I hope the Clinton campaign introduces a new ad campaign featuring clips of Trump with his de facto running mate. Forget Mike Pence -- it's easy -- and redesign the "P" section of the campaign logo to more accurately reflect the ticket.
29
Perhaps it would be better if Trump were to win. That would give him just enough time to destroy the Republican party and the rest of the country along with it. It's likely that he'll cause more than enough pain and suffering to put an end to the insanity he's fostering. The nuclear war he's likely to start will reduce the overpopulation that is one of the biggest dangers to the survival of the human race as we know it. Tom Lehrer said it best in his song, We Will All Go Together When We Go.
15
Mr. Bruni's brilliant analysis has showed us Trump's Achilles' heel. May I suggest an addendum to the anti-Trump campaign: "Only a loser is afraid to show his tax returns."
48
DJT has everybody either delighted or upset: he is no mediocre personality.
DJT makes politics exciting if not more absurd.
There is no politician nor celebrity more flamboyant & colorful, channeling Gorgeous George but with serious political prospects, the choice of millions and millions of my fickle fellows.
It's Gorgeous' hair that made my 1950s so semi entertaining along with Liberace's piano brilliance and L's "Brother (named also) "George" of the accompanying violin made Sunday afternoon television, while Meet The Press' Lawrence P. Spivak could've scooped Matt Lauer.
Folks, worry why:
Not everyone tells pollsters the truth--"Governor Bradley" of California.
DJT makes politics exciting if not more absurd.
There is no politician nor celebrity more flamboyant & colorful, channeling Gorgeous George but with serious political prospects, the choice of millions and millions of my fickle fellows.
It's Gorgeous' hair that made my 1950s so semi entertaining along with Liberace's piano brilliance and L's "Brother (named also) "George" of the accompanying violin made Sunday afternoon television, while Meet The Press' Lawrence P. Spivak could've scooped Matt Lauer.
Folks, worry why:
Not everyone tells pollsters the truth--"Governor Bradley" of California.
5
“If he says great things about me,” Trump told Matt Lauer during that forum, “I’m going to say great things about him.” Would that we could go back in time and inject some backbone in Lauer, who says, "Are you really that shallow, Mr. Trump?" (and in Chris Matthews-mode, repeats it a dozen times).
42
Frank,
You hit it right on the nose today. However, you're descriptions of Trump are textbook characteristics of sociopaths. Read "Without Conscience" by Dr. Robert Hare, the world's authority on sociopathy. Unfortunately about 4% of the world's population are sociopaths. Trump is clearly one of them. And trust me, I have personal experience dealing with a sociopath, and it's basically a living hell. Great article. Thanks Frank.
You hit it right on the nose today. However, you're descriptions of Trump are textbook characteristics of sociopaths. Read "Without Conscience" by Dr. Robert Hare, the world's authority on sociopathy. Unfortunately about 4% of the world's population are sociopaths. Trump is clearly one of them. And trust me, I have personal experience dealing with a sociopath, and it's basically a living hell. Great article. Thanks Frank.
55
Thank you, Frank Bruni for once again excavating the essential perspective on this candidate in this election. Parsing Trump's policy statements is a meaningless exercise. His policy is predicated on whether or not it delivers the adulation that feeds his addiction. As Bruni correctly points out, this is the core motivation animating Trump. He is an empty suit filled only by his inflated sense of self.
45
Its Roy Cohn and Dick 'Tricky Dick' Nixon all the way, as channeled through Donald Trump. One was the legal brains behind Joe McCarthy's anti-commie witch-hunt of the 1950s (which famously accused Prez Eisenhower of being a commie plant) before becoming Trump's mentor in the 1980s, and the other greenlit a black bag job against the DNC ...even though he was 20 points ahead in the polls, and paid for his paranoia by dragging the nation through 20 months of escalating constitutional crisis.
Why on earth would anyone want to hire their protege, Trump??
Why on earth would anyone want to hire their protege, Trump??
31
Hey Mr. trump, if you really want to see your name everywhere, it'd be a whole lot easier to just legally change it either to "Don't Walk" or "Stop". No need to keep thinking up new daily insults that will get you media attention.
15
If Putin is Trump's role model, and Trump wins the election, those of us who don't agree with him better learn to keep our lil ole mouths shut.
Start practicing a zipped lip: only 130 days to get self repression baked into your bones.
Start practicing a zipped lip: only 130 days to get self repression baked into your bones.
20
Blessed and gifted authors revel in crafting a cornucopia of topics for the immeasurable pleasure of the readers. To state the obvious further, lot of research, surrounding the facts, figures, and historical events, has to be carried out. Final end product is set of enchanting and a mercilessly readable creations, a few of which reap coveted rewards.
One of such current topics has been about Trump. Scanning over many articles, many of the epithets, describing Trump's interactions are rapidly becoming even neolithic. Even his unpredictability has turned quite predictable. No matter the veiled admonishments form his backers, Trump remains unruffled.
Some of his extemporaneous and spontaneous remarks are even adored and acquiesced by many blue collar workers, who have visceral vitriol for Hillary. Hillary fumbles, grumbles, mumbles, jumbles, and sometimes tumbles. The poll numbers evince Brownian movements, chaotically.
The elections and the results have every potential to culminate in utter bedlam. Not a pretty picture.
One of such current topics has been about Trump. Scanning over many articles, many of the epithets, describing Trump's interactions are rapidly becoming even neolithic. Even his unpredictability has turned quite predictable. No matter the veiled admonishments form his backers, Trump remains unruffled.
Some of his extemporaneous and spontaneous remarks are even adored and acquiesced by many blue collar workers, who have visceral vitriol for Hillary. Hillary fumbles, grumbles, mumbles, jumbles, and sometimes tumbles. The poll numbers evince Brownian movements, chaotically.
The elections and the results have every potential to culminate in utter bedlam. Not a pretty picture.
2
But Mr. Bruni:
Drumpfster DID name a dairy cow from Indiana as his running mate. All due apologies to cows here, of course.
Drumpfster DID name a dairy cow from Indiana as his running mate. All due apologies to cows here, of course.
26
And yet a large segment of our society continues to support him wholeheartedly. That is the scariest part of all........
64
The American people agree on one thing. We need change. The government is not working very well for its citizens. However Donald Trump is not the change we need. He is fundamentally unqualified in numerous ways that by now we all know too well. No change is much better than the changes the world might face under Trump. Vote for politics as usual with Clinton & maybe in 4 years we can vote in positive change.
21
What is this, Frank—psychoanalysis, brutish rant disguised as something else—or not disguised at all? Putin may not be so popular you suggest because, you know, all the “propaganda” in Russia. Which of course we get none of here from our unbiased Gray Lady (aka Clinton PR factory outlet). I guess you don’t see the “intrinsic merit” in populism. Nothing wrong with being the voice of the people. Applause from those you represent is great, and I hope The Donald gets lots more of it on Nov 8.
5
How about, now and again, actually writing a story about Hillary that doesn't include the color pantsuit she wore that day, or the email thing. So incredibly tired of our political circus and the attention the media gives this charade of a man.
38
The saddest thing about Trump is his constant need to be adored and praised. One has to wonder what happened to him along the way to here. He claims to be a great businessman with lots of money. Neither can actually be verified. We just have to trust him on the deal making and as we all know making deals is what being President is about. Imagine if in the middle of a deal he didn't get that level of praise he seeks. What might he do?
I don't think electing someone like him to the highest office so he can get his ego massaged every time Hail to the Chief is performed or Air Force One is readied serves the people of this country. But since serving the people is not what he's about this has become the worst reality show ever imagined.
I don't wish to participate in helping Trump fill that huge gap he has. If it even seemed he was serious about anything except his own self gratification I might not worry as much but he doesn't do the work. He has always taken shortcuts. He studies ratings rather than texts. He is an empty vessel waiting to be manipulated for a few moments of praise and applause.
what has this country come to...I can only hope people wake up and realize they are being used and manipulated. At least in Russia they know what the deal is. Keep quiet and go on with life...I hope that is not our fate here.
I don't think electing someone like him to the highest office so he can get his ego massaged every time Hail to the Chief is performed or Air Force One is readied serves the people of this country. But since serving the people is not what he's about this has become the worst reality show ever imagined.
I don't wish to participate in helping Trump fill that huge gap he has. If it even seemed he was serious about anything except his own self gratification I might not worry as much but he doesn't do the work. He has always taken shortcuts. He studies ratings rather than texts. He is an empty vessel waiting to be manipulated for a few moments of praise and applause.
what has this country come to...I can only hope people wake up and realize they are being used and manipulated. At least in Russia they know what the deal is. Keep quiet and go on with life...I hope that is not our fate here.
27
Trump Casino's lost $100 Million over 9 years while he personally pocket $32 Million in fees.
Trump is to appear in San Diego Superior Court o Novemeber 28th in the class action against Trump University fraud, where thousand of students lost millions of dollars, life savings for many in a complete scam.
Who applauds these achievements? How do these plain facts affect Trump's approval ratings?
Trump is to appear in San Diego Superior Court o Novemeber 28th in the class action against Trump University fraud, where thousand of students lost millions of dollars, life savings for many in a complete scam.
Who applauds these achievements? How do these plain facts affect Trump's approval ratings?
45
If we, God forbid, actually elect Trump, and he successfully drives the US into the ground, nobody will be able to claim that we didn't see the warning signs.
37
Sometimes I find myself hoping that his fast-food diet gives him clogged arteries and the ensuing typical illnesses. I know I shouldn't think these bad thoughts; but the image of The Donald intubated and on life support cheers me up. Sorry.
26
i saw a bumper sticker
vote hillary -- she might not screw up america as much as trump
13
We have a hard time with Trump's squishiness, but Frank Bruni's analysis explains it perfectly.
19
Trump should arrange a popularity poll inside North Korea of North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un. The results would surely be at least 99.999% praise of him. Then Trump can say that Kim Jong Un is a great leader and praise him as much or more than he has praised Putin. If Trump could, he would emulate Kim by copying his policies here if he were president.
22
To be scared of a bully is just what the bully wants. I am more scared of the fact that people vote for Trump.
19
Frank Bruni comes closer than any writer I know to seeing into the soul of this shallow, limited, dangerous man. May his warnings be heeded.
31
Democrats are lucky Trump didn’t run as a democrat. He would have been more credible as a populist democrat. As a strategy he would have stirred up fervent class resentment and portrayed himself as the true champion of blue collar Americans, without the racist dog whistle. He probably would have won. Now, his message just doesn’t make any sense and decent republicans recognize his duplicity and shallowness and hopefully don’t want him representing them.
6
Rather that write about Trump's character, why not write about whether Trump's proposals for running the country are in the national interest or whether Americans will benefit from the proposals? His proposals will make Trump and the very rich richer. His foreign policy ideas could destroy America's influence and reputation. He will vastly increase public debt and politicize the military, etc Which Americans will benefit from those policies?
21
Why not write more about the character and motives of Trump supporters? After all, Trump would be a nobody without a sick America.
All too often, the media reports signs and symptoms, but rarely the underlying cause.
All too often, the media reports signs and symptoms, but rarely the underlying cause.
13
Trump is dangerous for America and the world.
19
Hillary was wrong all right. 75% is closer.
10
Why didn´t you support Sanders? Why did the Democratic Convention just couldn´t recognize he would have been a much better option capable of beating Trump? Why the fraud? Sanders was coherent and spoke the truth. HRC is now brutally weak.
1
Putins poll numbers are just terrible if you consider Joe Stalin consistenly got 100% in the same Soviet surveys. Khrushchev scored 99% and Brezhnev the same. Gorbachevs numbers have been looked at again recently and they are stuck a 1% and the KGB is looking for those peple to find out if they have changed ther minds.
9
Trump was interviewed on Russian TV (RT) last Thursday. He complained about American Foreign Policy and the American News Media. His campaign said he didn't know it was Russian TV but Larry King said he had interviewed Trump before on Russian TV and that it was arranged with Trump's people. Why doesn't NY TImes report this. I find it bizarre that Trump did this and that the times is not reporting it.
40
Sounds right.
But there are also other motivations at play for Trump.
Not the least of which is money. And he admittedly owes a lot of it to Russian sources. Give me Ukraine and I'll forgive your debts.
But there are also other motivations at play for Trump.
Not the least of which is money. And he admittedly owes a lot of it to Russian sources. Give me Ukraine and I'll forgive your debts.
22
For Trump, this whole thing is the ultimate ego trip. No more. No less. With Putin as his role model, Trump would play his Presidency ( heaven forbid) as a dictatorship and you can already see this in his relationship with politicians in the Republican party. He does not need them.
The final irony is that of his supporters going loopy over him because they say he is a good businessman. Well, it takes an appallingly bad businessman to bankrupt a casino. Properly run, It is just not possible to bankrupt a casino. However Trump has done that in Atlantic City at least four times, driving his casinos there into the ground with, he himself walking away with loads of cash. Remember "casinos are a cash cow?"
The final irony is that of his supporters going loopy over him because they say he is a good businessman. Well, it takes an appallingly bad businessman to bankrupt a casino. Properly run, It is just not possible to bankrupt a casino. However Trump has done that in Atlantic City at least four times, driving his casinos there into the ground with, he himself walking away with loads of cash. Remember "casinos are a cash cow?"
23
He started by picking the low hanging bitter fruit of the fringe cast aways of the far right. Then he triple distilled that ignorance and hatred throughout the primaries. Now he's trying to finance his fascist Ailes rape and pillage network to explain his election fail as a 'big win.' He and Ailes both should be charged for numrous crimes, but not the one they are most guilty of - degrading America and compromising our national security for personal gain.
16
Sadly, Trump reflects and magnifies a sad aspect of American society: celebrity worship and a focus on glitz and not on substance - following people who are famous for being famous. Midnight in America.
131
Trump's life is a cautionary tale of what happens when you grow up in privilege and lead your whole life surrounded by people who one way or another are looking to benefit from your wealth and influence. His ego has remained unchecked, his sense of himself cultivated by sychophants. Yes, perhaps he is a special case, but the fact is that it is his wealth that has allowed his narcisism and bizarre sense of his own capabilities unchallenged.
These days, he is an admirer of Putin. One wonders how he would have reacted in the early 30s to Hitler. Would he have been, like Henry Ford, an admirer of Hitler's success and popularity. I suspect yes.
What kind of parents did Trump have? What about his siblings? Surely someone from his family can provide insight into the point at which Donald evolved from a little kid to the bombastic horror show he is today.
These days, he is an admirer of Putin. One wonders how he would have reacted in the early 30s to Hitler. Would he have been, like Henry Ford, an admirer of Hitler's success and popularity. I suspect yes.
What kind of parents did Trump have? What about his siblings? Surely someone from his family can provide insight into the point at which Donald evolved from a little kid to the bombastic horror show he is today.
25
Perhaps the best explanation yet of what drives Trump. Inside he is a insecure trust fund baby who needs the constant ongoing adoration of others to validate him and distract him from his own fear of inadequacy and inner emptiness (hence his constant reference to others as losers and himself as a winner). His run for President is like a dog chasing a car, he has no idea what he would do with it if he ever caught it given his ignorance and disinterest in the actual mechanics of government.
26
Trump is too flawed a demagogue to be elected--or so I hope and vote.
My worst fear is that the GOP, with its institutional demagoguery so well in place, in 2020 will offer us a more cunning and disciplined, but less obvious, demagogue.
To my mind Cruz, Walker and Ryan all qualify as such.
They would leave the most outrageous demagogic practices--scapegoating, demeaning of Democratic opponents, lies, highly emotive appeals to "patriotic" and "religious" sentiments, etc.--to their own minions in the media and to other GOP "leaders".
Then, with a sweep of both the Senate and the House, they would be free to actualize the GOP's pro-plutocratic agenda.
As a consequence we would all have the opportunity to come to grips with a new "reality"--that which the citizens of Kansas, under Governor Brownback's merciful ministrations, are still struggling to comprehend.
As many Kansans could tell us: They're not in Kansas anymore, but in some frightening and bewildering nightmare version of Oz.
My worst fear is that the GOP, with its institutional demagoguery so well in place, in 2020 will offer us a more cunning and disciplined, but less obvious, demagogue.
To my mind Cruz, Walker and Ryan all qualify as such.
They would leave the most outrageous demagogic practices--scapegoating, demeaning of Democratic opponents, lies, highly emotive appeals to "patriotic" and "religious" sentiments, etc.--to their own minions in the media and to other GOP "leaders".
Then, with a sweep of both the Senate and the House, they would be free to actualize the GOP's pro-plutocratic agenda.
As a consequence we would all have the opportunity to come to grips with a new "reality"--that which the citizens of Kansas, under Governor Brownback's merciful ministrations, are still struggling to comprehend.
As many Kansans could tell us: They're not in Kansas anymore, but in some frightening and bewildering nightmare version of Oz.
24
In an earlier posting I advised that we turn the discussion from a focus on Trump's blatant demagoguery to that of the institutionalized demagoguery of the GOP.
A further caution, however, is in order.
With Trump's successful test run, the GOP is certain to have other individual demagogue's emerge as its standard bearer.
If a more cunning, disciplined and somewhat veiled demagogue were to run in 2020, that individual would likely carry the day. To my mind the smooth and telegenic Paul Ryan comes to mind.
He would focus on the essential GOP objectives, all of which derive from the party establishment's guiding principle: Individualistic capitalism (the more unfettered the better) is good; New Deal communalism ("Socialism!") is bad.
The following are all close to Ryan's Ayn Randian "heart": (1) privatize or otherwise "reform" the remnants of the New Deal safety net; (2) keep and/or extend tax advantages for the already well off; (3) further diminish the influence of labor unions; (4) further privatize healthcare, education, prisons, the military and other public institutions; (5) expand globalization, (6) eliminate or further underfund environmental and safety regulations, etc.
He would for the most part leave the demagogic techniques--oversimplification, appeals to "patriotic" and "religious" emotions, scapegoating, blaming the media, demeaning opponents, etc.--to his many well practiced minions.
If not Ryan, then the far less subtle Cruz or Walker will do.
A further caution, however, is in order.
With Trump's successful test run, the GOP is certain to have other individual demagogue's emerge as its standard bearer.
If a more cunning, disciplined and somewhat veiled demagogue were to run in 2020, that individual would likely carry the day. To my mind the smooth and telegenic Paul Ryan comes to mind.
He would focus on the essential GOP objectives, all of which derive from the party establishment's guiding principle: Individualistic capitalism (the more unfettered the better) is good; New Deal communalism ("Socialism!") is bad.
The following are all close to Ryan's Ayn Randian "heart": (1) privatize or otherwise "reform" the remnants of the New Deal safety net; (2) keep and/or extend tax advantages for the already well off; (3) further diminish the influence of labor unions; (4) further privatize healthcare, education, prisons, the military and other public institutions; (5) expand globalization, (6) eliminate or further underfund environmental and safety regulations, etc.
He would for the most part leave the demagogic techniques--oversimplification, appeals to "patriotic" and "religious" emotions, scapegoating, blaming the media, demeaning opponents, etc.--to his many well practiced minions.
If not Ryan, then the far less subtle Cruz or Walker will do.
22
I think the whole Republican appeal to dumbness leaves the party without anyone with the smarts to run its peculiar project. Its MOs aren't conducive to worthwhile results.
9
A general rule of thumb is that if a leader of a nation obtains approval ratings or garners votes to the tune of 80%-90%, or even more, that nation is not a democratic nation in any western sense. However, in authoritarian regimes leaders typically attain such "popularity".
For example, I recall Mubarak of Egypt claimed about 88% of the vote in his last "elective" run (2005?).
For example, I recall Mubarak of Egypt claimed about 88% of the vote in his last "elective" run (2005?).
31
George H.W. Bush had approval ratings in the 80% range after he kicked Saddam out of Kuwait in the first Iraq war. And he wasn't naive enough to think that any Islamic country would embrace democracy in lieu of the 7th century medieval barbarism known as Sharia.
And what Obama did to push Mubarak, one our our longest and best allies in the region, out of office to install and maintain the Muslim Brotherhood tells you all you need to know.
And what Obama did to push Mubarak, one our our longest and best allies in the region, out of office to install and maintain the Muslim Brotherhood tells you all you need to know.
2
A rat pushing the lever again and again to get its fix of ego boost. That nails it!
69
Trump displays the same narcissistic megalomania that characterizes brutal dictators throughout history.
17
There's a word for it: pathological
12
I heard al-Assad has very high approval ratings indeed! Just ask him! What a stamina, what a character!
27
Well said.
Someday, in yet another ghost-written but "huge" bestseller of a book, Mr. Trump will reveal that his Presidential Run was nothing more than a foil to gather publicity, any publicity, to launch him towards his next (tawdry?) TV show.
And how a so-called party of principles, and its principals, bought it hook, line and sinker. And sank with it.
But he will have his last laugh.
Sad.
Someday, in yet another ghost-written but "huge" bestseller of a book, Mr. Trump will reveal that his Presidential Run was nothing more than a foil to gather publicity, any publicity, to launch him towards his next (tawdry?) TV show.
And how a so-called party of principles, and its principals, bought it hook, line and sinker. And sank with it.
But he will have his last laugh.
Sad.
29
I am a lifelong, liberal Democrat who has never voted for a Republican candidate for any office since I cast my first vote in 1983. But of this I can be sure: If Donald Trump were running as the Democratic nominee for President in 2016, I would firmly pull the lever for John McCain, Mitt Romney or yes, even George W. Bush on Election Day. Don't even have to think about it.
That the Ryans, McConnells, Rubios, etc. of this nation do not feel this way is sickening. There are times when the consequences are serious enough that you must hold your nose and do what you absolutely know is the right thing to do.
That the Ryans, McConnells, Rubios, etc. of this nation do not feel this way is sickening. There are times when the consequences are serious enough that you must hold your nose and do what you absolutely know is the right thing to do.
83
It is something beautiful to recognize, however, that any Republican politician who refuses to drop a knee on behalf of this nominee is a politician who deserves consideration in the future. That is integrity to the tenth power, and is a litmus of whom this staunch, courageous and patriotic American is. Forget most of these hypocritical posers, but remember and respect the handful who stepped up and refused to be little more than Elephant fodder!
13
I hope Ryan's cowardly support of Trump sinks his career.
25
MsBunny--Those who have announced that they won't vote for the Donald are only looking out for themselves. If they thought supporting him would help them get reelected, they would drop to a knee, gratefully. Not one of them is an altruist.
4
On the one hand, at 71 years of age I hate to wish my life away by wanting November 8th to come quickly; on the other hand if we wake up on November 9th to my greatest nightmare and find Trump is President, I will regret that I did not savor these last few weeks of sanity in this country. Please for the love of this country, vote for Hillary Clinton.
90
I'm 71, blue in the red state of Texas, and I concur.
18
Is there some requirement that you all write about Trump every time? We already know he is narcissistic, a showman and not a politician or public servant, unable to develop genuine, viable policies, filled with hate and thus worshiped by the adoring hate-filled fans. We know this.
How about a piece that covers Clinton's politics, maybe compares them to what Trump has said. I saw an article elsewhere that broke down how many immigration officers and employees and how many detention centers it would take to deport the millions Trump wants to deport, and the cost of that. Then it was compared to what Nazi Germany did. Why won't you write about Clinton's proposals and how sane and possible they seem next to Trump's? What about her education ideas, and how she and Bernie Sanders put together a proposal? Does the Times really support her? If they do, why aren't they examining and writing about her ideas?
Really, enough of how Trump is all about himself. We know that, and we know that if he is elected, it will mean disaster after disaster, and that Congress will not likely be able to control him. And enough of trying to make Clinton look equivalent to Trump. It's bogus and everyone who reads knows this. So please, let's see some real reporting and some real opinions.
How about a piece that covers Clinton's politics, maybe compares them to what Trump has said. I saw an article elsewhere that broke down how many immigration officers and employees and how many detention centers it would take to deport the millions Trump wants to deport, and the cost of that. Then it was compared to what Nazi Germany did. Why won't you write about Clinton's proposals and how sane and possible they seem next to Trump's? What about her education ideas, and how she and Bernie Sanders put together a proposal? Does the Times really support her? If they do, why aren't they examining and writing about her ideas?
Really, enough of how Trump is all about himself. We know that, and we know that if he is elected, it will mean disaster after disaster, and that Congress will not likely be able to control him. And enough of trying to make Clinton look equivalent to Trump. It's bogus and everyone who reads knows this. So please, let's see some real reporting and some real opinions.
82
The NYT probably won't even lose readership by shunning Trump voters. It is already on their shun lists.
In short—clearly the one lesson he learned, to his bones, from his father—the only thing that matters is "success"—measured in money, popularity, power. Whatever it takes to get those things, and all the perks that come with them, however many people he harms in the process, that's what he's going to do.
14
I am more worried that I have ever been for the future of this country. Terrified.
36
Trump doesn't have a "Core". He throws-out totally unrelated facts, that do not correlate, and feels that he has arrived at an "Aha!" moment. Putin's 82% approval rating is a prime example. When you consider the pantheon of dictators--Fidel Castro, Kim Jong-Un, Josef Stalin, etc--a mere 82% is absurd, when you consider that each controls(ed) their national media. And detractor end-up buried in aq remote plot of ground in Gorky Park.
Too many people just assume that Trump will fulfill all of his hollow promises. On the day after Trump declared that he would be the "Law and Oorder President", NYC Police Commissioner, Bill Brtton, was asked for a comment. He asked: "What's his experience?"
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Too many people just assume that Trump will fulfill all of his hollow promises. On the day after Trump declared that he would be the "Law and Oorder President", NYC Police Commissioner, Bill Brtton, was asked for a comment. He asked: "What's his experience?"
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
21
“You know, to just be grossly generalistic, you could put half of Trump’s supporters into what I call the basket of deplorables. Right?” she said to applause and laughter. “The racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamaphobic — you name it. And unfortunately there are people like that. And he has lifted them up.”
She got applause from the Millionaires and Billionaires who were her target audience.
She should replace the apparatchiks who are writing her bigoted and classist speeches.
She got applause from the Millionaires and Billionaires who were her target audience.
She should replace the apparatchiks who are writing her bigoted and classist speeches.
4
Maybe her opponent will get his Russian buddy to do you this favor.
1
Since when is it bigoted to call out blatant racism,misogyny,etc a basket of deplorables? She is right. About 33.3% of Trump supporters are deplorable. I'll add despicable to that description as well.
18
I'm curious JMAN Do you still believe that President Obama was not born in the United States?
6
i keep telling myself that we are basically good people, that there is so much goodness in all of us, that no matter what our personal ideologies are that we do, all of us, believe in the Constitution and have basic respect for each other and so will never wake up on Nov. 9 with Trump as president. I do, however, think Roosevelt was wrong. There is something worse than fear: Trump as president! Thank you, Mr. Bruni, for clearly and continuously reminding us of the danger.
32
You should read the condescending and awful comments on Roger Cohen's op-ed piece this week. You'll quickly revise your opinion that we are all basically good and decent. I have never read such clear evidence of elite condescension.
I applaud you for thinking that, but as for me, I keep coming back to that reputed saying of H. L. Mencken: "No one ever lost money underestimating the intelligence of the American people."
5
Oh frank, Russia may or may not have 'invaded' Crimea, but the United States of America, you may recall, has invaded numerous countries over the past 16 years - and several more countries in the years before that. You are old enough to recall, Granada, Panama, and, of course, Viet Nam (with some 'mild sideswiping' at Laos and Cambodia. We've destabilized who knows how many additional countries over the past 6 decades ... and sponsored coups in more. Latin America was once almost completely ruled by military juntas installed by the United States. The case for Russian interference in Ukraine and Crimea is much less clear than these instances of US 'nation building' (if that is what you want to call it). Then there is the provocation of China in the South China Sea, the aggressive expansion of NATO up to Russia's borders, and the barely concealed military threats against Iran - oh, and the stationing of nukes in South Korea.
And as for cybercrimes - the US leads the way among nations committing them. So please stop with the piling on Putin for his bad international behavior - behavior which is regularly applauded by US media when undertaken by the US in the name of 'peace', 'humanitarian intervention', or 'revenge for 9/11'.
Putin is clearly an autocrat, kleptocrat, and narcissist. but his domestic activities are more than sufficient to make that case.
And as for cybercrimes - the US leads the way among nations committing them. So please stop with the piling on Putin for his bad international behavior - behavior which is regularly applauded by US media when undertaken by the US in the name of 'peace', 'humanitarian intervention', or 'revenge for 9/11'.
Putin is clearly an autocrat, kleptocrat, and narcissist. but his domestic activities are more than sufficient to make that case.
3
"He was a rat pressing a lever and getting precisely the pellet of reverence that he sought, "
What a succinct description of this year's repub candidate for POTUS. They should of ashamed of themselves to have given rise to this.
What a succinct description of this year's repub candidate for POTUS. They should of ashamed of themselves to have given rise to this.
25
Frank, while I love your columns and appreciate your and all your fellow journalists' diligence in reporting and profiling this lunatic, can we move forward with the substance of the policy proposals? I understand that this is a unique election cycle because Trump is off the charts when it comes to not being specific and not answering questions, but this voter is sick and tired of his megaphone enabled by the media. I never knew until recently that for decades this "businessman" was being interviewed by the media about his "policy positions." That he is on the record regarding the war in Esquire magazine? Why did we care then? He has been manipulating the media for decades and he is doing it now and I want the media to give him a time out until he articulates his positions clearly. Raise the bar for this guy!
21
Just for the record, they don't really know that much about the bible either.
4
Putin's apparent preference for Trump is of course not at all surprising. He has already figured out that all he needs to do to get the better of Trump is to utter a word or two of ambiguous praise, and Trump will come bounding over like a puppy with his tail wagging and his tongue hanging out.
16
Jail the opposition and silence the journalists - that is just what President Trump would do!! Of course Trump admires Putin. This is the whole point of pursuing power ... you get to decide what's"fair and accurate" and what's not. Of course, political opponents are nefarious liars who should be jailed for treason. L'etat? C'est moi!
18
unfortunately you are preaching to the choir. Trump followers, for who he is filling a need that they feel other politicians or government are not, are unlikely to be reading this - AND the issues they identify- however wrongly directed one might think they are- are REAL FOR THEM- and are, Trump folks feel - not being attended to by the existing political system. Given that, and the very unsettling threat from the tea- partiers that have just returned to congress..it seems that we must do more than analyze Trump - we know what he is now...we must try to address this emergency of lack of confidence, morals and ethics in government that we are presented with.
I would be interested in know what Mr Bruni, and the other Times writers suggest as strategies for the other candidates, and existing legislators to undertake to address this situation, because just beating Trump in November is not going to solve this.
I would be interested in know what Mr Bruni, and the other Times writers suggest as strategies for the other candidates, and existing legislators to undertake to address this situation, because just beating Trump in November is not going to solve this.
20
This is apologizing pure and simple. Beating Trump in November IS going to solve this; his supporters and the GOP need to reach rock bottom with their drug of choice: the right wing media. It is the GOP that is corrupt, do-nothing, and know-nothing. Spare us the false equivalencies. Sorry, dear Reaganite, Government is NOT the problem; sorry dear Thatcherite, there IS such a thing as society. Four Supreme Court justices will go a long way to curing what ails the misguided.
3
The irony is that the worst thing that could happen to Trump is getting elected, having to live in a dump like the White House, without the ability to put his name on it in oversized letters. He seems immune to the beating he's taking from pundits and late-night funny men, but how much more of a pinata will he be when any failed dog-catcher, safe in a gerrymander-protected district, can say no to him. Losing the election and having the ability to trumpet "woulda, coulda, shoulda" story lines from the platform of Trump TV definitely sounds like his win-win scenario.
11
Don't worry, Trump has no intention to live n the white House or run the government. I'm afraid Robert Mercer, Steve Bannon and their tribe of alt right conspiracy theorists will be the people running everything. Mercer is totally in control of trump's campaign after having installed Bannon, Conway and Bossi.
3
We all know that Trump will have a scarlet "L" branded on his forehead come November.
The problem is what to do with his demented followers, who proclaim like the Kentucky anarchist quoted in today's Times, after being asked if Trump is not dangerous: “I don’t care. After all we’ve been through, I just don’t care.”
The problem is what to do with his demented followers, who proclaim like the Kentucky anarchist quoted in today's Times, after being asked if Trump is not dangerous: “I don’t care. After all we’ve been through, I just don’t care.”
18
I gave up on Trump when he failed to name Kim Kardashian as his running mate.
13
Substitute "corporate infotainment industry" for "Trump" everywhere in this essay and NOW you understand how this grifter has succeeded. False equivalencies, billions of dollars worth of free non judgmental publicity, feeding the 25 year Clinton bashing by the Republican right as if it were legitimate news, including all the recent hysterical "scandals", and blame for this farce sits squarely in the lap of the media industry, including the NYT. You've created this monster. Now what are you going to do?
29
I recall with great clarity the words of an eminent speaker at the Democratic National Convention this past summer: Vote for sane and competent.
The speaker is no fool. We should heed his words.
The speaker is no fool. We should heed his words.
19
It's the piece of opinion I've been waiting for from the day he said he was going to run, sine it's exactly what I think but lacked the words to express .
It's also very scary, it's the leader of the world we are talking about here! Hello! he can jeopardize the little good we still have in the world and certainly he will not improve what's wrong.
I'm emailing it to everyone I know.
I hope it gets applause.
Abraham from Mexico!
It's also very scary, it's the leader of the world we are talking about here! Hello! he can jeopardize the little good we still have in the world and certainly he will not improve what's wrong.
I'm emailing it to everyone I know.
I hope it gets applause.
Abraham from Mexico!
17
So absolutely true. Fifteen years after 9/11, I am just as frightened for this country as I was then. I was frightened then by mysterious outsiders who hated us. I am frightened now by our own people who have been given permission by Trump to openly hate their own neighbors. And his supporters do not see or care that Trump has no moral core and no desire to help anyone but himself. They admire his narcissism, his constant preening, and his meanness.
27
Frank, great read. Every sentence could stand alone as another reason why Trump should not be president and yet he's running neck and neck with Hillary. How can that be? What does that say about us?
24
I believe it says more about our "media", now that "news" has been shoved beneath "entertainment". Read the absurd priase NBC's Lack gave lightweight Lauer after his abominable performance at last weeks candidate forum.
It's more than obvious that this media wants a horse race, and that means false equivalences at every turn, more airtime and press coverage for a clearly intellectually challenged reality show leftover, and a diminishing of the actual serious realities of the consequences of a repub win in November.
We, as a country, are being "dumbed down" on a daily basis, as serious journalists are pushed out of the picture. Where is PBS in any of this? Why were they left out, completely, from participation in the "debates"?
I don't want "us" to elect Putin's lapdog, but our "media" is ruining this election process by "rolling over". Disgusting!
It's more than obvious that this media wants a horse race, and that means false equivalences at every turn, more airtime and press coverage for a clearly intellectually challenged reality show leftover, and a diminishing of the actual serious realities of the consequences of a repub win in November.
We, as a country, are being "dumbed down" on a daily basis, as serious journalists are pushed out of the picture. Where is PBS in any of this? Why were they left out, completely, from participation in the "debates"?
I don't want "us" to elect Putin's lapdog, but our "media" is ruining this election process by "rolling over". Disgusting!
10
Brilliant, Frank. Unassailable logic.
Now - somebody, dear readers, tell me why 40% of Americans do not realize this? Or do they see it and do not care? Or do they see it and judge it "good"? Or are they blinded by the hatred for Hillary? Or ...?
Please make your argument in reply to this post.
Now - somebody, dear readers, tell me why 40% of Americans do not realize this? Or do they see it and do not care? Or do they see it and judge it "good"? Or are they blinded by the hatred for Hillary? Or ...?
Please make your argument in reply to this post.
11
All true, yet people still support the trump.
What does that say about our society today?
How much of this can be traced to the unrelenting misinformation from rightwing TV/hate radio?
Are we living through another "decline of a great empire"?
What does that say about our society today?
How much of this can be traced to the unrelenting misinformation from rightwing TV/hate radio?
Are we living through another "decline of a great empire"?
15
Perhaps Putin will go ahead and give Trump a Message he Cannot get Wrong (At least another Russian would not get it wrong) but have Putin offer Trump a 'Thumb's Up' gesture. Sadly, Trump knows nowhere near enough of the language or hand language so it will be lost to him until one of his employees meekly tells his Master that in the Russian, the 'Thumb's Up' gesture actually means "Up Your *** !" blatantly and literally. Of course, Trump wold see Putin giving him a Two Thumbs Up, which has gotta be good news coming from a real world leader, right?
But then again, this is the House that the Republicans Built, now they have to cover the Mortgage! And yet this one my just break their bank forever, being branded as not only the Party of GW Bush (Under Whom 9/11 Happened) but also the party of Trump they have absolutely no credibility left in their Bank of Public Opinion.
But then again, this is the House that the Republicans Built, now they have to cover the Mortgage! And yet this one my just break their bank forever, being branded as not only the Party of GW Bush (Under Whom 9/11 Happened) but also the party of Trump they have absolutely no credibility left in their Bank of Public Opinion.
6
Trump will/would be a disaster as President, a disaster we cannot afford. His forte is bankruptcy. His philosophy seems to be what works best for The Donald. He appears to be an angry, arrogant, ignorant and cunning narciscist. The future of our Republic hangs in the balance of this election.
10
Robert Cialdini wrote an excellent book, "Weapons of Influence," in which he explains the principles that con artists like Trump use against us. Likability is one. If we like someone for whatever reason, we will do their bidding. But we are just as likely to cooperate if they bully us. Trump is just classic.
6
Mr. Bruni you speak the truth so eloquently week after week and distill so much hyperbole into coherent and comprehensible text. Thank you once again for zeroing in on what really motivates Trump and presenting it so beautifully.
11
Trump is a character from the Twilight Zone. A man on a mission that at the end will destroy him and save us. He acts as an attack dog to gain advantage in the polls. But he's not a real German Shepherd. He's more like a Dachsund. His bark is way bigger than his bite. And at the end of the episode the Donald ends up in the pound. Nobody wants him anymore. Bad dog.
6
I'm surprised Trump isn't already taking credit for the U.S. -Russian agreement on fighting ISIS since he's been saying he'd join Putin in such fight.He's probably holding so in case the agreement fails which he'll then certainly blame Obama,John Kerry ,as well as finding way,even if unrealistic,Hillary.
8
Phone call from Trump to Putin:
Trump: Hi this Is Donald? If I should lose the election.
Putin: Never gonna happen.
Trump: Truely great truely fun!
Putin: I know there's a McDonald in Moscow.
Trump: Really excited really amazing for sure!
Putin: Great comrade.
Trump: Of course, you will treat me. Double Pounder with fries and extra large coke and two large cokes.
Putin: I am not paying for the apple pies.
Trump: Yea, bro! You are my truely best friend ever!
Trump: Hi this Is Donald? If I should lose the election.
Putin: Never gonna happen.
Trump: Truely great truely fun!
Putin: I know there's a McDonald in Moscow.
Trump: Really excited really amazing for sure!
Putin: Great comrade.
Trump: Of course, you will treat me. Double Pounder with fries and extra large coke and two large cokes.
Putin: I am not paying for the apple pies.
Trump: Yea, bro! You are my truely best friend ever!
4
Bruno has penetrated to the hollow essence of Trump. There no "there" there. While Putin has some Machiavellian plan to "make Russia great again", Trump doesn't even know the name of the book. He certainly hasn't read it, any more than the Constitution. And as for Putin using a Russian word that can mean 'brilliant' (in the sense of shiny), well, it also translates as merely 'flaboyant', and we don't need Putin to unocover the obvious for those with eyes to see. But remember how long it took the crowd to recognize that the Emperor had no clothes.
14
Why do columnists insist on flogging this dead horse?
There are more important issues to be addressed and everyone who reads this newspaper knows it.
Please stop with the gossip,
There are more important issues to be addressed and everyone who reads this newspaper knows it.
Please stop with the gossip,
3
Gossip?
