Politics have always been a somewhat dirty business but the "strategy" of the Trump campaign is the most cynical I've ever seen. Forsake and even alienate every segment of our society except white people because Romney almost won and if Trump can just add a few more percentage points to his white vote he can win. Won't the winner of this election be president of ALL of the people?
54
One small thing about word choice here: I think that Mr. Brooks means to use "childish" instead of "childlike" to describe Mr. Trump when he writes "compelled by a childlike impulse to lash out at anything that threatens his fragile identity." The reader needn't confuse what is delightful about "childlike" qualities, innocence and trustfulness, with what is to be shunned by " "childish" qualities-- immaturity, selfish, outbursts of temper.
Mr. Trump's actions childlike? No. Childish? Yes!
~Marthe Murray.
Mr. Trump's actions childlike? No. Childish? Yes!
~Marthe Murray.
142
Great column, David...but I'm sorry, too little, too late. We're in Pottery Barn territory here (recalling Gen. Powell's memorable line about our involvement in Iraq), trying to put the toothpaste back in the tube, the horses back in the barn, all those other cliches for things which can't be undone. But I do hope Sen. McConnell, Speaker Ryan and others take up the charge that you've set forth here -- putting country before party (yet another cliche, but not only appropriate but urgent here). I don't have a lot of hope for that, but stranger things have happened (Trump's ascendancy being a prime example).
40
So, Mr. Brooks, are you voting for Hillary? Until you declare that you are, you are also an enabler.
146
Mr. Brooks writes, in part, that Mr. Trump has "a compulsion to offer advice on subjects he knows nothing about."
This is not an uncommon trait of many people, especially those who react before they think.
My guess is such people don't do much, if any, original writing...
This is not an uncommon trait of many people, especially those who react before they think.
My guess is such people don't do much, if any, original writing...
14
The GOP of President Obama's administrations crack me up. They stand by passively as henchmen level grotesque opinions on any human who is not a white straight male and then once the bell has been rung they claim some disapproval on the fine points. Fellas I'm afraid it's all out in the open now. You arrived here, at this place in history because of your own poor judgement. You have been standing by passively while your countrymen have been savaged and the sun is shining on every last one of you. Please dispense with your sudden sensitivity, it's over, deal with it and live with it like adults.
92
I love how you dispute the argument of some people who compare Trump to the great authoritarians of history. I think that those who see him from that perspective are living in fearful and believe that Trump could turn back time for them. This phrase of "making America great again" is what Trump's strong following is after; however, they have not been able to understand that Trump himself is unfit to deliver the America of their dreams.
39
So , Mr Brooks, when are YOU going to say "For the good of the country, I'm voting for Hillary Clinton"? That is what responsible Republicans and all Americans need to hear.
92
Mr. Brooks, I have been reading you for decades. You are bright, articulate and reasonable. The things you have said about Trump in recent months, the implications you have warned of his nomination, and the extreme, existential perils you have predicted about a Trump presidency have been on the money.
But, as a pragmatist and as an American with a big megaphone, you have failed utterly. If your answer to the following question is anything other than "Hillary" then you are a hypocrite of epic proportions. David, who are you voting for? If the answer is in fact "Hillary" then please, honor yourself, protect this democracy and its people...
Use your influence to endorse Hillary Clinton for president encourage all who care about America to do the same.
But, as a pragmatist and as an American with a big megaphone, you have failed utterly. If your answer to the following question is anything other than "Hillary" then you are a hypocrite of epic proportions. David, who are you voting for? If the answer is in fact "Hillary" then please, honor yourself, protect this democracy and its people...
Use your influence to endorse Hillary Clinton for president encourage all who care about America to do the same.
82
Watching CNN last night, what stood out during the segment which the NYT's own Charles Blow was a guest on Don Lemon's show was how Blow was not only flustered but also disrespectful to the the actor on the show speaking of Clint Eastwood's recent Esquire interview.
Eastwood was straightforward, however pundits like Blow spin something that is unambiguous into racial bias.
Clint Eastwood was right and it is time for people like Blow to learn to "get over it" on many issues that rarely exist.
Eastwood was straightforward, however pundits like Blow spin something that is unambiguous into racial bias.
Clint Eastwood was right and it is time for people like Blow to learn to "get over it" on many issues that rarely exist.
10
John Boehner must be laughing with joy all the way to the tanning salon that he got out of the middle of this mess when he did...
73
This is well written and...well...pretty good stuff.
25
Now that he has $90 million in donations, why can't he follow his tried and true technique: grab the cash, declare bankruptcy, and treat his gullible followers as creditors?
64
Of interest (along with the diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder):
(From Wikipedia): "The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which relatively unskilled individuals suffer from illusory superiority, mistakenly assessing their ability to be much higher than it really is."
Sadly, the reverse is also often true.
Check it out:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
(From Wikipedia): "The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which relatively unskilled individuals suffer from illusory superiority, mistakenly assessing their ability to be much higher than it really is."
Sadly, the reverse is also often true.
Check it out:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
15
So, Mr. Brooks - when are you going to endorse Hillary?
52
David Brooks, Republican turncoat and amateur psychologist. I think you are smart enough not to believe your own rhetoric. You intensionally mislabel every nuance of Trumps manner as some big issue.
I used to respect you but I've noticed you have slid into a sort of liberalized fake conservatism, so pleasent and nice sounding on PBS but devoid of anything truly conservative.
I used to respect you but I've noticed you have slid into a sort of liberalized fake conservatism, so pleasent and nice sounding on PBS but devoid of anything truly conservative.
16
Alas Mr. Brooks, it does seem that you have come full cicle and the chickens have surely come home to roost and you are right, we are either part of the problem or part of the solution. Sounds familiar?
22
Dear Paul Ryan,
As the leader of our current “just say no” House, I understand you feel like you’re between a rock and a hard place. Seriously, here you are, up for re-election, and pondering your political future. This last part has you stuck, but you don’t need to be. So what if you didn’t back Trump. Let’s play this out. He is NOT going to be elected anyway. Simply don’t endorse him. Doesn’t mean you have to vote Democrat. Will your party disown you? No. You’ll gain respect from ALL but the most extremist uneducated nuts in your party. You might even win over a few of those nationally. You’ll gain respect from the Dems, not that it matters to you. Consider that many other prominent folks in your party are bailing on endorsing Trump, some going so far as to throw their vote to Hillary. Horrors. By siding with Trump, you are telling me that your political future is more important than the safety of this country. Do you really want this man to have access to the red button?
Please pass this letter on to McCain.
As the leader of our current “just say no” House, I understand you feel like you’re between a rock and a hard place. Seriously, here you are, up for re-election, and pondering your political future. This last part has you stuck, but you don’t need to be. So what if you didn’t back Trump. Let’s play this out. He is NOT going to be elected anyway. Simply don’t endorse him. Doesn’t mean you have to vote Democrat. Will your party disown you? No. You’ll gain respect from ALL but the most extremist uneducated nuts in your party. You might even win over a few of those nationally. You’ll gain respect from the Dems, not that it matters to you. Consider that many other prominent folks in your party are bailing on endorsing Trump, some going so far as to throw their vote to Hillary. Horrors. By siding with Trump, you are telling me that your political future is more important than the safety of this country. Do you really want this man to have access to the red button?
Please pass this letter on to McCain.
92
The Republicans are caught between a rock and a hairpiece.
154
"Trump’s Enablers Will Finally Have to Take a Stand"
David, the elephant in the room the news media continues to ignore is the news media itself. Two weeks of media silence of Drumpf would probably be enough to cause him to implode, but then what would sell papers?
David, the elephant in the room the news media continues to ignore is the news media itself. Two weeks of media silence of Drumpf would probably be enough to cause him to implode, but then what would sell papers?
31
yes, yes..."party in exile", "tell us what they think", "parallel campaign structure in case of implosion", whatever. What they really, absolutely must do is vote for Hillary Clinton.
Vote for Hillary Clinton.
Say it, then do it.
Vote for Hillary Clinton.
Say it, then do it.
36
So, Mr. Brooks, is this your stand? Not yet clear that you are supporting Hillary.
22
Bravo Mr. Brooks.
9
Oh dear, David. Why did you not write these words many months ago when to most sane observers the same facts could easily be seen. As one commented has already suggested it is about time that you stopped apologizing for the GOP and state clearly that you will vote for Hilary Clinton. As for the creatures who lined up to kiss Trumps ring one knows that politics is a filthy game but these sad beings have surely crossed a serious line. What must Ben Carson be thinking?
36
Interesting diagnosis. Possibly complicated by frontotemporal dementia, behavioral variant (bvFTD).
9
I'm starting to appreciate you, David Brooks. I hope your next column makes it clear that Republicans need to suck it up for 4 years - vote for Hillary to ensure the permanent end of Trump, and find yourselves a real candidate.
14
Thank you.
4
David Brooks, I agree with all you say, but you just leave out one little thing: Trump's total lack of experience in government. I challenge you to focus specifically on Trump's zero (0) experience problem.
Suppose the nominee was Dr. Ben Carson, instead. Would you not be worried that he was totally lacking in experience, even though he has great empathy?
A pilot needs experience to fly any airplane. He is rated in terms of his hours of fight experience. Not so for the president of the United States. But isn't it scary to think of someone flying the "ship of state" with zero hours of political experience?
I suggest that Clinton people make the sign of a zero (0) with fingers and thumb to remind voters over and over of Trump's cluelessness.
And I hope that you, David Brooks and other NYTimes writers will address the zero (0) experience threat to the nation:
The only thing we have to fear is...Donald (0) Trump.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Suppose the nominee was Dr. Ben Carson, instead. Would you not be worried that he was totally lacking in experience, even though he has great empathy?
A pilot needs experience to fly any airplane. He is rated in terms of his hours of fight experience. Not so for the president of the United States. But isn't it scary to think of someone flying the "ship of state" with zero hours of political experience?
I suggest that Clinton people make the sign of a zero (0) with fingers and thumb to remind voters over and over of Trump's cluelessness.
And I hope that you, David Brooks and other NYTimes writers will address the zero (0) experience threat to the nation:
The only thing we have to fear is...Donald (0) Trump.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
26
It's simply amazing that it took David Brooks took this long to recognize what Trump and his supporters are all about. Most people with a brain or any sense of decency have known he was unfit to be President since he before he even started running. Where was David Brooks when Trump was running his racist "birther" campaign against Obama? Hanging back with the rest of the "principled" conservatives who turned a blind eye to his insanity because most of them wanted to find any possible way to smear Obama.
47
Trump isn't an aberration from the Republican Party. He's the epitome of the Republican Party.
So when David Brooks disparages "Trump's enablers" --the people who refuse to speak out against insane, anti-American policies --he's talking about himself.
So when David Brooks disparages "Trump's enablers" --the people who refuse to speak out against insane, anti-American policies --he's talking about himself.
42
I thought that Donald Trump might be the taxpayer's best chance to eliminate "PAY TO PLAY" from our US Federal government way of doing business, but I guess that Mr. Trump is now apparently determined to commit political suicide instead of becoming POTUS.
Washington lobbyists representing the “DONOR CLASS” and the PACs (foreign and domestic) were probably very unhappy over the situation of losing free access to taxpayer’s money from the US Treasury via the "PAY TO PLAY" US government “NO-BID” contract award system and control of US foreign policy from the elected “Mainstream” Democrats and Republicans in the US congress if Donald Trump is elected!
Washington lobbyists representing the “DONOR CLASS” and the PACs (foreign and domestic) were probably very unhappy over the situation of losing free access to taxpayer’s money from the US Treasury via the "PAY TO PLAY" US government “NO-BID” contract award system and control of US foreign policy from the elected “Mainstream” Democrats and Republicans in the US congress if Donald Trump is elected!
1
BRAVO Mr. Brooks - well said !!
13
Rupert Murdoch company FOXTV is the number one enabler for Trump's candidacy. Hannity and O'Reilly are number one and number two mouthpiece for him. Even Megan Kelly who was insulted so much begged Trump for an interview and she got after she went to Trump Tower to apologize. They have no shame. Only person I salute is Mr.George Will, a Sunday Fox Show pundit . Rush Limbaugh is another one who is a big supporter of Trump. These guys never take stand or responsibility. Their job is to criticize the opponent , talk controversial, complain and play on people's fear. They have created a toxic polarizing political environment. They were the big supporter of Iraq war (but they never join the army).
51
David, a handful of individuals aside, these gutless wonders are going to do no such thing, and that's all there is to it.
23
Dear Mr. Brooks,
You wrote: "He appears to have no ability to experience reverence, which is the foundation for any capacity to admire or serve anything bigger than self, to want to learn about anything beyond self, to want to know and deeply honor the people around you."
Amen to that, brother! That is the best description of what ails Trump I have ever read. You have provided a set of binoculars and when we watch the Trump debacle through those, I believe we can understand it better, sorry interpret it better. I told my wife yesterday that I am trapped in a wishful-thinking bubble hoping and praying that deep inside the 70-year old body of self-aggrandizement, there is a flicker of a decent soul that has been dying to shine forth. My wife rolled her eyes like never before! The only reason why I did not hear more from her was, to some extent, I was admitting to the truth. Who would kick a man speaking the truth? [Rhetorical] [Please don't answer, Trump, because it would be correct!].
I am game to jump on the new bandwagon that takes us away from the current mess and restarts/reinvigorates the Republican party. Do we need a Savior? No we need to convert our innermost thoughts into a movement that will end up saving us.
Nicely written, Mr. Brooks.
You wrote: "He appears to have no ability to experience reverence, which is the foundation for any capacity to admire or serve anything bigger than self, to want to learn about anything beyond self, to want to know and deeply honor the people around you."
Amen to that, brother! That is the best description of what ails Trump I have ever read. You have provided a set of binoculars and when we watch the Trump debacle through those, I believe we can understand it better, sorry interpret it better. I told my wife yesterday that I am trapped in a wishful-thinking bubble hoping and praying that deep inside the 70-year old body of self-aggrandizement, there is a flicker of a decent soul that has been dying to shine forth. My wife rolled her eyes like never before! The only reason why I did not hear more from her was, to some extent, I was admitting to the truth. Who would kick a man speaking the truth? [Rhetorical] [Please don't answer, Trump, because it would be correct!].
I am game to jump on the new bandwagon that takes us away from the current mess and restarts/reinvigorates the Republican party. Do we need a Savior? No we need to convert our innermost thoughts into a movement that will end up saving us.
Nicely written, Mr. Brooks.
7
Maybe McConnell can pull strings and get him accepted into Art school.
9
Amen!
4
Judging by the popularity of Trump, who knew this country still had so many bigots? Not just in the south but also in blue state California. It's almost as if they finally have a permission from a national party to show their true color.
27
So when will the wet noodle Mr. Brooks finally condemn the racist republican party?
It's too late to say sorry now that they have let the crazies take over the party.
They started this in 1968 with Nixon and Agnes (both felons) and have continued for nearly fifty years.
Only now when the dog whistles are finally heard by all do they try to run and hide.
You Mr. Brooks should be ashamed at what you've helped foist onto the country.
Lie in your bed Mr. Brooks. You made it.
Dave
It's too late to say sorry now that they have let the crazies take over the party.
They started this in 1968 with Nixon and Agnes (both felons) and have continued for nearly fifty years.
Only now when the dog whistles are finally heard by all do they try to run and hide.
You Mr. Brooks should be ashamed at what you've helped foist onto the country.
Lie in your bed Mr. Brooks. You made it.
Dave
21
"There comes a time when neutrality and laying low become dishonorable. If you’re not in revolt, you’re in cahoots. When this period and your name are mentioned, decades hence, your grandkids will look away in shame."
Look into the mirror David and recite your quote above. Until you come out and tell your readers you are NOT going to vote for Trump, instead of merely alluding to that in your column, then you too are in cahoots.
Look into the mirror David and recite your quote above. Until you come out and tell your readers you are NOT going to vote for Trump, instead of merely alluding to that in your column, then you too are in cahoots.
28
David, can you wrap your head around the idea that Trump is not the disease, he is the symptom? Your argument is actually against the millions of Trump supporters whom the Republican Party courted with winks and nods about guns, race and religion while the Chamber of Commerce members and lobbyists for Exxon played golf and laughed all the way to their offshore banks. Toss the masses red meat while we quietly pass the tax burden from ourselves to the stupid middle classes. Make sure we keep capital gains taxes low. Make sure the estate tax is minimal. For the rest, give the people whatever they want. They want AR-15's, give 'em AR-15's. That was the plan.
But the inmates took over the prison. Now you have a riot on your hands, David. A riot of your own making. You didn't see it coming. But it was on the calendar all along.
But the inmates took over the prison. Now you have a riot on your hands, David. A riot of your own making. You didn't see it coming. But it was on the calendar all along.
50
Thanks for confirming what most intelligent people suspeected!
He IS clinically insane!
Problem is - so are 35% OF Americans. A representative sample of which can be found at any of his rallies.
Anyone who has not seen The NY Times video of some of these uncensored events with the dregs of American cculture screaming racist epithets should check it out.
He IS clinically insane!
Problem is - so are 35% OF Americans. A representative sample of which can be found at any of his rallies.
Anyone who has not seen The NY Times video of some of these uncensored events with the dregs of American cculture screaming racist epithets should check it out.
16
The perfect ending to this column should be.
"I as a life long Republican will not vote for our candidate this election"
"I as a life long Republican will not vote for our candidate this election"
17
Mr.Brooks, you are expressing the thoughts of many of us non-Republicans who for months have watched high-profile members of the Republican party capitulate to Trump's scornful dominance, slavishly placing party over country and over their own better judgment. You are reiterating the analysis of Lawrence O'Donnell, who recently detailed how Trump may have Narcissistic Personality Disorder. And you are of course echoing the recent remarks of President Obama on the same subject.
But you're a Republican, right? Why do you write in the third person about what those "wet noodle" Republicans should do? Why do you remain associated with the Republican Party platform? Put differently, when are YOU going to denounce Trump and abandon the Republican party?
Do you not mind what your grandkids may think of you?
But you're a Republican, right? Why do you write in the third person about what those "wet noodle" Republicans should do? Why do you remain associated with the Republican Party platform? Put differently, when are YOU going to denounce Trump and abandon the Republican party?
Do you not mind what your grandkids may think of you?
30
Where have all you pundits been during the past year? You, sir, have done your country a grave disservice by giving us too little, and perhaps too late. But, at least you are finally saying some of the right things.
22
Let me not be the last to say:
David, as you have been sowing for many years, in your capacity as riding "thoughtful" and apologetic shotgun for movement conservatism, so are you reaping, now that the Id you nurtured has erupted onto the surface.
As for the Caucus of Cravenness, running from Ryan, to McConnell, to even St. John McCain, why are you so cowardly yourself as to not call them out by name?
Are you afraid of diminishing your access to these Profiles in Pusillanimity?
At least tell us that one of your (and George Will's) once (and future?) Great White Hopes, Mitch Daniels has come out forcefully against Trump.
But wait.
A Google search of "Mitch Daniels denounces Trump" yields ... nada.
David, as you have been sowing for many years, in your capacity as riding "thoughtful" and apologetic shotgun for movement conservatism, so are you reaping, now that the Id you nurtured has erupted onto the surface.
As for the Caucus of Cravenness, running from Ryan, to McConnell, to even St. John McCain, why are you so cowardly yourself as to not call them out by name?
Are you afraid of diminishing your access to these Profiles in Pusillanimity?
At least tell us that one of your (and George Will's) once (and future?) Great White Hopes, Mitch Daniels has come out forcefully against Trump.
But wait.
A Google search of "Mitch Daniels denounces Trump" yields ... nada.
8
Wow. The first ever honest appraisal from David Brooks. You stated the obvious, but I don't think the republicans in question care for the country as much as they care for their power and their party. The one, and most important thing you missed is that the dog whistle racism, the coutry club eliticism, and the utter disdain for the sick, the poor and the disenfranchised (indeed, the endless attempts to gerrymander and restrict voter's rights) are what has created trump. Congrats, republican party. He is your offspring.
31
BROOKS –
Follow the logic of your own argument. Be a mensch, not a weasel-mouthed political hack passing for a pundit.
Time for you to acknowledge that the Republican Party has left you behind, despite your years of good and loyal hack-service, and that you are, now, by default, a reluctant Democrat.
Follow the logic of your own argument. Be a mensch, not a weasel-mouthed political hack passing for a pundit.
Time for you to acknowledge that the Republican Party has left you behind, despite your years of good and loyal hack-service, and that you are, now, by default, a reluctant Democrat.
21
It's all over but the shouting.
You don't have to live in terror anymore. The European betting parlors have analyzed the spread and it's Hillary 3 to 1. Mind you, these risk assessors had Obama at 2 to Mitt's 1, so this is over. Trump is toast.
Even a former CIA risk assessors found this data comforting enough to take a public stand. So get behind the band wagon, GOP celebrities! You got a brand to recover!!
You don't have to live in terror anymore. The European betting parlors have analyzed the spread and it's Hillary 3 to 1. Mind you, these risk assessors had Obama at 2 to Mitt's 1, so this is over. Trump is toast.
Even a former CIA risk assessors found this data comforting enough to take a public stand. So get behind the band wagon, GOP celebrities! You got a brand to recover!!
5
I am a psychotherapist and know that his behavior matches what is described in the Diagnostic Manual that helps us pinpoint mental illnesses. Yes indeed he has a Personality Disorder and the awful thing about these maladies is that there IS NO CURE! There are no drugs to make their reactions or disordered thinking change. People like this are like this always! What does that bode for America? I cringe at the thought.
15
The Republican establishment smirked and smiled when Trump was putting his birther agenda daily. No one would call him out. Behner back peddled. Now they have a Monster that has come home to torment them. Those who sat iddle and never said anything are as much to blame for this as Donald is. Now they hope he can change.
16
"The base"
"The crude"
"The ignorant"
And they are many and they are among us and what can 'we' do about that? It serves somebody to keep the base base.
"The crude"
"The ignorant"
And they are many and they are among us and what can 'we' do about that? It serves somebody to keep the base base.
7
Enablers like Senator Kelly Ayotte who does not support Trump but will vote for him! Like it was the said of the 19th century conflicted faction of the Republican party the Mugwamps - their mugs were on one side of the fence and their wamps were on the other.
12
The only difference between the Republican establishment and Trump is maturity level. Trump is a toddler, a petulant two year old throwing tantrums. The establishment is slightly older, maybe kindergarten. How many Bengazi investigations? 8? How many votes to repeal obamacare? 60? McConnell saying his only goal is to make sure Obama doesn't have any legislative success. Shutting down the government regardless of how that effects our standing in the world. Sounds like children to me. They own Trump. They've been setting the stage for him for decades. The fact that they can't bring themselves to repudiate him fully despite his danger to our country shows just how craven they are.
35
I think you may have inadvertantly described the average American male I
I think you may have inadvertantly described the average American male citizen as well.
Like me, they have trusted our politicians to "do the right thing" when, unbeknownst to most, the right thing was to line their own pockets.
If elected Mr Trump will not get there on his own and will if nothing else, goldplate his lining.
The only way to stop this madness is to VOTE!
I think you may have inadvertantly described the average American male citizen as well.
Like me, they have trusted our politicians to "do the right thing" when, unbeknownst to most, the right thing was to line their own pockets.
If elected Mr Trump will not get there on his own and will if nothing else, goldplate his lining.
The only way to stop this madness is to VOTE!
2
As G.W. Bush said, "You're either with us or against us."
Now it applies to the GOP.
Which side are you on?
Your party, or your country?
Now it applies to the GOP.
Which side are you on?
Your party, or your country?
10
To misquote Burke:
The only thing necessary for the Trump of evil is for good Republicans to do nothing.
And in doing nothing they risk the destruction of the Republican Party.
The only thing necessary for the Trump of evil is for good Republicans to do nothing.
And in doing nothing they risk the destruction of the Republican Party.
6
Another plea for rational thought that doesn't understand that it is not important.Mr trump is doing fine and the weasels(read p.ryan and his ilk)who do not repudiate trump will sleep just fine thank you as they advance their careers.If only truth and beauty "trumped" reality.
6
Republicans do not have to consciously make a choice. They can be just as self-deluding as Democrats and independents, who pretend to themselves that voting for Stein or Johnson or not voting at all is anything but an effective vote for Trump. Do not overestimate Republicans.
It is as with the C.I.A.'s Michael Morell's extraordinary column today endorsing Clinton. Die-hard Trump supporters will merely see him and, consequently what he says, as part of the "Establishment", an entity inherently invidious and wrong. Perhaps it will have an effect on some Republicans of the Orrin Hatch, Lindsay Graham, Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan persuasion, though not likely on those individuals themselves, whose primary considerations are their own careers.
Irony of irony is that the major (and I emphasize "major") anti-establishment thrust of the Sixties was from the Left, and now it is from the Right.
It is as with the C.I.A.'s Michael Morell's extraordinary column today endorsing Clinton. Die-hard Trump supporters will merely see him and, consequently what he says, as part of the "Establishment", an entity inherently invidious and wrong. Perhaps it will have an effect on some Republicans of the Orrin Hatch, Lindsay Graham, Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan persuasion, though not likely on those individuals themselves, whose primary considerations are their own careers.
Irony of irony is that the major (and I emphasize "major") anti-establishment thrust of the Sixties was from the Left, and now it is from the Right.
9
Mr.Brooks makes a fairly convincing argument why people shouldn't vote for Mr.Trump and why "Trump enablers" need to take a principled stand or fear the wrath of their grandkids.
How about taking a long, hard look in the mirror, Mr.Brooks, and ask yourself why you are enabling Hillary Clinton.
What will be the straw that finally breaks the camel's back for you?
It obviously wasn't the fact that she clinched the democratic nomination by rigging the process. It wasn't the fact that she lied about her private Email server on multiple occasions and just recently had the audacity to lie about it again on Fox News Sunday despite having been wholeheartedly rebuked by the FBI director. It also wasn't the fact that she royally screwed up the country of Lybia to the point where it is now a haven for ISIS. It must not have been her proposals for Syria that could have raised the prospect of WW3 nor her serving on the Board of Directors of Lafarge company that was deeply involved in payments to ISIS to keep their profit margin going.
I am assuming you are fine with her time at Walmart, with her suspicious conflicts of interest while SOS, her destroyed travel records, many coinciding with events from the Clinton Foundation, her speeches to Goldman Sachs, her coup support in Honduras, her denying the poorest in Haiti a meager increase in the minimum wage.I could go on and on
So when, Mr.Brooks, are YOU going to take a stand? Or do we have to wait for Mr.Assange to to the media's job?
How about taking a long, hard look in the mirror, Mr.Brooks, and ask yourself why you are enabling Hillary Clinton.
What will be the straw that finally breaks the camel's back for you?
It obviously wasn't the fact that she clinched the democratic nomination by rigging the process. It wasn't the fact that she lied about her private Email server on multiple occasions and just recently had the audacity to lie about it again on Fox News Sunday despite having been wholeheartedly rebuked by the FBI director. It also wasn't the fact that she royally screwed up the country of Lybia to the point where it is now a haven for ISIS. It must not have been her proposals for Syria that could have raised the prospect of WW3 nor her serving on the Board of Directors of Lafarge company that was deeply involved in payments to ISIS to keep their profit margin going.
I am assuming you are fine with her time at Walmart, with her suspicious conflicts of interest while SOS, her destroyed travel records, many coinciding with events from the Clinton Foundation, her speeches to Goldman Sachs, her coup support in Honduras, her denying the poorest in Haiti a meager increase in the minimum wage.I could go on and on
So when, Mr.Brooks, are YOU going to take a stand? Or do we have to wait for Mr.Assange to to the media's job?
13
All of those who plan on skipping voting for HRC because you either (a) can't trust her, or (b) believe that her record belies astoundingly bad judgment, or (c) just plain hate her, are also Trump enablers. Either you don't vote, or you vote for Stein or Johnson, in any case, you are implicitly voting against HRC. I'm not casting blame, just stating a fact. I'm not casting blame, because I include myself in one of the categories above (lump me in category (b)). As much as Trump is a disaster, HRC is about as popular as syphilis. Couple that with the monumental "faux pas" (I'm being kind by characterizing it this way) of the DNC to put the primary season in the tank for HRC, and the rise of two third party candidates - both capable of taking votes from HRC - and the unstable one actually might become POTUS. God help us.
10
"Those who don’t will have to start building a Republican Party in Exile... They will have to build a parallel campaign structure that will survive if Trump implodes, a structure of congressional and local candidates. They will have to jointly propose a clear manifesto — five or 10 policies the party in exile ardently supports."
Mr. Brooks, even though you're on the editorial side, you do work at a newspaper.
You see, there are these political donors named Charles and David Koch, and they have an organization called Americans for Prosperity (and others) doing exactly what you propose.
Mr. Brooks, even though you're on the editorial side, you do work at a newspaper.
You see, there are these political donors named Charles and David Koch, and they have an organization called Americans for Prosperity (and others) doing exactly what you propose.
6
Gutless wonders, Mr. Brooks and the rest of the blovating repulsives who now are having second "thoughts". Can't support el donaldo anymore? Fickle aren't we?
5
Yet, Brooks still has yet to declare his intention to vote for Hillary Clinton (unless I missed it). Time to follow your own advice and get off the fence.
11
Thank you for saying it just like it is David Brooks. The blurred photo of Trump at the podium could not be a better image to accompany your message. His out of control mania is being fueled by his inability to successfully insult his way out of the truth of his Sarah Palinesque lack of intellect. The long overdue calling out by the media that we are seeing this week is clearly creating Narcissistic injuries too powerful for him to emotionally survive. Trump is showing us that he will lash out with cruel absurdities until he self-destructs (or is hospitalized and medicated). But the damage from his rhetoric has already been done to our country and we can blame the Republican leaders like Paul Ryan and John McCain for letting it get this far. No one but a "successful" white male businessman would have made it this far before their sanity was questioned. We can only hope that the public un-raveling of this cartoon character of a Presidential Candidate will inject some reality into those oblivious white male leaders of the Republican party who have refused to pay attention to the wants and needs of anyone but themselves for far too long. In Mick's words, "You get what you need"...a reality check on the grandest of scales.
9
If anyone still wonders why McConnell and Ryan alternately refuse to govern and formulate loads of defenseless junk public policy have a gander at where their abilities to think have led them:
A choice between their Koch Industries paymasters and Trump. Gravy train or train wreck? Hmm.
In most of these cases, it takes a long series of bad choices tangled up in ever more bizarre obsessions wrapped in fear and paranoia to arrive at a last stand between the proverbial rock and hard place.
While winnowing away any possible saving grace through years of legislative monkey business, the GOP's frontmen in the House and the Senate made yet another fatal mistake by projecting their own limitations on their charges: refuse to govern.
How's this for a governing principle: Put your hands over your eyes, count to three and wish that it would all just go away.
Tired of checkmating yourselves mssrs. McConnell and Ryan?
That Muslim Kenyan community organizing uppity black man wins again.
A choice between their Koch Industries paymasters and Trump. Gravy train or train wreck? Hmm.
In most of these cases, it takes a long series of bad choices tangled up in ever more bizarre obsessions wrapped in fear and paranoia to arrive at a last stand between the proverbial rock and hard place.
While winnowing away any possible saving grace through years of legislative monkey business, the GOP's frontmen in the House and the Senate made yet another fatal mistake by projecting their own limitations on their charges: refuse to govern.
How's this for a governing principle: Put your hands over your eyes, count to three and wish that it would all just go away.
Tired of checkmating yourselves mssrs. McConnell and Ryan?
That Muslim Kenyan community organizing uppity black man wins again.
8
Thank you, Mr. Brooks. This needed to be said.
John
John
1
One would think Ryan and Co. would put country first and party second, no such luck. The GOP, by not pulling the plug on a mentally ill standard bearer, has written its obituary, and has only its leadership to blame.
6
So it took a crying baby to finally convince Brooks that Donnie Strangelove is clinically insane? Better late than never, I guess, though over the years the guy's weird, vindictive behavior--and inability to speak in complete sentences--should have provided a clue. Don's not just a boor, he's a crashing bore. He's a loser in every sense of the word, and the Republicans richly deserve him.
11
The last words of this article, "...your grandkids will look away in shame" is SO true.
A couple of weeks ago, my grandkids came over for a sleepover. Our 4-year-old granddaughter walked in and asked me to take her to her room so she could tell me something; when I told her it could wait she pleaded "please, Gigi, it's REALLY important!"
So we go into her room and in all seriousness she took my hands, got close up to me and whispered, "My parents like Donald Trump!"....trying not to crack up
I stammered out, "well...ummm...that's ok..." But she wasn't buying it. She said, "No, Gigi. It is NOT ok."
She was right. And she's FOUR.
A couple of weeks ago, my grandkids came over for a sleepover. Our 4-year-old granddaughter walked in and asked me to take her to her room so she could tell me something; when I told her it could wait she pleaded "please, Gigi, it's REALLY important!"
So we go into her room and in all seriousness she took my hands, got close up to me and whispered, "My parents like Donald Trump!"....trying not to crack up
I stammered out, "well...ummm...that's ok..." But she wasn't buying it. She said, "No, Gigi. It is NOT ok."
She was right. And she's FOUR.
20
Thank you, Mr. Brooks for stating the problem so succinctly. The anger and disappointment that come through is, to my mind, fully justified. The Republican Party has lost its grounding. The long-term damage is real and near. Like a generation of Germans, the next generation of young Republicans will surely ask: why did you stand by and do nothing?
6
Well said David! But the republicans are not going to repudiate him. They are too cowardly.
10
Couldn't agree more. It's equally disgusting how most leading Republicans are silent on Trump. Anyone truly concerned about our country should denounce him, refuse to endorse him and refuse to vote for him. In addition, they should be working against him. I would expect Democrats to do the same if they ever had someone of Trumps ilk running for office.
3
Unless this long list of commenters is also willing to condemn the pathological liar and frat boy enabler the other major party has nominated, then this comment string consists mostly of bunch of hypocrites saying their liberal Amens. Every recent presidential ballot I have seen contains more than two names and more than two parties. If your outrage moves you to look further down the ballot I might gain some respect, but if its all just New York liberals readying to pull the D lever, then, well, I'll just remind you that Trump is a New York product through and through.
2
David -- this is a horrible, no-good very-bad day for the GOP. But when you talk about its "enablers" ... you must go all the way back to Ailes/Nixon and 'the southern strategy' ... and the ejection of the Rockefeller Republicans from the party.
And it must include the creation of the 'modern' Republican cray-cray: the voodoo economics, denial of science & reality, and of course hate-o-tainment: Roger Ailes again.
Without the insanity the party has embraced for years, Trump wouldn't be here. Indeed (God help us!) Trump might even be a Democrat! That old saw "maggot flies lay their eggs on rotting flesh" really does apply.
Yes, Trump is a narcissist who appears to be decompensating ... in plain view for all the world to see -- this man is the Republican nominee. He tells bald-faced lies everybody knows are lies, and then he takes them back! That video he saw ... right.
The GOP is headed toward oblivion -- there is no way that the current "coalition" can be salvaged, and even if it could the post-Trump party demographics cannot survive as a national party, going forward.
Trump represents the insanity of the "party" doubling down on its suicide-fringe message, alienating all the voters of the future that it had any chance of enrolling.
There is no way to salvage the party as a whole. And sane conservatives are such a small fraction of the party, and have become so divorced from those who might find common cause with them, that they are lost.
And it must include the creation of the 'modern' Republican cray-cray: the voodoo economics, denial of science & reality, and of course hate-o-tainment: Roger Ailes again.
Without the insanity the party has embraced for years, Trump wouldn't be here. Indeed (God help us!) Trump might even be a Democrat! That old saw "maggot flies lay their eggs on rotting flesh" really does apply.
Yes, Trump is a narcissist who appears to be decompensating ... in plain view for all the world to see -- this man is the Republican nominee. He tells bald-faced lies everybody knows are lies, and then he takes them back! That video he saw ... right.
The GOP is headed toward oblivion -- there is no way that the current "coalition" can be salvaged, and even if it could the post-Trump party demographics cannot survive as a national party, going forward.
Trump represents the insanity of the "party" doubling down on its suicide-fringe message, alienating all the voters of the future that it had any chance of enrolling.
There is no way to salvage the party as a whole. And sane conservatives are such a small fraction of the party, and have become so divorced from those who might find common cause with them, that they are lost.
11
Mr. Brooks:
Wet noodle? As Willie Shakespeare once said (paraphrase) "Columnist heal thyself".
How can you write about all the other cowardly politicians, while recusing yourself? You have less skin in the game than your hypocritical brethren.
At least they are trying to get elected. You, on the other hand, can write another book on the changes in our country that you view from so far away.
If you want to maintain a modicum of honesty, you will state that Hillary would indeed be a far better president than Trump, and you will vote for her.
