I do wish the NYT, WP, et al would give some ink to the Johnson/Webb candidacy. They would be a welcome addition to the debates. We need some solid discussion of issues, but I fear with just Clinton/Trump we will get the Jerry Springer show, maybe without chairs being thrown.
8
Maybe it would help if, at the very least, the backers of the Libertarian ticket could remember that the party's vice-presidential nominee is named Weld, not Webb.
16
Correction:Weld
2
You really made me laugh with the Jerry Springer analogy. It's spot on and exactly what media creation of the false left/right paradigm has done to divide and conquer the nation for Washington DC. You really need to read up on "Operation Mockingbird" and it will all become clear! Considering pinch Sulzberger and his NY Times were charter members of the CIA's Operation Mockingbird they will never give a third party fair play unless Washington DC says so.
So again don't blame the candidates when it's the media who exerts control over the narrative. It's the media who is choosing the stories that get reported and how they are presented to the public. It's the media who colluded daily with the two party system to keep everyone out.
For evidence just look back to how the media treated Dr Ron Paul and Bernie! There are plenty of clips from A level news talent at ABC NBC and the rest basically making fun of these men during interviews and in many cases telling them they are a joke with no chance. None of this will change until the American people read up on the history of the CIA and its implement with media and then realize the media is the enemy who keeps the fake two party system in business.
So again don't blame the candidates when it's the media who exerts control over the narrative. It's the media who is choosing the stories that get reported and how they are presented to the public. It's the media who colluded daily with the two party system to keep everyone out.
For evidence just look back to how the media treated Dr Ron Paul and Bernie! There are plenty of clips from A level news talent at ABC NBC and the rest basically making fun of these men during interviews and in many cases telling them they are a joke with no chance. None of this will change until the American people read up on the history of the CIA and its implement with media and then realize the media is the enemy who keeps the fake two party system in business.
1
Democrats giddy with the belief that Trump's landslide defeat will bring major loss for all GOP candidates are dreaming; and under the snooty delusion that most voters are stupid. The tickets will be split as voters calculate the extreme damage the continuation of Obama policies will inflict on the nation. They will want a check on the crazy progressives and their goal of turning the USA into another Venezuela.
2
yeah, the danger of constant job growth, the danger of universal health care, the danger of a robust retirement account, the horror of human rights- gay, womans, etc... the absolute terror of it all...yeah, stupid is as stupid does.
30
Can we please stick a fork in further coverage of this pariah? The media has gifted him millions in free coverage so far, why throw good coverage after bad. Make him disappear.
23
Don't be surprised to see the raw treason republicans have foisted on us, to undermine and negate democracy.
When the November results show the vast, vast majority "The Thousand Year" Landslide (To use a climate change term), voting Democrat all down the line. Yet the republicans still stay in power to thwart the peoples will !
Then the only way to delouse Washington DC, and rid it of traitors, may be the use of pitchforks and torches.
When the November results show the vast, vast majority "The Thousand Year" Landslide (To use a climate change term), voting Democrat all down the line. Yet the republicans still stay in power to thwart the peoples will !
Then the only way to delouse Washington DC, and rid it of traitors, may be the use of pitchforks and torches.
15
I would so like to see someone or something besides Trump at the top of the top stories every day. He's not worth it.
15
Pat Toomey---the ideological successor to the awful Rick Santorum---is far too right-wing to represent a state as diverse, and as Democratic leaning as Pennsylvania.
For Toomey to pretend that there is some vast chasm between his own backward, reactionary, 19th century, "free market" beliefs and those of Donald Trump is both deceptive and laughable.
Benjamin Franklin would turn over in his final resting place if he knew that a Koch Brothers backed, far right ideologue is representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania! What makes this even more egregious---and particularly ironic---is how Toomey is bitterly hostile to the very idea of "commonwealth."
For Pat Toomey---and others of his extremist, ultra-conservative ilk---to now act "appalled" by the campaign rhetoric of his party's nominee---a nominee that didn't come out of thin air and that was only made possible by years of preaching the kind of far-right nostrums Toomey and other GOP senators are increasingly known for---is indeed disingenuous, and truly shameful.
For Toomey to pretend that there is some vast chasm between his own backward, reactionary, 19th century, "free market" beliefs and those of Donald Trump is both deceptive and laughable.
Benjamin Franklin would turn over in his final resting place if he knew that a Koch Brothers backed, far right ideologue is representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania! What makes this even more egregious---and particularly ironic---is how Toomey is bitterly hostile to the very idea of "commonwealth."
For Pat Toomey---and others of his extremist, ultra-conservative ilk---to now act "appalled" by the campaign rhetoric of his party's nominee---a nominee that didn't come out of thin air and that was only made possible by years of preaching the kind of far-right nostrums Toomey and other GOP senators are increasingly known for---is indeed disingenuous, and truly shameful.
24
They helped Trump, they chose Trump, and many of them endorsed Trump. The GOP is going to go down in the worst national landslide in history - across the board. They might even lose the House at this point.
21
And yet, his supporters think he's the best thing since sliced bread!
7
A way has opened for the Republican Party to make America great again. It is to reclaim the visionary initiatives of the 2nd greatest Republican president: President (General) Dwight D. Eisenhower.
We’ve had the stuffing knocked out of us for decades but there is one leader who has proposed to revive the sweeping goals of the 1956 election year – and the DNC just rejected him.
Is it absurd to suggest that the Republican Party replace its current candidate with Bernie Sanders? Is it equally absurd to suggest that he would consider such a nomination? Nothing could be more absurd than what we see daily in our newsfeed.
For the past year, the American people began to feel the excitement of having a leader who would expand upon the vision of the 50s. There may always be partisan views, corruption in certain sectors and divisiveness that need attention, but at its heart, the American nation is capable of greatness.
I believe that if the American people are given a choice that includes one whose life demonstrates his honesty and relentless service to the nation, they will elect him in a landslide.
We need to heal and rebuild our nation together. As the greatest Republican president once said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
We’ve had the stuffing knocked out of us for decades but there is one leader who has proposed to revive the sweeping goals of the 1956 election year – and the DNC just rejected him.
Is it absurd to suggest that the Republican Party replace its current candidate with Bernie Sanders? Is it equally absurd to suggest that he would consider such a nomination? Nothing could be more absurd than what we see daily in our newsfeed.
For the past year, the American people began to feel the excitement of having a leader who would expand upon the vision of the 50s. There may always be partisan views, corruption in certain sectors and divisiveness that need attention, but at its heart, the American nation is capable of greatness.
I believe that if the American people are given a choice that includes one whose life demonstrates his honesty and relentless service to the nation, they will elect him in a landslide.
We need to heal and rebuild our nation together. As the greatest Republican president once said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
1
If this man-child were to - God forbid - get elected, any Republican Senate survivors such as "Little Marco" with new politically insulated six-year terms will obstruct him at every term. Payback will be a curse of his presidency.
7
The poll numbers have tightened despite the left wing media's best efforts. I've seen polls showing the election is now just a 2 point race.
Hilarious to watch the Clinton meltdown.
Short circuits do that.
Hilarious to watch the Clinton meltdown.
Short circuits do that.
2
You wishing does not make it so. But send Trump all your money to help his campaign.
7
Which polls are those?
3
Reuters/IPSOS is the most recent national poll.
And it has Hillary up by just 2 points with a /- 3 margin of error.
Just think. After all the efforts the Obama liberal establishment put into lying and trashing Trump around the clock for 3 weeks.
Two words: Ha Ha.
And it has Hillary up by just 2 points with a /- 3 margin of error.
Just think. After all the efforts the Obama liberal establishment put into lying and trashing Trump around the clock for 3 weeks.
Two words: Ha Ha.
1
" Some leading Republicans have expressed hope that Mr. Trump can at least stabilize his campaign by Labor Day, when many voters begin paying attention to congressional races."
Every time I read something like this; he's going to pivot, after the primaries he's going to be more presidential- I wonder if they're watching the same thing I am.
This is all akin to Tooth Fairy and Easter Bunny stuff. Trump ain't changin' for nobody. And the more you hope he will, the more times he will poke your eye. He clearly wants to be in charge. He always has been, and he's going to change for you? Not likely.
I know Republican officeholders feel trapped. But make up your minds already. Waiting for something that will obviously never happen just puts your judgment into question.
Every time I read something like this; he's going to pivot, after the primaries he's going to be more presidential- I wonder if they're watching the same thing I am.
This is all akin to Tooth Fairy and Easter Bunny stuff. Trump ain't changin' for nobody. And the more you hope he will, the more times he will poke your eye. He clearly wants to be in charge. He always has been, and he's going to change for you? Not likely.
I know Republican officeholders feel trapped. But make up your minds already. Waiting for something that will obviously never happen just puts your judgment into question.
11
Come on Republicans, stick with the Donald. The more GOP candidates fly paper Don can bring in his trap the better chance "we the people" can get rid of a bunch of right wing, prejudicial, obstructing congress members.
As Tammy Wynette said, https://g.co/kgs/Kv23Tl
As Tammy Wynette said, https://g.co/kgs/Kv23Tl
15
Trump stands to have a personal gain of free Secret Service protection for he and spouse for their entire life at a cost to taxpayers of tens of millions of dollars per year (per president). He's in this election for his benefits. Ask yourself what public service work he has ever done?
11
Trump is crazy and the rest of the GOP candidates are mean. What's not to like?
14
Try the devil incarnate.
3
Trump declared Ivanka will have a Cabinet post. The entire Cabinet will expect to be Trumped up so to speak. Trump's family and rich business contacts will hold high jobs in the Presidency on big fat salaries and benefits with no experience, and at taxpayers' expense. Then they can all focus on real estate investments and golf courses which is their life. Not public service.
16
Congress's do-nothing tantrums of not interviewing a SCOTUS nominee or suing The Affordable Care Act sixty times over has nothing to do with Trump. No one wants flab jawed windjammer Republicans in the House, Senate or Presidency anymore. Now get that through your head.
15
Duh so how did the GOP win an overwhelming majority of House seats, the Senate and state legislatures?
1
Dirty Harry: Republicans won the House by pandering to their constituents fears by attacking gay marriage declaring they will stop the "evil."
6
They accomplished it (the House and State Legislatures) through the tremendous job of gerrymandering in 2010.
6
Trump will see the writing on the wall and bail. He won't stand for losing by a landslide.
5
In the end, you may be right. However at the moment, The Donald, after a brutal week, is only down one point in the latest LA Times tracking poll of LIKELY voters.
2
As always the key is battleground States: VA, PA, WI, OH, FL, NC, CO,..where I think Trump will really pay for his (lack of) StatesmanShip is in an area where he actually could've won some states, the NorthEast.
4
America will see the writing on the wall if Hillary is elected. The Princess of Fools.
Every Republican office holder with any intelligence understands that Trump is in no way fit to be our president. Every one of them who hasn't renounced him, every one of them who thinks they can go along to get along, deserves to be swept away with him on election day. There comes a time when a person must do what is right even though there is a personal cost, and most Republican office holders have not done so. They deserve the whirlwind.
23
After Trump the most dangerous foe of the Republic is Mitch McConnell, who made the previously rarely used filibuster into an insidiousness tool to kill legislation. For the first time in our nation's history under McConnell, sixty, not fifty votes are needed to pass legislation for normal business and is accomplished with gimmicks that don't even require the old "Mr Smith goes to Washington" filibuster effort. McConnell orchestrated more filibusters in his tenure than in the last hundred years. Its important to elect as many Democrats as possible and then fight to get traditional democratic procedure back in the Senate.
23
I don't know how anyone in their right mind ever thought about voting for a candidate who is only really viewing this race as a means of "his own interests". Loving the attention, feeling he "IS" God and only wants to promote himself, not American lives. He has no political back ground, cannot stand on his own what so ever, and will need to be held by hand constantly as president. As himself, you hear him and his rhetoric lashes on people. As president, he would be the first to hit the nuke button from someone's tweet!!
13
This campaign shows Mr. Trump that you can't fool most of the people all of the time.
14
Even as this is being typed the republicans actively move to increase their disarray.
Currently they are fully engaged on two fronts in an inTER-party war for control of both the executive and the legislative branches of the US government. Yet now they choose to open war on a third concurrent front, this an inTRA-party war where the tattered vestiges of its’ establishment attempt to hold the legislative branch against a Democratic onslaught by launching an internal insurgency that attempts to deodorize itself of the aroma of Trump’s current outright party ownership.
SUCH an awkward position, and moreover SUCH a potentially dangerous one for the country!
What an indefensible position and a counterproductive outcome …..both now and later….these scenarios auger.
Should Trump succeed in winning in Novermber (god forbid), the banana-republic-style political carnage and payback would be something we’ve never seen in this country. And if as expected were Trump to loose, the blame-throwing and blood-fued vendettas being played out within the GOP would fully preclude even the minimal governing that might have been expected were Trump to have lost.
No voters, no!!! The ONLY productive outcome is for Democrats to prevail on all fronts: Executive, Legislative and even state if at all possible.
Only then will be have legitimate governance, let alone avoid the anarchy and unresolvable putsch-like political warfare that any other scenario would mint.
Currently they are fully engaged on two fronts in an inTER-party war for control of both the executive and the legislative branches of the US government. Yet now they choose to open war on a third concurrent front, this an inTRA-party war where the tattered vestiges of its’ establishment attempt to hold the legislative branch against a Democratic onslaught by launching an internal insurgency that attempts to deodorize itself of the aroma of Trump’s current outright party ownership.
SUCH an awkward position, and moreover SUCH a potentially dangerous one for the country!
What an indefensible position and a counterproductive outcome …..both now and later….these scenarios auger.
Should Trump succeed in winning in Novermber (god forbid), the banana-republic-style political carnage and payback would be something we’ve never seen in this country. And if as expected were Trump to loose, the blame-throwing and blood-fued vendettas being played out within the GOP would fully preclude even the minimal governing that might have been expected were Trump to have lost.
No voters, no!!! The ONLY productive outcome is for Democrats to prevail on all fronts: Executive, Legislative and even state if at all possible.
Only then will be have legitimate governance, let alone avoid the anarchy and unresolvable putsch-like political warfare that any other scenario would mint.
12
I am living amongst angry, hostile Trump loving neighbors it is difficult, so i thank you for giving me a ray of hope for common sense in what often feels like an intellectual desert.
10
Politico is quoting Marco Rubio yesterday as saying "I understand a lot of people disagree with my view – but I believe that all human life is worthy of protection of our laws. And when you present it in the context of Zika or any prenatal condition, it’s a difficult question and a hard one. But if I’m going to err, I’m going to err on the side of life."
"Obviously, microcephaly is a terrible prenatal condition that kids are born with. And when they are, it’s a lifetime of difficulties," he said. "So I get it. I’m not pretending to you that that’s an easy question you asked me. But I’m prolife. And I’m strongly prolife. I believe all human life should be protected by our law, irrespective of the circumstances or condition of that life."
The decision Roe v. Wade is the law.
http://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2016/08/rubio-no-abortions-...
None of these people deserve to govern anywhere, in any capacity.
"Obviously, microcephaly is a terrible prenatal condition that kids are born with. And when they are, it’s a lifetime of difficulties," he said. "So I get it. I’m not pretending to you that that’s an easy question you asked me. But I’m prolife. And I’m strongly prolife. I believe all human life should be protected by our law, irrespective of the circumstances or condition of that life."
The decision Roe v. Wade is the law.
http://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2016/08/rubio-no-abortions-...
None of these people deserve to govern anywhere, in any capacity.
22
I wonder what becomes of those 1980s Teen Comedy NPD Bullies?
What,...they become the GOP Nominee for POTUS:):)
What,...they become the GOP Nominee for POTUS:):)
3
Is anyone else tired? Does everything look crazy? I’ve done without food, clothing, a safe home. I’ve seen the bodies of people blown up and smeared over their buddies face. People frozen to death behind the welfare building. Girls raped, over and over, by their own father. Great minds seeing this craziness so clear only to commit suicide knowing there is no cure to be found. I’ve been on the razors edge of nuclear war. A woman holding her child as it takes its last breath. There are people with the abilities to forward changes to all of this only to instead fuel and fan these flames of crazy. Trump is the east wind, our country has many flames. He fans the heat to the point all will burn. He removes all hope or decency. I am tired. I will vote for Hillary not because she is the perfect cure to all disease, but the only hope, in today’s time of America and its interactions with the world, that could lead to decency.
18
Straight ticket Democrats probably should give more thought to their votes this year. In Arizona, for example, we've got a close race between McCain and a viable Democrat. In any other year, I'd vote for the Democrat. But if Trump is in it down to the end, I'll probably vote for McCain. McCain has stature, he speaks his mind, and he has little use for Trump. A first term Democrat won't be nearly as effective in blocking Trump's agenda.
4
If McCain ALWAYS stood up, I might even agree with you.
He doesn't.
He doesn't.
7
I have a special place in my heart for POW's as my father and his fellow soldiers were prisoners in the Bay of Pigs, but much blame can be put on MrMcains pick of Ms Palin in normalizing candidates that were well bellow par.
10
Liza: I don't think Palin was normalized. I mean, how do you normalize Palin?
3
It is in Trump's DNA to only listen to himself and not to be obligatory to anyone. He has been his own man for most of his adult life that it makes it virtually impossible for him to be reigned in by anyone or at least compromise in a meaningful way.
It was laughable how on Friday he endorsed Ryan, McCain and Ayotte. He read from a piece of paper, which was a way for him to indicate that the written script was not actually his words as to how he really feels. He clearly looked out of place, self-conscious, contradictory at best and more importantly, hypocritical.
Republican incumbents and candidates will hold out as long as possible before they distance themselves from Trump in hope of a miraculously changed Donald Trump in order to present a hoped for unified Republican party.
It was laughable how on Friday he endorsed Ryan, McCain and Ayotte. He read from a piece of paper, which was a way for him to indicate that the written script was not actually his words as to how he really feels. He clearly looked out of place, self-conscious, contradictory at best and more importantly, hypocritical.
Republican incumbents and candidates will hold out as long as possible before they distance themselves from Trump in hope of a miraculously changed Donald Trump in order to present a hoped for unified Republican party.
2
Game is over for Mr Trump he will show a prescription from his doctor that it's better for him to stop is campaign but the 25 millions $ offer is far from the 100 millions $ asked bu M.trump group to the republican party.
7
What goes around comes around the 1932 election and today. No-one trusted Hoover and no-one in their right mind can trust Trump. As for Congress to make a more perfect union we must change Congress and it's 19th Century worship of the money class. Bring back Glass-Steal and the "money glass" will loose its grip on the American worker's low wage dogma. Start the revolution on election day. Tell Washington D.C. it's our country not theirs. We the people will over come.
3
For the past 10 years I have been visiting the NYT website every morning to get my news. But for the past 2 months I have gradually cut down my visits. I just can't take any more of this paper's blatant bias and negativity in its coverage of Trump. Every day for the past 3 months when I visit the NYT website the front page news has been about Donald Trump, and virtually 100% of it is something negative, slamming the poor guy 9 ways to Sunday. You'd think the guy is the world's most wanted terrorist like Osama bin Laden.
All you are doing is strengthening my resolve to vote for him in November. I'm just so sick of you liberal media's self-righteousness. The NYT just like the Economist, WaPo have lost all objectivity in their coverage of Trump. It's like you liberals are all foaming at the mouth. This is why I stopped my subscription to each of these publications. If you want me back as a paying customer, then I demand more objectivity in your news coverage. Until, I've had enough of this liberal mouthpiece. It's time to break my daily habit of visiting this once great newspaper.
All you are doing is strengthening my resolve to vote for him in November. I'm just so sick of you liberal media's self-righteousness. The NYT just like the Economist, WaPo have lost all objectivity in their coverage of Trump. It's like you liberals are all foaming at the mouth. This is why I stopped my subscription to each of these publications. If you want me back as a paying customer, then I demand more objectivity in your news coverage. Until, I've had enough of this liberal mouthpiece. It's time to break my daily habit of visiting this once great newspaper.
3
Bye bye.
8
Objectively, Donald Trump is an idiot, and worse. Do you hate America? Then vote for him, by all means. He will destroy us.
7
Faux Views has reported similar Trumpster, make that any media outlet that has quoted him directly and then reported his answers to his quotes.
6
In 2008, most Republicans distanced themselves from Bush, whose approval ratings were at record lows. The effort didn't much work because Bush had been backed by the party from the start. Trump is another matter. He has never been in the mainstream and any party support has been grudging. This time around, most Republicans will be able to distance themselves from Trump if they choose. But a President who lacks support in Congress still has to govern. And his only alternative is to resort to the support of the people who elected him. Popular opinion is a very powerful tool. House members, in particular, stand up to popular opinion at great peril. That tends to leave the Senate as the best hope for resistance. Can we hope for Dem and GOP Senators working together to stand in the way of Trump? Not as long as they dwell on their differences. The communication lines between the parties must be open to save the day. Trump's supporters will not be calling for cooperation. That will fall to the Democrats who, to date, have demonstrated little interest in mending the fences.
Could there be sufficient Electors to give Trump the election?
It would not be the first time the Electoral College did not follow the popular vote. They went against the people once with George Bush.
It would not be the first time the Electoral College did not follow the popular vote. They went against the people once with George Bush.
1
It would be nice if we had full disclosure from the media on how much their "independent" pundits are getting paid by the various media outlets - left & right, where they air. Something similar to what's done on CNBC & Bloomberg re: spokesperson / firm's $$$ relationship w/said media outlet and/or company promoted would be a refreshing change from current shill show.
2
The Trump phenomenon is certainly a doozy. In the world of people that value the pursuit of truth the "how" of Trump can be somewhat mystifying and initially quite disturbing but it is easy to understand if you think about the basics. Trump's straight line to achieving his goals - success - has always been a form of self-promotion that emphasizes the negative and aggressive takedown of an opponent (in spite of his lip service to the win-win, I'm a really nice guy, ballyhoo). It's an effective method because braying about your opponent's real and imagined shortcomings gets valuable media attention and is a substitute for really having to know much of anything at all. After listening to Trump weigh in on everything from NATO to the Ukraine to job creation to the Japanese creating their own nuclear arsenal, etc. it's pretty clear that Trump shoots from the hip without spending all that much time in advance research or serious study. Trump's quick and easy method is simple intimidation and bullying. This may have won Trump his party's nomination but the larger question now is will this win him the November election? Will the American electorate be won to the belief that their political and social concerns can be effectively addressed by the vacuous, cheap and easy appeal of name-calling? It appears that the very people that caved to this only two weeks ago are now beginning to have their doubts and are awkwardly groping around for Plan B. Couldn't have happened to nicer group.
8
The incorrigible D.J.T. will be a no-party candidate sooner than we have realized. Electorates choose a candidate no longer for his or her party affiliation but for their altitude towards the establishment. This says a lot about the changing political forces between the establishment and its antithetic forces. Voters should welcome the opportunity to make colossal changes on the politics and business as usual for the better.
The ascendancies of two anti-establishment pioneers within a time period of little more than a year unnerve the establishment of two parties to such an extent that they are totally at a loss what to do about the D.J.T. phenomenon, after rigging Bernie Sanders off the scene. Their old tricks of co-optation do not work anymore because D.J.T. doesn’t want to line his pockets or self-aggrandize himself at the expense of people. Their only way out is to terrify the gullible into doing their bidding by slandering him with innumerable invalid arguments or malarkeys. Fortunately, electorates in this electoral cycle have waked up to the establishment’s dismay and they say: “none of your tricks with me!”
The democracy under the kleptocracy of the establishment supported by capital is in danger. There are only 18 million (out of more than 300 million) people are active members of the two parties; only 42% at the most of eligible voters cast ballots in a general election. It’s high-time to whip the establishment now.
The ascendancies of two anti-establishment pioneers within a time period of little more than a year unnerve the establishment of two parties to such an extent that they are totally at a loss what to do about the D.J.T. phenomenon, after rigging Bernie Sanders off the scene. Their old tricks of co-optation do not work anymore because D.J.T. doesn’t want to line his pockets or self-aggrandize himself at the expense of people. Their only way out is to terrify the gullible into doing their bidding by slandering him with innumerable invalid arguments or malarkeys. Fortunately, electorates in this electoral cycle have waked up to the establishment’s dismay and they say: “none of your tricks with me!”
The democracy under the kleptocracy of the establishment supported by capital is in danger. There are only 18 million (out of more than 300 million) people are active members of the two parties; only 42% at the most of eligible voters cast ballots in a general election. It’s high-time to whip the establishment now.
6
Its like when you turn on the lights and the cockroaches start to run and hide.
The GOP made this mess and monster. HE ALONE is their candidate for president.
They are all linked together and will go down with the trump ship in November.
The GOP made this mess and monster. HE ALONE is their candidate for president.
They are all linked together and will go down with the trump ship in November.
14
This whole Kahn thing was executed by the DNC . All Trump said in the past was he didn't want Muslims coming into this country without being vetted. That was interpreted as meaning he was against Kahn's son as well.
How lowdown can the Democrats get in an attempt to win the election? And wasn't Mr Kahn paid over $350,000 to give that speech, vilifying Trump ?
For someone who wanted to stay out of the limelight, Kahn lost no time in giving the media in Pakistan his opinion that Allah was causing Trump to make mistakes.
I wonder what his son would have thought of all this.
How lowdown can the Democrats get in an attempt to win the election? And wasn't Mr Kahn paid over $350,000 to give that speech, vilifying Trump ?
For someone who wanted to stay out of the limelight, Kahn lost no time in giving the media in Pakistan his opinion that Allah was causing Trump to make mistakes.
I wonder what his son would have thought of all this.
Seriously?
9
I think you (really) mean "Desperately"?
"Seriously?"
"Seriously?"
The Khans are a family who lost a Muslim son defending his country. Trump wants to kick people like the Khans out of the U.S. The Democrats wanted to make two points:
1 freedom of religion includes Islam and
2 we have Muslims in this country who will die for it and to protect their fellow soldiers.
So what is your problem with reminding us what honor in contrast to Trumps cowardice in avoiding the draft looks like?
1 freedom of religion includes Islam and
2 we have Muslims in this country who will die for it and to protect their fellow soldiers.
So what is your problem with reminding us what honor in contrast to Trumps cowardice in avoiding the draft looks like?
5
Every American voter should be on notice that the Republicans are putting everything they have into these "down ballot" races in order to maintain their death grip on our Congress, and our state legislatures. Vote DEMOCRATIC for the Senate, the House of Representatives, Governors' offices, and state legislatures. 90% of most successful efforts is just showing up. Don't let the Republicans get away with this, again!
20
Republicans are finally doing to themselves what they have been doing to this country for the last 36 years.
Justice, so rare, makes it that much sweeter.
Justice, so rare, makes it that much sweeter.
14
i'd like to see trump prez and all other elected offices be dems. let the gop party elsewhere and take hilary with/em.
1
I welcome the collapse of the Republican Party. Flush it down the toilet.
17
As Republicans and Democrats look to alternative candidates, please remember what voting for Nader in 2000 gave us (missed Al Quaeda 9/11 plot, invasion of Iraq, not catching Bin Laden, Citizens United, letting mortgage companies and banks create great recession). While Bush is considered to be the worst President in modern times by objective analysts, I suspect that he would be far better than the scorched earth Trump would leave behind. Please Democrats and Republicans, do not be cavalier about this election, as it is exceptional in the history of our democracy and not a time to waste a vote which could lead to the destruction of our great nation.
17
I mention this here because many people are raving about the great disaster Trump would be. Yes, he would be just that in many ways but remember there are two other branches of government. He might be able to pack the Supreme Court over a couple of years but it depends whether he remains his own man or listens to the Repubs in Congress. He doesn't have to listen to millionaires. So if he is going to do something really dangerous to the economy or the world, Congress can stop him; they will be particularly, as always, influenced (bought off) by corporations and millionaires who do not want horrid events to happen and thus lose them money/wealth. So he can be checked in different ways. Relative to nuclear weapons, I believe the President cannot order nuclear weapons to be used unless we are attack (and need to use them). So he can't decide one day that he hates the leader of China (who might insult him or maybe just because he is Chinese and hence will pull out Trumps obvious Xenophobia) and tell the military to drop a nuclear bomb on Beijing. At least let's hope that's the way the nuclear control it set up.
Republicans in tight Congressioonal races must state uneqivocally that they deapise Donald Trump and that he is totally unfit to be President. If they fail to do so now, they will go down with Trump in November. Never in America. History has such a stupid and disrespectful loudmouth as Donald Trump run for the presidency. He must be crushed by the GOP before he crushes it.
10
Having the same Republicans who obstructed Obama distance themselves from Donald Trump in order to earn reelection will not accomplish anything positive. The Republicans who have been so unapologetically contrary for the last 8 years should all be defeated. They do not deserve a way to continue obstructing, as they let down their own constituents! This type of betrayal does not deserve to live another day!
5
After this election- there is no going back to normal for the GOP. Voters have finally awoken to the fact that BOTH parties are short changing everyone. Unfortunately- there is no magic bullet to correct the trajectory of this nation. As our debt rises and the FED and U.S. Treasury continue to print money from nothing - we will see inflation rise at levels never thought imaginable. Regardless of which party holds office we can't sustain continued borrowing and the GOP mantra of austerity will only make matters worse. Throw in unfunded wars and social experiments like Obama care and we are pretty much doomed. We are beyond politics and global warming- Our collapsing economy will strangle everyone- the next 4 years will be devastatingly interesting.
1
I agree with a couple of your points Aaron but the rest of it is, I'm afraid, fire and brimstone hyperbole. Perpetually borrowing money to fund consumption is unsustainable for an individual and unwise for a country. It is not however unsustainable and not necessarily inflationary. It is sustainable as long as the country in question is borrowing in the domestic currency. After all else fails, the Treasury can simply print money to pay off the debt. As a net debtor, the borrowing country prays for inflation. Inflation erodes the value of fixed rate debt and is therefore to the detriment of the lender. As for inflation, as long as the country remains open to free trade then the exercise in printing money is not necessarily inflationary. If a domestic producer tries to raise prices a foreign competitor with low inflation will step in to substitute its product at a lower price. If we close up our ports to free trade then you can expect a severe dose of inflation. The impact of the money printing should in theory be absorbed by the exchange rate if the FX market is free, fair and open. China has proven that a free market in goods and services can exist alongside a manipulated FX market for a long time (but alas, not forever). But no Presidential candidate in his right mind would ever consider abandoning free trade, would they?
1
"... extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice." Barry Goldwater, 1964
I guess, given the number of voter suppression laws passed in Republican controlled states, there is now just extremism to defend partisan power. Republicans should be scarred ... of themselves.
Never liked the above quote from 1964 acceptance speech. The Republicans surely know how to be extreme. Now, without moderating anything, they want us to re-elect the crew of the Titanic because their base supports a captain as un-hinged as Melville's Ahab, and more incompetent then Custer.
A republican congress that cannot even make a 1.9 billion dollar appropriation for a growing Zika epidemic because of its disfunction and jaw dropping short sightedness deserves more than anything to be rebuked at the ballot box.
I guess, given the number of voter suppression laws passed in Republican controlled states, there is now just extremism to defend partisan power. Republicans should be scarred ... of themselves.
Never liked the above quote from 1964 acceptance speech. The Republicans surely know how to be extreme. Now, without moderating anything, they want us to re-elect the crew of the Titanic because their base supports a captain as un-hinged as Melville's Ahab, and more incompetent then Custer.
A republican congress that cannot even make a 1.9 billion dollar appropriation for a growing Zika epidemic because of its disfunction and jaw dropping short sightedness deserves more than anything to be rebuked at the ballot box.
24
I suggest the Trump "anchor" (his drowning Republican Party desperately attached) as a better metaphor than the Trump "shadow."
11
Untrue Manafort has signed a post-election book deal...tentatively titled..The Day I Kew It Was Over....
9
Just because an American is Wealthy does not make him/her Presidential Material.
Yet I think I finally may have figured out why so many of our Younger gen Worshps Him. Could it be that they feel so entitled that they are supporting one who too feel entititled as if his wealth makes him literally Eligible to be the President of the US.
His entire campaing is an ENTITLEMENT CAMPAIGN BASED ON WEATH NOT INTELLIGENCE AND PREPAREDNESS FOR THE JOB HE SEEKS>
Hence a wakeup call to all who believe that they entitled to this perk or that Job, get over yourself unless you are INTELLECTUALLY PREPARED FOR THE SAID JOB FOR IF NOT then You Do Not Deserve it, just as trumpty is horribly mentally or intellectually prepared to be Our President!
He believes that his wealth makes him entitled to be Our President,
Yet I think I finally may have figured out why so many of our Younger gen Worshps Him. Could it be that they feel so entitled that they are supporting one who too feel entititled as if his wealth makes him literally Eligible to be the President of the US.
His entire campaing is an ENTITLEMENT CAMPAIGN BASED ON WEATH NOT INTELLIGENCE AND PREPAREDNESS FOR THE JOB HE SEEKS>
Hence a wakeup call to all who believe that they entitled to this perk or that Job, get over yourself unless you are INTELLECTUALLY PREPARED FOR THE SAID JOB FOR IF NOT then You Do Not Deserve it, just as trumpty is horribly mentally or intellectually prepared to be Our President!
He believes that his wealth makes him entitled to be Our President,
13
Why haven't there been recent interviews (within the last week) with high profile religious leaders who have previously supported Mr. Trump? His words and actions have been more than unsettling? A large base of his support appears to come from many members of the religious right. Do many religious leaders still continue to support Mr. Trump? If so, HOW?
17
rino ryan and the republicrats. Over the last 8 years it has been support us against obama and we will stop him, even if we put forward candidates who don't really have your back, but they are republicrats. All in the name of "party unity". What has the country and conservatives gotten, great towers of jello more interested in their own power than what the people want. Now many of "the people" have spoken and Trump was chosen. Where is "party unity" now? Gone. Ryan and McConnell need to go.
3
One thing I can agree on with you is that Ryan & McConnel need to go.
Now I'm hoping Ryan loses in the general election to a democrat and McConnel will take his seat as Minority leader again. Perhaps you wish for the same.
Now I'm hoping Ryan loses in the general election to a democrat and McConnel will take his seat as Minority leader again. Perhaps you wish for the same.
7
Has McConnell had a stroke or does he normally speak like that?
5
Sadly, I have two siblings who act like Trump. I know how this ends. I am with Hillary all the way.
21
One of the unintended consequences of the Trump candidacy may be that moderate Republicans will form a coalition with Clinton before the election. This would ensure Trump's defeat, with a workable coalition that will get things done with the public interest in mind. I hope something like this happens. Moderates and independents will be a force for change from the beginning. Once upon a time, here were Reagan democrats. Now will there be Clinton Republicans?
8
DT = Delirium Tremens = Donald Trump
After this election, no matter who wins, the GOP will go through severe Trump withdraw.
After this election, no matter who wins, the GOP will go through severe Trump withdraw.
8
Down ballot ads won't disavow Trump, oh, yes, that's right, we support him. But know this, my friends, if by some catastrophe he actually wins, I promise to stand up to him. My goodness, what cliff is this we're teetering on?
9
A death knell for both moderate republicans and progressive democrats, now te fight is between hard right and right of center. Not really that bad but wars will continue and thats where my problem lies. People dont get what war is, one day for it, the next against it. War is not a pizza, that you want pepperoni one day and sausage another. I affects tens of millions, hundreds of millions pof people and fosters hatred, terrorism and perpetual conflict that impedes our collective humna goal tpowards a peaceful and happy and enlightened society for all... no I am not one of those kumbaya folk, but this is rational so all these people who moan about trump and hillary have a chpice... gary or jill but most people I talked to dont even know them... and thats when I lose all hope... thesxe people know the latest tweet by kim kardashian but dont know who the prez candidates are. Dont, pllease dont blame politicians, they are from us, they come from us... we are the problems we are trying to solve.
5
This is what you get when you allow talk radio jocks, wrestling announcers, performance artists who behave badly to sell books and crooks like Karl Rove, Dick Cheney and Roger Ailes to define your political party. There may be a sucker born every minute, but suckers don't necessarily show up on Election Day
19
These are the Republican apparatchiks who, six months ago, said Trump couldn't win the nomination. Now they're saying he can't win the election. They were wrong then, and they're wrong now. Donald Trump will be the 45th President of the United States. And he'll not only transform the party, he'll heal the country.
3
Dream on Jack. Explain how can such a hateful person is going to heal the country?
18
Perhaps on another planet
13
He'll win but he'll (only) be the 2nd President,..of the CONfederacy. I believe he'll win at least 7 of the 13 States down there.
3
Trump is obviously a puppet. First withholding necessary Republican support and then relenting. It's as if those really in charge knocked him upside the head. What is going on here? Trump obviously in over his head. What is that saying of rising to your level of "Incompetence". Well he's met it. Someone should "follow the money" on his support.
5
When elected to office, every U.S. senator and representative takes an oath of office in which they swear to protect and defend the United States Constitution. Whether Republican or Democrat, each member of congress or primary candidate for president has also sworn to support their party's presidential candidate. And every time a Republican member of congress refuses to support Donald Trump, he or she is accused of breaking their oath to support the Republican presidential candidate, ignoring the fact that they also swore to defend the constitution. Donald Trump has shown a willingness to violate the constitutional rights of individuals and minorities. Mr. Khizr Khan was exactly right when he said Republicans have a moral obligation to disavow those proposals and withdraw support from their candidate.
8
I just hope that all the putrid money being spent by corporate Mafiosis for confessional control go up in smoke.
6
For as long as I can remember, and Im 40 years old, Republicans have led shady campaigns and labelled Democrats with over-the-top names like Flip Flopper (Kerry), Too Smart (Gore), and not being a citizen (Obama). This nasty rhetoric was fueled by all Republicans. Year after year, speech after speech they fed the flames of the Tea Party. Now they are trying to put it out and the fire is out of control. In the process, they have awoken the conscience of millions of Americans who were not registered or had little interest in politics. All of these folks will vote against the Republicans. The Republicans are past the point of no return, and their entire party is about to be extinguished at one huge moment by Democrats. Can't say we didn't warn you, because we did.
21
Which of them isn't a juvenile delinquent?
4
Yeap! Here is the plan, we get the 11 plus million illegal immigrants quickly on the road to full citizenship before the Nov. Election. Then make sure their votes count in the states we need to assure a Trump defeat. HE IS A LOSER!
Remember many illegal immigrants that receive benefits from the US (food "stamps", hospital services, etc. ) have to be listed so we can organize this quickly. We demand they receive citizenship now and before the Election.
In the meantime, The ACLU and other "Voices of the People" continue to rightly help to overturn standard voter requirements that have unfairly benefited Republicans for years. Payback. My goodness, the do not need any photo IDs in many states and have until the day before the election to register. We need to learn from and embrace DWS, not demonize her. She knew she was doing the right thing for her party and the people without a voice.
I say vote and vote as often as possible.
Remember many illegal immigrants that receive benefits from the US (food "stamps", hospital services, etc. ) have to be listed so we can organize this quickly. We demand they receive citizenship now and before the Election.
In the meantime, The ACLU and other "Voices of the People" continue to rightly help to overturn standard voter requirements that have unfairly benefited Republicans for years. Payback. My goodness, the do not need any photo IDs in many states and have until the day before the election to register. We need to learn from and embrace DWS, not demonize her. She knew she was doing the right thing for her party and the people without a voice.
I say vote and vote as often as possible.
2
Dream on dude.
1
Republican dominance in the house needs to be trounced. It should be noted that as "a check to Hillary Clinton" means that we can expect more gridlock -- for an additional eight years, as the GOP has no interest in governing. They did not based on their hatred of President Obama, and they won't because of their hatred of Hillary Clinton. Why give them the chance to show that vendettas, witch hunts, and a desire to character-assassinate their opponents is all the GOP cares about.
