As I go about my daily life, there is very little mention of trump. My family and I occasionally mention him - we can't stand him; see him for what he is; and are not at all surprised his tactics work.
However, I find myself wondering. Wondering if that smiling waitress is one of "them". The guy in the cubicle next to mine. My coworker I chat with daily. The nice bartender that knows how to make my martini the way I like it. My boss. My bosses, boss. The lady I see every morning and ride the elevator with. My next door neighbor.
Who are you? Why do you support this crank? Why do you think the way you do? I don't hear from you. Should I feel relieved? Are you wearing a mask? Can I trust you?
However, I find myself wondering. Wondering if that smiling waitress is one of "them". The guy in the cubicle next to mine. My coworker I chat with daily. The nice bartender that knows how to make my martini the way I like it. My boss. My bosses, boss. The lady I see every morning and ride the elevator with. My next door neighbor.
Who are you? Why do you support this crank? Why do you think the way you do? I don't hear from you. Should I feel relieved? Are you wearing a mask? Can I trust you?
245
"Yet, according to the polls, Hillary Clinton’s biggest problem is that the public thinks she’s dishonest. Amazing."
We can thank the press, especially the New York Times, for that.
We can thank the press, especially the New York Times, for that.
228
Dear Media,
You've been had.
Love,
Us
You've been had.
Love,
Us
182
The press has had a field day with him, if elected it will be a nightmare.
44
As a child he learned to be provocative, what do you do with a kid like this? He may be dyslexic, he has the temperament and fits of rage and frustration that sometimes is typical - I imagine he drove parents and teachers nuts - send him to military school to straighten him out!
42
Dear Ms. Collins,
Please try to explain how he can get away with it? Is it possible that the most important part of a campaign is to get on the front page of the newspapers and of 24 hour TV?
Please try to explain how he can get away with it? Is it possible that the most important part of a campaign is to get on the front page of the newspapers and of 24 hour TV?
66
I can think of no other person who is a bigger victim that Donald Trump. It's never him, it's always someone else. How pathetic for anyone to even consider voting for this garbage.
146
So I detect exasperation and fear in Gail's column today - with Trump rising in the polls as background. Maybe Gail will now stop her snide, incessant negative Hillary commentary and realize that she's been knocking down the wrong candidate.
93
Listened to Fresh Air about Forsythe GA. Two teenage black men where tried in a closed trial of 1 day and were hanged in a county fair type atmosphere. 5K people came to watch and cheer. This was around 1912. How can people be like this? We are seeing how now with Trump's supporters. THey would be there cheering and having a party when 2 young (black, muslim, mexican) men will lose their lives with no justice given to them.
79
The only access Trump gives is to a media which seems to cower more than Trump did in Flint when he was admonished to stay away from the Hillary bashing. What gives here? We the people have no access to the candidates. Since November 22nd of "63 I understand why that has to be. It was on that day I, or anyone old enough to recall shall ever forget, this country lost its innocence.
What we must do is rely on the press, the few journalists of integrity, wherever they may be, to act as our surrogates. To do their jobs diligently, to be our voice. But what do they do instead? Well one network, FOX "News", can be eliminated from providing anything of what remotely might be considered probing journalism. And then there's stooges like Matt Lauer, whose credentials as host of "Today" are enough to qualify him to question presidential candidates for a half hour each on network television.
To top off this outrage, we get to watch NBC's fawning cheerleader to every guest he has on his show, Jimmy Fallon, forcing fake guffaws at the hilarious to him Trump. Fallon, the ultimate court jester cops a plea he's just an entertainer. True, so Trump gets the same treatment as all the others. Ooh, let me touch your hair! Giggles.
If this is what the media thinks of us, as a bunch of childish nincompoops, maybe we do deserve scum like Trump. Maybe we do deserve a good swift lesson in what happens when a nation embraces a madman. You get madness. Be forewarned.
DD
Manhattan
What we must do is rely on the press, the few journalists of integrity, wherever they may be, to act as our surrogates. To do their jobs diligently, to be our voice. But what do they do instead? Well one network, FOX "News", can be eliminated from providing anything of what remotely might be considered probing journalism. And then there's stooges like Matt Lauer, whose credentials as host of "Today" are enough to qualify him to question presidential candidates for a half hour each on network television.
To top off this outrage, we get to watch NBC's fawning cheerleader to every guest he has on his show, Jimmy Fallon, forcing fake guffaws at the hilarious to him Trump. Fallon, the ultimate court jester cops a plea he's just an entertainer. True, so Trump gets the same treatment as all the others. Ooh, let me touch your hair! Giggles.
If this is what the media thinks of us, as a bunch of childish nincompoops, maybe we do deserve scum like Trump. Maybe we do deserve a good swift lesson in what happens when a nation embraces a madman. You get madness. Be forewarned.
DD
Manhattan
107
It's too late. Too little too late. It's taken how many years for the timid, greedy media to begin to us the L word about the big fat liar Trump? And today it warrants an editorial, an op-ed, and front page coverage in the NY Times when it is about nothing of any substance. What happened to the Fourth Estate?
78
"Yet, according to the polls, Hillary Clinton’s biggest problem is that the public thinks she’s dishonest. Amazing."
Your colleagues in the press have played no small part in that. They must be proud.
Your colleagues in the press have played no small part in that. They must be proud.
171
Mr Trump has again threatened Clinton. We need to take his comments as provocating. This a no longer a slip of the tongue. It's a threat to harm Ms Clinton. This is really scary and need to very scared.
88
Truth has m meaning to Trump and his fans. What counts is how he says anything he wants and not what he his saying, Facts are toys to be played with and then discarded when broken. Everything Trump accuses his opponents is something he is guilty of himself first[- weak, small, cheatin'', lyin', viicious, conniving, corrupt, etc,- which has been documented hundreds of times, but he always honors the Fourth Amendment by refusing to incriminate himself by apologizing, releasing his tax returns, and bragging/
If he wins, America and Americans deserve him.
If he wins, America and Americans deserve him.
36
Gail, your breezy, casual commentary on Trump's out and out lies enable his candidacy. The sheer volume of falsehoods coming from Trump may make it impossible to get righteously indignant about all or even one of them. But a rhetorical shrug-- i.e., that's what we expect from Trump-- mainstreams his demagoguery and aids and abets his campaign. Call him out or hold your fire. Don't entertain the reading public.
51
How did we get to this place, people?
My dentist, a friend, an intelligent, extremely engaging soul, for years whenever Obama came up in conversation, his first words were, “ He’s a Muslin, born in Kenya.”
Another example, at a recent public gathering, a youth sporting event, adults sitting around with children, a father asks a question, directed, I assume, to his son, but for all to hear: “Who’s the worst president in the history of the United States?”
The child replies, “Barak Obama,” and the adults in the vicinity applaud.
Finally, another friend, a government worker, a union member, when questioned, who are you voting for ? he answers: “Whoever is the Republican nominee.”
Why? He says, “I don’t want to pay for other peoples’ stuff.”
Gail, we’ve been “in this place” for a long time. That’s why when Senator Cruz agreed to speak at a gathering along with an extremist anti-gay pastor who advocated punishment of death for unrepentant gays , there was nothing but silence from GOP colleagues.
No, we’ve been “here” for a while. Trump just took the mask off. Strangely, as a staunch Dem, I was happy to see the mask gone. Perhaps now we can work on “things” for all of us. I hope so.
My dentist, a friend, an intelligent, extremely engaging soul, for years whenever Obama came up in conversation, his first words were, “ He’s a Muslin, born in Kenya.”
Another example, at a recent public gathering, a youth sporting event, adults sitting around with children, a father asks a question, directed, I assume, to his son, but for all to hear: “Who’s the worst president in the history of the United States?”
The child replies, “Barak Obama,” and the adults in the vicinity applaud.
Finally, another friend, a government worker, a union member, when questioned, who are you voting for ? he answers: “Whoever is the Republican nominee.”
Why? He says, “I don’t want to pay for other peoples’ stuff.”
Gail, we’ve been “in this place” for a long time. That’s why when Senator Cruz agreed to speak at a gathering along with an extremist anti-gay pastor who advocated punishment of death for unrepentant gays , there was nothing but silence from GOP colleagues.
No, we’ve been “here” for a while. Trump just took the mask off. Strangely, as a staunch Dem, I was happy to see the mask gone. Perhaps now we can work on “things” for all of us. I hope so.
156
Trump didn't "admit" as Gail says, that he was wrong about Obama's birthplace-- he stated another version of Obama's birthplace, as if he is the solo arbiter of what is true. Never once did he apologize or mention that he has changed his views. He simply emphatically stated a new reality. And then he told another lie, pinning the birther movement on his opponent's earlier campaign.
While the press is getting things straight, they need to recognize that Trump is not simply lying -- he is rewriting history - while the cameras of a "free press" roll.
While the press is getting things straight, they need to recognize that Trump is not simply lying -- he is rewriting history - while the cameras of a "free press" roll.
98
Trump is in the process of attempting the largest fraud in US history. He makes Bernie Madoff look like a Boy Scout by comparison. Of course, eventually Madoff did not get away with it, but if Trump gets into the White House, there won't be anyone left to hold him to account.
79
I am so tired, so weary and so wary...aren't we all. Those of us who read your column and respond to you--we are preaching to the choir. Voters have made up their minds and no matter how much we shout the truth from the mountain tops it will not change those who have dug in. Truth be told, we will know what America stands for on election night. I can only pray that Americans will come to their senses. If not, the truth is, we will slog on. I have decided not to stress out about this--because I am too tired and so weary of this insanity...
51
Most Trump supporters and Clinton haters don't care about the birther issue. They will be voting for "hope and change".
Most Clinton voters and Trump haters voted for a candidate that was ill prepared and with no accomplishments except voting "present" while in Ill. congress, in effect hiding his true beliefs, voting for "hope and change". Clinton is for "more of the same" ; Trump voters hoping for a change in our politically corrupt system, pols feeding at the gov't trough.
And talk about lies:
You can keep the Doctors you want, the insurance you want.
This will decrease your insurance payments.
This money is going to shovel and ready jobs.
P.S. No bankers jailed; countries destroyed, aided by Clinton.
Most Clinton voters and Trump haters voted for a candidate that was ill prepared and with no accomplishments except voting "present" while in Ill. congress, in effect hiding his true beliefs, voting for "hope and change". Clinton is for "more of the same" ; Trump voters hoping for a change in our politically corrupt system, pols feeding at the gov't trough.
And talk about lies:
You can keep the Doctors you want, the insurance you want.
This will decrease your insurance payments.
This money is going to shovel and ready jobs.
P.S. No bankers jailed; countries destroyed, aided by Clinton.
7
This is the chance for the news media to up its game. "In yet another total falsehood..." is just one introduction.. On his economics, "trump is going to make America great again but he hasn't gotten the plan from Putin yet.". "Trump gave a rally but the fact checkers are still trying to find something true." Or, Trump proposed today lowering his tax bill by 6.6% or several hundred thousand dollars. We don't know for sure because he won't release his tax returns." "Trump retweeted another tweet from a bigot but we refuse to print its false and hateful message." The news organizations need to stop being his mouthpiece and start editing his verbiage which he obviously cannot do!
36
I've long ago given up on having any expectation that Trump is even able to tell the truth. He is a chronic diseased liar. What I did have hope for was candidate Pence somehow bringing elements of veracity into this campaign. Instead, he gets up every day and apparently looks in the mirror and swallows hard, on to another round of supporting someone unashamedly and with a smirky smile. Be a man, Mike, and tell the world you can't do this anymore.
26
Any Medal of Honor winner who stands behind Trump should be deeply ashamed of themselves and of the disgrace they've brought to what that medal represents. Take it from an old grunt-- Trump, his retinue and his platform are a traitorous cause.
52
Reasonable reporters, columnists, and editors refuse to use the one word which accounts for Trump's campaign rhetoric: sociopathy, the combination of narcissism and sadism, which are his hallmarks of his speeches and tweets. The answer to his lies asserted, lied retracted, rephrasings, revisions, bobs-and weaves should be one word: sick. Sick Donald.
36
Deplorable, to say the least. But the blind, deaf and dumb followers of Trump won't change their minds. This is America, folks--the land of the free and the home of the gullible. Roll on the election so that we can send the cheeseball realtor back to where he came from.
20
18 months of this guy Trump and still nobody understands what's really going on. Get with it, all you pundits (and frustrated Dems). You're all fighting last years war.
The disaffected American electorate doesn't care at all about your analysis of Trump, his character, his comments or anything else except "give me something...anything (and I mean anything) different". This is what the American electorate does. 180 degrees in the other direction when they're fed up (Nixon to Carter, Carter to Reagan, Clinton to Bush 43).
So the American electorate speaks..."We'll suffer the consequences, whatever they may be, but I can't take it any more". Too bad they're misguided.
They should be focused on Congress because that's where the trouble lies. Changing a Prez is all well and good but if Congress stays the same it'll be the worst of both worlds.
The disaffected American electorate doesn't care at all about your analysis of Trump, his character, his comments or anything else except "give me something...anything (and I mean anything) different". This is what the American electorate does. 180 degrees in the other direction when they're fed up (Nixon to Carter, Carter to Reagan, Clinton to Bush 43).
So the American electorate speaks..."We'll suffer the consequences, whatever they may be, but I can't take it any more". Too bad they're misguided.
They should be focused on Congress because that's where the trouble lies. Changing a Prez is all well and good but if Congress stays the same it'll be the worst of both worlds.
31
The case 4 HRC is based on the need 2 continuing and strengthening what did work 4 the US as well as 4 a sane World Order.US's and its allies' interest is best served when the World is immunized from Wacko individual, Group (s) or Rogue States.Mr Trump kept saying that no 1 knows ISIS better than him and it will b finished when he is rewarded with the US presidency.But, the truth is come Jan 20 Not much of this loony group will b left,This thanks 2 deft coalition building (with unlikely parties) and showing them that their lasting interest is served with the eradication of such group and the Economical and precise use of US's Milit Techno + special Ops did that 2.Not only that the US + Russia's Diplos have worked closely summoning enough wisdom and showing the Iraqis + Syrians that their only salvation lies in finding a common Denom between various sects and ethnicities and make their Nation a somewhat livable domain.The inheritor of US pres need to push 4 the solidification of such +ve achievements of Pres O.'s Presidency but DT claims that he just experienced an Epiphany that convinced him about O.'s US citizenship.The US has the best Health System and Medical know how in the world and even in a 3rd world setting numerous continue to lead a pretty post- Pneumonia normal life.HRC is intellectually and manner wise highly well groomed that even beyond the Atlantic people want a conversation around them 2 stop when she appears on TV.With DT a nasty surprise will b common.TMD.
5
What's amazing is the media is not shouting from every post, "They are both monstrous liars. Don't believe a word either one says."
In an earlier opinion, the Times laid out the data. Hillary lies 50 percent of the time and is less than truthful another 22 percent of the time. Trump never only reaches some kind of truth (not all true) 28 percent of the time.
Sounds like a dead heat for the Liar of the Century award to me.
Better find someone you can trust before it's too late.
In an earlier opinion, the Times laid out the data. Hillary lies 50 percent of the time and is less than truthful another 22 percent of the time. Trump never only reaches some kind of truth (not all true) 28 percent of the time.
Sounds like a dead heat for the Liar of the Century award to me.
Better find someone you can trust before it's too late.
2
In mental health we have a word for people who can't determine what is reality between their own lies and delusions... It's called schizophrenia. Trump is pure pathology. That he's become a pied piper for all the delusional birthers out there shows how education has failed this nation in so many ways... And public health... These people need psychiatric assistance!!
37
The fact that Trump is a still a contender for President is proof that a lot Americans are saps.
45
Too little, too late. Except that this keeps him on the front page. Really, who thinks it matters now apart from reinforcing our knowledge of Trump as the con artists he is.
32
Trumps followers don't care. They just want someone who will bash all their enemies, blacks, Hispanics, Muslims, liberals, smart or tough women, people who talk politically correct, people who are intellectual and who make them feel inferior, experts or scientists of any breed. They like their inattentive, ignorant and weak autocrat.
I fear for our republic!
I fear for our republic!
83
When a press conference is called and a candidate is to be lauded for telling the truth, to undo a lie he perpetrated, even as he wraps that truth in new lies, we are indeed in moral Purgatory.
60
I'm not at all frustrated that news increasingly begins by citing another total falsehood by Trump. My only frustration: why did it take so long?
42
I guess it is because he is wealthy that people don't just laugh in his face. But that's what he merits, and nothing more.
54
When is the press going to wake up and realize they are being played by a conman. The press invented Trump and now they have a duty to take him down before he takes America down!
29
The US has become the nation Edward Albee wrote about decades ago -- absurd and risibly a parody of itself.
Sorry to lose both Mr. Albee and the America we once longed would emerge as a beacon of hope.
Sorry to lose both Mr. Albee and the America we once longed would emerge as a beacon of hope.
6
A corollary to Parkinson's Law is: "The amount of time spent on an agenda item is inversely proportional to its importance". This can be applied here. Far more time is spent in the media on Hillary's emails than on Trumps pathological lying, misogyny, racism, ignorance of policies, etc, etc.
The problem is not Trump - it's the American voter. He or she is the product of poor schools, a culture of anti-intellectualism, and a media that provides only titillation. Compare the number of viewers of Fox, CNN, and MSNBC to those of CSPAN and PBS.
The media clearly want him to win because that will increase ratings. So get ready for a President Trump. Unfortunately, what's good for the media will definitely not be good for America.
The problem is not Trump - it's the American voter. He or she is the product of poor schools, a culture of anti-intellectualism, and a media that provides only titillation. Compare the number of viewers of Fox, CNN, and MSNBC to those of CSPAN and PBS.
The media clearly want him to win because that will increase ratings. So get ready for a President Trump. Unfortunately, what's good for the media will definitely not be good for America.
26
DT gets it that none of it matters. Powerful forces are adrift. His lies become facts and we don't know what the limits are. We know why after watching the last ten years or so. That's no mystery. The country is not going to be the same. We are witnessing a historic breakdown.
10
"Yet, according to the polls, Hillary Clinton’s biggest problem is that the public thinks she’s dishonest. Amazing." Clearly this isn't the real problem. Some people want to vote for Trump -- because they want to "shake things up" and don't understand the true danger Trump would pose to the US and the world order, are misogynistic, or would rather cling to white privilege even when they know they are making a deal with the devil. People in the second two groups can't state their reasons openly, so they have to justify their actions with ridiculous reasons like Clinton's dishonesty (compared to Trump?!?) or Bill Clinton's philandering (so it's worse to vote for the wife of a philanderer than a philanderer himself?!?).
23
Hmmm...it seems that all the media outlets are missing the point here. While Trump lies and the media reports those lies, Trump actually is saying nothing about what he's going to do when in office. Or, by chance when he actually says something like giving a tax cut to small business...in the next 15 minutes he reverses the tax cut.
I really wish the media would start looking at what Trump stands for (if they can find it) and report that rather than the constant random vitriol and babble that comes from his mouth.
I really wish the media would start looking at what Trump stands for (if they can find it) and report that rather than the constant random vitriol and babble that comes from his mouth.
17
At the present moment, I'm terrified that he will win. Don't wake me up when it's over. I'm under the bed.
22
I read this latest Trump lie was a "breaking news" story on some channels. It is time for media companies to consider what is news and what is an ad for Trump properties. No more phony "news conferences". Stop the 24/7 coverage of Trump and make him actually earn it or pay for it. And start holding his "surrogates" accountable. Fill all those empty hours with some real discussions of Republican policies v Democratic policies. Have some Senate and House candidates on.
29
Yet, the psychotic fabulist continues his march to the winners circle. Trump needs a good psychiatrist, as well as anyone who supports him. Period, as Trump would say.
19
Perhaps the creepiest most dishonest man in the United States. And "he's doing well in the polls." Now I finally understand what "American Exceptionalism" really means.
23
So what will the press do, shrug it's pathetic shoulders and move on open mouthed and credulous to the next attention grabbing, click baiting, band width hogging extended lie?
The media have much to answer for in this dangerous but absurd election cycle. Trump has been playing them for fools the whole time and they either can't or refuse to catch on.
Where is responsible journalism. It can't all be about ratings, subscriptions and access can it?
Duh, it is, isn't it?
The media have much to answer for in this dangerous but absurd election cycle. Trump has been playing them for fools the whole time and they either can't or refuse to catch on.
Where is responsible journalism. It can't all be about ratings, subscriptions and access can it?
Duh, it is, isn't it?
28
Every single day this nightmare candidate's face and latest falsehoods are at the top of every news lead. I am sick from it. He is getting more attention than he ever dreamed possible and the impact of this on many is that he is not only a complete horror but somehow "inevitable." Why don't his connections to Russian oligarchs make him ineligible as a candidate for the presidency? Why don't his outright suggestions for violence against his opponent disqualify him and land him in jail? He is self-profiting and draining the country of every ounce of credibility it ever had.
32
My Golden Retriever is more qualified for the presidency than Trump on his best day. The word no one seems to be using to describe him (Trump, not my Golden Retriever) is 'stupid." In a country not so bedazzled & bamboozled by wealth and celebrity, Trump wouldn't have made it past the 3rd grade without somebody gluing his locker shut and stealing his lunch money. It is time to hire the Russian hackers (we apparently don't have any in this country) to hack his transcripts from his private schools and U of Penn. Is there any doubt his parents' wealth quite literally bought any degrees he may have 'earned?'
14
The only thing left now is to expect Trump to "shoot somebody on Fifth Avenue," with absolutely no repercussions--except an uptick in the polls.
11
Too little, too late. As comment after comment on here is angrily stating, if the NYT and the rest of the news media had been doing its job the past year, instead of selling its professional soul for advertising revenue and audience ratings, we never would have been in this nightmare scenario of having a blatantly unqualified person with his finger poised on the nuclear button.
For over a year now, we have been crying out about the media's double standard on Clinton and Trump coverage, their obsession with "balance", not truth, and the aggravating parade of moral "false equivalences".
It took yesterday's debacle for the media and the pundit class to finally wake up from their dogmatic slumbers. Let's hope it's not too late to prevent the American Nightmare from coming true.
For over a year now, we have been crying out about the media's double standard on Clinton and Trump coverage, their obsession with "balance", not truth, and the aggravating parade of moral "false equivalences".
It took yesterday's debacle for the media and the pundit class to finally wake up from their dogmatic slumbers. Let's hope it's not too late to prevent the American Nightmare from coming true.
34
I know it is frustrating, but most of the country, including many on the left, do not trust HRC, and for good reason.
Colin Powell said it best: "everything she touches gets sort of ruined by hubris"
The presidency included.
Instead of being amazed that no one trusts the Clintons, you can try, finally, to understand that she just isn't likable.
If those of us on the left don't trust or like her, how is anyone on the right ever going to vote for her or work with her in government?
Especially after she called them deplorable.
This whole rot stinks.
Sanders/warren would have been a lot better for the country, Gail.
Colin Powell said it best: "everything she touches gets sort of ruined by hubris"
The presidency included.
Instead of being amazed that no one trusts the Clintons, you can try, finally, to understand that she just isn't likable.
If those of us on the left don't trust or like her, how is anyone on the right ever going to vote for her or work with her in government?
Especially after she called them deplorable.
This whole rot stinks.
Sanders/warren would have been a lot better for the country, Gail.
10
Most of Trump's supporters are convinced that all politicians lie all of the time. The fact that so many of Trump's lies are blatantly obvious seems to them (gag!) "refreshingly honest."
9
In a comment I said "I think it we have a case of the press underestimating the voters" when I should have said "overestimated", making the comment nonsensical, but I can't edit the comment.
4
Donald Trump will say anything at all if it gets him what he wants. This has been a pattern with him in his business dealings, and now in politics. He may have absolutely no intention of sticking with it later, or doing whatever he agreed upon, and may or may not actually believe it himself. It's just whatever works to get his way out of people.
7
President Obama was born in the state of Hawaii of an American mother.
Either of those things would qualify him to be an American citizen.
Enough of the lying blowhard Donald Trump.
As for me I am "Trumped-out."
Either of those things would qualify him to be an American citizen.
Enough of the lying blowhard Donald Trump.
As for me I am "Trumped-out."
14
I'm not sure why the press bothers to report on Trump as he seems impervious to the truth. The latest whopper is that he has ended the Birther garbage he tended like a hothouse full of Orchids. Thanks to dumb Donald there is now an end to the viscious rumor started by Hillary? What? It's just too much to take anymore. Somwhere in Manhattan they have lost their village idiot.
16
Gail you conveniently forgot to mention " birther" movement started by Hillary surrogates in 08. That is not a lie and has not been debunked by "fact checkers". Secondly, do we not have more issues to discuss on whether Mr Trump now thinks President Obama was indeed born in the US? Lastly, insinuating Mr Trump is indifferent to plight of black Americans is ridiculous. He has hired hundreds and is for school of choice. Hillary?
6
If the public thinks Hillary is dishonest, the media has a LOT to do with that. For months now, every single story includes the issue of dishonesty. Every single one has to raise it. And the emails. And the "likability." Now that some of the media has grasped that you have been played by TRump, there's an uptick in complete coverage of Trump. Had the media done that many months ago, instead of behaving like he were catnip, we might not be in this situation. My respect for the media's own credibility has plummeted. It's a little late in the day to wake up & smell the coffee, but maybe real coverage will save the day.
24
There is no basis for asserting that the challenges to President Obama’s eligibility for office were racist.
Challenges to presidential candidates’ eligibility always arise whenever the circumstances of their birth are out of the ordinary. Democrats challenged Republican Chester A. Author’s eligibility, asserting that he had been born in Canada instead of Vermont. Democrats also challenged Republican candidate Barry Goldwater, George Romney and John McCain’s eligibility, based on the circumstances of their birth. Most recently, Republican Ted Cruz eligibility was challenged because he was born in Canada. All these candidates were white. We should stop the challenges by amending the eligibility clause to make any U.S. citizen eligible to run for presidency regardless of their place of birth.
Challenges to presidential candidates’ eligibility always arise whenever the circumstances of their birth are out of the ordinary. Democrats challenged Republican Chester A. Author’s eligibility, asserting that he had been born in Canada instead of Vermont. Democrats also challenged Republican candidate Barry Goldwater, George Romney and John McCain’s eligibility, based on the circumstances of their birth. Most recently, Republican Ted Cruz eligibility was challenged because he was born in Canada. All these candidates were white. We should stop the challenges by amending the eligibility clause to make any U.S. citizen eligible to run for presidency regardless of their place of birth.
6
One focus from now until election day has got to be: Demonstrating Hillary Clinton's trustworthiness while proving that Trump lies every day!
Another emphasis should be: We don't want a president who engages in brainwashing, declaring "crooked Hillary" thousands of times.
And by all means the media has got to demand that Trump show his income tax report or no media coverage.---------He won't be able to stand not being headline 24/7.
Thanks, NYT, for stepping up during these crucial days! Sure hope that truth is finally getting the upper hand in this unprecedented presidential campaign which has been only a farce until now.
Another emphasis should be: We don't want a president who engages in brainwashing, declaring "crooked Hillary" thousands of times.
And by all means the media has got to demand that Trump show his income tax report or no media coverage.---------He won't be able to stand not being headline 24/7.
Thanks, NYT, for stepping up during these crucial days! Sure hope that truth is finally getting the upper hand in this unprecedented presidential campaign which has been only a farce until now.
10
The Trump phenomenon is jut the visible part of a much bigger problem. His support is due to the simple fact that media is controlled by big money, be it advertisers or owners. And that is Republicanism and is self perpetuating. It won't change until the public realize and care how easily they are being duped. Yes, you can fool most of the people most of the time, and Trump is what you get.
12
Trump is a grifter and a liar. Those who support him are fools who lie to themselves, or liars who pray on such fools.
We can only hope and pray that these deplorable people do not constitute a majority of voters in key states come November 8th.
We can only hope and pray that these deplorable people do not constitute a majority of voters in key states come November 8th.
22
The Democratic party is so ugly, so nasty, so intolerant of opposing views it is sickening. The opinion section is now nothing but hate speech spewed by idiots.
You all are pretty dense as well not to see what is going on. You are being played, quite expertly. Look at Hillary. All she does is trash talk; meanwhile, Trump has become the leader in discussing real issues. Pretty amusing to watch Hillary's chances slip away.
You all are pretty dense as well not to see what is going on. You are being played, quite expertly. Look at Hillary. All she does is trash talk; meanwhile, Trump has become the leader in discussing real issues. Pretty amusing to watch Hillary's chances slip away.
11
Trump learned his tactics from his great friend Roy Cohn, who honed his skills working for Joseph McCarthy. When in doubt, lie. When caught in a lie, double down. Whenever and for whatever reason, even if only to stay in practice, lie. Lying comes more naturally to Trump than breathing. When Death comes to collect him, Trump will tell him "I'm not him, you've got the wrong person."
And, yes, Ms. Collins, it is amazing that a higher percentage of the population think Hillary is dishonest. But here's the thing: Hillary is not a natural politician, by her own admission. When she fudges the truth, she has her Sunday School teacher in the back of her head (what we might quaintly call "conscience"), and she becomes uncomfortable. The public senses that discomfort, and it makes them uncomfortable--they know she's not being completely honest with them. However, Trump gives off absolutely no negative vibes when he lies. Quite the contrary: he can tell the greatest lies you've ever heard, without even the slightest relationship to reality (see: Obama, birther), and sound more authentic than Martin Luther King giving his "I have a Dream" speech. Such is the gift of the true sociopath.
And, yes, Ms. Collins, it is amazing that a higher percentage of the population think Hillary is dishonest. But here's the thing: Hillary is not a natural politician, by her own admission. When she fudges the truth, she has her Sunday School teacher in the back of her head (what we might quaintly call "conscience"), and she becomes uncomfortable. The public senses that discomfort, and it makes them uncomfortable--they know she's not being completely honest with them. However, Trump gives off absolutely no negative vibes when he lies. Quite the contrary: he can tell the greatest lies you've ever heard, without even the slightest relationship to reality (see: Obama, birther), and sound more authentic than Martin Luther King giving his "I have a Dream" speech. Such is the gift of the true sociopath.
30
I never paid attention to the birther controversy. I accepted that Obama was born here and, frankly, didn't much care if he wasn't. It was good enough for me that a Harvard guy had moved back into the Oval Office after 20 years of Yalies.
Going forward, I doubt most voters will care either. Fairly or not, Trump has put that one to rest. If Democrats try to keep it alive, the effort will backfire on them.
Going forward, I doubt most voters will care either. Fairly or not, Trump has put that one to rest. If Democrats try to keep it alive, the effort will backfire on them.
4
No one cares. Objectively, Obama is the worst president this nation has ever suffered through and no one who matters really cares where he was born or who started the controversy. Please let him just fade into obscurity. If Granny Shakes McFaceplant wins, she'll steal the title from him in short order.
10
Dishonesty-in-chief, that is what crooked lying Trump is; and unapologetic to the end, blaming others for his outrageous claims that Obama is a 'foreigner'. Trump is a vulgar "racist" (ethnic discriminator!) that ought to, in strict justice, be disqualified to seek public office, let alone the presidency, for his outrageous and irresponsible behavior, a sneaky snake baiting his fans to root for his unscrupulous aims. This fraudster is indeed a national disgrace. And his supporters, claiming willful ignorance of his misdeeds, deserve the full title of "deplorables", by allowing reasoned decency to be trounced by stupidity. Trump's 'reality show' is so full of holes, that he ought to be called "the Joker", the dangerous villain seeking to destroy law and order. He is a 'loose cannon' conniving to cavort with the "Putins" of this upside-down world, and make it unlivable for "the other" (the rest of us).
11
We wouldn't be in this mess if not for news media. I think we're going on 14 months of daily coverage. We've simply moved from hilarity to incredulity. The coverage is often broad and saturated. News is not alone but let's face it; they got greedy. Trump should have burned out like a roman candle. Instead, media acted like a billows that started a forest fire. They just couldn't turn down the ad revenue. Now we can't ignore Trump. Why else would major news networks be covering local hotel openings? Spare me the lamentations. They earned this as much as anyone.
15
It didn't start with Trump, Gail. The GOP had been lying about President Onama for eight years running. They have been and remain totally unwilling to credit Obama for his many accomplishments and the nation as a whole for our progress. If you want to understand how our nation has become negative and hateful, check out Congressional leaders like Mich McConnell, not to mention virtually the entire GOP caucus in the House.
Trump is both the symptom and the disease as the party of stupid tries to make us the nation of stupid.
Trump is both the symptom and the disease as the party of stupid tries to make us the nation of stupid.
23
It's calculated. He knows exactly what he's doing. He's continuing to whip up the base. His base will believe anything he says and he knows it. The GOP brought us here after 50 careful years of building this, step by step. This IS their darling candidate. He's using these kinds of things to distract from the major expose published this week by Newsweek. If you notice, that has not been picked up as a major story much at all.
Gail, my comments asking where is the Times on this expose have not been published. What has been published is unrelenting innuendo about how Hillary has not been honest about her email server, and innuendo that her grade-A, five star foundation is corrupt, even to the point of suggesting in some op-ed that the Clintons shut it down altogether. That would deprive millions of people of access to life-saving medication, but hey, American politics are more important. What has been suggested is that by waiting two days to announce she had pneumonia, she is not trustworthy.
Don't wonder why HRC's problem is that people believe she is dishonest. That problem has been fostered by the press pretty thoroughly, against the facts. Meanwhile, in the headlines, Trump is given a pass time after time. Amazing.
