Les Français (to mimic Maureen's glaring display of faux-cosmopolitanism) also have a problem of their own. Trump's ascent is "fou"? How about Marine Le Pen's, and before her, her father's, who would make Trump look like a choir boy? They have a bigger problem in their backyard and by failing to be outraged at it, are complicit in the rise of extremisms all over the world
89
If Hillary Clinton can't even control her own husband (or doesn't want to?), how can she be commander in chief? Her response to this attempt to sway the Attorney General Loretta Lynch is absurd and insulting to voters: "Hind sight is 100% right." She was complicit with Bill.
Her response insults American voters by implying we don't understand conflicts of interest, and reveals how stupid she thinks we are. American voters are stupid but not that stupid. She is the most arrogant political candidate I have met. Every attorney - even Arkansas attorneys like Bill and Hillary - are taught not to create conflicts of interest. After all they met at Yale Law School which teaches about conflicts of interest even though Arkansas wink-winks conflicts. Our whole justice system requires avoiding such conflicts. A conflict of interest is one in which there may be existing obligations or client that could affect serving other obligations or clients. Lynch's staff and the FBI under her direction, are actively reviewing claims that Bill's wife committed crimes. It is hard to imagine a clearer textbook case of conflict of interest. Mrs. Lynch must recuse herself, or President Obama should replace her. Mrs. Clinton should explain how she plans to corral her husband if she becomes President. That would begin to address the appearance of corruption and why we have three such bad attorneys in such prominent and powerful positions who do not respect or avoid conflicts of interest.
Her response insults American voters by implying we don't understand conflicts of interest, and reveals how stupid she thinks we are. American voters are stupid but not that stupid. She is the most arrogant political candidate I have met. Every attorney - even Arkansas attorneys like Bill and Hillary - are taught not to create conflicts of interest. After all they met at Yale Law School which teaches about conflicts of interest even though Arkansas wink-winks conflicts. Our whole justice system requires avoiding such conflicts. A conflict of interest is one in which there may be existing obligations or client that could affect serving other obligations or clients. Lynch's staff and the FBI under her direction, are actively reviewing claims that Bill's wife committed crimes. It is hard to imagine a clearer textbook case of conflict of interest. Mrs. Lynch must recuse herself, or President Obama should replace her. Mrs. Clinton should explain how she plans to corral her husband if she becomes President. That would begin to address the appearance of corruption and why we have three such bad attorneys in such prominent and powerful positions who do not respect or avoid conflicts of interest.
18
The politicians are all certainly full of air like the meringue on the beautiful tart. Who could eat that? And our childhood poverty rate is where?
11
Poor thing.
Dowd makes it sound like eating dinner alone in Paris is like securing a beach head or retaking the high ground during a pitched battle.
These elitists really do live in a different world don't they?
Jeepers!!!
Dowd makes it sound like eating dinner alone in Paris is like securing a beach head or retaking the high ground during a pitched battle.
These elitists really do live in a different world don't they?
Jeepers!!!
55
'Just so, Trump can amplify a few crimes by undocumented Mexican immigrants and spin them into an indictment of an entire nation.' Crimes? Like murder? Please define the number you would not feel comfortable with Maureen. In English please!
10
Best place to eat in Paris by yourself (aside from cafés and such) is probably Polidor, which is all communal tables anyway.
5
Spot on Mo!
7
Astounded that Maureen Dowd appeared to be suspending her vendetta against Hillary Clinton, I read this entire column, even through the torturous transition from self to Trump and Johnson. But, in the end, of course, she couldn't escape her obsession. And sadly, neither could her readers.
99
Boris and Donald look so much alike that I believe they have the same father. Seriously. I'm with you, Maureen, except that you have an obsessive dislike of the Clintons. Bill Clinton, though not my type, is a gregarious person, a born politician, who spontaneously connects with other people, be they the intern in the Oval Office or someone on the tarmac. He balances Hillary's reserve. This latest Clinton "event" is a tempest in a teapot, signifying nothing.
184
It is telling that in her angst over dining alone, Dowd thinks of Trump and, though she purports to critique him and identify his negative qualities (as part of a long winded sort of silly "compare and contrast" with Boris Johnson), ends her column by giving him a back handed compliment that not surprisingly is about her favorite "whipping" boy, Bill Clinton. Dowd has an amazing capacity to elevate a rich narcissistic destructive biggot who has actually done little or nothing constructive for the country over a former president (and his wife) who for all of their flaws have actual accomplished things that helped other people. It may be time, for Dowd to consider getting help with tackling her "eating alone" phobia and her obvious infatuation with the truly bad actor that is Mr. Trump. It would laughable were it not for the fact that Trump could quite possibly become president. As A NYT columnist, Dowd has an amazing opportunity to influence US politics if not the world for the greater good. It is shameful if not journalistic malpractice that chooses to do otherwise.
77
Congrats Ms. Dowd. You almost made it through a Hillary-free column. Until the very end you had me. I was wondering could it possibly happen. And then, like a good mystery, you got me. Le 'Affaire Tarmac.
The meet and cute greet on the tarmac of Phoenix's Sky Harbor airport for me evokes a similar sinister scene played out toward the finale of "Bridge Of Spies" with the captive spy trade-off. Well, maybe not quite as mysterious, wot?
But still, managing to include the Clintons at the tale end of this delicious Parisian episode was quite a feat. Bon appetite.
DD
Manhattan
The meet and cute greet on the tarmac of Phoenix's Sky Harbor airport for me evokes a similar sinister scene played out toward the finale of "Bridge Of Spies" with the captive spy trade-off. Well, maybe not quite as mysterious, wot?
But still, managing to include the Clintons at the tale end of this delicious Parisian episode was quite a feat. Bon appetite.
DD
Manhattan
19
Maureen...you wrote "I spent Friday night eating the minibar — salt-and-vinegar potato chips, popcorn, nuts, chocolate and white wine." Come to Charlotte and I'll cook you a decent meal. But glad you got over the fear of eating alone. There must be a scientific name for that. I'm on it.
9
Interesting combination of personal vulnerabilities--your minor one and Trump's and Boris' potentially catastrophic ones. I still think that unconsciously The Donald may be horrified equally by the prospect of losing and--more so--of winning.
14
Show of hands; how many adults out there care what strangers think when you eat dinner alone or watch a movie alone?
I stopped caring what strangers think about me back in High School.
I wonder when Ms. Dowd will.
I stopped caring what strangers think about me back in High School.
I wonder when Ms. Dowd will.
96
The Dems, once again, are committing political malpractice. (See Clinton/Lynch)
I keep waiting for them (Clinton) to really open up their great can of whup_ on Trump, but it never quite seems to happen.
I guess they don't have the right can opener.
We are thundering toward a Trump POTUS.
I keep waiting for them (Clinton) to really open up their great can of whup_ on Trump, but it never quite seems to happen.
I guess they don't have the right can opener.
We are thundering toward a Trump POTUS.
6
Interesting that the Parisians should comment on the craziness of "l'affaire Trump" considering their flirtation with Le Pen et père.
31
Apparently a long spiel here about the failings of Trump don't assuage umbrage from many readers when a brief but similar assertion of Bill's ineptitude is included. Some readers just can't abide any mention of a Clinton when it's from Maureen.
5
Maureen,
Talk about predictable. I now crown you as the Doyenne of Drone.
Talk about predictable. I now crown you as the Doyenne of Drone.
42
Maureen! The minibar? In Paris?
Next time have the desk clerk make you a reservation -- waiters in "gastronomic" restaurants are leery of all walk-ins, especially Americans who may not know what they're in for.
And if you want to dine alone, by all means, do it with aplomb. If you don't, send me an email and we'll do lunch...or dinner!
Next time have the desk clerk make you a reservation -- waiters in "gastronomic" restaurants are leery of all walk-ins, especially Americans who may not know what they're in for.
And if you want to dine alone, by all means, do it with aplomb. If you don't, send me an email and we'll do lunch...or dinner!
62
Miss Dowd, you may have a blind spots concerning both Mr. Trump and Mr. Clinton. Mr. Clinton is spoiled, selfish, and entitled and has never been careful with welfare of his wife and his friends. However, his has a favorability rating of 51% given all his shortcoming and scandals. One must ask why? I think that because his core ideals are noble even though he failed to live up to them so often. Mr. Trump is also spoiled, selfish, and entitled. He switch wives like clothes and leave many train wrecks of business associates throughout his life. He is willing to monger hate to rise in power fully knowing the dangers of playing with fire to social and global stability. Mr. Trump is detested by many with unfavorability rating south of 60% because he is fundamentally amoral and worships only money and power. While you are right that the Clintons have many faults, your column falls far short in pointing out the danger to the country and the world posted by a Trump presidency. Among many classes of people that Trump supporters hate are the global elites. Eating dinner in L'Hotel in Paris marked you out clearly as one of these hated people. Be carefully of drawing false equivalence between people. Your acquaintance with Trump may not save you when everything come clashing down. If the world survives Trump, as a tip, I would suggest making reservation for one first in the future. Although single dinner is unusual, reservation primes them to accept it.
20
Two things:
1-
The Boris/Donald parallels are amusing and somewhat frightening.
Are Blondeness, Bluster, and Narcissism key indicators of the past that so many claim to miss?
2-
If Bill Clinton and Loretta Lynch really are/were in cahoots to get Hillary past this email thing, why would they do it so stupidly? Yes, they were being stupid. But you'd have to be stupid to think they were stupid on purpose.
And one more: well done on eating alone; it sounds like it was yummy...but what the heck is maritime aster leaf!?
Nice column!
1-
The Boris/Donald parallels are amusing and somewhat frightening.
Are Blondeness, Bluster, and Narcissism key indicators of the past that so many claim to miss?
2-
If Bill Clinton and Loretta Lynch really are/were in cahoots to get Hillary past this email thing, why would they do it so stupidly? Yes, they were being stupid. But you'd have to be stupid to think they were stupid on purpose.
And one more: well done on eating alone; it sounds like it was yummy...but what the heck is maritime aster leaf!?
Nice column!
8
Glad you survived your solo dinner! Now let's look at the facts....Brexit was not a xenophobic vote. That is what some people want us to think so that they don't have to do any self examination. "Undocumented workers or immigrants" are breaking the law; these, their status is illegal! I know it's not PC but it is the fact.
As to the cry that others are taking what we've built, I wonder how you will feel when the robot journalist now tapped to do local sports is tapped to do smarmy columns about politics. But I digress.
Brexit was a reaction to governments and bureaucracies that are disconnected from the people and politicians who have sold or rented them selves to corporations and billionaires and in some cases the Saudis and the like.
Are the Donald or Boris the best leaders on these issues? No. Bernie Sanders is. But, of course, the NYT has never heard of him!
As to the cry that others are taking what we've built, I wonder how you will feel when the robot journalist now tapped to do local sports is tapped to do smarmy columns about politics. But I digress.
Brexit was a reaction to governments and bureaucracies that are disconnected from the people and politicians who have sold or rented them selves to corporations and billionaires and in some cases the Saudis and the like.
Are the Donald or Boris the best leaders on these issues? No. Bernie Sanders is. But, of course, the NYT has never heard of him!
16
If Trump has a "rapier wit," schoolyard bullies are debate champions. Meanwhile, Dowd made it almost the whole way through a column without smearing one or both Clintons. Congrats! It must have been something about Paris. Maybe she should consider relocating.
36
solo men are treated porly at restos as well
often they attempt to shuttle me to what i call th leper table - usually next to tjh kitchen or toilet door
i simply refguse and ask for a btter table
i get it, i eat, i paty i leave
some of th fem,ale posters seem to have been hiding in their homes all their lives, they see eating out alone as a frightening experience
thats not equality, ladies
if you dont like th service at a resto, tell them
and if they dont change, leave no tip
men have been doing that for decades
often they attempt to shuttle me to what i call th leper table - usually next to tjh kitchen or toilet door
i simply refguse and ask for a btter table
i get it, i eat, i paty i leave
some of th fem,ale posters seem to have been hiding in their homes all their lives, they see eating out alone as a frightening experience
thats not equality, ladies
if you dont like th service at a resto, tell them
and if they dont change, leave no tip
men have been doing that for decades
10
Europe and UK abuzz with news of Trump & sons soliciting campaign solicitations from by email from foreign politicians . Fou indeed. Not to mention the hubris.
7
Glad you had a good solo eating experience-it can be a very interesting perspective of the world. Have to say that I could see DT doing the same thing that Bill C did on a tarmac or maybe he is just better creating the social relationship by attacking/influencing the judge involved with his case. The other thought is that maybe Hillary should be going it alone.
loved the parallels between Boris and Donald-hopefully the US voters will also see it.
loved the parallels between Boris and Donald-hopefully the US voters will also see it.
Speaking of the bad boys in America and abroad it sure sounds like MoDo is leaning towards Hillary Clinton.
1
You "write" for a major international newspaper and never go out at night by yourself? Seriously? I was traipsing through Manhattan by myself and all it has to offer since the age of 15 .
31
Those two men in the background are wearing plaid shirts, no coats or ties. The restaurant doesn't seem very intimidating.
Did Maureen and Owen eat the whole lemon tart?
Did Maureen and Owen eat the whole lemon tart?
1
Forget about Donald and Boris. How about the recipe for that lemon tart? Melissa? Mark?
3
did he ask for ketchup ?
you know, complete th boorish stereotype
you know, complete th boorish stereotype
The genius of The Donald is that he may not actually want to BE president. But he is going to bleed Hillary dry and leave her with the same massive campaign debt that all candidates amass. She and Bill will return to being "broke."
While Hillary, and Bill, buy their way back into the Lincoln and other bedrooms, Mr. Trump is actually trying to play the game the way it should be played -- without money. Or with only his own money.
For Mr. Trump the campaign is a lark. He can have fun with and at his own expense. It is his fleet of private jets and other aircraft he uses. Who is footing the bill for the private jets that Bill Clinton is using to bounce from hot tarmac to hot tarmac and scorching Clinton, Inc. in the process.
Mr. Trump will survive this campaign and continue to build buildings, golf courses, housing developments, business office towers, and generally be a job generating developer and businessman. For Hill and Bill this is the last round-up. They are all in and even if she wins the White House they will still be broke, still have to steal the White House china and probably in the course of this she will not generate employment in the manner of Mr. Trump. The Clintons will fade to the obscurity of furtive closed door speaking engagements just to put food on their table; and what they say in those speaking engagements may not be worth the inflated price of a box of corn flakes.
While Hillary, and Bill, buy their way back into the Lincoln and other bedrooms, Mr. Trump is actually trying to play the game the way it should be played -- without money. Or with only his own money.
For Mr. Trump the campaign is a lark. He can have fun with and at his own expense. It is his fleet of private jets and other aircraft he uses. Who is footing the bill for the private jets that Bill Clinton is using to bounce from hot tarmac to hot tarmac and scorching Clinton, Inc. in the process.
Mr. Trump will survive this campaign and continue to build buildings, golf courses, housing developments, business office towers, and generally be a job generating developer and businessman. For Hill and Bill this is the last round-up. They are all in and even if she wins the White House they will still be broke, still have to steal the White House china and probably in the course of this she will not generate employment in the manner of Mr. Trump. The Clintons will fade to the obscurity of furtive closed door speaking engagements just to put food on their table; and what they say in those speaking engagements may not be worth the inflated price of a box of corn flakes.
3
Always, always something good to say about Trump and always, always something negative about Hilary. So predictable it makes me wonder why I even bother reading the column.
44
Maureen is right . The association of Trump with Boris and his buffoonery and the resulting Brexit vote followed by Boris escaping as the Brits realized they had been fed a bunch of nonsense by Boris should have torpedoed Trump in the polls. Instead he was rescued by Bill Clinton doing one of the dumbest moves since he wagged his finger and disclaimed any sex with Monica, The clintons, Trump and Boris must make foreigners wonder what has become of two top leaders in the Western alliance. Maybe the French are more civilized.
5
Quelle amusante! Eating "alone" in Paris has a lot going for it. Maureen must have written this piece before Hillary's meeting with the FBI. Is Hillary readying herself for federal gaol? In gaol, I would expect her to write her memoirs in a prison jumpsuit. Strips are a fashion statement - for a zebra. The bleak menu might not include French pastries, but rather stale bread. Not to worry in the least. Trump doesn't always hold grudges forever. President Trump will show generosity and pardon Hillary for her crimes. But, don't expect him to give her the Medal of Honor. That would be in bad taste.
2
Riding the bus; Traveling by train: and then.....of course listening....and
If you just listen....when you stop for tea....or ....coffee....
This is what the French are famous for...sidewalk cafes....and then you do not
HAVE to have a conversation...you just listen to others...
Listening is not done ...by oneself....others are watching YOU ...listening.
even a small animal watches YOU...so relax...YOU Maureen are NEVER really
alone...Happy Fourth !!!
If you just listen....when you stop for tea....or ....coffee....
This is what the French are famous for...sidewalk cafes....and then you do not
HAVE to have a conversation...you just listen to others...
Listening is not done ...by oneself....others are watching YOU ...listening.
even a small animal watches YOU...so relax...YOU Maureen are NEVER really
alone...Happy Fourth !!!
3
Wah, wah, waaaaaaaaah!
I'm sorry Maureen. This column fell flat.
The good news is I really like most of of your writing (Even though I can't understand why you have such a vendetta on Hillary and Bill.)
I'm sorry Maureen. This column fell flat.
The good news is I really like most of of your writing (Even though I can't understand why you have such a vendetta on Hillary and Bill.)
7
You've never seen anything like it Maureen?
Well allow me to refresh your memory.
See, back when President Obama was running rings around the osteoporotic GOP one Donald Trump joined in with the very Jim Crowesque Birther movement.
This was a movement similar to the movements in monarchies like France where usurpers would attempt to infer the bastardy of the next in line of succession as a way to delegitimize their position.
In Trump's soft, doughy, born to privlege white world no black guy could ever occupy the Oval Office so he and his Birther pals began a campaign to bastardize President Obama.
I am surprised someone like you would compare a poorly timed tarmac tete-a-tete with a Jim Crow style attack in the duly elected President of The United States.
After reading this silly article I am no longer surprised you had to eat alone...though I'm sure Donald Trump would join you to thank you for the free Clinton bashing.
Just be prepared, the smell from his hair spray and self tanning cream might ruin your appetite because his racism sure doesn't appear to.
Well allow me to refresh your memory.
See, back when President Obama was running rings around the osteoporotic GOP one Donald Trump joined in with the very Jim Crowesque Birther movement.
This was a movement similar to the movements in monarchies like France where usurpers would attempt to infer the bastardy of the next in line of succession as a way to delegitimize their position.
In Trump's soft, doughy, born to privlege white world no black guy could ever occupy the Oval Office so he and his Birther pals began a campaign to bastardize President Obama.
I am surprised someone like you would compare a poorly timed tarmac tete-a-tete with a Jim Crow style attack in the duly elected President of The United States.
After reading this silly article I am no longer surprised you had to eat alone...though I'm sure Donald Trump would join you to thank you for the free Clinton bashing.
Just be prepared, the smell from his hair spray and self tanning cream might ruin your appetite because his racism sure doesn't appear to.
28
Dining alone and insulted by the sommelier. Welcome to middle age for women, Maureen. No matter how well known or accomplished you are, you will still be viewed with some concern if you choose to dine alone. Why is it that when a woman pass fifty, she's seen as slightly pathetic or someone's nagging mother or, lurking in the back of all sommeliers' minds, a potential bag lady with a drinking problem.
5
Maybe Bill wanted to know if AG Lynch would be the veep. Stranger things have happened.
2
Glad you're enjoying Paris - who wouldn't, with hotels like L'Hotel and meals like the one you describe - but the experience ends on a sour note, with your all-too-predictable slash at Clinton after hints of a sneaking affection for Trump. whose tactics, like his ability to spin a few crimes by immigrants into "an indictment of an entire nation" seem to make him "compulsively watchable", appealing and somehow cute, not the dangerous demagogue he really is.
Trump's main strategist, Paul Manafort, has worked for dictators. That should tell us all we need to know about the current Republican candidate for the position of POTUS. Yet again, Maureen, you write as if you want to see him get there.
Trump's main strategist, Paul Manafort, has worked for dictators. That should tell us all we need to know about the current Republican candidate for the position of POTUS. Yet again, Maureen, you write as if you want to see him get there.
15
There are few things more tiresome and trite than the comments of those whose Sunday existence seems to be awaiting the opportunity to run to their computer and trash Maureen Dowd for telling some truths about their beloved Clintons.
You go girl! Don't stop.
You go girl! Don't stop.
3
How do these obviously flawed people attain power? The Choice we have here in America is embarrassing. Two untrustworthy people who will spend more time in their presidency defending their peculiar and borderline illegal activities while the world around them begs for genuine leadership.
4
Actually, Bill did Lynch a big favor. Now it lays at the feet of the FBI. They might have been inclined to indulge in political theater if the entire decision wasn't up to them. They could have urged prosecution and blamed prosecutorial discretion on any decision not to go forward with it. Now Lynch is off the hook and it's all on them. If they request a politically motivated prosecution, one that cannot win conviction, of a candidate during a presidential election they look guilty of conducting a politically motivated, partisan investigation and a big chunk of the public will blame them, not her.
19
On the one hand we have a neo-fascist, racist, blowhard who blatantly stokes America’s worst instincts with his birtther propaganda and who has no plausible plan for making America great except to start a trade war, escalate our torture methods, deport 11 million immigrants, build a great wall of Mexico and ban one quarter of the world’s population from ever coming to America. On the other hand we have a proven public servant who used a private email server. Tell us again Ms. Dowd, who has a point?
64
Joe,
The false equivalence narrative of the US press will render a POTUS Trump.
The false equivalence narrative of the US press will render a POTUS Trump.
3
There are two amazing stories that nobody is noticing after the Brexit vote which again show up in this editorial:
1. This "young pitted against old" bifurcation narrative is propaganda at worse or just a convenient story for the media at best.
The statistics from the Brexit vote showed a positive correlation between age and the vote to leave for EVERY age group. There was not an indifferent middle group between the young and the old. With age people increasingly voted to leave.
A counter narrative could be that with age comes wisdom and the young have no idea of what the real world looks like, many are unemployed and living off parents so they vote for parties in Europe rather than the national interests of the UK. The UK is now free to trade with 200 countries rather than be trapped into a phone booth with 20 countries arguing about nits and gnats.
2. The dislike that many people have with the democratic process. "Parisiens I had talked to were universally disgusted: with David Cameron, for holding the vote."
Crazy Cameron. He went to the Dem process and people all over the world hate it. We should love the Dem process. It maintains balance between rulers and the ruled. If anything the EU should look in a mirror and ask why they are so disconnected from people that they would lose the vote. That would take them coming down from Mt Olympus and actually looking around so I don't think it's going to happen. Right now they behave like offended gods.
1. This "young pitted against old" bifurcation narrative is propaganda at worse or just a convenient story for the media at best.
The statistics from the Brexit vote showed a positive correlation between age and the vote to leave for EVERY age group. There was not an indifferent middle group between the young and the old. With age people increasingly voted to leave.
A counter narrative could be that with age comes wisdom and the young have no idea of what the real world looks like, many are unemployed and living off parents so they vote for parties in Europe rather than the national interests of the UK. The UK is now free to trade with 200 countries rather than be trapped into a phone booth with 20 countries arguing about nits and gnats.
2. The dislike that many people have with the democratic process. "Parisiens I had talked to were universally disgusted: with David Cameron, for holding the vote."
Crazy Cameron. He went to the Dem process and people all over the world hate it. We should love the Dem process. It maintains balance between rulers and the ruled. If anything the EU should look in a mirror and ask why they are so disconnected from people that they would lose the vote. That would take them coming down from Mt Olympus and actually looking around so I don't think it's going to happen. Right now they behave like offended gods.
5
disappointing and disjointed article. I was looking forward to hearing more about the meal.
12
It was Wilde who had the rapier wit - Trump, as well as Maureen Dowd, not so much. Therefore I am not sure Ms Dowd is justified in calling Wilde her muse. But he probably would appreciate the nod. As he once famously said, "There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about; and that is not being talked about."
24
No offense, but I do not speak French. If you would like me to hear the sound of your trumpet --- could you please use the tongue of the natives.
3
Great article. I am glad you were safe and sound in Paris. As far as the US is concerned I remain in the NEVER HILLARY camp.
3
Is that anything like the NEVER KENTUCKY camp?
When our family plans our Summer vacarion trips we all say, in unison, "NEVER KENTUCKY", and with Kentuckians like Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul representing your state's "values', we have never regretted boycotting your backward state...and it is clear we never will.
CLINTIN/BOOKER 2016...Keep America Great!!!
When our family plans our Summer vacarion trips we all say, in unison, "NEVER KENTUCKY", and with Kentuckians like Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul representing your state's "values', we have never regretted boycotting your backward state...and it is clear we never will.
CLINTIN/BOOKER 2016...Keep America Great!!!
29
We Americans remain in the NEVER RACIST camp.
28
I admire the confidence of posters here who think that there is a disconnect in Maureen's writing from the Trump and Johnson discussion to the Clinton's recent imbroglio, but you need to read better. I know, I know, confidence trumps ability.
"Both parties are having identity crises as well," is a segue to a discussion of a political campaign that is suppose to be an alternative to the Trump-Johnson demagoguery. The Clinton strategy to mitigate the consequences of the information breech (possibly hastily ad hoc) has failed. But there is always a fall guy, from Whitewater on, and this time it looks like Bill is that guy. The IT personnel at State have demonstrated that it's not going to be them. All your eyes are turned to Bill, as in, "What a dumb husband. She was doing fine on her own, until that schlimazel messed it up!" The strategy forces you to fill in the blanks: "All Bill was doing was talking about the grandkids...", a suspension of disbelief that keeps the story going. Hillary remains unscathed.
With your unwarranted confidence, they've manipulated conditions once again. It is clever, far cleverer than you are. You aren't going to get Hillary into the White House; it's the Republican voters who have placed Hillary Clinton on the path to the White House, those who have been riled by people like Trump and Johnson. [Note to those with confidence but who cannot read, this is a reference back to the first part of the post, tying the subject matter together].
"Both parties are having identity crises as well," is a segue to a discussion of a political campaign that is suppose to be an alternative to the Trump-Johnson demagoguery. The Clinton strategy to mitigate the consequences of the information breech (possibly hastily ad hoc) has failed. But there is always a fall guy, from Whitewater on, and this time it looks like Bill is that guy. The IT personnel at State have demonstrated that it's not going to be them. All your eyes are turned to Bill, as in, "What a dumb husband. She was doing fine on her own, until that schlimazel messed it up!" The strategy forces you to fill in the blanks: "All Bill was doing was talking about the grandkids...", a suspension of disbelief that keeps the story going. Hillary remains unscathed.
With your unwarranted confidence, they've manipulated conditions once again. It is clever, far cleverer than you are. You aren't going to get Hillary into the White House; it's the Republican voters who have placed Hillary Clinton on the path to the White House, those who have been riled by people like Trump and Johnson. [Note to those with confidence but who cannot read, this is a reference back to the first part of the post, tying the subject matter together].
4
Only Maureen Dowd and other people with social blinders could find any "charm" in Donald Trump, the ugliest vain dumpster fire (inside and out), stiffer of working stiffs, bankrupter and advantage taker in town. This is another serving of the usual self love and cultural blindness. Clever but ugly.
36
Reading some of the comments cements my fear that I'm out of touch. A pen and a tongue each far sharper than the cutlery. I'm not frightened to be skewered by someone with your talent and I'd have been truly smitten to be in your company at the scene. Poor me, I thought this column to be a come-back piece. For the last two years, I've still been a faithful reader but kept leaving the table with the sense that something had gone awry with the preparation or selection of ingredients. Keep 'em coming, please.
8
Will Maureen be speaking on Trump's behalf in Cleveland?
By the way, Boris Johnson has a habit of quoting from the Greek classics in classical Greek while Trump seems to have difficulty with ordinary English.
Also, as far as anyone knows, Boris Johnson has not been involved in a series of failed products bearing his name, four corporate bankruptcies, and a 'University' that wasn't.
By the way, Boris Johnson has a habit of quoting from the Greek classics in classical Greek while Trump seems to have difficulty with ordinary English.
Also, as far as anyone knows, Boris Johnson has not been involved in a series of failed products bearing his name, four corporate bankruptcies, and a 'University' that wasn't.
39
For at least the last couple of years, Dowd's been churning out recycled material on the Clintons. Other posters are correct -- there are contributors to your comments sections that have much more substantive (and entertaining) things to say. Why not invite them to submit columns, give Dowd a long (or permanent) break, and rotate her space among some of your more eloquent readers and commenters.
46
Just A Recommendation
The next time Ms. Dowd decides to write a column about those bad-hair-boys, Boris Johnson and Donald Trump -- with yet another of her famous asides about the Clintons -- I suggest she wear her jeans and her Catholic University sweatshirt and dine on a Brown Sugar Bacon sandwich, some Curly Fries, and a Jamocha Shake at Arby's in Peoria, Illinois.
