It's true....reality TV is kind of the modern "Love Boat"...Maybe Trump can learn some civility from Capt. Stubing.
5
To Gail and NYTimes:
THANK YOU so much for Eric Thayer's astute, funny, insightful, wonderful photographs! Love them all. (And, you too, Gail.)
THANK YOU so much for Eric Thayer's astute, funny, insightful, wonderful photographs! Love them all. (And, you too, Gail.)
5
Gail. pasty47 is hilarious. Trump=Agent Orange! Write a column about Agent Orange!
7
aaah the good old innocent days of Rick Perry and his goofiness. What I would give to have them back in the Republican presidential candidacy this year.
6
The show should be called "Dancing with the losers"
4
Trump does The Twist.
4
The Trump clan is wacky too.
In his effort to point out a perceived double standard in how the media covers the 2016 race, Donald Trump Jr. said journalists would “be warming up the gas chamber” if Republicans carried on the way that Democrats do.
In his effort to point out a perceived double standard in how the media covers the 2016 race, Donald Trump Jr. said journalists would “be warming up the gas chamber” if Republicans carried on the way that Democrats do.
2
I've yet to watch "Dancing with the Stars" as I haven't recovered the envy covered by incompetence when, as a 6th grader in a ballroom dancing class with peers, learning to Fox Trot, Waltz, Cha Cha, the New York Bop, and a simplified Tango, watched an episode of Arthur and Kathryn Murray's dance program. One evening, this pair, a less handsome version of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, performed an English Quickstep. I was flabbergasted! Their feet hovering over the dance floor in such beautiful synchronicity. like a waltz speeded up, made me recognize why Arthur Murray Dance Studios were everywhere, and when Arthur would claim that "Kathryn thinks I should smile more," I didn't disagree but there is something to be said for concentration. And so to Rick Perry. Since I didn't catch his appearance, I don't know what he wore, especially his glasses. Does he continue to wear them to attempt to appear more intelligent? If not, did he feel he didn't need to appear intelligent on a dance floor? Did he announce on the show that this was his farewell appearance on our public stage? Sigh!
4
TRUMP & THE WiZ Or was that the whiz. Of Oz that is. Oz, the doctor. You know, the heart surgeon who gave up saving lives for a big fat savings account. I wonder if Oz has earned enough to be in the club of billionaires with Trump. Cha-ching. If Trump is a much of a klutz on the dance floor and elsewhere as he is a clod in speaking, he might be able to do a passable turkey in the straw square dance. The tango is suave and sophisticated. Sensitive. Full of passion and longing. Poor Donald. He's just full of it. I'll say this much for him--Donald can tangle. He can tangle real good. And that's no mean feat with his feet stuffed in his mouth. It looks real small but like a kangaroo's pouch, it stretches real big. So before we hear something of Trumps terpsichorian exploits, maybe he'll tell us if he intends to invited the heard of dead elephants in the room to the dance. The Danse Macabre, that is. I hear that's going to be Trump's October surprise. Could it be that Calvin Klein is designing a new line of underwear bikini briefs with the Trump's insignia on the waistband, stamped in 24K gold of course? What the well undressed student at Trump 'University" will wear to the trial in late November, when Trump will be on trial for fraud--a felony.
7
Trump and Perry go together they always manage
Ah, I see the problem: More people watch Dancing with the Stars than keep an eye on Congress.
12
Ryan Lochte danced to "Call Me Irresponsible." Tells me everything I need to know re his character, pseudo apology and the non-innocence of Dancing w the Stars producers. oh the stupid American public - anything for a laugh.
5
I'm trying to picture the Don on the show, maybe dancing to the tune of Frank Zappa's disco parody Dancing Fool, and he'd probably not get the humor of it either. And I'd love to see him make a fool of himself, since he does have the verbal equivalent of two left feet, and hopefully trip himself up like he should have long ago. I'd also much prefer to him on this show, rather than dancing his way into the White House, as the US would be dancing themselves into the grave. I just shudder even thinking about it.
3
We don't have to be very lucky. Barring something big at the debate or elsewhere (and not just this delayed decline of Clinton's convention bump due to the Khan incident), Trump is not going beyond being a Republican candidate for president. Trump may have pivoted for the general election finally, but he is still Trump. Also, Hillary is going to be criticized no matter what, most likely for winning by a smaller margin than she should have. Now, can we talk about Senate and House races that other Democrats can win in Democratic/Swing districts?
7
despite all the media attention and billions of words written about trump, this election is really about HRC. because any other republican running against her would be ahead by at least 10 points in the polls. the core of trump's support don't care one iota about how bad or deplorable we think he is or they are for supporting him. short of his killing someone or child pornography showing up on his computer (and even that might not be sufficient to dissuade them) they are going to vote for him. stop wasting time writing about trump. the only thing that is going to save this election for HRC is to persuade the few undecided voters that she is not the monster the republicans have made her out to be. and Colin Powell was right: HRC, hubris is thine name. the only candidate trump could win against is HRC. she would make a very good president but she is a seriously flawed candidate.
2
Donald can do it all.If you haven't learned that by watching him emerge as the nominee you haven't succeeded in piercing that Liberal bubble which encases Clinton supporters. Obama can talk, can he ever, but he can't walk the walk. He draws Red Lines which his adversaries cross without fear and while he talks, tals and talks, Putin takes Crimea and does whatever he wants. The disrespect the Philipine president and Chinese displayed toward him last week is just the tip of the iceberg. The man is roundly despised by leaders around the world as an empty suit whose words mean nothing. Many of them may have disliked Bush but they feared him.
As Machiavelli wrote in his quintessential work on ruling:
"It is better to be feared than loved."
In Obama's case, nobody fears him and nobody loves him. Except for the Free Stuff crowd at home.
As Machiavelli wrote in his quintessential work on ruling:
"It is better to be feared than loved."
In Obama's case, nobody fears him and nobody loves him. Except for the Free Stuff crowd at home.
There are so many who get being infamous being mixed up with being famous, and that goes for those who "dance" and those who watch them do so. Politicians may have a genetic bent to do the former; their DNA seems to bend them to the lights and the cameras or the Tweet world like saplings growing every which way to get out of the shade of other trees. But until the audiences learn to discern what they will watch or listen to, there will always be some form or reality TV, or worse if we can imagine that.
Trump and Oz are smart at what they do: promote themselves and bask in the glow of adoring fans. They also seem skilled at saying whatever they want to their fan base, Trump supporters feeling they have finally gotten the civics lesson they longed for, and Oz fans feeling like they have finished medical school. Our bar is set below ground.
Trump and Oz are smart at what they do: promote themselves and bask in the glow of adoring fans. They also seem skilled at saying whatever they want to their fan base, Trump supporters feeling they have finally gotten the civics lesson they longed for, and Oz fans feeling like they have finished medical school. Our bar is set below ground.
7
Mr. Trump does appear to "tawk", but he doesn't seem to possess an adequate command of the "King's English" or indeed, the Queen's.
I think I would be loathe to be in the audience for a performance of the "Tango" at 6'2" and 17 stone.
I think I would be loathe to be in the audience for a performance of the "Tango" at 6'2" and 17 stone.
2
Brilliant, and as always...very funny, Gail. But with less than two months until the election and polls showing that Donald Trump could potentially win this election, I don't really appreciate the humor any longer. The buffoon Trump was funny during the primaries: unable to speak in complete sentences, acting like a petulant schoolboy by calling his adversaries names, bragging about the size of his penis...like the craziest SNL skit ever. But he's not funny anymore. I read this morning that he criticized the Flint preacher who invited him to speak at her church yesterday, and then, politely cut him off when he started attacking Hillary. He's frightening, not funny. Imagine Trump in the White House, criticizing a world leader who he believes has slighted him. Imagine him in the White House, ordering our destroyers to "blow them out of the water", when he hears that sailors on an Iranian ship have, in his mind, belittled American sailors. There's nothing remotely amusing about the thought that Trump could bring us to the brink of war, and once we got here, he would have no idea how to pull us back. (And the idea that his children might be the ones really running the country, since we know that Trump doesn't want the actual job of being president, he just wants the glory that comes with the title...is equally as frightening.) Sorry, Gail, nothing's funny about this any longer.
10
Let’s see now.
I’ve already called him crude, ignorant, a tax evader, a corrupt businessman, a fraud, a charlatan, a swindler, a racist, a misogynist, a draft dodger and a lot of other things they won’t let me put up here.
So what am I gonna call him today?
How about “an evil, pitiless man whose life has been devoted to robbing and cheating other people”?
The good dog next to me is saying, “It’s OK Pop, but you need to try harder in the future.”
I intend to.
I’ve already called him crude, ignorant, a tax evader, a corrupt businessman, a fraud, a charlatan, a swindler, a racist, a misogynist, a draft dodger and a lot of other things they won’t let me put up here.
So what am I gonna call him today?
How about “an evil, pitiless man whose life has been devoted to robbing and cheating other people”?
The good dog next to me is saying, “It’s OK Pop, but you need to try harder in the future.”
I intend to.
14
I still don't understand what "Reality" really means in the entertainment world. All I know is that the Kardashians made a lot of money for just being alive.
4
For all those decades, we thought that exposure of politicians on TV shows such as Meet the Press was beneficial to them because it allowed the public to see what their ideas were and how they handled questions and debates. But Donald Trump didn't see it that way, and I think that his successes during the primaries have shown him to be correct. Exposure on “serious” political/talk shows was beneficial to politicians because it was exposure, full stop. It was no more beneficial (reasoned The Donald) than exposure on other shows, even less serious ones. Even *much less* serious ones, or worse, reality TV. The larger the audience, the more beneficial to the politician, regardless of tone or subject matter: this is the Trump Rule.
I can just see Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger shaking their heads and laughing to themselves because we just now are realizing this.
You want to be president? Well, forget about military service, academic training, or corporate success. What really matters is becoming a popular household figure. People need to know you and like you. That's it.
Well, perhaps not. But it goes a pretty long way, as Trump has shown us. As to whether it can take him all the way, that's now in our hands.
I can just see Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger shaking their heads and laughing to themselves because we just now are realizing this.
You want to be president? Well, forget about military service, academic training, or corporate success. What really matters is becoming a popular household figure. People need to know you and like you. That's it.
Well, perhaps not. But it goes a pretty long way, as Trump has shown us. As to whether it can take him all the way, that's now in our hands.
4
The only thing left for Rick perry to do now is to pray his way to the presidency. Gail, why are you wasting precious column space on this cipher of a Texan? Wizard Oz gave Trump a clean bill of health. Well, almost, except for the fact that he is a wee bit fat. I don't know if Trump can tango and I don't care. In my nightmare, I only see the Hindu god Shiva's dance of destruction.
5
Nope. Not funny anymore. The death of civility is permeating every aspect of our culture. We have humuliated ourselves all over the world. I can no longer laugh at Trump's idiocy, as he may very well be our next Commander in Chief.
6
Unfortunately Ms. Collins, many in the media have treated Trump's campaign as a low rent reality show event, rather than as a serious campaign for the most important and powerful elected position in the world - President of the United States.
This has led to a double standard whereby one candidate, Hillary Clinton, has been held to a rigorously high standard. Subjected to intense scrutiny. While the media has essentially given The Donald a free pass.
There appears to be a belief in the press that he cannot be subjected to the same type of scrutiny as Secretary Clinton has been. Why? He's running for President, not for a slot on "Dancing with the Stars." As Harry Truman once said, "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." So, if Trump can't take the same degree of scrutiny and criticism as Hillary, then he should never have run in the first place.
This is a Presidential campaign, not "Celebrity Apprentice."
This has led to a double standard whereby one candidate, Hillary Clinton, has been held to a rigorously high standard. Subjected to intense scrutiny. While the media has essentially given The Donald a free pass.
There appears to be a belief in the press that he cannot be subjected to the same type of scrutiny as Secretary Clinton has been. Why? He's running for President, not for a slot on "Dancing with the Stars." As Harry Truman once said, "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." So, if Trump can't take the same degree of scrutiny and criticism as Hillary, then he should never have run in the first place.
This is a Presidential campaign, not "Celebrity Apprentice."
24
With respect, it is this kind of silliness that is resulting in Donald Trump being neck-and-neck with Hillary Clinton.
This election is not a joke. It is not a game. It is not a silly gossip fodder. This is by far and away the most important election in most of our lifetimes. We are on the edge of potentially electing an inexperienced angry demagogue to the Presidency of History's largest Superpower. We are on the brink of putting the fate of every single person on the face of this planet in the hands of sociopath.
The press needs to step up. The New York Times needs to step up. We need some the editorial function define repeatedly in no uncertain terms that this may be the end of the Republic or worse. We cannot have silly little puff pieces replacing this absolute necessary function. Worse than that, these kind of pieces communicate that this election is just a joke; that it's unserious and that voters can just treat it like silly game show.
This election is not a joke. It is not a game. It is not a silly gossip fodder. This is by far and away the most important election in most of our lifetimes. We are on the edge of potentially electing an inexperienced angry demagogue to the Presidency of History's largest Superpower. We are on the brink of putting the fate of every single person on the face of this planet in the hands of sociopath.
The press needs to step up. The New York Times needs to step up. We need some the editorial function define repeatedly in no uncertain terms that this may be the end of the Republic or worse. We cannot have silly little puff pieces replacing this absolute necessary function. Worse than that, these kind of pieces communicate that this election is just a joke; that it's unserious and that voters can just treat it like silly game show.
22
If we can't laugh at our own worst mistakes and politicians Trump and his ilk have won . The mistakes of the Bush era are what got us here not Ms. Collins wit and sarcasm . Many people thought that Bush was sent by God . And back then when we had a real chance for the world to see a more compassionate America we let BUSH and his type take us into a war that will never end and they got away with killing our brave solders and so many innocents . That is no joke . The sarcasm of our wonderful Ms. Collins can be a salve for our most worst mistakes . I bet you think Trump should be our leader . He is so serious . And so honest . Stop blaming the media . Dance to the music .
3
Thanks Gail for some sanity. My Dad, a depression kid sent for 5 years in the Pacific - pointed out to me the USA was only wealthy really from 1953 or so into 1973. Its healthy I feel to take a step back and look at history - we really are are ancestors, the US was broke in 1930 scammed by con artists in the 1920´s- Lots of people who do not use this resource for information the internet believe his lies. Well but they lack the education due to underfunding of public schools, infrastructure that FDR put in place has been decimated by the culture of greed and manipulation.
