The revealing issue here is not that Mrs Trump lifted a few passages from Mrs Obama.
What is telling is how the Trump campaign reacted.
1) Deny the truth
2) Redirect the criticism into an attract on your opponent
3) Find a low lever person to throw under the bus once the truth can no longer be denied.
Folks, this is a preview of a Trump presidency.
What is telling is how the Trump campaign reacted.
1) Deny the truth
2) Redirect the criticism into an attract on your opponent
3) Find a low lever person to throw under the bus once the truth can no longer be denied.
Folks, this is a preview of a Trump presidency.
14
Well Donald warned us a while back that he especially liked (or perhaps even loved) the poorly educated! He must just really love the wife, the dancer (and English major friend), his staff, his campaign chairman, and all the rest who falling all over one another trying to "splain" this thing.
3
U.S. author Chris Matthews makes the claims in Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero. He unearthed notes written by George St John, the President’s former headmaster at Choate School in Connecticut, which suggest he had been aware of the 'ask not' line for many years.
The papers quote a Harvard College dean's refrain: 'As has often been said, the youth who loves his Alma Mater will always ask not "what can she do for me?" but "what can I do for her?"'
The book also includes a reply to a questionnaire about JFK's time at the school, sent to his former classmates when he was President. One of the students wrote: 'I boil every time I read or hear the "Ask not... etc" exhortation as being original with Jack.
'Time and time again we all heard [the headmaster] say that to the whole Choate family.'
The speech, delivered at his inauguration on Capitol Hill on January 20, 1961
The papers quote a Harvard College dean's refrain: 'As has often been said, the youth who loves his Alma Mater will always ask not "what can she do for me?" but "what can I do for her?"'
The book also includes a reply to a questionnaire about JFK's time at the school, sent to his former classmates when he was President. One of the students wrote: 'I boil every time I read or hear the "Ask not... etc" exhortation as being original with Jack.
'Time and time again we all heard [the headmaster] say that to the whole Choate family.'
The speech, delivered at his inauguration on Capitol Hill on January 20, 1961
Much ado about nothing, indeed!
The Trumps are truth-tellers in the way that Iago was honest. But Iago's poisonous words did cause the great and noble Othello (American people) to murder the innocent and loyal Desdemona (Lady Liberty) before anyone was the wiser.
What is past may be prologue.
The irony that the words Melania plagiarized are "your word is your bond" is priceless. But it does raise an interesting paradox? If you keep your word, then you are a person of truth and integrity. But what if your word is that you will lie at all costs?
The Trumps are truth-tellers because they promise everyday to lie to the American people and they always keep their word. Their word just happens to be worthless, but at least they are honest about it. To tell the truth would be the lie. There family fortune and presidential campaign are built on lies and dishonest business practices.
As Colbert pointed out "Truthiness" has to feel true, but "Trumpiness" doesn't even have to do that.
Or as my creator might have said,
"What’s in a name? that which we call a Turd Blossom
By any other name smells just as rotten;
So Trump would, were he not Trump call’d,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title.”
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. I mean the state of Ohio.
The Trumps are truth-tellers in the way that Iago was honest. But Iago's poisonous words did cause the great and noble Othello (American people) to murder the innocent and loyal Desdemona (Lady Liberty) before anyone was the wiser.
What is past may be prologue.
The irony that the words Melania plagiarized are "your word is your bond" is priceless. But it does raise an interesting paradox? If you keep your word, then you are a person of truth and integrity. But what if your word is that you will lie at all costs?
The Trumps are truth-tellers because they promise everyday to lie to the American people and they always keep their word. Their word just happens to be worthless, but at least they are honest about it. To tell the truth would be the lie. There family fortune and presidential campaign are built on lies and dishonest business practices.
As Colbert pointed out "Truthiness" has to feel true, but "Trumpiness" doesn't even have to do that.
Or as my creator might have said,
"What’s in a name? that which we call a Turd Blossom
By any other name smells just as rotten;
So Trump would, were he not Trump call’d,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title.”
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. I mean the state of Ohio.
2
Mrs Obama's speech was not so memorable! Just another hodgepodge of clichés and political platitudes. Not surprising that the same ideas appear in Mrs Trump's address.
2
Give it a rest people. The medial is always looking to stir something up. I guess we should have said the same thing about Mrs. Obama when her "speech writer" wrote the words she was to puppet also.
The media does it again !!!! Stir it all up. Then it all just goes away.
The media does it again !!!! Stir it all up. Then it all just goes away.
Is Melania the victim of a crooked Trump advisor? https://goo.gl/X3AV2A
Silly me, thinking that the GOP circular firing squad meme was just an artifact of the overcrowded GOP primary clown bus. Here's more evidence that it's an organizing principle of the Trump campaign. What could possibly go wrong with this crew in the White House?
3
“This is once again an example of when a woman threatens Hillary Clinton, she seeks out to demean her and take her down,” Mr. Manafort said on CNN. “It’s not going to work against Melania Trump.”
I'm surprised Manafort didn't mention hair-pulling and biting. Unbelievable.
I'm surprised Manafort didn't mention hair-pulling and biting. Unbelievable.
1
This has to be the most embarrassing occurrence in Melania's life. There is absolutely no excuse for this occurring during the campaign of man seeking to lead the government of the United States. It is quite hypocritical to steal inspiration from the Obama administration, which Trump seeks to replace. Further, if these people can't rely on expert advice from political insider's how can we can expect competent leadership from a Trump administration? Well, when given lemons we make LEMONADE!!
I teach the concept of plagiarism, and strategies to avoid plagiarizing, with my students at the 3rd grader level. Since they are emerging critical thinkers and writers, they have to be guided away from attempting to copy text when an assignment demands usage of their own ideas to answer a question or elaborate on a subject. I would sincerely love to thank the Trumps and all accomplices for providing such wonderful content for future Writing lessons!
I teach the concept of plagiarism, and strategies to avoid plagiarizing, with my students at the 3rd grader level. Since they are emerging critical thinkers and writers, they have to be guided away from attempting to copy text when an assignment demands usage of their own ideas to answer a question or elaborate on a subject. I would sincerely love to thank the Trumps and all accomplices for providing such wonderful content for future Writing lessons!
4
Trump and his wife are bad, bad and bad and should not be allowed to say anything politically incorrect. Keep trump out of the political class.
2
Mrs. Trump is in a "no-win" scenario, and all sides are eager to pile on. I doubt many people think Mrs. Trump is politically sophisticated. In a way, that is quite refreshing. But Mr. Trump should have known better than to put his wife out there in prime time. Even if she nailed the speech, critics would rightfully claim that the words were not hers but crafted by skilled speechwriters. If she comes up with something original but dull, she gets poo-pooed for her lack of political savvy. If she takes from someone else, well, we see what happened. It's a boon for the liberal media, but what else is new?
(((Drily))) Yes, because only the liberal media is biased, unlike the Republicans and Fox News which would be vilifying Clinton right not 6.
Oh wait, the party of personal responsibility did blame Melanie's plagiarism on Clinton.
Oh wait, the party of personal responsibility did blame Melanie's plagiarism on Clinton.
2
So, the Liberal Media is to Blame huh? There is always someone else to blame when you are a Conservative.
4
The Ms Trump speech seemed artificial and inauthentic and delivered unconvincingly. And it turns out that it was indeed all that, and not prepared by herself as she asserted beforehand. She lied without apology, a family trait apparently.
6
Why didn't she simply put most of her speech, particularly the borrowed sentences from Michelle's speech, in quotation marks"? One can easily believe First Lady and attorney, Princeton (B.A.), Harvard Law (LLD) Michelle Obama is a proficient, experienced writer of her speeches. Few expect that of the former model Melania Trump.
The attendees, most of whom are inclined to like Ms. Trump if they don't already do so, might not have known how to react to a positive comment or a simple acknowledgement of an Obama.
4
The people defending this are like 7th graders standing red-faced and shoulder-slumped in front of their teachers as they try to make up excuses for why they copied their homework directly from a book. "But, Ms. Colver, I wrote most of it, it's only 7% identical."
5
The speech is clearly plagiarized by academic standards in the U.S. Has anyone considered Melania Trump's educational background?
I teach writing at an international school, and many of my students are slow to catch on to originality expectations in the U.S. In some cultures, it is not only accepted but expected to model (or even duplicate) a document that has been proven to be the "correct answer." What were the standards for academic honesty in Slovenia during her upbringing? The error may not have been a deliberate slight by Ms. Trump.
Either way, her speech should have been more thoroughly examined before delivered.
I teach writing at an international school, and many of my students are slow to catch on to originality expectations in the U.S. In some cultures, it is not only accepted but expected to model (or even duplicate) a document that has been proven to be the "correct answer." What were the standards for academic honesty in Slovenia during her upbringing? The error may not have been a deliberate slight by Ms. Trump.
Either way, her speech should have been more thoroughly examined before delivered.
So, is Trump gonna sue those who violated confidentiality agreements to save their reputations? I sure hope so!
1
Apparently Barack Obama said word for word what Deval Patrick said in a speech, but not many will hear about that. So did Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, etc.. In their defense it must be difficult to say original things that have never been heard before when speaking from the heart.
LindaAnn, plenty did hear about that, back when it happened.....during the 2008 campaign.
I find telling what Mrs. Trump left out of the original:
"even if you don’t know them, and even if you don’t agree with them."
"and all children in this nation."
Those messages are inconsistent with everything that the RNC stands for.
"even if you don’t know them, and even if you don’t agree with them."
"and all children in this nation."
Those messages are inconsistent with everything that the RNC stands for.
5
This is getting too hard for The Donald. He's gonna quit as soon as someone offers him a good deal breaker. Why are people so touchy about lying? It's only supposed to hurt Hillary?
Go figure, Donald. It takes a lot of nuts to make a squirrel.
Go figure, Donald. It takes a lot of nuts to make a squirrel.
1
If he quits and we end up with a President Pence, God help us all. Please don't throw your vote away by staying home or voting for an alternative candidate!
PRESIDENT PENCE? Oh no.
1
Imagine if Hillary Clinton had plagiarized.
Congress would be called into special session. The torpid Washington summer would be interrupted with a frantic activity. Committees be created to investigate. Subpoenas would fly. Witnesses would be called and questioned for days on end by sanctimonious Republicans. An FBI investigation would be demanded. And Trump himself would bloviate even more rabidly than usual about lyin' Hillary.
The real problem, which Republicans cannot even mouth yet, is that Mrs. Trump stole the thoughts of a black woman.
Oh the disgrace! She could not have committed a more flagrant sin if she had bought her dress off the rack at JC Penney.
Congress would be called into special session. The torpid Washington summer would be interrupted with a frantic activity. Committees be created to investigate. Subpoenas would fly. Witnesses would be called and questioned for days on end by sanctimonious Republicans. An FBI investigation would be demanded. And Trump himself would bloviate even more rabidly than usual about lyin' Hillary.
The real problem, which Republicans cannot even mouth yet, is that Mrs. Trump stole the thoughts of a black woman.
Oh the disgrace! She could not have committed a more flagrant sin if she had bought her dress off the rack at JC Penney.
9
Hillary did plagiarize several times and most recently Bernies lines. It just doesn't get reported by the media as much. Wonder why?
Either their speeches were underwritten, or, it's a great that they were both raised with common sense!! Stop all of the jealous wasting of your time ''attacking"! It puts a negative label on those that distribute such childish behavior.
If Hillary borrowed from Bernie, chances are he ok'd it in advance. They are on the same side, after all.
There has been plenty of harsh media coverage of Hillary Clinton since 1992. She has undergone more intense scrutiny and criticism than any politician since Nixon. Perhaps Republicans have not noticed. Wonder why?
There has been plenty of harsh media coverage of Hillary Clinton since 1992. She has undergone more intense scrutiny and criticism than any politician since Nixon. Perhaps Republicans have not noticed. Wonder why?
Get off the original speech writers' backs. They say only the intro and out chorus are theirs. They have careers to consider. Another ghost writer watched others' speeches with his wife. Like Donald wasn't there. The ghost is an English major, so you know she broke her own rules.
2
Grateful the Obamas and Clintons are staying out of this and letting others discuss it. Of course that didn't stop Paul Manafort from shooting off his mouth- accusing Hillary of bringing it to the world's attention, clearly following the Trump campaign's adage of not being concerned with facts. I love that Corey Lewandowsi is saying Manafort should take responsibility for this and resign.
Despite the fact the Obamas and Clintons have been pretty much mute on the subject, and many Republicans agree there was plagiarism, I have no doubt Trump, and his supporters, will double down and make this all the fault of the Democrats. He'll get mileage out of it. Because that's who he and his supporters are: fact-void Stepfords who twist the truth to suit them. Even with something so patently obvious, in black and white, like this obvious plagiarism.
Despite the fact the Obamas and Clintons have been pretty much mute on the subject, and many Republicans agree there was plagiarism, I have no doubt Trump, and his supporters, will double down and make this all the fault of the Democrats. He'll get mileage out of it. Because that's who he and his supporters are: fact-void Stepfords who twist the truth to suit them. Even with something so patently obvious, in black and white, like this obvious plagiarism.
3
There comes a time when these manic denials no longer have any connection to reality. I think the people involved would be better off just owning this. "Yep, we stole it. Sue us. We meant it more than Obama did." If your party is going to stand for complete ethical relativism, then just admit to everyone that the ends justify the means, in your opinion. But don't insult everyone's intelligence by stretching credulity beyond the breaking point.
11
Agreed. The plagiarism is obvious, so why not just admit that she was inspired by FLOTUS and put the whole argument to bed? Sadly because this campaign (and candidate) seems to have an issue with admitting faults or giving apologies. Although English isn't Melania's first language, I would think the speechwriters are fluent, and "should" have a more extensive knowledge and expertise of creatively combining words and phrases to convey an idea or sentiment... not just cutting and pasting the same exact words in the same exact order they were previously used by a person in the same exact position for the exact same type of forum. Then deny the whole thing and say everyone else is crazy, and that the presenter "just used common words". C'mon guys... really? It's not the borrowing that's the issue (yes, people do it all the time); but it's the lack of accountability that has been so apparent with the campaign from the beginning that makes this situation bigger than it should be, and it's starting to cause voters to draw conclusions on how a Trump administration might operate. Prideful, dishonest, irresponsible... the same words that some are using to describe Clinton. Not good...
4
Melania Trump is being held hostage in Trump Tower. This is evident from the secret coded message she concealed in her convention speech, a tribute to the Obamas, their marriage and their values. Free Melania!
20
"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” O. Wilde
Mrs. Obama should feel honored by this plagiarism. This homage stands as a subliminal truth of praise for the Obamas by Mrs. Trump and all of those Republicans who cheered and exalted the speech. By her words Mrs. Trump has vindicated the greatness of Mrs. Obama and by association the President.
This incident and repulsive reaction by the Trump Campaign also exposes the truth of prejudice against the Obamas by Republicans through their vehement disparagement of ANY of his policies out of hand and without merit. Mrs. Trump was obviously very proud of her speech and rightly so - she channeled the words of another great American, our First Lady, Michelle Obama which rang true - originally for Democrats - and now for Republicans. Although, the lack of proper accreditation shows a disrespect that Deserves an apology by Mrs. Trump even though her husband would never, ever give one.
Mrs. Obama should feel honored by this plagiarism. This homage stands as a subliminal truth of praise for the Obamas by Mrs. Trump and all of those Republicans who cheered and exalted the speech. By her words Mrs. Trump has vindicated the greatness of Mrs. Obama and by association the President.
This incident and repulsive reaction by the Trump Campaign also exposes the truth of prejudice against the Obamas by Republicans through their vehement disparagement of ANY of his policies out of hand and without merit. Mrs. Trump was obviously very proud of her speech and rightly so - she channeled the words of another great American, our First Lady, Michelle Obama which rang true - originally for Democrats - and now for Republicans. Although, the lack of proper accreditation shows a disrespect that Deserves an apology by Mrs. Trump even though her husband would never, ever give one.
8
Actually, if I were Mrs. Obama, I would be annoyed by the changes Mrs. Trump made in my excellent work. Actors know that they are not supposed to change the lines around. They will invariably mess up.
Mrs. Trump, having recognized the genius of the original text, should not have tried to "improve" it. The speech, from 2008, should have been reproduced verbatim. And Republicans, even more than Democrats, should be upset that the Trumps do not respect copyright legislation. What has Mrs. Trump paid in royalties?
Mrs. Trump, having recognized the genius of the original text, should not have tried to "improve" it. The speech, from 2008, should have been reproduced verbatim. And Republicans, even more than Democrats, should be upset that the Trumps do not respect copyright legislation. What has Mrs. Trump paid in royalties?
1
Any businessman knows enough to follow up on jobs given to others. As my first boss taught me, "you cannot delegate responsibility, you can only delegate authority." If I were a republican, i'd be screaming that whoever hired these speechwriters should be fired. I'm not, so it's all OK with me.
What % of Melania's speech was hers and what% was the speech writers? I guess someone is going to be "Fired" and it ai'nt Melania unless Don's eyes are roving again!
1
Well, the Times has run down the story, and it turns out Trump's wife hated the speech given to her and got a friend who helped Trump write "Think Like a Billionaire" to go over former nominee's wives speeches. At least I think Trump helped her write it, as his has been said to have not written a word of Art of the Deal Breaker. She liked what she heard and thought nothing of co-opting it? Way to think like a billionaire's wife!
5
On one of the channels last night, they showed a copy of a Melania speech from 2012 that copied, exactly, word for word, the speech of someone else. Melania may not understand what plagiarism is, but she is very good at it.
10
If Trump had any inegrity, he'd tweet out that Melania's speechwriter did in fact plagiarize Michelle, and it was stupid, and that he's sorry. If he did, people would be more willing to listen to him. In my personal life, I steer clear of people who will never admit they're wrong, or apologize.
6
Such as Hillary and Bill?
1
Only problem is this was his idea. It's becoming painfully clear he appropriates anything he wants without concern for legalities.
4
But, Stevo, Trump is never wrong. Don't you know that by now? And we can tell when he is REALLY never wrong on a certain topic, by the amount of time he spends "doubling down" on any of us idiots daring to question anything from the Trump campaign.
Donald Trump is perfect.
Donald Trump is perfect.
1
I doubt she would have gotten these many comments if she had referred to the GOP convention as the "Make America White Again" convention.
3
I think the dress speaks for itself. What's with this wedding of saints act? Hillary did the same thing with her Weebles wedding pants suit.
3
The dress was all white, of course.
1
I spring to the defense of Melania Trump for her plagiarizing of huge chunks of Michele Obama's speech to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. As my spouse reminded me, "At least she knew enough to turn to a Democrat and not to a Republican to get good ideas." And, incorrigible optimist as I am, I see Melania's using Michele's words as a praiseworthy attempt to "reach across the aisle", in sharp contrast to her husband's bombastic demonization of his opponents and the mindless obstructionism of the Congressional Republicans. Instead of castigating her, we ought to be thanking her. "Give credit where credit is due."
3
Then she should have acknowledged the words were Mrs. Obama's.
Easy enough, "In the words of the great Michele Obama...."
But she didn't and she lied.
No, she doesn't get a pass.
Easy enough, "In the words of the great Michele Obama...."
But she didn't and she lied.
No, she doesn't get a pass.
3
The only person who absolutely cannot be fired from the Trump Campaign is the Real Estate developer himself. We also know that he found it difficult to participate in the writing of his book art of the steal.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/19/us/politics/trump-book-tony-schwartz.html
I think it was the developer himself who helped write the speech.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/19/us/politics/trump-book-tony-schwartz.html
I think it was the developer himself who helped write the speech.
8
See, I thought it was his kidz, and this is why no one got fired; but she used one of his ghost writers after rejecting the speech given her, and they went over nominees' wives' speeches together. I think she took part in appropriating portions of speeches she liked. Now I think Donald did it, too. He's used to moving in on others' property and flipping it.
4
Those who are defending Melania and Donald, let me ask you this- if Hillary had done the same thing would you still not call it plagiarism? If she had spoken with stolen words from someone else but said them authentically and with warmth, would you be as forgiving? I already know the answer. What Melania did was wrong and if anyone else did it, it would still be wrong! No one is attacking her because she is an immigrant or a woman or Trump's wife, because plagiarizing no matter what is WRONG. Manafort deflects questions because he knows it was wrong and instead immediately attacks Hillary who had nothing to do with the situation.
8
Hillary has plagiarized several times. As recently as 5-6 months ago she lifted lines from Bernie hence the #stealthebern hashtag and angry Bernie supporters. From an article on CNBC by Jake Novak,"In February, former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and his supporters caught Clinton stealing the lines he had been using throughout his campaign. There were many lines to be exact, but the particular stanza was: "this country belongs to all of us, not just those at the top." And: "Wall Street can never be allowed to threaten Main Street again. No bank can be too big to fail, no executive too powerful to jail."
Sanders was mostly good-natured about it when he went on a few news programs after Clinton started cribbing those lines and chuckled a bit as he shouted, "we're looking into the copyright issues because she's stealing our lines!" The Sanders campaign was a little less sanguine about the continued plagiarism when Clinton copied those lines again after her win in the Nevada primary in March. Many of his supporters remain livid. They even created a special Twitter hashtag #StealTheBern to register their scorn." The problem is much of the media is biased and didn't report this. What is more upsetting is that Hillary is the candidate and Melania only a potential First Lady and Hillary again gets a pass.
Sanders was mostly good-natured about it when he went on a few news programs after Clinton started cribbing those lines and chuckled a bit as he shouted, "we're looking into the copyright issues because she's stealing our lines!" The Sanders campaign was a little less sanguine about the continued plagiarism when Clinton copied those lines again after her win in the Nevada primary in March. Many of his supporters remain livid. They even created a special Twitter hashtag #StealTheBern to register their scorn." The problem is much of the media is biased and didn't report this. What is more upsetting is that Hillary is the candidate and Melania only a potential First Lady and Hillary again gets a pass.
3
I'm thinking, and hoping, that Melania knowingly channeled Michele, thus bringing some positivity into the proceedings. Perhaps Melania is a you go girl, speaking her own views, or another woman's views that she agrees with. Maybe she purposely started the ruckus, the sticking it to the man, so to speak. That would be something: a woman speaking her mind, or agreeing with another woman who spoke her mind. That would be more newsworthy and much more positive than the convention.
3
I was born a poor black child in Slovenia, a small, beautiful and then-Communist country in Central Europe.
5
When Michelle Obama read her speech in 2008 and it was discovered to have been plagiarized from a speech given by Saul Alinsky, how come this news paper and all of you didn't put up a stink about it?
When Joe Biden read a speech that he in fact plagiarized in whole, how come you didn't put up a stink about it?
When Barack Obama committed numerous instances of plagiarism, why didn't any of you put up a stink about it? Most notably the Deval Patrick Speech.
Why when 40 words of a more than 1400 word speech have some similarities over a speech that Melania Trump gave, that has similarities to one Michelle Obama gave, that she plagiarized from Saul Alinsky, are you putting up a stink about it?
It just seems that the NYT and it's Liberal Readers are very hypocritical.
When Joe Biden read a speech that he in fact plagiarized in whole, how come you didn't put up a stink about it?
When Barack Obama committed numerous instances of plagiarism, why didn't any of you put up a stink about it? Most notably the Deval Patrick Speech.
Why when 40 words of a more than 1400 word speech have some similarities over a speech that Melania Trump gave, that has similarities to one Michelle Obama gave, that she plagiarized from Saul Alinsky, are you putting up a stink about it?
It just seems that the NYT and it's Liberal Readers are very hypocritical.
4
I don't get why the GOP is leaning on Alinsky and Lucifer, especially when Dick Armey used that book to round up the Tea Party and bring them to his major events to disrupt conversations about healthcare. This is a fact he was very proud of making clear, giving that book a Right Hook.
2
@TheOldGuy
FYI, Breitbart has misinformed you.
Mrs. Obama's 2008 speech used two somewhat common phrases - "the world as it is" and " the world as it should be" - in paraphrasing her husband's desire to pursue the latter, while Mr. Alinsky's book argued for accepting the former.
Sorry to disappoint but the current FLOTUS didn't plagiarize a Saul Alinsky speech.
FYI, Breitbart has misinformed you.
Mrs. Obama's 2008 speech used two somewhat common phrases - "the world as it is" and " the world as it should be" - in paraphrasing her husband's desire to pursue the latter, while Mr. Alinsky's book argued for accepting the former.
Sorry to disappoint but the current FLOTUS didn't plagiarize a Saul Alinsky speech.
6
That brain surgeon needs to get his head examined if he thinks Lucifer is running the show. It's all Donald, all the time. I think he even helped his wife select these 'fragments".
Note to Mrs. trump: oratorical, intellectual and moral theft: outright plagiarism (unauthorized use of someone else's words). Yes, you have certainly learned fundamental values from your husband: lying, cheating, total disregard for the truth - excellent modeling for a potential First Lady. You set the same standard of deception your husband has honed in creating an alternate reality you expect thinking voters to accept unquestioningly. Guess what? Those of us with a brain reject your notion that simply saying something makes it real - in this case that these were your thoughts, your words. Facts are facts: you stole Michelle's heartfelt emotions and message to the American people.
Republican apologists may attempt to explain, excuse or deny it, but the truth speaks far more loudly: you are as morally corrupt as your revolting husband. What a pair! Shame on you to even try to deny it!!! As your husband cannot be spoken of in the same sentence as our President, you can never hope to be compared to our extraordinary First Lady.
Republican apologists may attempt to explain, excuse or deny it, but the truth speaks far more loudly: you are as morally corrupt as your revolting husband. What a pair! Shame on you to even try to deny it!!! As your husband cannot be spoken of in the same sentence as our President, you can never hope to be compared to our extraordinary First Lady.
9
If the press had covered Trump's lies as well as they're covering this, we'd all be in better shape.
12
This is an example of how that awfully bad thing (so hated by the right wing conservatives) called political correctness, might have actually been a useful tool for Trump and his campaign. Not that I want to see Trump succeed, but his over reliance on hubris and unintelligent polemics will surely contribute to his failure.
7
The evidence it is clear. Donald and Melania are a couple of crooks, without brains, moral and scrupulous. They feel above everybody in the way they act and think. That it is really scary, but more scary is that millions of people have less brain to analyse, accept and recognize that this pair is not qualify for anything in life, even less to be in the white house.
11
Why is no one discussing the CULTURAL context of plagiarism?
From Melania's perspective (I'm assuming, having taught and tutored hundreds of traditional students and adult learners from former Eastern European countries), the concept of plagiarism doesn't exist, so it would be normal for her to watch similar speeches for inspiration and ideas and normal for her to write down parts that she admired without worrying about attributing to a source. Once published or presented, in many cultures, a person's words are now in the public domain and belong to everyone. I've had great, great difficulty teaching students who don't believe in the concept of plagiarism not to plagiarize. .. UNTIL we approached the topic from the stance that" in this culture, at this time, this is what we consider intellectual dishonesty. " Once told that it isn't wrong, per se, and armed with the tools of citation and paraphrase, they do much better.
I once had a student from Haiti tell me repeatedly that she hadn't, even when we were looking at the original texts and her work side by side and the passages were nearly verbatim. In her mind, truly, she'd done nothing wrong.
From Melania's perspective (I'm assuming, having taught and tutored hundreds of traditional students and adult learners from former Eastern European countries), the concept of plagiarism doesn't exist, so it would be normal for her to watch similar speeches for inspiration and ideas and normal for her to write down parts that she admired without worrying about attributing to a source. Once published or presented, in many cultures, a person's words are now in the public domain and belong to everyone. I've had great, great difficulty teaching students who don't believe in the concept of plagiarism not to plagiarize. .. UNTIL we approached the topic from the stance that" in this culture, at this time, this is what we consider intellectual dishonesty. " Once told that it isn't wrong, per se, and armed with the tools of citation and paraphrase, they do much better.
I once had a student from Haiti tell me repeatedly that she hadn't, even when we were looking at the original texts and her work side by side and the passages were nearly verbatim. In her mind, truly, she'd done nothing wrong.
3
Tell this to Hillary #stealthebern or is it ok that she plagiarized Bernies lines?
The apologist.
Give me a break.
She's not some young, naïve student.
This is a campaign that is being run by someone who wants to be president of the United States. It's not amateur hour.
Give me a break.
She's not some young, naïve student.
This is a campaign that is being run by someone who wants to be president of the United States. It's not amateur hour.
2
Melania was an immigrant to the United States. Is it fair to target other immigrants just because they aren't as pretty and sexy?
5
Who is running this circus? God forbid he wins the White House!
9
She said she wrote it herself.
She said one's word is one's bond.
She broke that bond as she said it.
So much for her values.
She said one's word is one's bond.
She broke that bond as she said it.
So much for her values.
16
Didn’t Ms. Trump say that she wrote the speech by herself? Now the campaign is leaking info to blame a staffer or Mr. Trump’s co-writer. Before calling others liars, the candidate should think twice because the same could be said of his wife.
There may be a pattern of lying. According to melaniatrump.com/my-world/ she has a degree but her biographers say she left the University of Ljubljana after her freshmen year (huffingtonpost.com/entry/melania-trump-college-claims_us_578dd95ce4b0c53... and never returned to college.
I can’t help but wonder how fluent she is in 5 languages. I know people who claim to speak several languages but in reality they aren’t proficient in those; never mind fluent. I am a native Portuguese speaker and English is my second language. I studied French for 4 years and German for 3 years in high school. I was exposed to Japanese during my 10 week stay in Japan as an AFS exchange student. In my thirties I studied Spanish to help the patients at the hospital where I worked. I feel that I am fluent in Portuguese and English. I have a degree in Spanish and believe that I am proficient in it due to using it regularly at work. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to follow up on the other languages and today my knowledge of these is limited. If I were the type to exaggerate, I could say I know 6 languages and those who don’t understand language acquisition would think I was fluent in all of them.
There may be a pattern of lying. According to melaniatrump.com/my-world/ she has a degree but her biographers say she left the University of Ljubljana after her freshmen year (huffingtonpost.com/entry/melania-trump-college-claims_us_578dd95ce4b0c53... and never returned to college.
I can’t help but wonder how fluent she is in 5 languages. I know people who claim to speak several languages but in reality they aren’t proficient in those; never mind fluent. I am a native Portuguese speaker and English is my second language. I studied French for 4 years and German for 3 years in high school. I was exposed to Japanese during my 10 week stay in Japan as an AFS exchange student. In my thirties I studied Spanish to help the patients at the hospital where I worked. I feel that I am fluent in Portuguese and English. I have a degree in Spanish and believe that I am proficient in it due to using it regularly at work. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to follow up on the other languages and today my knowledge of these is limited. If I were the type to exaggerate, I could say I know 6 languages and those who don’t understand language acquisition would think I was fluent in all of them.
13
Obama's press secretary said yesterday when Obama plagiarized Patrick's lines that it wasn't really plagiarism "the president was in fact inspired by Governor Patrick's words." Yeah right. When Michelle lifted Saul Alinsky lines...that was just borrowing? How about Hillary? Just borrowed John Edwards and Bernies lines #stealthebern?
5
As a teacher I would have had a meeting with my student and told her that she just broke school policy by copying word for word. The student would have been warned and given an F on the paper! I knew that Ms. Trump did not write her speech because no one who is a second language learner would ever use the phrases she had in her speech! The Republicans are a disgrace to all educators and children, they continue to set the wrong example of how to make America great. Cheating is not one of the ways and Trump is cheating America in many ways!
13
Seeing the Republicans trot out Mrs. Trump and listening to her performance, I couldn't help but recall Samuel Johnson's sexist comment, to the effect: teaching a woman to orate in public is like teaching a dog to walk on its hind legs. The remarkable thing is not that it is done well, but that it is done at all.
3
The icing on the cake; now we watch the candles go out by themselves. Could anyone ask for more?
5
A lot of fuss about not much. Jeez, leave her alone. Her best line was "“He will do this better than anyone else can, and it won’t even be close.” That sounds all Trump to me.
4
Which is why many of us who have learned a Trump ghost witter took up the speech after he and she rejected it think he helped her select those words from former wives' speeches. They went over them together. They actually went over them and then willfully lifted from them. What a couple of crooked dealers.
1
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” - Oscar Wilde
6
Another example of how Trump the Hump portrays himself as a fantastic business man who cannot get a simple speech written without ripping off someone else. And people seriously think we should entrust this faker with the nuclear codes? Please give me a break. Watching the Moon Howlers and Tin Hatters fall all over themselves trying to find something nice to say about Trump the Hump is a sad sight indeed. The Party of Lincoln has been turned into a carnival side show filed with hatred and venom.
