What is going on here? Why doesn't the press simply follow up with the Donald to probe him in terms of HOW Putin is a better leader? You'll find no substance.
25
Unbelievable.
The Republican Party has become so dysfunctional, they can't even condemn this traitorous talk from Donald Trump.
Even after Trump appears on Russian television to criticize the US!
The Party of Reagan is dead.
The Republican Party has become so dysfunctional, they can't even condemn this traitorous talk from Donald Trump.
Even after Trump appears on Russian television to criticize the US!
The Party of Reagan is dead.
42
What I find amazing about peoples views on Trump, his supporters think he's going to be a great leader based on his successes.
Let's be real, Trump is a real estate salesman, he's not a CEO that built a manufacturing industry or hired millions of workers like a the auto industry......he is a real estate man......he knows nothing about leadership, government, legislation, or building any economy, etc. etc. etc.
He only knows how to bribe politician's or government officials.
When he was asked about who he identified or admired in history, it wasn't Lincoln, Reagan, Washington, Roosevelt; it was P.T Barnum whose favorite adage was "There's a sucker born every minute" ........that's all anyone needs to know about Trump.
Let's be real, Trump is a real estate salesman, he's not a CEO that built a manufacturing industry or hired millions of workers like a the auto industry......he is a real estate man......he knows nothing about leadership, government, legislation, or building any economy, etc. etc. etc.
He only knows how to bribe politician's or government officials.
When he was asked about who he identified or admired in history, it wasn't Lincoln, Reagan, Washington, Roosevelt; it was P.T Barnum whose favorite adage was "There's a sucker born every minute" ........that's all anyone needs to know about Trump.
38
Obama has no presence on the world stage. He never has and he never will. Most world leaders have made that quite clear by their derogatory comments. Many Americans would not have voted for Obama if they knew them then as they know him now.
7
Actually Obama is well liked and respected through out the world. Our enemies dislike him, what a surprise. So you are defending Trumps remarks that a KGB thug is a better leader than the American president. That is completely astonishing to me.
20
You are not paying attention-at least not to what is actually happening and what his legacy is likely to be.
16
You have no idea what you are talking about. Obama is respected around the world, who cringed at GW Bush and are horrified by Trump
48
I think of myself as a libertarian, so I could neither vote for Trump nor wish we had a Putin leading our country. But I must say, Putin is merely strengthening his country's position in the world, advancing Russia's interests, and taking advantage of the global leadership vaccum that Obama has left.
NATO, whose very purpose is to thwart Russia at every turn, surrounds Russian territory with troops and weapons, and the EU and the US proselytizes both former Soviet satellites (Poland, Czech, Romania for example) and even former Soviet republics (the Baltics, Georgia, Ukraine) to sever historic ties with Moscow and turn westward.
Putin may not be a western-style democrat, and he may very well be plundering his treasury, but the Russian people seem to like what he is selling.
I would like to see us get away from the Cold War frame of reference and begin to look at Russia as a legitimate global power that deserves respect, especially around its borders. If Russia were doing to us in Mexico what we are doing to Russia in Ukraine, we would be at DEFCON 4. There are clearly areas where our interests and Russia's will not coincide but there are others where they do.
I submit the re-start of the Cold War is every bit as much our fault as it is Russia's. This is what Trump is trying to say, in his bombastic and inarticulate way.
NATO, whose very purpose is to thwart Russia at every turn, surrounds Russian territory with troops and weapons, and the EU and the US proselytizes both former Soviet satellites (Poland, Czech, Romania for example) and even former Soviet republics (the Baltics, Georgia, Ukraine) to sever historic ties with Moscow and turn westward.
Putin may not be a western-style democrat, and he may very well be plundering his treasury, but the Russian people seem to like what he is selling.
I would like to see us get away from the Cold War frame of reference and begin to look at Russia as a legitimate global power that deserves respect, especially around its borders. If Russia were doing to us in Mexico what we are doing to Russia in Ukraine, we would be at DEFCON 4. There are clearly areas where our interests and Russia's will not coincide but there are others where they do.
I submit the re-start of the Cold War is every bit as much our fault as it is Russia's. This is what Trump is trying to say, in his bombastic and inarticulate way.
7
I just wonder what the Republican Party would have said if, during the 2004 campaign, John Kerry had said of Hugo Chavez, ". . .(he) had been a leader far more than our president, and he praised Mr. Chavez's firm grip on the elites in Venezuela"? Do we think that they would not react as Mrs. Clinton is reacting now?
The again, hypocrisy is a hallmark of the Republican Party.
The again, hypocrisy is a hallmark of the Republican Party.
27
Imagine any Democrat panting his/her adoration of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the former KGB agent. Republicans would be howling in unison that this Democrat and her/his party were leftist appeasers or outright commies. The hypocrisy of the Republican Party is breathtaking. I love it for its perversity.
37
@steinberg
I was with you until the last line...there is nothing to "love" about the Republican Party -- But the hypocracy is breathtaking.
I was with you until the last line...there is nothing to "love" about the Republican Party -- But the hypocracy is breathtaking.
18
Trump's supporters are very similar to American communists in the 1930s through 1950s. No matter what Trump says and even when he changes his position on issues they stay loyal just as American communists remained loyal to the Kremlin even as it changed its positions. Facts have no effect because they are ideologues.
24
Hmmm, I didn't actually know any Communists who talked about dedication to Russian leadership. I have read several books about Nazi Germany and these Trump Republicans sound very similar to followers of Hitler because of racism, xenophobia, antisemitism, and aggressive behavior.
15
Does "leadership" include supplying the rocket and launcher used to shoot down Malaysian Flight 17? Does "leadership" include direct participation in covering up that attack and arranging to have the launcher shipped back to Russia? Does "leadership" include vetoing the UN resolution calling for an investigation of that mass murder of innocent men women and children? No doubt Mr. Trump has no answer to these questions since he's unaware of any Russian involvement, much less presence, in the Ukraine.
26
Oh but Trump says that the Ukraine wants to merge with Russia. Didn't you know that?
7
if the Trump/Pence duo were to take over the leadership of this country, it would be an incredibly horrid day. So Pence is echoing his running mate in expressing admiration for the leader of a totalitarian state? Do they know that Putin is responsible for the assassination of many of his critics? Probably not. I don't think they read newspapers. Trump says he doesn't. He relies on his powerful big brain.
For forty years I taught American history in a branch state university in the South. i had some good students but most embodied the quality of American high schools across the county. They were blissfully ignorant of American history. There was only so much I could do about that. Most also did not have the will or ability to think critically. I had much better luck with foreign students including Muslims. I am convinced that the situation I describe is why Trump is doing so well. We are reaping the results of how poorly we have managed our public schools.
For forty years I taught American history in a branch state university in the South. i had some good students but most embodied the quality of American high schools across the county. They were blissfully ignorant of American history. There was only so much I could do about that. Most also did not have the will or ability to think critically. I had much better luck with foreign students including Muslims. I am convinced that the situation I describe is why Trump is doing so well. We are reaping the results of how poorly we have managed our public schools.
43
"Mr. Rangel interjected: “A communist leader that’s a potential enemy!”"
New York always sends us the brightest politicians!
New York always sends us the brightest politicians!
6
Putin's Russia is a gas station run by a gangster with an economy smaller than Italy that ruins everything it touches.
Cozy up to ex-kgb agent and dictator for life Putin? No thank you.
Cozy up to ex-kgb agent and dictator for life Putin? No thank you.
17
"Mrs. Clinton delighted at the chance to change the subject from her uneven performance at the forum, under treatment by Mr. Lauer that many observers believed was harsher than his handling of Mr. Trump."
In an article on a subject like this!
In the first place, you can't know whether she 'was delighted', 'delighted in' whatever you say she was taking pleasure in or anything else. That is pure conjecture. She isn't Ed Grimley. Is it really that difficult for you to report on the outrageousness of the campaign Trump is running without making these compensatory flourishes in Mrs Clinton's direction? What next? "Mr Trump announced his membership of the Flat Earth Society", but "Hillary Clinton burnt her toast at breakfast, and that has cast a shadow over her campaign"?
In an article on a subject like this!
In the first place, you can't know whether she 'was delighted', 'delighted in' whatever you say she was taking pleasure in or anything else. That is pure conjecture. She isn't Ed Grimley. Is it really that difficult for you to report on the outrageousness of the campaign Trump is running without making these compensatory flourishes in Mrs Clinton's direction? What next? "Mr Trump announced his membership of the Flat Earth Society", but "Hillary Clinton burnt her toast at breakfast, and that has cast a shadow over her campaign"?
17
@jorrocks
Sorry to disappoint -- but if there was any "uneven performance" at that forum, it belonged to Matt Lauer.
Sorry to disappoint -- but if there was any "uneven performance" at that forum, it belonged to Matt Lauer.
12
Americans should be pleased that they get to hear and read Trump's comments now and not after the third Tuesday of January 2017, and the Brooklyn native is about to take the oath of office. This is the beauty of democracy - that the electorate get last word, after all is said and done. Trump's comments are essentially a call to action. Each American voter has a chance to endorse or reject Trump's politics. This, by far, is what makes America great; that regardless of Trump's shenanigans, the electorate has the last word. This call to action is the ultimate invitation to struggle: every American has a moral obligation now to win the hearts and minds of all around them if the country (and the world) can avoid the coming anarchy. Tic toc!
11
Even after all this time listening to Trump's speeches and comments, I can't believe that as a candidate for President of the United States, Donald Trump is saying this. Yet, he is.
Yes, Putin could be called a strong leader. Lamentably, his country has had a history of strong leaders - Lenin and Stalin are but two of them.
And in what perverted universe does being a strong leader automatically equate with being a good leader? In addition to Lenin and Stalin, the world has seen other strong leaders - Hitler, Mao, Pol Pot - just to name a few. Lamentably for thousands, even millions of their fellow countrymen & women, they did not improve the lives of their people, nor leave their country a better place.
So, for a candidate for President of the United States to admire in anyway, shape or form, Vladimir Putin is reprehensible. Trump is either totally ignorant of world history or he admires demagoguery. The White House is no place for either, indeed no one elected to political office in our country should hold these views. They're the antithesis of the principles our country was founded on and such candidates should be rejected at the polls in November.
Yes, Putin could be called a strong leader. Lamentably, his country has had a history of strong leaders - Lenin and Stalin are but two of them.
And in what perverted universe does being a strong leader automatically equate with being a good leader? In addition to Lenin and Stalin, the world has seen other strong leaders - Hitler, Mao, Pol Pot - just to name a few. Lamentably for thousands, even millions of their fellow countrymen & women, they did not improve the lives of their people, nor leave their country a better place.
So, for a candidate for President of the United States to admire in anyway, shape or form, Vladimir Putin is reprehensible. Trump is either totally ignorant of world history or he admires demagoguery. The White House is no place for either, indeed no one elected to political office in our country should hold these views. They're the antithesis of the principles our country was founded on and such candidates should be rejected at the polls in November.
31
I don't recollect Trump saying he embraces Putin or that he admires him. He believes Putin is a stronger leader than Obama and that is true. Also, he said he doesn't agree with the way Putin/Russia does things and that's good to hear. You and some of the other people posting here are continuing the false narrative.
5
It gets better. Trump went Russian tv yesterday to criticize our foreign policy and our media.
16
Look some more. Trump has said that he admires Putin
14
By last count, Trump is somewhere in the neighborhood of $650M in debt (very possibly to Russia). As president, Trump's first order of business would be to sacrifice one or two countries in the Baltic States to Putin to pay off his debt. Just another "deal" to Trump, creating more chaos and misery. Trump is about Trump Empire, nothing else!
23
All Trump has said is that you can't do business, negotiate, fruitfully with someone if you do nothing but vilify that person. Why that is so controversial is simply beyond me.
4
That is not what he is saying, and you know it.
16
There's a vast difference between what Trump is doing and "nothing but' vilifying the person.
And you are contradicting yourself: look up what he has said about Merkel. You'll find he's done nothing but vilify her.
And you are contradicting yourself: look up what he has said about Merkel. You'll find he's done nothing but vilify her.
19
Just a little reminder, he said that Putin is a better leader than president Obama. He also went on Russian TV yesterday to criticize our foreign policy and news media.
15
I'm a doctor. The real issue isn't Hillary Clinton's health – it's that she might win
Trump shares a certain worldview with his supporters, but he’s also a brilliant psychologist. It should come as no surprise that he “loves the poorly educated”. They’re most likely to buy into his conspiracy theories, and not because they’re stupid. Researchers have found that having less education—not sex, race, ideology or knowledge—is the most reliable predictor of whether someone will believe a conspiracy theory.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/im-a-doctor-the-real-issue-isnt-hi...
Trump shares a certain worldview with his supporters, but he’s also a brilliant psychologist. It should come as no surprise that he “loves the poorly educated”. They’re most likely to buy into his conspiracy theories, and not because they’re stupid. Researchers have found that having less education—not sex, race, ideology or knowledge—is the most reliable predictor of whether someone will believe a conspiracy theory.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/im-a-doctor-the-real-issue-isnt-hi...
9
To our arm choice foreign policy experts here. The pentagon considers Russia to be our number one national security threat.
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/02/03/opinion/the-pentagons-top-threat-ru...
This in itself is enough to prompt Trump to keep his vile trap shut about his admiration for Putin. It is certainly enough to earn him universal condemnation by Americans and rejection of his candidacy.
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/02/03/opinion/the-pentagons-top-threat-ru...
This in itself is enough to prompt Trump to keep his vile trap shut about his admiration for Putin. It is certainly enough to earn him universal condemnation by Americans and rejection of his candidacy.
21
Oh but wait, he went on Russian TV yesterday. To criticize our foreign policy and news media. Not joking. Check out the Washington Post.
10
When did Russia become our enemy? Are we back in the cold war or something?
7
Sadly, it appears that the schools no longer teach civics or any sort of geopolitics.
6
Yes.
7
They are not our enemy, per se, but they are certainly an adversary that works against us on multiple fronts around they world. Yes, the cold war is over, but lets not pretend that cyber warfare is not taking place, and that Putin and his ilk are our friends, as Trump would like to believe. There's an interesting back story about Putin calling Trump brilliant, by the way-he meant brilliant in the sense of flamboyant...not the way Donald interpreted it, no shocker there.
20
Where to start? First, George W. Bush tells us that he saw into Mr. Putin's soul. He got a good feeling from Vlad. Now, we have Mr. Trump, who admires Putin's toughness and high approval ratings, he calls him a great leader. When do either of these buffoons acknowledge that as a former (?) spy, and as the former head of the KGB, Putin has trained likely for hundreds of hours on techniques to make people like you, to gain the trust of another person. And now, this bromance brings Trump to the point of adoration, even telling us that Putin is a better leader than our own (Muslim, born in Kenya, founder of ISIS) President; and his fans go wild for it.
The current state of our politics, and the inability for otherwise intelligent people to discern a fraud from the get-go is astonishing. I take heart in my prediction that, with the passage of time, Barack Obama will be viewed as one of our great Presidents-and Donald Trump will be consigned to the ash heap of other infamous people; what a disgrace he is.
The current state of our politics, and the inability for otherwise intelligent people to discern a fraud from the get-go is astonishing. I take heart in my prediction that, with the passage of time, Barack Obama will be viewed as one of our great Presidents-and Donald Trump will be consigned to the ash heap of other infamous people; what a disgrace he is.
33
If Trump's idea of "strong" leaders are authoritarians with high poll ratings (because what person in an authoritarian state would publicly disapprove of a leader and risk death?), then why doesn't he also praise Kim Jong-un of North Korea -- a leader with probably 100% favorability rating among the North Koreans not in prison and very strong (he'd bomb his neighbors and the U.S.). Or Khamenei of Iran, or Xi Jingping of China? Could it be that race plays a role in the dictators he admires?
20
The Dixie Chicks were crucified and their careers ruined because they called out G Bush.. but Trump can go on National TV, and in the medias, and on Russian Television and say Obama and our Military and The Generals are incompetent... Where is the OUTRAGE NYT? WASHPO? Republicans? Country Music Fans????
58
Few people in the world would disagree with Trump's assessment of the relative merits of Putin and Obama as leaders. Only political hacks and partisan voters see Obama as anything more than a puppet for the plutocracy with not a single independent thought. The Teleprompter President who loves wars and drones and making jokes about killing children.
No one has shown the public a shred of evidence that Russians hacked the emails of Clinton or the DNC, but every one "knows" they did it.
I suspect a pimply teenager in his parents' basement in New Jersey did it. I haven't seen any evidence to doubt it. Prove me wrong.
No one has shown the public a shred of evidence that Russians hacked the emails of Clinton or the DNC, but every one "knows" they did it.
I suspect a pimply teenager in his parents' basement in New Jersey did it. I haven't seen any evidence to doubt it. Prove me wrong.
10
I take a lot of comfort in the fact that President Obama will go down in history as one of the best presidents our country has ever had and people like you will fade away into obscurity.
11
Of course you don't see evidence.
You are not privy to it.
But the experts are:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/intelligence-comm...
As for the diatribe against Obama, where is the evidence of such behavior? Joking about killing children? Loves war and drones? Please. As desperate as it gets.
You are not privy to it.
But the experts are:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/intelligence-comm...
As for the diatribe against Obama, where is the evidence of such behavior? Joking about killing children? Loves war and drones? Please. As desperate as it gets.
25
A bizarre view. I guess this guy doesn't read the news except maybe for Russian news.
19
Perhaps Trump's infatuation with Putin is because Putin is making Russia great again. Since the Soviet Union broke up, Russia's standing in the world had diminished. Putin has put it in the forefront again, with its influence on the Iran and Syrian situations and forays into the Ukraine. Putin and Trump are like-minded, although their methodology is different.
4
Too bad their economy is falling apart now that the price of oil has dropped. Russia is hardly great again. I used to play on a soccer team of Russians. The say that Russia is actually about like Mexico in most ways economic or modern. We may have to wait for Putin to fizzle out for their country to evolve toward a more modern state.
8
His love of Russia is probably because they are a major funder of his businesses as per Donald Junior. American banks have all blackballed Trump after h is bankruptcies most them big money.
8
In the "stronger leader" department, Obama's self-restraint in the face of Putin's military aggression has served American military families far better than Putin's Cold War mentality has served Russia's. If the Russians want to revere Putin while he keeps most of the country buried in hardship, they're welcome to their meager lives. And as for Trump, this narcissistic bully wouldn't know a strong leader from a criminal. I'm surprised Trump hasn't praised Adolf Hitler... at least not in public.
21
and Hillary Clinton praises Henry Kissinger and has Hosni Mubarak as a close family friend.
At least Putin is the leader of a DEMOCRACY.
At least Putin is the leader of a DEMOCRACY.
1
There is still time for Trump to praise any number of other dictators
4
In what universe is Russia a democracy? Press freedom has collapsed. Journalists and politicians who oppose Putin end up in exile, prison or dead.
10
Trump admires Putin. Vladimer Putin who shoots or kills journalists who criticize him or the way he runs his Russia. I guess Trump that maybe Trump would like to shut up his critics and maybe in the same way if he could.
Trump admires Putin and Putin compliments Trump. Why any reasonable
person could admire Putin is beyond me. Putin imprisons journalists who criticize him. He also has people who he considers an enemy Killed.
Thank God for President Obama and the country we live in. There is no comparison with Russia and the United States.
Trump should be grateful for being a citizen here. I think he is grateful for nothing. He thinks he can make this country great again. The U.S. is already great.
Trump admires Putin and Putin compliments Trump. Why any reasonable
person could admire Putin is beyond me. Putin imprisons journalists who criticize him. He also has people who he considers an enemy Killed.
Thank God for President Obama and the country we live in. There is no comparison with Russia and the United States.
Trump should be grateful for being a citizen here. I think he is grateful for nothing. He thinks he can make this country great again. The U.S. is already great.
18
Trump's father had over 200 million in the 1970's. He loaned trump money, guaranteed his loans, introduced him to bankers and political contacts. Donald got zoning deals and real estate rebates for his projects because of his father's contacts. Those are facts. Yet that integrate has the brass to say he got no help from anyone and made it all on his own.
8
Putin definitely exhibits greater power and authority in Russia than Obama does in the United States. If anyone opposes Vladimir Putin, he/she better emigrate or prepare for a long stay in prison or a shorten life expectancy. Putin would not stand for McConnell remaining in power after swearing to limit him to one term in office. President Obama may be able to enact a few executive orders but most of his powers are constrained by the Constitution and if he tries to build up personal power by using state security to repress critics or opponents or to use graft to amass private wealth, he can expect to be impeached and thrown into prison, forthwith. Trump runs his mouth before he engages his mind and seldom worries about whether what he says is accurate or completely false, so his silly assertion is not surprising. What is surprising is the inane reinforcement his dumb talk receives from Pence, et al.
24
Trump was bailed out of bankruptcy often by Russian banks and investors. No one else would touch him. Trump is indeed a Russian pawn as we can see from his actions and words.
The only thing Trump did about the GOP platform is that he insisted on gutting a plank that said the US should provide weapons to Ukraine. Trump had no idea whatsoever that Russia had already invaded the Ukraine.
He said he might not defend the Baltics if Russia invaded them.
Trump has also suggested that NATO should reorient itself from defending Europe against Russian aggression
Trump's foreign policy advisor on Russia and Europe is Carter Page, a man whose entire professional career has revolved around investments in Russia
Trump has teamed up with Russian investors frequently on projects. Trump’s son, Donald Jr., bragged. “We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.”
Trump about Putin: “In all fairness to Putin, you’re saying he killed people. I haven’t seen that.” “At least he’s a leader.” And not just any old head of state: “I will tell you that, in terms of leadership, he’s getting an A.”
Trump insulted the entire country when he said Putin is a better leader than President Obama. It does tell us model for leadership is, however.
Wake up America. Trump is no longer a Reality TV comic, he is a threat to everything we hold dear as a nation.
The only thing Trump did about the GOP platform is that he insisted on gutting a plank that said the US should provide weapons to Ukraine. Trump had no idea whatsoever that Russia had already invaded the Ukraine.
He said he might not defend the Baltics if Russia invaded them.
Trump has also suggested that NATO should reorient itself from defending Europe against Russian aggression
Trump's foreign policy advisor on Russia and Europe is Carter Page, a man whose entire professional career has revolved around investments in Russia
Trump has teamed up with Russian investors frequently on projects. Trump’s son, Donald Jr., bragged. “We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.”
Trump about Putin: “In all fairness to Putin, you’re saying he killed people. I haven’t seen that.” “At least he’s a leader.” And not just any old head of state: “I will tell you that, in terms of leadership, he’s getting an A.”
Trump insulted the entire country when he said Putin is a better leader than President Obama. It does tell us model for leadership is, however.
Wake up America. Trump is no longer a Reality TV comic, he is a threat to everything we hold dear as a nation.
32
Yes...and maybe that's why he doesn't want to show those income taxes.
13
Yeah, and Rat Poison is stronger than Aspirin. Depends on what you're measuring. Trump's a bully so he admires bullies stronger than he is. Putin may be a strong leader but where is he leading Russia? I'll take a 'weaker' leader any day if my country keeps taking the high road.
16
The Republican Party's presidential nominee is...The Manchurian Candidate.
I truly did not know that Russia was allowed to run a candidate in the U.S.
I truly did not know that Russia was allowed to run a candidate in the U.S.
24
Well why isn't the media clamoring for those tax returns that may tell us why Trump is so deferential to Putin? Really, where are they, including you, NYT? You should be hammering away on that every single day and force him to give them up. His real health records too. You should be leading the charge.
23
The silence for NYT and that hammer in demanding Trump's tax returns is deafening. Perhaps they are to busy waiting breathless for more emails. Even the Washington Post has turned the corner.
13
Am I dreaming? A majority of the patriotic, USA, USA, USA chanting GOP chorus thinks the way to "Make America Great Again" is to support a candidate who envies and admires Russia's Putin.
People, we are in a death spiral. But it isn't the Democrats who are responsible. It's years of right wing propaganda, and the irresponsibility of the "low Information voters."
People, we are in a death spiral. But it isn't the Democrats who are responsible. It's years of right wing propaganda, and the irresponsibility of the "low Information voters."
26
There are people voting republican because their daddy or grandfather did. It is like the scene out of Forest Gump where Lt. Dan says “there has been a member of my family that has died in every American war” but with the republican voters it would be “members of my family have voted republican in every American presidential season”. Interestingly enough, the results of both Lt. Dan’s family and the family members who vote republican, both pretty much end with the same results. The cult of “family” passing down through the years the dysfunction all held up proudly as if it was an honor to do so. Women and children being forced to vote republican because their dominating husband or father forced them to do so. Male driven religions, Adams rib, reducing women and children to be less than whatever man has been assigned to govern them. Meanwhile what the GOP stands for is against the very needs of those women and children and in doing so is actually against any healthy man’s family.
Liberals speak for the weak and oppressed; want change and justice, even at risk of chaos.
Conservatives speak for institutions and traditions; want order even at the cost to those at the bottom.
[Psychologist Jonathan Haidt studies the five moral values that form the basis of our political choices, whether we're left, right, or center]
Liberals speak for the weak and oppressed; want change and justice, even at risk of chaos.
Conservatives speak for institutions and traditions; want order even at the cost to those at the bottom.
[Psychologist Jonathan Haidt studies the five moral values that form the basis of our political choices, whether we're left, right, or center]
12
Since this election is more about people than policies and quite frankly a race of who is less unpopular, why wouldn't he embrace Putin? When facts and policies are secondary, emotions become important. Trump is appealing to a crowd who believes in strong men/leaders. Even if his followers do not agree with some of Putin's decisions they still respect him for being - in their eyes - the archetype of a strong leader, something they admire.
3
@markuse
Nein! No. -- And don't believe the (Republican) hype!
This election is NOT about "who is less popular"....It's about who can gude this country through troubled times without blowing us all up first.
Noch was. Another thing.
Vladimir Putin is hardly the right person to emulate, when you're running to be the leader of the FREE WORLD.
Nein! No. -- And don't believe the (Republican) hype!
This election is NOT about "who is less popular"....It's about who can gude this country through troubled times without blowing us all up first.
Noch was. Another thing.
Vladimir Putin is hardly the right person to emulate, when you're running to be the leader of the FREE WORLD.
8
They must miss Stalin and Hitler tremendously. Of course there is always North Korea
7
Trump is the "Truth in Advertising" version of the Republican Party. There aren't any long scientific names for the ingredients inside disguising the bad elements of the product. There aren't any pretty labels on the front making the cow pie inside look like it must be the most wonderful product inside. There is no confusion of how much the container actually holds because the bag hasn't been inflated to make the bag look fuller than it is. Trump is the in-your-face, arrogant, superior, aggressive, super rich, communist loving, fascist emulating, "Your Fired", person, just another human being, who "really" is the Republican Party. The rest of the republican party just doesn't want to be seen that way because that is what narcissist do...they want to be seen as being good, when they aren't, while projecting the worst of themselves onto others.
11
Mr. Putin clearly has demonstrated world role and has still uplifted his country in face of sanctions. Our President Obama has not done any bad in comparison. Mr Obama has done all he could do to clean up the past records of our country's misdeeds. He will go in history of US as President of peace and prosperity who brought the country back from brink of economic collapse. Trump is wrong in comparing the two leaders ;both have played a role in different ways.
7
Anyone who thinks Putin is doing a good job have never been to Russia.
22
I logged in to comment on this article.
After doing so, I realized there was nothing to be gained by doing so.
They say you can't change the mind of someone who's mind is made up.
Yes, and you can't change the mind of a person that is so uneducated and ignorant that they can't see that they need to consider a change.
Sounds like a perfect description of a methamphetamine addict.
After doing so, I realized there was nothing to be gained by doing so.
They say you can't change the mind of someone who's mind is made up.
Yes, and you can't change the mind of a person that is so uneducated and ignorant that they can't see that they need to consider a change.
Sounds like a perfect description of a methamphetamine addict.
15
By "uneducated and ignorant" I take you to mean someone who disagrees with you. OK. Got it.
6
If Obama is in any way a weakened leader, it would be because the disloyal opposition called the Republican Party has sought to undermine and diminish him at every turn -- whether at home or abroad. In my long lifetime, I cannot recall anything of this sort anytime in our history. There have been fierce oppositions, but never one so unprincipled, relentless or foul-spirited than the one leveled at our first multiracial president. (Draw your own conclusions about their motivations.) To the extent they think they have succeeded in their unpatriotic quest, the first place they should look is in the mirror rather than pointing their bony fingers at the object of their untiring and unreasonable ire.
32
good reply, John, racism is alive & well - unfortunately
9
What is false in the following statement? "Putin has been a stronger leader than Barack Obama"... I don't see the harm in stating the obvious.
4
Trump paid the same compliments to Saddam Hussein - that is what Trump considers to be leadership.Those who agree with him have nothing but contempt for the United States and all that it stands for.
16
So is dictatorship and authoritarianism in your definition of "strong"? Democracy has a different measure of strength.
9
It's not true, for one. Republicans would scream "traitor"under the same circumstances. Trump's supporters share his mendacity and hypocrisy.
16
I find the criticism of Trump's position on Putin and Russia perplexing. Surely we should be making efforts to get along with a superpower who holds a veto as one of the five permanent members of the Security Council and who also has thousands of nuclear warheads. We should be aligning ourselves with Russia since ISIS is a common enemy and not emulating Hillary's failed "reset" with Russia. The cold war ended in 1989 and I gather Trump does not seek to reignite it. President Obama went to the G20 Summit pleading for Russian cooperation in ending the Syrian conflict which has produced death and destruction and a migrant crisis unlike any since World War Two. Putin refused doubtless in part because of our President's sanctions against Russia. You don't make friends of foreign leaders by bugging their telephones, badmouthing them or imposing sanctions on their economy which has gained us nothing a lost a potential partner. FDR and Churchill knew this and allied themselves with an evil man (Stalin). There is no denying that he also was a strong leader. Ask Hitler.
2
Since when is an invitation to disclose an American official's emails -- presumed to have been previously hacked by Russian agents -- nothing more than a "position on Putin and Russia"?
Trump is not advocating a legitimate new policy position regarding Russia. That's what the "reset" was, whether it succeeded or not. Trump is acting in a manner that suggests disloyalty to his country.
Trump is not advocating a legitimate new policy position regarding Russia. That's what the "reset" was, whether it succeeded or not. Trump is acting in a manner that suggests disloyalty to his country.
10
Just for the record. The Cold War never ended.
7
Word salad Russian poster alert. The syntax is improving buy way too wordy and that whole rhapsodizing about being friends glosses over the fact that Stalin was a murderer just about on par with Hitler. The whole play nice with Stalin didn't last so long (Google Churchill and Iron Curtain just for starters and go on to look up MAD -not the magazine). Google Gulag, too.
4
While I didn't always agree with Conservative America, the one thing I respected above all was the importance they placed on honor and respect.
With support of Mr Trump, many of them have simply taken their strongest trait and asset, and flushed it down the toilet.
With support of Mr Trump, many of them have simply taken their strongest trait and asset, and flushed it down the toilet.
19
How has our current policy toward Russia benefited the U.S. so far? Trillions of wasted dollars over the last 60 years fighting the ghost enemy of Communism through proxy wars- ridiculous nuclear missile defense systems and huge military build ups. You know what people- A smile and a handshake are free, and I wish and hope Trump succeeds and builds a steady and respectful relationship with Putin. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
4
But Trump is going to have the strongest military ever! So strong! You can't be pro-Trump and anti-Cold War buildup. It's as if you are saying we should have appeased the Soviets in 1946 so we could avoid having to do it in 2017.
7
Seriously, Ivan is busy today. Unlike the USSR\Russia, all our news is not completely sanitized - remember Prague Spring?
5
This is about the third comment I have read where some people think that friendship for Russia is a way for us to minimize the costs of defense. Sorry to break it to you, but Putin is not a nice guy and does not offer a steady and respectful relationship. On the contrary he is constantly cranking up military and economic pressure on every country near enough to him to bully. Fortunately, the price of oil has sunk, reducing his economic clout and helping reduce the effort to blackmail all of Europe over delivery of Russian natural gas. You might think that only the Baltics and former Soviet states need fear him, but he still has all his nuclear weapons and is very interested in using them to bully you.
7
Does Donald know the difference? Obama was elected (twice), Putin is a dictator.
25
Republican leaders are doing a magnificent job of looking the other way while the fool of the century makes them look even more foolish than he is for tolerating him.
23
I don't know how anyone with a brain would not be alarmed by this development. Trump is literally telling the voters that he intends to follow Putin's tactics if he becomes the president. It seems he is more committed to Putin than he is committed to his wall.
16
Obviously, you didn't listen to Trump. He said he doesn't agree or like the way he (Putin)/they do things. Big problem here when readers don't go to the source but believe a false narrative.
Actually Liv, the source document (his mouth) states he wants to fire all the generals
9
He loves a dictator. He wants to fire all of our generals and replace them with his own hand-picked generals. Am I the only frightened American?
25
No. I am frightened too, and can't wait for the November elections.
10
Evidently you do not frequent any of the military websites or otherwise pay much attention to military affairs. If you did you would find that for the past several years the firing of combat proven officers, of both the field and flag grade kind, and their replacement by men and women with lesser credentials has gone on with regularity...
I wouldn't consider redstate and breitbart to be credible military sites.
5
If Trump is elected, he would work out of the White Kremlin.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f8/DC-Temple-3.jp...
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f8/DC-Temple-3.jp...
8
The silver lining in this horrible Trump-cloud is that Hillary is making me love this country again. We have the better alternative to Putinism. We let Texans elect their own governors. We have presidential elections every four years where the candidates have real opponents and none of them dies or has to flee the county. Real issues get hashed out and everyone has a chance to speak and represent. Hillary is staying out of the way of marijuana legalization not because she supports legalization, but because voters support it. That's a big thing to me. That's a deep respect for democracy when she bows down to the will of the voters over her own personal ideology. I love our democratic system and I'm appalled at how many Republicans are casting doubt on its goodness by allowing their candidate to praise a man who looks down on it.
20
The main argument against Mr. Putin is that he is an authoritarian leader. To call praise of another leader unpatriotic, un-American and apparently bordering on treason sounds more like McCarthy in reverse than anything else. I don't agree with Trump at all, I think Obama is one of the smartest presidents we have had in a long time, but neither do I think it is god-ordained that we have the world's best and strongest leader. Russia may have different interests than we do, but that does not make their leader better or worse than ours; conversely he may be better or worse depending on the criteria for a 'good leader'. Lastly, condemning anyone who praises Mr. Putin, because they consider him a thug, both ignores the vastly worse leaders we consider allies (think Saudi Arabia, Egypt etc) and an ignorance of Russia's legitimate interests.
5
When was the last time one of our Presidents murdered a member of the opposition. You can here Trump spin like this every day on Fox.
9
If only assassinations and invasions of sovereign nations were nothing more than "hav[ing] different interests than we do"...
8
Another post from our comrades. Garbage. Putin is a thug and has always been one. A nationalist thug. Ask the people of the Ukraine, or Georgia
7
TRUMP
Make Russia great again!
Make Russia great again!
18
Aside from his resolute stance on the building of a wall Donald Trump hasn't been terribly consistent or definitive about very much, save his repeated positive comments about Mr. Putin which are incomprehensible and terrifying given the horrific antics of a KGB thug. Pathetic that he and Mr. Pence would juxtapose Obama's leadership against that of a demon.
12
There is something seriously wrong when a candidate for President of the free world idolizes a leader who not only rules with a steel fist, but presides over a country that ideologically and politically opposed to ours in almost every way.
I lived in Berlin when the Soviet Union ruled East Germany, and I know why the former Soviet states want to keep NATO in Europe -- especially since history has a way of repeating itself, and it is not beyond Russia to try to test its old borders.
Many may not see a direct problem with Donald Trump's worship of Vladimir Putin, but if it is any clear indication of things to come in this country, should he be elected President, it's time for Americans to wake up...now.
I lived in Berlin when the Soviet Union ruled East Germany, and I know why the former Soviet states want to keep NATO in Europe -- especially since history has a way of repeating itself, and it is not beyond Russia to try to test its old borders.
Many may not see a direct problem with Donald Trump's worship of Vladimir Putin, but if it is any clear indication of things to come in this country, should he be elected President, it's time for Americans to wake up...now.
25
Of course Trump embraces Putin. He wants to be a dictator. He could not govern any other way than by ordering people around. Imagine him trying to negotiate anything with Congress, or even the White House chef. The guy is a fascist idiot, and the people who support him are hypnotized by his idiocy ... this has to be one of the lowest points in American history that a huge swath of the American populace is so ignorant than it can support such a dangerous clown.
22
If Trump likes Putin so much, why doesn't he move to Russia? Maybe, we should have a GoFundMe fund raising campaign to pay for his and his family's airfare to Moscow.
18
His children are busy trying to build their very own branch working with the Russians. It will be yuge. His tax returns no doubt will be very interesting.
7
When Trump referred to "my generals," he showed his hand right there. Only dictators have their own generals, whom they can hire and fire at will. It's easy to be a "strong leader" under those circumstances. Trump just wants to be in charge, to tell everyone what to do and then expect that they will do it. He clearly has no sense of the nuances involved in actually governing.
And does he really think that Obama didn't ask military leadership for a plan to stop ISIS?
And does he really think that Obama didn't ask military leadership for a plan to stop ISIS?
20
Maybe PBS can do a series on understanding the Constitution', both at prime time and daytime "sesame Street' type for the less educated!
14
And, in cartoon form for the Trump base.
13
Dems force us to suspend disbelief, howver momentarily, when they praise the stature of Ronald Reagan in order to denigrate Trump. Dems and liberals spent the 80s, and ensuing decades, condemning RR was a fascist, racist and intellectual midget
And narcoleptic, to boot..
Trum0 absolutely has faults, but I laugh when commenters here presume to enumerate them. You went through this exercise with Reagan. You are disingenuous and hypocrtical in the extreme.
And narcoleptic, to boot..
Trum0 absolutely has faults, but I laugh when commenters here presume to enumerate them. You went through this exercise with Reagan. You are disingenuous and hypocrtical in the extreme.
4
Here's another facile false equivalence. No we did not go through this with Reagan. The Democrats actually worked with Reagan. If what you say was true, the Democrats would have impeached Reagan, with real cause.
7
It is true that the Reagan presidency sucked big-time. The deaths of the Marines in Lebanon was far worse then the over-played Benghazi. The Russian downing of the KAL flight and death of a US Representative with Reagan's wuss reaction, displayed how he "acted" like a President without actually being the tough leader he portrayed. The massive debt he put the country into was a travesty and its a credit to Bill Clinton that he straightened out so much of the mess.
