"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president." Now?!?! You been away on vacation?!?
1204
I'm surprised.
With Dowd's will known long time hatred for the Clintons, I thought she'd relish a bond with Trump.
With Dowd's will known long time hatred for the Clintons, I thought she'd relish a bond with Trump.
208
"Serious doubt" whether Mr. Trump is "qualified" to be president? No, there is zero doubt that Donald Trump is grotesquely unfit to be president. Bigots like Mr. Trump sneer at "political correctness"-- which to the open-hearted is actually 'informed courtesy.'
'Bespawl' means 'to splatter with spittle.' Mr. Trump does a LOT of bespawling. "The proper might of titans would be to shine (untarnish) the lives of toiling folk." Mr. Trump is too gilded to imagine the lives of those whose work he bloodsucks.
At the Gates of Heavens or Hades or Cielos or Nirvanas, naked, nobody counts your filthy lucre, Donald. Those scales weigh only kindness. True Christians or true any kind of gentle & loving fellows would not count profit until AFTER the workers had been kindly dealt with. Insecure sans-souls like Mr. Trump bolster their faux self-esteem by brandishing their Bank Accounts.
Donald Trump is a cosmically existential threat to the species. Will we devolve into feral or will we, with strength & wisdom, Align With Kind? Stay appalled.
'Bespawl' means 'to splatter with spittle.' Mr. Trump does a LOT of bespawling. "The proper might of titans would be to shine (untarnish) the lives of toiling folk." Mr. Trump is too gilded to imagine the lives of those whose work he bloodsucks.
At the Gates of Heavens or Hades or Cielos or Nirvanas, naked, nobody counts your filthy lucre, Donald. Those scales weigh only kindness. True Christians or true any kind of gentle & loving fellows would not count profit until AFTER the workers had been kindly dealt with. Insecure sans-souls like Mr. Trump bolster their faux self-esteem by brandishing their Bank Accounts.
Donald Trump is a cosmically existential threat to the species. Will we devolve into feral or will we, with strength & wisdom, Align With Kind? Stay appalled.
400
And it only took you months to finally see that! Now maybe a fair article on Hillary Clinton - the mentioning of the vulgarities directed at her in Drumpf rallies was a step in the good direction - and we might have a true miracle. We might even have to call Rome.
254
In addition to the many good comments noting the disingenuous elements of this piece, I would ask Maureen to identify the "people" privately assured by Trump that his eruption of bigotry was merely an 'opening bid in the negotiation'. And I would ask her what precisely that negotiation would be about and for what purpose?
Maureen seems to say that Trump's ranting bigotry (her words) was okay as long as he later honored some promise to these mysterious "people" that he'd rewrite his persona and his message for the general electorate.
C'mon Maureen. Let's hear about this in a follow-up piece. What do you know about these people and Trump's assurances to them that your readers don't? I hope we don't have to figure it out for ourselves like Trump instructed when asked what he meant that 'something was going on' with Obama?
Maureen seems to say that Trump's ranting bigotry (her words) was okay as long as he later honored some promise to these mysterious "people" that he'd rewrite his persona and his message for the general electorate.
C'mon Maureen. Let's hear about this in a follow-up piece. What do you know about these people and Trump's assurances to them that your readers don't? I hope we don't have to figure it out for ourselves like Trump instructed when asked what he meant that 'something was going on' with Obama?
347
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president." Ya thnk?
523
There is a syndrome called What You Measure Is What You Find, alluding to the problem of defining measurable outcomes to validate interventions.
The power brokers (regardless of the tactic of selling fear and hate for years) were surprised with voters being angry. Angry enough to vote for Trump because the metrics weren't reflecting their reality. Their "truth" isn't the codified socioeconomic "truth."
Realizing few power brokers grasp America has undergone massive social change in the last decades .... what the CDC referred to as "infectious rates of change." It takes the CDC about 5 years to gather & analyze data. It takes the system far more time to transform that data into understanding the changes and their impacts.
We now have been at war (the Forever War) for 15 years. Men and women have multiple tours under their belts.... some with 11 tours. Thousands of casualties. Imagine being away from your family and fighting for a decade or more. The projected veteran healthcare costs exceed $1T. The projected equipment and supply replacement costs exceed more than $1T. We have spent several trillion on wars with no end in sight. And the politicians cry for more war.
If you want to defeat He Who Shall Not Be Named, the you have to go after what he has done to workers, small businesses, and small investors with his massive frauds. Otherwise, personal insults with bounce off, and you'll be dancing at his Inaugural Ball (the best ever held IAW HWSNBN).
The power brokers (regardless of the tactic of selling fear and hate for years) were surprised with voters being angry. Angry enough to vote for Trump because the metrics weren't reflecting their reality. Their "truth" isn't the codified socioeconomic "truth."
Realizing few power brokers grasp America has undergone massive social change in the last decades .... what the CDC referred to as "infectious rates of change." It takes the CDC about 5 years to gather & analyze data. It takes the system far more time to transform that data into understanding the changes and their impacts.
We now have been at war (the Forever War) for 15 years. Men and women have multiple tours under their belts.... some with 11 tours. Thousands of casualties. Imagine being away from your family and fighting for a decade or more. The projected veteran healthcare costs exceed $1T. The projected equipment and supply replacement costs exceed more than $1T. We have spent several trillion on wars with no end in sight. And the politicians cry for more war.
If you want to defeat He Who Shall Not Be Named, the you have to go after what he has done to workers, small businesses, and small investors with his massive frauds. Otherwise, personal insults with bounce off, and you'll be dancing at his Inaugural Ball (the best ever held IAW HWSNBN).
51
“I have fun with life and I understand life and I want to make life better for people.” Delusional. And in his heart of hearts he has often felt Christ-like.
84
Part of me agrees that Trump is on the dumps for good. Another part of me thinks he is smart enough to know what he's doing. A look at past presidential polls suggests that the candidate trailing has one opportunity to jump to the front, but it doesn't last long. So I imagine he sees his 5 point deficit as close enough for now. And like Reagan, he can have his moment near the end of October, jump in front of HRC, and win an election.
12
Just dump the chump,
Bump the grump,
Let's see the last of his
Elephant rump.
Bump the grump,
Let's see the last of his
Elephant rump.
196
Sometimes on boards such as these, I feel like an outsider; that despite all the "Drumpf" names you call Trump and the negative publicity, you fail to see the issue.
Yes, he has flaws but so does your DNC coronated-queen HRC. He has brought issues to the forefront: international trade, immigration policy, and US foreign policy abroad which has been a colossal failure. He calls out the failure of career politicians who have failed to do their job that they swore to uphold. All these issues strike at the heart of the middle class- they strike me!
As for the polls, they drift like water. The only poll that matters is in 11/8/16.
I have come to dislike and distrust the media as this process goes on, because they have an inherent bias. I am not looking for perfection but objectivity is something the media lacks. At times, it seems like you're more interested in getting your views but not hearing the voice of the hurting. My voice.
Yes, he has flaws but so does your DNC coronated-queen HRC. He has brought issues to the forefront: international trade, immigration policy, and US foreign policy abroad which has been a colossal failure. He calls out the failure of career politicians who have failed to do their job that they swore to uphold. All these issues strike at the heart of the middle class- they strike me!
As for the polls, they drift like water. The only poll that matters is in 11/8/16.
I have come to dislike and distrust the media as this process goes on, because they have an inherent bias. I am not looking for perfection but objectivity is something the media lacks. At times, it seems like you're more interested in getting your views but not hearing the voice of the hurting. My voice.
48
Dowd'sconclusion is that Mr. Trump is casting "serious doubt" on his ability to be president? How about this: Mr. Trump's behavior disqualifies him from being able to be the president.
305
"I certainly never would have predicted that the Trump name would be uttered in the same breath as Hitler, Mussolini and scary menace, even on such pop culture staples as “The Bachelorette.”"
Because you lack imagination and insight. Jiminy christmas this has been obvious for months.
Because you lack imagination and insight. Jiminy christmas this has been obvious for months.
326
Thank you Ms. Dowd. I've been looking for the proper expression: "Subtle racist traditions". It found its true home in the Obama presidency, morphing into Trump's special brand of high def broadcast, revealing the decades long destructive hypocrisy of the republican party. But you end this piece not sure if Trump's qualified? Whaaat? How can our best commentators think anyone, establishment politicians who employ subtle racist traditions or like Trump, broadcast racism high def, is qualified for any kind of leadership anywhere at
any time?!
any time?!
129
Is the campaign of Trump, long a Democrat, in fact a stealth vehicle to euthanize the Republican Party? It's economic policies have degraded the economic well-being of the country for several decades, and the party deludes itself that it has respectable principles. Trump has peeled off the veneer of pretense so that even the politically disengaged segment of the electorate is saying "enough".
84
Trump is the very definition of LOSER -- a know-nothing who doesn't have the slightest idea of how little he knows. He thinks he's competent, coherent (or does that even figure into his bankrupt value system?) and a "winner" who can articulate the unheard voices of "his people" (whom, as with that black guy, he apparently believes he actually owns). He's more like the two-faced bigot Reagan than the short-memory hero-worshippers can recognize, and I relish his role as exposer of Republican "political correctness" (bigotry, venality) since the 1980s.
81
Maureen Dowd ends her 6/19/2016 column "Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
I would like to know who ever thought Trump was ever qualified to be president in the first place except for empty headed buffoons.
The Times should be embarrassed to have such a Trump booster like Dowd on your payroll. This is a woman who bends over backwards to say something nice about the most unqualified , unfit , idiotic person ever to run for president in United States history..
I would like to know who ever thought Trump was ever qualified to be president in the first place except for empty headed buffoons.
The Times should be embarrassed to have such a Trump booster like Dowd on your payroll. This is a woman who bends over backwards to say something nice about the most unqualified , unfit , idiotic person ever to run for president in United States history..
307
Ms. Dowd,
This is an excellent piece! Very well written. A story to be told and you tell it well. I thank you for your prose and subtle nuance with regard to this orange headed presumptive nominee.
This is an excellent piece! Very well written. A story to be told and you tell it well. I thank you for your prose and subtle nuance with regard to this orange headed presumptive nominee.
17
Really? This is Ms. Dowd's "pivot?" After giving the Donald free rein in her column for months, she apologizes for him throughout this piece then at the end calls for him to listen to his "better angels," i.e. The part of him who thought that the racist rhetoric was ok as an "act" and "an opening" bid to a negotiation so long as he 'didn't really mean it in private.'
But words have consequences and therefore matter -- especially from those competing to represent our country domestically and abroad.
I love Maureen's columns for how entertainingly written they are. But this apologetic treatment of Trump is a bridge too far.
But words have consequences and therefore matter -- especially from those competing to represent our country domestically and abroad.
I love Maureen's columns for how entertainingly written they are. But this apologetic treatment of Trump is a bridge too far.
136
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president." Dowd is just "now" figuring this out.
152
Please Please Please stop criticizing Donald Trump. Think of him as a warm and fuzzy kind of guy who happens to be the Democrats' best chance.
38
If Drumpf can't manage a two-bit swindle like the now defunct Trump University, how can he aspire to manage the United States?
129
Qualified-certainly as much as others-Reagan, Bush II-was he intelligent enough to be President? I think the real question is does Trump really want to be Pres. With a good deal of skill he got the nomination which he has said he didn't really expect to-and maybe he's having remorse over the possibility of winning and abandoning the fabulous, if tasteless life he had.
All this would be easier if the Dems had another candidate, and no I don't mean Bernie I supported Hilary 8 yrs, ago-maybe she would have been better than Obama-but her time has passed-the whole Clinton lifelong pursuit of power becomes sickening and their quick $200 million fortune, and all the liabilities they bring with them- makes the self-destroying Trump still a possibility.
I know readers of the NYT won't believe it-but many more people are going to vote for Trump (mostly because he's not a career politician, and they are sick of the whole yes rigged system) but they're not talking about it
All this would be easier if the Dems had another candidate, and no I don't mean Bernie I supported Hilary 8 yrs, ago-maybe she would have been better than Obama-but her time has passed-the whole Clinton lifelong pursuit of power becomes sickening and their quick $200 million fortune, and all the liabilities they bring with them- makes the self-destroying Trump still a possibility.
I know readers of the NYT won't believe it-but many more people are going to vote for Trump (mostly because he's not a career politician, and they are sick of the whole yes rigged system) but they're not talking about it
21
Dowd stating the obvious 16 months after the obvious became obvious to half of the country. Any day now we will get other statements of the obvious related to Bengazhi, Planned Parenthood, and all the other idiotic non-issues that have occurred since Trump announced his candidacy.
61
'Trump told me, “I have fun with life and I understand life and I want to make life better for people.”'
And that's why Trump University was founded.
It's rather sad to see Dowd straining to pretend that Clinton and Trump are in the same league, when it's as clear as crystal that they aren't. Clinton is a serious candidate, intelligent, measured and thoughtful; Trump is an orange huckster.
No wonder Obama holds Dowd in such contempt.
And that's why Trump University was founded.
It's rather sad to see Dowd straining to pretend that Clinton and Trump are in the same league, when it's as clear as crystal that they aren't. Clinton is a serious candidate, intelligent, measured and thoughtful; Trump is an orange huckster.
No wonder Obama holds Dowd in such contempt.
123
You are only now realizing how dreadful is that creature Trump? Your contempt for the Clintstones is not entirely baselesss; it's just so intense that it has clouded your view of the stark (if unappealing) choice before us. Until now. Better late than never, I suppose.
48
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Uh, no, not "now". His behavior 'his entire life" has cast those doubts.
Uh, no, not "now". His behavior 'his entire life" has cast those doubts.
87
This is still a respectful column compared to what she has written about Hillary. I am sure she will continue to be welcome in the Donald's office, and will continue her venomous vendetta against Hillary. When Maureen gets nasty she goes all out.
98
Who but Maureen Dowd ever thought Trump was qualified?
114
Maureen, here's how much the Donald loves his country, rather than himself. The President humiliated him at the 2011 White House Correspondents' dinner. He famously sat through it stone faced, but, we are now told, it tipped him to run for the Presidency. In his tiny narcissistic brain, if the President can mock him, he can mock the Presidency. And he's got just the party to do it with. After all, they've been doing it for the past eight years.
60
I think Donald Trump is cracking under the pressure of seeing himself for the loser that he is now that the primaries are over. He's getting angrier and testier by the day like an obnoxious sulky brat. I can't imagine that he will stay in the race to November. I half hope to see him back out with some ridiculous excuse and go back to business, half want to see him utterly thrashed by Hillary Clinton.
I was with this piece all the way to the end until I got to "casting serious doubt", then I did a double take. There's never been a doubt in anybody's minds—apart from those of Trump's strange group of supporters who can't think for themselves—that Trump is unfit in every way to be president. He is a filthy pig but apart from that he's ridiculous. A walking, talking caricature.
How anybody could like or even tolerate him is completely beyond me. I've always despised him for his meanness of spirit. I read in USA Today that over the years he has refused to pay contractors who have worked for him. One family business that he owed $83,000 to went bankrupt because of him! Well, bullies always hang themselves. Well, Trump has been gathering rope for a long time and now the noose is tightening round his neck. I'm very, very pleased to see it.
I was with this piece all the way to the end until I got to "casting serious doubt", then I did a double take. There's never been a doubt in anybody's minds—apart from those of Trump's strange group of supporters who can't think for themselves—that Trump is unfit in every way to be president. He is a filthy pig but apart from that he's ridiculous. A walking, talking caricature.
How anybody could like or even tolerate him is completely beyond me. I've always despised him for his meanness of spirit. I read in USA Today that over the years he has refused to pay contractors who have worked for him. One family business that he owed $83,000 to went bankrupt because of him! Well, bullies always hang themselves. Well, Trump has been gathering rope for a long time and now the noose is tightening round his neck. I'm very, very pleased to see it.
208
Reality check, Trump is a vulgar, nasty,racist con man that with the help and publicity of the media has punched his way into being the nominee of the republican party.
Why should he study any policy or do any campaigning when all he wants is to have his name out there so that he can fool a few more fools into giving him money.
Lets quit the storyline about whether he is qualified when we all know he is not, all he is qualified to do is dupe a few more people with schemes like Trump University, run a few more casinos into the ground and lend his name to a few more properties that will never be built after the suckers put their money down.
Why should he study any policy or do any campaigning when all he wants is to have his name out there so that he can fool a few more fools into giving him money.
Lets quit the storyline about whether he is qualified when we all know he is not, all he is qualified to do is dupe a few more people with schemes like Trump University, run a few more casinos into the ground and lend his name to a few more properties that will never be built after the suckers put their money down.
123
Very late in the game to conclude that Trump's behavior casts serious doubt on whether he is qualified. At what point was there not serious doubt? At what point did he take the actual JOB of President of the United States seriously? Maureen, with all your access to research, fact=checking, and news reports from various sources, what took you so long to discover doubt ?
Serious doubt has long been usurped by Fear of a Trump Win.
Serious doubt has long been usurped by Fear of a Trump Win.
132
Has Dowd been paying any attention to him for the lst year? She acts like he just started saying racist garabage when it was in his first speech out of the box. This column really makes me wonder what she is doing working for the NYT.
93
Well Duhh Maureen. After excoriating Trump the strongest thing you can say is that his "behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he's qualified to be president." Were you really considering that he might be qualified. Wow you must really hate Hilary to give Trump this kind of pass. I mean, we know you hate Hilary, but she is at least an adult. Your own description of Trump totally disqualifies him. So why don't you honor your own analysis?
Are you going to do the turn around if he has a couple of nice-nice sessions where he stops insulting people and actually gets basic geographical facts right (The Orlando assassin was born in "Afghan" etc.). This guy is really dangerous for our country. Don't you see that?
Are you going to do the turn around if he has a couple of nice-nice sessions where he stops insulting people and actually gets basic geographical facts right (The Orlando assassin was born in "Afghan" etc.). This guy is really dangerous for our country. Don't you see that?
76
Maureen, we know all this. What's the point of yet another article describing Trump's obvious ambitions and failings?
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
No really?
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
No really?
53
"Everything is filtered through his ego."
Full stop. That is all anyone with functioning brain cells needs to know about Donald Trump.
I'm really disappointed it took Ms. Dowd so long to reach that conclusion, given that the preponderance of evidence has suggested that (okay, shouted it) for many months - if not years.
I'm sorry you don't like Hillary Clinton, Maureen, but maybe now you can understand the creepy dread that her vituperative critics (like you) inspire in those who fear a Trump presidency would be an unmitigated disaster. We fear less for our political beliefs than we do for the future of America. Given Trump's eagerness to insult entire races, countries and religions, what about the man leads you to think he has any of the qualities needed for the office he's striving for?
Are you familiar with the old adage about the lesser of two evils? Please ask yourself: "Where does the greater danger lie?"
Full stop. That is all anyone with functioning brain cells needs to know about Donald Trump.
I'm really disappointed it took Ms. Dowd so long to reach that conclusion, given that the preponderance of evidence has suggested that (okay, shouted it) for many months - if not years.
I'm sorry you don't like Hillary Clinton, Maureen, but maybe now you can understand the creepy dread that her vituperative critics (like you) inspire in those who fear a Trump presidency would be an unmitigated disaster. We fear less for our political beliefs than we do for the future of America. Given Trump's eagerness to insult entire races, countries and religions, what about the man leads you to think he has any of the qualities needed for the office he's striving for?
Are you familiar with the old adage about the lesser of two evils? Please ask yourself: "Where does the greater danger lie?"
68
Nothing new in this column by Ms. Dowd. Can it be that when she is not attacking Hillary, Maureen has little to say?
65
Serious doubts about whether he's qualified to be president? You mean you think this should still be a possibility? A Fascist running the White House? A racist? A woman hater?
Please choose your words with a lot more care. Dowdy-do loves the Irish and hates the English, as all your readers know. But saying there is now "serous doubt" about whether Trump is qualified to be President is like saying George W. Bush should have been elected for three more terms becos all his did was cause havoc in the Middle East by starting a war that everybody supported. Yes, as some people really do.
Mark my words: watch your words.
Please choose your words with a lot more care. Dowdy-do loves the Irish and hates the English, as all your readers know. But saying there is now "serous doubt" about whether Trump is qualified to be President is like saying George W. Bush should have been elected for three more terms becos all his did was cause havoc in the Middle East by starting a war that everybody supported. Yes, as some people really do.
Mark my words: watch your words.
32
Once he gets a Map and a GPS I think he can be a great leader and tour guide of Belguim being a "beautiful City. Plus his 4 years at NYMA make him a great military leader as well.
32
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
There has never been any doubt from day 1. He's a crude bully, fraud, racist, liar and conman.
It's just you Maureen who had any illusions about him..
There has never been any doubt from day 1. He's a crude bully, fraud, racist, liar and conman.
It's just you Maureen who had any illusions about him..
74
As Ms. Dowd points out, Trump was a banal huckster, but not evil. Hannah Arendt wrote of "the banality of evil." Given real political and legal power Trump could become the personification of Arendt's banal evil if elected. Perhaps the formulation coluld be summarized as: Banality + Political Power = Evil.
23
Ms. Dowd -- For your own sake and the reputation of the Times, delete this column. "Now casting serious doubt"? It's the most embarrassing thing you've ever written.
125
Guess what? Trump doesn't want to be President.
He acted as though he did, for a while, and, I suspect, was as stunned as anyone when the opposition folded before him, as. Ms. Dowd points out.
But to actually have to do the job? Every Day? Are you serious?
He's nowhere near as bright as he likes to think he is, but he's not stupid.
Why would a person who wants to be elected foul his mess kit with the recent and repeated ethnic slurs and downright craziness?
Like me, he's convinced that the electorate as a whole is not as stupid as the dingbats who voted for him in the primaries.
On to the next lame reality show.....
He acted as though he did, for a while, and, I suspect, was as stunned as anyone when the opposition folded before him, as. Ms. Dowd points out.
But to actually have to do the job? Every Day? Are you serious?
He's nowhere near as bright as he likes to think he is, but he's not stupid.
Why would a person who wants to be elected foul his mess kit with the recent and repeated ethnic slurs and downright craziness?
Like me, he's convinced that the electorate as a whole is not as stupid as the dingbats who voted for him in the primaries.
On to the next lame reality show.....
27
What is Maureen Dowd's game with Donald Trump? Letting him off the hook the way she does... It's astounding to me that someone of Dowd's intelligence should play so soft and sweet with someone like Trump-- so crass and vulgar and so clearly unfit to even say the words: President of the United States. It's shocking to me that she could write: "But his fair points are getting outnumbered by egregious statements and nutty insinuations..." as if Trump has ONLY JUST begun to disgrace himself with his maniacal screeds! Dowd is all too willing to throw snark down upon Hillary Clinton and President Obama and then, for all intents and purposes, gush over the most narcissistic, unfit person to ever run for high office. It's pretty sickening that she could treat the importance of this election with such mindless disregard as to promote The Emperor of Lies as some forgivable benign despot...
91
I wish this Tuesday was election day.
No news article, no new position, no debate, no advertising barrage will change minds at this point.
Five more months of this, America.
Ms. Dowd should move on, too. This story is an embarrassment for her, especially the last line.
No news article, no new position, no debate, no advertising barrage will change minds at this point.
Five more months of this, America.
Ms. Dowd should move on, too. This story is an embarrassment for her, especially the last line.
90
GOP Kingmakers have gotten hoist on their own petard. They thought that they were going to crown the king who would waltz into the White House and begin wheeling and dealing. Instead what they got was a prince who quickly morphed into a toad with bad hair. Trumps employees at the defunct Trump "university" wrote that he emphasized his philosophy of "Other People's Money," meaning that he was interested exclusively in his own bottom line. All other considerations were just a distraction. Education and training succeed when pupils are inspired by the leaders who lead by example. Well, Trump's example led to his emptying their bank accounts and spoiling their credit rating, enslaving them to predatory loans, enslaving them to debt for the rest of their lives. If Trump "U" is the model he uses for making America great again, the entire nation will be sacrificed to increase his wealth. Trump may have plans to open a chain of fast food Trumpenburger's Palaces, where you can place and order for a Trumpenbuckburger for a buck. You'll get a receipt that's it's a down payment on a payday mortgage type of loan that will empty your pockets along with your stomach. If you think that a Trumpenstine Monster Presidency would be any different, then you just didn't learn your lesson at the Trump "U," where you got nothing in exchange for a lifetime of debt. The Trumpenstein Monster is planning to open a Casino in the Oral Office while starving people hear, Let Them Eat Trumpenburgers.
23
serious doubt? no doubt
39
Wait. Where is the part where you realize and say that someone who has said just one of the thousands of racist, provocative, exclusionary, proto-fascist, ultra-nationalist, demagogic statements as he has, should never have been given even one approving nod, let alone, as you do even in this column, give him credit for saying something that needed to be said, let alone seem fail to realize his basic appeal is only to hatred and thus condemn him.
Your actions in visiting him and writing about him continue to show your failure to realize just how dangerous it is for any democracy, let alone an entire political party in the United States, to fall for and elevate such a man as this to the nomination for the office of President. You have failed in your own moral reasoning (again) and haven't atoned, or even asked forgiveness, for this failure at all.
Your actions in visiting him and writing about him continue to show your failure to realize just how dangerous it is for any democracy, let alone an entire political party in the United States, to fall for and elevate such a man as this to the nomination for the office of President. You have failed in your own moral reasoning (again) and haven't atoned, or even asked forgiveness, for this failure at all.
77
I cannot accept the last line, "casting serious doubt....". Maybe Ms. Dowd is only beginning to doubt. A large majority of Americans knew Trump was unqualified from the very beginning. There never was any doubt.
38
You say:
So he has been unable to marry his often canny political instincts with some actual knowledge.
Maureen, as I'm sure you know, but for some unfathomable reason won't admit, is that The Donald has Populist Instincts, not Political Instincts. There's a YUGE difference.
Otherwise you couldn't have ended this piece saying :
Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president.
Serious doubt? Seriously?, that's as far as you are currently willing to go?
So he has been unable to marry his often canny political instincts with some actual knowledge.
Maureen, as I'm sure you know, but for some unfathomable reason won't admit, is that The Donald has Populist Instincts, not Political Instincts. There's a YUGE difference.
Otherwise you couldn't have ended this piece saying :
Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president.
Serious doubt? Seriously?, that's as far as you are currently willing to go?
38
I think Ms Dowd can't help having a soft spot for The Donald; writing that his behavior is casting serious doubt on his qualifications is too generous by half. There was never any doubt that he is NOT qualified to be President.
31
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Similarly, I have serious doubt that I would be uninjured if I fell off the top of the Empire State Building.
Similarly, I have serious doubt that I would be uninjured if I fell off the top of the Empire State Building.
40
oh you're going to hear it now Mo! Trump really is sensible, pragmatic and dare-I-say liberal on issues the repub stuffed shirts recoil at the thought of like calling W the incompetent and the liar he is (he was pwned by Beezlebub Cheney, war-criminal Kissinger and Mommy into doing it), NOT subscribing to NRA gun paranoids mental opposition to denying killing equipment to worthy terrorists, that politicians can be bought for a couple hundred bucks and the mortal sin; not bloviating that tax cuts for billionaires is truly next to Godliness?
THATS why the stuffed shirts want him out. they have this aversion to telling the truth and prefer to lie to the peanut gallery just long enuf to get their vote then boot em to the curb. you might ask why the high school dropouts would elect a guy who employs illegals by the basket load and who's fave phrase is "you're fired" when so many of them have received same while the Romney types who'll send American jobs to Antarctica in a heartbeat if it'd make their portfolio. but your analysis is dead on and your eyes clear on this one more so than any of the other nyt columnists. you and I know he's already begun his death spiral. I just hope he dosent flame out before the convention or its going to be one hell of a fireworks show. and wonder if he does and they put some card carrying liar like Kasich there whether the nitwits who make up the electorate would even notice a week later.....
THATS why the stuffed shirts want him out. they have this aversion to telling the truth and prefer to lie to the peanut gallery just long enuf to get their vote then boot em to the curb. you might ask why the high school dropouts would elect a guy who employs illegals by the basket load and who's fave phrase is "you're fired" when so many of them have received same while the Romney types who'll send American jobs to Antarctica in a heartbeat if it'd make their portfolio. but your analysis is dead on and your eyes clear on this one more so than any of the other nyt columnists. you and I know he's already begun his death spiral. I just hope he dosent flame out before the convention or its going to be one hell of a fireworks show. and wonder if he does and they put some card carrying liar like Kasich there whether the nitwits who make up the electorate would even notice a week later.....
6
Column much more readable today. Dowd, who turns every column into something about herself, is ideally suited to write about Trump, who practices the same techniques. This column has a much lower level of snark than usual, which is refreshing.
16
I thought Ms. Dowd makes a pretty good analysis here. Although I have always thought was a bombastic blowhard, always struck me as a mostly harmless, self-centered rich guy. I found his interface with others as mildly comical and entertaining- like with Jon S and how Trump eats his pizza. He actually seems adept at amplifying the anger out there, and will say things that most people would agree are true- mixed in with a total absence of the intricacies of a cogent policy position. But now the stakes are too high, he would have no idea how to manage Washington and the complexities and two step dance that is needed to be effective. I think anyone with any sense could see a Trump presidency would be an unmitigated disaster. He loves the attention, but I think he would be very unhappy to put in the hours and hard work necessary for that office.
9
It is obvious now that Maureen was holding back on Trump while savaging Clinton at every turn because of her "private" understanding of Trump. How disgraceful!
64
Finally! Congratulations to Ms. Dowd, who has the insight and chutzpah to call the Republican establishment's continuing hypocrisy on race and it's disinterest in the working classes what they are and have been ever since President Johnson signed the civil rights act!
Too bad for the Republican establishment that a very appealing charlatan has called their bluff, one who has the same sensibilities, selective memories and lack of insight as their long-suffering base.
Too bad for the Republican establishment that a very appealing charlatan has called their bluff, one who has the same sensibilities, selective memories and lack of insight as their long-suffering base.
13
Well I'm stealing and paraphrasing from The Onion on Friday: "U.N. Panel Warns Trump Could Be Seven Months Away From Acquiring Nuclear Weapons."
41
"Serious doubts" about Trump's ability to be President. Ya think?
46
Serious doubts that he is qualified to ne President give us a break
39
"Even though he ranted about the press, he was also far more available to the media than the cloaked Hillary Clinton, who has yet to give a news conference this year."
Donald Trump did not make himself available to the media out of the goodness of his heart, but to feed is own ego. He can't stand a conversation he isn't dominating even if he sounds like an uninformed doofus with a major personality disorder.
We get that Donald Trump has been good for the media, but he is not good for the country and those of us who have been paying attention are not just figuring out right now that the man is toxic.
Donald Trump did not make himself available to the media out of the goodness of his heart, but to feed is own ego. He can't stand a conversation he isn't dominating even if he sounds like an uninformed doofus with a major personality disorder.
We get that Donald Trump has been good for the media, but he is not good for the country and those of us who have been paying attention are not just figuring out right now that the man is toxic.
51
Maureen is desperate to tell us at least one more time about something Trump deigned share with her privately, no doubt in a note passed at lunch in the cafeteria. She's got a yuge poster of him above her bed. She's now covering her infatuated infatuation by pointing out that maybe, just maybe, he's not good boyfriend material.
48
'Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president.'
Really Maureen - only now?
Dowd hates Hillary so much that she has only 'now' begun to question Trump's qualifications.
Really Maureen - only now?
Dowd hates Hillary so much that she has only 'now' begun to question Trump's qualifications.
74
This column has the feeling of a child in school writing the same thing over and over on the blackboard as punishment/restitution for earlier bad behavior. In this case the sentence repeated is "I will not flaunt my cozy, myopic relationship with Donald Trump or gratify my severe addiction to trash Hillary Clinton again".
Perhaps reader comments for recent columns have had a positive effect on Ms Dowd. We'll see.
Perhaps reader comments for recent columns have had a positive effect on Ms Dowd. We'll see.
61
Dear Maureen,
I honestly do not know what to make of you. From the time you and the late, not lamented Christopher Hitchens decided to make going after the Clintons your favorite sport, I have viewed your writings with a jaded, cynical eye. Amusing sometimes? Yes. But there was always an undercurrent of nastiness that troubled myself and so many others. Your disrespect for President Obama (whom you mockingly referred to as "Barry") knows almost no bounds, even though he is one of the genuinely classiest men to ever grace the White House. Which makes your flirtation with The Donald oh-so easy to understand.
So now you have to pivot away from Mr. Drumpf. I mean, Trump. Anyone with half a brain could see that Donald John Trump (Drumpf) is the least qualified person to run for president in the 240 year history of this country. Ignorant, racist, xenophobic, misogynistic and cruel. And those are his qualities on a good day. Ms. Dowd, do you even listen to what he actually says? His own words damn him in so many ways. This man has no business being within shouting distance of the Oval Office. There is no moral equivalency between him and Hillary Rodham Clinton, except for in the minds of sworn enemies of hers such as yourself.
