If my parents were alive today, they would say EPN represents the Mexico they left behind 50 years ago. They would also be horrified by the person that represents the Republican Party today.
8
Mr. Pena Nieto learned what so many others have learned before him. That is, that Mr. Trump is a rolling dumpster fire, and that anyone who gets near him is likely to be dirtied by the encounter.
23
Where can I find those Donald Trump pinatas? I went looking for them in markets in Mexico City last month and I couldn't find any. I did find a lot of comments about Donald Trump though. But I shouldn't put them in print.
15
If Trump helps rid the US of a bunch of reactionary members of congress and and also helps rid Mexico of Mr Pena Nieto, he'll have accomplished, albeit inadvertently, some good in the world.
PS Where can we estatundenses get those Trump pinatas?!?
PS Where can we estatundenses get those Trump pinatas?!?
12
Please, let's keep giving Trump more rope as he continues to hang himself. This was his first "diplomatic" foray, and now he's in a Twitter War about his veracity. Is anyone surprised?
23
Unfortunately the author does not answer his own question, "Why Did Pena Nieto Invite Trump to Mexico?" So for most readers this will remain a mystery, though the Mexican people appear to have already dismissed their president as incompetent, at best. You never try to out-grandstand the master of grandstanding and the grandiose. If that's what the Mexican president was doing, his own showboat will sink as Trump's keeps afloat, both of them oblivious to political reality.
7
President Nieto either did not listen to his advisors or they are all yes men.
This was Mr. Nieto's chance to tell Mr. Trump the time of day. instead Mr. Nieto stook quiet when Mr. Trump spoke about the wall, and then almost an hour later tweets a responce. Got to wonder what Nieto and his people thought they would accomplish inviting Mr. Trump.
This was Mr. Nieto's chance to tell Mr. Trump the time of day. instead Mr. Nieto stook quiet when Mr. Trump spoke about the wall, and then almost an hour later tweets a responce. Got to wonder what Nieto and his people thought they would accomplish inviting Mr. Trump.
5
President Nieto recognized a piñata when he sees one
5
I’m going with the simplest explanation: That Peña-Nieto is a weak, unskilled politician, who lives in the insulated world of Mexican national politics, and was bullied into the meeting by the Trump campaign.
7
Both have gained from Trump's sudden & surprising visit. Nieto has looked important to the world and Trump's self-advertising media campaign is refueled. Hillary misses the point when saying "that's not how it's done." Her opponent's current retrenchment aims at an expanded publicity campaign . And Trump has gained publicity along with snippets of film.. Where's Hillary in the news just now, apart from fund raising?
6
How could you be so naive? Peña Nieto was obviously bribed or blackmailed, to make him act in this political theater.
Whodonit? In order of plausibility, in my opinion:
1. Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes
2. Vladimir Putin
Whodonit? In order of plausibility, in my opinion:
1. Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes
2. Vladimir Putin
8
Well, some good came out of this.
Republican Hispanics for trump have bailed out.
"He used us", they cry.
Well, welcome to the club of 3,500 small businessmen and two ex-wives.
trump uses EVERYONE!
Republican Hispanics for trump have bailed out.
"He used us", they cry.
Well, welcome to the club of 3,500 small businessmen and two ex-wives.
trump uses EVERYONE!
29
its possible to have dealings w someone wo being used
but not if that someone is trump
forgetting politics, i am slack jawed that supposedly savvy businessmen still get involved w trump, and then express surprise when they are taken
its as if they had never heard anything about his colossal shafting of everyone he has ever dealt with, or think they can out smart trump
8
while i respect the observations and options of the author,
i am curious as to how this encounter would have played-out
had HRC preceeded DJT in a meeting with President Nieto.
as it happened,
of course DJT played the show to its maximum benefit to his
acolytes in the u.s. electorate - - -
who automatically dismiss any and all discussion of their-man's
shortcomings,
both here and there,
as the tools of the hated MSM.
indeed,
picking-up on a few minutes with FAUX NEWZ and
the radical-radio-front clearly demonstrated-yet-again the
deep emotional commitment these voters have for the
republican't party's creation...
and they are choosing to not be dissuaded in any way.
this is a mob that will soon-enough be at the gates.
this "trumpted-up" meeting clearly did a disservice to the Mexican people - - -
which is once again regrettable and expected - - -
as both countries are in near-desperate-need for
new ideas, participants, and leaders.
may better results come quickly for all concerned.
3
Trump and Pena Nieto may have been practicing "the art of the deal," with the idea for Pena Nieto's invitation to Trump coming from Trump himself.
6
Why did Pena Nieto invite the demagogue Trump indeed. This curious tact by the Mexican president has brought forth correctly the wrath of the Mexican people.
Anyone in the US who embraces such an odious uncouth lowlife as Trump is beyond the pale, but anyone outside the US who does so has to be downright masochistic. Trump's "extreme" nationalistic message ought to make all foreigners shudder, and I am glad to see for most of them they are. Stay calm, help is on the way.
Come November 8th, everyone will see the true colors of the American people. We are overwhelmingly not the kind of folks who bow before Trump and follow him like pagans of a false idol. They are mesmerized by his dictatorial rhetoric. They need to have their heads examined. Becasue of Trump and his disciples, we now have the ultimate litmus test to calculate one's sanity. Those who support Trump should immediately seek help and not be walking the streets unaccompanied. They are unstable people; for anyone who could listen to Trump since last June and still find him competent to become president obviously must be missing more than a few marbles.
DD
Manhattan
Anyone in the US who embraces such an odious uncouth lowlife as Trump is beyond the pale, but anyone outside the US who does so has to be downright masochistic. Trump's "extreme" nationalistic message ought to make all foreigners shudder, and I am glad to see for most of them they are. Stay calm, help is on the way.
Come November 8th, everyone will see the true colors of the American people. We are overwhelmingly not the kind of folks who bow before Trump and follow him like pagans of a false idol. They are mesmerized by his dictatorial rhetoric. They need to have their heads examined. Becasue of Trump and his disciples, we now have the ultimate litmus test to calculate one's sanity. Those who support Trump should immediately seek help and not be walking the streets unaccompanied. They are unstable people; for anyone who could listen to Trump since last June and still find him competent to become president obviously must be missing more than a few marbles.
DD
Manhattan
18
As an aging white American all I can say is the sooner this country turns brown and votes blue the better. Bienvenidos ustedes. I hope you never forget the Republican Party, Pete Wilson, Arpaio,Trump, McConnel, Ryan and all those who fear your intelligent voting habits. Republicans must be defeated, again and again. We could make America a good place for everyone. I believe it could be done, but white people have shown they can't do it without you.
31
Many commenters have suggested what Mr. Peña Nieto SHOULD have done, and Trump's people undoubtedly were aware of those possibilities and more. Yet he went. It could have been a disaster for him, but it turned out well. Flawed or not, Trump deserves credit for taking a very big risk.
4
Reminds me of the old western movies where the cowboy goes to Mexico and plays with the local chief any which way he likes right or wrong and makes him feel small in front of his people.
Nothing has changed
Nothing has changed
5
Put yourself in the Mexican President's shoes.
You have this man who could easily BE the next President of your big neighbor without whose business you'd be totally in bed with the drug people.
He can come talk to you so that you can get an idea of where his head is and how determined he really is. Do you turn THAT down?
Were I that man, I'd be afraid of Hillary more than Trump. Hillary is ALL about the cash, no question.
How do you know she won't sell you to the narcos five minutes after she assumes power? There is NO stopping her since there will always be enough Democrats in the Senate to keep her in office, even were she filmed killing someone with a knife or bedside lamp.
I'd have talked to Trump, or Mao, or Castro, or anyone in that situation.
And then you HAVE to talk to Hillary. You can't just pick up the phone and ask her if she hates the U.S. as much as Obama the Determined.
You have this man who could easily BE the next President of your big neighbor without whose business you'd be totally in bed with the drug people.
He can come talk to you so that you can get an idea of where his head is and how determined he really is. Do you turn THAT down?
Were I that man, I'd be afraid of Hillary more than Trump. Hillary is ALL about the cash, no question.
How do you know she won't sell you to the narcos five minutes after she assumes power? There is NO stopping her since there will always be enough Democrats in the Senate to keep her in office, even were she filmed killing someone with a knife or bedside lamp.
I'd have talked to Trump, or Mao, or Castro, or anyone in that situation.
And then you HAVE to talk to Hillary. You can't just pick up the phone and ask her if she hates the U.S. as much as Obama the Determined.
4
And Trump is not ALL about the cash? The guy who liked the Brexit because it would be good for his golf course, no matter what it did to the country? I like your optimism
9
Easy, folks. Since it came out subsequently that Peña Nieto did indeed raise the subject of paying for the wall- and evidently flatly stated that Mexico wouldn't- he just might be crazy like the fox. The (almost to be expected) reaction from the Donald (his speech) and the subsequent blowback are rapidly morphing into the latest napalm bomb the Donald has dropped on his own headquarters.
It's like the Who song from Quadrophenia- "Can you see the real meeee? Can you? CAN YOU?" No matter how much lipstick the new Trump team attempts to put on this critter, you can count on him to be 100%, unvarnished, unadulterated Donald, every time.
It's like the Who song from Quadrophenia- "Can you see the real meeee? Can you? CAN YOU?" No matter how much lipstick the new Trump team attempts to put on this critter, you can count on him to be 100%, unvarnished, unadulterated Donald, every time.
7
Um, "The curious thing about Mr. Peña Nieto’s latest debacle is how, unlike his other woes, it was totally self-inflicted." But isn't plagiarizing his law degree thesis also self-inflicted?
7
Mr. Peña Nieto played his “Trump” card and lost. He has ticked off his own countrymen and made Mexican-Americans and other Hispanic Americans even angrier for providing Trump this opportunity for a photo-op. Trump might have lost his voice during the joint presidential news conference with Mr. Nieto, but he was back to his barking best a few hours later in Phoenix, where he outlined an immigration plan that shows absolutely no compassion, consideration or desire to further integrate the vast Latino diaspora into the United States.
Mr. Nieto might have left himself worse off in the eyes of Mexicans, but we are still determining whether Mr. Trump has suffered a similar fate here in the eyes of Americans. It would be a shame if we didn’t!
Mr. Nieto might have left himself worse off in the eyes of Mexicans, but we are still determining whether Mr. Trump has suffered a similar fate here in the eyes of Americans. It would be a shame if we didn’t!
5
DJT goes on and on, about how much brighter and more effective Mexican pols are than our own. In besting this pushover, at least, he has proved himself wrong.
1
If anyone questions the value of securing the borders, please note Stephanie Juarez's comment:
"If Trump or anyone else thinks that a wall is going to stop us and other hard working immigrants to come to this country, you are very wrong. Nothing is going to stop us..."
This is unfortunately a prevailing view of most illegal aliens. Laws simply don't matter or apply to them. Case closed.
"If Trump or anyone else thinks that a wall is going to stop us and other hard working immigrants to come to this country, you are very wrong. Nothing is going to stop us..."
This is unfortunately a prevailing view of most illegal aliens. Laws simply don't matter or apply to them. Case closed.
7
So why did Pena Nieto invite Trump to Medicine? The column doesn't answer the question in the headline.
1
What Nieto did (invite both Clinton & Trump to visit) makes perfect sense. Blaming Nieto because USAmericans are ridiculous enough to nominate Trump for president is blaming Mexico for a US failure. But then, Mexico is accustomed to that. The drug war & violence? All Mexico's fault. Etc. One wonders if USAmericans will ever grow up and take responsibility for their own actions.
8
When the republican "establishment" turned its back on Trump that left a vacuum to be filled and it was; by the opportunistic bottom-feeders like Gingrich, Sessions, Giuliani, Palin, Hannity, Falwell, Graham and others. Take a look at this man's "advisers" and "surrogates." This is the sort of theatre you get with it's lunatics and loonies calling the shots and pulling the strings.
6
Good lord, it's as if the Mexicans commenting on this story don't really believe there's such a thing as sovereignty, as borders, as a country having the right to determine who, when and under what circumstances it will admit immigrants to its country. A pox on anyone who thinks America should be an open door where people come in and use our resources where others, who follow the law, continue to wait in line as would-be law abiding American citizens. There's something radically wrong with Mexicans, like Nicholas in Manhattan, who are insulted by the very idea that America ought to be more prudent about whom it admits and immediately return to their country those who break our laws and threaten our people. Such thinkers have scrambled eggs for brains.
3
Mr Grillo, Peña did the right thing, he invited both candidates.
I reside in Mexicali and registered to vote in Nevada, you failed to report that this is Campaign season in Mexico, evidently, whatever Peña does, he will be used by the opposition, I suggest he means well but has not a efficient team, same story in my long life.
Trump and the wall are a Mal Necesario, we need a change, Fox, Calderon failed so has all other leaders of Mexico. we can not continue as is, over 50% poor population, corrupted government in general and always as you can read, we tend blame all on USA, this is wrong, folks in Mexico are influenced by a press that is bought or sold, free market media, in general, Trump can be the best alternative if we think that we need to go by an uncomfortable process, I will vote Trump, not very popular here but it´s a worthwhile move for Mexico and Mexicans, we can not keep using USA as an scape valve to our bad government system, we have everything for progress but have failed.
I reside in Mexicali and registered to vote in Nevada, you failed to report that this is Campaign season in Mexico, evidently, whatever Peña does, he will be used by the opposition, I suggest he means well but has not a efficient team, same story in my long life.
Trump and the wall are a Mal Necesario, we need a change, Fox, Calderon failed so has all other leaders of Mexico. we can not continue as is, over 50% poor population, corrupted government in general and always as you can read, we tend blame all on USA, this is wrong, folks in Mexico are influenced by a press that is bought or sold, free market media, in general, Trump can be the best alternative if we think that we need to go by an uncomfortable process, I will vote Trump, not very popular here but it´s a worthwhile move for Mexico and Mexicans, we can not keep using USA as an scape valve to our bad government system, we have everything for progress but have failed.
4
Yeah, that's what we need, a leader who goes around punking our neighbors.
Look out, Trudeau! Bannon and Farage will roll him on you, next!
Look out, Trudeau! Bannon and Farage will roll him on you, next!
3
I have been greatly alarmed for several months now about how there are always multiple articles of trump on every US news site on the internet and there is one or two from Clinton. All trump, all the time must have a down side to Clinton in the manner that trump seems to be the early warm getting all the attention, be it bad or good, many American citizens are and will be swayed to vote his way due to this constant attention. Only half the news media has the intent of all this coverage to expose the unabashed lies, disrespect and foulness of mind, spirit sand lack of value to a sustainable life for all of us and all of Earth. This half also needs to be putting Clinton's policy and ideas for change out to the American consciousness on a daily basis to counter, in a real and meaningful way, the foulness of trump and of all trump, all the time.
4
Is it surprising that the American totally capitalized on the event? Is anyone surprised that a businessman with "con" written all over him took advantage of the situation? If anything, the Mexican President looked out of his element and who wouldn't want to look out of element in a staged, contrived, setup for pure gain, PR moment. I thought Mexico looked like a country with honest, good intent about its future and that isn't really shameful.
3
Regardless of what was actually said or discussed between these two men, Mr Trump would have no difficulty altering it completely when speaking to his supporters.
8
Maybe he wanted to show his electorate that there were worse politicians tham hmself?
4
I can't understand why Nieto agreed to meet Trump. It was as obvious as can be that the outcome would be as it happened: Trump claims that Nieto "agreed" with him -- in effect Nieto, and by fact of leadership Mexico, has become a "Trump supporter."
It is tradition for leaders of state to invite the prominent candidates to visit. This why we saw Obama winning over Europe.
But these things are diplomatic things, not rush jobs with a stink bomb to plant in a whole nation's face, unless you work like Nigel Farage, or for him.
But these things are diplomatic things, not rush jobs with a stink bomb to plant in a whole nation's face, unless you work like Nigel Farage, or for him.
5
This is indeed Mexico's bleekest hour. There are no words to descibe the terrible sense of embarassment that prevails across the country. If anything Mr Peña Nieto has managed to galvanize every single Mexican against him.
2
Is Britain hoping they blame US for Donald? They are at loose ends and could use some more friends. We historically have battled the Brits to control Mexican politics and now their money laundries.
Hay, wasn't Nigel Farage's aide taken away in handcuffs by our FBI for laundering money on the dark net after visiting the RNC convention? Were they the two who talking the GOP into handing Ukraine over to Putin?
Hay, wasn't Nigel Farage's aide taken away in handcuffs by our FBI for laundering money on the dark net after visiting the RNC convention? Were they the two who talking the GOP into handing Ukraine over to Putin?
1
The whole premise of this op-ed is ridiculous. The President of Mexico invited the two leading contenders to be the President of the U.S. in 5 months to come to Mexico City to discuss the future of Mexico-U.S. relations and cooperation. What in the world is so outrageous about that? And for Mr. Grillo and everyone upset about optics, or whether it helps or hurts Trump or Clinton, or Mexican or American polls blah, blah, blah... Answer this. Which of Trum'ps 5 keys that he articulated in the duel press conference shouldn't be a priority of the two governments regardless of who wins. 1) Stopping illegal immigration into BOTH countries, curbing the humanitarian and security crisis it has caused. 2) Establishing effective physical barriers to help each country accomplish #1 curbing the flow of illegal weapons, drugs as well as people. 3) Dismantle the drug cartels. 4) Rework NAFTA to make the N. American Hemisphere more competitive v. the rest of the world. 5) Keep manufacturing wealth in the N. American Hemisphere.
So for everyone blasting Trump or Nieto, start by telling me which one of those 5 shouldn't be a goal of both the U.S. and Mexican governments... and why is it not newsworthy that it appears these haven't been the goals or accomplishments of the current or preceding governments of the U.S. and Mexico?
And finally, tell me which one of these keys Hillary Clinton agrees or disagrees with and which of these 5 she worked toward as Sec. of State.
So for everyone blasting Trump or Nieto, start by telling me which one of those 5 shouldn't be a goal of both the U.S. and Mexican governments... and why is it not newsworthy that it appears these haven't been the goals or accomplishments of the current or preceding governments of the U.S. and Mexico?
And finally, tell me which one of these keys Hillary Clinton agrees or disagrees with and which of these 5 she worked toward as Sec. of State.
5
All together a whole lot of nonsense not worth anytime.
1
Ignored in the speculation as to what Pena Nieto was thinking, what was Trump thinking? Here he was finally looking presidential; something mainstream Republicans have been starved for the whole campaign, and he throws it away.
Shortly after he looked firm but reasonable in his appearance with Pres. Pena Nieto, he made a fire and brimstone speech in Arizona to the cheers of his rabid supporters. He didn't need to do this - where are his hard line supporters going to go? - but he did need to reassure moderate voters that he can act with the even temperament, judgement and diplomatic skill that we like to see in our presidents.
Those of us who were worried that Trump was finally going to get it and put himself in the power oval, needn't have.
Shortly after he looked firm but reasonable in his appearance with Pres. Pena Nieto, he made a fire and brimstone speech in Arizona to the cheers of his rabid supporters. He didn't need to do this - where are his hard line supporters going to go? - but he did need to reassure moderate voters that he can act with the even temperament, judgement and diplomatic skill that we like to see in our presidents.
Those of us who were worried that Trump was finally going to get it and put himself in the power oval, needn't have.
2
Possibly Ricky recognizes the truth, e.g. the future, i.e. Presidente El Donald.
He recognized truth, as not something familiar but as something very different, requiring closer inspection to reveal its implication?
He recognized truth, as not something familiar but as something very different, requiring closer inspection to reveal its implication?