The current Saint Reagan image shows what can be done by putting lipstick on a pig. Even some of the Dems are kowtowing to it.
The current Saint Reagan image shows what can be done by putting lipstick on a pig. Even some of the Dems are kowtowing to it.
6
Democrats definitely called Regan all those things but at no point did they ever say the Brezhnev was a better leader. That's the difference.
Trump hates Obama because he humiliated him at the DC Correspondents Dinner. Also, Trump is a racist.
Trump hates Obama because he humiliated him at the DC Correspondents Dinner. Also, Trump is a racist.
10
Democracy is designed to hinder the Strongman Syndrome, because most pine for fast solutions to complex problems. Authoritarian can work short term, never long term, and it's dangers far outweigh its possible benefits. Democracy takes us all working. Mr. Trump admires Mr. Putin because both disdain and distrust people, democracy, and are identically self-perceived as the Indispensible Man.
Wrong on all counts.
Wrong on all counts.
6
Trump watches too much TV. He likes bare chests. He likes guys who ride horseback with bare chests despite the age and flabbiness. There's no accounting for taste.
Trump's mob watches too much Fox. And they like bare chests, too. Maybe if Trump and his royal flabbiness rode bare chested on a horse like his hero, Vlad, his mob would go wild. On the other hand, maybe that would be the one thing, not shooting somebody on 5th Avenue, that would turn them off.
Why can't they recognize that Trump is a cretin? In every way.
Trump's mob watches too much Fox. And they like bare chests, too. Maybe if Trump and his royal flabbiness rode bare chested on a horse like his hero, Vlad, his mob would go wild. On the other hand, maybe that would be the one thing, not shooting somebody on 5th Avenue, that would turn them off.
Why can't they recognize that Trump is a cretin? In every way.
19
Trump, and Clinton are but the symptoms of a deeper issue, the mistrust of our leadership to the point that facts, science, and logic are no longer common standards on which to base our decisions. After years of distortions of the truth, and a endless series of mis-spoken, mis-remembered, and denials of facts on record is it a surprise to anyone that many have chosen to embrace their desired truths vrs the complex realities that actually exist. Both parties share in the blame for getting us to this place be it through active or passive corruptions of their public obligations. Until both parties value truth and public interest over their own self interest it is unlikely this sad state of affairs will change. As some have said we need strong leader which by my definition is a person who works to unite our country, not divide it, that stands for and demands a genuine commitment to our nations interest, who understands the value of truth and expects it of themselves and of others, who understands that those with opposing opinions are not the enemy, and who is strong enough to forge a working relationship with both political parties. An unlikely scenario, I know, but in these times its the reality I chose to hope for.
4
Of course Putin is a stronger leader. He's a dictator.
15
And of course Trump admires Putin as he aspires to be America's first dictator.
8
If Clinton had said this ( or any other sitting democrat), there would have been a dozen select committees formed, calls for an investigation into ethics and FOX would have exploded from all the talking heads screaming at the top of their lungs. This is truly the most disgusting thing I have seen in all my presidential election cycles.
18
Given Trump's proven and suspected business ties to Russian oligarchs and Russian interests, why hasn't anyone in the press leaped to the conclusion that Trump's embrace of Putin is due the suspicion that he owes that nation and its political and economic leadership "something"? I mean, it hasn't stopped many in the press to voice suspicions about Mrs. Clinton's motivations despite the innumerable investigations coming up with nothing even remotely tangible. With Trump we have a former campaign manager with proven ties to those interests handpicked by Trump until those ties came to light. His resignation magically absolves Trump of those suspicions? Seems to me that given Trump's friendly disposition toward the Kremlin, notable by its lone departure from his scorched earth attitude toward everyone and everything else, would lead someone to perceive a least a flicker of flame in all this smoke.
9
It's hard to know if Donald Trump is channeling Rudy Giuliani or the other way around. By Trump's reckoning, Hitler was the alpha male leader of the 20th Century with Mussolini dragged haplessly in-tow. Such leadership is exemplary, if we ignore the 100s of millions of WW2 victims murdered of permanently damaged as a result of Axis "leadership."
Churchill smurchill!
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Churchill smurchill!
www.endthemadnessnow.org
5
One rational interpretation of Trump's obsession with Putin is that Trump, subconsciously, wants to lose. His supporters, being irrational losers, support him.
Trump is a national security threat.
Trump is a national security threat.
9
At the forum Trump did note, out of the blue, that there is a substantial possibility that he will be elected. That's the talk of someone who does not expect to win.
4
I really don't think he wants to lose, but he doesn't see himself as a traditional President and all that implies. More like Putin, just give orders and it will be done.
3
Heir drumpfs hinting at and providing information from classified briefings seems to be a direct breach of security , intentional and knowing for personal gain. Hoping he will deign to provide the details, which will present quite a connundrum to NSA officialls. I say will as expect his exceotional yuge ego and brain wont be able to keep it in.
Amazing.
Amazing.
7
Commies are now who the Republican nominee for POTUS is infatuated with? Putin, who locked up a young female band because they spoke out against him? Seriously people? He has people poisoned and. assassinated then pretends he doesn't know anything. He's nothing but a KGB punk.
16
I love the way Stooges like Mike Pence and others parrot right back the tripe out of Trump's mouth. I can see where Waffen SS officer Pence would enjoy working for someone like Putin. Birds of a feather all flock together.
14
Trump really appreciated Putin's ability to rig elections, silence media, throw opponents in jail, invade neighboring countries etc. All principles consistent with Trump's own
14
In the wake of Trump's ongoing pledge of allegiance to Putin, one must wonder exactly how much money Trump owes to Russia(ns).
Is Trump,like his former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, just a Putin tool?
Is Trump,like his former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, just a Putin tool?
16
Dear Mr. Trump,
May we, the thinking Americans, pay you a billion dollars or two to just go away?
You are making a mockery of our country.
May we, the thinking Americans, pay you a billion dollars or two to just go away?
You are making a mockery of our country.
26
"... Mr. Trump twice denigrated America’s generals..." [Trump was saying that President Obama tied the hands of his generals and rejected their advice.]
Mr. Trump's attachment to President Putin goes beyond "simply eyeing postelection business interests." He's reinforcing his supporters that cannot accept a black president. To them Mr. Putin will always be more relatable and acceptable than Mr. Obama. Getting a black man out of the White House was Representative Michele Bachmann's whole platform in 2012.
The most telling and surprising thing to me so far is the Dallas Morning News's endorsement of Senator Clinton. She could win Texas.
I'm leaning towards voting for the Green Party candidate, Jill Stein. But in North Dakota that won't matter. To Governor Jack Dalrymple, Governor-elect Doug Burgum, Rep. Kevin Cramer — and their legions of supporters — Mr. Trump is the most relatable and acceptable presidential candidate that they could possibly have.
Mr. Trump's attachment to President Putin goes beyond "simply eyeing postelection business interests." He's reinforcing his supporters that cannot accept a black president. To them Mr. Putin will always be more relatable and acceptable than Mr. Obama. Getting a black man out of the White House was Representative Michele Bachmann's whole platform in 2012.
The most telling and surprising thing to me so far is the Dallas Morning News's endorsement of Senator Clinton. She could win Texas.
I'm leaning towards voting for the Green Party candidate, Jill Stein. But in North Dakota that won't matter. To Governor Jack Dalrymple, Governor-elect Doug Burgum, Rep. Kevin Cramer — and their legions of supporters — Mr. Trump is the most relatable and acceptable presidential candidate that they could possibly have.
5
In reply to C. in North Dakota- a modest proposal- move to Ohio before election day and vote for Clinton.
7
Well, he IS a stronger leader than Obama. And I'm sorry, it's going to take a few more decades before anyone will take the Dems seriously about their newly voiced worries about A) treason, B) giving aid and comfort to the enemy, and C) embracing reasonable restraints on voicing opinions.
4
Where I come from, nobody used to confuse being a loud-mouthed, ignorant braggart and bully with being strong. Actually, kids got taught that those folks were weak. Sorry about that.
Also sorry that many of us get pretty tired of dolts accusing us of being unpatriotic. See, we were also taught that it was pretty scummy to run around shouting "traitor," at fellow Americans.
As for your "reasonable restraints," sorry a third time--we all hadda read this thing called the, wossname, ah yes, "Constitution," and enough American history to know what the Zenger case was.
You should try them sometimes. It's pretty interesting, and kinda makes you proud to be an American, warts and all.
Also sorry that many of us get pretty tired of dolts accusing us of being unpatriotic. See, we were also taught that it was pretty scummy to run around shouting "traitor," at fellow Americans.
As for your "reasonable restraints," sorry a third time--we all hadda read this thing called the, wossname, ah yes, "Constitution," and enough American history to know what the Zenger case was.
You should try them sometimes. It's pretty interesting, and kinda makes you proud to be an American, warts and all.
6
Not equivalent. The U. S. Constitution limits the power of the President. Putin is a dictator.
7
Stronger like an armed robbery is stronger than a school teacher.
10
Politics apart I cannot just stand the idea that our USA president and his policies are ever influenced by the Russian president who does not care much about democracy.
Its totally unacceptable to go on Russian state run television and blame my president.
Its totally unacceptable to go on Russian state run television and blame my president.
22
Does his support of Putin as a model, strong leader extend to killing opponents, as Putin has done, and hacking into opposition emails ? Oh wait, there was the call to the "Second Amendment folks ...."
9
As I recall, Trump does not agree with Putin's policies and way of governing, but did say that Putin is a strong leader.
2
Which means exactly what?
3
..what I like about Trump is that he is making very broadly drawn comparisons which in effect claim not fact but a pleasant and less entrapped and prosaic reasoning regarding the balance against the norm and weight of the general presumption. It is true that Putin is considered more hero than vandal in Russia because Russian people perhaps know more about covert politics than those folks in the USA whose political know how is very cosmetic
1
You could have used one sentence for the first paragraph: "What I like about Trump is that he's a liar."
11
Trump has vastly overestimated his wonderfulness, thinking that he is on a par intellectually with Putin. The first time he would have to deal with Putin, Putin would eat him for breakfast.
God help us.
God help us.
16
After watching Trump's "performance" even under the lame questioning of Mr. Lauer during the Commander in Chief Intrepid meeting one can rest assured that in a political face to face encounter with Putin, former head of the KGB, Trump would eaten alive.
How can Trump, is his coterie of pilot fish, think that he would ever be remotely capable of facing the rigors of the US presidency.
How can Trump, is his coterie of pilot fish, think that he would ever be remotely capable of facing the rigors of the US presidency.
12
Actually I think the better quote from Ben Franklin, our Founding Father, for all those rushing to endorse, support and vote for Tyrant in waiting Mr Trump....is his famous quote:
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
11
Patriot Act?
Wait. I am confused. We had a reset with Russia. Right? I assumed this meant Hillary and Vlad were chummy. How did slick Donald steal what should be Hilary's relationship.
4
Move on. Putin hates Clinton because she is on to him.
5
If a Democrat said what Trump is saying about Russia, he/she would be hounded off the campaign trail by Republicans. Politics over Country!
13
No. He or she would be praised effusively for speaking out against conventional wisdom.
At least we know now that Sen. Warren's praise of Mao is fair game when she runs for President.
At least we know now that Sen. Warren's praise of Mao is fair game when she runs for President.
1
The fact that so many top professionals in government, military, and private business are pro-Trump, knowing very well that he is a corrupt and dangerous charlatan shows the end of this country as we know it. Hillary probably will win, keep your fingers crossed though, but irreparable damage is done. We are all living in a fake country were it is every man, woman, and child for him/her self. What a tragic ending. Time to get Don McLean's 1971 "American Pie" out of the closet - a man of painful foresight.
4
with all due respect, your negativity makes you more similar to than different from Trump supporters. Chin up! Good shall prevail.
3
After the disillusion of the Soviet Union, Putin's goal was to "Make Russia Great Again."
His reaction to the 1999 Moscow Russian Apartment bombings did a great deal to burnish his reputation as a strong leader in times of crisis. But there's a catch.
The Russian authorities found a bomb in an apartment complex that failed to explode. Putin and his secret police are suspected of planting it. (See PBS Frontline "Putin".)
Killing your own citizens. For the greater good, (Putin in power)
And Trump seems to approve of this man?
Murder of political opponents. Critics. Imprison journalists.
Is this how to Trump intends to "Make America Great Again?"
.
His reaction to the 1999 Moscow Russian Apartment bombings did a great deal to burnish his reputation as a strong leader in times of crisis. But there's a catch.
The Russian authorities found a bomb in an apartment complex that failed to explode. Putin and his secret police are suspected of planting it. (See PBS Frontline "Putin".)
Killing your own citizens. For the greater good, (Putin in power)
And Trump seems to approve of this man?
Murder of political opponents. Critics. Imprison journalists.
Is this how to Trump intends to "Make America Great Again?"
.
5
What is far, far more troubling than Trump's idiotic and unpatriotic statements is that his cult of followers don't care. He hasn't been right about much. But, he is correct in stating that he could shoot someone and lose no votes. Trump's campaign is a national IQ test and we are failing.
22
So true. His legions of followers are an indictment of our failing educational system ... we've created a nation of idiots ...
10
I can imagine how Trump and his supporters would scream with outrage if Obama acted like Putin and appointed his favorite Secret Service guard as governor of Texas instead of allowing Texans to elect their own.
But this is what Putin does. People don't get to vote for very much in Russia. He doesn't like democracy. He doesn't trust it and he tries to keep it to a bare minimum in his country.
This is not the kind of strong leader that any candidate in a democratic election should be touting as preferable to our own elected POTUS.
But this is what Putin does. People don't get to vote for very much in Russia. He doesn't like democracy. He doesn't trust it and he tries to keep it to a bare minimum in his country.
This is not the kind of strong leader that any candidate in a democratic election should be touting as preferable to our own elected POTUS.
10
Since Trump has expressed admiration for Putin's control over his people and has hinted that he would not honor our treaty commitments to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania unless the pay up, I wonder what would happen to Trump if, for example, he admired the way Iran has control over its people and, maybe, he wouldn't necessarily come to the aid of Israel or Jordan or the Saudis if Iran sought to exert its muscle in those countries - or if China, which also is an example of admirable control over its people, sought to destabilize Korea or Japan and Trump hinted that he would not come to their aid unless they paid up? What do you think? How long would Trump last as a real presidential contender under those scenarios?
5
Funny how past Presidents, both Democrats and Republicans, stood united to undermine tyrants around the world.
JFK: "We are all Berliners."
Regan: "Tear down this wall!"
Trump , on the other hand, wants to build a very big beautiful wall against our southern our neighbor and to undermine NATO, the greatest alliance in the world for peace.
Tyrants for Trump.
JFK: "We are all Berliners."
Regan: "Tear down this wall!"
Trump , on the other hand, wants to build a very big beautiful wall against our southern our neighbor and to undermine NATO, the greatest alliance in the world for peace.
Tyrants for Trump.
17
I never suspected Trump was a Communist, but I was wondering where his money was being laundered. Now answered.
13
What I don't get is why Trump admires Putin and and not Kim Jong-il. Kim Jong-il's approval rating is 99.995% in his home country, well above Putin's measly 80%. Wait, that guy who was in the bathroom and didn't stand at attention when Kim Jong-il's motorcade passed by on the road outside just "killed himself". Make that 99.996% approval. Putin's such a loser, a real low-energy loser.
9
I don't think anyone's asked Trump about Kim yet, that's all.
5
There is no business operating under the rubrics of capitalism that can consider itself a democratic institution. That's why it is befuddling so many think a business mogul, like Mr. Trump, makes good leader of a democracy. That said, it should be no surprise a nascent dictator should have fully functioning dictator as an idle.
4
Why should voters rally around Donald Trump? The Republican Party--which knows and, perhaps, fears him most--hasn't!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
3
How brave of Mr. Ryan to proclaim that Russia does not share our interests. The spineless Republicans should have come down on Trump like a ton of bricks slamming him for such irresponsible declarations.Instead they are silent as they continue to support this disgusting person as he regurgitates his vile rhetoric and Pence defends his outrageous statements. There are no depths to which the Republicans will not sink and they certainly have no shame Their silence can only mean they concur.
15
The Repubs claim the 'Fifth Amendment".
3
Trump's assessment of the remaining generals is also accurate. Obama has been implementing a quite purge of the military over the last several years and has removed over 190 high ranking military leaders. The ones remaining are effete Obama yes men.
Love to see some evidence of THAT one, but of course there isn't any.
13
Love that Russian use of the word efette. The Russian hacks are very much into the manly image of a shirtless (if slightly chubby) fearless leader.
6
Mr. Trump has no idea as to what Mr. Putin is, has done and will do. He has no idea as to the "life" of the average Russian citizen under the Putin / Medvedev dictatorship. Mr. Trump should spend some time and actually meet and talk to people that survived the KGB / FSB Gulags in Siberia, the Russian repressions of 1954 Hungary and 1967 Czechoslovakia, and lived under the constant intrusion of the Communist Russian state into their daily lives.
A "strong" dictator is not the same as a "strong" moral and ethical leader. A leader sacrifices himself for the ideals and principles he and his followers believes in, placing the people he leads ahead of his personal ambition or gain. George Washington was a leader that could have been king or dictator and was not "seduced" by power, ego, financial gain or narcissism. A dictator sacrifices his followers, his country and anything else for his power, ego, and self aggrandizement. A dictator has no ideals, principles or morals other than the how to maintain and increase his power and control.
Sad that Mr. Trump does not realize the difference.
A "strong" dictator is not the same as a "strong" moral and ethical leader. A leader sacrifices himself for the ideals and principles he and his followers believes in, placing the people he leads ahead of his personal ambition or gain. George Washington was a leader that could have been king or dictator and was not "seduced" by power, ego, financial gain or narcissism. A dictator sacrifices his followers, his country and anything else for his power, ego, and self aggrandizement. A dictator has no ideals, principles or morals other than the how to maintain and increase his power and control.
Sad that Mr. Trump does not realize the difference.
5
First Trumpie likes Saddam Hussein, now Putin.
Can Assad be far behind, with his what probably 100% rating from his own people who is also happens to be bombing?
Mr. Khan is correct: Trump has a black soul.
10
So Pence thinks so, too, eh? Maybe if Pence and his colleagues were taking just baby steps to be a little better followers behind our President, Putin would lose some of the glow he gets from the GOP ticket.
6
What is more astonishing is candidate Clinton's ridiculous reaction to Trump ridiculous comparison, calling it 'unpatriotic'. For Clinton putting our national security at risk by sending classified and secret information via unsecured private emails is not unpatriotic.
Just to refresh the readers memory, Clinton told the FBI that she didn't know that letter 'C' on various documents meant ;classified; nor did she think that information on future drone attacks on terrorists was secret. Her shifting excuses have been, using her words, 'insulting to the people of our country'. The FBI noted that similar circumstances offenders are "“often subject to security or administrative sanctions”.
For Clinton 'patriotism' is to get millions of dollars from Wall Street because as she put it, that's where the 9/11 attack happened.
The fact that an incompetent reckless and unpopular person (Trump or Clinton) will be in the White House in just few months is the 'scary' part.
Just to refresh the readers memory, Clinton told the FBI that she didn't know that letter 'C' on various documents meant ;classified; nor did she think that information on future drone attacks on terrorists was secret. Her shifting excuses have been, using her words, 'insulting to the people of our country'. The FBI noted that similar circumstances offenders are "“often subject to security or administrative sanctions”.
For Clinton 'patriotism' is to get millions of dollars from Wall Street because as she put it, that's where the 9/11 attack happened.
The fact that an incompetent reckless and unpopular person (Trump or Clinton) will be in the White House in just few months is the 'scary' part.
1
30 emails out of 30,000, wow, keep smiling Fox trotter!
7
No, I'd say asking Russia to find hacked American emails is definitely unpatriotic. Making a bad decision about an email server is just that: a bad decision.
9
Deflection. Providing aid and comfort to an enemy is treason. Praising (continually) a ruthless dictator and former KGB thug who has his political enemies killed; has killed close to two dozen journalists; shot down a passenger aircraft and then had his propaganda people say that the CIA had placed bodies, flown the plane over the Ukraine, and then blamed Russia; is supporting a dictator in Syria who has killed almost half a million of his own people and has had hospitals in Syria bombed (a war crime).
Just to refresh reader's memory, only three out of 30,000 emails had any markings - the small cs you mention that were found in the text on emails THAT DID NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED CLASSIFIED HEADING and that the State Department said were not in fact classified. The "c" means Confidential and not classified anyway. The emails in question were about her personal call schedule, and were part of internal communications between people with high security clearances. You are also mischaracterizing the FBI which said there was no criminal activity. If you actually care about security, try getting Trey Gowdy and Darrell Issa arrested since both of them released the names of people (a CIA source and several Libyans who worked for the US), endangering them. Gowdy and Issa released these classified and sensitive names to the public.
I really wish the uneducated Republicans who support Trump would occasionally apply logic, consistency and facts to their considerations.
Just to refresh reader's memory, only three out of 30,000 emails had any markings - the small cs you mention that were found in the text on emails THAT DID NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED CLASSIFIED HEADING and that the State Department said were not in fact classified. The "c" means Confidential and not classified anyway. The emails in question were about her personal call schedule, and were part of internal communications between people with high security clearances. You are also mischaracterizing the FBI which said there was no criminal activity. If you actually care about security, try getting Trey Gowdy and Darrell Issa arrested since both of them released the names of people (a CIA source and several Libyans who worked for the US), endangering them. Gowdy and Issa released these classified and sensitive names to the public.
I really wish the uneducated Republicans who support Trump would occasionally apply logic, consistency and facts to their considerations.
3
One more time:
Wasn't but a couple of years ago Obama ridiculed Romney for calling the Russians America's greatest external threat and the media, clearly favoring Obama, pilloried him unmercifully for same.
Any president who may sit in the White House and does not respect what Putin is capable of willfully ignores the modern world, and ancient for that matter, of "leadership" by force. Had Obama taken Romney's view, we'd not today have Putin pushing his agenda at will in Europe and the Middle East.
So the press may throw coal onto the fire as they will, the fault still remains in the White House.
Wasn't but a couple of years ago Obama ridiculed Romney for calling the Russians America's greatest external threat and the media, clearly favoring Obama, pilloried him unmercifully for same.
Any president who may sit in the White House and does not respect what Putin is capable of willfully ignores the modern world, and ancient for that matter, of "leadership" by force. Had Obama taken Romney's view, we'd not today have Putin pushing his agenda at will in Europe and the Middle East.
So the press may throw coal onto the fire as they will, the fault still remains in the White House.
2
Actually, Romney called Russia the biggest geopolitical foe or enemy of the U.S., but he said the biggest threat was Iran.
Obama mockingly half-mischaracterized Romney's statement by saying that he'd called Russia the biggest "threat."
None of which is relevant to the facts that Russia is a grave threat up to whom Trump is unconscionably cozying. There is simply no way you can pin Trump's bizarre gaffes on Obama.
Obama mockingly half-mischaracterized Romney's statement by saying that he'd called Russia the biggest "threat."
None of which is relevant to the facts that Russia is a grave threat up to whom Trump is unconscionably cozying. There is simply no way you can pin Trump's bizarre gaffes on Obama.
5
Nice spin, but Trump wasn't the point. Nonetheless, Obama, as our president, has enough of his own, i.e., miscalculations and "bizarre gaffes". Putin is certainly one of many, but the more significant was letting Clinton fly about the world as Secretary of State extorting funding for the Bill & Hillary Foundation.
Romney had it right: Obama not so much--good to see him finally heading out the door.
Romney had it right: Obama not so much--good to see him finally heading out the door.
2
I wonder why people don't seem to notice that every time Trump gets seriously challenged, he starts talking real fast, trying to change the subject, and coming up with bigger and bigger whoppers?
I mean, is that somehow a sign of strength? What is--the bankruptcies, the meeting the new wife in church while you're with the old wife, the debt financing everything, the Saudi partners and their bailouts, the sneaky attacks on old ladies because he wanted to sell their apartment, the getting his clock cleaned when he tried to shove his Chinese partners around, the fear of all the reporters he's banned, the bragging about how much he owns, what's the sign of all this Big Strength?
I mean, is that somehow a sign of strength? What is--the bankruptcies, the meeting the new wife in church while you're with the old wife, the debt financing everything, the Saudi partners and their bailouts, the sneaky attacks on old ladies because he wanted to sell their apartment, the getting his clock cleaned when he tried to shove his Chinese partners around, the fear of all the reporters he's banned, the bragging about how much he owns, what's the sign of all this Big Strength?
10
Big Meds I would think.
5
Wow, I read some of the first group of comments and I am amazed at the anti-Trump/anti-Russian hostility. It is likely I will vote for Trump strictly because he may stop this rush to war with Russia that is being carried out by the war mongers in this country and our so called main stream media. I also remember the lies that were told to us by our government and echoed in the media in the run up to the Iraq war.
3
different group pf people between 2001 and now!
3
Again, why is any attitude other than a bromantic one characterized as a "rush to war"? Bush and Obama never preened themselves in the light of Putin's praise or invited him to disclose hacked American emails, but they didn't seek out a war with Russia, either.
This "inevitable war" idea seems to be the only way Trump types can figure out to deal with their leader's embrace of a former KGB agent.
This "inevitable war" idea seems to be the only way Trump types can figure out to deal with their leader's embrace of a former KGB agent.
5
Mr. Trump has clearly indicated he is a support of Vladimir Putin over the sitting President of the United States. Mr. Trump's supporters portray themselves as hyper-patriotic. They claim Mrs. Clinton is a crook due to the email fiasco (although there is no evidence any national security was imperiled), yet they are willing to vote for a man who indicates he might abrogate NATO Treaties to defend countries in Europe from Russian aggression. They indicate a willingness to vote for a man that would probably defer to Russian policies that are clearly against US security interests. What is really at the bottom of this - is it just that Mr. Trump admires the authoritarian nature of Mr Putin? Or does Mr. Trump owe large sums of money to Russian oligarchs? Mr. Trump clearly loves the thought of being an "American Putin" - how long after Mr. Trump's election would be see actions taken against the media and political opponents? This is more than embarrassing - it is dangerous for our democracy and our standing in the world.
7
Putin is a de facto dictator and of course he is stronger. Dictators always are.
That's the problem. The contrast is what makes democracies so attractive and desirable. Putin sees Trump as a "useful idiot," easily manipulated by compliments.
That's the problem. The contrast is what makes democracies so attractive and desirable. Putin sees Trump as a "useful idiot," easily manipulated by compliments.
9
One frightening trend that the far right has developed in recent years is to blame any criticism of right wing politicians and their activities/views on the liberal main stream media. This effectively creates a disbelief in anything published/presented by the press. This means a portion of the population WILLINGLY suppresses their own access to information. This is the tool a dictator would use to take power. Get your people to only access sources of information you approve of. WOW. That is what is so frightening about Donald Trump. He doesn't mind presenting his clear admiration for Putin because his followers won't believe anyone who criticizes that because of their "liberal bias". In my view, Trump exhibits every trait of a dictator. I don't believe a Trump presidency would leave our democracy intact. I'm terrified.
7
I wonder if the little podunk town in Mississippi where I grew up had the only high school in the country that taught civics.
Of Course Obama isn't as strong and powerful as Putin! We have a Constitution that limits the power of the Presidency and builds in checks and balances on what he can do. Our founders set our government up this way deliberately and that lack of power is a feature not a bug. At least I thought it was. My fellow trump-defending Americans apparently want to explain to me otherwise.
Of Course Obama isn't as strong and powerful as Putin! We have a Constitution that limits the power of the Presidency and builds in checks and balances on what he can do. Our founders set our government up this way deliberately and that lack of power is a feature not a bug. At least I thought it was. My fellow trump-defending Americans apparently want to explain to me otherwise.
11
Ignorance and arrogance go hand in hand.
Blame the people who know this is a charade and are willfully playing the country
Blame the people who know this is a charade and are willfully playing the country
5
And let's remember that we are not supposed to have "leaders", but rather "representatives". That's why we got rid of King George.
3
No. The Chief Executive is a leader. Congresspersons are representatives.
2
This gives new meaning to the idea of "Red States." It seems the Kremlin is taking over the Republican Party.
9
I'd say it already has taken over. Witness the deletion of anti-Russian positions on Ukraine from the GOP platform at the behest of someone in the Trump campaign, probably the pro-Kremlin shill Paul Manafort.
6
O course Mr. Putin has a strong leadership; if you don't like him and say it you become an enemy and may be killed!
7
What is the plan here? Trump already said 'Merica should have taken the oil in Iraq. What is he up to? Firing the generals who were humbled by Obama. Building up the already large armed services. Ignorance of the Geneva Convention. His apparent interest in nuclear weapons. Talk of Germany and other countries paying more monies for American defense. Ceding the Ukraine to Putin.
Why does this remind me of deals between the President of Germany and Stalin in the 1930s.
Trump and Putin carving up parts of the world? Trump gets oil Iraq. Putin gets Eastern Europe?
We saw too much of this 75 years ago. Beware of demagogues and dictators. We do not need to see an American Wehrmacht marching through countries...
Why does this remind me of deals between the President of Germany and Stalin in the 1930s.
Trump and Putin carving up parts of the world? Trump gets oil Iraq. Putin gets Eastern Europe?
We saw too much of this 75 years ago. Beware of demagogues and dictators. We do not need to see an American Wehrmacht marching through countries...
10
Trump has no idea what our government does for us. Or what parameters there are in our form of government. All he knows is that he wants the Trump brand in every major city in Russia. That's it,end of story. He uses RT network for free publicity. He wants everything free to turn around & charge everyone for it when he sells. There is a very accurate word for Trump,pimp. Totally devoid of any ethics, just a self serving pimp. I also am very disappointed in the press,they are serving his purpose. Free advertising. No one,no one in the press is holding him accountable. Don't allow him to change the subject. Ask him tough questions. Don't be Matt Lauer about it. Be a reporter,not an announcer.
8
Not a Trump or Clinton supporter, but this is all the media's anti-Trump hysteria. He said it wouldn't get Putin anywhere. So, really, who cares? I seem to remember conservatives getting upset b/c Obama bowed to the Saudi King (or was it the crowned prince - I forget - but he did). In the end, so what? It didn't mean we would pay more for their oil. Same with Trump - so what? Do I think Trump is egotistical to the degree it may need an amplifying prefix so that he wants even Putin's compliments? You bet. And not too bright? Yes. But, I also think he is telling the truth about it. Not that it matters. Those who are for Clinton care about it (including most of the media) and those who are for Trump don't care. Because really, for most people, partisanship is more important than logic, fairness or pretty much anything else.
1
It's frustrating as a Canadian watching Trump lie and lie over and over again, and nothing gets done. What's frustrating is that I can't do anything about it.
It must also be far more frustrating for you Americans.
But time for American can-do action. There's only like 5 or 6 swing states in play. Contribute money to those state campaigns. If you live in those states, go volunteer. Knock on doors. Get out the vote. Go to war.
You, along with the help of Cdns, Brits, French etc. didn't go to war in WWII to crush a patriarchal dictator (the Father command personality type, not just Hitler but all those SS junior dictators) only to now allow a home-grown one try and take over your country through lies and deceptions. I mean, he finds more commonalities with Putin than he does with his own president. Trump is a junior dictator.
History doesn't repeat itself but as Mark Twain said, "it sure does rhyme a lot!" Time to win WWII again, and keep winning until the fascist personality type is eradicated. This is the biggest battle since WWII. Time to go to war.
It must also be far more frustrating for you Americans.
But time for American can-do action. There's only like 5 or 6 swing states in play. Contribute money to those state campaigns. If you live in those states, go volunteer. Knock on doors. Get out the vote. Go to war.
You, along with the help of Cdns, Brits, French etc. didn't go to war in WWII to crush a patriarchal dictator (the Father command personality type, not just Hitler but all those SS junior dictators) only to now allow a home-grown one try and take over your country through lies and deceptions. I mean, he finds more commonalities with Putin than he does with his own president. Trump is a junior dictator.
History doesn't repeat itself but as Mark Twain said, "it sure does rhyme a lot!" Time to win WWII again, and keep winning until the fascist personality type is eradicated. This is the biggest battle since WWII. Time to go to war.
10
Trump's embrace of Putin, especially at the expense of our own American President, tells you what you need to know...it speaks volumes on his true loyalties (which are not to the United States of America), and on his character (an utter and complete lack of human decency).
This combination of disloyalty to the U.S. and an inconceivable lack of human decency will - if empowered - be the death knell to the American experiment, for it will not just be his own disloyalty and indecency, but that of the very citizens who hand him the Presidency.
This combination of disloyalty to the U.S. and an inconceivable lack of human decency will - if empowered - be the death knell to the American experiment, for it will not just be his own disloyalty and indecency, but that of the very citizens who hand him the Presidency.
12
It's one thing when Trump, the mental midget, runs his mouth; but, when Pence, a so called Christian - suggests that leadership is found with the two bit dictator - Mr. Putin, who has invaded a sovereign country and killed his own citizens, it diminishes what little credibility the Republican Party had left. The clown bus is in all - so much for Country before self.
13
When Putin annexed Crimea he saved at least that population from a protracted destructive civil war. If Obama had his way, defending democracy and other great principals, these people would be sharing that death and destruction now occurring in Ukraine, a barely functioning thoroughly corrupt state.
1
If anyone on either side of the aisle, believes that Trump will run the White House with any approach, other than an authoritarian demagogic dictatorial hand, then they must be suffering from the same kind of delusional thinking that he does. This has been his game plan early on in his celebrity career. His admiration of Putin, is no accident. Why? Because in Psychology, there's a well worn understanding that says, like attracts like, on both a psychological and emotional level. Both of these men are power hungry sociopathic narcissists, Each possessing a drive for unassailable domination, of a grandiose kind. It's like Hitler and Stalin all over again.
7
Trump time and again proves with his own words that he is a dangerous fool. A US presidential candidate praising Putin, who is essentially a brutal dictator, as a "stronger leader" than Obama is dangerous and treasonous.
Trump admires Putin because Putin flatters him (what a ridiculous ego to go with that ridiculous hair and mind) and because Putin brutally crushes dissent and opposition, resorting to murder of his adversaries when needed. That's Trump's idea of strong leadership? That should terrify us all. How can any American support him?
It's time for the media to say enough is enough and to stop reporting on Trump as an entertaining celebrity and to hold him accountable for his lies and treasonous statements.
Trump admires Putin because Putin flatters him (what a ridiculous ego to go with that ridiculous hair and mind) and because Putin brutally crushes dissent and opposition, resorting to murder of his adversaries when needed. That's Trump's idea of strong leadership? That should terrify us all. How can any American support him?
It's time for the media to say enough is enough and to stop reporting on Trump as an entertaining celebrity and to hold him accountable for his lies and treasonous statements.
8
Everyone wants to know how Trump gets away with such stupidities, married to a cascade of lies, while Clinton gets badgered about relatively unimportant issues like the e-mail server. I think I have part of the answer.
Understand, first, that the news media is not crowded with people of great courage or, in many cases, even minor courage. I should know, since I spent a major part of my adult life as a reporter and editor in DC. News is determined by the herd, but a kind of vague process of political popularness by which some items are "on the agenda" and some aren't. Being a sharp reporter means first knowing that (which items the editors/producers are interested in) and also in anticipating where the gnat like attention spans of the media will focus next.
The media, including Matt Lauer, are hounding Clinton because she has been weakened. The shark goes for the fish (or human) who seems to be weak and perhaps dying, so too the media. The "scandals" about her have been hammered so hard and so long that she's an easy target. Media hay day. Like beasts in the forest, the media react to the smell of blood.
Trump is too difficult to handle. As Bob Dylan sang in an old song about another subject, "He lies with every breath". If you come at Trump, he showed doing the primaries that he might just come right at you, call you stupid, ask you to leave the room, even try to have you arrested. As Dan Rather said long ago, "Courage". That's what the media needs and sorely lacks.
Understand, first, that the news media is not crowded with people of great courage or, in many cases, even minor courage. I should know, since I spent a major part of my adult life as a reporter and editor in DC. News is determined by the herd, but a kind of vague process of political popularness by which some items are "on the agenda" and some aren't. Being a sharp reporter means first knowing that (which items the editors/producers are interested in) and also in anticipating where the gnat like attention spans of the media will focus next.
The media, including Matt Lauer, are hounding Clinton because she has been weakened. The shark goes for the fish (or human) who seems to be weak and perhaps dying, so too the media. The "scandals" about her have been hammered so hard and so long that she's an easy target. Media hay day. Like beasts in the forest, the media react to the smell of blood.
Trump is too difficult to handle. As Bob Dylan sang in an old song about another subject, "He lies with every breath". If you come at Trump, he showed doing the primaries that he might just come right at you, call you stupid, ask you to leave the room, even try to have you arrested. As Dan Rather said long ago, "Courage". That's what the media needs and sorely lacks.
9
Why does "strong" equal "good?" Hitler was a strong leader. Stalin was a strong leader. G.W. Bush strongly went into Iraq. Lot's of guys strongly beat up their girlfriends.
Yes, strong (whatever that means) is good if mixed with common sense, compassion, critical thinking and a willingness to examine one's own actions and beliefs, and if used, in the case of a leader, for the benefit of their constituents. Think of Mandela, surviving 27 years in prison coming out to lead his people. Strong, used to gratify one's ego regardless of who gets hurt is a disaster waiting to happen. And he could be our next president
Yes, strong (whatever that means) is good if mixed with common sense, compassion, critical thinking and a willingness to examine one's own actions and beliefs, and if used, in the case of a leader, for the benefit of their constituents. Think of Mandela, surviving 27 years in prison coming out to lead his people. Strong, used to gratify one's ego regardless of who gets hurt is a disaster waiting to happen. And he could be our next president
8
Let's put it this way, if Donald Trump was a Russian diplomat or candidate and was speaking about the Putin in the way he spoke of Obama on American television, he would either be put in prison or found dead in his apartment.
In any other era in the United States, not only would Trump be immediately disqualified from ever being elected President, you would have virtually every Republican condemning him and disowning him as a traitor.
However that was then, and alas this is now, you have a Republican Party of cowards like John McCain, Paul Ryan, and others afraid to completely disown Trump and his candidacy, and then you have party idiots like Louis Gohmert, Steve King, Mike Pence and virtually ever Trump supporter and surrogate doubling down on Donald Trump's Bromance or Man-Love for Vladimir Putin and the Russian way.
