Trump has tapped unapologetically into a dark truth of politics: at the end of the day what matters to most voters is how they *feel* about the candidate. The only question is, are there enough of the rest of us who don't think so?
If Donald Trump were running for president of Russia then maybe one could answer in the affirmative. Otherwise, Trump is not presidential in the US unless the majority of its citizens have completely lost their minds.
The question whether Trump is presidential is moot, and hilarious. America has been without a legitimate president since George W. Bush left office. America has been occupied by a 'pretend' president, clearly the most unqualified, cognitively unqualified president in American history. And yet, the country has survived. Compared to obama, Trump will make for an excellent president. He possesses the qualities America so desperately needs to restore America to the place we fondly remember, so much wish to see again..
2
I think this comment is clearly saying that black=unqualified, black=pretend president. No other explanation I can discern.
Trump wants to Make America White Again.
Trump wants to Make America White Again.
1
It is very difficult for me to understand why anyone is even addressing this subject. Trump's existence is certainly being normalized. This man doesn't deserve to be in front of a classroom much less President of the United States! He is so dishonest. His policies so on the fly and dangerous. He has the thinnest skin of a public figure I have ever seen. Why are we having this discussion? We should instead be talking about why the large number of people interested in voting for such a grifter weren't more properly educated. Their decision making abilities are seriously compromised.
If you have to ask the question, then you shouldn't even be a journalist.
Succinctly: http://iwitnessbullying.org/
Never thought an American presidential nominee would warrant posting an anti bullying website. Our.Scary.Reality.
"Have you ever witnessed someone getting bullied and wished there was something you could say or do to make them feel better? Now you can. Check out inspiring and uplifting images, posts and gifs, or create and share your own!"
Let's redress the Trump bullying. While he would be fired immediately as a teacher or principal at your local school for his behavior, we must endure until NOvember. Report and redress his bullying. See something say something. Do Not Be A Silent Witness.
Never thought an American presidential nominee would warrant posting an anti bullying website. Our.Scary.Reality.
"Have you ever witnessed someone getting bullied and wished there was something you could say or do to make them feel better? Now you can. Check out inspiring and uplifting images, posts and gifs, or create and share your own!"
Let's redress the Trump bullying. While he would be fired immediately as a teacher or principal at your local school for his behavior, we must endure until NOvember. Report and redress his bullying. See something say something. Do Not Be A Silent Witness.
2
I really hoped for better as I read to the end of this article. I think I understand the argument: presidential is what wins.
What did $Trump do when he learned about the air tragedy over the Mediterranean? He jumped to a conclusion. That's not presidential.
What did $Trump do when he learned about the air tragedy over the Mediterranean? He jumped to a conclusion. That's not presidential.
Jimmy Carter was presidential, but he gave us double digit unemployment, sky high inflation and 21% interest rates. Obama has also been very presidential. However, his presidency has resulted in the destruction of our health care system, a doubling of our national debt, 13 million more on food stamps, one in five households out of work and the lowest labor participation rate since 1977 when good old Carter was President. Sure looks like being presidential was a big plus for our country with these two in office. The people of this great nation had better wake up and realize that it isn't looks or how a someone acts that matters, it is what they get done for the benefit of our citizens that really counts.
Being presidential has become putting lipstick on a pig. America is in serious trouble.
1
I don't care I'd the Trumpster acts presidential. He is still a Trumpster.
1
Remember people mistrust the news media more than anyone else. So while you are waxing eloquent put that in your hat and smoke it. Trump may be using some methods of other presidential candidates. But he is the most charlatan of all. He has no qualifications for the job. No experience and never elected to anything.
My wife and I were blessed to have a disabled child. He died a few years ago but I have been thinking of him a lot lately in this particular year of our country’s presidential election. And it has nothing to do with politics or the issues facing the country. You see, regardless of how one stands on the issues, there are some acts so shameful that a person who engages in them is utterly disqualified from being the face of our country. Donald Trump crossed this line when he openly mocked a disabled person precisely because of his disability. I don't equate mocking a disabled person with eating pancakes. Shame on us if we are not willing to stand up and reject behavior antithetical to our values as a caring and tolerant society.
1
Please stop with the multiple Trump headlines every day. There are still nearly 6 months.
Issues, genuine reporting. I know there are a few things out there.
And if you want to do something related to the presidential campaign, how about an expose on Judicial Watch, the conservative sue-the-bastards which is in the tank with the Kochtopus.
Going off topic, but Rep. Lamar Smith (like Sen. Cruz) now heads committees that are persecuting anyone who is concerned about the environment, using his power to subpeona everyone in sight. Apparently Exxon Mobil is being victimized, and NOAA/NASA and reality are in a big conspiracy to support climate science. He wants all their emails forever, to find something somebody said somewhere that can be exploited to deny the facts.
(Judicial Watch is very hot on Hillary's emails, that's why I brought it up here.)
Issues, genuine reporting. I know there are a few things out there.
And if you want to do something related to the presidential campaign, how about an expose on Judicial Watch, the conservative sue-the-bastards which is in the tank with the Kochtopus.
Going off topic, but Rep. Lamar Smith (like Sen. Cruz) now heads committees that are persecuting anyone who is concerned about the environment, using his power to subpeona everyone in sight. Apparently Exxon Mobil is being victimized, and NOAA/NASA and reality are in a big conspiracy to support climate science. He wants all their emails forever, to find something somebody said somewhere that can be exploited to deny the facts.
(Judicial Watch is very hot on Hillary's emails, that's why I brought it up here.)
7
Link:
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Judicial_Watch
I wasn't kidding when I said they are tied to the Koch machine. They are involved in this:
http://arstechnica.com/science/2015/12/private-group-now-sues-noaa-for-c...
(I guess they'll want my emails now.)
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Judicial_Watch
I wasn't kidding when I said they are tied to the Koch machine. They are involved in this:
http://arstechnica.com/science/2015/12/private-group-now-sues-noaa-for-c...
(I guess they'll want my emails now.)
3
Who is presidential? Someone graceful, someone gifted and smart, someone with compassion, a strong work ethic, a command of complex issues..... Someone like our current President. Not someone who mimics a disabled reporter, shames women, rants about menstrual blood and minorities.
Not someone with a small mind and a big ego. Not DCBarrister with no verifiable credentials and a weird take on why Trump isn't 'presidential'.
Trump threatened un-documented Polish workers using an alias - 'Mr. Baron' - the same name he gave to a son decades later. Trump is a jerk. There. This liberal is not PC. I can call a spade a spade. Trump is the joker.
Not someone with a small mind and a big ego. Not DCBarrister with no verifiable credentials and a weird take on why Trump isn't 'presidential'.
Trump threatened un-documented Polish workers using an alias - 'Mr. Baron' - the same name he gave to a son decades later. Trump is a jerk. There. This liberal is not PC. I can call a spade a spade. Trump is the joker.
11
Sounds like Obama, dunnit?
1
One of the things I learned in law school was how to translate complicated things into language I, or any ordinary person could understand.
As a Black lawyer in Washington DC, with a degree in American History, if it pleases, I would like to translate this NYT article and the entire narrative of the NYT on the 2016 Presidential Election:
GOP frontrunner Donald Trump is not "presidential" because:
1) He doesn't act the way the liberal elite demand he acts.
2) He criticized Barack Obama.
3) He tells the truth.
4) Unlike Obama, the NYT and the liberal elite, Donald Trump respects ordinary Americans, while Obama & Co ridicule us.
If you support Trump, or you do not agree with every sentence published in the NY Times, you are an ignorant, uneducated racist.
It's just that simple. If you do not react, respond, think and vote exactly the way this newspaper demands, you are a lesser human being. I can't blame the NYT for denigrating, insulting and mocking ordinary people. Since I moved to Washington DC, at the start of the Obama presidency, the people I have routinely seen and heard ridiculing the homeless, unemployed and discouraged in this country have been Obama WH aides, and Mr. Obama himself.
As a Black lawyer in Washington DC, with a degree in American History, if it pleases, I would like to translate this NYT article and the entire narrative of the NYT on the 2016 Presidential Election:
GOP frontrunner Donald Trump is not "presidential" because:
1) He doesn't act the way the liberal elite demand he acts.
2) He criticized Barack Obama.
3) He tells the truth.
4) Unlike Obama, the NYT and the liberal elite, Donald Trump respects ordinary Americans, while Obama & Co ridicule us.
If you support Trump, or you do not agree with every sentence published in the NY Times, you are an ignorant, uneducated racist.
It's just that simple. If you do not react, respond, think and vote exactly the way this newspaper demands, you are a lesser human being. I can't blame the NYT for denigrating, insulting and mocking ordinary people. Since I moved to Washington DC, at the start of the Obama presidency, the people I have routinely seen and heard ridiculing the homeless, unemployed and discouraged in this country have been Obama WH aides, and Mr. Obama himself.
3
Only a lawyer prevaricates enough to have Trump seem to him truthful.
1
You're that well educated, and yet you can somehow reconcile all of Trump's contradictory statements? For me, the Trump phenomenon is all about people who are so disillusioned that they're perfectly willing to blow up the system--and our country along with it. I understand the disillusionment, but is this really where we want to go, people?
2
REALITY-CHECK: EVERY POTUS candidate of any significance "has to" pander to at least one interest group
Being "Presidential" means absolutely nothing if you don't make it somewhere close to the finish line
ALSO, being UN-Presidential is of no consequence if you happen to be the last man/woman standing
Trump is pandering to low-information/low-intellect audience, AND also to other people for whom there are no better choices, mostly on the basis of being more 'truthy' by being non-Politically-Correct
Cruz was pandering to 1%-ers and hardcore ReligiousConservatives
HRC is pandering to women who buy into her notion that their lives are horrible, and that they need her to make the world right 'for them'
Bernie is pandering to low-information/low-intellect youngsters who think that if they just 'act-out' enough, they will be able to get anything they want
They insanely believe his claims that we are a 'rich country' and that as Prez, he would be able to transfer $Trillions of dollars of new benefits to them, and that he would be able to get "the rich" to pay for it all.
INSANELY, Bernie doesn't actually plan on fixing any of our problems, he plans on getting 'the rich' to pay for his delusional horn-of-plenty
As you noted in this article, Kasich was the most "Presidential" of all the Candidates, and that got him all the way to a distant 4th Place in the GOP Primary
Being "Presidential" means absolutely nothing if you don't make it somewhere close to the finish line
ALSO, being UN-Presidential is of no consequence if you happen to be the last man/woman standing
Trump is pandering to low-information/low-intellect audience, AND also to other people for whom there are no better choices, mostly on the basis of being more 'truthy' by being non-Politically-Correct
Cruz was pandering to 1%-ers and hardcore ReligiousConservatives
HRC is pandering to women who buy into her notion that their lives are horrible, and that they need her to make the world right 'for them'
Bernie is pandering to low-information/low-intellect youngsters who think that if they just 'act-out' enough, they will be able to get anything they want
They insanely believe his claims that we are a 'rich country' and that as Prez, he would be able to transfer $Trillions of dollars of new benefits to them, and that he would be able to get "the rich" to pay for it all.
INSANELY, Bernie doesn't actually plan on fixing any of our problems, he plans on getting 'the rich' to pay for his delusional horn-of-plenty
As you noted in this article, Kasich was the most "Presidential" of all the Candidates, and that got him all the way to a distant 4th Place in the GOP Primary
1
It's immediately clear from the headline that this piece was a waste of effort to write, and that I will never waste any effort to read.
2
Tall a requirement for presidential? what about Hillary or any woman - women tend to not be as tall as men.
1
Trump will continue to play it any way he wants. The only thing he can't do is show his tax return. Why? because it likely to show the millions he received from the Clintons to be Hillary's unacceptable foil. It should be a good show.
Is Hillary "Presidential"? Well...she IS a pathological liar who will say virtually anything and takes pandering to a new level.
The first and foremost attribute to be President is to have a love of country.
Obama began his presidency by apologizing for America, actually stated "whether we like it or not, we remain a dominant military superpower" and has divided this country at every opportunity. Obama and Hillary have nothing but contempt for the United States. The country that has given them everything is an embarrassment to them.
What a refreshing change to hear, from Trump or anyone, that the United States is a wonderful country. The last thing Trump would do is apologize for America's strength. For that alone I want a President Trump.
The first and foremost attribute to be President is to have a love of country.
Obama began his presidency by apologizing for America, actually stated "whether we like it or not, we remain a dominant military superpower" and has divided this country at every opportunity. Obama and Hillary have nothing but contempt for the United States. The country that has given them everything is an embarrassment to them.
What a refreshing change to hear, from Trump or anyone, that the United States is a wonderful country. The last thing Trump would do is apologize for America's strength. For that alone I want a President Trump.
You know the only thing that Trump leads everyone is is the number of outright lies he tells, right?
"Presidential?' I too don't know what it means but, like pornography, I think I know it when I see it and this huckster belongs on the Atlantic City boardwalk trying to sucker in the fools to come loose their money in one of his failed casinos, and certainly not in the White House as anything more then entertainment. "Presidential?"- you must be joking.
9
If Hillary Clinton could behave in a public forum like Christine Legarde, there would be no question about her being "presidential." Legarde is obviously female but carries herself and sounds like a man. Americans have no other role model for "presidential " than the male model.
1
Let's just cut to the chase, OK? No, Trump is not presidential. And yes, that is according to my definition to what being presidential means.
And yes, there are many candidates who have been presidential. Without producing a long boring list, I would say that most Republican and Democratic nominees over the past half century were presidential in stature, meaning possessing a modicum of decorum and basic knowledge of what enacting public policy entails.
In this category, as most, Donald Trump stands alone. When it comes to being presidential, he alone is the most blatant specimen of what is not presidential. By any measurement one chooses to use, Trump has no quality that I would want to see in the leader of the world. What an absolute embarrassment.
DD
Manhattan
And yes, there are many candidates who have been presidential. Without producing a long boring list, I would say that most Republican and Democratic nominees over the past half century were presidential in stature, meaning possessing a modicum of decorum and basic knowledge of what enacting public policy entails.
In this category, as most, Donald Trump stands alone. When it comes to being presidential, he alone is the most blatant specimen of what is not presidential. By any measurement one chooses to use, Trump has no quality that I would want to see in the leader of the world. What an absolute embarrassment.
DD
Manhattan
10
What I find interesting about this and many other candidates, is how people forget Ronald Reagan before he became Governor of California, and before he became President. Reagan (like Schwazrnegger) as an actor had even fewer qualifications than Trump for elective office. In all his campaigns he was a very good actor. He projected and communicated a note of concern and empathy. Being or looking presidential is simply a matter of style. It tells us nothing about substance. Admittedly, occasionally a president may need to be a good actor in dealing with international affairs and foreign leaders. Reagan managed to convince the Soviets that the "Star Wars" gambit might actually work. (Even better he (and Teller) managed to convince a Democratic Congress and that convinced Soviet intelligence.)
If only Donald Trump were merely "unpresidential," it wouldn't be a problem. We would look past this and focus on his authentic self. However, Trump is a con artist and you are dignifying his con artistry by giving it a name and a frame.
