaffected whites who refused to accept (to put it mildly), modest civil rights gains for African-American citizens. The smallest claims to citizenship, such as voting, equal accommodations, a more level field for housing and schooling and opportunities for education. These basic rights of citizenship, guaranteed by both law and native birth, were always fault lines in America, a consciously-avoided menace known popularly now as "the elephant (no pun here) in the room."
Southern governors like Orville Faubus (Arkansas), Ross Barnett (Mississippi) and the crown prince of segregation, George Wallace (Alabama) were perfect examples of discord and strife. They coated the metal that became the GOP's magnet for racism. Then came Nixon and Reagan and Bush, pere et fils.
Then Donald Trump appeared on the political landscape out of nowhere. The GOP accepted his birther nonsense for their amusement and malice. Anything to damage President Obama.
Now the 2016 presidential candidate has cannibalized the party. Trump is closing a circle long opened.
One could sense the solid ground underfoot beginning to shift in the mid-1960's. The Republican party became a magnet for disaffected whites who refused to accept (to put it mildly), modest civil rights gains for African-American citizens. The smallest claims to citizenship, such as voting, equal accommodations, a more level field for housing and schooling and opportunities for education. These basic rights of citizenship, guaranteed by both law and native birth, were always fault lines in America, a consciously-avoided menace known popularly now as "the elephant (no pun here) in the room."
Southern governors like Orville Faubus (Arkansas), Ross Barnett (Mississippi) and the crown prince of segregation, George Wallace (Alabama) were perfect examples of discord and strife. They coated the metal that became the GOP's magnet for racism. Then came Nixon and Reagan and Bush, pere et fils.
Then Donald Trump appeared on the political landscape out of nowhere. The GOP accepted his birther nonsense for their amusement and malice. Anything to damage President Obama.
Now the 2016 presidential candidate has cannibalized the party. Trump is closing a circle long opened.
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Trump is a NY Dem and more ego than racism. But he sure knows how to yank chains. I bet his pivot to the general election is yuge.
3
The GOP did not become a "magnet" in the 60s; the DEMOCRATS made a conscious decision at that time to go all-in for identity politics and race over the working class voters that had been their main constituency since FDR.
LBJ was keenly aware of this, so we can only imagine he did it consciously and with purpose -- and so have all Democrats who followed him.
I read these forums daily; I see the absolute loathing and hatred that lefty liberals have for their FELLOW AMERICAN CITIZENS -- even to preferring and sympathizing with illegal criminal aliens over their fellow Americans -- even to calling for secession rather than compromise with their fellow Americans.
You hate us, and we know it. What else do you expect?
LBJ was keenly aware of this, so we can only imagine he did it consciously and with purpose -- and so have all Democrats who followed him.
I read these forums daily; I see the absolute loathing and hatred that lefty liberals have for their FELLOW AMERICAN CITIZENS -- even to preferring and sympathizing with illegal criminal aliens over their fellow Americans -- even to calling for secession rather than compromise with their fellow Americans.
You hate us, and we know it. What else do you expect?
1
you do know that Govs. Faubus, Barnett & Wallace were Democrats, right?
2
Do you mean a possible candidacy of the "Party of Conservative bloggers"?
I imagine Trump is shivering in his boots.
I imagine Trump is shivering in his boots.
8
As you state Charles, we can all assume that Trump loses, and loses "bigly." But in the meantime, he's already "firing" Ryan as titular "vice president" of the party, and he is on his way to insulting or ignoring anyone else who has party leverage as an elite. Perhaps as party notables publicly denounce him, his poll numbers grow, perhaps as the "disaffected" voter finally has to pull the lever, the unthinkable occurs and next year at this time, we're reacting to a new, frightening era in human history. Then who will give a wit of concern for the hapless Republican party.
8
Why should we care what Paul Ryan thinks? He represents a small district in Wisconsin. He was not elected VP.
He only took the Speaker's job very reluctantly and looks like he's miserable at it.
So tell me again why the average American voter should care.
He only took the Speaker's job very reluctantly and looks like he's miserable at it.
So tell me again why the average American voter should care.
4
Serious people will go with Trump. To seek otherwise would be to render the primary process meaningless UNLESS it happens to correspond to what elites think is appropriate. That WOULD cause the party to sunder, and new parties be formed from the remains. But it’s unlikely to happen. After all, there seems to be a strong consensus on BOTH right AND left that it’s the elites that are the problem. Hence Trump and the attractiveness, for a time, of Bernie.