Why don't you and the rest of the media do your jobs the way you need to? If you had done so, perhaps our country would not be staring into the abyss. We are on an extremely slippery slope here.
I honestly do not know what to make of you. From the time you and the late, not lamented Christopher Hitchens decided to make going after the Clintons your favorite sport, I have viewed your writings with a jaded, cynical eye. Amusing sometimes? Yes. But there was always an undercurrent of nastiness that troubled myself and so many others. Your disrespect for President Obama (whom you mockingly referred to as "Barry") knows almost no bounds, even though he is one of the genuinely classiest men to ever grace the White House. Which makes your flirtation with The Donald oh-so easy to understand.
So now you have to pivot away from Mr. Drumpf. I mean, Trump. Anyone with half a brain could see that Donald John Trump (Drumpf) is the least qualified person to run for president in the 240 year history of this country. Ignorant, racist, xenophobic, misogynistic and cruel. And those are his qualities on a good day. Ms. Dowd, do you even listen to what he actually says? His own words damn him in so many ways. This man has no business being within shouting distance of the Oval Office. There is no moral equivalency between him and Hillary Rodham Clinton, except for in the minds of sworn enemies of hers such as yourself.
Why don't you and the rest of the media do your jobs the way you need to? If you had done so, perhaps our country would not be staring into the abyss. We are on an extremely slippery slope here.
66
Hear ye, Hear ye! It is Summer in The Parks sponsored by one of New York's own! Come and bring a picnic lunch and lots to drink. Mr Trump will display his best acting skills he picked up during his TV show, and this time he will be playing How Get Elected The President of The US. To his credit he does not a follow script but improvises as he tries to match the current events or whatever he thinks will get thunderous applause.
5
Years from now when he is residing in some institution where he can't hurt any one, he will remember with nostalgia his year in the sun. We will remember, with great relief, that he was the also ran...
12
Well, apparently Maureen saw a lot of potential in Mr Trump, but it hasn't been realized in his campaign. But it isn't, apparently, that Mr Trump has portrayed himself personally in a bad way, but that he has taken the veneer off the GOP and laid it all out in the sunlight, bald and unvarnished. He has simply made clear the mechanism that has always been running behind the clock. If he is to be faulted, it is for too much candor.
We should be happy to have our foggy vision of the GOP clarified. And, by the way, that the GOP is completely uninterested in the country, but only in rabble rousing to keep its destructive policies in place that support the 1/4%.
We should be happy to have our foggy vision of the GOP clarified. And, by the way, that the GOP is completely uninterested in the country, but only in rabble rousing to keep its destructive policies in place that support the 1/4%.
8
Since Reagan was elected in 1980, I've been expecting the Republicans' appeal to racism and know-nothingism to destroy either the country or their Party. Under George W., they came close to the former. Now under Trump, it looks like it's the latter.
9
'Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president.' Serious doubts? Does that mean Maureen Dowd thinks he may be qualified? Seriously?
26
She finds it so hard to let go of Donald. She's finding it as hard to embrace Hillary as Bernie does. She is less against Trump than disappointed in Him. But she trashes Hillary only in passing. That's an improvement. Don't worry, Trump will win her back.
14
Well, easy for you to say now. Americans expect columnists, and certainly those at our most respected and forward-thinking newspapers, to be ahead of the curve. What we do't expect of them is to grudgingly come to realize that everyone else was right, finally admitting that having access to someone who's not going to win isn't enough to continue to soft-pedal him.
35
Basically what you are saying is that he assured you he was just lying and now you are bothered that he was lying when he said he was lying
50
Maybe the American definition of "presidential" is changing. Most politicians today would have struck my grandparents' generation as unserious and ludicrously unmannered; governing was considered to be a profession that required a rigorous apprenticeship, some semblance of knowledge, a serious mien, and a homely appearance. The synthetic blow-dried creatures that today compete frantically for our attention would have been regarded as a species of entertainer (and not very good at it). Trump is merely the leading edge of American political culture, which election by election has come more and more to resemble The Biggest Loser.
7
I'd like to point out that the "fair points" you say Trump has made all fall to the left; the egregious ones are all far-right republican raised to the most offensive degree. He makes clear the fairer party, no? Or maybe it's better said, he makes clear which one is in its last gasps.
4
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."??!!
Excuse me...only "now"? Your character judgement abilities seem to have suffered serious diminution due to your evident crush on this loathsome troglodyte. From the very first his behavior has made it abundantly clear that he is eminently unqualified; not just "now"—but right from the jump, as we say in NYC.
Excuse me...only "now"? Your character judgement abilities seem to have suffered serious diminution due to your evident crush on this loathsome troglodyte. From the very first his behavior has made it abundantly clear that he is eminently unqualified; not just "now"—but right from the jump, as we say in NYC.
41
The punch line here is the funniest thing I've read in years.
32
"cast serious doubt... ." What was your first clue? No, really. When did this great epiphany happen? It's been clear to anyone else since his birther "investigation." How can you be so utterly clueless and keep your job if you're only coming to this realization now? I have no doubt you see your column as a bold stance -- but how embarrassing.
69
Mocked by our better angels, mugged by our best motives, no good American deed seems to go unpunished. Trump sees this, and he grows more reasonable by the week, as this columnist recounts at the end of the piece. The media are pulling out all stops to stop him, but he'll use aikido to redirect their force against them. ISIS wants Armageddon, and by supporting and possibly multiplying attacks, they'll get Donald, who may very well deliver it.
3
Maureen, you list the endless stream of vulgarities and racist rants, etc. that Trump has inflicted on the American public and at the end of your column you write: Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Everything the man has done from his first speech to now has disqualified him from being president. That he may still end up president doesn't make him qualified. But then again, I don't really think he wants to be president. Otherwise he'd be running a real campaign with ideas, infrastructure and operatives in states.
Everything the man has done from his first speech to now has disqualified him from being president. That he may still end up president doesn't make him qualified. But then again, I don't really think he wants to be president. Otherwise he'd be running a real campaign with ideas, infrastructure and operatives in states.
24
In watching the 30 For 30 series on OJ, I'm struck by how similar OJ and Trump are in their narcissism. In one case, that narcissism leads a murderer to orchestrate his escape from conviction; in the other, it leads a sleazy businessman to rise to the heights of a political party. In both cases, however, the individuals are out of touch with reality. During OJ's trial, he scribbled notes on how frustrated he was that the killer was still out there and nobody was doing anything about it. As for Trump, he tells his followers that they should ignore his plummeting poll numbers since he is sure people will vote for him who are too embarrassed to tell pollsters they will do so.
The other similarity between these two? They're pulling the race card to their advantage--both to sickening ends.
The black community rallied to OJ's cause when Johnny Cochran argued that the police planted the evidence to convict a black man. Considering the systemic police corruption and racism, it was not a stretch to posit that argument. But it was disingenuous and pathetic.
And Trump has also pulled the race card, following the Republican playbook that has been around since LBJ signed the Civil Rights Act in 1964.
Will Trump's followers wise up in time to understand they're being played for chumps? Or will they go along, just like the jurors on the OJ murder case? There will always be narcissists leading people down destructive paths. Are there enough others to help them avoid that destruction?
The other similarity between these two? They're pulling the race card to their advantage--both to sickening ends.
The black community rallied to OJ's cause when Johnny Cochran argued that the police planted the evidence to convict a black man. Considering the systemic police corruption and racism, it was not a stretch to posit that argument. But it was disingenuous and pathetic.
And Trump has also pulled the race card, following the Republican playbook that has been around since LBJ signed the Civil Rights Act in 1964.
Will Trump's followers wise up in time to understand they're being played for chumps? Or will they go along, just like the jurors on the OJ murder case? There will always be narcissists leading people down destructive paths. Are there enough others to help them avoid that destruction?
20
Maureen your description of Mr. Trump's behavior is accurate.
I think it is impossible for him to be elected. What has me intrigued is the potential negative effect of Mr. Trump on GOP candidates nationwide. I really can't see how any Republican in the class now standing for election in the Senate can hang on to their Senate seat. Similarly, I have doubts that Republicans can be reelected to the House even from gerrymandered districts. If pollsters worth their salt complete their work before the convention, I think that Mr. Trump will not become the presumptive nominee. Republicans are not stupid and the ones I know are running away from Mr. Trump as fast as possible.
If Trump comes out of Cleveland as the nominee, I predict the formation of a new conservative party with a knowledgeable candidate OR many Republicans will declare themselves Independents & join the Democratic Party caucuses. This would break the stalemate in Congress before the election & many of the ideas for lifting the pall of stagnant wage growth as well as investing in public works such as highways, a 300 mph Interstate Maglev network for freight trucks, freight & passengers to finally tackle the problem of highway congestion around our metro areas & make the US economy grow again from improvements in efficiency. People forget that Pat Moynihan & Harry Reid, then a new member of his Public Works Committee, introduced this idea in 1987 (See www.magneticglide.com ). We can make America Greater.
I think it is impossible for him to be elected. What has me intrigued is the potential negative effect of Mr. Trump on GOP candidates nationwide. I really can't see how any Republican in the class now standing for election in the Senate can hang on to their Senate seat. Similarly, I have doubts that Republicans can be reelected to the House even from gerrymandered districts. If pollsters worth their salt complete their work before the convention, I think that Mr. Trump will not become the presumptive nominee. Republicans are not stupid and the ones I know are running away from Mr. Trump as fast as possible.
If Trump comes out of Cleveland as the nominee, I predict the formation of a new conservative party with a knowledgeable candidate OR many Republicans will declare themselves Independents & join the Democratic Party caucuses. This would break the stalemate in Congress before the election & many of the ideas for lifting the pall of stagnant wage growth as well as investing in public works such as highways, a 300 mph Interstate Maglev network for freight trucks, freight & passengers to finally tackle the problem of highway congestion around our metro areas & make the US economy grow again from improvements in efficiency. People forget that Pat Moynihan & Harry Reid, then a new member of his Public Works Committee, introduced this idea in 1987 (See www.magneticglide.com ). We can make America Greater.
6
Too late, Ms. Dowd. You bought this carnival barker Drumpfh creature way too long ago.
29
Trump's birther campaign was no kooky, toony whim. It was a hideous and blatantly racist attack, completely in line with his character and past behavior. You underplay it because you basically like the guy, but the repulsiveness of birtherism speaks for itself.
49
Well, Ms. Dowd, if this is a pivot, it's an awfully tentative one. "Now Trump's own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he's qualified to be president." Only now? Just serious doubt? You need to go about 175 more degrees to be heading the right direction on this one.
Trump may have just had his Army-McCarthy moment this week. Before Joseph Welch stopped him in his tracks, McCarthy had been able hop unobstructed from one smear to another, always waving papers but never providing any evidence. Essentially, Welch caught him in the act on live television, which shocked to country to its senses.
So what do we need today to finally see Trump for who he is? The heedless, headlong rush from one smear to another is a perfect description of Trump's behavior going at least back to the birther interlude, but never more so than this week. To draw attention away from his dreadful, queasy-making display of poor taste in congratulating himself after the murders in Orlando, he just moved on to impute that Obama was somehow behind it, which is not just obnoxious but actual raving lunacy. When the Washington Post reported that, he segued into putting them onto his ever-longer do-not-cover-me list. All in one week, and I'm leaving things out.
Well, the Post has a good investigative article this weekend about the formative influence of Roy Cohn on Trump in his earlier years. The McCarthy parallel is unmistakable. Can you hear me now, Ms. Dowd?
Trump may have just had his Army-McCarthy moment this week. Before Joseph Welch stopped him in his tracks, McCarthy had been able hop unobstructed from one smear to another, always waving papers but never providing any evidence. Essentially, Welch caught him in the act on live television, which shocked to country to its senses.
So what do we need today to finally see Trump for who he is? The heedless, headlong rush from one smear to another is a perfect description of Trump's behavior going at least back to the birther interlude, but never more so than this week. To draw attention away from his dreadful, queasy-making display of poor taste in congratulating himself after the murders in Orlando, he just moved on to impute that Obama was somehow behind it, which is not just obnoxious but actual raving lunacy. When the Washington Post reported that, he segued into putting them onto his ever-longer do-not-cover-me list. All in one week, and I'm leaving things out.
Well, the Post has a good investigative article this weekend about the formative influence of Roy Cohn on Trump in his earlier years. The McCarthy parallel is unmistakable. Can you hear me now, Ms. Dowd?
56
"He has made some fair points." And a broken clock is correct twice a day.
50
Ms. Dowd, you are so late to the table. Overly swayed by a cocktail with a secret agent at the King Cole bar, is my suspicion. Your intellect has been wasted, much to our collective dismay.
36
At long last, or so I thought, a MoDo column that would focus solely on the narcissistic megalomaniac thin-skinned compulsive liar that is the grifting sleeze bag who is the presumptive GOP nominee for the Office of the President of the United States of America and the putative leader of the "free world." But, of course, I was wrong. She couldn't get through one entire column without a dig at Hillary Clinton.
The last sentence says much more about Ms. Dowd than perhaps she meant to say. It says that she, like Drumpf, is incapable of truly pivoting out of the Orange Glow to the reality that he's a flim flam man without an ounce of gravitas, utterly ignorant of the Constitution, the role of government, the laws that govern us. His lack of empathy is so profound he makes George W. Bush seem like Mother Teresa.
The last sentence says much more about Ms. Dowd than perhaps she meant to say. It says that she, like Drumpf, is incapable of truly pivoting out of the Orange Glow to the reality that he's a flim flam man without an ounce of gravitas, utterly ignorant of the Constitution, the role of government, the laws that govern us. His lack of empathy is so profound he makes George W. Bush seem like Mother Teresa.
76
Trump hijacked the media this election year and this has taken attention away from a rather important issue: can Hillary Clinton rise to the leadership requirements of the presidency?
The issue is alluded to in the Dowd column when she mentioned that Trump is at least more accessible to the media than "the cloaked Hillary Clinton, who has yet to give a news conference this year." (Ignoring Trump's barring multiple media organization from his rallies.) In any case, one might imagine and certainly hope that Mrs. Clinton has now found her comfort zone as a presidential candidate, a zone that could lead to a smooth transition to the office. I have my doubts. Serious ones.
To my eyes, she still looks and talks like someone who is wound as tightly as the spring in an old pocket watch and is threatening, any moment, to go BONG!, breaking beyond repair. She seems to be very uncomfortable, still, as a candidate and the fact that she avoids talking to the media, which she appears to hate with a passion, is but one indicator. Once again, she is running as if the presidency is her's to lose, but not her's to joyfully gain (except when the need can be tortured into a forced, photographed smile).
We have in Mrs. Clinton someone who has touched all the buttons to be president since she started to run for U.S. senator from New York. Something is lacking. Something deep and important.
Is she the person we need as president or just a person who needs to be president? Don't know.
The issue is alluded to in the Dowd column when she mentioned that Trump is at least more accessible to the media than "the cloaked Hillary Clinton, who has yet to give a news conference this year." (Ignoring Trump's barring multiple media organization from his rallies.) In any case, one might imagine and certainly hope that Mrs. Clinton has now found her comfort zone as a presidential candidate, a zone that could lead to a smooth transition to the office. I have my doubts. Serious ones.
To my eyes, she still looks and talks like someone who is wound as tightly as the spring in an old pocket watch and is threatening, any moment, to go BONG!, breaking beyond repair. She seems to be very uncomfortable, still, as a candidate and the fact that she avoids talking to the media, which she appears to hate with a passion, is but one indicator. Once again, she is running as if the presidency is her's to lose, but not her's to joyfully gain (except when the need can be tortured into a forced, photographed smile).
We have in Mrs. Clinton someone who has touched all the buttons to be president since she started to run for U.S. senator from New York. Something is lacking. Something deep and important.
Is she the person we need as president or just a person who needs to be president? Don't know.
4
NOW Trump's behavior makes him unqualified to be president? C'mon, Maureen. His whole life has been a rehearsal for the part of " most unqualified" for any elective office, much less the presidency. I am clinging to the hope that the American people have far too much sense to go down a truly dark and terrifying path. And please don't get me started on the lack of moral terpitude of Messrs. Ryan and McConnell. OMG, indeed.
51
Ms. Dowd concludes, “Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president.”
If the RNC comes to a similar conclusion in Cleveland, might we expect a “Trexit?” While a “Brexit” is expected to hurt Britain and the European economy, a Trump exit could do wonders for the GOP and the U.S. economy!
If the RNC comes to a similar conclusion in Cleveland, might we expect a “Trexit?” While a “Brexit” is expected to hurt Britain and the European economy, a Trump exit could do wonders for the GOP and the U.S. economy!
7
Used to enjoy reading Ms Dowd. She's become weary sounding and jaded, as well as a caricature of pomposity, just like her topic, Trump
45
Welcome back to Earth, Maureen.
For a while there, we hardly knew ye!
For a while there, we hardly knew ye!
9
I dunno. The convention hasn't happened. It's not time to pivot. The party donors haven't filled his coffers yet.
I think two things.
One maybe winning wasn't the goal. Maybe building brand Trump was. He can parlay his vastly improved celebrity into far more than 400k a year if he loses. Think about a political reality show with the former Republican nominee for president. That's big bucks.
Two maybe he has a plan that will work as well in the general as his plan worked in the primaries. People discount a guy who wins the nomination of a party that hates him for less money than anyone in recent history because they don't understand what he's doing.
The idea that he hasn't staffed up and isn't doing what the pundits say he needs to do to win is somehow relevant to his chances in November is stupid.
I'm interested to see September Trump. You know when the race actually starts.
I think two things.
One maybe winning wasn't the goal. Maybe building brand Trump was. He can parlay his vastly improved celebrity into far more than 400k a year if he loses. Think about a political reality show with the former Republican nominee for president. That's big bucks.
Two maybe he has a plan that will work as well in the general as his plan worked in the primaries. People discount a guy who wins the nomination of a party that hates him for less money than anyone in recent history because they don't understand what he's doing.
The idea that he hasn't staffed up and isn't doing what the pundits say he needs to do to win is somehow relevant to his chances in November is stupid.
I'm interested to see September Trump. You know when the race actually starts.
5
the birther campaign was a lot more than "kooky". It was a vicious racist attack, that doubtless inspired countless racist actions.
92
Trump is a swindler/informerical who is terrified he actually got this far and is now in a corner.
Clinton is a woman boxed into a corner most of her life who is both corrupt and insular. Two qualities that will never give her latitude with the younger generation (Though she could secretly care less).
Am I to choose to lesser of the evils? Apparently. The problem here is a broken two-party system.
Clinton is a woman boxed into a corner most of her life who is both corrupt and insular. Two qualities that will never give her latitude with the younger generation (Though she could secretly care less).
Am I to choose to lesser of the evils? Apparently. The problem here is a broken two-party system.
10
Ms Dowd: "Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Are you still having doubts, Maureen?
Are you still having doubts, Maureen?
32
A Trump who was only about 15% Trumpian would be a viable and serious candidate, a valid and qualified potential president. It is not, however, a role to be put on and taken off like the well-tailored suit (not a 'Trump' brand) or ubiquitous flag pin worn by all politicians. Presidential is something that is built on a foundation of serious minded consideration for people as well as politics, for history and future consequences as well as the latest poll results. That Trump has upset some core Republican policy positions merely points out how extreme and untenable those policy positions have become in the last 35 years. That Trump courts the base through vile comments and obnoxious attacks shows only that he has mastered quickly the ins and outs of manipulating the 'ordinary Republican' in ways that experienced politicians all pick up over time. Trumps blatent racist, bigoted, and jingoistic nationalistic statements are only more explicit ways of conveying the same wedge-issue manipulations that Republican political strategy has promoted for decades. Trump has pointed out some failures of previous Republican presidents, the deceit of previous Republican presidents, and the obstructionism of Republican Congress for the last 6 years, but none of his shallow policy proposals does anything remotely new or innovative to break this stagnation. A Trump presidency would be acriminous, fetid, and economically damaging. There is no redeeming goodness hidden anywhere in it.
4
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
What a magnificent example of understatement! Well done, Ms. Dowd.
What a magnificent example of understatement! Well done, Ms. Dowd.
18
Dowd hits the nail squarely on the head, again. There's simply no longer any question whether Trump is qualified for the presidency. That his Republican opposition fell away like autumn leaves was amazing. It's simply unbelievable that in the third largest populated nation on the planet, this broken down Edsel is the best the political system can provide. Sarah Palin should've been fair warning.
15
The American electorate will usually choose a corrupt career politician over an authoritarian lunatic. Hillary Clinton and her husband are viewed as garden variety corrupt politicians who are primarily focused on power and their own personal enrichment, whereas Trump is behaving like a unhinged crazy man only interested in his brand and cult of personality. It is like choosing between Richard Nixon and Benito Mussolini and an unprincipled paranoid albeit experienced Clinton is better than Il' Duce Trump.
6
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Now? Where have you been for the past several months, Ms. Dowd? Trump's entire life history has cast serious doubt on whether he's qualified to be president. I am surprised that Mitt Romney and the Bushes were ahead of you on this one.
Now? Where have you been for the past several months, Ms. Dowd? Trump's entire life history has cast serious doubt on whether he's qualified to be president. I am surprised that Mitt Romney and the Bushes were ahead of you on this one.
35
Ms.Dowd - I think you are being too kind to someone who does not deserve kindness.
16
Why do I always feel like Maureen Dowd so wants to be a fan of The Donald? Kinda makes me ill.
53
"Now" his behavior is casting doubt on whether he's qualified to be president? Now? Really? You didn't have that figured out a year ago like the rest of us?
I'm shocked. Shocked.
I'm shocked. Shocked.
48
Research has proven numerous times that people vote by name and face recognition. If Trump had not had a "reality" show, he would never have been crowned the GOP's king.
Most citizens of this country are not interested in digging deeper. They don't know how. They are taught to accept what they see on TV. They care mostly about their own needs.
They don't grasp that US corporations pay very little or no tax. They miss that the same corporations have sent middle class jobs overseas. They don't understand that we buy cooperation through "foreign aid". They don't comprehend the country doesn't operate by Presidential declarations. They don't realize that the GOP is responsible for much of what they don't like about "big government" and that the Dems are the ones who gave them social security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable medical care, a surplus in the budget and many social programs.
The Donald (Trump the Chump) is the perfect symbol of that part of the citizenry that is just like him. Greedy, fraudulent, dishonest, egotistical, phony, short-sighted and selfish. You could add stupid (the earth is 6,000 years old?) and ignorant (higher education = elite and elite = dangerous?)
Every single working class person should have been behind Bernie. Those that back Trump are lost in Donald's propaganda. Hillary isn't perfect, but she is way better than DT.
Do what you can to make the scary truth about Trump as obvious as possible, Maureen. Be a good citizen - speak up.
Most citizens of this country are not interested in digging deeper. They don't know how. They are taught to accept what they see on TV. They care mostly about their own needs.
They don't grasp that US corporations pay very little or no tax. They miss that the same corporations have sent middle class jobs overseas. They don't understand that we buy cooperation through "foreign aid". They don't comprehend the country doesn't operate by Presidential declarations. They don't realize that the GOP is responsible for much of what they don't like about "big government" and that the Dems are the ones who gave them social security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable medical care, a surplus in the budget and many social programs.
The Donald (Trump the Chump) is the perfect symbol of that part of the citizenry that is just like him. Greedy, fraudulent, dishonest, egotistical, phony, short-sighted and selfish. You could add stupid (the earth is 6,000 years old?) and ignorant (higher education = elite and elite = dangerous?)
Every single working class person should have been behind Bernie. Those that back Trump are lost in Donald's propaganda. Hillary isn't perfect, but she is way better than DT.
Do what you can to make the scary truth about Trump as obvious as possible, Maureen. Be a good citizen - speak up.
21
Maureen Dowd has written a serious, balanced -dare I say nuanced- piece about Donald Trump.
Perhaps she might consider doing the same when writing about Hillary Clinton.
Perhaps she might consider doing the same when writing about Hillary Clinton.
31
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Ms. Dowd's sentiment expressing doubt about Trump's qualification is in striking contrast to that of Timothy Egan's who, with certainty, writes in his outstanding Saturday column, "There comes a time when I — and you — can no longer remain neutral, silent,” said [Ken] Burns at Stanford last Sunday, the morning we all awoke to news of the slaughter in Florida. “For 216 years, our elections, though bitterly contested, have featured the philosophies and characters of candidates who were clearly qualified. That’s not the case this year. One is glaringly not qualified.”'"
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/17/opinion/campaign-stops/a-week-for-all-...®ion=CColumn&module=MostEmailed&version=Full&src=me&WT.nav=MostEmailed
Ms. Dowd's sentiment expressing doubt about Trump's qualification is in striking contrast to that of Timothy Egan's who, with certainty, writes in his outstanding Saturday column, "There comes a time when I — and you — can no longer remain neutral, silent,” said [Ken] Burns at Stanford last Sunday, the morning we all awoke to news of the slaughter in Florida. “For 216 years, our elections, though bitterly contested, have featured the philosophies and characters of candidates who were clearly qualified. That’s not the case this year. One is glaringly not qualified.”'"
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/17/opinion/campaign-stops/a-week-for-all-...®ion=CColumn&module=MostEmailed&version=Full&src=me&WT.nav=MostEmailed
19
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Now?? Really? What was the straw that broke it for you Maureen?
His assurances that using bigotry to jump into the race were merely "opening bids" was all right by you? It is unfathomable that it would take you this long to consider that that there is "serious doubt" about this man.
And if you saw MR. Trump as a benign figure all these years, then maybe you need to go back to the d
Now?? Really? What was the straw that broke it for you Maureen?
His assurances that using bigotry to jump into the race were merely "opening bids" was all right by you? It is unfathomable that it would take you this long to consider that that there is "serious doubt" about this man.
And if you saw MR. Trump as a benign figure all these years, then maybe you need to go back to the d
29
corrected:
"Serious doubts"? Oh, come on. The American presidency has not been threatened with occupation by a man so utterly unqualified in our entire national history. He is not merely ignorant, he is aggressively ignorant with a giant ego harnessed to a snowplow of a mouth that run over everything in their path. There is no more dangerous person on earth to trust with great power than a man who has spent his entire adult life constantly reassuring himself and the world that is he right about everything, that everything he does ends up gloriously and that even his blunders, like multiple bankruptcies, end well because, hey, at least he got out with millions, didn't he?, even if the little guys and the bond holders got slapped across the face with a giant frozen tuna stuffed with unpaid bills and bad debts.
This Dowd column appears to be careful political posturing on her part, an effort to live in a post-Trump world and an almost kindly shot across his bow, a warning that he needs to straighten up. Nice try.
Trump is not going to straighten up. He has sucked down the tastiest, mightiest elixir his bloated ego has ever known, that of surprising, even shocking success at a game in which he has never previously played. He is drunk with the results and he's riding it all the way to November or straight to hell, whichever comes first. We just have to make sure we don't go there with him.
"Serious doubts"? Oh, come on. The American presidency has not been threatened with occupation by a man so utterly unqualified in our entire national history. He is not merely ignorant, he is aggressively ignorant with a giant ego harnessed to a snowplow of a mouth that run over everything in their path. There is no more dangerous person on earth to trust with great power than a man who has spent his entire adult life constantly reassuring himself and the world that is he right about everything, that everything he does ends up gloriously and that even his blunders, like multiple bankruptcies, end well because, hey, at least he got out with millions, didn't he?, even if the little guys and the bond holders got slapped across the face with a giant frozen tuna stuffed with unpaid bills and bad debts.
This Dowd column appears to be careful political posturing on her part, an effort to live in a post-Trump world and an almost kindly shot across his bow, a warning that he needs to straighten up. Nice try.
Trump is not going to straighten up. He has sucked down the tastiest, mightiest elixir his bloated ego has ever known, that of surprising, even shocking success at a game in which he has never previously played. He is drunk with the results and he's riding it all the way to November or straight to hell, whichever comes first. We just have to make sure we don't go there with him.
60
Trump Hotel Republicana is tottering, good idea to get out now, Ms. Dowd, while the getting is good before the whole thing comes tumbling down, Don implodes, and the fawning crowds get even uglier.
19
You feel let down, don't you Maureen. Your man Trump may not be qualified to be president, really? It's taken you this long to, somewhat, admit it? Shame.
45
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president." Only now? Where have you been? Get back here.
19
"Before his campaign became infused with racial grievance, victimhood and violence, Trump told me, “I have fun with life and I understand life and I want to make life better for people.” If he had those better angels, he didn’t listen to them. " There was no before. A year ago he descended the elevator to an audience of paid actors and let it rip on the Mexican rapists and drug dealers. That the author bothered to listen to any pieties says a great deal about the quality of her journalism. I understand how hard it has been to see him as a credible candidate and many people, myself included, disbelieved the polls for too long. Plainly the racial resentment is deeply embedded in the psyche of a 70 year old narcissist and his target audience of voters.
37
It seems obvious that Ms. Dowd just goes with the popular flow, whichever direction it may take. The Trump ship is losing power and, without direction or control, is in real danger of hitting the reefs. Ms. Dowd is simply displaying survivor syndrome and jumping Trump's ship now so she can book safe passage in a more welcoming and more popular vessel (at least among establishment Republicans) in the near future.
14
An astute, well-written, entertaining analysis with a weak ending after unequivocally making the case that Donald Trump is unsuited and unqualified to be President.
4
Maureen, I don't envy the task you now have of reflecting on the absurd farcical carnival side show that current American politics and Culture has degenerated into. The notion that truth is far stranger than fiction seems to have acquired a ludicrously hallucinogenic quality that transcends any sense of reality.
If someone had told me at the close of the last election that, in the next presidential election, Donald Trump would become the Republican nominee for President, I would have kindly suggested to them that they think seriously about cutting back on their drug use and stop overindulging in the "chronic". Now, I would not be surprised if Trump named Kim Kardashian as his Vice Presidential running mate.
And won.
If someone had told me at the close of the last election that, in the next presidential election, Donald Trump would become the Republican nominee for President, I would have kindly suggested to them that they think seriously about cutting back on their drug use and stop overindulging in the "chronic". Now, I would not be surprised if Trump named Kim Kardashian as his Vice Presidential running mate.
And won.
11
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Are you kidding? We are way past the "serious doubt" part about Trump: the man is a danger to the world and must be stopped. The Republican party needs to be devastated in November.
Are you kidding? We are way past the "serious doubt" part about Trump: the man is a danger to the world and must be stopped. The Republican party needs to be devastated in November.
41
The proposition that Trump refuses to make his tax returns public in order to hide embarrassing business practices is rapidly gaining force as a pivotal issue in the ongoing campaign. It is not unreasonable to speculate that increasingly credible evidence of the nefariousness of his business deals and tax evasions will accumulate. Ultimately, there will likely be one or more sequels to Anthony Baxter’s You’ve Been Trumped, five years ago, potentially generating enormous profits for filmmakers. If so, media talk before the general election in November about prospective shocking revelations is bound to attract tens of millions of voter eyeballs.
Trump is an exploitive master of the new medium - video/social media. His power and influence come from populist chatting on the screen. He is a marketer selling the Trump Brand by allegedly “winning big”. With his popularity in apparently precipitous decline over the last month, he may well conclude that the illusion of leadership he has gained during the campaign would be rapidly lost by his ineptitude in actually running the White House. If so, his best option now is to cut his losses by withdrawing from the race.
Trump is an exploitive master of the new medium - video/social media. His power and influence come from populist chatting on the screen. He is a marketer selling the Trump Brand by allegedly “winning big”. With his popularity in apparently precipitous decline over the last month, he may well conclude that the illusion of leadership he has gained during the campaign would be rapidly lost by his ineptitude in actually running the White House. If so, his best option now is to cut his losses by withdrawing from the race.
6
We're in the "it's a bummer mode" right now. With the attention span of the average American a little less than a kitten, the next four months could provide a century of new surprises. All bets are still off, but Trumps has his gun lowered at his foot, and if he keeps shooting straight, maybe Bernie will move his revolution over to the Green Party and not step in front of the Clinton bulldozer plowing its way back to DC.
We might have a real election then. My main problem with Donald is that he has no library in his high rise Versailles. Order some books Donald. It's never to late to study up.
We might have a real election then. My main problem with Donald is that he has no library in his high rise Versailles. Order some books Donald. It's never to late to study up.
5
Maureen - you have become mean and bitter whether your column is on a Dem or a Republican. I can't stand Trump but your columns have become predictable. I used to race to them to enjoy them. Not any more.
18
Poor Maureen, she can't quite close the deal and wishy-washies out with:
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Let me offer a simple declarative:
"Trump’s behavior disqualifies him from being president."
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Let me offer a simple declarative:
"Trump’s behavior disqualifies him from being president."