Trump mocks the institution of the Presidency. We, who are professionals, have taken it for granted that to be a leader, at every step of the workplace hierarchy, there is a system of vetting. Aren't we supposed to have some criteria and/or qualification in place for all jobs, let alone those that entail leadership? Aren't we supposed to hire or elect those who pass a certain threshold of mental stability, knowledge and competency? It seems like the media and the ignorant American public-at-large, believe that all of that does not apply for the American Presidency anymore! Whoa! What's happened? Are our precious "public" so "disgusted" with the "establishment" that they look to an unstable, old white, regressive Caligula for salvation? Look at what's shaping up: Donald Trump is being allowed a free ride to the White House because we have become a confused, muddle-headed, paranoid, whiney, petty-minded, spoilt, populace.
We are a mockery of what Thomas Jefferson called an "informed citizenry," so just as a cow can only imagine a bigger cow as its messiah, so we, a sham citizenry have imaged a blustering big sham into being our messiah.
Welcome to this.
Trump mocks the institution of the Presidency. We, who are professionals, have taken it for granted that to be a leader, at every step of the workplace hierarchy, there is a system of vetting. Aren't we supposed to have some criteria and/or qualification in place for all jobs, let alone those that entail leadership? Aren't we supposed to hire or elect those who pass a certain threshold of mental stability, knowledge and competency? It seems like the media and the ignorant American public-at-large, believe that all of that does not apply for the American Presidency anymore! Whoa! What's happened? Are our precious "public" so "disgusted" with the "establishment" that they look to an unstable, old white, regressive Caligula for salvation? Look at what's shaping up: Donald Trump is being allowed a free ride to the White House because we have become a confused, muddle-headed, paranoid, whiney, petty-minded, spoilt, populace.
We are a mockery of what Thomas Jefferson called an "informed citizenry," so just as a cow can only imagine a bigger cow as its messiah, so we, a sham citizenry have imaged a blustering big sham into being our messiah.
Welcome to this.
11
Late in the article appear the words: "If Trump is a student of history..."
I did a double-take on that. It kind of cheered me up, like watching "Dr.
Strangelove" again. "I'm not saying we won't get our hair mussed, maybe 20-30 million killed, tops." These days I'm always doing the "agonizing reappraisal" thing but tell me, isn't being a dignified, thoughtful person an absolutely assumed goes-without-saying pre-qualification for presidential candidates? Trump talks like a guy leaning against a bar waving a 4th scotch and soda around, holding forth. But he's not under the influence. He soberly doesn't like Carly's face. He soberly doesn't like Hillary using the bathroom. He soberly makes fun of a reporter guy with a physical challenge. I need a drink.
I did a double-take on that. It kind of cheered me up, like watching "Dr.
Strangelove" again. "I'm not saying we won't get our hair mussed, maybe 20-30 million killed, tops." These days I'm always doing the "agonizing reappraisal" thing but tell me, isn't being a dignified, thoughtful person an absolutely assumed goes-without-saying pre-qualification for presidential candidates? Trump talks like a guy leaning against a bar waving a 4th scotch and soda around, holding forth. But he's not under the influence. He soberly doesn't like Carly's face. He soberly doesn't like Hillary using the bathroom. He soberly makes fun of a reporter guy with a physical challenge. I need a drink.
6
Obama is very presidential. Trump is not. Its a funny thinI people don't realize money does not buy class its something you have. It not a sense of ownership. It is respect for others and yourself. A moral balance and an acceptance of who you are and the ability to see that in others without envy.
4
Trump is definitely not presidential. And he does not have that switch. You can turn on or off a “presidential switch” when you have one. He will not be able to “untalk” all atrocities he said on tape which will be in many Democratic commercials before November.
FDR, Nixon and Obama could do it. Reagan got away with it because he knew his limitations and listened to his advisers. For Trump to get away with it, he would have to win first. Another big difference with Presidents with the “switch”.
Like Elliot A. Cohen said elsewhere in the NYTimes, Trump” is.. "profoundly, dangerously wrong”. Actually he said it about Obama too. I just disagree in the Obama part. Trump and Obama are far from being the same.
By the way, I Trump probably made up Melania’s anecdote. She looks more like a Stepford wife and her husband will want a new model in a few years.
FDR, Nixon and Obama could do it. Reagan got away with it because he knew his limitations and listened to his advisers. For Trump to get away with it, he would have to win first. Another big difference with Presidents with the “switch”.
Like Elliot A. Cohen said elsewhere in the NYTimes, Trump” is.. "profoundly, dangerously wrong”. Actually he said it about Obama too. I just disagree in the Obama part. Trump and Obama are far from being the same.
By the way, I Trump probably made up Melania’s anecdote. She looks more like a Stepford wife and her husband will want a new model in a few years.
3
Maybe we don't quite know what "presidential" is, but we certainly know what it isn't. It isn't stoking violence in our electorate, it isn't mocking the handicap, it isn't alluding to the size of our genitals and it certainly isn't denigrating woman, Mexicans and Moslems. Yes being presidential can be boring, but why must the lack of it be at somebody else's expense ?
4
1. Donald Trump is hardly presidential. The man can only talk about himself. The United States of America is just this large room to The Donald where he can stroke his ego in public.
2. Does the man have any policies? Would he just bluster all day long while running the country into the ground? I don't care about optics. I care about someone who can help the middle class.
Politico.com says Trump is full of hot air:
http://www.politico.com/story/2016/05/donald-trumps-policy-problems-223092
2. Does the man have any policies? Would he just bluster all day long while running the country into the ground? I don't care about optics. I care about someone who can help the middle class.
Politico.com says Trump is full of hot air:
http://www.politico.com/story/2016/05/donald-trumps-policy-problems-223092
3
:-) I haven't yet read this piece—and I will do that—but I can immediately address the headline. I am more presidential than Trump. And furthermore, I could give you a fairly long list of persons among my friends and family who are more presidential that Trump.
"Presidential" is definitely important.
"Presidential" is definitely important.
4
Happened to see General Stanley McChrystal on C-Span a few months ago when the GOP clown car yet numbered a dozen or more, and he put them all to shame, exemplifying "that authority, know-how, gravitas, good posture and moral rectitude — it seemed so important, so adult, so American."
This caliber of representation is yet amply available in and to the USA, mainstream media including NYTimes to be roundly and soundly condemned for claiming otherwise, for promoting inferiors, thereby routinely, intentionally contributing to the denigration and ruination of the democratic ideas and ideals indispensable to the founding and maintenance of this nation. The mainstream media including NYTimes are criminal in this perversion, though any public interest in a search for and promotion of better candidates is trumped by major-stakeholder elites whose utter contempt is undisguised as they spoon-feed this swill to readers.
GO BERNIE 2016!
This caliber of representation is yet amply available in and to the USA, mainstream media including NYTimes to be roundly and soundly condemned for claiming otherwise, for promoting inferiors, thereby routinely, intentionally contributing to the denigration and ruination of the democratic ideas and ideals indispensable to the founding and maintenance of this nation. The mainstream media including NYTimes are criminal in this perversion, though any public interest in a search for and promotion of better candidates is trumped by major-stakeholder elites whose utter contempt is undisguised as they spoon-feed this swill to readers.
GO BERNIE 2016!
2
This useless story is just one more example of the NYT going totally overboard on Trump coverage, churning out endless pieces from eery angle that have only served to put Trump where he is. The NYT and other media outlets gave and are giving him an outrageous amount of free publicity that is only helping him. I am really disgusted.
18
Well it's this, or more articles about Hillary. And there are not many good things that even the NYT can say about Hillary these days. What would those headlines look like:
Hillary - Not Indicted Yet
Polls Show - Not Everyone Thinks Hillary Is A Liar
Bill Clinton Not Accused of Rape Recently
Lanny Davis Stops Talking
Hillary - Not Indicted Yet
Polls Show - Not Everyone Thinks Hillary Is A Liar
Bill Clinton Not Accused of Rape Recently
Lanny Davis Stops Talking
As the Supreme Court said about pornography, "I know it when I see it." Same holds true for "looking presidential." Trump doesn't - and I don't think he could fake it for long. Hillary does. Bernie probably would if given the chance; he's way ahead of Trump in that regard.
4
I teach U.S. History at a wealthy, suburban high school. Each year, my students and I spend two days studying the character of George Washington. We read excerpts from biographies (Joe Ellis and Ron Chernow) and other books, such as 1776, and many of Washington's letters. After this, we discuss his leadership traits; students describe him as wise, virtuous, empathetic, patient, detail-oriented, incorruptible, and many other similar traits. Then I ask them if someone like this has a good chance of becoming president today. Sadly, they all say no.
5
Donald Trump, if he wants to be scientific, as his wife Melania says, "he can be like Einstein". I guess he is just trying to redeem his failed Broadway producer. He can sound like whoever he wants to be, if he thinks presidency is a acting role.Trump seems to be taking the term 'Auditioning for presidency' quite literally. No wonder his favorite American president is the one played by Harrison Ford.
1
"Is Trump 'Presidential'? Is Anyone?" must be the most idiot headline I've seen in the New York Times in a long time.
No, and very few are truly fully qualified in all regards to be President. That is a daunting standard. However it really does matter to what degree the qualities are poor or entirely lacking.
In Mr. Trump's case it is not merely that he is "not Presidential."
As my grandmother's tart phrase went: "No one is truly worthless, they can always serve as a bad example." She was a life-long Republican, but an educated woman with high standards for probity and decorum ... were she alive today I cannot imagine her voting for Mr. Trump.
Mr. Trump is an extraordinary new low "Presidential." I cannot think of anyone who has run in reasonably modern times who was worse.
No, and very few are truly fully qualified in all regards to be President. That is a daunting standard. However it really does matter to what degree the qualities are poor or entirely lacking.
In Mr. Trump's case it is not merely that he is "not Presidential."
As my grandmother's tart phrase went: "No one is truly worthless, they can always serve as a bad example." She was a life-long Republican, but an educated woman with high standards for probity and decorum ... were she alive today I cannot imagine her voting for Mr. Trump.
Mr. Trump is an extraordinary new low "Presidential." I cannot think of anyone who has run in reasonably modern times who was worse.
14
I like your grandmother's phrase.
2
I judge candidates first and foremost on their world views. Sure, tall, fit and handsome helps for a male candidate, but intelligence and world view tops all else.
Trump's strength is his nationalism, and caring for this country and its citizens. I don't view that as a negative. Americans expect their government to put American interests ahead of all else, for me that's nationalism and it means not getting into wars for the benefit of a minute subset of the population, even if they happen to be the wealthiest subset, or for the interest of a foreign nation, at tremendous cost to Americans. I apply the same concept to domestic issues. If trade is benefiting the .01% but hurting the population at large, that's not something our government should push.
I, and many others trust Trump in these issues much more than Hillary Clinton who has a history of serving the elite to become part of the elite. Why would I trust her to serve our national interest instead of her own?
Trump's strength is his nationalism, and caring for this country and its citizens. I don't view that as a negative. Americans expect their government to put American interests ahead of all else, for me that's nationalism and it means not getting into wars for the benefit of a minute subset of the population, even if they happen to be the wealthiest subset, or for the interest of a foreign nation, at tremendous cost to Americans. I apply the same concept to domestic issues. If trade is benefiting the .01% but hurting the population at large, that's not something our government should push.
I, and many others trust Trump in these issues much more than Hillary Clinton who has a history of serving the elite to become part of the elite. Why would I trust her to serve our national interest instead of her own?
13
odd comment. trump was born into money, inherited money and is wealthy, tho we only have his say so on how wealthy. doesn't get much more elite than that. both Clintons started out in pretty modest circumstances...
15
Brupic is right: Trump was born into money. The Clintons had to earn it the hard way. By prostituting themselves to political donors and selling the wink-wink promise of political influence to middle-eastern dictators and Russian oligarchs.
1
It's not that the Clintons started out in modest circumstances, it's how they rose to fame and fortune. Shady deals, outrageous fees for speeches, accepting money from foreign countries (pay for play), corruption not matched by any other crooked politician, a history of scandals that spans decades, etc. Is that 'presidential'?
Is Donald Trump "presidential"? Of course not. Even were he to win the election -- a horrifying catastrophe to contemplate -- he could never occupy the presidency, because it would no longer exist. Like Midas, his vulgar lust reduces everything he touches to mammon, destroying it.
11
That Donald Trump says he can be presidential is as fraudulent as most of his other statements. Does no one care that he lies easily and repeatedly and therefore could be lying to them? He is deceit and conceit personified.
The meme of Hillary Clinton as distrustful started more than two decades ago with the GOP and right-wing pundits who did not like her pushing the idea of health care for all. They didn't like having an uppity woman as First Lady. But the notion that she is to be distrusted has stuck and is constantly repeated. I think that if you were to take her values, experience, willingness to learn and work ethic and magically put it in another body with a different name a great many people would be saying what a fine example would make as our first female president. And there would be no question as to her being presidential.
The meme of Hillary Clinton as distrustful started more than two decades ago with the GOP and right-wing pundits who did not like her pushing the idea of health care for all. They didn't like having an uppity woman as First Lady. But the notion that she is to be distrusted has stuck and is constantly repeated. I think that if you were to take her values, experience, willingness to learn and work ethic and magically put it in another body with a different name a great many people would be saying what a fine example would make as our first female president. And there would be no question as to her being presidential.
14
Isn't there a Democrat Party primary or two today? I can't seem to find any coverage of it on NYTimes.com.
Why is that?...
Why is that?...
4
As Justice Stewart said regarding pornography, 'I'll know it when I see it'.
How is it presidential to make fun of special needs people?
I don't think anyone anywhere was taught by their parents to be mean to special needs people.
Presidential?
I don't think anyone anywhere was taught by their parents to be mean to special needs people.
Presidential?
5
Sorry, but I cannot help but imagine Trump - rather than Reagan - giving a speech to the nation after the space shuttle Challenger accident calling NASA and the astronauts losers. Going forward welcoming dead heroes as losers for getting killed in a fight with ISIS. Will we go to war after Trump pounds his chest and insults Putin and Xi?
Trump is a reflection of his supporters - and it doesn't look good - or very Presidential.
Trump is a reflection of his supporters - and it doesn't look good - or very Presidential.
4
To be fair, Reagan did say that all federal employees, not just the air traffic controllers, were losers who couldn't find "real" jobs in the private sector. Says a lot about him given that he was also a federal employee at the time.
Oh yeah, Trump wants it real bad - the way a child wants a toy: for a moment, then toss it aside. No one's asking what he plans to do with his other business ventures, will he be taking meetings in the oval office to look over brass bath fixtures or a new golf course? Probably, having lobbed "president" stuff onto god knows who. But yeah, he wants prez real bad just to claim it as another property of sorts. And he'll bankrupt it. And it will be really bad for us.
Thankfully it's not going to happen. Too bad, Donald.
Thankfully it's not going to happen. Too bad, Donald.
11
Brass! I thought his fixtures were at least gold plated. Surely, the toilet seats.....
Was Lyndon Johnson acting presidential in 1964 when he picked up his beagle by the ears? To be presidential is in the eye of the beholder.
3
I don't believe that people realize the true gauntlet you have to run to become "President". That long process has a way of eventually revealing the true character of each aspirant.
Additionally, the average voter is not reading the NY Times, watching Hardball or Morning Joe. When the 'primary' dust settles and the final candidates from each party emerge, the scrutiny intensifies.
Right now, Trump and Clinton are both caricatures. One is a blowhard and the other is a schemer. Now is the time the caricature of each can change.