5
Mainstream intellectuals say truth is arbitrary and conventional. And that objectivity is impossible. Thus Trump.
3
and yet he's the nominee for potus one of the two mainstream parties in the united states of hysteria. I repeat myself--none of it is possible without the 'folks', the most easily manipulated and gullible of any western democracy. rugged individualists indeed.......more like sheep being led to the slaughterhouse.
9
Maybe our problem is that the "debates" are not real debates like Lincoln-Douglas but game shows. And Trump understands this, but serious politicians don't.
4
Trump's support may be based on the influence of his Russian investors who are essentially paying for Trump's praise of Putin. Or perhaps Trump has been brainwashed by his Russian associates.
4
After splashing every page with Trump Trump Trump for months, and ignoring -- or ridiculing -- the message of Bernie Sanders, now the pundits of the New York Times want everyone to hold their noses and vote for HIllary. This certainly is a low point in American "democracy."
2
Ridiculing Sanders became sport for many NYT columnists, namely Krugman.
There is something very bizarre about Trump's admiration of Putin, and Trump's potential ties to Russia and to the Russian oligarchs, that goes deeper than just looking for applause lines. It is truly beyond time for Trump to releases his taxes and dispel the unsavory possibilities those ties suggest.
What is the strategic advantage of running as an alleged financial genius who can save us from all our financial challenges, but appear to have something to hide regarding his own finances? Trump seems to be hiding something. Something yuuuuuge!
What is the strategic advantage of running as an alleged financial genius who can save us from all our financial challenges, but appear to have something to hide regarding his own finances? Trump seems to be hiding something. Something yuuuuuge!
15
Since I sometimes wake up at 3 am thinking of the horror of a Donald Trump presidency, I found this article in today's Sunday paper somewhat reassuring about how the government could block crazy Trump proposals.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/09/09/how-the-gove...
Before we get to this point, however, the best way to reduce Trumpist anxiety is for a huge voter turnout against Trump and for Clinton that sends a clear message of rejection to Trump and his duped, desperate supporters.
Given Frank's excellent column on Trump's disturbed psychological need for applause, it would be interesting to see how he would handle national rejection in this election--especially after all the nasty things he has said about so many individuals and peoples. A taste of his own medicine, perhaps.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/09/09/how-the-gove...
Before we get to this point, however, the best way to reduce Trumpist anxiety is for a huge voter turnout against Trump and for Clinton that sends a clear message of rejection to Trump and his duped, desperate supporters.
Given Frank's excellent column on Trump's disturbed psychological need for applause, it would be interesting to see how he would handle national rejection in this election--especially after all the nasty things he has said about so many individuals and peoples. A taste of his own medicine, perhaps.
14
Frank, this is the best analysis I've read about what drives Trump. It makes perfect sense. Everything, and I mean everything, is about putting him and his name in lights. He's the extreme version of his father, who he revered, and who also told him success is all about getting attention. If the glow dims, do something about. Find a new, younger and more attractive wife. Build a new building with your name on it. Let others hold the bag on failing ventures. Quickly diffuse and sidestep positions and facts when you're called out. Flip flop on political leanings whenever the wind changes direction. Tear down the opposition and make it look weak. Hang out with folks who also attract attention - whether good or bad - so long as they praise you and you're not being out-staged.
This adulation-focused strategy works fine if, at your core, the only metric that matters is gathering more attention. However, it's a scary basis for electing someone to lead a country. By definition, sustaining it requires perpetually dodging accountability and changing colors like a chameleon. Those who think they can count on Trump to deliver on his 'promises' have another thing coming. Let's be clear: it's all about him and no one or nothing else matters.
This adulation-focused strategy works fine if, at your core, the only metric that matters is gathering more attention. However, it's a scary basis for electing someone to lead a country. By definition, sustaining it requires perpetually dodging accountability and changing colors like a chameleon. Those who think they can count on Trump to deliver on his 'promises' have another thing coming. Let's be clear: it's all about him and no one or nothing else matters.
14
I would never hire Trump to work for me and I see no reason to hire him to be president. I live in a red State (Alabama) and I assume he will win this state, but I think it will be by a much smaller margin that most think.
8
"From the start of his campaign, he has exhibited a near-pathological obsession…"
This sounds too much like being near-pregnant. It's time to tell it like it is. Trump is crazy! Don't vote for him! Our lives depend on it! And no, I'm not kidding.
This sounds too much like being near-pregnant. It's time to tell it like it is. Trump is crazy! Don't vote for him! Our lives depend on it! And no, I'm not kidding.
12
Trump called his sleeping around and avoiding STD's "his personal Vietnam" after he got out of serving in that war. And people want a man like this in the White House?
8
Right on the money with this one Bruni--though all this was known from the very start.
But will it stop the media from treating him like a qualified candidate, reporting every single inanity and imsult he spews? Will they stop grading him on a curve?
I am dreading the next two months.
But will it stop the media from treating him like a qualified candidate, reporting every single inanity and imsult he spews? Will they stop grading him on a curve?
I am dreading the next two months.
11
Frank's observation is spot on. I don't usually go in for op-ed psychology but his points are valid. Which means our choices this November are between an egomaniac and a criminal. Yippee!
1
Excellent column. I would add simply that Mr. Trump is a businessman who is promoting his brand. Whether he wins the election or not, as long as he isn't slammed in the outcome, he will have received HUGE benefit from the publicity of the campaign. We can talk about why he promotes his brand and whether he has this or that disorder, and whether he is naive, manipulable or just grossly infatuated with himself, but the bottom line is that it will take more than just idle talk to defeat him.
When Obama opens up relationships with Cuba and goes to a baseball game with Fidel Castro's brother and laughs with him and befriends him, it is perfectly okay even though Fidel and his brother have been murderous autocrats totally in charge (Putin was not even close to being the leader of the Soviet Union during its worst days). If it is a smaller country, is it okay to be patting a murderous autocrat on the back as Obama has done with a Castro? When Obama said that he would meet "unconditionally" with Iran in 2008 and now has done that and transferred enormous sums of money to them, is this orders of magnitude worse than commenting that Putin is not the weak leader like Obama that has called ISIS the JV team? Where is the common sense here?
1
Horse race, horse race, and meta conversation.
Trump has never been elected to office. Trump uses litigation against honest people for profit. I heard from the experts, this includes David Kay Johnston, and others, that Trump is familiar with Russian Oligarchs and by proxy fond of Putin, because the Oligarchs were the only people to loan him money. I'm not joking. This was a serious theory from a serious and informed reporter who is an expert in the field. Do your homework.
Trump doesn't release his taxes, or it would be found he OWES MILLIONS- maybe. Trump hired Paul Manafort, and I do not see his name in this story. You explain to us what we could surmise on our own, without adding those pesky facts we rely on reporters to bring us.
Fact: Trump is a poor businessman. Chapter 11 bankruptcy 4 times, after being giver 150 to 230 million dollars.
Fact: Trump has no grasp of foreign policy, uS history, Diplomacy, Nuclear deterrence.
Fact: Trump backed a drug dealer AFTER he was convicted. His sister was going to be the judge of this guy, had to recuse herself.
Fact: Trump cut his own grandnephew out of the Trump family insurance plan- to settle a tiff with the grandnephew's daddy.
Do you not report these things because you are scared that ambulance chaser lawyers from Trump will come after you?
Trump has never been elected to office. Trump uses litigation against honest people for profit. I heard from the experts, this includes David Kay Johnston, and others, that Trump is familiar with Russian Oligarchs and by proxy fond of Putin, because the Oligarchs were the only people to loan him money. I'm not joking. This was a serious theory from a serious and informed reporter who is an expert in the field. Do your homework.
Trump doesn't release his taxes, or it would be found he OWES MILLIONS- maybe. Trump hired Paul Manafort, and I do not see his name in this story. You explain to us what we could surmise on our own, without adding those pesky facts we rely on reporters to bring us.
Fact: Trump is a poor businessman. Chapter 11 bankruptcy 4 times, after being giver 150 to 230 million dollars.
Fact: Trump has no grasp of foreign policy, uS history, Diplomacy, Nuclear deterrence.
Fact: Trump backed a drug dealer AFTER he was convicted. His sister was going to be the judge of this guy, had to recuse herself.
Fact: Trump cut his own grandnephew out of the Trump family insurance plan- to settle a tiff with the grandnephew's daddy.
Do you not report these things because you are scared that ambulance chaser lawyers from Trump will come after you?
7
This is a brilliant psych-analysis that eviscerates Drumpf! But sadly thus far no one has figured out how to beat him at this game or change the game. He trashes media and they queue up with their pants down for more spanking...
8
Here we have indisputable proof that Trump is not nearly so smart as he says he is. Anyone with half a brain knows that under an authoritarian government with no scruples about "disappearing" people and murdering people, polling results and elections are not valid. People have not been persuaded. People are being coerced. Saddam Hussein once was elected unanimously. The noteworthy point? Putin is so disliked that 18% of Russians will say so at risk of retribution.
7
Thank you, Mr. Bruni, for zeroing in on the heart of Trump's narcissism. When asked about his temperament, Trump offered his visit to Mexico as an example of his statecraft. He stood in front of a Mexican audience and professed his admiration for them. Later that day he stood in front of an audience in Arizona and talked about his wall.
Trump's motivation has become so obvious, and his communication of it so facile and childlike, that I marvel at his ongoing support. I know it's not kosher to be blunt about this, but just how stupid are these voters who adore him?
Trump's motivation has become so obvious, and his communication of it so facile and childlike, that I marvel at his ongoing support. I know it's not kosher to be blunt about this, but just how stupid are these voters who adore him?
15
Frank Bruni has laid out in writing what many of us have been following with our eyes and ears: Trump’s self-worth is in the estimation of the world around him -- from shouting sheep at rallies all the way to Putin in Russia, or so that “flamboyant,” “colorful,” misguided misfit believes. There are just too many unsettling, frightening concerns to do with the Trump candidacy, as if his lack of intelligence, empathy and interest in governance weren’t enough. His international head scratching shenanigans aren’t fit for a Comedy Central Roast much less a bid for the presidency. They’re not funny.
7
So based on Trump’s narcissistic philosophy, if he were ever President, Trump would be a failure next to Putin, since it is impossible for a “President” Trump to get a 82% approval rating from the American People.
9
Mr. Bruni brilliantly portrays the insurmountable problem a moderator out of his league faced last Thursday when "interviewing" a bullying shape-shifter releasing nothing but "word clouds" of non sequiturs and evasions as "answers" to his queries.
6
Today is 9/11.
At the 15th year ceremony, Donald was in the front taking pictures with his cronies. Hillary was in the back wearing sunglasses.
Donald is a scary rabbit taking us down a Black Hole carrying his basket of deplorables.
At the 15th year ceremony, Donald was in the front taking pictures with his cronies. Hillary was in the back wearing sunglasses.
Donald is a scary rabbit taking us down a Black Hole carrying his basket of deplorables.
10
This is extraordinarily perceptive and answers seemingly disparate questions in a clear and novel way. Thank you.
5
What about the Media? From Rush Limbaugh to Cable "News" to newspapers ratings and circulation trump news and facts and reality. If the modern Press did not start with "if it bleeds it leads" and now shows no interest in challenging lies we not have Trump. Who started the equation of celebration with accomplishment but the Media?
10
It's also telling and disturbing that Trump accepts that 82% figure as valid, without question
12
Frank
The thing that people like about Trump is that they know he realizes that that he stretches the truth. They are fighting this hypocrisy that everyone is sick of.... The difference is that while Clinton is full of fibs, she presents herself as better. Why is spying on your populations emails, phone calls, attacking 3 countries without declaring war, millions dead, better than another country taking land, and spying on its journalists and others. To the basic person, it is almost like splitting hairs. Putin speaks more directly and less preachy than folks like Clinton.... Trump knows this, and outside of the nyt there are lots of ppl like that
The thing that people like about Trump is that they know he realizes that that he stretches the truth. They are fighting this hypocrisy that everyone is sick of.... The difference is that while Clinton is full of fibs, she presents herself as better. Why is spying on your populations emails, phone calls, attacking 3 countries without declaring war, millions dead, better than another country taking land, and spying on its journalists and others. To the basic person, it is almost like splitting hairs. Putin speaks more directly and less preachy than folks like Clinton.... Trump knows this, and outside of the nyt there are lots of ppl like that
I for one wish Hillary hadn`t immediately started hedging her comments about Trump supporters, who have been conditioned to find the Cllintons untrustworthy, especially in light of recent news that Old Orange may have lavished money to dissuade investigations into his business practices.
6
This is one of the truest columns you have ever written.
4
No one should have to be discussing this. There is no way Donald Trump should be a subject of serious consideration for a high level government job let alone the top spot. His followers, who can't ALL be ignorant dullards, and the press, who are mostly well-educated, are responsible for applauding on the one hand, and enabling on the other. Of particular culpability is the press, whose attitude toward Trump is bemused [How Did He Get Here??!!] rather than unified, focused, and vocal outrage that our nation is about to be hijacked by a morally bankrupt emotional cripple.
9
Best article ever!
4
So what will Mr Trump do if he wins, and when ANYTHING goes wrong, it is his fault. What will he do when the congress ignores him or worse, votes against his wishes. Will he do what Putin does, poison in their tea or a bullet in the head. This is America, the home of the free. We can say what we want even against the sitting president. The Donald would wilt under all of the criticism Obama has received and he has been a very straight up guy. We do not need a Putin in our White House.
10
I think most people know these things about Trump, but still support him. We need to know why and go after Trump on that basis. No number of Times editorials will defeat him, but he must be defeated. Our Nation IS at risk!
11
Great column. Funny how Ed Muskie shedding a tear or Howard Dean screaming "Yeehaw!" at a pep rally resulted in them being driven from presidential races, but Trump supporting a Russian fascist ruler evokes no such demand. Where is the press and fellow Republicans angrily demanding he drop out for these treasonous remarks?
www.newyorkgritty.net
www.newyorkgritty.net
12
Trump is DEPLORABLE, and so are his supporters. Hillary is absolutely on the money and owes nobody an apology. How is it that the GOP is still supporting him, no matter what he SAYS, no matter who he insults, no matter what crazy, dangerous propositions he offers? DEPLORABLE
19
Somebody wrote elsewhere on these pages that "We don't like Putin because he's a competitor." Really? I hardly think I'm alone in saying that I despise Putin because he's a murderous thug, bully, liar and kleptocrat with a long list of corpses, not to mention broken nations, in his wake. He is an accessory to the war criminality of Bashar al-Assad.
Ask thousands of Georgians and Ukranians, even more Syrians, Alexander Litvinenko's widow or the families of Galina Starovoitova, Sergei Yushenkov, Yuri Shchekochikhin, Yuri Shchekochikhin, Nikolai Girenko, Paul Klebnikov, Andrei Kozlov, Anna Politkovskaya, Stanslav Markelov, Anastasia Barburova, Natalia Estemirova and Boris Nemtsov to name just a few.
This is what the "competition" looks like: a graveyard of slain dissidents and broken countries.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Ask thousands of Georgians and Ukranians, even more Syrians, Alexander Litvinenko's widow or the families of Galina Starovoitova, Sergei Yushenkov, Yuri Shchekochikhin, Yuri Shchekochikhin, Nikolai Girenko, Paul Klebnikov, Andrei Kozlov, Anna Politkovskaya, Stanslav Markelov, Anastasia Barburova, Natalia Estemirova and Boris Nemtsov to name just a few.
This is what the "competition" looks like: a graveyard of slain dissidents and broken countries.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
14
When asked about Trump, Putin described Trump as being "yarki", which Trump interpreted to mean "brilliant" as in highly intelligent, given his propensity towards narcissism. But I believe that what Putin really meant, given the word's dual meaning, was to say that Trump was very "colorful" or "flamboyant". In other words, Trump is more of a "showman" -- an actor on the public stage who craves applause and admiration from his audience -- in this case, the electorate.
But many of us who've followed this guy's attempt at a political career have been more stunned and appalled by his "theatrics" than anything else. We certainly don't regard him as brilliant as it applies to intelligence. Far from it.
A quick study or analysis of his vocabulary and mannerisms when on the public stage reveals a very insecure and emotionally volatile individual, one who is more apt to use the verbal equivalent of brass knuckles rather than his persuasive powers to woo his audience to his point of view.
He would rather beat his opposition into submission rather than "win friends and influence people". By so doing, he apparently believes that his potential detractors (the media), or his competition, will be less apt to challenge his ridiculous lies and accusations.
He's a repulsive individual. He never outgrew his "schoolyard bullying" tactics. Emotionally, he's still an insecure child who craves approval. I don't think that these are qualities that we want in our next president, do you?
But many of us who've followed this guy's attempt at a political career have been more stunned and appalled by his "theatrics" than anything else. We certainly don't regard him as brilliant as it applies to intelligence. Far from it.
A quick study or analysis of his vocabulary and mannerisms when on the public stage reveals a very insecure and emotionally volatile individual, one who is more apt to use the verbal equivalent of brass knuckles rather than his persuasive powers to woo his audience to his point of view.
He would rather beat his opposition into submission rather than "win friends and influence people". By so doing, he apparently believes that his potential detractors (the media), or his competition, will be less apt to challenge his ridiculous lies and accusations.
He's a repulsive individual. He never outgrew his "schoolyard bullying" tactics. Emotionally, he's still an insecure child who craves approval. I don't think that these are qualities that we want in our next president, do you?
23
The fact that many Americans condone Trump's behavior and approval of a dictator shows me that there is a great problem in America. This serious lack of education in this country and this nationwide anti-intellectualism is going to be the fall of this country. Without education, people cannot see the big picture. Without education, people cannot plan for the future because they only see the present and have the inability to comprehend events for the future. Without education, people still listen to Fox and like a propaganda march from the 1930s and 1940s, surrender their common sense and individuality to a con man. Trump has played on this. The resultant ramifications of Trump's con Will be the downfall of the United states of America should Trump this election.
23
At this stage of the 2016 Presidential campaign Hillary Clinton's focus must be on independents, the undecided, the unconverted.
Millions of words have been written stating Trump's obvious unsuitability for the Office of President of the United States, yet Trump's devotees remain steadfast.
Come November we must encourage our friends, family, neighbors, and acquaintances to vote and vote for men and women of reason willing to do the hard work this republic requires for sound goverance.
Millions of words have been written stating Trump's obvious unsuitability for the Office of President of the United States, yet Trump's devotees remain steadfast.
Come November we must encourage our friends, family, neighbors, and acquaintances to vote and vote for men and women of reason willing to do the hard work this republic requires for sound goverance.
11
Bravo to Frank Bruni for his insightful article! However, the media has contributed greatly to the successes of Trump. Except for a few brave journalists, media anchors and others, Trump has had a free ride on the path to the Presidency. We see more negative and probing articles concerning Hillary Clinton's emails, The Clinton Foundation, and her past missteps rather than Trump's many outrageous indiscretions and mis deeds. He is a man without morals.
13
And whose fault is it that our politics has been turned into a reality TV show? When was the last time that political "journalism" talked about ANYTHING other than polling results? Who decided that an entertainment reporter should moderate the "commender-in-chief" forum? Take a look in the mirror, Mr. Bruni. Then look around at all your colleagues in the newsroom. Journalism is dead; it has been replaced with entertainment. You and your colleagues have turned the election into a circus, and now you complain that the clown is winning.
9
The Whizzards of Campaigning told themselves with nothing but wishful thinking to back them up that what worked for Trump in the primaries would not work in the general election. So, who are the stupid ones? The Democratic "strategists" who did not study and study hard what make Trump so vote worthy in the Republican primary, or Trump who day by day gains on the candidate with the most money and most endorsements (by the way, I am not talking about JEB Bush here, but ...)?
I'd like to take strong exception to HRC's characterization of half of Trump's voters fit into a 'basket of deplorables'.
The word 'half' should be changed to 'most'.
The word 'half' should be changed to 'most'.
11
Thanks to Frank Bruni for this excellent analysis of what motivates The Donald. Perhaps he can devote a future column to the flip side of the candidate's narcissism: how he wallows in self-pity and plays the victim when the adulation diminishes or fades.
3
Excellent analysis, Mr. Bruni, both psycho- and political.
So, maybe the key to the debates, already compromised by moderators who are lightweights but for Ms. Radditz, is this.
No audience for Mr. Trump to play.
So, maybe the key to the debates, already compromised by moderators who are lightweights but for Ms. Radditz, is this.
No audience for Mr. Trump to play.
5
He does not play fascist. He is one. Possibly the only consistent thing about him.
15
A good President often has to make decisions that are sure to be unpopular and lower his or her standing in polls. It is a basic test of leadership. Can anyone imagine Donald Trump passing that test? Even in a grave crisis?
6
“The idea of intrinsic merit is alien to him.” If we rewrite that to read, “The idea 0f intrinsic moronic and deplorable behavior is not alien to him,” we better capture his essence. Worse yet, gaff-speak is perfectly acceptable for him, but cause for anger and rage for Clinton.
Essentially, you are calling Trump an applause seeking, go-with-the-throng blight on American politics and you are on target. Sadly, we the voters can only speculate at what his leadership would bring, but from where I stand as an 80 year-old Democrat, I’d frankly rather go to hell that see him as President and if he is elected, that might very well be my fate.
Essentially, you are calling Trump an applause seeking, go-with-the-throng blight on American politics and you are on target. Sadly, we the voters can only speculate at what his leadership would bring, but from where I stand as an 80 year-old Democrat, I’d frankly rather go to hell that see him as President and if he is elected, that might very well be my fate.
11
you can criticize all you want, the fact is that our country has become a country without borders, no respect for law and order, we are becoming a third world country with our present politicians that keeps rewarding people that do not like to work and give them more assistance than a person that is working on minimum wage job. Keep raising taxes and we are all going on welfare.
Donald Trump has no ideology but is just a helium balloon. His claim that he is a smart guy, a very, very smart guy ( he graduated from Wharton, remember? ), he does'nt seem to realize that hot air balloons only burst.... with a bang! His stupidity is quite evident when he refers to Putin's 82% approval rating. Does'nt he know that Putin's rating comes from the barrel of a gun? Putin is the real smart guy although he does not have Wharton credentials but has KGB written all over him. The wily Putin knows exactly what he has to do - just praise this empty vessel and cater to his vanity and ego. I guess Putin knows him better than us Americans, including the media who cannot stop expressing their bewilderment at new revelations about Trump. Why waste time analyzing this street smart, dangerous demagogue? Anything new from Trump is old and stale, to be thrown into the garbage can without ceremony. But then again we all cannot claim to be Wharton graduates. The sad part is we are not functioning even at the kindergarten level.
6
Love this column. Love all the articulate intelligent columns about this fraud. But it's perpetual preaching to the choir. His base does not read them or, if they did, would instinctively reactive negatively to them, logic and transparency notwithstanding. What is needed are talking points to the undecided and folks on the fence. Please compose - and send to the DNC - for millions of ads and bumper stickers - smart lines to make the masses think. It will require a hard think but we can come up with enough smart thoughts (short - pithy - remember the attention span) that will make sure there are enough people in November to deny this fraud any chance that... sorry .... the prospect is so depressing, I can't even say it. Thank You.
13
Paul Ryan claims he's a moral man - why does he countenance and support Trump? Jerry Falwell Jr is a minister and he supports this train wreck running its way right into the Oval Office. I truly don't understand why they don't see what the rest of us see. Trump has the potential to destroy our great nation. If Jefferson and Washington could transport through time and vote I am certain it would be for Hillary Clinton.
13
Paul Ryan s not a moral man. May Trump sink his career.
4
"Numbers render the final verdict, and numbers don’t lie."
Indeed. Let's see those tax returns.
Indeed. Let's see those tax returns.
14
He's likely to become your President. So, these are probably the last few months such criticism will be allowed before the NYT press privileges are revoked.
6
This article hits the nail on the head, and Trump's narcissism was obvious to many -- especially those in the mental health field -- right from the start. Trump is a sad case, but understanding why his rhetoric and behavior do not set of alarms in his followers is worth serious consideration.
7
The only way for you to show that you mean what you say is to declare publicly that you will vote for Clinton.
2
Hyper-inflated everything has been America for some time.
McMansions
The 1%
Over-the-top or Uber anything
The real estate bubble
The Great Recession
Donald Trump
None of it is pretty.
McMansions
The 1%
Over-the-top or Uber anything
The real estate bubble
The Great Recession
Donald Trump
None of it is pretty.
2
What Douthat the Dweeb can't stomach is that Trump is a star and Douthat is an insecure flailing socialist journalist of the fascist left NY Times. So Douthat psychoanalyzes Trump. (Why don't you do that to HRC?) Column after column, day after day. When he does appear on CNN--another fascist left news outlet--he appears meek and mild (compared to his columns). Face it, Do-That, you can't stand the fact that people like Trump because his Truth-saying stands out and people vote for him. People don't like HRC because she is a chiseler. Hopefully, she will lose.
Um, this is Frank Bruni's column. Not Douthat's.
4
You've got Trump right, but the trouble isn't Trump. It's his supporters. Why are so many going along? What's wrong in America that such a man gets so far?
11
I've been asking this for weeks. Roger Cohen did an op-ed piece this week that is relevant.
1
Wait a minute. I keep reading one zealous condemnation of Mr. Trump after another on this page--full of righteous indignation--but y'all editorialists rarely condemn Mr. Trump's audience, the folks who are doing the applauding--as Ms. Clinton did the other day. There is a fine line between audience approval and democracy, or maybe no line at all. Fact is, Mr. Trump's audience is exercising its democratic involvement when it applauds him. They are endorsing his words and policies. Therefore, if editorialists are going to go after Mr. Trump with the invective of an article like this, they're going to have to criticize his supporters just as vehemently. So, don't denigrate Mr. Trump with such ardor and then turn around and criticize Hillary Clinton when she makes note of the connection between Mr. Trump and his supporters. That would be hypocritical. Those folks are applauding because they believe, like Mr. Trump, that Vladimir has the right idea--else they wouldn't clap, would they?
5
Wow. And enter into the age of condoning and collaborating with the dictator and now we call him by his first name as if you were our pal.
The Donald and Vladimir
Cozy.
Charming.
Dangerous.
The Donald and Vladimir
Cozy.
Charming.
Dangerous.
1
You are just now understanding that trump lives for applause?? His entire life has been about getting approval. Nobody needs as much external validation as he does unless there is no internal validation.
4
Again, the press, complicit in the rise of this fascist fool, indulges itself in "analysis" of the wrong thing: him. When will they get the fact that the issue, the primary problem, is the pathology of the people who vote for him?
3
well, Mr. Bruni, Trump comes from a reality TV background, what else did you expect?
2
Hillary Clinton just labelled half of Trump's supporters as "deplorable homophobes, sexists, racists and Islamaphobics". All to pander for applause from her latest audience. Who exactly is fanning the flames of hatred in America today, Mr. Bruni?
2
Calling out someone for who they are is not flaming hatred, either way.
2
Perhaps you'd like to provide evidence that she's wrong.
His supporters include Kevin Swanson, who wants gay people hanged. They include David Duke and a number of other Klansmen. They include Roger Ailes, with the charming history of molesting women. They include...they include...they include. They include people who cheer when Trumpy says he'll carpet bomb cities, torture prisoners, kill the families of suspects.
Where's she wrong about this?
His supporters include Kevin Swanson, who wants gay people hanged. They include David Duke and a number of other Klansmen. They include Roger Ailes, with the charming history of molesting women. They include...they include...they include. They include people who cheer when Trumpy says he'll carpet bomb cities, torture prisoners, kill the families of suspects.
Where's she wrong about this?
8
I would think you just have to look at the past record of trunk to see actually is promoting the hatred and bigotry and the lies. Open your eyes, sir, open your eyes. Trump has been labeling people for nearly a year now; where is your outrageous indignation there?
Pot calling kettle black.
Pot calling kettle black.
3
This is the best analysis of Trump that I have read or heard. It exposes the lack of moral compass of this "little rich kid" in a manner that is totally comprehensible to anyone.
10
Donald Trump i impressed with Vladimir Putin's "82 percent favorability rating".
Trump will just have to accept a 42 percent favorability rating for himself in this country because that appears to be his ceiling.
Trump will just have to accept a 42 percent favorability rating for himself in this country because that appears to be his ceiling.
4
It does not occur to Trump that Russians, when polled, dare not say they do not support Putin as, if they do, they may end up in jail or dead.
6
The sad thing is we know from history entire nations can make gigantic mistakes by choosing megalomaniacal leaders who thrive on adulation. Bruni nailed it; when adulation becomes the driving force in a guy's motivation, look out. These narcissistic authoritarian control freaks will not abide criticism, dissent, or mere slights. And there will be hell to pay.
When China first sent college students to our country to study, I had 2 Chinese students in my classes. Both of them told me separately that one of their parents had participated in Mao's Cultural Revolution and did terrible things. As they aged, these parents became bitter, ashamed, and depressed.
I once read that a good way to judge leaders is whether they bring out the best or the worst in people.
In my long life, I have never seen a presidential candidate like Trump, who truly does bring out the worst in his supporters. It won't be the first time in the history of the world, but it is a first for our country. As we can see with Trump, it is surprisingly easy to unleash the ugliest qualities in the mob. At this point, the election is less about Trump than it is about us as human beings. And ultimately, this is what we will be voting for.
Choose sides and be sure to vote, because everyone's vote will be count in this election—one way or the other.
When China first sent college students to our country to study, I had 2 Chinese students in my classes. Both of them told me separately that one of their parents had participated in Mao's Cultural Revolution and did terrible things. As they aged, these parents became bitter, ashamed, and depressed.
I once read that a good way to judge leaders is whether they bring out the best or the worst in people.
In my long life, I have never seen a presidential candidate like Trump, who truly does bring out the worst in his supporters. It won't be the first time in the history of the world, but it is a first for our country. As we can see with Trump, it is surprisingly easy to unleash the ugliest qualities in the mob. At this point, the election is less about Trump than it is about us as human beings. And ultimately, this is what we will be voting for.
Choose sides and be sure to vote, because everyone's vote will be count in this election—one way or the other.
11
So, you think there is a difference? In our deconstructed society as a spectacle, I'm afraid not.
Mr. Bruno has put his finger on it. It's all about Trump to Donald Trump. He doesn't care about his supporters as long as they applaud him - remember, he mocked his supporters by boasting that he could shoot someone and they'd still follow him - because he sees dollar signs after the election.
Those supporters will be his audience for Trump TV; that's if he loses. If he wins he will make a lot of money in crony capitalism and quid pro quo. And he just might win if the media won't do its job. Thank you Mr. Bruni. With Charles Blow, Gail Collins, and Paul Krugman, the NYT can join the Washington Post in shining a light on the political darkness and cynicism that is the Donald Trump candidacy.
Those supporters will be his audience for Trump TV; that's if he loses. If he wins he will make a lot of money in crony capitalism and quid pro quo. And he just might win if the media won't do its job. Thank you Mr. Bruni. With Charles Blow, Gail Collins, and Paul Krugman, the NYT can join the Washington Post in shining a light on the political darkness and cynicism that is the Donald Trump candidacy.
9
Another wonderful column from Frank Bruni, succinct with flowing prose. No doubt in Trumps mind as well as his delusional supporters, America will be great again roughly after the 30-45 seconds it takes to recite the oath of office as administered by the Chief Justice of the SC. After all, if as his slogan asserts, we have to "Make America Great Again" and everything his highness touches is great it only follows his inauguration will ipso facto result in a great America.
3
"If he says great things about me, I'm going to say great things about him"
A very wise woman - my mother - once told me this, when I was a child:
When you are a child, you want everyone to like you, and you are devastated when some people don't.
When you get a little older and more mature, you realize that there are some people that are not going to like you no matter what - and you're fine with that;
But you'll know that you have really grown up when you realize that there are some people that - if they liked you - you'd worry about yourself.
Guess Trump's momma wasn't so wise - or he just never learned the lesson.
A very wise woman - my mother - once told me this, when I was a child:
When you are a child, you want everyone to like you, and you are devastated when some people don't.
When you get a little older and more mature, you realize that there are some people that are not going to like you no matter what - and you're fine with that;
But you'll know that you have really grown up when you realize that there are some people that - if they liked you - you'd worry about yourself.
Guess Trump's momma wasn't so wise - or he just never learned the lesson.
17
"And the methods by which a crowd is fired up don’t matter, so long as he can bask in the clapping."
And a Basket of Deplorables is a well-reasoned policy position?
And a Basket of Deplorables is a well-reasoned policy position?
2
Yes, that's the only thing Hillary Clinton has said in this entire campaign. I will build a wall to keep deplorables out! And they will build it! I guarantee it! That is literally the only thing her campaign has ever done or said or written down. Yeah, it was bad Hillary said that. Compared to a literally countless number of ignorant, idiotic, bigoted Trump remarks. You could come up with more than a dozen simply from his NBC appearance last week. Amazing how Trump people seize on any single piece of evidence that proves others make mistakes yet manage to rationalize the monstrous arrogance and ignorance of their candidate. Three minutes with that transcript should convince any rational person that Trump has no business near any kind of authority whatsoever. Why don't you read it over for yourself?
4
If Russia had Venezuela's rate of population growth, the present price of oil would make its economy look like Venezuela's.
Sometimes being dyslexic helps.
I saw the title of this article and inferred: Donald Trump's Ideology of Applesauce.
That would be a fitting title too.
Kalidan
I saw the title of this article and inferred: Donald Trump's Ideology of Applesauce.
That would be a fitting title too.
Kalidan
4
Based upon what many perceive as Donald Trump's "strengths", rather than seeking the presidency, Trump would go much further, given his perpetually prolific penchant to "improvise", to seriously consider pursuing a career as a fiction writer (can he spell?)...or, better yet, perhaps host his own talk show on the Faux News Network. He'd fit right in there, don't you think?
If any of you have a better idea of where Trump would perhaps be better served investing his time, please reply with your suggestions below.
Special Note: Please, if any of you were thinking that "prison" might be a good place for him to spend his time (debtor prison perhaps?), yes that is one of the first things that most people seem to come up with (other than a psychiatric hospital, of course).
If any of you have a better idea of where Trump would perhaps be better served investing his time, please reply with your suggestions below.
Special Note: Please, if any of you were thinking that "prison" might be a good place for him to spend his time (debtor prison perhaps?), yes that is one of the first things that most people seem to come up with (other than a psychiatric hospital, of course).
5
The external approval must constantly flow. Well said, Frank. God help us all.
5
Imagine, as I'm sure Trump has, if he had the numbers, the "ratings" as Trump likes to say, that Putin had. Did you notice the twinkle in Trump's eye every time he evokes Vlad the Impaler's name? There is a definite twinge of jealousy. Sure, that 80% approval rating is as doctored as everything else is in Russia, but lies, deception, fake numbers are of little consequence. Trump will find the most obscure, unreliable polling service's numbers which favor him, pull them out of his suit jacket, and reel them off in an almost orgiastic state (Believe me, there is no problem there in that regard, pal).
Trump is overjoyed, downright giddy, at flaunting his greatness, according to him he is the source of most of the time. And add a cherry on top of his just desserts with insultingly calling whoever his opponents are at the time the most atrocious bleeping names which he finds cute, and keeps the TV censors on their toes and fingers at the ready at the mute button.
Let's face it, Trump has a crush on Vlad the Impaler. If Trump could only wish himself president, and then go to Moscow, get the red-carpet treatment from Putin, with perhaps a side trip up to Brokeback Mountain, well Donnie, this could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
DD
Manhattan
Trump is overjoyed, downright giddy, at flaunting his greatness, according to him he is the source of most of the time. And add a cherry on top of his just desserts with insultingly calling whoever his opponents are at the time the most atrocious bleeping names which he finds cute, and keeps the TV censors on their toes and fingers at the ready at the mute button.
Let's face it, Trump has a crush on Vlad the Impaler. If Trump could only wish himself president, and then go to Moscow, get the red-carpet treatment from Putin, with perhaps a side trip up to Brokeback Mountain, well Donnie, this could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
DD
Manhattan
4
If Trump is a person of applause and adulation, what does it make us, a people who elect him to be one of the two presidential candidate?
The media can better fill their print space by going round and interviewing the supporters of Donald Trump, starting with Paul Ryan down to the last person on main street.
The media can better fill their print space by going round and interviewing the supporters of Donald Trump, starting with Paul Ryan down to the last person on main street.
7
The interesting response to Trump is the sight of Hillary Clinton, standing at the front of a room of wealthy business types and calling Trump supporters "deplorables". "We dismiss you, because you are stupid idiots"...that is the message of the elite class, regardless of the merits of the argument. When we want to hear your opinion, we'll give you one. It is tantalizingly close to the Democratic leadership's view on governing right now. And set aside Bernie Sanders in the defense, because he was only a Democrat during the primary season. His virtues can never be claimed as Democrats' values, because they would have done so years ago and made his candidacy irrelevant.
Close your eyes and imagine a leading political figure standing in front of a room and calling supporters such a name, whether that be blacks, "takers", whoever.
And if you can, and I am sure we all have a political figure in mind, you will also know that Clinton's campaign probably ended on Thursday.
No matter how we feel about Trump's loudest supporters, and set aside the large cohort of America that may be for him for other reasons that are less objectionable, it is usually not good practical advice to call your opponent's supporters stupid.
Put a fork in Hillary's campaign, and that is not a celebration for me. Start considering whether Jill or Gary can take Trump down.
And consider who among all of our great country will start a Moderate party to trim the fringe issues and represent us.
Close your eyes and imagine a leading political figure standing in front of a room and calling supporters such a name, whether that be blacks, "takers", whoever.
And if you can, and I am sure we all have a political figure in mind, you will also know that Clinton's campaign probably ended on Thursday.
No matter how we feel about Trump's loudest supporters, and set aside the large cohort of America that may be for him for other reasons that are less objectionable, it is usually not good practical advice to call your opponent's supporters stupid.
Put a fork in Hillary's campaign, and that is not a celebration for me. Start considering whether Jill or Gary can take Trump down.
And consider who among all of our great country will start a Moderate party to trim the fringe issues and represent us.
1
82% polling preference? Great! I'd be careful about articulating my political preferences in a land of state-sponsored street shootings and poisonings too.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
1
"people who know everything about the Bible..."
I doubt if the people that you are describing have the capacity to know everything about anything- certainly not the bible.
I doubt if the people that you are describing have the capacity to know everything about anything- certainly not the bible.
6
The image of a rat at the lever is vivid and apt. Thanks, Mr. Bruni, for finally giving us the visual image of Trump that is true and will, at least in my mind, stick.
He does appear to be anchorless and you've pulled together all the threads of his personality into focus.
He does appear to be anchorless and you've pulled together all the threads of his personality into focus.
7
There is little more to be said, but to repeat: Stop Trump.
However, one truth we can bank on is that abortion is a major issues for many. POTUS Trump will pack the SCOTUS with Scalia-clones. Scalia, Alito, Thomas, and Roberts were members of the Federalist Society, a right-wing booster of right-wing judges. It was founded in 1982 to advance right-wing issues. In the distant past, when a POTUS asked for input on justices he might nominate to the Supreme Court, he asked the ABA. George W. ended that when he asked the Fed Soc. And since then, we've had Citizens United, and attacks on voting rights. The SCOTUS now hangs on a thread. Given Trump appointees, we can say goodbye to the protection of individuals against corporations, and we can watch the overturn of Roe V Wade--and a lot more.
However, one truth we can bank on is that abortion is a major issues for many. POTUS Trump will pack the SCOTUS with Scalia-clones. Scalia, Alito, Thomas, and Roberts were members of the Federalist Society, a right-wing booster of right-wing judges. It was founded in 1982 to advance right-wing issues. In the distant past, when a POTUS asked for input on justices he might nominate to the Supreme Court, he asked the ABA. George W. ended that when he asked the Fed Soc. And since then, we've had Citizens United, and attacks on voting rights. The SCOTUS now hangs on a thread. Given Trump appointees, we can say goodbye to the protection of individuals against corporations, and we can watch the overturn of Roe V Wade--and a lot more.
4
Trump's neediness has been obvious for a long, long time. And so has the ability of those close to him to play it.