I can almost guarantee you she won't run into any of her old boyfriends there.
The next time Ms. Dowd decides to write a column about those bad-hair-boys, Boris Johnson and Donald Trump -- with yet another of her famous asides about the Clintons -- I suggest she wear her jeans and her Catholic University sweatshirt and dine on a Brown Sugar Bacon sandwich, some Curly Fries, and a Jamocha Shake at Arby's in Peoria, Illinois.
I can almost guarantee you she won't run into any of her old boyfriends there.
24
Oh and you were doing so well! Great thoughts, insightful, funny, biting taking on the two orangeheads! But you just couldn't let it go could you? I know Bill Clinton broke your heart, he broke mine too. I thought he was going to change world. Which he has done but well, after the unpleasantness. And I know 911 broke your soul and silenced your humor for so long. But it's coming back! And today was a great example. But then, you just had do it, completely basically out of the blue, again. Try to write just one piece where you don't bash the Clintons just because they disappoint you sometimes. All the best people disappoint us often.
36
Wow, not able to eat alone?
And I should take what you say seriously about anything?
I get it -- I've been refused service, too, on account of not having an escort. I have disabling anxiety and PTSD and trained a dog to accompany me and get refused service even more frequently, but the alternative is cowering at home feeling sorry for myself.
Big fan of Oscar Wilde, never been to Paris, I say, Sister, put on the big girl panties or give your paycheck to disabled homeless folks who often eat alone and out of dumpsters.
All the talk about diversity and tolerance only works when people feel safe and comfortable; the political class ignored how so many folks weren't thriving until they miscalculated, big time. Folks are hating the world they live in...they're scared, and the Party of Rosy (Outlook, not O'Donnell) is crashing and burning planet-wide.
Which is easy to ignore if one is distracted by one's own neuroses..
And I should take what you say seriously about anything?
I get it -- I've been refused service, too, on account of not having an escort. I have disabling anxiety and PTSD and trained a dog to accompany me and get refused service even more frequently, but the alternative is cowering at home feeling sorry for myself.
Big fan of Oscar Wilde, never been to Paris, I say, Sister, put on the big girl panties or give your paycheck to disabled homeless folks who often eat alone and out of dumpsters.
All the talk about diversity and tolerance only works when people feel safe and comfortable; the political class ignored how so many folks weren't thriving until they miscalculated, big time. Folks are hating the world they live in...they're scared, and the Party of Rosy (Outlook, not O'Donnell) is crashing and burning planet-wide.
Which is easy to ignore if one is distracted by one's own neuroses..
25
maybe if you traded th rottweiler for a beagle restos wouldnt hassle you
funny, bc ive been refused service for having an escort
funny, bc ive been refused service for having an escort
1
Half of her cabinet is going to be made up of women -- I hope they are not the kind that sold out our children for their own greed.
4
but thats what all pols do
its right there on th first page of th job description
its right there on th first page of th job description
What?
4
Do you mean like draft dodging born to privlege elitists George W. AWOL, Mitt Romney or Donald Trump?
Don't worry President Clinton won't use your kids as war fodder to overcompensate for her tiny manhood. Women weren't designed with penises...just like the clowns listed above.
Don't worry President Clinton won't use your kids as war fodder to overcompensate for her tiny manhood. Women weren't designed with penises...just like the clowns listed above.
9
"Wilde in the Hotel" or "Madness of Maureen"
When last we encountered Mo, alone in a hotel, she was curled in a fetal ball in Denver,..high as a kite...And now, in her version of "Paris Je t'aime" we get a privileged glimpse of the insight she took from that experience as she applies it to the lemon meringue and her Lonely Hearts Club Band.
When last we encountered Mo, alone in a hotel, she was curled in a fetal ball in Denver,..high as a kite...And now, in her version of "Paris Je t'aime" we get a privileged glimpse of the insight she took from that experience as she applies it to the lemon meringue and her Lonely Hearts Club Band.
22
It took Mo 1,000 words to warm-up, but she integrated her weekly bombing run on the Clinton's with ease.
Nice job, Mo. I was afraid you forgot (and forgave).
But that's not you.
Nice job, Mo. I was afraid you forgot (and forgave).
But that's not you.
46
PG,
Apparently the America MSM fails to realize that once Trump is nicely installed as president he is coming for them.
He has said as much.
Apparently the America MSM fails to realize that once Trump is nicely installed as president he is coming for them.
He has said as much.
6
I was just in France for 8 days. I must have had the Trump conversation 20 times. I don't understand his ascent, and certainly can't explain it. I tried one night at dinner by comparing him to Berlusconi and one of the Germans at the table said, yes of course, but the difference is Berlusconi only inflicted his insanity on Italy, Trump would change the world.
35
when abroad, just tell people youre from canada
thats th only country americans can pretend to be from bc you guys talk th same
just throw in an - eh - every so often and theyll never guess tyoure from th evil empire
thats th only country americans can pretend to be from bc you guys talk th same
just throw in an - eh - every so often and theyll never guess tyoure from th evil empire
1
If Maureen really wanted to see how Wilde spent his last days, she should stay at Hotel Louvre Marsollier Opera. He was evicted for not paying his bill. The NYT expense account charge would be lower as well.
13
I'm sorry you were treated like this. It's happened to me, too, also inexplicably, and it hurts a lot more and a lot longer than it should.
3
A complete stranger's snarky attitude hurts you for a long time???
Really?
Sorry but that's on you, not the waiter.
Really?
Sorry but that's on you, not the waiter.
13
"Just so, Trump can amplify a few crimes by undocumented Mexican immigrants and spin them into an indictment of an entire nation.". as despicable as Trump is, two corrections are in order: (1) mexicans who are in the US without going through the proper immigration procedure are not 'undocumented workers". they do not simply lack proper documentation. they entered and remain are here illegally and hence are criminals, and (2) Trump has never, to my knowledge, ever indicted Mexico and its citizens (or even descendants of mexicans (although he has declared the american-born descendent of a mexican immigrant to be a mexican rather than an american). and the failure to distinguish between being a racist and making statements that appeal to racists is important (the later being IMO far more despicable).
2
he entrepreneur and Republican presidential candidate sent out an epic three page, 881 word statement on Monday afternoon detailing his belief that "the worst elements in Mexico are being pushed into the United States by the Mexican government."
"The largest suppliers of heroin, cocaine and other illicit drugs are Mexican cartels that arrange to have Mexican immigrants trying to cross the borders and smuggle in the drugs. The Border Patrol knows this," Trump wrote. "Likewise, tremendous infectious disease is pouring across the border. The United States has become a dumping ground for Mexico and, in fact, for many other parts of the world.
"I don’t see how there is any room for misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the statement I made on June 16th during my Presidential announcement speech," Trump wrote, adding, "What can be simpler or more accurately stated? The Mexican Government is forcing their most unwanted people into the United States. They are, in many cases, criminals, drug dealers, rapists, etc."
what would you call that, a love note to mexico ?
5
naive - you sure are... anyone who made the furor trump did over our President
and his birth certificate is a racist, no ifs and buts. Trump's comments are all
pointed in that direction and some of his dead head fans who sport fascist trappings and have been documented as such are stimulated by this dimwits
verbiage. He both appeals to racists and spouts racism - why make excuses for
such garbage.
f
and his birth certificate is a racist, no ifs and buts. Trump's comments are all
pointed in that direction and some of his dead head fans who sport fascist trappings and have been documented as such are stimulated by this dimwits
verbiage. He both appeals to racists and spouts racism - why make excuses for
such garbage.
f
15
Legal or not, many of those "criminals" work harder and more honestly than the ones currently aspiring to run our government.
4
As a single woman who had my first solo dining experience in Rome, I enjoyed this. Seems simple to go out to eat alone, but it's really not. Thanks, Maureen.
She didn't "go out". She went to the hotel dining room.
5
No, it really is.
7
I don't believe a woman dining alone in a HOTEL restaurant would cause any reaction whatsoever in Paris. (Or anywhere else in the civilized world, for that matter.)
30
Congratulation, Ms. Dowd, for finally having the courage to eat a meal in a restaurant alone and having the courage to write about how women - especially single women - are treated in our male-dominated societies. I do not care if or how much you dislike Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton - how can you not vote for and promote her when she is the most qualified candidate with the most national and international political capital and is the first women in America's 240 year HIStory to be President of the United States? She understands the challenges of over one-half of America's population - women including you. She will lead the charge for more capable women like you and she to step up and take one-half the power positions around the world and create balance in our societies. 2000 years is plenty for the inequitable, warring, testosterone-driven, dominator model that controls the world today.
46
You're completely over-looking the fact that Hillary never met a war she didn't like. Wake up.
4
We have two recent women presidents who have been impeached. One in Argentina and one in Brazil. They both have contributed to the ruination of great countries.
1
Next time you're eating in a hotel restaurant, ask the concierge to make your reservation. They'll treat you better.
Next time you write a column, please make it less predictable. Treat us, who read your columns, better.
Next time you write a column, please make it less predictable. Treat us, who read your columns, better.
104
A lonely woman in Paris commiserating with two narcissistic losers. As they say, "bonjour tristesse" et quelle dommage.
51
Why is it clear that MD would have loved to run into BJ or DT in the bar?
I travel internationally for work and routinely eat solo - the hotel restaurant is often the convenient, quality and welcoming option. Anywhere.
In the 1980s I was married to someone, from a pseudo-elite family, who's mother would go on about 'how could I possibly eat - alone - with all the traveling'. It was a sad attempt to knock me as if she upheld another standard of class and virture. She would be in her 80s now - it's an issue from that generation.
Then allow me a swat: what professional woman who wants to be taken seriously wears American preppy clothes in Paris?
I travel internationally for work and routinely eat solo - the hotel restaurant is often the convenient, quality and welcoming option. Anywhere.
In the 1980s I was married to someone, from a pseudo-elite family, who's mother would go on about 'how could I possibly eat - alone - with all the traveling'. It was a sad attempt to knock me as if she upheld another standard of class and virture. She would be in her 80s now - it's an issue from that generation.
Then allow me a swat: what professional woman who wants to be taken seriously wears American preppy clothes in Paris?
60
first of all, if you want to ring out your bravado, try Saturday night in NYC in the summer. Everyone else is somplace else.
Not sure what Paris has got to do with all this...what, the French are supposed to know better? Did you ask any of them about Marie "le Pain"?
Not sure what Paris has got to do with all this...what, the French are supposed to know better? Did you ask any of them about Marie "le Pain"?
24
Phew. I was afraid Dowd might make it through a column without slamming the Clintons. Using, of course, that ultra secret so very hush hush meeting (exchange of niceties) on a Tarmac in Phoenix.
137
Maureen, why do you write snarky pieces about Hillary and give Trump a pass? She's spent a lifetime serving Americans while he's focused on ripping them off - to feed his ego.
48
I agree. I should have started at the bottom of the column and then I could have saved myself some time instead of being led along thinking "is this the one where she actually says nothing about the Clintons?"
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me dozens of times, shame, shame on me.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me dozens of times, shame, shame on me.
39
To LaylaS -- Me too.
4
My Dear Mo, poor lonely Mo. While you channel Wilde , allow me to channel Freud.
Its all so clear now, you are lonely, just intensely lonely, which explains your consistent snarky columns about successful women, and in particular the Clintons as a couple.
Really? The first time you want out alone to a movie and the lights came up your ex was right in front of you? Think back dear Mo, did you follow him there.
But to the point, here you are writing a column about Boris and Donald. Even the title shouts their names. Yet, you cannot help but throw one little word bomb at your favorite couple, the Clintons. Not that you are mistaken in mocking Bill's stupidity, but why is it in this column?
Me thinks your heart is with Bill, and jealousy lurks within. Thus for you a quote from Wilde :
“Plain women are always jealous of their husbands. Beautiful women never are. They are always so occupied with being jealous of other women's husbands.”
Its all so clear now, you are lonely, just intensely lonely, which explains your consistent snarky columns about successful women, and in particular the Clintons as a couple.
Really? The first time you want out alone to a movie and the lights came up your ex was right in front of you? Think back dear Mo, did you follow him there.
But to the point, here you are writing a column about Boris and Donald. Even the title shouts their names. Yet, you cannot help but throw one little word bomb at your favorite couple, the Clintons. Not that you are mistaken in mocking Bill's stupidity, but why is it in this column?
Me thinks your heart is with Bill, and jealousy lurks within. Thus for you a quote from Wilde :
“Plain women are always jealous of their husbands. Beautiful women never are. They are always so occupied with being jealous of other women's husbands.”
14
The New York Times has an amazing columnist in Timothy Egan, who runs on Fridays -- though the Times would be extremely smart to showcase his insight and eloquence on Sundays instead. Please retire Maureen, or shuffle her off to another position. She has nothing to say. For heaven's sake, she spent the first half of this column talking about herself and her dinner -- as if anyone cares -- and then came to her mundane insights on politics only in the second half.
269
I assume the Times picked up the 2000 euro tab.
29
Sounds like she is secretly smitten by the Donald!!! So much for her intelligence!
49
My Dear Mo, poor lonely Mo. While you channel Wilde , allow me to channel Freud.
Its all so clear now, you are lonely, just intensely lonely, which explains your consistent snarky columns about successful women, and in particular the Clintons as a couple.
Really? The first time you went out alone to a movie and the lights came up your ex was right in front of you? Think back dear Mo, did you follow him there.
But to the point, here you are writing a column about Boris and Donald. Even the title shouts their names. Yet, you cannot help but throw one little word bomb at your favorite couple, the Clintons. Not that you are mistaken in mocking Bill's stupidity, but why is it in this column?
Me thinks your heart is with Bill, and jealousy lurks within. Thus for you a quote from Wilde :
“Plain women are always jealous of their husbands. Beautiful women never are. They are always so occupied with being jealous of other women's husbands.”
Its all so clear now, you are lonely, just intensely lonely, which explains your consistent snarky columns about successful women, and in particular the Clintons as a couple.
Really? The first time you went out alone to a movie and the lights came up your ex was right in front of you? Think back dear Mo, did you follow him there.
But to the point, here you are writing a column about Boris and Donald. Even the title shouts their names. Yet, you cannot help but throw one little word bomb at your favorite couple, the Clintons. Not that you are mistaken in mocking Bill's stupidity, but why is it in this column?
Me thinks your heart is with Bill, and jealousy lurks within. Thus for you a quote from Wilde :
“Plain women are always jealous of their husbands. Beautiful women never are. They are always so occupied with being jealous of other women's husbands.”
86
As Oscar Wilde said: "I am not young enough to know everything." Still, I am amused at the outcroppings of Johnson and Trump. They both lead the undereducated portions of their society to a belief in something that is quite impossible. Instead of calling for training of workers who are no longer needed into some new field, they romanticize what never was. Just think of the glory of working on an assembly line in a factory, or digging yourself to death in a coal mine! Oh, how we miss the drudgery of the good old days. Take steel production in the USA. We are producing more steel now than ever before with vastly fewer workers due to automation, not because the jobs went overseas. Take a look at Spain with 5 million unemployed and 2 million jobs they cannot fill because the labor force isn't capable. Neither Boris , nor Donald seems to have a clue. What they have is some appeal to the unwashed who want to believe in miracles. Who deny Darwin, and women's rights and are filled with fear which enables them to hate others. We seem to be living in the world described by Robert Frost: "Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can't, and the other half who have nothing to say and keep saying it." And they are being lead by the likes of Donald and Boris!
53
The omitted element from 'Mo's' piece on Trump, Johnson, and Clinton (Bill) is the arrogance of all three. The 'ordinary' rules don't apply to them as they do to 'mere' mortals.
7
Yeah, those ordinary rules.
If only President Clinton had been dragged before Congress and impeached for the Lewinski affair and Secretary Clinton should have been dragged before Congress for the attack in Beghazi and for her email server.
Oh wait they were.
Looks like the only folks who play by that other set of rules are draft dodging elitists like Reagan, Romney, AWOL Bush, War Deferments Cheney and if course the worst draft dodging right wing elitist coward out there Donald "Little Hands" Trump.
Think before you write...
If only President Clinton had been dragged before Congress and impeached for the Lewinski affair and Secretary Clinton should have been dragged before Congress for the attack in Beghazi and for her email server.
Oh wait they were.
Looks like the only folks who play by that other set of rules are draft dodging elitists like Reagan, Romney, AWOL Bush, War Deferments Cheney and if course the worst draft dodging right wing elitist coward out there Donald "Little Hands" Trump.
Think before you write...
21
"mocks with a rapier"? Trump is nearly incoherent and attributing thought or motive into what he says is like believing in a Ouija board.
78
Rapier wit? Are you really talking about Donald Trump???? Give me one living example of "rapier wit" from that dummkopf?
72
Had similar experience eating alone at The Capitol Hotel in London. Hotel restaurant v. upscale, elaborate service, sophisticated in every respect except a vague disquiet about ladies dining alone. Excellent cuisine, as I recall, but served with a faint air of condescension mixed with pity. [all I really wanted, as I recall, was steak and kidney pie, just to see what it was like.} The parallels between Trump and Johnson are indeed astounding. Pitching a movie script with these two as the protagonists would not be difficult, provided the hair was changed -- one slightly bald, the other going grandly gray. Only in real life, which is nuttier than any fiction, would both main characters be sporting such wildly comical hair.
8
Your sense of others' "vague disquiet" and "faint airs" of condescension--oh, yes, mixed wit pity--sound so vaporous and invisible that I can't help thinking you were projecting. The people working at the Capitol Hotel have no doubt seen a great deal more than you give them credit for.
4
"Donald Trump Deletes Tweet Showing Hillary Clinton and Star of David Shape"
Just one more reason not to vote for Trump -- in addition to being a vulgar, draft dodging, torture endorsing, racist, xenophobic, misogynist, now he's added anti-Semite to his gallery of hideousness.
No one with a brain missed the "message" in that tweet -- of the Star of David on top of a pile of money -- in reference to Clinton having spoken to Goldman, Sachs executives. This tweet follows in the line of Goebbels -- portraying Jews as loving money and being the money lenders -- I'm surprised that it didn't include an image of a Jewish man with a large nose in the tweet just to drive the point home. How can Trump's daughter -- a convert to Judaism stand to be around him? How does her husband bear knowing that his father-in-law is anti-Semitic??
Just one more reason not to vote for Trump -- in addition to being a vulgar, draft dodging, torture endorsing, racist, xenophobic, misogynist, now he's added anti-Semite to his gallery of hideousness.
No one with a brain missed the "message" in that tweet -- of the Star of David on top of a pile of money -- in reference to Clinton having spoken to Goldman, Sachs executives. This tweet follows in the line of Goebbels -- portraying Jews as loving money and being the money lenders -- I'm surprised that it didn't include an image of a Jewish man with a large nose in the tweet just to drive the point home. How can Trump's daughter -- a convert to Judaism stand to be around him? How does her husband bear knowing that his father-in-law is anti-Semitic??
39
Don't forget he insulted the Pope. Ms Dowd seems to over look all that you said and more, looking instead at Donald for his inner goodness.
7
The restaurant storyline sounded SOOO much more interesting....not sure how we got to Clinton, but apparently your political columns are incomplete without them. It's old. I wanna know why MS. DOWD has never eaten alone, a single, grown woman in 2016. And why on earth would you have a gastronomic experience in Paris, and be thinking about Trump or Boris? How unfortunate. Get your life Ms. Dowd.
61
I do not understand why the NY Times keeps publishing these never well-written columns by Maureen Dowd. The subject matter always has the same pretext - in how many ways can she criticize the Clintons. I found this try to be one of the worst yet - presenting herself as a country bumpkin afraid to venture out in a foreign city? Puhleeze....
209
I traveled to Europe alone in the late 1990s, and I know exactly what Maureen means about walking into a restaurant at night, alone. Perhaps young women today cannot understand how hard this was to do, and I know that men have no concept of it. I traveled for three weeks so I had no choice at times, but I was never comfortable doing it. It's very easy to tell yourself not to care what people think, but it's not always very easy to do.
9
Not sure how the significance of fears of eating alone are supposed to connect to Johnson, Trump and Hillary, although the significance of Bill's impromptu meeting the the AG rings true with their penchant for asserting their power to sidestep justice.
Ms Dowd, please use your considerable talent and popularity to explore the implications each candidate's likely performance in office, since neither has had elected executive experience, nor have they presented their vision in any succinct, viable way.
The NYT's clear dismissal of Bernie and early embrace of Clinton represent a sad weakening of the "paper of record." Instead of talking about Boris Johnson, who has removed himself from the PM candidacy, the ink would be better spent on exploring Gary Johnson's candidacy, but perhaps it is too much to expect for the powerful and rich who control news flow at the NYT to provide the public with clarity on the electorate's choices in Nov. Maybe, just maybe the public would benefit from knowing about Johnson/Weld. I know that they pose risks to Clinton's coronation, but if they could poll at 15%, up from the current low double digit level, Johnson could be in the debate, for the country deserves more than the choice between two people who broadly are not trusted.
Ms Dowd, please use your considerable talent and popularity to explore the implications each candidate's likely performance in office, since neither has had elected executive experience, nor have they presented their vision in any succinct, viable way.
The NYT's clear dismissal of Bernie and early embrace of Clinton represent a sad weakening of the "paper of record." Instead of talking about Boris Johnson, who has removed himself from the PM candidacy, the ink would be better spent on exploring Gary Johnson's candidacy, but perhaps it is too much to expect for the powerful and rich who control news flow at the NYT to provide the public with clarity on the electorate's choices in Nov. Maybe, just maybe the public would benefit from knowing about Johnson/Weld. I know that they pose risks to Clinton's coronation, but if they could poll at 15%, up from the current low double digit level, Johnson could be in the debate, for the country deserves more than the choice between two people who broadly are not trusted.
6
While Clinton's behavior may be massaged by his apparent senility,
Lynch's failure to appreciate the absolute inappropriateness of meeting
with him (the week of her interview, no less) is just astounding. It does
not matter what they talked about. There is no end to the corruption
and incompetence that has characterized the federal government.
Lynch's failure to appreciate the absolute inappropriateness of meeting
with him (the week of her interview, no less) is just astounding. It does
not matter what they talked about. There is no end to the corruption
and incompetence that has characterized the federal government.
5
You missed her actual response to this. She was between a rock and a hard place, not being able to refuse him and aware that he had had heart problems and it was hot. He was about as stupid as it is possible to be, but the other people involved were stuck with the consequences.
5
After reading this one wonders how Maureen Dowd isn't an expert at going places alone.
77
Useless article. This writer rarely writes anything of substance.
71
This piece in general left me wanting as it never really explained what a "gastronomic restaurant" is. That could have been the ending, rather than that last bit of non sequitur about the Clintons.
19
It's so predictable that Maureen Dowd would end her column with a slam at the Clintons. Isn't the end where the topic/theme comes together? Her anti-Clinton monomania is becoming tiresome after twenty years. Perhaps she should consider another topic or retirement?
61
Or, she ran the Obama screed dry.
5
yet another Ms. Lonelyheart (poor me, poor me, pour me another Burgundy) valentine to Drumpf, disguised as - well, not disguised. And so timely. He hasn't been getting enough publicity lately. Staying at Wilde's hotel will not add a soupçon of wit to this thin gruel.
47
1) Thought I make it through the column w/o reading about Hillary.
2) "confronted with a scenario where he could [continue to] become a losing brand."
3) Column justify the expense account?
4) Are Mature Female Columnists Really Necessary?
2) "confronted with a scenario where he could [continue to] become a losing brand."
3) Column justify the expense account?
4) Are Mature Female Columnists Really Necessary?
5
Wow the clintonistas came out in full force having their heads explode about Maureen's writings about trumps rapier wit.
5
Actually it is about the fact Ms Dowd used Trump, of all people, as the spokesman for the legitimate criticism of the Clintons. How many Democrats were also flabbergasted? Quote them? Instead she continues to provide credibility to someone who is not qualified for the office.
8
Good study in parallels, Gail, but then you reverted.
3
A column every two weeks is a great way to make a living. Nice blending of Boris and The Donald. And of course Bill Clinton males his way into the fray. And why not? The man was impeached as president for obstructing justice, so why not go see Loretta Lynn (stand by her man) on the tarmac and ask about the grandkids, and oh, or course, the upcoming interview with the FBI? It's pure Bill and pure Hillary. Hillary will probably find a transcript of all the FBI interviews on her way to the server room in Chappaqua, lying right there on the table.
Maureen, in France for what, the French Open? The sommelier seats you? Not the maitre d'? Nice that you finally got politics into the story beyond your wardrobe, eating habits, and menu choices.
Maureen, in France for what, the French Open? The sommelier seats you? Not the maitre d'? Nice that you finally got politics into the story beyond your wardrobe, eating habits, and menu choices.
7
JohnD: You so clearly do not know whereof you speak. Tammy Wynette sang " Stand By Your Man". Everyone wants to hear about the menu choices in Paris and many women want to know what you wore. I, too, mind that Maureen Dowd is often snarky and that she has been especially mean to the Clintons. But this column made me like her better and I found her comparison of the orange haired blowhards very apt and interesting. And you just had to let her have it again because she had to be reminded of how "humiliating" it should be to be seated by the flustered sommelier. New Yorkers-so hard for them to resist petty opportunities for little status jabs. I am so glad that I no longer live there.
3
Given the state of the world, I am surprised Ms. Dowd didn't go truly Wilde. In his fully fleshed out biography of Oscar, Richard Ellmann tells us what happened in that room which is now a bar when Oscar died: "He had scarcely breathed his last breath when the body exploded with fluids from the ear, nose, mouth, and other orifices. The debris was appalling." Is it possible for ruched gray silk on the walls and a leopard print carpet, no matter how wild, to change spots like those?
Otherwise, I am reminded of a bit of conversation between Mrs. Allonby, Lady Huntstanton, and Lord Illingworth in Wilde's play "A Woman of No Importance":
Mrs. Allonby: They say, Lady Hunstanton, that when good Americans die they go to Paris.
Lady Hunstanton: Indeed? And when bad Americans die, where do they go to?
Lord Illingworth: Oh, they go to America.
Otherwise, I am reminded of a bit of conversation between Mrs. Allonby, Lady Huntstanton, and Lord Illingworth in Wilde's play "A Woman of No Importance":
Mrs. Allonby: They say, Lady Hunstanton, that when good Americans die they go to Paris.
Lady Hunstanton: Indeed? And when bad Americans die, where do they go to?
Lord Illingworth: Oh, they go to America.
6
meant I haven't figured out who Maureen is planning to vote for - I'm Hillary and a liberal supreme court all the way.
5
I don't even read Maureen's columns any more. I already know that she's going to say something ugly regarding the Clintons. She'll make some other snarky comments. Then she'll include an observation regarding her rich and rewarding relationship with The Donald. Absurd. Same column every week.
79
She's a free woman in Paris, unfettered and alive
Nobody calling her up for favors, nobody's future to decide
Nobody calling her up for favors, nobody's future to decide
11
She's a lucky girl!
Donald Trump the pied piper of the GOP, you know the rest of the story. Specially the end.
4
that tart looks fantastic
17
B-O-R-I-N-G. Really, Maureen, you used to be so much more pithy, insightful, and occasionally entertaining, in a snarkily witty way. Please bring the Old Maureen back! This newer iteration has become tedious and biting in a seventh-grade-girls-bathroom sort of way.
51
Really? I think this piece is very clever. Bravo, Maureen.
Life long Democrat here. Will never vote for DT. Still considering holding my nose, and vote for HRC, but will probably vote Green. See both choices equally evil.
I actually enjoy you calling the Clintons out. You are one of the few in the main stream media that do.
I actually enjoy you calling the Clintons out. You are one of the few in the main stream media that do.
11
No she's not.
22
Agreed.
3
If that's your plan, enjoy President Trump.
Should be even better than the last idiot Republican, elected by a bunch of semi-literates who thought they would rather hang out with a rich frat boy who shirked responsibility his entire life and traded on his family name to make money, rather than a rich guy who thought he should actually try to do the responsible thing in order to try to earn people's respect. Same scenario here. If you actually do anything substantial, people criticize you endlessly and the Republican muck machine drags you through the mud with their manufactured facts and faux outrage until they sow doubt among the weak minded, the lazy, and those who like to criticize.
Better to do nothing, be an idiot with a empty grin, who says irresponsible things, you'll be ushered into power and then not even blamed for all the harm caused. Worked for Reagan and GW, why not Donald Trump? Except Bush and Reagan were both content to be figureheads who at least let others try to repair their worst miscalculations. Unfortunately, Trump actually thinks he knows what he's doing, and so is infinitely more dangerous.
Then those who vote for then Green Party can stand on the side tut-tutting and not taking any responsibility for the chaos they helped usher in with their useless protest votes.
