The gop hasn't plumbed the depths of the low yet.
10
What boggles my mind is the large number of ELECTED GOP senators and congressmen since Citizens United. That was the result of a lot of money, and a lot of people voting for what was bad for them. If the voters continue down this path, they can blame themselves for what they get (or don't get).
The irony is that Donald Trump, the GOP Nominee, is the result of pandering to bigotry and hatred by the party, ever since the adoption of the Southern Strategy in the 70s.
Well, we're running out of high-school educated white men in this country, and not a moment too soon.
The irony is that Donald Trump, the GOP Nominee, is the result of pandering to bigotry and hatred by the party, ever since the adoption of the Southern Strategy in the 70s.
Well, we're running out of high-school educated white men in this country, and not a moment too soon.
9
Obviously lower than low. DRUMPF!!! It's all you need to know. Oh, in the past they have been anti American all along.
Pro banks. Anti Union. Pro corparate. Pro gun. Anti choice.
Against workers. How do they keep getting in office?
They continue to run things into the ground. This cannot stand. But half the country are fooled. Voting for a party that
continues to take more away from them.
But... Here's your gun. No problem.
Pro banks. Anti Union. Pro corparate. Pro gun. Anti choice.
Against workers. How do they keep getting in office?
They continue to run things into the ground. This cannot stand. But half the country are fooled. Voting for a party that
continues to take more away from them.
But... Here's your gun. No problem.
6
The Fourth Estate loves to reflect on the disasters it creates. But it always fails to see its own image in the mirror.
4
Democratic population control: sex education, birth control, access to termination if needed.
GOP population control: ignorance, "religion," no access to contraception or information about it, no access to abortion, no funding for terminally-ill newborns, self-service murder of "undesirables" by laws such as "Stand Your Ground."
Little wonder they will do NOTHING about gun control.
GOP population control: ignorance, "religion," no access to contraception or information about it, no access to abortion, no funding for terminally-ill newborns, self-service murder of "undesirables" by laws such as "Stand Your Ground."
Little wonder they will do NOTHING about gun control.
10
Trump is effectively tied in Pennsylvania and Ohio and down perhaps five points nationally after a very bad month. Are people like this really afraid he will lose, or are they afraid he will win
3
"...Trump could carry a host of Republican down-ballot candidates with him to defeat."
I don't think I've heard a more attractive scenario since I was a very young kid, and I was informed about Santa Claus.
I don't think I've heard a more attractive scenario since I was a very young kid, and I was informed about Santa Claus.
11
PT BARNUM is an anagram for BAN TRUMP.
Let's go GOP. Vote for Trexit.
Let's go GOP. Vote for Trexit.
11
Of course it can go lower. Are you not paying attention to the people who brought it down, namely the so-called "leadership? These scoundrels and buffoons are capable of anything. There is no connection to truth or reason.
We are back to Capt. Kangaroo (I miss him) – this is "Anything Can Happen Day." How about Mr. Green Jeans for Donald's running mate? Anything can happen. Will the Trump era also bring us "Another Be Good to Mother Day?" We can always hope.
We are back to Capt. Kangaroo (I miss him) – this is "Anything Can Happen Day." How about Mr. Green Jeans for Donald's running mate? Anything can happen. Will the Trump era also bring us "Another Be Good to Mother Day?" We can always hope.
2
Gee, IDK.
in the age of mass shootings here and abroad, even of innocent children, they don't see a problem with a presidential candidate who brags about shooting someone in broad daylight on Fifth Avenue and getting away with it.
I think that says it all.
in the age of mass shootings here and abroad, even of innocent children, they don't see a problem with a presidential candidate who brags about shooting someone in broad daylight on Fifth Avenue and getting away with it.
I think that says it all.
11
Still think Bernie Sanders should stay in the race in case FBI comes in hard. We don't know what is going to happen and Senator Sanders has pledged to beat Donald Trump. This may have to be an Independent run or an alignment with Green Party Candidate Jill Stein. Too much is at stake and the Clintons are the "disappointers in chief" remember?
1
Drumpf is the new low. He will dig deeper into the gutter.
Since he will be celebrated for idiotic utterances by his idiot
followers, he will say anything. There's a possibility that he might be in the throes of early dementia. No matter.
The republican base will continue to support the cheddar candidate.
Since he will be celebrated for idiotic utterances by his idiot
followers, he will say anything. There's a possibility that he might be in the throes of early dementia. No matter.
The republican base will continue to support the cheddar candidate.
6
How low can the GOP go? Low enough to endorse Trump and vote for him.
8
Guns and fetuses are top priority for Eddie Munster and the repubs. The two constitutional rights they fight for.
Once you are out of the womb, you are on your own.
Learn to walk toddlers. And duck and cover.
Once you are out of the womb, you are on your own.
Learn to walk toddlers. And duck and cover.
11
Am I the only one that feels that we've been manipulated by big money? Am I the only one that feels that having exploited and used up the jingoists and religionists in the Republican party, and driven it to it's inevitable conclusion, they've now made a down payment on the party they think will win? And that we now have no choice but to vote for the one sane candidate.
Vote for that candidate we will, but we can't ignore the fact that the two-party system is broken.
Vote for that candidate we will, but we can't ignore the fact that the two-party system is broken.
1
Looking at the supporters at trump rallies, I can only shake my head and think sadly of the story about a Pied piper and rats, or lambs to slaughter - either would apply. That the ones in the photo here are my fellow Georgians is cringe worthy.
4
Nice try, Re: giving the Trump campaign the benefit of the doubt. The Republicans have got nowhere to go but down. There is no way that they can avoid self-destruction now because they could not have picked a worse candidate if they tried. Obviously some of the people were fooled, but that is not enough to win anything but the consolation prize for the biggest clown in the car. Congrats GOP! It's all downhill from here.
8
How low can Republicans go? No lower. They proved that when they nominated the Trumpster
3
How low can the G.O.P. go, I wonder! I don't think there is a bottom to the endless pit. Or maybe, they gravity will suck them to the core of the Earth and some extraterrestrial being in space will find evidence life existed on our Planet, once upon a time many light years ago.
4
Trump is succeeding in part because not enough people want what "establishment" Republicans are selling. Why can't Paul Ryan and his ilk seem to see that?
2
What disturbed me most about this election is the lack of truth on the republican side, yet its nearly impossible to get a republican to even listen to what you have to say much less believe it. This more than anything is what worries me.
10
Mitch McConnell's "All Things Obama Bad" obstructionism creating the Party Of No.
They were willing for a shut down of the government costing 25 billion dollars.
They want raped children to carry the rapists' seed to term.
They are willing to watch children in a school shot to death and do nothing but support terrorists on the no-fly list buying guns.
They are complicit in the deaths all all the mass murders.
How low can they go?
Oh, honey, they've only just begun.
They were willing for a shut down of the government costing 25 billion dollars.
They want raped children to carry the rapists' seed to term.
They are willing to watch children in a school shot to death and do nothing but support terrorists on the no-fly list buying guns.
They are complicit in the deaths all all the mass murders.
How low can they go?
Oh, honey, they've only just begun.
13
Please do not compare Barry Goldwater to Donald Trump in any way, shape or form. Barry Goldwater had integrity and class. Goldwater was a true Conservative who fell victim to the type of tactics ignorant, unethical people employ. You may not have agreed with his politics, but they had a basis, a philosophy. Donald Trump is an opportunistic clown who has given us no reason to believe that he is capable of managing anything successfully.
10
I've become a firm believer that our two party system is still the best model for a country as huge and diverse as ours.
Certainly not free-wheeling democracy, but it does provide persons of diverse liberal or conservative persuasions channels to promote most of what they want. After that, there's further compromise among executive and legislative members of both parties to hammer out solutions both can live with and that benefit our country.
I was born two months after Harry Truman completed FDR's final term and until the advent of the Reagan Administration, I’d regarded the Republican Party as one capable of understanding there are loyal Americans who, while not sharing their views, have compelling points and must be engaged to work out compromise solutions for the purpose of national governance.
Even Richard Nixon got that.
So it’s my fervent hope the baptism of fire the Republican Party is about to experience purges it of the lunacy it’s sunk into and once again becomes the party of responsible American conservatism.
Certainly not free-wheeling democracy, but it does provide persons of diverse liberal or conservative persuasions channels to promote most of what they want. After that, there's further compromise among executive and legislative members of both parties to hammer out solutions both can live with and that benefit our country.
I was born two months after Harry Truman completed FDR's final term and until the advent of the Reagan Administration, I’d regarded the Republican Party as one capable of understanding there are loyal Americans who, while not sharing their views, have compelling points and must be engaged to work out compromise solutions for the purpose of national governance.
Even Richard Nixon got that.
So it’s my fervent hope the baptism of fire the Republican Party is about to experience purges it of the lunacy it’s sunk into and once again becomes the party of responsible American conservatism.
5
The question is not "how low can the GOP go," but how low can voters go in electing these self-interested, self-righteous blowhards to offices where they can have a negative impact on the lives of every person in the U.S. Every time I think we can't go any lower, voters surprise me. They surprised me by re-electing Bush in 2004. They surprised me by re-electing representatives who obviously care nothing for them. They surprised me by electing governors who are intent on overturning gains made by their Democratic predecessors in bettering people's lives.
Never underestimate the stupidity of the American public.
Never underestimate the stupidity of the American public.
22
To add to this, from the late George Carlin:
"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups."
"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups."
15
The decline, and hopefully imminent fall, of the Republican party as we know began long before Trump’s campaign, which is simply the latest of a long line of debacles from a political organization that has become the lever of unrealistic, ultra right-wing oligarchs. Either way, come November, we’re doomed.
3
"It’s still possible, however, that Trump — who has successfully tapped a reservoir of right-populist conviction — could yet prefigure the revival of a conservative movement, just as Senator Barry Goldwater kicked off a long Republican reign even as he went down to a landslide defeat in 1964."
"Possible," but highly unlikely. Goldwater was the breaking crest of the right-wing wave racing upon American shores, heralding the amplification of white privilege (with its attendant racism and American exceptionalism) in the midst of post-WWII prosperity and Cold War anti-communism. The Republican Party was been riding that particular wave ever since, but like all waves, it has lost its energy. Splayed out in the foam of the dissipated wave is Donald Trump. Goldwater marked the beginning, Trump "The End."
"Possible," but highly unlikely. Goldwater was the breaking crest of the right-wing wave racing upon American shores, heralding the amplification of white privilege (with its attendant racism and American exceptionalism) in the midst of post-WWII prosperity and Cold War anti-communism. The Republican Party was been riding that particular wave ever since, but like all waves, it has lost its energy. Splayed out in the foam of the dissipated wave is Donald Trump. Goldwater marked the beginning, Trump "The End."
10
The progressive Democratic left is ill-mannered and unruly and spouts policy it can't pay for.
The zealots of the Republican right are living in a fantasy world - they bring the OLD in GRAND OLD PARTY to life.
(S)he who owns the center wins. Hillary is centrist. But don't underestimate Trump's ability to connect with the disaffected center.
The zealots of the Republican right are living in a fantasy world - they bring the OLD in GRAND OLD PARTY to life.
(S)he who owns the center wins. Hillary is centrist. But don't underestimate Trump's ability to connect with the disaffected center.
2
The GOP has fallen into a bottomless pit. Couldn't happen to nicer guys.
14
Ummmm...let me see. Systematic voter suppression. Shutting down the government which cost us billions. Pro gun. Anti choice. Anti women.against LGBT. Racist. Xeonophbic. Fox News. Ad nauseum etc. Amen.
25
The down-ballot candidates should be shaking in their boots. Support for Trump represents the base GOP voter's awareness, at a gut level, the the party's establishment agenda has failed them.
The Grand Oligarchical Party is far beyond redemption. Next the disgruntled GOP voters will discover that Trump's pseudo-populism presents no true alternative to the GOP establishment's pro-plutocrat agenda--the agenda so deftly exposed in the NYT's editorial "Mr. Ryan's Plan to Revert, Regress and Deregulate." This "populism" is a smoke screen behind which lurks Trump's naked, self serving ambition to become Oligarch in Chief.
The GOP is coming apart at its always loosely stitched seams. It is a zombie party propped up by gerrymandering, by voter suppression and by reliance upon the distractive power of divisively hot-button social/moral issues.
Alas, the GOP is not merely the anti-Democrat Party. With its plutocratic bias, it is clearly the anti-democracy party.
Ask your GOP congressmen and congresswomen, if you are stuck with such: Have you ever met a CEOligarch, bankster, finagliacier or other member of your donor class who was not far more lovable than any average constituent?
The Grand Oligarchical Party is far beyond redemption. Next the disgruntled GOP voters will discover that Trump's pseudo-populism presents no true alternative to the GOP establishment's pro-plutocrat agenda--the agenda so deftly exposed in the NYT's editorial "Mr. Ryan's Plan to Revert, Regress and Deregulate." This "populism" is a smoke screen behind which lurks Trump's naked, self serving ambition to become Oligarch in Chief.
The GOP is coming apart at its always loosely stitched seams. It is a zombie party propped up by gerrymandering, by voter suppression and by reliance upon the distractive power of divisively hot-button social/moral issues.
Alas, the GOP is not merely the anti-Democrat Party. With its plutocratic bias, it is clearly the anti-democracy party.
Ask your GOP congressmen and congresswomen, if you are stuck with such: Have you ever met a CEOligarch, bankster, finagliacier or other member of your donor class who was not far more lovable than any average constituent?
9
You cannot get any lower then Ryan, but Trump will certainly give it a try.
24
As bad as Trump is, he still appeals to the GOP base. He beat out the others because he was willing to go farther in telling the base what they want to hear. The GOP leadership can't reject Trump without repudiating everything they've been doing for the last three decades. They broke the ground Trump is now plowing.
Their likely response is going to be to double down on their attacks on Hillary Clinton and the Democrats. They have nothing else.
Their likely response is going to be to double down on their attacks on Hillary Clinton and the Democrats. They have nothing else.
16
For me, the taking down the billboard of LeBron James to put up a billboard with the slogan "This Land is My Land" tells me everything I need to know about the depravity of the Republican party.
12
How low can the G.O.P. go? Well, look at Paul Ryan for a clue. But, find the epitome of the Trump supporter and you have found how low the G.O.P. will stoop to retain power.
19
There is a scientific principle that nature abhors a vacuum.
That has to be why so many people abhor the fact-free vacuum that exists under The Donald's orange mop.
That has to be why so many people abhor the fact-free vacuum that exists under The Donald's orange mop.
7
Apart from Trump, which is saying a lot, the GOP still has major problems. The party is riven by factionalism and the so-called base distrusts the party's institutional leadership. The Republicans also don't have many compelling ideas. "Small government" is a meaningless abstraction. More tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy holds little appeal for struggling Americans. Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress are as eager as ever to bend over for special interests like the gun lobby, Wall Street, polluters and Israel. Overall, the GOP gives off a stale, unpleasant odor. Voters are noticing and they are not amused.
7
I am amused that Chris Cillizza is impressed that Trump is finally framing the race. Considering Trump's finances and his probable reliance on call in TV "news" show appearances to promote his brand, does he really think The Donald can keep his coloring inside the lines? Trump's idea that he can run his campaign via appearances on "news" shows is ridiculous on its face. That's when he tends unleash his misogyny, racism, xenophobia and conflabulations about his opponents. Trump will be off script far more often than he will be on script, precisely because he thinks he can run a "lean and mean" campaign.
8
But you have to admit The Donald's new found enchantment with the TelePrompTer has made his tantrumps less evident.
2
I have listened to Trump speak enough so that I think I can sum up the current Trump/GOP position: Trump will be the greatest president in the greatest era with the greatest first lady and greatest son. His cabinet will be the greatest because he knows the greatest people and the greatest people cannot wait to work for him, the greatest president. Trump will do great things and make American great and then greater. American people know this and like great things. The Republican Party will want to be great too so it will rename itself The Trumplicans. And only great people will be members.
Current GOP members who are not on board now will be fired in November unless they give Trump's campaign some money.
Current GOP members who are not on board now will be fired in November unless they give Trump's campaign some money.
14
Trump has been hammered continuously by the media (even Fox News jumped on board) since Hillary finally sealed up the primary. Also, it seems like 99% of the content about Trump on social media is negative. That's driven his numbers down but not that much if you consider the amount of negative coverage he's received. Trump doesn't have near the staff or the budget that HRC does and he's only put out maybe one TV ad of which I'm aware (compare that to the numerous negative ads HRC has aired). How is he even still close in the polls? How does he have over 9 million followers on Twitter (more than Hillary or Obama)? If he can come up with funds I bet he'll win this election. It seems like he likes to let his enemies think he's unprepared and they are all too willing to believe it. I predict he's about to magically come up with a pile of cash and win this election.
2
Maybe Drumpf's campaign will file for financial, as well as moral, bankruptcy and Drumpf will twist the proceedings to his financial benefit.
Then he can deluge Red State Utah with negative advertising and come in a cool third in the November elections there.
Then he can deluge Red State Utah with negative advertising and come in a cool third in the November elections there.
You make good points. If he's only 6 points behind, while HRC has spent $26 mil and Trump nothing, then a Trump presidency is entirely possible. Add to that the "Clinton-fatigue" state of the nation, and it's not hard to see Trump winning.
I'm just gonna write in Bernie, and at least say I voted my conscience. After that, God help us - it's gonna be Trump or HRC.
I'm just gonna write in Bernie, and at least say I voted my conscience. After that, God help us - it's gonna be Trump or HRC.
1
The GOP were silent when he, the Donald, mocked a disabled person because he has tremors in his arms. They are trying to make voting more difficult for persons with complicated documentation due to their birth place or circumstance: orphans, foster children, people like my aunt who is 90 but whose birth was never registered, etc. If junior high boys talked about their man parts, urinating,etc, they would be suspended from school but the GOP cheers and votes for these strong men.
I am sickened that the GOP keeps finding lower ground to take the country into.
I am sickened that the GOP keeps finding lower ground to take the country into.
18
I'm more sickened by the fact that there are so many people who continue to vote Republican, to their continuing detriment.
Hopefully the "down ticket effect" will sweep a lot of Tea Party and other right-wing nut cases out of office.
Hopefully the "down ticket effect" will sweep a lot of Tea Party and other right-wing nut cases out of office.
4
The writer is omitting one ingredient: in the next few months, Clinton will pick up some of the Sanders support, as she and he make peace. Not all of it, but enough to give her a sizable and probably unbeatable lead.
8
I sure hope so. I would really like to see a sweep by Democrats in every level of government. If the young people who supported Bernie come out for Hillary and also vote a straight Democratic ticket it could happen. Thats a lot of if's though.
2
I love Trump for destroying Lying Ted and Little Marco. Now Hillary will take care of the Donald.
5
Very deep down, I have that unshakable feeling that those conservatives who so openly pretend to be Trump offended are gone vote for him.
8
In a recent column , I read that Trump could not answer a question about "Brexit" becuase he didn't know what Brexit is. The issue of the UK leaving the European Union has been in the news for almost two years, as has the European Union itself. Trump appears unable to sit still to read policy papers. He also doesn't seem to read newspapers, excepting headlines about himself. He seems to be completely ignorant about the history leading up to current events in Europe and the Middle East. His latest trip to Scotland to attend to his golf courses, is the opposite of what a presidential candidate would be doing about this time, i.e. divesting himself of investment interests that might conflict with being president of the United States. Do you think Trump is really running for President? I don't. I believe he doesn't bother to study foreign policy issues because he knows that this is knowledge he will never have to use.
13
It’s incredible how the news and much of the media have been inundated with messages about Donald Trump since he started running for President, and the majority are negative. Both the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader only support Trump equivocally. The Democrats have spent 26 million on ads attacking Trump while he has not aired any ads in the past month. Trump himself brushes all criticisms aside saying “I’ll do it very nicely by myself.” The overwhelming consensus, right and left, is that Trump is destroying the Republican Party, maybe for a generation and will implode himself. Really? Why would he do that? Why would the Republicans let him actually do that? Most importantly, why do the Democrats believe that it’s not a ploy?
The truth is that Trump’s entire campaign has been to present himself as a crusading outsider against Washington. A popular strategy used many times before by both parties, but never so carefully honed as to deceive almost everyone. Trump is able to make this strategy work, because even if he loses, he’s increased the value of his brand exponentially. He doesn’t worry about losing. It’s a win win for him either way.
Fortunately, some in the media, as reported in this article, have begun to realize that this strategy could beat Hillary Clinton and are speaking out.
The truth is that Trump’s entire campaign has been to present himself as a crusading outsider against Washington. A popular strategy used many times before by both parties, but never so carefully honed as to deceive almost everyone. Trump is able to make this strategy work, because even if he loses, he’s increased the value of his brand exponentially. He doesn’t worry about losing. It’s a win win for him either way.
Fortunately, some in the media, as reported in this article, have begun to realize that this strategy could beat Hillary Clinton and are speaking out.
1
Part of me is very scared that Trump could be elected. But part of me is very eager to see how the election breaks down. I was looking at demographic info for several states yesterday. With 90% of Latinos having a negative view of Trump could a state like Texas, when you throw in left-leaning whites and the African-American vote actually go to Clinton? What about Utah and Idaho with their large LDS populations? Sure, they're way conservative, but Mitt Romney is very influential and may steer lots of Mormons towards not voting, voting for Gary Johnson, or maybe even for Clinton. Both of the above apply in Arizona too. Many Latinos and Mormons. It's going to be one helluva night in November!
6
The suspense is killing me too, as I sit here on the 50 yard line in good old obediently predictable Utah. A GOP presidential nominee lose Utah? My State Liquor Store supplied beverage will runneth all over my cup! But maybe The Donald will have a Saul-on-the-road-to-Damascus moment, abandon his devout commitment to Presbyterianism and become a Mormon. Then he would have the Republican-Mormon designation that would assure his election here, as it does for all other R-Ms.
2
After throwing mud around at his opponents, denigrating Hispanics, Muslims, Women, the Disabled and a P.O.W., the great man, who brags that he is worth $10 billion, is shown to have only a little more than a million in his campaign coffers, and much of that was used to pay off his travel expenses, and other family trips and hotels.
He has no record to run on. He only has invective and imaginary ideas based on his hunches. His followers are rabidly anti-everything they can aim their fire at, and they want America to become great again but have no idea how this huckster with orange skin and yellow wig will make it happen. His foreign policy imagines a world where China, Japan, Europe and Mexico will pay up, and we will align ourselves only with ourselves and put "America first" because "we don't win at anything any more."
The Republican Party has truly gone mad. They stand for nothing and now they have a nothing to stand for them.
He has no record to run on. He only has invective and imaginary ideas based on his hunches. His followers are rabidly anti-everything they can aim their fire at, and they want America to become great again but have no idea how this huckster with orange skin and yellow wig will make it happen. His foreign policy imagines a world where China, Japan, Europe and Mexico will pay up, and we will align ourselves only with ourselves and put "America first" because "we don't win at anything any more."
The Republican Party has truly gone mad. They stand for nothing and now they have a nothing to stand for them.
14
So u think Sarah Palin was more better and less lower than Donald Trump?
4
Surely the Republican adults will find a way to nominate someone else. Mr Trump's most recent campaign move was to travel to Scotland to promote his new golf course.
2
The GOP already knows they will lose the presidential race so they've been putting their money behind keeping the senate as they will continue to have the majority in the house until 2020. As long as they can control legislation, committees, purse strings...that's their goal. We must remove the GOP from power on local, state and federal levels. As for the Dems, they too are in trouble because they no longer represent the people. They too have embraced corporate money and if they don't get the message, the Dems will continue to lose congressional races and seats at every level. Our country is on the brink of disaster.
5
Despite ample evidence to the contrary, Mr. Edsall underestimates the power of the Republican establishment. While they the GOP is fighting with one arm tied behind its back, the firewall they have managed to put in place will preserve Senate control and likely control of the House.
Among their favored and most successful tactics:
1). Expropriation of a powerful, national propaganda machine in Fox News. An organization that manufactures facts then reports them as news. Coupled with GOP dominance of the radio waves with a rogues gallery of talk-radio cranks and this is a formidable machine capable of creating a parallel reality.
2). Gerrymandering via domination of state legislatures. Through democratic incompetence, the GOP took hold of state legislatures and redrew Congressional districts with results that would be remarakable even ina country ruled by a dictator. Even more amazing, it appears (though unethical) to be entirely legal.
3) Congressional committee smear campaign veiled as an "investigation." As the election heats up, Hillary Clinton will be investigated again on Benghazi and the private email server. White water 2.0.
Never underestimate the gullability of the American people especially when the GOP has proven itself to be not only devious but also devoid of the normal ethical restraints most people would be too ashamed to step free of.
Among their favored and most successful tactics:
1). Expropriation of a powerful, national propaganda machine in Fox News. An organization that manufactures facts then reports them as news. Coupled with GOP dominance of the radio waves with a rogues gallery of talk-radio cranks and this is a formidable machine capable of creating a parallel reality.
2). Gerrymandering via domination of state legislatures. Through democratic incompetence, the GOP took hold of state legislatures and redrew Congressional districts with results that would be remarakable even ina country ruled by a dictator. Even more amazing, it appears (though unethical) to be entirely legal.
3) Congressional committee smear campaign veiled as an "investigation." As the election heats up, Hillary Clinton will be investigated again on Benghazi and the private email server. White water 2.0.
Never underestimate the gullability of the American people especially when the GOP has proven itself to be not only devious but also devoid of the normal ethical restraints most people would be too ashamed to step free of.
20
These are truly interesting times, the contests at the state level especially. We are seeing the closest thing to a controlled experiment in governing. Republican incompetence is evident in the ongoing catastrophes in Kansas, Michigan, Wisconsin, etc. Meanwhile blue states have made better better progress in managing their economy, improving health care, and even gun control. It's now a matter of survival of the fittest. Trump is just the leader of the Neanderthals
7
This column gives me hope about my demographic. I'm an old, retired white guy. Much of what I have read previously indicated that my demographic supports Trump. Now, Edsall tells us that support is eroding. That is encouraging. We should know better as we have experienced more than other age groups.
I, for example, wrote my high school civics term paper on President Truman's legislative plan for universal health care and have supported universal health care for Americans since then. When I was young, I saw old men (principally my grandfathers) get their first social security checks, an income stream that insured their independence. I saw President Kennedy and President Johnson and the Congress enact laws to insure civil rights in housing, employment, and public accommodations; enact Medicare and Medicaid to give seniors and poor people medical care; and enact legislation providing food to the poor (food stamps) and generally a war on poverty. I saw President Nixon enact SSI to ensure that the blind and disabled have income. I saw Presidents Reagan, the Bushes, Clinton, and Obama treat all of these programs as supporting our shared values to be continued and improved for future generations.
How can I and other men of my generation support the know-nothing crack-pot that is Donald Trump who says America has to be made great again? He can't be trusted to build on what we have.
I, for example, wrote my high school civics term paper on President Truman's legislative plan for universal health care and have supported universal health care for Americans since then. When I was young, I saw old men (principally my grandfathers) get their first social security checks, an income stream that insured their independence. I saw President Kennedy and President Johnson and the Congress enact laws to insure civil rights in housing, employment, and public accommodations; enact Medicare and Medicaid to give seniors and poor people medical care; and enact legislation providing food to the poor (food stamps) and generally a war on poverty. I saw President Nixon enact SSI to ensure that the blind and disabled have income. I saw Presidents Reagan, the Bushes, Clinton, and Obama treat all of these programs as supporting our shared values to be continued and improved for future generations.
How can I and other men of my generation support the know-nothing crack-pot that is Donald Trump who says America has to be made great again? He can't be trusted to build on what we have.
16
Correction to previous post. Sorry for flying fingers.
I do recall that Democrats "won" one million more votes in the 2010 House elections, yet the Tea Party gained control of the House.
Republicans win by disenfranchising entire populations. What they don't do by re-districting, they do during elections by shortening times for voting, by closing polling places (mostly Democratic ones) and by legislating ridiculous voter ID laws in the face of non-existent voter fraud. Where is the outrage?
Donald Trump is their prized progeny. That he neither looks nor speaks like the altar-boy Ryan, belies the fact they are equally despicable.
How low can they go? Pretending to care about poverty, while yet again presenting a bill to repeal (and replace, a joke) the Affordable Care Act. Cutting the 6.1 billion dollar Zika Virus request to 66 million, just last night in the midst of the sit-in, stealing the monies from the Ebola funding, and attaching an amendment to stop funding birth control for women. How low?
Donald Trump and the Tea-Party Republicans who spawned him are one and the same, but for "appearances."
I do recall that Democrats "won" one million more votes in the 2010 House elections, yet the Tea Party gained control of the House.
Republicans win by disenfranchising entire populations. What they don't do by re-districting, they do during elections by shortening times for voting, by closing polling places (mostly Democratic ones) and by legislating ridiculous voter ID laws in the face of non-existent voter fraud. Where is the outrage?
Donald Trump is their prized progeny. That he neither looks nor speaks like the altar-boy Ryan, belies the fact they are equally despicable.
How low can they go? Pretending to care about poverty, while yet again presenting a bill to repeal (and replace, a joke) the Affordable Care Act. Cutting the 6.1 billion dollar Zika Virus request to 66 million, just last night in the midst of the sit-in, stealing the monies from the Ebola funding, and attaching an amendment to stop funding birth control for women. How low?
Donald Trump and the Tea-Party Republicans who spawned him are one and the same, but for "appearances."
9
Lower probably. And due to a dumb electorate in gerrymandered districts, they will hold onto power at the state and federal levels. They will continue to obstruct any progress for this country.
When Hillary gets in, they will obstruct any agenda that helps Main St. We are being third worlded as a country by these guys. Drumpf will lose but we will all be dragged through the gutter until November. The Republicans are corrosive .
America's soul is heartsick.
When Hillary gets in, they will obstruct any agenda that helps Main St. We are being third worlded as a country by these guys. Drumpf will lose but we will all be dragged through the gutter until November. The Republicans are corrosive .
America's soul is heartsick.
9
I do recall that Democrats "won" one million more votes in the 2010 House elections, yet the Tea Party gained control of the House.
Republicans win by disenfranchising entire populations. What they don't do by re-districting, they do during elections by shortening times for voting, by closing polling places (mostly Democratic ones) and by legislating ridiculous voter ID laws in the face of non-existent voter fraud. Where is the outrage?
Donald Trump is their prized progeny. That he neither looks nor speaks like the altar-boy Ryan, they are equally despicable.
How low can they go? Pretending to care about poverty, while yet again presenting a bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Cutting the 6.1 million dollar Zika Virus request from 6.1 billion to 66 million, just last night in the midst of the sit-in, stealing monies from the Ebola funding, an attaching an amendment to stop funding birth control for women. How low?
Donald Trump and the Tea-Party Republicans who spawned him are one and the same, but for "appearances."
Republicans win by disenfranchising entire populations. What they don't do by re-districting, they do during elections by shortening times for voting, by closing polling places (mostly Democratic ones) and by legislating ridiculous voter ID laws in the face of non-existent voter fraud. Where is the outrage?
Donald Trump is their prized progeny. That he neither looks nor speaks like the altar-boy Ryan, they are equally despicable.
How low can they go? Pretending to care about poverty, while yet again presenting a bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Cutting the 6.1 million dollar Zika Virus request from 6.1 billion to 66 million, just last night in the midst of the sit-in, stealing monies from the Ebola funding, an attaching an amendment to stop funding birth control for women. How low?
Donald Trump and the Tea-Party Republicans who spawned him are one and the same, but for "appearances."
2
That almost sounds like some of the old Jim Crow voter restricting actions of the old South expanded to a national scale...
2
I don't think much of straight ticket voting; I prefer to vote for the candidate. Not this year. I am so disgusted by Republicans foisting this vile, corrupt, contemptible Trump on us that I wouldn't vote for any Republican for any office. Not even for county fair parade Marshal.
14
First, I am disappointed in Paul Ryan for his support of Trump, even with Ryan's caveats. Ryan should have taken a moral stand and not supported Trump in the first place. Second, the Trump candidacy could lead to better things for conservatives, but conservatives have to stand up to Trump, and stop selling fear in politics. Does the GOP have nothing evidence based to push? Can all it do is stand on fears, both real and imaginary? The American people should never vote out of fear. I question whether the leadership of the GOP knows how to capitalize on the populist support of Trump, because the GOP leadership has been working so long in the politics of fear and loathing, it does not know how to use evidence.
6
Ryan is just like the rest of these weasels - no shame, no integrity. Party and power before common decency.
3
"Finally. After almost two months of wasted motion, Trump put a frame on the race — Clinton as corrupt insider, Trump as crusading outsider — that could actually beat the former First Lady, New York Senator and Secretary of State. The problem? The messenger."
What? How about that most of what he said were outright lies, and what David Gergen termed "slanderous".
Why am I still amazed that the media still treats this man with respect.
What? How about that most of what he said were outright lies, and what David Gergen termed "slanderous".
Why am I still amazed that the media still treats this man with respect.
12
The only comparable election to this one is not 1964 when Barry Goldwater ran against Lyndon Johnson. It is 1932 when Franklin Roosevelt ran against Herbert Hoover. The down-ticket vote gave the Democrats control of the Congress for 20 years and the Supreme Court for almost 40.
The GOP faces a political wave of enormous size and their leader seems indifferent to those down ticket races and the Party he now leads.
The GOP faces a political wave of enormous size and their leader seems indifferent to those down ticket races and the Party he now leads.
5
" How Low Can the G.O.P. Go?"
As low as it is possible to get.
As low as it is possible to get.
8
Mr. Trump's (real) campaign theme: Make America Hate Again.
12
Don't be so quick to criticize Trump for the takedown of the GOP. It may be the only good consequence of this election.
11
For better or worse, Trump doesn’t see eye to eye with Republicans on some important issues. They can easily associate or disassociate themselves easily and convincingly.
2
Please.
The election is still more than four months away. In that time the Republicans will fall into line and support Trump, and by mid- October the party will be enthusiastically embracing every nutty thing Trump says...because most Republicans have only one goal for America: a Democrat must never win an election, but if they do, everything they try to do must be blocked at any cost (the old "If I can't be quarterback, there will be no game." gambit).
After November, Trump's forthright bigotry and hatred will be the new normal for the party - and by 2020 it will seem tame compared to the 17 candidates who will be vying for the 2020 GOP nomination.
Think I'm wrong? This is exactly how the party has evolved since 1980.
The election is still more than four months away. In that time the Republicans will fall into line and support Trump, and by mid- October the party will be enthusiastically embracing every nutty thing Trump says...because most Republicans have only one goal for America: a Democrat must never win an election, but if they do, everything they try to do must be blocked at any cost (the old "If I can't be quarterback, there will be no game." gambit).
After November, Trump's forthright bigotry and hatred will be the new normal for the party - and by 2020 it will seem tame compared to the 17 candidates who will be vying for the 2020 GOP nomination.
Think I'm wrong? This is exactly how the party has evolved since 1980.
7
On the Democratic side, this is why the idea of superdelegates came into being over time after disastrous defeats in elections from 1968-1984 .. to limit the power of nitwit voters to nominate a candidate who can't win and ends up going down to humiliating defeat. The GOP has beaten the drum of anger in its base since 1980 or so and this really is a chickens-come-home-to-roost scenario for them. It's hysterical that Trump has gone off to Scotland right now to open his new golf course instead of campaigning and fundraising. It is fortunate for Clinton that his priorities are so, umm, scattered. I guess he figures an occasional Twitter rant will get him elected and doesn't need staff or a ground game or anything pesky like that?
10
Trump at the top of the ticket negatively affecting the down-ticket officeholders is compelling.
But what reinforces the probability of defeat for Republican senators and representatives is their own political behavior. The obstructionism on gun control is going to be a negative with almost all women and in many suburban districts. The Supreme Court deadlocking and thus preserving an anti-immigration Appeals Court ruling reminds lots of other voters what is at stake by letting Republicans run a national administration. The pro-rich people rhetoric of Republican officeholders continues under the rubric of "opportunity society."