I believe that Trump as reached his ceiling, and it's all downhill from here as he reacts for the first time to truly intense scrutiny and attack. Character reveals itself when it's truly challenged.
Clinton, on the other hand, has weathered this storm as First Lady and in her first Presidential foray against Obama. People forget that as the '08 Campaign progressed, she actually got better.
I think that will happen this election cycle.
Additionally, the average voter is not reading the NY Times, watching Hardball or Morning Joe. When the 'primary' dust settles and the final candidates from each party emerge, the scrutiny intensifies.
Right now, Trump and Clinton are both caricatures. One is a blowhard and the other is a schemer. Now is the time the caricature of each can change.
I believe that Trump as reached his ceiling, and it's all downhill from here as he reacts for the first time to truly intense scrutiny and attack. Character reveals itself when it's truly challenged.
Clinton, on the other hand, has weathered this storm as First Lady and in her first Presidential foray against Obama. People forget that as the '08 Campaign progressed, she actually got better.
I think that will happen this election cycle.
24
How many times will we hear this "Trump has hit his ceiling" nonsense even as Trump continues to GAIN voter support?
3
Being Presidential to me is a combination of outward demeanor and inner resolve. Obama gets a 9 for me. During eight years of crisis and instability, he has managed to keep a steady ship, gradually bring us out of a horrific recession, and still advance some important social causes, and continue the fight against terror (See Bin Laden). He has not embarrassed us in the world.
Are you ready for Mr. Vulgar? An unpredictable loose cannon, who may think he can solve our problems, without an agenda (or without Congress) or a set or serious proposals?
I share the concerns of many about Hillary, but given the choice, I'll take her because of her experience domestically and globally, her tenacity, her proven ability to work within Congress and the list goes on and on.
Should be a slam dunk.
To those angry and displaced, do you really think for a minute that Mr. Vulgar can reverse the tide of globalization????? Or build a wall ????? If you do, I can only imagine your sense of betrayal when reality comes home, and the stubborn Congress reminds him that it is they who write the laws of the country.
What will he do then? Fold his tent, as he has with so many failed ventures?
There are currently over FIVE MILLION job openings in this country. Get off the couch and find one, get prepared and DO IT.
Think carefully about what you really want and consider the consequences.
Are you ready for Mr. Vulgar? An unpredictable loose cannon, who may think he can solve our problems, without an agenda (or without Congress) or a set or serious proposals?
I share the concerns of many about Hillary, but given the choice, I'll take her because of her experience domestically and globally, her tenacity, her proven ability to work within Congress and the list goes on and on.
Should be a slam dunk.
To those angry and displaced, do you really think for a minute that Mr. Vulgar can reverse the tide of globalization????? Or build a wall ????? If you do, I can only imagine your sense of betrayal when reality comes home, and the stubborn Congress reminds him that it is they who write the laws of the country.
What will he do then? Fold his tent, as he has with so many failed ventures?
There are currently over FIVE MILLION job openings in this country. Get off the couch and find one, get prepared and DO IT.
Think carefully about what you really want and consider the consequences.
29
Trump is contemptuous of the presidency and the Constitution. The Bill of Rights is toilet paper to the guy. If that's presidential, then sure, he's presidential.
8
Charles Manson also was. He just didn't have the resources necessary to "succeed".
3
In the election process, do we act simply as consumers of entertainment or do we play a more active (serious) role? By shedding additional light on the roles we play as consumers of comedic entertainment and our roles as citizens in the election process, we can better understand our place in each. The questions are straight-forward: Has political comedy confused our role in the serious process of selecting elected representatives? Are we mere consumers to be entertained by both realms, the comedic and the seriously political? Finally, how should we think about our own responsibilities as citizens?
During the current 2016 election cycle, humorists and politicians began extensively borrowing from one another more than they have historically. A humorous presence--including video, air time on late night talk shows, Saturday Night Live appearances, hilarity in speeches--became integral components of successful campaign and political presences. And comedy increasingly depends on the absurdity of politics.
The slope of this trend in the United States proves especially steep and widespread. While speechwriting trends towards simplicity and reduction for the sake of the audience continue, these priorities take a backseat to entertainment value. We as voters must become more aware of the specific changes occurring in our political system and how it meets the comedic world so that we can reevaluate our demands as voters/political “audience” and as an entertainment audience.
During the current 2016 election cycle, humorists and politicians began extensively borrowing from one another more than they have historically. A humorous presence--including video, air time on late night talk shows, Saturday Night Live appearances, hilarity in speeches--became integral components of successful campaign and political presences. And comedy increasingly depends on the absurdity of politics.
The slope of this trend in the United States proves especially steep and widespread. While speechwriting trends towards simplicity and reduction for the sake of the audience continue, these priorities take a backseat to entertainment value. We as voters must become more aware of the specific changes occurring in our political system and how it meets the comedic world so that we can reevaluate our demands as voters/political “audience” and as an entertainment audience.
2
Trump is our national Rorschach test. He is a suggestive ink-blot onto which we project our own proclivities and biases. Daily, we see new Trump-blots, and daily, we get a new diagnosis back for our country. The more Trump-blots we see, the more clear the divisions in our country become. What I see behind the Trump-blots are all those whites who never marched for civil rights, all those men who never stood up for feminism, all those militarists who never understood that Vietnam (or insert your country of choice here) was not "ours to loose." If you see a President in the Trump-blot, it says much more about you than about Trump. Any pop-psychologist would diagnose you as an anachronism from the 1950s, a cultural zombie doomed to roam the Earth in search of someone you can freely oppress or insult and otherwise be as politically incorrect towards as your heart dictates. Well, as the "All In the Family" theme song went:
"And you knew who you were then,
Girls were girls and men were men,
Mister we could use a man
Like Herbert Hoover again"
Could it be that Hoover has been reincarnated as Trump?
"And you knew who you were then,
Girls were girls and men were men,
Mister we could use a man
Like Herbert Hoover again"
Could it be that Hoover has been reincarnated as Trump?
7
Is Trump ‘Presidential’? Is Anyone? Short answers - no, and yes.
As to the longer answer, all you need to know about Donald Trump is what Les Moonves shamefully admitted: "It may not be good for America, but it's damn good for CBS" and "Man, who would have expected the ride we're all having right now? ... The money's rolling in and this is fun."
As this article proves, the corporate media will do anything not to shut down the gravy train, even if Trump is even less qualified, by temperament, experience, and ability, than George W. Bush.
As to the longer answer, all you need to know about Donald Trump is what Les Moonves shamefully admitted: "It may not be good for America, but it's damn good for CBS" and "Man, who would have expected the ride we're all having right now? ... The money's rolling in and this is fun."
As this article proves, the corporate media will do anything not to shut down the gravy train, even if Trump is even less qualified, by temperament, experience, and ability, than George W. Bush.
10
"Is Anyone?"
Certainly not Old Bernie. Here's his repulsive statement following the riot and the deluge of death threats sent by his violent supporters in Las Vegas:
http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-sanders-convention-20160517-snap-s...
Certainly not Old Bernie. Here's his repulsive statement following the riot and the deluge of death threats sent by his violent supporters in Las Vegas:
http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-sanders-convention-20160517-snap-s...
4
To begin with, read the article in question first as no violence was reported in this said "fight", it was resolved when a stack of papers were returned which one side claimed was not theirs and there was complete documentation of it being the red herring it and others actually were, fx writing in chalk on sidewalk was "defacing public property", and a "photo of woman on ground" was actually having a diabetic emergency.
Press continues to get played - changing the dialog just because there is a buffon that captures the imagination of a primary group of voters.
5
The Obama liberal temper tantrum over an inevitable Trump victory in November begins.
6
Hillary is the female version of Tricky Dick Nixon, with paranoia and pettiness to spare. Compared to her, Trump looks like No Drama Obama.
8
Ray, maybe have your water source tested there in Texas- something in it is causing a de-rail. To digress: West Texas used to have water that turned kid's teeth orange- maybe Trump is washing that bale of hay on his head in Red River water.
There is no way Trump is "no drama" anything on the same planet as Obama. Donald is a grown man but he is shredding his little Tweet machine every single night. The guy is the spiritual cousin of a guy like George Wallace in the bad old days, Ralph Cramden, Jimmy Swaggart, a pentecostal preacher in heat with the Devil- tent revival, etc.
There is no way Trump is "no drama" anything on the same planet as Obama. Donald is a grown man but he is shredding his little Tweet machine every single night. The guy is the spiritual cousin of a guy like George Wallace in the bad old days, Ralph Cramden, Jimmy Swaggart, a pentecostal preacher in heat with the Devil- tent revival, etc.
16
I agree Trump is terrible. It's just that Hillary is worse...
1
It's not paranoia when they really are out to get her.
2
Abraham Lincoln's first inaugural gives a timeless definition of aPresidential soul:
One who understands " A majority held in restraint by constitutional checks and limitations, and always changing easily with deliberate changes of popular opinion and sentiments, is the only true sovereign of a free people....We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection...when again touched by the better angels of our nature."
One who understands " A majority held in restraint by constitutional checks and limitations, and always changing easily with deliberate changes of popular opinion and sentiments, is the only true sovereign of a free people....We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection...when again touched by the better angels of our nature."
7
The Powers that Be don't understand they've squandered their credibility. Donald Trump has taken advantage of this power vacuum. And we are all going to suffer for generations unless the media stop printing this drivel and start speaking truth to power.
Trump is as Presidential as Dick the Butcher in Henry VI crying out, ''The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers."
Dick the Butcher was a follower of the rebel Jack Cade, who thought that if he disturbed law and order, he could become king. Contrary to popular opinion Shakespeare meant it as a compliment to attorneys and judges who instill justice in society. That's why he put such a deplorable comment in the mouth of a criminal.
President Bush spied and lied to the American people about WMDs and surveillance. Was that Presidential?
Bush brought 779 men to the Guantánamo camp, held them in secret, denied them hearings or lawyers, and had them tortured. Was that Presidential?
President Obama promised to close Guantánamo. It is still open for business. Is that Presidential?
Obama oversees the unlawful killing of innocents? The Intercept reports, nearly 90% of people killed in recent drone strikes in Afghanistan “were not the intended targets” of the attacks. Is that Presidential?
America is caught in a Tempest of its own making. When the sea was calm all ships alike showed mastership in floating. But those days may be gone forever...O Captain! My Captain! our fearful trip is not yet done.
Trump is as Presidential as Dick the Butcher in Henry VI crying out, ''The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers."
Dick the Butcher was a follower of the rebel Jack Cade, who thought that if he disturbed law and order, he could become king. Contrary to popular opinion Shakespeare meant it as a compliment to attorneys and judges who instill justice in society. That's why he put such a deplorable comment in the mouth of a criminal.
President Bush spied and lied to the American people about WMDs and surveillance. Was that Presidential?
Bush brought 779 men to the Guantánamo camp, held them in secret, denied them hearings or lawyers, and had them tortured. Was that Presidential?
President Obama promised to close Guantánamo. It is still open for business. Is that Presidential?
Obama oversees the unlawful killing of innocents? The Intercept reports, nearly 90% of people killed in recent drone strikes in Afghanistan “were not the intended targets” of the attacks. Is that Presidential?
America is caught in a Tempest of its own making. When the sea was calm all ships alike showed mastership in floating. But those days may be gone forever...O Captain! My Captain! our fearful trip is not yet done.
"Presidential" is more a matter of personality than intellect. Obviously, a president has to be bright enough to read position papers and to weigh evidence and arguments. But to do that, he also has to be attentive and engaged. Mere intelligence isn't sufficient. George W. Bush seemed bright but incurious and inattentive.
President Obama obviously erred when he set a red-line in Syria. But he exhibited courage and good judgment when he reversed himself in the face of criticism and ridicule.
Jimmy Carter didn't seem "presidential" wearing a sweater in a major address to the people. But in his grasp of issues, such as energy, and his courage in making decisions, such as giving the Canal back to Panama, he was a good deal more impressive than his successor.
Being "presidential" may be necessary to run successfully for president and
to be a successful president. But it is a surface quality. More important are the deeper qualities of character, conscience, and will.
President Obama obviously erred when he set a red-line in Syria. But he exhibited courage and good judgment when he reversed himself in the face of criticism and ridicule.
Jimmy Carter didn't seem "presidential" wearing a sweater in a major address to the people. But in his grasp of issues, such as energy, and his courage in making decisions, such as giving the Canal back to Panama, he was a good deal more impressive than his successor.
Being "presidential" may be necessary to run successfully for president and
to be a successful president. But it is a surface quality. More important are the deeper qualities of character, conscience, and will.
9
Perhaps it's worth considering the election form a more dispassionate angle. For those who feel more of the same would be worse than spinning the wheel and taking a chance with a wild card, Trump or Bernie are appealing. For those who feel they have more to lose than to gain by the unknown or "radical change", Hillary is the reassuring face of the status quo. As more Americans feel more desperate the likelihood of a radically different kind of candidate winning increases. For a nation which feeds daily at the trough of tv's intrigues and titillations, Trump's metier is immediately familiar and digestible. The id like level of Trump's appeal is infinitely more seductive than Hillary's normative kind of discourse. I'll be voting for Hillary based on my own personal factors but I know a Trump presidency would be far more entertaining, dangerously nutty and eventful.
Unfortunately, the best Presidential candidate might not win. So, people get what they want! St.Pete,Fl./D.C.
I think it's about professionalism, and it's been going out of fashion for a long time. I think the beginning of casual news broadcasts, where announcers made personal comments and began to chat with each other, as the start of that (late 80's?) News became more and more opinion. Now electronic media has exacerbated things, with freedom to insult strangers, or even benignly, share too much about your life to everyone. American culture has always been pretty low on decorum, but we've stopped trying even in situations where some might still expect it.
7
Yes, the announcers often dispense with guests and just interview each other.
Sadly, Presidential behavior will be missing in action after next year's inauguration. After a very dignified 8 years, we will have either a pompous and ignorant narcissist or the most inauthentic pandering plutocrat in my 60+ year lifetime living in the White House. Neither will ever live up to the quiet dignity of our current President.
3
Err, ever consider that there might be ton of people who disagree about the dignity level of Obama?
3
What does misogyny mean fellow commenters? Bill Clinton, a misogynist. Trump, a misogynist. They may not treat women properly but is it really hatred of women?
2
It means when you are asked as Trump was about abortion he suggested that women "would need to be punished". American women. Punished. Who does this clown think he is?
Maybe he was inspired by that story in Iran about the "morality police" making a come-back.
Maybe he was inspired by that story in Iran about the "morality police" making a come-back.
15
Kay
That's not misogyny. That's simply saying that people who commit crimes ought to be punished. You can disagree about whether abortion should be illegal, and if so, whether woman should be punished. But it is no more misogyny to say that women should be punished for a crime, than it would be misandry to say that men should be punished for engaging in illegal acts.
That's not misogyny. That's simply saying that people who commit crimes ought to be punished. You can disagree about whether abortion should be illegal, and if so, whether woman should be punished. But it is no more misogyny to say that women should be punished for a crime, than it would be misandry to say that men should be punished for engaging in illegal acts.
2
Outside the real estate market and his ego, for Trump, it's all "unknown unknowns." There's "no there there". He's already brought all he has to the table; a litinay of cliche.