The GOP wants to follow the Jefferson mantra "the government that governs least governs best," well, they have followed it to their own detriment. Small government, they say? Small government that allows corrupt politicians to wreak havoc on the people and the country? They don't want any regulation -- even in ways that make sense. Okay, so if small government is what they want, the GOP would get their wish, as leaving it will make government a lot smaller.
The GOP wants to follow the Jefferson mantra "the government that governs least governs best," well, they have followed it to their own detriment. Small government, they say? Small government that allows corrupt politicians to wreak havoc on the people and the country? They don't want any regulation -- even in ways that make sense. Okay, so if small government is what they want, the GOP would get their wish, as leaving it will make government a lot smaller.
12
You have GOT to be kidding!! This is small government?? The national debt has skyrocketed over 60% since Mr Obama took office...federal bureaucracies have mushroomed in size regardless of the party in office, the government is daily intruding further into each of our lives, and many of us welcome it like sheep led blindly to the slaughter. I would urge you to take a close look at Johnson/Weld. Before you fire a knee-jerk smart comment back, really look.
3
They don't have a clue how to govern elegantly because they can't grasp even the basics of the theory of self-organizing systems.
9
Donald Trump's behavior has already convinced me as a Republican to never vote for him, but still be able to vote for other Republicans. There are some people out there who still think and don't vote straight party automatically. I wish there were more people on both sides who took honest looks at candidates.
6
Trump has exposed the sick underbelly of this country. Ignorant racists who don't normally vote. They're out there now. They've got their man. Will this be enough to carry him to victory? We'll see.
20
GOP candidates should have it realtively easy to separate their campaigns from Trump's. Democrats who think otherwise - that voters can't split the ticket - have lost sight of just how reviled is Hillary Clinton by much of the public. All they need to do is emphasize the many examples of amoral behaviors Hillary has exhibited; and the long list of her crooked endeavors to begin to open the split.
The point of these GOP political ads: do you fellow citizen want to grant this person - a person with liar proclivities - unchecked power. A campaign which ties her to Bernie Sanders would also be helpful - here too because much of the nation abhors his socialist agenda. There is plenty for the average moderate voter to fear with a Hillary presidency; and the GOP playing to that fear can get voters to split for the GOP candidates.
The point of these GOP political ads: do you fellow citizen want to grant this person - a person with liar proclivities - unchecked power. A campaign which ties her to Bernie Sanders would also be helpful - here too because much of the nation abhors his socialist agenda. There is plenty for the average moderate voter to fear with a Hillary presidency; and the GOP playing to that fear can get voters to split for the GOP candidates.
2
Why do the very worst crooks claim that everyone else is more crooked than they are?
9
I live in Maine, where one of our U.S. Senators is Republican Susan Collins. She has not yet distanced herself from Trump, despite lots of evidence that a Republican interested in a political future here should do so. Even Paul LePage, our Republican/Tea Party governor and a Trump supporter, found other things to do during the GOP convention; Collins actually attended. Unless she separates herself from Trump soon (or is it too late already?) she'll have lots to answer for the next time she appears on the ballot.
15
If breaking the legislative gridlock that Republicans committed to after President Obama was elected is our goal, we must elect Democrats in large numbers to guide our nation going forward. If rejecting Trump for the presidency is our goal, the same prescription abides. Let's face it, the Republicans don't deserve to control any of the three pillars in our democracy. They've done nothing to help the poor and middle classes over the last 36 years while enriching the country club set. If you really want to vote your conscience, vote for Democrats!
14
Trump represents the ideology of the new Republican party. The old establishment can either get on board or get run over. Once President Trump takes the oath of office, the purge begins.
2
God- I hope not! Trump is awful!
6
Just what we need. An Erdogan as POTUS.
7
The image of Trump purging is one that I wish I could unsee
3
Hello, all you R's who are afraid you're damned if you do and damned if you don't, have you considered consulting your consciences? Have you considered looking hard at yourselves in the mirror and asking yourselves what is in your beloved country's best interest? Or are you only looking at poll results and asking yourselves what is in your personal best interest? Or perhaps your tribal interest: keep our party in power at all costs even if it leads to something terrible?
Democrats, believe me, are concerned with the future of this country. The DT is not in our country's best interest. The DT is not even concerned with your tribal interest, clearly. He is only concerned with his own best interest. If you can't bring yourselves to acknowledge that in public even though you clearly know it to be true, then you're no better than he is.
Democrats, believe me, are concerned with the future of this country. The DT is not in our country's best interest. The DT is not even concerned with your tribal interest, clearly. He is only concerned with his own best interest. If you can't bring yourselves to acknowledge that in public even though you clearly know it to be true, then you're no better than he is.
22
Well said!
7
What I don't see in any of this is a glimmer that the GOP is engaging in honest introspection over the path they took that lead to this mess. Trump didn't come out of nowhere. The 16 or so candidates that started this race showed that the GOP not only lacked cohesion, it lacked leadership, a message, and a purpose. Despite all of those candidates, none found support meaningful support except for Trump, and his rise is a rejection of the GOP business as usual. Running to "business as usual" candidates, such as Ryan, isn't going to solve what ails the GOP.
18
The Republican sycophant-babies must be thrown out with the Trump-bathwater!
13
Donald Trump, a day late and a dollar short. Who wants a president who can't control himself or get along with his own people. He cannot lead and inspire his own party, how will he lead and inspire congress??? This is a failing of our government, of our leaders, to lead, to work together past disagreements for the good of the people. Trump acts like a buffoon, calling people names, insulting people, is this an adult or a child???? How can he possibly lead this country or deal with diplomatic matters, he has no diplomacy. He is a spoiled child. Too bad he's not more like his older sister.
15
The Republicans want to hold on to the power in Congress because they want to hold onto power. What they intend is an unknown because exactly what they stand for and who they represent is uncertain. If they embrace only the far right and Obama nay-sayers then the two party system is virtually nil and they will concede more and more control to the Democrats. After all, what are their accomplishments while controlling Congress? Economic stagnation, a widening economic gap, and unending conflict in the Middle East. It can't all be laid at the feet of Obama.
Trump could be a blessing, like a mild heart attack that forces real life style changes. If they want to represent the heart and center of the nation those changes should begin now, and abandoning Trump would be a good first step. Don't take that one last drag of Trump, throw him away - now.
Trump could be a blessing, like a mild heart attack that forces real life style changes. If they want to represent the heart and center of the nation those changes should begin now, and abandoning Trump would be a good first step. Don't take that one last drag of Trump, throw him away - now.
6
We're talking about a small amount of GOPe globalist money train, cheap labor, chamber of commerce types here. The Country Club Republicans. Let them do what they think they need to do. They might as well put a D beside their names at this point.
1
It's upsetting that Republicans, fleeing from the monster they have created, are now preparing to run ads to convince people to vote Republican for the House and Senate in order to rein in Hillary after she wins. That's pretty much the situation we've had for the last 8 years -- a competent, intelligent, visionary President whose hands have been tied by an obstructionist congress. If people are fool enough to vote in Republican congressmen again, we'll have nothing but more gridlock, not to mention more decimation of the public sector, including schools and essential services.
18
The best news for the country would be down-ballot races to go D! The TP/GOP Congress has been an unmitigated disaster.
15
We told you so. Reality dawns late for the GOP, apparently.
6
There is only one way to save the Republican Party. Let it die and rebuild from scratch. Trump is the fault of the party losing its moral compass and anyone who runs under the party banner deserves defeat.
11
Just like most tightwads, any questions re: where the money is is vigorously met and condemned as the product of dishonest media. The idea is to start a foundation or like a charity event for veterans to attract donations. Once the money comes in like the $5 m contributed by the McMahon, then our foundation can give it away in his name. It's a no no to ask the Don if he contributed any amount. No wonder legitimate philanthropists in NY are not on board with his charities. Don the Con.
6
Too bad. Donald Trump is the logical conclusion of the Republicans' rhetoric and policies. He is the perfect Republican--self-serving, a rapacious, anti-regulation capitalist, blind to logic, and profoundly hypocritical. He will bring them all down, and so much the better. It will clear the way for the common-sense conservatives (who must exist?) to be elected and begin to engage in PRODUCTIVE governing in conjunction with the more progressive members of the house and senate. As such, Trump is an opportunity. Viva Trump! May you be roundly defeated... "a hard rain is going to fall."
8
If Trump remains in the race he will lose in November, but that's not good enough; it's time for the GOP to actively get rid of him. Now. He's incited so much bigotry and hatred, and that is now on the shoulders of the GOP -- they need to end this horror show before it goes to the polls.
9
Republican members of congress are scared stiff about loosing the House and Senate in November. Many view Donald Trump as a lost cause and keeping their seats in congress is more important. If Hillary Clinton is elected her Presidency will be virtually ineffective with a Republican congress manipulated by scoundrels.
10
He only wants fame. Distrust a self promoter. Vote Democrat this November. Pass it on!
He only wants fame. Distrust a self promoter. Vote Democrat this November. Pass it on!
11
I would vote Republican to keep the unions down, smaller entitlements, stop the whining and PC ways of the Librals... but I can and will NOT vote for Trump and his crazy ideas and childish behaviors.
3
Interesting, so you want to treat people you don't know like dirt but you don't want to be overtly rude about it.
10
Many people vote agianst their
Own interest.
Own interest.
8
My interest is not to throw my tax dollars away on entitlement programs, unions that protect lazy and useless members, Whining PC people that born with silver spoons (like those from West Palm Beach). I grew up in a super poor family in the inner city, I know what hard work is and I hate to throw it away to people who demand things instead of earning them.
How pretentious to think you know me.
How pretentious to think you know me.
Enough is enough! This November the voters from all political parties need to deliver an unmistakable message to Congress. We have had it with gridlock, obstruction and partisan wedge issues having little to do with the problems facing the poor and middle class. Vote for the congressional candidate willing to compromise and address the issues in a rational way.
Trump must be defeated by such a landslide that no political party will ever allow such an unprepared, bigoted and authoritarian candidate to be nominated again.
Trump must be defeated by such a landslide that no political party will ever allow such an unprepared, bigoted and authoritarian candidate to be nominated again.
8
I just couldn't be more proud to be a Republican today. But Hannity said it best - if Trump loses its the GOP's fault. They just aren't supporting my man. They sound like liberal media who vilify Donald at every tweet. Trump's tweets show his great plans for the US. With just 5 draft deferments, he sacrificed so much he recently got a purple heart. You don't just get those everyday and he earned it by confronting Muslims who staged a demonstration. God is great to give us a man like the Donald to save this country from its failure, despair, lawlessness and terrorism.
With plans to make sure everyone in a bar gets a gun, deport Mexicans and Muslims, go back to coal, pay the rich for jobs, build walls against Mexicans, while letting caviar eating Europeans worry about Putin as he withdraws from the UN, I don't see how anyone could think of voting for crooked Hillary. All she cares about are kids. What kind of a future is that? I can't wait for Mr. Trump to be President so he can show those babies who is boss and fire the liberal Republicans who let Obama turn this nation into a lawless cesspool. Only Mitch, Donald and Mike can purify America and convert the gays.
With plans to make sure everyone in a bar gets a gun, deport Mexicans and Muslims, go back to coal, pay the rich for jobs, build walls against Mexicans, while letting caviar eating Europeans worry about Putin as he withdraws from the UN, I don't see how anyone could think of voting for crooked Hillary. All she cares about are kids. What kind of a future is that? I can't wait for Mr. Trump to be President so he can show those babies who is boss and fire the liberal Republicans who let Obama turn this nation into a lawless cesspool. Only Mitch, Donald and Mike can purify America and convert the gays.
8
That is sarcasm, as not for a lot of people in this country. For them it is, you won't believe it, the 'truth'
4
great satire. thank you.
4
No matter what I read or see in the media, I think traditional republicans still exist out there in the US. The Tea Party movement started the attack from within, attracting and inciting racism, bigotry, and hatred. It was not good for the GOP. However, I really believe the Tea Party and Trump's presidential run are anomalies. I have hopes that neither will last. Before the GOP starting acting weird and vindictive in the 90s, I actually used to vote for some GOP down ticket candidates even though I had registered as a Democrat in 1984 (after being an independent for years). In the 90s I became a yellow dog Democrat because of the weirdness and obsessive behavior of the GOP elected politicians in Washington, DC. I hate what Trump, Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich and the Tea Party have done to the GOP. The no compromise attitude of current elected GOP Congressional members have hurt their party and our country. Compromise is important. I want it back in our national politics.
5
Americans are smart enough to know that the only way to keep Hillary Clinton from continuing the Democrat spending spree is to maintain a Republican House, and hopefully a Senate also. Just ;look at Hillary's promises to the Sanders wing of the Democrat party. Free college for any family making less than $125,000 a year. Another Obama style stimulus, only larger, supposedly for the same infrastructure projects and shovel ready jobs that never materialized under Obama. Billions to support the tens of thousands Islamic immigrants she wants to allow into the U.S. And tens of billions to expand Obamacare into an even larger government boondoggle. Americans better get ready for more taxes if Hillary has a Democrat Congress to rely on.
2
I'd like to see the source for these numbers.
2
I agreed with you on all fronts, regardless I can not and will NOT vote for the madman and liar Trump.
2
Ever checked the statistics regarding economic performance during DEM rules vs REP rule?
No? I thought so.
No? I thought so.
10
This is an editorial, not a news story.
3
This is a news story about problems within the Republican party. An editorial would say how richly it deserves those problems. Or what a wonderful development this is: that we citizens could return to a country that is responsibly governed (it would have to be by Democrats) rather than being destroyed by the anti-patriotic blockage of Republicans. I'm sure others can give more examples to help you understand
9
There is no doubt the Republicans are finally reaping what they have sowed for decades now. Trump is a world wide joke; and it is about time anyone with a brain send this guy into the trash can of history where he belongs. However it still terrifies me at the thought that if the puppet masters in the G.O.P. can find a way to muzzle the lunatic and have him read nothing but prepared speeches from now until November there is still a chance the Tea Party types will find some way to fool an American public that seems to swing with the wind. The conventions prove yet again how quickly people can be duped into believing the hype; rather than the truth. Prove me wrong America; send the Donald into political oblivion where he belongs!
13
Mr. Donald Trump; psychopathic spewer of lies and hate, regurgitated out of the bowls of the Republican Party is now their nominee for President.
Why Governor Mike Pence by joining Team Trump, exhibits his eagerness to become political Worm Chow (with apologies to Evelyn Harper) is of his own understanding.
However there is a solution for Republican voters:
1). Enter voting booth.
2). Quietly repeat Mr Charles Dickens lament, "Tis a far, far, better thing I do than I have ever done."
3). Pull lever, as I will absentee, for Senator Hillary Clinton.
Why Governor Mike Pence by joining Team Trump, exhibits his eagerness to become political Worm Chow (with apologies to Evelyn Harper) is of his own understanding.
However there is a solution for Republican voters:
1). Enter voting booth.
2). Quietly repeat Mr Charles Dickens lament, "Tis a far, far, better thing I do than I have ever done."
3). Pull lever, as I will absentee, for Senator Hillary Clinton.
19
The only sane and humane choice this year is to vote the straight Democrat ticket. All other choices belong to those who have fond memories of the Nader or Mussolini administrations.
18
Unfortunately the Republican brand of conservatism does not serve the citizens of the country but instead disproportionately serves big businesses and the wealthy - to the detriment of the country.
We have seen it in every election, there is a ratcheting up of the negativism to the point we now have Trump.
The tragedy is that the Republicans do not understand this and look to make changes. Ms. May, UK's new PM has a model that most can be happy with.
We have seen it in every election, there is a ratcheting up of the negativism to the point we now have Trump.
The tragedy is that the Republicans do not understand this and look to make changes. Ms. May, UK's new PM has a model that most can be happy with.
4
Mr. Paul Ryan: are you listening? It will take more than a generation to rebuild the damages made by Donald Trump to the Republic Party. Act now and act fast to dump the Trump.
11
You MADE the Lie, Bed in it.
Trump won the GOP Nomination the Minute he sent that Detective Team to HI to expose POTUS Obama's Birthrights. Except we've heard Trump talk about any and everything but that Investigative Pilgrimage to HI:):)
Trump won the GOP Nomination the Minute he sent that Detective Team to HI to expose POTUS Obama's Birthrights. Except we've heard Trump talk about any and everything but that Investigative Pilgrimage to HI:):)
7
"David McIntosh, the president of the Club for Growth, a group that advocates small government . . . "
Propaganda at it's best! The "Club for Growth" wants to shrink the government. The "Christian Right" is neither Christian or correct. The "Heritage Foundation" wants the country to be all white, meaning 0% "real" heritage, only the white side and on and on.
Propaganda at it's best! The "Club for Growth" wants to shrink the government. The "Christian Right" is neither Christian or correct. The "Heritage Foundation" wants the country to be all white, meaning 0% "real" heritage, only the white side and on and on.
11
The Republicans agree with Trump when he is wrong and disagree with him when he is right.
Trump IS not a right winger. He is narcissistic and crude but he is mostly right about foreign policy. And it is the Republicans who are a problem for Trump as much as he is a problem for them.
It is no coincidence that Sanders and Stein have policies similar to those of Trump on trade and foreign policy.
I favor Stein but do not expect her to win. Still, Hillary will carry my state no matter what I do. Might as well vote for someone I can respect.
Trump IS not a right winger. He is narcissistic and crude but he is mostly right about foreign policy. And it is the Republicans who are a problem for Trump as much as he is a problem for them.
It is no coincidence that Sanders and Stein have policies similar to those of Trump on trade and foreign policy.
I favor Stein but do not expect her to win. Still, Hillary will carry my state no matter what I do. Might as well vote for someone I can respect.
2
Show us your tax return. Plain and simple.
18
Hillary, show us the transcripts of all the speeches to Wall Street banks that "earned" you $200,000 a pop.
2
Paul - Did you ask to see the transcripts of the speeches that Romney gave?
7
Mr Trump asked for the Presidents' birth certificate and The president provided it. Is it not reasonable to request the same of Mr Trumps taxes?
2
To Bernie's supporters:
Bernie's revolution starts with voting Democrats - up and down the ticket.
Bernie's revolution starts with voting Democrats - up and down the ticket.
22
Agreed, Sanders people will have no choice. They know that.
5
Illuminating reporting by Martin and Burns. If the Republicans want to curtail Trump but not alienate his followers, I'd say that the Republican Party is in danger of splitting. Someone has to talk to these followers and get them back on track. The trouble is that they are afraid of the train.
It's ironic; we have two unpopular presidential candidates that were produced by that mere nine percent. One might ask if our democracy is broken, or needs patching up.
And Trump appears to be pushing the Republicans into more liberal territory, as he forces them to become more accepting of minorities and social programs. Maybe this is the end of the Reagan realignment; it has produced a resultant so extreme, in the form of Trump, that those ideas can no longer draw enough votes to survive. In the end, a more socially liberal and less fiscally conservative Republican Party arises that is acceptable to the modern voter base.
Probably Republicans will retain congress and things will settle down. Hillary will be president and Republicans will consolidate around a strategy to block her proposals. Hillary has a chance to gain support, but she has to go into territory beyond her Democratic support. She's not good at that; she doesn't feel comfortable with the electorate as a whole. But she is going to have to get Republican votes to accomplish the programs that she proposes, once she figures out what they are, perhaps a little less Bernie and Warren.
It's ironic; we have two unpopular presidential candidates that were produced by that mere nine percent. One might ask if our democracy is broken, or needs patching up.
And Trump appears to be pushing the Republicans into more liberal territory, as he forces them to become more accepting of minorities and social programs. Maybe this is the end of the Reagan realignment; it has produced a resultant so extreme, in the form of Trump, that those ideas can no longer draw enough votes to survive. In the end, a more socially liberal and less fiscally conservative Republican Party arises that is acceptable to the modern voter base.
Probably Republicans will retain congress and things will settle down. Hillary will be president and Republicans will consolidate around a strategy to block her proposals. Hillary has a chance to gain support, but she has to go into territory beyond her Democratic support. She's not good at that; she doesn't feel comfortable with the electorate as a whole. But she is going to have to get Republican votes to accomplish the programs that she proposes, once she figures out what they are, perhaps a little less Bernie and Warren.
Characterizing Mr. Trump as a successful businessman is comparable to characterizing Thalidomide as a successful pharmaceutical.
21
you're out of date. Thalidomide is used to treat multiple myeloma by strengthening the immune system to fight cancer cells. Still not for pregnant women.
Trump is terrifying, and so is the Republican platform. Every Republican candidate needs to be asked --if they distance themselves from Trump, do they still support their party's platform?
*Conversion therapy for gay kids?
*Selling off of national parks?
*Reversal of gay marriage?
*(Still) A wall?
*Conversion therapy for gay kids?
*Selling off of national parks?
*Reversal of gay marriage?
*(Still) A wall?
28
You OWN this, Republicans. You cannot run, you cannot hide. THIS is bought and paid for in the lives of those you have crushed so that Drumpf could be your guy. Well, he is YOUR guy now and you cannot run or hide.
20
I like Glen Bolger's comment about being damned.
It kind of reminded of a scene in the movie "Bedazzled" where a character is signing a contract selling his soul to the devil and finds that he's referred to in it as "the damned."
Maybe the Republican Party should just change its name to "the damned."
It kind of reminded of a scene in the movie "Bedazzled" where a character is signing a contract selling his soul to the devil and finds that he's referred to in it as "the damned."
Maybe the Republican Party should just change its name to "the damned."
14
I don’t understand why the republican party would choose someone like Donald Trump to be a political candidate as suppose to believing that he could run the country entirely. He is too rashful and has many surprises waiting to be shown. And because of his unpredictable behavior and rude comments left the republicans stuck in the middle. Donald Trump also is having issues with the plls dropping and him having to deal with the leaders of his political party and the family of the deceased american soldier. The republicans should have seen this since they basically put a guy who is running for president who claims that he will ‘build a wall’ to keep us ‘safe’ and then rant about it.
Then Donald Trump asked Mr. Ryan, Kelly Ayotte and John McCain for support after harshly criticizing the parents of Humayun Khan leading into a feud in the republican party. And because of his actions the republicans now fear that splitting with Donald is risky due to the fact that doing so will result in the republicans losing voters equalling lesser republicans in congress and again because of his actions will result in Mr.Ryan’s hold in the senate to loosen and eventually threaten it. I still say personally that the republicans should have kept Donald Trump in line before he basically took over the G.O.P. and now with their hands tied behind their backs they are left with no choice but to continue siding with Donald until the campaign goes off.
Then Donald Trump asked Mr. Ryan, Kelly Ayotte and John McCain for support after harshly criticizing the parents of Humayun Khan leading into a feud in the republican party. And because of his actions the republicans now fear that splitting with Donald is risky due to the fact that doing so will result in the republicans losing voters equalling lesser republicans in congress and again because of his actions will result in Mr.Ryan’s hold in the senate to loosen and eventually threaten it. I still say personally that the republicans should have kept Donald Trump in line before he basically took over the G.O.P. and now with their hands tied behind their backs they are left with no choice but to continue siding with Donald until the campaign goes off.
2
Patrick Toomey wanted to default on US debt. Donald Trump wants to renegotiate the terms. Both are bad ideas, but Trumps may be less bad. Toomey in no better than Trump. Just less flashy.
Republicans beg to be voted in as a "check on Hillary Clinton," and I get it. That's politics.
How about they attempt to work with their colleagues on bipartisan efforts to actually get something done?
Our elected representatives obsessing to serve only their own interests serve no one at all.
How about they attempt to work with their colleagues on bipartisan efforts to actually get something done?
Our elected representatives obsessing to serve only their own interests serve no one at all.
20
Ron Johnson is every bit as ugly and conniving as Donald Trump, and given how badly Johnson lags Russ Feingold in the polls, I think most of my fellow Wisconsinites are no more fooled than I am.
13
The best thing that could happen from this chaotic political climate is that Republicans are purged from all levels of government, from congress all the way down to the county dog catcher.
19
Why? Do you want liberal monotheism, believing in the holy trinity of social justice, high taxation, and the welfare state?
marymary - I'm not sure how you missed this but a living wage, affordable health care etc. are the things that keep people off of welfare. I know because I worked my way out of poverty and into a comfortable middle class income. Sadly the programs that helped me do this are few and far between now.
2
Don't worry, there is broad diversity of opinion in the Democratic Party too. We are simply united in wanting competent government and believing it possible.
4
If you only read the NYT, you might almost be convinced Hillary has a chance.
2
This might be a good time to acquaint yourself with the poll collections at Real Clear Politics. Hillary Clinton currently has a lead in polls from ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, FOX News, the LA Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the Economist, and several other places. In fact, RCP no longer shows ANY poll where Clinton isn't ahead. If you read or watch any news source at all, you know that Hillary is likely to win.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2016/president/us/general_electi...
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2016/president/us/general_electi...
15
a referral to facts and common sense--what a refreshing novelty. Thanks!
6
Damn the football game. I'm waiting for the debates.
It just might put the like of Cobert, Maher and Trevor out of business.
It just might put the like of Cobert, Maher and Trevor out of business.
1
So much criticism for Republicans distancing themselves from Trump. Children, pull your chairs up and listen. Those who distance themselves from Trump are free to ignore any legislation he submits. Among state office holders, they are likely to ignore any state action he proposes. Along with the Democrats, these Republicans will help assure that Trump gets nothing done. They are in the position to block any Trump legislation and pretty much assure that he's gone in 4 years. Now, if you'd rather have 8 years of Trump, keep up with the criticism and drive these folks into Trump's camp. Otherwise, please shut your traps.
3
Ah, so that was the one sin the Republicans truly cared about ... drooping poll numbers. I guess it makes sense, since all they ever wanted him to do this whole time was tone down his rhetoric - not actually change his despicable stances on anything.
7
The GOP is a lie wrapped in a flag.
23
To paraphrase Winston Churchill, a Republican is a hypocrite, wrapped in a lie, inside a flag.
5
Don't feel bad for Pat Toomey. As President of the Club for Growth, he targeted moderate republicans viewed as RINO's because of their unwillingness to adhere to the group's conservative fiscal views. Toomey sold a message that the government is the problem for years, and now that he is part of the establishment he's surprised? Toomey and other like-minded members of his party are fully responsible for Donald Trump.
12
For nearly 8 years now, the boys of the GOP thought they were like Putin, autonomously powerful. In a strange way, The Donald has shown them to be far less intelligent than we imagined. With over 17 candidates running for the GOP, the wheeler dealer, slick article Donald Trump managed to pass their stream of consciousness and tricked the big boys of the GOP big time.
The only reason they are fleeing now has less to do with their disagreement with Trump and his bizarre antics. It has only to do with these right wing and GOP control freaks realizing how much it would show how badly their parents all raised them. They know instinctively that to agree with anything La Trump says is to dishonor their mothers and fathers and in their evangelical Bible Thumping religiosity, that means fire and damnation for violating the Big No. 4: Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Mother.
They can be pedophiles, greedy thieves, covetous morons, scoundrels and womanizers, but dishonor Big Daddy and Big Momma and that is instant Hades for them.
The only reason they are fleeing now has less to do with their disagreement with Trump and his bizarre antics. It has only to do with these right wing and GOP control freaks realizing how much it would show how badly their parents all raised them. They know instinctively that to agree with anything La Trump says is to dishonor their mothers and fathers and in their evangelical Bible Thumping religiosity, that means fire and damnation for violating the Big No. 4: Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Mother.
They can be pedophiles, greedy thieves, covetous morons, scoundrels and womanizers, but dishonor Big Daddy and Big Momma and that is instant Hades for them.
2
Don't forget "Murderers"
After all, their leader Trump has stated: "I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose voters"
WEB: http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/23/politics/donald-trump-shoot-somebody-support/
Trump statement should be amended to "I would not lose any of my rabid voters, BUT I would lose the rest of the American voters"
After all, their leader Trump has stated: "I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose voters"
WEB: http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/23/politics/donald-trump-shoot-somebody-support/
Trump statement should be amended to "I would not lose any of my rabid voters, BUT I would lose the rest of the American voters"
3
Imagine a continued Republican House and Senate:
1. Continue low taxes on top 1% = ^ income gap
2. high student debt > less consumer spending = less jobs. Student debt will increasingly cripple our economy because it drains discretionary income from our highest consumer group - young people/young families. It is strangling our young people and it will collectively strangle our economy.
3. Reduction in government = fewer stable middle income salaries + ^ cost for services
4. No gov competition in medical coverage = fat insurance companies ^ consumer costs
Sanders supporters can truly make a difference in this election by focusing on the Congress and Senate elections. These are the points Sanders made.
Imagine how much progress can be made with both an experienced President in place AND a progressive House and Senate? Dare I hope.
1. Continue low taxes on top 1% = ^ income gap
2. high student debt > less consumer spending = less jobs. Student debt will increasingly cripple our economy because it drains discretionary income from our highest consumer group - young people/young families. It is strangling our young people and it will collectively strangle our economy.
3. Reduction in government = fewer stable middle income salaries + ^ cost for services
4. No gov competition in medical coverage = fat insurance companies ^ consumer costs
Sanders supporters can truly make a difference in this election by focusing on the Congress and Senate elections. These are the points Sanders made.
Imagine how much progress can be made with both an experienced President in place AND a progressive House and Senate? Dare I hope.
6
Not mentioned is the critical uncertainty of the third parties, the Libertarian and the Green. The latter's Ralph Nader threw Gore under the ideological bus in Florida in 2000: his 2.7% average was more than enough to take away a Democratic victory. Without Nader's political blindness, there would have been no ballot recounts; no involvement of Bush's brother Jeb, the governor, or of the state's Sec. of State, Bush's campaign leader there; no rulings by the FL and U.S. Supreme Courts; no invasion of Iraq and perhaps no endless Afghan war either. If the road to hell is paved with good intentions, in 2016 the Green Party could detour Democratic victories again, including control of the Senate as well as the Presidency.
7
When was the last time Ralph Nader said there is no difference between the Democrats and the Republicans?
2
Trump or no Trump, sending republicans to Washington makes no sense. After all Trump is a creation of the Republicans, reluctant or not Paul Ryan and the Man out of the glass coffin endorsed the Trumps and their nude women to try a bid for the White House. The Republicans in the Senate and the House had enough shutdowns, for a change let the elected president implement the policies on which she will be elected by the majority of Americans with a supportive senate and house of representatives ! There is no other better choice for America, until republicans learn to govern better with a bi-partition approach by dumping tea party and its National Socialist offshoot called Trumpism,!
8
The self-inflicted morass engulfing the Republican party recalls the ancient saying: "There are no traps as deadly as the ones we set for ourselves."
I was a Republican for 30+ years. I changed my registration to Independent this week.
I was a Republican for 30+ years. I changed my registration to Independent this week.
22
To those of us on the receiving end of misogyny or racial hate, Trump is just another Klaxon at the podium who is more odious in his provocations and doesn't hide behind 'code' or bird whistles as much. Killers who hide behind their local status in the community as 'good people' or even a badge, are the one's who feel that they have the green light to hoist up the rope.
All the GOP amounts to is a bunch of white men trying to figure out what clothes they're going to dress the scarecrow in today before they gin up the crowd to vote Republican by promising them jobs or being better than 'blacks' or whatever hate they are peddling today to line their pockets with.
All the GOP amounts to is a bunch of white men trying to figure out what clothes they're going to dress the scarecrow in today before they gin up the crowd to vote Republican by promising them jobs or being better than 'blacks' or whatever hate they are peddling today to line their pockets with.
6
Ironic that we have a President whom the Republicans vilified has the highest approval ratings at this stage of a second term in many years. The Republican party of do nothing hate deserves their fate. Sweet.
8
Trump will resign. Unable to deal with ignominous defeat and humiliation by a loss to Clinton, he will make some lame excuse such as 'the election is rigged' and quit the race. The GOP will be seriously damaged, but so what? The campaign was never about anything other than his personal quest for glory.
6
Dog bites man.
Republican politicians flee Trump.
These are no longer news.
Republican politicians flee Trump.
These are no longer news.
2
I am a progressive so biased, but someone needs to explain how one can endorse a candidate and not be in agreement with his statements, positions and policies. They guy is the leader of the Republican Party-you endorse him then by default you agree and endorse his positions.
Progressives need to hammer this home in a big way and for many years to come. EVERY Republican up for a seat in Congress needs to be grilled on this.
Fortunately for Republicans, they have gerrymandered and suppressed enough votes to ensure holding the House forever. Sad.
Progressives need to hammer this home in a big way and for many years to come. EVERY Republican up for a seat in Congress needs to be grilled on this.
Fortunately for Republicans, they have gerrymandered and suppressed enough votes to ensure holding the House forever. Sad.
4
The New York Times is so very, very unfair again.
Our gentle Republicans in Congress achieved so much for the betterment of the country by naming or renaming US Postal Service offices than ever before.
Our gentle Republicans in Congress achieved so much for the betterment of the country by naming or renaming US Postal Service offices than ever before.
7
I don't think we can give credit to or place blame solely on the Republicans for Trumps freakish rise in popularity. Consider the issues that have encouraged people to rally around him. The immigration issue alone has otherwise normal Americans wanting to break up thousands of families in order to deport undocumented workers (gardeners, busboys, maids, nannies, lettuce pickers) for the sake of securing our borders. I think liberals have been too politically correct in not naming the real issues related to securing our borders against terrorists. If Obama and Clinton were not so concerned about hurt feelings and would just acknowledge that there is a connection between the terrorists and their faith it would take some air out of Trumps over-inflated balloon. It is Trumps' "tell it like it is" rhetoric that has given him a foothold. A message to future President Clinton...stop polling every sentence of every speech and start telling us like it is. We can take it.
1
A recent book of 30 years' of Doonesbury cartoons (https://www.amazon.com/Yuge-30-Years-Doonesbury-Trump/dp/1449481337 illustrates that Donald J. Trump has been a transparently known personality for decades. The idea that he was just a "loose cannon like a fox" is the idea that the Republicans have used, also for decades, that base, crass, anti-democratic rhetoric can inflame those, ironically, disadvantaged by the inciters. But hate only births more hate. Ads or no ads, the down party candidates will not be able to distance themselves from the conflagration they helped create.
2
The Republican establishment is in the worst possible position: Trump won't quit (it would damage his brand); instead, he's making sure he loses--which will be a relief to the US and the world, but it will be too late to help the Republicans, since he will take their Congressional hopes down with him.
When someone is only pretending to want something, they eventually sabotage themselves--consciously or unconsciously; no outside help is needed. This particular "long con" is about to unravel as Trump himself begins to undermine his candidacy for President with his unacceptable statements and behaviour.
As the truth of his actual intentions begins to dawn, all the marks who bought into his scam (just another in a lifetime of scams) are going to feel far "angrier" and more "betrayed" than they think they are now. They are the kind of people who always blame others for their problems, and the coming collapse will make them genuinely dangerous. The Republican establishment will be forced to watch in helpless rage as he destroys the entire party--from within.
Capping it all will be the supreme irony that the Republican candidate himself will "crown" Hillary Clinton as President by default, because that kind of demanding and thankless responsibility is the very last thing he wants.
When someone is only pretending to want something, they eventually sabotage themselves--consciously or unconsciously; no outside help is needed. This particular "long con" is about to unravel as Trump himself begins to undermine his candidacy for President with his unacceptable statements and behaviour.
As the truth of his actual intentions begins to dawn, all the marks who bought into his scam (just another in a lifetime of scams) are going to feel far "angrier" and more "betrayed" than they think they are now. They are the kind of people who always blame others for their problems, and the coming collapse will make them genuinely dangerous. The Republican establishment will be forced to watch in helpless rage as he destroys the entire party--from within.
Capping it all will be the supreme irony that the Republican candidate himself will "crown" Hillary Clinton as President by default, because that kind of demanding and thankless responsibility is the very last thing he wants.
7
I'm not so sure. He quits all the time. He claims that something is unfair and he takes his toys and goes home. This gives him a feeling of control.
1
That could happen, but I think he will see losing and then claiming his loss was rigged by the establishment as the best option for drawing the maximum payoff from his scam.
It will portray him as a heroic fighter against impossible odds, who came close to winning despite the evil forces arrayed against him. Coming straight out of the children's comic book superhero myth, it will resonate strongly with his supporters.
In that case, he can project all the blame onto others, and continue the scam instead of it coming to an abrupt end and leaving him exposed.
It will portray him as a heroic fighter against impossible odds, who came close to winning despite the evil forces arrayed against him. Coming straight out of the children's comic book superhero myth, it will resonate strongly with his supporters.
In that case, he can project all the blame onto others, and continue the scam instead of it coming to an abrupt end and leaving him exposed.
1
Republican pollster Glen Bolger darn well already knows the answer to the question;“Do we run the risk of depressing our base by repudiating the guy, or do we run the risk of being tarred and feathered by independents for not repudiating him?”
Until down-ballot Republicans repudiate Trump, they will be tainted by him and independents and the non-hate motivated Republicans will stay home.
Until down-ballot Republicans repudiate Trump, they will be tainted by him and independents and the non-hate motivated Republicans will stay home.
2
If Trump were elected, I suspect that most folks commenting here would favor denying him the Supreme Court nomination for the duration of his presidency. Of course, the Republicans did this for 1 year, while the Democrats would have to do it for 4 or 8. It would definitely be an escalation of the dispute. By analogy, the harm caused by the short Spanish American War does not compare with our invasion of Iraq. Clearly, the more measured response would be to block the appointment for a year. But I'm sure that would not satisfy most. I'm tired of overzealous Democrats who have lost all perspective and whose irrational and hateful views remind me, in countless ways, of Trump himself.
There is a anti-intellectualism revolution that has been sweeping America. From Trump to McConnell to Ryan. This is the pure and simple reality in American politics:
1. Republicans create a problem.
2. Republicans blame Democrats for the problem.
3. Republicans obstruct all solutions the Democrats have to solve the problem.
1. Republicans create a problem.
2. Republicans blame Democrats for the problem.
3. Republicans obstruct all solutions the Democrats have to solve the problem.
9
The Clinton administration has been for America's lowest point. 9/11 and other developments have highlighted this truth. America needs a strong government, less politically correct, but more solid and pragmatic to improve internal policy. If the states are strong, they can be a reference point for all .Another Clinton administration would be a disaster for humanity.
2
The US states are a circular firing squad played for fools by outfits like ALEC.
2
As your boy Trump pointed out, 9/11 happened on W's watch. The record will show that Clinton did everything in his power to try avoid such an attack; W couldn't be bothered. Clinton did witness the first TC bombing, but unlike W he got the bad guys. As did Obama for the second one, after W, once again, couldn't be bothered.
Trump either coughs up his tax returns or you all turn your backs, in full. Lets see from where and whom his money truly originates.
Fair play, or no play.
Oh and grow some spines while you're at it and start fixing your party and shedding all the outside influences (Koch Bros, etc) and getting back to doing the actual job, and not devotion to a lame (as in hobbled) ideology. Give Norquist and his pledge the heave-ho, and get back to doing what is right for ALL people, and not what is expedient to a twisted and perverted ideology and your donors.
Fair play, or no play.
Oh and grow some spines while you're at it and start fixing your party and shedding all the outside influences (Koch Bros, etc) and getting back to doing the actual job, and not devotion to a lame (as in hobbled) ideology. Give Norquist and his pledge the heave-ho, and get back to doing what is right for ALL people, and not what is expedient to a twisted and perverted ideology and your donors.
3
The rats are jumping from the sinking ship !
4
Of course he's incorrigible. He's a 70 year old baby used to saying and doing whatever he wants to with no repercussions. He can lie about people, call them names but when confronted by a grieving family, cries foul that he is being treated unfairly. What's he going to do when he is snubbed by world leaders? He unwillingly succumbed to the threats of the RNC and gave a much less than half-hearted endorsement of McCain, Ryan and Ayotte. This is supposed to be a sign that he is somehow capable of change?? Who is going to be able to threaten him into submission in affairs of national security if he ever becomes president? God help us all.