Hillary Clinton and her campaign are repeating Bill Clinton's strategy in the 1996 election where Bob Dole was defined before Labor Day and the general election was something of a victory lap.
But what reinforces the probability of defeat for Republican senators and representatives is their own political behavior. The obstructionism on gun control is going to be a negative with almost all women and in many suburban districts. The Supreme Court deadlocking and thus preserving an anti-immigration Appeals Court ruling reminds lots of other voters what is at stake by letting Republicans run a national administration. The pro-rich people rhetoric of Republican officeholders continues under the rubric of "opportunity society."
Hillary Clinton and her campaign are repeating Bill Clinton's strategy in the 1996 election where Bob Dole was defined before Labor Day and the general election was something of a victory lap.
4
Barry Goldwater's conservatism was coherent and principled while Donald Trump has no ideology, no core principles, no beliefs other than whatever his ego is calling for this very moment. Goldwater found his successor in Ronald Reagan, who, while and ideological conservative, could also be a shrewd political operator not above strategic compromise. Trump talks about making deals without any principle to guide him on where and when to compromise.
I think it likely you will see the GOP become far more officially conflicted on free trade, less inclined to foreign adventures, and more nationalistic in tone. But Trump's lack of anything other than bluster, bullying, and braggadocio is unlikely to do much other than cost the GOP an election this year it should have won. Which will be a signal lesson long discussed as to how best to wrest utter disaster from the very jaws of victory. Other than putting a loaded gun to one's temple and pulling the trigger, I'm at a loss to figure out a better way to achieve one's own demise than GOP voters have stumbled on this cycle.
I think it likely you will see the GOP become far more officially conflicted on free trade, less inclined to foreign adventures, and more nationalistic in tone. But Trump's lack of anything other than bluster, bullying, and braggadocio is unlikely to do much other than cost the GOP an election this year it should have won. Which will be a signal lesson long discussed as to how best to wrest utter disaster from the very jaws of victory. Other than putting a loaded gun to one's temple and pulling the trigger, I'm at a loss to figure out a better way to achieve one's own demise than GOP voters have stumbled on this cycle.
6
The greater message here is that the Republicans are obviously wholly inept at managing themselves and therefore should never be given the keys to the White House or Congress. Why would Americans want the country to be run by a party that takes very opportunity to express its disdain for government, and then does all it can - shutdowns, blocking a Supreme Court nominee from getting a fair hearing - to make it dysfunctional? I wouldn't hire a doctor who hates medicine or a mechanic who loathes cars, so I certainly won't vote for someone who has contempt for the very institution he/she is seeking to lead.
24
"As Donald Trump’s campaign continues to spiral, a crucial question arises: How much collateral damage could he inflict on the Republican Party?"
I think Mr. Edsall misses the larger point, i.e., the Republican Party, in its current form, continues to damage itself quite nicely without any help from Mr. Trump. Most recently, its refusal to even consider meaningful gun control legislation after our most recent mass shooting shows where its true loyalties lie -- not with public safety, but with the NRA.
Most folks are smart enough to see that, but Republicans seem to be tone-deaf on this, and many, many other issues of importance to average Americans.
I think Mr. Edsall misses the larger point, i.e., the Republican Party, in its current form, continues to damage itself quite nicely without any help from Mr. Trump. Most recently, its refusal to even consider meaningful gun control legislation after our most recent mass shooting shows where its true loyalties lie -- not with public safety, but with the NRA.
Most folks are smart enough to see that, but Republicans seem to be tone-deaf on this, and many, many other issues of importance to average Americans.
13
If it were 3 days before the election, these polls might mean something. At this juncture it is all just idle speculation.
No matter the actual result, something greater than 40% of voters will select Donald Trump, and likely maintain the Republican control of Congress. This after their absurd lack of governing and blatant disregard for the Constitution. Even if Trump loses, the results will bode ill for our country.
If I were Mexico, I'd start building the wall now.
No matter the actual result, something greater than 40% of voters will select Donald Trump, and likely maintain the Republican control of Congress. This after their absurd lack of governing and blatant disregard for the Constitution. Even if Trump loses, the results will bode ill for our country.
If I were Mexico, I'd start building the wall now.
7
Anybody remember before Reagan when government was not the problem? Seems to me we had enough money to build a highway system and send people to the moon. A generation after Reagan, we have a crumpling nation: bad roads and bridges, cluttered airports, failing power grid and a political party that is cracking up before our eyes. Worse, they are nominating a guy who proposes policies our parents and grandparents fought WWII to defeat.
The social progress we made was largely civil rights, equal opportunity and affirmative action, which took longer than we imagined.
But today, the GOP is mired in Reagan's cynicism, while the democrats are on the brink of a great era: a black president followed by a woman president, with majority minority appeal and a supreme court that will be modestly liberal for a generation or more.
It's been a long, a long time coming, but I know change is gonna come.
The social progress we made was largely civil rights, equal opportunity and affirmative action, which took longer than we imagined.
But today, the GOP is mired in Reagan's cynicism, while the democrats are on the brink of a great era: a black president followed by a woman president, with majority minority appeal and a supreme court that will be modestly liberal for a generation or more.
It's been a long, a long time coming, but I know change is gonna come.
39
One can only hope that Trump largely self-funds and then goes down in flames. I am no fan of Hillary Clinton and will probably vote for Gary Johnson but Trump would be both an economic and diplomatic disaster.
20
If you and other similarly inclined Americans vote for Johnson in protest, Trump still has a decent chance of winning.
4
The man is never self-funded. He spends everybody else's money. He uses his campaign funds to pay himself for "renting" his jet, his home and any other Trump venue for his "events". Self-fund? Just another Trump lie.
5
Dr D-A vote for Gary Johnson is a vote for Donald Trump. Put your prejudices aside and vote for our survival as a democratic state.
3
I'm not a liberal salivating for Trump to run, lose, and drag GOP members of Congress and the Senate with him, much as I do want to see real liberals and progressives make gains in both houses. I'm just sickened to see the damage he's already done on so many levels, and I'm just as sickened to ponder how much more damage he'll do remaining the GOP candidate for President. And I'm a liberal agreeing with Mr. Erickson. The GOP brought all of this on itself. I'd go further to say that the GOP has brought this on the nation.
7
Regardless of Trumps downstream effect on voting the Democratic Party would do well to put more resources into state & local elections. That after all is exactly what the Koch network is doing and liberals have yet to match that long standing effort. Yes the presidency is important but a lot of us are already suffering under the clowns promoted by this dark money group. Just ask the people of Flint what a Koch approved state government is like & Wisconsin has that even more blatant pair of sycophants Scott Walker & Paul Ryan to screw up both state as well as federal government.
13
Trump had a good day, and left for Scotland. A good DAY??? The GOP is hanging their collective hat on what Donald says today, never mind the trash he has spoken in the last year? Waiting for the Presidential Pivot? How low indeed! Waiting for his children to rein him in? Positively pathological.
11
Socialist or not, I think Sanders has enough crossover appeal based purely on his integrity to win as an independent candidate. A lot of Republicans share his belief that the economy is rigged and Wall Street has accumulated too much power.
3
Why should we care for a party whose leaders and presumptive nominee have insulted our intellegence...
14
Good heavens. Now it is his message that is resonating, but The messenger Is the wrong one? How sour is that old theme. And Chris predicts a possible new conservative growth like the aftermath of Goldwater. Boys, I voted for Goldwater back then. Your opinions are stale and way off.
Here is a thought: the view from the pulpit always thinks the original material ( bible Etc.) just needs the good spokesman ( preacher Etc.) What if that premise is inaccurate. Nobody buys dogma better than the GOP and their congregations are dwindling. Younger Americans are not attending that political church anymore, And my four generation Republican family left a long time .
Here is a thought: the view from the pulpit always thinks the original material ( bible Etc.) just needs the good spokesman ( preacher Etc.) What if that premise is inaccurate. Nobody buys dogma better than the GOP and their congregations are dwindling. Younger Americans are not attending that political church anymore, And my four generation Republican family left a long time .
6
There's no elephant so dead you can't beat it one more time.
8
That is the best comment I've read in a while .. on so many levels.
What's all the commotion about in the GOP? The sad fact is that as grotesquely unqualified as Trump is, he could still win. There are more than enough dunderheads in America to vote him in.
As for the GOP flapping their arms over the harm to their party's reputation - the party is already widely acknowledged as useless and corrupt, except if you're a member of the party (and then you're in denial of it). Trump's shenanigans will do little to change the dynamic.
So he's a ranting, raving sexist and a bigot? How is that different from the rest of the GOP? They should be proud of their success in pulling the wool over the eyes of America for so long that even the grossly unsuited Trump can still hoodwink half the nation. That is a sort of accomplishment, from a party that has accomplished zero for many years.
As for the GOP flapping their arms over the harm to their party's reputation - the party is already widely acknowledged as useless and corrupt, except if you're a member of the party (and then you're in denial of it). Trump's shenanigans will do little to change the dynamic.
So he's a ranting, raving sexist and a bigot? How is that different from the rest of the GOP? They should be proud of their success in pulling the wool over the eyes of America for so long that even the grossly unsuited Trump can still hoodwink half the nation. That is a sort of accomplishment, from a party that has accomplished zero for many years.
10
This is an observation from a relative of mine in Africa: "Donald Trump, with his antics on stage during his rallies, reminds me of some despotic African buffoon or the other...And Idi Amin Dada comes to mind!"
17
Trump, a guy that is so divisive he is fracturing the Republican Party... and yet Republicans keep insisting _Obama_ is divisive? Might be time to look in the mirror, guys. Meanwhile, Congress has a 13% approval rating while the President has a 50% approval rating, yet Congress keeps insisting it's the President that is doing a bad job... the reality distortion must be strong in those guys!
14
How about the country Mr. Ryan? Do you have certain responsibilities to the country? Is the last thing you want is a Democrat in the White House? Maybe the last thing you want is an unstable narcissistic person having access to the nuclear codes. Shame on you.
15
How low can the GOP go? Oy.
They keep surprising don't they? Where can the bottom be when with each successive leadership race, the party nears the point where a candidate in full clown regalia seems the next logical step.
Let's see: Bush the Second begat McCain-Palin begat Romney begat Trump. I might offer that Romney seems particularly saintly by comparison, but the trend is toward improving GOP prospects? Or to full-on insanity?
Any other developed country would have put a skull-and-crossbones label below the GOP brand ages ago, relegated this rabble to the far fringe. But fear not, at a relatively cheap price to the Kochs and Adelmans, almost 60 million voters have been instructed to vote - but not think. Just as the thug Bricktop in the film Snatch comments, "What did I tell you about thinking? it can get you into a whole lot of trouble."
So can it go lower? The GOP is near miraculous in its ability to plumb ever deeper depths of stupidity. And after what I've witnessed over the past 16 years, I'll never bet against them ever again. They will find some novel way, somehow, to shame America anew in the eyes of the world next time around.
Someone alert Bozo the Clown: Get ready funny guy, your time's a-coming.
They keep surprising don't they? Where can the bottom be when with each successive leadership race, the party nears the point where a candidate in full clown regalia seems the next logical step.
Let's see: Bush the Second begat McCain-Palin begat Romney begat Trump. I might offer that Romney seems particularly saintly by comparison, but the trend is toward improving GOP prospects? Or to full-on insanity?
Any other developed country would have put a skull-and-crossbones label below the GOP brand ages ago, relegated this rabble to the far fringe. But fear not, at a relatively cheap price to the Kochs and Adelmans, almost 60 million voters have been instructed to vote - but not think. Just as the thug Bricktop in the film Snatch comments, "What did I tell you about thinking? it can get you into a whole lot of trouble."
So can it go lower? The GOP is near miraculous in its ability to plumb ever deeper depths of stupidity. And after what I've witnessed over the past 16 years, I'll never bet against them ever again. They will find some novel way, somehow, to shame America anew in the eyes of the world next time around.
Someone alert Bozo the Clown: Get ready funny guy, your time's a-coming.
8
Even though Trump is wealthy, at heart he's just a used car salesman trying to push a lemon on the American people. I just hope that by November more people realize HE'S the lemon.
15
Until the GOP., has a platform of goodies for the Social Democratic Welfare State, Model they are toast.
3
The Earth radius is 3,959 miles. That is how low they can and will go.
9
Mr. Trump is starting to use a teleprompter and will soon be as scripted as some of his predecessors, cutting way down on his off-the-cuff diatribes. As he intensifies his attacks on Ms. Clinton, and those high-ranking Republicans put off by his brazen manner fall into line, the outcome of this epic matchup will become much harder to predict. Never underestimate the campaign chops of the Republican pros. Paraphrasing Mark Twain, the reports of the GOP's demise are greatly exaggerated.
8
Never underestimate Trump's inability to be anything other than himself. Trump believes he knows it all. He has no policies, He is as uniformed as Palin was. Whatever will he do during the debates. Insult Clinton instead of answering questions?
5
The trends Edsall writes about are encouraging. Before we Democrats -- and those independents who can see Trump and the GOP's craven con game for the madness that it is -- start celebrating, however, let's keep in mind that the election is 4 1/2 months away. That's eons in political time, and a lot could happen that could change this calculus, in particular: getting complacent about a perceived inevitable GOP debacle. It won't happen unless it's worked for, and that means continuing to hammer Trump and his quisling Republican supporters, and getting out the vote in November.
5
Republican Policy:
Cut taxes for corporations, increase military spending, complain about the deficit.
Cut Planned Parenthood and complain about unwanted pregnancies and more women on Welfare.
Spend money on prison but not on preschool.
Cut taxes for corporations, increase military spending, complain about the deficit.
Cut Planned Parenthood and complain about unwanted pregnancies and more women on Welfare.
Spend money on prison but not on preschool.
21
https://www.aclu.org/blog/washington-markup/use-error-prone-and-unfair-w...
The American Civil Liberty Union's opinion
The American Civil Liberty Union's opinion
2
Trump's attack on Clinton has been fact-checked by several reputable news organizations and been found to be almost entirely lies and exaggerations. This may not matter to Trump zombie voters, but it should give serious pause to anyone who actually cares about American government. Trump's assertion that Clinton is a liar is a sick joke when he himself can't manage to ever tell the truth about anything.
122
One cannot even speak of a private email server in light of Trumps Twitter account. Who will monitor his account in the White House--and still remain employed.
8
Quoth Paul Ryan, "The last thing I want to see happen is another Democrat in the White House. I don’t want see Hillary Clinton as president. I want to see a strong majority in the House and the Senate."
Hey Democrats, do you get the message here? The GOP intends to rule, not govern and now Trump may pose a real threat to that end. Let's not get complacent, 'tho, come Election Day in November, get out and Vote!
Hey Democrats, do you get the message here? The GOP intends to rule, not govern and now Trump may pose a real threat to that end. Let's not get complacent, 'tho, come Election Day in November, get out and Vote!
9
Cris Cillizza is the epitome of the insider columnist. He may not like Trump, but he won't say the truth: Trump is a liar from the moment he gets out of bed to the moment he goes to sleep. Hillary Clinton may have policies that Republicans disagree with, but Trump is the crook. He can frame his slander better or worse, but the truth is that he is the liar and the crook in this race.
7
Anyone who could support the Republican party out of some misplaced "loyalty" to a tainted brand will be rare, and Democrats are poised to take control of all branches of government by historic landslides, as they should, because they still have ideals and ethics, as the Democrats in the House showed yesterday at the gun-control showdown on the floor. All Americans should follow their lead and get up and go out on the streets or sit-down now to protest the raw deal our immigrant population just got from the Supreme Court, simply because these outdated Republican regressors in a monster party of coward snivelers was too mean and vulgar to bother to confirm a new Justice, their Trumpeting of nothingness turning yet another branch of government into slop, their passive-aggressive thwarting of the law forcing vibrant democratic people to become accustomed to the casual violence and ugliness that is all that Republicans know and want for others.
6
If Trump was the genuine article - a legitimate outsider, with reputable business accume and related success, based on a strong moral compass - it be a lock. Game over...
But clearly he is opposite of all of that, and if yesterday's speech was the torpedo he boasted it to be...sorry, it completely missed the mark. Old rubbish, nothing new here, we've moved on...
This election does appear to be *pivoting* to a vote on party leadership. The Republicans are a mess top to bottom, sans any reputable Republican who has the guts to say - in public - that their fish is rotting from the head.
Ryan's credibility has been shattered. Many fellow Independents were willing to give you a shot, but you took that and continue to shoot yourself in the foot. Make a stand, how can you support this guy!?
And McConnell has become the poster child for the angry white men he and his party seem to represent. Those days are numbered.
What are theses guys so afraid of anyway? If HRC is the evil they've been telling us she is for 25 years, she will be the disaster they profess and then they will own the WH for a generation.
No, me thinks they are deathly afraid she will actually prove to be an effective President. Which if becomes true, it will for once and for all, prove their narrow-minded irrelevance.
The current Republican leaders only want to put their views ahead of country...a country that is made up of all races, creeds and colors, and strongly independently minded. Good luck fellas...
But clearly he is opposite of all of that, and if yesterday's speech was the torpedo he boasted it to be...sorry, it completely missed the mark. Old rubbish, nothing new here, we've moved on...
This election does appear to be *pivoting* to a vote on party leadership. The Republicans are a mess top to bottom, sans any reputable Republican who has the guts to say - in public - that their fish is rotting from the head.
Ryan's credibility has been shattered. Many fellow Independents were willing to give you a shot, but you took that and continue to shoot yourself in the foot. Make a stand, how can you support this guy!?
And McConnell has become the poster child for the angry white men he and his party seem to represent. Those days are numbered.
What are theses guys so afraid of anyway? If HRC is the evil they've been telling us she is for 25 years, she will be the disaster they profess and then they will own the WH for a generation.
No, me thinks they are deathly afraid she will actually prove to be an effective President. Which if becomes true, it will for once and for all, prove their narrow-minded irrelevance.
The current Republican leaders only want to put their views ahead of country...a country that is made up of all races, creeds and colors, and strongly independently minded. Good luck fellas...
8
The Republicans have to deal with the hand they were dealt by the primary voters. Too bad that the Trump card is a Joker.
5
Two of the world's greatest democracies seem to be on the verge of tearing themselves apart: USA and Great Britain. Both seem to have had an uprising of troglodytes who are holding sway over the dialog of what each country is to become. It's not pretty in either place. Each has its own bizarre blond mascot. We have Trump and they have Boris Johnson; both hyperbolic, flame throwing, bigoted liars without moral compass. What is going on? Has there been an epidemic of the "stupid virus" that seems to infect mostly white people?
Let's hope immunity develops fast because we are dangerously approaching "Idiocracy." Pass the Brawndo with electrolytes.
Let's hope immunity develops fast because we are dangerously approaching "Idiocracy." Pass the Brawndo with electrolytes.
4
Just another reason to vote ONLY Democrat 2016, and while we're at it Americans, push the Republican'ts so far back in 2016 that they'll never recover and end up in the trash heap of history for good just where they and their ilk belong.
8
One point misleading: straight ticketing voting is the effect of strongly partisan preferences, not some separate disposition that will hold even as Republican voters defect from Trump: "I used to vote straight GOP but since I can't vote for Trump I will vote straight Dem." Straight ticket voting will be way down this year; and damage to GOP in other races less severe than this implies--and mainly due to decline in GOP turnout.
4
Mr. Donald Trump, psychopathic spewer of lies and hate; regurgitated out of the bowls of the Republican Party is now the presumptive nominee for President. Would any Republican out there cover my$50 wager that Senator Hillary Clnton "will become President before the polls close in California"?
2
From 'Frankenstein' to 'The Boys from Brazil', the tale of evil and hubris destroyed by the monsters they created always rings true.
36
While there are thousands of articles written about Trump's misstatements, lies and exaggerations, some interesting facts have been coming out. If more people knew, they wouldn't be so eager to support him:
1. He is paying himself a salary to run for president. This was disclosed in his his campaign finance report. Has anyone ever done this previously? Not only is it likely unprecedented, it indicates that he needs the money, can't make it without it.
2. When Trump ran a publicly traded company, the Atlantic City casino operations, he said he hated answering to a board of directors. How would he feel about answering to Congress? The Supreme Court? And, of course, all of the rest of us, the voters, if he couldn't even handle a board of directors?
3. The casino operation he ran lost 1.1 billion dollars during the time he was head of it, before he was finally ousted. It also went through four bankruptcies.
4. The stock of the casino company had a high value of $35. and once hit a low, under Trump, of 17 cents per share.
5. Many of his expenses in running for president are being paid to his own companies and his own family. This, also, indicates that he and they need the money and that he feels no shame in double dealing, one hand paying the other.
Many months ago, I suggested that Trump would not pony up the money to self fund his campaign. Having boast that he would, he now appears to be stuck: not enough money from donations, not enough money from Trump.
1. He is paying himself a salary to run for president. This was disclosed in his his campaign finance report. Has anyone ever done this previously? Not only is it likely unprecedented, it indicates that he needs the money, can't make it without it.
2. When Trump ran a publicly traded company, the Atlantic City casino operations, he said he hated answering to a board of directors. How would he feel about answering to Congress? The Supreme Court? And, of course, all of the rest of us, the voters, if he couldn't even handle a board of directors?
3. The casino operation he ran lost 1.1 billion dollars during the time he was head of it, before he was finally ousted. It also went through four bankruptcies.
4. The stock of the casino company had a high value of $35. and once hit a low, under Trump, of 17 cents per share.
5. Many of his expenses in running for president are being paid to his own companies and his own family. This, also, indicates that he and they need the money and that he feels no shame in double dealing, one hand paying the other.
Many months ago, I suggested that Trump would not pony up the money to self fund his campaign. Having boast that he would, he now appears to be stuck: not enough money from donations, not enough money from Trump.
11
It ain't over 'til it's over.
Here's what the GOP might resort to ... this is no more unreasonable than doing nothing and allowing Trump to be their nominee in November.
Big bucks GOP backers ... there's never a shortage of those ... persuade the GOP front office hacks--that would begin with Reince Priebus and likely would drag in Haley Barbour, Paul Ryan, anybody from Texas, and similar two-dimensional people--to "publicly declare their genuine concern" over Trump's mental state. No one could disagree with that. Then they form a carefully selected blue ribbon committee of psychiatrists, psychologists, sociologists, and similar experts, and charge the committee with publishing an informed opinion as to whether Trump possesses a sound and knowing mind such as reasonably might be expected of a president, George W. Bush notwithstanding. When the committee reports that Trump "appears" to be suffering some diagnosable clinical condition described in the "Dictionary of Psychology" or the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," or other unassailable reference that sounds authoritative when stated on tv news shows, then they can opine that he is unfit, by reason of mental disorder, to serve as President of the United States. Maybe he is. Maybe he isn't. But the expert's announcement that he is mentally unstable will provide sufficient cover for the GOP bigs to "justifiably" deny him the nomination he otherwise has garnered.
And then they can pass the baton to:
Here's what the GOP might resort to ... this is no more unreasonable than doing nothing and allowing Trump to be their nominee in November.
Big bucks GOP backers ... there's never a shortage of those ... persuade the GOP front office hacks--that would begin with Reince Priebus and likely would drag in Haley Barbour, Paul Ryan, anybody from Texas, and similar two-dimensional people--to "publicly declare their genuine concern" over Trump's mental state. No one could disagree with that. Then they form a carefully selected blue ribbon committee of psychiatrists, psychologists, sociologists, and similar experts, and charge the committee with publishing an informed opinion as to whether Trump possesses a sound and knowing mind such as reasonably might be expected of a president, George W. Bush notwithstanding. When the committee reports that Trump "appears" to be suffering some diagnosable clinical condition described in the "Dictionary of Psychology" or the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," or other unassailable reference that sounds authoritative when stated on tv news shows, then they can opine that he is unfit, by reason of mental disorder, to serve as President of the United States. Maybe he is. Maybe he isn't. But the expert's announcement that he is mentally unstable will provide sufficient cover for the GOP bigs to "justifiably" deny him the nomination he otherwise has garnered.
And then they can pass the baton to:
1
Even if Trump leads the GOP to a catastrophic defeat this November, that won't necessarily be the death knell for the party.
Republicans excel at generating and then exploiting hostility to government, and thrive on obstructing Democrat presidents. Almost without fail, recent GOP presidential losses were followed by a “backlash” mid-term election — in 1994, 2010 and 2014 — in which the GOP swept to victories in Congress and statehouses.
Media pundits (and Democrat strategists!) need to look beyond this November's election. Edsall mentions in his last sentence Goldwater's 1964 landslide defeat. But we should all recall that this loss was followed four years later by Nixon's 1968 victory.
If Hillary takes the White House, Republicans will quickly regroup and energize their Clinton-hating base to win "backlash" elections at federal and state levels in 2018. We've seen it before, they'll do it again -- unless Democrats start figuring out now how to head them off.
Republicans excel at generating and then exploiting hostility to government, and thrive on obstructing Democrat presidents. Almost without fail, recent GOP presidential losses were followed by a “backlash” mid-term election — in 1994, 2010 and 2014 — in which the GOP swept to victories in Congress and statehouses.
Media pundits (and Democrat strategists!) need to look beyond this November's election. Edsall mentions in his last sentence Goldwater's 1964 landslide defeat. But we should all recall that this loss was followed four years later by Nixon's 1968 victory.
If Hillary takes the White House, Republicans will quickly regroup and energize their Clinton-hating base to win "backlash" elections at federal and state levels in 2018. We've seen it before, they'll do it again -- unless Democrats start figuring out now how to head them off.
6
Yes, they will, and that's why we have to SWEEP Republicans OUT of office, en masse, and keep on sweeping in 2018 and 2020. Pull out this poisonous plant root and branch, once and for all. Complacency will put us right back in the middle of all this hateful garbage. VOTE DEMOCRATIC.
8
As a 17 year old LJB supporter in late 1964 I recall the conversation I had with parents of friends about the devastating lost suffered by the Republican Party in that years election. My encouraging statement was that they'd be back in strength by the next election. Perhaps the GOP will be able to regroup for 2020 as well. We need a two party system regardless of its flaws.
2
For better or, more likely, much worse, Trump is teaching the rising generation of Republican candidates a simple lesson: go bold. Don't be ordinary.
This lesson runs counter to what campaign consultants, the real string pullers in this puppet show, have taught for decades. They teach candidates how to carefully assemble enough support to get 51% of the vote, fearfully avoiding offending anyone with big ideas and plans.
Trump is an equal opportunity offender. His slash and burn mouthing off has hit about every low note that could be imagined. If he were to win, the entire apple cart would be upset, but with a loss, the idea that you can spring to the top by being rude, crude and insulting will not fade away quickly.
He also makes it clear that the Republicans have been selling pablum and calling it honey for decades. Where do they go, post-Trump? They've been cooking up ever more radical "solutions" but he trumped all with crude boldness.
People who feel cornered or left out in their own lives would like to believe that the country can get easy and irrefutable solutions to complex problems. So would fourth graders taking math class. We all would like to believe that problems can be resolved, once and for all. it is so much easier than living with them and with compromises.
Money is driving this. Some people have far too much of it and want more, but a vast cohort, almost half of all Americans, is barely getting by. Until that is resolved, conflict with grow worse.
This lesson runs counter to what campaign consultants, the real string pullers in this puppet show, have taught for decades. They teach candidates how to carefully assemble enough support to get 51% of the vote, fearfully avoiding offending anyone with big ideas and plans.
Trump is an equal opportunity offender. His slash and burn mouthing off has hit about every low note that could be imagined. If he were to win, the entire apple cart would be upset, but with a loss, the idea that you can spring to the top by being rude, crude and insulting will not fade away quickly.
He also makes it clear that the Republicans have been selling pablum and calling it honey for decades. Where do they go, post-Trump? They've been cooking up ever more radical "solutions" but he trumped all with crude boldness.
People who feel cornered or left out in their own lives would like to believe that the country can get easy and irrefutable solutions to complex problems. So would fourth graders taking math class. We all would like to believe that problems can be resolved, once and for all. it is so much easier than living with them and with compromises.
Money is driving this. Some people have far too much of it and want more, but a vast cohort, almost half of all Americans, is barely getting by. Until that is resolved, conflict with grow worse.
7
No escaping the facts. We have two unpopular choices. To many , this points to a resumption of dysfunction. The Clinton duo are for sure career politicians and very much part of the system, Sanders, and Trump supporters were all about.Voter turnout will be interesting, as a large demographic won't bother.
Humpty Trumpty sits on his wall
Humpty Trumpty wlll have a "great" fall
All of his boasting and all of his lies
Can't stop his and his party's demise.
Humpty Trumpty wlll have a "great" fall
All of his boasting and all of his lies
Can't stop his and his party's demise.
76
As a 62 y.o. Bernie voter, there is no way I would ever cast a ballot for Trump. I don't speak for other Bernie supporters, but I trust they are more thoughtful than their amygdala bound GOP counterparts. Trump, as Will Rogers put it, "was born on third base and thought he hit a triple". Born to money, Forbes Magazine calculated he would be worth more had he parked his inheritance in an index fund.
It's interesting that which Trump accuses Hilary of is more true of him than her. Fact check has determined 70% of what Trump says is a lie. Trump is a businessman who started with money thus gained no humility from life and has no empathy nor understanding. He is custom fit for the GOP, who share similar traits, yet choose to doublespeak. Trump and his forced GOP partners deserve the greatest defeat in history in November.
It's interesting that which Trump accuses Hilary of is more true of him than her. Fact check has determined 70% of what Trump says is a lie. Trump is a businessman who started with money thus gained no humility from life and has no empathy nor understanding. He is custom fit for the GOP, who share similar traits, yet choose to doublespeak. Trump and his forced GOP partners deserve the greatest defeat in history in November.
8
While these sentiments about Trump ring ever so true, I'd really like to see an analysis and column about what is likely to happen in the many gerrymandered House districts, with a huge number of them expressly designed by Republican-dominated state legislatures during redistricting to be dominated by Republican voters.
What are the margins of dislike, disgust and rejection of Trump necessary to be able to flip those House districts? Can the Dems actually recapture a majority of House seats given the Republican's carefully engineered remapping?
There are no chickens to be counted yet by the Dems. Stop celebrating, and get to work on those Districts, as well as on the Senate races.
What are the margins of dislike, disgust and rejection of Trump necessary to be able to flip those House districts? Can the Dems actually recapture a majority of House seats given the Republican's carefully engineered remapping?
There are no chickens to be counted yet by the Dems. Stop celebrating, and get to work on those Districts, as well as on the Senate races.
5
How do you go lower than the Clintons? I would like Mr. Edsall's next piece to focus on the Clinton Foundation. Where did the funds come from? Where did the funds go? And what promises where made by Madam Secretary to ensure the cash kept flowing? I won't hold my breath.
1
Why don't you enlighten us. You have a captive audience.
2
Where did it come from? Let's start with Saudi Arabia. By most estimates $25 million. A country that grants women minimal rights. But here is Hillary the bogus champion of women. Where did it go? Recently we learned of a for profit phony baloney green energy company partially owned by one of Bill's very attractive Chappaqua neighbors. Trump isn't perfect, far from it. But I just can't see how after 25 years of the Clintons basically laughing at the country while they set rules that only apply to them, why anyone in the right mind would want them back in control. Please let's send them away for good this time.
Hillary will win the presidency.
Gerrymandering will possibly keep the House under Republican control.
No matter what, Republicans will have at least 40 votes in the Senate to filibuster.
Which is to say, another 8 years of not fixing problems for our children and grandchildren.
At the same time, there will remain a lot of state governments under Republican control and ALEC will be successfully working those.
Florida was the first in the country for Stand Your Ground and that is now in many states.
Florida is first in the country with Glocks vs. Docs which tries to keep doctors from asking if a patient has a gun at home.
My buddy in Florida did 3 tours in Iraq and came back and blew his brains out.
Rick Scott, the NRA, Fox News, ALEC, and all the rest wear their flag pins.
They have no shame.
Gerrymandering will possibly keep the House under Republican control.
No matter what, Republicans will have at least 40 votes in the Senate to filibuster.
Which is to say, another 8 years of not fixing problems for our children and grandchildren.
At the same time, there will remain a lot of state governments under Republican control and ALEC will be successfully working those.
Florida was the first in the country for Stand Your Ground and that is now in many states.
Florida is first in the country with Glocks vs. Docs which tries to keep doctors from asking if a patient has a gun at home.
My buddy in Florida did 3 tours in Iraq and came back and blew his brains out.
Rick Scott, the NRA, Fox News, ALEC, and all the rest wear their flag pins.
They have no shame.
23
We can only hope he takes them all down with him. We have seen first hand in Kansas how devastating the Republican agenda has been for our state. It certainly doesn’t need to spread to the national level.
9
"Take a look at the presidential election of 2012. That year, in 410 of 435 congressional districts, voters chose the presidential and House candidates of the same party."
Well, sure. That's because the Republicans gerrymandered after the 2010 election. They put the vast majority of Democrats into a few crowded districts, and a slight majority of Republicans into many districts.
Case in point: Pennsylvania. In 2014, about 100,000 more votes were cast for Democrats compared to Republicans running for the House. Thanks to gerrymandering, the Republicans got 13 representatives while the Democrats got 5. That's ridiculous - the Dems should have had at least half of the winners.
Mr. Edsall, it is your party that did this gerrymandering, making sure that the voice of the people would not be heard for at least 10 years. How about a column apologizing for the outright damage to the voters and the country caused by your party?
Well, sure. That's because the Republicans gerrymandered after the 2010 election. They put the vast majority of Democrats into a few crowded districts, and a slight majority of Republicans into many districts.
Case in point: Pennsylvania. In 2014, about 100,000 more votes were cast for Democrats compared to Republicans running for the House. Thanks to gerrymandering, the Republicans got 13 representatives while the Democrats got 5. That's ridiculous - the Dems should have had at least half of the winners.
Mr. Edsall, it is your party that did this gerrymandering, making sure that the voice of the people would not be heard for at least 10 years. How about a column apologizing for the outright damage to the voters and the country caused by your party?
9
The Presidential campaign is a marathon. Character reveals itself over time.
Trump has managed to escape that scrutiny thru the primary season. It has just begun in earnest.
The conventional wisdom is that Trump is a 'known quantity'. The reality of this 'reality star' is that we are just finding out who Trump really is. The curtain is being pulled away to reveal who the Wizard of Oz really is.
Did anybody know about Trump U.? Or how Trump stiffed endless small business people? How about the failed businesses other than his casinos? His tax returns? His 'actual' charitable contributions?
And the most damning part of this whole process will be the endless revelations of how incompetent he manages his own campaign, from raising money to organizing the ground game.
Believe it or not, that is still to be played out. Which means we don't know where the 'floor' is on the Trump vote totals. Good luck Rob Portman and John McCain !
On the other hand, his opponent, Hillary Clinton, IS a known quantity. She's been thru this gauntlet for 25 years. Vince Foster, Benghazi, Clinton Foundation, Whitewater, Paula Jones, and the Email fiasco. These are all old news.
The media smells blood in the water. The scrutiny will be intensifying. With every revelation comes a blown Trump gasket, and the polls will continue to plummet. Buyers remorse will set in for most Trump supporters by September.
The down ticket results will be a blood bath of epic proportions.
Trump has managed to escape that scrutiny thru the primary season. It has just begun in earnest.
The conventional wisdom is that Trump is a 'known quantity'. The reality of this 'reality star' is that we are just finding out who Trump really is. The curtain is being pulled away to reveal who the Wizard of Oz really is.
Did anybody know about Trump U.? Or how Trump stiffed endless small business people? How about the failed businesses other than his casinos? His tax returns? His 'actual' charitable contributions?
And the most damning part of this whole process will be the endless revelations of how incompetent he manages his own campaign, from raising money to organizing the ground game.
