Mr. Donald Trump is just an impulsive big talking businessman and not a politician. This is a trait which still attracts millions of his supporters ,who still believe he has a magic wand when elected ,to better their lives.
2
When you actually look at Hillary, Trump's words are nothing compared to Hillary's and Bill's deeds! Now, go delete all of YOUR Emails and columns.
i disagree. the tape showed on thing not everybody knows. When Donald was getting off the bus, he walked down the step to the door and knocked.
He knocked, for someone to open the door for him. Billy Bush had to tell him to pull the handle.
I don't think this democracy has had such an imperious, presumptuous candidate in its entire history.
He knocked, for someone to open the door for him. Billy Bush had to tell him to pull the handle.
I don't think this democracy has had such an imperious, presumptuous candidate in its entire history.
18
Trump's candidacy is a stress test for our democracy.
41
Now we know who the real rapist is. It is not an undocumented Mexican immigrant, or a refugee from chaos in Honduras. It is Donald Trump.
41
The hulking man pacing nervously behind Hillary Clinton all night in the debate reminds me of my dad. A man who engaged in the same "locker room talk" that Donald Trump says he did with Billy Bush. He also cheated on his wife, my mother. He and Mr. Trump studied the same playbook of how to treat women. Demeaning, belittling, conquering. He's been married four times, so he has Trump beat by one. Not a role model for me, for sure. Fortunately, he isn't running for president. Unfortunately, Donald Trump is. Not unsurprisingly, I am inclined to not support Mr. Trump. He isn't a role model of anything for our country. What a disgrace it would be if we honor him by putting him in the same office as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
34
Add to the list of Trump's ignorance: He apparently believes all African-Americans live in the inner cites of the country with no hope or opportunity.
10
"I’ve never believed that the Republican leadership really disagreed with Trump’s fringe views. "
They are indeed 'hard right ideologues' themselves. We can't lose track of which political iteration of the GOP we are talking about.
Remember when Lugar was considered a hard right winger?
They are indeed 'hard right ideologues' themselves. We can't lose track of which political iteration of the GOP we are talking about.
Remember when Lugar was considered a hard right winger?
4
While Melania Trump said "the man in the 2005 video is not the man she knows," she should remember that in 2005, "that man" was her husband and she was pregnant with his child. Was the razzle-dazzle so great that it blinded her to the truth about the Donald? If so Melania, time to take your son out of Dodge with a big, fat paycheck. You've earned it!
12
To paraphrase, sort of, Oliver Hardy and his delayed response to an insult from Laurel ("And I didn't like that chin crack either") Trump's suit seemed too big on him and seemed not to have seen the inside of a dry cleaner in a long time, his tie was too long, and his shirt rumpled. Ugly inside and ugly outside. Is this the beginning of his physical disintegration?
3
Mr.Rosenthal: U should give credit where credit is due by conceding that Mr. Trump's performance in the debate was strong, his knowledge of subject matter, especially re tax code is encyclopedic, and his ability to expose HRC's dishonesty re her server, her inexcusable defense of her husband's sexual transgressions, her failure to heed CS's calls for help from Benghazi and to go there personally to shore up security when situation became dire for our diplomatic staff, her weak defense of Obama's reversal on red line ultimatum, and her lucrative speaking engagements to WS donors for which she received hundreds of thousands of dollars. Does it not bother you that HRC called people of modest origins like myself and indirectly my parents who worked hard all their lives, never made more than $20,000 between them yearly but saved to send me to colllege "deplorable?" If they were standing before you, would you call them "irredeemable,"in the words of your candidate,would you in so many words call them "white trash,:"which Clinton really meant by her cruel words, which can never be taken back.To insult Trump is to also insult his millions of supporters, including myself.HRC, Obama and their wealthy donors have an easy way of doing business when it comes to putting us down who do not have the same advantages in life as themselves. Do you join HRC in her condemnation of us, and if not,why have you not spoken out against her on this score?
2
The Donald we didn't know was the predatory hulk creeping around behind Hillary Clinton on the stage in the second debate.
It made me shudder to have him so near the president.
It made me shudder to have him so near the president.
7
Vote!