Gail, my comments asking where is the Times on this expose have not been published. What has been published is unrelenting innuendo about how Hillary has not been honest about her email server, and innuendo that her grade-A, five star foundation is corrupt, even to the point of suggesting in some op-ed that the Clintons shut it down altogether. That would deprive millions of people of access to life-saving medication, but hey, American politics are more important. What has been suggested is that by waiting two days to announce she had pneumonia, she is not trustworthy.
Don't wonder why HRC's problem is that people believe she is dishonest. That problem has been fostered by the press pretty thoroughly, against the facts. Meanwhile, in the headlines, Trump is given a pass time after time. Amazing.
23
The only way to excuse Hillary's corruption and dissections is to disparage Trump. Nice.
Two peas in a pod, but Trump has better values.
Two peas in a pod, but Trump has better values.
9
It is amazing - and stomach-turning - that there are those who still believe Hillary is somehow more dishonest than Trump. Then again, Trump isn't fighting a twenty year narrative created by the Press that he's dishonest, untruthful, conniving and ruthless.
With the way this is going, though, I suspect Trump's narrative after he loses in November will be one of racism, sexism, shocking stupidity, dishonesty, weakness and, after his various lawsuits are decided against him, financial ruin.
With the way this is going, though, I suspect Trump's narrative after he loses in November will be one of racism, sexism, shocking stupidity, dishonesty, weakness and, after his various lawsuits are decided against him, financial ruin.
15
Mike Pence may want to believe he is helping his party but, when everything is said and done, he will forever be linked to this cancer. Silence is not going to be an excuse or a disinfectant. The Republican Party establishment owns this guy. I wish the press would be sure to remind people of that.
16
Really only one explanation to this behavior:
tertiary syphilitic dementia.
at least he'd be in good company, historically speaking.
although neither Beethoven nor Schubert never owned a casino, as far as we know.
tertiary syphilitic dementia.
at least he'd be in good company, historically speaking.
although neither Beethoven nor Schubert never owned a casino, as far as we know.
13
Well, there I was, a fiscal conservative, social liberal who was going to vote for the libertarian candidate, and Trump finally convinces me that I have to vote for Clinton.
36
Trump, the head of the Republican party, is supported in his lies by every Republican that does not repudiate him. In that respect, they are all lying, particularly to themselves.
20
I find it interesting that Trump is so determined in this area. While, neither John McCain and Ted Cruz were not born in the United States. Granted McCain was born on a military base, Cruz was born in an Canadian hospital. So if Cruz was allowed to run, even if the birther movement was right, what's the difference between the two. Oh yes Cruz is a white republican. I really hate hypocrisy.
11
People - we are missing the forest for the trees! Trump is using the tactic that all fascists used to get and maintain power and control. The media focuses on all these crazy statements and misses that he is paving the way for him to say and do anything, were he to be elected, and dismantle our democracy. The courts, Congress, law enforcement would be impotent because reality is what he says it is. It must stop now!!! Read your history - this is exactly how the Francos, HItlers, Stalins, Mussolinis behaved on their way to power. That's what we should focus on - the bigger picture - instead of the obvious nonsense.
26
I think it wrong to call voters who support Trump a "basket of deplorables " But something is very wrong: perhaps the press covering so long as a legitimate candidate, perhaps ignoring the real nature of his party and their obstructionism in the Congress, perhaps a deep seam of racism in America. Maybe all these things are involved. I believe the press needs to come forward and treat him an a disqualified candidate who must not be elected.
5
The United States is a vast uncontrolled social experiment in which boundless self interest is extolled as the highest value, narcissism and material greed are rewarded by social success. Donald Trump is the logical outcome of such radical individualism, and Hillary is not all that far behind.
1
People ask how Trump can so blatantly lie about so much,most recently his "birther" comment deflecting the blame to Clinton.
I'll tell you, and it's quite simple. We live in a country where racism is still very much strong and alive. We all now that there is still hatred towards blacks, and Trump knows this also.
What not a better way than to appeal to this hate as a means to build a base with hopefully enough support to carry him to the presidency.
Trump won't win, but this should be a wake-up call to all of us. Racism is still a huge problem, both overt and hidden. We still have a long way to go before this horrible plague is once in for all wiped out.
I'll tell you, and it's quite simple. We live in a country where racism is still very much strong and alive. We all now that there is still hatred towards blacks, and Trump knows this also.
What not a better way than to appeal to this hate as a means to build a base with hopefully enough support to carry him to the presidency.
Trump won't win, but this should be a wake-up call to all of us. Racism is still a huge problem, both overt and hidden. We still have a long way to go before this horrible plague is once in for all wiped out.
6
Trump's difficulty with the truth and his inability to remember the lies that he tells can be explained.
Given behavioral patterns of Trump, it is certainly possible that he may suffer from early-onset Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
He demonstrates severe memory problems and a great deal of confused thinking.
He will say one thing in one sentence and then contradict himself immediately thereafter.
We have been continually exposed to his obvious memory problems, his inability to focus on the matter at hand, tendency to wander off topic, confusion regarding facts and figures, and his desire to avoid the task of answering questions in Q & A forums.
Another attribute of AD can be irascible behavior and poor anger management.
A brain PET scan can determine possible AD.
Observation, testing, and close questioning by a neurologist is called for in all cases - especially those cases of a far reaching nature - for the sake of possible damage control.
If Trump is so afflicted the sooner we know this the better. Any delay will only serve to further damage the country and all its citizens.
A recent NYT article noted:
"In the last decade of his life, the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease slowed Fred Trump, according to his friends and relatives, and he died at the age of 93 with difficulty recognizing people."
"Mr. Trump said he wasn’t scared that the disease might be the last thing he inherits from his father. 'Do I accept it? Yeah,' he said. 'Look, I’m very much a fatalist.'
Given behavioral patterns of Trump, it is certainly possible that he may suffer from early-onset Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
He demonstrates severe memory problems and a great deal of confused thinking.
He will say one thing in one sentence and then contradict himself immediately thereafter.
We have been continually exposed to his obvious memory problems, his inability to focus on the matter at hand, tendency to wander off topic, confusion regarding facts and figures, and his desire to avoid the task of answering questions in Q & A forums.
Another attribute of AD can be irascible behavior and poor anger management.
A brain PET scan can determine possible AD.
Observation, testing, and close questioning by a neurologist is called for in all cases - especially those cases of a far reaching nature - for the sake of possible damage control.
If Trump is so afflicted the sooner we know this the better. Any delay will only serve to further damage the country and all its citizens.
A recent NYT article noted:
"In the last decade of his life, the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease slowed Fred Trump, according to his friends and relatives, and he died at the age of 93 with difficulty recognizing people."
"Mr. Trump said he wasn’t scared that the disease might be the last thing he inherits from his father. 'Do I accept it? Yeah,' he said. 'Look, I’m very much a fatalist.'
5
Trump's claim that Hillary "started" the birther controversy is absurd whether or not it is a complete lie. He, Trump, was the one going on national television saying about his "people", "They can't believe what they are finding". This was a meaningless claim, never backed up by anyone or anything other than Trump's highly unreliable mouth. Trump is the person who played around for running for president last time and who held a news conference pushing the birther rumor.
The whole purpose of this stupid business was to highlight Obama as "the other", someone alien to ordinary Americans which, in turn, played on racial fears and outright animosity. It worked. People were fearful of him and his proposals, which helped, along with hundreds of millions in outside money and gerrymandering of districts, to turn the House of Representatives over to the Republicans in 2010, which basically shutdown Obama and his administration as a legislative force for change. Trump and the far right moved to defeat the president, to overturn, to nullify, the results of elections in 2008 and 2012 and they largely succeeded, although Obama succeeded also in many of his goals, especially surviving and turning around the Great Recession gifted to him by the prior administration.
To believe anything Trump says at any time is to enter a distortion field, a quagmire of lies, half truths, wild imaginings and blustery, loose assertions that can't be proved. If you enter this realm, either way, Trump wins.
The whole purpose of this stupid business was to highlight Obama as "the other", someone alien to ordinary Americans which, in turn, played on racial fears and outright animosity. It worked. People were fearful of him and his proposals, which helped, along with hundreds of millions in outside money and gerrymandering of districts, to turn the House of Representatives over to the Republicans in 2010, which basically shutdown Obama and his administration as a legislative force for change. Trump and the far right moved to defeat the president, to overturn, to nullify, the results of elections in 2008 and 2012 and they largely succeeded, although Obama succeeded also in many of his goals, especially surviving and turning around the Great Recession gifted to him by the prior administration.
To believe anything Trump says at any time is to enter a distortion field, a quagmire of lies, half truths, wild imaginings and blustery, loose assertions that can't be proved. If you enter this realm, either way, Trump wins.
15
I know playwright Paddy Chayefsky is smiling in heaven. All that he predicted in his movie, "Network", is coming to pass with Trump. A reality show, real estate, con man is now within grasp of the White House. A prospect that would have been unthinkable during the era of Cronkite, Huntley and Brinkley.
In that time, the Office of President of the United States was considered the highest office in the Land. We entrusted that person with the nuclear codes. In Presidential debates, real issues were discussed to determine who would have that power.
As News became 'entertainment', journalists were weeded out to make room for 'readers of news'. Balance was prized above all else. Debates became more platforms to 'pivot' to your talking points. Everybody on TV was allowed their say without challenge. Earth is Flat vs. Earth is Round. Here to discuss is...
And finally, 'Network' comes to pass with the emergence of Fox News. Here news is invented. Resentments ginned up to a willing audience. Outright lies spun on a daily basis. Trump is the Presidential candidate embodying everything Fox stands for. What is the difference between a news network that lies and a Presidential candidate?
where news was 'created' and resentments ginned up for a willing audience that would believe anything fed to them
In that time, the Office of President of the United States was considered the highest office in the Land. We entrusted that person with the nuclear codes. In Presidential debates, real issues were discussed to determine who would have that power.
As News became 'entertainment', journalists were weeded out to make room for 'readers of news'. Balance was prized above all else. Debates became more platforms to 'pivot' to your talking points. Everybody on TV was allowed their say without challenge. Earth is Flat vs. Earth is Round. Here to discuss is...
And finally, 'Network' comes to pass with the emergence of Fox News. Here news is invented. Resentments ginned up to a willing audience. Outright lies spun on a daily basis. Trump is the Presidential candidate embodying everything Fox stands for. What is the difference between a news network that lies and a Presidential candidate?
where news was 'created' and resentments ginned up for a willing audience that would believe anything fed to them
11
I don't understand my country. How can so many people be suckered into supporting Trump? Where is the common sense? Where is the understanding of right versus wrong? Our country is not politically polarized. It is mentally polarized between critical thinkers and cult followers.
9
Public trust in the media dropped to 32%. Considering all the lies from Hillary and Obama, the NYT journalists obsess with only bashing Trump on an issue of no import to the dire situation this country is in right now. How about addressing real issues? Both disgusting candidates, and Obama, are all compulsive liars, period. Yesterday morning CBS news, the organization that doctors videos to make their candidate or their side of an issue look better, actually devoted over ten minutes on Trump’s birther issue, while barely covering Hillary’s crimes in destroying subpoenaed evidence and bad judgment in failing to protect our national security? We have two equally disgusting candidates but the NYT has chosen to back Hillary and throw balanced reporting out the window to prop her up. Trump should have, for political reasons only, given up the birther issue after Obama finally stopped playing mind games with the electorate for months on end until he showed the birth certificate. If it weren’t for Trump, we would still not have it. BTW, have any reliable, unbiased experts ever vouched for its authenticity, given that many still question if the delay in producing it was needed in order to make a forgery? Just sayin - not that it matters now. Finally, I am sick of the now common practice of labeling anyone a racist who disagrees with Obama’s positions and anyone a misogynist who disagrees with Hillary’s. Isn’t it those very people who aren’t ready for minority presidents?
4
The key watershed which the media must cross is to mark Trump's false statements in prominently in reporting ledes rather than cadged in editorials.
Presenting the unprecedented number of Trump lies upon lies as merely matters of opinion for the reader to sort out and equivalent to Clinton articles makes the Times and other reputable journalists partners in the overwhelming big lie.
Presenting the unprecedented number of Trump lies upon lies as merely matters of opinion for the reader to sort out and equivalent to Clinton articles makes the Times and other reputable journalists partners in the overwhelming big lie.
9
The real question now is not "How did we get here?" but how is it that this "Democracy" in the United States has survived this long with so many voters who still actually support Donald Trump for the Presidency. Do they really think that someone whose mouth works better when his brain is disengaged will actually make life better for them? Those who think Trump "Tells it like it is" will be severely shocked when they find out what "like it is" really means to Trump. But what about the rest of us who are really scared about what a Trump presidency would actually mean?
5
It would be great to see the mass media stick it to Trump, just because, it's nauseating to watch them treat Clinton as if she's in the same arena. Still, I hardly think facts and persuasive writing are going to change the mind of Trump supporters. They seem to assume his lies are just for entertainment, and the fact he has no policy ideas - well his staff can fill those in- they're voting for the idea of him or against Hillary.
3
Remember when the Republicans chanted flip flop at their convention too many years ago. It's as though intelligent people in the press have no idea how to work with someone who states blatant lies and at the same time tells you this new made up truth is the only reality. This is how followers of cults are led. The leader has the absolute truth. Nearly half the electorate have become cult followers. The press never stops and demands truth. The cult only grows.
6
I know we are not supposed to "attack the voters," but what a sad time of life it is for me to discover as a senior citizen, thanks to Trump supporters, that for so many years I have overestimated the intelligence and decency of my fellow Americans.
13
Trump is such a despicable man. It is very puzzling why he chose now and in this manner to address the birther issue - it was the lie that caught fire and started his political career. It certainly hasn't hurt him. Apparently he was convinced that this announcement was a good idea or his campaign convinced him this was a good idea. He looked resentful delivering the message. It's just stranger behavior than usual. Hopefully someone on his team is trying to sabotage him.
5
And we thought he was just the master of the non apology/apology. It turns out that there was a new nadir for him to reach, the non apology/reversal embellished with lies. This is entirely in keeping with his entire song and dance routine: say anything that lights up the appropriate button in your inner pinball machine; when confronted double down adding details and witnesses named "many people" who are saying or just asking, continue on until inconvenient and then choose from a number of options, dismissing, blaming someone else, switch to another lane of jabberwocky, create an event to "come clean" and then get back to business, the business of trump.
5
News people need to be reminded every day between now and election that in a fascist state reporters are generally out of work and in prison. or Dead.
If T rump is elected we have no one to blame but the media that has given his lies the same weight as a life time of devotion to the Nation from Clinton.
It is time to get real people. This man is a grave and present danger to the Nation and to the world.
If T rump is elected we have no one to blame but the media that has given his lies the same weight as a life time of devotion to the Nation from Clinton.
It is time to get real people. This man is a grave and present danger to the Nation and to the world.
13
I still don't understand why this is an issue when Hillary destroyed 30,000 e-mails that she had no authority to do. She also allowed people with no security clearance have access to confidential documents. Then on top of that continues to lie about it. But Trump says mean things about people. jeez how terrible.
8
After that shameful non-admission of guilt and therefore lack of contrition by the candidate who has further divided this country by being a master manipulator, an unconscionable bigot and a lie in a fat suit, I am ready to rule: the candidate is a pig, no disrespect meant to the hog industry or lovers of ham, chops, ribs and prosciutto.
8
During the upcoming debates, it would be quite easy for a group of fact checkers to determine major factual errors by the candidates and then report them, during the debate, on a crawl at the bottom of the screen.
The moderators can choose to point out or ignore the fact check crawl, as could the candidates.
The moderators can choose to point out or ignore the fact check crawl, as could the candidates.
2
This election is about change--upending the proverbial apple cart--throwing the 'bums' out. Globalization, technology and deregulation have eliminated many low and medium skill jobs in America. This has resulted in some Americans--those with ability and access to acquire the required advanced skills (and who read the NY Times)--doing very well. It has also resulted in many other Americans--those without access; the advanced skills and abilities (and who tend to watch Fox News) to see their jobs and opportunities permanently go away and their living standards fall. The United States is the wealthiest, most advanced country in history, but the infant and maternal mortality rates as well as suicide rates are increasing and life expectancy is not as long as other advanced countries. Many adult children are continuing to live with their parents because they cannot find jobs that permit independent living, much less start a family. Both political parties are responsible for creating this untenable situation. Mr. Trump's character flaws are obvious. However he has put forth a vision to address these issues. It is a badly flawed vision that will not work and will probably make things worse. But it is a vision that provides hope. Ms. Clinton has not articulated any vision to address the issues of concern. Moreover, she has called desperate people 'deplorable' and 'irredeemable' giving them no hope and galvanizing them against her. Trump is unfortunately the only 'change' candidate.
3
It is odd and unsettling that the person who might lead America out of its miasma is such an incorrigible hustler. Wouldn't we all prefer someone more proper? The more proper person is available, but she is extremely unlikely to change the status quo. I personally cannot afford more years of dwindling fortune, and while I am saddened that Mr. Trump is the flawed alternative our system came up with, if I didn't vote for him and things continue to go down the drain, I have only myself to blame.
3
Trump lies like a rug. The way he lies is so outrageous that people including the media are so shocked at first they are tongue-tied. So his lies get out there in large part because the media repeats them in order to cover the story The media's efforts to rebuke the lies, coming after the horse has been let out of the barn, are in vain. His supporters agree with him and think he is a hero or something, and the rest of us are left flat footed and flabbergasted.
11
You miss the point.
What is the media including the NYT talking about today?
And what is it not talking about: (1) Climate change which is upon us and which is starting to have horrendous devastation and will get worse and which no Republican will admit is real; (2) Poverty in American which is the highest of any advanced nation; (3) nuclear weapons which could destroy us all in about an hour and one half; (4) the US having one of the highest indexes of social problems. Those indices include life expectancy,
literacy, child mortality, murder rate, inmate population, teenage pregnancy,
depression, social trust, obesity, drug and alcohol abuse, and social mobility
vs. immobility and disparity of wealth (to mention a few); (5) the horrendous disparity in money spent on K-12 education yielding many, many school districts in America that are cesspools of low learning and destruction of lives.
You can add your thoughts on what is not being discussed today in this incredibly important election.
What is the media including the NYT talking about today?
And what is it not talking about: (1) Climate change which is upon us and which is starting to have horrendous devastation and will get worse and which no Republican will admit is real; (2) Poverty in American which is the highest of any advanced nation; (3) nuclear weapons which could destroy us all in about an hour and one half; (4) the US having one of the highest indexes of social problems. Those indices include life expectancy,
literacy, child mortality, murder rate, inmate population, teenage pregnancy,
depression, social trust, obesity, drug and alcohol abuse, and social mobility
vs. immobility and disparity of wealth (to mention a few); (5) the horrendous disparity in money spent on K-12 education yielding many, many school districts in America that are cesspools of low learning and destruction of lives.
You can add your thoughts on what is not being discussed today in this incredibly important election.
8
Whether Trump attacked Obama with birtherism hardly matters to me. I didn't care then (when I voted for Obama) and I don't care now. To quote someone famous: "What difference, at this point, does it make?"
What does matter to me is that Hillary lied about having supported gay marriage in the past and now pretends she is a friend to LGBT folks. What does matter to me is that the Clintons have misused their public office to catapult themselves into the exclusive club of the 0.01% wealthiest people in the US, engaged in nepotism, coddled up to big business, and has accepted donations from some of the most racist, homophobic, and misogynist regimes on the planet.
The Democrats made a major mistake by letting her become a presidential candidate in the first place. If they had put up a socially liberal, fiscally moderate candidate with a track record of honest public service, I would have voted for him/her. Hell will freeze over before I vote for Hillary.
What does matter to me is that Hillary lied about having supported gay marriage in the past and now pretends she is a friend to LGBT folks. What does matter to me is that the Clintons have misused their public office to catapult themselves into the exclusive club of the 0.01% wealthiest people in the US, engaged in nepotism, coddled up to big business, and has accepted donations from some of the most racist, homophobic, and misogynist regimes on the planet.
The Democrats made a major mistake by letting her become a presidential candidate in the first place. If they had put up a socially liberal, fiscally moderate candidate with a track record of honest public service, I would have voted for him/her. Hell will freeze over before I vote for Hillary.
6
He's a liar and a cheat. And yet, there are Americans who say he is more trustworthy than Hillary Clinton. Why?
Hillary Clinton was my Senator. She did a great job, no hint of scandal. She was handily re-elected. What has Trump done - Trump University that bilked people, Trump Steaks, Trump Water, Trump ties (and other clothes -none of which were made in the USA).
The Clinton Foundation has helped MILLIONS around the world. As are all charities, it has been audited -ZERO findings of mis-use of funds. Yes, people might have given money to gain access but after years of digging, there is ZERO evidence of any quid-pro-quo. And the Clintons have personally given millions to the Foundation. Trump Foundation - no evidence that Trump gave them any of his (or his familiy's) money or that it is a well-run or effective charity - unless you count bribing officials with Foundation money.
And the Clintons have released decades of tax returns - Trump, ZERO returns. Hillary has released mountains of health records, Trump had a talk with Dr Oz on TV (of course). Although we all could see he is fat - it was interesting to learn he believes waving his arms at rallies is exercise.
I know why the Deplorables are voting for him - he has made sexist, racist, bigotry talk acceptable. I don't know why anyone considers CROOKED Donald an acceptable candidate for our President. He is NOT!!!
Hillary Clinton was my Senator. She did a great job, no hint of scandal. She was handily re-elected. What has Trump done - Trump University that bilked people, Trump Steaks, Trump Water, Trump ties (and other clothes -none of which were made in the USA).
The Clinton Foundation has helped MILLIONS around the world. As are all charities, it has been audited -ZERO findings of mis-use of funds. Yes, people might have given money to gain access but after years of digging, there is ZERO evidence of any quid-pro-quo. And the Clintons have personally given millions to the Foundation. Trump Foundation - no evidence that Trump gave them any of his (or his familiy's) money or that it is a well-run or effective charity - unless you count bribing officials with Foundation money.
And the Clintons have released decades of tax returns - Trump, ZERO returns. Hillary has released mountains of health records, Trump had a talk with Dr Oz on TV (of course). Although we all could see he is fat - it was interesting to learn he believes waving his arms at rallies is exercise.
I know why the Deplorables are voting for him - he has made sexist, racist, bigotry talk acceptable. I don't know why anyone considers CROOKED Donald an acceptable candidate for our President. He is NOT!!!
22
And we are still discussing this because . . .? Why are we not hearing about the candidates' thoughts on the economy? Abortion? The Middle East? Education? Defense?
4
There is no 'basket' big enough for this man.
13
"We never did learn what they found." He was never even asked. There was an interview, by some cable news hack. Why he didn't start with: "You said that you had 'people' working on it and they cannot believe what they are finding. Who are you referring to and what did they find?" Never happened. I can only wonder. Such a question might have been dismissed as stuck in the past, or biased, or somehow unfair. Epic fail of the news media.
10
Well, Pence is right: Trump's record "on behalf of" the African-American community really does speak for itself. But considering that it's a record of racism, you'd think Pence would have the sense not to bring it up.
17
Every day that Hillary's supporters maintain this panic-level, overdramatized moral outrage over issues as petty as this issue is (even POTUS signaled to move beyond it, yesterday), is
a day that Trump controls the stage. Hillary supporters have clearly not been prepared against
Americans who appear to be inspired, for whatever reason, to rage against the machines of anti-nationalist global elitism and Islamism, and not wallow in political and personal sorrow and self-pity. Let's get a grip, folks!
a day that Trump controls the stage. Hillary supporters have clearly not been prepared against
Americans who appear to be inspired, for whatever reason, to rage against the machines of anti-nationalist global elitism and Islamism, and not wallow in political and personal sorrow and self-pity. Let's get a grip, folks!
6
Trump's rise brings to mind a very dark version of Jerzy Kosinski's "Being There".
5
Trump is great at labeling his opponents. It's time he is labelled: more than a liar, he is a COWARD. A coward for not accepting the responsibility for his words and actions, but more, for his placing the blame for his misdeeds on others.
16
How anyone can do business with this guy...
8
Trump will lose the election. So no worries people. What is far more worrisome is the likelihood that next election The person who replaces trump will hold the same views but not be a liar; someone who is more politically polished with less baggage. THAT is scary. THAT is the real threat to worry about.
8
Guys, first of all....your comments are SO much more smart and sophisticated then WaPo. I am scared to death Trump is gonna get elected. It totally freaks me out.
3
So the media has figured out that the Republican candidate Trump is playing them. After 8 years of the Republicans fueling the swamp that Trump rose out of the media has decided that this one lie (compared to all the others) is the one that the media is going to reclaim their reputations on! To sorry to late. The media has behaved like fools they are going to reclaim their dignity by finally calling Trump a liar - again to sorry to late.
16
The most disturbing and scary thing about all this is how 40% of the American electorate could be so fickle, gullible and unthinking as to grow their support for this mendacious fraud by the name of Donald Trump. When will you wake up, America? You are heading to sell your country down the tubes, taking your neighbours along the ride to oblivion.
24
Since I have lived abroad for a while (and was born in Poland), each time I visit the US I am shocked anew. I usually go to Austin, TX, I call home, and to the Bay Area where all of my children live. People in both places are better educated and more affluent than the U.S. average. Yet, in both places most people are disoriented and their political opinions fractured. The New York Times spends most of its resources on explaining why this is so, except for one simple - if implausible - explanation: The American political system has run its course and incremental tweaks a la Hillary no longer apply. Yet, the very people who should be developing a new vision and have the new earth-shattering ideas, are stuck in the now dead narrative.
Enter Mr. Trump, a vain empty vessel that stores anger of all those people who do not have PhD's and have not been professors at Berkeley, but perhaps have a much keener sense of reality, simply because their lives have already robbed them of jobs, dignity, education for their children, and hope.
So here is my plea, please stop dissecting in vain something that you and I, the affluent Americans, do not really understand. Just like most American never knew of a child from Aleppo (what's Aleppo, anyway?) Instead, please go and talk to someone you step over every day in downtown San Francisco or Austin. This would be a good first step in reeducating yourselves and others, because you are about to lose this election. Don't you see it coming?
Enter Mr. Trump, a vain empty vessel that stores anger of all those people who do not have PhD's and have not been professors at Berkeley, but perhaps have a much keener sense of reality, simply because their lives have already robbed them of jobs, dignity, education for their children, and hope.
So here is my plea, please stop dissecting in vain something that you and I, the affluent Americans, do not really understand. Just like most American never knew of a child from Aleppo (what's Aleppo, anyway?) Instead, please go and talk to someone you step over every day in downtown San Francisco or Austin. This would be a good first step in reeducating yourselves and others, because you are about to lose this election. Don't you see it coming?
23
I think that a valid point of Trump's game is to show the worthlessness of most US journalism. Why would any real journalist report Trump's absurd statements as if they were newsworthy. It's a circus with the ring leader getting all the airtime and print he wants. So much for democracy.
20
It is not amazing that Hillary carries the burden of a 25-year Atwater-Ailes et al smear machine...it is scary and disgusting. Our media has been w-a-a-a-y too timid in calling out this Orwellian invasion, on all fronts. It needed to be as relentless in its truth squading as the Foxian, etc. machine has been in its paranoid cynical smear machine...and not of just Hillary. It should be a morning box-score for all reputable news organizations to publish the results of the previous day's screwed "news" reporting.
What could possibly be more of a threat to America than the for-profit cynical dumbing down and revving up of the people in this way? What is more newsworthy than this??
What could possibly be more of a threat to America than the for-profit cynical dumbing down and revving up of the people in this way? What is more newsworthy than this??
22
I want someone to make an ice water challenge with the person getting up soaked in cold water and going out to register Democrat voters! Kim Jong-il likes to be called:Superior Person, Dear Leader, Guiding Sun Ray and more. If Trump wins, what will he want to be called? Hid distain for the media and governmental procedures indicate that he doesn't plan to be the president of a free country.
7
Is it just a fortuitous coincidence that the home page of the NYT this morning features an homage to Edward Albee, celebrating his plumbing the depths of "...the gap between self-delusion and truth...", of his exposing "...the roiling desperation beneath the facade of contemporary life..." If ever there was a monstrous public montage of delusions and desperation--and now palpable danger--the Trump phenomenon is it. I am genuinely dismayed at all the expressions of political futility and journalistic paralysis in these comments--not because I disagree, but because I mostly agree, and because I long for the spell to be broken, to awaken from the nightmare. May I add here that the immense restraint (just one notch above disdain) and political probity of President Obama's "I was pretty sure that I was born in the United States...I hope the campaign can get on to more important issues..." is exactly the kind of tenor and clarity that we...can I say desperately?...need.
11
Why isn't anyone mentioning the fact that Trump wants to poison your dogs? Romney only strapped his to the roof of his car, but Trump thinks it's OK if they all get sick and die.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/09/15/trump-stop-regulating-p...
Do we really want a president who hates dogs? And cats...I bet there's no way under the sun Trump would ever let a cat anywhere near the gilt furniture and red velvet drapes in which he's planning to redecorate the White House. Which of course will no longer be called the White House, it will be called the Trump House, with a huge, fantastic TRUMP sign glowing above the East Portico or wherever, I don't know. But it will be great.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/09/15/trump-stop-regulating-p...
Do we really want a president who hates dogs? And cats...I bet there's no way under the sun Trump would ever let a cat anywhere near the gilt furniture and red velvet drapes in which he's planning to redecorate the White House. Which of course will no longer be called the White House, it will be called the Trump House, with a huge, fantastic TRUMP sign glowing above the East Portico or wherever, I don't know. But it will be great.
11
Trump cannot win. First, Trump is hounded about his "birther" views. Then when he finally responds to the hounding, he is hounded for making the comment.
.
.
5
I think it's time to accept that Trump is the genius he says he is. He is not 'reality tv', but a creator of reality. Not only did he not lie about Obama's birth, but Hillary is the one responsible for its inception. Give Trump his due. He is truly dangerous.
11
What would happen if all the major newspapers and TV stations had a total blackout on Trump news for a week? First of all, I would get a chance to clear my brain. Secondly, he would have an absolute cow because people would not be hanging on to his every word. If I never hear his name again it will be too soon.
18
The TV media must stop pandering to this idiot. Very few reporters challenge him and those that do get the full treatment of abuse by Trump and his surrogates. Ratings are all the TV networks care about but they are allowing a man to lie constantly and letting our country be led astray by a madman. Everyday I wake up and look at the news online and his orange face with white circles around his eyes dominate every page. I seldom click on stories about him anymore and try to look away from his face. Stop pandering to this clown!
12
We demand that Donald submit proof of a functioning brain. We want it on the table, not some second hand image that could have been faked. In our hands. And the last 15 years' tax returns. With 1099's, corporate filings, all the stuff the auditors saw, originals. Electronic trail. Paper Trail.
We also want to know what's on his head. Is it toxic? Can it cause dementia? Will it make anyone else sick? Does it leave a trail? Is it Russian? A gift from Putin? Is it transmitting? Does it explode? Cause warts? We've heard rumors that might confirm all of the above, but we want to be sure. He'll thank us.
We also want to know what's on his head. Is it toxic? Can it cause dementia? Will it make anyone else sick? Does it leave a trail? Is it Russian? A gift from Putin? Is it transmitting? Does it explode? Cause warts? We've heard rumors that might confirm all of the above, but we want to be sure. He'll thank us.
7
"Yet, according to the polls, Hillary Clinton’s biggest problem is that the public thinks she’s dishonest. Amazing."
Thanks, Gail. It is truly maddening that the NYT and others have taken up the GOP fantasy tale about dishonesty and continue to badger both the candidate and her supporters with it. Over all the years, despite attempts to thoroughly discredit the Clinton family, despite hours and hours (dare I say days and days) of testimony before Congressional Committees and Congress, despite statements by the FBI, despite the availability of Foundation records, the "social experiment" of the GOP party still sticks: just SAY that she (or he) is dishonest enough times, and it will become fact in the minds of voters.
Thanks, Gail. It is truly maddening that the NYT and others have taken up the GOP fantasy tale about dishonesty and continue to badger both the candidate and her supporters with it. Over all the years, despite attempts to thoroughly discredit the Clinton family, despite hours and hours (dare I say days and days) of testimony before Congressional Committees and Congress, despite statements by the FBI, despite the availability of Foundation records, the "social experiment" of the GOP party still sticks: just SAY that she (or he) is dishonest enough times, and it will become fact in the minds of voters.
17
Clinton advisor Sid Bluementhall "AKA Clinton Campaign" started it all
http://www.breitbart.com/2016-presidential-race/2016/09/16/former-mcclat...
http://www.breitbart.com/2016-presidential-race/2016/09/16/former-mcclat...
3
Donald Trump has once called for violence against Hillary Clinton. He should be prosecuted and jailed.
8
Gail: both candidates are congenital liars. Trump supporters think her lies are loathsome and Hillary supporters think his are loathsome.
Let's just flip a coin
Let's just flip a coin
1
Ms. Collins,
We are tired of you so called media for not calling out a presidential candidate as a liar because we watched you so called media do the same thing 16 years ago and we know how it turned out. Whether you did it because you wanted a close race to get more readers/viewers or you had personal animus to the Democratic candidate, we citizens suffered through 8 years. And much like your thesis of Trump not apologizing, I have not seen anyone in the media asking for forgiveness for their disgraceful performance in 2000. And many of us plain folks see the same movie being played out and to say it makes us nauseous is the understatement of the year. But, you media folks will have lots of fun and great stories if Mr. Trump is elected.