2
Lost in this narrative and discord, is the fact that the manpower of millions of illegal aliens contributes to the economy of the US, Mexico and Canada. Illegal aliens from Mexico and Central America who have been failed by their governments to supply them with a job and security.
Those illegal aliens come to work hard in the fields and factories where most Americans will never want to engage to work, and definitely not at the low wages and long hard hours the illegal workers usually work.
The meek President of Mexico has declared bully Trump to be a "threat" to Mexico. He is wrong. Both Mr. trump and Mr. Peña Nieto are a threat to those Mexican illegal alien who risk their lives only to get a job and help their families back home.
People say the people have the governments they deserve. mexico does not deserve Mr. Peña Nieto, Americans do not deserve Someone like Trump. I am confident this electoral circus in the United Sates is showing the bad and ugly of these two societies and cultures and that the good people will prevail.
Those illegal aliens come to work hard in the fields and factories where most Americans will never want to engage to work, and definitely not at the low wages and long hard hours the illegal workers usually work.
The meek President of Mexico has declared bully Trump to be a "threat" to Mexico. He is wrong. Both Mr. trump and Mr. Peña Nieto are a threat to those Mexican illegal alien who risk their lives only to get a job and help their families back home.
People say the people have the governments they deserve. mexico does not deserve Mr. Peña Nieto, Americans do not deserve Someone like Trump. I am confident this electoral circus in the United Sates is showing the bad and ugly of these two societies and cultures and that the good people will prevail.
4
Illegal immigrants cost more in health care, education and public services and depression of wages to the US than they produce, and to make matters worse they remit billions of under the table untaxed to their home countries instead of keeping tat money in the US. We are better off without them.
6
"Who have been failed by their governments to supply them with a job." That, in my opinion, is the problem. It is not the responsibility of government to provide you with a job. It's your responsibility to take advantage of the education that government freely provides and to get yourself a job. If you believe that it is governments job to take care of you, then a free society is no place for you. If you believe that governments job is to provide you with everything you need, you don't want freedom, you want to be enslaved, and if you don't have the will to make it on your own, you deserve to be.
1
This should serve as a warning to the American people of the messes that will be created by Trump. He flies by the seat of his pants with no preparation and the content of every meeting will be disputed by both sides.
6
Unfortunately for Mexicans Pena Nieto played the submissive mexican that we see in western movies. So but so so pathetic it makes me feel anger not pity at the mexicans.
Good morning Mr Trump, welcome to mexico. How can we help you sir. Would you like some tacos and cerveza?? Just pathetic.
May be mexicans really feel inferior to americans at least that is how this whole fiasco played out. Pena Nieto needs his head examined.
Good morning Mr Trump, welcome to mexico. How can we help you sir. Would you like some tacos and cerveza?? Just pathetic.
May be mexicans really feel inferior to americans at least that is how this whole fiasco played out. Pena Nieto needs his head examined.
2
Mr. Pena probably thought he could present a strong image by standing up to Trump, but, although he probably did in the private meeting, he was diplomatic and didn't take a strong stand at the press conference. Instead, he begged for respect and failed to declare publicly that Mexico won't pay for a wall. Imagine if instead Pena demanded an apology and turned to Trump for an answer. Of course, Trump wouldn't apologize, so then Pena could have scolded him for the child he is and boldly declared toTrump’s face that Mexico would never pay and dismissed Trump without giving him a response. Pena should have been strong, enhanced his stature with his countrymen, and he could have seriously embarrassed, and hurt, Trump and his candidacy instead of himself. Trump's body language at the press conference seemed to me to be upset and uneasy. I thought he was angry because of what Pena must have said privately. And, I think this explains what was Trump’s temper tantrum in Phoenix.
4
I'd vote for the House of Cards plot. Or that money was exchanged.
2
What's got me scratching my head...
If FU got rid of the PM so he could slip himself in by setting up the man's father to look like an inside trader, then why didn't Cameron's dad's tax avoidance in Panama raise an eyebrow?
If FU got rid of the PM so he could slip himself in by setting up the man's father to look like an inside trader, then why didn't Cameron's dad's tax avoidance in Panama raise an eyebrow?
Maybe it's because I was born in Venezuela, but when I think of American politicians visiting Latin America what comes to mind is Nixon in Caracas in 1958. Then, angry anti-American Venezuelans surrounded Nixon'd car and nearly overturned it. And while Hugo Chávez brought Venezuela to the brink of chaos, he demonstrated his quick wit when he skewered George W. Bush at the United Nations: " 'Yesterday, the devil came here,' Mr. Chávez said, alluding to Mr. Bush’s appearance before the General Assembly on Tuesday. 'Right here. Right here. And it smells of sulfur still today, this table that I am now standing in front of.' "
So it wasn't for lack of precedent that Mr. Peña Nieto let himself be used as a campaign prop by Donald Trump.
While it's difficult to explain Latin American politics in terms that Americans understand, the debacle on August 31 in Mexico City is best understood as an example of what a Dan Quayle presidency would have been like.
So it wasn't for lack of precedent that Mr. Peña Nieto let himself be used as a campaign prop by Donald Trump.
While it's difficult to explain Latin American politics in terms that Americans understand, the debacle on August 31 in Mexico City is best understood as an example of what a Dan Quayle presidency would have been like.
6
Candidates should not be allowed to meet with foreign leaders. They have no standing as representatives of our country and no knowledge of negotiations that might be under way between our government and other nations.
When Congress invited Netanyahu to come before it to present Israel's position on a diplomatic issue (as it was being negotiated through our constitutionally empowered representatives) it was outrageous. Something like Trump meeting with a foreign president should have been illegal.
When Congress invited Netanyahu to come before it to present Israel's position on a diplomatic issue (as it was being negotiated through our constitutionally empowered representatives) it was outrageous. Something like Trump meeting with a foreign president should have been illegal.
37
"How could he make it any worse? Only by inviting Donald J. Trump
That is how the US Democratic Party views it. However, that is partisan and US-centric.
The President of Mexico has available to him many ways to make a mistake, many very serious. Demeaning Trump is of overwhelming importance mostly to US Democrats.
Furthermore, the Mexican President might well have expected Trump to fall on his face in a way that would harm Trump and please Mexicans and Democrats. Romney did in Europe during his campaign. Perry did. Many have.
Trump gets low marks for expectations of competence, so expecting him to do no better than Romney or Perry would be reasonable.
Unfortunately for those expectations, Trump didn't do as badly as Romney or Perry. If he wasn't great and fantastic, he also wasn't all that bad while in Mexico. THAT is why the Mexican President is getting attacked now, because he allowed Trump to gain some advantage in ways nobody quite expected would happen.
That is how the US Democratic Party views it. However, that is partisan and US-centric.
The President of Mexico has available to him many ways to make a mistake, many very serious. Demeaning Trump is of overwhelming importance mostly to US Democrats.
Furthermore, the Mexican President might well have expected Trump to fall on his face in a way that would harm Trump and please Mexicans and Democrats. Romney did in Europe during his campaign. Perry did. Many have.
Trump gets low marks for expectations of competence, so expecting him to do no better than Romney or Perry would be reasonable.
Unfortunately for those expectations, Trump didn't do as badly as Romney or Perry. If he wasn't great and fantastic, he also wasn't all that bad while in Mexico. THAT is why the Mexican President is getting attacked now, because he allowed Trump to gain some advantage in ways nobody quite expected would happen.
3
I am Latin and I found Peña Nieto unbelievably meek, disgusting really. The meeting could not have gone well with polite agreement or with savage disagreement. But after the meeting took place, Peña Nieto owed his compatriots to set the offending visitor straight during the meeting and press conference. Why in heaven didn't the president of Mexico say, "I told Mr. Trump and repeat now, that we think that building the wall is a bad idea, and I clearly stated that if the wall is built it will be funded by the American taxpayers."
3
The only thing I see wrong with this article is its focus on a strictly political rationale for this meeting. I know the NYT cannot, and should not, indulge in unsubstantiated speculation, but it seems consistent with Occam's Razor (i.e. the simplest solution is usually the correct one) that Trump merely paid Pena Nieto in some way. Perhaps he paid him with actual money, perhaps in another way. Because, as others have noted, there is no reasonable political reason to invite Trump to Mexico.
3
We Mexicans are wounded and hurt by Peña Nieto's stupidity and lack of character. If Trump or anyone else thinks that a wall is going to stop us and other hard working immigrants to come to this country, you are very wrong. Nothing is going to stop us, not even the humiliation of being refer as rapists and thieves. We are not thieves or rapists and we are certainly not paying for a wall.
3
Stephanie:
So, just to be clear, no matter what the U.S. immigration law says, you intend to break it?
So, just to be clear, no matter what the U.S. immigration law says, you intend to break it?
5
Maybe the US army will succeed in keeping you out.
4
Where does she say she is an illegal immigrant? Trump supporters always claim that he is not anti-immigrant, only anti-illegal-immigrant. Your post speaks volumes about that untruth.
2
I hope Pena Nieto got his Payoff from Trump. Hes going to need it, later on.
3
Is Trump offering folks condos in Mexico, again? Irongate was a watershed. Mexicans already know Trump is a front man for duckheads.
Peña Nieto has demonstrated to be one of the most inefficient presidents in the Mexican History. During his campaign the PRI convinced Mexicans that they have repented of their sins & they will govern efficiently. His cynicism & incompetence have been shown all along his presidential period. He promised to fight drug trafficking & crime, today at highest level in Mexican History. Corruption, it's ramping at the worst & all the politicians at every step along demonstrate their incompetence. They are enriching themselves to a level never seen. These ex- & politicians are so corrupted that Interpol, FBI & other international agencies are looking for many of them, because their crimes. Their range it is wide; extortion, bribery, fraud & murder. Peña Nieto is a spineless human, and his intellectual level it is below a 3rd grader. His backers are the famous Atlacomulco and Pentatlon groups, they are the most despicable corrupted people that have controlled Mexican politics since their formation in 1942. You'll find who is who in organized crime & corrupted politicians in Mexico among members of these two groups. They're the equivalent to the Cossa Nostra. Sadly, Peña Nieto doesn't care at all, neither has a clue, which it's even more frustrating. It's not a day that something appears in the news about the incompetence & corruption of the whole government, at all levels, from the local village to the national level. His popularity it's at the lowest of any president in Mexico.
1
I strongly suspect the Trump campaign badgered the Mexican president into holding this meeting, so as to give Trump exposure as a "statesman" and a back door to modify his unworkable propositions on immigration. It failed because Trump's insincerity was blatantly obvious, he looked totally fake as a statesman and the upshot of the meeting was mired in contradictions about who said or didn't say what in respect of who would pay for the wall. This fiasco is a good foretaste of what to expect from a Trump presidency.
3
That is not how most people saw it. Trump looked decisive, courageous and presidential.
2
Really? Lying like that in another country's face? Hardly. Looks more like a trouble maker trying to take out Mexican RINOS. Like EPN needs any help getting sacked.
Is that why he also invited Hillary Clinton for a visit? Because Trump forced him to?
2
Can someone tell me why building a fence on our country is insulting to Mexico? Isn't the slogan- "Fences make good neighbors"?
If Mexico wasn't taking advantage of the USA- then the fence would not concern them. Isn't this a big enough indication that we need the fence?
If Mexico wasn't taking advantage of the USA- then the fence would not concern them. Isn't this a big enough indication that we need the fence?
4
You don't demand your neighbor pay for the fence you want.
5
Mexico was humiliated by a know-nothing bully. But, never fear, Grump has already sealed his own fate...
1
I'm still scratching my head and wondering the same question. Forget the potential Trump presidency as an excuse. "Taint gonna happen. The American people are not about to elect a odious demagogue as its leader, to represent us to the world. Good God, Americans would become a laughingstock, that is if they already haven't. The people of the world are hoping and waiting, holding their breath, that we do the right thing. We will. Come November 8th we will send a clarion call to everyone that America is already a great country by ridding ourselves of this viper in the tall grass. We own to ourselves and the world and common sense.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
2
Then you would be ignoring the will of millions who support Trimp's ideas and will vote for him. You don't speak for all Americans
3
Trump beats Hillary to Louisiana and now Mexico? Tough week for the Times.
4
The people of Mexico should immediately over throw Nieto. Maybe he will wind up in DANCE WITH THE STARS, like all the other losers. That anyone who saw another classic TRUMP bait and switch sleaze job in the light of day and call it Presidential is laughable,
1
No doubt about it! Mr. Trump wishes to show US voters how important he is. President Nieto took time from his busy schedule the last minute to meet with him to discuss whatever he (Trump) had on his agenda. President Nieto may have met Trump to show his respect, not to the man, but to the office he may represent in the near future, the US Presidency. Unfortunately for citizens of the US this meeting provides support for Trump's candidacy. He can truthfully state, which may be a first for Trump, that world leaders are willing to meet with him as they know his importance and that he, god forbid, will win Presidential election. Opportunities lost. Trump could have reinforced the importance of the US/Mexico relationship and how it benefits the health of both our economies. Trump, to show his faith in his ability to win the Presidential election could have laid the groundwork for post election meetings by discussing topics that could be explored to improve our mutually beneficial relationship. President Nieto should have told Mr. Trump that his idea of building a wall and having Mexico pay for it belongs in a Disney cartoon.
2
What he should of done was tell Trump in public he and the Mexican people are waiting for his apologize. Then tell him Mexico is paying for nothing and America should fix it's drug problem and fund the border control properly. Then put him in jail on any charge possible.
4
Often advisories meet to try and listen, one on one to each others position. This is not unusual, and often doesn't solve anything, but each come away with a better understanding and clarity of their position's. Mexico and the US simply don't have a grip on border issues, nor do the Mexicans from other neighbors traveling through Mexico en route to US entry, by whatever means. Seems logical this is a Mexican problem. Once in the US is an entirely different set of circumstances. Most illegals as far as I can determine end up being employed then have a complex existence of being illegal. Building a wall seems extreme however Mexico doesn't seem to worked up about folks leaving. The drug cartels is a separate issue. No wall will make a dent in drug trade. The US is a very big market for drugs.
1
Nieto saw the writing on the wall that DT might have a good chance of becoming President.
Mexico has much more to lose with
1) enforcement of US immigration law
2) taxing/contorl of remittances from Mexicans in the US to Mexican relatives
3) adjustment of NAFTA to stop more manufacturing jobs going to Mexcio
Nieto decided that it was better to deal with Trump before there was a possibility that these campaign issues became law, and was doubtful that Trump would come to Mexico.
It's good for both. Nieto must understand that one of the candidates is not accepting the status quo, per the will of the American people. And Trump had to moderate and appear more Presidential.
Trump nailed it. And Nieto, while getting lots of criticism, has an introduction to Trump. It's always better to meet people in person and make up your own mind. The media can be very .....dramatic and inaccurate.
Mexico has much more to lose with
1) enforcement of US immigration law
2) taxing/contorl of remittances from Mexicans in the US to Mexican relatives
3) adjustment of NAFTA to stop more manufacturing jobs going to Mexcio
Nieto decided that it was better to deal with Trump before there was a possibility that these campaign issues became law, and was doubtful that Trump would come to Mexico.
It's good for both. Nieto must understand that one of the candidates is not accepting the status quo, per the will of the American people. And Trump had to moderate and appear more Presidential.
Trump nailed it. And Nieto, while getting lots of criticism, has an introduction to Trump. It's always better to meet people in person and make up your own mind. The media can be very .....dramatic and inaccurate.
5
It's all ridiculous. The press continues to seriously consider Mr. Trump a candidate and I'm so tired of reading articles about him.
Who cares about Mexico - I don't - it's a developing, drug, cartel infested country. I have no resentment towards the people living there, but I don't think I ever feel bad for Mexico.
Regarding 'The Wall' - Roger Waters can help build it.
Who cares about Mexico - I don't - it's a developing, drug, cartel infested country. I have no resentment towards the people living there, but I don't think I ever feel bad for Mexico.
Regarding 'The Wall' - Roger Waters can help build it.
The Mexicans should have a referendum a.s.a.p and throw this President Nieto out. He is for the Mexicans what Trump would be if he became the President of the U.S. This bizarre invitation to the bigoted demogogue who is being reviled in his own country, who insults Mexico and it's citizens ( besides all immigrants! ) is beyond weird and unbelievable. I hope Nieto is aware that this racist is not going to win in November and that the U.S. is their biggest trading partner.
2
Donald was invited because, shocking though it may be to some, the President of Mexico actually wants a wall. Mexico is building a wall on its southern border because the influx of illegals into their country is wholly destabilizing. A wall on the US southern border would likely stop millions from countries South of Mexico to ever start moving North. If there's no hope of entering the US, they don't want to be stuck in Mexico.
While the Nieto knows that many of his own people don't want a wall between the two, he obviously can't say he's for it. However, everyone has to know illegal immigration won't last forever, but he knows America will still want cheap labor. So when there's a wall, it will be mostly Mexicans who benefit for the simple reason that they're closer.
In the long run it keeps crime and poverty down in Mexico, restores lost tourism from the US, but will likely result in more labor for Mexicans.
While the Nieto knows that many of his own people don't want a wall between the two, he obviously can't say he's for it. However, everyone has to know illegal immigration won't last forever, but he knows America will still want cheap labor. So when there's a wall, it will be mostly Mexicans who benefit for the simple reason that they're closer.
In the long run it keeps crime and poverty down in Mexico, restores lost tourism from the US, but will likely result in more labor for Mexicans.
3
I am 100% supportive of the right to emigrate for work/justice. It's an important part of the the right to life. I stumped for Bernie in RI--where he won the primary! I also admit that this comment is not on this exact article. It addresses the journalistic malpractice committed by Kristof (September 1) on Trump: http://nyti.ms/2c2IGIE.
The application of the adage "one can be judged by the company he or she keeps" requires proof that the person being judged is actively keeping or kept by that company. Kristof knows there is no proof that Trump is actively soliciting jihadists or white supremacists. He must feel justified in his maligning Trump because he just "knows" Trump is a bad man. That is, of course, bigotry.
Hope Solo was recently exiled from US Soccer for calling the Swedish national team cowards. Her point is supported by her assessment that they purposely played to a tie to send the match to penalty kicks. Mr. Kristof has callled Mr. Trump far worse with much less justification. He should be fired.
The Clintons, as Kristof well knows, have a list of people they have actively solicited and have been kept by who are questionable. The proof of the "active solicitation" is in photos, self-penned OpEd pieces, and factually checked articles. Here are three: Sepp Blatter, deposed corrupt FIFA president; Jeffrey Epstein, convicted of using minors for prostitution, and, the polygamist emir of Qatar--a nation listed in the top 5 for slavery by the UN.
The application of the adage "one can be judged by the company he or she keeps" requires proof that the person being judged is actively keeping or kept by that company. Kristof knows there is no proof that Trump is actively soliciting jihadists or white supremacists. He must feel justified in his maligning Trump because he just "knows" Trump is a bad man. That is, of course, bigotry.
Hope Solo was recently exiled from US Soccer for calling the Swedish national team cowards. Her point is supported by her assessment that they purposely played to a tie to send the match to penalty kicks. Mr. Kristof has callled Mr. Trump far worse with much less justification. He should be fired.
The Clintons, as Kristof well knows, have a list of people they have actively solicited and have been kept by who are questionable. The proof of the "active solicitation" is in photos, self-penned OpEd pieces, and factually checked articles. Here are three: Sepp Blatter, deposed corrupt FIFA president; Jeffrey Epstein, convicted of using minors for prostitution, and, the polygamist emir of Qatar--a nation listed in the top 5 for slavery by the UN.
2
Self-inflicted harm like former Prime Minister (what's his name) who put EU referendum before people for no reason and got BREXIT.