Should be even better than the last idiot Republican, elected by a bunch of semi-literates who thought they would rather hang out with a rich frat boy who shirked responsibility his entire life and traded on his family name to make money, rather than a rich guy who thought he should actually try to do the responsible thing in order to try to earn people's respect. Same scenario here. If you actually do anything substantial, people criticize you endlessly and the Republican muck machine drags you through the mud with their manufactured facts and faux outrage until they sow doubt among the weak minded, the lazy, and those who like to criticize.
Better to do nothing, be an idiot with a empty grin, who says irresponsible things, you'll be ushered into power and then not even blamed for all the harm caused. Worked for Reagan and GW, why not Donald Trump? Except Bush and Reagan were both content to be figureheads who at least let others try to repair their worst miscalculations. Unfortunately, Trump actually thinks he knows what he's doing, and so is infinitely more dangerous.
Then those who vote for then Green Party can stand on the side tut-tutting and not taking any responsibility for the chaos they helped usher in with their useless protest votes.
14
i have to give Ms. Dowd create. She managed to hold back her Hillary Derangement Syndrom, until 3 paragraphs from the end. Yes still manages to get her jabs in no matter what the topic.
59
Doesn't the New York Times have support services for their spent columnists? David Brooks, Paul Krugman and Maureen Dowd all seem to be in the midst of existential crises. Really, I'm not kidding.
The rambling in this particular column is frightening. How did we get from a woman filled with self pity eating dinner alone (something this woman has done in more cities in the world than I can count) to some random thoughts about Oscar Wilde, Boris, Donald, Hillary and Bill? Is it me? Am I missing the through line?
Put that lovely looking lemon tart on the food pages, and please give Maureen a badly needed rest.
The rambling in this particular column is frightening. How did we get from a woman filled with self pity eating dinner alone (something this woman has done in more cities in the world than I can count) to some random thoughts about Oscar Wilde, Boris, Donald, Hillary and Bill? Is it me? Am I missing the through line?
Put that lovely looking lemon tart on the food pages, and please give Maureen a badly needed rest.
100
Whenever I read a column by Maureen Dowd, I can only wonder why she has a job with The New York Times. Her columns are slapdash, empty and pointless. She thinks no great thoughts, introduces readers to no big ideas. She is simply another highly compensated Baby Boomer of minimal talent who was born at the right time, while so many others, with far greater talent, face such great hurdles launching their careers.
I invite you to stop reading Maureen Dowd's column.
I invite you to stop reading Maureen Dowd's column.
179
I was thinking the same thing. When I read Ms. Dowd I tried to think from her perspective, her I site and knowledge. After a while I realized my barber has a better grasp of the topics of the day than any Dowd column.
26
Who cares what the waiter thinks? Is Maureen concerned that he will go home and tell his wife about the American who ate ALONE? Who cares if the couples at the surrounding tables are doing whatever under the table? Paris is an utterly glorious city. Sitting in a hotel room eating peanuts from the minibar strikes me as a total waste of time.
245
"How could the guy with the gold-plated political instincts…[troop]…across the tarmac…?"
Now that we know the FBI was scheduled to interrogate the wife 5 days hence, did the husband's desperate, corrupt move have anything to do with illicitly gathering critical information from AG Lynch to assist his wife craft her answers & avoid perjury?
It would be a mistake to assume Bill's meeting w/ Lynch wasn't orchestrated by BOTH Clintons.
Consider:
— In a deposition in the civil RICO case, Huma Abedin and her emails just this past week contradicted her boss's statements under oath, i.e., revealed felonies—perjury and obstruction of justice.
—The emails concerned B Clinton and the Clinton Foundation, i.e., public corruption and a RICO conspiracy. Endangers not only Clinton freedom, but Clinton cash: All assets gained thru a pattern of racketeering activity are subject to forfeiture.
—2 days after tarmac tête-à-tête, DOJ argued to judge in civil RICO case State unable to produce additional emails responsive to FOIA request concerning B Clinton/Foundation/public corruption—FOR MORE THAN 2 YEARS!—citing reasons that do not pass laugh test.
—Triggering visions of a special prosecutor by the illicit meeting could have been intentional, as it would have pushed the messy denouement past the election. But, given the leaks yesterday, that ploy was unnecessary. The fix was already in. All she had to do was pass the test yesterday. And, as usual, she got the questions in advance.
Now that we know the FBI was scheduled to interrogate the wife 5 days hence, did the husband's desperate, corrupt move have anything to do with illicitly gathering critical information from AG Lynch to assist his wife craft her answers & avoid perjury?
It would be a mistake to assume Bill's meeting w/ Lynch wasn't orchestrated by BOTH Clintons.
Consider:
— In a deposition in the civil RICO case, Huma Abedin and her emails just this past week contradicted her boss's statements under oath, i.e., revealed felonies—perjury and obstruction of justice.
—The emails concerned B Clinton and the Clinton Foundation, i.e., public corruption and a RICO conspiracy. Endangers not only Clinton freedom, but Clinton cash: All assets gained thru a pattern of racketeering activity are subject to forfeiture.
—2 days after tarmac tête-à-tête, DOJ argued to judge in civil RICO case State unable to produce additional emails responsive to FOIA request concerning B Clinton/Foundation/public corruption—FOR MORE THAN 2 YEARS!—citing reasons that do not pass laugh test.
—Triggering visions of a special prosecutor by the illicit meeting could have been intentional, as it would have pushed the messy denouement past the election. But, given the leaks yesterday, that ploy was unnecessary. The fix was already in. All she had to do was pass the test yesterday. And, as usual, she got the questions in advance.
7
WOW! What an excellent article by Maureen. She really summed up the similarities of Trump and Boris. I also enjoyed her discription of her dinner and the wait staff's attitude---reminds me of a few of my trips to Paris. I kept waiting for her to take the usual shot at POTUS, but she surprised me. As for Bill Clinton's latest stupid gambit, could it be that he is trying sink his wife's run for the POTUS?
8
Nothing to say about the Star of David tweat Maureen? Goebels and his buddies made their boss "compulsively watchable" using the same fodder. A few people died as a result.
Enjoy your 'moose'.
Enjoy your 'moose'.
34
Yawn. Is this pointless random prattle financed on a corporate expense account while researching through the haute couture scene in the City of Lights ???
Mo has once again mounted her creaky rocking horse and tilted her lance at her usual targets, adding Boris in the mix, in her swamp of bile and venom achieving what ??? No insights here, just a mix of name dropping, exotic deserts and an examination of the scattered and unrelated scuttle but and faux pas by various political clowns.
To paraphrase Oscar Wilde: “Mo stabs you in the front.”
I wished Mo was in the Phoenix airport observing Bill pouring on his “charm” in his 30-minute encounter with the attorney general in charge of the F.B.I. investigation on Hillary’s emails. Now that would have been enjoyable !!!
Where is the Mo of yore when she used to skewer wayward politicians with her sharp pen using clever wit, satire and sarcasm.
To paraphrase Oscar Wilde again: “Mo kills the thing she loves.”
Mo has once again mounted her creaky rocking horse and tilted her lance at her usual targets, adding Boris in the mix, in her swamp of bile and venom achieving what ??? No insights here, just a mix of name dropping, exotic deserts and an examination of the scattered and unrelated scuttle but and faux pas by various political clowns.
To paraphrase Oscar Wilde: “Mo stabs you in the front.”
I wished Mo was in the Phoenix airport observing Bill pouring on his “charm” in his 30-minute encounter with the attorney general in charge of the F.B.I. investigation on Hillary’s emails. Now that would have been enjoyable !!!
Where is the Mo of yore when she used to skewer wayward politicians with her sharp pen using clever wit, satire and sarcasm.
To paraphrase Oscar Wilde again: “Mo kills the thing she loves.”
16
Oh my, they all kind of remind me of marshmallow Peeps.
6
This is a New-York-Times quality editorial?
Pathetic.
Pathetic.
67
You need to kick back, Mo, get your mind off what passes for what used to be politics and "profiter de Paris." Sure, Wilde is gone, and so is Papa, but a walk by the Seine will do you wonders.
Forget politics. It has forgotten us. Our Founders would weep at what we have done to their revolution. Yes, tomorrow is the day we celebrate our national birth. but, soon we will witness our national paralysis. In the meantime, "Carpe Paris!"
Forget politics. It has forgotten us. Our Founders would weep at what we have done to their revolution. Yes, tomorrow is the day we celebrate our national birth. but, soon we will witness our national paralysis. In the meantime, "Carpe Paris!"
9
Just as in was thinking this was an interesting op-Ed, out came the anti-Clinton talons. And once again, Trump gets the last word. And whatever all this may have to do with two sad and lonely excursions is a complete mystery to a reader who does not think it is womanly exceptionalism. And the torturous route from a Parisian restaurant to a Donald Trump analysis is, well, either mystifying and enigmatic or just WEIRD. Thank you for that one Ross Douthat.
22
This reads like Ms. Dowd had no idea what she was going to write about when she faced her column deadline, and didnt bother to revise when she got to the end of her word count. Start off wit cute little self-deprecation, find a litary reference, turn attention to the day's headline, mix in fail-safe Trump, tag on Clinton-hate. Voila! Cash Times paycheck. Next!
73
To bad about the chilly reception from Le Restaurant. Paris is a city where dining alone can be fun. A family friend from South Dakota regales with the tale of dining alone one New Year's Eve- though not for long. The two French couples at the adjoining table said "Madame, on New Year's in Paris no one dines alone" as they merged her table into theirs. Next time venture outside the hotel. The "bistronomy" movement has taken much of the stuffiness out of fine dining. And there are TONS of little quirky places. Ask a friend whose tastes you share.
The unfortunate common denominator between Boris and Donald is the appeal to - if not cellebration of xenophobia. It's such a base instinct that I seriously wonder whether "Homo sapien" measures up to the name, and whether we should be entrusted as stewards of this fragile planet. We are too busy finding reasons to hate one another.
The unfortunate common denominator between Boris and Donald is the appeal to - if not cellebration of xenophobia. It's such a base instinct that I seriously wonder whether "Homo sapien" measures up to the name, and whether we should be entrusted as stewards of this fragile planet. We are too busy finding reasons to hate one another.
15
Ms. Dowd can now safely charge her dinner to her expense account. That seems to be the "raison d'être" for this column.
32
I hope you don't pay her for this stuff.
67
Maureen, I was enjoying reading your column, particularly the comparisons between Boris and The Donald, thinking all the while that the American electorate still had time to NOT make a similar mistake in November. Then I got to the end of the column and read: "I am flabbergasted by it," Trump said. "I think it's amazing. I've never seen anything like that before." And all I could think of was, OH, PULEEASSE!!!
27
I admit I’m late to the party. I don’t read Maureen much anymore. My curiosity about lemon tarts and Paris pulled me in however. Imagine my surprise when Maureen chose to write something in the style of Guy Noir, a female version, so craftily set down that one can hear the appropriate music adding sensuality and heavy syrup in the background as the details unfold. The babe who narrated this memorable tale did what Maureen rarely, if ever, does. Our protagonist was vulnerable, lonely, and no one of importance recognized her or, sadly, even cast a meaningful glance her way. Was it what she wore, she asked herself, filled with doubt about her value as a woman alone at a table. The waiter, was, as usual when in Paris, condescending. Well, this is interesting, I thought. I actually started to relax my guard. No nasty slaps to the Clintons fit into this picture. Had Maureen actually taken to heart the disapproving comments of her readers and was attempting a redemption? Was she writing a clever tale of how she suffered while alone and without love in the most romantic city in the world? I started to gobble up the tale and began to sympathize and even admire this disclosure and its author. Then it happened. My hopes were dashed, gone, destroyed as the piece segued into an out of the blue comparison of Boris and Donald and then, predictably, the slaps to the Clintons. But, for a few memorable moments, I really enjoyed Maureen’s writing.
30
The Clintons do it to themselves. How could she ignore the foolishness of the tarmac incident? It's been all over the news. Being discussed on Meet the Press now.
1
Why am I reading this? Nothing here!
38
Wow. THE Maureen Dowd has no one to share a fabulous soiree in Paris and on a Saturday night no less. Thanks for the honesty.
4
Donald Trump "mocks with a rapier wit"?
Making fun of a disabled reporter? Referring to Elizabeth Warren as "Pocahontas?" Crooked Hillary? Lyin' Ted, Little Mario?
Maybe this makes for a rapier wit to the sometimes estimable Ms. Dowd; to many of us, it's third grade stuff.
Making fun of a disabled reporter? Referring to Elizabeth Warren as "Pocahontas?" Crooked Hillary? Lyin' Ted, Little Mario?
Maybe this makes for a rapier wit to the sometimes estimable Ms. Dowd; to many of us, it's third grade stuff.
530
Actually, I don't let my third grader (well, soon fourth grader) make fun of anyone with a disability. I'm proud to say he socializes with an autistic girl from his class. This mama isn't rich, but she did something Trump's parents did not do: teach kindness.
13
Well, I'm not sure what to say. The idea that a professional woman in the 21st Century is afraid to eat dinner alone is... well telling for certain, but pretty startling.
Sorry, Ms. Dowd. You've lost even the thin thread of credibility you had with me. It's difficult to take you seriously when you write something so primitive and rooted in the past.
It's long past time for the Times to replace you with a fresh voice that understands food carts and dining al fresco. That goes out at night without fear and experiences life.
I'm sorry, but you are now on the list of those whose opinion is no longer relevant.
Sorry, Ms. Dowd. You've lost even the thin thread of credibility you had with me. It's difficult to take you seriously when you write something so primitive and rooted in the past.
It's long past time for the Times to replace you with a fresh voice that understands food carts and dining al fresco. That goes out at night without fear and experiences life.
I'm sorry, but you are now on the list of those whose opinion is no longer relevant.
52
"Diane von Furstenberg sundress and a striped seersucker J. Crew jacket. They did clash a little, but clashing prints are supposed to be in."
It may have been the structural dissonance that disturbed French sensibilities—the sexy flow of Furstenberg vs the starchiness of J. Crew.
4
"The French don't care what you say as long as you pronounce it properly."
- Henry Higgins
- Henry Higgins
8
Past 8:00 in the evening in front of a small hotel near the rue de Bac, my brother and mental senior was late. We had come to see our mother, he the child of the first bed, and her daughter once brought up in Paris. Her father of Irish ancestry had wolfed down by a modest estimate over 2000 lemon tarts, first coined in 'Bonfire of The Vanities'.
Knowing I had missed the local charcuterie with quiche, I decided to have dinner for the first time on my own and bravely crossed the street to an empty cafe where the Moroccan owner gave me a fine table with steak tartare.
Paris remains silent at the moment, although a political pleasantry is in circulation about how we have reached this State of Affairs in America. The 'Grande Dames', as they are known remain mystified over Trump. What about Madame Clinton, they ask?
In the meantime, back in the beautiful rural countryside of New York, a neighbor and I believe we are going to end up with Trump the Chump. She wants to be the only person to place a billboard with her support for Clinton but I mentioned the possibility of rotten eggs and broken windows.
Rise America, Unite! Enough already with the blasted emails, and start thinking about the future of our Country. I am not leaving orphans behind me, but some of you have families in need of a vision and a goal.
Paris can be chilly, but Here we may be lighting a match to a political bonfire and there will be no returning to the Land of The Brave where Eagles soar.
Knowing I had missed the local charcuterie with quiche, I decided to have dinner for the first time on my own and bravely crossed the street to an empty cafe where the Moroccan owner gave me a fine table with steak tartare.
Paris remains silent at the moment, although a political pleasantry is in circulation about how we have reached this State of Affairs in America. The 'Grande Dames', as they are known remain mystified over Trump. What about Madame Clinton, they ask?
In the meantime, back in the beautiful rural countryside of New York, a neighbor and I believe we are going to end up with Trump the Chump. She wants to be the only person to place a billboard with her support for Clinton but I mentioned the possibility of rotten eggs and broken windows.
Rise America, Unite! Enough already with the blasted emails, and start thinking about the future of our Country. I am not leaving orphans behind me, but some of you have families in need of a vision and a goal.
Paris can be chilly, but Here we may be lighting a match to a political bonfire and there will be no returning to the Land of The Brave where Eagles soar.
9
Yes, let's equate one optical, substance-free mis-step by Bill Clinton about appearances to the incompetence, incivility and issue-based ineptitude of Donald Trump. You are getting very lazy, Maureen
36
I can no longer read her column but fully enjoy the comments.
83
How about writing about trumps tax returns !!!
41
How about writing about clinton's transcripts!!!
2
Why, Armo? Exactly no one ever releases speech transcripts and exactly everyone, except Donald and Bernie, releases tax returns. Can't follow your logic...
13
Where are Bernie's tax returns?
6
Still in love with Don the Con, Mo?
He's not a prolific author, he's a prolific Tweeter. He doesn't skewer people with a rapier wit, he clubs them with a blunt instrument.
And, as much of a clod and a clown as Boris Johnson is, he's still far better educated and more worldly than Trump and has actual, real experience as head of a major government organization, having been Mayor of London.
Had to get your mandatory irrelevant dig in at Hillary Clinton, didn't you? Yes, Bill talking to Lynch was a mistake and Lynch even said she wished the plane's door was locked. But Bill has been making mistakes this entire political season, despite his unearned reputation as the most savvy politician in America (I'd put Mitch McConnell and Howard Dean as easily more savvy).
He's not a prolific author, he's a prolific Tweeter. He doesn't skewer people with a rapier wit, he clubs them with a blunt instrument.
And, as much of a clod and a clown as Boris Johnson is, he's still far better educated and more worldly than Trump and has actual, real experience as head of a major government organization, having been Mayor of London.
Had to get your mandatory irrelevant dig in at Hillary Clinton, didn't you? Yes, Bill talking to Lynch was a mistake and Lynch even said she wished the plane's door was locked. But Bill has been making mistakes this entire political season, despite his unearned reputation as the most savvy politician in America (I'd put Mitch McConnell and Howard Dean as easily more savvy).
18
All that time on your hands. No one bothering you. And this is the best you can come up with?
41
To make book, less Oscar Wilde and more "Wilder effect."
2
But, you know, this woman is in Paris...Paris! and until the second night she's eating out of the minibar because she has issues with dining out alone. I think I've gained an insight on why I never quite understand what the point is of any given column she writes
50
And Dowd pretends ie. lies about not knowing the meaning of "gastronomic restaurant." No wonder she's a Trumpette since he's the king of non-stop lying and pretense -- like pretending he is far wealthier than he really is and pretending that he's a great businessman who just happened to run his casinos in Atlantic City in to four bankruptcies so that he could weasel away from paying over $70 million in money owed to people who had the misfortune to have worked on building the Trump Taj Mahal alone.
12
So what are you gonna do about it, Mo? Flaunt your braininess by voting for a racist, fear-mongering, fascist serial liar who is, moreover, ignorant, narcissistic, hot-tempered and erratic? Or hold your nose and vote for Hillary? An anxious nation wants to know.
22
And you want Bill Clinton back in the White House, and in charge of reviving
the economy. Good luck with that.
the economy. Good luck with that.
1
Sox, you don't remember that we had a fine economy and a surplus in the treasury, in a nation largely at peace and prosperous, at the end of Clinton's eight years. Wow. I guess the maelstrom, the multi-disasters under Bush Jr. must have wiped your memory of the years prior, not your fault--it was grisly indeed. We'd be lucky to have back what we had in 2000, Sox.
8
And you want the continually bankrupt moronic fraudster there instead?
7
Trumps "rapier wit"?......excuse me while I fall down laughing.
59
I've read better from Dowd. The first half of the article is surreal: so much self-flagellation and apologizing tone for eating alone in her hotel's restaurant. Is it such a shame?Being alone does not mean being lonely.
4
A little bit of name dropping, a bit of "I-was-you-know-where" and "guess-what-I-ate" element at the beginning.
This is followed by a bit on comparing the Donald and Boris. You know "them-guys-I-happen-to-know."
But as always it ends up with Hillary bashing.
How predictable!
This is followed by a bit on comparing the Donald and Boris. You know "them-guys-I-happen-to-know."
But as always it ends up with Hillary bashing.
How predictable!
22
You know, your column is elite speaking to elite. Instead of L'Hotel perhaps Le Burger Joint would be a better place to weight the "Blond Menace."
Getting closer to the grit of the middle masses would at least bring intelligence recon back to the elite lines where Oscar Wilde is bantered about along with French droppings.
As for Bill, he's a friendly sort who crosses elite lines to touch the unwashed. Unfortunately, as Monica can attest, he doesn't always think with his mind.
Getting closer to the grit of the middle masses would at least bring intelligence recon back to the elite lines where Oscar Wilde is bantered about along with French droppings.
As for Bill, he's a friendly sort who crosses elite lines to touch the unwashed. Unfortunately, as Monica can attest, he doesn't always think with his mind.
2
This started out so good. I thought this is what Ms Dowdy ought to write about .. prose about restaurants and hotels in France, insecurities, eating alone, Oscar Wilde, seeing exes in weird situations. But than for me it slowly degenerated into her boring pretentious political observations.
Orange , NJ
Orange , NJ
8
To quote Oscar Wilde, on Maureen's political diatribe on Trump "There is only one thing in life, worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about".
2
This column is well written and started out like one of those cutsie Nancy Meyer films (It's Complicated, The Intern, Baby Boom).
When attending conferences, I have been alone in hotel rooms, tired and hungry, scarfing down every expensive morsel of food I could find in the mini-bar, and for a woman of my generation, dining alone in a restaurant is an anxious and more depressing than uplifting situation. But then I stayed at shabby Holiday Inns & darkly decorated Hilton Hotels in New Jersey, Illinois, and Louisiana--not some first-class, hoi-poli hotel in Paris like Maureen.
But then uh-oh, Maureen was at it again trumpeting the Trumpster. Okay, the boorish clown Boris Johnson is Tweedle D, and the more boorish clown Donald Trump is Tweedle Dumb. Both are rich pathological liars, who amuse themselves by puffing up their oversized egos and duping the masses. Johnson, who was a journalist, was fired from one newspaper for making up quotes and is an infamous liar. Trump is perpetually in trouble with his shady business dealings, and his birther nonsense should have made running for POTUS out of the question.
Why are Clinton and Obama presidencies not okay with Maureen, while a Trump presidency is not even under scrutiny or questioned by her?
How about a moratorium on any more Trump columns for Maureen?
When attending conferences, I have been alone in hotel rooms, tired and hungry, scarfing down every expensive morsel of food I could find in the mini-bar, and for a woman of my generation, dining alone in a restaurant is an anxious and more depressing than uplifting situation. But then I stayed at shabby Holiday Inns & darkly decorated Hilton Hotels in New Jersey, Illinois, and Louisiana--not some first-class, hoi-poli hotel in Paris like Maureen.
But then uh-oh, Maureen was at it again trumpeting the Trumpster. Okay, the boorish clown Boris Johnson is Tweedle D, and the more boorish clown Donald Trump is Tweedle Dumb. Both are rich pathological liars, who amuse themselves by puffing up their oversized egos and duping the masses. Johnson, who was a journalist, was fired from one newspaper for making up quotes and is an infamous liar. Trump is perpetually in trouble with his shady business dealings, and his birther nonsense should have made running for POTUS out of the question.
Why are Clinton and Obama presidencies not okay with Maureen, while a Trump presidency is not even under scrutiny or questioned by her?
How about a moratorium on any more Trump columns for Maureen?
22
Why not call Ms. Dowd's column "Dear Diary?" For too long, she has been replacing substance with style. The same can be said for Brooks and Douthat.
They all seem enchanted with their reflections in the mirror.
They all seem enchanted with their reflections in the mirror.
49
they get checks for what we do here for free
and some of th writers here are better than th paid help
that socrates dude for example
excellent writer , he
and some of th writers here are better than th paid help
that socrates dude for example
excellent writer , he
4
It wasn't something you wore. It's that you didn't have a reservation. And maybe the fact that you came armed with reading material.
9
Thanks for the explanation, because I couldn't figure out what the issue was. The lack of reservation makes sense now, and as Americans we never can just be.here.now. I myself am guilty of it too. Any down time to enjoy something feels like your your being lazy, and that's NOT normal.
2
I think it's because she was a woman alone... I hope she did a yelp review too... ;) My husband said he was treated the same way at a so called Gastronomic restaurant in France - it was only his praise of the food that won them over in the end...
I've eaten alone in Paris on more than one occasion and have never been treated with anything but courtesy and respect. Maureen could have looked in any guidebook and seen that making reservations is common practice not only in high end restaurants but also bistros. They may not always be necessary at the latter in the low tourism months, but they are always appreciated.
5
some of this is fun to read. Love the french dismissal of Trump as "fou"...
As to eating alone - I get your dilemma having been there many times in Paris
on business. Here's something to dissect - Trump's mannerisms have a fopishness that makes me wonder. His small fingers become twisted or something as he purses his awful mouth and lies, brags, and does his stichk.
Still, all the old rich ladies at my hairdresser are voting for this Trumperoo, it's
always about money, they're too rich to pay taxes. Trump is the ultimate ugly
new yorker - the type we saw in Paris years ago and hide our heads in shame.
Now he wants to be president? It's more than fou.
As to eating alone - I get your dilemma having been there many times in Paris
on business. Here's something to dissect - Trump's mannerisms have a fopishness that makes me wonder. His small fingers become twisted or something as he purses his awful mouth and lies, brags, and does his stichk.
Still, all the old rich ladies at my hairdresser are voting for this Trumperoo, it's
always about money, they're too rich to pay taxes. Trump is the ultimate ugly
new yorker - the type we saw in Paris years ago and hide our heads in shame.
Now he wants to be president? It's more than fou.
8
Ms. Dowd is far too kind to voters and herself. That's certainly not new. We cannot simply excuse hatred and xenophobia by whitewashing it in "nostalgia." Nostalgia takes us back to a time when white men got the whole pie and decided how to divvy up some crumbs to the rest of us and we were expected to be grateful, a time when women couldn't buy a car, open a bank account, or rent an apart,eat wthout a man signing off on it. I'm not surprised that white men miss those times but it shocks me that Ms. Dowd does...and her neurotic behavior over dining solo? I honestly don't even know what to say. Personally, I enjoy dinner alone and make no apology for it. I have never, ever had the experience of being chided by restaurant staff for it. Overall this is a sad little column written by a sad and neurotic writer of depressingly drab columns that express "nostalgia" for times that weren't all that great if you weren't white and male. At least Ms. Dowd is consistently wrong.
6
The problem with eating a great meal out alone is that generally, I eat it too fast. So caught up in the awkwardness of being alone, most of us try to minimize the duration, even while making the Point (mostly to myself) that I can. I enjoy solitary meals far more as room service - the very best from the room service menu, a or two of glass of wine, savored slowly, intensely, concentrating on the food, not myself - in private.
But still we sit there, eating our lemon tarts and wine, or beer and chips, as bit-part underpaid actors in this grand play, enthralled by the buffoon leads and romantic misadventures, while the real puppet-masters are busy in the back rooms, laughing at us, our innocence, our ease of control. Our sheer predicability. All is playing out exactly as intended.
But still we sit there, eating our lemon tarts and wine, or beer and chips, as bit-part underpaid actors in this grand play, enthralled by the buffoon leads and romantic misadventures, while the real puppet-masters are busy in the back rooms, laughing at us, our innocence, our ease of control. Our sheer predicability. All is playing out exactly as intended.
3
I had no doubt a lemony dessert would be the choice for Dowd, who needs to maintain her reserve of acidic bile for the Clintons. She's become the Times' counter puncher to Brooks and Douthat, the GOP apologists who pretend that Trump doesn't really represent the GOP. It's Family Feud without the entertainment value. Please get rid of all three of them!
16
Do your homework, the past is prologue, again.
1) Johnson was as a reporter on the Brussels beat and made his career writng against the EU. He worked for what he wanted, regardless of the consequences.
2) Bill Clinton has always visited people at airports, and Loretta Lynch is his friend.
3) Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump would NEVER be friends. Their children, yes, but not the two of them.
Predictably, only 38% of the electorate---younger voters--- polled to Remain in the the EU. Sanders' supporters here should learn that lesson; to defeat the Donald everyone needs to cast their vote.
1) Johnson was as a reporter on the Brussels beat and made his career writng against the EU. He worked for what he wanted, regardless of the consequences.
2) Bill Clinton has always visited people at airports, and Loretta Lynch is his friend.
3) Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump would NEVER be friends. Their children, yes, but not the two of them.
Predictably, only 38% of the electorate---younger voters--- polled to Remain in the the EU. Sanders' supporters here should learn that lesson; to defeat the Donald everyone needs to cast their vote.
7
Thank God for MoDo. A breath of fresh air in this one-sided, humorless, left- wing journaux. I suppose this attitude is what its progressive readers expect and deserve. However, the Wilde quotes are delicious and out of the range of most of the Times other opinion writers.