9
So what's the point? That President Obama acts presidential most of the time, if by that, you mean using caution when you speak, avoiding vulgarities, and taking the duties of the office seriously? Or, as a counterpoint, that Trump displays none of that? In fact, he mocks the very process?
I don't know. It seems the voters want a joker for President. Anything less is "boring". Let's just see how good boring looks if terrorists strike again, or the markets dive 3000 points following the launch of tariffs, or an earthquake hits California, or a mass shooter mows down a crowd at a football game.
I know for me, should those thing happen, I'd be far happier with someone boring who also has a steady hand on the national tiller.
I don't know. It seems the voters want a joker for President. Anything less is "boring". Let's just see how good boring looks if terrorists strike again, or the markets dive 3000 points following the launch of tariffs, or an earthquake hits California, or a mass shooter mows down a crowd at a football game.
I know for me, should those thing happen, I'd be far happier with someone boring who also has a steady hand on the national tiller.
27
you could of saved the energy Christine and stopped right after "What's the point"? .....as that was the first thing I said after reading this article
2
How about female prime ministerial examples? Plenty of role models for us Americans to consider -- from powerful and effective to corrupt. Americans, and Clinton, can figure out what it means to be a presidential woman.
2
Mr. Morris repeats the canard that people don't trust Hillary Clinton. Why does the press keep saying that? I for one trust her more than any Republican I can think of. The demonizing of Clinton is rooted in misogyny, and it really has no basis in fact or history. It is worst kind thoughtless slander. She is treated as the female equivalent of Goebbels or Himmler. In fact, she is exceedingly intelligent and accomplished person, not perfect but where is perfection to be found. Politics is the art of the possible, and Donald Trump is an impossible and terrifying alternative.
77
Because when they do polls and ask about her trustworthiness her negatives are through the roof. Sorry you don't like hearing it but most of your fellow Americans agree on this trait or lack thereof for her.
6
I don't think people's lack of trust for Clinton has much to do with being a woman. The reality is that she has frequently changed positions for political expediency: on gay marriage, on free trade, on Wall Street, etc. She has also exercised questionable judgment in giving secret speeches to Goldman Sachs, in using a private server while Secretary of State, in having a Super PAC taking large sums from the fossil fuel industry. Most Americans would have no trouble trusting a female presidential candidate if it were not for the various scandals Clinton has been involved in.
4
"Mr. Morris repeats the canard that people don't trust Hillary Clinton. Why does the press keep saying that?"
Umm, because it's true. Many polls, done over many months, bear this out. Something doesn't change from a "fact" to a "canard" simply because you don't agree.
Umm, because it's true. Many polls, done over many months, bear this out. Something doesn't change from a "fact" to a "canard" simply because you don't agree.
6
Observers like to attribute Trump's continued success to 'celebrity' but I think this is more of a South Park election. Crude and brutal with painful candor but gleefully giving a good comeuppance to those who have long appeared to deserve one.
4
How come no paper ever talks about Bill Clinton's misogynistic past.
If we are pursuing justice and ditch at mass what Trump's sexism yet its completely fine what Bill Clinton did to so many women...
If we are pursuing justice and ditch at mass what Trump's sexism yet its completely fine what Bill Clinton did to so many women...
12
There's a difference between being a sexist and treating some members of the opposite sex badly.
The Clintons certainly treated the women he had affairs with badly. Trump, on the other hand, seems to think that women are valuable primarily as ornaments.
Big difference. Huge, in fact.
The Clintons certainly treated the women he had affairs with badly. Trump, on the other hand, seems to think that women are valuable primarily as ornaments.
Big difference. Huge, in fact.
1
Bill Clinton is no mystery, and he still remains one of the most popular Presidents in modern history, and he was also one of the most successful one's in dealing with job creation and the economy..... Something, Donald Trump has NO EXPERIENCE IN DOING, his job creation is not a stellar record....he also has mooched off the government by screwing the country on taxes, and has been bailed out more than once by going into bankruptcy......I look forward to this bigot and misogynist's record being exposed.......because his big mouth sounds like a little 5th grader whining when he gets called out for being the liar and con man that he is.....
11
Not running for POTUS ....you lost your chance.
2
" If Trump is a student of history..." Sorry, but you used too many big words there. This sentence implies that Mr. Trump has spent more than 5 minutes thinking about how he will be President.
30
To paraphrase Lloyd Bentsen during the 1988 race: 'Mr. Trump, I served with Presidents. I knew Presidents. Presidents were friends of mine. Mr. Trump, you're no President.'
22
Mr & Mrs. Clinton you are no president either!
3
A strong leader does and says what his followers would like to do and say but are too weak.
This election is not FOR anyone. It's AGAINST Hillary Clinton. The violent followers of Old Bernie have demonstrated that here in the NYT comments consistently.
The followers of Trump are the same. They don't love Donald; they HATE Hillary and are salivating at the thought of the vile things he will say to her and about her. Ooooh, how thrilling it will be to see Trump grind an uppity woman into the mud.
This election is not FOR anyone. It's AGAINST Hillary Clinton. The violent followers of Old Bernie have demonstrated that here in the NYT comments consistently.
The followers of Trump are the same. They don't love Donald; they HATE Hillary and are salivating at the thought of the vile things he will say to her and about her. Ooooh, how thrilling it will be to see Trump grind an uppity woman into the mud.
14
hmmm, good point Pecan
"uppity woman"? Do I detect a hint of sexism?
Regardless of what someone thinks about Hillary's faults, why would they vote instead for an egomaniac? We've seen how that works out.
Regardless of what someone thinks about Hillary's faults, why would they vote instead for an egomaniac? We've seen how that works out.
1
lol...true
The GOP is desperate. "Presidential" has been stripped of anything that could be seen as civil, conciliatory or collaborative. Now it's vulgar, vindictive and vengeful.
10
'Presidential' is like 'electable' in my mind, and Trump was supposed to be unelectable in every primary election that he ran in, except for the fact that he won the vast majority of them. It's all fake. People just don't appreciate how hypocritical things were in the past. People are only just starting to come to grips with the fact that we were never a democracy, another word that gets thrown around a lot.
5
That's because they don't know the difference between republic and democracy.
This piece tracks the "presidential" trajectory of candidates since FDR but fails to address what makes Trump different; he’s the final merging of toxic modern right-wing punditry and Republican leadership. Others who sought the president’s office may have created personas enticing voter support, but none have lifted their scripts completely from the most extreme and insidious demagogues. The rhetoric Trump employs comes directly from right-wing talk-radio shills who laid the ground cover for Ronald Reagan, and every Republican presidential candidate since. Trump’s radical departure is in not using coded language Republican politicians "should" employ and instead using raw bigoted and misogynistic screes of Republican pundits. Trump doesn't bother to come up with a fallacious phrases like "trickle down" to justify regressive economic policies, he simply claims that a guy who can drown out rivals with expletives, not reason, is the one to trust. Republican leadership recoiled from Trump out of fear that he’d laid bare one of the longest running political scams in history. However, Trump is doing well and these same Republicans now back him. Right-wing discourse since Reagan has sown such discord, paranoia, and bigotry, that all civility in political discourse is gone. Now nothing is out of bounds. Trump uses the same hateful language that Republican demagogues have been employing for decades. It allows many to see him as a truth-teller, instead of the bigoted no-nothing he is.
10
We also used to agree that we should reduce the number of nuclear arms and avoid nuclear proliferation - not anymore. We also used to agree that the United States should not have a policy encouraging torture and war crimes - not anymore.
3
Wait, Stop the World, I want to get off! Americans, come to your senses; you want to ENTRUST the most powerful and hence difficult and complex job in the world to a con artist who's never so much as held an elective office? You know, like a mayor of a village or President of the school board or legislator at some level who has had to serve people that he represents? Someone who's never had to work at getting ideas that he can spew like a raging tornado but has never had to work with lawmakers--you know, councilmen, Senators, Assemblymen and women, Representatives--to achieve something from his incessant boasting? My fellow Americans who are inclined to think Trump would make a good President, please, he has no credentials to be elected to this mighty and revered, or at least once-revered office. Or to put it more bluntly, he doesn't have a clue!
29
It looks like many voters have already answered your question...They think Hillary would be worse
5
Trump won the GOP prize by looking more presidential than his opponents. Trump always wears a suit.
3
Obama is presidential. Distinguished, intellectual, intelligent, well-spoken.
But he turned out to be a disappointing President for most of us.
Hillary is so arrogant and hypocritical that I would dread having her as the first female President. It's important our first woman president be someone exceptional and of irreproachable character. That person is not Hillary Clinton.
Trump is erratic, insecure and unpredictable. Yes, he's not an ideal choice. But who knows? He has a lot of fresh ideas, and his lack of political correctness could be a big strength. He's smart, creative and a hard worker. I am sick of the entrenched political establishment, which caters only to themselves and to special interests. They are ruining our country. So maybe it is time for a change...
But he turned out to be a disappointing President for most of us.
Hillary is so arrogant and hypocritical that I would dread having her as the first female President. It's important our first woman president be someone exceptional and of irreproachable character. That person is not Hillary Clinton.
Trump is erratic, insecure and unpredictable. Yes, he's not an ideal choice. But who knows? He has a lot of fresh ideas, and his lack of political correctness could be a big strength. He's smart, creative and a hard worker. I am sick of the entrenched political establishment, which caters only to themselves and to special interests. They are ruining our country. So maybe it is time for a change...
12
Please me which rock to move to discover all these "fresh" policy ideas you claim Trump has espoused?
According to your boy, they've only been "suggestion."
According to your boy, they've only been "suggestion."
11
"He has a lot of fresh ideas, and his lack of political correctness could be a big strength. He's smart, creative and a hard worker".
Honey your not even in this solar system ....your in a different galaxi
Honey your not even in this solar system ....your in a different galaxi
10
@Jim,
Trump is not 'my boy'. I'm not thrilled with him, either.
His idea to make other nations win NATO and whom we defend pay their fair share and to renegotiate trade deals I thought were valid ideas. Although I'm not sure a wall is the answer, I and most Americans do want to put a stop to illegal immigration. Trump was brave enough to bring these points up early on when other candidates were simply ignoring them.
Trump is not 'my boy'. I'm not thrilled with him, either.
His idea to make other nations win NATO and whom we defend pay their fair share and to renegotiate trade deals I thought were valid ideas. Although I'm not sure a wall is the answer, I and most Americans do want to put a stop to illegal immigration. Trump was brave enough to bring these points up early on when other candidates were simply ignoring them.
1
Very astute analysis. Trump has gambled that a big chunk of voters would be willing to view presidential politics as another superficial reality TV show, and it looks like he's won that bet so far.
10
If you want Sylvio Berlusconi as your President, then Donald Trump is your man.
If you want a megalomaniac to trash your democracy, Trump and Berlusconi are your kind of snake-oil salesmen.
FROM https://goo.gl/5DCGCn
'Berlusconi sold an impossible dream, convincing Italian voters that all that stood between them and the sort of wealth and grandeur he enjoyed was a hapless, self-serving political class. He promised to amend the constitution, deregulate markets and shrink government, thus packaging a billionaire’s dream agenda as if it offered salvation to “the average Giuseppe.” '
'Trump’s political path has been carved by a media culture that favors entertainment over news. Political debate and discussion on TV have been reduced to mud-wrestling. '
'Berlusconi’s opponents fell into his PR trap in the same way in Italy, rushing to condemn his gaffes and his deliberately provocative statements calculated to rouse the far right. Like Berlusconi, Trump has succeeded in making himself the center of the conversation.'
'Berlusconi started out as a wealthy demagogue on the brink of bankruptcy, whose celebrity was — like Trump’s — rooted in both real estate and popular entertainment culture. Berlusconi presented himself as Italy’s strongman, speaking like a barman, selling false promises of wealth and grandeur for all. He made the electorate laugh while stoking fears and promised restore Italy to its lost international stature.'
Send Donald Trump to Italy, where he belongs.
If you want a megalomaniac to trash your democracy, Trump and Berlusconi are your kind of snake-oil salesmen.
FROM https://goo.gl/5DCGCn
'Berlusconi sold an impossible dream, convincing Italian voters that all that stood between them and the sort of wealth and grandeur he enjoyed was a hapless, self-serving political class. He promised to amend the constitution, deregulate markets and shrink government, thus packaging a billionaire’s dream agenda as if it offered salvation to “the average Giuseppe.” '
'Trump’s political path has been carved by a media culture that favors entertainment over news. Political debate and discussion on TV have been reduced to mud-wrestling. '
'Berlusconi’s opponents fell into his PR trap in the same way in Italy, rushing to condemn his gaffes and his deliberately provocative statements calculated to rouse the far right. Like Berlusconi, Trump has succeeded in making himself the center of the conversation.'
'Berlusconi started out as a wealthy demagogue on the brink of bankruptcy, whose celebrity was — like Trump’s — rooted in both real estate and popular entertainment culture. Berlusconi presented himself as Italy’s strongman, speaking like a barman, selling false promises of wealth and grandeur for all. He made the electorate laugh while stoking fears and promised restore Italy to its lost international stature.'
Send Donald Trump to Italy, where he belongs.
115
The Italians would send him back COD. They already had a buffoon as PM, why would they want an American version of the same?
10
Absolutely! Now can you please do the P.T. Barnum analogy?
2
To paraphrase Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart:
'I shall not today attempt further to define "Presidential", and perhaps I could never succeed in intelligibly doing so. But I know it when I see it, and Donald Trumpis not that.'
Of course he was talking about obscenity at the time.
'I shall not today attempt further to define "Presidential", and perhaps I could never succeed in intelligibly doing so. But I know it when I see it, and Donald Trumpis not that.'
Of course he was talking about obscenity at the time.
17
The idea that presidential behavior should be dignified is as lost as dignity itself. We're all friends in the US. Companies address their customers by first name, as doctors' offices do their patients.
Since the day we learned the President of the United States had sex with a White House intern in the oval office, after or before the pizza arrived, we have really not had a reason to expect the nation's leader to have any more gravitas than that of a fraternity house social chairman. In fact we expect the commander-in-chief to appear on Saturday Night Live and occasionally rock out.
So no surprise the Republicans are about to nominate a late middle-aged man who rates women numerically on their looks, as if he were fifteen. He may be rich, but he too is just one of the guys.
Since the day we learned the President of the United States had sex with a White House intern in the oval office, after or before the pizza arrived, we have really not had a reason to expect the nation's leader to have any more gravitas than that of a fraternity house social chairman. In fact we expect the commander-in-chief to appear on Saturday Night Live and occasionally rock out.
So no surprise the Republicans are about to nominate a late middle-aged man who rates women numerically on their looks, as if he were fifteen. He may be rich, but he too is just one of the guys.
13
You think Reagan had gravitas. I think he was a salesman with great handlers and super-rich backers on a mission to lower their own taxes and escape regulation. Don't we all need regulation? I don't want somebody they just hired off the street flying my airplane.
11
Bill Clinton certainly wasn't the first president to have sex with someone who wasn't his wife while in office. However, he was the first one who was forced by the opposition political party to testify about it in graphic detail in front of the nation. It was the purely vindictive and unnecessary actions of the Republicans that sullied the dignity of the presidency and the Congress much more than what Clinton did.
For the record, I think Clinton's behavior was stupid, careless and selfish (like that of many other philandering men, including the hypocritical Republicans). However, I don't think his wife should be blamed for it in any manner, even when she was ineffectually trying to defend him.