13
Elected officials, once they leave office, seldom go away quietly. GW Bush may be the exception that proves the rule.
Some choose to become lobbyists. Some choose to become "pundits" on welcoming cable channels. Some choose to sell gold or maybe herbal remedies. Some write books. Some go to the Speakers' Bureau to see if anyone will pay to hear their pearls of wisdom. Some found charities.
Gov. Perry is just doing the time honored burnishing of his brand by appearing on as many tv shows as possible. He may yet find a career, playing the simple, down home doofus. But should he choose to run for national office, it is a sure bet that his brief dancing career will not be held against him.
Some choose to become lobbyists. Some choose to become "pundits" on welcoming cable channels. Some choose to sell gold or maybe herbal remedies. Some write books. Some go to the Speakers' Bureau to see if anyone will pay to hear their pearls of wisdom. Some found charities.
Gov. Perry is just doing the time honored burnishing of his brand by appearing on as many tv shows as possible. He may yet find a career, playing the simple, down home doofus. But should he choose to run for national office, it is a sure bet that his brief dancing career will not be held against him.
3
No, Trump can't tango. Trump has no idea of macro economics. If Ford moves its small car production to Mexico and replaces that with the production in the US of larger, pricier vehicles, Ford is not only improving its own profitability but it is also contributing to a better GNP for our country. Larger, costlier products have a higher added value and therefore push the Gross National Product (GNP) up faster than products with less added value. Now, for someone who made his money getting away with paying 85% of the price previously agreed upon with that someone's contractors, for someone that filed four or five times for bankruptcy GNP could easily mean Go North Pence.
12
Dignity. RIP.
14
"And the week after — where do you think he’ll show up next?"
Gosh Gail, does anybody, including you, care.
I am confident that rationality and Good Will will put Hillary in the presidency and do pretty well in the congressional races. What makes me confident is that I think there is a good majority of people in the U.S. who can see and understand the gross self serving ignorance of Trump and the little army of fascists who are making so much noise.
We do not need The kind of superficial about stuff that does not matter.
There are several blocks of voters who need encouragement and reason to participate...young people particularly those who were not conscious enough to be engaged by Bernie and who do not vote. Perhaps you could speak to the young women who are immersed in consumption of clothes and sports. A great part of the the success of this breakout effort by Common Sense is riding on the engagement of women and young people. What can you write that will encourage them to participate?
Gosh Gail, does anybody, including you, care.
I am confident that rationality and Good Will will put Hillary in the presidency and do pretty well in the congressional races. What makes me confident is that I think there is a good majority of people in the U.S. who can see and understand the gross self serving ignorance of Trump and the little army of fascists who are making so much noise.
We do not need The kind of superficial about stuff that does not matter.
There are several blocks of voters who need encouragement and reason to participate...young people particularly those who were not conscious enough to be engaged by Bernie and who do not vote. Perhaps you could speak to the young women who are immersed in consumption of clothes and sports. A great part of the the success of this breakout effort by Common Sense is riding on the engagement of women and young people. What can you write that will encourage them to participate?
8
That isn't her job. Gail Collins is, and has been for all the years I've been reading her, a brilliant social and political satirist. Satire is part of a writer's soul and is a great gift. It's a way of expressing a point of view, a personal truth, by converting anger into humor. It may be that we women of a particular generation who have been slammed for displaying anger naturally lean to satire as writers and appreciation of satire as readers.
3
No, Trump can't tango. Trump believes that he can use the same wheeling and dealing questionable techniques he used to build golf courses in Scotland (for example) to re-shape international trade. NAFTA is not a contract between the Executive Branch heads of the three countries (US, Canada and Mexico). NAFTA has the stature of any other law of the US (as it has the same stature in Canada and Mexico). Since when the President of the US can unilaterally revoke a law of the US? Trump's 35% import duty on Ford's cars manufactured in Mexico will be thrown out by the courts faster that what it takes Trump to repeat "very important people, very, very important people" as Trump usually does in his rallies.
12
Unfortunately, satirical pieces like this in the age we are now in have become completely useless and irrelevant as an effective weapon against people such as Trump.
For satire to be effective or even funny, there must exist some plausible distance between the real target and the one being virtually being held up to ridicule.
Trump is such a bizarre, despicable and sui generis character that any attempt to lampoon him is futile. His "reality" is far beyond anything that could be imagined. Attempts to humiliate him are doomed before they begin. He is completely shameless and impervious to any kind of attempt to highlight his shortcomings. He welcomes it and begs for more.
The offical death of effective political satire commenced at the 2006 correspondents dinner.
That was the scene of Stephen Colbert's legendary stand up routine, where he essentially exploded a WMD of satire 10 feet away from the most powerful people on earth and it had absolutely no effect. Bush and his cronies brushed if off like it were a piece of lint.
People gave a lot of credit to the Daily Show as a vehicle to hold politicians accountable. In reality, it's only function was to make us feel a little bit better in the face of the insanity we call the political process.
Irony as a political weapon is dead, and it has been for quite a while.
For satire to be effective or even funny, there must exist some plausible distance between the real target and the one being virtually being held up to ridicule.
Trump is such a bizarre, despicable and sui generis character that any attempt to lampoon him is futile. His "reality" is far beyond anything that could be imagined. Attempts to humiliate him are doomed before they begin. He is completely shameless and impervious to any kind of attempt to highlight his shortcomings. He welcomes it and begs for more.
The offical death of effective political satire commenced at the 2006 correspondents dinner.
That was the scene of Stephen Colbert's legendary stand up routine, where he essentially exploded a WMD of satire 10 feet away from the most powerful people on earth and it had absolutely no effect. Bush and his cronies brushed if off like it were a piece of lint.
People gave a lot of credit to the Daily Show as a vehicle to hold politicians accountable. In reality, it's only function was to make us feel a little bit better in the face of the insanity we call the political process.
Irony as a political weapon is dead, and it has been for quite a while.
8
Gail, however nice it is to have you back-and it is-it's time to stop being too cute and lay out the reasons Hilary's opponent is wrong and bad for our country. All the jokes in the world about Mr. Spray-tan cannot conceal the fact that he is a dangerous viper. The man may act like a buffoon, but he's played the public for so long and honed his con skills to a razor's edge, so he cannot be taken lightly. Manipulation is his thing, and he's Really Good at it. I'm just afraid it's getting to be too late, because the "deplorables" have dug in their heels and his early prediction of not losing support even if he were to shoot someone in Times Square is becoming painfully accurate. Also, with the sham reality health report with Oz, do we have any clue he will survive his first term? If he doesn't, the radical right-wing religious cabal will be completely in control, and we will then find out what hell on earth is.
If he's elected we will all suffer, and with his well known distaste for criticism, the press will feel it before the public.
If he's elected we will all suffer, and with his well known distaste for criticism, the press will feel it before the public.
15
Tweets, social media gossip and photo posts, alt-reality computer environments and avatar personality-substitutes, computer game/contests, misnamed TV reality shows adjoining traditional mind-numbing soaps and sitcoms, game shows and other empty TV entertainments are all how our distraction-obsessed, challenge-averse, and awareness-opposed society now occupies itself. Our team-loyalty, tribal-like sports-obsessed culture is just as much a source of this societal malaise.
That college students, young adults, raised and sheltered in this environment today require campus “safe zones” is an abnormality expressive of these indulgences. Cocoon-like communal shielding is what we want for our grade-school children, not university students.
Emblematic of this fearfulness and distrust is the attitude of denial of so many to the growing danger posed by the global warming resulting from the atmospheric entrapment of industry-produced greenhouse gases. It is worse than what Galileo faced when he proposed that the planets revolved around the sun, instead of the sun orbiting the earth- about as false perspective and alt-reality as you can get.
Trump represents all of it: tweet campaigner, reality-show host, casino-magnate, pathological liar, serial bankrupter, a sheltered narcissist who has never had to work for anyone other than his father. He is about as large a symbol as you can find of what has gone wrong in our culture. His triumph and success is our failure.
That college students, young adults, raised and sheltered in this environment today require campus “safe zones” is an abnormality expressive of these indulgences. Cocoon-like communal shielding is what we want for our grade-school children, not university students.
Emblematic of this fearfulness and distrust is the attitude of denial of so many to the growing danger posed by the global warming resulting from the atmospheric entrapment of industry-produced greenhouse gases. It is worse than what Galileo faced when he proposed that the planets revolved around the sun, instead of the sun orbiting the earth- about as false perspective and alt-reality as you can get.
Trump represents all of it: tweet campaigner, reality-show host, casino-magnate, pathological liar, serial bankrupter, a sheltered narcissist who has never had to work for anyone other than his father. He is about as large a symbol as you can find of what has gone wrong in our culture. His triumph and success is our failure.
11
Funny! But you forgot to say that Tom DeLay is from "the great state" of Texas... I can't imagine any other state so eager to claim its greatness at every opportunity than... that one.
2
Perry also uased to "star" at the very conservative religious groups meetings. This included Baptists, many who don't allow the sin of dancing. He was great at leading prayers and singing stirring religious songs. Now he's moved onto the big stage and is a song and dance man. Entertainers, sure have to be flexible.
Maybe he will eventually get to be on "Duck Dynasty" and be seen by millions.
Maybe he will eventually get to be on "Duck Dynasty" and be seen by millions.
4
No, Trump can't tango. Despite all his "international business experience" acquired on those deals with Vladimir Putin and other characters of dubious reputation Trump has no clue about the economy in the macro scale. Now he promises to slap a 35% tax (it is actually called an import duty Mr Trump, not a tax!) on Ford cars imported from Mexico. Great! First, it would be illegal, but that will be the subject of another post. What Ford (or any other company) has to do is to produce the cars in Mexico but leave the light bulbs out, then ship the cars to Canada (another NAFTA member), have the light bulbs installed in Canada and then bring the cars via the Northern border, free of duties!II Yes, it would be an extra freight cost but it would negligible, it would be always substantially lower than Trump's 35% import duty.
3
In India, where I grew up, politics was always considered a “tamasha,” a spectacle or hullabaloo, if you will. After living in the U.S. for the past 33 years, I can say that our politics has become progressively baser, crasser, dirtier, stupider, and one helluva grand Tamasha that would make my native country proud.
Trump doesn’t deserve to be on “Dancing with the Stars,” he would make a terrific Bollywood star. He can dance, sing (lip sync is fine) and cavort with babes a third his age. As a Bollywood hero, he will not only get to punch a few bad guys, but also save the beautiful damsel in distress. Most importantly, the Bollywood hero always wins in the end!
So Donald, if this president thing doesn’t work out, get on that Trump jet and fly straight to Mumbai – where multiple Khans currently reign at the box office and need to be toppled?
Trump doesn’t deserve to be on “Dancing with the Stars,” he would make a terrific Bollywood star. He can dance, sing (lip sync is fine) and cavort with babes a third his age. As a Bollywood hero, he will not only get to punch a few bad guys, but also save the beautiful damsel in distress. Most importantly, the Bollywood hero always wins in the end!
So Donald, if this president thing doesn’t work out, get on that Trump jet and fly straight to Mumbai – where multiple Khans currently reign at the box office and need to be toppled?
6
Dr Oz may be a fine heart surgeon (I don't know, as I have never been his patient); but, as is so often the case with doctors, when he ventures beyond his narrow specialty his expertise is questionable.
http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Mehmet_Oz
Because he's a personable enough media figure with a pretty nice smile, and buddy-buddy with Oprah Winfrey, the average person gives him far more credibility than he perhaps deserves, and The Donald acquires respectability by osmosis by positioning himself next to someone who had a limited amount of it to lend in the first place.
http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Mehmet_Oz
Because he's a personable enough media figure with a pretty nice smile, and buddy-buddy with Oprah Winfrey, the average person gives him far more credibility than he perhaps deserves, and The Donald acquires respectability by osmosis by positioning himself next to someone who had a limited amount of it to lend in the first place.
10
I have heard the results of Trumps "physical". Some of the results given are several years old. Are they still valid?
More importantly, have you really looked at Trumps face when he speaks? He looks puffy and his color constantly changes. Is it the makeup? Has anyone else noticed this?
More importantly, have you really looked at Trumps face when he speaks? He looks puffy and his color constantly changes. Is it the makeup? Has anyone else noticed this?
5
Remember that old saying: "You eventually get the face you deserve"? Never so true as with the Drumf.
4
This might be funnier if not accompanied by today's headline that Clinton and Trump are tied in the polls. That's today. And that's not the electoral college either. But the fact that Trump's mob is strong enough either in numbers or somehow in skewing the polls is nauseating.
On the other hand, I can see the Trump side stepping, flip flopping, doing the old one-two shuffle and skedaddle away from his artful deals. His tiny feet, as bone spurred as they are, have been able to pull off a slow dance with the elephants and woolly mammoths of his party.
And speaking of losers, why no mention of the next big thing of years past, Bristol Palin on DWS? Wasn't that memorable enough for you? I guess not.
On the other hand, I can see the Trump side stepping, flip flopping, doing the old one-two shuffle and skedaddle away from his artful deals. His tiny feet, as bone spurred as they are, have been able to pull off a slow dance with the elephants and woolly mammoths of his party.
And speaking of losers, why no mention of the next big thing of years past, Bristol Palin on DWS? Wasn't that memorable enough for you? I guess not.
4
Hillary's doctors advised her against taking part in "Dancing With the Stars".
3
Trump has already shared his 'dancing' talents - he 'whirls and twirls' from one issue to another, without any 'two steps' in between. Actually, his feet never
touch the ground, he moves too swiftly as he brushes aside all his missteps.
touch the ground, he moves too swiftly as he brushes aside all his missteps.
6
Trump releases his medical "records" on Dr. Oz. I can't wait until he demands Judge Jury hears the Trump University fraud case.
9
Oh Gail. I am not sure if I should be laughing or crying.
5
He' be da best in da West.
He'd be da best ever in da West's West.
He'd do da tango in da White House,
around da desk, around da office,
around da generals and all da rest.
He'd dance to his own drummer,
he'd dance in da streets,
but don't expect him to dance for us,
he doesn't do any dance for losers.
He'd be da best ever in da West's West.
He'd do da tango in da White House,
around da desk, around da office,
around da generals and all da rest.