3
That is no mere Donald John Trump political "shadow" that the down ballot G.O.P. candidates are trying to escape, that is a Trump supermassive black hole from which there is no physical possibility of escape. From our perspective they will be frozen in time and space on the Trump event horizon headed towards a political place beyond our experience.
2
Here’s my latest political fantasy. Trump loses 40 to 60 percent, pulling down Kelly Ayotte, Rob Portman and other cowardly Republicans with him, and the Democrats regain control of the Senate. President Clinton appoints Merrick Garland Attorney General, and then nominates Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, or any other extreme liberal who can win the Senate’s approval, to fill the Supreme Court vacancy. The Republicans thus get a flaming liberal on the Court as payback for their illegal stonewalling on Garland. My father once told me, “If you want a dog to stop misbehaving, hit it on the nose with a rolled up newspaper.” The Republicans will only learn by being hit on the nose.
5
Why are we so concerned about Trump. In comparison to "Denny" Hastert, Speaker of the House under Bush, the Republican Party is doing just fine with The Donald.
Self-fulfilling prophecy for the NYT? Trump has been counted out about six times so far and he has survived them all.
The difference is that Trump is a REAL candidate with REAL issues that concern REAL Americans. You will not get rid of him through media artifice.
The difference is that Trump is a REAL candidate with REAL issues that concern REAL Americans. You will not get rid of him through media artifice.
1
The concerted efforts to make Mr. Donald Trump appear as a Demon incarnate is really dangerous for the long-term interest of this democratic country. Hopefully, people -- at the least the majority of us -- will read through this diabolical game plan and elect Trump to prove a point -- that all these machinations are bad and that people are not stupid to be sold the bad apple over and over!
3
Actually, Trump already told us on at least two occasions Hillary is "the Devil" and Ben Carson says she is "Lucifer".
Will the real Beelzebub please stand up.
Will the real Beelzebub please stand up.
2
GOP: You made your bed, now you can sleep in it.
Any Republican up for re-election should have condemned Trump's rhetoric, not sought or accepted his endorsement and if necessary leave the party.
You deserve to lose your seat because you stood back and let it happen and in some cases even gave a cursory endorsement - you chose party over country and will pay the price.
Any Republican up for re-election should have condemned Trump's rhetoric, not sought or accepted his endorsement and if necessary leave the party.
You deserve to lose your seat because you stood back and let it happen and in some cases even gave a cursory endorsement - you chose party over country and will pay the price.
8
The diminished and ineffective republican party is done. The past eight years have been devoted to nothing but obstructionism. The eight years before that were an absolute, historical disaster. They have no forward thinking ideas and now they've chosen a candidate for president who is not only a reprehensible human being, totally unfit for office, but who brings absolutely no policy or platform to the table whatsoever.
Fear and hatred won't be enough and the republicans down-line will feel it. Hopefully their long standing strategy of appealing to the lowest common denominator will end here. If the party is to survive at all, it'll take a decade at least to recover from Trump.
As for Trump himself, as we watch him implode, let him fade to oblivion in some remote and preferably quiet corner. There's a table for two. And the tea party is already waiting.
Fear and hatred won't be enough and the republicans down-line will feel it. Hopefully their long standing strategy of appealing to the lowest common denominator will end here. If the party is to survive at all, it'll take a decade at least to recover from Trump.
As for Trump himself, as we watch him implode, let him fade to oblivion in some remote and preferably quiet corner. There's a table for two. And the tea party is already waiting.
12
If only you were right. Republicans have gerrymandered a near permanent hold on the House of Representatives. Don't write them off yet. The obstruction will continue.
3
The Supreme Court is taking care of that in some states; let's hope the rest will be taken care of before the November election.
1
I hope that the exodus continues....
However, what concerns me greatly is that some who have dug in their heels and continue to support Trump are hoping to reign Trump in and have him look presidential by reading from prepared texts and limiting exposure to his true personality.
As I read in a Washington Times opinion last night, the next step would be to push him aside once elected and have Paul Ryan push his agenda through Congress.
This concept works by disabling one of the three checks and balances in our government. I sincerely doubt that it would be successful since Trump would never allow himself to be out of the limelight. The consequences of either outcome using this strategy terrify me to my core.
However, what concerns me greatly is that some who have dug in their heels and continue to support Trump are hoping to reign Trump in and have him look presidential by reading from prepared texts and limiting exposure to his true personality.
As I read in a Washington Times opinion last night, the next step would be to push him aside once elected and have Paul Ryan push his agenda through Congress.
This concept works by disabling one of the three checks and balances in our government. I sincerely doubt that it would be successful since Trump would never allow himself to be out of the limelight. The consequences of either outcome using this strategy terrify me to my core.
7
Many Republicans are reviled by the neo-fascist who represents their party, but it is hard to escape the reality that many rank and file Republicans support him and apparently, all that he stands for. Could we be seeing the beginning of a schism in the Republican party between those who are true ideologues and stick to moral principles (whether they are correct or not is debatable but at least they are principles), and those who share Mr. Trumps amoral or often immoral lust for steamrolling their way to what they suppose to be "winning"?
3
Trump is a "Black Hole" in the mean party. Insensitives collectively don't care about anyone but themselves. Trump only cares about himself, and could care less about the meanies of his pary.
Trump could still win, if he turned his righteousness on the parasitic State of Israel. Americans need a hero to get Them off our backs and out of our Tax coffers. They have been using our money to buy our politicians. Trump would get all the votes if he pledged to Stop It!
Trump could still win, if he turned his righteousness on the parasitic State of Israel. Americans need a hero to get Them off our backs and out of our Tax coffers. They have been using our money to buy our politicians. Trump would get all the votes if he pledged to Stop It!
2
Who cares if the career politicians are upset. We don't need John McCain, Jeb Bush, Mit Romney etc.... This is what change is all about. "Real Change" not the kind of change politicians talk about every 4 years. This is not about Trump really , it is about what the American people are saying and that is they are tired of the establishment, the elite, the press and big banks and corporations, the K street crowd, the career politicians and all the corruption in DC with the present characters in office. If Democracy is real and not just some propaganda crap then let the american voters speak and not try to influence the election process. IF not thenJoe Stalin was correct.
4
I don't think you'll find many mice eager to bell the cat for you.
1
One of the good things about Mr. Trump's candidacy is that, as an experienced bankrupt, himself, he may aid in the demolition of the two party system by causing both the Democratic Party (DNC) AND the Republican Party (RNC) to empty their warchests and go bankrupt. Even with deep-pocketd private citizens funding the 2016 Election Campaigns, there is only so much money for the Kochs, et. al to spend. No one wants to go broke on THIS election campaign.
Mr. Trump's largely self-supporting, independent campaign is taking resources from both sides of the aisle. This may be a strange version of campaign finance reform and it may work. Mr. Trump is not being invited on stages with Republicans who are running for office. There is no big name "draw" such as a Reagan or even a Bush for the lower tier Republican candidates to stand beside. In 2016 Republican candidates and possibly some Democrats are ON THEIR OWN. This costs money and perhaps it will help us see the beginning of the end of big money in politics, government and governance. Mr. Trump is playing a good game of rope-a dope with both major parties. He is an experienced bankrupt and can cause both major parties to go bankrupt as well in their to keep him out of the White House. For Mr. Trump it does'nt matter. He is going to go back to being some kind of branding businessman after the Election. Developing, building, & putting the big "T" on things. Most of the other candidates in this election will just fade away.
Mr. Trump's largely self-supporting, independent campaign is taking resources from both sides of the aisle. This may be a strange version of campaign finance reform and it may work. Mr. Trump is not being invited on stages with Republicans who are running for office. There is no big name "draw" such as a Reagan or even a Bush for the lower tier Republican candidates to stand beside. In 2016 Republican candidates and possibly some Democrats are ON THEIR OWN. This costs money and perhaps it will help us see the beginning of the end of big money in politics, government and governance. Mr. Trump is playing a good game of rope-a dope with both major parties. He is an experienced bankrupt and can cause both major parties to go bankrupt as well in their to keep him out of the White House. For Mr. Trump it does'nt matter. He is going to go back to being some kind of branding businessman after the Election. Developing, building, & putting the big "T" on things. Most of the other candidates in this election will just fade away.
5
What the Republicans need and probably will get is a historic low voter turnout. The presidential candidates are just plainly a turn off.
1
How did it come to this? The Republicans could have run Forest Gump and won this time out. But nooooooooooo.
6
Kasich would have given HRC a run for the money.
Republicans have nobody and nothing to blame for the defeat that is coming other than themselves and extraordinary stupidity respectively.
Republicans have nobody and nothing to blame for the defeat that is coming other than themselves and extraordinary stupidity respectively.
Trump is the best thing that could have happened to both parties. The GOP needed some shock therapy, and the Democratic party has been handed a gift; A completely off the rails candidate running against their sub-par candidate in Hillary Clinton who is so unpopular, and carries so much baggage that she could only win against the likes of a Donald Trump.
It’s such a perfect storm against the GOP, I’d suspect the Clinton’s were behind it if I was more conspiracy minded. But it really just shows how angry people are about the state of our political process. We’re seeing a wrench thrown into the gears of a political system that needs a shake-up. Let the career politicians scramble for cover to preserve their self-interests while Trump crashes the party.
It’s such a perfect storm against the GOP, I’d suspect the Clinton’s were behind it if I was more conspiracy minded. But it really just shows how angry people are about the state of our political process. We’re seeing a wrench thrown into the gears of a political system that needs a shake-up. Let the career politicians scramble for cover to preserve their self-interests while Trump crashes the party.
4
New polls show gap between Hillary and Trump narrowing to between1-3 points.
Rather makes for a quandary for those down ticket Republicans.
Rather makes for a quandary for those down ticket Republicans.
1
In politics timing is everything. Any attempt by the GOP leadership to disengage from runway Trump's train is too little too late. You create the creature, you nurture it.
6
Let's keep score here. Trump calls Mexicans rapists and criminals, GOP denounces him, Trump says McCain is not a war hero, GOP denounces him, Trump calls for a ban on Muslims, GOP denounces him, Trump calls for Muslims to carry ID cards, GOP denounces him, Trump calls for torture to prisoners, GOP denounces him, Trump argues with gold star family, GOP denounces him, Trump says Russia has not invaded Ukraine, GOP denounces him, Trump does not endorse other Republican leaders, GOP denounces him, (I can go on)
In this very article "Some leading Republicans have expressed hope that Mr. Trump can at least stabilize his campaign by Labor Day, when many voters begin paying attention to congressional races."
I find it extremely difficult to believe the GOP is not insane don't you?
In this very article "Some leading Republicans have expressed hope that Mr. Trump can at least stabilize his campaign by Labor Day, when many voters begin paying attention to congressional races."
I find it extremely difficult to believe the GOP is not insane don't you?
11
The chickens are finally coming home to roost. The establishment wing of the Republican Party, which delighted in receiving support from the far-right fringe through the birth of the Tea Party and its increasingly incandescent trajectory towards destruction of established norms (shouting down the President during his State of the Union speech; voting to shut down the federal government; opposing an increase in the national borrowing limit, so that the United States would default on its financial obligations to its creditors). Now it's time to pay for the joy ride. Bush/McCain/Romney, meet Trump, the bill collector.
15
It would seem that with Trump putting his bone spur in his mouth every day that his chances are becoming more limited. I don't see how any thinking person could vote for him.
10
Vote for Dr. Frankenstein, not his monster.
Got it!
Got it!
5
Since The Trump has shown a spotlight on what the republican base really is. It is incumbent upon all caring folk to vote OUT, those whom that ugly base inserted into our government.
You no longer have to wonder why nothing gets done for "The people". It only gets done for the 1%.
Tax cut? Sure thing!,.. Trade deals? Check!,... Loophole? Here are some more!.... Infrastructure & high speed rail for the country?, Come back some other time. (Oops there goes another bridge. Waiting in the line at the airport?...too bad! you are NOT getting modern high speed rail)
Health care? Can't afford it and we will cut what little you get! Free higher education? (as it was "Before Reagan") No deal!!-Your kids will be paying our bankers for the rest of their lives!!!
The ugliness of republican minds go perfectly with Dante's Inferno and, they infest our government.
You no longer have to wonder why nothing gets done for "The people". It only gets done for the 1%.
Tax cut? Sure thing!,.. Trade deals? Check!,... Loophole? Here are some more!.... Infrastructure & high speed rail for the country?, Come back some other time. (Oops there goes another bridge. Waiting in the line at the airport?...too bad! you are NOT getting modern high speed rail)
Health care? Can't afford it and we will cut what little you get! Free higher education? (as it was "Before Reagan") No deal!!-Your kids will be paying our bankers for the rest of their lives!!!
The ugliness of republican minds go perfectly with Dante's Inferno and, they infest our government.
11
If the Republicans fracture, the Democrats will have a short-term advantage. But the Democrats also span a large spectrum and certain issues are divisive. Some want more aggressive efforts to help the poor. Some want the environment to be our top priority. Some border om Socialism while others have much faith in the free market. And some are rich while others are poor. If the Republicans fracture, it won't be long until the Democrats do too.
1
Michjas - I'm going to respectfully disagree. Democrats might differ on the prioritization order but they are in general agreement when it comes to the importance of things like the environment, education, heath care etc.
"What stops Republicans from disavowing Mr. Trump en masse is that they fear alienating his voters..."
I have often heard Republicans claim their allegiances are first their faith, family, then country. It would seem that the morals instructed by faith, respect for the mothers, daughters and sisters of their families, and love of country have now all been lowered one notch - to make room for their party in the number one spot.
I have often heard Republicans claim their allegiances are first their faith, family, then country. It would seem that the morals instructed by faith, respect for the mothers, daughters and sisters of their families, and love of country have now all been lowered one notch - to make room for their party in the number one spot.
6
Glen Bolgers ' comment, “We’re damned if we do and damned if we don’t" frightened me. It indicates what is deeply wrong with the Republican Party: not only choosing a dangerous man, but to continually live in an ethical blindness in the face of overwhelming lies.
It suggests a deeper sickness in the party :
a broken moral compass .
There will always be bad people. It's the women and men around them
It suggests a deeper sickness in the party :
a broken moral compass .
There will always be bad people. It's the women and men around them
3
Americans should be reminded that the GOTP has held Congress hostage, since 2010. In all that time, they have done... NOTHING!
The Right has been the Party of "NO!" And the Party of obstruction. They have also done innumerable, petty "investigative committees" - all politically motivated, all designed to cause trouble for Clinton, or block something in an embarrassing way for Obama. When even their own hand picked kangaroo courts could not get the verdicts they sought, such as Benghazi committees finding out that Clinton did nothing wrong... they just reconvened another committee and started all over again!
Then there's the government shutdowns and the astonishing number of votes to block the ACA. There was no legislation for the People, no education or jobs bills... Nothing.
Voting to continue a GOTP/Right Wing Congress would be national suicide. The HOSTAGE CRISIS in Congress MUST end! It's time to vote the do-nothing, treasonous Right Wing out of Congress!
The Right has been the Party of "NO!" And the Party of obstruction. They have also done innumerable, petty "investigative committees" - all politically motivated, all designed to cause trouble for Clinton, or block something in an embarrassing way for Obama. When even their own hand picked kangaroo courts could not get the verdicts they sought, such as Benghazi committees finding out that Clinton did nothing wrong... they just reconvened another committee and started all over again!
Then there's the government shutdowns and the astonishing number of votes to block the ACA. There was no legislation for the People, no education or jobs bills... Nothing.
Voting to continue a GOTP/Right Wing Congress would be national suicide. The HOSTAGE CRISIS in Congress MUST end! It's time to vote the do-nothing, treasonous Right Wing out of Congress!
16
The ascendancy of Donald Trump should be a cautionary tale for democrats who wanted to get rid of superdelegates. This horror is exactly why that system was put in to place - to prevent a takeover of the nomination by a bamboozling outsider like Trump.
Don't forget. Trump was a Democrat and a friend of the Clintons before he had his conversion experience and decided to become a republican in a 'uge way by becoming their candidate for the presidency.
Don't forget. Trump was a Democrat and a friend of the Clintons before he had his conversion experience and decided to become a republican in a 'uge way by becoming their candidate for the presidency.
4
Once upon a time, I was an Independent. The last twenty years have seen me move to the Democratic Party with gusto. As a socially progressive, fiscally moderate voter, I can't approve the Republican agenda nor stomach many Republican incumbents who seem to always go down the wrong road for America. Down is an apt term. My own Senator, Tim Scott, R-SC, is a strong backer of school vouchers with no plan for the children left behind in failing schools. He wants a "national conservation" on race, but offers no clear path to reduce violence between police and blacks. Too many others have similar agendas, a lot of hot air with little or no substance. I'm a firm believer in a two-party system, but we need two *viable* parties. The Republican party is imploding and will continue to weaken until its leaders stand up and are accountable for the mess they allowed, even fostered.
8
"After a disastrous week of feuds and plummeting poll numbers, Republican leaders have concluded that Donald J. Trump is a threat to the party’s fortunes "
They've just NOW concluded this? Geez... these Republican leaders aren't the brightest bulbs on the menorah, are they?
They've just NOW concluded this? Geez... these Republican leaders aren't the brightest bulbs on the menorah, are they?
11
Republican members of Congress have failed to pass budgets and important bills. Months ago President Obama asked for funds for Zika. Republicans in house lowered the amount and loaded their bill with other issues and the conference committee could not reach a compromise and Congress took a two month break. Now we have a Zika outbreak and CDC is running out of funds. This action alone is enough for me to not vote for any Republican in Congress. There are too many other issues that need attention and the Republican's can not govern.
7
Term limits for Congress and SCOTUS, now!
4
Trump boasts about not being a politician, which probably means he never heard the late Morris Udall's Politician's Prayer:
"O Lord, help me to use words that are kind and gentle, for tomorrow I may have to eat them."
"O Lord, help me to use words that are kind and gentle, for tomorrow I may have to eat them."
5
Like rats on a sinking ship, Republicans are scurrying to get off the SS Trump. Except for Deep Red states Republicans up for election this November do not want anything to do with their obnoxious nominee. No wonder, they have allowed the most unqualified imbecile to be their party's standard bearer. They deserve all that is coming their way.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
8
When the GOTP makes reference to a "check on a Hillary Clinton Presidency," what they mean is another 8 years of their endless obstruction, placing their power over the welfare of the nation. Do we really want more government shut-downs over Planned Parenthood? Do we really want to see our decrepit, crumbling infrastructure completely disintegrate, so that the plutocrats can fleece the entire nation of even more wealth through tax cuts? No - we need 100% Democratic votes, up and down the ballots. The facts are incontrovertible - the nation's economy does far better under Democratic stewardship than under GOTP trickle down fantasy. Make no mistake: women's rights to self-determination and equal pay, the right to vote, Civil Rights, freedom FROM religious extremists, and our fragile, endangered environment, among many issues, are at stake here. Throw the GOTP out for once and for all and let it die a thousand deaths until someone with a semblance of balance and sanity rescues it from itself.
15
What you're describing is a tyranny of a socialist sort. This is the urban elite that think they know what's best for everyone and they are going to prove it regardless of The People's objections.
2
Where are his TAX RETURNS??? Every Republican politician should withhold support of the Trump candidacy until they (and we) can check out his financial claims and discover to whom he is indebted.
10
Why? He's not a public official. He filed his taxes and us audited like everyone else. The purpose historically has been to show/prove that as a public servant that you aren't on the take and catering to special interests.
1
Drewski - Running for President is about as public as you can get.
1
OK, now Republicans are trying to distance themselves from this man called Trump. However, Trump was ALL their making. They supported him from very beginning, flattered him, ignored his incendiary and most often outright lies.
They put their party way ahead of the interests of the nation.
They thought that the end justifies the means – ANY mean.
As an unbiased person because I’m not an American – and majority of Americans are quite partisan – it can said with confidence that ALL the wounds of Republicans are self-inflicted. After the 2008 and 2012 elections the Republicans were supposed to some navel-gazing to figure out what went wrong. They were supposed to court minority voters, among other measures.
What happened was that instead of being more progressive they doubled-down on conservatism. Pure conservatism is UNLIKELY to attract minority voters.
The nation of USA has changed and will change even more. Conservatism in a changing landscape of demographics will be an anachronism – by definition. Purely conservative principles are unsustainable in a multi-cultured nation.
Unless Republicans realize this – and it is probably too late for 2016 – they will likely suffer even worse fate in the future.
They put their party way ahead of the interests of the nation.
They thought that the end justifies the means – ANY mean.
As an unbiased person because I’m not an American – and majority of Americans are quite partisan – it can said with confidence that ALL the wounds of Republicans are self-inflicted. After the 2008 and 2012 elections the Republicans were supposed to some navel-gazing to figure out what went wrong. They were supposed to court minority voters, among other measures.
What happened was that instead of being more progressive they doubled-down on conservatism. Pure conservatism is UNLIKELY to attract minority voters.
The nation of USA has changed and will change even more. Conservatism in a changing landscape of demographics will be an anachronism – by definition. Purely conservative principles are unsustainable in a multi-cultured nation.
Unless Republicans realize this – and it is probably too late for 2016 – they will likely suffer even worse fate in the future.
7
Not good enough. They are just ignoring the problem, hoping the voters the voters will also ignore that Trump is the standard bearer for their party. They need to disavow Trump publicly to have any semblance of integrity.
4
What a bunch if wusses you rightists have become.
Come on boys, you're the GOP!
You didn't run and hide when it was discovered that Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction.
You didn't run and hide when the story broke that your party treasonously outted Valerie Plame, an undercover CIA agent.
You didn't run and hide when the world found out you rewarded the Iranian hostage takers with military weapons...Iran Contra.
You didn't run and hide after Nixon slithered out of Washington for being a paranoid schizophrenic.
Come on you guys, don't roll over and play dead now.
Surly you guys can handle a con man/child with a bad case of Tourettes can't y'all?
Heck you convinced a generation of hayseeds that the economic collpase of 2007 wasn't caused by Wall-Street trash but by public school teachers.
A lunatic with bad hair and small hands should be child's play for you masters of the universe.
Man up GOP!
Come on boys, you're the GOP!
You didn't run and hide when it was discovered that Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction.
You didn't run and hide when the story broke that your party treasonously outted Valerie Plame, an undercover CIA agent.
You didn't run and hide when the world found out you rewarded the Iranian hostage takers with military weapons...Iran Contra.
You didn't run and hide after Nixon slithered out of Washington for being a paranoid schizophrenic.
Come on you guys, don't roll over and play dead now.
Surly you guys can handle a con man/child with a bad case of Tourettes can't y'all?
Heck you convinced a generation of hayseeds that the economic collpase of 2007 wasn't caused by Wall-Street trash but by public school teachers.
A lunatic with bad hair and small hands should be child's play for you masters of the universe.
Man up GOP!
14
Ordinary Americans need to stay aware what a Republican politician will do to them, any Republican politician! They will work to end Social Security, Medicare, public education, so one's old age security, health care, and ability to learn about the world lived in is in danger of being decimated by the private money sector of American society, the corporate and wealthy 1%. They want to control everything so that they can continue to make untold more money but keep everyone else at a disadvantage. Stay alert! Don't vote Republican!
10
Unfortunately they could get some traction with the "counter Clinton" argument. Voters have tended to accept divided government more than they hate gridlock. Democrats might want to play up the gridlock of the past eight years, highlighting the delayed progress and missed opportunities caused by Republican intransigence.
5
Hasty pudding.
Trump could win.
Hillary's persistent attacks on his personality will backfire by October. People already know Trump is a crazy, vacuous nut. Half of Americans don't care today, and no one will care come November.
Half the country wants Trump as daddy, Palin as mommy. They think Fox and Limbaugh are voices of god. That far right nuts are just naughty boy scouts who burn black churches, wave big guns and the dixie flag, and favor lynching as a form of harmless fun (or have you never tuned into Fox?).
In a sane universe, Trump should be polling at zero. He should get no Hispanic, black, or Muslim vote. But he does. 1% of blacks want him, some Muslims praise him, and more than 1% of Hispanics worship him. His mouthing off is so incoherent, disjointed, and rancid - that he should get strong medicine and therapy. Instead, he is packing halls with Americans in near frenzy. His misogyny should repel all women; it does not. Such is their hatred of Hillary and Obama that they would rather prostrate and supplicate to him just to spite Hillary and Michelle.
Trump is right, he could terminate someone on 5th avenue with TV cameras on all side, and get about the same or more votes than an average average angel with a halo running as a democrat.
I get the republicans are panicking. But Trump is right about this. If they collectively agree that Trump is right, and align themselves to him, they can all win. Oh rats and sinking ships!
Kalidan
Trump could win.
Hillary's persistent attacks on his personality will backfire by October. People already know Trump is a crazy, vacuous nut. Half of Americans don't care today, and no one will care come November.
Half the country wants Trump as daddy, Palin as mommy. They think Fox and Limbaugh are voices of god. That far right nuts are just naughty boy scouts who burn black churches, wave big guns and the dixie flag, and favor lynching as a form of harmless fun (or have you never tuned into Fox?).
In a sane universe, Trump should be polling at zero. He should get no Hispanic, black, or Muslim vote. But he does. 1% of blacks want him, some Muslims praise him, and more than 1% of Hispanics worship him. His mouthing off is so incoherent, disjointed, and rancid - that he should get strong medicine and therapy. Instead, he is packing halls with Americans in near frenzy. His misogyny should repel all women; it does not. Such is their hatred of Hillary and Obama that they would rather prostrate and supplicate to him just to spite Hillary and Michelle.
Trump is right, he could terminate someone on 5th avenue with TV cameras on all side, and get about the same or more votes than an average average angel with a halo running as a democrat.
I get the republicans are panicking. But Trump is right about this. If they collectively agree that Trump is right, and align themselves to him, they can all win. Oh rats and sinking ships!
Kalidan
2
The ANSWER from the right for Why Trump? is always that "He's what the people have chosen," thus deflecting the reality that they created him themselves by their neglect of honest governance in favor of hysteria and lies as a political strategy for the last 8 years. Trump is the complete package of the contemporary republican -- incompetence, hysteria, and lies. And now they're turning on the Frankenstein monster they've created.
10
A vote for Trump is a vote against Hillary. So, I am voting for Trump.
2
Agreed. But, even if Hillary is whatever, Trump is so dangerous. Would it be crazy to think that a President Trump would demand NYT records to discover my identity for the offence of writing this letter? Trump really is a dangerous candidate.
2
I don't think you'd have to worry about that with Trump. Now Hillary, yes I would be very worried.
It is my understanding that Donald Trump is the new face of the Republican Party.
Trump was able to reverse the fortunes of the weak candidates.
Talking about the Republican Party biting the hand that feeds it!
Trump was able to reverse the fortunes of the weak candidates.
Talking about the Republican Party biting the hand that feeds it!
1
Edvard: Your understanding is simply incorrect: The Republican Party in the U.S. is divided, and based on his numbers in the primaries, Trump represents a minority of Republicans. And it is not a new contingent he is appealing to, but rather a demographic whose numbers and voting power have been in decline for some time now (older, less-educated, white, male).
In fact, the Republican Party has recognized for a couple of election cycles that strictly focusing on this base serves to alienate other fast-growing population groups/voting blocs (like Latinos), and will continue to marginalize the Republican Party going into the future, most notably at the national level.
So, as the article points out, many Republicans are worried about giving Trump a full bear-hug, which would likely lead to the Presidency, the Senate and House being controlled by Democrats in 2017. And they are worried about putting too much distance between themselves and Trump, since he will attack them and they will also lose his (minority) voting bloc.
In fact, the Republican Party has recognized for a couple of election cycles that strictly focusing on this base serves to alienate other fast-growing population groups/voting blocs (like Latinos), and will continue to marginalize the Republican Party going into the future, most notably at the national level.
So, as the article points out, many Republicans are worried about giving Trump a full bear-hug, which would likely lead to the Presidency, the Senate and House being controlled by Democrats in 2017. And they are worried about putting too much distance between themselves and Trump, since he will attack them and they will also lose his (minority) voting bloc.
Trump won the primaries -- get used to it.
Old-fashioned Republicans may be no more than 15% of the party.
CINOs-for-Cruz (Cristians In Name Only) and Troglodytes-for-Trump own the party.
Old-fashioned Republicans may be no more than 15% of the party.
CINOs-for-Cruz (Cristians In Name Only) and Troglodytes-for-Trump own the party.
Time to get out and vote folks. Your vote counts this time. Get rid of grid lock and vote Dems.
15
A pundit was saying this morning that the Clinton campaign should be putting all of its money into their ground game. Because she wins with turnout, she is not going to turn around the "trust" issue, and when she is out of the news her polls tend to go up.
In some bazaar reverse way, the Donald saga reminds me of the Producer where Max Bialystock asks "Where did we go right?"
Lets pray that the audience doesn't laugh!
Lets pray that the audience doesn't laugh!
3
There you have it - the poll in the know, Republican congressmen assessing the mood of their respective voters and deciding Trump is not a winning coat tail to ride. And a prediction that he will not pull out of it with an October surprise. In fact Republicans should want Clinton to win. One Trump administration would ruin the Republican brand for at least three election cycles.
2
This thjought pins it. If real change is ever going to happen it may start with keeping the Presidency but without change further down the ballot the President's hands are tied.
The Republican Congress' shameless and overt racism has to be denounced at the polls as well, or our nation will be in the throes of a potentially fatal gridlock.
While this may seem as over the top rhetoric people die in our "shiing city on the hill" from lack of medical care, lack of shelter and difficult as it may be to admit, literal hunger.
We are either a people united or we are not. We cannot be both.
We must exercise our right and VOTE.
The Republican Congress' shameless and overt racism has to be denounced at the polls as well, or our nation will be in the throes of a potentially fatal gridlock.
While this may seem as over the top rhetoric people die in our "shiing city on the hill" from lack of medical care, lack of shelter and difficult as it may be to admit, literal hunger.
We are either a people united or we are not. We cannot be both.
We must exercise our right and VOTE.
5
The GOP is collectively kicking themselves in the pants for their indescribably lame handling of, well, everything to do with this election.
The GOP "leadership" thought Trump would be perfect for their usual m.o. (i.e. play the Fear Angle). Then they grew leery. This week they're plotting a coup/intervention.
It is with a sense of glee that we witness the GOP lining up as Trump doles out the Kool-Aid.
The GOP "leadership" thought Trump would be perfect for their usual m.o. (i.e. play the Fear Angle). Then they grew leery. This week they're plotting a coup/intervention.
It is with a sense of glee that we witness the GOP lining up as Trump doles out the Kool-Aid.
3
I am afraid that with Trumps arrogance and lack of experience, we will wake up with Chinese and Russian war planes on our soil and the start of world war III.
8
Consider this: the man of 3500 lawsuits gaining control over 4500 nuclear weapons!
"Brought to you by the GOP."
Once you've considered that at length, vote for every Dem candidate! From top to bottom and bottom to top.
"Brought to you by the GOP."
Once you've considered that at length, vote for every Dem candidate! From top to bottom and bottom to top.
7
The ultra rich elites are scared to death that they may have to pay the same tax rates as the rest of us and their shameless exploitation of the world's workers and environment will no longer go unchecked.
14
Republicans want Trump to behave like a normal human being until the election. What about after that? He would totally unleash his nastiness after that. Journalists would be in danger. Not to mention the enviorment, rule of law, foreign affairs, the economy, and common decency.
We would see ourselves in a monsterish position.
We would see ourselves in a monsterish position.
10
I never voted a straight-ticket during an election. Investigating each candidates platform and voting accordingly seemed the best way. This November I am voting a Democratic straight-ticket. That the the Republican party chose this buffoon is a sign that the party has lost foresight.
14
One man says he was an immigrant and that his Islamic son died for America. He says that his family made sacrifices for America. He says that another man seeking the office of the President has made no sacrifice equal to that yet wants to stop immigration based on religion. He says that man does not know the meaning of the Constitution. His grieving wife stands silently by.
The man running for office avoided military service and says he made many sacrifices: works hard and created jobs. He denigrates the the man and tries to diminish the wife; saying that the wife was not allowed to say anything and the speech was written by politicians. The man says his wife said nothing because she was afraid that her emotions might take over. The man later says that the other man's son made a sacrifice which should be honored.
A Christian who claims to be a political conservative says the government and America should be run under Christian religious law and that government should follow conservative principles. Christianity, Islam and Judaism (prior to personal and political distortions) are based on love of a god and all people. Christ said you can’t follow two different paths.
Conservative-Christians believe that the 'Golden Rule' starts at conception and ends at birth. A political conservative believes government has no role to express that love demanded by Christ. The only conclusion: you can’t be a true Christian and a true conservative because the two are diametrically opposed.
The man running for office avoided military service and says he made many sacrifices: works hard and created jobs. He denigrates the the man and tries to diminish the wife; saying that the wife was not allowed to say anything and the speech was written by politicians. The man says his wife said nothing because she was afraid that her emotions might take over. The man later says that the other man's son made a sacrifice which should be honored.
A Christian who claims to be a political conservative says the government and America should be run under Christian religious law and that government should follow conservative principles. Christianity, Islam and Judaism (prior to personal and political distortions) are based on love of a god and all people. Christ said you can’t follow two different paths.
Conservative-Christians believe that the 'Golden Rule' starts at conception and ends at birth. A political conservative believes government has no role to express that love demanded by Christ. The only conclusion: you can’t be a true Christian and a true conservative because the two are diametrically opposed.
4
GOP's inability to lead (or do anything for that matter) is again exemplified by this impasse they have with Trump -- just lots of gestures and emergency talks, but nothing really done. I sometimes wonder if this is how conservatism works, from conservative thinking to conservative action to dragging their feet to eventually, no action at all.
6
You Republicans made Trump your candidate, despite all the evidence that he is unstable, unpredictable, untrustworthy, and dishonest. YOUR jungle, YOUR monkeys.
14
Trump hijacked the Republican party. It is his now for better, or much, much worse.
The dudes who call themselves leaders, those who are in the House, Senate and governorships, etc., around the country and who still consider themselves Republicans should wake up (sober) and make some tough decisions. Write this election off, period. Treat it like a pro football team that is in the rebuilding phase and knows that winning four or five games a season is, in true, a great victory over general incompetence.
Here's something to consider, Republicans: compromise. Make deals. You are worried to death about the Supreme Court? Start making a deal now with Hillary so that you get some of what you want. No, you won't see a Republican Court for 20 or 30 more years, but at least you can, if you try, get a moderate one.
Stop with the nonsense about shutting down the govt. Stop treating taxes as evil but, instead, a necessary sacrifice for the common good. Be happy, for awhile, not to turn the ship around but to point it more in the direction you want to go. Use the power you have for constructive purposes?
In other words, grow up. Our nation's most successful and prosperous years were when we had much higher taxes on the wealthy (no one wants to go back to the highest rates) and a sense of cooperation. In other words, this is a chance to celebrate and extend America's greatness and our great success at many things, including creating broad prosperity and a better future. What say?
The dudes who call themselves leaders, those who are in the House, Senate and governorships, etc., around the country and who still consider themselves Republicans should wake up (sober) and make some tough decisions. Write this election off, period. Treat it like a pro football team that is in the rebuilding phase and knows that winning four or five games a season is, in true, a great victory over general incompetence.
Here's something to consider, Republicans: compromise. Make deals. You are worried to death about the Supreme Court? Start making a deal now with Hillary so that you get some of what you want. No, you won't see a Republican Court for 20 or 30 more years, but at least you can, if you try, get a moderate one.
Stop with the nonsense about shutting down the govt. Stop treating taxes as evil but, instead, a necessary sacrifice for the common good. Be happy, for awhile, not to turn the ship around but to point it more in the direction you want to go. Use the power you have for constructive purposes?
In other words, grow up. Our nation's most successful and prosperous years were when we had much higher taxes on the wealthy (no one wants to go back to the highest rates) and a sense of cooperation. In other words, this is a chance to celebrate and extend America's greatness and our great success at many things, including creating broad prosperity and a better future. What say?
8
Actually, I'm not sure if many people ever paid the highest tax rates. These applied to rich people who could hire floors of tax lawyers and accountants to figure out how to pay less. This is why you'll never see a simplification of the tax code. Big Money doesn't want it.
The rats are deserting the ship.
The Republican Party has proven itself to be completely detrimental to the USA. What has it done for this country in the last few years? To insure its its place as a player, it courted every crackpot and dimwit for votes and the manifestation of this stupidity is Donald tRump. The GOP is now infected and must be fumigated, although I'm afraid it is beyond repair. The must be given the boot.
The only problem is what will the Kochtapusses and corporations do without their venal shills? They don't like the Constitution, its a hindrance to their rapaciousness; they need a host to attach themselves to in order to continue their destructive conquest of Congress.
In addition, we now have a uneducated, disgruntled base, and these dolts are well armed. Thanks, Republicans, for fouling our political discourse to satisfy your venality.
The Republican Party has proven itself to be completely detrimental to the USA. What has it done for this country in the last few years? To insure its its place as a player, it courted every crackpot and dimwit for votes and the manifestation of this stupidity is Donald tRump. The GOP is now infected and must be fumigated, although I'm afraid it is beyond repair. The must be given the boot.
The only problem is what will the Kochtapusses and corporations do without their venal shills? They don't like the Constitution, its a hindrance to their rapaciousness; they need a host to attach themselves to in order to continue their destructive conquest of Congress.
In addition, we now have a uneducated, disgruntled base, and these dolts are well armed. Thanks, Republicans, for fouling our political discourse to satisfy your venality.
4
"Republican leaders have concluded that Donald J. Trump is a threat to the party’s fortunes"
It's pathetic that it took them so long to finally see the man for what he is. But, then again, they ignored the results of the 2012 "autopsy" and continued their inflammatory dog whistle rhetoric. Trump's followers answered the call.
As has been said over and over, they now have a monster of their own making. Good luck!
It's pathetic that it took them so long to finally see the man for what he is. But, then again, they ignored the results of the 2012 "autopsy" and continued their inflammatory dog whistle rhetoric. Trump's followers answered the call.
As has been said over and over, they now have a monster of their own making. Good luck!
5
While everyone's eyes are on the presidential prize, the real battle this election cycle will be for the Senate. This is where the smart Republican money is going. Will the smart Democrat money go there too, or will we find ourselves commiserating when Hillary wins the White House, only in order to have to deal with more years of obstructionism?
12
We all know the old saying, "What goes around, comes around." Perhaps we are seeing a mirroring in the GOP of the 2010 debacle (yes, I know that was and off-year) when Democrats ran away from their President ACA in particular and lost Congress. Watching the Republicans run away from their candidate has a certain schadenfreude aspect that is sweet.
If Hillary is elected, and the GOP holds the House and Senate, if they continue the obstructionism of the past six years, even Republican voters may turn them out in 2018.
If Hillary is elected, and the GOP holds the House and Senate, if they continue the obstructionism of the past six years, even Republican voters may turn them out in 2018.
1
"As Donald Trump Incites Feuds, Other G.O.P. Candidates Flee His Shadow"
I'm not sure "shadow" is the term I would use here. Maybe "stench"?
I'm not sure "shadow" is the term I would use here. Maybe "stench"?
3
After 40 years of conditioning their base like Pavlovs dog to press the R button in every race they now expect the base to split their vote. That's adorable. hope is the last refuge of the desperate.
1
Republicans are running on being a "check to Hillary Clinton?" So that's what the GOP wants, huh? 4-8 more years of obstructionism with nothing getting done except endless votes to repeal Obamacare?
How long do we have to wait for a full Supreme Court? Does a "check" on Hillary Clinton mean that no nominee of hers will ever get a hearing, let alone confirmed? Whatever happened to Merrick Garland, by the way?