Wet noodle? As Willie Shakespeare once said (paraphrase) "Columnist heal thyself".
How can you write about all the other cowardly politicians, while recusing yourself? You have less skin in the game than your hypocritical brethren.
At least they are trying to get elected. You, on the other hand, can write another book on the changes in our country that you view from so far away.
If you want to maintain a modicum of honesty, you will state that Hillary would indeed be a far better president than Trump, and you will vote for her.
14
Mr. Brooks: Superb analysis of who he is. Can you compare him with Mr. Ahmadi Nejad, former president of Iran?
I don't get it. Doesn't Trump finally represent the majority of Republicans? I mean haven't the republican elites like Mr. Brooks been selling them snake oil for decades, promising to protect them from immigrants and minorities and bring about economic growth with small government, but all you end up giving them is a steaming pile of nothing when you gain power.
You can't build a party-in-exile when Trump IS the party. You and your ilk are the ones who are out of touch with what the GOP is today.
You can't build a party-in-exile when Trump IS the party. You and your ilk are the ones who are out of touch with what the GOP is today.
7
Bravo, Mr. Brooks! Thank you for speaking out. I'm sure there are Republicans who consider you a traitor. Thank you for putting your country first, which is what everyone should do.
3
For the millionth time, Mr. Brooks, please acknowledge that the problem is with the GOP, not just with Trump. This has been coming for decades: Goldwater, Nixon's Southern Strategy, Reagan inaugurating his post-convention campaign in Philadelphia, Miss., Sarah Palin, endless nut-job candidates at the congressional and statehouse level (Sharron Angle, Christine O'Donnell, Sam Brownback) etc., etc., etc., There are no such crazy-ignorant candidates in the Democratic party (maybe some flaky ones...). So WAKE UP: Ornstein and Mann, and many others, have pointed out that the Republican party is profoundly dysfunctional and only it could produce a candidate as unqualified and lunatic as Trump.
12
Your change of heart, while admirable, is too late. You enabled the Orange Bully when he was on his ridiculous birther phase, and never called out the idiots in congress when they refused to work for the betterment of the country while blocking Obama's every move. You stood silent while the talking heads at Fox News and AM talk radio deviated from the truth and inspired the rabble which now supports Your candidate with such bile and hatred toward everyone who's not them. Your deserving cringe every time Your candidate opens his mouth is due in large part to your enabling the forces of creation. "Breathe deep the gathering gloom...", mr. Brooks.
12
Better a late awakening to reality than never. The problem for your party is that although Trump is insane, he is also the logical conclusion of Republican strategy since Goldwater. Only an epic presidential loss, loss of the Senate, and possibly loss of the House can start you all on the road to recovery.
7
Thanks for the diagnosis...his mental illness has been well established.Despite your conclusions, I am looking forward to your next column stating that you will NOT vote for Donald Trump and urge all others to follow your example? That paragraph seems to be missing from this one.
12
"There comes a time when neutrality and laying low become dishonorable. If you’re not in revolt, you’re in cahoots. When this period and your name are mentioned, decades hence, your grandkids will look away in shame."
This could have been written during the run up to the Iraq war, a war the Republicans justified based on lies and fear. The foundation of the current state of affairs in the Republican party and this country has been laid brick by brick.
Trump is not an aberration; he is a culmination.
This could have been written during the run up to the Iraq war, a war the Republicans justified based on lies and fear. The foundation of the current state of affairs in the Republican party and this country has been laid brick by brick.
Trump is not an aberration; he is a culmination.
8
So is Mr. Brooks voting for Hillary?
4
If you want to get rid of Trump you'll have to turn your attention to Rupert Murdoch. Last night a Republican Congressman who says he'll refuse to vote for Trump was excoriated for his entire interview on Fox News. The right-wing media empire feeds the brains of Trump voters with invective, incivility and ignorance 24/7. Until you solve that problem, GOP, you solve nothing.
12
If Trump wasn't clearly a person beyond the control of GOP leaders, do you really think they'd be bothered by his disgusting opinions? Nah. They'd be happy to let him malign women, people of color, and Muslims.
Imagine their chagrin at learning this is one attack dog just as likely to bite the hand that feeds it. The need to develop a social conscience is suddenly urgent.
Imagine their chagrin at learning this is one attack dog just as likely to bite the hand that feeds it. The need to develop a social conscience is suddenly urgent.
9
The GOP has taken a stand. They have finally nominated a candidate that reflects their party's core tenants; ignorance, self-entitlement, and anger. Did you by chance miss their most prominent spokesmen for the last decade; Hannity, Limbaugh and O'Reilly? Yes, Trump is different from Romney but how different is he from them? Not much. It is all out in the open now. No more genial, smiling patriarchs dog whistling to the Knight Riders "we've got your back". This will be the election where the American people vote their destiny.
8
Hillary had a good laugh (more than once) when she got a child rapist off by unethical means when she was a public defender in Arkansas. She is a monster, Mr. Brooks. We must not forget HER lack of empathy (it's actually worse than that) as she becomes the next president of the U.S. Who could vote for such a person?
4
David,
This column is clear, to the point, and, with examples that make sense. At what point will those who have supported him be able to listen to other "points of view" and lead with information and examples they can support?
thank you, jeff robbins
This column is clear, to the point, and, with examples that make sense. At what point will those who have supported him be able to listen to other "points of view" and lead with information and examples they can support?
thank you, jeff robbins
Republican leaders who keep on endorsing Trump are, perhaps unwittingly, gambling away the Republic. It would be all too easy to term their stance a fools parade; it is really a march of folly.
2
"...a clear manifesto..."
Here it is:
1) taxes reduced for the rich
2) outlawing Roe v. wade
3) no Dept. of Education
4) no reduction in that obscenely bloated military budget
5) further reductions on all poverty programs
That's already the Republican platform.
It's also Trump's platform.
What in the world are you talking about?
They should clutch the dear boy to their tiny little hearts.
He's their very own crying baby... just like them.
Here it is:
1) taxes reduced for the rich
2) outlawing Roe v. wade
3) no Dept. of Education
4) no reduction in that obscenely bloated military budget
5) further reductions on all poverty programs
That's already the Republican platform.
It's also Trump's platform.
What in the world are you talking about?
They should clutch the dear boy to their tiny little hearts.
He's their very own crying baby... just like them.
12
Mr. Trump,
My Zen master once taught me that the nettle only stung because I did not dare grasp it tightly enough. I practiced the lesson and was enlightened as to the nature of Zen. I hope you, too, take heart from this and become as enlightened in the nature of Politics.
My Zen master once taught me that the nettle only stung because I did not dare grasp it tightly enough. I practiced the lesson and was enlightened as to the nature of Zen. I hope you, too, take heart from this and become as enlightened in the nature of Politics.
Either you are a Trump C-o-l-l-a-b-o-r-a-t-o-r or you are not.
1
It seems like a new version of "The Wizard of Oz". All
smoke and mirrors, even unto his own party. The GOP is behind the curtain, conjuring up more ridiculous things for Trump to say, hoping he will quit. The curtain is pulled back and reveals the true party and candidate - all mirrors and no substance. A perfect setting for the fall of Trump......
smoke and mirrors, even unto his own party. The GOP is behind the curtain, conjuring up more ridiculous things for Trump to say, hoping he will quit. The curtain is pulled back and reveals the true party and candidate - all mirrors and no substance. A perfect setting for the fall of Trump......
2
We have met the enemy and Donald is us.
1
Mr. Brooks, it is pure irony that you don't endorse another candidate. If you can't endorse Clinton, you could at least endorse Gary Johnson. Without such an endorsement,
your stop Trump narrative is meaningless.
your stop Trump narrative is meaningless.
11
This piece reads much like what Mr. Brooks is condemning. He is willing to address comments to those who have waffled. He is willing to describe Donald Trump in oh-so-unflattering and diagnostic terms. But is he willing to say he is not for Trump and won't vote for him? And if not Trump, who? Until Mr. Brooks clearly states his own position, his words ring hollow.
6
Like other Republicans who reject Trump, Brooks refuses to tell the rest of the story: Trump is the culmination of the policies and tactics of Nixon, Jesse Helms, Reagan, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Cheney, McConnell, Sarah Palin, and so many other Republicans. Trump IS the Republican party. That is why he easily won the nomination fair and square.
13
Trump, in many ways, is not the problem. What is happening is, to borrow a phrase, the revolt of the masses. The Trumpian behavior that so offends establishment Republicans and Democrats -- and New York Times readers -- is exactly the behavior you can see in bar conversations and the on-line comments in local papers -- vacuous, violent simplicity. Trump supporters are revolting against the professional classes with their appearance of decorum, reason, and knowledge.
5
As with Hitler, the interesting question is not the leader's mental state, but why the followers follow. Trump is not the story. The cult of Trump is.
10
If the leaders of the GOP ....fail to denounce Donald J. Trump....because they
surely must know why he is NOT releasing his tax returns...how he has
swindled contractors and others....these Congressmen knowing what I believe
the DO KNOW...are simply unworthy of their offices in the US House of Representatives and the US Senate...
Robert Reich wrote a summary in Newsweek recently about Donald J. Trump's
failure to be trusted....Donald Trumps Many Failures...
So...just do us ALL a favor....David Brooks and have a nice long interview with
Robert Reich on Charlie Rose....because if you ...Brooks fail to do this I will
not respect you for your timidity.....The Truth is the way to Enlighten...
Lux et Veritas....David Brooks...You know you can...and I know you can.
so....dear one...GET CRACKING;;;; call Charlie Rose..!!!!
surely must know why he is NOT releasing his tax returns...how he has
swindled contractors and others....these Congressmen knowing what I believe
the DO KNOW...are simply unworthy of their offices in the US House of Representatives and the US Senate...
Robert Reich wrote a summary in Newsweek recently about Donald J. Trump's
failure to be trusted....Donald Trumps Many Failures...
So...just do us ALL a favor....David Brooks and have a nice long interview with
Robert Reich on Charlie Rose....because if you ...Brooks fail to do this I will
not respect you for your timidity.....The Truth is the way to Enlighten...
Lux et Veritas....David Brooks...You know you can...and I know you can.
so....dear one...GET CRACKING;;;; call Charlie Rose..!!!!
4
David, you're so cute.
You write, "He’s exposed the wet noodle Republicans as suckers, or worse."
Wet noodles? Suckers? How about cravenly cowards? Spineless pols is good. Traitorous works for me.
You write, "He’s exposed the wet noodle Republicans as suckers, or worse."
Wet noodles? Suckers? How about cravenly cowards? Spineless pols is good. Traitorous works for me.
10
When will the Republicans in the House and Senate realize their duty is to serve the country and their constituents-NOT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. I hope the danger of Donald Trump as President will make them reflect on why they went into politics in the first place. Hopefully, it was to make America and the world a better place-not to stick to the republican party even their possible leader is a delusional, lying demagogue. They have spent the last 7.5 years being obstructionist and providing no value to the country. There is still time for them to redeem themselves and show honor and love of country-Support the only candidate that won't blow up the world, Hillary Clinton. Even they must realize that her experience, temperament and life of service to this country will not hurt our country, they cannot say that of a Trump presidency.
2
Dear Mr. Brooks, I don't agree with your politics, but I think you are a stand up mensch in a difficult time. Thank you for this thoughtful column.
4
I am not certain why all the handwringing over the title: Republican. That “Brand” has been co-opted by the people you despise. They have taken over and what you call “Republican” no longer exists. You need to abandon the nostalgia. Rather, rebrand and call yourself something else. Why on Earth would you want Trump or McConnell in your Party?
3
The GOP elite is finally realizing that when you select the gullible as your followers, there is a down side.
5
It must be that in the collective soul of today's republican party leadership, playing the role of the “lookout,” while a compatriot robs a bank, is not a chargeable offense. In fact, it's considered to be quite savvy.
2
It's just a thought, but readers might try recognizing that what Mr. Brooks is really writing about (and has been for months) is the dilemma that his Party's in: they're stuck with a very popular candidate who's unbelievably incapable of being President. Who is, literally, dangerous to this country.
Moreover, Brooks et al are kind of wrassling with their own ideas, because what guys like Trump do is to make thoughtful people--not the Rushes and Ann Coulters, not the Paul Manaforts, thoughtful people--rexamine their own premises and their own theories and their own view of the world.
I find it pretty interesting stuff to read. So while I understand that the Trumpettes are too far gone to think or so much as notice reality, and the Berniacs think that everybody in the country secretly agrees with them (both groups, by the way, are different from plain-vanilla supporters), maybe just try appreciating the columns for what they are.
Maybe, there's a chance to learn something. Like you don't have to agree, to appreciate.
Moreover, Brooks et al are kind of wrassling with their own ideas, because what guys like Trump do is to make thoughtful people--not the Rushes and Ann Coulters, not the Paul Manaforts, thoughtful people--rexamine their own premises and their own theories and their own view of the world.
I find it pretty interesting stuff to read. So while I understand that the Trumpettes are too far gone to think or so much as notice reality, and the Berniacs think that everybody in the country secretly agrees with them (both groups, by the way, are different from plain-vanilla supporters), maybe just try appreciating the columns for what they are.
Maybe, there's a chance to learn something. Like you don't have to agree, to appreciate.
6
Mr, Brooks, and where was this column a year ago, 6 months ago, a month ago. I can't believe that you were unable to recognize Trump's dangerous instability and message of hate and fear then...oh right, you were too busy writing column after column about civic virtue to bother with the largest moral issue of our lifetime.
You are a pathetic fraud!
You are a pathetic fraud!
4
So, David! Are you going to vote for Hillary?!
1
Bet Obama's looking pretty good to you right now.
37
OMG! I am so so sorry you saw fit to drag the mighty, noble, dear departed Robin Williams' name into this what a .....sacrilege. Manic, yes; genius, yes. Trump? Pure pathology. Love you David. But, shame shame shame on you.
8
"...he is not a normal candidate. He is a political rampage charging ever more wildly out of control. And no, he cannot be changed."
Trump's candidacy is like a sick animal that needs to be put down before others are infected and it needs to happen before Trump damages the party beyond repair. The Republicans should abandon the thought of taking back the White House, focus on those running for Congress, and put as much distance as possible between their candidates and Trump. Even if Trump were to win, which is looking more and more like a long shot, he would be a disaster for the nation and a danger to the world. Take your loss and cut him adrift.
The GOP can take solace in that Trump was never a Republican or belonged to any party. He was a showman who misbehaved from the start and promised some sort of politically incorrect, in-your-face, tough guy candidacy that a plurality ate up. For them his bad boy image was entertaining and fun to support as he delivered wedgies to the other candidates during the debates. But the juvenile behavior hasn't stopped, because it isn't an act, it's who he really is. A 70 year old, mentally disturbed man without ethics, incapable of empathy, who isn't going to change.
Trump's candidacy is like a sick animal that needs to be put down before others are infected and it needs to happen before Trump damages the party beyond repair. The Republicans should abandon the thought of taking back the White House, focus on those running for Congress, and put as much distance as possible between their candidates and Trump. Even if Trump were to win, which is looking more and more like a long shot, he would be a disaster for the nation and a danger to the world. Take your loss and cut him adrift.
The GOP can take solace in that Trump was never a Republican or belonged to any party. He was a showman who misbehaved from the start and promised some sort of politically incorrect, in-your-face, tough guy candidacy that a plurality ate up. For them his bad boy image was entertaining and fun to support as he delivered wedgies to the other candidates during the debates. But the juvenile behavior hasn't stopped, because it isn't an act, it's who he really is. A 70 year old, mentally disturbed man without ethics, incapable of empathy, who isn't going to change.
29
And yet you have not disavowed him yourself , David.
16
This guy makes me wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. Nothing has ever made me do that before.
18
Just today in WaPo is an article on why disparaging Trump doesn't work. Check it out! People just become MORE resistant if they feel they are being attacked personally. It said that non-emotional language, facts, charts, and objective information helps. If Brooks' article is mainly aimed at them it won't work. If it is aimed at the INdependent or Republican traditional voter, maybe. How about this: Get the DEMS to acknowledge that the economic dislocations need policy changes NOW and get them to put up 3- or 5-point program and put that on the air over and over and over and over and over. Jobs, STudent Debt Relief, Medicaid in the States that won't expand it, Housing Assistance....Them's my thoughts.
10
Come on, David. You know you want to say it...
9
Thank you Mr. Brooks. A clear concise explanation and an outline for what Republicans can do. I pray that those in power and position to do something are listening with their hearts.
1
". . .five or 10 policies the party in exile ardently supports."
1. Denial of civil rights to out LQBTQ brothers and sisters.
2. Tax cuts for our richest citizens.
3. Denial of climate change and the scientific method.
4. Defund Planned Parenthood
5. Gerrymander Congressional districts and disenfranchise voters.
6. Repeal the ACA and defund Medicare, Medicaid, and social security.
7. Eliminate the EPA and remove all environmental regulation
8. Allow all manner of financial shenanigans by too big to fail banks.
Sigh.. this will take all day.. can someone help me?
1. Denial of civil rights to out LQBTQ brothers and sisters.
2. Tax cuts for our richest citizens.
3. Denial of climate change and the scientific method.
4. Defund Planned Parenthood
5. Gerrymander Congressional districts and disenfranchise voters.
6. Repeal the ACA and defund Medicare, Medicaid, and social security.
7. Eliminate the EPA and remove all environmental regulation
8. Allow all manner of financial shenanigans by too big to fail banks.
Sigh.. this will take all day.. can someone help me?
28
I would not count Trump off so soon. He has many followers who like what he says and how he says. I, for one, cannot understand. But I guess there are many people who are unhappy and would like to ----- the system
3
Mr. Kahn, the courageous father of a fallen hero is admired by voters across the land for standing up to the bully who insulted his wife and family. Unfortunately republican leaders have not found the courage to do likewise. True courage is a rare commodity. Hopefully some republican leaders will act fearlessly.
18
I've pondered what our daily news would be like if Trump actually wins.
Obama has been criticized 24/7 by Fox News and right wing talk radio since his inauguration in 2009. Imagine the same constant criticism of a President Trump.
He'd be spending his entire presidency lashing back. He'd need to create a Department of Twitter to respond to all of the criticism.
Obama has been criticized 24/7 by Fox News and right wing talk radio since his inauguration in 2009. Imagine the same constant criticism of a President Trump.
He'd be spending his entire presidency lashing back. He'd need to create a Department of Twitter to respond to all of the criticism.
15
Hear, hear
This is the result of FOX NEWS which has been spewing hate with anyone that did not agree with them. After all 'Ignore is Bliss" is FOX motto.
14
One appreciates your sense of civility, Mr Brooks, but what really separates this man from the policies and tactics of your party over many decades, other than the frankness with which he presents them. It's not enough to maintain dignity--you have to allow for others to maintain theirs as well. That's a lesson the GOP may finally be learning.
11
Since Ronald Reagan, three themes have dominated Republican presidential politics: militarism, materialism, and racism. This is the trickle-down impact of Republican politics, a systemic infection poisoning virtually the entire party at every political level. Donald Trump represents that four decade spiral into the filth of the gutter.
That Mr. Brooks recognizes the gutter from which Trump operates says much about his own political courage. That he remains oblivious to the thin line separating Trump from the decades old Republican election playbook these many years suggests that he himself has enabled his party to wallow in that same gutter.
That Mr. Brooks recognizes the gutter from which Trump operates says much about his own political courage. That he remains oblivious to the thin line separating Trump from the decades old Republican election playbook these many years suggests that he himself has enabled his party to wallow in that same gutter.
14
Mr. Brooks, your columns have earned my grudging respect for the conservative American viewpoint - thank you. Your remark that "the Democrats are winning a game (the conventions) that we may no longer be playing" is both insightful and unifying: now Democrat and Republican stand together wide-eyed and watch the new party ("KAOS" perhaps?) run through the streets, brandishing their pitchforks.
6
Please allow me to introduce myself...I'm a man of wealth and taste
Is it just me, or do you smell sulphur, too?
Is it just me, or do you smell sulphur, too?
14
David, all the traits you have listed here are characteristics of a Sociopath.
http://www.mcafee.cc/Bin/sb.html
http://www.mcafee.cc/Bin/sb.html
12
This man is the Republican Party. The second place finisher was Cruz. The Southern Strategy has fulfilled its promise. Take pride in your party.
14
To all those Republican career politicians: If you don't stand for something you will fall for everything.
First the Republican party became the party of "NO". Now it is in free-fall with no-one in control. I may never agree with Republican values, but they are needed for healthy balance and discourse for the good of this country.
You have willfully created this monster through encouraging racism and obstructionism and the nation is now reaping the consequences. How are you going to repair the damage that you have caused?
First the Republican party became the party of "NO". Now it is in free-fall with no-one in control. I may never agree with Republican values, but they are needed for healthy balance and discourse for the good of this country.
You have willfully created this monster through encouraging racism and obstructionism and the nation is now reaping the consequences. How are you going to repair the damage that you have caused?
15
I think it is safe to say that Messrs. Ryan and McConnell are slated to go down as great heroes in American history for their stellar performance in the present election campaign, right alongside people of the caliber of Benedict Arnold, Aaron Burr and Alger Hiss.
15
So say it, already, David. "I am not voting for Donald Trump." Stop implying it, or you are as bad as John McCain and fiends, I mean friends.
16
And you get to look your grandkids in the eye because you advocated for a Republican party in exile? That is as loopy and ineffectual a stand as silence. Your credibility and conscience demand that you take a proactive stand and support the only sane and competent candidate in the race: Hillary Clinton. It's that simple.
19
The true conservatives left in the Republican party should begin by supporting the Johnson/Weld ticket. These two very rational, thoughtful men deserve support.
1
Now that Trump has hit all of you Trump supporters over the head with a 16 pound sledge hammer of who he is, you are going to have to decide between your party and your country, and isn't that what elections ore supposed to be about anyway, picking the best person for the job? But then again, Trump may have a "good week" next week and all will be forgotten and the "anybody but Hillary" mantra will rule the day. Please, do what is right for the country and not what embarrasses you because you were coned by Don the con and wishful thinking.
2
Okay, Mr. Brooks. Are you voting for the only real alternative (Hillary Clinton)? It's time for you to endorse her, or you're one who is in cahoots with Trump.
14
With each column, David Brooks acknowledges more and more of the truth: Not just Trump, but the entire GOP is on a collision course with reality. Funny, he still holds out on the guy who started this whole dead end way of thinking--Ronald Reagan. Reagan was the original master enabler (and his team of arrogant, shallow nobodies like Arthur Laffer, Casper Weiberger, Oliver North, etc. More criminal activity than any administration in history, creation of massive permanent, gutting of infrastructure, the beginning of us a a debtor nation, on and on. All under the cry of "deficits don't matter" (something akin to Paul Ryan's economic "ideas.")
The Democrats have made some big mistakes also. But nothing like the kind of dirty pool unleashed by Reagan, as a permanent "there it is, take it" seduction to the American people.
Enablers? Again Mr. Brooks, start with yourself. Where have you been all these years?
The Democrats have made some big mistakes also. But nothing like the kind of dirty pool unleashed by Reagan, as a permanent "there it is, take it" seduction to the American people.
Enablers? Again Mr. Brooks, start with yourself. Where have you been all these years?
7
Mr Brooks.
I am staging an intervention. As a fellow Republican, Christian, White Male I am telling you and the Republican elite ... disavow Trump. Now. In the strongest terms. The first step is recognizing you have a problem. Now do something.
Party before Country = is about power.
Country before Party = is about public service.
I am voting for Hillary. I am speaking with all my Republican friends to share with them why I am voting for Hillary. And surprising most already drew that conclusion too (albeit I am a NJ/former NYC Rep so in most parts of the country I am a democrat).
Like the democrats after Carter (of whom I am a fan), the republicans need to reform, rebuild and start over.
For me, Trump (unless elected) is like the cancer that finally metastasized that must be dealt with including causes. If you want a future for the party start writing about how the party got to this point and how it needs to change to remain relevant.
I am staging an intervention. As a fellow Republican, Christian, White Male I am telling you and the Republican elite ... disavow Trump. Now. In the strongest terms. The first step is recognizing you have a problem. Now do something.
Party before Country = is about power.
Country before Party = is about public service.
I am voting for Hillary. I am speaking with all my Republican friends to share with them why I am voting for Hillary. And surprising most already drew that conclusion too (albeit I am a NJ/former NYC Rep so in most parts of the country I am a democrat).
Like the democrats after Carter (of whom I am a fan), the republicans need to reform, rebuild and start over.
For me, Trump (unless elected) is like the cancer that finally metastasized that must be dealt with including causes. If you want a future for the party start writing about how the party got to this point and how it needs to change to remain relevant.
52
Dear Mr. Brooks:
I feel disappointment that it has taken a year of Trump's self-candidacy to bring this realization.
And by the way, your antipenultimate sentence, "There comes a time when neutrality and laying low become dishonorable," really does require the intransitive "lying." A shame correct usage might introduce ambiguity.
Congratulations, and Regards,
JV
I feel disappointment that it has taken a year of Trump's self-candidacy to bring this realization.
And by the way, your antipenultimate sentence, "There comes a time when neutrality and laying low become dishonorable," really does require the intransitive "lying." A shame correct usage might introduce ambiguity.
Congratulations, and Regards,
JV
8
Unfortunately, the GOP is filled with anti-Trump's who don't realize the party is changing. They think it's Trump and after him the world will return to normal but for most of the folks, this is the new normal.
Until the elites get it through their heads to address the grievances of the "little person" then you will have a fractured party.
They had better get on the train because it's leaving the station without them and they won't have anyone to ride in the future.
Until the elites get it through their heads to address the grievances of the "little person" then you will have a fractured party.
They had better get on the train because it's leaving the station without them and they won't have anyone to ride in the future.
4
Mr. Brooks, this was very evasive. Are you going to vote for Hillary Clinton or lie low yourself?
19
Well, David, I was with you up until the next to last paragraph, where you talk about Republicans coming together to support down-party candidates and coming up with 10 policies the 'party in exile' supports. The GOP already has 10 policies--even more than 10--they support. It's called the party platform, and it's awful. I mean really, really awful. Bigoted, small-minded, misogynistic, autocratic, pugnacious. And those state and local candidates? You mean the Tea Party guys they elected the last time or the time before that? People like the angry obstructionist McConnell and the obstructionist lightweight Paul Ryan? Face it, the GOP of Eisenhower and Lincoln has been destroyed by the vicious irresponsible shills like Gingrich, Limbaugh and their minions. It's magical thinking to hope they will suddenly find some integrity and emerge as the shining party on the hill. Dishonorable is something they became long ago, not something they are in danger of becoming.
45
forget the great pumpkin! I know exactly how the republican party should pivot: pivot away from wall street and multi-national businesses and pivot towards those disenfranchised voters flocking to trump. do not talk to them about the emotionally exploitative cultural issues you used to get their votes- ask and think about the type policies that will benefit them directly economically. go to those places and ask exactly what they need to succeed in their daily lives. then yes, you have to compromise to get some of the things your way and give so the other party gets some of their way when you get back to DC.
incidentally, that's what HRC spends her time doing on the campaign trail. she goes and talks to people in those little places, quietly.
incidentally, that's what HRC spends her time doing on the campaign trail. she goes and talks to people in those little places, quietly.
10
The Republican Party stands indicted, along with their nominee for the Presidency of the United States. Their crimes are crimes against our nation itself.
From Wikipedia: "
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court."
Donald Trump has publicly pledged allegiance to Vladamir Putin. All who stand with Trump stand with Putin. Donald Trump, as a candidate for our highest office, has invited our enemy to commit espionage against his opponent. And now he calls his opponent fit to receive intelligence even after she ably and loyally represented our nation as SoS.
Shame on all of you. And shame on you, David Brooks. You have followed the rut wing through thick and thin. This is where the path always led.
Congratulations, children. You have wrecked the thing you put above your nation, the Republican Party.
From Wikipedia: "
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court."
Donald Trump has publicly pledged allegiance to Vladamir Putin. All who stand with Trump stand with Putin. Donald Trump, as a candidate for our highest office, has invited our enemy to commit espionage against his opponent. And now he calls his opponent fit to receive intelligence even after she ably and loyally represented our nation as SoS.
Shame on all of you. And shame on you, David Brooks. You have followed the rut wing through thick and thin. This is where the path always led.
Congratulations, children. You have wrecked the thing you put above your nation, the Republican Party.
12
Mr Brooks is a forthright as I remember seeing him. He is usually more nuanced. No interpretation needed here. When I hear all the enablers, explainers and apologists try to explain away Mr Trumps comments or lack of specifics it is no different than what you would hear from any mother defending a dysfunctional member of her own family. No objectivity or reason just a strong tribal tone while not answering the question.
10
Compliments, David, on a good, unequivocal essay. As Victor Laszlo says to Rick Blaine towards the end of "Casablanca", "Welcome to the fight."
12
And yet Ryan today still endorsed Trump, proving once for all that he craves power more than he values the welfare of the American people.
23
Edmund Burke in a letter to Thomas Jefferson, "The only thing necessary for evil to succeed if for good men to do nothing."
22
Quite simply, no rational argument can be made for a Trump presidency. Conversely, only the irrational can deny that there are very rational arguments for a Clinton presidency. The likes of Ryan and McConnell clearly put party before country by their milquetoast endorsement of an unhinged demagogue.
16
Thanks David. I appreciate your insights into Trump's manic personality disorder. Not sure his true believers are listening, but the respected conservatives who are speaking out is noteworthy. We all need to work together to be sure a sane and competent president is elected.
11
David:
It is NOT just "Trump's Enablers" who "Finally Have to Take a Stand." It is YOU, too.
As you write, "There comes a time when neutrality and laying low become dishonorable. If you’re not in revolt, you’re in cahoots. When this period and your name are mentioned, decades hence, your grandkids will look away in shame."
By your own criteria, your own grandkids will have reason to look away from you in shame unless/until you come out and say "Since ensuring that Trump cannot be President is the defining responsibility for us all in this election, I will vote for Hillary Clinton." Anything less (voting for Gary Johnson, or writing in someone else) is the "neutrality and laying low" you rightly condemn.
And if you were fully serious, you would join Meg Whitman, and call on others to join her and you, in working as actively as you possibly can, each and every day between now and the election, to ensure a Hillary victory. Combine that, if you want, with vigorous efforts with Whitman, Paul Ryan, and others to rebuild a Republican Party that can win the White House back in 2020.
But for 2016, please take your own words seriously.
It is NOT just "Trump's Enablers" who "Finally Have to Take a Stand." It is YOU, too.
As you write, "There comes a time when neutrality and laying low become dishonorable. If you’re not in revolt, you’re in cahoots. When this period and your name are mentioned, decades hence, your grandkids will look away in shame."
By your own criteria, your own grandkids will have reason to look away from you in shame unless/until you come out and say "Since ensuring that Trump cannot be President is the defining responsibility for us all in this election, I will vote for Hillary Clinton." Anything less (voting for Gary Johnson, or writing in someone else) is the "neutrality and laying low" you rightly condemn.
And if you were fully serious, you would join Meg Whitman, and call on others to join her and you, in working as actively as you possibly can, each and every day between now and the election, to ensure a Hillary victory. Combine that, if you want, with vigorous efforts with Whitman, Paul Ryan, and others to rebuild a Republican Party that can win the White House back in 2020.
But for 2016, please take your own words seriously.
22
First, I knew Robin Williams, and, Mr. Brooks, the Trump is no Robin Williams. Williams was a smart, witty man, for starters; the Trump is a grotesque. Tell your "trained" shrink.
I keep asking: Where were you over a year ago? It was obvious from the Trump's announcement of candidacy what he is. He's never been rational, his infantilism embarrassingly obvious.
Where were you years ago when the Trump was spewing his hideous birther nonsense? I can't recall you denouncing him then for his cruelty to our president, the blatant racism in calling for Obama's "papers", and his all-round colossal stupidity.
And who is the intended reader of this column? Do you think anybody in the oxymoronic GOP "leadership" reads the NY Times or any other reputable newspaper?
The Trump has managed to get so far, despite his many and obvious shortcomings, because the GOP is blind. If he claims he's a republican, then he is. If he claims to be wildly popular among a certain core of GOP mob voters, that's good enough for them. If a dozen or so motley ciphers are his opposition, of course he'd win the nomination.
The media was happy to cover every millisecond of the Trump's monotonous speeches, without comment or criticism, because it sold, in the same way that bloody train wrecks do.
There are ill-informed, ultra conservative voters in this country who can still skew this election. But even among die hards, the Trump must be as nauseating as he's been to the rest of us for a long time.
I keep asking: Where were you over a year ago? It was obvious from the Trump's announcement of candidacy what he is. He's never been rational, his infantilism embarrassingly obvious.
Where were you years ago when the Trump was spewing his hideous birther nonsense? I can't recall you denouncing him then for his cruelty to our president, the blatant racism in calling for Obama's "papers", and his all-round colossal stupidity.
And who is the intended reader of this column? Do you think anybody in the oxymoronic GOP "leadership" reads the NY Times or any other reputable newspaper?
The Trump has managed to get so far, despite his many and obvious shortcomings, because the GOP is blind. If he claims he's a republican, then he is. If he claims to be wildly popular among a certain core of GOP mob voters, that's good enough for them. If a dozen or so motley ciphers are his opposition, of course he'd win the nomination.
The media was happy to cover every millisecond of the Trump's monotonous speeches, without comment or criticism, because it sold, in the same way that bloody train wrecks do.
There are ill-informed, ultra conservative voters in this country who can still skew this election. But even among die hards, the Trump must be as nauseating as he's been to the rest of us for a long time.
14
Shall we just substitute "appeasers" for "enablers," then you'd have it in a nutshell.
6
Well, Mr. Brooks, when are you going to formally endorse Hillary Clinton, or was this your formal endorsement?
13
Yes, they are very dishonorable, but they need Trump in the White House to have him sign their legislations! Power is all they care about (not unlike H. Clinton).
1
As ye sow, so shall ye reap.
This column is several years too late. The time for condemnation and disapproval was when Trump was peddling ridiculous birther theories. But it was tolerated.
Trump's dishonesty and lack of character has been well known for decades. His unfitness for the Presidency is obvious and has been so for quite some time.
But the GOP powers that be tolerated him. They went along with his ridiculousness and absurdity. He was a useful idiot. And now he's their nominee for President.
It is a bitter GOP harvest this fall. But the seeds were planted years ago.
This column is several years too late. The time for condemnation and disapproval was when Trump was peddling ridiculous birther theories. But it was tolerated.
Trump's dishonesty and lack of character has been well known for decades. His unfitness for the Presidency is obvious and has been so for quite some time.
But the GOP powers that be tolerated him. They went along with his ridiculousness and absurdity. He was a useful idiot. And now he's their nominee for President.
It is a bitter GOP harvest this fall. But the seeds were planted years ago.
22
Good luck with trying to convince Republicans to act honorably. So David Brooks, when are just going to man up and say that it is time for Republicans to vote for Hillary?
20
Dear Dr. Frankenstein,
This is the monster you created. You have nourished and nurtured him through the years in places like Philadelphia, Mississippi when you spoke of "state's rights" where 3 civil rights workers had been brutally murdered. You lied about the President's birthplace and convinced yourself that he was a Muslim. You told people that "government is the problem", all the while refusing to do anything and making it a self-fulfilling prophesy. You lied about Planned Parenthood and shut down the entire government at the cost of billions of dollars. You decided to become the "party of no".
Now you are calling for the townspeople to get their torches and pitchforks out. But you don't have the courage to do it yourself.
This is the monster you created. You have nourished and nurtured him through the years in places like Philadelphia, Mississippi when you spoke of "state's rights" where 3 civil rights workers had been brutally murdered. You lied about the President's birthplace and convinced yourself that he was a Muslim. You told people that "government is the problem", all the while refusing to do anything and making it a self-fulfilling prophesy. You lied about Planned Parenthood and shut down the entire government at the cost of billions of dollars. You decided to become the "party of no".
Now you are calling for the townspeople to get their torches and pitchforks out. But you don't have the courage to do it yourself.
14
Mr. Brooks: Your party has been a shameful mess for a while. Seven plus years of obstructionism confirmed it. The emergence of Trump is the logical next step. You bear some of the shame of which you write.
14
Where are we USA politically, morally, spiritually when our best choice is to put the Clintons back in the White House????
2
Right again, David! I have followed your growing dismay and concern with the GOP pick through this election cycle. Your points are cogent and shareable to hopefully strip the scales from the eyes of those who still support him out of sheer stubbornness and commitment to a party that has been in a state of push/pull since Reagan trying to find a relatable identity.