For the record, I think Clinton's behavior was stupid, careless and selfish (like that of many other philandering men, including the hypocritical Republicans). However, I don't think his wife should be blamed for it in any manner, even when she was ineffectually trying to defend him.
18
@MadelineConant:
"It was the purely vindictive and unnecessary actions of the Republicans that sullied the dignity of the presidency and the Congress much more than what Clinton did".
Yes, of course...it's all the Republicans fault. You made me laugh out loud on that one.
No one accept responsibility for their actions. That's been the Clinton mantra for decades.
And that is precisely why the 'peasants are revolting'. Americans are so desperate to not have 'HillBillery' return to the White House that they may choose Donald Trump instead. Just think about that...
"It was the purely vindictive and unnecessary actions of the Republicans that sullied the dignity of the presidency and the Congress much more than what Clinton did".
Yes, of course...it's all the Republicans fault. You made me laugh out loud on that one.
No one accept responsibility for their actions. That's been the Clinton mantra for decades.
And that is precisely why the 'peasants are revolting'. Americans are so desperate to not have 'HillBillery' return to the White House that they may choose Donald Trump instead. Just think about that...
2
This election season is the worst since I became a US citizen in 1962,
We are left with a choice which will be among the least of three evils:
1-Trump the proto-fascist is the worst
2-Sanders will move the US towards socialism (as in Sweden)
3-Clinton, the most experienced person but someone easy to dislike
We are left with a choice which will be among the least of three evils:
1-Trump the proto-fascist is the worst
2-Sanders will move the US towards socialism (as in Sweden)
3-Clinton, the most experienced person but someone easy to dislike
3
What we see in Trump is what a large group of Americans see in themselves and their President. It is regressive and will not bring glory to the nation. May be all other can band together and Keep America great!
9
"All gods are homemade, and it is we who pull their strings, and so, give them the power to pull ours." A. Huxley.
Mr. Trump, as a leader, does not exist apart from being a reflection of his followers. No matter whatever delusion it is under which he is operating, it is they who pull his strings and, thus, gives him the power to pull ours.
Asking Mr. Trump to be "Presidential" is equivalent to asking his followers to be "Presidential," which is as much an exercise in futility as would be asking his followers if, to them, Mr. Trump is "Presidential."
It is a like a snake eating its own tail.
Mr. Trump, as a leader, does not exist apart from being a reflection of his followers. No matter whatever delusion it is under which he is operating, it is they who pull his strings and, thus, gives him the power to pull ours.
Asking Mr. Trump to be "Presidential" is equivalent to asking his followers to be "Presidential," which is as much an exercise in futility as would be asking his followers if, to them, Mr. Trump is "Presidential."
It is a like a snake eating its own tail.
20
To many Americans, if it makes good entertainment ............I'll vote for it.
7
Mr. Trump is not presidential material. He does not understand how to legislate. If he were president, he would become Jesse Ventura (former wrestling star turned Minnesota governor, 1-term) on a national level. He would bluster, bluff, call upon secret advisors, insult foreign leaders, alienate both sides of Congress, but not lead.
Both Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton are presidential. Both understand how to legislate.
But such considerations may not matter to the electorate. The masses prefer dynamic personality to reason. Bernie is dynamic, but he will not likely get the nomination. Hillary has a sense of decorum, which unfortunately will doom her chances of winning. (She may not lose by much, but will lose all the same.)
Barack Obama would not prevail over Donald Trump in a match-up today if Barack Obama were starting out, because Barack Obama is rational, modest, and polite. (Like Ben Carson but without delusions.) Barack won because he was more rational than the similarly behaved (but irrational) Mitt Romney. Even Ted Cruz pales next to The Donald; think about it.
Unfortunately, soon after a Trump term would begin, the rioting would also begin. Buyers' remorse will prevail, but it will be too late.
Bernie has the moxie to win over The Donald, but party rules will still disallow him from being named the Democratic nominee.
Both Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton are presidential. Both understand how to legislate.
But such considerations may not matter to the electorate. The masses prefer dynamic personality to reason. Bernie is dynamic, but he will not likely get the nomination. Hillary has a sense of decorum, which unfortunately will doom her chances of winning. (She may not lose by much, but will lose all the same.)
Barack Obama would not prevail over Donald Trump in a match-up today if Barack Obama were starting out, because Barack Obama is rational, modest, and polite. (Like Ben Carson but without delusions.) Barack won because he was more rational than the similarly behaved (but irrational) Mitt Romney. Even Ted Cruz pales next to The Donald; think about it.
Unfortunately, soon after a Trump term would begin, the rioting would also begin. Buyers' remorse will prevail, but it will be too late.
Bernie has the moxie to win over The Donald, but party rules will still disallow him from being named the Democratic nominee.
3
Uh, don't forget the voters. They have a tiny role in Old Bernie's downfall, too.
Old Bernie and his violent followers are determined to blame others, and now, with Old Bernie's incitement to more violence, they will . . . do what? Turn the Democratic convention into a showcase for their hatred of Hillary (and of women in general)?
Old Bernie and his violent followers are determined to blame others, and now, with Old Bernie's incitement to more violence, they will . . . do what? Turn the Democratic convention into a showcase for their hatred of Hillary (and of women in general)?
5
@ Pecan
Huh? What is with "old Bernie" and accusing everyone who holds different opinions from yours of hatred?
Huh? What is with "old Bernie" and accusing everyone who holds different opinions from yours of hatred?
Soooo, your point sir .....and really dont compare Ben Carson to Obama :)
1
The gap between "Presidential" and vulgar is huge. Unfortunately, Donald Trump has been wallowing in the headline-catching mire of vulgarity for so long that it strains credulity that such a man has even the capacity and the demeanor to ever move beyond his regressed adolescence and to act like an adult never mind a statesman.
36
Americans used to agree on how someone who wanted to run the country should behave. Not anymore...
I think we did away with that about seven years ago, now.
I think we did away with that about seven years ago, now.
2
Trump is in the lineage of male behavior that would have been considered a wacko in my dad's generation - good for a laugh or a drink but widely considered a wealthy guy who could afford to be an idiot publicly or shoot his mouth off because other men did the actual work for him, he could get out of the draft, etc.
Limbaugh changed the American "conservative male" paradigm from "strong but silent" and competent, to a guy so hysterical and angry that he seemed like he was always about to blow a gasket, Archie Bunker-style.
Clinton has the more traditional set of characteristics that were once considered "presidential"- emotional restraint, rationality- the stuff we used to call being a "grown-up". Obama is more traditional as well.
Limbaugh changed the American "conservative male" paradigm from "strong but silent" and competent, to a guy so hysterical and angry that he seemed like he was always about to blow a gasket, Archie Bunker-style.
Clinton has the more traditional set of characteristics that were once considered "presidential"- emotional restraint, rationality- the stuff we used to call being a "grown-up". Obama is more traditional as well.
26
So your for Clinton Kay ???
From the same people who brought us (false) equivalence, Mr. Morris brings us the dominance of form and style over substance!
With (many) fewer than a majority of Republican primary voters, Mr. Trump stands in Mr. Morris's essay as 'presidential' in his unpresidential ways, as effectively destroying the myth of what constitutes 'presidential'.
Yeah. Right. And Barry Goldwater did it, too, long before Trump. How did that turn out? Did President Lyndon Johnson really take a knife to a victory cake modeled on the US map in 1964 and feign a stab at Arizona before moving the knife and cutting in another area, or is that just a political legend?
The results of the Republican primary in 2016 show us the choice of a plurality of white, male voters who seem to include loyalists of the KKK. Mr. Morris seems to think that THAT is preferable to Hilary Clinton.
With (many) fewer than a majority of Republican primary voters, Mr. Trump stands in Mr. Morris's essay as 'presidential' in his unpresidential ways, as effectively destroying the myth of what constitutes 'presidential'.
Yeah. Right. And Barry Goldwater did it, too, long before Trump. How did that turn out? Did President Lyndon Johnson really take a knife to a victory cake modeled on the US map in 1964 and feign a stab at Arizona before moving the knife and cutting in another area, or is that just a political legend?
The results of the Republican primary in 2016 show us the choice of a plurality of white, male voters who seem to include loyalists of the KKK. Mr. Morris seems to think that THAT is preferable to Hilary Clinton.
2
Trump is best describe as "The Donald", a caricature of a of a candidate that has brought his reality TV personality to the national stage. It's time for the media ,print, radio and TV to stop the false equivalency that treats Trump as a serious candidate facing Clinton or Sanders.
15
It is because of all of the "non-traditional" candidates and races that have occurred relatively recently: Sarah Palin , Obama himself (yes), California's post-recall gubernatorial election where nearly everyone and his dog ran for office, and the political race in Delaware that featured a candidate stating "I am not a witch." All of these people and events, reality television and a "whatever" culture have killed off the "traditional" candidate as well as so-called appropriate behavior. People behaving with gravitas, good posture, and moral rectitude are seen as boring and will be tuned out.
1
Donald Trumpf is a bigot, a misogynist, and an ignorant buffoon in an orange clown wig.
Presidential?
Well....
Do we have a cesspool he could be the President of?
Presidential?
Well....
Do we have a cesspool he could be the President of?
15
What are you TALKING ABOUT?!? No, Trump is not Presidential. That ship has LOOONG since sailed. He is not, cannot be, will never be Presidential. It is not some thing you suddenly decide to become, on a whim. It is an attitude he does not posses. Name calling, taunting, insulting, bullying--all of those put him out of that league long ago. We cannot un-see what we saw, un-hear what we heard. NO NO NO. Never.
49
In the most private of settings, most of us let loose from our more measured, professional selves. When out in public, we make an effort to gauge the social norms of our environment and act appropriately. The best parents still make an effort to set examples when in front of their children. The best leaders demonstrate a deft blend of integrity and restraint, yet can still motivate and inspire. The best teachers don't spend the day joining in with the bullies and class clowns, just to attract the attention of their class. Leadership is never automatic or natural, it takes effort, intelligence and restraint. Trump demonstrates daily that he lacks the discipline of a true leader. His rise is a tribute to his ability to be the ultimate class clown and a ruthless bully, simultaneously. He is far more akin to his friends that run the World Wrestling Federation, than he is to Reagan or FDR. Even Arnold Schwarzenegger knew that his own boorish behavior was inappropriate and adjusted his tone. Trump makes no effort to lead through inspiration and ideas. Instead of tempering his rhetoric, he can't help but double down. He's but a selfish man child, who shows no evidence of self-discipline. He insists that you always respect him, while he adjusts the way he'll treat you with each passing nanosecond. His ability to dominate the media environment is solely based on being the loudest person in the room. The class clown now wants to be class president.
40
It is pretty much a partisan issue. People will support a boorish candidate as long as he is from their party. I blame Howard Stern for the present low level of discourse.
4
Bernie Sanders is one candidate I don't find presidential.
8
Agree. His comments about his followers' violence in Las Vegas, death threats, etc., are further evidence of his contempt for the Democratic Party (and for Americans in general).
I am not a Bernie fan, but it is really hard to find fault with his contempt for the Democratic party.
1
Bernie Sanders is the only candidate I find presidential, all the rest unprincipled addicts willing to do anything for . . . money.
Donald Trump doesn't "act" presidential because he is NOT presidential!
Why is this so hard for people to comprehend?
Being "presidential," has nothing to do with how one dresses, or eats, or combs his hair. I could care less if Trump uses a tanning bed (he does), or dyes his hair (he does).
JFK was perpetually tanned.
Reagan dyed his hair.
They were presidential because they understood the responsibilities that come with being the most powerful individual on Earth.
Donald Trump has inadequate knowledge, and intellect.
He has no moral compass.
He has no respect for anyone but himself.
He will lie, cheat, steal - anything to advance his most important agenda: himself.
You can put a custom-made suit, a monogrammed shirt, orange make-up and - of course - lipstick on a pig.
You still got yourself a pig; an orange, over-dressed pig with a nice smile.
But still a pig.
Why is this so hard for people to comprehend?
Being "presidential," has nothing to do with how one dresses, or eats, or combs his hair. I could care less if Trump uses a tanning bed (he does), or dyes his hair (he does).
JFK was perpetually tanned.
Reagan dyed his hair.
They were presidential because they understood the responsibilities that come with being the most powerful individual on Earth.
Donald Trump has inadequate knowledge, and intellect.
He has no moral compass.
He has no respect for anyone but himself.
He will lie, cheat, steal - anything to advance his most important agenda: himself.
You can put a custom-made suit, a monogrammed shirt, orange make-up and - of course - lipstick on a pig.
You still got yourself a pig; an orange, over-dressed pig with a nice smile.
But still a pig.
75
Kinda like Bill Clinton.
4
Have you read up on JFK's attitude to women? Reagan's relentless accusations of homosexuality that ended up forcing his son to abandon ballet?
It's just harder to get away with it now. Please don't fool yourself into thinking retrograde and disgusting language/ideas are going to be new to the Oval Office if Trump wins.
It's just harder to get away with it now. Please don't fool yourself into thinking retrograde and disgusting language/ideas are going to be new to the Oval Office if Trump wins.
3
Not exactly.
Presidencies downfall does not lies in plain spoken non-PC truths by Trump, but in the stain Clinton left on a little blue dress.
8
It's hard to imagine the President of the United States live tweeting his feuding and name calling matches with various celebs.
17
I am not trying to be insulting, but there is no other way to say it. The Republican Party has become the party of the Imbecile. If, despite all Trump has said he will do; if, despite all the warnings that have been given by very credible people and sources about the total craziness of Trump's political doctrine, one cannot come to any other conclusion.
It is not an understatement to say, that if Trump become President, the whole world will change for the worse. He will wreck America and its pre-eminent place in he world. I hope the Democrats are up to the challenge of saving America from itself.
It is not an understatement to say, that if Trump become President, the whole world will change for the worse. He will wreck America and its pre-eminent place in he world. I hope the Democrats are up to the challenge of saving America from itself.
77
"If Trump is a student of history, he has surely surmised that “presidential” is a kind of fraud, one he can put to farcical ends on the campaign trail. In order to seem presidential, he’ll just have to pause being “demagogic,” “sexist,” “authoritarian,” “bigoted” and “nationalistic.” "
Trump's behavior reminds me of one person and that person is Hitler. Don't like the comparison? Look it up.
Trump's behavior reminds me of one person and that person is Hitler. Don't like the comparison? Look it up.
33
People forget what being "Presidential" really means -- it means that whatever the President says on foreign policy is taken really seriously, and can't be unsaid. When Obama said that Assad using chemical weapons would be "crossing a red line," and then allowed him to stay in power after using them, that was, properly or not, seen as a serious problem for US foreign policy; nations would not take us seriously again. That single statement may have had consequences for what Saudi Arabia and Iran did in Syria. As Dean Acheson (US Secretary of State for Truman) said, when the President fumbles the football, the field is open to the goal line.
Can anyone seriously see Trump as Presidential in this sense? Of course not. Nothing he says should be taken seriously. Should he become President, US foreign policy would lose all power.
Can anyone seriously see Trump as Presidential in this sense? Of course not. Nothing he says should be taken seriously. Should he become President, US foreign policy would lose all power.
19
We are all very clear about the shortcomings of this presidential "candidate". However, I am not that surprised to see him doing so well. He has honed his ability to use simplistic slogans through his years as a reality TV star.