45
How is it okay for a politician to get a pass on vulgar, bigoted, idiotic statements on the ground that the statements are an act? Frankly, Ms. Dowd, my respect for you has plummeted this election cycle. Your failure to condemn Trump utterly is incomprehensible to me.
55
Trump's tanking numbers and his fan base have a mutually cannibalistic relationship. His tanking numbers devour his fans and vice versa.
Without a winning amount of both, Trump has no reason for running—except this: If he is in the toilet, his brand is in the toilet.
So he is treating the Republican Party the way he treats his failing casinos: He is making sure he wins even as they lose.
Or to put it euphemistically, he is hedging his bets. The skuttlebutt is that he is exploring a—what else?—Trump Network to capitalize—literally—(on) his loyal—or so he thinks—fan base.
I believe a plan for a pre-convention face-saving exit for Trump is also in the works. Hillary and her machine, which includes this paper, appear to have made the fatal error of not exercising restraint.
If there is any justice left in this once great republic, the Clintons are on their merry way to the slammer. At a minimum.
It is entirely possible, therefore, that neither presumptive will ever actualize.
If this country ever needed a mulligan, it is now.
Without a winning amount of both, Trump has no reason for running—except this: If he is in the toilet, his brand is in the toilet.
So he is treating the Republican Party the way he treats his failing casinos: He is making sure he wins even as they lose.
Or to put it euphemistically, he is hedging his bets. The skuttlebutt is that he is exploring a—what else?—Trump Network to capitalize—literally—(on) his loyal—or so he thinks—fan base.
I believe a plan for a pre-convention face-saving exit for Trump is also in the works. Hillary and her machine, which includes this paper, appear to have made the fatal error of not exercising restraint.
If there is any justice left in this once great republic, the Clintons are on their merry way to the slammer. At a minimum.
It is entirely possible, therefore, that neither presumptive will ever actualize.
If this country ever needed a mulligan, it is now.
4
What exactly even compels Ms. Dowd to make excuses for this guy? He is a threat and a menace. And a fool and a fascist and a racist and a misogynist pig and a pig in general. Piggy Piggy Piggy Piggy Piggy.
29
Mrs. Clinton is such an obviously better candidate for the presidency than Mr. Trump is that it hardly needs to be stated here. But here, as a service to readers of the Times who don't want their Sunday spoiled by any further mention of Mr. Trump, is a list of the reasons why they should vote for Mrs. Clinton.
1. Trump will embarrass and disgrace the country in ways that Americans will still be talking about 100 years from now.
2. Apart from single-payer health care, Hillary will implement whatever parts of the Sanders agenda are practical and can be made affordable.
3. Hillary will succeed in finding ways to collaborate with Republicans and begin breaking down the paralysis in Washington.
4. Hillary will pursue ISIS and other radical groups in the Middle East in ways that are so relentless and unmerciful that even battle-scarred veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan will be aghast at the brutality of them.
5. Hillary will be a good partner to Israel without repeating the Obama mistake
of making no demands on the Palestinians.
6. Hillary will seek out advisers who favor projecting American strength and values throughout the world as opposed to advisers who counsel retreat and withdrawal.
7. Hillary will cut back and eliminate major parts of the federal bureaucracy in ways that people will compare to Sherman’s March through Georgia.
8. Hillary will lower, yes I said lower, your taxes.
9. Her fundamental program for America will be jobs, jobs and more jobs.
10. Enjoy!
1. Trump will embarrass and disgrace the country in ways that Americans will still be talking about 100 years from now.
2. Apart from single-payer health care, Hillary will implement whatever parts of the Sanders agenda are practical and can be made affordable.
3. Hillary will succeed in finding ways to collaborate with Republicans and begin breaking down the paralysis in Washington.
4. Hillary will pursue ISIS and other radical groups in the Middle East in ways that are so relentless and unmerciful that even battle-scarred veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan will be aghast at the brutality of them.
5. Hillary will be a good partner to Israel without repeating the Obama mistake
of making no demands on the Palestinians.
6. Hillary will seek out advisers who favor projecting American strength and values throughout the world as opposed to advisers who counsel retreat and withdrawal.
7. Hillary will cut back and eliminate major parts of the federal bureaucracy in ways that people will compare to Sherman’s March through Georgia.
8. Hillary will lower, yes I said lower, your taxes.
9. Her fundamental program for America will be jobs, jobs and more jobs.
10. Enjoy!
22
Maureen Dowd’s well written analysis echoes the concerns many Americans have with turning the reins of presidential power over to the egomania Trump. Something is not right with the mind of Donald Trump, and America cannot risk him turning our country into a Trump Reality TV Nightmare.
5
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Serious doubts? How much evidence do you need? This guy would be a disaster. Nothing he could do from now to November can overcome his months of viciousness, ignorance, and narcissism. Please, throw in the towel on this guy, Ms. Dowd.
Serious doubts? How much evidence do you need? This guy would be a disaster. Nothing he could do from now to November can overcome his months of viciousness, ignorance, and narcissism. Please, throw in the towel on this guy, Ms. Dowd.
16
Ms Dowd,
You demonstrate such keen insight in this column with regards to how Trump was able to win the Republican nomination as well as how the republican party enabled the rise of Trump. However, for some strange reason, you seem to treat Trump with kid gloves. The federal housing discrimination suit against Trump is condemning and the way he swindled the "Trump University" students is tragic. One has to wonder what clouded your normally crystal clear discernment.
You demonstrate such keen insight in this column with regards to how Trump was able to win the Republican nomination as well as how the republican party enabled the rise of Trump. However, for some strange reason, you seem to treat Trump with kid gloves. The federal housing discrimination suit against Trump is condemning and the way he swindled the "Trump University" students is tragic. One has to wonder what clouded your normally crystal clear discernment.
13
Wait, you think that it's only Trump's recent behavior that is causing people to doubt his qualifications to be President?
How about the stuff he's been saying since the day he entered the race in 2015? How about the wacky birther nonsense he leveled at President Obama years ago? How about the ties to organized crime, the destruction of the USFL that he caused, the dumping of two wives in very classless ways, the comments about dating his daughter . . . You get the idea.
No one who has paid any attention since, well, whenever could possibly think this fool ready for the White House.
How about the stuff he's been saying since the day he entered the race in 2015? How about the wacky birther nonsense he leveled at President Obama years ago? How about the ties to organized crime, the destruction of the USFL that he caused, the dumping of two wives in very classless ways, the comments about dating his daughter . . . You get the idea.
No one who has paid any attention since, well, whenever could possibly think this fool ready for the White House.
34
Mr. Trump started his campaign with the promise to initiate a pogrom upon assuming office. History tells us that any political movement that starts by naming the "Them" who deserve our hatred will end very badly.
Before he had completed his introductory salvo he ceased to be a rational consideration for president for me. Rather than give me reason to reconsider, he continues to confirm my initial evaluation. He made a fortune at the expense of his lenders, partners, vendors and customers. Given the chance we have every reason to believe that, as president, he would do the same to this country.
Before he had completed his introductory salvo he ceased to be a rational consideration for president for me. Rather than give me reason to reconsider, he continues to confirm my initial evaluation. He made a fortune at the expense of his lenders, partners, vendors and customers. Given the chance we have every reason to believe that, as president, he would do the same to this country.
13
Well regular Americans like swearing and yelling, cussing and ranting. It's good entertainment. That is Trump's magic. He's a show, not a President. The hair do and the fancy jet, it's all fantastic fun. (not) I personally think the Clinton show is not so good either. Wish I could change the channel to another station, but it's reality so we cannot.
1
Just now? Did I read that right? It took you a year to realize that Donald Trump is unfit to be our President? Was it the steaks and Trump water? Surely is has to be one of those because calling swaths of Mexicans rapists and drug dealers is not enough to turn anyone off. I think I just read your column for the last time.
28
I don't know how anyone can expect someone to "pivot" from "an eruption of bigotry"- even as "merely opening bids in the negotiation". What kind of person uses racism and hate speech as an open bid?
What kind of people find his behavior and vitriol as acceptable? It seems you and others who were told by Trump that he would "pivot" were conned.
What kind of people find his behavior and vitriol as acceptable? It seems you and others who were told by Trump that he would "pivot" were conned.
24
All the allusions to the fascist years of Germany and Italy aside, perhaps the scariest aspect of the Trump candidacy is that he's the male equivalent of Sarah Palin. So rather than learn from the blunder that it made in 2008, the Republican Party seems hellbent on doubling down -- and raising the stakes one more level to the presidency itself.
What is it about shoot-from-the-hip ignorance and prejudice that the 21st-century G.O.P. just can't seem to resist?
What is it about shoot-from-the-hip ignorance and prejudice that the 21st-century G.O.P. just can't seem to resist?
23
"Now Trump's own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
What has he ever said or done that you, Ms. Dowd, considered him at any point to be qualified?
What has he ever said or done that you, Ms. Dowd, considered him at any point to be qualified?
30
So just now you are figuring out there is "[s]erious doubt on whether he is qualified to be President?" Have you been living under a rock for the past year? He has no qualifications for the position. None. Merely pointing out the Iraq War was a mistake, or that we have been paying for the defense of the entire free world for 60 years are not qualifications for the Presidency. They are basic facts that any citizen should know. And calling for a ban on Muslims entering the country, or rounding up 11 million illegal immigrants are something only a moron would propose. Figuring out real solutions to complex real world problems is something Trump has never done and never can do. Why has it taken you a year to figure this out?
31
Ms. Dowd- Welcome to the good side. It is good to have you, no matter how late you may be.
6
Methinks thou doth protest too late.
And with way-too-little humility for your past egregious failure to recognize this diseased, small-minded, narcissistic blowhard for the truly despicable creature that he is.
I'm guessing you just couldn't get enough of those invites to his Trumpian Versailles with its pathetic-to-prove-something gold faucets and marbled walls, walls which mirror his marbled soul and walls which will forever be his footnote in history as the builder-par-excellence in fear and hate.
And with way-too-little humility for your past egregious failure to recognize this diseased, small-minded, narcissistic blowhard for the truly despicable creature that he is.
I'm guessing you just couldn't get enough of those invites to his Trumpian Versailles with its pathetic-to-prove-something gold faucets and marbled walls, walls which mirror his marbled soul and walls which will forever be his footnote in history as the builder-par-excellence in fear and hate.
28
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Now? I guess that edible marijuana slowed Ms. Dowd's reflexes.
Now? I guess that edible marijuana slowed Ms. Dowd's reflexes.
32
“Even though [Trump] ranted about the press, he was also far more available to the media than the cloaked Hillary Clinton, who has yet to give a news conference this year.”
Quantity should not be confused with quality. In a year’s time, Trump has said virtually nothing of substance in interviews and other exchanges with the press. They have been exercises in deflection, double-speak, attack, obfuscation and avoidance.
He is far more engaged in Twitter wars and entertaining himself, behaving as if this was a reality TV show. He has yet to clearly articulate a coherent foreign policy, economic policy, energy policy, and every other category of policy.
Quantity should not be confused with quality. In a year’s time, Trump has said virtually nothing of substance in interviews and other exchanges with the press. They have been exercises in deflection, double-speak, attack, obfuscation and avoidance.
He is far more engaged in Twitter wars and entertaining himself, behaving as if this was a reality TV show. He has yet to clearly articulate a coherent foreign policy, economic policy, energy policy, and every other category of policy.
21
Serious doubts on whether he's qualified to be president? SERIOUS DOUBTS???!!! No, Mo, there are no longer any doubts. The words and actions of this posturing, self-absorbed bloviator and apostle of all things offensive confirm unequivocally that the name "Trump" and the title "President" should not appear in the same sentence. What is far more troubling at this juncture, are the continuing supporters and apologists who somehow still contrive to support this most dangerous candidate at our country's peril. The months remaining until election day are like a lifetime in electoral politics. What appear in mid-June to be Trump's waning political fortunes can become something else entirely by November. Your acknowledgement of the need for a "pivot" took long enough, but better late than never. Now, what will it take to get the political leadership of the GOP to grow a conscience and disavow their misbegotten presumptive nominee? And what will it take for you, Ms. Dowd, to acknowledge that Hillary Clinton, for all her apparent flaws, is now by far the best prepared and most qualified candidate for President of the United States?
580
Regarding Hillary, all this talk of "trust" is as bogus as Trump's bid for the white house. Yes, she has political baggage. Who doesn't?
Look at what she has accomplished throughout her career. (This is where all you Hillary Haters will weigh in.--Go for it.)
The fact is Hillary will be bring experience, intelligence, compassion, pragmatism and resolve to the white house.
Trump possesses NONE of these qualities.
Look at what she has accomplished throughout her career. (This is where all you Hillary Haters will weigh in.--Go for it.)
The fact is Hillary will be bring experience, intelligence, compassion, pragmatism and resolve to the white house.
Trump possesses NONE of these qualities.
558
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Now? He's NEVER been qualified to be president. Where have you been?
Now? He's NEVER been qualified to be president. Where have you been?
655
This Dowd will please many of the I told you so variety but she is kind enough to note that there were reasons to search for the good in the man and by association in those who voted for him, the so-called uneducated. America is the world greatest mixed bag and those far from the self-perceived elite who were and are looking for answers to the sad tale they know too well, Trump was and perhaps still is an option. But less so for Maureen? Welcome back to the sanctioned NYT.
26
Well done Ms. Dowd! In the end Trump will lose to Mrs. Clinton by a sizeable margin. That said, he did this Nation a favor by driving the weird and wacky Republican Klown Kar into the Hudson. I say thank you Mr. Trump. Great theater, great lines, on occasion spoken like a white Queens Muhammad Ali, finished off some nasty contenders like Cruz. Think glass half full here: like a political enema, not pleasant but healthfully cleansing. His job is done.
204
"Trump jumped into the race with an eruption of bigotry, ranting about Mexican rapists and a Muslim ban. But privately, he assured people that these were merely opening bids in the negotiation…”
This is and was always a rationalization. An “opening bid” in negotiation, if that is what this was, is a “wish list.” You don’t ask for something you don’t want. As a self-proclaimed skilled negotiator, this It is what Trump wanted if he could walk away with all the marbles.
And what exactly would be the negotiated “middle ground” to painting Mexicans as “rapists” and calling for a “total ban” on Muslims entering the U.S.? And who would Trump be negotiating such odious policies with?
This is and was always a rationalization. An “opening bid” in negotiation, if that is what this was, is a “wish list.” You don’t ask for something you don’t want. As a self-proclaimed skilled negotiator, this It is what Trump wanted if he could walk away with all the marbles.
And what exactly would be the negotiated “middle ground” to painting Mexicans as “rapists” and calling for a “total ban” on Muslims entering the U.S.? And who would Trump be negotiating such odious policies with?
165
Our worst nightmare: The GOP wakes up and deposes the presumptive nominee and presumed loser Trump one way or another thus averting imminent disaster and loss of not only the White House but also both houses of Congress, then goes on to replace The Strumpet with a viable candidate who is able to do just the opposite and save the day as well as the decade for the decadent, immoral, and corrupt GOP.
88
Trump is not casting doubts on whether he should be president. Trump is removing any and all uncertainty about the question. However, Trump has shown clear leadership when it comes to his political party. After his tenure is over, it will be a much better organization, cleansed of folk like Christie, Cruz, Rubio, Ryan, Walker, McConnell, McCain, Ayotte, Grassley, et. al.
105
Mo, after worshiping at the altar of Trump for so long, is this a “mea culpa” or a parting of ways with Trump the “Toon” ???
91
I'm happy to hear Mo's edible high finally wore off.
122
Finally a thoughtful opinion piece from Ms. Dowd instead of a steaming pile of snark. The entertainment value of The Donald is past and it is time for a reality check among the American press and the voters.
129
Whoa, Maureen! Talk about late to the dance! It took you 'til now to figure this out?? You still wield a sharp and formidable pen, but your political instincts seem to have fallen well behind your way with words.
Oh well, better late than never. And now that you've woken up to the obvious, there's still time to redeem yourself between now and November. I'd love to see you score some points for the right team, for a change!
Oh well, better late than never. And now that you've woken up to the obvious, there's still time to redeem yourself between now and November. I'd love to see you score some points for the right team, for a change!
176
Maureen Dowd's column, coming after Donald Trump's appalling narcissim and hate mongering after the Orlando tragedy, as well as his blatant use of racism for his own agenda in the Judge Curiel/Trump University fiasco, is more than troubling for a NYT journalist. I would suggest that she read her fellow NYT columnists, Thomas Friedman and David Brooks. Each of them wrote searing condemnations of Mr. Trump's self-serving bigotry and race baiting. Mr. Friedman wrote "Dump the G.O.P. for a Brand New Party" on June 7th, and Mr. Brooks wrote "The Unity Illusion" on June 10th which are serious assessments of what is happening given the behavior of the Republican Party's Presumptive Nominee. Does Ms. Dowd really believe Mr. Trump's support of the birther movement was merely "kooky," which implies some sort of cute behavior? Does she really think Trump's dangerous behavior, which divides our own country and puts us at risk globally, is only "casting serious doubt" on his suitability to be President of the United States? Please, NYT, ask her to read Mr. Friedman and Mr. Brooks and your other columnists who have taken this danger seriously.
208
Yo Mo, where were you when Trump started his media journey? Riding his Down escalator at humbly named Trump Tower, a building we think he actually might own, surrounded by cheering sycophants only later learning they were paid extras from our city's masses of theatrical working class Americans yearning for a job, even a temporary gig without benefits. His shtick is not new. See "Trump University" if you need additional evidence of this fraud, this stain upon our society.
157
Dowd's writing is far too hip. Her fast, dismissive style about public figures belies when she came of age and who she "hangs" with. Yes, Trump is indeed evil, and many of us thought so thirty years ago. Because Maureen swims in the waters she does, she likely would go along with the charade of someone like Trump out of sheer entertainment. Those in the trenches don't need to be entertained. Pity it takes so long for her to see reality.
192
Ms Dowd's op-ed proves that even an insane person can make some sane statements-----often unable to adhere to them. Mr. Trump in his one of the sane moments realized that Americans often have very short memories and cannot remember the random statement people like Mr Trump make and how they follow them with any action. If Ms Dowd is suggesting that Mr Trump's statements are suggestive of his intelligence then she may want to appreciate every swindler on this earth.
22
Maureen, you have "serious doubts?" Wow! Where have you been throughout the primaries? In a cave? In a galaxy far away? In solitary confinement? Clearly you have been out of touch with reality. What is really frightening is that if you don't get how bad Trump would be for America, how many less well-informed American's have also drunk the Trump kool aid?
197
This is one very strange column. It reads like a night-after regrets confession by a college girl who loved all the attention she was getting from the Big Man on Campus until she discovered - long after everyone else - what a jerk he really was. And the tone it adopts of giving advice to the jerk about how to shape up and become a good guy is cringeworthy.'
364
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president." What do you mean, NOW!? Trump's behavior has been an open book for as long as it has taken the Republican Party to slide down the chute of bigotry and misogyny toward it's final destination of an open sewer, where it finds itself today. Consider Trump’s birther fiasco of 2012.
Let's be frank. Trump channels the GOP very well. In several ways he's even more liberal. The problem for GOP grandees is that Trump is too overtly loud, brash and ugly with his grandstanding. In substance, he's the Republican Party's home-made Frankenstein, manufactured and assembled in the bowels of right-wing America.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Let's be frank. Trump channels the GOP very well. In several ways he's even more liberal. The problem for GOP grandees is that Trump is too overtly loud, brash and ugly with his grandstanding. In substance, he's the Republican Party's home-made Frankenstein, manufactured and assembled in the bowels of right-wing America.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
181
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Bulletin! Extra! Extra! Guiness Book of World Records names Maureen Dowd as holder of not one but TWO records
Greatest understatement ever.
Being asleep for six straight days - June 12 thru June 17.
Bulletin! Extra! Extra! Guiness Book of World Records names Maureen Dowd as holder of not one but TWO records
Greatest understatement ever.
Being asleep for six straight days - June 12 thru June 17.
116
Reno! Good morning, Sweetheart. Have a good year's nap?
You observe that Trump accurately and openly points out the bigotry of the Republican apparatchik for the past half-century, but then slide over the part where he, sotto voce, assures the assemblage that not only will this will not change when he takes the reins of power, but he will double down on same.
Cue the cheers. At last! We can be out of the closet about it!
Tell us Maureen: If your vote is the one to elect the next President of the United States, and it obviously won't be Trump and sure as hell won't be Clinton, who, pray tell, will it be?
You observe that Trump accurately and openly points out the bigotry of the Republican apparatchik for the past half-century, but then slide over the part where he, sotto voce, assures the assemblage that not only will this will not change when he takes the reins of power, but he will double down on same.
Cue the cheers. At last! We can be out of the closet about it!
Tell us Maureen: If your vote is the one to elect the next President of the United States, and it obviously won't be Trump and sure as hell won't be Clinton, who, pray tell, will it be?
60
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Now? Now??
And when was there ever not serious doubt, not only on whether the Duck is qualified to be president, but even temperamentally, emotionally, and psychologically fit to hold any responsible office?
Now? Now??
And when was there ever not serious doubt, not only on whether the Duck is qualified to be president, but even temperamentally, emotionally, and psychologically fit to hold any responsible office?
136
What an enlightening article! First let me say, I agree with the majority of posters and believe, no, know Trump to be a charlatan. But for the life of me I could not understand what drew some seemingly intelligent people to him like moths to a flame. I don't agree with Dowd previous view of him, but it's the first time I've gotten a true glimpse of the misguided logic that makes some sense. What she saw as the attraction. How someone could totally ignore what to many of us is obvious, for the so called belief of a deeper truth that doesn't exist is still beyond me.
49
I am so relieved to see the return of Ms. Dowd's inimitable writing style . I have been tired of her endless attacks on HIllary, and the snarky tone of much of her writing. which has seemed passing odd of late.
The only point in this marvelous piece I am stumped by , is her ending
" Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president" This is an understatement , of such gargantuan size I am incredulous?
He has already done more damage to the "American brand" , than any politician in history as people unite in horror worldwide .
That the USA could nominate such a man from whose mouth utters a relentless tidal wave of excrementa effluence, unlike anyone in our history, is actually a parties nominee, REALLY?
He makes Barry Goldwater look like a character out of Emerson's Utopian dreams. I have another theory , that has been hazarded by a few pundits, that he is essentially playing out a martyrdom scenario and is really hoping to guarantee Hillary's win.
A dangerous game , at this point however, and a theory I have stopped humoring. Perhaps that is why she ends her piece in such a quiet way, is she somehow scared too ?
The only point in this marvelous piece I am stumped by , is her ending
" Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president" This is an understatement , of such gargantuan size I am incredulous?
He has already done more damage to the "American brand" , than any politician in history as people unite in horror worldwide .
That the USA could nominate such a man from whose mouth utters a relentless tidal wave of excrementa effluence, unlike anyone in our history, is actually a parties nominee, REALLY?
He makes Barry Goldwater look like a character out of Emerson's Utopian dreams. I have another theory , that has been hazarded by a few pundits, that he is essentially playing out a martyrdom scenario and is really hoping to guarantee Hillary's win.
A dangerous game , at this point however, and a theory I have stopped humoring. Perhaps that is why she ends her piece in such a quiet way, is she somehow scared too ?
47
We must never stop mentioning the reason for the hole we are in. It's due to a poor statesman, Mitch McConnell -- the former chairman of the RNC, who for 25 years has worked to design and build the conservative right-wing propaganda system. He has continued in his role as strategist even as his role of majority leader of the Senate demands that he negotiate and legislate. He meets the definition of a political sociopath. He has no empathy for his victims and the damage he has inflicted on progress in our country. He wraps the flag around his incompetence.
His fingerprints are on Citizen's United, CPAC, ALEC, the Federalist Society, the Tea Party, the Heritage Foundation, the NRA, and Roger Ailes.
There's more. FOX News continues to be the right-wing broadcast network of record that feeds its fog of information to the GOP network of policy shops, talk radio, and right wing minions who daily feed at the GOP trough. It is at the heart of one of the most powerful propaganda systems in modern times.
The rise of Donald Trump is testimony to how bad the GOP has screwed up our legislative system. The simple men and women at the typical Trump rally, who adulate him, have no idea what this system is, how it’s funded, and the danger it poses to Democracy. These live in the alternate universe of the GOP fog.
The core reason for this is the fact that “the mind tends to an organized universe." A good propaganda system does this and FOX and McConnell get the Emmy.
His fingerprints are on Citizen's United, CPAC, ALEC, the Federalist Society, the Tea Party, the Heritage Foundation, the NRA, and Roger Ailes.
There's more. FOX News continues to be the right-wing broadcast network of record that feeds its fog of information to the GOP network of policy shops, talk radio, and right wing minions who daily feed at the GOP trough. It is at the heart of one of the most powerful propaganda systems in modern times.
The rise of Donald Trump is testimony to how bad the GOP has screwed up our legislative system. The simple men and women at the typical Trump rally, who adulate him, have no idea what this system is, how it’s funded, and the danger it poses to Democracy. These live in the alternate universe of the GOP fog.
The core reason for this is the fact that “the mind tends to an organized universe." A good propaganda system does this and FOX and McConnell get the Emmy.
224
You know, Maureen, a column like this could revoke your free pass to Trump Tower, but it does shows you may be back among the living.
The Buffoon is shocked by shooting to the top of the Republican ticket. It's a sad pleasure watching him and Ryan and McConnell flounder and stammer and watch the dumbness pour out of his mouth and Ryan and McConnell try to stuff back down his throat.
You have to feel sorry for the people of Cleveland- all those thugs coming to their town all at the same time. They need to get all the children inside and lock all the doors.
The Buffoon is shocked by shooting to the top of the Republican ticket. It's a sad pleasure watching him and Ryan and McConnell flounder and stammer and watch the dumbness pour out of his mouth and Ryan and McConnell try to stuff back down his throat.
You have to feel sorry for the people of Cleveland- all those thugs coming to their town all at the same time. They need to get all the children inside and lock all the doors.
54
The final sentence of this column sounds as if was written for a high school newspaper by a student who didn't want to cross any lines and get in trouble with the faculty adviser. A racist, woman hating egomaniac who values nothing but his money and his image leaves you now having doubt? Even the milquetoast David Brooks has got better instincts than are shown in this worthless column.
209
Hillary could walk on water tonight, and Maureen would dis her tomorrow. Her "criticism" of Donald is mostly praise of him. Maybe she's angling to be Donald's VP pick.
86
Oh my, Ms Dowd. If you remember Trump in NYC in the 80s, you realized then that he was a huckster.
69
Ms. Dowd has been the mainstream media's biggest enabler of Mr. Trump, because, apparently, she had a pre-existing good relationship with Trump, and, without doubt, a long running habit of attacking Hillary Clinton. Now Ms. Dowd is trying to separate herself from Mr. Trump, without looking like she is changing her position, but it is a bit late, and the change is a bit transparent.
110
Since Trump has gained attention by assigning pejorative nicknames to his opponents, it's only fitting he should wear one himself. Several of the ladies commenting here have come up with a terrific one: "Short-fingered Donald." Think about it for a minute. Priceless!
23
Why are we even considering voting for President someone who is proud to not pay taxes and and who thinks he can get elected running on a campaign of insults?
When will Trump release his tax returns? What is he afraid of?
When will Trump release his tax returns? What is he afraid of?
62
Come the Republican convention the slogan will be, Dump Trump. It's in the works. He will then run as a third party candidate and lose. Trump is his own worst enemy. He could have been somebody but he resorted to the lowest common denominators- racism, misogyny and xenophobia. Trump is a bottom feeder who said what most Republicans felt. They got what they deserved. It's sad because Hillary will win by default.
8
I guess Maureen Dowd doesn't live in NYC. I do, and haven't viewed him as a 'benign celebrity,' in a long time. I mean, the fact that I haven't been able to walk anywhere in midtown for decades without seeing his name in huge letters on building after building is enough to have ruined his allure for me. I never expected him to turn into the thing he is now, but he has not been a benign presence in NYC for a long time.
45
"But privately, he assured people that these were merely opening bids in the negotiation; that he was really the same pragmatic New Yorker he had always been;"
IE. The con man conned you. I guess when you move in the same social circles and rub shoulders with Trump you see him in a different light. No doubt behind the scenes he can be charming with powerful people. But then there are always the people he defrauded in the Trump University case, the contractors he stiffed in Atlantic City and NYC, and the Mexicans and Muslims he negatively profiles. These people miss the charm and catch the sharp elbows. In the end it is always Trumps monumental ego that is front and center. Always consults his own brain and has never sought God's forgiveness for any action because he makes no mistake. Maybe the "Never Trump" people have a much clearer feel for the man then you do. Meeting him at NYC social gatherings is apparently a poor gauge for sizing him up.
IE. The con man conned you. I guess when you move in the same social circles and rub shoulders with Trump you see him in a different light. No doubt behind the scenes he can be charming with powerful people. But then there are always the people he defrauded in the Trump University case, the contractors he stiffed in Atlantic City and NYC, and the Mexicans and Muslims he negatively profiles. These people miss the charm and catch the sharp elbows. In the end it is always Trumps monumental ego that is front and center. Always consults his own brain and has never sought God's forgiveness for any action because he makes no mistake. Maybe the "Never Trump" people have a much clearer feel for the man then you do. Meeting him at NYC social gatherings is apparently a poor gauge for sizing him up.
68
For a long time I have looked forward to reading Maureen Dowd's work. Intelligent, feminist as well as witty would have been my shorthand description if I were urging someone to follow along. As this campaign has unfolded I have grown more and more befuddled by her writing, trying to fathom why she had any delusions about who Trump is, except that she appeared to feel she had the inside skinny most of us were missing. But this column is on beyond confusing and further on that that in disappointing. I have lost respect for a writer whose opinion I believed to be worthy of consideration. How can she outline Trump's despicable actions and end with this sentence: "Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president." Maureen Dowd, there is no doubt whatsoever, not even the slightest iota of a doubt. The man is scary and calculating and racist and misogynist, and oh Good Lord, I am reduced to stating the Awful and Obvious! I simply cannot understand how this intelligent woman I have long admired would write such an inane sentence. You point at dangerous ineptitude and waffle. Timothy Egan has it right today.
105
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Perhaps it's deference to the older daddy type, but you're being way too kind, Maureen. Casting serious doubt? That ship sailed years ago when he lead the birther charge. Trump has never shown that he's qualified to be president. Frankly, his public behavior suggests he's not qualified to run a successful business, and I look forward to watching his businesses fail when all is said and done. The guy is a fraud, and I'm glad he's being exposed. The man who created Trump U. is the man who Trump is: someone who will seize any opportunity to make money, no matter who it hurts. Good riddance, and a pox on his house.
Perhaps it's deference to the older daddy type, but you're being way too kind, Maureen. Casting serious doubt? That ship sailed years ago when he lead the birther charge. Trump has never shown that he's qualified to be president. Frankly, his public behavior suggests he's not qualified to run a successful business, and I look forward to watching his businesses fail when all is said and done. The guy is a fraud, and I'm glad he's being exposed. The man who created Trump U. is the man who Trump is: someone who will seize any opportunity to make money, no matter who it hurts. Good riddance, and a pox on his house.
64
Despite this confessional article it is still hard to figure out how you got charmed by Donald Trump? Trump University scam alone should have given you a pause to believe this Prince of Lies.
31
"His obnoxious use of ethnicity only exposed the fact that Republicans had been using bigotry against minorities and gays to whip up voters for decades."
That's exactly why the huge swath of America between the Hudson River and the Rocky Mountains will propel Trump to the presidency.
That's the unfortunate truth about ourselves that Trump realizes (and will take advantage of) to ensure his election to POTUS.
That's exactly why the huge swath of America between the Hudson River and the Rocky Mountains will propel Trump to the presidency.
That's the unfortunate truth about ourselves that Trump realizes (and will take advantage of) to ensure his election to POTUS.
5
"But like Dan Quayle and Sarah Palin, Trump refused to study up on policy. "
Quayle, Palin and Trump -- three candidates of the apocalypse -- all prove that running for the vice presidency and/or presidency of the United States is not something you prepare for in the same way you cram for an exam. Any reasonable candidate should exhibit a deep, longstanding interest in and knowledge of such a thing.
If I'm not mistaken, it was William Buckley who said you can tell how a person thinks by the way he speaks. Oh, the mess that is some people's minds...
Quayle, Palin and Trump -- three candidates of the apocalypse -- all prove that running for the vice presidency and/or presidency of the United States is not something you prepare for in the same way you cram for an exam. Any reasonable candidate should exhibit a deep, longstanding interest in and knowledge of such a thing.
If I'm not mistaken, it was William Buckley who said you can tell how a person thinks by the way he speaks. Oh, the mess that is some people's minds...