We are tired of you so called media for not calling out a presidential candidate as a liar because we watched you so called media do the same thing 16 years ago and we know how it turned out. Whether you did it because you wanted a close race to get more readers/viewers or you had personal animus to the Democratic candidate, we citizens suffered through 8 years. And much like your thesis of Trump not apologizing, I have not seen anyone in the media asking for forgiveness for their disgraceful performance in 2000. And many of us plain folks see the same movie being played out and to say it makes us nauseous is the understatement of the year. But, you media folks will have lots of fun and great stories if Mr. Trump is elected.
8
No news is good news! Trump must have used Clinton's very short bout with pewmoanya to take a nap; he's back in full force spinnin' rib splittin' yarns again.
Somehow the media has to come around to ignoring this buffoon or dramatically ratcheting up Clinton coverage to overwhelm him. He gets far, far too much free publicity, a disservice to gullibles who admire his nasty mouth while ignoring his cluelessness on how to implement any of his awful ideas and a boost to the rubes who lash out at everything reasonable. As president, he'd have almost no support in Congress and would be in the dunce chair until he got impeached after maybe a year. He's in no way a viable candidate.
But there was news here, Collins good use of "avidity" in the third paragraph isn't seen much and works well.
Somehow the media has to come around to ignoring this buffoon or dramatically ratcheting up Clinton coverage to overwhelm him. He gets far, far too much free publicity, a disservice to gullibles who admire his nasty mouth while ignoring his cluelessness on how to implement any of his awful ideas and a boost to the rubes who lash out at everything reasonable. As president, he'd have almost no support in Congress and would be in the dunce chair until he got impeached after maybe a year. He's in no way a viable candidate.
But there was news here, Collins good use of "avidity" in the third paragraph isn't seen much and works well.
5
What media? These are the people who gave Bush and Cheney passes to be war criminals.
17
As to why there are 'people' who have somehow managed to register to vote and who claim to support the fraudulent Republican candidate, PT Barnum put it very plainly. There is a sucker born every minute.
6
Or the other way around: the establishment (democrat or republican) fiction vs Trump's reality.
1
Mr. Obama's publicist advertised him as a Kenyan for a decade when promoting his books. He thought it would increase book sales. Ms. Clinton raised the birth issue during her 2007 campaign against Obama. It is she who should apologize to the president for initiating this false claim. The NYT left this out of their lead article today - all the news that fits, we print.
5
Would it be worth it for Obama to slap a lawsuit on Trump right now? Slander, Libel, some kind of conspiracy to harm him? I'm not a lawyer.
I realize Obama has nothing to gain from this but a big, fat headache, but could it possibly help to puncture the big, orange poison cloud that threatens to snuff out our Democracy?
And journalists, please, do something with this! Something serious! Anderson Cooper, you have the ability to save our country, and it can't be any scarier than being shoved around in the streets of Cairo. It's time for your David moment.
I realize Obama has nothing to gain from this but a big, fat headache, but could it possibly help to puncture the big, orange poison cloud that threatens to snuff out our Democracy?
And journalists, please, do something with this! Something serious! Anderson Cooper, you have the ability to save our country, and it can't be any scarier than being shoved around in the streets of Cairo. It's time for your David moment.
6
Interesting Op-Ed, to be sure, but what is with this stray thought about how women vote: "I’ve always said that women won’t vote for a candidate who yells because he’ll remind them of a bad boyfriend." I would be very surprised if memories of bad past boyfriends factored into how women vote. Give us a little credit here, Gail.
2
Trump, with his nonstop lies, is the master of unreality, not reality.
3
Trump is a liar, cheat, and general lowlife. What flummoxes me is how so many supposed jounalists have been willing Tools for Trump.
Happily Gail Collins isn't one of them.
Happily Gail Collins isn't one of them.
8
One way we got here? Jill Stein--who attacks vaccines, believes that WIFi is prolly bad for kids, and by way of foreign policy plans nicely to ask North Korea to disarm--has come up in the polls by precisely the numbers Clinton's come down.
Cue the anguished howling from folks who believe in the Easter Bunny. But don't just blame Trump for our stupidity.
Cue the anguished howling from folks who believe in the Easter Bunny. But don't just blame Trump for our stupidity.
8
Maureen Dowd was right on when she told Charlie Rose that Trump is a salesman who is selling himself. He does not care about truth, as long as what he says gets his name in the headlines. In politics, as in his business, he's not selling anything but a name. And the media has been wonderfully obliging. By admitting to one lie and telling another he dominates the news. When will you decide that his lies do no qualify as "news fit to print" and at least give equal time to Clinton's policies?
6
I wish to have this question answered, when did Trump come to this conclusion? If recently, what new information led to this change? If not recently, when, and why has he not previously spoken of his erroneously held position? Or is this just a campaign trick to get fence sitters to believe that he is not a Alex Jones conspiracy nut. Climate change? Bilderberg? Jade Helm? FEMA prison? Do tell.
4
Now that perhaps the media is going to do its job with Trump, the Democrats must seize the opportunity to hang him around the neck of every single GOP candidate up and down the ticket including dog catcher. Every Republican needs to take a stand - do they support his racist, misogynist, hate filled campaign or don't they. Every single one of them needs to be called out - is it party or is it country.
We already have the answer from McConnell and Ryan, for them it's party and if we end up with President Trump, we know what they will do - implement the frauduent Ryan plan to destroy the middle class. (Which I would hope would result in a total rout of the GOP in 2018 and 2020) Let's make every other Republican take a stand as well.
We already have the answer from McConnell and Ryan, for them it's party and if we end up with President Trump, we know what they will do - implement the frauduent Ryan plan to destroy the middle class. (Which I would hope would result in a total rout of the GOP in 2018 and 2020) Let's make every other Republican take a stand as well.
6
Trump is the singularly most loathsome candidate i have ever had the displeasure to be exposed to (and Republicans have quite a few candidates in this regard). His utter disregard for the truth, for facts, for data are enough to disqualify him to be president. Yes, one could point to his pathological narcissist personality disorder as a functional causative factor, but it only makes it more baffling how many obtuse voters support this supremely dishonest person. And any vote for a third=party candidate, or not voting at all, is voting for Trump.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
8
The man is walking, talking clickbait, and the line of absurdity is off in the far, far distance of his rearview mirror for a reason. There's a deliberate intent in his daily dance with farcical hallucinations of reality. He's figured out what clickbaiters have long known - keep tapping on that primal part of the brain that has no ability to reason or discern truth from lie. Its only concern is survival. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the amygdala. That part of the brain that can be dogwhistled by the most outlandish lies. The more preposterous, the better! More clicks baby! His constant cycle of agitating the reptilian part of the brain with extravagant lies and baited-up innuendo, then soothing it, with him being the hero who will take the fear away, is nothing short of pathological genius.
6
Hello,
The birth certificate that Obama released was a fake. Anyone with a little computer knowledge could determine that.
The question to Trump was a trick question, and Trump hoped to stop the discussion by just agreeing with the fools that believe that the Obama birth certificate was valid.
But the issue is moot because Obama if finished in a few months.
Trump in 2016,
Bill Moore
The birth certificate that Obama released was a fake. Anyone with a little computer knowledge could determine that.
The question to Trump was a trick question, and Trump hoped to stop the discussion by just agreeing with the fools that believe that the Obama birth certificate was valid.
But the issue is moot because Obama if finished in a few months.
Trump in 2016,
Bill Moore
3
Mr. Trump, I am disappointed that you reversed your stance on the birther issue.
I needed you to help deny the first black president his full legitimacy. Even though you rode the political ascent based on my racial bigotry, I didn't mind as long as you stroked my ego while I licked the wounds, unable to believe that our race was losing its dominance after more than 200 years.
I am disappointed that you cannot do any better against a woman candidate in the current election cycle. With your manly insensitiveness, your refusal to apologize for anything that has gone wrong with your campaign, I thought nobody would see through our identity crisis and we could put women back in their place by soundly defeating Hilary Clinton. I am especially disappointed that you hired a woman to run your operation, who may not have the stamina or the managerial look that you need to get it done for us. I am, however, somewhat placated that you left your wife home to pass on her values to your child like an immigrant plagiarizer is supposed to. I don't care, as long as she doesn't pass her accents on to a potential All-American Deceit so my kids will not have any difficulty believing him.
Despite your rise in the polls, I am most disappointed that you are not connecting with us the way you used to. You would shoot from the hip, you didn't read off of a machine or a script. You gave us a reason to lash out at anyone who didn't love us, love our values. We could be spontaneous just like you.
I needed you to help deny the first black president his full legitimacy. Even though you rode the political ascent based on my racial bigotry, I didn't mind as long as you stroked my ego while I licked the wounds, unable to believe that our race was losing its dominance after more than 200 years.
I am disappointed that you cannot do any better against a woman candidate in the current election cycle. With your manly insensitiveness, your refusal to apologize for anything that has gone wrong with your campaign, I thought nobody would see through our identity crisis and we could put women back in their place by soundly defeating Hilary Clinton. I am especially disappointed that you hired a woman to run your operation, who may not have the stamina or the managerial look that you need to get it done for us. I am, however, somewhat placated that you left your wife home to pass on her values to your child like an immigrant plagiarizer is supposed to. I don't care, as long as she doesn't pass her accents on to a potential All-American Deceit so my kids will not have any difficulty believing him.
Despite your rise in the polls, I am most disappointed that you are not connecting with us the way you used to. You would shoot from the hip, you didn't read off of a machine or a script. You gave us a reason to lash out at anyone who didn't love us, love our values. We could be spontaneous just like you.
4
Thanks for your column. It is perfect. I hope you people can save civilization, but in my bones I am not reassured: How can that guy have a one in four chance of winning? What's wrong with us? All this one can do is to send a small check to Hilary, put a sign out and smile unconvincingly.
5
Trump is just "a wild and crazy guy" when he lies and manufacturers "facts". But Hillary is the epitome of evil and a bi**h when she allegedly lies. Trump gets to speak his mind ("cause he says what I'm thinking") gets to vilify whole groups of people and its him being anti-PC. But Hillary says one or two minor things (basket of deplorable's - she speaking for me there, 100%) or mercy, says what a packed room of paying supporters in a NYC hotel room are also thinking (the "other-side" is homophobic, sexist, supporters of racism,etc) and she's vilified as being cold, mean-spirited, and of course just another godless liberal seeking to destroy the American way of life. Even some democrats join in the bashing.
Trump skates, Hillary gets beaten up.
And those irrational Trumplodites, Republican pundits and Faux News, cant see thru their deplorably dirty rose-colored glasses to their own hypocrisy.
Worse is that the GOP is relatively, hell wholly silent not only to the totality of Trumps lies, but the all important fact that he lacks the alleged higher CHARACTER, that the GOP has long lauded as only in their possession. All because they don't care to do anything but win. Win, win, win at all costs, no matter how deplorable their candidate, no matter how much crow they have to eat, or how much filth covers them.
If this election cycle has taught me one thing, its that I will never, ever vote Republican. Which of course hinges on voting still existing IF Trump wins.
Trump skates, Hillary gets beaten up.
And those irrational Trumplodites, Republican pundits and Faux News, cant see thru their deplorably dirty rose-colored glasses to their own hypocrisy.
Worse is that the GOP is relatively, hell wholly silent not only to the totality of Trumps lies, but the all important fact that he lacks the alleged higher CHARACTER, that the GOP has long lauded as only in their possession. All because they don't care to do anything but win. Win, win, win at all costs, no matter how deplorable their candidate, no matter how much crow they have to eat, or how much filth covers them.
If this election cycle has taught me one thing, its that I will never, ever vote Republican. Which of course hinges on voting still existing IF Trump wins.
10
"People, I know some of you get very frustrated that news coverage of this election does not begin every day with: “In yet another total falsehood, Donald Trump …” This is your moment."
Unfortunately I find AGAIN this morning that this is not my moment. Right next to the stories about Mr. Trump's new birther lie to replace his old birther lie is a headline that reads "‘Her Condescending Dismissal .... Is What Is Deplorable’" with the lede, "Here are top 10 comments of the week on our digital platforms, as selected by our readers and the journalists who moderate nearly every comment." The number one comment listed in this story was to a Charles Blow op-ed piece which received 31 "Recommends" from other readers and was not one of the 7 "NYT Picks." How then does this become the top comment? Because it blasts Mrs. Clinton? The top "Readers' Pick" received 1004 Recommends at the time of my writing.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/17/nytnow/top-10-comments-her-condescendi...
The NY Times continues their inexplicable persistence in denigrating Mrs. Clinton alongside the outrageous lies of Mr. Trump and repeated intimation of assassination of Mrs. Clinton. I will give you a couple more weeks, but if this continues, I will cancel my subscription. Enough is enough!!
Unfortunately I find AGAIN this morning that this is not my moment. Right next to the stories about Mr. Trump's new birther lie to replace his old birther lie is a headline that reads "‘Her Condescending Dismissal .... Is What Is Deplorable’" with the lede, "Here are top 10 comments of the week on our digital platforms, as selected by our readers and the journalists who moderate nearly every comment." The number one comment listed in this story was to a Charles Blow op-ed piece which received 31 "Recommends" from other readers and was not one of the 7 "NYT Picks." How then does this become the top comment? Because it blasts Mrs. Clinton? The top "Readers' Pick" received 1004 Recommends at the time of my writing.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/17/nytnow/top-10-comments-her-condescendi...
The NY Times continues their inexplicable persistence in denigrating Mrs. Clinton alongside the outrageous lies of Mr. Trump and repeated intimation of assassination of Mrs. Clinton. I will give you a couple more weeks, but if this continues, I will cancel my subscription. Enough is enough!!
17
From day one, the media has been promoting Trump's lies and giving him more credible attention than he deserves. He is thoroughly enjoying the free publicity, and I am sure privately laughing at the press.
Trump understands the press better than they realize. He knows that they write and talk about him as if he were a credible candidate, rather than the reality TV show host that he is. If they didn't would you have to write this column less than 2 months before the election?
Trump understands the press better than they realize. He knows that they write and talk about him as if he were a credible candidate, rather than the reality TV show host that he is. If they didn't would you have to write this column less than 2 months before the election?
8
Do you know what some people are telling me. They say that Trump is living in a state of paranoid delusion, that he is a racist, a fraud and a crook with a Napoleon complex and cannot stop lying. Now I am no expert just a wobbly old man who remember the red bating days of the late 40's and 50's. They would ask something that people might consider is a different context: “What looks like a duck, walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and hangs around with other ducks.”
Apply that to racist, liars, fascists, etc. If you try this with war heroes, patriots, people who sacrificed for their country and put nation over personal profit there will be no hits. If you try members of the KKK, white supremacists, nativists, authoritarian leaders Trump fits right in. What Trump hears at his rallies is quack, quack, quack.
Apply that to racist, liars, fascists, etc. If you try this with war heroes, patriots, people who sacrificed for their country and put nation over personal profit there will be no hits. If you try members of the KKK, white supremacists, nativists, authoritarian leaders Trump fits right in. What Trump hears at his rallies is quack, quack, quack.
5
The Second Amendment lie ... clearly, the phrase "well-regulated militia" has some meaning. If you are against regulating guns, you must be against the second amendment. It is Trump who is against the second amendment. Hillary is looking to enforce the second amendment. Enough already! When Bill Maher asked Trump's campaign manager about this lie, she retreated into nuance about a Supreme Court decision. Not agreeing with a Supreme Court decision is not the same as being against the second amendment. They know the difference, but preach to their deplorable supporters who contain enough crazies engaging in daily violence.
7
The guy and his people are the wizards of spin. The absolute shamelessness of trying to pin the birther movement on Hillary Clinton. I would like to see one statement she ever made suggesting Obama was not born in the USA. He did have "roots" in Africa, and this would not have been a good direction in which to go. Fortunately, Hillary is not a charlatan or opportunist. She is just a boring policy wonk and lifelong politician. She does not LIE and she is not a CRIMINAL. But Tump does lie and he also faces criminal charges. The case against his foundation is very real. Foundations are meant to operate as charitable operation. The Trump foundation just looks like a personal tax dodge and this is illegal. He will not do well upon investigation. How do I know this? I run a family foundation and contrary to Trump we are super careful about any conflicts of interest. We know the consequences and do not consider it a game. There are many honest hardworking Americans. Trump makes a mockery of all of us who follow the rules and act with integrity.
8
Why is Trump not being investigated/charged for inciting violence?
9
The issue is how do we get the undecided and the Bernie sanders bloc to vote for Hillary. Outrageousness does not change a lot of Peoples Minds.
2
The folks around me up here in the north country who'll be voting for Trump have "make America strong and grate again" plastered all over their pick-ups. (Yes, I've spotted "grate.")
They don't care where Obama was born; they don't know why the President should be a native-born American, anyway. They don't care about anything except what terrific things Trump is going to do for them. Such as make them rich and powerful and sharp and babe-magnetic just like him.
They love that he's semi-literate and, to use Gail Collins's phrase, sub-verbal. They believe he'll give them everything they've always known they deserve.
How can we get the truth through to them?
They don't care where Obama was born; they don't know why the President should be a native-born American, anyway. They don't care about anything except what terrific things Trump is going to do for them. Such as make them rich and powerful and sharp and babe-magnetic just like him.
They love that he's semi-literate and, to use Gail Collins's phrase, sub-verbal. They believe he'll give them everything they've always known they deserve.
How can we get the truth through to them?
9
Who cares about DT? Donald Trump is not the story. The story is the vast swath of the electorate who support him. Where is the focus on these supporters? Where is the analysis of the mindset these supporters represent? DT is not the story.
8
Donald Trump’s allegation that the Hillary Clinton campaign gave birth to the “birther movement” is based on an email message that Clinton campaign volunteers circulated during the 2008 Democratic primary. The email read: "Barack Obama’s mother was living in Kenya with his Arab-African father late in her pregnancy. She was not allowed to travel by plane then, so Barack Obama was born there and his mother then took him to Hawaii to register his birth. Obama carries multiple citizenships and is ineligible to run for President of the United States. United States Constitution, Article II, Section 1.” The Hillary Clinton campaign does not deny that Clinton campaign volunteers circulated the email, but says it was done without authorization. Clinton’s former campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle told CNN on Friday that Clinton quickly fired one of the workers who passed on the email. In addition, former McClatchy Washington Bureau Chief James Asher said Friday that Clinton confidante Sid Blumenthal “strongly urged me to investigate the exact place of President Obama’s birth, which he suggested was in Kenya.”
2
And the press gave him more attention! The more lies he tells the more coverage he gets. We reinforce his bad behavior by giving him attention like a disruptive toddler in pre-school. How about a one-week moratorium on Trump mentions in the media? No newspaper, internet, radio or television coverage for a week! Maybe we would feel sane again and maybe he would implode from the lack of attention!
3
I guess he just doesn't get it. That "period" stuff may work for his kids and the yes people that work for him but we don't work for him. As President, he works for us. Let's tell him "period" the next time he lies. And he will.
3
Half the country gets its news from Fox. Here's their take on this, in their ironic "bias alert" section. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/09/16/media-jump-gun-on-branding-tr...
It is hard not to give up hope. Thanks, Gail, for trying to make us laugh.
It is hard not to give up hope. Thanks, Gail, for trying to make us laugh.
2
Listen-up America: "Change" is not always for the better. It's taken Barack Obama eight years to clean-up the near-depression mess that George W. Bush left in his wake. Obama will go down in history as a great president because he saved us from a national and international nightmare. And he accomplished all this despite the obstruction and recalcitrance of the Republican Congress. If you are hoping for change in this election cycle, you'd be wise to see the most qualified, experienced woman in our nation's history as that change. We tried the Republican trickle down hoax with Reagan, Bush and Bush again and again. It left us with record deficits, unending war and some very rich Republicans to show for it. If you're still not happy with the way things are...Hillary's the change you're looking for.
14
"How did we get here?" Maybe the press should just IGNORE him for a month. He's getting the attention he doesn't deserve. But it's probably too late for that.
3
The blatantly partsan NYT lies. The first person to claim that Barack Obama was born in the U.S. was Barack Obama. His own (original, unedited) literary biography said that he was born in Kenya.
It is also true, and easy to confirm, that it was indeed the Clinton campaign who started this, contrary to the Gail Collins assertion.
Clinton’s 2008 campaign manager, Patti Doyle, admitted yesterday what has been long reported: that a “rogue” Clinton staffer spread the rumor during the 2008 primary campaign.
The NYT’s claim that there is “no evidence” of involvement by the Clinton campaign is simply false. Or said more succinctly - a lie.
It is also true, and easy to confirm, that it was indeed the Clinton campaign who started this, contrary to the Gail Collins assertion.
Clinton’s 2008 campaign manager, Patti Doyle, admitted yesterday what has been long reported: that a “rogue” Clinton staffer spread the rumor during the 2008 primary campaign.
The NYT’s claim that there is “no evidence” of involvement by the Clinton campaign is simply false. Or said more succinctly - a lie.
4
I feel as though I am in some kind of alternate universe! The right wing Christians are endorsing the sleaziest, most odious man who doesn't even have a passing acquaintance with the truth for the Presidency. Trump cheated on his first wife, and is now on his third marriage and his present wife has appeared nude a magazine - not exactly what you would expect of a First Lady. He is clueless when it comes to foreign and domestic policy and how our economy works. If Trump were a Democrat these same people would be apoplectically excoriating him for his lack of morals from their pulpits. Instead they are reviling Clinton who has had one husband and stood by him through an embarrassing scandal, has been shown through fact checkers to be the most honest person running for the Presidency, is intelligent and well informed, and embodies Christian principles of decency. Hypocrisy doesn't even come close to defining what these people are spewing. They are worshiping the false god (dare I say anti-Christ) at his feet. I absolutely do not comprehend these people.
13
It was refreshing to see Mark Cuban change his mind about Trump. He was a former supporter and as a successful investor admires business owners more than politicians. But he is now a Clinton supporter after hearing too many of Trump's ideas. All is not lost, there are still people with common sense who will vote in November but they have to feel the loss our country will suffer if they sit it out and Trump wins. Keep up the good work NY Times in exposing Trump and his unhinged ideas.
From LA Times: "Cuban, an investor and the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has said he was excited at first about Trump’s candidacy because of the New York businessman's outsider perspective and unscripted nature. But as he spoke with the candidate and watched the campaign unfold, Cuban said he grew unnerved by Trump’s worldview and endorsed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in July."
From LA Times: "Cuban, an investor and the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has said he was excited at first about Trump’s candidacy because of the New York businessman's outsider perspective and unscripted nature. But as he spoke with the candidate and watched the campaign unfold, Cuban said he grew unnerved by Trump’s worldview and endorsed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in July."
9
The world waits with their breath held to see if America has truly fallen so far, and betrayed itself so completely, that this fatuous, flabby, foolish man is elected
as President of our country. If we let that happen our economy, international investments, corporations, NGOs, and universities will forever be tarnished and the very name America will be absolutely nothing special to anyone. Trump is
clearly a psychopath. Don't let this happen.
as President of our country. If we let that happen our economy, international investments, corporations, NGOs, and universities will forever be tarnished and the very name America will be absolutely nothing special to anyone. Trump is
clearly a psychopath. Don't let this happen.
11
"People, I know some of you get very frustrated that news coverage of this election does not begin every day with: “In yet another total falsehood, Donald Trump …” This is your moment."
I think it we have a case of the press underestimating the voters. "Clearly", they thought, "people will see through this guy and never vote for him." Well, it looks like you can't underestimate the voters, to be "overly generalistic" about it.
I think it we have a case of the press underestimating the voters. "Clearly", they thought, "people will see through this guy and never vote for him." Well, it looks like you can't underestimate the voters, to be "overly generalistic" about it.
4
Why do we still call Donald Trump's lies, untruths? He knows exactly what he is saying when he out and out lies. He knows exactly what he is doing when he incites. He knows exactly what he is doing when he has played the media during his entire campaign.
3
This Drumpf character operates on the level of a classic con-man. He has almost zero respect for the truth, and even less for you and me, unless we can benefit him personally. Why anyone would lend their support to this bloviating train-wreck of a man is simply beyond me. He's disgusting.
4
Hillary smiles a big smile a lot. I hope that during the debates she just stares at the camera with one of those big smiles and points at Trump with a backhanded thumb gesture every time he says something. Trying to talk sense to him or about him has reached its 'sell by' date.
2
Amazing - not. Look at the Times coverage of the election to date. How many times did it call Trump a liar? How many positive articles did it publish about Hillary and her policy proposals? The media coverage, especially in the Times, is horribly biased in favor of Trump, giving enormous space to Trump without calling him out for the liar and con man he is, and very little coverage of Hillary, all of them negative. No wonder voters have adopted this double standard.
7
I am in shock every day that 4 in 10 Americans are so deeply stupid or morally bankrupt that they will vote for this pathological liar. What is wrong with the American electorate? The twin brothers (Racism and Stupidity) seem to have climbed out from under a rock to wreak havoc. Anybody with a shred of decency must oppose this demagogue.
8
Trump's daughter Ivanka and his two sons should be ashamed of their father.
But from what I have seen in the last weeks it looks like Trump's kids are all cut from the same cloth. They lie with impunity and they indulge in innuendos and whistle blowing aimed at the anti jewish, bigots and racists.
And Melania also, she should be ashamed of her husband. I think she was brought up in a normal family so I am sure deep inside she feels Trump is a phony and a fraud.
But from what I have seen in the last weeks it looks like Trump's kids are all cut from the same cloth. They lie with impunity and they indulge in innuendos and whistle blowing aimed at the anti jewish, bigots and racists.
And Melania also, she should be ashamed of her husband. I think she was brought up in a normal family so I am sure deep inside she feels Trump is a phony and a fraud.
6
We all shake our heads in wonder that this tacky, even hideous, unbalanced and really mean man has had any success at all, let alone reached this point in the campaign where polls show him ahead.
How can it be that Hillary isn't on her way to a landslide? Well, a little like Trump, the media, the pundits and political analysts blame her. It's Hillary's fault that the media give the Trump 25-7 coverage of everything he does and tweets and says. TV covers him even before any event as he's hovering in one of his aircraft or walking into a hall before he opens his little mouth. Can't get enough of this mug in his rumpled suit.
Yet lots of people really dislike Hillary. Can't trust her. She's just an older women, part of the problem, who won't bring change. She's even too unhealthy. In all the Trumpian tweetisms that his adoring mob can take and more, they believe HIM, trust HIM. He tells it like it is. Or should be. Or would be if there were a perfect world.
That's the part I can't fathom. Why Trump's mobs continue to back this unappealing, breathtakingly ignorant, maybe psychopathic, lying, and just plain ugly, fat guy. Maybe they really are deplorable.
How can it be that Hillary isn't on her way to a landslide? Well, a little like Trump, the media, the pundits and political analysts blame her. It's Hillary's fault that the media give the Trump 25-7 coverage of everything he does and tweets and says. TV covers him even before any event as he's hovering in one of his aircraft or walking into a hall before he opens his little mouth. Can't get enough of this mug in his rumpled suit.
Yet lots of people really dislike Hillary. Can't trust her. She's just an older women, part of the problem, who won't bring change. She's even too unhealthy. In all the Trumpian tweetisms that his adoring mob can take and more, they believe HIM, trust HIM. He tells it like it is. Or should be. Or would be if there were a perfect world.
That's the part I can't fathom. Why Trump's mobs continue to back this unappealing, breathtakingly ignorant, maybe psychopathic, lying, and just plain ugly, fat guy. Maybe they really are deplorable.
10
I've got the title for Donald J. Trump's biographical movie, which will doubtlessly premiere within a year or two after his landslide defeat at the polls:
The Lyin' King
The Lyin' King
12
Trump needed to acknowledge the truth to gain moderate Republican votes, deny responsibility because that is what Republicans do to appear strong and never wrong, and accuse Hillary of something to deflect negative attention from him to her. Three boxes checked off in a short speech. Remember dear press, any time you find yourself in factchecker mode you are already being played like a violin.
8
Trump is not the problem, the problem is the core Republican Party. Sick to the point of vomit, the GOP has sunk further and further into the outhouse of lies, distortion and racial hatred. The stench is beyond belief.
When you have Fox News, Hannity, Coulter, Limbaugh and other slime merchants aggressively supporting a lying, fascistic sociopath like Trump for the presidency of the United States, you are way past political degeneracy, you have stepped into the sewer called treason.
When you have Fox News, Hannity, Coulter, Limbaugh and other slime merchants aggressively supporting a lying, fascistic sociopath like Trump for the presidency of the United States, you are way past political degeneracy, you have stepped into the sewer called treason.
17
And remember, earlier this year, Trump told Greta van Susteren:
"I don’t lie, I mean I don’t lie. In fact, if anything, I’m so truthful that it gets me in trouble, OK? They say I’m too truthful. And, no I don’t lie. I don’t lie."
"I don’t lie, I mean I don’t lie. In fact, if anything, I’m so truthful that it gets me in trouble, OK? They say I’m too truthful. And, no I don’t lie. I don’t lie."
7
She is untrustworthy, because she, like Obama, is Other.
Donald, we recognize. He's a more cheerful, less intelligent version of Dick Cheney. But even Cheney was canny enough to avoid nuclear war. Donald, maybe not. What happens when his good buddy and financial partner Putin betrays him?
Donald, we recognize. He's a more cheerful, less intelligent version of Dick Cheney. But even Cheney was canny enough to avoid nuclear war. Donald, maybe not. What happens when his good buddy and financial partner Putin betrays him?
4
Trump refutes the birther theories. Now when is Hillary going to stand up and take ownership for starting the birther movement?
3
I like the emphatic way he added "period" at the end. It takes me back to junior high school.
3
Ok, we're appalled. Now what are we going to do about it?
Are we going to do the hard work of persuading our conservative friends and relatives to choose country over party?
Are we going to make art work that calls people to consciousness and action?
Are we going to do the hard thing and interrupt words of ignorance before they become acts of ignorance?
Are we going to vote early so we have time on Election Day to help others vote?
Who has other ideas? Care to share?
What will we do?
What will YOU do?
Are we going to do the hard work of persuading our conservative friends and relatives to choose country over party?
Are we going to make art work that calls people to consciousness and action?
Are we going to do the hard thing and interrupt words of ignorance before they become acts of ignorance?
Are we going to vote early so we have time on Election Day to help others vote?
Who has other ideas? Care to share?
What will we do?
What will YOU do?
3
The true message behind the "birther conspiracies" is that Obama is black.
That's all it's ever been, nothing more.
That's all it's ever been, nothing more.
7
Since all Trump does is rant and lie, stop the coverage and just report "Trump lies again." Parents should ignore the tantrums of a nasty 7 year old. The media should ignore the tantrums of a nasty Trump.
4
The time is past for ignoring Trump. That's what the media should have done earlier this year, and in 2015. There's no getting the toothpaste back in the tube, and what the media should be doing now is warning us about Trump. Imagine the press ignoring other would-be fascist dictators when they were on the rise.
2
Please, please stop giving him the stage!!! The media keeps pleading mea culpa to enabling him, but they continue to feed this beast. I think the best strategy would be for the media to call Trump out on his entire pack of lies and his apparent inability to be truthful and then completely ignore him, unless he says something of consequence regarding policy. It is all the media attention that feeds him, puffs him up, and contributes to his relentless diatribes. What would he do if it all stopped?
3
We are about to elect Trump, not despite his insidiousness, but because of it. He is absolutely right; he could commit mass murder - he would still be president. Why moan about consequences, when we wont deal with causes?
Bottom America is showing us the finger in the best way possible; by electing a yahoo just to show us. And Trump has provided sufficient evidence of sociopathy to suggest he will indeed carry out the agenda he outlines to his constituencies. He will deport, bomb, destroy, ban, wall off, walk away from - everything he has promised to do. If you are his constituency - when he does all these things - he will stick it to the liberals and those at the center.
Why do they want to stick it to us?
For one very simple reason only. Because they can.
Republicans understand this well. They spend inordinate energy ensuring that only those who will vote for them can vote; everyone else should be plain prevented from voting. It is the right strategy.
They spend inordinate energy ensuring that at the local level, they press the levers of hate and prejudice (OMG, a black kid will sit next to your pristine white kid in school, your women are not safe, and democrats will take away your gun, your bible, and your money). It works. The democrats have no such proposition.
Hence, call Trump what you want, nothing changes until democrats recognize their weaknesses and act like people with spines.
Kalidan
Bottom America is showing us the finger in the best way possible; by electing a yahoo just to show us. And Trump has provided sufficient evidence of sociopathy to suggest he will indeed carry out the agenda he outlines to his constituencies. He will deport, bomb, destroy, ban, wall off, walk away from - everything he has promised to do. If you are his constituency - when he does all these things - he will stick it to the liberals and those at the center.
Why do they want to stick it to us?
For one very simple reason only. Because they can.
Republicans understand this well. They spend inordinate energy ensuring that only those who will vote for them can vote; everyone else should be plain prevented from voting. It is the right strategy.
They spend inordinate energy ensuring that at the local level, they press the levers of hate and prejudice (OMG, a black kid will sit next to your pristine white kid in school, your women are not safe, and democrats will take away your gun, your bible, and your money). It works. The democrats have no such proposition.
Hence, call Trump what you want, nothing changes until democrats recognize their weaknesses and act like people with spines.
Kalidan
2
Stories like this are disturbing to many of us, but have done essentially nothing to change the tide turning in favor of Donald Trump. The polls in recent days are terrifying.
If Clinton is still hoping to win this election, she must do something immediately to get some of the attention of the American people- she needs to take the velvet gloves off NOW and start slinging some mud back or we are all done for. This is way too serious now, and Clinton is off track. If she is truly the leader she thinks she can be, she needs to quell our anxiety, inspire us and end Donald Trump's nefarious campaign.