This is fundamentally Un-American and disgraceful that some members of the Republican Party and Trump Party are so hungry to win, that they don't have sold out their own integrity to Vladimir Putin.
In any other era in the United States, not only would Trump be immediately disqualified from ever being elected President, you would have virtually every Republican condemning him and disowning him as a traitor.
However that was then, and alas this is now, you have a Republican Party of cowards like John McCain, Paul Ryan, and others afraid to completely disown Trump and his candidacy, and then you have party idiots like Louis Gohmert, Steve King, Mike Pence and virtually ever Trump supporter and surrogate doubling down on Donald Trump's Bromance or Man-Love for Vladimir Putin and the Russian way.
This is fundamentally Un-American and disgraceful that some members of the Republican Party and Trump Party are so hungry to win, that they don't have sold out their own integrity to Vladimir Putin.
7
Bullies look up to other bullies, because it makes the bullying style seem more legitimate.
Neither Batman Putin nor Boy Wonder Trump have the stones or skills to truly lead the people, which is why they always try to control the people.
Wrong answer, in any language, on any continent.
Neither Batman Putin nor Boy Wonder Trump have the stones or skills to truly lead the people, which is why they always try to control the people.
Wrong answer, in any language, on any continent.
4
Even from nearly 4,900 miles away Putin knows a patsy when he sees one. Trump- a national disgrace!!! Pathetic that GOP continues to stand by him.
7
Requiring NATO member states to meet their full treaty obligations would make the alliance stronger, not weaker.
2
A future dictator embraces a current dictator. The surprise here is Pence and the GOP establishment, which apparently will stand with their nominee regardless of what he says.
This reminds me of 2008, when John McCain's people were claiming Obama voted for sex education for kindergarteners. Remember this? And people as Mac if he supported it. And of course he supported it -- this was coming from his campaign.
This reminds me of 2008, when John McCain's people were claiming Obama voted for sex education for kindergarteners. Remember this? And people as Mac if he supported it. And of course he supported it -- this was coming from his campaign.
4
Wow , people! We're talking the Russains here!
If Hillary or any Democrat embraced and praised Putin or any Russian leader EVER , the republicans would calling it treason, and demanding arrests.
People who are supporting Trump should be heading for the lifeboats after this one
What's next, admiration for the Saudis and their treatment of women?
Future Trump quote may be "if we could stop our women from going out in revealing clothing, driving , and working, think how much safer they'd be. They could stay at home out of sight of men and cook and clean. Oh, how strong a leader that King Salmon is. I have a great relationship with him. He said nice things about me. People say he wants me to win"
If Hillary or any Democrat embraced and praised Putin or any Russian leader EVER , the republicans would calling it treason, and demanding arrests.
People who are supporting Trump should be heading for the lifeboats after this one
What's next, admiration for the Saudis and their treatment of women?
Future Trump quote may be "if we could stop our women from going out in revealing clothing, driving , and working, think how much safer they'd be. They could stay at home out of sight of men and cook and clean. Oh, how strong a leader that King Salmon is. I have a great relationship with him. He said nice things about me. People say he wants me to win"
14
Vladimir Putin is a former member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and Lieutenant-Colonel in the KGB. This is the man Trump and Pence admire so much. America, wake up. Please.
26
I just can't get the picture out of my head of these two clowns riding horseback shirtless together while deciding international policy.
Please God spare us from this tragedy.
Please God spare us from this tragedy.
15
"We will be strong! We will build a yuge, beautiful prison for opposition politicians, journalists, human rights lawyers, NGOs, artists, etc.! And Russia will pay for it!"
On this, the freeloading may actually work.
On this, the freeloading may actually work.
11
Hitler was viewed in the same manner by many in the 1930's Of course dictators get things done as there are few, if any, checks and balances. History of dictators, however, doing good things all the time? Not so much. This really shows how little Trump knows and is the most damning thing yet about his ability to lead a country that is a republic.
16
A vote for Trump is a vote for Putin.
17
With respect to foreign policy is it simple fact that Putin is a far far better leader than Obama. Trump was just stating an inconvenient fact.
3
Better...how?
6
Jacobi- talk about facts. FACT-Putin is a dictator whose opposition keep turning up DEAD!!!
8
jacobi: Perhaps you should move to Russia and see what a great leader Putin is.
7
I understand that Hitler and Mussolini were also strong and popular. And we know how that turned out.
19
It's past time for the FBI to launch an investigation of Trump and his staff (many of whom have strong connections to Putin and Russia). Let's also look at his financials and see how much he is getting from Russian Oligarchs. The more I see, the less I like it.
14
Dictators adore other dictators: what's the mystery?
20
No wonder Putin likes him, Trump with roll over and play dead for Putin.
3
It's mind boggling to me that a major party's candidate is such a dim bulb that he doesn't realize that Putin's popularity is forced by his control of news and people who speak against him. Is Trump really that clueless or is his dislike and jealousy of Obama so deep that he risks continuing to look ridiculous with his twitters and speeches and responses to questions. Anyone who thinks he's not racist hasn't looked at the history. It dates back to when his father was alive and ran things in the business Trump inherited.
What Clinton should do is have those respected intelligence community analysts and leaders' statements part of her campaign theme.
A strong leader in this country is not a dictator or an authoritarian. They would not subvert the constitution nor would they publicly accuse POTUS of being an 'other' who faked school records and his way into Harvard Law.
What we have here is a narcissistic and unfit man wanting to win the presidency but not be presidential. His ego is the only thing he cares about, the care and feeding thereof.
Does Trump realize that Putin did not praise him as a great leader but rather as a flamboyant or shiny candidate. Putin knows I'm sure he would be dealing with someone who would roll over with praise. Frankly I don't want that kind of leadership. I don't want a POTUS who downgrades the abilities of the military while feigning fake concern for their welfare.
I suggest Trump relocate to Russia and see what life is like there.
What Clinton should do is have those respected intelligence community analysts and leaders' statements part of her campaign theme.
A strong leader in this country is not a dictator or an authoritarian. They would not subvert the constitution nor would they publicly accuse POTUS of being an 'other' who faked school records and his way into Harvard Law.
What we have here is a narcissistic and unfit man wanting to win the presidency but not be presidential. His ego is the only thing he cares about, the care and feeding thereof.
Does Trump realize that Putin did not praise him as a great leader but rather as a flamboyant or shiny candidate. Putin knows I'm sure he would be dealing with someone who would roll over with praise. Frankly I don't want that kind of leadership. I don't want a POTUS who downgrades the abilities of the military while feigning fake concern for their welfare.
I suggest Trump relocate to Russia and see what life is like there.
10
That Hitler guy was strong too. And Joe Stalin made a lot of decisions—he was a Decider!—not like those wimps Roosevelt and Churchill. Too bad Trump doesn't tell us what he thinks of those two guys...
17
The only time Trump stated regret for having said anything in his campaign, it was vague and non-committal. Then he pretends to have taken positions opposite to what he said on camera re. Iraq & Syria. We all make mistakes and say things we regret, but the inability to admit the same says a lot about a person.
3
Foul and crazy. Insane, pathological. A fraud. A liar. A cheat.
X 1000
X 1000
16
After all this man has said and done, I don’t understand why an intelligent person would still support him. It’s so sad. The rest of the world is watching and “believe me”, it’s dumbfounded
18
Many of us understand that:(1) Trump has severe Narcissistic Syndrome Disorder that renders him incapable of dealing with issues except in terms of self-aggrandizement.(2)Trump is committing treason. (3) Republicans who continue to support him are playing with fire that can consume them along with Trump. (4) It is high time that paid GOP Pols align themselves with former GOP top leaders- Romney, the Bushes et al- in repudiating Trump and seeking an alternative candidate.
Survival is the key issue for pols. It is becoming increasingly clear
that those clinging to trump may go down with him.
The GOP survival is at stake- if not America's.
Survival is the key issue for pols. It is becoming increasingly clear
that those clinging to trump may go down with him.
The GOP survival is at stake- if not America's.
6
Trump is proud of public endorsement letter from retired generals and admirals. Since Trump publicly denigrated our current military leadership in Wednesday's CIC forum and warned he might need to fire them (no evidence, but just because firing is what he did on TV, in business, and while campaigning), I'm wondering if and when any of the military leadership will publicly retract their written endorsement of Trump.
10
All these guys who endorsed Trump will expect to replace the guys who did not. That's the way Trump works.
2
The funny (or not so funny) thing about epic narcissists is that they are such suckers for flattery and so thin skinned about criticism that their vision becomes obscured so they cannot see, or do not care, who they are endorsing. In this case it is a former KGB dictator, that the nominee's own party knows is a dangerous guy with a scary agenda.
11
Give him plenty of rope...
9
There is no way to dodge this matter - Republicans who are voting for Trump officially, publicly, endorse an alignment with Putin and his repressive, authoritarian regime, maintained by imprisoning his political opponents while others are assassinated.
These are now Republican values, and to be put into action.
One could not vote for David Duke while pretending to disavow his white supremacist agenda. One can not vote for Trump and disavow his Kremlin-adoring embrace of an American version of Mussolini's fascism.
These are now Republican values, and to be put into action.
One could not vote for David Duke while pretending to disavow his white supremacist agenda. One can not vote for Trump and disavow his Kremlin-adoring embrace of an American version of Mussolini's fascism.
16
Well there's no need to "dodge" the matter. Your linking of Trump to assassinations, the Klan and imprisonment is fantasy.
Pro top: merely repeating, over and over, that something is true does not make it so.
Pro top: merely repeating, over and over, that something is true does not make it so.
Pay attention: it is Trump himself who endorses that kind of authoritarian abuse by his public endorsement of Putin's "leadership".
As for the Klan, Trump's racism is well documented.
As for the Klan, Trump's racism is well documented.
2
No. Dems have preposterously expanded to the point of nonrecognition the term "racism" and to them, Donald's purported racism is well documented. The rest of the world--the thinking part--not so much.
Good to know that an article about the reaction from Donald Trump calling Putin a stronger leader than our president needs to mention Clinton's 'uneven performance' in a debate.
Anyway - isn't it time for the Democrats in congress to hold hearings on Trump's treasonous statements about hacking the DNC and the discussion of body language of his briefers? Chaffetz is still blathering on about emails and talking about more hearings. Come on congressman Clyburn let's get the show on the road!
Anyway - isn't it time for the Democrats in congress to hold hearings on Trump's treasonous statements about hacking the DNC and the discussion of body language of his briefers? Chaffetz is still blathering on about emails and talking about more hearings. Come on congressman Clyburn let's get the show on the road!
15
Listening to Hillary Clinton in the video describe Putin as a "Strong Man" with such disdain is telltale. The reason why the Russian people love Putin is exactly why she hates him. He is a strong man.
There are still many people in the United States that want a strong man as the leader of the free world. We need someone who will stand up to Putin if necessary, but doesn't just hate him because he is a strong man.
We need to get the emotion out of the White House and make decisions based on the actions of foreign leaders, not their gender.
I would love to see a woman as President of the United States, but not a woman who thinks the primary criteria is being female. Do we really want the first woman President to be a criminal? Shouldn't we wait for a strong woman who is also able to unite this country? We don't need more divisiveness after the last 8 years.
There are still many people in the United States that want a strong man as the leader of the free world. We need someone who will stand up to Putin if necessary, but doesn't just hate him because he is a strong man.
We need to get the emotion out of the White House and make decisions based on the actions of foreign leaders, not their gender.
I would love to see a woman as President of the United States, but not a woman who thinks the primary criteria is being female. Do we really want the first woman President to be a criminal? Shouldn't we wait for a strong woman who is also able to unite this country? We don't need more divisiveness after the last 8 years.
2
Putin's entire adult life has been a series of jobs that include a license to arrest, imprison and kill. Does that make him a "strong man"?
4
We don't need more divisiveness? What else is that comment if not divisive.
4
You obviously don't understand the term "strongman" in the context being used by Secretary Clinton. And if you like a leader like Putin, I am sure he would be happy to allow you to emigrate, assuming you aren't already living there.
2
Benjamin Franklin must have been clairvoyant. He foresaw trump when at the conclusion of the Constitutional convention he replied to a question about what type of government we would have.
"A republic... if you can keep it."
"A republic... if you can keep it."
16
Sure, Putin's stronger but, obama's smarter and better.
Unfortunately Trump and his mindless minions think it's OK and even desirable to take away the rights of those you disagree with. Trump is saying that a leader should jail or kill his opponents. A Presidential candidate in America is actually praising dictatorship as the best form of government and people are listening to him. Need I say that I'm more than a bit worried?
Unfortunately Trump and his mindless minions think it's OK and even desirable to take away the rights of those you disagree with. Trump is saying that a leader should jail or kill his opponents. A Presidential candidate in America is actually praising dictatorship as the best form of government and people are listening to him. Need I say that I'm more than a bit worried?
5
To paraphrase Bill Clinton, referring to Trump's statements: "It's a dog whistle for.... racists".... and you can add haters. And what's sad about it is, we think our country is better than him.... But according to the polls... decency is running neck and neck with... well everything he represents. Decent people have to step up and vote.
8
One day, when Trump obtains even a minimal grasp of the world (ha), he might learn there is a difference between the powers a dictator possesses and the powers of a president in a democracy. Trump's ignorance is scary. He constantly promises what he will do a la Putin. Trump is an embarrassment.
6
Republicans of today will do anything to get the White House back. There should be no doubt now that their oppostion to Obama was pure and simple hostility towards a black man. Today many Americans are unmoved by Trump's outrageous comments. But keep in mind that no one can fool everyone all the time. And don't rule out Trump turning on one of his own big supporters.
7
I never cease to be astounded at the Cold War mentality that the New York Times and their neo-con backers exhibit. The Soviet Union is long gone. The Russian economy is in the tank----thanks to both sanctions, low commodity prices, and de-industrialization which occurred after Communism was replaced with unfair trade. However Russia does have the largest army, navy, and air force in Europe and the largest nuclear arsenal on earth. It is insane for the capitalist running dogs doing the bidding of the the military contractors and big banks/big business to deliberately and often antagonize Russia. The New World Order needs to accept that Russia will not be another colony of theirs as most of the rest of the world has become with the U.S. military as their mercenary/enforcer for the 0.1 White Collar Mafia to oppress and exploit the entire planet. Russia intends to remain sovereign, free, and independent and whether Putin is in charge or someone else the Russians are resolved overwhelmingly to stay Russian and stay independent. No amount of sanctions, encirclement, etc. is going to change that basic fact. The Russians have fought and defeated enemies for centuries from the Mongols down to the Nazis and endured unbelievable deprivations and mass deaths to save their nation from outside conquest. Economic pain by the globalist enforcers is not going to succeed. The NWO/U.S. needs to accept Russia as free and equal and cooperate with them on addressing major international problems.
4
In the meantime, Russia could perhaps learn to cooperate with its neighbors (not invading them would be a good first step) and stop dropping unguided bombs on Syrians and probably stop being a dreadful polluter of our environment, but yeah, aside of that, the "NWO" is the aggressor. Sarcasm intended.
2
What of the sovereign, free independence of the countries that Russia invades? You write as if Russia were weak and backed into a corner. It's not weak, it's expanding -- by unlawfully taking land from other nations.
And what of the U.S.-backed forces Russia bombs in Syria? What of the dissenters and critics whom Russia imprisons or kills? What of the American institutions whose private files Russia steals and exposes? Are those acts all the work of these imagined "globalist enforcers" as well?
And what of the U.S.-backed forces Russia bombs in Syria? What of the dissenters and critics whom Russia imprisons or kills? What of the American institutions whose private files Russia steals and exposes? Are those acts all the work of these imagined "globalist enforcers" as well?
3
And perhaps if your country can invade another former republic Mr. Putin can retain his 82% approval rating. But Russia's sad history is simply repeating itself under Putin the despot. The end of the Putin reign will, of course, mean more massive deprivation for Russians and millions of deaths from starvation or at the hands of the now ruling fascists. If only Putin were more like George Washington. If only.
3
My guess as to why Trump embraces Putin is that Trump doesn’t know the implications of what the means, both historically and politically. That members of the GOP are duly uncomfortable alongside the Democrats over the embrace and the doubling-down of it attests to that strong possibility.
I also think there is the potential for a tax return cover-up in the form of Trump being bankrolled by Putin, seeing as no bank in the US will lend to Trump. Imagine the winger uproar if Clinton refused to release her taxes, which, by the way, show no evidence of a quid-pro-quo per the Clinton foundation.
Either way, Trump doubles down probably because he doesn’t know a thing about public service and its requirements as set forth by the Constitution, which is vastly different than a corporate charter. In the private sector, what the CEO says, goes. It doesn’t work that way in the public sector, and Trump’s ego simply can’t handle that fact.
Indeed, the notion that running a business is translatable into running a country is embarrassingly, achingly inept in its conclusion.
I also think there is the potential for a tax return cover-up in the form of Trump being bankrolled by Putin, seeing as no bank in the US will lend to Trump. Imagine the winger uproar if Clinton refused to release her taxes, which, by the way, show no evidence of a quid-pro-quo per the Clinton foundation.
Either way, Trump doubles down probably because he doesn’t know a thing about public service and its requirements as set forth by the Constitution, which is vastly different than a corporate charter. In the private sector, what the CEO says, goes. It doesn’t work that way in the public sector, and Trump’s ego simply can’t handle that fact.
Indeed, the notion that running a business is translatable into running a country is embarrassingly, achingly inept in its conclusion.
12
Clearly neither the Donald or his running mate understand what war crimes are. Either that or actually much more likely, they openly are enamored with those that are involved simultaneously in war crimes in both Ukraine and Syria. And this man may be president.
11
To Mike Pence: Putin "has been a stonger leader" because he is a dictator. Is that what you want? That the U.S. Presidency become a dictatorship?
What is this country coming to if this is what is discussed in an election. As an ex-pat living in Europe, I am embarrassed for what is happening in my country this election year. How could the Republicans have nominated such a scary person who is so unqualified and is truly frightening the rest of the world.
What is this country coming to if this is what is discussed in an election. As an ex-pat living in Europe, I am embarrassed for what is happening in my country this election year. How could the Republicans have nominated such a scary person who is so unqualified and is truly frightening the rest of the world.
18
ANYONE who is a dictator is by definition a strong leader. They...dictate. It's not the leader he admires. It's the system. Even though he claims he doesn't like the system. This is a distinction he can't fathom. Just as I cannot fathom well-adjusted people voting for him.
10
Putin is a former intelligence officer with KGB. Trump is an egomaniac who loves to hear others praise him. How do you think the USA makes out in this relationship? I heard someone on tele say what I have been saying for months: Trump is un-American. I include anti-American. I hope the press, mostly the TV variety, starts to treat Trump as the threat he is to our country. Seriously.
15
There are three types of Republicans. First there are those like Christie, Cheney, Gingrich, Huckabee who are happy to support the bigoted racist demagogue who sells real estate for a living, lies consistently and admires dictators. Second there are those like Romney, GHW Bush, GW Bush and Michael Bloomberg who realize the danger in electing a real estate salesman/political dilettante to the position of most powerful man in the world. The third type, people like like Paul Ryan, McCain, and McConnell are obviously suffering from Stockholm Syndrome. Just look into their eyes and check out their body language when they are asked anything about their party's nominee. They never ever answer a question about his latest lie or his admiration for dictators. All they can muster is a sad response like "He's our nominee and I support him." One word definitions of the three types. The first are panderers the second are patriots and the third are pitiful.
8
Let's all pay attention. Anyone who for whatever reason is considering anything other than voting for Sec Clinton, pay attention to to this vile, dishonest, con man. It's not funny. It's not entertaining. Sec Clinton is not the ideal candidate. She's made crucial mistakes and disturbingly sometimes doesn't seem to learn from them. But she is a viable, capable, resilient choice. Imperfect but reasonable. We never get the perfect candidate or the perfect President. Trump has made perfectly clear who and what he is. Let's pay attention and turn him away.
24
White male veterans continue to support this craven yellow dog vassal of Putin the dictator. So far our white male veterans do not really love the United States by supporting Trump.
12
Trump pours out his hilarious uncontrollable drivel, his team run around trying to cover for him, Republicans cringe and hide behind the sofa hoping nobody will notice.
Constant theme isn't it?
Constant theme isn't it?
16
"Inarguable" Mr. Pence? Then why are we arguing? Perhaps by the time you become in charge, you'll have figured out a more acceptable way to squelch your opponents' thoughts and speech. After all, your Party is expert at this.
14
All this adolescent heat over Putin. It is truly embarrasses the country when a country that starts an illegal war in Iraq and spies on everyone in the world descends into such blather. God knows what kind of activities the US is secretly engaged in Russia. Hillary Clinton is practically salivating McCarthyesque charges coming from her lips. With Trump he can pull this media circus off while Clinton flails away. What the US needs to do is work with Russia in Syria. The US should impose an arms embargo from its side. The crew of Hillary Clinton seems destined to join up with Netanyahu and attack Iran. Who knows what comes after. Bush and Cheney would be proud. Trump must think this all amusing as he once again gets the news media to jump through hoops for him.
6
The "adolescent heat" is being supplied by Trump and his supporters who believe that acting tough is the same as being tough. The "adolescent heat" comes from those supporters who foam at the mouth each time Trump threatens to smack protesters in the mouth and says that those protesters would have been treated very harshly in the "good old days", those days when America was great and to which he wants us to go back, as his hat proclaims.
4
Isn't it plausible that trump has huge financial debt to Russian oligarchs, Putin's crony class & cyber thugs ? Isn't his affiliation- including Manafort- like his cozying up to Mafiosa types in his NYC dealings with construction bosses ?
Trump doesn't really see any value apart from 'winning' and feeling 'respect' - like a gangster.
As long as Trump survives, he believes he has sound policies. He has never demonstrated a sensibility that privileged broader global values, true national interests, the public good, or long term outcomes.
His only principle is popularity & polishing his personal status.
Trump doesn't really see any value apart from 'winning' and feeling 'respect' - like a gangster.
As long as Trump survives, he believes he has sound policies. He has never demonstrated a sensibility that privileged broader global values, true national interests, the public good, or long term outcomes.
His only principle is popularity & polishing his personal status.
6
What does it say about critical thinking in America when half of those polled actually approve of and prefer Trump for President. It is as if people hear what he says and do not actually think about what he will do. If he admires Putin so much and wants to fire long standing generals, what is to keep him from being an authoritative thug like his beloved Putin and doing just what he wants with no checks and balances? Truly frightening.
12
Gee, if Dimwitted Donny and Pathetic Pence (sorry, I was suddenly struck by chronic Trump Name Calling Syndrome) to believe Putin is a stronger leader than Obama, what must they think of Ol' Joe Stalin, Mao, Der Fuhrer, Saddam Hussein and Il Duce? Are we to assume, given a Trump/Pence victory in November, that their political opponents might fall victim to unfortunate poisonings or drive by shootings, or that members of the press who write unfavorable articles about the "strong leaders" might be sent to a new North American Gulag? We are truly, truly in a weird and scary place and time.
9
Why do some people insist that Trump will be like these dictators? If you listened to him during the forum you would have heard him say he does not agree with the way Putin does things. Unfortunately this article omitted that tidbit.
1
Hey Hillary, the 1980's called they want their foreign policy back. Has she lost her mind? Is Hillary really willing to start a war with Russia to cover for her bad performance on a TV show.
7
Why do Trumpites think the alternative to a buddy-buddy relationship with Putin is "a war"?
And what do they think the Cold War was, anyway?
And what do they think the Cold War was, anyway?
4
Who said anything about a war? And this is not the 80s. Putin is not a Communist. He's a capitalist Christian autocrat. He showed his devotion to capitalism and Christianity when he gifted the head of the Russian Orthodox Church with a gold Breguet watch valued at $30,000.
2
Perhaps Trump's admiration for killer-kleptocrat Putin, relative to President Obama, gives us a clue about the sort of Supreme Court nominees we'll get to see.
The nightmare unfolds -- who are the Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell of Russia? Anybody know their names? And how successfully they reign in the worst instincts of their guy? Trump's gonna do what he wants, just like his hero.
The nightmare unfolds -- who are the Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell of Russia? Anybody know their names? And how successfully they reign in the worst instincts of their guy? Trump's gonna do what he wants, just like his hero.
9
Listening to Hillary Clinton in the video describe Putin as a "Strong Man" with such disdain is telltale. The reason why the Russian people love Putin is exactly why she hates him. He is a strong man.
There are still many people in the United States that want a strong man as the leader of the free world. We need someone who will stand up to Putin if necessary, but doesn't just hate him because he is a strong man.
We need to get the emotion out of the White House and make decisions based on the actions of foreign leaders, not their gender.
I would love to see a woman as President of the United States, but not a woman who thinks the primary criteria is being female. Do we really want the first woman President to be a criminal? Shouldn't we wait for a strong woman who is also able to unite this country? We don't need more divisiveness after the last 8 years.
There are still many people in the United States that want a strong man as the leader of the free world. We need someone who will stand up to Putin if necessary, but doesn't just hate him because he is a strong man.
We need to get the emotion out of the White House and make decisions based on the actions of foreign leaders, not their gender.
I would love to see a woman as President of the United States, but not a woman who thinks the primary criteria is being female. Do we really want the first woman President to be a criminal? Shouldn't we wait for a strong woman who is also able to unite this country? We don't need more divisiveness after the last 8 years.
6
I always thought bullies were weak? They are weak! Putin is a weak man.
1
Jamesha. it's obvious you don't know a thing about Putin. Here's on reminder: Putin was a former KGB agent, who spent most of his adult life spying on the U.S., doing everything in his power to destroy us. Get a grip! And if you and the rest of the ill-informed have any proof: one thing that proves Hillary is a criminal, please post it.
1
Minor technical details include:
1. You've got "strong," confused with "loudmouthed, ignorant bully."
2. You're failing to recognize that Trump isn't strong: he's a born-rich greedhead who's used to getting his own way, and he'll fold when he gets bopped in the nose.
3. You've got your hatred of Clinton confused with for her having been indicted for anything at all, let alone having been convicted of a crime.
1. You've got "strong," confused with "loudmouthed, ignorant bully."
2. You're failing to recognize that Trump isn't strong: he's a born-rich greedhead who's used to getting his own way, and he'll fold when he gets bopped in the nose.
3. You've got your hatred of Clinton confused with for her having been indicted for anything at all, let alone having been convicted of a crime.
1
Trump's camp is now trying to walk back his warm and fuzzy sendup of his pal Putin by saying Donald never knew it was going to be on RT and\or its the democrats fault. Just think how far the GOPTP has come. A generation or two ago it was "Better dead than red" now it is "better red than dead"
13
Trump's adviser, Gen. Michael T. Flynn, seems to be playing a major role in all this. He has close ties with RT, has appeared on there numerous times, and was at an RT anniversary banquet sitting near Putin. Now he gets access to US security briefings. There is something rotten in the state of Trumpmark.
3
Democracy versus Dictatorship! Pence said that the weakness of the POTUS would end when Trump enters the White House. A statement of intent to form a dictatorship? Or a comment highlighting the ignorance of Pence in real governance?
18
A statement that hopefully indicates he will be more of the Ronald Reagan type: carry a big stick so your enemies know they can't walk all over you. Unlike our current president.
1
Is Trump getting his business financing from Russian billionaires? I think the public has a right to know and requires a full disclosure of all Trump's finances with an independent review. Should not the media be raising this issue?
23
There are a number of fine articles now on his business and political ties with Russia. He MUST release his taxes. Hillary Clinton was forced to release tens of thousands of emails and has released decades of tax returns.
Trump is hiding major problems in his taxes and the American public has a right to know. He is running for the highest office in the country. His loans from China and investments from Russians and possibly organized crime ties are critical information for voters.
Trump is hiding major problems in his taxes and the American public has a right to know. He is running for the highest office in the country. His loans from China and investments from Russians and possibly organized crime ties are critical information for voters.
4
No, because there is no indication he is; at least not as much indication that Hillary is be financed by hostile foreign governments.
Of course Putin is stronger in Russia than Obama is here. Putin has had people executed for being too critical of his managerial style. He imprisoned the band Pussy Riot for protesting against the church's re-entry into politics. And he has a long tradition behind him. Czars, Lenin, Stalin, Khrushchev, authoritarian despots all. Are these the leaders Trump admires and seeks to emulate? Unfortunately for this country most of his followers are ignorant of who these men were and what they did. As they are ignorant of Trump's history and what he did.
25
How about when Elizabeth Warren said she admired Mao?
1
One does not lead by muzzling a free press, killing political opponents, stealing his country's wealth, and invading neighbors. One instills fear that way, but does not lead. It is embarrassing that Donald Trump does not recognize the difference.
27
Not just "muzzling" the free press, but probably having reporters killed.
5
Muzzling the press. Threatening to kill or deport political opponents. Stealing his countries wealth. Making neighbors pay reparations. Sounds as much like Trump as Putin.
4
Sounds like the Clintons and Bushes to me.
I wonder why he has such strong ratings in Russia, it's not like it's a dictatorship....imagine the courage you would need to say "unfavorable".
14
Irony of this election cycle is like Trump is appealing to vast number of independents who have voted for Obama. Hillary is appealing to vast number of suburban Bush voters. This is the genuine change thats happening not what Trump is talking about.
Women who voted for Obama are turned of by Trump and are voting for Hillary. Minorities who voted for Obama are turned off by Trump and are voting for Hillary. White men didn't vote for Obama, they voted for Romney and they will vote for Trump. Trump loses, just like Romney.
3
Well of course The Don stands by his words. He's always right, don't you know? He has a BIG airplane with BIG letters spelling out his name. He has BIG buildings with his name emblazoned on them. He has BIG crook money masters like hostile corporate takeover king Carl Icahn and BIG liars like the despicable ex-fox king Roger Ailes supporting him.
So much BIG for such a tiny little man and mind. Stick a pin in him and let out the hot air and you have nothing. Nothing.
So much BIG for such a tiny little man and mind. Stick a pin in him and let out the hot air and you have nothing. Nothing.
12
Trump's embrace of and admiration for Putin have catastrophic implications. If Trump were to be elected, the good citizens of Ukraine, Poland, and the Baltic States had better get their suitcases packed. It is entirely foreseeable that Russian tanks will roll into one or more of those countries under a Trump presidency. Ever the narcissist susceptible to the former KGB agent's flattery, Trump fails to see the danger posed by Putin's expansionist dreams for Russia, which are well documented. The resulting immense danger to the international order and peace cannot be overstated. My friends and contacts living overseas all see the danger - why can't we?
25
What kind of country we live in where he presidential candidate supports dictator over the constitutional elections and duly elected Pres. of United States? What kind of people are weak to support a megalomaniac was ultimate goal is to create a fascist, totalitarian, White man only country? Every day I see the stupidity factor of the American citizen escalate in a time where we need knowledge, Intelligence, compassion, and values that Donald Trump shows no sign of ever having? We are going to lose our freedoms if we elect this monster, we are going to be a country torn apart and most likely headed into another Civil War because the Donald Trump is portrayed and brought to the surface with every American. America is an experiment, A melting pot of different cultures, members of the Trump party seem to forget that America was created celebrates diverse freedom from tyranny. If we do not emotionally grow up we will hand this country over to perhaps one of the worst and most likely he will individuals since World War II. This is not a joke. America's freedom is at stake. Donald Trump will not make America great again Donald Trump Will destroy America.
When are Americans going to wake up and realize this?
When are Americans going to wake up and realize this?
21
You want a list of how many dictators America has or is currently supporting? Where have you been for the last 200 years?
2
Of course Putin is a "stronger leader" than Obama! That's because Putin is a demagogue who has raised himself above the law, or bent and ignored laws that were inconvenient. Like so many would be dictators before him, he has fashioned a "cult of personality", while creating and using foreign strife and adventurism to conceal his many policy disasters back home.
*In America, the Law is the Supreme Leader: our Law and our Constitution is all!* This is as it should be. Anyone celebrating some other method, or the "leadership" of one like Putin, is championing a terrible, regressive, change, even overthrow, of the American way of life, with a wide scale loss of our personal liberties. It is sedition, extremely unpatriotic, and worse.
Any person running for President who prefers Putin's way is not only disqualified, but they are openly admitting they would rather not "protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Perhaps it's time for the Secret Service to stop guarding Trump, and arrest him. After all, he has already signaled more than once that he desires to overthrow our laws and do it the Trump way instead! Up to the recent past, he would be booed off stage, and rightly so!
It's so ironic! If Obama was like Putin, Trump and most Right Wingers would long ago have been ruthlessly eliminated. All the Birthers and obstructors would be in a deep dark hole somewhere.
The "Party of Patriots" is showing just how much they really hate and disrespect our country.
*In America, the Law is the Supreme Leader: our Law and our Constitution is all!* This is as it should be. Anyone celebrating some other method, or the "leadership" of one like Putin, is championing a terrible, regressive, change, even overthrow, of the American way of life, with a wide scale loss of our personal liberties. It is sedition, extremely unpatriotic, and worse.
Any person running for President who prefers Putin's way is not only disqualified, but they are openly admitting they would rather not "protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Perhaps it's time for the Secret Service to stop guarding Trump, and arrest him. After all, he has already signaled more than once that he desires to overthrow our laws and do it the Trump way instead! Up to the recent past, he would be booed off stage, and rightly so!
It's so ironic! If Obama was like Putin, Trump and most Right Wingers would long ago have been ruthlessly eliminated. All the Birthers and obstructors would be in a deep dark hole somewhere.
The "Party of Patriots" is showing just how much they really hate and disrespect our country.
24
Objectively speaking Mr. Putin is far better able to advance Russia's interests or those of Putin's own supporters than any American President can do here. Putin's brilliant, if diabolical, annexation of the Crimea is a perfect example of this. Mr. Obama could never accomplish this in a place like Puerto Rico even if he concluded it would be better for everyone.
This, however, is not weakness. It is born out of respect for a constitutional government and international laws. Sure, in many ways our society would run smoother if the President could do whatever he wanted. But that is not how America works.
This, however, is not weakness. It is born out of respect for a constitutional government and international laws. Sure, in many ways our society would run smoother if the President could do whatever he wanted. But that is not how America works.
13
Did I just read that you refer to Putin's hostile takeover of Crimea as being brilliant. Because of this Russia is basically isolated. Brilliant!
1
Are we all traitors? Can it be that America hungers for the land of Lenin, Trotsky, Stalin and Kruschev?
Or have we become dazed and confused by lies and turned to a fool for our nation's leader?
Remember this one, America?
Love it or leave it.
Why don't you visit Russia first before you decide that's what you want: a President who's best buds with a dictator, fascist, former communist, and once head of the KGB?
Have we gone MAD?
Or have we become dazed and confused by lies and turned to a fool for our nation's leader?
Remember this one, America?
Love it or leave it.
Why don't you visit Russia first before you decide that's what you want: a President who's best buds with a dictator, fascist, former communist, and once head of the KGB?
Have we gone MAD?
24
Seems Obama is trying to be "best buds" with Iran. I don't hear anyone in the Russian government crying "Death to America".
2
Trump's love of Putin is based on a bad translation of Putin's remarks regarding Trump. As pointed out by Rachel Maddow last night on MSNBC, Putin denies he ever called Trump brilliant. He used the word "яркий" (tr: flamboyant or glaring) rather than suggesting that Trump was intelligent or wise. So Trump's bromance with Putin isn't really reciprocated, apparently
11
But all Russian US election coverage is pro-Trump so it does look like he's Putin's preferred candidate. On the BBC news, a Moscow pro-Putin demonstrator held a billboard with Clinton's photo on one side and Trump's on the other with the caption 'War (Clinton) and Peace (Trump)'. Putin seems scared of Clinton.
1
What's ironic here is that the essence of democracy -- letting Everyman choose those who govern -- is what made the Trump phenomenon possible. It appears to make no sense that someone who got where he is for that reason would praise a foreign leader who's known (in the US, at least) for the opposite (though Trump's "embrace" of Putin is more than a little overstated: By all accounts, they've never met or communicated in any way, and I'm pretty sure the Russians haven't implanted a transmitter in Trump's skull). Trump's admiration of Putin might reflect the natural desire of any leader -- regardless of how he got there -- to pull up the gangplank behind him.
Asking for the occasional approval of voters (aka "elections") is a nuisance to most American politicians, who privately wish the unwashed masses would simply stand back and let themselves be governed by their intellectual superiors (aka "politicians"), who know better how to do that sort of thing.
And those who govern, in my view, generally do know better how to do it -- much better than Trump will ever know. Nevertheless, voters eventually demand results, not just smiles and visits every 4 years with little or nothing in between. I very seriously doubt Trump can deliver any more than Clinton, Obama, or anyone else can deliver – probably less, in fact. But those who back Trump believe he can, and they have authority to decide.
Asking for the occasional approval of voters (aka "elections") is a nuisance to most American politicians, who privately wish the unwashed masses would simply stand back and let themselves be governed by their intellectual superiors (aka "politicians"), who know better how to do that sort of thing.
And those who govern, in my view, generally do know better how to do it -- much better than Trump will ever know. Nevertheless, voters eventually demand results, not just smiles and visits every 4 years with little or nothing in between. I very seriously doubt Trump can deliver any more than Clinton, Obama, or anyone else can deliver – probably less, in fact. But those who back Trump believe he can, and they have authority to decide.
13
"For all accounts, they've never met or communicated in any way, "
Not according to Trump's own statements (and documented facts).
Not according to Trump's own statements (and documented facts).
2
Being 70 years old, having obtained a BA in Political Science in 1968, my recollection is that your detailed outline of Mr. Trumps electoral provenance pretty much parallels that of Adolph Hitler.
3
No.
What made Trump possible is the abject failure of American political journalism to report accurately and fairly.
It is vital to the health of a democracy that the people be accurately informed as to what is going on in their government.
How are we to vote wisely, otherwise?
The "Fox News" effect, which has now spread everywhere in the media, has denied the American people the accurate information they need to make informed decisions.
Trump is the product of our broken political journalism.
What made Trump possible is the abject failure of American political journalism to report accurately and fairly.
It is vital to the health of a democracy that the people be accurately informed as to what is going on in their government.
How are we to vote wisely, otherwise?
The "Fox News" effect, which has now spread everywhere in the media, has denied the American people the accurate information they need to make informed decisions.
Trump is the product of our broken political journalism.
2
Wasn't but a couple of years ago Obama ridiculed Romney for calling the Russians America's greatest external threat and the media, clearly favoring Obama, pilloried him unmercifully for same.