Whoever is against Trump but won't vote for HC: it's not about you, it's about the country and not voting for HC is a vote for Trump. Even Noam Chomsky said that last weekend.
Whoever is against Trump but won't vote for HC: it's not about you, it's about the country and not voting for HC is a vote for Trump. Even Noam Chomsky said that last weekend.
17
His response to Islamophobia showed not only how clueless he is, but showed more of his own narrow-minded bigotry. He essentially said, 'If Muslims would stop committing acts of terror, and if neighbors and the Muslim community who knows these individuals would report them; that's how to solve the problem of Islamophobia.'
Completely missed the point.
For many different reasons, we've had acts of terror perpetrated by many groups over the course of history, including white native-born Americans.
The fact is, so many innocent, law-abiding, exemplary Muslim immigrants are being tainted and labeled by the acts of a very tiny percentage of sick individuals who act, throwing around the name of Islam. Anyone who can recall a smidgeon of world history can recall the times Christians in the name of Christianity terrorized, murdered, and subjugated others.
It's Extremists with violent designs, whether white, brown, black, orange; any creed or color, who should be the subject and be monitored. -Which our government does. Constant use of the words, "radical Islamic terrorists" as though they are the sole source of terror, unwisely narrows our vigilance. Mr. Trump's rhetoric on Sunday only deepened the problems.
Completely missed the point.
For many different reasons, we've had acts of terror perpetrated by many groups over the course of history, including white native-born Americans.
The fact is, so many innocent, law-abiding, exemplary Muslim immigrants are being tainted and labeled by the acts of a very tiny percentage of sick individuals who act, throwing around the name of Islam. Anyone who can recall a smidgeon of world history can recall the times Christians in the name of Christianity terrorized, murdered, and subjugated others.
It's Extremists with violent designs, whether white, brown, black, orange; any creed or color, who should be the subject and be monitored. -Which our government does. Constant use of the words, "radical Islamic terrorists" as though they are the sole source of terror, unwisely narrows our vigilance. Mr. Trump's rhetoric on Sunday only deepened the problems.
8
Trump's comments are not excusable as "locker room talk." And regardless, they occurred outside the locker room.
8
Sadly, the mentally and morally deprived and stupid mouth-breathing Trump supporters will never be able to process a word of this article, because they're busy frothing at the mouth and sleeping over a copy of Breitbart!
14
Forget the words. Bottom line: Trump's glowering, scowling, prowling, looming, threatening, cheap-thug demeanor during the debate will make undecided voters cringe inwardly at spending the next four years with such a man. They will trust their guts.
9
What is worse about Trump is a lot of his supporters. They not only do not care about his lies or his bullying they love it. They also seems to buy into the hatred of Obama and that of various groups.
4
Seriously? Mr. Benson is happy that he can say about Trump "He improved"? This is a run for the position of the president of the United States. It is not a Job Works program. It is not a situation in which we should be training someone for the job; they are suppose to be able to do the job. Have we set the bar so low that we should be grateful that Trump didn't explode? Good Lord!
9
It really is a shame that the Times' alternative to Trump is a "congenital liar." As much lipstick as you try to put on Hillary, it still comes back to the same corruption, obfuscation and lies. Her speeches to Goldman Sachs are not surprising when viewed in that light. Trying to characterize Hillary's lies as "little fibs that all politicians tell" does not change the character of the "congenital liar." Just like the fact that the Obama administration did a whitewash and used the FBI to clear Hillary and grant immunity to Hillary's aides doesn't make Hillary more trustworthy; it just helps elect her President.
Hillary will win the election because she may be better than Trump. But that incredibly low bar does not make Hillary any better or give her any policy mandate. It just means all she has to do is be a woman and behave better than Trump. And all of the denials of Hillary's bad character merely empowers her to continue the lies, the deceptions, the corruption, the apparent violations of law and the cover-ups. Ever wonder why Hillary constantly is at the center of scandal while Michelle Obama is totally scandal-free? Has nothing to do with the color of Michelle's skin; it has everything to do with the content of Michelle's character, and the fact that Hillary's character leaves a lot to be desired and her judgments are severely lacking. Hillary may become President, but it will be more reminiscent of Richard Nixon's term. "I am not a felon."