If Clinton is still hoping to win this election, she must do something immediately to get some of the attention of the American people- she needs to take the velvet gloves off NOW and start slinging some mud back or we are all done for. This is way too serious now, and Clinton is off track. If she is truly the leader she thinks she can be, she needs to quell our anxiety, inspire us and end Donald Trump's nefarious campaign.
1
If the Wizard of the Odds aka Donald John Trump was not being followed by a legion of howling hyenas he would not spin these fairy tales. Donald John Trump is merely the big ugly red visible bloody oozing pustule symptom of the political plague fever infecting America and Americans.
If Donald John Trump was not trying to cover up so many of his own troubling personal maternal and paternal and matrimonial birther truths he would not be engaged in this deceptive distracting birther campaign. A real birther truth is that Donald John Trump is the son of an anchor baby daddy seeking Scottish born and bred mother. A real birther truth is that Donald John Trump is the grandson of a cowardly draft dodging natural born citizen of Germany. A real birther truth is that Donald John Trump is the son of a German American greedy multimillionaire inhumane racist bigot. A real birther truth is that the 1st and 3rd Mrs. Donald John Trump are natural born and bred Slavic Czech and Slovenian communist atheist supermodels.
Did any of them legally and honorably enter and remain in America?
If Donald John Trump was not trying to cover up so many of his own troubling personal maternal and paternal and matrimonial birther truths he would not be engaged in this deceptive distracting birther campaign. A real birther truth is that Donald John Trump is the son of an anchor baby daddy seeking Scottish born and bred mother. A real birther truth is that Donald John Trump is the grandson of a cowardly draft dodging natural born citizen of Germany. A real birther truth is that Donald John Trump is the son of a German American greedy multimillionaire inhumane racist bigot. A real birther truth is that the 1st and 3rd Mrs. Donald John Trump are natural born and bred Slavic Czech and Slovenian communist atheist supermodels.
Did any of them legally and honorably enter and remain in America?
6
All that gratuitous character assassination of the Clintons sure has desensitized the American public to real psychopaths.
2
I think part of the solution to nailing Trump is for Hillary to channel Ronald Reagan. Please, hear me out. A relaxed, friendly conversational tone of voice when calling out outrageous behavior is devastating when done consistently. Like sticking in a shiv with a warm smile. Just look how effective Elizabeth Warren has been at slicing and dicing the raging orange cantaloupe.
1
Trump is being given a pass here. He's not one who is "incapable of realizing that he’s telling a lie" or "unable to take blame" for lying. He is someone who purposely lies to manipulate an untruthful message and implement his agenda, no matter how knowingly wrong he may be. He invokes untruths very tactically for his single purpose of winning, at any cost, no matter how unbelievable or damaging the things he says are.
1
We may all end up like the Brits who were lied to by the Trump and Bannon pal, Farage, leader of UKIP, who lied and lied and lied to win the Brexit vote. Only AFTER the Brits voted to leave the European Union, and realized that they had been totally deceived into doing it did they come to their senses. I am completely terrified of Donald Trump. I have never seen a human being so empty of any sense of morality. Everything he says and does is meant to enhance his ego and self worth. Conway should be totally ashamed of herself for coaching this empty vessel into someone who resembles a human being long enough to fool enough people to get him elected. Many of the talking heads promoting him know better but are doing this for selfish reasons. Christie for Attorney General, maybe Guliani for Chief of Staff. They must have covered all the mirrors in their houses so they don't have to look at themselves and account for their actions.
2
Geez Louise. If this man gets elected president the country deserves the disaster of his presidency. If we can last out four years of financial turmoil and another dumb war sparked by somebody flipping us the bird, then perhaps the lunatic tantrum will finally be finished and the adults can start cleaning up the mess.
1
Clearly, the only explanation for all of this is that Trump thinks the election is a joke, but his followers don't get it - they think it's real.
1
"I’ve always said that women won’t vote for a candidate who yells because he’ll remind them of a bad boyfriend."
I keep reading that millennials are reluctant to vote for Clinton because she is a war-monger and has been around too long. I'm starting to think millennials won't vote for Clinton because she reminds them of their mother! She'll tell them to pick up their rooms, wonder about their dating choices, be the person who remembers the "oregano" stashed in the back of their dresser, and be the one person who can look them square in the eye and say, "Really?"
Thank you, Gail, for the smiles when so much seems bleak!
I keep reading that millennials are reluctant to vote for Clinton because she is a war-monger and has been around too long. I'm starting to think millennials won't vote for Clinton because she reminds them of their mother! She'll tell them to pick up their rooms, wonder about their dating choices, be the person who remembers the "oregano" stashed in the back of their dresser, and be the one person who can look them square in the eye and say, "Really?"
Thank you, Gail, for the smiles when so much seems bleak!
15
I love reading your columns Gail, but even you can't make this horror story funny. Trump is unrepentant. He’s given a pass for his lies and for blaming the very people who have criticized him for perpetuating them. Of course Trump’s birther statements have all been untrue, but it seems no one is going to hold him accountable for a millions lies, just as no one will stop him from goading his followers into trying to assassinate Hilary Clinton. I spoke with a number of Trump supporters the other day. They stated they'll vote for him no matter what he says or does, so if he makes good and shoots an innocent person on 5th Avenue he won’t lose a single vote. We're living is some sort of hellish alt-reality, where the lies of the most horrible person imaginable, a heartbeat away from the American Presidency, go unchallenged. This con-artist and crook seriously pretends that the kind of fascist and racist country he seeks to create is really good for Americans and what President Lincoln always dreamed of. His proposals, such as they are, are apocalyptic; don't make good on sovereign debt and destroy the country, give massive tax cuts to billionaires and bankrupt the country, destroy all the basic Constitutional protections which have existed since the formation of our great democracy. It's a nightmare I thought I’d never witness. I'm sick to death. It appears ever more likely that his monster will be the next (and if it comes to pass, the last) President of the United States.
5
Before America can become great again it needs a political system that makes it impossible for an individual of Trump's quality, intellectually and morally, to become a candidate for any elective office.
Much of America is great and will continue to be great regardless of what politicians do.
H.L. Mencken in 1920 noted that:
"On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron."
Mencken's prediction came true, of course, in 2000. Nowhere in Mencken's writings can I find anything about a bloviating scumbag reaching high office.
Much of America is great and will continue to be great regardless of what politicians do.
H.L. Mencken in 1920 noted that:
"On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron."
Mencken's prediction came true, of course, in 2000. Nowhere in Mencken's writings can I find anything about a bloviating scumbag reaching high office.
7
Why would he apologize? That would be hypocrisy. He's not sorry. Trump lies for a reason. It doesn't have to be a good reason or make any sense to the rest of us, as long as his cult accepts and repeats the lies. He's energizing his base, and they love it.
2
Donald Trump’s allegation that the Hillary Clinton campaign gave birth to the “birther movement” is based on an email message that Clinton campaign volunteers circulated during the 2008 Democratic primary. The email read: "Barack Obama’s mother was living in Kenya with his Arab-African father late in her pregnancy. She was not allowed to travel by plane then, so Barack Obama was born there and his mother then took him to Hawaii to register his birth. Obama carries multiple citizenships and is ineligible to run for President of the United States. United States Constitution, Article II, Section 1.” The Hillary Clinton campaign does not deny that Clinton campaign volunteers circulated the email, but says it was done without authorization. Clinton’s former campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle told CNN on Friday that Clinton quickly fired one of the workers who passed on the email. In addition, former McClatchy Washington Bureau Chief James Asher said Friday that Clinton confidante Sid Blumenthal “strongly urged me to investigate the exact place of President Obama’s birth, which he suggested was in Kenya.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/8478044/Birther-ro...
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/election/article1023...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/8478044/Birther-ro...
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/election/article1023...
3
We have devolved from having a basket of deplorables to a vast fetid sewer of the very worst our country can belch forth. Hard even for a cynic like me to foresee.
4
Thanks for using the word "lie", Gail. It's a word the press should use a lot more often when it comes to Trumpy.
3
I blame the cable T.V. news for this execrable mess. They have given Trump his own reality show political campaign, glossing over his many outrageous lies, letting him bully the other Republican Presidential candidates to the point of jaw-dropping disbelief, while at the same time pounding Hillary Clinton for using an apt word (deplorable) to describe his ardent, scarier-even-than-him followers. They wouldn't shut up about her bout with walking pneumonia, talking about it nonstop for a week. Yet everything he does is just lost in the wake of another horrible Donald event. I could see another Civil War coming out of this if he is not stopped. But it may be too late.
2
Let's just call it as it is - journalism and television are no longer related. To be completely cynical, broadcast channels can't wait to see their creation, Mr. Trump, get elected so that they have 4 more years of guaranteed eyeballs and revenue.
Let's also say that seemingly half of the country is just fine with this reality show model. Amazing, as aptly put by Ms. Collins.
Let's also say that seemingly half of the country is just fine with this reality show model. Amazing, as aptly put by Ms. Collins.
1
I was heartened to see the first two comments in NYT picks were from NC. Now I know there are at least three North Carolinians who will not vote for Trump. The term 'shock and awe' is a war strategy, but every day I am shocked and awed by what is happening in my country (tears are me). But Trump's candidacy is a war-- against this country and it's core values. I am shocked and awed by the people who think he would make a great president for this most powerful nation. As for the birther nonsense, does anyone think that a white woman living in Hawaii with the father of her child and with her supportive parents near by would decide to fly to Kenya to deliver her baby. Was she thinking I know there must be better maternity care to be had in Kenya than at home in Hawaii. If I scream will anybody hear me except my dogs.
4
Honestly, questioning Obama's birth status years ago pales versus the incessant cries of "Racist" being launched at Donald Trump by Democrats and the NY Times with such fervor and certainty. I also don't buy into the imaginary line that says candidates can be scrutinized, besmirched and scandalized before they are President, but then are unquestionable afterward. It's Trump's right to question. If you follow the news, his spike in this regard was years ago. The spike in NY Times articles calling him a racist is much more recent and troubling. Democrats want to make "birtherism" a key plank of their platform I guess. However, I thought it was Hillary Clinton who Trump is running against. I haven't seen any articles on the 5% of the Clinton Foundation annual budget that actually went to charity here at the NY Times.
Somehow it is OK to repeatedly call a man a racist (somehow knowing with certainty what is in a man's heart), but questioning a birth certificate of someone in elected office is horrible. Sorry if I don't get the equivalence. I guess I'm just another deplorable.
And again, if you think HRC and her team didn't seek to besmirch or undermine President Obama during the primaries 8 years ago, you are just being naive. You all act like she is some kind of saint. We've got about 30 years of history that suggests otherwise.
Somehow it is OK to repeatedly call a man a racist (somehow knowing with certainty what is in a man's heart), but questioning a birth certificate of someone in elected office is horrible. Sorry if I don't get the equivalence. I guess I'm just another deplorable.
And again, if you think HRC and her team didn't seek to besmirch or undermine President Obama during the primaries 8 years ago, you are just being naive. You all act like she is some kind of saint. We've got about 30 years of history that suggests otherwise.
3
Are editors recruited for their gullibility? Within hours of admitting his lie Trump makes another outrageous statement that is intended to deflect attention from his birther cave in. Reporters cover it with breathless earnestness worthy of a serious person, but he's not. They seem to think that the public will connect the dots but I'm afraid critical thinking has vanished from a celebrity-drunk public. They are all being played and seem to enjoy it. They won't after November 8th.
3
The late Gene Wilder would be perfect playing Donald Trump in a movie.
And the late Paul Newman and Robert Redford could make a number of movies/sequels about how to run a real "con."
Why, they could even make a movie about the Trump surrogates along the line of the Pied Piper and the lemmings. The plot could be Trump racing to the cliff, and lemmings following his Pied Piper leadership (like cartoonists portray lemmings) only to have Trump at the edge, dodge left. And the lemmings go flying off into the atmosphere as Trump is heard saying " Gee I was only being "funny" or was it "sarcastic."
We need the Coen Brothers. Likely they already have films in the works.
And the late Paul Newman and Robert Redford could make a number of movies/sequels about how to run a real "con."
Why, they could even make a movie about the Trump surrogates along the line of the Pied Piper and the lemmings. The plot could be Trump racing to the cliff, and lemmings following his Pied Piper leadership (like cartoonists portray lemmings) only to have Trump at the edge, dodge left. And the lemmings go flying off into the atmosphere as Trump is heard saying " Gee I was only being "funny" or was it "sarcastic."
We need the Coen Brothers. Likely they already have films in the works.
1
Trump's little word, "period" is so dismissive of the subject that it might as well be "All right! Stop bugging me about it." Obviously, the tyrant Trump doesn't want to be asked to account for his white supremacy remarks at the debates. With his new Alt-Right comrades, it's obvious that no one except a WASP is acceptable to run for public office. His vulgar and foul language might lead some voters to think he's a common man whose mother was born a MacLeod in Scotland. In truth, when he says "I alone can fix our problems," he believes he is America's redeemer.
2
One reason that Trump continues to have 40% following that do not change with his serial gaffes, threats, and other UnPresidential and impolitic behavior is that his voters does not think he means it when he says:" build the wall", or thata they expect Congress would provide the proper checks against his actions. What they fail to take into consideration that there may well be little to no check and balance if the Republicans retain control of both the Senate and the House, and as one would expect, President Trump would belittle, threaten various forms of political paybacks against anyone who disagree with him.
5
To vote for Trump is an act of treason AND suicide. If it is not completely clear that he is a tyrant and you do vote for him then you will share responsibility for the death of this Nation. Our freedom rests in your hands and in your vote. We must not fail each other. If you believe in our democracy but wish to improve it in any way you see fit, speak with your local politicians and congress woman/man. Save our Nation. Defeat Trump. Save yourself, your family, your friends and community and the lives of every American.
6
His birther lie? Hmmm....I seem to have read in several reputable publications yesterday that the Clinton campaign came up with the birther lie and has yet to retract it or apologize for it.
4
You mean like the National Enquirer? I seem to remember reading that several reputable fact checkers have totally refuted that claim.
4
The fact is that Trump should have been pressed hard from the very beginning on this question. He said his "people" who were "studying it" could not "believe what they [were] finding" and yet in all these many months no one in the press asked him about it. Even now he could be asked what it was they found. But no, not a peep from the press. Disheartening. Dismaying. Disenfranchising.
The notion that the press should behave like a tape recorder and merely report both sides of any argument or contest renders the fourth estate nothing more than a pathetic machine, incapable of critical thought and useless to the public. If we are to take it seriously, the press has to take itself seriously. Too much time is spent by the press defending the press. If you were doing your jobs Donald Trump would only be getting the support of the deplorables. Even the cowardly Republican mainstream would openly disavow him.
The notion that the press should behave like a tape recorder and merely report both sides of any argument or contest renders the fourth estate nothing more than a pathetic machine, incapable of critical thought and useless to the public. If we are to take it seriously, the press has to take itself seriously. Too much time is spent by the press defending the press. If you were doing your jobs Donald Trump would only be getting the support of the deplorables. Even the cowardly Republican mainstream would openly disavow him.
6
I think the reason for that was that, at the time, Trump was seen as a clown and a side show. No one took him seriously and the claim was so outlandish that it didn't deserve to be even acknowledged.
1
Why is it that the media continues to support his lies by publishing them. Why is it that the media gives Trump so much attention.
Times magazine had a cover story that said "we joke, you decide." It was about late night humor in relation to this sorry election year.
The magazine should have published an article about the media and their love affair with the Donald and all the attention the media gives Trump. "We promote, hen you decide.
Times magazine had a cover story that said "we joke, you decide." It was about late night humor in relation to this sorry election year.
The magazine should have published an article about the media and their love affair with the Donald and all the attention the media gives Trump. "We promote, hen you decide.
3
Trump ia a self-absorbed, ignorant, bullying fabulist, who shows all the indicators of serious, obvious mental instability - that's all you get folks.
* The ignorance will not turn into even an effort to fill in the gaps: Trump likes his worldview just fine as it is.
* The bullying and trend towards revenge, and violence, is not going to stop: Trump even attacks the least powerful among us, as in this past week, black pastors.
* The uncontrolled, raging narcissism... well, we're obviously stuck with it. It's painfully obvious that for Trump, the real purpose of the Presidency is enhancement of his Brand, and as a platform for receiving endless adulation.
* Incredible behavior that should get him arrested does not seem to stop either. After falsely claiming that "Clinton wants to take away all your gun," Trump called for her to be stripped of any Secret Service protection "to see what happens," with a sneering admission that it would be dangerous. If anyone else did this, we would receive a visit from the Secret Service - and it would NOT be a social call.
* Then there's the endless lies! *We have been treated to an endless blizzard of lies* on a daily basis, since his campaign started - often piling up on each other in the same speech!
I'm beyond disgusted and horrified. After November, I hope we never have to hear the word "Trump" again. It's become a curse word to me, dreaded and foul - certainly it's a curse on America's reputation and future. We deserve far better!
* The ignorance will not turn into even an effort to fill in the gaps: Trump likes his worldview just fine as it is.
* The bullying and trend towards revenge, and violence, is not going to stop: Trump even attacks the least powerful among us, as in this past week, black pastors.
* The uncontrolled, raging narcissism... well, we're obviously stuck with it. It's painfully obvious that for Trump, the real purpose of the Presidency is enhancement of his Brand, and as a platform for receiving endless adulation.
* Incredible behavior that should get him arrested does not seem to stop either. After falsely claiming that "Clinton wants to take away all your gun," Trump called for her to be stripped of any Secret Service protection "to see what happens," with a sneering admission that it would be dangerous. If anyone else did this, we would receive a visit from the Secret Service - and it would NOT be a social call.
* Then there's the endless lies! *We have been treated to an endless blizzard of lies* on a daily basis, since his campaign started - often piling up on each other in the same speech!
I'm beyond disgusted and horrified. After November, I hope we never have to hear the word "Trump" again. It's become a curse word to me, dreaded and foul - certainly it's a curse on America's reputation and future. We deserve far better!
9
Alas, I'm afraid we are getting what we deserve. We have allowed our schools to deteriorate to the point of a citizenry with no ability for critical thinking or knowledge of history. Now that the cat is out of the bag it is impossible to return it to the bag and thus we have a trump. Where we go from here is dependent upon other leaders of our country - the educated adults.
4
Not "amazing" Gail...disgusting and frightening. This is no longer a game. It's the perfect storm of passive, weak willed president, sickly, elitist, over the hill female candidate who has lived with personal lies so long the electorate doesn't know how or why to trust her, and a proto-fascist who has already gone a long way, thanks to the Repugnant Republican Party, towards destroying the fragile social structure of our society. Not funny. Serious.
2
One has to wonder how this election would be playing out if Trump were a woman.
6
She'd have to be doping herself with testosterone as Trump probably does himself to replicate the act.
1
Hey all you eligible voters down there, if you vote for Donald Trump and he gets elected, you're going to regret it. Seriously. Up here in Toronto, a minor local councilor (Rob Ford) managed to get himself elected mayor.
Suddenly we had a mayor who would get up and leave a city council meeting because he had to go off and be a volunteer coach of a high school football team. And no amount of suggesting that, as mayor, he ought to be tending to the city's business.
Or there was another time where his hand-picked chairwoman of the city transit authority held a big news conference and outlined a completely new transit plan for the entire city and which, incidentally, junked the mayor's pet subway project. Where was the mayor? He was off at a constituent's house investigating a raccoon problem the constituent had called him about.
And, of course, there was the big drug scandal that caused city council to strip him of all his powers half way through his term in office. (Presumably Donald Trump doesn't have a drug problem, though "some people" do say, etc. etc.)
And, of course, there were a number of times where he was caught saying some rather inappropriate things about this or that group.
Donald Trump's future problems will be of a different order of magnitude. But you have to wonder how Mr. Trump will get anything done if he has the entire Democratic Party and maybe a third of the Republican Party opposed to him.
Suddenly we had a mayor who would get up and leave a city council meeting because he had to go off and be a volunteer coach of a high school football team. And no amount of suggesting that, as mayor, he ought to be tending to the city's business.
Or there was another time where his hand-picked chairwoman of the city transit authority held a big news conference and outlined a completely new transit plan for the entire city and which, incidentally, junked the mayor's pet subway project. Where was the mayor? He was off at a constituent's house investigating a raccoon problem the constituent had called him about.
And, of course, there was the big drug scandal that caused city council to strip him of all his powers half way through his term in office. (Presumably Donald Trump doesn't have a drug problem, though "some people" do say, etc. etc.)
And, of course, there were a number of times where he was caught saying some rather inappropriate things about this or that group.
Donald Trump's future problems will be of a different order of magnitude. But you have to wonder how Mr. Trump will get anything done if he has the entire Democratic Party and maybe a third of the Republican Party opposed to him.
11
The Republican party establishment is probably confident that they will be able to muster all of the Democratic votes they will need in the House and Senate to impeach and remove Trump for mental illness and put Mike Pence in the White House in his stead, if Trump wins the election.
Ms. Collins, thank you for this, and for all your commentary that never fails to lift me up during this horribly depressing campaign season. Trump...amazing indeed. Especially for assuming the position of the authoritative one here, when he finally proclaimed that Obama is a natural born citizen, "Period." Like the world was waiting for him to decide the truth and let us all know. The nerve of the guy. What gives him the authority to speak on...anything? What gives him the idea that we take his word for...anything? Who are these people who do? If he wins, and I've said this about Nixon, Reagan, and W, but this time for real, we are going DOWN.
12
I actually have no problem with those who love Trump. Some of those people are family members. I do think that those who say Hillary is no better than Trump and are not voting or voting for a third party (check out how Bernies positions line with Gary johnson's...they don't) art just dishonest in their attempt to be "pure."
4
According to the latest polls, a brazen, pathological liar is now an even bet to become the next president of the United States.
There are three problems here. One is the MSM that has assiduously painted Hillary Clinton as somehow untrustworthy (see: the NYT). The second is the alt-left which still believes conspiracy theories from the Bernie Sanders' primary campaign about Clinton The third is a citizenry too stupid, uninformed, and amoral to understand you don't support sociopaths for high office.
I believe Clinton is going to win but it is shocking to realize how close this thing will be. Really, America, has it come to this? Democracy is not a panacea. It's only as good as our willingness to take self-governance seriously. This is a wake-up call, America. You're close to jumping the shark.
There are three problems here. One is the MSM that has assiduously painted Hillary Clinton as somehow untrustworthy (see: the NYT). The second is the alt-left which still believes conspiracy theories from the Bernie Sanders' primary campaign about Clinton The third is a citizenry too stupid, uninformed, and amoral to understand you don't support sociopaths for high office.
I believe Clinton is going to win but it is shocking to realize how close this thing will be. Really, America, has it come to this? Democracy is not a panacea. It's only as good as our willingness to take self-governance seriously. This is a wake-up call, America. You're close to jumping the shark.
17
I think Trump builds on the cumulative reporting that the NYT and other major media outlets have provided over 25 years on both of the Clintons.
To play off what he said yesterday: I didn't start it, someone else did.
We've read and heard for years how duplicitous they are. No wonder the general public is receptive to Trump's rants.
To play off what he said yesterday: I didn't start it, someone else did.
We've read and heard for years how duplicitous they are. No wonder the general public is receptive to Trump's rants.
8
There is no sign that Trump has the slightest conscience whatsoever. Has he ever shown remorse for anything?
8
Please stop using softer words for lying like "falsehoods" or "untruthful".
12
At some point, even Gail runs out of synonyms.
1
Yes. Trump is a liar. He lies. All the time.
3
The extreme way he has handled this suggests serious mental illness, not just weird and stupid narcissism.
14
What we have here is a clear example of a sociopath. He lies for no reason, lies about lying and then says he never lied when confronted with the irrefutable truth. He does it every day and every time. He doesn't obscure the truth. HE LIES.
19
Hmmm ... Frustration is an understatement for how I feel about this whole process . How a man whose whole political foundation is based on a complete lie is rising so steadily in the polls .
4
The late Gene Wilder would be perfect for playing Donald Trump in a movie. and Newman and Redford could make several movies about how to run a real "con.".
There could even be a movie about the Trump surrogates, who like lemmings, will follow him off the cliff. Trump races to the edge of the cliff, dodges to the "left," and the lemmings go flying into. the atmosphere.
Trump is heard saying: I was only being "funny" or was it "sarcastic."
There could even be a movie about the Trump surrogates, who like lemmings, will follow him off the cliff. Trump races to the edge of the cliff, dodges to the "left," and the lemmings go flying into. the atmosphere.
Trump is heard saying: I was only being "funny" or was it "sarcastic."
3
All the lying and backpedaling to win the WH will only end in Trump landing on his ample behind, and hurting his severely shortened backbone. Of course, this will only make his deplorable followers to thump their chests and rush to the polls.
3
It's easy to compare Trump to P. T. Barnum, but he's really more like Joe McCarthy, who often called a news conference to announce he would have another one later to reveal some important new information, but it was always just more bluster and lies. To paraphrase Joseph Welch at the Senate McCarthy hearings, Mr. Trump, have you no sense of decency? Obviously not, but unlike McCarthy we can't count on Trump slinking off into oblivion. For those of you too young to be familiar with the meaning of McCarthyism, look it up and vote for Hillary.
8
Gail: As Washington Post's Kathleen Parker put it, "the question of Obama's birthright...was raised by a least one of her supporters in 2008....And, by the way, does anyone think that the Clinton machine wouldn't have produced contrary evidence of Obama's citizenship had it existed?" Column, Sept. 16, 2016)
Do you honestly believe that Hillary Clinton would not have raised the issue in her 2008 primary campaign had she found that Obama was not born in the USA?
So though you omit here the obvious question, it still begs an answer to why the Clintons whispered the issue so loudly and widely about Manhattan political and business circles that the rumors inevitably reached 2008 Clinton campaign supporter Donald Trump. The Clinton Presidential campaign then both needed black and white votes against Obama. He was a threat to Clinton's appeal for black votes. Pres. Obama and Michelle (who said she'd never forgive Hillary for her negative campaign against Obama) are clearly holding their noses as they let the Clintons write their speeches in support of Mrs. Clinton's campaign. Or the Obamas now feel they can support her campaign since they have nothing to lose.
Do you honestly believe that Hillary Clinton would not have raised the issue in her 2008 primary campaign had she found that Obama was not born in the USA?
So though you omit here the obvious question, it still begs an answer to why the Clintons whispered the issue so loudly and widely about Manhattan political and business circles that the rumors inevitably reached 2008 Clinton campaign supporter Donald Trump. The Clinton Presidential campaign then both needed black and white votes against Obama. He was a threat to Clinton's appeal for black votes. Pres. Obama and Michelle (who said she'd never forgive Hillary for her negative campaign against Obama) are clearly holding their noses as they let the Clintons write their speeches in support of Mrs. Clinton's campaign. Or the Obamas now feel they can support her campaign since they have nothing to lose.
4
@Bayou Huoma-- Your ridiculous straw man is that such evidence existed. It didn't. Trump and Clinton's reaction to that lack of evidence was different. Your question illogically proposes a completely different set of circumstances and then demands to know why the outcome would be different.
3
This is nonsense. Hillary Clinton never claimed Obama wasn't born in the US. Never. And your hypothetical is even more absurd: obviously, if anyone had discovered that the President wasn't born in the US, they'd have revealed it--not only the Clintons.
It must be wonderful to buy into the Republican demonizing of the Clintons. What are you trying to justify? Voting for Johnson or Stein? Good luck with that--it's a vote for Trump.
It must be wonderful to buy into the Republican demonizing of the Clintons. What are you trying to justify? Voting for Johnson or Stein? Good luck with that--it's a vote for Trump.
2
Let's make the campaign against him simple:
No tax returns, no presidency.
No tax returns, no presidency.
9
There will surely be new Trump's outrages every day, such as his recent call for the assassination of his opponent, but Times editorial comment should now have much more to say about the Republican politicians who still support him.
10
And yet, despite all of it, he has a very good chance of being elected POTUS.
2
And what about his fellow Republicans? Do they deserve a free pass in this? Call them out as well for their support of deplorable liar as worthy to lead our great nation.
6
Actually, Ms. Collins, the amazing part is that millions of used and abused Americans lie to themselves while voting to increase their own misery and to diminish their own children's future, a tragedy that has fueled GOP political success for 35 years, and counting.
8
Christian theology posits the rise of an Anti-Christ - a pathologically evil smoothie who fools everyone, including those who supposedly follow Biblical principles, into putting him in power. Thus begins the end of humanity.
I've always found this apocryphal. How could good people fall for such a person?
Now I am not sure.
I've always found this apocryphal. How could good people fall for such a person?
Now I am not sure.
8
No wonder he's ahead in the polls! The NYTs features him multiple times a day. Seriously, if the amount of attention given that buffoon was given to Bernie Sanders - guess what? The DNC wouldn't have their knickers in a twist! and most of the country would be asking Donald who?
2
First question in first debate -- Why do you lie? Quickly followed by a list of his lies.
3
I have to be honest. I'm 52, have always been very interested in politics, I read and follow the news closely, I was raised in a nice family with good values, and I HATE Donald Trump.
I really, truly do, and I don't say that lightly. There is very little I "hate". It's such a strong, visceral emotion. But I hate him. I hate how he lies. I hate how he waves his right hand around in those stupid, pointless gestures. I hate the timbre of his voice. I hate how he inspires the absolute worse in people.
I hate how Trump is inspiring so many Americans who deserve a better life but are being played for chumps. He's such a despicable person.
I really, truly do, and I don't say that lightly. There is very little I "hate". It's such a strong, visceral emotion. But I hate him. I hate how he lies. I hate how he waves his right hand around in those stupid, pointless gestures. I hate the timbre of his voice. I hate how he inspires the absolute worse in people.
I hate how Trump is inspiring so many Americans who deserve a better life but are being played for chumps. He's such a despicable person.
18
"Amazing" and sad.
1
Trump's statement yesterday was a cynical attempt to put his years of calumny behind him and try to garner a point or two more support from the African American community. He was trying to remove this as a debate topic, but only succeeded in assuring that it will come up.
When did you decide that President Obama is a native born citizen? What evidence changed your mind? Why didn't you apologize to the President? The American people? What did those researchers you sent to Hawaii uncover? Did you ever send anyone to Hawaii? Who?
Oh, and how about those tax returns? Enquiring minds want to know!
When did you decide that President Obama is a native born citizen? What evidence changed your mind? Why didn't you apologize to the President? The American people? What did those researchers you sent to Hawaii uncover? Did you ever send anyone to Hawaii? Who?
Oh, and how about those tax returns? Enquiring minds want to know!
4
I keep thinking about "Joe Izusu", but, at least with Joe, there was a figurative wink and the audience was in on the joke. Of course, there was also a real product behind the facade of nonsense. Deplorable or not, a substantial portion of Trumpistas chose to believe the lies and will keep believing them no matter how often they are debunked, and no matter the consequences for our Country and the World. Trump shows us how thin the line can be between "getting the joke" and being seduced by it.
1
Not only is Trump a prevaricator and a disgrace to our American values, but so are his family members. I watched Trump finally state that Obama was born in the United States, but he did so without heartfelt conviction and genuine apology. He was more intent on showing off his latest hotel. Eric Trump alluded to the fact that Hillary should be taken to the GAS CHAMBERS for her misdeeds. Donald Trump Jr. gave another flimsy excuse for his father not publicizing his tax returns. Ivanka Trump abbreviated her interview with Cosmopolitan for she wasn't pleased with the questions being asked. I'm appalled at their behavior, but I am more disgusted with our people who continue to applaud the Trump's family disgusting rhetoric, feeble excuses, and incessant lies. I am embarrassed to think that some of us would stoop to such a low level to even consider voting for Trump. His promises are empty, self-serving, and distorted.
4
Never mind that Trump is a liar; he is a joker, a prankster enjoying his notoriety at the expense of the voters. He, like Congress, has nothing but contempt for the public. The media have helped promote this joker's idiocy and many voters will vote for him for his bravado, and/or vote against Hillary. The public have joined the charade, masquerading Congress. Sick and irresponsible! The media should take it upon themselves to deemphasize trivialities and highlight the more important issues for which Trump must be defeated: the Supreme Court appointments being the most important one. Let's focus on that.
2
In all fairness, none of us actually know where we were born. There are adopted people who make it into adulthood before stumbling on the truth, and dreamer children who find out that they aren't when they are denied some privilege reserved for citizens.
There are facts that support the notion that Obama is not a citizen and Obama is the source for most.
He attended public school in Indonesia, which required that he become a citizen of Indonesia. He traveled internationally on an Indonesian passport until he was in his twenties. He did not register for the draft when he was 18 and is social security number is inconsistent with his place of birth. Unless his Indonesian naturalization documentation are disclosed, there is a 50:50 chance that he relinquished his American citizenship when he was naturalized as an Indonesian, albeit involuntarily. He has never released his academic records. It would be interesting to see what assertions he was making then regarding his nationality. If he denied in his applications that he was a US citizen, that would have materially affected his electability.
Obama claimed in publicity for his book that he was born in Kenya, a fact confirmed by his paternal grandmother.
Although Hillary never advanced the narrative that Obama was not born in America, her surrogates in 2008 absolutely advanced the narrative that he was not culturally American.
There are facts that support the notion that Obama is not a citizen and Obama is the source for most.