What happens if more Supreme Court justices retire or die in the next four years? Nothing? We end up with a Supreme Court of 4 justices? And how about all those open judicial seats because Congress refused to confirm Obama's appointees? They'll all be left vacant, along with any new seats that come open?
And the GOP calls itself the "Law and Order Party." Bah, humbug. There's no law with no judges.
How long do we have to wait for a full Supreme Court? Does a "check" on Hillary Clinton mean that no nominee of hers will ever get a hearing, let alone confirmed? Whatever happened to Merrick Garland, by the way?
What happens if more Supreme Court justices retire or die in the next four years? Nothing? We end up with a Supreme Court of 4 justices? And how about all those open judicial seats because Congress refused to confirm Obama's appointees? They'll all be left vacant, along with any new seats that come open?
And the GOP calls itself the "Law and Order Party." Bah, humbug. There's no law with no judges.
6
One lesson both Republicans and Democrats can take away from Trump is just how important it is to elect a nominee who can win in the general election. Often times this is someone who may be more on the moderate side than one would want. There is nothing wrong with being a moderate. After all, when someone becomes president they are president of all the people, not just those who elected them.
1
With Mr. Trump throwing tantrums every time someone disagrees with him, what will he be like as president? Will he create a place where he will round up everyone who talks "bad" about him will be locked up? He will have at his command not just nuclear weapons but all the stored bioweapons the US has saved for just a president who throws tantrums.
Where are the Jedi when you need them?
Where are the Jedi when you need them?
2
The Republicans have an opportunity to "rebrand" themselves as statesmanlike, but no. It's just about holding on to power.
The big question they need to answer is why a party that couldn't present a viable alternative to Trump, or mount effective resistance to his rise, should deserve to stay in power.
The big question they need to answer is why a party that couldn't present a viable alternative to Trump, or mount effective resistance to his rise, should deserve to stay in power.
1
Could it be that Trump's incendiary remarks were successful just so long as he was running primaries? Let's face it, he didn't get a majority of the Republicans to vote for him; instead he needed a crowded field so that a plurality of the GOP would get him through and, yes, his incendiary style worked very well with that core.
Let's suppose, now, that with considerable pressure from inside his campaign and from GOP leaders outside his campaign, he does manage to hide his insecurities and curb his tendency to shoot first and think never. Why should we believe that, if he were to win the election, he wouldn't go back to his natural tendencies?
Let's suppose, now, that with considerable pressure from inside his campaign and from GOP leaders outside his campaign, he does manage to hide his insecurities and curb his tendency to shoot first and think never. Why should we believe that, if he were to win the election, he wouldn't go back to his natural tendencies?
Senator Toomey's best, and perhaps only, hope is to distance himself from Donald Trump and hope against knowledge that perhaps Donald Trump will forego further gaffes and that the Trump University trial won't expose his fraud even more. The odds on either are not favorable.
2
Democrats: Be wary of the rope-a-dope here; do not let your guard down and refrain from voting believing you have won already. This will be closer than you know because there are a lot of Trump supporters in the closet, embarrassed, but will pull his lever with a smirk.
As w Obama and how they slowed him way down, if the R's control the other branches of gov't, they control the gov't. They have had a decades long plan to take statehouses and have done so. To assume the presidency is the sole prize is to ignore how checks and balances in a democracy works.
As w Obama and how they slowed him way down, if the R's control the other branches of gov't, they control the gov't. They have had a decades long plan to take statehouses and have done so. To assume the presidency is the sole prize is to ignore how checks and balances in a democracy works.
3
And I'll counter there are lots of Trump supporters who have been quite vocal, but as things unfolded refuse to publicly disown him. Maybe they will pull the Hillary lever. There are people who will absolutely not admit they were wrong, and their vote will be important in the privacy of that booth.
1
Hillary and the Democrats will continually push El Trumpo's button. The Donald being the self arroused bonehead that he is will always take the bait and lash out like a spoiled brat that he is. The debate between Hillary and The Donald will be one of the most watched event in recent times. What is sure to happen is that The Donald will begin to insult her appearance, intelligence, ethics etc. He will implode on national TV in front of the whole nation. Deep down I believe that Trump realizes that he is in the deep end of the pool and does not know how to swim., that he purposely makes outrageous remarks know that I will cost him the election.
1
The NYT's liberal use of derogatory adjectives seems to know no bounds when it comes to talking about Trump. His appeal is that he is not a politician, and he goes out of his way to prove that every day. He is politically insensitive, he does not think like a politician, he does not speak like a politician, and, while he probably knows a lot of career politicians, they are not going to let him into their club while fully expecting him to play by their rules.
It would be healthy to break the stranglehold establishment supported career politicians have on our way of political life. They should not own our government, but they clearly think they do. Sanders saw that and tried to break this stranglehold but failed with a little help from his friends friends at the DNC. Then he caved in and more or less joined them. Trump is also trying to break this stranglehold, and we are witnessing first hand how difficult that is. However, he is doing a much better job than Sanders.
There is a vast number of the electorate out there who are frustrated, angry, and fed up with career politicians and the influence the establishment has over their lives. They want things to change, but they have no voice, except through career politicians or Trump, and many have chosen Trump as their voice. No wonder career politicians of both parties oppose Trump. He is a major threat to them and their way of life. Judge Trump by what he is, not by how career politicians want him to be.
It would be healthy to break the stranglehold establishment supported career politicians have on our way of political life. They should not own our government, but they clearly think they do. Sanders saw that and tried to break this stranglehold but failed with a little help from his friends friends at the DNC. Then he caved in and more or less joined them. Trump is also trying to break this stranglehold, and we are witnessing first hand how difficult that is. However, he is doing a much better job than Sanders.
There is a vast number of the electorate out there who are frustrated, angry, and fed up with career politicians and the influence the establishment has over their lives. They want things to change, but they have no voice, except through career politicians or Trump, and many have chosen Trump as their voice. No wonder career politicians of both parties oppose Trump. He is a major threat to them and their way of life. Judge Trump by what he is, not by how career politicians want him to be.
2
You really thing that's it? You really don't think the racist, mindless garbage that comes out of his mouth might be part of the reason everyone opposes him?
4
I do judge Trump by what he is. I don't care what career politicians think of him. I'm sure we would all be excited to see a real leader emerge by acclamation of the people. But Trump is a willfully uneducated oaf who has spent his life in self-aggrandizement and the pursuit of wealth, which he asks us to regard as public service—oh wait, SACRIFICE. Gold-plated bathroom fixtures are such a sacrifice.
How much bigoted, chauvinistic, misogynistic bile does Trump have to spew before his supporters no longer recognize the sound of their own voice of conscience? There can no longer be any pretense: Trump supporters agree with the worst of his vile rhetoric. Anyone who would vote for Trump just to poke a thumb in the collective eye of the establishment is an impatient vandal too lazy to work for constructive remedies to the real problems you cite.
How much bigoted, chauvinistic, misogynistic bile does Trump have to spew before his supporters no longer recognize the sound of their own voice of conscience? There can no longer be any pretense: Trump supporters agree with the worst of his vile rhetoric. Anyone who would vote for Trump just to poke a thumb in the collective eye of the establishment is an impatient vandal too lazy to work for constructive remedies to the real problems you cite.
3
I do judge Trump by what he is, a slimy excuse for a human being who is nasty selfish and quite probably suffering from some type of personality disorder.
3
I don't normally play the role of contrarian and I don't want to debate his fitness for the job, but my question to the "mainstream' Republican officials is this: What are you going to do in the event he actually wins? Do you think he'll have time for you then?
Trump is remaking the Republican party in ways no one could have envisioned, for better or worse. What is abundantly clear is this: The RNC (read this as Jeb, RP, Mc Connell, Romney, Lindsay Graham, and the rest have seriously miscalculated the seething anger of the Republican voters and now they are paying a huge penalty. As an analogy, it is much like attorneys who take a jury for granted and the or client is suddenly found guilty. Big corporate donors, closed factories in the Midwest, jobs to Mexico, China, and Vietnam, and dwindling job prospects....if you don't believe me, just watch a Trump rally on TV. Those in attendance don't care about the mainstream Republican agenda, which has been effectively thrown out in the trash. I noticed several editorials that remarked "Trump is on to something." Hillary may still win, but the RNC will still be dead on arrival either way.
Trump is remaking the Republican party in ways no one could have envisioned, for better or worse. What is abundantly clear is this: The RNC (read this as Jeb, RP, Mc Connell, Romney, Lindsay Graham, and the rest have seriously miscalculated the seething anger of the Republican voters and now they are paying a huge penalty. As an analogy, it is much like attorneys who take a jury for granted and the or client is suddenly found guilty. Big corporate donors, closed factories in the Midwest, jobs to Mexico, China, and Vietnam, and dwindling job prospects....if you don't believe me, just watch a Trump rally on TV. Those in attendance don't care about the mainstream Republican agenda, which has been effectively thrown out in the trash. I noticed several editorials that remarked "Trump is on to something." Hillary may still win, but the RNC will still be dead on arrival either way.
Trump products are made in China. Just saying.
3
The gop is a bad brand. They hate government, have no sense of social responsibility, and cling to the decades old trickle down economics. Ryan's goal is to be president in 2020. And he clinds to lassiez faire economics and privatizing and profitizing education, social security. The policies they stad for are the yoyo plan; you are on your own. Look at uber conservative Kansas. The state is a mess and finally the citizens are waking up to fact that endless tax cuts benefit those who need it the least. The gop claims dominance at the state level only because they have gerrymandered and bought their way through a endless fear campaign. In Trump they are reaping what they have sowed.
6
The fictions the Republican party has been living under since the 1980's - Trickle Down Economics, Global Warming is a Hoax, they only need 51% of the vote so they ignore the others, FOX News propaganda, right-wing attack dogs on the radio, Sarah Palin, WMD's, a congress that refuses to work or cooperate with anyone, and on and on, have emerged from the mud in the B-film version monster of Donald Trump. They are now a zombie party trying to survive. While they were praising themselves for years, America moved forward and left them in the dust. Health care, jobs growth, marriage rights, and on and on have all moved way beyond the fictional America they never ever really had. The Republican party is now little more than the rats jumping from a sinking ship. The question I ask is this - who will replace them? Who will create a new, and hopefully more civil and American right wing party? Who will place America first in holding debates and in promoting ideas that enrich the lives of everyone rather than the implosive, and pretentious voices that have destroyed the Republican party? If there ever was a time for a reasonable, cool, and courageous voices to come forward and take charge of our right wing brothers and sisters, the time is here. Tomorrow, as far as the fate of current Republicans goes , is already yesterday. What do they have for the day after tomorrow? Or are they going to pretend all of this is not real?
3
“You hope Trump does well so that the base Republican vote comes out and is strong,” Mr. McIntosh said. “But you also have to plan for if he doesn’t do well.”
Interesting that no one here says, "If people come out to support a "belligerent and erratic" candidate, I don't want their votes."
Interesting that no one here says, "If people come out to support a "belligerent and erratic" candidate, I don't want their votes."
4
In Fire strategy, the use of "Indirect Attack" is useful. It's where you carve a fire line devoid of fuel away from the edge of the fire and burn that inbetween. This starves the fire and saves the surrounding area. The term cordon sanitaire is also useful given the current climate. A major imperitive in the GOP strategist approach is to avoid a blowback . They are currently at Prepardness Level 5 in resource allocation to address the incendary remarks from Mr. Trump. Their effect and how they affect other candidates a concern.
1
The Republican candidate is awful and he's even angering Republicans. The Democratic candidate is the lady who lost last time and who angered her opponent in the primaries, which she should have waltzed through. There are dozens of folks from each party who would have been better choices. None of them stepped forward. That, in turn, points to the greatest truth about this election. Washington is broken and the next President will get next to nothing done. Trump and Clinton are running nonetheless because they have outsized ambition. The smart and patient folks have figured out that we're electing a one term president, that Congress will be so put off by whoever wins that they might start cooperating, and that in 4 years, it will make a lot more sense to throw their hats in the ring.
Sorry but this is a case of chickens coming home to roost. For - literally - decades, the GOP embraced poisonous policy positions in a bid to gain political advantage. Trump is only a golem they helped create.
6
The Republican Party gets what it deserves. For years, the GOP has pushed an anti-intellectual movement (see Sarah Palin and Joe the Plumber) backed by science denying plutocrats (see the Koch brothers). The Tea Party and all of these pseudo fiscal conservatives in the House cheered this movement from the sidelines as they grabbed power. So now you are left with a purportedly wealthy, ignorant, intolerant, and worst of all uncontrollable candidate, and you want to distance yourself from what you created? This joke is on you GOP
3
No doubt, those Republicans who support Trump will suffer in their re-election bids in November or in two years. The people will not forget.
The scandals about Trump is just beginning...yet to be is the Trump University fraud case; Mrs. Trump's nude photo's and immigration issues yet to be determined; Mr. Trump's taxes..and above all, people who will be encouraged to 'come out" on intra-personal relationships with Trump.
Again, those who overtly aligned themselves with Trump are taking a very large risk.
The scandals about Trump is just beginning...yet to be is the Trump University fraud case; Mrs. Trump's nude photo's and immigration issues yet to be determined; Mr. Trump's taxes..and above all, people who will be encouraged to 'come out" on intra-personal relationships with Trump.
Again, those who overtly aligned themselves with Trump are taking a very large risk.
Here is the danger. The first GOP Congress candidate to lose an election --because of Trump-- can provoke panic among the rank and file.
A Trump's defeat (highly probable at this stage) has the potential to end years of GOP dominance in both houses of Congress.
The stakes are indeed high for the GOP in the incoming presidential and congress cycle elections. Too late to distance from Donald Trump.
A Trump's defeat (highly probable at this stage) has the potential to end years of GOP dominance in both houses of Congress.
The stakes are indeed high for the GOP in the incoming presidential and congress cycle elections. Too late to distance from Donald Trump.
1
I have searched for the derogatory words Trump allegedly spoke to Stephanopoulos re Mr. Khan's wife and his son. I did not find anything relevant to a "dual attack" (NY Times). Will someone kindly illuminate the discussion with a link or a URL?
Bernie supporters in particular, those of you who are young and passionate and truly want economic fairness in college costs and health care, please vote for the Democrats in the mid-term election as well as in the presidential elections so we can hopefully pass laws that Bernie supports. We can't get this done with Republicans in Congress. They won't allow it.
Please vote in every election for Democrats and then you will see change!
Please vote in every election for Democrats and then you will see change!
2
Will Hillary do hard lifting to help candidates in down ballot races in states like Minnesota, where Democratic victories in statewide races are all but assured?
Outstate Minnesota and affluent suburban rings have drifted to the right in recent years. The result has been victories for obstructionist U.S. Reps and a do-nothing majority in the lower chamber in the statehouse that has gridlocked government here for years.
If her campaign ignores states like this while concentrating on six or so swing states, she may win her own race. But also get the booby prize of another Tea Party dominated House.
I am concerned that
Outstate Minnesota and affluent suburban rings have drifted to the right in recent years. The result has been victories for obstructionist U.S. Reps and a do-nothing majority in the lower chamber in the statehouse that has gridlocked government here for years.
If her campaign ignores states like this while concentrating on six or so swing states, she may win her own race. But also get the booby prize of another Tea Party dominated House.
I am concerned that
Everything the government does is done through contracts.
Somebody makes money on those contracts.
This is the establishment.
People opposed to Trump want to keep the status quo.
In addition to this group, there are people on government entitlements who also want to keep the status quo.
Trump is the first serious national challenge to the status quo and all who live off of the current system are going postal.
That's why It is so entertaining reading these comments.
Somebody makes money on those contracts.
This is the establishment.
People opposed to Trump want to keep the status quo.
In addition to this group, there are people on government entitlements who also want to keep the status quo.
Trump is the first serious national challenge to the status quo and all who live off of the current system are going postal.
That's why It is so entertaining reading these comments.
1
Nice try but Trump has yet to come up with a clear, coherent policy on anything and on the rare occurrences that he does voice a position, he promptly contradicts himself, sometimes within seconds.
The Republicans have only themselves to blames for Donald J. Trump's rise to the top of the GOP ticket. He is the culmination of hate that has festered in the GOP since the election of Mr. Obama in 2008. Actually he is the culmination of racism that has infected the Congress since the election of Mr. Obama. Republicans have been determined not to cooperate with him, not so much because he is a liberal, but because he is an African American. I believe they behave similarly with Mrs. Clinton, who is positioned to be the first woman president. However, since she is white, they may not be so obstinate towards her as they have been towards President Obama. Either way, it is very disgraceful, and appeals to the worst in the electorate. Thank you.
2
"Also under consideration is the possibility of a huge ad campaign to promote an agenda of conventional Republican positions, along the lines of economic proposals outlined by Mr. Ryan.
Continue reading the main story
The point of such a campaign, one strategist said, would be to provide voters with a different, nonthreatening view of Republicans, so that the party is not wholly defined by Mr. Trump’s day-to-day pronouncements."
presenting Paul Ryan's economics to calm and assure, that's truly rich.
Continue reading the main story
The point of such a campaign, one strategist said, would be to provide voters with a different, nonthreatening view of Republicans, so that the party is not wholly defined by Mr. Trump’s day-to-day pronouncements."
presenting Paul Ryan's economics to calm and assure, that's truly rich.
3
That's the big joke of all this. It's Ryan and Co. that have been telling the little people that tax cuts to the .01 will make us all rich. The uber-wealthy get to re-elect those favorable Congresspeople by means of "free-speech" in the form of contributions to super-Pacs that support candidates that give away those generous gifts to the needy billionaire class. The old-guard still isn't listening.
What a great country we live in. The party of no under the steadfast leadership of President Obama will be told no across the land in local and national elections. Now is the time for the American Women to continue leading the world. I hope that a crushing total defeat of the republican party here leads Women across the globe to stand up for their rights. Especially the basic right to make decisions about their own bodies. This may lead to lower population growth rates across the globe. That would help solve many issues facing future generations.
1
While normal Republicians are finally becomming alarmed and dismayed over their party's choice of candidate and some Democrats see a landside I say be careful of unintended consequences. The election could result in a Democratic lanside and having one party control legislative and presidential postions really good for the country. Where would be thoughtful and much neeed discussions over domestic, foreign and social polices? There certainly are not any in the campaign, aside from Bernie's. And what back lashes would happen - Trump already insinuates 'rigged - stolen' process - what about his extreme supporters? and what about an election backlash - remember 2010.
The problem for the Republicans is that many if not most of the positions staked out by Trump are welcomed by many voters – which is why he won the primaries – whereas the positions of mainstream Republicans against dealing with climate change, reducing or getting rid of social security, bringing in huge numbers of immigrants skilled and unskilled are anathema and continuing the policy of Political Correctness is the fuel on the fire.
Give me an educated Trump and one who has some self control and I would welcome the opportunity to bolt from the Democratic Party. Heck the only reason the Republicans have garnered the votes they have is because of the horribly destructive Democratic Politically Correct policies that are leading many Americans into a third world environment despite all the benefits of 21st century science and technology.
Give me an educated Trump and one who has some self control and I would welcome the opportunity to bolt from the Democratic Party. Heck the only reason the Republicans have garnered the votes they have is because of the horribly destructive Democratic Politically Correct policies that are leading many Americans into a third world environment despite all the benefits of 21st century science and technology.
1
What is most lamentable, and rarely discussed, is the mockery the Trump campaign has made of the presidential election process. It saddens and embarrasses me to believe that one of the 2 major political parties in this country have allowed, not the nomination of Mr. Trump himself which by all rights he should be, but rather the total lack of ability and motivation to turn him into a viable candidate. Not in my lifetime have I witnessed such a chaotic, capricious, and imbecilic candidate. While there have been elected presidents, let alone candidates, that have matched Mr. Trump in their self delusional weltanschauung and total lack of empathy (otherwise known as sociopathy), never once has there been one as inarticulate and ignorant. These adjectives to describe Mr. Trump are not even used pejoratively, but rather as statements of absolute fact. When a candidate is praised for being able to "stay on message" by simply repeating ad infinitum one sentence jibes without meandering onto some whimsical irrelevant thought, inarticulate and igorant are facts, not affronts.
The blame must go to the Republican Party itself. Not only for neglecting and disrespecting their base, but most importantly for not helping the nominee their base has chosen to become a viable candidate. And that, honestly, is the real disillusionment, disappointment, and yes, mockery of this seasons presidential election.
The blame must go to the Republican Party itself. Not only for neglecting and disrespecting their base, but most importantly for not helping the nominee their base has chosen to become a viable candidate. And that, honestly, is the real disillusionment, disappointment, and yes, mockery of this seasons presidential election.
5
There has always been two republican parties. One of the rich and the other of working class people. The later have spoken louder
If the Republicans had a stronger sense of honor and patriotism they would disavow Trump , absorb the loss and rebuild a true center right party.
1
Arrogance and ignorance go hand in hand.
The GOP was heading to this. They thought they could continue with their "own" agendas. I still have fresh in my mind all republicans who said, loud and clear, that they were going to make sure President Obama a "one term" president. Their arrogance, their rightfulness, their insensitivity to the citizen of this country continue throughout the whole eight years. Obstructing, obstructing, obstructing... Unfortunately this is the picture when I hear Republicans...
The combination of their arrogance and stupidity and a "huge" ego lead them where they are.
Stay humble, my friends!
The GOP was heading to this. They thought they could continue with their "own" agendas. I still have fresh in my mind all republicans who said, loud and clear, that they were going to make sure President Obama a "one term" president. Their arrogance, their rightfulness, their insensitivity to the citizen of this country continue throughout the whole eight years. Obstructing, obstructing, obstructing... Unfortunately this is the picture when I hear Republicans...
The combination of their arrogance and stupidity and a "huge" ego lead them where they are.
Stay humble, my friends!
2
So they will act as if they were victims instead of perpetrators of the situation which allowed Trump to get this far. And they'll probably get away with it, like they got out of being blamed for the catastrophe which was the Bush-Cheney presidency.
They sow disaster, and reap membership in the 1%. Nice work if you can get it, and somehow we collectively keep letting the Republicans get it.
They sow disaster, and reap membership in the 1%. Nice work if you can get it, and somehow we collectively keep letting the Republicans get it.
2
"After a disastrous week of feuds and plummeting poll numbers, Republican leaders have concluded that Donald J. Trump is a threat to the party’s fortunes and have begun discussing how soon their endangered candidates should explicitly distance themselves from the presidential nominee."
How cynical that only the "endangered candidates" should distance themselves from the Trump cancer. Nothing is ever about principles and what's best for our country - it's about getting re-elected.
Throw them all out!
How cynical that only the "endangered candidates" should distance themselves from the Trump cancer. Nothing is ever about principles and what's best for our country - it's about getting re-elected.
Throw them all out!
3
Well, it's certainly possible Secretary Clinton's lead in the polls will erode in the next few weeks. That's the common wisdom for a normal election. But this is anything but a normal election, as every observer under the sun has remarked. What Democrats can count on is that Trump will not be able to contain himself for long. The only thing the common wisdom can be sure of is that Trump will be Trump. He cannot help himself—which, of course, is part of the problem. If he ever had any self-discipline he has none now. He has gotten away with so much bad behavior for so long that he cannot help believing he will continue to do so indefinitely. No one is going to change his mind, or his behavior, for long.
His fans are loyal to a fault. There is nothing he can do or say that will discourage them. But they are a decided minority of the American people. They're even a minority in the Republican Party. Trump beat sixteen more mainstream Republicans to capture the nomination, but only in the last few primaries and caucuses did he garner more than fifty percent of the vote.
We can be sure, therefore, that it won't be long before Trump will break out of the flimsy straightjacket someone managed to put him in a few days ago—when he finally endorsed Paul Ryan with all evident distaste—and fulminate yet more odious slanders. But now more people are paying attention and more people are finding his behavior unacceptable. As we get closer to the election, his unpopularity will only grow.
His fans are loyal to a fault. There is nothing he can do or say that will discourage them. But they are a decided minority of the American people. They're even a minority in the Republican Party. Trump beat sixteen more mainstream Republicans to capture the nomination, but only in the last few primaries and caucuses did he garner more than fifty percent of the vote.
We can be sure, therefore, that it won't be long before Trump will break out of the flimsy straightjacket someone managed to put him in a few days ago—when he finally endorsed Paul Ryan with all evident distaste—and fulminate yet more odious slanders. But now more people are paying attention and more people are finding his behavior unacceptable. As we get closer to the election, his unpopularity will only grow.
2
Hopefully those who write comments to the NYT also read comments written by others. I for one have never read a larger collection of hatred and bigotry towards fellow Americans, who happen to be Republicans, as I've read in these comments. These types of comments should indeed be beneath the readers of this newspaper.
Do any believe that these vile comments against fellow Americans will help bring this country together? Doesn't anyone realize that after the coming election, no matter who "wins" there will still hopefully be a United States where we still must get along in order to survive.
Do any believe that these vile comments against fellow Americans will help bring this country together? Doesn't anyone realize that after the coming election, no matter who "wins" there will still hopefully be a United States where we still must get along in order to survive.
1
I don’t hate Republicans, but I DO enjoy watching them try to control a maelstrom of their own making!
DD - You obviously missed my point. Have a great day!
Have you said this in blogs where Republicans revile all Democrats, call the President of the United States names, work to destroy their adversaries in the other party? I certainly hope so, for if you haven't, you're the biggest hypocrite of them all!
Many of us will work not only for Hillary, but for Senate and House candidates so the present Congressional blockade of almost everything is ended. Particularly important is the chance that as many as four Supreme Court justices could be appointed in the next Presidential term. For the future of the country, they must be Progressive, Liberal and firmly believing in justice for all regardless of race, creed, orientation and national origin. The present state of regressive voter laws in too many red and, sadly, some swing states must be stopped and overturned.
The present Republican Congress has proven incapable of governing. They control the House due to gerrymandered districts. A majority of Americans voted for a Democratic House, but didn't get it. The Senate is a different matter. Florida may not have the best choice of candidates in the Democratic primary, but any of them are preferable to "no show" Marco Rubio. This is no time not to get involved.
The present Republican Congress has proven incapable of governing. They control the House due to gerrymandered districts. A majority of Americans voted for a Democratic House, but didn't get it. The Senate is a different matter. Florida may not have the best choice of candidates in the Democratic primary, but any of them are preferable to "no show" Marco Rubio. This is no time not to get involved.
1
These GOP party elites should be careful they don't alienate Trump supporters. Trump scares the elites, I wonder why? I am not one of them and Hillary scares me. I know Trump will shake-up the world, and that is just what we need.
Core Trump supporters are sick and tired of being treated like we are second class uneducated bumpkins. Most Trump supporters I know will be watching what is going on in their down-ticket races, and many plan to stick it to the Republican party elites, and vote for Trump and against the rest of the ticket, unless more deep support is evidenced by the elites for Trump.
You can't have your cake and eat it too.
Core Trump supporters are sick and tired of being treated like we are second class uneducated bumpkins. Most Trump supporters I know will be watching what is going on in their down-ticket races, and many plan to stick it to the Republican party elites, and vote for Trump and against the rest of the ticket, unless more deep support is evidenced by the elites for Trump.
You can't have your cake and eat it too.
I just read in another NYT article that as of two weeks ago 57 million dollars have been spent on ads for the senate race in PA. One can project that well over 100 million will be spent by election day. This money would repair a lot of the many bad roads in PA. The TV and cable stations are stoking the furor over Trumph and the candidates to keep the advertising dollars flowing. One can't turn on a cable channel and not hear 24/7 election talking heads. The television coverage of the olympics is probably cutting into the airing of campaign ads but they will likely increase as the election nears.
These same GOP leaders that gave us Sara Palin and degenerate the Presidency because a man of color won, the chickens have come home to roost. This is truly a product of the The entire Republican Party's making. They have reaped what they have sown.
4
Some years ago 7-UP promoted itself as the Un-Cola, perhaps Republican candidates should promote themselves as the Un-Democrats.
1
If Republican candidates for the Senate, the House and in gubernatorial races back away from Donald Trump, it probably is good for those candidates, and it is definitely good for Democrats in the presidential campaign.
Such action by down ballot Republicans weakens Donald Trump, and helps, albeit not much, the odds of having a workable, loyal opposition with which Hillary Clinton can work, beginning in January.
Such action by down ballot Republicans weakens Donald Trump, and helps, albeit not much, the odds of having a workable, loyal opposition with which Hillary Clinton can work, beginning in January.
1
So, the establishment Republicans meet with the Koch brothers and other billionaire donors. I think that members of Congress are just the middlemen (women) and why do we need them? They are over-paid and over-pampered and they do only what their donors want and not what the American people want. You can see that in poll after poll on nearly any topic: gun control, single-payer health insurance and so on. The majority of American people want action and there is none because the billionaires don't want it. Why do we bother with members of Congress? They certainly don't care for Americans or what the average American wants.
Let the billionaires run on what they want and let the American people decide which billionaire's ideas they like and vote for them or a corporation or a lobbying group. They in turn can appoint their representative. Let's bring the billionaires out from hiding. We could save time and money and stop the absurdity of believing that anyone in Congress represents us.
Let the billionaires run on what they want and let the American people decide which billionaire's ideas they like and vote for them or a corporation or a lobbying group. They in turn can appoint their representative. Let's bring the billionaires out from hiding. We could save time and money and stop the absurdity of believing that anyone in Congress represents us.
“The conclusion has become that the guy is incorrigible,” said Thomas M. Davis III, a former House member from Virginia. Ya think? Any sensible person would have come to that conclusion after the first Republican presidential debate last September. That it has taken so many Republicans so long to accept this reality shows why the GOP is morally and intellectually bankrupt.
41
Agree! Yet, even months earlier, the racism in the announcement of his candidacy was a dead giveaway.
Even during the years before that, his being unfit for office was clear in his trumpeting of birtherism against Obama, his continued discrimination against minorities even after being under court order, his multiple bankruptcies and marriages, his sick crude statements about the women in his own family, his misogynistic remarks, his conning of working class people out of their savings, his stiffing of contractors, etc.
In words and in deeds, it was obvious, many years ago, that he is bigoted, neurotic, childish, ignorant, and even psychologically unhinged.
Even during the years before that, his being unfit for office was clear in his trumpeting of birtherism against Obama, his continued discrimination against minorities even after being under court order, his multiple bankruptcies and marriages, his sick crude statements about the women in his own family, his misogynistic remarks, his conning of working class people out of their savings, his stiffing of contractors, etc.
In words and in deeds, it was obvious, many years ago, that he is bigoted, neurotic, childish, ignorant, and even psychologically unhinged.
2
DdB: actually the conclusion that Donald Trump is incorrigible was made a very long time before the first GOP debate. It was made long before Trump stoked the racist birtherism cult years ago. It was made by that fancy prep school in Queens that kicked him out as a youth, and by his own parents when they sent him to that military academy. Trump has been incorrigible his whole life. You can't teach an old dog...
1
D Trump has done the world a huge favor by completely unmasking the bigotry, hate, xenophobia, and racism of the so-called GOP base. As such, D Trump is the perfect candidate for the GOP, no matter how much the GOP leadership wishes to deny it.
2
The irony of it. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz ridden out of office on a rail after planning one of the most successful Democratic National Conventions ever while Reince Preibus remains chairman of the Republican party as it implodes after a lackluster (to say the least) convention, and under a presidential nominee so unfit for office that it utterly defies belief.
5
If Ryan, McConnell, Cornyn and the other GOP leaders would place the country ahead of the party, this irresponsible nomination of a blowhard bully as their Presidential contender could be written off. However, they have demonstrated their unwavering allegiance to the party, and the country be damned. Its time to vote out all GOP members so that their party gets the "wake-up call" so sorely required. The country needs balance, and only a moderate GOP can provide that.
3
To vote for a Republican in the senate and congress is to vote for a party with the principles of a hypocrite. Endorsing him on the one hand while trying to distance yourself, all in the attempt to get re-elected. Not caring that if the country did end up electing Dumpy, it's all in for a horrible ride, worse then with George W bush.
2
The GOP has been making Dung, and feeding it to their voters, for decades.
Now the Dung has come home to roost. In the GOP Ghoul who is one Donald Trump.
So now all those who have long labored in the GOP Dung Heap are faced with Donald J Dung for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Karma!
Oh, the agony....
Now the Dung has come home to roost. In the GOP Ghoul who is one Donald Trump.
So now all those who have long labored in the GOP Dung Heap are faced with Donald J Dung for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Karma!
Oh, the agony....
3
"Poor America, disgraced GOP" that's the only phrase I can add to this Trump-disaster, and Kallstadt where his grandfather came from is such a lovely town.
Sometimes fate shifts into the wrong gear.
Sometimes fate shifts into the wrong gear.
1
I'd like to point out something to all commenters here . . . something as obvious as the nose on your face. We seem to have entered a new era of widespread and common dissembling. That is, people we are reading about in politics (primarily but not only) have lost any contact with fact, truth or honesty. They prevaricate about literally everything, from their record in office, to their beliefs, to their public statements.
So, GOP candidates supporting Trump but ducking any mention of him.
So (in another article), top officials of the Brookings Institution denying that the think tank is compromised for its work on behalf of corporations when, in fact, such collusion is amply demonstrated.
So, one candidate, Trump, clearly and relentlessly lying about virtually every position he has, while the other, Hillary Clinton, dissembles and stumbles in a vain attempt to separate herself from the email scandal. So, Administration officials clinging to the obviously ludircrous claim that the U.S. didn't pay ransom to Iran free four hostages.
It's everywhere; it is bipartisan, it is rampant. Our public officials are destroying any semblance of trust by their constant posturing, to the point that hardly anything they say can be believed.
The only way out of this epidemic is for voters (and reporters) to insist upon straight talk . . . and no more canned "message points," evasions and, worst of all, flat-out lying.
So, GOP candidates supporting Trump but ducking any mention of him.
So (in another article), top officials of the Brookings Institution denying that the think tank is compromised for its work on behalf of corporations when, in fact, such collusion is amply demonstrated.
So, one candidate, Trump, clearly and relentlessly lying about virtually every position he has, while the other, Hillary Clinton, dissembles and stumbles in a vain attempt to separate herself from the email scandal. So, Administration officials clinging to the obviously ludircrous claim that the U.S. didn't pay ransom to Iran free four hostages.
It's everywhere; it is bipartisan, it is rampant. Our public officials are destroying any semblance of trust by their constant posturing, to the point that hardly anything they say can be believed.
The only way out of this epidemic is for voters (and reporters) to insist upon straight talk . . . and no more canned "message points," evasions and, worst of all, flat-out lying.
2
Somehow, the Republican party threw a great big net over middle America on cultural and related issues, convincing people that the party solely dedicated to the needs of the merchant class, wealthy Americans and the mega-rich was actually going to, also, stand up for them. Trump pulled those voters out of the Republican party and into his new party. The funny part is that those who belonged to the old one are now left exposed. They don't want to fatally tick-off half or more of those who previously voted for them, but they can't possibly back Trump all the way. They're stuck.
While Trump does indeed threaten disaster for the nation, he has served a useful role as a disruptor, first for the Republicans and even for the Democrats as well. Both parties face a new assessment: what do we really stand for?
Both parties need to take a serious look at the nomination process. Did the Republicans not realize that their process allowed someone getting a minority of the vote in most of the early primaries to become the nominee? Actually, they most likely set things up that way with the intention of preventing an insurgent candidate. Oops.
Trump is likely to make more "gaffes" that take him down even more. For any other candidate, criticizing a family who had lost a son in war would be the end of the road, no exit. Trump seems to be searching for that moment when he can finally destroy his prospects and odds are he will find it before Nov. He's out there, every day, tweeting away.
While Trump does indeed threaten disaster for the nation, he has served a useful role as a disruptor, first for the Republicans and even for the Democrats as well. Both parties face a new assessment: what do we really stand for?
Both parties need to take a serious look at the nomination process. Did the Republicans not realize that their process allowed someone getting a minority of the vote in most of the early primaries to become the nominee? Actually, they most likely set things up that way with the intention of preventing an insurgent candidate. Oops.
Trump is likely to make more "gaffes" that take him down even more. For any other candidate, criticizing a family who had lost a son in war would be the end of the road, no exit. Trump seems to be searching for that moment when he can finally destroy his prospects and odds are he will find it before Nov. He's out there, every day, tweeting away.
1
Let's not kid ourselves: these people aren't Profiles in Courage. If Trump were winning, every single one of them would be reaching for his shiny con-trail.
But he's not. He has frightened a good many people, and repulsed so many minority groups that about all he has left is racists and high school educated white men.
The few (very few) who are abandoning Trump are doing so because he represents a threat to their re-election, which in their minds is synonymous with their personal gravy-trains.
They (for the most part) really don't care about the racism, religious bigotry, xenophobia, misogyny, religious bigotry, threats to deport American citizens because of their race or ethnicity, or even his pandering to Putin. They don't care about the country. They don't even care about the party.
They care about themselves.
But he's not. He has frightened a good many people, and repulsed so many minority groups that about all he has left is racists and high school educated white men.
The few (very few) who are abandoning Trump are doing so because he represents a threat to their re-election, which in their minds is synonymous with their personal gravy-trains.
They (for the most part) really don't care about the racism, religious bigotry, xenophobia, misogyny, religious bigotry, threats to deport American citizens because of their race or ethnicity, or even his pandering to Putin. They don't care about the country. They don't even care about the party.
They care about themselves.
3
Gee, what ever happened to doing the right thing? If your damned if you do and damned if you don't, then why not do the right thing and admit that Donald Trump is not just a danger to their precious political party, or our nation, but the entire world. So much for profiles in courage? More like profiles in cowardice.
For people who are so concerned about their political futures and legacy, who wants to be remembered for being apart of something as shameful and embarrassing as helping Donald Trump become POTUS. Especially when Trump is clearly too ignorant of the workings of the government to realize that not helping other Republicans win down ticket makes his job substantially harder when it comes time to getting his fairy tail platform passed in Congress.
Our collective futures may be riding on a man who could not run a casino successfully. A place where people are literally giving their money away, and he failed. And the Republicans around him are so busy pandering to him that they have completely absolved themselves of their duty to their nation or at the very least, their constituents, as already elected officials.
For people who are so concerned about their political futures and legacy, who wants to be remembered for being apart of something as shameful and embarrassing as helping Donald Trump become POTUS. Especially when Trump is clearly too ignorant of the workings of the government to realize that not helping other Republicans win down ticket makes his job substantially harder when it comes time to getting his fairy tail platform passed in Congress.
Our collective futures may be riding on a man who could not run a casino successfully. A place where people are literally giving their money away, and he failed. And the Republicans around him are so busy pandering to him that they have completely absolved themselves of their duty to their nation or at the very least, their constituents, as already elected officials.
2
The entire slate of Republican Party candidates is lost to morality and decency. The keep putting their parties interests, and their own political careers, ahead of the countries interests. If Donald is so abhorrent to some of them, they need to actively campaign against him, and acknowledge that their own party created him. the only moral response to that fact is to resign from the republican party, and pledge to resign from public office if Donald is elected, so that he can have no quarter. Even more important, the Party itself needs to dissolve, to keep Donald from having any residual support from it. These are Gandhian tactics of nonviolent civil disobedience, which the Republicans cannot do, because they have lost the minds and their souls in the pursuit of power.
Oh no you don't, GOP. You've been throwing red meat to that wing of your party for decades, and now you have to reap what you sow.
3
Republican leaders are most concerned about the Supreme Court getting too liberal if Hillary wins. Well, it's the responsibility of all lawyers arguing Court cases to do so as most thoroughly, logically and well-grounded in the Constitution as they can. Let conservative lawyers do their jobs and tamp down any loose 'wiggle-room' a liberal court may have.