While I don't know much about Mexican politics, it seems clear that Nieto was convinced that neither Trump nor Clinton would accept the invitation. If neither did, it probably would have helped. If both did, it could be managed. If just Clinton did, that probably would be OK.
But the worst possible scenario happened: Trump accepted, Clinton declined.
It seems to have been a PR disaster for Nieto (again, I'm not savvy on Mexican politics) but it wasn't nearly the coup for Trump that his apologists try to make it out to be.
Nieto's one saving point, and Trump's screw-up, was that Trump said they didn't discuss Mexico paying for the wall, and Nieto says he said right up front Mexico isn't paying for it. Now the Trumpistas see a triumph, but everyone else recognizes that Trump destroyed his statesman-like moment. Usually, anyone with any experience would say "We had a frank and open exchange of views" and no more. But Trump bumbled yet again, and got caught in another blatant lie. Because he knows even less about how to conduct foreign relations than even Nieto!
But the worst possible scenario happened: Trump accepted, Clinton declined.
It seems to have been a PR disaster for Nieto (again, I'm not savvy on Mexican politics) but it wasn't nearly the coup for Trump that his apologists try to make it out to be.
Nieto's one saving point, and Trump's screw-up, was that Trump said they didn't discuss Mexico paying for the wall, and Nieto says he said right up front Mexico isn't paying for it. Now the Trumpistas see a triumph, but everyone else recognizes that Trump destroyed his statesman-like moment. Usually, anyone with any experience would say "We had a frank and open exchange of views" and no more. But Trump bumbled yet again, and got caught in another blatant lie. Because he knows even less about how to conduct foreign relations than even Nieto!
1
Dadof2:
Except that there was no "frank and open exchange of views". Pena Nieto's Tweets afterward made this very clear. Again, Trump said that paying for the wall was not discussed, and the Mexican president confirmed that exactly - he said Mexico wouldn't pay for the wall and then moved immediately to other topics.
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/discuss?s=t
No lie.
No controversy.
Only a weak attempt by the Times and other media to spin the visit.
Except that there was no "frank and open exchange of views". Pena Nieto's Tweets afterward made this very clear. Again, Trump said that paying for the wall was not discussed, and the Mexican president confirmed that exactly - he said Mexico wouldn't pay for the wall and then moved immediately to other topics.
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/discuss?s=t
No lie.
No controversy.
Only a weak attempt by the Times and other media to spin the visit.
2
The pinatas are a hoot to say nothing of being very popular.
2
I don't really care why Pena asked Trump to come to Mexico and I care even less that Trump went. I care more that someone let him back in this country.
3
Pena Nieto had the opportunity and the stage to set the record straight and confronted the lying bully about the Donald's wall and his yearlong vitriol toward Mexicans.
Donald is an actor, he "acted" presidential. But he's not presidential, he just acts that way, like any other actor "playing" the president.
17
No, Trump can't even act presidential. His lack of ability is so poor that it would not qualify him to have been hired to appear in Springtime for Hitler. When reading from a teleprompter he reads the script as if he has never seen it before and is surprised at the words he finds there.
Because unlike the brown Zapotec Native Mexican President Benito Juarez and the black African and brown Native Mexican President Vicente Guerrero, Mr. Pena Nieto is a privileged white corrupt crony capitalist corporate plutocrat oligarch welfare king who is also beholden to both the Mexican drug lord cartels and the Mexican military-industrial complex.
3
Of the 130 million plus Mexicans living there I only saw 7 protesting. Not exactly the mass hatred you claim . Because the majority of Mexicans are law abiding working class people in their own homeland and don't come to USA illegally to commit crimes of murder and rape. Those are the illegals that Trump wants sent back, and EVERYONE should want to rid our country of these criminal illegal aliens. Problem is the Mexican government doesn't want them back. Most of mexicos past leaders went to our best universities, taught by our best leftist profs. So they learned how to take this from a criminal issue to a human rights issue and throw it on the lap of every U.S. President. So far Trump is the only candidate that is seeing this issue for what it is, or the first to not be afraid to talk about what it really is.
4
They flew Donnie to an unannounced site to hide him -- no chance for protesters to even gather. #1 selling item in Mexico -- Trump pinata. The facts speak.
One should never negotiate with a snake. As we saw with the Republican Primary even American politicians underestimated Trump. Trump is a psychopath plain and simple. Pena Nieto has enough narcissism to believe he could pull it off where others could not. The rule is never take on a psychopath. They are just too slick.
1
What is lost in this conversation is that both Trump and Clinton were invited to Mexico. The question should be: Why did Hillary not go?
2
A). Ever heard of the word "yet?". B) She isn't as desperate as Donnie to " look" presidential (his team's words for what they called a photo opp). C). She was US SecState and has worked side by side with leaders from around the globe so she has relationships not just pix. D) she hasn't been insulting Mexico for months and so has no need to go crawling like a wimp and tell lies that are quickly ckly denounced.
1
Mr. Pena Nieto will not be in office forever. Like all good US politicians, he must prepare for his second act. And now he has done a favor for Donald Trump. President or not, Mr. Trump is a wealthy man who reportedly appreciates loyalty. Let's see what happens...
Pena wiffed at a political softball thrown right down the middle of the plate. Instead of all that diplomatic talk at the beginning of the speech, Pena should have come out with his five points: 1) we are not paying for the wall; 2) your ignorance of world affairs is unparalleled; 3) get you guns and drugs under control; 4) pay your Mexican help more; 5) I urge all Mexican-Americans to vote for Sec. Clinton.
2
Given Hillary's health issues and the possibility that she'll have to drop out of the race, this is prudent. Mexico exists because of the USA; without us, their country would collapse. If Trump does become President, this will be the foundation for an ongoing relationship.
2
How vile and devious it is of your ilk to say Hillary has health issues. SHE has released a letter from certified physician with test results and all details. Trump's letter was written in five minutes by a doc who lies about his credentials, looks like he's on some kind of meds himself, included NO test results and isn't even board certified in internal medicine. His letter came from a stomach specialist. So what is Trump hiding besides hair loss (note the Bobby pins holding his hair together in Mexico) and excessive use of self tanner and concealer? Why no real medical report? Hiding it with his taxes? And what about his memory problems -- aides have to give him scripted answers to pre-approved questions from interviewers like today in Detroit. How DARE you insinuate that she is dropping out -- or is that just your last-ditch desperate fantasy??
2
See, dumb Donald is right. He can go to another country and bully them and get away with it. Make America agressive again.
I'm with HRC
I'm with HRC
2
I don't see the issue. President Nieto, mindful of the big neighbor, invited both candidates for the presidency with a chance of winning to visit and get to know each other a bit. Regrettably, only the Republican candidate took him up on it, as it is customary to have a joint press conference afterwards, and Mrs. Clinton can't withstand open press questioning. But it shows that Mexico has a smart man at its helm, and maybe we will soon too.
3
"We will not pay for your wall."
With millions in aid money and even more in untaxed remittances flowing out of the US into Mexico- 25 billion, their largest source of foreign income and 2% of their GDP- they aren't in a great position to negotiate.
With millions in aid money and even more in untaxed remittances flowing out of the US into Mexico- 25 billion, their largest source of foreign income and 2% of their GDP- they aren't in a great position to negotiate.
2
And in an act of defiance, standing right next to him, Trump said that there was no discussion of who will pay for the wall and Mr. Pena Nieto did not contradict him. That was the time for him to say something - and he didn't. After all, he is the President - Trump is just a candidate. He supposedly had the upper hand and he just let it go. What a stupid move on his part. He could have improved his own approval ratings by leaps and bounds if he had done so.
1
The question is one only a brain-dead lefty would ask. He invited Trump because Trump stands a reasonably good chance of being elected President of the United States and he may have to deal with Trump in that capacity. Given the criminal, dysfunctional, and irresponsible nature of the Clintons and their foundation, which another writer described as being "designed for two-way bribery," it's Trump's election to lose.
To that end he delivered his message personally: Mexicans do not appreciate Trump's diminishment of them as a people. Unfortunately for them, their failure as a nation is impacting political and economic conditions here as Mexicans flee violence and their moribund economy, which is a typical product of the delusional statism and authoritarianism that third world countries find so appealing.
To that end he delivered his message personally: Mexicans do not appreciate Trump's diminishment of them as a people. Unfortunately for them, their failure as a nation is impacting political and economic conditions here as Mexicans flee violence and their moribund economy, which is a typical product of the delusional statism and authoritarianism that third world countries find so appealing.
4
Reasonably good chance of winning? In what fantasy scenario?? Clinton is well ahead of where Obama was in 2012 and the in state counts, because electoral votes DO decide the winner, she is well over number needed to win. Are you Trumpets really expecting a miracle or are you in Romney's Land of Denial?
As in everything that occurs this campaign season, IT SIMPLY DOES NOT MATTER.
Period.
NOTHING Mr. Trump does matters to the people who will be voting for him, and that is the majority of Americans today. He rightly stated that he could shoot a person on 5th Avenue in NYC and not lose one vote. MY OPINION is that if that person were anything but a white male, he would gain tens of millions of votes. If it were a white male, he would only gain those votes after he stated that the person was going to vote Democratic.
We are just where we have been led. Hate and division are the watchwords of this nation today after the criminal activities of the '70's (does anyone remember the Savings and Loan scam?? and the so-called "gas shortage?) and the recent housing loan debacle where no one went to jail but millions of regular Americans lost their homes to greed and market manipulation?
The frustration felt by those who did NOT pay their legislators to pass tax laws to ensure that THEIR income dollars are different from OUR income dollars so no tax is due is rampant, and Mr. Trump, who, as a billionaire pays no taxes, has hoodwinked white Americans to once again vote against their own interests.
This is OUR FAULT since this is OUR COUNTRY. Unfortunately, it is still 1860 in many people's minds and evidently our attempts to educate our people have clearly failed.
Welcome to Donald Trump's America, friends. Remember not to vote again to ensure that this demise continues.
Period.
NOTHING Mr. Trump does matters to the people who will be voting for him, and that is the majority of Americans today. He rightly stated that he could shoot a person on 5th Avenue in NYC and not lose one vote. MY OPINION is that if that person were anything but a white male, he would gain tens of millions of votes. If it were a white male, he would only gain those votes after he stated that the person was going to vote Democratic.
We are just where we have been led. Hate and division are the watchwords of this nation today after the criminal activities of the '70's (does anyone remember the Savings and Loan scam?? and the so-called "gas shortage?) and the recent housing loan debacle where no one went to jail but millions of regular Americans lost their homes to greed and market manipulation?
The frustration felt by those who did NOT pay their legislators to pass tax laws to ensure that THEIR income dollars are different from OUR income dollars so no tax is due is rampant, and Mr. Trump, who, as a billionaire pays no taxes, has hoodwinked white Americans to once again vote against their own interests.
This is OUR FAULT since this is OUR COUNTRY. Unfortunately, it is still 1860 in many people's minds and evidently our attempts to educate our people have clearly failed.
Welcome to Donald Trump's America, friends. Remember not to vote again to ensure that this demise continues.
1
"Why Did Peña Nieto Invite Trump to Mexico?"
Here's a question for the New York Times, as a NEWSpaper, why don't you send a reporter to Mexico and ask President Pena Nieto why he invited Trump? Your readers should be more interested in his answers that your partisan political speculation. Maybe?
Here's a question for the New York Times, as a NEWSpaper, why don't you send a reporter to Mexico and ask President Pena Nieto why he invited Trump? Your readers should be more interested in his answers that your partisan political speculation. Maybe?
19
This is an opinion piece by an independent writer, not a Times-reported 'NEWS' story.
1
Gary Schnakenberg - "This is an opinion piece by an independent writer, not a Times-reported 'NEWS' story."
My comment was my opinion on this partisan "opinion" piece carried in the NYT. Don't you think we deserve an answer to this "question" from the President himself instead of someone just speculating? Or do you prefer speculation to real news, as long as it's politically correct?
My comment was my opinion on this partisan "opinion" piece carried in the NYT. Don't you think we deserve an answer to this "question" from the President himself instead of someone just speculating? Or do you prefer speculation to real news, as long as it's politically correct?
YOU CLEARLY DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THIS WALL WILL BE PAID FOR By taxes on envios. All the money earned here in the United States and sent back to mexico via wiretransfer money orders etc. will be taxed. Very simple. The table has already been set for this by the US going after people who stash cash in Switzerland. The US Government has tracked the corporations and wealthy who do this. Trump is stating that the people who come here to work and send money back will be taxed. Cities already do this to workers who commute from outside the city limits in to the city in order to pay the cost of the increased demand on infrastructure as in road maintenance, sewage and emergency personnel. Trump is talking taxes as in every Mexican here who sends cash back will now pay this tax.
And why was it bad that Nieto tell Trump to respect Mexicans? Seriously was that a bad idea? And that Nieto request a meeting means he's a tool? How many people have requested a meeting with Hilary and donated? Stop with the vituperative rants and educate yourselves, whether republican or democrat or what ever and figure out what is really being said.
And why was it bad that Nieto tell Trump to respect Mexicans? Seriously was that a bad idea? And that Nieto request a meeting means he's a tool? How many people have requested a meeting with Hilary and donated? Stop with the vituperative rants and educate yourselves, whether republican or democrat or what ever and figure out what is really being said.
5
then an alternative method of sending money home will be found to avoid th tax
or do you think mexicans are too dumb to figure that out
1
The NYTimes is upset that Trump went to Mexico because it went against your narrative that Trump is a racist. That Trump can't be presidential. He isn't a racist. He is presidential. He is more likely to help the people than Hillary who has to pay back Wall Street, big business and big media. In the long run it may help the Mexican president also. Of course you at the Times don't like him because he passed anti monopoly measures which hurt Carlos Slim one of your biggest investors.
8
trump
th lifelong crusader for th avergae man
if you call starting at 70 yo lifelong that is
With all due respect, Mr Nieto, Mexico currently gets exactly the respect it deserves. As does the Buffoon Trump in the top ranking comments here.
Want more respect than you're currently getting? Then earn it.
Want more respect than you're currently getting? Then earn it.
3
As a non-Mexican citizen, Mt. Trump wa required to show his passport in order to enter Mexico.
What's wrong with America requiring the same at its borders?
What's wrong with America requiring the same at its borders?
10
Wrong. Passports are not required to enter Mexico. They are required to return to the US from Mexico.
2
We do. Don't you ever leave the US and return and clear Customs?
1
Why Did Peña Nieto Invite Trump to Mexico? that is a very simple question.... Pena wants Trump if elected to take off the table the taxing of remittances that are sent to Mexico from the United States every year.... that amount is now close to 25 billions dollars.....taxing a percentage of the money on a quarterly basis @ a fair rate would be more that enough to secure both borders....
3
lets say you put a 10 % tax on them
thats $ 2.5 bill
you think thats enough to secure both borders ?
think again
th border patrol budget is $ 40 bill
Thank you Mr. Nieto, for doing what no one else on the planet has been able to do... make the buffoon Donald J. Trump look Presidential.
3
If being presidential is standing there morose, hands clasped in front of you, looking every inch the bully, speaking from notes and saying how great Mexicans are and how you love them, wow the US has a long way to go.
8
Wow, you obviously don't know much about how American politicians in general comport themselves. Yes, the US has a long way to go. It's ALWAYS had a long way to go when it comes to nominating and electing people who are ACTUALLY qualified to lead this country.
People that I know, who usually do not like to comment on politics, were enraged at one of the most stupid decisions (and that is saying a lot!) from one of the most despised presidents ever to lead Mexico. As a Mexican living abroad, it is very sad to see how the spineless Peña Nieto ushers our country into chaos, when, as the author said, we need smart leadership.
How dare he invite someone that calls us rapists and murderers? Vicente Fox and Felipe Calderon have voiced the opinion of all mexicans far better than the sitting president. This is so shameful, there are no words.
What I hope is that we will not forget (since mexicans forget easily) and we will hold him and the corrupt PRI accountable for their stupidity.
How dare he invite someone that calls us rapists and murderers? Vicente Fox and Felipe Calderon have voiced the opinion of all mexicans far better than the sitting president. This is so shameful, there are no words.
What I hope is that we will not forget (since mexicans forget easily) and we will hold him and the corrupt PRI accountable for their stupidity.
9
(Not Mark) He didn't call you all rapists and murderers, just many of the ones that cross the border illegally. It's not the optics of the president that should bother you, it's the news coming from your country every day that should.
1
Watching Trump after meeting PN, at his immigration speach in Arizona, was like getting to see La Malinche and Cortez in real life. I'm waiting for the masacre at Cholula, when Cortez invited all the nobels into the plaza for a his own "going away party" and proceeded to close off the exits to the plaza so no one could escape.
3
With Gingrich on board there's not telling what sort of "deal" was struck to arrange this. Nothing is beneath him.
6
Tell the whole story. He invited BOTH Clinton and Trump, to come down there for a meeting. Clinton refused to go and Trump accepted. Big whoop. But, why didn't Clinton go??? What is she so afraid of and what is she hiding???
5
Oh come on - what does Clinton gain by going to Mexico? As a former Secretary of State she has no need to burnish her diplomatic credentials. And going to Mexico after Trump's visit would likely only add legitimacy to Trump's scare tactic efforts to make immigration the top issue for this election.
"Clinton refused to go and Trump accepted."
She didn't accept, nor did she refuse. Just keep making stuff up. It's so productive.
She didn't accept, nor did she refuse. Just keep making stuff up. It's so productive.
Cheryl: You tell us what is she hiding, tax returns, her medical records? This is we know that she can stands this bully and the "extreme" rights and faux news unlike those tRUMP run against to win the nomination. This 70 year old man is trapped in a body of two-year old
This is all so lame...
One of the most productive components of our economy is the hard working emigrants from Mexico and Central America.
What Europe would give to ...
One of the most productive components of our economy is the hard working emigrants from Mexico and Central America.
What Europe would give to ...
7
I don't fault him for wanting to meet with the presidential candidates. And he can't just meet with one of them, while refusing to meet with the other. But he should have known that the optics for this were going to be bad. And optics are everything nowadays (even more so with the shallow and vapid American electorate, but I imagine it's a similar dynamic in Mexico). He probably won't survive, but you can't fault one bad decision. He's apparently made several missteps.
3
The visit would be the equivalent of Obama inviting Trump to the White House and afterwards the discussion focusing on the validity of Obama's birth certificate.
7
(Not Mark) Obama didn't seem to have any problem working with HRC and she's the one that started the whole birther thing.
1
Pena Nieto is the Marco Rubio of Mexican politics.
6
Marco is from Cuba not Mexico
I thought Trump's visit was a plus for him. His five points on working together with the Mexican government for the good of both countries was right on. . His immigration speech incorporated what many Americans expect from our government....end illegal immigration....end birthright citizenship...enforce e-verify....and most important, put America and Americans first. Trump has my vote, and I'm not ashamed to say it. Hillary continues to do nothing but campaign for big bucks,, continues to lie about her emails, continues to lie about the Corrupt Clinton foundation...continues to avoid open press conferences because she can't keep her lies straight , wants o give legalization to the millions of illegal aliens residing in our country in her first 100 days, etc. Is this what you extreme leftists want and believe she'll be good gif our country? Wake up!
9
"Keep your enemies closer" only works, Senor Peña Nieto, if there's a rational creature on the other side of the Equal-Sign. You should have known that this was not the case with the creature you recently invited.
In the parlance of Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver, you got "TOOKEN".
It is now up to your country-peoples to deal with your clumsiness.
In the parlance of Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver, you got "TOOKEN".
It is now up to your country-peoples to deal with your clumsiness.