What has brought us to this pass began on 20 January 2009, and its ground-rules were set by 23 March 2010, the day President Obama signed the ACA into law. For some time before that it had become evident that the hubris of runaway undivided Democratic government sought to transform us in ways that half of our people rejected. The Tea Party, already on the scene, grew to such popularity in response to this rejection of unchained liberal governance that Democrats lost the House that year and should have lost the Senate LONG before 2014, and would have but for (very) bad Republican candidates.
That’s what really happened, Charles. Republicans merely reacted to liberal excess and did it with the only tool available – a Tea Party that froze our politics solid when confronted with the stiff neck of Harry Reid. But the insistence by the people that we thaw that deep-freeze is what brought Trump to the fore and, for a time, made Bernie interesting. It’s altogether too early for leftish attempts at historical revisionism.
What has brought us to this pass began on 20 January 2009, and its ground-rules were set by 23 March 2010, the day President Obama signed the ACA into law. For some time before that it had become evident that the hubris of runaway undivided Democratic government sought to transform us in ways that half of our people rejected. The Tea Party, already on the scene, grew to such popularity in response to this rejection of unchained liberal governance that Democrats lost the House that year and should have lost the Senate LONG before 2014, and would have but for (very) bad Republican candidates.
That’s what really happened, Charles. Republicans merely reacted to liberal excess and did it with the only tool available – a Tea Party that froze our politics solid when confronted with the stiff neck of Harry Reid. But the insistence by the people that we thaw that deep-freeze is what brought Trump to the fore and, for a time, made Bernie interesting. It’s altogether too early for leftish attempts at historical revisionism.
4
Nobody in here believes you, Richard. It's time to put aside your current rant and pivot to the general election. There is a reason why you have not received a Times "pick" in a while.
This forum does not reward creative writing. I suggest you submit your fanciful scribbling to The New Yorker, where fiction is more appreciated.
For no matter how many times you repeat the same incorrect statements, there is no process known to scientists where repetition of untruths makes said untruths into facts.
I haven't quite yet decided which is more disturbing: whether you believe what you are writing is true, or if you know you are wildly overstating your case yet cannot refrain from humiliating yourself.
This forum does not reward creative writing. I suggest you submit your fanciful scribbling to The New Yorker, where fiction is more appreciated.
For no matter how many times you repeat the same incorrect statements, there is no process known to scientists where repetition of untruths makes said untruths into facts.
I haven't quite yet decided which is more disturbing: whether you believe what you are writing is true, or if you know you are wildly overstating your case yet cannot refrain from humiliating yourself.
34
"Serious people will go with Trump." You have to be kidding! This line is nonsense and you know it. Serious people don't want to tank the economy, create riots in the streets, and rule by mob rule sort of like the Trump rallies we're exposed to on a daily basis on all the major networks.
Serious people will do anything they can to keep this NYC real estate mogul aka Homer Simpson out of office.
Serious people will do anything they can to keep this NYC real estate mogul aka Homer Simpson out of office.
33
To suggest that Republicans became xenophobes, bigots and misogynists as a natural reaction to the election of a Black man as president, or to a political majority passing laws that tend to help "those people" is not exactly a convincing counter-argument for the rational, civic-minded nature of the party.
21
Donald Trump has exposed the big lie that GOP leaders have been using for decades to ensure their voters stay loyal: vote for us and we will make sure your love of guns, religion, and petty bigotries remain safe. Forget the fact that we will never work in your economic interest, but who needs jobs and income when you can blame your economic security on some other interest group.
His ranting and raving against an establishment that has ignored the middle class in favor of the wealthy is what has created his base as well as the freedom to hate freely and in a loud voice. But Trump is clever: he never frames his debate in terms of the rich get richer, but America is in decline and we can fix it by keeping "those people" out of the country.
I agree with you Charles that six more months of venom and vitriol will be hard to take. I also think it may be hard for the country to recover now that the groundswell of acceptable discourse in politics has been shattered. No matter what happens moving forward, the damage has already been done to the United States as a country. The world watches us in horror, as do many of us at how many fellow citizens our lured by the simplistic slogans and vulgar targeting of African-Americans, Muslims, Hispanics and others.
Thanks for nothing GOP. If you wanted to ruin the country you couldn't do a better job.