2
this is a side effect of too much power in too few hands, a facade of representatives more influenced by their own self interest than the people they represent. its now a squabble to retain the 'party' ideals, present them as if they actually held some magical bonifide solutions for the swarming masses of voters who yearn for the good old days of cut and dried, no questions required edicts.
neither party will become other than a proxy for the wealthy who have infested our nation with an ignorance laden ideology of monetizing before moralizing.
had any of these up and comers ever had to actually work for a living, the constitution itself might have a chance for survival.
neither party will become other than a proxy for the wealthy who have infested our nation with an ignorance laden ideology of monetizing before moralizing.
had any of these up and comers ever had to actually work for a living, the constitution itself might have a chance for survival.
Populist revolts usually involve legitimate grievances, but they tend to end badly--for the populists--when they're hijacked by hucksters adept at bamboozling the undiscerning.
Not sure what we did to deserve a choice between bad and worse, but I guess we go with bad.
Not sure what we did to deserve a choice between bad and worse, but I guess we go with bad.
Lots of Democrats crowing about Republican misery. It's tempting, I admit. Couldn't happen to a more deserving crowd.
But be careful. Democrats have played a role in the Trump disaster also, Their own party hasn't appealed to the Trump base and all it does now is lavish contempt on it. Dems need a good hard stare in the mirror as well.
But be careful. Democrats have played a role in the Trump disaster also, Their own party hasn't appealed to the Trump base and all it does now is lavish contempt on it. Dems need a good hard stare in the mirror as well.
Trust those down-ticket republicans in congress? Not when Mo Brooks (R-AL) has vowed to impeach President Clinton on her first day in office.
No republicans, no way.
No republicans, no way.
5
Of course Trump, with his inability to keep his crude opinions to himself, is a threat to the Republican Party. Not because most Republican candidates and officeholders don't share and promote those views, but because they have so far succeeded by duping people into believing that they don't. Oddly, liar Trump's big threat to his party is that he tells it like it is.
I credit Barack Obama's refusal to "resist evil" in the face of 8 tedious years of Republican obstructionism as one of the major catalysts for the rapid decline of their power base. He saw from Day 1 what a dishonest, corrupt lot they were—as well as racist—and simply stepped aside while they slowly decompensated, culminating in the nomination of a man they all loathe. These last ditch attempts to retain their seats in both Houses by distancing themselves from the man they nominated, their pathetic attempt to suddenly become the noble party of the working class, are all feeble attempts at changing their seats on the Titanic. And this time, there won't be any music as it plunges to the bottom.
The Pottery Barn rule would seem to apply to Republicans trying to distance themselves from their candidate: You broke it. You own it.
3
The Republican Party is like the Titanic that has been taken over by a neurotic captain, Trump, which has set a course for the biggest Iceberg he can find, while the crew runs around in circles not knowing what to do because the doors to the control room are locked and their are no life boats.
Every man for himself, women and children last.
Every man for himself, women and children last.
I guess it is a rhetorical question, but what will be accomplished if the Rs hold onto Congress and the Ds take the White House? We are almost finished six years with a Black president and a recalcitrant Congress and nothing was accomplished. A Female President is the other side of the coin. The Congress has gotten very comfortable with their obstruction-ist role. Extrapolating - Projecting nothing will happen.
"The point of such a campaign, one strategist said, would be to provide voters with a different, nonthreatening view of Republicans, so that the party is not wholly defined by Mr. Trump’s day-to-day pronouncements."
Let's be clear: The Republican platform, with or without Trump, is an extreme threat to everyone who is not white, male and wealthy.
The GOP is just trying to whitewash what they are really about. Trump says it crudely; they're aiming to say it nicely. Same result.
Let's be clear: The Republican platform, with or without Trump, is an extreme threat to everyone who is not white, male and wealthy.
The GOP is just trying to whitewash what they are really about. Trump says it crudely; they're aiming to say it nicely. Same result.
1
The doings of the Republican party remind me of a story I once heard about the philosophy behind "Seinfeld": No hugging, no learning. They are a party fraught with fear, paranoia, venom, bitterness and confusion (ideological and otherwise). Let's imagine what happens after Clinton clobbers Trump in November and brings the Senate with her. The establishment Republicans will retreat and produce another autopsy outlining all the obvious mistakes they keep making and urging a new direction. A few years will pass and we'll likely to see a repeat, if not worse, of this political season. Their "base" is not Republican. It's nativist, angry, Limbaugh-fueled and overwhelmingly white and uneducated. It won't allow another Mitt Romney type to grab the reins and will only interpret the loss in '16 as indicative of a failure of nerve, not one of ideas or candidates. Woe unto them. They will reap what they've sown.
2
Voters ought well to tie Toomey, Ayotte, and the other incumbent Republicans to Donald Trump. It was these Republicans, who by adopting a do-nothing-that-would-give-credit-to-Barack-Obama policy, set the stage for Trump to appear with a very credible claim that Washington was irreparably broken, and could be fixed only by a non-politician outsider such as himself.
3
"'Do we run the risk of depressing our base by repudiating the guy, or do we run the risk of being tarred and feathered by independents for not repudiating him?' asked Glen Bolger, a Republican pollster working on many of this year’s races. 'We’re damned if we do and damned if we don’t.'"
Actually, no. You were damned when you didn't repudiate him off the debate stage.
Actually, no. You were damned when you didn't repudiate him off the debate stage.
2
Unless there is some dramatic change "Donald Trump has got about as much chance of winning the Presidency as the sheep's got with the butcher." What we should hope for is that he drags down the Republican party in general. Democrats regain the senate and if the gods be with us the House of Representatives. Then perhaps we will be rid of the scourge of the Republican party forever.
2
We can only hope. Democrats need to make the path to citizenship for the many illegal immigrants already in the US much quicker and easier (in time for the November election ). At the same time, lets make sure we get as many more immigrants in before the US potentially starts to have stricter border control. These are good people and the US has more than enough to share.
Think about it, Every person in the US that receives any form of welfare services (whether food stamps, medical services, etc) should be able to vote too, whether a legal or illegal immigrant, My goodness, many recent and standing Court rulings allow voter registration up to the day of the election. I am working hard to arrange buses and other means to take full advantage of these" opportunities". Let's be honest, these people need guidance and help and the Democratic Party is the only option. How is this different then Trump using the tax code to his advantage.
Rather then demonize DWS and the DNC, We should learn from her and thank her. This not a time to sit back and let this Man gain power.
Think about it, Every person in the US that receives any form of welfare services (whether food stamps, medical services, etc) should be able to vote too, whether a legal or illegal immigrant, My goodness, many recent and standing Court rulings allow voter registration up to the day of the election. I am working hard to arrange buses and other means to take full advantage of these" opportunities". Let's be honest, these people need guidance and help and the Democratic Party is the only option. How is this different then Trump using the tax code to his advantage.
Rather then demonize DWS and the DNC, We should learn from her and thank her. This not a time to sit back and let this Man gain power.
In the Saturday, August 6 Times and on-line on August 5, Jackie Calmes reported upon efforts by the GOP to change its focus upon workers to accommodate Trump's supporters. This report makes clear that there are divisions within the Republican party. One faction is for the status quo, but a mixture of other factions are interested in change.
However, as the article makes clear, these are not substantive changes in what the party wants to accomplish, but changes in presenting the party to voters among the uneducated members of the working class. Not, mind you, by actually examining what is mistaken or hurtful about Republican policies, but by examining ways that the party can modify its packaging to appear to bring the party in line with these voters.
That there is division even over merely repackaging of the GOP with no modification of its clearly espoused intention to continue to serve the rich, at any cost, displays again how inimical the GOP remains to the nation's future and its welfare.
However, as the article makes clear, these are not substantive changes in what the party wants to accomplish, but changes in presenting the party to voters among the uneducated members of the working class. Not, mind you, by actually examining what is mistaken or hurtful about Republican policies, but by examining ways that the party can modify its packaging to appear to bring the party in line with these voters.
That there is division even over merely repackaging of the GOP with no modification of its clearly espoused intention to continue to serve the rich, at any cost, displays again how inimical the GOP remains to the nation's future and its welfare.
56
amen
It's pretty obvious that the DNC's strategy (with the media's partnership and Trump's artful acting role), is to frame the election as negative voting (against the GOP candidate) rather than advancing, clarifying and committing to its own particular plans and fully vetting before the public its actual candidate, which is rather problematic (perhaps readers were not listening carefully, among other sources of data, to the FBI Director's public report on the morning of July 5th). Moreover, it is nearly unprecedented to witness a former CIA deputy endorse a candidate, but also, to cite national security by vilifying the GOP candidate in those terms, while continuing to promote and monetize public anxiety over terrorism. When I worked in banking, we had many different products: most traded in an open market of buyers and sellers and price was determined by demand. Then there were products called "structured finance;" that is, large financings pre-arranged, priced, packaged and then marketed and sold. In its own way, this may be one of the most "structured" elections in recent US history. The book "Legacy of Ashes" by Tim Weiner on the Agency, may very well be the epitaph for the next presumptive administration. You reap what you sow indeed.
7
It still boils down to conspiracy theory doesn't it? The DNC has a long game; the President and past members of the gummint break precedent and attack a candidate. Probably even scorned Republicans have been read into the plot. Like an African birth, that is one explanation; another could be good sense and righteous indignation. Perhaps some in our country are not enamored of electing a Railer in Chief.
They can't escape him. He just says what the rest of them secretly think, but are afraid to say.
The full force of Trump must be glued to every Republican, up and down the ballot if we ever want to have a tolerant, inclusive, fair and equal country.
Now is the time to show the world his and his party's rhetoric, beliefs, and morals are rejected by America, once and for all.
The full force of Trump must be glued to every Republican, up and down the ballot if we ever want to have a tolerant, inclusive, fair and equal country.
Now is the time to show the world his and his party's rhetoric, beliefs, and morals are rejected by America, once and for all.
4
Your forgetting one thing. WE THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN, the gop establisment is not important, We are. Better start listening .
1
Republicans should urge voter to compare the party platforms. The Democratic Party Platform is a 51-page document that mentions African Americans, Latino Americans, Native Americans, people of color, and lesbians, gays, bisexuals, or transgender individuals more than 80 times. It mentions white Americans only four times, all in a negative fashion. One of these four references is to “white supremacists.” The other three complain that whites make more money than African Americans and Latino Americans and have lower arrest rates than African Americans and Latino Americans.
The G.O.P. trying to escape its own impertinence by supporting crooked lying Trump? Good luck with that one. Hypocrisy and cowardice have a price as well, irrelevance.
2
In other words, the republicans are planning for a chance at another four years of gridlock while the country's infrastructure continues to crumble. The GOP is the single biggest threat to this nation's domestic well-being.
4
When trump won the first primary the GOP establishment thought they had a clown. Now they realize they have a megalomaniac monster and don't know how to stop him. Actually, is very simple: don't vote for the narcissist...if you don't like Hillary...that simple.
1
The ESTABLISHMENT, FREE TRADE REPUBLICANS, (TRAITORS), will do anything to get their way!
And if it means electing ESTABLISHMENT, FREE TRADE, WALL STREET, CLINTON FOR PREZ, there you go!
Once again, the working class has nobody to vote for! Too bad Sen. Sanders could not compete in a RIGGED PRIMARY ELECTION SYSTEM, where the establishment candidate gets an unfair, undemocratic advantage!
And if it means electing ESTABLISHMENT, FREE TRADE, WALL STREET, CLINTON FOR PREZ, there you go!
Once again, the working class has nobody to vote for! Too bad Sen. Sanders could not compete in a RIGGED PRIMARY ELECTION SYSTEM, where the establishment candidate gets an unfair, undemocratic advantage!
1
why are you ignoring Sanders contributions to the Democratic platform
Democrats need to pay close attention and commit substantial resources down ballot, too. A Hillary presidency with a GOP Congress will only produce more of what afflicted the last six years of the Obama presidency. Who needs that?
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
4
The argument that people need to vote for Republicans down ballot to serve as a check against a Clinton White House, i.e., the case for for divided government, falls flat. That is precisely the problem we have. As long as the Republican Party lacks the full political spectrum from a liberal side to a conservative side, as long as it serves as the polar opposite to the Democratic Party, divided government is not a check on excess, it is a recipe for doing nothing - and a do nothing government is precisely what all of the Clinton supporters and most of the angry do not want.
3
Trump's "endorsements" were read with the enthusiasm of a truculent ten year old capitulating to his parents' threats to take away his bicycle if he didn't comply with their wishes.
2
The road to Trump went like this:
Aggressively attack the news media and universities as being "liberal." Attack public schooling. Attack judges as being "unelected," "liberal" and "activist." Attack Hollywood for not upholding "conservative values." Attack government itself; first, bring Congress into disrepute so as to prove Reagan's meme that "government is the problem." Then assault the legitimacy of presidents from the Democratic party. Bill Clinton was needlessly impeached. A conspiracy to obstruct President Obama began on the day he assumed office. Use Congressional committees under Republican leadership to harass the EPA, the IRS, the NAS, and every progressive cause into which as little as a single Congressperson can throw a monkey wrench. Incite evangelical political activism by fanning flames of intolerance under hot-button social issues, esp. those concerning sex. Further Inflame hatred of government by claiming that the right to own a gun is about "liberty," as if groups like those led by Cliven and Ammon Bundy are justified in pointing guns at federal officers. (If they are right, then the Dallas cop shooter was correct to take up arms against what he saw as tyrannical treatment of his race.) Finally, attack voters themselves with accusations of voter fraud designed to disenfranchise people.
This is the history of the modern Republicans. Trump is merely the buzzard who came to feed on the carrion in the 50-year wake of Republican political strategy.
Aggressively attack the news media and universities as being "liberal." Attack public schooling. Attack judges as being "unelected," "liberal" and "activist." Attack Hollywood for not upholding "conservative values." Attack government itself; first, bring Congress into disrepute so as to prove Reagan's meme that "government is the problem." Then assault the legitimacy of presidents from the Democratic party. Bill Clinton was needlessly impeached. A conspiracy to obstruct President Obama began on the day he assumed office. Use Congressional committees under Republican leadership to harass the EPA, the IRS, the NAS, and every progressive cause into which as little as a single Congressperson can throw a monkey wrench. Incite evangelical political activism by fanning flames of intolerance under hot-button social issues, esp. those concerning sex. Further Inflame hatred of government by claiming that the right to own a gun is about "liberty," as if groups like those led by Cliven and Ammon Bundy are justified in pointing guns at federal officers. (If they are right, then the Dallas cop shooter was correct to take up arms against what he saw as tyrannical treatment of his race.) Finally, attack voters themselves with accusations of voter fraud designed to disenfranchise people.
This is the history of the modern Republicans. Trump is merely the buzzard who came to feed on the carrion in the 50-year wake of Republican political strategy.
6
" Republican leaders have concluded that Donald J. Trump is a threat to the party’s fortunes and have begun discussing how soon their endangered candidates should explicitly distance themselves from the presidential nominee."
Too late.
Trump is not the republican's only problem.
Frankly, it is the republicans period.
We have had all we can take of them.
Too late.
Trump is not the republican's only problem.
Frankly, it is the republicans period.
We have had all we can take of them.
5
Trump id a creation of the hatred, bigotry, mistrust and demagoguery o fthe Republican Party Establishment, carefully fomented during these past 8 years of the Obama Administration. They swore on the first day of his presidency that anything he proposed was going to fail, and they have obstructed everything they could, and what was passed with bipartisan support, they have tried to undo time after time again. In addition, these troglodytes went on an active campaign of mistrusting scientific or even social research and facts, fomenting conspiracy theories based on lies and distortions. Even when they could have stopped false information, they remained quiet.
They claim they did this for love of country and because they cared about the American People, a meaningless excuse repeated thousands of times, especially when ignoring what the American People clearly desired. ( ie., sensible gun control measures) They fomented distrust in the Government, failing to understand that the mob would consider them part of the dysfunctional government themselves.
You made a pact with the Devil of of deceit, mistrust, scientific denial and voodoo economic theories, proven a failure over and over again. The reason our infrastructure is crumbling, the reason the middle class has stagnant or decreased economic potential can be laid down at their feet. No new taxes (for the rich and powerful only) has been the biggest hoax.
The Devil has come back to bite them. Well, my friends, enjoy!
They claim they did this for love of country and because they cared about the American People, a meaningless excuse repeated thousands of times, especially when ignoring what the American People clearly desired. ( ie., sensible gun control measures) They fomented distrust in the Government, failing to understand that the mob would consider them part of the dysfunctional government themselves.
You made a pact with the Devil of of deceit, mistrust, scientific denial and voodoo economic theories, proven a failure over and over again. The reason our infrastructure is crumbling, the reason the middle class has stagnant or decreased economic potential can be laid down at their feet. No new taxes (for the rich and powerful only) has been the biggest hoax.
The Devil has come back to bite them. Well, my friends, enjoy!
5
Hopefully the likes of Pat Toomey and other republican obstructionists will be defeated partly because of the poison the donald is spewing and partly because America wants it's government back.
4
As the democrats embraced the racists years ago, the republicans embraced the tea party. The democrats fought off, finally, the Storm Thurmond/george Wallace racists, and now, well if the republicans do not choose to dump the tea party, Trump is taking over. Ethical people need to speak up.
1
This is a manufactured story by the NYT. Where is the NYT covering the lies by this ironic liar Hillary Clinton? Clinton has NOT had a good week. She was caught by the Black and Latino press lying and did a horrible job of attempting to lie her way out of it. Trump endorsed and made nice to the Republican Party candidates. Why is he liberal press not telling the truth?
1
Well, we hate Amurrica. And then there are our orders from the Comintern. Or is it the Insidious Dr. Fu Manchu?
I forget. By the way, ever take a look at Politifact's rating of Trump's telling the truth?
The man's at 5%.
I forget. By the way, ever take a look at Politifact's rating of Trump's telling the truth?
The man's at 5%.
to which liberal press are you referring
NYT has a search bar. Past 7 days has 289 stories on "Hillary Clinton", 42 on "Hillary Clinton emails". First one's free. After that I charge by the search.
Don't count Trump out yet. Republicans are planning for the worst, which is Trump losing in 3 months. The GOP leaders aren't "refudiating" him (as Sarah Palin coined in the first failed Republican Presidential election in 2008), but Mrs. Clinton's election is not yet a slam dunk or a walk in the park. Changing horses in midstream - as the Koch Bros and major Republican donors are contemplating - would be futile, and they are aware that GOP candidates for the Senate and House will not be able to distance themselves from Trump's total unfitness for the Presidency. Trump won't change his modus operandi which brought him - shockingly - to his Republican nomination for the Presidency. Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Trump are the candidates for the two parties, even though only 9% of Americans were in favor of their candidacies. Whether their sometimes reluctant followers and the social media who are riding herd on both of them as negatively as possible, and whether the polls show one or the other holding a landslide victory in November, As William Bendix as Chester A. Riley in "The Life of Riley" on radio in the 1930s and during World War II used to say - "what a revoltin' development this is!". Denouncing Trump will only rouse his phalanx of low-info red-capped "Make America Great Again" legions into further uproar. The dogs will continue to bark and the Democratic and Republican caravans will pass into the sands of forgotten time.
2
What did the Koch Brothers buy?
The Republican Party? Or the right to turn the party into their father's John Birch Society?
Now we know.
The Republican Party? Or the right to turn the party into their father's John Birch Society?
Now we know.
5
What kind of a strategy is that???
"We're going to lose the presidency anyway, because we nominated a complete lunatic, so please vote for all the other complete lunatics we nominated to compensate that!"
Sometimes I feel like I've stepped through some door into the "Twilight Zone", only not so funny since it's real...
"We're going to lose the presidency anyway, because we nominated a complete lunatic, so please vote for all the other complete lunatics we nominated to compensate that!"
Sometimes I feel like I've stepped through some door into the "Twilight Zone", only not so funny since it's real...
11
The Republican leaders are like a pack of blood hounds howling at Trump, the foxy stranger, but never at their master.
The NY Times excited by the hunt master, is leaving the scent in far too many places for the hounds to follow. What may look, sound and smell like the game is afoot, is not, unless you are a dog.
The NY Times excited by the hunt master, is leaving the scent in far too many places for the hounds to follow. What may look, sound and smell like the game is afoot, is not, unless you are a dog.
2
GOP is concerned about winning, but winning for whom? Where is the concern expressed for voter, particularly Trump supporters.
GOP has to find an answer for what do you do with the stranded voters, the Trump supporter; the losers. These folks have been losers for years, and now it seems the self-proclaimed going to be the greatest President USA ever had, will not get going, it becomes GOP responsibility to address the flock of these stranded voters. Or, are these folks going to be loser always?
This task is not for just GOP alone, the healing touch has to come from Democrats as well, but primary responsibility lies with GOP. HRC has been perceptive about this in her convention speech and spoke of being President for all including those who do not vote for her.
GOP has to find an answer for what do you do with the stranded voters, the Trump supporter; the losers. These folks have been losers for years, and now it seems the self-proclaimed going to be the greatest President USA ever had, will not get going, it becomes GOP responsibility to address the flock of these stranded voters. Or, are these folks going to be loser always?
This task is not for just GOP alone, the healing touch has to come from Democrats as well, but primary responsibility lies with GOP. HRC has been perceptive about this in her convention speech and spoke of being President for all including those who do not vote for her.
2
The donor who stated that he had initially thought Trump was merely "a loose canon like a fox" captured the essence of the shock created by Trump's attacks on the Khan parents.
Those who previously interpreted Trump's excessive statements as proofs of his sincerity suddenly found themselves asking if the presidential run had always been a deliberate quest for martyrdom at the hands of Republican officials ... paving his intended escape path from reality tv and dwindling income to heroic spokesperson and national institution.
Those who acquiesced to Trump's old claim that Obama was a manchurian candidate suddenly find that label credibly pinned to Trump himself.
Those who previously interpreted Trump's excessive statements as proofs of his sincerity suddenly found themselves asking if the presidential run had always been a deliberate quest for martyrdom at the hands of Republican officials ... paving his intended escape path from reality tv and dwindling income to heroic spokesperson and national institution.
Those who acquiesced to Trump's old claim that Obama was a manchurian candidate suddenly find that label credibly pinned to Trump himself.
2
Down at the polls? Donald Trump LOSING?
I bet Trump develops some sudden, serious "illness" and "due to his health emergency" is forced to withdraw from the presidential race. Even when he's been busy bankrupting businesses, cheating employees, weaseling his way out of financial commitments, and angering potential supporters, Trump has considered himself to be a big winner. He will not want the entire world to see him as a loser.
One worry is that if this happens, the rebound candidate, whoever it is, will cause such a surge of relief that the support will pour in. America's general distaste for Clinton would add a nudge. The Republicans could easily win with a charismatic substitute.
I bet Trump develops some sudden, serious "illness" and "due to his health emergency" is forced to withdraw from the presidential race. Even when he's been busy bankrupting businesses, cheating employees, weaseling his way out of financial commitments, and angering potential supporters, Trump has considered himself to be a big winner. He will not want the entire world to see him as a loser.
One worry is that if this happens, the rebound candidate, whoever it is, will cause such a surge of relief that the support will pour in. America's general distaste for Clinton would add a nudge. The Republicans could easily win with a charismatic substitute.
32
My theory, too. He'll convince himself that dropping out is really "winning" somehow, and then anybody they stand in his place will look reasonable by comparison, except Sarah Palin. I'm rooting for him to stick with it until it's too late to get somebody else on ballots.
Maybe we're wrong, though. If the gop had the kind of nimble organizational skills rebooting would take, Trump would have never been nominated
Maybe we're wrong, though. If the gop had the kind of nimble organizational skills rebooting would take, Trump would have never been nominated
Prostate cancer -- worked for Giuliani. Or an adultery too blatant even for New York City ... worked for Giuliani too.
Friday's grudging endorsement of Senators Ryan, McCain and Ayotte by Donald Trump reminded me of a teen aged boy who is being punished by being forced to make a statement. In retaliation and to make a point, the statement is read awkwardly and with insolence. Childish beyond belief.
3
As others have noted, the Republican Party constructed the Fascist scaffolding and the political apparatus resulting in a Donald Trump. Newt Gingrich, Karl Rove, Rush Limbaugh, Tom Cotton, Sarah Palin, Cal Thomas, Ann Coulter, Antonin Scalia, amongst a host of other big mouths, set the stage, and continue to act upon it. Evil cloaked in self-righteousness. Narcissism veiled in robes of fundamentalist Christianity and freedom (to carry guns anywhere, anytime) and liberty (to speak a language wrought with racism, bigotry, hatred and fear) and distortions of the Constitution.
Most dismaying, none of this will go away regardless of the next White House tenant. There is no single leader capable of reuniting America. Only the American people can do that. They won't so long as Fascism and all the pseudo-patriotic jingoistic vileness associated with it remains the feeding tube of Republican policy and politics.
Most dismaying, none of this will go away regardless of the next White House tenant. There is no single leader capable of reuniting America. Only the American people can do that. They won't so long as Fascism and all the pseudo-patriotic jingoistic vileness associated with it remains the feeding tube of Republican policy and politics.
10
It's a shame that the Constitution does not provide a process to impeach a presidential candidate. This one needs to be immediately charged with treason.
4
The Times today said there is no precedent for removing a candidate. Reasonable men might readily conclude that accusation of treason by one former head of the CIA and accusation of being an agent for Putin by another former head of the CIA, besides several lawsuits claiming pedophilia,and massive fraud, are far more than enough to disavow first, then replace, then defend the ubiquitious lawsuit afterwards. If a criminal is allowed to exploit loopholes, then defenders are likewise allowed to exploit loopholes.
2
Nothing can save the Republicans from Donald Trump because they nominated him when he was saying stuff just as illogical as what the said this past week. In that nomination they have condemend their own party. Some polls have Trump placing last in a 4 way race, even behind the Green Party and Libertarian Party candidates. Many Republicans may also feel more comfortable voting for the Libertarian Party with his top two candidates both former Republican Governors.
2
If i were a Republican I'd vote Johnson/Weld in an instant .. unless I feared Trump could win my state, In which case I'd be forced to vote for HRC.
I don't agree with these men on many issues, but I recognize them as qualified not-crazy candidates ... who if elected would do their best for the public ... rather than themselves and their brand.
I don't agree with these men on many issues, but I recognize them as qualified not-crazy candidates ... who if elected would do their best for the public ... rather than themselves and their brand.
Democratic members of both houses should say,
You had your chance to stop him why didn't you. You have supported almost every position your candidate has put to words now you want the voter to take pity on you and vote for you. How much trust should the voter put in you with hate you created.
That is how I would do it if I were a Democratic Party candidate.
You had your chance to stop him why didn't you. You have supported almost every position your candidate has put to words now you want the voter to take pity on you and vote for you. How much trust should the voter put in you with hate you created.
That is how I would do it if I were a Democratic Party candidate.
4
The Republican Party is completely unfit to govern. It has been unfit to govern for decades, as the Presidency of George W. Bush so aptly and convincingly demonstrated. This is not just a Trump thing; it is the entire party, which is the refuge of crackpots, racists and ideologues. If the whole party goes down, that will be a blessing to the world, not just the US. Of course, the corrupt party has managed to gerrymander a lot of safe seats, giving it a life far beyond what it deserves, but that won't last forever. As long as the GOP is responsible for gridlock and dysfunction in Washington, however, it will be a danger to everyone.
7
If any incumbent loses in November it won't be because of Trump. It'll be because of how they voted and what they stood for these past two years. For example , did they support Ryan on open borders, TPP, gave Obama everything he wanted when they passed his budget? It's what they did yesterday, not what they'll do tomorrow They've already shown their true colors.
4
We know that most politicians lie to us about what they believe and what they promise to do. We would be naive to believe everything that the candidates tell us.
But would it be naive to expect that a candidate for office is actually making an effort to win the election for that office?
Do you think that running for an office with the intention of losing to the opponent is a legitimate tactic to make sure that the opponent wins the election?
If evidence was found that showed that the two candidates for the two major parties were actually colluding with each other to throw the election to one of the two candidates, what do you think should be done?
What do you think the punishment should be for the two colluding candidates?
But would it be naive to expect that a candidate for office is actually making an effort to win the election for that office?
Do you think that running for an office with the intention of losing to the opponent is a legitimate tactic to make sure that the opponent wins the election?
If evidence was found that showed that the two candidates for the two major parties were actually colluding with each other to throw the election to one of the two candidates, what do you think should be done?
What do you think the punishment should be for the two colluding candidates?
1
Why would the Nation vote for a President, leaving one of its political Parties dissatisfied, disappointed and destructive? Determined to block every act of the Commander-in-Chief and become a nest of vipers? Has this happened in our History before?
This is not the time to gloat that the Republican Party did not do its homework and start by having a viable candidate for these Presidential Elections, leaving our Country close to anarchy.
We are tired of politicians? A successful and recognized businessman, a symbol of the American Dream? This American can probably think of twenty better suited candidates, and former Mayor Bloomberg comes to mind. It has taken all this time for the Republicans to unite and concede that Donald Trump is a National Security Risk? I feel sorry for this man. One does not have to be the sharpest blade in the drawer to know that this was going to end badly.
While casting my vote for Hillary Clinton with spirit and heart, I hope the Media does not go on a shark-feeding frenzy. Scott Fitzgerald was ahead of his time when he wrote his 'Great Gatsby'.
This is not the time to gloat that the Republican Party did not do its homework and start by having a viable candidate for these Presidential Elections, leaving our Country close to anarchy.
We are tired of politicians? A successful and recognized businessman, a symbol of the American Dream? This American can probably think of twenty better suited candidates, and former Mayor Bloomberg comes to mind. It has taken all this time for the Republicans to unite and concede that Donald Trump is a National Security Risk? I feel sorry for this man. One does not have to be the sharpest blade in the drawer to know that this was going to end badly.
While casting my vote for Hillary Clinton with spirit and heart, I hope the Media does not go on a shark-feeding frenzy. Scott Fitzgerald was ahead of his time when he wrote his 'Great Gatsby'.
5
Too bad for Republicans that their legislative attempts to suppress voter turnout keeps getting struck down in court. They certainly can't count on Donald Trump to save the day, apparently not even with Putin's assistance. In raising $82 million Trump proves he's still adept at separating fools from their money.
7
Trump, McConnell, Ryan, every GOP politician: at this point it's a distinction without a difference. The entire Greedy One Percent is a wrecking crew destroying this country purely for their own personal benefit. They care about no one and nothing except their own individual gain. Any politician with an (R) after his/her name is a conspirator at worst or an enabler at best, and they are all uniformly intellectually and morally bankrupt.
4
very well said
1
See: sociopathic personality disorder...
1
Donald Trump may not be savvy about current events or all that smart but he knows how to manipulate others to get what he wants. This includes the media
and members of his party.
There should be more defectors. Despite his baggage party faithfuls still cling to him, including many he insults regularity.
and members of his party.
There should be more defectors. Despite his baggage party faithfuls still cling to him, including many he insults regularity.
4
Any Republican legislator will have to run on something other than their record because they have proven incapable of doing their job as described in the constitution. Perhaps Mr. Khan should give them all a copy to remind them of their responsibilities beyond investigations.
5
Gilbert & Sullivan are dancing on a cloud as they watch Donald J Trump turn everything topsy turvy.
Now the down-ballot candidates are singing from The Mikado: "... Let the bitter tears I'm shedding/Witness my distress/Here's a pretty mess/Here's a pretty mess!"
And the Trump supporters join the chorus with Katisha: "There is beauty in the bellow of the blast/There is grandeur in the growling of the gale/There is eloquent outpouring/When the lion is a-roaring/And the tiger is a-lashing of his tail!"
We are stuck in our seats until the curtain closes at the voting booth.
Now the down-ballot candidates are singing from The Mikado: "... Let the bitter tears I'm shedding/Witness my distress/Here's a pretty mess/Here's a pretty mess!"
And the Trump supporters join the chorus with Katisha: "There is beauty in the bellow of the blast/There is grandeur in the growling of the gale/There is eloquent outpouring/When the lion is a-roaring/And the tiger is a-lashing of his tail!"
We are stuck in our seats until the curtain closes at the voting booth.
39
It has developed that there are multiple Donald Trumps. The real one and then the increasingly grotesque caricatures literally created by a frantic media and consultant class.
The NYT would be so much more effective if it made a modicum of effort to report events as it used to do ... as opposed to incessantly beating the drums in an attempt to fashion developments.
The Editorial Board, as they say, just does not get it. That major bit of arrogance is at the heart of the failure of the paper.
The NYT would be so much more effective if it made a modicum of effort to report events as it used to do ... as opposed to incessantly beating the drums in an attempt to fashion developments.
The Editorial Board, as they say, just does not get it. That major bit of arrogance is at the heart of the failure of the paper.
5
Is the media reporting something that Trump didn't say or do?
When Trump goes on at length about watching a secret video supplied by Iran of money being unloaded from pallets on a plane and then we find out that no such video exists is that the real Trump or a grotesque caricature?
When Trump claims he got a letter from the NFL on the debate schedule and no such letter exists because the NFL didn't send him one is the the real Trump or a grotesque caricature?
I could go on but you get the idea.
When Trump goes on at length about watching a secret video supplied by Iran of money being unloaded from pallets on a plane and then we find out that no such video exists is that the real Trump or a grotesque caricature?
When Trump claims he got a letter from the NFL on the debate schedule and no such letter exists because the NFL didn't send him one is the the real Trump or a grotesque caricature?
I could go on but you get the idea.
Trump is a caricature of himself.
I cannot imagine why his supporters expect sympathy for their own economic condition when they demonstrate chronic susceptibility to con-artists.
I cannot imagine why his supporters expect sympathy for their own economic condition when they demonstrate chronic susceptibility to con-artists.
How can someone who has never held an elected political office be a major party's candidate for the highest office in the land?
18
When the USSR broke apart, the view in the US, especially among Republicans, was that Reagan was the hero for playing hardball. Historians have longs since rejected that view and explained how internal conflicts caused the collapse.
Now Democrats want to take credit for the split in the Republican Party, which they blame on evil beliefs and moral bankruptcy.
In fact, the split in the Republicans does not appear to be short-term or at all related to Republican morality. Conservative social values are going out of style because of the decline of religion. Free market ideology is going out of style because of the increase in those dependent on government assistance. As for Trump, he barely has an ideology but what is there could help him get elected. He has eased off Republican social policies and he has brought immigration front and center, both of which have contributed to his support.
On the whole, I see a Republican Party whose core support has diminished and whose voters have turned to a demagogue, looking for an alternative to the Democrats, who offer them nothing. To me this isn't a morality play. It's just changing demographics. Moreover if the Republicans should become a minority party, a rift in the Democrats may soon follow. In 5 years we may have a strong Green Party.
Now Democrats want to take credit for the split in the Republican Party, which they blame on evil beliefs and moral bankruptcy.
In fact, the split in the Republicans does not appear to be short-term or at all related to Republican morality. Conservative social values are going out of style because of the decline of religion. Free market ideology is going out of style because of the increase in those dependent on government assistance. As for Trump, he barely has an ideology but what is there could help him get elected. He has eased off Republican social policies and he has brought immigration front and center, both of which have contributed to his support.
On the whole, I see a Republican Party whose core support has diminished and whose voters have turned to a demagogue, looking for an alternative to the Democrats, who offer them nothing. To me this isn't a morality play. It's just changing demographics. Moreover if the Republicans should become a minority party, a rift in the Democrats may soon follow. In 5 years we may have a strong Green Party.
7
just as soon as green party candidates begin running for local offices first
For Louis Gohmert to be silent, for John Mica and Darryl Issa who cannot keep their mouths shut about anything, this laying low bit sure shows their true colors. Grassley and Sessions seem to be good with it, unsurprisingly, but I want to hear John Boehner say what he said of Cruz. Has former Speaker of The House Mr. Boehner just dissipated in one verse of Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah? He doesn't care.
These cranks who muster the Senate to vomit bile at any given notice at anyone whom they perceive as a threat to some fabrication they construct like the Bush Tax Cuts, guns, pharma and oil, show right now don't care who we elect. They are showing that they care and are subservient to lobbies who represent those that paid the bills to get them in office and now they hide around a corner to keep their petticoats from getting hit in this pie fight.
These cranks who muster the Senate to vomit bile at any given notice at anyone whom they perceive as a threat to some fabrication they construct like the Bush Tax Cuts, guns, pharma and oil, show right now don't care who we elect. They are showing that they care and are subservient to lobbies who represent those that paid the bills to get them in office and now they hide around a corner to keep their petticoats from getting hit in this pie fight.
12
This isnt about morality
It's about weakness
Trump has said all the same things before so his recent behavior isn't a surprise
If trump were winning the the gop would be happy. They knew what Donald was all about before he won the primary
The GOP has been racist and divisive since the 60s with the southern strategy.
Fox News and right wing radio has fostered an angry crowd.
Trump abandons code words and just impulsively says things that the general public and media no longer excuse. His outsider status also put him under a harsher spotlight than the typical republican.
Reagan and trump probably feel the same way about many things but Reagan was a smooth political operative. It's not what you do: it's about not getting caught. Reagan supported apartheid, despised homosexuals and looked the other way with AIDS, he played the southern strategy well. Mass media never labeled him the way they've labeled trump.
Trump can't control himself. He can't corral the angry white vote while keeping passable image for more moderate voters like Reagan did.
As a result trump makes it hard for the GOP to have moderates and it's angry conservatives.
Mainstream Media has allowed the GOP to have it both ways for decades. The GOP now has to distance themselves from trump in places like Maine or New York because or they will lose. Those areas have women and diverse voters who will vote them out. Repubs in safe conservative districts won't split with trump. That says it all: and it means alot
It's about weakness
Trump has said all the same things before so his recent behavior isn't a surprise
If trump were winning the the gop would be happy. They knew what Donald was all about before he won the primary
The GOP has been racist and divisive since the 60s with the southern strategy.
Fox News and right wing radio has fostered an angry crowd.
Trump abandons code words and just impulsively says things that the general public and media no longer excuse. His outsider status also put him under a harsher spotlight than the typical republican.
Reagan and trump probably feel the same way about many things but Reagan was a smooth political operative. It's not what you do: it's about not getting caught. Reagan supported apartheid, despised homosexuals and looked the other way with AIDS, he played the southern strategy well. Mass media never labeled him the way they've labeled trump.
Trump can't control himself. He can't corral the angry white vote while keeping passable image for more moderate voters like Reagan did.
As a result trump makes it hard for the GOP to have moderates and it's angry conservatives.
Mainstream Media has allowed the GOP to have it both ways for decades. The GOP now has to distance themselves from trump in places like Maine or New York because or they will lose. Those areas have women and diverse voters who will vote them out. Repubs in safe conservative districts won't split with trump. That says it all: and it means alot
19
I hadnt thought about that. you are correct, they are only backpedalling on trump because his "strategy" for winning isnt working for them. thats making me feel even worse about them, if that is possible. what monsters, knowing they would be fine with trumps vile behavior if it was working.
Instead of legislating, Republican leadership chose to nitpick the President and minimize all that was done to pull us away from the economic crisis. They succeeded in convincing their constituents America was in dark decline and their constituents ate it up. But their plan to have a Jeb or Rubio as their candidate blew up in their faces because the constituency deemed Republican leadership as part of the problem. And they're right.
They put political power ahead of governance and the best interests of the country. They gerrymandered, fought all efforts to improve the economy, and drug their feet during natural disasters like hurricane Sandy. They left the great undone behind them to focus on trashing the current administration.
Their stupid and selfish reach for power gave them a candidate woefully unfit for the office who could still win the election and hurt the country. What Republican leaders say has no significance to their constituents because they lost their trust and respect. The right thing for them to do is shut up, start legislating, and behave like real leaders. (Fat chance.)
They put political power ahead of governance and the best interests of the country. They gerrymandered, fought all efforts to improve the economy, and drug their feet during natural disasters like hurricane Sandy. They left the great undone behind them to focus on trashing the current administration.