1
Personally, I liked Ms. Dowd's restaurant story better than the "Lincoln/Kennedy" comparison of Trump and Johnson. Why oh why did you veer from the path you were on?
This essay leaves me wondering more about the restaurant experience than the politics of bad hair. What happened at the end of the meal? Did you leave a tip? Did you go for a walk and meet a stranger?
Does anyone share my opinion that a night in Paris musing about Trump and Johnson is a wasted night for a human soul?
This essay leaves me wondering more about the restaurant experience than the politics of bad hair. What happened at the end of the meal? Did you leave a tip? Did you go for a walk and meet a stranger?
Does anyone share my opinion that a night in Paris musing about Trump and Johnson is a wasted night for a human soul?
18
I believe the share one more thing in common, Trump really does not want to be president. He entered the race for the free PR, started to win and went along for the free ride. If he should win he must spend 4 years at it, it should take up all his time and does not pay much and he will become the brunt of the jokes.
9
trump lives a better life style now than he would as pres
easy money, little effort
why would he trade that for a real job
easy money, little effort
why would he trade that for a real job
3
Well, it sounds as though you ate well here in Paris.
Next time you're in town, drop a line and you, my wife and I will explore obscure side streets together, right bank and left, and forget about all this depressing political stuff. Get a pint of Guinness and watch a bit of soccer. Stroll through a park. Shop for whatever.
Boris and Donald are real chumps, and life's too short to dwell on the misery they'd like to cause.
Next time you're in town, drop a line and you, my wife and I will explore obscure side streets together, right bank and left, and forget about all this depressing political stuff. Get a pint of Guinness and watch a bit of soccer. Stroll through a park. Shop for whatever.
Boris and Donald are real chumps, and life's too short to dwell on the misery they'd like to cause.
7
youre in france and you drink guinness ?
you missed th whole point, lad
you missed th whole point, lad
3
hey dowd, your stuff is just plain boring, the worst sin of all for a hack such as yourself. why not write about the allegations of trump's rape situation? you know, something truly juicy.
26
"Some cause happiness wherever they go; some whenever they go." Oscar Wilde. It's time Bill, ciao.
3
Nobody mentions Boris Johnson being half Turkish and yet one of his scare tactics to remain in the EU was that Turks were coming.
2
Dining alone in a restaurant is not unusual and can be a very interesting way to meet new people.Why is Dowd so reluctant to do so?
8
Small wonder Maureen can't find someone who might actually want to dine with her.
28
Half 'look-at-me' trivialities and half re-statement of the obvious. Very light reading for a Sunday morning.
14
C.S. Lewis observed, "The pleasure of novelty is by its very nature more subject than any other to the laws of diminishing returns." Everything about Donald Trump and Boris Johnson screams novelty. Neither has the physical appearance, demeanor, sensibility, or language of a politician. Each would be high on the list of "clownish lout" at Central Casting. Neither would be high on the list of "national politician." So, when both stepped forward, there was a natural curiosity about someone so novel in the field of politics. The problem, however, as C.S. Lewis noted, is that what was initially novel eventually becomes at best, mundane, and at worst, annoying, and the public moves on. A glorious lemon tart at L'Hotel is a delightfully novel extravagance, but man does not live by bread alone, and eventually would drive one to distraction if served at every meal.
77
It is beyond me why anyone would want to ruin the flavor of a nice avocado with yuzu.
2
Boris Johnson, Donald Trump and Bill Clinton - somewhat unlikely bedfellows, perhaps, but all share a common talent of being able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
2
Dear Ms. Dowd,
Perhaps you could have shaken up the obnoxious French staff by commenting, "I would like a single table to study the 100th anniversary of the first day of the battle of the Somme, you know, involving the English, without whom, in the First World War, you might just well be addressing me in German now and serving sauerkraut and sausages"!
Unfortunately they might retort "Alas! Perfidious Albion didn't help us much in the second go around, did they"?
Your response might include something about "Vichy France" and the movie "Casablanca" but that would've been entirely up to you. Personally, I would have gone for "Le Big Mac" with a bottle of good claret and some mayonnaise for the fries!
Perhaps you could have shaken up the obnoxious French staff by commenting, "I would like a single table to study the 100th anniversary of the first day of the battle of the Somme, you know, involving the English, without whom, in the First World War, you might just well be addressing me in German now and serving sauerkraut and sausages"!
Unfortunately they might retort "Alas! Perfidious Albion didn't help us much in the second go around, did they"?
Your response might include something about "Vichy France" and the movie "Casablanca" but that would've been entirely up to you. Personally, I would have gone for "Le Big Mac" with a bottle of good claret and some mayonnaise for the fries!
2
Great article, but you should have stayed else where, but I do want to know, if you ate the entire tart? As for Mr. Clinton, it is pretty crazy or very calculated, that meeting with Lynch, particularly the day or so before his wife is interviewed by the FBI. It is hard to know how the meeting could change the facts of the situation, though, so it seems more like political theater, and besides, even if she is relieved of any charges, the Republicans will continue their belief in her guilt without any supporting facts, which to date have been noticeably lacking.
4
Actually, Bill did Lynch a big favor. Now it lays at the feet of the FBI. They might have been inclined to indulge in political theater if the entire decision wasn't up to them. They could have urged prosecution and blamed prosecutorial discretion on any decision not to go forward with it. Now she's off the hook and it's all on them. If they request a politically motivated prosecution they look guilty of conducting a politically motivated, partisan investigation and a big chunk of the public will blame them, not her.
3
I found it interesting that Lynch said that she decided some time ago to let the FBI make the call but was only announcing that now. You may be quite right. Bill was doing her a favor. They have known each other a long time, so it makes some sense, in this totally senseless campaign season. The bottom line for me is that Lynch probably knows that there is no there there and feels comfortable about making a fool out of her self for Bill. The tip here is that there are no leaked facts, probably because there are none. I am not a Hillary fan, but I am disgusted with the incessant innuendo, the photo of her with dark glasses on the plane to nowhere, and all the other brick brack thrown up these many, many long months.
2
Maybe Donald can choose Boris as his running mate.Two very questionable men with orange hair and ugly ties. Or even better Donald and Boris could switch places. Donald goes to England to rule for six months and Boris goes to the United States the next six months. Or maybe they could build a golden wall around each other and leave us all alone.
3
Putting Trump and Johnson aside, I didn't realize movies and restaurants solo were ever such a big deal. I've done both many times, and yes, have been married for over 40 years - to the same guy!
Guess I would never make it in some circles. Oh well.
Guess I would never make it in some circles. Oh well.
8
You have to wonder if at some deep subconscious level Bill Clinton wants Hillary Clinton to lose. For a number of Democrats this may have been the straw that broke...Everybody on the planet knows that nothing improper took place on that airplane,but that's not the point, people are sick and tired of the seemingly endless examples of Clintonian expressions of self entitlement and subsequent unnecessary drama. This latest example of "I'm Bill Clinton and you're not"was especially galling because of its absolute and utter stupidity and inappropriateness.
2
If you want another comparison between Trump and someone, check out the clip of Mussolini in Woody Allen's film Crimes and Misdemeanors. The clip shows Mussolini on a balcony, arms folded, teeth clenched, feet wide apart and with a self satisfied expression on his face. Trump and Mussolini: Separated at birth.
5
Mo was almost at her best until she dropped the shoe that she had been watching Hannity's and O'Reilly's prosecution of Bill Clinton and Hillary for the meet-up with Loretta Lynch.
But I loved the rest of it.
I guess we will soon find out if the FBI has found that Hillary is guilty of a high crime and misdemeanors or if it's another case of an incessant FOX drumbeat being out of tune again.
My common sense says to me that even in the State Department there has to have been an IT exec responsible for the Secretary's communication tools that would have been routine department issues. If there was flexibility how is Hillary guilty? Since Secretary Powell had done the same thing what perhaps was the flaw in the IT guy's job description?
I am sure that Hillary sought privacy while she both ran the State Department and privately worked on the necessary things she had to do to get ready to run as a candidate.
It was a tough situation.
In terms of her veracity regarding a dew dozen or a few hundred emails of questionable security content I guess one has to look for intent to cheat our government and our people and sell secrets to who knows whom. Emails went to someone and so far no one has dug up smoking guns to show deep crime.
At the end of the day the GOP propaganda system is only looking for Hillary warts and its set of collected offenses (all incredible scandals) which are found in FOX's tunes and lyrics and all over the GOP's network of wing-nut outlets.
But I loved the rest of it.
I guess we will soon find out if the FBI has found that Hillary is guilty of a high crime and misdemeanors or if it's another case of an incessant FOX drumbeat being out of tune again.
My common sense says to me that even in the State Department there has to have been an IT exec responsible for the Secretary's communication tools that would have been routine department issues. If there was flexibility how is Hillary guilty? Since Secretary Powell had done the same thing what perhaps was the flaw in the IT guy's job description?
I am sure that Hillary sought privacy while she both ran the State Department and privately worked on the necessary things she had to do to get ready to run as a candidate.
It was a tough situation.
In terms of her veracity regarding a dew dozen or a few hundred emails of questionable security content I guess one has to look for intent to cheat our government and our people and sell secrets to who knows whom. Emails went to someone and so far no one has dug up smoking guns to show deep crime.
At the end of the day the GOP propaganda system is only looking for Hillary warts and its set of collected offenses (all incredible scandals) which are found in FOX's tunes and lyrics and all over the GOP's network of wing-nut outlets.
7
I would have thought the editors told you to be fresh and stop the snark on the Clintons. Your opinions have turned into comic book fare. It ends up at the same place. The Hero always wins , and the fun is how he/she gets there. Obviously , your boss sent you to Europe for something insightful about Brexit.You start out at a different spot and quickly push back to what is familiar.So the trip you weave is pedestrian. Besides , Trump isn't blond. His master race hair comes from a bottle.
15
This one can be divided into three parts the first section I really like MoDo travelling solo and her discomfort being in a foreign Country totally unrecognized and talked down by the maître d'.
Then there was Trump once her favorite person and not so favorite anymore. The thin skinned insecure man eavesdropping on his employees conversation.
And of course ended with the Bill Clinton trying to ruin his wife`s chances by taking everything in his own hand not realizing the President belongs in the past.
The there is Bernie Sanders waiting behind the curtain hoping Hillary to take a fall.
It is Hillary time now these men needs to step aside.
Then there was Trump once her favorite person and not so favorite anymore. The thin skinned insecure man eavesdropping on his employees conversation.
And of course ended with the Bill Clinton trying to ruin his wife`s chances by taking everything in his own hand not realizing the President belongs in the past.
The there is Bernie Sanders waiting behind the curtain hoping Hillary to take a fall.
It is Hillary time now these men needs to step aside.
8
'I DID something in Paris last Saturday night that I’ve never done before.'
Photographed your dessert?
(you know that's why this young sommelier told you before that Le Restaurant is a 'restaurant gastronomic' to warn you - that you don't do what American Tourist in France constantly do -photograph the food they eat)
Photographed your dessert?
(you know that's why this young sommelier told you before that Le Restaurant is a 'restaurant gastronomic' to warn you - that you don't do what American Tourist in France constantly do -photograph the food they eat)
9
This column, taken in combination with the Rifleman column a year or so ago, a column in which Maureen extolled the virtues of spending Saturday mornings watching reruns of the Rifleman for its moral lessons, paints a picture of a NY Times columnist who is strikingly lonely and somewhat out of touch. Is it any wonder she is so beholden to one of her only friends, as flawed as that friend is?
14
Actually The Rifleman really did have some good lessons and messages.
1
Leaders don't look backward and pine and whine about what once was. Leaders look forward, reinventing their nations to exude new greatness. I could go on but in short Trump is no leader and neither is Boris. And Bill Clinton? Dude, what were you thinking?
1
This time I had to read all the way to the end before Dowd's "Classic Hate Clintons at all Times and in all Columns" event happened. But, sure enough, there it was. I have long contended that Ms. Dowd had some kind of personal run in with Bill Clinton and she's never gotten over it. It's the only explanation for her intense ire. In this column, she's alone in a restaurant (who cares?) enters into a tete a tete between Boris and Donald but manages to "get" Bill at the end. The column should have been turned down for discontinuity. Bad, bad. Why did I bother to read it?
24
How is it a columnist for the NYT can't find someone to eat with in Paris on a Saturday night. Sad!
2
I had french fries at a local fast food joint, last night.
18
I was wondering what the point of this was as well.
5
Maureen,
I always enjoyed eating alone, even as a young man.
However, I took care to bring along reading material that supported the evening.
Newspapers?
Now, they all read like the National Enquirer, and, contain lengthy treatise' on the latest spoiled, immature, born rich, Caucasian male that the Repubs have foisted upon me/us.
I recommend, for alone Saturday nights, "The Keeper of the Bees". By Stratton-Porter.
Perfect for an evening out, alone.
I always enjoyed eating alone, even as a young man.
However, I took care to bring along reading material that supported the evening.
Newspapers?
Now, they all read like the National Enquirer, and, contain lengthy treatise' on the latest spoiled, immature, born rich, Caucasian male that the Repubs have foisted upon me/us.
I recommend, for alone Saturday nights, "The Keeper of the Bees". By Stratton-Porter.
Perfect for an evening out, alone.
2
"Trump can amplify a few crimes by undocumented Mexican immigrants and spin them into an indictment of an entire nation."
Wow. Spoken with the authentic disdain for the unwashed masses that is the hallmark of the elite ruling class.
It's not a "few crimes", Ms. Dowd. It's tens of thousands. It's a grieving father who lost his teenage son to an illegal immigrant in Los Angeles, and a wife and mother whose two 20-something sons and her husband who were shot to death by an illegal from El Salvador who was sheltered from the law by San Francisco's sanctuary city status, and a mother in Texas whose college age son was beaten to death by an illegal, and two Native Americans who were shot to death a couple months ago on their reservation by an illegal Mexican immigrant, and Kate Steinle, and countless others, which the Times and other liberal media outlets do their best to ignore.
Yours, and the liberal elites response is essentially, "Shut up, bury your loved ones, and celebrate diversity."
The Democratic Party seems to care more about illegal immigrants than they do about the American people.
And you wonder why Trump has so much support?
Wow. Spoken with the authentic disdain for the unwashed masses that is the hallmark of the elite ruling class.
It's not a "few crimes", Ms. Dowd. It's tens of thousands. It's a grieving father who lost his teenage son to an illegal immigrant in Los Angeles, and a wife and mother whose two 20-something sons and her husband who were shot to death by an illegal from El Salvador who was sheltered from the law by San Francisco's sanctuary city status, and a mother in Texas whose college age son was beaten to death by an illegal, and two Native Americans who were shot to death a couple months ago on their reservation by an illegal Mexican immigrant, and Kate Steinle, and countless others, which the Times and other liberal media outlets do their best to ignore.
Yours, and the liberal elites response is essentially, "Shut up, bury your loved ones, and celebrate diversity."
The Democratic Party seems to care more about illegal immigrants than they do about the American people.
And you wonder why Trump has so much support?
We the American people are ALL IMMIGRANTS (unless you are a member of a recognized tribe!) How quickly we forget this when demonizing the latest wave of unwashed masses yearning to breathe free.
The problems is not the illegal immigrants, it's our legal immigration process is broken and needs to be fixed. Unfortunately, Republicans would much rather point to 'them' in fear and blame than actually come up with immigration reform.
Your focus was on crimes committed by illegals and this is bigotry. While the families of crime victims deserve our sympathy, targeting 'illegals' does not provide any comfort or solutions. We need to get serious about issues like guns, and immigration reform. Playing the 'blame game' is a waste of time. There are more crimes committed every day by legal citizens! For example, Chicago is a war zone comparable with Benghazi - except on a daily basis. But that's ok, right? After all, they are mostly brown people killing each other, right? This is the problem Europe is having - xenophobia. Our pluralistic society absorbs the new arrivals, after the requisite fear and loathing, eventually they just become Americans. That is our strength, not our weakness. Instead of just grilling hot dogs and swilling beer, take a moment to thank your ancestors for making the trek here, suffering the indignities of being the 'new kids on the block' and show a little compassion for those on that journey now. And have a Happy 4th of July!
The problems is not the illegal immigrants, it's our legal immigration process is broken and needs to be fixed. Unfortunately, Republicans would much rather point to 'them' in fear and blame than actually come up with immigration reform.
Your focus was on crimes committed by illegals and this is bigotry. While the families of crime victims deserve our sympathy, targeting 'illegals' does not provide any comfort or solutions. We need to get serious about issues like guns, and immigration reform. Playing the 'blame game' is a waste of time. There are more crimes committed every day by legal citizens! For example, Chicago is a war zone comparable with Benghazi - except on a daily basis. But that's ok, right? After all, they are mostly brown people killing each other, right? This is the problem Europe is having - xenophobia. Our pluralistic society absorbs the new arrivals, after the requisite fear and loathing, eventually they just become Americans. That is our strength, not our weakness. Instead of just grilling hot dogs and swilling beer, take a moment to thank your ancestors for making the trek here, suffering the indignities of being the 'new kids on the block' and show a little compassion for those on that journey now. And have a Happy 4th of July!
8
No, it's not bigotry. It's the truth. Illegal immigrants are flooding the country, and many Americans have not only lost their jobs to illegals, they've lost their lives. Here's the latest:
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/07/02/mexican-national-char...
And the only thing that's broken about our immigration system is the Democrats' refusal to enforce immigration laws. They care more about getting more votes and more power and more money than they do about Americans' lives and safety!
I have no problem with legal immigration. I have many close friends who are first generation legal immigrants, and they are wonderful people. But, illegal immigration and sanctuary cities have got to stop.
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/07/02/mexican-national-char...
And the only thing that's broken about our immigration system is the Democrats' refusal to enforce immigration laws. They care more about getting more votes and more power and more money than they do about Americans' lives and safety!
I have no problem with legal immigration. I have many close friends who are first generation legal immigrants, and they are wonderful people. But, illegal immigration and sanctuary cities have got to stop.
It is the lies and misinformation that propel Boris and Trump. Have we lost our sense of decency (paraphrasing Special Counsel for the Army Joseph N. Welch, testifying before Joseph McCarthy and the subcommittee’s chief counsel, Roy Cohn)? Why does our religious right focus on vaginas and bathroom use instead of very large moral problems like this one? Where is the moral majority when we need them?
3
Nasty, sour and dishonest is no way to go through life.
Many Mexican immigrants who are legal are thrilled to have someone promising to protect their communities -- the front lines in this war -- from maurauding, criminal mobs.
So are many other Americans.
I'd think you would oppose enforcing a nation of serf workers where minorities especially suffer chronic unemployment and underemployment.
But apparently, your comfort -- and under the table childcare and lawnworkers and cheaper hotels with temp slaves changing your linens -- plus all the virtue signalling you can gorge -- is far too tempting to peek out from, into reality's harsh truths.
Many Mexican immigrants who are legal are thrilled to have someone promising to protect their communities -- the front lines in this war -- from maurauding, criminal mobs.
So are many other Americans.
I'd think you would oppose enforcing a nation of serf workers where minorities especially suffer chronic unemployment and underemployment.
But apparently, your comfort -- and under the table childcare and lawnworkers and cheaper hotels with temp slaves changing your linens -- plus all the virtue signalling you can gorge -- is far too tempting to peek out from, into reality's harsh truths.
3
Somehow, Maureen, you manage to conclude your column with a knife twist into Hillary for the tarmac episode, although it seems entirely unrelated to your preceding (and as always, very well written) narrative.
If Hillary was the husband, I wonder if she'd be held so accountable to her spouse's behavior? And I mean even in the context of that spouse having been president.
If Hillary was the husband, I wonder if she'd be held so accountable to her spouse's behavior? And I mean even in the context of that spouse having been president.
9
I was wondering how long it would take Maureen to get around to trashing Hillary. This time she saved it almost towards the end, but it was as predictable as Donald Trump's fulminations about Mexicans. She writes about wall paper and her dinner and snotty French sommeliers, and seems to think this passes for intelligent political analysis. Her slow, sad decline from a witty and incisive political columnist to a predictable, entirely self-referential "look at me!" kind of writer seems to mirror a similar sad decline in conservative thought (and its current orangutan standard bearer). Maybe it's time for her to go. It seems her thoughts now more appropriately belong in the style section rather than the op-ed columns of a serious newspaper. Poor Maureen! Go have another helping of mousse, dear.
16
Why does Maureen hate the Clintons? Some personal slight? Or just the realization that Bill and Hillary have gotten away with so much and that Hillary will likely pull off the final coup by getting elected the first female president?
As a 14 year American expat in France, I was more fascinated by how a worldly journalist like Maureen didn't remember to call down from her room to make a reservation for dinner. To show up alone with no reservation at an upscale Paris hotel restaurant is strangely inept even for we Americans who think we are always welcome because we have money!
As a 14 year American expat in France, I was more fascinated by how a worldly journalist like Maureen didn't remember to call down from her room to make a reservation for dinner. To show up alone with no reservation at an upscale Paris hotel restaurant is strangely inept even for we Americans who think we are always welcome because we have money!
12
Where else would Maureen Dowd be in Paris but at a hotel bar where Mick Jagger or Johnny Depp might drop in? If only Donald had magically appeared instead, swept her off her feet and danced her around the restaurant like Steve Martin and Gilda Radner in the old SNL routine. She could have stared longingly at him in the eyes and said, "We'll always have Paris."
8
Well said. Ms. Dowd just can't seem to let go of Donald (or Hillary)
2
And, of course, he would have replied to her, "What's in it for me?"
4
"But I was in France for work for the week..."
You call writing an op-ed once a week, and getting paid to go to Paris for a week work? Wow, are you detached from reality.
NYT, it's time to give Maureen some more free time on the unemployment line, and hand over her column to someone, maybe one of the top commentators who post far deeper and more insightful thoughts that Miss Dowd.
I nominate gemli.
You call writing an op-ed once a week, and getting paid to go to Paris for a week work? Wow, are you detached from reality.
NYT, it's time to give Maureen some more free time on the unemployment line, and hand over her column to someone, maybe one of the top commentators who post far deeper and more insightful thoughts that Miss Dowd.
I nominate gemli.
23
I love L'Hotel! Obviously it is inspiring you in this lovely piece. I wonder what Oscar Wilde would have said about Trump and Boris, I am sure he would indicate that their hair tells you everything you need to know, Boris's chaotic, attention grabbing hair and Trump's Fake piece.
1
The attorney general must resign.
Excellent dessert choice, Maureen.
Excellent dessert choice, Maureen.
2
Why should the AG resign? I feel sorry for her --- she is being asked to carry the weight of the Clintons. (Like she could tell Bill Clinton he wasn't welcome on her plane?)
6
"Was it something I wore?"
Possibly. They're on the metric system in France and it sounds like you ordered a Quarter Pounder w/ Cheese.
And while in France you could have written about France, about Marine Le Pen maybe. Asked her about the shantytown by the Calais Chunnel or about the garbage strike. Could have really faced your fear and visited a banlieu for some shawarma, ditching your von Furstenberg for a shador.
But no.
You went to Paris and wrote about Trump and Boris. You squandered a chance. Your readers are largely Trumped and Brexited out.
Possibly. They're on the metric system in France and it sounds like you ordered a Quarter Pounder w/ Cheese.
And while in France you could have written about France, about Marine Le Pen maybe. Asked her about the shantytown by the Calais Chunnel or about the garbage strike. Could have really faced your fear and visited a banlieu for some shawarma, ditching your von Furstenberg for a shador.
But no.
You went to Paris and wrote about Trump and Boris. You squandered a chance. Your readers are largely Trumped and Brexited out.
20
The comparisons were terrible and forced. I thought for a second this was a mislabeled Tom Friedman column.
Johnson is a well educated, erudite, articulate individual who writes well and understands both local and European politics. He sometimes acts like a buffoon because it suits him to do so.
Trump is not articulate, erudite, or well educated and is a political bumbler. His writing is as inept as his speech. He IS a buffoon.
Johnson is a well educated, erudite, articulate individual who writes well and understands both local and European politics. He sometimes acts like a buffoon because it suits him to do so.
Trump is not articulate, erudite, or well educated and is a political bumbler. His writing is as inept as his speech. He IS a buffoon.
12
Boris the Buffoon quotes from Shakespeare while Donald the Buffoon quotes The National Enquirer. Anyone with a shred of self respect would rather dine alone than break bread with either of The Buffoons.
There are places like The Waffle House where it's perfectly acceptable to eat alone. You just have to sit at the counter ( don't take up a booth) and jaw with the waitress. But I digress.
I still get the impression Ms. Dowd has a fascination with Trump, she's not quite willing to say he's totally bankrupt of morals, courage or intelligence. She seems to think it's part of his charm and would dine with him rather than eat alone. I'd rather talk to the waitress at Waffle House.
There are places like The Waffle House where it's perfectly acceptable to eat alone. You just have to sit at the counter ( don't take up a booth) and jaw with the waitress. But I digress.
I still get the impression Ms. Dowd has a fascination with Trump, she's not quite willing to say he's totally bankrupt of morals, courage or intelligence. She seems to think it's part of his charm and would dine with him rather than eat alone. I'd rather talk to the waitress at Waffle House.
11
Regarding Bill's journey across the tarmac. That was his poor judgement--- not Hillary's.
22
Every vote cast in the November election will be an opportunity to vote against Donald Trump, arguably the worst candidate to
be put forth for the presidency by a major political party in the history of the U.S.
If this isn’t a reason to be optimistic about the future of this country, I don’t know what is.
be put forth for the presidency by a major political party in the history of the U.S.
If this isn’t a reason to be optimistic about the future of this country, I don’t know what is.
12
How else could Hillary win.
1
And just when I thought that Ms Dowd was about to provide us with a snipe-at-the-Clintons free column...
Sigh.
Sigh.
5
Yes, Bill was dumb to talk with Loretta Lynch, but it was so out-front that I doubt there's any "there" there. On the other hand, Trump has made massive solicitations for campaign contributions from foreign nationals in England, Scotland, Iceland, Denmark and Australia, an act that is black letter illegal. Nowhere have I seen this week-old story referenced in the Times. What gives, Mo?
9
Saying Boris Johnson is " more erudite and witty" than Donald Trump would seem to assume that Trump has any wit and erudition to begin with. Really Maureen, with Donald's pea-size brain and tweet- size vocabulary, have you or anyone else on the planet ever heard Donald Trump say anything even remotely erudite or witty? Poor Oscar Wilde must be turning in his grave to have to share a column with "Conman the Barbarian."
5
Boris isn't more "erudite" than the Donald. He just spouts Trumpesque nonsense with a British accent. That Americans don't see through the accent and take him for more intelligent than Trump is discouraging. With people like you out there, Maureen, we may end up with President Trump. You and others like you give cover to the monstrosity that is Donald Trump. You continue to give him free press while the vast majority of Americans are made nauseous by the thought of him. You have a very bad case of Clinton Derangement Syndrome, Maureen, as evidenced by the way you shoehorned the Clintons into this column.
6
Ms. Dowd, I can empathize.
It's very hard to go to a "gastronomic" restaurant in Paris on one's own and not feel like an interloper, even as a Parisian.
Perhaps the metaphor is lost on other readers; interlopers see more clearly what those around them pay no attention to. Interlopers are ignored or looked down upon but their freedom to reflect, alone, brings one closer to truth.
It's very hard to go to a "gastronomic" restaurant in Paris on one's own and not feel like an interloper, even as a Parisian.
Perhaps the metaphor is lost on other readers; interlopers see more clearly what those around them pay no attention to. Interlopers are ignored or looked down upon but their freedom to reflect, alone, brings one closer to truth.
1
Expense accounts are wonderful, aren't they Maureen? ;)
7
Unfortunately Maureen's solitary meal didn't give her an opportunity to digest her thoughts. This piece is an incoherent mess.
12
Thank you for that generous piece of self-disclosure Maureen, about not wanting to go to public places at night on your own.
I've got the same hang-up and haven't overcome it yet!
I've got the same hang-up and haven't overcome it yet!
2
your point being?
trump/johnson parallel …...obvious
takes courage to dine alone …..sad for a feminist (?)
clintons…again, obvious
trump/johnson parallel …...obvious
takes courage to dine alone …..sad for a feminist (?)
clintons…again, obvious
4
A weak second part in an otherwise nice article with French undertones.
Is that because you had to get Hillary and even Bill Clinton in there somewhere?
P.S. Donald Drumpf is already a losing brand. Even if he should win the presidency - which I truly don't hope - he still is and remains a losing brand. That is part of the horror. Which you still don't seem to understand.
Is that because you had to get Hillary and even Bill Clinton in there somewhere?
P.S. Donald Drumpf is already a losing brand. Even if he should win the presidency - which I truly don't hope - he still is and remains a losing brand. That is part of the horror. Which you still don't seem to understand.