He'd dance to his own drummer,
he'd dance in da streets,
but don't expect him to dance for us,
he doesn't do any dance for losers.
4
"The ailing Hillary Clinton" is recovering, Gail. FYI, there are wonderful medications out there that work very quickly. Maybe one day you will need one of them.
7
Delightful Gail Collins, always finding the humor. Since the performance was lackluster, we can hope to have seen the last stately sarabande (I insult sarabandes, sorry) unless he has a fanatical fan club like Bristol Palin. I embarrass myself by revealing I occasionally watch the show, but Laurie Hernandez made it worthwhile.
I'd also like to share Samantha Bee's trenchant commentary about Lauer and press negligence on identifying lies. If you have time, do watch part 2 as well, about studying up on the Geneva Conventions so you can decide for yourself about stealing oil, reporting "what people feel are the facts" etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNsIuRbPBr4
I'd also like to share Samantha Bee's trenchant commentary about Lauer and press negligence on identifying lies. If you have time, do watch part 2 as well, about studying up on the Geneva Conventions so you can decide for yourself about stealing oil, reporting "what people feel are the facts" etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNsIuRbPBr4
6
Donald Trump is a con man , fraud, who has multiple bankruptcies and a history of stiffing small contractors working on his projects. And that's the short list of vast number of skeletons. Not to mention is refusal to release his tax returns because it would show his ties to quality folks like Vlad Putin, who has great poll numbers because you will not say anything negative because of fear.
35
The Biggest Loser is what immediately comes to mind, given his medical records and basically his whole being/personality/life works.
23
"Real Housewives of Donald J. Trump" comes to mind, too. There are three, remember.
2
The party of Lincoln, the party that freed the slaves and preserved the Union, has degenerated, deteriorated and devolved into a gaggle of nattering nabobs of negativism and nativeism (thank you, Spiro Agnew). It has nominated for President of the United States a vile, vicious, vindictive, vengeful, vulgar, vitriolic, vituperative, petty, small-minded, mean-spirited, deluded, demented, deranged, depraved, dissolute, divisive, deplorable, bigoted, racist, misogynistic demagogue and Führer-wannabe. If Trump is elected, how long will it be before every American is forced to swear an oath of personal loyalty to the Donald, or risk being declared "an enemy of the State" and fall victim to the secret police known as DETASFO (DEportation TASk FOrce)?
19
People miss the point. Trump is a fantasist, born from his career as a pitchman and TV figure. He has no "plans" or "policy" -- other than what emerges from his mouth at any given moment. All of which is subject to reversal the next time he speaks. If he should be elected, he would be in the position of the Senate candidate portrayed by Robert Redford. He wins and turns to his entourage, saying "What do we do now?"
1
I prefer Fortress America Tactical Special Ops.
1
Before he does his turn on "Dancing With the Stars", he should start on "The Biggest Loser", and drop some of those campaign pounds, then try a season of "Survivor" to show he's still got what it takes. By then he'll likely be ready for wife #4 and star on "The Bachelor".
Just keep him as far away from actual reality as possible.
Just keep him as far away from actual reality as possible.
22
Reading the Op-ed page, there is palpable head scratching going on in the pundit class about the republican candidate for president.
I admit that I am scratching my head too.
How can it be that more than 40% of the American voting public believes that it is OK to vote for a verifiable buffoon? To conclude that 40% of America consists of buffoons seems reasonable under these circumstances.
Democracy seems like a great idea but so does a hot tub until you look around and see who you are sharing the water with.
I admit that I am scratching my head too.
How can it be that more than 40% of the American voting public believes that it is OK to vote for a verifiable buffoon? To conclude that 40% of America consists of buffoons seems reasonable under these circumstances.
Democracy seems like a great idea but so does a hot tub until you look around and see who you are sharing the water with.
26
Trump is going to win this election so no dancing. Scares me to think of someone so unpredictable and volatile and who is a pathological liar wining the presidency. His plans will be disastrous.
10
An unusually not funny column: . There's nothing funny about das Drumpf.
8
I traveled with a very accomplished aviator. to a speaking engagement, who was a contestant on "The Amazing Race." We were chased in airports, had drinks sent over to us, were applauded on the aircraft and simply had more attention than I could imagine. It was like traveling with a rock star. No one cared about the risky flight he took, which set a record, only about his "running" around the world. And, he didn't even win!
1
Brutally funny. Giggles are forthcoming from me...or are they snickers? No matter. Truth telling at it's finest.
Anything one makes up is not nearly as interesting as real life. These guys are amazing.
Anything one makes up is not nearly as interesting as real life. These guys are amazing.
2
I happened to see Trump dancing at a rally he held in Detroit. It was not a pretty sight. White uneducated males may be supporting Trump in droves but do not let their Fascist Leader Trump be seen dancing. He has that awkward, I'm a seventy-year old coot with a hair-do that anyone with an ounce of common sense knows it to be hideous, attempting to seem hip, be cool, and looking like a fool.
Trump and his deplorable followers will be getting their comeuppance on November the 8th. There is less than two months to go, and this charlatan and his disciples will be feeling the wrath of all those incensed with the likes of Trump.
DD
Manhattan
Trump and his deplorable followers will be getting their comeuppance on November the 8th. There is less than two months to go, and this charlatan and his disciples will be feeling the wrath of all those incensed with the likes of Trump.
DD
Manhattan
7
Be afraid, be very afraid. We don't know the difference between reality and a TV show. The evil GOP knows this very well; now we have a Donald Trump, a grotesque form of narcissistic sociopath running for president - yes, president of the United States. We have been suckered once again, by Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush and now Donald tRump. Good luck, everyone.
16
Trump will never dance or cook on TV. He's experienced the ultimate crowd-lust: presidential politics. Even if he loses because the election is "stolen" from him, I expect to see him in every race for president for the next decade. How can he resist the roar of throngs of people?
An illuminating moment came at his rally in NC last night when he was contrasting Clinton's fainting female weakness with his own macho strutting for an hour in an overheated room because his crowds are larger than many rooms' capacity. During that part of his speech he actually said that he "performs" for crowds. Think about that. He is not engaging in meaningful discussion with the electorate, this is a carnival barker hawking his wares to the gullible. It is surprising that this has escaped the notice of others but jumped out to me instantly during his talk. He just revealed volumes to me.
An illuminating moment came at his rally in NC last night when he was contrasting Clinton's fainting female weakness with his own macho strutting for an hour in an overheated room because his crowds are larger than many rooms' capacity. During that part of his speech he actually said that he "performs" for crowds. Think about that. He is not engaging in meaningful discussion with the electorate, this is a carnival barker hawking his wares to the gullible. It is surprising that this has escaped the notice of others but jumped out to me instantly during his talk. He just revealed volumes to me.
17
"A cynic might say he was the most charming ex-governor ever to have vetoed a bill that would have ended the death penalty for the mentally retarded."
I love you Gail Collins.
I love you Gail Collins.
21
These attempts at rehabilitation of failed candidates are fascinating, rather like looking at the aftermath of a car crash. My current favorite is Ron Paul, who is now on the radio touting a system of freeze-drying food in preparation for the collapse of the economy. They all come across as pathetic, although some can continue to do damage to the country.
12
While Iowa does have its charms, I think the corn dog stand is a nod to the State Fair of Texas where the Fletcher brothers introduced the corn dog to the world in the 1940's.
That said, the Rickster is not missed here in Texas. He did W proud, continuing to give away the farm while Texas children went without minimum medical care, mentally challenged persons were executed, and Texas women were denied the right to control their own bodies. Frankly, last place against Vanilla Ice is too high!
That said, the Rickster is not missed here in Texas. He did W proud, continuing to give away the farm while Texas children went without minimum medical care, mentally challenged persons were executed, and Texas women were denied the right to control their own bodies. Frankly, last place against Vanilla Ice is too high!
13
Great article, I was laughing and crying at the same time while reading it. Laughing at the humor, crying because it's true.
12
Even Gail Collins cannot cheer me up today, and that speaks volumes. Clinton has lost momentum nationally and worse in two of the dreaded "swing states" (Ohio and Florida). It is frightening.
When we have a former Congressman and Governor appearing on "Dancing with the Stars" it tells me there is no sense of decorum nor dignity left, with apologies to DWTS. It also tells me that people are confusing celebrity with leadership and many are perhaps viewing the election as just another form of entertainment. They are not taking the election seriously. Some of Trump's supporters have even stated they were voting for him "to see what happens". I am afraid some in the news media have given Trump a boost for the same reason. It is for certain that the news media in general have treated Trump as a hot celebrity - hanging on his every outrageous remark and treating him with a seriousness he does not deserve. He should be treated as a pariah, instead he is being treated like a naught boy rock star. I am so depressed today.
When we have a former Congressman and Governor appearing on "Dancing with the Stars" it tells me there is no sense of decorum nor dignity left, with apologies to DWTS. It also tells me that people are confusing celebrity with leadership and many are perhaps viewing the election as just another form of entertainment. They are not taking the election seriously. Some of Trump's supporters have even stated they were voting for him "to see what happens". I am afraid some in the news media have given Trump a boost for the same reason. It is for certain that the news media in general have treated Trump as a hot celebrity - hanging on his every outrageous remark and treating him with a seriousness he does not deserve. He should be treated as a pariah, instead he is being treated like a naught boy rock star. I am so depressed today.
16
Just wondering why a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, one of the two legislative arms of the strongest and wealthiest countries in the world, is known more for his appearance on Dancing with the Stars than for his time as Speaker? Makes you wonder about the priorities of our news media and their obsession with ratings over substance.
6
Makes you wonder about the people who vote - and don't.
2
Humility is Trump's foible. Everybody is aware of it, but his supporters and campaign staff may not admit to it. In addition. his latest medical record issues have been utterly risible, to say the least. A presidential candidate, hobnobbing with TV pseudo-celebrities like Mehemet Oz MD, about his health, seems like a subject for lampooning. His whole candidacy can be encapsulated into a snapshot of sophistry.
Moreover, his alternative, Clinton, has not been able to take advantages of Trump's shortcomings. Poor Hillary! It could have been a cake-walk for her, but it wasn't. Besides, Trump's other GOP primary contenders received a nice drubbing, since none of them could repulse Trump's onerous onslaughts.
And look what the voters have to contend with! Pitiful is the word.
Moreover, his alternative, Clinton, has not been able to take advantages of Trump's shortcomings. Poor Hillary! It could have been a cake-walk for her, but it wasn't. Besides, Trump's other GOP primary contenders received a nice drubbing, since none of them could repulse Trump's onerous onslaughts.
And look what the voters have to contend with! Pitiful is the word.
1
Thank you for the reality show spin. I've been thinking about how much time and money we could save in 2020 if we limited the presidential and vice presidential candidates for both parties to the investors from Shark Tank.
1
Now that maternal deaths have doubled in the state where I grew up thanks to the efforts of guys like Rick Perry defunding Planned Parenthood, he is ready to dance on graves. YeeHaw!
12
Hillary's problem is that she tends to push too hard on the 'wonk' and the campaign could look like a replay of the 2000 election where Gore's elevated tone got him in trouble and the Florida Supreme Court handed Bush the Presidency. Will the Court(s) remember whose turn it is?
No, it was Ralph Nader who "gave" the election to Bush. That could happen again as 3rd Party candidates take votes away, mostly form Hillary. The public needs to understand that 3rd Party candidates will not be the President. It will be Clinton or Trump.
Vote Hillary Clinton
Vote Hillary Clinton
10
"Nobody could possibly be surprised that DeLay got more celebrity from waltzing in an outfit lined with leopard skin than he did from running the House of Representatives." I think there is a typo here. Didn't you mean "ruining the House of Representatives."
8
I am an independent write-in candidate for president. I have completed my medical examination. I am 6ft. tall. I weigh 163. I have chlorophyll issues and must ingest Omega 3 fish tail capsule and Vitamin D, daily.
We made an election bet. I lose he gets $50. I win I get $1000. On inauguration day I will be 75, the oldest candidate to become president. Eh. I look maybe mid - sixties, younger than Trump and Clinton.
I bring to the table a Vehicle for World Peace, a prophetic Television Scripture—hand lettered double columns a dozen world events described in advance; to perform dusk until dawn, as old blind Homer with every line a delicate sensible rhyme.
The own le quest yin for The Times Editor moderators is whether I perform my course change in human history work of spoken art on good ship mother earth from office of president after turning the East Room into a television studio with double bank of cameras in a semi circle, the countries the cameras represent on a card above the cameras, or, I move to China and deliver my words whirled wide, from there.
I have a date with the universe I cannot be late.
Find in my Scripture, c. 1971, in the online PDF at page 19, "Beware of a despot / Cooking mean dishes." That is the 33 yr. old N. Korean bed-wetter, described before he was born.
Kim Jung-un plans a ballistic attack US west coast his intent turn California into a mix of Nagasaki, Hiroshima, and Chernobyl.
I speak give US counter -measures.
http://michaelslevinson.com
We made an election bet. I lose he gets $50. I win I get $1000. On inauguration day I will be 75, the oldest candidate to become president. Eh. I look maybe mid - sixties, younger than Trump and Clinton.
I bring to the table a Vehicle for World Peace, a prophetic Television Scripture—hand lettered double columns a dozen world events described in advance; to perform dusk until dawn, as old blind Homer with every line a delicate sensible rhyme.
The own le quest yin for The Times Editor moderators is whether I perform my course change in human history work of spoken art on good ship mother earth from office of president after turning the East Room into a television studio with double bank of cameras in a semi circle, the countries the cameras represent on a card above the cameras, or, I move to China and deliver my words whirled wide, from there.
I have a date with the universe I cannot be late.
Find in my Scripture, c. 1971, in the online PDF at page 19, "Beware of a despot / Cooking mean dishes." That is the 33 yr. old N. Korean bed-wetter, described before he was born.
Kim Jung-un plans a ballistic attack US west coast his intent turn California into a mix of Nagasaki, Hiroshima, and Chernobyl.
I speak give US counter -measures.
http://michaelslevinson.com
5
I'm sorry but you're not funny. Nothing about this election is funny !
4
You've done it again, Gail. How will I purge from my imagination the image of Agent Orange doing a clog dance?
4
And the New York Times on it's front page encourages the American appetite for fluff.