4
Thank you, Mr. Brooks. I have voted Republican in every election since 1992, but not this year. I have watched with shame and bafflement as Rebpublicans have tried to defend a man who is indefensible. This year I will vote for Hillary, as the only sane alternative to the horror that is Donald Trump.
21
I enjoy reading David Brooks' op-ed opinions each week as well as his comments on each Friday's NewsHour. Our current presidential election is the strangest I can recall and Trump is the scariest candidate I can recall. In this "no holds barred", straightforward column, Brooks captures perfectly the essence of Trump - the "70-year-old man-child compelled by a childlike impulse to lash out at anything that threatens his fragile identity". Putting such a person in charge of our nuclear arsenal would be opening the door to potential nuclear destruction. Brooks is right that it is time, for the sake of not just the Republican Party but the entire country, that Republican leaders show some backbone and sever any ties with or support of Trump's candidacy.
5
David: The safety words to get out of the Fellini-esque orgy of self-destruction the Republicans have been directing since Reagan are: "I will vote for Hillary."
9
Publicly endorse Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Brooks. You must. It may save your soul.
9
I was wondering when Brooks would call for a formal split in the party. I personally thinks it is eight years late but I understand. You have to wonder where the GOP or the reinvented GOP would be now if that split had occurred.
4
How come we believe he raised $82 million. Trump is a known liar and plays fast and loose with facts and figures. I have my suspicions about how much was really raised. Show me the money!
6
Republicans are assisting in "plans" for the sore loser uprising, by remaining mum about the "fixed election." Those who don't denounce him will go down with him. All the better for a sunnier, more productive, more equitable, smoother running country. (I noticed in one the the NYT pictures of Trump, just how short his fingers are! Ha!)
7
If Donald Trump's intent is not to become president, but rather, to destroy the Republican party, have a good time by gas-lighting Republicans, pulling off one of the biggest 'Andy Kaufman's' the world has ever seen, and lose the election while claiming it was "rigged" so as not to lose all his nut-job followers, and then start his own right-wing media enterprise, a la Ailes/Murdoch, then he's not mentally ill.
If he truly is trying to win the presidency (which I do not believe he is...he's just not that dumb) then this is not mania, but rather, characterological (narcissistic/psychopathic), and I also think he may have untreated ADHD.
If he truly is trying to win the presidency (which I do not believe he is...he's just not that dumb) then this is not mania, but rather, characterological (narcissistic/psychopathic), and I also think he may have untreated ADHD.
12
The current GOP platform is Fear. Fear Clinton. Fear BLM. Fear Transgenders. Fear Isil. The current GOP party. Fear the Donald (base). The Trump Supporters as a base is always and will be part of the GOP. They have nowhere to turn to so they are trying to take over. This base have the same fears and they express it through their support of Donald Trump. The GOP should look to Kansas where the extremists of their party are being soundly defeated. What they should really fear is the destruction of any sensible GOP. Let Donald Trump run, crash and hopefully the moderate GOP party returns.
13
Too late. The Republican Party folded under Trump months ago. Starting with RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, who gave "The Donald" Carte Blanche to do whatever came into that twitter-sized brain of his, and a glowing pass on showing his income tax documents.
After a little squirming and many insults later, Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan joined the league of sycophants, ready to do their new master's bidding. Since then, very few have resisted the call to fall in line to make America hate again.
If anything, that's what makes it almost impossible to believe that Trump's enablers will do anything different from what the've been doing so far.
Namely, enabling Trump to do, and be more of the same.
After a little squirming and many insults later, Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan joined the league of sycophants, ready to do their new master's bidding. Since then, very few have resisted the call to fall in line to make America hate again.
If anything, that's what makes it almost impossible to believe that Trump's enablers will do anything different from what the've been doing so far.
Namely, enabling Trump to do, and be more of the same.
29
Mr. Brooks' commentary is so true and so on target that it makes my heart ache in sadness for what Donald Trump is doing to America, and it makes my hands tremble in fear of what Trump might do if by some unimaginable crack in the order of things he were to be elected to the most important office in the world.
31
Paul Krugman had it correct months ago. Republicans who said Trump would be a disaster would ultimately endorse him on the grounds that Clinton was worse. That seems to be exactly what is happening. It is so insane as to call into question the entire Republican Party.
34
Thank you, Mr. Brooks, for stating what has been obvious for at least six months now. Trump is mentally ill, and unfit for the Presidency on medical grounds. I find it remarkable that he has managed to exist and function in the business world for so long without having this diagnosis made earlier. Surely there must be people who have known him for decades. Couldn't they see that the man needed help? Why didn't they speak up when this man burst on the political scene with his vile statements about the President's citizenship?
12
I find it interesting the David Brooks and many other enablers of the GOP dysfunction are in open panic of the man they played an active roll in creating. Their constant attacks on Democrats and progressive policy, their constant criticism of President Obama, their support of dark money flowing to tea-party haters. David is part of the problem and should be held accountable for what he and his ilk (Krauthhammer, Will etc.) have done to America by enabling people like Trump, Rubio, and the most vile - Ted Cruz. David - you are the problem.
7
The forecast for Monday in Kennebunkport, Maine is sunny and 82. That's lovely weather to sit on the back patio of the Bush estate and for the elder and younger Presidents Bush to make some real good ice tea, and invite some people over. I'd invite Sen. McCain, Gov. Romney, Sen. Snowe, Sen. Collins, Sen. Rubio, Gov. Kasich, Gov. Jeb Bush, Carly Fiorina, Sen. Snow,
Gov. Pataki, and Sec. Powell. While enjoying the cool Maine winds, I'd chat about where the GOP has gone wrong over the last decade, and how it needs to remember that it can bring back a group called the Reagan Democrat. It can reach out to the disenfranchised. And then it would be time for a bold talk: whether to endorse Sen. Clinton - who realistically shares some platform themes with 'moderate' Republicans, or whether its time to field an Independent Republican ticket. A Kasich/Rubio ticket could be strong enough to pull voters from both sides. Regardless, the refreshing ice tea has to be eclipsed by the refreshing boldness that the established GOP must display ASAP.
Gov. Pataki, and Sec. Powell. While enjoying the cool Maine winds, I'd chat about where the GOP has gone wrong over the last decade, and how it needs to remember that it can bring back a group called the Reagan Democrat. It can reach out to the disenfranchised. And then it would be time for a bold talk: whether to endorse Sen. Clinton - who realistically shares some platform themes with 'moderate' Republicans, or whether its time to field an Independent Republican ticket. A Kasich/Rubio ticket could be strong enough to pull voters from both sides. Regardless, the refreshing ice tea has to be eclipsed by the refreshing boldness that the established GOP must display ASAP.
7
Trump's Enablers have such little ammunition to counter Trump's critics because the candidate himself lacks such knowledge. Trump talks in tweets, blurbs, bumper sticker sloganeering a person of average intelligence can see right through.
The problem with the core of Trump's Enablers is that they will not listen to reason, they are beyond that. They are more than willing and ready to hunker down in Trump's bunker to the bitter end. They will never give up. Remember the Alamo.
Trump is a fraud and a charlatan who will continue to lead them on, someone who unflinchingly is taking them to cleaners just as he did those who went bankrupt attending Trump "university". They are ready to go down with the SS Trump. All that's left is to start re-arranging the deck chairs.
DD
Manhattan
The problem with the core of Trump's Enablers is that they will not listen to reason, they are beyond that. They are more than willing and ready to hunker down in Trump's bunker to the bitter end. They will never give up. Remember the Alamo.
Trump is a fraud and a charlatan who will continue to lead them on, someone who unflinchingly is taking them to cleaners just as he did those who went bankrupt attending Trump "university". They are ready to go down with the SS Trump. All that's left is to start re-arranging the deck chairs.
DD
Manhattan
9
David Brooks has nailed the Trump diagnosis in withering detail. That such a person has won the support of the Republican party reflects the psyche of one third of America and the toxic ooze emanating from conservative media for two decades.
14
I've been wondering for months now why Mitt, Mitch, Ryan, etc. don't all just grow a pair and exit the republican party, which has become a party of angry white men. Start a new party. Call it the Conservative Party. Stand up for yourselves. Clean up the inconsistencies in the GOP platform. Get serious about opening the tent. I will still be a democrat, but at least then I would have some respect for the opposing party. As it is, I actually (almost) feel sorry for mainstream republicans who have lost their political home.
9
Republicans need to reject this man as mentally unfit and put up a different candidate if there is to be any hope for the Republicans saving their party. Ryan could probably beat Clinton in an election even after dropping Trump.
3
It's peculiar when conservatives are surprised at the racists and sexists who make up part of the GOP. They've always been there. They helped elect Reagan and Bush 1, Bush 2. The more respectable elements of the GOP have used the less respectable for decade after decade. In fact, they might not have gotten elected without them. What does that say about the GOP?
13
I remember the camera pan to the Trump sons while their father was delivering his first major speech -- the acceptance speech. There was no harmony or joy in their eyes or their faces. They knew something was terribly wrong. The Trump speechwriter -- the one who works for Jeff Sessions, had no idea how to write a timeless redemption-speech which Trump needed at that point.
The sons simply do not know how to advise their dad on anything nor it seems does anybody else. Paul Manafort is just as much a misfit as Trump himself.
Every voter has to ask how on earth is Donald Trump going to be able to hire a team of superlative agency heads to help govern our country? What caliber would work for him?
Donald Trump is going to resign and turn the candidate spot over to Mike Pence. And Donald Trump is going to go down as one of history's biggest losers. "Believe me!" And 18 million GOP primary voters will never get it.
The sons simply do not know how to advise their dad on anything nor it seems does anybody else. Paul Manafort is just as much a misfit as Trump himself.
Every voter has to ask how on earth is Donald Trump going to be able to hire a team of superlative agency heads to help govern our country? What caliber would work for him?
Donald Trump is going to resign and turn the candidate spot over to Mike Pence. And Donald Trump is going to go down as one of history's biggest losers. "Believe me!" And 18 million GOP primary voters will never get it.
18
Earlier this year I said to some of my friends that Mr. Trump wants Mrs. Clinton to win and to destroy the GOP; that was his goal. It looks like he is succeeding. In other words he is a mole and wants to be President as much as he wanted to join the military.
4
"Some people compare Trump to the great authoritarians of history, but that’s wrong. They were generally disciplined men with grandiose plans. Trump is underdeveloped and unregulated."
It's not that I compare him to despots so much as I compare his followers to their followers and I find myself churning with worry for our country's health, our citizens, my tiny granddaughter who has an extra chromosome, people who are not deemed "American" even though they were born in this country, people who tell the truth using facts and are dismissed because they make bad theater, people who dare to disagree.
The despots have always been able to find that kernel of "me first" and cloak it as "make [whatever] great again," leading the angry lamb-mobs to the slaughter.
It's not that I compare him to despots so much as I compare his followers to their followers and I find myself churning with worry for our country's health, our citizens, my tiny granddaughter who has an extra chromosome, people who are not deemed "American" even though they were born in this country, people who tell the truth using facts and are dismissed because they make bad theater, people who dare to disagree.
The despots have always been able to find that kernel of "me first" and cloak it as "make [whatever] great again," leading the angry lamb-mobs to the slaughter.
19
It's barefisted punches such as I've never seen. It's all-out war against Trump now. The sensible Brooks and the rational Peggy Noonan supported by the bow-tied prig, George Will have all stepped into the ring and swinging wildly. No Trump. Not ever.
21
Some Trump followers exhibit the mental state of domestic abusers. Truth be told, behind all that raging is fragility so terrifying they'd rather destroy their own family than admit to that weakness.
All of us are vulnerable, and when we don't admit it, we are enslaved by the fear that shame generates. These distraught people feel left out in the cold as if everyone has abandoned them. They need to be brought back to the whole somehow. I hate to see people suffering needlessly.
All of us are vulnerable, and when we don't admit it, we are enslaved by the fear that shame generates. These distraught people feel left out in the cold as if everyone has abandoned them. They need to be brought back to the whole somehow. I hate to see people suffering needlessly.
9
"He looks at the grieving mother of a war hero and is unable to recognize her pain. "
He failed the human test with that, and that produced a pronounced ground shift in the week that followed. While there are ideologues at both ends who doggedly prioritize ideas over the human factor, the middle is not like that. And Trump's human failure is now registering with the middle.
He's doing a great job - as a disciple of Roy Cohn. The problem is, Roy Cohn's success was not with the general public, but with insiders. A general election is different. And he did not have a good end, did he?
He failed the human test with that, and that produced a pronounced ground shift in the week that followed. While there are ideologues at both ends who doggedly prioritize ideas over the human factor, the middle is not like that. And Trump's human failure is now registering with the middle.
He's doing a great job - as a disciple of Roy Cohn. The problem is, Roy Cohn's success was not with the general public, but with insiders. A general election is different. And he did not have a good end, did he?
3
Brooks analysis of Trump's pathology and his urging for GOP leaders to take open action on what is a clearly visible and needed principled stand necessitates politicians out there with that needed courage. Sadly, I question how many principled politicians there are in that category . . . who are the leaders that they claim to be.
1
Sick of reading your column and reading the same drivel about acting our conscience, ethical behavior, making a better world for our children, that reason should triumph over fear and hate. The American experiment is a delicate balance between freedom of the self and hate of the other. Hate has grown in the majority ethnic group toward minorities, you can put forward your sophistry and punditry, but those voting for Trump don't read, and they don't care what you have to say.
Your party has enabled his rise and is obviously complicit. This race hate is the core of the modern Republican party, so embrace it, switch parties, or start a new one. You want the Republican party to return to its roots in economic conservatism, fiscal responsibility, small government, except that's not really what Republicans stand for. They stood for pilfering the poor to give to the rich of European descent. Now they want to give to the poor of European descent. The core was always hate.
Your party has enabled his rise and is obviously complicit. This race hate is the core of the modern Republican party, so embrace it, switch parties, or start a new one. You want the Republican party to return to its roots in economic conservatism, fiscal responsibility, small government, except that's not really what Republicans stand for. They stood for pilfering the poor to give to the rich of European descent. Now they want to give to the poor of European descent. The core was always hate.
5
Well said Mr. Brooks. It is good to see that sane people still exist on the right. And if, someday the Republican party comes to its senses I may rejoin. But for now, I'm out. I won't be a part the effort to try to hand the country over to an unhinged sociopath. And quite honestly, I think anyone who is involved in that effort whether explicitly or (spinelessly) implicitly is committing treason and history will not be kind to them.
10
Mr. Brooks:
One of the most extraordinary aspects of our democracy is the transfer of power from one president to the next. For more than 200 years, "I ___ do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States" is all we have required for the president to swear as he begins to serve.
Over and over again, these thirty-plus words, so simple and straightforward, have been spoken, as power transfers with no attempted coups, no military battles, no mobs in the street.
Even when Richard Nixon was sure Joe Kennedy and Mayor Daley had "stolen" the election for JFK, Nixon conceded, and our democracy continued. Even when Al Gore won the popular vote, and had the election given to Bush by the Supreme Court ( a mini-coup), Gore accepted the decision. No whining, no shouting, no charges of rigging. Al Gore understood that there was something more vital at stake than his personal hurt, and loss. Even the paranoid Richard Nixon understood as much.
But you and your cohorts have no such understanding. For eight years you have delegitimized the Obama presidency, egged on McConnell, Boehner, Ryan, the Tea Party, and Trump, the birther man.
What'll happen when Clinton wins? Trump is already laying the ground work for "rigged." Riots? Military protecting Clinton as she takes the oath of office?
What have you done?
And when will you endorse Clinton?
One of the most extraordinary aspects of our democracy is the transfer of power from one president to the next. For more than 200 years, "I ___ do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States" is all we have required for the president to swear as he begins to serve.
Over and over again, these thirty-plus words, so simple and straightforward, have been spoken, as power transfers with no attempted coups, no military battles, no mobs in the street.
Even when Richard Nixon was sure Joe Kennedy and Mayor Daley had "stolen" the election for JFK, Nixon conceded, and our democracy continued. Even when Al Gore won the popular vote, and had the election given to Bush by the Supreme Court ( a mini-coup), Gore accepted the decision. No whining, no shouting, no charges of rigging. Al Gore understood that there was something more vital at stake than his personal hurt, and loss. Even the paranoid Richard Nixon understood as much.
But you and your cohorts have no such understanding. For eight years you have delegitimized the Obama presidency, egged on McConnell, Boehner, Ryan, the Tea Party, and Trump, the birther man.
What'll happen when Clinton wins? Trump is already laying the ground work for "rigged." Riots? Military protecting Clinton as she takes the oath of office?
What have you done?
And when will you endorse Clinton?
13
Reasonable Americans need to stop fantasizing that Republicans do not share Trump's bigotry, ignorance, fear, hate, cowardice and penchant for violent bullying.
We cannot confidently surmise what is in politicians' "secret hearts," but we can listen to the words they say and make rational inferences.
Ryan, McCain, McConnell, and almost all other Republican politicians say they support the party's nominee and its platform.
The GOP's nominee is Donald Trump; the GOP's platform is prejudice, intolerance, anti-democracy and pro-Russian
So, let us all candidly admit to ourselves:
Today's Republican leadership is disloyal to America and concerned only with its self-serving grasp on power.
Brooks will suffocate if he "holds his breath waiting" for Republican politicians to display patriotic moral courage.
We cannot confidently surmise what is in politicians' "secret hearts," but we can listen to the words they say and make rational inferences.
Ryan, McCain, McConnell, and almost all other Republican politicians say they support the party's nominee and its platform.
The GOP's nominee is Donald Trump; the GOP's platform is prejudice, intolerance, anti-democracy and pro-Russian
So, let us all candidly admit to ourselves:
Today's Republican leadership is disloyal to America and concerned only with its self-serving grasp on power.
Brooks will suffocate if he "holds his breath waiting" for Republican politicians to display patriotic moral courage.
8
The people are shouting, "Hear us roar!" There are dozens of charts depicting the vast income inequality in our country. We hear about the bottom 90% who have been shunted out of the economic rise of this global economy. Donald Trump "honors" and exploits the voices of the 90%. Those are damn good percentages with which to win the presidency.
1
Many of the other commenters are pushing for the next step - a full-throated Hillary endorsement.
While I agree with most of their thoughts on Brooks' long history as an enabler on the policy side, most of us can agree that Trump represents a dangerous step forward. You can disagree with me on policy, and we'll continue to talk about that. But I, for one, am encouraged that at least we can agree that, no matter what, we can't give Trump nuclear weapons to play with, under any circumstances. As long as your actions reflect your words, that's enough for now.
While I agree with most of their thoughts on Brooks' long history as an enabler on the policy side, most of us can agree that Trump represents a dangerous step forward. You can disagree with me on policy, and we'll continue to talk about that. But I, for one, am encouraged that at least we can agree that, no matter what, we can't give Trump nuclear weapons to play with, under any circumstances. As long as your actions reflect your words, that's enough for now.
5
I don't buy the argument that the media is somehow to blame for giving Trump so much attention. If I watch an endless video loop of an actual train wreck, it doesn't make me a fan of train wrecks. Indeed, it would impress on me the need to be sure that whoever is driving the train is experienced and mentally stable. If watching the endless loop of a political train wreck that is Donald Trump makes him more appealing to some voters, then the real question becomes what is wrong with people who are are apparently willing to risk a catastrophic, head-on collision just to "shake things up."
4
Elected officials of them Republican Party simply will not come out "against" Trump, as it will risk most of their chances for reelection, the #1 goal of every elected official. Right/wrong, good/bad, whatever, it is that simple. This would hold for the other party as well.
I have written a lot of negative comments on Mr. Brooks columns over the years, often accusing him of being an enabler of the Republican party's worst excesses. But today Mr. Brooks does a good job of calling out the Republican politicians who are part of the problem. Thought it would have been good for him to name names.
Of course there are lots of racists and homophobes out there who actually agree with the Trump message, but what about the rest of the Republicans?
Trump has become the ultimate litmus test for the future of the Republican party. If party leaders, normal Republican voters and conservative commentators don't come out against Trump, they will be tarnished for the rest of their lives.
Of course there are lots of racists and homophobes out there who actually agree with the Trump message, but what about the rest of the Republicans?
Trump has become the ultimate litmus test for the future of the Republican party. If party leaders, normal Republican voters and conservative commentators don't come out against Trump, they will be tarnished for the rest of their lives.
9
The republican party has been feasting on the souls of Americans for decades now. The suck dry the souls of their low information, incurious base just as they suck dry the soul of American progress.
35 years of trickle down orthodox, nay dogma, have proven the myth of unfettered free markets to be just that, myth. Yet republicans double down with every breath because their handlers in the 1% demand it.
There should be a place in our system for true conservativism, in fact there needs to be a place for it. We just haven't seen it for a half century now.
All we have seen is the ugly face of raw greed; greed for wealth and greed for power. RAW.
35 years of trickle down orthodox, nay dogma, have proven the myth of unfettered free markets to be just that, myth. Yet republicans double down with every breath because their handlers in the 1% demand it.
There should be a place in our system for true conservativism, in fact there needs to be a place for it. We just haven't seen it for a half century now.
All we have seen is the ugly face of raw greed; greed for wealth and greed for power. RAW.
8
I feel sure that we've entered some topsy-turvy world when I find myself regularly agreeing with the likes of David Brooks and Bill Kristol, and admiring the integrity of the Bushes, Mitt Romney, and Ted Cruz. Has an apocalypse-sized tornado scooped up our country and deposited it in the Land of Oz?
So I shut my eyes and click my ruby-red heels together, chanting, "There's no place like home, there's no place like home."
But every time I open them, there it is again, Donald Trump's tumid orange visage spewing hate and nonsense from my TV screen.
Unfortunately, Dorothy, we are in Kansas after all.
So I shut my eyes and click my ruby-red heels together, chanting, "There's no place like home, there's no place like home."
But every time I open them, there it is again, Donald Trump's tumid orange visage spewing hate and nonsense from my TV screen.
Unfortunately, Dorothy, we are in Kansas after all.
11
The Republican party is Trump. Changing the head of the ticket will not change that fact. Will the platform change? Will the hatred of the president change? Will Rep. Ryan change his disastrous tax and social security policies? Will supply side economics be rejected? Will climate change and science in general be accepted? The list goes on.
The Republican party is Trump and in many ways worse than Trump.
The Republican party is Trump and in many ways worse than Trump.
17
I wonder when your views on Trump will become a united national rhetoric. Gosh, I hope soon. Despite recent setbacks, Trump stands poised to join ranks with the worst political choices in history, only this time, the US will have done the unthinkable in making that call. How many bloody dictatorships will the world have to witness before the collective conscience affirms that greed, narcissism, cruelty and ignorance are not the makings of a just and effective leader? Et tu America?
6
Blaming it all on Trump is not honest. When Republicans started using the "southern strategy" they sold their souls. After decades the party has "evolved" to the point where it was easily hijacked by Trump using his anti-politically-correct strategy. Funny thing - it wasn't the "liberal" political correctness that Trump attacked. It was the Republican political correctness that Trump and his supporters rejected. That is what has revealed Ryan and McConnell's mendacity. Trump has revealed the true nature of what has become of the "party of Lincoln".
8
David, I agree. But here is what I want. As a proud independent, I also see Hillary Clinton as a deeply flawed person. Her lies, paranoia, and scheming remind me of Richard Nixon. She may well be a better choice than Mr. Trump, but I would like the media (and in my dreams, the Democratic leadership), be honest with us. Admit it: "She has character flaws. We recognize this. We will do our best to keep her in check and to safeguard the country against stonewalling, obfuscations, and factual distortions. You have our promise." Please recognize that for those of us in the middle, this is a choice between the lesser of two evils. Please admit it. And then you will get consensus on the best thing to do for America. I promise.
5
As so many of us do, I fear for our country were Mr. Trump to occupy the Oval.
As an independent and as a perennial Democrat, I also fear for the Republican Party. Tom Friedman called the Republican Party "morally bankrupt" in a piece a few months ago. Today, it would appear that Chapter 9 has long past.
I believe this county, the world, needs an America with a vibrant, robust 2 party system. It's worked pretty well these past centuries. Were Mr. Trump to lose this election without the soul of the Republican Party expressing moral outrage at his behavior, what happens to the Grand Ole Party and this country after the votes are counted?
As an independent and as a perennial Democrat, I also fear for the Republican Party. Tom Friedman called the Republican Party "morally bankrupt" in a piece a few months ago. Today, it would appear that Chapter 9 has long past.
I believe this county, the world, needs an America with a vibrant, robust 2 party system. It's worked pretty well these past centuries. Were Mr. Trump to lose this election without the soul of the Republican Party expressing moral outrage at his behavior, what happens to the Grand Ole Party and this country after the votes are counted?
4
The most concerning issue of a Trump presidency is that of the "Bully Pulpit" that every President has, popular or unpopular. He can move stock markets, topple governments, start wars with only a few mis-spoken words. How does one bridle that tonque?
6
Mitch McConnell set the Rep. agenda after the 2008 election when he vowed to stop everything Pres.Obama would do. I blame him more than anyone else for the downward fall of the GOP. He has impeded progress on any issue including the Supreme Ct. nominee leaving the court one member short. This may prove to be another contested election and somehow find it's way to the Court for a decision. Though my biggest fear is that no one will receive a clear majority with the Libertarian's Johnson in the mix, and the House of Reps will declare the next President as per the constitution. If that happens, who can predict the outcome?
15
I concur with David Brooks here. I am a Republican who honestly votes for the better candidate, so I have voted for Democrats on occasion. I did not support Donald Trump in my caucus and I cannot vote for him in the general election. Hillary Clinton is a deeply flawed candidate, but after watching Donald Trump over the past few weeks there is little choice. Donald Trump’s pattern of lying as a first response (e.g. letters from the NFL and Paul Ryan, Koch brothers invite) makes simply not fully supporting or ignoring him not enough.
10
In a world of common sense, responsible reporting, and accountable polititical finance, Donald Trump would not be a candidate, or else if so, he'd crash so hard Republicans would lose control of both houses durably. This is a defining moment for our nation. How badly do they want to win at any cost? Tell us now my Republican friends. We need conservative thought as much as we need progressive thought. But, not at any price.
7
Far worse than the behavior of the candidate is the behavior of his most faithful followers. He is slowly (maybe not so slowly) becoming the leader of those with a lynch-mob mentality. It was Obama's Presidency that revealed to us just how wide the racial rift is in this country, but it took Trump's candidacy to show us the depth of the viciousness of those who espouse such divisiveness.
12
Mr. Brooks,
You and your fellow Republican intellectuals have been playing your dangerous game since the Civil Rights movement. You believed your base consisted of dedicated conservatives, when it was mostly dedicated racists and nativists. Trump has exposed the party for what it is, a home for white privilege. As long as it resulted in election wins, you and the other conservative thinkers were happy to have their support and pretend that they agreed with your philosophy. Now the Donald has explicitly run on policy that directly contradicts Republican orthodoxy, and the base wholeheartedly supports him. It's time to admit to yourself that the party has to confront this ugly truth. It can no longer pretend that the vast majority of its support is based on principles espoused by its leaders. Trump's explicit calls to racism, xenophobia, nativism, and white privilege have exposed the party for what it has become - a collection of conservative office holders who must depend upon the worst instincts of the American electorate to remain relevant. It's not Trump that patriotic Republicans should explicitly renounce, it's that portion of its base that put him on the ticket. Of course since doing so will relegate the party to permanent minority status, I won't hold my breath.
You and your fellow Republican intellectuals have been playing your dangerous game since the Civil Rights movement. You believed your base consisted of dedicated conservatives, when it was mostly dedicated racists and nativists. Trump has exposed the party for what it is, a home for white privilege. As long as it resulted in election wins, you and the other conservative thinkers were happy to have their support and pretend that they agreed with your philosophy. Now the Donald has explicitly run on policy that directly contradicts Republican orthodoxy, and the base wholeheartedly supports him. It's time to admit to yourself that the party has to confront this ugly truth. It can no longer pretend that the vast majority of its support is based on principles espoused by its leaders. Trump's explicit calls to racism, xenophobia, nativism, and white privilege have exposed the party for what it has become - a collection of conservative office holders who must depend upon the worst instincts of the American electorate to remain relevant. It's not Trump that patriotic Republicans should explicitly renounce, it's that portion of its base that put him on the ticket. Of course since doing so will relegate the party to permanent minority status, I won't hold my breath.
9
Every Republican is an enabler of Drumpf; guilty by association unless proven otherwise.
Solution: next election, vote against every Republican, for every office, at every level. Send a message. Be patriotic; save the country.
Solution: next election, vote against every Republican, for every office, at every level. Send a message. Be patriotic; save the country.
9
Brooks frames the current Trump situation arguing, "Over the past few days, Trump has destroyed this middle ground. He’s exposed the wet noodle Republicans as suckers, or worse. Trump has shown that he is not a normal candidate. He is a political rampage charging ever more wildly out of control. And no, he cannot be changed.
"He cannot be contained because he is psychologically off the chain."
I'm wondering why Brooks declines to draw a more trenchant conclusion about Trump. namely, that he deliberately and clearly exemplifies the spirit of Nietzschean Uberman. The collective, social norms and mores valued by America as the fabric of its socio-political identification are held in contempt by neo-Nietzscheans, as embodiments of mediocrity.
"He cannot be contained because he is psychologically off the chain."
I'm wondering why Brooks declines to draw a more trenchant conclusion about Trump. namely, that he deliberately and clearly exemplifies the spirit of Nietzschean Uberman. The collective, social norms and mores valued by America as the fabric of its socio-political identification are held in contempt by neo-Nietzscheans, as embodiments of mediocrity.
2
What happens after this election? We will still be left with an electorate that has already shown itself willing to vote in substantial numbers for an idiot, still left with a populace eager to be deluded, convinced that everything has gone so wrong that they are willing to make it worse. Trump will not go away. He will continue to bellow that the system is rigged and make a fortune off of his brand of hatred. Even if he loses he has already succeeded in clearing a path for an even more cunning pack of demagogues with sharper teeth to tear away at the dying carcass of this country. How did we get here?
6
Excellent analysis. To me, this line is critical line: "Trump is permanently tainting the names of conservatism and the Republican Party and the many good men and women who have built and served it."
I'm actually surprised that so many Republicans are willing to let this happen. Trump is not invincible: he's captivated a key constituency and has a motivated base, but little else (i.e., no grand strategy, no philosophical depth). Still, I cannot understand the hesitation to break ranks and disavow him, to try to save something of the Republican party's honor before Trump burns it to the ground.
If you happen to be on a train headed for a collision, the best instinct is to either pull the emergency brake or jump off, if you can. The whole facade of "unity" means that these "wet noodle" Republicans are willing to stand on the Trump train until it careens against the wall, possibly taking their own careers with it, and certainly the honor of the GOP as a whole. As you once wrote, it's *not too late*. Jump, folks!
I'm actually surprised that so many Republicans are willing to let this happen. Trump is not invincible: he's captivated a key constituency and has a motivated base, but little else (i.e., no grand strategy, no philosophical depth). Still, I cannot understand the hesitation to break ranks and disavow him, to try to save something of the Republican party's honor before Trump burns it to the ground.
If you happen to be on a train headed for a collision, the best instinct is to either pull the emergency brake or jump off, if you can. The whole facade of "unity" means that these "wet noodle" Republicans are willing to stand on the Trump train until it careens against the wall, possibly taking their own careers with it, and certainly the honor of the GOP as a whole. As you once wrote, it's *not too late*. Jump, folks!
6
As much as Mr. Brooks' column is good, it is not framed within the larger context of historical forces at work in our nation and world. Charles Blow's column yesterday seemed more on point. Donald Trump speaks to the deep angst of a fading era of white, straight, male dominance. White men are reacting to a fundamental shift in the power dynamic - one where globalization and people of all races, genders, nationalities and creeds are gaining greater access to economic and political influence. Trump has identified the still potent force of white male privilege and is promising he alone will restore its prominence. He is smarter than many give him credit. Until now, establishment GOP figures, like Mr. Ryan, have been willing to feed this 'beast' to gain power. But that whirlwind is here to stay for at least another thirty years. Until then, the GOP will not be a Party capable of reasoned government, but instead one of increasingly dangerous anger, disruption, and racism.
3
"Trump is permanently tainting the names of conservatism and the Republican Party and the many good men and women who have built and served it."
Hilarious. The panic mode heightens with each passing day. "Tainting the names of conservatism and the Republican Party?" What was left untainted perhaps by their enlightened policy of gridlock over the last eight years? Or perhaps by the policies initiated four decades ago that gave us the end of unionism, government shutdowns and the redistribution of wealth to the tippy top of our economic pyramid? Just as Ronald Reagan, one of the most mean-spirited men who ever occupied the oval office, has been recast as an American saint, conservative scribes are now crafting demonic images of a man whose greatest sin is that he owes them nothing.
Hilarious. The panic mode heightens with each passing day. "Tainting the names of conservatism and the Republican Party?" What was left untainted perhaps by their enlightened policy of gridlock over the last eight years? Or perhaps by the policies initiated four decades ago that gave us the end of unionism, government shutdowns and the redistribution of wealth to the tippy top of our economic pyramid? Just as Ronald Reagan, one of the most mean-spirited men who ever occupied the oval office, has been recast as an American saint, conservative scribes are now crafting demonic images of a man whose greatest sin is that he owes them nothing.
3
David Brooks, your evaluation of Donald Trump confirms my conclusions drawn from a Washington Post verbatim of an hour long interview with Donald Trump. What was telling was the observations of other readers. One person noted that Trump's short attention span, the lack of specifics on any topic, and being easily distracted by a television broadcast reminded him of talking to nursing home residents. Sad for all, Donald Trump, the voters who voted (many of whom it was their first time voting in a primary election), the Republican Party, the Republican Primary process, and the country (that we have to endure this embarrassment).
2
I fear it's too little, too late for the Republican party to suddenly become the party of introspection. They have made it clear that they are not equipped (or willing) to do that. Perhaps it's a brain chemistry thing.
The task would have been a bit easier about 30 years ago, before they jettisoned sanity and reason for ignorance, racism, soulless gun envy, and an anti-intellectualism that sets us light years apart from all other civilized nations.
I wish them, and America, much luck. If I were a betting person....
The task would have been a bit easier about 30 years ago, before they jettisoned sanity and reason for ignorance, racism, soulless gun envy, and an anti-intellectualism that sets us light years apart from all other civilized nations.
I wish them, and America, much luck. If I were a betting person....
4
The GOP elite won't take a stand until they conclude that Trump is a clear threat to their own well being (that's all that ever mattered to them) and that the consequences of sticking with him will be worse than dumping him before the election. If they stick with him, the GOP will surely go down in flames on election day and could even lose one or both congressional majorities. If they dump him, the members of the base that nominated Trump will have final confirmation that the party elite doesn't represent or respect them, and Trump and the GOP will still go down in flames. No political party could be more deserving of its current dilemma.
4
It is important to acknowledge that Donald Trump's key support comes from the Tea Party base.
Mr. Brooks speaks for a lost legion Republican Party. As a young man I was registered with that legion. You remember that Republican Party? The people who brought you the Freeways? Thus creating the great post World War ll economy. The Freeways have created more jobs, both directly but more importantly, indirectly, than any other industry by far.
The best way forward, for Republicans is to embrace tremendous spending on infrastructure, as investment. Both maintainence and great new works such as a national electric grid that would allow states like North Carolina sell their electricity (wind, natural gas, nuclear?) to both coasts, bypassing all of those little state monopolies . This would require one great sacrifice by the party. They would have to let go of that cute little four word phase, which has come to encompass their entire political philosophy i.e. Government Is The Problem, and replace it with the difficult process of thought.
Mr. Brooks speaks for a lost legion Republican Party. As a young man I was registered with that legion. You remember that Republican Party? The people who brought you the Freeways? Thus creating the great post World War ll economy. The Freeways have created more jobs, both directly but more importantly, indirectly, than any other industry by far.
The best way forward, for Republicans is to embrace tremendous spending on infrastructure, as investment. Both maintainence and great new works such as a national electric grid that would allow states like North Carolina sell their electricity (wind, natural gas, nuclear?) to both coasts, bypassing all of those little state monopolies . This would require one great sacrifice by the party. They would have to let go of that cute little four word phase, which has come to encompass their entire political philosophy i.e. Government Is The Problem, and replace it with the difficult process of thought.
5
I get it. You will not be voting for Donald Trump. Nor, apparently, will be many of the Conservative pundits writing in the main stream media.
Now comes the hard part, writing a column opining Hillary Clinton is not the devil, so craven and crooked as to be beyond historical precedence. Rather, like the fabled castor oil of old, she is just the medicine the Republicans need to take over the next four years to become a serious political party once again.