He sticks his name on everything, and has visions of "Trump Wall" as his greatest monument. His "good friends" are people he barely knows, including the lofty Putin types who manipulate him with flattery, and the rich publicity hounds who rush to him with their hands extended for photo-ops but are non-threatening to his sense of superiority. His daughter Ivanka, who as always been an attractive girl, molded herself into the feminine ideal of her father, in the process removing all traces of her mother from the neck up. She looks like him and adores him, and she's his favorite child.
Trump is a bizarre man-child, a business man Michael Jackson. He's fascinating, but is in no way fit to be president.
He sticks his name on everything, and has visions of "Trump Wall" as his greatest monument. His "good friends" are people he barely knows, including the lofty Putin types who manipulate him with flattery, and the rich publicity hounds who rush to him with their hands extended for photo-ops but are non-threatening to his sense of superiority. His daughter Ivanka, who as always been an attractive girl, molded herself into the feminine ideal of her father, in the process removing all traces of her mother from the neck up. She looks like him and adores him, and she's his favorite child.
Trump is a bizarre man-child, a business man Michael Jackson. He's fascinating, but is in no way fit to be president.
10
Donald Trump's comment that the 82% approval rating was proof of Putin's greatness was as clueless, no as flat-out stupid, as Gerald Ford's comment that there was no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe. And yet it was almost lost among the myriad asinine statements that came out of his mouth in the half-hour that he was on stage with Matt Lauer.
His rabid followers do not even realize that, when he says, "I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose any voters," he is standing in the middle of 5th Avenue and mocking THEM. He has no respect for them; it's all about him.
You can quibble with the percentage, but Clinton was right that a significant portion of Deplorable Trump's supporters are deplorable. What is beyond sad is the host of well-meaning Republicans who will blindly pull the lever for him in November because they can't stand Hillary Clinton.
His rabid followers do not even realize that, when he says, "I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose any voters," he is standing in the middle of 5th Avenue and mocking THEM. He has no respect for them; it's all about him.
You can quibble with the percentage, but Clinton was right that a significant portion of Deplorable Trump's supporters are deplorable. What is beyond sad is the host of well-meaning Republicans who will blindly pull the lever for him in November because they can't stand Hillary Clinton.
10
Trump's response to Iranian boats harassing one of our ships with rude hand gestures says it all: "I'd blow them out of the water!"
And these were just hand gestures mind you!
And these were just hand gestures mind you!
7
This all goes to the psychological make-up of the man. He is basically insecure and thin-skinned, thus all the defense and compensatory mechanisms he uses to thrive. But what is more frightening, bewildering and disappointing are his supporters who have turned bllind-eyes and deaf ears to common sensical mores of vetting.
9
And imagine, Hillary has lost momentum and may very well lose. If you can't win against a vacuous fraud, incompetent doesn't even begin to describe it.
2
Frank Bruni is right about Trump. My question: If I rule him out as a voter, is he suggesting that I vote for an equally despicable candidate? I hope not. I'm looking forward to his next column titled: Take Your Choice: A congenital Liar or A Buffoon.
1
Trump has not been vetted adequately by the press for many reasons, but as a frequent watcher of CNN, which has now become an entertainment channel, I am convinced that there is one of these reasons which is clearly the main one. In a fiercely competitive environment for advertising dollars, Trumps outrageousness brings eyes to the broadcasts or newspapers, and dollars to the "news" outlet. The Times is not immune to this siren song, but at least it has writers like Frank Bruni who will take off the gloves and treat Trump with the ridicule that he so clearly deserves.
9
How does a man like Trump sleep? He has no soul.
11
Am a life long Democrat. What's worse than what Trump has to say or doesn't have to say is Hillary Clinton.
Saying that half of Trumps voters are "baskets of deplorables, racist, sexists, homophobic, Islamaphobic, irredeemable, and not American" indicates she is not ready to serve the American people that truly are American and have problems that cause them to say the things they feel. I do believe all the people in this country have free speech rights. I may not agree with what they say (and I don't) but they still have the right to say it.
And then she apologized by saying something to the effect that she exaggerated and that it wasn't half. Even if it were one, that person has the right to say it and to feel that way.
If Hillary ever had a chance to change my mind from Jill to her, she just blew that out the window.
Saying that half of Trumps voters are "baskets of deplorables, racist, sexists, homophobic, Islamaphobic, irredeemable, and not American" indicates she is not ready to serve the American people that truly are American and have problems that cause them to say the things they feel. I do believe all the people in this country have free speech rights. I may not agree with what they say (and I don't) but they still have the right to say it.
And then she apologized by saying something to the effect that she exaggerated and that it wasn't half. Even if it were one, that person has the right to say it and to feel that way.
If Hillary ever had a chance to change my mind from Jill to her, she just blew that out the window.
1
Hillary was absolutely right. If anything she was probably too kind. Trump's appeal is overwhelmingly due to his embrace of white nationalist/racist type dog whistles, so it's fair to assume that most Trump voters are either ignorant, or racist. Why else would someone vote for Trump?
3
Yes, Putin polls at an 86% approval rating. That's pretty impressive.
Now, take a poll there asking how many fear/dread Mr. Putin or one of his henchmen showing up at their door. I'll bet it tops 86%.
Now, take a poll there asking how many fear/dread Mr. Putin or one of his henchmen showing up at their door. I'll bet it tops 86%.
6
I don't even believe that Matt Lauer intentionally allowed Trump to lie and boast and evade. As other, more serious and experienced political journalists have attested, to interview Trump can be like herding cats or handling jell-o. His loud insane proclamations come so fast and in such volume, and he is a big imposing man, that they often just feel overwhelmed. They would need to stop him every 20 seconds to walk him back to the question asked and analyze his crazy replies that often are nothing else but unhinged attacks on Hillary and Obama. Example: Lauer:"But what about Putin's invasion of Crimea, his persecution of dissidents etc", Trump:"I could tell you some things that Obama did". End of discussion. I understand now that Hillary - with all her decades of experience in policy making and foreign affairs - could actually lose the debates in the eyes of Trump followers and undecideds, who admire his "shooting from the hip" style and cussing and non-pc-ness. God help us if he actually increases his base and goes on to be the leader of the free world.
4
I have had no difficulty in deciding who to vote for in the Presidential election. One major party candidate is qualified by long, successful experience. The other has no experience and offers only empty promises. The minor party candidates have not demonstrated their ability to obtain meaningful numbers of votes.
However, I recognize that many citizens don't see things as I do. They focus on issues like "trust", without saying "trust to do what (or to not do what)". They treat ignorance and inexperience as positives, rather than weaknesses. They hear meaningless claims and applaud.
Overall, there seems to me to be a lack of thought about specific issues and relevant facts.
For this, I blame the media.
The pre-election period is an opportunity for the media to spell out critical issues, that voters can use as a factor in deciding who to support.
If the media did this and ignored empty bombastic speeches by candidates, the voter would be much less confused in choosing between the candidates.
However, I recognize that many citizens don't see things as I do. They focus on issues like "trust", without saying "trust to do what (or to not do what)". They treat ignorance and inexperience as positives, rather than weaknesses. They hear meaningless claims and applaud.
Overall, there seems to me to be a lack of thought about specific issues and relevant facts.
For this, I blame the media.
The pre-election period is an opportunity for the media to spell out critical issues, that voters can use as a factor in deciding who to support.
If the media did this and ignored empty bombastic speeches by candidates, the voter would be much less confused in choosing between the candidates.
12
"There's no way to overstate the amount of propaganda they're subjected to."
1
I agree with every word you wrote, how then does one explain his apparent success in primaries and poles? Your observations are apparent to everyone but nonetheless too many people seem willing to strap on this suicide vest of a candidate and take down the country - just because their lives are tough? ... just because their lives have turned out not like those "successful" lives they dwell on hour by hour via their smart phones? Hilary is right, the GOP and the Trump supporters are at their core, despicable deplorables. I just hope that their candidate fizzles on Nov 9 rather than detonates taking us all with him.
7
I haven't even finished the article yet; I was so excited to comment that I couldn't wait another second. Frank Bruni, you have put your finger right on the correct spot! That is the answer! Applause and Approval is equal to Quality and Authenticity. Why couldn't I identify that reasoning? I knew it was something, and I was pretty sure it was something shallow and dishonest, but I couldn't identify it. Thank you so much. Further, although this nominee is an extreme case (perhaps THE extreme case), this propensity is growing faster than Zika. It is everywhere--from high school to elected office. Scary stuff.
5
Nightmares are bad enough. Watching those nightmares unfold as you live through them, that's truly awful.
7
"For Trump, the whole point of political office is adulation, and adulation is the entire proof of a person’s worth. " EXACTLY right. nobody seems to comment that in his attacks on others in the media, e.g. Morning Joe or the NYT, he often starts with the phrase "the low-rated" or "the failing"and in hs support of his own positions (though it unclear that he even has any positions or even any convictions or principles), Trump starts off by saying "a lot of people think that..". Trump is a person with extremely low self-esteem. people mistakenly claim that he is an egomaniac but a person with a true sense of self-worth does not not need the continual reaffirmation that Trump apparently needs. hence, his praise of Putin based on Putin's praise of him. It's time that the psychiatric community weighed with an analysis of Trump, not of the sort the was done on Goldwater, based solely on his political positions (and their analysis was fundamentally incorrect - e.g. he was said to oppose the Civil Rights Act because he was a bigot, which was untrue). They might also weigh in on Hillary's rather obvious paranoia (hence the private server) that she has exhibited since the days of declaring the existence of a 'vast right-wing conspiracy'. Not since Nixon, have we had such psychologically unsound individuals running for the highest office in the land.
3
Great opinion piece, but also terrifying. I worry about our nominating process if this man can get within striking distance of the presidency.
9
Thanks for preaching to the NYT Choir.
No written word can defeat Doonie.
No written word can defeat Doonie.
2
I have been reading here since this all began what a bozo trump is, and I believe it too this day. Then why has he gotten this far and why does a little less than half of the US want him to represent them??
9
Well done Frank but I wonder why you felt the need to equivocate: ". . . he has exhibited a near-pathological obsession . . . ". There's little "near" about it.
14
One of Trump's most vile and wicked attributes is his urge to emulate Putin in silencing or at least delegitimizing the free press. Vladimir Putin and Sarah Palin vehemently and incessantly attack the press and Donald Trump is aping them.
Is it not 82% approval bogus when you silence voices with information that would hurt your reputation not to mention eliminate key rivals?
Is that what Trump aspiring to? 82% approval by tooth or by crook?
Is it not 82% approval bogus when you silence voices with information that would hurt your reputation not to mention eliminate key rivals?
Is that what Trump aspiring to? 82% approval by tooth or by crook?
7
“If he says great things about me, I’m going to say great things about him.”
In other words, Trump admits that Putin can make him dance like a puppet on a string.
In other words, Trump admits that Putin can make him dance like a puppet on a string.
17
"From the start of his campaign, he has exhibited a near-pathologic obsession..."
near-pathologic?
near-pathologic?
14
Mr Bruni, you deserve an award for not shying away from the words that so many in the media shy away from in their attempts at "fairness" in reporting (I hesitate using this word since it indicates facts), Trump is seriously dangerous. For relaxing recreation, I watch the inane reality shows...whose stars are often the outlayers in our society: the sociopaths, the liars, the spouses who cheat, the egomaniacs, psychotics -- in other words, the people who are unbalanced, are a danger to others, and often do violent harm. Unfortunately, Trump has demonstrated that he possesses many of these characteristics ... and also, unfortunately, many Americans seem oblivious to the harm he could do. It is a shame that our media has been so unwilling to report on his illegal activities, call him to task on lies and inconsistencies, and lack of any experience in the areas of expertise that we need the leader of the free world to have. I wish this had appeared on the front page above the fold.
9
"For Trump, the whole point of political office is adulation, and adulation is the entire proof of a person’s worth. Rectitude pales next to ratings. Ethics are a sorry substitute for applause. And the methods by which a crowd is fired up don’t matter, so long as he can bask in the clapping.
This is Trump’s core — or, rather, his terrifying lack of one."
Der Donald T is, in a word, "narcissistic"...in an all consuming, self-absorbed, and completely oblivious manner without an iota of thought or regard to the consequences or for the ramifications.
His goal seems to be for him to get his name printed in the media more times than any other person, living or dead, in entire history of the human race, just so he can brag about it. Along the way, he'll also fleece untold millions of dollars from the electoral process while playing his supports for fools, because that's the only way he knows how to work that game.
This is Trump’s core — or, rather, his terrifying lack of one."
Der Donald T is, in a word, "narcissistic"...in an all consuming, self-absorbed, and completely oblivious manner without an iota of thought or regard to the consequences or for the ramifications.
His goal seems to be for him to get his name printed in the media more times than any other person, living or dead, in entire history of the human race, just so he can brag about it. Along the way, he'll also fleece untold millions of dollars from the electoral process while playing his supports for fools, because that's the only way he knows how to work that game.
10
Brilliant, Mr. Bruni.
Perhaps Donald Tump is the extreme example of a politician. Politicians by definition must walk the tightrope between getting approval and serving the country the best way rooted in their conviction and ideology. Politicians must moderate their convictions to gain power. (How I wished Obama could run for a third term).
Donald Trump clearly has no conviction. For him it is all about approval.
Perhaps this is why the Republican Party can with such ease rally behind Trump. The party has few convictions and embraces any lunatic as long as it renders votes.
Perhaps Donald Tump is the extreme example of a politician. Politicians by definition must walk the tightrope between getting approval and serving the country the best way rooted in their conviction and ideology. Politicians must moderate their convictions to gain power. (How I wished Obama could run for a third term).
Donald Trump clearly has no conviction. For him it is all about approval.
Perhaps this is why the Republican Party can with such ease rally behind Trump. The party has few convictions and embraces any lunatic as long as it renders votes.
11
On this sad day of reflection, I think back to 15 years ago and how such a tragic event could have united the Country, but instead see where fear, ignorance and propaganda have taken us.
Almost half of us want a man that is completely unqualified to be President. A man that is a con, an entertainer with no values, no sense of decency, no knowledge of history or government; and this is who a good percentage of Americans think should lead our great Nation.
If he is elected we will have failed to live up to the ideals that are set forth in our history, our Declaration of Independence our Bill or Rights, and our Constitution. In looking at how many people idolize Donald I can't help but wonder if indeed the terrorists have achieved a measure of success in their plan to destroy us. Please don't let it happen.
Almost half of us want a man that is completely unqualified to be President. A man that is a con, an entertainer with no values, no sense of decency, no knowledge of history or government; and this is who a good percentage of Americans think should lead our great Nation.
If he is elected we will have failed to live up to the ideals that are set forth in our history, our Declaration of Independence our Bill or Rights, and our Constitution. In looking at how many people idolize Donald I can't help but wonder if indeed the terrorists have achieved a measure of success in their plan to destroy us. Please don't let it happen.
45
You are right, the terrorists are winning. That is why ISIS has said they'd like to see Trump elected. He will help their effort.
1
The actual killers were probably amazed their God was apparently letting it all happen.
It sure took a long time for people to realize that terrorism is not organized like governments, even when governments provide terrorists with arms.
It sure took a long time for people to realize that terrorism is not organized like governments, even when governments provide terrorists with arms.
I was watching the 9/11 memorial and was sickened to see Trump and then Hillary's faces there.
This is sacred ground. Keep the cameras away from Trump AND Hillary. My goodness. Can we have two minutes without seeing their faces, ESPECIALLY Trump's. Enough already. I know Trump is a New Yorker and he has every right to be at the WTC site (as does Hillary) but enough. This is September 11th and I'm tired of hearing about Trump.
This is sacred ground. Keep the cameras away from Trump AND Hillary. My goodness. Can we have two minutes without seeing their faces, ESPECIALLY Trump's. Enough already. I know Trump is a New Yorker and he has every right to be at the WTC site (as does Hillary) but enough. This is September 11th and I'm tired of hearing about Trump.
8
If Trump is elected, he will not be the problem. VP Pence and his friend Paul Ryan will do the actual work of running a far-right plutocracy that will cut taxes for the rich, deny climate change, finally attack "entitlement " programs and put in place a two-generation long conservative Supreme Court. That is why the don't disavow Trump. He's their ticket to power. That's much scarier than a narcissistic blowhard flying around the world in Trump One. Embarrassing our nation is one thing. Taking it over quietly from the inside is another.
294
They have to fight Robert Mercer and Steve Bannon for control Mercer has taken over trump's campaign. Trump is the figure head and not even a pretty one. Mercer and Bannon are even to the right of Pence and Ryan and deeply into conspiracy theories.
1
Thank you Charles. The only thing more disturbing to me than a President Trump is Vice President Pence and his "deeply held religious beliefs."
People should be careful about what they say about Mr. Trump on these pages because if he wins the election and becomes the best President that we ever had, he might very well have his people go back to the archives and find out who, exactly, said what, exactly, about him and deal with them appropriately.
So I just want to go on the record and say that I believe Mr. Trump is the best person who has ever rum for President. He is brilliant, handsome, caring, protective, and brave. He probably is divine. No, he is divine. He was sent here by God to save us from ourselves. He should get 100% of the vote on November 8. And when he becomes the very best President we ever had, we can toss out the constitution because we will not longer need that archaic document. All we'll need to do is ask President Trump what is right and best on any subject, and he will be able to tell us without actually having to think about it. And we won't need to go through all of these campaigns ever again because President Trump will be President of the United States for eternity.
Of course, when the rest of the world sees what he does as our President, he will be elected President of the World for eternity. There will be no more wars, and everyone will be rich and have big cars and boats and airplanes and have a standard of living fit for kings and queens.
So vote for Mr. Donald Trump. He will make all of your dreams come true.
Earl H Fuller
Cary< NC
So I just want to go on the record and say that I believe Mr. Trump is the best person who has ever rum for President. He is brilliant, handsome, caring, protective, and brave. He probably is divine. No, he is divine. He was sent here by God to save us from ourselves. He should get 100% of the vote on November 8. And when he becomes the very best President we ever had, we can toss out the constitution because we will not longer need that archaic document. All we'll need to do is ask President Trump what is right and best on any subject, and he will be able to tell us without actually having to think about it. And we won't need to go through all of these campaigns ever again because President Trump will be President of the United States for eternity.
Of course, when the rest of the world sees what he does as our President, he will be elected President of the World for eternity. There will be no more wars, and everyone will be rich and have big cars and boats and airplanes and have a standard of living fit for kings and queens.
So vote for Mr. Donald Trump. He will make all of your dreams come true.
Earl H Fuller
Cary< NC
14
Thank you, Mr. Fuller - you've made me smile long enough to wipe my tears.
1
I am "recommending" this just in case.
2
While I agree with much of what Mr. Bruni says, I think it's time to move past casual speculation about what motivates Donald Trump. I, for one, greatly fear the terrible risk we take if we elect this man president. I say this with deep concern for future generations because of the potential for a Trump presidency to run our democracy off the rails. Consider, for example, his statement that he would, in essence, fire military leaders whose professional assessments don't agree with him as opposed to our democratic tradition of removing military leaders only for misconduct. Is this not a mark of a dictator who controls the military for his own ends? Is it, therefore, not surprising that Mr. Trump worships Vladimir Putin? And this is but one example we could use to assess the risks of a Trump presidency. I expect our grandchildren and great-grandchildren may judge us harshly if we fail to deny the amoral Mr. Trump the presidency. If elected, I don't anticipate that Hillary Clinton will be a great president, but I trust she respects our democracy to a degree that she will not run it off the rails.
22
Trump is about the scariest person since Hitler and the similarities are eerie. The cult of personality is a problem for this country and for the world. This man must not be elected. His supporters are the very ones who would help to bring our country back to the 19th century.
35
I think most people recognize that Trump as President will severely damage us, our constitutional democracy, and with a Republican Congress truly spend us into debt loads surpassing what GW Bush left. He is a terrible model of a man for our children, narcissistic, misogynous, a documented and convicted thief and briber, who thinks reality is what he says it is, not what our courts or traditions say. He hates vulnerable minorities, a group to toy with for the pleasure of causing pain to the weak.
No one disputes this. His team shades it, but this indeed is Donald Trump.
For those willing to have him be President, where was Hillary wrong when she said "half" or "many" of his supporters are motivated by hate, and those emotions and thoughts that will end our current form of government???
No one disputes this. His team shades it, but this indeed is Donald Trump.
For those willing to have him be President, where was Hillary wrong when she said "half" or "many" of his supporters are motivated by hate, and those emotions and thoughts that will end our current form of government???
28
Sadly almost half of our fellow Americans plan to vote for him.
1
Mr. Bruni's observation is quite familiar to folks with a background in psychiatry - the media serve Trump as "narcissistic supply." From Wikipedia:
"Narcissistic supply is a concept introduced into psychoanalytic theory by Otto Fenichel in 1938, to describe a type of admiration, interpersonal support or sustenance drawn by an individual from his or her environment and essential to their self-esteem.[1]
The term is typically used in a negative sense, describing a pathological or excessive need for attention or admiration from codependents, or such a need in the orally fixated, that does not take into account the feelings, opinions or preferences of other people."
"Narcissistic supply is a concept introduced into psychoanalytic theory by Otto Fenichel in 1938, to describe a type of admiration, interpersonal support or sustenance drawn by an individual from his or her environment and essential to their self-esteem.[1]
The term is typically used in a negative sense, describing a pathological or excessive need for attention or admiration from codependents, or such a need in the orally fixated, that does not take into account the feelings, opinions or preferences of other people."
14
Con-artists understand how flattery affects other people better than practically anyone else, since they crave it so much for themselves.
1
Mr. Bruni, it is obviously becoming very difficult to come up with something new to say about a narcissistic, megalomaniacal, opportunistic demagogue and con-man like Donald Trump.
Thank you for this valiant effort.
Perhaps it is time to turn away from our fixation on an individual demagogue and focus on the far graver threat: the institutionalized demagoguery of the GOP itself.
Demagoguery effectively shuts down rational discourse and reflective consideration of alternative solutions to our many problems.
Isn't that what the Grand Obstructionist Party is all about?
Among the GOP's demagogic strategies are appeals to divisive "social/moral" issues, identification with a shallow militaristic "patriotism" and a
narrow Christian fundamentalism, the branding of socially beneficial programs as "socialism", obstructionist rules and pledges, etc.
While pursuing these strategies, many GOP politicians and spokespersons--not just candidate Donald Trump--employ the demagogue's favored techniques on a daily basis: gross oversimplification, fear mongering, scapegoating, emotional appeals, accusations that opponents are disloyal or weak, attacks on the news media, obstructive refusals of all compromise--and, yes, bald faced lies.
Donald Trump's candidacy is the symptom, not the disease.
The voters can readily reject this individual buffoonish demagogue.
What are the chances that any group can reform an entire major political party that so obviously is wedded to demagoguery?
Thank you for this valiant effort.
Perhaps it is time to turn away from our fixation on an individual demagogue and focus on the far graver threat: the institutionalized demagoguery of the GOP itself.
Demagoguery effectively shuts down rational discourse and reflective consideration of alternative solutions to our many problems.
Isn't that what the Grand Obstructionist Party is all about?
Among the GOP's demagogic strategies are appeals to divisive "social/moral" issues, identification with a shallow militaristic "patriotism" and a
narrow Christian fundamentalism, the branding of socially beneficial programs as "socialism", obstructionist rules and pledges, etc.
While pursuing these strategies, many GOP politicians and spokespersons--not just candidate Donald Trump--employ the demagogue's favored techniques on a daily basis: gross oversimplification, fear mongering, scapegoating, emotional appeals, accusations that opponents are disloyal or weak, attacks on the news media, obstructive refusals of all compromise--and, yes, bald faced lies.
Donald Trump's candidacy is the symptom, not the disease.
The voters can readily reject this individual buffoonish demagogue.
What are the chances that any group can reform an entire major political party that so obviously is wedded to demagoguery?
38
Trump is the sum of our last decade of conservative politics. I don't see much difference between him and the other ideologues of that party, except he doesn't bother hiding his true feelings. It will all fail because it's based on nothing. I'm sure the nation will survive, but get ready to pay a price for our liberty.
17
Mr. Bruni did an excellent job of describing and analyzing what motivates Trump, but he stopped short of listing the consequences to the nation should a man driven by the pursuit of adulation occupy the Oval Office.
Given Trump's ceaseless quest for approval and his ignorance of basic civics, White House counsel will have their hands full trying to keep Trump from violating the U.S. Constitution and federal laws and regulations at every turn. My guess is there aren't enough lawyers in the world to keep Trump from engaging in Nixon-style criminality starting on the very first day of his presidency.
Given Trump's ceaseless quest for approval and his ignorance of basic civics, White House counsel will have their hands full trying to keep Trump from violating the U.S. Constitution and federal laws and regulations at every turn. My guess is there aren't enough lawyers in the world to keep Trump from engaging in Nixon-style criminality starting on the very first day of his presidency.
30
So, the choice comes down to this.
Do people want to be competently governed or entertained?
The simultaneous elevation of celebrity culture with the perceived dissolution of ethical and competent government has resulted in this moment.
Do people believe we have a system worth saving, or are they just going to wave a white flag and hand the whole thing over to a reality star?
The fact that it's such a close call is the real problem, not Donald Trump.
And let's not lose sight of the fact that he is a "major party" candidate who defeated all comers in devastating fashion, not an insurgent "independent".
The GOP can disavow him all they want, but they have been laying the groundwork for this for more than a generation.
This is on them.
Do people want to be competently governed or entertained?
The simultaneous elevation of celebrity culture with the perceived dissolution of ethical and competent government has resulted in this moment.
Do people believe we have a system worth saving, or are they just going to wave a white flag and hand the whole thing over to a reality star?
The fact that it's such a close call is the real problem, not Donald Trump.
And let's not lose sight of the fact that he is a "major party" candidate who defeated all comers in devastating fashion, not an insurgent "independent".
The GOP can disavow him all they want, but they have been laying the groundwork for this for more than a generation.
This is on them.
31
Who doesn't want government that legitimately earns their consent?
I believe that to many, that very concept is foreign and/or irrelevant.
The lens that many view every day life through is so clouded that your proposition is not a critical aspiration for them.
The lens that many view every day life through is so clouded that your proposition is not a critical aspiration for them.
Trump's supporters do a poor job of competing for what they want or could care less about government for a huge diverse country like America. If trump causes the country to suffer like them, maybe that will change why they have trouble conforming to societal standards and getting along with others.
9
Not worth it.
Herein lies the essence of modern celebrity.
15
Bruni is so right; I'm tearfully terrified. Someone, please make certain Mrs. Clinton reads this column. She must win in November.
14
Eighty two percent or bust? The last sentence in this op ed contradicts all that came before it…there is no bust in Donald's world…when he loses he will tweet that he wanted Hillary to win all along. Why? Because he'll remind us he really is a democrat, he really does love women, he was playing Putin all along, he actually disdains those who supported him…please, Donald won't be a loser because he'll claim he never really wanted to be president. It was his mission all along to make America great again. Voila.
7
There was another Republican President who had a secret plan to get us out of Vietnam... He ran on a more subtly racist and anti-intellectual platform against an opponent who was an anathema to the progressive wing of his party and won... eventually his implacable desire to control things got the best of him and he resigned before he could be impeached... Our country has devolved since then... We'll never know what the nation wold have been like had Hubert Humphrey won the election in 1968... Here's hoping we won't look back on 2016 and wonder what the nation would have looked like had Hillary Clinton won...
20
OK, let's all just get over our shock and dismay. This is real. The man Mr. Bruni so accurately describes in this piece could be our next President.
But none of the truths described in this piece are viewed as negatives by those who support Trump. So, how does this type of piece advance the conversation?
Trump's supporters don't see anything wrong with his being a "blowhard" or proclaiming a dictator like Putin is a great leader. They don't blame Trump for buying favors or even outsourcing jobs in his companies Instead, they think, in a form of mass psychosis akin to Stockholm Syndrome, that it would improve their lives if they elected this cynical, greedy and relentlessly self-aggrandizing candidate to the Presidency.
So what potential impact is there in calling a spade a spade? His supporters like their spade, and don't really seem to be thinking beyond the latest words to pass through his lips.
All of this stuff about polls and candidate hypocrisy at this point is just holding a mirror up to better look down the rabbit hole.
But none of the truths described in this piece are viewed as negatives by those who support Trump. So, how does this type of piece advance the conversation?
Trump's supporters don't see anything wrong with his being a "blowhard" or proclaiming a dictator like Putin is a great leader. They don't blame Trump for buying favors or even outsourcing jobs in his companies Instead, they think, in a form of mass psychosis akin to Stockholm Syndrome, that it would improve their lives if they elected this cynical, greedy and relentlessly self-aggrandizing candidate to the Presidency.
So what potential impact is there in calling a spade a spade? His supporters like their spade, and don't really seem to be thinking beyond the latest words to pass through his lips.
All of this stuff about polls and candidate hypocrisy at this point is just holding a mirror up to better look down the rabbit hole.
23
I'm sorry that you, Frank, left out one item that most of the Press leaves out in these fish wrappers, and that is the role of the Press. Trump may have been formed from the muck of GOP/Tea Party/Fox/Rush self-aggrandizement, but the Press played a major role in making sure Trumps every piece of nonsense and drivel was above the fold or headliner of the so-called newscast. The construction of this monster was formed from a cooperative with very healthy funding from America's oligarchs. Own your role, Frank.
31
Obviously, the writers of the New York Times would rather have Trump than Sanders. Anybody but Sanders!
1
Dear Ms. Ivanka Kushner:
We know you already have three small children at home to take care of. But please come collect your father and take him home. He's scaring the other children here at the daycare center.
Thank you and regards,
U.S. Citizens
We know you already have three small children at home to take care of. But please come collect your father and take him home. He's scaring the other children here at the daycare center.
Thank you and regards,
U.S. Citizens
43
The "Mad Men" candidate. Don Draper for the 21st Century "Fox."
5
And, Clinton does not pander to the crowd? What explains her comments to an "elite" group of donors that 50% of Trumps supporters are "deplorable" and "irredeemable"?
If she actually believes that the social ills she laid on "those people" who support Trump are more common among a certain party or economic group, she indeed has revealed her xenophobia--or at least a heavy dose of splinter/plank disease. It also proves she has never seen a Spike Lee movie or heard a Dave Chappelle skit.
One can imagine that her own husband would have helped open her eyes to her apparent bias. For example, when Bill returned from his outing with the Donald and a women clad in a Playboy embossed t-shirt (as documented by the FOIA of photos from the Clinton Library), he would have likely said, "Hill, come on. Just because these women didn't go to Wellesley College doesn't make them bad."
If she actually believes that the social ills she laid on "those people" who support Trump are more common among a certain party or economic group, she indeed has revealed her xenophobia--or at least a heavy dose of splinter/plank disease. It also proves she has never seen a Spike Lee movie or heard a Dave Chappelle skit.
One can imagine that her own husband would have helped open her eyes to her apparent bias. For example, when Bill returned from his outing with the Donald and a women clad in a Playboy embossed t-shirt (as documented by the FOIA of photos from the Clinton Library), he would have likely said, "Hill, come on. Just because these women didn't go to Wellesley College doesn't make them bad."
1
NYT Frank Bruni “He (Putin) does have an 82 percent approval rating,” Donald Trump said during the special “commander in chief” forum last week."
America is a democracy in construction since its inception in the 18th century. Except, of course, for women and blacks initially.
Russia was never a democracy. From a medieval czar dominated system, the country moved to a communist dictatorship in modern times.
Russians never experienced a political system of checks and balances.
Putin is just a modern version of Peter the Great. He knows what is better for the Russian people and they love him for that; thus, the 82% approval rating.
The leadership questions being posed by Donald Trump is novel. If elected, he expects to be governing the country a la Putin. In other words, by hook or by crook he will fix America's problems.
Trump is saying, implicitly, that the current political system of checks and balances is outdated. America is ready for a strong leader (Trump) that will get along with Putin and make America Great Again (whatever it means).
Since America is not Russia, voters will have the final word on November 8th, 2016.
America is a democracy in construction since its inception in the 18th century. Except, of course, for women and blacks initially.
Russia was never a democracy. From a medieval czar dominated system, the country moved to a communist dictatorship in modern times.
Russians never experienced a political system of checks and balances.
Putin is just a modern version of Peter the Great. He knows what is better for the Russian people and they love him for that; thus, the 82% approval rating.
The leadership questions being posed by Donald Trump is novel. If elected, he expects to be governing the country a la Putin. In other words, by hook or by crook he will fix America's problems.
Trump is saying, implicitly, that the current political system of checks and balances is outdated. America is ready for a strong leader (Trump) that will get along with Putin and make America Great Again (whatever it means).
Since America is not Russia, voters will have the final word on November 8th, 2016.
15
And where is the Republican Party leadership -- including former Presidents, governors, speaker of the House and Senate majority leadership in all of this? Their craven and immoral silence stamps a seal of approval on this nightmare candidate for those voters teetering on voting for Trump. They know that Trump has no detailed plans or approach to governance. They know that he has a crackpot group of second and third tier advisors. For all of their crazy accusations against Hillary Clinton, they know that she is still a person of substance, focus, intelligence and commitment to public service. These Republicans know that Trump is a living, breathing criminal enterprise. There is no equivalence between Clinton and Trump. He's in this race for himself, not for us.
Party leadership still has some influence in the outcome of this presidential election, yet because of their narcissism and ambition, they are willing to sacrifice country for party. They seem willing to accept any perversion and to abnegate all moral, personal responsibility to get a Republican president. Their refusal to openly condemn their candidate and Trumpism makes them worse than Trump.
Party leadership still has some influence in the outcome of this presidential election, yet because of their narcissism and ambition, they are willing to sacrifice country for party. They seem willing to accept any perversion and to abnegate all moral, personal responsibility to get a Republican president. Their refusal to openly condemn their candidate and Trumpism makes them worse than Trump.
25
The republican 'leadership' has no plan and no spine.
1
Yes, Trump wants adulation.
But he ALSO wants to get his mitts on the Federal budget, the biggest piggy bank in the world.
He wants to privatize schools, and use for-profit companies to run them.
Trump recently gave a talk at a for-profit charter school (the Cleveland Arts and Social Sciences Academy) in Cleveland, Ohio that has a very poor record, but that was praised effusively by Trump. (See https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2016/09/10/critics-o...
Trump as POTUS would have the possibility of directing some of the business to his own companies, to those of his children, and to those of his supporters. That would be the ultimate Trump scam and ripoff.
Just remember that you heard it here first.
But he ALSO wants to get his mitts on the Federal budget, the biggest piggy bank in the world.
He wants to privatize schools, and use for-profit companies to run them.
Trump recently gave a talk at a for-profit charter school (the Cleveland Arts and Social Sciences Academy) in Cleveland, Ohio that has a very poor record, but that was praised effusively by Trump. (See https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2016/09/10/critics-o...
Trump as POTUS would have the possibility of directing some of the business to his own companies, to those of his children, and to those of his supporters. That would be the ultimate Trump scam and ripoff.
Just remember that you heard it here first.
6
Another important thing Lauer missed the other day was Trump admitting he doesn't truly have a plan for ISIS yet -- He said "If I do come up with a plan, or maybe take the generals' plan..." and if I recall correctly he then lapsed into ungrammatical non-sequitur babbling "Make America Great Again..."
Just as all journalists who write must learn to insert the word "falsely" wherever they write "Trump claims..." so as not to leave his lies for the reader to guess about, so should all video interviewers learn what Chris Matthews and Anderson Cooper have done, which is keep picking at his answers, asking "but didn't you just say --" to unravel and expose Trump's self contradictions and nonsense.
It's what they have done to Hillary every day of her life for the past 25 years. That's why she is infinitely stronger than Trump.
Just as all journalists who write must learn to insert the word "falsely" wherever they write "Trump claims..." so as not to leave his lies for the reader to guess about, so should all video interviewers learn what Chris Matthews and Anderson Cooper have done, which is keep picking at his answers, asking "but didn't you just say --" to unravel and expose Trump's self contradictions and nonsense.
It's what they have done to Hillary every day of her life for the past 25 years. That's why she is infinitely stronger than Trump.
10
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all? One can only hope that when Trump sees his own image in the mirror, he's sufficiently intelligent to realize who is staring back at him, lest he start a war when the mirror proclaims that it is the fairest. It worries me.
2
I'm more worried about Hawk Hillary starting a war.
1
I don't doubt that Donnie is counting the number of times he is the subject of op-eds compared to Hillary. It must make him happy.
3
Trump sees Putin's 82% approval rating as a sign of leadership. I guess he doesn't know that Stalin was over 99% in the polls .Now thats real leadership. He' was a much more efficient a leader, and a better deal maker than Putin. He also had better mistresses and hair that Putin. Idi Amin and Tojo were both at 100% in their respective polls so they must been such tremendous leaders that it made people's head spin. Trump is at 40%. Doesn't sound like much of a leader to me. Sad
9
Wait until Trump finds out about the Czars who had 120% approval ratings.
2
" Putin’s routinely high approval ratings exist in a context of intimidation and fear. There’s no way to know how many Russians feel free to speak their minds to pollsters. There’s no way to overstate the amount of propaganda that they’re subjected to. There’s no way to adjust for the lengths to which Putin will go to stoke nationalist fervor and whip Russians into a state of Putin-worshiping pride."
Exactly. And what scares me about this is what if people are lying to the pollsters, and iit's Trump who wnis big, much the way Reagan did in 1979.
"Trump’s possible blindness to that is scary. His probable awareness of it is scarier still."
And let us hope we never have to find this out. It's why I say, and let's hope she hasn't damaged herself with her anti-Trump remarks about his followers, let's go Hillary, so that the US doesn't become like Russia.
Exactly. And what scares me about this is what if people are lying to the pollsters, and iit's Trump who wnis big, much the way Reagan did in 1979.
"Trump’s possible blindness to that is scary. His probable awareness of it is scarier still."
And let us hope we never have to find this out. It's why I say, and let's hope she hasn't damaged herself with her anti-Trump remarks about his followers, let's go Hillary, so that the US doesn't become like Russia.
6
Lord knows many of us have complained bitterly and even in bewilderment about everything Mr. Bruni has correctly observed in this column. But, where does that leave us? Assuming Ms. Clinton wins, Mr. Trump will cry "rigged election" and some political disciple will set forth on the same path, only in a more polished manner. We need to ask ourselves, how things got to this point. No matter how much we support Ms. Clinton, and I do, Democrats must question how she became the default candidate even though she is clearly weak politically. We must also question the media's role in allowing Mr. Trump billions of dollars of free publicity and, as Matt Lauer just demonstrated, a gloves off mentality Mr. Trump has clearly enjoyed to the point that he is now a clearly viable, and clearly unqualified candidate for the most powerful position on earth.
9
And he is not going away -- even if Hillary wins. We can all thank the media , including Bruni, for that.
1
I feel bad for all the "deplorables" who have bought into his brand and give him the biggest hand. There are many people who have legitimate gripes about the state of things but it's just infuriating that they believe, deplorably, that the executive branch is the source of all our troubles. The Republican takeover of statehouses and the intransigent Republican Congress are where their problems are rooted. That they have not forced out those who have starved representative government to death is unconscionable. That they believe the Donald will fire anyone who does not say "how high" when he says jump is worse.
19
It's very noticeable that he applauds himself too, clapping his hands along with the audience. That's just not good form !
7
That is the custom in Russia.
Frank doesn't quite seem to get that all of this is how pathological narcissism works as a personality disorder, and is why it is classified as a disorder.
8
One of your very best columns, Frank (and there have been many).
Now how do we get all of those who've been blinded by the glaring "shine" of Trump to avert their eyes and start using the brains in their heads?
Now how do we get all of those who've been blinded by the glaring "shine" of Trump to avert their eyes and start using the brains in their heads?
6
If if you want to see what happens when someone wins an election campaign by saying everything that he thinks people ant to hear - no matter how contradictory - just take a look at the short lived and ill fated prime ministership of tony Abbott in Australia. Trump is on the same path, only 1000s of times crazier and far more dangerous. If he gets elected the only question is will republicans in congress have the guts to impeach him when the time comes.