18
I think Pena Nieto's ill-advised plan to somehow bolster his waning approval ratings via this hastily scheduled photo op backfired horribly in the face of one of the world's greatest strongmen showman. If he thought that he was going to somehow shore up support through a public denunciation of the Trump immigration doctrine, he was just as delusional as the Hispanic pawns Trump used to orchestrate his minority outreach committees. As the saying goes, "you knew I was a snake..."
Maybe if Pena Nieto survives a recall or decides not to run again, Trump can offer him a position in one of Trump's industries. At least he and Melania have something in common.
Maybe if Pena Nieto survives a recall or decides not to run again, Trump can offer him a position in one of Trump's industries. At least he and Melania have something in common.
12
The presidency in Mexico is one 6 year term. There is no chance of reelection.
Because he is a Socialist Democrat and without the US their economy is meaningless, with no place to sell their oil. Besides his last meeting with a sitting US President was all handshakes and smiles.
5
The title of this article should have been, "I have no idea why Peña Nieto Invited Trump to Mexico."
16
Out of neighborliness, and leading by example, the adult next door invites the AWOL juvenile delinquent to a polite mature talk. The juvenile delinquent listens dutifully, is civil, shakes hands on departing, and then without batting an eye straightaway resumes, in a new and slicker variation, his past wanton mischief-making.
The tempest in teapot notion that this represents some great weighty miscalculation on the part of the adult neighbor is too pitiful for comment.
The tempest in teapot notion that this represents some great weighty miscalculation on the part of the adult neighbor is too pitiful for comment.
33
(Not Mark) He invited both candidates. Where was the other one?
Mexico has the 15th largest economy in the world. It's just slightly smaller then Russia.
It's not a junk shop country. If ever marihuana is legalized and produced in the US the Mexican Cartels will crumble and Mexico will flourish. A flourishing Mexico is the best thing that could happen for the U.S. As for Trump and Nieto meeting, they're both inept, and short sighted, and kinda silly.
It's not a junk shop country. If ever marihuana is legalized and produced in the US the Mexican Cartels will crumble and Mexico will flourish. A flourishing Mexico is the best thing that could happen for the U.S. As for Trump and Nieto meeting, they're both inept, and short sighted, and kinda silly.
21
People in crime have a way of flourishing despite crackdowns and recessions. The Mexican cartels are the source of almost all the Heroin entering the US and and the source of all the Fentanyl. They can continue to sell marijuana even if sales expand nationally since the state and federal governments will drive up the price with taxes and fees.
There is a small trade in guns and explosives. Grenades are smuggled into the US because they are not something US citizens have access to since all manufacturers sell only to the military forces of government.
Automatic weapons would certainly be marketed in the US since the US only allows semiautomatic sales to civilians. There are plenty of used AK 47s available as well as the newer models of automatic weapons which are manufactured all over the world. It is the weapon of choice due to price and reliability for crime syndicates and revolutionaries.
The crime cartels will do very nicely no matter what goes on in the US.
There is a small trade in guns and explosives. Grenades are smuggled into the US because they are not something US citizens have access to since all manufacturers sell only to the military forces of government.
Automatic weapons would certainly be marketed in the US since the US only allows semiautomatic sales to civilians. There are plenty of used AK 47s available as well as the newer models of automatic weapons which are manufactured all over the world. It is the weapon of choice due to price and reliability for crime syndicates and revolutionaries.
The crime cartels will do very nicely no matter what goes on in the US.
3
Not when they're flourishing because of our exported jobs and unskilled-labor income.
(Not Mark) Keep dreaming. Corruption lives on, no matter what is for sale. The corruption in Mexico goes from the very bottom to the very top. It infects all levels of government and society. You are going to have to change that before Mexico ever improves.
1
Ioan, I think Mexican people should ask for a referendum on the fate of their President Pena Nieto right now than waiting for 2018 when his term ends since it was not a a mistake on his part to invite the most reviled man on earth right now called Donald Trump, to Mexico.
But total corruption.
There is no iota of doubt in my mind that some kind of financial or economical benefits were exchanged between him and Trump as we know from before about the state of his corrupted mind since the time it was revealed that his wife bought a '$7 million dollar mansion ( now returned)from a company that received government contracts.
And Trump always boasts that he pays money to all the politicians.
So inviting Trump to Mexico was the last straw that he used, knowing very well how much the Mexican people hated Racist individual called Trump.
And why shouldn't they ?
Trump has taken the entire nation of Mexico to scorn and ridicule by constantly stating to his racist constituents that Mexicans are bringing drugs and they're rapists, just because of only a handful of Mexicans who're also involved in drug trade.
For Trump to blame the entire nation of Mexico for the actions of handful of criminal Mexicans is not only unethical but criminal.
Mexican government can easily file a criminal complaint against Trump in the United Nations ahead of time in case he becomes the President with odds of 10 million against his 1.
With this corrupted President running Mexico, that chance is zero.
But total corruption.
There is no iota of doubt in my mind that some kind of financial or economical benefits were exchanged between him and Trump as we know from before about the state of his corrupted mind since the time it was revealed that his wife bought a '$7 million dollar mansion ( now returned)from a company that received government contracts.
And Trump always boasts that he pays money to all the politicians.
So inviting Trump to Mexico was the last straw that he used, knowing very well how much the Mexican people hated Racist individual called Trump.
And why shouldn't they ?
Trump has taken the entire nation of Mexico to scorn and ridicule by constantly stating to his racist constituents that Mexicans are bringing drugs and they're rapists, just because of only a handful of Mexicans who're also involved in drug trade.
For Trump to blame the entire nation of Mexico for the actions of handful of criminal Mexicans is not only unethical but criminal.
Mexican government can easily file a criminal complaint against Trump in the United Nations ahead of time in case he becomes the President with odds of 10 million against his 1.
With this corrupted President running Mexico, that chance is zero.
4
Every government in Mexico has been corrupt. Penas-Nieto is not a phenomenon. The drug smuggling that has been common could only exist wit government cooperation. The use of the US as a dumping ground for the people it cannot educate and find jobs for has been going on for over a 100 years. Government at the top is controlled by an oligarchy and the corruption spreads downward to the lowliest police and government officials. Do you think the people who have crossed our borders illegally did so without collusion that allows them to cross Mexico's southern border as long as they keep moving north?
Trump isn't saying anything Americans don't already believe. We've seen too many pregnant 14 year old girls.
Trump isn't saying anything Americans don't already believe. We've seen too many pregnant 14 year old girls.
4
Mr. Nieto invited Donald Trump for dialog. Ideas were expressed and exchanged. What is so wrong about that in these times of continuous, slanted, spewed hatred by the media.
12
Where O where is the Native American Trump?
2
"unlike his other woes, it was totally self-inflicted" -- Sounds as though he and Trump are brothers lost at birth and just finding each other.
6
The only way it would have been more embarrassing for Mr Peña Nieto was if Trump talked about how much he loves tacos and enjoys his Mexicans working for him!
6
Which he diid!
6
"The only way it would have been more embarrassing for Mr Peña Nieto was if Trump talked about how much he loves tacos and enjoys his Mexicans working for him!"
That would be too much like Hillary always carrying a bottle of hot sauce in her purse.
That would be too much like Hillary always carrying a bottle of hot sauce in her purse.
Seeing how weak and how cowered EPN looked standing next to Trump at the news conference, I wasn't only sure that Mexico WOULD pay for the wall, I half expected EPN to take out his wallet right there and then and personally contribute to pay for the wall.
If ever Trump becomes president of the US, he has already taken measure of the man in EPN. Trump is simply going to emasculate him.
If ever Trump becomes president of the US, he has already taken measure of the man in EPN. Trump is simply going to emasculate him.
22
You say most Americans have low regard for Mexicans. Are you surprised when Presudent of Mexico is easily bullied by the likes of Trump and especially after insulting the Mexicans non stop for over a year ?
Now imagine Trump in front of Chinese President. The effect would be opposite
If you don't respect yourself others won't respect you. It's that simple
Now imagine Trump in front of Chinese President. The effect would be opposite
If you don't respect yourself others won't respect you. It's that simple
The immigration policy in Trump's speech yesterday was sonething more akin to ethnic cleansing. His policies will also be a boon for drug and sex traffickers of women and children, making millions more of them vulnerable to people like him.
15
Trump did not reiterate anything that isn't already US law.
A boon for sex and drug traffickers? That's already happening so it's hard too see it getting bigger with properly administered laws.
A boon for sex and drug traffickers? That's already happening so it's hard too see it getting bigger with properly administered laws.
"Ethnic cleansing" to insist that people who want to come here abide by our laws? It's hyperbole like this on the other side that is earning Trump an audience with those fed up with the Democrats who have no other solution than to throw open the gates to all comers.
1
Nieto damaged the standing of his country in the minds of most Americans.
The scene of the joint news conference -- replete with official podium and flag, with the physically bigger Donald Trump dominating next to the diminutive and slight Nieto, so redolent of past centuries of stereotypes of fat-cat millionaire gringo industrialists going south of the border to dictate terms to a submissive banana republic president -- was so cringe inducing, so humiliating, so embarrassing that I had to turn off the TV.
I hate to say this, and it reflects reality rather than prejudice, but any enhancement to the image of Trump by this footage is mitigated by the low regard with which most Americans already hold Mexico.
The scene of the joint news conference -- replete with official podium and flag, with the physically bigger Donald Trump dominating next to the diminutive and slight Nieto, so redolent of past centuries of stereotypes of fat-cat millionaire gringo industrialists going south of the border to dictate terms to a submissive banana republic president -- was so cringe inducing, so humiliating, so embarrassing that I had to turn off the TV.
I hate to say this, and it reflects reality rather than prejudice, but any enhancement to the image of Trump by this footage is mitigated by the low regard with which most Americans already hold Mexico.
40
Well, since he sent out two invitations, maybe he thought Hillary would accept, instead of Trump, or maybe both would be his guests and he and Mexico would be the center of US and world attention, or something like that. Maybe a way of getting a presidential visit since he won't get one after the elections. But Hillary did not respond and he got stuck with the bad joke of Trump.... Or maybe he wanted to show Trump his soap opera wife and impress him with his First Lady (versus Ivanka--was Ivanka also invited?). Who knows the things that go through these puerile guys' heads? In any case, I don't think Trump got much out of this escapade to the other side. Maybe some good authentic mole lunch in Chapultepec palace. I can imagine all the cruel jokes going around Mexico about this historic encounter between two world luminaries.
6
I think we all know well enough by now how this all works so it’s hard to completely blame President Peña Nieto. This is a trademark bully move. Almost certainly President Peña Nieto received a call from Mr. Trump to invite him to Mexico. The obvious strategy being that it would soften Mr. Trump’s image back home and especially prior to his speech in Phoenix. It’s also highly logical that there was, if not direct, then an implied threat that if President Peña Nieto rejected Mr. Trump’s overtures for an invitation, that it would not end well for Mexico should he be elected. Again, trademark bully tactics. This can surely be the only logical reason for President Peña Nieto to invite Mr. Trump to Mexico. Or, he’s as unhinged as is Mr. Trump?
10
Pena Nieto invited *both* Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton to meet with him. It is a measure of how completely Trump has mesmerized the press corps that only his (Trump's) invitation is seen as noteworthy. Obviouly Mexico's President could not invite only one of the competing American candidates. But now that the decks have been cleared by Sr. Trump's visit, Hillary's invitation remains. If she meets with Pena Nieto perhaps three weeks before election day, and comes back to America with laurels, she will have something useful in her begging bowl, and Pena Nieto will have done something useful. Perhaps that was his strategy all along.
24
"Obviouly Mexico's President could not invite only one of the competing American candidates."
No, Peña Nieto did not have to invite either candidate. There is no tradition of Mexico inviting US presidential candidates for talks with their top political leader. In his own country, Peña Nieto has suffered grievous political damage from the meeting, so he obviously was hoping for a different outcome. Maybe he thought he could persuade Trump to treat Mexico with more civility and generosity.
But any thoughts that this meeting would result in a more moderate Trump presidency should have been dispelled by the speech given Wednesday night in Phoenix. If Trump wins, Mexico is on its own and good luck to it dealing with the bully to the north.
No, Peña Nieto did not have to invite either candidate. There is no tradition of Mexico inviting US presidential candidates for talks with their top political leader. In his own country, Peña Nieto has suffered grievous political damage from the meeting, so he obviously was hoping for a different outcome. Maybe he thought he could persuade Trump to treat Mexico with more civility and generosity.
But any thoughts that this meeting would result in a more moderate Trump presidency should have been dispelled by the speech given Wednesday night in Phoenix. If Trump wins, Mexico is on its own and good luck to it dealing with the bully to the north.
2
I think maybe Pena Nieto had been imagining a more stern and forceful approach, a rebuke of sorts, but Trump's strategy of playing it diplomatically had a neutralizing effect. One thing Trump understands his how to do meetings. Put him in front of a lectern and a big audience, he may sometimes come off as a clueless oaf. But put him in a meeting room--he knows how to take its temperature, tame the beasties, work it. If running for president were based on doing meetings, Trump would be our next president.
13
DIVIDE AND CONQUER
I can't imagine Pena Nieto being so stupid as to not recognize that Donald Trump intended to play him like a fiddle. Unless he truly is a moron, Pena Nieto must have got something out of it -- perhaps a cash bribe? As a real estate developer, no doubt Trump is accustomed to greasing the palms when necessary, and no doubt someone told Trump that's the way things are done in Mexico. (I believe it is referred to as the "mordida.") Back in the USA, Trump appears to be focused on bribing a few key surrogates in the black community who are supposed to make other black people forget all about Trump's racist birther nonsense and KKK endorsements. Apparently the latest Trump plan is to pit the black people against the brown people. After all, together we stand, divided we fall.
I can't imagine Pena Nieto being so stupid as to not recognize that Donald Trump intended to play him like a fiddle. Unless he truly is a moron, Pena Nieto must have got something out of it -- perhaps a cash bribe? As a real estate developer, no doubt Trump is accustomed to greasing the palms when necessary, and no doubt someone told Trump that's the way things are done in Mexico. (I believe it is referred to as the "mordida.") Back in the USA, Trump appears to be focused on bribing a few key surrogates in the black community who are supposed to make other black people forget all about Trump's racist birther nonsense and KKK endorsements. Apparently the latest Trump plan is to pit the black people against the brown people. After all, together we stand, divided we fall.
81
I really do think Nieto is making some sort of sad, and desperate attempt to finance his post presidential existence. I don't know how direct or indirect the bribery was. But taking advantage of a flailing Mexican President who keeps failing, even to feather his own nest properly, fits perfectly with Trump's utterly corrupt world view. It would be hilarious if Nieto's so called advisers didn't even share the pay off. The only conceivable bright spot is the PRI candidates struggling to get elected dog catcher for the next twenty years
Wasn't Mr. Trump's son in law credited with arranging the visit and that he worked on it for several weeks to get the invite? Obviously some one owed some one a favor.....
6
And why, precisely, is that "obvious?"
Expressions: Let's stay in touch, feel free to visit, let's do this again, drop by the next time you're in town, etc. etc. Polite invitations are not meant to be acted upon. I think Pena Nieto had less than 48 hours to prepare for his guest who dropped in, forcing him to play gracious host. I think he should have told Trump it wasn't a good day for a visit as he had a head ache or had to wash his hair. Politeness is wasted on someone like Trump.
73
Speaking of hair, I was kind of hoping for a strong wind to lift the comb-over!
The very interesting article touches on a number of questions:
1. Why did the Mexican President thrust himself into the midst of a US Presidential election?
2. Why did he host someone with no diplomatic standing? Did he realize that Mrs. Clinton would not accept before the election?
3. Why was there no preparation for this meeting?
4. What was the urgency of the meeting?
5. Why were the requests of US diplomatic personnel ignored, if they were even seriously considered?
6. If the President of Mexico considered the invite as a means to promote and publicize US tourism to Mexico, was he correct?
7. Was the President of Mexico concerned that the publicity could focus US tourist attention on the cartels, danger and the kidnappings/ransoms--of which Mr. Trump has emphasized for more than one year?
8. What was the reason for the President's initiative?
9. Did the President of Mexico consider the likelihood that Mr. Putin would be pleased by his initiative?
10. Did the President of Mexico consider his initiative might be viewed as contemptuous of a sitting US President?
11. Did the President of Mexico consider: (i) Mrs. Clinton currently polls at 330-350 electoral votes of 270 needed; and (ii) absentee voting starts in 1 week in the US?
12. What is the written response of the President of Mexico, if any, to the threat/slurs to Mexicans, Mexican-Americans, Hispanics and others by Mr. Trump later the same day, including reference to this Presidential visit?
1. Why did the Mexican President thrust himself into the midst of a US Presidential election?
2. Why did he host someone with no diplomatic standing? Did he realize that Mrs. Clinton would not accept before the election?
3. Why was there no preparation for this meeting?
4. What was the urgency of the meeting?
5. Why were the requests of US diplomatic personnel ignored, if they were even seriously considered?
6. If the President of Mexico considered the invite as a means to promote and publicize US tourism to Mexico, was he correct?
7. Was the President of Mexico concerned that the publicity could focus US tourist attention on the cartels, danger and the kidnappings/ransoms--of which Mr. Trump has emphasized for more than one year?
8. What was the reason for the President's initiative?
9. Did the President of Mexico consider the likelihood that Mr. Putin would be pleased by his initiative?
10. Did the President of Mexico consider his initiative might be viewed as contemptuous of a sitting US President?
11. Did the President of Mexico consider: (i) Mrs. Clinton currently polls at 330-350 electoral votes of 270 needed; and (ii) absentee voting starts in 1 week in the US?
12. What is the written response of the President of Mexico, if any, to the threat/slurs to Mexicans, Mexican-Americans, Hispanics and others by Mr. Trump later the same day, including reference to this Presidential visit?
6
The visit was manipulated by the presidential candidate from USA, likely everything else. He has used a water bottle as a prop just after debate with Marco Rubio. He would use the moon, the Olympic champion, anything that exists to use as a prop. He is not a leader of USA, he is a leader of the circus.
I don't think that the Mexican president needed to invite any of the presidential candidates.
I don't think that the Mexican president needed to invite any of the presidential candidates.
8
Peña Nieto is nothing but a clown in the eyes of Washington, as the recent meeting with Obama and Trudeau showed. He was despised by both presidents, and he and his administration ran into several conflicts with the US secretary of state, doña Hillary. She would never had come as a candidate, much less to meet with what she correctly deems as a corrupt leader. The fact that Trump came to México and that Peña played into Trump hands, supporting his agenda, will never be forgiven nor forgotten by Clinton. And this, IMHO, was the greatest loss of Peña, and of us Mexicans: we won't have a friendly government in Washington, regardless of who wins in November.
Cheers.
Cheers.
66
I think you underestimate Hillary. She emerged unbruised from being a female Secretary of State (despite the efforts of Republicans, who defunded embassy security, to blame her for their failures) and I suspect she does not hold grudges. She will be aware of Mexico as a country full of people, and she cares about people. All good government representatives are aware of political tides, and don't hold citizens in contempt because of their leaders.
1
There are Trump piñatas? I have a hard time believing that anything sweet would fall out of them...
9
Peña Nieto ("low energy") had me scared! That press conference will have the Right in a headspin of exult. Trump, modest, unloading eulogies, temperate, no bombast, respectful, almost material for UN SG!. I surmised at least 5% point boost in the polls, people who hate HRC will love this new compassionate, gracious Trump. He was all about like Ivanka said it at the RNC, mothers, child care, love, affextion for "the Mexicans". Like the love he has for "the Blacks".
Then, a mere three hours, and Trump reveals himself as the dangerous, hate mongering demagogue of yore. I'm not sure if Conan does "Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog" anymore. Perhaps, come November, Donald can be TV celebrity again as "Trump, the Insult Comic Dog". Then, again, Conan's ratings are fine.