Take heart. Four years is not so long. Sure, it may be long enough to strengthen and perhaps even expand Obamacare; or, to address run away costs for public higher education students; or, to travel further on the path to addressing climate change. Who knows; we might even legislate sensible gun control, do something about immigration perhaps even initiate tax reform. It is unlikely, however, that such advances will so change the American electorate as to put us on a slippery slope toward socialistic tyranny.
Now comes the hard part, writing a column opining Hillary Clinton is not the devil, so craven and crooked as to be beyond historical precedence. Rather, like the fabled castor oil of old, she is just the medicine the Republicans need to take over the next four years to become a serious political party once again.
Take heart. Four years is not so long. Sure, it may be long enough to strengthen and perhaps even expand Obamacare; or, to address run away costs for public higher education students; or, to travel further on the path to addressing climate change. Who knows; we might even legislate sensible gun control, do something about immigration perhaps even initiate tax reform. It is unlikely, however, that such advances will so change the American electorate as to put us on a slippery slope toward socialistic tyranny.
1
I think Brooks is spot on today. My own sense of where we are in this election is much like Brooks' -- that we have reached a pivot point; a point where Republican leadership flees en-masse from this Trump phenomenon before it consumes them. It's really just survival in the end, no?
Another commenter here said it will boil down to cold electoral calculus, and I agree -- we have reached the point of inflection point on the electoral parabola.
Another commenter here said it will boil down to cold electoral calculus, and I agree -- we have reached the point of inflection point on the electoral parabola.
2
Finally - a reason to feel good about our insanely long, expensive Presidential election process. Trump has been front and center long enough for everyone to get a full sense of the man, his madness and the madness of his supporters (along with the spineless of the GOP machinery that enabled his ascent). Sunshine is the best disinfectant and that bright light is scorching Trump and his enablers.
3
Let's see, we have an outgoing community organizer who came in with relevant no experience, who personally undermined race relations in this country, who failed to devise any sort of foreign relations strategy and thus severely weakening this country, and worst of all, failed to lead and then played the blame game until nobody in Washington would listen or work with him. Now we have a crook and a liar looking to take his place -- an expert in getting rich from politics, and who can't wait to maintain the status quo. Sorry, but this can't go on. Trump is a much better choice. Luckily, America is not represented by the Times readership.
2
Put simply, Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell are more than willing to embrace racialized politics if they can be harnessed to pursue the goals of low taxes, entitlement cuts and controlling Supreme Court nominations. It has been this way for a long time, it's just that the curtain has been pulled back and with Donald Trump there is no plausible deniability anymore on the devil's bargain at the heart of the strategy that goes by the shorthand "the Southern Strategy." Only instead of being focused only at African Americans, it now includes resentment over Muslims and Latinos as well. But it was always shameful and you never found the heart or the courage to call it out before it threatened your own pet issues.
7
Celebrity and wealth are the current "opiate of the masses," and Trump plays into that delusional thinking with an unhealthy dollop of racial bias and xenophobic fear. The media as well as the Republican party have been co-conspirators in this race to the bottom. The big nasty joke that is Donald Trump is played out and what we are left with are the blood thirsty supporters who are equally sordid and out-of-touch in their thinking but live with the hope that one day they too can be billionaires with a sexy broad on one arm and a fistful of hateful insults on the other. The American dream as nightmare...meet Donald Trump, the real person.
4
The Republican Party has been degrading into irrelevance (policy-wise) for quite a while. It only survives because of its organizational strength and cynical strategies. It appears more relevant than it actually is, when you observe what the greater public says it wants in terms of policies. It sustains itself by appealing to increasingly more extreme margins of society. This is just the outcome of its approach.
The GOP would have to become a progressively aligned party to make it in the future as a major force in politics. This likely can NEVER happen. Voters are catching on to the sham of the two party-dominated system. The slickness of it all is loosing its sheen. Bye-bye. You're in your twilight years as a major party. Forward-thinkers will prevail, not those who oppose any and all change -- and consistently come up against being on the right side of history.
The GOP would have to become a progressively aligned party to make it in the future as a major force in politics. This likely can NEVER happen. Voters are catching on to the sham of the two party-dominated system. The slickness of it all is loosing its sheen. Bye-bye. You're in your twilight years as a major party. Forward-thinkers will prevail, not those who oppose any and all change -- and consistently come up against being on the right side of history.
2
James Lowell wrote this in 1845, yet it resonates still:
Once to every man and nation, comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side;
Some great cause, some great decision, offering each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever, ’twixt that darkness and that light.
Then to side with truth is noble, when we share her wretched crust,
Ere her cause bring fame and profit, and ’tis prosperous to be just;
Then it is the brave man chooses while the coward stands aside,
Till the multitude make virtue of the faith they had denied.
Once to every man and nation, comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side;
Some great cause, some great decision, offering each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever, ’twixt that darkness and that light.
Then to side with truth is noble, when we share her wretched crust,
Ere her cause bring fame and profit, and ’tis prosperous to be just;
Then it is the brave man chooses while the coward stands aside,
Till the multitude make virtue of the faith they had denied.
2
Wow!!!
Thank you David Brooks for your analytical and comprehensive analysis of The Donald. We welcome you to the fold.
Let me add the following:
I am convinced that candidates for President of the US must be required to take a series of psych exams.
Such a set should include CAT scans and most definitely a PET Scan of the brain.
Given the demonstrated behavioral patterns of Trump, it is certainly possible that he may suffer from early-onset Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
He has demonstrated severe memory problems, as well as a great deal of confused thinking. (Do the research on AD.)
He has been known to say one thing in one sentence and then to contradict himself almost immediately thereafter.
We have been continually exposed to his obvious memory problems, his inability to focus on the matter at hand, tendency to wander off topic, confusion regarding facts and figures, and his desire to avoid the task of answering questions in Q & A forums - for all of the prior stated reasons.
Another attribute of AD can be irascible behavior and poor anger management.
Brain scans - especially a PET scan - can determine possible AD.
Observation, testing, and close questioning by a neurologist would be called for in any and all cases - especially those cases of a far reaching nature - for the sake of possible damage control.
If Trump is so afflicted then the sooner we know this the better, as any delay will only serve to further damage the country and all its citizens.
Thank you David Brooks for your analytical and comprehensive analysis of The Donald. We welcome you to the fold.
Let me add the following:
I am convinced that candidates for President of the US must be required to take a series of psych exams.
Such a set should include CAT scans and most definitely a PET Scan of the brain.
Given the demonstrated behavioral patterns of Trump, it is certainly possible that he may suffer from early-onset Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
He has demonstrated severe memory problems, as well as a great deal of confused thinking. (Do the research on AD.)
He has been known to say one thing in one sentence and then to contradict himself almost immediately thereafter.
We have been continually exposed to his obvious memory problems, his inability to focus on the matter at hand, tendency to wander off topic, confusion regarding facts and figures, and his desire to avoid the task of answering questions in Q & A forums - for all of the prior stated reasons.
Another attribute of AD can be irascible behavior and poor anger management.
Brain scans - especially a PET scan - can determine possible AD.
Observation, testing, and close questioning by a neurologist would be called for in any and all cases - especially those cases of a far reaching nature - for the sake of possible damage control.
If Trump is so afflicted then the sooner we know this the better, as any delay will only serve to further damage the country and all its citizens.
3
For a real world example of Mr. Brooks' premise that "There comes a time when neutrality and laying low become dishonorable. If you're not in revolt you're in cahoots," consider small towns in France. Even after all these years, the people there still remember who collaborated with the Germans under the Vichy government, and who didn't during WWII. And they base their social activities on that memory--the restaurants and businesses of collaborators are not patronized by the sons and daughters of the Resistance.
If Trump is defeated in this election, the millions and millions of good people in this country, not to mention the police forces, National Guardsmen and our military will refuse to be cowed by the bully boys Trump threatens us with. Somehow Trump and the NRA forget that they are not the only ones who can get guns. Thanks to the NRA's protection of gun sellers, any liberal can walk into a gun shop and walk out, ready to protect her family, her town and her government. I have no fear that a bunch of Trump thugs will undermine our real government--although it may be ugly for a while. They may be chronically afraid of everything, but I refuse to let them scare me.
If Trump is defeated in this election, the millions and millions of good people in this country, not to mention the police forces, National Guardsmen and our military will refuse to be cowed by the bully boys Trump threatens us with. Somehow Trump and the NRA forget that they are not the only ones who can get guns. Thanks to the NRA's protection of gun sellers, any liberal can walk into a gun shop and walk out, ready to protect her family, her town and her government. I have no fear that a bunch of Trump thugs will undermine our real government--although it may be ugly for a while. They may be chronically afraid of everything, but I refuse to let them scare me.
1
In an attempt to explain why Ryan, McConnell, McCain, et al. continue to support Trump (when we all know that they know he is unfit to be president), I've heard Michael Steel and others say the Republican Party can't afford to lose the millions of passionate Trump supporters. I think that is dead wrong, and misses the core issue. In fact, it is these very people who have put the Republican Party in the existential threat it faces. The future of a viable Republican Party most certainly does not depend on them---indeed, there is no future with them. Yes, if Ryan et al. drop their support of Trump, there will be short-term negative consequences, but if they don't, the negative consequences will be long-term.
2
Well put!
I have known people similar to Trump, though on a smaller scale. It is a narcissistic personality that assumes it is always right and anyone who disagrees with them is wrong. It is a personality that can be very successful and carry the individual far. For this person, right and wrong are not defined in the same way as the rest of us. For them, they are right because they have the strength to be right and crush those who might suggest they are wrong. In business, this has served Trump well.
Because of this personality’s strength and demand for total compliance from those around them, it can lead to a type of cult following. This has been seen recently in different athletic, religious and entertainment venues in which its leaders are guilty of horrible abuses but their followers keep making excuses to explain it away.
Such figures initially gain acceptance by addressing issues that the standing leadership have ignored. Jobs, security, order. A lot is promised with little to no details on how it will be accomplished. It boils down to the same thing each time. I am strong and will fix everything as long as those who oppose me are run out of town.
I suppose the GOP leadership has convinced itself that they can groom Trump into acting like a respectable public figure whose advisers and handlers keep them out of trouble.
Not Trump! He is the center! He defines right and wrong!
In other words...
He is a bully.
I have known people similar to Trump, though on a smaller scale. It is a narcissistic personality that assumes it is always right and anyone who disagrees with them is wrong. It is a personality that can be very successful and carry the individual far. For this person, right and wrong are not defined in the same way as the rest of us. For them, they are right because they have the strength to be right and crush those who might suggest they are wrong. In business, this has served Trump well.
Because of this personality’s strength and demand for total compliance from those around them, it can lead to a type of cult following. This has been seen recently in different athletic, religious and entertainment venues in which its leaders are guilty of horrible abuses but their followers keep making excuses to explain it away.
Such figures initially gain acceptance by addressing issues that the standing leadership have ignored. Jobs, security, order. A lot is promised with little to no details on how it will be accomplished. It boils down to the same thing each time. I am strong and will fix everything as long as those who oppose me are run out of town.
I suppose the GOP leadership has convinced itself that they can groom Trump into acting like a respectable public figure whose advisers and handlers keep them out of trouble.
Not Trump! He is the center! He defines right and wrong!
In other words...
He is a bully.
I agree with what David Brooks writes about Donald Trump, but as a clinical psychologist: I would like to share some additional diagnoses: narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder.
Narcissistic individuals have an inflated sense of self-esteem and are, as commentators have noted, thin-skinned. Trump has shown his "glass hide" by sidetracking issues for prolonged self-destructive tirades against critics and potential critics--including the media which may be spending too much effort to avoid demonstrating bias.
There are many aspects to the antisocial personality disorder, including the fact that people with the disorder do not experience empathy and repeatedly injure others without remorse.
These disorders, while several, do not qualify to make Trump "crazy" or "sick." A sick person cannot control his malady. Trump is at least capable of understanding why others find his behavior to be abrasive and he can change his ways--at least on the surface. But he repeatedly places himself in rallies with his dangerously biased and worshiping supporters; he is reinforced for his misbehavior.
True can change his behavior but does not show the judgment to change. The thought of his being in charge of the nation's nuclear arms is beyond frightening. Yet he maintains the support of Republicans who say they still prefer him to Hillary.
Really?
Narcissistic individuals have an inflated sense of self-esteem and are, as commentators have noted, thin-skinned. Trump has shown his "glass hide" by sidetracking issues for prolonged self-destructive tirades against critics and potential critics--including the media which may be spending too much effort to avoid demonstrating bias.
There are many aspects to the antisocial personality disorder, including the fact that people with the disorder do not experience empathy and repeatedly injure others without remorse.
These disorders, while several, do not qualify to make Trump "crazy" or "sick." A sick person cannot control his malady. Trump is at least capable of understanding why others find his behavior to be abrasive and he can change his ways--at least on the surface. But he repeatedly places himself in rallies with his dangerously biased and worshiping supporters; he is reinforced for his misbehavior.
True can change his behavior but does not show the judgment to change. The thought of his being in charge of the nation's nuclear arms is beyond frightening. Yet he maintains the support of Republicans who say they still prefer him to Hillary.
Really?
1
Just as I was surprised (and pleased) that 13 million Americans felt the Bern, I am shocked that so many (more) Americans are full of resentment, hatred, and grievance. I reference the Times video of chants, no doubt just the tip of an iceberg. We didn't see this coming when we jubilated at the election of Obama, but it makes sense. He put them on the defensive and mobilized their hateful energy. Trump will (hopefully) fall, but they will still be around. How will we deal with that situation and their fervent belief the outcome was rigged?
1
"They will have to build a parallel campaign structure that will survive if Trump implodes, a structure of congressional and local candidates."
This is exactly what the Koch brothers are doing this year: not supporting Trump and pouring their millions into Congressional races. The Kochs are far more dangerous than Trump because they have most of the intellectual and managerial abilities that Trump patently lacks. Their attention span is decades long and their organization is formidable and effective: ALEC, a Koch creation, has done more damage to America than Trump ever could.
God help us if Trump destroys the traditional GOP and it is replaced by the well financed and disciplined Koch machine. Paul Ryan's dreams of defunding and destroying the social safety net and most of the regulatory apparatus of our American government will come true.
This is exactly what the Koch brothers are doing this year: not supporting Trump and pouring their millions into Congressional races. The Kochs are far more dangerous than Trump because they have most of the intellectual and managerial abilities that Trump patently lacks. Their attention span is decades long and their organization is formidable and effective: ALEC, a Koch creation, has done more damage to America than Trump ever could.
God help us if Trump destroys the traditional GOP and it is replaced by the well financed and disciplined Koch machine. Paul Ryan's dreams of defunding and destroying the social safety net and most of the regulatory apparatus of our American government will come true.
1
"Some people compare Trump to the great authoritarians of history, but that’s wrong. They were generally disciplined men with grandiose plans. "
Before the information age, such stories were weaved around our madmen. Their masses adored them (Trump rallies). Their benefactors projected their energy into legitimized power (Mike Pence) . Their entourages shielded their personality disorders from exposure (Trump's family). But that was back then.
Imagine a world where those same 'grandiose men' tweeted.
Before the information age, such stories were weaved around our madmen. Their masses adored them (Trump rallies). Their benefactors projected their energy into legitimized power (Mike Pence) . Their entourages shielded their personality disorders from exposure (Trump's family). But that was back then.
Imagine a world where those same 'grandiose men' tweeted.
1
In the past two decades the Republicans have given us George W. Bush, arguably the worst President since Warren G. Harding. They followed up with the nomination of Sarah Palin to be a heart beat away from the presidency. And now, they have nominated a demagogue who roams about the country engaging in a hateful feedback loop with the crowds he speaks to fueled by the ongoing white backlash to the Obama presidency.
If you add all of that to shutting down the government, refusing to fill a supreme court vacancy and vows by Speaker Ryan and Majority Leader McConnell to destroy the Obama presidency even as the President was involved in heavy lifting to clean up the economic mess that arose in the Bush administration, the party is unrecognizable from its form in the twentieth century.
Yes it is time for Mr. Trump's enablers to fold their tent or continue on a course that will batch them with all the historic enemies of the ongoing American Revolution. That includes you Mr. Brooks. You need to write a column now that precisely says you are no longer a Republican, that the Trump candidacy represents the greatest threat to the Republic since the Civil War, and that it is the duty of every citizen to vote against the man and the hateful mob he leads from behind. It will be your profile in courage.
If you add all of that to shutting down the government, refusing to fill a supreme court vacancy and vows by Speaker Ryan and Majority Leader McConnell to destroy the Obama presidency even as the President was involved in heavy lifting to clean up the economic mess that arose in the Bush administration, the party is unrecognizable from its form in the twentieth century.
Yes it is time for Mr. Trump's enablers to fold their tent or continue on a course that will batch them with all the historic enemies of the ongoing American Revolution. That includes you Mr. Brooks. You need to write a column now that precisely says you are no longer a Republican, that the Trump candidacy represents the greatest threat to the Republic since the Civil War, and that it is the duty of every citizen to vote against the man and the hateful mob he leads from behind. It will be your profile in courage.
2
It is too late. He is the GOP nominee. Where were all the voices of reason before he got the nomination? Silent because they imagined he would win the White House and bring scads of new voters (the undereducated) into the party. The GOP has practiced dog whistle politics for decades. Now the racism, sexism, xenophobia, nativism, isolationism, anti-intellectualism, and ignorance it out in the open for all to see personified by Trump. The tide is turning against him. A Georgia poll just released has him behind Clinton by 8 points in that red, red state. The GOP may well lose not only the Senate majority, but also that in the House as well as state races. Given the long history of convincing ordinary people to vote against their own self-interest by appealing to the worst in them, it could not happen to nicer people. The GOP pols were okay with this until Trump began revealing all of his deficiencies rather than pivoting for the general election. This is not about what is good for the country for them. It is about political losses and the implosion of their party. They broke it. They own it.
4
It is getting a bit tiresome to remind David Brooks that Trump is the culmination of 40 years of GOP preparation for this day. Kowtowing to Grover Norquist, adhering to Newt Gingrich's seeding of Congress with extremists, the Gerrymandering of legislative districts by Republicans in 2010, obstruction of every piece of legislation that would help the economy and the public and the help of the SCOTUS in weakening election laws and voting rights.
So now David is wringing his hands about Donald Trump's character flaws, as if that were the principal problem. Donald Trump's behavior is not the crucial factor. He is only the worst of a terrible lot of Republican leaders
No GOP candidate this year would have passed the smell test for rapacious right-wing political ideology. Just look at the GOP Party platform. It is the most reactionary, anti-social document that has been produced in years. Going beyond mere conservatism, it is a hefty slap in the face for whole segments of the US population who are not white (and also rich).
We are looking at a sick candidate who is a symptom of a sick party. This is a time for the kind of "creative destruction" espoused by the chicken hawks for reforming places like Iraq. The GOP needs to go to ground and pound sand until they can rebuild (if they are not destroyed) to become responsible and responsive to American needs once again.
So now David is wringing his hands about Donald Trump's character flaws, as if that were the principal problem. Donald Trump's behavior is not the crucial factor. He is only the worst of a terrible lot of Republican leaders
No GOP candidate this year would have passed the smell test for rapacious right-wing political ideology. Just look at the GOP Party platform. It is the most reactionary, anti-social document that has been produced in years. Going beyond mere conservatism, it is a hefty slap in the face for whole segments of the US population who are not white (and also rich).
We are looking at a sick candidate who is a symptom of a sick party. This is a time for the kind of "creative destruction" espoused by the chicken hawks for reforming places like Iraq. The GOP needs to go to ground and pound sand until they can rebuild (if they are not destroyed) to become responsible and responsive to American needs once again.
9
Is there such a thing as a 'good' politician? I doubt it. Politicians of whatever ilk need to have their feet held to the fire at every turn.
Politicians by nature are followers, who, for whatever reason, think they are leaders. If the body politic does not hold them accountable at every turn then disaster can result. Or in the case of the Citizens United 'rendering', the politicians become the followers of special interests awash with ill-gotten gains.
For Trump to be considered a 'leader' by so many blinkered citizens points to a body politic that, through lacking even a basic faculty of discrimination, cannot see the forest for the proverbial tree rotting at the roots.
Politicians by nature are followers, who, for whatever reason, think they are leaders. If the body politic does not hold them accountable at every turn then disaster can result. Or in the case of the Citizens United 'rendering', the politicians become the followers of special interests awash with ill-gotten gains.
For Trump to be considered a 'leader' by so many blinkered citizens points to a body politic that, through lacking even a basic faculty of discrimination, cannot see the forest for the proverbial tree rotting at the roots.
I think a big part of the problem we face is that many politicians are happy to exploit the "us against them" philosophy. There is certainly a wide gulf between the people who do and don't support Trump, and the extremists on both sides will never be able to compromise. However, if people on both sides could get together and talk in calm voices, I really do think it's possible for some compromise and mutual respect. But sadly, this won't ever happen if politicians continue to see this gulf as something that can be exploited for gain, rather than a problem that needs fixing. There are many historical examples of this sort of exploitation leading ultimately to disaster. I doubt Trump will win the election, but his loss will probably further widen the gap and just kick this can down the road. I hope for my kids sake that we can find a way to solve this problem, but I'm getting more and more pessimistic about this all the time...
1
For months now I have been trying to comprehend Trump's behavior. Most folks talk about his temperament. But his problems obviously go much deeper than that. He would appear to have serious mental and emotional problems. So, I'm grateful for David Brooks' analysis. A lack of empathy certainly points to sociopathy, which is defined in the dictionary as "antisocial, often criminal, and (lacking) a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience." The worst possible description for one seeking the Presidency of the United States.
5
Great column, but the early returns are pretty discouraging. Since I read it this morning, it has been announced that one of Trump's more prominent enablers, Paul Ryan, has done the "laying low" crowd one better by declaring, in effect, "Yes, I recognize Donald is dangerously unqualified and unstable, an unrepentant racist, and a neo-facist who might well destroy this country, if not the entire world. But hey, I'm in a reelection fight, and if I just keep holding my nose and standing by my endorsement of him, maybe he'll return the favor. There are more important futures than America's. Mine, for instance. Besides, he's got the support thousands of rabid, racist, neo-facist white males. Who am I to try and thwart their will?"
Pathetic.
Pathetic.
7
Hamilton's loss of life in a duel is traced to his vote for his rival Jefferson to keep the corrupt and dangerous Burr from the Presidency.
I hope that the Republican leadership disavows Trump, and I also hope that Secy. Clinton recognizes that many Republicans and Independents will vote for her because of Trump's unfitness and that in turn she will in turn exercise her Presidency not with the hubris of "mandate" but with acknowledgement that their concerns need to be considered in policy decisions. Dangerous times since Trump's conduct threatens the checks and balances of Presidential elections and the two-party system.
I hope that the Republican leadership disavows Trump, and I also hope that Secy. Clinton recognizes that many Republicans and Independents will vote for her because of Trump's unfitness and that in turn she will in turn exercise her Presidency not with the hubris of "mandate" but with acknowledgement that their concerns need to be considered in policy decisions. Dangerous times since Trump's conduct threatens the checks and balances of Presidential elections and the two-party system.
3
Brooks neglects to mention one of the obvious reasons why Republicans aren't criticizing Trump, namely the fact that they would be rank hypocrites if they did.
The party that invented "The Southern Strategy" and blessed Bush Sr.'s Willie Horton ads is at best an awkward critic of Trump's racism.
The party that wanted Sarah Palin within a heartbeat of the presidency can only do so much to criticize Trump's incompetence.
The party that advocates trickle-down economics, huge tax cuts for the rich, and slashing any public spending that doesn't line the pockets of big contractors would be hard pressed to question Trump's judgment.
The party that pushes every anti-scientific movement from creationism to climate change denial is in no position to criticize Trump's ignorance.
As for Trump's utter disrespect for the sacrifices that our soldiers have endured, which Republicans will speak out against it? The ones who keep voting against veteran's benefits?
Trump has not betrayed the Republican agenda. He embodies it. His fellow Republicans don't really disagree with him; they just wish he would quit broadcasting their true intentions.
The party that invented "The Southern Strategy" and blessed Bush Sr.'s Willie Horton ads is at best an awkward critic of Trump's racism.
The party that wanted Sarah Palin within a heartbeat of the presidency can only do so much to criticize Trump's incompetence.
The party that advocates trickle-down economics, huge tax cuts for the rich, and slashing any public spending that doesn't line the pockets of big contractors would be hard pressed to question Trump's judgment.
The party that pushes every anti-scientific movement from creationism to climate change denial is in no position to criticize Trump's ignorance.
As for Trump's utter disrespect for the sacrifices that our soldiers have endured, which Republicans will speak out against it? The ones who keep voting against veteran's benefits?
Trump has not betrayed the Republican agenda. He embodies it. His fellow Republicans don't really disagree with him; they just wish he would quit broadcasting their true intentions.
14
what Brooks says go so far beyond the political "leaders". I thought that the military builds character. or at least that is what recruiting efforts portray and even movies. so tell me how any military personnel, as so many are saying, that they will vote for Trump since he only lacks a Presidential demeanor. Trump's character is so flawed it is hard for me to understand how any person who processes to character can rationalize supporting him.
our congressional leaders of both parties are not qualified to be in the positions of trust we give them without character. and so far way to many are demonstrating their lack moral and character.... and spout empty words professing the opposite.
our congressional leaders of both parties are not qualified to be in the positions of trust we give them without character. and so far way to many are demonstrating their lack moral and character.... and spout empty words professing the opposite.
1
There are also the for profit enablers with their neutrality which is only a cowardly way to disguise the fact that the spectacle of Trump's derangement is Capitalist entertainment of the rarest kind. Every terrible tragedy, weather, accidents, terrorist masacres is not only reported but carefully milked for weeks in order to feed the ratings frenzy. They are in all the major newsrooms, their faces appear nightly, their euphemisms aimed at protecting their ratings for a future with other opportunities and constituencies. They are The Experts stuck in career enhancing neutrality.
2
The GOP has more to do than form a "party in exile" in order to formulate a clear "manifesto" of ideas going forward. Indeed it needs serious reflection on how it has managed to create was is essentially a "mob", fueled by a long time cultivation of hate and fear, and which has now surged past any form of control. If in fact the Republican Party is in a state of intensive care, it has only itself to blame.
To be sure, Trump is firmly in the Cuckoos Nest of manic political pretenders. But the fact he has appealed to the like minded through irrational, rambling spews of racism and fear demands a psychoanalysis of the roots of his appeal to a fervent following.
For years, probably since the '60s and the rise of Reagan conservatism, the GOP has carefully constructed a media apparatus that has maintained a drumbeat of quarrelsome invective that has effectively convinced an underperformed public that all it's ills are caused by an elite of "liberals" conspiring against their "freedoms" and "constitutional rights." The talk radio of Limbaugh and others, rise of FOX News, Hannity, Beck and O'Reilly has relentlessly continued to raise issues long discredited and now treated as gospel.
One cannot expect those who have been brain washed to view government as something to be despised, to revolt against it's own party in control of a do nothing Congress. Time to put down the torches and deprogram the mob.
To be sure, Trump is firmly in the Cuckoos Nest of manic political pretenders. But the fact he has appealed to the like minded through irrational, rambling spews of racism and fear demands a psychoanalysis of the roots of his appeal to a fervent following.
For years, probably since the '60s and the rise of Reagan conservatism, the GOP has carefully constructed a media apparatus that has maintained a drumbeat of quarrelsome invective that has effectively convinced an underperformed public that all it's ills are caused by an elite of "liberals" conspiring against their "freedoms" and "constitutional rights." The talk radio of Limbaugh and others, rise of FOX News, Hannity, Beck and O'Reilly has relentlessly continued to raise issues long discredited and now treated as gospel.
One cannot expect those who have been brain washed to view government as something to be despised, to revolt against it's own party in control of a do nothing Congress. Time to put down the torches and deprogram the mob.
3
Let's see, a handful of policies a Republican Party in Exile would ardently support:
* Global warming is a hoax.
* Marriage exists between a man and a woman, ONLY.
* Cutting taxes is a stimulus for growth.
* Cutting entitlements will balance the budget.
* Evolution is only a theory, like creationism.
* Fracking will solve our energy problems (see global warming, above).
* Homophobia (eg, discrimination in commerce and public accommodations) is free speech.
* Anyone should be able to sell any kind of gun to anyone anytime.
* We should feel free to violently export our political beliefs to countries unlike us whenever we feel threatened.
Oh, the ideas just keep coming! The pixie dust keeps raining down! My brain is going to explode!
Poor David, for being still trapped in the fairy circle of magical thinking that the more sober (I won't say rational) in the GOP put forward as a worldview.
* Global warming is a hoax.
* Marriage exists between a man and a woman, ONLY.
* Cutting taxes is a stimulus for growth.
* Cutting entitlements will balance the budget.
* Evolution is only a theory, like creationism.
* Fracking will solve our energy problems (see global warming, above).
* Homophobia (eg, discrimination in commerce and public accommodations) is free speech.
* Anyone should be able to sell any kind of gun to anyone anytime.
* We should feel free to violently export our political beliefs to countries unlike us whenever we feel threatened.
Oh, the ideas just keep coming! The pixie dust keeps raining down! My brain is going to explode!
Poor David, for being still trapped in the fairy circle of magical thinking that the more sober (I won't say rational) in the GOP put forward as a worldview.
6
Great column, Mr. Brooks!
The enablers on all fronts really need to stop enabling this dangerous man. That includes the media that feeds his need for constant attention. It also includes the media and GOP representatives who don't contradict the lies the Donald tells his fans and, worse yet, perpetuate and reinforce those lies.
I'm thinking about grandkids "looking away in shame" decades hence. Think about what must be going through the minds of our nation's children now, as behavior their parents and teachers wouldn't tolerate is on full display by the Republican nominee for President of the United States.
Of course, when I think of what grandchildren may think and do decades from now, I expect them to curse all of us for enabling those who won't strenuously combat global warming, including Republicans who don't believe in science.
I thank all of the Republicans who have denounced Trump. I particularly thank those individuals and organizations that are supporting his opponent with words and donations. I hope the numbers in that camp will continue to swell.
The enablers on all fronts really need to stop enabling this dangerous man. That includes the media that feeds his need for constant attention. It also includes the media and GOP representatives who don't contradict the lies the Donald tells his fans and, worse yet, perpetuate and reinforce those lies.
I'm thinking about grandkids "looking away in shame" decades hence. Think about what must be going through the minds of our nation's children now, as behavior their parents and teachers wouldn't tolerate is on full display by the Republican nominee for President of the United States.
Of course, when I think of what grandchildren may think and do decades from now, I expect them to curse all of us for enabling those who won't strenuously combat global warming, including Republicans who don't believe in science.
I thank all of the Republicans who have denounced Trump. I particularly thank those individuals and organizations that are supporting his opponent with words and donations. I hope the numbers in that camp will continue to swell.
4
August 5, 2016
Disappointing his loving supporters has its own calculus and then one would consider a win by DT would evoke a military coup should he obtain Commander in Chief.
A guy with huge assets and questionable intellect as witnessed as a known: DT " I am a counter puncher."
So politics is not a game and worst when pretending that let the natural rights take its course - yet what makes a great country is for it leaders of all degrees and interest to pull together to set a goal for the common good - if not exactly a national emergency to implement options for plans of remedy. Somewhere in the constitutional writ society has a right to litigate the physical mental health of those that are capable of understanding the meaning of oath inclusive of it legal act of acceptance. We already have Mr. Khan offering his Constitution booklet for the taking, and did DT accept the generous offer even when of issues of right naturalized citizenry - Well let's conclude great minds find solutions to our problems - and we can all win when our actions are grounded in the best of our writ and enforcement with clarity to all the populace - Again toxicity in our body politic is not often a matter of such apparent protracted chaos - but at times we all must confront our demons before the demons metastasize like with ha happen in Syria, Ukraine, and a near Coup in Turkey ... greatness is for those that prevent the abyss from our steps afoul and impure to natural god given governance
Disappointing his loving supporters has its own calculus and then one would consider a win by DT would evoke a military coup should he obtain Commander in Chief.
A guy with huge assets and questionable intellect as witnessed as a known: DT " I am a counter puncher."
So politics is not a game and worst when pretending that let the natural rights take its course - yet what makes a great country is for it leaders of all degrees and interest to pull together to set a goal for the common good - if not exactly a national emergency to implement options for plans of remedy. Somewhere in the constitutional writ society has a right to litigate the physical mental health of those that are capable of understanding the meaning of oath inclusive of it legal act of acceptance. We already have Mr. Khan offering his Constitution booklet for the taking, and did DT accept the generous offer even when of issues of right naturalized citizenry - Well let's conclude great minds find solutions to our problems - and we can all win when our actions are grounded in the best of our writ and enforcement with clarity to all the populace - Again toxicity in our body politic is not often a matter of such apparent protracted chaos - but at times we all must confront our demons before the demons metastasize like with ha happen in Syria, Ukraine, and a near Coup in Turkey ... greatness is for those that prevent the abyss from our steps afoul and impure to natural god given governance
2
I was reading about the Appalachians and those "Trump states" and one observations that has stuck in my thoughts of the past few days - that is, despite economic hardships, rampant drug abuses, broken up families in foster care, poor health, that these are prideful people who are essentially revolting and not necessarily demanding just another "handout." A 9 point lead by Hillary Clinton is alarmingly low, considering that 40% of the electorates are still behind Trump even at this final stage, even if 100% of them will agree with you that he is wrong on 99% of what he said.
There's a lot that does not make sense. I think the that media and Hillary harping on Trump is perhaps seeing only the giant Trojan horse but not the invisible army that lurks behind it and hides inside it. There is an unifying force here that is beyond what comes out of the Trump megaphone. It has always been there, but in this election, is catalyzed to a highly volatile movement.
I work in healthcare and I help everyone regardless of creed or color, but rarely I came across anyone who refuses my help. This is what's happening, and we are much to blame. We have created a political market (same goes for healthcare) that the market is always, always, always right, the customer is always right; a market that is not based on expertise, facts, experience, but marketability, populism, Yelp reviews; a market that is not based on trust nor relationship, rather momentum and sentiments. For Trump, it's anger.
There's a lot that does not make sense. I think the that media and Hillary harping on Trump is perhaps seeing only the giant Trojan horse but not the invisible army that lurks behind it and hides inside it. There is an unifying force here that is beyond what comes out of the Trump megaphone. It has always been there, but in this election, is catalyzed to a highly volatile movement.
I work in healthcare and I help everyone regardless of creed or color, but rarely I came across anyone who refuses my help. This is what's happening, and we are much to blame. We have created a political market (same goes for healthcare) that the market is always, always, always right, the customer is always right; a market that is not based on expertise, facts, experience, but marketability, populism, Yelp reviews; a market that is not based on trust nor relationship, rather momentum and sentiments. For Trump, it's anger.
6
Trump has harnessed the pitchfork rebellion of the working class right wing. That this group has been understood and manipulatd by republicans for years to voting against their own interest until their level of economic disenfranchisement has reached a tipping point. Trump, as dangerous as he seems, is the symptom, not the disease.
What will your rebuilt Republican party do for Trump supporters? There are millions of them and they are desperate to the point of ridiculous belief, incivility and on the razor edge of violence (as demonstrated by the NYT's video of things shouted at Trump rallies).
It is not enough to disavow Trump. When will conservative politics stop pitting the poor against the working classes in order to support corporate greed and increasing wealth disparities? Without a safety net that protects everyone (poor and working class) and quality education without crushing debt, the angry working class will continue to be angry and the numbers experience economic and educational disenfranchisement will grow. Trump may loose this election, but without change, there will be another Trump. Next time, the demagogue will be more coherent, connected and controlled. Will you stand up to denounce the next demagogue who harnesses the anger of the masses? Will you even recognize him or her when they come?
What will your rebuilt Republican party do for Trump supporters? There are millions of them and they are desperate to the point of ridiculous belief, incivility and on the razor edge of violence (as demonstrated by the NYT's video of things shouted at Trump rallies).
It is not enough to disavow Trump. When will conservative politics stop pitting the poor against the working classes in order to support corporate greed and increasing wealth disparities? Without a safety net that protects everyone (poor and working class) and quality education without crushing debt, the angry working class will continue to be angry and the numbers experience economic and educational disenfranchisement will grow. Trump may loose this election, but without change, there will be another Trump. Next time, the demagogue will be more coherent, connected and controlled. Will you stand up to denounce the next demagogue who harnesses the anger of the masses? Will you even recognize him or her when they come?
12
The Republican Party allowed 16 contenders to vie for the ultimate nomination. At minimum, 8 of those should have been denied any party support whatsoever. What should have been a thoughtful process turned into a rather ugly prime time tragicomedy. That Donald Trump emerged victorious is just about the saddest comment ever made on the collective intelligence of the Republican's "base". To speak now of the party's leaders withdrawing their support is meaningless. They cannot erase the thousands of votes that were cast for this seriously damaged person. What needs to be changed is the process by which any poser can enter a political race under the banner of a major party. And to think that this has occurred in a race for the USA's highest political office is embarrassing to me. More importantly, what must the rest of the civilized world be thinking?