Nowhere today is the Newsweek expose even mentioned. The Florida Attorney General piece on Donald Trump apologizes and says maybe we were wrong because of a pre-dated check. Because no one can pre-date a check on information that isn't wildly available publicly.
While the last three days have been wall to wall HRC bashing in this tome. Evil HRC didn't run to the press with her pneumonia. She's clearly trying to hide something. Not simply trying to keep her message on track.
If Donald Trump wins this election the press can look in the mirror and congratulate themselves. They've used him to get rich. Hooray for them. Like the Republicans they have abrogated the Republic for gold.
I hope they enjoy it in their drafty cave warming their hands over a open fire to stay warm.
Nowhere today is the Newsweek expose even mentioned. The Florida Attorney General piece on Donald Trump apologizes and says maybe we were wrong because of a pre-dated check. Because no one can pre-date a check on information that isn't wildly available publicly.
While the last three days have been wall to wall HRC bashing in this tome. Evil HRC didn't run to the press with her pneumonia. She's clearly trying to hide something. Not simply trying to keep her message on track.
If Donald Trump wins this election the press can look in the mirror and congratulate themselves. They've used him to get rich. Hooray for them. Like the Republicans they have abrogated the Republic for gold.
I hope they enjoy it in their drafty cave warming their hands over a open fire to stay warm.
4
Only you, Gail, can crack me up with just a headline. OF COURSE there is a place for the Donald post-election, and you have found it. But will he, after losing legally but never in his own mind, introduce himself as President of the United States, or will he claim, a la Perry, to be the former President?
3
The TV saturation point has been reached. Viewers can no longer determine fact from fiction. Reality shows are not reality.
We have become so used to characters giving scripted opinions and those opinions shaping the TV or movie story that people have become convinced that life really works that way.
Harrison Ford played in some movies the character of a smart, carrying president but he was just reading scripts.
Trump is doing the same thing, playing a guy who can be the law and order president but he doesn't actually know how or have the patience ot interest to actually be such a man. Take away his scripted persona and he becomes the real estate con man he always was.
We have become so used to characters giving scripted opinions and those opinions shaping the TV or movie story that people have become convinced that life really works that way.
Harrison Ford played in some movies the character of a smart, carrying president but he was just reading scripts.
Trump is doing the same thing, playing a guy who can be the law and order president but he doesn't actually know how or have the patience ot interest to actually be such a man. Take away his scripted persona and he becomes the real estate con man he always was.
5
This all stopped being funny a year ago? Stop with the free Trump publicity.
5
Enough of these quasi-witty-haha, frivolous columns about this election. Trump is a disaster and needs to be soundly defeated.
5
How about Hillary in a body sock doing a number with the Chippendale dance troupe?
I hope that mental image stays with everybody for the rest of the day.
I hope that mental image stays with everybody for the rest of the day.
1
yeah, thanks a bunch....
Political choice in the US has found its lowest common denominator on the tube
4
Reagan opened the door for this. He was a competent if undistinguished actor, and he was a great TV pitchman. We loved the avuncular image he projected from the Oval Office. We still remember the Reagan "Morning Again in America" years fondly, reality notwithstanding. So why not another TV personality? Trump will make America feel good about itself again, and that's all that matters.
4
At least Reagan was the Governor of California for 2 terms. I am not excusing him and never voted for him, but there is a big difference.
3
Speak for yourself. Many of us did not "love" the avuncular image in the Oval Office. We would have preferred to see him on a horse somewhere out West, where he was being manipulated by the movies folks, and not in our White House being manipulated by a bunch of wealthy industrialists.
2
The Republican Party has actually nominated for president an irresponsible, unrealistic, naive, petulant, childish, vindictive, prejudiced, bigoted, racist, Islamophobic, anti-Semitic, misogynistic, fascistic, authoritarian, insensitive, erratic, disturbed, irrational, inhuman individual named Donald John Trump.
22
Mr. Trump came about because he won more primaries than the other Republican candidates without the help of the Republican Establishment. His message resonated with the voters in a way that Cruz, Kasich, Jeb Bush, et. al. did not. This happened because the Republican (and the Democratic) Party has repeatedly failed to address the job loss, loss of dignity, loss of opportunity for advancement and decreased living standards that the working class has incurred over the past 35 years. Trump is speaking to those voters. He is speaking disingenuously, but he is at least engaging them. THAT is why he is the Republican nominee for President. The Republican Establishment NEVER wanted Mr. Trump.
The half-life of former pols sadly seems infinite. I know most have no other marketable skills and have ego-massage needs, but they're becoming a nuisance if not a more toxic bane. If they've not amassed sufficient wealth while in office, perhaps an "old politicians' home" can be established, not supported with tax dollars, somewhere out of the public eye.
6
I am looking forward to Donald appearing on Penn & Teller.
5
How about DISappearing? I like that idea much, much better.
3
Ya! They can make him disappear!
Most white Americans do not have enough rhythm nor soul to dance any USA born dance form. They Tango in Argentina.
American music and dance has very deep dark polyrhythmic lithe smooth expressive African percussion roots. Spiritual, gospel, blues, jazz and soul are the original American music forms that led to a myriad of black originated and influenced America dance forms from the fields to the churches to the streets to the households to the dance halls.
From holy ghost aisle dancing to the Lindy Hop to South Side Chicago Stepping is a dance challenge for both the portly ancient no lithe rhythm white bodies of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Perhaps First Lady Michelle LeVaugn Robinson Obama could show them some pity and teach them the basics. Mr. Obama can sing but he has shown no evidence that he can dance.
Can either Hillary or Donald Step?
Listen to "Steppin' in the Name of Love" by R. Kelly
American music and dance has very deep dark polyrhythmic lithe smooth expressive African percussion roots. Spiritual, gospel, blues, jazz and soul are the original American music forms that led to a myriad of black originated and influenced America dance forms from the fields to the churches to the streets to the households to the dance halls.
From holy ghost aisle dancing to the Lindy Hop to South Side Chicago Stepping is a dance challenge for both the portly ancient no lithe rhythm white bodies of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Perhaps First Lady Michelle LeVaugn Robinson Obama could show them some pity and teach them the basics. Mr. Obama can sing but he has shown no evidence that he can dance.
Can either Hillary or Donald Step?
Listen to "Steppin' in the Name of Love" by R. Kelly
2
I recall one fusion of reality with TV when a “Dancing With the Stars” viewer shot his television in anger over Bristol Palin’s non-elimination.
Imagine how much anger there would be if Trump became President and reality TV became governance.
Eliminate Trump.
Imagine how much anger there would be if Trump became President and reality TV became governance.
Eliminate Trump.
5
No, crooked lying Trump cannot tango; besides, it would be an insult to the dance; Perry, after all his political shake-up, seems willing to be shaked by DWTS so he can be remembered for something trivial, as he fails again. The 'unreality' of reality shows, so demonstrably evidenced by these clowns.
5
Ms. Collins, I implore you once again to stop treating this election cycle as a comedy skit. The stakes are much too large to continue to treat Trump as a TV celebrity. The irony in your words is too obvious to have to point out. Please stop.
8
Please don't. Lines like 'the most charming ex-governor ever to have vetoed a bill that would have ended the death penalty for the mentally retarded' help to brighten my day in a landscape peopled with deplorables. We need more like Ms. Collins who skewer the unreal and surreal in this election cycle. Since Trump has not yet won, laughter is still the best medicine against his august ignorance. Should that change, well----
3
The most frightening and highest rated show in Reality T.V. history would be "The Donald"appearing on "Naked and Afraid XXL"(Trump insisted on the extra X). The vision of a well pixelated, Donald, hair thang askew, roaming the steaming African Savannah, au naturel, in search of prey, stampeding grazing herds of Gazelles and Zebras, would be among the most terrifying images ever broadcast on television.
6
So why has "Dancing with the Stars" become the halfway house and source of salvation for politicians (and drunken sot Olympic swimmers) trying to do a quick makeover of their tarnished images?
I don't get it. Is the implication that if some disgraced politician, such as Tom DeLay or Rick Perry, is a smooth dancer with good moves, well then how could he be anything but a fun and wonderful person? Poof! Just magic away all the bad with a fantasy stint on "Dancing with the Stars"?
Evidently, like those vacuous prescription drug ads on TV, it must work for these politicians, because otherwise they wouldn't do it. We are only 1 of 2 countries that allows prescription drugs to be advertised in the commercial media, and I suspect it has warped our brains so we accept and are receptive to just about anything that comes across the TV screen. What the heck is wrong with us? Are we Americans that easily fooled and bamboozled?
There is something quite "exceptional" about our political culture--some kind of hookup between politics and celebrity that I don't think is so much the case in advanced democracies. It is fascinating--but very worrisome and seems to be getting worse.
How did we end up with a presidential election where we must choose between experienced politician Hillary and celebrity Trump, who knows nothing about almost anything? Yet we just might elect the celebrity President of the most powerful country in the world?
How did we get from there to here?
I don't get it. Is the implication that if some disgraced politician, such as Tom DeLay or Rick Perry, is a smooth dancer with good moves, well then how could he be anything but a fun and wonderful person? Poof! Just magic away all the bad with a fantasy stint on "Dancing with the Stars"?
Evidently, like those vacuous prescription drug ads on TV, it must work for these politicians, because otherwise they wouldn't do it. We are only 1 of 2 countries that allows prescription drugs to be advertised in the commercial media, and I suspect it has warped our brains so we accept and are receptive to just about anything that comes across the TV screen. What the heck is wrong with us? Are we Americans that easily fooled and bamboozled?
There is something quite "exceptional" about our political culture--some kind of hookup between politics and celebrity that I don't think is so much the case in advanced democracies. It is fascinating--but very worrisome and seems to be getting worse.
How did we end up with a presidential election where we must choose between experienced politician Hillary and celebrity Trump, who knows nothing about almost anything? Yet we just might elect the celebrity President of the most powerful country in the world?
How did we get from there to here?
12
Sorry, too long--way too much coffee early this morning!
1
We all get 1500 characters!
1
I never thought the Republican Party could sink lower than George W. Bush. I was wrong.
47
If she were old enough, I'd be tempted to write in Grace Vanderwaal.
2
"And maybe, if we’re very, very lucky, we’ll hear in another few years that Donald Trump, former presidential candidate, will be doing a clog dance on next season’s “America’s Got Talent.” "
From your lips to God's ears, Gail. Your lips to God's ears.
From your lips to God's ears, Gail. Your lips to God's ears.
12
What? With those terrible bone spurs?
6
To my mind, one of President Obama's defining moments was in Argentina at a dinner with its President.
The national favorite team of the national dance (tango of course) gave a wonderful performance, then tried to draw President Obama and MIchelle out on to the dance floor to tango with them. This was unexpected, and the President twice declined. They persisted. Then, on the third request, the President and Michelle accepted.
They carried it off, with grace and style. I was very proud of them. I could never have done that. That was class.
So dance is not only redemption. It can be a graceful power move too.
The national favorite team of the national dance (tango of course) gave a wonderful performance, then tried to draw President Obama and MIchelle out on to the dance floor to tango with them. This was unexpected, and the President twice declined. They persisted. Then, on the third request, the President and Michelle accepted.
They carried it off, with grace and style. I was very proud of them. I could never have done that. That was class.
So dance is not only redemption. It can be a graceful power move too.
115
'In days of yore politicians made their TV mark on “Meet the Press.”'
Three words: Bill, saxophone, Arsenio.
You can Google them, kids, to see the video.
Three words: Bill, saxophone, Arsenio.
You can Google them, kids, to see the video.
2
I understand that the governor can also shoot varmints while performing his routine--truly a fellow of infinite jest and most excellent fancy.
Gail Collins is reliabky and predictably funny. This is one among many reasons to love her commentary. So I am puzzling over why I am not laughing, not even smiling.
Maybe it has something to do with the latest poll numbers showing a well-documented buffoon of loud mendacity nearly tied with an occasional fibber who also carries a profound record of public accomplishment. What's the American problem with achievement?
If The Donald faiis his entry exam for the Oval Office, might we soon see him on reality TV voted off 5th Avenue for physically abusing disabled vets trying to make ends meet by their entirely legal street vending of, say, key chains or ballpoint pens?
No, Trump's abuse is meted out much less visibly in the corridors of urban and state power which ordinary voters never darken.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Maybe it has something to do with the latest poll numbers showing a well-documented buffoon of loud mendacity nearly tied with an occasional fibber who also carries a profound record of public accomplishment. What's the American problem with achievement?
If The Donald faiis his entry exam for the Oval Office, might we soon see him on reality TV voted off 5th Avenue for physically abusing disabled vets trying to make ends meet by their entirely legal street vending of, say, key chains or ballpoint pens?
No, Trump's abuse is meted out much less visibly in the corridors of urban and state power which ordinary voters never darken.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
2
Governor Goodhair (as our dearly departed and oh-so-sorely-missed Molly Ivins referred to him) has apparently adopted the cameo lifestyle as his primary income source. It's better than working for a living, as long as being proud of the fact that you are doing something that is honest labor is not particularly important to your sense of self-worth.
Perry and Trump share that attitude. (I would call it a defect.) I have never watched an episode Dancing With the Stars, nor did I waste a penny of electricity on The Apprentice. I have great respect for fantasy, in the sense of Tolkien's Lord of the Ring trilogy, but the fantasy that is reality TV is a colossal waste of time, and all else that is important, for the viewers as well as the participants. Neither Perry nor Trump (especially Trump) has the mental chops to be anything other than a placeholder as POTUS until the House impeaches, the public riots or the generals and admirals complete the transition of the US into a banana republic.
Perry and Trump share that attitude. (I would call it a defect.) I have never watched an episode Dancing With the Stars, nor did I waste a penny of electricity on The Apprentice. I have great respect for fantasy, in the sense of Tolkien's Lord of the Ring trilogy, but the fantasy that is reality TV is a colossal waste of time, and all else that is important, for the viewers as well as the participants. Neither Perry nor Trump (especially Trump) has the mental chops to be anything other than a placeholder as POTUS until the House impeaches, the public riots or the generals and admirals complete the transition of the US into a banana republic.
4
Come on Gail! Did you have to call Mrs. Clinton "ailing" and play into the health hysteria? She had a few days of recovering and is now getting back to work. Besides, it is better to be temporarily touched with pneumonia, as she is, than permanently touched, as Trump is.