His ranting and raving against an establishment that has ignored the middle class in favor of the wealthy is what has created his base as well as the freedom to hate freely and in a loud voice. But Trump is clever: he never frames his debate in terms of the rich get richer, but America is in decline and we can fix it by keeping "those people" out of the country.
I agree with you Charles that six more months of venom and vitriol will be hard to take. I also think it may be hard for the country to recover now that the groundswell of acceptable discourse in politics has been shattered. No matter what happens moving forward, the damage has already been done to the United States as a country. The world watches us in horror, as do many of us at how many fellow citizens our lured by the simplistic slogans and vulgar targeting of African-Americans, Muslims, Hispanics and others.
Thanks for nothing GOP. If you wanted to ruin the country you couldn't do a better job.
552
I've been trying to avoid reading any news with a 'Trump' in it, however, seems that I read somewhere that-only about 10 million people are represented in the votes Trump has received to date. If that's true, maybe there is a silver lining ahead bigger than the one predicted.
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@ANN:U should strive to understand Mr. Blow's motives for writing his anti-TRUMP invectives.He does so because he is employed by a liberal newspaper with liberal shareholders, and his anti Trump editorials r his "pain quotidien."W/o his column, he would not have his lucrative t.v. appearances on CNN, his profitable gigs on the college lecture circuit.Nor would CB be able to live in a soigne part of town,or send his progeny to Yale University. But to dismiss TRUMP is to also send packing his millions of followers, true believers, who view him as their last line of defense against the corruptibility of the 2 established parties, members of which do not wish us, "petits blancs" and downscale African Americans , well. Can you recall last time CB criticized NAFTA or TPP,the bane of working class Americans?We do not possess Mr. Blow's advantages in life,so why does he criticize indirectly us or our champion?While doing research last year in Greenville, Miss. on the surviving family members of Roy BRYANT and JW ELAM, I also interviewed older brother of slain civil rights leader, Medgar Evers,who told me that he is voting for Trump because he believes DT would spring for a catfish processing plant in the state in order to avoid having to send the harvest to China for processing.Evers's brother made more sense than all the anti Trump denunciations Mr. Blow has written since DT entered the race last year. Wake up and smell the coffee!
14
Alexander Harrison, after reading your comment multiple times, I say without any reservation whatsoever, that you a full of it. What made your comment an NYT pick? Maybe it was because of its absurdity.
13
Mr Blow might also be critical of Trump because he believes, as I do, that Trump is the least fit for the office of all who started out at the beginning of the primary season. Trump has never done anything not in his own interest; it is laughable to think of him as the "last line of defense" against political corruption when he has been a major contributor to it - with every check he's written to a politician he expected (and probably got) some payback. If your "champion" does make it into the White House don't hold your breath waiting for that catfish processing plant - unless maybe it has "TRUMP" plastered all over it.
6
Trump isn’t the threat we have to worry about. Yes, he’s ignorant, which is bad, and he’s unaware of his ignorance, which is worse. But it’s his popularity that makes me despair. If Trump vanished tomorrow we’d still be living in a country that had millions of voters who thought he was a good idea.
Politicians know that people are stupid, and will believe anything you tell them. They’ll vote against their self-interests. They’ll elect brutes and madmen. They’ll rally behind misogynists and homophobes and racists, unaware that the people they’re voting for hold them in the same contempt.
Conservatives know that people in pain vote for change, so they drive wedges between various groups to create threats. Hispanics are taking our jobs, gays are stalking our restrooms, and welfare queens are sapping our economy. We need to build walls, whether they’re made of bricks and mortar or iron bars or simply hateful attitudes that isolate one group from another.
Smart Republican politicians know that their true motives must be hidden behind a mask of patriotism or religious piety, which gives them plausible deniability. They’re not hating gays, they’re condemning sinners. They’re not lavishing cash on the one-percent, they’re helping job creators.
Trump appeals to the resentful masses, but without the finesse to hide his true motives. When Republicans look at Trump, they're furious and frightened at what they see. But ironically, they're only looking in the mirror.
Politicians know that people are stupid, and will believe anything you tell them. They’ll vote against their self-interests. They’ll elect brutes and madmen. They’ll rally behind misogynists and homophobes and racists, unaware that the people they’re voting for hold them in the same contempt.