Believe it or not, that is still to be played out. Which means we don't know where the 'floor' is on the Trump vote totals. Good luck Rob Portman and John McCain !
On the other hand, his opponent, Hillary Clinton, IS a known quantity. She's been thru this gauntlet for 25 years. Vince Foster, Benghazi, Clinton Foundation, Whitewater, Paula Jones, and the Email fiasco. These are all old news.
The media smells blood in the water. The scrutiny will be intensifying. With every revelation comes a blown Trump gasket, and the polls will continue to plummet. Buyers remorse will set in for most Trump supporters by September.
The down ticket results will be a blood bath of epic proportions.
6
???The G.O.P. is so screwed, and it has only itself to blame,” Erick Erickson, the influential conservative commentator, wrote that same day on his website, The Resurgent.????
Excuse me?
This are te same guys that fed the GOP electorate hate and misinformation, now they claim have nothing to do with it,,, just like throwing a stone and putting your hand behind their backs.
Excuse me?
This are te same guys that fed the GOP electorate hate and misinformation, now they claim have nothing to do with it,,, just like throwing a stone and putting your hand behind their backs.
4
Trump is just the topping of the corrupt, rancid cake that is the Republican Party. They were bankrupt of any ethics, their soul having been bought by special interest groups. No, they were due for the trash heap a long time ago. The great question is why are so many Americans still clutching on to this truly corrupt party?
7
My thought is that Trump has lifted a mirror to the GOP and shown it what it really is. So, if he loses heavily, I hope that the party realizes that it's its own fault, and changes its policies. Starting with removing Mr. Ryan, who believes in a world that doesn't exist.
11
The irony is that Hillary would probably lose to anyone other than Trump - nice going guys!
I will vote for her because I will vote for anyone other than Trump.
The best we can hope for is 4 quiet years and then, by 2020,the Republican or for that matter, the Democratic Party also,will have found some adult supervision. It is not going to come by way of Speaker Ryan who so far is at best the slacker teen age babysitter.
I will vote for her because I will vote for anyone other than Trump.
The best we can hope for is 4 quiet years and then, by 2020,the Republican or for that matter, the Democratic Party also,will have found some adult supervision. It is not going to come by way of Speaker Ryan who so far is at best the slacker teen age babysitter.
5
I'm not so sure Mr. Trump will lose. So many Americans are aggrieved and informed only by Fox News, which is, to anyone capable of critical thinking, appalling. Yet, these people have voted Republican for so long and their hatred for Hillary Clinton (and President Obama) is so deep, that they will gleefully vote for Mr. Trump, the anti-politician billionaire who speaks like common man. There's no convincing them otherwise -- they just bark "Benghazi" as if that justifies their rage.
The Republican party is the party of guns, religion, war and hate and that sells quite well in the good old boy USA.
The Republican party is the party of guns, religion, war and hate and that sells quite well in the good old boy USA.
7
Oh, they can go much lower. They still have the exemplars of Coughlin, Wallace, and David Duke to pursue. Unfortunately, for all the idealism and hope that America has embodied, there is a deep and persistent nasty streak in this country. Making use of it has paid off very well for many pols and may pay off again this fall. In that case, the damage that Trump does will not be confined to the establishment GOP, but will pollute the whole country.
The GOP has hitched itself to those elements that abhor modernity, and may hold on for a while, not unlike ISIS. And like ISIS, they will eventually go down in the reality of a changing world. However, for now, Trump gives them the opportunity to ruin the lives of many around them, again not unlike ISIS. And like many leaders in the Middle East, they should not be surprised that the mob they empowered is acting like a mob.
The GOP has hitched itself to those elements that abhor modernity, and may hold on for a while, not unlike ISIS. And like ISIS, they will eventually go down in the reality of a changing world. However, for now, Trump gives them the opportunity to ruin the lives of many around them, again not unlike ISIS. And like many leaders in the Middle East, they should not be surprised that the mob they empowered is acting like a mob.
8
It's not his politics -- exactly what are his politics? -- or his conventional bigotry; he's your drunken neighbor who likes his Mexican gardener and black bartender, but not other Mexicans and blacks. He's that rich loudmouth in college who always brought booze and girls, but you wouldn't ever have his back.
What's scary is his pathology of ego and narcissism, lacking a stable core of empathy for others. He says, "OK, enough about me, now what about you? What do you think of me?" His supporters are only kindling for the huge bonfire he wants to build.
What's scary is his pathology of ego and narcissism, lacking a stable core of empathy for others. He says, "OK, enough about me, now what about you? What do you think of me?" His supporters are only kindling for the huge bonfire he wants to build.
10
In the first century of our Republic Trump the huckster, Trump who insults with impunity, Trump the quintessential hypocrite, would have found himself holding a dueling pistol. With that mouth he would be proclaiming his greatness and making insults right up until...That any man in our country could respect this man really tells you how low the GOP can go, low enough to reach the 13 million or more bottom feeders among our population who are ready to blame anyone for their ignorance and hate.
6
I despise Trump but please, stop this fantasizing. A 6 point drop in polls has no meaning. Trump is still a threat and stop trying to convince yourselves otherwise. We know that Trump is an egomaniac, an imbecile and that he's tapped into the "blame everyone but me" feeling among Americans who made bad life decisions. They will fade away with time, but until they are gone we rational Americans must keep them in check. Vote.
121
Exactly. It's only June, folks, so let's keep Trump's feet to the fire. If we want to have a hope in hell for any kind of future, nationally and especially internationally, we have to be sure this blowhard with his certified Narcissist personality disorder does not get into the White House.
1
"Capitalism is the astounding belief that the most wickedest of men will do the most wickedest of things for the greatest good of everyone." -- John Maynard Keynes
“People who put principles before people are people who hate people. They don’t much care about how well it works, just about how right it is … they may even like it better if it inflicts enough pain.” -- John Barnes
“The point is, ladies and gentleman, that greed -- for lack of a better word -- is good.” -- Gordon Gekko
“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” -- Mahatma Gandhi
We live in a society gone insane. And the raging cancerous epicenter of this insanity is... The Republican Party. They crow that they are "Christians"... while clearly despising their fellow human beings. They insist they are "people of principle"... while re-branding Greed... not only as not a sin, but as a virtue... and the highest of virtues!
I sure wish I lived in a civilized country.
: ) L
“People who put principles before people are people who hate people. They don’t much care about how well it works, just about how right it is … they may even like it better if it inflicts enough pain.” -- John Barnes
“The point is, ladies and gentleman, that greed -- for lack of a better word -- is good.” -- Gordon Gekko
“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” -- Mahatma Gandhi
We live in a society gone insane. And the raging cancerous epicenter of this insanity is... The Republican Party. They crow that they are "Christians"... while clearly despising their fellow human beings. They insist they are "people of principle"... while re-branding Greed... not only as not a sin, but as a virtue... and the highest of virtues!
I sure wish I lived in a civilized country.
: ) L
8
Oh, come on. Everyone with half a brain knows that anything Trump reads from a teleprompter has been scripted for him. They may just as well place a robot with orange hair, small fingers, and awesome girth stand there and read the script.
Sad to say, the real Trump is the unscripted demagogue, the one his followers adore, and as the campaign wears on, it will be impossible for him to retain this "presidential" persona, and Trump will become the real Trump again.
Not to even mention that his past is being explored microscopically, as if it were placed on a petri dish, and the more that comes out, the more it will hurt him.
Clinton's lucky is in this respect. She had been attacked for 30 years now, and it is all out there, and can hardly get worse. For Donald, it is going to get much worse.
Sad to say, the real Trump is the unscripted demagogue, the one his followers adore, and as the campaign wears on, it will be impossible for him to retain this "presidential" persona, and Trump will become the real Trump again.
Not to even mention that his past is being explored microscopically, as if it were placed on a petri dish, and the more that comes out, the more it will hurt him.
Clinton's lucky is in this respect. She had been attacked for 30 years now, and it is all out there, and can hardly get worse. For Donald, it is going to get much worse.
3
But doesn't it frighten you a bit that someone on his campaign staff wrote that muddled mess and then let him stand up to read it? The people doing the heavy lifting aren't any smarter than he is. And that should be terrifying.
1
I'm not sure exactly how this relates to Trump, but this morning I read a bit more of the book I'm currently reading--West with the Night by the famous pilot Beryl Markham--and stopped just after the passage where she tells the fate of her father's parrot Bombafu, which means fool in Swahili (Markham grew up in Africa, almost got eaten by a lion when a girl, hunted wild boar with natives when a girl, etc.)
Bombafu apparently learned how to imitate her father's dog whistle and one day whistled for the dogs and the dogs came running, expecting their usual treat (which follows on the whistle), and instead came upon the preening Bombafu on the porch whistling. The parrot was torn apart by the dogs...
Markham tells this story as she rides away on her horse Pegasus from the farm on which she grew up, her life changed permanently due to drought which wiped out her father's business...17 years old with nothing but two saddlebags and a horse...
It appears Trump is just going to fall behind Hillary doing the Secretariat. But Trump might win if he regularly shows up in drag to conventions and/or starts goose stepping or camps out by the Rio Grande and starts building the U.S./Mexico wall himself, refuses to budge from the place until the wall goes up...Of course his children could help a lot if they pose in Playboy and Playgirl.
America, er, the election, turns on a lot of things.
Bombafu apparently learned how to imitate her father's dog whistle and one day whistled for the dogs and the dogs came running, expecting their usual treat (which follows on the whistle), and instead came upon the preening Bombafu on the porch whistling. The parrot was torn apart by the dogs...
Markham tells this story as she rides away on her horse Pegasus from the farm on which she grew up, her life changed permanently due to drought which wiped out her father's business...17 years old with nothing but two saddlebags and a horse...
It appears Trump is just going to fall behind Hillary doing the Secretariat. But Trump might win if he regularly shows up in drag to conventions and/or starts goose stepping or camps out by the Rio Grande and starts building the U.S./Mexico wall himself, refuses to budge from the place until the wall goes up...Of course his children could help a lot if they pose in Playboy and Playgirl.
America, er, the election, turns on a lot of things.
Americans marvel at the plight of other countries: how could Hitler marshal support in Germany? Look at the sham elections in Venezuela. Look at that clown in North Korea with the hair and army of sycophant yes-men. If Trump is elected the World will see us the same.
2
How Low Can the G.O.P. Go?
The problem with posing such a question is that the GOP faithful will take it as a challenge and will go as low as possible.
The problem with posing such a question is that the GOP faithful will take it as a challenge and will go as low as possible.
1
What's most astounding about this is the willingness of the GOP to eat their own young to win. It's gone from subtle to overt. There is nothing that makes them blanch when it comes to winning. They truly have become the COP. The Corporatist Old Party. They don't appear to experience a second of remorse for throwing their rank and file under the bus at every given turn.
I don't delude myself the Democrats are any better. We just haven't reached an inflection point yet where it is them or us. Right now they still pretend to be working for the regular guy.
Tomorrow, who knows?
I don't delude myself the Democrats are any better. We just haven't reached an inflection point yet where it is them or us. Right now they still pretend to be working for the regular guy.
Tomorrow, who knows?
1
"Just when you think that there's not a dime's worth of difference between the two parties, the republicans, once again, prove you are wrong." Molly Ivins
4
70% of America says Trump is loathsome, McConnell and Ryan reply let's play Limbo!
4
For the past 20 years or so, the GOP's conservative message has been hollowed out and replaced with dog-whistle appeal to racism, guns and God all wrapped up in Patriotism. When in power, they pivot and do the bidding of the 1% or .0%.
It worked pretty well up to now, but they are finding themselves up the proverbial creek, because their base is simply dying-off...of old age.
And the younger generation of whites is much less racist, less Bible thumping and less gun-loving. They are also less opposed to Gays and abortion. They feel the pain of student debt and no-benefits jobs. And then there is the demographic shift.
So Trump, by losing big in November, may actually help them realize they are in a hole and the sooner they stop digging, the better. If not, it'll only take a little longer but the result will be the same.
It worked pretty well up to now, but they are finding themselves up the proverbial creek, because their base is simply dying-off...of old age.
And the younger generation of whites is much less racist, less Bible thumping and less gun-loving. They are also less opposed to Gays and abortion. They feel the pain of student debt and no-benefits jobs. And then there is the demographic shift.
So Trump, by losing big in November, may actually help them realize they are in a hole and the sooner they stop digging, the better. If not, it'll only take a little longer but the result will be the same.
3
I wish that anybody had a reliable answer to the question posed in the headline. Lately, the performance of the GOP has illustrated the unfortunate truth of the old saying "Every bottom has a trap door." I'm at the point where I just wait for the next trap door; for it seems an unfortunate but sure thing that these folks will find one.
5
The elites in both parties failed to fully grasp what happened to the country with the Great Recession and the housing/mortgage collapse. It was news, big news, for other people, not those in leadership or high management positions. As talk radio, Fox Faked News (FFN) and Internet websites took over leadership of the Republican party, they fed voters a steady, unending diet of things "you should be angry about" and, guess what, combined with actual real problems, people are angry.
How out of touch is the top leadership of Republicans in DC? The ousted Majority Leader of the House, Eric Cantor, who lost in 2014, recently told an interviewer that being out of the House has allowed him to become the real breadwinner in his family, because he had deferred to his wife when he was only making 200 thousand a year in Congress. Say what? That's right, now he can make some real money, replacing his wife as the top earner in the family.
It might come as rather startling news to people around the country that someone feels a bit of shame for only making 200K, especially people who lost their houses to foreclosure and would have loved to have had that level of income. This fact points to a knowledge schism in the country. If you don't know or don't experience a problem, how can you fix it? The flood tide of money hitting the upper levels is creating real divisions in America, ones that are unlikely to be bridged and divisions that point to greater problems ahead.
How out of touch is the top leadership of Republicans in DC? The ousted Majority Leader of the House, Eric Cantor, who lost in 2014, recently told an interviewer that being out of the House has allowed him to become the real breadwinner in his family, because he had deferred to his wife when he was only making 200 thousand a year in Congress. Say what? That's right, now he can make some real money, replacing his wife as the top earner in the family.
It might come as rather startling news to people around the country that someone feels a bit of shame for only making 200K, especially people who lost their houses to foreclosure and would have loved to have had that level of income. This fact points to a knowledge schism in the country. If you don't know or don't experience a problem, how can you fix it? The flood tide of money hitting the upper levels is creating real divisions in America, ones that are unlikely to be bridged and divisions that point to greater problems ahead.
5
"How low can the G.O.P. go?" You ain't seen nothing yet.
9
With its nomination of Donald Trump one wouldn't think the GOP could go any lower. It has to have hit rock bottom, oui? Maybe if Trump picks Sarah Palin, again to make America great, again, or an equally dense individual as his Veep only then can we agree the GOP has plumed the depths of despair.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
3
The remarks of many GOP leaders make it clear what they believe will happen: Trump will lose and the party will go back to emphasizing the policies of the donor class, like free trade and entitlement cuts. Those policies clearly don't serve the interests of the less educated, who supported Trump, but the GOP can go back to its strategy of demonizing "the other," whether that be immigrants, gays, Muslims, or someone else, in order to scare these voters to the ballot box. Are they right? Probably.
1
Republican elites are unified in their ambivalence about Trump. This is actually an effective communications strategy. They can distance themselves from the messenger without disavowing much of his message. They can be selective, tinker with the boundaries of what plays well among more moderate voters and blame Trump for what doesn't work. They get to have it both ways. And when the general election draws closer, the Republican candidate who replaces Trump will have been subjected to comparatively little media scrutiny.
Trump's legacy will be to have created the circumstances that enabled the party power structure to isolate and effectively ostracize the base elements of the party that have made it impossible for recent Republican Presidential candidates to effectively pivot to the middle.
Trump's legacy will be to have created the circumstances that enabled the party power structure to isolate and effectively ostracize the base elements of the party that have made it impossible for recent Republican Presidential candidates to effectively pivot to the middle.
I would point out that Donald Trump didn't get the nomination of the Republican party because he says things that revile Republican voters. Rep. Ryan has said that this is not who we are as a party. I disagree, this is exactly who you are as a party and your primary voters are the proof. Donald Trump sends the message that America is too PC, too PC, from reading and watching the news, seems to mean that that it is ok for a Trump supporter to engage in open racist slurs and rhetoric. I see it in videos of the Republican supporters who flock to his rallies every day. It doesn't matter how much fact checking proves how many lies he tells or how vile the hate he spews is, they will vote for him nonetheless.
90
Yes. Trump is no more repellent that the Trumpkins. His candidacy does serve one positive purpose, in that it demonstrates how many people of that sort there are out there. Unfortunately, it also mobilizes them.
1
Unfortunately you're correct.
2
"[T]his is exactly who you are as a party and your primary voters are the proof."
Exactly right. When Ryan piously states that "this is not who we are as a party," he means "our bigotry and intolerance are our core conservative beliefs, but stating them so nakedly is not our way".
Exactly right. When Ryan piously states that "this is not who we are as a party," he means "our bigotry and intolerance are our core conservative beliefs, but stating them so nakedly is not our way".
2
I am anti-Trump but I see too many assumptions that he is going to lose. In spite of ann the negative things about him, hee is only 6 points behind and we haven't had the conventions yet. He is dangerously close to being able to win. He has the republicn pary solidly behind him and is winning half the independents. The independenst are often low information people who can be easily swayed so let's not assume him failure.
Now I know how Bill Murray felt in the movie "Groundhog Day."
Weren't we all here a few months ago with the NY Times in full doom and gloom prophecy over the 2016 Trump campaign?
Trump's response? Landslide victories across the country, reaching the 1237 delegate mark this newspaper predicted he would not and becoming the GOP nominee.
So why are we here again, gathered to bury the living?
Weren't we all here a few months ago with the NY Times in full doom and gloom prophecy over the 2016 Trump campaign?
Trump's response? Landslide victories across the country, reaching the 1237 delegate mark this newspaper predicted he would not and becoming the GOP nominee.
So why are we here again, gathered to bury the living?
1
Please remind us of this after November.
In the meantime, I am still worried about those "Death Panels."
In the meantime, I am still worried about those "Death Panels."
2
The GOP leaders must have a stand that their candidate must bring a constructive change that the country needs to be in a better place and to have a better system for everyone. I dont see that in those leaders. Those leaders are more loyal to the party rather than the country - those leaders have given less priority to the country - by endorsing a candidate who obviously does not possess the required skills, experience and characters to hold the highest executive position in the country... If they think that they cant do anything because the voters have chosen him - that's wrong... it is theor duty to explain to the voters what the voters need to consider when they elect a candidate who will lead them and the free world...
How low can they go? Following the lead of the Democratic party I would say there is still room.While Hillary and Bill have been better than the Teflon Don in making sure not to outwardly break any law, and getting caught, I find them despicable as human beings. Remember people you reap what you sow, their is a entire generation who thinks that oral sex is not sex, and it is ok to stand by your man while he cheats and cheats and cheats.
1
Trump is a hustler and a huckster, the Wizard of Odd!
2
How Low Can the G.O.P. Go? If they don’t stop digging, all the way to China!
2
Your dismissal of Trump's chances is outright dangerous. In May, only a few weeks ago he was ahead of Clinton. Some polls still suggest he is.
Ms. Clinton is also a VERY unpopular candidate. And the number of people who won't commit to EITHER candidate is enormous. It seems to me that there has never been a race when even this early, so many Americans were uncommitted.
I wish I could share your optimism.
Ms. Clinton is also a VERY unpopular candidate. And the number of people who won't commit to EITHER candidate is enormous. It seems to me that there has never been a race when even this early, so many Americans were uncommitted.
I wish I could share your optimism.
2
"Right-populist conviction"? Don't you mean fascist tendencies among the far right fringe?
2
NUMBERS HAVE IT For the GOP to pull up from 5.7% of voters using split ballots to between 32.9 and 43.7 percent this November looks like a very long shot indeed. If I were a betting man I'd put my money on the continuing pattern of the vast majority voting a straight ballot. Meanwhile, Trump and his minions can continue on rearranging the chairs on the deck of the Titanic. Will it be sad if the great ship of the GOP goes down? You won't see any crocodile tears from me!
1
Trump's "secret weapon" is The Big Lie??
Wow.
I think everyone who is not a graduate of Trump U knows what to think when Foghorn Tinhorn Trump opens his mouth.
Wow.
I think everyone who is not a graduate of Trump U knows what to think when Foghorn Tinhorn Trump opens his mouth.
3
Early on there were many who suggested Trump was not in this to win but rather to increase notoriety and attention. Surprisingly to me, there hasn't been much said about that lately. What might be made of Trump do none or little fundraising and his paying back himself with the little fundraising dollars available. It is often suggested that one should 'follow the money' to resolve many issues. Might this suggest trump is looking for a way out. Add to this the effort by republican delegates to change the rules and unbind them from a required 1st round vote of Trump and Trump may get his wish!
More NYTEB wishful thinking ignoring the fact that either of these two major party candidates would be a catastrophe for the USA. They would be likely to fall back on shadow presidents and appear primarily on ceremonial occasions!
Trump isn't inflicting damage. He IS the damage!
4
The GOP stoop lower everyday without Donald Trump. Prime example was last night when the House Democrats were staging a sit-in over two gun legislation bills. Paul Ryan came in and voted on a bill that would exclude CFP’s a fiduciary responsibilities to their clients. They want to get rid of Entitlements and allow Wall Street to then cheat Main Street out of their savings for retirement. It doesn’t get any lower than that.
9
Let's point at Paul Ryan and in unison say, "Really, you are endorsing Trump?" That is the nature of today's Republican "leadership" and those Ryan type of endorsements by other party leaders are so transparent and phony. That leadership is getting ready to march their party over the cliff. Watch out boys, the first step is a doozie.
3
"It’s still possible, however, that Trump . . . . could yet prefigure the revival of a conservative movement." If by conservative Edsall means small government, free trade, and internationalism, Trump is the kiss of death to the conservative movement. That's over. It failed. But Trump just might resurrect a more traditional Republican party that is pragmatic about government and trade and neo-isolationist in foreign affairs. That would be a welcome change. Recall that Abraham Lincoln said, "the role of government is to do for the people what they cannot do or cannot do so well for themselves." Trump would agree with this famous Republican. Ryan and Cruz would disagree.
Paul Ryan and the Republican majority in the House of Representatives have just shown their brand of patriotism: Deny Americans fearing for their lives the right to be heard through the votes of their elected representatives. By refusing to vote on gun legislation, the GOP majority has subverted democracy and denied a large segment of citizens their constitutional right to representation. If they can shut down representative democracy over this issue, what else might they do with their majority power? Postpone the national elections until they can find a better candidate than Donald Trump? De-fund the election? Trump is not the real problem. It is the GOP abusing its majority power in Congress. Tyranny takes many forms.
3
I would be hesitant to see in Trump a new Goldwater. Yes, the GOP has become a sclerotic, thoroughly tone deaf party and the current conservative movement has been shown to be bereft of any ideas adequate for our times; it has no plausible answers to terrorism, immigration, or inequality and still, 50 years on, fights rear-guard battles it keeps losing. But Goldwater in 1964 had policy ideas - the right of states to craft their own incremental positions on certain issues, a less leviathanic federal government, a curb on union power - which made sense ideologically and would go on making sense for more and more people in the following decades. Politically, they just needed to be sweetened by Reagan's well-timed morning in America rhetoric to be winners. I just don't see any of that in Trump's blather or his aberrant personality and I'm surprised Edsall does. Yes, the right is primed for a bout of serious reinvention but the demagogue Trump, however dangerous given the dumb fury in the nation, is more farce than tragedy, more of an emetic for conservatism than a cure.
1
The hate republicans tap into will diminish and so will they.
2
Let the debates begin!
3
Mr. Trump...
Got cash for your campaign as you say? (A few hundred million available NOW should cover it, what's the hold-up?)
Pay Taxes? (Even Romney showed us a few years worth, what's the hold up?)
We're waiting...
Got cash for your campaign as you say? (A few hundred million available NOW should cover it, what's the hold-up?)
Pay Taxes? (Even Romney showed us a few years worth, what's the hold up?)
We're waiting...
1
The pundits continue to underestimate Donald Trump and the G.O.P.
Republicans, with the support of the SCOTUS, have made massive gains in suppressing the voting rights of minorities. And since Republican Secretaries of State control the ballot boxes in most states, there is no guarantee that a Democrat who gets the most votes in a state will win that state.
And in 2000 the SCOTUS established a new precedent...when it, not the American people, elected George W. Bush as president.
And there are many self-hating G.O.P. women who support the misogynist agenda of the G.O.P., along with many wealthy gays for whom personal self-interest trumps (pun intended) the interest of the gay community.
Even so-called "Christians" are mostly backing the man who is proud of a) his adultery for which he has never asked forgiveness (Why would he?) and b) the fact that he made his fortunes exploiting over people's weaknesses via casino gambling (the house ALWAYS wins although the corrupt corporate media promotes the myth of "You can be a millionaire" to feather its own pockets).
And Hillary Clinton is about as vapid a candidate as we have ever seen.
Republicans, with the support of the SCOTUS, have made massive gains in suppressing the voting rights of minorities. And since Republican Secretaries of State control the ballot boxes in most states, there is no guarantee that a Democrat who gets the most votes in a state will win that state.
And in 2000 the SCOTUS established a new precedent...when it, not the American people, elected George W. Bush as president.
And there are many self-hating G.O.P. women who support the misogynist agenda of the G.O.P., along with many wealthy gays for whom personal self-interest trumps (pun intended) the interest of the gay community.
Even so-called "Christians" are mostly backing the man who is proud of a) his adultery for which he has never asked forgiveness (Why would he?) and b) the fact that he made his fortunes exploiting over people's weaknesses via casino gambling (the house ALWAYS wins although the corrupt corporate media promotes the myth of "You can be a millionaire" to feather its own pockets).
And Hillary Clinton is about as vapid a candidate as we have ever seen.
Although I agree with you - and consider Donald beneath contempt - how can you explain his current 45% polling numbers? Secretary Clinton would still beat him handily, but I know a lot of Trump supporters. Intelligent people. Professional people. I can't figure it out. I often ask, "Do you think he's Harry Potter with a magic wand to 'make everything great again?'"
2
Any Republican, even Donald Trump, will get something like 45% of the popular vote for President in November just for having an (R) after his name. See https://ropercenter.cornell.edu/polls/us-elections/popular-vote/. The two aberrations were Goldwater in 1964 and G.H.W. Bush in 1992. In the latter case Ross Perot ran as a third party candidate and won 19 percent of the vote. Both Bush and Bill Clinton got less than forty percent each.
While the historical results indicate it could be possible to win half the electoral votes with just 48.4% of the popular vote, no candidate below that figure can win a majority in the Electoral College.
http://www.politicsbythenumbers.org/2012/11/09/electoral-college-margin-...
While the historical results indicate it could be possible to win half the electoral votes with just 48.4% of the popular vote, no candidate below that figure can win a majority in the Electoral College.
http://www.politicsbythenumbers.org/2012/11/09/electoral-college-margin-...
1
Try "The Republican Brain" by Chris Mooney.
Also look up Right Wing Authoritarianism.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right-wing_authoritarianism
These will help explain what you are seeing in terms of the human brain.
Also look up Right Wing Authoritarianism.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right-wing_authoritarianism
These will help explain what you are seeing in terms of the human brain.
1
Why bother with comments NYT, just get Hillary and Obama interns to write them. But that's what you are doing anyway with complete censorship... The wheel will turn.
1
I just re-watched Lina Wertmuller's epic film, Seven Beauties. She opens with a several minute montage, and the actual words, of Hitler and Mussolini when they were campaigning. Trump's fascist cast is so similar to theirs, it weirdly affects one like deja vu. Fascism is the term that critics and pundits should be using. The GOP has so far gotten away with sweeping under the rug the elephant in the room, what their base really wants...
3
The people seem to be saying to Washington we will vote for anybody that is anti establishment. Instead of excoriating Trump we should try "W" for war crimes
A vote for Trump is a vote for revolution or enough is enough.
A vote for Trump is a vote for revolution or enough is enough.
1
Whitewash! Trump hasn't 'tapped a reservoir of right-populist conviction', he has dropped the dog whistle and taken up the megaphone to appeal to the Fox News indoctrinated, fact averse angry racist white male base of the GOP. The GOP oligarchy gave them GWBush, democracy gave them Obama, now they want the fire breathing demagogue.
3
How Low Can the G.O.P. Go?
negative infinity, minus one. (we are talking literary, not math).
negative infinity, minus one. (we are talking literary, not math).
1
Amazing how New Yorkers hate Donald Trump. He has done a lot for NYC in terms of development. But many readers of the Times march in lockstep with the democrat party so I guess it's not so surprising after all.
1
The party establishment enabled Donald Trump.
In 2010, when he opened his crusade against President Obama by challenging his American citizenship, not a single Republican said, "whoa there, Donald. The people elected this man in 2008. Who before him had been so thoroughly vetted? Knock it off!"
No. Mitch McConnell ("one-term president"), then-House Speaker John Boehner, Eric Cantor, John Cornyn, to name just a few, kept up the drumbeat of discontent with the black president and his healthcare law. Stir in a frenzied right-wing echo chamber of daily raw sewage from Rush Limbaugh and Fox News and Donald Trump is almost ready to serve, from soup to nuts. They were happy to have him front their racism without owning it themselves. Ha ha.
Now the party's "elders, chief priests and scribes", to paraphrase the Bible, are all in a twist about possibly losing gubernatorial and legislative majorities statewide and nationally.
And they all wonder how this came about?
In 2010, when he opened his crusade against President Obama by challenging his American citizenship, not a single Republican said, "whoa there, Donald. The people elected this man in 2008. Who before him had been so thoroughly vetted? Knock it off!"
No. Mitch McConnell ("one-term president"), then-House Speaker John Boehner, Eric Cantor, John Cornyn, to name just a few, kept up the drumbeat of discontent with the black president and his healthcare law. Stir in a frenzied right-wing echo chamber of daily raw sewage from Rush Limbaugh and Fox News and Donald Trump is almost ready to serve, from soup to nuts. They were happy to have him front their racism without owning it themselves. Ha ha.
Now the party's "elders, chief priests and scribes", to paraphrase the Bible, are all in a twist about possibly losing gubernatorial and legislative majorities statewide and nationally.
And they all wonder how this came about?
4
Its a race to the bottom for the gop and I hope they win
3
Trump is deranged and Ryan is daft.
9
Yes, the Republicans need to go down in flames and hopefully they will. But - and I'm a Democrat - I believe that having one party in control of the Congress and the White House is not a great thing. Democrats can be corrupt and full of hubris when unchecked: not as awful as the Repubs, but they need to be accountable. This country functions best with two parties who can cooperate, collaborate, and compromise to get things done. I read a great comment to an earlier column, which stated that we already have a center-right party (the Dems). We don't need a new Republican party. We need a new center-left party. That's the sweet spot for a functional American government.
2
Trump as Goldwater redux? Only in the sense of Karl Marx's observation in the 18th Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte that history repeats itself - the first time as tragedy and the second time as farce. The two-party system assumes stability. The more likely prospect is for the eclipse of both parties by deepening social polarization. The Republican Party has been shattered - permanently. It will not recover. The Sanders phenom anticipates something similar for the Democrats. You need to think less in terms of another New Deal and more in terms of an American Weimar as a product of deepening social and economic crisis. The whole Brexit phenomenon is a measure of deepening nationalist sentiments combined the failure of schemes (the EU) based stabile markets and stabile politics. The Reagan interregnum will not be repeated.
Trump is similar to the Id monster in the old science fiction movie "Forbidden Plant." He's the very incarnation of what the Republican Establishment has really wanted for the past 40 years.
The Clinton campaign might benefit from lending a few operatives to Trump to help him dampen the Republic Establishment's effort to dump him.
The Clinton campaign might benefit from lending a few operatives to Trump to help him dampen the Republic Establishment's effort to dump him.
1
Sorry but there is no evidence there is going to be a "historic" defeat. Hillary leads by 4-5 points in most recent polls which outside the margin of error is 1-2 points. At this time in 1964 Goldwater was down by 30,40 points. Trump actually has a shot at winning.
1
"The Republican Party is placing its bet on Donald Trump. They believe that the people in this country are too stupid, blind and hateful to care one bit about who Trump really is."
The Republican Party isn't unified enough to be collectively betting on Trump. If "they" refers to party leaders, they are supporting him because they have no other options. It's too late to do anything other than a blatant rule change that they know will split the party in half. Honestly, I think they should let it happen. I know that will cripple them and they'll never do it, but maybe the party should split. Given the choice between pursuing a clear agenda and grasping at power, they are clearly erring on the side of the latter.
I view Trump as the equivalent of a "None of the Above" vote. I'm not convinced that if his supporters were being honest with themselves that anyone really thinks he is the answer to their problems, but what is clear is that his victory in the primaries is a clear rejection of what the party leaders were claiming was their best and brightest. Win or lose this time around, I know that there is hope among mainstream Republicans that this will force positive changes within the party. I'll believe it when I see it.
The Republican Party isn't unified enough to be collectively betting on Trump. If "they" refers to party leaders, they are supporting him because they have no other options. It's too late to do anything other than a blatant rule change that they know will split the party in half. Honestly, I think they should let it happen. I know that will cripple them and they'll never do it, but maybe the party should split. Given the choice between pursuing a clear agenda and grasping at power, they are clearly erring on the side of the latter.
I view Trump as the equivalent of a "None of the Above" vote. I'm not convinced that if his supporters were being honest with themselves that anyone really thinks he is the answer to their problems, but what is clear is that his victory in the primaries is a clear rejection of what the party leaders were claiming was their best and brightest. Win or lose this time around, I know that there is hope among mainstream Republicans that this will force positive changes within the party. I'll believe it when I see it.
1
The Civil War was lower than anything currently, and even though the Republicans of today did not cause it, their similar-thinking forebears played a major role in its instigation. There are all sorts of quasi-similarities today of that march to war. Let us have enough sense -- all of us on both side -- not to go there again.
Republicans caused the Civil War? On what planet?
The forebears of todays Republicans were the pre-Civil Rights era's Southern Democrats. All the way back to the Civil War.
Trump is clearly not the choice of the Republican establishment. He is the choice of those who said they were Republican voters, which included more than a few folks who had previously voted in Democratic primaries. (In fact, here in Ohio a number of local Democratic officials were fired from their jobs for voting in the Republican primary.)
As someone once said, "We get the government we deserve." Whether it's Hillary of The Donald, we have only ourselves to blame.
As someone once said, "We get the government we deserve." Whether it's Hillary of The Donald, we have only ourselves to blame.
"we get the government we deserve"
why does this maxim drive me crazy every time its uttered?
many of us do not deserve this dysfunction.
when you vote with good conscience and then your representatives fail to represent their constituency, but would rather sell out for power and money,
who's fault it that?
why does this maxim drive me crazy every time its uttered?
many of us do not deserve this dysfunction.
when you vote with good conscience and then your representatives fail to represent their constituency, but would rather sell out for power and money,
who's fault it that?
Great rundown,
I keep listening for a hint from the GOP that they have the interests of the country as their priority, but what I am hearing is a cynical acceptance that their party party has entered a Faustian bargain with a very narrow few Big Money interests and are ignoring the major problems confronting our society. The business of government is serious business and no place for leaders without knowledge of our society and the challenge of optimizing the distribution of incomes and jobs as our industries compete in a world that is plagued by tribal like conflicts, and the enormous challenge presented by continuing to use fossil fuels as the dominant global energy source.
Simply put Mr. Trump and the leadership of the GOP are not raising these issues and offering alternatives for the US as it moves into a potentially perilous future. Mr. Trump shows a very low level of competence and the elected leadership of his party are remaining silent.
Obviously, they have the choice of leaving the party and declaring that they are Independents and ask to join the Democratic caucus. In my view this is what responsible Republicans should do.