13
Putin is the old, thick, relaxed, alert coiled viper, both eyes open ... small eyes. Trump is the bird.
19
The Obama Administration, Hillary Clinton and John "I served in Vietnam" Kerry, are the lump that has traversed the length of your serpent and are about to exit the anus.
Putin and Trump are two drying-out peas fallen from a pod. Both will do that that gets them the greatest applause and shrink from strong after-shocks. Neither has much regard for the people. The entire, whole game is keep up the ratings. Both will drive their nation into the gutter given a great enough opportunity.
6
Rather than focusing on Trump's slavish devotion to Putin and his high approval ratings, when will the press start a comprehensive Watergate-type investigation into the breadth, depth, and history of Trump's financial and business ties to Russian oligarchs and organized crime figures who are close to Putin? There is substantial circumstantial and direct evidence, which does not fit into the confines of a comment section, that Trump may have enormous financial obligations to Russian investors and thus to the Kremlin. (One small example may be found in documents produced in the Trump Soho Litigation and settlement.) If true, the Trump campaign's sole change to the RNC platform to benefit Russia's interests in Ukraine, his off-hand near invitation to Russia to invade the Baltic States and Eastern Europe, the hacking of DNC and state electoral systems by Russian hackers, and his refusal to release tax records and related financial information all make sense.
Hillary Clinton's emails and A-rated Clinton Foundation are small potatoes compared to the national security danger and extreme conflict of interest that exist if Trump's ties to Russia are as deep as they appear they could be. In short, the press needs to do its duty as the Fourth Estate to ferret out what exactly are the nature of Trump's ties to the Kremlin.
Hillary Clinton's emails and A-rated Clinton Foundation are small potatoes compared to the national security danger and extreme conflict of interest that exist if Trump's ties to Russia are as deep as they appear they could be. In short, the press needs to do its duty as the Fourth Estate to ferret out what exactly are the nature of Trump's ties to the Kremlin.
10
The correct translation of the word Mr. Putin used to describe Trump is 'flashy'. It was not a compliment.
9
Andrew Zeisler's column on Hillary Clinton and this revealing sketch of Donald Trump by Frank Bruni complement each other. Trump, the invisible man, assumes form and substance only through the image created by the adulation of his followers or admirers. His positive response to the favorable comments of Putin reflects a genuine need to affirm his own worth through the opinions of others. Those who refuse to acknowledge Trump's superiority provoke an explosive response because they have threatened his sense of identity.
Clinton, on the other hand, knows herself all too well. Her reputation as a cold, unfeeling bitch arises from a strength of character that refuses to mold itself to meet the expectations of others. In this respect, she resembles President Obama, whose hard-earned sense of his own worth makes it difficult for him to play the role of chameleon required by politics.
The unpopularity of the two major candidates thus stems from different sources. Most people sense that Trump lacks a moral center and can relate to other people only as sycophants or enemies. Their discomfort with Clinton, however, originates partially in her determination to shield her private life from scrutiny even at the expense of appearing dishonest, an attitude characteristic of people with a strong sense of self.
Trump's character defects render him unfit for high office; Clinton's aloofness disqualifies her to play the role of a celebrity.
Clinton, on the other hand, knows herself all too well. Her reputation as a cold, unfeeling bitch arises from a strength of character that refuses to mold itself to meet the expectations of others. In this respect, she resembles President Obama, whose hard-earned sense of his own worth makes it difficult for him to play the role of chameleon required by politics.
The unpopularity of the two major candidates thus stems from different sources. Most people sense that Trump lacks a moral center and can relate to other people only as sycophants or enemies. Their discomfort with Clinton, however, originates partially in her determination to shield her private life from scrutiny even at the expense of appearing dishonest, an attitude characteristic of people with a strong sense of self.
Trump's character defects render him unfit for high office; Clinton's aloofness disqualifies her to play the role of a celebrity.
16
Obama and Hillary want altruist sacrifice to others and big and bigger govt to enforce it. They are nihilist haters of man's sacred, independent mind.
What does it say about us, though, that we just might elect a man such as this as president?
Cassius, speaking of Julius Caesar early in the eponymous play, rhetorically asks Casca: ''And why should Caesar be a tyrant then?".
He then goes on to say:
"... I know he would not be a wolf
But that he sees the Romans are but sheep.
He were no lion were not Romans hinds.
Those that with haste will make a mighty fire
Begin it with weak straws. What trash is Rome,
What rubbish and what offal, when it serves
For the base matter to illuminate
So vile a thing as Caesar! "
When have we in this country become this gullible!
Cassius, speaking of Julius Caesar early in the eponymous play, rhetorically asks Casca: ''And why should Caesar be a tyrant then?".
He then goes on to say:
"... I know he would not be a wolf
But that he sees the Romans are but sheep.
He were no lion were not Romans hinds.
Those that with haste will make a mighty fire
Begin it with weak straws. What trash is Rome,
What rubbish and what offal, when it serves
For the base matter to illuminate
So vile a thing as Caesar! "
When have we in this country become this gullible!
2
This is exactly right, and Democrats should think hard about why this is so dangerous. He goes from one outrage to the next for the very simple reason that his supporters love watching his opponents get outraged. So getting increasingly offended by Trump's increasingly offensive remarks seems less like strategy and more like playing directly into his hands.
And there is an alternative: more or less dismiss every word out of his mouth as incoherent blathering, and keep coming back to the one thing that undercuts his entire act - the man is a fake.
The real narrative seems to be that he was a rich kid whose daddy set him up in business, and then bequeathed to him a sufficient fortune that, it is said, he would be wealthier today if he had just put it all in an index fund and walked away. Going bankrupt over and over again is not the hallmark of a successful businessman.
If this view of his career wasn't true, wouldn't he long since have released his taxes and made his point once and for all?
People need to be reminded that Trump has just one demonstrated skill - pressure sales. What Democrats need to be asking Trump supporters is this: if a used-car salesman came onto you this hard, and knew as little about what he was selling as Trump does about public affairs, wouldn't you think more than twice about buying? So wouldn't you be at least that reluctant to make Trump Commander-in-Chief?
And there is an alternative: more or less dismiss every word out of his mouth as incoherent blathering, and keep coming back to the one thing that undercuts his entire act - the man is a fake.
The real narrative seems to be that he was a rich kid whose daddy set him up in business, and then bequeathed to him a sufficient fortune that, it is said, he would be wealthier today if he had just put it all in an index fund and walked away. Going bankrupt over and over again is not the hallmark of a successful businessman.
If this view of his career wasn't true, wouldn't he long since have released his taxes and made his point once and for all?
People need to be reminded that Trump has just one demonstrated skill - pressure sales. What Democrats need to be asking Trump supporters is this: if a used-car salesman came onto you this hard, and knew as little about what he was selling as Trump does about public affairs, wouldn't you think more than twice about buying? So wouldn't you be at least that reluctant to make Trump Commander-in-Chief?
4
You know this incessant drumbeat of anti-Trump polemics by NY Times columnists might have some influence on me if you had opposed him more vociferously during the primaries. You weren't as bad as some of the media (MSNBC could not contain their glee over Trump's success), but the Times editorial board and its columnists almost universally drew false moral equivalencies between Trump and the other Republican candidates.
Furthermore, for the most part, you are making the same arguments against Trump you made against Romney and Bush. I know, I know. You really mean it this time. Trump really, really is a bigot, a fascist, a loose canon, a liar, an empty suit, whatever the anti-Trump theme of the week is. Sorry, I find your apoplexy unpersuasive.
The liberal media was effectively neutral during the Republican primaries, because you thought Trump was unelectable and that Clinton would cruise to victory. Well, Trump has closed to within two points of Clinton, and he is probably ahead in all the Romney states plus Ohio, Florida, Iowa, and the 2nd District in Maine (260 electoral votes), and Clinton continues to stumble. He is on the cusp of making the race a toss-up. I suspect that liberal elites have inside information as to how close the race is, because there is a palpable sense of panic in the air. Just remember, if Trump becomes president, your fingerprints will be at the crime scene. And I must confess, I am experiencing some schadenfreude.
Furthermore, for the most part, you are making the same arguments against Trump you made against Romney and Bush. I know, I know. You really mean it this time. Trump really, really is a bigot, a fascist, a loose canon, a liar, an empty suit, whatever the anti-Trump theme of the week is. Sorry, I find your apoplexy unpersuasive.
The liberal media was effectively neutral during the Republican primaries, because you thought Trump was unelectable and that Clinton would cruise to victory. Well, Trump has closed to within two points of Clinton, and he is probably ahead in all the Romney states plus Ohio, Florida, Iowa, and the 2nd District in Maine (260 electoral votes), and Clinton continues to stumble. He is on the cusp of making the race a toss-up. I suspect that liberal elites have inside information as to how close the race is, because there is a palpable sense of panic in the air. Just remember, if Trump becomes president, your fingerprints will be at the crime scene. And I must confess, I am experiencing some schadenfreude.
3
"Furthermore, for the most part, you are making the same arguments against Trump you made against Romney and Bush."
Well, you know, that could be because those same arguments are applicable to all three of the candidates you mentioned. Just look at their economic plans. With the exception of his promise not to destroy Social Security (and really, who is stupid enough to actually believe that?), Trump's economic plan comes from the 35 year old Republican playbook of trickle-down economics, also known as impoverish the majority of Americans to make the rich even richer. But hey, don't take it my word for it. Here it is right out of the mouth of one of his "senior economic advisors." http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/01/opinion/why-this-economy-needs-donald-...
Whether they hide their desires behind bigotry, racism, lying, or being an empty suit (I didn't think there could be an emptier suit than Romney, this year is proving me wrong), the true motivation of Republicans remains the same -- redistribution of wealth upward. There's really no difference in the underlying ideology; it's just that some of them try to hide it behind a thin veneer of civility and Trump does not.
Well, you know, that could be because those same arguments are applicable to all three of the candidates you mentioned. Just look at their economic plans. With the exception of his promise not to destroy Social Security (and really, who is stupid enough to actually believe that?), Trump's economic plan comes from the 35 year old Republican playbook of trickle-down economics, also known as impoverish the majority of Americans to make the rich even richer. But hey, don't take it my word for it. Here it is right out of the mouth of one of his "senior economic advisors." http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/01/opinion/why-this-economy-needs-donald-...
Whether they hide their desires behind bigotry, racism, lying, or being an empty suit (I didn't think there could be an emptier suit than Romney, this year is proving me wrong), the true motivation of Republicans remains the same -- redistribution of wealth upward. There's really no difference in the underlying ideology; it's just that some of them try to hide it behind a thin veneer of civility and Trump does not.
1
Oh,please. At least pretend to back up you lunatic assertions with references. As in show me the articles.
When Trump travels the world he doesn't actually see the world. His travels to Russia would have been no different than a trip to London (best hotels, food, service, etc). The point being, when he hears the word dictator in reference to Putin or Kim Jung he just thinks it's name-calling American style. It wouldn't occur to him that the peoples of these countries actually suffer and have no rights. You can't negotiate with leaders of foreign countries if it's beyond your comprehension that they don't see the world the way you do....and this is beyond Trump. Add it to the list!
6
I see only one slight flaw in this analysis- The proposal that free milk could be available to every malnourished child in the world is actually a feasible task, if we all work together to accomplish it.
A wall on our border is obviously nothing but a silly dog-whistle phrase to racists who now feel more at liberty to spew their hate-filled nonsense, down to the smallest towns in Idaho. For example, this disgusting woman would never have thought to spew her racism if not for Trump's coverage:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QARpD9Zhr0
A wall on our border is obviously nothing but a silly dog-whistle phrase to racists who now feel more at liberty to spew their hate-filled nonsense, down to the smallest towns in Idaho. For example, this disgusting woman would never have thought to spew her racism if not for Trump's coverage:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QARpD9Zhr0
There's another editorial in today's Times, The Bitch America Needs. Since no comments section accompanied that article, I am writing here to say that anyone who has had Hillary Clinton as her/his senator or First Lady or Secretary of State would not consider her a bitch. I certainly don't remember any evidence of that ever, and I once respected her more than I do now. I'll probably have to vote for her despite vowing not to when she made her Iraq vote. I remember defending her to someone who accused her of being ambitious and only in pursuit of the presidency. I was wrong; she did deceive some of us about that.
Nevertheless, she's not shallow, not a bully, not a potential fascist, not stupid, not immoral, not narcissistic, not dangerous (I hope) and most of all, she's not Trump -- who is all of those things.
Nevertheless, she's not shallow, not a bully, not a potential fascist, not stupid, not immoral, not narcissistic, not dangerous (I hope) and most of all, she's not Trump -- who is all of those things.
8
Of course, HRC is ambitious. Everyone who runs for president is ambitious. Ambition is not in and of itself to character flaw but an essential component to achievement. That she is criticized for having ambitions, which she has used since her college days to forward causes greater than herself - civil rights, child welfare, equal opportunity for women and girls, education, national security, and yes, world peace - is, again, a sexist double standard. While I disagree with HRC's Iraq vote, anyone watching her discuss her decision on that vote back then can see that she did not come to it easily and she had misgivings but she put her trust in military and advisors and Secretary of State Colin Powell.
Google the characteristics of a narcissistic sociopath and Donald Trump fits the profile to a T. Then retread this article and you will see exactly what Bruni is talking about.
3
do ponder, how low the Republic has fallen. Where is the bottom?
3
While citing Putin's high poll number, Trump sandbagged it by saying he happened to not like the system that Putin embodies. Funny that Trump did not know that that system enables or perpetuates such high poll numbers for Putin. Never mind, what one should expect from the same candidate who believes Putin is a better leader than Obama? I recalled the same praise by Giuliani after Putin annexed Crimea. The very fact that Trump surrounds himself with the likes of Giuliani or Michael Flynn, no one should wonder why the GOP is in the state it is today.
3
America the time to stop this monster is now!
6
There's hardly anything left to be said about Trump. He's revealed his faults. His lies are legion. But on looking at the coalition that supports him, yes, we see the racists, the misogynists, the xenophobes; we see the opportunistic would-be Attorney General. But the constant that puts so many Christians in his column is abortion. One promise he made, one I believe, is that he will pack the SCOTUS with Scalia-clones.
The Federalist Society was formed in 1982, one of the many ventures by the right-wing to advance the agenda of the oligarchs, in this case, by promoting judges who see the world as Scalia did.
The Federalist Society was formed in 1982, one of the many ventures by the right-wing to advance the agenda of the oligarchs, in this case, by promoting judges who see the world as Scalia did.
2
So an anti-abortion Supreme Court, the aim to prevent the deaths of unborn children, trumps (no pun intended) world chaos, trumps everything? Think about all of the lives that could be lost with a president who doesn't know what he is doing.
In the first debate Hillary will give a 10 minute opening statement on crucial issues with knowledge and wisdom. Then Donald Trump will trrow a watermelon at an elephant, walk off the stage and declare himself the winner. The media will agree.
Stolen from the PBS show, "Wait, wait, don't tell me."
Stolen from the PBS show, "Wait, wait, don't tell me."
6
Mine is an American family, we come frequently to the USA either for visiting (our daughter lives there) or for holidays. Lately somewhat jokingly I have been telling them that if Trump were to win I will stop coming there.
Unfortunately I have also come to realize that with him and his rudderless ship of fools, even living outside and far from your country will not ensure sanity of mind and bodily safety.
Vote as you wish and will.....please!
Unfortunately I have also come to realize that with him and his rudderless ship of fools, even living outside and far from your country will not ensure sanity of mind and bodily safety.
Vote as you wish and will.....please!
3
If Hillary keeps her mouth shut and the medias stop analyzing every stupid statement made by Trump until November 8, we may have a chance. Facts and truth don't matter to Trump supporter. All they want to do is to get back at Obama, to put a white guy back to the White House, plain and simple.
2
The biggest question about Trump is why he wants to be President. If elected he would forever be the poster boy for the Peter principal. When it comes to the serious questions of our time, Trump does not have a clue. Anyone who pretends to know the essence of Trump assumes there is an essence. I tend to think there isn't anything rational about him. He's running for President for reasons unknowable to himself and to the common man.
4
I have stopped worrying about Trump -- the GOP standard bearer and leader. I am now more terrified by those who admire him and will vote for him for President of the United States -- God forbid!
9
Mr. Trump’s whole life is a tangle of greed, ignorance, narcissism and lack of consideration for others that will one day find its way into the medical textbooks under the clinical name of Trump-O-Mania. Researchers will by then have discovered that the only way to cure it is with a big stick. Mrs. Clinton has yet to find that big stick. She had no business apologizing for calling some of his demented supporters deplorable, which is exactly what some of them are.
4
The stuburn unwillingness by the mainstream media to look deeply, respectfully into why Trump's message has galvanized so many Americans is deeply ugly. Instead, NYT prefers to publish a daily barrage of articles and editorials intended to discredit and poke fun at Trump and malign the tens of millions of Americans who support him, just as Clinton did yesterday. This "give them cake" approach so many Americans is so deeply patronizing and disrespectful.
2
This is a well-written dissection of Trump's "thinking." I do wish more emphasis would be placed on his tax returns. I am convinced the smoking-gun lies there in his dealings with Russians which tie him to Putin and other nefarious links that would disqualify him for the presidency. This year: It's the tax returns, stupid!
5
Another excellent column, Mr. Bruni. You could not be more incisive about Trump and more accurate about Putin's Russia, especially his poll numbers. I am reminded of this story:
Kim Jong-un is tired of the international criticism that his nation is a dictatorship. He complains to his aides that he is the leader because the people want him. He decides to hold an “election”. People can vote up or down on his remaining the leader. So his staff prepares the “ballots” with the choice of “yes or no” on Kim Jong-un remaining head of North Korea. The people go to the polls and the “votes” are counted. Voting turnout was 100%; more than 18 million people voted. The results show that all but 44 people in the country support his remaining the leader. Yet Kim is very unhappy. His aides are perplexed. They ask him, “Great Leader, you received all but 44 votes out of more than 18 million. What more could you want?”
Kim replies, “The names of those 44 people.”
THAT is Putin, the leader Trump idolizes.
Kim Jong-un is tired of the international criticism that his nation is a dictatorship. He complains to his aides that he is the leader because the people want him. He decides to hold an “election”. People can vote up or down on his remaining the leader. So his staff prepares the “ballots” with the choice of “yes or no” on Kim Jong-un remaining head of North Korea. The people go to the polls and the “votes” are counted. Voting turnout was 100%; more than 18 million people voted. The results show that all but 44 people in the country support his remaining the leader. Yet Kim is very unhappy. His aides are perplexed. They ask him, “Great Leader, you received all but 44 votes out of more than 18 million. What more could you want?”
Kim replies, “The names of those 44 people.”
THAT is Putin, the leader Trump idolizes.
11
Trump disturbs me, to say the least, but the state of the nation that would
admire him is the most disturbing, and distressing thing of all. What the author describes as the internal motivation of Trump goes likewise for the people of the US states. How else to describe his support? We have become a hollow nation without substance, a mere shell. What do people want? To be first? First
to what?
admire him is the most disturbing, and distressing thing of all. What the author describes as the internal motivation of Trump goes likewise for the people of the US states. How else to describe his support? We have become a hollow nation without substance, a mere shell. What do people want? To be first? First
to what?
8
Two things. He's not playing a fascist, he really is one. And his ties to Putin are real and material. His former campaign chief had political ties to Putin and Breitbart News, run by his current campaign boss, has long been a Putin booster. And Trump's business dealings with Russia have already been cited by Trump's son. To discover their true extent we would need access to the lockbox containing Trump's tax returns.
14
You've hit the nail on the head with this one, Mr. Bruni. If Trump weren't so dangerous to our country's well-being, and so blatantly obnoxious, I'd feel sorry for him. Sad!
8
The horrid mess we're in is a mirror of this country's consciousness. Mr. Bruni's
comments are brilliant. I am a psychiatric nurse. Mr.Trump is a raving narcissist. There are no meds for his condition. He lives to create turmoil and
judging by his popularity, he is sadly effective. If these choices are a reflection of 'the best we've got', oy vey...we are in a world of trouble.
comments are brilliant. I am a psychiatric nurse. Mr.Trump is a raving narcissist. There are no meds for his condition. He lives to create turmoil and
judging by his popularity, he is sadly effective. If these choices are a reflection of 'the best we've got', oy vey...we are in a world of trouble.
18
Trump is a ruthless predator in unrelenting pursuit of nothing beyond self gratification. His only true claim to "loving America" has nothing to do with its history, constitution or potential. He only "loves" it, because a guy named Trump lives in it. His bottomless need for bragging rights has dragged mainstream American politics down to a new low, one far beyond what was ever thought possible. The only national service he has ever performed is in allowing the rest of us to clearly identify our most dangerous politicians, along with those most willing to sell their souls. Rudy, Chris, Mike, Ben and company, you will all be remembered by history for this final desperate chapter in your public careers. That will be the dominant legacy you will leave to your heirs. Generations yet to come, all shaking their heads in shame and disgust.
246
Trump has uttered innumerable bizarre, dishonest and downright dangerous things but the one that has stood out above all others in exposing his character was "If he says great things about me, I'm going to say great things about him." Uttered by an 11 year old they would cause a parent to fear for the emotional and personality development of their child. Uttered by a 69 year old running for president they are simply stunning. All children start life as totally self centered little beings. Normal development removes most of that.
8
Crooked lying Trump is "the Joker", the archvillain in the popular series "Batman", personalized (forget Heath Ledger). Trump is this dangerous clown, who will say and do whatever is necessary (as a true demagogue) to gain the applause of his adoring fans, however misinformed and prejudiced they may be, as he fans fear and hate, xenophobia and misogyny, and divisions galore, if that is what it takes to stay alive and 'beloved'. Trump remains unscrupulous, he can't stop his pathological lying, a behavior so unbecoming to reason and common sense, and decency, that he must bask in an ever growing hysteria of insults and insinuations of impossibly stupid conspirational theories. Trump is a fraud and he knows it. He also knows he will lose the elections, apparently not affecting him right now, but enough warning so he can find a comfortable chair to sulk...once this nightmarish adventure of his is over. And a mighty relief for the rest of us...except those foolish enough to have given credence to his awful stance.
9
Trump trump will never perform the duties of the Presidency. He will delegate the job to Pence, his children, and crackpot General that follows him around like a puppy. Bruni has him diagnosed. He just wants the adulation and respect that come with being President.
6
Bravo
2
A much larger basket is urgently needed. Deplorable Trump fills the basket all by himself.
8
Your support for the wife of an impeached President, a person who has been involved in government at some level since she graduated college and failed the Bar Exam, is an example of the vast divide we experience here with this election.
Anyone who leaves government service after a lifetime of effort with 200 million dollars is a crook.
Anyone who leaves government service after a lifetime of effort with 200 million dollars is a crook.
3
Charliehorse8--You mean, like Mitch McConnell? And HE didn't even WORK for it.
1
She failed the D.C. exam, but passed the Arkansas exam. Facts please!
Analysis of the man is okay. In our gut we all have a pretty good idea how much of empty suit the man is. But let's now start figuring out how to stop this maniac before he messes up our country - and the world. It's scary to imagine what his supporters would do once their man is safely installed as the next president. And two, what the leader and his supporters would do to the world, given US awesome military might. As it is the world still The world is still paying dearly for the shock and awe let loose by Bush -Cheney-Rumsfeld trio. It's time to find a bottle that would keep this genie corked in.
10
Just one word explains it all... Narcissist.
10
Agreed. Narcissist explains Trump in full.
So, Frank, what does this say of his followers?
3
When it isn't downright dangerous to have elected a pure narcissist, it's bound to be extremely tiresome.
5
Well said.
1
This close to Election Day, it is only mildly effective to write about all of Trump's egregious actions and flawed personality - all true, but I suspect his misguided supporters and likely casters of votes for him, are not persuaded enough by this piece to turn away from him. Trump is a disgrace, but he still gets ~40% of support in legitimate polls. Perhaps there need to be powerful, facts-based, persuasive arguments made directly to his likely voters about what their lives might become under RasPutin, er, Drumpf... You need only change the hearts and minds of ~5% of those to tip the election to RHC.
6
Of course, there are respectable people that support Trump. That is, respectable personally. Politically, I have serious doubts. You can't have it two ways: you can't, as Rubio tries, to say that Trump is a con job but you support him. That makes you complicit in the con and therefore you are deplorable. All those people who shut their ears to the lies, the insults, the dangerous statements, the history of tawdry litigations, the bankrupting of investors, the stiffing of employees, are complicit to the tearing down of the political process.
Just listen to the vulgar shouts of some of the participants in the "value" conference that Trump attended and you need no further
definition of the word deplorable.
Just listen to the vulgar shouts of some of the participants in the "value" conference that Trump attended and you need no further
definition of the word deplorable.
15
During the past several presidential elections, many truly concerned citizens worried about endless poll numbers gauging support for one or the other candidate mainly because no one ever polled us. Now, we have a reality TV star who, in business, failed to pay people who provided goods and services for the originally negotiated contract prices and it is he who is going to march us into a new era of greatness and prosperity and people believe him because look how decisive he was on The Apprentice. In their day, the Nuremburg Rallies were infotainment. Never forget.
6
Whatever audience trump is in front of, will result in promising them everything. He goes from audience t audience and promises whatever they want.
13
The irony is that, if elected, Trump would quickly become one of our least popular Presidents.
He could never deliver on his ridiculous promise to build his ridiculous wall and get Mexico to pay for it.
His enormous tax cuts, benefiting mainly the wealthy, would mushroom the deficit and national debt, particularly with his proposed defense spending increases and leaving Social Security untouched.
Trade wars with China and Mexico would cause a quick spiral into global recession, set off by the tariffs Trump touts.
Mass deportations would require a massive increase in resources (people, money and training) that the Congress would need to authorize and appropriate. If a substantial portion of undocumented laborers left, our agricultural sector would collapse.
Trump's policies, of course, would meet major road blocks in the courts and the Congress. And the 50% or more of voters who did not vote for him on November 8 would quickly grow restive.
National adulation for Trump? Mission impossible.
He could never deliver on his ridiculous promise to build his ridiculous wall and get Mexico to pay for it.
His enormous tax cuts, benefiting mainly the wealthy, would mushroom the deficit and national debt, particularly with his proposed defense spending increases and leaving Social Security untouched.
Trade wars with China and Mexico would cause a quick spiral into global recession, set off by the tariffs Trump touts.
Mass deportations would require a massive increase in resources (people, money and training) that the Congress would need to authorize and appropriate. If a substantial portion of undocumented laborers left, our agricultural sector would collapse.
Trump's policies, of course, would meet major road blocks in the courts and the Congress. And the 50% or more of voters who did not vote for him on November 8 would quickly grow restive.
National adulation for Trump? Mission impossible.
41
There is one sure-fire way to eliminate divisive raging buffoons like Trump, Cruz, and Giuliani from the political landscape forever: Educate our populace. The effectiveness of right wing motivators like racism, hate, and fear are all related to the level of ignorance present in the target audience.
Bringing back the Fairness Doctrine, which would eliminate, or at least counterbalance, the multitude of raging liars who now pollute our airwaves (Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, etc.) with a unified agenda of think-tank generated conspiracies, false assumptions, and outright fabrications, and eliminating anonymous corporate monies from the elective process wouldn't hurt either.
Oh, and is it too much to ask that our mainstream media dump the False Equivalency Doctrine and call out the lies that all too often pass for "opinions"? Climate Change, Trickle Down Economic Failures, Wall Street Deregulation, and Wars for Corporate Profit are not opinions.
Bringing back the Fairness Doctrine, which would eliminate, or at least counterbalance, the multitude of raging liars who now pollute our airwaves (Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, etc.) with a unified agenda of think-tank generated conspiracies, false assumptions, and outright fabrications, and eliminating anonymous corporate monies from the elective process wouldn't hurt either.
Oh, and is it too much to ask that our mainstream media dump the False Equivalency Doctrine and call out the lies that all too often pass for "opinions"? Climate Change, Trickle Down Economic Failures, Wall Street Deregulation, and Wars for Corporate Profit are not opinions.
53
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free [consensual] exercise thereof" needs to be enforced on Congress to make it futile for religious nuts to seek public offices.
1
Tom--Best comment on this article. Thumbs up.
1
Steve--Hear, hear!
1
Trump exists as a viable candidate because politics as practiced in this country is about ratings and money, both spent and generated. If the election was a slam dunk, the revenue would go away. It is in the interest of the 24 hour news networks and all the ad companies that manage the publicity campaigns to keep touting the viability of terrible candidates. If newspapers could only be read once a day and national news was 30 minutes every evening, Trump would have faded away a long time ago.
49
How does one reach people who believe "God" runs everything?
Putin is a stone cold killer, a classic "strongman", but only one of many such, and nothing new under the sun. We've seen his like over and over again for 10,000 years, they've come and gone since the dawn of time.
The contrast between every dictator like Putin and an American president couldn't be clearer. Yet Trump's naked admiration of those who, like Putin, wield absolute power and his obvious desire to do the same should frighten anyone who still believes in government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Each of us needs to act with determination and passion to defend our government from Trump any other would-be Putin. Elect a president who has read the Constitution, who understands how rare is true democracy, and who lives to serve the people.
The contrast between every dictator like Putin and an American president couldn't be clearer. Yet Trump's naked admiration of those who, like Putin, wield absolute power and his obvious desire to do the same should frighten anyone who still believes in government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Each of us needs to act with determination and passion to defend our government from Trump any other would-be Putin. Elect a president who has read the Constitution, who understands how rare is true democracy, and who lives to serve the people.
61
The problem is that Hillary's no bargain in this regard either. She's beholden to the corporatist oligarchy, the Wall Street bankrollers, the military-industrial complex who needs and profits from continual warfare. She's far removed from being "for the people." This is the most damned if you do, damned if you don't choice I've ever been confronted with.
2
The problem I see is that there is an adulation of him like Obama got in 2008 to overpower Hillary and become president. It is similar in passion but driven by a different ideology: a nationalistic and unapologetic bravado bigger than even Hollywood stars.
I love Hill and think she needs to be nicer, not meaner. Fight guns with daisies.
So sad when Trump wins.
I love Hill and think she needs to be nicer, not meaner. Fight guns with daisies.
So sad when Trump wins.
11
'overpower'
The language of dominance and submission...and not reality. After a hard fought election in 2008, Barack Obama won more delegates than Clinton. But the backdrop was important, a world where the financial giants had sent us careening towards a cliff. He was (supposed to be) a break from the moneyed and corporate elites that got us into this trouble.
There was no Trump-like 'adulation' for either candidate. Both were policy nerds while Trump just says things to get applause. A big difference.
The language of dominance and submission...and not reality. After a hard fought election in 2008, Barack Obama won more delegates than Clinton. But the backdrop was important, a world where the financial giants had sent us careening towards a cliff. He was (supposed to be) a break from the moneyed and corporate elites that got us into this trouble.
There was no Trump-like 'adulation' for either candidate. Both were policy nerds while Trump just says things to get applause. A big difference.
The Obama adulation in 2008 was over the top. Much of it fueled by the press, of course.
Rare is the candidate who does not seek adulation. Rare is the opinion writer evincing skill and humility. The former is not to be found among the major parties; the latter equally in hiding at the gray lady. Sensible people believe nothing a candidate says and take opinions from this party-affiliated journal with more salt than found at Bonneville.
2
"Sensible people believe nothing a candidate says."
Sensible people listen and decide what is believable. Sensible people dismissed Trump some 15 months ago.
Sensible people listen and decide what is believable. Sensible people dismissed Trump some 15 months ago.
The Wizard of Oz had it down.
Your false equivalence is pathetic. Trump, and the propaganda effort which supports him, is orders of magnitude worse than the other candidates and journalists you deride.
"In a sense he’s a fun-house mirror of the inconstancy, vanity and insecurity in almost every politician".
It might have been a fun-house mirror at the very beginning, but has long ago turned into a house-of-horror.
And his greatest character trait is indeed his very obvious insecurity. When Herr Drumpf felt it necessary to tell the audience during a primary debate that everything was 'great' in 'that' department as well, he belongs on the couch of a psychiatrist and far, far away from the White House.
How on earth could a person so vane, lacking andy intellect and knowledge, unable to even speak his own language in coherent and grammatically correct English, and basing his whole campaign on insults, vulgarities, fear and hate mongering against 'them Others' ever become the candidate of one of America's two major parties?
Something is indeed rotten in the State of America.....
It might have been a fun-house mirror at the very beginning, but has long ago turned into a house-of-horror.
And his greatest character trait is indeed his very obvious insecurity. When Herr Drumpf felt it necessary to tell the audience during a primary debate that everything was 'great' in 'that' department as well, he belongs on the couch of a psychiatrist and far, far away from the White House.
How on earth could a person so vane, lacking andy intellect and knowledge, unable to even speak his own language in coherent and grammatically correct English, and basing his whole campaign on insults, vulgarities, fear and hate mongering against 'them Others' ever become the candidate of one of America's two major parties?
Something is indeed rotten in the State of America.....
79
The "rotten" in America is the result of policies from both parties that have left enough people ready to not only listen to a would-be strongman like Trump, but actually select him out of a field of seventeen candidates. Remember that's how many were in the Republican stables at the beginning of the Primary season. It speaks as much to the lack of resonance with the constituency from the Republican Establishment to not have any serious contenders, as much as it does Trump playing the "shock jock" card of the outrageous to win by blurring entertainment with reality.
As Walt Kelly opined in his Pogo cartoon, "We have met the enemy, and he is us."
As Walt Kelly opined in his Pogo cartoon, "We have met the enemy, and he is us."
8
Vain
The Orange One is all about form over function. He is the ultimate empty suit. He doesn't realize that Putin's form comes from his mastery of function. He is cruel but successful because he learned how to become a dictator by working in the system. The Orange One just boasts. He is a lucky sperm, not a successful business man.
The Orange Ones failure is the failure of much of modern finance and the Royalists in general. They are manipulators not doers. Where are the Teddy Roosevelts who spoke softly but carried a big stick? Who recognized inhumane capitalism for what it was. The Henry Fords who paid their workers a living wage so the worker could afford to buy the product.
Instead we get the Orange Ones and Romneys who declare bankruptcy and walk away with millions while leaving the mess to someone else.
The Orange Ones failure is the failure of much of modern finance and the Royalists in general. They are manipulators not doers. Where are the Teddy Roosevelts who spoke softly but carried a big stick? Who recognized inhumane capitalism for what it was. The Henry Fords who paid their workers a living wage so the worker could afford to buy the product.
Instead we get the Orange Ones and Romneys who declare bankruptcy and walk away with millions while leaving the mess to someone else.
40
rectitude, like anything else, is in the mind's eye of the beholder...while not much impressed by either candidate let it be noted, by at least this disappointed democrat, that it is trump who has taken steps, however meager, toward a more considered judgement, from his own "generalistic" indictments of, say, mexicans, to a more reasoned focus on convicted felons in the country illegally, while HRC has gone the other way, expanding elements of bias, bigotry and prejudice that are present to one degree or another in nearly everyone to define the entire character of her fellow americans, absolutely, as homophobes, xenophobes, islamaphobes, etc...(finding only the trumophiles "deplorable")...she's stepped back from "half" but still shows no grasp of the task that will require the "together" before we can become "stronger."
we passed on rectitude when we tossed bernie.
we passed on rectitude when we tossed bernie.
9
Watch the videos. They don't lie. Those people are all pumped up on hate and ready to take down anyone who doesn't look like them. They are deplorable. Trump is willing to make America hate again, all for his own benefit.
1
Interesting how trump supporters often claim to be democrats or "independents". I refuse to believe anyone supporting trump was ever a democrat or an independent. It makes no sense when you pay attention to what he stands for. Also, how in the world would a hater like trump bring us together?
1
Truly a sad and pathetic state of affairs when you can convince yourself that a man as empty of anything but demagoguery, bigotry and self regard is better than a woman with a record of real accomplishment. Yes, she has made political mistakes--because she is a politician and has a political past. Trump is an ignorant bigot whose only goal is adulation from fools. He is a danger to this country and the world. Bernie would be ashamed of you.
1
Trump may be the straw that breaks the U.S. camel's back.
More than any other person in modern times, and building on the GOP's cynical and destructive co-option of the mechanics of our governments at all levels, Trump's rise has exposed the soft underbelly of our form of government and our society. Our government's established pillars are constantly realigned or refined with nuanced adaptations intended to produce fair, equitable and balanced outcomes. This requires finesse, appreciation for all aspects of and everyone within our society, and a genuine and positive sense of politics. Our fault lines have become increasingly clear and Trump, whom Bruni correctly characterizes, is exploiting them blatantly without care or responsibility.
Those who comfort themselves with the notion that our governmental pillars are strong enough to withstand the GOP's constant and determined erosive effects and Trump's absolute and destructive narcissistic focus may be living in a fool's paradise and contributing to the harm. Even if the pillars withstand this repeated assault, we will endure significant and unnecessary disruption and dislocation that may redefine our country for many years.
More than any other person in modern times, and building on the GOP's cynical and destructive co-option of the mechanics of our governments at all levels, Trump's rise has exposed the soft underbelly of our form of government and our society. Our government's established pillars are constantly realigned or refined with nuanced adaptations intended to produce fair, equitable and balanced outcomes. This requires finesse, appreciation for all aspects of and everyone within our society, and a genuine and positive sense of politics. Our fault lines have become increasingly clear and Trump, whom Bruni correctly characterizes, is exploiting them blatantly without care or responsibility.
Those who comfort themselves with the notion that our governmental pillars are strong enough to withstand the GOP's constant and determined erosive effects and Trump's absolute and destructive narcissistic focus may be living in a fool's paradise and contributing to the harm. Even if the pillars withstand this repeated assault, we will endure significant and unnecessary disruption and dislocation that may redefine our country for many years.
87
Reagan was the cutting edge of the bad who drove out the good.
1
Those who say they can't tell which Trump is real, lie! They lie to identify with him; his followers and jesters have in common the skill and will to lie! The lie is their favored process. It is his daily guidance; he begins each day with a lie! It pretends to confuse content and process with substance.
His content is addicted lust—a fetish for power and death! His wife's nudes aroused neither excitement or ire. Millions of eyeballs on her flesh were met with quiet time. (He didn't get “tough.”) Power and death define his moral pursuits, his raw ambitions, his political canons. He is eager to order others to kill! To kill by proxy! He is inspired by ISIL! To bomb/blow/blast terrorists to death, to kill their families and secure a country where he describes communities as killing zones, undocumented residents as killers and murderers, where his rallies are tipping cauldrons of micro-violence, where his words tie power and death to an election promise. “Strong” is killing and comand. Putin kills. Obama is weak.
His substance is a single label: white. His looking glass of polls and politics from grief, his self-absorbed approval, has one core: race. He trusted America not to accept it, but to deny it as it always has. Deny its role as the ideology in his narricism. Deny its place in American life! Deny its dangerous identity politics. But grant him its special powers: the superiority of lies and lust in a single label more powerful than “winning.”
Frank, how did you miss it?
His content is addicted lust—a fetish for power and death! His wife's nudes aroused neither excitement or ire. Millions of eyeballs on her flesh were met with quiet time. (He didn't get “tough.”) Power and death define his moral pursuits, his raw ambitions, his political canons. He is eager to order others to kill! To kill by proxy! He is inspired by ISIL! To bomb/blow/blast terrorists to death, to kill their families and secure a country where he describes communities as killing zones, undocumented residents as killers and murderers, where his rallies are tipping cauldrons of micro-violence, where his words tie power and death to an election promise. “Strong” is killing and comand. Putin kills. Obama is weak.
His substance is a single label: white. His looking glass of polls and politics from grief, his self-absorbed approval, has one core: race. He trusted America not to accept it, but to deny it as it always has. Deny its role as the ideology in his narricism. Deny its place in American life! Deny its dangerous identity politics. But grant him its special powers: the superiority of lies and lust in a single label more powerful than “winning.”