He attended public school in Indonesia, which required that he become a citizen of Indonesia. He traveled internationally on an Indonesian passport until he was in his twenties. He did not register for the draft when he was 18 and is social security number is inconsistent with his place of birth. Unless his Indonesian naturalization documentation are disclosed, there is a 50:50 chance that he relinquished his American citizenship when he was naturalized as an Indonesian, albeit involuntarily. He has never released his academic records. It would be interesting to see what assertions he was making then regarding his nationality. If he denied in his applications that he was a US citizen, that would have materially affected his electability.
Obama claimed in publicity for his book that he was born in Kenya, a fact confirmed by his paternal grandmother.
Although Hillary never advanced the narrative that Obama was not born in America, her surrogates in 2008 absolutely advanced the narrative that he was not culturally American.
On the other hand, I would like to know how Trump is going to bring those jobs back from China. Beijing factories pay $10 a day and for ten years factories been moving to other provences where the pay is $6 a day.
What is the chance that Trump hotels and casinos employ illegals?
Truly there is no there, there.
In the meantime we are the richest industrial country on the planet and we still have poverty and Mississippi ranks the same as Botswana for infant mortality.
What is the chance that Trump hotels and casinos employ illegals?
Truly there is no there, there.
In the meantime we are the richest industrial country on the planet and we still have poverty and Mississippi ranks the same as Botswana for infant mortality.
A real speculative nonsense about Obama. How many American children have studied abroad due to their parent's job in foreign countries? Any ideas dude? All these kids lost their status as American citizen, mister? Stop putting ex-Trumpian nonsense. It's shameful.
3
One of the really positive results of this election is that the mainstream media has been seriously weakened by Trump. Whether Trump damages the GOP or not remains to be seen. However, Trump's ability to discombobulate the media is an affirmative factor that will provide a guide for future GOP candidates to use against a uniformly hostile branch of the Democratic Party; the mainstream media.
1
That's why they gave Trump $3 billion in free publicity. The mythology of the Liberal media is as strong as Hillary is a liar. It came from the despicable Republicans that was whole-heartedly embraced by the so-called Liberal media.
2
All part of the con game Trump uses to deceive and manipulate. Now of course he is trying to manipulate those who may be on the fence about him. He has capitalized on the birther nonsense as evidenced by the number of his supporters who believe it. Basically he hitched a ride on the lie and it is now seen as a liability so he creates another lie from it. Gullible people are his lifeblood.
4
Yes, Trump's record in the African American community does indeed speak for itself, Mr. Pence. And it says, "I am a discriminatory bigot who won't rent to blacks and doesn't want to see them on the casino floor when I come in. I have no respect for them at all and look like a complete fool when I appear to pander to them so white folks won't think I'm racist."
9
“President Barack Obama was born in the United States, period."
I doubt Trump himself ever believed that Obama wasn't born in the United States. Him saying so was a tool to garner attention and free media coverage. But since at this point in his campaign appearing more realistic would help him, he was now willing to admit that Obama was indeed born in the United States. And of course he did it in the most Trumpish way - without real explanation and once again getting the media to give him free coverage.
He may be clueless regarding politics, but he knows how to appeal to a crowd and how to (ab)use the media.
I doubt Trump himself ever believed that Obama wasn't born in the United States. Him saying so was a tool to garner attention and free media coverage. But since at this point in his campaign appearing more realistic would help him, he was now willing to admit that Obama was indeed born in the United States. And of course he did it in the most Trumpish way - without real explanation and once again getting the media to give him free coverage.
He may be clueless regarding politics, but he knows how to appeal to a crowd and how to (ab)use the media.
8
'Frustrated' isn't the word, Gail - ANGRY when we hear the news start every day with "in yet another total falsehood, Donald Trump". For years he claimed that President Obama was not born in America, was not even an American, his followers whispering that Obama was a Muslim. Treasonously delightful fodder from Trump's mouth to his low-info iggerodies' ears. Rudy Giuliani, the remora on the Trump shark, 'confirmed' that Trump's VEEP pick, Mike Pence, believed Obama was a natural-born American citizen. How do you like them apples? What in the name of Shinola does Giuliani hope to get from Trump? If Trump doesn't feel like answering a question from The Washington Post, like the 800 lb gorilla he sits tight on his tuffet and says "I just don't want to answer it yet". And now the toddler in a suit and tie has blamed Hillary Clinton for starting the birther rumor. He galumphs where angels fear to tread. The Republican presidential candidate (much to the unsaid regret and horror of the RNC) has now spewed some more treasonous words to his adoring hordes, suggesting that Hillary's Secret Service protection agents disarm themselves of heir guns, and then see what happens to Hillary. Trump is the strange fruit of a bitter tree in American history, brought to life in his character, behaviour, and mendacity. He has not apologized for his lies, his use of the birther card for years, or any other bigotry and anger, and smugly waits to win our Presidency. May Heaven forfend!
9
And it's just this sort of falsehood that Chris Wallace will allow Trump to get away with in a debate, forcing Hillary to waste time correcting him. I understand that it would be impossible to live fact check every claim made by the candidates but I think this kind of whitewashing combined with false, slanderous charges against one's opponent needs to be shot down on air.
9
Dear Gail,
America was built on dishonesty and lies. Just look at the early Americans who broke every treaties that Native Americans "naively" mistook for a goodness of heart.
What America kept us alive and will keep us thrive is in the notion of hopes and promises of redemption to be GOOD and to see "better angels" of ourselves. That Trump failed to acknowledge his mistakes and redeem himself in your articles vindicated to me that though he is an American, he is neither a good American nor fit to be a candidate for a presidency. And I venture further to say that Trump is not a good human being (and we, a common people, know this already).
America was built on dishonesty and lies. Just look at the early Americans who broke every treaties that Native Americans "naively" mistook for a goodness of heart.
What America kept us alive and will keep us thrive is in the notion of hopes and promises of redemption to be GOOD and to see "better angels" of ourselves. That Trump failed to acknowledge his mistakes and redeem himself in your articles vindicated to me that though he is an American, he is neither a good American nor fit to be a candidate for a presidency. And I venture further to say that Trump is not a good human being (and we, a common people, know this already).
6
At one time in New York there was a fellow that someone had dubbed "the Teflon Don" because all charges of wrong (and illegal) doing did not stick to this particular Don. And now we have a new version of a "Teflon Don" and this one makes the other (original) guy seem like an amateur. I have an acquaintance that has , for as long as I've known him, told the most outlandish lies and for the most part actually believes his own baloney is prime rib. I'd bet Trump believes himself to be supremely unique. Strip away the glitz and glamour and he's a common liar.
3
There are people who worship people because of their deeply ingrained inferiority complex. To overcome this malignancy they tend to hate themselves by projecting onto others their own symptoms. That is called the Othering. The others are bad, because I am not them. Trump worships himself, because his hatred for himself has been inverted to a demonic proportion in a shining golden radiance that reflects his distorted image in the Gorgon's mirror. Whoever sees that image is either petrified or terrified.
3
Donald Trump having discarded one moronic lie immediately adopts another.
His followers will doubtlessly gobble this up like they do all his other preposterous lies and think the better of him.
Deplorable? Yes, and dumber than a sack of hammers.
His followers will doubtlessly gobble this up like they do all his other preposterous lies and think the better of him.
Deplorable? Yes, and dumber than a sack of hammers.
11
Trump is a master of distraction...of leading the media from one nonissue to another in order to avoid the findings that would truly damage his campaign and business reputation: the involvement of his businesses with foreign dictators and the world of international criminals. Is that too complicated for even the NYT to bring forward?
5
I understand that Trump plans to announce that 2 + 2 = 4 sometime later this month. He will also explain why we are indebted to him for this revelation and that Hillary Clinton initially raised doubts about the equation. It is part of his outreach to mathematicians.
11
One of the deplorable pitfalls of having a huge basket with no lid is that those contained in it can hop out to be acknowledged and fawn all over their owner. This is especially true when the basket owner is on a roll with fresh lies before a microphone. Case in point: yesterday's Trump Hotel D.C. sideshow, where the basket owner's backdrop was a collection of nincompoops nodding and smiling for the twelve second "where Obama was born" moment; good thing they got out of there before the rickety props fell apart as karma loosened screws. What was most disconcerting about the snapshot was seeing the African Americans there in support of the basket owner, particularly after his shameful attack on the Flint, Michigan pastor AFTER he'd exited Flint. The basket owner's sideshow was nothing more than a continuation of his racist insult and denigration of President Obama, and you would expect the African Americans present behind him to realize this and walk off. One wonders what the rightfully enraged Congressional Black Caucus thought of them. The real con of our African American brothers and sisters that continues is nauseating to watch (thank God 98 percent see through this idiocy). The only plausible explanation is that the Trump campaign is promising adminstration jobs if the candidate somehow gets elected, and that will turn out to be another bigoted shell game of disappointment.
5
The media has played right into Trump's strategy, giving him billions worth of free broadband and trouncing Hillary on a dead issue of emails.
The toll this has extracted in this country is yet to be measured.
But the personal tragedy for may of us who, are appalled by Trump's rhetoric and dishonesty, is that friendships are being demolished between people who believe in reason and truth and who have relied on friendships with people thought to be sentient, intelligent participants in our culture and in our political life, who have come all out for Trump.
The toll this has extracted in this country is yet to be measured.
But the personal tragedy for may of us who, are appalled by Trump's rhetoric and dishonesty, is that friendships are being demolished between people who believe in reason and truth and who have relied on friendships with people thought to be sentient, intelligent participants in our culture and in our political life, who have come all out for Trump.
6
There was a birth announcement in a 1961 Honolulu newspaper of one Barack Obama being born in a Honolulu hospital. The announcement's authenticity could be easily verified by a press willing to look into Trump's claims. Sure, the Trump people wouldn't believe reality regarding the announcement, but at least some Republicans would.
5
Does it seem that when the press finally begins to press Trump on a specific issue, his medical records or tax returns, he immediately releases another outrageous lie? This predictably gets the media to drop their questions about the previous issue and explore the nuances of his new claim. In this manner he gains breathing room on his more outrageous claims and is never held accountable.
5
You are right, Gail. It IS amazing. And infuriating. And terrifying. All at once.
3
I guess the Donald must have seen The Producers and figured he would go one better.
Unfortunately, he may find that despite his best efforts to lose, he may have to blow up the theater.
Unfortunately, he may find that despite his best efforts to lose, he may have to blow up the theater.
"Yet, according to the polls, Hillary Clinton’s biggest problem is that the public thinks she’s dishonest. Amazing."
That says a lot more about Trump's supporters than about the flawed prevaricator himself.
That says a lot more about Trump's supporters than about the flawed prevaricator himself.
5
So sad. People know how easy it is to get a false birth certificate. Just order it on the Internet like you get stuff from Amazon. But people still want to know where the hard evidence is that President Obama wasn't a born-again Muslim? That's one issue that is driving white evangelical Christians solidly into Mr. Trump's camp. Mr. Obama doesn't deny that his father was a Kenyan Muslim or that he visited his family in Kenya where, quite possibly, he visited an imam or two to reconnect with his Islamic roots.
The foregoing is the kind of racial/ethnic slander that is still being perpetuated by "people" who in an earlier era would have been hooded KKK members. These neoNazis will be proudly voting for their fellow honorary Klansman, Donald J. Trump, while figuratively if not literally burning crosses all over America.
The foregoing is the kind of racial/ethnic slander that is still being perpetuated by "people" who in an earlier era would have been hooded KKK members. These neoNazis will be proudly voting for their fellow honorary Klansman, Donald J. Trump, while figuratively if not literally burning crosses all over America.
5
But do not forget that Obama was ALSO attacked for belonging to the church of J. Wright, who complained about racial inequality in the USA. Those who resent/hate/will not accept Obama are NOT governed by evidence or fact.
1
I have encountered far too many guys like Trump. They gather a crowd of fawning lovelies, expound of their untrue statements quoting all sorts of falsehoods. However, let someone who actually can quote the true story, their immediate reaction is to bully the person and turn the crowd around to push out the one who knows the truth.
My response is to move away. I usually find someone truly intelligent to talk with.
Let us all remember to vote, hopefully not for the gilt king of media who would sell you anything for a very high price.
My response is to move away. I usually find someone truly intelligent to talk with.
Let us all remember to vote, hopefully not for the gilt king of media who would sell you anything for a very high price.
8
I thought HRC campaign had more $millions than Trump's by a ratio of ten to one. What are they doing with all that money? I have not seen one single TV spot addressing Trump's lies, innuendos and inventions. As a fraud, a con man and a liar, he should be the easiest thing to demolish this man whose only ace in the deck is his celebrity, thanks mainly to his Trumpadour hairdo! But no, he's treated like a dignitary, a statesman deserving of the highest respect and admiration by a media that will have to take all the blame if he's elected. A media that would have contemptuously laughed off the stage any one else coming up with half of Trump's declarations and shameful past.... Long ago!
3
"Yet, according to the polls, Hillary Clinton’s biggest problem is that the public thinks she’s dishonest. Amazing."
Amazing indeed. So how did this happen?
Historians will have a field day.
Amazing indeed. So how did this happen?
Historians will have a field day.
11
Hillary Clinton will secure this election when Fox denounces Trump as a liar and fake. The sheep will follow their pastor. Until then, it will be close. Maybe Fox is hailing on the commercial aspect of this election and go after Trump I the last two weeks. I can only dream.
1
Do Trump supporters see the lies that he tells? He actually lies more than Clinton if we were to keep score. I blame the media, including the NYT, for perpetuating this false narrative. You can now see how exasperated many reporters are about his lies per the birther issue and many others. It's as if they were asleep or in a fog and are now coming to and can now see what they wrought.
The media chastised itself for sleeping through the Iraq invasion. If Trump is elected it will have no one to blame but itself for its complicity in the blatant double standard and free advertising that masquerades as balanced reporting.
The media chastised itself for sleeping through the Iraq invasion. If Trump is elected it will have no one to blame but itself for its complicity in the blatant double standard and free advertising that masquerades as balanced reporting.
8
His lies are widely and consistently reported. The problem is that his supporters don't care because they view him as an outsider who will change Washington. He is their lier.
They view her as dishonest because she is the enemy.
They view her as dishonest because she is the enemy.
1
Some people actually relate really well to Trump. Why? Because their lives have been built around a lie told by Ronald Regan. For them government is bad and to blame for all their problems. From grandma's illness to losing their jobs and never really making good on their American Dreams. Yes. The government is the root of all their evils. For them Trump is more than a candidate. He's their hero.
Hillary needs to get in gear. She needs to stop trying to meet Trump and his own level and move on to bigger things. Visions, Dreams, Americans need bigger and better things than she is currently logically talking about. She needs a moon sot and needs it not. Real things for example: National Retirement Plan! National coast to coast bike trail! Make election day bigger than the Super Bowl! Set a goal for the country to have at least one solar panel on every house that wants one by 2020!
Go big. Go positive and we all win!
Hillary needs to get in gear. She needs to stop trying to meet Trump and his own level and move on to bigger things. Visions, Dreams, Americans need bigger and better things than she is currently logically talking about. She needs a moon sot and needs it not. Real things for example: National Retirement Plan! National coast to coast bike trail! Make election day bigger than the Super Bowl! Set a goal for the country to have at least one solar panel on every house that wants one by 2020!
Go big. Go positive and we all win!
4
I watched the news clip of Mr. Trump stating President Obama was born in the United States. Watch it again and look at his followers' expressions as they smirk and grin behind him. It is just one big sarcastic joke between Mr. Trump and his supporters as they needle President Obama. Bullying, lying, lack of remorse, narcissism and ego were all on display within a one minute performance. He is one piece of work.
11
So glad I have a European passport!
If the American people are this stupid, I'm sorry, they deserve what happens to them.
If the American people are this stupid, I'm sorry, they deserve what happens to them.
2
"Yet, according to the polls, Hillary Clinton’s biggest problem is that the public thinks she’s dishonest. Amazing."
That, indeed, is what everybody in the rest of the world who follows this charade of an election campaign, is thinking. Are there really so many dumb, uneducated Americans? Is the press in the USA really that weak?
I still can not believe that this ckarlatan has a real chance of winning the presidency.
That, indeed, is what everybody in the rest of the world who follows this charade of an election campaign, is thinking. Are there really so many dumb, uneducated Americans? Is the press in the USA really that weak?
I still can not believe that this ckarlatan has a real chance of winning the presidency.
4
"Yet, according to the polls, Hillary Clinton’s biggest problem is that the public thinks she’s dishonest. Amazing." Well, you can't destroy K-12 for decades and expect to have a rational electorate. Americans are moronic voters. The Republican voters, well you can see their problem (glee at voting against their own best interests), and "progressive" Democrats either don't bother to vote or find a protest candidate (Jill Stein this time) so they can say "I told you so" when the nasty guy wins and the country is destroyed.
4
It amazes me that anyone thinks a birth certificate in one of these elections is necessary and that an individual can flash one to end a discussion. Don't people think that a non-native individual could in no way run for president without the FBI, CIA or NSA or any other organization immediately determining the person a non-native and exclude him/her from the process? How it even gets to the point of anyone NEEDING to see a birth certificate is beyond me. The intelligence of some people is hard to underestimate.
3
The media reminds us every day that Hillary is dishonest. Even if only in the form of repeating a poll. How many times have you heard or read someone say "Hillary has a trust issue"? How many times have they said that about Trump? Rarely, as in never, do we hear about Hillary's accomplishments or policy proposals, but we do know she had bacterial pneumonia and should be disqualified for POTUS because she didn't tell us for two days. This journalistic malpractice has been going on for years. For example, a lot of people in this country list terrorism as their first or second issue they care about. Apparently, they think their odds of being a victim of a terrorist act is greater than cancer, global warming, the french fry their sticking in their mouth or "Why don't we use our nukes" Donald Trump becoming POTUS. Unfortunately, a yuuge number of voters need to be told what to think and as long as they are misinformed by the media, they will continue to vote against their own interests.
9
I keep asking myself: "Are we there yet??" Have we finally reached the point where it can't be any more obvious that Donald Trump does not belong in the White House.
And like Gail Collins, I also wonder How did we get to this place???
But now even more importantly -- How do we leave?
And like Gail Collins, I also wonder How did we get to this place???
But now even more importantly -- How do we leave?
6
Donald Trump is nothing but a con man, and his supporters are only too willing to be conned. The big question is how many Americans will also buy into his con.
5
Trump is a con man, carnival barker, blatant liar, narcissist and sociopath. I am dismayed, saddened and appalled that any of my fellow American citizens would even consider voting for him.
I understand that people want to "shake things up." But, no sane person would burn down the house because they want to replace the furniture. Stop it, people! This man is dangerously unfit.
I understand that people want to "shake things up." But, no sane person would burn down the house because they want to replace the furniture. Stop it, people! This man is dangerously unfit.
8
Maybe now, finally, the media will get the message -- it isn't Hillary who's the liar, it's Trump.
9
“Inarguably, Donald J. Trump is a closer."
Unbelievably, I'm now beginning to see what a Trump presidency might look like - like the sales room in Glengarry Glen Ross: full of mean-spirited and (yes) deplorable people making deals at any cost.
'If you're not closer you're a loser'.
Unbelievably, I'm now beginning to see what a Trump presidency might look like - like the sales room in Glengarry Glen Ross: full of mean-spirited and (yes) deplorable people making deals at any cost.
'If you're not closer you're a loser'.
7
Gail, please look up the word "lie" in the dictionary.
A lie is not a simple untruth, for it could be an error.
A lie is something false told by someone who KNOWS the truth. And there is NO evidence that Trump knew that Obama was born in the US. For that matter, even though I believe that Obama was born in Hawaii, I do not KNOW it.
Trump is not a good candidate, any of Biden or Warren or Sanders would be better than Trump. But Democrats (I assume you are one) DID nominate Hillary. And that is why Trump has a chance.
Also, Obama might well be the first US president (since the revolution) who had only one American parent. The Supreme Court could have insisted that to be a natural born citizen you had to have TWO American parents. In that case Cruz and Obama would not qualify and McCain who was born in Panama might also be ineligible.
Do look at the website (IF you have time of course)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama_presidential_eligibility_liti...
It starts with
"Numerous lawsuits and ballot challenges, based on conspiracy theories related to Barack Obama's eligibility for the United States presidency, have been filed since 2008. T]"
Note the word "numerous". Indeed Trump was NOT one of the ones who filed a lawsuit.
A lie is not a simple untruth, for it could be an error.
A lie is something false told by someone who KNOWS the truth. And there is NO evidence that Trump knew that Obama was born in the US. For that matter, even though I believe that Obama was born in Hawaii, I do not KNOW it.
Trump is not a good candidate, any of Biden or Warren or Sanders would be better than Trump. But Democrats (I assume you are one) DID nominate Hillary. And that is why Trump has a chance.
Also, Obama might well be the first US president (since the revolution) who had only one American parent. The Supreme Court could have insisted that to be a natural born citizen you had to have TWO American parents. In that case Cruz and Obama would not qualify and McCain who was born in Panama might also be ineligible.
Do look at the website (IF you have time of course)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama_presidential_eligibility_liti...
It starts with
"Numerous lawsuits and ballot challenges, based on conspiracy theories related to Barack Obama's eligibility for the United States presidency, have been filed since 2008. T]"
Note the word "numerous". Indeed Trump was NOT one of the ones who filed a lawsuit.
Your rationalization of the inexcusable lacks rationality.
3
Aruna: Enough! Let. It. GO. Already.
Trump lies by hinting and planting ideas, then watering them cautiously, then alluding to them, then winking. Then backing away from them. Damage done. After the first hint of a lie, we turn the volume up. When he plants the seed we gaze, wide-eyed waiting for a bud. And when the plant flowers we hem and haw and gather. And when he alludes, we ask him to explain...and he starts all over with the hints. A circle of lies that keeps eyes watching TV, and people reading periodicals. He is a capitalist selling shock attention, WWE style, and everyone buys it. We know its all show, all fake, but we show up and gaze. Trump picks up votes in the wake of this charade, and keeps driving in circles, collecting.
12
Of course it would be a big help in rectifying this situation of The Times and other organs of the news simply said Trump is lying whenever that occurs (which is with an amazing frequency). Oh, and stopped trying to force things into some "both sides do it" when one side is firing a slingshot at pigeons and the other is wiping out endangered species with an AR-15.
7
Nicely said. It's high time the real news media that understands what true democracy is should begin an all out assault on exposing Mr. Trump for what he is without referencing a comparison to HRC. In truth, any sane person can see the difference.
At this point the election is a referendum on whether the American people are any longer worthy of a democracy.
If a majority votes for Trump, knowing what we know through his own words and performance, then we are not.
If a majority votes for Trump, knowing what we know through his own words and performance, then we are not.
8
It must be tough to be journalist and have to write stuff like "the controversial David Duke."
5
The only reason Trump has finally declared that Obama is a US citizen by birth is that he is hoping that now Hillary won't beat him over the head with that issue during the debates.
2
I won't be surprised if tomorrow or next week or next month he comes back and repeats his past claims. Something like " there are still many people who have good reasons to doubt Obama was born here, ..."
3
Write it without mincing words. Trump is a liar, he is a fraud.
Do what Trump does: repeat it day after day until the election and even fater the election is over.
Do what Trump does: repeat it day after day until the election and even fater the election is over.
12
Well in relation to the last line here, Hillary is the one who said about the server that "it was approved" (passive voice) when the FBI notes, recently released, said that she admitted that she never asked permission of anyone to have a server (she apparently approved it herself for her own use but she has refused to admit that throughout the entire campaign and still hasn't admitted it to us). And no reporter ever had the courage to ask her, approved by whom?
People say she apologized about the server but she never went beyond saying it was a mistake (passive voice again).
She also stated in the 60 Minutes interview back in 2008 that "as far as we know" Obama was not a Muslim suggesting that it could--or should--be checked out.
We have two candidates who lie. Bernie Sanders was a straight shooter from Day One. He even told us Trump was a pathological liar. He could have become the candidate if more people had wised up in time.
Now if they get Trump because they are fed up with both candidates and can't get behind the lesser of the two evils, they will have what they deserve. Trouble, big time. It's a lot easier to not put Trouble into office than to try to get Trouble out of office once in. I see Trouble and impeachment trials ahead. But you get what you ask for.
People say she apologized about the server but she never went beyond saying it was a mistake (passive voice again).
She also stated in the 60 Minutes interview back in 2008 that "as far as we know" Obama was not a Muslim suggesting that it could--or should--be checked out.
We have two candidates who lie. Bernie Sanders was a straight shooter from Day One. He even told us Trump was a pathological liar. He could have become the candidate if more people had wised up in time.
Now if they get Trump because they are fed up with both candidates and can't get behind the lesser of the two evils, they will have what they deserve. Trouble, big time. It's a lot easier to not put Trouble into office than to try to get Trouble out of office once in. I see Trouble and impeachment trials ahead. But you get what you ask for.
You are comparing apples to oranges as if Clinton's apology about her server is in any way comparable to Trumps hateful lies. That's where the false equivalence becomes irresponsible.
2
I don't think Trump knows the difference reality and his own delusions. The interior of his mind must be like being on speed; his thoughts jumping from lie to lie to lie. I think the campaign has made him sicker, even though he always has been. Now he's like a madman with an itchy finger on the trigger. Now he's skating on the edges of the law....bodily threats and calling on his supporters to be the hit man.
Isn't there a law against that? FBI, can you help us out here?
Thanks Gail.
Isn't there a law against that? FBI, can you help us out here?
Thanks Gail.
11
So, you have once again outed the great pretender. The operative phrase here is "once again." Now it's time to stop. Stop giving him space. Stop reporting. Stop taking phone calls. Stop listening. Ignore him. Well beyond time to remove his horrible stain on this election cycle. Just stop. Please. Not another word about this abomination.
10
All I can conclude is, most Americans genuinely want dictatorship, or at least would prefer it to voting for a woman.
187
The rules of logic or common sense do not apply to Trump. He is fit to be Court Jester, not President. He is not qualified for any elective office. My wonderment is that his supporters still stick with Trump. He is a complete Pied Piper. But who follows him? That is the real question.
3
So depressing. The thought of a Trump presidency is truly scary and embarrassing. I am embarrassed not by him--he's a jerk--but by the voters in our country. Heads so full of lies, feeling desperate for change, and suffering from this misguided "we're #1 desire to dominate the world.
For what it is worth I had a conversation with one of the southern relatives last night. She is a hardworking older woman and the heart of the extended family--keeps track of & takes care of everyone in the family.
The gist of what she said about the election:
1. She cannot vote for Hillary; that is out of the question (and she really meant it)!! Fox News & the right really have done a job on trashing Hillary--because 3 months ago she whispered in the phone she might vote for Hillary.
2. She definitively declared: Hillary has proved herself incompetent with the emails and Benghazi thing, & her lies are far more dangerous lies than Trump's.
3. Yes, she says, Trump is a horrible person--rude, obnoxious, awful to women--but "he is the only one who really cares about doing something for the people; Hillary only cares about Wall Street & is totally corrupt with her husband."
4. I say, "Trump is really crazy, inexperienced..." She interrupts: "Yes I know, but Hillary is worse, and Trump will appoint good people around him." I blurt out, "Guiliani! The only people who work for Trump are nuts or immoral."
"Let's not talk politics anymore," she says, and fills me in on the family soap opera.
For what it is worth I had a conversation with one of the southern relatives last night. She is a hardworking older woman and the heart of the extended family--keeps track of & takes care of everyone in the family.
The gist of what she said about the election:
1. She cannot vote for Hillary; that is out of the question (and she really meant it)!! Fox News & the right really have done a job on trashing Hillary--because 3 months ago she whispered in the phone she might vote for Hillary.
2. She definitively declared: Hillary has proved herself incompetent with the emails and Benghazi thing, & her lies are far more dangerous lies than Trump's.
3. Yes, she says, Trump is a horrible person--rude, obnoxious, awful to women--but "he is the only one who really cares about doing something for the people; Hillary only cares about Wall Street & is totally corrupt with her husband."
4. I say, "Trump is really crazy, inexperienced..." She interrupts: "Yes I know, but Hillary is worse, and Trump will appoint good people around him." I blurt out, "Guiliani! The only people who work for Trump are nuts or immoral."
"Let's not talk politics anymore," she says, and fills me in on the family soap opera.
6
As a school teacher, I ran into my share of bullies. Often they were scared kids striking out at the world. Mr. Trump reminds me of that type of bully, when caught in his lie, he doesn't apologize, he blames others. He changes his role in the telling of the lie.
Like other bullies, he frequently calls out names that he is afraid others might call him. So when he calls others: weak, liars, unqualified, and corrupt, I feel he is revealing what he sees as his own greatest weaknesses.
Don't support bullies.
Like other bullies, he frequently calls out names that he is afraid others might call him. So when he calls others: weak, liars, unqualified, and corrupt, I feel he is revealing what he sees as his own greatest weaknesses.
Don't support bullies.
276
Sure Clinton has not been forthcoming about the email server, but Trump lies about everything. The press is not doing a good job of confronting him - Matt Lauer is a great example Thus Trump is getting away with 'being less dishonest than Clinton', which is just another lie.
4
"Trump makes his birther lie worse."
A political leader can make things better or worse for a country.
Trump makes everything worse. He lies; he cheats; he insults and hurts other people; he embarrasses our country; he is irresponsible; he always blames other people; he never holds himself accountable; he has never held political office; he says one thing one day and the opposite the next.
I keep feeling everyday that the entire country is being forced to read this really trashy, poorly written science fiction novel about some crazy rip-off artist businessman with orange skin and hair, who has dumped 2 wives to marry a Slovenian model, and decides to make himself President of the most powerful country in the world by copying the old fascist dictators of the 1930s. And the masses adore him; the media can't enough of him.
How will this nightmare story turn out for a once great country that will never be great again if this fickle, fascist, fraudster is elected?
We will find out on November 8.
If you don't like the direction this Trumped-up story is headed, you can only change it by voting for Hillary (I say this as a Bernie fan).
A political leader can make things better or worse for a country.
Trump makes everything worse. He lies; he cheats; he insults and hurts other people; he embarrasses our country; he is irresponsible; he always blames other people; he never holds himself accountable; he has never held political office; he says one thing one day and the opposite the next.
I keep feeling everyday that the entire country is being forced to read this really trashy, poorly written science fiction novel about some crazy rip-off artist businessman with orange skin and hair, who has dumped 2 wives to marry a Slovenian model, and decides to make himself President of the most powerful country in the world by copying the old fascist dictators of the 1930s. And the masses adore him; the media can't enough of him.
How will this nightmare story turn out for a once great country that will never be great again if this fickle, fascist, fraudster is elected?
We will find out on November 8.
If you don't like the direction this Trumped-up story is headed, you can only change it by voting for Hillary (I say this as a Bernie fan).
6
When the right wing, National Front and Nazi-sympathizer Jean-Marie Le Pen made it into the runoff for the French presidency in 2002, a horrified French citizenry delivered 82% of its votes to his opponent Jaques Chirac. Back here in the United States of Idiocy, in 2016, a right wing, xenophobic, racist, Putin-sympathizing, mentally unbalanced, shameless serial lier is within striking distance of the presidency with something like 45% of American citizens planning on voting for him. This is beyond "deplorable," it's appalling. And terrifying.
8
There is no evidence that Hillary Clinton knew about the early birther movement or had any involvement in it. Factually, you are correct. But as the right and left do, you evade the full truth, which in this case is that Hillary Clinton supporters DID start the ridiculous birther movement. For whatever reasons Pres. Obama, whom I voted for, took his time releasing his birth certificate. This delay helped to perpetuate this bizarre episode in American history.
But why not tell the truth, the WHOLE truth? It is plenty strange enough.
Is it wrong for Mr. Trump to say Hillary Clinton started the movement? As far as we know, Yes. But at least tell your readers that is not completely crazy to make that connection.
Why cherry pick over and over again?
When you do that, and readers know you are doing that, you lose credibility.
Of course, I am assuming credibility is still important to commentators.
I am beginning to doubt that.
It seems now it is all about who makes the most noise, whole truth be damned. What worries me is the most popular editorials are often the ones that cherry pick facts the most in order to rally one side against the other.
And am I to infer that you think Sec. Clinton is completely honest or that you think Mr. Trump is more dishonest? You left that up for interpretation.
But why not tell the truth, the WHOLE truth? It is plenty strange enough.
Is it wrong for Mr. Trump to say Hillary Clinton started the movement? As far as we know, Yes. But at least tell your readers that is not completely crazy to make that connection.
Why cherry pick over and over again?
When you do that, and readers know you are doing that, you lose credibility.
Of course, I am assuming credibility is still important to commentators.
I am beginning to doubt that.
It seems now it is all about who makes the most noise, whole truth be damned. What worries me is the most popular editorials are often the ones that cherry pick facts the most in order to rally one side against the other.
And am I to infer that you think Sec. Clinton is completely honest or that you think Mr. Trump is more dishonest? You left that up for interpretation.
1
so are you stating (or implying) that Clinton and Trump are both equally honest or dishonest?
Trump reminds me of my sadistic older cousin who would knock me on the ground, sit on me until I could hardly breathe, then jump up laughing and say, "I was only kidding."
6
I will weep for the death of the America I once knew and loved if our dumbed-down and morally bankrupt electorate chooses a scurrilous sociopath to lead them, simply because he promises them an ever-blossoming quadruple cheeseburger tree.
"Deplorable" is not strong enough a word to describe them; "inexecrable" comes nearer the mark.
"Deplorable" is not strong enough a word to describe them; "inexecrable" comes nearer the mark.
1
The press commentary has focused, correctly, on the two lies Trump told in retracting the original birther lie: Clinton started it, and Trump "finished" it.