Then, a mere three hours, and Trump reveals himself as the dangerous, hate mongering demagogue of yore. I'm not sure if Conan does "Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog" anymore. Perhaps, come November, Donald can be TV celebrity again as "Trump, the Insult Comic Dog". Then, again, Conan's ratings are fine.
2
This article is a worldwide WARNING to any country that DARES have anything to do with The Hated Other, Republican Presidential candidate Donald J. Trump.
Speak to Trump as if he were a human being - and not the Bogeyman the Upper West Side elites know him to be - and you TOO will be dragged through the slime at the bottom of the Hudson River by the Clinton campaign's P.R. office, which is what is left of the NY Times.
The children of these admin types at the Times will make jokes about how the Times-ers have prostituted their independence beyond all previous clown car acts every Christmas from now on.
Speak to Trump as if he were a human being - and not the Bogeyman the Upper West Side elites know him to be - and you TOO will be dragged through the slime at the bottom of the Hudson River by the Clinton campaign's P.R. office, which is what is left of the NY Times.
The children of these admin types at the Times will make jokes about how the Times-ers have prostituted their independence beyond all previous clown car acts every Christmas from now on.
7
They're promoting their new movie.The sequel of Dumb and Dumber, now only in Mexico!!! (since the scenes in the White House will never be filmed)
2
Baffling invitation by Nieto. He was made to look silly by a racist bully who has ridiculed his country for more than a year. It was a sad spectacle. Then Trump gave his typical hateful speech on immigration in Arizona. I'm American and I'm outraged. I can only imagine how upset the Mexican people must be at this ill conceived "summit."
7
President Pena Nieto is just the latest to join "Chumps for Trump". Next up: Bishop Wayne Jackson.
Does anybody actually think that a foreign leader will ever want to do business with a President Trump after seeing the hit that President Nieto, already weak and unpopular, is going to take? And this is supposed to demonstrate Trump's "presidential stature" and foreign policy chops? "Use them and abuse them" is not exactly a recipe for success, although I'm sure that point is lost on the supremely arrogant Donald Trump. Has Trump put the icing on the cake yet by sending out a tweet yet labeling Nieto as a loser or a joke?
Does anybody actually think that a foreign leader will ever want to do business with a President Trump after seeing the hit that President Nieto, already weak and unpopular, is going to take? And this is supposed to demonstrate Trump's "presidential stature" and foreign policy chops? "Use them and abuse them" is not exactly a recipe for success, although I'm sure that point is lost on the supremely arrogant Donald Trump. Has Trump put the icing on the cake yet by sending out a tweet yet labeling Nieto as a loser or a joke?
91
Actually, Trump will help Pena Nieto in the long run. In the age of instant gratification, people want to see results quick. People who know how to strategize know that to make radical change you must tear down. TRUMP WILL HELP PENA NIETO REBUILD MEXICO
6
Neito was thinking that it might be good to have contact with someone who might be the next President of the United States.
6
Neto stabbed himself in the back.
3
We will build a wall, a great big beautiful wall and keep Trump behind that big beautiful wall. Believe me!
3
The president of Mexico missed a golden opportunity.
In the movie Love Actually, the British Prime Minister (played by Hugh Grant) takes the occasion provided by the visit of a nasty American President (Billy Bob Thornton) to push back and turn a meeting planned for humiliation into one of triumph and the assertion of self respect.
If only Pena Nieto had made similar use of his opportunity
In the movie Love Actually, the British Prime Minister (played by Hugh Grant) takes the occasion provided by the visit of a nasty American President (Billy Bob Thornton) to push back and turn a meeting planned for humiliation into one of triumph and the assertion of self respect.
If only Pena Nieto had made similar use of his opportunity
1
President Nieto could have stood alongside Trump, solemnly proclaimed that "Mexico will never pay for your stupid border wall!", in a cold, loud, hard Vicente Fox voice echoing unfathomable scorn and contempt then marched away, replaced by a platoon of soldiers in full-dress uniforms who then unceremoniously scooped up Trump and symbolically threw him out of Mexico.
Ecce Trump, hoisted on his own petard for all the world to see.
The end of his campaign.
That certainly would have solved a lot of problems for us all, humiliating the braggart. But he didn't. Standing beside the hulking Trump he looked like a waif, like Peck's little lost boy.
What an incredible wasted opportunity ... .
Ecce Trump, hoisted on his own petard for all the world to see.
The end of his campaign.
That certainly would have solved a lot of problems for us all, humiliating the braggart. But he didn't. Standing beside the hulking Trump he looked like a waif, like Peck's little lost boy.
What an incredible wasted opportunity ... .
156
This is why you'll never be diplomat. With the way you think Japan and Germany would both still be rubble filled countries under war conditions because of the political factions rioting in the streets and the people dying of disease and starvation.
Peña-Nieto has to operate under the idea that Trump could win the election and be a force to deal with.
Nation to nation relationships are with few exceptions fluid. This years's enemy is next year's ally.
Peña-Nieto has to operate under the idea that Trump could win the election and be a force to deal with.
Nation to nation relationships are with few exceptions fluid. This years's enemy is next year's ally.
Bad wish. If the theater that you describe had actually happened, many Americans would decide to vote for Trump just to spite Mexico. I am cautiously optimistic that Trump is the One to sink his presidential run.
Funny, Mexico has a wall on its southern border. Why shouldn't the U.S.?
It was as if the Trump-Enrique Pena Nieto encounter in Mexico was a gambling round across the Wall played by the two losers in the presidential palace turned casino where the latter was soon trumped by the known casino King of the gambling world.
1
Indeed it seems utterly clueless. Trump is good at turning everything he touches into a negative asset. But an elected leader should respect his people.
Nigel Farage, Putin, who else? Not good company.
Nigel Farage, Putin, who else? Not good company.
16
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto delivered his third state-of-the-nation speech in the midst of chronic impunity, widespread human rights violations and a falling currency. He acknowledged that the nation has experienced a “difficult year” that has generated “anger” and damaged the public mood and trust.
The first half of his presidency has been characterized by a stagnant economy, corruption scandals and horrifying human rights abuses, as well as an agenda of constitutional reforms that have so far failed to deliver.
I wonder what he will say in his fourth state-of-the-nation address tomorrow!
The first half of his presidency has been characterized by a stagnant economy, corruption scandals and horrifying human rights abuses, as well as an agenda of constitutional reforms that have so far failed to deliver.
I wonder what he will say in his fourth state-of-the-nation address tomorrow!
4
Why isn't someone investigating any possible financial ties between Nieto and Trump or his supporters with business interests in Mexico? It could be as simple as Nieto and/or his family owed #TheGreatWhiteTrash money. Nothing else explains why the President of Mexico was even available on the same day of #TGWTs speech on immigration.
5
Funny, lambast Trump for calling some Mexicans rapist, but the author is free to write that Pena Nietos problems consist of corruption, the burning and disappearance of 43 students, Police cover-ups, Political graft, drug cartels, kidnapping and killing, El Chapo Tunnelling, and the continued massive migration north.
6
Yes, chimanimani, sometimes the truth is like that. Funny thing.
5
The Mexicans made a bad, bad decision in their last presidential election. It is not to their credit. But that has nothing to do with the fact that Mr. Trump s running a campaign fueled by hate. The latter is our problem, and if we do not wake up to that fact and deal with it, the result will be a lot of human suffering, in the US and in other countries as well.
7
From what I can remember about Mexican politics the people always make a bad decision.
The only outcome of Trump's trip to Mexico was that it highlighted once again how shameless and two-faced Trump is. He chastises and speaks ill of Mexican people at his campaign rallies, yet he accepted that puzzling invitation from the Mexican president. Trump appeared congenial yet the visit accomplished nothing since Trump is no yet (and hopefully never will be) the US president.
15
Hail Mary pass. Unfortunately, his tiny football intercepted Mr. Trumpy's tiny football nose to nose, and neither has MIRV technology.
3
At least to this point, it appears the Mexican voting public is more ill informed than ours.
3
.., it appears the Mexican voting public is more ill informed than ours...
They are much like us. A few years ago they had an opportunity to elect a president with substance, integrity, and ideal, Lopez Obrador. Instead they voted for this vapid prettyboy with the beautiful actress wife. Now they are paying the consequences.
They are much like us. A few years ago they had an opportunity to elect a president with substance, integrity, and ideal, Lopez Obrador. Instead they voted for this vapid prettyboy with the beautiful actress wife. Now they are paying the consequences.
3
President Pena Nieto had an opportunity not only to stand up to Trump and for Mexico, but also to help those of us in the United States who are trying to defeat Trump. Instead Pena Nieto has earned the Neville Chamberlain award for appeasement and put both his nation and ours a little more at risk.
27
The idea of a foreign government involving itself is appalling. What if the interference was coming from Putin and Russia? I'll bet you'd be outraged by it. By the way, that's how the people of Great Britain felt when Obama came and interfered with the Brexit vote by telling them the'd be better off staying in the European Union.
"Why Did Peña Nieto Invite Trump to Mexico?". I'm guessing he's been asking himself the same question.
8
I doubt he reads the Times anyway. So, who cares?
2
"Didn't Pena Nieto know Trump called Pena Nieto's people rapists? "
No, he did not. What he said is that many of illegal immigrants are rapists. But Mexicans living in Mexico are not illegal immigrants. And Mexican Americans are not illegal immigrants either. And many people illegally in the US are not at all Mexican. For instance John Lennon was illegally in the US when he was shot.
So for the first time Trump made it clear that he was NOT talking about Mexicans generally but only about people illegally in the US.
But Trump is going to have to repeat this - saying it once is not enough. If he does not say it repeatedly, the New York Times will be more than happy to speak FOR him and say that Trump called all Mexicans rapists.
Personally I doubt that Trump is right even about people here illegally. My understanding is that they commit violent crimes LESS often than US citizens. But I am not an expert on this.
But looking at the evidence there is little doubt in my mind that the media have been lying about Trump's actual positions.
No, he did not. What he said is that many of illegal immigrants are rapists. But Mexicans living in Mexico are not illegal immigrants. And Mexican Americans are not illegal immigrants either. And many people illegally in the US are not at all Mexican. For instance John Lennon was illegally in the US when he was shot.
So for the first time Trump made it clear that he was NOT talking about Mexicans generally but only about people illegally in the US.
But Trump is going to have to repeat this - saying it once is not enough. If he does not say it repeatedly, the New York Times will be more than happy to speak FOR him and say that Trump called all Mexicans rapists.
Personally I doubt that Trump is right even about people here illegally. My understanding is that they commit violent crimes LESS often than US citizens. But I am not an expert on this.
But looking at the evidence there is little doubt in my mind that the media have been lying about Trump's actual positions.
12
Rohit, your distinctions (which Trump doesn't seem to care about) are meaningless. What Trump actually said is just as false and offensive as if he had named Mexicans in Mexico. One reason is that illegal immigrants to the U.S. from Mexico are a cross-section of all poor Mexicans.
9
There are 2 important points that Rohit made, the anti-Republican , biased partisan media continually lies about what Trump actually said.It is almost as if the NYT headlines were written by Hillary and the DNC.
As to the allegation that illegal immigrants are law abiding. Most probably are, but in some California counties where the hispanic population in jails approaches 40-50%, the majority are illegal and the overwhelming majority broke US law.
OH MY GOD, again TRUMP WAS TELLING THE TRUTH.
IF the NYT admits this truth(don't hold your breath) it will be a small blurb on page D-37!
As to the allegation that illegal immigrants are law abiding. Most probably are, but in some California counties where the hispanic population in jails approaches 40-50%, the majority are illegal and the overwhelming majority broke US law.
OH MY GOD, again TRUMP WAS TELLING THE TRUTH.
IF the NYT admits this truth(don't hold your breath) it will be a small blurb on page D-37!
3
The Times and Mr. Soros are offended that R actually tells us what Trump said. We were ALL supposed to just buy the Times' lies.
Even if Mexico disappeared, there are still over a hundred nationalities represented by the people caught by the Border Patrol.
If you ever what to hear an ICE office laugh, get him to tell you how this scheming user of a president has rewritten the rules to make anything at all count as a deportation.
It's a fair guess that the purported deportations cited by admin types in D.C. are ten TIMES too high.
But WHY does Mr. Obama demand that nearly seventy thousand CRIMINAL
aliens stay on the streets of our country? Because that is how he feels about the people of the United States.
Mr. Obama, why don't you let Christians come here as immigrants from the Arab world, since THEY are the ones persecuted? Must you continue to hate them?
Mr. Obama, why did you abandon aid worker Kayla Mueller to be repeatedly raped by ISIS before she was killed in that air raid? Did you hate her family beforehand? WHY?
Even if Mexico disappeared, there are still over a hundred nationalities represented by the people caught by the Border Patrol.
If you ever what to hear an ICE office laugh, get him to tell you how this scheming user of a president has rewritten the rules to make anything at all count as a deportation.
It's a fair guess that the purported deportations cited by admin types in D.C. are ten TIMES too high.
But WHY does Mr. Obama demand that nearly seventy thousand CRIMINAL
aliens stay on the streets of our country? Because that is how he feels about the people of the United States.
Mr. Obama, why don't you let Christians come here as immigrants from the Arab world, since THEY are the ones persecuted? Must you continue to hate them?
Mr. Obama, why did you abandon aid worker Kayla Mueller to be repeatedly raped by ISIS before she was killed in that air raid? Did you hate her family beforehand? WHY?
3
Sounds like Mr. Pena had little to loose, as reports indicate he already had a terrible approval rating. This was, of course, a trap for The Donald, and he stepped right into it. It afforded ample opportunity for Mr Trump to contradict himself and to be lampooned, ridiculed and made to look disingenuous on an international stage. This progressive american is sending a big Thank You to Mr. Pena for the big favor for Hillary Clinton and the American People. Three cheers for Mexico! ...
4
Perhaps Mexicans could spend more time protesting that palace and a little less time telling us law abiding American citizens what immigration laws we get to have. I hate Trump but I think he has a point on immigration.
9
Everyone in Mexico now believes that their president is a simpleton who got played by Trump. It looks that way from here too.
17
...Everyone in Mexico now believes that their president is a simpleton...
Prettyboy's approval ratings were somewhere around 20% even before this incident, so the Mexicans already were figuring this out.
Unfortunately, they should have figured this out before their last election, when there was a very good alternative. But they spectacularly failed.
Prettyboy's approval ratings were somewhere around 20% even before this incident, so the Mexicans already were figuring this out.
Unfortunately, they should have figured this out before their last election, when there was a very good alternative. But they spectacularly failed.
Perhaps Donald Trump won points with Hispanic voters in the USA following his trip to Mexico. If so, he lost ten points for each one gained with his mendacious and insulting belligerence in Phoenix a few short hours later.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
21
Well, folks, this is the reason why Donald is looking down upon Mexico and spewing vile excrements from his mouth about the country. Because he knows that when you bully someone, 75 percent of the time you become intimidated and submissive. You stand up to the bully, like you stand up to injustice, which is the only thing Nieto did not do here, unfortunately.
Donald is all political theatre. There's no way he'll have his way even if he becomes POTUS. So, why even trying to be make peace with a con man.
However, Nieto did all of us a favour by showing the two radically different sides of Donal - his inconsistency and trustworthiness. The Donald we saw in Mexico and the Donald we saw in Arizona was like night and day, in the space of a few hours. They should remind all Americans to see the man for what he is : a con artist.
Donald is all political theatre. There's no way he'll have his way even if he becomes POTUS. So, why even trying to be make peace with a con man.
However, Nieto did all of us a favour by showing the two radically different sides of Donal - his inconsistency and trustworthiness. The Donald we saw in Mexico and the Donald we saw in Arizona was like night and day, in the space of a few hours. They should remind all Americans to see the man for what he is : a con artist.
42
...[Peña] Nieto did all of us a favour by showing the two radically different sides of Donald - his inconsistency and trustworthiness....
It was not an act of genius on Peña Nieto's part -- if he is capable of an act of genius, that fact has escaped me. Nevertheless, this episode did show a particularly ugly side of The Donald.
What a nightmare to have this guy as a major party nominee. But if he doesn't win, the Presidency will go to the candidate who has courted and gained the allegiance of the Neoconservatives, and who almost surely will cause more suffering around the world than even this disaster of a President.
It was not an act of genius on Peña Nieto's part -- if he is capable of an act of genius, that fact has escaped me. Nevertheless, this episode did show a particularly ugly side of The Donald.
What a nightmare to have this guy as a major party nominee. But if he doesn't win, the Presidency will go to the candidate who has courted and gained the allegiance of the Neoconservatives, and who almost surely will cause more suffering around the world than even this disaster of a President.
Peña Nieto accomplished for Trump what Trump has singularly failed to accomplish: the appearance of a statesman, temperate, restrained, diplomatic! Well, done! In contrast, Peña Nieto appeared like another "little Marco" with the "low energy" of a Jeb Bush.
Time now to host Peña Nieto at the Trump Tower with Ivanka, Eric and Melania. Reminder, Peña Nieto's wife, Angelica, will reciprocate when Trump is installed because she has her own Casa Blanca!
Time now to host Peña Nieto at the Trump Tower with Ivanka, Eric and Melania. Reminder, Peña Nieto's wife, Angelica, will reciprocate when Trump is installed because she has her own Casa Blanca!
4
Just when David Cameron thought he had the award for Best Self-inflicted Political Wound of 2016 all locked up, along comes Mr. Peña Nieto.
51
This sad and humiliating episode directly touching on Mexican-North American relations brings to mind the old dictator Porfirio Diaz's famous quote, "Poor Mexico, so far from God and yet so close to the United States." There's the rub, as the bard would say!
12
It was done for one simple reason. Nieto's formulated, preplanned tweet about the Wall. He hopes that reflecting the average Mexican's anger about it to Trump's face, as he said he did, would boost his future poll ratings. And he did it after the visit, so Trump could not say anything while in Mexico.
And apparently it worked - why else would Trump, who strove to seem Presidential and diplomatic, explode just a few hours later in a tirade that negated that carefully crafted Presidential, diplomatic persona, a tirade that all the world saw given the attention that was paid to his visit? Trump was caught off-guard. He's the one who does the disparaging tweets. Nieto beat him at his own game.
We know that Trump is thin-skinned and prone to violent outbursts when he feels attacked and it is more likely than not that Nieto's tweet was the decisive factor. It was a gamble for Nieto, but, as Trump has said in another context, "What does he have to lose?" He can hardly be less popular.
And apparently it worked - why else would Trump, who strove to seem Presidential and diplomatic, explode just a few hours later in a tirade that negated that carefully crafted Presidential, diplomatic persona, a tirade that all the world saw given the attention that was paid to his visit? Trump was caught off-guard. He's the one who does the disparaging tweets. Nieto beat him at his own game.
We know that Trump is thin-skinned and prone to violent outbursts when he feels attacked and it is more likely than not that Nieto's tweet was the decisive factor. It was a gamble for Nieto, but, as Trump has said in another context, "What does he have to lose?" He can hardly be less popular.
15
That's a plausible and probably correct scenario, but the fact remains that the trip and that photo op on the podium with the president really did, for a brief period one day, make him seem almost like a legitimate candidate to the general electorate.
I can only hope that the media mention your scenario.
I can only hope that the media mention your scenario.
1
What was he thinking?
16
His citizens aren't being constantly trained to hate Mr. Soros' political enemies like you have been. It is easy to assume too much but those people have ENOUGH to worry about already with the drug gangs controlling entire towns.
Luckily for Mexicans, the hate blogs like Kos, L&C, MediaMatters, Slate and HuffPo aren't trendy south of the border.