Frank, how did you miss it?
31
Walter: there is also the un-voiced mantra of most of his followers, based on Animal farm: Three legs good, two legs bad!
Trump is just bitter that death is the high cost of living. "Apres moi, le deluge!" is a common cry of despair of narcissists viewing the ruins of Ozymandias.
1
Mr. Rheett, I don't think Frank Bruni "missed it," he just gave a Trump description that millenials can easily understand.
I agree with your nuanced take, but for those who are brought up on TV, this one is totally comprehensible.
I agree with your nuanced take, but for those who are brought up on TV, this one is totally comprehensible.
Of course Donald Trump is all the things Frank says he is and the 302 commenters as of right now have added lot of accurate observations.
And the mainstream media have indeed enabled him thus far. But they are not alone. I've always wondered why the Clintons would socialize with the creep, and why would President Obama invite him to the President's annual shindig with the Press.
And why on earth are the people turned off by politics and Politicians? Why?
And the mainstream media have indeed enabled him thus far. But they are not alone. I've always wondered why the Clintons would socialize with the creep, and why would President Obama invite him to the President's annual shindig with the Press.
And why on earth are the people turned off by politics and Politicians? Why?
12
"why the Clintons would socialize with the creep" is easy: money, some of which the Clintons hoped to get, perhaps as contributions to their foundation. Please note that DT was reportedly very put out that he was not invited to Chelsea's wedding, so there was probably never a real friendship between those two families.
"why would President Obama invite him to the President's annual shindig with the Press" is another easy one: DT became the butt of O's jokes, completely unable to laugh at himself (another symptom of narcissism).
The answer to your last question is a bit more complex, but part of it may be that the media hasn't done the job that needs to be done, which is to investigate and inform the populace, instead of treating every issue like a series of People magazine articles.
"why would President Obama invite him to the President's annual shindig with the Press" is another easy one: DT became the butt of O's jokes, completely unable to laugh at himself (another symptom of narcissism).
The answer to your last question is a bit more complex, but part of it may be that the media hasn't done the job that needs to be done, which is to investigate and inform the populace, instead of treating every issue like a series of People magazine articles.
13
@ William Dufort
You write:
"....and why would President Obama invite him to the President's annual shindig with the Press'.
A president has no influence over who is invited to the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner.
The various media outlets invite the guests sitting at their table. And during the infamous 2011 where Obama made fun of him, he was an invitee of Washington Post.
.
You write:
"....and why would President Obama invite him to the President's annual shindig with the Press'.
A president has no influence over who is invited to the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner.
The various media outlets invite the guests sitting at their table. And during the infamous 2011 where Obama made fun of him, he was an invitee of Washington Post.
.
1
With regard to Obama's invitation of Trump to the Washington event, most likely Obama was following the wise suggestion of an old Persian acquaintance;"Keep your enemy close - so you can slap him."
1
And yet, despite this kind of information being out there, all over the internet and the media (with some exceptions), he is up in the polls and most who support him are hardened in their positions.
He is a pied piper to those who feel left behind by both modernism and postmodernism - as long as the are white, of course.
I have been in Europe for the past four months, the UK at the moment. I am really tired of answering the many questions about Trump. At a party last night in Winchester, I encountered a couple from Arizona. When one of us mentioned politics there was a brief silence as we sized each other up. When I said it was insane, everyone relaxed and knew it was safe to speak. Several British friends said that Brexit had taken the edge off of their sense of superiority - but that Trump's election would be much worse. They know that second to their own government, the US elections mean the most to their lives.
We are at that point in the elections where the low information voters, the undecideds, will make the difference. Everyone else is sewn up in their decisions. So the undecideds get to decide - and this includes those undecide about voting.
As the Witch of the West said near the end of the Wizard of Oz - "What a world! What a world!"
He is a pied piper to those who feel left behind by both modernism and postmodernism - as long as the are white, of course.
I have been in Europe for the past four months, the UK at the moment. I am really tired of answering the many questions about Trump. At a party last night in Winchester, I encountered a couple from Arizona. When one of us mentioned politics there was a brief silence as we sized each other up. When I said it was insane, everyone relaxed and knew it was safe to speak. Several British friends said that Brexit had taken the edge off of their sense of superiority - but that Trump's election would be much worse. They know that second to their own government, the US elections mean the most to their lives.
We are at that point in the elections where the low information voters, the undecideds, will make the difference. Everyone else is sewn up in their decisions. So the undecideds get to decide - and this includes those undecide about voting.
As the Witch of the West said near the end of the Wizard of Oz - "What a world! What a world!"
40
There's no underestimating the amount of propaganda the Russian people are subject to. There's also no underestimating the amount of propaganda we are subject to.
Our propaganda comes from the PR machines that drive our politics. Of course, Putin has also used the services of at least one high-priced public relations firm headquartered right here in the USA.
Trump is different only in that he relies on his gut to market his nasty campaign. He grazes on the hatefulness that populates social media and selects what sounds good to him. He's very good at responding to what resonates with his supporters. He's also very good at manipulating the press.
This is not about Trump's failings anymore. It's about the failings of our national media and our own failings as voters. And it's truly deplorable.
Our propaganda comes from the PR machines that drive our politics. Of course, Putin has also used the services of at least one high-priced public relations firm headquartered right here in the USA.
Trump is different only in that he relies on his gut to market his nasty campaign. He grazes on the hatefulness that populates social media and selects what sounds good to him. He's very good at responding to what resonates with his supporters. He's also very good at manipulating the press.
This is not about Trump's failings anymore. It's about the failings of our national media and our own failings as voters. And it's truly deplorable.
34
If separation of church and state is not paramount in public policy, many people are prone to treat government as some kind of religion. Most dictators are, or want to be, de facto cult leaders.
13
Betsy, you are right and make the important point about the propaganda we are subject to. We are a nation of little but advertising and public relations in its news and entertainment, of not only products but people like Trump, the huckster.
And the failings of voters also can be attributed to the failure of the media, which has really disgraced itself this past year. Apparently there is no grown-up, informed newsperson available, or the corporate media owners wish to avoid assigning them to real events like the debates and last week's fiasco with the morning show host (!) lest we learn something useful and maybe even accurate.
After the pushback about Wallace's announced refusal to concern himself with accuracy in the third and final Fox-run (!) debate to come, perhaps he will be removed and another person more competent and willing to work at his/her job will be found. Ideally at another network.
And the failings of voters also can be attributed to the failure of the media, which has really disgraced itself this past year. Apparently there is no grown-up, informed newsperson available, or the corporate media owners wish to avoid assigning them to real events like the debates and last week's fiasco with the morning show host (!) lest we learn something useful and maybe even accurate.
After the pushback about Wallace's announced refusal to concern himself with accuracy in the third and final Fox-run (!) debate to come, perhaps he will be removed and another person more competent and willing to work at his/her job will be found. Ideally at another network.
10
We indulge in massive charades that insult even rudimentary intelligence.
The US president is not elected by an evenly apportioned popular vote. There is no equal protection of the law in the only election in the country shared by everyone.
The US president is not elected by an evenly apportioned popular vote. There is no equal protection of the law in the only election in the country shared by everyone.
One thing surely they must teach at Wharton is that the first duty of a CEO is to keep his company from having to file for bankruptcy. Making an adequate profit is secondary to that.
There are two reasons a company might need to have to fil for bankruptcy: insolvency and illiquidity.
Insolvency is the less common one. It is result of a company losing money. Presumably a CEO can read financial statements. It is very easy to predict when Insolvency will occur: simply divide the owners’ equity by the quarterly loss and multiply times 3.
The more common one is illiquidity, which is the result of a company running out of cash to meet its requirements or obligations. Usually the company does not have enough cash on hand when a loan payment becomes due. It can be prevented by making periodic cash flow projections to determine if and when a new loan or a capital injection might be required.
Questions: how could DJT go through not one, but four bankruptcy filings? Did DJT not learn to read financial statements at Wharton? Can a “successful businessman” not know something so basic? Does he know how to build a casino (which is relatively easy) but does not know how to operate it so that it makes money? Does he know anything about marketing? Are these his credentials for President of the US?
There are two reasons a company might need to have to fil for bankruptcy: insolvency and illiquidity.
Insolvency is the less common one. It is result of a company losing money. Presumably a CEO can read financial statements. It is very easy to predict when Insolvency will occur: simply divide the owners’ equity by the quarterly loss and multiply times 3.
The more common one is illiquidity, which is the result of a company running out of cash to meet its requirements or obligations. Usually the company does not have enough cash on hand when a loan payment becomes due. It can be prevented by making periodic cash flow projections to determine if and when a new loan or a capital injection might be required.
Questions: how could DJT go through not one, but four bankruptcy filings? Did DJT not learn to read financial statements at Wharton? Can a “successful businessman” not know something so basic? Does he know how to build a casino (which is relatively easy) but does not know how to operate it so that it makes money? Does he know anything about marketing? Are these his credentials for President of the US?
73
When do bloated management fees become embezzlement?
He is very proud of his bankrupcies. He made money on them. Shareholders, contractors and banks took a haircut but Trump did very well. The money obtained from the junk bonds he encumbered his casinos with went right into Trump's pocket.
Why is corporate bankruptcy unacceptable to Wharton School of Business but something to brag about by DJT? Because Trump, due to salary, bonuses and impenetrable manipulation of the books, walked away from Atlantic City with many millions of dollars, leaving stockholders, bondholders, and lenders to take the blow caused by bankruptcy, while contractors went unpaid.
"We did very well," he wants us to know...and by "we" he means himself, not those who invested with him...as he now wants the citizenry of the United States to do.
"We did very well," he wants us to know...and by "we" he means himself, not those who invested with him...as he now wants the citizenry of the United States to do.
1
Trump resides within fantasy land where ultimately he thinks that he will live happily ever after. On his course, he denigrates ordinary people, riles up foreign country leaders with his scary rhetoric, and praises those such as Putin who is a tyrant who invades countries and deprives the Russian people of their basic rights. Very much in the same way, Mr. Trump in his various business transaction s here has duped workers, chiseled down their salaries, discriminated against those if he didn't like their skin color or who spoke up, and made deals that were only advantageous for his EGO. Putin and Trump are of the same ilk. Trump is dangerous and a fabricator. The blue collar working class is quite gullible. His promises are empty and he merely revels in getting attention and dwelling on the polls. POLLS don't help people improve their daily lives. They only feed into Trump's self-image.
22
If we want to see what a Trump presidency will look like, we need only look to the Putin presidency of the Russian Federation. Rebuilding our American democracy around his cult of personality, Donald J. Trump will make America conformist again. And that's how you get to 82%.
16
Trump will destroy American democracy right away, without many Americans either knowing or caring, and turn America into a Russian-style dictatorship. Actually, if he could, he would turn America into a monarchy with himself as king and his children as princes and princesses. Trump has absolutely no knowledge of how our government works and does not want to know. He will just point a finger and say 'do this'. And if not done instantly and correctly, then off with a head. He does not care about this country, the people in it, the rest of the world, or much of anything except his money and the 'reputation' to go with it. He is completely lacking a conscience. The world can burn up around him and as long as the things he values escape in tact, he simply does not care. He probably values a few of his kids, not all, a little--that is all.
If I got a dime for every time Trumps name was mentioned in the first ten lead headlines and had a dollar subtracted each time Clinton's name was mentioned and had a hundred dollars deducted each time Sanders name was there I would be rich enough to run for president.
27
The NY Times can't get enough of this guy Trump. Every day, four or five front page articles on him. And we wonder why newspapers are in financial trouble? They did the same thing with W.
1
And Robert, you would probably make as good, if not better president than the two characters (charlatans) that are running.
1
In his faith in polls, Trump is only following the lead of everyone else in America who have fallen hard for the certainty of numbers and the lure of statistics.
We rate movies by box office, not content. A good book is a best seller. Our kids' knowledge and skill levels are secondary to the grade point average. We rate politicians by polls, which is why politicians have their own paid pollsters designing polls to reflect well on them. We rate a company not by its actions but by the value assigned by short term trades in the automated dark markets.
So should we be surprised that Trump takes his polls as seriously as his TV ratings? That he looks at Putin's ability to deliver the numbers as a good thing? Trump has never demonstrated anything close to intellectual curiosity, or a desire to understand *why* things happen.
But a lot of us assume the bandwagon must be a good thing to jump onto, which is maybe why Trump is doing so well. A lot of us like numbers more than facts, too.
We rate movies by box office, not content. A good book is a best seller. Our kids' knowledge and skill levels are secondary to the grade point average. We rate politicians by polls, which is why politicians have their own paid pollsters designing polls to reflect well on them. We rate a company not by its actions but by the value assigned by short term trades in the automated dark markets.
So should we be surprised that Trump takes his polls as seriously as his TV ratings? That he looks at Putin's ability to deliver the numbers as a good thing? Trump has never demonstrated anything close to intellectual curiosity, or a desire to understand *why* things happen.
But a lot of us assume the bandwagon must be a good thing to jump onto, which is maybe why Trump is doing so well. A lot of us like numbers more than facts, too.
29
Not at all sure "certainty" of any kind is necessary. It's a popularity contest. It's admiration for the ability to successfully and thoroughly pull one over on the entire nation. It's the secret society of snake oil salesmen, and their founder is P.T. Barnum!
All true, but what is the point? People who read Bruni's column are not going to consider voting for Trump. Bruni and most of his colleagues (including those on the "news" side of the NYT) have been making these arguments all year. It may be satisfying to shout into an echo chamber, but no one outside hears or even listens.
Find another dead horse to flog. Maybe even a live one?
Find another dead horse to flog. Maybe even a live one?
14
Just a small point. Who says Putin has an 82 per cent approval rating? Independent opinion polls in Russia? Vlad's a bit more subtle than Kim Jong-un, whose approval rating, despite his 11 holes in one in his first round of golf, recently plummeted to 120 per cent.
42
So when Putin said of Trump that he was a "yarki chelovek", it meant something like "an interesting guy". "Interesting" like when your little sister says it about the guy she went out with last night...
16
Why have I never heard the media ask the critical question of any Republican running for office? What specifically has the GOP done for the plight of the working class of America? It would seem a critical question to be asked during the debates?
67
Because the answer would be some platitude about how lowering taxes have helped all Americans, how we need Christian values in the White House and BTW Barack Obama wasn't born in the US.
He's a case of external locus of control to a pathological degree. Thank you Frank for your well written critique.
https://psychcentral.com/encyclopedia/locus-of-control/
https://psychcentral.com/encyclopedia/locus-of-control/
16
Trump is a weakling
his head turned by 'compliments'
his head turned by 'compliments'
21
Trump is an easy target.
Forget preaching to the choir, writing essays a narcissist will never read.
Save your energy for getting out the vote ASAP.
Recruit and vote.
Forget preaching to the choir, writing essays a narcissist will never read.
Save your energy for getting out the vote ASAP.
Recruit and vote.
39
Of course Trump isn't the only one governed by the applause-o-meter. Despite the media's supposed hand-wringing over how Trump was coddled and over-covered during the primaries, it is still noticeably the case that, if one just went by, say, the NYT, one might be forgiven for believing that only Trump has been campaigning since the conventions. Every day Trump receives prime coverage, whereas Hillary gets covered only if she [1] attacks Trump; [2] is the subject of further speculation about some possible non-scandal; or [3] has been attacked by Trump or one of his cronies [as with today's basket comments]. Apparently, nothing else the Democratic candidate for president can do is newsworthy. No wonder her poll numbers have dropped off since August's highs, with this lack of follow-up on the press's part. In short, it seems hypocritical for a NYT op-ed piece to bemoan Trump's pandering to approval ratings when his doing so merely mirrors what the press so richly rewards. Trump's surprising success with his hollow showmanship can be chalked up entirely to his having cracked the code of constant [free!!] press coverage, whereas Hillary -- poor sucker! -- still campaigns as if there are journalists and media outlets out there actually concerned with political issues and expertise.
47
Haven't you heard? That lack of coverage has been Clinton's fault because, I suppose, she hasn't been saying enough that's outrageous. Maybe that changed when she committed the political faux pas of saying that people who are racist and xenophobic are deplorable.
I read just before that came out that one reason the press has had trouble dealing with Trump is that they don't want to insult his supporters. Go figure.
I read just before that came out that one reason the press has had trouble dealing with Trump is that they don't want to insult his supporters. Go figure.
What a sorry state we're in, and to think that our politics could undermine the whole world!
9
Thank God, those days are over. The US is on the way all empires have gone: down and under
Trump's candidacy is a disgrace to this country. I can't imagine how any sane person could take anything he says seriously. Maybe the key word in the last sentence is sane.
31
"For Trump, the whole point of political office is adulation, and adulation is the entire proof of a person’s worth. Rectitude pales next to ratings. Ethics are a sorry substitute for applause. And the methods by which a crowd is fired up don’t matter, so long as he can bask in the clapping."
Frank, you've described Riesman's other-directed man, on steroids. There is no Trump without the approval of others. To use Riesman's constructs, Trump has no understanding of tradition (including religious tradition, and especially legal tradition) and wholly lacks the moral/ethical gyroscope of the inner-directed. There is no right or wrong in Trump's world, there is only popular. He measures his own worth by the reflected glow of the achievements or notoriety of more-accomplished men who stoop to take note of him, and by the metrics of opinion polls and ratings. He is a hollow man, the avatar of those who have no existence beyond social media and who, therefore, are tied to Twitter.
For those who have a deeper interest in what makes Donald run, I suggest Riesman et al., The Lonely Crowd, and C. Wright Mills, White Collar. For those who wonder how Donald will fall, see Andy Griffiths' illustrative performance in The Roar of the Crowd.
Frank, you've described Riesman's other-directed man, on steroids. There is no Trump without the approval of others. To use Riesman's constructs, Trump has no understanding of tradition (including religious tradition, and especially legal tradition) and wholly lacks the moral/ethical gyroscope of the inner-directed. There is no right or wrong in Trump's world, there is only popular. He measures his own worth by the reflected glow of the achievements or notoriety of more-accomplished men who stoop to take note of him, and by the metrics of opinion polls and ratings. He is a hollow man, the avatar of those who have no existence beyond social media and who, therefore, are tied to Twitter.
For those who have a deeper interest in what makes Donald run, I suggest Riesman et al., The Lonely Crowd, and C. Wright Mills, White Collar. For those who wonder how Donald will fall, see Andy Griffiths' illustrative performance in The Roar of the Crowd.
9
I think you meant "A Face In The Crowd."
1
Of all the editorials about Trump I have read in the past year I thought this was one of the most skillfully written and spot on! Adulation is all he craves and anything that brings it is worth pursuing regardless of honesty, morality, or anything else.
36
Bruni repeating Putin's poll numbers only shows how little he knows about politics. In authoritarian regimes, and that is exactly what Putin's Russia is, public opinions have been found to be unreliable. The leading expert on authoritarian regimes was Juan J. Linz, until he died couple years ago, showed using before and after analysis of polls from the Franco and Juan Carlos eras that polls within and without the authoritarian regime changed dramatically.
4
Frank, don't you get it that you're doing Trump's bidding by giving him the attention he craves. If you're going to avoid being Trumped, you have to puncture the grandiosity of the hot-air balloon that passes for his ego. Forget about approval, and focus on plain old humiliating ridicule. Today's Trumpty-Dumpty Twitter Twaddle is "I Luv Vlad" no matter how many he's impaled. You need go no further unless you have some other humorous put down to offer. A joke is to be laughed at and not analyzed. And Donald Trump is a joke and an embarrassing laughingstock. So, please consult with Gail and Maureen and treat him accordingly.
9
This is a plausible analysis of a raging narcissist which byvall accounts Donald Trump is. But all of it has been said before, ad nauseum, every day for at least a year. Why don't we just call it like it is. Trump's a gangster. And Putin's a really big gangster. This is so outside conventional presidential politics that everyone's been blindsided by it.
16
So, is Mr. Trump a puppet of Putin, or a spy and operative for Putin?
5
Trump is so deplorable that he alone fills that basket. And we may need an even bigger basket indeed to fit in it all the deplorable facets of the deplorable Trump.
12
That THIS guy is the end product of the GOP- 1950s Red Scare, the McCarthy trials, the Cold War rhetoric, the rise of Ronald Reagan arming Islamists to fight communism, the manipulation of so many elections by being accused of "being a pinko", and in waltzes Donald Trump to turn decades of Red Scare into Doilies for Conservatives. And they are buying it.
Trump, of the bone spurred tootsies, stands in front of military vets at a forum and tells them he hates our President and that he prefers the Russian dictator Putin. If you had told me that the head of the GOP and the evangelical right wing religious would support anything in the same planet as this guy I would have laughed in your face. It is like they never believed ANY of that stuff. Unreal.
GOP/2016: A Whole Nuther Animal.
Trump, of the bone spurred tootsies, stands in front of military vets at a forum and tells them he hates our President and that he prefers the Russian dictator Putin. If you had told me that the head of the GOP and the evangelical right wing religious would support anything in the same planet as this guy I would have laughed in your face. It is like they never believed ANY of that stuff. Unreal.
GOP/2016: A Whole Nuther Animal.
14
A masterful summation of the nightmare that is Donald J. Trump, narcissist and egomaniac.
11
Two things: First, Donald Trump has told us yet again how he defines friends and allies - "if he says great things about me, I'll say great things about him." He is completely hooked on flattery, and so is ridiculously malleable. Other nations would eat him for an appetizer to their lunches.
Second, it has been GOP policy for eight years to refuse to work on issues if President Obama might get the "victory lap". In this, Mr. Trump is completely mainstream Republican; they (and he) have showed their disdain and unconcern for the country loudly and clearly.
Second, it has been GOP policy for eight years to refuse to work on issues if President Obama might get the "victory lap". In this, Mr. Trump is completely mainstream Republican; they (and he) have showed their disdain and unconcern for the country loudly and clearly.
21
i truly DO understand the need and irresistible urge to disparage and expose DJT for the shallow, narcissistic, ignorant being he is.
i do.
but I beg you and all NYT columnists - please stop giving him the free publicity he gets day in and day out.
Need to write a column on the next presidential election?
Write about Hillary, and her incredible long history of advocating for those who need advocates.
Write about how the 2 candidates differ on a single topic or issue (that should give you a few column's worth).
write about what they have done in their lives to help those who needed help. write about those who were hurt by the decisions they made.
But please stop writing only about how awful DJT is (and he IS awful!)
Remember this is the NYT - you're pretty much preaching to the choir.
i do.
but I beg you and all NYT columnists - please stop giving him the free publicity he gets day in and day out.
Need to write a column on the next presidential election?
Write about Hillary, and her incredible long history of advocating for those who need advocates.
Write about how the 2 candidates differ on a single topic or issue (that should give you a few column's worth).
write about what they have done in their lives to help those who needed help. write about those who were hurt by the decisions they made.
But please stop writing only about how awful DJT is (and he IS awful!)
Remember this is the NYT - you're pretty much preaching to the choir.
23
Donald Trump cheapens America. Maybe that's his idea of making it great.
9
Trump's so vain
He probably thinks the world is about him
Trump's so vain,
I'll bet he thinks the world is about him
Don't he?
Don't he?
He probably thinks the world is about him
Trump's so vain,
I'll bet he thinks the world is about him
Don't he?
Don't he?
7
A tisket, a tasket, and Trump and Vlady basket....
Trump wants to be president so that he too can deal with reporters and business opponents the way Putin does. I'm not sure he understands that he may not be able to do that if he wins.
5
Too bad the cogent comments here will not help us one iota. Trump supporters are not reading the comment section of the NY Times. We all need to volunteer for Hillary. Hit the phone banks, stuff the envelopes, talk to our neighbors, register more voters. Quick. Before it's too late!
19
Robert. No way will I "hit the phone banks, stuff the envelopes, talk to our neighbors, register more voters for Hillary." Maybe for Jill Stein.
Hillary only represents the voters who agree with her and calls Trump's voters seriously bad names (bullying perhaps) without realizing she is as bad as Trump only picks on a different group of people and then apologizing by saying "well maybe it's not half". Although I don't agree with what those people say, they ARE Americans and have the same free speech rights as the rest of us.
Hillary only represents the voters who agree with her and calls Trump's voters seriously bad names (bullying perhaps) without realizing she is as bad as Trump only picks on a different group of people and then apologizing by saying "well maybe it's not half". Although I don't agree with what those people say, they ARE Americans and have the same free speech rights as the rest of us.
I cannot take this anymore. The NYTimes propaganda eviscerating machine continuously biting on Trump. What are going to do when Trump becomes our president. Demise him like the republicans demised president Obama. This means another eight years of misery.
2
"Demise him"? Are you saying that "we" are going to kill him? And Republicans, as reprehensible as they are, have not yet "demised" Pres. Obama, though I'm sure there are many of them who would like to do so. As far as I know he's still alive.
1
@idzach
Hard to bite and eviscerate simultaneously. Eviscerate is sufficient. From the size of Trump's gut it may take awhile, though. Myself, I'd vote for gutting him. Demise as you mean it is a noun. As a verb it means something else entirely. Unless you meant the Times plans on kicking him out of the country or anointing his son President. (Isn't that a Bush thing?)
Trump won't be elected, unless Putin rigs the vote, and even then it'll only be four years or less of misery, without even a squeak from the Times.
If you don't want prolonged misery -- brought to you by the Republicans as you noted -- consider voting for Democrats, beginning with HRC. It'll be token given you're in Texas and most folks in your neck of the woods seem partial to city slickers like Trump who thinks Texans are weenies for losing to Mexicans at the Alamo. He doesn't like Mexicans and he doesn't like losers. Texans are the only Americans to ever lose a fight to Mexico. He'll let you vote for him but you lost the Alamo and in his book there's no place in America for losers.
Hard to bite and eviscerate simultaneously. Eviscerate is sufficient. From the size of Trump's gut it may take awhile, though. Myself, I'd vote for gutting him. Demise as you mean it is a noun. As a verb it means something else entirely. Unless you meant the Times plans on kicking him out of the country or anointing his son President. (Isn't that a Bush thing?)
Trump won't be elected, unless Putin rigs the vote, and even then it'll only be four years or less of misery, without even a squeak from the Times.
If you don't want prolonged misery -- brought to you by the Republicans as you noted -- consider voting for Democrats, beginning with HRC. It'll be token given you're in Texas and most folks in your neck of the woods seem partial to city slickers like Trump who thinks Texans are weenies for losing to Mexicans at the Alamo. He doesn't like Mexicans and he doesn't like losers. Texans are the only Americans to ever lose a fight to Mexico. He'll let you vote for him but you lost the Alamo and in his book there's no place in America for losers.
I can't wait for Trump to be President and start flexing his ego. Just think, instead of visiting New York, we can go to Trumpopolis.
5
How long do you think it will take him to put his head on Mt. Rushmore?
1
Mt. Rushmore's too small for his head.
2
The man's a walking pyramid scheme. He's Melville's Confidence Man. The only thing you can do with a creature like this is deprive him of oxygen, which of course, is his followers. They're the real problem. He's just a frightening mascot.
19
When will you guys figure this out? It doesn't matter how bad he is. Bad is good. It doesn't matter how much you loath him. The more the better.
What matters is that you write about him all of the time. He now signs your paycheck. He owns you.
As this cat 5 hurricane grows even stronger as it approaches shore in 60 days will you write less about him? I think not.
He has hacked your capitalistic media equation.
We are in an inescapable arm bar.
We may as well tap out now.
8
And yet this deeply insecure, ignorant narcissist could be elected President.
8
Trump is a classic example of the saying, “Money can’t buy you class.” As far as his presidential run goes, it’s been all style, albeit crude and vulgar, and no substance. Let’s hope that the applause stops after November 8th because I can’t imagine suffering this blowhard for another four years.
8
This election is entirely about the GOP and nothing else. It is a contest to align factions and, entertainingly, each are certain that they are philosophically correct. The end point will be another GOP report outlining why they failed with women, LGBT community, and black, and brown people. Then President Clintion will have to deal with the Trump and Ailes network and ceaseless distopic diatribe. One half of the American population will alway be 1/2 as wealthy as the top half.
4
Terry,
You've going into the trap of which special interest is appropriate to support instead of improving USA for all American citizens. The policies of the last 8 years have failed. The rich will always get richer in any economy. The middle and the lower have lost traction in the last 8 years while the federal debt has almost doubled. The Obama promise of no more ears was broken with hillary Seychelles on Libya and failed Syria policy that continues to play out.
Do we continue to back a Democrat party that had failed and isn't changing path, or do we try an outsider with an ego to prove that he can do for America what democrats have promised for decades.
Yes trump is an idiot sometimes, but he is probably the person we need who isn't beholden to the rich like the Clintons are. We certainly know the outcome with holiday...4 more years of stagnant economy, unsuccessful domestic and foreign policy. We need change. Don't fall for the ignorant chants of racism and distractions.
Jessica
You've going into the trap of which special interest is appropriate to support instead of improving USA for all American citizens. The policies of the last 8 years have failed. The rich will always get richer in any economy. The middle and the lower have lost traction in the last 8 years while the federal debt has almost doubled. The Obama promise of no more ears was broken with hillary Seychelles on Libya and failed Syria policy that continues to play out.
Do we continue to back a Democrat party that had failed and isn't changing path, or do we try an outsider with an ego to prove that he can do for America what democrats have promised for decades.
Yes trump is an idiot sometimes, but he is probably the person we need who isn't beholden to the rich like the Clintons are. We certainly know the outcome with holiday...4 more years of stagnant economy, unsuccessful domestic and foreign policy. We need change. Don't fall for the ignorant chants of racism and distractions.
Jessica
1
I am a Republican but always thought it was a little odd that so many of the party's leadership favored a position on the secrecy of campaign contributions that leaves our electoral system vulnerable to hidden funds from narcotics traffickers, foreign operatives, and criminals seeking influence. Now it is quite clear they have been anticipating the moment when enormous amounts of money from the Russian and/or Chinese governments can flow into American elections to tilt the media and campaign advertising in their favor. Donald Trump's self-centered ignorance clearly opens the way to dangerous manipulation of our electoral process and at bargain rates; far cheaper to pour resources into electing a Manchurian candidate than an arms build-up. I suspect an investigation would reveal Russian money, whether from the government, Russian oligarchy, and Russian mobsters, has been flowing not only to support the Trump candidacy but to an array of shadowy PACs and other organizations to corrupt and undermine the outcome of the election. How much has landed in the coffers of white nationalist groups or otherwise promoting social conflict in the USA, stoking fires of fear and resentment? Meanwhile the hapless Democratic candidate prattles on without focus or passion, dishing out promises to client groups. It is clear the international danger is not funds from abroad flowing openly to the Clinton Foundation but discretely to those eager to purchase political power and subvert democracy.
15
Fascism exists because it gives voice to the weakest among us – those who long for strength and power and to occupy a political (and sexual) space they are incapable of managing on their own. So they form a mob. What's frightening are the highly paid consultants offering intellectual feathering to someone like Trump. These consultants mount the internet like a child on a pony and ride about for an hour or two (on C-Span or Fox or message boards) and shout out to all: Look at me. Look at us. (Count Hannity as one of them). They feel empowered. Important. It's a false empowerment though because there's no possibility of collaboration, of managing the messy needs and interests of all 320 million Americans; and certainly no possibility of a mob mentality (even if it's 40 million strong) making America great again or otherwise. Donald Trump is taking them to the circus, in the end, and he's the guy wearing the top hat covering up his toupee, the ring leader, hiding in plain sight.
19
It's interesting as an expat in Prague to see the bait and switch of American politics. The American economy is dead flat after 8 years of one party'supplies domestic, foreign,and economic policies. Hillary has all but doubled down on these policies that haven't improved the lower and middle classes. She continues to focus on her high dollar fundraisers by the rich, and her main attack on trump is racism and Putin ? I'm sorry but Americans really should not be sidetracked by such intentional distraction from the real issues of the day.
Anyone discussing ego or verbal missteps falls into the trap of ignorant messaging. The media is fully compliant... this type of tripe sells ads and is excellent click bait.
Both candidates are deplorable. The question you have to ask yourself is, do we continue with the current party that doesn't seems to be able to fix the economy or create unity...or do we give the other party the chance.
I don't love trump, but isn't that the better solution. To have a president that his own party and the media will hold to task? We certainly won't get that with a hillary presidency... which is fine if you are a 1%er, but the rest of us are tired of policy of pandering for special interest votes instead of running the country to benefit all Americans, not just the rich
Anyone discussing ego or verbal missteps falls into the trap of ignorant messaging. The media is fully compliant... this type of tripe sells ads and is excellent click bait.
Both candidates are deplorable. The question you have to ask yourself is, do we continue with the current party that doesn't seems to be able to fix the economy or create unity...or do we give the other party the chance.
I don't love trump, but isn't that the better solution. To have a president that his own party and the media will hold to task? We certainly won't get that with a hillary presidency... which is fine if you are a 1%er, but the rest of us are tired of policy of pandering for special interest votes instead of running the country to benefit all Americans, not just the rich
2
The American economy is dead flat after 35+ years of trickle-down, supply-side, voodoo economics. Whatever you choose to call it, it is an abject failure for 99.99% of the nation and is an economic system meant to redistribute wealth from those who work to the uber-coddled rich. And, while Democrats have bought into it over the decades, this was a creation of the Republicans. They worship this ideology as if it were their god. Just look at their tax plans -- either Trump's or any of those proposed by "establishment" Republicans. They are essentially the same.
Trump is a member of the uber-coddled, born with a golden spoon in his mouth, never worked a day in his life class. While he many tell you that he's for the working class, the very idea is ludicrous. That anyone believes that he will help anyone but the rich is even more ludicrous.
Trump is a member of the uber-coddled, born with a golden spoon in his mouth, never worked a day in his life class. While he many tell you that he's for the working class, the very idea is ludicrous. That anyone believes that he will help anyone but the rich is even more ludicrous.
10
A mixed economy simply cannot remain stable in the absence of planned taxation and spending to maintain employment.
1
I've been here since these blogs were created. Since then I have read more stupid intransigent bad will and bad faith that I could possibly shake a stick at.
I never intentionally reward obstructers whose sole evident purpose is causing others to fail.
I never intentionally reward obstructers whose sole evident purpose is causing others to fail.
It's really important that the journalists who are moderating the presidential debates have their A game for those events.
Unlike Matt Lauer's pitiful effort, the moderators of the debates must not let Trump bluster and bully his way out of answering tough questions. If he slides away, get back to the question in a different way -- and by the way, make sure the audience watching millions of television sets is made aware of what Trump is doing. Be VERY clear. Like this:
"Mr. Trump, you are saying XXX, but a month ago when you spoke at the XYZ venue, you said just the opposite. Which do you believe now?"
"Our fact checkers tell me that the statement you just made is not true. You did not oppose the war in Iraq initially -- you are on record as being in favor of it. Have you forgotten, or what?
Be VERY clear, so that there's no mistake what he is doing. It's extremely important.
Unlike Matt Lauer's pitiful effort, the moderators of the debates must not let Trump bluster and bully his way out of answering tough questions. If he slides away, get back to the question in a different way -- and by the way, make sure the audience watching millions of television sets is made aware of what Trump is doing. Be VERY clear. Like this:
"Mr. Trump, you are saying XXX, but a month ago when you spoke at the XYZ venue, you said just the opposite. Which do you believe now?"
"Our fact checkers tell me that the statement you just made is not true. You did not oppose the war in Iraq initially -- you are on record as being in favor of it. Have you forgotten, or what?
Be VERY clear, so that there's no mistake what he is doing. It's extremely important.
19
I agree 100%. And it's extremely important that the moderators not leave it up to the candidates to fact check each other, which will simply turn it into a he said, she said.
This is perhaps one of the most cogent descriptions of what makes Trump tick. What it is lacking is any prescription for what to do about him. How do you convince his supporters they are wrong when they say he is going to make America great again? That he's only politically incorrect because he gets more applause, not because he is telling it how it is? That his promises are worth as much as those of a crystal meth user? Yes, Hillary isn't the perfect candidate but Trump is not really a candidate at all. In my opinion, all the Republican officials who support him despite clearly seeing this should be arrested for treason. I respect the other Republican officials who, realizing they don't have a credible candidate this election, have withheld their endorsement.
18
Nihilists believe that everything has to be burned down for miraculous phoenixes to arise from the ashes.
I went back and watched “Game Change.” The HBO movie about the effect of Sarah Palin on the 2008 McCain campaign.
The thing is at least she tried!! Foreign policy advisors tried to advise her so she wrote down stacks of 5x7 index cards. Her lack of knowledge was stupefying---but she TRIED! And she really did care about her five children! Trump doesn’t seem to give a whit about any of his offspring--except he really likes his daughter’s nice hips!
Trump? Doesn’t need to prepare for the debates much less prepare for the presidency. He has a “big, big brain.” Palin tried.
I never thought I would see a worse politician than Sarah Palin---but Caribou Barbie could run circles around this monstrous pile of orange Pla-doh!
The thing is at least she tried!! Foreign policy advisors tried to advise her so she wrote down stacks of 5x7 index cards. Her lack of knowledge was stupefying---but she TRIED! And she really did care about her five children! Trump doesn’t seem to give a whit about any of his offspring--except he really likes his daughter’s nice hips!
Trump? Doesn’t need to prepare for the debates much less prepare for the presidency. He has a “big, big brain.” Palin tried.
I never thought I would see a worse politician than Sarah Palin---but Caribou Barbie could run circles around this monstrous pile of orange Pla-doh!
18
"He was a rat pressing a lever..."
Yes, indeed! Just imagine Trump as president. Which lever should he push? The pressure will come at him fast and furiously from all sides. The side that talks to him last can persuade him- and it may change tomorrow, and the day after.
Look at his visit to Mexico. Pena Nieto's tweet made Trump change his speech. Donald, caught lying, got angry and changed his stance about his ridiculous wall. Ex-KGB agent Putin would manipulate him like a hand puppet. He already does.
Republican leaders who still support him, must be thinking they can control him. Fat chance. They're inviting a constitutional crisis every time Donald wants to do something he can't legally do. As Commander in Chief, he wants the military to do things they can't/won't do.
Even a 20% chance of him winning should scare the bejesus out of all of us.
Yes, indeed! Just imagine Trump as president. Which lever should he push? The pressure will come at him fast and furiously from all sides. The side that talks to him last can persuade him- and it may change tomorrow, and the day after.
Look at his visit to Mexico. Pena Nieto's tweet made Trump change his speech. Donald, caught lying, got angry and changed his stance about his ridiculous wall. Ex-KGB agent Putin would manipulate him like a hand puppet. He already does.
Republican leaders who still support him, must be thinking they can control him. Fat chance. They're inviting a constitutional crisis every time Donald wants to do something he can't legally do. As Commander in Chief, he wants the military to do things they can't/won't do.
Even a 20% chance of him winning should scare the bejesus out of all of us.
30
That being the case it is possible he could be impeached pretty fast if we had a normal congress. But the tea party congress is just as bad as trump
1
The idea of Trump even beginning to grok the fractal mosaic of reality boggles my mind.
1
Bruni has provided about as clear a distillation of Trump's pathological shape-shifting neediness and its toxic effects as you will find in a column. Excellent work.
22
One of the best editorials on Trump ever! Bruni is spot on. Little more to say. There is no rational choice in this election. Insanity vs Stability. I am no Hillary fan, but she has been very stable for the past 30 years, even when being ceaselessly attacked on every front. We know what we're getting with her. It might not be glamorous, or exciting, or even transparent, but she won't destroy the country, and probably the world, the way an egomaniacal ignoramus like Donald Trump would. He's already destroyed the Republican party in a way I never thought possible. I voted for Reagan and Bush the Elder (not the junior) and would never be able to look in the mirror again if I voted for Trump, for I would have to accept the truth that I willingly participated in the destruction of my country...
Freud once said: "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar".
Could it be that Putin's 82 % approval rating is largely generated by ordinary Russians' fear of the U.S.?
Would that approval rating not drop if that fear was removed or at least reduced, thereby removing Putin's raison d'être and forcing him to grant more economic and political freedoms to his populace?