However, it seems that people are underestimating him and must be smarter that what he rants on about at rallies. He has bounced back from bankruptcy numerous times and has made himself a billionaire. How many of us can claim to have done that?
He knows how to craft a clear "outsiders" message for the masses that speaks to countless people. Being rich already, he doesn't need outside donors to finance his campaign and he can be refreshingly blunt. People feel the post war prosperity and cultural certainty crumbling at their feet; being replaced by a global order whereby local communities and local decision making are being compromised and watered down. Infrastructure is in disrepair and there always seems to be money for wars of convenience or other causes. People are scared and people are angry at their eroding conditions. I'm not sure why the media and establishment politicians have such a hard time understanding this.
However, it seems that people are underestimating him and must be smarter that what he rants on about at rallies. He has bounced back from bankruptcy numerous times and has made himself a billionaire. How many of us can claim to have done that?
He knows how to craft a clear "outsiders" message for the masses that speaks to countless people. Being rich already, he doesn't need outside donors to finance his campaign and he can be refreshingly blunt. People feel the post war prosperity and cultural certainty crumbling at their feet; being replaced by a global order whereby local communities and local decision making are being compromised and watered down. Infrastructure is in disrepair and there always seems to be money for wars of convenience or other causes. People are scared and people are angry at their eroding conditions. I'm not sure why the media and establishment politicians have such a hard time understanding this.
2
He is taking money now. A lot of it.
8
He did not "make himself" a billionaire - he inherited billions and lost some of them.
He did not "bounce back" from bankruptcy - he took advantage of laws that allow companies to declare bankruptcy to get out of debts and offload the costs to their workers and the taxpayers.
He did not "bounce back" from bankruptcy - he took advantage of laws that allow companies to declare bankruptcy to get out of debts and offload the costs to their workers and the taxpayers.
12
" he took advantage of laws that allow companies to declare bankruptcy to get out of debts and offload the costs to their workers and the taxpayers."
First, workers and taxpayers lost no money as a result of any of the Trump bankruptcies.
Second, if bankruptcy is bad or immoral, why is it permitted in the Bible and the Constitution? Was it immoral when Thomas Jefferson & Abe Lincoln filed for bankruptcy? What about GM & Chrysler, where the Obama administration touted the bankruptcies as heroic victories that saved jobs?
Can't have it both ways, willow.
First, workers and taxpayers lost no money as a result of any of the Trump bankruptcies.
Second, if bankruptcy is bad or immoral, why is it permitted in the Bible and the Constitution? Was it immoral when Thomas Jefferson & Abe Lincoln filed for bankruptcy? What about GM & Chrysler, where the Obama administration touted the bankruptcies as heroic victories that saved jobs?
Can't have it both ways, willow.
2
This article exemplifies why Trump continues to be a phenomenon. While those who claim to know what is best for our country (who most likely contributed most to the suffering that those less fortunate are enduring) continue to search for the chink in Trump's armor or enlighten the unenlightened to his fallacies, the majority of the electorate could care less and votes for him because he lacks a facade and is unafraid to take on the establishment who has "established" the socioeconomic stratification in this country. Get off your high horses and remember that many people in this country are suffering, and as little as you may like it, Trump represents the greatest chance to reboot this political fiasco regardless of his shortcomings.
4
Do you really think Trump cares about the "little people"? No, he doesn't. I feel sorry for all the people who think he's going to make a big difference. Their lives won't improve. The 1%? Their lives will improve under Trump.
10
What a laugh! The greatest compliment one can give a con artist is that he/she is "real".
Bigotry, misogyny, willful ignorance - I don't call those "shortcomings". I call them major character flaws. Elect Donald Trump president, and people will look back with nostalgia on the "suffering" you refer to now.
Bigotry, misogyny, willful ignorance - I don't call those "shortcomings". I call them major character flaws. Elect Donald Trump president, and people will look back with nostalgia on the "suffering" you refer to now.
4
Could the description of presidential include adult or mature or capable of reflection as opposed to childish or toddler-esque?
17
What's presidential? How about someone who is not literally a textbook psychopath?
25
Actually more of a textbook narcissist, but nutty anyway.
2
Yeah, and Trump is as well.
1
Look up the FBI webpage on "corporate psychopath". Trump is no mere narcissist.
Presidential?
Presidential? No. The man is a bombastic, bellicose buffoon and there is little I can think of that will alter the fact that he is an embarrassment to this country.
I would first shoot for human and humane.
Then, perhaps move towards understanding and forgiving.
Collaborative, collegial, and informed might round things out a bit. But that leaves his loyalist followers, erstwhile senior GOP, and so-called, leaders closing ranks behind him...the man for no seasons.
Presidential? No. The man is a bombastic, bellicose buffoon and there is little I can think of that will alter the fact that he is an embarrassment to this country.
I would first shoot for human and humane.
Then, perhaps move towards understanding and forgiving.
Collaborative, collegial, and informed might round things out a bit. But that leaves his loyalist followers, erstwhile senior GOP, and so-called, leaders closing ranks behind him...the man for no seasons.
26
How could someone so rude, crass, and so willing to personally attack others be President? This is the real test. We know his behavior is anything but Presidential. It scares us that he has come this far. We have had Presidents who behaved like selfish, greedy politicians to achieve this post. Yet, what we feel in our gut is that Trump isn't committed to the dignity and integrity of the role. That's not him, never was. It's why for so long we all wondered if he was really serious about running for President because his behavior would cause irreparable harm to the dignity of the office. Yet, he's come this far, so if he wins he'll be President but I can't think of anyone who will garner less respect than him.
5
Presidents come and go. When they arrive, they almost always seem like pretenders, guys who got lucky, hired the right campaign aides who knew how to work the latest dirty tricks and somehow rode the tide of history into 1600 Pa. Ave.
I have seen this up close as a reporter frequently assigned to the White House for a number of yrs. and from a more comfortable remove in Maryland beyond the capital beltway. They become presidential by virtue of the public's regard for their performance in difficult situations; they grow into the job and become larger than life or, if not, the tasks they face gradually overwhelm them, diminishing their stature.
The essential component of "presidential" is presenting the image and fact of someone who is not only in charge, but who deserves to be in charge. Our last two Democrats in the White House, Clinton and Obama, apparently did not fully understand the fact those in the House and Senate would take a measure of the president's strength early on and, if they looked weak, would see this as a definitive sign they could be had. With Clinton, it was backing down repeatedly on cabinet nominees, with Obama it was caving on the Bush tax cuts and other surrenders to the minority, including not raising the debt ceiling for a longer term (4 yrs.?). Clinton got impeachment and Obama got hoisted on Obamacare forevermore. All presidents will be accused of running rough shod over opponents, so they might as well go ahead and do it.
Doug Terry
I have seen this up close as a reporter frequently assigned to the White House for a number of yrs. and from a more comfortable remove in Maryland beyond the capital beltway. They become presidential by virtue of the public's regard for their performance in difficult situations; they grow into the job and become larger than life or, if not, the tasks they face gradually overwhelm them, diminishing their stature.
The essential component of "presidential" is presenting the image and fact of someone who is not only in charge, but who deserves to be in charge. Our last two Democrats in the White House, Clinton and Obama, apparently did not fully understand the fact those in the House and Senate would take a measure of the president's strength early on and, if they looked weak, would see this as a definitive sign they could be had. With Clinton, it was backing down repeatedly on cabinet nominees, with Obama it was caving on the Bush tax cuts and other surrenders to the minority, including not raising the debt ceiling for a longer term (4 yrs.?). Clinton got impeachment and Obama got hoisted on Obamacare forevermore. All presidents will be accused of running rough shod over opponents, so they might as well go ahead and do it.
Doug Terry
2
Awful to think Trump's whiny snaps and name-calling tweets posted under the official U.S. Presidential Seal.
33
This is why the media cant figure out Trump. People didnt really care. The Times thought they should though.
1
Well lots of people care, maybe his followers don't. Big difference. There is not a whole bunch to figure out.
4
If Presidential is inspiring use of the bully pulpit, speaking plain truths that many feel and want a leader to articulate, maybe, at least for people who don't need a particularly large vocabulary or a long time to think to express themselves. If Presidential is prudent, thinking before you speak, speaking your full views all at once, eloquently and with gravity and clear forethought, no. Not ever in life.
our country has been twisted every which way and loose by right wing machine and fox news and the media, they can't tell the difference between right (no pun intended) and wrong.
16
Our culture is saturated with "attitude" in popular music, movies and television shows, and throughout social media. Being assertive, to the point of rudeness, being tough, rejecting compromise or even courtesy as unnecessary and a sign of weakness, and being unwilling to acknowledge another person's point of view are behaviors rewarded by attention, approval, encouragement, and, in some cases, financially. Behavior that is "appropriate," polite, serious, or well-mannered is no longer valued through much of society. Trump has gotten farther with attitude than his competitors did trying to be presidential, so he has no reason to change.
9
Presidential conduct is not a relative term. Trump's behavior is barely acceptable if he were running for class clown. He is unfit for anything more serious than that. Electing him will make the U.S again the laughing stock of the world. Do we need any more of that after the eight embarrassing and devastating years of George W. Bush?
146
With the force of such a melody of communication alternatives, the definition of what is "presidential" or not is always changing. Nixon wasn't ready for TV, Reagan was. Mr Clinton refined the approach, glib and knowing when and how to release information dependent on whether they wanted a story buried or talked about. Mr Obama, in my view, while looking presidential appears to be lecturing those that disagree with him, and vilifying those that hold a differing opinion. His allies then blame the opposition for racism or hate, while I think Mr Obama sets the stage with his own words. To me, being "presidential" means leading our nation as our system was designed, and being a person of their word. This is not what we are experiencing now, whether looking at our foreign policy or getting bills through the Senate. Whether either of the two leading candidates will do better still remains to be seen, but in line with the current communication outlets available to all of us, the "presidential" debates should be on pay-per-view as I expect they'll be great entertainment to watch.
2
It's difficult to imagine anyone with neon-orange hair sitting in the Oval Office.
Orange hair is for Ringling Brothers clowns.
Orange hair is for Ringling Brothers clowns.
70
If elected, there will be a hair stylist/barber, skin care professional, makeup artist, tailor and personal trainer (Trump has become quite overweight on the trail) to take care of the President. It goes with the territory.
Comparing Donald Trump to FDR as presidential? I couldn't read on.
39
Consistency. That's important. Not unpredictability!
Calm, deliberate, thoughtful. Not shooting from the hip, name-calling, making it up, then reversing course within minutes!
Someone with a nuanced view of the issues and experience with how government works and, especially, should work. Not proud ignorance of the issues, the constitution, and how government, legislation, and the various branches both work together and balance each other.
An adult we can trust to work for the benefit of all Americans at home and whose behavior, demeanor and language we can be proud of abroad. Not an adolescent mentality in the body of an old man, prone to sexual fantasies, crude language, boorish behavior, and a tendency to start feuds with world leaders.
Someone who recognizes the solemn responsibility of the Oath of Office, who understands people, has compassion, can be both empathic and far-sighted, at times of crisis. Not a person so emotion-ridden that he can't focus.
Calm, deliberate, thoughtful. Not shooting from the hip, name-calling, making it up, then reversing course within minutes!
Someone with a nuanced view of the issues and experience with how government works and, especially, should work. Not proud ignorance of the issues, the constitution, and how government, legislation, and the various branches both work together and balance each other.
An adult we can trust to work for the benefit of all Americans at home and whose behavior, demeanor and language we can be proud of abroad. Not an adolescent mentality in the body of an old man, prone to sexual fantasies, crude language, boorish behavior, and a tendency to start feuds with world leaders.
Someone who recognizes the solemn responsibility of the Oath of Office, who understands people, has compassion, can be both empathic and far-sighted, at times of crisis. Not a person so emotion-ridden that he can't focus.
36
Trump is the perfect postmodern presidential candidate. He is all ironic surface, affect taken with a wink. There is no unifying logic, no underlying whole. He deconstructs precedence, taking it apart piece by piece. Like Humpty-Dumpty he has no idea how to put it together again, and no clear sense that he even wants to. It is all performance, and all great fun - for both him and his adoring fans. Hey, it's not boring! And neither he nor his followers have any concept that there is anything real about any of this. He wants the power and the spotlight. They want the refracted glory and an excuse to break a few heads. Make America Great Again! Or something. In any event, there's something to watch on the TV.
9
Trump is a creature of the media, and the media is pushing is candidacy, practically willing it into being before our astonished eyes. We are hurtling toward our inevitable destiny, and a well-earned one at that.
But the notion that such a flagrant boor as Trump shouldn't be president really misses the point, which is that the public is tired of being fooled by the hypocritical "morally upright" candidate, who is wholly owned by special interests, caters to his or her donors at the expense of the people, and votes for stupid, catastrophic wars. In a perverse way, the Trump's ascendancy is part of a messy and hazardous process of awakening.
But the notion that such a flagrant boor as Trump shouldn't be president really misses the point, which is that the public is tired of being fooled by the hypocritical "morally upright" candidate, who is wholly owned by special interests, caters to his or her donors at the expense of the people, and votes for stupid, catastrophic wars. In a perverse way, the Trump's ascendancy is part of a messy and hazardous process of awakening.
7
He may not be presidential, but he may be president, because we see no better way to hit the reset button.
2
Be careful what you wish for. "Hitting the reset button" also frequently involves turning the machine off.
@EBS: " the media is pushing is candidacy, practically willing it into being before our astonished eyes."
I would vote for Max Headroom before Trump.
I would vote for Max Headroom before Trump.
But what if Trump does get elected and any purported switch in his brain to make him at least appear 'presidential' simply won't work, and he continues acting insane and offensive in the Oval Office, not realizing that being presidential entails so much more than self-absorbed posturing and mindless, media enhanced blabber just to please the simple-minded? The stakes in electing such a highly dubious character into the country's highest office are immense.
41
You could not be more right. God help us all.
3
Serious, presidential Mondale was destroyed by folksie fantasist Reagan. Stiff, presidential Gore lost to jovial idiot Bush. Given the choice between someone whom they perceive as artificial and stilted (however competent) and someone the perceive as genuine (however flawed), Americans will pick the latter every time.
If history is a guide, I wouldn't be too quick to write off the chances of genuine narcissist Trump against the stilted, calculating Clinton.
If history is a guide, I wouldn't be too quick to write off the chances of genuine narcissist Trump against the stilted, calculating Clinton.
56
Clinton has the brainpower of more than every single candidate, dem or repug, this cycle put together.
23
AKA competent and authoritative were she a man.
4
@mtrav16:
I agree about Hillary's intelligence...it's just too bad that she uses it in such a nefarious and dishonest fashion.
That, coupled with her blinding ambition and neocon warhawk tendencies, are what make me distrust her.
I agree about Hillary's intelligence...it's just too bad that she uses it in such a nefarious and dishonest fashion.
That, coupled with her blinding ambition and neocon warhawk tendencies, are what make me distrust her.
2
Please talk about issues. Enough of talking about him being him. Or things he said or tweeted, if it is true, or what someone else then said in a tweet back. Stop playing his petty game of look at me.
If this race is no longer about issues, stop covering it.
If this race is no longer about issues, stop covering it.
108
That IS the most important issue. This man is the most dangerous and unstable narcissist to ever run for the Presidency. If he gets elected it will be disastrous not only for America, but the whole world. Democrats must unite to stop this man.