8
If I had a nickel for every time I have heard the term "existential threat" uttered on television and radio I'd be rich. Here's the real existential threat: Donald Trump as the next POTUS.
4
As each day passes, I am reminded more and more of the movie, "The Face in the Crowd".
Trump's new persona is the new game show. How long will it be before he gets tired of being told when and how to say what and reverts back to his true self?
Trump's new persona is the new game show. How long will it be before he gets tired of being told when and how to say what and reverts back to his true self?
2
Don't know about the tango, but Trump is pretty good at the fast shuffle.
3
Sorry, I don't want to see Donald Trump pounding his 267 pounds around a dance floor. But I bet he'd jump at the chance for get his little hands on an attractive dance partner a third his age.
8
Trump best fits on the reality show "Toddlers and Tiaras."
7
Ms Collins, I refer you to today's column by Nicholas Kristof, "When a Crackpot Runs for President" and beg you to stop trying to make us laugh on our way to a Trump presidency. There is simply nothing hilarious about it.
3
Always a good laugh Gail.
3
How many of us, Gail, wonder if our allies (incl. those that neighbor Russia) consider the current campaign to be "entertainment"? For example, a former Hollywood screen star in the Oval Office interrupted the internal affairs of a southern country. Furthermore: the fact that JFK was physically unfit for office.
(What a record...).
(What a record...).
1
Gail, this election campaign is NO JOKE? Why are you making jokes? Trump is gaining. Hello? Trump supporters are more likely to voter. They are radicalized.
Clinton has to wake up the voters, instead of rambling on and on. Whatever it takes, she has to consider. Trump is a real threat to the sanity of the nation. The economy, stupid, is at risk. Hello?
Perhaps Clinton needs a different approach. What about using gestures? Thumbs down for Trump? Make the sign of a zero (0) with fingers and thumb to suggest that Trump has zero experience? Make the sign of a "W" for woman, by bringing both hands together with "V" signs?
In the debates, Hillary has to take Trump out. If he is left standing, he wins, as the underdog.
Trump supporters think they are fighting evil with evil, and it's working. He must be stopped.
Trump is winning. No, joke, Gail Collins!
---------------------------------------------------
Clinton has to wake up the voters, instead of rambling on and on. Whatever it takes, she has to consider. Trump is a real threat to the sanity of the nation. The economy, stupid, is at risk. Hello?
Perhaps Clinton needs a different approach. What about using gestures? Thumbs down for Trump? Make the sign of a zero (0) with fingers and thumb to suggest that Trump has zero experience? Make the sign of a "W" for woman, by bringing both hands together with "V" signs?
In the debates, Hillary has to take Trump out. If he is left standing, he wins, as the underdog.
Trump supporters think they are fighting evil with evil, and it's working. He must be stopped.
Trump is winning. No, joke, Gail Collins!
---------------------------------------------------
7
Gail, “reality” is killing the United States of America.
DWTS last season featured Marla Maples as a contestant. Needless to say, the questions posed to her were all about Donald ("best sex I ever had") Trump. Network TV is absolutely shameless these days. Little wonder that The Donald used that medium to establish his "credibility" as a political candidate. Then again, what more can you expect when the competition-show "America's Got Talent" (aka "Sobbing with the Amateurs") is judged by two Brits, a German and Howie Mandel?
3
I think the great attraction of reality TV is watching other people get humiliated to take our minds off our collective self-loathing and perceived misery, both keys to Drumpf's candidacy.
Thanks for the smiles on this grim news day.
2
I would go with full-on disgrace for Brian Lochte. If he wasn't there yet, appearing on this show has done the job.
Trump, Perry, Delay, Mark Sanford, Mark Foley -- all part of the long line of buffoons who are politicians of which the GOP has an endless supply. Just a matter of time before Rubio, Cruz, Ben Carson, etc. are on "Dancing with the Stars" and Chris Christie does his version of "Jersey Shore" with the six pack abs replaced by rolls of fat but retaining the obnoxious, blustering, braying, and bullying of the original program.
3
Enough with jokes. This is not a normal election. Trump is not a normal man, but an evil man who will bring about the deaths of tens of millions. Just read the Republican Party scorched earth platform, Just listen to what Trump says he will do.
3
When Hillary was on Saturday Night Live, that other Hillary was funnier; but nobody out Trumps Trump.
Gail, I'm usually in stitches from your matchless mixture of humor and political wit.
But our national obsession with reality TV is morphing into The Twilight Zone. Every time I see Trump, I want to wake up and hear Gerald Ford's voice intone, 'our national nightmare is over.'
But our national obsession with reality TV is morphing into The Twilight Zone. Every time I see Trump, I want to wake up and hear Gerald Ford's voice intone, 'our national nightmare is over.'
3
While mildly humorous in drawing on all the garbage TV options out there, the fact remains that this is what America watches - no craves. And Trump got some of his tarnished stripes in this very media venue.
It apparently really doesn't matter what the Johnny Come Lately media thinks or writes. Fly over country, in fact now your {and my] home state, are Trumpites eating up his rhetoric and pivots and non-existent non-workable plans to Make America Great Again.
Starting in 2017 the two big questions that remain to be answered: will Trump take up occupancy in the White House [or maybe his new hotel in DC], or will he fly back to NYC each evening to spend the night in his own bed; and will cameras be installed in either or both locations to capture the goings-on for the next non-serious reality show!
It apparently really doesn't matter what the Johnny Come Lately media thinks or writes. Fly over country, in fact now your {and my] home state, are Trumpites eating up his rhetoric and pivots and non-existent non-workable plans to Make America Great Again.
Starting in 2017 the two big questions that remain to be answered: will Trump take up occupancy in the White House [or maybe his new hotel in DC], or will he fly back to NYC each evening to spend the night in his own bed; and will cameras be installed in either or both locations to capture the goings-on for the next non-serious reality show!
1
TV is how we see both candidates. We saw Trump when he was not lying to be president and so we know him better. And compared to the farcical contest we are seeing now, toe wrestling might offer greater insights. So you should be careful about condescending to us viewers, because we could vote if there's nothing good on that day.
1
Glad to see you are back and in as good form as ever.
15
If a majority of Americans don't want a continuation of Obama policies, so be it, I refuse to sweat about it; they will completely and utterly deserve what they get.
http://census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2016/cb16-158.html
SEPT. 13, 2016 — The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that real median household income increased by 5.2 percent between 2014 and 2015 while the official poverty rate decreased 1.2 percentage points. At the same time, the percentage of people without health insurance coverage decreased.
Median household income in the United States in 2015 was $56,516, an increase in real terms of 5.2 percent from the 2014 median income of $53,718. This is the first annual increase in median household income since 2007, the year before the most recent recession.
The nation’s official poverty rate in 2015 was 13.5 percent, with 43.1 million people in poverty, 3.5 million fewer than in 2014. The 1.2 percentage point decrease in the poverty rate from 2014 to 2015 represents the largest annual percentage point drop in poverty since 1999.
The percentage of people without health insurance coverage for the entire 2015 calendar year was 9.1 percent, down from 10.4 percent in 2014. The number of people without health insurance declined to 29.0 million from 33.0 million over the period.
http://census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2016/cb16-158.html
SEPT. 13, 2016 — The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that real median household income increased by 5.2 percent between 2014 and 2015 while the official poverty rate decreased 1.2 percentage points. At the same time, the percentage of people without health insurance coverage decreased.
Median household income in the United States in 2015 was $56,516, an increase in real terms of 5.2 percent from the 2014 median income of $53,718. This is the first annual increase in median household income since 2007, the year before the most recent recession.
The nation’s official poverty rate in 2015 was 13.5 percent, with 43.1 million people in poverty, 3.5 million fewer than in 2014. The 1.2 percentage point decrease in the poverty rate from 2014 to 2015 represents the largest annual percentage point drop in poverty since 1999.
The percentage of people without health insurance coverage for the entire 2015 calendar year was 9.1 percent, down from 10.4 percent in 2014. The number of people without health insurance declined to 29.0 million from 33.0 million over the period.
39
Yeah, but, as my wife so intelligently points out, SHE doesn't deserve what we ALL will get.
1
Circuses without bread, just more circuses...
35
I picture ex-presidential candidate Trump featuring a team in the Biggest Loser.
Governor Chris Christie as his assistant carrying his workout equipment and background music Stand By Your Man.
Objective of the season starting end of November this year: Look as fit as Putin.
Governor Chris Christie as his assistant carrying his workout equipment and background music Stand By Your Man.
Objective of the season starting end of November this year: Look as fit as Putin.
45
With a BMI of 34.3, he's well on the way. SAD!
1
I thought it would be Bridge Over Troubled Waters.
2
ooh, the mind boggles. I don't want to see all that corpulence and the pasty face after he (hades willing) loses big. I've avoiding linking to his nude statues (in very bad taste) but they give you the idea if anyone wants to search for them.
1
Churchill's famous quote that "“Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others”, stares us in the face every time a Jesse Ventura, George Murphy, Sonny Bono, Arnold Schwazenegger, and now Donald Trump comes up for election, and what is worse is often elected. It proves, once again, that people go for the recognizable face instead of competence or program. That explains why people vote on the basis of likeability instead of seriousness of purpose. And polls encourage this by keeping on asking voters about this. The reason, of course, is that they recognize that people vote on gut rather than reason and it doesn't make any difference whether the vote is knowledgeable or not, since a vote by gut is as good as a vote by reflection. This, as Churchill saw, is both the danger and the salvation of democracy.
174
Frank you forgot the biggest star of them all--Ronald Reagan. Even though he maybe tap dancing among the stars of heaven now, his depressing legacy lives on.
2
Sonny Bono was a good man. He was smart, he cared about people, and he worked hard trying to do the right thing. We do worse all the time.
3
Hey - Sonny Bono was a good guy.
1
Gail, since you wrote your book " As Texas Goes ", then you're not surprised at how often it seems D.C. GOP'ers have followed Texas (and Florida) as paradigms - sadly.
Thanks for watching.
What too often gets overlooked is the lasting wreckage left behind by Perry's looooooong tenure, during which it is said he made over 10,000 public appointments, filling every appointable position at least once.
With regard to the reference to Tom Delay's indictment, don't leave out the fact Perry was under indictment, too - looks like he got out from under it because the law that he was indicted under was declared unconstitutional after he was indicted, but before his trial was to begin, so the indictment got tossed.
Nice how things can work if your party controls the legislature, as Molly Ivins might tell us today.
Thanks for watching.
What too often gets overlooked is the lasting wreckage left behind by Perry's looooooong tenure, during which it is said he made over 10,000 public appointments, filling every appointable position at least once.
With regard to the reference to Tom Delay's indictment, don't leave out the fact Perry was under indictment, too - looks like he got out from under it because the law that he was indicted under was declared unconstitutional after he was indicted, but before his trial was to begin, so the indictment got tossed.
Nice how things can work if your party controls the legislature, as Molly Ivins might tell us today.
123
As a native Texan, I have to point out that corny dogs (the proper name) were introduced to the world at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas by the Fletcher family back in the 1930s. Growing up in Dallas, we got a school holiday every year to attend the fair (called Fair Day, not surprisingly). Eating a corny dog was a requirement of state fair attendance - making it more likely that one would get violently ill while being tossed around on rides at the Midway.
Look, we Texans are stuck with having burdened the nation with the likes of Tom DeLay, Rick Perry, and the even loonier Louis Gohmert. At least give credit where credit is due and acknowledge that we gave the world corny dogs.
Look, we Texans are stuck with having burdened the nation with the likes of Tom DeLay, Rick Perry, and the even loonier Louis Gohmert. At least give credit where credit is due and acknowledge that we gave the world corny dogs.
219
Ah yes...those "terrorist babies", presumably birthed in San Antonio.
You forgot that you've stuck us with George W. Bush and Ted Cruz and Jerry Jones who thrust the orange sweater freak from NJ -- Christie -- on the rest of the country.
The two good things that Texas can claim are the late Molly Ivins and Ann Richards -- they were gifts to the world of intelligence and wit.
The two good things that Texas can claim are the late Molly Ivins and Ann Richards -- they were gifts to the world of intelligence and wit.
4
and NOT Donald Trump. He is New York's burden to bear.
2
Don't get too far ahead of yourself and the next two months, Gail. In the words of Bette Davis, "Fasten your seatbelts!" Good advice. There's still some bumby weather ahead from storms, some of which haven't even appreared on the raday yet.
How brilliant of you to deflect the storm by looking ahead to Mr. Perry, he of the light foot on the dance floor. Hillary told us last election that she's the only candidate who can dance backwards in high heels. This, and all the visits to the mad, mass-media of dancing and the late shows, are all deflections from the real issue: Trump and Clinton are the most unqualified candidates in election history.
No matter the incredibly prevaricative endorsement Obama from Obama that Hillary is the best qualified candidate in history. One more lie among the many being slung by our politicians and media everywhere.
Vote non-major party this fall, or write in a candidate you think has the leadership we need. If we get 35-45% of the vote, it will send a message round the world, including our major party so-callled leaders, that enough is enough.
Further, it would give us hope that regardless of which major party candidate manages to get elected, it will be only four years until we see can see many more candidates who can dance forward with the tango of leadership.
How brilliant of you to deflect the storm by looking ahead to Mr. Perry, he of the light foot on the dance floor. Hillary told us last election that she's the only candidate who can dance backwards in high heels. This, and all the visits to the mad, mass-media of dancing and the late shows, are all deflections from the real issue: Trump and Clinton are the most unqualified candidates in election history.
No matter the incredibly prevaricative endorsement Obama from Obama that Hillary is the best qualified candidate in history. One more lie among the many being slung by our politicians and media everywhere.
Vote non-major party this fall, or write in a candidate you think has the leadership we need. If we get 35-45% of the vote, it will send a message round the world, including our major party so-callled leaders, that enough is enough.
Further, it would give us hope that regardless of which major party candidate manages to get elected, it will be only four years until we see can see many more candidates who can dance forward with the tango of leadership.
7
Everytime some blowhard attached the word 'unqualified' to Hillary Clinton I just gotta know on what planet is she unqualified? Her subtlety in some events while SOS was impressive.....get the Swiss to extract a nuclear tech company and its material from Iran after the leak of secret accounts at UBS, agree not to crash their operation and lose 30,000 jobs here, claw back a portion of the tax owed...ticked of some Dems, ticked of some GOP, but was a nice long-term strategy for an important non-proliferation end-game.