Luckily for Mexicans, the hate blogs like Kos, L&C, MediaMatters, Slate and HuffPo aren't trendy south of the border.
4
Peña Nieto managed to make Trump seem presidential and Mexico seem little and without pride. Let's hope this caper spells the end of both: Mexicans should commence impeachment procedures and Hispanic Americans should to redouble all efforts to keep Trump out.
67
Actually I watched both of them speak from beginning to end. Trump looked bored to death, not knowing where to put his famous hands and/or arms, clinging to the podium and the telepromter even though the script that was written for him said absolutely nothing of consequence. It was a new awkward Trump, who seemed intimidated by a sudden awareness that Mexico was providing him with his first formal public international venue. Yes, Mexico is still a foreign country, Donald.
Peña Nieto looked like the dapper upper class twit that he is insistently repeating Aretha Franklin´s anthem of RESPECT (for Mexico, Mexicans, Mexican presidents, etc. ) over and over. What both men have in common , in addition to the vacuousness of their discourse, is the lack of popularity enjoyed by each in their own countries . Peña Nieto is possibly more disliked by Mexicans in Mexico than Trump is by voters here in the US, each lolling around a favorability rating of minus 20% , but Trump can brag that more Mexicans hate him in both countries than any other public figure, including Peña Nieto.
I had to think, watching them do their narcissistic tango for us, that at the end of the day, they certainly deserved each other. But do we deserve them, here or in Mexico? I don´t think so.
Peña Nieto looked like the dapper upper class twit that he is insistently repeating Aretha Franklin´s anthem of RESPECT (for Mexico, Mexicans, Mexican presidents, etc. ) over and over. What both men have in common , in addition to the vacuousness of their discourse, is the lack of popularity enjoyed by each in their own countries . Peña Nieto is possibly more disliked by Mexicans in Mexico than Trump is by voters here in the US, each lolling around a favorability rating of minus 20% , but Trump can brag that more Mexicans hate him in both countries than any other public figure, including Peña Nieto.
I had to think, watching them do their narcissistic tango for us, that at the end of the day, they certainly deserved each other. But do we deserve them, here or in Mexico? I don´t think so.
5
I'm confused. The essence of this article is that Pena Nieto dug a deep hole for himself adding to an already miserable presidency. The essence of Charles Blow's op ed and the majority of comments is that Donald made a fool of himself and ended up talking out of both sides of his mouth. So which is it?
I remarked in my comment to Blow's article that I thought the purpose of the invitation was to make Trump look foolish. By my estimation, Trump did look foolish and the Mexican president was correct. In Mexico DT said the cost had not been discussed. Trump looked subdued (not presidential but medicated). In Phoenix, he was back to his old self and claiming the wall will be built and Mexico will pay for it.
By all accounts, building the wall is almost impossible due to the topography. The wall will take years (if ever) to build, and does Trump really believe that he can force Mexico to pay for this wall? If he does, he is more delusional than ever. Even a president as weak as Pena Nieto would not agree.
Like Bill A. I have election fatigue. Everyone I know is ever so tired of this forever election. I've begun a countdown, but of course, we have the debates to get through. 68 more days...
The all important Supreme Court appointment(s) hang in the balance. Vote Dems.
I remarked in my comment to Blow's article that I thought the purpose of the invitation was to make Trump look foolish. By my estimation, Trump did look foolish and the Mexican president was correct. In Mexico DT said the cost had not been discussed. Trump looked subdued (not presidential but medicated). In Phoenix, he was back to his old self and claiming the wall will be built and Mexico will pay for it.
By all accounts, building the wall is almost impossible due to the topography. The wall will take years (if ever) to build, and does Trump really believe that he can force Mexico to pay for this wall? If he does, he is more delusional than ever. Even a president as weak as Pena Nieto would not agree.
Like Bill A. I have election fatigue. Everyone I know is ever so tired of this forever election. I've begun a countdown, but of course, we have the debates to get through. 68 more days...
The all important Supreme Court appointment(s) hang in the balance. Vote Dems.
124
It seems like Trump blew it with his speech, but just imagine the damage that would have been done if the speech had been anywhere near half-acceptable. The Trumpeters would have been on and on about what a presidential guy they had. I think it was a close call.
1
"The all important Supreme Court appointment(s) hang in the balance. Vote Dems"
And this is MY reason for preferring Trump.
There already are four liberals on the Supreme Court. To maintain balance the next appointee to replace Scalia should be someone who is center right.
My ideal is a Supreme Court with three liberals, three conservatives and three centrists. I would be seriously worried by a court which had five liberals.
And this is MY reason for preferring Trump.
There already are four liberals on the Supreme Court. To maintain balance the next appointee to replace Scalia should be someone who is center right.
My ideal is a Supreme Court with three liberals, three conservatives and three centrists. I would be seriously worried by a court which had five liberals.
6
"By all accounts, building the wall is almost impossible due to the topography. "
Stop thinking that the "wall" is an actual wall. Think temblor detectors, ultra red light, drones and other electronics.
Stop thinking that the "wall" is an actual wall. Think temblor detectors, ultra red light, drones and other electronics.
In a normal political climate, it would have been understandable and appropriate for the leader of our neighbor to the south to invite the candidate of a political party who might have the potential to become president. THIS YEAR, however, is NOT normal. The GOP candidate is a racist who talks of building walls to keep people out. He has referred to Mexican immigrants as "murderers and rapists". His attacks have been so vitriolic and bitter and nasty and filthy that it is unconscionable that Nieto would invite him for a sit down. WORST CASE IF (and I still believe it impossible) but IF the GOP candidate got elected then the BEST to be hoped for with Mexico would be a very formal, functioning but definitely NOT cooperative or friendly or proactive relationship. Nieto received NOTHING in exchange for his invitation. No repudiation or apology of any kind was given by the GOP candidate (I refuse to even mention the actual name of that person). So as I said while in normal circumstances the invitation would have been understandable, in this case it was outrageous and if I were a Mexican I would be beside myself with fury. PS - I've been happily married to a Mexican-American for 14 years whose parents were immigrants and put all their children through college while the father worked on a diary farm and the mother was a homemaker. To my knowledge no one was "raped or murdered" along the way.
63
ManhattanWilliam, didn't Gorbachev talk to Reagsn who had called the Soviet Union the evil empire?
And that worked out pretty well in that the cold war ended.
Let us face it - the readers here want Hillary to be the next president. And that means that they need to keep alive the image of the evil Trump that they have been talking about all this time.
But maybe the evil Trump does not exist. To be sure, he is vain. And he has not been the most honest of businessmen. But these things in themselves do not make him evil.
If he was facing Sanders there would be no doubt who was the more honest candidate.
But you Democrats rejected Sanders and nominated Hillary who seems to have a lot of baggage.
Maybe Trump will be your reward!
And that worked out pretty well in that the cold war ended.
Let us face it - the readers here want Hillary to be the next president. And that means that they need to keep alive the image of the evil Trump that they have been talking about all this time.
But maybe the evil Trump does not exist. To be sure, he is vain. And he has not been the most honest of businessmen. But these things in themselves do not make him evil.
If he was facing Sanders there would be no doubt who was the more honest candidate.
But you Democrats rejected Sanders and nominated Hillary who seems to have a lot of baggage.
Maybe Trump will be your reward!
6
It is indeed very puzzling what Peña Nieto might have been thinking, if anything. He certainly had no reason not to wait for the election to be over and, if Trump resulted victorious, well, deal with him, but this invitation seems to come from a President with either masochistic tendencies, or an incredibly dense mind.
46
Maybe Trump offered him a nice bit of real estate to retire to after his presidency is over.
There is another possible explanation. If Nieto thinks there is a reasonable chance that Trump will be elected, even 20%, then it makes sense to build the bridges before the election.
People here are deliberately ignoring that Trump said many complimentary things about Mexico and Mexican Americans. He IS sticking to his hard line on illegal immigration, but you cannot brush under the rug all the positive things he said. Here is a quote from his speech after he came back.
"We also discussed the great contributions of Mexican-American citizens to our two countries, my love for the people of Mexico, and the leadership and friendship between Mexico and the United States"
You will say that he does not mean it. But it is a change that he SAID it.
My suspicion is that he wants a deal with Mexico which is better than the deal worked out by previous administration.
People here are deliberately ignoring that Trump said many complimentary things about Mexico and Mexican Americans. He IS sticking to his hard line on illegal immigration, but you cannot brush under the rug all the positive things he said. Here is a quote from his speech after he came back.
"We also discussed the great contributions of Mexican-American citizens to our two countries, my love for the people of Mexico, and the leadership and friendship between Mexico and the United States"
You will say that he does not mean it. But it is a change that he SAID it.
My suspicion is that he wants a deal with Mexico which is better than the deal worked out by previous administration.
14
Whilst I don't see much merit in your analysis, I wonder if in your last line ".....worked out by previous adminsitartion" you are referring t the Bush admistration, for Obama' is the current adminstartion.
1
I wake up every morning with that vague, dissipated feeling, sit on the side of the bed, head in my hands, vision still blurry, trying to puzzle it out. You know the feeling: It's as though I had had a nightmare and couldn't shake the emotional blow, but couldn't exactly remember it either. Then I realize - it wasn't a dream, it's real. It's real? Oh my god, Donald Trump really is running for president of the United States. I get back in bed, pull the covers over my head, and hope I actually wake up from this nightmare tomorrow.
179
My advice, based on a dissolute past? Throw up now, don't try and hold back. Better out than in, really.
4
One nightmare scenario -- if Trump wins, would President Obama have to welcome him to the White House? I hope he'd take a pass or call in sick that day.
I agree with the poster who said they will be relieved when this election is over. This "All Trump, All The Time" is getting old. I get the need for the drum beat, but there is other stuff going on politically in this country and people have a right to that information too. The NYT needs to broaden their coverage. A lot.
141
The Trump stuff gets clicks. The NYT is not immune to the need for click-bait. Yes, it is sad.
This meeting may turn out to be a wise decision from the Mexican president. He called Trump's bluff. Trump showed up and then blew it with his horrible immigration speech.
For this we can get some sense of what Trump would be like as president. One the one hand, he can act statesman like going through the motions, as he did in Mexico. But when it comes to actually making wise decisions, he is clueless and uncaring.
The only thing we have to fear is... Donald Trump!
---------------------------------------------------------------
For this we can get some sense of what Trump would be like as president. One the one hand, he can act statesman like going through the motions, as he did in Mexico. But when it comes to actually making wise decisions, he is clueless and uncaring.
The only thing we have to fear is... Donald Trump!
---------------------------------------------------------------
68
Trump is the sixty-second "statesman". How hard is it to Act the statesman, Act "presidential"?
And why is his third rate performance lauded in the press and everywhere as some kind of accomplishment?
Anyone running for the office of the president should be--at an absolute minimum-- capable of sustained diplomacy.
The more of an idiot Trump is (or rather carries on as he has always has for 70 years) the less we expect and the more credit he is given for standing up straight long enough for a photo.
Who's more pathetic- him or us?
And why is his third rate performance lauded in the press and everywhere as some kind of accomplishment?
Anyone running for the office of the president should be--at an absolute minimum-- capable of sustained diplomacy.
The more of an idiot Trump is (or rather carries on as he has always has for 70 years) the less we expect and the more credit he is given for standing up straight long enough for a photo.
Who's more pathetic- him or us?
9
The ONLY way that Pena Nieto would have saved face was if he had looked Trump right in the face, on camera, and told him what he could do with his wall. Sadly, a missed opportunity.
179
Well, except you don't invite somebody to your dinner party so you can throw a drink in his face. It's different from, say, your both having been invited to a third-party location.
Donald Trump's presence = negative response with Mexicans. And why shouldn't it? Didn't Pena Nieto know Trump called Pena Nieto's people rapists? In a way these two sound like birds of a feather, lame on insight and zero on empathy.
38
One-hundred and eighty four years ago, Mexican general Lopez de Santanna signed away to the United States almost half of Mexico to the United States. Yesterday, President Peña Nieto gave away the little dignity that Mexico still possessed.
175
The Spanish colonizers created the artificial construct of Mexico. There is no other reason why the Aztecs, the Mayans, and the other ethnic groups of Mexico should have been combined with the ancestors of the people we now call Native Americans.
4
I think you're a little confused about dates but point taken.
1
The Mexican government is a fraud.
Somehow, Mr (Senor?) Nieto invites the next POTUS to his country, hedges his bets, invites both
The Dem snubs him for a fund-raiser, showing HIM, us, Mexico, and the world, where Sr Nieto stands in HER um standing
Mr Trump shows up, acts Trump-ish, and this is Nieto's fault?
Maybe the outraged should have a pinata of Ms Clinton also
Maybe Sr Nieto should have invited neither? or Clinton only?
= =
I've said, several times, President Trump could fund the wall, if not build it, by intercepting remittances, as presumptive of illegal presence here, and illegal wages; this would be of a form of 'Mexican' money...., I encourage such
It is possible that the two talked of cooperation on drug wars and cartels, Good walls (vs Bad walls)
= =
What is a STENCH inside the fortress, is that Mexicans are mad at Trump, seemingly for saying/ acting that the US is NOT a province of Mexico, what nerve! or, as if they don't have their own murder class
(Mexicans say much of US was stolen from the Spanish, there for hundreds of years, but skip the obvious question, of prior occupancy; in US we have lip service, mock pieties to OUR prior occupants)
= =
Regarding the wall, nearby NYT offers tunnels as the next frontier; we have some experience in the West, with 'tunnels of war' around Israel, mostly from Gaza, not a simple challenge
= =
Famously, 'poor Mexico so far from god and so close to the United States,' (maybe Porfirio Diaz, (who?) )
(that is sometimes a mutual sentiment)
The Dem snubs him for a fund-raiser, showing HIM, us, Mexico, and the world, where Sr Nieto stands in HER um standing
Mr Trump shows up, acts Trump-ish, and this is Nieto's fault?
Maybe the outraged should have a pinata of Ms Clinton also
Maybe Sr Nieto should have invited neither? or Clinton only?
= =
I've said, several times, President Trump could fund the wall, if not build it, by intercepting remittances, as presumptive of illegal presence here, and illegal wages; this would be of a form of 'Mexican' money...., I encourage such
It is possible that the two talked of cooperation on drug wars and cartels, Good walls (vs Bad walls)
= =
What is a STENCH inside the fortress, is that Mexicans are mad at Trump, seemingly for saying/ acting that the US is NOT a province of Mexico, what nerve! or, as if they don't have their own murder class
(Mexicans say much of US was stolen from the Spanish, there for hundreds of years, but skip the obvious question, of prior occupancy; in US we have lip service, mock pieties to OUR prior occupants)
= =
Regarding the wall, nearby NYT offers tunnels as the next frontier; we have some experience in the West, with 'tunnels of war' around Israel, mostly from Gaza, not a simple challenge
= =
Famously, 'poor Mexico so far from god and so close to the United States,' (maybe Porfirio Diaz, (who?) )
(that is sometimes a mutual sentiment)
6
"by intercepting remittances, as presumptive of illegal presence here".
Exactly how are remittances indicative of anything other than a connection between someone in the US and someone in Mexico. As a matter of fact, I live on remittances. I am US citizen living in Mexico. I regularly withdraw money from my US account and give it to myself in pesos.
And what exactly is the legal mechanism by which the US government would confiscate money from anyone living in the US because they were giving it to someone in another country. Or are we to assume that laws will no longer apply if Trump is elected.
Exactly how are remittances indicative of anything other than a connection between someone in the US and someone in Mexico. As a matter of fact, I live on remittances. I am US citizen living in Mexico. I regularly withdraw money from my US account and give it to myself in pesos.
And what exactly is the legal mechanism by which the US government would confiscate money from anyone living in the US because they were giving it to someone in another country. Or are we to assume that laws will no longer apply if Trump is elected.
3
That's a rather odd and disjointed comment. So you're suggesting we steal money from Mexicans?
4
Please read the article.
"But in a stupefying decision, last week he sent invitations out to the Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton and Mr. Trump to come to Mexico, and then conceded, reportedly under pressure from the Trump team, to meet its candidate first, on the fateful Aug. 31."
Hence, Clinton was off doing what she felt she needed to do to support her candidacy. No one was "snub"ed.
"But in a stupefying decision, last week he sent invitations out to the Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton and Mr. Trump to come to Mexico, and then conceded, reportedly under pressure from the Trump team, to meet its candidate first, on the fateful Aug. 31."
Hence, Clinton was off doing what she felt she needed to do to support her candidacy. No one was "snub"ed.
1
Whatever Mr. Pena Nieto was thinking, it is much more important what effect this will have on the US election. He gave undeserved credibility to Trump.
273
C.C.,
The "effect" is that Hillary's slide in the 4 way polls continues. She's leading by less than 4 points!
The "effect" is that Hillary's slide in the 4 way polls continues. She's leading by less than 4 points!
2
President Nieto did what any responsible chief of state would do, which is to meet with a presidential candidate of Mexico's main trading partner.We also mitigate country's socio economic problems by unofficially letting so many of its citizens,legal and illegal, into the US. Billions of dollars sent back to Mexico help them but not us. When Gen. De Gaulle, later President of the Fifth Republic, agreed to sit down with chiefs of various wilayas while Algerian War was going on and French citizens were being killed , he was not motivated by a fondness for the FLN, but rather to establish communication with the Front's spokesmen and seek peace. Nieto was behaving diplomatically, agreeing to meet with Trump who incarnates the hopes of millions of Americans, mainly those at the bottom of the hill, who voted for him in the expectation that he would improve their lives. Many on the left seek to deny DT's legitimacy, but that is a given. "Petit conseil:" Never put Ph.D. after your name. It is as if you believed that the title conferred an expertise which those who don't have one lack. Bad taste, no disrespect intended. I have a Ph,D,3 masters, was a Fulbright among other achievements, but would only mention it to defend against those who call us Trump supporters "rabble"on the intolerant left.
3
Yes, that was the most catastrophic aspect. If you viewed the "press conference" and had never known the name Trump, you might decently conclude, this man is listening careful, he is deeply respectful, he is even tempered, he's diplomatic, yes, he makes remarks that are in part thuggish but there is so much praise for Mexicans, his admiration for Mexicans, how great are the Mexicans, I concluded this was a 5% poll boost for diplomat Trump (concern he might instead decide for SG of the United Nations).
But only four hours later, this lout, garish, demagogic thug, this racist bully returns to form in Phoenix. No 5% boost despite corrupt, spineless, humiliated Peña Nieto.
But only four hours later, this lout, garish, demagogic thug, this racist bully returns to form in Phoenix. No 5% boost despite corrupt, spineless, humiliated Peña Nieto.
It's difficult to imagine a more inept and inappropriate gesture than Pena Nieto's invitation to Donald Trump, followed by his receiving the Republican nominee amid trappings of a presidential visit.
Peña Nieto, who whitewashed the international investigation into the deaths of 43 Mexican students by Mexican officials and security forces, has proven to be insensitive to his own citizens and to basic standards of ethics and human rights.
Trump flew in, did his best imitation of a visiting head of state, said nice things about the Mexican people, shook the hand of the "little" President, and then flew on to Phoenix. There he proceeded to bash the Mexican people and all immigrants as rapists, criminals and villains. Peña-Nieto is not the world's sharpest negotiator.
Perhaps the Mexican Congress should follow their counterparts in Brazil and open up impeachment proceedings against Pena-Nieto for bringing shame on their country.
As the world learned from Neville Chamberlain's trip to Munich in 1938, appeasement is rarely an effective strategy --either for the appeaser or the budding aggressor.
Peña Nieto, who whitewashed the international investigation into the deaths of 43 Mexican students by Mexican officials and security forces, has proven to be insensitive to his own citizens and to basic standards of ethics and human rights.