Hillary will win the election because she may be better than Trump. But that incredibly low bar does not make Hillary any better or give her any policy mandate. It just means all she has to do is be a woman and behave better than Trump. And all of the denials of Hillary's bad character merely empowers her to continue the lies, the deceptions, the corruption, the apparent violations of law and the cover-ups. Ever wonder why Hillary constantly is at the center of scandal while Michelle Obama is totally scandal-free? Has nothing to do with the color of Michelle's skin; it has everything to do with the content of Michelle's character, and the fact that Hillary's character leaves a lot to be desired and her judgments are severely lacking. Hillary may become President, but it will be more reminiscent of Richard Nixon's term. "I am not a felon."
Trump will go down in history for exposing the 'raw core' of political rot that dominates GOP doctrine.
Helping people with healthcare and education, and a clean environment might might trend toward over reach, but the unfettered worship of the 'capitalist machine' of modern business is a capitulation to the forces that focus on 'stuff' rather than humans.
We need to get the people, all of the people, back into the game, not just those who are ideologically favored by one group of perfectionists or another.
Helping people with healthcare and education, and a clean environment might might trend toward over reach, but the unfettered worship of the 'capitalist machine' of modern business is a capitulation to the forces that focus on 'stuff' rather than humans.
We need to get the people, all of the people, back into the game, not just those who are ideologically favored by one group of perfectionists or another.
5
If someone hovered behind me on the subway platform with a grimace on his face (Is it a necklace thief, sexual predator, homicidal psychopath? Or does he just want my phone?) like the one Trump had when he stalked Clinton on the debate stage, I would have called a transit cop.
16
Donald Trump is the most alarming person ever to run -- in a major political Party -- for the presidency of the United States.
His heroes are various current and past thuggish dictators and himself.
What more does any sane person need to know in order to vote against this man?
His heroes are various current and past thuggish dictators and himself.
What more does any sane person need to know in order to vote against this man?
9
I don't think I can stand one more debate. I'm turning off the TV for the next one and listening to music while playing with my cat. It's too much!
6
I am encouraged to finally see that all forms of the American media industry have finally done the proper due diligence and exposed to Americans the nature of the true Donald Trump. Many Americans on the East Cost have known for a long time that Donald Trump is a boor, for whom business is war, as his father Fred Trump had stated. Yes, Donald Trump has a certain base of support, who will never change their view of his capacity to serve as President. Slowly, it seems that most Americans have finally been awakened. Those of us who have followed the business dealings of Mr. Trump knew all along that Mr. Trump is a fraud. Yes, Mr. Bloomberg, your words applied many years ago. Mr. Trump is a con man and New Yorkers and thinking individuals know a con man when they see one
7
I was really upset about HRC's "basket of deplorables" over generalization - surely not "half"?!
But at this point, every single person who will be voting for Trump (shamefully more than a third of Americans!) will be, at a minimum, supporting a documented bigot. Even if they themselves are not bigoted, isn’t it deplorable to support someone so bigoted?
Seems to me, that the other half is about to make a deplorable decision! Irredeemable too, Don.
But at this point, every single person who will be voting for Trump (shamefully more than a third of Americans!) will be, at a minimum, supporting a documented bigot. Even if they themselves are not bigoted, isn’t it deplorable to support someone so bigoted?
Seems to me, that the other half is about to make a deplorable decision! Irredeemable too, Don.
4
Cathargo delenda est. In November, vote against every Republican, for every office, at every level. Be patriotic, save the country.
3
Donald Trump is the candidate Republicans so richly deserve. He personifies the racism, anti-intellectualism, and xenophobia that has infected the GOP since the advent of the Tea Party caucus. Hemingway once described a hero as someone who shows grace under pressure. Trump is graceless with or without pressure. His candidacy should lead to much GOP soul-searching--but it probably won't.
4
It's interesting that not one person who was in school with Trump has come forward to speak well of him. Perhaps his ability to insult was honed during those years, because his arrogance made him an outcast. Well, we will never know. He's about to lose this election in a landslide, and as he says, who wants to identify with a loser.