I'm not endorsing Trump, the self-aggrandizing publicity-seeker, but advocating a more realistic approach towards Russia.
Could it be that Putin's 82 % approval rating is largely generated by ordinary Russians' fear of the U.S.?
Would that approval rating not drop if that fear was removed or at least reduced, thereby removing Putin's raison d'être and forcing him to grant more economic and political freedoms to his populace?
I'm not endorsing Trump, the self-aggrandizing publicity-seeker, but advocating a more realistic approach towards Russia.
1
Republicans have cried wolf for so many decades with regard to Russia that now that they have an evil genius for a leader republican trump is ready to sell out because he personally desperately needs pitons money
Having lived and visited places of a "beautiful wall" Trump is selling as the best way to keep troubles out of our lives, I can assure you the primary victims are the ones inside the wall. North Korea built and strengthened the wall since 1945 building a society where the people cannot think of another "heaven", in which they would rather live.
Trump and his supporters have already built a wall around their tiny minds closing out subtlety, diversity, compassion, dignity and today's reality in the world. More deplorable ones are the likes of Giuliani, Christie and other Republicans who know but promote yet stronger walls for their selfish ends. Like many in North Korea and Russia genuinely support the system because they are the ones who benefit from the closed system at the expense of the people.
Surely we all have to have some structure around our lives and thought process in order to function rationally and consistently, at least in our own minds. Learning and listening is the proper way to maintain the structure, the ones who claim to know it all already is not capable of learning. I pray, however, my wall be open to the needs of others and to new ideas. Lord, have mercy on us.
Trump and his supporters have already built a wall around their tiny minds closing out subtlety, diversity, compassion, dignity and today's reality in the world. More deplorable ones are the likes of Giuliani, Christie and other Republicans who know but promote yet stronger walls for their selfish ends. Like many in North Korea and Russia genuinely support the system because they are the ones who benefit from the closed system at the expense of the people.
Surely we all have to have some structure around our lives and thought process in order to function rationally and consistently, at least in our own minds. Learning and listening is the proper way to maintain the structure, the ones who claim to know it all already is not capable of learning. I pray, however, my wall be open to the needs of others and to new ideas. Lord, have mercy on us.
8
Almost 50% of Americans want this man to be the leader of the free world? How far America has sunk.
25
It's truly frightening. But we did elect a black man as president, so there's hope that those poll numbers are painting an incorrect picture.
Many good points, but Trump is simply not worth the time of day. Where is his wife? Where is his family? Where are his tax returns? He can go to Russia and run a campaign there with this good friend, Putin. They can walk the path together; rule, make sure your enemies disappear, and rule again. Here's your hat, Mr. Trump. Make Russia great again. I'm done.
13
I remember that nutty woman who was at the center of the birther thing. She was a dentist -realtor anyway. She was all over the news talking about Obama and his brown shirts (referring to the SS I think.) Well now there are, I won't call anyone brown shirts, but blind-loyalists who have no reservations about, not a make believe, but real fascist becoming President, and those same people that gave that nutty person hours of air time will let it slide and even help this fascist get elected. I feel like I am living in a pre-amble to one of those dystopic science fiction films. Brown Shirts indeed.
14
Trump reminds me of Ferdinand Marcos.
12
Trump's base may not care about his tax returns, they don't seem to care about anything, but the rest of us would like to see an expert analyze them.
12
We need to get the details on that Russian money of trumps, you don't get to his golden heart with just applause; it takes a lot of money. Bruno doesn't seem to realize that.
Applause is to the narcissist as blood is to a vampire.
11
If Donald Trump gets elected, you have yourself and the Washington Post to blame.
2
Since a President Trump would represent a clear and present danger, why does he support the second amendment? Or has he not thought that through either?
2
Frank, if what you say is true (and I believe that the overwhelming majority of it is), then what next?
The Trump nomination and candidacy seem like a bad dream; but it is real. It cannot be allowed to run a course to victory.
Sanity must rule. Sane people MUST vote in this election. If we don't, we deserve what we get.
The Trump nomination and candidacy seem like a bad dream; but it is real. It cannot be allowed to run a course to victory.
Sanity must rule. Sane people MUST vote in this election. If we don't, we deserve what we get.
15
Frank's waffling on Hillary is what will put trump in office, negative on trump plus negative on Hillary will elect trump because trump voters are so ignorant they'll vote for trump just because he's a republican
oh, i thought he was just being cocky like a street kid. one who had no immediate prospects.
We shall see if he has a path to the throne no matter what role he plays. I, the voter, also have a secret plan for election day. I am not going to reveal it because I want to be unpredictable. But I am going to win. Believe me.
6
"He praises Putin in large part because Putin praises him back, or so he’s convinced himself. “If he says great things about me,” Trump told Matt Lauer during that forum, “I’m going to say great things about him.”"
Of all of the horrifying things Donald Trump has said this one should take even rabid followers aback. He is saying he has absolutely no moral compass whatsoever and anyone who likes him he'll support. ANYONE. No matter what they have done.
Of all of the horrifying things Donald Trump has said this one should take even rabid followers aback. He is saying he has absolutely no moral compass whatsoever and anyone who likes him he'll support. ANYONE. No matter what they have done.
9
Maybe Trump was just misunderstood. Perhaps what he really said was, "I will build a MALL along the border, and Mexicans will PAVE it!"
A vast shopping center on the border offering Trump Water, Trump Shirts, and similar essentials would attract thousands of shoppers from Mexico. The parking lots would have to be enormous, so in order to cut costs, he would naturally hire inexpensive Mexican labor to construct them.
A vast shopping center on the border offering Trump Water, Trump Shirts, and similar essentials would attract thousands of shoppers from Mexico. The parking lots would have to be enormous, so in order to cut costs, he would naturally hire inexpensive Mexican labor to construct them.
15
Now, I'm thinking, how will Trump govern, the day to day stuff with Congress ? Will he be able to bend Congress to his will ? How will Republican legislators react to his proposals. Will he commit executive overreach. What strategy should his opponents adopt ? The unthinkable is no longer out of the question.
1
I certainly hope that for the rest of the campaign we don't have to suffer through any false equivalences about the "flawed candidacy" of Hillary Clinton from Bruni.
One Maureen Dowd is one too many.
One Maureen Dowd is one too many.
11
Trump’s polling numbers are going up rapidly as Republicans rally around the Lost Cause one more time to destroy the Union for fun, profit, and spite.
It is difficult for me to imagine Trump losing this election because he perfectly embodies the essence of contemporary American values: profit by any means, image above content, racial paranoia and its revenge agendas, and a flippancy worthy of Ludwig of Bavaria and a nihilism worthy of Caligula.
Trump, a willing puppet of flattery, is the Manchurian candidate (not that he could care less) and Putin already has one string under control.
The Republican establishment requests of a President Trump would be so modest, yet so dear to them…they merely want one more Supreme Court appointment allowing them to repeal Roe v. Wade, repeal gay rights, limit voter rights to the right (white) sort of people, and that insure complete ownership (and therefore governance) of the nation remains only in the hands of the 1%.
I have always predicted that America will ultimately perish by its own insipid frivolity, rather like the court of Louis XVI of France, not from the top-down but from the bottom-up, yet I never actually believed it would happen in my lifetime.
Well, as Madame de Pompadour said, “Après moi le deluge.”
It is difficult for me to imagine Trump losing this election because he perfectly embodies the essence of contemporary American values: profit by any means, image above content, racial paranoia and its revenge agendas, and a flippancy worthy of Ludwig of Bavaria and a nihilism worthy of Caligula.
Trump, a willing puppet of flattery, is the Manchurian candidate (not that he could care less) and Putin already has one string under control.
The Republican establishment requests of a President Trump would be so modest, yet so dear to them…they merely want one more Supreme Court appointment allowing them to repeal Roe v. Wade, repeal gay rights, limit voter rights to the right (white) sort of people, and that insure complete ownership (and therefore governance) of the nation remains only in the hands of the 1%.
I have always predicted that America will ultimately perish by its own insipid frivolity, rather like the court of Louis XVI of France, not from the top-down but from the bottom-up, yet I never actually believed it would happen in my lifetime.
Well, as Madame de Pompadour said, “Après moi le deluge.”
14
Tremendous job
1
Nice comment, but, thank God, there is the electoral college, where as things stand, he loses.
1
As Trevor Noah wisely said some months ago, Trump is just like many of the dictators that plague the African continent.
9
Trump said yesterday in Pensacola that when the Iranian military was gesturing our sailors and when they ordered them in, we should have started shooting. That's all I need to know.
12
Let's not forget that Twitter has been a big enabler of people like Trump. Perhaps they should be more strict about not allowing dissemination of hate, bigotry, and misogyny.
11
In a word, the man's a narcissist.
9
Pedro
Well, Mr. Bruni is absolutely on the right, as he usually is. In my case, I am going to Europe for about 2 months and stay away from this political madness consuming our precious brains. I'll come back just in time to vote. Please, do not envy me. Good luck with your mental sanity, a doctor will not help, "believe me!"
Well, Mr. Bruni is absolutely on the right, as he usually is. In my case, I am going to Europe for about 2 months and stay away from this political madness consuming our precious brains. I'll come back just in time to vote. Please, do not envy me. Good luck with your mental sanity, a doctor will not help, "believe me!"
Lucky you, but I'm sorry, that reads pretty snobby and elitist. Hope you make a hefty contribution to HRC campaign before you go. Meanwhile, I'm volunteering for HRC in Ohio and yes it's maddening. Hope I can help make sure that there is a big enough spread when you breeze back into vote in November.
Of course Putin has high rating, he controls everything, from the press to the poll takers. Come on now, anyone brave enough to be honest when giving their opinion on former KGB agent, who's critics end up dead or imprisoned? That's the America Donald sees and wants, where he can control the applause meter, or as others call it, a fascist country controlled by out-of-control megalomaniac.
During the primaries Trump shouted over everyone else, using insults, lies and anything else he could to get the cameras back on himself. He's using same tactics with Clinton, shouting out lies, insults, inferring she's weak, not strong enough to be President cause we all know he prefers his women making sure his din-dins on the table, and that she doesn't look Presidential, because, well, she's a woman. We all know there's something off about Trump, that all is not right inside his head. And we're just not going to allow him to "burn down this country".
During the primaries Trump shouted over everyone else, using insults, lies and anything else he could to get the cameras back on himself. He's using same tactics with Clinton, shouting out lies, insults, inferring she's weak, not strong enough to be President cause we all know he prefers his women making sure his din-dins on the table, and that she doesn't look Presidential, because, well, she's a woman. We all know there's something off about Trump, that all is not right inside his head. And we're just not going to allow him to "burn down this country".
9
Trump is indeed an individual who could have starred in "Applause". His problem now, and in the weeks remaining until the election, is that he is losing his ability to shock and gain attention. After all the insults and bragging, his act - which is not an act - is wearing thin. In previous years, without instant and repetitious coverage of every utterance a tweet, that would have been less of a problem, but in 2016, he has nowhere to go but down.
In 1974, Richard Pryor recorded what became the biggest selling comedy record of all time, called "That N....'s Crazy". He was the first to overuse that word, and it was shocking, and salable. It was the high point of his career.
Donald Trump will be remembered as a one-trick pony, an act that had no staying power. And, of course, a loser.
In 1974, Richard Pryor recorded what became the biggest selling comedy record of all time, called "That N....'s Crazy". He was the first to overuse that word, and it was shocking, and salable. It was the high point of his career.
Donald Trump will be remembered as a one-trick pony, an act that had no staying power. And, of course, a loser.
12
Donald Trump is not that extraordinary. Maybe the Donald Trumps we know don't have wives that look like Melania , maybe they don't possess the fame and wealth of Donald Trump but we all have Donald Trump in our lives trying to convince us that we we just follow them we to can enjoy the joy happiness and serenity they enjoy.
Maybe it is a Priest Minister Rabbi or Iman that wants to show us the way. Maybe it is the boss, maybe it is our spouse or maybe it is a parent. Maybe it is a Nobel prize winning economist or maybe it is ab NYT op-ed writer.
Isn't it wonderful that the Donald Trumps of this world are so happy with their own brand of snake oil that they want to share it with everybody?
I am such a loser that even my dogs disrespect me. Friends and family never ask me for financial advice and outside f myself only my wife, family and friends think I am a winner. Of course everyone who knows me likes me or loves me which is true even for my dogs but who needs love when respect is everything.
Maybe it is a Priest Minister Rabbi or Iman that wants to show us the way. Maybe it is the boss, maybe it is our spouse or maybe it is a parent. Maybe it is a Nobel prize winning economist or maybe it is ab NYT op-ed writer.
Isn't it wonderful that the Donald Trumps of this world are so happy with their own brand of snake oil that they want to share it with everybody?
I am such a loser that even my dogs disrespect me. Friends and family never ask me for financial advice and outside f myself only my wife, family and friends think I am a winner. Of course everyone who knows me likes me or loves me which is true even for my dogs but who needs love when respect is everything.
2
A question I hope the next moderators ask
Trump, is "when was America great, that isn't great nowadays"?
Every decade has had serious problems, and putting him on the spot to name that period will surely put his foot in his mouth.
The real message of that hat is "bad hair day".
Trump, is "when was America great, that isn't great nowadays"?
Every decade has had serious problems, and putting him on the spot to name that period will surely put his foot in his mouth.
The real message of that hat is "bad hair day".
2
The jester seeking the crown, the fool feigning wisdom, the thespian losing his grasp on reality. Comedy or tragedy? Only your vote will tell.
4
I thought the most telling comment was when Trump said that "Putin has strong control over his country" during his softball interview with Matt Lauer.
"Control" over his country? If this doesn't imply a fascistic and dictatorial mindset, nothing does.
"Control" over his country? If this doesn't imply a fascistic and dictatorial mindset, nothing does.
15
A Basket of Deplorables, that is Hillary's core. The American people are baskets, demographics, focus groups. Nothing human about her. Let's not talk core when your Nominee is more condescending to the American people than any politician in the country's history. Shame on you Frank for shilling for the Clinton's.
2
The "Clinton's" what? That little apostrophe there makes your noun possessive, not plural. Go back to school, Trumpist.
1
Trump is the one who disparages everyone who isn't white and male. You can have him.
1
Frank, your insights are great, but then what can we DO about it?
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One suggestion I have is to address the voters and tell them that a victory for Trump means four (4) long years of PUNISHMENT.
Having a United States of TRUMP might be punishing, indeed. We could see a new recession that could spread around the country and around the world. The whole moral fiber of the nation could start to unravel. Trump-like leaders could spring up all over...
Yes, people want change, but a Trump presidency could lead to chaos. Are we, the American people prepared to take that chance,
for the next four, long years? I hope Clinton will ask this question.
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One suggestion I have is to address the voters and tell them that a victory for Trump means four (4) long years of PUNISHMENT.
Having a United States of TRUMP might be punishing, indeed. We could see a new recession that could spread around the country and around the world. The whole moral fiber of the nation could start to unravel. Trump-like leaders could spring up all over...
Yes, people want change, but a Trump presidency could lead to chaos. Are we, the American people prepared to take that chance,
for the next four, long years? I hope Clinton will ask this question.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4
Amen! Trump worships Trump, above all else. He doesn't have any core principles beyond expediency. How can he possibly win support from evangelicals and others who believe a candidate's values matter? There's no "there" there! Getting a majority to vote for him is the ultimate deal that Trump hopes to make. But it's a bad deal because he's a Bad Deal.
9
Frank is right on the mark and I feel like our country is behind the eight ball. How does a Trump supporter respond to Frank's clarity and examination? Do Trump supporters share his passion for Putin's form of leadership, have they wondered what if Trump tires of our adulation, what would happen to this country, each individuals region or state or even town, industry, political party, race? What happens if Trump is elected, what then Trump supporter? OK, let's say Trump imprisons Hillary and begins to have members of the media fired or they begin to disappear? What then Trump supporters, what then Republican Party? What happens if North Korea launches a nuclear armed rocket, what happens if ISIS stages a huge attack within our country? What happens when the earth continues to exhibit manifestations of climate change?
Do Trump supporters have any independent answers save what Donald Trump says are the sanctified answers?
Hey, Trump supporters, we need to know what we gonna do if Trump is elected!
Do Trump supporters have any independent answers save what Donald Trump says are the sanctified answers?
Hey, Trump supporters, we need to know what we gonna do if Trump is elected!
14
Yes, Putin polls 82% in hi country.. That makes him Trump's hero.
Hitler polled 100% in his country. Wonder what Trump says about that.
Hitler polled 100% in his country. Wonder what Trump says about that.
16
The Germans (back in the day) had a word, Fingerspitzgefuehl--"fingertip feeling." They used it of Adolf Hitler. An eyewitness recorded how it worked. Hitler (he said) would come into the auditorium--begin to speak. For a few minutes he was hesitant--unsure of himself. And then--slowly, ineluctably--he began to work his terrible magic. Reaching out as it were with his fingers, he would palpate--uncover the deep, unmentionable fears, desires, hatreds we all have. He played on them--like Franz Liszt on a piano. He worked upon his hearers. Conscience--an elementary sense of right and wrong--even common sense--all these were forgotten. Swept away in an orgiastic release of hidden feelings, hidden passions. Afterwards--that blissful sense of release, fulfillment. Like the moments after passionate lovemaking. "Oh . . .that felt GOOD!"
I don't think Donald Trump is another Hitler. And yet--the way he is energized, carried along--not by his own eloquence but by the mounting anger and resentment of his hearers . . . .
. . . . .the parallels are disquieting. Watch out for this man, America! Watch out for this man!
I don't think Donald Trump is another Hitler. And yet--the way he is energized, carried along--not by his own eloquence but by the mounting anger and resentment of his hearers . . . .
. . . . .the parallels are disquieting. Watch out for this man, America! Watch out for this man!
27
You keep recycling all these anti-Trump-isms, Frank. And you do so with great skill. But it can all be summarized this was: like Hitler, Trump has a Narcassistic Personality Disorder. In other words, he's a Nazi. And this country is so full of ignorant people that we too could go the way of Germany. What, pray tell, can we do to get young people to the polls given how much they dislike the other choice who does have the knowledge and ability to govern a democracy, as fragile as it has become. What, under Trump, will be our goose step? It's very, very troubling.
4
A lot of the points Frank Bruni makes here I also broached in a comment made to Gail Collins' 9/8 column "Trump and Clinton take up Arms":
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/08/opinion/trump-and-clinton-take-up-arms...
Great minds think alike. (Sometimes.)
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/08/opinion/trump-and-clinton-take-up-arms...
Great minds think alike. (Sometimes.)
2
While I look forward to the day we no longer have to hear this "man's" name ever again, I do enjoy reading yours and Mr. Blow's take on Drumph. Thank you, Mr. Bruni.
1
The mafia Don is such a needy, sniveling person. He longs for acceptance, for the plaudits of the multitudes. Plans, knowledge, that can come later. Throw out the big lie, and they will come. Are we still in Kansas?
3
Trump's birther-ism was his first exposure to adulation by extreme, deranged people who would be totally devoted to him if he spoke their language. Everything since then has been more pandering to the crazies.
12
One of the qualities you might expect (even take for granted) from a Presidential candidate is loyalty to America. You cannot serve two masters, so you need to be a person who wants to serve our citizens...or at least give a pretty good imitation of it.
But Trump serves Trump...so, if he's elected, who will serve the United States of America?...voters better think about that before giving him the job, in a desperate attempt to have an "outsider" or someone who simply "speaks his mind."
They will find that you really do have to be careful what you ask for. If Trump gets us into war (and he's strongly hinted at several scenarios that would result in that), it won't be his children who are sent to die.
They'll realize only too late that this sitcom is really a mockumentary, and each of us is the butt of his joke.
But Trump serves Trump...so, if he's elected, who will serve the United States of America?...voters better think about that before giving him the job, in a desperate attempt to have an "outsider" or someone who simply "speaks his mind."
They will find that you really do have to be careful what you ask for. If Trump gets us into war (and he's strongly hinted at several scenarios that would result in that), it won't be his children who are sent to die.
They'll realize only too late that this sitcom is really a mockumentary, and each of us is the butt of his joke.
8
I have mentioned "It Can't Happen Here" numerous times in comments here for over a year. It really seems as though we are re enacting this novel in real time right now and I am more horrified each day. Sinclair Lewis had no idea how prescient he was-it just took 80 years or so to come to fruition.
9
I think Trump is cozy with Putin because there may be a yuge negotiation in the offing what with Putin selling off part of Siberia in exchange for Putin getting a yuge share of Mar-a-Lago. Makes tremendous sense, believe me. OK?
2
A spot-on column, Mr. Bruni. Donald Trump knows very little about history and public policy, but boy does he know his polling numbers, and he spouts them every chance he gets at his rallies and television appearances. This may not be surprising given that his reality TV show thrives on ratings. But it is stunning that so many of his supporters accept his criteria for effective leadership.
15
This article correctly identifies what drives Donald Trump. He is ambitious and energized in seeking his current goals. What this article does not describe is the difference between reflective consideration of how current problems will play out over time. To be locked in contemplating only immediate concerns and results and neglecting the long term consequences of your actions explains his business history, short term gains for himself and long term losses for everyone else. What we need as a president is someone who can deal with our current problems but can also take the long view and see what is important for our future. This is not Donald Trump. All of our most revered presidents from the past have had a vision of what we should become, how we could get from where we are to where we should be. Evolution is the one true description of life and should always be in the consideration of current actions.
2
Nixon had a secret plan to end the Vietnam war. Only he didn't.
My husband and I have decided: If we get Trump plus a Republican Congress, we are leaving the country. Read the handwriting on the wall--it's Europe in the 1930s, and it's happening here.
My husband and I have decided: If we get Trump plus a Republican Congress, we are leaving the country. Read the handwriting on the wall--it's Europe in the 1930s, and it's happening here.
9
Where in Europe?
I saw a picture of a Trump supporter on line wearing a "Trump-Putin 2016" tee shirt. That's what we're dealing with folks. I bet Trump gets a cut. Somehow the Trump campaign got my e mail, and even though I have unsubscribed several times they still send numerous e mails every day, pay for coffee with Ivanka, pay for lunch with Eric. The latest is the Trump store, which has merchandise calling Hillary every name in the book. A classy group. I have this mental image of Putin sitting in Moscow hoping that the American electorate is as stupid as we seem to be.
9
the puffed up seeking for applause was one of Mussolini's largest traits , but all the while Hitler laughed and mocked him as a buffoon. But because his ego was so large Mussolini could never see how he was being used just as long as he believed people were applauding him. Of course this ego maniac led the world into great suffering especially his own people.
We as a country have done many terrible things in the name of our false exceptionalism as we thought power and the applause other countries gave us gave us the right to do anything we wanted at the expense of so many. We have also fought tyranny and believed ourselves to be a shining city for others to emulate as a democracy.
Trump is an twisted example of our worst impulses that was once called the ugly American and was hated behind our backs. Is this what we want to elevate to the leadership of our country , something that will make us a laughing stockc and perhaps hated once again.
We as a country have done many terrible things in the name of our false exceptionalism as we thought power and the applause other countries gave us gave us the right to do anything we wanted at the expense of so many. We have also fought tyranny and believed ourselves to be a shining city for others to emulate as a democracy.
Trump is an twisted example of our worst impulses that was once called the ugly American and was hated behind our backs. Is this what we want to elevate to the leadership of our country , something that will make us a laughing stockc and perhaps hated once again.
5
Bruni so well captured how Trump ticks nothing more needs to be said.
3
Yes, and I hope he meets with the same fate as Narcissus
2
Climate change may be coming but political climate change is upon us with a high tide of punditry trying to make sense of how low America's landscape has sunk.
This analysis by Frank Bruni, like the dozens of smoke alarms that have been buzzing since the start, is the loudest and clearest -- and scariest -- so far.
Trump is a mutant species. Doesn't suck blood or enter the bodies of victims to hatch its toxic eggs. Instead it's a giant ego immune to the antibiotic effect of the most powerful truth, voracious for approval and acclaim, and driven to meet its daily craving of adulation by the most craven pandering to what is ugliest about America: that we stand as the apex of all human achievement, the dominant uber nation so exceptional only we know how to manufacture truth on an industrial scale and then impose it on all others as divine right.
That our exceptional excess is destroying the planet and most of our people are sacrificed to achieve such delusional intoxication can only be considered a suicidal national extinction event.
If we needed an heroic defining purpose as humans, as Americans, we have it now in front of us: utterly repudiate the demon who can't recognize our greatness comes from being part of humanity and not apart from it.
Remember in November. Or we will never forget or forgive.
This analysis by Frank Bruni, like the dozens of smoke alarms that have been buzzing since the start, is the loudest and clearest -- and scariest -- so far.
Trump is a mutant species. Doesn't suck blood or enter the bodies of victims to hatch its toxic eggs. Instead it's a giant ego immune to the antibiotic effect of the most powerful truth, voracious for approval and acclaim, and driven to meet its daily craving of adulation by the most craven pandering to what is ugliest about America: that we stand as the apex of all human achievement, the dominant uber nation so exceptional only we know how to manufacture truth on an industrial scale and then impose it on all others as divine right.
That our exceptional excess is destroying the planet and most of our people are sacrificed to achieve such delusional intoxication can only be considered a suicidal national extinction event.
If we needed an heroic defining purpose as humans, as Americans, we have it now in front of us: utterly repudiate the demon who can't recognize our greatness comes from being part of humanity and not apart from it.
Remember in November. Or we will never forget or forgive.
13
But who isn't applauding?
The thousands of small business owners that Trump stiffed on their bills by having his "company" declare bankruptcy. Four times.
The tens of thousands of Trump "University" students who gave away their life savings to someone who buys off Attorneys General to avoid lawsuits.
The potential residents of Trump-developed housing who were not allowed to rent because they were "colored."
The thousands of small business owners that Trump stiffed on their bills by having his "company" declare bankruptcy. Four times.
The tens of thousands of Trump "University" students who gave away their life savings to someone who buys off Attorneys General to avoid lawsuits.
The potential residents of Trump-developed housing who were not allowed to rent because they were "colored."
5
But you see, those people deserved it--they were "losers."
I can't imagine what Trump's disciples will do when they realize they've been hoodwinked. Blame the Democrats as usual, maybe.
I can't imagine what Trump's disciples will do when they realize they've been hoodwinked. Blame the Democrats as usual, maybe.
1
Out of THOUSANDS of articles on Trump's psychological make-up, this one is the best and nails him completely. One thing it does miss is that the 18% of non Putin fans are DEAD. HA. The fact a moron like Trump actually believes Putin's approval ratings are real is incredible. If Chris Matthews had done the interview, The Donald would have been kicked off the Intrepid right into the Hudson river. Please let this nightmare end...I don't think I can last until November and if Hillary blows it, will move to Russia so I knew what a REAL Leader is like.
5
When I heard Matt L. ask Trump what he had been reading to prepare himself for the oval office, I thought we might be in for a Sarah Palin moment but it did not come to pass. Matt let him off the hook, just when he could have landed him. Because Trump is unlikely to crack any books between now and the time of the next debate, I would like to see Lester Holt insist he answer the question.
8
Mr. Bruni, so on point! About Trump's plans (I happened to overhear in a secret meeting): Ship all 11 Million illegal aliens back to where they came from with the help of his mob friends, when that's done, strip social security and medicaid so the rubes that voted for him now are forced to take the jobs the illegals left behind (careers in landscaping, house and hotel room cleaning, fry cooking and dish washing), and re-institute the draft for those who are still not able to get a job so he has enough boots on the ground to defeat ISIS. Very logical isn't it? It'll work out just fine...
1
"He has long boasted of a plan to defeat the Islamic State, but has vowed not to share it because Barack Obama might implement it and take the victory lap. Follow that reasoning. He’s saying that if lives are lost in the meantime, so be it. At least the bump in the polls won’t be the president’s."
In this, Trump merely follows in the great tradition of other Republican Presidential candidates: Nixon (with Kissinger) communicating to the North Vietnamese that they should hold out to conclude a peace agreement; Reagan encouraging Iran to hold the embassy hostages until his inauguration; McCain's empty claim that he held the answer to solving the Iraq crisis.
In this, Trump merely follows in the great tradition of other Republican Presidential candidates: Nixon (with Kissinger) communicating to the North Vietnamese that they should hold out to conclude a peace agreement; Reagan encouraging Iran to hold the embassy hostages until his inauguration; McCain's empty claim that he held the answer to solving the Iraq crisis.
4
Knowing all this - and agreeing - I am exceptionally interested to see how Mrs. Clinton and her team and preparing for the debates.
Trump's weaknesses and failings are clear and well documented. How to not only use them against him, but in a way that will sway voters? Perhaps not so clear. I must admit... I'm eager to see their strategy play out.
Trump's weaknesses and failings are clear and well documented. How to not only use them against him, but in a way that will sway voters? Perhaps not so clear. I must admit... I'm eager to see their strategy play out.
1
One of the posters has proposed earlier today that no audience reaction (clapping, booing, etc.) should be allowed at the debates. I think that's right: no audience reaction=no food for Trump. Defective airbag deflated.
Suggestion to the New York Times news coverage as well as the opinion page: rather than giving 24\7 coverage of trumps excesses, which only feeds the masses, why not try covering Hillary Clinton and her positives? In trumps world – and it's not far off the mark – any coverage is good coverage. And no coverage is bad coverage. If you really want trump to lose, as it appears you do, then maybe you should shift your coverage of the candidates from 90% Trump, 10% Hillary to 50% to each of the candidates. Over the past week, according to the New York Times, the odds of trump winning have increased from 10% to 20%. Your negative coverage of Trump does not appear to be working. Just sayin'.
16
And you know what, Frank, all your well-reasoned arguments amount to less than a hill-of-beans to way too many voters in this sad "United" States of America.
Last weekend, I was enjoying a cup of coffee and muffin (yep, no croissant for me-- I'm not that effete) at my favorite coffee spot in the upscale town of Kent, CT. Nearby were 3-4 older white guys (like me) who, eventually, got around to politics. Yep, the Trump-man, to them, he was going to set things right. Washington is corrupt and dysfunctional and needs to be "shook up."
Here, they still kind of had me.
But then the kicker came. Hillary, one said, wasn't for veterans like him, she was for those "minority criminals." I kid you not. The absolute, unadulterated, complete and pathetic inability to empathize with anyone other than old white men came so sickeningly shining through that all I could do was get up and leave before I vomited up that muffin.
And before his blind, racist rant, what did that veteran complain about? Well, not getting enough from the government. Which, of course, because he might have loaded MREs on a plane in Hanoi for a couple of years a generation ago or maybe even mowed down a bunch of our those ... well, I won't use the racist rant we then used to justify killing those who we saw as "lesser" than us decent, white folk... he "deserves" everlasting plaudits and $$$.
Whereas those whom, by his hatred and those like him, have been trampled underfoot for so long, do not.
Last weekend, I was enjoying a cup of coffee and muffin (yep, no croissant for me-- I'm not that effete) at my favorite coffee spot in the upscale town of Kent, CT. Nearby were 3-4 older white guys (like me) who, eventually, got around to politics. Yep, the Trump-man, to them, he was going to set things right. Washington is corrupt and dysfunctional and needs to be "shook up."
Here, they still kind of had me.
But then the kicker came. Hillary, one said, wasn't for veterans like him, she was for those "minority criminals." I kid you not. The absolute, unadulterated, complete and pathetic inability to empathize with anyone other than old white men came so sickeningly shining through that all I could do was get up and leave before I vomited up that muffin.
And before his blind, racist rant, what did that veteran complain about? Well, not getting enough from the government. Which, of course, because he might have loaded MREs on a plane in Hanoi for a couple of years a generation ago or maybe even mowed down a bunch of our those ... well, I won't use the racist rant we then used to justify killing those who we saw as "lesser" than us decent, white folk... he "deserves" everlasting plaudits and $$$.
Whereas those whom, by his hatred and those like him, have been trampled underfoot for so long, do not.
10
I saw a clip yesterday of an interviewer asking Trump what he believed about God. He turned it pretty much into a promotion for his golf course in California. The beautiful view was God and it belonged to his golf course.
I realized as he struggled a bit that not much exists for Trump outside of himself. It's a sealed universe that only contains what's salient to him and of course applause is. . He doesn't seem to be able to climb out of his sealed universe and thoughtful, complex responses about things that extend beyond or out of his sealed world aren't possible.
This man cannot be our President.
I realized as he struggled a bit that not much exists for Trump outside of himself. It's a sealed universe that only contains what's salient to him and of course applause is. . He doesn't seem to be able to climb out of his sealed universe and thoughtful, complex responses about things that extend beyond or out of his sealed world aren't possible.
This man cannot be our President.
11
These portentous columns are worthless, Frank. Not because they are untrue. We know Trump is depraved. Probably many of his supporters know that, too. So, now what?
1
I could not disagree more, Zillah. Messages about the vacuousness of this man need to be repeated thousands of times daily by as many people as possible. The more the message gets out, the less likely it is that we elect an unimaginably dangerous and possibly mentally unstable fool as our leader.
Sorry, RKC--his voters don't care about Trump's vacuousness (probably don't know the word anyway) so no, it won't help change their minds to point it out. Hammering on his history of cheating the little guy, exposing him as a looser in business, making him a laughing stock (not by intellectual elites sneering)--these might work.
Easy to have an 82% approval rating when you can jail or kill people who don't support you.
12
haha! Very astute!
For me, the scariest part of all this isn't Trump, per se, but rather that he is the tip of the proverbial iceberg. For all who think his candidacy is a one-off, pretty to think so!
1
I'm an Australian, so I'm watching all this from a distance. But one of the things that I've noticed is that Donald Trump always speaks about what "he" will do when he's President. I've never heard him outline a legislative program or talk about working with Congress to pass laws. Sometimes he seems to be running for Emperor, not President, as if he thinks he's Julius Caesar or Augustus.
15
"Detailed policies? Those could come later. Mastery of issues? He’d bone up on them in due time."
No bone. No beef. Only bluster.
As for what gets an authoritarian to 82%. Do we really want to go there by striving to become Russia V.2?
www.endthemadnessnow.org
No bone. No beef. Only bluster.
As for what gets an authoritarian to 82%. Do we really want to go there by striving to become Russia V.2?
www.endthemadnessnow.org
6
The strangest mystery of TRUMP's popularity is that so many people think he could run a country when he bankrupted his own businesses.
How can citizens of the U.S. be so fooled by his lies? I am more worried about the brains of his supporters than by his becoming president of the U.S.A.
Mussolini and Hitler should remind us of what can to a country when citizens listen to a candidate so devious and inappropriate to hold any political office
How can citizens of the U.S. be so fooled by his lies? I am more worried about the brains of his supporters than by his becoming president of the U.S.A.
Mussolini and Hitler should remind us of what can to a country when citizens listen to a candidate so devious and inappropriate to hold any political office
3
I'm glad that people are finally realizing that Trump's campaign exists for exactly one reason: to feed his ego.
Truth doesn't even enter into his thinking. He grew up in a wheeler-dealer business world where perception is all that matters. Just listen to his speeches; he's constantly saying that he's right, and what he means is that most people THINK he's right.
Truth doesn't even enter into his thinking. He grew up in a wheeler-dealer business world where perception is all that matters. Just listen to his speeches; he's constantly saying that he's right, and what he means is that most people THINK he's right.
3
Most showbiz people, performers at least, feed on adulation. Trump was the perhaps the first to recognize the extent to which politics and showbiz have come to overlap. I say perhaps because Rupert Murdoch saw that first, and adapted Fox News to that truth. Trump is a performer; of course he depends on adulation. That there is 'no core' there is unimportant when Foxification is the name of the game. Fact-freedom is liberating, as both Fox and Trump have demonstrated.
Putin's praise for The Donald is only part of the hold he has over him. The other part is that Vladimir can cut off Trump's supply of wives at any time. Figuratively speaking, of course, he has him by the testicles.
Putin's praise for The Donald is only part of the hold he has over him. The other part is that Vladimir can cut off Trump's supply of wives at any time. Figuratively speaking, of course, he has him by the testicles.
5
Even this "Trump phenomenon" was predicted by two authors. First, there was Luigi Pirandello's play, entitled "Right You Are if You Think You Are." This fits Trump and his amen corner to a "t."
Then there's the American, Richard Condon. He not only wrote "The Manchurian Candidate," but also "Prizzi's Honor" and "Prizzi's Glory," where Tony Partanna and his true love, Mayrose Prizzi, change their identities from Italian to High WASP, run for First Couple, and win.
Then there's the American, Richard Condon. He not only wrote "The Manchurian Candidate," but also "Prizzi's Honor" and "Prizzi's Glory," where Tony Partanna and his true love, Mayrose Prizzi, change their identities from Italian to High WASP, run for First Couple, and win.
2
Exactly one thing explains so much about Trump, and it is unfortunate and possibly even tragic that so few of his supporters or "basket of deplorables" see it or even care to look: his pathological narcissism.
6
Frank, remember not too long ago Trump got all huffy about something negative David Cameron said and declared he'd never talk to him again?
2
I get horrified thinking about such a narcissistic bully becoming President. As long as he can bask in the warm glow of your undying admiration of him, Trump will allow you to touch the hem of his garment, but beware if you utter a word that could be construed as criticism, because you will be excommunicated from worshiping the Messiah, and exiled by the lashing of his tongue, and left licking your wounds. Trump's masterful steamrolling bullying technique makes some political opponents and some news journalists cower in fear.
A bully that is also a narcissist is a dangerous and deadly combination. The world has seen a few. This one if elected President will wield nuclear power. That should give anyone pause.
A bully that is also a narcissist is a dangerous and deadly combination. The world has seen a few. This one if elected President will wield nuclear power. That should give anyone pause.
5
Slade Gorton - former Washington state Republican US Senator and state Attorney General, and former member of the national 9/11 Commission - said last week in a radio interview on KUOW in Seattle that Donald Trump is evil and dangerous.
It's the most accurate and succinct description I have heard yet of Mr. Trump. And Senator Gorton is a highly regarded, brilliant and distinguished American.
It's the most accurate and succinct description I have heard yet of Mr. Trump. And Senator Gorton is a highly regarded, brilliant and distinguished American.
10
It's incredible the double standards in this Country. When President Obama was accused of being affiliated with Pastor Jeremiah Wright he was widely denounced and he had to publicly disassociate himself due to the loud outcry of racism. Trump is now enjoying wide support despite his overt bigotry and his praises of a dictator who hates the US. The hypocrisy is astounding.
11
The former president of Mexico, Vincent Fox, had a great take on Trump, he said, "Trump handles information like a virus."
6
I'm not quite sure why it took so long, (way past the utter over-chewing of the Clinton-is-suspect-except-we-can't-prove-it narrative spun by the NYTimes) to get columns like this one, but I'll take it, because it's brilliant and psychologically spot on. I hope the real journalist will continue to challenge him and hold his feet to the fire, because otherwise that 80% approval rate will come, accurately reported by the Trump State-Censored Media. God help us all.
6
Didn't Richard Nixon also have a "secret plan" to end the Viet Nam war?
3
This description of Trump is recognizable to everyone of us who has performed on a stage- the applause and adoration of the crowd can be pure opium. The larger question is, why is this foolish and silly man pure opium for his crowds?
This is the question that keeps me up nights.
This is the question that keeps me up nights.
9
This is what happens when a society of citizens becomes an economy of consumers. The only thing that matters is how the brand is selling, and the only measurement is the number of "likes."
Got to give Trump credit. He saw this, or intuitively grasped it, while the pundits were still stuck in the old citizen-society paradigm. Get used to the brave new world. Nobody thinks anymore; we just feel.
Trump is the natural outcome of fifty years of ever pervasive, ever more sophisticated, ever more powerful manipulation of the consumer psyche by brand-marketing techniques.
It's what happens when the marketing industry spends billions of dollars every year on research that refines the capacity to shape the psyches of hundreds of millions of consumers.