Conservatives know that people in pain vote for change, so they drive wedges between various groups to create threats. Hispanics are taking our jobs, gays are stalking our restrooms, and welfare queens are sapping our economy. We need to build walls, whether they’re made of bricks and mortar or iron bars or simply hateful attitudes that isolate one group from another.
Smart Republican politicians know that their true motives must be hidden behind a mask of patriotism or religious piety, which gives them plausible deniability. They’re not hating gays, they’re condemning sinners. They’re not lavishing cash on the one-percent, they’re helping job creators.
Trump appeals to the resentful masses, but without the finesse to hide his true motives. When Republicans look at Trump, they're furious and frightened at what they see. But ironically, they're only looking in the mirror.
1459
@gemli: A possibly consoling thought: Trump isn't as popular as the media hype suggests. He's gotten 10 million votes in a country of 300 million people. There has always been a lunatic fringe in America. Twenty percent of the population still thinks George W. Bush was a nifty president.
Trump himself believes that those 10 million votes make him king of the hill, bigly. That arrogance is one of his greatest vulnerabilities. Because of it, he will continue to proudly display to the voters what an obnoxious, repulsive ignoramus he is, defying the frantic attempts of his Republican handlers to rein him in. HIs behavior will be disgusting to watch over the next six months, but he will deliver the White House, the Senate and the Supreme Court to the Democrats.
Trump himself believes that those 10 million votes make him king of the hill, bigly. That arrogance is one of his greatest vulnerabilities. Because of it, he will continue to proudly display to the voters what an obnoxious, repulsive ignoramus he is, defying the frantic attempts of his Republican handlers to rein him in. HIs behavior will be disgusting to watch over the next six months, but he will deliver the White House, the Senate and the Supreme Court to the Democrats.
25
Gemli: If the resentment of the "masses" you describe was actually fomented by Fox News and right-wing talk radio, would any demagogue have sufficed (to win over the GOP primary electorate)?
Initially, people said they liked Trump because he 'spoke his mind'. It led me to wonder why that is a qualification for president, above many others.
Who else qualifies?
Initially, people said they liked Trump because he 'spoke his mind'. It led me to wonder why that is a qualification for president, above many others.
Who else qualifies?
4
Resentful masses?
Perhaps but the masses have shown a willingness to support outsiders and people who share their pain.
Elites need to understand that they do not speak for the masses.
Perhaps but the masses have shown a willingness to support outsiders and people who share their pain.
Elites need to understand that they do not speak for the masses.
4
At the national level, the Republican Party has lost its ability to run much of anything. A crucial point in the development of this problem was what the Republicans under George W. Bush gleefully did with the small surplus and the deficit-limiting legislation they inherited from Clinton. They passed a tax cut that got rid of the small surplus and trashed the deficit-limiting legislation by finding a loophole so brazen that no one had anticipated it. This sort of cynicism and intellectual dishonesty make honesty about situations impossible, and the situations are dealt with poorly or not at all.
So Republicans added an unfunded drug benefit to Medicare, got into an unnecessary war and bungled the subsequent occupation, responded badly in New Orleans, and did not see that the mortgage market was in trouble. After Obama was elected they produced gridlock, government shutdowns for which they were blamed, meaningless votes, and other foolishness.
Now the party lost control of its own nominating process and allowed the impossible to happen. How long can it maintain power in the states while being more and more incompetent to get anything right or get anything done at the federal level?
So Republicans added an unfunded drug benefit to Medicare, got into an unnecessary war and bungled the subsequent occupation, responded badly in New Orleans, and did not see that the mortgage market was in trouble. After Obama was elected they produced gridlock, government shutdowns for which they were blamed, meaningless votes, and other foolishness.
Now the party lost control of its own nominating process and allowed the impossible to happen. How long can it maintain power in the states while being more and more incompetent to get anything right or get anything done at the federal level?
665
*Two* unnecessary wars and bungled occupations.
As for the states, we shall see.
As for the states, we shall see.
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@sdavidc9: Totally agree. My post is time-stamped 3:00 a.m., CST, but I neglected to bring up Katrina, already up against the 1,500-word wall. I wish I could have condensed my brief as exquisitely as you did. Bravo!
8
"How long can [the Republican party] maintain power in the states while being more and more incompetent to get anything right or get anything done at the federal level?"
Probably a very long time, alas. They're frighteningly good at the game at that level.
Probably a very long time, alas. They're frighteningly good at the game at that level.
23