Remember when Trent Lott changed his party to rise to the Majority Leader of the Senate. He is just one. There are many. Leaders of conscience have historically left their party as the first step to greatness. Would you believe that Jack Kemp would have stayed in the party of Trump?
I keep listening for a hint from the GOP that they have the interests of the country as their priority, but what I am hearing is a cynical acceptance that their party party has entered a Faustian bargain with a very narrow few Big Money interests and are ignoring the major problems confronting our society. The business of government is serious business and no place for leaders without knowledge of our society and the challenge of optimizing the distribution of incomes and jobs as our industries compete in a world that is plagued by tribal like conflicts, and the enormous challenge presented by continuing to use fossil fuels as the dominant global energy source.
Simply put Mr. Trump and the leadership of the GOP are not raising these issues and offering alternatives for the US as it moves into a potentially perilous future. Mr. Trump shows a very low level of competence and the elected leadership of his party are remaining silent.
Obviously, they have the choice of leaving the party and declaring that they are Independents and ask to join the Democratic caucus. In my view this is what responsible Republicans should do.
Remember when Trent Lott changed his party to rise to the Majority Leader of the Senate. He is just one. There are many. Leaders of conscience have historically left their party as the first step to greatness. Would you believe that Jack Kemp would have stayed in the party of Trump?
2
The analysis concerning House races is flawed, in that it does not take into account that the vast majority of the districts are designed/gerrymandered to favor heavily favor one party or the other. Hence the parallel results for the outcome in each district.
Larry Sabato has it right with respect to the Senate. In addition, in both presidential and mid-term election years, most of the close/contested Senate races break the same way.
Larry Sabato has it right with respect to the Senate. In addition, in both presidential and mid-term election years, most of the close/contested Senate races break the same way.
2
Trump will be beaten decisively despite the fact that Hillary Clinton has ridiculously high negative ratings, How did the country end up with such poor choices, Democratic party elders are under the silly misapprehension of Clinton's experience and competence, What the voters see is a candidate who is an inch away from self destruction and Trump picking up all the marbles.
3
Maybe the question is why and how Sec. Clinton got such negative ratings. A rather immediate answer is that she has been suffering smear campaigns for decades now as a frontline political figure; from state and presidential first lady, to US senator and Secretary of State. Or that during the current primary cycle she got the most negative coverage of all candidates (see http://www.vox.com/2016/6/20/11949860/media-coverage-hillary-clinton for exact figures)
2
Part of Hillary's large negatives are a long campaign of negative PR from the right.
People on the right are furious over Benghazi but are not angry about how Bush, Cheney, Rice, Rumsfeld took us to war in Iraq.
I have neighbors are convinced the Clintons had Vince Foster murdered.
Perhaps sadder is what this says about some of the American people.
People on the right are furious over Benghazi but are not angry about how Bush, Cheney, Rice, Rumsfeld took us to war in Iraq.
I have neighbors are convinced the Clintons had Vince Foster murdered.
Perhaps sadder is what this says about some of the American people.
1
It is very important to remember:
Everything Edsall rants about was said about someone else in 1980 - Ronald Reagan. They even ran an independent candidate against 'the B movie actor' - although a Republican - John Anderson. As late as September they were saying Reagan was facing an epic defeat.
And we have to remember something else - HR Hilarious is going to be indicted. And Bernie will run as an independent. He is not going to the back bench quietly.
What Edsall and the left are doing is self contained. What you do is claim a
trend - Trump's support is crumbling - and then refer to it later as fact, supported by push polls. And then one is so surprised when it really turns out nothing has changed and the race is a dead heat. But for your side you can feel assured that everything is OK.
Not one word is mentioned about the illegitimacy of a Clinton presidency. Nothing in her seedy background warrants praise. The seeds of corruption and dishonor have been sown long ago. Everything that transpires after January 1017 will mimic what unfolded in the 1990s.
Be assured impeachment part 2 would be waiting in the wings.
Everything Edsall rants about was said about someone else in 1980 - Ronald Reagan. They even ran an independent candidate against 'the B movie actor' - although a Republican - John Anderson. As late as September they were saying Reagan was facing an epic defeat.
And we have to remember something else - HR Hilarious is going to be indicted. And Bernie will run as an independent. He is not going to the back bench quietly.
What Edsall and the left are doing is self contained. What you do is claim a
trend - Trump's support is crumbling - and then refer to it later as fact, supported by push polls. And then one is so surprised when it really turns out nothing has changed and the race is a dead heat. But for your side you can feel assured that everything is OK.
Not one word is mentioned about the illegitimacy of a Clinton presidency. Nothing in her seedy background warrants praise. The seeds of corruption and dishonor have been sown long ago. Everything that transpires after January 1017 will mimic what unfolded in the 1990s.
Be assured impeachment part 2 would be waiting in the wings.
2
"And we have to remember something else - HR Hilarious is going to be indicted. And Bernie will run as an independent."
Neither thing is going to happen. Or do you alone have inside info that no one else has?
Neither thing is going to happen. Or do you alone have inside info that no one else has?
1
check this out:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bush_White_House_email_controversy
No indictment there so may not happen with Hillary, either.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bush_White_House_email_controversy
No indictment there so may not happen with Hillary, either.
1
Sure. With these prognostications the left (i.e., everybody who is not a neoconservtive) are playing the same game than in the 2012 elections, when they kept doctoring the data to falsely and ridiculously insist on all polls actually pointing at Mr. Obama defeating Gov. Romney. What worries me is that back then we had Mr. Karl Rove or UnskewedPolls.com to set the record straight, while now they appear to be eerily silent.
1
Imagine the Speaker of the House not supporting the Ship of State! Imagine the Speaker throwing WE the People overboard! Imagine the Speaker not resigning - when faced with Party versus Country.
Someone with a conscience would resign rather than be a hypocrite.
Ryan will forever be tied to the Albatross he has chosen. Over Country.
Someone with a conscience would resign rather than be a hypocrite.
Ryan will forever be tied to the Albatross he has chosen. Over Country.
15
How low can they go?! You mean they're not there yet?
6
How low can the GOP go, you ask?
Well, it depends how deep the septic tank is!
Well, it depends how deep the septic tank is!
4
Lie down with dogs, get up with....Trump.
5
Trump's vocabulary is so limited! All his rantings sound the same - liars, disparaging comments about looks, and endless repititions! And people think he is smart and successful? He is a world class bore - and his lack of knowledge shows his shallow character - his life revolves around golf, gambling, and selling water, wine and meat - how does this relate to being president? The White House will serve Trump products, his plane will bear the Presidential seal and the tax payers will pay for it? A Taj Mahal facelift for the White House? All courtesy of the Republican Party!
6
Even if he had actually been a self-made, accomplished entrepreneur, instead of a shady businessman whose only success is having been born the heir of a fortune, his continuous and rather delusional self-agrandishment would suffice to show his shallow character, completely unfit for the presidency (or to sell used cars). But then, on top of it he has his business, court and personal records; he is not just an ignoramus, but vociferously proud of it; and utterly ridiculous in manner and appearance. And still he got record numbers in the primaries and 40% of US adults seem to want him as his next president. Truly scary.
1
Bernie wins! Not President but his "political revolution" will evolve out of Donald Trump's ashes.
1
Smug comments. Trump wins unless we back up our wisdom by casting ballots in November.
7
ANY democrat running needs to have someone publically ask his/her opponent: "Do you support Trump?"
6
The GOP went as low as any political party could go with the 2009 inauguration night conspiracy. Paul Ryan was in on the decision to practice the politics of obstruction to the utmost degree. When people show themselves fed up with congressional gridlock, they vote for the likes of Trump.
Now it is up to the electorate to hold the GOP accountable up and down the ballot. We need a protest vote against congressional obstruction on everything from comprehensive immigration reform to inaction on the confirmation of Judge Garland and now, gun control legislation.
Send a message, VOTE AGAINST ALL REPUBLICANS.
Now it is up to the electorate to hold the GOP accountable up and down the ballot. We need a protest vote against congressional obstruction on everything from comprehensive immigration reform to inaction on the confirmation of Judge Garland and now, gun control legislation.
Send a message, VOTE AGAINST ALL REPUBLICANS.
22
Couldn´t have happened to a nicer bunch of people.
7
Could Donald Trump sit through an interview with Walter Cronkite, Edward Murrow, Dan Rather? I think not.
The blatant hypocrisy rampant in the Greed Over People party is astonishing to behold. How is it possible 40% of Americans believe what Trump and the Republican Party offers?
Why do they believe? Fox propaganda abetted by much of the MSM.
The blatant hypocrisy rampant in the Greed Over People party is astonishing to behold. How is it possible 40% of Americans believe what Trump and the Republican Party offers?
Why do they believe? Fox propaganda abetted by much of the MSM.
9
Sarah Palin, the Tea Party, most Republican Congresspeople and most Republican Governors, and now Donald Trump. Real, real low.
22
The difference is that Goldwater was an intellectual powerhouse. He may not have won, but his ideas prevailed. Trump is just a..., well, you know.
6
"When you see your enemy destroying himself, try not to interfere."
-- Napoleon I
For the Democrats, Donald Trump is the gift that keeps on giving.
If they don't win majorities in the house and senate, they should hang their heads in shame.
-- Napoleon I
For the Democrats, Donald Trump is the gift that keeps on giving.
If they don't win majorities in the house and senate, they should hang their heads in shame.
9
If Trump does in fact implode, winning back the Senate is quite likely. As for the House, not a chance due to gerrymandering. Irrespective of what happens this fall, the 2020 election will be more important, coming in a census year and affecting reapportionment in the states. We can expect gridlock until at least 2022, and we should hope that Hillary can do as well as Obama has with executive actions and damage control. Like it or not, that's the system that we have.
1
Trump is the slow moving lava heading towards the ephemeral city of GOP lies. Inexorable, it flicks away any attempt to thwart it as it follows a gold bricked path of wickedness and destruction. “Trumpeii” is inevitable. It will entomb the GOP, with Ryan and McConnell locked in a state of shocked embrace as they ask themselves why they didn’t run away when they had the chance.
6
It's Hillary for the kill. R.I.P. Donald....
5
Don’t despair….after all, Trump has just demonstrated that he is capable reading from a teleprompter.
1
I am a military guy, and my colleagues are usually staunch republicans and could, normally, be counted upon to be completely solid, republican voters. This year, the crazy Trump foreign policy that would threaten everything from the work we have done to defeat ISIS to dismantling our alliances is too much for them to take. They are likely to stay home, or reluctantly vote for Hillary.
125
I work with many military active duty and veterans, and hear similar things, though not universal. What is common is their contempt for chicken hawks, which Trump is on more days than not.
1
Please ask your colleagues to vote reluctantly for Hillary. You can frame it to them as a vote against Trump.
2
Hi Todd,
Thank you for your service.
May I ask you a question? I am confused about the military's unwavering support of the GOP. How can you support a party that lied to the American people in order to pave the way for war? It doesn't make sense to me.
Thank you for your service.
May I ask you a question? I am confused about the military's unwavering support of the GOP. How can you support a party that lied to the American people in order to pave the way for war? It doesn't make sense to me.
4
Better question: How high can the flames in the Trumpster fire go?
3
You can't compare this to 1964. The GOP's resurgence from that defeat came from the exodus of white southerners from the Democratic Party, after the passage of the Civil Rights legislation in 1964 and 1965. Nixon's Southern Strategy locked up the white vote there and around the country.
This calculus doesn't apply today for a simple reason: the demographics of 2016 are vastly different from 1964. Back then, the electorate was almost 95 percent white. Today, it's down to 70 percent and dropping.
The GOP's problem is compelled by the fact that it managed to alienate all minorities and remains a lily white party.
This calculus doesn't apply today for a simple reason: the demographics of 2016 are vastly different from 1964. Back then, the electorate was almost 95 percent white. Today, it's down to 70 percent and dropping.
The GOP's problem is compelled by the fact that it managed to alienate all minorities and remains a lily white party.
9
To think of Donald Trump as "crusading outsider" is as laughable as they come. Now that the media is finally taking a hard look at the real strategies Trump has consistently used in his business dealings, he cannot be called a crusader.
What is he crusading against? Corruption in government or business? For someone who skirts the law in all his business dealings, robbing Peter to pay Paul, lending his campaign money that gets redirected to his own companies, luring thousands of gullible down and outers to Trump University where the ads didn't match the reality, and literally flouting the advice of lenders in Atlantic City casinos by larding them up with highly leveraged debt, that of course wasn't sustainable--leaving investors and contractors all unpaid, or paid far less than invested--is hardly my idea of a "crusader."
Trump plays everyone for a fool. Moreover, he feeds off the soft underbelly of our lax tax and corporate finance laws.
Never has the term "buyer beware" been more appropriate for voters taking a hard look at voting this "crusading outsider" to the highest office in the land.
What is he crusading against? Corruption in government or business? For someone who skirts the law in all his business dealings, robbing Peter to pay Paul, lending his campaign money that gets redirected to his own companies, luring thousands of gullible down and outers to Trump University where the ads didn't match the reality, and literally flouting the advice of lenders in Atlantic City casinos by larding them up with highly leveraged debt, that of course wasn't sustainable--leaving investors and contractors all unpaid, or paid far less than invested--is hardly my idea of a "crusader."
Trump plays everyone for a fool. Moreover, he feeds off the soft underbelly of our lax tax and corporate finance laws.
Never has the term "buyer beware" been more appropriate for voters taking a hard look at voting this "crusading outsider" to the highest office in the land.
24
It may be about time that we remove the restriction on President being born in the country. If Trump is what we get with this constitution then Republicans should be looking to change the constitution
There its no daylight between their Limbo Bar and the ground we're standing on. None.
5
Cmon media! The praising of Donald Trump for managing to go one day without acting like a self serving, spoiled rich kid who needs to prove his manhood?
Lower than low!
Lower than low!
3
TRUMP IS WINNING. More evidence of the actual position Trump's campaign was in as of Monday comes from two new polls.
The Reuters Polling Explorer five-day rolling average on Monday showed, prior to correction, that Trump was behind Clinton by 9.7%, 41.0% to 31.3%. But of the 1,625 respondents, 776 (48%) were Democrats and just 505 (31%) were Republicans, for a 17% bias in favor of Democrats that is about 16% higher than it should be.
Of those 1,625 respondents, 666 (an appropriately ominous number; 41%) voted for Obama in 2012. Just 399 (24.5%) voted for Romney in 2012. This converts to a 13% net bias since Obama beat Romney by only 3.9%, and representative polling today should still reflect that distribution.
Translation: Corrected Reuters polling had Trump in the lead by about 3-6% over Clinton.
The Economist/YouGov conducted a poll from June 18 to 20, reporting that Clinton led Trump by 4%. Of the 1,011 respondents, 425 (42%) were Democrats, and only 247 (24%) were Republicans, for a 18% Democrat edge that is 17% larger than it should be.
Translation: Corrected Economist/YouGov polling had Trump in the lead by about 13%.
Read more: http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2016/06/6_22_2016_15_16.html#ixzz4CP...
Follow us: @AmericanThinker on Twitter | AmericanThinker on Facebook
The Reuters Polling Explorer five-day rolling average on Monday showed, prior to correction, that Trump was behind Clinton by 9.7%, 41.0% to 31.3%. But of the 1,625 respondents, 776 (48%) were Democrats and just 505 (31%) were Republicans, for a 17% bias in favor of Democrats that is about 16% higher than it should be.
Of those 1,625 respondents, 666 (an appropriately ominous number; 41%) voted for Obama in 2012. Just 399 (24.5%) voted for Romney in 2012. This converts to a 13% net bias since Obama beat Romney by only 3.9%, and representative polling today should still reflect that distribution.
Translation: Corrected Reuters polling had Trump in the lead by about 3-6% over Clinton.
The Economist/YouGov conducted a poll from June 18 to 20, reporting that Clinton led Trump by 4%. Of the 1,011 respondents, 425 (42%) were Democrats, and only 247 (24%) were Republicans, for a 18% Democrat edge that is 17% larger than it should be.
Translation: Corrected Economist/YouGov polling had Trump in the lead by about 13%.
Read more: http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2016/06/6_22_2016_15_16.html#ixzz4CP...
Follow us: @AmericanThinker on Twitter | AmericanThinker on Facebook
Dewey vs. Truman - let's look at your stats on November 9th.
4
You're assuming that there are only 1% more self-described Democrats than Republicans? Assume Away--or, Dream On.
3
I think everyone reading already knows this, but this is a variant of the unskewed polls argument and is completely incorrect. Clinton is currently well ahead of Trump in polls that are representative of the electorate and properly calculated. That doesn't mean the polls are "right," or that Clinton will stay ahead, but this so-called "correcting" of the polls is a common mistake of the very far right wing and meaningless.
10
Mr Trump, you've had such a busy year. Why not take time off and stay in Scotland? All those nice golf courses? Friendly people, great scenery. No need to rush back.
7
And a good part of what he does get he spends on his businesses and himself. He is taking them for a ride. How can they be conned so badly?
6
Trump is a "businessman". He'll do whatever is necessary to make a profit out of running. Then he'll brag about it.
1
All they want is power. Simple.
1
@John - That's all Hillary wants as well - and speech money. Which I wouldn't take, btw, John.
Other thoughts...
As you've said before... MANY Republicans will denounce Trump publicly. But they hate Hillary so much that when they get in the booth they will (quietly) vote for Trump.
I've personally seen this over and over. Friends that cannot defend Trump... but they LOATH Hillary.
I wonder how much these guys will affect the election.
As you've said before... MANY Republicans will denounce Trump publicly. But they hate Hillary so much that when they get in the booth they will (quietly) vote for Trump.
I've personally seen this over and over. Friends that cannot defend Trump... but they LOATH Hillary.
I wonder how much these guys will affect the election.
1
I've seen it where I live, also. But, with only a single exception, my Republican friends say they cannot vote for Trump. A very few say they will vote for Hillary, the rest say they will write in someone or not vote for a President at all. Still, it's a long time till November. Things can change.
1
I saw Paul Ryan interviewed last night on CNN. That lying hypocritical sociopath made me so angry I almost kicked the television off its stand. He talked about Trump and he talked about Republican "values." He talked about supporting Trump. Paul Ryan is a spineless weasel that doesn't have the guts to say he knows Trump will be bad for this country - not to mention the rest of the world. Republicans have no values. All they care about is getting and keeping power. Their mantra is "Mine! Mine! Mine! and everyone else damned.
49
I think Ryan owes weasels a sincere apology for stealing their characterization.
1
And yet, despite ALL of this, HRC leads DT only by about six per cent nationwide, and several states like Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania are up for grabs.
Her problem, I think, is to figure out why this is, and what she can do both as a candidate and as President. Despite all of the well-justified vilification of DT, she is still failing to find a way to speak to the millions who are disaffected and who think he has the answers to the country's problems.
Trump supporters see him as a vessel into which they can pour their frustrations about their real and perceived losses: of jobs, of prestige, of privileges (white, male, straight, political, economic, social) which they had thought had been their birthright. The world they had imagined is crumbling right before their eyes, and they fear a future where they will have even less influence.
This is Hillary's challenge, and ours: not only to point out his history and the destructiveness of his words, but also to figure out how best to reach out of the millions who have seen their dreams and their senses of who they, and we, are in a world they perceive is growing ever more out of control.
Change may be good, it may be necessary, it may be inevitable, but it is most certainly scary. A LOT of people are scared right now, and not just in the USA. Witness, for example, the BREXIT vote in the UK today, and the rise of racist and neo-fascist movements across Europe.
We are not alone with this problem. It won't end in November.
Her problem, I think, is to figure out why this is, and what she can do both as a candidate and as President. Despite all of the well-justified vilification of DT, she is still failing to find a way to speak to the millions who are disaffected and who think he has the answers to the country's problems.
Trump supporters see him as a vessel into which they can pour their frustrations about their real and perceived losses: of jobs, of prestige, of privileges (white, male, straight, political, economic, social) which they had thought had been their birthright. The world they had imagined is crumbling right before their eyes, and they fear a future where they will have even less influence.
This is Hillary's challenge, and ours: not only to point out his history and the destructiveness of his words, but also to figure out how best to reach out of the millions who have seen their dreams and their senses of who they, and we, are in a world they perceive is growing ever more out of control.
Change may be good, it may be necessary, it may be inevitable, but it is most certainly scary. A LOT of people are scared right now, and not just in the USA. Witness, for example, the BREXIT vote in the UK today, and the rise of racist and neo-fascist movements across Europe.
We are not alone with this problem. It won't end in November.
7
Even if Senate is controlled by Democrats in 2017, they will face the very certain "Flag-Draped Ted Cruz Filibuster" on every proposed law or act that resembles ANYTHING that represents progress for America.
6
Ban shredded cheese! Make America grate again!
9
TheRepublicans have been playing dirty politics since the Nixon years. Reagan traded missiles for keeping the American hostages in Iran until after the election and that seemed to be OK with Republicans!! George junior started an illegal war, put our soldiers in harms way, the invasion of Iraq led to thousands of innocent Iraqis killed. He should have been impeached for lying to the American public and then his administration was party to one of the worst economic disasters since the depression but the Republicans are OK with this!! Their current candidate is a bigot, racist, fascist, misogynist and a name calling bully and their OK with that!! What are they not OK with? Oh their not OK taking guns out of the hands of suspected terrorists. Now I get it.
20
"If something is done and said that I don’t agree with that I think puts a bad label on conservatism" Isn't that an oxymoron?
3
Hello Republicans...remember that old adage..."you reap what you sow"?
10
I meant to say "a few weeks from now."
1
"Trump is arguably the most unlikely, unsuitable, and unpopular presidential nominee of a majority party in American history" This has been my sentiments from the start, and I believe there are far more who feel that same way about Trump. What has propped up his campaign unquestionably is the relentless media coverage he receives, it's unprecedented. Even his most ludicrous statements are sanctioned by all those lights and cameras. This celebrity culture has now devoured any sense of reason or sanity. The Trump brand is the media's scared mission, he's their reason for being.
4
Our "sacred mission" as voters is to destroy their "scared mission."
The idea of Trump reinvigorating a conservative movement as Goldwater did, while losing, seems ridiculous. As awful as he was, Goldwater stood for conservative principles; Trump doesn't stand for anything. Losing by a lot is not generally the way to reinvigorate a movement or philosophy.
7
How low can the GOP go?
First, please specify the lowest limit. Then we can have a discussion.
First, please specify the lowest limit. Then we can have a discussion.
3
My favorite saying, normally reserved for individuals, now also applies to the GOP:
We are all ultimately revealed.
'Nuff said.
We are all ultimately revealed.
'Nuff said.
5
Among other questionable activities, Donald Trump is the king of the conspiracy theorists. Most recently, he has floated the theory that our president is somehow or other complicate in the terrorist attacks on the country, but of course he has offered no evidence for this ridiculous assertion. But there is clear and unambiguous evidence that he himself is aiding and abetting terrorists. His proposal to ban Muslims from entering the country and his calling for screening and profiling of Muslim citizens feeds directly into the rhetoric of ISIS who argue that the west is waging war on Islam. In effect, Donald Trump is a strong unpaid lobbyist for ISIS. Unpaid? Really? Donald Trump is, first and foremost, a businessman for whom making money is the greatest good.. While I personally don't believe that something is going on here, huge numbers of people are raising questions.
2
Three observations here:
1. Donald Trump is simply the ugly reflection of what the GOP has long since become.
2. Any ephemeral "transformation" of Trump into presidential timbre represents nothing more than a temporary tactic to serve a short-term political objective. It does not change who he really is, something he has repeatedly and loudly demonstrated for decades.
3. Trump is everything that he accuses Hillary Clinton of, to the power of a number too high to be within the human capacity to know.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
1. Donald Trump is simply the ugly reflection of what the GOP has long since become.
2. Any ephemeral "transformation" of Trump into presidential timbre represents nothing more than a temporary tactic to serve a short-term political objective. It does not change who he really is, something he has repeatedly and loudly demonstrated for decades.
3. Trump is everything that he accuses Hillary Clinton of, to the power of a number too high to be within the human capacity to know.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
9
The problem Trump supporters face as they carry him on their shoulders to victory is the ground he is giving them to march over is quicksand.
3
Barry Goldwater kicked off a long Republican reign only after the Civil Rights and Voting Rights acts turned southern Democrats into Republicans, and the Viet Nam war turned plain vanilla Americans against the counter-cultural anti-war liberals. I see no such upheavals resulting from a yuuuge Trump loss.
3
The sad thing is that there's still this email cloud over Hillary. She could easily be indicted, and although indictment doesn't mean guilty, the gullible public will read it that way. That could blow Hillary's campaign out of the water...then what's left?
How disappointing that Paul Ryan has passed on this leadership moment. At a time when he could be a steadying voice, and chide his Party for nominating a baboon, he has instead chosen to support the baboon, even as he flings his feces at the masses. The problem with the GOP isn't just Trump. It's the vacuum of leadership.
6
Cillizza thinks Trump's rhetoric was impressive? Please, this was the same tired nonsense. The GOP needs new ideas before they can have any hope of reviving their movement ; the health plan they trotted out yesterday is laughable. More of the same is bound to follow.
2
Here in Missouri it is looking like Donald Trump will take long-term Senator Roy Blunt down with him. Very good news for our state as Jason Kander, the young Democrat who will win the seat, will bring a lot to the job that Blunt lacks. Unlike Blunt, what Kander won't do is bring a family (including wife) along with him as lobbyists.
Looking at Congress over the past eight years, I conclude many of these old geezers have retired but continue to draw big salaries and live off posh expense accounts while feathering their families' nests.
Enough!
Looking at Congress over the past eight years, I conclude many of these old geezers have retired but continue to draw big salaries and live off posh expense accounts while feathering their families' nests.
Enough!
4
If Trump can swallow the whole GOP , I will be grateful to Trump for rest of my life. The GOP can not hit the bottom because it is the bottomless party. Trump wins or loose, he is breaking the party slowly and surely.
7
To your first point, unfortunately at least our state of Michigan's legislature decided to outlaw straight ticket voting, which can make voting a full ticket more challenging and time consuming. [angry face emoji]
3
Donald Trump's greatest gift to America would be to drag every Republican running for office down to defeat this year.
15
Without a doubt the Trump phenom is a 'personality cult', though apparently at this time a losing one.
This could change.
This could change.
1
The GOP did this to themselves. But it started long ago. 1980 to be exact. They were willing to put up another grifter of a sort, Ronald Reagan. After being snubbed by the SAG because they had to tell him how to do his job as president, he wandered over to GE and others to be their paid mouthpiece for a while. During the period he made LP's about the evils of socialized medicine (good for a laugh, if you are interested). When it came time for the GOP to get a mouthpiece for Arthur Laffer and Grover Norquist, among others it needed to look no further than Reagan. For those of you who did not have the pleasure, while Governor here in Californian he did and said numerous asinine things, but nothing like when he set the country back years as president.
The entire cheapening and comic book quality the Republican party has undergone is directly related to their "fearless leader." "Ronnie" and his sidekick "Mommie." The infantile nature of the House, and all of them owe one to the "Gipper." And an entire generation of young Republicans is living in a fanatasyland where taxes and actions don't matter. They have not hit the wall yet but are just about ready to....
The entire cheapening and comic book quality the Republican party has undergone is directly related to their "fearless leader." "Ronnie" and his sidekick "Mommie." The infantile nature of the House, and all of them owe one to the "Gipper." And an entire generation of young Republicans is living in a fanatasyland where taxes and actions don't matter. They have not hit the wall yet but are just about ready to....
7
The depths to which Trump has sunk has Nixon spinning in his grave with envy. And that was a pretty low bar to slither under.
5
Comparing Trump to the only president to have resigned is an odd comparison, but apt in many ways. Nixon was a vicious, paranoid schemer unbound by any sense of decency or morality. Even so, and probably ONLY because he was a person of his times, Nixon actually served the country in the military, something Drumpf went way out of his way to avoid. Disgusting.
1
"But in doing so he may also show them a path to victory."
Another false equivalency thrown in to "balance" a story. When will writers realize their opinion doesn't have to have two sides? It's getting absurd.
That Drumpf stirred up "anti-insider" anger has been obvious since he began. What's even more obvious is that, as the "campaign" has gone on, he's a lousy one-trick pony. He has NO details or grasp of any relevant national policies, nor has he shown any interest in stating anything in the way of detailed, logical policies to change anything in this country. His self-centered blathering has worn VERY thin. There is, indeed , no "there there".
Another false equivalency thrown in to "balance" a story. When will writers realize their opinion doesn't have to have two sides? It's getting absurd.
That Drumpf stirred up "anti-insider" anger has been obvious since he began. What's even more obvious is that, as the "campaign" has gone on, he's a lousy one-trick pony. He has NO details or grasp of any relevant national policies, nor has he shown any interest in stating anything in the way of detailed, logical policies to change anything in this country. His self-centered blathering has worn VERY thin. There is, indeed , no "there there".
7
Trump's the X-Ray and the GOP is the patient. The politicians at the top can't separate themselves from him because they can't separate themselves from what they need at the bottom. And those leaders have for three generations permitted the Republican Party to cultivate, exploit, and rely on the most malignant aspects of the American character--fear, cruelty, belligerent ignorance. Is it any wonder that in the age of media poltiics, those aspects would demand that they be seen and congratulated for loudly and proudly being what they are?
Trump is the vicious shamelessness of the Right's base brought to life. Priebus, McConnell, Ryan et al., can't be surprised.
Trump is the vicious shamelessness of the Right's base brought to life. Priebus, McConnell, Ryan et al., can't be surprised.
3
So the GOP has spent years hoodwinking their followers by using hot-button social issues to stir up support, while lying repeatedly about what they really stand for, which is siphoning as much profit as possible from their followers to benefit the 1% who really matter to them. Now ordinary folks who have been die-hard Republicans are waking up to the fact that they've been hoodwinked, but since they've been fed a diet of fiction from Fox "News" for so long, they are ripe pickings for a demagogue who exploits the same hot-button social issues (xenophobia, racism, misogyny) but seems to be on their side.
Then they say, "How did this happen? What can we do?"
Then they say, "How did this happen? What can we do?"
1
Trump is poisoning the GOP. If it survives it will have to reinvent itself to serve this nation.
Finally, we have hit the tipping point, with Trump's ability to really energize a party---too bad it is the wrong party.
Mr. Edsall's column certainly lays out Mr. Trump's problems and his exceptionally repugnant attitudes and lack of conventional campaign funding and organization. The problem I see is this: Mr. Trump didn't really have any conventional campaign strengths in the primaries either, and he "trumped" the conventional contestants.
And, tomorrow, the NYT and its columnists will again give Mr. Trump lots of free publicity, and because it's the NYT, Trumpists will hate what is said, and believe their man is that much more right. And the cycle of mean and nastiness will roll around again.
This continuous acceleration of vitriolic divisiveness from all sides is going to be the death of US yet. If the American Experiment crumbles, we will all be more worried about whose fault it was than trying to rebuild the bastion of democracy.
And, tomorrow, the NYT and its columnists will again give Mr. Trump lots of free publicity, and because it's the NYT, Trumpists will hate what is said, and believe their man is that much more right. And the cycle of mean and nastiness will roll around again.
This continuous acceleration of vitriolic divisiveness from all sides is going to be the death of US yet. If the American Experiment crumbles, we will all be more worried about whose fault it was than trying to rebuild the bastion of democracy.
The Democrats have reportedly been searching for a moniker to tar Trump with, similar to the taunts he has used to deconstruct his rivals, without success so far. I have a suggestion. How about "Despicable D". Has legs, no?
Trump has ridden the wave of American infatuation with celebrity to great heights. But there is another story that American's love, which perhaps he has not counted on: watching the mighty fall.
1
Life is hard for reasonable Republicans. They've had to live in a little bubble of denial in order to vote for candidates that stay true to their values but do little to counter the racism, sexism, and jingoism that has taken over their party. With Trump, the bubble may have finally burst. I'm curious how many will finally question their commitment to the GOP, and how many will reconstruct an even bigger bubble to accomodate the increase in disarray caused by their bloviating leader.
1
Let's hope that Ohio's Senator Rob Portman is one of the host of down-ballot Trump takes down with him.
I recently saw an ad supporting his candidacy telling us he will combat a proposed CMS rule that will incentivize doctors who prescribe the most effective cancer drugs and antibiotics. Furthermore, Medicare patients who take effective drugs over ineffective drugs will have their out-of-pocket cost reduced to zero.
Being in the pocket of Big Pharma, Portman lies to us to elect him to protect our "right" to buy and use ineffective drugs, at a cost set by the drug manufacturers. Remember, legislation passed under Bush, Medicare cannot negotiate these costs. They have to accept whatever outrageous price Big Pharma deems fair to Big Pharma.
Portman was also the guy leading the charge to privatize Social Security in 2005 when Big Banks knew they were going down but none of the rest of us did, and they needed a large influx of cash to save themselves and their huge salaries.
When the Great Recession hit 3 years later, more Social Security recipients would have been homeless than were as their Social Security checks were sucked into Wall St's money vacuum.
I recently saw an ad supporting his candidacy telling us he will combat a proposed CMS rule that will incentivize doctors who prescribe the most effective cancer drugs and antibiotics. Furthermore, Medicare patients who take effective drugs over ineffective drugs will have their out-of-pocket cost reduced to zero.
Being in the pocket of Big Pharma, Portman lies to us to elect him to protect our "right" to buy and use ineffective drugs, at a cost set by the drug manufacturers. Remember, legislation passed under Bush, Medicare cannot negotiate these costs. They have to accept whatever outrageous price Big Pharma deems fair to Big Pharma.
Portman was also the guy leading the charge to privatize Social Security in 2005 when Big Banks knew they were going down but none of the rest of us did, and they needed a large influx of cash to save themselves and their huge salaries.
When the Great Recession hit 3 years later, more Social Security recipients would have been homeless than were as their Social Security checks were sucked into Wall St's money vacuum.
1
Personally I would prefer to see Trump win and many of the down ballot candidates loose. Despite the hyperbole Trump is far from the worst the Republican Party has to offer. But don't worry that won't happen. Ryan and Clinton will team up to push through termination of SS (except for some convoluted carve out), unencumbered free/trade/open boarders, more fracking (Hillary will back track in a heart beat), and more fun stuff.
The solution is simple: next election, vote against every Republican, for every office, at every level. Be patriotic, save the country. Spread the word.
13
This likely landslide has a greater chance of leading the GOP into the dustbin of history like the Whig party in the 1850's, than another conservative revolution.
1
Yesterday's recess by Speaker Ryan is indicative of the do nothing House. The public is fed up on the lack of compromise by Republicans. I wouldn't be surprised if there's another house cleaning of members as there was in 94 but it will be the Republicans swept out of office, finally creating a clear path for Democrats to get things done, including creating a majority in the Supreme Court.
3
Thomas Edsall, I don't know what world you are living in. You spend the entire column discussing how disastrous Donald Trump's candidacy is for the GOP. Then you throw in a completely unsupported conclusion that his candidacy could presage a conservative renaissance. All you have to do is look at the demographics, buddy. The GOP is going down in flames. This is the culmination of 20 years of predictions. One can only hope that a legitimate second party rises from the ashes, one that is actually built on a desire to improve the lot of our nation and people, rather than a sole commitment lining its pockets, promoting the most disgusting selfishness, and pandering to the rich and intolerant.
2
Oh, the GOP can go much lower than silly, stupid Trump. The party of hypocrites, obsessed with other people's sex, that still sees women as things, that won't compromise on the right to bear weapons of mass destruction ...
The GOP has been consistently hateful, resentful, angry, racist, willfully ignorant, and downright dangerous throughout time. They've tried to deny civil rights, affirmative action, deny or encumber voters.
GOP idiot, W took the country to war on a simple whim to avenge his equally dim father and one-up him at the same time, a kind of frat boy arm wrestle. And never mind the cost. And then gave us the banking crisis through deregulation. And never mind the cost.