42
"He has made some fair points. A lot of our allies do take advantage of us. Our trade deals have left swaths of America devastated. And it was a positive move to propose a meeting with the N.R.A. on gun control for people on the terrorist watch list." Maureen, you managed to credit Trump with the above, but think even farther.
You know who else acknowledged that our allies do take advantage of us and specified "freeloaders?" President Obama. You know who rescued the American auto industry and the American economy from the throes of recession? President Obama. You know who has called out the availability of guns as a crucial security issue, yes, including those on the terrorist watch list? President Obama.
If you can credit someone so odious as Trump with the above, it is only right to give our respectable, responsible President his due, after 8 years of mocking him.
You know who else acknowledged that our allies do take advantage of us and specified "freeloaders?" President Obama. You know who rescued the American auto industry and the American economy from the throes of recession? President Obama. You know who has called out the availability of guns as a crucial security issue, yes, including those on the terrorist watch list? President Obama.
If you can credit someone so odious as Trump with the above, it is only right to give our respectable, responsible President his due, after 8 years of mocking him.
152
Leaders don't pivot, they follow their core convictions and speak the truth, come hell or high water. That's why Sanders gained so much momentum. Pivoting was not in his playbook. Trump can pivot like Lebron James in the post, it won't change what he said. You can't put the racists genie back in the bottle.
As far as "trickle-down racism" read one reporters twitterstorm take while at a recent Trump rally--like a ring in Dante's Inferno:
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/trump-rally-greensboro-north...
There is no smoothing Trump out or cleaning him up, or making him some Ronald Reagan.
Bye bye Trump. Good luck selling ties or real estate or steaks or education with your Trump brand.
As far as "trickle-down racism" read one reporters twitterstorm take while at a recent Trump rally--like a ring in Dante's Inferno:
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/trump-rally-greensboro-north...
There is no smoothing Trump out or cleaning him up, or making him some Ronald Reagan.
Bye bye Trump. Good luck selling ties or real estate or steaks or education with your Trump brand.
26
Trump's a self-acknowledged manic-impressive, but he shall over-comb.
50
All you can say to sum up is, "Trump's own behavior is casting serious doubts over whether he is qualified to be president"? Are you completely unhinged? Being the Republican nominee - which he will be - gives him a seat at the table and a lottery ticket, regardless of what the polls say.
I'm going to suggest you read Shirer's eyewitness account of Hitler's rise to power. Don't think it can't happen here, and don't think there aren't plenty of American thugs and bullies eager to carry out some mayhem.
This is a serious time. Cut the snark for once.
I'm going to suggest you read Shirer's eyewitness account of Hitler's rise to power. Don't think it can't happen here, and don't think there aren't plenty of American thugs and bullies eager to carry out some mayhem.
This is a serious time. Cut the snark for once.
131
The Trump campaign is in a flat spin. No recovery is possible. Although it may take longer to hit the ground, the subsequent crash is will be fatal to all on board. Any politician who is associated with Trump's campaign is finished as a national candidate. Anybody who accepts his vice presidential nomination must desperate for attention or a complete masochist. His candidacy, defined by his ignorance and cluelessness in all areas,is dangerously close to becoming a standard laugh line on late night T.V. When that tipping point is inevitably reached, all Trump's fabrications, distortions, crude personal attacks, and racist rhetoric will be in vain.
29
Well it's pretty late to realize it but Ms. Dowd finally understands Trump is not an entertaining breath of fresh air but instead a brain cancer on the American concept of democracy. Better late than never at least.
31
There is no doubt that Dowd looks at Trump thru rose colored glasses. When she writes"
Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Nobody in their right mind has ever thought Trump was qualified to be president. Being the leader of the birther movement was an automatic disqualifier.Here are other reasons:
His mimicking of a NY Times disabled reporter.
Trump U which conned people out of millions of dollars
Linking Ted Cruz`s father to the assassination of JFK>
Wants to date his daughter.
Wants to build a wall and have Mexico pay for it.
Banning Muslims fromj entering the US
Doesn`t know what the nuclear triad is.
Has antagonized the mayor of London and Prime Minister Cameron.
Is an misogynist
Contrary to what Dowd writes Trump has not made any fair points. Our allies do not take advantage of us .Our trade deals are a mixed bag but millions of Americans have benefited from trade deals.
Dowd praises Trump for wanting to meet with the NRA regarding background checks. However she neglects to mention that Trump said that if the people in the Orlando nightclub were armed they would be alive today.
The fact is Trump is a psychotic imbecile who is unfit to be president . There is no doubt in the minds of sane, intelligent people
Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Nobody in their right mind has ever thought Trump was qualified to be president. Being the leader of the birther movement was an automatic disqualifier.Here are other reasons:
His mimicking of a NY Times disabled reporter.
Trump U which conned people out of millions of dollars
Linking Ted Cruz`s father to the assassination of JFK>
Wants to date his daughter.
Wants to build a wall and have Mexico pay for it.
Banning Muslims fromj entering the US
Doesn`t know what the nuclear triad is.
Has antagonized the mayor of London and Prime Minister Cameron.
Is an misogynist
Contrary to what Dowd writes Trump has not made any fair points. Our allies do not take advantage of us .Our trade deals are a mixed bag but millions of Americans have benefited from trade deals.
Dowd praises Trump for wanting to meet with the NRA regarding background checks. However she neglects to mention that Trump said that if the people in the Orlando nightclub were armed they would be alive today.
The fact is Trump is a psychotic imbecile who is unfit to be president . There is no doubt in the minds of sane, intelligent people
93
Trump is an ill-informed, out-of-his-depth blowhard. No more.
The theme song of the Democratic Party right now is, "We've Only Just Begun."
It won't take long to uncover this windbag for who he really is.
The mainstream media will shift gears and start pimping for War With Russia, to get attention, and leave Trump in the dust. It's already happening.
The theme song of the Democratic Party right now is, "We've Only Just Begun."
It won't take long to uncover this windbag for who he really is.
The mainstream media will shift gears and start pimping for War With Russia, to get attention, and leave Trump in the dust. It's already happening.
5
Casting serious doubt? Good lord. There is no doubt. He cannot, could not, should not, govern.
31
By definition, candidates who do public pivots have been trying to fool a large segment of population about who they are and what they believe--and now want to turn and fool another segment. Like nobody would notice.
14
Using the names Dan Quayle and Sarah Palin in the same sentence as Donald Trump kind of says it all, doesn't it?
36
Trump predicted 9/11 in his book "The America We Deserve", dowdy one. He's blunt, taking straight and inpolitical, but he's right about possible, biding-their-time Muslim terrorists. Why take a chance by letting in anyone unvetted? About Mexico, it isn't Mexicans alone entering the U.S. illegaly through the border. How about the drug cartel personnel? It's said that Castro promoted drugs for America to help destroy America. About the countries enjoying U.S. protection without paying for it, why shouldn't they be made to pay? The companies that take the jobs to countries that don't have to worry about the change in the weather should be made to sell their products in those countries. Where would the unemployed U.S. workers get the money to buy? Or changes in the tax rates could encourage them to manufacture in the U.S. If Hilarious and her lecher gain the White House, Trump only has to wait until 2020, when he will certainly gain the Presidency in a landslide as all or most of the things he warns about come true! Can America wait? With Hilarious, it's business as usual. No change! She cares about women. Did she care about those who accused the lecher of crimes? No! That would have interfered with her plans for the brass ring!
1
Let's look at the Ronald Reagan analogy because it will tell you why Trump is not qualified to be president.
Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown had launched ambitious projects for water, freeways, and education in California during his term (1958-66). Reagan came to office facing a big deficit. He had an experienced executive team (Caspar Weinberger et al) and they told him to bite the bullet and pass a big tax increase. Reagan then spent the next 8 years building out California's ambitious program of water, freeways, and education (most of those UC and State College campuses were opened in Reagan's governorship). It was successful.
No one ever credibly challenged Reagan's credentials as an effective big-state chief executive who could run a large government organization despite the Democrats trying to throw the "Bedtime for Bonzo" movie actor stuff at him. It all bounced off.
Trump has zilch experience as an effective large-entity government CEO. The difference between Reagan and Trump is larger than the Grand Canyon.
The California governorship made Ronald Reagan. Few governors before or since quite have the scale and quality of his accomplishments. (During the primaries the Republicans did not put up one candidate with credible experience near Reagan's. None. Period.)
Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown had launched ambitious projects for water, freeways, and education in California during his term (1958-66). Reagan came to office facing a big deficit. He had an experienced executive team (Caspar Weinberger et al) and they told him to bite the bullet and pass a big tax increase. Reagan then spent the next 8 years building out California's ambitious program of water, freeways, and education (most of those UC and State College campuses were opened in Reagan's governorship). It was successful.
No one ever credibly challenged Reagan's credentials as an effective big-state chief executive who could run a large government organization despite the Democrats trying to throw the "Bedtime for Bonzo" movie actor stuff at him. It all bounced off.
Trump has zilch experience as an effective large-entity government CEO. The difference between Reagan and Trump is larger than the Grand Canyon.
The California governorship made Ronald Reagan. Few governors before or since quite have the scale and quality of his accomplishments. (During the primaries the Republicans did not put up one candidate with credible experience near Reagan's. None. Period.)
16
Maureen, you state DT has "often canny political instincts". I disagree. What he has, is a willingness to make outrageous statements appealing to a sizable minority of (Fox News) TV viewers. That makes his TV ratings "yuge", but it qualifies neither as political, nor will it, in the general election, appear at all canny.
27
"..it was a positive move to propose a meeting with the N.R.A. on gun control for people of the terror watch list."
Earth to Ms. Dowd. Mr. Trump is the N.R.A. apologist in chief! Do we actually need to discuss in a meeting with the N.R.A whether people who might want to crash planes into buildings or blow planes up with innocent passengers should, maybe, perhaps not be able to buy semi-automatic weapons on demand?!!!!!!
Are you KIDDING me, Ms. Dowd? This is what drag out to Donald Trump's credit?
Earth to Ms. Dowd. Mr. Trump is the N.R.A. apologist in chief! Do we actually need to discuss in a meeting with the N.R.A whether people who might want to crash planes into buildings or blow planes up with innocent passengers should, maybe, perhaps not be able to buy semi-automatic weapons on demand?!!!!!!
Are you KIDDING me, Ms. Dowd? This is what drag out to Donald Trump's credit?
31
This column is more of a warning to Donald Trump than a critique of his campaign.
20
Discussing most politicians--Obama, Boehner, Rubio, or Clinton, Dowd's pieces are 90% snark. Yet when presented with the easy target of Trump, she writes a column almost entirely snark-free. On balance, it's barely even negative--the worst she can say is "his fair points are getting outnumbered by egregious statements and nutty insinuations."
Outnumbered? How about overwhelmed? And since when does having a few "fair points" counterbalance the daily outright lies? Or that he lacks the knowledge, experience, and temperment to hold the powerful position in the world?
Bizarre.
Outnumbered? How about overwhelmed? And since when does having a few "fair points" counterbalance the daily outright lies? Or that he lacks the knowledge, experience, and temperment to hold the powerful position in the world?
Bizarre.
71
I used to enjoy watching The Apprentice. Yeah, I admit it. The moment Trump began the racist birther nonsense I stopped watching the show. I was too repelled to look at Trump. It has taken Dowd a NYT columnist this long to begin to get what Trump is? To conclude that MAYBE he doesn't belong in the Oval Office? I have lost all respect for her.
47
I get the sense, Ms. Dowd, that in your relationship with Trump over the years you liked him and maybe didn't believe he'd ever get this far. He was amusing I'm sure and good fodder for columns. The truth is that Trump doesn't possess any of the qualities to be POTUS. In fact, I'm betting he has some emotional and mental issues that the stress of the campaign have highlighted.
I get you have never been a fan of Hillary. She isn't personable or charming as a rule but she is eminently qualified to occupy the White House and Trump being a lazy non-intellectual person who is only curious about celebrity, ratings and bust sizes and him, him, him could or should never be taken seriously as a candidate.
If you're just now getting this then your judgment has been clouded over by charming playboys with lots of Daddy's money. The guy lies all the time. He doesn't even get his facts straight and yes, there is serious doubt he's qualified to be president, but that was apparent nearly a year ago. Where were you?
I get you have never been a fan of Hillary. She isn't personable or charming as a rule but she is eminently qualified to occupy the White House and Trump being a lazy non-intellectual person who is only curious about celebrity, ratings and bust sizes and him, him, him could or should never be taken seriously as a candidate.
If you're just now getting this then your judgment has been clouded over by charming playboys with lots of Daddy's money. The guy lies all the time. He doesn't even get his facts straight and yes, there is serious doubt he's qualified to be president, but that was apparent nearly a year ago. Where were you?
60
Wow. Bernie was the truth teller in this primary season but Maureen was impressed with Trump calling out Bush on the Iraq War. Bernie was telling us about the trade deals, but Maureen was impressed with Trump calling out Repubs on repealing healthcare. Bernie's been attracting young, record-breaking crowds on $27 a pop, and she was impressed that Trump told us how easy it was to buy and sell politicians.
Maureen, my dear, you just don't know the real thing when you see it.
Maureen, my dear, you just don't know the real thing when you see it.
17
People are saying that Dowd was so forgiving of Trump in the past because she wanted to retain access to him should he win the White House. I wouldn't say that, but people are saying that. Lots and lots of people.
But now that she thinks he might not win, Dowd finally is throwing him under the bus. Well, not quite a bus. She's throwing him under the hoverboard, not quite ready to see him fully as the self-centered, racist conman he is. She thinks the birther campaign he led was "kooky," and not an example of his dangerous white supremacism.
We know Trump can't/won't "pivot." Has Slo Mo really pivoted, or is she just doing the hokey-pokey?
But now that she thinks he might not win, Dowd finally is throwing him under the bus. Well, not quite a bus. She's throwing him under the hoverboard, not quite ready to see him fully as the self-centered, racist conman he is. She thinks the birther campaign he led was "kooky," and not an example of his dangerous white supremacism.
We know Trump can't/won't "pivot." Has Slo Mo really pivoted, or is she just doing the hokey-pokey?
53
Trump's behavior casting doubts about being qualfied for the presidency? What do you think? Crooked lying Trump is a vacuous ignoramus, puffed-up by narcissism and egolatry, willing and able to drive the country into a deep sinking hole of despair. He won't even listen to his closest advisers to stop being openly racist; he is so wound-up he is unable to absorb what's going on in the real world, and ready to upset anybody however constructive the criticism may be. How could such an unprincipled and irresponsible opportunist aim for higher office? Fortunately, 'el pez muere por la boca', a fish dies through its mouth, as Trump himself so amply shows; all that may be requires is a little push to hammer the last nail in his political coffin. Then, and only then, a sigh of relief for the imbecility of a party that gave up its principles (if any) to support the unsupportable.
19
Mo, regarding that last graf ... Trump is only NOW beginning to cast doubt on his fitness for office ... REALLY???
You've savaged the Clintons and Bushes for decades, sometimes with cause, sometimes without. Only just now are you beginning to have doubts about Trump? Your fitness to comment on all things political is being called into serious question, ma'am.
You've savaged the Clintons and Bushes for decades, sometimes with cause, sometimes without. Only just now are you beginning to have doubts about Trump? Your fitness to comment on all things political is being called into serious question, ma'am.
90
"It was like watching a bank robber sneak into a bank, only to find all the doors unlocked"
more like the dog who caught the car he was chasing....
more like the dog who caught the car he was chasing....
15
Well stated. When u start to believe your own press u are in trouble. Trump dispatched the light weights in the GOP clown fest pretty easily. Now he arrives at the 'now what' moment. It was pretty easy getting rid of a bunch of intellectual light weights like the ones stuffed in the clown car. Now he's doesn't have an easy mark. HRC, for all her shortcomings, is much better prepared and experienced than the 16 candles that Trump burned out. His only hope, be willing to burn out rather than to rust. Cause he is going down on this next segment of the apprentice.
5
Trump is like a bull in a Republican China shop he races around destroying every thing then keeps on lashing out when every thing is destroyed perhaps he is not very smart or as canny as Maureen paints him to be in this apologia. After all it was not just the politicians that he trashed but most of the electorate as well. He dug the deep snare in which he finds himself by mocking women, minorities, the military and even those who have physical disabilities. While this is what Republicans have been doing all along, his brash ego keeps him going like that battery bunny.
10
The problem is that Hillary is still the 1/2 Billion Dollar super-Pac woman. Trump is making it to easy. All she has to do is show up and not talk to the press.
2
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Now? No, that would have been day one when he rode his escalator down to announce his candidacy.
Now? No, that would have been day one when he rode his escalator down to announce his candidacy.
20
"Everything is filtered through his ego."
That says it all. He is unfit for the presidency. He is a classic DSM narcissistic personality.
I have not discern entirely your politics, Ms. Dowd. I have noticed your antipathy to the Clintons. I understand. But at this point you cannot possibly be aligning against anyone who represents a challenge to Trump.
Forget party politics, Ms. Dowd. Dump Trump. If the Republicans do not do something extraordinary against Trump, or even if they do, lamely, you, of all people, cannot forsake the republic.
You, lover of Shakespeare, will appreciate this final comment: Remember Me.
That says it all. He is unfit for the presidency. He is a classic DSM narcissistic personality.
I have not discern entirely your politics, Ms. Dowd. I have noticed your antipathy to the Clintons. I understand. But at this point you cannot possibly be aligning against anyone who represents a challenge to Trump.
Forget party politics, Ms. Dowd. Dump Trump. If the Republicans do not do something extraordinary against Trump, or even if they do, lamely, you, of all people, cannot forsake the republic.
You, lover of Shakespeare, will appreciate this final comment: Remember Me.
9
"Serious doubt"? Only now?
This column is emblematic of Maureen Dowd's limitations as a commentator on politics. What people actually do, or the policies they propose or work for, or what they say on significant public occasions, doesn't matter. It's all about personality -- the personality that impresses her (or fails to impress her) in some alleged private conversation. "Barry", the president, is terrible because he's too stand-offish and wouldn't play golf with the likes of Boehner. But Donald told her that he "had fun with life." Obviously, that makes him far more presidential than the "cloaked Hillary Clinton" who is so calculating and insincere. Who gives a damn about what Clinton wants to accomplish or whether her long career is consistent with those goals?
The Times editors really should assign Dowd to the Hollywood or New York City gossip beats, which are far more suitable to her instincts and abilities.
This column is emblematic of Maureen Dowd's limitations as a commentator on politics. What people actually do, or the policies they propose or work for, or what they say on significant public occasions, doesn't matter. It's all about personality -- the personality that impresses her (or fails to impress her) in some alleged private conversation. "Barry", the president, is terrible because he's too stand-offish and wouldn't play golf with the likes of Boehner. But Donald told her that he "had fun with life." Obviously, that makes him far more presidential than the "cloaked Hillary Clinton" who is so calculating and insincere. Who gives a damn about what Clinton wants to accomplish or whether her long career is consistent with those goals?
The Times editors really should assign Dowd to the Hollywood or New York City gossip beats, which are far more suitable to her instincts and abilities.
97
Casting doubt? Ms. Dowd spends the entire column describing a carnival barker and then seems surprised at the end that he might not be qualified to be anything else.
46
Donald Trump is a cancer, and as it metastasizes becomes a worse cancer. The sooner the surgeon cuts it off, the sooner the chance we'll all survive. I am not convinced he wants to be Commander in Chief so much as he wants to get back at all those Ivy League smarty pantses who underestimated him. Anyone remember Obama's digging into hi at the White House Correspondents' Dinner?
As someone who cares about what youth are exposed to, I just want him to go away. I bristle at the news coverage. I've passed up pursuing assignments that would force me to deal objectively with someone I loathe this much. I have never been so embarrassed, shocked, and terrified by a presence in my country.
I DO applaud Trump for getting it right on Iraq (I did too), for working on behalf of veterans, and for not being homophobic. But any goodwill he has is completely obfuscated by his sickness--equal parts narcissism and psychopathy, I suspect.
It is no longer good television.
As someone who cares about what youth are exposed to, I just want him to go away. I bristle at the news coverage. I've passed up pursuing assignments that would force me to deal objectively with someone I loathe this much. I have never been so embarrassed, shocked, and terrified by a presence in my country.
I DO applaud Trump for getting it right on Iraq (I did too), for working on behalf of veterans, and for not being homophobic. But any goodwill he has is completely obfuscated by his sickness--equal parts narcissism and psychopathy, I suspect.
It is no longer good television.
7
How can there be a doubt? Every little thing he does is tragic, everything he says it turns out wrong, or dangerous, or unconstitutional. Anyone with an education who supports him deserves a refund.
11
Welcome aboard . Most Times readers were ahead of you on this by about a year..
Disappointing conclusion however.
'Trump's own behavior is casting series doubts on whether he's qualified to be president?'
Seriously?
Just 'serious doubts'?
Disappointing conclusion however.
'Trump's own behavior is casting series doubts on whether he's qualified to be president?'
Seriously?
Just 'serious doubts'?
16
Gad, I have never read a more disappointing and shallow article from Ms. Dowd. "[D]oubt on whether he's qualified to be president"? What about his fifty years of public narcissistic conduct did Ms. Dowd miss? And what about those years could lead anyone to believe that he has ever had the qualities to make a competent president? One would really have to live in a bubble to even think that would be a rational possibility at any time. Didn't his obsession with Obama being borne in Africa give Maureen a clue? Not exactly sure what the point of this fluff piece was, but I have to suspect that Maureen's got some motive here that does not bode well for Hillary or the rest of us.
17
Maureen, you only mentioned Hillary three times. It's a good policy to taper off until you finally quit. I hope the withdrawal is manageable.
What's the over-under on how many weeks 'til his campaign implodes? At this rate he might have three weeks until the weight of his racist rants is too much to bear (it is now for most of us.) If there is a real move to stop him at the convention- wow. It's already must see tv. There'd have to be gavel to gavel coverage so we don't miss any of the Republican Party tearing itself apart.
What's the over-under on how many weeks 'til his campaign implodes? At this rate he might have three weeks until the weight of his racist rants is too much to bear (it is now for most of us.) If there is a real move to stop him at the convention- wow. It's already must see tv. There'd have to be gavel to gavel coverage so we don't miss any of the Republican Party tearing itself apart.
6
Well, look who is waking up. MD got snookered for a while by the Donald, who let her in the elevator for a short ride (but not to the penthouse); and now she has to "pivot." By August even his water boy (literally) Christie will be asking for a raise -- and not get it. It's amazing how slow some people are to catch on to the narcissistic pathogen named Trump. Good for you, Maureen. Gold star for insight, however late.
8
Maureen, you've just now realized that Trump's own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he is qualified to be president? Where have you been for the past year?
31
Ms. Dowd, it looks as if you are now faced with the decision many of us Bernie supporters face - two of the most unpopular presidential candidates in modern history to pick from. Many I know plan to sit out the top of the ticket, or write in the name of someone they prefer.
What do you plan to do?
What do you plan to do?
3
Ronald Reagan did not "overcome" racial dog whistling to become the most beloved Republican president ever; he embraced it to become the most beloved Republican president ever, leading to that dog whistling going full bore in Congress beginning in 1994 then everywhere in conservative land in 2008.
The only difference today is that it is a train whistle, not a dog whistle.
The only difference today is that it is a train whistle, not a dog whistle.
35
It's interesting that the column starts out with Dowd writing about having known trump for decades apparently unable to help herself from bragging about being part of the "in" crowd surrounding trump. But what's most amazing and truly the height of insulting to the reader is for her, now, to finally, after so many lighthearted columns about him, grudgingly acknowledge his racism, bigotry, and hate-mongering. And yet, at the end, she still can't help herself from holding back for fear of alienating him and so makes the ludicrous statement that his behavior casts "serious doubts" about him being qualified to be president. Seriously? Not only he is not qualified, rather he is a demagogue inciting violence and spreading hate every time he opens his mouth. The fact that Dowd can't honestly come out and call trump the racist and xenophobe that he clearly is, makes her unqualified to ever again be considered a serious journalist.
53
I don't know how many traditional Republicans read Mo's columns and if the greater number of them will still vote for Trump no matter what he says or does.
But there is one Trump trait that Republican voters need to really grasp before they deny Hillary a vote.
The trait is that he teaches his followers, who represent less than half of GOP registered voters, to treat others with impunity, contempt and nasty put-downs. He insults and denigrates United States senators and representatives, he calls a former first lady, senator and chief of a major US agency "crooked," and derides a senator who drove the creation of the Dodd-Frank Act and creation of the Consumer Protection Bill. He projects with his speech and body language that you can hurt others with words and act with impunity. You can bully.
Donald Trump says it’s a perfectly fine to belittle others and in particular any individual or group who is an opponent or with whom he has an issue. He does not have to be civil or diplomatic as an adult and potential top-government official. He says that he can say anything and is pound that he is not bound by PC or political correctness. He can say ”little Marco,” “lyin Ted,” “low-energy Jeb,” “crooked Hillary,” “Mexican rapists,” and “Mexican-heritage judge.” He inserts dog whistles and demagoguery in every interview, press conference and speech.
Trump repeats the same slurs over and over; he slowly walks onto and slowly leaves the stage waving his arm as a gladiator.
But there is one Trump trait that Republican voters need to really grasp before they deny Hillary a vote.
The trait is that he teaches his followers, who represent less than half of GOP registered voters, to treat others with impunity, contempt and nasty put-downs. He insults and denigrates United States senators and representatives, he calls a former first lady, senator and chief of a major US agency "crooked," and derides a senator who drove the creation of the Dodd-Frank Act and creation of the Consumer Protection Bill. He projects with his speech and body language that you can hurt others with words and act with impunity. You can bully.
Donald Trump says it’s a perfectly fine to belittle others and in particular any individual or group who is an opponent or with whom he has an issue. He does not have to be civil or diplomatic as an adult and potential top-government official. He says that he can say anything and is pound that he is not bound by PC or political correctness. He can say ”little Marco,” “lyin Ted,” “low-energy Jeb,” “crooked Hillary,” “Mexican rapists,” and “Mexican-heritage judge.” He inserts dog whistles and demagoguery in every interview, press conference and speech.
Trump repeats the same slurs over and over; he slowly walks onto and slowly leaves the stage waving his arm as a gladiator.
15
Ms. Dowd: It took you this long to figure out Trump was an unappetizing cream puff?
5
This is one in a series of several Dowd's columns about Trump. They all have in common her not so veiled admiration if not love for this mysongist bigot meglomaniac. She sounds kind of like one of Frank Sinatra ex-wives talking about Sinatra and how he wasn't really such a bad guy. In Trump, Dowd has met her match. All of her shortcomings in how she treats other well known figures emerge. Empathy is a quality she's rarely shown to such other figures but she seems to have a lot of it for Trump (apparently he's her kind of politician if he's stop just saying bigoted, mysongistic and egotistical stuff). She cannot bring herself in her columns on Trump to dole out the same biting cynicism and contempt that she regular loves to dish out to the Clintons, Bushes and Obama. Even in this latest Trump "chapter" she cannot bring herself to squarely condemn him and she obviously still holds out hope that the Trump she "loves" will come still come around...as if underneath it all he's really a "nice" guy who someday will make a great president. In her way Dowd exhibits the hypocrisy of the modern media - and for that I suppose we can thank her.
29
i suspect that if ms dowd spent more time with the trump supporters in the field rather than with the donald in nyc she might have figured out far sooner that the threats to the republic lies in his base and in the gop elite who yet continue to appeal to their hatreds.
7
This Dowd will please many of the I told you so variety but she is kind enough to note that there were reasons to search for the good in the man and by association in those who voted for him, the so-called uneducated. America is the world greatest mixed bag and those far from the self-perceived elite who were and are looking for answers to the sad tale they know too well, Trump was and perhaps still is an option. But less so for Maureen?
1
Ms. Dowd has never really hidden the fact that she is smitten by celebrity. Sadly, it's become clear over the past year in her columns about Trump how badly this clouds her judgment. This "pivot" is half-hearted, and sounds like nothing more than a moment of passing clarity in the midst of her drunkeness on celebrity.
It's too bad the Times doesn't have a regular "Style" section. She's clearly earned a spot writing a column there (having lost all credibility as an oped columnist).
It's too bad the Times doesn't have a regular "Style" section. She's clearly earned a spot writing a column there (having lost all credibility as an oped columnist).
36
Trump is the personification of the Dunning-Kruger effect, as are his followers.
It's hard to imagine somebody less qualified in knowledge, experience, and ethics than Trump. "His own behavior is casting serious doubts... you're playing the Ryan game, because I know neither you nor Ryan are that stupid.
It's hard to imagine somebody less qualified in knowledge, experience, and ethics than Trump. "His own behavior is casting serious doubts... you're playing the Ryan game, because I know neither you nor Ryan are that stupid.
10
Is the end of Mo Dowd's trumpe l'oeil illusion another signal of the coming collapse of the Orange Revolution?
2
Dowd's tepid criticism of Trump, concluding that "...Trump's own behavior is casting serious doubts on whether he's qualified to be president", belies her dishonesty as a journalist.
She describes other peoples' criticisms of Trump (nothing new here), keeping her own cards close to the vest. My God, she doesn't even come to the defense of her colleague with a physical handicap whom Trump mocked in public.
She values her access to Trump above all else. In saying things like "Trump told me he could act like the toniest member of society", or "Trump told me 'I have fun with life...' she soft-peddles the vile person we all know him to be at the expense of the truth. Maybe Maureen Dowd should start covering Paul Ryan. After all, she knows what it's like to have sold your soul.
She describes other peoples' criticisms of Trump (nothing new here), keeping her own cards close to the vest. My God, she doesn't even come to the defense of her colleague with a physical handicap whom Trump mocked in public.
She values her access to Trump above all else. In saying things like "Trump told me he could act like the toniest member of society", or "Trump told me 'I have fun with life...' she soft-peddles the vile person we all know him to be at the expense of the truth. Maybe Maureen Dowd should start covering Paul Ryan. After all, she knows what it's like to have sold your soul.
31
It sounds like, not too long ago, Trump had Maureen Dowd wrapped around his short little finger with his image as a "braggadocious celebrity" and "cocky huckster" and his apparent Reaganesque aspirations. Apparently, that air of alpha-male entitlement can get you surprisingly far in the world that she and many of her press compadres inhabit.
Even after dutifully noting a few of the grotesque antics that he's indulged in so far in his campaign -- just a little taste of the most disgraceful presidential campaign I've witnessed in my lifetime -- she's still willing to grant that he's made "some fair points." I almost get the sense that she'd be happy to welcome him back into her good graces if it weren't for a few of those faux pas and the plunging popularity (perhaps especially the latter). OK, he may have insinuated that our sitting president might be a secret terrorist immediately after the worst mass shooting in our history, but it's not like it's anything as truly unforgivable as, say, Al Gore wearing earth tones and being a bit of a nerd.
Even after dutifully noting a few of the grotesque antics that he's indulged in so far in his campaign -- just a little taste of the most disgraceful presidential campaign I've witnessed in my lifetime -- she's still willing to grant that he's made "some fair points." I almost get the sense that she'd be happy to welcome him back into her good graces if it weren't for a few of those faux pas and the plunging popularity (perhaps especially the latter). OK, he may have insinuated that our sitting president might be a secret terrorist immediately after the worst mass shooting in our history, but it's not like it's anything as truly unforgivable as, say, Al Gore wearing earth tones and being a bit of a nerd.
33
I don't often pray but, "Dear Lord, Please let his fail be epic" "EPIC!!!!"
16
Maureen: scuttling off the sinking ship at what looks like the last minute. But don't worry, if Donald ever seems to be capable of plugging the holes, she'll come scuttling back.
15
My God, what an admission, it takes the breath away. M. D., the last person in N.Y. to see through this guy.
21
Terrific Comments. I'd add, some people deserve a break and some don't. Guess who?
4
Ms Dowd, you wrote numerous columns and became Trump's biggest cheerleader. Now you sound almost like a victim.
Mr. Trump has been showing the world who he is for many months. His outrageous comments on numerous fronts have only reinforced his disturbing views and lack of character.
Unfortunately, I think you will still walk into the voting booth and vote for him.
Mr. Trump has been showing the world who he is for many months. His outrageous comments on numerous fronts have only reinforced his disturbing views and lack of character.
Unfortunately, I think you will still walk into the voting booth and vote for him.
2
Don't be forced to admit that you voted for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton.
Vote for Gary Johnson.
Vote for Gary Johnson.
Miss Dowd, it seems like as soon as air from your beloved bully Trump went out you changed your tone. Well better late than never
5
There is one thing I see in this election cycle - nothing is what it appears.
There is an unusual level of vitriol against Trump (like this article). Similarly there is blind adulation for Hillary on NYT.
Trump is not playing by the usual rules and has cut off funds to those in the media who have long been paid by the establishment.
Hillary's $1 million budget for online trolling has caused a spurt of NYT commenters who blindly support her -- even at $12 minimum wage, that is a lot of seasonal commenters.