2
Donald Trump tried to seat accusers of Bill Clinton in his family box and arrange for them to substitute for Melania Trump in the greeting of families portion of the debate. His lies, racism, fascism, willingness to foment both religious persecution, violence and even the assasination of his opponent have long been on display. His remaining backers have now signed on to support him in his effort– his joyfulness – in attempting to humiliate a woman - by parading her husband's purported victims and ex-girlfriend in front of her. What kind of a man would do that? Donald Trump. What kind of person would support such a horrible assault at a woman? 35% of voting Americans.
4
"I've never believed that the Republican leadership really disagreed with Trump's fringe views. They just didn't like the way he expressed them, because it exposed some powerful and disturbing currents in their party."
We need an honorable conservative opposition so the D's can shift back to the left of center. The Democrats have stayed so far to the right, they too represent primarily the business class rather than the interests of our citizens.
We need an honorable conservative opposition so the D's can shift back to the left of center. The Democrats have stayed so far to the right, they too represent primarily the business class rather than the interests of our citizens.
2
Even as we read this, Trump is setting fire to his own party on Twitter. A direct quote from his Twitter account: "Disloyal R's are far more difficult than Crooked Hillary. They come at you from all sides. They don’t know how to win - I will teach them!"
If somehow he manages to to win this election (and thank God the chances seem to be diminishing hour by hour), you can expect more than Hillary Clinton to be in jail. Speaker Ryan might have the cell next to his.
I take no comfort in having my opinion of Trump verified in real time. I was, until this election, a Republican. But I have never prayed for (or financially supported) any candidate as hard as I have for Hillary Clinton. And, given the fever pitch of the venom directed towards her (did Trump really call her "the Devil" at a rally? Yes, he did. Did he really hint that someone should assassinate her? Well, yes, in the vague, plausibly deniable code he used to use for his most outrageous infamies.)--given this level of rage, I will continue to pray for her after the election. There are lots of screwy, angry people with guns running around. And Donald, regardless of what you think, the vast majority of them are not Muslims.
If somehow he manages to to win this election (and thank God the chances seem to be diminishing hour by hour), you can expect more than Hillary Clinton to be in jail. Speaker Ryan might have the cell next to his.
I take no comfort in having my opinion of Trump verified in real time. I was, until this election, a Republican. But I have never prayed for (or financially supported) any candidate as hard as I have for Hillary Clinton. And, given the fever pitch of the venom directed towards her (did Trump really call her "the Devil" at a rally? Yes, he did. Did he really hint that someone should assassinate her? Well, yes, in the vague, plausibly deniable code he used to use for his most outrageous infamies.)--given this level of rage, I will continue to pray for her after the election. There are lots of screwy, angry people with guns running around. And Donald, regardless of what you think, the vast majority of them are not Muslims.
8
The republicans are a bunch of sanctimonious, hypocritical, anachronistic, patriarchal, racist losers who are out of touch with reality just like Donald. Their arrogance and superficiality blinds them to the real needs of their constituents. The bottom line is win at any cost even if it means destroying our democracy. And that's what they got in Trump. They fully deserve the negative consequences come election time.
3
This is a well-established pattern of behavior from Donald Trump. Nothing new here under the sun. And this is what so many of Trump's supporters love about him. Trump appeals to the worst in us and to the worst among us. The fact that this man appeals to many of our fellow citizens should be a concern to us all, regardless of whether or not he wins the election. There is no honor in Trump, and he has no vested interest in the Republican party. Trump will stiff the GOP, just like he has stiffed so many others during his business career.
2
There's only one word for Trump: Appalling. Perhaps even more disturbing are the large number of Americans who actually believe this awful man has any answers to the country's many difficult problems and plan to vote for him. For the sake of the republic we hold so dear, voters on November 8 (or before) should do the political equivalent of putting a bullet to the back of Trump's head and then dump the body in an unmarked grave.
2
It has been clear from day one that Trump is not a normal human being. Even his core supporters know that he is not mentally stable or competent for any position other than his own business. I can understand ordinary people support Trump, I can understand the most disgraced speaker Newt, the least popular person Rudy and the most unpopular governor Christie support for the guy. I also can understand Rupert Murdoch and his gang at FOX TV and Fox News because they have agenda to defeat the Democratic party and also Limbaugh like talk show hosts. All these guys are not responsible people. But how the senators and House members (supposed to be responsible) support Trump? How the Evangelical Christian leader support the guy? Can anybody explain?