The GOP is full of hollow, wind-up life-like doughy McConnells who vowed to make Obama a one-term president on inauguration day, wouldn't work with him but would call for impeachment.
Now the presumptive GOP nominee birther idiot who never misses an opportunity to insult Obama. Or anyone else. This week, cheered by hundreds of ultra super 'Christian' evangelicals for saying that, with Obama, we never knew what we were getting religion-wise because he's so different, so non-white. Or so sane.
The current speaker, not the rapist-convict but personhood Ryan, would criminalize women and their doctors for performing abortions. The GOP will let the NRA terrorize us, big oil poison us, big pharma gouge us, big ag fatten and sicken us. That's fine.
No, there is no depth too low for the GOP.
The GOP has been consistently hateful, resentful, angry, racist, willfully ignorant, and downright dangerous throughout time. They've tried to deny civil rights, affirmative action, deny or encumber voters.
GOP idiot, W took the country to war on a simple whim to avenge his equally dim father and one-up him at the same time, a kind of frat boy arm wrestle. And never mind the cost. And then gave us the banking crisis through deregulation. And never mind the cost.
The GOP is full of hollow, wind-up life-like doughy McConnells who vowed to make Obama a one-term president on inauguration day, wouldn't work with him but would call for impeachment.
Now the presumptive GOP nominee birther idiot who never misses an opportunity to insult Obama. Or anyone else. This week, cheered by hundreds of ultra super 'Christian' evangelicals for saying that, with Obama, we never knew what we were getting religion-wise because he's so different, so non-white. Or so sane.
The current speaker, not the rapist-convict but personhood Ryan, would criminalize women and their doctors for performing abortions. The GOP will let the NRA terrorize us, big oil poison us, big pharma gouge us, big ag fatten and sicken us. That's fine.
No, there is no depth too low for the GOP.
6
The Republicans can go as low as is required so that Democrats can give the plutocracy whatever it wants and still remain the lesser of two evils.
Trump is not destroying the republican brand; he is making it relatable and authentic. His personality and publicly stated intents overlap strongly with what republicans believe (but may not say). Republicans are upset because he is unpredictable, and uncontrollable; i.e.:
(a) Trump may hurt trade and other deals which have enriched republican constituencies (robber barons).
(b) Trump weakens the republican stronghold on white male working class and rurals. Repubs used a mix of "God, guns, hand outs, and 'we will screw blacks' - to keep them obedient. Trump coopted them. All he had to do was say: 'I will really hurt blacks, immigrants, and Hispanics.' It cost him nothing, and it did the trick. That upset the repubs.
(c) Trump may not allow the repub brass to populate the WH with Liberty University graduates, theocrats, supply siders, neocons, and other crackpots who like to be in charge of America and run it like their personal banana republic. He will bring his own army of sycophants and palace guards.
Trump will make a deal. Repubs will agree to finance his lifestyle (er, campaign) in return for him taking their stooge for VP (Newt).
After that, expect a well orchestrated chorus of newfound love toward Trump from republican hacks and propaganda machine. That is how strong brands are built. Just because the republicans are intent on destroying America to suit their medieval purposes does not mean they are stupid, or have forgotten how to win.
Kalidan
(a) Trump may hurt trade and other deals which have enriched republican constituencies (robber barons).
(b) Trump weakens the republican stronghold on white male working class and rurals. Repubs used a mix of "God, guns, hand outs, and 'we will screw blacks' - to keep them obedient. Trump coopted them. All he had to do was say: 'I will really hurt blacks, immigrants, and Hispanics.' It cost him nothing, and it did the trick. That upset the repubs.
(c) Trump may not allow the repub brass to populate the WH with Liberty University graduates, theocrats, supply siders, neocons, and other crackpots who like to be in charge of America and run it like their personal banana republic. He will bring his own army of sycophants and palace guards.
Trump will make a deal. Repubs will agree to finance his lifestyle (er, campaign) in return for him taking their stooge for VP (Newt).
After that, expect a well orchestrated chorus of newfound love toward Trump from republican hacks and propaganda machine. That is how strong brands are built. Just because the republicans are intent on destroying America to suit their medieval purposes does not mean they are stupid, or have forgotten how to win.
Kalidan
Today's Republican Party reminds me of a guy who is lost but won't stop and ask for directions. Asking for directions would mean that he doesn't know where he's going, but he can't face that. There's something kind of pathological going on.
3
Today's GOP has to change into a completely different party. It must run away from the racists and the bigots. It can become a party of new economic ideas but not affix to a particular one, i.e., trick-down economics. This is a party that took a sharp right turn since Ronald Reagan and has held on to the wrong ideas by a mediocre (but nevertheless charming) actor for far too long.
I hope Trump brings the whole Republican Party crashing to the ground & that out of its smoking debris a healthy robust two-party system can be constructed. Trump is the odd politician who indicates to the political oncologist that a cancer lurks below. It's time to rid America of the cancerous forms of Republicanism.
109
The people who comprise the GOP are not going to "evaporate" into thin air.
This idea that the GOP is dead or dying or doomed is preposterous and given way too much oxygen by the media.
They are a cancer, that is true, but can't be eradicated completely. They are never going to just dry up and blow away.
Unfortunately, they are one of those cancers that you can only hope to put into remission for a while, but inevitably it will return.
Trump is, as you say, simply a peek into the microscope that allows you to see the unvarnished ugliness of what they truly are.
It's grotesque and sad.
This idea that the GOP is dead or dying or doomed is preposterous and given way too much oxygen by the media.
They are a cancer, that is true, but can't be eradicated completely. They are never going to just dry up and blow away.
Unfortunately, they are one of those cancers that you can only hope to put into remission for a while, but inevitably it will return.
Trump is, as you say, simply a peek into the microscope that allows you to see the unvarnished ugliness of what they truly are.
It's grotesque and sad.
The real danger is that a sweeping victory in the House and Senate by the Democrats will allow a Clinton administration to push through a Clintonian neoliberal agenda that will compliment the corporations and bankers in dominating our society and harming the rest of us. Anyone who expects a Democratic dominated government to advance a progressive agenda is likely to be sorely disappointed. The Clinton administration of the 1990s was a gift to the oligarchs. We have no reason to expect better this time.
1
I don't think that the Grandiose Odious Patriarchs can go too much lower but this campaign season has been amazing that way. Each time I think that they couldn't get worse they do. The GOP has been the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to saying idiotic things, acting like spoiled 4 year olds, being unreasonable, jumping up and down and making little squeaky noises for no reason, and refusing to do their jobs, period. Anyone with a work ethic ought to be looking at this performance and realizing that if any of us were to offer up the feeble excuses the GOP uses, we would be out of a job and unable to collect benefits because we did it to ourselves. The current party of tantrums members ought to be recalled now, voted out, and escorted promptly to the nearest school on etiquette.
They are not moral, concerned about Americans, interested in improving America except for the corporate and ultra rich classes, or patriotic unless you call undermining the president patriotic. The entire party has sold itself to the highest bidder or, though it makes this reader shudder, the lowest form of politics called rabble rousing, in order to thwart the current president and a sensible campaign. The earthquake that swallows them cannot occur soon enough.
They are not moral, concerned about Americans, interested in improving America except for the corporate and ultra rich classes, or patriotic unless you call undermining the president patriotic. The entire party has sold itself to the highest bidder or, though it makes this reader shudder, the lowest form of politics called rabble rousing, in order to thwart the current president and a sensible campaign. The earthquake that swallows them cannot occur soon enough.
3
The Clintons must think they'd died and gone to heaven. Of the sixteen or seventeen Republican candidates who were early contenders, Trump, unbound by convention, delusional, was the only one among them who could not give Hillary a run for her money. Now it's over. The only question remaining is the subject of Mr. Edsall's fine essay: How deep will the damage be in terms of lost seats in Congress.
This race isn't like 2012. A lot of Republican-leaning voters are going to vote libertarian for president. They are unlikely to switch their votes to democratic members of Congress where, let's be real, there are still advantages of incumbency and party identification. The better model is 1992, when a relatively unpopular democrat faced an unpopular Republican president and strong third-party candidate. In that race the balance in Congress remained unchanged.
What we will see in January is a new president who enters office suffering from high disapproval ratings, facing a still obstructionist congress. Did you like that past 8 years? The next four are going to be exactly the same.
What we will see in January is a new president who enters office suffering from high disapproval ratings, facing a still obstructionist congress. Did you like that past 8 years? The next four are going to be exactly the same.
1
There's nothing that would lift my spirits and beleaguered confidence more than to see Ryan and McConnell sent packing along with their benighted GOP comrades, but it will be difficult in this gerrymandered brave new world. What's worrying me now, almost as much as Trump, is no-Trump. Clinton, I'm pretty sure, could easily trounce Trump. But if the Republicans, increasingly restive, do dump him at the convention, and do choose a sane more reasonable appearing candidate like Romney of even Kasich, (not another nut like Cruz), Clinton will be in some real trouble, so her VP pick needs to be really safe and steady. (Hint: not Elizabeth Warren or Julian Castro). The chaos of this election cycle is getting to me.
The GOP has lost me and I have given them a lot of votes over the past 40 years. My two children won't vote for them either and my husband is waning. That's a net loss of 4 for them.
Maybe because I'm old enough to remember when Republicans were for fiscal responsibility and proceeding on the side of caution, that I see the glaring difference in this new wave of power hungry fools who, obviously, will sell their souls for a little dominance. They could at least get my attention if a few of them would grow some balls and stand up to Trump. Instead, I see on tv our dear true believer Conservative Gov. Pence, once considered a presidential contender, falling all over himself to praise the Great One, Trump. Conservative, my foot. All that matters to them is power
Maybe because I'm old enough to remember when Republicans were for fiscal responsibility and proceeding on the side of caution, that I see the glaring difference in this new wave of power hungry fools who, obviously, will sell their souls for a little dominance. They could at least get my attention if a few of them would grow some balls and stand up to Trump. Instead, I see on tv our dear true believer Conservative Gov. Pence, once considered a presidential contender, falling all over himself to praise the Great One, Trump. Conservative, my foot. All that matters to them is power
9
The premise of the opinion rests on this statistic "...voters split their tickets in only 5.7 percent of all congressional districts." Meaning, what happens up-ticket will happen down-ticket. While that's true by degree, I don't value the number's validity for forecasting this election. Remember, Clinton is second only to Trump in historical disfavor among voters.
Trump's slide, even if it lasts, will certainly damage Republicans. However, I doubt the change is going to extend much beyond Senate races and a few select House districts. You underestimate entrenched gerrymandering and overestimate Clinton's appeal. You say yourself: 20% of Democrats are going to stay home. Imagine that number among independents.
My guess this election: we'll witness record breaking absentia, the split-ticket number will increase, and there'll be a lot of blank entries at the top of the ballot. Otherwise, not much will change.
Trump's slide, even if it lasts, will certainly damage Republicans. However, I doubt the change is going to extend much beyond Senate races and a few select House districts. You underestimate entrenched gerrymandering and overestimate Clinton's appeal. You say yourself: 20% of Democrats are going to stay home. Imagine that number among independents.
My guess this election: we'll witness record breaking absentia, the split-ticket number will increase, and there'll be a lot of blank entries at the top of the ballot. Otherwise, not much will change.
The Democrats face one major obstacle in their quest to retake the Senate -- the absence of a Presidential incumbent at the top of the ticket. In Senate elections back to 1946, the incumbent's party has won 51.4% of the popular vote in the 12 elections where the President was running for re-election. In the five on-year open-seat election, that figure falls to 47.9%, just one point better than those incumbent party Senate candidates fare in off-year elections.
Pundits point to the lopsided number of Republican seats at risk this year because of the Democrats' poor showing in the 2010 off-year. However this "bounce-back" effect is pretty small, adding just 0.6% to the likely popular vote for Democratic senators. Positive economic conditions also play a role, but again the effect is pretty weak.
And as for the supposed effect of a Trump candidacy on Senate outcomes, I find no presidential "coattails" effect at all looking across the entire period from 1946-2014. I do find an effect for the President's approval rating, but only in off-year elections.
http://www.politicsbythenumbers.org/2016/02/01/a-simple-model-of-senate-...
Pundits point to the lopsided number of Republican seats at risk this year because of the Democrats' poor showing in the 2010 off-year. However this "bounce-back" effect is pretty small, adding just 0.6% to the likely popular vote for Democratic senators. Positive economic conditions also play a role, but again the effect is pretty weak.
And as for the supposed effect of a Trump candidacy on Senate outcomes, I find no presidential "coattails" effect at all looking across the entire period from 1946-2014. I do find an effect for the President's approval rating, but only in off-year elections.
http://www.politicsbythenumbers.org/2016/02/01/a-simple-model-of-senate-...
1
In my lifetime, a long one, I have seen the Republican Party ruin this nation.
I can think of no area where we are better off because of the Republicans. The good jobs are gone,people cannot control their own bodies, people are denied the right to vote because of race and the Republican officeholders are so enthralled to the NRA that for all practical purposes the NRA rules this country.Just why and how did the Republican Party turn this country over to the NRA? This is not the country I grew up in.
I can think of no area where we are better off because of the Republicans. The good jobs are gone,people cannot control their own bodies, people are denied the right to vote because of race and the Republican officeholders are so enthralled to the NRA that for all practical purposes the NRA rules this country.Just why and how did the Republican Party turn this country over to the NRA? This is not the country I grew up in.
37
"This is not the country I grew up in."
A popular refrain amongst far-right conservatives....
A popular refrain amongst far-right conservatives....
The future foretold - Time for the words of Abe Lincoln of the former GOP: "America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter, and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
9
Trump will lead to no future Republican upsurge: the demographics in 8 years will be far less favorable to bigotry, xenophobia, and radical protectionism.
And Goldwater's contribution to the future ascension of Nixon/Reagan/Bush is dubious: there were two known factors that were enormous: the Vietnam War; the Southern Strategy. The Arizona senator had nothing to do with either.
And what possible correlation could there be, anyhow? Barry was a John Birch Society supported ultra-conservative; Trump is somewhat of a fence-sitter, leaning left on some key issues.
Will a Donald shellacking unite the Republican faithful behind the traditional candidates they so forcefully rejected? What about issues: will the "new" party reject homophobia, racism, xenophobia, and the "war on the poor?"
No.
This would hollow out the party and leave nothing there.
Though it is foolish to predict the future, especially in politics, I think a realistic, though far less dramatic expectation, would be for a continuing irrelevance and unpopularity of the party of Lincoln.
And Goldwater's contribution to the future ascension of Nixon/Reagan/Bush is dubious: there were two known factors that were enormous: the Vietnam War; the Southern Strategy. The Arizona senator had nothing to do with either.
And what possible correlation could there be, anyhow? Barry was a John Birch Society supported ultra-conservative; Trump is somewhat of a fence-sitter, leaning left on some key issues.
Will a Donald shellacking unite the Republican faithful behind the traditional candidates they so forcefully rejected? What about issues: will the "new" party reject homophobia, racism, xenophobia, and the "war on the poor?"
No.
This would hollow out the party and leave nothing there.
Though it is foolish to predict the future, especially in politics, I think a realistic, though far less dramatic expectation, would be for a continuing irrelevance and unpopularity of the party of Lincoln.
3
I hope the Democrats can provide a governing framework through which the Republican party can rebuild itself. Republicans are now in a state of anomie - their policy issues have been devoid of significance to the average voter for some time now and have only been sustained through appeal to fear, bigotry, and innuendo.
Trump is enigmatic and incoherent - pretty much what you would expect from a party that has relied on winks, nods, dog whistles, and envy to promote its sole agenda of lowering taxes for rich people.
If there truly is a coherent policy of limited government that could work for America, maybe it can be developed in contrast to the Democrats' agenda of more assertive government. For now, let's work on the assertive side, because the need for policies that are coordinated with other developed countries on climate change, infrastructure, healthcare, etc. is paramount. Forty years of neglecting the scientific and engineering challenges we face is enough.
Trump is enigmatic and incoherent - pretty much what you would expect from a party that has relied on winks, nods, dog whistles, and envy to promote its sole agenda of lowering taxes for rich people.
If there truly is a coherent policy of limited government that could work for America, maybe it can be developed in contrast to the Democrats' agenda of more assertive government. For now, let's work on the assertive side, because the need for policies that are coordinated with other developed countries on climate change, infrastructure, healthcare, etc. is paramount. Forty years of neglecting the scientific and engineering challenges we face is enough.
3
Meh....
If there is a revival of a conservative movement, and I don't really see how such a movement can garner or if it can garner, maintain, the numbers it needs to actually be one, let's imagine where it will be in 2043. That year—when there will no longer be a white majority in this country—can't arrive quickly enough.
The Republican Party—the party of irresponsible fiscal policies, the party of little if any mercy for Americans who struggle with poverty, the party of intolerance, the party of broken bootstraps, the party that embraces the NRA and in doing so enables the mass killings toward which its thoughts and prayers are directed, the party of my-automatic-weapon-is-more-precious-and-important-than-your-life, the party of waiting entirely in vain for the 0.1% to spread the wealth, the party of make America great again (read: again as when white men held, without question, practically all positions of power and wielded that power in unjust, un-American ways)—will see neither a meaningful resurgence nor an implosion. It might very well, though, suffer a long, slow demise and in doing so, make room for the further development of a more just, equitable, respectable, and democratic America. That's what I'm hoping for, anyway.
The Republican Party—the party of irresponsible fiscal policies, the party of little if any mercy for Americans who struggle with poverty, the party of intolerance, the party of broken bootstraps, the party that embraces the NRA and in doing so enables the mass killings toward which its thoughts and prayers are directed, the party of my-automatic-weapon-is-more-precious-and-important-than-your-life, the party of waiting entirely in vain for the 0.1% to spread the wealth, the party of make America great again (read: again as when white men held, without question, practically all positions of power and wielded that power in unjust, un-American ways)—will see neither a meaningful resurgence nor an implosion. It might very well, though, suffer a long, slow demise and in doing so, make room for the further development of a more just, equitable, respectable, and democratic America. That's what I'm hoping for, anyway.
5
Edsall's position is very astute. The Trump campaign is presently underfunded, and suffering from "candidate paralysis". But, in the past, that has also been the nature of previous Hillary campaigns. (Always remember 2008.) But what should be of concern to the Democratic Party is the metamorphosis of the members. Gone, never to return, is the middle and low income contingency of ethnically undefined. The Democratic Party is now identified as the party of minorities, feminists, LGBT, etc. It will be very difficult to continue political momentum if that identity, through time, eventually becoming a moniker.
1
The author's comments about the "split ticket" changes over the last 30 years does not bring in to the discussion the Gerrymandering of districts (particularly after 2010) that results in about 90% "safe" districts. This has eliminated competition for the middle and has emphasized the competition for the extremes. Until Congressional districts are drawn without regard to voting patterns and just by populations, we will continue to have too many safe districts and the possibilities of bipartisanship will be reduced.
2020 is not so far awayband it will be presidential electirate then, not that of a midterm election. Perhaps the democrats will turn the tables then but that depends upon events.
So that's the "silver lining" in the coming Trump fiasco? He will "prefigure" a conservative movement based on "a reservoir of right-populist conviction"? If so, that will be a distinctly minority movement, made up mainly of aging white males. May it come to pass.
Actually, it's hard to imagine why anyone- Republican or Democrat, male or female, white or non-white, mentally challenged or of genius IQ- would even consider placing the future of this nation in the hands of a vulgar, hedonistic, temperamental, racist demagogue whose qualifications to assume the highest office in the land are roughly equivalent to those of your average chimpanzee. Hillary-hatred could justifiably inspire voters to sit home on Election Day but willfully voting for this ignoramus demonstrates sheer contempt for one's country and society.
13
I'd vote for the chimpanzee over Trump, especially if his running mate was a lowland gorilla.
One gets the impression that Tom doesn’t like Trump. Well, whether he does or doesn’t, if Trump can get his act together Tom may need to address him as “Mr. President”. If not, he can go back to his charts and graphs in peace.
However, the drool snaking down Tom’s chin at the prospect of major Republican losses in November is rather unattractive. I produce no similar drool at the prospect of major Dem losses with a Clinton defeat. After all, we’re in an age of the rapidly-disappearing Democrat in our legislative bodies, from city councils to county legislative bodies to statehouse chambers to the U.S. Congress – we need as many as we can somehow preserve despite the flagging patience of the voters at 50 years of liberal programs, trillions of dollars rat-holed, and practically nothing to show for all of it.
We’ll just have to await Trump’s pleasure. If he gets his act together, I still think it’s too close to call until it’s called, and he certainly could win. If he fails to get his act together, it could be as big a landslide at the presidential level as Tom dreams in his drool-lubricated dreams. But, if so, don’t expect Democratic governance to result except in the Oval Office, and expect another four years at least of solidly frozen politics.
However, the drool snaking down Tom’s chin at the prospect of major Republican losses in November is rather unattractive. I produce no similar drool at the prospect of major Dem losses with a Clinton defeat. After all, we’re in an age of the rapidly-disappearing Democrat in our legislative bodies, from city councils to county legislative bodies to statehouse chambers to the U.S. Congress – we need as many as we can somehow preserve despite the flagging patience of the voters at 50 years of liberal programs, trillions of dollars rat-holed, and practically nothing to show for all of it.
We’ll just have to await Trump’s pleasure. If he gets his act together, I still think it’s too close to call until it’s called, and he certainly could win. If he fails to get his act together, it could be as big a landslide at the presidential level as Tom dreams in his drool-lubricated dreams. But, if so, don’t expect Democratic governance to result except in the Oval Office, and expect another four years at least of solidly frozen politics.
1
Unfortunately, self-demeaning comments appear all over these pages, yet seldom do they rise to level of wit or irony of Wilde, Shaw or Dorothy Parker. The snide, acid-tongued and mocking taunts and insults are best left to the candidates and their sycophants, or to the best skilled columnists. Self-delusion is bad enough, there's no need to compound it.
1
Richard -- Trump's campaign is being aptly characterized as a "rolling dumpster fire."
He raised about 3 M$ for his campaign in May -- many senators running for office did better, It's beyond pathetic for a presumptive nominee of a major party -- about 3% of what Obama or Romney raised at this point in the cycle last election ... and about that compared to HRC in this one.
He spent more than he brought in, so his cash in hand is about 1.5 M$ -- and about a 1/3d of what he spent went to Trump business entities.
The interesting number is that he has loaned his campaign 43 M$ to get to this point, and due to Election rules the campaign cannot pay him back (even if they do raise the money) after he accepts the nomination.
.... And he's going off to Scotland to his golfing resort.
There are almost no Trump supporters who are actually supporting his candidacy.
"If he gets his act together ....." appears to be on par when pigs fly ... supersonically. Ever seen a pig with an afterburner?
He raised about 3 M$ for his campaign in May -- many senators running for office did better, It's beyond pathetic for a presumptive nominee of a major party -- about 3% of what Obama or Romney raised at this point in the cycle last election ... and about that compared to HRC in this one.
He spent more than he brought in, so his cash in hand is about 1.5 M$ -- and about a 1/3d of what he spent went to Trump business entities.
The interesting number is that he has loaned his campaign 43 M$ to get to this point, and due to Election rules the campaign cannot pay him back (even if they do raise the money) after he accepts the nomination.
.... And he's going off to Scotland to his golfing resort.
There are almost no Trump supporters who are actually supporting his candidacy.
"If he gets his act together ....." appears to be on par when pigs fly ... supersonically. Ever seen a pig with an afterburner?
Contrary to popular belief, Trump will actually have a beneficial impact on the republican party.
By that, I mean: Trump has gone so far off the rails that now right-wing conservatives like Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell and all the rest of them seem like sensible moderate politicians all of the sudden (while of course allowing fake democrats to trend towards the right as well).
In the end, the republicans will get to become even more extreme, so long as they don't reach the depths of Trump's extremism, thereby making themselves seem "sane" and "rational" when compared to a sociopath.
Trump will set the bar so low that republicans will be able to become even worse than they already are.
Which of course is a benefit to the republican party as a whole.
And a massive detriment to the country as a whole.
Woohoo, Uhmurica!
By that, I mean: Trump has gone so far off the rails that now right-wing conservatives like Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell and all the rest of them seem like sensible moderate politicians all of the sudden (while of course allowing fake democrats to trend towards the right as well).
In the end, the republicans will get to become even more extreme, so long as they don't reach the depths of Trump's extremism, thereby making themselves seem "sane" and "rational" when compared to a sociopath.
Trump will set the bar so low that republicans will be able to become even worse than they already are.
Which of course is a benefit to the republican party as a whole.
And a massive detriment to the country as a whole.
Woohoo, Uhmurica!
7
I've noticed, as I'm sure others have, that Trump has a great need to repeat himself multiple times. I'm certainly not a psychologist but I wonder if for all his bluster he is a very insecure man.
7
I thought his insecurity was obvious. Adults don't act like that
1
Obama's coattails brought him Congressional majorities too. How long did that last?
So much (knee jerk) straight ticket voting is a FAR CRY from a hopeful sign. It's actually an indictment of our prospects for democracy and an elixir of encouragement for the establishment, the special interests, and the idiot elite (.1%) bunch of baby men who benefit from the warping of our culture, our institutions, and our irresponsible public policy on nearly every issue including guns, healthcare, education, and the environment.
Even if Trump led the GOP into a deep ditch (don't count on it!) Congressionally and in the states, that would be something possible to invert in only one election cycle.
What DID Gene Debs say about "leading" the people into the "promised land" anyway?
So much (knee jerk) straight ticket voting is a FAR CRY from a hopeful sign. It's actually an indictment of our prospects for democracy and an elixir of encouragement for the establishment, the special interests, and the idiot elite (.1%) bunch of baby men who benefit from the warping of our culture, our institutions, and our irresponsible public policy on nearly every issue including guns, healthcare, education, and the environment.
Even if Trump led the GOP into a deep ditch (don't count on it!) Congressionally and in the states, that would be something possible to invert in only one election cycle.
What DID Gene Debs say about "leading" the people into the "promised land" anyway?
1
It seems the GOP has embraced an Orwellian platform for this election.
Ignorance is bliss- their leaders will not be talking about their presidential candidate nor his comments on policy,
War is peace- is there any international situation where the GOP solution isn't war?,
Freedom is slavery- all those jobs that you gleefully allowed to go overseas, look what they've done to the middle class [you almost got to destroy the auto manufacturing industry in this country too].
PS- they love to redistribute the wealth from the blue states to their failed economic red states.
Ignorance is bliss- their leaders will not be talking about their presidential candidate nor his comments on policy,
War is peace- is there any international situation where the GOP solution isn't war?,
Freedom is slavery- all those jobs that you gleefully allowed to go overseas, look what they've done to the middle class [you almost got to destroy the auto manufacturing industry in this country too].
PS- they love to redistribute the wealth from the blue states to their failed economic red states.
4
In today's news, Trump is leaving the campaign to go to Scotland for the opening of one of his golf courses. This comes two days after the revelation that a significant part of his campaign expenditures is being channeled back into his own pocket through his various businesses. And, of course, his "donations" to the campaign are loans, so anyone he dupes into making a campaign contribution will just be donating to a fund to repay Trump. I think we now have a pretty good idea of what he would be like as President. If he wins, better hide the White House silverware!
7
While I have never been able to watch an entire Trump rally, the parts I have seen show a buffoon rambling on about how great he is. He never really says anything, doesnt talk in complete sentences, and for the most part does not tell the truth. It is like he took speaking lessons from Sarah Palin. He probably doesnt pay taxes on the billions he makes because he takes all the deductions allowed for the rich. Otherwise he would release his tax information or maybe he just isnt as wealthy as he brags he is. Just look at where all the money he made in donations in May went - to him and his subsidiaries. You just cant make this stuff up is right.
16
Due to the horrible choice that Republican voters, this election will not be about policies, right vs. left, taxation, or anything else. It will be a determination of who do we want as President: a demagogic thug or someone in the mainstream. It astonishes me that people feel so negatively toward Clinton that they could enable the demagogue Trump's election. It's a dangerous moment for America and if even if you hate Clinton you have to hold your nose and do the right thing for our country. Otherwise we risk authoritarian rule.
4
It's a long way until November. Trump looks like a disaster of epic proportions right now. He is also a corrupt, horrible human being. Does that mean that he'll lose in November? Or that he'll take down-ballot Republicans down with him? We can only hope. At this point, it would not be wise to count on a Trump loss, or massive Republican losses.
8
If six years of inaction and gridlock in the Congress isn't enough to convince Americans to vote for Hillary Clinton and other Democrats for congressional offices, we will deserve the government we get.
12
Would the stated policy goals of a right-wing populist be compatible with those of the Republican establishment? If not, where would the candidate obtain campaign financing? Perhaps the establishment would be satistied with a promise to appoint right-wing judges.
Let’s talk about Congressman Ryan. Congressman Ryan has been given the opportunity time after time to pick the right side of history and stand up for Americans. Disappointingly Ryan has always picked the low ground and Republican politics over the Americans’ well-being. What makes this even worse is that Ryan is willing to admit this choice openly and expects to be admired for his flaw - loyalty to an unjust cause. What is worse is Ryan doesn't understand that his loyalty is a prevision of his honor. Ryan has lost all credibility and the only thing Trump has done is exposed Ryan’s fatal flaw - both are political hacks without principles.
8
The republicans need and deserve to lose and lose big-time. The party of non-reality with its unreal candidate will go down in flames this November, but will the survivors even be able to think of anything other than "No" and obstruction? The current radical right wing is like a cancer in our nation....
17
Trump and Paul Ryan are products of the same Republican Party and that is why Ryan has been so curiously supportive of this awful racist demagogue, There may be a majority of voters who will be lured into voting against the falsely accused Mrs, Clinton because like Trump and Ryan they are affected by American racism and anger at a govenment which creates but seldom solves problems. Trump and Ryan are scary and need to be stopped, but so far there does not seem to be a good way to do it.
4
Mr. Edsall misses the point.
To the vast majority of Republicans money is the end in itself. Any means to get it is acceptable. By that measure they have been very successful.
To the vast majority of Republicans money is the end in itself. Any means to get it is acceptable. By that measure they have been very successful.
8
No matter how far down the ticket a local Republican candidate might be this November, the press and voters need to quiz them on their support for Trump. If they cop out by choosing not to comment or respond, then their failure to have an opinion on who should hold the nation's highest office should be used as a talking point by their Democrat opponent.
Bottom line, if a GOP candidate---no matter how local the office they may be seeking---supports Trump (even tepidly), then that candidate "owns" everything Trump has said. If they are willing to put a man in the highest office in this country (and thus, arguably the most powerful person in the world) who may do the outrageous things he has said, then that candidate owns those viewpoints also.
Period.
Voters in every election race need to be reminded of this over and over again during the election season.
Bottom line, if a GOP candidate---no matter how local the office they may be seeking---supports Trump (even tepidly), then that candidate "owns" everything Trump has said. If they are willing to put a man in the highest office in this country (and thus, arguably the most powerful person in the world) who may do the outrageous things he has said, then that candidate owns those viewpoints also.
Period.
Voters in every election race need to be reminded of this over and over again during the election season.
7
The GOP values power, not principle. Another Republican in the White House at this time would subject each and every American to the will of that party which would leave us helpless against the overwhelming wealth of the 1/1000 Percent.
8
Trump is certainly a messenger from God Almighty because he exposes Republican Authoritarian destructiveness and evil in a manner (so overwhelming clear), that there is only one explanation: "the hand of God works in mysterious ways". Evangelicals might think this through as an example of heavenly participation of putting a thumb on the humanitarian scale as Trump declines into oblivion and irrelevance.
2
There are significant differences between the USA in 1964 and today. The Republican resurgence, first in 1966 and then electing Nixon in 1968 was due at least in part to Civil Rights and social unrest and Vietnam, both of which were "Democratic" creations. Today the demographics are moving in the other direction and it's difficult to imagine how white-nationalist xenophobia is going to win in 2020, 2024 if it doesn't win in 2016.
4
I hope Trumop causes many, many Republicans to lose their seats in the Senate and In Congress and in state & local elections. P.S.: Paul Ryan claims to live by Catholic morals but he's more inhumane than Trump, in the way he continually works to balance the budget by cutting the safety net for the voiceless, the powerless, the marginalized.
15
I am not sure you can put the pieces back together. Trump runs well with the less educated portion of GOP voters which includes evangelical Christians and the dog whistle class. But even here Trump is on his third wife and his multiple bankruptcies smell of stiff the chump. As the lower class voters become more informed, Trump may loose some of his luster. The less well educated group has nothing in common with the educated white collar suburban Republican, and its unlikely many of white collar group can force themselves to vote for Trump. That leaves the business class, the Romney people, and they are terrified of loose cannon Trump. The divisions were closed in the past when the candidate was selected from the educated sector of Republicans, but now that the candidate is the choice of the less well educated, the split may become permanent.
6
Comparing Trump with Goldwater is apples to oranges. After 1964 the Republicans benefited from the Civil Rights Act, which made a lot of southern Democrats change parties. It's difficult to see what would drive a Republican revival after 2016; intra-party fighting seem more likely and if the right wing wins that battle the movement between parties would probably be in the opposite direction.
3
The Republican Party has spent the past two decades encouraging hatred of others, encouraging the notion that individuals are solely responsible for for themselves with no responsibility towards the community. Thus, get your gun, no taxes on gasoline, no support for mass transit, what global warming? -- " turn on that air conditioner and use the well outside till it rains," little support for education, let the infrastructure crumble, getting rid of agencies like EPA whose aim is improvement of the environment or our food or the drugs we take etc. And all of this because it might cost businesses a few more dollars or some time. I think many voters are tired of getting tax rolled by the party of the rich while they live in gated communities.
At the heart of Republican voting lies fear and hatred and anger for anything "not me." It is why identification with Donald Trump is so revelatory of the base of Republican voters, including apparently many from the "Christian right." The thought leaders of the party care primarily about their bottom line and how they can get rid of their national responsibilites while continuing to use our roads, laws etc. Paul Ryan's latest healthcare revision is just another trip back to the good old days when if you got sick you were "on your own" even if you had paid for insurance.
I've already decided to dump these vile, selfish individuals at all levels of government. The election can't come soon enough for me.
At the heart of Republican voting lies fear and hatred and anger for anything "not me." It is why identification with Donald Trump is so revelatory of the base of Republican voters, including apparently many from the "Christian right." The thought leaders of the party care primarily about their bottom line and how they can get rid of their national responsibilites while continuing to use our roads, laws etc. Paul Ryan's latest healthcare revision is just another trip back to the good old days when if you got sick you were "on your own" even if you had paid for insurance.
I've already decided to dump these vile, selfish individuals at all levels of government. The election can't come soon enough for me.
271
Hooray! This says it all. Thanks.
1
Until recently I've been a believer in checks and balances. No more. I'm looking forward to our first woman president, a Democratic-controlled House and Senate, and a new Supreme Court justice appointed but President Clinton! It's time to take our country back from con men, obstructionists and special interests.
2
In contrast, the Democrat mantra has been how much largesse can we shovel to our cronies: big medicine, big banks, big agra, the wealthy greenies like Al Gore, Buffet and GE. It is no surprise that both Al Gore and the Clintons have increased their wealth by hundreds of millions of dollars.
You would be hard pressed to identify any Republicans who went from "dead broke" in 2001 to being a member of the 0.1% today on a civil servant salary.
You've been listening to the Democrat narrative instead of looking behind the curtain. There is a reason why minorities are far worse off today than they were before Obama took office. They are worse off in absolute terms, but also lost ground relative to white people. And it was caused by Obama policy.
You would be hard pressed to identify any Republicans who went from "dead broke" in 2001 to being a member of the 0.1% today on a civil servant salary.