Decades ago as, well, practically a kid, sitting on the Walmart, only female probably still wearing those glasses, making the kind of alliances that get the 1% in Arkansas to fund reform of a failing school system. Both instances involve quiet hard work, having the right data, good priorities, and building coalitions or at least not being a jerk. I liked it then, I like it now. I'm With Her. (P.S. quid pro pro or pay to pay is easy to discover by walking donors names across to benefits received, and there are none. Many contracts for countries were brokered prior to her state term, big donors often got zip increase in their contracts under W, so gimme what you've got. Bupkus is my guess.)
Decades ago as, well, practically a kid, sitting on the Walmart, only female probably still wearing those glasses, making the kind of alliances that get the 1% in Arkansas to fund reform of a failing school system. Both instances involve quiet hard work, having the right data, good priorities, and building coalitions or at least not being a jerk. I liked it then, I like it now. I'm With Her. (P.S. quid pro pro or pay to pay is easy to discover by walking donors names across to benefits received, and there are none. Many contracts for countries were brokered prior to her state term, big donors often got zip increase in their contracts under W, so gimme what you've got. Bupkus is my guess.)
54
.....except that if, heaven forbid, the R candidate is elected, it's not a sure thing that we'll be around in 4 years.....
4
I mean... what's she ever accomplished..? besides the whole 'fighting AIDS' thing...? And the fighting for gulf war vets thing..? And the adoption and safe families thing..? and the Office on violence Against Women thing..? And the Minimum wage thing..? And that whole Terrifying the greatest and most successful Criminal Enterprise ever in history to the extent that they felt compelled to spend 25 years and BILLIONS of Dollars (mostly ours) trying to find ways to smear her and prevent her candidacy thing..? But beyond that, what..?
6
Get your reality show insults straight. Trump doesn't have the talent to be on top chef.
37
We have gone low in this country before, but never as low as Mr. Trump is taking us now.
325
From time to time we've gone really low. We've always come back. We will this time too.
So very True .... I'm embarrassed for our Country
I don't know which reality TV show Perry best fits in, however Trump definitely qualifies for The Biggest Loser (on multiple levels) and can single-handed bring bring back The Russian Jersey Shore where he can slobber (one of the competitions) over scantily clad hot Russian girls.
But let's be real. What does the popularity of reality TV say about the reality of its viewing audience? What version of reality has America entered? Global warming is a hoax, President Obama is a Muslim born in Kenya, hospitalized Hillary Clinton is being impersonated by a body-double, Donald Trump is qualified to be our president, the moon landing was faked. Reality is a conspiracy theory, the truth is held in a secret government vault.
Yes, we cannot help ourselves. America loves conspiracy theories and reality TV trash. The more bizarre the more popular. We can't stop ourselves from staring at horrific accidents. We are suckers for P. T. Barnum chicanery. We are fascinated by the Believe It or Not bizarre oddities. It must be in our genetic makeup.
America is in danger. We are flirting with a November 8 horrific tragedy. Meanwhile the American audience treats it as just another reality TV show. Clinton and Trump are competing on America's Got Talent, but the talent categories are, the ugliest insults, biggest lies, most bizarre hair and skin, most odious ideas. The American audience is having a ball. Next up is The Biggest American Fool, featuring the American public.
But let's be real. What does the popularity of reality TV say about the reality of its viewing audience? What version of reality has America entered? Global warming is a hoax, President Obama is a Muslim born in Kenya, hospitalized Hillary Clinton is being impersonated by a body-double, Donald Trump is qualified to be our president, the moon landing was faked. Reality is a conspiracy theory, the truth is held in a secret government vault.
Yes, we cannot help ourselves. America loves conspiracy theories and reality TV trash. The more bizarre the more popular. We can't stop ourselves from staring at horrific accidents. We are suckers for P. T. Barnum chicanery. We are fascinated by the Believe It or Not bizarre oddities. It must be in our genetic makeup.
America is in danger. We are flirting with a November 8 horrific tragedy. Meanwhile the American audience treats it as just another reality TV show. Clinton and Trump are competing on America's Got Talent, but the talent categories are, the ugliest insults, biggest lies, most bizarre hair and skin, most odious ideas. The American audience is having a ball. Next up is The Biggest American Fool, featuring the American public.
102
Your future is now. He's disclosing his health records on Dr. Oz....
13
He probably gets his science "education" from the Dr. Oz School of Junk Science. It is a division of Trump University.
2
"In days of yore politicians made their TV mark on “Meet the Press.” And don't forget: "Bedtime for Bonzo"
44
Ormaybe he will apear as a contestant on The Apprentice and new host Karl Rove will tell him, ``You`re fired!``
9
I think you are being kind of mean to Rick Perry. Why? I thought he looked pretty sharp and happy in that Flashy Cowboy Suit. The only reason I saw it was because on the news they asked him about the protesters being forcibly removed. Otherwise I have never watched that show. But while Trump supporters might watch Dancing' I think they would prefer Dog the Bounty Hunter, Mafia Housewives, Duck Dynasty, Jersey Shore .... The Deplorables ... you know what I mean.
18
He can fly!!! And apparently rural areas and Appalachia thinks so as your paper today says they are voting for Trump with their only hope for jobs as Clinton is all talk. She did NOTHING for the masses of unemployed in upstate, rural New York when she was senator. I repeat: NOTHING.
1
upstate New York received nearly twice the level of federal $ for small business innovation that the rest of the state did when Clinton was senator and beyond - more than the national average - the region suffered from limited access to private capital, low concentration of skilled workers, possibly poor alignment of upstate university research with industrial needs -
11
More cowbell.
1
She fought for, and won, assistance for 9/11 first responders, however. Maybe you missed that.
3
Dreadfully sad and unfunny, Gail, that former politicians and others with 15 minutes of TV viral fame under their belts now show up on Dancing With The Stars. Do they all want to carry moonbeams home in a bucket? Is this reality TV in our hinge of history? Whatever has happened to our pitiful and malign American culture that the social media beehives are buzzing with the latest from DWTS?
11
Thanks for reminding me why I don't watch reality TV shows...except for the occasional presidential debate.
35
Trump can very definitely do the tango. He has been doing it for quite some time. But only on the music provided by Maestro Putin and his Orchestra of 111.
19
Whatever happened to retiring with grace?
13
She already retired with dignity.
Well, Donnie boy will be able to relate in one way or another to the three entertainment venues you list: 1) Rodeo - yep, he's the perfect rodeo clown; 2) Professional poker - yes again, he can lie with the best of them; and, 3) Toe Wrestling- - well, a bit of a problem...if his oh-so-horrible feet kept him from serving his country (which is his greatest wish, according to him - see #2 above), then he would have to pass on this just to gain the sympathy of the not-very-bright masses that are attracted to this *^^%^$* (see #1 above).
12
Gail, I enjoy your Swiftian jabs. Any chance you'll tour Church halls before the election, to bring the message where it is really needed? To the faithful followers of Calvin and Rome?
6
Or the faithful followers of Calvin and Hobbes?
1
Who knows if Trump can pass a cardiac stress test?
15
DWTS is the wrong show for Trump.
Donald Trump is the Honey Boo Boo of 2016. Look for the episode with his biggest tantrum - scheduled to air after the 1st Presidential debate. It will be huge!!!
(Reality TV, most often a scripted fraud, lowers our collective IQ. Can't wait for it to runs it's course.)
Donald Trump is the Honey Boo Boo of 2016. Look for the episode with his biggest tantrum - scheduled to air after the 1st Presidential debate. It will be huge!!!
(Reality TV, most often a scripted fraud, lowers our collective IQ. Can't wait for it to runs it's course.)
27
The problems is - and Trump knows this - we all know who Honey Boo Boo is. Publicity is nectar to the Trumps of the world.
9
I am proud to say I watch no television at all, and haven't for 20 years. I have no idea who Honey Boo Boo or Duck Dynasty is or was. I am as careful about what I put in my brain as I am about what I put in my mouth. Give it a try! Turn it off. Pick up a good book.
1
You nailed it.
Donny Boo Boo
Donny Boo Boo
3
Nice column. When you got to the second, third,.... chances part, it brought to mind Omarosa and her fifth (or who's counting) incarnation as director of African-American outreach for the Trump campaign. Somehow that brings me to a loss for words.
14
Dear Ms. Collins,
I am so glad you keep me, and the general public, 'informed' on the current state of television because I've never seen any of the shows you write about.
That's not to say that tangentally I don't hear about them; unless one is dead, one can't avoid being bombarded by images and sounds concerning 'pop culture' (Never, ever have intentionally watched, listened to or read about Miley Cyrus or Justin Beiber either but know them VERY well, as an example).
But what 'super poll' or 'insider scoop' do you have that put Mr. Trump as looking for a different job after Nov. 8th? As far as I can tell, he's in a tight race with the stumbling, kinda ill Ms. Clinton and it may be that SHE will be looking for someone to dance with on Nov. 9th.
Putting who's winning this particular "Unreality Show" aside, how about having the first 'debate' moderated by Vince McMahon of "World Wide Entertainment", re, phony wrestling,? Talk about a sure fire ratings boost!
Imagine the 'steel cage' for the 'death match' with the two contestants vowing to fight to the death or something close to that.
In your next column you could have us, the readers, vote on both monikers for the two opponents.
I'd go for "Gorilla Trump" versus the "Masked Feministo" with he sporting a bare chested,completely bald, semi-ferocious look while she wears a mask and cape.
Mr. Putin will be the guest referee.
And, as usual, the voters will lose but have a good time enjoying the spectacle.
I am so glad you keep me, and the general public, 'informed' on the current state of television because I've never seen any of the shows you write about.
That's not to say that tangentally I don't hear about them; unless one is dead, one can't avoid being bombarded by images and sounds concerning 'pop culture' (Never, ever have intentionally watched, listened to or read about Miley Cyrus or Justin Beiber either but know them VERY well, as an example).
But what 'super poll' or 'insider scoop' do you have that put Mr. Trump as looking for a different job after Nov. 8th? As far as I can tell, he's in a tight race with the stumbling, kinda ill Ms. Clinton and it may be that SHE will be looking for someone to dance with on Nov. 9th.
Putting who's winning this particular "Unreality Show" aside, how about having the first 'debate' moderated by Vince McMahon of "World Wide Entertainment", re, phony wrestling,? Talk about a sure fire ratings boost!
Imagine the 'steel cage' for the 'death match' with the two contestants vowing to fight to the death or something close to that.
In your next column you could have us, the readers, vote on both monikers for the two opponents.
I'd go for "Gorilla Trump" versus the "Masked Feministo" with he sporting a bare chested,completely bald, semi-ferocious look while she wears a mask and cape.
Mr. Putin will be the guest referee.
And, as usual, the voters will lose but have a good time enjoying the spectacle.
5
Ms. Collins is clearly off her game. No mention whatsoever about the possibility of a candidate's bringing his dancing dogs to the show.
5
Strapped to the roof of his station wagon.
2
When it comes to TV show appearances, the all-time record surely belongs to Obama. He's a regular guest on late night TV, generally doing comedy bits. And I recommend Michelle Obama on Carpool Karaoke. Still. I preferred Jungle Jack Hanna on Letterman and Britney Spears on Carpool Karaoke. Hanna's appearances were more educational and Spears sang a little better.
"DeLay did seem to feel he got a kind of redemption from the show. “When I walk through airports today, more people recognize me from ‘Dancing With the Stars’ than being the former majority leader,” he said."
This relates to a comment I made in Charles Blow's most recent editorial about the "Deplorables" comment. And I'll reiterate: We deserve this political dysfunction.
This relates to a comment I made in Charles Blow's most recent editorial about the "Deplorables" comment. And I'll reiterate: We deserve this political dysfunction.
8
The scam artist has been doing a soft shoe over the American public for some time. He creates his own music as he goes. He almost breaks into a tap to "South of the border, down Mexico way." Herr Trump will dance to his oompapa making everyone sing and be happy while he laughs at our stupidity. Yes, he is a TV star, but only the muddle minded can't figure out that he is a con artist.
15
Well, we learned from Trump's appearance on the quack TV doc, Dr. Oz and said that his exercise comes from campaigning and that is 'hand gestures' is his form of exercise. And he weighs 267 pounds (which Oz said was 'slightly overweight') which makes me wonder if his feet would move as well as his little hands. Also, I heard he wears a girdle and he might not be able to move well in that. So, in my mind, he's already a big loser. I surely hope the American People tell him that on November 8. If not, I'm dancing my way to Canada.
360
I wish the Times had an edit button! Apologies for all the grammatical mistakes.
3
I noticed long ago he never takes of his suit jacket and often leaves it unbuttoned. This is when he was declared the healthiest person ever to run for president.
"And he weighs 267 pounds (which Oz said was 'slightly overweight') which makes me wonder if his feet would move as well as his little hands. Also, I heard he wears a girdle and he might not be able to move well in that. So, in my mind, he's already a big loser. I surely hope the American People tell him that on November 8. If not, I'm dancing my way to Canada."
The irony is that, with his gelatinous girth lava-lamping across our screen, he'd be the first to be thrown off "The Biggest Loser". I can't wrap my head around how big a loser that would make him -- squared, cubed?
As far as Canada goes, you could take ME Route 9 to Hwy 1-East (antiquing anyone?). I'm sure you'll find Saint John quite welcoming. You can scout it out next Saturday. You know, just in case the rivers turn to blood, large-scale famine develops, an unprecedented global pandemic begins and so on.
The irony is that, with his gelatinous girth lava-lamping across our screen, he'd be the first to be thrown off "The Biggest Loser". I can't wrap my head around how big a loser that would make him -- squared, cubed?
As far as Canada goes, you could take ME Route 9 to Hwy 1-East (antiquing anyone?). I'm sure you'll find Saint John quite welcoming. You can scout it out next Saturday. You know, just in case the rivers turn to blood, large-scale famine develops, an unprecedented global pandemic begins and so on.
2
Watching reality television shows is like self-flagellation. I've tried a few times and the pain was too great, very much like watching The Orange Buffon try to put together a complete sentence or a coherent thought.
To be honest I might take a peek at something like "The Wives of Trump Tower."
To be honest I might take a peek at something like "The Wives of Trump Tower."