12
As stated twice in my previous comments, first one back in May, Trump will never, never become president of this nation. Period. Now all political pundits in both the NYT and the Washing Post daily, for months now, psychoanalyze the Donald. We get it, the man for many of us is a psychological basket case.
The concern I have, when watching his rambling, disconnected speeches, is to watch the the faces of the gathering, cheering these ramblings with gusto. As Donald reacts quickly to anyone who criticizes him. so too, do these supporters react by any threat to their belief in the Donald, "who tells it like it is", who will give them back their country; they can be called the f--- Y--- crowd. When challenged to explain with logic the support they give this demagogue, they end with and F--- Y-- too.
It's possible that the final outcome of this election, when the first female takes office as President, we may experience a period of disruption and maybe violence from the disenchanted. I thought that would happen after we elected an African American to that office. Since then many who harbored fear, frustration and anger, has generated into an illogical reaction to their situation thinking, supporting a psychological misfit would solve the own psychological problems. Long after the election, unless conditions improve, the anger will continue, to what end is anybodies guess.
The concern I have, when watching his rambling, disconnected speeches, is to watch the the faces of the gathering, cheering these ramblings with gusto. As Donald reacts quickly to anyone who criticizes him. so too, do these supporters react by any threat to their belief in the Donald, "who tells it like it is", who will give them back their country; they can be called the f--- Y--- crowd. When challenged to explain with logic the support they give this demagogue, they end with and F--- Y-- too.
It's possible that the final outcome of this election, when the first female takes office as President, we may experience a period of disruption and maybe violence from the disenchanted. I thought that would happen after we elected an African American to that office. Since then many who harbored fear, frustration and anger, has generated into an illogical reaction to their situation thinking, supporting a psychological misfit would solve the own psychological problems. Long after the election, unless conditions improve, the anger will continue, to what end is anybodies guess.
I'm growing more assured as the days have passed since the DNC and as Trump has continued to demonstrate his inability to control his adolescent, narcissistic behaviors, that the majority of the American voting public will use their good intellect and their love of country to ensure that an unstable man gets nowhere near the Presidency. What now keeps me awake at night is thinking about the next steps that Trump supporters could take once they realize that the election is lost. The joyful indecency and ignorance that is a component of the Trump rallies will not just disappear once he is denied. Then what? In today's Paul Krugman article, he states: "long ago, conservatives decided to harness racial resentment to sell right-wing economic policies to working-class whites, especially in the South". That fire of resentment is being stoked vigorously and irresponsibly by the Republican Party candidate. All of us who love our country need to consider what needs to be done to douse that fire. The dousing must start with the Republican Party leadership acting responsibly and putting country first over party. The leadership needs to go public and denounce the man and the ugliness that he brings with his candidacy.
2
It is mildly relieving to see that at least one of the assistants in the Frankenstein Project that was this years GOP nomination, sees the errors of his ways and, finally , after months of being warned, admitting that there is something seriously wrong, -if a form of monomania made manifest by access to power and money or, as is as likely, simple senile dementia as a result of age and genetic predisposition. The problem is not easy to pin down. However, GOP assertions that Trump "can be controlled" and "is not so bad", are reminiscent of German political excuses for the accession of Adolf Hitler in 1933. Then, too, intellectuals and political powers in Germany assured themselves , each other and other European powers that service as Chancellor would actually make it easy to control Herr Hitler, as he would then be subject to the influence of so many professionals who could easily manipulate him. In fact the democratic government was abolished forthwith.
In the USA, powers controlling our senate and congress might then have aided in slowing or halting the growing menace of Hitler but, instead, insisted that this was a "foreign" problem, none of our business and that we were protected by two mighty oceans and would never be touched by another war. Previous disasters need be recalled when one party plays dice, rather than act seriously concerning the serious business of government. This is why we have a class of professionals whose job is government.
In the USA, powers controlling our senate and congress might then have aided in slowing or halting the growing menace of Hitler but, instead, insisted that this was a "foreign" problem, none of our business and that we were protected by two mighty oceans and would never be touched by another war. Previous disasters need be recalled when one party plays dice, rather than act seriously concerning the serious business of government. This is why we have a class of professionals whose job is government.
1
It is a sad coincidence for the nation that Trump’s opponent is such a hated, divisive political figure. Although Trump’s defeat is essential, Clinton’s victory will not quiet the unleashed voices. Many Trump supporters will not accept that national choice in particular. Clinton will be able to govern only if given a landslide that also takes at least one house of Congress. But even that will not be enough to settle things down. Splitting the Republican party into two seems like one of the more benign of possible outcomes. The only thing in Clinton's favor is that she will not enter office, as Obama did, with an expectation of having turned a page on partisan acrimony. We all know it will only get worse.
1
All political parties are leviathans of sorts - collections, patchworks of people with different interests and goals. And unifying them are, or should be, and underlying political philosophy.
The fact is that the republican party is bankrupt in terms of political philosophy. The days of thoughtful conservatism has resulted in pandering the lowest common dominators of division - race and faith.
"Christians" have been duped by greedy corporate types like Trump who say the right buzz words that they will defend their faith. Message to the faithful, if you are a Christian (as I am) either you believe in God or not. The government, no government, is for you (us). We are at our best when persecuted and at our worst when in "power." Trump is a con. He cannot even quote the bible correctly ...
The democrats via NAFTA, TPP, etc have been seen as abandoning the middle class ... and there is some truth to that. The Clintons did it ... jobs were lost. Trade is imbalanced. Cashflows are asymmetrical as is meaningful job creation. Republicans supported these policies. I am not against free trade but it must be balanced and thoughtful.
The party. Christians will vote for democrats despite abortion b/c they know most republican leaders (Trump) don't care about it and social programs they believe and support via churches will trump the regressive left. Others will go Libertarian. Some may go Green.
The party is in paralysis ... and imploding due to inherent contraindications.
The fact is that the republican party is bankrupt in terms of political philosophy. The days of thoughtful conservatism has resulted in pandering the lowest common dominators of division - race and faith.
"Christians" have been duped by greedy corporate types like Trump who say the right buzz words that they will defend their faith. Message to the faithful, if you are a Christian (as I am) either you believe in God or not. The government, no government, is for you (us). We are at our best when persecuted and at our worst when in "power." Trump is a con. He cannot even quote the bible correctly ...
The democrats via NAFTA, TPP, etc have been seen as abandoning the middle class ... and there is some truth to that. The Clintons did it ... jobs were lost. Trade is imbalanced. Cashflows are asymmetrical as is meaningful job creation. Republicans supported these policies. I am not against free trade but it must be balanced and thoughtful.
The party. Christians will vote for democrats despite abortion b/c they know most republican leaders (Trump) don't care about it and social programs they believe and support via churches will trump the regressive left. Others will go Libertarian. Some may go Green.
The party is in paralysis ... and imploding due to inherent contraindications.
1
The Constitution specifies a process for removal of a President deemed unfit to serve. Trump's candidacy shows that each party should have a similar process to determine that a candidate for President is unfit. Better, each party should have a process to determine a candidate is fit before allowing them to use the party's name.
However, the dilemma for the Republicans is, as Paul Ryan said, Trump won the primary elections. There will certainly be a huge backlash from Trump voters if the party tries to oust him from candidacy. The best hope is that former supporters can persuade him to drop out.
However, the dilemma for the Republicans is, as Paul Ryan said, Trump won the primary elections. There will certainly be a huge backlash from Trump voters if the party tries to oust him from candidacy. The best hope is that former supporters can persuade him to drop out.
Trump Takeaway
The 2016 Republican National Convention will go down in history as one of America’s greatest propaganda and misinformation expositions of all time.
Trump’s acceptance speech was a nasty fear-mongering 75-minute tirade that was written by Senator Jeff Session’s chief speech writer Steve Miller who later appeared with Paul Manafort on MSNBC and CNN and explained its rationale.
The key takeaway is that In Donald Trump’s very first key speech he had to outsource his knowledge of USA domestic and foreign policy. Nothing in his presentation said he is ready to formulate domestic and foreign policy beyond great declarations. He expects to hand this job off to his co-president while he is out Making America Great Again.
If one takes a careful look at President Obama's words and metaphors and the arc of real change across the spectrum of things he has affected in our country and in the world, you can already see that he is going to become a member of our Greatest President's Pantheon.
The relentless and cruel stagnation by his opponents in another political party will no longer matter.
The GOP has spent its last 8 years bashing the Affordable Care Act and in setting up lengthy Benghazi committees but never thought for one minute about training its legislators to actually govern and show they could get things done. The end result is that it has no bench to offer for the 2016 election -- a colossal failure now 16 years running.
The 2016 Republican National Convention will go down in history as one of America’s greatest propaganda and misinformation expositions of all time.
Trump’s acceptance speech was a nasty fear-mongering 75-minute tirade that was written by Senator Jeff Session’s chief speech writer Steve Miller who later appeared with Paul Manafort on MSNBC and CNN and explained its rationale.
The key takeaway is that In Donald Trump’s very first key speech he had to outsource his knowledge of USA domestic and foreign policy. Nothing in his presentation said he is ready to formulate domestic and foreign policy beyond great declarations. He expects to hand this job off to his co-president while he is out Making America Great Again.
If one takes a careful look at President Obama's words and metaphors and the arc of real change across the spectrum of things he has affected in our country and in the world, you can already see that he is going to become a member of our Greatest President's Pantheon.
The relentless and cruel stagnation by his opponents in another political party will no longer matter.
The GOP has spent its last 8 years bashing the Affordable Care Act and in setting up lengthy Benghazi committees but never thought for one minute about training its legislators to actually govern and show they could get things done. The end result is that it has no bench to offer for the 2016 election -- a colossal failure now 16 years running.
4
I believe Brooks lay out the exit strategy from This Trump hell hole.
Rest is on Republican politicians and voters conscience and faith.
He made some extremely precise points should be repeated. At this moment who goes along with Trump simply doing what we call, selling his/her/their soul to evil. which is Trump political concept, it is evil. Nothing inside can have common point with American values.
Second, He clearly stated that Trump political agenda or what ever you call it , is nothing, Yes Trump himself is nothing , his presidential campaign is nothing, his political agenda is nothing.
Then comes this description, When wildfire swept through the forest ( which is going on at least last 10 years in GOP) this last fire engulf last remaining of Republican party, now once green forest was rendered black ash, soil is barren but also fertile to regrowth, GOP needs to define its moderate right political agenda. This late 90. and 2000's political extremism and radical upheaval so far only produce ruin, and anger but nothing else.
No to political radicals, religious radicals and ideological radicals , every single one of them proven to be wrong and rotten deep to their bone.
Rest is on Republican politicians and voters conscience and faith.
He made some extremely precise points should be repeated. At this moment who goes along with Trump simply doing what we call, selling his/her/their soul to evil. which is Trump political concept, it is evil. Nothing inside can have common point with American values.
Second, He clearly stated that Trump political agenda or what ever you call it , is nothing, Yes Trump himself is nothing , his presidential campaign is nothing, his political agenda is nothing.
Then comes this description, When wildfire swept through the forest ( which is going on at least last 10 years in GOP) this last fire engulf last remaining of Republican party, now once green forest was rendered black ash, soil is barren but also fertile to regrowth, GOP needs to define its moderate right political agenda. This late 90. and 2000's political extremism and radical upheaval so far only produce ruin, and anger but nothing else.
No to political radicals, religious radicals and ideological radicals , every single one of them proven to be wrong and rotten deep to their bone.
2
Mr. Brooks rightfully focuses his diatribe on his fellow Republicans. It is they who bear chief responsibility for enabling Trump’s candidacy and for perpetuating the politics of fear and division that gave rise to it.
But repudiating Trump is not only a Republican responsibility. It is all of ours now. To elevate his lies and tirades by treating them as normative or to dismiss them as mere political buffoonery is to enable Trump.
It is not enough to vote against him. We must all speak out, publicly and privately, particularly to friends and family who are disillusioned by party politics and hurt by economic stagnation and inequality. In the face of this existential threat to our political cultural and democratic values, silence is complicity.
But repudiating Trump is not only a Republican responsibility. It is all of ours now. To elevate his lies and tirades by treating them as normative or to dismiss them as mere political buffoonery is to enable Trump.
It is not enough to vote against him. We must all speak out, publicly and privately, particularly to friends and family who are disillusioned by party politics and hurt by economic stagnation and inequality. In the face of this existential threat to our political cultural and democratic values, silence is complicity.
1
This is a good analysis of Mr. Trump psychological condition. However, such dissecting, especially in the New York Times, will have zero impact on the outcome of the race. I feel that the media and the democratic candidates (I am a long time democratic voter) might do well to stop writing and talking about Trump ( we know how unfit he is for the job) and spend some time focussing instead on the people who support Trump. Many "of us" will say that they don't understand how "these people" can support somebody like Trump. As for me, I feel that I understand many of them and even empathize with them. They are hurting and respond to that hurt with anger. No effective government programs have been put in place to help them with job losses resulting from global trade. The trump supporters have made the correct diagnosis of their situation. Unfortunately they are ready to buy the wrong medication (Trump) because they feel that it is the only one available. The democratic candidates would do well to address the Trump supporters, tell them that their anger is legitimate, acknowledge past shortcomings, and describe specific solutions. This should be done using new, high impact language to grab their attention, not the well worn phrases that we hear every four years that automatically turn off so many people. And Mrs. Clinton should stop making statements that contradict the FBI director's report about her use of private email servers.
3
We can take the low road, assume Trump suffers from some ‘mental,’ condition, and write him off as such. Let’s assume Trump knows what he’s doing and chooses it with insolence and passion. Then what are to make of him? A one hit wonder whose ‘message,’ will lose all steam once we elect Hillary Clinton. Should we then just sit on the laurels of our so-called ‘victory,’ and assume the world turned a right again? I personally think it’s a failure to do so. For, if we remember the ‘win,’ of the republicans at the turn of the century (this century that is), it was, as I recall, guns that tipped the balance. All about guns, and Gore’s supporting a reasonable ban on assault weapons, brought the decider and chief into our lives for eight miserable years. And now Trump. Yes, he’ll most likely lose. But the real question is what’s in store for the future. A person that makes Trump look like a Sunday walk through the park? It’s premature to think this man represents insanity and inanity-gone wild. Sprinkle on some rationality, and think there’s really some method to this madness, otherwise, you might be caught off guard (maybe not this time), but at some time in the not so distant future when someone much cleverer, but just as nasty, may fool you into believing they are something they are not...
2
The Republican party leaders, despite the nonsense they proffer on the news shows, know full well they have an unstable mental case running as their nominee but they are so caught up in the political race they have no ability to save the country from this madmen. These are the people who should be utterly ashamed in enabling such a danger on the nation and the generations to come who would suffer from him being in the White House for even just one day. I would be shocked by their compliance if not for the fact of a Palin nomination for vice president, their sabotage of the functioning of the government in an attempt to bring down President Obama including the neglect of even considering a SCOTUS nominee for an entire year. The party is ruined and they are to blame, not Donald Trump. Trump is a psychotic and his followers are the uninformed voters upon whose ignorance of governance and history the party had become dependent to win elections are not really the culprits. The shame of how the Republican leaders cling to their cushy positions in order to satisfy their corporate sponsors is stunningly sickening.
2
Mr. Brooks here asks enabling Republicans to make a remarkable shift--to get off the fence and join the opposition. To do otherwise, he argues, will envelope those who hesitate in a future of shame. He is fit to ask others to make this shift because he has made the same shift himself in recent weeks, and is now an unabashed opponent to Mr. Trump.
No doubt Trump's ardent adherents will cast many votes this fall in favor of their lunatic candidate. That is an inevitable result of democracy because it is based on population distributions of the mathematical sort. The chief unanswerable argument Mr. Brooks makes here, which has been spotlighted by the press brightly these last two weeks, is that the center of that distribution has now shifted, probably permanently, making moot the votes of his loyalists.
It might be too late for Republican leadership to save their images and careers. They have proved too feckless and spineless to drive stakes in the ground on important ideological issues such as racism, bigotry, international policy, and a wide spectrum of fundamental domestic interests, all of which have been trammelled by Mr. Trump with few objections from the leadership. Too bad. If they are so lacking in substance. They too should plan to exit stage left this fall at the same time as their candidate.
No doubt Trump's ardent adherents will cast many votes this fall in favor of their lunatic candidate. That is an inevitable result of democracy because it is based on population distributions of the mathematical sort. The chief unanswerable argument Mr. Brooks makes here, which has been spotlighted by the press brightly these last two weeks, is that the center of that distribution has now shifted, probably permanently, making moot the votes of his loyalists.
It might be too late for Republican leadership to save their images and careers. They have proved too feckless and spineless to drive stakes in the ground on important ideological issues such as racism, bigotry, international policy, and a wide spectrum of fundamental domestic interests, all of which have been trammelled by Mr. Trump with few objections from the leadership. Too bad. If they are so lacking in substance. They too should plan to exit stage left this fall at the same time as their candidate.
1
There is only a tiny leap from Ronald Reagan's racially "coded" campaigns in the 1980s and el Trumpismo, and the GOP has taken it. The Republican establishment was perfectly happy to stand aside as Donald Trump ran all over the country raving that our first African American president was born in Africa. They thought it would advance the conservative cause. NOW they are appalled? Donald Trump is the leader of the GOP. He is your standard bearer. He is the culmination of the Goldwater-Reagan Conservative Revolution. Conservatism (in both parties) was the evil force opposing civil and women's rights in the 20th c and continues to oppose even the smallest gestures to help the poor. It has ruined the party of Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt (our first progressive president).
1
Kathy Lollock of California writes: "I would like to hear these words from you, "As a Republican, I in due conscience can not and will not vote for Donald Trump."
Not good enough unless David Brooks also says that the Senate and House should be freed from orchestrated Republican obstruction of Presidents from the Democratic Party by having their current majorities in both houses undone. Republicans will double down on obstructionism against Hillary Clinton. Mitch McConnell will call for a four- to eight-year moratorium on hearings for Supreme Court nominees, and trey gowdy (lower-case initials intended) or some other such toad in the House of Representatives will spend all of his taxpayer-paid time concocting impeachment charges. Republican sabotage of economic recovery will continue, in spite of its failure to prevent President Obama from reversed the economic disasters of the last republican president.
The entire Republican cabal on Capitol Hill is the problem, not just donald trump.
Not good enough unless David Brooks also says that the Senate and House should be freed from orchestrated Republican obstruction of Presidents from the Democratic Party by having their current majorities in both houses undone. Republicans will double down on obstructionism against Hillary Clinton. Mitch McConnell will call for a four- to eight-year moratorium on hearings for Supreme Court nominees, and trey gowdy (lower-case initials intended) or some other such toad in the House of Representatives will spend all of his taxpayer-paid time concocting impeachment charges. Republican sabotage of economic recovery will continue, in spite of its failure to prevent President Obama from reversed the economic disasters of the last republican president.
The entire Republican cabal on Capitol Hill is the problem, not just donald trump.
8
Mr. Brooks assumes that any of the people he is indirectly talking about or rather to have any sense of decency left. Their political ambitions have long since overridden whatever honor and genuine love for their country they may have possessed at one time. Now they are beholden to their political ambitions and personal success.
Ryan has the backbone of a jellyfish and if he ever had integrity, it is just about shot, along with his credibility. The GOP will do anything to have a Republican as POTUS. It has been their singular purpose since Obama took office. They are like the kingmakers of the middle age; willing to put any boob on the throne just for the power of being puppet master. Unfortunately, Trump is the one pulling their strings.
Ryan has the backbone of a jellyfish and if he ever had integrity, it is just about shot, along with his credibility. The GOP will do anything to have a Republican as POTUS. It has been their singular purpose since Obama took office. They are like the kingmakers of the middle age; willing to put any boob on the throne just for the power of being puppet master. Unfortunately, Trump is the one pulling their strings.
26
There comes a time when "neutrality" becomes "dishonorable". Mr Brooks, until you say "I am going to vote for Secretary Clinton", you are still dishonorable despite this wonderful, albeit late in the game, column.
33
It's mathematics. Most Republican leaders will ride this out to capture votes from Trump supporters.
If Trump loses (Let us fervently pray.) they still could still work with Democrats for bipartisan efforts. (They won't.)
History plays out over the long haul, though. As crazy as all this seems, I still believe we're headed toward a better place. For that, I have to count on my granddaughters and their classmates.
If Trump loses (Let us fervently pray.) they still could still work with Democrats for bipartisan efforts. (They won't.)
History plays out over the long haul, though. As crazy as all this seems, I still believe we're headed toward a better place. For that, I have to count on my granddaughters and their classmates.
4
"Trump is permanently tainting the names of conservatism and the Republican Party and the many good men and women who have built and served it."
Nixon's Southern Strategy, the dog-whistling strategies of Atwater and Rove, the well funded rise of the "Tea Party" thriving in soil cultivated by decades of rage radio and False News mainstreaming of fringe paranoia and extremism--and still Dr Frankenstein protests he has no idea where that monster came from.
Nixon's Southern Strategy, the dog-whistling strategies of Atwater and Rove, the well funded rise of the "Tea Party" thriving in soil cultivated by decades of rage radio and False News mainstreaming of fringe paranoia and extremism--and still Dr Frankenstein protests he has no idea where that monster came from.
20
Those bus burners have amazing longevity, no? Now they bite the hand that accepted their votes when the Dems had to take our stand against them. Perhaps they don't recall the past unless they are the victims?
1
"Passionate niche following!!??!?!?!?!?"
David, you are at least as deluded as those you deride.
There is nothing "niche" about Trump's support.
That is far scarier than Trump himself.
David, you are at least as deluded as those you deride.
There is nothing "niche" about Trump's support.
That is far scarier than Trump himself.
12
You need to remember, while it's important to understand movements like Sovereign Citizens are nutzos, FOX has taught them to feed to the media. So I would stay clear of any Trump rally since he encourages ignorance and violence. We've had to tolerate sucker punches from his followers, twice. Consider how helpful it is for the poor souls to out themselves to our home grown terror profilers.
Those kinds show up to denounce their government and anyone who challenges their victim status. Those are some scary folks, and they can all hang together as far as I'm concerned. Trump is going nowhere.
They are a fragment of society given a blow horn like Trump's to dump on us. Behind that anger is grief at not feeling part of the club anymore. Why anyone would want to club with Trump says a lot of things about their vulnerability to get shafted.
Those kinds show up to denounce their government and anyone who challenges their victim status. Those are some scary folks, and they can all hang together as far as I'm concerned. Trump is going nowhere.
They are a fragment of society given a blow horn like Trump's to dump on us. Behind that anger is grief at not feeling part of the club anymore. Why anyone would want to club with Trump says a lot of things about their vulnerability to get shafted.
Mr. Brooks, this column is long, long overdue. I've been expecting this from you for months. And I am disappointed that you have finally spoken out only after a week of truly horrid Trump actions/news. Time for you and other opinion-makers and opinion-givers to take a stand on all political enablers on the government payroll who engage in political sideshows and egregious acts of non-governing (obsessing about Obama's birthplace, refusing to name a Supreme Court justice, and on and on). Your column is missing a last paragraph. Who are you endorsing (or not). How will you vote (or not). Your vote matters.
13
Are American political institutions being setup for a realignment? The GOP is overdue for an institutional shakeup. An intellectual cleansing and refocus on real policy solutions will restore balance to electoral politics.
5
It is really sad and disappointing to have this clown thrust into our lives by forces that are harmful to humanity. Please get this guy out of the public eye because it is pathetic.
7
It's a National Emergency. Given Trumps degree of mental instability. Which Mr. Brooks has described very well.
We simply cannot just let a crisis - an emergency - go rolling on. It has to stop!
In my view Homeland Security needs to step in. Because Trumps erratic behavior, lack if reality testing and stoking of chaotic, rabid emotions at his rallies is a threat to our national security. Just as surely as terrorism would be.
GOP elders should assist. As well as Mr. trump's family.
The man has got to be removed from the race. For his good. And for the good of society. He needs a protective psychiatric setting. Evaluation. Treatment.
We cannot just sit by and allow a mentally ill man to run amuck. To inflame passions. To bring about further chaos.
It has to be done. For to do nothing at this moment is itself Madness.
We simply cannot just let a crisis - an emergency - go rolling on. It has to stop!
In my view Homeland Security needs to step in. Because Trumps erratic behavior, lack if reality testing and stoking of chaotic, rabid emotions at his rallies is a threat to our national security. Just as surely as terrorism would be.
GOP elders should assist. As well as Mr. trump's family.
The man has got to be removed from the race. For his good. And for the good of society. He needs a protective psychiatric setting. Evaluation. Treatment.
We cannot just sit by and allow a mentally ill man to run amuck. To inflame passions. To bring about further chaos.
It has to be done. For to do nothing at this moment is itself Madness.
7
Mr. Brooks:
it is very disappointing that you-yourself did not personally lead the way here and state that the proper choice between DJT and HRC is the Democrat.
without that, this column loses any momentum it attempted to conjure up ...
pity ...
you are actually worse than Speaker Ryan or M/L McConnell - - -
they will be standing for re-election at some point,
and are properly-representing their constituents' wishes and hopes..
you, on the other hand, are purporting to be responding with a "conscience" - -
but where, exactly, is it, sir?
in the end, it is all about the Brand - - the GOP ...
the folks who are voting for DJT ARE the GOP ...
and these are the same folks that elect Ryan, McConnell et al ...
the one difference in 2016:
DJT has pulled-back one of the main curtains that previously attempted to disguise the true-party-base and the resulting bright-light has exposed a very large portion of our fellow citizens for what they are...
the GOP "leadership" has nurtured and fed this constituency for at least the past 52-years and 'knows' all about them - - just check with Rove and Norquist for an up to date primer.
the greater question is how this society as a whole comports itself today and tomorrow knowing-now that we are far more than two-separate-nations.
you have the power of your position - - - when will you chose to use it for the greater good of all?
7
Questionable and potentially misleading clinical "mania" label notwithstanding (a significant number of psychiatrists/psychologists would instead emphasize DT's characterological deficits, i.e. sociopath coupled with malignant narcissism), article's central thesis is right on. It's time, fence-sitting Republicans. You made a mistake. Acknowledge it now, lest history judge you oh so harshly.
4
In the space of a few days. Mr. Trump and/or his followers did or said the following:
- Trump denigrated a Gold Star family, the Khans
- Trump equated the sacrifice of a American Muslim Gold Star family whose son was killed defending his troops to building buildings on which the self-proclaimed billionaire made his billions on
- Trump saw a non-existent video tape he claimed Iran put out to embarrass the President
- Trump accepted a Purple Heart from a veteran (a copy, though Trump denied that)
- Trump said he always wanted a Purple Heart and this was the easy way to get one
- Trump touted the fact that he had 6 Gold Star families supporting him, leading one to believe that he now sees Gold Star families as "good" Gold Star families if they support him, and "bad" Gold Star families if they don't
- Trump praised Paul Ryan's opponent in the primary in Wisconsin, a man who just yesterday said he wants to deport ALL Muslims in the United States
- Trump just two days ago said John McCain hadn't done enough for veterans, and that he, Trump, is there for the "vets" and said that Kelly Ayotte is not very smart
- Trump supporters at a Pence rally booed the mother of a son serving in the US military
-Trump supporters booed protesters at a Trump rally holding up the constitution
Those comments only scratch the surface. There is a whole year of such ludicrous statements by Mr. Trump. What on earth are people like Ryan, McConnell, McCain, Priebus et al thinking?
- Trump denigrated a Gold Star family, the Khans
- Trump equated the sacrifice of a American Muslim Gold Star family whose son was killed defending his troops to building buildings on which the self-proclaimed billionaire made his billions on
- Trump saw a non-existent video tape he claimed Iran put out to embarrass the President
- Trump accepted a Purple Heart from a veteran (a copy, though Trump denied that)
- Trump said he always wanted a Purple Heart and this was the easy way to get one
- Trump touted the fact that he had 6 Gold Star families supporting him, leading one to believe that he now sees Gold Star families as "good" Gold Star families if they support him, and "bad" Gold Star families if they don't
- Trump praised Paul Ryan's opponent in the primary in Wisconsin, a man who just yesterday said he wants to deport ALL Muslims in the United States
- Trump just two days ago said John McCain hadn't done enough for veterans, and that he, Trump, is there for the "vets" and said that Kelly Ayotte is not very smart
- Trump supporters at a Pence rally booed the mother of a son serving in the US military
-Trump supporters booed protesters at a Trump rally holding up the constitution
Those comments only scratch the surface. There is a whole year of such ludicrous statements by Mr. Trump. What on earth are people like Ryan, McConnell, McCain, Priebus et al thinking?
17
The candidate is a perfect reflection of the party he represents. As the saying goes, "you fight how you train". Why are you only now surprised at the results?
4
Mr. Brooks, please consider the example of George Will and disown the GOP. Anything less makes you one of the 'enablers' you lament.
20
The elected politicians in the GOP can't get off the Trump Train because there's nothing else to ride on. Trump has only added a sliver of the most noxious racists to the GOP electorate; the rest were already there. They are the people who elected Ryan and McConnell, and they don't sound particularly interested in abandoning their nominee. There's no market for a non-racist conservative party in the US today—just ask the Libertarians. There is no "principled" way to distance oneself from Trump, because GOP congresspeople already abandoned any principle of decency when they ran for office by courting the same voters.
No one within the GOP is upset with Trump for being a racist, peddling ridiculous conspiracy theories, or promoting debunked economic plans. They're upset that in doing these things so blatantly, he's blown their cover and exposed the GOP for what it really is.
Who knew Donald Trump really could speak truth to power after all?
No one within the GOP is upset with Trump for being a racist, peddling ridiculous conspiracy theories, or promoting debunked economic plans. They're upset that in doing these things so blatantly, he's blown their cover and exposed the GOP for what it really is.
Who knew Donald Trump really could speak truth to power after all?
9
.."Word Salad" ....and a really bad one at that.
1
I'm sorry David but like Dr. Frankenstein, I'm afraid the GOP must chase the monster all the way to the North Pole and then suffer the Doctor's fate. Only then can the crew return home.
4
Interesting point about not comparing Trump to the self-disciplined authoritarians of history. However, I wonder if there are valid and possibly informative comparisons to be made with individuals like Mussolini and Duvalier.
1
All you say is true: republicans need to excise themselves from this horrible man. But to do so, they will alienate Trump's rabid supporters or much of the base that makes up the republican voters. They can declare themselves to be better conservatives, but they won't because they don't think they could win that way. Their problem is that they have always courted the bigoted and the racist members of our country instead of shunning them. This election, however, Trump is providing an acceptable lightening rod for it and exposing (and fueling) that segment of the republican party for all to see. It is deeply disturbing.
1
Want to know what's wrong — really, really wrong — with Donald Trump?
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_psychopathology_of_donald_trump_...
Combine narcissist personality disorder (see link) with flight of ideas disorder (see paragraph six of this essay), and you have disaster as president.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_psychopathology_of_donald_trump_...
Combine narcissist personality disorder (see link) with flight of ideas disorder (see paragraph six of this essay), and you have disaster as president.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
1
All cogent reflections Mr. Brooks, and i have always enjoyed reading your column, but where are you going with this? Are you saving it for next week's installment? Who the hell are you voting for?
2
Last night a Republican Congressman who refuses to vote for Trump was excoriated on Fox News. If you want to get rid of Trump, turn your attention to Rupert Murdoch. Fox News imperils us all, and not just in terms of a Trump presidency, but also rise of incivility in politics and society (not to mention the ruinous rise of CO2 in the atmosphere). If you want to get rid of Trump you'll have to blast the twisted Fox News universe into smithereens.
12
David, you have preached a sort of conservatism that never existed, and sat by while the insanity of the people in your party increased, egged on by Fox News, Rush, and other 'entertainers.' Conservatism is now racism, craziness, and white power. No less than Rod Serling warned you back in 1964 about who you invited "into their parlor." But the @GOP has sought the votes of the rich and combined them with those of bigots, sociopaths, and idiots to win elections for more than 50 years. That they and you are surprised and butt-hurt that a sociopathic bigot now leads the party is laughable. You built him. Your party will burn to the ground, and the country will be better off for it.
7
Thank you Mr. Brooks. I love the psychoanalysis. I believe there are a few GOP legislators who have integrity. To those few: be first in line to get out front on the coming tsunami and go on the record as repudiating your candidate and endorsing anyone else. You will regret having not done so.
9
Thank you, Mr. Brooks.
But there is another elephant in the room; one that very few columnists dare to mention: the people who support Trump. Without them, Trump would be nothing and no one. Trump is merely the external symptom of the fear, hatred, bigotry and misogyny that threaten to overturn our democracy. In your article, you compare Trump unfavorably with the "the great authoritarians of history," and this is true. But what frightens me very deeply is what will happen when a truly capable, highly charismatic and well-educated demagogue comes along.
It's true that in the short run we must vanquish the ignorant and infantile Donald Trump. But to survive the long run, we've got to find a way to address the deep psychological problems and divisions that give rise to the desire for someone like him.
But there is another elephant in the room; one that very few columnists dare to mention: the people who support Trump. Without them, Trump would be nothing and no one. Trump is merely the external symptom of the fear, hatred, bigotry and misogyny that threaten to overturn our democracy. In your article, you compare Trump unfavorably with the "the great authoritarians of history," and this is true. But what frightens me very deeply is what will happen when a truly capable, highly charismatic and well-educated demagogue comes along.
It's true that in the short run we must vanquish the ignorant and infantile Donald Trump. But to survive the long run, we've got to find a way to address the deep psychological problems and divisions that give rise to the desire for someone like him.
7
Yes, Paul Ryan wil have to expunge the word "unacceptable" from his vocabulary, since he seems not to know what the word means and still accepts and endorses this dangerously unstable person to lead not just his party but this country.
3
To suggest the Donald Trump suffers from Mania is to suggest that his behavior could be controlled with medication, which is absolutely not the case. Donald Trump has a personality disorder - he is a classic Narcissist. However, his grandiosity (which is a typical sign of Narcissism) is not matched by superior intelligence. So when he speaks he feels compelled to act as though he knows everything about everything, when in fact he is uninformed and focused almost entirely on himself and his needs. HIs lack of empathy stems from his inability to view anything from a lens other than how the other person can stroke his enormous ego. He speaks glowingly of people who speak glowingly of him but has nothing but vitriol from anyone who criticizes him. He has a constant need to puff himself up and cannot control his impulses when provoked. This combination of egomania, impulsivity, aggressiveness, irrationality and a lack of a deep knowledge and understanding of the world is dangerous in a man who controls the nuclear codes.
3
Then for gosh sakes, David Brooks, declare. Take a stand.
7
What is funnier then watching the GOP disintegrate before our eyes, is reading columns by long term GOP apologists trying to explain it.
4
It's time to man-up Republican leaders, time to man-up!
3
They are worming-up.
"Events are going to force Republicans off the fence." "But they can at least get out of the enabling business. First, they can acknowledge that they are being sucked down a nihilistic whirlpool. Second, they can acknowledge the long-term damage being done to the country and to themselves." "There comes a time when neutrality and laying low become dishonorable. If you’re not in revolt, you’re in cahoots. "
Mr. Brooks: You have been guilty of enabling the Republican party throughout your many years as an outspoken supporter of the Republican establishment.
Despite your new-found epiphanies, the Republican party has been visibly on this divisive trajectory for the past two decades. You either were blind to the clearly visible signs, or you saw them yet purposely turned a blind eye.
As you state, you have been "in cahoots." All along, you have been abetting the "long term damage being done to the country."
For the past few months, you've become critical of where the Republicans have led us as a country. But you have done so packaged in objective and dispassionate verbiage. Suddenly, you refer to the Republicans as "they," rather than "we."
Is this a protective mechanism, to assuage your own sense of complicity and guilt in your long-time enabling that has brought us into this more?
I think that a few "mea culpas" are in order....
Mr. Brooks: You have been guilty of enabling the Republican party throughout your many years as an outspoken supporter of the Republican establishment.
Despite your new-found epiphanies, the Republican party has been visibly on this divisive trajectory for the past two decades. You either were blind to the clearly visible signs, or you saw them yet purposely turned a blind eye.
As you state, you have been "in cahoots." All along, you have been abetting the "long term damage being done to the country."
For the past few months, you've become critical of where the Republicans have led us as a country. But you have done so packaged in objective and dispassionate verbiage. Suddenly, you refer to the Republicans as "they," rather than "we."
Is this a protective mechanism, to assuage your own sense of complicity and guilt in your long-time enabling that has brought us into this more?