But there was a third, more implicit lie, in Trump's statement yesterday. He implied that it was he who fought for the truth about Obama's birth, by fighting to make Obama's birth certificate public.
That third, implicit lie is the most insidious of the three.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
But there was a third, more implicit lie, in Trump's statement yesterday. He implied that it was he who fought for the truth about Obama's birth, by fighting to make Obama's birth certificate public.
That third, implicit lie is the most insidious of the three.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
4
Ms. Collins, it would be terrific if you can encourage the Times to correct its abhorrent and dishonest coverage of Secretary Clinton. The constant shading of stories in the negative, the ridiculously over-the-top, even inaccurate, stories on her e-mails, the Clinton Foundation, her transient illness that she had no obligation to report to the press when diagnosed, and consistent "untrustworthy" drumbeat is a disgrace. It is time for the media, the Times included, to own its role in creating the "unrtrustworthy" meme, which is unfounded in fact -- she is the most honest candidate to have run in this election season! It is also well-past time for the Times to do some digging on Trump, the Trump Foundation, follow-up (or at least coverage of) the Newsweek story, the Trump Foundation's 990s, the failure to produce his tax returns, etc. The press has gone after Secretary Clinton from day one, claiming she is not "transparent" enough, while publishing and following every scandalous lie Trump has told, without ever ferreting out the facts. The Times (and all media) need to get to work correcting the record and making demands of this terrifying man before we find ourselves waking up on January 21 in a very dangerous place. I am now begging the media to do its job. Democracy cannot exist without a fully functioning Fourth Estate, and for the New York Times, of all sources, to have let us down this badly is disturbing indeed. Kind regards, and many thanks for your columns.
7
What our country has become? Perhaps, we have one of the lowest intelligence level in the world. What happened to the great nation who championed many great things in the world? Con Don is a pathological liar and to be honest, he should be in prison for life for the damages he caused to our nation. Media falls for the con man to increase their rating. They are played by con Don. Media fabricates stories to label Hillary "dishonest", while the bully tyrant gets away with vulgar, hatred and lie machine. Some people cannot dissect the truth and falling for the macho male chauvinist. What a pity- people please wake up. We cannot afford to have the most dangerous con man in the world to serve as the commander in chief of our great nation. He must be stopped.
2
One thing about Trump is that he is consistent. Consistently unable to keep his mouth shut long enough to take advantage of Hillary's missteps and truly close the gap in the polls.
When the history of this election is written this episode of Trump's reality-challenged campaign will be looked upon as the tipping point. From here on out Clinton will widen her lead and not look back.
When the history of this election is written this episode of Trump's reality-challenged campaign will be looked upon as the tipping point. From here on out Clinton will widen her lead and not look back.
1
It's "amazing" and terrifying at the same time Ms. Collins. I have a friend who can tell wobblers with a straight face but always breaks up laughing when I fall for them - I can't tell you which scares me more that I am so gullible because I believe my friend or that she can lie so well and get away with it if she wanted to!
It's not really amazing that the country thinks Clinton is the dishonest one.
Twenty years plus of right wing disinformation screed pushed by the likes of the Kochs, right wing media in radio, and cable, and the Greedy Oily Party, left largely unchallenged by "professional" journalists in electronic and print media (as if they're any left after Cronkite) has proven the adage that if you tell a lie enough times it eventually becomes the truth to the naive or moronic.
Then of course you have the false equivalence in the media in the current campaign with the endless, fawning, breathless, and largely uncritical coverage of Trumpo across all media, the Times included, for the sake of the ad revenue it has brought in, vis a vis the proctological endless critical coverage across all media, the Times included, of every Clinton foible and misstep (e.g. her campaign had the nerve to "go dark" for a whole 90 minutes after she fainted!!!!).
Thus you have a perfect storm of a dishonest demagogue con artist, aided and abetted by double standard media, motivated to be uncritical by greed, and Vichy Republicans who care only about establishing and maintaining political power and viola you have a Trumpo presidency.
Congratulations all!
Twenty years plus of right wing disinformation screed pushed by the likes of the Kochs, right wing media in radio, and cable, and the Greedy Oily Party, left largely unchallenged by "professional" journalists in electronic and print media (as if they're any left after Cronkite) has proven the adage that if you tell a lie enough times it eventually becomes the truth to the naive or moronic.
Then of course you have the false equivalence in the media in the current campaign with the endless, fawning, breathless, and largely uncritical coverage of Trumpo across all media, the Times included, for the sake of the ad revenue it has brought in, vis a vis the proctological endless critical coverage across all media, the Times included, of every Clinton foible and misstep (e.g. her campaign had the nerve to "go dark" for a whole 90 minutes after she fainted!!!!).
Thus you have a perfect storm of a dishonest demagogue con artist, aided and abetted by double standard media, motivated to be uncritical by greed, and Vichy Republicans who care only about establishing and maintaining political power and viola you have a Trumpo presidency.
Congratulations all!
6
It’s amusing how this asinine episode makes Mike “Make the Earth 6000 Years Old Again” Pence look almost reasonable. Birtherism, as mindless, racist, and generally contemptible as it is, doesn’t violate the facts of science and laws of logic. Aside from being a creationist, Pence says smoking is not lethal and climate change is a myth. At least Trump doesn’t believe any of that nonsense… Oh, wait!
1
The idea that a man so fact-challenged, so reality-challenged, so Character-challenged, could possibly be considered material for leadership of the free world- I find, dare I say it, deplorable. And those fact- challenged and reality- challenged folks who hang on every false utterance from this hoax belong in a "basket."
2
I commend Collins for being so frank with her column but she hasn't taken off both gloves. Being this close to election time, we need to cut the cutesy tone and not use an "um" before accurately making the statement that Trump "speaks fictionally." The media has to call out all Trump's lies in a full-throated way as a way to smack sense into Americans who are caught up in the Trump cult and who expect a woman in power to live by a different standard than her male counterparts. No powerful politician has ever been 100% truthful, but it's always because some are better at pulling the wool over our eyes, it's because they've trained the American public how to rationalize their lying. With Trump, for example, people excuse his lying because to them, it's Trump "speaking his mind." Meanwhile, women are seen as conniving and bitchy if they don't reveal everything. The only people who can bring ethical standards back is the media, who should unabashedly call out lies every time they are uttered.
5
As much as I admire Gail Collins, I'm struck by her reluctance, along with the rest of the national press corps, to use the words lie and liar. Such as, Donald Trump blatantly lied when he stated he would release his tax returns, when he stated Hillary started the birther lie, when he stated he personally met Vladimir Puten, when he said he opposed the Iraq war. Instead, Gail and the rest say he uttered "falsehoods, "he stretched the truth", ad nauseam. Gail, we look to you to be a truth speaker. Tell it like it is!
7
"How did we get to this place, people?" Easy, Gail, the media lapped it up, he was a good headline, and now, it's too late, all the piling on won't get the genie back in the bottle. Then, there's the "deplorables."
2
"Pence said, disjointedly and desperately, that his running mate’s record on behalf of the African-American community 'really speaks for itself'.”
Mm. Yeah. Discrimination in housing. Learning that the boss doesn't like black people handling his money. Having to hide in the kitchen when the boss is in the house.
Yup, we hear his record loud and clear!
Mm. Yeah. Discrimination in housing. Learning that the boss doesn't like black people handling his money. Having to hide in the kitchen when the boss is in the house.
Yup, we hear his record loud and clear!
4
Donald Trump's non-confession confession with a false allegation to avoid blame (i.e. truthiness) and his abbreviated physical report convinced me he is just another fat guy with flabby fib lips like Rush Limbaugh.
4
Paraphrasing Mary McCarthy's comment on Lillian Hellman, "Every word that comes out of his mouth is a lie, including the words "and" and "the".
5
In the end, it's still all about turnout.
Every last sane voter has to get to the polls. No excuses. Every one. Doesn't matter if it's inconvenient, or if there's a long line, or a few hours of work and pay may be missed, or if you have to deal with idiotic bigoted voter-denying laws in certain states (and I'm sure many African American, Islamic American, and Hispanic American voters will). You still have to get out there and vote.
In the end, there are more sane than insane people--by definition, the insane are statistically fewer. But this doesn't make a difference if the sane just shrug their shoulders and yawn. Make the time. Vote, vote, vote. The consequences are too dire not to.
Every last sane voter has to get to the polls. No excuses. Every one. Doesn't matter if it's inconvenient, or if there's a long line, or a few hours of work and pay may be missed, or if you have to deal with idiotic bigoted voter-denying laws in certain states (and I'm sure many African American, Islamic American, and Hispanic American voters will). You still have to get out there and vote.
In the end, there are more sane than insane people--by definition, the insane are statistically fewer. But this doesn't make a difference if the sane just shrug their shoulders and yawn. Make the time. Vote, vote, vote. The consequences are too dire not to.
3
Gail,
The tone of your Trump editorial today was missing its usual acerbic wit and incisive humor which is totally understandable as millions of us have stopped laughing a long, long time ago.
The tone of your Trump editorial today was missing its usual acerbic wit and incisive humor which is totally understandable as millions of us have stopped laughing a long, long time ago.
6
To those, including myself, who ask in despair, "Why?", unable to understand how it could be the millions of our fellow citizens align themselves with this craven, lying charlatan, I offer a two-part answer. First is our pathological obsession with winning the game, at all costs; once you've attached yourself to a side, then truth is just a tool, a stratagem to be used if it scores points, discarded otherwise. Second, we must realize that we're not dealing with a political movement but a mob, and mobs do not think. Pressed about on all sides by their frenzied companions they will stampede towards whatever red-meat inducement has been thrown to them, whether it be a lynching, a Nuremberg Rally, or to "shake up" or otherwise destroy the most successful republic in history. Don't expect rational discourse; that's long since been trampled under their feet.
6
Hillary is dishonest in the sense that she incompletely and reluctantly releases news which was discovered by others. An attempted cover-up? It looks that way most of the time.
Trump on the other hand is just a good ol' boy having a little fun. A man's gotta blow off a little steam once in a while, right? None of this matters - when I have to get serious, I'll get serious, right boys?
Trump on the other hand is just a good ol' boy having a little fun. A man's gotta blow off a little steam once in a while, right? None of this matters - when I have to get serious, I'll get serious, right boys?
"Yet, according to the polls, Hillary Clinton’s biggest problem is that the public thinks she’s dishonest. Amazing."
Gail, this says it all.
Gail, this says it all.
10
Trumpsters, those who will vote for him are voting against the ruling, capitalist class who have enriched themselves by taking over politics and government, (like Trump himself, BTW). Trump himself isn't telling lies rather he's telling insider jokes which should have been ignored, would have too, if we didn't live in our often gossipy, twittery internet culture. Trump, by saying outrageous things, milks the teat of the self-selling media attention and those in turn nurse Trump's irascible constituency.
Trumpsters don't care if he lies or not; they just want him LOUD.
Trumpsters don't care if he lies or not; they just want him LOUD.
1
Gail, if you're going to cite the polls on your right hand, you need to accept the polls on your leftist hand, too.
As for the "dishonesty" issue, that's been a political appelation since the Clintons invented the word, "spin." She is dishonest! Honest!
As for the "dishonesty" issue, that's been a political appelation since the Clintons invented the word, "spin." She is dishonest! Honest!
2
Gail,
I have to disagree with you on this. Hillary Clinton's biggest problem is not her perceived dishonesty. It is the fact that she is a "bought and paid for" candidate, the ones doing the buying being the "establishment," meaning rich people, banks, corporations and of course the so-called "conservatives." Her election means continuation of the status quo, resulting in rigged tax code and escalating inequality, which is harmful to millions in the middle class.
There is a seething discontent in our nation on our money-bought politics at every level of the government. Politicians get elected not to serve the people but to "feather their own nests" and in the process uphold moneyed interests. Ordinary people feel they have no say anymore in how the government functions. This is the real reason for the "popularity" of Trump, in spite of the INSANE things he says and does. It is still "The economy Stupid!".
Just think. In any other scenario, with the hugely negative barrages in every media (especially corporate media - CNN and NYT and Huffpost), every day, Hillary should be leading by 20, 30 points. No. Instead she clings on to a few point lead. Why?
The only way she can gain a huge lead is by enthusiastically advocating programs that curb the influence of moneyed interests like banks. But she is bankrolled by them and cannot. Here lies her dilemma. If she had followed Bernie's example and used public funding, she would have been a clear winner!
Are you listening, Hillary?
I have to disagree with you on this. Hillary Clinton's biggest problem is not her perceived dishonesty. It is the fact that she is a "bought and paid for" candidate, the ones doing the buying being the "establishment," meaning rich people, banks, corporations and of course the so-called "conservatives." Her election means continuation of the status quo, resulting in rigged tax code and escalating inequality, which is harmful to millions in the middle class.
There is a seething discontent in our nation on our money-bought politics at every level of the government. Politicians get elected not to serve the people but to "feather their own nests" and in the process uphold moneyed interests. Ordinary people feel they have no say anymore in how the government functions. This is the real reason for the "popularity" of Trump, in spite of the INSANE things he says and does. It is still "The economy Stupid!".
Just think. In any other scenario, with the hugely negative barrages in every media (especially corporate media - CNN and NYT and Huffpost), every day, Hillary should be leading by 20, 30 points. No. Instead she clings on to a few point lead. Why?
The only way she can gain a huge lead is by enthusiastically advocating programs that curb the influence of moneyed interests like banks. But she is bankrolled by them and cannot. Here lies her dilemma. If she had followed Bernie's example and used public funding, she would have been a clear winner!
Are you listening, Hillary?
4
Even if what you say is true, Trumps popularity still makes no sense. He's a part of the elite, the establishment. Sure, he's an outsider to politics in that he's never held office, but he's a rich donor and he has used that position to exert political power. He benefits from the establishment (he's rich, he takes advantage of tax loopholes, he abuses the bankruptcy laws, he underpays, he is a fraud, he's a cheat, a liar, etc.) and yet people disaffected with the establishment are pinning their hopes on him. Something else is moving these people, and I think you're confusing Bernie supporters with Trump supporters (what you say above is why some Bernie supporters won't support Hillary). No matter how much she tries to be like Bernie, she won't win Trump supporters. And also don't forget that plenty (a majority of those who voted) of Democrats voted for her in the primaries, and some think Bernie's positions are too far left (and they may be for a general election).
1
Well, of course she's listening; she was notified the second your comment was posted. She could hardly forgo answering unproven accusations from such a notable accuser as "kant" from Colorado. She'll be holding a press conference for you shortly, kant.
2
Oh for Land's Sake, people. It's not Trump. He's a buffoon. It's the people supporting him I worry about.
12
The Donald does not lie. What he says makes no difference to an abjectly ignorant thug mob of supporters. He has called them stupid, as in How stupid are you people! He has bragged about being supported by the "poorly educated". He knows what he is doing and he doesn't give a damn what the press or anyone's says. When he said he could go into Times Square and shoot someone and no one would care, he was correct to the extent the Square was filled with his supporters and the Press herded into their pens,pretending to be objective with their false equivalencies that somehow Hillary commits the same kind of lies. He is your monster too, American reporters and newspapers and media.
8
Hillary Clinton's biggest problem is that she is a woman. That threatens the very manhood of many a male species.
16
Trump is every bit as bad as you say. But let's not lie to ourselves. It was the surrogates of Clinton in 2008 who pushed the birther narrative. Her top strategist, Mark Penn, suggested they make Obama appear "unamerican." Does this excuse Trump's years of ugly birtherism? No. But Clinton's supporters did promote the lie long before he did.
1
The Clinton campaign never claimed that Obama was not born in the U.S. There is a huge difference between an email never meant to be released publicly and Trump's five year media campaign to undermine the president. We all know this and to claim otherwise is simply disingenuous and self-serving.
5
No. It might have been suggested by a low-level surrogate as a possible method of attack, but it was never used by the Clinton campaign. It was never "leaked" or "rumored" or "speculated about" to the press. What WAS leaked was Mark Penn's musings, and he, eventually, got canned.
1
I suppose you feel the same way about the picture of Obama in Muslim garb released to the Drudge Report by the Clinton campaign in 2008. She denied any knowledge of it. Of course. Obama was rightly angry with her about it. I am simply saying let's not be naive. To point out Clinton's duplicity or flaws is not necessarily pro-Trump. We are not required to put on blinders.
1
The news media let Trump get away with this lie and many others for years because he was newsworthy. Thank God he is now being called out. He makes Nixon look honest in comparison. OMG Trump could become president. I am ashamed of my white race for so many supporting him.
8
The fact that this election is so close points to a very uninformed electorate. We have become a reality show country. Facts are irrelevant, personality cult trumps the day.
8
So, let's imagine Trump is elected president and the North Koreans launches a nuclear attack on San Francisco. Will Trump say it didn't happen or will he say it happened because Hillary Clinton told them to do it? Then will CNN have a panel of "experts" debate the issue and include a Trump surrogate who elaborates on the truthfulness of whatever fantasy Trump makes up?
3
It is truly amazing that people think Hillary is more dishonest than Trump. Trump has elevated telling lies to a new level. Heck, they cannot be called lies, the only description is an alternate reality. He is the most wile, self-centered, mean, selfish, corrupt person ever to run for office. He is a disgrace for American business ethics, and will be stain on America forever, should he be elected for president. He belongs to third world countries, not to America.
7
Unfortunately, those that like Trump don't care how much he lies. He says what they think (racism, anti-semitism, anti immigration, anti-Muslim) and all no matter the truth. For the last 18 months the Press has let him go mostly unchecked allowing this. He calls an event, the Press covers it, the news networks cover it in totality, and typically it amounts to nothing or a bunch of lies that go unchecked. Yesterday should be a wake up call to the Press. They did not cover Obama live, but used the highlight on air after the fact. That is how Trump and even his kids (who clearly don't like the hard questions) needs to be treated. No more live feeds. And rather than this being a one off, all news outlets need to say when what he says is false as they are doing today with the claim Clinton began the movements and he ended it (both as lower thirds and in the voice overs). That should be the norm for all candidates. When they reported this morning that "Clinton wants to take away your guns" news outlets need to run her saying she wants responsible gun control to keep them out of the hands of criminals, no fly list folks, etc. His statements for too long have gone unchecked, and the news media of all stripes are complicit. That needs to end. No matter Trumps theats and taunts because his ego became damaged.
7
Collins conveniently leaves out that Trump played the entire MSM by calling the press conference to announce his stance on the birther issue and then instead having a series of veterans endorse him. It is so easy for Trump to make a mockery of the press because the press are no longer journalists. It is not an accident that the approval rating of the media is at an all time low.
10
It's stunning that Trump demanded a birth certificate from our President and yet continues to fail to submit his taxes.
11
Not that it will change voters mind, but I am hoping that the mainstream media, now, turns on Trump---instead of CNN breaking news, a new caption should be: "Trump lie of the day," and cover it all day. Should add, the issue of Sec. Clinton's transparency has largely been manufactured by the media, who get a narrative in their head---Clinton's privacy problem---and then beat that narrative to death. With Trump's minute by minute lie machine, well, it is Trump just being Trump.
2
This is not at an election, it's George Orwell's Animal Farm. I'll give you one guess who Napoleon the pig is.
(Hint: it's not campaign manager Kellyanne Conway. She's Squealer.)
(Hint: it's not campaign manager Kellyanne Conway. She's Squealer.)
12
To me, the fact that so many Republicans continue to support Trump indicates how severely polarized our nation has become. Trump was clearly the worst of the worst of the terrible set of Republican candidates who started out in the primaries. Somehow, a large majority of Republicans are rationalizing their intention to vote for Trump, nonetheless. Our national polarization is, to me, the larger problem to be solved.
10
Do we FINALLY have an answer to "Where is the outrage?"? I certainly hope so!
3
I was relieved to hear that presidential candidate Donald Trump is finally aware that Hawaii is part of the USA.
But does he still want to wall off New Mexico?
But does he still want to wall off New Mexico?
6
The Sociopath:
"This is the behavior of the nightmare date from hell. Who tells you exciting stories over drinks, all of which are clearly untrue, and then gets sullen and refuses to talk when you ask a couple of questions."
The victim:
"Yet, according to the polls, Hillary Clinton’s biggest problem is that the public thinks she’s dishonest."
There was a movie made about this: "Sleeping with the Enemy".
It is ALWAYS the abuser's aim to spread such a tsunami of lies that NOBODY believes the victim. But the liar isn't just the Sociopath. No, it's Fox News and the GOP's spin machine that for 25+ years has been spreading every lie and every rumor about the Clintons, no matter how outlandish, as "fact".
Facts no longer matter, and unless enough honest Americans are motivated to get out and vote, the sociopath and his enablers will have won and the nation will lose.
"This is the behavior of the nightmare date from hell. Who tells you exciting stories over drinks, all of which are clearly untrue, and then gets sullen and refuses to talk when you ask a couple of questions."
The victim:
"Yet, according to the polls, Hillary Clinton’s biggest problem is that the public thinks she’s dishonest."
There was a movie made about this: "Sleeping with the Enemy".
It is ALWAYS the abuser's aim to spread such a tsunami of lies that NOBODY believes the victim. But the liar isn't just the Sociopath. No, it's Fox News and the GOP's spin machine that for 25+ years has been spreading every lie and every rumor about the Clintons, no matter how outlandish, as "fact".
Facts no longer matter, and unless enough honest Americans are motivated to get out and vote, the sociopath and his enablers will have won and the nation will lose.
13
"People, I know some of you get very frustrated that news coverage of this election does not begin every day with: 'In yet another total falsehood, Donald Trump …',
It should. That would be responsible, showing that the media cares about the nation and world, not just ratings.
I don't think there is any great conspiracy, I think the media does what businesses do - it finds ways to get customers. Also, media outlets often ignore scoops by competitors - where are the Times headlines about the Newsweek story in Trump's foreign entanglements, for instance?
The Republic is the victim if this irresponsibility.
It should. That would be responsible, showing that the media cares about the nation and world, not just ratings.
I don't think there is any great conspiracy, I think the media does what businesses do - it finds ways to get customers. Also, media outlets often ignore scoops by competitors - where are the Times headlines about the Newsweek story in Trump's foreign entanglements, for instance?
The Republic is the victim if this irresponsibility.
7
Now that Trump is convinced that Obama was born in the US, he will donate $5 million to a charity of Obama's choice, as he promised. Right?
14
Obama should choose the Clinton Foundation.
1
Obviously most believe Trump's bizarre claim reflects his contempt for African Americans. But he also insults me and my grandparents, who fled Ulster in the early 1900's to avoid Irish Catholic terror. Obama's mother is, similar to my grandparents, Scotch Irish, and since she was the main parent in Obama's life, you can see in Obama all the best qualities of the Scotch Irish, persistence, humility. a concern for putting Jesus's words in the here and now for the least of us, and being accountable. Of course, nobody claims Obama is exciting on the speaker platform.
My grandfather lost his job and owed $75,000 in 1930 when the stock market crashed. He did not pull a Donald Trump. No bankruptcy, it took him until 1947, and he was helped by WWII, but he paid back every cent he owed. And he did not believe foreign policy should be bottomed out upon bankruptcy.
My grandfather lost his job and owed $75,000 in 1930 when the stock market crashed. He did not pull a Donald Trump. No bankruptcy, it took him until 1947, and he was helped by WWII, but he paid back every cent he owed. And he did not believe foreign policy should be bottomed out upon bankruptcy.
119
At some point, we have to acknowledge that the problem isn't Trump, but the Americans who think so little of their country that they would vote to elect this man president. Trump is a disgrace. He is an unprincipled racist, not able even to commit to his own lies. A lot of Americans have a very low opinion of their fellow Americans and of the things that actually have made this country great. Donald Trump, when he turns on these people, will say they are losers.
18
There appears to be no wooden stake or silver spike that will work in Trump's case.
5
What might happen if every mention of donald trump disappeared from every news source today?
Shall we try that small experiment?
Shall we try that small experiment?
14
It's all the deal maker mentality, that's the way the man thinks. It's what he is. If it's good for the deal he'll say it, if not he either won't or will take it back. That is his only truth. I'm not sure he understands any other kind.
3
"Asked about that [the validity of Obama's birth certificate], Pence said, disjointedly and desperately, that his running mate's record on behalf of the African-American community 'really speaks for itself.'"
"Donald Trump's record on behalf of the African-American community speaks for itself!" -- Mike Pence.
Engrave that in granite and gild it in gold. Bolt it to the floor in the foyer of Trump Tower. The first absolutely and truly factual statement uttered by anyone involved in Trump's campaign (camp pain is closer to reality) in the past 15 months (or if you're into picking nits, 5+ years).
(Just wondering...is Pence still on the payroll?)
"Donald Trump's record on behalf of the African-American community speaks for itself!" -- Mike Pence.
Engrave that in granite and gild it in gold. Bolt it to the floor in the foyer of Trump Tower. The first absolutely and truly factual statement uttered by anyone involved in Trump's campaign (camp pain is closer to reality) in the past 15 months (or if you're into picking nits, 5+ years).
(Just wondering...is Pence still on the payroll?)
7
"People, I know some of you get very frustrated that news coverage of this election does not begin every day with: “In yet another total falsehood, Donald Trump …”
Yes, we do get frustrated because that's exactly how the coverage should go!
Yes, we do get frustrated because that's exactly how the coverage should go!
6
Let's tell the truth. The Donald's campign is sponsored by The Onion, right? Please tell me that's right.
4
Close. The National Enquirer has his back.
Free Trump advertising at every supermarket check-out.
Free Trump advertising at every supermarket check-out.
No one cares about this. Why is it important for anyone to "believe" that Obama was born in Hawaii? I'm 50/50... So what?! Obama was born to a citizen mother, which makes him, like Ted Cruz a natural born citizen who might have been born overseas.
So maybe Obama was born in Hawaii or if he lied, which Democrats do all the time (just look at crooked Hillary) Kenya. Who cares!
Only idiots care about this. Give it up. Alynski would even tell you Marxists to give it up.
Democratism is the new communism.
So maybe Obama was born in Hawaii or if he lied, which Democrats do all the time (just look at crooked Hillary) Kenya. Who cares!
Only idiots care about this. Give it up. Alynski would even tell you Marxists to give it up.
Democratism is the new communism.
1
30% of the GOP is incapable of the truth or demanding facts. That is not fluff that is a tragic betrayal of your duty as a citizen. That is a bunch of sheep.
1
Trump's lies cynically incite hate. In that he has "distinguished" himself.
1
Boy, the press is up in arms today. I guess Trump went a step too far when he snookered them into sitting through his half hour infomercial before dropping the single long-awaited sentence, then, without taking questions, stalked off to tour of his new hotel. All three cable news channels devoted 90 minutes of live coverage - and they all knew they got played.
It's about time the rank and file reporters joined the more opinionated journalists in excoriating Donald Trump. I'm so glad to see a touch of fury in condemning Trump's lies. I'm pleased to see in print and hear on TV the assessment that Trump is, has always been, amoral. But we've analyzed the guy and his supporters long enough. It's time for each of us to take daily action against his candidacy to ensure its defeat.
It's about time the rank and file reporters joined the more opinionated journalists in excoriating Donald Trump. I'm so glad to see a touch of fury in condemning Trump's lies. I'm pleased to see in print and hear on TV the assessment that Trump is, has always been, amoral. But we've analyzed the guy and his supporters long enough. It's time for each of us to take daily action against his candidacy to ensure its defeat.
10
Can we just get on with reporting on the candidates policies, and leave put the lies, innuendos,half-truths to the rag newspapers. These articles about Mr. Trump, and of course Mrs. Clinton, take up too much space and time, and displace good factual reporting.
Occasionally, some reports do prove to be legit (e-mail server, Mrs. Clinton's health),but for the most part, we are missing out on true reporting such as policies, opinions on important issues and so forth.
I hope that when the debates start, the reporting will be based on the debates and the facts, rather than innuendos and half-truths. Reporting about the next president of the USA needs to start researching important issues and not "fodder" that belongs in the "rag newspapers"!
Occasionally, some reports do prove to be legit (e-mail server, Mrs. Clinton's health),but for the most part, we are missing out on true reporting such as policies, opinions on important issues and so forth.
I hope that when the debates start, the reporting will be based on the debates and the facts, rather than innuendos and half-truths. Reporting about the next president of the USA needs to start researching important issues and not "fodder" that belongs in the "rag newspapers"!
2
Barack Obama was so convinced that Hillary Clinton was behind the birther movement that he made her his Secretary of State the day he took office. Meanwhile Donald Trump has been playing this ugly game for 8 years. And now he tries to blame Clinton for it.
"This is the behavior of a nightmare date from hell."
"This is the behavior of a nightmare date from hell."
8
What we also have here is a raft of "journalists", print and internet and TV and radio, who keep saying things like "um, a fiction", or "creative with the truth", or "changed his position," -- Is it at all clear that admitting Obama was born in America WHILE lying that Clinton started the rumor is offensive? Even worse, in my opinion, than his original lies? This means, in his terms, that he can start a lie, perpetuate it, feed it, trumpet it -- and then admit it is not true, blame someone else for starting it and claim credit for ending the terrible lie that the other person according to him started? Do we all follow that trail and see what he is doing? I hope so.
4
Gail,
Here's 2 quotes from the Clintons that I hope will refresh your memory on who actually started the birther ugly smear.
"“Give me a break. This whole thing is the biggest fairy tale I’ve ever seen.”
Slick Willie calling Obama's run in 08
"You should look into it. We have reports he(Obama) was born in kenya"
Clinton's hack Sidney Blumenthal speaking with McClatchy Washington Bureau chief James Asher in 2008. McClatchy in fact did send a reporter to Kenya to dig out any thread to support Hillary's smear.
They found nothing
Same Blumenthal who the Empress hired when she became SoS against Obama's will. She needs her true confidant hack by her side for "special" jobs!
Fast forward to 2016, every booster @ Daily Clinton-formerly NYT-will keep peddling the story against Trump. But never mention who REALLY started/planted it.
Here's 2 quotes from the Clintons that I hope will refresh your memory on who actually started the birther ugly smear.
"“Give me a break. This whole thing is the biggest fairy tale I’ve ever seen.”
Slick Willie calling Obama's run in 08
"You should look into it. We have reports he(Obama) was born in kenya"
Clinton's hack Sidney Blumenthal speaking with McClatchy Washington Bureau chief James Asher in 2008. McClatchy in fact did send a reporter to Kenya to dig out any thread to support Hillary's smear.
They found nothing
Same Blumenthal who the Empress hired when she became SoS against Obama's will. She needs her true confidant hack by her side for "special" jobs!
Fast forward to 2016, every booster @ Daily Clinton-formerly NYT-will keep peddling the story against Trump. But never mention who REALLY started/planted it.
4
Hillary also spread the rumor Obama was Muslim
These fake journalists need to start doing their job.
It is all over McClatchy site how Sid Blumenthal was pushing the birther story in 2008 and met with Jim Asher in his DC office for an hour to discuss it. MCClatchy then sent reporter to Kenya as a result
The press is really looking bad on this
These fake journalists need to start doing their job.
It is all over McClatchy site how Sid Blumenthal was pushing the birther story in 2008 and met with Jim Asher in his DC office for an hour to discuss it. MCClatchy then sent reporter to Kenya as a result
The press is really looking bad on this
2
Politifact, FactCheck.org, and WaPo Fact Checking (all highly respectable fact checkers) have roundly debunked this nonsense (to quote) "multiple times". Pay them a visit if you want the statistics on Trump's utter inability to tell the truth. He breaks the record for "Pants On Fire" lies.
2
I agree that Trump is an embarrassment and hope he loses big. But all the breathless talk of "Where did this come from? In the country of Washington, Lincoln, FDR..." fails to take an honest look at US history. The scoundrels have always been there, the willfully ignorant, the environmental plunderers, the racists. This is the country of Manifest Destiny, genocide against the original inhabitants of the land, naked territorial conquest, pro-active alliances with bloody despots. It doesn't take much to realize this. There's good stuff in the history, too, but the secular religion of American exceptionalism is a lot like Trump himself-- the mud just doesn't stick.
4
What took so long for the supposedly responsible press to call thus liar a liar at the top of the story? Why didn't this kind of coverage greet his Attila-the-Hun "foreign policy" speech? His economics "plan"? His "Hillary's gonna get yer guns" rants? Stay on his case hot and heavy, "responsible" media; you helped birth this unstable monster; let's hope you can stuff it back into its cave before November 8th.
8
Yes it's about time the times called him a liar.
They should use a capital L when they call him a liar . Previous to this they always just said that he "stretched the truth".
They should use a capital L when they call him a liar . Previous to this they always just said that he "stretched the truth".
1
Trump, the Manchurian Candidate in the flesh. Wake up America
3
Please don't tell me what I heard her say, "check the birth certificate".
Besides, is that her last bullet? She hasn't talked about why she should be elected for weeks.
Besides, is that her last bullet? She hasn't talked about why she should be elected for weeks.
Hillary has been around politics for a long time and tied to another politician that didn't have sexual relations with woman. She has brought largely the honesty issue on herself every chance she gets.
The clown on the other hand has come from the TV world and the tabloids. It's like Matt Lauer playing a journalist. Seriousness and truth is not an issue.
The clown on the other hand has come from the TV world and the tabloids. It's like Matt Lauer playing a journalist. Seriousness and truth is not an issue.
2
While Donald Trump is a truly scary candidate for President, what is even more troubling is the support he appears to be getting from the electorate. How can a serial liar, inexperienced and essentially unqualified individual be the candidate for President. What does this say about us, and the democracy we believe in. There is NO WAY this individual should be anywhere near the White House, but he is amazingly only a few percentage points behind Hillary Clinton. And I don't want to hear how she is such a 'flawed' candidate...is it just that we're not mature enough a democracy to accept a woman President.