17
While many reading this see Donald Trump as toon-like—a Wile E. Coyote—surviving falling off cliffs and anvil drops, an alarming number of Americans see him as an idealist—a Don Quixote—tilting at windmills.
In real reality he is a Don Coyote. A clear and present danger—a teflon Don who uses humiliation on others, yet is impervious to it himself.
We no longer have time to laugh at him.
In real reality he is a Don Coyote. A clear and present danger—a teflon Don who uses humiliation on others, yet is impervious to it himself.
We no longer have time to laugh at him.
509
Deadbeat Don, too - don't forget that.
More like the Tasmanian Devil, Trump is. Not poor, dumb Wile E. Coyote, who tried and tried, but failed each time. The Tasmanian Devil blew through the landscape destroying everything in sight. Now that's what the Trump presidency will be like. And NOT FUNNY either.
1
More like Frado Corleone.
Trump has his flaws, but it's fun to watch the press cluck, hem, and haw as they wonder why they lose influence on the election after having overplayed their hand with a questionable candidate like Hillary Clinton.
1
In the sad but true catagory, Trump's campaign is being implemented like a reality show. He and Hillary are on the island and he knows how to win. She is used to battles fought in more traditional forums: policy debates, lofty fact-filled speeches and somber surrogates. I am getting worried. Unless the brainy people she has hired to put her in the White House, including her political genius husband, can figure out how to best a narcisstic yet compelling con man, Dancing with the President will begin taping on Jan 20, 2017.
11
He knows how to win? What - he declares bankruptcy? Calls China for a loan? Texts Putin for a boat? He tells her lies? He makes friends with the natives and convinces them to get rid of her?
My guess, she'll make a detailed assessment of the island's resources, figure out what's beneficial and what's not, find the high ground, stake it, ignore his screaming rants, and sleep with one eye opened. She's good at survival.
I'm with her.
My guess, she'll make a detailed assessment of the island's resources, figure out what's beneficial and what's not, find the high ground, stake it, ignore his screaming rants, and sleep with one eye opened. She's good at survival.
I'm with her.
5
None of them seem to be able to help Hillary overcome her biggest obstacle. Herself.
If I remember correctly, it was another Clinton who first broke into the entertainment side of tv-land on Arsenio Hall. He followed short, weired bits like Nixon's"sock-it-to-me" on Laugh In.
But to the present, perhaps we might see Hillary doing a stint as the supercilious neighbor living next to some low rent trailor park in a series entitled "Meet the Deplorables".
But to the present, perhaps we might see Hillary doing a stint as the supercilious neighbor living next to some low rent trailor park in a series entitled "Meet the Deplorables".
1
Bill Clinton had some nice sounds coming from his sax whereas the braying from Trump's mega mouth is nothing but a hateful cacophony.
3
Not enough credit is given to Paddy Chayefsky, writer of "Network," a movie of uncanny prophesy.
Unfortunately, we have learned little from his satiric warning. What will it take to stop undermining ourselves?
Unfortunately, we have learned little from his satiric warning. What will it take to stop undermining ourselves?
17
Didn't he write Being There also?
1
"Being There" is a satirical novel by the Polish-born writer Jerzy Kosinski, first published in 1970.
Nope, Paul, that was Jerzy Kosinski. But "Being There" holds up just as well as "Network." Watch 'em both soon.
An explanation for Trump's success so far may easily be overlooked, as it is buried in another comment (an excellent one, by Richard Luettgen, addressed to the Democratic Party):
"When you insistently support a universal franchise in order to exploit the most manipulable among us for progressive ends, you shouldn’t be surprised that the other side eventually develops the skill to manipulate them more adroitly..."
"When you insistently support a universal franchise in order to exploit the most manipulable among us for progressive ends, you shouldn’t be surprised that the other side eventually develops the skill to manipulate them more adroitly..."
1
Ironic because the people the Republicans seek to deprive of the franchise are some of the most sensible voters. The Trump voters are the ones least likely to have a problem with photo ID or residence requirements. This Luettgen guy must be quite a piece of work to think we Democrats are so stupid we wouldn't see through that argument in half a minute.
8
So many words, so much doubletalk, so little meaning.
“Dancing With the Stars” is obviously a phenomenon one needs to be familiar with to understand the world we now live in. Many thanks for reporting on it so we can get the idea without having to watch it ourselves.
31
The president as usual has said the most prescient thing. The office of president is not a game show. We the voters should not treat it as such.
Clinton/Kaine, the only real vote we have.
Clinton/Kaine, the only real vote we have.
139
I don't know if America's got talent, but it sure has a load of sociopaths.
138
Evidently, life does imitate art. Much of the country has become so celebrity obsessed that they can not longer differentiate fact from fiction. I remember Robert Young wailing that after playing Marcus Welby MD on the TV, he could no longer go out without becoming besieged by fans asking for medical advice.
Donald Trump running for president, and voters taking him seriously? Are we all losing our minds?
Donald Trump running for president, and voters taking him seriously? Are we all losing our minds?
280
Was that a rhetorical question? If not, it's beginning to look like, for a frightening percentage of us, the answer is "yes".
2
I pretty much gave up reading fiction. The reason, what is factual today is way more entertaining and fantastical. Who ever would have thought a dunce like Rick Perry would: rise above pumping gas in a town like Midland, make it to the governors office with a state with more than 10 people, run for President, twice and finally make it on TV? No way. Way Paul, way. Steven King could not have thought of a plot this warped. Congrats to Gail. She did it again. Junk the trashy novels, non fiction is the new art.
23
It is fitting that Trump chose Oz. Trump has been channeling the Great and Powerful Oz (ignore the man behind the curtain) for months now.
And if it turns out that he has some illness, he can now get tea tree oil or pepper berries or something set himself to rights again. That is the image I want to project as leader of the free world: he watches Dr. Oz and orders his medications from radio ads.
America, please, wise up. My kids don't deserve this.
And if it turns out that he has some illness, he can now get tea tree oil or pepper berries or something set himself to rights again. That is the image I want to project as leader of the free world: he watches Dr. Oz and orders his medications from radio ads.
America, please, wise up. My kids don't deserve this.
44
We'll never know if Trump has the physical stamina good health for dancing sans a health report. And frankly spare me the image
14
It's really a sad commentary for the people of the United States when they recognize someone because he/she has been on reality TV and not as a former congressman, especially someone as influential in politics as DeLay was. When people watch more reality TV than Meet the Press.
However, like Trump many of the politicians today probably do not watch Meet the Press either. I guess our politicians are mimicking the general public. After all the politicians grew up among them (the people that watch reality TV).
However, like Trump many of the politicians today probably do not watch Meet the Press either. I guess our politicians are mimicking the general public. After all the politicians grew up among them (the people that watch reality TV).
5
Let's not condemn Trump just because he likes to tweet in his own bed. There's so much more to "deplore" about him. The fact that his followers are so ardent in spite of his blatant racism, sexism, bigotry, narcissism and ignorance of policy issues completely justifies HRC's point. The fact that leading GOP members of Congress won't endorse or campaign with him also speaks volumes about the deplorable state of their party, and the current state of affairs to where their deplorable policies have led us. The deplorable GOP twice shut down our government. It's now time to open it up again to the light of day, progressive legislative collaboration for the common good, civil discourse in the public square and administrative transparency that demonstrates the honor and decency so aptly demonstrated by the Greatest Generation.
308
I made myself watch DWTS just to see if my governor... oops, my former governor, could cut a rug. Of course, over at The Blaze folks were impressed: "People are raving about Rick Perry's debut!!". But I gotta say, down here in Austin, I cringed thru the entire performance. Not even that cheerleader demeanor (from his A & M days) could hide (p)Rick's gaffes on the dance floor.
11
The Trump supporters I am most familiar with are Northern Kentucky neighbors, "reality" fans who began by simply being thrilled that someone they've _heard of_ was running for President. They were further drawn to his outrageous Other-baiting statements like the passive "good kids" snickering when the class lout insults the strict teacher.
Ones I've encountered lately are more disconcerting: a suburban Catholic high school's 40-year reunion: polite, prosperous, college-educated couples with successful grown children, not wealthy but certainly economically secure, and colleagues of some Florida cousins, retired property developers.
Listening hard for a common theme, you don't hear fear of terror attacks, anger at job loss or gleefully muttered ethnic slurs.
What you hear are, 1. grumbling about taxes - payment of which has probably never kept a couple among them from a desired vacation, and 2. "But I just can't stomach Hillary." Wonder how many of the wives are quietly considering cancelling out their husband's vote?
To these last, I am tempted to wish four years of waking to Morning Edition and having to listen to Trump's snarling or braying delivery, and of finding out how heavily the comfort, convenience and security of their own existence is reliant on the "Wall Street status quo."
Ones I've encountered lately are more disconcerting: a suburban Catholic high school's 40-year reunion: polite, prosperous, college-educated couples with successful grown children, not wealthy but certainly economically secure, and colleagues of some Florida cousins, retired property developers.
Listening hard for a common theme, you don't hear fear of terror attacks, anger at job loss or gleefully muttered ethnic slurs.
What you hear are, 1. grumbling about taxes - payment of which has probably never kept a couple among them from a desired vacation, and 2. "But I just can't stomach Hillary." Wonder how many of the wives are quietly considering cancelling out their husband's vote?
To these last, I am tempted to wish four years of waking to Morning Edition and having to listen to Trump's snarling or braying delivery, and of finding out how heavily the comfort, convenience and security of their own existence is reliant on the "Wall Street status quo."
21
It's all fun and games until you see our election as one big KGB (or GSB or whatever Russian Security is calling itself today) operation; then it's not so funny. If it feels like this entire election, and our politics in general, is like being in a holding cell, in the middle of a white room, with bright lights on 24 hours a day with Vietnamese string music being played at maximum volume, than your not far off. They're both designed to separate your mind from orderly and rational thinking and then imprint a preposterous notion such as "I'm guilty of whatever you say" or "Congress is a horrible institution but my congressman is really good," or "Donald Trump is just the man to lead this country." We may never know the extent to which we are being played with by those that understand the levers of the "information age" unless and until we honor our truth tellers (such as Edward Snowden) and rise in outrage and act when we are shown behind the curtain.
10
We always knew that reality television competitions were mindless entertainment, but we always comforted ourselves by knowing they were harmless. Watching was a guilty pleasure – like binging on pizza.
After Donald Trump, of course, we know these reality TV contests are anything but harmless. And that is true even without the pizza.
It is not so much the harm Trump has done to our country just trying to win an election, which we can only hope never happens. It’s what he already has done to reality TV competitions involving people who were once celebrities.
“Dancing With the Stars” used to attract former professional athletes who actually were once big stars, like the NFL’s Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith. Now, former politicians who once were bad jokes, like Tom DeLay and Rick Perry show up.
If the show stays on for many, many more seasons, former Illinois governor, Rod Blagojevich, will be out of prison and ready to dance. Before going to prison, the disgraced Blagojevich competed on “The Celebrity Apprentice” and was lavishly praised by Donald Trump. Surprise, surprise.
After Donald Trump, of course, we know these reality TV contests are anything but harmless. And that is true even without the pizza.
It is not so much the harm Trump has done to our country just trying to win an election, which we can only hope never happens. It’s what he already has done to reality TV competitions involving people who were once celebrities.
“Dancing With the Stars” used to attract former professional athletes who actually were once big stars, like the NFL’s Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith. Now, former politicians who once were bad jokes, like Tom DeLay and Rick Perry show up.
If the show stays on for many, many more seasons, former Illinois governor, Rod Blagojevich, will be out of prison and ready to dance. Before going to prison, the disgraced Blagojevich competed on “The Celebrity Apprentice” and was lavishly praised by Donald Trump. Surprise, surprise.
8
Any thoughts on why these GOP has-beens are given the free publicity?
We had paid abstinence-promoting serial teen mom Palin, and proven fraud and strong-arm man Delay, now dim-bulb glasses holder Perry.
Whom, exactly, on that network, or in that production company, is a straight shill for the GOP? Someone...or everyone.
These are still public airwaves, people. Worth remembering that absolutely none of the Right Wing Media Machine would even be allowed on the air under the Fairness Doctrine.
Precisely none of what we're going through as a country would have been possible without Saint Ronnie ensuring that the Right Wing could lie as much as it wanted.
I'd accept an actually Christian nation over this bag of snakes.
We had paid abstinence-promoting serial teen mom Palin, and proven fraud and strong-arm man Delay, now dim-bulb glasses holder Perry.
Whom, exactly, on that network, or in that production company, is a straight shill for the GOP? Someone...or everyone.
These are still public airwaves, people. Worth remembering that absolutely none of the Right Wing Media Machine would even be allowed on the air under the Fairness Doctrine.
Precisely none of what we're going through as a country would have been possible without Saint Ronnie ensuring that the Right Wing could lie as much as it wanted.
I'd accept an actually Christian nation over this bag of snakes.
9
For post-election TV cavorting,
Who’ll do Donald’s disco consorting?
Kellyanne with white flag?
No, Giuliani in drag.
As payment for all his proxy contorting,
Who’ll do Donald’s disco consorting?
Kellyanne with white flag?
No, Giuliani in drag.
As payment for all his proxy contorting,
20
Former Gov. Perry's move into reality TV is good commentary on his Governorship. My takeaway is simply: Bleahhhhh.
11
This editorial made me feel like I was on "Joshing With The Columnists" until Ireached the boiled Otter competition and laughed myself back to reality.
Not to weasel ott of things but, Reality is a scary thing these days. I was way ahead in a chess match last night and began thinking about my next foe. I lost my concentration and lost.
HRC has some health issues. Let's not dance around the issue, Trump can win. To my mind, every mammal on planet Earth, aquatic or not is in trouble.
Reality is scary thing, let's not lose focus and lose!
Not to weasel ott of things but, Reality is a scary thing these days. I was way ahead in a chess match last night and began thinking about my next foe. I lost my concentration and lost.
HRC has some health issues. Let's not dance around the issue, Trump can win. To my mind, every mammal on planet Earth, aquatic or not is in trouble.
Reality is scary thing, let's not lose focus and lose!
103
pneumonia is a health issue?