They create the most powerful force ever unleashed on human society and it goes largely unnoticed because it is ubiquitous. Marketing surrounds us the way water surrounds a fish. We don't even notice it, although it is the psychological environment in which we live.
But that environment has created the Trump phenomenon, which may be the end of society as we -- or our ancestors -- used to know it..
Got to give Trump credit. He saw this, or intuitively grasped it, while the pundits were still stuck in the old citizen-society paradigm. Get used to the brave new world. Nobody thinks anymore; we just feel.
Trump is the natural outcome of fifty years of ever pervasive, ever more sophisticated, ever more powerful manipulation of the consumer psyche by brand-marketing techniques.
It's what happens when the marketing industry spends billions of dollars every year on research that refines the capacity to shape the psyches of hundreds of millions of consumers.
They create the most powerful force ever unleashed on human society and it goes largely unnoticed because it is ubiquitous. Marketing surrounds us the way water surrounds a fish. We don't even notice it, although it is the psychological environment in which we live.
But that environment has created the Trump phenomenon, which may be the end of society as we -- or our ancestors -- used to know it..
18
@Matthew Hughes: You are right in part, but it's 100 years. Systematic, "scientific" marketing began around then.
But there's another side to Trumpism: his appeal to the people who have actually been left behind with declining living standards or rising job insecurity. That is what worries most of the population. That is what Bernie was addressing and the "mainstream" R's and C's don't want to (for somewhat different reasons).
But there's another side to Trumpism: his appeal to the people who have actually been left behind with declining living standards or rising job insecurity. That is what worries most of the population. That is what Bernie was addressing and the "mainstream" R's and C's don't want to (for somewhat different reasons).
4
"You are right in part, but it's 100 years. Systematic, "scientific" marketing began around then."
Agreed, but it's only in the past several decades that the lights of perverted science" have been applied to the manipulation of the psyche by people who had no particular interest in changing our political culture -- they just wanted to sell us more shoes and burgers and phones and stuff.
The terrible and ironic thing is: Trump is merely an unintended byproduct.
Agreed, but it's only in the past several decades that the lights of perverted science" have been applied to the manipulation of the psyche by people who had no particular interest in changing our political culture -- they just wanted to sell us more shoes and burgers and phones and stuff.
The terrible and ironic thing is: Trump is merely an unintended byproduct.
2
I think you have Trump figured out and adulation is his reward out on the campaign trail. Play to the audience. At the same time, Hillary Clinton got it right yesterday by calling One-half of Trump's supporters "A basket of deplorables", carefully noting that the other half have economic pain that must be addressed.
We can only hope that the campaign is coming into sharper focus now that Labor Day is past and Americans can see how this buddy of Putin could be a menace to everyone.
We can only hope that the campaign is coming into sharper focus now that Labor Day is past and Americans can see how this buddy of Putin could be a menace to everyone.
3
The Presidency is an impossible fit for Trump and his insatiable need for attention. The person in our highest office represents our whole country, not just their own ego. That means burning the midnight oil alone, as President Obama does, far from the limelight. That means working on policies palatable to a bi-partisan nation, as President Obama does, that can't be reduced to a slogan like "build the wall." That means putting country over self, like President Obama did, when he went to the G20 despite no stairs or red carpet for him by Air Force One, while Trump would have grandstanded and gone home.
Trump mistakes showmanship for leadership. The Presidency is not reality TV.
Trump mistakes showmanship for leadership. The Presidency is not reality TV.
10
A definition from our friends at the Mayo Clinic: Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of ultraconfidence lies a fragile self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism.
5
BH--you are probably right but the right diagnosis of Trump's sickness matters not at all at this late stage. I just want him to disappear into the deepest memory hole there is because that's all he deserves.
Mr. Bruni, the Republican party is the guilty party here. We all know that he's the sprouted weed that inched out of the ground because the keepers of the GOP's ideology neglected to prune the soil in which he incubated. Now, it's gotten much worse.
For generations, each Republican president since Dwight Eisenhower (1953-1961); Richard Nixon (1969-1974); (Gerald Ford doesn't count); Ronald Reagan (1981-1989); G. H. W. Bush (1989-1993); and G. W. Bush (2001-2009) have all, at some point, built their politics around the dangers of a Soviet Union allowed to go its own way in the world. To all of the above, the U. S. simply had to stand watch as Russia edged around the globe as they lunged or feinted or stood aloof, the mortal enemy, a final, nearly-fatal surprise to tarnish the Allied victories in 1945.
Now, with Trump's preening and prideful rolling around in the pig sty that is Vladimir Putin, the Republican party is both aghast at Trump's hero worship for the leader of a totalitarian state and fearful that to disown him, less than 60 days from the 21st Century's D-Day, would be tantamount to a public declaration that their philosophy of government (and governing) the past three generations has gone woefully awry.
You're correct, Mr. Bruni. Trump doesn't want power, he wants praise, which makes him both stupid and scary. He would, as president, bequeath all the difficult choices of statecraft to others far more dangerous (reference W's Cheney).
Take a bow, Donald. Please!
For generations, each Republican president since Dwight Eisenhower (1953-1961); Richard Nixon (1969-1974); (Gerald Ford doesn't count); Ronald Reagan (1981-1989); G. H. W. Bush (1989-1993); and G. W. Bush (2001-2009) have all, at some point, built their politics around the dangers of a Soviet Union allowed to go its own way in the world. To all of the above, the U. S. simply had to stand watch as Russia edged around the globe as they lunged or feinted or stood aloof, the mortal enemy, a final, nearly-fatal surprise to tarnish the Allied victories in 1945.
Now, with Trump's preening and prideful rolling around in the pig sty that is Vladimir Putin, the Republican party is both aghast at Trump's hero worship for the leader of a totalitarian state and fearful that to disown him, less than 60 days from the 21st Century's D-Day, would be tantamount to a public declaration that their philosophy of government (and governing) the past three generations has gone woefully awry.
You're correct, Mr. Bruni. Trump doesn't want power, he wants praise, which makes him both stupid and scary. He would, as president, bequeath all the difficult choices of statecraft to others far more dangerous (reference W's Cheney).
Take a bow, Donald. Please!
3
Funny, I was just thinking about this today. I said to a friend that I hope they do not allow any audience response at the debates, no applause, no boos, nothing.
"I will build a great, beautiful wall"...crickets
"I will extremely vet all immigrants"...crickets
"Hillary is not presidential"...crickets.
"I'm polling great, just like my buddy Vlad"...crickets
Without any adulation from the crowd, he will be lost.
Big, tough bully, scared of crickets.
"I will build a great, beautiful wall"...crickets
"I will extremely vet all immigrants"...crickets
"Hillary is not presidential"...crickets.
"I'm polling great, just like my buddy Vlad"...crickets
Without any adulation from the crowd, he will be lost.
Big, tough bully, scared of crickets.
11
Watched the Oscar nominated movie "The Big Short" last night and was struck by how many similarities there are between the financial collapse and the collapse of our current political system. The movie shows that it was not just the evil, craven and predatory lending institutions that caused the collapse of our housing and financial markets. The banks, indeed, lost their way and traded sound fiscal policy for the allure of a Ponzi scheme. But the fault also fell on our credit rating agencies, who were more concerned with keeping the scams going, for their own financial benefit, then they were about actually doing their jobs. You can also place some blame on the gullible homeowners, who were more interested in keeping up with the Jones' than living within their means. Similarly, the Republican Party has traded in it's sense of governing, respectability and moral authority for a huckster with a survival of the fittest message that appeals to the basest of human instincts. Then you have a compliant press (the people's truth rating agencies) who are more interested in ratings, for their own financial benefit, than with the truth. And finally, we have a gullible electorate that is fine with what the Jones' have, as long as the Jones' are white. That movie will be made someday, and when it is, I have the perfect title, "The Big Short Hands".
2
Narcissistic, megalomaniacal, grandiose, self-aggrandizing are all fancy words for a hurt, insecure child who just wanted to be loved by his dad for just being his son. His brother Fred drank himself to death to escape the performance based conditional love of his father. Trump's narcotic is the adulation he never received from a father with impossible expectations. If elected, we will all pay for his abandonment.
3
Trump's is a frighteningly primitive ego. There is no right and wrong, only winners and losers. Hunters, or hunted.
4
See definition of locus of control: Trump is external locus of control to the max:
https://psychcentral.com/encyclopedia/locus-of-control/
https://psychcentral.com/encyclopedia/locus-of-control/
1
I can't fathom why Trump's supporters have not figured this out: regarding weighty, complicated issues facing the U.S. and the world, Trump has the attention span of a gnat. When it comes to his poll numbers (or ratings) his attention span is open-ended. He will literally say anything that he calculates will positively affect his "numbers". He is infatuated with himself.
I think Trump secretly envies Kim Jong - Un. After all, his published approval ratings are probably the highest on the planet.
I think Trump secretly envies Kim Jong - Un. After all, his published approval ratings are probably the highest on the planet.
5
Every time I hear trump talk I become more and more concerned that this pathological liar could become President. Think about who he would be a puppet to and the devastating consequences to all of us. We could have Putin Jr in the White House.
4
Although I try to avoid them as much as I can, watching Kellyanne Conway, Mayor Giuliani and Trump's other cable TV mouthpieces always awakens in me the proud realization that I did in fact grow up to be the good boy my mother and father always wanted; and would never sell out this great, wonderful country for money or fame or a high-paying job or all the tea in China.
1
All true about Donald Trump but people still like him so what's the route to defeating him ? The issue is not for Hillary and columnists to point this out because they are preaching to the converted. What Hillary needs to do is to come up with a plan to help the disaffected white males and residents of Appalachia that are left behind by the modern economic situation. It still hasn't been made clear by Hillary how she will address the economic angst of this sector of the population. Otherwise even when Trump inevitably loses the segment of the population that plans votes for him will continue to be a potent right wing political constituency.
3
The route to defeating him is going around him and direct to the people who - despite everything - support him. Many of these people believe things that are outright crazy. But they do so in good faith. That's got to be acknowledged and these people have to be engaged in good faith and their crazy beliefs addressed. While they are holed up listening only to their crazy pastors and their crazy political representatives and crazy shock jocks like limbaugh nothing will change; they will just get crazier. Obama has singularly failed at this. Unfortunately partly due to his race. It needs a great communicator of great wisdom to go into the southern states and break the idiocy there. I don't see one on the horizon.
1
I'm sorry but talking logic and reason to people who are sticking their fingers in their ears and yelling is not going to work. Hillary has been talking policy forever--and remember the last time she talked about helping the WV miners who will INEVITABLE lose their jobs--well, she got eviscerated by the sensation-hungry media, which distorted what she said by quoting only half of it. It seems AP has done it again with the "deplorable" (see Krugman's tweets). No, what Hillary needs and what we need to do is get out the Democratic vote. If we can do that, she wins.
Leuttgen:
I would LOVE to be bored by Clinton for 4 years rather than be entertained into world chaos by Trump.
YES to sane, intelligent and competent boredom!!!
I would LOVE to be bored by Clinton for 4 years rather than be entertained into world chaos by Trump.
YES to sane, intelligent and competent boredom!!!
22
I'll bet that if the "adulation addicted" Donald Trump ever suffers from insomnia during his feverish quest for the presidency, his handlers just play him some "canned applause" to give him the reassurance he needs in order to get a good night's sleep.
8
Just like Lonesome Rhodes in the film "A Face in the Crowd".
1
Someone should ask Trump what he thinks of Alexander Lukashenko and Mobutu Sese Seko.
In 2006, Lukashenko won 82.6% of the vote in Belarussia. In the "elections" in The Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, Mobutu won with an even more impressive margin of 10,131,699 to 157. Never mind that the opposition was arrested, intimidated and otherwise discomfited.
In 2006, Lukashenko won 82.6% of the vote in Belarussia. In the "elections" in The Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, Mobutu won with an even more impressive margin of 10,131,699 to 157. Never mind that the opposition was arrested, intimidated and otherwise discomfited.
6
D.T. Has conned many people to invest in his expensive buildings that failed - bankruptcy. Apparently, he has been good over the years @ conning people - even those you would think should know better. But, those who con are not immune to being conned, especially when adulation is necessary. It is likely, D.T.'s need - desperate need - to be recognized enthusiastically will be just one of his achilles heels (no spurs either, just a draft dodger) as he deals with many world leaders and maybe even his party.
5
I think Bruni summed up Trump's flaws very well. And yet he still could pull off a victory if the electorate becomes complacent.
If Trump wins it will be an interesting first year to watch. I predict one of three things will happen: 1) he will disappear from public view after he realizes the gravity of what he undertook and that actual thought is required - he will shrink à la Howard Hughes; 2) he will start issuing fatwa's (I, Donald J. Trump, am issuing an executive order to...) in order to have his will done; 3) he will rise to the occasion and start to act like a normal human being in a highly responsible position.
I'm not holding my breath on #3.
If Trump wins it will be an interesting first year to watch. I predict one of three things will happen: 1) he will disappear from public view after he realizes the gravity of what he undertook and that actual thought is required - he will shrink à la Howard Hughes; 2) he will start issuing fatwa's (I, Donald J. Trump, am issuing an executive order to...) in order to have his will done; 3) he will rise to the occasion and start to act like a normal human being in a highly responsible position.
I'm not holding my breath on #3.
4
Although I try to avoid them as much as I can, watching Kellyanne Conway, Mayor Giuliani and Trump's other robotized cable-TV mouthpieces always awakens in me the proud realization that I did in fact grow up to be the good boy my mother and father always wanted; and would never sell out this great, wonderful country for money or fame or a high-paying job or a date with a supermodel or all the tea in China.
12
Good for you, and keep it up, even though we will disagree about much..
2
Donald Trump has always been about ratings. "I have a best selling book." "I have the biggest/most outrageous headlines in the NY tabloids." "I have the most beautiful wife." "I have a highly rated TV show." "I have the most people at my rallies."
Well, there's no "I" in government. Except when it is completely authoritarian. Like Vladimir Putin's government. No wonder he admires Mr. Putin. When he looks into Putin's soul, he sees himself. Just like any narcissist.
Well, there's no "I" in government. Except when it is completely authoritarian. Like Vladimir Putin's government. No wonder he admires Mr. Putin. When he looks into Putin's soul, he sees himself. Just like any narcissist.
12
Yet another excellent analysis of Trump's deficiencies. Problem is it's reaching the wrong target audience. The vast majority of his voters aren't looking to the NY times for analysis. It's time to dig deeper and explain the psyches of the supposedly educated and thoughtful people enabling Trump. Have they no shame and sense of decency? Whoever isn't proclaiming Trump's complete lack of integrity a d preparedness is part of the problem.
16
I think this is an extreme case of external locus of control; where are person gets their affirmation of themselves from outside themselves. I think Frank's "adulation" is good word for it. One of the best pieces I've read on the Trump's major psychological issues.
5
Excellent analysis. It is not necessary or useful to try to understand or interpret what he means: he says what will gain applause and repeats and amplifies what phis audience approves of. Isn't that what an entertainer does? Isn't that the definition of success in the media he has worked in? It's a waste of effort for him, or someone like him, to try to think through policy problems and come up with solutions that could work. That would take too long and be too much work. Besides, the solutions would be beside the point when the only purpose is applause, adulation and ratings. You have stated the situation very cogently.
14
"For Trump, the whole point of political office is adulation, and adulation is the entire proof of a person’s worth. Rectitude pales next to ratings." Exactly. I'm finding it more and more difficult to take serious any person who does not see this. All I can do is try to figure out what's in it for them. The answers I come up with are not pretty.
16
Trump is not the scary part of this story. It is the publics reaction to him. He is now close to Hillary in the polls, his numbers are going over 40%. Your point by point analysis of his character and campaign style is dead on. Outrageous statements, followed by wild unworkable proposals, topped by double and triple somersaults on policy positions, and avalanche of provable lies, and racist appeals as loud as a fog horn. And the man survives, is still on his feet, with the White House in his grasp. We should stop psychoanalyzing Donald Trump and turn our attention to the American public who moves towardshim like ships answering the call of sirens on the treacherous rocks.
55
Donald is the bottle and we are the alcoholic. With every sip he becomes more palatable. He validates every grievance and promises us big, shiny toys at no cost. Complaining about him in this section of the New York Times is like arguing for religion among other choir members. At the same time I am so glad it is there.
Education, logic and reason may not be enough to overcome his clown show and willingness to blow the world up but I certainly hope they are.
Education, logic and reason may not be enough to overcome his clown show and willingness to blow the world up but I certainly hope they are.
True, true, true. This is Trump boiled down to his most basic motivations.
It began with seeking the approval of dad. It has continued with craving the affirmation of the masses. A lifetime spent not finding and securing his own core beliefs, but reading the room to reflect and project whatever will protect a fragile ego.
It began with seeking the approval of dad. It has continued with craving the affirmation of the masses. A lifetime spent not finding and securing his own core beliefs, but reading the room to reflect and project whatever will protect a fragile ego.
42
You are correct on all points, Michael. I would only add that Trump's disorder began very, very early. Not only was he "not finding and securing his own core beliefs," he never bothered to seek them. From the start, Trump was too shallow to care.
Frank,
That's what it all comes down to with the GOP standard-bearer, as there is nothing that even resembles a "Trump Doctrine." What emerges from his mouth depends solely on the feeling he's getting from his audience, which can lead to wide discrepancies in his speech, in two consecutive rallies. It also seems to be a popular strategy among his core constituency. Eventually they'll agree with one of the permeations of his plan.
That's what it all comes down to with the GOP standard-bearer, as there is nothing that even resembles a "Trump Doctrine." What emerges from his mouth depends solely on the feeling he's getting from his audience, which can lead to wide discrepancies in his speech, in two consecutive rallies. It also seems to be a popular strategy among his core constituency. Eventually they'll agree with one of the permeations of his plan.
14
Any way to cut it Trump is a misogynistic, reality and truth challenged, greedy, racist, classicist, attention starved "business man" who came in ignoring all of the rules of decorum, bullying and out screaming everyone in in the primaries. It's very difficult to win a debate against someone who has no rules, no code of ethics, no interest in truth or compassion for fellow human beings.
So either there are many people in this country that apparently share in his foibles, or at least are easily conned - Or we are all being conned by the numbers we are hearing to legitimize all of the money that (this rich guy cannot can't afford) to pay for his campaign...
So either there are many people in this country that apparently share in his foibles, or at least are easily conned - Or we are all being conned by the numbers we are hearing to legitimize all of the money that (this rich guy cannot can't afford) to pay for his campaign...
51
The problem with a hate that it goes both ways. We'll never win as a one country until this evisceration won't stop. The democrats aren't better than the republicans.
At no point in this long campaign has the electoral college looked in doubt for Clinton, in spite of any fluctuations of the highly overrated national polls. Modern demographics simply give the democratic presidential candidate a significant advantage. Does Trump understand this? If he doesn't the attention and adulation are likely reward enough. If he understands that his back always has been and likely always will be against the electoral wall, the fanbase he has gathered may make for an enormous cash-in with the establishment of his own network and more. It would seem unlikely that people who have joined the Trump parade, most notably Bannon and Ailes, are not sharply focused on the potential for fabulously rich consolation prizes. Sarah Palin is a junior league role model for riches through charisma and narcissism, in spite of an appalling lack of substance.
65
Trump reveals a truly scary element of our country. If he wins, pollsters think it possible, even though unlikely, we will be in for a gloomy, scary 4 years. Even if he loses, his nomination reveals a disturbing element of our electorate. One he has validated by appealing to their bigotry and hate,
96
There is also the possibility of impeachment for high crimes and misdemeanors. That is, if he doesn't dissolve Congress first.
2
Exactly. There are apparently 100 million people who think that Trump is acceptable if not great. They get their information, if you can call it that, from paranoid right wing "news" sites like Breitbart that lie outright, around the clock.
Even if Trump loses, these people will have already shown themselves to be the racist, hateful people that they are but were hiding until unleashed by Trump.
Even if Trump loses, these people will have already shown themselves to be the racist, hateful people that they are but were hiding until unleashed by Trump.
Jean, you are absolutely right. However, for as repugnant as Trump and his "campaign" have been, let us not forget that even he couldn't do it alone. The GOP has been plowing this fertile ground for 40 plus years, stoking this mindless, impotent rage. Trump is simply bringing in the harvest. God help us all if he wins.
You write: "For Trump, the whole point of political office is adulation. . . ."
I would argue adulation is Trump's raison det, but we fundamentally agree. He says what he thinks the current crowd wants to hear. One can forcefully argue he doesn't actually lie because to lie would indicate some relationship between what he says and Truth, even and inverted one. But for Trump Truth is irrelevant.
So unrestrained by the etiquette of normal human intercourse, Trump is free to pitch nothing and everything at the same time. The uneducated lack the critical thinking skills to decode Trump speak or, apparently even to understand that like a meat house pick up artist, he's simply telling them what they want to hear. I find it hard to fault them as much as I do the ones who know exactly what's going on yet continue to endorse this candidate whose normalization of Right Wing White Supremacist and Nationalist conspiracy theories, hate, and radical extremism poses threat to the entire human race.
I would argue adulation is Trump's raison det, but we fundamentally agree. He says what he thinks the current crowd wants to hear. One can forcefully argue he doesn't actually lie because to lie would indicate some relationship between what he says and Truth, even and inverted one. But for Trump Truth is irrelevant.
So unrestrained by the etiquette of normal human intercourse, Trump is free to pitch nothing and everything at the same time. The uneducated lack the critical thinking skills to decode Trump speak or, apparently even to understand that like a meat house pick up artist, he's simply telling them what they want to hear. I find it hard to fault them as much as I do the ones who know exactly what's going on yet continue to endorse this candidate whose normalization of Right Wing White Supremacist and Nationalist conspiracy theories, hate, and radical extremism poses threat to the entire human race.
55
Bruni's accusations, while correct, apply to almost all politicians. For example, when pols conduct focus groups, they are trying to determine what particular language or phrases might woo voters. In 2008, while Obama and Hillary were battling it out in the rust belt states, they denounced trade agreements that hurt American workers. After the election, they both supported TPP, which would force Americans to compete with Vietnamese who are paid 35 cents an hour. (After Bernie surged, Hillary withdrew her support for TPP, but she apparently retracted her withdrawal of support: At the convention, Hillary delegates beat a Bernie resolution which criticized TPP.)
According to Doris Kearns Goodwin, after LBJ won the 64 presidential election, he waxed about love, claiming that every vote for him was a sign of love and adulation. Politicians are always admiring themselves in the mirror, and Trump is no exception.
According to Doris Kearns Goodwin, after LBJ won the 64 presidential election, he waxed about love, claiming that every vote for him was a sign of love and adulation. Politicians are always admiring themselves in the mirror, and Trump is no exception.
13
Trump is not a politician. He is a marketer and merchandiser of one product. Himself. LBJ had a political agenda. Any politician would feel rewarded when the work they do is valued and appreciated by the public, but for Trump the love is all about himself. There is no agenda and there was no work other than self promotion.
13
A weird guy.
Did you see the photograph of him at Phyllis Schlafly's funeral? He posed with a thumb's up -- I suppose a thumb's up for Mrs. Schlafly's excoriation of homosexuals and women whose medical choices might include terminating pregnancies -- but that self-congratulatory smirk and the thumb seemed to me woefully out of place.
And those who support this man, whose life has been a series of self-indulgent escapades, including stiffing those who work for him, and who seems to have no understanding of the system of government our forefathers put in place, indeed are -- to me -- deplorable.
Did you see the photograph of him at Phyllis Schlafly's funeral? He posed with a thumb's up -- I suppose a thumb's up for Mrs. Schlafly's excoriation of homosexuals and women whose medical choices might include terminating pregnancies -- but that self-congratulatory smirk and the thumb seemed to me woefully out of place.
And those who support this man, whose life has been a series of self-indulgent escapades, including stiffing those who work for him, and who seems to have no understanding of the system of government our forefathers put in place, indeed are -- to me -- deplorable.
157
Those were exactly my thoughts when I saw the picture of Trump at Schlafly's funeral. Did he think this was a campaign event? Totally inappropriate, to most of us, but apparently not to Donald. I'll never figure this man out; but then, he will never get me vote, either.
1
Who Bill Clinton "He Hillarys beloved looked down all your media lenses and said ! (As the president of the united states) "I did not have sex with that women" !
That is true Monica said he could not get it up! The truth is it was not Billy.
It was George's dad. By the way ,that goes in the volt!
That is true Monica said he could not get it up! The truth is it was not Billy.
It was George's dad. By the way ,that goes in the volt!
Adolf Hitler polled wonderfully in Germany until drove he his country into a genocidal brick wall of Ayran insanity.
Joseph Stalin polled well in Russia until the country was relieved of his famine-inducing and murderous ways.
Mao Zedong polled well in China while enforcing the Great Leap Forward that killed 45 million Chinese
Benito Mussolini polled well until his countrymen hung him upside down at a gas station to be publicly mutilated by the citizenry.
Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un all polled/poll at 100% approval in North Korea
Pol Pot's cult of personality totalitarian dictatorship polled well in Cambodia while he systematically starved and killed 1.7 million Cambodians.
Vladimir Putin polls at 82% because political opposition and dissent is exterminated when it surfaces, the Kremlin censors the news and replaces it with disinformation, and people don't want to give the 'wrong answer' and wake up at their own funeral.
Donald Trump has great respect for totalitarian dictatorships and cults of personality and the murderous approval ratings that go with them.
Donald Trump 2016: Make America A Dictatorship
Joseph Stalin polled well in Russia until the country was relieved of his famine-inducing and murderous ways.
Mao Zedong polled well in China while enforcing the Great Leap Forward that killed 45 million Chinese
Benito Mussolini polled well until his countrymen hung him upside down at a gas station to be publicly mutilated by the citizenry.
Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un all polled/poll at 100% approval in North Korea
Pol Pot's cult of personality totalitarian dictatorship polled well in Cambodia while he systematically starved and killed 1.7 million Cambodians.
Vladimir Putin polls at 82% because political opposition and dissent is exterminated when it surfaces, the Kremlin censors the news and replaces it with disinformation, and people don't want to give the 'wrong answer' and wake up at their own funeral.
Donald Trump has great respect for totalitarian dictatorships and cults of personality and the murderous approval ratings that go with them.
Donald Trump 2016: Make America A Dictatorship
949
None of these dictators ever allowed polls (which had hardly been invented in most of their lifetimes). This commentator, a regular, seems to be as free with the truth as Trump himself.
Probably about 20% of Russians speak their mind
1
The appalling accuracy of your assessment is truly frigthening. That such a mentally labile person could actually be allowed to assume command of the most horrific weaponry that human creativity has ever devised, containing the capacity to slaughter tens of millions of people on a casual afternoon, not to mention the potential retaliation, is so horifficly absurd as to defy belief.
His ascension would mark the end of the Republic, only, unlike with Rome, we would bypass the relative beneficence of an Augustus and leap headlong into the lunacy of a Caligula.
His ascension would mark the end of the Republic, only, unlike with Rome, we would bypass the relative beneficence of an Augustus and leap headlong into the lunacy of a Caligula.
165
Nonsene, Donald Trump is a man of peace, unlike Caligula.
Donald will achieve peace in Syria. Drop USA atomic bombs all over Syria and they'll be peace. Syria will no longer exist. Only peaceful radioactive land will remain.
Donald will achieve peace in Syria. Drop USA atomic bombs all over Syria and they'll be peace. Syria will no longer exist. Only peaceful radioactive land will remain.
1
"For Trump, the whole point of political office is adulation, and adulation is the entire proof of a person’s worth. Rectitude pales next to ratings. Ethics are a sorry substitute for applause. And the methods by which a crowd is fired up don’t matter, so long as he can bask in the clapping." As true as this is, the bigger question is why more people don't see this essential truth and conclude that he is unfit for the presidency. The only conclusion I can reach is that once driven to adulation, people are reluctant to admit that have been "taken in" by a huckster. They have too much at stake to abandon his candidacy, lest they see themselves the fool. So how does Clinton deal with this. She will not win by telling people they re suckers and have the bad judgement to support a fraud. She needs to tell them she understands why he appeals to them, and offer them way out that saves face and gives them something to believe in beyond the impossible promises Trump is making. Desperate people cling to anything that will keep them going. If Clinton can present a vision they can feel is possible, she can win many of them. So far she has not done a good job of this.
56
"She needs to tell them she understands why he appeals to them,"
That is what she did say, in the second half of the sentence ( the introduction to that point is what mentioned deplorables), but the press ignored that, which was the main point of the sentence.
As for what she will do to improve their lives, she has gone into far more detail across a broad range of challenges than any candidate I can recall. The problem is that the political press is immature and completely uninterested in policy. So, it's up to us to share and discuss her proposals with each other.
Hillaryclinton.com/issues
That is what she did say, in the second half of the sentence ( the introduction to that point is what mentioned deplorables), but the press ignored that, which was the main point of the sentence.
As for what she will do to improve their lives, she has gone into far more detail across a broad range of challenges than any candidate I can recall. The problem is that the political press is immature and completely uninterested in policy. So, it's up to us to share and discuss her proposals with each other.
Hillaryclinton.com/issues
2
Another commenter who appeals to the NYT echo chamber. People voted for Trump because he voiced their genuine feelings. He may have done it dishonestly, and might be a disastrous President, but if you want to persuade people otherwise, you need to recognize their concerns.
The downside of democracy is that the majority may not agree with you.
The downside of democracy is that the majority may not agree with you.
Clinton can't win them. They will have to become disillusioned all by themselves. What's required is a national shift in consciousness.
Guess Mr. Bruni wrote his article before HRC said DT's supporters r a "basket of deplorables," an insult followed by applause and laughter from wealthy audience. Could have added "expendable, superfluous." Words speak volumes about the true Hillary Clinton, and her contempt for [people like myself and others,little whites who have suffered pernicious effects of overseas trade deals Clintons have supported. HRC resents our presence. Columnists like Mr. Bruni egg her on in her disdain for those who work hard every day,join the military, more than Slick Willie had the courage to do, and try to put food on the table for our families, which is getting harder to do by the day.I thought Obama was skilled in exploiting class divisions and mocking little whites, but Clinton has taken derision a step further.If my father, who never earned more than $12,000 a year as a seagoing butler, were alive he would be voting for Trump. In denigrating us, she is insulting my kith and kin and well as those of millions of others in our sociological category, She has lost the sympathy of millions of Americans.Bruni criticizes Trump for wanting adulation,but don't we all?Finally, it never pays to p--s off the "cagoulards" among us,"bien pensants,"who will be more motivated than ever to vote en masse for DT on election day.These folks, also victims of Obama's and HRC's policies, constitute a powerful voting bloc and HRC may be in for a dreadful surprise on 8 November:Donald Trump as c-in-c.
4
Hillary stated that only half of The Donald's supporters are deplorables. Personally, I think she underrepresented that percentile but people who are willing to vote for a racist aren't all that superior to the candidate himself. BTW, if Clinton's husband didn't "have the courage" to join the military what does that say for Deferment Donald?
91
I am frustrated by little whites who are unable to figure out who has been giving them the shaft. The overseas trade deals were supported by and benefitted large corporations and stockholders, and harmed little people both white and black. They were supposed to do something for the workers who were displaced, but this was largely window dressing, and workers failed to elect people who would fight for them.
What makes you think you are among the half of Donald's supporters who are categorized as deplorables? You dont sound like you think Obama was born in Kenya or is a secret Muslim, or that global warming is a hoax and blacks are inferior to whites and most Mexicans are criminals rather than hard-working people trying to make it in circumstances similar to yours. The policies you have been victimized by are supported by both parties, Republicans more than Democrats, and have been used by Trump to build his fortune. Your justified outrage needs to be redirected
What makes you think you are among the half of Donald's supporters who are categorized as deplorables? You dont sound like you think Obama was born in Kenya or is a secret Muslim, or that global warming is a hoax and blacks are inferior to whites and most Mexicans are criminals rather than hard-working people trying to make it in circumstances similar to yours. The policies you have been victimized by are supported by both parties, Republicans more than Democrats, and have been used by Trump to build his fortune. Your justified outrage needs to be redirected
21
So were you planning to vote for Hillary Clinton before she made these remarks?
3
Take note: behind the bluster and pathology, Trump is merely a Mike Pence delivery system. Read the republican platform. Trump is only the visible portion of the iceberg that will sink the American ship of state.
110
Trump admires Putin as he does Saddam Hussein. Tough leaders both- ad a betrayal of what a Trump government would look like. But Trump's subservience to Putin's Russia goes beyond praising the man. Trump may well be a Russian pawn:
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. He was unaware of Russia's invasion of Crimea when took this action.
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.”
Yes, he was expressed delight that Russians might make available Hillary's emails. Sounds like treason to many, especially in the context of his deep involvement with the Russian's financially.
Which brings up the most important issue to date: Why does Trump get a free pass in the media for the most egregious offenses without serious investigation to find out to who he really is? ...a Russian puppet perhaps. There will clearly be no House Republican committees to take on this job. Where is the American press when we so desperately need them?
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. He was unaware of Russia's invasion of Crimea when took this action.
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.”
Yes, he was expressed delight that Russians might make available Hillary's emails. Sounds like treason to many, especially in the context of his deep involvement with the Russian's financially.
Which brings up the most important issue to date: Why does Trump get a free pass in the media for the most egregious offenses without serious investigation to find out to who he really is? ...a Russian puppet perhaps. There will clearly be no House Republican committees to take on this job. Where is the American press when we so desperately need them?
249
This is one of the things I worry about the most. Due to his ffinancial involvement with Chinese and Russian oligarchs, a Trump administration would be beholden to these actors. And he has the gall to criticize the Clinton Foundation!
4
I don't think he is a Russian puppet, but rather a Russian stooge. Putin and his pals are rubbing their hands together with glee and laughing at this buffoon and all the saps who are supporting him.
2
Donald Trump's supporters think that some of his golden patina will rub off on them. But what he is promising them is fool's gold. When the time for reckoning comes, they will find a wall much higher than the Mexican wall of their fever-dreams between them and the promised land of an America made great again. You are right, Frank. Donald Trump deals in adulation and applause. He deals in hatred and bigotry. He deals in lies and misinformation. And why not, when he has struck this rich vein in the American psyche that responds so well to his exhortations? And on the other side is Hillary, who appears to be getting weaker every day. I am terrified of the fact that the swell of support for Trump might become a tsunami by November. What is left for atheists, agnostics and people of faith to do? Pray, I guess. And to make sure that when the day comes, we get out of the house and vote, even if it feels like we are going to the torture chamber.
41
RajeevA,
No need to fear a tsunami!
If the Donald wins it will be by a small margin.
And he will likely loose.
No need to fear a tsunami!
If the Donald wins it will be by a small margin.
And he will likely loose.
Trump's statements about Russia and Putin taken together with his previous disdaining comments about NATO allies strongly suggest that Trump would cede our European sphere of influence to Russia.
Maybe the neoisolationists, like Trump, think reducing our footprint in the world is good. But we ought to understand that that probably means we let Russia or China control our destiny. If that's what Trump wants he should be forced to say it clearly.
But ceding leadership to Russia because Trump thinks Putin is a strong leader and because Putin complimented Trump are the thoughts of a 10 year old, not those of a serious candidate for President.
Maybe the neoisolationists, like Trump, think reducing our footprint in the world is good. But we ought to understand that that probably means we let Russia or China control our destiny. If that's what Trump wants he should be forced to say it clearly.
But ceding leadership to Russia because Trump thinks Putin is a strong leader and because Putin complimented Trump are the thoughts of a 10 year old, not those of a serious candidate for President.
84
Reply to Rita: to say Mr. Trump thinks and behaves like a 10 y/o is to give him more credit/ability of rational thinking than he deserves or is capable of. His level of emotional development is that of a 3 y/o.He wants what he wants when he wants it, and will strike out in egocentric anger when he doesn't get it. The only person Donald Trump cares about is himself. The White House is just another trophy for him to collect like all of his other acquisitions. Like a child who pleads, screams and argues for a toy he wants, it's the acquisition, and the fulfillment of his desires that matter most. Once he has the toy, he will tire of it, become bored, and move on to the next "prize". A man who demonstrates no superego will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. The greatest concern is what will happen to this country, our nations people, and our respect and presence in the world stage, if he is elected. Do we really want such a self-centered, irrational, ego-driven, reactionary child with his thumb on the nuclear weapons button. His supporters always tell me, he will hire others who" know what they are doing", to run the country. My question is, then why elect him president when he is so emotionally volatile, with no political experience or acumen? If elected, I envision the "White House", becoming the next "Trump Tower". When he tires of his new toy, what will happen to the country, and our safety in a complex, volatile world ?
28
Trump has not reached this day in his bid for the presidency unabetted. His enablers bear responsibility as well. The right wing of politics and their enablers have carried him on their shoulders, knowingly and unwittingly. They have whipped up the mob. That they have lost control, and/or are willing to hand out torches and pitchforks might put our nation's experiment of a government of the people, by the people, for the people to the extreme test.
256
Don't forget his media enablers, like the New York Times, giving him endless double standards, minimal investigation, and free press.
Trump is the Republican Mephistopheles, or better, perhaps, American Mephistopheles, as he will no doubt be proud to acknowledge. You let this stray Faustian dog into your room, as the Republicans have done, and you will never get rid of him. Trump is a fraud, and by association, so is the Grand Old Party. In a parliamentary system, we would vote for a party, not one person, and when we lost confidence in that party, new elections would be held. A third or fourth party would be allowed to participate based on voter percentage. Coalitions would be formed, then broken up when these did not lead to a government approved by popular consent. Perhaps this disastrous election year will force us to open up our political system to the broad spectrum of voices our current system does not truly represent.
29
I sit here 59 days from Which Path Will The Whole World be thrust upon? That a Malignant Boor could become president of our country numbs me, electrocutes me with disbelief. I, like my European friends, can not comprehend that this is even a question.
JFK was shot on my 19th birthday. Nothing in all these activist years has begun to prepare me for this Cult, this vile rise and sway of Id. I am agog. I'm enraged that people won't wake up. That they maunder on about Myopic Purity and some third party candidate. I cry out '538 votes twisted history. Take NO chances.' But too many don't seem scalded like I am, flayed, raw and brutally aware of the risk to our Beloved Planet.
I had no idea the species nor our nation was this vulnerable to delusion. I can only beg the sane to vote.
JFK was shot on my 19th birthday. Nothing in all these activist years has begun to prepare me for this Cult, this vile rise and sway of Id. I am agog. I'm enraged that people won't wake up. That they maunder on about Myopic Purity and some third party candidate. I cry out '538 votes twisted history. Take NO chances.' But too many don't seem scalded like I am, flayed, raw and brutally aware of the risk to our Beloved Planet.
I had no idea the species nor our nation was this vulnerable to delusion. I can only beg the sane to vote.
482
Thank you Wendy, I am about your age and feel exactly as you do.
3
@Wendy Fleet
So true. So horrifying. Those 538 votes in Florida. As we approach the terrible anniversary, I reflect on my friends who voted for Nader (very nearly tipping my own state) and on Mr. Gore. Is there a person on earth who believes that he would have ignored warning upon warning of an impending attack, as did W?
W is Churchill compared with the current GOP nominee.
So true. So horrifying. Those 538 votes in Florida. As we approach the terrible anniversary, I reflect on my friends who voted for Nader (very nearly tipping my own state) and on Mr. Gore. Is there a person on earth who believes that he would have ignored warning upon warning of an impending attack, as did W?
W is Churchill compared with the current GOP nominee.
2
Amen Wendy!
2
This column is so spot-on it's scary. A narcissist feeds on applause. And Trump is the quintessential narcissist. He once said to Regis Philbin that he admired Regis greatly for making his personality into a career. Trump has taken that one step further - he wants to make his personality disorder his career.
140
I look at Trump, read his speeches and find that there is no "there' there-there is no core belief, just a hollow shell that desperately needs constant affirmation and adulation. He's male version of the wicked Queen in "Snow White", looking into the mirror for proof that he is the greatest of all.
Heaven help us if people don't see through this carnival huckster.
Heaven help us if people don't see through this carnival huckster.