3
i'm a bit late to the commenting party, but here goes:
so NYT, if one of your reporters did what Ms. Trump (or her speech-writer) has done, would you hesitate to call it plagiarizing or not?
yeah, that's what i thought. you'd call it what it was, you'd call them on it, then you'd shame them and fire them. how do i know this? well, you've done it many times in the recent past. you don't stand for it. and you don't get mealy-mouthed about it. so that begs the question, why are you being mealy-mouthed now?
this speech was plagiarized. as amply demonstrated by your highlighting. elsewhere, they're doing the comparison with side-by-side video.
as for those who are saying Mrs Trump's English isn't all that good. oh, please. her English is excellent. it's just accented. she's actually an accomplished linguist, by the way. Speaks four European languages. But actually, that's not truly surprising as many Europeans speak at least two, and often three. They start them young there. Just one of those things.
who knows who actually wrote the speech. she told Matt Lauer she did. maybe she didn't. or perhaps she had some help. stories vary. what she has for sure lied about is her college/university education. apparently she really isn't a post-secondary graduate. she dropped out to model after first year having failed two exams. you can Google these details for yourself.
so NYT, if one of your reporters did what Ms. Trump (or her speech-writer) has done, would you hesitate to call it plagiarizing or not?
yeah, that's what i thought. you'd call it what it was, you'd call them on it, then you'd shame them and fire them. how do i know this? well, you've done it many times in the recent past. you don't stand for it. and you don't get mealy-mouthed about it. so that begs the question, why are you being mealy-mouthed now?
this speech was plagiarized. as amply demonstrated by your highlighting. elsewhere, they're doing the comparison with side-by-side video.
as for those who are saying Mrs Trump's English isn't all that good. oh, please. her English is excellent. it's just accented. she's actually an accomplished linguist, by the way. Speaks four European languages. But actually, that's not truly surprising as many Europeans speak at least two, and often three. They start them young there. Just one of those things.
who knows who actually wrote the speech. she told Matt Lauer she did. maybe she didn't. or perhaps she had some help. stories vary. what she has for sure lied about is her college/university education. apparently she really isn't a post-secondary graduate. she dropped out to model after first year having failed two exams. you can Google these details for yourself.
4
So fire Hillary? She plagiarized several times. Remember her using John Edwards speech. How about the lines she lifted from Bernie? #stealthebern
Isn't everyone who uses a speechwriter actually passing off the words of someone else as their own -- that is to say plagiarizing.
2
No.
When a speechwriter produces or helps edit an address to be delivered by another person, he or she does so with the awareness that plagiarism is - or ought to be - off limits. The writer could naturally expect consequences if he or she did plagiarize another's work and was caught doing so.
But the speechwriter knows he or she won't be credited for the words, at least not in the minds of those who associate the text with the person publicly delivering it. It's awfully difficult to plagiarize someone whose job it is to write or contribute to the content being delivered. The writer may not be prominently credited, but he or she is also unlikely to remain anonymous.
However, this speech was portrayed by Ms. Trump herself as having been personally written, without as little assistance possible. (An assertion which, naturally, changed repeatedly after the matter of plagiarism arose.)
There's a vast difference between speaking the words written by your own employee for your own use compared to speaking words directly lifted from another person's speech, without any credit or attribution to the original speaker or that person's speechwriter(s).
When a speechwriter produces or helps edit an address to be delivered by another person, he or she does so with the awareness that plagiarism is - or ought to be - off limits. The writer could naturally expect consequences if he or she did plagiarize another's work and was caught doing so.
But the speechwriter knows he or she won't be credited for the words, at least not in the minds of those who associate the text with the person publicly delivering it. It's awfully difficult to plagiarize someone whose job it is to write or contribute to the content being delivered. The writer may not be prominently credited, but he or she is also unlikely to remain anonymous.
However, this speech was portrayed by Ms. Trump herself as having been personally written, without as little assistance possible. (An assertion which, naturally, changed repeatedly after the matter of plagiarism arose.)
There's a vast difference between speaking the words written by your own employee for your own use compared to speaking words directly lifted from another person's speech, without any credit or attribution to the original speaker or that person's speechwriter(s).
1
Not if you pay for them.
So as long as you pay a term paper company for writing your term paper, you're in the clear?
3
The NRA speaker tonight exemplifies the terror tactics the Republican party is using to scare me, claiming I must purchase a gun to protect myself. They're more of a threat to our country than either ISIS or al Queda. Fascism - rule by fear - is what we had after September 11, 2001. Not since the days of Senator Joseph McCarthy with his accusations that many loyal ctizens were Communists have we had such fear and suspicion. Our nation cannot survive as a democracy if we elect the hot-headed terrorist, Donald Trump.
6
That Paul Manafort blamed Hillary Clinton for the fallout from Melania
Trump´s speech should come as no surprise. Between now and November 8 the republicans will blame her for everything from the fall of Rome to the two World Wars and beyond. It won´t do much good. If the narcissistic gasbag who is now officially the GOP candidate cannot organize a convention or find people who are capable of writing their own boiler plate, then he is obviously unfit to run the United States.
Trump´s speech should come as no surprise. Between now and November 8 the republicans will blame her for everything from the fall of Rome to the two World Wars and beyond. It won´t do much good. If the narcissistic gasbag who is now officially the GOP candidate cannot organize a convention or find people who are capable of writing their own boiler plate, then he is obviously unfit to run the United States.
12
Great irony! Continually attacking and condemning President Obama, but using Michelle Obama's words to try and uplift and inspire the Republican Convention. Really!!! A clear reflection of how vacuous, empty, and self deluded the Republican Party has become.
28
And when Michelle Obama talked about the reach of a child's dreams, she echoed back to MartinLuther King.... Melania Trump, not so much.
When Michelle Obama talked about how your word is your bond, she echoed back to her own Ivy League law degree.... Melania Trump, not so much.
When Michelle Obama talked about how your word is your bond, she echoed back to her own Ivy League law degree.... Melania Trump, not so much.
19
Perhaps when someone is out of their depth, they seek the words of someone else. Just perhaps.
20
Most flubs defy simple, single-sentence analysis, and yet yours seems to grasp and wrap this one up by the authority of big-picture wisdom. Further analysis is just quibbling in my opinion.
1
No shame in quoting Michele Obama. She rocks. I'd be happy to plagiarize her. I'm surprised the media is castigating Melania Trump on her choice of role models (or the Trump campaign, for that matter). As my Mom always told me - - imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.
9
I'd agree, if only Mrs. Trump credited the honor.
9
I am just having a hard time being able to take the Trump campaign seriously, which makes me think it's all a ploy! (But for what? I am not sure if they are deliberately trying to run the Republican party into the ground or lull the Democrats into a false sense of security.)
4
Donald Trump has no interest in being President.......When the colored lights are off,
when the band stops playing, when the idolizing stops........How will he manage the
quiet?
The work is not about the dog leg on the seventh fairway.........
This is an exercise in Branding no more, no less....................
His followers have no reason to think he will change his philosophy........
which is "Trump wins everybody else loses"
when the band stops playing, when the idolizing stops........How will he manage the
quiet?
The work is not about the dog leg on the seventh fairway.........
This is an exercise in Branding no more, no less....................
His followers have no reason to think he will change his philosophy........
which is "Trump wins everybody else loses"
2
There's an unstated assumption that Michelle Obama's speech was original. For example, both of them used "His word is his bond." Was that original?
3
I would not be surprised if I was Trump who, carelessly, used Michelle Obama's words in Melania's speech.
6
Just very rich white people taking credit for the efforts and accomplishments of black people. Anyone can realize their dreams in America if you are white and rich - and willing to steal the whatever it takes.
The funny part is, here is this fabulously rich white woman gifted with a beautiful body, married to a billionaire that got his start with a million dollar loan from his very wealthy father telling America that anybody can realize their dreams if they just work hard enough - just like her and Donald.
The funny part is, here is this fabulously rich white woman gifted with a beautiful body, married to a billionaire that got his start with a million dollar loan from his very wealthy father telling America that anybody can realize their dreams if they just work hard enough - just like her and Donald.
33
It's ironic she appropriated Mrs. Obama's "your word is your bond" choice of bromides, considering the thousands of instances litigation required to settle how bonded just one of their husbands is to the words he tells others.
4
it would be merciful if the Ringmaster folded the tent now and spared his wife any further humiliation........
14
I would like to know why throughout this article Melania is referred to as "Ms. Trump" while Michelle Obama is still referred to as "Mrs. Obama." Is there some archaic grammar rule I've forgotten where only the first wife gets to be "Mrs." or does Donald Trump include the New York Times among his many holdings, and Melania didn't want it printed that way because it was too old-sounding. One wonders... Certainly can't ponder much else. This whole election is a joke and I am moving to the tropics, I swear it.
8
Some women prefer using Mrs. upon getting married; others prefer to continue using Ms., regardless of whether they've taken their spouse's surname as their own. I'm sure the Times Stylebook has the specifics as to their in house policy. I've commented elsewhere on here about this, but my assumption is that it is used by the Times in the way the individual prefers. Hillary Clinton's preference is to be "Mrs. Clinton." Melania Trump, I assume, either prefers "Ms. Trump" or has not clarified her preference and the Times is therefore relying on the default, neutral term of "Ms."
8
I always use Ms. But when referring to Mrs. Obama here, instinctively "Mrs" seemed right.
Congrats to Melania Trump for obviously sharing the values of the Obamas so much, she has to repeat them word for word. Now if the rest of the GOP can do the same, instead of spewing hate and resentment, we'd have a much better country.
34
Stop! Please! This fixation on her speach is petty and mean. It's also completely irrelevant. It make a mockery of honest discourse and reduces the level of political debate to a new low. Shame!
8
Raul, This Reublican party is the new low!!!!
5
And yet, I continue to feel ill at the thought that so many in the country will look the other way and vote for this fraud. Human nature boggles my mind some times.
16
Melania Trump's plagiarism of Michelle Obama's 2008 speech was intriguing and damning--for about 10 minutes. But isn't it time to move on? After all, Melania is merely the wife of a candidate whom most of the readers here, including myself, have never supported and never will. Melania's plagiarism is unfortunate, but in this fractious election season, surely we have bigger fish to fry.
5
There's consequences for plagiarism so no we can't move on.
15
Really? Consequences, you say? Ask Joe Biden about that. He's an expert...
Oh, to have been a fly on the wall at Trump HQ when all this hit the fan last night!
22
It's coming clear either she and her ghost writer used others' speeches to "inspire" them, or Donald was in on the grift, too. The two professionals are in the clear. She only used their opening and closing.
I bet he DID take part in this lift.
I bet he DID take part in this lift.
1
It's now being reported that Melania Trump the person who failed out of college then lied about finishing, was responsible for the plagiarisms. Donald's been fuming all day too, which puts a lie to it not being a very big deal. If it's affecting him, it's a big deal.
14
That's probably why there was no rush for Trump to fire anybody in his staff. It appears to be the story that is now unfolding in another NYT article. Melania was probably not lying to Matt Lauer when she said she wrote it herself with as little help from others. Oy vey!
Really? How about Michelle Obama who flunked the Illinois bar exam first time through? Anything to say about that?
1
Priceless. What WAS she thinking? That the internet doesnt exist? Absolutely ridiculous.
13
Two thoughts
1. This sounds like "Fraud"... the sort Donald is famous for in some of his businesses like "Trump University". It proves he is an outright fraud.
2. If they can't find who did the plagiarizing, maybe it was Donald. After all Melania might be a bit self-conscious about her English. Donald probably thought: "a little of this, a little of that...see this is easy..." and that no one would notice...
1. This sounds like "Fraud"... the sort Donald is famous for in some of his businesses like "Trump University". It proves he is an outright fraud.
2. If they can't find who did the plagiarizing, maybe it was Donald. After all Melania might be a bit self-conscious about her English. Donald probably thought: "a little of this, a little of that...see this is easy..." and that no one would notice...
18
Close, but no Seeger. More like "Freud."
Trump may be among the first major public figures to lose a calculated bet overestimating the average American's stupidity. The bad news is the razor-thin margin by which it will likely defeat him.
3
Now, if Melania's husband were to start cribbing from Michelle's husband, there might be a rational reason to vote for the guy...
32
To each his own, but I found Chris Christie's speech endlessly more repulsive and disturbing than Melania's and far more worthy of serious dissection by the New York Times.
17
A fine performance by a star graduate of Trump University's highly-rated speech writing degree program.
Not ready for prime time.
And... oddly enough, from an ambitious climber and go-getter who it seems may privately admire the First Lady.
Not ready for prime time.
And... oddly enough, from an ambitious climber and go-getter who it seems may privately admire the First Lady.
12
Plagiarizing doesn't matter for poorly educated people!
14
They reinvent the wheel every day!
9
In many countries, copying the work of others (plagiarism) is perfectly normal. Ask an ESL teacher. Maybe that's what inspired Melania to crib that speech.
2
Clearly intentional. And, quite frankly, brilliant.
3
Most commentators here are assuming the Trump campaign suddenly started running like a traditional campaign and used actual speech writers. It sounds like they started with experienced speech writers, and then dropped them after the initial draft. The most believable sequence of events is that Mrs. Trump read the speech from the paid speech writers and didn't know if it was good, gave it to her husband to read and he decided he didn't like it and gave it back to his wife saying "You could say it much better than these 'status quo' political speech writers, Melania." She had no clue what to do with it and starting searching online for other speeches, quickly hitting on Mrs. Obama's speech from 2008. She is inexperienced enough to think no one would notice similarities from a speech given 8 years ago, and she plagiarized it. She's a former model for goodness' sake! It's second nature to her to put on someone else's creation and act like it's her own for 8 minutes! There's nothing wrong with it in her eyes. The way this whole thing has unfolded fits perfectly with the idea that she searched online and put it together herself. I don't think she thought anyone would notice, and clearly their campaign eschews any kind of apparatus or advice that would have warned them otherwise.
17
"Don't blame me, I'm clueless!", eh?
18
The Trump campaign has gone from Mars to Pluto faster than phsysics allows. How did they do it?
17
You nailed it.
So what shocks Paul Ryan more - plagiarism or failed apprentice Omarosa being portrayed as a voice of reason at this convention? How can the journalists not be rolling on the floor with laughter? Maybe they are crying, instead.
16
What an amazing Republican convention, I am speechless--but then again, so are they ;)
32
Well, as usual the New York Times has dug deep, and according to the recently posted investigation by Maggie Haberman and Michael Barbaro, this seems worse than first presented. My only thought was that somehow the speech had been cribbed together by the perpetually short-handed crew at Trump Central, but no--it's crazier.
Apparently some reputable speechwriters wrote her a speech well over a month ago, and were eagerly awaiting comments from Mrs. Trump. Instead, on her own, she started tearing it apart, and actually engaged another writer friend of hers who had worked on a book of Trump's.
The two of them started looking at former first lady convention speeches, and voila: there they found the phrasing they wanted.
Too bad, it had already been taken. I can't understand for the life of me why somebody, anybody, on the campaign wasn't in charge of this. It bespeaks terribly of the runaway chaos that lies inside the Trump campaign.
I thank the NYT for reporting on this, because this latest news makes it all so much more understandable--including the candidate's inability to admit error. It almost makes me wonder if the two of them ever discussed the speech before she delivered it last night. Maybe she practiced, and he, nodded admirably, because, well, it was a really good speech.
Michelle Obama's. It had to be hers, and not Laura Bush's....wife of the man Trump began tormenting with the birtherism nonsense five years ago.
Apparently some reputable speechwriters wrote her a speech well over a month ago, and were eagerly awaiting comments from Mrs. Trump. Instead, on her own, she started tearing it apart, and actually engaged another writer friend of hers who had worked on a book of Trump's.
The two of them started looking at former first lady convention speeches, and voila: there they found the phrasing they wanted.
Too bad, it had already been taken. I can't understand for the life of me why somebody, anybody, on the campaign wasn't in charge of this. It bespeaks terribly of the runaway chaos that lies inside the Trump campaign.
I thank the NYT for reporting on this, because this latest news makes it all so much more understandable--including the candidate's inability to admit error. It almost makes me wonder if the two of them ever discussed the speech before she delivered it last night. Maybe she practiced, and he, nodded admirably, because, well, it was a really good speech.
Michelle Obama's. It had to be hers, and not Laura Bush's....wife of the man Trump began tormenting with the birtherism nonsense five years ago.
46
Just like her husband, she is in way, way over her head.
49
There's no difference between Melanie's plagiarizing Michelle's speech and someone else writing her speech for her. In either case, since she can't write her own speech, someone else does it for her. There are some politicians who still write their own speeches, but these days the words are designed to appeal to a sociological strata of likely voters/supporters. It's a myth that a politician "makes a speech." They simply stand there and affect the proper emotions in order to create the illusion that they have a personality.
9
Except speechwriters is implied, and constitute among the few true & essential political artisans left on an increasingly data-driven scene of internal polls and simplistic, focus-grouped sloganeering. Both parties celebrate & credit truly great speechwriters for the visionary craftsmen they are, all of whom enjoy public professional recognition via simple Google search, down to the specific scripts they penned. Name me one speechwriter who would turn down the chance for a presidential convention to 'plagiarize' his words, and I'll show you a disgruntled English major come aspiring playwright warranting serious career counseling.
1
Excuses, excuses blah blah blah. They F'ed up!!!! Just admit it!
3
I watched that speech, and I thought she did a credible job of introducing herself as a naturalized US citizen, as her husband's supporter, and as being capable to stand up in front of many millions of viewers with confidence and clarity.
It kind of broke my heart to see her thrown under the bus this morning.
And reading the nasty invective posted here just makes me sad. The NY Times (to which I have subscribed for 30 years..) is operating bulletin board for intellectually shallow haters....
It kind of broke my heart to see her thrown under the bus this morning.
And reading the nasty invective posted here just makes me sad. The NY Times (to which I have subscribed for 30 years..) is operating bulletin board for intellectually shallow haters....
9
Sorry but "the intellectually shallow haters" are on Mr Trump the BullyRacist's side, not the Dems or the New York Times. Learn to read, OK?
16
I thought she did an amazing job--very polished and sophisticated yet also sincere and warm. I agree it was a shock to see her whole performance shredded over those couple of sentences or phrases, and kind of sad too for the heavy focus on it and, as you say, the hateful glee to put her down.
7
I think the vast majority of the NYT comments section on this ridiculous and embarrassing scandal - apparently at least partially caused by Melania and her inner circle and not intercepted or monitored by campaign leaders or advisors - to be evaluations of the situation and the terrible behavior of the campaign for delivering a plagiarized speech. Just because comments point out the failings of Melania and the Trump campaign does not make the commentary "nasty invective." I'm sure some comments are shallow, but if there are 3,292 (and counting) comments you are going to have a range of seriousness and depth.
9
Unfortunately for all of us commenters (and NYT readers addicts), it seems like Trump followers don't read the NYT much; neither do they read our comments. They seem not to care about lying or plagiarizing, or neighbor countries, or fundamental values, etc. However, and most importantly, they are exercising the same principal right we all have, they have the right to vote to whoever they please. My frustration is not against Trump, for we all seem to know him better than he knows himself, my frustration is towards Trump's voters. Is just heartbreaking. I am so sad to learn that so many millions of persons share the same values that Trump exhibits.
30
Surely life is better when one is dead. Isn't it?
4
Truth be told, almost all politicians copy one another all the time.
After all, they spout the same boring platitudes that all of their fellows do.
If you're a Republican you've been saying essentially just this since 1980:
We gotta lower taxes and jump start the economy. But the darn democrat party wants to get in the way of letting America soar. We have to grow the economy. I want less regulations so we can unleash private enterprise. And we understand that in America people can realize their dreams if they work hard. And we love our families. And we love god and baby Jesus and guns and fried chicken.
After all, they spout the same boring platitudes that all of their fellows do.
If you're a Republican you've been saying essentially just this since 1980:
We gotta lower taxes and jump start the economy. But the darn democrat party wants to get in the way of letting America soar. We have to grow the economy. I want less regulations so we can unleash private enterprise. And we understand that in America people can realize their dreams if they work hard. And we love our families. And we love god and baby Jesus and guns and fried chicken.
17
"values that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and do what you say, that you treat people with respect"
Well, that is full of lies right there. Trump couldn't care less about anyone but himself. Maybe Melania should have walked a runway, waved to the crowd, and kept her mouth shut.
Well, that is full of lies right there. Trump couldn't care less about anyone but himself. Maybe Melania should have walked a runway, waved to the crowd, and kept her mouth shut.
18
This shows that Trump is incompetent, which we already knew, but this issue diverts attention from more important issues.
The first lady, and everything about the First Lady, is a deflection away from serious issues. Neither the constitution, nor any statute, nor any judge-made law provides that she has a special job to do.
I think the office of First Lady was glorified, in the pre-feminist era, as a means by which women and women's work could be exalted. Woman were excluded from power and decision making and so were revered for being gorgeous, tactful, serene and a good hostess. A good first lady has just the right kind of smile and her hat looked pretty.
Some will argue, "But wasn't Jackie Kennedy fab." She led a tour of the white house. Yawn. Michelle Obama reputedly cares about nutrition. Just puff and fluff designed to make the Prez look good.
There was one great First Lady: ELEANOR ROOSEVELT, but she was great because she was a very special, smart and noble woman.
The first lady, and everything about the First Lady, is a deflection away from serious issues. Neither the constitution, nor any statute, nor any judge-made law provides that she has a special job to do.
I think the office of First Lady was glorified, in the pre-feminist era, as a means by which women and women's work could be exalted. Woman were excluded from power and decision making and so were revered for being gorgeous, tactful, serene and a good hostess. A good first lady has just the right kind of smile and her hat looked pretty.
Some will argue, "But wasn't Jackie Kennedy fab." She led a tour of the white house. Yawn. Michelle Obama reputedly cares about nutrition. Just puff and fluff designed to make the Prez look good.
There was one great First Lady: ELEANOR ROOSEVELT, but she was great because she was a very special, smart and noble woman.
7
One may only agree that the whole "First Lady," bit is amazing stuff and nonsense.
However, we've had some serious ones: Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy, Roslyn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama.
All hail these women, whether we agree with them or not.
However, we've had some serious ones: Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy, Roslyn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama.
All hail these women, whether we agree with them or not.
4
This is disappointing because the rest of Trump's family, namely the kids, seem decent and forthright. I thought (hoped) Melania would come out and speak from her heart. And I would still feel ok if she hadn't said she wrote it. But she certainly seems to have lied.
Another missed or bungled opportunity by the Trump camp. Then again, we've come to expect it. Knowing how Trump craves attention, any kind of attention, this could have been planned. Nah, he's not that smart.
I had higher hopes for Melania. After all, Michelle Obama is certainly the most genuine of our current First Couple.
Disappointing. But as the commenter from Perth said, we have much more serious things to concern ourselves with as Americans. We're just going to have to wait until at least 2020 before any of them get addressed.
Another missed or bungled opportunity by the Trump camp. Then again, we've come to expect it. Knowing how Trump craves attention, any kind of attention, this could have been planned. Nah, he's not that smart.
I had higher hopes for Melania. After all, Michelle Obama is certainly the most genuine of our current First Couple.
Disappointing. But as the commenter from Perth said, we have much more serious things to concern ourselves with as Americans. We're just going to have to wait until at least 2020 before any of them get addressed.
2
Yes, she plagiarized a very good speech without attribution. For Manafort than to push back and blame the blaming on Hilary is such nonsense, it is hardly worthy of comment and to me simply spells GUILTY. But as Mr. Trump himself wants to be the Blamer in Chief, they will have to deal with this. At the end of the day its not really a big deal except the speech writer should fess-up. Was it someone in Trump's family perhaps? But most importantly to me is I don't Ms. Trump really understood her own speech. Another instance of the Trump "Potemkin" world.
13
She said she wrote it with little to no help.
4
Turns out she hated the first one, got a Trump ghost writer to watch others' speeches with her, and they came up with this. Some have violated confidentiality agreements to let this slip, but who cares about rules, right?
Perhaps I'd feel different if I bothered to compare the two candidates' wives' speeches, but, to be honest, I couldn't care less what the wife of a candidate has to say. I certainly care about what the candidate has to say. I'll pay close attention when Trump speaks Thursday night.
I'm more concerned about the serious plagiarism charges made against Biden -- that he plagiarized a law review article in law school. I was also quite upset about the story that Ted Kennedy paid someone to take the Virginia bar exam for him. I don't know whether that was true or not, but I noticed that Kennedy didn't deny it when the story broke. I also was upset that Hillary Clinton claimed to be shot at by snipers in Kosovo -- which is something I'd remember clearly enough to report it correctly.
In other words, maybe Melania Trump plagiarized, maybe she didn't, but Biden, Kennedy and Clinton all did much worse. Glass-house dwellers shouldn't throw stones.
I'm more concerned about the serious plagiarism charges made against Biden -- that he plagiarized a law review article in law school. I was also quite upset about the story that Ted Kennedy paid someone to take the Virginia bar exam for him. I don't know whether that was true or not, but I noticed that Kennedy didn't deny it when the story broke. I also was upset that Hillary Clinton claimed to be shot at by snipers in Kosovo -- which is something I'd remember clearly enough to report it correctly.
In other words, maybe Melania Trump plagiarized, maybe she didn't, but Biden, Kennedy and Clinton all did much worse. Glass-house dwellers shouldn't throw stones.
4
They are not throwing stones, in fact they are remarkably silent on the issue. It is us, the voters and taxpayers and readers of this paper, who are voicing our thoughts and concerns.
13
My guess is that most of the people doing the petty whining here have done very little for the country... Whiners are generally not too productive... They just talk, carp, and whine...
The ironies (substitute better word here) keep piling up: racist (or as one of his supporters described Trump - American and we know what that means) lifting the speech of an African American. Lauded for great business acumen with a trail of bankruptcies and failures. Tells it like it is but won't release his taxes. Our President criticized for failed policies by those who vowed to obstruct his efforts. And the beat goes on ...
21
Perhaps Melanie did write the speech. And she did exactly what students today do all across this country when they get a writing assignment. They go straight to Google, search for "example presidential nomination speeches" and then hastily rearrange the sample sentences because they think that's how you write something.
Ask any teacher or professor. Plagiarism is rampant today because few people read a lot or do much formal writing. They are painfully aware that their own words are a jumbled, barely coherent mess. So when they must write, they borrow and rearrange other people's words.
So maybe Melania produced this and is in a bit of shock about the reaction. I used to get that when I taught English. A number of students had actually been encouraged to plagiarize. Others thought that plagiarism meant copying an entire document, word for word, and that rearrangement of identical phrases was fine.
Original thought is valued and praised in the US, but, in some countries, emulating other writers via a degree of copying is considered absolutely acceptable. So notions of what constitute plagiarism vary considerably.
Maybe Trump's speech writers read as little as Trump does. Maybe someone on the Republican team wants to sink The Donald. Or maybe Melania's writing effort reflects the state of education in the United States...
Ask any teacher or professor. Plagiarism is rampant today because few people read a lot or do much formal writing. They are painfully aware that their own words are a jumbled, barely coherent mess. So when they must write, they borrow and rearrange other people's words.
So maybe Melania produced this and is in a bit of shock about the reaction. I used to get that when I taught English. A number of students had actually been encouraged to plagiarize. Others thought that plagiarism meant copying an entire document, word for word, and that rearrangement of identical phrases was fine.
Original thought is valued and praised in the US, but, in some countries, emulating other writers via a degree of copying is considered absolutely acceptable. So notions of what constitute plagiarism vary considerably.
Maybe Trump's speech writers read as little as Trump does. Maybe someone on the Republican team wants to sink The Donald. Or maybe Melania's writing effort reflects the state of education in the United States...
15
Newsflash: A massive rewriting effort of Trump's Thursday night acceptance Tweet is underway to excise portions of President Obama's 2008 acceptance speech.
28
Melania is a kept woman who used her good looks to get ahead. A first lady needs more than good looks and a coached, written, speech to navigate the power and influence of a first lady. Oh great we've got a twofer, but this is no bargain.
25
This shabby effort is simply indicative of what we will get if this loud-mouthed, fascist gets near the oval office. His words are empty as he spouts about getting the best people, etc.
24
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” Oscar Wilde
22
Plagiarism is plagiarism. Blame game doesn't matter.
13
Maybe a speech writer is trying to torpedo trump.
7
As Trump himself loves to say, "incredible!"
1
It is difficult to believe that a legitimate speech writer would plagiarize from a speech given only 8 years ago with such wide exposure as that given to Michelle Obama's.
There are several possible explanations: 1. The speech was written by a disgruntled Trump campaign worker in an effort to sabotage Trump's campaign 2. It was written by someone who was planted by the Clinton campaign 3. It was planted in order to cast blame on the Clinton campaign.
No doubt, someone will be blamed, and fired, for this, with or without cause.
There are several possible explanations: 1. The speech was written by a disgruntled Trump campaign worker in an effort to sabotage Trump's campaign 2. It was written by someone who was planted by the Clinton campaign 3. It was planted in order to cast blame on the Clinton campaign.
No doubt, someone will be blamed, and fired, for this, with or without cause.
2
Or, the speech was changed by a Trump child who added those passages -- thinking naively that nobody would know. That might also explain why no one was fired.
9
4. It was planted by Republicans who don't support Trump
1
What is the matter with the Times that it cannot simply call Mrs. Trump's speech what it was - plagiarism?
27
I'm trying to picture Mrs Trump studying the speeches of spouses of previous presidential aspirants if only to find inspiration and discover her own style for turning a phrase. Instead, like young inarticulate students everywhere, she simply wrote down what she read verbatim -- and made tweaks here and there to fit her own situation.
Thing is, I wonder if she took even that much initiative! I think the speech writing task was delegated to a speechwriter or two or three who cleverly coaxed and mentored her while not revealing the source of their inspiration. They lead to her to believe that in general the thoughts that made it onto paper (or teleprompter) were hers and hers alone.
The emperor's new clothes come to mind.
Thing is, I wonder if she took even that much initiative! I think the speech writing task was delegated to a speechwriter or two or three who cleverly coaxed and mentored her while not revealing the source of their inspiration. They lead to her to believe that in general the thoughts that made it onto paper (or teleprompter) were hers and hers alone.
The emperor's new clothes come to mind.
5
Don't you think you (USA) have bigger problems than who said what? Since speeches are usually written by speech writers, the speech writer is the one at fault and should have re-arranged the words better so as not to cause suspicion. Lazy.
5
Pretty good point Fiona. We have people getting gunned down in our streets and nightclubs. This so-called news ranks pretty low.
Well get ready for us! After this election, or before, a lot of us are moving to Australia.
Well get ready for us! After this election, or before, a lot of us are moving to Australia.
4
Fiona,
When Mel T was on TV with Matt Lauer, she said SHE wrote the speech with a little help. The two writers who had written a speech for her said she used nothing from their speech. National television on tape, thank you.
When Mel T was on TV with Matt Lauer, she said SHE wrote the speech with a little help. The two writers who had written a speech for her said she used nothing from their speech. National television on tape, thank you.
7
Surprised at how much air time this is getting considering Giuliani's outrageous statements last night...How about those tons and tons of donations Trump supposedly gave anonymously? As though he could do anything without bragging about it? As though he could run for President for an entire year without *anyone else* discovering he'd done so, and reporting on it? "Every time New York has been in danger, Trump has been there to help." Far more egregious to me than lifting a few lines from someone American idolizes and using them to try to turn a trophy wife into a similar idol.
15
Deny, deny, deny, and when cornered, lash out with lies. The Trump campaign's response to this matter is to completely deny reality and blame others, which is consistent with the strategy he learned from his mentor, Roy Cohn, consigliere to Joe McCarthy. He is a brutal, stupid, and dangerous liar.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/21/us/politics/donald-trump-roy-cohn.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/21/us/politics/donald-trump-roy-cohn.html
25
If cheating unsuspecting students at Trump University doesn't phase Trump supporters, how could anyone expect them to understand plagiarism? Hence the vehement denials of what is patently obvious. A graceful "oops" would have sufficed to send this whole thing away!
13
Don't tell me words don't matter! 'I have a dream.' Just words. 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.' Just words. 'We have nothing to fear but fear itself.' Just words, just speeches," Obama said in his speech.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal'-just words. Just words. 'We have nothing to fear but fear itself'-just words. 'Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country'-just words. 'I have a dream'-just words," Patrick said in 2006.
Oh. But this time it was different. If not being abke to handle your duties competently as SOS then asking for more responsibility and expecting to get it doesnt tell the lefts voters anything, how can we expect them to know what both plagiarism as well as hypocrisy are? Oopps guess they thought this would just stay gone huh?
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal'-just words. Just words. 'We have nothing to fear but fear itself'-just words. 'Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country'-just words. 'I have a dream'-just words," Patrick said in 2006.
Oh. But this time it was different. If not being abke to handle your duties competently as SOS then asking for more responsibility and expecting to get it doesnt tell the lefts voters anything, how can we expect them to know what both plagiarism as well as hypocrisy are? Oopps guess they thought this would just stay gone huh?
1
@Sdm:
There's a stark difference between uttering words from historical documents and speeches so well-known and so deeply enshrined in American history, and uttering the words from a random speech like Mrs. Obama's.
You're shooting blanks each and every time you spam.
There's a stark difference between uttering words from historical documents and speeches so well-known and so deeply enshrined in American history, and uttering the words from a random speech like Mrs. Obama's.
You're shooting blanks each and every time you spam.
7
It now seems very clear that, subliminally, Mrs. Trump would prefer to be Mrs. Obama.
30
Melania Trump said she wrote the speech herself. So can she come forward and explain what happened?
30
Well... We all know of course that the English language only contains about 200,000 "usable" words. And a good many of those (like "the", "and", "we", "she" and "it") can be found in just about every spoken sentence. If we then remove any words that sound as though they might have foreign roots... or are simply "unchristian", all that's left... is Michelle Obama's speech. I mean really people... What do you expect?
2
My theory: speechwriter puts in plagiarized text in spec draft so that you don't try steal their work without paying them to finish and fix those 'little issues'. Trumps got caught.
6
Let's be honest here, when asked if she wrote the speech herself, no one in that situation would've said "Actually, other people wrote it for me."
The problem is not her lie that she wrote the speech herself, or her lack of eloquence, or even that the speech was plagiarized. The problem is that this incident and their complete denial of it following reflect a core incompetence of the Trump campaign that will likely be manifested in his administration.