There is an unusual level of vitriol against Trump (like this article). Similarly there is blind adulation for Hillary on NYT.
Trump is not playing by the usual rules and has cut off funds to those in the media who have long been paid by the establishment.
Hillary's $1 million budget for online trolling has caused a spurt of NYT commenters who blindly support her -- even at $12 minimum wage, that is a lot of seasonal commenters.
2
Having lived in NYC in the 1970s and 1980s, I wish most of America had an upfront look at this man, rather than as reality TV show host. The only growth in him since has been his over-inflated ego and narcissism.
After starting with his daddy's $10M or so, he was a publicity hound then and now, but frankly a second tier real estate developer, who just was a master of self promotion. An average man in NYC during this period into the 90's merely had to buy up properties and watch them grow in value, multiplying their investment tenfold.
And so insecure he attacks all who dont fawn over him. Bill Maher coined the phrase, describing Trump as "a little whiny bitch!" Ill buy that hat for sure.
After starting with his daddy's $10M or so, he was a publicity hound then and now, but frankly a second tier real estate developer, who just was a master of self promotion. An average man in NYC during this period into the 90's merely had to buy up properties and watch them grow in value, multiplying their investment tenfold.
And so insecure he attacks all who dont fawn over him. Bill Maher coined the phrase, describing Trump as "a little whiny bitch!" Ill buy that hat for sure.
17
It was not his charisma, his shoot from the hip style that demolished his primary contenders but his proclaiming that he bought and sold "grubby politicians" like those sharing the stage. I will am the only candidate who doesn't need anyone else's money.
This even impressed me. Sure, he did have any coherent plan, but there is so much of our society that is subtly, in the fine print, defined by those who are ostensibly regulated by government. Imagine, a President who could risk alienating big pharma, the military industrial complex, and and other groups that not only sell their endorsements, but withhold attack ads.
So, Trumps very obnoxiousness offered the potential that he could rise above this. It moved me for a while, as this could have been revolutionary.
Then, without even an excuse, he simply announced that the self financing of his campaign, never meant for the Presidency but only the nomination. He was now not only without direction, and selling fear and hatred, but now had his hand out like those whom he ridiculed to get the nomination.
For this alone, the Republican party should be irate. He promised a billion dollar donation if he got the nomination, he did, and now the RNC should present him with a bill. If he defaults he should be booted out of the party, that is if the Republicans could do anything other than excoriate Democrats, which seems unlikely
This even impressed me. Sure, he did have any coherent plan, but there is so much of our society that is subtly, in the fine print, defined by those who are ostensibly regulated by government. Imagine, a President who could risk alienating big pharma, the military industrial complex, and and other groups that not only sell their endorsements, but withhold attack ads.
So, Trumps very obnoxiousness offered the potential that he could rise above this. It moved me for a while, as this could have been revolutionary.
Then, without even an excuse, he simply announced that the self financing of his campaign, never meant for the Presidency but only the nomination. He was now not only without direction, and selling fear and hatred, but now had his hand out like those whom he ridiculed to get the nomination.
For this alone, the Republican party should be irate. He promised a billion dollar donation if he got the nomination, he did, and now the RNC should present him with a bill. If he defaults he should be booted out of the party, that is if the Republicans could do anything other than excoriate Democrats, which seems unlikely
3
"Serious doubt"? That's it? Yikes. I realize you find Mr. Trump likeable, and you're right that he's actually right on a couple of issues, but his innumerable bigoted statements have only provoked "serious doubts"?
13
Maureen,
Can we do a simple thought experiment of imagining Donald Trump as a non-white man? Let's go with imaging Barack Obama as Mr Trump.
Would Barack Obama the candidate have gotten anywhere if he behaved like Donald Trump, the GOP's presumptive nominee?
Why does Donald Trump's behavior towards women, minorities, Muslims, Mexicans, John McCain, the Press, ..., anybody that disagrees with him, get a pass? If Barack Obama did the same as a candidate how would Fox News, NY Times, ..., portray him?
What's wrong with this nation that a person of Donald Trump's character can be a presumptive nominee of a major political party?
Can we do a simple thought experiment of imagining Donald Trump as a non-white man? Let's go with imaging Barack Obama as Mr Trump.
Would Barack Obama the candidate have gotten anywhere if he behaved like Donald Trump, the GOP's presumptive nominee?
Why does Donald Trump's behavior towards women, minorities, Muslims, Mexicans, John McCain, the Press, ..., anybody that disagrees with him, get a pass? If Barack Obama did the same as a candidate how would Fox News, NY Times, ..., portray him?
What's wrong with this nation that a person of Donald Trump's character can be a presumptive nominee of a major political party?
24
You thought he was going to 'pivot'? Seriously? You've known this man for how many years and you seriously thought he was going to pivot. Wow. And here I thought you were a woman of the world. A woman who knew her stuff and took no guff or fibbing from anyone.
Or did you decide you didn't like the sound of Vichy Mo?
Or did you decide you didn't like the sound of Vichy Mo?
11
Does this mean Mo has kissed and made up with HRC?
Remember Mo "With mercy to all and malice to none."
Remember Mo "With mercy to all and malice to none."
Kind of a day late and a dollar short, aren't we?
Am I supposed to be impressed about this "Road to Damascus" conversion? This is the first half-way intelligent column that MoDo has written in at least three years. Probably more, but I'm trying here, I'm really trying.
If the NYT and columnists like MoDo hadn't been totally asleep on the watchtower of responsible journalism, we wouldn't be facing this totally for bovine excrement election.
On the one hand we have a candidate totally unsuitable to represent the United States of America on the world stage, ignorant, bloviating, dismissive of the evidence behind the issues and convinced that money is reality even though he hasn't even mastered how to make investments pay without stiffing his contractors and investor.
On the other hand we have a candidate that has positioned her assets years in advance to deny any competitor access to the nomination, who has not a visionary bone in her body, who never saw an application of military force she couldn't support and thinks that "regime change" is a legitimate element in the US repertoire despite the fact it has never provided benefits for the USA nor the victims in her lifetime. Domestic issues be damned...HRC is going to be the new "Iron Maiden" on the world stage.
A day late and a dollar short.
The first thing that comes to mind, MoDo, is that even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
Am I supposed to be impressed about this "Road to Damascus" conversion? This is the first half-way intelligent column that MoDo has written in at least three years. Probably more, but I'm trying here, I'm really trying.
If the NYT and columnists like MoDo hadn't been totally asleep on the watchtower of responsible journalism, we wouldn't be facing this totally for bovine excrement election.
On the one hand we have a candidate totally unsuitable to represent the United States of America on the world stage, ignorant, bloviating, dismissive of the evidence behind the issues and convinced that money is reality even though he hasn't even mastered how to make investments pay without stiffing his contractors and investor.
On the other hand we have a candidate that has positioned her assets years in advance to deny any competitor access to the nomination, who has not a visionary bone in her body, who never saw an application of military force she couldn't support and thinks that "regime change" is a legitimate element in the US repertoire despite the fact it has never provided benefits for the USA nor the victims in her lifetime. Domestic issues be damned...HRC is going to be the new "Iron Maiden" on the world stage.
A day late and a dollar short.
The first thing that comes to mind, MoDo, is that even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
6
Kinda late to the game, Maureen. As much as you loathe Hillary, how you could have ever countenanced Trump as a preferred choice is beyond me.
15
Ah, a Maureen Dowd epiphany on Donald Trump. How many Dowd columns did it take.
I’m not impressed by Ms. Dowd’s regurgitating what others have been saying for months. And I make no apologies for comparing Trump to Hitler and Mussolini in the way they, and now he, could parlay bleak external conditions, through demagoguery, into dictatorial power, or, in Trump’s case, hoped for dictatorial power.
I saw Ms. Dowd’s previous Trump columns as her de facto application for the press secretary job in a Trump White House. I guess that’s now out the window.
I’m not impressed by Ms. Dowd’s regurgitating what others have been saying for months. And I make no apologies for comparing Trump to Hitler and Mussolini in the way they, and now he, could parlay bleak external conditions, through demagoguery, into dictatorial power, or, in Trump’s case, hoped for dictatorial power.
I saw Ms. Dowd’s previous Trump columns as her de facto application for the press secretary job in a Trump White House. I guess that’s now out the window.
13
Best column I have read so far. We need Trump lite which unfortunately is an oxymoron .
1
"...I did not regard him as the apotheosis of evil. He seemed more like a toon, a cocky huckster swanning around Gotham with a statuesque woman on his arm and skyscrapers stamped with his brand...” In this statement, Ms. Dowd, you capture early signs of Trump showing the banality of evil. An ungrounded person, duplicitous, greedy, womanizing and quite the chip on his shoulder. Unremarkable as just a sleazy businessman, but those vices, in tandem and on a national stage, take an unmistakable form of evil. There's nothing cartoonish about Trump and the darkest impulses he encourages and normalizes in others.
24
No green check next to my name, so if this makes it at all, Ms. Dowd, you're going to get lambasted for not writing a column of this nature sooner, and some will just lambaste you regardless. Better late than never I'd say, and well done. With November not that far away, I hope you're sharpening the blade, for the verbal skewers to come. I just hope you can and will be discerning in aiming those points at the one hyper inflated ego who's a real danger to us, and the other who you simply do not like.
2
The birtherism should have put him beyond the pale to you from the get go. It was disgusting.
31
Ms. Dowd, I have read your columns over the years, and have always rather wondered as to the nature of your core convictions. Clearly you hate Hillary, and you wrote one of the strangest columns on marijuana I have ever seen, and in general do seem rather certain about your own superiority. But, hey, in the Washington/New York world of self-important politicos and hangers-on that is hardly exceptional. However, to actually write about Trump as if he is or ever was anything other than completely unfit to be President is both remarkable and frightening. You have revealed more about yourself in this column than I think you realize, and believe me, it is not a pretty picture.
71
Oh goody, after a year of listening to Trump foam at the mouth with the most reckless, racist, uninformed, dishonest, misogynistic, xenophobic, egomaniacal bile we've ever seen from a major party nominee for president, Maureen Dowd suddenly decides he might be unfit for office after all.
Nice to see that the truth finally tapped Maureen on the shoulder and let her know what the rest of us knew a long time ago: that Donald Trump is a hopeless clown. Welcome aboard, Maureen.
Nice to see that the truth finally tapped Maureen on the shoulder and let her know what the rest of us knew a long time ago: that Donald Trump is a hopeless clown. Welcome aboard, Maureen.
14
Quite the change in tone, Ms. Dowd. What happened? Did Trump stop returning your calls? Your new enlightenment, coupled with your benign remarks about President Obama, and the absence of venomous commentary on Hillary, makes this your first readable column in months. I wish you a long and happy remission.
13
Maureen, you talk around the issues like you still want to keep bridges open with the Rump. I say cut him loose, and turn the howitzers on him. Nothing short of a stake in the heart will end this madness.
16
Why would not Mr. T's long and very checkered business and income tax history invalidate his credibility as a presidential candidate for every New Yorker? Even his horrendously mean-spirited impersonation of a reporter, apparently affected with cerebral palsy, should have been a deal-killer sine quo non.
14
he's prob. ADHD, which might be OK when you're not on the public stage. Certainly, he has beenunable to bridle his tongue... Egotistical doesn't really go far enough to describe him -- aren't they all egotists??
What worries me is the press -- which takes its eye off of lots of balls. corruption in the NYC police hierarchy, the unnamed diplomats who supposed want Assad taken out in Syria. Obama has been no saint as a president-- how much of what he said he would do, did he actually do guys... and I again ask of the most outrageous stuff the Duck comes up with what can he actually do without the approval of Congress. (Hey Donald how about a long string of golf courses along the border-- with lagoons with alligators -- can alligators live there or is too hot?? Whatever. Deportation of many people is legal.
Catholic countries or Muslim countries where birth/conception control is unavailable -- reap/sow? the world's richest man is Mexican.. come on Carlos, do something for your people. Saudi's aren't poor either. But the US has to stop supplying all kinds of weapons an further destabilizing unstable regions.
The quote from the Arrican man who said he could only provide for his family if he had a job in Europe IMO said it all.. But hey, what is wrong with working on a small farm and doing some other task (driving a van) to support a family. My relatives all farmed on tiny plots until quit recently. My mother knew how to can and sew and knit and nurse and budget.
What worries me is the press -- which takes its eye off of lots of balls. corruption in the NYC police hierarchy, the unnamed diplomats who supposed want Assad taken out in Syria. Obama has been no saint as a president-- how much of what he said he would do, did he actually do guys... and I again ask of the most outrageous stuff the Duck comes up with what can he actually do without the approval of Congress. (Hey Donald how about a long string of golf courses along the border-- with lagoons with alligators -- can alligators live there or is too hot?? Whatever. Deportation of many people is legal.
Catholic countries or Muslim countries where birth/conception control is unavailable -- reap/sow? the world's richest man is Mexican.. come on Carlos, do something for your people. Saudi's aren't poor either. But the US has to stop supplying all kinds of weapons an further destabilizing unstable regions.
The quote from the Arrican man who said he could only provide for his family if he had a job in Europe IMO said it all.. But hey, what is wrong with working on a small farm and doing some other task (driving a van) to support a family. My relatives all farmed on tiny plots until quit recently. My mother knew how to can and sew and knit and nurse and budget.
Stop hating Hillary. Whatever reasons you have have been promoted by Fox News since the 1990s. It has been a giant republican scam spewing operation since Reagan. Nobody is fully loved, but nobody has taken it all so graciously as Hillary. She is the best prepared person to be president!
27
If Trump kept a wack like Ted Cruz and a flaccid has-been-and-never-was like Jeb! from getting the Republican nomination, why are Democrats so angry with him?
Hasn't he single-handedly guaranteed the coronation of neocon empress Hillary?
Democrats should rejoice and raise a toast to the many glorious wars to come.
Hasn't he single-handedly guaranteed the coronation of neocon empress Hillary?
Democrats should rejoice and raise a toast to the many glorious wars to come.
1
Anyone else suspect Trump is having mentation issues? The erratic behavior, the paranoid thinking that tends toward weird conspiracy theories, the impulse control (gawd, all that tweeting, so much of it inappropriate or factually incorrect). Could impairment of the brain's executive function be the reason his campaign staff can't get him to study briefs, read off a TelePrompTer or even complete a list of twenty donor calls? And then there was the strange tweet yesterday where he seemed to misread a poll and ended up thanking everyone for his losing numbers. He didn't act this way ten years ago. I don't think he should have access to nuclear weapons.
8
This column starts with "[h]aving seen Donald Trump as a braggadocious but benign celebrity in New York for decades" and ends with "[n]ow Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Apparently being a celebrity braggart would have been qualification enough, had he not revealed himself as a racist horror show. Perhaps Ms. Dowd can switch her electoral affections to Charlie Sheen or Kanye West.
Apparently being a celebrity braggart would have been qualification enough, had he not revealed himself as a racist horror show. Perhaps Ms. Dowd can switch her electoral affections to Charlie Sheen or Kanye West.
10
I am hoping that his supporters snap out of it. One person that I talked to attacked me for voting for Hillary and said that she was voting for Trump because he is a "brilliant hypocrite." I am still trying to figure out what that means. And lets not forget some Bernistas who hate Hillary so much that they feel the "country deserves Trump." its pretty scary out there.
And sadly, it takes two to tango.
And sadly, it takes two to tango.
7
You know the old saying -
Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
4
I dream of a day ... without Trump.
What would happen if for one day there is a Trump news conference no one shows up for? In solidarity with the Washington Post, etc. That his Twitter account was mysteriously off-line for a day; He would be put on permanent hold when he called up a network news show.
Essentially take away his source of power - just for a day. I know, it would be impossible, but a nice thought.
Even better, imagine no one showing up to vote for him in November - that would be a amazing! Just dreamin'!
What would happen if for one day there is a Trump news conference no one shows up for? In solidarity with the Washington Post, etc. That his Twitter account was mysteriously off-line for a day; He would be put on permanent hold when he called up a network news show.
Essentially take away his source of power - just for a day. I know, it would be impossible, but a nice thought.
Even better, imagine no one showing up to vote for him in November - that would be a amazing! Just dreamin'!
9
I predict that the day after the results are in, Trump will fall back on a famous like: 'I coulda been a contenda' (but for that lukewarm support from the ).
1
Pivot? When someone not only shows you who they are but tells you who they are over and over again, believe them.
17
“Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president.” Well, duh.
When has Trump ever behaved as if he were qualified to be president? I used to give you some credit, Miss Dowd, for having a modicum of savvy and insight. But that assessment has seriously eroded over the years, and now it's down to nothing. I can't believe you were snookered by that charlatan.
When has Trump ever behaved as if he were qualified to be president? I used to give you some credit, Miss Dowd, for having a modicum of savvy and insight. But that assessment has seriously eroded over the years, and now it's down to nothing. I can't believe you were snookered by that charlatan.
9
What is the most surprising element of this post Dowd refrained herself from taking a swipe at Hillary Clinton or exposing Trump her one time friend the best way she could.
Welcome back MoDo to make a column worth reading more than once.
Welcome back MoDo to make a column worth reading more than once.
1
If Trump was half the brilliant man he tells us he is and half as honorable as he wants us to believe he would bow out of this race to fulfil his ego driven ambitions.
He simply doesn't need it and America doesn't need him or his ultra-sized ego inside his economy-sized head.
He simply doesn't need it and America doesn't need him or his ultra-sized ego inside his economy-sized head.
4
The foes of progress in bringing our economic system up to date have spent the last few months firing off rounds of manufactured Trump-isms and denouncing him for things they say that he said even though they never crossed his lips. So Trump rises in the polls as the obvious mud slinging is so exaggerated as to convince no one but its slingers. Most of the slingers seem to be Hillary supporters who have a microscopic eye for anything derogatory about Trump but go blind when viewing Hillary's years of misjudgments, self-enrichment in office, and lack of accomplishment. It is seemingly true that Mr. Trump is far more progressive in his views than Mrs. Clinton. She has ridden the coat tails of her philandering husband for twenty years with nothing to show for her tenure except that she is an experienced politician.
1
Actually, I agree with Maureen on most points in this essay - something I haven't been able to do for a while.
I don't think Donald Trump ever thought he would get as far as he did when he started running. I think he thought it would be fun, maybe even 'good for business' - why else would his own children not make sure they were registered to vote in the Republican primary in New York.
As a New Yorker, I've been aware of Donald Trump and his massive ego for decades; I watched him go through multiple bankruptcies (leaving lots of small businesses in the lurch and probably causing them to fire people, so much for him being a 'job creator'), watched him go through multiple marriages (in microscopic detail in the tabloids) and more recently watched him, in confusion, as he took the lead in the birther movement (what was that all about).
I bet he's a lot more 'liberal' than many of the Republican primary voters who support him. I don't know what kind of President he would be - probably the worst kind because he doesn't think he has to know anything about the job, but he would be better than most of the Republican candidates. I truly hope we never find out, though.
I don't think Donald Trump ever thought he would get as far as he did when he started running. I think he thought it would be fun, maybe even 'good for business' - why else would his own children not make sure they were registered to vote in the Republican primary in New York.
As a New Yorker, I've been aware of Donald Trump and his massive ego for decades; I watched him go through multiple bankruptcies (leaving lots of small businesses in the lurch and probably causing them to fire people, so much for him being a 'job creator'), watched him go through multiple marriages (in microscopic detail in the tabloids) and more recently watched him, in confusion, as he took the lead in the birther movement (what was that all about).
I bet he's a lot more 'liberal' than many of the Republican primary voters who support him. I don't know what kind of President he would be - probably the worst kind because he doesn't think he has to know anything about the job, but he would be better than most of the Republican candidates. I truly hope we never find out, though.
8
I confess to being highly conflicted about 1) taking perverse pleasure in the GOP being hoisted on its own petard after years of dog whistle racism and xenophobia and passive aggressive congressional behavior against Obama. But, on OTH, being seriously concerned that a talking Cheeto like Trump can become the presumptive nominee of any political party. I guess anger really does trump reason (no pun intended).
2
National media are playing with the Devil himself by not calling out Trump as compendium of clear and present danger to this Republic. He and 2015-2016 media are replaying 1918s Italy, and its seduction by Mussolini, where ultimately many were sent to the ovens c/o Hitler.
This (apparently) faux intellectual national media have consigned Trump either; as a problem for GOP, or as only an easy mark for Hillary if she enlisted Sanders support. But in all contexts mentioned inference is to a national media's immunity from ramifications of a Trump presidency and even to ramifications of his campaigning.
Warning: the best way to stop rolling snowball gaining volume is to divert it from descending. The key to that objective is Speaker Paul Ryan retraction of support. This Congressman may have been a good second in the House, but so far his myopia to coming dangers is analogous of the blind not seeing light from oncoming train. And at this point Ryan is heading toward moment of recognition where Alec Guinness's character in WW II movie 'Bridge Over River Kwai' when he too belatedly expresses in horror "what have I done?"
This (apparently) faux intellectual national media have consigned Trump either; as a problem for GOP, or as only an easy mark for Hillary if she enlisted Sanders support. But in all contexts mentioned inference is to a national media's immunity from ramifications of a Trump presidency and even to ramifications of his campaigning.
Warning: the best way to stop rolling snowball gaining volume is to divert it from descending. The key to that objective is Speaker Paul Ryan retraction of support. This Congressman may have been a good second in the House, but so far his myopia to coming dangers is analogous of the blind not seeing light from oncoming train. And at this point Ryan is heading toward moment of recognition where Alec Guinness's character in WW II movie 'Bridge Over River Kwai' when he too belatedly expresses in horror "what have I done?"
1
On November 9th Trump will still be rich. And decent people who actually work - like nurses aides on the midnight shift - will still be making ten dollars an hour.
3
Maureen - "Trump's own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he's qualified to be president" - are you kidding? What kind of wishy washy statement is that? He is absolutely unqualified to be president. He lied about having info on President Obama's birth. He lied about releasing his tax returns. He demeaned American POWs. He made fun of a disabled person. He made racist accusations. His policy statement are incoherent. He constantly denies past statements even when they are on tape. What I cannot figure out is why you have been so tolerant of him. Perhaps your ill feelings for Hillary have destroyed any objectivity you might have once had. Sad!
46
Perhaps Trump can go down in history as the VERY BIGGEST loser to ever run for President. Why Not? He has the credentials for it.
9
James Landi Salisbury, Maryland
Maureen, is this not your public apologia... are you announcing that you misjudged the character and intellectual capacity of your preference --The Donald for president. Are we not hearing a tragic narrative about a flawed but otherwise noble hero who had the capacity for entirely reforming not only the Republican party, but our political culture had he not been compelled by some tragic flaw to harangue himself into public ignominy . Had Donald, our modern day trinculo only had the capacity to costume himself in moral rectitude and PC temperament, then you would have supported him? You had faith in his capacity and natural gifts as a bumptious business leader and media clown to support him?
Maureen, is this not your public apologia... are you announcing that you misjudged the character and intellectual capacity of your preference --The Donald for president. Are we not hearing a tragic narrative about a flawed but otherwise noble hero who had the capacity for entirely reforming not only the Republican party, but our political culture had he not been compelled by some tragic flaw to harangue himself into public ignominy . Had Donald, our modern day trinculo only had the capacity to costume himself in moral rectitude and PC temperament, then you would have supported him? You had faith in his capacity and natural gifts as a bumptious business leader and media clown to support him?
2
And Paul Ryan? What say ye about him?
3
Maureen Dowd is sounding more like Rip Van WInkle than an on-the-ball op-ed writer here. Her close is: "Now Trump's own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he's qualified to be president." This is news worthy of a concluding sentence? When did you wake up to this, Maureen. His egregious lack of qualifications has been obvious since he launched his campaign, actually since well before. We can take his birtherism as a start date if we want; it's as good a date as any. What for Dowd is a late-breaking change in the winds is actually the same old same old.
20
Trump is a guttersnipe. He is a liar and a racist. He is Satan incarnate but I am sure even Satan is blushing at how the low intelligence Trumpets buy this guys tripe.
I defy anyone to point out one redeeming quality that can be associated with Trump.
Let him self destruct and take down the paper thin Republican agenda. Enough is enough.
Governing 330 million people is serious business. It is not for circus performers--especially clowns.
I defy anyone to point out one redeeming quality that can be associated with Trump.
Let him self destruct and take down the paper thin Republican agenda. Enough is enough.
Governing 330 million people is serious business. It is not for circus performers--especially clowns.
22
I was amazed to see comments here indicating that their authors felt Maureen
had fallen for Trump. Had they never before read any irony? Perhaps I've gotten it all wrong, but throughout this campaign I've enjoyed many columns in which she takes the Donald apart and shows him to be just a noisy Donald Duck.
Just because a person is not in love with Hilary does not mean they've been taken in by Trump. I neither like nor trust Hilary but come November I shall
vote for her, expecting more of the same old same old. Better than the gross waste and embarrassment of the other guy. And I suppose I must admit to bias, having not voted for a republican president since Eisenhower.
had fallen for Trump. Had they never before read any irony? Perhaps I've gotten it all wrong, but throughout this campaign I've enjoyed many columns in which she takes the Donald apart and shows him to be just a noisy Donald Duck.
Just because a person is not in love with Hilary does not mean they've been taken in by Trump. I neither like nor trust Hilary but come November I shall
vote for her, expecting more of the same old same old. Better than the gross waste and embarrassment of the other guy. And I suppose I must admit to bias, having not voted for a republican president since Eisenhower.
3
After presenting some, but nowhere near all, of the evidence of Mr. Trump’s obvious unsuitability to be a serious candidate for president, Ms. Dowd concludes with this: “Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president.” Serious doubt? The only possible reason someone of Ms. Dowd’s acumen and experience would conclude with such a weak-kneed statement is to ensure she maintains her ability to speak to Mr. Trump. That’s not a good enough reason to avoid stating the obvious about Mr. Trump’s candidacy.
15
Trump is not qualified to be President , not because he is a demagogue , but because he is a crazy demagogue . I do not mean that he is psychotic but that he is mentally ill . He has a severe personality disorder , a narcissistic personality disorder . He craves adulation and praise like an alcoholic craves alcohol . The reason he praises Putin is because Putin praised him . He will say and do anything to get the instant gratification that the approval of the crowd in his public events gives him . He is sick . One of the reasons you do not hear more talk about his obvious mental problems is the so called "Goldwater Rule ". This is the part of the code of conduct of psychiatrist that prohibits to give opinions about the mental health of a public figure that you have not directly examined or interviewed . As a disclaimer let me say that I am not a psychiatrist but a retired pediatrician . I may not be an expert in mental health but I worry that a madman could get control of the nuclear codes .
32
So we now know that for Maureen Dowd, Reagan, a former TV star who overcame a reputation for bellicosity and racial dog whistles was the most beloved Republican president of modern times.
However Reagan was just like Trump of today a disgusting demagogue.
Reagan like Trump saw EPA as a threat to the economy and was a complete denier of the need to protect the environment like 100% of today's Republican candidates for president.
The big difference between Reagan and Trump is that back in the 1980's there were many more American bigots and racism and misogyny were thriving. So Trump antics do not get as much traction as Reagan's. Reagan won the election against two decent Americans Carter and Mondale because of the moral turpitude that afflicted America a generations ago.
Trump will lose to Hillary Clinton not because he is worse than Reagan but because in 2016, Americans are so much better than they were thirty years ago.
However Reagan was just like Trump of today a disgusting demagogue.
Reagan like Trump saw EPA as a threat to the economy and was a complete denier of the need to protect the environment like 100% of today's Republican candidates for president.
The big difference between Reagan and Trump is that back in the 1980's there were many more American bigots and racism and misogyny were thriving. So Trump antics do not get as much traction as Reagan's. Reagan won the election against two decent Americans Carter and Mondale because of the moral turpitude that afflicted America a generations ago.
Trump will lose to Hillary Clinton not because he is worse than Reagan but because in 2016, Americans are so much better than they were thirty years ago.
4
Finally Maureen, you get it ! Very late but better late than never. I don't have any doubt ( let alone serious ) that Trump is a dim-witted loser, not qualified even to be a security guard at his many plazas bearing his golden "T". I am glad you pivoted or you would'nt be Pundit on NYT. Everything about Trump is disgusting. I am surprised you did not see through his lies, after so many interviews with him at the Trump Plaza. The only saving grace is that he tore down the wall of Republican hypocrisy. And the Republicans have unraveled like a pack of dominoes. Ronald Regan? He can dream on!
2
Benign? Benign, Ms. Dowd? This is the man who led the traitorous birther contingent, a fifth column if ever there was one. If you did not see that exercise as anything but evil embodied, then you have rocks in your head.
27
"casting serious doubt?" "on whether he's qualified?" I am flabbergasted by this cautionary soul-searching. Is there anyone in the country left who thinks he's the least bit qualified, other than his primary supporters? I don't THINK so, Ms. Dowd. Get a grip.
14
"Trump mentioned in the same breath as Hitler and Mussolini"-we mention him with them because he is acting like them! People commenting on the NYT site (me among them) have been comparing him to Buzz Windrip in "It Can't Happen Here" for close to a year. Trump is in his speech "vulgar, almost illiterate, a liar easily found out" whose positions are "close to idiotic." You must have a Kindle Ms.Dowd-download the novel and be chilled to the bone by the likeness.
9
Maureen tests the limits of Trump tolerance with this, with all the "good" stuff subliminally inserted for the unsuspecting reader. Read Timothy Egan if you really want to read "Trump in the Dumps".
2
This column qualifies as a "pivot"? That Ms. Down could remotely consider Trump serious? She still seems hesitant to call him the demagogue he is.
8
Methinks she finally doth protest. The lady can write, and I have often uttered thus. But, alas, she hath not been immune to flattery.
5
Oh no, Maureen. This is really the slickest con since "The Sting." Donald and Hillary have been in cahoots all along. His role was to gut any potentially viable GOP candidate and then use his natural gifts to be so detestable that Hillary shines by comparison. For her part, she promised him a presidential pardon on the racketeering rap growing out of his scam university and to attend his next wedding (and to facilitate her immigrant status to become a U.S. citizen.) But. please, keep this on the low-down lest Republicans twig to it before it's too late.
2
The so-called birther movement was not "kooky." It was racist. A nasty, disgusting attempt to insult and delegitimize our first African-American president. The guy Ms. Dowd liked to call Barry in some immature attempt at disrespect. Why this columnist continues to find good things about a nasty narcissist like Trump is pathetic. Also there is no "before his campaign was infused with racism"; he called Mexicans rapists on day one. This columnist is so one note and juvenile that it's ridiculous no one at this newspaper sees it that way
33
Why such a kid glove treatment of one of the most vulgarian contenders we have seen in a presidential campaign in the last 50 years? Must be because of Dowd's undying hostility toward the Clintons that she finds it difficult to nail the worst ever serial liar in public life. Trump Steak and Trump Wine cannot have anything to do with it. They are long since extinct. As to the cuff links that he passes on to friends and buddies as made of platinum and diamonds, we just learnt today, are actually cast in 100 percent Pure Pewter.
12
Great moments in Trump history:
At New Amsterdam: We are building a wall to keep the rapist/criminal English out; and Britain will pay for it
At Andrew Johnson's impeachment: We believe the Judge (Salmon Chase) is a Mexican and a hater
After Pearl Harbor: Congrats to me for predicting this; Franklin Roosevelt should resign because he is either very dumb or something is going on
After WW2: Hat-maker Harry Truman should be in jail; I know the nuclear more than anyone
To Harriet Tubman............I'll leave that one to your imagination
At New Amsterdam: We are building a wall to keep the rapist/criminal English out; and Britain will pay for it
At Andrew Johnson's impeachment: We believe the Judge (Salmon Chase) is a Mexican and a hater
After Pearl Harbor: Congrats to me for predicting this; Franklin Roosevelt should resign because he is either very dumb or something is going on
After WW2: Hat-maker Harry Truman should be in jail; I know the nuclear more than anyone
To Harriet Tubman............I'll leave that one to your imagination
10
Serious doubt? Really? Only "serious doubt"?
He's not qualified. Period. And anyone with a brain and a heart knew that a long time ago.
He's not qualified. Period. And anyone with a brain and a heart knew that a long time ago.
19
Maureen Dowd needs to provide evidence for her "fair points". It has been in U.S. interests to provide Japan a security shield or Europe. And that "swaths of America" have been "devastated" by trade deals would be important if she could back up this direct connection or tell her readers how economists have figured that out.
But most of all, she should have taken note of something really obvious and very troubling over a long time, including his supposedly benign phase as a New York builder aspiring to celebrity status:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-north-patterson/too-sick-to-lead-t...
But most of all, she should have taken note of something really obvious and very troubling over a long time, including his supposedly benign phase as a New York builder aspiring to celebrity status:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-north-patterson/too-sick-to-lead-t...
2
Ms. Dowd, thank you for your cogent political analysis. It is sorely needed.