Any president who may sit in the White House and does not respect what Putin is capable of willfully ignores the modern world, and ancient for that matter, of "leadership" by force. Had Obama taken Romney's view, we'd not today have Putin pushing his agenda at will in Europe and the Middle East.
So the press may throw coal onto the fire as they will, the fault still remains in the White House.
Any president who may sit in the White House and does not respect what Putin is capable of willfully ignores the modern world, and ancient for that matter, of "leadership" by force. Had Obama taken Romney's view, we'd not today have Putin pushing his agenda at will in Europe and the Middle East.
So the press may throw coal onto the fire as they will, the fault still remains in the White House.
2
And what would Romney have DONE differently to stop Putin's ambitions? The U.S. has no magic control over the actions of other countries or leaders. Who constitutes "our greatest external threat" is a debatable, and can change moment to moment.
I suspect Obama and Romney see Putin simularly, and would have used the same set of tools in a similar way. Words uttered in a campaign often have little bearing on the realities that an actual president encounters.
By the way, where has Congress been in all this? They're supposed to be the ones authorizing or denying military action, but they seemed to have abdicated that duty. Their higher priorities are blaming the President, symbolically repealing the ACA, and endlessly searching for the imaginary crimes of an opponent they can't defeat on the merits. The fault remains in the Republican House and Senate, shirking their duties to govern for the "general welfare" referenced in our Constitution.
I suspect Obama and Romney see Putin simularly, and would have used the same set of tools in a similar way. Words uttered in a campaign often have little bearing on the realities that an actual president encounters.
By the way, where has Congress been in all this? They're supposed to be the ones authorizing or denying military action, but they seemed to have abdicated that duty. Their higher priorities are blaming the President, symbolically repealing the ACA, and endlessly searching for the imaginary crimes of an opponent they can't defeat on the merits. The fault remains in the Republican House and Senate, shirking their duties to govern for the "general welfare" referenced in our Constitution.
4
The fault for Trump's bizarre and potentially harmful cozying up with Russia does not lie with the White House.
6
Putin is a guy who likes to win at all costs, a guy who loves to be loved, and will stop at nothing to fix the critics, a guy in the position to say 'you're fired' to just about anyone he chooses, in and out of the country he uses as his personal stage.
What's not to like, for a guy like Trump's, who only has golf courses, fake TV, and casinos to show for his ambition? He's ready to run armies and spies, crush opponents, make yuuge deals, run the world before lunch. Oh yeah, and make America great, which shouldn't be that hard after getting some things straightened out in the pecking order.
What's not to like, for a guy like Trump's, who only has golf courses, fake TV, and casinos to show for his ambition? He's ready to run armies and spies, crush opponents, make yuuge deals, run the world before lunch. Oh yeah, and make America great, which shouldn't be that hard after getting some things straightened out in the pecking order.
3
Trump belongs in a one-person internment camp for treason and aiding & abetting the enemy, taking to himself endlessness and incoherently. Well, maybe a few more should be there to be tortured by his rants - like his enablers Pence, Conway, Bannon, Priebus, Ryan and McConnell. For those he hasn't outright murdered, Putin must still have a spare gulag - wonder if there are any vacancies in the gilded Presidential Suite?
5
Putin is "strong" in the sense that he has eliminated political opposition and dissent. He's jailed or assasinated his enemies; insured that he remains in power for life; crushed the free press and installed state-sanctioned media; acted the thug and bully in issuing threats to the USA and Europe; invaded sovereign nations; and imprisoned artists, muscians, and gay people. I'd love to see what would happen to the Russian version of Joe Wilson who yelled "You lie!" during Obama's State of the Union Address. What would be the fate of the Russian equivalent of our obstructionist GOP Congress? Putin-loving right-wingers are no patriots, no matter how much they wave the flag. The icing on the cake? Trump now claims that he was "fooled" into giving an interview for Russian television. Well, if he's so easily tricked, then he's by his own admission weak of mind and untrustworthy--not at all qualified to serve as county dog catcher, let alone president.
6
Beside giving aide and comfort to the enemy by praising Putin flim-flam flip-flop Donald Trump now wants us to join him in believing that what he wants to be true IS true: he says he didn't support the Bush's war in Iraq when he said he did on the radio in 2002. He is adamant, has convinced himself that he didn't do it because he wants it to be true. He wishes us to join him in his personal corruption and immorality where truth and falsehood don't matter, in his mind. He can't trust himself to know the truth. We certainly can't trust him to know when he doesn't care. His supporters share this philosophy. I have no ideas why.
7
Unlike Iran, Russia has not officially declared this country its enemy. So tell me again, who is providing aid and comfort?
1
I'm 72-years-old and I'm beginning to count my blessings, one of them is that I won't be around to watch my country drown in stupidity.
Another blessing: I have no children. I don't envy the children and grandchildren of the foolish American public that allowed and tolerates a Trump - and the current Republican party.
Another blessing: I have no children. I don't envy the children and grandchildren of the foolish American public that allowed and tolerates a Trump - and the current Republican party.
11
How would Putin do in a democracy? Dictating is hard in a democracy, which is why our founders set up our system of government as they did. Which brings up the question: how would Trump do trying to lead, or dictate, in our democracy? Maybe he doesn't know what he just might to get into.
5
You mirror my thoughts. Trump has been a dictator in business. He has no independently elected Board of Directors and he has no independent stockholders. The only group that has much control over him are his bondholders, but they can be wiped out in bankruptcy.
It will likely be a major shock to Mr. Trump when he faces a cantankerous Congress, an independent-minded Supreme Court and an executive branch filled with career civil servants who are guaranteed a hearing before a neutral decision-maker before severance.
Mr. Trump may indeed vacate all of President Obama's executive orders, but by 2020, Mr. Trump may have issued more than a few of his own, that is if he hasn't resigned first.
A Trump presidency may end up as a test of our governmental structure as severe as the Great Depression or the Civil War.
It will likely be a major shock to Mr. Trump when he faces a cantankerous Congress, an independent-minded Supreme Court and an executive branch filled with career civil servants who are guaranteed a hearing before a neutral decision-maker before severance.
Mr. Trump may indeed vacate all of President Obama's executive orders, but by 2020, Mr. Trump may have issued more than a few of his own, that is if he hasn't resigned first.
A Trump presidency may end up as a test of our governmental structure as severe as the Great Depression or the Civil War.
2
Trump does not respect democracy. He shows it time and time again; the warning signs have littered the road of his campaign from the beginning. Trump Campaign Chairman, and moral compass, Steve Bannon, is a self-professed Leninist. In an interview this past summer, he expressed his desire is to essentially tear down our political system. “Lenin wanted to destroy the state, and that’s my goal too," he said. "I want to bring everything crashing down, and destroy all of today’s establishment.” He wasn't simply referring to the GOP; he said "all, everything." This is what Trump has wanted all along, so it isn't difficult to understand why he has no basic loyalty to or respect for an American President.
8
Unless Clinton really starts campaigning, Trump will be president. She has to stop worrying about seeming the enraged virago and stand up and fight. We read about what Trump is doing to destroy the Republican Party, but if the Democrats lose this slam dunk election, it's over for the Democratic Party as well.
3
Its amazing that Trump is still polling as closely as he is to Hillary after numerous gaffs that would have ended any other candidates career. Whatever the result of the election his impact will surely last beyond November.
7
Some people are never willing to admit they are wrong. You know the type.
All those patriotic Republicans who talk about love of country, the American way, traditional values. The same one who call dissenters traitors, who doubt the loyalty of those who disagree with them. They will stick with Trump until they are blue in the face, at some point which they will actually be red in the face (more their color).
There three types of people in this country who support Donald Trump. The first kind are those who are blindly loyal against all known facts. The second group is the one mentioned already those who will never admit admit a mistake no,matter the cost to the country. The third, those who will only vote Republican, who care only for party and self-interest.
All those patriotic Republicans who talk about love of country, the American way, traditional values. The same one who call dissenters traitors, who doubt the loyalty of those who disagree with them. They will stick with Trump until they are blue in the face, at some point which they will actually be red in the face (more their color).
There three types of people in this country who support Donald Trump. The first kind are those who are blindly loyal against all known facts. The second group is the one mentioned already those who will never admit admit a mistake no,matter the cost to the country. The third, those who will only vote Republican, who care only for party and self-interest.
3
Trump's bromance with Putin is another example of his astounding ignorance and his impulsive dangerousness. Trump should be FORCED to read the award winning journalist Masha Gessen's biography of Putin "The Man without a Face", and then discuss his continued admiration for a tyrant who ordered the murder of a school theater full of parents and children (in order to blame a separatist group); has murdered and falsely imprisoned many journalists who dare to criticize him; has appropriated (stolen) other people's businesses; has appropriated (stolen) the natural commodities of the former USSR for personal gain etc. etc. Let Trump the Bloviator look America straight in the eye after reading out loud to us just some of those FACTS and then tell us he still loves the guy.
8
Strong does not mean good. History- including our own- is full of politicians who were strong but bad for their nation and bad for the world.
Their names live on in infamy.
Trump, however is just a joke. A dangerous joke, but a joke nonetheless.
Their names live on in infamy.
Trump, however is just a joke. A dangerous joke, but a joke nonetheless.
10
A boxing match between an authoritarian strongman and a democratically elected President who has one hand tied behind his back by the Constitution, the rule of law, freedom of speech, and the balance of power? I'd say Obama wins - hand down.
17
Remember the recent years of Republican attacks on President Obama for his purported overuse of executive actions (despite their being much less than those of Pres. Bush)? How can they support this dictator wannabe who goes on RT and criticizes the U.S. president and America?
2
We keep going over the same issues in this campaign resulting in a high number of voters not happy with either of them, and now with the Gary Johnson "Aleppo moment", and the vagueness of Jill Stein, they are not left with many other options. Trump will never back off his outlandish positions since he knows there is a notable core of voters who are willing to take a flyer on something totally different just to shake things up. Not sure what HRC can do to convince them otherwise considering her presenting well thought out positions and reminding them of her vast experiences are just what they don't want to hear.
7
Is Trump's support of Putin and his criticism of U.S. foreign policy NOT seditious? Is he not a traitor, a pawn of the Russians, what horrors await us with this loose cannon of a man?
10
What a strange time we live in when a Presidential nominee can openly praise the leader of an enemy nation and somehow not blow up his campaign.
11
You can consider Vladimir Putin to be a "better" or "stronger" leader than Barack Obama only if you value an authoritarian system and an authoritarian personality more than a system that runs on democratic consent and a head of state who respects that fact.
Mr. Putin and the Russian government he leads suppress independent journalism. Indeed, Mr. Putin's regime has imprisoned and, possibly, ordered the murder of journalists in the Russian Federation. Mr. Putin and the Russian government are entwined with the Russian Orthodox Church, as there is no separation of church and state in that country, and, as a result, official efforts to subjugate both Muslims and gay people are ongoing. Mr. Putin and the Russian government violated international law by invading and occupying the Crimea. Mr. Putin and the Russian government have been involved in the killing and imprisonment of political opponents, even overseas.
Barack Obama, meanwhile, has done none of those things. Whether you agree with Mr. Obama's policies or not, you cannot reasonably deny that he respects our system of checks and balances and that, while there are disputes over this or that presidential action, there is no question that his administration obeys court orders, responds to Congressional inquiries, and otherwise works well within the mainstream of how our politics functions. Mr. Obama is certainly not an invader of foreign nations or a tyrant that kills or imprisons dissenters.
Mr. Putin and the Russian government he leads suppress independent journalism. Indeed, Mr. Putin's regime has imprisoned and, possibly, ordered the murder of journalists in the Russian Federation. Mr. Putin and the Russian government are entwined with the Russian Orthodox Church, as there is no separation of church and state in that country, and, as a result, official efforts to subjugate both Muslims and gay people are ongoing. Mr. Putin and the Russian government violated international law by invading and occupying the Crimea. Mr. Putin and the Russian government have been involved in the killing and imprisonment of political opponents, even overseas.
Barack Obama, meanwhile, has done none of those things. Whether you agree with Mr. Obama's policies or not, you cannot reasonably deny that he respects our system of checks and balances and that, while there are disputes over this or that presidential action, there is no question that his administration obeys court orders, responds to Congressional inquiries, and otherwise works well within the mainstream of how our politics functions. Mr. Obama is certainly not an invader of foreign nations or a tyrant that kills or imprisons dissenters.
9
Can you imagine if Hillary Clinton suggested getting rid of all the current generals and praised Putin as a better leader than our own President? The words would hardly be out of her mouth before there would be screams for her arrest and talk of treason. But since it's only amusing Trump and every word he spews is money, it's all OK.
There was a time, not so long ago, when the Republican Party stood for patriotism and country; but not any more. Republicans should hang their heads in shame. The rest of us better be sure to vote for Clinton and against Trump/Putin.
There was a time, not so long ago, when the Republican Party stood for patriotism and country; but not any more. Republicans should hang their heads in shame. The rest of us better be sure to vote for Clinton and against Trump/Putin.
12
Its a bad dream that will go away on that first Tuesday in November. How a huge section of the population could vote for this vile creature is remarkable. Never underestimate the stupidity of the American public.
11
Trump is wrong in so many different ways it's exhausting. But for the Trump supporters the only concrete thing he offers them is hate and racism, that is the only clear thing he offers. A Trump supporter knows it, and embraces the hate, the ignorance and the racism, it's unambiguous. Everything else are lies. It's that simple. But for the Trump supporter that's enough.
9
What would life be under President Donald J. Trump? Laws always change when a new order comes in. What kind of laws? Predictable changes. Or unpredictable changes. Would there be freedom of the press? Would guns be taken away? Would Russian soldiers be billeted in every house?
5
Trump cannot be excused for kowtowing to Putin. Why would he praise the man who is one of the most Anti-American and anti-democracy tyrants in the world? This is completely against patriotism in America.
It is also inexcusable that Republican leadership is kowtowing to Trump. Is he really the kind of president they want? They disagree with him but support him? Have they no sense of decency? Have they no spine?
Shameful.
It is also inexcusable that Republican leadership is kowtowing to Trump. Is he really the kind of president they want? They disagree with him but support him? Have they no sense of decency? Have they no spine?
Shameful.
10
Trump's fascination with Putin is far more worrisome than it appears at first sight. Trump's admiration for Putin is the typical response of a pathological narcissist to someone who feeds his ego with praise, especially if that someone is powerful and respected.
Trump needs praise and admiration like most humans need air and water. Unlike Trump, Putin's personality isn't constrained by a narcissistic disorder and it is reasonable to expect that he enjoys a clearer view of reality. This suggests that Putin's ability to manipulate Trump might be the ultimate reason why Russia is so keen on seeing Trump in the White House.
Trump needs praise and admiration like most humans need air and water. Unlike Trump, Putin's personality isn't constrained by a narcissistic disorder and it is reasonable to expect that he enjoys a clearer view of reality. This suggests that Putin's ability to manipulate Trump might be the ultimate reason why Russia is so keen on seeing Trump in the White House.
7
Agreed, especially when one considers Putin's lengthy KGB career and his likely expertise on manipulating susceptible people.
6
Obama embraces and legitimizes the Castro regime and the liberals praise him for his statesmanship. More double standards from the party of hypocrisy.
Outside of the NYT bubble is the real world. Good leaders live in the real world and not their fantasy world that is constructed with doctored economic statistics and theories that our enemies will lay down their weapons at the sound of our oratory.
Outside of the NYT bubble is the real world. Good leaders live in the real world and not their fantasy world that is constructed with doctored economic statistics and theories that our enemies will lay down their weapons at the sound of our oratory.
4
Your second paragraph describes Trump's foreign policy strategy. Thanks for putting it so plainly.
2
I would add in his embrace of Iran. What's next? North Korea?
1
Donald J. Trump invited Putin and his nation to use weapons against our nation. Like it or not Trump speaks, not well but carelessly for the GnOP. Good leaders live in the real world, someone said. In an ideal world, Republicans should understand that, but where is evidence of such ability? The real world does not affect thick heads of ideologues. Trump operates on empty, longstanding Republican oratory that enemies will lay down their weapons at the sound of our oratory. President Bush was a master at that theory and did untold damage. Trump is not a master of anything except bell-hopping puffery and not paying taxes. If the GnOP advocates that our world’s-mightiest-military will not deter Putin, you cannot justify raising trillions to convert our world’s-mightiest-military into a costlier military paid by a spent middle class to benefit billionaires. Do you fantasize that replacing women service personnel with drafted men would magically persuade Putin? Have you thought about this or merely approved Trump? Obama has not embraced and legitimized the Castro regime. Liberals might praise his statesmanship, for liberals are our only remaining realists, but capitalists are celebrating the future of Cuba. Obama knows which way the wind is blowing.
2
Yes! I would like to hear "some of the things that President Obama does at the time".
Like what, Donny boy?
Like what, Donny boy?
6
That pretzel you see winding across our landscape is Republican leaders attempting to deal with every crazy Trump statement. It's great for black humor, but unfortunately it has an even darker underside: the millions and millions of us planning to vote for him. Fortunately, it's likely they will get what they deserve: in a Trump victory, disaster, in a defeat ignominy.
Honesty is tough, and I hope I'll take higher ground again sometime. For right now, even looking back to the disgrace of Vietnam, I've never had such disregard for so many of my fellow citizens. Sad.
Honesty is tough, and I hope I'll take higher ground again sometime. For right now, even looking back to the disgrace of Vietnam, I've never had such disregard for so many of my fellow citizens. Sad.
4
Where in this article is the quotation by Trump demonstrating his "embrace of Putin?
It is conspicuously absent and apparently doesn't exist.
Many, if not most Americans, agree that Obama has been a weak leader.
It is conspicuously absent and apparently doesn't exist.
Many, if not most Americans, agree that Obama has been a weak leader.
4
Many, many quotations that document Trump's bromance with Putin as well as that great billboard painting of the two kissing in Vilnius - http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/15/politics/donald-trump-vladimir-putin-mural/.
Trump on Morning Joe, Dec. 2015 – “He’s running his country, and at least he’s a leader, you know unlike what we have in this country.” When reminded that Putin has killed journalists and others, Trump said, “Well I think our country does plenty of killing also, Joe… “I’ve always felt fine about Putin. I think that he’s a strong leader.”
Trump on Putin, Dec. 2015 - "It is always a great honor to be so nicely complimented by a man so highly respected within his own country and beyond."
Trump on Putin, July 2016 - "I said that Putin has much better leadership qualities than Obama."
Donald Trump Jr., said in 2008 that "Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets."
So all of Trump’s dark and sinister ideas about President Barack Obama being born in Kenya and magically brought to this country, may mean that Trump himself is the Manchurian candidate whose wives tend to be Eastern European Communists.
President Barack Obama was twice elected to the presidency by the great majority of Americans who obviously do not feel that he is a weak leader.
Trump on Morning Joe, Dec. 2015 – “He’s running his country, and at least he’s a leader, you know unlike what we have in this country.” When reminded that Putin has killed journalists and others, Trump said, “Well I think our country does plenty of killing also, Joe… “I’ve always felt fine about Putin. I think that he’s a strong leader.”
Trump on Putin, Dec. 2015 - "It is always a great honor to be so nicely complimented by a man so highly respected within his own country and beyond."
Trump on Putin, July 2016 - "I said that Putin has much better leadership qualities than Obama."
Donald Trump Jr., said in 2008 that "Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets."
So all of Trump’s dark and sinister ideas about President Barack Obama being born in Kenya and magically brought to this country, may mean that Trump himself is the Manchurian candidate whose wives tend to be Eastern European Communists.
President Barack Obama was twice elected to the presidency by the great majority of Americans who obviously do not feel that he is a weak leader.
4
Oh, it's there, if you look at the second definition of embrace.
embrace
əmˈbrās/
verb
1. hold (someone) closely in one's arms, especially as a sign of affection.
"Aunt Sophie embraced her warmly"
synonyms: hug, take/hold in one's arms, hold, cuddle, clasp to one's bosom, clasp, squeeze, clutch; More
2. accept or support (a belief, theory, or change) willingly and enthusiastically.
"besides traditional methods, artists are embracing new technology"
synonyms: welcome, welcome with open arms, accept, take up, take to one's heart, adopt; More
noun
1. an act of holding someone closely in one's arms.
"they were locked in an embrace"
synonyms: hug, cuddle, squeeze, clinch, caress, clasp; bear hug
"a fond embrace"
2. an act of accepting or supporting something willingly or enthusiastically.
"their eager embrace of foreign influences"
embrace
əmˈbrās/
verb
1. hold (someone) closely in one's arms, especially as a sign of affection.
"Aunt Sophie embraced her warmly"
synonyms: hug, take/hold in one's arms, hold, cuddle, clasp to one's bosom, clasp, squeeze, clutch; More
2. accept or support (a belief, theory, or change) willingly and enthusiastically.
"besides traditional methods, artists are embracing new technology"
synonyms: welcome, welcome with open arms, accept, take up, take to one's heart, adopt; More
noun
1. an act of holding someone closely in one's arms.
"they were locked in an embrace"
synonyms: hug, cuddle, squeeze, clinch, caress, clasp; bear hug
"a fond embrace"
2. an act of accepting or supporting something willingly or enthusiastically.
"their eager embrace of foreign influences"
2
Depends on what one calls strength. If you define it as who is the biggest bully, yes it is Putin.
If strength is defined as one who is willing to use his country's power to recklessly get his way than its Putin.
Obama is more measured, knows he was the firepower to stand up to Putin but refuses to get bullied into a confrontation on Putin"s terms.
If strength is defined as one who is willing to use his country's power to recklessly get his way than its Putin.
Obama is more measured, knows he was the firepower to stand up to Putin but refuses to get bullied into a confrontation on Putin"s terms.
6
If President Obama were to behave in the way Putin's machine does, half of Fox News would have been found sprawled in a bloody foyer with a bullet in their head. As much as I dislike the propaganda of Fox, this is not the sort of "leadership" I'm looking for.
8
Donald Trump is the latest in a long line of "useful idiots" in American politics who kowtow to Russian leaders. There are simply no words to describe in adequate terms the depths of Trump's ignorance on Russian affairs, except to say that nearly everything he says about Russia and Putin is wrong. It is foreign policy by hallucination. The last person this close to the Presidency who was so favorably disposed towards a Russian dictator was FDR's Vice President, Henry Wallace. Wallace believed Stalin could do no wrong, hired Soviet spies to his staff, and lauded Stalin's GuLag, describing the camps he saw as something like a Tennessee Valley Authority experiment. Fortunately, FDR came to his senses and dumped Wallace just in time for Harry Truman to succeed him as President. Perhaps the American people will come to their senses and dump Trump this November, before it is too late.
8
Ok.
There has to be something we reasonable people are missing.
How in the name of heaven is this okay?
How?
Why are people SO SO devoted to Trump that they have subjugated common sense? What is it about Hillary Clinton's candidacy that is so offensive to them that they would get behind someone who is so unpatriotic, narcissistic and untrustworthy?
I think it has something to do with animal instincts and the desire to get behind the alpha dog. It must be. Nothing else makes sense. It's some sort of instinctive misogyny that is the result of the poor critical thinking skills of Americans.
Honestly, I cannot fathom another explanation.....
There has to be something we reasonable people are missing.
How in the name of heaven is this okay?
How?
Why are people SO SO devoted to Trump that they have subjugated common sense? What is it about Hillary Clinton's candidacy that is so offensive to them that they would get behind someone who is so unpatriotic, narcissistic and untrustworthy?
I think it has something to do with animal instincts and the desire to get behind the alpha dog. It must be. Nothing else makes sense. It's some sort of instinctive misogyny that is the result of the poor critical thinking skills of Americans.
Honestly, I cannot fathom another explanation.....
10
"Mr. Trump twice denigrated America’s generals; suggested he would fire the country’s current military leadership"
What's next? Would Trump ask his buddy Putin if he could provide a few good men?
What's next? Would Trump ask his buddy Putin if he could provide a few good men?
8
Bloomberg news had its editor-in-chief,Richard John Micklethwait CBE, give 23 page interview to Vladimir Putin. In it, Putin makes very clear that he considers Trump ''bright'' as in 'brassy and shiny.' It was a put down of Trump as a flashy bauble, cheap bling, disposable diaper glitz.
Putin went on to explain that Trump is good at appealing to the lowest common denominator Republican base.
It is, in fact, Trump, who is acting smitten by false-non-compliments that are in fact put downs that is the story here, along with the fact that the press is letting him get away with that.
Putin spent most of his time at the G20 summit trying to bluff that Russia is not on the brink and that Putin doesn't have his days numbered if he can't get oil prices boosted back at $50ppb to sustain his narrow export dependent economy. Putin knows how the game is played in the Kremlin and he can feel the crosshairs on his back.
For Trump to be so dumb as to think Putin is speaking well of him, when he is nicely calling him a flashy loudmouth lightweight idiot is at one with his general stupidity. Americans recently W - who is not the brightest bulb in the box - that didn't really work out too well. Trump could be terminal.
Putin went on to explain that Trump is good at appealing to the lowest common denominator Republican base.
It is, in fact, Trump, who is acting smitten by false-non-compliments that are in fact put downs that is the story here, along with the fact that the press is letting him get away with that.
Putin spent most of his time at the G20 summit trying to bluff that Russia is not on the brink and that Putin doesn't have his days numbered if he can't get oil prices boosted back at $50ppb to sustain his narrow export dependent economy. Putin knows how the game is played in the Kremlin and he can feel the crosshairs on his back.
For Trump to be so dumb as to think Putin is speaking well of him, when he is nicely calling him a flashy loudmouth lightweight idiot is at one with his general stupidity. Americans recently W - who is not the brightest bulb in the box - that didn't really work out too well. Trump could be terminal.
15
Mr. Trump" hears what he wants to hear, and disregards the rest". If he knew history, which he doesn't....he would beware of Mr. Putin. He should reach out to and a few living Russian oligarch's ...if he can find any, before embracing Mr. Putin. I doubt he understands or knows how Putin operates, nor does he care. He should give Edward Snowden a call and see if he likes his accommodations.
4
• If he/she supports a candidate who favors our enemy, he/she is not a patriot. (premise)
• He/she supports a candidate who favors our enemy. (premise)
• Therefore, he/she is not a patriot. (conclusion)
• He/she supports a candidate who favors our enemy. (premise)
• Therefore, he/she is not a patriot. (conclusion)
5
While Obama might be too careful and measured, weighing his words carefully, Trump speaks, focussed entirely on his own point, without paying attention to the international consequences of his speech. The commentators often buy into this, focussing on details. For instance, in discussing Trump’s comments about Putin being a stronger leader, what was ignored was that any dictator is going to be, in a certain sense, a “stronger” leader than one who is bound by the constraints of democracy. Trump needs to be confronted on this.
8
Putin has his critics and rivals killed by poisoning. Does that constitute strong leadership? Really, Mr. Trump and Mr. Pence? Putin also silences independent media outlets. Have either of you read the Constitution? Do you understand the First Amendment, you know, that one that comes just before the Second Amendment? Do you have any clue what America is all about and why it is set up the way it is? Strong leadership? And you look to Moscow for your guidance and heroes? Wow, just wow.
9
Putin's poisoning of his critics does make him a strong leader if he uses a strong enough poison.
1
It seems to me, and apparently to the Military Veterans who were "used' as props during this so-called debate, that Putin has a higher standing with the Clown Called Trump than do those who have served in our military. I wish every American voter could be required to read here in the Times, some of the comments by veterans who were there - as "props" - those voters would need no further bragging and self-importance from Trump.
8
So Trump said Putin is a stronger leader than Obama... yawn. In communist Laos yesterday Obama flatly stated to the world that Trump is unfit to be President and suggested mental instability! It is absolutely dangerous for a sitting POTUS to make such remarks on a world stage in a foreign land about his potential successor. Obama's comments are FAR more dangerous than Trump's.
1
Of course they are. Not. Apparently Trump's sheep have the same altered thinking
4
Trump & Pence do not understand the difference of the two different governments that provide different oblogations and responsibilities of the two individuals.
Putin could never operate as he currently does in our representative government three branches of government.
This is only indicative that Trump either intends to bully Congress and ignore the SCOTUS to mak= himself a dictator, or he will have constant opposition for a failed Presidency and Republican Party.
Putin could never operate as he currently does in our representative government three branches of government.
This is only indicative that Trump either intends to bully Congress and ignore the SCOTUS to mak= himself a dictator, or he will have constant opposition for a failed Presidency and Republican Party.
8
Cancan anyone imagine the Republicans' reaction if Hillary Clinton (or any Democrat) admitted she admired Valdamir Putin?
8
Trump's claim is clear evidence of his total lack of fitness to be our President. His unpatriotic statement is an insult to our President and all Americans - claiming that a thuggish dictator of a country that is our enemy and causing a lot of problems around the world is a better leader. It is also completely inaccurate.
Our President has boxed Putin in with an international coalition and sanctions that have greatly stressed Russia. Putin has stolen and turned over to his "Russian Mafia" (probably kick-back pals) some of the most valuable businesses in the country. So, he is not yet hurting personally in a financial sense, but the Russian people are. He is doing desperate things such as expropriating Crimea, destabilizing Ukraine and threatening other eastern European countries now free of the USSR. But, this will come back to haunt him - probably out of office - if we don't elect Donald Trump who would probably remove the sanctions and let Putin invade the rest of eastern Europe.
Our President has boxed Putin in with an international coalition and sanctions that have greatly stressed Russia. Putin has stolen and turned over to his "Russian Mafia" (probably kick-back pals) some of the most valuable businesses in the country. So, he is not yet hurting personally in a financial sense, but the Russian people are. He is doing desperate things such as expropriating Crimea, destabilizing Ukraine and threatening other eastern European countries now free of the USSR. But, this will come back to haunt him - probably out of office - if we don't elect Donald Trump who would probably remove the sanctions and let Putin invade the rest of eastern Europe.
78
DT's entire world view is a very simplistic black and white, mine-is-bigger-than-yours immature, pedestrian, obtuse mentality. He sees himself as a no nonsense tough guy who gets off on telling people what to do, and will applaud others who he thinks are like him, disparaging those who are different from him. It is a romper room level perception of an extremely complex world we live in. Further evidence that DT's intellect, character and psychological health would translate to global insecurity and disaster as CIC. HRC may not be my first choice, but in comparison, she is the only choice if we want to preserve as much peace as possible on this planet.
3
i'm disturbed that folks, here, aren't challenging assumptions being made by the pro Hillary crowd. Question: To what extent was Putin directly involved in the coup d'état that occured in Ukraine? Had Yanukovych been elected? Did the United States financially support elements of the uprising, in particular, did the U.S. support rebels groups and organizations whose members boasted about affiliations with German NAZI's? Regarding Libya, did Russia or the United States furnish more than half the funds spent during the removal of Muammar Gaddafi? Who provided the "rebels" with logistical, intelligence, air and naval support during that conflict? Regarding Syria, the U.S. and others crow about the West's presence in Iraq being at the behest of Fuad Masum. (Clearly, as sitting President, a puppet who was vetted by the American CIA)? When was the United States invited into Syria? An important question since American bombs are being dropped, daily, on Syrian towns, homes and civilians, and U.S. "advisors" are now on the ground in Syria. BTW, the treatment meted out to Blacks/Africans during the aftermath of that conflict was as close to genocide as anything i've seen or heard of--American racism notwithstanding. The United States government did not--to the best of my knowledge-- stood by while the tortures and murders continued, without a complaint.
1
He also continues to stand behind his illogical stance on oil and other fossil fuels.
He endlessly reiterates how we need to take the oil, take the oil. He cannot be blamed for not knowing this (because, as you know, he doesn't read anything that isn't about him) but, there is a huge energy glut right now. Oil is so cheap that if you buy a car, you get a free barrel of oil. There are immense over-supplies of oil and gas and the industry is halting exploration and production because of the un-profitability of those products right now.
It's one thing to be ignorant, but when that ignorance involves sending people to war to "take the oil" it is essentially 'busy work', because the end result is spending money and lives to....lose money. So far though, he has demonstrated the ability to lose money much better than most people.
He endlessly reiterates how we need to take the oil, take the oil. He cannot be blamed for not knowing this (because, as you know, he doesn't read anything that isn't about him) but, there is a huge energy glut right now. Oil is so cheap that if you buy a car, you get a free barrel of oil. There are immense over-supplies of oil and gas and the industry is halting exploration and production because of the un-profitability of those products right now.
It's one thing to be ignorant, but when that ignorance involves sending people to war to "take the oil" it is essentially 'busy work', because the end result is spending money and lives to....lose money. So far though, he has demonstrated the ability to lose money much better than most people.
6
Trump is run by praise, that's all he cares about, it's what he lives for. His comments about Putin are solely “Because he has said nice things about me over the years".
That's it, say nice things about Trump, feed his monumental ego and he's your best friend.
Is that the type of person we want running the country or having the nuclear codes?
That's it, say nice things about Trump, feed his monumental ego and he's your best friend.
Is that the type of person we want running the country or having the nuclear codes?
9
We need to immediately ask Comrade Pence how he defines a "leader". Here are a few skills that may be missing from he and Donald's, and certainly their buddy Vlad's toolkit: (a) Accepting responsibility for mistakes and wrong decisions; (b) providing constructive and supportive motivation to everyone on your team; (c) listening to others and providing constructive criticism; (d) delegating tasks and responsibilities to people with the best skills to fulfill them. I could go, but for starters have we seen any of these abilities from either Republican candidate yet? And, certainly never from their Russian hero.
7
The fact that so few Republican party leaders, Congress members and governors, and conservative journalists have rejected Trump's candidacy foreshadows a Trump presidency. We must not think for a moment that "establishment" Republicans will act to curb any extreme policies and executive actions this authoritarian madman might try to enact. Just as he bullied his 16 opponents in the primary, he will be able to bully a Republican Congress to do whatever he wants done and to give him even more power, They will make no constitutional challenges to his actions as they have to President Obama. They will be enablers of an authoritarian "great leader," partly out of self-interest and partly out of weakness. Americans need to know this when they vote for Republicans down-ticket. If Americans want a dictator, this is how to do it without a shooting revolution.
14
Given the Lauer fiasco and considering the future debates, it might be well advised to change the tone and the approach used in these interview events.
An approach that should be undertaken would be to end the extremely speedy, fast-talking approach with its rapid delivery of all statements made by all the persons involved in the discussions.
The moderators set the tone and the current "tone" favors the fast-talkers, especially those with something to hide.
Such an approach does a disservice to listeners who are looking for information upon which to make important decisions.
Well-paced discussion sessions register more clearly on listeners and provide time to consider each and every statement made by participants.
Sorting out what is true from what is false requires time for analysis and understanding in order to reach correct conclusions.
Fast talking salespersons with something to hide are to be avoided in any and all venues and under any and all circumstances.
The current, rapid talk approach favors fast-talking salespersons such as Trump. He should not be allowed to set the pace or the tone.
Trump skates over the truth and obfuscates any attempt at logical thinking, thoughtful consideration, and careful analysis of the problem situation under consideration.
Time to bring him up short and slow him down so we can grasp his goals to obfuscate - and bamboozle us all.
(Fast-talkig also favors poorly prepared moderators who have not done their homework, by the way.)
An approach that should be undertaken would be to end the extremely speedy, fast-talking approach with its rapid delivery of all statements made by all the persons involved in the discussions.
The moderators set the tone and the current "tone" favors the fast-talkers, especially those with something to hide.
Such an approach does a disservice to listeners who are looking for information upon which to make important decisions.
Well-paced discussion sessions register more clearly on listeners and provide time to consider each and every statement made by participants.
Sorting out what is true from what is false requires time for analysis and understanding in order to reach correct conclusions.
Fast talking salespersons with something to hide are to be avoided in any and all venues and under any and all circumstances.
The current, rapid talk approach favors fast-talking salespersons such as Trump. He should not be allowed to set the pace or the tone.
Trump skates over the truth and obfuscates any attempt at logical thinking, thoughtful consideration, and careful analysis of the problem situation under consideration.
Time to bring him up short and slow him down so we can grasp his goals to obfuscate - and bamboozle us all.
(Fast-talkig also favors poorly prepared moderators who have not done their homework, by the way.)
9
We need to be suspect of and investigate strongly Trump relationship with Putin. With the Russians working to interfere in the election it appears likely in the behalf of Trump, with Trump having staff that has been close to Putin, with his statements that NATO is obsolete, his open strong and mainly unconditional admiration for Putin, his lack of substantial criticism of Putin. With all of this together...
We have to face the fact that Trump's statement's about Putin and Russia are more than just one authoritarian admiring another, they may represent some subterfuge against the American People and free eastern Europe.
We have to face the fact that Trump's statement's about Putin and Russia are more than just one authoritarian admiring another, they may represent some subterfuge against the American People and free eastern Europe.
10
Okay, craven Republican leaders out there: Doesn't this endorsement of a murderous, former KGB thug who has filled his pockets along with those of his friends while crushing dissent and opposition in his own country and brazenly invading another country give you just the slightest twinge of hesitation when it comes to endorsing Trump? Putin is a skilled agent of deception and your nominee has fallen for every trick like a case study in the KGB playbook. If DJT can't see it can't you? So by supporting Trump aren't you in essence endorsing the tactics, the crimes, the kleptocracy of Putin. Would you all please stop acting like a bunch of cowards and say enough is enough of this nonsense? As every day passes with more of Trump's dangerous rhetoric being vomited forth with no serious push back from the GOP, it makes whatever shred of respect I had for you guys evaporate.
15
Donald Trump repeatedly expresses admiration for Putin’s strong leadership. And he has largely based his candidacy on being a strong leader, not weak like Obama. What exactly would Trump emulate from Putin’s leadership style? (That would have been an appropriate follow-up question for Matt Lauer to ask at the Commander-in-Chief forum).
11
Putin appeals to the large segment of the Russian population who were angered at the humiliation of defeat in the Cold War and mourn their country's subsequent loss of power. He has promised to restore that power--to make Russia great again.
Sound familiar?
Sound familiar?
6
Hitler came to power after Germany's humiliating defeat in WW1, promising to make Germany great again....
3
And Hitler was a stronger leader than Chamberlain.
10
Trump is not a big thinker. He does not read or study. His intellectual capacity does not grow or evolve. Thus we must remember what Trump has done in the past. Trump can no longer reap huge profit for himself through bankrupting his casinos. His new business deals reap much smaller rewards than he would like. And doing business in America is becoming difficult for him because banks etc. don't want to lend him the money he needs. Since 2008, Trump has flirted with the idea of building hotels etc. in Russia where he sees YUGE potential.