How can his team run the country when they can't even get such a simple but important task right.
The problem is not her lie that she wrote the speech herself, or her lack of eloquence, or even that the speech was plagiarized. The problem is that this incident and their complete denial of it following reflect a core incompetence of the Trump campaign that will likely be manifested in his administration.
How can his team run the country when they can't even get such a simple but important task right.
21
But she wasn't asked. She was merely asked if she'd practiced it. She VOLUNTEERED that she didn't have to practice because she'd written it " with as little help as possible"
16
I disagree-- even if most people wouldn't admit it, that's the whole problem, what everyone in America is fed up with, independent of their party affiliation. They're tired of being lied to. I'm sure people would be going much easier on Melania if she had admitted from the start that she hadn't written it, or even that she hadn't written *all* of it. Since everyone knows politicians and their families don't write their own speeches anyway, to pretend to do so insults America's intelligence.
6
Was this really a setup to get higher tv ratings?
2
Don't kids get an automatic 'F' in college classes for plagiarism? On the other hand, at least it wasn't a direct lift from Wikipedia.
15
I am a democrat. I am voting for Hillary. But I feel no ill will for this woman. I do not hold her responsible for the ilk said and d one by her husband. Let's face it. Somebody wrote that speech with her sentiments. She is not a political person. Just drop it.
Leave her alone.
Leave her alone.
9
There is so much material on D. Trump to hash over.
Well, she did say in a recorded interview the day before that she wrote it. So either she lied in that interview or ske knowingly plagiarized Ms. Obama. Probably the former, but either way, she is culpable. She is not a child who doesn't know better. So no, this should not be dropped. These are not the qualities of a First Lady.
4
They claim that the current Mrs. Trump speaks 5 languages. So why can't she ask, "Who wrote this" in any of them?
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
22
She was raised to stick to the script, unlike her husband,
1
Who's "they," and when were their neural bolts installed.
I was taught in 7th grade: plagiarism--very bad. How Trump's folks can deny Melania Trumps speech contained plagiarized passages is beyond me.
And Hillary is the one who is dishonest and untrustworthy!
But it is just delicious that they chose to steal the words of Michelle Obama! We could only wish anyone at all in Trump's campaign was half as intelligent as our current first lady. Including Trump and his "good brain."
And Hillary is the one who is dishonest and untrustworthy!
But it is just delicious that they chose to steal the words of Michelle Obama! We could only wish anyone at all in Trump's campaign was half as intelligent as our current first lady. Including Trump and his "good brain."
23
The true irony is that the parts of the speech she stole were about ethics and values. And when confronted with her plagiarism, she lied.
40
More than that, she swiped the parts about who she is as a human being.
2
The funny this is that your nominee, Hillary was accused of plagiarism in this election cycle(Bernie) and in 2008 (Barak Obama). Obama himself lifted Deval Patrick's line word for word. Where are the many articles and vitriol about them? Double standard?
1
Connie, not so much a double standard as it is that they simply don't know much. Petty people seldom know, and never care, much about what they're attacking...
1
A college sophomore could do a better plagarism.
9
Surprised at how much air time this is getting given some of the outrageous things Giuliani said...How 'bout all them anonymous donations Trump allegedly gave? As if he could do anything, ever, without bragging about it? As if he could run for president for a year without *anyone else* discovering he had done it?
5
Doesn't matter one bit. Like attracts likes.
Trump's supporters will stand taller than ever to guard their dear leader, like the red guards around Mao. Nothing will sway their mind.
For the rest of us, it's entertainment, and gives us just one more reason in the laundry list of reasons to not vote Trump in November.
Trump's supporters will stand taller than ever to guard their dear leader, like the red guards around Mao. Nothing will sway their mind.
For the rest of us, it's entertainment, and gives us just one more reason in the laundry list of reasons to not vote Trump in November.
17
Plus it turns out she lied about being a college graduate! We live in times of great Republican heroes, patriots and, yes, job creators!
This whole charade makes me long for the old days of favorite sons, smoke filled rooms, and brokered conventions. The problem with the current primary system is that it generates what the founding fathers were most afraid of, a popular democracy drive by the rabble. Jefferson must be rolling over in his grave.
This whole charade makes me long for the old days of favorite sons, smoke filled rooms, and brokered conventions. The problem with the current primary system is that it generates what the founding fathers were most afraid of, a popular democracy drive by the rabble. Jefferson must be rolling over in his grave.
20
This was sabotage, folks. The speech included a Rick Astley line to boot.
Why is more bit being made of the sabotage aspect?
.....and especially after the epic logo fail.
Why is more bit being made of the sabotage aspect?
.....and especially after the epic logo fail.
4
Enough already! The GOP and its minions lie, lie and lie again. This news is already old to the sycophants at the RNC and their supporters.
What's still relevant is the mincing and dicing of the truth they keep spewing, unabashedly, on TV and Radio. We cannot save the loyal Trumpsters from themselves. But we, the rational, thoughtful, hopefully enlightened, electorate, must put aside our idealistic squabbles-for now- and get out the VOTE!
Perhaps I'm naive enough (optimistic perhaps, as I voted for Bernie) to have faith in the majority of Americans who find this whole spectacle to be a wretched stain on our democracy (or what's left of it). If this user, this bombastic liar-Trump, gets into the White House, then our judiciary, our congress, our whole system of representative democracy shall parish. Let us, the rational, peaceful and, theoretically, intelligent save that which many have sacrificed themselves for. Get out the vote for HRC. Like it or not.
What's still relevant is the mincing and dicing of the truth they keep spewing, unabashedly, on TV and Radio. We cannot save the loyal Trumpsters from themselves. But we, the rational, thoughtful, hopefully enlightened, electorate, must put aside our idealistic squabbles-for now- and get out the VOTE!
Perhaps I'm naive enough (optimistic perhaps, as I voted for Bernie) to have faith in the majority of Americans who find this whole spectacle to be a wretched stain on our democracy (or what's left of it). If this user, this bombastic liar-Trump, gets into the White House, then our judiciary, our congress, our whole system of representative democracy shall parish. Let us, the rational, peaceful and, theoretically, intelligent save that which many have sacrificed themselves for. Get out the vote for HRC. Like it or not.
22
Much ado about nothing. Did I commit plagarism, who cares.
2
Republicans are the party of fear. Fascism is a much better description.
21
Idea for a movie:
The wife of an oligarch who is attempting to win the presidency of the world's wealthiest country gives a bland, boilerplate speech on behalf of her narcissistic, paranoid, mentally unhinged husband in which she reveals absolutely nothing about herself, her husband or their relationship. Rather, she makes one striking reference to how her husband gets angry. She appears as if she has memorized this speech under torture. Turns out she plagiarized someone else's speech--someone noble. The truth comes out, she tells her husband she did it to save the life of the speechwriter responsible. His campaign hunts for the guilty and momentarily convulses over who they're going to pick as the fall guy.
Until they decide they aren't apologizing. The megalomaniacal husband and his team of advisors, consisting primarily of his adult children, along with an intimidated, underperforming campaign manager decide to double down on their bigoted, fear-mongering/race-baiting/sexist/chauvinistic/homophobic/etc. key messaging, which they don't "totally" believe in themselves but understand its efficacy--so damn all consequences.
America suffers. There are uprisings. Law and order wins the day. American 21st century Les Miserables--the 99 percent--are "accidentally killed while resisting arrest", imprisoned, persecuted, tortured, exploited, or--it they're among the lucky ones--deported.
It's like Network meets Shindler's List.
The wife of an oligarch who is attempting to win the presidency of the world's wealthiest country gives a bland, boilerplate speech on behalf of her narcissistic, paranoid, mentally unhinged husband in which she reveals absolutely nothing about herself, her husband or their relationship. Rather, she makes one striking reference to how her husband gets angry. She appears as if she has memorized this speech under torture. Turns out she plagiarized someone else's speech--someone noble. The truth comes out, she tells her husband she did it to save the life of the speechwriter responsible. His campaign hunts for the guilty and momentarily convulses over who they're going to pick as the fall guy.
Until they decide they aren't apologizing. The megalomaniacal husband and his team of advisors, consisting primarily of his adult children, along with an intimidated, underperforming campaign manager decide to double down on their bigoted, fear-mongering/race-baiting/sexist/chauvinistic/homophobic/etc. key messaging, which they don't "totally" believe in themselves but understand its efficacy--so damn all consequences.
America suffers. There are uprisings. Law and order wins the day. American 21st century Les Miserables--the 99 percent--are "accidentally killed while resisting arrest", imprisoned, persecuted, tortured, exploited, or--it they're among the lucky ones--deported.
It's like Network meets Shindler's List.
19
Paul Manafort said a number of people collaborated on her speech. Melania told Matt Lauer she did not read it over again on Trump airline because she wrote it. Ummm....someone is telling a fib.
31
CNN was saying before the speech that the campaign noted that she had been working with a speechwriter for the last five weeks.
4
For those expressing shock and disappointment at Melania: the woman married Donald Trump. You're expecting her to display good judgment?
58
Bravo! Best. Comment. Yet!
9
o.k., she borrowed a few words from the first lady. not a wise thing to do, but it's happened before.
but the incompetent part, the near-fatal error was when the campaign denied it, tried to explain it away, blamed hillary and the media.
this is trump, doubling down when he is wrong.
again and again.
but the incompetent part, the near-fatal error was when the campaign denied it, tried to explain it away, blamed hillary and the media.
this is trump, doubling down when he is wrong.
again and again.
30
The party of personal responsibility suddenly has none at all, not even a tiny, little bit.
31
Of course the speech contained lines lifted out of Michelle Obama’s 2008 speech, that’s obvious when you compare the two. How could anyone deny it? What strikes me is how utterly stupid it was to borrow so heavily from that speech – and then deliver it in the same setting. How dumb is that?
Given the importance of the speech and the attention it was bound to get, I can only assume that for some unknown reason it was done on purpose.
Surely no one is that dense, or out of touch. It's actually embarrassing.
Given the importance of the speech and the attention it was bound to get, I can only assume that for some unknown reason it was done on purpose.
Surely no one is that dense, or out of touch. It's actually embarrassing.
26
Be of good cheer ye who are troubled, if this episode is any indication, Trump will plagiarize Obama's entire presidency (minus the paralyzing obstructionism)! There is HOPE for us yet...
5
"Melania's Plagiarism”?
By Nick Fortunato
It’s hard to believe, with all the words available in the dictionary and thesaurus, that someone would find the need to steal the words of another; plagiarizing, for such a key speech and for such an important person as Melania Trump; and these words taken from Michelle Obama at that?
Outrageous! Whoever did that should be FIRED! How could anyone be so stupid. They had to know that this would quickly be discovered, smells like the person is either an idiot or a saboteur. Is it possible that Anti-Trump people joined Trump’s campaign, stealthily becoming a part of them, and putting themselves in a position to do a lot of damage.
Melania (according to Fox’s Shepherd Smith) was asked by Matt Lauer if she wrote the speech by herself and she said she did. Most presidents and many speakers have speech writers who put
into words the message the speaker wants to convey.
By his commentary I’ve suspected that Shepherd Smith has a bias against Trump. Trump’s people had to know that Trump is being seen through a magnifying glass hoping they’d find some kind of dirt; Hillary and the Democrats are desperate.
By Nick Fortunato
It’s hard to believe, with all the words available in the dictionary and thesaurus, that someone would find the need to steal the words of another; plagiarizing, for such a key speech and for such an important person as Melania Trump; and these words taken from Michelle Obama at that?
Outrageous! Whoever did that should be FIRED! How could anyone be so stupid. They had to know that this would quickly be discovered, smells like the person is either an idiot or a saboteur. Is it possible that Anti-Trump people joined Trump’s campaign, stealthily becoming a part of them, and putting themselves in a position to do a lot of damage.
Melania (according to Fox’s Shepherd Smith) was asked by Matt Lauer if she wrote the speech by herself and she said she did. Most presidents and many speakers have speech writers who put
into words the message the speaker wants to convey.
By his commentary I’ve suspected that Shepherd Smith has a bias against Trump. Trump’s people had to know that Trump is being seen through a magnifying glass hoping they’d find some kind of dirt; Hillary and the Democrats are desperate.
3
"Melania’s team of writers took notes on her life’s inspirations, and in some instances included fragments that reflected her own thinking.”
A few fragments of her own thinking were included in her speech! It is all a show, without substance, designed to manipulate the public.
A few fragments of her own thinking were included in her speech! It is all a show, without substance, designed to manipulate the public.
11
Original political speeches written by candidates (or speechwriters) receive copyright protection, meaning the author of the speech may exercise control over the reproduction, adaptation, distribution, and performance or display of the speech. Two categories of works are not covered by copyright, however: works that fail to meet the fixation requirement and works created by federal employees within the scope of their employment. This means that speeches made at town hall meetings or political rallies may not be protected by copyright, unless those speeches were recorded or transcribed
When speeches are televised, the broadcasting entity televising the speech (e.g., CBS, Fox News, C-SPAN, or CNN) may hold a separate copyright in the broadcast recording. This is true even if the speech itself is made by a federal employee within the scope of their employment or is otherwise in the public domain.
https://library.osu.edu/blogs/copyright/2015/09/30/copyright-in-campaigns/
When speeches are televised, the broadcasting entity televising the speech (e.g., CBS, Fox News, C-SPAN, or CNN) may hold a separate copyright in the broadcast recording. This is true even if the speech itself is made by a federal employee within the scope of their employment or is otherwise in the public domain.
https://library.osu.edu/blogs/copyright/2015/09/30/copyright-in-campaigns/
2
I think commentary on Republican advocacy will always be protected fair use as satire.
2
The truth is Michelle Obama used a time travel gimmick, went forward into the future, and plagiarized Melania's speech.
19
Melania said she wrote it? All of it? Well maybe she's a telepath. Not a bad thing in a First Lady.
7
You kidding me? When I went to school they started docking grades for plagiarism in 5th grade, then you'd likely get an F in junior high, then definitely an F in high school. And college? Forget about it. You'd likely fail the class or be expelled. That's just plagiarism though. Cheating, such as having someone else write your paper/speech for you, was just as bad or worse.
This speech isn't just "similar", much of it is straight up copied.
This speech isn't just "similar", much of it is straight up copied.
22
I expect Trey Gowdy to start an immediate investigation.
12
Which will undoubtedly unearth Hillary's long-elusive link to BENGHAZI!!!
Republicans HATEED those words when Obama spoke them but CHEERS for them when Trump says them. LOL They have no real opinion, it's just up with our guy and down with yours!
23
Yes, that is hilarious. But go back and look at the earliest comments on yesterday's article about the convention in general. The early commenters castigated Melania for a vapid, empty speech, before they found out that it was actually Michelle Obama's speech
1
GMooG
No, no, not so----the news was out last night about the plagerism.
In college you get thrown out for the exact same thing. Maybe Mel T can get into Trump U.
No, no, not so----the news was out last night about the plagerism.
In college you get thrown out for the exact same thing. Maybe Mel T can get into Trump U.
4
"In college you get thrown out for the exact same thing."
Biden did it, first year of law school, got an "F" and had to retake the course, but didn't get tossed out...
Biden did it, first year of law school, got an "F" and had to retake the course, but didn't get tossed out...
It's laughable for Manafort to blame Hillary for this controversy! Literally laughable.
26
Trump and members of the Republican party have denounced both of the Obamas over the years so it is quite bizarre that they would put Michelle Obama's words in the mouth of Mrs.Trump.What Mrs.Obama conveyed is a sentiment unknown to the Trumps. What a bunch of unskilled,unconscious and dangerous dullards.
21
It wasn't work for word although in a few sentences there were similar words. Not like Barak Obama who lifted Deval Patrick's line word for word.
1
The odds that Melania Trump spoke a series of phrases in the exact same order as Michelle Obama did nearly eight years earlier completely by accident are 1 in 87 billion, a Canadian physicist has calculated.
According to McGill University professor Robert Rutledge, the wife of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has either beaten the odds to an almost impossible degree, or someone (perhaps not Melania Trump herself) plagiarized the now-first lady’s speech from the Democratic National Convention in 2008
http://globalnews.ca/news/2834389/chances-that-melania-trump-didnt-plagi...
22
And the American people are supposed to expect great things from this man? He can't even design a logo or write a proper speech without taking shortcuts.
16
Hmmm, is that what you said when Biden and Obama were caught doing the same thing?
@GMooG:
For about the millionth time, Biden's speech was written for him and the speechwriter fired once his act of plagiarism was discovered; and Obama cited the documents from where he wrote the speech that the righties keep floating as plagiarized.
Why are either of those facts so difficult for you to grasp? Can't believe a.m. radio would actually lie to you?
For about the millionth time, Biden's speech was written for him and the speechwriter fired once his act of plagiarism was discovered; and Obama cited the documents from where he wrote the speech that the righties keep floating as plagiarized.
Why are either of those facts so difficult for you to grasp? Can't believe a.m. radio would actually lie to you?
11
Valerie, I think GMoog may be referring also to Biden's plagiarism in law school... He got caught and got a big fat "F" and had to repeat the course. Later, he got caught falsifying his class standing and making false claims about his number of college degrees...
I am left to wonder two, perhaps three, things. Do the people reporting this know what 'plagiarism' means? Is there a reason that the "plagiarism" is not presented to the public for a line by line comparison, so that those who are interested can make their own observations?
The third thing is to wonder how it is that some lessons never seem to sink in. The presentation of allegation as fact, for example.
The third thing is to wonder how it is that some lessons never seem to sink in. The presentation of allegation as fact, for example.
Well said! Now try reading the article.
18
what? a line by line analysis was done and the conclusion was plagiarism.
14
I heard Trump's acceptance speech will be his own words but will contain some familiar phases: "Ask not what you can do for me, but what I can take from your country" and "Mr Nieto build up this wall" Ha..
11
I'm certainly against plagiarism, but, frankly, there's only so many different ways a wife can say "My husband is a great guy -- you should vote for him." If Melania Trump said it using some of the same words as Michelle Obama did eight years ago, who cares? I doubt anyone really cares what she said anyway.
Before Howard Cosell came along, much the same could be said for sportscasters. They had maybe a couple of hundred cliches from which to pick, and they strung them together for nine innings, or four quarters, or whatever, in much the same way other sportscasters had done in the past -- even the night before. Even Cosell's arrival didn't change all that much. Instead of a few hundred cliches, sportscasters had maybe seven hundred or eight hundred, which meant that a triple-digit IQ might be required for the job.
Have I ever heard a sportscaster use the same cliche as some other sportscaster used? Yes, maybe a hundred times or so. The same can be said for speeches by candidates' wives. Who cares?
Before Howard Cosell came along, much the same could be said for sportscasters. They had maybe a couple of hundred cliches from which to pick, and they strung them together for nine innings, or four quarters, or whatever, in much the same way other sportscasters had done in the past -- even the night before. Even Cosell's arrival didn't change all that much. Instead of a few hundred cliches, sportscasters had maybe seven hundred or eight hundred, which meant that a triple-digit IQ might be required for the job.
Have I ever heard a sportscaster use the same cliche as some other sportscaster used? Yes, maybe a hundred times or so. The same can be said for speeches by candidates' wives. Who cares?
5
I care. I care that Ms. Trump (she prefers "Ms.") was so lazy that she cheated. That's what she did. If Ms. Trump passed this in as a college essay, she might very well get kicked out of the school. There's no excuse for this—none. It offends me to my core that the wife of the Republican Party's nominee for our nation's highest office cheated and cribbed her words from someone who has been absolutely and unrelentingly vilified for the past eight years by that same party. (Where's italics when you need it?)
I don't understand people who would vote for Trump. I look at them in traffic and I wonder if we live on the same planet. "Make America Great Again" is an offensive slogan. We are and have been since WWII the dominant country, the place everyone wants to get to. The land of opportunity: America. I say America is the greatest and has been for most of its life. For us to progress, to improve, to learn and to grow—to be the country we were meant to be—we need to follow a different path than the one espoused by the Republican Party.
I can hardly wait to vote the Democratic ticket.
Oh, where was I? Ms. Trump! Of course! Ms. Trump: Don't cheat, sweetie. Gee. We're supposed to learn that in, what, kindergarten?
I don't understand people who would vote for Trump. I look at them in traffic and I wonder if we live on the same planet. "Make America Great Again" is an offensive slogan. We are and have been since WWII the dominant country, the place everyone wants to get to. The land of opportunity: America. I say America is the greatest and has been for most of its life. For us to progress, to improve, to learn and to grow—to be the country we were meant to be—we need to follow a different path than the one espoused by the Republican Party.
I can hardly wait to vote the Democratic ticket.
Oh, where was I? Ms. Trump! Of course! Ms. Trump: Don't cheat, sweetie. Gee. We're supposed to learn that in, what, kindergarten?
24
I think Hillary's lying is alittle more serious than Hillary's plagiarism of Bernie and Obama. After all she is the nominee and Melania is only First Lady.
1
The Trumps seem to me a photographic negative of Modern Family.
8
That the GOP is so bereft of ideas and originality that it is forced to look to Mrs. Obama for inspiration tells you all you need to know about its ability to lead the country into the future in a constructive, pragmatic manner. Absolutely pathetic, and not at all surprising.
18
Excuse me—the GOP couldn't do much better than to look to Mrs. Obama for inspiration. I find her very inspirational myself!
5
If the American intelligentsia were looking for a chance to display it's shallow partisanship, the Trumps surely put out live bait and got a bite. Think about it. Millions of students now pass courses in this and that trivia by cutting and pasting. Billions of blogs are passed on with no authentication and mobs begin to chant in the street. Thousands of marketing pros have migrating from flogging consumer products to spinning leftist blather for politicians (at a very unhealthy discount). Zillions of pols, from both extremes, pump out rhetoric to fit any occasion. Is it odd that Ms Trump's blather mirrors that of Ms Obama? It would be odd if otherwise.
3
Expecting an honest response to this issue from a campaign allegedly based on honesty and trustworthiness is hardly a shallow expectation. It's not the act, but the reaction that matters here.
5
Um, how could there be much "mirroring" between Ms. Trump and Mrs. Obama? Please think about it.
Ms. Trump is from Europe and dropped out of some university after one year, and Mrs. Obama is an outstanding African American law school grad, the kind of person who's the smartest person in the room in whatever room she graces. Mrs. Obama is a role model and has always comported herself with class not seen since Mrs. Kennedy. I have never heard Ms. Trump speak, but if she plagiarized Mrs. Obama's speech, well, that's the pits, pure and simple.
I see very little that these ladies have in common, so you need to clarify what you mean when you write that Ms. Trump's "blather" (kind of a put-down, don't you think? And, oh, by the way, don't forget to use those periods!) "mirrors" that of Ms. Obama?
Why can't you just admit that there's—at a minimum—been some hanky panky with the rules of polite society, and what happened just now is called cheating. Newsflash: It was Ms. Trump. Ms. Trump used large chunks of the exact wording from an old speech by—of all people—Mrs. Obama! It's really incredible! Admit it! It's incredible!
Ms. Trump is from Europe and dropped out of some university after one year, and Mrs. Obama is an outstanding African American law school grad, the kind of person who's the smartest person in the room in whatever room she graces. Mrs. Obama is a role model and has always comported herself with class not seen since Mrs. Kennedy. I have never heard Ms. Trump speak, but if she plagiarized Mrs. Obama's speech, well, that's the pits, pure and simple.
I see very little that these ladies have in common, so you need to clarify what you mean when you write that Ms. Trump's "blather" (kind of a put-down, don't you think? And, oh, by the way, don't forget to use those periods!) "mirrors" that of Ms. Obama?
Why can't you just admit that there's—at a minimum—been some hanky panky with the rules of polite society, and what happened just now is called cheating. Newsflash: It was Ms. Trump. Ms. Trump used large chunks of the exact wording from an old speech by—of all people—Mrs. Obama! It's really incredible! Admit it! It's incredible!
13
Yeah, and hey, a lot of people kill others while driving drunk, so, you know, let's just get rid of every law and policy aimed at curtailing drunk driving, since so many people do it anyway.
More to the point: millions of students DON'T pass by "cutting and pasting." That you consider college courses "this and that trivia" speaks volumes about why Trump gets away with it all. The standards set for him by people like you are just that low.
More to the point: millions of students DON'T pass by "cutting and pasting." That you consider college courses "this and that trivia" speaks volumes about why Trump gets away with it all. The standards set for him by people like you are just that low.
5
I actually thought the speech had been a bit plagiarized, too, but not from Mrs. Obama. I read an article about Melania Trump not too long ago in a magazine, believe it was TIME but not sure, and when she spoke about her upbringing parts of it sounded exactly like how the article had described it. But it was these lines, which aren't highlighted here as having been lifted from Mrs. Obama:
I was born in Slovenia, a small, beautiful and then-Communist country in Central Europe. My sister, Ines, who is an incredible woman and a friend, and I were raised by my wonderful parents. My elegant and hard-working mother, Amalija, introduced me to fashion and beauty. My father, Viktor, instilled in me a passion for business and travel.
Is it possible that she lifted from both? And by "she" I really mean any of the many other folks with their hands on this speech (because we all know Melania did not write it herself)?
I was born in Slovenia, a small, beautiful and then-Communist country in Central Europe. My sister, Ines, who is an incredible woman and a friend, and I were raised by my wonderful parents. My elegant and hard-working mother, Amalija, introduced me to fashion and beauty. My father, Viktor, instilled in me a passion for business and travel.
Is it possible that she lifted from both? And by "she" I really mean any of the many other folks with their hands on this speech (because we all know Melania did not write it herself)?
4
What I found my interesting about Melania's stealing of Mrs. Obama's thoughts and ideas is that SHE obviously finds them of value and great worth so doesn't that translate into approving of Mrs. Obama? Copying as a form of flattery. No one has brought that up in the media but I think it completely undercuts Donald Trump(ets) whole charade of hating everything the Obama's stand for.
12
"The POSSIBILITY that Ms. Trump’s remarks had been plagiarized"? My God, is there any doubt? Why the forced attempt at even-handedness? There's no "benefit of the doubt" at issue here. Compare the speeches! If Melania Trump had said, "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation…" would the pundits be saying that there might be some indication that Melania borrowed some words from the Gettysburg Address?
21
Feel bad for Melania. The speech was almost certainly written by others. There is hope after all. It's clear, if DT makes it into office his organization is so incompetent perhaps he'll be incapable of doing anything. Anything at all.
2
A tale of two or maybe three speeches.
This is when elections need to get over themselves. The original speech was wonderful when delivered by Michelle Obama; it was no less wonderful when given by Melania Trump last night.
Mr. Giuliani’s speech, on the other hand, owed nothing to the thought processes of our President and First Lady; maybe that’s why his speech wasn’t so wonderful.
This is when elections need to get over themselves. The original speech was wonderful when delivered by Michelle Obama; it was no less wonderful when given by Melania Trump last night.
Mr. Giuliani’s speech, on the other hand, owed nothing to the thought processes of our President and First Lady; maybe that’s why his speech wasn’t so wonderful.
1
Melania Trump said, "...that your word is your bond and you do what you say and keep your promise, that you treat people with respect...and we need to pass those lessons on to the many generations to follow..."
If Melania really meant those words she will do the right thing and take steps to clear up the controversy over her speech. This is either an astounding coincidence or it is plagiarism, the latter of which is a legal as well as an ethical matter. Students are expelled for this act and careers are left in ruins over it. We want to show our children that we can take responsibility for our actions, whether they were intentional or accidental. I hope Melania does the right thing, to set an example for the nation's youth as well as to remove the cloud that otherwise surely will hang over her head for the rest of her public life.
If Melania really meant those words she will do the right thing and take steps to clear up the controversy over her speech. This is either an astounding coincidence or it is plagiarism, the latter of which is a legal as well as an ethical matter. Students are expelled for this act and careers are left in ruins over it. We want to show our children that we can take responsibility for our actions, whether they were intentional or accidental. I hope Melania does the right thing, to set an example for the nation's youth as well as to remove the cloud that otherwise surely will hang over her head for the rest of her public life.
16
The NY Times should tell readers who Jared Kushner is: son of convicted NJ Machine corruption Charles Kushner, who was induced by US Attorney Chris CHristie.
Delicious.
Delicious.
17
Sounds like Jared Kushner was not indicted -- his father was. Are you saying Jared Kushner is bad because his father was indicted? Seriously?
2
The coziness of it all does bear faint whiffs of elitist cronyism, if not nepotism, does it not?
@Bill Wolfe
The reason the Times doesn't do that is simply that the Times would prefer not to be sued... And you might keep that in mind as well... I don't think the Times can do much to protect you should Jared Kushner's lawyers come knocking on the door...
The reason the Times doesn't do that is simply that the Times would prefer not to be sued... And you might keep that in mind as well... I don't think the Times can do much to protect you should Jared Kushner's lawyers come knocking on the door...
For heaven's sake this discussion is taking the air out of the room. Would someone please challenge the Trump crowd on the issues?! How does he plan to pay for his iconic wall?! What does "getting tough on ISIS mean? Plagiarism on this woman's speech? What did you expect? Take the focus off this silly woman and TALK ABOUT THE ISSUES.
4
Lots of people have tried. Trump wiggles out of it all with vague proclamations about how great he is, how smart he is, how he'll fix everything, just leave it to him. How do you suggest anyone get him to talk about the issues? And is honesty not an issue? Facing a real gaffe -- plagiarism, and at that, words of the wife of the man Trump has spent years trying to harm by accusing him of not being an American -- and rather than apologizing or explaining, try to blame Hillary, My Little Pony, the Democrats, etc.?
11
My guess is that the original speech was revised by some non-professional in the campaign, possibly a family member or other close associate who had no business in that role.
This would pretty much echo problems with Trump's candidacy as a whole.
This would pretty much echo problems with Trump's candidacy as a whole.
6
I would be surprised if Trump himself DIDN'T have a hand in writing his wife's speech. And obviously if the boss thinks it's OK to lift those lines verbatim from Obama's speech, no one will oppose. Poor Richie Rich, surrounded by yes men and left to his own bad judgement on what to do. Fail.
8
"A pox on both their houses," was the oft-heard comment from a good friend and Marine aviator who flew in three our four major wars of the 20th Century. He wasn't just talking about fearsome Asian hordes and the U.S.
16 years into a new century of perpetual war and who is running for the White House but more nouveau riche who excel at accumulating material wealth, mostly through fraud, bluster and bullying while seemingly devoid of morals, ethics or integrity.
The Donald and his current trophy don't look all that different from Bill and Hillary. All four seem cut from the same cloth. Ambition sans integrity. Whitewater, Mena Airport, Travelgate, Vince Foster and Monica have faded as we hear Mrs. Trump assert what no one believes, "I wrote my speech all by myself."
Of the four, Hillary shows the most polish and dignity but is not unencumbered by the deeds and doings of the ambitious rube from Hot Springs, Arkansas she hooked up with in law school. Nor can she adequately explain her cavalier attitude toward security in her compensatory post as Secretary of State.
Republican Vice President Cheney escaped unscathed any accountability for his treasonous act of outing a CIA agent and along with another Donald lying us into wars all over the place while dispensing cruelty and inhumanity in our name, also all over the place.
Oh, for a method of electing a titular head that transcends this system of campaign bribes for helpful legislation and hands off regulation.
16 years into a new century of perpetual war and who is running for the White House but more nouveau riche who excel at accumulating material wealth, mostly through fraud, bluster and bullying while seemingly devoid of morals, ethics or integrity.
The Donald and his current trophy don't look all that different from Bill and Hillary. All four seem cut from the same cloth. Ambition sans integrity. Whitewater, Mena Airport, Travelgate, Vince Foster and Monica have faded as we hear Mrs. Trump assert what no one believes, "I wrote my speech all by myself."
Of the four, Hillary shows the most polish and dignity but is not unencumbered by the deeds and doings of the ambitious rube from Hot Springs, Arkansas she hooked up with in law school. Nor can she adequately explain her cavalier attitude toward security in her compensatory post as Secretary of State.
Republican Vice President Cheney escaped unscathed any accountability for his treasonous act of outing a CIA agent and along with another Donald lying us into wars all over the place while dispensing cruelty and inhumanity in our name, also all over the place.
Oh, for a method of electing a titular head that transcends this system of campaign bribes for helpful legislation and hands off regulation.
3
Technically, didn't Melania Trump plagiarize, as The Times reported, "Sarah Hurwitz, a White House speechwriter who composed Mrs. Obama’s 2008 address..."
Spouses of candidates tend not to have, or reveal, original thoughts, they only repeat what they are told will sway the crowd.
Spouses of candidates tend not to have, or reveal, original thoughts, they only repeat what they are told will sway the crowd.
3
Republicans hate Democrats but steal their speeches because they got nothin'...
20
I think it's pretty clear that this is an excellent sabotage from the Speechwriters the campaign hired. The wording is too exact, and too obvious to be an oversight. I truly doubt Ms. Trump googled "Cool things First Ladies say, and how to put them in your own words."
I believe that this just demonstrates that Mr. and Mrs. Trump are willfully ignorant, and are too apathetic about actually sending a strong and inspirational message to be more discerning in their words, actions, and... Speechwriters.
I believe that this just demonstrates that Mr. and Mrs. Trump are willfully ignorant, and are too apathetic about actually sending a strong and inspirational message to be more discerning in their words, actions, and... Speechwriters.
6
Well, they are certainly good words worth repeating!
2
Amazing! So it looks like the Trump family may be responsible for plagiarizing the speech after all, so there will be no professional speech writer to fire. Ouch! I didn't see that coming.