The Presidential campaign of 2016 stopped being funny some time ago.
The Presidential campaign of 2016 stopped being funny some time ago.
1
Thank you, Maureen Dowd... this is the serious commentary I have been waiting for from you. These next five months are more important than ever for our democracy and I feel I need to read, to understand and to "hear" your viewpoints... your voice. Your adult voice... not the one that talks about The Donald, Barry and Hillary as if they are kindergarteners. Yours is the reason to counteract the lies, the innuendoes and the fabulism ... the thoughts I want to read and digest... to counteract the narrowness of thought. Again, thank you.
1
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Now?
When could anyone have thought otherwise? There is absolutely nothing about Donald Trump suggesting that he is remotely qualified to be president. He is a vile, mean-spirited, narcissistic con-man, an ignorant would-be demagogue specializing in marketing to the gullible and entertaining those easily amused by low-brow trash.
The subtext of his campaign comes from Orwell: "Ignorance is strength."
Now?
When could anyone have thought otherwise? There is absolutely nothing about Donald Trump suggesting that he is remotely qualified to be president. He is a vile, mean-spirited, narcissistic con-man, an ignorant would-be demagogue specializing in marketing to the gullible and entertaining those easily amused by low-brow trash.
The subtext of his campaign comes from Orwell: "Ignorance is strength."
13
"Now Trump's own behavior is casting serious doubt . . . "
NOW, Ms. Dowd? Have you been trapped in Carlsbad Caverns or SeaLab for the past year? Trump's behavior all along has been a huge red light blaring the signal that he is totally unqualified to be president. In fact his behavior and his record lead one to believe he is not qualified to head up anything. He achieves whatever he has achieved (money and celebrity, mostly) by force of personality, willingness to game any system, refusal to play by the rules, and lack of concern about anyone but himself.
NOW, Ms. Dowd? Have you been trapped in Carlsbad Caverns or SeaLab for the past year? Trump's behavior all along has been a huge red light blaring the signal that he is totally unqualified to be president. In fact his behavior and his record lead one to believe he is not qualified to head up anything. He achieves whatever he has achieved (money and celebrity, mostly) by force of personality, willingness to game any system, refusal to play by the rules, and lack of concern about anyone but himself.
13
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president." Now? Really, Maureen, now? Trump's behavior never did anything but confirm any thinking person's recognition that this egomaniac has absolutely no qualifications to be president -- and he never did. But leave it to you to find a way to spit at Hillary in yet another article about Trump. Wow.
11
what do you think a real fascist looks like? whipping up millions of people, with all sorts of vulnerabilities, so that hatred and violence are openly displayed, are encouraged? where do you think hitler got started? he was adored by millions with a campaign of make germany great again! where is your notion of what a demogogue looks like, what he would say, what he would do? do you think trump, the real trump, to good trump, is somehow separate from this monstrous creation he has made, not only of himself, but of his movement. once this threat is fully realized, then it is too late to say, gee, he was just playing around. and it is too late already.
12
It strikes me, that by her comments here and in previous articles, that Ms.Dowd would prefer to see the Malevolent Clown in the White House in place of Mrs. Clinton, and it makes me question her good sense.
11
"Casting serious doubt" on his qualifications to be president?!? There's not a shadow of a doubt, and hasn't been for a long time. The guy's a fraud and a fool.
11
Earlier I was thinking that journalists must be taking it in shifts in order to address The Season of Trump: 'It's your turn, Maureen, and Tim could use a break to come up for air'.
These are not normal presidential elections. I know little about politics, but for nearly two decades I would witness some of the election process first-hand.
Can you imagine if Trump becomes the next President, the Media is really going to be hard at work? Name-calling, jokes, damage-control, all in the midst of a serious State of Affairs.
Now. America is still regarded as a safe haven by some other countries. The Statue of Liberty, under the banner of Trump, will have a different message: send us your richest people, the most qualified and fit. Certain nationalities and cultures need not apply.
The Trump phenomena has cast a dark cloud at this time in history on the core values, ethics and reputation of America and its stability. Damaging and damming. It is one thing to wonder if a successful business man, a name recognized by the multitude, has become unhinged. It is another to start wondering if the entire Country has gone mad.
Trump probably has made some fair points. Perhaps if he addresses the Nation on T.V., we might be able to address his qualifications. One might say with some certainty that it could be the biggest Political Entertainment draw in American history. 'Take back America' comes with a sharp sting.
These are not normal presidential elections. I know little about politics, but for nearly two decades I would witness some of the election process first-hand.
Can you imagine if Trump becomes the next President, the Media is really going to be hard at work? Name-calling, jokes, damage-control, all in the midst of a serious State of Affairs.
Now. America is still regarded as a safe haven by some other countries. The Statue of Liberty, under the banner of Trump, will have a different message: send us your richest people, the most qualified and fit. Certain nationalities and cultures need not apply.
The Trump phenomena has cast a dark cloud at this time in history on the core values, ethics and reputation of America and its stability. Damaging and damming. It is one thing to wonder if a successful business man, a name recognized by the multitude, has become unhinged. It is another to start wondering if the entire Country has gone mad.
Trump probably has made some fair points. Perhaps if he addresses the Nation on T.V., we might be able to address his qualifications. One might say with some certainty that it could be the biggest Political Entertainment draw in American history. 'Take back America' comes with a sharp sting.
"Now Trump's own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he's qualified to be president. "
Now? Only now? His behavior since he announced he was running made it clear he's not qualified to be president.
There is no doubt here.
Now? Only now? His behavior since he announced he was running made it clear he's not qualified to be president.
There is no doubt here.
20
I had to read that last sentence several times to make sure I was reading correctly. Are you saying Trump's recent behavior is casting doubts on his qualifications? Recent behavior? As in, you felt he might be qualified until recent behaviors changed your mind? With all due respect, that is a stunning admission. Perhaps, you mean, among his supporters, who are now seeing the light.
24
When is the press specifically going to realise that Trump is insane. He is an amoral sociopath. Most people have never met such a person, especially the extreme forms. If the press, the democratic party and Clinton's group directly challenegd his sanity he would explode ( I have seen this happen ). Then the Republican party would be fully justified in throwing him out. But someone or some people are going to have to be braver and more ruthless than any one has been so far
13
Very good column, Maureen. Quite good all on its own, but some of your Maoist readers are relieved that you have recognized the sanctity of again supporting the lesser of the two evils. (Thank you for not parsing evils.)
Of course Trump is a fraud. Hillary is barely less fraudulent (maybe), but for the moment, "you got your mind right."
I'm looking forward to your next column. I hope it's about how a presidential candidate insisted on using an unauthorized private, homebrew computer server (as Secretary of State), putting classified and/or unclassified information up for grabs because it was inconvenient to learn how to send an email from a desktop computer.
Of course Trump is a fraud. Hillary is barely less fraudulent (maybe), but for the moment, "you got your mind right."
I'm looking forward to your next column. I hope it's about how a presidential candidate insisted on using an unauthorized private, homebrew computer server (as Secretary of State), putting classified and/or unclassified information up for grabs because it was inconvenient to learn how to send an email from a desktop computer.
1
What's the alternative Maureen?
The Empress-n-Waiting!
The shameless Dems establishment-feeling obligated to the Clintons-fixed the rules to prevent Sen Warren from running. We now have a most corrupt candidate in memory. If we put the marauding hustlers Clintons back in WH again, we will have four years from hell. It will be much worse than the Decider, remember him. The neocons-Wolfowitz in particular-are now drafting new plans to resume wars in the Middle East. Wolfowitz tops the Empress-n-waiting list as next Pentagon chief.
The Empress-n-Waiting!
The shameless Dems establishment-feeling obligated to the Clintons-fixed the rules to prevent Sen Warren from running. We now have a most corrupt candidate in memory. If we put the marauding hustlers Clintons back in WH again, we will have four years from hell. It will be much worse than the Decider, remember him. The neocons-Wolfowitz in particular-are now drafting new plans to resume wars in the Middle East. Wolfowitz tops the Empress-n-waiting list as next Pentagon chief.
2
Serious doubt? Is that what you call it? You mean you merely have doubt? What might it take for you to be reasonably certain? Frankly, I can't believe you wrote this. A fair point is only a fair point if it's said out of conviction. Otherwise, it's just serendipity.
8
Wow! As the mainscream media deliver the "facts" about Trump, he looks worse and worse, but I will never vote for war monger Hillary--what to do, what to do? And I know many smart people who are so fed up with the feckless two parties that they will take their chances for change with the Orange One, logic be damned. Bet the race is close.
Trump is the illegitimate child of the GOP. They only want to invite him to the table if he can stay on script, keep them in power or enrich their purse. But he is of them. He yells out birther; they smile. He yells torture; they smile. He mocks: the disabled, women, POWS: they are silent. They say he is a bigot but that they support the bigot. His followers are either being scamed or embrace the bigot.
Trump is not fit to hold any public office and each day more of the GOP show that they are not fit to govern.
Trump is not fit to hold any public office and each day more of the GOP show that they are not fit to govern.
20
"He yearned to be compared to Ronald Reagan"
One more sign that he is delusional and narcissistic.
"And when Trump was blunt about how cheaply you could buy and sell politicians in both parties, it made this town squirm."
I understand that all politicians are for sale, but for the last few years it is the Republicans who have abandoned America even as they sing her praise.
"But like Dan Quayle and Sarah Palin, Trump refused to study up on policy."
Notice both were picked by Republicans.
"Even though he ranted about the press, he was also far more available to the media than the cloaked Hillary Clinton, who has yet to give a news conference this year."
You couldn't but have a swipe at Hillary. Now that is the MoDo we know!
One more sign that he is delusional and narcissistic.
"And when Trump was blunt about how cheaply you could buy and sell politicians in both parties, it made this town squirm."
I understand that all politicians are for sale, but for the last few years it is the Republicans who have abandoned America even as they sing her praise.
"But like Dan Quayle and Sarah Palin, Trump refused to study up on policy."
Notice both were picked by Republicans.
"Even though he ranted about the press, he was also far more available to the media than the cloaked Hillary Clinton, who has yet to give a news conference this year."
You couldn't but have a swipe at Hillary. Now that is the MoDo we know!
6
Trump's "own behavior is causing serious doubts..." - so much so that even old white men are becoming suspicious!
2
Yeah, As the comments make clear, MD is late to the party. What she has discovered has been clear from the outset. Trump is an irredeemable narcissist, not nearly bright enough, and character-wise absolutely unacceptable. What took Maureen so long? AGB
2
NOW? Now his behavior casts serious doubt on whether he's qualified to be president? Where have you been for the last year, Maureen -- or for the last three decades, for that matter. Trump has been the town buffoon since he first made the scene in the 80s. His reputation in his own industry -- real estate development -- is terrible. He's a notorious spendthrift, hothead and, when he can get away with it, flim-flam man. That is why he's gone bankruptcy 4 times and is constantly being sued. You think that happens to the City's other major developers? (I won't link their name to Trump here, but you know who they are -- families going back three generations.)
You've been taking too many phone calls from and making too many phone clls to Donald, who is also a notorious bull artist. What he says does not "make sense": he's repeating headlines off the internet. Ask him to explain one position, and he falls apart. He cannot process information and has no substance.
What is different between now and then, is that GOP has realized that Trump is going to sink their boat. They were venal and irresponsible enough to endorse his candidacy, when they thought he might win or that the damage that he did could be contained. Now that the polls have headed south, they are trying to figure out if they can dump him.
But he was a narcissistic menace "then," just as he is "now." No difference, Maureen, except that more people are on to him.
You've been taking too many phone calls from and making too many phone clls to Donald, who is also a notorious bull artist. What he says does not "make sense": he's repeating headlines off the internet. Ask him to explain one position, and he falls apart. He cannot process information and has no substance.
What is different between now and then, is that GOP has realized that Trump is going to sink their boat. They were venal and irresponsible enough to endorse his candidacy, when they thought he might win or that the damage that he did could be contained. Now that the polls have headed south, they are trying to figure out if they can dump him.
But he was a narcissistic menace "then," just as he is "now." No difference, Maureen, except that more people are on to him.
9
"Now Trump's own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he's qualified to be president"? Really Maureen? After all he has said and done, after news of his fraud and unscrupulous business practices, his complete ignorance regarding the issues, his racism, misogyny and sickening narcissism, you are now "seriously doubting" he is qualified to be president? Wonder what it would take for you to be CONVINCED, as any thinking person would be, that he lacks the mind, the character and the temperament to be president.
13
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president." Now? It has taken you this long to doubt whether he is qualified to be president? You have got to be kidding me.
19
I absolutely agree with Maureen. I always thought the 'theater' from Donald Trump masked a real understanding pragmatist that might actually do good. Not so sure any more.
It is clear the GOP is completely dis-functional, and, although a Republican I will vote democratic in the fall. Trump's candidacy will allow the electorate to see Paul, Mitch, and every GOP leader get crushed. Why? Because they are mean spirited, and enjoy spreading misery among the folks that cannot defend themselves except at the ballot. Payback is not a good character trait, but the GOP (Mitch and Paul) deserve everything they will get.
As an added benefit, the democrats should confirm Merrick as soon as possible it January. Mitch will then need double KY bourbons as our sitting president will ultimately win. He deserves it for being a real jerk.
It is clear the GOP is completely dis-functional, and, although a Republican I will vote democratic in the fall. Trump's candidacy will allow the electorate to see Paul, Mitch, and every GOP leader get crushed. Why? Because they are mean spirited, and enjoy spreading misery among the folks that cannot defend themselves except at the ballot. Payback is not a good character trait, but the GOP (Mitch and Paul) deserve everything they will get.
As an added benefit, the democrats should confirm Merrick as soon as possible it January. Mitch will then need double KY bourbons as our sitting president will ultimately win. He deserves it for being a real jerk.
6
I have to admit that I also was not a rabid anti-Trumpster. I loved it when he called out the disastrous Bush-Cheney invasion for what it was. "Talk about mistakes? That was a beauty!" Not even Hillary owned up to that monstrous error so clearly (and I certainly am going to vote for her). I also found myself excusing Trump for stoking racism and xenophobia. I was convinced he wasn't serious, that he was just taking the yokels on the right for a ride. It would be nice to think that is still the case, but he is not as fun to watch anymore. When he was not on the national stage, preaching to the choir, he was entertaining. Now, as he sticks to his Mexican Wall and Muslim Ban, he has lost the fun part of his spiel. I know you have been pretty anti-Hillary, but come on! Her response to the Orlando monstrosity was spot on. I feel confident in her abilities, and I believe the ship of state will be guided by a steady hand should she win.
7
Maureen, you say, 'Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president." Have you really not yet figured that out?
4
Even now Maureen still tries to paint this clown in the best light. Sorry but he was never a successful businessman and has been spewing racist and sexist garbage for three decades. Maureen I know you badly want to move over to a Fox News but please spare us.
10
One thing that Maureen forgot to mention that too should be a concern is the mutual admiration of Trump and Putin. Trump’s face is aglow when he receives a world of praise from Putin. In Russia Trump sees a world where oligarchs and billionaires are embraced with few questions unless they are political adversaries of Putin. That is a world unencumbered by political correctness or concern for small people (as defined by other New York investor Leona Helmsley). Trumps admiration for Putin is driven by self-interest with a hope that his real estate ventures in Russia would thrive under good relations with Putin regardless of the November election outcome. Putin, his denials notwithstanding, would want Trump to be President since Trump is more predictable (yes, he is when it comes to money matters) than other US politicians who are concerned with pesky matters such as the US national security and world peace. Last week’s break-in by Russians in DNC’s computers for opposition research files was not a coincidence. Trump will indirectly get access to that information because Putin would love to see Trump in the White House. Trump, unwittingly, is the Manchurian Candidate that will do the bidding of Russia for personal gains.
6
While I don't agree with you about everything in this piece, Ms. Dowd, this piece really isn't that bad. However, it does seem you are rather late coming to the idea that Trump isn't qualified to be president. Most of us saw it months and months ago.
1
Did anyone else notice this: I don't ever remember Maureen Dowd admitting that a politician of any stripe "made some fair points." I've only seen her observe from afar and comment and critique, not offer an opinion. Just struck me. I may be wrong.
1
A bit of a turnaround, but still using those kid gloves on your buddy. One could tell you were walking on eggs not to be your snarky old self with this one.
5
Welcome in from the Trumpian delusion, Maureen. Trump is more than "casting serious doubt on whether he's qualified to be president." He's well beyond Dowd-t a man wallowing in a narcissistic fog of political ignorance, insecurity, and psychological impairment that makes him a danger to our democracy. That you could be so enamored of this man only speaks to the bubble of reality that you and so many in the establishment float in. Trump may have removed the P.C. mask of decades of Republican bigotry and racism, but his own open embrace of it is not a qualification for higher office any more than it is for any of the craven, callous Republicans who have embraced or endorsed him.
2
The fact that Donald Trump is heading up the Republican ticket for President just shows what a cancerous blight on society the Republican party has become. They are a do-nothing know-nothing political party whose only reason for being is to undermine and attack any Democrat that they see as a potential threat to their power.
They have sold their soul to the NRA and won't even enact laws to protect the American people from being victims of mass slaughter. They refuse to provide healthcare to the citizens of their states. They protect the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the working man. They win elections by inciting fear of the "Other" in their campaigns. This is not a winning long-term strategy.
Donald Trump is the Frankenstein monster that the Republicans have created with their lies, innuendos and demagoguery over the past twenty years. And now they're frightened because their monster is coming to destroy them.
They have sold their soul to the NRA and won't even enact laws to protect the American people from being victims of mass slaughter. They refuse to provide healthcare to the citizens of their states. They protect the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the working man. They win elections by inciting fear of the "Other" in their campaigns. This is not a winning long-term strategy.
Donald Trump is the Frankenstein monster that the Republicans have created with their lies, innuendos and demagoguery over the past twenty years. And now they're frightened because their monster is coming to destroy them.
24
It's astonishing, Ms. Dowd, that you have seen Trump as "benign...for decades". Trump today is who he has always been. How have you managed to miss that? There have been oceans of ink devoted to his vileness. It ain't news.
6
All that bigotry, all that stirring up of hatred, all those direct threats to use the power of the federal government against individuals, all those unfounded accusations and lunatic conspiracy theories, all that unrelenting ignorance, all that Guinness Book of World Records-quality narcissism...
...and you have finally been stirred to "serious doubt" about whether Trump is qualified to be President.
What it would it take for you to be sure?
...and you have finally been stirred to "serious doubt" about whether Trump is qualified to be President.
What it would it take for you to be sure?
21
Gosh, this is the best pivot you could do? Make him seem still likable, if maybe not ready for prime time? Claim he's made some fair points? Japan and Saudi Arabia should really militarize? Really? And you couldn't stop yourself from taking a swipe at Hillary as you focused on Trump? Yes, this is pretty harsh stuff on a normal candidate -- but Trump is not normal, and you're still claiming there's a silver lining around somewhere in there.
16
Maureen held on for as long as she could because she like many of us understand how phony, devious and purchasable the Clintons are. So, she gave Trump the benefit of the doubt, and hoped the leopard could change his spots. Mr. Trump simply can't escape his character flaws. The handwriting is on the wall; President Trump is a goner. The right thing for Mr. Trump to do is to discuss this with the party's elders, and seek to replace himself with a well-liked Republican with few negative. Hillary can still be beat because of her high negatives, if The Donald acts before it is too late. That would be a unheard act (for him) of selflessness and patriotism. It would polish the dull luster presently on the Trump brand name. I'm not suggesting that this is at all likely.
So, we will be getting two for one again in the Whitehouse, unfortunately, barring a miracle. Ms. Dowd can put her wit and satirical pen to good to keep the Clintons in line. That is probably impossible as well. It has to do with changing one's spots, again.
So, we will be getting two for one again in the Whitehouse, unfortunately, barring a miracle. Ms. Dowd can put her wit and satirical pen to good to keep the Clintons in line. That is probably impossible as well. It has to do with changing one's spots, again.
1
Casting serious doubt? Is this some sort of next-level Dowd sarcasm?
After the chattering class discovered - in the sense that Columbus "discovered" the Americas - late in the 1992 campaign that one of its charter members and GOP candidate Pat Buchanan was more than a little bit of a race-mongering fascist, I recall clearly one of his CNN colleagues musing to the effect that gee, you know, I guess we didn't notice..,.it was just kind of like there goes old Pat.
Everyone else noticed. And they noticed this time too. And these kinds of columns - I'm reminded of one in the Post in which Sally Quinn expressed deep offense at Democrats who called Don Rumsfeld a bad person, Quinn being in a position to offer an alibi to that charge on the basis of regularly dining with him - these kinds of columns are among the most damning evidence of all that our most important newspapers are bourgeois/capitalist tools.
After the chattering class discovered - in the sense that Columbus "discovered" the Americas - late in the 1992 campaign that one of its charter members and GOP candidate Pat Buchanan was more than a little bit of a race-mongering fascist, I recall clearly one of his CNN colleagues musing to the effect that gee, you know, I guess we didn't notice..,.it was just kind of like there goes old Pat.
Everyone else noticed. And they noticed this time too. And these kinds of columns - I'm reminded of one in the Post in which Sally Quinn expressed deep offense at Democrats who called Don Rumsfeld a bad person, Quinn being in a position to offer an alibi to that charge on the basis of regularly dining with him - these kinds of columns are among the most damning evidence of all that our most important newspapers are bourgeois/capitalist tools.
5
Sure, America has problems. It always has and it always will. Trump's far from being alone in recognizing them. That said, anyone who's listened to what he's had to say over the last year knows he has no rational solutions, policies or answers. What he does have are bigotry, hatred, xenophobia, and pettiness that make him singularly unfit to be President today, tomorrow or ever. It's remarkable the it's taken this long for Ms. Dowd to recognize him however grudgingly for the demogouge he is.
12
And he lies:
From Politifact:
Trump's statements by ruling
True (2%)(3)
Mostly True (7%)(11)
Half True (15%)(24)
Mostly False (16%)(25)
False (41%)(64)
Pants on Fire (19%)(30)
************************************
Clinton's statements by ruling
True47 (22%)(47)
Mostly True (28%)(58)
Half True (22%)(45)
Mostly False (15%)(32)
False (11%)(24)
Pants on Fire (1%)(3)
From Politifact:
Trump's statements by ruling
True (2%)(3)
Mostly True (7%)(11)
Half True (15%)(24)
Mostly False (16%)(25)
False (41%)(64)
Pants on Fire (19%)(30)
************************************
Clinton's statements by ruling
True47 (22%)(47)
Mostly True (28%)(58)
Half True (22%)(45)
Mostly False (15%)(32)
False (11%)(24)
Pants on Fire (1%)(3)
21
The wistfulness of your article makes me think that your hate for all things Clinton is so strong that you would have voted for Trump until this week. Please tell me this isn't true. It scares me when the Washington Post comments by both Kathleen Parker and Michael Gerson are blocks to the left of your comments about both Trump and Clinton.
You have jumped the shark.
You have jumped the shark.
21
"Now Trump's own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he's qualified to be president". That has to be the understatement of the year about Trump. Trump truly is the vile egomaniac we see daily. It is not an act. He is an embarrassment and certainly not fit to be our President. His supporters for the most part are not interested in the salient points he has made about the Iraqi War, trade deals, or anything else with more than a grain of truth to it. What they cheer are his stripped bare naked remarks that are racist, xenophobic, misogynistic, or just plain cruel. This is his base, and it is the Republican base revealed. Trump is the monster they created, and cannot control.
I hope the Republican Party can be redeemed. I have serious doubts it can be. The vile seeds of racism, xenophobia, and misogyny the Republicans have sown for years now since the "Southern Strategy" are in full bloom in Trump.
The current version of the Republican Party is certainly not that of Lincoln, Eisenhower, or even Nixon or Reagan. It has become a cult of the angry, white male who feels his power has been stolen by blacks, women, and immigrants.
However, I keep looking for a little sign of hope, and one came this week when Senator Susan Collins proposed a ban on the sale of guns to at least some of the people on the terrorist watch list. Perhaps Republican women will lead the Party back to the center.
Yes I noticed the cheap dig at Clinton. Enough! This election is too important.
I hope the Republican Party can be redeemed. I have serious doubts it can be. The vile seeds of racism, xenophobia, and misogyny the Republicans have sown for years now since the "Southern Strategy" are in full bloom in Trump.
The current version of the Republican Party is certainly not that of Lincoln, Eisenhower, or even Nixon or Reagan. It has become a cult of the angry, white male who feels his power has been stolen by blacks, women, and immigrants.
However, I keep looking for a little sign of hope, and one came this week when Senator Susan Collins proposed a ban on the sale of guns to at least some of the people on the terrorist watch list. Perhaps Republican women will lead the Party back to the center.
Yes I noticed the cheap dig at Clinton. Enough! This election is too important.
25
"Everything is filtered through his ego."
Can it finally be happening? Is the two-by-four finally hitting people between the eyes?
This man is an immature, ignorant, narcissistic sociopath running for President as part of his pathetic, life-long ego trip.
He is also the cartoon candidate the Republican party deserves as their standard-bearer---but not the rest of us.
Can it finally be happening? Is the two-by-four finally hitting people between the eyes?
This man is an immature, ignorant, narcissistic sociopath running for President as part of his pathetic, life-long ego trip.
He is also the cartoon candidate the Republican party deserves as their standard-bearer---but not the rest of us.
26
Trump's behavior shows that it is well beyond doubt that he is qualified to be president. It may take some longer than others to see that Trump is not qualified. As Winston Churchill said, "You can always count on Americans to do the right thing, after they have tried everything else."
4
"Trump jumped into the race with an eruption of bigotry...But privately, he assured people that these were merely opening bids in the negotiation..."
Ms. Dowd, I've said it before in these threads and I'll say it again: People who think they are in on a politician's con come to discover they have been conning themselves.
Ms. Dowd, I've said it before in these threads and I'll say it again: People who think they are in on a politician's con come to discover they have been conning themselves.
10
>>>>
As I've said before, Trump will not be on the GOP ticket in Nov. He may be on some other ticket.
The GOP is sadistic, but they're not suicidal. A lot can happen before Nov, and Trump only enhances the meaning of the phase "a lot".
The Dems will regret this too, because the GOP will replace him with someone more competent. Hillary is very beatable, just not by Trump. If the Dems were smart they lay off Trump for the moment.
Probably the only hope for the GOP is to deny Hillary 270 electoral votes, the House wins. This means more parties have to be created.
If you think the GOP is going to let the SCOTUS go without some good ole fashion desperation and extremism you are in error.
Again this election will end in some unforeseen way. To go through all this craziness and end with Hillary as POTUS seems very anti-climatic.
“What history relates is in fact only the long, heavy and confused dream of mankind.”
Nietzsche
As I've said before, Trump will not be on the GOP ticket in Nov. He may be on some other ticket.
The GOP is sadistic, but they're not suicidal. A lot can happen before Nov, and Trump only enhances the meaning of the phase "a lot".
The Dems will regret this too, because the GOP will replace him with someone more competent. Hillary is very beatable, just not by Trump. If the Dems were smart they lay off Trump for the moment.
Probably the only hope for the GOP is to deny Hillary 270 electoral votes, the House wins. This means more parties have to be created.
If you think the GOP is going to let the SCOTUS go without some good ole fashion desperation and extremism you are in error.
Again this election will end in some unforeseen way. To go through all this craziness and end with Hillary as POTUS seems very anti-climatic.
“What history relates is in fact only the long, heavy and confused dream of mankind.”
Nietzsche
7
There is no nuance to this narcissistic bigot, no better angels, despite what he might whisper to associates in private. Even his supposed business success (after inheriting millions from father Fred) is rooted in leveraged bankruptcies and failure to pay contractors, over decades.
Donald Trump has perfected the art of the steal.
Are you trying to tell us his 'diplomatic' demeanor made you view him favorably all this time? Please. The signs of Trump's parasitic, unpresidential true self were laid bare at the onset of his vulgar campaign.
Ms. Dowd, it can't come as a surprise.
Donald Trump has perfected the art of the steal.
Are you trying to tell us his 'diplomatic' demeanor made you view him favorably all this time? Please. The signs of Trump's parasitic, unpresidential true self were laid bare at the onset of his vulgar campaign.
Ms. Dowd, it can't come as a surprise.
29
John McCain bequeathed us Sarah Palin. She boosted The Donald. And John McCain has joined Sarah and Donald in trashing President Obama.
How children love to play in the mud.
See how our current President looks better and better.
How children love to play in the mud.
See how our current President looks better and better.
36
Trump's rhetoric is coarse. He is a petulant adolescent who just wants to have fun and drinks in only adulation. His skin is paper thin. He lives in Archie Bunker land. But racism and misogyny? Not really. He is an equal opportunity insulter stunted in high school. True. Why aren't we generally appalled by his silly misanthropy?
9
Bravo, Ms. Dowd. This is probably the most insightful analysis of Trump in the media. The media, pollsters, liberals, conservatives, have all misjudged and dismissed this what seemed to be a buffoon and amateurish presidential wannabe. The bias of the media and the disdain of career politicians and policy wonks against Trump will undoubtedly lead to one of the most stunning defeat this Fall in the history of American presidential election. The only way to beat Trump is for the Clinton Camp to hire Ms. Dowd as the singular advisor, someone who actually understand Trumpism. Mrs. Clinton failed to real the intelligence report before voting for the Iraq war; she similarly didn't bother to read Sun Tzu's, The Art of War, before going into this battle with Trump. She fails to understand her opponent.
Trump is not qualified to be President. It's that simple. He peddles in conspiracy theories too much for someone vying for the presidency. His bigotry has been exposed and his lack of willingness to listen to good advice has done him in.
Moreover, for someone that wants to be the President of the foremost democratic nation of the world, how can you ban media groups from covering your campaign just for speaking the truth you don't like. That smells like fascism. I guess this week finally did it for Maureen Dowd in her subtle support of Trump.
Moreover, for someone that wants to be the President of the foremost democratic nation of the world, how can you ban media groups from covering your campaign just for speaking the truth you don't like. That smells like fascism. I guess this week finally did it for Maureen Dowd in her subtle support of Trump.
10
Trump was unwilling or unable to express empathy for the dead in Orlando. Instead, he exploited the tragedy to justify hate for all Muslims.
Under the circumstances, writing that "Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president" seems too little, too late.
Under the circumstances, writing that "Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president" seems too little, too late.
22
Trump plays a politician on TV. He mirrored the GOP and it got him to where he is at today. Just think, Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell are actually worse than Donald J Trump. And the Donald will rubber stamp everything thing those 2 can push through congress. Which will be bad for everyone except the political class and the rich.
8
"Now Trump's own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he is qualified to be president." Well, welcome to the club. Most thinking people came to that conclusion a long time ago. And you said that Trump realized the Iraq war was misbegotten early on although Trump supported the invasion. I don't know where you get your information but Trump's advocacy of the invasion was recorded on video and has been shown many times on the major TV networks. As far as what Trump really thinks about anything, who would know inasmuch as he contradicts himself and flip-flops daily?
You have cut Trump more slack than he deserves and it begs the question as to why you don't demonstrate the same attitude and understanding of Hillary Clinton. This column sounds more like a public relations blurb for Trump.
Of course, if you were too critical of Trump, he might want to sue you or cut off access. He would no longer return your phone calls.
You have cut Trump more slack than he deserves and it begs the question as to why you don't demonstrate the same attitude and understanding of Hillary Clinton. This column sounds more like a public relations blurb for Trump.
Of course, if you were too critical of Trump, he might want to sue you or cut off access. He would no longer return your phone calls.
21
Trump's depiction of himself as a closet racial egalitarian probably captures some part of his real attitude but also obscures a larger truth. Based on the pattern of his behavior and public comments during the campaign, I would conclude that Trump doesn't evaluate people in terms of their ethnicity, gender or religious affiliation.
He calculates their impact on his business or political ambitions. He attacked Mexican immigrants and Muslims, not because he personally disdained them, but because he sensed they would serve as effective targets in his campaign to win the nomination. He tended to ignore veterans and first responders, on the other hand, until he realized that he could parlay their popularity into broader electoral support.
Individuals attract Trump's attention for similar reasons. Women who criticized him or challenged his ambitions, like Megyn Kelly and Elizabeth Warren, earned demeaning comments or nicknames for their temerity. But those whose skills benefited his businesses won lucrative jobs in his companies. Political rivals, male or female, who challenged him for the nomination learned first hand of Trump's skill at character assassination.
In Trump's mind, people merit attention only as adversaries or supporters. Gender equality or religious freedom are abstract concepts without importance to him, unless he can use them to advance his ambitions. On race, he is neither a bigot nor an egalitarian; he is simply indifferent.