Their stupid and selfish reach for power gave them a candidate woefully unfit for the office who could still win the election and hurt the country. What Republican leaders say has no significance to their constituents because they lost their trust and respect. The right thing for them to do is shut up, start legislating, and behave like real leaders. (Fat chance.)
24
Perhaps the most blatant and ugliest "shadow" that Trump casts is his racist foundational belief. That racism is inherent in Trump's makeup is shown not only in his recent attacks on Muslims and Hispanics, but stretches back throughout his public history. As far back as the 1970's, he was attacking African Americans over housing in his properties; and of course there is the highly-publicized attack he fomented against 5 black youths whom he personally condemned to death over a murder they did not commit. His attacks on Native Americans are much less publicized (Native Americans never seem to rate as high in public awareness as they are stigmatized), simply to try to protect his gambling "empire" - an empire he managed to destroy all by himself, without any influence by "those people". Then we can move forward to the more well-known attacks on "Mexican" judges and Hispanics in general, and his huge, and hugely-disgusting (and hugely-popular within his racist supporters' ranks) attacks on anyone with Middle Eastern connections or background. Where he would rank on Jewish matters may rest in large degree on his latest bromance feelings with his buddy Putin. Thus far, Scandinavians seem to slip under his radar...but he probably hates Norwegian lefse. Hatred at his level has only one final endpoint - he will become alone in his disturbing beliefs, surrounded only by the few remaining skinheads and abhorred mentally-challenged racist dolts who cling to him.
13
At this point the entire GOP owns Trump and his racist, know nothing supporters.
For eight years, the GOP embraced the Tea Party members, implicitly supported the "Birther Lies", attacked and stonewalled everything President Obama proposed to help the American worker. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell worked for four years to make President Obama a one term President. McConnell failed.
Now that Trump's obvious character flaws, his narcissism, impulsiveness, pettiness, unwillingness to learn important foreign and domestic policies, and overall insecurities are playing out daily before the nation's voters, the GOP is running scared.
This is totally the GOP own fault. Not ONE major GOP Leader called out Trump for his lies about President Obama during the previous 7 years. Not ONE major GOP leader denounced Trump last year during his vitriolic attacks against women and minorities. Leaders, such as Ryan, now weekly denounce Trump's latest attacks BUT still endorse him.
This oxymoron makes no sense to the average American voter. How can you denounce a person's vicious statements and still endorse him? If you still endorse Trump, then you endorse and own EVERYTHING he has stated.
Trump may enthrall his base, but the majority of the American voters are now rejecting him in ever greater numbers.
Hopefully, for the security of our nation and our allies, this is the beginning of the end of for Donald Trump.
For eight years, the GOP embraced the Tea Party members, implicitly supported the "Birther Lies", attacked and stonewalled everything President Obama proposed to help the American worker. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell worked for four years to make President Obama a one term President. McConnell failed.
Now that Trump's obvious character flaws, his narcissism, impulsiveness, pettiness, unwillingness to learn important foreign and domestic policies, and overall insecurities are playing out daily before the nation's voters, the GOP is running scared.
This is totally the GOP own fault. Not ONE major GOP Leader called out Trump for his lies about President Obama during the previous 7 years. Not ONE major GOP leader denounced Trump last year during his vitriolic attacks against women and minorities. Leaders, such as Ryan, now weekly denounce Trump's latest attacks BUT still endorse him.
This oxymoron makes no sense to the average American voter. How can you denounce a person's vicious statements and still endorse him? If you still endorse Trump, then you endorse and own EVERYTHING he has stated.
Trump may enthrall his base, but the majority of the American voters are now rejecting him in ever greater numbers.
Hopefully, for the security of our nation and our allies, this is the beginning of the end of for Donald Trump.
22
Can't tell where the line is between dems and reps is anymore. Probably never really was one.What we are seeing in the panic is the real deal. Just one big unhappy family at the moment. Never have I heard so many outrageously incorrect quotes of DT. DT is now a Russian spy too, according to X top CIA guy. These are the ones who brought us to this point. Not DT and his real estate empire/Russian spy agency. US war hawks on both side backed Syrian rebels, who are now cutting off heads of 10 year old boys, and smiling while they do it. Nov, if DT wins, maybe their heads will roll too. Bush was 100% worst than DT, so what are they afraid of, and is it why HC was never charged by Comey? She said, many who were more knowledgeable in national security sent her emails. Several times she reminded them of the Sampson option. She did lied to congress under oath, but it doesn't raise a republican eyebrow. Even the "Never HC" republicans haven't pursued the slam dunk perjury case they have. Not one peep about the gift. Negative media towards DT. Russian spy allegations by X top CIA (unprecedented). The president also joining in the fun (unprecedented). The Emails (unprecedented). The DNC (unprecedented). The perjury (unprecedented).One senator even came out in public and insisted DT not be brief by national security (unprecedented). Sez to give DT a phony report (unprecedented). When asked, isn't that lying, the senator replied, "not if you don't tell him". (typical)
Why the republicans would like to dump him when they only elected him.
Yes, Donald Trump is a disaster who should be shunned but Republicans can't escape from their dismal record as a dysfunctional, do-nothing Congress, one of the worst in history. Many Americans, including some conservatives, are sick of the gridlock and are in a mood to throw the bums out. Let us hope.
8
Republicans in Congress should have helped Americans during the recession, but out of spite, withheld support for reasonable ideas, such as rebuilding crumbling infrastructure. That program would have put people to work AND repaired aging roads, bridges and more. Republicans failed the American people and the result is pitchfork politics from a furious working class.
2
Come Nov 8th , what are liberal loons going to do when Trump becomes. president . This election is Trump to lose .
And he's doing a fine job of it. The one thing he is doing well.
Robert, you have your concerns; I have mine. I worry Trump will not accept the voters' overwhelming rejection come November. Narcissists always think they are right. Already he is fomenting his supporters, screaming the election is rigged. I suspect we will hear much more of this as his campaign winds down. How will he--and his rabid supporters--handle a crushing defeat? Trump talks about unity, but will he be talking it the day after the election?
Us liberal loon do have places to go ... sort of. My problem is that I am an older academic guy, not that well off, and if you are older than 40 most of the places i would like to go won't let you emigrate unless you have a few million ... and I don't have it.
But hey, Robert-from-Maui where you gonna go if Trumpie loses? Rhodesia doesn't exist anymore.
But hey, Robert-from-Maui where you gonna go if Trumpie loses? Rhodesia doesn't exist anymore.
Trump was handed the first real world test of his "Presidential" capabilities a week and 2 days ago. Unfortunately, Trump failed miserably with a big F.
Just like President G. W. Bush, who faced Gold Star mother, Cindy Sheehan's criticism, Mr. Trump faced criticism from Muslim Gold Star family, the Khans.
While President Bush allowed Cindy Sheehan to exercise her 1st Amendment Rights for a month, Bush never attacked Ms. Sheehan in the Press for any of her verbal attacks on him. Rather Bush sympathized with her and then stated his reasons for disagreeing with her.
Trump was criticized in a short 6 minute speech by Muslim Gold Star father, Khizr Khan. In that short speech, Mr. Khan correctly pointed out how Mr. Trump's statements and positions would have banned Mr. Khan from even emigrating to our country and violate Equal Justice Under Law.
As a Presidential Candidate, Mr. Trump should have thanked the Khan's for their tremendous sacrifice to our country, briefly disagreed and then dropped the subject.
But no, Trump failed this Presidential Test in front of the entire nation.
Trump went on a five day Twitter and Press rampage, viciously attacking Mr. Khan, Mrs. Khan, the Press and lying by blaming President Obama and Hillary Clinton for Captain Khan's death.
Fact: Captain Humayun Khan died in Iraq on June 8, 2004 during the G.W. Bush administration, not President Obama's administration.
Trump's 5 day tirade demonstrate he is totally unfit for the Presidency.
Just like President G. W. Bush, who faced Gold Star mother, Cindy Sheehan's criticism, Mr. Trump faced criticism from Muslim Gold Star family, the Khans.
While President Bush allowed Cindy Sheehan to exercise her 1st Amendment Rights for a month, Bush never attacked Ms. Sheehan in the Press for any of her verbal attacks on him. Rather Bush sympathized with her and then stated his reasons for disagreeing with her.
Trump was criticized in a short 6 minute speech by Muslim Gold Star father, Khizr Khan. In that short speech, Mr. Khan correctly pointed out how Mr. Trump's statements and positions would have banned Mr. Khan from even emigrating to our country and violate Equal Justice Under Law.
As a Presidential Candidate, Mr. Trump should have thanked the Khan's for their tremendous sacrifice to our country, briefly disagreed and then dropped the subject.
But no, Trump failed this Presidential Test in front of the entire nation.
Trump went on a five day Twitter and Press rampage, viciously attacking Mr. Khan, Mrs. Khan, the Press and lying by blaming President Obama and Hillary Clinton for Captain Khan's death.
Fact: Captain Humayun Khan died in Iraq on June 8, 2004 during the G.W. Bush administration, not President Obama's administration.
Trump's 5 day tirade demonstrate he is totally unfit for the Presidency.
27
Clearly, we, who rely solely upon the NYT for political information, do not truly know how the other half think and live.
Some of the not-Trump Republicans are choosing Libertarian ex-Republican Gary Johnson as his polling numbers are slowly rising to reach the 15% required to qualify him for the televised debates.
We've still got 3 months until the general election and hellzapoppin.
I like imagining the political intrigue of not-Trump Republicans scheming for a 12th Amendment kerfuffle.
If Republicans are advised by party members not to vote for President at all or to even vote for Hillary, yet to also vote the Republican down ballot, then many of those will likely just not vote at all.
Some of the not-Trump Republicans are choosing Libertarian ex-Republican Gary Johnson as his polling numbers are slowly rising to reach the 15% required to qualify him for the televised debates.
We've still got 3 months until the general election and hellzapoppin.
I like imagining the political intrigue of not-Trump Republicans scheming for a 12th Amendment kerfuffle.
If Republicans are advised by party members not to vote for President at all or to even vote for Hillary, yet to also vote the Republican down ballot, then many of those will likely just not vote at all.
2
Great. Anything that pulls votes from Trump is welcome, even if he has zero chance of winning. Remember Ross Perot?
What is this, the Stupid Party? I mean, can you even imagine calling yourself a Republican?!? Today, in America? Oh Brother where art thou?
7
I was involved in a cordial discussion today where several people, all strangers to each other, were discussing how much Donald Trump was going to affect their lives. Remarks offered on the topic were overwhelmingly positive. What a contrast it was to all the negative charged energy so abundant here at the NYT. Pictures of sour faces and threatened careers. Trump won't appeal to you libs no matter what so stay focused on what Republican leaders think and nobody will find out how many are at each of Trumps campaign events.
1
Ah, If only it were the NYT that contained sentiment against the idea of Mr. Trump becoming the leader of the free world. It is in fact a majority of voters. Check Real Clear. Check 538. They deal in collections of and averages of polls. If you don't know why that approach is valuable, we'll wait. All set? Good. Now then. Last time Trump was ahead and outside the MOE was 7/22. Even the darling of FNC, Larry Sabato, shows Trump under an avalanche of electoral college votes. You will likely see many house candidates at Trump events, as they have no one else to turn to for coattails. The new ones - hoo boy - have no idea how to navigate the national campaign structure without the handholding of the RNC, which at this point is spending an inordinate amount of time trying to figure out what to do with Trump. It smacks of untreated ADD at the most generous (observable), medication-moderated tirades and detours at worst ("people have said" which is his standard for consideration). Were your strangers any of the ones I heard on the radio talking about how they love Trump's economic plan? That would be interesting, as not 30 minutes ago, Paul Manafort was live on Fox saying how the economic plan will be posted online Monday morning. Those strangers must be psychic, and should simply play Powerball. In the interim, you need to get out to Washington State. Cherry season is closing soon and they need pickers - you could make a fortune!
So.... what were those positive effects?
JP I did respond but alas, it didn't make the propagandist's cut.
"House Republican officials were furious at Mr. Coffman for not being prepared to answer predictable follow-up questions about whether he still supported Mr. Trump."
Don't blame the poor man. Of course he couldn't answer either way. The honest answer, "we've nominated a crazy person", would lose too much of the "base". And "of course I still support our nominee" would undo his effort to woo moderates.
Democrats need to seize the moment. What has the Republican "check on Obama" looked like? Oppose anything that came out of his mouth, just because it came out of his mouth. That's not a check, that's sabotage. Throw the Republican bums out.
Don't blame the poor man. Of course he couldn't answer either way. The honest answer, "we've nominated a crazy person", would lose too much of the "base". And "of course I still support our nominee" would undo his effort to woo moderates.
Democrats need to seize the moment. What has the Republican "check on Obama" looked like? Oppose anything that came out of his mouth, just because it came out of his mouth. That's not a check, that's sabotage. Throw the Republican bums out.
13
Donald Trump's job is to disrupt the status quo, not to lead the nation in a positive direction. His supporters remain with him after each ignorant comment because that's what he is there to do. Unfortunately his base, white men with little education, haven't realized just how much potential damage he could do if he was elected President.
Responsible Republicans need to decide what is best for the country, not what is best for their party. They cannot simultaneously do both here.
Responsible Republicans need to decide what is best for the country, not what is best for their party. They cannot simultaneously do both here.
7
In my state (Washington) the Republicans would be happy to have Trump campaign for them. Washington is quickly becoming the land of the liberal loons. Most of these "articles" seem to be editorials dressed up as journalism. I leave you with a quote from Walter Cronkite:
"Objective journalism and an opinion column are about as similar as the Bible and Playboy magazine. Walter Cronkite"
"Objective journalism and an opinion column are about as similar as the Bible and Playboy magazine. Walter Cronkite"
2
Our founding fathers created the electoral college because they didn't trust the general population to make intelligent decisions regarding the selection of a president. While the electoral college has been neutralized by electing those already pledged to a candidate, our present predicament surely vindicates the founders' concerns.
6
Pundits, we are told, are saying that Trump is destined to lose because of what he said about the Khans and "a disastrous week of feuds". It was July, now August. Trump has regularly polled within 5 points or so of Clinton. This week he dipped in the polls. He's got 3 months to recover. Over those 3 months we'll likely see a volatile Trump and a Clinton relegated to page 5. Trump doesn't need the support of the Republican regulars. And he doesn't need the support of Democrats. He's got 3 months of front page exposure while Clinton watches. All he has to is get back to where he was and attract the bulk of the undecided. That's what someone like Nate Silver would tell you. Announcements of the death of Mr. Trump are premature.
26
Racism + Arrogance + Ignorance = disaster
1
"Announcements of the death of Mr. Trump are premature."
First it's Pronouncements, not announcements. Second, unfortunately, I believe your notion is correct. But, give it some time. If we're lucky, Trump will end 5 points or more behind.
First it's Pronouncements, not announcements. Second, unfortunately, I believe your notion is correct. But, give it some time. If we're lucky, Trump will end 5 points or more behind.
1
His political obituary can't come too soon for me.
1
So the Republican strategy is to imply they are not with stupid but vote for me to obstruct Clinton just like we did Obama? The low-information dimwits who support Trump do not grasp that it is Republicans in Congress who have helped create the economic inequity and then worked diligently to prevent Obama from creating new jobs that would reduce it. Anyone who supported Sanders should be voting for Democrats — president and House/Senate —on their ballot this November. Not voting would make them as obtuse as the voters who think Trump is going to fix anything.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
11
The election of Donald Trump would likely start another world war because Mr. Trump has said several times he will take and keep Iraqi and Libyan oil. This would cause Arabs to invite Russia to help defend Arab oil and result in a world war. It is sad for Mr. Trump he wants to make such statements and ruin his chances.
1
Classic. "What stops Republican [strategists] from disavowing Mr. Trump...is that they fear alienating his voters". The same geniuses that gave us the "Southern Stragegy", Willie Horton, the Swift Boat boys, etc., etc.
The Republican base was built over the last half a century on these kind of appeals, and they ain't to reason, or aimed at the most reasonable of folks. You made the bed, boys. Enjoy your nap.
The Republican base was built over the last half a century on these kind of appeals, and they ain't to reason, or aimed at the most reasonable of folks. You made the bed, boys. Enjoy your nap.
7
What the Republicans won't be able to control are the Trump supporters whom they have spawned, and who will unleash waves to domestic terrorism that likes of which this nation has never before seen. Trump, like his homologue in Syria and like Tito in Yugoslavia, was able to heel this hounds. They will not be so easily pacified with jumbo bags of chips, beers, giant soda, while watching Fox from the sofa. Trump is right for us to be afraid. Very afraid.
5
Voters need only to recognize this: Hillary is stable;
Trump/Republicans, unstable.
Democrats, just let Trump keep trampling himself and the
down-ballot. He's only hot air and hair; nothing else goin' on
for the pathetic Donald.
Trump/Republicans, unstable.
Democrats, just let Trump keep trampling himself and the
down-ballot. He's only hot air and hair; nothing else goin' on
for the pathetic Donald.
5
Only in a sick society can a destructive person like Trump run for president.Does "Joe Sixpack" not understand that the republican party stands for chaos,violence,lawlessness and the denial of decent living conditions for ordinary people?
4
Will the Demacrats ever condemn and flee Hillary Clinton and their party leadership for the worst assault on our Democracy I have ever witnessed. The sandbagging of Bernie Sanders. This shadow is far darker and more offensive than anything said by Trump!
3
And they always come back with "Well, she won by over 4 million votes anyway, so..." The Dems are just as bad as the Reps. Whadayagunado?
If you believe that, you haven't been paying attention.
I think that for a lot of people it is going to come down to one question: who do you trust with the nuclear codes? And for most people, the answer is not trump.
6
The Democratic party needs to run this simple add to improve results for the critical down ballot Senate and House races, as well as for the state governor and legislative races: "Tired of Congressional and Senatorial gridlock? Vote for the Democratic candidates!" How many tragically two-legged Zika virus damaged pets will come to life due to Republican gridlock that could otherwise be prevented through lack of funding for non-abortive measures? The most outrageous poison pill that was added to the emergency Zika fight funding bill was to completely defund Planned Parenthood clinics in Puerto Rica, with his raging Zika epidemic of being able to distribute contraceptive assistance to women wishing to prevent conception of Zika induced microcephalous babies.
6
The Republicans have shown they are unfit to Govern this country. They have no new ideas. They obstruct and insult the office of the POTUS. They deserve to lose up and down the ballot until they can get their act together and be deserving the position of an opposition party.
Here is hoping for a Reagan like Landslide for the Dems.
Here is hoping for a Reagan like Landslide for the Dems.
6
Trump is so funny. His carefully thought out strategy is as soon as he is accused of something, to turn around and call all his opponents the same thing, hoping that will deflect it. Like when you have two five year olds fighting, and you say, who started it? And one says he did, and the other says, no, he did, and the other says no he didit, and on and on. No five year old is qualified to hold the office. Trump is just a five year old. Send him back to the sandbox.
5
Trump is not funny. In the 1920's, people thought that a ranting, racist paperhanger with an idiosyncratic hirsute feature was a figure of fun; a buffoon that no one could possibly take seriously and who would never be placed in a position of power. We all know how that turned out.
1
Trump is a lot of things, but not stupid. They didn't ask for his endorsement; he inserted himself into the process to endorse for sake of party unity, only to make clear he wasn't endorsing them. Go Nehlen!
It was never a secret, if Der Donald T did poorly enough the Senate could revert to Democratic majority; recently, speaker of the House Ryan warned GOP donors the Republican's House majority might be in jeopardy...
...and so the fog of confusion begins to lift, the mist of perplexity to dissipate, it is becoming ever more clear, though no less believable, just how Donald J. Trump plans to "Make America Great Again."
...and so the fog of confusion begins to lift, the mist of perplexity to dissipate, it is becoming ever more clear, though no less believable, just how Donald J. Trump plans to "Make America Great Again."
2
One thing these politicians and strategists at the top who read the NYTimes aren't taking into account is that many Trump supporters watch only Fox News - and Fox News ain't talkin' about Trump's disasters at all! It's remarkable. They're ignoring them entirely. They frame his issues in terms of him finding a road to victory, without mentioning why he's so endangered. It's journalism at its worse. But can the media please focus on the damn issues?
9
The Democrats and Republicans both do not like Trump. Shows what anyone disrupting the normal political business as usual is threat. I only wish Americans could actually go out and vote in larger numbers and pick more independent candidates who are not obnoxious thieves like Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. While I am not passionate about Gary Johnson he may get my vote because he is the only candidate with any integrity. Sure thing is they are not letting him on the debate stage because that is a pre determined show.
2
Sure, the Republicans NOW want to act like they didn't poison the political ground in which the toxic weed of Creepy Donnie grew. But they did, and they deserve to suffer the consequences.
11
How about just doing the right thing?
The president handles foreign affairs and the nuclear codes. There's no legislative check on what comes out of his mouth. If Trump doesn't know better than to attack the Khans, what kind of damage will he do in his frenzy to "win" arguments or pay back perceived slights by other world leaders?
He's so easy to trigger and he has no common sense about his replies. Think of the damage he could do.
The president handles foreign affairs and the nuclear codes. There's no legislative check on what comes out of his mouth. If Trump doesn't know better than to attack the Khans, what kind of damage will he do in his frenzy to "win" arguments or pay back perceived slights by other world leaders?
He's so easy to trigger and he has no common sense about his replies. Think of the damage he could do.
10
Gaffe: an unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator; a blunder.
"The surveys were taken soon after the Democratic National Convention and during Mr. Trump’s gaffe-filled week." -- an understatement, poor choice of words. Or is the NYT being "fair and balanced"?
"The surveys were taken soon after the Democratic National Convention and during Mr. Trump’s gaffe-filled week." -- an understatement, poor choice of words. Or is the NYT being "fair and balanced"?
1
It's much too late to "flee Trump" and we Democrats and enjoying every minute of the very slow train wreck. #republicansearnedtheirfate
7
The Times continues its jihad against Trump with yet another All-Anti-Trump, All-The-Time edition, while the real criminality and deceit that has characterized Mrs. William Jefferson Clinton's public career goes largely unexamined.
The insular posters on this board, entrapped in the vise-like grip of tyrannical and stultifying "progressivism" that dominates the shrinking Times media market, might consider this: there's a wide world west of Scarsdale in which your smug liberal certitudes are viewed as derisively (and for good reason) as you view the attitudes of Trump supporters.
For all his stylistic and metaphysical inadequacies, Trump has an excellent chance of defeating Crooked Hillary in November.
The insular posters on this board, entrapped in the vise-like grip of tyrannical and stultifying "progressivism" that dominates the shrinking Times media market, might consider this: there's a wide world west of Scarsdale in which your smug liberal certitudes are viewed as derisively (and for good reason) as you view the attitudes of Trump supporters.
For all his stylistic and metaphysical inadequacies, Trump has an excellent chance of defeating Crooked Hillary in November.
2
Clinton has gone "unexamined"? Really? She's the most examined public figure possibly ever, certainly in the last 25 years. yet still nothing. Funny, that. Clinton's vast experience, cool-headed demeanor, and canny strategy will put her in the White House this fall, with an assist from Trump's complete lack of anything substantial to say and inability to say it.
I love it when Dumpsters claim the Times is anti-Trump, but what good things has he offered to be reported on since the conventions? None whatsoever. They can only report what happens.
I love it when Dumpsters claim the Times is anti-Trump, but what good things has he offered to be reported on since the conventions? None whatsoever. They can only report what happens.
"Provide a different non threatening view of Republicans". Good luck with that.
5
What could be sweeter than if HRC wins, the democrats take control of the senate and President Clinton appoints Barack Obama to the Supreme Court. Wow. The line from Seinfeld comes to mind: "She's sticking it to me, Jerry."
6
Trump is a pit bull on a bungee cord leash. Good luck republicans.
6
Donald J. Trump is unfit, unqualified and unstable to be POTUS.
Donald J. Trump is a clear and present danger to our nation and to the world…
Any Republican who does not own up to this not only deserves not to hold public office…They are also cowards.
Donald J. Trump is a clear and present danger to our nation and to the world…
Any Republican who does not own up to this not only deserves not to hold public office…They are also cowards.
9
Interesting picture of Pat Toomey. Those of us in PA know how he votes and will remember it on Nov. 8th.
4
indeed we do. Seeing that embarrassment go down will be the icing on the victory cake.
There's a large chunk of republicans who are like me. I favor small government, free enterprise, and personal responsibility for my own decisions and their outcomes. But I am also educated, thoughtful, willing to consider opposing views in good faith, and 'enjoy' the occassional challenge to my world view. And I do believe in proper guardrails around behavior, to prevent lions from devouring whomever they seek, in all areas of human interaction. It's common sense.
Unlike the base of the GOP, and Trump, I LOVE diversity, abhor any discrimination, believe any adult should marry whomever they love, and to be the gender they want and need to be. I believe deeply in wide separation of church and state. I believe we shouldn't fight other people's wars, but that the world is also a dangerous place, and that we must be the strongest arm when the time comes. I believe we are on the precipice of irreverible environmental disaster. I believe in diplomacy, thinking win-win, and that America was always great, from 1776 onward.
I blame the GOP for all of the awful things they have done over the past 20 years or so, and equally blame conservative media outlets for their avaricious, calculated creation of this awful environment where this nutcase is even in the race.
Consequently, come Nov, I am indiscriminately voting democrat straight down the ticket, in every single election. Nothing any GOPer says or does will change that. And they deserve their fate. I am done with all of them.
Unlike the base of the GOP, and Trump, I LOVE diversity, abhor any discrimination, believe any adult should marry whomever they love, and to be the gender they want and need to be. I believe deeply in wide separation of church and state. I believe we shouldn't fight other people's wars, but that the world is also a dangerous place, and that we must be the strongest arm when the time comes. I believe we are on the precipice of irreverible environmental disaster. I believe in diplomacy, thinking win-win, and that America was always great, from 1776 onward.
I blame the GOP for all of the awful things they have done over the past 20 years or so, and equally blame conservative media outlets for their avaricious, calculated creation of this awful environment where this nutcase is even in the race.
Consequently, come Nov, I am indiscriminately voting democrat straight down the ticket, in every single election. Nothing any GOPer says or does will change that. And they deserve their fate. I am done with all of them.
427
You are so right.
I think you speak for the vast majority of Americans. Unfortunately there seems to be no room for fiscally conservative, socially liberal politicians who believe that government has its place in our lives and just how much of it is up for discussion and should change based on circumstance. Our politicians have embraced dumbed down rhetoric, fear mongering and extreme partisanship in their unquenchable thirst for power. They are not patriots nor are they willing to sacrifice one cell for their country. Trump is an absolute disgrace and I am writing this from Canada having spent hours answering questions from my relatives who used to believe they were lucky to have the USA as their neighbors. Now they see us as the senile old grandpa who is off the rails and needs a major intervention.
1
You have elegantly written a description of me! I left the Republican Party over a decade ago when I realized that it was morphing into the party of hate. Perhaps it always was and I just didn't recognize it.
More people should take the time to read the 2016 Republican platform....
A plan to teach bible studies in public schools (George Bush once said that teaching creationism in schools was a good alternative to teaching science), removing all caps on campaign contributions, expanding gun use (red states already have much higher gun death rates than blue states), stripping gay citizens of their right to CIVIL legally binding marriage unions,
And....smaller government. I think perhaps the red state folks should be careful what they wish for. Red states overwhelmingly receive more federal money per capita than do blue states,several of which give more than they get. I believe that this will continue until red states see the value of offering their citizens a decent wage, raising educational levels, removing barriers to equality for all citizens.
More people should take the time to read the 2016 Republican platform....
A plan to teach bible studies in public schools (George Bush once said that teaching creationism in schools was a good alternative to teaching science), removing all caps on campaign contributions, expanding gun use (red states already have much higher gun death rates than blue states), stripping gay citizens of their right to CIVIL legally binding marriage unions,
And....smaller government. I think perhaps the red state folks should be careful what they wish for. Red states overwhelmingly receive more federal money per capita than do blue states,several of which give more than they get. I believe that this will continue until red states see the value of offering their citizens a decent wage, raising educational levels, removing barriers to equality for all citizens.
1
The obvious attempt to rhetorically geld Donald Trump is a reverse Pascal's wager.it's a loser either way. If the operation is successful, he will lose credibility with his core base. If he doesn't change his campaign style he will be annihilated in November and the Senate will be lost. Senators Johnson, Ayotte, Kirk, and Toomey, can't survive an unaltered Trump campaign. Watching Trump read his pathetic endorsements of Ryan, McCain, and Ayotte, must have been like watching a lobotomized Randall McMurphy in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" for hardcore Trump supporters.
4
What makes you think these folks won't hold on to their seats in a GOP voter anti-Trump backlash?
Funny, that's just the image that came to my mind when I saw it.
Sorry, GOP the Trump train has long since left the Republican station.
7
Where were the "patriots" months ago when Trump was the same man he is today, a pathological liar.
They were seeing which way the political winds were blowing, and measuring their self-interest.
Even putting aside their late apostasy, there's no way to VERIFY if they are honest. They can vote for Trump, then tell the world they didn't.
Lovely. Why believe them?
They were seeing which way the political winds were blowing, and measuring their self-interest.
Even putting aside their late apostasy, there's no way to VERIFY if they are honest. They can vote for Trump, then tell the world they didn't.
Lovely. Why believe them?
6
In Texas, where I now live, the down-ballot people are as bad as the top. As a moderate, it's not reassuring to hear a person like Ted Cruz campaign in a primary election against a guy like David Dewhurst by denigrating Dewhurst as -- a moderate! And winning using that line of attack! I won't even go into such persons as Louie Gohmert and the notorious Texas state Board of Education. The GOP was first captured by a movement ('conservatism') and now is confronted with the fact that the authoritarian-oriented base is seeking 'bigger and better' in terms of emotionality, purity, and (unfortunately) hate. If found it in Donald Trump. (Note that whereas Texas voted for Cruz, the 'base' has now pivoted -- ignoring the tenets of their 'conservative' ideology -- and embraced a strongman who rejects many of the principles that they claimed they held.) In any event, why would a person like myself vote for a party that explicitly rejects moderation (and moderates) when I'm a non-ideologue. There is some kind of strange law of karma in the fact that I don't see any route to defend my values except (holding my nose) voting straight-line Democrat if only to reject both Trump and the hate-filled party ideologues 'down-ticket' (not to mention 'the base').
6
Lie down with dogs,wake up with fleas. Start scratching.
6
I wonder if Trump is the really problem or simply things being blown out to save Hillary from her blunders. The coverage by media is very selective, biased. Like last year November will expose their calculation.
1
Trump had every opportunity to turn the spotlight on Hillary's blunders. He has chosen instead to turn it on his weird feuds.
Maybe the NY Times will write a detailed article someday of how the clintons have amassed such great wealth in such a short period. Or an article detailing why Willian Safire called her a congenital liar. But alas, this would be too shocking for her supporters.
3
That Safire article has been so thoroughly debunked that I'm astonished any Republican has the effrontery to bring it up.
http://mediamatters.org/research/2004/11/30/cnn-correspondent-labeled-sa...
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1996/02/26/hating-hillary
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/6/11/1537582/-The-most-thorough-profo...
http://www.salon.com/2004/11/22/safire_7/
http://mediamatters.org/research/2004/11/30/cnn-correspondent-labeled-sa...
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1996/02/26/hating-hillary
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/6/11/1537582/-The-most-thorough-profo...
http://www.salon.com/2004/11/22/safire_7/
Hillary's supporters have known about these things for almost thirty years, MF. The fact that those of us who have always known these things and have always voted Republican are now supporting her should tell you we are shocked, all right, but not by her.
1
i thought Republicans were all for wealth accumulation?
Republican patriotism and Republican courage coexist within a single package: It's not possible to stand up to Mr. Trump now and denounce him openly, but after the election I will develop more courage and devotion to country. THAT'S when I'm going to resist Trump. Later. Mañana. After I've retired. In my memoirs.
3
What cowards. The GOP would have supported a racist megalomaniac all the way to the Whitehouse if he was polling high.
9
The GOP cannot escape its base; the base IS the GOP. They have spent a decade cultivating and nurturing them with outrageous, racist lies and for some time now that roiling mob of bigots, hate-filled religious nut balls and appallingly ignorant voters have controlled both houses of congress. The only way the GOP and the country is going to recover is to dump ALL of them, not just Trump.
4
It is silly to cede the white house to an unidicted felon. This is another article written on behalf of Hillaey by the supportive liberal media.
2
How is the media responsible for Trump's shear incompetence as a politician? They are simply reporting on his actions and there repercussions which is their job. Not even to mention that Trump is currently involved in lawsuits for fraud for his bogus "university" so the unindicted felon pendulum swings both ways. The only difference is Hillary's case was already resolved.
1
For all those Republicans (and that should read all) who are detached, disaffected, dismayed and disgusted by Trump there is the Johnson-Weld ticket that they can and should support.
"Damned if we do and damned if we don’t"?
Damned straight.
The (ex) Republican Party, having voted repeatedly to wreck the credit rating of the United States, incessantly lying about basic science, and steadfastly refusing to even consider minimal regulations on homicidal maniacs buying military weapons, embraced arrogant stupidity as its be-all and end-all long before Trump became its standard bearer. It is already damned to everlasting disgrace and there is nothing left to do with that dead elephant party but heave it with all might onto the scrap heap of history where it has long belonged.
Once that is is done, and a real conservative party has taken its place, the next essential step is to replace the Coward (ex-Democrat) party by a new progressive party containing leaders with backbones.
Damned straight.
The (ex) Republican Party, having voted repeatedly to wreck the credit rating of the United States, incessantly lying about basic science, and steadfastly refusing to even consider minimal regulations on homicidal maniacs buying military weapons, embraced arrogant stupidity as its be-all and end-all long before Trump became its standard bearer. It is already damned to everlasting disgrace and there is nothing left to do with that dead elephant party but heave it with all might onto the scrap heap of history where it has long belonged.
Once that is is done, and a real conservative party has taken its place, the next essential step is to replace the Coward (ex-Democrat) party by a new progressive party containing leaders with backbones.
4
I recall reading that Trump said he would stand down for $5 billion. The Koch brothers should take Trump up on his offer.
2
That won't work because Trump would manage to renege, and the Kochs would be down another five billion.
We hear Republican vipers calling for unity and down ballot survival of the poisonous incumbents who have nearly brought this mighty nation so close to utter ruin.
They deserve what they have created. Utter destruction.
The party of Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower is long gone and has never provided other leadership, only the persistent drive for a permanent majority of vipers.
For eight years they have repudiated not simply Barack Obama, but the presidency itself unless occupied by a member of their inner circle.
This is a party that quietly renounced the Constitution while boasting falsely of adherence. They have sought to subvert existing law and code by their actions. They have sought the total politicizing of the Supreme Court by requiring adherence to rulings they want but have not obtained.
This is the party that sought to conduct foreign policy entirely on its own, establishing direct contact with the most vile of Iran's leadership while undercutting those who sought a return to more mainstream leadership.
This is the party the repudiated the U.S. Constitution by conducting its own foreign policy, using their control of the legislative branch to stage a coup against our president, elected twice by unusually large majorities in the popular vote.
It is sedition to behave that way. Would we dare do that with Othrr allies.
They now seek to evade the consequences. There are no Republican innocents in this mess.
They deserve what they have created. Utter destruction.
The party of Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower is long gone and has never provided other leadership, only the persistent drive for a permanent majority of vipers.
For eight years they have repudiated not simply Barack Obama, but the presidency itself unless occupied by a member of their inner circle.
This is a party that quietly renounced the Constitution while boasting falsely of adherence. They have sought to subvert existing law and code by their actions. They have sought the total politicizing of the Supreme Court by requiring adherence to rulings they want but have not obtained.
This is the party that sought to conduct foreign policy entirely on its own, establishing direct contact with the most vile of Iran's leadership while undercutting those who sought a return to more mainstream leadership.
This is the party the repudiated the U.S. Constitution by conducting its own foreign policy, using their control of the legislative branch to stage a coup against our president, elected twice by unusually large majorities in the popular vote.
It is sedition to behave that way. Would we dare do that with Othrr allies.
They now seek to evade the consequences. There are no Republican innocents in this mess.
6
Richard Nixon, Dick Cheney, George Bush, Mitch
McConnel---mean spirited and petty. On the other hand, like characters in a Shakespearian play they seem to have let their moment pass so a mean spirited clown could have his moment upon the stage. We will get through this but the world will be less well attended because of it and, for a while at least, we will think less highly of ourselves.
McConnel---mean spirited and petty. On the other hand, like characters in a Shakespearian play they seem to have let their moment pass so a mean spirited clown could have his moment upon the stage. We will get through this but the world will be less well attended because of it and, for a while at least, we will think less highly of ourselves.
3
Trump makes it up as he goes along. His rhetoric is blue collar. He doesn't address most issues, and he merely scratches the surface of those that he addresses. He has been outspoken about immigration, but the wall that he calls for is metaphorical -- dozens of candidates have called for the wall only to learn that it makes no sense. His deportation plan is also metaphorical, totally impractical for reasons I've discussed elsewhere. As for foreign policy, Trump isn't the only one making it up. Every President in our history, once in office, has been overrun by events as they happen.
Trump has not yet realistically addressed a single policy issue. So why all the fuss about the world coming to an end if he's elected? Part of it is that Trump doesn't play by the rules, that he's decidedly not a party man, and that he answers to nobody.
I disagree with those who see Trump bringing an end to democracy and starting World War III. In fact, I think the alarmists are as crazy as Trump. And that leads to my bottom line -- I think he's ignorant and stupid and borderline crazy. If elected, he hasn't a clue about what to do and how to get it done. There just isn't much evidence that he'll be an evil dictator. Everything we know so far points to a bumbling fool.
Trump has not yet realistically addressed a single policy issue. So why all the fuss about the world coming to an end if he's elected? Part of it is that Trump doesn't play by the rules, that he's decidedly not a party man, and that he answers to nobody.
I disagree with those who see Trump bringing an end to democracy and starting World War III. In fact, I think the alarmists are as crazy as Trump. And that leads to my bottom line -- I think he's ignorant and stupid and borderline crazy. If elected, he hasn't a clue about what to do and how to get it done. There just isn't much evidence that he'll be an evil dictator. Everything we know so far points to a bumbling fool.
2
The down ballat Republicans must think the rest of us are stupid. They enabled Trump at the least and actively promoted his cause at worst. They must be voted out entirely.
7
The GOP created this angry mob that is their base. They thought they could control it. They can't. Yet the GOP wishes to win elections. So they have now fully empowered the mob, afraid of alienating voters, and have submitted to it heart and soul. The GOP now has no moral, ethical, or patriotic compass, just an angry ignorant mob telling them what to do. This is not leadership, and it has nothing to do with what is right for America. The cynical GOP would say or do anything to win an election. A once great party is reduced to nothingness.
4
I find it odd that people are making it out that republicans gave him the position he's in. A combined 9% of voters got Trump and Clinton where they are today. Where were the other 91%? Sitting at home hoping someone voted against them? We the people elect them, and we the people are responsible for allowing this to happen to our country. It's time we took responsibility for electing these power hungry people into office. I don't care what party you are, both sides are as extreme in their ideas as the other. You can be in game or sit at home and be an armchair quarterback.
4
There is an article n NYT right now (comments closed) bemoaning low world economic growth. Commentators advance various theories as to why, whether it matters, and what will happen in the future. All I know for certain is that if the US elects Hillary Clinton as POTUS, nothing will change. In fact the boot stamping on the face of the American middle class will get much stronger. Trump looks unhinged, but maybe a little chaos or creative destruction is preferable to the certainty of further feudalism. The Clintons together are so corrupt, vainglorious, self seeking, self regarding and slippery it beggars belief either was ever elected to high public office. The NYT and WSJ are simply not doing enough to expose the Clintons for what they are. They ARE doing a great job holding Trump to account, and hopefully that will mould the candidate, his advisors and the shape of a possible Trump administration. If Clinton is elected, accountability goes out the window. The Clintons behave like a modern day regency.