10
Leave her alone and focus on the issues. Can't you see what the liberal media is doing to change the narrative?? It's like high school gossip enveloping discussion of substantive issues. And yet Trump is accused of being shallow. Sounds like liberals prefer bickering over intelligent dialogue.
5
"Can't you see what the liberal media is doing to change the narrative?"
You mean by reporting what the Trumps actually say and do?
You mean by reporting what the Trumps actually say and do?
20
To me it is an issue if someone is claiming to be talking about how honest Trump is, and to do so plagiarizes words spoken by the wife of the man Trump has spent years accusing of not being a citizen, demanding his birth certificate, etc.
Then she says she wrote the speech herself, then it comes out that she didn't. Then the "team" tries to deflect any and all criticism by saying she could not possibly have ever plagiarized, it was a "beautiful" speech, it's Hillary's fault for criticizing, My Little Pony uses similar words.
If this is typical of the "honesty" and the approach to the public that the Republicans want to project, yes indeed it is a very big issue.
Then she says she wrote the speech herself, then it comes out that she didn't. Then the "team" tries to deflect any and all criticism by saying she could not possibly have ever plagiarized, it was a "beautiful" speech, it's Hillary's fault for criticizing, My Little Pony uses similar words.
If this is typical of the "honesty" and the approach to the public that the Republicans want to project, yes indeed it is a very big issue.
17
I was thinking there are only so many ways you could say "vote for my husband" and it got recycled.
If it was about cattle futures or donations from foreign governments... yeah, that would be bad, but at this point, what does it matter? All this means is a speechwriter needs to look for another job.
If it was about cattle futures or donations from foreign governments... yeah, that would be bad, but at this point, what does it matter? All this means is a speechwriter needs to look for another job.
4
Obvious plagiarism but also a case of RickRoll by a troll who was relishing the anarchy.
Could be a case of sabotage.
But the cover up and lies make it worse. Pence, the extremist who brings nothing to the campaign, and dishonesty and plagiarism in a speech of values, turn off his base. Advantage, Hillary who can never again be called Lying Crooked Hillary.
Could be a case of sabotage.
But the cover up and lies make it worse. Pence, the extremist who brings nothing to the campaign, and dishonesty and plagiarism in a speech of values, turn off his base. Advantage, Hillary who can never again be called Lying Crooked Hillary.
7
Except that she was also accused of plagiarism. I guess the NYT didn't have several articles about that.
Connie: Accusations lacking proper subjects and phrased in the passive voice without reference constitute the next-lowest form of rumor-mongering after the "I heard" and "People say" variety favored by the GOP candidate, himself.
2
And such baseless gossip often leads to lawsuits. Gossip mongers make inviting targets and juries love to stick them...
Plagiarism is the sincerest form of flattery.
1
Apparently, there are lots of people that think the election is over because of this speech. Never mind that Obama ripped off Deval Patrick in 2006.
The election is four months away. I am not a Trump fan, but I would not be surprised if he makes Hillary Clinton look terrible and wins the election.
The Democrats wanted Ted Cruz to win the nomination. The baseball analogy is that Cruz fires a 96 MPH fastball. But he throws it down the middle, it has no movement, you know its coming, and you can hit it out of the park. Trump, on the other hand, throws the knuckleball. Hillary Clinton has never faced a knuckleball. Wish her luck.
The election is four months away. I am not a Trump fan, but I would not be surprised if he makes Hillary Clinton look terrible and wins the election.
The Democrats wanted Ted Cruz to win the nomination. The baseball analogy is that Cruz fires a 96 MPH fastball. But he throws it down the middle, it has no movement, you know its coming, and you can hit it out of the park. Trump, on the other hand, throws the knuckleball. Hillary Clinton has never faced a knuckleball. Wish her luck.
2
"I am not a Trump fan"
And I am Marie of Roumania. (h/t Dorothy Parker)
And I am Marie of Roumania. (h/t Dorothy Parker)
5
WOW...- Are you kidding me? How could she not realize that her speech included excerpts (verbatim) from one of Mrs. Obama's well known/ well written/executed speeches?
Advice to Melania: Proof read your speech after they write it for you (at least try)! The next order of business: TOEFL should be a REQUIREMENT for becoming the FLOTUS. **Your (boo) should approve this since he loves asking for proof from distinguished legitimate US citizens (hint: birth certificates).
He should be doing the DUE DILIGENCE on his Slovenian boo AND her speeches. Melania- Prove that you can at least read a STOP sign in English!
Advice to Melania: Proof read your speech after they write it for you (at least try)! The next order of business: TOEFL should be a REQUIREMENT for becoming the FLOTUS. **Your (boo) should approve this since he loves asking for proof from distinguished legitimate US citizens (hint: birth certificates).
He should be doing the DUE DILIGENCE on his Slovenian boo AND her speeches. Melania- Prove that you can at least read a STOP sign in English!
3
Trotting out a potential first lady to deliver such pablums is nothing new, especially to soften the evening after Rudy Giuliani nearly frothed himself into a stroke. Plagiarism is bad, but it's not like Melania is running for office. I'm much more worried about the original and extreme ideas coming out of the mouths of Trump and Pence. Melania's not the real threat to this country, the ticket and their backers are. We play directly into their hands when we spend all of this time and energy on such a relatively minor issue.
6
It's abundantly clear....Hillary must have had a minion infiltrate the Trump organization, carefully navigate the inner circle and become a hand picked speech writer. All with the singular purpose of plagiarizing Michelle Obama's speech in order to make Melania Trump look bad.
She's so devious.
Or, maybe, just maybe, Trump and his minions are simply and mindnumbingly incompetent.
What a buffon.
She's so devious.
Or, maybe, just maybe, Trump and his minions are simply and mindnumbingly incompetent.
What a buffon.
11
Why don't the Republicans blame this kerfuffle on Michelle Obama? After all, she wrote the speech!
15
When Joe Biden was accused of plagiarism in 1988 it side tracked his presidential aspirations. While Melania Trump is not running for President, her husband is. She reflects on her husband as any potential First Lady does.
According to her, she wrote the speech. According to others, speech writers wrote the speech. According to Donald, he read the speech before she gave it. So???? What's the story?
When a Democrat makes a gaff, it's the end of the world, when the Republicans make a gaff, just a minor thing. Just another slippery event in the Trump campaign.
According to her, she wrote the speech. According to others, speech writers wrote the speech. According to Donald, he read the speech before she gave it. So???? What's the story?
When a Democrat makes a gaff, it's the end of the world, when the Republicans make a gaff, just a minor thing. Just another slippery event in the Trump campaign.
8
How dare Michelle Obama steal Melania's speech... oh wait.
4
"Similarities"?? Really? Why not call a spade a spade? "Plagiarism" is the word folks. Why all the tiptoeing, NYT? Incredible.
11
Why lift Michelle Obama's speech? Ann Romney's wasn't good enough?
12
So, just who is responsible for insertion of Michelle's thoughts and words? Someone did it. Could it be the real reason that the Trump campaign doesn't want to fire anyone over this glaring faux pas is that the candidate himself is responsible? We can only wonder.
5
What does it say about Mr. Trump as a person, as someone who professes to love and care for his wife, that he would allow this insult to his wife go without a response.....other than "my little pony?" Or is this just another example of his disregard for anyone's feelings other than his own?
7
With consideration of the effectiveness of Ms. Trump's delivery of the speech and then discovering the obvious plagiarism from Mrs. Obama's speech it is obvious to me that Ms. Trump has mastered the skill of faking authenticity.
8
Not surprising that the totally bankrupt GOP party has Trump as the nominee and circus of a convention.
They're done.
They're done.
8
Melania Trump would have been better off actually writing her own speech, in her own words. I am not a Trump supporter, but I cannot blame Melania Trump for the theft of Michele Obama's words. The writers are at fault and should be fired.
4
I watched comments of both women. I appreciated the words of both. Am I surprised that so many are angry with Melania's comments (no matter what they are)? No! Nor is anyone else who has listened/watched present/past dialogue. The rhetoric of so many are mean-spirited and ugly concerning "anyone" connected with Donald Trump. On that note in terms of plagiarism both themes were the same (not surprising!). The comparisons in the article (in red/blue) pointed out specifics. Would I (as a past college English teacher) ask Melania to use the many on-line programs to critique "same" passages and summarize using various synonyms/passages? Yes, but no doubt Michelle Obama is in the same boat. Melania Trump was posed and delivery was top-notch (as was Michelle Obama); let's give credit to both. On A Side Note: I've heard from my single mother many times over the years the phrases: "let your word be your bond;" "treat people with respect;" "reach your dreams!" Based on the flavor of this article (plagiarism) perhaps my amazing mother was plagiarized.
2
Imitation is the most (in)sincere form of flattery.
3
Quick, quick! Turn on the TV and flip to the convention. It's a chance to see your next President...
3
Ironically the tons of comments coming in indicate a general fascination with Trump which overrides party lines. It doesn't work the other way around when it comes to Hillary whose half-life is pretty much up. I doubt very much that I'd be interested in tuning in to the Democratic convention at all unless there are riots and protests. Maybe that is what it will take to breathe back life into the moribund proceedings.
3
words and plagiarism aside -- her father was a member of the Communist party. How has this not surfaced as an issue? You know that if it were a Democrat with a Communist in-law, the Republicans would be holding loud national protests about it and overwhelm us with nasty tv ads.
Who'd ever have thunk that the Republicans would cozy up to someone with strong Communist ties? No wonder Putin likes Trump.
Who'd ever have thunk that the Republicans would cozy up to someone with strong Communist ties? No wonder Putin likes Trump.
15
I am truly saddened by what my America has become. Neither speech, Michael's or Melania's is entirely self written. there are professionals that take into account the wordings of speeches. All Melania had to do was read it and if it demonstrated her character, then she accepts it, that's it. To dominate the news over such a trivial matter knowing full well what the procedure is for political speech writing, and try to use this as some sort of twisted political maneuver, not only bring to light the desperateness of the opposing side (in this case, Hillary), but also shows the lack of respect for other people, it also shows a lack of moral standard and undermines the integrity of our political establishment. Further more, it insults the intellectual capacity of Americans, by assuming that we are gullible and ignorant pheasants easily swayed by trickery.
4
Who wrote that part of the speech, Victor? And why isn't that person's name being disclosed? Moreover, why is the Trump camp using preposterous denials in an attempt to deflect attention away from this issue.
These questions are germane. And they go to the heart of the Trump campaign's self-proclaimed honesty and integrity. Do you know what Americans dislike just as much as liars, it's hypocrites.
These questions are germane. And they go to the heart of the Trump campaign's self-proclaimed honesty and integrity. Do you know what Americans dislike just as much as liars, it's hypocrites.
4
I agree with the sense of opportunism feeding my own interest in this further tripping up Trump's campaign momentum. Because so much that should've derailed his toxic showboat by now hasn't, I increasingly feel the ends justifies the means. And that principal occupies slippery moral ground over which vigilance is crucial.
Oh! There it is :-)
May god help us and help the USA the next for years.
7
what about in th next for years
is that ok two ?
is that ok two ?
I'm sure the plagiarism was intentional, meant to shame ms trump. The speechwriter is way too smart to think it wouldn't be detected. But she's stuck because she insisted on telling the media beforehand that she wrote it herself.
3
The text in question is very similar to Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged". Good material.
3
The way things keep going south for the GOP, by election day we'll either be at war with China or invaded by Martians...
9
Maybe Mr. Trump and his campaign (a.k.a his family) are playing out of their league.
9
Too bad the puppets running for president, and their wives, are unable to put together a coherent speech... all by themselves. They can't even memorize it, smh.
2
Team stupid is "making America embarrassed again."
21
Why is anyone surprised? Mr. Trump is and always has been, at core, a performance artist. And his campaign has taken both its format and its central themes from reality TV. So of course they would plagiarize Michelle, or anyone else whose words they think will sell. I bet they are genuinely surprised anyone cares. Nor are they particularly concerned, because the voters who support them won't care. Welcome to U.S. politics in the new century.
5
Melania has delivered the cross-examiners' dream. "I wrote it myself. I didn't plagiarize." Followed by "Many others actually wrote it. Whatever blame is theirs." Well, Mrs. Trump, were you lying then or are you lying know?
11
Perhaps it's a family tradition. After all, Donald Trump simply dropped one word from Ronald Reagan's 1980 campaign slogan -- "Let's Make America Great Again! -- to come up with his 2016 campaign slogan.
In any event, I'm surprised that Manafort blamed Hillary Clinton for Melania's plagiarism. Isn't it obvious who's really at fault here: if Michelle Obama had not used those words, Melania would never have borrowed them!
In any event, I'm surprised that Manafort blamed Hillary Clinton for Melania's plagiarism. Isn't it obvious who's really at fault here: if Michelle Obama had not used those words, Melania would never have borrowed them!
8
This clearly Obama's fault. If Michelle had not made those statements, then Melania never would have been able to parrot them.
14
It is foolish to believe that the sentences and phrases were not plagiarized by a dishonest speechwriter for Melania. He or she should be fired and the campaign should have acknowledged this. Let's take a step back though. She did not know this, she is not a candidate or a politician and she did not lie about sending classified information on an insecure private server, she did not lie about how many devices she had and she did destroy 30,000 e-mails including many that contained classified data immediately after the discovery of her private server and e-mails. The sending of classified information knowingly is a felony. The destruction of e-mails reminds me of the 20 minutes of tape erased by Nixon. The FBI Director, who termed it negligent, could not recommend indictment. I also remember that Vice President Biden, born in the USA, a politician, by himself plagiarized an entire speech from England and received an "F" in his law school for cheating. These too are facts.
3
Your comparison of Mrs. trump to Mrs. Clinton is fallaciously presumes all else is equal between the two women, one of whom is a Eastern European-born former model famous for marrying a famous guy, next to a former 8yr American FLOTUS, but a professional attorney, politician and former Secretary of State with a quarter of a century more life experience. Comparing the two overlooks not just their vastly different life opportunities but power & responsibilities, I suppose just because they both share memebership in the ever-equalizing Vagina Club?
For so long, the republican party has appointed itself the all knowing, moral judge of people. With the support of the party, have shown how easily they can throw their so called values out the window. It really doesn't matter any more. The total lack of cohesion, and blatant dishonesty going on is enough to turn anyone's stomach.
11
Lewandowski is correct! The speechwriter violated copyright law and should pay monetary damages to the Democratic Campaign.
3
I don't care who wrote the speech. She looked nice, she had polish and style. She even wore a dress with SLEEVES. I think she would be a lovely and gracious First Lady. (No, I'm not voting for Trump).
5
Of course she looked nice, and it takes all say and a lot of help. But so did Sarah Palin.
3
This isn't merely a demonstration of the incompetence in the Trump campaign, it's a demonstration of the utter incompetence of Trump's crisis management abilities. The response we've already seen time and time again seems to be, deny, trivialize and blame, in that order.
I'm sure that would be a winning technique in the White House.
I'm sure that would be a winning technique in the White House.
45
If Mrs. Trump knowingly and deliberately plagiarized Mrs. Obama, it would be hard not to interpret it as a cry of a caged woman for help.
10
Turns out she turned to one of Trump's ghost writers after rejecting the speech proffered to her. I can't imagine Trump letting her pick out her own dress, much less pieces of speeches we now know they resourced.
This is yet another incident that highlights the fact the trump clan is nothing more than bunch of con-artists and totally untrustworthy. It is horrifying to think that there are so many people who will support a conman and that he could become the president of our country.
16
I can't imagine all the commenters actually stayed up and watched Melania Trump's speech: I sure didn't. She is certainly lovely, but I can not imagine why much of a speech be expected of her. That said, she plagiarized a paragraph. It isn't like she is the first or even the first politician: Yes, the president did nick some lines from Devall Patrick, Massachusetts former governor, and even Joe Biden had his own plagiarism scandal. I hear did Fareed Zakaria and more than a few others in the press when they weren't outright fabulating.
We all know there is little likelihood this woman wrote her own speech, and close to none of us bothered to listen to it, so the outrage is far over the top. This is just attacking for the sake of attacking. It is getting predictable and very, very boring: a case of the media taking to itself, as it obscures real issues to focus on little ones.
This stuff is really not good for the country, and especially not its premier newspaper. It is bandwagoning.
We all know there is little likelihood this woman wrote her own speech, and close to none of us bothered to listen to it, so the outrage is far over the top. This is just attacking for the sake of attacking. It is getting predictable and very, very boring: a case of the media taking to itself, as it obscures real issues to focus on little ones.
This stuff is really not good for the country, and especially not its premier newspaper. It is bandwagoning.
6
Donald Trump is really not good for the country.
10
I've so far argued that it is an important story for the insight the debacle provides into the type of Trump administration we could expect, although your points are the best yet for why it may not be. Since I certainly don't want to become 'that' type of partisan, thank you for making me to reconsider my argument.
Just imagine if a Democrat had done this, or allowed 9/11 to happen on their watch after being warned several times.
Imagine if a Democrat had been president when over 240 Marines were murdered in their barracks in Beirut, and what did they say about St. Reagan (ketchup is a vegetable, when he cut funding for school lunches).
The hypocrisy of the Republicans is overwhelming sometimes.
Imagine if a Democrat had been president when over 240 Marines were murdered in their barracks in Beirut, and what did they say about St. Reagan (ketchup is a vegetable, when he cut funding for school lunches).
The hypocrisy of the Republicans is overwhelming sometimes.
33
This is a clear example of plagiarism. This could be grounds for firing A person in academia . In the setting of politics, Trump and his family would be a laughingstock Particularly given the implausibility of the denials coming from the Trump campaign . In Britain it might be enough to bring down the government . In France a person would be a shame to appear in public after such blatant plagiarism . And yet Americans continue to support this campaign based on lies, bullying, and a thoroughly neofascist outlook . Shame shame shame Mr. Trump you should recuse yourself from the race. You and your staff are nowhere near qualified to be running a game show much less a country .
9
Why does the NY Times not state clearly what this is? It's plagiarism. These are not "striking similarities." Whole phrases are repeated verbatim and sequences of ideas are organized in the same order. I'm genuinely curious what would be required for the NY Times to identify passages as plagiarized.
Disappointed also to see so many people letting her off the hook, like a poor helpless woman who was taken advantage of by male handlers. She needs to own this and be infantilized by society.
Disappointed also to see so many people letting her off the hook, like a poor helpless woman who was taken advantage of by male handlers. She needs to own this and be infantilized by society.
14
I agree they need to close this bar and open a new one. This was their first swing at the story, and they let the armchair at Starbucks make the call for them. Now, it's an undeniable fact they got a ghost writer to rewrite the safe speech, and went over others' speeches for "inspiration." Donald could lift a few things from Lord Sugar; he's so much sweeter than The Don.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0071b63
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0071b63
Plagiarism? Seriously? Did anyone not have parents that told them to work hard for what they wanted in life, and to treat people with respect? Go into any school in America and you will find posters all over the room saying "treat others with respect", "work hard", etc etc. Michelle Obama didn't invent hard work and respect.
4
Nice amateurish attempt at deflection. Take your head out of the tub of Trump Kool Aid and READ the two speeches - the language is virtually identical. The ONLY issues are who lifted the passages and why no one caught the theft.
10
Yes, plagiarism is a serious offense especially when you are ripping off someone else and claiming it as yours. The tRumps have a history of doing this. See the manual they ripped off for the Trump Insititute. I wouldn't be surprised if Donald added the sections from Michelle's speech into his wife's.
7
If she said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country," then yes, big time problem. Work hard for what you want? Respect others? So generic, it is bland. Who didn't hear that in Sunday school? Perhaps people who don't work hard, and don't have any respect for others.
2
Here in the university sector we require our students to run their assignments through Turnitin, a plagiarism detection software. Perhaps the Trump Organization should do the same.
10
Don't give 'em any ideas!
2
And the Republicans call Hilary a liar???
10
It seems obvious to me that Melania is a "trophy wife." She is very pretty and much, much younger than her wealthy husband. He seems like a narcissist without any substance to his personality. I think she was attracted to his wealth and he was attracted to her looks. I think this is why she was mostly kept away from the primary campaign trail. You can't expect the trophy wife of a narcissist to give a meaningful speech about who he is...
The thing that really amuses me is the fact that she copied Michelle Obama's speech. Her husband constantly denigrates Obama and led the birther movement... The fact that she copied Michelle Obama's speech is so rich with irony. In fact, I am actually kind of grateful for this news. The news has been so horrible and depressing lately, that I have to feel some gratitude for a moment of genuine amusement and high irony.
Why weren't Trump's campaign staff giving her copies of speeches given by Nancy Reagan, one of the Bush wives, etc. and a coach to help her do something similar, but not the exact same? It seems highly incompetent.
The thing that really amuses me is the fact that she copied Michelle Obama's speech. Her husband constantly denigrates Obama and led the birther movement... The fact that she copied Michelle Obama's speech is so rich with irony. In fact, I am actually kind of grateful for this news. The news has been so horrible and depressing lately, that I have to feel some gratitude for a moment of genuine amusement and high irony.
Why weren't Trump's campaign staff giving her copies of speeches given by Nancy Reagan, one of the Bush wives, etc. and a coach to help her do something similar, but not the exact same? It seems highly incompetent.
17
Every pro politico says whoever wrote the speech (and the odds that Melania did are vanishingly low), should have resigned, and if they failed to do so, should be fired. Not going to happen, apparently. And the only thing that explains that would be that it's not possible. And the only people who can't be fired in the campaign are family members. Which family member has been doing some ghost writing? My guess is this points to Jared Kushner.
12
Not only did Melania lift exact sentences from Mrs. Obama's speech, but she uttered them in the exact same order as Mrs. Obama did.
She doesn't, and never will, hold a candle to the classiness and genuine warmth Mrs. Obama has.
She doesn't, and never will, hold a candle to the classiness and genuine warmth Mrs. Obama has.
22
Anyone criticizing Melania's speech needs to take a good look in the mirror at the presumptive Democrat. Her lies, under oath, and her complete and total untrustworthiness in the personal and political field far outweigh any copycatting of some old speech given 4 years ago. C'mon, give her credit... maybe she actually liked what the First Lady had to say!
1
No lies under oath, a conservative fantasy. thanks for playing
8
Right back at'cha with that mirror. Do you see a gynophobe?
5
Well ... I looked in the mirror and saw ... myself. You want to try again with a different metaphor?
3
you people are being mean. she's a trophy wife - "arm candy" - and her words were good ones and fit together into good sentences - isnt that something?
2
There's something going on in this speech.... I don't know what it is, but there's something going on. Maybe it is something only they can see...
3
I would like to hear Hillary begin her convention speech with, "To quote my respected colleague and monumental First Lady, Michelle Obama......."
9
She lied about her University Degree
She lied about writing her Speech.
Can we call her " Lyin Melania" ?
She lied about writing her Speech.
Can we call her " Lyin Melania" ?
19
Much ado about nothing.
Here is the indisputable explanation: Melania wrote Michelle's 2008 speech.
Here is the indisputable explanation: Melania wrote Michelle's 2008 speech.
12
So, now the RNC is invoking "My Little Pony" to defend Melania Trump. Are you kidding me? I can't believe they actually believe it's an upgrade to say that someone vying for First Lady plagiarized from a cartoon for 7 year olds. The animals are definitely running to zoo in the Trump campaign.
9
I have always loved Paul Gallico's description of cat behavior: "When in doubt, wash".
Paul Manafort must love it too, for he has adapted it for his mantra: "If something's wrong, blame Hillary".
Paul Manafort must love it too, for he has adapted it for his mantra: "If something's wrong, blame Hillary".
11
Couldn't care less. This is a non issue. Trumps positions; if they can be called that, are full of hate, me first, etc. if we aren't better than that then I feel sorry for the US, and the sad sense of victimization people must feel to vote out of hate and anger. In fact this is what McConnel has strove for over the last eight years by not doing anything to help the economy by trying to make The Obama presidency a failed one. His words; far worse than anything said by Ms Trump.
4
Oh God, now we have to listen to the english teacher speech about plagiarism, when 3/4 have plagiarized their students.
2
What are you talking about?
10
High school and college students get failing grades for plagiarizing and lying about it just makes it worse. Of course lying and cheating are second nature to Republicans.
8
".... college students get failing grades for plagiarizing..."
Exactly what happened to Joe Bide back in his law school days...
Exactly what happened to Joe Bide back in his law school days...
No on believed Mrs. Melania Trump when she stated her billionaire husband respects people. We have had more than 13 months of the most uncouth and disrespectful politician to assault the sensibilities of the American people. We all know her statement was untrue because we have been witnesses to this sordid reality of what must have been an upbringing driven by callous disregard for the feeling, dignity and lives of others.
DON'T BE FOOLED BY TRUMP!!! FOCUS ON THE ISSUES!!!
DON'T BE FOOLED BY TRUMP!!! FOCUS ON THE ISSUES!!!
11
It looks like Donald Trump supporters relate to Michelle Obama's ideas and words better when they are coming out of Mrs. Trump's mouth.. The irony...
But, more shocking than this clear-cut case of political plagiarism, is the brazen lack of accountability by the Trumps, and all of the unethical rationalizations being made by supporters who are willing to overlook an ethically questionable behavior in order to save face.
Are these the American values that Trump speaks of? The ones that made America great?
The ones that will make America great again? Stealing from the work of Other people and not giving them credit? Is this what makes America great?
Let's remember that the children are watching and learning who gets away with what and how.
But, more shocking than this clear-cut case of political plagiarism, is the brazen lack of accountability by the Trumps, and all of the unethical rationalizations being made by supporters who are willing to overlook an ethically questionable behavior in order to save face.
Are these the American values that Trump speaks of? The ones that made America great?
The ones that will make America great again? Stealing from the work of Other people and not giving them credit? Is this what makes America great?
Let's remember that the children are watching and learning who gets away with what and how.
8
Pity the person that wrote that speech.
who....'who' wrote that speech.
2
Pretty lady, but I don't want to hear what she has to read.
4
Why should Trump be worried about plagiarism? His supporters are specifically targeted for sub-college education. They have no idea what it means.
15
If only this were the worst thing we had to worry about at this convention. At least she lifted some positive thoughts.
The obsession with this sideshow is distracting us from the real horror: That platform.
The obsession with this sideshow is distracting us from the real horror: That platform.
6
I'm not al all distracted from the horror of the platform and I suspect that's true of virtually everyone commenting on this matter. But the fact that the Trump campaign's major offense against Hillary has been and remains her truthfulness and trustworthiness makes this a much more important issue.
Who inserted those passages, and why is the Trump camp trying to deflect attention away from it instead of stringing up another Trump casualty?
Who inserted those passages, and why is the Trump camp trying to deflect attention away from it instead of stringing up another Trump casualty?
3
It was a stagnant speech with nothing meaningful. She is not really sharing her true beliefs because she has buried them and have left her thinking to those that surround her husband. She is a well put together model and not a role model for us normal women who struggle each day with chores, jobs and feelings of hopelessness when we are financially strapped....she is not the story of America...she is the story of Trump...
20
"It was a stagnant speech with nothing meaningful."
You lefties are really amusing. Pull your hair when you see all your compatriots wailing because, they claim, it was Mrs. Obama's speech...
On second thought, not just amusing. Flat out ridiculous...
You lefties are really amusing. Pull your hair when you see all your compatriots wailing because, they claim, it was Mrs. Obama's speech...
On second thought, not just amusing. Flat out ridiculous...
Marcus Aurelius: Youre numerate enough to realize that statically, anyway, chances are that Indira's remarks apply to the 93% of Mrs. Trump's speech that wasn't plagiarized?
1
So I suppose we should take comfort in knowing that Donald is incapable of plagiarizing his own teleprompter.
1
LegalZoom says that "plagiarism is illegal if it infringes an author's intellectual property rights, including copyright or trademark. For example, the owner of a copyright can sue a plagiarizer in federal court for copyright violation." Was Mrs. Obama's 2008 speech copyrighted with ©? In blaming Hillary, notice how the Trumpers have jumped from usually describing her as a weakling to claiming super powers for her in instantly finding and publicizing the apparent plagiarism, which of course the Trumpers say is just a coincidence of deep feelings shared by two females. But uttering so many of the same words cannot be a coincidence.
4
That's the legal definition meriting civil penalties. The ethical definition involves uncredited use of any original phrasing, which is the basis for most academic penalties & social censure.
Could it be sabotage from within?
14
That's what I thought also
2
I know a tailor who can sell a certain suit of clothes that can be seen only by the wearer to the same kind of person over and over again.
3
Bottom line: this is the ONLY thing the entire country talked about today, the ONLY story to come out of the RNC as far as most care and for that we are grateful, Mrs. Trump. Keep up the gaffes, Trump family, so the country can unite in its laughter and be reminded that as bad as things are right now, they're not as bad as having a Drumpf in the White House!
7
What probably happened was Melania googled first lady speeches, found one she liked, and added parts of it to the speech her husband already paid for. Since her husband is such a tightwad, the changes slipped past his skeleton crew. Ultimately it's the fault of Donald and his wife, and there's not anyone who can be plausibly blamed. It appears nobody even bothered to run it through one of the free online plagiarism web sites, which gives lie to Trump's assertions of managerial prowess. Sad!
6
Trump are showing their true colors. lying, cheating, stealing and plagiarizing is everyday life. They want to be like Obama so bad they pretend to be black.
1
I wanted to see how a major US university defines plagiarism. This is how Indiana University's School of Education describes it:
"3. Plagiarism.
Plagiarism is defined as presenting someone else's work, including the work of other students, as one's own. Any ideas or materials taken from another source for either written or oral use must be fully acknowledged, unless the information is common knowledge. What is considered "common knowledge" may differ from course to course.
"a. A student must not adopt or reproduce ideas, opinions, theories, formulas, graphics, or pictures of another person without acknowledgment.
"b. A student must give credit to the originality of others and acknowledge an indebtedness whenever:
"1. Directly quoting another person's actual words, whether oral or written;
"2. Using another person's ideas, opinions, or theories;
"3. Paraphrasing the words, ideas, opinions, or theories of others, whether oral or written;
"4. Borrowing facts, statistics, or illustrative material; or
"5. Offering materials assembled or collected by others in the form of projects or collections without acknowledgment.
"(quoted from Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct, Part II, Student Responsibilities, Academic Misconduct..."
The description appears at: https://www.indiana.edu/~istd/definition.html
I have no insight into Mrs. Trump's motivation or of her awareness of the problem.
Perhaps plagiarism is de rigueur at Trump University.
"3. Plagiarism.
Plagiarism is defined as presenting someone else's work, including the work of other students, as one's own. Any ideas or materials taken from another source for either written or oral use must be fully acknowledged, unless the information is common knowledge. What is considered "common knowledge" may differ from course to course.
"a. A student must not adopt or reproduce ideas, opinions, theories, formulas, graphics, or pictures of another person without acknowledgment.
"b. A student must give credit to the originality of others and acknowledge an indebtedness whenever:
"1. Directly quoting another person's actual words, whether oral or written;
"2. Using another person's ideas, opinions, or theories;
"3. Paraphrasing the words, ideas, opinions, or theories of others, whether oral or written;
"4. Borrowing facts, statistics, or illustrative material; or
"5. Offering materials assembled or collected by others in the form of projects or collections without acknowledgment.
"(quoted from Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct, Part II, Student Responsibilities, Academic Misconduct..."
The description appears at: https://www.indiana.edu/~istd/definition.html
I have no insight into Mrs. Trump's motivation or of her awareness of the problem.
Perhaps plagiarism is de rigueur at Trump University.
2
When juxtaposing Michelle Obama and Melania Trump using the exact same lines, it was extraordinarily obvious who had passion, conviction, and spoke from the heart, and who was simply memorizing, lacked passion, and was faking it.
Forget the majors, these people are not even ready for the little leagues!
Forget the majors, these people are not even ready for the little leagues!
11
i thought the entire speech was boring and she spoke it like a cardboard cutout. maybe too much botox i dont know but she is as passionate as a wet washcloth
4
You know, I assume, that Mrs. Trump speaks five languages. English is not her native tongue...
Trump's supporters won't worry about any of this. In this season of lies ad illusions who really cares about universal bromides delivered with similar words?
2
Why can't the Trump campaign and its surrogates admit to the plagiarism and apologize instead of denying anything happened or, in the case of Manafort, blaming it on Hillary? And is Jason Miller any relation to the phony John Miller, the identity Trump assumed when he pretended to be a PR man?
4
I am beginning to think that Trump's followers admire exactly this: that he gets away with not playing by the rules. It's a show of power. And it really is impressive that he made it this far.
His followers my or may not be naive enough to think he's going to use his scamming powers for their good. Maybe they just want to stick it to the usual Republican politicians and the "liberal elites". They really have been let down and looked down upon by both groups. Trump is their protest.
Ultimately, economic injustice is the cause of our destabilization.
His followers my or may not be naive enough to think he's going to use his scamming powers for their good. Maybe they just want to stick it to the usual Republican politicians and the "liberal elites". They really have been let down and looked down upon by both groups. Trump is their protest.
Ultimately, economic injustice is the cause of our destabilization.
1
I agree, but then that means a lot of people are suffering from image distortion. You cannot castigate someone a liar while telling lies unless you are mentally ill or advised by the mentally ill. Take Chris Christie, he's over due for a check out.
I'm enjoying the backlash, but I'm also starting to wonder if this is just another stunt.
2
Nope, it's just Donald being a dope. The news is she didn't like the vetted speech, so one of Trump's ghost writers went over others' speeches with them, and this is the outcome. You know Donald did not let her choose her own words.