6
Maureen, hon--a word of advice. :) Going out alone gives you a chance to see what you want to see and enjoy what interests you. Concentrate on the experience and what it gives you, not on what you don't "have"--or on those morons who can't deal with single women. (Better yet, take their sorry selves apart in your column. ;)) And for the love of all that is holy, quit wasting your time/money/travel opportunities on gazing enviously at the coupled. Seriously--you have options that most of us will never get, and you're spending them on feeling "outcast" cause you "ain't got a man?!" Really?!?! If one spends life trying to make it like it "should" be, one wastes life. And comparing your insides to others' seemingly-perfect outsides is a fool's errand always.
9
I have always heard/read the Wilde quote differently, more simply. He supposedly, near the moment of dying, looked at the crazy pattern on the wallpaper and said, "One of us must go." and then died. Pithy is better.
Other tidbits: the Brexit vote was not about globalization, per se. It was about the attempt to create a United States of Europe, though none dare call it that. It is obvious that the various gears and other moving parts on this effort were clashing. The insistence that laws in all member nations conform to a single European standard was a hard pill to swallow, especially since there is no true "national" leader or actual, functioning legislative body with true central authority. Instead, the EU is a patched together bureaucracy, as if its creators didn't want people to know what they were really up to.
Years ago, I read in the WSJ that Brussels wanted to stop all use of wood burning pizza oven across the continent on the grounds that they cause cancer. A noble effort, perhaps, but couldn't countries decide for themselves? If not, why not?
As for eastern Europeans taking the low end jobs that the "English people", especially those at the economic bottom, might want, who is to say this isn't a legit complaint? Jumping about Europe might be great, but some people would rather stay around family and friends rather than jumping to Croatia to wash dishes or sweep floors.
The EU tried to do too much through bureaucratic fiat and technocratic rule. They got burned.
Other tidbits: the Brexit vote was not about globalization, per se. It was about the attempt to create a United States of Europe, though none dare call it that. It is obvious that the various gears and other moving parts on this effort were clashing. The insistence that laws in all member nations conform to a single European standard was a hard pill to swallow, especially since there is no true "national" leader or actual, functioning legislative body with true central authority. Instead, the EU is a patched together bureaucracy, as if its creators didn't want people to know what they were really up to.
Years ago, I read in the WSJ that Brussels wanted to stop all use of wood burning pizza oven across the continent on the grounds that they cause cancer. A noble effort, perhaps, but couldn't countries decide for themselves? If not, why not?
As for eastern Europeans taking the low end jobs that the "English people", especially those at the economic bottom, might want, who is to say this isn't a legit complaint? Jumping about Europe might be great, but some people would rather stay around family and friends rather than jumping to Croatia to wash dishes or sweep floors.
The EU tried to do too much through bureaucratic fiat and technocratic rule. They got burned.
4
The sommelier was not happy because you were dining alone and probably not going to order a full bottle of wine. You were hogging a table for two, and probably were going to order an appetizer as your dinner, sit at the table reading a book for much too long, and then leave a measly tip. He just tried to scare you away with the prices. Good for you for ordering dessert. The essay was nice, and yes, the similarities between Boris and Donald are sadly, remarkable, but i particularly liked the Oscar Wilde quotes.
4
You failed to close the story in not circling back to the restaurant.
2
I'm probably not the first to see the flip side of the tarmac debacle: this settles the issue. By declaring her final decision apolitical, Mrs Lynch has cleared the airwaves of uncertainty. This is good for Clinton, a clear statement that she is not being treated preferentially, that despite an ex-president for husband and years of service at the cusp of American politics, she is just an ordinary citizen in the eyes of the law. Reborn from the ashes, she will be no match for Trump. Assuming she is cleared. A Clintexit gamble?
1
Hi Maureen - still obsessed with the powerful men who didn't pick you, thus you dine alone......Trump, ummm-uh and of course how could you not perhaps re-interpret a meeting between Bill and Loretta. Who is it you would like to be president?? I haven't figured it out yet, have you?
6
I enjoy my own company to include dining out with myself. For other patrons who don't know what to make of it all... "what -ever" !
I have a good friend who lives in London. The other day I shared, Trump and Johnson, twin sons of different mothers ? I received a nod and an explanation point. Let's hope Trump is pushed aside like Johnson. Sadly this election is the choice of "the evil of the 2 lessers" and it is Clinton. let's hope during her 4 year term we find candidates who better fit the bill of commander and chief . Surely, They are out there somewhere !
I have a good friend who lives in London. The other day I shared, Trump and Johnson, twin sons of different mothers ? I received a nod and an explanation point. Let's hope Trump is pushed aside like Johnson. Sadly this election is the choice of "the evil of the 2 lessers" and it is Clinton. let's hope during her 4 year term we find candidates who better fit the bill of commander and chief . Surely, They are out there somewhere !
Wow. For a few minutes I thought I might be able to finally say that her column had something interesting to say. But alas, Maureen didn't disappoint. She couldn't finish her Paris' adventures without a swipe at Hillary. Is this lady ever able to write anything that doesn't include a kick at HRC and the Clintons? Bill's visit with the AG was ill timed and certainly reflected poor judgment. But I can't believe for a minute that his intention was to influence the ongoing investigation of his wife's emails. He is far too smart for that. We all no this could have been done without anyone's knowledge or his finger prints. Sorry you had to dine alone, Maureen. What if Bill or Hillary showed up. Would you have accepted a seat at their table, as painful as it would have been to accept such an invitation?
13
I did something last night I think the world should know: I ate alone in a swanky London restaurant. Yes, by myself! The very same one that Sir Paul, Elton and Adele sometimes frequent.
Why alone? Although I've been in London many times, I have no friends in this town. Draw your own conclusions.
I nibbled at my poached salmon and kale, then ordered the crème brulee and pondered, how bizarre are those Clintons?
Check!
www.newyorkgritty.net
Why alone? Although I've been in London many times, I have no friends in this town. Draw your own conclusions.
I nibbled at my poached salmon and kale, then ordered the crème brulee and pondered, how bizarre are those Clintons?
Check!
www.newyorkgritty.net
15
Trump mocks with a bludgeon, not a rapier.
10
Since Johnson was born in New York, thus "native born" he can go back, resume his renounced citizenship, and run (with or against) Trump
Can we please all just admit that Dowd's columns are long past their peak, and that is time to ask her to step down as editorial writer?
17
For the past year or so, I assumed Ms. Dowd was auditioning for the part of TV or movie critic as all of her columns revolved around pop culture. When a full half of the column is fem-lite angst about dining alone, you have to wonder if she now wants to be the restaurant critic.
Tr$mp is compulsively watchable? Not to me. He is simply embarrassingly repulsive.
Her parallel comparisons to Johnson and Tr$mp was as superficial as the talk of their chosen hairstyles.
Ms. Dowd, we live in interesting times, and you can do better than this.
Tr$mp is compulsively watchable? Not to me. He is simply embarrassingly repulsive.
Her parallel comparisons to Johnson and Tr$mp was as superficial as the talk of their chosen hairstyles.
Ms. Dowd, we live in interesting times, and you can do better than this.
11
You can add Boris Johnson's lies and Donald Trump's lies; together they combine to a fraction of Hillary Clinton's lies.
(Ms. Dowd, aren't you an old, white voter?)
(Ms. Dowd, aren't you an old, white voter?)
3
if life gives you lemons- write another acidic column about the Clintons!
12
That's what you got out of this? Really? Because this column is, if anything, uncharacteristically light on Clinton criticism.
I like this column, but then I like Paris, like to eat, and don't like Trump; and I eat alone a lot in restaurants! I hope it isn't too narrow :)
1
I wonder what the Times accountants will say when she turns in her expense account and they get the bill for the "yuzu mousse" and "Valentin's handpicked Burgundy" and are told it's part of research for her column? I'm guessing, "C'est impossible!"
Still some great lines in the piece, all courtesy of a dead Englishman. And not that it matters but wasn't he the same guy who wrote "The Soul of Man under Socialism"?
Still some great lines in the piece, all courtesy of a dead Englishman. And not that it matters but wasn't he the same guy who wrote "The Soul of Man under Socialism"?
1
Trump is not the only one exaggerating this matter, the media is doing it, too. Yes, it was not the most fastidious thing for Mr Clinton to do. But to think that the nation's AG would discuss this matter with President Clinton is the limit of cynicism and stupidity. But then the media has to make sure that the contest moves like a horse race to keep its business going. Besides, Clintons make good target even when pitted against a compulsive, habitual liar, who also happens to be vulgarian of the first rate.
8
If Clintons change their behavior to accommodate public or media's "optics," they are cursed as being arrogant and sneaking and unauthentic. If they behave like regular people and one of them meets with a close friend at an airport, they are considered arrogant, clueless, and grossly tone deaf.
The Clintons just had a new grandchild by their only daughter. So Bill meets with an old friend and chats about it for a while... When they dodge appearances, they look sneaky, when they don't they look... sneaky and untrustworthy. Try seeing it all from their point of view. All of this stuff is just "smoke" created by millions of dollars and over twenty years of repetitive demonizing and ugly messaging, all to get people to believe exactly what the media, and So many people now believe... "Where there is smoke there is fire." The Clintons are easily the most examined couple in modern times: by now they must be royally sick of it all, all the pandering and posturing for working against the interests of their political enemies and voracious ratings hungry media....
Maybe it is time to remember: this is America. People can meet with old friends, even on airport tarmacs - even if they are Clintons.
The Clintons just had a new grandchild by their only daughter. So Bill meets with an old friend and chats about it for a while... When they dodge appearances, they look sneaky, when they don't they look... sneaky and untrustworthy. Try seeing it all from their point of view. All of this stuff is just "smoke" created by millions of dollars and over twenty years of repetitive demonizing and ugly messaging, all to get people to believe exactly what the media, and So many people now believe... "Where there is smoke there is fire." The Clintons are easily the most examined couple in modern times: by now they must be royally sick of it all, all the pandering and posturing for working against the interests of their political enemies and voracious ratings hungry media....
Maybe it is time to remember: this is America. People can meet with old friends, even on airport tarmacs - even if they are Clintons.
6
I think Bill Clinton misses being the amazing politician he was ... being in the spotlight and playing the game better than anyone else. So he grabs what chances he gets with both hands. It is almost like he could not resist walking across to meet with Loretta Lynch and use his considerable charm to "take care of this little problem for Hillary". Like Michael Jordan who returned to NBA the third time to ultimately fail (for Hornets), Bill Clinton might be doing the same. His every foray pretty much backfires. And this is why: his politics were perfect for the 80s and the 90s because he appealed to baby boomers and the way they think (their shared values). However, all other generations, millennials in particular, don't think like that at all. So what was acceptable in 90s is not acceptable in today's environment, particularly if you happen to be a Clinton.This is what he needs to understand. Hillary, finally, seems to be grasping this finally.
1
''I’ve never seen anything like that before.”
He finally should look at himself -
-(are Orange Orang Utans able to do that?)
He finally should look at himself -
-(are Orange Orang Utans able to do that?)
That treacherous Valentin:
"As I ate my avocado and yuzu mousse, and braised turbot with aniseed fragrance and maritime aster leaf, accompanied by Valentin’s handpicked Burgundy,....", I stopped at the wine. Room temperature, non? Perfect accompaniment pour le turbot and the maritime, parfait!
But all well in line with a night out in the city of light doing what? Musing on B&D starting with OW, all capped with B&H.
A bientot!
"As I ate my avocado and yuzu mousse, and braised turbot with aniseed fragrance and maritime aster leaf, accompanied by Valentin’s handpicked Burgundy,....", I stopped at the wine. Room temperature, non? Perfect accompaniment pour le turbot and the maritime, parfait!
But all well in line with a night out in the city of light doing what? Musing on B&D starting with OW, all capped with B&H.
A bientot!
1
I continue to watch this election cycle with the feeling of a bizarre dream which hasn't yet turned into a nightmare. That's the feeling I get from Ms. Dowd's piece this morning. But, since America elected the incompetent clown George W.Bush for 2 terms, I would not be at all shocked if Trump is voted into office. Not pleased, but certainly not shocked. After all, how many years has FOX News been on the air?
5
As a working woman, I'm nowhere near the professional privilege of Ms Dowd, but I trained myself years ago to eat alone in restaurants when travelling for work or when my spouse was away from home on work. I can do it without the props of books or newspapers, too. I've even done it in France.
11
Maureen, you are like women I know who are attracted to bad men. Your attraction to bad boys the likes of Donald Trump is palpable. Your scorn for the Clintons is as well. I was hoping some time off would give you perspective about your same, tired columns. Didn't happen.
Interesting you felt exposed as a single woman dining at a restaurant. Have you ever wondered about those you write about, and how uncomfortable they must feel at times when they read what you have written about them. I'm not just talking about being inappropriately dressed for a particular restaurant, or being without a dining companion, I'm talking about things that can affect people's lives. Must be a real power trip to know you have control when you sit down to write about people, unlike being in restaurant dining alone, where others are scrutinizing you.
Interesting you felt exposed as a single woman dining at a restaurant. Have you ever wondered about those you write about, and how uncomfortable they must feel at times when they read what you have written about them. I'm not just talking about being inappropriately dressed for a particular restaurant, or being without a dining companion, I'm talking about things that can affect people's lives. Must be a real power trip to know you have control when you sit down to write about people, unlike being in restaurant dining alone, where others are scrutinizing you.
14
Maureen, please be real. Don't be sucked into the Right Wing propaganda machine, which can blow up the squashing a cockroach into an obvious conflict of interest with the "Green" cause.
You seem to flirt with the possibility that "The Drumf" has a message of equal validity with the slim Brexit majority in England, and never mind the buyers' remorse that sweeps the UK today.
What you hear and see in Parisian restaurants today is familiar. When I was there in my 20s, just after the successful launch of a grapefruit-sized satellite as a response to the huge USSR Sputnick, French waiters gloried in asking "Grapefruit, monsieur?" I took it as a good chuckle, and so should you.
They love that! The French... ever situated for a good laugh at "Les Americaines" and our concept of "exceptionalism"... which is being stretched rather thinly - to the breaking point, actually -- with the Drumpf phenomenon.
From now on, a suggestion: don't spread newspapers over your table in a futile attempt to impress or to justify your aloneness. Instead... a good paperback novel! Think: "Washington's Immortals", to draw the conversation into especially American territory. There, "they" are lost, and you're far, far ahead. Try it! You'll like it!
You seem to flirt with the possibility that "The Drumf" has a message of equal validity with the slim Brexit majority in England, and never mind the buyers' remorse that sweeps the UK today.
What you hear and see in Parisian restaurants today is familiar. When I was there in my 20s, just after the successful launch of a grapefruit-sized satellite as a response to the huge USSR Sputnick, French waiters gloried in asking "Grapefruit, monsieur?" I took it as a good chuckle, and so should you.
They love that! The French... ever situated for a good laugh at "Les Americaines" and our concept of "exceptionalism"... which is being stretched rather thinly - to the breaking point, actually -- with the Drumpf phenomenon.
From now on, a suggestion: don't spread newspapers over your table in a futile attempt to impress or to justify your aloneness. Instead... a good paperback novel! Think: "Washington's Immortals", to draw the conversation into especially American territory. There, "they" are lost, and you're far, far ahead. Try it! You'll like it!
3
So perceptive, witty, and entertaining -- one of your best. Go to Paris more often.
The day Donald Trump sits down to write a book on Shakespeare will be the day the New World Order finally comes into power. That is to say, never.
4
This was less annoying than most of Dowd's columns. Well, until we got to the end and she couldn't resist dropping her Euro-Trump fun to jab the Clintons.
4
The airport incident is straight out of the TV show "Scandal" where President Grant exits Air Force One on the tarmac to chat with his ex-wife Milly Grant whose plane is also stuck on the tarmac. They stood out in the open so the press could see them but not hear them.
Hillary- hire Shonda.
Hillary- hire Shonda.
1
I have just finished reading the two books about the murder of six million Jews and eight million others by Yale's insightful Timothy Snyder. These books are about WHY the Holocaust and other tragedies happened.
The basic cause was Hitler's mistake about the roots of the world's problems. Hitler thought the Jews caused Communism, Capitalism and Christianity, which are what he blamed for poverty, depressions and wars.
Hitler was wrong. The Jews did not cause these things. The causes are complex. But Hitler sold the simple idea that the Jews were responsible, and that led to both the death of half of the world's Jews and tens of millions of Hitler's Germans. All because he was wrong and nobody argued with him.
Well maybe Trump and Johnson are wrong too. The immigrants may not be the problem. Globalization may not be the culprit. It is pretty certain that part of the problem is the growing inequality in America, in England and everywhere else too. And the wealthy will fight tenaciously to keep their advantages. That means that other culprits, or scapegoats, will be held up by the likes of Trump and Johnson and Putin.
To see what should be done, go to YouTube and watch Comedy Party Platform (2 min 9 sec). Send a thank you to Bernie Sanders, invite me to speak. Thanks. [email protected]
The basic cause was Hitler's mistake about the roots of the world's problems. Hitler thought the Jews caused Communism, Capitalism and Christianity, which are what he blamed for poverty, depressions and wars.
Hitler was wrong. The Jews did not cause these things. The causes are complex. But Hitler sold the simple idea that the Jews were responsible, and that led to both the death of half of the world's Jews and tens of millions of Hitler's Germans. All because he was wrong and nobody argued with him.
Well maybe Trump and Johnson are wrong too. The immigrants may not be the problem. Globalization may not be the culprit. It is pretty certain that part of the problem is the growing inequality in America, in England and everywhere else too. And the wealthy will fight tenaciously to keep their advantages. That means that other culprits, or scapegoats, will be held up by the likes of Trump and Johnson and Putin.
To see what should be done, go to YouTube and watch Comedy Party Platform (2 min 9 sec). Send a thank you to Bernie Sanders, invite me to speak. Thanks. [email protected]
9
Snyder's Black Earth is mandatory reading for anyone who comments on the Holocaust and wants to be taken seriously.
2
Do I really care what you had for dinner? Do you care what I had? How self-indulgent can these journalists get?
14
The waiter was trying to do Ms. Dowd a favor and warn Ms. Dowd that the restaurant specialized in "new trends". Should she ever work up the courage to go out alone again to eat, a phobia somewhat foolish when one travels on work or business, then she has numerous other options for gastronomy as a backdrop for columns:
http://en.parisinfo.com/where-to-eat-in-paris/gastronomic-restaurants
http://en.parisinfo.com/where-to-eat-in-paris/gastronomic-restaurants
5
Perhaps Ms. Dowd should get over herself, maunder less about how picked-on she is, maybe even check her extraordinary privilege--I loathe that sort of ohrase, unless we're talking about the haughty&mighty--and trundle her fat tailfeathers out to Pere Lachaise.
Where Wilde, who wrote well and hid in closets and was jailed for being homosexual and about whom--unabashed pug here--Joanna Russ wrote the great story about Wilde in hell, is buried. Behind plexiglass screens and a couple goofy Sphinxes.
Not so tereibly far from Chopin, and a ton of others who made music and art and who hoped and dreamed, despite the petty little bigots that Maureen Dowd, still 'bive the ground, is too chicken to stand up to.
This is a shameful column.
Where Wilde, who wrote well and hid in closets and was jailed for being homosexual and about whom--unabashed pug here--Joanna Russ wrote the great story about Wilde in hell, is buried. Behind plexiglass screens and a couple goofy Sphinxes.
Not so tereibly far from Chopin, and a ton of others who made music and art and who hoped and dreamed, despite the petty little bigots that Maureen Dowd, still 'bive the ground, is too chicken to stand up to.
This is a shameful column.
4
That time that Maureen was traumatized by seeing her ex at a movie with a pretty date, I wonder if that date was Hillary Clinton? How else to explain Maureen's rabid obsession with the Democrats' presumptive nominee? I've often puzzled over Dowd's Javert-like pursuit of HRC. Perhaps that is the reason behind it. Please come clean, Maureen. Inquiring minds want to know. Oh, and by the way, you write that Boris is 'more erudite' than Donald. Wrong! Donald is not erudite at all. You may write well, but your judgment is way off.
13
I guess I am not sophisticated enough to connect the dots between Ms. Dowd's dislike of dining alone, similarities between Trump and Jinnson and Bill Clintion's perpetually cluelessness regarding optics.
5
We sure had to wade through a lot to get to the crux of this story.
5
Precious. Revealing more of the author than her subjects.
As to her Trump-crush, does he truly possess charm? We need a more specific recollection, since Miss D is offering her sensibility. Not personally knowing Trump, I might say, "a mixture of bullying, bellowing, bragging, bluster and prevarication."
Donald Trump is about as charming as a hemorrhoid. If he has a rapier wit, it is obscured by the sweep of his baseball bat. He's as subtle as a rhino in heat, but not as straightforward.
He thinks he's entitled to a pass on his con games, and those who think otherwise he sneeringly accuses of dishonesty...or whatever else he can imagine. He's the spoiled child who raises hell if he is not immediately fed his dessert. Are other countries supposed to find this behavior "tough" or "winning"?
He is one of those entitled and grossly domineering people who make me want to leave whatever room they are in.
I'd like to see this space filled with a detailed account of the items he's put on the table, their worth and their depth. From her inside connection to this charmer, Ms. Dowd could maybe tell us a thing or two we do not know, a hint, perhaps, as to the nature of his hidden tax returns...or the circumstances which bring forth his "charm."
Or something. There must be some unique inner worth that formerly drew her interest and respect. Or is he merely a foil,
a front to hide behind for the next catty remark about Hillary?
As to her Trump-crush, does he truly possess charm? We need a more specific recollection, since Miss D is offering her sensibility. Not personally knowing Trump, I might say, "a mixture of bullying, bellowing, bragging, bluster and prevarication."
Donald Trump is about as charming as a hemorrhoid. If he has a rapier wit, it is obscured by the sweep of his baseball bat. He's as subtle as a rhino in heat, but not as straightforward.
He thinks he's entitled to a pass on his con games, and those who think otherwise he sneeringly accuses of dishonesty...or whatever else he can imagine. He's the spoiled child who raises hell if he is not immediately fed his dessert. Are other countries supposed to find this behavior "tough" or "winning"?
He is one of those entitled and grossly domineering people who make me want to leave whatever room they are in.
I'd like to see this space filled with a detailed account of the items he's put on the table, their worth and their depth. From her inside connection to this charmer, Ms. Dowd could maybe tell us a thing or two we do not know, a hint, perhaps, as to the nature of his hidden tax returns...or the circumstances which bring forth his "charm."
Or something. There must be some unique inner worth that formerly drew her interest and respect. Or is he merely a foil,
a front to hide behind for the next catty remark about Hillary?
13
Señora Maureen,
I have long enjoyed your wit, satire and facility with dichotomous comparisons. Here you employ this latter talent with your Johnson -Trump portraits, though I must admit that in this column the technique seems a bit contrived. Perhaps its the jet lag or the selection of the wrong French wine.
But I write not to praise and critique, but rather to confess that I am a bit confused.
It seems only weeks ago, you thought Trump had some promise, particularly when he was taking your calls or inviting you for one on ones in Trump Tower. Now you seem disappointed that Trump, like Johnson, seems incapable of seizing the moment.
Are you really only now becoming disillusioned with Trump? Or is it that the not-so sub-conscious Clinton obsession is really the driving force of your recent columns, including the Trump flirtation. How else to explain the Clinton cameo in this week's column that also served as your coup de grace.
Perhaps I simply missed it. From where does this Clinton hostility spring? Does this explain your willful blindness, even now, to the dangers of a Trump presidency, from his metastatic bigotry, his compulsive prevarication and his thorough lack of intellectual or policy preparation.
Please stop flirting with Donald Trump. It is beneath you. Anyone who compares fixing up a golf course to managing a super power, is clearly not fit for the presidency. And while you are at it, please explain to us what's up with the Hill/Bill thing?
I have long enjoyed your wit, satire and facility with dichotomous comparisons. Here you employ this latter talent with your Johnson -Trump portraits, though I must admit that in this column the technique seems a bit contrived. Perhaps its the jet lag or the selection of the wrong French wine.
But I write not to praise and critique, but rather to confess that I am a bit confused.
It seems only weeks ago, you thought Trump had some promise, particularly when he was taking your calls or inviting you for one on ones in Trump Tower. Now you seem disappointed that Trump, like Johnson, seems incapable of seizing the moment.
Are you really only now becoming disillusioned with Trump? Or is it that the not-so sub-conscious Clinton obsession is really the driving force of your recent columns, including the Trump flirtation. How else to explain the Clinton cameo in this week's column that also served as your coup de grace.
Perhaps I simply missed it. From where does this Clinton hostility spring? Does this explain your willful blindness, even now, to the dangers of a Trump presidency, from his metastatic bigotry, his compulsive prevarication and his thorough lack of intellectual or policy preparation.
Please stop flirting with Donald Trump. It is beneath you. Anyone who compares fixing up a golf course to managing a super power, is clearly not fit for the presidency. And while you are at it, please explain to us what's up with the Hill/Bill thing?
15
Of Trump, I could hear Mr. Wilde: "If history is any indication, Mr. Trump would drive a whorehouse on Sailor-Island into Chapter 11."
Of Mr. Clinton's visit with Ms. Lynch, Wilde would opine: "He can resist anything but temptation."
Of Mr. Clinton's visit with Ms. Lynch, Wilde would opine: "He can resist anything but temptation."
6
I understand that Boris wants to teach Donald how to play snooker. But then, I'm sure that Trumpet could show Johnson a thing or two. The FactCheckers, on both sides of The Pond must have been having a field day with these two
Snake oil, anyone?
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Snake oil, anyone?
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
2
"And many Americans wonder, if we can no longer win any war and build the best stuff, who are we?" But many Americans know how we still do well and how we have, and are, leveraging tech; MD never seemed to get the changes. She thought the old 'cultivate inside sources' was going to win the day over citizen journalism and social media. Not so much. My point? Part of the gloom with the 'elite', comes from them not being able to describe how great we continue to be as a people and as a country. Mark that up to the rapidity of current change. We do not have to become great again. We are already there, and the amount of complaints about how bad it all is, is part of the proof. If you are not bullish on America, you are not paying attention.
4
For my benefit, in the extremely improbable case that I find myself repeating Ms Dowd's adventure at a fancy french restaurant, what is "gastronomic restaurant" suppose to imply?
5
I think it means expensive, although it might also mean snobbish.
When Maureen mentioned "Royale with cheese"I'm sure many flashed to the iconic dialogue between Samuel Jackson and John Travolta in Quentin Tarantino's"Pulp Fiction". Maureen references Oscar Wilde throughout the column. Quentin Tarantino and Oscar Wilde share a genius for writing dialogue. Since Maureen is in France, the opening dialogue in the French farm house in "Inglorious Bastards" is brilliant. Oscar Wilde has quotes that capture the narcissism of Donald Trump, "I have nothing to declare except my genius"and the credibility problems of Hillary Clinton "The truth is rarely pure and never simple". A final Wilde quote that might have some campaign relevance. "It's absurd to divide people into good and bad, people are either charming or tedious".
2
Afraid to go out alone? You've probably had millions of requests for dates and thousands of proposals. Let me add mine. A beautiful, gifted woman, you should never done alone. Plus, I drive a red RAV 4. A match made in paradise.
You can take the Clintons out of Arkansas but you cannot take the Arkansas out of the Clintons.
2
"The compulsively watchable Trump...." Please explain to me why you and so many in the media are "drawn" to watch Trump? Why are you giving him so much free advertising? Apparently providing the public with stupid "trash" talking comments from Trump is "watchable" and therefore important to share?? And why are his foibles only partially noted? It was helpful for me to read the comment by Socrates who notes the contributions made by Trump while under investigation. You don't, but you make fun of Bill who apparently spent time making small talk with the Attorney General. Yes, he shouldn't have, but money wasn't being exchanged. Something you forgot to mention about Trump ... Or didn't you know?
5
I don't always read Miss Dowd's columns but I am glad I read this one. She hits all the right notes. In my 68 years I do not remember a year where we have witnessed so many Shakespearean heroes Boris, Donald, Hillary, Bill and David all possess their own Shakespearean flaw and they are all so much larger than life.
To top it all off our local French boulanger makes the most exquisite lemon tarts which are indeed works of art but to top it all off The Ballad of Reading Gaol and the stanza Yet each man kills the thing he loves.........The coward with a kiss, the brave man with a sword. has a peculiar resonance this July 4th weekend.
To top it all off our local French boulanger makes the most exquisite lemon tarts which are indeed works of art but to top it all off The Ballad of Reading Gaol and the stanza Yet each man kills the thing he loves.........The coward with a kiss, the brave man with a sword. has a peculiar resonance this July 4th weekend.
2
I do so hope Maureen Dowd will get out, and away, more often.
9
I was actually enjoying this and seeing signs of the old Maureen until she got to the end. Of course it had to be an ad hominem non sequitur attack by implication on Hillary.
And also: "there is no moral justification for white wine" -- OMG, I finally for once agree with Richard Luettgen on something! There is hope!