3
Mr. Rosenthal:
thank you for a concise summary of the Second Debacle.
two points:
DJT's acolytes are not the least bit dissuaded.
their numbers are large, impassioned, and they will vote.
and they are "us" - -
fellow citizens with fundamentally different views regarding what our nation is all about.
and,
HRC's supporters cannot allow themselves to be lulled to sleep by all of the current 'forecasts' that her "likelihood" to prevail in the Electoral College is now above 80% - -
these forecasts are principally based on the assumption that these people will actually vote for HRC.
if they do not participate, these are simply empty numbers that will result in an entirely different outcome.
lastly,
all of us need to begin a conversation on how we-all
can return the concept of 'civil-discourse' to our daily interactions.
the results from November 8th's tally are not the
"end" to our present discord...
that date only represents a marker in our travels,
as we once-again begin the next election cycle.
how do we work-ourselves through and around the prevailing sense that we are repeating the 1850s and heading for a collective cliff of our own creation?
Trump's misogyny is a different manifestation of the Republican sexism revealed in their stands on abortion, contraception, affirmative action, lack of female party member or leaders. Pence represents one aspect of their sexism and Trump the more vulgar uglier sexism.
3
What the extreme progressives fail to recognize is that the election should be and may still be about Hillary's record and Obama's record -- not Trump's personal flaws. What the proglodytes hope is that they can distract voters from the harsh reality of those records if they keep the spotlight on Trump's flaws. But the harsh truth is HRC's record of public service is really a record of feeding at the public trough, ineptitude and corruption. Obama's administration is a failure. His signature domestic policy, the ACA, is failing. His foreign policy is a failure -- from the Russian reset to the Iran nuclear deal.
Both have repeatedly lied and deceived American voters.
Those should be the issues.
Sure, Trump has some issues. So have many politicians. As for the tape -- not politically correct but there is no evidence of him having assaulted women. He talks about kissing them and that because he's famous, they let him. Does anyone doubt that is true? People need to face some facts about the male-female thing. Women are attracted to powerful men from the get go. The star high school quarterback can have any girl he wants, and probably gets to do a lot of kissing. He can be aggressive, the poor fat tuba player can't. Get over it.
It was locker room talk. It was 2005. Monica Lewinsky was a few years, not decades before that. That was sexual assault because of the power difference. Any CEO in the country would have been fired. Any one dispute that?
Both have repeatedly lied and deceived American voters.
Those should be the issues.
Sure, Trump has some issues. So have many politicians. As for the tape -- not politically correct but there is no evidence of him having assaulted women. He talks about kissing them and that because he's famous, they let him. Does anyone doubt that is true? People need to face some facts about the male-female thing. Women are attracted to powerful men from the get go. The star high school quarterback can have any girl he wants, and probably gets to do a lot of kissing. He can be aggressive, the poor fat tuba player can't. Get over it.
It was locker room talk. It was 2005. Monica Lewinsky was a few years, not decades before that. That was sexual assault because of the power difference. Any CEO in the country would have been fired. Any one dispute that?
If, as is looking more and more likely, Hillary Clinton becomes the next president of the United States, she will do well to remember that she did not exactly win; no matter what the final vote count, it will be more accurate to say that Donald Trump lost. This realization would stand her well in working with Congress and the American people.
One reason I think most of us can't wrap our minds around this election is because we have never before experienced a truly vile human being at the top of the ticket. George W. Bush and Sarah Palin were ignorant and dangerous, but not horrible people. Trump is. That's why this is so depressing and frightening. Our once great nation has created a true monster that can never be allowed to happen again. The extreme right wing forces that support Trump must be crushed and told to please go home. They can't be permitted a place at the table anymore.