Paul Manafort should be fired for his defense of the plagiarist speech of Melania. I feel some sympathy for this woman-but not much. She is a victim as much as the many supporters of Donald Trump will be victims if he is elected president. Her speech was a triumph of "nothingness" of substance. How could she say anything more? There is no substance to Donald Trump. While a glitch, it does echo the realism that the Donald Trump candidacy has been, and will be, a kind of reality show. Looking at the Donald Trump campaign and the RNC convention is cause for pinching oneself. Is this really America or some interspace place? I think all will awaken soon and find that they have been sorely misled by some kind of strange spell. There is hope for America yet!
3
As bizarre as the Trump campaign has been up to this point, it would not surprise me at all if the next report out of Trump headquarters is one accusing Michelle Obama of plagiarizing Melania Trump's speech.
4
I doubt anyone INTENDED to plagiarize. Most likely the words were provided as inspiration/example and then got detached from their source and incorporated. "Paste," "delete," so easy to get mixed up when you are in a rush. Shouldn't have tried to do it on the cheap, Donald. Next time use a pro. Betcha tonight's speeches have been vetted six ways to Sunday (common expression ...)
I do love the responses from the Trump camp. These guys just don't know when to leave bad enough alone!
I do love the responses from the Trump camp. These guys just don't know when to leave bad enough alone!
2
We now know a ghost writer went over others' speeches with her after she rejected the safe one, and how could that be OK unless Donald was in on it?
I guess Donald finally gets to legitimately say, "you're fired!"
4
A mole in the Trump campaign speechwriting department? That would be deserving of a chuckle.
2
Two thoughts on Melania Trump's plagiarism of Michelle Obama's speech:
1-- It is not really a big deal that she did that. The big deal is the Trump people telling reporters that it is not plagiarism, just a few similar phrases. Anyone listening to the two can tell immediately that it is plagiarism.
2-- I am surprised that nobody in the media seems to be looking into the very real possibility that someone in the Trump campaign did this on purpose as an act of sabotage.
1-- It is not really a big deal that she did that. The big deal is the Trump people telling reporters that it is not plagiarism, just a few similar phrases. Anyone listening to the two can tell immediately that it is plagiarism.
2-- I am surprised that nobody in the media seems to be looking into the very real possibility that someone in the Trump campaign did this on purpose as an act of sabotage.
4
Plagiarism absolutely, but, gee whiz, it sure must be difficult to sound fresh when resorting to tired old clichés, whether the first time, the second time, or the Nth time.
2
Just another example of Trump surrounding himself with intellectually inferior support staff. Plagiarism is probably how most of them got through college.
10
Plagiarism is bad, by any stretch of the imagination. OK, Melania is not native-born so there may be problems with language, etc. However -- and this is a big however -- it by no means excuses the campaign staff/speech writers for not checking the content and veracity of the speech prior to her delivery. I feel Melania has been done a disservice, unless, that is, she deliberately lifted that language to input into her speech. Who's to know? As everyone says, she's smart and clever. The Trump campaign acknowledges no wrongdoing and further blames Ms. Clinton. How bizarre is that? If this candidate (or his campaign) cannot even take responsibility for something as obvious as this, what else will he not be willing or able to own up to? We've seen this before -- Donald denies, denies, denies! It's the only word in his vocabulary. Is this presidential material? Please tell me no!
11
This has left many speechless (pardon the pun). If it wasn't a matter with the import of a presidential election, it would be funny. Unfortunately, it's not. This is another example of the deeply moral character flaws which seem to run throughout the Trump campaign.
4
Seriously, does anyone really care about her speech?
I feel for the gal, I don't think she wants to be there at all. You think the Donald asked her if she wanted to be first lady? I don't.
I feel for the gal, I don't think she wants to be there at all. You think the Donald asked her if she wanted to be first lady? I don't.
3
I don' tweet but if I could, I would say #couldn't be happier, ecstatic!# or some special symbol or other.
4
I wonder if the Trump campaign is being sabotaged by an insider. That penetrating logo could be another example of deliberate sabotage.
3
In fairness to Melania, her husband has quoted Mussolini pretty freely since the beginning of the campaign.
6
I despise what Trump and his "movement" represents but this is a tempest in a teapot. It's not like these speeches aspire to aesthetic merit and even if they do everyone knows that in the vast majority of instances they've been ghost-written. The sentiment expressed in the statement isn't even novel or particularly inspiring to begin with. We're not talking about Obama's 2004 DNC speech here.
2
Someone please explain to me why the NY Times refusing to use the word "Plagiarism." Please.
6
I heard on NBC Nightly News that the original speech writer did not have those plagiarized words in the speech. So someone must have added them into the speech before handed to Melania Trump. Whoever did that must have heard or read Michelle Obama's speech or it wouldn't be plagiarizing, although it may still be construed as such.
So why would anyone on Trump's team plagiarize Melania's speech on purpose?
That is the question our MSM with ample resources, NYT being one, must ask and investigate.
If I were Donald Trump, thank god I'm not, I'd fire that speech editor. Unless, of course, he did that himself.
So why would anyone on Trump's team plagiarize Melania's speech on purpose?
That is the question our MSM with ample resources, NYT being one, must ask and investigate.
If I were Donald Trump, thank god I'm not, I'd fire that speech editor. Unless, of course, he did that himself.
The Trumps, making the Underwoods look nice.
2
This whole team is almost comically bad. They act like adolescent boys who never accept responsibility for anything. This may work in the real estate world on the east coast but this amateurism will be a disaster if he wins.
5
Can there be more focus on the issues?
Financial reform? Foreign policy? How fix and address the decline of middle class economics?
Or does the news media think that personalities are more important than the issues also?
The last time this lock-step uniformity of focus and opinion steamrolled sober, objective, coverage addressing high priority issues of consequence -- was the news media's coverage & lack of intelligent questioning during the run up to the Iraq War.
Financial reform? Foreign policy? How fix and address the decline of middle class economics?
Or does the news media think that personalities are more important than the issues also?
The last time this lock-step uniformity of focus and opinion steamrolled sober, objective, coverage addressing high priority issues of consequence -- was the news media's coverage & lack of intelligent questioning during the run up to the Iraq War.
3
Trump hasn't fished the ocean out of red herrings quite yet.
2
If this speech writer is a preview of the people Donald Trump can hire I cringe at the thought of what his cabinet might look like.
4
Heaven forbid that this had happened the other way around in which a black woman had been the plagiarist. Unintentioned? Spare me.
9
The latest reporting is that the 'lifted' portions were not in the speech provided to the campaign by a highly regarded speech writer. Who added it? My guess? is Trump, himself for reasons we can't even begin to fathom.
2
Of course, no staffer was fired because it may well have been the Trump family members’ speech writing adventure! Why aren't we taking into account that the entire Trump extended family is working on this campaign? You probably can't fire a family member for helping out with this speech. It is possible, is it not, that someone in the family saw the speeches of former first ladies as boiler plates for Melania's speech and worked off them for inspiration and "more". This really suggests someone who did not seriously consider the upcoming mess in the media because they were family and not experienced in these matters. Why does this speech have to be the fault of a staffer? This speech could have been written by any family member or even Donald himself. It is also possible that Melania asked for some suggestions, received a folder of info including the 2008 Michelle Obama speech, and just "created" her own design from the info in the folder. In other words, we might take her at her word, she may have well written it just like she said she did.
3
No doubt they claimed that Ms. Obama had plagiarized from Ms. Trump.
5
It appears that Melania is indicating that Michelle Obama is a great role model’ something that apparently a Republican cannot say out-loud publicly without great uproar. As noted in the article “…Melania’s team of writers took notes on her life’s inspirations….”
The speech writers involved agree with Josh Earnest that Mrs. Obama’s example for the American public (politicians, reporters and pundits included) is appreciated in respect to “her words and her values and her life story are quite powerful” – rare praise indeed for an opposing politician’s wife crafted for a partisan event.
The speech writers involved agree with Josh Earnest that Mrs. Obama’s example for the American public (politicians, reporters and pundits included) is appreciated in respect to “her words and her values and her life story are quite powerful” – rare praise indeed for an opposing politician’s wife crafted for a partisan event.
3
How can anyone - with a BRAIN - be surprised by this?
This is the age, where kids in school think when they're to 'write a paper', it's 'fine' to cut and paste from Wikipædia - and not even give attribution!
I've always been amazed by how many people stupidly believe Trump was either smart in business, or even a fraction as wealthy as he's claimed (your banker isn't ever going to contradict you if you say a lie), and, now - that he's got to this point - all because, he just wants to 'increase the Trump brand's value' (pardon me, I'm nauseous).
This is a VERY scary time we're in. I'm hoping this nightmare ends soon.
This is the age, where kids in school think when they're to 'write a paper', it's 'fine' to cut and paste from Wikipædia - and not even give attribution!
I've always been amazed by how many people stupidly believe Trump was either smart in business, or even a fraction as wealthy as he's claimed (your banker isn't ever going to contradict you if you say a lie), and, now - that he's got to this point - all because, he just wants to 'increase the Trump brand's value' (pardon me, I'm nauseous).
This is a VERY scary time we're in. I'm hoping this nightmare ends soon.
8
I am sure Melania Trump did not write her own speech. However, she should have had enough sense to have at least listened to the speeches of prior potential first ladies. This speech is an embarrassment for Mr Trump. A total disaster. The speech writer should be immediately fired and Melania should return to the podium for a few minutes to set the record straight.
When I heard her say the your word is your bond statement, I was in shock. This term is often used by black Americans and I cannot believe that Mrs Trump is so removed from American culture.
When I heard her say the your word is your bond statement, I was in shock. This term is often used by black Americans and I cannot believe that Mrs Trump is so removed from American culture.
10
This woman is being put in a very tough position. I don't think she cares about politics or knows anything about it. And I heard last night that it's putting a strain on the marriage. For heaven's sake she has posed nude and was a model. It probably hurts her brain to even think of "heavy" things. And this not to put her down or say all models are shallow. But she is like one of Trump's Miss Universe contestants. Do you think Mrs. Obama would pose nude??? Well maybe for charity as a laugh. She does have a great sense of humor.
Was it the first convention or the second Michelle Obama gave one of the great speeches? I remember Bill Clinton coming out after being way impressed, and so was I. Of course Mrs Trump probably lifted lines, she probably has no idea what to say. And the whole media sits here and does in depth analysis like it's somehow worthy of that. Oh Brother ........................
Orange, NJ
Was it the first convention or the second Michelle Obama gave one of the great speeches? I remember Bill Clinton coming out after being way impressed, and so was I. Of course Mrs Trump probably lifted lines, she probably has no idea what to say. And the whole media sits here and does in depth analysis like it's somehow worthy of that. Oh Brother ........................
Orange, NJ
5
It was the second convention...
Come on folks give Melania some credit, Donald has to fly all the way to Kenya to get the speech for her, and he flew on a huuuge pink pony.
Trump's gang is an embarrassment. I may not agree with everything Obama has done, but they have been a class act. We will miss you.
Trump's gang is an embarrassment. I may not agree with everything Obama has done, but they have been a class act. We will miss you.
22
Re the plagiarism flap --
I haven't heard anything from the Clinton campaign about this. The only person I have heard claiming that Clinton is trying to take unfair advantage of this is Donald Trump himself. Sometimes, when you're in a hole, you should quit digging.
This probably was not Melania Trump's foul-up, and shouldn't be held against her personally. She probably just read a speech prepared for her by a speechwriter.
What this episode does point to, though, is the "not ready for prime time" character of the Trump campaign organization as a whole. Any speechwriter worth his or her salt should know better, even under tight time pressure, not to import phrases wholesale from a prior speech written by someone else. Welcome to the big time, Donald -- the press will pick up things like this even if they aren't raised by your opponent. Hey, it sells newspapers.
Another thought -- from the Trump perspective, when Melania says these things, they're wonderful; when Michelle Obama says them -- in the same words -- they're dreadful. The double standard, and the hypocrisy, is there for all to see.
Politics is not academia, and plagiarism in a political speech is not the same as, for example, a doctoral dissertation or a major scholarly book. This campaign should turn on other things. This tempest in a teapot does show, however, just how far the Trump campaign organization has to go before it is operating on a professional level and ready for a national campaign.
I haven't heard anything from the Clinton campaign about this. The only person I have heard claiming that Clinton is trying to take unfair advantage of this is Donald Trump himself. Sometimes, when you're in a hole, you should quit digging.
This probably was not Melania Trump's foul-up, and shouldn't be held against her personally. She probably just read a speech prepared for her by a speechwriter.
What this episode does point to, though, is the "not ready for prime time" character of the Trump campaign organization as a whole. Any speechwriter worth his or her salt should know better, even under tight time pressure, not to import phrases wholesale from a prior speech written by someone else. Welcome to the big time, Donald -- the press will pick up things like this even if they aren't raised by your opponent. Hey, it sells newspapers.
Another thought -- from the Trump perspective, when Melania says these things, they're wonderful; when Michelle Obama says them -- in the same words -- they're dreadful. The double standard, and the hypocrisy, is there for all to see.
Politics is not academia, and plagiarism in a political speech is not the same as, for example, a doctoral dissertation or a major scholarly book. This campaign should turn on other things. This tempest in a teapot does show, however, just how far the Trump campaign organization has to go before it is operating on a professional level and ready for a national campaign.
11
One definitely does not intervene when the opposition is destroying itself.
1
She should NOT be let off the hook as not her fault. She is a grown women who may take a position of major influence in this country. She needs to take responsibility for what she did and set a true example for children.
3
People. people! Calm down, work hard, follow your dreams, and teach your children to the same.
4
Melania Trump has provided a nice example of plagiarism and its consequences, I plan to use this example in my undergrad class this fall. Looking at the state of ethics in the current GOP and its soon to be nominated clown/con-man standard bearer, plagiarism is not an offense to them and this episode would have been brushed away but the fact that they copied a Michele Obama speech verbatim is toxic to the ardent GOP supporters. Hence the most bizarre defense of her speech, "oh, it is just common words put together", "Hillary is responsible for this", "How dare Michele Obama copy Melania 8 years ago" etc. To think that these atrocious defense of blatant plagiarism will suffice shows that the value GOP puts on the IQ of its supporters, the lowest common denominators of society.
24
Plain laziness and "we can pull a big one over on them" on the part of the Trump campaign. She had no idea what she was doing or what importance her speech was to Americans. Just poor. Really sad. I'm not voting for either Trump or Clinton. So bad neither party can put a candidate that cares for "us".
4
With all the money, resources, etc., they couldn't have come up with a better, more thorough, researched speech for a potential FL? I hope some small heads are rolling.
12
All the Republicans are trying to do damage control with denial. Image their outcry if they even thought they could pin something like this on Hillary. There's no excuse for her speech lifting passages from Michelle.
9
Plagiarism is a form of THEFT. As an educator who teaches English literature & writing to all grade levels, I stress the penalties of such theft to every student. The penalties include: expulsion from graduate, college or high school, and /or middle school. It is a critically serious form of theft and in some cases includes fraud. Every student is mandated to an honor board hearing & its final judgment. In the few cases when I was included in these hearings to assist a student, I can attest to the fact that plagiarism is considered to be dishonest, dishonorable, and an embarrassment to the educational community. To "lift" more than THREE cosecutive words without proper documentation and footnote is a blatant theft of someone else's work. Melania Trump's "speech" was NOT her own words by any stretch of imagination. Melania Trump's speech is NOT an example of paraphrasing. It is outright theft, cheating, and fraud; it also mirrors the same dishonest habits of her husband.
The good citizens of Cleveland, and the respectful members of the GOP deserved better than the insidious spectacle of Donald Trump's "CONVENTION." It is the farce that was expected, only worse.
At any moment, I expect Donald Trump will attribute his abused and used 3rd wife's plagiarized speech to that "publicist" of years ago. We remember John Barron's voice on that People Magazine reporter's audiotape because "John Barron" IS Demented Donald Trump.
The good citizens of Cleveland, and the respectful members of the GOP deserved better than the insidious spectacle of Donald Trump's "CONVENTION." It is the farce that was expected, only worse.
At any moment, I expect Donald Trump will attribute his abused and used 3rd wife's plagiarized speech to that "publicist" of years ago. We remember John Barron's voice on that People Magazine reporter's audiotape because "John Barron" IS Demented Donald Trump.
21
Please tell your students not to use an ampersand for the word "and". As well, there is no hard and fast rule for HOW MANY words constitute plagiarism; could be six, could be ten, but it's certainly not three. So you might want to educate them about the concept of hyperbole as well.
In an interview with Matt Lauer, Melania Trump stated that she composed her speech.
When the press reported on the copied phrases, the Trump campaign accused a 'team of speech writers'.
The Trump campaign handlers set up Melania to look like a 'Stepford Wife'.
I am sorry to say this Melania, but you just confirmed for me you don't just look like a trophy wife, you are one.
When the press reported on the copied phrases, the Trump campaign accused a 'team of speech writers'.
The Trump campaign handlers set up Melania to look like a 'Stepford Wife'.
I am sorry to say this Melania, but you just confirmed for me you don't just look like a trophy wife, you are one.
19
It will be interesting to hear from Mr Trump how he was unable to protect his beautiful, and multi-lingual, wife from this mistake.
Will he be more concerned to help protect our country?
Meanwhile, over at Fox News other developments may impinge on this convention in Cleveland.
Maybe it's the heat and humidity.
Will he be more concerned to help protect our country?
Meanwhile, over at Fox News other developments may impinge on this convention in Cleveland.
Maybe it's the heat and humidity.
7
And wait a minute: did a former underwear model/republican reality tv person--part of the brain trust who spoke for Trump yesterday--really say that President Obama is a Muslim?
That's plagiarism!! That's Donald's line!!
According to ABC news, the reality guy "said that he was not concerned about vocally supporting Trump in liberal-leaning Hollywood and didn't care if that caused people to judge him."
Judge him? When did anyone associated with Donald Trump, including (and most especially) the Big Fig Newton himself, every worry about what they say? Or for that matter even think about it? He's a former underwear model who does reality tv and stumps for Donald Trump.
These are not mega-talents and geniuses the RNC is parading out here. They're the only ones who would come. His family, fringe television personalities--who seem to be delusionally hoping for cabinet positions, Ben Carson. I mean, poor Rudy was frothing at the mouth.
But you go republicans! You rock!
That's plagiarism!! That's Donald's line!!
According to ABC news, the reality guy "said that he was not concerned about vocally supporting Trump in liberal-leaning Hollywood and didn't care if that caused people to judge him."
Judge him? When did anyone associated with Donald Trump, including (and most especially) the Big Fig Newton himself, every worry about what they say? Or for that matter even think about it? He's a former underwear model who does reality tv and stumps for Donald Trump.
These are not mega-talents and geniuses the RNC is parading out here. They're the only ones who would come. His family, fringe television personalities--who seem to be delusionally hoping for cabinet positions, Ben Carson. I mean, poor Rudy was frothing at the mouth.
But you go republicans! You rock!
11
The plagiarism doesn't matter to me. The deeper issue is why anything and everything the Obama's say is evil and awful but when spoken by a republican supporter... the same words... suddenly are "just fine and great". Very much like the health care act which originated from a republican.
There is not ONE SINGLE REPUBLICAN who would EVER say Michelle Obama's 2008 speech was powerful and meaningful. They would say anything but that. It would kill them to say anything good about them. They might say it was "empty drivel" or "meaningless tropes" blah blah... can almost hear the intentional contrariness in my head.
But when someone on their side says the exact same thing they love it. Reminds me of comedy movies and TV shows when the idiot leader pretends not to hear an idea and then takes it for his own.
This is frustrating. This is the most frustrating element of the current election. Total and complete blindness to anything but a straight absolute belief in one concept with zero room for compromise or acceptance of anything that would give even minor credit to the "enemy".
Don't care who is the worst candidate, both are guilty of this but the republicans have been doing it for 8 solid years. What will be remembered long into history is how childish and petty this election was. And if this not the last election to go this way, it will be noted as the beginning of the end of intelligent politics of any sort.
There is not ONE SINGLE REPUBLICAN who would EVER say Michelle Obama's 2008 speech was powerful and meaningful. They would say anything but that. It would kill them to say anything good about them. They might say it was "empty drivel" or "meaningless tropes" blah blah... can almost hear the intentional contrariness in my head.
But when someone on their side says the exact same thing they love it. Reminds me of comedy movies and TV shows when the idiot leader pretends not to hear an idea and then takes it for his own.
This is frustrating. This is the most frustrating element of the current election. Total and complete blindness to anything but a straight absolute belief in one concept with zero room for compromise or acceptance of anything that would give even minor credit to the "enemy".
Don't care who is the worst candidate, both are guilty of this but the republicans have been doing it for 8 solid years. What will be remembered long into history is how childish and petty this election was. And if this not the last election to go this way, it will be noted as the beginning of the end of intelligent politics of any sort.
50
Very well said!
I really liked your commentary up until "both are guilty of this" - not that Democrats are perfect, but this is yet another case of false equivalency.
2
Republicans and Democrats are not equivalent in this regard. Democrats tend to view elections as a high-minded exchange of ideas, where logic and reason will ultimately take the day. More like high school debate club.
Republicans do not view it that way. They are focused on obtaining, holding and wielding power, whatever it takes. They view elections as the political version of a bare-knuckles brawl outside in the parking lot.
Republicans do not view it that way. They are focused on obtaining, holding and wielding power, whatever it takes. They view elections as the political version of a bare-knuckles brawl outside in the parking lot.
2
To be honest - and I am in no way defending Melania TrumP - shouldn't we be more offended by the utterly vapid and generic thoughts of both speakers that the words in question represent, and the fact that we are somehow expected to be impressed by them?
7
this is why hallmark greeting cards stay in business
1
Get informed and then apply this info to your analysis of this situation: It wasn't vapid and generic for the First Lady, it was actually her experience, and as such the words are inspiring rather than vapid.
Ms. Trump and her staff likely could have drawn from lots of genuine influences and experiences, but did not have the confidence to use them for her speech - or at least they could not muster the the craftiness to use different words and sentences.
Ms. Trump and her staff likely could have drawn from lots of genuine influences and experiences, but did not have the confidence to use them for her speech - or at least they could not muster the the craftiness to use different words and sentences.
It may very well have been her experience, so what? It was still empty: as 1420.405751786 MHz above suggests, it does not rise above the level of the kind of Deep Thoughts that John Handey parodies.
1
It's a marriage of convenience. I truly believe she has little to say that could humanize Trump. So we end up here.
15
its lets make a deal, rich man version
This is too fun. I'm a writer, and this bears the mark of a lowly, disgruntled, work-for-hire speech writer who hates Trump and found himself in a position to send Melania out there with a loaded suicide vest. Knowing that everyone around him would be too stupid to notice, he shoveled in text from Michelle Obama's speech (that was ghostwritten too). Maybe the guy—or woman—even wrote Michelle's speech, too, in which case there's no plagiarism.
16
That would make a great Scandal plot, but they hired a ghost writer and watched others' speeches! It's highly likely Trump picked those words himself. He never has a problem with taking credit unless it backfires.
I meant to say that I refuse to say what I said. Got that? Enough said.
7
NBC is reporting that the speechwriter (Mark Scully) submitted a draft to the campaign that did NOT contain the plagiarized portions. This just gets better and better.
22
His kidz must have put it in! I wish Obama was my dad, too.
1
I stand corrected by the NYTs. They hired a ghost writer to rework the safe speech, and went over others' speeches together!
I'm sure Trump's kicking himself for not sticking with Don King.
6
This isn't about a wife who uses someone else's words to praise her husband; that's nothing. This is about a candidate for President who either baldly lies about, or is oblivious to, a truth which obvious to everyone. That's something.
9
Jarrett Hill has got one heck of a memory to have recalled those phrases from 2008. Impressive. No one might have noticed otherwise.
11
Whatever ever happened to writing one's own speech (or letter or article or e-mail or note or memo)? The number of people who worked on this speech is staggering, and for what? For a bunch of plagiarized passages connected with overused phrases that don't say anything real? Well, the last Republican president was inarticulate and incoherent, so I guess it's become a defining feature of the Republican party, no matter who is doing the writing or the speaking. Maybe at some point they'll all just start using smiley faces and other emojis and forget about language.
7
Be nice, the two who wrote the first one say only the intro and out chorus are theirs. The Trumps got a ghost writer. She's now been blown, and they watched others' speeches until they found just the right fragments. I suspect others' speeches were also pilfered, but they might be Nixon's law and order episode.
Don't shoot the messenger. I'm almost sure that she did not write that speech. Let's cut her some slack. She's just a not so innocent victim of Trump's machinations. It speaks volumes about him.
1
She claimed that she wrote it. Does that means she's lying?
1
Turns out she paid a ghost writer to rewrite the tight one, and they watched others' speeches together. Like Donald wasn't dissing everyone the entire time.
The Trump campaign slogan is strangely Make America Great Again is similar to Langston Hughes' poem entitled "Let America Be America Again"
2
Melania's speech -pale imitation
3
This is what passes as news in this election cycle. If Melania Trump had attended the seventh grade in the United States of America, she would have learned the importance in one's writing assignments of altering a few key words as opposed to copying a text verbatim and this whole pseudo-controversy could have been avoided.
3
At the US common denominator of education, life with Trump must be a post-graduate education in cheating.
1
Obama plagiarized Deval Patrick (he said he didn't) and no one seems to care. Melania Trump -- who is not running for president!!! -- plagiarized Michelle Obama, and its being treated like a seven-alarm fire.
I bet most of the people who care about this have long-since decided they despise Trump. For everyone else -- an amusing non-event. Get a life, people!
I bet most of the people who care about this have long-since decided they despise Trump. For everyone else -- an amusing non-event. Get a life, people!
6
Two friends speak for each other. Do Republicans have friends?
1
I'm sure this was President Obama's and Hillary Clinton's fault!
12
How devious of Michelle to plant these words as land mines.
4
Since Melania said she wrote the speech and now denies it should she now be referred to as Lyin' Melania? Trump used the Queen song "We Are The Champions" without permission so he should be dubbed Crooked Donald. Just trying to keep it real.
16
Shouldn't the potential first lady has to have a perfect American accent? Don't get me wrong, I myself have a thick foreign accent. But her husband is judging people's Americanness based upon their race, skin color, and religion, and yet his wife speaks in THIS FUNNY (I AM USING DONALD TRUMP'S OWN VOCAB) Arnold Like Eastern European accent. Or may be he sees her whiteness and blondness as perfect qualifications for being American. No wonder he wants more immigrants to come from Europe. But I thought his die hard fans would expect better and vote out the guy who could't pass this core American value (accent) to the potential first lady.
4
I'm more sympathetic to her than I am to him. But this is such an avoidable, such a simply stupid error. What is wrong with this campaign, that they would lose the message in this kind of easily preventable mistake? This sure doesn't make the management ability and attention to detail of Trump's campaign organization look very good... and that has to be the responsibility of the person at the top of the organization, Trump. After all, he "hires the best people, the very best people" - so where was the "very best" speechwriter, the "very best" editor and checker, going over this critical high-visibility speech before it was presented? Trump's inept campaign organization has directly led to the embarrassment and humbling of this probably very fine woman (leaving aside who she married, I'm sure she's intelligent and a decent person). Trump needs to do his famous "You're fired!" action and right soon, or he's compounding the ineptitude. Just like he did with Lewandowski.
5
"The possibility that Ms. Trump’s remarks had been plagiarized"? If a student had written this into a paper as her own words, I would assign the paper a grade of F and refer the matter to the appropriate dean for disciplinary action. The critical paragraph is a light redaction of the First Lady's words, nothing but.
Those at least are the rules at my university. Perhaps Trump University does things differently?
Those at least are the rules at my university. Perhaps Trump University does things differently?
13
It is obvious that Donald Trump’s campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, intends to stone-wall reporters and the American people about the plagiarism in the speech of Melania Trump, if he can get away with it.
Manafort is probably doing this with the blessing of Donald Trump. Either that or Trump is actually afraid of Manafort, whose very successful lobbying career in places like Angola, Zaire, and Pakistan was periodically tinged with scandal.
Manafort was never prosecuted, but of note is the fact that one of Manafort’s more recent clients was the Ukraine president, Viktor Yanukovych, who was Vladimir Putin’s puppet and who fled to Russia. This may explain the mutual admiration society between Trump and Putin. It may also explain why Trump is reluctant to cross his campaign chairman.
Manafort is probably doing this with the blessing of Donald Trump. Either that or Trump is actually afraid of Manafort, whose very successful lobbying career in places like Angola, Zaire, and Pakistan was periodically tinged with scandal.
Manafort was never prosecuted, but of note is the fact that one of Manafort’s more recent clients was the Ukraine president, Viktor Yanukovych, who was Vladimir Putin’s puppet and who fled to Russia. This may explain the mutual admiration society between Trump and Putin. It may also explain why Trump is reluctant to cross his campaign chairman.
5
I hate to take issue with the virtual (and virtuous) NYT Vicious Circle, but I care more about plagiarism than I do political affiliation. What Biden did--and it grieves me to say this because I'm a Parks and Rec fan and I know this would kill Leslie Knope--was far more than "paraphrase." According to Slate.com, Biden not only lifted Kinnock's "precise turn of phrase and his sequence of ideas," but his actual life--the biographical details. He also lifted "significant portions" of speeches from RFK and Humphrey. In the interest of responsible scholarship, I'm attributing my sources--both the Slate article and The Guardian article, which shows a side-by-side comparison of the Biden/Kinnock speeches. I guess a good writer is hard to find.
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/history_lesson/2008/08/t...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/2607505/Joe-Biden-...
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/history_lesson/2008/08/t...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/2607505/Joe-Biden-...
3
It does surprise that Biden couldn't come up with his own take on it from his own perspective as a child of the anthracite region of Pennsylvania.
She wrote that speech about as Laura Bush wrote her own speech, or Barbara Bush. Now Michelle Obama may have written hers because I hear Lawyers are taught to write stuff. But I do feel sorry for her. No way did she write that speech.
2
Another shining example of Trump fraudulence. Everything about the candidate is phony, including his "loving wife" who apparently reads as much as he does: next to none.
The litany of Republican excuses for this infraction borders on sophomoric. But most sophomores know better. I teach tenth grade English and spend considerable time on plagiarism. Students know that if they commit it, there will be serious consequences so they submit their papers to an electronic service that finds an unoriginal material. They can then make corrections before final submission.
It's quite telling that this travesty of a presidential campaign can't properly vet a speech by an aspiring First Lady as well as high school students do their papers.
Instead of accepting responsibility, Trump's flunkies resort to their default defense: blame Hillary. That's the crux of the Republican rationale for supporting Trump; he's not Hillary. Ask most Trump supporters to provide credible evidence that shows their candidate is a better choice and that's all they got. Then why not consider Gary Johnson or Jill Stein?
This is what happens when an incorrigible name-calling, megalomaniac panders to those who probably think plagiarism is some sort of radical religion and its people are going to kill us all. He makes the campaign a sideshow to distract attention from the issues. And the truth.
The litany of Republican excuses for this infraction borders on sophomoric. But most sophomores know better. I teach tenth grade English and spend considerable time on plagiarism. Students know that if they commit it, there will be serious consequences so they submit their papers to an electronic service that finds an unoriginal material. They can then make corrections before final submission.
It's quite telling that this travesty of a presidential campaign can't properly vet a speech by an aspiring First Lady as well as high school students do their papers.
Instead of accepting responsibility, Trump's flunkies resort to their default defense: blame Hillary. That's the crux of the Republican rationale for supporting Trump; he's not Hillary. Ask most Trump supporters to provide credible evidence that shows their candidate is a better choice and that's all they got. Then why not consider Gary Johnson or Jill Stein?
This is what happens when an incorrigible name-calling, megalomaniac panders to those who probably think plagiarism is some sort of radical religion and its people are going to kill us all. He makes the campaign a sideshow to distract attention from the issues. And the truth.
14
Hillary is the fraud, not Melania.
Hate Trump and I'm not voting for him but let's get real here. I'm not privy to if there are other examples throughout the speech but I have only seen two being widely circulated and they are the same one's as right here on this article. That's about three to four sentences that were lifted out of a fifteen minute piece she delivered.
It's not like Michelle Obama patented the First Lady convention speech or the various points that are made (details about their partner/marriage, their children, children's education, basically anything and everything to make them seem like a wonderful matriarch), someone could easily express the same views with much of the same language.
I guess I personally see a profound difference between this and ACTUALLY stealing someone's intellectual property so forgive me if I'm not completely abhorred by Melania Trump taking a couple totally generic passages from another person's speech.
It's not like Michelle Obama patented the First Lady convention speech or the various points that are made (details about their partner/marriage, their children, children's education, basically anything and everything to make them seem like a wonderful matriarch), someone could easily express the same views with much of the same language.
I guess I personally see a profound difference between this and ACTUALLY stealing someone's intellectual property so forgive me if I'm not completely abhorred by Melania Trump taking a couple totally generic passages from another person's speech.
8
It was more than a couple of sentences. And the odds of stringing those exact words together are astronomical. No. It's not the end of the world, but it is plagerism.
1
Are you the US negotiator of the nuclear agreement with Iran or just plagiarizing his name and location?
1
Even 3rd graders get why its called cheating when you take credit for others works
2
Psycho Don continued his acceptance speech at the Convention:
Ask what you can do for your country, not what your country can do for you
We have nothing to fear except fear itself....look IsIs with a drivers license......