1
How are they corrupt? Why do you think Hillary would be bad for the middle class? What would trump actually do? And many other questions I would have for you except that you just intend to spew Fox news generalities and scary phrases. No trump would not be good even if all you want is to shake things up.
I as an Orthodox Jew support Trump all the way. He will bring change. Real change not corrupt politics like the clintons. All my family and friends are also voting for Trump as we feel he is best for America.
11
1
As a Jewess and Independent voter for 70+ years, I will put my right to vote for Mrs Clinton , an intelligent, experienced candidate with no more slips of the tongue than any of us. The change you refer to from a possibly deranged, corrupt egoist with NO government experience may be more than you bargained for. Be careful what you wish for.........
2
Exactly what change?
Or are you just crossing your fingers and hoping that change, any change, will be one for the better?
Or are you just crossing your fingers and hoping that change, any change, will be one for the better?
1
It has become exhausting listening to everyone from the media to so-called "responsible Republicans" to Trump supporters themselves sugar-coat what has happened, and indeed what should happen, to this insufferable party that has hoist itself on its own petard if ever there was an example of the phenomenon. Trump, so clearly a deeply disturbed individual who exhibits very real characteristics of narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders as well as other ailments - along with what appears to be such nascent emotional development that a great many of his actions and statements come across as deeply insecure, adolescent versions of these problematic disorders - shouldn't be reasonably discussed as an actual candidate, regardless of his support.
A madman who just so happens to have had garnered many votes doesn't make himself any less of a madman, he only reflects the sad state of affairs of the American electorate and the members of his own party who pathetically cower and ring their hands as to what to do.
What should they do? Who cares? They long ago lost the chance to do the honorable, American thing and disavow not just Trump's actions and words, but his entire candidacy for the sake of the nation and its people.
Pretending that any of these Republicans can thread the needle on this one politically ignores the only true fact - they can't do so morally, ethically, or in the name of this country's values.
They've already lost. And so have we.
A madman who just so happens to have had garnered many votes doesn't make himself any less of a madman, he only reflects the sad state of affairs of the American electorate and the members of his own party who pathetically cower and ring their hands as to what to do.
What should they do? Who cares? They long ago lost the chance to do the honorable, American thing and disavow not just Trump's actions and words, but his entire candidacy for the sake of the nation and its people.
Pretending that any of these Republicans can thread the needle on this one politically ignores the only true fact - they can't do so morally, ethically, or in the name of this country's values.
They've already lost. And so have we.
7
"He is a black soul, and this is totally unfit for the leadership of this country." Khzir Khan
If the GOP nominee were black he would never have gotten this far, case in point Ben Carson. Dr. Carson, while we can question his political acumen and his kindred Trump "black soul" leanings, his neurosurgical prowess is irrefutable. Donald knows less and cares less than perhaps any candidate who has ever run for office.
The GOP cannot distance themselves from the stench of his petulant and puerile pontifications. It has penetrated the fabric of the Republican party and their candidates. That they believes they need him and are incapable of taking a stand for the dignity of our nation is their undoing.
"It is a moral obligation -- history will not forgive them. This election will pass, but history will be written. The lack of moral courage with remain a burden on their souls."(Khan)
I keep wondering what kind of people are so infatuated with this tinpot, faux billionaire, despot and his contempt for our nation's Constitution and Bill of Rights?
If the GOP nominee were black he would never have gotten this far, case in point Ben Carson. Dr. Carson, while we can question his political acumen and his kindred Trump "black soul" leanings, his neurosurgical prowess is irrefutable. Donald knows less and cares less than perhaps any candidate who has ever run for office.
The GOP cannot distance themselves from the stench of his petulant and puerile pontifications. It has penetrated the fabric of the Republican party and their candidates. That they believes they need him and are incapable of taking a stand for the dignity of our nation is their undoing.
"It is a moral obligation -- history will not forgive them. This election will pass, but history will be written. The lack of moral courage with remain a burden on their souls."(Khan)
I keep wondering what kind of people are so infatuated with this tinpot, faux billionaire, despot and his contempt for our nation's Constitution and Bill of Rights?
6
I say "go riddance" to all of them. Trump should welcome the opportunity for these RINOs to expose themselves as the Washington establishment, Hillary's power base.
1
The GOP is dying before our eyes -- good riddance. They nurtured crazy and ignorant. They prospered with the invention of hate-o-tainment. They built a party base that is dominated by angry/crazy ... and now it is eating them up.
What this election cycle showed, with the clown bus of candidates, is that mainstream conservatism is only about 20% of the party. The GOP is throwing them out now, to become the even-crazier-stupid party.
What this election cycle showed, with the clown bus of candidates, is that mainstream conservatism is only about 20% of the party. The GOP is throwing them out now, to become the even-crazier-stupid party.
11
“Do we run the risk of depressing our base by repudiating the guy, or do we run the risk of being tarred and feathered by independents for not repudiating him?” asked Glen Bolger, a Republican pollster working on many of this year’s races. “We’re damned if we do and damned if we don’t.”
I would imagine that most of the hand-wringing comes from those who would like to repudiate "him" but that would complicate the calculus of what seems to be their primary motivation ... getting (re)elected. Heaven forbid the poor Rs have to take a stand based on what they actually believe (if anything). "Why, oh why, do we have to make these decisions? Can't we just wait a bit to see which way the wind is going to blow?" Morally bankrupt cowards!
"One House Republican has already started airing an ad vowing to stand up to Mr. Trump if he is elected president, and others are expected to press similar themes in the weeks ahead."
Snort out loud! Anyone who actually believes that should call me. I have some "prime Florida real estate" that I'd be willing to part with at a fraction of its real worth. If he/she is unwilling to take a stand BEFORE the election, the assertion that he/she will do it AFTER the election is ... pathetically laughable!
I would imagine that most of the hand-wringing comes from those who would like to repudiate "him" but that would complicate the calculus of what seems to be their primary motivation ... getting (re)elected. Heaven forbid the poor Rs have to take a stand based on what they actually believe (if anything). "Why, oh why, do we have to make these decisions? Can't we just wait a bit to see which way the wind is going to blow?" Morally bankrupt cowards!
"One House Republican has already started airing an ad vowing to stand up to Mr. Trump if he is elected president, and others are expected to press similar themes in the weeks ahead."
Snort out loud! Anyone who actually believes that should call me. I have some "prime Florida real estate" that I'd be willing to part with at a fraction of its real worth. If he/she is unwilling to take a stand BEFORE the election, the assertion that he/she will do it AFTER the election is ... pathetically laughable!
6
The Donald is preparing to sue the GOP for child abandonment.
5
Another reason not to vote for Republicans running for Congress. I knew from the beginning what Donald Trump was like and the Republicans are only now getting it? I don't vote for people who are obviously less intellingent than myself.
10
Riiiiiight. Forget Trump, just vote for the congressional candidates who won't allow laws to block purchases of lethal weapons by known terrorists and their affiliates.
9
Here with a Loafing Electorate beneath the Polls,
eCigarettes, Vaping, 50" waists—and TD
Beside me ranting/raging in the Hustings —
And Landslide is Paradise enow.
[ apologies to OK ]
eCigarettes, Vaping, 50" waists—and TD
Beside me ranting/raging in the Hustings —
And Landslide is Paradise enow.
[ apologies to OK ]
The answer for the GOP....is to just be truthful...
Expose Donald J. Trump: refer to Robert Reich's recent article in Newsweek;
Donald J. Trump's Many Failures...
and
then further investigate Trump's dependence on Russian Banks financing his
business interests...as suggested by Reich.
That is what you need to do...not to hide the truth....Republicans....
The GOP is behaving like a conglomerate of a Nixon embodiment...and
so....just denounce Trump...demand his tax returns...BE HONEST.
Expose Donald J. Trump: refer to Robert Reich's recent article in Newsweek;
Donald J. Trump's Many Failures...
and
then further investigate Trump's dependence on Russian Banks financing his
business interests...as suggested by Reich.
That is what you need to do...not to hide the truth....Republicans....
The GOP is behaving like a conglomerate of a Nixon embodiment...and
so....just denounce Trump...demand his tax returns...BE HONEST.
13
Trump clips followed by the GOP leadership endorsements. What better political statement.
5
It makes me wonder how long Reince Priebus can hold onto his job. The RNC was completely ineffectual in the face of the Trump onslaught.
109
In my view, the entire Republican Party is 'completely ineffectual in the face of the Trump onslaught.'
Keep on wondering. Either you know or don't know. There is no I think.
Watching Trump looking down and reading right from a script which probably was handed to him 15 minutes before his speech in Green Bay was pitiful. Even the crowd's response seemed more tepid, with mild cheers as he read off the talking points and candidates he was belatedly supporting. Frankly, I think those candidates might have been just as happy if he didn't endorse them.
14
Why isn't every news organization at every opportunity demanding that Trump reveal his personal tax returns?
Along with all the ancillary craziness that occurs in his campaign and on the podium, the media should be reminding the voting public that this candidate unlike every other presidential aspirant has declined to show the public where his money and wealth comes from.
Since Trump has laid claim to his outstanding business qualifications to be president he should be made or shamed into revealing how well he has performed as a "business tycoon" according to him and back up his incessant boasting.
Along with all the ancillary craziness that occurs in his campaign and on the podium, the media should be reminding the voting public that this candidate unlike every other presidential aspirant has declined to show the public where his money and wealth comes from.
Since Trump has laid claim to his outstanding business qualifications to be president he should be made or shamed into revealing how well he has performed as a "business tycoon" according to him and back up his incessant boasting.
39
I completely agree. I hope the call for his tax returns will start in earnest come Labor Day when most people start to pay attention to the election.
9
Nobody vets candidates for public offices in the US. This is left to the voters.
When you have voters too stupid to demand to see the tax records of a multiple bankrupt who claims to $10 billion net worth, there's no adult in charge.
When you have voters too stupid to demand to see the tax records of a multiple bankrupt who claims to $10 billion net worth, there's no adult in charge.
This tax return issue is a tired "talking point". Trump would most certainly be unfairly torn apart by the media, who would hire legions of CPAs to dissect every minute aspect of his returns. And this after all his audits by the IRA have found nothing illegal. The problem is, Trump's tax practices are most likely in line with what multi-millionaire real estate moguls do, but he would be judged against the standard of what the typical officer worker or blue collar worker does with his or her taxes. And by the way, plenty os US businesses have interests in Russia, so this would be another red herring the media would jump on. Maybe if the media weren't so agenda-driven, releasing his taxes would be more reasonable.
1
Guess this is why these guys have no clear principles to follow. That way, they can just maneuver in whatever direction their desire to hold on to power takes them. But if they are going to separate themselves from Trump, they better do it loud and together, because otherwise Trump could get elected and come after them. This is an all-in moment, not a safe bet.
7
To help understand the state of the Republican party is in right now I recommend reading the comment section following the Politico article about Sean Hannity blaming the Republican Leadership if Donald Trump loses. Republicans are savaging each other. It is difficult if not impossible to see how they will be able to unite.
9
Yeah liberals, you're right; Trump is toast. He has no chance. There's no reason to bother to vote now. You might just as well stay home November 8th.
1
Ha ha ha.
7
I gotta give it to you, that one was funny. :)
Nice try. No, will be out in our millions. We don't just want victory, we want a landslide.
Ah, so the Gratuitous Opposition Party is in a panic. Hey, I might be wrong, but it's because they fear that Trump breaches the possibility of blundering into catastrophes not seen since the 20th century.
This man must be stopped.
This man must be stopped.
8
Hilarious and predictable. But no dice. GOP created trump and with very rare exceptions endorsed him. It's too late to run away for convenience. Time to pay the piper.
14
Stop wasting time and money attacking the candidates. It's not just about Trump. Nor is it just about Clinton. This election is about lots of people on both sides -- with battle lines clearly drawn. Let's try to be fair and may the best side win -- for the sake of all of us.
4
Fair? You mean like how Donald Trump was fair to his contractors?
Oh, the GOP. It's a dinosaur. But what replaces them won't be any better. Remember William Carlos Williams: "The pure products of America go crazy."
3
Do not insult the dinosaurs. But for the meteor impact that destroyed their entire ecosystem, they were extremely well-adapted, beautiful lives were well on their way to developing intelligence.
The G.O.P. would be better off if it knuckled down and finally did a proper job of housecleaning - tossing out the fanatics and the fundamentalists then gathering their remaining good politicians to rebuild a party that has the ability to function within the parametres of the 21st century, and not preserve a party that, the way it is now, would be totally at home in the times of The Crucible.
The G.O.P. would be better off if it knuckled down and finally did a proper job of housecleaning - tossing out the fanatics and the fundamentalists then gathering their remaining good politicians to rebuild a party that has the ability to function within the parametres of the 21st century, and not preserve a party that, the way it is now, would be totally at home in the times of The Crucible.
The Party of NO will stick at its premises, the Senate, more than anything else.
2
The real battleground is over who makes public policy in the US, God, or people. The Republicans have stacked the judiciary to treat the claims of people who believe public policy causes God to punish them with respect.
What we are seeing here is what politicians are all about. THEMSELVES!! Most don't have our country interests or safety at heart,they are concerned only with getting re-elected. If a majority of them (90%) would do the right thing and denounce Trump I don't think his fragile ego could take it and he might quit.
18
... or he might become doubly determined and turn his current self-immolation into a real fireworks show. This could get really fun.
Apparently the NYT does not recognize how close this race is. Mr Trump, for all his flaws is proving how nasty Mz Clinton is--she struggles to keep her head in front and above Trumps backwash.
@curtis dickinson
Worcester
Did you read the story? Did you understand the story? The Republican party (not the NYT) is panicking because they fear a Trump debacle. Does this sounds as if the Republican party think this race is close?
Worcester
Did you read the story? Did you understand the story? The Republican party (not the NYT) is panicking because they fear a Trump debacle. Does this sounds as if the Republican party think this race is close?
20
The race may be tighter than pollsters are currently showing. Nevertheless, Donald's complete unfitness to be President is becoming more evident every day. (Now he is attacking our ally, Japan, as if he is a Putin crony.) That is the issue. Not whether Clinton has flaws, we all recognize them. But she is capable and Donald is not. End of discussion. Politics and policy have been rendered irrelevant when we face essentially the prospect of an unstable authoritarian ill-informed president.
13
@ Curtis Dickinson He's also done a nice job showing everyone how incompetent and woefully unqualified he is to be the president
2
Splitting tickets makes ZERO sense today, especially after what Obama had to endure over the last 6 years. Voting for Hillary and a GOP-controlled Congress basically nullifies your vote... All you get is gridlock and dysfunction.
People who split tickets have no room to complain.
People who split tickets have no room to complain.
41
Democrats, we must make sure we help ALL DEMOCRATS VOTE in November. No complacency. None.
34
THIS JUST IN:
Donald J. Trump has been found unfit to serve as President... of the Mickey Mouse Club.
(•¿•)
Donald J. Trump has been found unfit to serve as President... of the Mickey Mouse Club.
(•¿•)
14
Cowards! That's what you all are: NY Times Editorial Board, readers, Rep politicians who 'aren't sure' whether to support the Donald or not. Donald=a jewel in the rough. A diamond in the rough. He says things we're all (white people) thinking but are afraid to say. He is the one. Can't you see that? Do all the politicians want to ignore the 'people's' vote which elected him? Go Trump!
2
"He says things we're all (white people) thinking but are afraid to say. "
Absolutely not the case in my world! In fact, one of my white family members, who is not a Muslim, immediately vowed to register as a Muslim should Trump become president and begin the registration process -- even if it ended in internment. Many white people are repulsed by his racism and will not be afraid to use civil disobedience to KEEP AMERICA SAFE from policies of racism and fear.
Absolutely not the case in my world! In fact, one of my white family members, who is not a Muslim, immediately vowed to register as a Muslim should Trump become president and begin the registration process -- even if it ended in internment. Many white people are repulsed by his racism and will not be afraid to use civil disobedience to KEEP AMERICA SAFE from policies of racism and fear.
3
Trust me--I'm a white person(old and male too) who isn't thinking the nastiness Trump and his supporters are saying.
1
I'm probably more white than you but couldn't despise Trump more. He's a demagogue and fascist.
1
Trump is a sociopath who is manipulating the Republican party into oblivion. Shame on any candidate who does not DENOUNCE him. Trying to 'distance' yourself from this professional Con Artist will not work and you will lose.
25
A couple years ago my sister and I were bemoaning the loss of the moderate Republicans of our youth............Ah but they do exist........Gary Johnson and Bill Weld seem to be making more sense than anyone else out there.
2
Maybe you are correct, but if so, sadly, they cannot win the national election in November. The process is too far along to make it feasible. So voting for them is tantamount to voting for Donald. Immediate gratification of voting third party on Nov 8 could lead to a Trump presidency and all hope for moderation or progress for anyone but billionaires is out the window. Did you see who comprises Donald's new economic team? Billionaire donors.
5
"Libertarianism" is not moderate.
A vote for Gary Johnson is simply a vote for Gary Johnson.......and a vote for integrity. I suppose you could vote for other reasons.
WAKE UP CALL TO GOP! You were asleep at the helm. Your Titanic has crashed into the iceberg. You can run, but you can't hide from Trump. So now take your times rearranging the deck chairs while you watch the great GOP ship sink.
12
They are, at this moment, looking for women's shawls to hide under so they can sneak into the lifeboats.
A Clinton/Kaine win in November is insufficient. Trump and every Republican candidate must be blown out, decimated. The hate and bigotry the Republicans have visited on this country since the 70s must be destroyed. The pathetic and hypocritical pair of McConnell and Ryan must be relegated to the cheap seats. Only then can a sensible conservative movement have a chance to grow again. The GOP as we know it today is irredeemable. It must go into the dustbin of history.
520
...dustbins have a voice also...
1
MJL, Exactly. A blowout. Like the legendary OU football coach Barry Switzer used to tell his team about their opponent: "Hang half a hundred on them."
The point being, beat them so convincingly that when they played again the following season, all hope for victory was already gone.
The point being, beat them so convincingly that when they played again the following season, all hope for victory was already gone.
The amusing thing - or perhaps the distressing thing is that your posting full of hate has 370 approvals.
I have always suspected that Democrats want a one party state in America.
My thanks to you for being up front!
I have always suspected that Democrats want a one party state in America.
My thanks to you for being up front!
1
Avoid Koch-sponsored candidates, regardless of what positions they are running for. Down-ballot or up-ballot - avoid any Koch-sponsored candidate. And their non-reporting 504 groups too.
25
You would have to avoid Hillary.
When all comments are registered there will be maybe 2000 of the same democrats calling Trump names or hanging mischaracterizations on him. He appreciates your concerns and once he is presisdent will let you all know he appreciated your support.
4
Calling Donald mentally/emotionally unfit for the Presidency is fact. It is not a mischaracterization. Further, he has shown no knowledge of foreign affairs and no motivation to learn facts and comprehend some of the intractable problems existing in the world. He lacks empathy, hasn't demonstrated that he has undertaken any humanitarian efforts in his life. Maybe he donates his properties to charities, but that is hardly putting himself out in any way for another, less priviledged individual. We have a lot of problems in the US and abroad and Trump could have been someone who cared and unselfishly did good works for others in his life -- even if in some small way.. but he thinks that would make him a "loser" if he gave effort without a reward.
1
Any thoughts on Trump university? That was in the news long before he ran for the nomination. Looks like a complete rip off of average Americans to me.
1
Oh those mean democrats, and those poor republicans who Donald Trump has kicked in the crotch! We know Donald "The Loser" will appreciate your support at least.
"Now isn't that special."
Trump endorses Paul Ryan, John McCain, and Kelly Ayotte.
I have just doubled my donations to:
Ann Kirkpatrick running against Senator McCain in Arizona.
Maggie Hassan running against Senator Kelly Ayotte in New Hampshire.
I may even send a donation to Republican Paul Nehlen running against Republican Paul Ryan in the Republican primary on next Tuesday, August 8.
"How sweet it is."
Trump endorses Paul Ryan, John McCain, and Kelly Ayotte.
I have just doubled my donations to:
Ann Kirkpatrick running against Senator McCain in Arizona.
Maggie Hassan running against Senator Kelly Ayotte in New Hampshire.
I may even send a donation to Republican Paul Nehlen running against Republican Paul Ryan in the Republican primary on next Tuesday, August 8.
"How sweet it is."
26
Just so you know, Nehlen would like to deport all Muslims, including non-immigrants (e.g. African Americans). Be sure that is a position you are comfortable putting your money behind.
Thank you Raindrop.
I really wasn't that serious and note the use of "may even".
However I do think that Ryan needs to be dropped. It couldn't happen to a more deserving entity.
I must look into the existence of any Democrat running against whoever prevails in the GOP primary for Ryan and Nehlen.
Let me know if there is a Democrat waiting in the wings based on the Aug. 8 outcome.
Whittling away at the GOP hold on the House is worthwhile in any and all cases.
I really wasn't that serious and note the use of "may even".
However I do think that Ryan needs to be dropped. It couldn't happen to a more deserving entity.
I must look into the existence of any Democrat running against whoever prevails in the GOP primary for Ryan and Nehlen.
Let me know if there is a Democrat waiting in the wings based on the Aug. 8 outcome.
Whittling away at the GOP hold on the House is worthwhile in any and all cases.
“Do we run the risk of depressing our base by repudiating the guy, ..."
This says it all. The GOP pollster says it all. OUR base, not Donald Trump's base, OUR base. These are the core voters the GOP has recruited and nurtured for the past three decades and especially the last ten years, as the middle class has shrunk. There's aren't enough one percenters to give you more than, well, 1% of the vote. Add to that those who are close to being one percenters and think they will reach that pinnacle (whether they ever do or not) and you've got, what, 10% of the vote? They aren't going to win you elections. You need the people who contribute to TV evangelists because they think those guys actually know what God is thinking. You need the people who think they have lost or soon may lose their jobs because of immigrants who mostly do jobs at wages American citizens won't take. You need gun owners who have been brainwashed into thinking that Pres. Obama is about to knock on their doors with a platoon of soldiers at his side to take away their guns. Well, you've got 'em, Speaker Ryan, Gov. Pence, Sen. McConnell, Chairman Priebus, and they've been energized by a Trump who plays to their weaknesses. You could have gone in another direction, moving to the center and sticking to facts, not fantasies and flattery, to attract voters from the Democrats, but you chose this one. Don't expect sympathy in your plight.
This says it all. The GOP pollster says it all. OUR base, not Donald Trump's base, OUR base. These are the core voters the GOP has recruited and nurtured for the past three decades and especially the last ten years, as the middle class has shrunk. There's aren't enough one percenters to give you more than, well, 1% of the vote. Add to that those who are close to being one percenters and think they will reach that pinnacle (whether they ever do or not) and you've got, what, 10% of the vote? They aren't going to win you elections. You need the people who contribute to TV evangelists because they think those guys actually know what God is thinking. You need the people who think they have lost or soon may lose their jobs because of immigrants who mostly do jobs at wages American citizens won't take. You need gun owners who have been brainwashed into thinking that Pres. Obama is about to knock on their doors with a platoon of soldiers at his side to take away their guns. Well, you've got 'em, Speaker Ryan, Gov. Pence, Sen. McConnell, Chairman Priebus, and they've been energized by a Trump who plays to their weaknesses. You could have gone in another direction, moving to the center and sticking to facts, not fantasies and flattery, to attract voters from the Democrats, but you chose this one. Don't expect sympathy in your plight.
109
This stupid 1% have stoked up nihilists to burn down their own manor houses.
1
Yes, all those one percenters will vote. However, they will receive a lot more than 1% of the vote because most of the 99% do not or are not able to vote. However, you are correct, the 1% alone cannot win an election.
However, it is NOT the 1% that are voting for Trump. It's all those angry white men who make up a lot more than 1% of the vote that will vote for Trump.
However, it is NOT the 1% that are voting for Trump. It's all those angry white men who make up a lot more than 1% of the vote that will vote for Trump.
The 1% don't need any more vote than 1% because they have enough money to buy all the influence they need. That's how they got to be the 1% in the first place.
My mother always said when you sleep with dogs you get up with fleas.
43
At the 11th hour, Republicans are starting to fully grasp the threat that Toxic Trump poses. But for them this realization did not come because they see him as a threat to the nation, the Presidency, basic decency or the like, but only because he has become a threat to their power and political status.
In any case, Republicans attempting to distinguish themselves from Trump will get the same toxic treatment that Ryan, McCain, Ayotte, etc. received when they "went against" Trump. These Republicans will face a two-front battle, with both Trump attacking them for being "weak" and "disloyal," and Democrats attacking them for being part of team Trump.
In any case, Republicans attempting to distinguish themselves from Trump will get the same toxic treatment that Ryan, McCain, Ayotte, etc. received when they "went against" Trump. These Republicans will face a two-front battle, with both Trump attacking them for being "weak" and "disloyal," and Democrats attacking them for being part of team Trump.
35
While he continues to alienate his fellow Republicans, Trump now desperately talks about the need to re-create Ronald Reagan's "big tent" of voters to build momentum for his own "really big movement". But of course it's a hollow and futile vision. Alas, Trump's big movement that he believes is sweeping the nation is nothing more than a bowel movement.
29
It is way too soon to gloat. Bush Jr. was said to be a nice guy, yet dumb as a fencepost. History can judge that, but even Trump and his fans agree that Bush 'n Cheney did tremendous and long lasting damage. Donald's task will be to make Bush/Cheney's malfeasance seem like slipping on a banana peel. His mistakes will be HUGE!!!
30
W. is a way nicer guy than The Donald.
Isn't this story just a not so subtle effort to induce the slightest hint of
complacency among wavering Clinton voters either to not vote
or vote for someone else?? There already is going to be
a deluge of PAC money to keep McConnell in charge of the Senate...so
it's not as if this is somehow a new idea by desperate GOP types...they've
always had downticket money bombs planned.
complacency among wavering Clinton voters either to not vote
or vote for someone else?? There already is going to be
a deluge of PAC money to keep McConnell in charge of the Senate...so
it's not as if this is somehow a new idea by desperate GOP types...they've
always had downticket money bombs planned.
5
Those wavering Clinton voters WILL vote for down ballot Democratic candidates, so if Trump gets elected he will have a difficult time with a Democratic congress. Oh wait, I keep forgetting. There are those Republican lite Congress people who call themselves Democrats but don't tow the party line. Remember when Obama actually had a super majority of Congress people who failed to pass some of Obama's initiatives.
It is remarkably presumptuous of a party of schlemiels who allowed themselves to be taken over by Trump to ask for any role whatsoever in our government. Beyond being on the wrong side of history, they are smashingly inept.
47
I think it is disgusting that you so called republicans don't stand behind your nominee. You are all spineless cowards! He will win the Presidency and then what will you do? You just don't get it, the people want a change, we are tired of the same ole thing with this horrible economy, and the flooding of immigrants into our country that cost millions of dollars! with the national debt at 19 trillion, I certainly don't want more of the same with Hillary Clinton!
5
Your anger has clouded your thinking. Trump doesn't propose change: merely a ticket on a fake time machine.
Going backwards in time would not solve the country's current problems. Neither anger nor guns can make it so. There is no way out but forward.
Going backwards in time would not solve the country's current problems. Neither anger nor guns can make it so. There is no way out but forward.
2
Like Trump has said many many times > The media is lying!!!
2
Sure bought and sold members of the RepubliCon party can run on their platform.
These corrupt politicians can point to their jobs legislation. They can quote their tax reform bill word for word. NADA
Their infra-structure plan.....non-existent.
Education reform....let Mississippi be Kansas be Oklahoma. Who needs to be like Massachusetts?
Let them run on their health care legislation.
Let the voters judge them on their Elephant in Womb plans.
Let them share their plans for privatizing Social Security, and block granting MediCare.
Go ahead...make my day (quoting Melania Honey Boo Boo)
These corrupt politicians can point to their jobs legislation. They can quote their tax reform bill word for word. NADA
Their infra-structure plan.....non-existent.
Education reform....let Mississippi be Kansas be Oklahoma. Who needs to be like Massachusetts?
Let them run on their health care legislation.
Let the voters judge them on their Elephant in Womb plans.
Let them share their plans for privatizing Social Security, and block granting MediCare.
Go ahead...make my day (quoting Melania Honey Boo Boo)
25
What? The GOP distancing from their very own Presidential candidate? Are they no longer listening to Republican "leaders" like Mitch McConnell?
http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/072.png
Hmm... I would take a Trump win and major Republican losses down-ballot over a Clinton win with the GOP keeping control of Congress any day.
Too bad the Democrats weren't able to pick a candidate other than the corrupt, war-mongering elderly White lady who happens to be a Republican in Democratic clothing.
One who says she is against dark money but freely takes money from special interests. One who says she is for transparency but will not release the transcripts telling us exactly what she promised those special interests.
One who corrupts everybody she meets and everything she touches:
http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/071.png
Oh well, it sure will be priceless seeing all the Democrats currently trapped in their echo chamber wailing and gnashing their teeth when "The Donald" wins the election because Republican turnout was YUGE.
What else did the Democrats expect by nominating someone who is considered the most hated person in America by low-information Republican voters?
As far as the polls, would YOU admit to supporting Trump if asked by a pollster?
You know, that person who called you on your old-fashioned land-line phone asking for your opinion? The person who interrupted you while you were peacefully trying to make your buggy whips?
#BernieOrBust #NeverTrump #NeverHillary
http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/072.png
Hmm... I would take a Trump win and major Republican losses down-ballot over a Clinton win with the GOP keeping control of Congress any day.
Too bad the Democrats weren't able to pick a candidate other than the corrupt, war-mongering elderly White lady who happens to be a Republican in Democratic clothing.
One who says she is against dark money but freely takes money from special interests. One who says she is for transparency but will not release the transcripts telling us exactly what she promised those special interests.
One who corrupts everybody she meets and everything she touches:
http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/071.png
Oh well, it sure will be priceless seeing all the Democrats currently trapped in their echo chamber wailing and gnashing their teeth when "The Donald" wins the election because Republican turnout was YUGE.
What else did the Democrats expect by nominating someone who is considered the most hated person in America by low-information Republican voters?
As far as the polls, would YOU admit to supporting Trump if asked by a pollster?
You know, that person who called you on your old-fashioned land-line phone asking for your opinion? The person who interrupted you while you were peacefully trying to make your buggy whips?
#BernieOrBust #NeverTrump #NeverHillary
1
Another GOP flak. The best way to deal with the Trump voter is to elect a Democrat whose economic agenda winds up getting them a job, increasing the minimum wage, and improving health care for them and the children.
I get it, a big fan of the wonderful success divided government provides the nation.
Really?
Really?
If anyone wasn't already aware how venal the Republicans are, a top Republican has no shame in laying out the Republican Party's reprehensible position on Trump as if it's actually a real moral dilemma: “Do we run the risk of depressing our base by repudiating the guy, or do we run the risk of being tarred and feathered by independents for not repudiating him?” “We’re damned if we do and damned if we don’t.” Sorry, you're only damned if you don't repudiate Trump. You stand no real chance of losing the House if you repudiate him, and only a small chance of losing the Senate, but why bother to take the chance? You're only are dealing with a racist demagogue who loves dictators and can't figure out why he shouldn't use nukes and trigger a full-blown nuclear war. There's nothing actually at stake. Republicans don't worry about "the guy" being racist, destroying American democracy, and the very real possibility he'd cause the most catastrophic war in history; their only concern is what might impact the reelection prospects of a few candidates. Putting aside the small matter that the Republican position is inherently treasonous, the simple fact is that a decision jeopardizing the freedom of millions, and potentially the lives of billions, only becomes complicated if you deliberately choose to ignore that what you’re actually discussing is whether it is better for the political fortunes of a few career politicians to assist a tyrant, or oppose him.
100
The reality is that the Republican Party is NEVER going to be able to live this down. There are enough videos of Trump rallies to fill two hours of "remember the LAST guy the GOP picked?" Anyway, I know of companies that are equating a Trump bumper sticker with "dead wood." Next downsizing, a lot of Trump brain-donors will be rocking away in their unemployment "hammock."
24
The trouble here can easily summarized.
What if large segments of Republican voters also realize, that Trump is not some anomaly, but in fact an unchained expression of what the Republican Party has evolved into over the past 20 years?
Liberals see this plain as day; there is a straight line from the rise of Rush Limbaugh to the weird allure of Sarah Palin to the outright odiousness of Donald Trump.
What if lots of Republican voters are finally seeing that too?
If so, I am not sure how well "distancing" can work. The Republicans may have permanently lost certain demographics, finally hoisted by the petard that, when it worked in their favor, they were all to willing to exploit, sotto voce.
What if large segments of Republican voters also realize, that Trump is not some anomaly, but in fact an unchained expression of what the Republican Party has evolved into over the past 20 years?
Liberals see this plain as day; there is a straight line from the rise of Rush Limbaugh to the weird allure of Sarah Palin to the outright odiousness of Donald Trump.
What if lots of Republican voters are finally seeing that too?
If so, I am not sure how well "distancing" can work. The Republicans may have permanently lost certain demographics, finally hoisted by the petard that, when it worked in their favor, they were all to willing to exploit, sotto voce.
81
How many of those Republican voters actually exist? Are the majority of Republican voters the low-information voters we all have come to love? Or are many of them these independents that you think may switch sides?
Quote: "Donald Trump is a category unto himself". Wrong! That's only another lame excuse not to stand up against him but duck down in fear. Fear of what? Trump is not only the presidential candidate of the Republican Party and the Leader of the Republican Party. He is the Face of the Republican Party. Donald Trump IS the Republican Party - with all it's ugliness. Now it's up to us, the American People, to make sure that he doesn't get the power he's so much longing for. Unfortunately, mainstream media, including the NYT, won't help us much because the Trump knows exactly how to feed it and exploit "sensation-driven", shallow coverage to his advantage. The only major media player who understands his nasty scheme and knows exactly how to handle Trump is Michael Bloomberg. Donald Trump is a master demagogue and a ruthless, dangerous fascist. He perfectly acts after Joseph Goebbel's playbook. Goebbel's would have been so proud of him and burst out laughing. And we? We, the American People? We're getting rid off him. We'll dump Trump in November and make sure that this insanity won't even get close to the White House. The media is still fascinated by Trump but we're simply fed up with this sickness. Period!
73
More fractured logic from the people who gave us Trump in the first place.
35
So let me get this straight. For the past 8 years congress did nothing because they didn't like Obama. Now they want to be voted in again so they can be a check on HRC, and for another 4 or 8 years, do nothing again. Aaaand, if per chance Trump gets in, they also vow to "stand up to him" once again implying they'll do nothing. So, why in the world would anyone vote republican? Aren't we the "yes we can" nation? How dumb are the voters to pay to have a do-nothing congress?
202
How many of these down-ballot Republicans have either endorsed or promised to vote for Trump? Contributed?
You can't have it both ways... maybe I'm the exception, but given Republicans cast themselves as the holy ones, I see one sin that " trumps" the others, and that is hypocrisy.
And hypocrisy, it seems, is now the default position of the Republican Party. Do as I say, not as I do.
You can't have it both ways... maybe I'm the exception, but given Republicans cast themselves as the holy ones, I see one sin that " trumps" the others, and that is hypocrisy.
And hypocrisy, it seems, is now the default position of the Republican Party. Do as I say, not as I do.
36
Downballot candidates trying to distance themselves from the party's presidential nominee does not work, for the simple reason that voters are mostly not paying enough attention to differentiate like that. As conservative Democrats have found out many times during the Obama Administration.
I've seen people talking about them running a 1996-style campaign, where the GOP basically conceded that Dole couldn't win and ran full-bore on salvaging their majorities in the House and Senate. Those situations aren't comparable, for numerous reasons:
1) First, that came in the middle of the realignment of the South to being almost entirely Republican, a process that is now over. There's no comparable partisan realignment underway now, certainly not in the GOP's favour, anyway.
2) And most importantly, that only worked because Bob Dole was a true party man, and, conceding that he couldn't win, went along with this and focused the remainder of the campaign on propping up vulnerable Republicans. That's the exact opposite of what's being proposed here, which is that vulnerable Republicans turn their fire on the nominee himself; Trump will go nuclear in response to that, and given that he represents the GOP base far better than the people he's opposing, the result will be mutually assured destruction.
I've seen people talking about them running a 1996-style campaign, where the GOP basically conceded that Dole couldn't win and ran full-bore on salvaging their majorities in the House and Senate. Those situations aren't comparable, for numerous reasons:
1) First, that came in the middle of the realignment of the South to being almost entirely Republican, a process that is now over. There's no comparable partisan realignment underway now, certainly not in the GOP's favour, anyway.
2) And most importantly, that only worked because Bob Dole was a true party man, and, conceding that he couldn't win, went along with this and focused the remainder of the campaign on propping up vulnerable Republicans. That's the exact opposite of what's being proposed here, which is that vulnerable Republicans turn their fire on the nominee himself; Trump will go nuclear in response to that, and given that he represents the GOP base far better than the people he's opposing, the result will be mutually assured destruction.
24
New definition of "Kiss of Death": Donald Trump
24
"Incumbents are hoping to avoid the taint"... Of Donald Trump. And all this time, they told us hope was not a strategy.
29
One billion dollars would surely get Donald Trump out of the presidential race.
Should we take-up a bipartisan collection?
Should we take-up a bipartisan collection?
16
The republicans drank the cool aid. Trump belongs to them.
1
What nonsense. You Progressives are desperate and grasping at straws.
We've had a sub-par economy during the past 7.5 years, under Obama's "leadership." GDP has grown ~2% the entire time. Even with the MASSIVE government spending, which is
included in GDP. Obama has doubled our debt to almost $20Trillion. That $10Trillion was included in the ~2% increase of GDP
This is not sustainable.
Sure, Hillary might be elected. But that doesn't change the facts. This economy is going down.
The DJiA is up because of the Fed's $$$$ printing. But your life isn't better.
I support Trump. At least Trump won't try to start a war with Russia. Clinton would, to support her crony capitalist supporters.
Clinton is a liar and dishonest.
We've had a sub-par economy during the past 7.5 years, under Obama's "leadership." GDP has grown ~2% the entire time. Even with the MASSIVE government spending, which is
included in GDP. Obama has doubled our debt to almost $20Trillion. That $10Trillion was included in the ~2% increase of GDP
This is not sustainable.
Sure, Hillary might be elected. But that doesn't change the facts. This economy is going down.
The DJiA is up because of the Fed's $$$$ printing. But your life isn't better.
I support Trump. At least Trump won't try to start a war with Russia. Clinton would, to support her crony capitalist supporters.
Clinton is a liar and dishonest.
6
How did you manage to forget the recession that G.W. left us? How?
7
As for the U.S. economy under Obama, you might find this article interesting!
Bush vs. Obama on the Economy, In 3 Simple Charts
https://ourfuture.org/20141208/bush-vs-obama-on-the-economy-in-3-simple-...
Bush vs. Obama on the Economy, In 3 Simple Charts
https://ourfuture.org/20141208/bush-vs-obama-on-the-economy-in-3-simple-...
1
When we become a vassal to Russia what will you do then?
With Clinton we know what we get.
With trump I foresee the end of the republic.
With Clinton we know what we get.
With trump I foresee the end of the republic.
One hopes the Democrats will work as hard as possible during the next two months to keep the umbilical cord between Trump and the GOP as thick and robust as possible. The GOP should not be allowed to weasel out of this one.
70
“On trade, infrastructure and job creation, and, most important of all, on matters of war and peace – especially, but not only, with the Muslim world and Russia – (Trump) is actually the more progressive of the two. This is why hardcore neocons hate him and love her.