I think that a few "mea culpas" are in order....
1
Two bits of disagreement with Brooks:
I believe incipient dementia is a more likely "diagnosis" than mania.
Republicans do not have to consciously make a choice. They can be just as self-deluding as Democrats and independents, who pretend to themselves that voting for Stein or Johnson or not voting at all is anything but an effective vote for Trump.
I believe incipient dementia is a more likely "diagnosis" than mania.
Republicans do not have to consciously make a choice. They can be just as self-deluding as Democrats and independents, who pretend to themselves that voting for Stein or Johnson or not voting at all is anything but an effective vote for Trump.
10
The Republican party in exile will be a lonely place, full of policy wonks whose policies have no working class support, for they will have shed the tribalism that created the Republican majorities they assembled.
2
I think it is time to break up GOP into two separate parties. (1) Great Nitwit's Party (GNP) and (2) Great Deep-pocketed's Party (GDP)
3
As long as the Republican party thinks Trump stands any chance of winning in November--and the crowds and money are there--politicians at every level will continue to hold their noses, tsk-tsk Trumph's misteps, and maintain "Hillary is worse". The mindset of those Trumph crowds is scary...
3
For once Mr. Brooks doesn't retreat into social science or whimsical musings on character or faux anthropology or enthnography and other studies he has been delving into in his columns -- as a refuge or perhaps repentance for his own neocon sins, the very sins that made his party capable of giving rise to the birther monster and inveterate liar named Trump. But how many of his colleagues and comrades on the right follow his advice? Even better if they could follow his lead -- not just to form a Republican party in exile, but to ensure that Trump loses in November, by coming out and saying he will vote for Hillary Clinton, the clear and only choice given Mr. Brooks's own words.
1
Bravissimo, Mr. Brooks. If the Republican party survives this historic debacle in any meaningful sense, you will probably have played a significant role.
We should remember, too, how the Tea Party's fanaticism effectively destroyed the party before Mr. Trump showed up to push the remnants aside in favor of fascistic rallies with their murderous mass instincts. There will be more than Mr. Trump to repudiate if the party is to survive and revive...
We should remember, too, how the Tea Party's fanaticism effectively destroyed the party before Mr. Trump showed up to push the remnants aside in favor of fascistic rallies with their murderous mass instincts. There will be more than Mr. Trump to repudiate if the party is to survive and revive...
1
Mr Brooks
To truly get off the enabler train, please take on the Republican phoony war against non-existant voter fraud.
Trump is pre-emptively declaring the coming election rigged, before a single vote has been cast.
We all know where this goes. Trump is going to lose. His maddened supporters are already whipped into a racist conspiratorial frenzy, and it is not difficult to see that Trump's charges of vote rigging will be the spark that sets them ablaze.
It is not enough for Republicans to distance themselves from Trump. You all need a superfund project to clean up the explosive fuel you have built up over the past few decades, like the phony crusade against non-existant voter fraud.
Remember, too, that the voter fraud allegations have always been interwoven with race. The anti-voter fraud laws passed by Republican State governments target minority communities, and that is why courts are throwing out the laws as illegal and unconstitutional.
Trump is the detanator. You need to get rid of the underlying explosives.
To truly get off the enabler train, please take on the Republican phoony war against non-existant voter fraud.
Trump is pre-emptively declaring the coming election rigged, before a single vote has been cast.
We all know where this goes. Trump is going to lose. His maddened supporters are already whipped into a racist conspiratorial frenzy, and it is not difficult to see that Trump's charges of vote rigging will be the spark that sets them ablaze.
It is not enough for Republicans to distance themselves from Trump. You all need a superfund project to clean up the explosive fuel you have built up over the past few decades, like the phony crusade against non-existant voter fraud.
Remember, too, that the voter fraud allegations have always been interwoven with race. The anti-voter fraud laws passed by Republican State governments target minority communities, and that is why courts are throwing out the laws as illegal and unconstitutional.
Trump is the detanator. You need to get rid of the underlying explosives.
2
I have followed Mr. Brooks for many years and hold him in great regard. I think that he is not openly saying he is voting for Hilalry is the slight hope that Trump will either abandon his quest for the Presidency or, and this may be the best thing for the Republican Party which has been slowly dissolving over the past decade or so, completely fracture its infrastructure so that it can refresh itself by throwing out the neoanderthals that have occupied it over the recent past (see Tea Party, white supremacists, anti semities, etc;). If that could happen and the party become the centrist right party that emulates the rest of the countrty. When thinking of how we can govern this country going forward, it is only with centrist oriented (left and right) that true compromise will occur. That bein said, the Republican party can demonstrate to the country that they can lead the way and bring the left wing of the Democrat Party under control.
I agree with David Brooks' assessment. Unless the scales suddenly drop from the eyes of Trump supporters, he won't go away. But I'm wondering how that veteran who gave Trump a reproduction of his Purple Heart is feeling now after hearing his hero lie about its authenticity and making a joke of this heartfelt gift as something he always wanted and he got the easy way.
And the woman with the crying baby so cruelly dismissed -- I wonder if she is having doubts. Perhaps this is how Trump will destroy himself, by showing that a bully can always turn against you.
And the woman with the crying baby so cruelly dismissed -- I wonder if she is having doubts. Perhaps this is how Trump will destroy himself, by showing that a bully can always turn against you.
5
I'm not at all surprised at the "sudden" revelation that Republican Party's national loyalty is challenged. The Republican Party's greed after Ronald Reagan has been almost treasonous. Tax breaks for big business and billionaires" -"trickle down"economics -"smaller government" and not funding government agencies. Who was it that wanted to shut down the government if they didn't get what they wanted? Who didn't care if we lost our national credit rating? Which party had two major economic slams delivered to our treasury - - the first under the watch of "H.W." ( who ran the Willie Horton ad - but he wasn't a "real" racist ). The S & L scandal was dad's. The son's wasn't a scandal - it was a full fledged international crash. And which party did all the bankers belong to whose banks needed to be bailed out twice? The Republican Party! Which Presidents are leaving the general economy in a relatively good financial state after they dig out the mess? The Democrats! There are two opposing economic philosophies. The Republicans buy the Congress through "bribery/lobbying"and hiring retired congressmen at astronomical salaries who voted to lower taxes - while reducing "entitlements". Thus they shift the wealth. The Democratic Party is the party which Liberals such as Bernie Sanders align with while railing against the economic disparity in the interests of the ordinary tax-paying slob. Thus they promote the general/national welfare. The Republicans' ONLY interest is greed.
3
Complaining about Trump's personality disorders does not constitute taking a stand. Disavowing him and endorsing Hilary Clinton or another candidate does.
We're still waiting, Mr. Brooks.
We're still waiting, Mr. Brooks.
9
Last week Brooks compared Trump to Berlusconi. True, the Italian PM is an egomaniac, and he, like Trump, played with the textbook of populism and said inexcusable and irresponsible things as well. But here's the big difference: Berlusconi knew very well that his political horizon was the European Popular Party, that to say Chancellor Merkel's party, so he tuned his messages and policies to his European counterparts. Also, Berlusconi was a calculating politician who could play different registers, rather made of this attitude an art (he was, and still is the monopolist of the Italian advertisement market). Trump, on the contrary, is just an unarticulated guy, who can neither prepare for an interview (as Brooks noted a few week ago on PBS), and all too often seems to struggle to connect the few things he knows in a coherent discourse. At the end of the day the republican nominee is evidently not a political leader as Berlusconi was, but a fetish for people who think they can "discover" and "own" celebrities. His vacuity and lack of political references, coupled with his narcissistic compulsions, appear as a much greater risk than the populistic masquerades of the "Popular" Berlusconi.
So yes, I agree, Trump's absolute unfitness is too evident even for the ones ideologically inclined, therefore the notion that Rayn and McConnell are gambling their country (and the world civilization) is coming to light. No escape.
So yes, I agree, Trump's absolute unfitness is too evident even for the ones ideologically inclined, therefore the notion that Rayn and McConnell are gambling their country (and the world civilization) is coming to light. No escape.
1
David, you have gotten this completely backwards and you are still in denial. Paul Ryan is not an enabler at all -- he planned to be Trump's main beneficiary. So it turns out that the emperor with no clothes is not Donald Trump but Paul Ryan, the man who has been held up as the stalwart of the Republican Party platform of free market ideals. Ryan is not stupid and now everyone else knows that he knows that his so-called platform can only be pushed forward on the backs of people who are voting on the basis of their racial and cultural resentment, and not because they agree that low taxes for ultra wealthy people are a good thing. He can't disavow Trump because Paul Ryan is relying on Trump's voters every bit as much as Trump is.
7
It is somehow funny and sad at the same time - not Trump, but Brooks troubled concern over the Republican Party's soul. It was interesting to observe Brooks sitting for eight days at the Republican and the Democratic conventions, with the PBS NewsHour team, where he is supposed to be the responsible "republican house pundit". He had a troubled, uneasy demeanor,, never able to completely distance himself from the "real" Republican leaders such as Ryan and co. And he could never really embrace Hillary.
It is sad that a decent and intelligent person such as David Brooks is, who cannot publicly break with the GOP, when he knows that he does not belong there anymore. This inability to free himself, not from his Conservative ideas, but from the Republican Party - does damage to his credibility.
It is sad that a decent and intelligent person such as David Brooks is, who cannot publicly break with the GOP, when he knows that he does not belong there anymore. This inability to free himself, not from his Conservative ideas, but from the Republican Party - does damage to his credibility.
1
I am an independent who would describe himself as a social moderate and fiscally conservative, and for the first time in my life (twelve presidential elections) I have decided to sit this one out, essentially voting for "none of the above". I cannot bring myself to vote for Hillary because I think that the Clintons are mendacious to the point of being criminal both in their motives and behavior, but as both this column and Michael Morell's op-ed piece point out, Donald Trump is absolutely frightening.
1
To Simple Truth,
In the face of the "absolutely frightening" sitting things out is not a viable option. Please reconsider.
In the face of the "absolutely frightening" sitting things out is not a viable option. Please reconsider.
8
Those who have the opportunity to vote for someone who can actually defeat Trump and fail to cast that vote will also bear moral responsibility for all that will happen as a result of his victory.
Please, put the good of the country above your personal distaste, and vote for the Democratic nominee.
Please, put the good of the country above your personal distaste, and vote for the Democratic nominee.
1
You can "sit out" a hurricane, but you will still wake up with the house destroyed.
1
Am I the only one seeing this?!? It's so obvious that all the professional GOPers (paid politicians, party leaders, staffers, spokespeople, etc. down the line and op-Ed writers) will LOSE THEIR OWN JOBS, never mind their souls if they stop drinking the Koolaid. They have hitched their wagon to a failed Edsel. They lose it ALL (nice salary, house, holidays, private schools, etc.) if Trump fails.
There were months of hoping and praying he wouldn't win the primaries and become the presumptive candidate. Then the longing for a contested convention. Then the fervent hope (based on no evidence) he could be trained, become more presidential...be less stupid. Ha!
When Trump loses--and he will by a landslide taking congress down with him-- they will all have to reflect hard, soul search and reinvent themselves finding new jobs and maybe new professions. Imagine trying to explain during interviews why they backed the worst POTUS candidate this nation has ever seen.
Given all that, is it any wonder they still insist that there are clothes on some talking yam of a bully running around naked as a jay bird?
There were months of hoping and praying he wouldn't win the primaries and become the presumptive candidate. Then the longing for a contested convention. Then the fervent hope (based on no evidence) he could be trained, become more presidential...be less stupid. Ha!
When Trump loses--and he will by a landslide taking congress down with him-- they will all have to reflect hard, soul search and reinvent themselves finding new jobs and maybe new professions. Imagine trying to explain during interviews why they backed the worst POTUS candidate this nation has ever seen.
Given all that, is it any wonder they still insist that there are clothes on some talking yam of a bully running around naked as a jay bird?
3
Seemingly, the GOP establishment's thoughts of reconstructing their ruined party after this election is resting on the hope that they maintain a minimal amount of scaffolding in the House and Senate. This is what's behind their very awkward reticence and apparent denial of the reality that Trump has engendered. That the White House is a lost cause is a certainty. They are scrambling to preserve a semblance of representation in the Congress.
But this callous and cynical stance is dangerous for the country. They - and you - must realize this, Mr. Brooks. You are still trying to chart alternative guerilla tactics to salvage what can't be salvaged. Where is the concern for country and the patriotism GOP has claimed to have patented these past decades? Does party trump nation? Does reason trump myopic delusions?
Trump claims he has created "thousands and thousands of jobs". But his failed businesses have also destroyed "thousands and thousands of jobs." These stewards of a sinking GOP ship must also assume the responsibility of cultivating a rabidly indoctrinated electorate since the Reagan years. Trump's audiences will not go away after the election. That sophomoric mental malaise will stick around. GOPers must also contemplate how to remold the prevailing mindset that defies decency, moderation, good manners, and general civility. There is life after November too.
But this callous and cynical stance is dangerous for the country. They - and you - must realize this, Mr. Brooks. You are still trying to chart alternative guerilla tactics to salvage what can't be salvaged. Where is the concern for country and the patriotism GOP has claimed to have patented these past decades? Does party trump nation? Does reason trump myopic delusions?
Trump claims he has created "thousands and thousands of jobs". But his failed businesses have also destroyed "thousands and thousands of jobs." These stewards of a sinking GOP ship must also assume the responsibility of cultivating a rabidly indoctrinated electorate since the Reagan years. Trump's audiences will not go away after the election. That sophomoric mental malaise will stick around. GOPers must also contemplate how to remold the prevailing mindset that defies decency, moderation, good manners, and general civility. There is life after November too.
Psychiatrists should not diagnose people they have never met. Nor should David Brooks. One thing is sure--Trump does not have "mania", which is a very serious illness. Unfortunately we live in a time where everyone we don't like is called "bipolar"
Actually, as a lay person, David Brooks can "diagnose" anyone he wants to, for what that is worth. Neither he nor the general public are bound by the psychological profession's code of conduct. Anyhow, many people do think Trump has a "very serious illness," while others just see him is immoral and malevolent.
Clinton said, "The man can be bated with a tweet."
The man can apparently be diverted toward anything he feels is a challenge to his ego. He diverts all his energy to tamp down ad hominem remarks rather than keeping his eye on the task at hand. We can play armchair psychoanalysts - sure, this is the sign of massive insecurities. But his own handlers and supporters seem to be unable to get him to see the damage he does to himself and his campaign by responding to playground taunts. Clinton doesn't even have to lift a finger to debate him. All she has to do is suggest that Trump Steaks are too fatty, that his business dealings are flawed, or that his hair color looks more natural on a pole dancer.
The Republican party is replete with some very smart people who have made a calculation that supporting this man will lead to some form of political supremacy. But the rest of us have made the same calculation, and we're watching the ship sink from the safety of the beach, praying our colleagues can swim without water wings.
The man can apparently be diverted toward anything he feels is a challenge to his ego. He diverts all his energy to tamp down ad hominem remarks rather than keeping his eye on the task at hand. We can play armchair psychoanalysts - sure, this is the sign of massive insecurities. But his own handlers and supporters seem to be unable to get him to see the damage he does to himself and his campaign by responding to playground taunts. Clinton doesn't even have to lift a finger to debate him. All she has to do is suggest that Trump Steaks are too fatty, that his business dealings are flawed, or that his hair color looks more natural on a pole dancer.
The Republican party is replete with some very smart people who have made a calculation that supporting this man will lead to some form of political supremacy. But the rest of us have made the same calculation, and we're watching the ship sink from the safety of the beach, praying our colleagues can swim without water wings.
2
"There comes a time when neutrality and laying low become dishonorable. If you’re not in revolt, you’re in cahoots."
Precisely the reason why I will spend the weekend making a sign and then travel downtown on Monday and pay to park my car, even though I have been unemployed for almost two years, in order to stand outside the building where Trump will be speaking to the Detroit Economic Club. I want to be able to, God willing, look my grandkids in the eye and be able to tell them I stepped up and did my American duty.
Precisely the reason why I will spend the weekend making a sign and then travel downtown on Monday and pay to park my car, even though I have been unemployed for almost two years, in order to stand outside the building where Trump will be speaking to the Detroit Economic Club. I want to be able to, God willing, look my grandkids in the eye and be able to tell them I stepped up and did my American duty.
34
Supporting Trump must be something like enjoying scary movies, roller coasters, sadistic lovers, or riding drunk on a motorcycle--from harmless to very dangerous. The categories of Trump fans, his enablers go from masochistic to delusional, from racist to stubborn. And the rest of us are victims. He has succeeded in scaring followers and detractors. The blind follower is the most frightening, no matter who they support. Some Bernie fans are like that, not really knowing why they followed him and only him. But this is a scary movie where the roller coaster won't end, the movie won't end, until November. And even that isn't certain.
6
Not Trump , Voters are the problem.
Dear Mr. Brooks,
Great article but as long as Trump is surrounded by sycophants and toadies, slim chance for a change in GOP's goal and direction:
"...Pence added “You know, I said at our convention, I said we’d nominated someone who is larger than life (?), known for charisma (?)...
Mr. Pence said he wanted to make one thing clear. “...I will tell you right now Donald Trump has the right vision for America (?), he has the right policies for America (?) and I’m going to fight every day to tell his story all across the United States.”
Great article but as long as Trump is surrounded by sycophants and toadies, slim chance for a change in GOP's goal and direction:
"...Pence added “You know, I said at our convention, I said we’d nominated someone who is larger than life (?), known for charisma (?)...
Mr. Pence said he wanted to make one thing clear. “...I will tell you right now Donald Trump has the right vision for America (?), he has the right policies for America (?) and I’m going to fight every day to tell his story all across the United States.”
2
Have you heard of the saying, “Put your money where your mouth is,” Mr. Brooks? You could have concluded by saying, “As a Republican, I denounce Mr. Trump and call upon all my fellow Republicans to do the same. Mr. Trump is unfit to be the president of the United States – please do not vote for him.”
I am not sure if your employment/contractual agreement with the New York Times prohibits you from such explicit political advocacy – but as the saying goes, desperate diseases require desperate remedies!
I am not sure if your employment/contractual agreement with the New York Times prohibits you from such explicit political advocacy – but as the saying goes, desperate diseases require desperate remedies!
3
"Trump insults Paul Ryan..." Paul Ryan deserves to be insulted. Paul Ryan is a hypocrite and a coward who is only looking out for his own self interest and power. If Paul Ryan had any integrity, in light of his condemnation of Trump's words and deeds, Ryan should never have endorsed Trump in the first place.
5
I'm a lifelong Democrat, but I understand that we need a robust debate of ideas to advance the interests of the United States both at home and around the world. Instead, and sadly, the GOP candidate is hastening the end of the Republican Party's legitimacy and viability, not only as a participant in such debates but in national electoral political viability as well. Additionally, as this unprecedented commentary from former CIA Director Michael J. Morell concludes; Trump is not only unfit to serve as president, he has already damaged our national security. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/05/opinion/campaign-stops/i-ran-the-cia-n...
3
I see Trump as a mere symptom of the Information Age. An increasingly large proportion of the population is accustomed to spouting off their opinions in an immoderate fashion because they can do so online and no one can punch them in the nose. This has become their norm. They've created their own personal echo chambers and forgotten how to accommodate other people.
Yesterday while driving to work in morning rush hour on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, I observed an older Ferrari pull onto the street just ahead of me. Traffic was moving, both westbound lanes going the same approximately 30 mph speed. The driver in the Ferrari honked at the vehicle in front of him, apparently to pull over or speed up so that the Ferrari driver could give himself a speed rush. That's our new Information Age Man, the Trump supporter.
Yesterday while driving to work in morning rush hour on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, I observed an older Ferrari pull onto the street just ahead of me. Traffic was moving, both westbound lanes going the same approximately 30 mph speed. The driver in the Ferrari honked at the vehicle in front of him, apparently to pull over or speed up so that the Ferrari driver could give himself a speed rush. That's our new Information Age Man, the Trump supporter.
3
Excellent article! Great line, "Advisors can't control Trump's brain because Trump can't control it himself." Several of the commentators blame you for not stating your support for Hillary Clinton, but it seems to us to come out in every paragraph.
What is missing is criticism of the Republican Party and of how low it has sunk. It's a party that now refuses to move on the Zika virus crisis, enables the NRA, making a ban on assault weapons impossible, and has raised up Donald Trump to be its candidate. Many Republicans see nothing wrong with the above.
What is missing is criticism of the Republican Party and of how low it has sunk. It's a party that now refuses to move on the Zika virus crisis, enables the NRA, making a ban on assault weapons impossible, and has raised up Donald Trump to be its candidate. Many Republicans see nothing wrong with the above.
2
Robin Williams deserves way better than a comparison to Trump. I hope that you take responsibility as an early enabler. You apology is accepted.
4
No shite. Williams actually knew what he was mocking about. Yes, he had manic personality, but he had oceans of empathy. That's what made him funny.
Humor is different from satire, sarcasm and lampoon. You have to include everyone in the room when you point out failures. This is the mark of a Twaining humorist.
Humor is different from satire, sarcasm and lampoon. You have to include everyone in the room when you point out failures. This is the mark of a Twaining humorist.
This is about "Basic Human Values." DJT clearly has different values that I have. I believe it is reasonable to assume that anybody who endorses him, must either share his values or believe that "values" don't matter in a President.
I honestly wonder how I can have a relationship with anybody who would vote for Trump.
I honestly wonder how I can have a relationship with anybody who would vote for Trump.
2
David Brooks is wise, intelligent, perceptive, and an excellent writer. I always look forward to his columns and to the zoo that constitutes the comment section.
Kurt Freund
Kurt Freund
Well, isnt that the point? Nowadays, that is how columnists keep their jobs.
1
Disingenuous. I understand that established Republicans are reacting as Victor Frankenstein to their own creation. Where was this cri de coeur when the GOP eliminated any expectation of intelligence and competence with W? With Sarah Palin? Almost annually, we are seeing GOP standard-bearers who are less and less able, more and more Reality TV soundbytes, culminating with the poster man-child for both. Regardless of whether or not you like Ms. Clinton, she is the antithesis of this. Our last presidential nominee was extraordinarily brilliant and accomplished, only eclipsed by our current one. The GOP has fomented not only stupidity (with cutting back on things like EDUCATION) but suspicion of government, when really, their agenda has been strictly related to economics. You've pandered to the ignorant and the superstitious - and Trump is their guy.
3
Mr. Brooks -- Y-O-U helped create this. For example, your 2007 column apologizing for Reagan's racist dog whistles, or actually denying they were racist, helped propel the racism in the Repub party.
It's good that you are now opposing the most blatant expression of that racism. But your epiphany will not be complete, or even honest, until you acknowledge your own crucial role, and that of so many other in the party.
It's good that you are now opposing the most blatant expression of that racism. But your epiphany will not be complete, or even honest, until you acknowledge your own crucial role, and that of so many other in the party.
3
According to Article II, Section 1, Clause 5 of the United States Constitution, the POTUS must be at least age 35. There is a good reason for this. How then, can a candidate (Trump) be regarded as qualifying when his mental age is clearly about 11 years old?
To paraphrase him, "I know you are, but what am I?", and I'll bet you can identify dozens of solid indicators of a third-grader schoolyard bully taunts and behaviors that Trump commonly uses? I have trouble recognizing any truly adult behaviors in him.
So why haven't you declared your non-support for Trump yet?
To paraphrase him, "I know you are, but what am I?", and I'll bet you can identify dozens of solid indicators of a third-grader schoolyard bully taunts and behaviors that Trump commonly uses? I have trouble recognizing any truly adult behaviors in him.
So why haven't you declared your non-support for Trump yet?
Might that "trained psychiatrist have been the practicing columnist Dr Charles Krauthammer of the Wash Post who also sits on your side of the fence politically. You are much better if thats any consolation. Coincidentally he belatedly came to denigrating Trump in his column yesterday. You did so way way back comparatively. The trained psychiatrist whiffed....but his commentary typically is far too full of the hate organism so he must have had a much harder time pivoting.
Thank you David, for saying what needs to be said. I hope there are other Republicans who are clear-sighted as well.
I've been an independent voter in the last 20 years and never thought I'd vote for a democrat again. This election is not about the lesser of two evils. It is about a corrupted, dissembling, well-connected, and well qualified, insider versus the unthinkable. And I don't intend for my vote to enable the election of the unthinkable. Mr Brooks, it's hypocritical to write a column like this and then withhold an endorsement of HC. I doubt that you can top Michael Bloomberg's speech [could anyone?] but my guess is that you're working up to it and we'll see your column endorsing her soon.
2
In the last week, I have contacted my 2 senators, congressman, McConnell's & Ryan's offices to ask them to denounce Trump. I let them know my fears about Mr. Trump's lack of knowledge & his hateful rhetoric. Hillary Clinton is much better prepared to step into the Oval Office - at least when the press asks her what she thinks about Brexit , her answer won't be "It's a fantastic British cookie!".
Don't just write comments on the NYTimes website - contact your representatives!
Don't just write comments on the NYTimes website - contact your representatives!
1
They may find it easier now that the European betting parlors have spoken. Hillary 3 to 1, when Obama only had Mitt 2 to 1. It's done.
Anyone speaking out now knows it's a safe bet, ask the CDS Markit. Hard to call anyone calling out Trump heroic after this data drop.
Anyone speaking out now knows it's a safe bet, ask the CDS Markit. Hard to call anyone calling out Trump heroic after this data drop.
Oh David you weak silly man. You created this GOP and leader by drinking the cool-aid of the tea party that has destroyed the party in its call to inaction. To destroy Government and to destroy the trust of the people in that government ,you are the one that has done this and shame on you for letting it happen.
1
Mr. Brooks, I give you credit for being a Republican and taking the stands you have taken through this election cycle. Thanks for your honesty!
I'd feel really sorry for you and your 'party' David, but I believe you all have reaped what you have sown. Your party actively courted and enflamed the seedy underbelly of hate and intolerance in this country to the point where common decency was relabeled 'political correctness ' and your supporters felt free to express their hateful views loud and proud in public. And they selected the biggest megaphone of hate they could find. Lord help us if they prevail, but they will not go away and they will continue to spew their toxic views long after this election is over. I can only imagine what Ms. Clinton will have to endure if she becomes POTUS. You have to accept some accountability for this situation. You've been with them lockstep through the last couple of decades.
2
Any process of confronting Trump's enablers by Brooks must start with a long look in the mirror...
6
Mr Brooks,
I wish I was as confident in the demise of the anti-America party as the other consumers of America's corporate mainstream media. Mr Brooks you know Edmund Burke as well as anyone and know his chief opponent was the real conservative Samuel Johnson and you know Burke was a Whig and a radical 18th century liberal.
Since William F. Buckley Jr inundated the media with McCarthy era newspeak I cannot tell my liberal fascists from my more conservative ones. Maybe it is time for a 21st century Whig Party with a more liberal bent.
I suspect that next election the more radical Whigs will select Ted Cruz as their standard bearer but maybe you can represent the conservative Whigs.
I cannot imagine anything more delicious than two natural born Canadians running to show who is the more patriotic American.
I wish I was as confident in the demise of the anti-America party as the other consumers of America's corporate mainstream media. Mr Brooks you know Edmund Burke as well as anyone and know his chief opponent was the real conservative Samuel Johnson and you know Burke was a Whig and a radical 18th century liberal.
Since William F. Buckley Jr inundated the media with McCarthy era newspeak I cannot tell my liberal fascists from my more conservative ones. Maybe it is time for a 21st century Whig Party with a more liberal bent.
I suspect that next election the more radical Whigs will select Ted Cruz as their standard bearer but maybe you can represent the conservative Whigs.
I cannot imagine anything more delicious than two natural born Canadians running to show who is the more patriotic American.
2
Yes, it is time for the GOP to take a stand. Either Trump or Clinton will be the next president. Therefore, it is not enough to stand against Trump. The only credible stand for the GOP leadership is one in favor of Clinton.
4
As a physician, I also had been thinking lately that Donald Trump may well have untreated bipolar disease, what used to be called manic-depressive illness. He may have ADHD too. His ghostwriter for "Art of the Deal" spoke recently about how Trump had pretty much "zero" attention span when they were trying to write that book. And there's good medical data that at times both disorders co-exist in the same individual.
But what concerns me is how I see so many of the same qualities David Brooks describes - the impulsiveness, aggressive speech, exaggerated sense of self, lack of empathy, paranoia and lack of sound reasoning in complex topics - in many commentators on conservative talk radio/TV. People like Limbaugh, O'Reilly, other Fox people. This has been going on for at least 2 decades. These people normalize this type of behavior! No surprise it shows up in "average people" at Trump rallies.
This piece is a good start. You write about the need for a short-term plan for the GOP. How about a companion piece on ridding the party of these behaviors in Congress and the media. Now that might lead to long-term salvation.
But what concerns me is how I see so many of the same qualities David Brooks describes - the impulsiveness, aggressive speech, exaggerated sense of self, lack of empathy, paranoia and lack of sound reasoning in complex topics - in many commentators on conservative talk radio/TV. People like Limbaugh, O'Reilly, other Fox people. This has been going on for at least 2 decades. These people normalize this type of behavior! No surprise it shows up in "average people" at Trump rallies.
This piece is a good start. You write about the need for a short-term plan for the GOP. How about a companion piece on ridding the party of these behaviors in Congress and the media. Now that might lead to long-term salvation.
35
David Brooks doesn't need me to speak in his defense, but for the several commentators who have excoriated him for not going far enough, for not having renounced his support for Trump. for not having pledged to withhold his vote for Trump, didn't Brooks do that weeks ago?
2
The Trump ride on the birther train (which he did not invent but only co-opted when he saw it would run) should have disqualified him from being accepted as a serious (that is to say not a lying demagogue) candidate. I wish Mr. Brooks had acknowledged all this much earlier.
3
Republican supporters of Trump keep saying that he needs to get back on track.
Reality check: Trump never was on track.
Reality check: Trump never was on track.
2
So where is your endorsement of Hillary, David?
3
Senate Republicans might want to confirm Merrick Garland while they can.
5
I'd take that bet since the European betting parlors just dropped the good news. Hillary is 3 to 1 gonna stomp Trump into a dumpster. Obama was only 2 to 1 last time. It's over. Now we'll see if the GOP even have a brain left in Karl Rove's head.
Your suggestion would be evidence there is a pulse left.
Your suggestion would be evidence there is a pulse left.
Trump's plan is a hostile take over of the Republican party, destroying anything that stands in his way, before bringing his own order. He may not get to the second part though.
"They [Von Papen and the German Conservatives] had all sorts of squirrelly formulations about why it was O.K. to ride the Trump [Hitler] train: He can be tamed or surrounded and improved. Sure, he’s got some real weaknesses, but he’s more or less a normal candidate who is at least better than Hillary [The Communists]."
Look it up. As Marx once said, history actually does repeat itself. The first time as tragedy and the second as farce.
Look it up. As Marx once said, history actually does repeat itself. The first time as tragedy and the second as farce.
Wow. What a terrific, well written article. Any Republican, or American as far as that goes, that reads this piece and still can't make an informed decision, or re-consider backing a man that would truly have us in a "me against the world" position within his first 6 months in office, either has no hope for the future, or is inherently evil.
2
What does the "real" Republican party stand for? That's an open question now. I don't know that there is a party in exile - is there only two halves now, or is it more likely that the overall Republican agenda has been atomized.
Leave aside the racist, nationalist banter and Russia-loving that Trump brings. Do Republicans:
- Support engagement in the world?
- Support free trade?
- Support a more liberal social agenda like gay rights?
- Support trickle down economics?
The list goes on, but I don't think there are two sides. I think the GOP's Humpty Dumpty has fallen off the wall and will not be put together again. Its an open question what the Republican party looks like two years from now.
Leave aside the racist, nationalist banter and Russia-loving that Trump brings. Do Republicans:
- Support engagement in the world?
- Support free trade?
- Support a more liberal social agenda like gay rights?
- Support trickle down economics?
The list goes on, but I don't think there are two sides. I think the GOP's Humpty Dumpty has fallen off the wall and will not be put together again. Its an open question what the Republican party looks like two years from now.
Primary and polling results show that Trump supporters -- arguably the majority of the Republican party on the ground -- like their entitlements, don't like tax cuts for the rich, and don't like big trade deals. As the conservative elite form a party in exile, will they be willing to abandon these conservative shibboleths? Or will they hang onto them and risk a further splintering of their party? Trump is surely not the only potential Republican candidate who can energetically exploit these issues from the left. This progressive, who has suffered through the total intransigence of that party through two Obama terms and its allergy to the truth (e.g., global warming, the biggest crisis in history), licks his lips over the prospect of the Republican party in two, three or four warring chunks.
I think what just read was David Brooks telling establishment rightists that it is long part time to tell Trump's unstable base of racist high school dropouts that the guy they love more than a 'Dukes of Hazard' marathon is a crazy person.
Sorry David but as we Americans have been trying to tell you guys since Palin crawled out of the woodwork spouting her nonsensical word salad, you can't reason with unreasonable people.
Sorry David but as we Americans have been trying to tell you guys since Palin crawled out of the woodwork spouting her nonsensical word salad, you can't reason with unreasonable people.
2
The GOP is reaping it what it has sown…who will you vote for, Mr Brooks? I am embarrassed and ashamed of my country…that a buffoon is so close to the Oval Office...
2
A well done column Mr. Brooks, but with whom do you stand for the Presidency? Clearly this race is between Trump and Clinton, because any other contenders will not stand a chance of being elected. This election is too important to just denounce the most vile, vulgarian ever to seek the office of the Presidency. It is time to stand up Mr. Books, and for the good of this country and the world, endorse Hillary Clinton. Unlike Ryan and McConnell who have shown they lack a moral compass in standing by their endorsements of Trump, some of your fellow Republicans have bravely refused to endorse him, and some are even endorsing Clinton for the greater good of this country, and have shown there are still those Republicans with a shred of decency left in them.
Please go that one step further Mr. Brooks, and stand with those decent Republicans who are endorsing the one candidate who can help avert the clear and present danger Trump represents to our country. Your Party no longer exists. It has been taken over by a madman and his followers.
Please go that one step further Mr. Brooks, and stand with those decent Republicans who are endorsing the one candidate who can help avert the clear and present danger Trump represents to our country. Your Party no longer exists. It has been taken over by a madman and his followers.
1
Eloquently done, Mr. Brooks. A very effective description of Trump's pathology. Next column could you give us a description of the psyche of the millions of US citizens who think he would be a good president. Because they scare me more than Trump.
2
As far as Clint Eastwood is concerned, he has acted in so many make believe Westerns, he thinks Trump is for real. Clint Eastwood = republican fantasy.
2
Unfortunately the stand they will take will be on the top of a fencepost
Mr. Brooks, after all these years of carrying water for the party that, underneath all the pretense, silently stood for everything that Drumpf is saying out loud now. The party used demagogues like Limbaugh, Coulter, Hannity, O'Reilly and YOU Mr. Brooks to say the things it feared to say. Even now, after several columns of hand wringing, you can't bring yourself to publicly state that you WILL NOT vote for Drumpf come November. You are a coward and are complicit in the making of this man that, if elected, is the greatest threat to western democracy since Adolf Hitler and I say that without an ounce of hyperbole.
1
And let's not forget the fire marshals and the Trump rant against limiting room occupancy. As a "builder" he must be familiar with fire codes and building codes designed for safety. One wonders about the safety of his buildings. All those inconvenient rules for consumer protection! The Republican slide began with the Tea Party rant and became the rallying cry to oppose President Obama. Trump is carrying their banner.
1
From the left, I am horrified that my only option besides the Green Party's Jill Stein, happens to be Donald Trump. Brooks and the NYT fail to get it. People have wanted to destroy this pathetic two party system for decades because they want serious change from a system controlled by the wealthy and their money. Yes, Trump. while offering serious change, is at best an unruly and unpredictable candidate, however the NYT is disingenuous when claiming that Trump will get us into a war with China or Russia. It will be Hillary who takes on the Russians and Chinese in their neighborhoods, and in the end, she will be outmaneuvered deftly by her opponents. Vote third party this year, or hold your nose while making your decision. Hillary is more of the same, chaos and killing around the globe, all orchestrated from Washington.
Skip the "Party in Exile" stuff. The Republican Party that nominated Trump IS the Republican Party in its entirety. I have no prescriptions for conservatives who want a party based upon policy because all I've seen of that in the past generation is the Paul Ryan version. No thanks. Conservatives who wish to have a party will have to abandon the rotting Republican brand and form something new. "Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return."
25
I remember reading in Carl Jung's autobiography that if the general public were more versed in psychology, fewer crazy people (my word, not his) would be elected. Everyone would be able to see that Candidate So-and-so was clearly suffering from an unresolved _________ complex and was not fit for public office. His words still ring true.