Trump flew in, did his best imitation of a visiting head of state, said nice things about the Mexican people, shook the hand of the "little" President, and then flew on to Phoenix. There he proceeded to bash the Mexican people and all immigrants as rapists, criminals and villains. Peña-Nieto is not the world's sharpest negotiator.
Perhaps the Mexican Congress should follow their counterparts in Brazil and open up impeachment proceedings against Pena-Nieto for bringing shame on their country.
As the world learned from Neville Chamberlain's trip to Munich in 1938, appeasement is rarely an effective strategy --either for the appeaser or the budding aggressor.
25
The only logical answer is that Nieto was set up by the Trump team for a healthy sum. As another commenter said: "let's hope he got paid in advance".
I am not Mexican yet I find myself so outraged of the reckless act of the president that humiliated his nation and its people. And what for ? Hasn't his Ambassador constructed for him a detailed profile of Mr. Trump ?
10
Mr. Peña Nieto isn't the first loser to stupidly grab on the Donald Trump's coattails, only to find himself grasping thin air as he plummets even farther into the muck and mire.
Let this be a lesson to everyone riding the Trump Train. Get off at the next stop if you can.
Let this be a lesson to everyone riding the Trump Train. Get off at the next stop if you can.
15
It really is mystifying, trying to figure out what Pena Nieto thought he might gain from giving a platform to perhaps the only figure who's more hated in Mexico right now than he is.
Maybe Pena Nieto thought he'd look good by comparison. Maybe he thought he'd make Trump change his mind, or make him look bad. Maybe he thought that his own approval ratings are so terrible, things couldn't get worse, and so it was worth trying a long-shot to shake things up and change the discussion.
Whatever he was thinking, it was foolish. Things can always get worse. Anyone paying attention to the Trump campaign or the Republican Party over the last few decades can understand that.
On the bright side, if Trump winds up being partially responsible for finishing the odious Pena Nieto off, he will have ironically done Mexico a great service. Similar to his unwitting service to the United States in finishing off the likes of Ted Cruz, Jeb Bush, and Marco Rubio - and, hopefully, the Republican Party itself.
Maybe Pena Nieto thought he'd look good by comparison. Maybe he thought he'd make Trump change his mind, or make him look bad. Maybe he thought that his own approval ratings are so terrible, things couldn't get worse, and so it was worth trying a long-shot to shake things up and change the discussion.
Whatever he was thinking, it was foolish. Things can always get worse. Anyone paying attention to the Trump campaign or the Republican Party over the last few decades can understand that.
On the bright side, if Trump winds up being partially responsible for finishing the odious Pena Nieto off, he will have ironically done Mexico a great service. Similar to his unwitting service to the United States in finishing off the likes of Ted Cruz, Jeb Bush, and Marco Rubio - and, hopefully, the Republican Party itself.
13
Have to wonder whether Nieto, who clearly is not going to be re-elected, was offered a golden parachute in return for meeting Trump.
If so, he should have asked for all of it in advance.
1
Good point, just like Sarah Palin earlier on.
Maybe that's what's on Trump's head: a golden parachute.
All the meeting did was elevate Trump's standing with his supporters and diminish Peña Nieto's with what's left of his supporters. It is not a question what Peña Nieto was thinking when he invited Trump, it is a matter of whether he was thinking at all.
When Trump said in public, with the Mexican president standing a few feet from him, that the payment for the wall was not discussed, Peña Nieto could have just said, yes, it was, and that he said Mexico won't pay for any wall. That would have done much to diminish Trump and enhance Peña Nieto. Instead, he waited until Trump left to tweet what he allegedly said in private. Inexplicable to say the least.
If Trump gets elected, Peña Nieto deserves to get blamed for the disaster that Trump's election will certainly have on Mexico. Let's just say Peña Nieto's reelection chances will be a lot less than his current approval rating.
When Trump said in public, with the Mexican president standing a few feet from him, that the payment for the wall was not discussed, Peña Nieto could have just said, yes, it was, and that he said Mexico won't pay for any wall. That would have done much to diminish Trump and enhance Peña Nieto. Instead, he waited until Trump left to tweet what he allegedly said in private. Inexplicable to say the least.
If Trump gets elected, Peña Nieto deserves to get blamed for the disaster that Trump's election will certainly have on Mexico. Let's just say Peña Nieto's reelection chances will be a lot less than his current approval rating.
4
Mexican presidents only serve one six-year term, so he will definitely NOT be re-elected regardless.
4
The Mexican president serves one six year term. There is no re-election.
3
Peña Nieto is not going to run again. Mexican presidents serve a single six year term. There is never a re-election.
3
Or maybe neither of them has much to lose as far as public opinion goes.
3
If someone calls your family members drug dealers, rapists and worse, why would you invite them to your home? Knowing that he would continue trashing your family after he leaves?
Looking for respect from Trump? Really? If only Vicente Fox had been in the same room with these guys, Trump would have received an eloquent piece of Mexico's mind and the disrespect Trump deserves.
At least Peña Nieto exposed the Tyrant for the liar that he is to other leaders around the world. How many will invite Trump after this? With friends like Trump, who needs enemies?
Looking for respect from Trump? Really? If only Vicente Fox had been in the same room with these guys, Trump would have received an eloquent piece of Mexico's mind and the disrespect Trump deserves.
At least Peña Nieto exposed the Tyrant for the liar that he is to other leaders around the world. How many will invite Trump after this? With friends like Trump, who needs enemies?
30
Let's think about this wall thing for a moment. Before it has to go through all the government agencies and various studies and approvals, someone in congress has to sponsor a bill. If we are to follow Mr. Trump's line of thinking, it should have an appropriation of $0, because obviously Mexico is going to foot the bill. Let's see how that works out.
4
You forget that der Donald thinks he's running for supreme leader, and given the squeamishness evinced by the congress in the face of this one-moron-disaster, if he wins he will be. We'll need Rocky and Bullwinkle more than ever.
3
Yes, let's think about the wall. Who will it stop? Is there a wall between Turkey and Greece? Is there a wall between Libya and Sicily? A wall is not going to stop thousands of people coming into the US illegally if they have enough incentive to do so. They will just come by sea rather than by land. Besides, most illegals come in through airports on tourist visas and just stay.
1
Paraphrasing the old saying: Pena Nieto so close to Trump, so far from the proud Mexican people. Another humiliation inflicted upon Mexicans by another low energy/servile president.
4
Mr. Trump might have performed a great service to Mexico. Now it is clear that Peña Nieto is not only corrupt, but inept. Not only incapable of finishing a thesis on his own, but also incapable of informing his diplomatic staff, explain his (lack of) reasoning, and equally incapable of defending his own country when bullies rampage in his own house.
Ms. Rousseff was impeached in Brazil. It has been clear that Mexico should also impeach Mr. Peña Nieto not only for corruption, but for covering up the crimes of his armed forces, for trying accommodation with drug cartels, and for wasting what remained of Mexico's oil wealth by inviting foreign capital precisely when oil is at record lows.
Trump has shown Peña Nieto as how incompetent he is --Mexicans can now better their democracy and have him impeached. Thanks to Trump, humiliated and furious, Mexicans might dare improve their lot.
Ms. Rousseff was impeached in Brazil. It has been clear that Mexico should also impeach Mr. Peña Nieto not only for corruption, but for covering up the crimes of his armed forces, for trying accommodation with drug cartels, and for wasting what remained of Mexico's oil wealth by inviting foreign capital precisely when oil is at record lows.
Trump has shown Peña Nieto as how incompetent he is --Mexicans can now better their democracy and have him impeached. Thanks to Trump, humiliated and furious, Mexicans might dare improve their lot.
21
I agree with the hunch that Mr. Pena Nieto probably thought he could change Trump, and so he gambled and lost. Just like the republican candidates in the primary, he was simply intimidated in Trump's presence. But the elephant in the room is that the president of Mexico never even saw this coming. He allowed himself to be used as a pawn and had no idea what was happening. He was outclassed.
5
Aware of Trump's proclivity to lying and misrepresentation, surely Pena Nieto had the foresight to openly or surreptitiously audio-tape the conversation, held in his own presidential palace. Additionally there were auditors of and witnesses to (presumably from both sides) the dialogue. Thus there are at least two possible avenues to the truth about whether the issue of who would pay for the wall came up. Can't the press (or Clinton's team) unearth the facts, or are they less competent than the reporters and governmental officials who exposed Ryan Lochte in Brazil?
2
How exactly did President Pena Nieto look “weak and submissive” when meeting Trump? From what I saw, the Mexican president looked confident, poised and intelligent – a very impressive face of the Mexican people. Moreover, he was clear and firm in his defense of Mexican interests.
I would encourage everyone to watch the press conference for themselves, unfiltered by the media. Judge the Mexican president and Trump by what you see for yourself. If that leads you hate Trump and/or Pena Nieto even more, then so be it. You will at least have another full, unvarnished fact set to make that judgment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pcI3pJQ5Ks
(I don’t know enough to comment on Pena Nieto's tenure as president, I’m simply referring to the press conference itself.)
I would encourage everyone to watch the press conference for themselves, unfiltered by the media. Judge the Mexican president and Trump by what you see for yourself. If that leads you hate Trump and/or Pena Nieto even more, then so be it. You will at least have another full, unvarnished fact set to make that judgment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pcI3pJQ5Ks
(I don’t know enough to comment on Pena Nieto's tenure as president, I’m simply referring to the press conference itself.)
3
His tenure as a president is not good. He has been rated as the most unpopular president in recent memory. The majority of the Mexican people see him as corrupt and weak and they are calling for him to resign or for impeachment. The most important piece here is that they met behind closed doors. What was said is anyone's guess. But, to the people of Mexico, the invitation extended to Trump was the ultimate betrayal.
4
John,
I will give you one reason why he looked 'weak and submissive.' Pena Nieto claimed that he told Trump Mexico would not pay for the wall.Meanwhile Trump did say during the press conference that the issue of payment for the wall did not come up. If that was not the case , he could have corrected him right then.
I will give you one reason why he looked 'weak and submissive.' Pena Nieto claimed that he told Trump Mexico would not pay for the wall.Meanwhile Trump did say during the press conference that the issue of payment for the wall did not come up. If that was not the case , he could have corrected him right then.
3
Asem:
The payment "controversy" was actually a non-controversy created by the Times and other media.
Trump did not say that the issue didn't come up. Trump said that they didn't discuss it. Pena Nieto's later Tweets confirm this. EPN stated that they wouldn't pay for the wall, Trump didn't respond, and they immediately discussed other topics. That isn't a discussion by any definition.
Yet, I agree with you that EPN should have raised that issue during the press conference.
Nevertheless, I would encourage you to consider the event in a more positive light. There are many Americans who wrongly hold a negative view of the Mexican people. And, yes, many of those are probably Trump supporters. The positive image of the Mexican president, coupled with Trump's favorable comments about him, can help change the negative views of some Americans. This can only be a good thing.
The payment "controversy" was actually a non-controversy created by the Times and other media.
Trump did not say that the issue didn't come up. Trump said that they didn't discuss it. Pena Nieto's later Tweets confirm this. EPN stated that they wouldn't pay for the wall, Trump didn't respond, and they immediately discussed other topics. That isn't a discussion by any definition.
Yet, I agree with you that EPN should have raised that issue during the press conference.
Nevertheless, I would encourage you to consider the event in a more positive light. There are many Americans who wrongly hold a negative view of the Mexican people. And, yes, many of those are probably Trump supporters. The positive image of the Mexican president, coupled with Trump's favorable comments about him, can help change the negative views of some Americans. This can only be a good thing.
2
Maybe he is just a shlemazel, Yiddish for the guy who is always spilling soup on himself
25
Or a schlemeel, the guy who always gets the soup spilled in his lap...
Mr. Pena Nieto was explicit as to why he met with Trump. As he said, the one principle that was immutable was that Mexico would always be willing to negotiate no matter how drastic the differences between the parties. Trump was the devil, as far as the Mexicans were concerned, but they would always keep an open door for negotiation. Any idiot knows that Trump has terribly offended the Mexicans. but they are not in a position to ignore a possible future president. The suggestion that Pena Nieto should have snubbed the possible future President of the US, strikes me as oblivious to the realities. The American people have put Trump in a position where he can become President. For Americans to blame Pena Nieto for his appeasement of Trump is unconscionable. We're the ones at fault, not the Mexicans.
128
I think you're mistaken, Michjas, for the following reason: Pena Nieto had no need to invite anyone. Not inviting any U.S. candidate would have been perfectly acceptable and well precedented.
3
He is the one who issued the invitation (to both candidates) completely gratuitous and un-necessary.
1
Honestly? This was an own goal. PN did not need to invite either candidate.
He alienated the Mexican people who have been insulted and he treated Trump like a president sharing a platform with him.
He alienated the Mexican people who have been insulted and he treated Trump like a president sharing a platform with him.
2
Both of reality unaware,
Like Trump and his illusion of hair,
Are two men trapped in megalomania,
Named Trump, Donald, and Nieto, Peña.
Citizens in both countries should beware.
Like Trump and his illusion of hair,
Are two men trapped in megalomania,
Named Trump, Donald, and Nieto, Peña.
Citizens in both countries should beware.
4
That's Trump for you. King Midas in reverse. I feel a little bad for Pres. Nieto, but after all, he asked for the brush with doom, now he's doomed by his own hand.
7
So I guess we conclude from this that Trump played Pena Nieto like a punching bag, using the Prsident of a sovereign nation as a prop in his campaign to rid the U.S. of illegal immigrants.
God, have we ever sunk to a new low.
God, have we ever sunk to a new low.
16
Pena Nieto tweeted he told Trump that Mexico wouldn't pay for the wall, really? Why did he forget to mention that during their press conference.
By all accounts, Trump got what he wanted and the Mexican president looked like a modern day Santa Anna.
By all accounts, Trump got what he wanted and the Mexican president looked like a modern day Santa Anna.
4
In this day and age with everyone having a smart phone, I'm surprised that NO recording of their meeting has surfaced... Such a recording would clearly indicated who is lying about the "wall" and payment options.... The President was used and he now knows it... The question is: did it help or hurt Trump...
1
I am very concerned. I do not know if Enrique Peña is taking all these terrible decisions on purpose so he hands the power to Andres Manuel Lopez (which will be terrible), or if our president is really missing a screw or has a terrible cabinet working not for him or for the country, but for their own personal ambitions.
Peña's latest scandal, inviting Trump to his presidential residence, may have been to boost Trump's popularity. Peña may be scared of Hillary and her pushing for Mexico to follow the rule of law, follow human rights international standards and punish corruption. So he may want Trump to actually win so Peña can become a "victim" and get the country united against a "common enemy".
The wobbling decisions that Peña is taking are just inexcusable and inexplicable.
Like his incompetence and his new-found money
Peña's latest scandal, inviting Trump to his presidential residence, may have been to boost Trump's popularity. Peña may be scared of Hillary and her pushing for Mexico to follow the rule of law, follow human rights international standards and punish corruption. So he may want Trump to actually win so Peña can become a "victim" and get the country united against a "common enemy".
The wobbling decisions that Peña is taking are just inexcusable and inexplicable.
Like his incompetence and his new-found money
8
What isn't mentioned here is Enrique Peña Nieto's biggest success in boosting the prosperity of Mexican citizens: knocking about $20 billion off the net worth of former richest man in the world Carlos Slim by fostering competition in Slim's long-time monopoly of telecommunications.
Slim, though, is the financial savior and largest single shareholder of the New York Times.
Slim, though, is the financial savior and largest single shareholder of the New York Times.
4
Well, as an American living in Mexico it made no sense to invite Trump. The biggest mistake was to meet behind closed doors. Nieto should have insisted on a public or even televised meeting with Trump. Then, he should have taken the opportunity on his own turf to get tough with him in the open, where there would be no mistaking what was said. Now, all we have is a he said/she said situation. You don't voluntarily meet bullies in a dark alley and that is exactly what Nieto did. All Trump did was go back and repeat his same hateful rhetoric, so what was the point of it all? Now, Trump has only served to incense the Mexican people even more. And, lest Trump forget that there are American voters living in Mexico and abroad.
32
Let this be a lesson to other world leaders tempted to invite Trump for a meeting!
3
Yesterday, the Mexican president joined the ranks of the Trump photo-op props, such as the Trump Hispanic advisory council and the recent Trump outreach to "the blacks" headed by more unwitting mouthpieces. Then he returned north and fed the core their daily serving of blood-red meat in Phoenix. Wherever he goes, Trump sows division and suspicion, promising something for everyone, but with no plans to deliver anything other than pure vitriol. I cannot imagine 4 years of this churlish, self-serving behavior by a US president, pandering to one group at a time, only to mask ineptitude and feed egomania.
51
Trump only offers his supporters a steady diet of racism. For the majority of them that's the only nourishment they require.
4
MCV207, well said. Who is this tool (or fool) "Bishop" Jackson, anyway.
No chance he was compensated in some way?
6
Peña Nieto is an awful mexican president, his approval ratings are way below the general disapproval, given the faltering economy, the abuse of power by the police and the generalized corruption that allows the drug mafia almost free rein. Crime is rampant and poverty on the rise, under the impassive watch of a president that has become irrelevant to the wellbeing of his people. And inviting crooked lying Trump was a failed attempt, by Peña Nieto, to divert attention from his own failures and incompetence.
9
I thought the same thing Peña Nieto's critics are saying. You don't one moment compare Trump to Hitler and Mussolini and the next moment invite him to tea with all the trapings of a Presidential visit. What an historic and obsequious mistake.
This visit will probably help Trump, the man who says Mexicans coming to US are rapists, drug dealers and criminals. Simply unbelievable.
This visit will probably help Trump, the man who says Mexicans coming to US are rapists, drug dealers and criminals. Simply unbelievable.
7
Was this somehow set up by Margarita Zavala de Calderón, hoping to pull off a Hillary Clinton in the 2018 presidential election?
President Pena Nieto proved himself, foolish, idiotic, and weak on the world's stage. It was a surreal, terrible moment, as Trump played the Mexican president for a chump. Trump, then, in all his glory, returned to Arizona to blast his evil rhetoric to his hateful supporters. Pena Nieto needs to immediately resign, he will not recover from this debacle. He did major political damage in his foolishness.
8
Extraordinary article. Problem is that Peña still has two years more in his administration and he is already imploding. The economy is decelerating rapidly (second quarter negative growth); public debt is growing without limits (recent downgrades by rating agencies); insecurity is on the rise; unfathomable corruption at all levels; impunity is worse than almost anywhere else. If Trump wins, the outlook for Mexico will be much worse.
In the US we are not taking a deep view on what's happening south of the border. Mexico is in the prelude of a crisis (fiscal, economic, political) which will surprise many as in 1994. And in this context, Peña just may have given a few points in the polls for Trump? Magical realism falls way short.
In the US we are not taking a deep view on what's happening south of the border. Mexico is in the prelude of a crisis (fiscal, economic, political) which will surprise many as in 1994. And in this context, Peña just may have given a few points in the polls for Trump? Magical realism falls way short.
6
What an annoying and idiotic blunder. Meeting with a foreign head of state helps Trump look more legitimate in some peoples eyes. The only thing that could possibly explain this idiocy is that Pena Nieto didn't think Trump would accept the offer and he would end up getting to meet with Clinton where they would stand together and denounce Trump. But of course he accepted the invitation. What Mr Pena Nieto didn't realize is that Trump has no shame!
6
Mexico has been ruled by an old colonial Spanish elite since Calles established the present political set up in the 1920s. For much of that time it really was a one-party dictatorship,the PRI being that party.