The problem is that nothing gets done in Russia without Putin's blessing. Thus Trump is heaping praise and changed the RNC platform. I think Trump hopes for future opportunity to make billions in Russia. Politics totally aside. He likes Putin because Putin stole billions for himself from his people. Trump wants similar billions.
The problem is that nothing gets done in Russia without Putin's blessing. Thus Trump is heaping praise and changed the RNC platform. I think Trump hopes for future opportunity to make billions in Russia. Politics totally aside. He likes Putin because Putin stole billions for himself from his people. Trump wants similar billions.
11
In one sense, Trump is correct that Vladimir Putin is a stronger leader than Barack Obama. Putin is a de facto dictator and he unquestionable wields more authority in Russia than Obama wields in the United States. Of course, by those standards, leaders like Hitler and Stalin were the strongest leaders of all. This is not a competition that the U.S. should want to win.
15
in the '80s, even though I was not yet old enough to vote at the time, I was staunchly Republican - and the main reason was Ronald Reagan's aggressive stance toward the USSR. Back then, to me and to many others, the Soviets were clearly the bad guys, with a litany of glaring offenses (Afghanistan, the shoot-down of Korean Air Lines flight 007, the suppression of the "refuseniks" and Andrei Sakharov, the total lack of political freedom, etc.). I disagreed with a lot of Reagan's economic policies, but I applauded his advocacy of a clear vision for freedom and against the Soviets' flagrant suppression of it. He was actually similar to JFK in that sense, now that I think about it.
It's that moral distinction ("we're for freedom and against your suppression of it") that is missing from most Republicans' (and esp. Trump's) comparisons of Obama to Putin. As a purely empirical matter, they are probably right that Putin is a "stronger leader" than Obama. But how Putin amassed his strength, and what he uses it for, also matter a great deal. He amassed his strength through means, and uses his strength to perpetuate his own power in ways, that clearly go against the norms of democracy and freedom. For this he deserves condemnation - and for the Party of Reagan to not call him out on this is strange to say the least.
It's that moral distinction ("we're for freedom and against your suppression of it") that is missing from most Republicans' (and esp. Trump's) comparisons of Obama to Putin. As a purely empirical matter, they are probably right that Putin is a "stronger leader" than Obama. But how Putin amassed his strength, and what he uses it for, also matter a great deal. He amassed his strength through means, and uses his strength to perpetuate his own power in ways, that clearly go against the norms of democracy and freedom. For this he deserves condemnation - and for the Party of Reagan to not call him out on this is strange to say the least.
74
Time to invade Grenada again to get our manhood back?
Ironic that the party that proudly believes it is the party of liberty and freedom and individual rights and free speech admires a de facto dictator who curbs all of those on his own people, has his opponents assassinated. In addition, they should take a look at the Russian economy - bad shape. Sure, Putin projects a tough image, posing shirtless and throwing his weight around, but that is the same image of a hoodlum, a thug, what convicts do in 'the yard', disrespecting others almost for the sake of it, bully narcissism - is that really the example the GOP wants for their kids, and how will it turn out in the end for Russia? W was very tough, getting us into Iraq, which many of us knew was a destabilizing mistake BEFORE the invasion, long before Trump did.
Obama detractors also need to keep in mind the Reagan years - U.S. hostages were held in Lebanon for several years, accompanied by Reagan talking tough, a.k.a. foot stomping hissy fit, until the Iran-contra arms for hostages deal in 1987. Prior to that, 241 U.S. service-people were killed in Lebanon in 1983, but we got our manhood back by invading Grenada, and hey, Reagan talked tough.
Ironic that the party that proudly believes it is the party of liberty and freedom and individual rights and free speech admires a de facto dictator who curbs all of those on his own people, has his opponents assassinated. In addition, they should take a look at the Russian economy - bad shape. Sure, Putin projects a tough image, posing shirtless and throwing his weight around, but that is the same image of a hoodlum, a thug, what convicts do in 'the yard', disrespecting others almost for the sake of it, bully narcissism - is that really the example the GOP wants for their kids, and how will it turn out in the end for Russia? W was very tough, getting us into Iraq, which many of us knew was a destabilizing mistake BEFORE the invasion, long before Trump did.
Obama detractors also need to keep in mind the Reagan years - U.S. hostages were held in Lebanon for several years, accompanied by Reagan talking tough, a.k.a. foot stomping hissy fit, until the Iran-contra arms for hostages deal in 1987. Prior to that, 241 U.S. service-people were killed in Lebanon in 1983, but we got our manhood back by invading Grenada, and hey, Reagan talked tough.
5
Trump has been advised by his advisors, i.e., Ailes, Manafort, et al, to maintain his position on every stupid, outrageous, ignorant statement he makes. This will show people just how tough he is. It must be pointed out to Democrats that George Bush was a weak, uninformed candidate who should never have been elected to his second term because he was similar to Trump. He was elected because John Kerry ran a horrible campaign. Remember how Karl Rove and Karen Hughes ridiculed his military record as well as other veterans, including Max Cleland? They got away with it because the Democrats let them. The Democrats of today should use those clips in campaign ads to show just how horrible the Bush campaign was towards our veterans. There is so much dirt from the Bush years that the Democrats could use in this election to remind Americans of what could happen.
4
If there were a camera to record the grin on Vladimir Putins face when he found out the GOP had nominated a useful idiot as their presidential candidate... Trump goes on air on the Kremlin based propaganda tv and basically covers up the Russian misinformation and lies (that has the clear purpose of destabilizing Nato and the West). How naive and stupid can you be? How can this guy ever be considered as a presidential candidate - in any country? I mean even senator McCarthy must turn in his grave.
7
Donald Trump's embrace of Vladimir Putin is only the latest in a long string of Republicans who have gushed over the Russian leader. Recall George W. Bush telling reporters, "I was able to get a sense of his soul," in describing his meeting with Vladimir Putin. Nothwithstanding Putin's anti-democratic nature, in the ensuing fifteen years conservatives like Bill O’Reilly, Sarah Palin, Sean Hannity, Eric Bolling, Rudolph Giuilani, and Charles Payne have all praised Putin while heaping scorn on President Barack Obama. It is a bizarre symptom of a political movement that hates domestic political rivals more than foreign powers who seek to undermine our nation and our purported national values.
4
saying that Putin is a stronger leader than Obama is like saying Stalin was a stronger leader than Roosevelt. All dictators are stronger than democratically elected presidents because they can silence, exile, jail or kill whoever they want for whatever reason and induce total fear in their citizens. Putin has silenced the press, killed adversaries, improsoned political rivals, started a war in Ukraine, and is helping U.S.adversaries in Syria, to mention just a few of his accomplishmeets. This kind of leadership must be Trymp's idea of making America Great Again. Never have Congress and the Supreme Court been more important in keeping checks on this kind of maniacal power hunger.
5
You know, anyone can be a strong leader if they knock-off or jail the opposition. Independent , truth seeking folks wind- up dead thanks to the ultra rightwing or Chechen hires. There is no rule of law in Russia . There is the rule of an oligarchy of former KGB boys , now Billionaires, who pay off their mendicants handsomely.......propagandists included. If you do business over there, someone has to be paid-off. Ask Mr Trump or his former advisor with Ukrainian expertise about that. As far as President Obama and leadership, he actually did pretty well considering the abdication of responsibility by Republicans in Congress with respect to the art of governing with compromise by both sides for the good of the country. This has been a know nothing, do nothing Congress in which the only leadership shown was obstructionist of the President's initiatives.
compromise
compromise
3
Well, he's definitely "on script" now, but he's got a ways to go before he masters reading the tele-prompter.
Oh..., and as for respect, you telling' me he has more respect for a hotel owner and speculator than for the President of these United States of America, no matter who he or she may be?
Poof!!!
He better.
Oh..., and as for respect, you telling' me he has more respect for a hotel owner and speculator than for the President of these United States of America, no matter who he or she may be?
Poof!!!
He better.
2
Strongmen like Messrs. Putin, Assad, Trump, etc. just have a brotherly sort of admiration as they are all working for their own best interests. To maximize their position the press turns a blind eye (or is blinded) and focuses on the entertainment value. For example, Mr. Trump's dealings with Russia are within the unreleased taxes, but since unreleased it's just too hard to report. Immigrants working in this country illegally are the worse, unless your wife Melania was one of them. Mr. Trump went on Russian TV to set the record straight.. And the Republican leadership in the House and Senate continue to endorse Mr. Trump. Yep, nothing to see behind these curtains, it's just the way he is.
Looking at the flexing going on around the world, 1913, here we come again.
Looking at the flexing going on around the world, 1913, here we come again.
4
Trump’s Statesmen like descriptions of Mr. Putin certainly forebode well for an improved working relationship with Russia during the Trump administration. In stark contrast, we have Hillary’s near hysterical rant about the evil Putin and evil Russia; has this woman lost her mind. Does she need to start a war before she even gets elected!
2
The more I hear Trump supporters say they 'just don't trust Clinton', the more I believe in the power of propaganda to sway weak minds. Trump is the obviously the most untrustworthy person (aside from all his other negative attributes) to ever seek high elective office in this country, yet all republicans can say about Hillary is that they don't trust her. It's like watching some bad sci-fi movie where all the people around the main characters go insane at once.
6
Were this a sic-fi movie it would be terribly unbelievable...
2
I don't think of sociopaths as purely evil, or at least not as evil as the Ryan, Preibus and Rubio types who can distinguish good from evil. possess free will, and choose to support evil.
5
If Hillary Clinton had said such a thing with a Republican in the White House, Republicans would be sputtering with anger, calling for endless Congressional hearings and for her to drop out of the race, and Fox News would be in 24/7 outrage mode.
7
There's no other way to read Trump/Pence on this topic other than to conclude that they believe an authoritarian form of government is preferable to a democratic republic. By definition, the leader of an autocracy will appear to be "stronger" simply because no real opposition is allowed to counter or "weaken" his power. In Russia, the press has been completely cowed and the political opposition has been utterly neutralized (even literally killed from time to time.) We've seen how much Trump loathes the media, and how prone he and his supporters have been to use the language of violence against their political adversaries. Does anyone in America truly believe that if Trump was to be elected President, he would hesitate for a moment to copy Putin's playbook to gain unlimited power? This should be a huge wake-up call to all Americans, whether Democrats or Republicans, who claim to value democracy, the rule of law and limited government.
129
I was actually shocked by Trump's comments about Putin in that Trump didn't call out Putin for only having approval ratings in the 80 percentile.
After all, didn't Mao have closer to 100% approval rating?
What kind of lousy dictator is Putin that he doesn't have higher ratings?
After all, didn't Mao have closer to 100% approval rating?
What kind of lousy dictator is Putin that he doesn't have higher ratings?
10
Trump will never back-off statements such as this. He and his supporters firmly believe what he said. To them even Putin is preferable to Pres. Obama and/or Hillary Clinton, because their visceral disdain (hatred?) for both is unshakeable. Trump's entire campaign is riddled with authoritarian pronouncements and positions, more akin to a Putin than an American president - Trump will dismiss generals, wall off Mexico, deport millions, ban Muslims, put China in its place, quickly defeat ISIL with a secret plan etc. All of this is undoable, but it's exactly what his supporters want to hear.
6
The really pathetic part of this is that there are still so many Americans planning to vote for this clown. A reflection of the continued dumbing down of America. Reality TV, the decline in our education, and the lack of good parenting are taking a toll based on the proliferation of two income households out of necessity, etc.
6
When?
When is the media going to ask for specifics on any of Trumps plans?
When are patriotic Americans going to hold Trump accountable for Anti-American rhetoric?
When are the Trump media mouthpieces going to grow tired of having to explain, "what I think he meant was...."
When will interviewers/moderators fact check Trumpian claims?
When will this registered republican vote for a democratic president for the time time? Finally a question I can answer. Soon, very soon.
When is the media going to ask for specifics on any of Trumps plans?
When are patriotic Americans going to hold Trump accountable for Anti-American rhetoric?
When are the Trump media mouthpieces going to grow tired of having to explain, "what I think he meant was...."
When will interviewers/moderators fact check Trumpian claims?
When will this registered republican vote for a democratic president for the time time? Finally a question I can answer. Soon, very soon.
5
Well in the US, I suppose it takes a very particular type of personality to admire a fellow who is responsible for upwards of 250,000 Chechen causalities during Russia's efforts to pacify its restive province of Chechnya, order his Cossack shock troops to bull whip unarmed and passive protesters at his countries last Winter Olympics, and to arrange an invasion of a neighboring sovereign state in the Ukraine,under the rubic of "Liberation". But hey, perhaps Mr Trump (as President) is expecting Vlad to help give him tips on how to handle his migrant problem-Cattle Cars.... Waterboarding,Armed Guards on look out posts atop Trump's "Beautiful" Wall"?
4
Not to mention all his opponents or even just detractors, he has had murdered....
3
Earlier this year, Donald Trump, in exasperation, said to critics of his unconventional style: "I'm going to be so presidential that it's gonna be boring. Believe me."
He was certainly wrong. On both counts. Post-script: we get the government we deserve.
He was certainly wrong. On both counts. Post-script: we get the government we deserve.
3
What is truly scary is Clinton itself. A true warmonger in the making. If elected, she will likely seize every opportunity to prove how "tough" she is using the military power whenever possible. Does not make a world a safer place. Nothing that she says will make me want to vote for her.
2
If you read even the briefest profile on Hillary, you would know that she is anything but a warmonger. If you don't like her because of things she has said or factual occurrences, that's fine, but to dislike her because you think she will use military power to prove her toughness is laughable. You really shouldn't be posting here.
1
I assume then that you are also not voting for trump since his "demeanor" on proving his strength would be your view of clinton times 100.
4
Scientist, In order for the POTUS to use "military power" on a massive scale, Congress has to vote to go to war or enact a declaration of war. The one thing a POTUS can do, is order a nuclear strike when in possession of the "football", while away from military command centers. "These orders are given and then re-verified for authenticity. It is argued that the President has almost single authority to initiate a nuclear attack since the Secretary of Defense is required to verify the order, but cannot legally veto it." Do you or anyone really want Trump to have this power?!!!
2
Let me get this straight: We're after Ed Snowden for revealing some uncomfortable truths so he can be tried for treason and put away for a very long time. Meanwhile, Trump spews lies daily and could be rewarded with the presidency??????? How revolting.
5
This episode is one of the most outrageous in our history, that a leading candidate for our highest office, often considered the leader of the free world, is extending himself to Russian leaders. Where is the GOP leadership to condemn this behavior? Is there anyone in the GOP who can exhibit some courage in leading his party to show both care and consideration for our country? Does trump have a secret plan to sell us out? This act alone ultimately says that this man has no ethical or moral grasp of how to conduct himself in the world and as a leader for our country. we all need to weigh this act seriously and act to protect the United States on Election Day.
3
This is what our news media has become. PBS,s DR show this morning the spokesperson for the show defended Mr. Lauer by saying no journalist can handle Trump and ask the guest journals to raise their hands if they could have done a better job than Lauer. No one did, sad.
2
I'm perplexed why the Party of Reagan has installed a foreign agent as their candidate.
Why does the GOP hate America?
Why does the GOP hate America?
8
Can we please remember that Trump is no fan of the most fundamental American value--freedom of speech. All his associates sign gag agreements, he has banned the Washington Post from his events. He wants only praise, and he will shut down criticism. Of course he admires Putin.
6
tRUMP probably loves Putin for lending him money - in exchange for tRUMP's offering up U.S. real estate for collateral should he default. Aside from the fact that tRUMP probably contributed ZERO in taxes, why else would the coward be so reluctant to show us his tax returns. And who else but Putin would be interested in giving such a high credit risk realtor a loan.
I'm also wondering who is going to replace all of the United States generals tRUMP referred to as "rubbish" - is he planning to replace them with RUSSIAN generals? tRUMP - a/k/a Genghis Can't - is a demagogue, a bigot, and an inept and illiterate con man who has bullied his way up to being a candidate. There's nothing "presidential" in this nitwit. Even the red squirrel glued to the top of his head (that's a squirrel, isn't it??) is ashamed to be anywhere near him.
I'm also wondering who is going to replace all of the United States generals tRUMP referred to as "rubbish" - is he planning to replace them with RUSSIAN generals? tRUMP - a/k/a Genghis Can't - is a demagogue, a bigot, and an inept and illiterate con man who has bullied his way up to being a candidate. There's nothing "presidential" in this nitwit. Even the red squirrel glued to the top of his head (that's a squirrel, isn't it??) is ashamed to be anywhere near him.
8
If they like putin, they must love the north korean dictator who is such a leader, and such a defender of his country that he went ahead and tested a nuclear weapon in the face of international criticism. Clearly he is putting his country first and is not bound by political correctness.
5
When you owe someone $650M you better stand by them. Trump owes Russia oligarchs and criminals tons of money. Trump is providing them a return on investments. The media is at fault for this mess along with the Republican Party.
8
Anyone that thinks the thuggish, brutal, murderous and oppressive dictator Putin is anything other than a blot on the world's conscience proves themselves without conscience, morals or judgment!
3
Re the possibility that Russia could hack our voting machines: I hope we all have paper backup. Scary.
3
Yes, you republican office holders and party leaders who will not repudiate the seditious statement of Donald Trump, by your standards, Putin is a stronger leader in his country than our President is in our country, just as Hitler was, when compared on that basis, than President Roosevelt was. Think about that!
2
Many readers have pointed out that dissent is not allowed in the Soviet Union.
Surprisingly, they seem to be the same readers who were not at all disturbed, when we found out about how "Party Leader" Debbie Wasserman Schultz rigged the Democratic Primary so Bernie Sanders would lose.
And, of course, after getting caught, "Party Leader" Debbie was still able to use massive party money to ward off Tim Canova's primary threat to her congressional seat.
By the way, there is no longer a "Communist Party" in Russia, now it's called the "Liberal Democratic Party of Russia". I wonder they got the idea for that name from?
The truth is, that the Soviet Union is now just like us: a corrupt Capitalist State, with lots of enthusiastic Christians (including Putin) effectively ruled by a very small group of people. What's to be afraid of?
Surprisingly, they seem to be the same readers who were not at all disturbed, when we found out about how "Party Leader" Debbie Wasserman Schultz rigged the Democratic Primary so Bernie Sanders would lose.
And, of course, after getting caught, "Party Leader" Debbie was still able to use massive party money to ward off Tim Canova's primary threat to her congressional seat.
By the way, there is no longer a "Communist Party" in Russia, now it's called the "Liberal Democratic Party of Russia". I wonder they got the idea for that name from?
The truth is, that the Soviet Union is now just like us: a corrupt Capitalist State, with lots of enthusiastic Christians (including Putin) effectively ruled by a very small group of people. What's to be afraid of?
2
Rigged how?
Provide verifiable evidence. An email. A phone recording. A witness to corroborate your charge. Purposely withholding of funds. Purposely leaving Sanders out of an opportunity to debate or campaign. Where is the actual evidence beyond the grumbling of staff who resented having to divert funds to a temporary Democrat?
Why is that dissent impermissible?
By the way, the Soviet Union no longer exists, let alone "now just like us." How painful it is to actually have to point that out.
Provide verifiable evidence. An email. A phone recording. A witness to corroborate your charge. Purposely withholding of funds. Purposely leaving Sanders out of an opportunity to debate or campaign. Where is the actual evidence beyond the grumbling of staff who resented having to divert funds to a temporary Democrat?
Why is that dissent impermissible?
By the way, the Soviet Union no longer exists, let alone "now just like us." How painful it is to actually have to point that out.
5
I wasn't disturbed at all that the DEMOCRAT Wasserman wasn't happy that the INDEPENDENT Sanders who abandoned the Democratic party was now attaching himself to it. I voted for Sanders in the primary but became disappointed with his self-absorbed behavior once it was clear that he had no path to the nomination.
Wasserman preferring Hillary to Bernie is not "rigging," it's personal preference.
I will not believe that there was any actual, physical "rigging" of the Democratic primary until evidence of such rigging is produced. I suggest you do the same.
Wasserman preferring Hillary to Bernie is not "rigging," it's personal preference.
I will not believe that there was any actual, physical "rigging" of the Democratic primary until evidence of such rigging is produced. I suggest you do the same.
4
DEMOCRAT Wasserman? Her name is Schultz.
There's no other way to put this.
Donald Trump is un-American filth. Never will I consider him in a more favorable light.
Donald Trump is un-American filth. Never will I consider him in a more favorable light.
8
This is another reason we need to see his taxes. How much does he owe to Russian interests?
5
Here in NC, with our bathroom nonsense and voter ID illegalities, I pine for the good old days when I grew up in NYC. The mandatory Regents exams! Latin, Geography and C I V I C S classes, Medieval, American and World history. Hearst represented yellow journalism, Murdoch was in Australia, the NYT and now defunct American Herald Trib were fair in their election coverage and the Mayor read the Sunday funnies on the radio.
Now we have two presidential candidates who could not find their way out of a wet paper bag with a road map and a state trouper. Neither of whom knows diddly squat about world affairs. Each creates a reality that the present uneducated population laps up thinking their promises will trickle down to them.
They didn't get anything with Reagan. Why would hey think they will get it with Trump or Johnson?
Now we have two presidential candidates who could not find their way out of a wet paper bag with a road map and a state trouper. Neither of whom knows diddly squat about world affairs. Each creates a reality that the present uneducated population laps up thinking their promises will trickle down to them.
They didn't get anything with Reagan. Why would hey think they will get it with Trump or Johnson?
3
Is anyone else sick of watching this Trump/Putin mutual admiration society evolve? Barack Obama has been an outstanding president, in my opinion, and has done his best to reach out to Russia in areas of mutual concern. There is obviously no love lost between the two, but I doubt if it is Obama who has facilitated these sticking points between the two. Donald Trump is a desperate man - he knows that the polls are not trending in his favor and will do ANYTHING to create controversy and attention. To call Putin a better president than Obama is unpatriotic, at the very least. Can you imagine Trump living in a country like Russia with all the repression that Putin has exerted? I think their "love affair' would quickly dissolve.
5
I read more and more outrageous statements from Trump and do not understand his supporters. The only true thing Trump has said was that he could shoot someone on 5th avenue and his supporters would not care. All the outrage in the world does not seem to affect them.
I read that my state ,Montana, will go for Trump. People say they don't pay attention to the news and just vote Republican. They say Trump does not mean what he says. They say he will have good advisors. They say they hate Obama. They say they don't like Hillary. They don't say, but maybe think, that they like Trump's racist remarks. They say they want to have a change-stir things up. They say America should be run like a business.
Are these really people who would want families of terrorists killed? I look at people in the grocery store and they look pleasant enough. They smile at me. How could they be voting for Trump? Are Americans that racist, that foolhardy, that sexist , that needful of identity as "a Republican"? I have read the studies of Trump voters and still do not understand.
I read that my state ,Montana, will go for Trump. People say they don't pay attention to the news and just vote Republican. They say Trump does not mean what he says. They say he will have good advisors. They say they hate Obama. They say they don't like Hillary. They don't say, but maybe think, that they like Trump's racist remarks. They say they want to have a change-stir things up. They say America should be run like a business.
Are these really people who would want families of terrorists killed? I look at people in the grocery store and they look pleasant enough. They smile at me. How could they be voting for Trump? Are Americans that racist, that foolhardy, that sexist , that needful of identity as "a Republican"? I have read the studies of Trump voters and still do not understand.
11
Yes logic and honesty are out the door for the duration. If Trump is Putin's puppet it follows that Hillary is much more likely to start a war with Russia than Trump is. Can't have it both ways except by abandoning reason.
1
Sorry, I missed some step in your logic. Trump being Putin's puppet may make the US less likely to support the highly threatened Baltic states. If that is your definition of the way to avoid a war with Russia, it flies in the face of the warless confrontation we have had with Russia for many years. Also, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, etc. remain highly threatened and Putin would like nothing better than a free hand in bringing them back under his umbrella. Maybe you should talk to some of these people about Trump.
2
Who cares about "strong," if "strong" includes imprisoning, persecuting, and murdering your political opponents?
When "strong" is a euphemism for "cruel," as it is in Putin's case, nobody who enjoys living in a democracy is interested in a "strong" leader.
We instead want real leaders, and real leaders have compassion, empathy, a cool head, an even temperament, great intelligence, strength of character, a humble streak, profound knowledge, a sense of humor, and the capacity to love their brothers and sisters on this planet.
"Strongmen"? Not so much. They belong in the Middle Ages, when war lords ruled the earth.
When "strong" is a euphemism for "cruel," as it is in Putin's case, nobody who enjoys living in a democracy is interested in a "strong" leader.
We instead want real leaders, and real leaders have compassion, empathy, a cool head, an even temperament, great intelligence, strength of character, a humble streak, profound knowledge, a sense of humor, and the capacity to love their brothers and sisters on this planet.
"Strongmen"? Not so much. They belong in the Middle Ages, when war lords ruled the earth.
109
Hillary Clinton's bizarre longing for the long gone cold war era is scary. Control freaks love to maintain the illusion of a permanent impending doom, especially when it's in the form of a nation state half a world away that has ceased to pose any threat to the United States decades ago.
Americans taxpayers are tired of seeing their money funneled into the military-industrial complex that is hellbent on exporting "freedom" overseas, and this kind of antagonistic rhetoric has always been an essential part of that business. I'm sure the NYT remembers.
A friendly relationship between the US and Russia, as envisioned by Trump, and not a permanent, artificially maintained Manichean worldview that is so dear to neocons and their cabal is the best thing that could happen to world peace, while us commoners may simply go on with our lives.
But perhaps we really have always been at war with Eurasia, after all.
Americans taxpayers are tired of seeing their money funneled into the military-industrial complex that is hellbent on exporting "freedom" overseas, and this kind of antagonistic rhetoric has always been an essential part of that business. I'm sure the NYT remembers.
A friendly relationship between the US and Russia, as envisioned by Trump, and not a permanent, artificially maintained Manichean worldview that is so dear to neocons and their cabal is the best thing that could happen to world peace, while us commoners may simply go on with our lives.
But perhaps we really have always been at war with Eurasia, after all.
1
Josh, You certainly have a very different view of things that either Trump or Putin. Its not Clinton longing for the good old days of the cold war, its Putin. Its precisely the fact that some perceive Russia as no longer a threat to the US that drives him and his supporters crazy. All the military provocations that Russia is doing these days are designed to get us to fear them again, including the erratic bombing campaign they are running in Syria. BTW isnt Trump very interested in supporting the military industrial complex to help build our fleet up to further confront the Russians. His desire for personal friendship with Putin makes no sense given his strong drive to boost military escalation. Of course, there is the view that his friendship with Putin is mostly about his personal business dealings.
1
the difference? Putin is respected, Obama wants to be loved.
Putin protects his people, Obama opens up our borders
Putin protects his people, Obama opens up our borders
2
Wow. Putin is the reincarnation of Stalin to the large number of Russians who long for the good old days of the powerful Soviet Union. I dont think anyone with an interest in democracy respects him. He routinely imprisons or murders anyone who speaks out against him. Frightening person to admire, especially for a candidate who thinks so little of our constitution. The argument has been made that some Trump supporters see redemption by a strong man to be a reasonable trade for loss of all their liberties. Curious that any US citizen could get away with railing against the free press and judicial impartiality that so clearly defines democracy.
3
Every dictator who has ever lived claims to protect his people from evil outside forces. But who protects the people from the dictator? You are also confusing fear with respect.
3
Donald J. Trump has shown odd behavior in the last year.
He does work. We don't put people away if they work.
But he does mix one statement with unrelated statements.
Is he psychotic?
Do we know if he is taking his meds?
He does work. We don't put people away if they work.
But he does mix one statement with unrelated statements.
Is he psychotic?
Do we know if he is taking his meds?
4
“I think it’s inarguable that Vladimir Putin has been a stronger leader in his country than Barack Obama has been in this country"
According to that test Kim Jong-un of North Korea should be praised.
And Trump has the temerity to assert a stronger sense of patriotism.....
According to that test Kim Jong-un of North Korea should be praised.
And Trump has the temerity to assert a stronger sense of patriotism.....
3
Other then senile Rudy Guiliani who is ready for the Palin nursing home -- where are all of Trump's surrogates hiding ?
The ones who lie and when asked about Trump talk and wuestion Clinton's record or campaign. They must all be in a so far - 2 day meeting on what to say and get their talking.points together.Their absence on Media tslk shows is loud and clear. They cannot defend this man - their boss especially with knowledge thay may be 'stiffed' and not paid.
They like their boss - have no shame - none !
And Kellyanne Conway is a phoney apologist snd a liar as she preens hersself in front of the cameras.- smiling and looking into the lens.
Shallow like her boss !
They realize now that they have reached the bridge too far to cross !
The ones who lie and when asked about Trump talk and wuestion Clinton's record or campaign. They must all be in a so far - 2 day meeting on what to say and get their talking.points together.Their absence on Media tslk shows is loud and clear. They cannot defend this man - their boss especially with knowledge thay may be 'stiffed' and not paid.
They like their boss - have no shame - none !
And Kellyanne Conway is a phoney apologist snd a liar as she preens hersself in front of the cameras.- smiling and looking into the lens.
Shallow like her boss !
They realize now that they have reached the bridge too far to cross !
3
Yes, and Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, Mugabe, and Kim Jong II were also "strong leaders". Trump is a dangerous individual who is a good enough salesman to fool millions of people.
5
Adolph Hitler was probably the "strongest" leader of the 20th century, and enjoyed overwhelming approval of the German electorate. Presumably he is another idol of Mr. Trump.
5
Ah! Is this the same bug-eyed former Secretary of State who, upon assuming that position, gave Russian officials a giant red "RESET" button because she was so eager to show "love and peace" towards the Russians? What a hypocrite!
2
In 2001, President Bush said about Vladimir Putin: “I looked the man in the eye. I found him to be very straightforward and trustworthy. We had a very good dialogue. I was able to get a sense of his soul; a man deeply committed to his country and the best interests of his country.” In 2016, Donald Trump repeatedly praises Putin for his iron-grip on Russia and his international swagger. Few would argue that President Bush's instincts on foreign policy were sound. How could anyone say that Trump's will be any better?
2
Canadians are very concerned about the meltdown going on south of the border. What Trump and Pence said about Obama vs. Putin is very un-American and so disrespectful of a sitting president, their leader! Putin is dangerously anti-western - OBVIOUSLY!!! Trump and Pence are a danger to western democracy, let alone the US. How could so many people be supporting this guy? Is it the grandest failure of the US education system and/or media?! No one in the rest of the developed world can figure it out.
5
"The one permanent emotion of the inferior man is fear -- fear of the unknown, the complex, the inexplicable. What he wants above everything else is safety." ~ H.L. MENCKEN“
• — it is scary.”
"If you don't know, the thing to do is not to get scared, but to learn.” ~ AYN RAND
Dump Trump "is scary.”
Hideous Hillary "is scary.”
This election "is scary.”
War "is scary."
Te U.S. "is scary.”
“Never be afraid to sit awhile and think.” ~ LORRAINE HANSBERRY
• — it is scary.”
"If you don't know, the thing to do is not to get scared, but to learn.” ~ AYN RAND
Dump Trump "is scary.”
Hideous Hillary "is scary.”
This election "is scary.”
War "is scary."
Te U.S. "is scary.”
“Never be afraid to sit awhile and think.” ~ LORRAINE HANSBERRY
1
Fairness to Trump is unfashionable and understandably so. However, all he was doing in his remarks about Putin was to suggest that decisiveness, risk-taking and guile are, in his opinion, good leadership qualities. His view should be challenged without wrapping ourselves in the flag. Trump did not endorse how Putin runs Russia. Are we now supposed to be unable to judge anyone's qualities objectively if they aren't American first and foremost? I call this jingoism rather than patriotism. Also, whoever is elected will have to do as the Obama administration is doing, ie, cooperate where possible with Russia.
15
Of course Trump endorsed how Putin runs Russia. To think anything else is to be in denial.
1
In fairness, if you compare leaders of two nations I think you have to give consideration to the nations themselves. I have no doubt the Russian people want Democracy and its freedoms but some of those freedoms are stymied by leadership that not long ago was a part of the ruling Communist Party. When the people of Russia can voice their opposition to the president 24/7 and the president accepts the criticism with dignity and respect, then I think we can compare leaders.
2
It's very easy to be all that when you have a homogeneous society in a non-democratic country led by a former KGB agent. The short-fingered vulgarian admires Vlad because he wants to be just like him when he grows up.
2
Is the cold war not over? Putin is no saint but neither are the countless of other world leaders our country has friendly relationships with. The last thing any of us ever want is a war with Russia. Why the hostility if Trump wants peace with them? I think the rest of the world is tired of America lecturing them (i.e. Philippines) and we need to realize that other countries have different ideals that want/need a dictatorship.
4
Of course Trump loves Putin! He emulates him! Putin has stolen untold billions from the people of Russia. He is a DICTATOR! Trump reveals his true desires here. But he knows he will LOSE this election--ans wants to lose--because the USA is a democracy--NOT a totalitarian regime. Thus Trump's fantasy of being the "Supreme Leader" (North Korean style) will never come to pass--Thank GOD!!
7
Trump is despicable. Putin is a thug and a tyrant, not a leader. What's next, Donald? Overwhelming admiration for Kim Jong Un? I hear he has 100% "approval" rating in North Korea. Or, remember Saddam Hussein? He was so "beloved" by his people that he won 100% of the votes in his "elections".
The Trump candidacy has become so reckless, and so genuinely dangerous, that not to bring it down in any way possible is a risk to the security and stability of our nation.
To the American people - and especially our media- Wake Up! This is not a joke.
The Trump candidacy has become so reckless, and so genuinely dangerous, that not to bring it down in any way possible is a risk to the security and stability of our nation.
To the American people - and especially our media- Wake Up! This is not a joke.
13
Putin is a stronger leader than Potus. Just about anyone would be. More hysteria over nothing.
3
Putin is an autocratic Communist president of Russia. He does not have to tolerate an obstructionist Pub Congress.
How can Trump compare the United States President to that?
Why does Trump seem to adore Putin so much, does he have leanings to his type of government?
How can Trump compare the United States President to that?
Why does Trump seem to adore Putin so much, does he have leanings to his type of government?
5
Your comment is out of date.
1
How so?
He's just doing it for the publicity and potential future business. That's all he cares about.
5
I truly believe that Trump is a Putin wannabe who longs for the power to stifle criticism and excise nettlesome opponents sometimes with extreme prejudice. Knives and poison replace lawsuits and insults. As a serial draft dodger that hid behind some paid off doctor's note about bone spurs to avoid Vietnam, Trump now feels engorged to be C in C and employ our weaponry as an extraordinary violent display of his schoolyard machismo.
He must be stopped on Nov. 8th.
He must be stopped on Nov. 8th.
6
I wish people would see that they have to vote for Hillary for the good of the country. Never mind whether you are a republican or democrat. Trump is an absolute goof and crazy person. Why would anyone want someone without political experience to rule our country? Hillary has served and loved this country for many, many years. Yes, she has made some mistakes but I think she recognizes this and wants to get down to the business of discussing what her plans are for the future of this country. There is no one more qualified that has put in the hard work.
16
It is no surprise Trump has an infatuation with Putin; I'm sure both of them would get along swimmingly. It's unfortunate that none of this is likely to trouble the average Trump supporter; they've already made up their minds and it won't change even if Trump himself spit in their face..."Well he just spits a lot of things that make sense..."
To those last remaining undecided voters...please take a long hard look at the friends Trump envisions us being cozy with and ask if bringing this country to the it's knees is worth getting your man in office.
To those last remaining undecided voters...please take a long hard look at the friends Trump envisions us being cozy with and ask if bringing this country to the it's knees is worth getting your man in office.
5
Our latter day Caligula has yet to nominate his horse for Supreme Court, but then it is but Friday.
4
Vote for Trump if you want America to be Putin's poodle.
6
For years the Republicans have taunted Democrats with "if you don't like America, leave! Go to Russia!"
So why doesn't Trump leave and go to Russia if he loves Putin so much?
So why doesn't Trump leave and go to Russia if he loves Putin so much?
10
Mr. Putin and Mr. Trump are similarly authoritarian. It is not surprising that they have something of a personal affinity. But Mr. Putin runs a dictatorial government that is no model for the U.S. What is most frightening is that Trump admires a leader who hearkens back to the Tsars and cares not a whit for democracy. It would be nice if the President of the U.S. valued democratic rule.
55
Barack Obama is not the strongest president America has ever produced, but he's unquestionably an American president. Vladimir Putin is a dictator, a Russian, operates within a political framework utterly alien to ours and simply can't be compared to Obama in rational terms. Last time I looked, Mr. Obama hasn't been accused of enforcing his will with little vials of polonium-210. Or needing to, which says something about both America and Russia.
Trump's skating on thin ice.
Trump's skating on thin ice.
6
In any of time he would have already fell through the ice and been forgotten. But I do see that you Richard are coming around to the fact that Trump is a clear and present danger to the country.
2
Suggested opening question at the first debate:
Mr. Trump, two part question: if you were a Russian billionaire and challanged the legitimacy of Mr. Putin's rule by continually lying about his country of birth.
A. Do you think you would have been jailed without trial or just killed?
B. What do you think would have happened to your now penniless children?
Follow-up question Mr. Trump:
Is this type of strong "leadership" you promise if you are elected President?
Mr. Trump, two part question: if you were a Russian billionaire and challanged the legitimacy of Mr. Putin's rule by continually lying about his country of birth.
A. Do you think you would have been jailed without trial or just killed?
B. What do you think would have happened to your now penniless children?
Follow-up question Mr. Trump:
Is this type of strong "leadership" you promise if you are elected President?
7
“I think it’s inarguable that Vladimir Putin has been a stronger leader in his country than Barack Obama has been in this country,” Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana... TRAITORS!
7
The current political and social era remind me of the metaphor of the boiling frog (factual or not). That is most Americans seem to be incapable and unwilling to react to the mega putrid changes that are occurring gradually in this nation. Our national framework of understanding which undergirds public discourse is very toxic. We are not to be afraid of our external enemies but of the sordid legacy we're leaving behind. As it's written: "The parents eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge".
3
So do we call him comrade Trump?
Does Trump admire Putin because he too wants to be dictator in chief?
Or is Trump just a puppet for Putin.
That kind of leaves Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell out in the cold as far as controlling Trump. The strings over Trump's head lead to Russia.
Does Trump admire Putin because he too wants to be dictator in chief?
Or is Trump just a puppet for Putin.
That kind of leaves Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell out in the cold as far as controlling Trump. The strings over Trump's head lead to Russia.