He calculates their impact on his business or political ambitions. He attacked Mexican immigrants and Muslims, not because he personally disdained them, but because he sensed they would serve as effective targets in his campaign to win the nomination. He tended to ignore veterans and first responders, on the other hand, until he realized that he could parlay their popularity into broader electoral support.
Individuals attract Trump's attention for similar reasons. Women who criticized him or challenged his ambitions, like Megyn Kelly and Elizabeth Warren, earned demeaning comments or nicknames for their temerity. But those whose skills benefited his businesses won lucrative jobs in his companies. Political rivals, male or female, who challenged him for the nomination learned first hand of Trump's skill at character assassination.
In Trump's mind, people merit attention only as adversaries or supporters. Gender equality or religious freedom are abstract concepts without importance to him, unless he can use them to advance his ambitions. On race, he is neither a bigot nor an egalitarian; he is simply indifferent.
8
Best column of the year. Congrats. One observation in regards to Trumps meeting with the NRA. My question is why do the Republicans believe they have to ask the NRA for permission to deal with Common Sense Gun Control issues as most Americans want including a majority of NRA members.
15
" Now Trump's own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he's qualified to be president."
I had to read Maureen's last sentence several times to be sure I hadn't misunderstood. That the GOP toadies,seeking to further their own electoral agendas, are falling in behind "Genghis Con" was to be expected, but that a respected journalist is only beginning to have "serious doubt" about a man who is viciously attacking her colleagues and intimating that he will go after the press's freedom from the Oval Office defies belief. Never has anyone been less qualified on all levels to be POTUS than Donald Trump.
I had to read Maureen's last sentence several times to be sure I hadn't misunderstood. That the GOP toadies,seeking to further their own electoral agendas, are falling in behind "Genghis Con" was to be expected, but that a respected journalist is only beginning to have "serious doubt" about a man who is viciously attacking her colleagues and intimating that he will go after the press's freedom from the Oval Office defies belief. Never has anyone been less qualified on all levels to be POTUS than Donald Trump.
74
Nice try, but too late. He is the nominee because you portrayed him as the snake with the fake markings that you only think is poisonous but is not. Well the joke is on us. This snake will prove deadly.
15
Where is the snark? I guess that is reserved for Hillary and Obama ?
39
Donald Trump has actually performed a long-overdue public service by translating the Republicans' decades-long winking and nodding and dog whistling into code-free words that everyone can hear. And, moreover, understand.
Now that the Party of Lincoln has hit rock bottom and mutated into the de facto Party of Trump, it's time to go back to the drawing board. Fast. Given all our sophisticated gadgetry, there must be a GPS device somewhere that will allow these wayward Americans to relocate -- and even embrace -- their better angels.
Worth considering, in the four weeks between now and the Republican National Convention, would be to do an abrupt 180 and dial back to principles based on country first, party second. Perhaps resembling the Party of Eisenhower. Which, of course, would require dumping Trump.
What that would accomplish is reintroduce the G.O.P. to something that it has systematically disavowed -- the national interest. Nothing that the Republicans could possibly do this year for our "government of the people, by the people, for the people" would be more patriotic.
While they're at it, as an immediate show of good faith, they should free the eminently qualified Supreme Court nominee they're holding hostage, provide a fair hearing and give him an up-or-down vote. Just as the Constitution says.
Now that the Party of Lincoln has hit rock bottom and mutated into the de facto Party of Trump, it's time to go back to the drawing board. Fast. Given all our sophisticated gadgetry, there must be a GPS device somewhere that will allow these wayward Americans to relocate -- and even embrace -- their better angels.
Worth considering, in the four weeks between now and the Republican National Convention, would be to do an abrupt 180 and dial back to principles based on country first, party second. Perhaps resembling the Party of Eisenhower. Which, of course, would require dumping Trump.
What that would accomplish is reintroduce the G.O.P. to something that it has systematically disavowed -- the national interest. Nothing that the Republicans could possibly do this year for our "government of the people, by the people, for the people" would be more patriotic.
While they're at it, as an immediate show of good faith, they should free the eminently qualified Supreme Court nominee they're holding hostage, provide a fair hearing and give him an up-or-down vote. Just as the Constitution says.
14
This reminds me of that famous photograph of the Hindenburg. A majestic gasbag filled with hot air crashed and burned in Lakehurst, New Jersey, taking with it many of the passengers who had gone along for the ride.
36
It really is too late, Maureen.
You've vented just too much spleen.
This new attempt to dial it back
Does not excuse being Trump's hack.
You've vented just too much spleen.
This new attempt to dial it back
Does not excuse being Trump's hack.
42
I'm a bit confused about what policy you think Sarah Palin studied up on. Yes, he may have some good instincts about what will "sell" to many in the electorate, but that doesn't make him fit to hold office - it just means he's a good salesman. Mr. Trump clearly views this entire process as one big performance, and seems unable to pivot to developing thoughtful policy decision, or taking counsel from anyone but himself. If he were elected President, he has now shown any indication that he would take the counsel of anyone, and would only surround himself with sycophants and yes men. There is no "serious doubt" about whether he is qualified to be President - that question has been answered, and the answer is no.
18
Finally Maureen Dowd has stopped her fawning columns on Trump. It's about time. If Ms. Dowd had liked the man less she would have noticed a long time ago that Trump's behavior before he entered the race cast serious doubt on his qualifications to be president. His questionable business deals, numerous bankruptcies, sexist language, multiple wives, staggering narcissism and complete lack of political experience were just the start. Since entering the race his demagoguery, racism and complete lack of knowledge on domestic and world affairs has become too blatant for even Ms. Dowd to overlook. Finally.
31
"Trump jumped into the race with an eruption of bigotry, ranting about Mexican rapists and a Muslim ban. But privately, he assured people that these were merely opening bids in the negotiation; that he was really the same pragmatic New Yorker he had always been; that he would be a flexible, wheeling-and-dealing president, not a crazy nihilist like Ted Cruz or a mean racist like George Wallace."
So, becoming the GOP nominee was just the art of the deal? And all his early pronouncements were just lies?
But he hasn't withdrawn any of them.
Far more seriously, you claim he is accessible to the media. Of course he's "accessible", except for the media who call him out for his disregard for the truth. Attention is what he lives for. But a full-blown press conference, where he actually answers tough questions, honestly?
Dream on. If he can't release his income tax returns, he's the one who is well past the sell-by date.
So, becoming the GOP nominee was just the art of the deal? And all his early pronouncements were just lies?
But he hasn't withdrawn any of them.
Far more seriously, you claim he is accessible to the media. Of course he's "accessible", except for the media who call him out for his disregard for the truth. Attention is what he lives for. But a full-blown press conference, where he actually answers tough questions, honestly?
Dream on. If he can't release his income tax returns, he's the one who is well past the sell-by date.
45
Elder citizen here. My thoughts only. All that is going on politically is just the tip of the iceberg and there is little opportunity for us to pierce the void. That said, perhaps we need to parse the benefits of Trump. There is no question that he has exposed the 'dark side' of politics. Yes, we knew, yet denial and head in the sand was the name of the game. Does this nation, that fought, sacrificed, and forged a great Union deserve this kind of political gerrymandering? I feel we have let all of what is good about our country be co opted by greed, religion, and apathy. Where is the robust patriotism of WWII? This was an incredible awakening from our vulnerability. Yet we took on the challenge. So, 'American Citizens', this is a monumental time of crossroads in our history. Perhaps for the continuity of the freedom you have lived, it is time to put aside pettiness, politics, and consider it is not all about 'You', it is "All About Us" as a nation needing pride and patriotism in this time of being involved in our progress, or our decline into an abyss. Choose.
11
I have a bet with my brother on Donald J. Trump
He strongly believes that when Trump starts to get poll after poll that has him losing, his oversized ego will at some point prior to election day result in him exiting the race. aka "pulling a Ross Perot"
I on the other hand believe that no matter how bad it gets for him he will pilot the Republican party straight into oblivion, and that his ready made excuse for losing was the "establishment" Republicans were responsible for him losing the election.
Thus he will complete the destruction of the Republican party as it now exists.
My bet is essentially that with Trump as the Pilot in Command of the Republican party, the GOP is heading for a collision with the side of a mountain and no one in the party has the guts or the gravitas to nor the basic common sense to tell Trump he's fired and to take control and turn the plane around.
My Brother's Bet is Trump will "bail out" right before impact and then tell us how great he is because he lived even though the GOP died.
I'm still not sure my brother didn't snooker me into taking the wrong side of that bet.
He strongly believes that when Trump starts to get poll after poll that has him losing, his oversized ego will at some point prior to election day result in him exiting the race. aka "pulling a Ross Perot"
I on the other hand believe that no matter how bad it gets for him he will pilot the Republican party straight into oblivion, and that his ready made excuse for losing was the "establishment" Republicans were responsible for him losing the election.
Thus he will complete the destruction of the Republican party as it now exists.
My bet is essentially that with Trump as the Pilot in Command of the Republican party, the GOP is heading for a collision with the side of a mountain and no one in the party has the guts or the gravitas to nor the basic common sense to tell Trump he's fired and to take control and turn the plane around.
My Brother's Bet is Trump will "bail out" right before impact and then tell us how great he is because he lived even though the GOP died.
I'm still not sure my brother didn't snooker me into taking the wrong side of that bet.
14
Maureen you have been kissing up to Donald for the "get" you missed so much. "Well he had me up to Trump Tower Friday afternoon and it was.......". If you want to know what other women think of your Gilded Boy he is a 'serial abuser of women that men wont talk about because male insecurity". It is so true. Male Insecurity along with Religion have caused more deaths than anything else in human existence. Trump exhibits the traits any abused women, physical, monetary, etc. can attest to. Ann Jones here says it far better, from a women's point. than I ever could. BTW 70 % of women, who are 54% of voters. will never vote for Trump: http://www.thenation.com/article/donald-trump-is-a-textbook-abuser-and-w...
17
A few comments cite Dowd's dinners with Trump up in his Manhattan Tower. Bruni, former restaurant reviewer, also dined with him, he let us know. This is the type of columnist we now get on the NYTimes "Sunday Review". Just what has formed their attitudes? Egotists interviewing the supreme egotist. Thanks a lot.
Congratulations, Ms. Dowd, on getting as far as 'serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president.' But you're still months behind almost every other reasonably astute American in evaluating Trump.
Good luck with re-scripting 'The Education of Maureen D.' Here's hoping that our heroine outshines herself in the end.
Good luck with re-scripting 'The Education of Maureen D.' Here's hoping that our heroine outshines herself in the end.
23
Trumps's own behavior is not "casting doubt on whether he's qualified to be president." It confirms the fact that he is utterly and completely unqualified to be president. No doubt about it!
13
Trump is rude but he made some relevant points that have something to do with lowering future risk. Unlike the smokescreen of irrelevant self-serving nonsense from O Bro and Hillary.
2
NOW Trump's actions are causing doubts about his ability to be president?
Have you lost your mind, Ms. Dowd?
Please read Ken Burns' commencement speech at Stanford. This buffoon has been OSTENTATIOUSLY unfit to be president from the nanosecond he declared his candidacy.
Have you lost your mind, Ms. Dowd?
Please read Ken Burns' commencement speech at Stanford. This buffoon has been OSTENTATIOUSLY unfit to be president from the nanosecond he declared his candidacy.
78
So, Ms. Dowd, you are the sort of big-hearted person who "certainly never would have predicted that the Trump name would be uttered in the same breath as Hitler, Mussolini and scary menace. . . ."
I am of a far less charitable demeanor. I must confess that, although I have always thought the Hitler comparisons to be way over the top, I did, early on, compare Candidate Trump to Il Duce. I soon retracted this comparison, however, finding in Silvio Berlusconi a much more apt Trumpish analogue.
The "scary menace" theme continues to haunt me.
More recently I have entertained the following dark thoughts.
A former colleague of mine, a specialist on Milton and that poet's "Paradise Lost", viewed Satan as a narcissistic high-level, although second-tier, corporate executive who attempted to stage a hostile takeover, but who lacked all knowledge of the CEO's ready reserves of strength, and of his own actual function within the corporation's overall structure and game plan.
Perhaps Donald Trump, like Milton's Satan, is unique unto his prideful and narcissistic self, and defies all customary political categorizations or comparisons with thuggish-buffoonish political antecedents.
I am of a far less charitable demeanor. I must confess that, although I have always thought the Hitler comparisons to be way over the top, I did, early on, compare Candidate Trump to Il Duce. I soon retracted this comparison, however, finding in Silvio Berlusconi a much more apt Trumpish analogue.
The "scary menace" theme continues to haunt me.
More recently I have entertained the following dark thoughts.
A former colleague of mine, a specialist on Milton and that poet's "Paradise Lost", viewed Satan as a narcissistic high-level, although second-tier, corporate executive who attempted to stage a hostile takeover, but who lacked all knowledge of the CEO's ready reserves of strength, and of his own actual function within the corporation's overall structure and game plan.
Perhaps Donald Trump, like Milton's Satan, is unique unto his prideful and narcissistic self, and defies all customary political categorizations or comparisons with thuggish-buffoonish political antecedents.
13
You should have caught this years earlier when the man you call 'Barry' was the target of Trump's birther campaign; his first testing of the potential to run for president. You didn't call him out at that time.
Now you pretend at least a little to believe that Trump is saying these outrageous things about physical disabilities, Mexicans, Muslims, women etc as what you hear 'privately' that these are "opening bids in negotiations".
I don't believe that at all: what you see is what you get.
Now you pretend at least a little to believe that Trump is saying these outrageous things about physical disabilities, Mexicans, Muslims, women etc as what you hear 'privately' that these are "opening bids in negotiations".
I don't believe that at all: what you see is what you get.
30
DRUMPF'S NO HITLER, NO MUSSOLINI--HE'S NOT EVEN
BERLUSCONI! HE, IN TRUTH IS:
MIGHTY DRUMPF!
When disaster does abound,
Donald Drumpf will fly around!
"Here he comes to save the day!
Mighty Drumpf is on the way!"
Where there's wrong to set aright,
Mighty Drumpf will join the fight!
In the streets throughout the land
Solves he problems on demand!
Though the nation's in bum shape,
Know that all will turn out great!
For the battle he'll be there!
From Drumpf Tower in the air
Sounds he out his mighty call!
What's to worry, after all?
"Here he comes to save the day!
Mighty Drumpf is on the way!"
BERLUSCONI! HE, IN TRUTH IS:
MIGHTY DRUMPF!
When disaster does abound,
Donald Drumpf will fly around!
"Here he comes to save the day!
Mighty Drumpf is on the way!"
Where there's wrong to set aright,
Mighty Drumpf will join the fight!
In the streets throughout the land
Solves he problems on demand!
Though the nation's in bum shape,
Know that all will turn out great!
For the battle he'll be there!
From Drumpf Tower in the air
Sounds he out his mighty call!
What's to worry, after all?
"Here he comes to save the day!
Mighty Drumpf is on the way!"
10
'.....raising serious doubts.....', I beg to differ, it has made it a certainty.
21
A very selective analysis and interpretation of Mr Trump. The racist whistle calls started years ago with his Birtherism. He was going to "spill the beans" on President Obama. I do not think he has ever been as benign as you've painted him. As for the news conference jab at Ms Clinton- such a false equivalency - is there anything more opaque and chilling to journalists than a politician who bans and threatens to destroy any journalist who are critical?
46
Maureen, is this not your public apologia... are you announcing that you misjudged the character and intellectual capacity of your preference --The Donald for president. Are we not hearing a tragic narrative about a flawed but otherwise noble hero who had the capacity for entirely reforming not only the Republican party, but our political culture had he not been compelled by some tragic flaw to harangue himself into public ignominy . Had Donald, our modern day trinculo only had the capacity to costume himself in moral rectitude and PC temperament, then you would have supported him? You had faith in his capacity and natural gifts as a bumptious business leader and media clown to support him?
18
My November voting choices will be Hillary or Trump.That's like being told you can be shot or hung.Trump tells us hard working taxpayers he'll change Washington.I'll vote Trump because Hillary is just more of the same DC nonsense.The Orlando massacre is a classic story of DC nuttiness.Instead of focusing on how this murderer/avowed ISIS terrorist slipped past the FBI radar and nightclub security,the DC "clowns" are focused on gun control.The problem is terrorism not gun control.
2
Dear Ms. Dowd:
I'm a 65 year old and I've read nearly every column you've written for the Times. This the best and most important.
As the most gifted columnist at the Times, the newspaper of record for the world, among a coterie of columnists who are the best in the business, it has been a disappointment, to say the least, to read previous columns of yours treating the Trump candidacy with flippancy. Apparently no more.
This is a signal moment in the history of our beloved democracy.
Captain Renault to Ric: " Welcome back to the fight."
Sincerely yours,
Winn Gardner
Mayflower (Francis Cook), SAR (Nathaniel Hayward),
SDS (UVA Chapter)
I'm a 65 year old and I've read nearly every column you've written for the Times. This the best and most important.
As the most gifted columnist at the Times, the newspaper of record for the world, among a coterie of columnists who are the best in the business, it has been a disappointment, to say the least, to read previous columns of yours treating the Trump candidacy with flippancy. Apparently no more.
This is a signal moment in the history of our beloved democracy.
Captain Renault to Ric: " Welcome back to the fight."
Sincerely yours,
Winn Gardner
Mayflower (Francis Cook), SAR (Nathaniel Hayward),
SDS (UVA Chapter)
7
When 7 out of 10 people don't like you, you're probably doing something wrong.
But when 5.7 out of ten don't trust you (Hillary), you're doing something wrong too.
Lindsay Graham probably has it right:
"Crooked don't beat much, but crooked beats crazy every time."
But when 5.7 out of ten don't trust you (Hillary), you're doing something wrong too.
Lindsay Graham probably has it right:
"Crooked don't beat much, but crooked beats crazy every time."
11
"...Ronald Reagan, a former TV star who overcame a reputation for bellicosity and racial dog whistles to become the most beloved Republican president of modern times."
I think you mean "the most beloved president of modern times, at least to Republicans."
I think you mean "the most beloved president of modern times, at least to Republicans."
36
Thank you for pointing that out.
I am a Democrat.
Regan decimated social services.
He is not beloved by me.
I am a Democrat.
Regan decimated social services.
He is not beloved by me.
8
Wow. Ms. Dowd discovers Trump is a liar, racist and ignoramus.
POlitically correct is an excuse to lie all the time.
You know Mrs. Clinton had a good week because Dowd
attacked Trump.
How long before Dowd attacks Chelsea for having a baby for
political reasons?
The massacre at Orlando proved only one thing, that Trump
only cares about himself.
Orlando had nothing to do with immigration. The shooter
was an American born in New York and living in Florida.
Trump launched his attack on the Judge to bully him so as
to prevent release of his video dep in the Trump Univ. fraud
case.
Ms. Dowd has belatedly come to the conclusion that Trump's
word is worthless. He is a liar, and a grifter. See Trump Baja
for the continuing M.O.
He is a human dumpster fire.
POlitically correct is an excuse to lie all the time.
You know Mrs. Clinton had a good week because Dowd
attacked Trump.
How long before Dowd attacks Chelsea for having a baby for
political reasons?
The massacre at Orlando proved only one thing, that Trump
only cares about himself.
Orlando had nothing to do with immigration. The shooter
was an American born in New York and living in Florida.
Trump launched his attack on the Judge to bully him so as
to prevent release of his video dep in the Trump Univ. fraud
case.
Ms. Dowd has belatedly come to the conclusion that Trump's
word is worthless. He is a liar, and a grifter. See Trump Baja
for the continuing M.O.
He is a human dumpster fire.
38
"Now Trump's own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he's qualified to be the President." The understatement of the year goes to Ms. Dowd, for the above conclusion. Now? How about Trump's behavior since his campaign's inception, focused on xenophobia, misogyny and a fantastical wall project? Serious doubt? There is no doubt that Trump's name belongs nowhere near the President's title. Name-calling, rumor-spreading, fear-mongering and race-baiting are not policy proposals.
And as for upping the ante with his own outrageous type of campaigning, well, Trump says he hasn't gotten started yet. Let there now seriously be no doubt he is not qualified.
And as for upping the ante with his own outrageous type of campaigning, well, Trump says he hasn't gotten started yet. Let there now seriously be no doubt he is not qualified.
35
Twitter is perfect for Trump. A 140 character limit helps hide his lack of depth on any issue. His followers spread his childish taunts aimed at his critics.
Maureen Dowd, I am gratified to see you challenge this shallow mean spirited man. I wouldn't want him as a neighbor, much less a president!
Maureen Dowd, I am gratified to see you challenge this shallow mean spirited man. I wouldn't want him as a neighbor, much less a president!
17
Ms. Dowd, do I infer that this column is a "mea culpa" for having given Trump free print space for his empty talking points, for having danced around his odious comments, for having been intoxicated by joining him in his opulence and his shared disregard for President Obama and Hillary Clinton?
Better late than never. Speaking of which, at the risk of further angering The Donald, you might even try extending a few words about the current President being worthy of his title, after 8 years of criticizing. Better late than never.
Better late than never. Speaking of which, at the risk of further angering The Donald, you might even try extending a few words about the current President being worthy of his title, after 8 years of criticizing. Better late than never.
86
"Trump told me, Trump told me"... No. This is not a Trump take-down. Ms. Dowd is still enthralled by this grotesque man.
3
Then there is the GOP Cult. they will vote for any weasel or skunk that is a registered Republican.
They are disciples of the Book of St. Ronnie, a Republican can do no wrong, all those pesky regulations are conspiracies by the Liberals to make the country weak, and prevent the loyal faithful from making a living by insider trading, tax evasion, religious funding, cutting costs for the FDA, getting rid of environmental restrictions, all those liberal things which keep the country from progressing to the 1870s.
We out in the wild west here seem to have forsaken these things. We spend too much time on the beach at Malibu watching the wicked women in their immodest clothing, eating fresh apples, floating down rivers, enjoying the earthy pleasures to be good members of the party. We sent you St. Ronnie, it was our greatest sin. Yes father we have sinned, we toyed with conservatism, and found it wanting. We still have pockets of it in the hills, they are a nuisance, but we leave then to their cows.
We are getting punished this coming week, the temperatures will be in the low 100s, and we have to spend our afternoons in a pool of water, or floating down the American River. Life is tough.
They are disciples of the Book of St. Ronnie, a Republican can do no wrong, all those pesky regulations are conspiracies by the Liberals to make the country weak, and prevent the loyal faithful from making a living by insider trading, tax evasion, religious funding, cutting costs for the FDA, getting rid of environmental restrictions, all those liberal things which keep the country from progressing to the 1870s.
We out in the wild west here seem to have forsaken these things. We spend too much time on the beach at Malibu watching the wicked women in their immodest clothing, eating fresh apples, floating down rivers, enjoying the earthy pleasures to be good members of the party. We sent you St. Ronnie, it was our greatest sin. Yes father we have sinned, we toyed with conservatism, and found it wanting. We still have pockets of it in the hills, they are a nuisance, but we leave then to their cows.
We are getting punished this coming week, the temperatures will be in the low 100s, and we have to spend our afternoons in a pool of water, or floating down the American River. Life is tough.
26
It is interesting to see Ms. Dowd, like the New York Times, turn on Donald Trump after giving him virtually a free pass during the primaries. The Times has a rationale: it was sensible to encourage the weakest possible opponent to Hillary Clinton, the Times' choice for president.
What is Ms. Dowd's reason for having supported the patently unqualified Trump?
What is Ms. Dowd's reason for having supported the patently unqualified Trump?
27
Self-interest I think. She
Ms. Dowd likes Trump, who is not qualified to be president. She does not like Hillary, who is. It would be nice to see a column from her that treated Trump as harshly and scathingly as she has treated Hillary. It would also be nice to see a column that treated Hillary with the warmth and sympathy she wastes on the Donald.
482
Following up on my first comment, more fraud and swindle by Trump. He gets people to invest in his ventures, hotels, golf courses, casinos. He does not put his own money in to them, he lets others do that. But he collects salaries and payment for the ventures. Many of them have been put into bankruptcy, but Trump is only a manager, not an inmvestor. He loses nothing, but the investors do. It is fraud, but unless it can be shown he planned it that way, there is no legal recourse.He has a pattern of such,but those investors think they will make a great deal of money, and they do, for Trump.
82
It's not fraud at all- not in any legal sense of the word. It's how all big ventures in branding happen. Someone with an idea convinces a bunch of people with money to back their idea. Trump may be a flim-flam man, but he's as American as apple pie. In fact I'd say, "Trump is America, right back at cha!"
"NOW Trump's own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he's qualified to be president"--? You gotta be kidding me. When did he ever appear qualified?
499
Maureen; all you have is "serious doubts" on whether Donald Trump us qualified to be President? You don't have a clue.
567
OK, my friends in the Democratic party. Time to stop with the "I really don't want Hillary Clinton." She's a Democrat. And on issues ranging from Social Security to the Supreme Court, to respect for immigrants and members of minority religions to labor unions, she's a Democrat. Not a transformative candidate like Sanders or the way Obama promised to be, but a Democrat.
By contrast, Donald Trump is (1) a Republican, and (2) one who attacks people of Mexican descent, immigrants in general and Muslims in particular, women, people with disabilities, and many more. His ideas for the economy are incoherent; his sense of responsibility and consistency in foreign affairs non-existent.
So let's elect as many Democrats as we can: to the Senate, to Congress, to state and local offices -- and to the White House. The future of the country depends on this.
By contrast, Donald Trump is (1) a Republican, and (2) one who attacks people of Mexican descent, immigrants in general and Muslims in particular, women, people with disabilities, and many more. His ideas for the economy are incoherent; his sense of responsibility and consistency in foreign affairs non-existent.
So let's elect as many Democrats as we can: to the Senate, to Congress, to state and local offices -- and to the White House. The future of the country depends on this.
525
She is not a Democrat in reality. She is gathering Republicans around her, as she did at State. She wanted very much to expand wars and start new ones. She strongly supported some very nasty coups and regime change ideas. She promoted hard core Bush era neocons like Victoria Nuland and gave them key opportunities to cause trouble for us. She has said she wants more in Syria for example, outright confrontation with Russia.
What she says on economics is what Republicans say. And trade agreements.
There is one voice of dissent, and it is the very uncertain trumpet of Trump.
Hillary is a serious problem, and Trump exists as a live option because of her as much as the clowns of the Republican Clown Bus.
Democrats could still say no. Even if they don't, it is important to speak up before she starts in opposition to the wars, the neocon adventures, and the neo-liberal Wall Street Washington Consensus economics.
What she says on economics is what Republicans say. And trade agreements.
There is one voice of dissent, and it is the very uncertain trumpet of Trump.
Hillary is a serious problem, and Trump exists as a live option because of her as much as the clowns of the Republican Clown Bus.
Democrats could still say no. Even if they don't, it is important to speak up before she starts in opposition to the wars, the neocon adventures, and the neo-liberal Wall Street Washington Consensus economics.
25
If you are having trouble bringing yourself to vote for Hillary come Novemeber because she's not "a real Democrat", think about the SCOTUS. I'd rather have a 50% Dem rather than a 100% Trump making the picks.
The likelihood is that whoever is elected President this next term will be a one-term President. It's clear the country really wants neither candidate, and for almost everyone it is a lesser-of-two-evils choice. But not to choose the lesser of the evils is to implicitly support the greater evil. The choice may be repugnant to many, but the choice here is important nonetheless.
The likelihood is that whoever is elected President this next term will be a one-term President. It's clear the country really wants neither candidate, and for almost everyone it is a lesser-of-two-evils choice. But not to choose the lesser of the evils is to implicitly support the greater evil. The choice may be repugnant to many, but the choice here is important nonetheless.
5
Good luck with that argument, Mark. Hillary Clinton is anything but a saintly candidate, but neither is she the devil (a Republican in disguise) incarnate.
If you honestly weigh the political values espoused by both candidates and end up choosing Donald Trump to lead our nation, then I'd like to suggest you try shopping for a new scale.
If you honestly weigh the political values espoused by both candidates and end up choosing Donald Trump to lead our nation, then I'd like to suggest you try shopping for a new scale.
6
You impress me, Ms Dowd. Just when your readers thought they had you figured out, you pivot again with a straight forward column!
You are right. People buying the narrative that Mr Trump would be presidential once the primaries were done are fooling themselves. The same with those who think he would take care of them once he got the presidency. For Trump is Trump and taking care of Trump is job number one.
The news media are late but they have finally come out with the truth about how he has been operating his businesses. The bankrupted casinos, the so-called Trump University. All the gravy trains he wails about in his campaign talks. The unpaid contractors. The jilted partners. These have been going on for decades. So why would he change?
Lying and poisoning the well are his nature. He couldn't change them if he wanted to. Sen Elizabeth Warren sees through these. Why others couldn't is a mystery. The good news is that now he has 70% unfavorable rating according to some poll; the bad news is that 30% didn't see it. Scary world!
You are right. People buying the narrative that Mr Trump would be presidential once the primaries were done are fooling themselves. The same with those who think he would take care of them once he got the presidency. For Trump is Trump and taking care of Trump is job number one.
The news media are late but they have finally come out with the truth about how he has been operating his businesses. The bankrupted casinos, the so-called Trump University. All the gravy trains he wails about in his campaign talks. The unpaid contractors. The jilted partners. These have been going on for decades. So why would he change?
Lying and poisoning the well are his nature. He couldn't change them if he wanted to. Sen Elizabeth Warren sees through these. Why others couldn't is a mystery. The good news is that now he has 70% unfavorable rating according to some poll; the bad news is that 30% didn't see it. Scary world!
178
Regarding Trump, the media's behavior during the Republican primary season reminds me of the build-up to the Iraq war.
A media feeding frenzy of fear, lies and misinformation that has brought us to this frightening and dangerous moment in history.
A media feeding frenzy of fear, lies and misinformation that has brought us to this frightening and dangerous moment in history.
1
It is not what Trump says, it is what he does, he swindles people, he is a documented swindler.
He makes contracts with suppliers and workmen. When they finish the job, he does not pay them. They have had to sue to get paid. He then makes his deal with them, using his "Art of the Deal" offering less than the agreed upon price, He claims the work was substandard, or the material furnished were poor quality. The contractor file suit, Trump makes an offer to settle. It is pay a lawyer big fees to sue and go to trial. Since it is a civil suit it could take years to settle, so the contractor is forced to take what he can get and eat the loss.
It is just plain fraud, it is swindling the workers and contractors.
Then there is Trump University, another swindle. But this time the marks have noting to lose, and there are lawyers willing to take the case.
Trump knows his University is a fraud. He and his lawyers know a jury will find him liable. Make yourself unpopular, and then face a jury despite being neutral, will not like swindlers.
So the Trump defense is to attack a very well liked judge, for being of Mexican heritage. So Maureen you can tell us all the wonderful things about Trump, but he is still a crook, a cheat, a thief, a prevaricator, a really despicable person. And, then you had to get your little noxious dig in about HRC.
He makes contracts with suppliers and workmen. When they finish the job, he does not pay them. They have had to sue to get paid. He then makes his deal with them, using his "Art of the Deal" offering less than the agreed upon price, He claims the work was substandard, or the material furnished were poor quality. The contractor file suit, Trump makes an offer to settle. It is pay a lawyer big fees to sue and go to trial. Since it is a civil suit it could take years to settle, so the contractor is forced to take what he can get and eat the loss.
It is just plain fraud, it is swindling the workers and contractors.
Then there is Trump University, another swindle. But this time the marks have noting to lose, and there are lawyers willing to take the case.
Trump knows his University is a fraud. He and his lawyers know a jury will find him liable. Make yourself unpopular, and then face a jury despite being neutral, will not like swindlers.
So the Trump defense is to attack a very well liked judge, for being of Mexican heritage. So Maureen you can tell us all the wonderful things about Trump, but he is still a crook, a cheat, a thief, a prevaricator, a really despicable person. And, then you had to get your little noxious dig in about HRC.
660
Maureen, you should reconsider. Trump has a lot of good qualities that will make him a sterling President. Watch the second season of The Apprentice. All will be clear.
37
If The Donald "privately assured people that (his bigoted rants and eruptions) were merely opening bids in the negotiation," then what must he be thinking of those who've been supporting him? A tolerant man who behave like a racist hysteric in order to court the votes of genuine racist hysterics is arguably even worse than they are. In any case, it's good to see The Dowd finally treating someone not named Bush or Clinton with the same sort of contempt that she's long reserved for the ethically-compromised-but-generally-sane members of America's two first families. If it were suddenly determined that Hillary had sold classified secrets to the Russians and the Chinese she would still be more qualified to sit in the Oval Office than a disingenuous cynic (or, for that matter, an authentic ignoramus) who shouldn't be admitted to the White House even if he were to join a tour.
265
I'd rather have the Wizard of Oz as president. At least he knew that no one should pay attention to the man behind the curtain. Trump seems to want all the attention and none of the hard work that goes into crafting a campaign. He's showing how unfit he is for the presidency even more now than he did earlier. He's got the GOP where they live and they are too cowardly to do anything to change that.