And also: "there is no moral justification for white wine" -- OMG, I finally for once agree with Richard Luettgen on something! There is hope!
4
So, you ran into an ex with a date 20 years ago and have deprived yourself of enjoying movies and restaurants alone all this time?? As DT would say: "Sad!" Next time you rail against Hillary for being in a fake marriage, think about the true reason for your grudge against her - perhaps your own inability to feel comfortable and confident while alone.
12
I'm not all surprised he used the word "flabbergasted". Few people realize it but in his spare time, when he's not tweeting or watching cable shows for tips on foreign affairs and military strategy, Donald is devoted to studying the Oxford English Dictionary.
Ms. Dowd, Paris has always been; at least for me, easier, and earlier on, than a lot of places to go out alone as singling dining woman. Clashing prints are indeed stylish, though more anglo for now. But in your choppy, sometimes confusing, biting way, is there some EU encoded meaning? For France should be 'clashing', as it is part of Europe, no? More on the topic of the moment, here in Belgium, watching reports on British, German, and French television, having many papers articles, in the Europe that I know so well, in the Paris I lived in for twenty four years, including frequenting the neighborhood of, and 'L'hôtel', yeah, well, the comparison of Johnson and Dump is irresistable, like a tart , starting with hair. Yes, perhaps the whole Brexit was about a 'feud' within the Conservative party? yes, as I learned, s Twiggy and the Beatles, Jean Shrimpton, first were in England as trends were. Then, they showed up in the US,five years later on the Continent! After my hefty dinner skatefish dinner with two friends last night, one a Belgian world traveller, the other, a Parisian Franco-American from New York all of us in our early sixties, talking about first times in England when we heard that 'the English have their face to the US, their back to the EU'--at the pub said more 'pungently'. Does that then mean that Brexit will lead to the break up of the US, or that the US will go back to the Britain, or only that the Dump might get elected??
Perhaps Bill is so worried about the possibility of a Hillary indictment, he didn't care about optics.
1
I've eaten dinner alone in Paris only once -- It was early so I wasn't uncomfortable. I recall that I had salmon and a green salad with tomatoes. The waiter ruthlessly corrected my French grammar. I was so nervous (about speaking un petit peu of French rather than eating alone) that I forgot that salad is a feminine noun. Quelle horreur!
4
It's an unbelievable tragedy that we're stuck with a choice between another Clinton and Trump!
I'm voting Libertarian ,again. They have the only platform that makes sense and has any chance at saving this country from slowly making it's way into oblivion.
I'm voting Libertarian ,again. They have the only platform that makes sense and has any chance at saving this country from slowly making it's way into oblivion.
2
Johnson has the intelligence, grace and, humility and good sense to know that he is not the person to lead his nation forward. If only Trump had those qualities. But then, he wouldn't be Trump.
4
You might have tried Le Maurice or L'Apage and then your silly conclusion might have been different. Firstly, Bill Clintion is not running for President and the AG might have said not today, Mr. President. But back to eating alone in Paris and the clumsiness of the moment. It is common for the finest restaurants to welcome and cater to solo diners. You might have looked like a Republican and set off alarm bells.
5
How ironic, a pampered pundit and dutiful servant of the establishment class thinks ordinary Americans having to choose between food and overpriced drugs or living with lead polluted water or crumbling bridges or below subsistence wages, are diverted by her life of luxury. How very Marie Antoinette.
11
Oh so cute. Love comments of Oscar Wilde a lot.
"How could the guy with the gold-plated political instincts not see the problem with trooping across the tarmac to surprise Loretta Lynch with a visit?"
His psychoanalyst-in-chief would say he knew exactly what he was doing........
Bill's foibles may be the ultimate straws that break the back of Hillary Rodham's aspirations.
No matter what her staff recommends, Bill has compromised Ms. Lynch's decision.
Will historians conclude he again took the path of indiscretion, "because I could"?
His psychoanalyst-in-chief would say he knew exactly what he was doing........
Bill's foibles may be the ultimate straws that break the back of Hillary Rodham's aspirations.
No matter what her staff recommends, Bill has compromised Ms. Lynch's decision.
Will historians conclude he again took the path of indiscretion, "because I could"?
3
Delighted to find this fun article free of the author's penchant for Hillary pillory. As for Bill's perceived airport transgression, it has all the substance and import of a mere celebrity siting by a freelance paparazzi. Are we to believe that there are no telephones in Washington and that chicanery can only take place face to face?
4
One more thing. Boris won!
He defeated a corrupt, arrogant - or should I say "lying, crooked" - establishment.
What does that say about The Donald's prospects?
The peasants with pitchforks do not mind if their leader does not speak in the word fog of the establishment outlets so long as he calls out that the Emperor has no clothes.
He defeated a corrupt, arrogant - or should I say "lying, crooked" - establishment.
What does that say about The Donald's prospects?
The peasants with pitchforks do not mind if their leader does not speak in the word fog of the establishment outlets so long as he calls out that the Emperor has no clothes.
1
If you're dining out alone at night, eat at the bar.
7
Ms Dowd in Paris. She had braised turbot?? I love turbot. I can't find it in NY anymore
2
I'm very interested Mr. Moderator, that my very benign comment never was posted. What's up?
6
The fact that Ms. Dowd has never gone to a restaurant alone and even has a second though about doing so explains a lot . No wonder she is so spiteful towards Hillary Clinton and her comfort in her own skin despite her husbands escapades. She is with Bill by choice not because she needs him as a diner companion or anything else. The candidate must befuddle Ms. Dowd, a woman who is so insecure that she is intimidated by something common in todays world, a woman eating alone in public. Funny, I had always assumed she was a grown up and not still living in the 50s.
35
You know what? Maureen allowed herself to be vulnerable in this essay (well, until the end when, once again, it was a stab at Hillary) and I, for one, appreciate the courage it took to confess she's scared of dining alone and being out alone in the night. So I take umbrage with your slamming comment.
1
You live in NYC and NEVER ate out alone? That is so sad! Seriously, you are missing out. Trust me, nothing will happen if you eat a wonderful,meal at one of the city's great restaurants. Who do you usually eat with? If you come to SF and are afraid, I will come with you and we can go to a movie, too.
7
I've been to Paris onetime, not completely entranced.
MONA LISA: too crowded to get close to see if she's really looking at me, but do appreciate ( basement?) flood news report last winter or spring, because I had apparently gone down there to the "le jean" aka la salle du bain aka toilette, while there is no Quickie-Burger outlet for museum appreciator in tennis shoes, bermudas, and ole baseball cap.
Hotel room booked on line apparently on sight rejected l'estrangers upon arrival and were referred to room over a noisy restaurant after walking -blocks up a hill with suit cases.
The non air conditioned room is terrific like a flood is.
Small elevator did not get stuck nor collapse
MONA LISA: too crowded to get close to see if she's really looking at me, but do appreciate ( basement?) flood news report last winter or spring, because I had apparently gone down there to the "le jean" aka la salle du bain aka toilette, while there is no Quickie-Burger outlet for museum appreciator in tennis shoes, bermudas, and ole baseball cap.
Hotel room booked on line apparently on sight rejected l'estrangers upon arrival and were referred to room over a noisy restaurant after walking -blocks up a hill with suit cases.
The non air conditioned room is terrific like a flood is.
Small elevator did not get stuck nor collapse
3
Welcome home. The food you ate was good for thought. This column is more like what I expect, Maureen-ish. One request: Would it be possible for you to explain to your readers why you hold HRC in such disdain?
14
Great Britain and the United States seem to be in a contest for 'screwing up'
their countries and right now, Great Britain is ahead, but the USA can't forget that it holds the TRUMP card!
Re Clinton/Lynch conversation: Having been told by Secret Service that
Lynch was in the plant next to his, following political protocol he could hardly
'snub' her. Just as President Obama could not 'snub' Governor Brewer on the tarmac several years ago in Arizona when she had "words" with him.
their countries and right now, Great Britain is ahead, but the USA can't forget that it holds the TRUMP card!
Re Clinton/Lynch conversation: Having been told by Secret Service that
Lynch was in the plant next to his, following political protocol he could hardly
'snub' her. Just as President Obama could not 'snub' Governor Brewer on the tarmac several years ago in Arizona when she had "words" with him.
6
The Clintons may at times be above the law.
But Trump is over his head.
In other words:
Unethical vs ineptitude
Fou.
But Trump is over his head.
In other words:
Unethical vs ineptitude
Fou.
8
Funny, we were in Paris the same week! Hope you enjoyed Fête de la Musique, easy to enjoy even if you are solo in Paris.
You're getting better, Maureen. Bill and Hillary don't arrive til dessert. What took you so long?
30
"How could the guy with the gold-plated political instincts not see the problem with trooping across the tarmac to surprise Loretta Lynch with a visit?"
So, Mo, why did Loretta invite Bill in for a chit-chat that lasted 30 minutes? She should have thrown his butt off the plane before he even crossed the threshold. How could SHE not have seen the problem from the get-go?
So, Mo, why did Loretta invite Bill in for a chit-chat that lasted 30 minutes? She should have thrown his butt off the plane before he even crossed the threshold. How could SHE not have seen the problem from the get-go?
7
Bill talked with Lynch and all about sweep server gate under the carpet.
It may be not wise , but let keep it real
Hillary will won and Reps cannot do anything to change this result.
It may be not wise , but let keep it real
Hillary will won and Reps cannot do anything to change this result.
1
In my experience, Paris (and Honfleur) waiters are kind, welcoming, and eager to please, even when a child is at the table.
The stereotypes Maureen expects readers to believe are dull, dated, and offensive.
The stereotypes Maureen expects readers to believe are dull, dated, and offensive.
13
The Donald not seeing anything like Bill's visit to the Attorney General before! And Ms Dowd might agree! He and she might look in a mirror. Also, it's very surprising that Ms Dowd is so nervous about going it alone. Very surprising. Relax!
3
I don't think much of Dowd's Johnson/Trump parallels. Dorothy Parker said that when talking to an educated Englishman, she always felt as if she had a papoose strapped to her back. Boris Johnson can have that same effect, but it's easy to feel superior to Donald Trump. He's just another one of those intellectually incurious, poorly educated egotists who confuses financial success--of a dubious kind--with the ability to understand complicated problems that are at various and unique stages of development.
15
Several paragraphs about eating alone in Paris and nary a one about the recent flooding there. Wake up and look around
4
Government attorneys are ethically bound to avoid even "the appearance of impropriety.” Attorney General Lynch was in way over her head in dealing with slick operators like the Clintons, and now she is taking the heat for both The Big Dog and Mrs. Clinton.
Hillary knew her private email server was subject to hacking by Russia, China, or North Korea (which, as you may recall, successfully hacked the supposedly iron-clad server at SONY Studios).
After Lynch’s unbelievable attempt to kick the can of Mrs. Clinton’s email investigation twenty-two months done the road, she panicked and punted the Clinton Hot Potato into FBI Director Comey’s lap. Comey clearly brought the matter into painfully sharp focus by stating flatly, “It’s an investigation. It’s in our name.” Comey will not leave his Directorship at the FBI smeared with same stain that the Clintons have cast over Lynch.
If Bernie had gone after Mrs. Clinton’s email malefactions like he would have with any male rival, he’d have gotten the media bump to beat her for the nomination.
Attorney General Lynch will end up with her reputation in tatters as she is saddled as the fall-gal in the wake of yet another Clinton hustle.
And Obama's legacy, sadly, will be marred by Mrs. Clinton's subterfuge while at State. Unfortunately, Mr. Obama never learned Woody Allen's classic maxim, so appropriately applied to his dealings with Mrs. Clinton, "You always think you're the one who's gonna make 'em act different."
Hillary knew her private email server was subject to hacking by Russia, China, or North Korea (which, as you may recall, successfully hacked the supposedly iron-clad server at SONY Studios).
After Lynch’s unbelievable attempt to kick the can of Mrs. Clinton’s email investigation twenty-two months done the road, she panicked and punted the Clinton Hot Potato into FBI Director Comey’s lap. Comey clearly brought the matter into painfully sharp focus by stating flatly, “It’s an investigation. It’s in our name.” Comey will not leave his Directorship at the FBI smeared with same stain that the Clintons have cast over Lynch.
If Bernie had gone after Mrs. Clinton’s email malefactions like he would have with any male rival, he’d have gotten the media bump to beat her for the nomination.
Attorney General Lynch will end up with her reputation in tatters as she is saddled as the fall-gal in the wake of yet another Clinton hustle.
And Obama's legacy, sadly, will be marred by Mrs. Clinton's subterfuge while at State. Unfortunately, Mr. Obama never learned Woody Allen's classic maxim, so appropriately applied to his dealings with Mrs. Clinton, "You always think you're the one who's gonna make 'em act different."
1
Several paragraphs about eating alone in Paris, but nayy a one about the flooding there. Wake up, Maureen, it is not all about you!
Not to mention the rest of the fluff here.
Not to mention the rest of the fluff here.
3
What flabbergasted me when I read this article is that anyone visiting Paris would eat peanuts from a mini bar instead of real Parisisn food! The rest of the article is just more of the same Clinton Trump back and forth. I'm tired.
11
Ms Dowd, You always write well. Frequently the substance is less compelling. But this column is both entertaining and thoughtful. Good job. There is hope for you yet.
2
So how was the food?
1
I do enjoy Maureen’s travel to they are all disasters, a long slow realization shared by many. Paris can clear the mind, the evening air.
1
Jeez, Maureen, I was really enjoying your story of solitary sojourn to the hoity-toity Parisian greasy spoon,( and typically snooty French attitudes) then you had to go and ruin it by bringing us back to the disgusting real world realities of Brexit, Boris, "The" Donald, and Slick Willy, of whom, collectively, all everything that can be said about them has been said.
I for one would like to know, how was the avocado and yuzu mousse, braised turbot, and most of all the Italian lemon meringue with gold leaf?
Sounds really decadent. And really, really yummy...
I for one would like to know, how was the avocado and yuzu mousse, braised turbot, and most of all the Italian lemon meringue with gold leaf?
Sounds really decadent. And really, really yummy...
2
What is one of the sharpest op-ed writers & most attractive journalists of her generation doing eating alone in Paris? It makes me sad that there is nothing I could have done about it even if I had known.
1
Ms. Dowd, I'm flabbergasted that a woman your age has never dined out alone. What a loss (for you). I've been dining out happily (often alone) since I've been old enough to pay for myself. And I'm about your age.
To the subject at hand, I think your shock should not be wasted on the predictable. That Bill Clinton would stop to charm the pants of anyone is not exactly a surprise. What still shocks is that Trump is the Republican candidate-to-be and that people, that members of that party have endorsed him and that some will actually vote for him in November. We can never be shocked enough about how we've arrived at this point.
To the subject at hand, I think your shock should not be wasted on the predictable. That Bill Clinton would stop to charm the pants of anyone is not exactly a surprise. What still shocks is that Trump is the Republican candidate-to-be and that people, that members of that party have endorsed him and that some will actually vote for him in November. We can never be shocked enough about how we've arrived at this point.
19
Horrible column, and the cheapest room there is 300 Euros. A decadent moment at the New York Times.
22
I wish I had something substantive to say about this piece, but I can't get past that picture of the lemon tart. I suppose it can be a metaphor for the sour taste of the politics Ms. Dowd is describing, and I can certainly see the tart as a doppelganger for the Johnson/Trump craniums, but I'm stuck on how the picture came about. Did she call the bureau and have a photographer come right away? Or was it set up later with a different tart? And if so, how did that conversation with the restaurant go?
In any event, I would have preferred a picture of the spot where Wilde died. It would have been a much more a propos metaphor for the topic of this column.
In any event, I would have preferred a picture of the spot where Wilde died. It would have been a much more a propos metaphor for the topic of this column.
2
Lordy. The sommelier snagged Maureen because she'd come in with reading material. That suggests that she doesn't care about the food. Reading material is ok for lunch and certainly for breakfast but not in a good restaurant at dinner. She reinforced this impression when she intimated she'd run out of mini-bar snacks.
I understand the need to summon up emotional muscle to eat dinner alone in a good restaurant in a foreign city. I've done it. But a good restaurant has good staff who also understand and who give the solo diner who is actually paying attention to and enjoying the food just that little extra bit of engagement.
I understand the need to summon up emotional muscle to eat dinner alone in a good restaurant in a foreign city. I've done it. But a good restaurant has good staff who also understand and who give the solo diner who is actually paying attention to and enjoying the food just that little extra bit of engagement.
10
This being a Maureen Dowd column of course I expected the Clinton digs. After all, that's her thing. What totally amazed me though is her admitting that she has never dined out alone. Wow. That says so much more about her than her snarky columns, or perhaps helps explain them. What level of insecurity does it take for this woman of accomplishment (such as it is) and wealth, to be afraid to enter a restaurant on her own? Men do it all the time. I am a divorced woman who greatly enjoys all sorts of restaurants. I have had some of my most interesting conversations sitting at the bar alone and talking to people I might not usually interact with. Frequently several people join in a conversation, even some who are there with dates. And if not, I am happy with my own thoughts and content with a good meal. Women should not feel they need to stay home rather than venture out on their own. I'm pretty shocked at this and hope women won't see Dowd as a role model. Terrible condemnation of women.
20
More importantly, how was the lemon tart?
4
Does being "anti-elite" make you a working-class hero? Does being pro-immigrant make you anti-labor?
Insults have become absurd.
Insults have become absurd.
4
Boris was stabbed in the back by his weasel would be campaign manager; a man of obvious negative charisma. It's harder to stab in the back Trump and his $ 11 billion. Especially as Trump is incredibly the last Republican candidate standing. Liberals are blind to Hillary's baggage but baggage she has. Trump's not as dumb as we though. Like it or not, he's pretty much a campaigning genius at least if you go by results. Trump wouldn't have left Europe he would have gotten a better deal, a much better deal ! LOL.
4
Oh Mo,
Oscar, Boris and The Donald: you managed to find three major league Fops for one one column!
Oscar, Boris and The Donald: you managed to find three major league Fops for one one column!
9
The difference between Boris and Donald is that the Oxford grad always speaks eloquently in full paragraphs while the Wharton alum seldom manages to put together more than a five-word sentence. They're alike in avoiding the truth most of the time.
28
The first half of Maureen's column is a real delight. In this case, it would have been better to stop there and ditch the commentary on Brexit, Boris and Trump, but I did crack up with the "C'est impossible, fou" French dismissal of Monsieur Trump.
9
A fine Sunday essay to send to a brilliant elegant British widow of a certain age in Paris. She often give these wonderful dinner parties, and recently asked what rich Americans eat. She never eats out on her own, and even two women at a table alone at dinner, is unusual in her circle. She is highly amused by the Trump phenomenon, but I am beginning to detect some notes of gravity in her tone. This will redress her.
Re your last line: Of course he's exaggerating.
Glad you ate out while in France! They don't have food there, they have cuisine.
According to the UNESCO site, "the gastronomic meal emphasizes togetherness, the pleasure of taste, and the balance between human beings and the products of nature. . . . The gastronomic meal should respect a fixed structure, commencing with an apéritif (drinks before the meal) and ending with liqueurs, containing in between at least four successive courses, namely a starter, fish and/or meat with vegetables, cheese and dessert. Individuals called gastronomes who possess deep knowledge of the tradition and preserve its memory watch over the living practice of the rites, thus contributing to their oral and/or written transmission, in particular to younger generations."
And why is it on the UNESCO site? Because "The Gastronomic Meal of the French" was inscribed, in 2010, on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Glad you ate out while in France! They don't have food there, they have cuisine.
According to the UNESCO site, "the gastronomic meal emphasizes togetherness, the pleasure of taste, and the balance between human beings and the products of nature. . . . The gastronomic meal should respect a fixed structure, commencing with an apéritif (drinks before the meal) and ending with liqueurs, containing in between at least four successive courses, namely a starter, fish and/or meat with vegetables, cheese and dessert. Individuals called gastronomes who possess deep knowledge of the tradition and preserve its memory watch over the living practice of the rites, thus contributing to their oral and/or written transmission, in particular to younger generations."
And why is it on the UNESCO site? Because "The Gastronomic Meal of the French" was inscribed, in 2010, on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
17
One wouldn't expect a long-standing New York Times columnist who hobnobs with jet-setter Donald Trump to know that. Both Maureen's and Donald's feet are spectacularly, clay.
Here is a link to the UNESCO description of the Gastronomic Meal of the French:
http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/RL/gastronomic-meal-of-the-french-0...
"The gastronomic meal of the French is a customary social practice for celebrating important moments in the lives of individuals and groups, such as births, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, achievements and reunions. It is a festive meal bringing people together for an occasion to enjoy the art of good eating and drinking. . . . "
http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/RL/gastronomic-meal-of-the-french-0...
"The gastronomic meal of the French is a customary social practice for celebrating important moments in the lives of individuals and groups, such as births, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, achievements and reunions. It is a festive meal bringing people together for an occasion to enjoy the art of good eating and drinking. . . . "
If BoJo was born in new York, he is a US citizen and thus could be Trump's VP. What a combo--orange hair, flamboyant, and big trouble for all others on this planet. Together they could wreck the GOP, the USA and the world.
21
Actually Boris gave up his citizenship to avoid paying US taxes. Guess he just didn't have the right lawyers as so many wealthy Americans prefer to pay legal fees rather than taxes!
To portray Donald Trump as sophisticated should be left to a writer who doesn't drink. Sophisticated means hip, chic, blasé, subtle, complex, refined, worldly and intellectual. As a buffoon, Trump is none of those things. Buffoonery is the opposite of sophistication. And there is a correlation between your disdain for Hillary Clinton and your sycophantic praise of Donald Trump. If your contempt for Clinton wasn't so deep, you wouldn't be so unrealistic about Trump.
136
Superb insights and connections on the heels of an existential moment of a wonderful meal alone in the most wonderful existential city.
Reminds me of being in Paris on Bastille day in 1981 with a woman I had just met who just went on about 'how could you Americans vote for THAT actor'. Poignant then as the fireworks went off.
Maybe eat alone more. If you're stuck for company let me know.
Salut!
Reminds me of being in Paris on Bastille day in 1981 with a woman I had just met who just went on about 'how could you Americans vote for THAT actor'. Poignant then as the fireworks went off.
Maybe eat alone more. If you're stuck for company let me know.
Salut!
6
I'm still getting over the revelation that Ms. Dowd struggles to eat in a restaurant alone...
104
I totally agree! She's a big whining baby and always has been. Get over yourself, I wanted to say...
2
Kitty P, it is a common phobia and belongs to the market of agoraphobia. If I could write like Dowd, I would not give a crepe suzette over whether I had the courage to see 'Tarzan' on my own.
There is more than a passing resemblance of Donald and Boris to the lemon tarts pictured. Were that either was as palatable.
There are no facile explanations, as you point out, for Brexit or Trump.
By the way, forget Bill Clinton, he's past his sell-by date, move on.
There are no facile explanations, as you point out, for Brexit or Trump.
By the way, forget Bill Clinton, he's past his sell-by date, move on.
7
Oscar Wilde might say " In 2016 the Americans called a presidential election and everybody lost"
24
Really? Then don't vote. If you see no differences between the candidates, then maybe you have lost the right to vote---- which requires thinking.
1
Weren't Boris and Trump rwins seperated at birth? Can't think of two worst losers.
18
Hillary and Bill Clinton.
1
On a much smaller, humbler scale, I have been the Bill Clinton walking into a social minefield where every choice was another mistake. I bet he either did it out of fear or out of trying to make a joke so rich that every one would take their minds off the email story for a few days.
10
You're in Paris and I'm in Paris Baguette on Boring Old Broadway. It's not fair. And yet, I enjoyed every word. Trump is Copy with a Capital C. Never really was that much, but the cunning and egregious faux birther conspiracy (opportunity knocks every minute for that raffish Cohn-head protegé!) was his first EST "I got it" moment.
I've enjoyed it up til now but I have cold sweats thinking that he is a viable (and volatile) candidate and could easily make powdered toast out of Hillary with one more false (or media-inflamed) move.
C'est pas fou, mes amis, mais c'est épouvantable en fin.
I've enjoyed it up til now but I have cold sweats thinking that he is a viable (and volatile) candidate and could easily make powdered toast out of Hillary with one more false (or media-inflamed) move.
C'est pas fou, mes amis, mais c'est épouvantable en fin.
45
Hardly a ‘Bon Mot’, “Each man kills the thing he loves” was a cri de coeur from a man whose fall from grace was so precipitous that its echoes resound to this day. It was the theme of his final work, De Profundus. As in, depths. As in, not this.
It’s one thing to stay at L’Hotel and invoke the great poet as a point of entry into his world. It’s quite another to trivialize one of the great tragedies of Art and Society in a way which makes no sense, to dress up a shallow point. We all see the commonalities between Trump and Johnson. What does Wilde have to do with either? Or Bill Clinton to do with any of it? Not to mention your lemon tart.
For the record, I think there may be two people on earth who believe that Donald Trump ‘Mocks with a rapier’. The other one is Donald Trump.
It’s one thing to stay at L’Hotel and invoke the great poet as a point of entry into his world. It’s quite another to trivialize one of the great tragedies of Art and Society in a way which makes no sense, to dress up a shallow point. We all see the commonalities between Trump and Johnson. What does Wilde have to do with either? Or Bill Clinton to do with any of it? Not to mention your lemon tart.
For the record, I think there may be two people on earth who believe that Donald Trump ‘Mocks with a rapier’. The other one is Donald Trump.
40
Well said, and this Oscar Wilde quote fits Trump to a T: To love oneself is the beginning of a life long romance.
3
Amen! As always, she manages to get in a dig on the Clintons. Sure, Bill was a jerk to board Lynch's plane but note that Dowd, a confirmed hater of Bill (I always wonder if it's personal...) doesn't devote the whole column to him, only a lasting dig. This was one discombobulated mess of a column, But dessert was a gotcha for Bill. As per always...
3
Off to such a Parisian delight of a start, but then Dowd stoops once again to take a cheap shot at the Clintons. It's become much like a knee-jerk reaction: "Gotta take that stab at the Clintons! Gotta take that stab at the Clintons! Can't write the column without slamming the Clintons!"
It's gotten so tedious. Beyond tedious. If every column always has in it a shot at the Clintons, then Dowd has run out of creative material. She has shown a never-ending, obsessive fixation with the Clintons (and "Barry"). Go ahead, Maureen. Hand the presidency to that bloviating liar, Trump. He's a good, solid guy who'd never cheat on his wife. Right? What an upstanding guy, that Trump. Thanks, Dowd.
It's gotten so tedious. Beyond tedious. If every column always has in it a shot at the Clintons, then Dowd has run out of creative material. She has shown a never-ending, obsessive fixation with the Clintons (and "Barry"). Go ahead, Maureen. Hand the presidency to that bloviating liar, Trump. He's a good, solid guy who'd never cheat on his wife. Right? What an upstanding guy, that Trump. Thanks, Dowd.
87
You are right on target: Dowd hates Bill Clinton. We get it. We've gotten it for how many years now? You just have to wonder about this boundless hatred. Why do I read her? I'm swearing off as of today. Your are right in saying that she's handing the election to a real boob. For this she deserves some sort of take down. I'm off her as of today.
5
No surprise. For years now Ms. Dowd's has been using every column as an opportunity to slam Hillary, the Clintons or President Obama. Used to enjoy her writing but that was a long time ago.
1
I was done with Dowd when she helped put Shrub in the WH while making fun of Gore. And her hatred of all things Clinton has been obvious since the 90's.
3
Bill Clinton was nothing but bad news for Hillary's campaign in 2008 and he's even worse news now, lurching from pillar to post in pathetic but lethal desperation for relevance. He ought to be shackled to a leash behind the house and asked to do yard work. The man is campaign poison.
But Hillary is in charge. It is she who must take responsibility for stifling the Big Dawg with a sock. If she continues failing to do this, she'll let her husband fritter away yet another grasp at the brass ring and have nobody to blame but herself. Keep him away from airports, not for his safety but for hers.
Absent Bill, Hillary might now be closing out her second presidential term. Let us pray that, but for Bill, Donald Trump will not be closing out his first and only term in 2020. Bill Clinton is the *former* President. That's where he belongs. His "best before" date was January 20th 2001.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
But Hillary is in charge. It is she who must take responsibility for stifling the Big Dawg with a sock. If she continues failing to do this, she'll let her husband fritter away yet another grasp at the brass ring and have nobody to blame but herself. Keep him away from airports, not for his safety but for hers.
Absent Bill, Hillary might now be closing out her second presidential term. Let us pray that, but for Bill, Donald Trump will not be closing out his first and only term in 2020. Bill Clinton is the *former* President. That's where he belongs. His "best before" date was January 20th 2001.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
3
I love the Taratino reference. ‘’Royale with cheese’’ in Samuel Jackson’s baritone. I'm betting the ex came in later & made SURE you couldn't miss them.
Wilde gave us a fabulous way of viewing the real and the pretentious.