6
I guess he was right when he said he could shoot someone in Times Square and still get elected!
6
Why is it I get an unsettled feeling about this. Is it because Trump wants to be a strong man too? Is it because he knows he will get more publicity? Is it because he is afraid? I think we should at least have a look at where he has gotten his money but without having a look at his tax returns we are blind.
4
I am surprised that your article doesn't put more emphasis on the fact that Mr. Trump defended his comments about Putin ON RT NEWS -- Mr. Putin's own news network.
4
If Mr. Trump were a thinker, he'd realize that his statements amount to an attack on America's laws and constitution. If he were intelligent, he'd realize that the president's actions are circumscribed in law, whereas Putin is able to disappear people who oppose him with no regard for law or rights. Had Mr. Trump been born in Russia, or the old USSR, ninety-five percent of the things that he says would have already gotten him excised.
11
An astonishing and revealing statement by Mr. Trump which only proves his naiveté and lack of substance.
If we were at war with Russia, Trump's comments (aiding the enemy), might well be considered an act of treason.
Unfit to lead is the understatement of the decade.
If we were at war with Russia, Trump's comments (aiding the enemy), might well be considered an act of treason.
Unfit to lead is the understatement of the decade.
11
what all of this misses, and Trump is too stupid to understand is that the autocratic leader of a county that control the press and punishes dissenters will ALWAYS have 80 or 90% support. That is what creates "strong leaders" -- china, Hitler, Franco etc. We don't want that and Trump is too dumb or authoritarian to understand. Clinton campaign should be saying that and so should press and not calling Trump unpatriotic.
2
How about an exclusive deal, with financing, for hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg for a full withdrawal of the US from NATO? Great, have your peoplertalk with my people, I'll get the ball rolling over here.
2
I remember getting furious with a psychotherapist I knew who posited that we should "dialogue" with Muslim terrorists and try to see their side. My opinion at the time was that dialogue works when you have two willing partners, not when speaking to an idealogue. I think Trump supporters are backed into a corner. They cannot allow themselves to see how foolish they have been in supporting Donald Trump. They have become idealogues. Outside of New York, the general populace had not really known the character of the man, of lack of character, I should say. They only saw a flamboyant reality star who fired people, and thought he was smart and tough. Now, as the veil is being lifted, it's too late for them to admit how foolish they have been in supporting this silly excuse for a man. The more idiocy that is revealed, the deeper they dig their feet in. This, however, does NOT explain Republican leadership who continue to bob and sway and deflect with non-answers to questions about their support of Trump. What has become much clearer, is that much of politics has an ugly underbelly. By doing basically nothing, the Republicans are signaling support of the unsupportable. They have become complicit. In Trump-speak - DISGUSTING.
1
Hollande said it succinctly, the man makes us want to throw up.
3
Every republican running for election deserves to lose for not standing up to Trump. Beginning with MCCain and Ryan
3
If killing off your competition is what Trump feels is being strong, I don't want a Trump strong leader here.
3
I just don't see this as controversial. Yes, Putin is a despot and a threat to the U.S. and the world. But he is also a strong leader for his misguided beliefs. That's all Trump is saying.
Except that it isn't what Trump is saying, he never said a word about Putin's misguided beliefs. But I understand that the only way to support Trump is to lie.
2
The GOP and their legions of shrill extreme right wing pundits have been waging a veritable war of attrition on the Clintons, their legacy and their character for well nigh a quarter century. It is one of the most ugly persistent prolonged smear campaigns in US political history. And it's working. Clinton's bid for the presidency is being hampered significantly while opponent Trump is allowed free reign to spout the most outrageous insults with apparent impunity easily mesmerizing a fickle low information electorate that has already put a bunch of gleeful stalwart GOP obstructionists in power not once but twice since 2010.
2
Those of us who cannot fathom the thought of having an arrogant, ignorant, thug for a President must go beyond commenting. We've all heard enough to envision our future with Trump as President and all of it's ramifications. Now it's time to do all that we can to ensure this dictator in waiting never reaches the White House. Sign up to volunteer for Clinton's campaign or donate. Put out a lawn sign or a bumper sticker on your car to show support. And of course, vote!
Putin is not a leader. He is a dictator who oppresses the Russian people, has his enemies murdered, and seeks to control all aspects of political life.
That Trump would praise him tells us all we need to know about what Trump wants to do in America.
That goes double for the GOP that nominated him.
That Trump would praise him tells us all we need to know about what Trump wants to do in America.
That goes double for the GOP that nominated him.
2
If Putin is such a strong leader why is Russia in the throes of recession with a projected GDP next year of negative 2%? Poverty is skyrocketing. And Putin is to blame. He placed all of his economic chips on oil revenue, only to see prices plummet by more than 50%. He invaded Crimea, which led our "weak" President Barack Obama to lead an international coalition to impose severe sanctions on Russia, that have helped devastate that economy. And don't get me started on Putin being in bed with the butcher Assad in Syria. The media really hasn't examined the claims of Trump and his lackey's that Putin is such a great leader. It needs to.
1
The trajectory of this Country is self evident when so many people lower themselves to the point of supporting a presidential candidate that idolizes murders, bullies and thugs. It is obvious the GOP is no longer a functional apparatus for the good of the United States of America!
1
Disgusting.
Trump is mentally unfit for the office of the Presidency.
All Republicans should disavow his candidacy. Starting with Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell.
Trump does not speak for America.
Trump is mentally unfit for the office of the Presidency.
All Republicans should disavow his candidacy. Starting with Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell.
Trump does not speak for America.
3
Hitler was a stronger leader than Obama, so we're Stalin and Mao. There is a real danger in overvaluing strength. It's largely the so-called "Strong Men" of the world that have caused the greatest destruction, loss of life and misery on earth.
Strong or strong armed?
1
Donald Trump aka Salesman in Chief. Working to sell out our country to the Russians while millions of his followers (aka pseudo-Americans) cheer him on. Basically, Trump is using fog and mirrors. He has no agenda, he has no plans, he has nothing. But what is the best way to keep voters from questioning him? He uses scandal, derogatory language, misdirection, and confusion in his speeches. Guess what? It works for the citizens of our nation who spend more time being outraged over someone not standing for the national anthem than for the traitorous garbage he throws out.
1
“Patriotism is the belief your country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it.” ~ GEORGE BERNARD SHAW
• Hillary Clinton excoriated Mr. Trump for asserting that Mr. Putin is a better leader than President Obama, saying it was “not just unpatriotic and insulting to the people of our countr ...."
Patriotism is a superstition, one far more injurious, brutal and inhumane than religion. [It] is artificially created and maintained through a network of lies and falsehoods. It is a superstition that has robbed man of his dignity, self-respect and increased his arrogance and conceit.”
~ GUSTAVE HERVÉ
(1871 – 1944)
French politician, antimilitarist socialist and pacifist
• Hillary Clinton excoriated Mr. Trump for asserting that Mr. Putin is a better leader than President Obama, saying it was “not just unpatriotic and insulting to the people of our countr ...."
Patriotism is a superstition, one far more injurious, brutal and inhumane than religion. [It] is artificially created and maintained through a network of lies and falsehoods. It is a superstition that has robbed man of his dignity, self-respect and increased his arrogance and conceit.”
~ GUSTAVE HERVÉ
(1871 – 1944)
French politician, antimilitarist socialist and pacifist
1
And the NY Times continues to carry water for Clinton and the Dems! If one reads what Trump actually said rather than the mis-characterizations and out of context snippets used by the Times, one can see that Trump was actually just comparing the leadership styles of Obama and Putin and, very reasonably, showing that Putin was the stronger leader.
Trump did not praise Putins actions just the FACT that he is a stronger leader.
The NY Times, obviously, thinks it has finally found an issue that will bring down Trump so expect them to carry the torch for this pseudo controversy far past it's natural pull date. Anyone remember Al Qaqaa now?
Trump did not praise Putins actions just the FACT that he is a stronger leader.
The NY Times, obviously, thinks it has finally found an issue that will bring down Trump so expect them to carry the torch for this pseudo controversy far past it's natural pull date. Anyone remember Al Qaqaa now?
You're overlooking the FACT that Putin is the authoritative/dictatorial leader of a country that is in dire financial straits. Putin represents the complete antithesis of our country's morals, values and constitution. For a major party's presidential nominee to repeatedly praise this person is deeply concerning.
1
Trump's outright support for Putin and his government seem to be close to the intersection of free speed and treason. Who is acting as the traffic cop?
Recently, Donald Trump recently implying he read minds simply by observing the body language of analysts during a National Security briefing. He guessed their thoughts on the spot - he continuously conjures such tales like a cheap fortune teller or phone psychic in order to influence superstitious or ignorant people.
Instead of reading chicken entrails, bones and crystal balls --- he uses inferences, sales scripts, brain-washing techniques to stage to the public --- the media system is his hypnotic pendulum. Simple put, do we want a mediocre magician or snake oil salesmen now or in the future to be President?
On the other hand I am not saying all is well with Hillory either! If we learned from history we may not repeat it and end up like Russia! Once they focused on funding "Hugely" military forces and denied rights of the people and press to challenge lies and corruption --- the economy imploded "Bigly". One thing for sure you will never see anyone in the US rushing to buy a Russian made car, truck, television or boat?
Instead of reading chicken entrails, bones and crystal balls --- he uses inferences, sales scripts, brain-washing techniques to stage to the public --- the media system is his hypnotic pendulum. Simple put, do we want a mediocre magician or snake oil salesmen now or in the future to be President?
On the other hand I am not saying all is well with Hillory either! If we learned from history we may not repeat it and end up like Russia! Once they focused on funding "Hugely" military forces and denied rights of the people and press to challenge lies and corruption --- the economy imploded "Bigly". One thing for sure you will never see anyone in the US rushing to buy a Russian made car, truck, television or boat?
Donald Trump is forever speaking with little to no thought. He makes no genuine effort to examine the significance of any issues, consistently makes rash and imprudent statements, and seems completely incapable of careful analysis. So whether the issue is Vladimir Putin, public security, race relations, environmental concerns, the military, policing, selection of Supreme Court justices, and on and on, his response tends to be the same off the cuff and, nearly all the time, off the mark responses. That he has gained any support in this country demonstrates essentially one thing: many voters are uninformed, unaware and easily manipulated. It is, nevertheless, nearly impossible to imagine he might win this election.
3
Trump the Treasoner!
3
Putin has replaced Saddam Hussein and Ayatullah Khamanei.
He does meet the criteria of a strong leader- decisive,
risk taker and focused on the goals. Obama has wavered
and showed risk aversion and fuzzy goals in foreign
policy. Hillary Clinton is not wise to make that an issue.
If she becomes the president as expected, she would
have great difficulty in getting Russian cooperation on some
international matters. Putin did cooperate on Iranian
sanctions, negotiation on nuclear deal, removal of
chemical weapons from Syria and providing intelligence
on terrorists from Chechnya who carried out bombing
in Boston. It is ironic that Hillary Clinton stood with
Sergey Lavrov, Russian foreign minister, with a sign
of reset and a big smile on her face. Now she is
demonising Putin. It smacks of hypocrisy.
He does meet the criteria of a strong leader- decisive,
risk taker and focused on the goals. Obama has wavered
and showed risk aversion and fuzzy goals in foreign
policy. Hillary Clinton is not wise to make that an issue.
If she becomes the president as expected, she would
have great difficulty in getting Russian cooperation on some
international matters. Putin did cooperate on Iranian
sanctions, negotiation on nuclear deal, removal of
chemical weapons from Syria and providing intelligence
on terrorists from Chechnya who carried out bombing
in Boston. It is ironic that Hillary Clinton stood with
Sergey Lavrov, Russian foreign minister, with a sign
of reset and a big smile on her face. Now she is
demonising Putin. It smacks of hypocrisy.
1
Demonizing Putin? Seriously? Oh yes...Right!...Obama is the one who should, and is being demonized by Trump and the Republicans. No hypocrisy there.
I suppose Pence would have a higher opinion of Obama if the president started to act like Putin. On that logic, Obama should shut down unfriendly media outlets like Fox News and annex part of a neighboring country, say, Quebec. He should run a doping ring for our Olympic athletes and spread disinformation around the world about his actions. He should run the economy as a corrupt kleptocracy for the benefit of himself and a few of his friends. And he should of course lie about, well, everything. Apparently, this is the best way to impress Trump, Pence, and their ilk. Putin's a guy who gets things done!
25
A Pence for his thought...uh...one's enough, thank you!
1
Vintage Roger Ailes: Double Down on the Stupid, Full Speed Ahead.
This is the guy running Trump's smoke and mirrors stand. He just got 40 million for decades of his nasty self in back rooms and hawking June Cleaver's legs out front. Step over whatever that is he throws at the walls and hopes will stick.
16
Putin changed the Russian system so that the governors of regions can be hand-picked by him personally. I can't see Trump supporters accepting it if Obama were to appoint his personal bodyguard to serve as the governors of Texas or Florida. Yet here they are, allowing their candidate Trump to admire openly a man who did the Russian equivalent.
And who is running against Putin in the next election? Whenever that may be.
Trump supporters need to think hard whether they want to keep supporting a candidate who supports a man whose main accomplishment has been the defeat of democracy in his own country.
And who is running against Putin in the next election? Whenever that may be.
Trump supporters need to think hard whether they want to keep supporting a candidate who supports a man whose main accomplishment has been the defeat of democracy in his own country.
20
It is almost like a new definition of collective racism shown by these Republicans: when your hatred of a black President lets you embrace a dictator and an enemy of your country, you know you have reached another low point.
It is astounding what the messaging is here: somehow Putin is good for Russia - a man who continues to prove to be a thug, a throwback from the KGB era, ruthless suppressor of any opposition by either jail or murder, and a killer of journalists who were trying to expose these awful things.
If he is supporting this dictator, it leads me to ask: Is Donald Trump an agent of Putin already?
It is astounding what the messaging is here: somehow Putin is good for Russia - a man who continues to prove to be a thug, a throwback from the KGB era, ruthless suppressor of any opposition by either jail or murder, and a killer of journalists who were trying to expose these awful things.
If he is supporting this dictator, it leads me to ask: Is Donald Trump an agent of Putin already?
14
Is it time to use the old canard on Trump and his loyalists - "Go back to Russia"?
4
Napoleon lost when he went to Russia. Hitler lost when he went to Russia. Now Trump will lose because he went to Russia.
Should we call him Vladimir Trump or Donald Putin?
Should we call him Vladimir Trump or Donald Putin?
8
Somehow I suspect a real poll of 100% of the Russian populace would find the majority of them would be thrilled to live in America under President Obama's "weak leadership" if they were given the chance. They would move in a heartbeat.
And if there are truly Trump-loving voters who believe in that kind of "strong leadership", they no doubt will be welcome with open arms by Putin and can join the rest of the Russian population in living under the joy that "strong leadership" brings to a country.
And if there are truly Trump-loving voters who believe in that kind of "strong leadership", they no doubt will be welcome with open arms by Putin and can join the rest of the Russian population in living under the joy that "strong leadership" brings to a country.
5
"Embrace"?
You left out the fact that Trump said he doesn't agree with the way they do things in Russia. Also, if Reid wants to speak of what would have happened in the past, let's not forget what happened to Nixon in regard to erasing/deleting compared to what's going on with Hillary. Double standard much?
You left out the fact that Trump said he doesn't agree with the way they do things in Russia. Also, if Reid wants to speak of what would have happened in the past, let's not forget what happened to Nixon in regard to erasing/deleting compared to what's going on with Hillary. Double standard much?
1
Are you referring to the Watergate break-in when Nixon tried to steal the information about the democratic national committee?.
It's 1972 all over again.
That's what Russia is being accused of, trying to get information about the Democratic Party to rig the election in favor of the GOP.
And which presidential candidate admires Putin?
I think the standard will bear out.
It's 1972 all over again.
That's what Russia is being accused of, trying to get information about the Democratic Party to rig the election in favor of the GOP.
And which presidential candidate admires Putin?
I think the standard will bear out.
No, I was referring to the 18 and 1/2 minutes of tape that Nixon had erased for which he resigned before being impeached and Hillary having thousands of emails deleted.
Russia is being accused by who? The democrats? The media? That really doesn't make it true. Just like this article pushes the false narrative e that Trump embraces Putin; not true.
Russia is being accused by who? The democrats? The media? That really doesn't make it true. Just like this article pushes the false narrative e that Trump embraces Putin; not true.
Trump has embraced Putin in and with his own words.
Listen to any of his own quotes.
Listen to any of his own quotes.
People have an affinity for those like themselves. Including hoodlums.
9
I was wondering why Trump chose Putin as his hero while he hasn't said anything in support of Kim Jong-Un. Then I remembered ... Kim isn't a white guy.
22
It's one thing for Trump to idolize Putin and disparage the President. But let's not forget that Trump is not simply critical of Obama in the usual patois of campaign rhetoric. It is clear that he despises him, and possesses a deep-seated hostility toward him, a hostility that easily traces back to his outrageous birther campaign.
The question is why. What has Barack Obama personally done to Donal Trump to engender such pathological hostility. What would prompt him to publicly state (and double-down) on preferring an authoritarian ruler who casually arranges the murder of opponents and journalists, and tramples on the sovereign rights of other nations?
Well, here are three possibilities:
1. Trump adores power and desires to dominate others;
2. He doesn't believe a word of what he is saying, but he is spouting an attack theme engineered by Roger Ailes, Paul Manafort, and those cretins from Breitbart;
3. He has a inherent antipathy towards blacks, especially the one black who has a higher office and a more visible public profile than he has.
I suspect it's all three.
The question is why. What has Barack Obama personally done to Donal Trump to engender such pathological hostility. What would prompt him to publicly state (and double-down) on preferring an authoritarian ruler who casually arranges the murder of opponents and journalists, and tramples on the sovereign rights of other nations?
Well, here are three possibilities:
1. Trump adores power and desires to dominate others;
2. He doesn't believe a word of what he is saying, but he is spouting an attack theme engineered by Roger Ailes, Paul Manafort, and those cretins from Breitbart;
3. He has a inherent antipathy towards blacks, especially the one black who has a higher office and a more visible public profile than he has.
I suspect it's all three.
21
It's actually a lot simpler than that. The GOP has not ever and cannot now countenance a black man in the White House regardless how competent or wise. It's racism straight up, no question,
2
Obama roasted him at the White House Correspondents Dinner a couple of years ago. He probably is still smarting from the jibes at him.
1
Putin is a dictator. When your a dictator you don't lead, you dictate. A leadership between comparison Obama and Putin does not make sense.
17
Trump/Putin 2016
Making AmeriKa again.
Making AmeriKa again.
10
If Hillary wants to pick up some white male votes this is her opportunity? (well, first she will have to stop blaming her own occasionally cold outer demeanor on a few white college males telling her not to take the law boards forty years ago, LOL... like she did yesterday)
All she has to do is say look, I am going to be (and have been) a strong ally to those nations that your families comes from; Ireland, England, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Poland (etc).
Whereas my opponent Donald Trump wants to ally himself with the dictator Putin and Russia, the very certain enemy of Europe and your ancestral countries...
And by the way, Trump is going to purge our military command as soon as he becomes President. He made that clear yesterday... So the whole idea that it doesn't make a difference who is Commander in Chief? Well it will once Trump puts a handful of right-wing, military stooges in charge!
She'll get some white male votes that way for sure.
All she has to do is say look, I am going to be (and have been) a strong ally to those nations that your families comes from; Ireland, England, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Poland (etc).
Whereas my opponent Donald Trump wants to ally himself with the dictator Putin and Russia, the very certain enemy of Europe and your ancestral countries...
And by the way, Trump is going to purge our military command as soon as he becomes President. He made that clear yesterday... So the whole idea that it doesn't make a difference who is Commander in Chief? Well it will once Trump puts a handful of right-wing, military stooges in charge!
She'll get some white male votes that way for sure.
7
Matt Lauer got skewered by both sides, but he got Trump to very publicly restate and elaborate on several damaging positions. Trump's largely blue collar base is likely unmovable by anything he does. He stands to be the first republican candidate to lose college educated vote in 54 years and it is difficult to imagine that he hasn't moved even further in the wrong direction with that slice of the electorate. Trump also may have stemmed the gradually growing movement of disillusioned republican voters in his direction. It was telling to watch republican leaders walk briskly away from reporters who asked them to comment on the Putin matter, dashing into elevators, looking quite anxious and eager to disappear.
21
For Trump Putin is a great leader because he said that he
was "brilliant" and because he has an 80 % favourable poll
rating among Russian citizens. In Trump's mind it translates
by a flattery to his bloated ego and Putin = winner. Ironically
what Putin said was lost in translation, the Russian word he did
use means flamboyant or colourful. As for his nonsensical"political"
statements that demonstrate a willingness to align itself with Russia,
Representative Crowley from N.Y had the right metaphor, it is a
case of "diarrhea of the mouth" and indeed it stinks.
was "brilliant" and because he has an 80 % favourable poll
rating among Russian citizens. In Trump's mind it translates
by a flattery to his bloated ego and Putin = winner. Ironically
what Putin said was lost in translation, the Russian word he did
use means flamboyant or colourful. As for his nonsensical"political"
statements that demonstrate a willingness to align itself with Russia,
Representative Crowley from N.Y had the right metaphor, it is a
case of "diarrhea of the mouth" and indeed it stinks.
12
We expect this kind of ignorant provocation from the deranged Mr Trump. But to hear Mr Pence reaffirm the goodness and qualification of Mr Trump is just a stunning example of a man who has sold his soul to the devil of his own ambition. And also an example of his utter stupidity.
42
I got into a conversation with 2 Trump supporters about Putin just yesterday. I pointed out that Putin's Russia is facing a terrible increase in grinding poverty, corruption is rampant to an unimaginable degree, and Putin has his own problems holding certain areas of the country together, essentially giving up control of some areas. They both had the same response: "Yeah, but Putin is a strong leader."
That's what we're facing, people. Get off your duffs and get Hillary elected!
That's what we're facing, people. Get off your duffs and get Hillary elected!
53
Obama has supported the massive trade imbalance with China, another totalitarian regime and a far more dangerous political adversary than Russia because of all that money. I guess you can overlook the practice of dictators if the wealthy elite in your country are benefiting from manufacturing there. Russia just needs more factories displacing American jobs and then people won't complain so much about them. Side note: Obama also embraced Castro and his little brother, ruthless dictators of Cuba for 60 years.
1
Not a big Obama fan, but he didn't invite the leader of China to hack GOP e-mails. I won't sleep well if Clinton is president. I WON'T sleep if Trump is elected.
And if any POTUS including the current one set out to poison those s/he regarded as inconvenient s/he would be strong, too. Or perhaps merely a despot.
4
Melania Trump (whom I presume to be a very nice person) was born into a Communist family. She came to the US without a proper VISA and was working off the books with an agent who also ran an escort service on the side. She lied about her bona fides on her website.
Meanwhile Ivanka Trump just went on vacation wth Putin's latest girlfriend. Trumps top advisors for the last 4 months were all paid Russian surrogates. Trumps family has huge financial investments in Russia. He won't release his taxes because it's ALL there.
And we are still talking about emails?
Meanwhile Ivanka Trump just went on vacation wth Putin's latest girlfriend. Trumps top advisors for the last 4 months were all paid Russian surrogates. Trumps family has huge financial investments in Russia. He won't release his taxes because it's ALL there.
And we are still talking about emails?
75
A lot of what you say is factually incorrect (No, Melania was not an escort, etc). And yes, we are still talking about obstruction of justice.
2
When one is an authoritarian dictator it's alot easier to run a country.
Annex Crimea--since Donald Trump apparently didn't "get that"--no problem!
Gay rights? Not allowed--no discussion--no problem!
Russia's in Syria ostensibly on same side as U.S.--but shhh not really--no problem for Trump! The way he's going, he'll soon start professing admiration for Assad, just because he is NOT Obama. He's probably feeling pretty special just because he knows what "Aleppo" is.
Trump has one mode: winning, which entails not JUST winning, but crushing his opponents. No wonder he's in love with Vlad.
There are no shades of gray, or reasonable discussion, with Trump.
Annex Crimea--since Donald Trump apparently didn't "get that"--no problem!
Gay rights? Not allowed--no discussion--no problem!
Russia's in Syria ostensibly on same side as U.S.--but shhh not really--no problem for Trump! The way he's going, he'll soon start professing admiration for Assad, just because he is NOT Obama. He's probably feeling pretty special just because he knows what "Aleppo" is.
Trump has one mode: winning, which entails not JUST winning, but crushing his opponents. No wonder he's in love with Vlad.
There are no shades of gray, or reasonable discussion, with Trump.
22
I think some of us are way beyond waiting for Trump to shoot someone in the middle of Times Square to see if people will still support his candidacy. He has already said some of the most anti-American and thoughtless things that I have ever heard from any candidate, and there's convincing evidence to suggest that he's bribed at least one public official. And yet. No consequences. He continues to hold court in his Tower, on his plane, and on our airwaves.
38
his fans dont care what he says\
they decided he alone can save america, and thats that
its th same as believing that jesus can save you
bc theres no basis in fact for either
1
So a man who has people who protest him thrown out of his rallies and ejects reporters who expose the truth about him idolizes a dictator who has journalists jailed and his enemies murdered? Not surprising. Terrifying but not surprising.
56
I don't like Clinton, but Trump just scares the hell out of me. Can we please have a viable third choice (one who doesn't blank when asked about a strategic Syrian city)? And don't tell me about Jill, either; she's got legal troubles to deal with. (I'm starting to miss Reagan -- or Bush Sr. -- of course I was too young to remember their bad qualities, but surely they were better than this slate!)
1
Sorry. But you'll just have to deal with the current quartet. Please
act wisely and with a thought to the future.
act wisely and with a thought to the future.
1
"'I think it’s inarguable that Vladimir Putin has been a stronger leader ... than Barack Obama ... ,' Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana, Mr. Trump’s running mate, said"
Sure. And the Kim dynasty has been stronger still, in terms of having a firm grip on their country. By that measure, do Mr Pence and Mr Trump, and those who lap up their authoritarian ramblings, desire our country to become more like N Korea? An election victory for Mr Trump would add the U.S. to the list of countries with nuclear weapons that are run by erratic and delusional men with bizarre hair (and small hands). Do we want that?
Sure. And the Kim dynasty has been stronger still, in terms of having a firm grip on their country. By that measure, do Mr Pence and Mr Trump, and those who lap up their authoritarian ramblings, desire our country to become more like N Korea? An election victory for Mr Trump would add the U.S. to the list of countries with nuclear weapons that are run by erratic and delusional men with bizarre hair (and small hands). Do we want that?
51
What is wrong with the Republican party, with Republican voters, that Trump has any support left at all? To someone such as myself who grew up during the Cold War, this is simply unthinkable in the party of Nixon and Reagan. I have the uncanny sensation that I am back at U.C. Berkeley as an undergrad arguing with fringe leftist apologists for Stalin's, Mao's and Castro's authoritarianism, only Putin apologists don't even have the ideological excuse and these are apparently what now counts as mainstream Republicans...Republicans!
33
Good point. I have always been appalled at the defense of tyrants by the radical Left, now we are getting from the Republican nominee. I find Trump to be so shocking it is beyond my comprehension. I really fear for the future.
I think one problem here is that the NYT has invested a lot of word count in the Litvinenko murder, which London police say they can't tie to Putin with 100% certainty. Meanwhile the overall decline of freedom and democracy under Putin has been underreported. This issue is really more important in the long run. Maybe that's why Trump supporters think it is acceptable for him to praise the leadership of that man. They don't understand how Putin really feels about democracy.
9
I would like to call on the Times to do a piece comparing Obama's performance vs Putin. Our economy is strong, Health of its people is strong, a diverse population has opportunities, women and gay people have rights. It's a ridiculous statement by Pence/Trump and must be taken to task.
29
Yes. I agree. The Times definitely needs to call Trump's bluff. Do a comparison piece on Obama and Putin. I dare you, NY Times. It's time to take Trump seriously or at least, as seriously as he takes himself. The reason Trump gets away with his dangerous nonsense is that he knows few in the media (with any real clout) will challenge him outright. A nice big juicy piece in the Sunday edition would be just the ticket.
1
I am not so much worried about Trump's love of a dictator as I am of media love of Trump. If he is elected Trump will make it his job to silence the press, just like Putin has silenced the press in Russia. Trump may not get away with killing journalists, as Putin has, but he will make you disappear by constant ridicule that will be a signal for citizens to rise up against you in waves. Expect a ban of your advertisers by Trump supporters and in some cases violence. We will be left with Fox, Drudge and Breitbart -- all because you people spent six months on Hillary emails and an equal amount of time doing fluff pieces on Trump with only a mention of his bribe to the FL attorney general. If we get Trump it will be in no small part due to media outlets such as the NYTs.
18
The Republican Party is caught between the short-term interests of incumbents who want to be reelected this November and the long-term future of the Party. It would measurably improve its long-term prospects, if the Party disavowed its candidate and stopped giving money and resources to his campaign. But obviously it is not about to do that.
7
Unfortunately it doesn't seem to matter. Trump supporters are so powerfully delusional and unintelligent that they will vote for him no matter what. His statements about everything are nearly uniformly uninformed, unworkable, and/or untrue, but that doesn't stop them at all.
These people, possibly over 40% of voters, are beyond all hope, incapable of thinking clearly. This proves to me that democracy in America has failed, because it relies on voters being informed and capable of analysis. Trump would be the worst leader we could ever have, and his supporters don't get it, and if he wins we're doomed by our own stupidity and deserve our doom under his incompetent leadership.
These people, possibly over 40% of voters, are beyond all hope, incapable of thinking clearly. This proves to me that democracy in America has failed, because it relies on voters being informed and capable of analysis. Trump would be the worst leader we could ever have, and his supporters don't get it, and if he wins we're doomed by our own stupidity and deserve our doom under his incompetent leadership.
28
This Dem of some five decades cannot have November 8th come too soon. We in NYC must, unless we file an Absentee Ballot, wait till Election Day since we have not progressed into the Twenty-First century with early voting, something which allows the voter more leeway in voting instead of confining them to one day. We may be a progressive state in many respects but not when it comes to the shackles put upon we voters by archaic NYS election laws. In that case, we are woefully behind the times.
Nonetheless, in less than two months, we New Yorker's will be facing I believe an historic first: Two New Yorker's are vying for the presidency. For the Dems, with the Roosevelt's as past precedent, that is nothing new. But for the Republicans to have nominated a New Yorker, and one whom most native New Yorker's know to be an hideous scoundrel and scam artist has many of us wondering how desperate and unhinged the GOP must be to have chosen such a fraud, a wolf's in sheep's clothing, to be their standard bearer. Desperate, and stupid.
DD
Manhattan
Nonetheless, in less than two months, we New Yorker's will be facing I believe an historic first: Two New Yorker's are vying for the presidency. For the Dems, with the Roosevelt's as past precedent, that is nothing new. But for the Republicans to have nominated a New Yorker, and one whom most native New Yorker's know to be an hideous scoundrel and scam artist has many of us wondering how desperate and unhinged the GOP must be to have chosen such a fraud, a wolf's in sheep's clothing, to be their standard bearer. Desperate, and stupid.
DD
Manhattan
26
Except that Trump forgot the 'Sheep's Clothing" part,
3
It just tells you what kind of government Trump would like to see here. Pesky Congress? Difficult elections? Prying press? Term limits? International norms of behavior? Do away with all of that! Elect The Donald, the only man who can solve your problems.
8
Trump has confused tyrannical dictatorship with strong leadership. He presumably admires Mussolini—he supposedly made the trains run on time. Alas for the Donald, that administration ended rather badly.
7
Strong Leader? Il Duce, Der Fuhrer. This talk of a "strong leader" is about the Fuhrer Principle (go to Wiki article), not about an effective President acting within the framework of the Constitution. It is a striking symptom of the the crisis of our times that the major media accept Trump's implicit fascist posture as legitimate in that pundits and others discuss the question of leadership within Trump's political framework. One of Trump's surrogates on Weds or Thurs referred to Putin's "ultranationalism" as a good thing, apparently unaware that ultranationalism is the context in which scholars situate the rise of fascism in the 1920s and 1930s.
"Leadership" within the framework of the Constitution is something entirely different from the "leadership" that rises to influence on the basis appeals to racist rage and ultranationalist appeals and whose main policy proposals involve the violation of the Constitution.
"Leadership" within the framework of the Constitution is something entirely different from the "leadership" that rises to influence on the basis appeals to racist rage and ultranationalist appeals and whose main policy proposals involve the violation of the Constitution.
8
Donald seems to have his ideas mixed up beyond belief. He thinks that a strong leader is one who inspires fear in the people of his country (Putin, Kim Jong-Un). Well, maybe they're strong in keeping order in their subjects by fear, but I think that admiration and inspiration are what we as Americans want to feel about our president, as well as our confidence that she/he can lead the country through interactions with the people and countries of the rest of the world. His statements that Putin is a better leader than President Obama are odious. Donald should learn some history. Maybe it would give him a perspective beyond that of a money-grubbing pseudo-businessman.
3
Watch for Trump to start wearing a red, white, and blue flag pin on his lapel, except there will be just three stripes.
6
Of course Putin is a strong leader, just like Hitler was. THe only difference is that Putin hasn't tried to murder an entire population, yet.
But Putin suppresses dissent, sues those opposed, to him to bankrupt them, is accused of being complicit in the murders of Russian dissidents, and threatens his neighbors.
No wonder Trump admires him.
Can you imagine what Trump and his apologists would be saying if Obama was as strong a leader?
Oh, and Priebus saying Clinton "didn't smile enough."
You can't grow this much tone deaf stupid without a lot of manure.
But Putin suppresses dissent, sues those opposed, to him to bankrupt them, is accused of being complicit in the murders of Russian dissidents, and threatens his neighbors.
No wonder Trump admires him.
Can you imagine what Trump and his apologists would be saying if Obama was as strong a leader?
Oh, and Priebus saying Clinton "didn't smile enough."
You can't grow this much tone deaf stupid without a lot of manure.
17
"I think it’s inarguable that Vladimir Putin has been a stronger leader in his country than Barack Obama has been in this country,” Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana, Mr. Trump’s running mate, said on CNN"
And once again the failure of journalism. A Vice Presidential candidate is speaking admiringly of an undemocratic authorities leader who imprisons (or worse) anyone who crosses him with no constraints on his actions, and the press have not followed up with any questions. I mean, you journalists always find it necessary to spend months parsing whether a little "c" on 3 documents is a high crime and misdemeanor or just something that is fine for Colin Powell to do but not Hillary. But when it comes to Presidential candidates offering their vision of the kind of "strong leadership" they plan to provide to the American people, no journalist bothers to ask a follow up question?
Because hey, Fox News might get mad at you if you point out that we have a major party declaring that "strong leadership" is defined by a leader in a country where democracy is DEAD.
And once again the failure of journalism. A Vice Presidential candidate is speaking admiringly of an undemocratic authorities leader who imprisons (or worse) anyone who crosses him with no constraints on his actions, and the press have not followed up with any questions. I mean, you journalists always find it necessary to spend months parsing whether a little "c" on 3 documents is a high crime and misdemeanor or just something that is fine for Colin Powell to do but not Hillary. But when it comes to Presidential candidates offering their vision of the kind of "strong leadership" they plan to provide to the American people, no journalist bothers to ask a follow up question?
Because hey, Fox News might get mad at you if you point out that we have a major party declaring that "strong leadership" is defined by a leader in a country where democracy is DEAD.
19
Putin is a authoritarian leader who uses repressive tactics to get what he wants in Russia. He murders journalists that voice dissent, the human rights violations too numerous to list, is this the model Trump and Pence want to use to govern here. The Trump candidacy gets scarier every day, I hope people are paying close attention to this, democracy's are fragile, let's not do long lasting damage to ours by electing Trump.
14
Trump's public embrace of Russia and Putin cannot and should not be taken lightly. There is something more going on here, most likely having to do with Trump's personal business dealings. His bizarre statements in defense of Russia, coupled with his refusal to release his tax returns, suggests some level of financial entanglement that he is trying to hide from public view. The media must step up and do it's job in uncovering and exposing any connections between the Trump Organization and Russian interests. It is unbelievable that this hasn't been thoroughly investigated already. We have barely two months left until the election and the public still has no real insight into who this man has been doing business with and to whom he is indebted. This is unacceptable. He is running for President of the United States. Is there no investigative journalism left in this country?
22
Trump clearly has NO idea what real leadership is. A leader is someone who gets the people they are leading to follow them because they want to, not by force. A strong leader does set clear goals and directions, but doesn't impose their way by force, as Putin does. As George Patton said, "if you tell people where to go, but not how to get there, you'll be amazed at the results."
Anybody who would want a Putin style president in the US has NO clue as to what this country stands for. Trump is too ignorant and narcissistic to be qualified to be president.
Anybody who would want a Putin style president in the US has NO clue as to what this country stands for. Trump is too ignorant and narcissistic to be qualified to be president.
22
it seems that US will have 180 degrees turn around in every aspect if Mr. Trump is elected. He has used a bit of humiliating language for the people of his neighbouring countries but has shown admiration to the Russian leader. He has censured his current commander-in-chief for reducing army generals to rubble but he will give them only 30 days to present their plans and there is no guarantee that the plans will be honoured. America will surely be a different place if Mr. Trump is selected and who knows how it will affect the world; possibility there may be a new world order.
7
If not done already, it's about time that Comrade McConnell and Ryan, along with the rest of GOP candidates running in this election, are asked about their support and allegiance to the ex-Soviet state.
Joe McCarthy must be rolling in his grave.
Joe McCarthy must be rolling in his grave.
7
I was surprised that in the news coverage of Trump's speech calling for vast expansion of the American military that no one asked whom he expected we would be fighting.
Neither of our major enemies now, the Taliban and ISIS, has a navy or an air force so why do we need more ships and more modern fighter planes to fight them.
There are only two powers that we would need them to fight a war against: China and Russia.
I suppose the Chinese could challenge us to a war but considering that they hold a large amount of U.S. debt, they'd be cutting their own throats if they wiped this out. And who would they sell all those large screen TVs to?
So it leaves Russia. And if Trump is on as good terms as he says with Putin, then we'd have no reason to fight them.
Neither of our major enemies now, the Taliban and ISIS, has a navy or an air force so why do we need more ships and more modern fighter planes to fight them.
There are only two powers that we would need them to fight a war against: China and Russia.
I suppose the Chinese could challenge us to a war but considering that they hold a large amount of U.S. debt, they'd be cutting their own throats if they wiped this out. And who would they sell all those large screen TVs to?