You've been listening to the Democrat narrative instead of looking behind the curtain. There is a reason why minorities are far worse off today than they were before Obama took office. They are worse off in absolute terms, but also lost ground relative to white people. And it was caused by Obama policy.
The most amazing fact is how many voters in various polls actually think Donald Trump is someone that they want to see as president. To paraphrase what has been said before: Democracy contains within itself the roots of its own destruction. Let us hope that American democracy has not reached that point in 2016.
4
What they really want is a man on horseback, but that's not on the table, so they'll back him for president.
The republicans should be concerned that the influence from this election will be the Bernie progressive movement going forward. We have been in a conservative populist movement since the early 1980s. The country is ready to lean in a counter direction. Proof is HRC's movement to the left during the campaign. To get Sanders supporters votes, she will have to continue to move leftward. Populism moves in both directions.
As much as Trump as been supportive of the Clintons in the past, I keep having this uneasy feeling in my gut that Trump's Quixotic quest has been little more than a fool's errand to look so bad, to be so bad, that Mrs. Clinton looks good in comparison. Let's face it, her level of "trust" amongst the electorate is not exactly stellar. She also seems perennially dogged by either scandals or sleaze, even if they never amount to anything tangible. A lot of smoke, but investigators can never find the fire.
Once again the Establishment gives us a very brazen choice of "lesser of the evils." Little wonder some people want to sit the election out. To cast a vote in this nauseating and vitriolic a sewer is repugnant on far too many levels.
Once again the Establishment gives us a very brazen choice of "lesser of the evils." Little wonder some people want to sit the election out. To cast a vote in this nauseating and vitriolic a sewer is repugnant on far too many levels.
1
The Republican Party is a scourge on this country. We need a robust two party system and sadly we are far from it. Hard to count the ways that Republicans fall short in contributing to the public discourse but being fact challenged and unwilling to learn from past policy failures and a loathing for compromise are a foundation this party rests on.
An extraordinary expression of what matters most to many Americans occurred yesterday in downtown Cleveland where an estimated 1.3 million people of all races and ages gathered for over six hours to celebrate the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James's victory in the NBA finals, which ended the city's 52-year championship drought. No Trump signs. No Hillary signs, No protests. No fighting or shoving - and comparatively little police presence. It was pure joy - a blessed day of honoring everyone's shared sense of community. And it made me sad to think that a few weeks ago in this very city, 50,000 Republicans will gather to nominate a divisive, narcissistic bigot who's only out for himself.
1
The Republican Party is pathetic - a joke of a party, completely and utterly unsuitable for governance and riven with gross incompetence. But this problem did not start with Trump. Trump is just the latest and most extreme and obvious manifestation of how corrupt and inept the conservative movement in the US has become. George W. Bush's entire Presidency was an exercise in spectacular incompetence, stupidity and corruption. Yet, American voters voted for Bush - at least once, he was unequivocally supported by the majority of voters. Indeed, in many ways, the US has already seen a Trump Presidency - just look at Bush's administration, then imagine Trump being (if possible) even more inept.
The fact that one of the two major American political parties is so utterly incompetent and corrupt yet it keeps winning elections and adding more and more legislatures to its tally is what should really frighten and disturb Americans. Because most Americans don't vote, they have turned their country over to right wing fanatics who are incapable of governing -indeed, whose very philosophy is against government. The result is predictable: the US teeters on the edge of being a failed state, even as the Republicans do their utmost to push it over that cliff.
The fact that one of the two major American political parties is so utterly incompetent and corrupt yet it keeps winning elections and adding more and more legislatures to its tally is what should really frighten and disturb Americans. Because most Americans don't vote, they have turned their country over to right wing fanatics who are incapable of governing -indeed, whose very philosophy is against government. The result is predictable: the US teeters on the edge of being a failed state, even as the Republicans do their utmost to push it over that cliff.
1
Other commenters have written that Trump is nothing more than a grifter with a history of opportunism, and those elements are certainly part of his - and for that matter, our entire country's - history. If that's all he is, then the obvious question is how will he enrich himself by running a losing presidential campaign, because at this point I simply can't imagine him winning.
The more intriguing question is whether Trump has crossed the line into self-delusion. People who have crossed that line become very dangerous because they actually believe that their lies are the truth. Ronald Reagan is a wonderful example. He actually confused scenes from movies with real life and believed that he had helped liberate a concentration camp in Europe when he never left the States during the war.
I'm delighted at the prospect that Trump might do serious and lasting damage to the GOP, but I'm not yet ready to dismiss the idea he could do the same to my country.
The more intriguing question is whether Trump has crossed the line into self-delusion. People who have crossed that line become very dangerous because they actually believe that their lies are the truth. Ronald Reagan is a wonderful example. He actually confused scenes from movies with real life and believed that he had helped liberate a concentration camp in Europe when he never left the States during the war.
I'm delighted at the prospect that Trump might do serious and lasting damage to the GOP, but I'm not yet ready to dismiss the idea he could do the same to my country.
2
How long can the GOP go? Until the money runs out. And it won't.
I'm tired of reading comments here about how the GOP is on the verge of collapse, or how it's imploding, or that it's going away. It isn't.
The GOP is the political arm of the rich. They've got lots of money and a clear agenda: to maintain and enhance their wealth and their grip on power. That means tax cuts for themselves, deregulation, and the obliteration of the social safety net.
Sure, their platform doesn't play on the national stage. But it plays quite well on a regional basis. The same people who back the GOP back groups like ALEC. The GOP's grip on power in Congressional districts and statehouses isn't waning. The GOP's racism, misogyny, homophobia and anti-intellectualism play very well in parts of the country where people make no effort to hide the fact that they, themselves, are racist, misogynistic, homophobic and anti-intellectual. In fact, they brag about it; it's a point of pride.
I understand that liberals wish the GOP would just go away already. I certainly with that. But wishes aren't facts. If the Dems take the White House in November, that's not going to accomplish much if the GOP maintains its grip on Congress, which it very well may do. Not to mention its control of Red State governments.
I don't know what the answer is to this problem, but denying its existence is not a good way to find solution to it. And solutions are needed; we're destroying our planet.
I'm tired of reading comments here about how the GOP is on the verge of collapse, or how it's imploding, or that it's going away. It isn't.
The GOP is the political arm of the rich. They've got lots of money and a clear agenda: to maintain and enhance their wealth and their grip on power. That means tax cuts for themselves, deregulation, and the obliteration of the social safety net.
Sure, their platform doesn't play on the national stage. But it plays quite well on a regional basis. The same people who back the GOP back groups like ALEC. The GOP's grip on power in Congressional districts and statehouses isn't waning. The GOP's racism, misogyny, homophobia and anti-intellectualism play very well in parts of the country where people make no effort to hide the fact that they, themselves, are racist, misogynistic, homophobic and anti-intellectual. In fact, they brag about it; it's a point of pride.
I understand that liberals wish the GOP would just go away already. I certainly with that. But wishes aren't facts. If the Dems take the White House in November, that's not going to accomplish much if the GOP maintains its grip on Congress, which it very well may do. Not to mention its control of Red State governments.
I don't know what the answer is to this problem, but denying its existence is not a good way to find solution to it. And solutions are needed; we're destroying our planet.
1
While an increase in splitting tickets may be a hope that congressional Republican candidates will cling to by their fingernails, I do not think that straight-ticket voting is the biggest threat they face this November.
I think their problem may instead be that their voters are so disaffected, not only by Trump but by the despicable antics of the congressional Republicans themselves in their efforts to thwart the people's will on so very many important issues that Republican turnout may not even reach the levels it does in non-presidential elections.
Republicans, even the more reasonable ones (and their numbers are dwindling to the point where they have become eligible for the Endangered Species List), do not like Hillary one bit, and are unlikely also to turn out for any fringe or insurgent candidate.
Due to their discouragement and embarrassment, Republicans may see a real turnout problem similar to, but probably more severe, than what the Democrats experienced in 2010. Remember, a voter who stays home on election day does not only fail to cast a ballot for president, but for all down-ticket offices as well, at all levels of jurisdiction.
This election has the potential to mimic 1936 in the scope of the Republican debacle. At least we can hope so!
I think their problem may instead be that their voters are so disaffected, not only by Trump but by the despicable antics of the congressional Republicans themselves in their efforts to thwart the people's will on so very many important issues that Republican turnout may not even reach the levels it does in non-presidential elections.
Republicans, even the more reasonable ones (and their numbers are dwindling to the point where they have become eligible for the Endangered Species List), do not like Hillary one bit, and are unlikely also to turn out for any fringe or insurgent candidate.
Due to their discouragement and embarrassment, Republicans may see a real turnout problem similar to, but probably more severe, than what the Democrats experienced in 2010. Remember, a voter who stays home on election day does not only fail to cast a ballot for president, but for all down-ticket offices as well, at all levels of jurisdiction.
This election has the potential to mimic 1936 in the scope of the Republican debacle. At least we can hope so!
The Republican Party has been losing legitimacy over the last 30 years. It reached its zenith with Ronald Reagan. Enough Democrats split their tickets and voted for Reagan while voting for a democratic congress. The result of a gerrymandered House of Representatives is a body which does not represent the will of the People of the United States. The majority of Americans want reasonable regulation of of weapons and an end to the carnage in American movie theatres, schools and nightclubs. The American people know that the UK and Australia don't have the same kind of violence problems as we do. The demonstration and sit-in in the House of Representatives is the beginning of the end of unrepresentative representative government. If you rig the system in state houses so your party wins the House of Representatives, you'd better govern in a way that represents the people for whom you have denied the franchise, lest you foment open rebellion. For once, Democrats show some backbone and use the backing of the American people.
1
At this point, on the theory that they can go even lower, the cynic in me suspects that the RNC's Plan B is to make sure Trump accepts a VP of their choosing, then if Trump wins, impeach him at the first opportunity. Then they will have a President completely and utterly beholden to the party and its sponsors.
The well-known Messrs Cook, Rothenberg, Sabato, and many others make their livings from crunching numbers all year round, but I wonder what we can possibly say in June about the upcoming elections that will hold true in November, particularly in this almost whimsical election year? (Could someone verify that Dr. Seuss wrote this scenario and that, like the Cat in the Hat, it will all turn out OK when Mom and Dad get home?) Since we do have this endless and comprehensive parsing of every piece of polling data that appears, I found the on line reactions to the results of the latest Quinnipiac state polls fascinating. Depending on who you read or listen to, the large Clinton lead in Florida and her reaching a tied position in Ohio with Mr. Trump (though that represents a minuscule change from the previous poll) indicate a crumbling of support for Trump. You read another expert's assessment and the same three polls produce this sort of conclusion: Trump is in really good shape. If he can win Ohio and PA, he has a good chance of winning the whole shebang. You wonder if the purpose of such writing is to inform, or rather to make the story more fascinating to the reader, as if each essay were a chapter in a political novel vying for a Pulitzer. Predicting now what any of this means, particularly down-ticket, is impossible. Our pro number crunchers know that, which is why this article is punctuated by hedging words all over the place. Count up the "coulds", "mays" and "ifs".
The straight ticket voting argument at the beginning of the article is flawed. The reason for the increase in straight ticket voting is increased partisanship and increased ideological residential segregation (people increasingly live near people who agree with them politically). There is no increase in people simply voting for all the down ballot candidates of the person for whom they voted for president (except as this is related in increased partisanship).
Therefore, it is wrong to believe that people who would otherwise have voted Republican will vote for down ballot Democrats because they can't stand Trump and are voting for Hillary. The bigger, and I would say only, danger for the Republicans is weakly affiliated Republican leaning voters not showing up at the polls and increased turnout, and Democratic voting, by all of the minorities that Trump has offended.
Therefore, it is wrong to believe that people who would otherwise have voted Republican will vote for down ballot Democrats because they can't stand Trump and are voting for Hillary. The bigger, and I would say only, danger for the Republicans is weakly affiliated Republican leaning voters not showing up at the polls and increased turnout, and Democratic voting, by all of the minorities that Trump has offended.
The Republican party is busy proving that the party is the problem after all. The disgraceful refusal to even consider a compromise on gun control and the bully response to House outrage, is ample evidence that the only solution is to vote every single Congressional Republican out of office.
2
I hope Trump loses big time and takes the Republican Party down with him. Their negative obstructionism and blatant opposition to move on any important issues like work, health care, immigration, education and reasonable gun control have made us all more vulnerable. America has been run by Corporate America and "conservative" principles for the last 16 years and we are in a bad place.
4
Trump's appeal to disaffected white male working-class voters reminds me strongly of Freud's analysis of mass movements in Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego. Trump, the narcissistic leader, is idealized by his followers, who are narcissistically attached to him insofar as they love him as the embodiment of the perfection they wish for themselves. Freud also argues that that the mass of followers engage in an identification with the aggressor -- witness the readiness for violence at Trump's rallies, incited by Trump himself. Individuals beaten down by the social system gain a sense of power through their submergence in the group, identification with the omnipotent narcissistic leader, and scapegoating of minorities.
I've seen the parallel to Berlusconi drawn here by Mr. Bruni. The social psychology of the relationship between leader and follower is remarkably similar.
I've seen the parallel to Berlusconi drawn here by Mr. Bruni. The social psychology of the relationship between leader and follower is remarkably similar.
2
Funny that corrupt crooked and lying Trump accuses Clinton of being the same (all crooks suspect others being likewise, crooked!). If Trump could demonstrate a minimum of knowledge, and a grain of understanding, of the facts in front of him, of reality as is instead of the fantasies he continues to display to a misinformed and prejudiced populace, one could at least evaluate the pros and cons. But Vacuousness, an empty sac, containing nothing but 'thin air', will not pass muster, no matter how vulgar his demeanor, how much fear and anger his insolent rhetoric engenders. Trump carries so much baggage in the way he did cheat his way to 'success' , he is the least qualified to find wrongdoing on anybody else, even when his insults make the news with scary regularity, hoping some of his lies stick. The hope, more real as time passes, is that Trump will go down in infamy, and, in strict justice, the cowed republican party playing his game. Winning a majority in Congress may, finally, get it out of the doldrums of dogged obstructionism, and make it functional again. This, for the benefit of a hapless electorate, unable to talk sense to the G.O.P. renegades on Capitol Hill.
2
Here's a related question. Does the polling data of recent weeks indicate a reliable trend or does it merely indicate a volatility that can potentially go in either direction? That Donald Trump held a slight lead in the specific poll cited for a few days in May should be taken as a warning. Hillary Clinton may turn out to be a highly qualified President of the United States but she will have to get there freighted with considerable political ballast. The odds would seem to be in her favor and the last month has shown that when Trump shoots from the hip, the bullets can lodge in his feet. But it is still June and the electorate remains angry and anger does not tend to yield the smartest decisions. As for the GOP, it seems there are no depths to which they will not sink. Will they now finally sink low enough that the American people will "reward" the appropriately? That almost 40% continue to support their nominee is actually somewhat frightening, given the disaster that is Donald J. Trump and the incompetence even further revealed in the last few weeks.
3
Edsall, like the majority of pundits fail to understand that a political battle is not only about winning; it is about ideas. The reason America has sunk where it is is the very attitude: promise anything to win. Politicians, and the Clinton is the prototypical one, don't stand for anything. Their message is tailored to a position that would displease the least. As such, it is a message that has no substance, no vision, no relationship to reality. It is an amalgam of vacuous, wooden tongue sentences.
Come November, I intend to do a little straight-ticket voting of my own--for the Democrats, that is. It's time to throw the obstructionist, do-nothing, spineless and cowardly Republicans out of Congress, the Senate and wherever else they lurk.
Starting way back when the Republicans allowed the takeover of their party by the destructive Tea Partiers, and culminating in the candidacy of Trump, it's been clear over the years that Republicans only goal has been to preserve their power, at the expense of everything else, including the American people. Kowtowing to Adelson, the Koch brothers, and their other rich, one-percenter benefactors has been their overriding concern.
This year, it's time to say -- no more. That Paul Ryan and his party are willing to inflict Trump on the electorate for four long years shows that the Republican Party is completely without integrity. Their need to win at all costs has led them to accept the unacceptable. I intend to do whatever I can to throw the bums out.
Starting way back when the Republicans allowed the takeover of their party by the destructive Tea Partiers, and culminating in the candidacy of Trump, it's been clear over the years that Republicans only goal has been to preserve their power, at the expense of everything else, including the American people. Kowtowing to Adelson, the Koch brothers, and their other rich, one-percenter benefactors has been their overriding concern.
This year, it's time to say -- no more. That Paul Ryan and his party are willing to inflict Trump on the electorate for four long years shows that the Republican Party is completely without integrity. Their need to win at all costs has led them to accept the unacceptable. I intend to do whatever I can to throw the bums out.
6
Two comments about the woeful GOP.
1. First, regarding its so-called "leaders."
House Speaker Ryan's comment, "I think the way to achieve [our] goals is to have a more unified party, than a disunified party," could well serve as the GOP's Mission Statement, considering that unification -- at any cost -- is this party's mantra: unification foremost to the detriment of our social freedoms.
2. Second, regarding Trump's supporters.
Congressional Republicans support this Goon because they share his Me-First, win-at-any-cost personality set: America's fabric be damned. Citizens who support this Goon do so, purely and simply, out of Anger and Ignorance.
1. First, regarding its so-called "leaders."
House Speaker Ryan's comment, "I think the way to achieve [our] goals is to have a more unified party, than a disunified party," could well serve as the GOP's Mission Statement, considering that unification -- at any cost -- is this party's mantra: unification foremost to the detriment of our social freedoms.
2. Second, regarding Trump's supporters.
Congressional Republicans support this Goon because they share his Me-First, win-at-any-cost personality set: America's fabric be damned. Citizens who support this Goon do so, purely and simply, out of Anger and Ignorance.
3
Advantage can—as they say—turn on a dime.
The NYT was reduced to refuting Trump's charge—that Clinton lived on the public dime for her entire adult life—with her ethically-challenged stints on the Watergate committee investigating Nixon, where she served as an obstructor of justice, & Rose Law, where she was a corrupt rainmaker—via her Gov-husband—a flip of their roles at the Foundation.
Too desperate to have originated at NYT, the risible response was likely supplied by her machine
Rose Law—NYT/1996:
http://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/06/us/elusive-papers-of-law-firm-are-foun...
Watergate—Clinton's crimes were ironically/fittingly foreshadowed 42 yrs ago when she was a staffer on the committee investigating Nixon.
Even as a lowly staffer, she managed to employ her now all-too-familiar corrupt modus operandi—habitual lying/concealment of docs/conspiring to violate Constitution&rules of entities employing her.
Our forewarning about Clinton was a high point of modern historical irony
Historical irony shocks us out of our complacencies, forces us to confront our fears, makes us remember our obligations, reminds us who we are
But an awareness of historical irony requires critical thinking, honest reflection, virtually nonexistent today in this era of disinformation & reflexive response–140 characters–max
If we are to repair a country weakened by dangerously unfit leaders, we must—all of us—recognize that ironic warning 42 yrs. ago & heed it.
The NYT was reduced to refuting Trump's charge—that Clinton lived on the public dime for her entire adult life—with her ethically-challenged stints on the Watergate committee investigating Nixon, where she served as an obstructor of justice, & Rose Law, where she was a corrupt rainmaker—via her Gov-husband—a flip of their roles at the Foundation.
Too desperate to have originated at NYT, the risible response was likely supplied by her machine
Rose Law—NYT/1996:
http://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/06/us/elusive-papers-of-law-firm-are-foun...
Watergate—Clinton's crimes were ironically/fittingly foreshadowed 42 yrs ago when she was a staffer on the committee investigating Nixon.
Even as a lowly staffer, she managed to employ her now all-too-familiar corrupt modus operandi—habitual lying/concealment of docs/conspiring to violate Constitution&rules of entities employing her.
Our forewarning about Clinton was a high point of modern historical irony
Historical irony shocks us out of our complacencies, forces us to confront our fears, makes us remember our obligations, reminds us who we are
But an awareness of historical irony requires critical thinking, honest reflection, virtually nonexistent today in this era of disinformation & reflexive response–140 characters–max
If we are to repair a country weakened by dangerously unfit leaders, we must—all of us—recognize that ironic warning 42 yrs. ago & heed it.
2
Are you implying that you regret the downfall of the Nixon presidency?
2
Hmmm.... What you have provided are not counter-examples to Trump's claim about Clinton's income stream, but assertions that Clinton is ethically dubious. Of course, for that to have much relevance in November you would also have to argue that she is more ethically dubious than Trump.
Good luck with that.
Good luck with that.
3
"Even as a lowly staffer, she managed to employ her now all-too-familiar corrupt modus operandi—habitual lying/concealment of docs/conspiring to violate Constitution&rules of entities employing her."
...and you know this exactly how?? Unless you were working by her side as a colleague, I don't see how you're in a position to sling such mud. Why don't you consider instead your supposed patron saint Reagan, who oversaw the Iran-Contra affair, constitutionally a far worse offense than anything the Clinton's have ever done.
...and you know this exactly how?? Unless you were working by her side as a colleague, I don't see how you're in a position to sling such mud. Why don't you consider instead your supposed patron saint Reagan, who oversaw the Iran-Contra affair, constitutionally a far worse offense than anything the Clinton's have ever done.
3
1. You say that Trump has successfully tapped a reservoir of right-populist conviction and imply that Trump’s candidacy could prefigure the revival of a [new] conservative movement, as did Barry Goldwater, even if he (like Goldwater) is handily defeated.
Your musings are based on thin analogy.
Indeed, Trump has successfully tapped a reservoir of right-wing convictions—convictions that stem from bigotry, anger and hate that are not based on conservative principles and ideologies, as were Senator Goldwater’s. Trump’s campaign is without principle and substitutes cynicism for
3. Lastly, you suggest that the Trump effect might eventually kick off a Republican reign. Nada. The GOP is dead.
Your musings are based on thin analogy.
Indeed, Trump has successfully tapped a reservoir of right-wing convictions—convictions that stem from bigotry, anger and hate that are not based on conservative principles and ideologies, as were Senator Goldwater’s. Trump’s campaign is without principle and substitutes cynicism for
3. Lastly, you suggest that the Trump effect might eventually kick off a Republican reign. Nada. The GOP is dead.
1
“If Trump’s poll numbers continue to slide”
“Clinton and allied groups have so far spent $26 million on television ads, many of them featuring hard-nosed anti-Trump attacks, while Trump has aired no ads over the past month.”
They are tied in Ohio and Clinton leads Trump by one percentage point in Pennsylvania.
Trump’s poll number are positioned for a bounce back. The fact that the Clinton campaign has spent $26m on TV ads in swing states while Trump has spent none does not seem to have given her an advantage. In fact, her unfavorably rating has risen from 46% to 56% in a year, in spite of those ads.
This is not over.
.
“Clinton and allied groups have so far spent $26 million on television ads, many of them featuring hard-nosed anti-Trump attacks, while Trump has aired no ads over the past month.”
They are tied in Ohio and Clinton leads Trump by one percentage point in Pennsylvania.
Trump’s poll number are positioned for a bounce back. The fact that the Clinton campaign has spent $26m on TV ads in swing states while Trump has spent none does not seem to have given her an advantage. In fact, her unfavorably rating has risen from 46% to 56% in a year, in spite of those ads.
This is not over.
.
Another great piece by Thomas Edsall.
I would like to focus on the last paragraph, in which he wonders if Trump might presage another "right populist" moment of the sort Barry Goldwater ushered in. I think there are reasons to doubt this. For one thing, Goldwater had behind him a number of articulate, persuasive writers and thinkers (James Burnham, Bill Buckley, Whittaker Chambers) who had made American conservatism into a genuine movement of ideas. There is nothing like this behind Trump, and not just because his "movement" looks more like a personality cult than an intellectual enterprise. The larger reason is that the "populism" Trump heralds is itself resolutely anti-intellectual. It is fueled, in part, by a fierce cultural animus against the ideas that define political modernity--- pluralism, diversity, tolerance.
The real question, I think, is where the GOP goes after what I expect to be a fairly bruising defeat this fall. Since Goldwater and Nixon, it has pandered to white nationalist rage in order to win votes for its elitist economic agenda. That agenda has now left a sufficiently large segment of white workers adrift for them to realize, however dimly, their mistake. I frankly don't see how the GOP lures them back in--- not in large enough numbers, anyway--- as Paul Ryan's budgets make it abundantly clear that the party simply cannot imagine an alternative to neoliberalism.
We live in interesting times.
I would like to focus on the last paragraph, in which he wonders if Trump might presage another "right populist" moment of the sort Barry Goldwater ushered in. I think there are reasons to doubt this. For one thing, Goldwater had behind him a number of articulate, persuasive writers and thinkers (James Burnham, Bill Buckley, Whittaker Chambers) who had made American conservatism into a genuine movement of ideas. There is nothing like this behind Trump, and not just because his "movement" looks more like a personality cult than an intellectual enterprise. The larger reason is that the "populism" Trump heralds is itself resolutely anti-intellectual. It is fueled, in part, by a fierce cultural animus against the ideas that define political modernity--- pluralism, diversity, tolerance.
The real question, I think, is where the GOP goes after what I expect to be a fairly bruising defeat this fall. Since Goldwater and Nixon, it has pandered to white nationalist rage in order to win votes for its elitist economic agenda. That agenda has now left a sufficiently large segment of white workers adrift for them to realize, however dimly, their mistake. I frankly don't see how the GOP lures them back in--- not in large enough numbers, anyway--- as Paul Ryan's budgets make it abundantly clear that the party simply cannot imagine an alternative to neoliberalism.
We live in interesting times.
157
How do you explain Sanders? Both the Democrats and the establishment Republicans are big government/big business elitist technocrats. Both groups favor central planned governments. Both favor their cronies over the interest of the people.
It was a virtual impossibility for anyone to overcome the establishment choice of Hillary. A usurper would have to get 65% of the primary votes to overcome the "fix," which discouraged any actual Democrats from running. That Bernie was able to get 45% of the popular vote was as much a surprise to him as it was to the Democrat establishment.
The rank and file Republicans an Democrats have been betrayed by the establishment "leaders" of both parties who are indistinguishable in their corruption.
It was a virtual impossibility for anyone to overcome the establishment choice of Hillary. A usurper would have to get 65% of the primary votes to overcome the "fix," which discouraged any actual Democrats from running. That Bernie was able to get 45% of the popular vote was as much a surprise to him as it was to the Democrat establishment.
The rank and file Republicans an Democrats have been betrayed by the establishment "leaders" of both parties who are indistinguishable in their corruption.
It strikes me that, in the midst of all the self-imposed turmoil that is roiling what's left of the Republican Party, Democrats should resist the temptation to gloat; they should take this opportunity to delineate clear, centrist, ideals which can form the basis of a true American platform. Properly conceived and communicated, this platform could attract disenchanted and disenfranchised voters from all sides of the political spectrum, but especially moderate Republicans who may be (finally) recognizing the "values deficit" in their own party.
It's very easy to see what we dislike in today's political atmosphere, but the beneficiaries of the Republican death spiral should be working hard to offer something we can all like. It would also be very profitable politically...
It's very easy to see what we dislike in today's political atmosphere, but the beneficiaries of the Republican death spiral should be working hard to offer something we can all like. It would also be very profitable politically...
4
This year is an anomaly for the GOP. The debate spectacles looked like episodes of "That Bully Show" with Trump romping and stomping his 5th grade insults. What will happen tonight? Will we take about ugly women or Little Marco's anatomy?
The infotainment networks played into the fun. The other candidates included a neurosurgeon who seemed very very sleepy, a pathological liar with no chance but she distracted voters, and a number of polarizing fringe candidates, none of whom could harness the bully onstage, nor muster enough support to beat him at the primaries. The two candidates with broad appeal were either taken aback at the horrible manners of the bully or seemed to be energized only in his home state.
Now everyone is horrified at the selection of the mob, of the radio pundits (who make some of the mob chuckle, but actually isolate normal thinking people), and the once-entertained media. That media realize it will be attacked relentlessly by Trump if elected, like European media in the 1930s.
It is time to wake up.
People will learn that a mugging, unprepared, lying narcissist is not going to govern in a way to lift all people up, but will likely enhance himself only this time at the people's expense -- all the people.
People will learn that one issue voting elects simple-minded politicians, when the world is increasingly complex, this doesn't work.
And people should learn we need to work together, not apart to solve the countries problems.
The infotainment networks played into the fun. The other candidates included a neurosurgeon who seemed very very sleepy, a pathological liar with no chance but she distracted voters, and a number of polarizing fringe candidates, none of whom could harness the bully onstage, nor muster enough support to beat him at the primaries. The two candidates with broad appeal were either taken aback at the horrible manners of the bully or seemed to be energized only in his home state.
Now everyone is horrified at the selection of the mob, of the radio pundits (who make some of the mob chuckle, but actually isolate normal thinking people), and the once-entertained media. That media realize it will be attacked relentlessly by Trump if elected, like European media in the 1930s.
It is time to wake up.
People will learn that a mugging, unprepared, lying narcissist is not going to govern in a way to lift all people up, but will likely enhance himself only this time at the people's expense -- all the people.
People will learn that one issue voting elects simple-minded politicians, when the world is increasingly complex, this doesn't work.
And people should learn we need to work together, not apart to solve the countries problems.
2
The most telling part of this piece is the first quotation from Paul Ryan, where he talks about his responsibilities "as Speaker of the House." And Ryan's version of those "responsibilities" are all about insuring the Republicans stay in control. Nothing about the country or the American people, let alone the impact of an uninformed, greedy, unprincipled, bigoted pathological liar as far from the Presidency as possible.
The Speaker of the House is a Constitutionally-defined role, and there's nothing in the Constitution about political parties.
So much for a man who purports to wants us to return to "Constitutional principles," and the "America First" political party.
The Speaker of the House is a Constitutionally-defined role, and there's nothing in the Constitution about political parties.
So much for a man who purports to wants us to return to "Constitutional principles," and the "America First" political party.
24
The focus should switch from Trump to the people who support him.
They are most attracted by Trump's racist xenophobic rants and willingly ignore his contradictions and lies.
The Republicans have been courting and using the racist, xenophobic, willingly ignorant demographic for many years to give them enough votes to pass their economic policies that benefit the 1%.
Trump appeals more strongly to the racist, xenophobic, willingly ignorant and reminds them that the Republican establishment has never really done anything for them.
But now that Trump is appealing more directly to them, he is pushing away other Republican supporters who were willing to ignore the racist, xenophobic aspects of the party, and the party is becoming its racist, xenophobic, ignorant center.
They are most attracted by Trump's racist xenophobic rants and willingly ignore his contradictions and lies.
The Republicans have been courting and using the racist, xenophobic, willingly ignorant demographic for many years to give them enough votes to pass their economic policies that benefit the 1%.
Trump appeals more strongly to the racist, xenophobic, willingly ignorant and reminds them that the Republican establishment has never really done anything for them.
But now that Trump is appealing more directly to them, he is pushing away other Republican supporters who were willing to ignore the racist, xenophobic aspects of the party, and the party is becoming its racist, xenophobic, ignorant center.
1
I really hope, after Trump is gone, Paul Ryan pulls the Republican Party together. This from a life-long Democrat. Our system needs a counterbalance. If; e.g., Ryan defeated incumbent Clinton in 2020 I'd be disappointed but optimistic. But it will take guts; i.e., the Republican savior must sever ties with the unsophisticated mob backing Trump who will still be crowd-surfing with his rabble for as long as he lives.
1
Members of Congress, such as Paul Ryan, take a pledge to uphold the Constitution and, by extension, the United States of America. They don't take a pledge to uphold their parties. Representative Ryan is violating his oath of office by choosing to support his party rather than his country.
33
"If recent patterns in straight-ticket voting hold and Trump’s campaign continues to falter, Trump could carry a host of Republican down-ballot candidates with him to defeat."
After many decades and presidential campaigns, my wife and I, contrary to past practice, will vote straight ticket in this round. The reasoning is simple: Trump is utterly and completely unfit for the presidency, and anyone who supports him is unworthy (party uber alles) of any office. The entire ticket should pay a price for embracing this candidate. [Exceptions: Republicans, Libertarians, etc. that publicly reject Trump.]
Trump makes this election unique, and that calls for a unique (in our personal experience) action.
After many decades and presidential campaigns, my wife and I, contrary to past practice, will vote straight ticket in this round. The reasoning is simple: Trump is utterly and completely unfit for the presidency, and anyone who supports him is unworthy (party uber alles) of any office. The entire ticket should pay a price for embracing this candidate. [Exceptions: Republicans, Libertarians, etc. that publicly reject Trump.]
Trump makes this election unique, and that calls for a unique (in our personal experience) action.
10
Paul Ryan: "You can't make this up sometimes"
And yet. Paul Ryan still supports Trump.
The Washington Post: "Finally. After almost two months of wasted motion, Trump put a frame on the race — Clinton as corrupt insider, Trump as crusading outsider — that could actually beat the former First Lady, New York Senator and Secretary of State. The problem? The messenger."
The message? Personal attacks. The actual policy plans laid out? Zero.
The problem for the Republicans is not message, it"s policy. Trickle down was always voodoo designed to deceive the masses and concentrate wealth in the hands of the rich. People are rising up against income inequality and Republican policy even if they don't know it. Privatizing social security? Not popular. Throwing people with pre-existing medical conditions back on the mercy of merciless insurance companies? Not popular. Vouchers for health care? Yeah, everyone wants to shop for the cheapest healthcare when confronted with a life-threatening illness, right? Wrong. Republicans hold a losing hand because tax cuts for the rich as the centerpiece of policy just don't pass muster anymore.
Trump, hate-mongering, and all the rest? Just Kabuki to hide that the Republican party is devoid of actual ideas that anyone but the 1% could like.
And yet. Paul Ryan still supports Trump.
The Washington Post: "Finally. After almost two months of wasted motion, Trump put a frame on the race — Clinton as corrupt insider, Trump as crusading outsider — that could actually beat the former First Lady, New York Senator and Secretary of State. The problem? The messenger."
The message? Personal attacks. The actual policy plans laid out? Zero.
The problem for the Republicans is not message, it"s policy. Trickle down was always voodoo designed to deceive the masses and concentrate wealth in the hands of the rich. People are rising up against income inequality and Republican policy even if they don't know it. Privatizing social security? Not popular. Throwing people with pre-existing medical conditions back on the mercy of merciless insurance companies? Not popular. Vouchers for health care? Yeah, everyone wants to shop for the cheapest healthcare when confronted with a life-threatening illness, right? Wrong. Republicans hold a losing hand because tax cuts for the rich as the centerpiece of policy just don't pass muster anymore.
Trump, hate-mongering, and all the rest? Just Kabuki to hide that the Republican party is devoid of actual ideas that anyone but the 1% could like.
29
You are 100% right, but I believe the GOP will still win, handily. Even if not the presidency (maybe they don't care?), everything else.
In defeat, Republicans may find a "path to victory." Wasn't that the zeitgeist after the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections? Maybe this time things will play out differently. I don't think the GOP will evolve until gerrymandering and voter suppression strategies cease to forestall a historic political collapse. We'll see if such a collapse begins this November. The subsequent 2018 midterms could be yet more telling.
5
A fascinating perspective is: The actions of the Democrats (Obama, Clinton, Sanders, et. al) and the ineptitude of the Republicans (Rubio, Cruz, Ryan, Paul, etc.) have delivered Donald Trump as the Republican nominee. If the Democrats hadn't been obsessed with robbing the middle class to shower gifts on the 1% and the poor, perhaps they could have avoided demonstrating their agenda as the theft that it is. No one in the middle class believes that their lives are truly better now than they were in 2008. Obama has left our soldiers to die in Iraq and Afghanistan, left our ambassador to die in Libya after bombing Qaddafi, and now wants to bomb yet another country. Clinton is a thief, always has been, and Sanders' promises to get "free stuff" for preferred classes of people is just more of the same. These are just pure examples of the Democrats' hatred of the middle class, and Donald Trump is the person they've herded the middle class to vote for.