Wilde gave us a fabulous way of viewing the real and the pretentious.
3
If you want an interesting contrast, look at the photograph of Governor Jerry Brown, sitting in shirtsleeves, at the top of an article currently in the U.S. section of this newspaper. Jerry Brown, quite popular among his constituents, has spent the last 5 years brilliantly governing our most populous state in a competent, moderate, frugal manner.
The interesting contrast is the top of his head. Shiny, bald, with a fringe of military-short hair around the periphery. The honest head of a man with no issues of vanity or insecure ego.
The interesting contrast is the top of his head. Shiny, bald, with a fringe of military-short hair around the periphery. The honest head of a man with no issues of vanity or insecure ego.
96
Jerry Brown for president!!
1
So strange. For years, I've eaten alone in restaurants while traveling, and you acclimatize to it, make into a pleasure, same as with going to movies solo. C'est la vie. What is bewildering is that a famous NYT journalist -- who must have contacts on every continent -- has not developed these skills. That's the eye-opener in this column (not the business-as-usual musings on Trump, Clintons, Brexit.)
56
It does kind of explain the disdain for feminists and the constant craving for the approval of rich, older men --- like Trump. It also undercuts the pose of snark that has dominated this column for years. Hard to take seriously a grownup and affluent woman who can't dine (or go to the movies) alone.
5
It breaks my heart that so many Americans think that little Donald has the answers to America's problems. His anti-Semitic use of America First, his flirtation with David Duke, his straight armed salute that reeks of WW II enemies. He claims to have gone to Wharton. He never said he graduated. Did he? He is not very well spoken. I don't think he is too bright. I am just an old grandma. My concern is for my children and grandchildren and everyone else's. The thought of them goosestepping under the watchful eye of little Donald is terrifying..
62
Of course Trump is exaggerating; he can't help it. Being devoid of substance, and an extra dose of bragadoccio, crooked lying Trump must pretend his vulgarity is very much condoned, if not celebrated, by his adoring misinformed and prejudiced fans. Boris Johnson, at least, in between his sexual peccadilloes, finds some time to read; and, lately, suffered an attack of introspection, telling himself he just isn't material to lead the U.K. out of an imbroglio he so proudly caused. Not that there aren't folks upset at being left behind by London's elite. But, conversely, Trump has the dubious virtue of unmasking the republican establishment's hypocrisy, after giving him support, in silent complicity, of his hysterical bullish 'birtherism'; so, the Donald deserves to be called the "ugly american", even though still looking for relevance. Meanwhile, sure hope you enjoyed the lemon tart....minus waiter's angst.
3
Even toiling in the fields of the Boris and the Donald, she still finds a way to beat up the Clintons. PLEASE STOP. It's been decades. We're tired of it.
442
I'm sorry, that one was well deserved. If Dowd didn't mention it, you'd have to doubt her objectivity. Bill Clinton has done the loose cannon thing more than once this campaign.
Evidently, she doesn't have much else.
3
I'm not.
Given Mo's longtime predilection for The Donald as well as her longtime hostility for the Clintons, one is not surprised that she focused on the tarmac event---the end-stress dynamic coming into play.
Neither is one surprised that, given her feelings per the Clintons, she incorrectly described the details of the tarmac event. Attorney General Lynch was certainly not surprised by the visit of the former president to her plane. She is the one who called and invited him to her plane for a short visit with her and her husband.
And, seriously, Mo was more flabbergasted by the tarmac event than by The Donald trashing---in racist, nativist tones---the judge who is presiding over another of Mr. Trump's judicial adventures? Seriously?
Neither is one surprised that, given her feelings per the Clintons, she incorrectly described the details of the tarmac event. Attorney General Lynch was certainly not surprised by the visit of the former president to her plane. She is the one who called and invited him to her plane for a short visit with her and her husband.
And, seriously, Mo was more flabbergasted by the tarmac event than by The Donald trashing---in racist, nativist tones---the judge who is presiding over another of Mr. Trump's judicial adventures? Seriously?
62
If what you claim about Lynch is accurate, she has terrible judgment . Did she think, " let's call Bill Clinton to come over and talk about grandchildren and golf for about 30 minutes"? And what did Bill Clinton think in response?
"But there are painful, interlocking identity crises roiling, with young pitted against old and long-simmering resentments against leaders who haven’t recognized the pain of globalization or the yearning for national exceptionalism."
Yearning for national exceptionalism? I doubt that that is the biggest issue. But it would be nice for a sovereignty to be able to protects its citizens from large corporations who break their environmental regulations, labor rights and income. Neoliberalism is being called out all over the world. I'm surprised MD isn't writing about the hundreds of thousands in the streets of Paris instead of her fancy bar. Bill Clinton and Lynch got caught, is my opinion. I doubt that waiting on the tarmac for 20 minutes was an accident. Trump says many things that are outrageous, because Americans are surprised someone is telling some truths. But then he does the xenophobic stuff..ugh. We still have Sanders! He's still in the race. He's honest, and has the well being of us all at heart. I simply don't see anyone else, besides perhaps Jill Stein, that this progressive, anti-neoliberal citizen is willing to vote for. Perhaps the corporation that is the Presidential Debates owned by the Republican and Democrat corporations, should be forced to open the debate to all four candidates. That way, the sham of the two party/same party Democrat/Republican/ which is actually one business party, will not continue to control our political discourse.
Yearning for national exceptionalism? I doubt that that is the biggest issue. But it would be nice for a sovereignty to be able to protects its citizens from large corporations who break their environmental regulations, labor rights and income. Neoliberalism is being called out all over the world. I'm surprised MD isn't writing about the hundreds of thousands in the streets of Paris instead of her fancy bar. Bill Clinton and Lynch got caught, is my opinion. I doubt that waiting on the tarmac for 20 minutes was an accident. Trump says many things that are outrageous, because Americans are surprised someone is telling some truths. But then he does the xenophobic stuff..ugh. We still have Sanders! He's still in the race. He's honest, and has the well being of us all at heart. I simply don't see anyone else, besides perhaps Jill Stein, that this progressive, anti-neoliberal citizen is willing to vote for. Perhaps the corporation that is the Presidential Debates owned by the Republican and Democrat corporations, should be forced to open the debate to all four candidates. That way, the sham of the two party/same party Democrat/Republican/ which is actually one business party, will not continue to control our political discourse.
15
Bernie is yesterday, now.
2
Well -- I guess a tarmac in full view of hundreds of people is exactly the place to choose if you want to make an effort to subvert the course of justice. That Bill Clinton, so crafty.
3
Moe, I got stuck at the beginning, and couldn't move forward. YOU, author of Are Men Necessary, have never dined alone? I'm a few years your junior, and have done so from time to time since 1986. (Hint: dress up, full makeup, and give the impression to the waitstaff that you deserve a fabulous dinner.) Some of my most memorable meals were in Paris - I was willing to use my new-found French language skills, and the garcons were eager to do the rest. Never mind the couples that clearly need a room. We are all privileged to dine well.
48
"Raise his game to a mature, knowledgeable level":but he doesn't have maturity or knowledge of issues or policies. He is a screaming mass of id who has managed to hoodwink enough of the GOP primary voting base to win the nomination. He will not try to learn anything because he, Hair Duce, thinks he knows everything.
And Ms. Dowd-I have stayed in Paris alone a few times and I have always enjoyed dining alone. The French treat women "of a certain age" with great respect. What you should have done was call the hotel concierges and had them make your reservation in the restaurant. Hotel guests are usually given first dibs on tables. As to Parisiens view of Trump:parfait.
And Ms. Dowd-I have stayed in Paris alone a few times and I have always enjoyed dining alone. The French treat women "of a certain age" with great respect. What you should have done was call the hotel concierges and had them make your reservation in the restaurant. Hotel guests are usually given first dibs on tables. As to Parisiens view of Trump:parfait.
41
He hasn't 'hoodwinked' the GOP base: he's the Hitler that deep-down they want. Once in office he'll not leave (Pres-for-Life). What his base knows and hopes for.
3
You are right, I'm sorry to say. Truly frightening.
Ms. Dowd says "Johnson . . . mocks with a rapier. So does Trump."
Huh? I thought Dowd was smarter than that. The extent of Trump's "wit" is to call his opponents losers or liars. Instead of a rapier, he wields a clumsy stick.
Huh? I thought Dowd was smarter than that. The extent of Trump's "wit" is to call his opponents losers or liars. Instead of a rapier, he wields a clumsy stick.
247
analogical writing forces the author onto paths they ought not go simply for the sake of maintaining the ever more strained analogy
3
Hi Maureen, thanks so much for your mention of "gastronomic." I shall add it to my list of "warning words" to be used when selecting a place to eat. Others include "gourmet," "fusion" and "artisanal." Also "buses welcome." Please come down our way--the waitresses will not be snooty, and will probably even call you "honey."
3
Yeah, Bill could have called Lynch on the phone, at any time. That would have been just as private, and much more secretive. Le monde est fou.
27
Ma chere Maureen
Don't eat by yourself. Learn to dance the Argentine Tango - in every city I had to travel to, and there were many, there is a milonga at night where you can meet fellow addicts and dance the night away.
Surely beats sitting in your hotel room and watching 20 heures (evening news in France)
http://milongas-in.com/milongas-in-europe.php?c=france&city=paris
Changed my life and made international travel so much more enjoyable
Don't eat by yourself. Learn to dance the Argentine Tango - in every city I had to travel to, and there were many, there is a milonga at night where you can meet fellow addicts and dance the night away.
Surely beats sitting in your hotel room and watching 20 heures (evening news in France)
http://milongas-in.com/milongas-in-europe.php?c=france&city=paris
Changed my life and made international travel so much more enjoyable
5
O, Gail, Trump's crookedness is in a league of its own, while the over friendly Bill's mistake is really so petty.
Besides, the GOP doesn't need Bill's minor errors to criticize anything Hillary has supposedly said or done.
The vast right wing conspiracy has been doing the job for over 20 years.
Besides, the GOP doesn't need Bill's minor errors to criticize anything Hillary has supposedly said or done.
The vast right wing conspiracy has been doing the job for over 20 years.
114
The chance social encounter between two old friends, AG Lynch & President Clinton, when both their airplanes were on the same tarmac will give FOX, GOP et al. another chance at outrage and perhaps a congressional investigation. If Clinton really wanted to influence the FBI investigation of his wife he certainly wouldn't meet in broad daylight in front of people and the press. He would have an intermediary back channel contact that left no tracks.
260
Or maybe elected leaders are quite capable of acting completely idiotic. See "Brexit".
1
The voters of UK voted that way! Clinton supported staying with the EU.
3
"You can write off the success of Johnson and Trump with older, white voters to self-defeating nostalgia." An alternative view would be that the supporters of both Johnson and Trump actually believe in everything that these gentlemen spout - dog whistles and all.
48
Now once I thought that good ol' Maureen would keep her opinion in line with the headline.
Until the last paragraph she did, but she couldn't help herself to sticking it to Hillary while only Bill had put his foot in his mouth on the tarmac of the Phoenix airport, a fact that is of very little consequences compared to Il Trumpolini's non-stop fake and full of himself statements.
Until the last paragraph she did, but she couldn't help herself to sticking it to Hillary while only Bill had put his foot in his mouth on the tarmac of the Phoenix airport, a fact that is of very little consequences compared to Il Trumpolini's non-stop fake and full of himself statements.
232
Wish she had stayed on the subject of Paris. I love the neighborhood where's she's staying. Always fun.
Boris and Donald are true downers in any story about Paris.
Boris and Donald are true downers in any story about Paris.
29
An interesting article until it got political. Does everything have to have the word T%^#@P in it?
15
Evidently, (bleached) blonds do have more fun, albeit in a dismayingly grotesque sort of way.
The Donald-Boris comparison is fascinating, to be sure, and it would become even more so if the former took his cue from the latter, did us all a favor and abruptly left political center stage. Posthaste.
And not to be outdone by our coalition partners across the pond, we could even come up with our own little cutesy shorthand: Trexit.
(Or, for any German purists out there who bristle at Americanizing: Drexit.)
The Donald-Boris comparison is fascinating, to be sure, and it would become even more so if the former took his cue from the latter, did us all a favor and abruptly left political center stage. Posthaste.
And not to be outdone by our coalition partners across the pond, we could even come up with our own little cutesy shorthand: Trexit.
(Or, for any German purists out there who bristle at Americanizing: Drexit.)
15
a lemon tart in Senlis, France, just outside Paris, is one of the high points of my gastronomic life. Thanks much, Maureen for reminding me. Politics, feh!
3
If the Clintons are good at self-inflicted wounds, they can't begin to compete with Donald John. Sure, his True Believers don't care, but the rest of the country does. He will lose in a landslide that will also cost the mouse/elephant party the Senate. Possibly, despite the greatest gerrymanders in history, also the House.
Many countries worry about brain drain. A Trump victory would cost the U.S. the greatest exodus of talent from one country in the shortest period of time ever seen. But it won't happen, he's far less intelligent and far more self-destructive than Boris Johnson.
Dan Kravitz
Many countries worry about brain drain. A Trump victory would cost the U.S. the greatest exodus of talent from one country in the shortest period of time ever seen. But it won't happen, he's far less intelligent and far more self-destructive than Boris Johnson.
Dan Kravitz
27
From your lips to God's ear....
2
On a scale of ten, what is the magnitude of malice and destructive chaos represented by the following? Bill Clinton (maybe one); Boris Johnson (two or three); and Donald Trump -- pushing seven or eight. But in Maureen's universe, these three guys evidently represent an approximate moral equivalency. Her observations of the fine points of people and politics are so astute; yet her larger vision seems curiously myopic these days.
117
Most importantly, I'm sure my pleasure in reading this editorial is far greater than any I'd experience, dining in Gay Paree!
This editorial was filled with Ad Hominem's, but we probably should call 2016, "The Year of The Ad Hominem". Especially since the insults often appear, 3-D and lifelike, do they not?
Trump is a master of making mountains out of molehills. It's as if he learned that the bigger the bankruptcy, the bigger the payoff for the lemon tart at the top. All his claims of success, have been overbaked. The proof is in the pudding!
In the internet age, it's probably difficult to escape the international nonsense. Have fun anyway!
PS. I do know that by gastronomic the sommelier meant GI Tract!
This editorial was filled with Ad Hominem's, but we probably should call 2016, "The Year of The Ad Hominem". Especially since the insults often appear, 3-D and lifelike, do they not?
Trump is a master of making mountains out of molehills. It's as if he learned that the bigger the bankruptcy, the bigger the payoff for the lemon tart at the top. All his claims of success, have been overbaked. The proof is in the pudding!
In the internet age, it's probably difficult to escape the international nonsense. Have fun anyway!
PS. I do know that by gastronomic the sommelier meant GI Tract!
3
Between the pressures of social media conformity, the compulsive need to be "liked", information overload and the conflicting, contradicting, and incomprehensible bombardment by politicians of any and each couleur, Donald and Boris won their days with simple messages and images directed at the overwhelmed voters and designed to arouse the amygdala, the brain's fear center.
Of course, that alone fixes nothing. Boris was the first to realize that he was out of his wits after the vote came out on the side he hadn't expected. Trump's D-Day may well come in November, when he realizes that he has no realistic plan either.
On that day, I know now where to find you, Maureen. I'll be the one wearing the pink carnation and driving the pickup truck....
Of course, that alone fixes nothing. Boris was the first to realize that he was out of his wits after the vote came out on the side he hadn't expected. Trump's D-Day may well come in November, when he realizes that he has no realistic plan either.
On that day, I know now where to find you, Maureen. I'll be the one wearing the pink carnation and driving the pickup truck....
6
Well you can reassure Trump that it is Bill Clinton. Maybe Trump missed the impeachment for his bad personal behavior. But and this is a really big but it is not Loretta Lynch. She is so honest and trust worthy that I am sure she meant it when she said she looked for the door lock when she saw Bill Clinton coming. Ms Lynch has been around inappropriate influential men her whole life and never once has fell for any of their corruption. If Ms Lynch says it was golf and grandchildren then it was golf and grandchildren.
84
I used to dread dining alone - then I had three children and now I live for those rare business trips where I can dine on hot food, using a fork and not having my thoughts interrupted by a glass spilled on me thanks to the kids. I hope you savored every extravagant bite!
7
Maureen, I've never felt your vulnerability as a human before this column. Thank you for risking it. I will forever read your columns differently, with an open heart because of it.
Unbelievable about Bill, huh? Just 'flabbergasting'.
And, yes, Boris and Donald, two peas in a pod. I very much hope America will take Boris as a lesson. Do not elect someone with a big mouth and no plans. Shooting one's mouth off is easy as both Boris and Donald know. Even fun and attention-getting (which is what they both so desperately want). But waking up and having to solve world-class problems? Not so much. I hope America pays attention.
Unbelievable about Bill, huh? Just 'flabbergasting'.
And, yes, Boris and Donald, two peas in a pod. I very much hope America will take Boris as a lesson. Do not elect someone with a big mouth and no plans. Shooting one's mouth off is easy as both Boris and Donald know. Even fun and attention-getting (which is what they both so desperately want). But waking up and having to solve world-class problems? Not so much. I hope America pays attention.
15
Wonderfully composed and written, Ms. Dowd! Another triumph in the Edith Wharton School of the observation of international relations.
I always love your self-revealing vignettes of life in your hotel rooms or your residence (sitting on your bed in your pjs eating a bowl of cereal while watching Saturday morning cartoons). Your Friday night dinner from the mimi-bar brings out the everyperson in all of us. It especially brings out those of us who at one point were, or may still be, shy or hesitant to step out of the hotel or apartment or condo or house alone especially in a foreign atmosphere.
Your disclosure brings out the "If Maureen can do it, I can do it." element in all of us. As you also note, even you have experienced a break-up and who among us has not? We are all of a common humanity.
You note that Bill Clinton had "gold-plated political instincts," but in reality those were fool's gold "plated" instincts right from the get go. Bill is just another huckster in the roster of American presidents who has tried to conceal his true character from the American people. he is just another corrupt Arkansas politician who has linked up with a corrupt Illinois politician to attempt to continue to graft America. Bill has been tarnished for decades, and there is nothing about him or Hillary that is golden. The real gold was on your meringue.
I always love your self-revealing vignettes of life in your hotel rooms or your residence (sitting on your bed in your pjs eating a bowl of cereal while watching Saturday morning cartoons). Your Friday night dinner from the mimi-bar brings out the everyperson in all of us. It especially brings out those of us who at one point were, or may still be, shy or hesitant to step out of the hotel or apartment or condo or house alone especially in a foreign atmosphere.
Your disclosure brings out the "If Maureen can do it, I can do it." element in all of us. As you also note, even you have experienced a break-up and who among us has not? We are all of a common humanity.
You note that Bill Clinton had "gold-plated political instincts," but in reality those were fool's gold "plated" instincts right from the get go. Bill is just another huckster in the roster of American presidents who has tried to conceal his true character from the American people. he is just another corrupt Arkansas politician who has linked up with a corrupt Illinois politician to attempt to continue to graft America. Bill has been tarnished for decades, and there is nothing about him or Hillary that is golden. The real gold was on your meringue.
6
This comment was fun to read until you got to the Clintons. Then it became the same-old, same-old. Maureen probably loved it. Not I.
3
Thank you, JM. Love her or hate her, most of us probably love Maureen. Her columns let us see that one can be a well known individual in a profession with a weekly by-line and a photo in the newspaper and still have the same human inhibitions, fears, shynesses, etc. as the rest of us average, or below average mortals. If I were brave enough to ask Maureen for a date, I think it would go well whether for a drink at the bar, or a lunch or a sociocultural dinner. We all have instances in which we have to break through our "first-timerism."
As for the Clintons. . . . It may be that the same is true in America. One either hates them or loves them. They are polarizing individuals about whom we may never know the whole truth and nothing but the truth. What we do know is that questions as to their honesty, culpability, judgement, veracity, etc. continue to arise. Where there is smoke there is fire. Several media organs, including "The New Yorker" have rightfully criticized Mr. Clinton's behavior on tarmacs and other venues. Just like the Hollywood crowd that supports Clinton, Inc., Mr. Clinton is insecure and always casting about for a chance to glad hand and back slap. He takes this steps further in many of his inappropriate relations with women. The man is congenitally inappropriate. The Clintons use the checkbooks and names of people and then cast them to the shredder when they have emptied both.
As for the Clintons. . . . It may be that the same is true in America. One either hates them or loves them. They are polarizing individuals about whom we may never know the whole truth and nothing but the truth. What we do know is that questions as to their honesty, culpability, judgement, veracity, etc. continue to arise. Where there is smoke there is fire. Several media organs, including "The New Yorker" have rightfully criticized Mr. Clinton's behavior on tarmacs and other venues. Just like the Hollywood crowd that supports Clinton, Inc., Mr. Clinton is insecure and always casting about for a chance to glad hand and back slap. He takes this steps further in many of his inappropriate relations with women. The man is congenitally inappropriate. The Clintons use the checkbooks and names of people and then cast them to the shredder when they have emptied both.
1
Does anyone else notice how reflective our media is of our politics now?
I must admit that the lemon tart does look delicious.
But still, how vapid.
I must admit that the lemon tart does look delicious.
But still, how vapid.
32
Tsk, why didn't you go to L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon? Counter seating makes it perfect for solo haut dining in Paris.
3
The Oscar Wilde connection gave her the opportunity to co-opt some actually witty lines.
2
So, Maureen, this is your Saturday night in Paris? How nice. Permit me a wolfish question: did The Donald pay for it?
9
L'Hotel?
Can't the NYT spring for a room at George Sanc?
Your avocado mousse would have been served in a hollowed-out block of ice.
Maureen, come home and cut a deal with the WaPo.
Can't the NYT spring for a room at George Sanc?
Your avocado mousse would have been served in a hollowed-out block of ice.
Maureen, come home and cut a deal with the WaPo.
2
Best to stop over in Nice where restaurants are less stuffy. Why no mention of Marine Le Pen in this episode of "Blonde Lives are Badder"?
6
Regardless of what Parisian attitudes toward Donald Trump's candidacy may be, Ms. Dowd, we are at least showing the Brits a thing or two. In the international bull-in-the-China-shop sweepstakes the best the Brits had to offer was Boris Johnson. Mr. Johnson, after the initial breakage, exited from the fray, a "total loser". Thus far, The Donald seems to be sticking in there smashing-bone ware left and right--albeit mostly right.
With Trump we Yanks have seen the Brit's wager of Johnson, and raised the bet tenfold.
With Trump we Yanks have seen the Brit's wager of Johnson, and raised the bet tenfold.
6
I'm confused. I thought this was a restaurant review. How did Hillary get into it. Was she the waitress?
67
Maureen, surely you can see that Bill Clinton takes no political action without reason.
1
Nice commentary about current events. As for feeling awkward while dining alone take note of another saying attributed to Oscar Wilde: " Be yourself, everyone else is taken."
6
Ms. Dowd - you have the details of this hotel quite wrong (and shame on NYT fact checkers for letting these through). In addition, is likely that you were greeted at the restaurant with skepticism because you were cluelessly without a reservation and projected your terror at the prospect of dining alone. You were also not in a "hotel restaurant" in the American sense, which I am rather surprised you do not understand.
Please, if you visit Paris again as a launching point for another rambling (and completely unrelated) piece, stay elsewhere. I hear the Westin is friendly to single women and has a great deal on the "Continental" breakfast.
Please, if you visit Paris again as a launching point for another rambling (and completely unrelated) piece, stay elsewhere. I hear the Westin is friendly to single women and has a great deal on the "Continental" breakfast.
35
Maureen, perhaps your foray into something unremarkable, spending time alone, will give you a newfound respect for President Obama, who is not only comfortable with his own company, but accomplishes tremendous work this way.
Now, compare him with Trump and Johnson, both of whom you describe as more amusing to watch than their respective political counterparts. Trump and Johnson are eminently amusing in a grotesque way, not for eyes seeking leadership. Both men are shameless self-promoters without a clue about what to do with the political clout they both claim to want. Boris Johnson is already on his way to being a has-been, not knowing what to do with that car of the Brexit vote he caught. Trump knows only how to incite and divide, not how to chart forward. Both men are deeply needy, their immaturity seeping through.
I'll take President Obama's quiet confidence any day.
Now, compare him with Trump and Johnson, both of whom you describe as more amusing to watch than their respective political counterparts. Trump and Johnson are eminently amusing in a grotesque way, not for eyes seeking leadership. Both men are shameless self-promoters without a clue about what to do with the political clout they both claim to want. Boris Johnson is already on his way to being a has-been, not knowing what to do with that car of the Brexit vote he caught. Trump knows only how to incite and divide, not how to chart forward. Both men are deeply needy, their immaturity seeping through.
I'll take President Obama's quiet confidence any day.
379
Clearly, Bill Clinton does not relish the role of first spouse.
4
The only astonishment here comes from learning that Maureen is afraid of dining alone? Wee, sleekit, cowrin, tim'rous beastie!
9
As Ms. Dowd made clear in the first sentence, she was dining alone in PARIS for the first time. Some French people can be horribly sexist when they see a woman dining alone, so she had good reason to be concerned.
You should go out for dinner more often when traveling or anytime - indeed it is sad to eat the minibar in Paris. Take a book - maybe some local color....
3
The best thing Hillary could do to increase her chances of winning the Presidency is to divorce Bill ASAP. I think we've all had enough of him in the White House.
2
'Just when things seem to be going well, [the Clintons] squander the advantage.' A comment that's simultaneously self-evident and perceptive, Ms. Dowd.
Hillary's relationship with the presidency seems unnaturally strange. As co-president with Bill between January 1993 and January 2001, she seemed to be in her element. But in 2008, she was steamrolled by the makeshift political machine of Barack Hussein Obama, an improbable name that resounded with echoes of both Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden. When he first announced, some observers thought that Mr. Obama had no chance on the basis of those echoes alone. Upshot? No problem, not against Hillary.
As for Trump, on the surface he appears to be the answer to every politician's prayer for an opponent who'll be easy to knock right out of the race. And yet, after her difficulty finding the right voice against Bernie, Hillary is suffering from the same syndrome against Donald.
The very thought of a Trump presidency sends me off into a maelstrom of apocalyptic visions. With Hillary as the only barrier between the Hairdo and the White House barber shop, I have to suspect that I have plenty of company in the depth of my pessimism and ask: Are there some actuaries out there recalculating life expectancies for all Americans?
Hillary's relationship with the presidency seems unnaturally strange. As co-president with Bill between January 1993 and January 2001, she seemed to be in her element. But in 2008, she was steamrolled by the makeshift political machine of Barack Hussein Obama, an improbable name that resounded with echoes of both Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden. When he first announced, some observers thought that Mr. Obama had no chance on the basis of those echoes alone. Upshot? No problem, not against Hillary.
As for Trump, on the surface he appears to be the answer to every politician's prayer for an opponent who'll be easy to knock right out of the race. And yet, after her difficulty finding the right voice against Bernie, Hillary is suffering from the same syndrome against Donald.
The very thought of a Trump presidency sends me off into a maelstrom of apocalyptic visions. With Hillary as the only barrier between the Hairdo and the White House barber shop, I have to suspect that I have plenty of company in the depth of my pessimism and ask: Are there some actuaries out there recalculating life expectancies for all Americans?
6
Oscar Wilde would be proud of you, Ms. Dowd, in venturing forth in gay Parie alone, instead of the stifling societal convention of scaring up a date for Victorian reasons. But, hasn't Wilde's masterpiece, The Importance of Being Earnest and your exploits alone with cannabis in a Denver hotel room cured you of such trepidation at being seen alone in public?
Silly, vain men, like Donald, Boris, and Bill are incurable narcissists, belles of the ball, transfixed at the prospect of a Dorian Gray future of eternal youth, making a Faustian bargain in exchange for public manipulation and deception.
Boris can't make good on his promise to divert monies going to the E.U. to the National Health Service and Donald is a congenital liar with all his conspiracies, while Bill has an impulse control disorder.
You seem to be suffering with Hillary in the knowledge that boys, like them, will never grow up, reminding me of the John Lennon quote, "Behind every great woman, there's an idiot."
Silly, vain men, like Donald, Boris, and Bill are incurable narcissists, belles of the ball, transfixed at the prospect of a Dorian Gray future of eternal youth, making a Faustian bargain in exchange for public manipulation and deception.
Boris can't make good on his promise to divert monies going to the E.U. to the National Health Service and Donald is a congenital liar with all his conspiracies, while Bill has an impulse control disorder.
You seem to be suffering with Hillary in the knowledge that boys, like them, will never grow up, reminding me of the John Lennon quote, "Behind every great woman, there's an idiot."