264
Read the recent Washington Post story about how he has little to no national campaign staff and the RNC has to do the work for him.
3
now if only trump would float off in his big hot air balloon
3
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president"-Dowd.
Doubt? Only now? That is one mealy mouthed criticism. Even Wendell Wilkie was more qualified for the presidency than Trump. His bigotry, his misogyny, his lies, his frauds, his notorious wealth built by stiffing creditors and contractors, his exploration of immigrant labor, were all known from the beginning of his campaign. The press and the media, including Miss Dowd, have done a great job of giving him a free ride: insufficient coverage of his misdeeds and misdemeanors and hyping him with free publicity.
Ms. Dowd should get over her anti-Clinton sentiments and understand what is at stake.
Doubt? Only now? That is one mealy mouthed criticism. Even Wendell Wilkie was more qualified for the presidency than Trump. His bigotry, his misogyny, his lies, his frauds, his notorious wealth built by stiffing creditors and contractors, his exploration of immigrant labor, were all known from the beginning of his campaign. The press and the media, including Miss Dowd, have done a great job of giving him a free ride: insufficient coverage of his misdeeds and misdemeanors and hyping him with free publicity.
Ms. Dowd should get over her anti-Clinton sentiments and understand what is at stake.
913
She can't. She has misjudged both Clinton and Trump for decades and would never admit it.
8
All I can do is echo -- Now? Now? Now? Really, only Now?
"He won't pivot. So I have to." The first and last sentences of this column are incredible.
You have been deriding the Clintons for decades, and yet you only now decide Trump is unfit for the presidency?
Tell us, please. Under whose presidency do you believe our country would be better off -- Trump's or Clinton's?
Have you an answer?
"He won't pivot. So I have to." The first and last sentences of this column are incredible.
You have been deriding the Clintons for decades, and yet you only now decide Trump is unfit for the presidency?
Tell us, please. Under whose presidency do you believe our country would be better off -- Trump's or Clinton's?
Have you an answer?
16
Exactly.
4
Is this the strangest "opinion" piece we've ever read? Is this indeed the New York Times? Along with Mr. Trump, whose inability to deal with the truth is unassailable, Ms. Dowd now seems to have jumped the shark. Her final sentence casts serious doubt on whether she's qualified to writing on the hallowed opinion pages of the Times....
1073
Did you notice how Maureen couldn't resist a jab at Hillary? Trump holds many press conferences while HIllary hasn't so what? Does she think that "something must be going on over there?"
12
I'm with you. This column had an appalling apologist tone entirely too full of Dowd's parroting Trump's own slimy self-justifications and slippery faux reassurances. I think her legendary knee jerk Clinton hatred has truly warped her perception of Trump. This is a pathetic but revelatory piece of writing. Unfortunately it is unworthy of publication in the NY Times.
10
There are many who agree with you. It is time for the Times to rethink their op-ed page
7
Now that the mainstream media has hypocritically turned against The Donald, they and their corporate bosses need a solution. There are no good outcomes for them any more. Trump can go ahead and run, with an underfunded campaign and not enough backroom giveaways to the big boys who actually run this country.
Actually, they have a solution, and he has been treated with kid gloves by the press: Paul Ryan. Somehow they have been able to portray a minor league mind as a policy wonk, in spite of the fact that he's just as lost on accurate details as Trump. With Trump, you know you're getting a con man, and plenty of Americans are fine with that. It they weren't, they wouldn't be giving billions to TV preachers every year.
Note that Trump still talks like a lunatic, but Ryan is showing restraint, with well crafted and earnest policy suggestions. All of the fake warm gestures he's mastered as a politician will be summoned, as actual policies are being fine tuned by David Koch and Richard Mellon Sciafe. They don't care if Ryan has better policies. All they want is someone they can control, to keep taxes down, and the suckers dazzled.
Suddenly, all of this is collapsing. Trump now has a 70% negative appraisal. A little more gold paint won't change that.
Cruz is too nuts, Rubio too stupid, and why that group thought Jeb! would be there at the end shows how deluded they actually are.
Poor Republicans. Excuse me while I laugh.
Actually, they have a solution, and he has been treated with kid gloves by the press: Paul Ryan. Somehow they have been able to portray a minor league mind as a policy wonk, in spite of the fact that he's just as lost on accurate details as Trump. With Trump, you know you're getting a con man, and plenty of Americans are fine with that. It they weren't, they wouldn't be giving billions to TV preachers every year.
Note that Trump still talks like a lunatic, but Ryan is showing restraint, with well crafted and earnest policy suggestions. All of the fake warm gestures he's mastered as a politician will be summoned, as actual policies are being fine tuned by David Koch and Richard Mellon Sciafe. They don't care if Ryan has better policies. All they want is someone they can control, to keep taxes down, and the suckers dazzled.
Suddenly, all of this is collapsing. Trump now has a 70% negative appraisal. A little more gold paint won't change that.
Cruz is too nuts, Rubio too stupid, and why that group thought Jeb! would be there at the end shows how deluded they actually are.
Poor Republicans. Excuse me while I laugh.
399
"as actual policies are being fine tuned by David Koch and Richard Mellon Sciafe"
This must be accomplished in a seance as Sciafe died on July 4, 2014.
This must be accomplished in a seance as Sciafe died on July 4, 2014.
2
Now Trump's behavior is casting serious doubts? Just now, Maureen? The truly serious doubters have been here all along. You're late to the party, and that, my dear, is part of the reason the short fingered vulgarian is where he is.
1201
Dowd, like so many reporters (they are, really, no more than political gossip columnists) is so, so impressed with how accessible Donald Trump makes himself to the new media. Yet, he lies through his teeth to them just as he does to the American people and everyone else with whom he deals. God, American journalism is awful.
590
This campaign season has proved one thing, that journalists are not in the business of informing or reporting facts. They are in it for the fun of entertaining each other. So if Maureen writes a column she gets a pat on the back from other journalists and she will do the same to fellow columnists. They live in their own echo chamber, their audience being each other. The public can go to hell as far as they are concerned. The media is in the business of putting words in people's heads, gullible public that is us.
6
"Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Ms. Dowd, please read about "narcissistic personality disorder" on reliable web sites. In my view Mr. Trump probably has a serious psychological disorder which makes him unsuitable to be Commander-in-Chief of a nuclear weapon-armed nation.
I have no doubts about his lack of qualifications to be President.
Ms. Dowd, please read about "narcissistic personality disorder" on reliable web sites. In my view Mr. Trump probably has a serious psychological disorder which makes him unsuitable to be Commander-in-Chief of a nuclear weapon-armed nation.
I have no doubts about his lack of qualifications to be President.
813
It is unethical to diagnose a psychological disorder in someone without a face-to-face interview. Never-the-less Saddam Hussein was thought to have a form of narcissistic personality disorder from observation of his behavior over many years. He could have become chief of a nuclear armed nation if he were not stopped by UN sanctions. His sons Uday and Quesay were apparently unbalanced. Was this a result of being influenced by their father. But Sadam's daughter seemed more normal.
1
I have diagnosed him with acute inoperable JPN (just plain nuts).
22
Wow, Maureen, that was a pretty fast pivot. Is it just my imagination, or was it only a few weeks ago you were writing columnist-crush columns that made Donald out to be a lovable rogue, compared to the wicked witch of Chappaqua? Is it just my imagination, that we actually called you out for it on more than one occasion?
And now you join the hordes of other don't ask, don't tell journalists who pushed the Trump train to the nomination. And you have the gall to tell us what we've been basically yelling for the past year, that Trump is a calculating narcissist who lies so fast and frequently, that fact checkers can't keep up.
I'm sorry, but this is way too little, way too late. You're preaching to the choir here. But as long as I'm this far, let correct the record on two points:
"Trump was applying his business cunning"--not sure business cunning (which implies ability to read markets) applies to the King of Casinos who managed to actually lose money during an Atlantic City gambling boom. Oh wait, edit needed--managed to lose money for investors/contractors (not himself, naturally). Yeah, guess Trump does have cunning.
"Before his campaign became infused with racial grievance, victimhood and violence" -- what do you mean, "before"? His announcement last June was 100% racial grievance and violence at rallies began in February.
I guess columnists, even converted ones, can make mistakes.
And now you join the hordes of other don't ask, don't tell journalists who pushed the Trump train to the nomination. And you have the gall to tell us what we've been basically yelling for the past year, that Trump is a calculating narcissist who lies so fast and frequently, that fact checkers can't keep up.
I'm sorry, but this is way too little, way too late. You're preaching to the choir here. But as long as I'm this far, let correct the record on two points:
"Trump was applying his business cunning"--not sure business cunning (which implies ability to read markets) applies to the King of Casinos who managed to actually lose money during an Atlantic City gambling boom. Oh wait, edit needed--managed to lose money for investors/contractors (not himself, naturally). Yeah, guess Trump does have cunning.
"Before his campaign became infused with racial grievance, victimhood and violence" -- what do you mean, "before"? His announcement last June was 100% racial grievance and violence at rallies began in February.
I guess columnists, even converted ones, can make mistakes.
1788
I agree. Dowd seems more smitten but disappointed. anything but appalled at the guy at this point and I have a hard time understanding the logic.
6
I think she just woke up and realized she needs to get off the Trump train before it careens off the track. She's as motivated by self-interest as he is.
13
Too little, too late, Ms. Dowd. You were just hoping he might pick you for the fourth Mrs. Trump?
7
This is a good, well balanced explanation of how the extreme weakness of others made Trump. The bank left the doors open. He did not need to be a genius lock-breake.
This is a needed concern for what made Trump possible, the misconduct of existing politicians, those who could not only be bought, but were bought cheaply.
However, Dowd misses a key point when she writes, "he assured *people* that these were merely opening bids in the negotiation; that he was really the same pragmatic New Yorker he had always been"
Trump may have reassured Dowd of that, no doubt he said the very words and seemed to understand and mean that. However, he only reassured Dowd and a very few others with such words. Most people never heard him say that, were not meant to hear it as part of the very design he described. Yet they liked him anyway, even because of.
Voters who did not hear what he said to Dowd were reacting to both his show, and the weaknesses of others she explains. They liked his show, and many still do. Not here in the NYT, but in other places.
Can the media and elite reaction defeat Trump? They are certainly going all out. They certainly were a big part in defeating Bernie.
But the people who would vote for Bernie actually read the NYT and Wash Post and care what they say.
Trump voters don't. They don't like or trust those media or elite, and would like Trump more for that media's dislike of him.
They are still deeply offended by the things Dowd explained of the rest.
This is a needed concern for what made Trump possible, the misconduct of existing politicians, those who could not only be bought, but were bought cheaply.
However, Dowd misses a key point when she writes, "he assured *people* that these were merely opening bids in the negotiation; that he was really the same pragmatic New Yorker he had always been"
Trump may have reassured Dowd of that, no doubt he said the very words and seemed to understand and mean that. However, he only reassured Dowd and a very few others with such words. Most people never heard him say that, were not meant to hear it as part of the very design he described. Yet they liked him anyway, even because of.
Voters who did not hear what he said to Dowd were reacting to both his show, and the weaknesses of others she explains. They liked his show, and many still do. Not here in the NYT, but in other places.
Can the media and elite reaction defeat Trump? They are certainly going all out. They certainly were a big part in defeating Bernie.
But the people who would vote for Bernie actually read the NYT and Wash Post and care what they say.
Trump voters don't. They don't like or trust those media or elite, and would like Trump more for that media's dislike of him.
They are still deeply offended by the things Dowd explained of the rest.
75
I also blame the media who enthusiastically promoted Trump only to tear him down now that he is the final one standing. At the same time, the media ignored or were dismissive of Sanders while they gave us day after day of gushing pieces about Clinton. Talk about being brainwashed.
6
A few minutes ago I read on another news site that Trump says Jeb Bush will attempt to hijack the Republican convention to get the nomination. With Trump it's one conspiracy after another. Obama supports terrorism. The Chinese made up climate change. "Low energy Jeb" has the energy to over-throw him. Trump sees conspiracies everywhere he looks. What does that say about him?
419
The old line "even paranoids have real enemies" applies completely to Trump. Anybody with a brain is against him -- Republicans with brains (how many are there?) know that he will certainly destroy the party for generation if he runs, but then it's very problematic to get rid of him too.
8
It says that he is a delusional mentally disturbed narcissist who cannot be allowed to own a firearm, let alone be in control of the ultimate weapons.
.
.
13
You forgot the conspiracy theory form the Donald where he read in the Enquirer that Ted Cruz father was involved in the JFK assassination..
6
Maureen, you wrote: "Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president."
Now?
NOW?
Are you serious?
Maureen, the moment Drumpf began to pimp his loathsome birther scam, he demonstrated himself as lacking the character to be President. And Drumpf has been dancing the limbo rock of political degeneracy ever since, eager to prove that he could go lower than anyone else, lower than anyone in American history. Nixon now looks like Lincoln when compared to Drumpf.
That Drumpf has gotten as far as he has to date is only a testament to the scale of the malignancy that has overtaken the Republican electorate, a malignancy caused by overexposure to a politics of racial, ethnic, and religious resentment intended to mask the systematic fleecing of the American middle and working classes by the financial elite of the GOP.
Drumpf saw an opening through the anal sphincter of the GOP, and made up his mind to travel a route to power that no man or woman of character would ever dream of taking.
And yet the saddest part of this story, bar none, is that Ted Cruz, the leading Republican alternative, is likely an even bigger scoundrel than Drumpf.
How low can Trump go? All the way to the basement in the 7th circle of hell.
Now?
NOW?
Are you serious?
Maureen, the moment Drumpf began to pimp his loathsome birther scam, he demonstrated himself as lacking the character to be President. And Drumpf has been dancing the limbo rock of political degeneracy ever since, eager to prove that he could go lower than anyone else, lower than anyone in American history. Nixon now looks like Lincoln when compared to Drumpf.
That Drumpf has gotten as far as he has to date is only a testament to the scale of the malignancy that has overtaken the Republican electorate, a malignancy caused by overexposure to a politics of racial, ethnic, and religious resentment intended to mask the systematic fleecing of the American middle and working classes by the financial elite of the GOP.
Drumpf saw an opening through the anal sphincter of the GOP, and made up his mind to travel a route to power that no man or woman of character would ever dream of taking.
And yet the saddest part of this story, bar none, is that Ted Cruz, the leading Republican alternative, is likely an even bigger scoundrel than Drumpf.
How low can Trump go? All the way to the basement in the 7th circle of hell.
1775
"Drumpf saw an opening through the anal sphincter of the GOP, and made up his mind to travel a route to power that no man or woman of character would ever dream of taking."
Absolute winner of today's Skunk Award.
Absolute winner of today's Skunk Award.
15
After many years of following Ms. Dowd's columns I began skipping many of them about four years ago. She seemed to have lost her playfulness and appeared to be preoccupied with Hillary Clinton. While this column doesn't mention Clinton, it is so wildly and stubbornly oblivious to Trump's political malignancy that it's laughable. Thus, I just read her column for the last time.
10
I wrote this almost a year ago (8/16/15)...
The Set Of His Jaw
The set of his jaw and facial expression
At arrogant angle with clenched intention
Could mirror the man of Italian descent
Whose name Mussolini hysteria sent
He too promised people their greatest success
For best in the world try forgetting finesse
A ruler dictating through fascist firm fist
The trains ran on time such efficiency gist
Our monsters are seldom well known to themselves
While preening and placing awards on their shelves
They rarely seem conscious of how they behave
Or swamped by their critics in wave after wave
Amassing a fortune brings power to spare
Political clout turns to walking on air
When feet made of clay never dare touch the ground
Take care that democracy might come unwound
The Set Of His Jaw
The set of his jaw and facial expression
At arrogant angle with clenched intention
Could mirror the man of Italian descent
Whose name Mussolini hysteria sent
He too promised people their greatest success
For best in the world try forgetting finesse
A ruler dictating through fascist firm fist
The trains ran on time such efficiency gist
Our monsters are seldom well known to themselves
While preening and placing awards on their shelves
They rarely seem conscious of how they behave
Or swamped by their critics in wave after wave
Amassing a fortune brings power to spare
Political clout turns to walking on air
When feet made of clay never dare touch the ground
Take care that democracy might come unwound
6
Every loony-tunes candidate in modern American political history has made "fair points" at one time or another. My goodness, even Ted Cruz seemed reasonable at times when compared to the lunatic Trump. But what sets the truly out-there candidates apart from serious contenders is this: what do they propose to do about problems that everyone knows are problems? Whether it's immigration or terrorism or nuclear proliferation or the economy, Trump's proposed solutions make no sense at all. They never did. He's been consistent from day one of his candiacy.
Good for Maureen Dowd for finally seeing the light. Shame on her for having given Donald Trump a pass for this long in the vain hope of a "pivot.". He didn't do anything to deserve the consideration.
Good for Maureen Dowd for finally seeing the light. Shame on her for having given Donald Trump a pass for this long in the vain hope of a "pivot.". He didn't do anything to deserve the consideration.
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DT is about as socially conscious as a post. How, Ms. Dowd, could you believe for one minute that he would do anything but lie and cheat to get what he wants - attention and money. One of your other "conservative" heroes must finally be ready to step up and aren't we lucky that George Bush, Jr. has come out of hiding up to help with fundraising. That shows how far your precious party has fallen.
540
DOWD finally gets it.
People have been saying for months that he wasn't qualified. Conservatives like George Will, Charles Krautheimer and David Brooks have been saying it.
MoDo finally got over her crush on The Donald and now realizes that she'll have to vote for Hillary.
People have been saying for months that he wasn't qualified. Conservatives like George Will, Charles Krautheimer and David Brooks have been saying it.
MoDo finally got over her crush on The Donald and now realizes that she'll have to vote for Hillary.
972
Oh no, she certainly did not say that at all.
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OMG, Dowd will never, never, never vote for Hillary! She'll write in Jeb or someone. Or maybe she'll still vote for Trump, because she knows him better than he knows himself.
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"Casting serious doubts"? I do not think that she fully gets it yet.
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“Jeb Bush, a past-his-sell-by-date scion”. Wow. But the truth hurts – in 2012, he said that he’d thought that if he was going to do it at all, then that was his election. He may have beaten Mitt Romney for the nomination; and if he had, you can bet you wouldn’t have heard about some aphasic “47%” speech given to the Republican moneyed who needed to be stoked, and his advance people wouldn’t have allowed cellphones into the do. But “The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.” (Omar Khayyám.) We are where we are.
It’s true that Trump will need to pivot soon if he’s going to be viable against Hillary. But we need to remember that despite indications, he hasn’t been crowned yet as Republican nominee, and the party stalwarts still are talking about how they can slip a replacement by the base that supports him. Until that crowning happens, don’t look for him to be massively different from the Trump who won all those primaries and decimated his rivals. It’s not until AFTER the Republican convention in July that the REAL campaign starts up.
But also don’t count him out. A flurry of Twitter activity on guns and the NRA likely will get his poll numbers back up. The people remain unamused and unimpressed by the establishments of BOTH parties, and if you check your Funk & Wagnalls for the word “establishment”, there’s Hillary’s selfie.
It’s true that Trump will need to pivot soon if he’s going to be viable against Hillary. But we need to remember that despite indications, he hasn’t been crowned yet as Republican nominee, and the party stalwarts still are talking about how they can slip a replacement by the base that supports him. Until that crowning happens, don’t look for him to be massively different from the Trump who won all those primaries and decimated his rivals. It’s not until AFTER the Republican convention in July that the REAL campaign starts up.
But also don’t count him out. A flurry of Twitter activity on guns and the NRA likely will get his poll numbers back up. The people remain unamused and unimpressed by the establishments of BOTH parties, and if you check your Funk & Wagnalls for the word “establishment”, there’s Hillary’s selfie.
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And if you check that Funk & Wagnalls for the word "fraud," the Human Selfie shows up.
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Get used to it, Richard, he can't pivot. Rhinos and buffalo and other critters can, but lemmings will just run off the cliff, chasing their own image.
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It's remarkable that anyone would claim to speak for "the people" but okay, let's pretend that you've channeled the collective brain of America. Do you really expect that that brain is so addled that it won't remember anything the Trump has said over the course of the last year or so? Do you really believe that your fellow citizens are so enraged that they will make a demogouge who's campaign is based on fear their President? Do you believe that Americans think it's okay for him to suggest that the President supports terrorists attacks on the country, to claim that a judge of Mexican descent won't give him a fair shake in court or to propose banning people from the United States on religious grounds? Do you really think that little of your fellow citizens?
Conservative stalwarts have been pushing the idea that we'll be seeing a new Trump any day now. They tell us that he doesn't really mean what he says. Well, let's exit reality again a pretend that's true, and tell us what he actually does mean.
Conservative stalwarts have been pushing the idea that we'll be seeing a new Trump any day now. They tell us that he doesn't really mean what he says. Well, let's exit reality again a pretend that's true, and tell us what he actually does mean.
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Welcome back from Planet Trumpeter, Maureen --- how was your trip ?
That sure is one giant gaseous planet - one of the largest free-floating super-egos in the solar system - very impressive and just like Jupiter...also blessed with a mysterious Great Orange-Red Spot.
Now that you're back in Earth's atmosphere, it may take some time to fully adjust your senses.
Let me help.
You say "Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president", but it's actually a little more serious than that.
It's almost unanimous that Trump is unqualified to be President of anything beyond Bloviators Anonymous and The Hair Club For Men.
Sure there will always be bedrock Trump support from the Confederate Caucus, The Aryan Society, The Ayn Rand Society and the 0.1%-ers For More 0.1% Welfare Community Association, but thinking people will have a tough time pulling the lever for a man who's having the world's most prolific and public love affair with himself, his own name and his own mirror reflection.
We're looking at a November 2016 Democratic landslide election of epic proportions as people start to realize that once again, the Republican cuckoo nest produces the best Made In America cuckoos 0.1% money can buy.
Trumpty Dumpty is having a great fall.
The possibility of life surviving on Planet Trumpeter was always nil.
Welcome back from outer space, Maureen.
That sure is one giant gaseous planet - one of the largest free-floating super-egos in the solar system - very impressive and just like Jupiter...also blessed with a mysterious Great Orange-Red Spot.
Now that you're back in Earth's atmosphere, it may take some time to fully adjust your senses.
Let me help.
You say "Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president", but it's actually a little more serious than that.
It's almost unanimous that Trump is unqualified to be President of anything beyond Bloviators Anonymous and The Hair Club For Men.
Sure there will always be bedrock Trump support from the Confederate Caucus, The Aryan Society, The Ayn Rand Society and the 0.1%-ers For More 0.1% Welfare Community Association, but thinking people will have a tough time pulling the lever for a man who's having the world's most prolific and public love affair with himself, his own name and his own mirror reflection.
We're looking at a November 2016 Democratic landslide election of epic proportions as people start to realize that once again, the Republican cuckoo nest produces the best Made In America cuckoos 0.1% money can buy.
Trumpty Dumpty is having a great fall.
The possibility of life surviving on Planet Trumpeter was always nil.
Welcome back from outer space, Maureen.
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@Socrates
Go back and read "Atlas Shrugged" again. Hardly any of you like her writing, but she was very good at writing characterizations, taking them to their extreme. She describes a president, a Mr. Thompson, who has Trumpian characteristics, she was prescient, saw him coming. Believe me the Ayn Rand Society if such exists would find him to be the worst possible choice. Hillary would not be much better, but Trump, he is the epitome of the guy that ran the fictional auto manufacturer into bankruptcy. If yu red through her book, you will see Ryan, Gingrich, Bush #2, and a few others. You can disagree with her politics and economics, but she was very good with characters.
In many cases that is why she is not liked, she has described them in very unflattering ways.
Go back and read "Atlas Shrugged" again. Hardly any of you like her writing, but she was very good at writing characterizations, taking them to their extreme. She describes a president, a Mr. Thompson, who has Trumpian characteristics, she was prescient, saw him coming. Believe me the Ayn Rand Society if such exists would find him to be the worst possible choice. Hillary would not be much better, but Trump, he is the epitome of the guy that ran the fictional auto manufacturer into bankruptcy. If yu red through her book, you will see Ryan, Gingrich, Bush #2, and a few others. You can disagree with her politics and economics, but she was very good with characters.
In many cases that is why she is not liked, she has described them in very unflattering ways.
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Really good stuff!
7
Rand describes every thought, emotion, situation, change in the weather, hat, ad nauseum...everything is "astonishing." But that certainly does describe the existence of Trump as a public figure.
2
H L Mencken wrote that "there's no underestimating the intelligence of the American public." If he were writing today, he might add that there is no overestimating the streak of mean-spirited bigotry and greed within the political process, a deep vein of ore that the devious, duplicitous, devilish Donald knows well how to mine.
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His actual words were:
“No one in this world, so far as I know — and I have searched the records for years, and employed agents to help me — has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people. Nor has anyone ever lost public office thereby.”
“No one in this world, so far as I know — and I have searched the records for years, and employed agents to help me — has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people. Nor has anyone ever lost public office thereby.”
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“Now Trump’s own behavior is casting serious doubt on whether he’s qualified to be president.” Holy mackerel, does this have to be said? Of course he’s no more qualified to become president than a gerbil, and not a very bright one at that.
But Trump is not to blame. He entered the race as a lark, and he made it to the top only because he was the best looking horse in the glue factory. His stablemates were one-note wonders who thought that harping on the same, tired Republican agenda would propel them to victory. But they were stupendously unlikable people, as well as flawed, damaged and plastered all over in the thick treacle of religious sanctimony.
So the gerbil won. He’s not that bright, but that means he doesn’t get all tied up in shades of gray, which confuses the populace. He has (reportedly) lots of money, and lives like a king. He says the things that rich idiots say, which resonate with people who confuse wealth with smarts.
Besides, government isn’t working. Republicans saw to that, taking every opportunity to make it grind to a halt, and replacing sensible representatives with science deniers and conspiracy theorists. Gerbil Trump fits right in, and can fling nonsense with the best of them.
So no, Trump is not qualified to be the head of the most powerful nation on earth, nor is he qualified to have his short, stubby finger poised over the nuclear button. That may go without saying, but it still needs to be said..
But Trump is not to blame. He entered the race as a lark, and he made it to the top only because he was the best looking horse in the glue factory. His stablemates were one-note wonders who thought that harping on the same, tired Republican agenda would propel them to victory. But they were stupendously unlikable people, as well as flawed, damaged and plastered all over in the thick treacle of religious sanctimony.
So the gerbil won. He’s not that bright, but that means he doesn’t get all tied up in shades of gray, which confuses the populace. He has (reportedly) lots of money, and lives like a king. He says the things that rich idiots say, which resonate with people who confuse wealth with smarts.
Besides, government isn’t working. Republicans saw to that, taking every opportunity to make it grind to a halt, and replacing sensible representatives with science deniers and conspiracy theorists. Gerbil Trump fits right in, and can fling nonsense with the best of them.
So no, Trump is not qualified to be the head of the most powerful nation on earth, nor is he qualified to have his short, stubby finger poised over the nuclear button. That may go without saying, but it still needs to be said..
2472
gemli-
Hugmetite,my pet gerbil, begs exception to your "Of course he's no more qualified to become president than a gerbil".
Hugmetite,my pet gerbil, begs exception to your "Of course he's no more qualified to become president than a gerbil".
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"He entered the race as a lark, and he made it to the top only because he was the best looking horse in the glue factory." Thank you for one of the finest lines ever posted in the NYT comments sections.
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Superb comment gemli!
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Mo, our worse problem is that the GOP'er presumptive is merely emblematic of a whole cadre of Billionairist$ who are just as oblivious about statecraft, just as sneering of ' political correctness ' (which is really a catch-all phrase used to demean rights most of the rest of society considers normative) and carry the hallmarks of ' make it so ' arrogance which attach to a class that avails itself of attorneys to make sure they can play by different rules to create their own reality.
It's a problem when such people find the actual reality the rest of us exist in impinges inconveniently on their own construct(s), and they pretend they can remake the real world for everyone else, too, ignoring science, law, and math.
Limiting the number of denizens in these delusional cocoons is the purpose of progressive income taxation and estate taxes, attempting to prevent the development of a deluded aristocracy that wields enough political power to successfully perpetuate its snow-globe world view.
It's a problem when such people find the actual reality the rest of us exist in impinges inconveniently on their own construct(s), and they pretend they can remake the real world for everyone else, too, ignoring science, law, and math.
Limiting the number of denizens in these delusional cocoons is the purpose of progressive income taxation and estate taxes, attempting to prevent the development of a deluded aristocracy that wields enough political power to successfully perpetuate its snow-globe world view.
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So, you've finally seen the Trumpian light. Or should I say darkness.
Better late than never, escaping right in the nick of time from the slimy clutches of a man who deigned to absolve you from his misogyny, at least to your face. That glow from all those exclusive interviews and intimate dinners at Trump Towers in full view of hundreds of envious gawkers has paled, apparently. Was it the 70% public disapproval rating that finally got to you, or did your moral compass finally stop spinning in besotted confusion? Was it the gut-wrenching televised spectacle of Donald's rapprochement with Megyn Kelly that caused the epiphany? Or, maybe the last straw was when he banned the elite Washington Post from his entourage.
That must have been too close for comfort.
Better to be the instigator of the big breakup than find yourself on the receiving end of it, right?
Besides, it has become a "thing" with the recovering elite press corps to see who can blast Donald with the cleverest Tweeted Trump putdowns in any news cycle.
It's telling that you were even momentarily swayed by Trump's bland assurances that he really didn't mean it when he demonized Muslims, Mexicans and disabled people. The pseudo-populism was like the bouquet of roses all abusers give their victims. As long as he's against NAFTA and GOP corruption, he can't be a total psychopath, right?
And now that he's gone from cool billionaire to the Biggest Loser, Ms. Dowd bolts.
Cue Amy Poehler: Really, Maureen? Really?
Better late than never, escaping right in the nick of time from the slimy clutches of a man who deigned to absolve you from his misogyny, at least to your face. That glow from all those exclusive interviews and intimate dinners at Trump Towers in full view of hundreds of envious gawkers has paled, apparently. Was it the 70% public disapproval rating that finally got to you, or did your moral compass finally stop spinning in besotted confusion? Was it the gut-wrenching televised spectacle of Donald's rapprochement with Megyn Kelly that caused the epiphany? Or, maybe the last straw was when he banned the elite Washington Post from his entourage.
That must have been too close for comfort.
Better to be the instigator of the big breakup than find yourself on the receiving end of it, right?
Besides, it has become a "thing" with the recovering elite press corps to see who can blast Donald with the cleverest Tweeted Trump putdowns in any news cycle.
It's telling that you were even momentarily swayed by Trump's bland assurances that he really didn't mean it when he demonized Muslims, Mexicans and disabled people. The pseudo-populism was like the bouquet of roses all abusers give their victims. As long as he's against NAFTA and GOP corruption, he can't be a total psychopath, right?
And now that he's gone from cool billionaire to the Biggest Loser, Ms. Dowd bolts.
Cue Amy Poehler: Really, Maureen? Really?
1222
Yes, it struck me that Mo was fine with his antics till it struck too close to home with his recent increased vitriol to the press. Like the bully who isn't that bad - till he hits you.
60
"intimate dinners at Trump Towers in full view of hundreds of envious gawkers"
Darn it. Had I known that gawkers envied that sort of shallowness I would have confessed to having these dinners years ago.
Darn it. Had I known that gawkers envied that sort of shallowness I would have confessed to having these dinners years ago.
7
Love this!
Pragmatic New Yorker is he?
Not serious in bigotry?
A bait and switch bigot
Who'll turn off the spigot
When he becomes the Nominee?
A wannabe Reagan is he?
Shedding his bellicosity?
As a campaign closer
He gets bellicoser,
He needs an egoectomy!
But Hillary still galls Maureen
Her dislike is never unseen,
Her Trumpian illusion
Led to disillusion
Trump, lightweight, malicious and mean.
Not serious in bigotry?
A bait and switch bigot
Who'll turn off the spigot
When he becomes the Nominee?
A wannabe Reagan is he?
Shedding his bellicosity?
As a campaign closer
He gets bellicoser,
He needs an egoectomy!
But Hillary still galls Maureen
Her dislike is never unseen,
Her Trumpian illusion
Led to disillusion
Trump, lightweight, malicious and mean.
1381
The best part of Ms Dowds column is Mr Eisenbergs response
27
Before his reputation and presidency became infused with rancid political correctness, racial grievance and victimhood, we thought Barack Raqqa Obama was SO cool, even if he'd never done anything. Oh, that we could go back to how solid a nation we still were in 2008.
Maureen's personal preferences have been getting in the way of her thinking and her humor, for quite awhile. She needs to shake it up and start over. Cut the Obama and Hillary hating and move on to issues and analysis.
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