5
The Republican Party should be thrilled with Donald Trump.
No candidate has ever personified Greed Over People as perfectly as the Grifter-In-Chief who has systematically defrauded workers of overtime wages, contractors of money, and banks/creditors of tens of millions of principal throughout his business career.
The most important attribute of being both a Birther-In-Chief and a Greed Over People huckster is the ability to comfortably lie, preferably with a smile and a giant flag waving patriotically behind you.
The Republican religion of trickle-down poverty, Prosperity Gospel, God-Guns-Gays hysteria and Know Nothing Nincompoopery requires a unique brand of intellectual, moral and fiscal bankruptcy exquisitely personified by the Art of The Trump.
Donald Trump hits for the cycle in every category of the Myers-Briggs Republican Psychopathic Personality Test.
Grand Old Prevaricator ? check
Grand Old Propagandist ? check
Grand Old Psychopath ? check
Greed Over People ? check
Guns Over People ? check
Gas Oil Petroleum ? check
Grand Old Pervert ? check
Greed Over Peace ? check
Grand Old Poverty ? check
Gerrymandering Over People ? check
Donald Trump is uniquely qualified as the Republican standard bearer.
Paul Ryan and all his right-wing preachers of Republican Know Nothing Nihilism deserve to give Trump a rousing four-day day standing ovation at the convention as the Grandest Old Psychopath of modern Republicanism.
Rock Bottom For A Brighter Tomorrow: GOP 2016
No candidate has ever personified Greed Over People as perfectly as the Grifter-In-Chief who has systematically defrauded workers of overtime wages, contractors of money, and banks/creditors of tens of millions of principal throughout his business career.
The most important attribute of being both a Birther-In-Chief and a Greed Over People huckster is the ability to comfortably lie, preferably with a smile and a giant flag waving patriotically behind you.
The Republican religion of trickle-down poverty, Prosperity Gospel, God-Guns-Gays hysteria and Know Nothing Nincompoopery requires a unique brand of intellectual, moral and fiscal bankruptcy exquisitely personified by the Art of The Trump.
Donald Trump hits for the cycle in every category of the Myers-Briggs Republican Psychopathic Personality Test.
Grand Old Prevaricator ? check
Grand Old Propagandist ? check
Grand Old Psychopath ? check
Greed Over People ? check
Guns Over People ? check
Gas Oil Petroleum ? check
Grand Old Pervert ? check
Greed Over Peace ? check
Grand Old Poverty ? check
Gerrymandering Over People ? check
Donald Trump is uniquely qualified as the Republican standard bearer.
Paul Ryan and all his right-wing preachers of Republican Know Nothing Nihilism deserve to give Trump a rousing four-day day standing ovation at the convention as the Grandest Old Psychopath of modern Republicanism.
Rock Bottom For A Brighter Tomorrow: GOP 2016
236
Socrates, you just keep getting better by the day. Thank you!
2
Don't look now, Speaker Ryan, your Republican Party has already been split into two: the Tea Party and the Conservatives. And Trump's rise means that the Tea Party has won.
27
Rita -- it's Ted Cruz that holds the Tea-Party types and the evangelicals.
Trump is the neo-fascist "burn it down" candidate.
Real conservatives have dwindled to so few, and so powerless, that there's no need to even "drown them in the bathtub" ... they're done.
Trump is the neo-fascist "burn it down" candidate.
Real conservatives have dwindled to so few, and so powerless, that there's no need to even "drown them in the bathtub" ... they're done.
1
Forget the dump Trump. It isn't going to happen because it would split the party down the middle. Thus they are stuck with Trump who will almost certainly lose. How badly depends and it's hard to tell at this stage. Despite the hyperbole one cannot discount tribalism. That said the entire down ticket election has been largely nationalized so it has the potential to be a very bad night for the Republicans. It as always depends on turnout.
21
They can go lower and have. Read Paul Ryan's new healthcare proposal. Not even Trump would hurt the people that much and he doesn't have clue. Trump will discriminate and hurt some people. Paul Ryan would hurt everyone and probably much worse...and he is absolutely convinced that he would be doing all of us a favor. So these are the good guys?
183
It is truly difficult to understand Ryan.
He would not be where he is today without the social services he received after his father died. The same holds true for Ben Carson.
He would not be where he is today without the social services he received after his father died. The same holds true for Ben Carson.
1
I'm not at all convinced that Ryan thinks he'd be doing us a favor. That doesn't enter into it. He doesn't care about us or anyone, as long as he can profit.
1
Did Barry Goldwater open a path for the Republicans, or did Lyndon Johnson do that when he delivered the south to them through his support for minority rights?
And what possible blueprint for the future could Donny Small Hands be leaving behind as he heads for a goldwater-like defeat? The white majority is shrinking, and more and more of it is resistant to race-based appeals than in 1980. The only blueprint Donny Small Hands will be bequeathing his successors is a sure-fire way of drumming up support among the 30% of the electorate that would vote for the town drunk, as long as he wasn't African American, female, or gay.
And what possible blueprint for the future could Donny Small Hands be leaving behind as he heads for a goldwater-like defeat? The white majority is shrinking, and more and more of it is resistant to race-based appeals than in 1980. The only blueprint Donny Small Hands will be bequeathing his successors is a sure-fire way of drumming up support among the 30% of the electorate that would vote for the town drunk, as long as he wasn't African American, female, or gay.
43
Funny!
1
"How Low Can the G.O.P. Go?"
That's an easy one.
As low as they need to.
Trump is proof that they have no floor.
That's an easy one.
As low as they need to.
Trump is proof that they have no floor.
128
Lincoln and TR are spinning in their graves...
The Republicans have either looked the other way or just did not condemn so many rants by fringe constituencies....their talk of inclusion of minorities causes cynicism or out right anger because they don't mean it.
Birtherism, racism, homophobia, white supremacy and using fear of change seem to be all that is left. When they come out to criticize Trump on his Muslim ban how come I don't believe them? When they criticize Trump for the wall how come I don't believe them?
Their history of catering to anger and paranoia continues with the latest blockage of any controls on terrorism and guns...due process is just the latest excuse to block any progress.
Last night's "sit-in" was just another symbol of the poison politics in DC.
The Republicans have either looked the other way or just did not condemn so many rants by fringe constituencies....their talk of inclusion of minorities causes cynicism or out right anger because they don't mean it.
Birtherism, racism, homophobia, white supremacy and using fear of change seem to be all that is left. When they come out to criticize Trump on his Muslim ban how come I don't believe them? When they criticize Trump for the wall how come I don't believe them?
Their history of catering to anger and paranoia continues with the latest blockage of any controls on terrorism and guns...due process is just the latest excuse to block any progress.
Last night's "sit-in" was just another symbol of the poison politics in DC.
16
The sooner we put all levels of American government back in the hands of those who champion progressive policies—and who, moreover, actually believe in the government they campaign so hard to join—the better off our country will be.
Those who froth at the mouth at the thought of government as an instrument of social good; who recoil from knowledge, science, and the humanities; who fight tirelessly to control their fellow citizens—let them find somewhere else in the world to live out their pessimistic dystopia. Let those of us who actually want to live in a prosperous country that shares that prosperity equitably get to work.
I hear Easter Island is nice this time of year.
Those who froth at the mouth at the thought of government as an instrument of social good; who recoil from knowledge, science, and the humanities; who fight tirelessly to control their fellow citizens—let them find somewhere else in the world to live out their pessimistic dystopia. Let those of us who actually want to live in a prosperous country that shares that prosperity equitably get to work.
I hear Easter Island is nice this time of year.
69
Oh, please - let us not inflict these people on the endangered tortoises, the spectacular statues, and the fragile Easter Island ecosystem! The next galaxy would be more appropriate - they can't suck the air out of it, because there isn't any. Otherwise, I agree wholeheartedly with your comment - if, by some miracle, the Democrats manage to reclaim Congress, there will actually be work accomplished - millions of Americans will be put to work rebuilding our shamefully degraded infrastructure, we will have action to stop terrorists, domestic abusers, etc. from obtaining weapons of mass destruction, we will promote even more clean energy initiatives, and more.
3
A bit small and isolated. There are lots better options in the Southern hemisphere. And close by, there is Canada, although I hear they may be building a wall if Trump is elected!
1
Alas, Trump hasn't already gone as low as he can go. Just you wait, "enry Iggins"! After his trip to his Scottish golf course - Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen/Balmedie - during Brexit fallout today and tomorrow, betcha he'll comeback with some more killer things to say about Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and how much more great he's gonna make America. the man is louder than the off-shore wind turbines that will blow is red cap off his head to hell and gone and reveal the bizarre orange and white coif that lies beneath.
9
Is the golf course in Scotland the one that's threatened by rising seas?
If so, Trump, a disbeliever in climate change, has been attempting to muscle Scotland to build a huge retainer to keep out the rising seas.
Hypocrisy?
If so, Trump, a disbeliever in climate change, has been attempting to muscle Scotland to build a huge retainer to keep out the rising seas.
Hypocrisy?
2
When Daddy tells you Santa’s coming, do you fact check it? When he tells you that Mommy is the prettiest girl in the world, do you doubt it? And when he says he can beat up Mexico with one hand tied behind his back you cheer and brag about it.
Whether we’re talking about little children, or about an abused, uninformed populace, it’s all the same: weak people need strong lies.
Whether we’re talking about little children, or about an abused, uninformed populace, it’s all the same: weak people need strong lies.
99
@Sera
Abused? Weak?
Is this how you see the white middle class? No wonder they are up in arms!
Abused? Weak?
Is this how you see the white middle class? No wonder they are up in arms!
1
There is another looming issue that Mr. Edsall did not discuss. The next Census will occur in 2020 and will have enormous and very far-reaching effects in the manner in which legislative districts are drawn. Republicans had a field day in 2010 because of their off-year election wins and because Democrats were asleep at the switch. If 2016 turns into a major Democratic year at both the federal and state levels, it could set the stage for 2020 and make it possible for the Democrats to give back to the Republicans some of their own "Gerrymandering medicine," and redress the imbalance in the House. Vote, pay attention, and stay tuned.
526
Tho I'm a Democrat, I thoroughly believe that each state should have an independent committee to make redistricting decisions. It needs to be taken out of the hands of the parties.
4
The 2016 election may be the one that FINALLY makes gerrymandering a national issue. If Trump suffers the kind of defeat he serves, the number of people voting for Democrats in House races will far exceed the number voting for Republicans, and yet the GOP will hold a majority in the House. People will be scratching their heads, and maybe this time we'll notice the big gerrymander in the living room.
The important local election is the one in 2020, when the people who will actually redraw the districts are selected. One can only hope that Mr. Shapiro is wrong, that the Democrats do NOT "give back to the Republicans some of their own Gerrymandering medicine." That will only make things worse for the democracy, which depends on swing voters for its responsiveness to public opinion.
We need every candidate for election to the state legislature to pledge NOT to gerrymander, and every candidate for Congress to pledge to restore the "“contiguous and compact territory" requirement of the 1901 Federal Apportionment Act. Look how hard Presidential candidates vie for "swing states"; imagine if Representatives had to appeal to swing voters to win their districts....
The important local election is the one in 2020, when the people who will actually redraw the districts are selected. One can only hope that Mr. Shapiro is wrong, that the Democrats do NOT "give back to the Republicans some of their own Gerrymandering medicine." That will only make things worse for the democracy, which depends on swing voters for its responsiveness to public opinion.
We need every candidate for election to the state legislature to pledge NOT to gerrymander, and every candidate for Congress to pledge to restore the "“contiguous and compact territory" requirement of the 1901 Federal Apportionment Act. Look how hard Presidential candidates vie for "swing states"; imagine if Representatives had to appeal to swing voters to win their districts....
2
so true, but a sad state on the state of American Democracy, no matter what side is doing this.
Hillary may just win, but she's still damaged goods in the eyes of many, many Americans who will continue to hate her whether she wins or not. Thus, our country will remain divided and unable to move forward as a unified whole.
It's not just Trump's losing that's important.
It's what actually does Hillary stand for and what will she do that's different to break the partisan log jam.
It's not just Trump's losing that's important.
It's what actually does Hillary stand for and what will she do that's different to break the partisan log jam.
2
You mean the Republican log jam, don't you Ronald? It's not her job to break it. It's the voter's job. And every candidate is damaged goods in the eyes of many, many Americans. What's new?
1
It's takes 2 people to break a partisan deadlock between them. Compromise isn't one side gives up everything and the other gets everything. What's generating the 'deadlock' now isn't Democratic recalcitrance. It's that the Ds (and liberals in general) have been giving up the farm for promises to move forward, only to have the Rs renege on everything (who then smirk about how much 'smarter' they are, when the reality is they're just more willing to exploit - a characteristic which makes them wholly disgusting and dishonorable). This has all resulted in the Ds saying "We're sick of tired of promises. If you can't play fairly, none of us can play!" The Rs cannot even DO anything remotely resembling competence in governance, given how they've been saying that government (and all that goes with it) is bad and unacceptable. If anything competent gets done, that undermines all the Rs have been mouthing for 40 years.
1
Goldwater didn't kick off a revival of the conservative movement in 1964. That was set in motion by the passage of the equal rights amendment. And now that pendulum has finally begun its leftward swing propelled by Trump himself who finally tore the mask off of the Republican Party even for his populist base of fools, and by the blunders of W, and by the greatness of Obama, and of course by Bernie.
20
The country is and will continue to turn left. No amount of right wing ideological twisting in the wind will change that now. Demographics, economic dissatisfaction, and a much more open society will see to that.
The "Right-populist" folks are a shrinking minority. The 'White Privileged Supremacy' they seek will never return.
Today's Americans resonate with issues such as: The Anti-Bathroom issue; Gun Regulation; Income Disparity; Choice; Global Warming; a rational non-interventionist foreign policy.
The down ticket issues reflect a desire for more inclusiveness and cooperation. The new Jim Crow laws and rules will not last long. Nonpartisan redistricting will see to the rest.
I am actually hopeful that after enduring the ugliness of this cycle till next November we will truly start to see changes. I just hope that Hillary has really long coattails on those pant suits of hers.
The "Right-populist" folks are a shrinking minority. The 'White Privileged Supremacy' they seek will never return.
Today's Americans resonate with issues such as: The Anti-Bathroom issue; Gun Regulation; Income Disparity; Choice; Global Warming; a rational non-interventionist foreign policy.
The down ticket issues reflect a desire for more inclusiveness and cooperation. The new Jim Crow laws and rules will not last long. Nonpartisan redistricting will see to the rest.
I am actually hopeful that after enduring the ugliness of this cycle till next November we will truly start to see changes. I just hope that Hillary has really long coattails on those pant suits of hers.
14
There is a broad move toward fascism that roughly includes one out of three Americans, and a little under two out of four people who would be considered white.
Trump is not the only bad actor out there trying to take personal advantage of the political and monetary currency to be gained by pandering to the authoritarian personality type. Congress has cemented a ''majority of the minority.'' By gerrymander and 'concentrated districting,' congress has achieved a Tyranny by the Minority.
What this newspaper sadly describes as 'the chaotic occupation' of the congressional floor by Democrats who are fed up with Republican vest pocketing of gun control legislation should be a wake up call for all who truly value democracy in this nation. Because what the criminal organization known as 'the gun lobby' has achieved is helping destroy the fabric not only of the United States but of nations throughout the world.
Instead of focusing on the fatuous 'War On Drugs' civilized nations should declare 'War on War' which by definition will include a war on guns. Where do all the guns come from? Hint all yea Tea Party cretins, they are not manufactured by terrorists. This goes for the 400,000,000 or so guns in the hands of mostly 40,000,000 Americans too.
The Congress is currently in open rebellion because the people are being denied even the right to openly debate this issue. Instead of meaningful debate in our nation the media serves up blathering by morons like Trump.
Trump is not the only bad actor out there trying to take personal advantage of the political and monetary currency to be gained by pandering to the authoritarian personality type. Congress has cemented a ''majority of the minority.'' By gerrymander and 'concentrated districting,' congress has achieved a Tyranny by the Minority.
What this newspaper sadly describes as 'the chaotic occupation' of the congressional floor by Democrats who are fed up with Republican vest pocketing of gun control legislation should be a wake up call for all who truly value democracy in this nation. Because what the criminal organization known as 'the gun lobby' has achieved is helping destroy the fabric not only of the United States but of nations throughout the world.
Instead of focusing on the fatuous 'War On Drugs' civilized nations should declare 'War on War' which by definition will include a war on guns. Where do all the guns come from? Hint all yea Tea Party cretins, they are not manufactured by terrorists. This goes for the 400,000,000 or so guns in the hands of mostly 40,000,000 Americans too.
The Congress is currently in open rebellion because the people are being denied even the right to openly debate this issue. Instead of meaningful debate in our nation the media serves up blathering by morons like Trump.
34
Human nature being what it is, I think the GOP, no matter how decayed on the inside, will be fine in the long run.
Rather than examining their party's faults, Republicans will focus on what they dislike about Democrats. This is obvious now, an example of which is the ridiculous bathroom issue. Fairness to people in general is translated into favoring particular groups. Also, Republicans tend to be religious, and religious people seem to be both fearful of change and bizarrely willing to forgive transgressions. Donald Trump will be dismissed as an aberration by some, and a lost opportunity by others. And life will go on.
Rather than examining their party's faults, Republicans will focus on what they dislike about Democrats. This is obvious now, an example of which is the ridiculous bathroom issue. Fairness to people in general is translated into favoring particular groups. Also, Republicans tend to be religious, and religious people seem to be both fearful of change and bizarrely willing to forgive transgressions. Donald Trump will be dismissed as an aberration by some, and a lost opportunity by others. And life will go on.
5
The Republican party has brought their disarray on themselves, being the party of exclusion and with their 2-year-old attitude of "no". For how many years has it been now? No wonder.
8
Seeing the fecklessness of the republican establishment on this issue is simply amazing. Trump hates them, attacks them, insults them, and disgusts them and all they can do is equivocate. Simply amazing.
14
"Capitulate," "concede," "knuckle under," "defer," are words more descriptive of what the Republicans are doing. Would that they were merely equivocating!
1
The fact that the GOP ended up with a candidate as weak as the one they ended up with just proves how little the Republican Party really has in the area of leadership.
This should be particularly distressing (to the few who really care at this point, at least) because what has been highlighted this past primary season is how utterly despicable or, at best, irritatingly two-faced and untrustworthy the "younger generation" of Republican leadership really is.
It took one, painted, be-wigged blowhard with little fingers to knock down the bunch of them. A puff of wind, and they were gone.
It would be disgracing the Lilliputians to make comparisons.
Now, the rest of the Party of The Useless goes down with them, in a few quick months, and about time! It's been a decade of misery, having had to put up with their anti-democratic, manipulative little obstructionist ways.
Maybe we can get back to getting at least a few things done, with them gone. Maybe we'll get back to, dare we hope, doing a lot of things. Great things.
To use Trump's rhetoric on his own Party:
"Fired!"
This should be particularly distressing (to the few who really care at this point, at least) because what has been highlighted this past primary season is how utterly despicable or, at best, irritatingly two-faced and untrustworthy the "younger generation" of Republican leadership really is.
It took one, painted, be-wigged blowhard with little fingers to knock down the bunch of them. A puff of wind, and they were gone.
It would be disgracing the Lilliputians to make comparisons.
Now, the rest of the Party of The Useless goes down with them, in a few quick months, and about time! It's been a decade of misery, having had to put up with their anti-democratic, manipulative little obstructionist ways.
Maybe we can get back to getting at least a few things done, with them gone. Maybe we'll get back to, dare we hope, doing a lot of things. Great things.
To use Trump's rhetoric on his own Party:
"Fired!"
285
Never underestimate the treachery of the "party of the useless".
There's a reason they continue to thrive against all that seems logical to us.
The presidency is our firewall, and we can take nothing for granted, even with a candidate as ridiculous as Trump.
Let's cross the finish line before we start celebrating.
There's a reason they continue to thrive against all that seems logical to us.
The presidency is our firewall, and we can take nothing for granted, even with a candidate as ridiculous as Trump.
Let's cross the finish line before we start celebrating.
3
Unfortunately, the Democratic candidate is only slightly better than Trump.
No, she doesn't insult people.... but we haven't seen the text of her speeches to Wall Street groups. Her ethics are dubious. And I'm almost as concerned about Hillary as Commander-in-Chief as I would be about Trump.
In short, Hillary's no prize.... and once again, I will reluctantly vote for the lesser of two evils.
Is this the best you can do, America?
No, she doesn't insult people.... but we haven't seen the text of her speeches to Wall Street groups. Her ethics are dubious. And I'm almost as concerned about Hillary as Commander-in-Chief as I would be about Trump.
In short, Hillary's no prize.... and once again, I will reluctantly vote for the lesser of two evils.
Is this the best you can do, America?
1
A decade of misery? Not to quibble, but how about 16 months of misery?
After Hillary wins and after the Democrats take over the Senate, please, please Mrs. Clinton stay away from legislation that destroys those gains. Obama care destroyed our majority and benefited so few who vote, not that health care was not needed, but it was a huge cost.
Imagine the legislation President Obama could have accomplished if he had not lost his majority in the Senate and House. In fact, on his first inauguration he had a supermajority in the senate, but that disappeared with the death to Ted Kennedy.
Mr. Obama squandered everything on health care.
Imagine the legislation President Obama could have accomplished if he had not lost his majority in the Senate and House. In fact, on his first inauguration he had a supermajority in the senate, but that disappeared with the death to Ted Kennedy.
Mr. Obama squandered everything on health care.
1
Jim, to me that will be Obama's legacy. Really hard for a person with an ego based on childhood insecurity to swallow, but given the circumstances of a destroyed economy by the GOP predecessor, this was a chance for a true move forward. Obama wasted this opportunity on a bureaucratic nightmare favored only by big insurance, who of course turned their back on Obama right after the passage. I feel Obama was also taken in by the pundits comparing him to Lincoln and so he was focused on a "team of rivals," which translated to conciliation with people who were never going to give him an inch in return. Let's hope HRC is more pragmatic.
4
Mr. Obama squandered everything on health care? Maybe, but, as a low income retiree undergoing treatments for stage 3 rectal cancer in the U.S., I thank him.
7
Question: How low can the GOP go?
Answer: Trump.
Answer: Trump.
267
Ken, we hope Trump is as low as they can go. Remember, we could have been talking about Ted Cruz. In my opinion, that would have been even worse. Either way, neither qualified as presidential material.
4
How low? It reminds me of a satire on foreign-language films with Joseph Bologna and Renée Taylor, where they're insulting each other, and end up with saying one is lower than the lint in a worm's navel.
A better example for today's GOP is John Waters's great "Pink Flamingoes," a tale of two rival clans who vie for the title of the Grossest Person Alive and Divine wins by ingesting a fresh dog turd.
Donald Trump is that fresh turd.
A better example for today's GOP is John Waters's great "Pink Flamingoes," a tale of two rival clans who vie for the title of the Grossest Person Alive and Divine wins by ingesting a fresh dog turd.
Donald Trump is that fresh turd.
1
The Republicans have been wolves in sheep's clothing for decades. You need look no further than the murderous gun legislation they're trying to maintain in Congress today. To Hell with the population, let them die in the tens of thousands a year in return for the blood money basketful of money "donated" to the Republican's election campaigns.
The establishment shills-in-control, Ryan and McConnell are so furious because Trump has so thoroughly outed them as he reveals he is them without the shiny wrappings. And, without the sizzle and glitz of obfuscation, for the first time, we, the masses are seeing what the Republicans have been and are trying to pull off and we the voters are finally revolting.
My main fear is that there is enough time left that the "leadership" may dump Trump or he will see that he isn't going to "win" and will quit thus letting Ryan or Jeb step in before Hillary has a chance to capture the Presidency.
So the Democratic strategists need to carefully play their cards to keep the dunce in the race long enough to insure the demolition of the band of corrupt conservatives once and for all.
Go Hillary
The establishment shills-in-control, Ryan and McConnell are so furious because Trump has so thoroughly outed them as he reveals he is them without the shiny wrappings. And, without the sizzle and glitz of obfuscation, for the first time, we, the masses are seeing what the Republicans have been and are trying to pull off and we the voters are finally revolting.
My main fear is that there is enough time left that the "leadership" may dump Trump or he will see that he isn't going to "win" and will quit thus letting Ryan or Jeb step in before Hillary has a chance to capture the Presidency.
So the Democratic strategists need to carefully play their cards to keep the dunce in the race long enough to insure the demolition of the band of corrupt conservatives once and for all.
Go Hillary
35
When Trump said basic gracious things about trans bathroom use and not caring about abortion, when he was responding like an easygoing common man, he was right and pleasant and came off both calm and unscripted because he was those things. Those days are gone. His ego is so huge, and he's full of fight or flight nervousness. He'll never be able to pull off the appeal he first had now that the whole freak show has gotten to him.
6
Mealy mouths and double talkers have overtaken the GOP. "Oh I can;t stand Trump." "Gee, we need a unified party, I'll support the party nominee." Etc., etc. There isn't an ounce of intestinal fortitude within a mile of Ryan's Speaker's office. I loathe Trump and all that he stands for but I also have the urge to vomit at the specter of 500+ spineless, conniving politicians roaming the halls of Congress. And I am not alone. Will somebody wake them up. Please.
15
The GOP is chasing the Democratic leadership, who have just thrown away a popular candidate to install the most corrupt, corporately owned candidate the GOP could have thought of. At least Trump is popular with a segment of the population that does not include billionaires.
What started out as something on the humorous, cute, outrageously funny for some, Donald Trump's rise, is not funny any longer, is it?
Donald Trump had that rise because of his hate against Mexicans, against Muslims, his vulgar sneers and insults, because frankly, his supporters who got him to the nomination point, by their votes, are not hot on his turn to perhaps softening on the very issues they adored him for. The people who rose him to his top do not want to hear a change in his tone. They want the wall, they don't want immigrants to come in. They don't want people to have healthcare.
He is confusing to his very supporters. Once he starts waivering, it is curious that his supporters will still strongly rally him. Soothing teleprompters are not why they voted for him in the first place. They liked the Corey Lewandowski approach. That is most what they liked about him. Never mind Lindsey Graham and Paul Ryan's negativity toward Donald. His popular cheers came from being despicable. The "new" Donald is not going to fly.
Donald Trump had that rise because of his hate against Mexicans, against Muslims, his vulgar sneers and insults, because frankly, his supporters who got him to the nomination point, by their votes, are not hot on his turn to perhaps softening on the very issues they adored him for. The people who rose him to his top do not want to hear a change in his tone. They want the wall, they don't want immigrants to come in. They don't want people to have healthcare.
He is confusing to his very supporters. Once he starts waivering, it is curious that his supporters will still strongly rally him. Soothing teleprompters are not why they voted for him in the first place. They liked the Corey Lewandowski approach. That is most what they liked about him. Never mind Lindsey Graham and Paul Ryan's negativity toward Donald. His popular cheers came from being despicable. The "new" Donald is not going to fly.
132
Interesting point.
1
Trump has a long history of burning those who associate with him...lenders, employees, contractors, etc. His sole and consistent motive appears to be his own advancement, not the advancement of others. To him, the Republican party is another necessary but irrelevant and temporary relationship in a long string of relationships he cares little, if anything, about. Caveat emptor.
431
That should be, "Caveat Emperor."
3
Four posibilities:
Trump, plus Democrat down ticket - that could be blue collar manufacturing voters - Ohio Midwest
Trump plus down ticket R - straight line party voters in the South
Clinton plus down ticket D - West coast, Northeast
Clinton plus down ticket R - Wall St, Koch Bros, Indiana Midwest
Looks like that's a D win across the board.
What about Green and Libertarian? I think we'll see a baby bump in each of those this year. How much of the west will vote libertarian?
Trump, plus Democrat down ticket - that could be blue collar manufacturing voters - Ohio Midwest
Trump plus down ticket R - straight line party voters in the South
Clinton plus down ticket D - West coast, Northeast
Clinton plus down ticket R - Wall St, Koch Bros, Indiana Midwest
Looks like that's a D win across the board.
What about Green and Libertarian? I think we'll see a baby bump in each of those this year. How much of the west will vote libertarian?
1
DUMP TRUMP! And who would replace Trump? How would replacing Trump resolve the conflicts between the GOP's establishment and its Tea Party rank-and-file that Trump's candidacy has reveled.
In the 34 Senate seats are at stake in 2016. 10 are held by Democrats and 24 by Republicans. If Trump is dumped at the convention and the Tea Party stays home, Democrats could pick up six or perhaps even eight seats. reversing the Senate majority the Republican party now enjoys.
That is the issue for Republicans. They can't gerrymander Senate seats.
In the 34 Senate seats are at stake in 2016. 10 are held by Democrats and 24 by Republicans. If Trump is dumped at the convention and the Tea Party stays home, Democrats could pick up six or perhaps even eight seats. reversing the Senate majority the Republican party now enjoys.
That is the issue for Republicans. They can't gerrymander Senate seats.
21
The solution, as they say, is of Biblical proportions: "And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is more profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell."
Even Mr. Trump, who is clearly an eyesore, should understand what is "more profitable."
And, even for the Republican Party, being "cast into hell" would be at least a slight step down from its current accommodations.
Even Mr. Trump, who is clearly an eyesore, should understand what is "more profitable."
And, even for the Republican Party, being "cast into hell" would be at least a slight step down from its current accommodations.
5
There will be a groundswell of first-time Latino and other minority voters who will be motivated to register and vote democratic to keep Trump out of the White House. This will also hurt down-ballot Republicans. There's no way Trump can win with his only strong demographic--white men who are not terribly well-educated.
The one uncertainty is what would happen if there were a major terrorist attack or two on U.S. soil between now and the general election. Many of the cowering masses foolishly equate bravado and bluster with strength in dealing with terrorism. They might support Trump.
In addition, one hopes that the profit-hungry media starts acting more responsibly and not giving Trump so much free exposure just because he says outrageous things.
The one uncertainty is what would happen if there were a major terrorist attack or two on U.S. soil between now and the general election. Many of the cowering masses foolishly equate bravado and bluster with strength in dealing with terrorism. They might support Trump.
In addition, one hopes that the profit-hungry media starts acting more responsibly and not giving Trump so much free exposure just because he says outrageous things.
5
"The one uncertainty is what would happen if there were a major terrorist attack or two on U.S. soil between now and the general election. "
Count on it. They want a holy war and he's the one who will give it to them. They want to see him elected.
Count on it. They want a holy war and he's the one who will give it to them. They want to see him elected.
1
Everyday I read the news wondering who he has insulted next. We've never had anything like this. I read mixed stories about whether his mouth and ego are endearing to people or despicable to people.
If the party leadership is successful in a convention day coup, who are they going to put up as a replacement? And what about all the millions who support Trump? It's hard to believe they won't be angry with a coup.
How low can it go? Isn't this as bad as it gets?
If the party leadership is successful in a convention day coup, who are they going to put up as a replacement? And what about all the millions who support Trump? It's hard to believe they won't be angry with a coup.
How low can it go? Isn't this as bad as it gets?
145
Sadly, it will surely get worse. The Republican party is totally morally bankrupt and Trump is the driver of their clown car!
4
Not sure, but I remember saying something like this during the Watergate (1973-74) hearings. The lesson I learned is that you never want to say, "okay, we've hit bottom"; you always get proved wrong. After Watergate, we got Reagan, the Bushes, Cheney, Scalia, Thomas, Roberts, Alito, ....you see what I mean?
3
"Still, it would be premature to count Trump out —"
“Trump is arguably the most unlikely, unsuitable, and unpopular presidential nominee of a major party in American history.”
These two sentences tell me all I need to know about the American public. Fickle and stupid do not even begin to explain how people on one hand could see Trump as being completely unfit for occupying the office and on the other hand they will vote for him. No candidate has had more press attention focused on him then Trump. Consistently his own words and actions demonstrate what an unstable man he is. And yet at this date, several surveys indicate that over 20% of the public say they have not made up their mind on him. 20% of Sander's supporters indicate they will vote for him. It is amazing and confounding that given all that has transpired, this man still has a plausible chance.
“Trump is arguably the most unlikely, unsuitable, and unpopular presidential nominee of a major party in American history.”
These two sentences tell me all I need to know about the American public. Fickle and stupid do not even begin to explain how people on one hand could see Trump as being completely unfit for occupying the office and on the other hand they will vote for him. No candidate has had more press attention focused on him then Trump. Consistently his own words and actions demonstrate what an unstable man he is. And yet at this date, several surveys indicate that over 20% of the public say they have not made up their mind on him. 20% of Sander's supporters indicate they will vote for him. It is amazing and confounding that given all that has transpired, this man still has a plausible chance.
30
I guess that all pundits have to seem even-handed in their analysis of elections. They have to say something at the end like "Donald Trump still has time to turn around his under-funded, message-challenged, campaign leading a hopelessly divided party" or in other stories "just because a planet-killing asteroid is about to strike the earth is no reason to think that extinction is the only option facing mankind" or "a locust plague followed by darkness and the death of firstborn children is no reason to think that God is punishing Egypt." Something like that...
3
Wait! Wait! But why are they distancing themselves from Trump? Doesn't he have a good brain and has said many things? Shouldn't that about sum it up? And he has Palin on his side...and Bachman? Isn't that enough? Isn't he already the face of the Republican base? I don't think Mr. Ryan understands his constituency at all.
8
Four days of Trump talking about himself. Imagine it, folks!
This is Cleveland in a few weeks.
Four days of Trump spewing ugly words. Four days of orange face twisting. Four days of lies. Four days of bullying. Name calling. Four days of Me Me Me. Four days of how terrible this person is and that person is, this group, that group is out to get me.
Part of me sits in horror of the pending spectacle. This part of me wonders what if we vote in this neuvo-dictator-wannabe?
The other part of me is fluffing up my sofa cushions and getting out my popcorn. This part of me knows that the US is finally wising up. They won't vote him in. I can't wait to watch him hoist himself by his own petard.
And frankly Trump seems be hoisting Ryan's petard too. Ryan is a fair-weather friend. He's a friend when he thinks it will improve his political future. As long as Ryan keeps the House from even voting about gun control, Trump hoisting him on his petard is well deserved.
This is Cleveland in a few weeks.
Four days of Trump spewing ugly words. Four days of orange face twisting. Four days of lies. Four days of bullying. Name calling. Four days of Me Me Me. Four days of how terrible this person is and that person is, this group, that group is out to get me.
Part of me sits in horror of the pending spectacle. This part of me wonders what if we vote in this neuvo-dictator-wannabe?
The other part of me is fluffing up my sofa cushions and getting out my popcorn. This part of me knows that the US is finally wising up. They won't vote him in. I can't wait to watch him hoist himself by his own petard.
And frankly Trump seems be hoisting Ryan's petard too. Ryan is a fair-weather friend. He's a friend when he thinks it will improve his political future. As long as Ryan keeps the House from even voting about gun control, Trump hoisting him on his petard is well deserved.
443
I'm waiting for the spectacle; Trump yelling. "Get 'em outta here!" about Cruz delegates. Clint Eastwood can come back and talk to something.
I hope it's not 4 nights of Trump reading bland stuff off of the teleprompter.
I hope it's not 4 nights of Trump reading bland stuff off of the teleprompter.
Four days of Trump..talk about “Must-see TV!” And that’s sad that Americans are no better than ancient Rome with its bread and circuses.
But the people of Northeastern Ohio are VERY upset with the GOP convention right now. Across from Quicken Loans arena where the RNC convention is to be held is the Sherwin-Williams building with a ten story high banner of King James (Lebron) holding out his arms. It’s been there since he returned from Miami in 2015. Now the city is hugely proud of this banner in celebration of the Cavaliers winning the NBA championship this past Sunday. Cleveland hasn’t had a national championship of any kind since the Old Cleveland Browns of 1964. The team that the owner Art Modell stole from Cleveland to become the Baltimore Ravens in 1995.