A house divided against itself allows for more tenants and more profits
President Nieto BUILD THIS WALL
Tippecanoe and Tyler too....you've got a party, believe me.....
Ask what you can do for your country, not what your country can do for you
We have nothing to fear except fear itself....look IsIs with a drivers license......
A house divided against itself allows for more tenants and more profits
President Nieto BUILD THIS WALL
Tippecanoe and Tyler too....you've got a party, believe me.....
3
You write - Parts of Melania Trump’s speech on Monday night during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland were strikingly similar to Michelle Obama’s speech during the Democratic convention in 2008. .
"Striklingly familiar?" C'mon. Any writing teacher, English teacher, caring parent, would call it plagiarism. Let's call it what it is. You don't need to try to be "fair." New York Times, stop bending over backwards.
"Striklingly familiar?" C'mon. Any writing teacher, English teacher, caring parent, would call it plagiarism. Let's call it what it is. You don't need to try to be "fair." New York Times, stop bending over backwards.
35
What was particularly discouraging (once again) was to watch the "Joe & Mika" Trump cavalcade this morning aka "Morning Joe" where the attitude seemed to be that Melania and Donald were VICTIMS. I'm so disgusted I think I'm giving up television.
21
Projection is an interesting issue. So the Donald claims everybody's a liar, Clinton, Ted Cruz, President Obama's body language. But he's ok with his wife holding herself out as a college graduate, when she's not, and claiming that she wrote her own plagiarized speech, and then denies it. If it was any other campaign they would get their story straight, either she wrote it and cribbed it, or somebody else wrote it and cribbed it. Instead they blame Clinton. The whole Trump family needs an intervention on honesty, but it's probably way too late.
32
Con artists do believe their marks deserve to be stung for their own credulity.
3
I've got a PhD and twenty years of experience teaching university classes and observing the publishing process among academics.
Yes, I value and respect original work. However I also know the pressures faced by both students and researchers. If you must write a twenty page paper and are under a deadline it is a large amount of work. It is simply a logical strategy to follow the model of other work that has been well received. I'd prefer sitting alone and coming up with your own ideas, but who has time for that. Even A students follow in the ruts of well worn paths to save time. A lot of the work that has to be done for a speech is just boilerplate anyway. Yes, you'd want to make changes to avoid criticism, but you are still working from a template that is not your own. So I see the error here very much in shades of gray.
As for whether this is an indication of ineptitude in the long run, I really don't see it that way. Take Joe Biden. He's been a fine Vice President. He was actually my first choice for President in the 2008 campaign. And he plagiarized an important speech twenty years ago and had to drop out of that race in disgrace. Did having done that 'prove' he should never be president? No.
According to the article, Obama did this himself. Color me 'not appalled'.
So, two final points:
1) Copying is an inevitable part of the process used to write speeches.
2) When writing a speech, obscure the origins of your ideas to avoid criticism.
Yes, I value and respect original work. However I also know the pressures faced by both students and researchers. If you must write a twenty page paper and are under a deadline it is a large amount of work. It is simply a logical strategy to follow the model of other work that has been well received. I'd prefer sitting alone and coming up with your own ideas, but who has time for that. Even A students follow in the ruts of well worn paths to save time. A lot of the work that has to be done for a speech is just boilerplate anyway. Yes, you'd want to make changes to avoid criticism, but you are still working from a template that is not your own. So I see the error here very much in shades of gray.
As for whether this is an indication of ineptitude in the long run, I really don't see it that way. Take Joe Biden. He's been a fine Vice President. He was actually my first choice for President in the 2008 campaign. And he plagiarized an important speech twenty years ago and had to drop out of that race in disgrace. Did having done that 'prove' he should never be president? No.
According to the article, Obama did this himself. Color me 'not appalled'.
So, two final points:
1) Copying is an inevitable part of the process used to write speeches.
2) When writing a speech, obscure the origins of your ideas to avoid criticism.
3
especially when copying and rehashing the words of your would-be enemy
1
Is that how you got your PhD? Or, did you just buy it outright?
4
Really? If you are caught plagiarizing you are immediately expelled from your academic program. There are apps that help students and professors catch uncredited quotations. This whole thing reeks of ineptitude by everyone in the Trump
Campaign. If they cannot do this simple thing right, how can they control the Presidency?
Campaign. If they cannot do this simple thing right, how can they control the Presidency?
3
I feel somewhat sorry for Melania. Yes, she married a narcissicist, but she is also a somewhat shy woman who has been humiliated. Melania, break free leave him!
6
She wasn't too shy to pose naked for photos.
2
This would make a great SNL skit...just sayin
11
I am sure that very soon, Mr. and Mrs. Trump will proclaim to the press that the only thing they have to fear is fear itself.
13
I was giving Melania the benefit of the doubt.
But more I think Melania lifted that part of the speech herself. There’s just no way I can see a Republican staffer or speech writer will sit down an decide to copy word by word of Michelle Obama for material, does not compute.
Melania does not seem to be very smart but has to be a crafty person to copy 2008 speech of Michelle and thinking it will pass as she told Matt Lauer she wrote it herself with little help.
Still it is Trump`s fault not to vet the speech of his wife.
But more I think Melania lifted that part of the speech herself. There’s just no way I can see a Republican staffer or speech writer will sit down an decide to copy word by word of Michelle Obama for material, does not compute.
Melania does not seem to be very smart but has to be a crafty person to copy 2008 speech of Michelle and thinking it will pass as she told Matt Lauer she wrote it herself with little help.
Still it is Trump`s fault not to vet the speech of his wife.
6
Anyone in Trump's inner circle could have inserted those passages, which would explain why instead of naming and blaming the culprit, the campaign has doubled-down on the "common words" denial for dummies.
About 90 minutes ago, I heard Donald Jr. on ABC mention the "common words" defense again. When he was asked who wrote the speech all he could say was that he didn't know and really hadn't had the time to find out! Hmmm.
About 90 minutes ago, I heard Donald Jr. on ABC mention the "common words" defense again. When he was asked who wrote the speech all he could say was that he didn't know and really hadn't had the time to find out! Hmmm.
1
Ms. Trump swiped Michelle's words, in a speech on honesty and integrity. You have to appreciate the irony. It's impossible to make this stuff up.
32
I guess some McGill astrophysicist did the math on the sequences in the speech and came up with a 1 in 87 billion chance that Mrs. T's speech was lifted.
Paul Manafort will probably like the odds of blabbering that it was coincidence. The long separation of the Tea Party crowd from rationality should come in handy about now.
Paul Manafort will probably like the odds of blabbering that it was coincidence. The long separation of the Tea Party crowd from rationality should come in handy about now.
6
Oops: a 1 in 87 billion chance that this speech was NOT lifted.
Doesn't anyone else see the irony/hypocrisy that a candidate, who won the nomination appealing to those who are rabidly hostile to immigrants, would have his immigrant-wife speak at his convention? I'm surprised the mob didn't tear her to pieces.
18
The speech by Melania Trump is not so much plagiarism, it's a well articulated endorsement of the values that the Obama's stand for.
29
Nailed it!
Forget the blame. Who deserves the praise? Michelle and Barack, Sasha and Malia, for being wonderful generous warm people!
Forget the blame. Who deserves the praise? Michelle and Barack, Sasha and Malia, for being wonderful generous warm people!
13
Can someone responsible please explain how a compulsive liar can obtain a security clearance ?
6
Hmm, I wasn't aware that potential first ladies need to obtain a security clearance. Learn something new every day.
It's obvious that some speechwriter goofed and the draft that was evidently studied in order to develop a framework for Mrs. Trump's eventual speech ended up cut and pasted in part into the final product. In the sentiments ascribed to her by script writers, Mrs. Trump allegrd that her wonderful father encouraged her to work hard and instilled in her an interest in business and travel.
Before she met Donald Trump, her business consisted of taking her clothes off in order to be photographed for money. As the GQ images from her past capers show, there's also a photo of her lying nude on a sheepskin with a golden briefcase handcuffed to her wrist on the Trump plane while she gives the camera a come hither look.
Working hard at the business of posing nude, have hot body will travel? I don't doubt that marrying the Donald has allowed her to segue to a sheltered motherhood, but glossing over how she got to the place of being a few steps from the White House is another example of holding the American public up for suckers.
Before she met Donald Trump, her business consisted of taking her clothes off in order to be photographed for money. As the GQ images from her past capers show, there's also a photo of her lying nude on a sheepskin with a golden briefcase handcuffed to her wrist on the Trump plane while she gives the camera a come hither look.
Working hard at the business of posing nude, have hot body will travel? I don't doubt that marrying the Donald has allowed her to segue to a sheltered motherhood, but glossing over how she got to the place of being a few steps from the White House is another example of holding the American public up for suckers.
9
It's interesting to compare the different media reactions to plagiarism and perjury.
3
Hey journalists: There are much more important things to write about.
I am a lefty, Sanders fan, and voting for Clinton, and I couldn't care less about Mrs. Trump's stupid speech.
I am a lefty, Sanders fan, and voting for Clinton, and I couldn't care less about Mrs. Trump's stupid speech.
9
Hey Jules, turn the page. The Times has many other stories for you to agonize over.
"Describing it as “a great speech,” Mr. Manafort said at a morning convention briefing that “obviously Michelle Obama feels very similar sentiments toward her family.”
So he's implying that Michelle Obama, in her speech, was merely "channeling" what Melania would say many years later?
So he's implying that Michelle Obama, in her speech, was merely "channeling" what Melania would say many years later?
33
I think come November the Republicans will blame Hillary for the fact they nominated Donald Trump for president and he lost.
31
I taught graduate-level courses for ten years, and encountered several instances of plagiarism. The amazing thing is, the students didn't realize they had done anything wrong. One said "he said it so much better than I could." A foreign student (Korea) had never heard of plagiarism, and did it a second time after I caught him. It may be that Melania is also unfamiliar with the concept, and did it herself. If she reviewed the speeches of several First Lady to be, Michelle's phrases may have resonated, and by the time she started writing, felt like her own words.
9
Alright, so Melania Trump is not the brightest star in the sky. Birds of a feather flock together.
12
They call me Ishmael.
Four score and seven years ago, were the best of times and the worst of times. It was asked not what your country could do for you, but what you could do for your country.
I regret that I have but one life to give for my country, give me liberty or give me death and one is by land and two is by sea on the shores of Gitche Gumee.
Take it easy and welcome to the Hotel California.......
Four score and seven years ago, were the best of times and the worst of times. It was asked not what your country could do for you, but what you could do for your country.
I regret that I have but one life to give for my country, give me liberty or give me death and one is by land and two is by sea on the shores of Gitche Gumee.
Take it easy and welcome to the Hotel California.......
21
I will forever more think of Mrs. Trump as "Crooked Melania." (Can you imagine what the Trump campaign would have said about Hillary Clinton been she been guilty of plagiarism?)
Having said publicly that she wrote the speech herself "with as little help as possible," and as the person speaking the words, Melania Trump is responsible for the plagiarism.
For the Trump campaign to declare that there was no plagiarism insults the intelligence of the American public.
Having said publicly that she wrote the speech herself "with as little help as possible," and as the person speaking the words, Melania Trump is responsible for the plagiarism.
For the Trump campaign to declare that there was no plagiarism insults the intelligence of the American public.
26
Let the Trump campaign deny all it wants. This lie/fraud is so blatant that, other than his ardent supporters, it should dissuade those on the fence to vote for him. Denying it only makes Trump et al. look worse.
And to those on the fence who call Hillary Clinton a liar: we all lie. I have lied to my kids about the tooth fairy, to my husband about loving his gift, and to friends when I said I was fine when I wasn't. What matters is how often and why. An old NYT article said that of all the candidates, Hillary Clinton was the most truthful; yes, even more (by a smidgen) than Bernie Sanders. The biggest liar of all has got to be Donald Trump.
And to those on the fence who call Hillary Clinton a liar: we all lie. I have lied to my kids about the tooth fairy, to my husband about loving his gift, and to friends when I said I was fine when I wasn't. What matters is how often and why. An old NYT article said that of all the candidates, Hillary Clinton was the most truthful; yes, even more (by a smidgen) than Bernie Sanders. The biggest liar of all has got to be Donald Trump.
14
So in Trump-world, when one of your family makes a mistake, it is obviously because someone somewhere is "crooked". I wonder if there are any mirrors in the Trump mansions.
Not Presidential material.
14
If the MSM and Democrats had their way, they'd turn this speech snafu into an international terrorism incident punishable by death by the way they're carrying on.
Meanwhile, questioning HRC's handling of Benghazi, her blatant email security violations and a multitude of other crimes get a free pass.
Meanwhile, questioning HRC's handling of Benghazi, her blatant email security violations and a multitude of other crimes get a free pass.
8
She was not given a "free pass". How many congressional hearings does it take for you to get that there is nothing there. Keep trying.
6
How do you calls years of hearings a free pass?
5
Plastic fantastic, the entire family, con men and women all. I have not doubt that Melania was paraded out by Trump..."look at my beautiful trophy wife...I'm a 'winner'", and then was used to deliver a speech that clearly plagiarized Ms. Obama's 2008 speech. I'm sure Ms. Trump had no idea what was happening.
But this classic Trump. Unprepared, a weak organization, weak management and weak leadership. It's also classic Trump to use people toward his own goals (of the moment), even his own wife!
But this classic Trump. Unprepared, a weak organization, weak management and weak leadership. It's also classic Trump to use people toward his own goals (of the moment), even his own wife!
21
None of this makes any sense unless you buy into the notion that Trump is doing all this to destroy the Republican Party or playing this election for laughs like Steve Martin or Dan Ackroyd in an Saturday Night Live sketch. If you look at it that way, it's actually pretty amusing.
11
I am a college professor. This is a great example for my students. And also why plagiarism, and not citing, are problem in crafting documents.
22
Fantastically sloppy and unprofessional. Fire the writer, now. But, I guess one might charitably say that she echoed some universal truths. The only thing that matters is if she believed what she was saying.
3
Fire Melania?
"The speech-writing duo was not aware that the speech had been significantly changed until Ms. Trump delivered it on Monday night."
The "writer" didn't write it.
"The speech-writing duo was not aware that the speech had been significantly changed until Ms. Trump delivered it on Monday night."
The "writer" didn't write it.
1
Just imagine if she had LIED about something!
4
She lied about her University Degree.
She lied about writing her Speech.
She introduced herself to America by lying . Now we Know what Trump and his Wife Melania have in Common, they are both Liars.
She lied about writing her Speech.
She introduced herself to America by lying . Now we Know what Trump and his Wife Melania have in Common, they are both Liars.
46
I thought Trump knew how to fire people. If not now, NEVER?
7
This is it, THIS is the scandal that finally lost Trump my vote.
13
Facetious?
1
What next? Trump delivers the Gettysburg Address as his keynote speech?
Manaforte says it was based on Trump and Lincoln's shared values and experiences. Trump just says he wrote it before Lincoln and lent it to him.
Manaforte says it was based on Trump and Lincoln's shared values and experiences. Trump just says he wrote it before Lincoln and lent it to him.
19
I'm still trying to figure out what Hillary Clinton had to do with any of this.
36
Most understand plagiarism. They understand that it is dishonest, that it represents passing off another person’s written or spoken words as one's original work. They know it when they see it, and they have seen it here.
However heartfelt those words were expressed, they were not Melania’s to express in the identical (or nearly identical) manner Michele Obama expressed them, at least not without concurrently acknowledging they were being quoted or closely paraphrased. The general concepts touched on were obviously available to anyone to express, just not by copying the particular words and sentences of another.
Most have learned those lessons from high school and/or college and/or their work. They have children in high school and college who would suffer academic discipline (or worse) for this degree of plagiarism.
There are those who don’t understand this, or choose not to. They seem to mostly fall into the categories of either Trump supporters or Trump hired guns.
However heartfelt those words were expressed, they were not Melania’s to express in the identical (or nearly identical) manner Michele Obama expressed them, at least not without concurrently acknowledging they were being quoted or closely paraphrased. The general concepts touched on were obviously available to anyone to express, just not by copying the particular words and sentences of another.
Most have learned those lessons from high school and/or college and/or their work. They have children in high school and college who would suffer academic discipline (or worse) for this degree of plagiarism.
There are those who don’t understand this, or choose not to. They seem to mostly fall into the categories of either Trump supporters or Trump hired guns.
17
Well, I forgive Melania,she did not lift speech herself, some lazy staff did so and assumed it would not be fact checked! Of course I am never going to vote for Trump, but Melania would certainly be the most beautiful First Lady in the world!
3
Beautiful, hmm. She looks like someone who should be turning letters on a game show.
2
The only thing of any real disgrace about Melania have unknowingly parroted the words of Michelle Obama is that the lady has been left hanging in embarrassment and Trump should have stepped up and explained how it happened and that she was only trying to help out his campaign and trusted those (Trump’s people) she assumed knew how she could participate without getting involved in someone else’s mistake. Trump has in his campaign demonstrated some boorish disregard for some other women, but good God, this is the woman who out of loyalty to him tried to help out and has suffered some embarrassment for having done so.
37
Why does he have to step in and save her? Other First Ladies certainly had no issue standing behind their words. Keep in mind: she claimed to have written this herself with little to no help, so why does her husband need to rescue her?
1
So he should help the little woman?
Frankly, while enjoying the "fine mess" the RNC/Trump Express have gotten themselves into, I really had to laugh when Melania Trump was referred to as the "shy" wife of The Donald. Is this the same woman who posed in an entirely all-too revealing series of poses aboard Trump One? If that is "shy", I would hate to think of what an extrovert Ms. Trump might do! She could bring a whole new meaning to First Lady. Not sure if my teen boys are ready for that!
19
Plagiarism, schlagiarism. He could shoot someone in broad daylight and his followers wouldn't care.
37
Will The Donald plagiarize his concession speech?
8
"I'm Fired!"
4
Maybe these two women think alike, give her a pass.
9
Would that be because of Ms. trump's degrees from Princeton and Harvard Law?
Oh, wait.
Oh, wait.
3
What we know for sure about Melania:
1. She is a trophy wife…third wife of a lying, cheating trust fund baby.
2. She married a rich guy to get out of Slovenia…
3. She lied on her biography about having a degree from a university in Slovenia…
4. She knows how to google…
5. She knows how to copy and paste...
1. She is a trophy wife…third wife of a lying, cheating trust fund baby.
2. She married a rich guy to get out of Slovenia…
3. She lied on her biography about having a degree from a university in Slovenia…
4. She knows how to google…
5. She knows how to copy and paste...
6
I don't think so. These women have nothing in common. If this would have happened to First Lady Michelle Obama (not that it ever would, but let's pretend) her husband have been the first to defend her. Donald Trump has been significantly absent and his silence speaks volumes about his ability to deflect criticism from his wife and himself. Now that this stink had attached itself to his <koff> campaign, whatever will Donald do?
The poor women most likely knows nothing of politics, the children didn't even know one has to register to vote. It's highly doubtful she wrote anything...she was performing as told. Plagiarism requires arrogance, a sense of entitlement, contempt for the opinions of others plus absolute laziness. Look to other(s) as the speechwriter. And don't expect apologies. I caught several students turning in identical essays which in turn was copied word from a public source. Despite showing them the word-for-word one page typed essays they denied copying. The last defense was to ask "Well, how many ways can you say something". Ever hear of a thesaurus? Shakespeare was turning in his grave.
15
Poor woman my big toe.
2
I note the absence of any remarks or defense of his wife from Trump himself which leads me to believe he is choreographing the the response without suffering the backlash. I would defend my wife.
14
Hysterical. When the GOP needs to make an earnest statement of traditional family values, not only are they speechless but they fail to see anything wrong with ripping off a democrat...
26
Well, this is a new low for the Trump campaign, and that's saying something. First off, a woman who we are meant to support as our First Lady thinks it's okay to copy other people's work like a second grader. Then, making matters even worse, they try to blame their own inadequacy on Hillary Clinton?
14
Why this matters. Trump's apologists claim that this issue of plagiarism is a non-issue. In fact it is a big issue. If Trump can't demonstrate the ability to organize and manage a political campaign, why should anyone consider him qualified to manage an enterprise as complex as the US government.
18
I new something odd about her speech was not right. I told my partner: "She does not know what she is talking about", "It seems so fake, so not truthful". Wow!! What an amazing moments we are leaving, and not good ones. Very scary! To even contemplated that this narcissist, incompetent and egocentric man wants to rule and lead this beautiful and beloved country, it is beyond comprehension. Sight!
18
She didn't have a context for many of the words. Just words she read.
1
Has anybody considered the possibility that the very untrustworthy Michele Obama looked into the future in 2008, and preemptively plagiarized Melania Trump's speech in support of her husband?
Perhaps that needs to be investigated as that seems highly probable.
Perhaps that needs to be investigated as that seems highly probable.
35
Gowdy and Isa are SO ON THIS!!!
6
Trump says every minute Crooked Hillary, but at the same time he continues doing crooked things including stealing the speech frame work of Mrs. Obama. Unfortunately, if he will be elected with the white votes; such crookedness will become daily affair in the White house, and the world will laugh on us for electing this phony, cons, liar, racist and unbalanced person as our President.
31
Sorry to double-down on an earlier comment I made, but as Shakespeare once said, "something is rotten in the state of Denmark." (Please note the attribution.)
The Trump campaign's denial that it's "crazy" to think there's plagiarism afoot and Melania just happened to use the same exact "common words" in the same exact order to express the same exact thoughts is patently ridiculous.
So, I keep coming back to the same question: Why the lame denials instead of just naming and firing the assumed flunky who plagiarized the passages? The denials kind of remind me of the of the old Lenny Bruce line: "If your old lady walks in on you [when you're in bed with another woman], deny it." (Attribution noted.)
Trump has uttered the words "you're fired" too many times to count them. He pushed out his former campaign manager only a few weeks ago, and he continually threatens to sue any and everyone who gets under his translucent skin. Given his proclivities, why not just identify the plagiarizing flunky and get rid of him or her?
That the campaign would rather reinvent reality than name and blame the errant speech writer leads me to believe the writer is most likely too close to Trump, " our narcissist-in-chief," to be hung out to dry and end this brouhaha.
It's the campaign's attempt at a red-herring cover up which interests me the most. I wish the press would go after that one.
The Trump campaign's denial that it's "crazy" to think there's plagiarism afoot and Melania just happened to use the same exact "common words" in the same exact order to express the same exact thoughts is patently ridiculous.
So, I keep coming back to the same question: Why the lame denials instead of just naming and firing the assumed flunky who plagiarized the passages? The denials kind of remind me of the of the old Lenny Bruce line: "If your old lady walks in on you [when you're in bed with another woman], deny it." (Attribution noted.)
Trump has uttered the words "you're fired" too many times to count them. He pushed out his former campaign manager only a few weeks ago, and he continually threatens to sue any and everyone who gets under his translucent skin. Given his proclivities, why not just identify the plagiarizing flunky and get rid of him or her?
That the campaign would rather reinvent reality than name and blame the errant speech writer leads me to believe the writer is most likely too close to Trump, " our narcissist-in-chief," to be hung out to dry and end this brouhaha.
It's the campaign's attempt at a red-herring cover up which interests me the most. I wish the press would go after that one.
31
They want the Democrats to go into their mean girl routine, bashing poor Melania.
1
Has Donald lost the ability to fire people? Say it ain't so! Reince says it would show some spine, but no action? Where's the beef? I don't know who to cite; NBC, BBC, Wendy's?
Is Donald concerned we will all learn he didn't write his claim to fame, either? He didn't. Even the publisher says he gave them nothing. It's a biography with a lying subject, and now the ghost writer wishes he never needed the money.
Is Donald concerned we will all learn he didn't write his claim to fame, either? He didn't. Even the publisher says he gave them nothing. It's a biography with a lying subject, and now the ghost writer wishes he never needed the money.
3
@Cordelia: You are ignoring the possibility that the "assumed flunky" who wrote this was Donald Trump himself. He'd never "out" himself for doing that, would he? Because then he'd have to fire HIMSELF.
1
You have to hand it to the right wing.
Between shouting down dissent to kick off their convention, the ugly chants about Hillary Clinton, the cheap fog-machine presentation, Scott Baio (!), ripping off Michelle Obama, today's circular firing squad, and now Roger Ailes on his way out the Big Fox Door for being a sleaze, they've really kicked off the gathering of the true, just and moral well.
What joys will today hold? I mean, Tim Tebow bailed, Mike Pence is oddly absent, the governor of Ohio won't go near the joint, so how they gonna follow up?
Wait, I forgot. Isn't Ted Cruz scheduled to speak? Gee, I sure wish I had Turnitin stock. Or maybe if I was tight with Kevin Swanson...
Hey, maybe Sun Myung Moon will beam in, prove he's really the Third Adam.
Between shouting down dissent to kick off their convention, the ugly chants about Hillary Clinton, the cheap fog-machine presentation, Scott Baio (!), ripping off Michelle Obama, today's circular firing squad, and now Roger Ailes on his way out the Big Fox Door for being a sleaze, they've really kicked off the gathering of the true, just and moral well.
What joys will today hold? I mean, Tim Tebow bailed, Mike Pence is oddly absent, the governor of Ohio won't go near the joint, so how they gonna follow up?
Wait, I forgot. Isn't Ted Cruz scheduled to speak? Gee, I sure wish I had Turnitin stock. Or maybe if I was tight with Kevin Swanson...
Hey, maybe Sun Myung Moon will beam in, prove he's really the Third Adam.
17
Don't forget the cease-and-desist letter from Roger May, of Queen, for Trump's use of "We Are the Champions".
1
Regardless of imprimatur, the whole sturm und drang about any political wife's speech is funny and kind of ridiculous, be it Trump's or Obama's or (fill in the blank). One of the things I always admired about Laura Bush was that she got the whole necessary evil phony revival tent aspect to national politics and kept most of it to herself.
6
If this had been Clintons keynote that was caught plagiarizing she would be crucified. Just like if she refused to release her tax returns, etc etc etc. It's not Mrs Trump's fault. Some idiot threw her under the bus. It's the double standard that I'm sick of. Clinton is soooooooooooo untrustworthy but Trump is a picture of trustworthiness and strength. It's a joke!
5
She was too embarrassed.
The Times headline is now even less accurate than before. "Questions" are not being raised. A fact is being provided: Melania Trump stole her speech from Michelle Obama. Period. End of the story.
36
Chronic Republican finger pointing usually has to do with over-the-top accusations that Hillary and the Clinton's feel entitled to skirt the rules and break the law. Now it appears as if those shoes squarely fit on other feet.
8
And let's give Pence a pass for voting for the war in Iraq? He's entitled to make a mistake - but not Hillary. Yikes. It amazes and frightens me that Trump's supporters don't care about any of this.
While the schadenfreude has been a guilty pleasure, I am starting to feel a bit sorry for her. Of course she didn't write the speech...
12
That's the reaction they were hoping for. Poor Melania!
3
sleep with a dog...fleas are not a surprise
7
Experts: ‘1 in a trillion’ chance Melania Trump speech wasn’t plagiarism
Turnitin, a California-based company, uses a computer algorithm to automatically vet submitted writing for any matches that could amount to plagiarism. Following the controversy Monday, the company used that tool to analyze Trump’s Republican National Convention speech.
According to Turnitin, there is a 1 in 1 trillion chance that two writers would write the same 16-word sequence by coincidence.
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/288381-experts-on...
Still advantage Hilliary -
"In a Fall 1994 paper for the Journal of Economics and Finance, economists from the University of North Florida and Auburn University investigated the odds of gaining a hundred-fold return in the cattle futures market during the period in question. Using a model that was stated to give the hypothetical investor the benefit of the doubt, they
concluded that the odds of such a return happening were at best 1 in 31 trillion."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
Turnitin, a California-based company, uses a computer algorithm to automatically vet submitted writing for any matches that could amount to plagiarism. Following the controversy Monday, the company used that tool to analyze Trump’s Republican National Convention speech.
According to Turnitin, there is a 1 in 1 trillion chance that two writers would write the same 16-word sequence by coincidence.
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/288381-experts-on...
Still advantage Hilliary -
"In a Fall 1994 paper for the Journal of Economics and Finance, economists from the University of North Florida and Auburn University investigated the odds of gaining a hundred-fold return in the cattle futures market during the period in question. Using a model that was stated to give the hypothetical investor the benefit of the doubt, they
concluded that the odds of such a return happening were at best 1 in 31 trillion."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
16
LOL. Surely you jest! Nice one though. Keep trying.
1
Pssst...guys....stop digging the hole.
1
Well, that was interesting. I didn't follow the issue at the time. It seems the story is a little different from how you choose to interpret it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/whitewater/stories...
So typical to go on accusing for decades ...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/whitewater/stories...
So typical to go on accusing for decades ...
2
Anybody inclined to cut Melania some slack (as am I) should take this into account as well:
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/05/26/15/34A2EF2000000578-3610965-im...
She's a doll. Somebody wrote that speech for her. Somebody should let her off the hook. But empty is as empty does. The Donald is working on his supporters, and he will never receive enough praise to satisfy his addiction to attention. He has a lot of power, and I don't trust him to use it wisely, because there is an empty space where ethics and consistency should be.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/05/26/15/34A2EF2000000578-3610965-im...
She's a doll. Somebody wrote that speech for her. Somebody should let her off the hook. But empty is as empty does. The Donald is working on his supporters, and he will never receive enough praise to satisfy his addiction to attention. He has a lot of power, and I don't trust him to use it wisely, because there is an empty space where ethics and consistency should be.
7
Do look at the link. Melania with a gun in a thong, next to Michelle's arms. Innocent? Maybe. But do blame the handlers, not the victim!
5
Except she claimed to Matt Lauer that she had written the entire speech herself. Hook, meet Melania....
5
The airplane looks like Trump's old Boeing 727.
The Trump people resemble the people detained on the program, "Cops", straight faced denials even to the point of asserting innocence concerning the contraband found in their pockets because they were wearing the clothes of another person or that it was planted by the police. Good grief, somebody copied part of a very good speech by the incumbent First Lady spoken at the Democratic Convention in 2008 and let Mrs. Trump represented as original. That's plagiarism and the material copied was going to be going to be noticed, sooner or later, by any historian interested in political conventions or the speeches given by incumbent First Ladies. It happened to be noticed much faster than that. Ignoring it makes the Trump campaign look arrogant and deceitful.
8
Trump probably instructed his staff, "write a speech for Melania like Michele Obama's". Unfortunately they took him literally and no one on this campaign fact checks, nor do they care about facts.
14
No professional speech writer is that stupid or inept. She wrote it herself and did not understand the implications of doing so. Likely she looked up what other candidate wives had written and agreed with M Obama's comments. She incorporated them into the medley of her own sentiments. I don't think she fully appreciated the implications of what she had done due to a lack of education in this arena. I doubt war-torn Slovenia spent a whole like of time teaching high school students about the rules and conventions of proper English writing. The speech writers? Well, they reviewed her speech and polished it up. Can you really expect any of them to recall Obama's words from 8 years ago so as to pick up on this error. Such would be holding them to a very unrealistic standard.
1
Nothing will stop the enchanting Mrs. Trump from being a big star in the campaign.
3
Except her husband who is always on full moon eclipse whenever anyone else takes the stage. I was stunned by his 60 Minutes of Interruptions.
3
Imagine the fallout if it was discovered Michelle Obama plagiarized parts of her speech in 2008.
26
She had no problem admitting her speech was written by a pretty savvy woman.
"values that you work hard for what you want in life"
In summary:
I worked extremely hard undressing myself to showcase my strongest assets.
There was an outcry early on in the primary when graphic pictures of Melania were published.
I find anybody who succeeds in life mainly through their ability to showcase and exploit their physical attributes has a deficiency in moral values.
Any person who continuously searches for this sort of companion is also telling us something through his actions.
I am not a prude, I am perhaps a bit too interested in looking at women that are easy on the eyes, but I certainly would not support this sort of profession in my family.
I am not saying these are lesser or bad people, but I certainly question their moral values.
I should also say that I am absolutely opposed to anybody who makes a speech in the convention to emphasize how great my daddy, husband/wife, or family life is.
I couldn't care less what family members have to say, republicans or democrats.
In summary:
I worked extremely hard undressing myself to showcase my strongest assets.
There was an outcry early on in the primary when graphic pictures of Melania were published.
I find anybody who succeeds in life mainly through their ability to showcase and exploit their physical attributes has a deficiency in moral values.
Any person who continuously searches for this sort of companion is also telling us something through his actions.
I am not a prude, I am perhaps a bit too interested in looking at women that are easy on the eyes, but I certainly would not support this sort of profession in my family.
I am not saying these are lesser or bad people, but I certainly question their moral values.
I should also say that I am absolutely opposed to anybody who makes a speech in the convention to emphasize how great my daddy, husband/wife, or family life is.
I couldn't care less what family members have to say, republicans or democrats.
8
Get off your high horse. She worked hard and was very successful. You don't like modeling? Then don't do it.
1
Mark - Successful? No one had ever heard of her until she married Trump.
1
Manafort is actually blaming Melania's theft of Mrs. Obama's speech on Clinton.
Pathetic.
Pathetic.
47
Pathetic? No... amusing is a much better word for it. Especially watching the spin. Most entertainment I've had watching a political convention in the longest time.
1
Based on the farce of explanations we've heard today I'm expecting the right wing talk machine, any minute now, to imply that Michelle Obama is actually the one that plagiarized what Melania Trump would eventually say in her convention speech 8 years later. It's Obama's fault - they can't be trusted!