14
Bon ap, Mo, pauvre toi, away in Paris while so much is happening at home that should draw deeper attention from you. A day after the infamous meeting between Bill & AG Lynch, the DoJ went to court and filed for a 27-month delay in reporting on that part of the FBI investigation covering Bill, the Clinton family foundation, and its foreign donors with business pending at the HRC State Dept. A mighty hammer has now been handed to your pal Donny T. Thanks to the Clintons and AG Lynch, we may end up with a Trump White House, where you will no doubt be most welcome.
3
Funny how I can't find any mention of this delay in the Times. Nor was I aware that the FBI was investigating the Clinton Foundation. Do you have a reference or did you just make it up?
1
Maureen , in case you haven't noticed , Hillary has a way of benefitting from Bill's indiscretions
But , nice try
Have a good time in Paris
But , nice try
Have a good time in Paris
4
President Bill Clinton should be evaluated by a neurologist who specializes in early-onset forms of dementia. During the primary campaign season, he made other missteps, too; albeit, none as egregious as meeting with the US attorney general in secret, at an airport, while his wife is still under investigation. He just might have a serious condition and deserves our respect and compassion, not ridicule. Also deserving of our respect and compassion is President Jimmy Carter who is fighting brain cancer.
4
Yeah, what's a more secret location than a busy airport? Ever heard of this wsell device called a telephone?
3
"Just when things seem to be going well .."
The desperation of the tarmac meeting just shows how hot things are getting under Clinton's collar.
Hillary was interrogated, uh interviewed, by the FBI today. When did things ever seem to go well for Hillary in this campaign ?
The desperation of the tarmac meeting just shows how hot things are getting under Clinton's collar.
Hillary was interrogated, uh interviewed, by the FBI today. When did things ever seem to go well for Hillary in this campaign ?
3
I haven't read such a vapid column in a long while. And you actually get paid by The New York Times to do this? (along with an expensive, gastronomic meal on your expense account?) This is precisely one of the reasons, Ms. Dowd, why the Brexit vote went through. Disgust with excess and elitism. Don't you get it?
I don't even know what the point of your meandering column is. That as a grown, professional, educated woman, you're afraid to go out for a meal on your own? As for your remark that the French are disgusted with the Brits and with Brexit, I'm afraid that that conjecture is entirely incorrect. They are supremely and profoundly jealous of the Brits and Brexit, however they would never admit it in a thousand years. Secretly, the French would love nothing more than to tell the EU to stuff it...but they lack the courage. Secretly, they admire the Brits and they are watching Brexit events with the most keen and attentive interest. Because it affects them dearly. Did you know there are more French people living in London than in Bordeaux, Nantes or Strasbourg and that London is called France's sixth biggest city? Between 300,000 and 400,000 French citizens live in the British capital.
To ponder the parallels between Boris Johnson and Donald Trump is a futile exercise because there are none, other than the fact that they were both born in NYC, but why is that relevant? Trump is an idiot and Johnson is quite brilliant.
I don't even know what the point of your meandering column is. That as a grown, professional, educated woman, you're afraid to go out for a meal on your own? As for your remark that the French are disgusted with the Brits and with Brexit, I'm afraid that that conjecture is entirely incorrect. They are supremely and profoundly jealous of the Brits and Brexit, however they would never admit it in a thousand years. Secretly, the French would love nothing more than to tell the EU to stuff it...but they lack the courage. Secretly, they admire the Brits and they are watching Brexit events with the most keen and attentive interest. Because it affects them dearly. Did you know there are more French people living in London than in Bordeaux, Nantes or Strasbourg and that London is called France's sixth biggest city? Between 300,000 and 400,000 French citizens live in the British capital.
To ponder the parallels between Boris Johnson and Donald Trump is a futile exercise because there are none, other than the fact that they were both born in NYC, but why is that relevant? Trump is an idiot and Johnson is quite brilliant.
31
Maureen Dowd, an insecure hothouse flower? Is this supposed to create some sort of sympathy? Sorry, the lady comes off as ridiculous. And her love for Trump and hate for Mrs. Clinton still shines through. Ugh.
3
I'm afraid you know absolutely nothing. The French are afraid to leave the EU? Utterly delusional, they don't want to leave the EU, other than the fascists, of course, who are far from a majority.
And your grasp of logic is shaky. Somehow the fact that a lot of French are living in London, part of the EU, is supposed to mean that they want to leave the EU. I guess, then, that I shouldn't be surprised that you'd fall for an empty, disheveled suit like Johnson.
And your grasp of logic is shaky. Somehow the fact that a lot of French are living in London, part of the EU, is supposed to mean that they want to leave the EU. I guess, then, that I shouldn't be surprised that you'd fall for an empty, disheveled suit like Johnson.
3
I'm disappointed. You hardly laid a glove on Bill. He deserves the Double Full Dowd. maybe next time. In the meantime, Hillary should keep him in the basement.
In one week in the NY Times David Brooks does not still see any "Moral Hazard" in kissing up to Donald Trump (Oh how when we first decide ti deceive....) and Maureen Dowd has ammunition to attack Hillary because of Bill (I guess Bill does fight back) Maureen has to stay on the Donald Addiction? No questions to the Donald on the anti-Semitic Hillary Star of David ad? Losing your touch that you really never had Maureen?
25
The take away from this odd piece is that the French service industry is still rude and snobbish-when tourists are staying away from Paris and most high end restaurants are near empty on most evenings. So nice that Ms. Dowd was "allowed" to dine because she was a guest of the hotel. I would have been out of there at the first diss.
28
Dowd was the disrespectful one. Would you show up in the US at a high-end restaurant with no reservation? She wouldn't have done it in the US, and I can't imagine why she thought it was acceptable in Paris. With a modicum of effort she would have had some understanding of the city's dining culture, and could have had a wonderful meal -- alone -- in that part of Paris. Looks like her lack of effort is a characteristic that extends beyond the writing of her political columns.
What's in the glass?
14
Good question. Maureen had Burgundy, but that's red. And what's the dish with a pineapple-shell on top? A table candle?
If the Times is going to send a photographer to Paris, shouldn't the Times get an informative caption for its money?
If the Times is going to send a photographer to Paris, shouldn't the Times get an informative caption for its money?
1
This is certainly a tale of two stories: Ms. Dowd being confronted with the indignity (?!) of having to dine alone at a fancy restaurant in Paris and her thereby being forced (!?) to reflect upon the indignity of Hillary's need to rely upon the discretion of her cheating hound-dog husband. Personally, I enjoyed the first story more than the second. I spend weeks, sometimes months, at a time dining alone in restaurants abroad. My friends back home seem to enjoy my tales about travelling in the Russian Caucasus and the deserts of Inner Mongolia but suffice it to say that they're not persuaded to accompany me there. In any case, Ms. Dowd might want to use that time to enjoy the culture and the cuisine (and perhaps even write about them) and let those ruminations on The Donald and the Clintons float out of her consciousness for a short while.
175
My thoughts, exactly, Stu. I really enjoyed reading about her time in Paris, raiding the minibar in her hotel, her trepidation about dining alone, her fashion faux pas (real or imagined) -- it was a fun story. I think the color of Maureen's dessert reminded her of Boris and Donald and away she went on a different tack. Then she threw in a dose of the Clintons for good measure.
3
Even with the abysmal meeting between Bill Clinton and Loretta Lynch, Hillary is preferable to the train wreck that is Donald Trump. The French are correct: Trump est impossible.
At least the UK is being spared Boris Johnson.
A happier topic is that of lemon tarts. The tart at L'Hotel looks magnificent. Maureen, applause for your solo dinner. The trick to dining alone is to own the experience and to enlist the staff in ensuring your comfort and satisfaction. If you expect to be well-treated, focus on the pleasure of the meal and the service, and converse with the staff, you are almost always assured a fine experience.
At least the UK is being spared Boris Johnson.
A happier topic is that of lemon tarts. The tart at L'Hotel looks magnificent. Maureen, applause for your solo dinner. The trick to dining alone is to own the experience and to enlist the staff in ensuring your comfort and satisfaction. If you expect to be well-treated, focus on the pleasure of the meal and the service, and converse with the staff, you are almost always assured a fine experience.
75
Trump has charm? Even of the buffoonish sort? I guess the rich really are different. They dine on lemon tarts in Paris, well, because. And they think Trump has charm. Silly me. That's not what I would call it.
466
Very exquisite writing, Maureen. Well, I can only add that if you were with the Donald, he'd have set Valentin back on his heels. And therein lies the rub. When voters here and in Britain are looking for a say in legislation like TPP and EU membership, they don't want to be admonished that this is a gastronomic restaurant. So Trump and Johnson promise them a table.
There is a singular lack of civility in our culture today. Just read the posts people write. There is an angry confidence sans raison fueled by Twitter and Facebook, and the paltry number of words that it takes to conjure a response.
Millennials read a Tweet and then come up with an evanescent response. This is not the world of Oscar Wilde. I'm not sure where we are. But you have an insight into it when you say:
"But there are painful, interlocking identity crises roiling, with young pitted against old and long-simmering resentments against leaders who haven’t recognized the pain of globalization or the yearning for national exceptionalism."
In the past, although politicians manipulated voters (hey, I grew up in Jersey. Dems told voters to vote Row A because you wanted A's in school) there was some sense of decorum. A politician generally didn't rile those cloistered recalcitrant masses. But today Trump is seen on television, as was Reagan in "Death Valley Days" and as the GE spokesman. Forget about "King's Row".
Plato banned poetry in his Republic. Maybe we should ban social media.
There is a singular lack of civility in our culture today. Just read the posts people write. There is an angry confidence sans raison fueled by Twitter and Facebook, and the paltry number of words that it takes to conjure a response.
Millennials read a Tweet and then come up with an evanescent response. This is not the world of Oscar Wilde. I'm not sure where we are. But you have an insight into it when you say:
"But there are painful, interlocking identity crises roiling, with young pitted against old and long-simmering resentments against leaders who haven’t recognized the pain of globalization or the yearning for national exceptionalism."
In the past, although politicians manipulated voters (hey, I grew up in Jersey. Dems told voters to vote Row A because you wanted A's in school) there was some sense of decorum. A politician generally didn't rile those cloistered recalcitrant masses. But today Trump is seen on television, as was Reagan in "Death Valley Days" and as the GE spokesman. Forget about "King's Row".
Plato banned poetry in his Republic. Maybe we should ban social media.
31
"long-simmering resentments against leaders who haven’t recognized the pain"
That catches the essence of politics today. The pain isn't just globalization, though the terms of that are a problem too. It is also the wars, the destruction of the middle class, jobs (real ones), and incomes frozen for decades.
Of course Hillary represents exactly what is resented.
However, Trump is a lame leader for those resentments, or for much of anything else.
Next time, there will be a better leader. These resentments are still building. Hillary certainly will do nothing to help, and likely Trump can't do anything about much of anything in an office that is beyond him.
We can see the future if we look, and it is resentments building to fury.
That catches the essence of politics today. The pain isn't just globalization, though the terms of that are a problem too. It is also the wars, the destruction of the middle class, jobs (real ones), and incomes frozen for decades.
Of course Hillary represents exactly what is resented.
However, Trump is a lame leader for those resentments, or for much of anything else.
Next time, there will be a better leader. These resentments are still building. Hillary certainly will do nothing to help, and likely Trump can't do anything about much of anything in an office that is beyond him.
We can see the future if we look, and it is resentments building to fury.
117
Oh, cut it out. You sound like Rousseau on inequality. It's not the be-all and end-all. Leftist ideology is still ideology. It's not about ideology, it's about pragmatic decision-making and she's better at it (so was/is her husband) than Obama. It's because the Clintons use intelligence better than than those who rely on intellect, like Obama, although Obama's pretty good at intelligence, too. Think through this stuff. Some of us try to support you.
8
Ms. Dowd,
You are no lemon tart.
You are no lemon tart.
56
Correct. She is a plain tart, without taste or substance.
8
Winchestereast:
She is only to the extent that a lemon tart had an underlying bitterness.
She is only to the extent that a lemon tart had an underlying bitterness.
5
More of a tart lemon!
3
The instructive thing about the Clinton-Lynch airport meeting :
Neither flew commercial , could hold the plane at her/his whims, and Mr. Clinton could move across the tarmac.
Commercial flights are for the little people.
Neither flew commercial , could hold the plane at her/his whims, and Mr. Clinton could move across the tarmac.
Commercial flights are for the little people.
244
The reason she is dining alone is her tiresome obsession with the Clintons. No one wants to hear it and yet she can't pass up an opportunity to turn the knife as she scribbles furiously at her table for one. A good Bordeaux might improve her outlook on Paris, life and the Clintons, but somehow I doubt it.
9
Oh, well. If we lived like these swells, we'd get tired of the isolation eventually. Give me the sweaty, smelly crowd every time. Their kids are the really charming ones.
“I am just flabbergasted by it,” Trump said. “I think it’s amazing. I’ve never seen anything like that before.”
Oh, that's rich, Donald.
Donald Trump is certain a Clinton conflict of interest has occurred in his scavenger hunt for Weapons of Clinton Destruction.
But Donald has always led the way in defrauding justice and Americans.
While Florida’s Attorney General was reviewing whether to investigate fraud allegations at Trump University in 2013, The Donald Trump Foundation illegally contributed $25,000 to a political committee supporting her reelection and failed to file the donation with the IRS.
After Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics (CREW) filed a complaint against the Trump Foundation, Trump’s campaign admitted to violating federal tax laws while placing the blame on a series of 'clerical errors'.
After NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman sued Donald Trump and Trump University “for engaging in persistent fraudulent, illegal and deceptive conduct” in 2013, the Orlando Sentinel reported that Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi was considering whether to prosecute Trump and his university for ripping off students.
Three days later, the Trump Foundation donated $25,000 to And Justice for All, a pro-Bondi group supporting her 2014 reelection.
Not only did Bondi decide not to investigate Trump, she also endorsed him for President this year.
“It must have gone, I guess, to Pam Bondi,” Trump CFO Weisselberg told The Washington Post.
Flabbergasting, indeed.
Oh, that's rich, Donald.
Donald Trump is certain a Clinton conflict of interest has occurred in his scavenger hunt for Weapons of Clinton Destruction.
But Donald has always led the way in defrauding justice and Americans.
While Florida’s Attorney General was reviewing whether to investigate fraud allegations at Trump University in 2013, The Donald Trump Foundation illegally contributed $25,000 to a political committee supporting her reelection and failed to file the donation with the IRS.
After Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics (CREW) filed a complaint against the Trump Foundation, Trump’s campaign admitted to violating federal tax laws while placing the blame on a series of 'clerical errors'.
After NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman sued Donald Trump and Trump University “for engaging in persistent fraudulent, illegal and deceptive conduct” in 2013, the Orlando Sentinel reported that Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi was considering whether to prosecute Trump and his university for ripping off students.
Three days later, the Trump Foundation donated $25,000 to And Justice for All, a pro-Bondi group supporting her 2014 reelection.
Not only did Bondi decide not to investigate Trump, she also endorsed him for President this year.
“It must have gone, I guess, to Pam Bondi,” Trump CFO Weisselberg told The Washington Post.
Flabbergasting, indeed.
807
And don't forget the recent story about Trump real estate courses and plagiarism.
11
If Hillary had founded Trump University, the Republicans would be holding investigatory hearings for the next 400 years.
46
Juicy, for Trump haters, but won't make a dent in the polls.
1
Maureen might have been less catty about BOTH Boris and Trump if, instead of drinking white wine in Paris she’d opted for a good Bordeaux. Beyond the fact that there is no moral justification for white wine, even a so-so house-Bordeaux in a nondescript restaurant there tends to be superb. And she was, after all, eating in a “gastronomic” restaurant.
Much like the subterranean sense underpinning Trump’s popularity here, and despite Boris’s feckless self-promotion in sponsoring Brexit, there are both Neanderthal AND defensible motivations to the “Leave” vote. That Parisians condemn it merely adds to the need to understand the defensible: NOBODY takes the French seriously when they analyze the British. But if you want to be truly entertained, you listen to the English analyze the French. But do listen over a good Bordeaux.
Europe desires greater integration largely because Germany, having failed to secure it with panzers, the Luftwaffe and death camps, has resolved to do it with reichsmarks masquerading as euros. But, those Germans … governing not in Berlin but in Brussels with “councils” and “commissions” and a bootless parliament that doesn’t actually DO anything, clearly is opposed to a democracy run by officials actually ACCOUNTABLE to the PEOPLE of the member countries. The Brits – and many others, including the French – reject that. Boris offered himself as the avatar of this growing rejection and it stuck. Then, of course, like Wilde’s “Bunbury”, he just … exploded.
Much like the subterranean sense underpinning Trump’s popularity here, and despite Boris’s feckless self-promotion in sponsoring Brexit, there are both Neanderthal AND defensible motivations to the “Leave” vote. That Parisians condemn it merely adds to the need to understand the defensible: NOBODY takes the French seriously when they analyze the British. But if you want to be truly entertained, you listen to the English analyze the French. But do listen over a good Bordeaux.
Europe desires greater integration largely because Germany, having failed to secure it with panzers, the Luftwaffe and death camps, has resolved to do it with reichsmarks masquerading as euros. But, those Germans … governing not in Berlin but in Brussels with “councils” and “commissions” and a bootless parliament that doesn’t actually DO anything, clearly is opposed to a democracy run by officials actually ACCOUNTABLE to the PEOPLE of the member countries. The Brits – and many others, including the French – reject that. Boris offered himself as the avatar of this growing rejection and it stuck. Then, of course, like Wilde’s “Bunbury”, he just … exploded.
37
Well, Richard, you just confirm that you are not a 'snob'. After all, snobs and gourmands knows that with fish, such as turbot, one usually drinks a white wine.
In addition, your obsession with Bordeauxs is really quite amusing since Bordeauxs can be both white and red wines. A Bordeaux simply refers to the region it comes from.
In addition, your obsession with Bordeauxs is really quite amusing since Bordeauxs can be both white and red wines. A Bordeaux simply refers to the region it comes from.
35
The European Commission is loaded with French civil servants. I speak from first hand experience--they insist on arguing in French. If the Germans dominate the EC, it is a well kept secret.
5
"Reichsmarks"? Oh, Mister Quality Commenter, how you do go on.
7
You should have ordered a classic English dessert-The Trump Trifle or The Clinton Fool.
21
"Johnson is obsessed with his own brand and mocks with a rapier. So does Trump." Mocks with a rapier? As in, rapier wit? Uh, don't think so. More like "mocks with a battle ax."
Donald isn't sophisticated despite his wealth, nor is he particularly well educated. Surely he could learn the proper use of Afghan when giving a speech, or even better, learn where countries are across the globe. But he's lazy. So much easier to scapegoat an entire country, or tweet out an anti-Hillary barb initially using the Star of David superimposed over a pile of money (see article tonight). It's reported he saw his own mistake and changed the shape...more likely, somebody pointed the self-inflicted error to him.
I'm not sure what Oscar Wilde has to do with Boris, Donald, and yes, of course the Clintons (no Dowd column would be complete without them). I trust you enjoyed your lonely repast although one wonders if you read (how gauche) during dinner. But at least you found sustenance beyond the mini-bar. And with nothing to read, you certainly could come up with all these bon mots paralleling Boris with Trump.
But your comparisons between all these folks felt forced, a little too linguistically cutesy. Never mind. I'm sure now that you're back in the good ole USA, you'll find plenty of grist for your mill--and your usual rapier wit-- for next week's column.
Bien venu aux etats unis, Maureen. We missed you.
Donald isn't sophisticated despite his wealth, nor is he particularly well educated. Surely he could learn the proper use of Afghan when giving a speech, or even better, learn where countries are across the globe. But he's lazy. So much easier to scapegoat an entire country, or tweet out an anti-Hillary barb initially using the Star of David superimposed over a pile of money (see article tonight). It's reported he saw his own mistake and changed the shape...more likely, somebody pointed the self-inflicted error to him.
I'm not sure what Oscar Wilde has to do with Boris, Donald, and yes, of course the Clintons (no Dowd column would be complete without them). I trust you enjoyed your lonely repast although one wonders if you read (how gauche) during dinner. But at least you found sustenance beyond the mini-bar. And with nothing to read, you certainly could come up with all these bon mots paralleling Boris with Trump.
But your comparisons between all these folks felt forced, a little too linguistically cutesy. Never mind. I'm sure now that you're back in the good ole USA, you'll find plenty of grist for your mill--and your usual rapier wit-- for next week's column.
Bien venu aux etats unis, Maureen. We missed you.
141
The world would be a much truer place...if Oscar Wilde were referenced by every columnist.
3
@Christine McMorrow: More like "mocks with a wet noodle." Also, Boris has much better hair.
7
So true, Ms Dowd. But first, I hope you will have interesting dining companions going forward. Solitude is an acquired taste and should be tried in bite sizes.
One thing though, it is surprising to see Trump use of the word 'flabbergasted.' No slight intended since he certainly knows the word but it is not the kind of words he would use to his intended audience.
But back to the discussion, there is no doubt "isolationism" is spreading like wild fire when 'compromise' has become a dirty word and "globalization" an evil idea. I hope Americans are more pragmatic and nuanced than their British cousins. People complain bitterly yet they don't mind going to Walmart and getting stuff from Amazon. It seems to be ok to export e-waste to foreign land but they show disgust when prices go up. The same with our British cousins. For generations score of ex-pat have chosen to retire in foreign land. Well, they were foreign until the Empire has begun to shrink. And why not? A good civil servant pension could go a long way in the old Hong Kong and Australia etc. Not anymore. The old commonwealth has become dragons and tigers.
So this is the ultimate irony, snake oil salesmen wanted to slay globalization when colonialism wanes. Maybe Boris knows his Shakespeare after all.
My theory about the Clintons is that they figure troubles will find them even if they stay home and turn off the light, so why bother? Why not dining in full view at some fancy restaurant
One thing though, it is surprising to see Trump use of the word 'flabbergasted.' No slight intended since he certainly knows the word but it is not the kind of words he would use to his intended audience.
But back to the discussion, there is no doubt "isolationism" is spreading like wild fire when 'compromise' has become a dirty word and "globalization" an evil idea. I hope Americans are more pragmatic and nuanced than their British cousins. People complain bitterly yet they don't mind going to Walmart and getting stuff from Amazon. It seems to be ok to export e-waste to foreign land but they show disgust when prices go up. The same with our British cousins. For generations score of ex-pat have chosen to retire in foreign land. Well, they were foreign until the Empire has begun to shrink. And why not? A good civil servant pension could go a long way in the old Hong Kong and Australia etc. Not anymore. The old commonwealth has become dragons and tigers.
So this is the ultimate irony, snake oil salesmen wanted to slay globalization when colonialism wanes. Maybe Boris knows his Shakespeare after all.
My theory about the Clintons is that they figure troubles will find them even if they stay home and turn off the light, so why bother? Why not dining in full view at some fancy restaurant
51
It's kind of sad that a Pulitzer Prize-winning NYT journalist doesn't know a soul in a major world city with whom she can dine. (The photographer who snapped the spectacular dessert must have had other plans.) But I guess it beats getting zonked out of your mind on edible pot by yourself in a Denver hotel.
519
But paid by the NYT well enough to eat out of the mini-bar!
5
Sad that a woman is alone at dinner?
News flash: People get hungry at meal times. If they're away from home, the sensible thing to do is go to a restaurant.
NA, save your (false) pity.
News flash: People get hungry at meal times. If they're away from home, the sensible thing to do is go to a restaurant.
NA, save your (false) pity.
5
Sylvia, you miss the point. Save your self-righteousness, which I'm sure is quite genuine.
8
Trump and Johnson appear to have been separated at birth. It’s as if the universe can’t resist the perverse urge to personify the similar problems of our two nations with doppelgangers who are similarly shabby, cartoonish and dumb. If it weren’t for the fact that everyone who speaks with a British accent sounds smart, Trump and Johnson would be hard to tell apart.
There are some differences between them. Johnson may mock with a rapier, but Trump wields a butter knife, which explains why his quips are dull. On the other hand, Johnson may be a commoner, but no one could be more common than Trump. Score one for our side.
Johnson may have to backtrack on the promised benefits of Brexit, but it would almost be worth watching Trump twist in the wind if he became president and had to renege on every promise that encouraged all those disaffected voters to put him in office.
But as awful as Trump surely is, and as impossible as it is to imagine that he could actually become president, the likelihood is perverse enough that the universe might just intervene and have a little fun with us. Hillary ought to be outpolling Trump by 30 percentage points, but it’s frighteningly close in some crucial states. Missteps at the last minute might put off her supporters and energize the rabid right.
Years ago, fans of the losing New Orleans Saints wore bags over their heads in the stands to hide their shame. If Trump wins, I wonder if we might do the same.
There are some differences between them. Johnson may mock with a rapier, but Trump wields a butter knife, which explains why his quips are dull. On the other hand, Johnson may be a commoner, but no one could be more common than Trump. Score one for our side.
Johnson may have to backtrack on the promised benefits of Brexit, but it would almost be worth watching Trump twist in the wind if he became president and had to renege on every promise that encouraged all those disaffected voters to put him in office.
But as awful as Trump surely is, and as impossible as it is to imagine that he could actually become president, the likelihood is perverse enough that the universe might just intervene and have a little fun with us. Hillary ought to be outpolling Trump by 30 percentage points, but it’s frighteningly close in some crucial states. Missteps at the last minute might put off her supporters and energize the rabid right.
Years ago, fans of the losing New Orleans Saints wore bags over their heads in the stands to hide their shame. If Trump wins, I wonder if we might do the same.
445
Trump grips his butter knife with his tiny little hands and lashes out wherever he can at the Clintons much like Maureen. I'm tired of both of them.
As for Brexit, when I was a child there was a dog on our street that liked to chase cars. Great Britan just chased a car and caught it. Predictably, the car (Europe) is doing just fine but the dog (Great Britain) is in rough shape.
Should Donald Trump wins the presidency with the help of columnists like Maureen suffering from Clinton Derangement Syndrome, we will have the same situation on this side of the pond...others will lose respect for us, if they haven't already. Our economy will suffer, putting those old xenophobia in even worse shape than they are now. Of course, they, like Maureen, will have learned nothing and will continue to rail against "the other" for causing all their problems.
Lemon tart is the perfect dessert for Ms. Dowd.
As for Brexit, when I was a child there was a dog on our street that liked to chase cars. Great Britan just chased a car and caught it. Predictably, the car (Europe) is doing just fine but the dog (Great Britain) is in rough shape.
Should Donald Trump wins the presidency with the help of columnists like Maureen suffering from Clinton Derangement Syndrome, we will have the same situation on this side of the pond...others will lose respect for us, if they haven't already. Our economy will suffer, putting those old xenophobia in even worse shape than they are now. Of course, they, like Maureen, will have learned nothing and will continue to rail against "the other" for causing all their problems.
Lemon tart is the perfect dessert for Ms. Dowd.
26
Who knows? They WERE both born in NYC.....................
1
Leave it to Maureen to entertain us with her presumably NY Times expense account soiree in gay Paree and then "stab" us in the end with a dig on the Clintons.
Maureen should read Ross's column railing against the elites.
Maureen should read Ross's column railing against the elites.
642
Surely, you realize the Clintons richly deserve the "dig." "Each man kills the thing he loves."
1
I found the column to be extremely sad. What a lonely life! Couldn't Maureen have found a "source" with whom to dine in a gastronomic restaurant at the Times'
expense? I was frankly relieved when she finally moved on to her analysis of the similarities between Trump and Johnson.
expense? I was frankly relieved when she finally moved on to her analysis of the similarities between Trump and Johnson.
8
...stab us in the front, as "friends" do.
Ms Dowd's Schadenfreude is plain.
Bill Clinton has done it again,
Of this email molehill
Have we not had our fill?
Benghazi/email, what a pain!
Trump "brilliantly, cynically played"?
Maureen, of mud, genius has made,
Her bigoted rogue
Is still much in vogue,
From his side she still hasn't strayed.
Bill Clinton has done it again,
Of this email molehill
Have we not had our fill?
Benghazi/email, what a pain!
Trump "brilliantly, cynically played"?
Maureen, of mud, genius has made,
Her bigoted rogue
Is still much in vogue,
From his side she still hasn't strayed.
481
Thank you Larry.........you are so right on. But I I still don't get it. Am I missing something because I live on the West Coast? Why does Molly love the Donald so much? Why why why.....? Is it a NY thing? Could it be that Molly, my fave high school "mean girl" has been invited to the prom by the Donald? We can be totally sure that Obama and the Clintons never invited Maureen to even a can of soda at 7-11.
11
For Drumpf to be ' flabbergasted ' by something perfectly sums up our reaction to this item from CNN's Lisa Bloom, from his days of palling around with Jeff Espstein:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-bloom/why-the-new-child-rape-ca_b_106...
And where's Maria ?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-bloom/why-the-new-child-rape-ca_b_106...
And where's Maria ?
86
Apologies; Bloom is with NBC.
21
Make American Great Again for Sexual Slavery
2
Sadly, down at the bottom of my credibility ratings, with Donald Trump, is Lisa Bloom.