So it leaves Russia. And if Trump is on as good terms as he says with Putin, then we'd have no reason to fight them.
4
People such as Trump, Pence, surrogates and followers need to look up the word DICTATOR. The very meaning of it means that you have to govern with fear, strength and terror. Of course dictators are strong. Hitler was one of the strongest dictators in history. Being a leader is not measured simply by strongly deposing of your opposition. Rather, it is by allowing those that disagree with you to have a right to voice those opinions freely.
5
Of course Trump would love Putin!
Neither listens to anyone.
Bombast for both is more effective than bomb blasts.
Delusions about themselves and their country are their "reality."
Both, in their own minds, are sex symbols (what's that they say about guys with "little minds?").
Both have hair issues.
Twins!
Neither listens to anyone.
Bombast for both is more effective than bomb blasts.
Delusions about themselves and their country are their "reality."
Both, in their own minds, are sex symbols (what's that they say about guys with "little minds?").
Both have hair issues.
Twins!
10
In their coverage of this election, Jonathan Martin and Amy Chozick have been consistent perpetrators of "False Equivalence", and this article is a prime example. At this point in the progression of Trumps' terrifying antics, there is simply no value in the reflexive habit of saying things like "Mrs. Clinton delighted at the chance to change the subject," etc. You don't know whether Clinton was delighted, nor do you know the cause of that delight. So this is clearly just an effort to create the illusion of balance, in a situation where balance is entirely inappropriate -- and may I say, dangerous to the Republic.
10
Tell me something. Did our ancestors fight and die in World War II so that a coward and bully could take over control of our country? Would these great men and women tolerate Trump saying that Putin, who is a dictator and mass killer, is a stronger leader than our president? Would they tolerate Trump saying that John McCain is not a war hero? Could you see Trump in the same situation? He would have become a crying, sniveling mess and would have told them all the secrets they could possibly want. It’s so easy for him to degrade great men like our president and war heroes like John McCain when he has never even served in the military or even put himself at any level of danger for his country. All he has done is intimidate people and extort money from them and now he’s trying to con his way to the presidency. Where are the strong men and women in our country now when we need them?
218
Our fathers, uncles, and grandfathers fought fascism in WWII. We killed a lot of fascists in WWII. After the War, we hung some fascists. John Mccain's father fought fascism in WWII. Country must be put ahead of party or the fascist party will destroy democracy here. Loyalty to Trump by generals will be followed demanding loyalty to Trump by Congress and Courts. Then personal loyalty will be demanded by heads of companies, state officials, all military and government employees or be dismissed. No freedom of press or dissent will be allowed. Only Government propaganda will be allowed.
Stop this assault on our Constitution now.
Stop this assault on our Constitution now.
2
John McCain is not a war hero. He was flying an airplane with intent of dropping some type of bomb on a primitive country whose citizens were fighting to prevent incursion by a far greater military power - the U.S.A. Arguably the definition of a war hero is John F. Kennedy, a PT Boat Captain during WWII, given the action he took to save members of his crew after the his Boat was sunk in the Blackett Strait of the Solomon Islands.
Use of the moniker 'War Hero' should be conservative and based on reality, not image.
Use of the moniker 'War Hero' should be conservative and based on reality, not image.
Our ancestors told us to beware of Entangling alliances. We did not listen and we are now trapped by various treaties and alliances to defend a bunch of worthless, lazy, freeloading countries. Just what our ancestors told us not to do. Hillary will get us in deeper, Trump will make an effort to end some of these freeloading treaties. Frankly if S. Korea or the Baltics can't defend themselves. Well too bad, the US taxpayer should not made to pay for their defense. Let history play out, if they get conquered, NOT OUR PROBLEM>
I never heard Trump say Putin is a more efficient leader. In a sense, he is right. He never said Putin is a great leader, he never said Putin should be leader of the USA.
Look. We are a very patriotic country. It is drummed into our heads from cradle to grave how exceptional this country is. Fair enoough. Russians feel the same way. There were many who resented the second class status that Russia descended into after the fall of the USSR. They even, and many of them did, longed for a return to the days of Stalin. Putin was able to convince Russians he would make Russia great again and that it was the wicked west led by the Americans who had destroyed their economy. It is unfortunate Russia was unable to thrive after the fall of the USSR much of which is tied to factors beyond anybody's control. But for an ambiteous person like Putin, it played right into his program. I don't get it personally as we and the Russians share a common enemy i.e. militant islamism which is just as interested in destroying the Russian Orthodox Church as it is the Roman Cathlic church and perhaps we can some day together see the threat to both of our ways of life. Unfortunately, this is not the way it is today and our hatred and the Russian hatred is so misdirected.
Look. We are a very patriotic country. It is drummed into our heads from cradle to grave how exceptional this country is. Fair enoough. Russians feel the same way. There were many who resented the second class status that Russia descended into after the fall of the USSR. They even, and many of them did, longed for a return to the days of Stalin. Putin was able to convince Russians he would make Russia great again and that it was the wicked west led by the Americans who had destroyed their economy. It is unfortunate Russia was unable to thrive after the fall of the USSR much of which is tied to factors beyond anybody's control. But for an ambiteous person like Putin, it played right into his program. I don't get it personally as we and the Russians share a common enemy i.e. militant islamism which is just as interested in destroying the Russian Orthodox Church as it is the Roman Cathlic church and perhaps we can some day together see the threat to both of our ways of life. Unfortunately, this is not the way it is today and our hatred and the Russian hatred is so misdirected.
4
"Inarguable"??? Inexcusable!!!
5
Hitler was also a stronger leader. Dictators who succeed are stronger than elected leaders. Does that make them praiseworthy? What does that say for Trump's likely acts as president (heaven forbid)? Doesn't anyone read Seven Days in May any more?
10
"We will bury you" ~ Nikita Khrushchev
6
and now: “I think it’s inarguable that Vladimir Putin has been a stronger leader in his country than Barack Obama has been in this country,” ... Pence
"I don't know who hacked. You tell me: Who hacked?" the donald in an interview played on Russia Today. That would be Russia Today, savor that and of course there is this tweet from April:
"Putin has shown the world what happens when America has weak leaders. Peace Through Strength!" savor that for a while
"I don't know who hacked. You tell me: Who hacked?" the donald in an interview played on Russia Today. That would be Russia Today, savor that and of course there is this tweet from April:
"Putin has shown the world what happens when America has weak leaders. Peace Through Strength!" savor that for a while
Trump has only is egotistic ambitions at heart. The presidency is no more than another "great deal" for him and as he has said, Make America Great Again which is code for me Make ME great again.
9
I think any Republican in elected office who does not denounce Trump, especially after this egregious display of almost-treason, can easily be called a co-conspirator. They are lilly livered cowards. I hold them accountable for playing with fire. Don't they know a despot when they see one, for God's sake?
21
The people reviewing these comments will not let many pro Trump comments by. This is my forth comment. NYT is really doing a disservice to the NY people and the people of America.
1
A lot of anti-trump comments as well...mine have not been approved.
To Kevin.
The same has happened to me and I am a strong Hillary supporter and a Democratic stalwart.
Hundreds of comments are submitted - and now it is thousands - and all must be reviewed for content.
Try to grasp the magnitude of the job. As well as the capabilities of the reviewers to keep up with the deluge.
Do tell me why you support Trump with all the evidence to the contrary of his capabilities to do the job in a responsible manner.
Most likely you are a single-issue voter. Do some rethinking, is my best advice, and try to see the whole picture.
The same has happened to me and I am a strong Hillary supporter and a Democratic stalwart.
Hundreds of comments are submitted - and now it is thousands - and all must be reviewed for content.
Try to grasp the magnitude of the job. As well as the capabilities of the reviewers to keep up with the deluge.
Do tell me why you support Trump with all the evidence to the contrary of his capabilities to do the job in a responsible manner.
Most likely you are a single-issue voter. Do some rethinking, is my best advice, and try to see the whole picture.
I saw one of your earlier posts--"You can tell the programming is intense here." Maybe it's your comments's lack of substance, facts, argument etc. that is preventing them from being approved. Sorry, but there's no evidence of a left-wing/liberal/progressive NY Times conspiracy against your banal comments.
Putin leads a rampant kleptocracy where political opponents are jailed or killed, there is no rule of law, and he periodically invades his neighbors to distract a fearful populace from their declining living standards. There are 10,000 dead in Ukraine and over a million refugees in Ukraine because of Putin's tantrum after his thieving stooge Yanukovich was ousted in 2014---a stooge aided and abetted for years by members of Trump's past and current campaign team. This is not leadership. It is thuggery of the worst sort. Apparently Trump and his ilk cannot tell the difference.
21
This is another reason why Donald Trump can never be trusted with any top classified nuclear codes. First day in office as president Donald Trump would call Vladimir Putin and tell Putin: I have something very important to share with you and you and all of your generals would promote me as one of your very own special spy comrades.
5
You can tell the programming is intense here.
1
once again he states clearly and in the open what mist republican leaders believe. the trajectory of the republican party is headed towards a putin style government. the GWB administration was very putinesque...... torture, lies, no empathy for the people, and agenda driven with no thought for the good of a very small world.
9
It would be nice if, in the upcoming debates, someone could pin down "Slippery Don" to explain precisely how he defines leadership and what he finds admirable about Putin's leadership besides his 82 percent approval rating in a despotic political system.
9
I know it's "bad for business", but I feel that Peace is a good thing. I realize that Putin is a former KGB member, and, despite Russia not being perfect, they are not the Soviet Union. And I am old enough to remember Chechnya and what followed, including when Islamic terrorists killed hundreds of children in a high school. Since they have it more or less terrorism under control, I think they have something to teach us, like when they tried before the Boston attack.
I really do not understand this obsession with Russia. Old fashion propaganda, but senseless.
I really do not understand this obsession with Russia. Old fashion propaganda, but senseless.
2
Trump's right, Putin IS a stronger leader than Obama. Hitler, Stalin, and Mao were stronger leaders than Obama too. But strength is only one of about 15 different qualities a leader needs to have.
Amongst the other qualities, not being a bug-nuts crazy incompetent who kills millions of your own people is nice too.
Amongst the other qualities, not being a bug-nuts crazy incompetent who kills millions of your own people is nice too.
26
Trump's admiration for Putin should be wake-up call to American voters. What exactly does he admire so much? Putin has enabled Ukrainian rebels who shot down Malaysian flight 17, he has lead a campaign of repression against his opposition, he has enabled Assad to bomb hospitals and innocents in Aleppo, annexed the Crimea, and crippled the Russian economy. Putin has the blood of so many innocents on his hands. Is this path Trump wants us to pursue in the name of "leadership." Reporters do your job!
21
I am greatly disappointed to see how many of my fellow Americans fall for Trump's behavior. To think he made it this far should tell anyone in the Republican Party how far it has fallen.
I am not a huge fan of Hillary but I'll vote for her - despite her blemishes - in lieu of Bernie Sanders.
I am not a huge fan of Hillary but I'll vote for her - despite her blemishes - in lieu of Bernie Sanders.
Mr. Putin is playing Trump like a puppet, knowing his needfulness for approval. It is embarrassing to see a presidential candidate so gullible and weak, in light of Russia’s aggression and attempts to disrupt our democracy, destabilize our nation and weaken our standing in the world.
26
If Obama ruled the way Putin does, Trump would be dead, in jail, or in exile. His real estate holdings (such as they are) would have been confiscated for "non payment of taxes." The Koch Brothers would find themselves in a similar position. Fox News would have been closed down on some pretext -- maybe "endangering national security." The Republicans in Congress? There wouldn't be any. Two party system? Forget it. Checks and balances? Don't make me laugh. Supreme Court: "They're terrific!" says Obama/Putin,"because they always do what I tell them to." Ain't it great here in Russica?
29
Perfect! That's exactly what would (will?!) happen! Don't Trump supporters SEE this?!
Why won't Republicans unequivocally disavow Trump and his statements?
16
So disappointing to see that only a small handful of republicans have a spine any more. I take that as a clear confirmation that they're bought and paid for by special interest groups.
1
Let's hope Trump keep this up then. One of the major concerns for the GOP has to be issues of legitimacy for the party if they threw out their nominee after the convention. But there may well come a point party inaction can raise more legitimacy concerns, especially if Trump continues to BETRAY America, hence backing GOP into a corner, which is getting smaller by the hour.
1
Friend to Putin? Unheard of! After demonizing Russia for so many years, surrounding them, threatening them, we finally come up with a good policy - be friendly.
We need to get rid of our plans to run the world. Let's face it - we are not exceptional and not indispensable. We long had a plan to control the euro Asian landmass- with the thought that whoever rules this land rules the world. That thought is outmoded. Get with it America- Trump is right about Russia.
We need to get rid of our plans to run the world. Let's face it - we are not exceptional and not indispensable. We long had a plan to control the euro Asian landmass- with the thought that whoever rules this land rules the world. That thought is outmoded. Get with it America- Trump is right about Russia.
14
Move to Russia then - and see how much freedom to speak freely you have!
This sounds a LOT like a non-aggression pact in the making. We all know how those things turn out...
Good policy!! What is the policy??? Rhetoric and condemning our own president. Is that your policy? Do you want to befriend a communist? Is that your policy? Come on man!!! Really. We are far better than this. Its fine to change our tactics but not by succumbing and praising a communist. Dude you are far better than this. I mean no disrespect but this complete nonsense.
Trump doesn't know much about government, politics or policy, but he knows what he likes. The Russian polity appeals to him on a visceral level.
He likes it: he likes the strong man leader, the "unity" that appears from suppression, the oligarchy, the robber baron economy, the crony capitalism, the democracy that's all show. It's hard for him to see Russia as a bad guy because he likes it.
Another connection not mentioned: In my opinion, Russia took over the Crimea in part to get oil and gas resources in the adjacent Black Sea. Trump said in the Commander in Chief forum that the US should have taken Iraq's oil. I don't even know if Trump sees the parallel: he's just instinctively channeling Putin.
He likes it: he likes the strong man leader, the "unity" that appears from suppression, the oligarchy, the robber baron economy, the crony capitalism, the democracy that's all show. It's hard for him to see Russia as a bad guy because he likes it.
Another connection not mentioned: In my opinion, Russia took over the Crimea in part to get oil and gas resources in the adjacent Black Sea. Trump said in the Commander in Chief forum that the US should have taken Iraq's oil. I don't even know if Trump sees the parallel: he's just instinctively channeling Putin.
142
None of this should be a surprise. His history as a CEO is consistent with his admiration of an authoritarian approach. It's undoubtedly the approach he takes in business.
However, in America we would refer to a leader like this as a "Dictator". What Mr. Trump will find out if elected is that he's a President - we believe that government serves the people, and doesn't control them.
However, in America we would refer to a leader like this as a "Dictator". What Mr. Trump will find out if elected is that he's a President - we believe that government serves the people, and doesn't control them.
7
Story after story about DT SHOULD make voters leery about even the possibility of his presidency let alone the consequences. Be very careful about what you wish for. How about that Trump/Putin partnership? PlLEASE don't forget that Putin was the head of the KGB before he muscled his way into the presidency of Russia (apparently a lifetime appointment). Shudder....
7
It's obvious Trump is in Russian pockets. He probably owes billions to Putin's oligarch buddies. Why else would he change the GOP platform for them?
13
He owes less to Russia than the federal government does.
This isn't a straight news story - it's an opinion piece, and it belongs on the opinion page.
I happen to agree with most of the opinions expressed, except that Clinton's performance was "uneven," but this is good example of the deterioration of journalism and the reason that many are seeing bias in reporting.
Either report or opine, but make it clear which is which.
I happen to agree with most of the opinions expressed, except that Clinton's performance was "uneven," but this is good example of the deterioration of journalism and the reason that many are seeing bias in reporting.
Either report or opine, but make it clear which is which.
8
If President Obama was the same "strong leader" as Putin, Trump would be dead or exiled as would most of the Republican obstructionists. Ok, if thats the way Trump wants it.... i however prefer democracy.
27
Can anyone even fathom an endgame to this dance with Putin? Does Trump even have one? More and more it seems that absolutely no forethought goes into his statements, but rather it seems like provocative talk for its own sake - to stir controversy since no serious politician anywhere in the world could possibly prefer Putin's opportunistic, ruthless and potentially criminal regime to Obama, no matter what one thinks of our President.
19
OR ...you could take him at his word only ... as opposed to putting words in his mouth.
Do YOU believe that Obama is a STRONGER leader than Putin?
Should I draw a line in the sand as I wait for your answer?
Do YOU believe that Obama is a STRONGER leader than Putin?
Should I draw a line in the sand as I wait for your answer?
I think he believes that since Americans are frightened, they will turn to a Strong Man, an image that the bragging, swaggering, bullying persona of Trump is counting on to get him elected.However, Putin is using him for his own propaganda purposes. Although I am not American but Canadian, my family is from the States and I am very alarmed and sickened by what is spewing out of his mouth. If his numbers continue to rise after this, God help the entire world.Good luck to you all.
The "desperate attacks of a flailing campaign" are not in Clinton's camp but in Trump's, as vile spew in his “verbal treason” and “diarrhea of the mouth." THANK YOU Mr. Trump for helping to elect Hillary Clinton as our next president! Imagine Republican elites must quake at 9.9 when Trump, bully-blaster extraordinaire (just ask Lauer The Whimp) reduces our Great American Legacy (not our generals, please!) to ruble. Yes Hillary, SCARY!!!
6
Was your reference to 'ruble' intentional, or just a Freudian slip, trumpeter47?
The Republicans are wary, uneasy, unable to directly chastise their dangerous Candidate when our own President is reviled and an enemy, autocratic leader is praised is beyond the pale. I seriously question the Republicans' patriotism because Trump is committing treason here and Republicans by their omission are the enablers, which makes them what? Traitors too !! All discord in politics ends at our Country's borders. I guess inviting Netanyahu to address the House and the Senate and allowing a foreigner to interfere in our Politics and Foreign Affairs was the start towards a path of treason. Now Putin? Might as well sign the papers of our Country to Putin!!
21
Which is more unpatriotic? Praising a Russian dictator and undermining the President of the United States, or not standing up for the playing of the National Anthem song at a football game? The people who embrace the person doing the former have no business making judgements about the latter.
8
If Trump wants to govern the U.S. like Putin runs Russia, then he'll have to change the fundamental structure of our government.
In Russia, the Kremlin has all the power it wants. In the U.S. there is system of checks and balances.
Were Attila the Hun or Hitler strong leaders? If strength is measured by crushing resistance, stifling debates and demeaning & destroying anyone who stands in your way, then Trump's your guy.
In Russia, the Kremlin has all the power it wants. In the U.S. there is system of checks and balances.
Were Attila the Hun or Hitler strong leaders? If strength is measured by crushing resistance, stifling debates and demeaning & destroying anyone who stands in your way, then Trump's your guy.
8
In his admiration of Putin, Trump is telling us how he'd rule the United States. Hope everyone's listening.
I lived under Francisco Franco's regime in Spain. Just like the people in Spain, the people here in the US wouldn't like that one little bit.
I lived under Francisco Franco's regime in Spain. Just like the people in Spain, the people here in the US wouldn't like that one little bit.
17
It must be fun believing that everybody else is as twisted as Hillary ...
Trump merely said that Putin is a stronger ruler than Obama ...
TRY to just take what he SAYS as what he means ...without all the spin involved when you do that with Hillary.
Trump merely said that Putin is a stronger ruler than Obama ...
TRY to just take what he SAYS as what he means ...without all the spin involved when you do that with Hillary.
Think about what Trump means when he says he admires and respects Putin more than President Obama. He respects Putin's dictatorial powers which allow him to run roughshod over any semblance of democratic rule. It's my way of the highway, which Trump would love it if he could run the United States in similar fashion. Trump is a dangerous demagogue whom we should all take very seriously. Come November 8th, all common sense Americans need to exercise their right to vote and make sure such an odious slime ball as Trump has no chance whatever of invading the Oval Office. America, our future rests with you its citizens.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
18
Sounds like Obama in his first time with Health Care ..doesn't it?
Trump would be in jail or out of business about 30 years ago. At the very least castigated by every American as a traitor.
2
NYT would like to stand by it's disgustingly slanted "reporting" and twist the words of the republican candidate for president.
5
Please explain how the NYT "twist"ed the words of Donald Trump about his preference for Putin? his disdain for the President of the United States?
The NYT is not Fox News.
The NYT is not Fox News.
Hillary's silly Reset button didn't work. Putin didn't listen. Imagine that.
All Trump said was that Putin was a stronger leader than Obama. Putin isn't known for drawing red lines and then doing nothing about it. The NYT tries to paint Trump as a Putin lover, he isn't. He was just making an observation.
Trump is right. Obama is weak.
All Trump said was that Putin was a stronger leader than Obama. Putin isn't known for drawing red lines and then doing nothing about it. The NYT tries to paint Trump as a Putin lover, he isn't. He was just making an observation.
Trump is right. Obama is weak.
4
Do you prefer that this country turned into Russia 2.0?
Would you want political assassinations instead of variety programming to be the mainstay of primetime TV?
How would you feel if Obama wanted to be a "stronger leader" like Putin and stayed in office for another 20 years?
How would you like it if we no longer had three branches of government, and the federal government had de facto control of state policing powers too?
How would you like it if a character like Trump not only could not run a national campaign as a dissenter, but would not dare utter a word to the contrary to policies formulated by the incumbent?
And how would you like it if you or anyone else could no longer post comments here - or any other media outlets - because NYT were censored by a centralized propaganda apparatus?
Would you want political assassinations instead of variety programming to be the mainstay of primetime TV?
How would you feel if Obama wanted to be a "stronger leader" like Putin and stayed in office for another 20 years?
How would you like it if we no longer had three branches of government, and the federal government had de facto control of state policing powers too?
How would you like it if a character like Trump not only could not run a national campaign as a dissenter, but would not dare utter a word to the contrary to policies formulated by the incumbent?
And how would you like it if you or anyone else could no longer post comments here - or any other media outlets - because NYT were censored by a centralized propaganda apparatus?
Gosh you trolls are having a field day. Trump has been admiring Putin for weeks and is very clearly entranced because Putin praised him allegedly. Something got lost in the translation it looks like and it was a lesser comment than praise.
Trump already lied about meeting Putin in the green room for a TV show when geographically and time-wise that was impossible. Obama is sane, that's the reality.
Trump already lied about meeting Putin in the green room for a TV show when geographically and time-wise that was impossible. Obama is sane, that's the reality.
Having watched the commander in chief forum, when asked a question Trump was "A man of few words" and less knowledge.
Matt Lauer was "A man of few words" and even less knowledge (if that were possible).
Matt Lauer was "A man of few words" and even less knowledge (if that were possible).
5
Despite Clinton's lead shrinking in the polls, I could not help but chuckle when Trump continuously took drastic actions to cozy up to a dictator.
On Wednesday Trump gave Obama the thumbs down while kissing up to the most menacing international actor since the Cold War. Yesterday Trump went on Russian state-sponsored TV program to attack American foreign policy and first amendment rights of American media.
Trump has given EVERY AMERICAN ammunition to accuse him as a traitor. From the looks of it, he very well could be. At least he doesn't know what it is to be American. He lacks the you-know-what to distinguish democratic regimes from authoritarian ones.
And it's time to denounce Trump's entire campaign as pushing potentially the first presidential candidate with a extremely favorable view toward dictatorship style - what Trump believes to be "great leadership".
Trump has been right about one thing though. He probably has good relations with many politicians internationally - as a shameless business guy. That's where he belongs. He has no business conducting a national campaign as a result of which the communist regimes get to feel comfortable thinking America has gotten soft and needs to kiss the behinds of humanity-destroyers such as Putin.
The communists will look to assert control over us. But eventually they will also demand, "Down with Puppet Emperor Trump."
On Wednesday Trump gave Obama the thumbs down while kissing up to the most menacing international actor since the Cold War. Yesterday Trump went on Russian state-sponsored TV program to attack American foreign policy and first amendment rights of American media.
Trump has given EVERY AMERICAN ammunition to accuse him as a traitor. From the looks of it, he very well could be. At least he doesn't know what it is to be American. He lacks the you-know-what to distinguish democratic regimes from authoritarian ones.
And it's time to denounce Trump's entire campaign as pushing potentially the first presidential candidate with a extremely favorable view toward dictatorship style - what Trump believes to be "great leadership".
Trump has been right about one thing though. He probably has good relations with many politicians internationally - as a shameless business guy. That's where he belongs. He has no business conducting a national campaign as a result of which the communist regimes get to feel comfortable thinking America has gotten soft and needs to kiss the behinds of humanity-destroyers such as Putin.
The communists will look to assert control over us. But eventually they will also demand, "Down with Puppet Emperor Trump."
6
"Mr. Trump showed no sign of regret," is about as clear as it gets, and Pence, who had almost began the long, long road redeeming a sliver of decency by breaking with the birtherism comments, comes back into the fold with his support of the Trump's Putin fawning.
Here's to hoping these remarks get blasted on every news show to reach as many voters outside the NYT comments section as possible before November.
Here's to hoping these remarks get blasted on every news show to reach as many voters outside the NYT comments section as possible before November.
12
Anyone who's ever seen RT News knows how horrible this thing is. It's straight from Putin's fevered brain. It's anti American, anti Israel, anti semitic, and barely sane. It features various self styled heads of made up organization skyping from their mom's basement. It's really unbearable to watch. But every American should to see what is being sold as "news".
4
Every time they remove Trump's muzzle and put him in front of non-Hannity reporters, this is what you get. He is, let's face it, the definition of a stupid person. He has no idea what he is talking about, but thinks he can do everything better than top-notch career professionals.
We are asked to bend over backwards to "understand" and "empathize" with his racist, sexist, ignorant supporters. Increasingly, I think there isn't much to understand. This is a movement that simply cannot accept that the country elected a black man twice, so they seek to diminish him and his family in the most disgusting ways possible. They cannot accept that Hillary is much smarter than Trump, more knowledgeable than Trump and more formidable than Trump, so she much be wearing an earpiece and gravely ill.
Trump represents the last gasp of the old, male, white guard and a deep resentment at the loss of white supremacy and male supremacy.
And if you're a "woman who supports Trump" or a "Latino who supports Trump," etc. let me say this to you: History is full of similar collaborators who thought they were special and somehow immune from the dangerous flames being stoked in this race. Good luck with that.
We are asked to bend over backwards to "understand" and "empathize" with his racist, sexist, ignorant supporters. Increasingly, I think there isn't much to understand. This is a movement that simply cannot accept that the country elected a black man twice, so they seek to diminish him and his family in the most disgusting ways possible. They cannot accept that Hillary is much smarter than Trump, more knowledgeable than Trump and more formidable than Trump, so she much be wearing an earpiece and gravely ill.
Trump represents the last gasp of the old, male, white guard and a deep resentment at the loss of white supremacy and male supremacy.
And if you're a "woman who supports Trump" or a "Latino who supports Trump," etc. let me say this to you: History is full of similar collaborators who thought they were special and somehow immune from the dangerous flames being stoked in this race. Good luck with that.
22
Putin has been unfailry demonized by the us media and by us leaders. East Ucrania and Crimea was part of Russia before te Soviet Union was creted More than 95 of its inhabitants are etnic russians and want to belong to Russia. Crimea and east Ucrania was given to Ucrania when Russia and Ucrania belong or were part of the Soviet Union. East Ucrania should be delivered back to Russia complying with the democratic wishes of 95% of its population. Putin has no imperialistic ambition. Us should cooperate with Putin in figthing Isis. Putin is right in insisting Hassad provides stability to Siria. Trump is right in praising Putin. It is in the interest of the US to have good relations with Putin to destroy isis and reduced nuclear arms
3
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump criticized U.S. foreign policy and the American political press corps Thursday during an interview on RT America, a state-owned Russian television network.
From the Washington Post.
Treasonous? How many years ago would every single Republican have called him out on this? Can anyone imagine how many heads would explode if Hillary did this? It is like 40% of Americans are under a spell. Wake up Americans out future is at stake. Stop letting this charlatan fool you.
From the Washington Post.
Treasonous? How many years ago would every single Republican have called him out on this? Can anyone imagine how many heads would explode if Hillary did this? It is like 40% of Americans are under a spell. Wake up Americans out future is at stake. Stop letting this charlatan fool you.
6
Donald Trump's supporters will cheer just about anything he says, no matter how stupid or uninformed. Let's not forget, Trump was an early birther advocate, which cemented his opinion of Pres. Obama, and was a dog whistle for racists. It just seems very odd that his otherwise ultra-patriotic, ultra-nationalistic crowd would go along with him on this, since he's not denigrating just our first black president, but the ideals of democracy itself. The support offered to him by the RNC is beyond comprehension at this point.
5
"Putin has been a stronger leader" ... So were Stalin, Hitler, Mussolini, Franco ... does Trump desire to become America's Hitler, persecuting Latinos rather than Jews?
4
This is no longer even entertaining; it is serious, serious business. If Trump were in middle school (where he should be), he would be suspended for the next 60 days for disruptive behavior, then assigned to an outside placement. Where are the Republicans when they should be leading their party (albeit by incinerating it)? The cowards and the losers here continue to be Pence, Ryan, Priebus, Rubio, and the moral/intellectual contortionists who are accommodating the detritus this guy is producing each day.
5
Putin has played Trump for a chump. Trump is playing for admiration and continued attention. He's desperate to be relevant, revered and respected. Putin is playing a geopolitical game that Trump can't conceive. This drama of Trumps making will not end well for us, nor our allies.
4
Trump is a distraction from boredom and a commodity for the news.
1
I keep imagining Vlad and Donald teaming up for a barechest bareback ride across the Steppes. Please.
2
Trumps mentor and role model, Roy Cohn, must be rolling over in his grave. Good for him!
3
Perhaps the most important strength of a president is the capacity to handle criticism and stay on target to address the concerns of the American people. Even in good times the president will receive criticism from many sides.
Mr. Trump has demonstrated the absolute lack of capacity to handle criticism. His vindictive anger and actions to go after critics raise concerns what he might do if he had the power of the presidency behind him.
Mr. Trump greatly admires Vladimir Putin, a ruler who has steadily taken steps to silence a formerly free press. Putin garners an 80% approval rating while tanking Russia's economy and gutting its healthcare system. This is an amazing achievement! Critics can be silenced. Numerous journalists critical of policies have been killed. Failure to address the critical economic problems of the country are blamed on Obama. But the military budgets are increased. Clearly, this is the kind of country Trump would love.
Mr. Trump has demonstrated the absolute lack of capacity to handle criticism. His vindictive anger and actions to go after critics raise concerns what he might do if he had the power of the presidency behind him.
Mr. Trump greatly admires Vladimir Putin, a ruler who has steadily taken steps to silence a formerly free press. Putin garners an 80% approval rating while tanking Russia's economy and gutting its healthcare system. This is an amazing achievement! Critics can be silenced. Numerous journalists critical of policies have been killed. Failure to address the critical economic problems of the country are blamed on Obama. But the military budgets are increased. Clearly, this is the kind of country Trump would love.
5
Adolph Hitler and Joseph Stalin were strong leaders. So is Putin. So what?
6
How hard would it be for Trump's crack research team to find a couple of examples of American leaders whom he would emulate? Wouldn't that be more "Republican"?
What he's doing in making the unfavorable contrast of our nation's President to a bully-thug-narcissist dictator from Russia would instantly be disqualifying for any other political candidate in American history.
Next will we see Trump shirtless, riding a stallion into the tundra?
What he's doing in making the unfavorable contrast of our nation's President to a bully-thug-narcissist dictator from Russia would instantly be disqualifying for any other political candidate in American history.
Next will we see Trump shirtless, riding a stallion into the tundra?
7
Only the misinformed or perhaps those on strong mind altering drugs would support The Donald and his stooge Pence after comments he made about Putin being more presidential than Obama. Yes, it is easy to see that The Donald and Putin would have much in common, perhaps if elected president Putin would assist him in getting rid of "oppponents" like Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell. I can see it now Ryan and McConnell would be busboys in some café at a resort on the Black Sea cleaning tables while The Donald; Putin and Roger A troll for women.
3
Trump supporters I have nothing against you guys. I know how you guys feel about overall state of affairs. I do understand everything. However please for god sake what is going on with your nominee. Why in the world you praise a DICTATOR and Condemn our own president, our own generals. How are you letting this go? Do you guys really want a dictator? Do you agree with Trump when he says Putin has better control over his country? I mean "better control". I am sure you know what it means. This is dangerous folks!! This is not political discussion. This is against our core values. What is going on? Please request your nominee to talk about our country and discuss policies that matter to us. Do you really want to make america great again by cozying up with Putin? God bless our country and this great nation of ours. Trump is not serious candidate and last 2 days are the best possible examples.
17
Remember WW II The then US President and Stalin (who had a really bad track record as fs human rights went) were allies and met several times.And there was lend lease. It most likely depends who your common enemy is. At the present it is Daesh in Syria.
Putin has Trump bought and paid for, in my opinion.
6
It is strange to see the Republican Party express so much admiration for a Russian autocrat, a former KGB man.
Every Republican politician who does not expressly renounce Trump must take some of the blame for this new GOP affection.
Every Republican politician who does not expressly renounce Trump must take some of the blame for this new GOP affection.
10
Hmm . . . President Franklin Delano Roosevelt rounded up American citizens of Japanese heritage at the beginning of WWII because their allegiance to the United States was suspect. What if this standard were applied today to supporters of the Trump-Pence-Putin ticket? How little have we learned from history about the rise and fall of despots. Their rise comes as a surprise but, predictably, the fall of a despot comes at the cost of great loss of blood and treasure.
5
Schooling in history needs refunding.
1
Donald Trump is a scoundrel. Mike Pence is toast. No judgement and bad judgement. Fire them!!
7
Divide the country, attack our military, undermine our political system, embrace Communism (Putin), Fascism (Hitler & Mussolini), racism, misogyny, bigotry, playing on the fears of any that he can. Planning on moves that will lead to global war and economic disaster. Outright denial of global warming. Trump is the end-of-times.
8
Trump and Putin, two peas in a pod. Two odious despicable people, neither of which should be the leader of anything.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
10
I wouldn't say they were the same. Putin said Trump was flamboyant , which was mistakenly taken ( due to translation) as " bright", which Trump turned into " brilliant".
Making Putin the same as we knew he was, and Trump... a vain, shallow, idiot.
Making Putin the same as we knew he was, and Trump... a vain, shallow, idiot.
2
So does the Donald also believe Kim Jong Un is a stronger leader than our President, and should be admired? I want to see this question asked in the upcoming debate!
7
Vote Trump!
Modernize our nation's constitution as well as the constitutions of our states! Empower a President Trump to appoint state governors and oversee national elections. Allow him to serve without term limits.
Create a news media that reflects his vision and ensure its prominence. Suppress dissent with stiff fines and imprisonment. Crack down on free speech. 'Eliminate' the irresponsible gadflies.
Rip up NAFTA and make our primacy, our domination, clear to neighboring countries, Canada, Mexico and the countries of Central America. Manipulate their elections and threaten invasion as needed.
A President Trump would equal the leadership of a President Putin and surpass his approval rating. After all, he is a great American! Successful! Wealthy!
Make it so!
Modernize our nation's constitution as well as the constitutions of our states! Empower a President Trump to appoint state governors and oversee national elections. Allow him to serve without term limits.
Create a news media that reflects his vision and ensure its prominence. Suppress dissent with stiff fines and imprisonment. Crack down on free speech. 'Eliminate' the irresponsible gadflies.
Rip up NAFTA and make our primacy, our domination, clear to neighboring countries, Canada, Mexico and the countries of Central America. Manipulate their elections and threaten invasion as needed.
A President Trump would equal the leadership of a President Putin and surpass his approval rating. After all, he is a great American! Successful! Wealthy!
Make it so!
5
And proudly pin to our walls a photo of President Trump riding a stallion, bare-chested, in a landscape of 'purple mountain majesties.'
Excellent satire.
2
Vote Trump!
You have to "love our values" to be able to come in the country!
Wait, has North Korea maybe used that line before? Nah, never mind. No one will know that I am plagiarizing anyway. Because my parents diligently instilled in me those values!
You have to "love our values" to be able to come in the country!
Wait, has North Korea maybe used that line before? Nah, never mind. No one will know that I am plagiarizing anyway. Because my parents diligently instilled in me those values!
It's quite clear that Trump likes the totalitarian model. He sees himself at the top, overseeing his empire and promoting himself. In traveling in totalitarian countries it's usual to see multiple public pictures of the "leader", displays not wholly unlike Trump"s sticking his name on everything.
It's entirely natural for Trump to be impressed with a Putin.
It's entirely natural for Trump to be impressed with a Putin.
6
The other side of the argument is that Putin has a high rating among the Russian people because he severs their interests. The same cannot be said of Obama. I call Obama's style of government liberal fascism. Although he and his cronies would argue otherwise, their outlook is anything but inclusive:
We in the know know best and will lead all into our way of thinking (all hail King Obama). We require obedience and could care less about anyone else's needs, wants, or rights. Because we do not trust Congress or the people, neither are consulted as we implement one policy after another. The fact that the US Supreme Court keeps ruling against us is completely irrelevant.
We in the know know best and will lead all into our way of thinking (all hail King Obama). We require obedience and could care less about anyone else's needs, wants, or rights. Because we do not trust Congress or the people, neither are consulted as we implement one policy after another. The fact that the US Supreme Court keeps ruling against us is completely irrelevant.
1
That you can openly speak your mind and vote your conscience belies your charge of "liberal fascism" and the reign of an autocratic president.
The interests of the American people are strongly expressed in who they elect to represent them, a process increasingly distorted by pay-to-play politics and safe gerrymandered districts. These afflict and weaken our democracy, and reduce a healthy competition of ideas.
Primaries for national office should be open, not closed. National elections should be a national holiday, encouraging turnout.
I agree with you, the competing and common interests of the American people can be far better expressed and mediated than they are. But that they aren't shouldn't be solely laid at the feet of President Obama.
The interests of the American people are strongly expressed in who they elect to represent them, a process increasingly distorted by pay-to-play politics and safe gerrymandered districts. These afflict and weaken our democracy, and reduce a healthy competition of ideas.
Primaries for national office should be open, not closed. National elections should be a national holiday, encouraging turnout.
I agree with you, the competing and common interests of the American people can be far better expressed and mediated than they are. But that they aren't shouldn't be solely laid at the feet of President Obama.