16
Calvin Trillin would say this is a new form of his "Golden Rule." Harry Golden, who predicted the only Jew who could run for president would be Episcopalian. Then Goldwater declared.
"...in present day America, it is very difficult when commenting on events of the day, to invent something so bizarre that it might not actually come to pass while your piece is still on the presses."
I make note the post below yours confirms your most bizarre assumption.
"...in present day America, it is very difficult when commenting on events of the day, to invent something so bizarre that it might not actually come to pass while your piece is still on the presses."
I make note the post below yours confirms your most bizarre assumption.
Maybe it's time to stop letting spouses, children and relatives of presidential candidates have prime time speeches during national political conventions. No good ever comes of it so why bother? Even more mind boggling is that there are over 2500 comments over the biggest non-story of the year!!! Isn't it time to move on and find another Trump bashing story which is worthy of the Times time and attention? It's time to let this manufactured scandal die in peace already.
3
This is this is why it is not much ado about nothing: Melania was charged
With using words to describe her husband, not Michelle Obama's. President Obama has been a model of dignity, restraint and respectability while in the White House. Michelle's speech described her husband accurately. He is, temperamentally and intellectually, the opposite of Trump. So why the plagiarism? Could Melania think of no words to frame Trump's personality and skills in a positive light? I think the man is a mysogonist, a racist and a danger to the country, but I could have thought of a few ways to spin his skills positively. So why didn't they?
Because Trump is at heart a charlatan and a huckster and he is giving the American people the governmental version of Trump U. A showman's dishonest, half-baked imitation of the real thing.
With using words to describe her husband, not Michelle Obama's. President Obama has been a model of dignity, restraint and respectability while in the White House. Michelle's speech described her husband accurately. He is, temperamentally and intellectually, the opposite of Trump. So why the plagiarism? Could Melania think of no words to frame Trump's personality and skills in a positive light? I think the man is a mysogonist, a racist and a danger to the country, but I could have thought of a few ways to spin his skills positively. So why didn't they?
Because Trump is at heart a charlatan and a huckster and he is giving the American people the governmental version of Trump U. A showman's dishonest, half-baked imitation of the real thing.
27
I'm a 'Never Trump' conservative.
I recommend all of you, along with the NYT and CNN, drop this silly nonsense about Ms. Trump's speech. You're acting as if she started, "Four score and seven years ago...". It seems preposterous to me that someone in the Trump campaign would even watch a video of Ms. Obama's speech - using her language seems even more unlikely.
As I said, drop it. The only thing you might accomplish is irritating folks like me into voting for Trump.
I recommend all of you, along with the NYT and CNN, drop this silly nonsense about Ms. Trump's speech. You're acting as if she started, "Four score and seven years ago...". It seems preposterous to me that someone in the Trump campaign would even watch a video of Ms. Obama's speech - using her language seems even more unlikely.
As I said, drop it. The only thing you might accomplish is irritating folks like me into voting for Trump.
6
The issue isn't so much the speech itself as the lack of vetting and the incoherent, frequently shifting explanations from various Trump people. It ain't the crime...
2
While I hear you, and worry of the same, it is galling after the way Mr and Ms. Obama have been treated by Ms. Trumps' husband and the Republican Party. They are good and decent people, regardless of what one thinks of their politics.
6
Of course any speech writer worth his salt would have read all relevant convention speeches.
I am not saying there was an intent to plagiarize, as that would have been extremely foolish, but probably somebody read a good speech that lingered a bit too long and was then a bit too careless.
I am not saying there was an intent to plagiarize, as that would have been extremely foolish, but probably somebody read a good speech that lingered a bit too long and was then a bit too careless.
[“First of all, we think that Melania’s speech was a great speech. Obviously Michelle Obama feels very similar sentiments toward her family. We’re comfortable that the words that she used are personal to her.” — Mr. Manafort at a briefing Tuesday morning]
What Mr. Manafort meant to say was "Obviously Melania feels the exact same sentiment about the Obama family as Michelle."
What Mr. Manafort meant to say was "Obviously Melania feels the exact same sentiment about the Obama family as Michelle."
24
I'll tell you again for the upteenth time; The Republicans have known for years that it's easy to lie to your followers because people always believe who they like.
The spin that Manafort has put on this is so out there, it shows me the Trump campaign subscribes to that noted method of deceit of their followers, and further, it seems so desperate, it indicates their fear of losing many followers.
The spin that Manafort has put on this is so out there, it shows me the Trump campaign subscribes to that noted method of deceit of their followers, and further, it seems so desperate, it indicates their fear of losing many followers.
16
I like that somehow they are blaming this on Hillary. SNL could not write this stuff.
50
What kind of man would allow his wife to be humiliated on the international stage? This rests squarely on Trump.
36
Since when has Trump cared about humiliating women? That's one of the areas in which he excels. This was created by the Trump campaign create an issue that would allow them to bash Hillary Clinton, whom they incorrectly noted had brought this issue to light (she didn't) ... look at how they blame everyone else for their own actions. A pack of victims, the campaign and the entire GOP.
6
Exactly. Melania : Trump :: Stockdale : Perot.
1
That he hasn't fired the speech writer suggests he's OK with "accidents." Like his entirely ghost written book he claims to have written.
1
We really need to get to the bottom of this. I think eight or nine House of Representatives investigations, three or four Senate investigations, and one or two bipartisan investigations should do it.
54
Yes, let the Republicans do it. They're good at witch hunts, and this would be a very entertaining one.
5
Ken Starr's looking for work ...
3
Mrs Clinton missed a great opportunity here, Had she addressed the plagiarism issue by simply saying that Mrs. Trump gave a fine speech, one that reflected her experiences as an immigrant and an American it would've raised the level of the campaign (at least on Mrs. Clinton's part) significantly. It might have won her some votes, too. And let's be honest: what has any presidential candidate's wife ever said that was significantly different from what Mrs. Obama or Mrs. Trump said? It would have been a classy thing to do on Mrs. Clinton's part. But perhaps Mrs. Clinton, like all politicians and stars, really are so removed from normal people that the most simple, human reactions are "vetted" by themselves and others. Sad.
3
What are you taking about. Hilary has said nothing about the speech at all. Has not weighed in on the plagiarism issue. Neither she nor her staff brought the issue to anyone's attention.
Please please please don't tell you believed the insinuations made by Trumps campaign that Hilary was involved in discussing this issue. Anyone who believes that makes me weep for the gullibility and ignorance of the American people.
Please please please don't tell you believed the insinuations made by Trumps campaign that Hilary was involved in discussing this issue. Anyone who believes that makes me weep for the gullibility and ignorance of the American people.
24
So its Hillary's fault?? In this election nice gets you second place.
2
Is comment for real? What did Clinton have to do with this? Absolutely nothing.
2
A manufactured controversy marking the official start of the political silly season. (Footnote: Silly season is term used by President Obama.)
If this is what has people outraged, they really need some new material. And, yes, there is plenty of it out there.
If this is what has people outraged, they really need some new material. And, yes, there is plenty of it out there.
5
Like Trump's "Art of the Deal" whose writer AND publisher recently claimed he didn't write a word of it. Crossed out names he'd rather not put down. That is all.
2
No, we are outraged by the entire Trump Campaign, this is the final straw that broke the camel's back. After the 60 minutes interview with Trump telling Leslie Stahl that she didn't understand how humble he was, and now this. We've jumped the shark and no pun intended with Scott Baio as part of the RNC lineup.
1
Abby:
If you think "ghostwriting" is a crime, then nearly every politician and celebrity who has "authored" a book would be in jail.
Oh wait, please don't tell me that you actually think that Obama and the Clintons actually sat down and penned their own books.
Again, there is much better material on Trump. It's not hard to find.
If you think "ghostwriting" is a crime, then nearly every politician and celebrity who has "authored" a book would be in jail.
Oh wait, please don't tell me that you actually think that Obama and the Clintons actually sat down and penned their own books.
Again, there is much better material on Trump. It's not hard to find.
1
Plagiarism is an academic term. If a student turns in a paper written by another, that's plagiarism. If you apply that standard to politicians and public figures, they're all guilty of plagiarism, to the extent that they use professional speech writers and PR people to write their texts. All they have to worry about is copyright infringement and looking pathetic for having obviously stolen another's words. Ms. Trump's speech writer falls into the latter category. Her contribution to the speech is probably limited to a few personal terms, like "Slovenia" and "Vicktor." Mr. Biden also would fall into the latter category, as he appears to be aware of outside sources, yet chooses to let the audience believe they are his own, or those essentially purchased from a speech writer. But then, what do you expect from a supposed Democrat who votes with W and Big Banking to make bankruptcy even more difficult on the little guy than it already was?
5
Using a speech writer who provides a speech that does not include unattributed passages from the work of others but claiming it's your work is plagiarism. It's wrong but it is a commonly overlooked, even if it should not be. Mrs. Trump had stated that the speech was written by herself with help from others, so her disclaimer covered the form of plagiarism to which you referred. It strongly implied that Mrs. Trump was aware that plagiarism is wrong and unacceptable. The passages lifted from Mrs. Obama's speech at the 2008 was plagiarism in the text of the speech as written, which Mrs. Trump likely knows is wrong. So who is responsible and why did the campaign not detect it? Obviously, Mrs. Obama's speech had been studied by somebody who help write the speech.
2
Plagiarism is an infraction that can get you kicked out of college or graduate school, out of your teaching position, or out of your job as a journalist. So it's not merely an "academic" term. It's a particular type of lie that has the potential to mislead and wreak havoc. Such as lies that are used to draw countries into unjust wars.
6
She told Matt Lauer she wrote it herself.
4
Melania is the privilege princess of the communist party in Slovenia. A nude model who went after a rich married man to gain both wealth and citizenship in the United States. I call this real Republican family values and Horatio Alger's pulling oneself up by your own booth or butt straps! Can you imagine a Democratic Nominee having a wife with communist associations and who posed nude for major magazines. The Republicans and compliant media would be having a field day each and every day if this was Hillary, Michelle Obama, Tipper Gore or Jill Biden.
86
This is a xenophobic and sexist rant. I am no supporter of Trump but I admire Melania's looks and pluck. She knew what she wanted and has achieved it. And please tell me what is wrong with being a model? At least, as opposed to Michelle Obama, she knows how to dress. I can't stand Michelle but I voted for Obama. I can't stand Trump but I like Melania. We vote for the candidate and his/her platform, not for the spouse. Meanwhile, these comments are showing the world that the self-declared liberal are just as petty, insular, and sexist as the Republicans.
3
Her "pluck?" After which you go ahead and say, "Well yeah, she's a golddigger, hooray?"
Lady, sorry you dislike Michelle Obama's clothes. Perhaps it's because she was busy getting a degree from Princeton, then going to Harvard Law, then working legal aid, then being a major university dean, then being a VP at a major hospital, then getting married and raising two kids and coping with the whole first lady thing.
Of course, that hardly compares to buckling down, dropping out of college, becoming a B-level model and marrying a rich guy. You know...REAL achievement.
But if you'd like to argue that somebody who dressed rather like a poodle last night is better at putting clothes on (and apparently, at taking them off), well, be my guest.
Lady, sorry you dislike Michelle Obama's clothes. Perhaps it's because she was busy getting a degree from Princeton, then going to Harvard Law, then working legal aid, then being a major university dean, then being a VP at a major hospital, then getting married and raising two kids and coping with the whole first lady thing.
Of course, that hardly compares to buckling down, dropping out of college, becoming a B-level model and marrying a rich guy. You know...REAL achievement.
But if you'd like to argue that somebody who dressed rather like a poodle last night is better at putting clothes on (and apparently, at taking them off), well, be my guest.
2
Democrats may watch the 'Stepford wives' for pleasure but it doesn't mean we relate to that.
I definitely don't consider President Obama a flim flam man because he has been true to who he billed himself to be in "The Audacity of Hope".
1
The problem for the GOP is that a lot of people thought Melania's speech was "the highlight of the day".
After hours of bitter old men waxing on, questioning Obama's spiritual life for one last time, venting their spleens and barking about America's imminent demise there was at least a nice break from Hellfire & Damnation crowd with Melania's speech.
Then it turns out the unthanked and optimistic Lady of the Hour turned out to be Michelle Obama. Not exactly what they were hoping for.
After hours of bitter old men waxing on, questioning Obama's spiritual life for one last time, venting their spleens and barking about America's imminent demise there was at least a nice break from Hellfire & Damnation crowd with Melania's speech.
Then it turns out the unthanked and optimistic Lady of the Hour turned out to be Michelle Obama. Not exactly what they were hoping for.
28
I guess it makes sense. Trump gets rich by taking other people's money, and his wife gets brains by taking other people's thoughts. Although I held out hope that might learn in Melania's speech about the real Trumps it turns out they are just hollow people.
11
She's also a liar. Her website shows she graduated from architecture school, but she's really a dropout.
1
@Sherry. Actually, the cheating, stealing, and then lying about it that this exercise entailed *did* show me "the real Trumps." Didn't it do the same for you?
1
What would have George Orwell, author of "1984" and "Animal Farm," thought about the events in Cleveland? Would he feel that his writings were validated? Or would he be in shock? If there was a man I'd like to sit down to dinner with it would be Mr. Orwell. Of course he had a lot of material to work with. But I must say that in my long life I have never witnessed the mess known as The Donald.
11
What does this kind of open plagiarism of the first formal speech, they had two months to work on, given by an official Presidential candidate's wife, say about Trump, the Republicans and the Republican party.
1) Are they saying Trump & Melania are not smart enough to write their own speeches using their own words that clearly, accurately and sincerely reflect the qualities of their so-called Presidential candidate?
2) Is it possible that Trump's team finds Trump so unpopular and unlikable within his own party that they had to borrow words from someone outside their own party to wing it or swing it?
3) Did the team that wrote the speech wanted to find out how dumb or how lazy Trump and Melania were so they gave them words from their own opponents to see if they could quickly figure out where it came from, or could do their own homework? Trump and Melania failed in that. Do these two need their golden backsides to be cleaned too...by their own party members?
4) Maybe all this proves that Trump is not only a cheat, a liar and a con artist, but he is also an "idiot and a dumbo". Did these two think they could plagiarize chunks of sentences and paragraphs (word for word) from Michelle's convention speech in 2008 and people and press would not find out? Did they think the Republican voters were that dumb and easy to fool?
5) Did RNC set up Trump & Melania to look like fools and failures that they are? Is RNC playing to get them out of the game? They might succeed.
1) Are they saying Trump & Melania are not smart enough to write their own speeches using their own words that clearly, accurately and sincerely reflect the qualities of their so-called Presidential candidate?
2) Is it possible that Trump's team finds Trump so unpopular and unlikable within his own party that they had to borrow words from someone outside their own party to wing it or swing it?
3) Did the team that wrote the speech wanted to find out how dumb or how lazy Trump and Melania were so they gave them words from their own opponents to see if they could quickly figure out where it came from, or could do their own homework? Trump and Melania failed in that. Do these two need their golden backsides to be cleaned too...by their own party members?
4) Maybe all this proves that Trump is not only a cheat, a liar and a con artist, but he is also an "idiot and a dumbo". Did these two think they could plagiarize chunks of sentences and paragraphs (word for word) from Michelle's convention speech in 2008 and people and press would not find out? Did they think the Republican voters were that dumb and easy to fool?
5) Did RNC set up Trump & Melania to look like fools and failures that they are? Is RNC playing to get them out of the game? They might succeed.
12
A family that lie and cheat together stay together. What I don't get is why so many hitch their future to this group is puzzling...
19
Melania Trump said she wrote her speech. So either she's a plagiarizer or a liar.
Anyway, the speech clearly shows Melania and Donald have a lot in common. Both will lie and cheat in pursuit of wealth and power. No wonder that among world leaders, Donald seems to have the most praise for Vladimir Putin and Saddam Hussein. Role models?
Gosh America, are we come to this?
Anyway, the speech clearly shows Melania and Donald have a lot in common. Both will lie and cheat in pursuit of wealth and power. No wonder that among world leaders, Donald seems to have the most praise for Vladimir Putin and Saddam Hussein. Role models?
Gosh America, are we come to this?
35
She's vying for the position of flotus, seems she'd be able to get to a microphone and explain what happened. Were it Hillary, Michelle, or even Bill, there'd be lots off "splainin to do". So Donald (not Mr. Trump), which is it, supermodel Bimbo or intelligent spouse? Either is fine, just keep her off the stage if its the former.
9
Congressional Hearings about plagiarism and communistic dad probably right around the corner.
5
They calculated the odds as being a trillion to one that Ms Trump's speech just happened by chance to come out the same a Ms. Obama's.
Even the head of the RNC is calling for the firing of the person responsible, so he even sees that this is as a problem.
Manafort, who has bit of a Nixonian lip sweat, is a real sleaze bag, blaming Clinton and refusing to acknowledge this problem. His excuses insult every person since he is telling us we are fools to believe this speech was significantly plagiarized. Even a freshman English professor would have flagged this.
But in typical Trump fashion the one word that they will never plagiarize is "We apologize".
Even the head of the RNC is calling for the firing of the person responsible, so he even sees that this is as a problem.
Manafort, who has bit of a Nixonian lip sweat, is a real sleaze bag, blaming Clinton and refusing to acknowledge this problem. His excuses insult every person since he is telling us we are fools to believe this speech was significantly plagiarized. Even a freshman English professor would have flagged this.
But in typical Trump fashion the one word that they will never plagiarize is "We apologize".
17
And the probability that these near verbatim similarities were just a coincidence is 1 in a jillion or gazillion? But guess what? Dumpster's followers don't care.
25
Trump campaign cannot manage to produce an original speech for the potential first lady, and it is quite hard to expect that he can manage United States of America and by extension the world. If somehow Trump wins the presidency he will be impeached by his own party within a year for recklessness and other hazards.
19
Melanie obviously made a mistake in taking from Michelle Obama's speech and words without crediting Michelle. But I think there could be reasons, as many commenters have mentioned.
More worrisome to me is the insulting and horrible way Republican spokes people have tried to dismiss, blame, and lie their way out of the mistake. There probably is a reasonable explanation, but why do Republicans hardly ever admit a mistake, take responsibility, apologize, or tell the truth? Now THAT is a problem for the entire country.
More worrisome to me is the insulting and horrible way Republican spokes people have tried to dismiss, blame, and lie their way out of the mistake. There probably is a reasonable explanation, but why do Republicans hardly ever admit a mistake, take responsibility, apologize, or tell the truth? Now THAT is a problem for the entire country.
32
I agree. And now it seem the RNC is trying to pin blame on My Little Pony.
8
Imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, I'd say that any attack on Obama (and his 3rd term surrogate, Hilary) from the Trump campaign is automatically blunted or it's like shooting yourself in the face. No No that was a Chenyism and no need to duplicate. One Dick was more than enough.
4
I would feel just a bit sorrier for Mrs. Trump, who should have received competent assistance on her speech, if:
her husband hadn't spent years attempting to identify Barack Obama as a non-citizen and therefore an illegitimate President;
her husband hadn't spent the last six months implying that every terrorist or other attack here and abroad was welcomed by our President (how obscene!)
the Republican establishment hadn't spent years excoriating Michelle Obama for various comments not to their liking.
Typical Trump mess.
her husband hadn't spent years attempting to identify Barack Obama as a non-citizen and therefore an illegitimate President;
her husband hadn't spent the last six months implying that every terrorist or other attack here and abroad was welcomed by our President (how obscene!)
the Republican establishment hadn't spent years excoriating Michelle Obama for various comments not to their liking.
Typical Trump mess.
22
Saw the following comment in the Guardian and thought it was great:
Melania has just responded:
"These accusations of plagiarism are not only hurtful to me, but they are
hurtful to my children Sasha and Malia."
Melania has just responded:
"These accusations of plagiarism are not only hurtful to me, but they are
hurtful to my children Sasha and Malia."
55
Having already posted that this is pretty dumb, I also have to say, come on, we're talking about three very cliche, generic sentences.
2
They're not clichéd or generic. And when you watch the 2 speeches side by side, it's even more stunning. Not only were the words lifted - the delivery was too.
1
It is so obvious! But it may not be her fault. Someone in Trump's circle may be responsible for plagiarizing and lying about it. Not good for the Donald!
8
You'd think his knee jerk reaction would be, "Someone is so fired."
But no, nothing he or anyone who supports him does is ever wrong or to be questioned. Everything is spectacular. Even when they make his wife look like a Cheating Hillary.
But no, nothing he or anyone who supports him does is ever wrong or to be questioned. Everything is spectacular. Even when they make his wife look like a Cheating Hillary.
1
She told Matt Lauer that she wrote the speech herself.
1
I'm sorry, that's Crooked Hillary. Made her look crooked.
The only thing of any real disgrace about Melania have unknowingly parroted the words of Michelle Obama is that the lady has been left hanging in embarrassment and Trump should have stepped up and explained how it happened and that she was only trying to help out his campaign and trusted those she assumed knew how she could participate without getting involved in someone else’s mistake. Trump has in his campaign demonstrated some boorish disregard for some other women, but good God, this is the woman who out of loyalty to him tried to help out and has suffered some embarrassment for having done so.
15
But she said on Matt Lauer that she wrote the speech herself. So, are you suggesting she has multiple personalities and trusted some to help her write the speech? I mean, at a very basic level, she should own up to what happened.
Either she lied about writing the speech herself, so she should apologize for claiming she did, or she did write the speech and cut and pasted from a speech she liked, by Michelle Obama.
Neither slip-up is unforgivable, but lying and then doubling down is not a sign of good character at all, no matter who does it, unless of course we're talking about being a prisoner of war. Is that going to be the new defense, that she's been taken captive by her husband and his campaign?
Either she lied about writing the speech herself, so she should apologize for claiming she did, or she did write the speech and cut and pasted from a speech she liked, by Michelle Obama.
Neither slip-up is unforgivable, but lying and then doubling down is not a sign of good character at all, no matter who does it, unless of course we're talking about being a prisoner of war. Is that going to be the new defense, that she's been taken captive by her husband and his campaign?
17
Apparently he and Rudy Giuliani did have time to help Roger Ailes smear Megyn Kelly before Ailes got booted from the Fox burning jalopy today.
Priorities.
Priorities.
7
As a non-native English speaker in an anglophone university I was required to do English 101, which focused on essay writing. One of our most important tasks was to learn to paraphrase. Yes, you can borrow ideas from other people's texts. No, you cannot copy them word for word.
I'm disgusted that the NYT calls this 'strikingly similar' texts rather than what it is: plagiarism. But I'm not surprised that a woman who lies about having graduated from the University of Ljubljana - a claim easily checked - didn't bother to double-check her speech. Mendacity is the hallmark of the Republican nominee's campaign. I only hope that enough of the people who see him for who he is get up and vote in November - for his rival.
I'm disgusted that the NYT calls this 'strikingly similar' texts rather than what it is: plagiarism. But I'm not surprised that a woman who lies about having graduated from the University of Ljubljana - a claim easily checked - didn't bother to double-check her speech. Mendacity is the hallmark of the Republican nominee's campaign. I only hope that enough of the people who see him for who he is get up and vote in November - for his rival.
39
I understand Tiffany Trump will be talking about hope and change tonight.
24
The most hilarious line from the speech was about the values Ms. Trump got from her parents , "That you treat everyone with respect". The missing (original) line would be, " I learned that value from my parents but miserably failed to pass it on to Donald." LOL
8
It seems almost too deliberate — perhaps a coup by "fired" manager Corey Lewandowski to oust Paul Manafort and get back in the saddle by Thursday night? After all, Manafort was largely chosen more or less for his convention expertise, which really isn't needed anymore. Hm.
9
Yep, this is definitely the fault of Michelle Obama. How dare she pre-empt the future presumptive Slovenian (or is it Slovenly?) First lady's coming out words?
7
The responses of the Trump team and their supporters to the plagiarism of Michelle Obama's speech is nothing short of gaslighting.
But then, it's what sociopaths do best.
But then, it's what sociopaths do best.
14
It's called Reality Negotiations in the Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology. Remember when the GOP promised to remake reality back when FOX got rolling? That's how they do it!
Dennis Hastert makes an appearance in this study as a defender of Mark Foley supporting the idea that homosexuality was to blame for his harassing a page, and the alcoholism, and Foley's abuse as a child, not the man behind the behavior. Hastert's behavior was not at issue in 2009.
Dennis Hastert makes an appearance in this study as a defender of Mark Foley supporting the idea that homosexuality was to blame for his harassing a page, and the alcoholism, and Foley's abuse as a child, not the man behind the behavior. Hastert's behavior was not at issue in 2009.
2
Addendum to my recent earlier post:
I forgot to mention that the inconsequential nature of the plagiarism also plays into the deliberateness of this, that in addition to the other victimhood and the free publicity, they can use it to illustrate the pettiness of 'liberals', being over the top in their attack on poor Melania who has done nothing to them.
I wish we were talking about policy instead.
I forgot to mention that the inconsequential nature of the plagiarism also plays into the deliberateness of this, that in addition to the other victimhood and the free publicity, they can use it to illustrate the pettiness of 'liberals', being over the top in their attack on poor Melania who has done nothing to them.
I wish we were talking about policy instead.
2
I agree with you on every count. Roger Ailes (or Karl Rove) still has a hotline.
A Hallmark-like speech full of hackneyed platitudes is likely to resemble another speech full of platitudes. In fact, after 8 years of terrible leadership, every single word that Obama and Mrs. Obama spoke during both bids for presidency were trite, empty cliches without any real world application. By the way, why the disrespect for "MRS." Trump. The title 'Ms.' is very unmarried women or those who aren't know to be married. Would the NYTimes show this same level of subliminal disrespect for their messiah Obama and his wife?
2
verbatim, near paragraphs? hmmm ...
8
"Their" The only people who god up the president are the conservatives who can't bring themselves to admit they've fallen for him. Hard. Bless their hearts. Won't carry the same charge to imagine Hillary as the one ramming things down their throats.
2
In performing a bit of research, I uncovered a quote from Will Steger's 1989 book, Crossing Antarctica, which reads strikingly similar to Michelle Obama's:
"As I learned anew in crossing Antarctica, the only limit to achievement is the limit you place on your own dreams."
Well, if Melania Trump is to be accused of plagiarism, then so, too, should Michelle Obama.
As stand-alone phrases -- "work hard"; "treat people with respect"; "keep your promises" -- these are really very generic. But in researching them as a combined sentiment, I came across the following excerpt from a 2001 obituary published in the Pennsylvania-based Tribune Review, in which a man wrote about his late father and the lessons he taught him:
"He [my father] taught me .... how to work hard, how to be respectful of others, how to play a guitar, how your word is your bond..."
Working hard, treating people with dignity and respect, and keeping your promises -- or knowing that "your word is your bond" -- are not groundbreaking concepts conjured up by Michelle Obama in 2008. Nor were they on Monday evening when Melania Trump made these same statements.
"As I learned anew in crossing Antarctica, the only limit to achievement is the limit you place on your own dreams."
Well, if Melania Trump is to be accused of plagiarism, then so, too, should Michelle Obama.
As stand-alone phrases -- "work hard"; "treat people with respect"; "keep your promises" -- these are really very generic. But in researching them as a combined sentiment, I came across the following excerpt from a 2001 obituary published in the Pennsylvania-based Tribune Review, in which a man wrote about his late father and the lessons he taught him:
"He [my father] taught me .... how to work hard, how to be respectful of others, how to play a guitar, how your word is your bond..."
Working hard, treating people with dignity and respect, and keeping your promises -- or knowing that "your word is your bond" -- are not groundbreaking concepts conjured up by Michelle Obama in 2008. Nor were they on Monday evening when Melania Trump made these same statements.
6
It's nearly identical in organization and choice of corn pone words. Still plagiarism.
2
Melania Trump's speechwriter borrowed words from Michelle Obama's speechwriter who borrowed the words from Saul Alinsky's book. A lot like when Barack was caught borrowing from Mass. Governor Deval Patrick's speeches. Or when Joe Biden borrowed an entire speech from British Labour Party's Neil Kinnock in 1987.
Long story short, Team Clinton recognizes Melania is authentic, charming and stunning. Fear fuels this faux outrage.
Long story short, Team Clinton recognizes Melania is authentic, charming and stunning. Fear fuels this faux outrage.
5
Even shorter story, you're parroting Rush. Also, ridiculous.
Melania Trump must think very highly of Michelle Obama. Give here credit there.
6
Melania Trump told Matt Lauer that she wrote the speech herself. Evidently she meant 'plagiarized' the speech herself. Or maybe she wrote it herself the same way Donald Trump wrote The Art of the Deal himself--by not writing any of it.
19
Trump's ghostwriter, Tony Schwartz, noticed that Trump had convinced himself that he, and not Schwartz appeared to have convinced himself that he had written the book. Schwartz recalls thinking, “If he could lie about that on Day One—when it was so easily refuted—he is likely to lie about anything.”
Rich people get rich by stealing, even from the people they hire.
Rich people get rich by stealing, even from the people they hire.
16
"Asked on NBC’s 'Today' show if the remarks constituted plagiarism, Mr. Christie said, 'Nah, not when 93 percent of the speech is completely different than Michelle Obama’s speech.”'
Just like if you look at the answers of the kid sitting next to you in class to get the answers to the 7 questions out of 100 that you don't know, that's not cheating. Just ask any teacher.
And this guy wants to be our top law enforcement official? Pathological liars, all.
Just like if you look at the answers of the kid sitting next to you in class to get the answers to the 7 questions out of 100 that you don't know, that's not cheating. Just ask any teacher.
And this guy wants to be our top law enforcement official? Pathological liars, all.
25
I didn't care when Biden did and I don't care now. These are political speeches. Every political speech in a way plagiarism, since they never credit the speech writer. From Wikipedia, "if you did not write it yourself, you must give credit".
2
Plagiarism? “Nah, not when 93 percent of the speech is completely different than Michelle Obama’s speech.” Lazy students everywhere, take note!
9
Didn't Trump recently say the Brian Williams lost his career over less than seomthing like this?
6
The difference between Melania Trumps words and President Obama's
SERIOUSLY plagerized words some time ago is that the left-wing press
is stupendously biased.
Nobody else cares.
SERIOUSLY plagerized words some time ago is that the left-wing press
is stupendously biased.
Nobody else cares.
3
The word is 'plagiarized' and please speak for yourself.
21
What if Michelle Obama called or tweeted Melania and said "Don't worry about the exact words. Lots of people share those experiences."
It might score some points for civility even if it gave up some points on politics.
It might score some points for civility even if it gave up some points on politics.
4
It was a wholesale lift. Inexcusable. That's how I score it. Why don't you?
14
I'm sure that the Trumps would graciously accept this, offer a brief apology, and move on.
Not.
Not.
11
Why does Michelle have to clean up their mess? She's not The Help.
Trump's wife's first mistake was claiming to write it and then say she didn't really read it all. Now we all are fixated on plagiarism just when Trump's ghost writer admits Trump didn't write a single word of his 1987 deal breaker.
Trump's wife's first mistake was claiming to write it and then say she didn't really read it all. Now we all are fixated on plagiarism just when Trump's ghost writer admits Trump didn't write a single word of his 1987 deal breaker.
1
I almost feel bad for the woman. Almost. Had she not claimed to have written the speech herself the campaign would have (appropriately) blamed it on the lazy cheating staff member who actually did the plagiarizing, but, alas, they can't without making a liar out of her.
19
On a brighter her hair, makeup and dress were flawless. She got all the superficial stuff perfectly -- just like the Trump campaign does.
13
Maybe it was a joke. Could be just lazy 'cause they know it doesn't matter, or on purpose, so that the Times will make a big deal out of it and further polarize voters. I mean, who knows what is going on with this campaign? On a certain level the "optics" maybe work for the Donald cause his campaign seems more seat of the pants, "oh look, here's a convention speech lying around", i.e. just the opposite of Hillary Inc. So blatant, gotta be on purpose right? Donald Trump. He's like the Kanye West of presidential candidates!
2
Do I believe Manafort or my lying eyes? The posts on Twitter are hysterical. Don't miss out on them!
One has to assume that whoever lifted the words knew what he or she was doing. That means there's a mole in the Trump organization, thank God. Now the coiffure has to find out which one of the hundreds of people close to him despises him the most. (I give him a hint - Find the speller. It's always the speller.)
This is great, the best laugh I've had since Trump blamed Obama for WW II.
One has to assume that whoever lifted the words knew what he or she was doing. That means there's a mole in the Trump organization, thank God. Now the coiffure has to find out which one of the hundreds of people close to him despises him the most. (I give him a hint - Find the speller. It's always the speller.)
This is great, the best laugh I've had since Trump blamed Obama for WW II.
13
The strongest leaders know when to admit they are wrong, sincerely apologize so we can all move on. Donald Trump, for all his bombastic behavior, is clearly incapable of admitting the obvious. They were wrong. Yet, there's no guilty. There's no shame. Which means there's no character, certainly not one worthy of the presidency of the United States.
When are his supporters going to stop apologizing for the man incapable of apologizing for himself?
When are his supporters going to stop apologizing for the man incapable of apologizing for himself?
19
Because his supporters are so blinded by hate they can't see thru the Trumps lack of character or honesty.
But I do understand their anger with Hilary and what some of the Democrat stand for, unlimited illegal immigration, unlimited entitlements, BLM, etc...
But I do understand their anger with Hilary and what some of the Democrat stand for, unlimited illegal immigration, unlimited entitlements, BLM, etc...
1
More free publicity, more victimhood on being 'attacked' (an attack on one is an attack on all), more denial, doubling down, defending. Replay.