2
One has to ask, is this what our great national experiment has come to? Is this why all those people died in all those conflicts and wars? Is this why we educate our youth? Is this why we carved a nation out of the wilderness? Is this why we created the founding documents, the checks and balances of a mighty country? Is this why we built the infrastructure of a giant industrial nation? Is this why we fought for equal, civil and human rights? Is this the culmination of our heritage, both proud and shameful, that we should be on the brink of electing a carnival barker as our commander in chief? Seems like a perfect waste of time to me.
I pray that after November 8, Trump will be eligible to be a contestant on the show instead of the next occupant of the White House.
24
At last a bit of poetry from the readership, from Senor Eisenberg. Could it be that the failed candidates from Gail's column might take up poetry as their way to get back into the political game? Which reminds of the ancient Roman Senator who was strolling through the Forum when Rome was in its heyday, when everybody was making money, even the poets. His complaint was that he couldn't walk through the Forum any more without some fashionably dressed poet coming up to his face and orating. I don't know if Senor Eisenberg is fashionable, but I like his literary style.
4
Gail, wouldn't it be a kick to arrange a Tango competition between President O. and The Donald given the POTUS's demonstrated dancing skills during his Argentina junket?
13
All kidding aside, the dim-witted Rick Perry has a bright financial future as a board member of right-wing dominated energy companies, etc.
What a shame. It still leaves plenty of time for dancing and other pursuits.
What a shame. It still leaves plenty of time for dancing and other pursuits.
12
Seemingly no end is in sight for the ever increasing velocity of our country's steep political dive that is now on display for all the world to see. Not very long ago, Americans would proudly reference our system of government, our Constitution, and our elected officials as paragons of human virtue... extraordinary people whose public service was exemplary and meritorious. I was in high school during the Kennedy years, and shortly thereafter, began teaching and regularly had my students read, "Profiles in Courage"... our politicians' political pandering on national TV would be unthinkable just a few decades ago.
120
"Not very long ago, Americans would proudly reference our system of government, our Constitution, and our elected officials as paragons of human virtue... extraordinary people whose public service was exemplary and meritorious."
All that went out the window with the election of Barack Obama as president. Something snapped, and not in a good way. The dog-whistles began to evolve into what are now train-whistles. Pandora's Box was finally ripped open, and out pops . . . Trump.
Someone lamented yesterday that (and I'll paraphrase) "it's said we get the government we deserve -- what did we do to deserve Trump?". I struggled with the answer to that yesterday, and I'm still struggling.
Anyway, as far as Ms Collins' piece is concerned, I thought the most glorious instance was finding "Trump" and "Oz" in the same sentence. Yes, it was "Dr." (the quotation marks are for the purposes of sarcasm) Oz, but it still works. We aren't in Kansas anymore, and based upon what Brownback has done to that state, I'm sure a lot of people wish they weren't there either.
All that went out the window with the election of Barack Obama as president. Something snapped, and not in a good way. The dog-whistles began to evolve into what are now train-whistles. Pandora's Box was finally ripped open, and out pops . . . Trump.
Someone lamented yesterday that (and I'll paraphrase) "it's said we get the government we deserve -- what did we do to deserve Trump?". I struggled with the answer to that yesterday, and I'm still struggling.
Anyway, as far as Ms Collins' piece is concerned, I thought the most glorious instance was finding "Trump" and "Oz" in the same sentence. Yes, it was "Dr." (the quotation marks are for the purposes of sarcasm) Oz, but it still works. We aren't in Kansas anymore, and based upon what Brownback has done to that state, I'm sure a lot of people wish they weren't there either.
5
Go laugh, but doing The Apprentice probably was good training for the natively-undisciplined Donald. It was a routinized setting for him to help guide, study and model leadership of marketing-type projects, even though simulated, in transparent ways. Hillary should have been so lucky as to have had a gig forcing her to expose her intimate thinking and decision-making processes. In the end, this race may come down to their respective capacities for nakedly toeing the circus highwire. Like him or not, Donald's pretty good at that, Hillary less so.
1
One would have thought that former Texas A&M guy cheerleader Oops Perry would have been good on his feet.
Failed casino operator, fake University grifter, subcontractor robbing, quadruple bankruptee, Trump, we know had such bad feet he was exempted from the draft.
Failed casino operator, fake University grifter, subcontractor robbing, quadruple bankruptee, Trump, we know had such bad feet he was exempted from the draft.
41
I have a much better choice as to who should strut his stuff on Dancing with the Stars-- disgraced former Congressman Anthony Weiner. No one needs redemption more than Anthony Weiner in light of his recent sexting faux pas involving his young son who he calls his "chick magnet." Donald Trump may be moving into a new house next year as he gets used a brand new job so I take it he'll be sort of busy. Since Weiner already loves showing off his toned body he'd look great on he dance floor in those sequined shirts for Latin numbers. Besides Weiner has nothing better to do these days and he desperately needs to make convincing a come back to redeem himself once again.
6
.
.
Gail, Donald J. Trump cannot do the tango. He is, in fact, anti-tango.
The tango is danced by South Americans. Some of them are from Uruguay. What's up with Uruguay? Trump considers their passports to be fraudulent, like Barack Obama's. A President Trump would presume that anyone claiming to have been born in Uruguay was, in fact, born in Paraguay. That is, until they produce a birth certificate acceptable to everyone with a modem.
These people are coming into our country bringing drugs, bringing crime. We must build a wall and make Uruguay pay for it!
In a Trump Administration, there will be a complete ban on tango-dancers entering the United States -- until we can find out what the heck is going on!!
But professional poker? That sounds good. Richard Nixon made a lot of money playing poker during World War II. Trump could do the same. He'll take money from the Trump Foundation, buy poker chips with it, and keep the money for himself when he cashes in. He's a dealmaker!
.
Gail, Donald J. Trump cannot do the tango. He is, in fact, anti-tango.
The tango is danced by South Americans. Some of them are from Uruguay. What's up with Uruguay? Trump considers their passports to be fraudulent, like Barack Obama's. A President Trump would presume that anyone claiming to have been born in Uruguay was, in fact, born in Paraguay. That is, until they produce a birth certificate acceptable to everyone with a modem.
These people are coming into our country bringing drugs, bringing crime. We must build a wall and make Uruguay pay for it!
In a Trump Administration, there will be a complete ban on tango-dancers entering the United States -- until we can find out what the heck is going on!!
But professional poker? That sounds good. Richard Nixon made a lot of money playing poker during World War II. Trump could do the same. He'll take money from the Trump Foundation, buy poker chips with it, and keep the money for himself when he cashes in. He's a dealmaker!
14
Out here in California we've seen this act before - a career politician and technocrat by the name of Gray Davis - skillfully ousted from the office of Governor to make way for Arnold Schwarzenegger. Those eight years of celebrity turned politician were disastrous for our state - so I am confident I know how a Trump presidency would turn out. So I can only hope that Trump will be soundly defeated and that I can just change the channel when his season of Dances With Stars airs.
206
Remember that D. Issa financed and led the campaign to oust Gray Davis. I hope Issa loses in Nov.
2
The 2020 Republican reality TV nominee is ready to lead Republistan to Presidential electoral glory once again.
Duck Dynasty family patriarch Phil Robertson - the spiritual soul of America's Hillbilly Nation - is the creator of the Duck Commander duck call, a valuable instrument utilized by American patriots nationwide to lure and slaughter ducks with his own product line of assault weapons.
Phil - 'a real American' - dislikes modern technology (except for modern guns), and calls himself "a low-tech man in a high-tech world", something every Confederate can heartfully appreciate.
In each Duck Dynasty episode, the family is shown at the family dining table with Phil praying to his Lord and Savior over the meal.
Robertson has already demonstrated social and civil rights leadership.
When a GQ reporter asked him "What, in your mind, is sinful?", Robertson answered: "Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men."
The man is a natural born reality TV leader who can lead radical, right-wing, religious Republican America to greatness with a wholesome platform of God, Guns and Gays solving the infrastructure, educational, health care, technology, diplomatic and economic challenges of our time.
"Do you know what makes me happy ladies and gentlemen? To blow a mallard drake’s head smooth off,” Robertson says in one of his gun ads.
Make Reality TV The GOP Nominee in 2020 Again
Duck Dynasty family patriarch Phil Robertson - the spiritual soul of America's Hillbilly Nation - is the creator of the Duck Commander duck call, a valuable instrument utilized by American patriots nationwide to lure and slaughter ducks with his own product line of assault weapons.
Phil - 'a real American' - dislikes modern technology (except for modern guns), and calls himself "a low-tech man in a high-tech world", something every Confederate can heartfully appreciate.
In each Duck Dynasty episode, the family is shown at the family dining table with Phil praying to his Lord and Savior over the meal.
Robertson has already demonstrated social and civil rights leadership.
When a GQ reporter asked him "What, in your mind, is sinful?", Robertson answered: "Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men."
The man is a natural born reality TV leader who can lead radical, right-wing, religious Republican America to greatness with a wholesome platform of God, Guns and Gays solving the infrastructure, educational, health care, technology, diplomatic and economic challenges of our time.
"Do you know what makes me happy ladies and gentlemen? To blow a mallard drake’s head smooth off,” Robertson says in one of his gun ads.
Make Reality TV The GOP Nominee in 2020 Again
204
And every episode of the show receives a $415K tax break from the State of Louisiana.
3
Sorry, we have no frame of reference for the shows mentioned in the column since we don't watch them (or much television at all). CSPAN is most often the programs we watch to see what politicians are really doing to the public rather than the reports in the media. Real life is more than enough reality for us.
107
There's that nose in the air elitism that drives people to Trump. Like it or not, more people are influenced by the thoughts of Kim Kardashian than Elizabeth Warren (who I adore). To win the White House it would do Hillary some good to watch American Gladiators and WWE Smackdown so she win the first debate in the eyes of the people who are going to decide this election.
Today's reality emanates from fiction. Don't ever forget that.
Today's reality emanates from fiction. Don't ever forget that.
3
Same here. I certainly don't fault anyone who watches "Dancing with the Stars," but I've never seen it. I suspect that's true of most people who read this column.
6
And yet you're here, right smack in the media. It must be difficult to be that superior and still have to resort to reading an east coast rag, such as the NY Times.
1
Though I never watched it, I understand that the favorite line of Trump's "The Apprentice" was:
"You're fired!"
I don't know about you, but it gives me goosebumps just thinking that he could be our next President!
"You're fired!"
I don't know about you, but it gives me goosebumps just thinking that he could be our next President!
90
Yeah, it's kinda thrilling, ain't it? goosebumps all over the place.
1
I wake up shaken, disturbed and in a cold sweat from the nightmare prospect of a President Trump.
Best not to mope about it -- much better to go out and vote and to ensure those who also see this similarly go and do the same.
Trump has his media megaphone but we do have the numbers needed, but only if we do our job and make sure he doesn't get hired
Best not to mope about it -- much better to go out and vote and to ensure those who also see this similarly go and do the same.
Trump has his media megaphone but we do have the numbers needed, but only if we do our job and make sure he doesn't get hired
4
I usually try respond to humor with humor, or at least with a bad pun. A column that raises concerns about Trump’s threat to a woman’s right to choose gets a satirical response to express contempt at such a charge – such as an Emily Litella riff on a “a woman’s right to shoes”; or the claim that Trump won’t be Tangoing because this week he’s channeling Cash.
But this time I’ll go the other way: Dems may find themselves losing this time out for the profound contempt they express so regularly about regular Americans. It starts with Mrs. Clinton, of course, and the contempt she holds for her own “47%”, whom she branded Trump’s “basket of deplorables” and Dan Henninger, over at the WSJ, calls her “Déplorables” in HIS column appearing today. Gail clearly is operating in Clinton absentia in order to keep that contempt alive and festering.
When you insistently support a universal franchise in order to exploit the most manipulable among us for progressive ends, you shouldn’t be surprised that the other side eventually develops the skill to manipulate them more adroitly – but Democrats ALWAYS find contempt for a practice they invented when their adversaries deploy it more successfully. Just look at gerrymandering. (Oops, I was trying to avoid that.)
Democrats have become the party of contempt for regular people and of sour grapes.
And Trump just keeps chugging along, firing people, tying polls, and break-dancing while his opponent “recovers”, leaving Gail to defend that contempt.
But this time I’ll go the other way: Dems may find themselves losing this time out for the profound contempt they express so regularly about regular Americans. It starts with Mrs. Clinton, of course, and the contempt she holds for her own “47%”, whom she branded Trump’s “basket of deplorables” and Dan Henninger, over at the WSJ, calls her “Déplorables” in HIS column appearing today. Gail clearly is operating in Clinton absentia in order to keep that contempt alive and festering.
When you insistently support a universal franchise in order to exploit the most manipulable among us for progressive ends, you shouldn’t be surprised that the other side eventually develops the skill to manipulate them more adroitly – but Democrats ALWAYS find contempt for a practice they invented when their adversaries deploy it more successfully. Just look at gerrymandering. (Oops, I was trying to avoid that.)
Democrats have become the party of contempt for regular people and of sour grapes.
And Trump just keeps chugging along, firing people, tying polls, and break-dancing while his opponent “recovers”, leaving Gail to defend that contempt.
32
Actually Hillary was referring to you RL. Your devotion to the politics of the neolithic is a perfect example of what she was talking about.
423
"I usually try respond to humor with humor...."
Examples?
Examples?
184
No, we just have contempt for elitist, cynical, selfish people like yourself, Rick, born on second base who thinks he hit a double, so profoundly concerned with rolling back the New Deal and who fervently desires to make things as they were a century and a half ago.
Lenin was right about at least one thing: you would gladly sell the rope to hang yourself with if you could make an obscene profit doing so.
Lenin was right about at least one thing: you would gladly sell the rope to hang yourself with if you could make an obscene profit doing so.
245
The Donald, alas, had bad feet
So dancing could not be his meat,
Two tootsies, what's more
That kept him from War,
And left him with billions replete.
The sacrifices that he made
To give up heroics for trade,
He cannot now prattle
How he led in Battle
Which he tried so hard to evade.
So dancing could not be his meat,
Two tootsies, what's more
That kept him from War,
And left him with billions replete.
The sacrifices that he made
To give up heroics for trade,
He cannot now prattle
How he led in Battle
Which he tried so hard to evade.
614
Mr. Eisenberg, another feat on your part, and thank you for a wonderful smile!
16
Larry, Thank you for reminding us about the "bad" spurs on his feet that kept him out of being drafted. I guess they left that out of his medical history. What else is he hiding? And, where are his tax returns?
8