Not to worry - if he wins, his term in office will be non stop gridlock. The real story will be what lasting effect, if any, his election will have on the GOP.
But wait...he has actually raised the notion that nuclear weapons are only worth having if they're used. Nuclear proliferation is an inevitable fact of life on Earth but the fewer countries that have the Bomb the better. Those comments from Trump, even as a mere candidate for President have probably already inspired leaders of other countries to consider developing or ramping up their stockpiles.
Once these weapons start detonating the world may not end in a bang - but a whimper - Today's weather report: Sunny, 80 degrees, strontuium 90 levels above normal - use respirator setting #6....
Yea Trump!
But wait...he has actually raised the notion that nuclear weapons are only worth having if they're used. Nuclear proliferation is an inevitable fact of life on Earth but the fewer countries that have the Bomb the better. Those comments from Trump, even as a mere candidate for President have probably already inspired leaders of other countries to consider developing or ramping up their stockpiles.
Once these weapons start detonating the world may not end in a bang - but a whimper - Today's weather report: Sunny, 80 degrees, strontuium 90 levels above normal - use respirator setting #6....
Yea Trump!
A number of writers have asked Mr. Brooks to state explicitly that he will not support Donald Trump. This he has done explicitly as well as implicitly. See, for example his column of March 18, which is titled and ends with the words, "No, not Trump, not ever." What Mr. Brooks has not yet done is state the obvious alternative and say the "H" word.
3
It's too late, Mr Brooks. The time for you to take a stand was, oh, some two decades ago. "Enabling" has along history in the Republican establishment.
1
Mr. Brooks needs a new psychiatric consultant. The diagnosis of mania or hypomania requires not just the symptom checklist he enumerates, but additionally one of two necessary criteria: distress or dysfunction (check DSM-5). The diagnosis of clinical narcissism requires that the same criteria be met. I doubt Mr. Trump feels distress, and one can hardly call his behavior dysfunctional when he has every success he apparently wants and the Republican Party has nominated him as its presidential candidate.
No, Mr. Brooks, it is the Republican Party that is dysfunctional -- as are their pundit minions, who enabled this phenomenon with decades of sophistry. Let's start to heal our body politic. That begins with an accurate diagnosis, and knowing who's the patient.
No, Mr. Brooks, it is the Republican Party that is dysfunctional -- as are their pundit minions, who enabled this phenomenon with decades of sophistry. Let's start to heal our body politic. That begins with an accurate diagnosis, and knowing who's the patient.
1
When rank and file politicians talk about the normalcy of delivering a pallet full of $400 million in cash to a semi-adversary, it is obvious that a change is needed to the status quo. Sadly, Donald Trump is *NOT* the one to bring about that change. A sane anti-politician (is there such a thing?) would have stood a real chance of shaking up the sclerotic system we now have, but the operative word here is "sane" and Trump does not fit that criteria.
I wonder if Nixon and Lee Atwater were aware their southern strategy would grow and expand beyond the borders of the Confederate States and tear the nation apart?
2
This piece goes after Trump -- fine.
But the real problem is the political nest from which he came.
Trump is just a bullet who found an (echo) chamber.
Brooks, you and your neocon buddies had a major hand in the formation of that chamber.
But the real problem is the political nest from which he came.
Trump is just a bullet who found an (echo) chamber.
Brooks, you and your neocon buddies had a major hand in the formation of that chamber.
2
I blame the Republican Party for our current problems. The GOP's motto: Stupidity, a commodity we cannot afford to ignore; it's good for business.
Brilliant piece, Mr. Brooks, especially the last paragraph.....
Will critical thinking ever be reintroduced in American schools ?
2
So much for "Wet Noodle" Paul Ryan.
2
Mr. Brooks, please be explicit. What should responsible Republicans voters do? Vote for Clinton as the best prepared and sane candidate? Abstain from voting for any presidential candidate? Are you willing to say what you plan to do?
4
Beautifully written, spot on column Mr. Brooks, but please say that you won't vote for him!
3
Trump is intrinsically weak and cowardly. If the Republican establishment collectively denounces him, he will instantly collapse in a miserable heap and we will have dodged a bullet.
4
Republicans are always the ones that perpetuate the idea of "country first". They are revealing who they really are, scared political opportunists.
5
The parallels between the rise of trump and rise of Hitler have never been more obvious to anyone that has studied the period. For those who haven't...Hitler rose to power by playing to the fear and loss of pride of disenfranchised Germans upset with the results and consequences of starting and losing the First World War. He blamed Jews. He was self aggrandizing. He suffered from paranoid mania. He ranted in public using incendiary rhetoric. He suffered from delusions of grandeur. He rode a populist wave of change and was democratically elected into office and plunged the entire world into darkness. These comparisons are not hyperbolic. Trump must be stopped!!! Anyone who stands by instead of standing up is complicit.
9
Finish your logic, David. "If you are not in revolt, you are in cahoots." But to be in cahoots with a sociopath is not just to support a sociopath, but to actively turn into a sociopath. Anyone on social media has seen this transformation in people they thought they knew. The need to resolve the cognitive dissonance of trying to be a good citizen while defending the indefensible necessitates such distortions of reasoning that one soon tumbles down the rabbit hole. Trump may lose, but in his wake will be millions of supporters so alienated from reality that they only feel sane in a universe in which everything is the opposite of what it seems.
3
I don’t think anybody “understands” Trump. But David Brooks comes as close as anyone. There’s a raging personality disorder here, and that’s the operative. Not his policies (he has none), not his off-hand remarks on issues (all his remarks are off-hand), not his contradictory statements and serial lying, not his contempt for anything that is not him or does not flatter him, or his utter lack of decency. On the positive side, you can’t say he’s calculating. (Ted Cruz, bless his black heart, was calculating. Trump can’t string together two thoughts that aim toward a self-serving goal.) Mr. Brooks lays all this out, and he should continue to do so—even though it may not deter a single voter. Maybe Mr. Brooks can put his brain to work on how a mentally unfit candidate could attract $82 million gathered from small donors over the last 2 months.
2
I keep reading comments, the Rank & File of the Republican Party are better than what Trump represents & should desert him, but are they really different then what Trump represents.Does a Party that ignores the constitution when it comes to religion, & tries to make Christianity a State Religion , by trying to over turn Roe Vs Wade & taking away Woman’s Choice, any different than Trump. Does a Party that refuses to recognize that Gay Americans are entailed to the same rights as straight Americans, any less bigoted than Trump. Does a Party that would take away Social Security & Medicare and are against universal Health care for all Americans, tolerant of the aged & the needy?Compared to the Republican Platform, Trump for all his frailties is perhaps a better choice than the Status Quo of the Republican party.
2
Pick on his “speech patterns?” Really? So what if his speech is an ungrammatical stampede of misogyny, prejudice and ignorance? The meaning is clear enough. The Donald just has difficulty corralling his thoughts. Probably ADHD; just sayin’. Sad.
1
Actually, I find his speech patterns disturbing like Palin's. It's a busted up kind of grape shot filled with five letter words. Even 5th Graders see the weaknesses. When they go for any word longer, they sound like they are coached.
2
It is very clear now, we are "the baby in the bathtub."
Mr. Brooks, your column is fine and correct and well-written, but don't you see that you and every columnist and newsman in the business is an enabler. Every time something is written or said about Trump, whether positive or negative, the writer or speaker is enabling him. Stop all but the most vital stories about him. Stop op-ed pieces about him. Stop all those who enable him by writing about him. He feeds on all those news stories and opinion pieces. Let him yell his head off to his supporters, but keep the stories out of the news.
That's what drove the primary, but the General is in the bag.
Seriously, the European betting parlors are never wrong. This is Nae Silver's bag, too.
Hillary 3 to 1. Obama was only 2 to 1. They scrutinize every data stream available, and Trump has blown it with most demographics. Not saying he's only getting a quarter of the votes, but the chances of him winning are 25%. Mitt's was 33%.
Let's party!
Seriously, the European betting parlors are never wrong. This is Nae Silver's bag, too.
Hillary 3 to 1. Obama was only 2 to 1. They scrutinize every data stream available, and Trump has blown it with most demographics. Not saying he's only getting a quarter of the votes, but the chances of him winning are 25%. Mitt's was 33%.
Let's party!
Trump is the candidate Republicans have been working towards for decades. Enjoy.
5
What will the new Republican party do when off in the wilderness? It seems pretty clear now that the majority of Americans don't want you to mess with Social Security. Many don't like the trade agreements that you support. Now that you reject the race-baiting, anti-immigrant stance of the Trump wing of the party, how will you ever get enough votes to ever get back in power?
2
While everything you say in this column is true, David - the fact remains that you are among those whom you call "enablers." I have not seen you summon the integrity to depart a party which has long since departed you; whereas many others have. I have not seen you state unequivocally that you cannot under any circumstances support this candidate, or your party, in its failure to put a stop to this unhinged, virulent man who poses an existential threat to the entire world. Where were you when this very same man was fomenting racist Birther attacks against our President? Where were you when your party, in flagrant, treasonous violation of the Constitution, has stood by and not only failed to perform its duty to debate our military engagement overseas, but to vote upon a legitimate nomination of a SCOTUS, and innumerable judicial appointees? Where were you when your party's "leaders" met the very night of our President's inauguration to plot to destroy and obstruct him at every turn? Your jeremiad rings distinctly hollow, sir - until you are prepared to place the nation's welfare above slavish party fealty, as is the case with every single craven, power-mad "party leader" in your party, you are not only one of the enablers, you are all complicit in the deliberate disintegration of our nation. The hour is short, sir; the time is now.
9
It appears to me that your Republican Party in Exile may consist of the 5-15% of Republicans who supported Romney at this stage but are either supporting Hillary or still undecided. You'll have Michael Gerson, Charles Krauthammer, Ross Douthat, Jennifer Rubin, Yuval Levin, and some of their colleagues, but other than that, it's gonna be mighty lonely out there.
Of course, you're right: you have to help save the republic from Trump, even if you do stand practically alone in your party.
But then you have to deal with the bigger problem: The right in America now listens to Breitbart, not Brooks. It wants anger, not your thoughtful guidance on how to draw upon the best lessons from 5,000 years of civilization to become a better human being in society. I'm sure it sounds like crocodile tears coming from a liberal Democrat, but I truly do wish with all my heart that this wasn't so.
Of course, you're right: you have to help save the republic from Trump, even if you do stand practically alone in your party.
But then you have to deal with the bigger problem: The right in America now listens to Breitbart, not Brooks. It wants anger, not your thoughtful guidance on how to draw upon the best lessons from 5,000 years of civilization to become a better human being in society. I'm sure it sounds like crocodile tears coming from a liberal Democrat, but I truly do wish with all my heart that this wasn't so.
It appears that the Republican Party hierarchy has two paths forward; either repudiate "their" candidate and take a licking in November with hopes of transforming the party thereafter, or remain silent pseudo-supporters (witnesses of a Whig Party reprise?) and lose not only the election but also their own credibility, such as it has become. A Hobson's Choice, perhaps, but it seems nobler to fall on one's own sword than to be beheaded.
16
Truthfully, this entire pro status quo piece could be re-written with the title "Hillary's Enablers Will Have to Take a Stand." The supposed ravages of a Trump presidency are not so different to a certain segment of the willingly information-immune electorate as the travesty of a Hillary presidency. Many of the comments here reflect that (e.g. the lingering misreading of the Constitution that McConnell somehow defied his duty with the current SCOTUS nominee, or the windy blathering that tighter border policy based on more stringent vetting is somehow "not who we are" or even is itself unconstitutional). For these folks, I'll simply borrow the scripted line from the now-proven opportunist Khan and off to lend of copy of my Constitution - which, as anyone who has every looked inside my briefcase can attest, I have read many times and carry with me.
One could easily tick off 40 years of armchair psychoanalysis as Mr. Brooks does here, only this time detailing the pathological cracks in the Hillary facade: continual allegations of ethical lapses, whispers of behind-closed-doors maniacal temper tantrums, questionable relationships, destruction of third world governments for profit, accusations of arming foreign enemies, etc. etc. (for a sober summary, I recommend the just-published piece in the Atlantic by "David A. Graham entitled From Whitewater to Benghazi: A Clinton-Scandal Primer").
This is actually very simple. Follow the money and the politics. The answers are there.
One could easily tick off 40 years of armchair psychoanalysis as Mr. Brooks does here, only this time detailing the pathological cracks in the Hillary facade: continual allegations of ethical lapses, whispers of behind-closed-doors maniacal temper tantrums, questionable relationships, destruction of third world governments for profit, accusations of arming foreign enemies, etc. etc. (for a sober summary, I recommend the just-published piece in the Atlantic by "David A. Graham entitled From Whitewater to Benghazi: A Clinton-Scandal Primer").
This is actually very simple. Follow the money and the politics. The answers are there.
This column says it all and I wish there were some way for it to be shared on a broader platform for more voters to read and carefully consider. Of course that assumes that all voters carefully consider their actions before taking them. Mr. Trumps core followers I am afraid, do not consider the bigger picture or look at the details of their candidate, who in my opinion, is a fascist similar to those responsible for WWII. As for the party complicitly supporting him, it is my hope and prayer that they all suffer fates similar to the Kansas Tea Party representative who recently lost his primary to a more moderate Republican.
Personally, I hope this is the death knell of the Republican Party. It itself is a party without empathy. It cares only about money, about keeping people down, about throwing minorities under the bus. The country can only move forward under progressive policies.
2
Actually, asking that a Crying baby be taken from the hall is the first thing smart thing I have heard Trump say
2
Please tell us what this Party in Exile would stand for for would garner it any more support than, say, the Green Party? It would be pro-tax cuts, pro regulation cuts, pro international free trade deals and presumably non- racist, but unwilling to institute any program that fought racism, as that would counter its small government ideology. It would cut and privatize social security and make health insurance, at least in Ryan's plan, more expensive. What else would it offer? What ground would it stand on that would appeal to anyone?
2
I guess it was the criticism of Paul Ryan that was really over the top for Mr. Brooks. Mr. Brooks is right in contrasting Mr. Trump with other authoritarian leaders. On the other hand, the manic, narcissistic personality Brooks correctly describes may be precisely the kind of authoritarian leader American culture would produce. The Republican party has a basic problem. The Chamber of Commerce types who want to call the shots for an increasingly radical laissez faire economic agenda of no taxes, no regulation, no government can't sell that to enough people to win elections because it benefits only a small slice of the country. So, they need to stir up the mob. Sooner or later, even the mob sees it's being suckered, and it decides to follow the genuine mobster. A new Republican party might be welcome, but one of its founding principles needs to be a willingness to respect the results of elections and be open to compromises and tradeoffs with the party that represents the other 40%, 50% or 60% of the country. That would be a good first step, and I haven't noticed much enthusiasm for it from Brooks or other Republicans up until this direct threat to their own party.
4
Brooks's main point is right. Political worms like McConnell and Ryan who have been squirming and wriggling around this issue have to get some spines and be men. Otherwise they will be consigned to the trash heap of political history. Brooks is wrong about Trump not being like the authoritarians of the past. He is absolutely following Hitler's playbook. In fact, the rise that he is experiencing was predicted by Arendt in her "Origins of Totalitarianism". The fact that Trump's style may be more childish or whatever is a detail. He is a future authoritarian. At best he would be like Richard II of England a man identified by his contemporaries as someone who was likely to be unfit for the throne and who continued to exhibit his unfitness until deposed and imprisoned after doing much damage to England.
2
As others have said, none of these dire features of the nominee were unknown before, yet the party chose to overlook them in the hope that others wouldn't notice so much as to hurt his electoral chances. Calls for denunciation are fine, even if they're too late to amount to something principled (as opposed to strategic), but this characterization risks distracting from a crucial fact: Donald J. Trump is just reading aloud as "text" what has long been subtext. The party wrote the subtext; he didn't. Didn't the post-mortem done in the wake of Romney's defeat at least hint at this fact?
Brooks: "Those who don't [stand with a man whose very essence is an insult to basic decency] will have to start building a Republican Party in Exile."
Perhaps Mr. Brooks wouldn't know it from reading the paper he works for, but there already is a Republican Party in Exile that is well on its way to being on the ballot in all 50 states, namely the Libertarian Party. It is led this year by two Republicans in Exile, namely Gary Johnson and Bill Weld, the former 2-term governors of New Mexico and Massachusetts.
Johnson and Weld describe themselves as fiscally conservative but socially liberal, so that they are at least half-way on board with the mainstream Republican program of fiscal conservatism and social repression. But half a loaf would be better for Republican leaders than none, which is what they would get by endorsing the Democratic nominee.
One would hope that Alan Rappaport's May 30 Times article on their nomination will live on in the high school journalism curriculum as a textbook example of how to bury your lead: It did not mention Johnson's name until the end of paragraph nine, well after nine other irrelevant persons had already been named. Weld was not identified until paragraph 13. Neither name appeared in the headline. Despite this lack of coverage, they are already drawing as much as 13 percent in the national polls.
Perhaps Mr. Brooks wouldn't know it from reading the paper he works for, but there already is a Republican Party in Exile that is well on its way to being on the ballot in all 50 states, namely the Libertarian Party. It is led this year by two Republicans in Exile, namely Gary Johnson and Bill Weld, the former 2-term governors of New Mexico and Massachusetts.
Johnson and Weld describe themselves as fiscally conservative but socially liberal, so that they are at least half-way on board with the mainstream Republican program of fiscal conservatism and social repression. But half a loaf would be better for Republican leaders than none, which is what they would get by endorsing the Democratic nominee.
One would hope that Alan Rappaport's May 30 Times article on their nomination will live on in the high school journalism curriculum as a textbook example of how to bury your lead: It did not mention Johnson's name until the end of paragraph nine, well after nine other irrelevant persons had already been named. Weld was not identified until paragraph 13. Neither name appeared in the headline. Despite this lack of coverage, they are already drawing as much as 13 percent in the national polls.
Great column. Trump is out of control, as are so many of his followers. They, essentially, want chaos. If the chaos was to take office, though, they would regret it. Right now it is fun for the racists and sexists.
1
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem." ... attributed to Eldridge Cleaver
3
The level of self-delusion in the GOP surpasses all imagination. They admit Trump can't be trusted with nuclear codes, but forcefully claim he must be elected to appoint Supreme Court justices???
3
Wow!!! I guess I've been wrong about David Brooks all these years. This is one of the most insightful articles I've read. It really helps to make some sense out of the total craziness of the Trump campaign. It really is a "flight of ideas"...crazy ideas and emotional buzz words thrown in to incite the rabble- rousers. We better get serious about this imminent threat to our country. This reality show just got too real...entertainment as a national security threat!
2
Who are you voting for, Mr. Brooks? I haven't read in your column that you'll be ticking the box next to Clinton's name. As you note, “There comes a time when neutrality and laying low become dishonorable.” I think you’re an honorable man, but would like to know for sure. So, who’s it going to be?
4
Mr. Brooks,
Trump’s “enablers” are not confined merely to this electoral season. They date back to at least 2011 whenTrump became the most prominent advocate of “birtherism.” Republicans had every opportunity to denounce Trump and refuse him entry into the party. Instead, they embraced him. Even you, Mr. Brooks, engaged in your own sort of tap dancing at the time, stating: “I would never vote for him, but I would never want to live in a country without people like him.” Regardless of how Trump fares come November, this country has surely been damaged by the rise of Trump nation.
Various Republican “leaders” will continue to equivocate on Trump precisely because he has now demonstrated that he can raise vast sums from small donors who will be impassioned voters in the fall. For Republicans, Trump is like plutonium — incredibly toxic, but also an incredible source of power. Retaining power, Mr. Brooks, is what concerns your Republican peers the most. Thus, Trump’s enablers will be with him until the very end, just as they were with him from the beginning.
Trump’s “enablers” are not confined merely to this electoral season. They date back to at least 2011 whenTrump became the most prominent advocate of “birtherism.” Republicans had every opportunity to denounce Trump and refuse him entry into the party. Instead, they embraced him. Even you, Mr. Brooks, engaged in your own sort of tap dancing at the time, stating: “I would never vote for him, but I would never want to live in a country without people like him.” Regardless of how Trump fares come November, this country has surely been damaged by the rise of Trump nation.
Various Republican “leaders” will continue to equivocate on Trump precisely because he has now demonstrated that he can raise vast sums from small donors who will be impassioned voters in the fall. For Republicans, Trump is like plutonium — incredibly toxic, but also an incredible source of power. Retaining power, Mr. Brooks, is what concerns your Republican peers the most. Thus, Trump’s enablers will be with him until the very end, just as they were with him from the beginning.
4
You've been in cahoots as well, Mr. Van Winkle. Be brave and apologize for participating in this decades long untreated political cancer-I won't hold my breath. Are you finally scared? You should be. You seem like a nice guy, but you've been comfortable and silent for too long. I still don't hear the words, I will not endorse Donald Trump, and will vote for Hillary Clinton. Therefore, you are still in cahoots. Still too little, and much too late.
4
Beautifully said and so very true. Republicans must stand and do their duty.
Ironically, Trump's terrifying performances are causing many of us of all political persuasions to remember that we can and must choose to live honorably and make choices for the benefit of a country that still provides the best opportunities in the world. Now that country needs our help to find ways to live up to the promise built into our Constitution. The era of the sharp, barbed, semi-true and hate-filled soundbite may be over.
Ironically, Trump's terrifying performances are causing many of us of all political persuasions to remember that we can and must choose to live honorably and make choices for the benefit of a country that still provides the best opportunities in the world. Now that country needs our help to find ways to live up to the promise built into our Constitution. The era of the sharp, barbed, semi-true and hate-filled soundbite may be over.
The media, with probably NY times being the leader, takes everything he says way out of context to confirm their own bias. Go back and listen to what he actually said about the crying baby. It was said in a joking tone and not unreasonable for someone to not want to talk over a crying baby while trying to give a speech. There hasn't been a person in my lifetime I have ever seen treated this way in the media. I doubt you can even have a job at a mainstream news organization and support Trump. Say what you want but I don't think this is good for democracy or even critical thinking when it comes to deciding one's own opinion.
7
Are you kidding me? He was a totally rude a-hole to that mother. Who would do such a thing, especially a presidential candidate? It's one thing to feel that way inside but to tell her to leave? It's shameful! You haven't seen anyone else treated this way in the media because he's that awful! He's completely unhinged, totally narcissistic, uninformed, and dangerous - the media is doing its job! If you can't see that, I'm sorry for you.
How are they taking things out of context? The fact that he says things that are demonstrably false more often than things that are true? That he denies saying things days or even hours after he says them? That he obviously has no idea of what is going on in the world outside the bizarre bubble that is his own? That he has encouraged violence at his rallies? That his self espoused business acumen is fictional? The media is not taking him out of context - you're living in a world of denial the likes of which I can't even imagine.
racists generally cant listen
as regarding any mainstream media you can always tune to FOX there crybabies like yourself will find the solace you desperately long for. If you do not like the coverage your sociopath candidate receives here here why waste your time
as regarding any mainstream media you can always tune to FOX there crybabies like yourself will find the solace you desperately long for. If you do not like the coverage your sociopath candidate receives here here why waste your time
I believe, and hope, that as soon as John McCain or Mitt Romney or the Bush family re-discover their integrity, and love of country over party, and come out in favor of Hillary as the only safe and sane choice, there will be an avalanche of other Republicans following.
9
Trump is weapons-grade nuts and the people who won't admit that aren't fit to hold office!
3
The fence the Republicans are sitting on is made of concertina razor wire. You have to stand for something. Criticizing statements made by a mentally ill monster but saying you will still support the candidate is unacceptable to the voting public. If not now, when?
This is why Kelly Ayotte is down by 10 points in NH.
This is why Kelly Ayotte is down by 10 points in NH.
8
Republicans like David Brooks are embarrassed by this candidacy. Good for David for coming out against Trump so early and so emphatically. I think he cares about Republican 'principles' and realizes that Trump not only doesn't care, he probably doesn't know anything about them.
Republicans have been happy to 'fire up' the Tea Partiers, Birthers (of which Trump was the leader), religious-righters, etc. in order to win elections. This is the constituency Trump used. The best outcome is a huge Trump loss (with his people being sure the election was 'rigged', of course), the Republican rebuilding their party and the Trumpsters going back to their fringe groups (among them the KKK, Aryan Nation).
Republicans have been happy to 'fire up' the Tea Partiers, Birthers (of which Trump was the leader), religious-righters, etc. in order to win elections. This is the constituency Trump used. The best outcome is a huge Trump loss (with his people being sure the election was 'rigged', of course), the Republican rebuilding their party and the Trumpsters going back to their fringe groups (among them the KKK, Aryan Nation).
2
Actually Mr Brooks, not all dictators were highly disciplined. Hitler was notorious for arising late from his bed, avoiding work, and generally just amusing himself as Chancellor and Fuehrer. He relied on underlings to do most of the hard work.
3
Hear, hear! As Edmund Burke once said, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." Let's see how many good people are left in the Republican Party.
7
Mr. Brooks keeps writing that before Trump the Republican party was decent, true, and effective. Has Trump uttered a greater untruth than this?
11
The choice for Republicans of honor should be easy' country or party. One would think country would come first. So far it has not. Honor requires them to denounce Trump and support a true Republican conservatism. Put the country first and you will regain your support and your honor and your dignity.
4
This is the most important column David Brooks has ever written.
He is absolutely right that the proper lens to view Trump through is not as a politician or businessman, but as a man who is seriously mentally ill. To make him Commander in Chief and give him the nuclear codes is a terrifying prospect.
This is no longer a partisan issue. This is a survival issue.
He is absolutely right that the proper lens to view Trump through is not as a politician or businessman, but as a man who is seriously mentally ill. To make him Commander in Chief and give him the nuclear codes is a terrifying prospect.
This is no longer a partisan issue. This is a survival issue.
11
The republican party leaders got Trump when they did not stand up against him when Trump was going around proclaiming that President Obama was not born in Hawaii. By not standing up against what they knew was not true but let it stand because it helped them politically, is what lead to where we are today. Now we as the people have to stand up against Trump and all those who enabled him, starting with Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell. They must all be held accountable.
18
Abridged: Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell are despicable politicians (and, perhaps, men). They've contributed nothing to our country and deserve to be called out directly. They are not patriots.
14
"Trump is underdeveloped and unregulated."
Of all that has been written about this wretched excuse for a presidential candidate, this one sentence says it all.
Congratulations Mr. Brooks. Please continue the good work.
Of all that has been written about this wretched excuse for a presidential candidate, this one sentence says it all.
Congratulations Mr. Brooks. Please continue the good work.
6
Donald won by votes. He was not enabled, and they don't have the power to enable him or not. They didn't help him win, he just won their party's nomination.
This is now strategic, which way to jump to save their own bottoms. Is it smart to go 'high road' and endorse Hillary? Is it smart to go party loyalty and stick with the man the voters selected, while hinting he's unfit and hoping he won't win?
But it's wishful thinking to suppose he's ever been enabled or is now being enabled. There was a time when it seemed he had a special grudge against Obama, but it's clear that he speaks to his 'fellow insulted,' and elites not backing the man their own people chose will get themselves derided.
He's speaking in Wisconsin and all their leaders have other plans and won't be there? Does anyone really think the subject won't be mocking them?
This is now strategic, which way to jump to save their own bottoms. Is it smart to go 'high road' and endorse Hillary? Is it smart to go party loyalty and stick with the man the voters selected, while hinting he's unfit and hoping he won't win?
But it's wishful thinking to suppose he's ever been enabled or is now being enabled. There was a time when it seemed he had a special grudge against Obama, but it's clear that he speaks to his 'fellow insulted,' and elites not backing the man their own people chose will get themselves derided.
He's speaking in Wisconsin and all their leaders have other plans and won't be there? Does anyone really think the subject won't be mocking them?
2
I'm tired of you and your columns paying lip service to reason. Your party has enabled, chosen, and now abandoned him. He's the culmination of everything your party has stood for decades, and all of a sudden you find decency? Shame on you and the GOP. Your fate in the history of our nation is sealed, and it is well deserved. I'm looking forward to teaching our future children the values of this great nation and the virtue of service and patriotism with the most poignant counterexample that ever was: Trump and the GOP.
12
Nobody ever said integrity was easy but it is critical. Trump is obviously not suited to be President or the leader of a major political party. Hopefully the Republican leaders will take a stand on integrity for oncee. T
hey can deny global warming - that will endear them to future generations - but giving an adolescent like Trump a shot at the Presidency - that's something else entirely. Think about the legacy you are leaving.
"There comes a time when neutrality and laying low become dishonorable. If you’re not in revolt, you’re in cahoots. When this period and your name are mentioned, decades hence, your grandkids will look away in shame."
That's a recipe for disaster for the entire country. Time to stop enabling as Brooks says in his excellent piece. I wish them luck...
hey can deny global warming - that will endear them to future generations - but giving an adolescent like Trump a shot at the Presidency - that's something else entirely. Think about the legacy you are leaving.
"There comes a time when neutrality and laying low become dishonorable. If you’re not in revolt, you’re in cahoots. When this period and your name are mentioned, decades hence, your grandkids will look away in shame."
That's a recipe for disaster for the entire country. Time to stop enabling as Brooks says in his excellent piece. I wish them luck...
4
Let all the poison in the mud hatch out. -- Robert Graves, I Claudius
5
Love me some vicious family business.
"I know. You know I know. I know you know I know. Henry knows we know, and he knows we know it! We are a knowledgeable family."
James Goldman, Lion in Winter
A Plantagenet to his queen mother on how hard it is to plot to kill one another in this family.
"I know. You know I know. I know you know I know. Henry knows we know, and he knows we know it! We are a knowledgeable family."
James Goldman, Lion in Winter
A Plantagenet to his queen mother on how hard it is to plot to kill one another in this family.
Maybe coalesce behind the Libertarian candidates? Both Johnson and Weld are former governors and moderate Republicans. Maybe this is the party in exile? Keeping the government out of my wallet ( or minimizing it), out of the bedroom, and out of the doctors office - in other words fiscally conservative and socially tolerant- appeals to many moderate Republicans. And siphoning off Trump voters is a benefit. I'm an anti -Trump voter, probably voting for Hillary, but seriously looking at Johnson/Weld.
1
One can deservedly blame the GOP for allowing this menace to become the nominee but I urge everyone to look a little deeper than that. For reasons present and past, Trump is America's creation only as America could produce him. We didn't do a great job with the transition to a global economy. We forgot about millions of America families left behind and destroyed. Oh, we get it now after the rise of Trump, but we didn't get it before this election. Trump is a monster of our own making, not just this or that party, everyone is culpable. Trump would unlikely exist in any environment where the government, under both parties, had not made such significant errors for 25 years straight. The press gets no pass either. Trump's every word was like a feeding frenzy for the press. Where was the press coverage of the impact of globalization two years ago or 20 years ago? It didn't exist. Many can say they do not support Trump, as I, but when will they admit they created him.
6
A sane assessment of man who should and will be sent back to his tower to tweet his dark and manic confabulations at his sleepless leisure. The elephant in the room, of course, is Mr. Brooks' omission that most of the GOP politicos he's addressing are not outright cutting Trump loose for fear that his "base" will abandon them in the voting booth. Self-interest has never had much problem getting the better of principle.
12
This would carry a lot more weight if Brooks wasn't continually supporting people just as mean spirited and bigoted as Trump.
16
Brooks’ analysis of Trump's pathology and urging for GOP leaders to take open action on what is a clearly visible and needed principled stand necessitates politicians out there with that needed courage. Sadly, I question how many principled politicians there are in that category . . . who are the leaders who they claim to be.
6
Mr. Brooks is 100% right. It is high time for people like Mitch McConnell, John McCain and Paul Ryan to do the right thing and forcefully repudiate Donald Trump. Trump has proven that not only is he laughably unqualified for the presidency, but he is also dangerously emotionally unstable. He is the last person in the world that any sane human being would want to trust with the launch codes to thousands of thermonuclear weapons.
12
Although I'm not a psychiatrist, I know enough to recognize when a person goes from neurotic to psychotic and clinically in need of help. I've been commenting on Trumps decline for the past week as it has become more obvious. Mr. Trump has past the threshold into psychosis. To criticize him at this point makes as little sense as criticizing the paranoid schizophrenic yelling at imaginary demons in the middle of a freeway.
He needs help. The question is who steps in and how. Is there a precedent for this?
He needs help. The question is who steps in and how. Is there a precedent for this?
11
Mr, Trump is a classic for Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and is doing what NPDers do when reality is impinging too hard: they decompensate.
The problem here for the GOP is that in doing so, Mr. Trump is making it clear to the whole world how mentally ill the whole GOP is.
The problem here for the GOP is that in doing so, Mr. Trump is making it clear to the whole world how mentally ill the whole GOP is.
I don't understand my fellow dems' laments about Brooks and this column. How could he have crafted a more withering characterization of Trump?
4
It's because Brooks and his pals set the GOP's house on fire.
Now he and his pals want to be a fireman desperately trying to douse the flames.
It just smells a bit fishy.
Now he and his pals want to be a fireman desperately trying to douse the flames.
It just smells a bit fishy.
"These are the nearly soulless
Whose lives concluded neither blame nor praise.
They are mixed here with that despicable corps
Of angels who were neither for God nor Satan,
But only for themselves. The High Creator
Scourged them from Heaven for its perfect beauty,
And Hell will not receive them since the wicked
Might feel some glory over them.”
--Inferno, Canto III (tr. John Ciardi), describing the vestibule of hell
Whose lives concluded neither blame nor praise.
They are mixed here with that despicable corps
Of angels who were neither for God nor Satan,
But only for themselves. The High Creator
Scourged them from Heaven for its perfect beauty,
And Hell will not receive them since the wicked
Might feel some glory over them.”
--Inferno, Canto III (tr. John Ciardi), describing the vestibule of hell
6
Exactly. But is not Trump merely a cartoonish denouement of persistent Republican thought and policy? He's Mitt Romney's flip side taken to an extreme. He's what the inside of Mitch McConnell's head looks like scrubbed of its impulse control and shreds of human decency. He's Carl Rove's juggernaut of winning at all cost. He's a monster but he's their monster.
He's exposed what the Republican base looks like underneath their hypocritical skins of hyper-religiosity. They are a violent mob of raving brown-shirted hooligans. It's too bad that bringing up Germany in the thirties has been cheapened by being invoked carelessly because we now can't recognize how "good" people once lifted a madman to power. This is how.
He's exposed what the Republican base looks like underneath their hypocritical skins of hyper-religiosity. They are a violent mob of raving brown-shirted hooligans. It's too bad that bringing up Germany in the thirties has been cheapened by being invoked carelessly because we now can't recognize how "good" people once lifted a madman to power. This is how.
19
Bravo.
The left can complain all it wants. It is someone on the right, such as you Mr. Brooks, with the gravitas and dignity and ability to express all that is wrong with Trump, to make the case that he is a danger to the republic.
Follow up is required for you are right that he will not change. What I fear will occur between now and Election Day is that those reading and listening and paying attention will grow numb to his lunacy.
Fresh columns reminding us of his being unfit to be dog catcher, must less Commander in Chief, are required. Keep fighting the good fight.
The left can complain all it wants. It is someone on the right, such as you Mr. Brooks, with the gravitas and dignity and ability to express all that is wrong with Trump, to make the case that he is a danger to the republic.
Follow up is required for you are right that he will not change. What I fear will occur between now and Election Day is that those reading and listening and paying attention will grow numb to his lunacy.
Fresh columns reminding us of his being unfit to be dog catcher, must less Commander in Chief, are required. Keep fighting the good fight.
5
They have not taken a stand against the climate science deniers. No principled stand against the birthers, or against the defamers of the President's religion. They took no stand against the Swift Boaters. They did not take a stand against torture. They did not take a stand against holding the country's solvency hostage to political demands. They have not taken a stand against the politicization of the Supreme Court. One could go on and on. The big question is, if we woke up in wonderland and the GOP establishment turned against Trump, would it hurt him or help him?
9
Trump will lose, but he has empowered a new generation of bigots, dolts and conspiracy-addicted hysterics. In defeat, he will be screaming about how the election was "rigged" and stolen from him.
It's a real problem : A permanent, sizable minority of adamantly and forever opposed white people, marketed to by the Right-Wing-Media-Industrial-Complex that no longer even needs mainstream media to traffic in hate--social media combined with algorithmic filters to reinforce and sustain the alternate reality will serve nicely.
We used to think that demographics and old-age would thin the herd of of the nativists, racists and homophobic. It seems that here, and in Europe, there are plenty of 18-to-45 year-olds that are refreshing this unfortunate population.