For 90 years and up to the present day, Nieto's party, the PRI, have engaged in practically every kind of corruption imaginable. They regularly welcome drug barons, organised criminals, and many other truly awful people with open arms. Yet come election time, due to their "special magic counting", they have won almost every election they have declared.
The claimed public relations "disaster" for Nieto exists only in the minds of those trying to spin their dislike of Trump over the reality of politics in Mexico.
Mexico is not a 'normal' country, with a 'normal' president, it has become an artifact, an ongoing construct of oligarchic concentration and expansion, the operating base of world-level oligarchic ambition by a handful of powerful families standing, all too transparently, behind the presidential throne upon which the plagiarizing dunce, aka Pena Nieto, sits.
The Mexican oligarchy is run by former Coca-Cola president Vicente Fox, a frequent commentator on CNN, and über-rich Carlos Slim.
Nieto is no more likely to change this state of affairs than any of the many "reforming" presidents before him, "in a country that desperately needs smart leadership" there is none to be found.
Sad to see the US move toward a Mexico style oligarchy with Hillary's election.
RIP
For 90 years and up to the present day, Nieto's party, the PRI, have engaged in practically every kind of corruption imaginable. They regularly welcome drug barons, organised criminals, and many other truly awful people with open arms. Yet come election time, due to their "special magic counting", they have won almost every election they have declared.
The claimed public relations "disaster" for Nieto exists only in the minds of those trying to spin their dislike of Trump over the reality of politics in Mexico.
Mexico is not a 'normal' country, with a 'normal' president, it has become an artifact, an ongoing construct of oligarchic concentration and expansion, the operating base of world-level oligarchic ambition by a handful of powerful families standing, all too transparently, behind the presidential throne upon which the plagiarizing dunce, aka Pena Nieto, sits.
The Mexican oligarchy is run by former Coca-Cola president Vicente Fox, a frequent commentator on CNN, and über-rich Carlos Slim.
Nieto is no more likely to change this state of affairs than any of the many "reforming" presidents before him, "in a country that desperately needs smart leadership" there is none to be found.
Sad to see the US move toward a Mexico style oligarchy with Hillary's election.
RIP
17
Trump was looking for advice from Mr. Nieto on how he can bring the Mexican Oligarchic system to the USA. Trump has pointed out numerous times how smart the Mexicans are at fleecing Americans. Trump's ultimate ambition is to become the next Carlos Slim of the north with similar control over American lives.
1
Peña Nieto should resign inmediately. He is clearly undeserving of representing the Mexican people any further. He must be phenomenally naive. As a Mexican-American, I am saddened and angered for the shame and ridicule that Peña Nieto has brought to bear on Mexico. Just think of how Trump supporters are guffawing over how Trump duped a "Mexican." Truly truly disgusting.
54
This is many levels a situation that we dont want. First Mexico is not backing its deeply disliked President. And this is bad because next time Peña will have to be more forceful and less diplomatic. I think he was fooled to believe Trum would lower his tone. And maybe that's why he agreed not to say "we are not paying to his face"... Mexico was played to the fake face of this con artist. This may be celebrated by his festering followers, but people should be worried that the opportunity for cooperation and strengthening of one of the best trade relations in the world will be very tense and difficult with a Trump presidency. That's something to lament and that when it fails to produce results will be terrible grounds for the long term relation.
3
I work with many immigrants from Mexico and it is hard to overstate the extreme cynicism they all have about politics in Mexico. At the same time, even living here, they passionately love the country of their birth. I had heard this expression before and was surprised to realize it had been said by Porfirio Díaz, whose long reign was call El Porfiriato and whose corruption and cruelty resulted in the Mexican Revolution. The expression is: "Poor Mexico, so far from God and so close to the United States."
A friend from Mexico told me that, if a village had two cows, it also had a PRI representative there to assure the ballot box stuffing worked out.
I find it appalling that Peña Nieto invited Trump (even though he bought a little cover by also inviting Mrs. Clinton) and allowed himself to be embarrassed that way.
A friend from Mexico told me that, if a village had two cows, it also had a PRI representative there to assure the ballot box stuffing worked out.
I find it appalling that Peña Nieto invited Trump (even though he bought a little cover by also inviting Mrs. Clinton) and allowed himself to be embarrassed that way.
11
The people of Mexico are rightfully angry at their president for orchestrating this toxic bit of political theater. As for (most) of the voters in the US, the juxtaposition of DJT's statesmanship charade in Mexico and the virulence of his oratory in AZ later the same day, should make even more evident the disaster -- the tragic theater -- that he would preside over if elected.
424
I think the Mexican president did the right thing, showing that Mexico will negotiate with DJT when he become the US president. This could have been a good day for the president if he wouldn't have tweet 2 hours after the meeting regarding the wall funding. He appeared less skilled the DJT. It was a great day for DJT though.
5
Some people, I've heard, are wondering if idzach is preparing himself for the Rapture with this praise of the (they hope) Final Trump.
5
IDZACH
How was Don great? He fawned all over Mexicans when confronted then started bashing them again when they weren't right in front of him. These are the actions of a cowardly bully with no backbone.
He really can't be less of a leader.
How was Don great? He fawned all over Mexicans when confronted then started bashing them again when they weren't right in front of him. These are the actions of a cowardly bully with no backbone.
He really can't be less of a leader.
4
While it's true that Mr. Peña Nieto became yet another stooge among many in a long, gilded list of Trumpian scams, the Mexican President provided a valuable service by exposing Duplicitous Donald as an award-winning forked tongue.
The difference between Trump's Mexican City fawning over the Mexican people juxtaposed just hours later with his "beautiful Southern border wall" speech at his Phoenix Arizona 'Nuremberg immigration rally' - complimented by President Nieto's clarification that Mexico will not be paying for Trumpty Dumpty's Wall - was a classic textbook illustration in the Art Of The Con.
Sure Trump supporters - a shrinking minority of Americans - were thrilled to see Donald Trump 'look Presidential' in Mexico City, but most Americans saw Donald Trump yet again look like an incomprehensible constellation of contradictions who keeps on mindlessly talking in an orbit removed from reality, preparation and sobriety.
Donald Trump came out of his Mexico City adventure smelling like a cheap liar - yet again - for 874th time since he announced his candidacy.
We now have independent confirmation from a foreign head of state that Donald Trump is officially full of baloney.
That's a valuable cherry to add to the rich Trumpian cake of fraud, deception and prevarication that Donald Trump is offering gullible Americans.
By helping expose Trump as Trump, the Mexican President has helped the effort to defeat Donald Trump, which will be good for America and good for Mexico.
The difference between Trump's Mexican City fawning over the Mexican people juxtaposed just hours later with his "beautiful Southern border wall" speech at his Phoenix Arizona 'Nuremberg immigration rally' - complimented by President Nieto's clarification that Mexico will not be paying for Trumpty Dumpty's Wall - was a classic textbook illustration in the Art Of The Con.
Sure Trump supporters - a shrinking minority of Americans - were thrilled to see Donald Trump 'look Presidential' in Mexico City, but most Americans saw Donald Trump yet again look like an incomprehensible constellation of contradictions who keeps on mindlessly talking in an orbit removed from reality, preparation and sobriety.
Donald Trump came out of his Mexico City adventure smelling like a cheap liar - yet again - for 874th time since he announced his candidacy.
We now have independent confirmation from a foreign head of state that Donald Trump is officially full of baloney.
That's a valuable cherry to add to the rich Trumpian cake of fraud, deception and prevarication that Donald Trump is offering gullible Americans.
By helping expose Trump as Trump, the Mexican President has helped the effort to defeat Donald Trump, which will be good for America and good for Mexico.
294
Unfortunately, Trump's support appears to be growing and the margin between him and Clinton appears to be shrinking, at least according to the polls.
Most of these supporters do not see Peña Nieto's contradiction of Trump as important. They believe that Trump managed to have a civil conversation with a foreign leader of a nation with which we are in conflict, and he came out looking statesmanlike. They also believe that Trump will eventually get the wall and that Mexico will pay for it, because as master negotiator, he knows how to threaten, cajole, charm, and flatter to victory.
So, no. Peña Nieto did not expose Trump as an inconsistent and dangerous bully. Everyone already knew that. No, Trump exhibited Peña Nieto as a prop in his political kabuki drama and showed that Peña Nieto would be a pushover in future negotiations.
Most of these supporters do not see Peña Nieto's contradiction of Trump as important. They believe that Trump managed to have a civil conversation with a foreign leader of a nation with which we are in conflict, and he came out looking statesmanlike. They also believe that Trump will eventually get the wall and that Mexico will pay for it, because as master negotiator, he knows how to threaten, cajole, charm, and flatter to victory.
So, no. Peña Nieto did not expose Trump as an inconsistent and dangerous bully. Everyone already knew that. No, Trump exhibited Peña Nieto as a prop in his political kabuki drama and showed that Peña Nieto would be a pushover in future negotiations.
1
As a Mexican I have to wonder: what was the best scenario? If everything worked, what was the outcome expected by Mr. Peña Nieto?
I can only conceive that this was a cruel joke played on the Mexican people. I feel insulted and, more important, badly represented by a president who has not the slightest idea of what is going on three feet away from him. He, and his cabinet, are living inside a bubble, worrying only on their personal gains.
This is a VERY sad day for me and my countrymen.
I can only conceive that this was a cruel joke played on the Mexican people. I feel insulted and, more important, badly represented by a president who has not the slightest idea of what is going on three feet away from him. He, and his cabinet, are living inside a bubble, worrying only on their personal gains.
This is a VERY sad day for me and my countrymen.
421
It seems to me that Peña Nieto wanted to show strength by invited DJT to his home. These two will have to get together soon plenty.
Yes, "low energy" Peña Nieto was a disgrace. But cheer up, don't get this US gringa also depressed! Many millions of US citizens have visited Mexico and appreciate its' immense civilizations. I would not say: estamos todos Mexicanos but we are family in many respects. Not to triviliaize, but the panic over the shortage of limes, the scare over the avocados, a good margarita, guacamole, is evidence us gringas are entirely at ease with our esteemed southern neighbor. No reason for shame: we had Agnew, Nixon, Bush 43!
@Nicholas: Do you read the papers?Trump is our presidential candidate, upon whom millions of Americans have conferred a charisma,an ability to heal, and to solve problems which 2 previous admins. have proved reluctant to do. He wants to restore America to its citizenry and there is room for everybody,including "los clandestinos"if they r willing to come forward to declare their allegiance to the US, assimilate, and make a contribution to the commonweal.Realpolitik means the politics of realism, and Nieto only did what any Mexican chief of state would do with a presumptive US c-in-c . Sadness, regret,insult r words driven by emotion, not pragmatism, utilitarianism.
I will be so glad when this stupid election campaign is over. When did it start? Three and a half years ago? And when will the next parade of criminals and clowns begin? Six months after this one ends?
I am sick to death of the entire cast of characters, including the media outlets who keep cramming these dysfunctional millionaires and ethical embolisms down our throats. Who cares? Bernie's campaign is dead. Social justice is dead. Economic democracy is dead. Peace is dead. The global environment is dead.
The only reason these names, dates, and piles of bull excrement are disgorged day after day is the money they generate for the corporate vampires that spew it. Trump is a bad joke. A crooked, racist, greedy, moronic developer and self-promoter who became a presidential candidate because the Republican party is so brain-dead it can't produce even one politician who is capable of anything more than a sack of economic fantasies and sanctimonious lies.
Here come the floods, boys. And the fires. And the famine, and the disease. Slamming the gates to your gated communities will do precisely zero for you. You belong to the human race whether you like it or not, or you are going to go down with the rest of us.
I am sick to death of the entire cast of characters, including the media outlets who keep cramming these dysfunctional millionaires and ethical embolisms down our throats. Who cares? Bernie's campaign is dead. Social justice is dead. Economic democracy is dead. Peace is dead. The global environment is dead.
The only reason these names, dates, and piles of bull excrement are disgorged day after day is the money they generate for the corporate vampires that spew it. Trump is a bad joke. A crooked, racist, greedy, moronic developer and self-promoter who became a presidential candidate because the Republican party is so brain-dead it can't produce even one politician who is capable of anything more than a sack of economic fantasies and sanctimonious lies.
Here come the floods, boys. And the fires. And the famine, and the disease. Slamming the gates to your gated communities will do precisely zero for you. You belong to the human race whether you like it or not, or you are going to go down with the rest of us.
469
We in Trump-land feel that way about the Dems
"I feel your pain" as it were
-
ah yes the Four Horse(wo)men of the Trumpacalypse
But we are also eight-years tired of the current White House embarrassment (oops)
"I feel your pain" as it were
-
ah yes the Four Horse(wo)men of the Trumpacalypse
But we are also eight-years tired of the current White House embarrassment (oops)
2
You've got it so right, sir! The poison is coming up out of the mud. My solace is that I won't be here more than another decade or two, and so won't have to experience what is coming. It's not going to be pretty. At all.
9
@fortress:
I find Obama's not prosecuting Bush, Cheney, et al. for torture or Wall Street CEO's for fraud a huge disappointment; and his bailing out Wall Street, not bailing out Main Street; his drone war, deportations, caving on the public option; giving Treasury to Geithner (and another Ctigroup operative in the form of Lew) and economic advisor to Larry Summers; his persecuting whistle-blowers. There is plenty of disappointment in Obama to go around.
Obama is, however, IMO, a smart and charming man, and the Republican Congress has been nothing but a disgrace in its refusal to do the job of democracy that it was supposedly elected to perform. I don't agree with Obama that justice will come in the by-and-by -- one of my main complaints with him; you fight for justice now and go down swinging if you must. But that's just me.
Clinton is a neocon and lives so far inside the corporate delusion of grandeur I expect nothing more from her than another invasion somewhere, endless bombing, and more grinding up of the American --if not global -- public into ill-gotten profits for the already filthy rich.
But Trump? Please enlighten me. What policies do you favor and expect him to implement on the zillion-to-one chance the American electorate is crazy enough to put him in the White House?
I find Obama's not prosecuting Bush, Cheney, et al. for torture or Wall Street CEO's for fraud a huge disappointment; and his bailing out Wall Street, not bailing out Main Street; his drone war, deportations, caving on the public option; giving Treasury to Geithner (and another Ctigroup operative in the form of Lew) and economic advisor to Larry Summers; his persecuting whistle-blowers. There is plenty of disappointment in Obama to go around.
Obama is, however, IMO, a smart and charming man, and the Republican Congress has been nothing but a disgrace in its refusal to do the job of democracy that it was supposedly elected to perform. I don't agree with Obama that justice will come in the by-and-by -- one of my main complaints with him; you fight for justice now and go down swinging if you must. But that's just me.
Clinton is a neocon and lives so far inside the corporate delusion of grandeur I expect nothing more from her than another invasion somewhere, endless bombing, and more grinding up of the American --if not global -- public into ill-gotten profits for the already filthy rich.
But Trump? Please enlighten me. What policies do you favor and expect him to implement on the zillion-to-one chance the American electorate is crazy enough to put him in the White House?
22
What Mr. Peña Nieto may have been thinking is, "This man may get elected president of the United States, so it would be good to meet with him and establish a reciprocal relationship." That's not a dumb thing to have done, though it obviously has a political downside for him now in Mexico.
12
Exactly, Mexico needs the USA more than the other way around. However if Trump wins, and somehow forces Mexico to pay for the wall, it might get ugly for bilateral relations again in 2018 even if Peña Nieto acts the submissive dog for the reminder of his term, the Mexican people are angry, im sure the populist left will take the Anti-USA chant that they love so much, and wouldn't be surprised if they end up winning for the first time.
Or perhaps Nieto is thinking I have two more years to go before I have to look for another job. Can I be Trump's next apprentice? May be Trump will hire me - he told the world he was my friend after all.
3
If you can't see what a Trump is going to pull from, well, from across the Rio Grande, you're already shut in behind a wall and are, as the writer implies, perhaps not ready for the job of president of a major country. Though one must sometimes ignore momentary public opinion in defense of principle, it's hard to see what principle was being upheld here. The easiest thing for Pres. Peña Nieto to do was to announce that he would like to be the first foreign leader to meet with the winner sometime in November after the election is decided. On the other hand, if he thinks he has to kowtow to either of the major party candidates before the election in order to cover his rear end afterwards, that too is not a hallmark of the leader of a major country, as the Mexican people are making abundantly clear..
3
Trump must have given money to Mr. Pena Nieto. I'd like to know how much he got... If not money, Trump must have promised him something in exchange for this extraordinary photo op.
If he had publicly rebuked Trump in the news conference, it would have been worth it, but since he didn't, Mr. Pena Nieto got played....
If he had publicly rebuked Trump in the news conference, it would have been worth it, but since he didn't, Mr. Pena Nieto got played....
199
You don't get it. Trump didn't have to pay a dime for his meeting. He's got Mexico right where he wants. Mexico answers to the US in a million ways. As a candidate for the Presidency, Trump has big time leverage. If you can't see that, you ought not to comment.
3
He didn't give the Mexican president any money; Trump doesn't give money to anybody. That why we aren't seeing his tax returns.
8
Trump pay money? Never! He doesn't pay contractors, taxes or his loans, let alone politicians in other countries. He may have offered him a really great deal on a Trump Tower sub-basement property - complete with a mop.
7
Cheerleaders for Hillary have turned viciously on the President of Mexico.
That must mean that Trump did well on the visit, and they are furious he was given that chance.
Actually, odds were pretty good that Trump would make a mess of his visit, and do real harm to himself, and make the Mexican President look good by putting him in his place. Supposedly better men have done worse.
Romney did going to Europe. Netanyahu did coming here. They are both generally assumed to be sharper politicians than Trump is said to be. It was no unrealistic to expect Trump to blow it, big time.
The fury seems to be that Trump pulled it off in Mexico.
That must mean that Trump did well on the visit, and they are furious he was given that chance.
Actually, odds were pretty good that Trump would make a mess of his visit, and do real harm to himself, and make the Mexican President look good by putting him in his place. Supposedly better men have done worse.
Romney did going to Europe. Netanyahu did coming here. They are both generally assumed to be sharper politicians than Trump is said to be. It was no unrealistic to expect Trump to blow it, big time.
The fury seems to be that Trump pulled it off in Mexico.
8
@Mark Thomason
Boy, you have a really low bar for "pulling it off". I suppose you think he looked really Presidential.
He did as he always does.
Flew in, read his script as per usual: a speech someone wrote for him (in that stilted, odd pattern, like an uncomfortable 3rd grader reading a book report that his parent wrote for him on a book he never read) without calling anyone names or shouting. What a big boy!! Take a picture, quick! (The real point of the whole exercise)
Cut to— he goes out to the playground with his friends and starts shouting, spewing & name-calling, and your reaction? Score!
Boy, you have a really low bar for "pulling it off". I suppose you think he looked really Presidential.
He did as he always does.
Flew in, read his script as per usual: a speech someone wrote for him (in that stilted, odd pattern, like an uncomfortable 3rd grader reading a book report that his parent wrote for him on a book he never read) without calling anyone names or shouting. What a big boy!! Take a picture, quick! (The real point of the whole exercise)
Cut to— he goes out to the playground with his friends and starts shouting, spewing & name-calling, and your reaction? Score!
40
Mark:
As always, well said.
I would add that if Trump ever criticized a foreign leader in this way, it would be immediately cited as proof of racism, xenophobia, misogyny (if a woman), naivete, and anger. Did I miss any?
As always, well said.
I would add that if Trump ever criticized a foreign leader in this way, it would be immediately cited as proof of racism, xenophobia, misogyny (if a woman), naivete, and anger. Did I miss any?
3
Trump has set such a low bar for himself that if he doesn't talk about the size of his phallus or make grinding motions behind the President's wife, it will be declared that he "pulled it off". Congratulations
21