8
How can you talk about issues when he has no substance, no plans, nothing but sound bytes?
If this article were about issues and Trump it wouldn't exist.
If this article were about issues and Trump it wouldn't exist.
3
Unfortunately, in Trump's case , even more than stances on issues , it is about character, attitudes towards women, other races, immigrants, and the role of government, and about truly dangerous ignorance and hubris. Trump , the individual , is unfit to hold any public office, no matter what his ( constantly
shifting) take on the crucial issues of our time.
shifting) take on the crucial issues of our time.
1
Donald Trump, because of his smears and insults against his opponents and people he just doesn't like, has opened the Pandora's Box of in-civility. From here out, anything can happen because he has given permission, by his actions, to behave aggressively in political campaigns. Trump has unleashed a cancer upon our political system and it is sure to spread.
5
Hillary? Presidential? Oxymoron.
1. Hasn't driven herself anywhere in 20 years? Reminds one of Michael Dukakis in a tank when she drove the Scooby Mobile cross country.
2. Under investigation by the FBI.
3. Dodges sniper fire in Bosnia -- not. We used to call this lying
4. Adopts a southern/black accent when it suits her. We used to call this pandering.
5. Magically makes money the first time she invests in cattle futures.
6. Corporate Director of Walmat. I forgot, she's for the little people.
7. Complains about the high cost of college while pocketing millions of dollars in college speaking fees. We used to call this being a hypocrite.
8. The Clinton Foundation. We used to call this a slush fund.
9.Where are the Goldman Sachs transcripts?
The Clinton barn of political manure, business as usual, public servants becoming rich -- that's all gonna change when President Trump takes office next January.
1. Hasn't driven herself anywhere in 20 years? Reminds one of Michael Dukakis in a tank when she drove the Scooby Mobile cross country.
2. Under investigation by the FBI.
3. Dodges sniper fire in Bosnia -- not. We used to call this lying
4. Adopts a southern/black accent when it suits her. We used to call this pandering.
5. Magically makes money the first time she invests in cattle futures.
6. Corporate Director of Walmat. I forgot, she's for the little people.
7. Complains about the high cost of college while pocketing millions of dollars in college speaking fees. We used to call this being a hypocrite.
8. The Clinton Foundation. We used to call this a slush fund.
9.Where are the Goldman Sachs transcripts?
The Clinton barn of political manure, business as usual, public servants becoming rich -- that's all gonna change when President Trump takes office next January.
27
How right you are. All the sewage will just flow freely above ground for all the world to smell.
3
Your world view is fascinating. I'm so glad I don't share it.
Yeah,
If he doesn't destroy the planet and incite a World War, the USA will be lucky to remain intact. The unfettered and unabashed ignorance of many of the American people is far more disturbing however. They are voting for a television buffoon muck like their voting for American Idol or that othre idiot Dancing show. They embrace hate, they embrace intolerance, they pervert religion and the feed on fear. Has not ANYONE noticed the kind of people supporting Trump at the rallies? This is a result of the GOP once again and its decisions to remove ant funding from education. The GOP is the White mans party. As a white man, the GOP disgusts me to no end. Donald Trump is the unwanted love child of the last 45 years of the party of Reagan running amok. What is far more fearful is that Trump makes use of all the wrong things and Americans, WHITE Americans, embrace the bigotry, the hatred, the lunacy. I may or may not agree with Clinton or Sanders, but I ahve the GOP is out to control, to break the Constitution, to impose religious tyranny and supplant anyone who is different. If Trump gets elected, I strongly suspect a civil war may just occur, and it won't be pretty.
If he doesn't destroy the planet and incite a World War, the USA will be lucky to remain intact. The unfettered and unabashed ignorance of many of the American people is far more disturbing however. They are voting for a television buffoon muck like their voting for American Idol or that othre idiot Dancing show. They embrace hate, they embrace intolerance, they pervert religion and the feed on fear. Has not ANYONE noticed the kind of people supporting Trump at the rallies? This is a result of the GOP once again and its decisions to remove ant funding from education. The GOP is the White mans party. As a white man, the GOP disgusts me to no end. Donald Trump is the unwanted love child of the last 45 years of the party of Reagan running amok. What is far more fearful is that Trump makes use of all the wrong things and Americans, WHITE Americans, embrace the bigotry, the hatred, the lunacy. I may or may not agree with Clinton or Sanders, but I ahve the GOP is out to control, to break the Constitution, to impose religious tyranny and supplant anyone who is different. If Trump gets elected, I strongly suspect a civil war may just occur, and it won't be pretty.
3
Obama is presidential. You have to carry yourself with dignity, intelligence and equanimity. You have to be an adult. So no, Trump is not presidential.
133
I am a Black attorney in Washington DC, and I've been here working on Capitol Hill pretty much the entire Obama presidency (I moved here in 2008).
I haven't met anyone (and my condo is 1.5 miles from the White House) who considers Barack Obama dignified. He has been a 7.5 year standup comic. Incompetent, petulant, arrogant and elitist.
I had too much respect for my racial heritage and my ancestors who died as slaves (to prevent a con artist like Obama from becoming President because its an insult) to vote for or support Obama.
The American people are speaking loudly.
The same old status quo liberal elite news media tactics aren't going to work this year.
I haven't met anyone (and my condo is 1.5 miles from the White House) who considers Barack Obama dignified. He has been a 7.5 year standup comic. Incompetent, petulant, arrogant and elitist.
I had too much respect for my racial heritage and my ancestors who died as slaves (to prevent a con artist like Obama from becoming President because its an insult) to vote for or support Obama.
The American people are speaking loudly.
The same old status quo liberal elite news media tactics aren't going to work this year.
3
No, wrong, sorry, nope. And yes, some are presidential and many of them I disagree with politically.
No matter how you twist it, Herr Trump is incapable of demonstrating, much less mastering, those characteristics that Americans of all stripes know to be "presidential." Quite simply, if your children behaved this way, would you stand for it? Calling others names, having tantrums if something not to his liking is written or said, lying, changing his story to fit the situation, racist remarks, degrading women, I could go on; this behavior is unacceptable.
At his age, if he cannot use the vocabulary of an educated adult, cannot behave as the older, more mature man that he is, if he cannot tell the truth, NO, he is not, and never will be, presidential.
No matter how you twist it, Herr Trump is incapable of demonstrating, much less mastering, those characteristics that Americans of all stripes know to be "presidential." Quite simply, if your children behaved this way, would you stand for it? Calling others names, having tantrums if something not to his liking is written or said, lying, changing his story to fit the situation, racist remarks, degrading women, I could go on; this behavior is unacceptable.
At his age, if he cannot use the vocabulary of an educated adult, cannot behave as the older, more mature man that he is, if he cannot tell the truth, NO, he is not, and never will be, presidential.
7
"Americans don’t yet know what to do with a presidential womane." Oh, c'mon. It could also be the groundlings know Clinton very well and don't like what they know about her. We might not like the experience she brings to the table. Just a possibility!
5
While America endures a candidate who threatens the rules and norms that make civilization possible, and arouses a simultaneously aggrieved, enthusiastic and growing following, our media feature snarky little articles of semantics and manners. It is nice to see columnists exercise their cleverness, but it is past time for the media and the columnists it presents to understand the magnitude, seriousness and dangers of the current situation.
13
Perhaps we can't exactly define the quality of being "presidential." However, I can name some associated qualities that have very strong ties to the idea: dignified, calm, measured, well-spoken, intelligent, informed, empathetic and aware. None (repeat *none*) of these apply to Trump.
All of these qualities are not something you switch on for a particular event, day, week or 4-year period. They are enduring and innate. It's like "the right stuff." If you've got it, you don't talk about it.
See also: Barack Obama.
All of these qualities are not something you switch on for a particular event, day, week or 4-year period. They are enduring and innate. It's like "the right stuff." If you've got it, you don't talk about it.
See also: Barack Obama.
89
If it talks like a moron, walks like a moron, eats NYC pizza like a moron...
4
How does the entire news media continue to get this so wrong?
There's nothing wrong with the American people, if anything this is a historic course correction.
I laughed this morning watching Morning Joe as pundits and media hacks sat around puzzled about Donald Trump. I need to say this again. If you go through the archives back to July 2015, you can see my comments over a weekly basis predicting Trump would not only win the GOP nomination, but the White House.
I am a Black lawyer in Washington DC, not a media hack. How did I see this so clearly?
Here's what's happened.
1. Barack Obama. Millions of Americans feel conned by the Obama presidency and we are seeing a full scale, across the political board rejection of the status quo political elite on both sides.
2. We can't teach an old news media, new tricks. Oh why are voters not falling for the same tabloid gossip and media manipulations this election cycle? Because we've seen those tricks before. It's not working.
What the news media has to do, and strangely refuse to do is to stop listening to themselves and start listening to the people. Stop trying to tell people how to think. Stop inventing news and over-editorializing.
There's nothing wrong with the American people, if anything this is a historic course correction.
I laughed this morning watching Morning Joe as pundits and media hacks sat around puzzled about Donald Trump. I need to say this again. If you go through the archives back to July 2015, you can see my comments over a weekly basis predicting Trump would not only win the GOP nomination, but the White House.
I am a Black lawyer in Washington DC, not a media hack. How did I see this so clearly?
Here's what's happened.
1. Barack Obama. Millions of Americans feel conned by the Obama presidency and we are seeing a full scale, across the political board rejection of the status quo political elite on both sides.
2. We can't teach an old news media, new tricks. Oh why are voters not falling for the same tabloid gossip and media manipulations this election cycle? Because we've seen those tricks before. It's not working.
What the news media has to do, and strangely refuse to do is to stop listening to themselves and start listening to the people. Stop trying to tell people how to think. Stop inventing news and over-editorializing.
12
Steering the Titanic toward an iceberg may be "a historic course correction", but if the pilot of that vessel decides to do it deliberately, then, yes, I'd say he's nuts. And if I was on board and had the ability to show the pilot he was about to sink the ship, you'd better believe I'd shout the news from stem to stern. At least I'd have a clear conscience as the ship went to the bottom.
Now if it's gold stars you need for predicting Trump's ascendance, kudos. But if you believe the "voters [are] not falling for the same tabloid gossip . . . this election cycle", then the laugh's on you. Trump is money in the bank for every media outlet and the public is eating it up like free beer and hot dogs.
And if you think the media isn't "listening to the people", I give you Limbaugh, Beck, Coulter, Malkin, Hannity - a dozen others - all mirrors, reflecting back what the Trumplodytes want to hear.
The German people did a similar "course correction" in the 1930's - that didn't turn out so well.
Now if it's gold stars you need for predicting Trump's ascendance, kudos. But if you believe the "voters [are] not falling for the same tabloid gossip . . . this election cycle", then the laugh's on you. Trump is money in the bank for every media outlet and the public is eating it up like free beer and hot dogs.
And if you think the media isn't "listening to the people", I give you Limbaugh, Beck, Coulter, Malkin, Hannity - a dozen others - all mirrors, reflecting back what the Trumplodytes want to hear.
The German people did a similar "course correction" in the 1930's - that didn't turn out so well.
2
Yes, but they won't.
Nothing that happened from 1935 until Germany invaded Poland in any sane application of history (and I am a Black lawyer with a degree in American History) resembles what is happening in the United States right now.
The American people are rejecting the liberal elite and a collective dumbing down by the establishment and voting for the candidate they identify with. There has been no World War, no insurrection response to allied control of a nation state, nothing of the sort. Obama and the liberal media are so history and civics challenged that you simply pick names that sound mean and compare Trump to them.
Sad.
If anything, an accurate historical comparison can be made between Barack Obama and Nero.
The American people are rejecting the liberal elite and a collective dumbing down by the establishment and voting for the candidate they identify with. There has been no World War, no insurrection response to allied control of a nation state, nothing of the sort. Obama and the liberal media are so history and civics challenged that you simply pick names that sound mean and compare Trump to them.
Sad.
If anything, an accurate historical comparison can be made between Barack Obama and Nero.
Our view of what is currently presidential may be mutable.
The effect of 1500 nuclear warheads controlled by the president on our children, not so much.
The effect of 1500 nuclear warheads controlled by the president on our children, not so much.
10
Americans deserve the government we vote for- Look who we elect then look at the state of the union. It's not rocket science...
1
Trump is very dangerous for this country! He has voters that are not republicans supporting him from the Rust Belt who blames everything on the government. If they would only read, they would see he is phony and does not care about the low income, only the wealthy. He is good at brain-washing them.
30
Derek,
you can lead a horse to water......
you ask an American to read a book, providing they know how.....
America is in deep trouble.
you can lead a horse to water......
you ask an American to read a book, providing they know how.....
America is in deep trouble.
1
The Rust Belters should ask the Scots about Drumpf's eminent domain tactics in building his golf courses: the excellent documentary "You've Been Trumped" is airing in the States this week on Pivot and everyone should watch it.
1
"If only they would read..." Unfortunately, many of the Trump supporters in the Rust Belt probably cannot read at a level to understand the issues. People who have lost hope for a decent future don't value schooling since they can't see any point to learning anything more than how to survive on next to nothing. These people have legitimate concerns that have not been addressed by either party, which is why they gravitate to a demagogue like Trump.
What defines presidential, is how a candidate answers questions posed by the fourth estate, and how the public comes to understand and view the candidate with regard to those questions, and the ensuing responses.
Simple journalistic questions, that you all missed :
“And then there’s ISIS. I have a simple message for them. Their days are numbered.” HOW ?
“There is something going on with him that we don’t know about,” Mr. Trump said of the president. WHAT ?
“I actually don't have a bad hairline.” WHERE ?
“I could be more presidential than anybody.” WHEN ?
“I will be the greatest jobs president that god ever created.” WHY ?
Simple journalistic questions, that you all missed :
“And then there’s ISIS. I have a simple message for them. Their days are numbered.” HOW ?
“There is something going on with him that we don’t know about,” Mr. Trump said of the president. WHAT ?
“I actually don't have a bad hairline.” WHERE ?
“I could be more presidential than anybody.” WHEN ?
“I will be the greatest jobs president that god ever created.” WHY ?
18
The media is completely down the rabbit hole on this. They'll get a bonanza of clicks over four years of a Trump Presidency. They've completely sold all us citizens down river for money for their failing business model.
7
Would Teddy Roosevelt be Presidential by todays standards?
When the media says he is Presidential. It is a media creation and not one the voters care much about.
He looks good in a suit and says what we in the media want to here.
What is more important is someone who is willing to stand up to China and its 20 years of economic warfare on the United States.
Presidential? That would be stopping the decay of the middle class that has taken place under Republican and Democratic Presidents as well as a Republican and Democratic Congress.
Presidential...it is time to revive the Bully Pulpit.
When the media says he is Presidential. It is a media creation and not one the voters care much about.
He looks good in a suit and says what we in the media want to here.
What is more important is someone who is willing to stand up to China and its 20 years of economic warfare on the United States.
Presidential? That would be stopping the decay of the middle class that has taken place under Republican and Democratic Presidents as well as a Republican and Democratic Congress.
Presidential...it is time to revive the Bully Pulpit.
5
Actually you're wrong. Teddy Roosevelt was not a whining crybaby. He was a good and honorable man. Trump is not a good and honorable man.
9
Hillary or Donald? Are those really our only two choices? Can we have a do-over? It was just a joke...really. We were just kidding. Please!