“Trump even had the temerity, once or twice, to come out in favor of fairness for Palestinians. He later backtracked; but, for good reason, the Israel lobby remains wary of him.”
from CounterPunch “Could Hillary Lose?”
Jill Stein for President 2016
http://www.jill2016.com/
“Trump even had the temerity, once or twice, to come out in favor of fairness for Palestinians. He later backtracked; but, for good reason, the Israel lobby remains wary of him.”
from CounterPunch “Could Hillary Lose?”
Jill Stein for President 2016
http://www.jill2016.com/
2
Well, if it's "progressive" to let Russia have Ukraine & the Baltic nations, then I guess Il Trumpi is "progressive."
Infrastructure? Infrastructure? Oh, you mean The Wall! Hm, well if Mexico really does pay for it...otherwise after a ten trillion dollar tax cut....
Job creation? Oh yeah, The Wall & the new Immigrant Round-Up Agency!
He's a National Progressive! Of course the folks who supported Nader & helped bring in Shrub are all-in on bringing him in: the country is not yet completely wrecked!
Infrastructure? Infrastructure? Oh, you mean The Wall! Hm, well if Mexico really does pay for it...otherwise after a ten trillion dollar tax cut....
Job creation? Oh yeah, The Wall & the new Immigrant Round-Up Agency!
He's a National Progressive! Of course the folks who supported Nader & helped bring in Shrub are all-in on bringing him in: the country is not yet completely wrecked!
1
I would agree except that I have seen the promises he has made to the students of trump University
You need to look at previous elections with 3rd party candidates and what happened. please vote Hillary.
I see some poster styling hisself "Texas Port-a-Potty," is trying to get us to believe that at the end of the week, the polls swung back against the girl.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/latest_polls/
Oopsies. See all the blue stuff? Myself, I thought the funniest bit was that the orangutang is now getting whupped in Georgia.
No mean achievement.
Don't let's get fatuous, like a right-winger: make sure you're registered, make sure you vote, try to help others go vote.
Don't even ask HOW they vote: enough people turn out, Trump loses.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/latest_polls/
Oopsies. See all the blue stuff? Myself, I thought the funniest bit was that the orangutang is now getting whupped in Georgia.
No mean achievement.
Don't let's get fatuous, like a right-winger: make sure you're registered, make sure you vote, try to help others go vote.
Don't even ask HOW they vote: enough people turn out, Trump loses.
25
Republican conservatives slashing Trump. Tea Partiers devouring conservatives. Neo-Nazis supporting Trump and eviscerating Tea Partiers. Ryan's home being surrounded by Trump hot-heads. Koch family is silent. Military deserting the Republicans. Republican reformers pushing for tax hikes. Germans pummeling neo-Nazis.
Who could have guessed that justice would finally prevail in 2016?
Who could have guessed that justice would finally prevail in 2016?
27
Marshmallow Boys, all of them. No spine, no guts, not a drop of testicular fortitude to be found. The entire GOP is terrified of Trump the Trickster!
It took a woman, Meg Whitman, to show all the little scaredy pants how to handle Trump the Trickster; give that tiny little donnie with that slick criminal mind a GIANT WHACK!
Yes, THAT'S how you do it, Marshmallow Boys.
It took a woman, Meg Whitman, to show all the little scaredy pants how to handle Trump the Trickster; give that tiny little donnie with that slick criminal mind a GIANT WHACK!
Yes, THAT'S how you do it, Marshmallow Boys.
36
Party unity? Why force it? Trump's policies, those that he has announced so far, are far to the left of Clintons-on free trade, isolationism, borrowing for infrastructure, Russia, single payer health care etc. You would think he was a far left Democrat were it not for the R next to his name.
If I were a republican, I would create a new party that espouses traditional republican principles. The Trumpists can form their own party. In fact, we have had a party like the Trumpists in the past. We called them Dixiecrats.
If I were a republican, I would create a new party that espouses traditional republican principles. The Trumpists can form their own party. In fact, we have had a party like the Trumpists in the past. We called them Dixiecrats.
6
Kim -- you're on point. But there's a pesky little problem for "Republicans:" there are almost none left ... really.
Look at this year's primary races and the clown bus of candidates. JEB, Christie, Rubio, Kasich: none of them could crack 20% of the vote. Nobody would rally around Kasich when he was the last Republican standing.
What the GOP is composed of these days is roughly 20-40-40 old-school Republicans, Tea Party / Cruz, Neo-Fascist / Trump.
What you suggest has already happened: the "Libertarian" party. Johnson & Weld aren't real mouth-breathing libertarians --they have both been functional Governors, and are actually mainstream old-school Republicans. Weld describes their "platform" as:
"So we think we've got a six-lane highway going right up the middle, and we've got one party to the left of us and one party to the right of us." (I don't entirely accept that this characterization is right, mind you ... but that's the pitch. The point is these guys aren't real libertarians.)
But the Libertarians will draw Republican voting numbers, meaning maybe 20% max, because at least for the moment 30% or more of the American electorate actually wants Cruz or Trump ... another way of putting this is that the Cruz people appear to be voting for Trump rather than going Libertarian.
The big majority of the Republican base wants a white-Fascist government; totally scary but self-evident.
Look at this year's primary races and the clown bus of candidates. JEB, Christie, Rubio, Kasich: none of them could crack 20% of the vote. Nobody would rally around Kasich when he was the last Republican standing.
What the GOP is composed of these days is roughly 20-40-40 old-school Republicans, Tea Party / Cruz, Neo-Fascist / Trump.
What you suggest has already happened: the "Libertarian" party. Johnson & Weld aren't real mouth-breathing libertarians --they have both been functional Governors, and are actually mainstream old-school Republicans. Weld describes their "platform" as:
"So we think we've got a six-lane highway going right up the middle, and we've got one party to the left of us and one party to the right of us." (I don't entirely accept that this characterization is right, mind you ... but that's the pitch. The point is these guys aren't real libertarians.)
But the Libertarians will draw Republican voting numbers, meaning maybe 20% max, because at least for the moment 30% or more of the American electorate actually wants Cruz or Trump ... another way of putting this is that the Cruz people appear to be voting for Trump rather than going Libertarian.
The big majority of the Republican base wants a white-Fascist government; totally scary but self-evident.
1
I think these down-ballot candidates are also in for a rude awakening. This election is going to be a repudiation of the Republican Party, who has encouraged this kind of behavior since 2008, and especially since the rise of the Tea Party in 2010. I'm not a huge fan of Hillary Clinton, but I will be holding my nose and voting Democrat straight down the ballot. Enough is truly enough.
62
Trump deliberately disparaged the Somali community in Maine at his rally this past week and it amazes me this has not been reported in the NYT and other news venues? It is despicable that he would even mention the Somalis for no good reason? Is he trying to start a racial war of some kind? Do Mainers want to rid themselves of the Somalis, are the Mainers fearful of them, are the Somalis doing bad things to Mainers????? Red meat for his base? Scare mongering? WHY did Trump single out the Somali community in Maine? I want to know the answer.
58
He had just come from a meeting with Gov LePage. I'm sure that LePage brought it up.
I was a precinct captain in Bangor in 2002. A lot of Mainers were not happy about the Somalis but they appear to have made their peace with them. They're happy, hard working people.
I was a precinct captain in Bangor in 2002. A lot of Mainers were not happy about the Somalis but they appear to have made their peace with them. They're happy, hard working people.
Actually, the Miners spoke out forcefully for the Somalis, and spoke to Trump's lies for what they were. And yes, typical fear mongering and red meat for the base that is being told to fear immigrants (the Somalis are LEGAL immigrants, btw), and any person of color, especially the one who currently lives in the White (people's) House.
Boston Globe carried the story:
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/08/05/maine-sees-somalian-communi...
Boston Globe carried the story:
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/08/05/maine-sees-somalian-communi...
1
Nixon wounded the GOP.
Trump killed it.
It may no longer claim any kinship to the party of Lincoln, to the party of emancipation.
It is forever dead in the ashes of its prejudice.
Good riddance.
Trump killed it.
It may no longer claim any kinship to the party of Lincoln, to the party of emancipation.
It is forever dead in the ashes of its prejudice.
Good riddance.
52
Nixon killed the GOP.
Reagan put "Morning in America" lipstick on the carcass.
Trump has resurrected the zombie.
Reagan put "Morning in America" lipstick on the carcass.
Trump has resurrected the zombie.
1
Marshmallow Boys, all of them. No spine, no guts, no testicular fortitude to speak of, not an ounce to be found anywhere in the GOP. They are deficient in every way; they are terrified of Trump the Trickster!
8
Mr. Trump is a product of the activities of the Republican Party.
They are inseperable.
They are inseperable.
49
To have any hope of maintaining their majority, down ticket Republicans must outright disavow Trump. There will be no middle ground come election day. Those who fail to disavow him now will go down in flames with him later.
11
This is liking asking if you want to killed by gun or knife. If they push away from Trump, Trump supporters won't vote for them. If they support Trump, some Rs who think he is crazy might be so disillusioned the don't come and vote. Then the independents see the whole clown car of Rs and say they deserve what they get and refuse to support any of them. Perfect storm.
26
Donald Trump is a text book case of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-d...
He cannot change his behavior anymore than untrained wild beast.
He cannot change his behavior anymore than untrained wild beast.
39
You either support him or you oppose him. There is no middle ground. History will not look fondly upon this would-be fascist's enablers.
43
Evil can only prevail when good men stand by and do nothing. Sums the GOP up quite nicely
What sort of mass delusion set in on all these Republicans, thinking Trump was dumb like a fox? The man is dumb, like a snake, striking at movement and perceived threats with venomous intent, without regard to the target's status as potential friend or confirmed foe. You can't reason with a snake; you can't train it. Avoidance is always the best strategy.
Now the GOP has this creature on their hands and are at a loss on how to safely handle it and keep their jobs at the same time.
Were it not for the very real possibility that a Trump administration has the potential to lay waste to the progress made since 1787, it would be tempting to give those who put him there a dose of "I told you so."
Boy, I hope that doesn't happen.
Now the GOP has this creature on their hands and are at a loss on how to safely handle it and keep their jobs at the same time.
Were it not for the very real possibility that a Trump administration has the potential to lay waste to the progress made since 1787, it would be tempting to give those who put him there a dose of "I told you so."
Boy, I hope that doesn't happen.
34
Good can come from serious opposition- the receiver can refine and bolster their arguments and strengthen their positions. Too bad the Republican Party long abandoned this principle in favor of baseless attacks, devisive rhetoric and stonewalling tactics. It's up to the Democrats to show their strength and hopefully, the Republican Party can recover and once again become participants in this great experiment- complete with intelligent dialogue, forward thinking ideas and coherent discussion.
14
Who wants them? We don't want the Republican Party recover. We want it GONE.
Donald Trump if the Frankenstein that extreme elements of the Republican Party created. Now they cannot put him back in the lab.
33
And their monster now has them by the throat and is bashing their heads against the wall....Who you gonna call to come to your rescue, guys?
2
3 AM in Trump's bed:
Inside the Reptilian Portion of Trump's Brain: Zzzzt...zzzzt...zzzzt ...uhhh...unghh...must roll over...must inhale...[Trump snorts]...must exhale... [The reptile awakens inside his mind while all else sleeps. It begins to crawl around in the darkness. It forgets to send a signal to breathe and Trumps snorts again. The reptile tries in earnest to keep beating the heart.]
Melania: Honey, you're snorting again, you're gonna wake the children. [Trump exhales] Honey!
Trump: Ohhh...mmffp...mmnnn [The reptile keeps crawling around and comes upon the mammalian part of Trump's brain. It sees that it is cowering.]
Reptile: Mammal, why so sad? Why's my little chimp got the long face?
Mammal: Oh snakey, you have no idea. Nobody likes me anymore. It really hurts my feelings.
Reptile: Chimpy, I like you...I love you more than you could ever know. Who cares about those cretins out there...Don't you listen to them, I am all you need to care about -- screw them.
Mammal: But they're so mean to me.
Reptile: Let's go wake up Sapience in the front and see what he thinks. He always has the best ideas. [Signals some more breath, and beats of the heart.]
Mammal: Yeah, OK, but promise me you'll keep him chill.
Reptile: No worries brother, I'll defibrillate his heart if he acts up. [They take a walk to the frontal lobe.] Hey Sapience, what's up dude? [Trump begins to talk in his sleep.]
Trump: Ohhh...Mommy...Ivy...Little Donny...Melania...you like me still...like me
Inside the Reptilian Portion of Trump's Brain: Zzzzt...zzzzt...zzzzt ...uhhh...unghh...must roll over...must inhale...[Trump snorts]...must exhale... [The reptile awakens inside his mind while all else sleeps. It begins to crawl around in the darkness. It forgets to send a signal to breathe and Trumps snorts again. The reptile tries in earnest to keep beating the heart.]
Melania: Honey, you're snorting again, you're gonna wake the children. [Trump exhales] Honey!
Trump: Ohhh...mmffp...mmnnn [The reptile keeps crawling around and comes upon the mammalian part of Trump's brain. It sees that it is cowering.]
Reptile: Mammal, why so sad? Why's my little chimp got the long face?
Mammal: Oh snakey, you have no idea. Nobody likes me anymore. It really hurts my feelings.
Reptile: Chimpy, I like you...I love you more than you could ever know. Who cares about those cretins out there...Don't you listen to them, I am all you need to care about -- screw them.
Mammal: But they're so mean to me.
Reptile: Let's go wake up Sapience in the front and see what he thinks. He always has the best ideas. [Signals some more breath, and beats of the heart.]
Mammal: Yeah, OK, but promise me you'll keep him chill.
Reptile: No worries brother, I'll defibrillate his heart if he acts up. [They take a walk to the frontal lobe.] Hey Sapience, what's up dude? [Trump begins to talk in his sleep.]
Trump: Ohhh...Mommy...Ivy...Little Donny...Melania...you like me still...like me
7
Let's say the much talked about intervention worked, Trump gets back on track-he was never on it!- and God forbid he wins the presidency. So what's next?
Interventions every week @ the White House?
Why bother with this guy?. He is not a nitwit crown prince who is suddenly gets elevated to be a King, he is just a nitwit. unbridled ignominious pasquinade.
As Mitch McConnell said, it is time to drop this fool like a hot potato.
Interventions every week @ the White House?
Why bother with this guy?. He is not a nitwit crown prince who is suddenly gets elevated to be a King, he is just a nitwit. unbridled ignominious pasquinade.
As Mitch McConnell said, it is time to drop this fool like a hot potato.
33
"God forbid, not likely."
It serves the Republican Party right. So many Republican members of Congress have behaved irresponsibly in recent years by refusing to do their jobs of proposing and passing legislation. Mitch McConnell said as much yesterday or the day before. Their barely concealed racial animus against President Obama because his skin is dark is appalling. They won't put it in so many words, but many Republicans do so as private citizens.
Now their nominee who made his public political debut with his utter nonsense about "birtherism" - i.e. the utterly unfounded claim that Obama was not born in the United States, as though Trump couldn't believe Hawaii was a "real" state, much less that a white woman would allow herself to have sex with a black man and bear his child. The whole idea of it was "illegitimate" to him. He was allowed to talk about this openly for years without being embarrassed into silence by the blatant racism. Everyone hoped it would go away. Trump hasn't made an issue of it in his campaign but no one has forgotten. The outrage is that Donald Trump as no serious qualifications for being nominated to be president. Where are the upstanding patriotic Republicans who should have shut this conversation down 8 years ago?
Now all of us are in danger of having an utterly ignorant and unqualified person be elected to be President.
I'm not a religious person at all but all I can say is "God help us all." We responsible voters must talk to our friends and family and VOTE.
Now their nominee who made his public political debut with his utter nonsense about "birtherism" - i.e. the utterly unfounded claim that Obama was not born in the United States, as though Trump couldn't believe Hawaii was a "real" state, much less that a white woman would allow herself to have sex with a black man and bear his child. The whole idea of it was "illegitimate" to him. He was allowed to talk about this openly for years without being embarrassed into silence by the blatant racism. Everyone hoped it would go away. Trump hasn't made an issue of it in his campaign but no one has forgotten. The outrage is that Donald Trump as no serious qualifications for being nominated to be president. Where are the upstanding patriotic Republicans who should have shut this conversation down 8 years ago?
Now all of us are in danger of having an utterly ignorant and unqualified person be elected to be President.
I'm not a religious person at all but all I can say is "God help us all." We responsible voters must talk to our friends and family and VOTE.
69
If Trump's "best" is to claim HRC is "unhinged" then it game set and match. HRC is the farthest think from unhinged: she's completely controlled (by who and by what is another story) but you simply can't see HRC making decisions emotionally and without checking a third time. Donald Trump is unfit to be President of the U.S. Disclosure: I have never been a fan of either Clinton but in this election she and the Democrats down tickets are the only choice if we want to move beyond gridlock as brought to us by the Republicans and away from crazy as GOP candidate Trump.
58
Is Trump simply pushing forward for heck of it since he never thought his candidacy would get this far?
22
Doomsday is coming for the GOP and there is little they can do to stop this. Error in judgment will be the diagnosis when they have lost Senate and perhaps the house. They have not erred only in this election but in the execution of their duty in Congress by doing nothing and betting on a very flawed candidate from which they knew he would not be the guy to help them maintain the status quo. Trump has been able to have them climb on his dooms-train and they cannot find the breaks to stop this. They have loaded anything they can find to jump on racists, KKK, hate for women, hate for gays, hate for Moslems, for Latinos, and anybody who does not fit in their nasty little worldview. They also missed on this train to look out and notice that America has indeed changed, to a society of many cultures, many religions or none and that everything that is good in America has nothing to do with the dark picture Trump is seeing. Failed Candidate, failed GOP.
64
Trump is like the zika virus
You can’t run away from mosquitoes.
You have to just hope that if a mosquito bites you, it is not the one carrying zika!
You can’t run away from mosquitoes.
You have to just hope that if a mosquito bites you, it is not the one carrying zika!
18
Actually, you have to hope that if a mosquito bites you, you do not become someone who caused immense suffering to a sick child and his or her family.
2
This version of the GOP must die for the good of the Republic. It has poisoned itself with extremists of all right wing philosophies: apartheid racists, evangelical CINOs (Christians In Name Only), anti-government anarchists, anti-tax and anti-regulation corporations and their masters, and The Donald.
They made these decisions, cynically, as part of a political calculation in their war against the New Deal and the middle class. Let them reap what they have sown.
They made these decisions, cynically, as part of a political calculation in their war against the New Deal and the middle class. Let them reap what they have sown.
143
It does not take much imagination to view Trump as the second coming of GW Bush, a man lacking in the depth of knowledge necessary to be President, and also lacking in the intellectual curiosity to learn. While Bush shot from the hip in his position as "the decider", Trump is likewise shooting his mouth off without the ability to recognize the consequences of his statements on the world, much less the electorate. If elected Trump could be also "the decider", with even less knowledge or capacity to learn than Bush. The main difference between the 2 is that Bush had a moral and ethical framework, and could recognize when things weren't going well and needed to be changed. He also possessed the basic kindness and empathy that most Americans prefer in their President. Trump has nome of these positive qualities. Fortunately, we now know what happens when we elect such an unqualified person to the Presidency.
America--forewarned is forearmed.
America--forewarned is forearmed.
90
I agree that Bush was a very bad president, but that he doesn't seem to be a mean guy. Trump, on the other hand....
14
To add to Eric Ryan.
Well ...... at least we will be spared from watching Trump strut his stuff on the deck of a USS Carrier after a faux pilot in a fighter plane landing on the deck itself.
Well ...... at least we will be spared from watching Trump strut his stuff on the deck of a USS Carrier after a faux pilot in a fighter plane landing on the deck itself.
Except GWB was smarter--he knew to mostly keep his mouth shut
trump is a man of no character running for a party with no character
168
Good point. There's no defending Trump. But how do you explain the Democrats choosing Hillary, who has profiteered from the State Department with the slush fund/front Clinton Foundation? The Democrats have plenty to answer for themselves. She's a disaster and would never have beat a real candidate. Trump is the best thing to happen to her candidacy.
2
AO: Add Paul Ryan's determination to strip seniors of medicare and soc sec, plus Mitch McConnell's clean coal, and you can readily see how well these miscreants fit together. If DJT ascends to the white house, if Ryan keeps control of the house, and McConnell retains control of the senate, this election will have a planetary impact. That's just as well because we are an ignorant species that's willfully destroying the home we live on.
1
Rubbish! Do you know what the Clinton foundation is? Ever made an attempt to learn what they actually do? Its a foundation that helps third world countries, you may actually mean trump and its so called charity which turns out is after all no charity at all. The Democrats indeed can answer for themselves because we have a critical party where we actually discuss different opinions and viewpoints. Unlike the Republicans which are gasping for life support and finally the curtain has come down to show what a crooked and nasty party they are.
1
Once again we have politicians who know Trump is unfit for the presidency and their priority is salvaging their own little piece of the pie in the Congress. Patriots all.
131
This article makes me so happy.
49
I don't care what happens to the Republican Party. I'm an American. I care what happens to our country. If they are gone tomorrow, that's fine with me.
206
Then you better care about putting evil Hillary in the White House.
Running from him is not repudiation........Trump has given a laundry list of statements that deserve condemnation regardless of party affiliation
32
The Tea Party movement is finally coming to haunt the GOP - grumpy old party. After coddling the Tea Partiers, the GOP is now having to deal with the ultimate Tea Partier of all - Donald Trump.
37
I have been reading that democrat eulogy for years.
The GOP has turned into a drunk driver going downhill with no brakes. You do not need to able to determine which tree it will hit or which cliff it will go over ... to know it has almost no chance of making it to the bottom safely.
"The sky is falling, the sky is falling"...Sheldon Silver was from Albany, right?
Do we really want a do-nothing government for the next four or eight years? Maybe it will take nine years to get some Zika virus funding.
16
Axly, the choice's between a compent gov that you don't completely agree with, and a pack of loons who might, well, whatever.
6
I hope the Clinton campaign can use the facts in Jackie Calmes' report to bring home the unchanged faith in the GOP that making the very comfortable more comfortable is the goal of the party. 'Change' in the GOP means only redecorating the show-windows so more voters will think they should try shopping there.
Nothing's changed. Go elsewhere.
Nothing's changed. Go elsewhere.
19
If the republicans are looking for a future, it is better off to let Democratic Party has the White House and the congress. Hold the democrats responsible for the next four years.
12
Food for thinking; after all, the GOP has really stood up and taken responsibility for what it's done.
5
Correction: Hold the Democrats responsible for the next 8 years, probably the next 12 years.
4
I left the Republican Party in 2007. The rest should leave now.
75
Yup. That ice floe's kind of tilting.
7
On Netflix today: A parody about Trump produced by Ron Howard and Trump (played by Johnny Depp). Called "The Art of the Deal".
Very revealing and above all..funny!
Very revealing and above all..funny!
21
Is there third choice?
I do not speak of a third (or fourth) option among the candidates, rather about an explanation for Trump’s behavior. It seems the only way to suss out what DJT has done during the post-convention period distills down to two hypotheses: Either his plan was and is to throw the election in favor of the Democrats, or he is an idiot, whether through infirmity of mind or simply via innate poor judgment.
Is there is a third hypothesis that holds water? I think we’re stuck with the aforementioned two.
Whichever of the two theories is proven correct ultimately, both are an anathema to down-ticket Republicans and they should insulate themselves or -- even better -- denounce their standard bearer and urge voters to split tickets.
When George Will asked his readers, many months ago, how Donald would be acting any differently if he were, in fact, a Democratic mole inside the Republican establishment, I was inclined to believe Will’s inference, that Trump was a mole. We had Bill Clinton’s telephone call to Trump just days before he announced his candidacy to fuel such speculation. Now, after seeing Trump up close, ad nauseum, through the primaries, and in the general, my belief has changed. I think Donald Trump is not compos mentis, there is no method to his madness, no vulpine strategy, just a severely unbalanced human, out of his depth, flailing helplessly in morass of inconsistent and contradictory illogic of his own making.
Tell me I’m wrong.
I do not speak of a third (or fourth) option among the candidates, rather about an explanation for Trump’s behavior. It seems the only way to suss out what DJT has done during the post-convention period distills down to two hypotheses: Either his plan was and is to throw the election in favor of the Democrats, or he is an idiot, whether through infirmity of mind or simply via innate poor judgment.
Is there is a third hypothesis that holds water? I think we’re stuck with the aforementioned two.
Whichever of the two theories is proven correct ultimately, both are an anathema to down-ticket Republicans and they should insulate themselves or -- even better -- denounce their standard bearer and urge voters to split tickets.
When George Will asked his readers, many months ago, how Donald would be acting any differently if he were, in fact, a Democratic mole inside the Republican establishment, I was inclined to believe Will’s inference, that Trump was a mole. We had Bill Clinton’s telephone call to Trump just days before he announced his candidacy to fuel such speculation. Now, after seeing Trump up close, ad nauseum, through the primaries, and in the general, my belief has changed. I think Donald Trump is not compos mentis, there is no method to his madness, no vulpine strategy, just a severely unbalanced human, out of his depth, flailing helplessly in morass of inconsistent and contradictory illogic of his own making.
Tell me I’m wrong.
34
I hope all the Rs remember: Trump doesn't just get mad, he also gets even. I suspect this is true win or lose. Watch your backs!
41
Fortunately, Trump's a momma's boy.
Put him inna an alligator pit with Bloomberg, and guess who comes out alive? And sporting a nice new pair of boots.
Put him inna an alligator pit with Bloomberg, and guess who comes out alive? And sporting a nice new pair of boots.
3
Well, they can run, but I sure hope they can't hide.
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I have NOT voted for a Republican for any office since 2002 and I do not see any reason to change now especially with the worst candidate for POTUS in the history of the United States! They have put party before country for the past 8 years and need to be punished severely and hopefully die as a national party!
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It is ironic that when Republicans donate to Trump they may be hurting their chance with Congress. What a tangled mess their deceptions have created.
28
John Kenneth Galbraith said, and I paraphrase, politics is the art of the possible. It is choosing between the disastrous and the unpalatable. No politician is going to be perfect. Citizens have to make a choice between someone who is disastrous and someone who is less than perfect. We all have our flaws and Hillary is no exception. However, in selecting Donald Trump, we would be electing a self serving, narcissistic, loudmouth, incompetent demagogue. After making tremendous strides since the Great Recession of the 21st century, the nation cannot turn the clock back. We have to build on the work done by the Obama administration. We are still not a perfect nation and achieving perfection is a journey. I would rather journey with someone who is less than perfect and who will get things done (and she has ably demonstrated that over many years) versus someone who is a disaster and who many have said will turn the clock back. I am with her and I urge you to join Hillary to make sure America always remains great.
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Anupam - it is refreshing to see someone quoting JKB - thanks! I sometimes wonder what the author of "American Capitalism: The Concept of Countervailing Power". "In it he argued that giant firms had replaced small ones to the point where the perfectly competitive model no longer applied to much of the American economy. But not to worry, he added. The power of large firms was offset by the countervailing power of large unions, so that consumers were protected by competing centers of power." (quote from Wiki).
I was always proud that he was Canadian, and loved his little sketches of his early life in Canada.
I was always proud that he was Canadian, and loved his little sketches of his early life in Canada.
3
Bring on the debates !!! .... so we can watch the live humiliation of the know-nothing candidate whose hateful rhetoric is supported by the Republican establishment and the predominately white uneducated millions.
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Hillary will not be there, she cares so little about her own health I doubt she will even be here by November.
Does anyone honestly believe Trump will show up for the debates?
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@donald, what on earth do you mean by that? Or is it simply wishful thinking?
And of course she'll be at the debates.
And of course she'll be at the debates.
Isn't it time for people to stop talking around the issue and start saying directly that Trump's behavior, increasingly over these months but especially in the past week, is really showing a very unstable person who is reaching the tipping point in terms of mental health? Originally, he was something of an obnoxious buffoon and bully. Then he grew into more of a threatening character. And now his mental state seems to be off the charts. It's clear that something has really changed in this man. I believe it's illegal for psychiatrists to "analyze" those who aren't their patients (I'm not one), but someone needs to begin taking his emotional state quite seriously, for the sake of us all.
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At the beginning of 2013, John Boehner declared that it was Barack Obama's objective to "annihilate" the Republican Party. He should have been more concerned about his fellow Orange Man.
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I'm sure this is a very sensible strategy - as of now. But what if (God forbid) the polls turn around. Will these down ticket types have a change of heart? And would Trump, a man who seldom forgives disloyalty, take them back into the fold? If not, then what? November 9 can't come fast enough.
5
Polls have turned around and Trump has cut Hillary bounce in half. Plus more and more Sanders supporters are splitting between Stein and Trump and just staying home.
3
As always, it is important to have a rich family life.
Oh, and just so's ya consider--polls don't matter as much as any decent American's reaction to hearing "I always wanted to have a Purple Heart...this is much easier."
Way to be a summer soldier.
Oh, and just so's ya consider--polls don't matter as much as any decent American's reaction to hearing "I always wanted to have a Purple Heart...this is much easier."
Way to be a summer soldier.
7
@John. Umm. Sorry, no: fivethirtyeight.com/features/election-update-trumps-slump-deepens-in-pol... It wouldn't be possible for you to be more wrong.
1
Here's what I don't get. In the unlikely event that Trump did get elected don't these Republican Senators and Congressmen understand that Trump is going to come after them just like he goes after anyone who he feels has slighted him. Trump is destroying the Republican party now, but if he get's elected he is going to be even worse for the party. This is beyond no win situation for Republicans, this is a no way but lose situation for them.
Trump is like a cancer, the only way to get rid of him is to cut him loose completely. Clearly the Republican party waited far far too long to take Trump seriously but they have to do the smart thing now and say Trump doesn't represent their beliefs.
Trump is like a cancer, the only way to get rid of him is to cut him loose completely. Clearly the Republican party waited far far too long to take Trump seriously but they have to do the smart thing now and say Trump doesn't represent their beliefs.
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@Captbilly
". . . they [the Republican Party{ have to do the smart thing now and say Trump doesn't represent their beliefs."
What beliefs? Trump is the apotheosis of Republican belief and action, dating all the way back to Nixon's cynical "Southern Strategy" Trump the demagogue is the Monster brought to life by the Frankenstein GOP.
In Mary Shelley's novel, Dr. Frankenstein's efforts to undo what he had created ended in disaster for him.
If that is how this turns out for the Republican Party, so be it
". . . they [the Republican Party{ have to do the smart thing now and say Trump doesn't represent their beliefs."
What beliefs? Trump is the apotheosis of Republican belief and action, dating all the way back to Nixon's cynical "Southern Strategy" Trump the demagogue is the Monster brought to life by the Frankenstein GOP.
In Mary Shelley's novel, Dr. Frankenstein's efforts to undo what he had created ended in disaster for him.
If that is how this turns out for the Republican Party, so be it
Except that Trump clearly does represent the bulk of the Republican base. They voted for him and they are keeping his poll numbers not that far from 50% of the population.
To be fair Republicans generally, the majority, were not pleased with Trump's candidacy and it was pointed out time and again during the primary season that Trump was receiving a minority of the votes but a finite plurality. The major blunder, certainly in hindsight, was allowing 17 candidates on debate stages. To be admitted to the Presidential debates 15% is required in five national polls. Johnson and Stein are very likely out of luck. If the RNC had allowed only 5-6 candidates initially (with no undercard) and with increasing thresholds for inclusion Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush, Chris Christie or John Katich would be the nominee. Democrats will find reasons why each one would be an awful choice but the country would be better served with a more viable and deserving Republican nominee than the unbalanced current one. The RNC Chairman and his colleagues don't need an "autopsy" they need a pen to write their letters of resignation. Debby deserves company.
33
Why flee Trump?
If he weren't what most Republican voters want, he wouldn't be the party's nominee for POTUS.
You own him. You might as well embrace him.
If he weren't what most Republican voters want, he wouldn't be the party's nominee for POTUS.
You own him. You might as well embrace him.
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"Jay Bergman, an Illinois oil executive and major Republican donor, said Mr. Trump’s clash with the parents of a slain soldier had been a sharp reality check. Mr. Bergman said he had previously viewed Mr. Trump as a “loose cannon like a fox” — calculating his inflammatory comments to drive his message. That view was harder to sustain after Mr. Trump’s latest eruption, he said."
What a superb Republican. He says it is ok for Donald Trump to sling racist, misogynistic, homophobic, dangerous language at whomever he pleases and long as he is a "loose cannon like a fox". It is only that Trump hasn't succeeded with his vile language that Mr. Bergman objects. A perfect paradigm of the Republican Party.
What a superb Republican. He says it is ok for Donald Trump to sling racist, misogynistic, homophobic, dangerous language at whomever he pleases and long as he is a "loose cannon like a fox". It is only that Trump hasn't succeeded with his vile language that Mr. Bergman objects. A perfect paradigm of the Republican Party.
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THANK you!
Nailed it....
Nailed it....
24
What bodders me much more that it took the verbal assault on a golden star family to get the people outraged, showing him to be a less decent person (nothing new there).
What is much more telling was his statement about Ukraine, showing him being completely clueless about what is happening anywhere in the world and refusing to even try to get even with the facts.
Also his statements about NATO are very dangerous and (given my country is the third biggest investor in the US) will see a flight from foreign investors in the US, plunging your economy into a much bigger recession.
What is much more telling was his statement about Ukraine, showing him being completely clueless about what is happening anywhere in the world and refusing to even try to get even with the facts.
Also his statements about NATO are very dangerous and (given my country is the third biggest investor in the US) will see a flight from foreign investors in the US, plunging your economy into a much bigger recession.
1
Meanwhile we have Mrs. Clinton, with very high unfavorables, and a DNC that actively connived to deny Bernie Sanders the nomination. What about when another Wikileaks dump comes out, perhaps a month or so before the election.
What is the contingency plan for this, should the emails directly tie Mrs. Clinton to said conniving?
What is the contingency plan for this, should the emails directly tie Mrs. Clinton to said conniving?
6
@Ellen. Please. Please. The DNC emails revealed, at the very most, kvetching by life-long Democrats about what to do with a guy who had been a Democrat for several months and who seemed to be harming another life-long Democrat's chances to thwart the clear and present danger that is Donald Trump. The DNC does have an interest in seeing that a Democrat wins the election. You know that, right? In any event, there is zero evidence that any DNC personnel acted upon these emails (the evidence, in fact, is to the contrary), that rank-and-file Democrats even knew about them, or that they affected in any way the 3.8 million more votes that Hillary got when people pulled the curtain to cast their secret ballots. I, for one, had heard nothing whatsoever about these emails when I pulled the lever for Hillary. Did you know about them when you voted for Bernie? I know that you *really* want to believe that HRC was in on a conspiracy. But, for the love of God, I'm down on my knees begging: let's move on already and deal with the threat to our republic that this mentally ill Republican poses to us all. BTW, her unfavorables are coming down and her favorables are going up. I hope you have noticed.
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We don't, yet, have any evidence of "active" conniving, just political trash-talking by party officials, passionate partisans all, and everyone just acts shocked, shocked. So far at least it's just a made up scandal, fomented by malicious enemies of the U.S., Putin and Assange.
27
For someone with such high 'unfavorables.' she is doing very well in the polls.
26
Trump and his campaign have generated so many untruths that Factcheck.org declared that in the 12 years since its founding, “we’ve never seen his match.” And that was before this year began.
Trump repeatedly spews false, unsubstantiated or wildly exaggerated assertions — that Mrs. Clinton “slept through” the Benghazi attack (false); that the current administration is financing illegal immigration (false); and that it is not vetting refugees from the Middle East (false).
According to Poiltifact, 19% of Trump's claims are "pants on fire" lies (vs. 2% for Hillary) while a whopping 70% of his claims are mostly false or worse (vs. 27% for Hillary). You could fill a broadcast with the lies the con man has told just since the GOP convention.
Trump repeatedly spews false, unsubstantiated or wildly exaggerated assertions — that Mrs. Clinton “slept through” the Benghazi attack (false); that the current administration is financing illegal immigration (false); and that it is not vetting refugees from the Middle East (false).
According to Poiltifact, 19% of Trump's claims are "pants on fire" lies (vs. 2% for Hillary) while a whopping 70% of his claims are mostly false or worse (vs. 27% for Hillary). You could fill a broadcast with the lies the con man has told just since the GOP convention.
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Cutting through all the Pinocchios and Pants on Fires ... Poll after poll, most democrats find Trump more trustworthy than Hillary.
4
source?
14
Amazing! Do you really believe that? Democratic voters tend to be better educated than their GOP fellow voters, and for that reason, will reject Trump like the sickness he is.
5
So Donald Trump threatens the political fortunes of the most shameless, unadulterated bunch of corporate shills, unbridled militarists, and antediluvian religious hucksters Congress has ever seen? Great, I give Trump credit (deserved or not) for imperiling such a terrible bunch of politicians.
Few things are more infuriating to hear than Republicans boasting that they are assured control of the House of Representative through 2022. This is a tacit admission on their part that they gleefully tipped and gerrymandered the scales in their party's favor during redistricting after the 2010 census--the year when the GOP gained control of large numbers of state legislatures and therefore the ability to control redistricting.
Would be great to see the GOP lose control of the House six earlier than they ever imagined they would.
Few things are more infuriating to hear than Republicans boasting that they are assured control of the House of Representative through 2022. This is a tacit admission on their part that they gleefully tipped and gerrymandered the scales in their party's favor during redistricting after the 2010 census--the year when the GOP gained control of large numbers of state legislatures and therefore the ability to control redistricting.
Would be great to see the GOP lose control of the House six earlier than they ever imagined they would.
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What I find amusing is the horror expressed about Donald Trump not endorsing (for example) Ryan and McCain. Ryan and McCain are smart enough to understand that keeping their distance from Trump is in their better interest. I have to believe that what is at risk in such a non-endorsement is party unity, and not the political fortunes of a down-ballot contender. So such contenders might say "Donald Trump, stay far, far away from me, but in the interest of the party, you'd better endorse me!" Really pretty weird.
14
"David McIntosh, the president of the Club for Growth, a group that advocates small government, ..."
More like the Club for Growth for billionaires and a group that advocates for small government so billionaires can do whatever they want.
David McIntosh can't fool everyone.
More like the Club for Growth for billionaires and a group that advocates for small government so billionaires can do whatever they want.
David McIntosh can't fool everyone.
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R congressional candidate?
That would be the XXX/Trump ticket of course, where XXX is the name of the candidate. The defeat of Trump and his creators and enablers can not be a close run thing. Trump will not go quietly into the night. An overwhelming defeat is important.
That would be the XXX/Trump ticket of course, where XXX is the name of the candidate. The defeat of Trump and his creators and enablers can not be a close run thing. Trump will not go quietly into the night. An overwhelming defeat is important.
25
Looking out for their own hides - always - even as Trump rampages around the country and threatens to destroy it if elected, discredit the legitimacy of the election process if he isn't . Let's boil this down to its essence:
Republican Party to America: Drop Dead.
Republican Party to America: Drop Dead.
46
America to Republican Party: Drop Dead.
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Donald Trump has the extremely dubious natural talent of bringing out the worst in his supporters and the best in his adversaries. He is the byproduct of a do-nothing, gerrymandered Congress. The hope is that a Renaissance of honest, passionate, compassionate politicians, truly dedicated to the common good, will follow in his wake.
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@Charles. Hear, hear. That is the hope. I'm just not going to put my head under water while I wait for it. We have a lot of un-gerrymandering to do first.
20
As Che Rhymefest Smith said, "Listen, Donald Trump did not come out come out of nowhere....he is the Frankenstein of Republican rhetoric..."
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"But Republicans are planning for the worst." Are any of them planning an apology, because we're owed one.
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