"Liberal fascism"? You're late. Goldberg beat you to it.
https://www.amazon.com/Liberal-Fascism-American-Mussolini-Politics/dp/07...
https://www.amazon.com/Liberal-Fascism-American-Mussolini-Politics/dp/07...
Well, NYT readers, at least these Republican trolls are reading the Times now! Maybe some of them will actually begin to think critically.
7
It's not Trump I'm shocked by anymore, I think we're all past that at this point. What I can't understand is the 40%+ of the American electorate who think that he is in any way qualified for the office. The same man who spent years attempting to argue that Obama wasn't American, embraces a foreign dictator (let's call him what he is), and nearly half the country not only doesn't complain - they jump to his defence.
Can you imagine for a second what the reaction would have been if a Democrat, and Obama in particular, had said anything even remotely similar? Republicans would have gone nuclear. Trump has no shame, and the same is true of many of his supporters.
Can you imagine for a second what the reaction would have been if a Democrat, and Obama in particular, had said anything even remotely similar? Republicans would have gone nuclear. Trump has no shame, and the same is true of many of his supporters.
23
Trump - he'll make Neville Chamberlain look like Rambo
GOP - Giddy Over Putin
GOP - Giddy Over Putin
4
Trump can do anything, he will get elected and the uneducated fools who voted him in will be the first victims......
What a mess
Remember to vote
What a mess
Remember to vote
3
The press better figure out how to ask and follow up with DT on vital matters, now. Stop wringing your hands. Yes, he's a mad man, a master of blathering, incoherent word salad. Figure it out, American press. Be fearless. Do your jobs. Otherwise, in a few short months you'll be effectively silenced, just like your counterparts in Russia.
5
The NYT repeatedly lies. Your headline is a flat out lie. You infer by your false headline that Trump agrees with Putin. That is false. Trump is simply saying that Putin is a better, stronger, and a more respected leader in the world than Obama. That is true. They call Obama the "American Monkey" here in Europe. That is a true fact, which I realize the NYT fears the truth.
The NYT would rather lie, and cover up for Clinton's criminal behavior, than admit the truth.
The NYT would rather lie, and cover up for Clinton's criminal behavior, than admit the truth.
3
For someone who loves facts so much, you're apparently unaware of a key fact about Hillary Clinton: She's never been charged with or convicted of a criminal act. Few people have been investigated as thoroughly as Hillary Clinton, so the facts suggests you, sir, are a conspiracy theorist who makes things up.
3
It never ceases to amaze me the blatant racism used to describe President Obama. Referring to him as a monkey shows the caliber of the person using that description. It's one thing to disagree with an individual, a whole other thing to resort to name calling. I dare say there is a lack of intelligence behind the name calling.
So you speak for all of Europe? Are you proud to call the twice duly elected President of the United States the "American monkey?" Your blatant racism disqualifies your comment from being taken seriously.
“The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend.” Abraham Lincoln.
3
On the other hand, as Lincoln CLEARLY demonstrated, many enemies must simply be fought.
Today in Berlin, Adolf Hitler welcomed the embrace of Mussolini and kind support from Japanese military leaders. The two strong leaders of their countries said that Facism is the "Wave" of the future. Hirihito, the Japanese man-god was not available for comment as he was talking to the heavens.
100,000,000 dead after a decade of war in Europe and Asia and just about everywhere else shows that the victors are not immune to insanity or other related emotional and mental conditions.
The dead are probably glad to know that their kids and grandkids will always have a useless war to fight and die for while the 1% go on their merry way making millions in war related industries and services.
100,000,000 dead after a decade of war in Europe and Asia and just about everywhere else shows that the victors are not immune to insanity or other related emotional and mental conditions.
The dead are probably glad to know that their kids and grandkids will always have a useless war to fight and die for while the 1% go on their merry way making millions in war related industries and services.
6
I've solved the mystery of Trump's personal hue.
I would argue that Donald Trump is a coward who is afraid to answer the tough questions, and with his proven admiration of all things Putin a Communist sympathizer, as well.
Yellow plus Red equals Orange!
I would argue that Donald Trump is a coward who is afraid to answer the tough questions, and with his proven admiration of all things Putin a Communist sympathizer, as well.
Yellow plus Red equals Orange!
2
The white party wants a strongman to preserve its culture, never once doubting that extreme measures applied against "others" will never affect "them."
13
Mr. Trump is fan of bloody Dictator for Life Mr. Putin;(there was many deaths in Ukraine). Mr. Putin has been theoretically 'elected' president for about 15 years now,and seems like he will be 'president' for life...
Looks like Trump admires all those dictatorial powers-making your opponents disappear,etc.
Looks like Trump admires all those dictatorial powers-making your opponents disappear,etc.
5
Putin is an authoritarian leader of a Slavic nation who has effectively quashed liberal dissent at home, while sowing fear in his near abroad neighters. When Trump praises Putin, it tells us two things about Herr Trump
1) Trump is an authoritarian personality who admires other authoritarian personalities.
2) Trump is a man who has spent more time reading alt-right tweets (who incessantly praise Putin) , than such things as the US Constitution
Does Putin admire Trump? I suspect that Putin is amused by Trump, and probably regards him - as well as his vast legion of followers - as "useful idiots".
1) Trump is an authoritarian personality who admires other authoritarian personalities.
2) Trump is a man who has spent more time reading alt-right tweets (who incessantly praise Putin) , than such things as the US Constitution
Does Putin admire Trump? I suspect that Putin is amused by Trump, and probably regards him - as well as his vast legion of followers - as "useful idiots".
22
The irony in this view implying that President Obama is weak is the GOP Congressional leadership's past complaints that he too often resorts to Executive Orders.The appearance of Obama's "weakness " is largely a consequence of GOP led Congressional obstructionism,which because ,as Trump himself noted,our system of government is different from Russia's,is their right,although in my view irresponsible.
A key difference in Russia's system has been Putin's ability to repress dissent.The fact that Trump and Pence say they prefer such leadership tactics,implying they'd strive for the same,is just one of many reasons not to vote for them.Let's keep in mind Trump's call on Putin to hack government emails,after the disclosure that Russia had already hacked the DNC's.I still view that as an act of treason by Trump.Reject totally his candidacy by electing Hillary.
A key difference in Russia's system has been Putin's ability to repress dissent.The fact that Trump and Pence say they prefer such leadership tactics,implying they'd strive for the same,is just one of many reasons not to vote for them.Let's keep in mind Trump's call on Putin to hack government emails,after the disclosure that Russia had already hacked the DNC's.I still view that as an act of treason by Trump.Reject totally his candidacy by electing Hillary.
13
Hillary Clinton as secretary of state negotiated a deal with Russia that gave Putin 20% of the US Uranium market. Soon afterward Russia donated over $700,000.00 to the Clinton Foundation. That being said Hillary has more ties with Russia than Donald Trump.
Putin came out in the media and made several compliments about Donald Trump. Donald Trump accepted the compliment and called Putin a stronger leader than Obama which is true. Shakespeare wrote "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."
I see nothing wrong with Putin having respect for Trump. The international community have no respect for Obama. You see how the Chinese treated Obama at the G-20 summit. The world no longer trust the US to do the right thing. The moderate rebels fighting in Syria who are funded by the US recently said they do not trust the US to keep its word. This sentiment is echoed throughout the Middle East such as in Egypt, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Libya and Yemen.
Trump will bring back respect by working with international leaders. Let me finish by saying Obama lost his credibility when he drew his red line in the sand in Syria with Assad. Assad used chemical weapons and Obama ran and hid on the golf course. What the NYT is doing is simply trying to cover for Obama's weakness by spewing that Putin's admiration for Trump is a bad thing. What happened to the reset button Hillary gave Russia? Nothing was reset with Russia. Total failure.
Putin came out in the media and made several compliments about Donald Trump. Donald Trump accepted the compliment and called Putin a stronger leader than Obama which is true. Shakespeare wrote "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."
I see nothing wrong with Putin having respect for Trump. The international community have no respect for Obama. You see how the Chinese treated Obama at the G-20 summit. The world no longer trust the US to do the right thing. The moderate rebels fighting in Syria who are funded by the US recently said they do not trust the US to keep its word. This sentiment is echoed throughout the Middle East such as in Egypt, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Libya and Yemen.
Trump will bring back respect by working with international leaders. Let me finish by saying Obama lost his credibility when he drew his red line in the sand in Syria with Assad. Assad used chemical weapons and Obama ran and hid on the golf course. What the NYT is doing is simply trying to cover for Obama's weakness by spewing that Putin's admiration for Trump is a bad thing. What happened to the reset button Hillary gave Russia? Nothing was reset with Russia. Total failure.
3
But why does Trump have respect for Putin? I don't care what Putin thinks about Trump (though I doubt it is respect), but I do care that Trump praises a dictator like Putin.
Good luck with that Putin thing. I'm sure he has your best interests at heart. Trump "work" with international leaders? The finance minister in Mexico, who thought it was a good idea to have him visit, has already resigned. That worked well.
Why doesn't the media talk or write about what Putin really said which was lost in translation. Fareed Zakaria had an interview with Putin where this was brought up. Rachel Maddow used this as a tool to dissect what was said, even explaining Russian word which was used. Putin didn't mean brilliant as in smart/ intelligent but colorful/flamboyant when he described Trump. That is not a compliment at all, in much the way that Philippines Duterte has been pictured in the media as colorful.
Trump is insecure and thin-skinned. He thrives in flattery. A write-up on this subject will bring to light that It is not a mutual admiration society , as delusional Trump is trying to portray.
Trump is insecure and thin-skinned. He thrives in flattery. A write-up on this subject will bring to light that It is not a mutual admiration society , as delusional Trump is trying to portray.
14
Putin's mother survived the siege of Leningrad, his father was part of a special unit hunting down deserters from Stalin's suicidal orders to the front. He grew up with deeply traumatized parents in a deeply traumatized city in deeply traumatized nation.
He takes great pride in the fact that though small of stature he was the lead bully amongst the feral children in his housing project. Putin was not a rich military school bully - he was and is a thug. His childhood dream was to be a KGB officer and he attained that goal. This opened the door to a lucrative career in politics. He has not stolen millions from his countrymen - he has stolen billions.
Putin, in my view, is playing Trump who must seem like an easy mark.
As for me - I'm going to hold my nose and vote for Hillary as distasteful as that is - her transgressions are small potatoes compared to Trump's love affair with Putin.
He takes great pride in the fact that though small of stature he was the lead bully amongst the feral children in his housing project. Putin was not a rich military school bully - he was and is a thug. His childhood dream was to be a KGB officer and he attained that goal. This opened the door to a lucrative career in politics. He has not stolen millions from his countrymen - he has stolen billions.
Putin, in my view, is playing Trump who must seem like an easy mark.
As for me - I'm going to hold my nose and vote for Hillary as distasteful as that is - her transgressions are small potatoes compared to Trump's love affair with Putin.
14
Two consecutive lines from this article say:
“He’s a thug,” said Senator Marco Rubio of Florida. “He’s a dangerous and bad guy.”
But Mr. Rubio, who is running for re-election, has gotten behind Mr. Trump since withdrawing from the presidential primary.
An oxymoron if there ever was one. Has this election gone completely mad?
“He’s a thug,” said Senator Marco Rubio of Florida. “He’s a dangerous and bad guy.”
But Mr. Rubio, who is running for re-election, has gotten behind Mr. Trump since withdrawing from the presidential primary.
An oxymoron if there ever was one. Has this election gone completely mad?
8
"Has this election gone completely mad?"
Yes.
Yes.
8
Yes it has.
1
Now Trump is on state controlled Russian TV, saying the biggest thing wrong in the US is the media. And he is right as far as the NYT goes. Because you have not even reported it, while many "lesser" news outlets have done so. You are too busy "trumping" up false Clinton scandal.
You could throw this election, and be responsible for another debacle presidency. It puts many of us in mind of when the Supreme Court threw the election to Bush, and we got the twin towers and endless war in the middle east and ignored real problems.
So we watch another once venerated institution, part of the edifice of US democracy, crumble into the gutter.
You could throw this election, and be responsible for another debacle presidency. It puts many of us in mind of when the Supreme Court threw the election to Bush, and we got the twin towers and endless war in the middle east and ignored real problems.
So we watch another once venerated institution, part of the edifice of US democracy, crumble into the gutter.
21
If your idea of "strength" is the crushing of dissent, ruthless murder of opposition leaders, personal enrichment to the tune of billions from "state controlled" industry, then yes,, Putin is a much "stronger" leader. But I thought that one of the primary complaints about Obama, from Republicans, was that he is acting on his own, arbitrarily, through executive orders, without properly consulting congress.
150
Exactly my thoughts! The Repubs keep calling Obama "imperial" president but now they're backing a guy who thinks that's ok?!?!
You can't make this up!!
You can't make this up!!
In case anyone needed any more evidence of what a failure Donald Trump is as a human being, he equates violence with strength. Let alone the fact that it is Russian military personnel that are the ones in harm's way, violence begets violence. More often than not, strength is demonstrated by patience and consideration, not bombast or destruction.
2
First Bush and then Obama have been far more violent than Putin.
They just lose.
Putin did serious damage in Ukraine. Obama and Hillary did far worse in Syria and Libya. Bush did far worse in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Obama with Hillary just kept on doing it to Bush' schedule.
That does not justify nor accept what Putin has done. But get real, that is how Hillary helped run the world, and what she'll do more of.
If you don't want a world run by Putin rules, start at home, and don't do what Putin does.
They just lose.
Putin did serious damage in Ukraine. Obama and Hillary did far worse in Syria and Libya. Bush did far worse in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Obama with Hillary just kept on doing it to Bush' schedule.
That does not justify nor accept what Putin has done. But get real, that is how Hillary helped run the world, and what she'll do more of.
If you don't want a world run by Putin rules, start at home, and don't do what Putin does.
2
I was wondering just how someone as mentally ill as Trump could demand such a specific kind of crowd. A crowd that seems bullheaded on following Trump even when he says the most horrid of statements. Then I realized, they’re not bullheaded but instead under hypnotic control...a crowd who's lost free will. A crowd that actually acts on what Donald Trump tells them what to do. As he speaks it seems like gibberish and with that, he insights intense fear.
I had seen this before while completing my graduate degree…everything I saw Trump doing was like reading chapter after chapter from my research. Trump is using mass hypnosis to influence his followers.
Understanding Mass Psychology
Control, and Drama, FEAR: One of the key factors to controlling the masses is fear. Looking at the history of the human species, you can see that seeded fear is one of the great controllers. When things get a little bit out of control in the system, leadership will create drama to get that control back. Reliance on the leadership causes you to lose your independence and your ability to break free from the system.
I had seen this before while completing my graduate degree…everything I saw Trump doing was like reading chapter after chapter from my research. Trump is using mass hypnosis to influence his followers.
Understanding Mass Psychology
Control, and Drama, FEAR: One of the key factors to controlling the masses is fear. Looking at the history of the human species, you can see that seeded fear is one of the great controllers. When things get a little bit out of control in the system, leadership will create drama to get that control back. Reliance on the leadership causes you to lose your independence and your ability to break free from the system.
1
Is Trump in serious debt to the Russian oligarchs?
Does not Trump have Russian sympathizers (Manafort, Page, Flynn) for advisers?
Did not Trump make repeated false accusations that Obama was not born a US citizen? Or claim that he was a Muslim? Or that he helped create ISIS?
Did not Trump ask for Russian hackers to attack his opponent?
Has not Trump suggested that NRA supporters harm his opponent?
Has not Trump bribed elected State Attorney Generals?
Has not Trump insulted Veterans and Gold Star Families?
Has not Trump cheated small business owners in his business bankruptcies?
Has not Trump fomented racism, bigotry, and violence?
What is Trump hiding in multiple years of his tax returns that he is afraid to release?
Why have not ALL Republican leaders denounced him repeatedly?
Trump is a media sensation, not a capable statesman or leader. Nothing in his past or present behavior suggests that he would have the wisdom, intelligence, knowledge, good judgment, and courage to lead the American people in the 21st century.
If the press did its job and fact checked all of his false assertions, statements, facts, policies, and opinions for truth and deleted the lies before publishing, their news articles would be far more accurate, informative, and "concise."
Does not Trump have Russian sympathizers (Manafort, Page, Flynn) for advisers?
Did not Trump make repeated false accusations that Obama was not born a US citizen? Or claim that he was a Muslim? Or that he helped create ISIS?
Did not Trump ask for Russian hackers to attack his opponent?
Has not Trump suggested that NRA supporters harm his opponent?
Has not Trump bribed elected State Attorney Generals?
Has not Trump insulted Veterans and Gold Star Families?
Has not Trump cheated small business owners in his business bankruptcies?
Has not Trump fomented racism, bigotry, and violence?
What is Trump hiding in multiple years of his tax returns that he is afraid to release?
Why have not ALL Republican leaders denounced him repeatedly?
Trump is a media sensation, not a capable statesman or leader. Nothing in his past or present behavior suggests that he would have the wisdom, intelligence, knowledge, good judgment, and courage to lead the American people in the 21st century.
If the press did its job and fact checked all of his false assertions, statements, facts, policies, and opinions for truth and deleted the lies before publishing, their news articles would be far more accurate, informative, and "concise."
9
Trump's favorite instrument for policy discussion is a sledgehammer. That's because, despite being one, he doesn't know tools. His answer to everything is a sledgehammer only because he didn't see the meat-axe first.
Sledgehammers are very simple, fairly crude, but seem to be very confusing for political reporters. Every time Trumps uses it, media obligingly report what he just smashed and how some people flinched. No one seems to notice the sledgehammer or that it isn't a very useful tool for anything other than demolition, which isn't in the POTUS job description. Or not yet anyway. GOP may have other ideas.
Matt Lauer thinks sledgehammers are just a guy thing. Other than asking him to be brief, he let Trump swing away, freely and at anything real or imagined. Emails are a guy thing -- well pretending we're IT experts is -- so he grilled the hapless housefrau about proper email etiquette. Give Matt an Emmy for best narcoleptic interviewer. Maybe Trump will invite him over to check out his collection of sledgehammers.
Scary thought but it does seem that most reporters covering Trump know as little as Trump does. Explains why no one asks about the sledgehammer.
The takeaway for Trump is that a sledgehammer is a useful tool to have in the Oval Office. After all, the media barely noticed it.
Sledgehammers are very simple, fairly crude, but seem to be very confusing for political reporters. Every time Trumps uses it, media obligingly report what he just smashed and how some people flinched. No one seems to notice the sledgehammer or that it isn't a very useful tool for anything other than demolition, which isn't in the POTUS job description. Or not yet anyway. GOP may have other ideas.
Matt Lauer thinks sledgehammers are just a guy thing. Other than asking him to be brief, he let Trump swing away, freely and at anything real or imagined. Emails are a guy thing -- well pretending we're IT experts is -- so he grilled the hapless housefrau about proper email etiquette. Give Matt an Emmy for best narcoleptic interviewer. Maybe Trump will invite him over to check out his collection of sledgehammers.
Scary thought but it does seem that most reporters covering Trump know as little as Trump does. Explains why no one asks about the sledgehammer.
The takeaway for Trump is that a sledgehammer is a useful tool to have in the Oval Office. After all, the media barely noticed it.
3
Trump and his republican base are committing treason. By expressing feigned anger, the republican leadership is also committing treason. There is a silent war going on in this country. Whether Herr Drump wins in November or not, the die has been cast for the rise of fascism in this country. History repeats itself.
7
What would the Republicans sayid Hillary embraced Putin?
3
Waiting for "President" Trump to apply to/beg Putin for (Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) membership.
2
A line has been crossed that cannot be retracted from. It's a permanent stamp on both the candidate and the party.
This should end Mr. Trump's candidacy and mark the Republican Party for where its boundaries are - forever!
This should end Mr. Trump's candidacy and mark the Republican Party for where its boundaries are - forever!
10
The other Republicans were EVEN WORSE. Cruz? He was the last one standing against Trump.
2
Somewhere in Russia, Putin is watching this unfold with a massive smirk on his face. Donald Trump is too vain, oblivious, and ignorant to have any idea what kind of a political mastermind he's trying to engage -- maybe he feels all warm and tingly when Putin says "nice things" about him, but it's no different than an animal being fattened up for slaughter. It would all be almost comedic if the implications of a Trump presidency weren't so terrifying and nauseating.
13
The simple fact is Putin schooled Obama. Every time Obama came up against Putin the US was embarrassed. You can try to manipulate your readers into believing this is some kind of love affair with Putin. Thankfully a lot of America is aware of the media's manipulation and the slight push left.
2
Thankfully lot of americans are well educated and well informed that Putin is a dictator. What ever you are describing or argument to back Trump is disgraceful and quite honestly shameful. In fact its dangerous by saying a dictator has better leadership qualities than democratically elected President. Where was mr Trump when Putin invaded Baltic countries during Bush era. It is easy to criticize our own President because we take our first amendment for granted.
So is this the new Trump-Pence doctrine? Admire leaders who lie, cheat, occupy countries, and murder their political opponents?
By their criteria, Hitler, Stalin, Lenin, and Mao all look like 'better' leaders than Obama.
Is it too late to get Putin on the ballot?
By their criteria, Hitler, Stalin, Lenin, and Mao all look like 'better' leaders than Obama.
Is it too late to get Putin on the ballot?
16
Are Times readers so forgetful that they've forgotten Hillary Clinton's "re-set" with Russia? This wasn't even 4 years ago! Russia was a friend, a critical ally in bringing Iran to the table, and a key ally in the fight against ISIS.
Now they're an enemy? Why? Was it the conflict with Ukraine? If so, then why didn't Clinton and Obama take steps to prevent it?
If trying to gin up a fake conflict with Russia is the Democrats' plan to play the patriot card, it won't work. The low information set who Clinton desperately needs to turn out can barely find Russia and the Ukraine on a map, they have no idea who Vladimir Putin even is, and they care not a wit about foreign affairs in general. Her "base" wants to know how many handouts they'll get, and wants to be assured their local police will be kept from basic law enforcement.
The right on the other hand watches these things more closely. We know that Russia's approach in Syria is the right one; to support Assad, and to crush ISIS and their civilian supporters. And as long as Clinton and Obama continue to support "moderate" jihadists and try to undermine Assad, they'll continue to garner half the support from military voters that Trump gets, and they'll continue to be viewed as an anchor on American foreign policy.
And this is why that forum went so badly for Clinton; the questions she faced from the military audience were far more hostile than what the moderator sent, and this colored the whole event.
Now they're an enemy? Why? Was it the conflict with Ukraine? If so, then why didn't Clinton and Obama take steps to prevent it?
If trying to gin up a fake conflict with Russia is the Democrats' plan to play the patriot card, it won't work. The low information set who Clinton desperately needs to turn out can barely find Russia and the Ukraine on a map, they have no idea who Vladimir Putin even is, and they care not a wit about foreign affairs in general. Her "base" wants to know how many handouts they'll get, and wants to be assured their local police will be kept from basic law enforcement.
The right on the other hand watches these things more closely. We know that Russia's approach in Syria is the right one; to support Assad, and to crush ISIS and their civilian supporters. And as long as Clinton and Obama continue to support "moderate" jihadists and try to undermine Assad, they'll continue to garner half the support from military voters that Trump gets, and they'll continue to be viewed as an anchor on American foreign policy.
And this is why that forum went so badly for Clinton; the questions she faced from the military audience were far more hostile than what the moderator sent, and this colored the whole event.
7
Your knowledge regarding Russia and Putin is apparently zero, and you seem to have no clue regarding what he has been responsible for both within Russia and elsewhere. Don't blame Hillary for any of this. Putin reset his relationship with the U.S. and has sought to bring back the Soviet Union, which he deeply regrets no longer exists. If you knew any of this, you wouldn't have posted what you did.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
6
Russia is at best a "frenemy".
Assad uses chemical warfare against his citizens. Russia should find a nice dacha on the Black Sea for this creep and unite with US to end the war. And Russia should have done this years ago. Russia is simply trying to retain its power base in the Middle East at the expense of the US and its allies.
I wish the world was less complicated and the bad guys were always the bad guys. But wishing it so won't make it happen
Assad uses chemical warfare against his citizens. Russia should find a nice dacha on the Black Sea for this creep and unite with US to end the war. And Russia should have done this years ago. Russia is simply trying to retain its power base in the Middle East at the expense of the US and its allies.
I wish the world was less complicated and the bad guys were always the bad guys. But wishing it so won't make it happen
2
hey ben, all i have to ask is- what? are you stupid or just ignorant? hillapies base is low information? is that your way of saying poor black folk- kind of sounds that way. in reality trumps base are ultra low information - in his own words stupid people- who are loving the fact they can say racist, homophobic and misogynistic stuff now because , well, he says it so its ok.
2
Many of our parents, especially my father, a veteran of four wars. will be turning over in their graves. Trump admires Putin, who murders or jails people he doesn't like, seizes territory from neighboring states and dopes his Olympic athletes. The Trump interview on Russian TV was the final straw. He claims he didn't even know it was Russian TV!
5
Journalists, watch out under a Trump Presidency! Look both ways when crossing streets, hire a food taster, careful of pinpricks in crowds, wear bullet proof vests, hats and anything else that might deflect a bullet, take out life insurance for your families...!!! Same goes for a President Pence should Putin decide Trump isn't a good enough friend.
5
We can also state categorically Putin is a better businessman then Trump since he is as rich and self made. Of course we must not concern ourselves that he used the power of the state to enrich himself. or is that Trump's plan all along.
7
Hillary Clinton will be the greatest president in American history.
3
She will rank right next to George W. Bush, for all the same reasons. Place that rank according to your values.
3
Russians are said to be the largest investors in Trump properties, according to his son. Is there a deal between Putin and Trump to forgive these debts if Trump openly supports Putin and opposes NATO? Trump is always about greed and power. Trump MUST release his tax records so that Americans can see if he has been bought by Russia as seems likely, considering his words and his inner circle of pro-Russian advisers. Why aren't the FBI and Congress investigating his Russian ties? This is far more serious than Clinton's emails.
Genghis Khan was "stronger" than President Obama; so was Adolf Hitler. The United States is a democracy with an elected president and with equal rights. Mr. Trump's embrace of a dictator, a former KGB thug who has his enemies murdered and has had almost two dozen journalists killed, shows that Trump does not share American values. Having "control" of your country is the way a tyrant thinks or a fascist. Saddam Hussein was tremendously popular in his own country, and Kim Jong-un is no doubt popular in his country.
Pro-Putin? Anti-America? Really, Republicans? It was treasonous to criticize the twice-elected president of the United States and to continually encourage and praise Putin. Asking Putin and the Russians to hack American email and websites was inviting a cyber attack on the US election, the core of democracy.
All of Trump's surrogates are as usual twisting themselves into pretzels to defend a Russian dictator.
Genghis Khan was "stronger" than President Obama; so was Adolf Hitler. The United States is a democracy with an elected president and with equal rights. Mr. Trump's embrace of a dictator, a former KGB thug who has his enemies murdered and has had almost two dozen journalists killed, shows that Trump does not share American values. Having "control" of your country is the way a tyrant thinks or a fascist. Saddam Hussein was tremendously popular in his own country, and Kim Jong-un is no doubt popular in his country.
Pro-Putin? Anti-America? Really, Republicans? It was treasonous to criticize the twice-elected president of the United States and to continually encourage and praise Putin. Asking Putin and the Russians to hack American email and websites was inviting a cyber attack on the US election, the core of democracy.
All of Trump's surrogates are as usual twisting themselves into pretzels to defend a Russian dictator.
9
Russia is far more valuable as ally than adversary .. Trump knows this........
Hillary as well -- but she is seen as somewhat of a "less than" in the global diplomacy theater ....... her performance at State stands as sorrowful confirmation.. the schmooze play of the Clinton Foundation matches in as well.
Her former boss and recent media candidate qualified opinion-ator projects as and is typed in the same aura.. Strength and purpose cannot be faked..
Hillary as well -- but she is seen as somewhat of a "less than" in the global diplomacy theater ....... her performance at State stands as sorrowful confirmation.. the schmooze play of the Clinton Foundation matches in as well.
Her former boss and recent media candidate qualified opinion-ator projects as and is typed in the same aura.. Strength and purpose cannot be faked..
3
Without regard to Putin, Russia will be a necessary ally against China, or it will be a very dangerous ally with China. Our choice. We have more to offer. We are not offering.
3
Praising a dictator who violates human rights, suppresses the press, and invades other countries has nothing to do with making Russia an ally. Don't suck up to dictators.
2
Martin -- "Don't suck up to dictators."
Agreed.
Also don't turn the ally you will need into your very definition of evil, spewing the most extreme denunciations you can think of.
That is not Presidential either.
Agreed.
Also don't turn the ally you will need into your very definition of evil, spewing the most extreme denunciations you can think of.
That is not Presidential either.
Trump is a dangerous man who will do irreparable harm to the United States in the near and long term. Equally dangerous for the future of the United States is a Senate and a House controlled by Republicans. How can anyone in good conscience and a modicum of intelligence vote for Donald Trump and by extension the cowardly down ballot candidates (hypocrites all)?
The people who will only vote for these dangerous candidates are the people who desire the demise of the United States.
Are you tired of the lies, innuendo, misdirection, and manipulations that are the hallmark of the Republican Party? Are you tired of the lack of governance and the foisting of an old southern white male perspective of the world as the only valid view of the way things should be done? Are you tired of a fictional novel being the driving force behind the failed economic and fiscal policies of the Republican Federal office holders?
Things must change in the United States. Trump and the Republican candidates are not the ones that will bring the needed change. They should be rejected at the polls.
The people who will only vote for these dangerous candidates are the people who desire the demise of the United States.
Are you tired of the lies, innuendo, misdirection, and manipulations that are the hallmark of the Republican Party? Are you tired of the lack of governance and the foisting of an old southern white male perspective of the world as the only valid view of the way things should be done? Are you tired of a fictional novel being the driving force behind the failed economic and fiscal policies of the Republican Federal office holders?
Things must change in the United States. Trump and the Republican candidates are not the ones that will bring the needed change. They should be rejected at the polls.
5
Trump embrace of Putin has nothing to do with Politics, and more to do with Business. The Trump brand has been tarnished to a point of no return when he made his Racist and bigoted views public. After he looses in November, Trump business will mostly rely on Russia Banks and Oligarchs, who all answer to Putin.
9
Trump knows branding. I expect he'll make a huge profit off losing. His brand will be everywhere, selling for more than ever. Yuck. But true anyway.
1
He must be a stupendous fan of Kim Jong-un. He has a 100% rating in North Korea.
Reagan: Mr. Gorbachev, tear down that wall.
Trump: Mr. Putin, another beer, bro?
Reagan: Mr. Gorbachev, tear down that wall.
Trump: Mr. Putin, another beer, bro?
3
Donald the drifter is on his way to becoming America’s tsar, if he wins. He loves the russian model where leaders can say and do whatever they want, without a problem. The rednecks already own the colour.
4
Trump should be treated like a Russian agent.
7
I would not want our president approving of, admiring and supporting the little big man who is the loathsome leader of Russia. His values are antithetical to everything we stand for.
So voters are on notice. Vote for Hillary or live with the consequences of not having done so. She is far more trustworthy than Trump has ever been. The only thing you can trust about him is that he is a pathologically dishonest narcissist whose judgement and demeanor suggest a self-obsessed, ignorant adult.
There are no reasons, no excuses for voting for him or not voting for her. Even uneducated white males should be able to perceive how obvious this is.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
So voters are on notice. Vote for Hillary or live with the consequences of not having done so. She is far more trustworthy than Trump has ever been. The only thing you can trust about him is that he is a pathologically dishonest narcissist whose judgement and demeanor suggest a self-obsessed, ignorant adult.
There are no reasons, no excuses for voting for him or not voting for her. Even uneducated white males should be able to perceive how obvious this is.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
6
There Might Be a Scientific Explanation For Donald Trump’s Fanbase
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-supporters-psychology_u...?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-supporters-psychology_u...?
2
Perhaps it is intelligence. Things have gone so poorly the last 8 years that this group knows a change is in order.
1
Things have gone so poorly that we've recovered from a recession, passed health care reform (that could have been better for you and me if the GOP hadn't obstructed it), ended the war in Iraq, drew down war in Afghanistan, turned around the auto industry, killed Bin Laden etc.
We shouldn't be so desperate for change that we'll put it in the hands of a reality tv show host with a 5th-grade vocabulary.
We shouldn't be so desperate for change that we'll put it in the hands of a reality tv show host with a 5th-grade vocabulary.
2
Putin is an anti-democratic authoritarian who will take over any country/territory that he can conquer and hold. He’s a bad guy.
So what?
He has a vested interest and the military capability to project power in Syria, eastern Ukraine, Georgia, and perhaps Moldova. As such, we have two basic choices. We can spend the money and lives to fight him in these areas. Alternatively, we can have cold, sober, realpolitik discussions and negotiations. After all, it’s not as if we haven’t negotiated with authoritarian regimes before.
I’m uncomfortable with Trump’s bromance with Putin, who is no friend of the U.S. and certainly not someone to be emulated.
But I’m more uncomfortable with Hillary’s constant vilification of him and plans to challenge Putin on seemingly every front, especially areas directly on Russia’s doorstep. I doubt that she will be sending Chelsea into combat against the Russians anywhere.
So what?
He has a vested interest and the military capability to project power in Syria, eastern Ukraine, Georgia, and perhaps Moldova. As such, we have two basic choices. We can spend the money and lives to fight him in these areas. Alternatively, we can have cold, sober, realpolitik discussions and negotiations. After all, it’s not as if we haven’t negotiated with authoritarian regimes before.
I’m uncomfortable with Trump’s bromance with Putin, who is no friend of the U.S. and certainly not someone to be emulated.
But I’m more uncomfortable with Hillary’s constant vilification of him and plans to challenge Putin on seemingly every front, especially areas directly on Russia’s doorstep. I doubt that she will be sending Chelsea into combat against the Russians anywhere.
3
Isn't aiding our enemies treason? Is this what the GOP now stands behind? Seriously? Yes, a dictator is a "strong" leader. Many Americans came here to escape dictatorship! I'm voting Democratic and in support of democracy! Land of the free!
12
Your still fighting the Cold War, just like Hillary. Russia is not our enemy and it is in our interest to make them our friends. Just as Nixon made friends with China and turned them from being an enemy to one of our most important trading partners, Trump could do the same with Russia. Hillary is 50 years behind the times, just like Obama.
I'd be willing to agree with your position if Trump didn't have clear personal financial ties to Russia. That verified connection should make you extremely uncomfortable with a Trump presidency.
Trump thinks that Putin is “a very strong leader,” very unifying, unlike President Obama? Putin is a strongman who does not tolerate the dissent which comes with democracy.
Trump thinks he would have “a very, very good relationship” with Putin? Guess again, sucker. Putin is adversarial and manipulative.
Trump thought it was OK to ask Russia to commit espionage on Hillary Clinton, and then shrug it off as “kidding?” Putin is humorless and does commit espionage.
Trump does not understand that, how or why Putin is in Crimea? No wonder Putin tipped his hat towards Trump!
Trump thinks he would have “a very, very good relationship” with Putin? Guess again, sucker. Putin is adversarial and manipulative.
Trump thought it was OK to ask Russia to commit espionage on Hillary Clinton, and then shrug it off as “kidding?” Putin is humorless and does commit espionage.
Trump does not understand that, how or why Putin is in Crimea? No wonder Putin tipped his hat towards Trump!
9
remember Obama telling the Russians that he'd have more options after he won his second term?
I agree with Trump. Putin is a better and smarter leader than Obama. Obama has led this country into too many wars, red lines, regime change. excessive use of the military in areas which are none of our business. Look at Libya – we broke it and there was no need to do that. We just make more problems and enemies. We are too busy trying to export our form of government to countries that don’t want it.
We waste too much money on NATO instead of demanding that the members pay up, we carry the whole burden and a high expense to the US taxpayer. Obama continues to support these freeloaders and this is a sign of weakness.
I consider Obama an international embarrassment as he flies all over the world and get snubbed and insulted by other leaders. He somehow feels that America, regardless of the expense, has a duty to be the policeman of the world – which is why these days we have so many humiliating incidents.
He is the most divisive leader in memory and I remember FDR. He was a community leader and somehow he still is. He has the community leader mentality and is trying to export globally by changing not only US culture, but the culture of other countries as well.
Do you think for a minute Putin would get involved in a bathroom law? No - he has more important things to do. When the President gets involved in such things he comes out looking like a weak high school principal. He is a global embarassment.
We waste too much money on NATO instead of demanding that the members pay up, we carry the whole burden and a high expense to the US taxpayer. Obama continues to support these freeloaders and this is a sign of weakness.
I consider Obama an international embarrassment as he flies all over the world and get snubbed and insulted by other leaders. He somehow feels that America, regardless of the expense, has a duty to be the policeman of the world – which is why these days we have so many humiliating incidents.
He is the most divisive leader in memory and I remember FDR. He was a community leader and somehow he still is. He has the community leader mentality and is trying to export globally by changing not only US culture, but the culture of other countries as well.
Do you think for a minute Putin would get involved in a bathroom law? No - he has more important things to do. When the President gets involved in such things he comes out looking like a weak high school principal. He is a global embarassment.
8
Judy: Think you are confused, Bush/Cheney brought us into the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, then negotiated a specific exit date out of Iraq after they left office. Obama being the policeman of the world, when our troops have been stationed all over the world for 50 years. Obama didn't put them there, in fact Obama has reduced military spending. Obama being divisive? Really? The night of Obama's inauguration, Mitch McConnell and 85 of his closest republican COngressmen got together and pledged to do everything in their power to make Obama fail in office - I don't know how much more divisive you could be than the 10% approval rated Congress.
4
Important things like killing journalists and invading countries?
The bathroom law is such a straw argument, as the main law was about discriminating against the LGBT community, another thing Putin know a lot about.
Putin is a better "leader" the way Kim Jong Un, Marcos, Castro, and many other dictators were. Not what an American president should model themselves after
The bathroom law is such a straw argument, as the main law was about discriminating against the LGBT community, another thing Putin know a lot about.
Putin is a better "leader" the way Kim Jong Un, Marcos, Castro, and many other dictators were. Not what an American president should model themselves after
1
Here we go again with the Russian propaganda machine.
Trump knows he is going to lose this election. He's been a loser his entire life, so he is well familiar when failure is coming. He is setting himself up to close on business deals in Russia after the election. He could care less about the American people or the Republican party.
13
A " loser " his entire life???
Where have you been?
Where have you been?
Possible answers: "Well" (oh really??) or "Not well (and so??)