4
"But Trump has tapped into something else about “presidential”: If it’s a performance, then it can be switched on and off as needed."
As with so many things, I definitely prefer the Scandinavian implementation where the chief of the executive is just a dude (or dude-ette) that doesn't exist at the center of a one-mile radius of security and solemnity, who has a job and goes about a life. Bang the gavel when you're on the clock, and live life otherwise. You have the odd Olof Palme thing which stands out for its scarcity. But we really don't need a personification of the nation whose gravitas must be guarded/protected and who can threaten our own personal sense of how we face the world.
As with so many things, I definitely prefer the Scandinavian implementation where the chief of the executive is just a dude (or dude-ette) that doesn't exist at the center of a one-mile radius of security and solemnity, who has a job and goes about a life. Bang the gavel when you're on the clock, and live life otherwise. You have the odd Olof Palme thing which stands out for its scarcity. But we really don't need a personification of the nation whose gravitas must be guarded/protected and who can threaten our own personal sense of how we face the world.
In most other countries of the world, the chief executive officer (head of government) is not the same person as the embodiment of the nation (head of state). We, unfortunately in my view, combine the two offices in the same person so that the political person serving as head of government also personifies the nation as head of state--that's why our President needs to be "presidential" in order to represent the whole nation, not just her/his political party.
Example: in the UK and other Commonwealth countries the Prime Minister is the head of government; Queen Elizabeth is the head of state. She is dignified and non-partisan in order to fulfill this role. Among other benefits to those countries is the fact that the PM can get on with governing without having to perform all the ceremonial duties required of the head of state.
Example: in the UK and other Commonwealth countries the Prime Minister is the head of government; Queen Elizabeth is the head of state. She is dignified and non-partisan in order to fulfill this role. Among other benefits to those countries is the fact that the PM can get on with governing without having to perform all the ceremonial duties required of the head of state.
Is Trump presidential?...NO!!! Is anyone?...YES!..the President we have all been fortunate to have for the past eight years.
185
Amen to that, 1000 times over.
4
This essay is appallingly shallow.
Being "presidential" is not just swagger, bluster and good TV charisma. Being presidential (as a real president just reminded us) is not a reality TV show. So why is this airhead contributor covering it as though it is?
The writer must be one of those well-off elites like Trump himself, who will always be safely insulated by his wealth from the very real, painfully harmful consequences of bad candidates and their terrible ideas.
Elections have consequences that are REAL. Deportations on the scale of Nazi Germany would be REAL. Denial of living wages to hard-working Americans, continued denial of health care, denial of decent, fact-based education, denial of climate change (while cities go under water), apartheid against an entire major religion, elevation of racism and sexist bigotry to new levels -- these are real promises by the GOP leader. They threaten millions of real people, who need and deserve a real president.
Apparently, though, this essayist's wealth and privilege (and no doubt, gender and race) protect him from any harms done already by the GOP or promised by Trump down the road. So he can write this show-off-y piece of fluff, disparaging the candidates (Sanders & Clinton) who do show the strain of working hard to demonstrate the knowledge, the skills, and the seriousness needed to be president.
Do us the courtesy to take this election seriously. It's REAL. Unlike your essay, which is as sophomoric as Trump.
Being "presidential" is not just swagger, bluster and good TV charisma. Being presidential (as a real president just reminded us) is not a reality TV show. So why is this airhead contributor covering it as though it is?
The writer must be one of those well-off elites like Trump himself, who will always be safely insulated by his wealth from the very real, painfully harmful consequences of bad candidates and their terrible ideas.
Elections have consequences that are REAL. Deportations on the scale of Nazi Germany would be REAL. Denial of living wages to hard-working Americans, continued denial of health care, denial of decent, fact-based education, denial of climate change (while cities go under water), apartheid against an entire major religion, elevation of racism and sexist bigotry to new levels -- these are real promises by the GOP leader. They threaten millions of real people, who need and deserve a real president.
Apparently, though, this essayist's wealth and privilege (and no doubt, gender and race) protect him from any harms done already by the GOP or promised by Trump down the road. So he can write this show-off-y piece of fluff, disparaging the candidates (Sanders & Clinton) who do show the strain of working hard to demonstrate the knowledge, the skills, and the seriousness needed to be president.
Do us the courtesy to take this election seriously. It's REAL. Unlike your essay, which is as sophomoric as Trump.
18
That anyone can endorse him amazes me. The Republicans have decided that all they can do is stand behind him since there are no other options. They seem to have quickly lost their backbones, especially those who suddenly approve of Trump, hoping they might be on his VP selection list. I wish President Obama had never stated that "Donald Trump will never be president". I hope he will not be eating his words.
1
'She embodies both the authority and the stodginess of the term. She’s serious, sturdy, studied and commanding. Unlike Trump, she has a track record of public service. She is also, arguably, the face of what a sham that gravitas can be; people simply don’t trust her'.
She's also felonious. And unlike Trump she has not created a single job nor met a payroll out of her own pocket in her lifetime.
The authority, serious, sturdy, studied and commanding?? Ssshhh. Where to start. Enough said. With Trump now pulling ahead in Rasmussen's poll, and, believe it or not, Democrats flipping for Trump if Sanders gets the heave-ho, this is going to be a rip-snortin' race to end it all. The ammo in the Donald's bandolero is the size of mortars with H R Hillarious' track record. You think her bogus helicopter ride under fire was tough, wait till the Teflon Don levels his bazookas at her. She can't touch him with anything he won't immediately parry, plus she has an entire watchdog army training their lawsuits at everyone in her employ.
This is not only the oldest Democratic candidate ever to be nominated for the presidency but female to boot. Talk about bucking a trend. Also the most corrupt, with more baggage than a loaded 747. The Donald doesn't have to be presidential. He just has to show up.
She's also felonious. And unlike Trump she has not created a single job nor met a payroll out of her own pocket in her lifetime.
The authority, serious, sturdy, studied and commanding?? Ssshhh. Where to start. Enough said. With Trump now pulling ahead in Rasmussen's poll, and, believe it or not, Democrats flipping for Trump if Sanders gets the heave-ho, this is going to be a rip-snortin' race to end it all. The ammo in the Donald's bandolero is the size of mortars with H R Hillarious' track record. You think her bogus helicopter ride under fire was tough, wait till the Teflon Don levels his bazookas at her. She can't touch him with anything he won't immediately parry, plus she has an entire watchdog army training their lawsuits at everyone in her employ.
This is not only the oldest Democratic candidate ever to be nominated for the presidency but female to boot. Talk about bucking a trend. Also the most corrupt, with more baggage than a loaded 747. The Donald doesn't have to be presidential. He just has to show up.
9
@Finest: "She's also felonious. "
PUH-lease put the Koolaid DOWN.
Other than the 24/7 Benghazi Smear Machine, where is anything in Hillary's record - the REAL record, not the Fox News / GOP record - that is criminal, let alone felonious?
PUH-lease put the Koolaid DOWN.
Other than the 24/7 Benghazi Smear Machine, where is anything in Hillary's record - the REAL record, not the Fox News / GOP record - that is criminal, let alone felonious?
7
Lincoln didn't seem particularly presidential, either. Unlike Trump, however, there was content to his character. It's a shame so many voters don't bother to look past the surface.
2
This all might be very amusing if we lived in a vacuum. But we don't. Whether we treat the human race and our planet with humility, fairness and kindness is at stake. Never has it been more important to vote against a republican nominee than today.
6
Please clarify the question in the title:
1) In which country or on what continent?
2) In which century?
1) In which country or on what continent?
2) In which century?
1
optimism and no vulgarity or discrimination would be a good start. yes, that's available.
this is good, pretty much jives with commentary I've read on WashPo, RicoMagazine.com, and New Yorker. Trump is an incredible individual.
the U.S. struggles with egalitarianism. no one is better than another. the goal, we say, is to be classless.
yay! We've succeeded! We have absolutely no class!
6
It is as if Americans live in a vacuum rather than realizing what we do effects the entire world. The concept of President needs to be expanded in this era of interconnectivity and globalization to include the ability to think and act outside of our 'box' of nationalism and self interest. President Obama and the greats before him, FDR, JFK, had a sense of the grander destiny of the office that transcends any 'performance'. The calling must transcend the ego, which is why Trump cannot 'find the right motivation' for the 'part'.
7
Yes, well, those other poor slobs don't get a vote. It would be really nice if it were our country, and not the world's cop we're talking about here.
1
A nation can inspire without policing other nations. We might try leading by example rather than force.
1
Mr. Trump is uniquely unqualified to hold the office of President of the United States of America.
65
Oh, come on. Not uniquely.
1
Yes. President Barack Obama is presidential. The finest representative of our country since FDR.
184
Mr. Trump is the perfect poster boy for red nose day.
1
dubya wasn't presidential, but it seemed the 'folks' wanted to sit down and have a beer with him more than they did with gore and Kerry. 'folks' also weren't capable of critical thinking but that's a different issue....
11
@brupic: "dubya wasn't presidential, but it seemed the 'folks' wanted to sit down and have a beer with him more than they did with gore and Kerry."
dubya was a recovering alcoholic, so no - he wouldn't have had that beer with those folks.
Ironic, isn't it?
dubya was a recovering alcoholic, so no - he wouldn't have had that beer with those folks.
Ironic, isn't it?
1
hmmm. true, but I thought americans didn't do irony....
2
Yes, there is a such thing as a Presidential personality, and yes, it's essential for doing well in the office. You should be unflappable, you should not return tit for tat, you should understand, as Nixon did not, that a person vendetta can sink your Presidency, as well as mire your nation. You should openly consider many sides of an issue, and not surround yourself with a overly-protective small cadre of trusted (meaning unquestioned) advisers. Donald Trump, with his first foray into international politics, felt compelled to remind the world, "I am not stupid. In fact, quite the opposite." This pronouncement had the effect of confirming to the world what we'd guessed. Trump is, indeed, very, very stupid. A true king should never have to proclaim, "I AM THE KING," a truly important person will never have to say "I am important."
7
What is it, 15 elections? I do know I've voted for (or against) 10 Presidents. If I must make comparisons I'd have to say this is the most distressing campaign of all. Judging by the primaries, we have an electorate that hasn't the slightest idea of what's going on or of the fact that there are consequences to what we do - that is, how we vote.
Hiring is tough, and make no mistakes: we are hiring somebody for a job. Paraphrasing Shakespeare, ain't no way to tell what's going on behind someone's face; we have to assess promises on the basis of what we know about a person's past performances as well as what he or she says. It takes a lot of effort, not to mention judgement, to assess people who will be operating something so extremely meaningful, something that will touch every one of us personally - and a world beyond that, too.
To vote just as a "finger in your ear" gesture - that's nothing but reprehensible. Accepting shiny appearances begets emptiness, and emptiness accomplishes little. Any old actor can put on a presidential appearance . . .
Hiring is tough, and make no mistakes: we are hiring somebody for a job. Paraphrasing Shakespeare, ain't no way to tell what's going on behind someone's face; we have to assess promises on the basis of what we know about a person's past performances as well as what he or she says. It takes a lot of effort, not to mention judgement, to assess people who will be operating something so extremely meaningful, something that will touch every one of us personally - and a world beyond that, too.
To vote just as a "finger in your ear" gesture - that's nothing but reprehensible. Accepting shiny appearances begets emptiness, and emptiness accomplishes little. Any old actor can put on a presidential appearance . . .
2
You had me until the last paragraph. Hillary Clinton has the misfortune of always being covered by male writers, thus, who defines her must be seen through that very slanted lens. Those of us who have been in positions of power as women know that you have to walk a fine line - you can't be too harsh nor too gentile. You can't be ugly, you can't be fat. You can't be mean. They want their mothers and everyone hates their mothers. I would just ask the the press to give her a break. It looks hard because it IS hard. Misogyny and general judgment of women crosses all lines of gender and race. It is universal. There is a reason Kate McKinnon portrays her that way - there isn't another for Clinton to draw upon as a role model.
16
Ugh. Woman here. Let's give it a rest, shall we? This is no way to win an election. Yes, she's got to dance backwards in high heels. Saying that's unfair won't change it, and will make her a target.
5
I don't agree that being "presidential" is a matter simply of how the candidate presents himself or herself. Being "presidential" primarily means demonstrating the knowledge, experience, judgment, temperament, and character necessary for the presidency. By that standard, Hillary Clinton is a lot more presidential than Donald Trump, who will be the least presidential major-party nominee in my lifetime.
5
Yesterday I was asked who I wanted to vote for.
I replied, Jimmy Carter.
Now, there was a gentleman.
I replied, Jimmy Carter.
Now, there was a gentleman.
11
That's funny. I asked Ali Khamenei the same question, and he gave the same answer!
1
Funny, he may not want the presidency. It may be his ego that took over after his earlier successes. At least that is what a former campaign worker of his suggested in print.
On the other hand, who would really want this job except for ego?
On the other hand, who would really want this job except for ego?
In my wildest dreams, I picture both of them dropping out. The Seinfeld election, Elect no one, to do nothing, since nothing is what gets done anyway.
I have to laugh at those who are repelled by the idea of a Trump presidency, insisting he's not presidential enough, the same people who sing the praises of Bill Clinton, a president who turned the The White House into the Beltway Bordello.
4
Oh for crying out loud, you act like the White House is as sacred as a temple. Many other Presidents have presidents have boinked their way in their terms. That is nothing new. Whats hypocritical is acting like it never happened before and going all religiously prudish about it. If that is your best argument, then Clinton will win.
11
Any one who wins 270 votes in the Electoral College is by definition presidential and looks presidential.
4
Part of our problem is that we trivialize "presidential" qualities. In fact, such qualities relate very little to the "TV-culture" approach we usually assign to the issue.
"Presidential" means good judgment. It means being cool, thoughtful, reflective, analytical, and wise. It means understanding that the world is a complex place and that we need to maintain the right relationships with allies and adversaries around the world; and that complicated problems require in-depth thinking and complex solutions. It means an ability to recognize compromise as a legislative imperative, while unwavering principles are the bases of both our aspirations and the defense of our liberties. It means deep and unblinking knowledge of the real world, and intelligence in all decisions applying that knowledge.
Trump has none of these qualities. President Obama has had more of them than any other president since FDR.
"Presidential" means good judgment. It means being cool, thoughtful, reflective, analytical, and wise. It means understanding that the world is a complex place and that we need to maintain the right relationships with allies and adversaries around the world; and that complicated problems require in-depth thinking and complex solutions. It means an ability to recognize compromise as a legislative imperative, while unwavering principles are the bases of both our aspirations and the defense of our liberties. It means deep and unblinking knowledge of the real world, and intelligence in all decisions applying that knowledge.
Trump has none of these qualities. President Obama has had more of them than any other president since FDR.
Trump? Presidential? Oxymoron. As I have posted elsewhere on NYT, he is the worst "presidential candidate" and the most intemperate person I have seen in 13 elections cycles, Republican or Democrat.
169
And with that last paragraph on Clinton you see exactly why people like Trump get elected. We're just not that smart.
3
I would urge Trump to study some of the trenchant speeches delivered by John Boehner or Robot Romney over the years.
These might help him squeak thru a couple primaries.
These might help him squeak thru a couple primaries.
Tom, I will raise you by 5 additional election cycles and agree wholeheartedly with you.
5