We've seen this ploy before, and the media keep falling for it. I believe this was done deliberately to get the above the happen. They're laughing now.
We've seen this ploy before, and the media keep falling for it. I believe this was done deliberately to get the above the happen. They're laughing now.
1
Donald Trump can't find his taxes. Solution: Slime Obama.
Donald Trump's wife gets tangled up in plagiarism. Solution: Slime Hillary Clinton.
Roger Ailes in heat for decades and finally a big old batch of women come forward to sue. Solution: Slime Carlson. Slime Kelly.
Hope both of these old dogs get the royal boot.
Donald Trump's wife gets tangled up in plagiarism. Solution: Slime Hillary Clinton.
Roger Ailes in heat for decades and finally a big old batch of women come forward to sue. Solution: Slime Carlson. Slime Kelly.
Hope both of these old dogs get the royal boot.
19
A dozen Fox employees have come forward in defense of Roger Ailes. It is very suspicious that Gretchen Carlson waited until she was dismissed to report these sexual harassment charges. She was a disgruntled employee in addition to receiving low ratings on her afternoon show at Fox. She will probably have difficulty finding another position on TV. Her career is over.
Many of NYT readers who commented here, supposed to be Obama/Hillary supporters, who are supposed to side with immigrants, be compassionate towards others, etc; are nasty and vicious towards those who speak English as a second language.
Please, you can criticize her speech content, but not her accents, and don't bring in her "English is not her first language" as an issue here.
Admit it, Democrats can be as brutal to non-native speakers of English as Republicans. It must be an American thing.
Please, you can criticize her speech content, but not her accents, and don't bring in her "English is not her first language" as an issue here.
Admit it, Democrats can be as brutal to non-native speakers of English as Republicans. It must be an American thing.
7
Oh.
So the rules are, Trump et al can go off about mezzican rapists and moozlim terrorists, or mock people with disabilities, or blather about women and various fluids, or call the President and his wife lying traitors who aren't even from this country, and perfectly okay.
However...
So the rules are, Trump et al can go off about mezzican rapists and moozlim terrorists, or mock people with disabilities, or blather about women and various fluids, or call the President and his wife lying traitors who aren't even from this country, and perfectly okay.
However...
8
We are discussing the content of the speech, not its delivery. Mrs. Trump is a very beautiful woman. My grandmother and mother in law who immigrated from Europe never lost their native accents.
2
Plagiarism, it is not. Michelle Obama (her speechwriter) borrowed the passages as well. The fair use doctrine allows limited use of copyrighted material without acquiring permission from the source. More important is the elucidation and delivery of the message by Melania. If the borrowed passages enhance the effectiveness of the speech, it is the added value.
4
Nice try.
8
A university student will get an F for this level of plagiarism on their assignment. Melania checked mate herself by saying that she wrote this herself. Be honest with yourself and declare that she cheated and lied.
12
The truth doctrine then says she lied when she said she wrote it.
Lying seems to come very easily to people who can't think anything through. They can't see all the pitfalls their lies open up for them to fall into.
Lying seems to come very easily to people who can't think anything through. They can't see all the pitfalls their lies open up for them to fall into.
6
Why be surprised that this trophy wife stole her speech from Michelle Obama?
The good news is that one of the largest Slovenian communities in America is in Cleveland.
So maybe they will vote for him.
No one else in Cleveland will.
The good news is that one of the largest Slovenian communities in America is in Cleveland.
So maybe they will vote for him.
No one else in Cleveland will.
11
Well one thing we know will never be borrowed by Mrs. Trump is Michelle Obama's: "For the first time in my adult lifetime, I'm really proud of my country...."
Mrs. Trump is going to be a great First Lady. Classy, smart and humble. How refreshing!
Mrs. Trump is going to be a great First Lady. Classy, smart and humble. How refreshing!
4
I sure don't take pride in my country as I watch its village idiots marching to the tune of one of the most blatant flim-flam men I've ever seen.
12
Thanks for the reminder - great comment. The world is going to hell in a hand- basket (a generation of professors are being jailed and killed in Turkey) and this is what we are worried about. The Obamas and the Clintons lie about everything from Jeremiah Wright to the email server and how did Hillary make $200 million dollars, so they should not be throwing stones. I don't know how this rooky mistake happened but it is nothing compared to the lies this administration has been feeding us.
3
Yes indeed Deena. When I heard about the Turkish professors being fired this morning, it was a bell that should have been rung worldwide. Sadly, Turkish women will be veiled shortly and Turkey will join Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and Syria. Once again, Obama and Hillary backed the wrong horse. Scarey, isn't it?
1
What a joke! But unfortunately the joke is on us.
8
This is also proof that they know that Michelle Obama is truly good. The fact that they have to copy word for word what Mrs. Obama said because they cannot trust that what they will write themselves will sound as though they are good is something demonic.
22
In performing a bit of research, I uncovered a quote from Will Steger's 1989 book, Crossing Antarctica, which reads strikingly similar to Michelle Obama's:
"As I learned anew in crossing Antarctica, the only limit to achievement is the limit you place on your own dreams."
As stand-alone phrases -- "work hard"; "treat people with respect"; "keep your promises" -- these are really very generic. But in researching them as a combined sentiment, I came across the following excerpt from a 2001 obituary published in the Pennsylvania-based Tribune Review, in which a man wrote about his late father and the lessons he taught him:
"He [my father] taught me .... how to work hard, how to be respectful of others, how to play a guitar, how your word is your bond..."
Working hard, treating people with dignity and respect, and keeping your promises -- or knowing that "your word is your bond" -- are not groundbreaking concepts conjured up by Michelle Obama in 2008. Nor were they on Monday evening when Melania Trump made these same statements.
"As I learned anew in crossing Antarctica, the only limit to achievement is the limit you place on your own dreams."
As stand-alone phrases -- "work hard"; "treat people with respect"; "keep your promises" -- these are really very generic. But in researching them as a combined sentiment, I came across the following excerpt from a 2001 obituary published in the Pennsylvania-based Tribune Review, in which a man wrote about his late father and the lessons he taught him:
"He [my father] taught me .... how to work hard, how to be respectful of others, how to play a guitar, how your word is your bond..."
Working hard, treating people with dignity and respect, and keeping your promises -- or knowing that "your word is your bond" -- are not groundbreaking concepts conjured up by Michelle Obama in 2008. Nor were they on Monday evening when Melania Trump made these same statements.
5
Amy: you just waterboarded any logic your post had. Wow. Let's hope you are not a student.
3
Please - the Melania apologists refuse to deal with the fact that she copied, WORD FOR WORD, sentences from Michelle Obama's speech. The issue is not whether the concepts and phrases are oft-used in general, but the fact that she lifted FULL SECTIONS. THAT makes it plagiarism. Period.
And while she was at it, she "Rickrolled" you! LOL! She also copied the lyrics from the Rick Astley song, "Never Gonna Give You Up!" Sheesh!
Rick Astley:
Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Melania Trump:
He will never ever give up, but more importantly,
he will never ever let you down
Someone needs to keep reviewing her speech - who knows WHO else's words are in there...
And while she was at it, she "Rickrolled" you! LOL! She also copied the lyrics from the Rick Astley song, "Never Gonna Give You Up!" Sheesh!
Rick Astley:
Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Melania Trump:
He will never ever give up, but more importantly,
he will never ever let you down
Someone needs to keep reviewing her speech - who knows WHO else's words are in there...
I'm waiting for Trumpt to say "You're fired!" to his wife after finding out she plagiarized... or maybe (even better) she'll fire him.
9
Clearly Michelle Obama lifted these words from Melania and the fact that she did it 8 years ago before Melania even wrote it shows just how cowed Obama and the Dems were by the prospect of a future Trump ascendency. And Hillary told Michelle to steal it.
16
Mr. Manafort, are you insane? It's Hillary Clinton's fault? This is why your party is known for creating a flock of sheep. Only those without an intact thought process would find merit in this statement. And yet, I feel confident that this is not the last time I'll hear or read such idiocy.
23
They are SO caught cheating. To make matters worse it's one of the rare times that a Trump has been caught accurately quoting any source!
14
Best part of Melania's speech was when she spoke of her children, Sasha and Malia.
23
Coincidence? I don't think so!
7
"When Slovenia sends its people, they're not sending their best ... they're bring drugs, they're bringing crime.
They're plagiarists, and some, I assume, are good people. "
They're plagiarists, and some, I assume, are good people. "
36
Amazing the rush to blame anybody but Ms. Trump herself. I would think if you were going to give a speech addressing 35 million people you would want to take responsibility for what you say. Forget campaign managers, speech writers, and even Mr. Trump, this is Melania's fault. I guess no one takes her seriously, which somehow means she escapes blame?
14
She was speaking? I didn't even notice!
5
Sexism isn't cool from any party.
4
You're talking sexism. I'm talking sexy and HOT! Who do you think men want to look at for the next four years, Hillary or Melania?
You obviously don't understand men.
The hilarious part is, all they needed to do was say, "Oops, our bad, apologies to the First Lady," and then put Ms. Trump out there for a couple interviews.
Problem solved by 4 PM today. Minor blip. Personally, I'd have just laughed and forgot about it.
But noooooo. Giant tangle of screaming, accusations, nonsense, charges, screaming.
And what's not funny about that is what it tells you about a Trump Admin, and how they'd handle the inevitable screwups that just come with the territory.
Problem solved by 4 PM today. Minor blip. Personally, I'd have just laughed and forgot about it.
But noooooo. Giant tangle of screaming, accusations, nonsense, charges, screaming.
And what's not funny about that is what it tells you about a Trump Admin, and how they'd handle the inevitable screwups that just come with the territory.
19
Trump's the one insisting we attend to dishonesty.
"Describing it as 'a great speech,' Mr. Manafort said at a morning convention briefing that 'obviously Michelle Obama feels very similar sentiments toward her family'.”
Obviously! And they even came up with the very same words to express it!
Obviously! And they even came up with the very same words to express it!
14
When Obama plarigized, he admitted to it and no one flapped a feather. I should think that set a precedent for how all of you would react. When Obama and Clinton were running against each other, they were both caught plagiarizing. Michelle Obama plagiarized in speechifying about her husband when he was running the first time around. Everyone should be used to it by now. Why do you have higher standards for Melania Trump than you do for Clinton or President and Mrs. Obama? This is a question you need to ask yourself.
8
Plarigized, indeed.
1
Evidence for these instances of plagiarism?
Honestly, you people are all sound and fury when you talk about personal responsibility. Enough, already.
Honestly, you people are all sound and fury when you talk about personal responsibility. Enough, already.
2
Funny that she or her speechwriter chose to plagiarize a Democratic candidate's wife. She couldn't plagiarize Laura or Barbara Bush? Nancy Reagan?
19
If Melaina were a Democrat, at this moment there would be a hurricane of Republican voices screaming about 'her Communist past', 'has she been properly vetted for security clearance - and not by the same people who found evidence of WMD's in Iraq', and 'what do we know about Trump's friendship with Putin?' Tom Cotton would be writing a letter and Ted Cruz would be filibustering that no way should those people have access to our country's nuclear launch codes!
Just saying...
Of course that's silly, because Trump would never have anything to do with the 'Democrat party', ... would he?
Politics does indeed make strange bedfellows.
Just saying...
Of course that's silly, because Trump would never have anything to do with the 'Democrat party', ... would he?
Politics does indeed make strange bedfellows.
10
Definition of irony: You speak about "values that you work hard for what you want in life" when you have cribbed that from the very family your husband so actively disparages.
27
Could this have been done on purpose, not to undermine Trump, but to create more news around the convention? Negative advertising is still advertising.
3
There isn't a living person who hasn't made mistakes. The best way to put them in the past is own up to them.
9
I believe I've uncovered the real reason for this speech and its plagiarism of the First Lady's speech 8 years ago:
It is because of chimpanzees -- or rather the lack of them.
We all know that, given enough time, 10,000 chimps pounding away on typewriters (OK, laptops these days) would eventually produce the complete works of Shakespeare.
But Trump's campaign was running short on funds a short while ago, so they were probably only able to employ a significantly smaller number of chimps. Perhaps they were hoping for a speech peppered with Shakespearean references and quotes as consolation.
We also know that, when dealing with contractors for his various business, on-going or in bankruptcy, he has stiffed them for various amounts due them.
My suspicion is that this battalion of chimps got wind of Trump's ways and simply took out their revenge by blending Michelle Obama's words with those of an otherwise vacuous speech.
It is still possible that others, also within the Primate order, did write this speech. Based upon the quality of their efforts, however, I wouldn't put these individuals in a ranking as high as the average chimp.
It is because of chimpanzees -- or rather the lack of them.
We all know that, given enough time, 10,000 chimps pounding away on typewriters (OK, laptops these days) would eventually produce the complete works of Shakespeare.
But Trump's campaign was running short on funds a short while ago, so they were probably only able to employ a significantly smaller number of chimps. Perhaps they were hoping for a speech peppered with Shakespearean references and quotes as consolation.
We also know that, when dealing with contractors for his various business, on-going or in bankruptcy, he has stiffed them for various amounts due them.
My suspicion is that this battalion of chimps got wind of Trump's ways and simply took out their revenge by blending Michelle Obama's words with those of an otherwise vacuous speech.
It is still possible that others, also within the Primate order, did write this speech. Based upon the quality of their efforts, however, I wouldn't put these individuals in a ranking as high as the average chimp.
5
The fact that Donald Trump's campaign chair, Paul Manafort (or one of his people) signed off on a speech infected with blatant plagiarism is telling. For one, they know good material when they hear it and have no qualms about stealing it. But more importantly, that Mr. Trump's campaign is being run by a man who has done business with pro-Russian politicos in Ukraine, arms dealers and a truckload of other shady characters across the globe shows what kind of administration Mr Trump might assemble if he were elected President. This sloppy speechwriting oversight was an arrogant insult to the American people's intelligence. Did they honestly think they could hoodwink millions of viewers?.
18
This is also proof that they know that Michelle Obama is truly good. The fact that they have to copy word for word what Mrs. Obama said because they cannot trust what they will write themselves will sound as if though they are good is the scary part/somewhat demonic.
8
What is amazing is either her speechwriters never even considered the possibility about being caught, or if they did, they figured Americans are so dumb, the risk was worth taking. Breathtaking.
19
If Trump is the new Reagan Melania should have just gone with "Let's win, win, win one for the Donald!
1
People are asking why hasn't someone been fired? What if the person responsible can't be fired? But who? I think we can say that Melania didn't write it. She isn't fluent enough in English to use idiomatic language like that in a speech. So who else couldn't be fired? The kids. Ivanka and her hubby have a lot of influence on the Donald. And it certainly wouldn't be the first time in history that kids have the long knives out for their step mother. Palace intrigue afoot.
6
Obviously Ms. Trump wrote her speech before 2008 and it was Michelle Obama who plagiarized it. I mean, obviously. What other explanation could there be?
14
The Republicans loved that speech. So what does this tell us? All the hate, anger and rage exhibited by these people toward Obama and Democrats is ridiculous nonsense.
The Trump people -- and Republicans in general - are the leftovers from Jonestown who survived the Kool Aid episode.
The Trump people -- and Republicans in general - are the leftovers from Jonestown who survived the Kool Aid episode.
18
I'm shocked she can read.
7
She knows five languages
3
Hey, New York Times, I've noticed this in several articles: you characterize Mrs. Trump as "Ms.," as though her marriage is of dubious authenticity, but you say "Mrs." Obama and "Mrs." Clinton.
Quit it. I'm no Trump supporter (in fact, in the early '90s my Honda sported an "I Voted For Hillary" bumper sticker), but this is noticeable, and you need to stop it, or you'll have The Donald whining about the unfair and mean treatment of his wife, and, you know something, I'll agree with him.
Quit it. I'm no Trump supporter (in fact, in the early '90s my Honda sported an "I Voted For Hillary" bumper sticker), but this is noticeable, and you need to stop it, or you'll have The Donald whining about the unfair and mean treatment of his wife, and, you know something, I'll agree with him.
6
Sorry, everyone, but the Times people explained to me that this is Ms. Trump's preference. The Times asks both men and women what they'd prefer as their courtesy title (also known as an honorific), and most interestingly both Ms. Trump and Ms. Palin (as in Sarah) prefer "Ms."
Who'd have thought it?
Who'd have thought it?
I was receptive to Melania Trump in a make or break moment as part of the entourage of Mr. Trump. But after hearing how much of her speech was clearly plagiarized, I was struck by how shallow this entire affair is which has been foisted on the American people at such a critical time in our history. That Melania didn't appear to have her own thoughts, and the fantasy she was spinning came from a girl born to a Communist Father but co-opting the quintessential American dream of First Lady Michelle Obama who had lived it!
I am reminded of the wonderful scene in Woody Allen's movie "Annie Hall". The character of Alvy Singer, perplexed by insecurity and angst about his relationship with Annie, walks up to a good-looking couple who are perfect strangers on the street and says,
Here, you look like a very happy couple, um, are you?
Street Stranger: Yeah.
Alvy Singer: Yeah? So, so, how do you account for it?
Street Stranger: Uh, I'm very shallow and empty and I have no ideas and nothing interesting to say.
Street Stranger: And I'm exactly the same way.
Alvy Singer: I see. Wow. That's very interesting. So you've managed to work out something?
I am reminded of the wonderful scene in Woody Allen's movie "Annie Hall". The character of Alvy Singer, perplexed by insecurity and angst about his relationship with Annie, walks up to a good-looking couple who are perfect strangers on the street and says,
Here, you look like a very happy couple, um, are you?
Street Stranger: Yeah.
Alvy Singer: Yeah? So, so, how do you account for it?
Street Stranger: Uh, I'm very shallow and empty and I have no ideas and nothing interesting to say.
Street Stranger: And I'm exactly the same way.
Alvy Singer: I see. Wow. That's very interesting. So you've managed to work out something?
10
It's says something about the paucity of Democratic arguments against Trump that this matter is thought -- not by the people but by the NY Times -- as worthy of so much ink.
5
News outlets all over the world have covered it.
14
Paucity? Then a honest person with integrity intact means nothing to you, and your party. We DO get the message. Donald threw away his dog whistles. You should too.
1
It says something about you, too, Mister New York TImes Quality Commenter.
2
If Hillary had plagiarized Melania, Trump would have sued.
26
Mrs. Trump isn't responsible because she's an ex-model and wife of billionaire thrust into this odd situation, but Mrs. Clinton is responsible for everything she does, and often times, what others do too.
I'm sure Clinton and her fans are fine with this distinction.
I'm sure Clinton and her fans are fine with this distinction.
4
Melania's official biography indicates she has a degree in architecture, when in fact she never graduated. Don't they know these things will be checked? It matters! Yet another Trump national liability...
All of the "Never Clinton" ranting is so far past old. Isn't our country worth a quality President and First Lady/Gentleman? Why does the GOTP ideology blind them so terribly much? Can't they see that their ideological rigidity and limitations mean that only ranters or lightweights will apply? They did this to themselves. None of their candidates was even remotely close to "mainstream electable." Each was warped or badly faulty in some way, some with laughably painful failures that the rest of the world just winced at, or they were astounding studies in... Mediocrity. Carly Fiorina for example: no amount of spin or hype would ever cover up the unmitigated disaster that was her tenure at HP. The horror of it all is that the only way the Right can maintain control from now on is Gerrymandering and voter restrictions - essentially cheating the system to stay in power... and they will!
As for Melania and The Donald, rest assured, *every lie and inconsistency will be reported from now on.* The days of "spin it loud and proud and throw it at the wall to see if it will stick" are finally over.
I guess Melania did us all a favor: after so much anti-Obamaism, years of it... stealing right from Michelle's equivalent speech from 2008! Seriously? What were they thinking?!
All of the "Never Clinton" ranting is so far past old. Isn't our country worth a quality President and First Lady/Gentleman? Why does the GOTP ideology blind them so terribly much? Can't they see that their ideological rigidity and limitations mean that only ranters or lightweights will apply? They did this to themselves. None of their candidates was even remotely close to "mainstream electable." Each was warped or badly faulty in some way, some with laughably painful failures that the rest of the world just winced at, or they were astounding studies in... Mediocrity. Carly Fiorina for example: no amount of spin or hype would ever cover up the unmitigated disaster that was her tenure at HP. The horror of it all is that the only way the Right can maintain control from now on is Gerrymandering and voter restrictions - essentially cheating the system to stay in power... and they will!
As for Melania and The Donald, rest assured, *every lie and inconsistency will be reported from now on.* The days of "spin it loud and proud and throw it at the wall to see if it will stick" are finally over.
I guess Melania did us all a favor: after so much anti-Obamaism, years of it... stealing right from Michelle's equivalent speech from 2008! Seriously? What were they thinking?!
15
Thinking is not their strong suit.
3
Does one plagiarize when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance? Claims of plagiarism seem a bit overblown. Both Michelle Obama and Melania Trump provided speeches which were filled with the acceptable platitudes. Yes, they used almost the same words in certain passages, although biographical details were clearly different. Michelle Obama was not raised in Slovenia, for example.
That said, the blogosphere would like to argue about this for the remainder of the week, making certain that none of the ISSUES on which the Trump campaign presumably hinges is actually discussed.
Do the rest of you not see that this is a corruption of the democratic process? After all, we all presumably vote on the issues, right?
So let me mention my pet peeve. Illegal immigration. Trump is supposed to push a DISCUSSION of this issue. And it does need discussion, by the pseudo-intellectual journalists who fill the NY Times with drivel.
During the period 1980-2010, the US population grew by 82 million or 36%. What has been the effect on variables like the US incarceration rate (14 times that of Japan), on the availability of higher education to the average American, on the availability of medical care to ALL Americans?
Or on jobs?
I thought the point is that we live on a finite planet, that the US itself is finite, that it is therefore irresponsible for individuals to have large families, that therefore we need redesign welfare to encourage small families, and stop illegal immigration.
That said, the blogosphere would like to argue about this for the remainder of the week, making certain that none of the ISSUES on which the Trump campaign presumably hinges is actually discussed.
Do the rest of you not see that this is a corruption of the democratic process? After all, we all presumably vote on the issues, right?
So let me mention my pet peeve. Illegal immigration. Trump is supposed to push a DISCUSSION of this issue. And it does need discussion, by the pseudo-intellectual journalists who fill the NY Times with drivel.
During the period 1980-2010, the US population grew by 82 million or 36%. What has been the effect on variables like the US incarceration rate (14 times that of Japan), on the availability of higher education to the average American, on the availability of medical care to ALL Americans?
Or on jobs?
I thought the point is that we live on a finite planet, that the US itself is finite, that it is therefore irresponsible for individuals to have large families, that therefore we need redesign welfare to encourage small families, and stop illegal immigration.
1
Every issue Trump serves up is a red herring. I am amazed he used his own wife this way.
4
We really don't need to tiptoe around Melania. For once, let us not be "politically correct" as Trump seems we (progressives, liberals, educated elites) always are and point it out loud and clear: Melania is a Barbie Doll image of women; watch her eyes and body movements after she says something; she speaks English like a foreigner; she thinks values her foreign family gave her are great (although very different from Republican ideas); I wonder if she is a citizen, we need to see her citizenship papers (even then I may not believe them); she can't write few paragraphs without copying his biggest opponent ... on and on. I can't believe how Republicans can take this pain day after day. Trump is totally against everything they believe yet they feel they must go out and vote for him. What a shame.
13
Cut to the chase: It was plagiarism. Pure and Simple. Trump officials unsuccessfully trying to spin a huge misstep. Problem with Trump: Unable to admit he or his organization ever makes a mistake.
15
The irony is that Michelle Obama was bashed all day by the delegates. Yet they loved her speech.
1
I cannot understand the outrage. Mr Trump wanted a Stepford Wife. That's what the public got to see. Mr Trump thinks he can pull the strings of the American electorate too. Sorry to disappoint.
10
Incredible! The world of deceit and intrigue is met with a host of propaganda experts.
It was clearly plagiarism to me no matter what the pundits say. I imagine I think along lines similar to the wider population.
It is just incredible to me how similar Trumps underlings are to him. Perhaps Trump is directing the response behind the curtain.
It was clearly plagiarism to me no matter what the pundits say. I imagine I think along lines similar to the wider population.
It is just incredible to me how similar Trumps underlings are to him. Perhaps Trump is directing the response behind the curtain.
9
I am not a Trump supporter but I watched Mrs. Trump's speech last night. I had a lot of sympathy for a woman "drafted" into the role of surrogate for her bombastic husband.
She was clearly nervous, pleasant, and gracious.
My bottom-line was she hit all the points every potential first lady does -- family values, unity, better life for her children.
Say anything you want about the campaign, RNC, or her husband but I have a lot of sympathy for Melania Trump this morning.
She was clearly nervous, pleasant, and gracious.
My bottom-line was she hit all the points every potential first lady does -- family values, unity, better life for her children.
Say anything you want about the campaign, RNC, or her husband but I have a lot of sympathy for Melania Trump this morning.
8
Because Trump uses everybody around him shamelessly?
6
True. She was duped. Hard to believe the Trump organization found its voice in Michelle Obama's words. Truth is stranger than fiction.
5
I have no sympathy. If she admits copying it, she plagiarized. If she doesn't, she's a liar. Either way she learned from her husband.
8
Above the fold front page story. Really? Platitudes are platitudes.
1
As a college professor and academic dean for forty years, I can say that this speech was plagiarized. We teach students to run their work through Turn It In -- a software program that detects uncited sources ( i.e., plagiarism) before submitting it so that they can see where they have inappropriately used other people's material without citing it. We encourage and train faculty to use this tool with their students.
Melania's statement would not have passed the test. She would have been asked to do a major re-write or be called to task for plagiarism -- an automatic F and in some cases, dismissal
Melania's statement would not have passed the test. She would have been asked to do a major re-write or be called to task for plagiarism -- an automatic F and in some cases, dismissal
16
As to the content she borrowed: the line about the Knavs family value of integrity, about keeping one's "promise"--recent reports reveal the existence of Melania's "secret" half-brother, who was raised by his grandparents because their father, Viktor Knavs, failed to pay child support, even when court-ordered. So much for keeping one's word.
4
Wonder if we'll soon be hearing that Melania and Donald are pregnant, that would change the narrative and give the GOP base a new shiny object to focus on.
1
If - God forbid - we had this woman as first lady how could we possibly complain to China about plagiarism with a straight face? I can't believe so many people are so willing to let intellectual and emotional dishonesty slide.
1
This is yet another example of Trump's and now his staff's unfitness to serve as a role model for this country's children. Let's not call it copycatting or cribbing, but plagiarism, and hold the person responsible accountable. I hope we don't let this go, students and anyone so tempted need to know this is unacceptable. Our so-called leaders should know better, and if they don't, our country deserves better.
6
This candidacy and its attendant spectacle is a hard truth for our beloved country. Desperation, stagnant wages, inadequate education, endless unquestioned wars, financial collapse, terrible healthcare and no ladder to climb. The American turns inward and points at another. Increasingly powerless to affect one's life the only power left is the intoxicant of hate. We are here. The media makes a fortune on the coliseum which hosts bloody fights for the masses. Step right up ladies and gentlemen, don't be shy, for a small fee you can witness the miracle of America burning its own house down.
5
Lifting phrases and flow from Michelle Obama's speech is bad enough; the failure to hold someone accountable is even worse. The speechwriter should be gone, along with the boss who approved it. How is it possible that no one vetted the final draft with the deep, detailed scrutiny a national campaign requires?
Presidents need to hold team members accountable for damaging errors. Apparently, Donald Trump—for all his bravado—isn't willing to do so.
Presidents need to hold team members accountable for damaging errors. Apparently, Donald Trump—for all his bravado—isn't willing to do so.
9
Instead of beginning the event with a bang, building on it subsequently, and gaining a first movers advantage vs. the DNC, the Trump team is now in the defensive, explaining, justifying, deflecting...losing its focus and prolonging its own agony.
Lying has consequences. Your mommy was right.
Lying has consequences. Your mommy was right.
10
All of this presumptuous moralizing ("shocked! shocked!") ignores the elephant in the room: Literate expression, good-faith discussion, and thoughtful analysis are fast losing their remaining value in this country. Something like 50% of the American electorate appear ready to vote for this man as their President. Let's tune up our intellectual fiddles and go jam at Nero's. Or, you can opt for the Republican party's free donuts and circus tickets.
5
Hey, I have no problem with it. She is stealing from a terrific source. Now let's see Newt Gingrich steal a phrase or two from Frederick Douglas!
1
Why Pablum Is Not Copyrighted: Or, Why in Real Life No One Would Have His Spouse Speak on His Behalf
I’ll tell you, I’ve realized we’re completely incompatible, and never should have married. And he never should’ve married. He should be living in a barn, with his friends, very sketchy all of them. I thought he had this incredible mind, but he lives on this ethereal plane, where things just take care of themselves and he doesn’t have to lift a finger. I do everything around here! And where is this aggression in our son—who is a genius, for your information—coming from of late? I leave the two of them alone together all day, and I have no idea what to expect when I get home from work. Maybe he’ll have been dragged off by the feds in handcuffs, and I’ll end up a single mother, and I’ll have to go back to my parents, who’ll say, “You see? You see?” Now, I knew I wanted to get pregnant, but there’s insanity on both sides of the family. I gave him an article on childrearing from the New York Times two months ago, and it’s still sitting on his nightstand: he hasn’t read it. Typical. I don’t know how we’ve made it this many years; I guess it must be love, right? But tell me this: who else would put up with him? My parents introduced me to a very fine young man, who was going to Columbia, but I thought he was funny-looking. When you’re young, you don’t think these things through: what will Mr. Ever-So-Charming be like in ten, twenty years?→
I’ll tell you, I’ve realized we’re completely incompatible, and never should have married. And he never should’ve married. He should be living in a barn, with his friends, very sketchy all of them. I thought he had this incredible mind, but he lives on this ethereal plane, where things just take care of themselves and he doesn’t have to lift a finger. I do everything around here! And where is this aggression in our son—who is a genius, for your information—coming from of late? I leave the two of them alone together all day, and I have no idea what to expect when I get home from work. Maybe he’ll have been dragged off by the feds in handcuffs, and I’ll end up a single mother, and I’ll have to go back to my parents, who’ll say, “You see? You see?” Now, I knew I wanted to get pregnant, but there’s insanity on both sides of the family. I gave him an article on childrearing from the New York Times two months ago, and it’s still sitting on his nightstand: he hasn’t read it. Typical. I don’t know how we’ve made it this many years; I guess it must be love, right? But tell me this: who else would put up with him? My parents introduced me to a very fine young man, who was going to Columbia, but I thought he was funny-looking. When you’re young, you don’t think these things through: what will Mr. Ever-So-Charming be like in ten, twenty years?→
Don't overlook her being "Rick Rolled" as well! That might reduce Christie's number to 92 percent original.
4
Looks like that's not the only deception surrounding her: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/melania-trump-college-claims_us_578d...
2
It just seems they hired the same speechwriter.
Melania Trump paid high compliments to Michelle Obama last night. Imitation, after all is the sincerest form of flattery!
3
Fashion, beauty, business and travel. Those are the values her parents gave her. Good God, Conservatives, how ignorant can you be?
5
Surprised they didn't blame it on Obama.
5
While I was listening to the speech, I heard mostly generic stuff that you'd expect from a candidate's wife and thought: hell, even Mafiosi love their families -- so what? Why should we give this nonsense about Trump and family any credence? And when was a model ever denied an entry visa to the U.S. (as opposed to, say, poor Nicaraguans or Sudanese running for their lives)? Then I heard that phrase 'his word is his bond' and realized that a woman who speaks English with difficulty doesn't know all the colloquialisms; someone else wrote that speech. And I hadn't even noticed the plagiarism yet! Trump & Co. bombed on that one. Very stupid.
What I can't figure out is why nobody did the math: if they've had a relationship for 18 years, that predates his last divorce. Does that mean Melania is the one he cheated on his previous wife with? Let's ask the ex-wives what *they* think of him! Oh, wait: he put a gag order into Ivana's divorce settlement (no wonder she's not talking). But there's always Marla Maples, on whom he reportedly cheated multiple times ... I guess those infidelities don't count any more than the four bankruptcies that you still managed to enrich yourself with, eh, Donald? Yeah, you're a gem all right: pyrite!
You can bet on one thing: no matter what one thinks of Bill Clinton, anything he says about his wife is likely to be a lot more original and charming than the Donald's third model, er, wife said last night. This ought to be fun.
What I can't figure out is why nobody did the math: if they've had a relationship for 18 years, that predates his last divorce. Does that mean Melania is the one he cheated on his previous wife with? Let's ask the ex-wives what *they* think of him! Oh, wait: he put a gag order into Ivana's divorce settlement (no wonder she's not talking). But there's always Marla Maples, on whom he reportedly cheated multiple times ... I guess those infidelities don't count any more than the four bankruptcies that you still managed to enrich yourself with, eh, Donald? Yeah, you're a gem all right: pyrite!
You can bet on one thing: no matter what one thinks of Bill Clinton, anything he says about his wife is likely to be a lot more original and charming than the Donald's third model, er, wife said last night. This ought to be fun.
6
It made front page everywhere. It's trending in Facebook and Twitter. People could not stop talking about it.
And all the media outlets had pictures of Melania, side by side with Michelle, with fragments of the speech laid out in text and on video. And I know quite a number of people who do not care about the RNC or politics in general that have actually watched these videos. I know I did.
Melania went from absolutely alien to first lady lookalike overnight. Bad publicity sometimes is the best publicity of all.