4
The media should handle Trump and all Candidates like the Debate threshold. If what you say is not documented to be True or partially True at least an average of 85% of the time by the Three Leading Fact Checker organizations you are not represented to exist in any way.
1
What happened? . Trump is the conduit that gave the party permission to be deplorable . Come on people, Republicans never stopped their candidates from years of ignorant rhetoric against President Obama. It still appears in the news where some minor alt right Republican continues with the name calling, disgusting opinions about the President. It's not only Trump and his birther comments, it's Republicans beloved by their voters who make comments on every bill he passes; every speech he makes; every vacation he takes; etc. It took the Members of the Canadian Parliament to give President Obama a standing ovation and at the end of a speech while Republicans were vomiting hate.
Well the Republicans have been Horrific and just downright ignorant in both of President Obama's elections.What kind of a country's political party abuses it's President every day in the press' every day' by television talking heads? The Republicans have nurtured hate; encourage it, are proud of it. The "deplorable's; and they are Republican. It's the height of ignorance; it's verbal abuse to the citizens
and encourages abusive rhetoric in every newspaper. Where is the FEC who has the power to investigate this ugly phenomena? The first amendment does NOT mean that anyone can threaten, abuse nor constantly write hateful speech.
Look it up.
Well the Republicans have been Horrific and just downright ignorant in both of President Obama's elections.What kind of a country's political party abuses it's President every day in the press' every day' by television talking heads? The Republicans have nurtured hate; encourage it, are proud of it. The "deplorable's; and they are Republican. It's the height of ignorance; it's verbal abuse to the citizens
and encourages abusive rhetoric in every newspaper. Where is the FEC who has the power to investigate this ugly phenomena? The first amendment does NOT mean that anyone can threaten, abuse nor constantly write hateful speech.
Look it up.
5
Donald Trump is a sick man. He needs to be institutionalized. He cannot distinguish reality from fantasy. Your line that Hillary is the one considered dishonest is brilliant. Who are the deplorable people who believe this man should be President?
8
I get it: Clinton has two issues on which questions have been raised. Trump has a hundred thousand. Easier to spend time digging down on two than chasing the avalanche of falsehoods he introduces daily. Everything he lies about gets superficial treatment. Why? It's all too much. It's him being him. It's...never mind.
Here's an idea, NYTimes. Put aside your decades-old vendetta against the Clintons. Stop worrying about being "fair" to a Trump. Assign one reporter to each of his top seven deceits or evasions--his charity, his rape charges, his university, his foreign business ties, his bankruptcies, his taxes/finances, his health--and dig dig dig. I'll provide shovels.
Here's an idea, NYTimes. Put aside your decades-old vendetta against the Clintons. Stop worrying about being "fair" to a Trump. Assign one reporter to each of his top seven deceits or evasions--his charity, his rape charges, his university, his foreign business ties, his bankruptcies, his taxes/finances, his health--and dig dig dig. I'll provide shovels.
14
The biggest problem is that the media continues to let Trump have all the attention, and when Clinton is mentioned, it is negative or defensive. Where is the front page story about her speaking to the Black Women's gathering? Where are the stories about her events and positive proposals? One would think she is not doing anything but defending against attacks. There are many of us who strongly support her, not just because we hate Trump (which we do), but because we like what she stands for and believe she is highly competent, qualified, trustworthy. The media is biased, but not against Trump!
11
One yery good thing-maybe the only one-to come out of that "hotel opening cum vets event cum oops PBO was born here event was the reaction of the press. Suddenly they were pointing out the myriad false hoods uttered by Hair Duce and repeating them. Suddenly they were correcting the ever "Gish Galloping" Trump surrogates when they tried to twist the lies into something other than verbal offal. It is about time that the MSM started to act like journalists, not stenographers. As to Trump, well there's nothing to say. he is despicable.
6
"People, I know some of you get very frustrated that news coverage of this election does not begin every day with: “In yet another total falsehood, Donald Trump …” "
Yes, that would be me. Thanks, Gail. Can the press finally lay bare the truth about this candidate? Trump-Pence signs are disturbingly multiplying in my neck of the woods.
Yes, that would be me. Thanks, Gail. Can the press finally lay bare the truth about this candidate? Trump-Pence signs are disturbingly multiplying in my neck of the woods.
7
Trump knows his lies, all liars know when they are lying. Don't allow yourself not to believe this. All he says is done on purpose for the purpose to discombobulate as many normal people as possible of those that oppose him.
To those that support him for his bigotry etc. he gives them another reason to reinforce their hate and they lap it up.
To all those that can't believe Trump has gotten where he is now with his campaign to discombobulate the entire US and the World; it is time to participate in American Democracy and work hard to get the Democratic Party out to vote.
Don't despair and drift off to the abyss of helplessness.
Get out the vote!
To those that support him for his bigotry etc. he gives them another reason to reinforce their hate and they lap it up.
To all those that can't believe Trump has gotten where he is now with his campaign to discombobulate the entire US and the World; it is time to participate in American Democracy and work hard to get the Democratic Party out to vote.
Don't despair and drift off to the abyss of helplessness.
Get out the vote!
6
Even if Obama was born in Kenya (which he was not; he was born in Hawaii) he would still be born of a US citizen mother and thus eligible for the US presidency.
Republicans John McCain was born in Panama and Ted Cruz in Canada. McCain's parents were US citizens; Cruz's mother was a US citizen.
Donald Trump is an out and out racist for raising questions about Obama's legitimacy. He lies even when it's more convenient to tell the truth.
Republicans John McCain was born in Panama and Ted Cruz in Canada. McCain's parents were US citizens; Cruz's mother was a US citizen.
Donald Trump is an out and out racist for raising questions about Obama's legitimacy. He lies even when it's more convenient to tell the truth.
6
"Yet, according to the polls, Hillary Clinton’s biggest problem is that the public thinks she’s dishonest. Amazing.!!"
This is the part that I really can not understand. 40+% of the country can not be bigots, liars, or just plane dumb, however it seems they support Trump. You might hate Hillary, think the DEM's will ruin the country but how could you ever believe Trump would be able to be even a bad president.
This is the part that I really can not understand. 40+% of the country can not be bigots, liars, or just plane dumb, however it seems they support Trump. You might hate Hillary, think the DEM's will ruin the country but how could you ever believe Trump would be able to be even a bad president.
4
Sadly, yes 40% of Americans can be that dumb.
1
Did you notice that Trump had to look down at the notes that somebody else probably wrote for him in the middle of his twenty-five word announcement?
5
Dear Ms. Collins,
Not a word about the "Dr. Oz" appearance?
Okay, so Mr. Trump believes, I think (Remember, he lies around 83% of the time according to "Politifact"), that Mr. Obama is "American", which is true, then blames the Clintons for starting the whole "birther" thing, which is not true.
Perhaps his moving to lying only 50% of the time (Which, according to "Politifact", makes his "lying quotient" equal to Ms. Clinton's) caused his poll numbers to catch up to Hillary?
Or, maybe, his "Obesity" number has garnered all the "fast food voters", a demographic generally ignored by pundits and pollsters. Most of this huge (Pardon the pun) chunk of the electorate is too busy stuffing down french fries to even bother to vote but, apparently, they have found their champion!
Photos of him gleefully downing a "taco bowl" started the movement and when he appeared on television with the completely trustworthy Dr. Oz (Somehow, being near ANYTHING called "Oz" seems very appropriate for this guy) giving him his "imprimatur", the growing ranks of the chubby and obese were merely confirmed in their choice.
I guess he's as healthy as a "morbidly obese" person could be if one ignores the word "morbidly" (Easy for "Trumpistas" to do; they just want 'Murica Great Agin' and "morbid" just needs too much explaining).
Never underestimate the "Adipose Agenda" for it may just take a bite out of all of us!
Not a word about the "Dr. Oz" appearance?
Okay, so Mr. Trump believes, I think (Remember, he lies around 83% of the time according to "Politifact"), that Mr. Obama is "American", which is true, then blames the Clintons for starting the whole "birther" thing, which is not true.
Perhaps his moving to lying only 50% of the time (Which, according to "Politifact", makes his "lying quotient" equal to Ms. Clinton's) caused his poll numbers to catch up to Hillary?
Or, maybe, his "Obesity" number has garnered all the "fast food voters", a demographic generally ignored by pundits and pollsters. Most of this huge (Pardon the pun) chunk of the electorate is too busy stuffing down french fries to even bother to vote but, apparently, they have found their champion!
Photos of him gleefully downing a "taco bowl" started the movement and when he appeared on television with the completely trustworthy Dr. Oz (Somehow, being near ANYTHING called "Oz" seems very appropriate for this guy) giving him his "imprimatur", the growing ranks of the chubby and obese were merely confirmed in their choice.
I guess he's as healthy as a "morbidly obese" person could be if one ignores the word "morbidly" (Easy for "Trumpistas" to do; they just want 'Murica Great Agin' and "morbid" just needs too much explaining).
Never underestimate the "Adipose Agenda" for it may just take a bite out of all of us!
2
The most dangerous recent development in the US has been the tendency of mass media to echo the GOP's long smear accusing Hillary of dishonesty while treating Trump's pathological lying as harmless entertainment. The polls suggest many people have become confused about what the truth is. Many dismiss everything Clinton says or does to correct the record while Trump is granted more credibility than he deserves. It is also apparent that too many voters are ignorant of the facts and too uninterested to care. This election could be an unprecedented national disaster in the making. Whatever the outcome, as a nation we will deserve it.
5
One wonders if the birther incident is worth writing about, but i suppose it does fill a column in an otherwise bland campaign devoid of substantive issues. Writing about this silly birth certificate matter probably is easier that considering the impact of either candidate's probability of improving the lives of inner city school children, or would either ticket strive to change campaign finance laws.
1
The Republicans nominated their shadow, their dark side, after years of stealth cloaked in code words and now many of them are shocked. So first they hide their immoral principles and now they're in denial about them. The entire GOP needs to submit to a decade or two of therapy to cleanse their collective psyche and figure out who they are.
2
Hope, meditate, pray etc that this outrageous out of control mendacious person with maniacal behavior does not win.
Without some common acknowledgment and understanding of right and wrong we all lose.
Thanks to the many commenters for your intellect and the NYT for providing this forum.
Without some common acknowledgment and understanding of right and wrong we all lose.
Thanks to the many commenters for your intellect and the NYT for providing this forum.
3
Donald's record on behalf of the African-American community “really speaks for itself.”
Thank you, Pence. Donald is on record as refusing to rent to African-Americans, for years, maybe even now. Yes, that does speak for itself.
Thank you, Pence. Donald is on record as refusing to rent to African-Americans, for years, maybe even now. Yes, that does speak for itself.
7
The Press should start covering real news and real people participating in that real world-and, stop treating this election like an episode of Survivor.
4
This isn't fun any more.
I have one word for Trump, politics, the NYT and indeed, the Internet:
Unsubscribe.
This is all a plot to overcharge me for bandwidth I won't use because doing so makes me nauseous.
Curse you, Internet.
I have one word for Trump, politics, the NYT and indeed, the Internet:
Unsubscribe.
This is all a plot to overcharge me for bandwidth I won't use because doing so makes me nauseous.
Curse you, Internet.
3
What I can't believe is that 'trump's people' put up with this. Talk about the boss from hell! The guy who tell you something, makes you go out and try to convince people of it by putting your face on it and your integrity to back it, then he goes in a 180 degree different direction, leaving you standing there looking like a complete fool. The guy who makes you do a ton of work on a project and then drops it or just forgets about it. The guy who tells you A but then says he said B (even though you have the email and letters from him saying A). How does anybody work for him?
3
Trump, Trump, Trump, Trump, Trump. Every time I open a news site Trump's name appears over and over through out the pages. It's like the thud of military boots on the ground as basket after basket of deploranbles march in mindless lockstep toward the polls on November 8th. And they will. They will translate their hate and despair into national policy. Nobody can predict what Trump will do beyond destroy any and all of Obama's efforts to improve life among ordinary people which were so successfully barred by the Republican congress. (The cool thing is Obama is called a failure). We will discover that a majority of Americans are deplorable. How many people read the New York Times or Washington Post or other more thoughtful news sources compared to the numbers who sit in sock feet leaned back in their recliner with a beer, a bible and a gun at hand and watch Fox or now CNN? Just the facts m'am.
2
"People, I know some of you get very frustrated that news coverage of this election does not begin every day with: “In yet another total falsehood, Donald Trump …” This is your moment."
Why not stop mincing words and simply have a daily headline that reads, "Tabloid Donald Lies Again." You'd not waste a moment of anyone's time thinking up a new headline each day.
Why not stop mincing words and simply have a daily headline that reads, "Tabloid Donald Lies Again." You'd not waste a moment of anyone's time thinking up a new headline each day.
6
It's not saying anything new to say that Trump's candidacy has been a year-long concatenation of lies. That has always been, and continues to be, his strategy for success. What is more reprehensible is that his ability to successfully apply this strategy to a presidential campaign has been enabled and embraced by literally an entire industry of truth distorters, from the Republican party to right-wing talk radio to super-rich media moguls. This is the only way to explain how Hillary Clinton's failure to go public earlier about her pneumonia can be morally equated to Trump's propagation of the birther lie.
But much scarier than Trump's own personal lies is his growing ambition in the realm of alt-right media. It is clear that, win or lose the presidency, Trump is clearing steering himself towards a new, Trump-branded industry of misinformation and hate-mongering, the likes of which this country has never seen before.
But much scarier than Trump's own personal lies is his growing ambition in the realm of alt-right media. It is clear that, win or lose the presidency, Trump is clearing steering himself towards a new, Trump-branded industry of misinformation and hate-mongering, the likes of which this country has never seen before.
7
Trump is so juvenile and transparent. He is an obvious liar. He doesn't attempt to hide it. He merely reverses reality and exaggerates just about everything including his hair. That he is still in the race for President suggests that truth is not a virtue to be prized. His style does resemble Putin and that little North Korean maniac. As the standard bearer of the Republican Party he is showing us its underbelly of ugliness. Apparently ugliness appeals to a large number of my fellow Americans. Trump is the epitome of sleaze!
5
Trump is a billionaire. In order to comprehend the word, assume being one is like being royalty. Have those who held them in awe ever expected them to apologize for anything?
3
"Now we all want to get back to making America strong and great again."
And it took him just a few hours to decide that the best way to go about that was to suggest that someone shoot his opponent...for the second time this campaign.
And it took him just a few hours to decide that the best way to go about that was to suggest that someone shoot his opponent...for the second time this campaign.
6
Every minute the media spends covering Trump's wmd's - weapons of media destraction - they're not covering his non-release of tax returns, fraudulent business practices and predatory nihilistic behavior.
6
I note in passing that the Times article reporting on the growing anxiety of Clinton supporters as Trump rises in the polls is now on its third day on the landing page of the digital Times. An example of "balance," I suppose.
3
"What we have here is a candidate for president of the United States who makes stuff up all the time, but is either incapable of realizing that he’s telling a lie, or constitutionally unable to take blame for being untruthful."
Both.
Both.
6
Trump doesn't distinguish between truth and non-truth. The world according to Trump is divided between Tump and anti-Trump. What can be more telling except that, ex-number of our fellow citizens are ready willing and able to vote for him.
Ignorance, Masochism, Mini-Trumpets? At this point in time, when information is everywhere and easily accessible to a huge majority of voters, it's shameful.
Ignorance, Masochism, Mini-Trumpets? At this point in time, when information is everywhere and easily accessible to a huge majority of voters, it's shameful.
4
So, now we have it. Donald Trump's 5 year old set in stone lie "Barack Obama was not born in the United States" with his parallel innuendo that Obama is also a secret Muslim will be added to the Pantheon of Great Lies.
Right behind "Of course, I'll respect you in the morning."
Mr. Trump utterly fails the Grandmother Test: Act in such a manner your grandmother would not be ashamed about your actions when made public.
I do not question Mr. Trump's citizenship, but I am beginning to doubt if he ever had a grandmother. Just sayin'
Right behind "Of course, I'll respect you in the morning."
Mr. Trump utterly fails the Grandmother Test: Act in such a manner your grandmother would not be ashamed about your actions when made public.
I do not question Mr. Trump's citizenship, but I am beginning to doubt if he ever had a grandmother. Just sayin'
4
Trump, according to the OpEd page and reader comments, lies just about everything. But he did not lie about Benghazi and his actions or lack thereof didn't get anyone killed.
1
Two simple questions.
When did you become convinced that Obama was born in the USA?
What convinced you?
When did you become convinced that Obama was born in the USA?
What convinced you?
1
One simple question: what (or who) convinced you that he wasn't, and that it needed to be questioned?
1
I hope and pray that the moderators at the first debate DO THEIR JOB and expose this deplorable, dissembling rat.
15
Maybe next he will say that he is not going to build a wall after all.
4
If Donald Trump is actually elected President, the people in this country might as well just lock their doors and turn out the lights. We're finished. Any credibility we have left with other nations will be wiped out. Our beautiful country will be awash in tears.
10
We've been living in the era of the big lie at least since Bush & Cheney sent us to war over nonexistent WMDs (and arguably going back to the conservative engine that sharpened its attacks on Bill Clinton - and Hillary - for misdeeds both real and imagined).
But Trump's narcissism takes the lying to a new level. He insists that we see that he's lying and applaud. Pundits have been understandably wary of labeling his pathology, but the DSM would have to create a new category of mental illness to classify his derangement. The man is part buffoon, but it's the dangerous demagogue we have to fear.
But Trump's narcissism takes the lying to a new level. He insists that we see that he's lying and applaud. Pundits have been understandably wary of labeling his pathology, but the DSM would have to create a new category of mental illness to classify his derangement. The man is part buffoon, but it's the dangerous demagogue we have to fear.
5
A prominent Republican lawyer from Chicago (Dan Webb) is going all out for Hillary.
He is quoted saying "Donald Trump will destroy this country as we know it."
Check Thursday's Chicago Sun Times for verification. Trump supporters will not care because they apparently hate the country as it is now.
He is quoted saying "Donald Trump will destroy this country as we know it."
Check Thursday's Chicago Sun Times for verification. Trump supporters will not care because they apparently hate the country as it is now.
1
Believeeeeee Meeeeee! I have plans to make America great again. I can't share them besides my wonderful TAX CUTS for the rich!
Come on battleground staters, don't fall for this fake watch selling hack!
Come on battleground staters, don't fall for this fake watch selling hack!
5
My God! The press and news outlets should be pointing out how disgusting this lying idiot (Donald Trump). Stop the "Trump will be Trump". Point out the hypocrisy, falsehoods, and frauds that come out of his mouth -- every time he opens his mouth. At this point before the election, the only thing that should be written about or talked about (on TV) should be his lies.
Hats off to Charles Blow and others columnists who are unrelenting in discrediting every word that comes out of the mouth of this "deplorable" abomination called Donald Trump.
Hats off to Charles Blow and others columnists who are unrelenting in discrediting every word that comes out of the mouth of this "deplorable" abomination called Donald Trump.
5
Trump should not be permitted to take part in the "debates." It should be acknowledged by all parties involved that he is incapable of taking the election seriously and he should be systematically prevented from having access to the airwaves. He is employing that access as a weapon to undermine the legitimacy of the American people's chief means of assuring peaceful transfer of power and leadership. No talk show host should allow him to appear. His Twitter account(s) should be shut down. When he suggests the assassination of his opponent, he is on the stage of a crowded theater. We don't permit people to yell "Fire!" In a crowded theater to prevent the destruction that might ensue. These are the limits of free speech and Trump has surpassed those limits. Shut him down!
2
"Vote Your Conscience"
The American people will hand Trump a defeat on the scale of George McGovern's.
The American people will hand Trump a defeat on the scale of George McGovern's.
2
Clinton tries to defuse issues and Trump simply lies and gets away with it. Why can Clinton make zero mistakes, but Trump gets to continuously lie and he is considered a good leader by many? I heard some lame former military leader on NPR over a weak ago explain that he signed a ridiculous letter supporting Trump, because Trump "says it like it is." What? Trump lies!!! The GOP lets Trump get away with it. It is disgraceful. We have a racist and sexist polling next to Clinton for president in the United States. Absolutely shameful! This whole election is like a bad date. I am sick of listening to Trump and his lies. When will the date stop? Kaepernick should be kneeling in response to this election.
4
Yes, Donald Trump putting his own sordid claim to rest, ruling it over. America can now officially get back to work, he so declares. Well, I guess we can now put all that behind us. Well, thank you so much, Donald. What a heroic deed. Obama can go back to being an American and us a happy and relieved nation. And how simple it all was. No explanation. No telling us how he got to this ruling. Just -- it's over. Like a wife beater proudly declaring to his wife that the beatings are over, so they can finally get back to being a happily married couple again.
5
...and even worse than the worse you outline, Gail, is the stunning ignorance of a---YES, DEPLORABLE---percentage of "Americans" who are swayed by not only this, but ALL the recent handler tactics within 2 months of the general election of getting their "candidate" on message. That in itself should say something about this freak show's virtue, and qualifications for this job. But somehow, we're perilously close to letting the unthinkable happen.
Trumpty Drumphty learns how to read a teleprompter, temper a few words and idiosyncrasies, and this thing's now in a statistical dead-heat. Amazing. And, of course, this "dynamic" in American politics isn't anything new. We watch this scenario repeatedly where just the right combination of words are uttered with zero intention behind them, and immediately, it's a new race. It's pathetic.
This is a lot less about the clown, and a lot more about the audience. His lunatic base, stricken with populist psychosis, wasn't going anywhere anyway. But what this says about undecided voters is astounding, and unfortunately, lends a fair amount of credence to whether democracy really does work ultimately in the long-run, ESPECIALLY now that we're within an index finger's length of electing a fascist.
Now, what was that about American "Exceptionalism?"
Trumpty Drumphty learns how to read a teleprompter, temper a few words and idiosyncrasies, and this thing's now in a statistical dead-heat. Amazing. And, of course, this "dynamic" in American politics isn't anything new. We watch this scenario repeatedly where just the right combination of words are uttered with zero intention behind them, and immediately, it's a new race. It's pathetic.
This is a lot less about the clown, and a lot more about the audience. His lunatic base, stricken with populist psychosis, wasn't going anywhere anyway. But what this says about undecided voters is astounding, and unfortunately, lends a fair amount of credence to whether democracy really does work ultimately in the long-run, ESPECIALLY now that we're within an index finger's length of electing a fascist.
Now, what was that about American "Exceptionalism?"
4
If we wind up with this pathological incompetent for president, no small part of the blame will attach firmly to the most worthless bunch of newsmen and newswomen I've encountered in a long life. And why? Because the publishers want a horse race. The publishers want to move product and maximize their profits. Well, if you put profit before the public good, you are no longer a professional. Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Amateur Hour. May it not doom this country to four years of self-destruction. You thought Brexit was an error? Wait till President Trump.
9
Amateur hour in this campaign comes in the form of Hillary's pathetic attempts to obfuscate and lie about every scandal, whether it's the Clinton Foundation to her health or even her Server.
Thanks, Donald, for closing down Hillary's lie.... sadly I, like so many others, believed her.
Now, I hear that you and much of your family are shockingly vile pieces of scum...
a lot of people, the very best people, say it.... and there's so much evidence....
I CAN'T BELIEVE what people are finding
(like in Newsweek this week.... very, VERY important piece http://www.newsweek.com/2016/09/23/donald-trump-foreign-business-deals-n... ),
and again, I BELIEVE THEM.... I think you should be LOCKED UP !!!
Now, I hear that you and much of your family are shockingly vile pieces of scum...
a lot of people, the very best people, say it.... and there's so much evidence....
I CAN'T BELIEVE what people are finding
(like in Newsweek this week.... very, VERY important piece http://www.newsweek.com/2016/09/23/donald-trump-foreign-business-deals-n... ),
and again, I BELIEVE THEM.... I think you should be LOCKED UP !!!
4
What difference does it make?
Hillary Clinton made Obama's birthplace part of her campaign in 2008 and it backfired on her.
In all honesty I do not think the voters care too much where Obama was born.
Hillary Clinton made Obama's birthplace part of her campaign in 2008 and it backfired on her.
In all honesty I do not think the voters care too much where Obama was born.
To Gail's last paragraph. YES. This is the most mysterious paradox of this election. We have one candidate who openly lies, cheats, steals, stiffs, philanders, scams, and a different candidate who is considered less honest than the first.
4
Wikipedia
"P. T." Barnum was an American politician, showman, and businessman remembered for promoting celebrated hoaxes and for founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Although Barnum was also an author, publisher, philanthropist, and for some time a politician, he said of himself, "I am a showman by profession...and all the gilding shall make nothing else of me", and his personal aim was "to put money in his own coffers". Barnum is widely, but erroneously, credited with coining the phrase "There's a sucker born every minute".
To paraphrase Pogo: I have seen the sucker and it is me.
"P. T." Barnum was an American politician, showman, and businessman remembered for promoting celebrated hoaxes and for founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Although Barnum was also an author, publisher, philanthropist, and for some time a politician, he said of himself, "I am a showman by profession...and all the gilding shall make nothing else of me", and his personal aim was "to put money in his own coffers". Barnum is widely, but erroneously, credited with coining the phrase "There's a sucker born every minute".
To paraphrase Pogo: I have seen the sucker and it is me.
4
Not 'make stuff up ' Walt Disney does that. He's a pathological liar.
6
While it's gratifying to see this today, as well as the Editorial Board's piece, apart from folks like Ms. Collins, these assessments are so belated they may cost Hillary Clinton the election. I always enjoy Ms. Collins' writing, and she's on the money here, but the main point is the lack of Trump scrutiny or push back up to this point, and that has to change fast!
There should have been zero surprise yesterday at any of this. The script is always the same with Trump. Advance some cockamamie statement, get attention and a roomful of cameras and reporters, lie about whatever the topic is, and then change the subject. No less yesterday. With a slight difference: up to this point, being Trumped usually means the press doesn't go back to the original issue, in this case, birtherism, which Trump is desperate to avoid. And indeed, he changed the topic again, but for once, he didn't get what he was looking for. Reporters in attendance were blocked by his people, he did not take questions, and subsequently the whole "press conference" fell apart. The media refused to cooperate with him when they realized they were being used to market his DC hotel. For once.
The pressure must be kept on. He must not be allowed to continue behaving as if he's already king of the US, which is what it seems he’s aiming for.
There are 50-ish days left. The Republic is in danger. Democracy is at stake. The media needs to tell the people, as well as the would be emperor, he has no clothes!
There should have been zero surprise yesterday at any of this. The script is always the same with Trump. Advance some cockamamie statement, get attention and a roomful of cameras and reporters, lie about whatever the topic is, and then change the subject. No less yesterday. With a slight difference: up to this point, being Trumped usually means the press doesn't go back to the original issue, in this case, birtherism, which Trump is desperate to avoid. And indeed, he changed the topic again, but for once, he didn't get what he was looking for. Reporters in attendance were blocked by his people, he did not take questions, and subsequently the whole "press conference" fell apart. The media refused to cooperate with him when they realized they were being used to market his DC hotel. For once.
The pressure must be kept on. He must not be allowed to continue behaving as if he's already king of the US, which is what it seems he’s aiming for.
There are 50-ish days left. The Republic is in danger. Democracy is at stake. The media needs to tell the people, as well as the would be emperor, he has no clothes!
8
One of the most obvious lies is that Trump isn't releasing his tax returns because they're "under audit".
If that were true, he would release his tax returns for which the audit has already been completed. There must be six or seven returns from the last decade available.
He is hiding his returns because he doesn't pay taxes, hasn't made charitable contributions, has sketchy Russian investors, and has other investments which would conflict with US foreign interests.
If that were true, he would release his tax returns for which the audit has already been completed. There must be six or seven returns from the last decade available.
He is hiding his returns because he doesn't pay taxes, hasn't made charitable contributions, has sketchy Russian investors, and has other investments which would conflict with US foreign interests.
9
It is so hurtful to see that he still has a strong following. The fact that we even got here makes me weep for my country.
14
Trump has a kind of leads if it bleeds aspect that that has been more cost efficient than anything Barnum ever showcased. Perhaps he has already created more media jobs than anyone else in recent memory. They've done their best to put a warning label on him, but many see usefulness there. I don't think this genie will be going back into the bottle.
41
Trump is amazing in that he has the ability to continuosly make himself dumber. His whole birther show and his response to the female pastor in Flint are again more outrageous than his antics and lies from the day before. It's as if he just heard on national TV from the premier TV doctor the most beautiful words he could ever hear. That his testosterone level was quite amazing. Quite amazing folks. You know what I mean.
6
Once again Trump gets the press and the public to chase after a completely goofy story, keeping anyone from probing deeper into who he is and what he does. Hillary's personal ties to elites, her issues with secrecy and often poor judgment have been given the light of day and dissected for all to see. For Trump, all the press can do is dance to the latest tune he plays on a penny whistle. This is the constitutionally protected service that is supposed to protect democracy? It is hard to know which is the bigger joke: Trump or the press! Like the Fidel Castro joke in the 60's, perhaps Trump can proclaim "I got my job through the NY Times".
4
"How did we get to this place, people?" I'd like to offer some thoughts on that:
1. For at least four decades the GOP has been selling its soul for votes. The "Southern Strategy" that flipped the South from Democrat to Republican was build on appealing to segregationists, bigots and racists.
2. Reagan continued the racism for votes with his welfare queen and strapping bucks shtick. He also blew up the national debt with shoveling money into the bank accounts of the wealthy. He set the stage for the destruction the middle class by demonizing unions and the destruction of the economy by wholesale deregulation.
3. Gingrich lead the charge to utterly poison rational political debate by establishing the meme that Democrats were not political opponents, but rather godless, liberal, socialists that hated America. Politics has never been the same.
4. George the Second did his part by more largess for the wealthy, effectively eliminating a budget surplus and creating massive debt. He started two inept wars and nearly destroyed the not just our economy, but the world economy. Then he handed the mess off to the first Black President.
So, Republicans have sowed economic discontent, social animosity, utter distrust of government and disbelief in facts. That is how we got Donald Trump, a pathologically lying, ignorant, racist demagogue that about half the country views as a savior. He is not a Republican, but the GOP is Victor Frankenstein and Trump is their creature.
1. For at least four decades the GOP has been selling its soul for votes. The "Southern Strategy" that flipped the South from Democrat to Republican was build on appealing to segregationists, bigots and racists.
2. Reagan continued the racism for votes with his welfare queen and strapping bucks shtick. He also blew up the national debt with shoveling money into the bank accounts of the wealthy. He set the stage for the destruction the middle class by demonizing unions and the destruction of the economy by wholesale deregulation.
3. Gingrich lead the charge to utterly poison rational political debate by establishing the meme that Democrats were not political opponents, but rather godless, liberal, socialists that hated America. Politics has never been the same.
4. George the Second did his part by more largess for the wealthy, effectively eliminating a budget surplus and creating massive debt. He started two inept wars and nearly destroyed the not just our economy, but the world economy. Then he handed the mess off to the first Black President.
So, Republicans have sowed economic discontent, social animosity, utter distrust of government and disbelief in facts. That is how we got Donald Trump, a pathologically lying, ignorant, racist demagogue that about half the country views as a savior. He is not a Republican, but the GOP is Victor Frankenstein and Trump is their creature.
8
As The Washington Post and others have reported, it was the Clinton campaign people who started this in 2008 as a last ditch effort to defeat Obama. If Clinton's people hadn't started the "birther movement," we wouldn't be talking about it.
5
Nonsense and you know it.
Whoever started it, Trump resurrected it and continued it.
Whoever started it, Trump resurrected it and continued it.
1
That is a fantastic lie.
A point that is conveniently lost on the writer of this article. She claims that the notion that Clinton began the rumor is patently false and has been debunked numerous times, but fails to link to any such sources. I'll go ahead and do one better and provide a link to a 2008 story about the rumor coming from the Hillary campaign. I guess backing up your claims is too much to ask of journalists these days.
http://www.politico.com/story/2008/02/obama-slams-smear-photo-008667
http://www.politico.com/story/2008/02/obama-slams-smear-photo-008667
1
We are now tuning up with the surviving members of The Eagles to sing a chorus of "Lyin' Eyes".
5
There is there is a simple reason Trump can't admit to any of his lies. If he does, he admits to them all.
5
He's a pathological LIAR and every story out of his mouth should be challenged by the press- stop being nice to this fool.
5
Trump and his father have always been racists, and shameless about it. Trump's complaint about the federal judge with Mexican parentage was the conclusive proof; it was inconceivable to Trump that the judge would not be prejudiced against Trump because Trump was white; but that was because Trump clearly is prejudiced against any person with Mexican parentage and Trump clearly would hold it against him. Trump cannot conceive of non-racist beliefs because racism is part of basic personality.
4
We know the expression, "you are what you eat." Well, and this is simple, "We are what we watch." And hear. And this is "huge" and that ain't meant to be a joke.
1
IMHO, Trump must have some mental issues. He has no control over his mouth.
5
Not funny Gail. This is starting to freak me out!
4
The biggest casualty for me this election cycle isn't the truth. It is my trust of nearly half of the Amwrican people. And that will not be easily restored.
5
Everyone knows that Donald Trup is a liar and a racist and probably clinically unbalanced to boot ... clearly unqualified to be president. Yet all those chest- pounding self-proclaimed- patriot Republicans in Congress haven't got the character or the courage or enough love for this country to stand up and say so.
I confess I am afraid of Donald Trump, but I have nothing but contempt for all those other cowards.