Now less than four days after the championship, they’re bringing the banner down to put up a ten foot banner advertising the RNC convention. Oh the denizens are ANGRY.
Just one more crazy variable to add to the Cleveland circus complete with National Guard on call, police placed on 12 hr shifts, getting ready for protesters.
And a “good time" will be had by all.
But the people of Northeastern Ohio are VERY upset with the GOP convention right now. Across from Quicken Loans arena where the RNC convention is to be held is the Sherwin-Williams building with a ten story high banner of King James (Lebron) holding out his arms. It’s been there since he returned from Miami in 2015. Now the city is hugely proud of this banner in celebration of the Cavaliers winning the NBA championship this past Sunday. Cleveland hasn’t had a national championship of any kind since the Old Cleveland Browns of 1964. The team that the owner Art Modell stole from Cleveland to become the Baltimore Ravens in 1995.
Now less than four days after the championship, they’re bringing the banner down to put up a ten foot banner advertising the RNC convention. Oh the denizens are ANGRY.
Just one more crazy variable to add to the Cleveland circus complete with National Guard on call, police placed on 12 hr shifts, getting ready for protesters.
And a “good time" will be had by all.
3
Ryan will say anything at any time to any question. The responses don't necessarily have to agree. Let's hope he and the Donald and McConnell and other oafs like Jeff Sessions go down in flames.
1
What a telling headline. I would suggest the greater damage Trump is doing to the GOP is to their ability to stand by whatever ethics they have left. Their support of him is morally akin to saying it's okay, the wife beater can stay home because he's bringing home a paycheck.
333
Except he isn't bringing home a paycheck. He raised "Trump change" last month.
Why would anybody give this grifter a nickel, when all he talks about is how he's so rich and pays no taxes?
Nobody really wants Trump -- he's not at all like Bernie, who got millions of ordinary Americans to donate, because Bernie put out a message of hope, and nobody (even those who opposed some of his bigger ideas) sees him as a grifter.
People just voted for Trump to send the GOP a message. It's not printable, but it ends with ".... and die."
Why would anybody give this grifter a nickel, when all he talks about is how he's so rich and pays no taxes?
Nobody really wants Trump -- he's not at all like Bernie, who got millions of ordinary Americans to donate, because Bernie put out a message of hope, and nobody (even those who opposed some of his bigger ideas) sees him as a grifter.
People just voted for Trump to send the GOP a message. It's not printable, but it ends with ".... and die."
3
The Democrats gave up any pretense of having ethics when they elected Bill Clinton in 1992, which is why Hillary is their candidate today. With Trump, the Republicans haven't gotten as low as the Democrats with Hillary.
Trump was the protest vote of people sick of being lied to by slick candidates selling them down the river. While Trump may be a racist, so are the rest of his rivals, so I still don't believe that was the primary driver of his success. It was his outsider status, money, name, etc. Now that the populace has taken down the Satans that were the other candidates, they realize they are still faced with a demon, so many won't vote. But they achieved their purpose, which was to send a loud message to the conservative establishment that they don't support the status quo of the average person endlessly suffering to enrich the wealthy. Unfortunately, Ryan, the status quo standard bearer, is utterly indifferent to their needs, readying the platform that we deliver the rest of us hot on the edge of the knife to be eaten at the table of the wealthy, under the terrifying scenario that his cohort gets the Congress and the Presidency. My question is, will Trump and the protest he represents, make a dent? So far, it seems as if the Establishment is planning to ride him out, then go back to business as usual.
7
Why anyone thinks that Country Club Don is not part of the Establishment is beyond me. He may not be a part of the Beltway (that's what he pays lawyers and lobbyists to do). But he is a part of the "In it, for me", greed is good uber wealthy. He has played an amazing shell game with the marks.
4
"Trump was the protest vote of people sick of being lied to by slick candidates selling them down the river....My question is, will Trump and the protest he represents, make a dent?"
Um, what kind of "dent" are you looking for, given that he himself is a "slick candidate selling them down the river" (judging by his behavior towards those who associate with him, from wives to contractors to Trump U students)?
Perhaps he will convince them that all they need to do is field someone with a better front, who isn't as obvious in his cheating, racism, ignorance, etc.?
Um, what kind of "dent" are you looking for, given that he himself is a "slick candidate selling them down the river" (judging by his behavior towards those who associate with him, from wives to contractors to Trump U students)?
Perhaps he will convince them that all they need to do is field someone with a better front, who isn't as obvious in his cheating, racism, ignorance, etc.?
1
No, the Democrats definitely shouldn't count their chickens before they're hatched. However, I hope they pour a lot of resources into the races in the Senate and the House. I also hope they make gains at the state level. The Republicans have cleaned their collective clock in terms of governorships and state legislatures, and the results have been truly awful: Kansas, North Carolina and Wisconsin are just three states that have been nearly destroyed by the GOP. Also, control of the state legislatures will dictate redistricting, which is coming up in a couple of years. 2010 was a disaster for the Democrats, leading to an entire decade of losses. Let's hope they they learned their lesson.
645
Thanks. You're voicing the issues that really need more coverage.
1
Take nothing for granted,...
3
I completely agree with you. The Democrats need to compete in all 50 states on the federal and state level. The GOP is passing draconian legislation on the state level.
I implore my fellow citizens to vote in each and every election.
I implore my fellow citizens to vote in each and every election.
4
Trump being elected would constitute a mass suicide for good governance, a good economy, and good foreign relations. So I'm not particularly afraid that will occur.
However, we should learn more clearly our lesson about Republicans' fealty to the Republican Party, "right, wrong, or colossally stupid." Their leaders should be punished (voted out) simply for supporting the brand when it offends against all principle, intelligence, and values.
This includes Kelly Ayotte, of NH. She sides with the NRA against the people, she sides with Ryan's ridiculous and evil budget fantasies, there's no military boondoggle she won't back, and she supports the election of the worst candidate to run for office anywhere since 1933.
Time for her to go.
However, we should learn more clearly our lesson about Republicans' fealty to the Republican Party, "right, wrong, or colossally stupid." Their leaders should be punished (voted out) simply for supporting the brand when it offends against all principle, intelligence, and values.
This includes Kelly Ayotte, of NH. She sides with the NRA against the people, she sides with Ryan's ridiculous and evil budget fantasies, there's no military boondoggle she won't back, and she supports the election of the worst candidate to run for office anywhere since 1933.
Time for her to go.
20
The Republican Party is placing its bet on Donald Trump. They believe that the people in this country are too stupid, blind and hateful to care one bit about who Trump really is. They are putting their money on someone who has nothing but contempt for what our nation has fought and died for. Trump is their golden boy now, not by choice, but by virtue of sheer political incompetence.
Priebus of the RNC, Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan and their kind are banking on the assumption that people won't object to Trump's racist policies, that they will continue to be entertained for months as Trump spouts vulgar insults about Hillary. They assume no one will care that he says his taxes are none of our business, or that Trump is a complete business fraud. The GOP won’t fragment, it is party over country.
They are like his zombie-like followers denying the reality of Trump's ignorance and unpredictability. The historical truth is that the Republican Party always bets against the interests of the American people. This time, for the sake of our planet we can only hope that the entire GOP joins Trump in yet another colossal bankruptcy.
Priebus of the RNC, Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan and their kind are banking on the assumption that people won't object to Trump's racist policies, that they will continue to be entertained for months as Trump spouts vulgar insults about Hillary. They assume no one will care that he says his taxes are none of our business, or that Trump is a complete business fraud. The GOP won’t fragment, it is party over country.
They are like his zombie-like followers denying the reality of Trump's ignorance and unpredictability. The historical truth is that the Republican Party always bets against the interests of the American people. This time, for the sake of our planet we can only hope that the entire GOP joins Trump in yet another colossal bankruptcy.
560
"They believe that the people in this country are too stupid, blind and hateful to care one bit about who Trump really is."
It appears that at least one party fits that description.
It appears that at least one party fits that description.
It's time for the GOP to go down into ruin rather than have the nation become a has-been state.
1
Ryan's just letting the disaster play out so he can come in for 2020 as the white knight of the party and run himself.
1
I'm pretty sure the GOP can go lower. Every time I think they've hit bottom, they surprise me. The better question is: Can the GOP return to simple truth and reason? Sadly, that is very much in doubt.
834
"Return to simple truth and reason?"
I do not think that this is an appropriate use of the word "return." When were Republicans ever like that?
I do not think that this is an appropriate use of the word "return." When were Republicans ever like that?
4
never say never,.....
1
Like Bugs Bunny to China. They keep digging.
3
Those “coat-tails” are what Democrats like me are looking at.
Obama came into office in 2008 following a very unpopular Bush with solid majorities in both houses of congress. Those majorities were then squandered by Obama in multiple misguided attempts to “reach across the aisle” and refusing to criticize Republicans. Sometimes even going so far as to adopt GOP talking points such as when Obama followed the GOP false equivalency between families and the government both needing to tighten their belts.
Hillary Clinton running against Donald Trump has a good chance of reestablishing those congressional majorities; unless of course Democrats should decide to implode like the Republican Party and nominate Bernie Sanders.
Obama came into office in 2008 following a very unpopular Bush with solid majorities in both houses of congress. Those majorities were then squandered by Obama in multiple misguided attempts to “reach across the aisle” and refusing to criticize Republicans. Sometimes even going so far as to adopt GOP talking points such as when Obama followed the GOP false equivalency between families and the government both needing to tighten their belts.
Hillary Clinton running against Donald Trump has a good chance of reestablishing those congressional majorities; unless of course Democrats should decide to implode like the Republican Party and nominate Bernie Sanders.
2
Who knows how low in terms of Congressional wins or in terms of Trump's slovenly behavior? The media continue with "Trump fires back..." as if his lies actually merit analysis. Expecting him to make a rational speech is like expecting a pig to recite the alphabet. (With apologies to the bacon!)
The GOP has staggered along for over a decade fueled only by hatred and by “Hell, no you can’t,” to put it in Boehner’s words. Suddenly, when expected to get real with policies, all they could do was “search and replace.” Replace “Obama” with “Clinton.”
The media raked in the profits, and the gutless, spineless Congressional party began to hop on the band wagon. The idea that they might actually have real policies other than greed and guns would be ludicrous. They couldn’t recall all the RINOs sent ignominiously to pasture. So now Brent Scowcroft has indicated his rejection of the golden-haired warrior. Who’s next?
But Big Money may still win, whether with Trump or with a buzzer-beating substitute. Chickens may come home to roost, but eggs are not chickens until they’ve hatched. Like gun-makers’ stock, every disaster (Clinton’s fault, of course) threatens to shoe-horn Trump or Ryan or Mr. X into the White House. Too many voters really are that clueless.
The GOP has staggered along for over a decade fueled only by hatred and by “Hell, no you can’t,” to put it in Boehner’s words. Suddenly, when expected to get real with policies, all they could do was “search and replace.” Replace “Obama” with “Clinton.”
The media raked in the profits, and the gutless, spineless Congressional party began to hop on the band wagon. The idea that they might actually have real policies other than greed and guns would be ludicrous. They couldn’t recall all the RINOs sent ignominiously to pasture. So now Brent Scowcroft has indicated his rejection of the golden-haired warrior. Who’s next?
But Big Money may still win, whether with Trump or with a buzzer-beating substitute. Chickens may come home to roost, but eggs are not chickens until they’ve hatched. Like gun-makers’ stock, every disaster (Clinton’s fault, of course) threatens to shoe-horn Trump or Ryan or Mr. X into the White House. Too many voters really are that clueless.
7
50 years of 'Republicanitis' has replaced the American Dream with the 'Dream of being the best crook'. For them, it appears that 'sleaze is the next best thing to greed'.
Apparently you can say anything about another candidate, true or not. An ordinary person could sue for slander.
2
Given the NRA Party (formerly the 'republicans') seeming penchant for decrying a 'broken Washington' and their intransigence on actually DOING their jobs, it would appear the NRA Party can sink much, much lower.
13
Another column attracting the serial commenters as they race to beat each other to the top of the list. Wonder how quick they will be to comment on November 9 when a nightmare interrupts their childish dreams. Across the divide though, celebratory breakfasts are on tap as the political guillotine rids us of that accursed pate.
If you believe that Trump is going to lose in a landslide....shouldn't you be happy? and relaxed? if so, why all the hysterical articles about him, daily?
If you believe he will take down Republican majorities in Congress, and districts....those downmarket votes....again, isn't that a good thing?
Or is this piece just a cautionary to the GOP: you'd better get a new candidate, because we don't like this one? Because there is literally NOBODY the lefties would like that the GOP could possibly run. You detested McCain. You excoriated Palin. You loathed poor Mitt Romney -- the polite, nice, moderate Republican they ran last time.
So why shouldn't the GOP run the most extreme candidate they want to run? And why aren't you happy about that?
If you believe he will take down Republican majorities in Congress, and districts....those downmarket votes....again, isn't that a good thing?
Or is this piece just a cautionary to the GOP: you'd better get a new candidate, because we don't like this one? Because there is literally NOBODY the lefties would like that the GOP could possibly run. You detested McCain. You excoriated Palin. You loathed poor Mitt Romney -- the polite, nice, moderate Republican they ran last time.
So why shouldn't the GOP run the most extreme candidate they want to run? And why aren't you happy about that?
2
The continuous lowering of the bar of ethical behavior creates an underlying angst about the future of the country.
We justifiably fear that the rot of Republican overreach will undermine the historical significance of the the US of A, and even bring the world itself down. Hope and opportunity does not spawn from small minds that hide in like minded enclaves behind imaginary walls. It's the dumbed down equivalent of burning books.
We justifiably fear that the rot of Republican overreach will undermine the historical significance of the the US of A, and even bring the world itself down. Hope and opportunity does not spawn from small minds that hide in like minded enclaves behind imaginary walls. It's the dumbed down equivalent of burning books.
13
Because it looks like 30+ % of the American electorate wants a neo-fascist in power ... at least on the face of it.
Those people, the Trump voters, are going to be around after Trump is gone.
Trump's a joke. But somewhere out there is a real "El Lider" for these people ... if they really want that.
And as far as the GOP is concerned -- it's DOA, it's the Trump party now. The old-school GOPer's don't realize it yet, they are walking dead, as politicians on a national scale.
Those people, the Trump voters, are going to be around after Trump is gone.
Trump's a joke. But somewhere out there is a real "El Lider" for these people ... if they really want that.
And as far as the GOP is concerned -- it's DOA, it's the Trump party now. The old-school GOPer's don't realize it yet, they are walking dead, as politicians on a national scale.
4
Did you really mean to write "poor" Mitt Romney?
7
Trump is a Grifter with a history of self-interested opportunism. Pure and simple. I will not vote for the man; and this opinion piece is correct if my additional reaction to him holds as an expression of popular American sentiment. Not only will I not vote for the man; I will not vote for anyone at the State and Local level who expresses fealty to him. The Republican Party, as currently expressed, is unmoored, has no bearings and does not in any way resemble a Party that evinces the truth of conservatism. I don't know what it is but it is not Republican in its expression.
Regardless, I'm not having any of it. And that's all I have to say about it. I'm done with reading all the write-up's. I'm done with all the media attempts at fomenting and stirring the public "pot" with their endless polls and expressed opinions. My mind is made up. Bring on Election Day! Let's get this done and over with.
John~
American Net'Zen
Regardless, I'm not having any of it. And that's all I have to say about it. I'm done with reading all the write-up's. I'm done with all the media attempts at fomenting and stirring the public "pot" with their endless polls and expressed opinions. My mind is made up. Bring on Election Day! Let's get this done and over with.
John~
American Net'Zen
738
It's the Trump party now. Republicans can do the Christie, or get out and form a new conservative party.
But playing the Ryan leads nowhere -- everybody sees through that. Ryan is just demonstrating that he has no principles, less than Trump or Christie -- he just wants power.
But playing the Ryan leads nowhere -- everybody sees through that. Ryan is just demonstrating that he has no principles, less than Trump or Christie -- he just wants power.
7
.......but, but what about the fact that his unending promotion of hate, fear, greed, jealousy, and bigotry can be controlled by giving him a teleprompter?
According to the media, he's becoming a new man! A true, died in the wool Republican puppet. NOT!
According to the media, he's becoming a new man! A true, died in the wool Republican puppet. NOT!
2
"Trump is a Grifter with a history of self-interested opportunism."
Bingo. Perfect description.
Bingo. Perfect description.
4
I am not a particularly strong Clinton fan - but after seeing what the republicans have (and have not) done to this country, she will get my vote.
And with any luck - the voters here in this once moderate state, will throw out the morons who have driven it over the cliff.
The republicans have done nothing in DC except collect a paycheck and show the American people how corrupt they truly are. At the local level - all you have to do is word search "Kansas" in the NYT to see how the republican lead government has driven this state into the ground with their failed fiscal policies. And yet they are, literally, too stupid to see it. Sadly, things don't get better at the national level. It is way past time to drive out the obstructionist.
And with any luck - the voters here in this once moderate state, will throw out the morons who have driven it over the cliff.
The republicans have done nothing in DC except collect a paycheck and show the American people how corrupt they truly are. At the local level - all you have to do is word search "Kansas" in the NYT to see how the republican lead government has driven this state into the ground with their failed fiscal policies. And yet they are, literally, too stupid to see it. Sadly, things don't get better at the national level. It is way past time to drive out the obstructionist.
128
Glad to hear folks in Kansas have had enough.
4
Paul Ryan, purported to be one of the "best minds" in the GOP? I wouldn't presume to judge, but I do know that Speaker Ryan is a veritable "Tower of Jello" when it comes to Donald Trump.
22
>>>>>
There are no lines that the GOP will not cross. Hence, if you're looking for the bottom there may not be one.
There are no lines that the GOP will not cross. Hence, if you're looking for the bottom there may not be one.
43
In 2000 when the presidential election was stolen and American democracy forever shattered it's myth of being a system of government where the voices of the people were truly represented by election results, I thought that must represent the low point for Republican underhandedness and vile disregard of all morality. Then we had the entire Busy presidency and the country was taken into war under false pretenses. John McCain named Sarah Palin as his running mate. Can't get lower than that, can ya? Oh yes! I have seen all semblance of decency and respect for the institutions of government destroyed this election season. Heinous false claims are hurled at the President of the United States and the only thing missing is for the "N" word to be used against him. We have the GOP nominee defaming nationalities of all sorts. We have just suffered a MASSACRE in Orlando and yet any attempt at even the slightest improvement to our GROTESQUE gun laws are thwarted by evil GOP members of congress who are COMPLICIT in the massacre in Orlando. For many years I was unable to see the perfidious side of human nature. Now, alas, I am able to see nothing else. How low can the GOP go? How far beneath the surface of the earth IS Hell?
164
ManhttanWilliam - thank you. Your summation is spot on, says my thoughts exactly, but you did a much better job of expressing those thoughts than I would have. By the way, if it was you who educated me the other day, and I think it was you, re/the use of the word "queer", thank you for that too - I just didn't know.
1
One thing can be assumed- that all pundits predicting the demise of the Republican party as a result of a Clinton landslide will be proven wrong- probably by the next election cycle.
I remember well all the proclamations of the GOP's demise after the 2008 Obama landslide, only to see the Dems lose the senate and house within 2 years- the Repubs have pretty much run the entire country since.
We have a strange form of "democracy" in which the support of a majority of voters is not required for a party to dominate, especially when they are as hierarchical and well financed as the GOP and the Dems have so many voters who are uninterested in local politics and "off year" elections.
I remember well all the proclamations of the GOP's demise after the 2008 Obama landslide, only to see the Dems lose the senate and house within 2 years- the Repubs have pretty much run the entire country since.
We have a strange form of "democracy" in which the support of a majority of voters is not required for a party to dominate, especially when they are as hierarchical and well financed as the GOP and the Dems have so many voters who are uninterested in local politics and "off year" elections.
5
The GOP establishment will desert Trump if he continues to tank - really tank - in the polls. After all, it's all about winning, right? It's the politics of expediency. If the likes of Senator McCain back off endorsing Trump, then you know he's in real trouble. Meanwhile, Democrats, it's not over until it's over. There is no way this election is a slam dunk. Yesterday I drove through a lower middle class white neighborhood in Maryland. Every third house was plastered in Trump signs. This crowd is motivated, and I expect they'll vote in droves on election day. This is especially critical in down ballot voting, Dems have to take back the Senate, to oust McConnell and end his attempt to get another fascist like Scalia on the Supreme Court.
36
In answer to Mr Edsall's question: the way of the Know Nothings.
As such, Trump is the perfect representative for the republican party and the only improvement to his candidacy for president would be if either Sam Brownback or Ted Cruz ran as his running mate. Choosing among the three is actually the difficult choice as each person seems to specialize in republican party ethics (Trump), fiscal stewardship (Brownback) and theocracy (Cruz). The only republican political skill the trio is missing is foreign policy and I'm sure Sarah Palin would make a perfect republican Sec State.
Republican politicians and their supporters should be overjoyed with the republican political nominating process. Bread and circus is the core of republican electoral strategy with logic just as compelling as trickle down economics and war on the credit card. Americans who vote for republicans deserve the consequences.
Unfortunately, as SCOTUS demonstrated in their award of the presidential election in the year 2000, elections having consequences affects not just those who vote for republicans, but for the rest of us as well.
Mamas don't let your kids grow up to be republicans.
As such, Trump is the perfect representative for the republican party and the only improvement to his candidacy for president would be if either Sam Brownback or Ted Cruz ran as his running mate. Choosing among the three is actually the difficult choice as each person seems to specialize in republican party ethics (Trump), fiscal stewardship (Brownback) and theocracy (Cruz). The only republican political skill the trio is missing is foreign policy and I'm sure Sarah Palin would make a perfect republican Sec State.
Republican politicians and their supporters should be overjoyed with the republican political nominating process. Bread and circus is the core of republican electoral strategy with logic just as compelling as trickle down economics and war on the credit card. Americans who vote for republicans deserve the consequences.
Unfortunately, as SCOTUS demonstrated in their award of the presidential election in the year 2000, elections having consequences affects not just those who vote for republicans, but for the rest of us as well.
Mamas don't let your kids grow up to be republicans.
40
Republican elite ruthlessness is over -- they need to be crushed up and down the ballot this year.
51
The GOP has not hit bottom and Herr Trump is only part of the problem. The obstructionist party for the past eight years has only ignored and insulted the electorate by failing to address so many things affecting this country. Starting with limiting the stimulus package to right the wrongs of the previous administration and most recently closing the loopholes in gun laws. Oh, and there seems to be an empty seat on the Supreme Court lately, what about that. And on the state and local level they continue to make women have babies but don't want to help once they are born with healthcare and education. How are things in Kansas these days? The Don is part of the problem but the issues that are hurting them go deeper and based on last night in congress I hope we have reached a tipping point. During this administration the Dems have stood to the side and tried to work in a civil way with little headway because it is my way or the highway for the Gasbag Old Party. We have had enough with inaction from congress. I have never voted a straight ticket in my election life, I will this year.
32
Well I hope all this plays out as predicted. I am not a fan of the GOP however trump would be a nightmare as president under any label. Some of his remarks make sense however the messenger is far too unstable for the job. This Orlando massager is a prime example. If he were president I could picture him starting a war with a Islamic country on the spot.
8
The GOP convention is going to be like the Scopes Trial. One wishes H.L. Mencken were alive to cover it.
Trump hasn't expanded the Republican Party--he's exposed it.
Trump hasn't expanded the Republican Party--he's exposed it.
145
Dump Trump?
They love Trump, he's their perfect candidate.
He expresses all of their true, secret desires while simultaneously giving the GOP cover to criticize his more "extreme" positions.
The idea that they will take away his nomination at the convention is utterly hilarious. This "Dump Trump" movement is all for show.
This won't be a convention, it will be the biggest televised political dumpster dive in history.
They love Trump, he's their perfect candidate.
He expresses all of their true, secret desires while simultaneously giving the GOP cover to criticize his more "extreme" positions.
The idea that they will take away his nomination at the convention is utterly hilarious. This "Dump Trump" movement is all for show.
This won't be a convention, it will be the biggest televised political dumpster dive in history.
4
My only REGRET...
7
Trump will be victorious by saying Hillary is crooked, repeat, Hillary is crooked. So many believe this they are will not look at Trump with their eyes wide open. To our doom. The GOP is not the stupid party. We are the stupid country.
37
The final numbers will be something like this:
Clinton 53%
Trump 40%
Johnson 7%
The Republican convention will garner record ratings as a summer replacement mini-series/reality show extravaganza highlighting the candidate's vulgar history and fame.
My only wish is that Hunter Thompson is no longer alive to witness and report on the upcoming spectacle: Triumph of the Will, 2016.
Clinton 53%
Trump 40%
Johnson 7%
The Republican convention will garner record ratings as a summer replacement mini-series/reality show extravaganza highlighting the candidate's vulgar history and fame.
My only wish is that Hunter Thompson is no longer alive to witness and report on the upcoming spectacle: Triumph of the Will, 2016.
42
I think you mean your only regret.
5
This campaign would have killed him anyway. I miss his writing too.
1
And (no offense, Noah) that Jon Stewart was still commenting every night. God, it would have been glorious.
3
Republicans have shown that it’s possible to undermine the two-party system simply by refusing to cooperate, and by elevating resentment and greed into political ideals. You can win by cheating at any game, but it can’t go on forever. Eventually the chickens will come home to roost, and Trump is currently clucking loudly as he lays an egg.
It’s a measure of just how sick the system has become that Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell have to support an idiot for president. But Trump is nothing more than a tangible manifestation of what Ryan and McConnell have always stood for. Trump simply lacks the finesse and plausible deniability of more sophisticated liars.
My reservations about Hillary Clinton pale in comparison to my disdain for Trump, and for my disappointment in my fellow citizens who don’t know why he’s a bad idea. But a Clinton victory won’t mean that things have gone back to normal. Something is fundamentally broken in government. It won’t be fixed by electing a president that Republicans consider the antichrist.
As long as so many of us elect N.R.A. ideologues to Congress, there will be no sensible gun control. As long as one party represents Christian zealots, there will be no equal treatment of women or our LGBT citizens. As long as we don’t know where our own interests lie, we’ll let multi-millionaires decide who gets taxed.
The problem is not in our political stars, but in ourselves.
It’s a measure of just how sick the system has become that Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell have to support an idiot for president. But Trump is nothing more than a tangible manifestation of what Ryan and McConnell have always stood for. Trump simply lacks the finesse and plausible deniability of more sophisticated liars.
My reservations about Hillary Clinton pale in comparison to my disdain for Trump, and for my disappointment in my fellow citizens who don’t know why he’s a bad idea. But a Clinton victory won’t mean that things have gone back to normal. Something is fundamentally broken in government. It won’t be fixed by electing a president that Republicans consider the antichrist.
As long as so many of us elect N.R.A. ideologues to Congress, there will be no sensible gun control. As long as one party represents Christian zealots, there will be no equal treatment of women or our LGBT citizens. As long as we don’t know where our own interests lie, we’ll let multi-millionaires decide who gets taxed.
The problem is not in our political stars, but in ourselves.
762
I've read the editorial and many of the comments, but I keep going back to the quote of Trump going off about the GOP leadership needing to toughen up or shut up, letting him do it by himself. How many times can one guy repeat himself? How often can he claim to have it all, be the one, and threaten all those down stream? Most importantly, how many people keep falling for this horse hockey? All the prognostication in all the columns and comments in all the news outlets in the world won't change the fact he is uniquely unqualified to string together a coherent paragraph, much the less run the country. If he wins we all might as well don aluminum foil beanies with propellers on top. As long as the party continues to say "he's an idiot but he's our idiot" they can expect to fund another post mortem autopsy of their efforts and ideology. I too have great reservations about HRC and the dems in general, but I'd rather join a demonstration protesting noxious gun regulations than a posse of vigilantes rounding up folks less white or of variable gender identity. As a vet and an older, white, bona fide redneck, I'm saddened by and angered at those who not merely allowed but encouraged us to circle the bowl without a liferaft. When will we ever learn?
9
The best way to break the two-party stranglehold on power is to vote for third party candidates. The Libertarian ticket of Gary Johnson and Bill Weld, two well respected Republican governors re-elected in largely Democratic states, is a viable choice and can be a game changer. They have more proven executive experience than all other candidates combined.
Wasting a vote on either a Republican or Democrat will only perpetuate more of the same dysfunctional status quo. That's why I will be voting Libertarian this election.
https://johnsonweld.com/
http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/22/politics/gary-johnson-bill-weld-town-hall/
Wasting a vote on either a Republican or Democrat will only perpetuate more of the same dysfunctional status quo. That's why I will be voting Libertarian this election.
https://johnsonweld.com/
http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/22/politics/gary-johnson-bill-weld-town-hall/
1
"...idiot..." and "...ourselves". You sure don't sugar coat it.
1
"Finally. After almost two months of wasted motion, Trump put a frame on the race — Clinton as corrupt insider, Trump as crusading outsider "
The problem is not just "the messenger," it is also the message. Trump's speech, like his ex-temp stump style was filled with lies, half-truths, and grade-school name calling. His core fans don't care about the truth, but thoughtful voters do.
The problem is not just "the messenger," it is also the message. Trump's speech, like his ex-temp stump style was filled with lies, half-truths, and grade-school name calling. His core fans don't care about the truth, but thoughtful voters do.
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Non-thoughtful ones who have a negative gut reaction to loud, obnoxious, hateful, irrational (aka crazy) people may also exist. They may not be students of politics, but they've known bullies in their lives and don't like them. It's a visceral reaction; it's personal. It's pretty clear that Trump is just plain mean and nasty. A lot of non-thoughtful people who don't follow the news pick up on that, and they don't like it.
Of course, there are also those people who identify Trump's defining qualities as admirable, as evidence of strength, and they wish they could behave as Trump does; they are the aspiring bullies. Often, I think the choice is an emotional one: Do you want to be a bully, or do you dislike bullies?
Of course, there are also those people who identify Trump's defining qualities as admirable, as evidence of strength, and they wish they could behave as Trump does; they are the aspiring bullies. Often, I think the choice is an emotional one: Do you want to be a bully, or do you dislike bullies?
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Are there enough "thoughtful voters"? After all, so-called intelligent people elected W, twice.
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Casting this choice in terms of bullying is right on.
The disaffected who are bullies or who identify as bullies chose Trump. The disaffect who disliked bullies gravitated to Sanders.
Those who are not disaffected but who are bullies or identify with them voted for a different Republican.
Those who are not disaffected but who dislike bullies supported HIllary.
The disaffected who are bullies or who identify as bullies chose Trump. The disaffect who disliked bullies gravitated to Sanders.
Those who are not disaffected but who are bullies or identify with them voted for a different Republican.
Those who are not disaffected but who dislike bullies supported HIllary.
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It's no longer the age of ideology as during Barry Goldwater's time when even in his presidential defeat he could help revive the conservative movement. Today, with his racist xenophobic outbursts and negative political agenda not only is he likely to drag down the party to defeat in November but also inflict a great damage to whatever remains of the Conservative plank.
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That would be good. I want our old conservatives back. The ones who cared about people, the real Rockefeller Republicans and Teddy Roosevelts.
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From your lips to God's ears.
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I heard this morning, embedded in the bill was something the ACLU objected to..that tied this bill to the terrorist list, of which citizens are in the dark about. You don't know if you are on it, and there is no recourse if you are. It is a revoking of more of our civil liberties..a wolf in sheeps clothing. We need to be alert at this time to guard our civil liberties. They are not worth giving up over fears of terrorism. Some gun control…yes. But not our civil rights.
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Where did you get this information? You certainly can find out if you're on a terrorist watch list:
http://www.thepowerhour.com/news3/terror_watch_list.htm
There are numerous other websites and government agencies you can call, but you should start with the link above. Man, am I tired of hysterical people.
http://www.thepowerhour.com/news3/terror_watch_list.htm
There are numerous other websites and government agencies you can call, but you should start with the link above. Man, am I tired of hysterical people.
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@Carolyn Egeli: The second amendment is a civil right.
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Ms. Egeli, may I suggest that a basic civil right is being able to live without fear of being shot? That is an important consideration for true civil liberty. While Benjamin Franklin's quote about liberty and safety has a certain pithy wisdom about it, I think he might be rethinking it in our modern American reality awash in assault weapons.
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Trump got to where he is because Republican voters were sick and tired of the establishment. I think it's safe to say that what the establishment thinks of Trump is beside the point. What's more, Trump may be down right this second, but we still have an eternity to go until November. I could get back up and fall down any number of times between now and then.
As for a path appearing for the GOP? For as long as the establishment is in control, that is highly unlikely. Today's big reveal of their Obamacare replacement, taking healthcare back a few decades is a prime example. The ACA has plenty of flaws, but its good points are in the things it eliminated and that's precisely what Paul Ryan wants to bring back.
It'll take a while for Republican voters to realize that Trump represents a different clique of plutocrat and that his beautiful plans are only beautiful if you're a member of the club. The establishment, that includes Ryan and McConnell may grumble here and there, but they will continue to support Trump.
As for a path appearing for the GOP? For as long as the establishment is in control, that is highly unlikely. Today's big reveal of their Obamacare replacement, taking healthcare back a few decades is a prime example. The ACA has plenty of flaws, but its good points are in the things it eliminated and that's precisely what Paul Ryan wants to bring back.
It'll take a while for Republican voters to realize that Trump represents a different clique of plutocrat and that his beautiful plans are only beautiful if you're a member of the club. The establishment, that includes Ryan and McConnell may grumble here and there, but they will continue to support Trump.
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Trump is a New York insider not a DC insider. And he a phony and a cheat. How does that help the GOP middle class?
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The chart shows Trump ahead of Clinton just 4 weeks ago; I don't recall headline banners saying "TRUMP IS IN LEAD" -- do you?
So basically it is ignored when he's ahead but headline material if he is a few points behind. ANY poll has a potential error rate of 4-6%. Also the chart was designed to exaggerate the small difference: it makes it look like Trump has fallen to single digit support.
What I don't think you can say, Rima, is that "the establishment is in control". The whole hysteria here is because the establishment has genuinely lost control -- whether or not you think that is a good thing or a bad thing, depends on how much you like & trusted the establishment.
It is worth noting that the DEMOCRATS decided not to change -- not to disrupt things -- to accept the status quo and the corruption and Debbie Wasserman Schultz -- when they rejected Bernie Sanders in favor of Empress Hillary.
So basically it is ignored when he's ahead but headline material if he is a few points behind. ANY poll has a potential error rate of 4-6%. Also the chart was designed to exaggerate the small difference: it makes it look like Trump has fallen to single digit support.
What I don't think you can say, Rima, is that "the establishment is in control". The whole hysteria here is because the establishment has genuinely lost control -- whether or not you think that is a good thing or a bad thing, depends on how much you like & trusted the establishment.
It is worth noting that the DEMOCRATS decided not to change -- not to disrupt things -- to accept the status quo and the corruption and Debbie Wasserman Schultz -- when they rejected Bernie Sanders in favor of Empress Hillary.
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No, Rima.....
The NRA Party 'got' Trump because they are gullible and willfully ignorant of anything outside of each person's sphere of experience.
When they claim 'foreigners are taking our jobs' while refusing to become educated enough to get hired for those *same* jobs, they feed into the narrative that it's someone else's fault they are falling further and further behind.
Cue Trump, huckster and con man, who says 'gee, you're right'....and *that* is how we got here.
The NRA Party 'got' Trump because they are gullible and willfully ignorant of anything outside of each person's sphere of experience.
When they claim 'foreigners are taking our jobs' while refusing to become educated enough to get hired for those *same* jobs, they feed into the narrative that it's someone else's fault they are falling further and further behind.
Cue Trump, huckster and con man, who says 'gee, you're right'....and *that* is how we got here.
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