Their ability to sabotage real solutions--even to their own problems--and to manufacture fake issues and crises (rampant crime, non-existent voter-fraud, dangerous Muslims and Mexican rapists) will be a permanent distraction that slows progress prosperity for the U.S. Or kills it altogether.
Here we are having to debate the basic rules of civil behavior that were taught in kindergarten, plagiarism and bullying, to name a few, while the earth cooks, and the post-apocalyptic distopia has arrived for Syrians, Sudanese and Nigerians, to name a few.
History will not be kind to our "exceptional", "indispensable" nation.
It's a real problem : A permanent, sizable minority of adamantly and forever opposed white people, marketed to by the Right-Wing-Media-Industrial-Complex that no longer even needs mainstream media to traffic in hate--social media combined with algorithmic filters to reinforce and sustain the alternate reality will serve nicely.
We used to think that demographics and old-age would thin the herd of of the nativists, racists and homophobic. It seems that here, and in Europe, there are plenty of 18-to-45 year-olds that are refreshing this unfortunate population.
Their ability to sabotage real solutions--even to their own problems--and to manufacture fake issues and crises (rampant crime, non-existent voter-fraud, dangerous Muslims and Mexican rapists) will be a permanent distraction that slows progress prosperity for the U.S. Or kills it altogether.
Here we are having to debate the basic rules of civil behavior that were taught in kindergarten, plagiarism and bullying, to name a few, while the earth cooks, and the post-apocalyptic distopia has arrived for Syrians, Sudanese and Nigerians, to name a few.
History will not be kind to our "exceptional", "indispensable" nation.
53
This is year my 15th vote in a US presidential election. Doing the math I've been around for a long time; I voted Democratic in all these elections, but I am also deeply saddened at the state of the Republican Party. We value honest, sometimes over-hyped debates by the two parties. It helps us choose. But I cannot recall a time when the Republican Party has been so devoid of ideas, principled leadership, and a sense of common decency. In Trump's candidacy, you don't always get what you want, but you do get what you deserve. Please Republicans, put your house in order.
40
Ruth Bader Ginsberg, you never should have apologized. Your criticism of Trump was of utmost moral importance.
Thank you, also, President Obama.
And now, thanks to you, Mr. Brooks. You have shown you do have a moral core.
Thank you, also, President Obama.
And now, thanks to you, Mr. Brooks. You have shown you do have a moral core.
8
There is too much pride in Ryan and McConnell for them to admit mistake. They are like Trump in this way. Their stubborn allegiance will prove to ruin them. The smart GOP leader campaigns for Hillary, maybe even changes parties. (That goes for op-ed comonists too).
2
"They" took their stand when they pledged with Mitch McConnell to refuse to work with Obama on anything.
To refuse to cooperate with the President on anything.
Mr. Brooks, the continuing delusion by the Republican Party is that they did not take a stand.
To refuse to cooperate with the President on anything.
Mr. Brooks, the continuing delusion by the Republican Party is that they did not take a stand.
10
It is a simple question are you more loyal to your party or your country. For reluctant Republicans their answer is becoming quite clear.
3
Truer words were never written. Thank you, Mr. Brooks. Unlikely, I know, but I hope McConnell, McCain, Ryan and others in the Republican party's leadership take your words to heart.
2
Very powerful essay! Thank you, thank you! If only the sheeple would take the time to read the important words being written everywhere, exposing the megalomanic for who he really is.
For shame that his fellow travelers cannot repudiate him. They, too, have lost their way.
For shame that his fellow travelers cannot repudiate him. They, too, have lost their way.
3
Surrounds himself with family members, not unlike Bernie Madoff. The effect is to protect the patriarch with blood-loyalty.
1
C'mon - if Trump were to shut up for a couple of weeks, David Brooks would suddenly change his tune and would become a solid DJT supporter.
The most awful and disgusting news to emerge from the Trump story is that 38 or 39 % of adult Americans support the man for President of the United States. Just consider that almost 2 out of every 5 people in this country are so lacking in "moral compass", as the man said, that they would vote for Trump. Not only disgusting but frightening
14
The last time the GOP wrote a simple manifesto it contained policies that led to their ruin -- like their anti-tax pledge, which crippled their ability to compromise and govern. It was like tying one arm around their backs while trying to balance the budget. The anti-tax pledge caused the incomes of the elite, reckless and anti-social gamers in finance, and industrial polluters to skyrocket while the incomes of workers stagnated. Or like their pledge allegiance to the free market which is just like free football, a game with no rules, and no refs. What principles might the GOP adopt that are good for the country?
2
Republicans will have to take a stand? Does that include you? We're waiting.
3
Are you endorsing Hillary Clinton, Mr. Brooks?
If not, why not?
She's the only person who can stop this train wreck.
If not, why not?
She's the only person who can stop this train wreck.
8
"Events are going to force Republicans off the fence."
Quite so.
Why are you still insisting on being a "wet noodle Republican sucker" yourself?
When are you going to take your own advice and endorse Hillary Clinton?
There is no other option.
Quite so.
Why are you still insisting on being a "wet noodle Republican sucker" yourself?
When are you going to take your own advice and endorse Hillary Clinton?
There is no other option.
3
Just to add to your psychological descriptors: Attention deficit disorder (lack of focus, jumping from topic to topic, no sense of direction); and very low emotional intelligence (no boundaries, lack of empathy, can't step back and evaluate, impatient, touchy-over-reactive, fight first and never apologize, childish, whiner. Summed up: totally insecure and unreliable, even dangerous personality disorders for a position like the presidency.
4
Otherizing Trump supports is one of the things that is making him so popular. You indirectly have a hand in his continual rise.
1
Trump has a "passionate niche following" . . . yes, and we call it the Republican Party. Where have you been for over a decade, David?
12
DB alludes to the "horrific things" that Trump's supporters say, but their Anglo Saxon derivatives r seldom if ever followed by violence. Compare his supporters' behavior to that of 1960's radicals, who killed police officers and civilians, bombed public buildings and caused other forms of havoc. Remember Sara Jane Olson, who killed a woman in a bank who was depositing money for her church, Dave Gilbert, Judith Clark , who r serving 75 year terms for assassinating p,o.'s in 1981 during a robbery. Bill Ayres, O's best friend, whose "editing skills,"a role he underplays, helped Obama get his first book published?As I said in previous comments, being an advocacy journalist and being informative and truthful r not contradictory.Jimmy Breslin, an Irish American left wing journalist, friend to the late Gov. Cuomo--drinking buddies--succeeded in expressing his liberal views w/o hitting his readers over the head with a hammer. Also was never afraid to use shank's pony in search of a good story. Mr. Brooks might peruse Breslin's old columns in an effort to emulate him.
1
This would carry a lot more weight if you'd have noticed this little problem developing in the Republican party - lack of empathy, contempt for people who are different, unmuzzled aggression as a world view - BEFORE it erupted in the person of Donald Trump. For shame, you shaming others when you're part of the source of this mess yourself.
6
True. What is most troubling, though, is any GOP leader's criticism basically is to tell him to stick to a script, stay on message. Just as they did with Palin. They know they have an unfit candidate but they want them to try to deceive the voters by regurgitating talking points and not allowing their true selves to be revealed. Which is horrific. And if GOP do finally take him to task, it will only be when down ticket is clearly in peril, not out of the moral conviction of country over party. But we shouldn't expect any differently from the party who united on the President's inauguration in a pact to oppose him and defeat his agenda at all costs to benefit their party at the polls. Party over country for which we are all still paying but for which they have been rewarded on numerous elections now. And it could easily happen again as Trump may still win.
4
If this is just now occurring to Mr. Brooks,he's come late to the realization of how disordered Trump's mind is.It's at least a month since a Trump ghost writer,Tony Schwartz described Trump's attention span as that of a 9 year old's with attention deficit disorder.This is obvious when he makes at the end of a spoken sentence a point just the opposite of the one he made at the beginning,or begins the next sentence denying what he said in the previous.
It's too late in most states anyway to get a replacement on ballots even if Trump does decide to withdraw,which he won't as long as anyone tries to get him to,since he insists-to himself above all other people-that such choice must be entirely his own.The fence riders are as stuck as were those 10 people trapped with Trump in the elevator for a 1/2 hr. a week ago.
It's too late in most states anyway to get a replacement on ballots even if Trump does decide to withdraw,which he won't as long as anyone tries to get him to,since he insists-to himself above all other people-that such choice must be entirely his own.The fence riders are as stuck as were those 10 people trapped with Trump in the elevator for a 1/2 hr. a week ago.
Incisive & beautifully argued. Emerson: "In our flowing affairs a decision must be made, the best if you can, but any is better than none."
You have shown the hesitant among Republican leaders why they are obliged to decide.
You have shown the hesitant among Republican leaders why they are obliged to decide.
Why will this stand with Trump not come back to haunt Republicans as Hillary's vote for the war authorization has hurt her? She at least was trying to give her President the power he said he needed to negotiate peace. The Republicans have no such worthy cause.
There is, more or less, a straight line of nuttiness from McCarthy to Nixon-Wallace to Reagan starting his campaign in Philadelphia, Mississippi to George Bush and Willy Horton to Trump. W was an exception, benefiting from all previous but not exploiting. The congressional Republicans' behavior towards Obama from the get-go was abominable and his insulted, elitist reaction made everything worse. The election is over, John and I won. The Clintons' ethos of doing well by doing good is too thin a veneer to justify their acquisitive behavior. The Democrats pursuit of group identity marginal minority politics is also offensive. Hillary apparently had a grudge against her father's boorish paternalistic behavior and has turned it into a feminist cause. She and bill have an opposite sex marriage. She's the aggressive guy, he's the passive girl. I love American politics!
I could not agree more with anything you have said here. It is truly disheartening that such a significant percentage of our citizens could find anything appealing in such a despicable person. All of the R's who talk about piously preach morality should take aim at Trump, not transgendered kids who want to use a different bathroom. That is where the true threat to our society comes from -- Trump's racist, cruel and willfully ignorant world-view.
2
Wise words...from a republican journalist. If crooked lying Trump is thin-skinned, then the republican party must be thick-skinned to tolerate the onslaught they themselves have created and now support, however reluctantly, and at the peril of being called cowards and hypocrites. And for what, exactly? Does the party really believe that, by supporting this unsupportable arrogant know-nothing bully, they can escape their irrelevance? Good luck with that one. Besides, the G.O.P. is doing a great disservice to the people it claims to represent. Actually, if their impertinent tenacious obstructionism is any guide, they disengaged from the needs of the country a long time ago. This self-serving 'establishment' was uncovered by Trump, perhaps his one and only 'virtue'. Republican enablers of this highly dangerous charlatan, the "ugly american", may yet repent on time; but only if they can suspend their rigid ideology, and see reality and truth as is, and accept the necessary changes to regain relevance...by thrashing Trump, the narcissist-in-chief, and let this poor rich immature guy brag about himself in obscurity, where he belongs. Enough damage already.
22
Agree completely, though he left out "narcissist," "bully," "fool," "fraud," and "jerk."
Pity is, some of Trump's ideas are good. And Hillary will be a disaster for America.
My write-in vote is going to Jim Webb of Virginia.
Pity is, some of Trump's ideas are good. And Hillary will be a disaster for America.
My write-in vote is going to Jim Webb of Virginia.
Great column today Mr. Brooks, and that is the first time I have EVER thought this. Now follow George Will (who showed some real spine and ethics), and take that last tiny step...fall on your sword and disavow today's Republican party,
Conservatives like Mr. Brooks are still pretending that Donald Trump is an aberration. The evidence, however, strongly suggests, that the GOP has been, at the very least, an enabler of the kind of fear-mongering thoughts for years, at worst they have actively encouraged these kinds of ideas, all-be-it mostly with more PC terminology. These radically anti-government ideas initially created the Newt Gingrich "Contract with America" movement, then morphed into the Tea-Party takeover, and now has come to full bloom with Donald Trump.
It is not enough for Brooks and Co. to critique end bemoan the Trump takeover of the "Conservative Movement" in order for a meaningful and necessary Conservative political party to re-emerge. There must be some deep soul-searching about the long-term effect of the nihilistic, dogmatic, anti-government rhetoric which the GOP has engaged in ever since Ronald Reagan.
It is not enough for Brooks and Co. to critique end bemoan the Trump takeover of the "Conservative Movement" in order for a meaningful and necessary Conservative political party to re-emerge. There must be some deep soul-searching about the long-term effect of the nihilistic, dogmatic, anti-government rhetoric which the GOP has engaged in ever since Ronald Reagan.
2
Donald Trump didn't just spring fully grown from the thigh of Jupiter or something. His ascendancy is just the result of white supremacy, jingoism, and a general disregard of truth in the part of the GOP over the past several decades. And, Dave, you have been in the thick of it since you made a deal with Bill Buckley to get a taste of the good life.
1
It's revealing that Mr. Brooks cites Ben Shapiro's article in the National Review, as the subtitle of that article is:
"If elected, Trump would destroy conservatism, the only solution to our country’s woes."
This is precisely the zero-sum thinking that has allowed Trumpism to arise: I'm right, therefore you are wrong. I have the answer, therefore your idea is an obstruction. Sounds familiar to a certain presidential nominee's acceptance speech, doesn't it? "I alone can fix this."
It's only a very small step from "I have the right answer" to "you're a loser." Trumpism hasn't reared up out of nothing.
As difficult as it can be to fathom, conservatism needs liberalism -- and vice versa. Each can help the other see the larger picture, but it takes real courage to be willing to even contemplate that larger picture, or to consider that the other side maybe, just maybe, has an excellent point.
More than that, however, it takes a willingness to be wrong. I frankly don't see that happening any time soon. It's more lizard-brain gratifying to strong-arm someone or blow things up entirely than to say, "That's an interesting idea. Tell me more about that. Maybe we can work on this together."
"If elected, Trump would destroy conservatism, the only solution to our country’s woes."
This is precisely the zero-sum thinking that has allowed Trumpism to arise: I'm right, therefore you are wrong. I have the answer, therefore your idea is an obstruction. Sounds familiar to a certain presidential nominee's acceptance speech, doesn't it? "I alone can fix this."
It's only a very small step from "I have the right answer" to "you're a loser." Trumpism hasn't reared up out of nothing.
As difficult as it can be to fathom, conservatism needs liberalism -- and vice versa. Each can help the other see the larger picture, but it takes real courage to be willing to even contemplate that larger picture, or to consider that the other side maybe, just maybe, has an excellent point.
More than that, however, it takes a willingness to be wrong. I frankly don't see that happening any time soon. It's more lizard-brain gratifying to strong-arm someone or blow things up entirely than to say, "That's an interesting idea. Tell me more about that. Maybe we can work on this together."
3
The GOP is in this position because it embarked on a campaign strategy of motivating the base with fear, resentment and outrage over terrorism, loss of jobs and alleging that the opposing party was responsible for the sad state of affairs. For years, the GOP has stated through Fox News and a network of conservative talk radio, that the Republican Party, and only the Republican Party, could clean up the mess in Washington and make it right.
Then, with the election of G. W. Bush and a majority in both houses of Congress they had their golden opportunity to deliver - and blew it.
They had to blame someone, so the usual suspects were continued to be pilloried in conservative media.
Sooner or later it had to happen; all the anger and frustration had to go somewhere. Trump is the backlash; just as Bernie was the backlash of the Democrats.
You cannot go on making promises you cannot or will not keep without consequences.
Then, with the election of G. W. Bush and a majority in both houses of Congress they had their golden opportunity to deliver - and blew it.
They had to blame someone, so the usual suspects were continued to be pilloried in conservative media.
Sooner or later it had to happen; all the anger and frustration had to go somewhere. Trump is the backlash; just as Bernie was the backlash of the Democrats.
You cannot go on making promises you cannot or will not keep without consequences.
3
Mr. Brooks, I do not disagree with any of your observations. First, Mr. Trump is in many ways a microcosm of our current society - crass, ill-mannered, obnoxious, and uninformed. He appeals to that broad swath that uses social media to lash out in aggressive and inappropriate ways that are still shocking to many of us raised in another era. That era is not returning. In addition, I have come to the conclusion that this is all very calculated by Mr. Trump in order that he lose the election. His candidacy began as a protest candidacy in order to put forward some issues that he felt passionately about that were largely being ignored. His candidacy gained some traction, and all of a sudden he is the nominee for a job he truly does not want. Now faced with a choice of going forward into a job that is almost impossible to do given political gridlock, hostile media, and the fact that your co-workers (the House and Senate) each have their own agendas and constituencies to please - and you see someone intentionally trying to tank his own candidacy. He can then go back home, cry out that the election was rigged, and start another series of Celebrity Apprentice to the highest ratings ever achieved. I think he knows exactly what he is doing, and the sad result will be a shattered Republican Party.
2
All of this talk about what Republicans should or shouldn't do is pretty meaningless at this point. There was the group (Jeb, Mit, etc) who told us they couldn't back Trump from the get go. The rest of them can all be thrown in the same barrel. If the polls keep widening for Clinton, more and more Republican pols will tell us that they can't support Trump. If the race gets close again, they will stick with him. But, it's too late. They have already crossed the Rubicon with their candidate. They deserve their fate.
1
Speaking of shameful behavior, David, when are you going to admit your own responsibility for the rise of Trump?
One GOP operative recently told an interviewer, "What do you do when the folks who agree with you on taxes also hate black people?" Do you keep quiet and accept their support, knowing what comes with it? That's exactly what you and other Republicans have been doing for decades. Now those people have taken over your party, and you find yourself on the outside looking in. Shame on you. You made a deal with the Devil and now you're crying because the Devil has come to collect.
One GOP operative recently told an interviewer, "What do you do when the folks who agree with you on taxes also hate black people?" Do you keep quiet and accept their support, knowing what comes with it? That's exactly what you and other Republicans have been doing for decades. Now those people have taken over your party, and you find yourself on the outside looking in. Shame on you. You made a deal with the Devil and now you're crying because the Devil has come to collect.
42
Mr. Brooks is preaching to the choir. Those that read the NYTimes and it's Op-Ed section are most likely not those inclined to support the candidacy of Donald J. Trump. And those same readers agree with Mr. Brooks' opinion. But even if Mr. McConnell and Mr. Ryan were to defect like some of their peers and colleagues, it makes NO difference. Donald Trump is now a runaway train that has built enough momentum amongst his most ardent supporters (that do not read the NYTimes and think it's nothing more than a liberal propaganda rag) that Trump will rage on. What is horrifying to me is that of the American electorate, 40% support him (that's what I understand is really his floor of support). That's what? That's about 32M Americans, fellow citizens, friends, relatives, and neighbors, who support stopping immigration based on religion, engaging in global trade wars, and withdrawing support in areas that are vital to the U.S. national security interest. It's those 32M that this message needs to reach, which it will not because they don't read the NYTimes and if they did, they would simply dismiss it as another piece of liberal/elitist propaganda. So while I personally agree with Mr. Brooks' message, I cannot seeing it having much of an impact on Mr. Trump, even if top Republicans take it to heart and defect.
2
One of Trump's character traits is that he can never, NEVER, see himself at fault for anything that goes wrong. This is the same kind of personality who shouts in agreement when a job is lost and somebody else (a corporation, a bank, a foreign country, a black President) is to blame: never, NEVER admit that you made a mistake. Such people in Germany were attracted to Hitler's screeds - the down-and-out blamed the Versailles Treaty, the Jews, the 'media' (then newspapers) and the Social Democrats.
Next: most of America is not so broken that it has to be fixed, and those that are in such need don't need Trump to fix things. What ain't broke don't need fixin.
And then there's the pottery barn rule, so well explained by Colin Powell: you broke it, you own it.
Trump, Ryan, McConnell, Gingrich, Christie - watch them all get shoved under the bus by Trump - it's gonna happen sooner or later. Don't tell us you didn't see it coming...
Next: most of America is not so broken that it has to be fixed, and those that are in such need don't need Trump to fix things. What ain't broke don't need fixin.
And then there's the pottery barn rule, so well explained by Colin Powell: you broke it, you own it.
Trump, Ryan, McConnell, Gingrich, Christie - watch them all get shoved under the bus by Trump - it's gonna happen sooner or later. Don't tell us you didn't see it coming...
And what about you Mr. Brooks? Do you plan to take a stand and endorse another candidate?
2
Wow, Mr. Brooks, read your own last paragraph. Now read it again. Are you actually in revolt? or are you still deeply in cahoots? You propose a 'clear manifesto'; please discuss the current Republican platform point by point. What exactly would you personally repudiate? What policies do you actually and 'ardently' support? Be specific please. And these enablers, will you name names? call these sinister provocateurs out? J'accuse. It seems you are on the verge of becoming a 'Hillary republican', still you must examine root and branch ruthlessly. Take one fact. Take COAL. Where would an examination of that concrete substance lead? To a future of wind turbines rising over slag heaps, and super conducting transmission lines leading to more livable cities? Or does it lead to billion dollar wealth promoting wistful nostalgia for buffalo hides and beaver pelts?
Last week in western Pennsylvania a pickup truck passed flying large American and Confederate flags. Such are the shock troops in angry rebellion and service of the authoritarians. They will not disappear with Trump's defeat. The enablers, the Senators of Nihilism must be shamed now. The next authoritarian will be disciplined and will have grandiose plans; and by then it may be too late. Time to get on the bus.
Last week in western Pennsylvania a pickup truck passed flying large American and Confederate flags. Such are the shock troops in angry rebellion and service of the authoritarians. They will not disappear with Trump's defeat. The enablers, the Senators of Nihilism must be shamed now. The next authoritarian will be disciplined and will have grandiose plans; and by then it may be too late. Time to get on the bus.
5
Of course Trump is a different kind of psychopath than Hitler. However ignoring the hate and the ignorance he is unleashing is just as dangerous or worse.
During the days leading to Hitler's ascent to power it was common for decent people to hear hate speech against the Jews and be silent. Self censorship had catastrophic consequences for Germany and the entire world.
Trump spearheading that Global Climate Change is a hoax is part of a broader assault on science that has become a tool for governing. Denouncing science has roots going all the way to the Middle Ages as does hatred for the Jews. Until Hitler found its purest and most lethal expression to gain power. It is not the Jews it is the Muslims this time around and the assault on science includes denouncing biological evolution, abortion and stem cell research. Freedom of religion means one cannot force their belief system on what others do and that includes science. Jeb Bush said he believes in evolution but it should not be taught in schools. It teach this kind of double-speak from both sides of the mouth. that makes Trump possible.
It is critical in the days leading to the election for ordinary citizens to stand their ground to the monster that is the war on the freedom of religion and the war on science.
The consequences from Trump coming to power riding on wave of fear, hatred, and belittling science can be a lot worse than Hitler's coming to power. For the US and for the world.
During the days leading to Hitler's ascent to power it was common for decent people to hear hate speech against the Jews and be silent. Self censorship had catastrophic consequences for Germany and the entire world.
Trump spearheading that Global Climate Change is a hoax is part of a broader assault on science that has become a tool for governing. Denouncing science has roots going all the way to the Middle Ages as does hatred for the Jews. Until Hitler found its purest and most lethal expression to gain power. It is not the Jews it is the Muslims this time around and the assault on science includes denouncing biological evolution, abortion and stem cell research. Freedom of religion means one cannot force their belief system on what others do and that includes science. Jeb Bush said he believes in evolution but it should not be taught in schools. It teach this kind of double-speak from both sides of the mouth. that makes Trump possible.
It is critical in the days leading to the election for ordinary citizens to stand their ground to the monster that is the war on the freedom of religion and the war on science.
The consequences from Trump coming to power riding on wave of fear, hatred, and belittling science can be a lot worse than Hitler's coming to power. For the US and for the world.
6
Good job, Mr. Brooks. Please keep this up faithfully until November.
2
To use the old idiom, the Rubicon has been crossed by many of us, including a few Republicans. Trump is simply and wholly unsuited to be president. There's no need to again count the ways. This case is closed.
Those still on the other bank consist mostly of a) die hard Trumpsters for whom data and reason are irrelevant; b) wishy-washyers, rats who are gauging the taking of of water in a listing ship; and the quasi principled (more or less), who oppose but still endorse.
But this Trump matter is done. One either crosses over, or he doesn't.
Those still on the other bank consist mostly of a) die hard Trumpsters for whom data and reason are irrelevant; b) wishy-washyers, rats who are gauging the taking of of water in a listing ship; and the quasi principled (more or less), who oppose but still endorse.
But this Trump matter is done. One either crosses over, or he doesn't.
1
Trump is just a ratcheting up of the Republican mindset that says:
- Obstruct every which way the initiatives of President Obama;
- No tax increase pledge even as it ruins our drinking water
- Steal from the country's social security and other programs to fund a un-needed tax cut for the wealthy.
For Republicans, it seems to me there is a big lesson to learnt from UK's Theresa May's notion of conservatism.
- Obstruct every which way the initiatives of President Obama;
- No tax increase pledge even as it ruins our drinking water
- Steal from the country's social security and other programs to fund a un-needed tax cut for the wealthy.
For Republicans, it seems to me there is a big lesson to learnt from UK's Theresa May's notion of conservatism.
1
The intellectual points in this column make sense, and I'm glad to see them in print, but the truth is that down ticket, especially at the state and local levels, the gerrymandering of districts and the "purchase" of local elections and state legislatures by the likes of the Koch brothers will make it possible for large swaths of right wing republicans to just turn their eyes away and swallow the ugly medicine. This despite changing demographics. I do hope that there are some people of good mind and heart left, but, I'm not sure this will change anything. I do like the party in exile thing. Maybe this is truly the third party that people have been looking for, not the far right, not the far left, but those with decent intentions in the middle.
3
David Brooks has made his income and his reputation by being a clever Republican, while he cannot stand Trump and has written a very reasonable article, he is as yet unwilling to pull it all together and point out that the Republican party made this monster. Trump is a disaster that has been waiting to happen, the party has broken all the rules, think Budget, Supreme Court, and even Zika, now that they have the ultimate rule breaker they are dithering again. David is going after Trump, he needs to go after the party to which he remains indebted.
5
Mr. Brooks suggests that Trump will not withdraw from the race. My greatest fear is that he will. It is well-documented that Trump cannot bear that his image is in any way damaged. He must always be the winner. Thus, if it's late October and his poll numbers remain what they are today, even he will see that he is likely to lead the Republican Party to the greatest electoral disaster in US history, I bet he'll call the whole thing rigged and resign. Then the Republicans will nominate some grotesquery like Paul Ryan and he'll win because he's not Hillary.
3
In most states the ballot and whose name is on the ballot are set by September. Getting a name on a ballot is not an easy thing to do. It would have to be the biggest write in campaign in the history of national elections. It won't happen.
And so will the Clinton Enablers soon have to take a stand.
Our grandkids will indeed look away in shame if we voted for either one of these unqualified candidates. Mr. Obama, of course, called HRC the "most qualified candidate ever," this from the mouth of one of the most unqualified presidents ever.
We are each at fault for enabling these major party pretenders to the presidential throne. Our great grandchildren won't forgive us either.
Want to be loved by your posterity? Vote Non-Major-Party this fall. It's that simple.
Our grandkids will indeed look away in shame if we voted for either one of these unqualified candidates. Mr. Obama, of course, called HRC the "most qualified candidate ever," this from the mouth of one of the most unqualified presidents ever.
We are each at fault for enabling these major party pretenders to the presidential throne. Our great grandchildren won't forgive us either.
Want to be loved by your posterity? Vote Non-Major-Party this fall. It's that simple.
2
Ever notice that so few Republicans actually say good things about Trump? They mostly just make excuses for the bad things.
2
If John McCain had shown the courage and determination of the Khans, and called out Trumplethinskin on his outrageous criticism, "I like people that weren't captured," and contrasted it to his conspicuous lack of service, he likely could have preempted what has come to pass, the rise to nominee of a major party of an unhinged narcissistic, know nothing boob.
All McCain had to do is highlight Trumplethinskin's risible and offensive claims that he felt that his years at a private military school for poorly behaved boys counted as military service, and that avoiding STDs as a divorced playboy was his "personal Viet Nam," would have made him unacceptable to all but the lunatic fringe.
And, physician, heal thyself. You, Lord Brooks, could have, like McCain, called him out during the interminable birther nonsense.
All McCain had to do is highlight Trumplethinskin's risible and offensive claims that he felt that his years at a private military school for poorly behaved boys counted as military service, and that avoiding STDs as a divorced playboy was his "personal Viet Nam," would have made him unacceptable to all but the lunatic fringe.
And, physician, heal thyself. You, Lord Brooks, could have, like McCain, called him out during the interminable birther nonsense.
2
It's time for David Brooks to take a stand. What are Trump's "enablers" supposed to do next? Just not support The Donald? That's not enough -- they need to come out for Hillary Clinton, the alternative. And it's time for Brooks to do that too.
6
Mr. Brooks,
Your call to your fellow real Conservatives is both touching and tortured. While you have been against Trump and Trump ism from the very start, you have also contributed to the environment that has incubated his rise, and enabled his takeover of your party and your values.
Today yet another either Republican, or apolitical person, Mike Morell has endorsed Secretary Clinton for President. She isn't perfect, she isn't a Conservative, but she is sane, eminently competent, and tested on the world stage.
For the sake of the nation, and your own future credibility, and maybe even your own political SOUL, make your next column;
"I don't agree with most of her policies, but at this important juncture in history, at this critical moment for America, for the first and ONLY time in my professional life, I endorse a DEMOCRAT, Hillary Clinton for President.
Do it Mr. Brooks, or forever be counted among those you criticize.
Your call to your fellow real Conservatives is both touching and tortured. While you have been against Trump and Trump ism from the very start, you have also contributed to the environment that has incubated his rise, and enabled his takeover of your party and your values.
Today yet another either Republican, or apolitical person, Mike Morell has endorsed Secretary Clinton for President. She isn't perfect, she isn't a Conservative, but she is sane, eminently competent, and tested on the world stage.
For the sake of the nation, and your own future credibility, and maybe even your own political SOUL, make your next column;
"I don't agree with most of her policies, but at this important juncture in history, at this critical moment for America, for the first and ONLY time in my professional life, I endorse a DEMOCRAT, Hillary Clinton for President.
Do it Mr. Brooks, or forever be counted among those you criticize.
3
The most dangerous aspect with Trump and his supporters, is that you're either with them or you're against them, and it fully pits neighbor against neighbor. Psychiatric evaluations or comparing him to the "great authoritarians" aren't needed to understand the danger of this mindset.
Instead of being one of the "wet noodles", why doesn't Mr. Brooks just come out and flatly denounce Trump, and all that he stands for?
Well what are you waiting for????
Instead of being one of the "wet noodles", why doesn't Mr. Brooks just come out and flatly denounce Trump, and all that he stands for?
Well what are you waiting for????
1
Ha hah ha. Trump is the perfect embodiment and end result of the Republicans policies and strategies of impoverishing the middle class, cutting taxes for the rich, sowing divisiveness and resentment, for the past 36 years.
You built this, Mr. Brooks. You and your party own this. Trump is your own party's Frankenstein's monster. That might tear the party down, which would be a boon to the rest of us. Boo hoo, no sympathy. Just like your party had no sympathy for the poor, the working poor, the middle class that your Republican party eviscerated. You deserve Trump, and the GOP deserves to go down in flames as an inhuman relic of the past.
You built this, Mr. Brooks. You and your party own this. Trump is your own party's Frankenstein's monster. That might tear the party down, which would be a boon to the rest of us. Boo hoo, no sympathy. Just like your party had no sympathy for the poor, the working poor, the middle class that your Republican party eviscerated. You deserve Trump, and the GOP deserves to go down in flames as an inhuman relic of the past.
6
Mr. Brooks:
It is assumed that you are one of the enablers that has taken a stand. Now youcajole the rest of your conservative comrades to do likewise. However, what you see is what you get. I see that opportunism is rampant, as people like Ryan and McConnell walk the fence to maintain power. The Donald doesn't make this easy.
I hope you have come to realize just how despicable your party is and has been. The disrespect shown the office of the presidency over the last 8 years makes that evident. Hiding behind dog-whistle politics to accomplish the opening of the Pandora's box of America's unique brand of racism the GOP has waged political war against our black president. Did you ever call them out on this? I believe it is too late for you to save your political soul.
I hope your grandkids are forgiving, for your sake.
It is assumed that you are one of the enablers that has taken a stand. Now youcajole the rest of your conservative comrades to do likewise. However, what you see is what you get. I see that opportunism is rampant, as people like Ryan and McConnell walk the fence to maintain power. The Donald doesn't make this easy.
I hope you have come to realize just how despicable your party is and has been. The disrespect shown the office of the presidency over the last 8 years makes that evident. Hiding behind dog-whistle politics to accomplish the opening of the Pandora's box of America's unique brand of racism the GOP has waged political war against our black president. Did you ever call them out on this? I believe it is too late for you to save your political soul.
I hope your grandkids are forgiving, for your sake.
3
Again, this is "too little, too late" when it comes to recognizing that the leaders of the Republican Party are responsible for the ascension of Donald Trump. While Mr. Brooks bemoans the coarse behavior at the Trump rallies, I recall that he was an enthusiastic supporter of Sarah Palin (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/16/opinion/16brooks.html), whose hate rallies in 2008 presaged the rise of the tea party and its hateful opposition to President Obama. The only way for the Republican Party to regain its soul is to repudiate its behavior of the past 8 years. A good place to start would be to confirm President Obama's appointment of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court.
1
There are no rhetorical skills that can shield Republican leaders from the backlash they will face as Trump enablers. Enabling Trump at this late stage of the game, and after all we have witnessed, is grossly irresponsible. It shows that you have no respect for the electorate. It shows you have no respect for our democratic traditions and institutions. It shows you put party over Country first. And it shows you have no principles.
Stop the rot. Do not defend the indefensible. As stated by Mr. Brooks, the time to take a stand is now. You already lost the presidency, at least help to restore a viable Republican Party.
Stop the rot. Do not defend the indefensible. As stated by Mr. Brooks, the time to take a stand is now. You already lost the presidency, at least help to restore a viable Republican Party.
25
"He looks at the grieving mother of a war hero and is unable to recognize her pain. He hears a crying baby and is unable to recognize the infant’s emotion or the mother’s discomfort. He is told of women being sexually harassed at Fox News and is unable to recognize their trauma."
Why then was Mr. Khan the only one to speak? And why was Mr. Khan's message primarily a political one rather than expressing grief for his son?
The part about the baby was a joke and the baby was allowed to stay. Did the mother actually feel "discomfort" or are you, very nicely, feeling discomfort on her behalf? Did you speak with her?
As for sexual harassment, I remember an Italian psychologist long ago, who said he was afraid to offer a rose to an American women lest he be "misunderstood."
Courtship and sexual harassment are two different phenomena, but America has a fluid line between the two and if you find yourself on the "wrong side of the tracks" you could lose your job. I have noticed that a young woman professor looks prettier without her glasses, but I have been warned by women friends not to say anything.
I agree with your general conclusion and wish that the Republicans had nominated someone other than Trump. Even now, he could agree to the ticket being Pence-Trump rather than Trump-Pence.
Pence, while being conservative, is a nicer man and being Vice would leave Trump more time to manage his golf courses.
Why then was Mr. Khan the only one to speak? And why was Mr. Khan's message primarily a political one rather than expressing grief for his son?
The part about the baby was a joke and the baby was allowed to stay. Did the mother actually feel "discomfort" or are you, very nicely, feeling discomfort on her behalf? Did you speak with her?
As for sexual harassment, I remember an Italian psychologist long ago, who said he was afraid to offer a rose to an American women lest he be "misunderstood."
Courtship and sexual harassment are two different phenomena, but America has a fluid line between the two and if you find yourself on the "wrong side of the tracks" you could lose your job. I have noticed that a young woman professor looks prettier without her glasses, but I have been warned by women friends not to say anything.
I agree with your general conclusion and wish that the Republicans had nominated someone other than Trump. Even now, he could agree to the ticket being Pence-Trump rather than Trump-Pence.
Pence, while being conservative, is a nicer man and being Vice would leave Trump more time to manage his golf courses.
1
Pence is a nicer man?
1
At least I had figured out The real Trump in the past election and from his reality shows.
Maybe it is time to call out ours and the news media stupidity to still trying to figure him out. No doubt he still reigns strong in front pages. If I was
running a news organization I would concentrate bytes on important stuff or sensible candidates.
But looks like NY Times is going to break Guiness world record to have spent maximum print on a person who is now considered infantile!
So now whom are you trying to expose him to?
Maybe it is time to call out ours and the news media stupidity to still trying to figure him out. No doubt he still reigns strong in front pages. If I was
running a news organization I would concentrate bytes on important stuff or sensible candidates.
But looks like NY Times is going to break Guiness world record to have spent maximum print on a person who is now considered infantile!
So now whom are you trying to expose him to?