I confess I am afraid of Donald Trump, but I have nothing but contempt for all those other cowards.
10
Each and every person who does not want this terrible person, this pathological liar in the White House, must not only vote for Hillary but must volunteer to get other people registered and to the polls. The anger I feel, the desire to pummel this liar, to torture him the way he wants to torture 'the enemy' must be subsumed by a positive reaction equally as strong. He brings out the very worst in people because he is the very worst. And his crime syndicate family - including his supposedly 'beautiful' daughter who he cannot kiss often enough and likes to keep telling us this - are equally as bad as their father. They are all bizarre and thin-skinned and we must keep them and their shady business dealings all around the world out of OUR White House. He is a white supremacist, a liar, the worst person I have ever seen in national politics.
People are known for who they stand up for. We know who stands up for Trump. People such as Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell do. And we will remember, coward Ryan. We will remember, coward McConnell. We will remember sycophants Christie and Giuliani. We will remember all of you. You are on the wrong side of history.
And we will remember.
People are known for who they stand up for. We know who stands up for Trump. People such as Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell do. And we will remember, coward Ryan. We will remember, coward McConnell. We will remember sycophants Christie and Giuliani. We will remember all of you. You are on the wrong side of history.
And we will remember.
16
You seem to forget Hillary's own problems with telling the truth and keep this in mind, she's been in politics for decades
1
Yeah, well, he just grabbed the news cycle again, and here's The Media, propelling both the falsehood--breaking news! "Hillary Started Birther Rumors, Trump Says"--AND the candidate.
And by the way, what part of that headline do you think will get more notice?
Gail, I love your writing, but you just climbed on board with everyone else--while Trump pulls the eyes away, one more time, with his comment about HRC's Secret Service and their guns.
As long as The Media stays addicted to clicks and eyeballs, we are in serious danger of electing this demagogue.
Please!! Move on--there is nothing to be seen here.
And by the way, what part of that headline do you think will get more notice?
Gail, I love your writing, but you just climbed on board with everyone else--while Trump pulls the eyes away, one more time, with his comment about HRC's Secret Service and their guns.
As long as The Media stays addicted to clicks and eyeballs, we are in serious danger of electing this demagogue.
Please!! Move on--there is nothing to be seen here.
144
The fact that the press, including the NYT, followed him to his new hotel to give a "press conference" means that he is encouraged to keep perpetuating these lies while receive free advertisements for his properties, and playing the American people like suckers all along. It needs to stop before the joke really is on us. I know these stories are great for ad sales, but come on, really?
4
Wait …
“How amazing, the State Health Director who verified copies of Obama’s ‘birth certificate’ died in plane crash today. All others lived.”
Hadn't heard this Trump conspiracy nugget before, but setting aside the sinister implications, did this plane crash actually occur, or did Trump make it up entirely? It's a difference between being a paranoid conspiracy theorist and not knowing how to distinguish between fact and fiction.
“How amazing, the State Health Director who verified copies of Obama’s ‘birth certificate’ died in plane crash today. All others lived.”
Hadn't heard this Trump conspiracy nugget before, but setting aside the sinister implications, did this plane crash actually occur, or did Trump make it up entirely? It's a difference between being a paranoid conspiracy theorist and not knowing how to distinguish between fact and fiction.
2
So sad: Hundreds of people in Hawaii, employed by Trump, now out of work, due to the end of the search for Obama's birth certificate...!!
4
The Trumpettes will never even hear this story much less believe it.
3
I have not nor will I buy into the narrative that Hillary is dishonest.
3
Mr. Trump is a master of playing the media against itself. He knows the overall approval rating of the media is pretty bad. Should the media call him out on a fact, he is able to turn that into his "media is rigged" mantra and his public believes him. There are enough websites and sources that are able to play into this idea that the media, with collusion by the Democrats, is conspiring against Mr. Trump. If the conspiracy theory is hammered enough it is difficult to disprove. The staff that Mr. Trump has now surrounded himself has mastered the art of deflecting the hard questions as witnessed by numerous requests for Mr. Trump to show the IRS letter of audit. We are asked to either accept Mr. Trump's word or we are accused of accusing Mr. Trump of being a liar. Sadly, the low trustworthiness numbers of Secretary Clinton only bolster Mr. Trump in the eyes of his supporters.
1
Never mind knocking DJT, to him it's all good.
It's his "poorly educated" base that needs to be reached...clearly, they do not read the Times.
It's the cable news celebrities that need to be called out, especially those at Fox. O'Reilly, Hannity, and the bevy of bleached blond leggy girls there that have given DJT credibility with the poorly educated masses.
P.S. And the highly paid bleached blond campaign surrogates that play the cable shows can be added to the list of culprits. Forget about DJT, speak to his tools, his fools.
It's his "poorly educated" base that needs to be reached...clearly, they do not read the Times.
It's the cable news celebrities that need to be called out, especially those at Fox. O'Reilly, Hannity, and the bevy of bleached blond leggy girls there that have given DJT credibility with the poorly educated masses.
P.S. And the highly paid bleached blond campaign surrogates that play the cable shows can be added to the list of culprits. Forget about DJT, speak to his tools, his fools.
2
People who believe at this point that Donald trump is more honest than Hillary Clinton are beyond reach. Their brain have been washed so thoroughly they can't do anything with it.
7
All the problems in the world and this is what is of vital importance. This has nothing to do with anything and now more than ever, it is insignificant.
2
Take off your Obama glasses. Lying is the very fabric of American political culture. Who in elected office doesn't? Trump's lie is a transgression no worse than Obama's own "If you like the insurance you have now, you can keep it."
Per one of the commenters, Trump is very likely mentally ill? Puts him in the same league with Hillary.
Per one of the commenters, Trump is very likely mentally ill? Puts him in the same league with Hillary.
1
What's amazing about the poll numbers is what it tells us about the intelligence or the lack thereof, of the American voters. The "mob" may get to elect the next Presiden. Ever think we would be hoping the electoral collage would intervene to save us ?
7
What is amazing is the racism that permeates the leadership of the Republican party. If memory serves, every time W. needed to peddle an outrageous lie, they had it trotted out either by Colin Powell or Condoleeza Rice. Now, whose e-mails get hacked? The DNC's, and out of all the possible Republican nomenklatura, Colin Powell's. The fellow who could very well have said, with conviction and great impact, that Trump is a racist and totally unqualified for the presidency. This might make a good topic for a column, Gail.
1
Trump's 5 years of racist lies in questioning the legitimacy of the nation's first African American President says everything about his fragile house of cards campaign.
He tells so many lies to the gullible, spins so many fact-free conspiracies, that they crash and burn with such a frequency that reporters scarcely know where to begin to address them.
How do you present a coherent picture of an incoherent candidate?
With Secretary Clinton, the media has it easy.
She has an e-mail controversy that can be ground into the dust with lazy dispatch by just repeating the same questions as nauseam.
At least it keeps the presidential race a contest.
With Trump, where to begin?
A burning wreckage of a business career?
Over 3,000 lawsuits over 30 years?
His fraud suit for running an unlicensed for profit school?
The fact that his Trump foundation made timely political contribution to the state attorney generals who declined to prosecute him for fraud?
The fact that he lambasted all Mexicans and lashed out at the Federal Judge he couldn't bribe for his Mexican heritage?
His history running segregated housing?
His Russian connection with campaign manager Paul Manafort, changing the GOP platform and receiving Russian help in hacking the DNC?
Calling media as PR agent John Miller to simultaneously brag about cheating his wife in court during a divorce by understating assets while making it clear to any potential super model he has plenty of money?
Really, where?
He tells so many lies to the gullible, spins so many fact-free conspiracies, that they crash and burn with such a frequency that reporters scarcely know where to begin to address them.
How do you present a coherent picture of an incoherent candidate?
With Secretary Clinton, the media has it easy.
She has an e-mail controversy that can be ground into the dust with lazy dispatch by just repeating the same questions as nauseam.
At least it keeps the presidential race a contest.
With Trump, where to begin?
A burning wreckage of a business career?
Over 3,000 lawsuits over 30 years?
His fraud suit for running an unlicensed for profit school?
The fact that his Trump foundation made timely political contribution to the state attorney generals who declined to prosecute him for fraud?
The fact that he lambasted all Mexicans and lashed out at the Federal Judge he couldn't bribe for his Mexican heritage?
His history running segregated housing?
His Russian connection with campaign manager Paul Manafort, changing the GOP platform and receiving Russian help in hacking the DNC?
Calling media as PR agent John Miller to simultaneously brag about cheating his wife in court during a divorce by understating assets while making it clear to any potential super model he has plenty of money?
Really, where?
6
Let's give Trump the benefit of the doubt. So what if it took him 5 years to learn what it took the average American to figure out in two minutes? At that rate he should be fully up to speed in about 802,701 years. And there is, err, about 7 weeks left till the election. The math works out. Sure it does. All the time in the world...
Beautiful closing line. Classic Gail Collins. This stuff isn't funny and she didn't sound funny today. I think the tone of the real press has now made the turn. No more soft balls, no more allowing the Dumpster to filibuster. His wife got run of the stage as Cosmo. Pence is being unmasked as a rube dissembler. His kids, well you know, the children of a huckster usually goes one of two ways, becomes them or the opposite. Pretty easy to see the huckster in that brood. So the question is, will the hillbilly sycophants wake up and smell the meth cooking? For more on that story read this months cover story of Mother Jones. Odds down to one in four. Anyone want to buy my ticket where he was 6/1?
3
My mother used to say, "Show me who your friends are and I'll show you who you are." We have been shown, prior to and during this campaign, how a President Trump would conduct this country.
Americans should NEVER choose this bloviating con man.
Americans should NEVER choose this bloviating con man.
6
Being in love with yourself means never having to say your sorry.
4
As an Australian who has always loved visiting the United States, I find myself turning away in despair at what is happening to your country. For the sake of us all, America, do the right thing and disown this monstrous charlatan whose wilful ignorance would be comic were it not so tragic for the world, and who trades in the denigration of others to aggrandize himself and his repulsive platform.
4
Gail, since Donald is taking advice from his new campaign team led by Kellyanne Conway, who concluded that Trump has to get past this birther issue if he really wants any Black votes.
She also knew since Obama's election that without Black and Hispanic votes, nobody will sit in the executive desk of the Oval office.
But Donald being Donald,had his own way of dealing with his larger than life ego.
The result being, he took more than 5 years to say a line "Obama was born in Hawaii".
But Trump being a practitioner of hatred and bigotry since he was 20 something,hatred for Obama came very naturally to him.
Turning away Black renters from his apartments to his herding all the Black customers and employees in the inner or back rooms in his casinos in Atlantic City, far away from all the White or Jewish "They got money" customers, was a clear sign that one day he'd be a 'birther'.
And he did with so much of hatred towards Obama that would put George Wallace to shame.
And if he was not running for President with such low poll numbers from a point of national election,he would be harping on this lie of Obama being born in Kenya and not Hawaii, which as per the Constitution is okay for a President to be born in a foreign country, as long as one of their parents is an American citizen.
Obama proved his birth in U.S.A but he still kept on insulting him until now. He even smiled when he was interrupted by a female pastor in a Black church in Flint,MI.
Finally,Black Power trumped him.
She also knew since Obama's election that without Black and Hispanic votes, nobody will sit in the executive desk of the Oval office.
But Donald being Donald,had his own way of dealing with his larger than life ego.
The result being, he took more than 5 years to say a line "Obama was born in Hawaii".
But Trump being a practitioner of hatred and bigotry since he was 20 something,hatred for Obama came very naturally to him.
Turning away Black renters from his apartments to his herding all the Black customers and employees in the inner or back rooms in his casinos in Atlantic City, far away from all the White or Jewish "They got money" customers, was a clear sign that one day he'd be a 'birther'.
And he did with so much of hatred towards Obama that would put George Wallace to shame.
And if he was not running for President with such low poll numbers from a point of national election,he would be harping on this lie of Obama being born in Kenya and not Hawaii, which as per the Constitution is okay for a President to be born in a foreign country, as long as one of their parents is an American citizen.
Obama proved his birth in U.S.A but he still kept on insulting him until now. He even smiled when he was interrupted by a female pastor in a Black church in Flint,MI.
Finally,Black Power trumped him.
I have one dog who is very bright. I have another dog who is very sweet and loving. During this campaign, I'm ashamed to be human.
4
I now understand why children are afraid of clowns. We all should be. Too many of us have partaken of his poisonous candy, and our democracy as we know it may perish. I do feel SOME compassion for those who have been led down a disastrous path into a fantasy forest of misinformation, personal attacks on just about everyone who doesn't think this "negotiator" is brilliant, or actually suffers from from the same symptoms of ego-mania, xenophobia, ego-centrism, pathological lying and innuendo. But it is really time for the media to step by step broadcast the reality and expose the lies on each and every claim he has made that invited the uninformed into his fold. This is serious...this is real, our country and our lives are at stake. We simply cannot throw this election into the context of an "X-factor" reality show. Hillary may not be as transparent as we would like (would you be after decades of fabricated "scandals"?). But she is capable and experienced. The only thing Donald seems to qualify in are the arenas of reality TV and the "art of the deal" that he CLAIMS to have been successful in. Yup...he made lots of money for himself -- at the expense of others. Is that the experience we want for America?!?
184
The fact is that the media has done this and is doing this. But the problem with "the media" broadcasting his lies step by step is that we have a near perfect storm by his supporters and collaborators of not just distrust, but "proven" political bias by the media. It's been asked before, but who is the Walter Cronkite of our day that could be believed? Oprah?
"How did we get to this place, people?"
Pol parties taking over the "debates" with the loss of the League of Women Voters moderating true debates and the rise of infotainment teevee hosting reality show sensationalist productions
Media focus on horse race and polling over substantive policy and platform investigation and analysis
Democrats in permanent defensive mode with drift to center
Republicans sellout to fundamentalist Xristianism, Secession 2.0 voters - racits, bigots, white nationals, KKK, etc.
Corporatization of Congress
Corporatization of Supreme Court
Citizens United
Loss of civics in public school curricula
Demonization of people with non-compliant and non-congruent views
Fox hate programming
War narrative for healthcare, government
Equating no government with good government
Failing to regulate for-profit industries
Etc.
That's how we got here.
The question is - How do we get out of this quicksand mire?
Pol parties taking over the "debates" with the loss of the League of Women Voters moderating true debates and the rise of infotainment teevee hosting reality show sensationalist productions
Media focus on horse race and polling over substantive policy and platform investigation and analysis
Democrats in permanent defensive mode with drift to center
Republicans sellout to fundamentalist Xristianism, Secession 2.0 voters - racits, bigots, white nationals, KKK, etc.
Corporatization of Congress
Corporatization of Supreme Court
Citizens United
Loss of civics in public school curricula
Demonization of people with non-compliant and non-congruent views
Fox hate programming
War narrative for healthcare, government
Equating no government with good government
Failing to regulate for-profit industries
Etc.
That's how we got here.
The question is - How do we get out of this quicksand mire?
4
You are right Gail, but, what will the media cling to for the next two months? Instead of calling Trump what he is which is a pathological liar (Bernie Sanders didn't have any trouble calling him that), there will be story after story tying Hillary Clinton to the word 'deplorable'. If Trump gets elected thanks to the media, the media can look forward to being treated the same way his best friend Putin treats the press in Russia.
8
Over the past generation, Americans have been intentionally conditioned to be fearful about:
> Whitewater
> Saddam Hussein's support of Al Quada/weapons of mass destruction
> The Axis of Evil
> Same sex marriage
> Death panels
> Our President being foreign born
> Government confiscation of guns
> Hordes of murdering, raping, thieving immigrants
..among other frightening allegations that are not true, specifically designed by Republican strategists for maximum political impact.
Tens of millions believe these things, or worse, and base their votes on the lies they have been told. Those lies are propaganda, designed to deflect attention from the actual adoption of policies by Republicans that favor the wealthy at the expense of everyone else. The damage is deep and long-lasting.
Now, Trump appears, repeating, amplifying and expanding on all of the falsities that preceded him. As the estimable Representative James Clyburn put it yesterday, dog whistles have been escalated to wolf howls.
Thanks, Republicans!
> Whitewater
> Saddam Hussein's support of Al Quada/weapons of mass destruction
> The Axis of Evil
> Same sex marriage
> Death panels
> Our President being foreign born
> Government confiscation of guns
> Hordes of murdering, raping, thieving immigrants
..among other frightening allegations that are not true, specifically designed by Republican strategists for maximum political impact.
Tens of millions believe these things, or worse, and base their votes on the lies they have been told. Those lies are propaganda, designed to deflect attention from the actual adoption of policies by Republicans that favor the wealthy at the expense of everyone else. The damage is deep and long-lasting.
Now, Trump appears, repeating, amplifying and expanding on all of the falsities that preceded him. As the estimable Representative James Clyburn put it yesterday, dog whistles have been escalated to wolf howls.
Thanks, Republicans!
8
Being a Trump spokesperson has gotta be the most gawdawful job in America,
as every single one of them who signed up for the job deserves.
as every single one of them who signed up for the job deserves.
4
And who is here to argue that this deplorable man's supporters are not themselves deplorable?
10
Patti Solis Doyle, who was Hillary Clinton’s campaign manager in 2008 until the Iowa caucuses, admitted on Friday that a Clinton campaign staffer had, in fact, circulated the Birther conspiracy theory that Barack Obama was born outside the U.S. and therefore potentially ineligible to serve in the presidency.
Doyle made the admission on Twitter, as she responded to former George W. Bush spokesman Ari Fleischer. Fleischer said that Clinton’s staff had spread the rumor. Doyle said that was a “lie” — but admitted, in the same tweet, that she had fired the “rogue” staffer who had used email to spread the Birther conspiracy theory.
Doyle made the admission on Twitter, as she responded to former George W. Bush spokesman Ari Fleischer. Fleischer said that Clinton’s staff had spread the rumor. Doyle said that was a “lie” — but admitted, in the same tweet, that she had fired the “rogue” staffer who had used email to spread the Birther conspiracy theory.
2
I've sworn off looking at political news repeatedly the last two weeks but it's like a car wreck where you can't stop staring at the carnage. Being visited on your country by political gurus and the fans who believe Trump will blow up DC. As if electing one person could force a sea-change like that.
Can't look at polls. But Canada very cold. Maybe Greece, they could use people not on the dole contributing and one could maybe help refugees.
Where to go if Trump gets in? I'm afraid Pence will turn us into Indiana while Trump continues his celebrity tour and takes it worldwide. What could go wrong, as he opens hotels and casinos along the way?
Theatre of the absurd our daily bread. What's word for surreal beyond surreal?
Can't look at polls. But Canada very cold. Maybe Greece, they could use people not on the dole contributing and one could maybe help refugees.
Where to go if Trump gets in? I'm afraid Pence will turn us into Indiana while Trump continues his celebrity tour and takes it worldwide. What could go wrong, as he opens hotels and casinos along the way?
Theatre of the absurd our daily bread. What's word for surreal beyond surreal?
5
Wow, is correct. Thanks again for a great column. Different tone for you. although, as always, a few LOL lines.
3
When a child lies I always wonder about the parents. I am wondering if Donald Trump's parents, Fred and Mary, were serial liars as well? Or were they simply tolerant of their children distorting the truth? Did they think it was cute? Given the fact that Donny has not matured from the time he was ten years old, don't you wonder if Fred, if he was still alive, would be taking his son out to the woodshed for a good licking?
4
The other side has no shame, and knows no bottom. Cycle after cycle Democrats are incredulous at what voters end up believing.
If the news continues to insist on drawing false equivalencies between the candidates, and covering ridiculous stories about HRC that are reported and repeated in language that suggests deception may be afoot, then Democrats cannot afford to be as earnest as they are.
If the news continues to insist on drawing false equivalencies between the candidates, and covering ridiculous stories about HRC that are reported and repeated in language that suggests deception may be afoot, then Democrats cannot afford to be as earnest as they are.
5
A slippery con-man, with no qualifications to be Presdient. I never paid him any attention until last year. Unfortunately, there seems to be a place for him on the American political scene win or lose.
5
Well, you are right. Every piece on Donald Trump ought to begin with, “In yet another total falsehood, Donald Trump …” And every piece ought to end with, "if Donald Trump is elected will Americans ever be able to believe their President?"
8
Trump was quoted as saying: "I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose voters."
That statement (regarding a gun) was simply a metaphor for his lies. With his false accusation that Ms. Clinton began the birther movement he has taken another shot down 5th Avenue and his followers will still vote for him.
That statement (regarding a gun) was simply a metaphor for his lies. With his false accusation that Ms. Clinton began the birther movement he has taken another shot down 5th Avenue and his followers will still vote for him.
7
The very fact that Trump is rising in the polls is evidence that America really is in decline. Donald Trump is incapable of making America great again. A Trump Presidency would signal to the rest of the world that it is time to look elsewhere for global leadership because America has becoming nothing more than a squalid, comical, swaggering giant who can no longer be taken seriously.
9
Trump is a clown on the run. If his cohorts do not see that in him yet, they must be more deplorable than he ever is or was or will be. Birds of the feather fly and die together.
5
Well, what else have we come to expect from this source of teflon evil. His partisans tell us he speaks his mind nut don't tell us which mind--Jekyll or Hyde--is in gear at any moment. Sorry to say, this man is simply evil incarnate.
4
Exactly, right, Gail, it is amazing that the power of propaganda is not diminished by one's global access to information, instead as the Nazi's propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels noted, repeating a big lie frequently as Fox News does incessantly, eventually makes it believable for the masses.
7
"I’ve always said that women won’t vote for a candidate who yells because he’ll remind them of a bad boyfriend. This is the behavior of the nightmare date from hell. Who tells you exciting stories over drinks, all of which are clearly untrue, and then gets sullen and refuses to talk when you ask a couple of questions."
What the girls read under the hairdryer? This rubbish analysis belongs on the supermarket checkout stand with the other tabloids. The equivalent of framing with tan ESPN analysis team...ex-jocks in suits. The New York Times in a desperate ploy to be relevant "to the right people" has become as pathetic as ole Hillary being scooped into her van.
By the way, like Trump, she's past her sell by date. And neither of those, unlike Dole and McCain in the past, have had anything noble in their history.
What the girls read under the hairdryer? This rubbish analysis belongs on the supermarket checkout stand with the other tabloids. The equivalent of framing with tan ESPN analysis team...ex-jocks in suits. The New York Times in a desperate ploy to be relevant "to the right people" has become as pathetic as ole Hillary being scooped into her van.
By the way, like Trump, she's past her sell by date. And neither of those, unlike Dole and McCain in the past, have had anything noble in their history.
One candidate is completely unqualified to be president and is a manifest fraud but is widely admired for his authenticity.
The other is a genuine leader who is extremely qualified but perceived to be untrustworthy.
Go figure. Definitely the coverage has something to do with it. Has real journalism been hijacked by the commercial imperative to give people what they seem to want? Or, are people so mesmerized by the incessant nonsense, the constant barrage of infotainment, on their screens that they don't know they're clueless and oblivious.
The other is a genuine leader who is extremely qualified but perceived to be untrustworthy.
Go figure. Definitely the coverage has something to do with it. Has real journalism been hijacked by the commercial imperative to give people what they seem to want? Or, are people so mesmerized by the incessant nonsense, the constant barrage of infotainment, on their screens that they don't know they're clueless and oblivious.
9
The perpetuation of the birther issue exemplifies Trump's intransigence when he thinks he is right despite all evidence to the contrary.
Focusing on the outcome of Obama's citizenship is a distraction from the much more critical event of the week, viz. the detonation of a nuclear bomb in North Korea.
Has anyone asked what a "President Trump" would do with knowledge of the nuclear codes and his finger on the launch button when confronted with such a threat? What if he had acted on his decision to encourage nuclear capability in the far east?
This is no time for a twitter or video game answer.
The thought of electing a man with an uncontrolled ego to the most powerful office in the world is simply unimaginable.
Focusing on the outcome of Obama's citizenship is a distraction from the much more critical event of the week, viz. the detonation of a nuclear bomb in North Korea.
Has anyone asked what a "President Trump" would do with knowledge of the nuclear codes and his finger on the launch button when confronted with such a threat? What if he had acted on his decision to encourage nuclear capability in the far east?
This is no time for a twitter or video game answer.
The thought of electing a man with an uncontrolled ego to the most powerful office in the world is simply unimaginable.
6
Donald Trump isn’t accused of starting the birther movement. He never said President Obama was born in Kenya. Trump never said President Obama was born in Kenya. If he had, the news would be full of video clips showing him saying that Obama was born in Kenya. Trump actually said he didn't know where Obama war born, had no way of knowing if the rumors were true, and called for Obama to release his birth certificate. Once Obama responded by releasing his birth certificate, Trump noted that some people doubted its authenticity and said he didn’t know if it was authentic or not. These aren’t lies. The upshot is that today presidential candidates release their birth certificates as a matter of course. The reason for this is most Americans agree with Trump that candidates should demonstrate their eligibility.
1
Trumps own tweets demonstrate your claims are incorrect. On 11/23/14 "Obama also fabricated his own birth certificate after being pressured to produce one by @realDonaldTrump" and his tweets go on to further the notion of conspiracy theories. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's a duck, or in this case, a prevaricator-in-chief.
2
An excellent article.
"Asked about that, Pence said, disjointedly and desperately, that his running mate’s record on behalf of the African-American community 'really speaks for itself.'"
I doubt that Mike Pence will ever admit that he yoked himself with a con man (or worse), but the press should question all Republicans running for office for their response to this shameful attempt to manipulate the public. Those responses should be prominently reported.
It should be a litmus test for other candidates. Anyone willing to try to justify this performance is not worthy of your vote.
"Asked about that, Pence said, disjointedly and desperately, that his running mate’s record on behalf of the African-American community 'really speaks for itself.'"
I doubt that Mike Pence will ever admit that he yoked himself with a con man (or worse), but the press should question all Republicans running for office for their response to this shameful attempt to manipulate the public. Those responses should be prominently reported.
It should be a litmus test for other candidates. Anyone willing to try to justify this performance is not worthy of your vote.
2
The man has stage four hoof in mouth disease. Donald Trump would not recognize or acknowledge the truth if it were served on a gold platter by the Creator him/herself.
4
Yet, according to the polls, Hillary Clinton’s biggest problem is that the public thinks she’s dishonest. Amazing.
Amazing
who did this brainwashing of the American people for Saddam ThE Donald Trump
Amazing
who did this brainwashing of the American people for Saddam ThE Donald Trump
2
All Trump's outrageous comments do not seem to affect his polling numbers. What is wrong here ? Yesterday, he suggested Mrs. Clinton's body guards be disarmed to " see what happens to her ". Why hasn't this clown been arrested or at least questioned by the Secret Service ? This is dangerous.
11
Trump traded one lie, about OBama for another, that
HRC started the birther lie.
He got called out for both. Not to be outdone he wants
Clinton's security detail to stop thereby endangering her
life.
Media got played for his hotel infommercial and they are
not happy.
where is the five million he promised to give to charity
if Obama's birth certificate was real. another lie fer sure
HRC started the birther lie.
He got called out for both. Not to be outdone he wants
Clinton's security detail to stop thereby endangering her
life.
Media got played for his hotel infommercial and they are
not happy.
where is the five million he promised to give to charity
if Obama's birth certificate was real. another lie fer sure
4
Bravo! It is time not just to say that Trump lied, but to state that he is a pathological liar! Write an article imaging how he will spin his lies when dealing with other nations!! OMG! Can you just imagine his form of diplomacy-- can you just imagine what he will say to international leaders when he decides he doesn't agree with them? Imagine, and write about it, please, so those who think Hillary is the liar and Trump represents fresh ideas can picture a world with Trump at the helm of US diplomacy. OMG!
8
President Obama was born to an American Women from Kansas so would have automatically been a citizen at birth even if he was born on the moon. Why was there ever a controversy and why do reporters not simply state that fact? I have heard perhaps one reporter point that out. Ted Cruz was born in Canada but as his parents were US citizens there was never a serious citizenship question. Of course he is not black.
8
Trump's nomination and popularity is the end result of years of American dumbing down. Education standards have been incrementally degraded over the years. Young people have become obsessed with an electronic 'bread and games' existence. TV and the movie industry has produced little quality, betting on semi-pornographic sex, blood and guts, and outlandish mayhem to produce profits.
Crassness and sloven is in--decorum and graciousness are out.
Last but not least is the sorry plight of our politics. As far as I'm concerned 'sordid' is the one word that truly describes our present Congress.
Crassness and sloven is in--decorum and graciousness are out.
Last but not least is the sorry plight of our politics. As far as I'm concerned 'sordid' is the one word that truly describes our present Congress.
3
Clinton confidant Sidney Blumenthal was spreading the birther rumor in 2008 according to McClacthy news .
2
What difference does it make? I think it is deplorable to keep this going as Obama is not running. Go Trump!
1
I ask you, would you buy a used car from Trump? No? Then why would you entertain even the thought of him as President?
--John 09/17/16 - 4:53AM
--John 09/17/16 - 4:53AM
3
Frank Luntz controls us all now. Him and his Bro Rove. They attack people's strengths -- objectively Hillary is the most truthful of any of the 20-ish candidates -- so beat that drum to a pulp. She has a lifetime of pretty darn dedicated service to children & families -- certainly she has done zillions more than you or I have. Call her cold & calculating. Hey, propaganda works. The Big Lie works.
Except Trump's campaign is a daily flashflood of Big Lies. On November 9, do we really want to wake up with history forever asking, "Where were the Good Americans?"
Except Trump's campaign is a daily flashflood of Big Lies. On November 9, do we really want to wake up with history forever asking, "Where were the Good Americans?"
6
Surely there is a major typo in the statement by the Trump Campaign? The "C" at the start of the last word in the sentence -- "Inarguably, Donald J. Trump is a closer." -- is unwarranted.
3
It isn't just amazing Gail. It truly is deplorable judgment on the part of that part of the public that believes Trump's compulsive fabrications. He's so like a pre-schooler who reflexively blames others for his own missteps. We can forgive the preschooler and try to guide him toward responsible behavior, but what can we do with a 70 year old narcissistic confabulator running for president? We can only vote him into obscurity. My sister was at Wellesley with Hillary and says she was an outstanding person of integrity. Vote for her PLEASE!
12
This latest and perhaps most damaging bump in Trump's puddle jump to the presidency (rhymes intended - on first coffee) should be a wake-up call to all the journalists who have allowed Trump to repeat lie after lie without seriously challenging him. PolitiFact has called him out countless times, but to no avail because PolitiFact is virtually unknown to the majority of Americans. And he rises in the polls because he continually calls his opponent a "liar." Psychologists have a word for it: projection.
6
If you Americans foist this clown on the world, the world has every right to punish and quarantine you. You will pay, one way or another.
7
The GOP and their panoply of fellow travelers -- from the "Tea Party" and Right-wing "Christians" to, now, the so-called "Alt-right" -- are in this together for one thing, and one thing only: to paraphrase a slogan from an earlier presidential campaign, It's the courts, stupid.
5
Everything Gail Collins wrote about Donald Trump's lack of character is terribly important, and strong enough on its own to have a rational person realize what a sociopath he is. Then, as in a bad joke, she ends with an irrelevant punch line about Hillary Clinton. Are we to feel better about, or forgive or forget the very serious character flaws up to and including false statements that Hillary Clinton has made over the years? Should we trust that we actually know how she feels about Corporate money and power in determining our political process, fracking, Climate Change, the TPP, DAPL to name just a few? Ms. Collins article is a good example of the poverty of candidates that the voting citizens of the U.S. are confronted with this election. Two major party (only party in the political winning equation) candidates that extremely few people are happy with. Voting the lesser of two evils doesn't begin to describe our cynical situation. Trump is a sociopathic, serial liar. Clinton is an experienced, run of the mill corrupt, power hungry politician who will do most anything to get elected. Tonight, I'll continue to watch Season Four of House of Cards. How else will I know how to face this music?
1
And why is it that the public believes that about Hillary? And they don't know that Trump "makes stuff up all the time but is either incapable of realizing that he's telling a lie?" Why is that? Who's responsible?
5
America's abusive boyfriend: The first thing I was reminded of after hearing Trump's admission is the feeling the morning after
My ex boyfriend abused me and in a vaguely apologetic tone say he didn't mean it and that it was really something my mother said made him do it. If we forgive and forget this, it just make him stronger and more abusive next time.
My ex boyfriend abused me and in a vaguely apologetic tone say he didn't mean it and that it was really something my mother said made him do it. If we forgive and forget this, it just make him stronger and more abusive next time.
6
Trump is a sociopath. Hillary will loose if she doesn't wake up to the reality that, "It's Change Stupid" is the strategy that will win the election. If Trump can make himself over as a reasonable facsimile of a sane President, then so must Hillary - as a credible, exciting agent of BIG, AUDACIOUS change.
2
What was completely overlooked in all the birther debate was that as Obama's mother was an American citizen, it didn't really make any difference where he was born the same as Ted Cruz actually being born in Canada under the same circumstance or John McCain being born in the Canal Zone. They all would have or were considered natural born citizens.
Why didn't anybody ever ask Trump what difference his claim made? Unless he was claiming Obama was an alien from Mars which even he never did, it didn't make a dime's bit of difference.
Why didn't anybody ever ask Trump what difference his claim made? Unless he was claiming Obama was an alien from Mars which even he never did, it didn't make a dime's bit of difference.
6
Pence is right, Trump's record on behalf of the African-American community really does speak for itself. Just not in the way he wants to imagine.
7
Makes perfect sense and will get him more votes. Woohoo.