2
It is astonishing that Trump has managed, on the flimsiest of pretenses, to make it this far.
I believe this says a great deal more about the vast majority of those who would support him than it does about Trump who, after all, is only a thin sheet upon which the hopes and fears of his supporters are projected.
Democracy is a scary proposition. We all agree, with minimal safeguards, to accept the choice of the purported majority.
In this case, we are discovering that a near plurality are willing to accept a complete charlatan, a transparent flim-flammer, as president. If you are thinking that this is somehow sui generis, then recall a certain Sarah Palin who was foisted upon us as a competent choice for vice-president.
Something here is very very wrong.
I believe this says a great deal more about the vast majority of those who would support him than it does about Trump who, after all, is only a thin sheet upon which the hopes and fears of his supporters are projected.
Democracy is a scary proposition. We all agree, with minimal safeguards, to accept the choice of the purported majority.
In this case, we are discovering that a near plurality are willing to accept a complete charlatan, a transparent flim-flammer, as president. If you are thinking that this is somehow sui generis, then recall a certain Sarah Palin who was foisted upon us as a competent choice for vice-president.
Something here is very very wrong.
525
It is not so astonishing when one considers that his most rabid followers are abysmally ignorant - To quote Trump : " I love stupid people!" Because they can be so easily manipulated and don't know the difference between reality and reality TV.
And of course, the press just continues giving him so much free coverage because it sells.
We are in an era of deplorable and unmitigated crassness that may very well bring down this country for a long time.
And of course, the press just continues giving him so much free coverage because it sells.
We are in an era of deplorable and unmitigated crassness that may very well bring down this country for a long time.
Pretty fair psychological evaluation, I'd say. And if only Fred Trump had given his son the respect and admiration he needed (along with the already successful business that The Donald keeps taking credit for) our nation might have been spared the indignity of having to serve as collective audience, enabler and wet-nurse for the Man Who Would be King. Putin's 82% certainly doesn't include the Muslims of the Russian Caucasus whose relatives were massacred at the first sign of insubordination. By the same token, The Donald is willing to insult and/or exile the racial, ethnic and religious minorities who haven't offered him the adulation he craves. The rest of us will have to witness the sorry spectacle if it turns out that Hillary underestimated the number of deplorables who are ready and willing to convert the White House into a branch office of Trump Tower.
101
Fred can't have been much better. He's the one who wouldn't let blacks into his apartments.
But what about Donald's sister? She seems to be wholly different. Perhaps (this is speculation) not being the apple of their father's eye was good for her?
But what about Donald's sister? She seems to be wholly different. Perhaps (this is speculation) not being the apple of their father's eye was good for her?
Why would we have to "witness the sorry spectacle" of Trump attacking religious minorities. Are you not willing to stand up for the minorities and fight back? I guess I should not be surprised; that is why there is a Holocaust Museum in this country, as others. For myself, I will flee, as I am one of those minorities, and I learned the lesson of Hitler.
3
stu – just as bad, when HRC is president, we'll have to deal with loser's fans, especially those who never stopped fighting the Civil War. This does not auger well for the future of the US.
"Colorful" and "flamboyant" are also compliments in Trumpian English, Frank. A brilliant diamond is still nothing more than a rock, one with limited utilitarian value. Trump fails to understand this. Quick, which substance is more responsible for the advancement of civilization: Iron or diamond?
If Hillary is iron and Trump glittering carbon, our goal is to move forward, and you have these as the only tools from which to choose, which is it most logical to go with to ensure successful progress? What has been true for millennia remains true today.
If Hillary is iron and Trump glittering carbon, our goal is to move forward, and you have these as the only tools from which to choose, which is it most logical to go with to ensure successful progress? What has been true for millennia remains true today.
28
Is the truth you referring about diamonds and steel or that "against stupidity, the gods themselves strive in vain"?
1
It is ironic that a few grains of soft, black carbon added to molten iron produces changes that strengthen and improve the metal, while dropping the gem form of carbon into the liquid accomplishes nothing.
1
Trump will never reveal his tax returns for one of two reasons. First it may reveal that he has been cheating the government and us of his fair share. Or perhaps more damaging to his reputation that he is poor as a church mouse and is bankrupt at the expense of his employees once again. The first would in some eyes make him a hero. The second would cost him the applause he so desperately craves. After all who would vote for a demonstrated failure like himself. He would be downgraded to the level of John McCain who spent his failed career as a prisoner of war.
Trump would never understand the difference between canned applause and what was legitimately earned. After all it is only his name that has brought him to this place and the illusion of success that he and his followers think is real.
Trump would never understand the difference between canned applause and what was legitimately earned. After all it is only his name that has brought him to this place and the illusion of success that he and his followers think is real.
61
Don't look at me. I voted for Bernie Sanders who is still polling better than either Clinton or Trump. You guys created this monster. You kept feeding the beast by all of the coverage. Now you are making hay covering his outrageousness even more! What a mess.
35
Thank you Carolyn. Bernie was my choice, too, but was run out of town by the Clinton machine that manipulated the main stream media. I had no idea the power of a former president and his ability to manipulate primaries to benefit his wife. My eyes have been opened that the Democratic party is no more ethical than the republican party. I am now registered as an Independent.
12
Unfortunately, smugness is of no positive value here.
Bernie Sanders lost. Most importantly, Senator Sanders failed to persuade enough African-Americans voting in Democratic primaries to choose him over Hillary Clinton. That was not a function of the Clinton Machine, but a failure of Sanders, pure and simple. It was his fundamental problem going in, and coming out.
Bernie Sanders lost. Most importantly, Senator Sanders failed to persuade enough African-Americans voting in Democratic primaries to choose him over Hillary Clinton. That was not a function of the Clinton Machine, but a failure of Sanders, pure and simple. It was his fundamental problem going in, and coming out.
183
You neglect the undeniable influence of the corporate media. There can be no doubt that the media's willing neglect to give fair and balanced coverage to Sander's campaign was the deciding factor in his defeat. Evan the DNC's mechanizations could have been overcome with the media coverage that Sander's campaign deserved. If the counterculture of the sixties had been covered the in the media the same as the Sander's campaign we would not even have the term counterculture today. The corporate media learned it's lesson. The best way to beat down a revolutionary idea is to ignore it.
5
Trump is really the ultimate capitalist candidate -- if it sells to voters he sells it. But he's also the amnesia candidate. Was he making bogus claims about investigating where President Obama was born a while back? To voters with zip attention spans it only seems to be what he said in the last ten minutes that matters. Sometimes I wonder if the US's brain-numbing processed food diet has destroyed much of our mental capacity to make a sound judgement about a reality-show star who is merely playing the part of a blunt talking presidential candidate.
57
and watching all of the advertising for the processed food diet!
3
Trump might well emulate Putin or worse, if, heaven forbid, he winds up with all the power of the Presidency. He threatens political opponents, leads chants to "Lock her up!" despite innocence, refers to "my generals" as opposed to the leaders of the US military who've earned their rank and who are not political - what's next?
If you're a Trump supporter think about what happens to political opponents or simply, people who offend the mighty in dictatorships, in authoritarian systems. People wind up jailed for expressing opinions, they wind up dead, sometimes in vast numbers, or sent to work camps or insane asylums or worse.
As a matter of policy working with other nations is of course a priority - and the US does work with Russia on many projects. But admiring the power and supposed popularity of dictators is not in line with American civil law or tradition. It's a threat to our entire carefully balanced philosophy of governance by consent.
The US government is not a corporation wherein the CEO is king.
If you're a Trump supporter think about what happens to political opponents or simply, people who offend the mighty in dictatorships, in authoritarian systems. People wind up jailed for expressing opinions, they wind up dead, sometimes in vast numbers, or sent to work camps or insane asylums or worse.
As a matter of policy working with other nations is of course a priority - and the US does work with Russia on many projects. But admiring the power and supposed popularity of dictators is not in line with American civil law or tradition. It's a threat to our entire carefully balanced philosophy of governance by consent.
The US government is not a corporation wherein the CEO is king.
109
I'm going out on a limb, but I would guess that Trump voters don't read the NYTimes.
4
I do, despite being in the Basket of Deplorables!
Trump's adulation of ratings is what passes for his self-worth. Frank Bruni, a great and memorable metaphor of Trump as the rat constantly pressing for the reverence pellet of his demented wall on our border with Mexico! Trump's neediness for adulation is vomitrocious, may it not lead him to the White House, tooting his nasty kazoo and lifting Vladimir Putin's popularity and approval rating (82%) to a goal worth emulating. Lord have mercy, and may we the people have bleeding hands from clapping so hard at Trump's downfall in 8 weeks.
125
Matt Lauer made the cardinal mistake of not confronting Trump with some of the Trump quotes and then (of course) not following up and demanding logical answers. This is typical of the TV media in the USA. In the future and especially on Sept 29, the US voters should insist on finding out what Trump means when he comes up with some of his outrageous comments.
166
Fake journalist Matt Lauer was too busy feathering his long-term media next to
bother asking Trump the questions he should've asked. The mission of low-quality media shills like Matt Lauer is to avoid confrontation and discomfort at all costs! Even if it means the eventual demise of our USA.
bother asking Trump the questions he should've asked. The mission of low-quality media shills like Matt Lauer is to avoid confrontation and discomfort at all costs! Even if it means the eventual demise of our USA.
25
Mike Lyons, CBS New Military Analyst, has great insight in to Trump and his often mysterious comments. He's worth following on Twitter.
1
Allowing the host of a morning show that is dedicated to happy news and puff pieces on the latest celebrity and the movie or TV show they are promoting is a sign of NBC's contempt for their own news reporters.
5
Mr. Bruni’s comment that “(Trump) was a rat pressing a lever and getting precisely the pellet of reverence that he sought, so he kept pressing, over and over, harder and harder”. This is an apt description of Trump’s behavior that has delivered for him his pellets of adulation. However, in this unfolding social experiment the levers that deliver a shock to discourage negative behavior are missing. That responsibility clearly lies with the print and electronic news media that is recalcitrant to connect electrodes to certain levers. Mr. Matt Lauer’s interview with Trump in the “commander in chief” forum last week is an example. The faulty experiment has led Trump to believe that negative behavior has no consequences, and is likely to encourage other politicians to take extreme positions. It is still not too late but now the reprimand or shocks from the news media must be so severe that it sends a clear message that the rate race for Presidential election is a serious business and has negative consequences for unsavory talks or actions. But the media itself has to learn to do without its own pellets of higher rating in every news cycle.
245
Yes, the media need to skip the inane questions about his nonsense "policies" and grill him on his frauds, his missing tax returns, his deep business entanglements with Russian oligarchs and China, his stiffed workers and students, his bribes to dissuade at least 2 attorneys general to drop charges. If Hillary had anything like this kind of a history, the media would NEVER allow her a moment to talk about helping kids, the unemployed, and so on (well, they hardly do now, do they).
5
Thank you for pointing out the medias part in this spectacle. Thanks NYTimes et al for fueling the monster. Free coverage, fawning over every fart, no serious reporting in the past 15 months overwhelm this feeble attempt to correct your past laziness and complicity. How about front page headlines? denouncing/calling out Trump? Oh Sorry, I guess that doesn't sell well.
Several Eric Hoffer quotes come to mind whenever I think of Donald Trump:
"Naivete in grownups is often charming; but when coupled with vanity becomes indistinguishable from stupidity"
"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength"
“An empty head is not really empty; it is stuffed with rubbish. Hence the difficulty of forcing anything into an empty head.”
"Naivete in grownups is often charming; but when coupled with vanity becomes indistinguishable from stupidity"
"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength"
“An empty head is not really empty; it is stuffed with rubbish. Hence the difficulty of forcing anything into an empty head.”
340
Thank you. Good old Eric Hoffer, a man worth remembering.
4
Like many, hopefully most, Americans, I read a column like this one by Frank Bruni, and I simultaneously find it unbelievable and know it is absolutely true.
Donald Trump has a very misshapen mind. We are not the electorate to him. We are not the citizenry he hopes to govern.
We are the audience. If we applaud, Trump is happy. It we applaud madly and cheer, Trump is ecstatic.
If we do not applaud and, instead, groan or boo, Trump is surprised, hurt, and angry. He immediately plans a change of course. “I was being sarcastic … of course I don’t want the Russians to hack Hillary’s emails.” “I was joking … of course, I didn’t mean I wanted second amendment people to shoot Hillary.”
There probably are several mental disorders or symptoms fighting for primacy in Donald Trump’s head, but his need for the instant approval of a clapping audience reflects his very short attention span.
This is the man the Republicans have asked us to anoint as our next leader.
Donald Trump has a very misshapen mind. We are not the electorate to him. We are not the citizenry he hopes to govern.
We are the audience. If we applaud, Trump is happy. It we applaud madly and cheer, Trump is ecstatic.
If we do not applaud and, instead, groan or boo, Trump is surprised, hurt, and angry. He immediately plans a change of course. “I was being sarcastic … of course I don’t want the Russians to hack Hillary’s emails.” “I was joking … of course, I didn’t mean I wanted second amendment people to shoot Hillary.”
There probably are several mental disorders or symptoms fighting for primacy in Donald Trump’s head, but his need for the instant approval of a clapping audience reflects his very short attention span.
This is the man the Republicans have asked us to anoint as our next leader.
621
This race is a complete indictment of the American electorate. They too want and crave another "show". They want outrage! Flash! They sit in front of their flat screens and hoot and holler at how outrageous Trump can be and then top himself day after day, feeding the insatiable audience entertainment beast. But they seem to forget they they cannot change the channel for 4 years if....and IF he gets in, he knows he's untouchable and could care less about the applause or adulation. He will do and say whatever he wants...kind of like Putin.
6
Terrific comment!
Earlier this year, the polite debate was whether Trump was truly a facist or just an anomaly born of populist anger and fear. Then he pronounced one outrage after another, without repudiation by the spineless leaders of his so-called party, and captured the nomination. Now, as their candidate, he is surrounded by enablers (Pence, Christie, Conway, Giuliani) who believe "their day" has finally arrived, and explain away his incoherence and lack of knowledge as refreshing, a portent of necessary change to come. He can even lie on a daily basis, and not be rebuked or disavowed - it's just news we hear and dismiss as more craziness. Unfortunately, the mythology being created around this supremely dangerous man to make him palatable as our president is a suicide note for the country.
544
A functioning democracy is predicated on an informed electorate. Instead, we have among us many people who are unfathomably ignorant. We have large numbers of people who know all of the celebrities, but no history; people intimately acquainted with the mega-malls, but baffled by world geography; people conversant with all the latest technological consumer goods, but ignorant of basic science; people who know everything about the Bible, but nothing about the US Constitution.
Consequently, we have Donald Trump.
Consequently, we have Donald Trump.
1479
Sort of like the one third of the population that don't know the judiciary is one of the three branches of government?
29
@Tom Sullivan: I have to take exception to your criticism of the ignorant part of the electorate. Many who call themselves "Christians know as little about the Bible as about everything else. They can quote chapter and verse but have no understanding. Only look at the viciousness of their behavior. I stress that I am not condemning people who are Christians; only those -- too many, alas -- who are false Christians.
11
Trust me. Just because they believe in the Bible doesn't mean they know much about it, let alone everything. The want the Ten Commandments posted but can't name them and think that the fruit in Eden was an apple, not the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil which creates ambiguity. But your point is well taken. How dare anyone point out that we aren't all special and brilliant even if we are know virtually nothing. The common sense of the common man wearing our ignorance like a laurel.
12
A stark lesson about the man can be had by walking up Chicago's Wabash Ave. in the loop. Looking up, there is "Trump Tower" (it's across the river, but stands so it is opposite the river end of Wabash) with the world Trump spelled out in huge letters. There are hundreds of high rises in Chicago ranging from the Willis (formerly Sear's) Tower to an assortment of condo buildings. NONE of them have the name of the builder/developer splashed across the facade. It's a condo building for heaven's sake, not the invention of a cure for cancer!
301
It's actually a hotel too, the Trump International Hotel and Tower. Which partially explains why it would say Trump.
Amen. The sign is a monumental eyesore, a gigantic psychic slap in the face.
It's especially galling considering the excellence of so much Chicago architecture.
It's especially galling considering the excellence of so much Chicago architecture.
5
...and seen in the setting sun it says "rump".
3
Donald Trump is not a politician. He is not a businessman. He is not a developer. All of these things are almost accidental occurrences in a life dedicated to self gratification in which The Donald is not the smartest, richest, or most important person in the room – he is the ONLY person in the room – and the room is lined with mirrors. The fact that he has developed a cult-like following in which nothing he says, however insulting, bigoted, or false has any consequences among his True Believers demonstrates how the lines between reality and reality TV have become so blurred, that the fact that this is an election for the most important job on the planet is irrelevant. Once upon a time Nike had a great ad campaign based upon Michael Jordan. “Be Like Mike” celebrated (and monetized) the remarkable accomplishments of one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century. Trump, a man of no genuine accomplishments, has created his own ad campaign called “Be Like Donald” in which one gets to say and do anything with no accountability whatsoever. The fact that campaign is succeeding is scarier than the crass and manipulative shallowness of the candidate himself.
833
As many critics have pointed out, this is the year when the American political system was officially taken over by the giant entertainment companies who own the news media. The Trump candidacy is the direct result of this takeover.
In early 2015, the financially troubled (CNN in particular) cable networks made a collective business decision to cover the 2016 presidential election as a two-year long, ratings-driven, reality-TV entertainment spectacle.
Faced with two boring frontrunners in Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton, they imported a reality-TV star to the campaign and were successfully able to run Bush out of the race. Through a series of fake "scandals" and relentlessly negative reporting, they were nearly successful in running Hillary out last summer as well.
They then made the unprecedented decision to give Trump unlimited free airtime, with his campaign rallies and his frequent phone call-ins, a privilege they granted to no other candidates.
As Mr. Bruni notes, Trump has succeeded in importing his entertainment celebrity values into our political system. Unfortunately, the conventional politicians and the political media are no match for him.
Not a pretty picture.
In early 2015, the financially troubled (CNN in particular) cable networks made a collective business decision to cover the 2016 presidential election as a two-year long, ratings-driven, reality-TV entertainment spectacle.
Faced with two boring frontrunners in Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton, they imported a reality-TV star to the campaign and were successfully able to run Bush out of the race. Through a series of fake "scandals" and relentlessly negative reporting, they were nearly successful in running Hillary out last summer as well.
They then made the unprecedented decision to give Trump unlimited free airtime, with his campaign rallies and his frequent phone call-ins, a privilege they granted to no other candidates.
As Mr. Bruni notes, Trump has succeeded in importing his entertainment celebrity values into our political system. Unfortunately, the conventional politicians and the political media are no match for him.
Not a pretty picture.
473
It's not hard to see what Trump likes about Putin's Russia. The sale of vast state owned assets for pennies on the dollar to well-connected friends, kickbacks to Putin estimated at $40 billion, state controlled media spouting pro-Putin propaganda 24/7, a self contained economy exporting nothing but oil, gas and arms, importing nothing due to severely weakened ruble and covert military and distortion campaigns around the world.
But Putin promises to make Russia great again!
The Russian people, many among the best educated in the world, have been poorly served, first by the czars, then the totalitarian Communists and now by the Oligarchy. That is why their median household income is one fifth that of the US.
But Putin promises to make Russia great again!
The Russian people, many among the best educated in the world, have been poorly served, first by the czars, then the totalitarian Communists and now by the Oligarchy. That is why their median household income is one fifth that of the US.
359
Here we have the crux of it. Of his whole presidential race. But consider, because this is a character flaw not a running tactic, this fundamental need Trump has will shape everything he would do as President. It would run through every policy, every relationship. And not just domestically - "If Putin says good things about me I'm going to say good things about him okay?"
Trump needs his narcissism fix. Think how he throws the red meat to the worst of his followers. Trump goes to Mexico after weeks of an apparent "softening" stance on immigration and when he returns from Mexico and gets in front of his audience he couldn't resist firing up that rally. It didn't matter that what he said was a 180 from 6 hours earlier in front of a foreign President and cameras. What mattered was the adoration of the crowd. As his presidency matures and his popularity is flagging, his political circle is narrowing and the press is going for him (as is inevitable in any presidency) Trump will still need that fix - the only people he'll get it from will be his base. He'll have to give it to them, he can't resist and to what extents will he go for that adoration as more and more turn from him? He'll be left with the most rabid but also the most adoring. The feedback loop for getting his fix would be despicable.
Consider also the opposite. His inability to manage criticism. It comes from the same place. His extremity of personality disorder disqualifies him as a safe leader.
Trump needs his narcissism fix. Think how he throws the red meat to the worst of his followers. Trump goes to Mexico after weeks of an apparent "softening" stance on immigration and when he returns from Mexico and gets in front of his audience he couldn't resist firing up that rally. It didn't matter that what he said was a 180 from 6 hours earlier in front of a foreign President and cameras. What mattered was the adoration of the crowd. As his presidency matures and his popularity is flagging, his political circle is narrowing and the press is going for him (as is inevitable in any presidency) Trump will still need that fix - the only people he'll get it from will be his base. He'll have to give it to them, he can't resist and to what extents will he go for that adoration as more and more turn from him? He'll be left with the most rabid but also the most adoring. The feedback loop for getting his fix would be despicable.
Consider also the opposite. His inability to manage criticism. It comes from the same place. His extremity of personality disorder disqualifies him as a safe leader.
310
Frank, these are brilliant observations.
Drumpf is clearly in it for the applause (and the ego gratification that accompanies it) - but leadership often involves doing hard, unpopular things, at least with regard to the present moment, that eventually are lauded as visionary and wise.
Of course, visionary and wise are words conspicuously absent from fact-based biographies of Drumpf.
This tendency to play to audiences' passions and fears should give pause to current Drumpf supporters - inasmuch it suggests a candidate devoid of a political core or worldview, and an opportunist likely to stab former supporters in the back once a potential for even greater acclaim dictates a change in ideology and political direction.
Every political candidate has positions that evolve over time, but few, if any, in American memory, have evolved their positions from moment to moment in order to keep the applause hot and heavy.
Drumpf is clearly in it for the applause (and the ego gratification that accompanies it) - but leadership often involves doing hard, unpopular things, at least with regard to the present moment, that eventually are lauded as visionary and wise.
Of course, visionary and wise are words conspicuously absent from fact-based biographies of Drumpf.
This tendency to play to audiences' passions and fears should give pause to current Drumpf supporters - inasmuch it suggests a candidate devoid of a political core or worldview, and an opportunist likely to stab former supporters in the back once a potential for even greater acclaim dictates a change in ideology and political direction.
Every political candidate has positions that evolve over time, but few, if any, in American memory, have evolved their positions from moment to moment in order to keep the applause hot and heavy.
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Trump's foreign policy is definitely incoherent and his remarks about Putin strange. However, I have never seen the Hillary loyalists address the FACT the neocons, the ones who lied us into the Iraq war, support her foreign policies. And I have never seen any loyalist express concern Kissinger and Hillary have mutual admiration for each other. People used to believe Henry was a war criminal, but apparently no more. That is very strange.
There is always a rationalization, as if being called a "Hawk" (by this paper) and being associated with Kagan, Wolfowitz and Kagan is fine.
As I said Trump is awful. But anyone who believes Hillary's association with the neocons is good needs to change parties. The Republicans, supported by the neocons started the Iraq war. The Democrats should not give these crazy war criminals refuge in the party. How can anyone conclude otherwise?
There is always a rationalization, as if being called a "Hawk" (by this paper) and being associated with Kagan, Wolfowitz and Kagan is fine.
As I said Trump is awful. But anyone who believes Hillary's association with the neocons is good needs to change parties. The Republicans, supported by the neocons started the Iraq war. The Democrats should not give these crazy war criminals refuge in the party. How can anyone conclude otherwise?
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Scott, as one of her vehemently anti-Iraq war New York constituents, Hillary's association with the neocons does not please me in the slightest. But she is the only electable alternative to Drumpf in this Presidential cycle.
What else is there to discuss?
What else is there to discuss?
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@Matthew: Appreciate your honesty. What I worry about most is that when Hillary is elected, the uncritical praise will continue. I hope that when she starts cozying up to the neocon there is something left of the anti-war left to object.
So there's is plenty to discuss--it all pertains to Hillary and how she is going to act once in office.
I hope we can all agree another Iraq war or Libya bombing cannot be tolerated.
So there's is plenty to discuss--it all pertains to Hillary and how she is going to act once in office.
I hope we can all agree another Iraq war or Libya bombing cannot be tolerated.
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If Trump becomes the leader of the (once) free world, he’ll need what Putin clearly has in abundance, and that’s lackeys and lickspittles. Besides Chris Christie and Rudy Giuliana, who are shoe-ins, Matt Lauer might apply for the job, given the softballs he was lobbing to Trump in his performance the other night. No one needs a good lickspittle as much as an incompetent boob who’s completely ignorant, but who finds himself in a job that requires great skill and understanding.
But what happens when a man who thrives so completely on praise and adulation awakens to the realization that it’s all gone south, and the townspeople are outside the gates of the White House with torches and pitchforks?
Trump is going to be extremely unhappy when his incompetent leadership draws scathing criticism from the very press that he once had eating out of his hand. They’re not lobbing softballs now. What’s a boorish, narcissistic man-child president to do?
We're not sure, because most of our presidents have been at least marginally up to the task. Personally, I think he’ll fold. He’ll shrink from the job, accusing everyone around him of fomenting conspiracies and undermining his leadership. It’s the sort of thing he would do. After all, he did it to Obama.
Western civilization may suffer irreparable harm, but at least we'll get to say "I told you so!" to all the Trump supporters, for all the good it'll do.
For God's sake, all you Trumpers, hold your nose and vote for Hillary.
But what happens when a man who thrives so completely on praise and adulation awakens to the realization that it’s all gone south, and the townspeople are outside the gates of the White House with torches and pitchforks?
Trump is going to be extremely unhappy when his incompetent leadership draws scathing criticism from the very press that he once had eating out of his hand. They’re not lobbing softballs now. What’s a boorish, narcissistic man-child president to do?
We're not sure, because most of our presidents have been at least marginally up to the task. Personally, I think he’ll fold. He’ll shrink from the job, accusing everyone around him of fomenting conspiracies and undermining his leadership. It’s the sort of thing he would do. After all, he did it to Obama.
Western civilization may suffer irreparable harm, but at least we'll get to say "I told you so!" to all the Trump supporters, for all the good it'll do.
For God's sake, all you Trumpers, hold your nose and vote for Hillary.
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I completely agree that Trump will be extremely unhappy when his incompetent leadership draws press criticism, but what is truly frightening is what happens to a "mark" that finds he has been used and abused by a master manipulator and that mark has an army and nuclear weapons. Putin is such a manipulator and Trump such a mark. Not just an ordinary mark but an extraordinary one. His preternatural vanity makes him so, but makes him exceptionally dangerous and unstable when scorned and his ego crushed.
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And who will he ban from the Press Room at the White House?
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Matt Lauer should be fired pronto. What I'm afraid of is his new employers are the new 'Fox news'. Comcast, right?
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I never believed I would see the day Democrats and their partisan pundits engage in red baiting. In 2012, Mitt Romney was roundly criticized by the Democrats for red baiting. Red baiting was always the Republican game plan until 2016.
Democrats have taken the red scare rhetoric to histrionic levels claiming anyone who supports Trump, or criticizes Hillary, is pro-Putin and Russia. Never mind the Obama administration will be allying with the evil Russians bombing Syria. Do you think Obama secretly admires Putin and is also pro-Russian?
Add to the red baiting, a quest for more special interest money than the Republicans, a courting of foreign policy war hawks and neocons, as well as neoliberals, and it is hard to distinguish the Republicans of 2012 from the 2016 Democrats.
Donald has caused Democrats to lose their collective minds. Special interest money no longer is a corrupting influence. Henry Kissinger, an admirer of Hillary, is no longer a war criminal. And bringing into the fold hard line Republicans, while casting aside the left, is good strategy. Everything is upside down.
The last thing Hillary and her supporters need to do is sound like crazy Trump and his supporters.
The focus must be on policy for that is all that matters. Everything else is a distraction. Sadly, the media, Hillary and her supporters are playing right into Donald's hand.
The land of crazy is where Donald does best.
Democrats have taken the red scare rhetoric to histrionic levels claiming anyone who supports Trump, or criticizes Hillary, is pro-Putin and Russia. Never mind the Obama administration will be allying with the evil Russians bombing Syria. Do you think Obama secretly admires Putin and is also pro-Russian?
Add to the red baiting, a quest for more special interest money than the Republicans, a courting of foreign policy war hawks and neocons, as well as neoliberals, and it is hard to distinguish the Republicans of 2012 from the 2016 Democrats.
Donald has caused Democrats to lose their collective minds. Special interest money no longer is a corrupting influence. Henry Kissinger, an admirer of Hillary, is no longer a war criminal. And bringing into the fold hard line Republicans, while casting aside the left, is good strategy. Everything is upside down.
The last thing Hillary and her supporters need to do is sound like crazy Trump and his supporters.
The focus must be on policy for that is all that matters. Everything else is a distraction. Sadly, the media, Hillary and her supporters are playing right into Donald's hand.
The land of crazy is where Donald does best.
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Donald Trump has openly expressed admiration for a dictator who jails political opponents and journalists, and has presided over grave violations of international humanitarian norms. If you're concerned that Putin has been dragged into US electoral politics, you might blame the man who spoke so glowingly of the Russian leader as far back as December of last year.
Working with Russia in hopes of lessening the horror in Syria hardly indicates anything approaching personal admiration.
Working with Russia in hopes of lessening the horror in Syria hardly indicates anything approaching personal admiration.
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The Clinton Foundation has taken $40 million plus from Middle East Dictators with the worst Human Rights Records in the World. Yes, much worse than Russia's. But who cares, right?
The Saudis have the most repressive regime towards women in the World--they are not even allowed to drive--yet the pro-Women rights Hillary has no problem taking millions of their money through the Foundation. It is all rationalized away.
How would Democrats react if Donald had a charity that took in $10 million from the Russians and Putin?
Criticism of Hillary does not mean an endorsement of Trump. People need just need to be consistent in applying standards of conduct.
The Saudis have the most repressive regime towards women in the World--they are not even allowed to drive--yet the pro-Women rights Hillary has no problem taking millions of their money through the Foundation. It is all rationalized away.
How would Democrats react if Donald had a charity that took in $10 million from the Russians and Putin?
Criticism of Hillary does not mean an endorsement of Trump. People need just need to be consistent in applying standards of conduct.
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"How would Democrats react if Donald had a charity that took in $10 million from the Russians and Putin?"
How would they react if Trump had a charity whose mission was to improve global health and wellness, increase opportunity for girls and women, reduce childhood obesity, create economic opportunity and growth, and help communities address the effects of climate change?
With complete and utter astonishment.
How would they react if Trump had a charity whose mission was to improve global health and wellness, increase opportunity for girls and women, reduce childhood obesity, create economic opportunity and growth, and help communities address the effects of climate change?
With complete and utter astonishment.
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The GOP'er primaries, known to be low-info hotbeds of conspiracy theories and nativism that produced the House of Representatives which wanted to default on the debt in Summer 2011, has been tapped into by a media creation trying to parley his ratings and ego into yet higher ratings, more lights, a bigger stage, and a bigger role.
A media creation whose only complaint about the GOP'er platform planks at this summer's convention was language that the U.S. should supply Ukraine with lethal weapons to defend itself:
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/trump-putin-yes-it-s-really-a-thing
Drumpf is the walking/talking Exhibit A in the argument that Super Delegates are a good thing at Conventions.
It also wouldn't hurt that the each party also have the basic requirement, in addition to the constitutional ones, that a presidential nominee have at least run for office before, in order to keep a media creation who has never run for nor held public office from transmuting TeeVee ratings, and inexplicable deference from debate moderators, into political office.
Who's the next Billionaire waiting in the wings, chomping at the bit, to add the highest elective office on the planet to their treasure chest of vanity trinkets, treating the Oval Office as some garden variety, no-experience-needed, entry level political position; the next coreless ratings queen who changes political affiliation 4 times in 10 years ?
A media creation whose only complaint about the GOP'er platform planks at this summer's convention was language that the U.S. should supply Ukraine with lethal weapons to defend itself:
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/trump-putin-yes-it-s-really-a-thing
Drumpf is the walking/talking Exhibit A in the argument that Super Delegates are a good thing at Conventions.
It also wouldn't hurt that the each party also have the basic requirement, in addition to the constitutional ones, that a presidential nominee have at least run for office before, in order to keep a media creation who has never run for nor held public office from transmuting TeeVee ratings, and inexplicable deference from debate moderators, into political office.
Who's the next Billionaire waiting in the wings, chomping at the bit, to add the highest elective office on the planet to their treasure chest of vanity trinkets, treating the Oval Office as some garden variety, no-experience-needed, entry level political position; the next coreless ratings queen who changes political affiliation 4 times in 10 years ?
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Paul Ryan is their boy for 2020. Beware America.
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njglea - That's who Jebbie thought he was this year; as things stand, Ryan can't have it if some Billionaire with the right ratings decides he wants it.
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Trump claims to be a billionaire. He also claims Moslems in New Jersey celebrated when the twin towers fell.
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I wonder if The Don knows that Mr. Putin is laughing at him? The Don is most like North Korea's "little leader". Little Kim's "adoring" populace knows they had better kowtow to him or they're dead or on a work farm. He would have no problem nuking America because he's in a world of his own - much like The Don.
The only real question is how the media let him get to this point without calling him out. Unfortunately the answers seem clear - money and discrimination against the most qualified candidate to ever run to be President of the United States who just happens to be a woman. What a country. Get ready for a BIG change on November 8 when WE elect HER.
The only real question is how the media let him get to this point without calling him out. Unfortunately the answers seem clear - money and discrimination against the most qualified candidate to ever run to be President of the United States who just happens to be a woman. What a country. Get ready for a BIG change on November 8 when WE elect HER.
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Trump is like the Korean dictator who killed his uncle by turning dogs on him. Trump would do something like that. He's that sick.
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Factually, I think nglea is underestimating the importance of Hillary's being a Democrat who supported universal health care. Those are also reasons she has been the target of Republican hatred and vitriol for over 20 years. Being a woman is partially incidental, a handle for attack, to the manipulators in charge of the GOP, just as Obama's being (half) black has been.
I'm not denying Republican racism and misogyny, just saying they are not the only factors. Money for billionaires is #1 to the GOP.
I'm not denying Republican racism and misogyny, just saying they are not the only factors. Money for billionaires is #1 to the GOP.
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Fat Little Kim is most likely a puppet with no real power. We have to find out who's really pulling the strings.
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I’m struck by the invective one sees EVERYWHERE in LiberalLand these days. Not long ago, the pundit liberati were satisfied with pointing out the admittedly substantial difference in governance experience between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, impervious to the reality that so many Americans place little value on all that experience in the teeth of how dismally it’s delivered for them and the world. But recently, undoubtedly as a natural expression of their increasing desperation at Trump’s improving poll numbers, the lid’s off – to listen to liberals, Donald Trump was the one who put Satan up to selling the apple dodge to Eve.
Dubya must be one happy guy right now: he’s out of the liberal cellar! At least until President Obama does something that causes yet another chunk of the world to fall off the edge of the universe, requiring again a Dubya scapegoat.
But the truth remains this: 1) Trump best represents America, having a foot in each ideological camp, while Mrs. Clinton embraces the excess of Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren; 2) he would forge compromises with a Republican Congress, while Mrs. Clinton would simply inveigh against them as they resisted her tooth and nail, imposing her will through executive diktats that federal courts would slap down, just as they have routinely with Mr. Obama; and 3) Hillary Clinton would bore us to distraction for four years while Trump would vastly entertain us.
Frank needs to buy a sense of humor … and some perspective.
Dubya must be one happy guy right now: he’s out of the liberal cellar! At least until President Obama does something that causes yet another chunk of the world to fall off the edge of the universe, requiring again a Dubya scapegoat.
But the truth remains this: 1) Trump best represents America, having a foot in each ideological camp, while Mrs. Clinton embraces the excess of Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren; 2) he would forge compromises with a Republican Congress, while Mrs. Clinton would simply inveigh against them as they resisted her tooth and nail, imposing her will through executive diktats that federal courts would slap down, just as they have routinely with Mr. Obama; and 3) Hillary Clinton would bore us to distraction for four years while Trump would vastly entertain us.
Frank needs to buy a sense of humor … and some perspective.
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It's so clear now. Frank Bruni and the rest of us just need to lighten up and see the next four years as the opportunity to view with glee the next social service dismantled, the credibility of the US destroyed, and the acceleration of steps that would undo any forward progress on climate change, health care, or other national and international programs. DT is, after all, just a reality show President--and that's how we should view him and the world around us--as one big reality show: Sunday Night at the Coliseum. Nothing we can do but enjoy the spectacle and egg on the gladiator of our choice while the next sacrificial victim trys to run for cover. The blood and gore are the point. The entire DT fanbase suddenly makes sense.
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A sterling example of rl’s “thinking” – and I use that term as cavalierly as he uses ‘truth’:
“the truth remains this: 1) Trump best represents America, having a foot in each ideological camp”.
The conclusion, “Trump best represents America”, is simply not supported by the premise, “having a foot in each ideological camp”. (What “Mrs. Clinton embraces” is, by the way, totally irrelevant, until we clean up the mess of the first claim.)
Each of those two trumpian feet might be found somewhere on the fringes of the two camps, no? Or perhaps one foot might be judged to lie in the fringe of one camp, the other planted firmly in the center of the opposing camp, ludicrous as that may sound. Has RL even considered these possibilities, let alone demonstrated that either of them accurately represents where djt’s feet eventually ended up the last time he opened his mouth?
“Frank needs to buy a sense of humor … and some perspective,” rl opines, the commenter himself in need of some very basic work in logic and lucid expression.
In the best Republican tradition, I can suggest some self-help guides, so he won’t need to avail himself of a publicly funded community college.
“the truth remains this: 1) Trump best represents America, having a foot in each ideological camp”.
The conclusion, “Trump best represents America”, is simply not supported by the premise, “having a foot in each ideological camp”. (What “Mrs. Clinton embraces” is, by the way, totally irrelevant, until we clean up the mess of the first claim.)
Each of those two trumpian feet might be found somewhere on the fringes of the two camps, no? Or perhaps one foot might be judged to lie in the fringe of one camp, the other planted firmly in the center of the opposing camp, ludicrous as that may sound. Has RL even considered these possibilities, let alone demonstrated that either of them accurately represents where djt’s feet eventually ended up the last time he opened his mouth?
“Frank needs to buy a sense of humor … and some perspective,” rl opines, the commenter himself in need of some very basic work in logic and lucid expression.
In the best Republican tradition, I can suggest some self-help guides, so he won’t need to avail himself of a publicly funded community college.
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@Richard: "Trump would vastly entertain us." Who is "us"? Does "us" include Latinos, blacks, Muslims, women, Jews, Native Americans and every other group he's insulted thusfar? Personally, I'd rather be bored by a serious candidate than "entertained" by an emotionally needy toddler throwing his bottle at those citizens who can't be bothered to suckle him. As for liberal (and, for that matter, conservative) complaints that Trump is responsible for all of the ills of the world, how does that differ from The Donald blaming the tag-team of Barack and Hillary for every possible dilemma including, but not restricted to, the potholes that NYC drivers have to navigate each day? Thank heavens that Trump has the solution to every single one of those problems. Perhaps one of these days he'll be willing to share them with the public. Or perhaps you'd be willing to. I cannot, after all, imagine that you'd be willing to vote for a President who would take the oath of office without once telling you what any of his proposals consisted of apart from the construction of an immense wall at our taxpayers' expense.
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Why is Donald Trump even mentioning Vladimir Putin's domestic approval rating? Assuming the 82% number is accurate, what difference does it make what the Russian people think of the Russian leader? Mr. Trump is running for president of the United States. To the extent Putin's approval rating has any validity in a US election, Trump should be concerned about what Americans think of the Russian leader. He might also check the number among the US's NATO allies.
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