3
This is mostly correct but, like Krugman's insistence that the Republican Party itself is a scam to get poor whites to vote against their interests, it goes a little too far. And moreover, there's only so much GOP bashing that can be done until it becomes ineffective and boring. But I'm honestly less concerned with denouncing Republicans than I am with changing them. There's something really wrong with this country when one of our two major political parties has someone like Donald Trump atop its ticket.
Of course Trump and his legions must be defeated; but there's a liberal certainty, viz., that they and they alone possess the keys to Paradise, that bothers me a little bit, I confess. This country could use a sensible center-right party (no, progressives, the Democratic Party is not a center-right party).
It is when one feels like people are unwittingly preventing their own utopia that one becomes easily radicalized. "These benighted people, can't they see what's good for them?" is a dangerous attitude to take. The Academy is replete with people who, supposedly, are terrifically intelligent, but in reality are profoundly unwise. I want to see the Republican Party become a party led not by idiotic demagogues but by caring, thoughtful people. "Conservatism" isn't a synonym for ignorance -- but this label has been attached to reactionary fools who have disgraced its name. I don't feel sorry for Trump; I feel sorry for America.
Of course Trump and his legions must be defeated; but there's a liberal certainty, viz., that they and they alone possess the keys to Paradise, that bothers me a little bit, I confess. This country could use a sensible center-right party (no, progressives, the Democratic Party is not a center-right party).
It is when one feels like people are unwittingly preventing their own utopia that one becomes easily radicalized. "These benighted people, can't they see what's good for them?" is a dangerous attitude to take. The Academy is replete with people who, supposedly, are terrifically intelligent, but in reality are profoundly unwise. I want to see the Republican Party become a party led not by idiotic demagogues but by caring, thoughtful people. "Conservatism" isn't a synonym for ignorance -- but this label has been attached to reactionary fools who have disgraced its name. I don't feel sorry for Trump; I feel sorry for America.
1
"...that all men are created equal." Our GOP enables the Trumps of this nation. They help position demagogues to take power and interpret equality as it was in 1850. This past week Ryan and the boys realized the loss of women voters could not be tolerated as easily as the loss of black and gay voters. Now they beat their chests and pretend to be Christian family men in order to be seen as virtuous fellows who are protecting the virtues of women. They are not interested in women’s equality and women know that now like never before.
“Virtue can only flourish among equals.” Mary Wollstonecraft
“Virtue can only flourish among equals.” Mary Wollstonecraft
3
Even though both major party candidates are despised by so many, the number of people who actually show up at the polls may be quite impressive. I have decided to be optimistic. Trump, whose followers are legion, is unlikely to have picked up any "on the fence" voters after Sunday night. However, his followers will probably show up to prove their loyalty. It is more likely that the very idea of having Trump in the oval office may persuade fence sitters to cast their vote for Hillary. Even Bill Weld, who is running as the VP on the Libertarian Ticket said that if he would spend the balance of the election blasting Trump and making certain he does not get elected. He said that he doubted if anyone was more qualified than Hilary to be president. If this was another year, and Weld was running for president, he would be a good choice. This year, rational people can only make one choice. Hillary has to be the one. Staying home is NOT an option.
4
The biggest irony of all is, most of the Trump supporters are from poorly run GOP states that complain about a liberal media, while they get their marching orders from FOX news, the most right wing propaganda outlet in the mainstream media. Of course we have a largely corporate media, one responsible to their advertisers. Because FOX news puts things in simple terms, its easier for those who lack much understanding of the complexities of the world. These folks in turn continue to vote against their own interest and remain almost willfully ignorant of the issues that ultimately would benefit them and their families. Oh well, those who that feed into bigotry, racism and don't believe in sciences will remain used and abused.
1
So our choice is between a narcissist and a criminal, you can decide who is which. While most of my beloved country cares for little more than what's on TV tonight and make decisions only through public debates short term while bias media blasts their viewpoints throughout the course.
Meanwhile, we aren't allow to even see the alternatives, the green party, through the actions of the Commission on Presidential Debates, the one thing D's & R's agreed on back in 1987 to keep themselves in power.
We are in disgrace, perhaps we deserve it. Just keep making an argument for the choice you have, HRC or Trump.
Meanwhile, we aren't allow to even see the alternatives, the green party, through the actions of the Commission on Presidential Debates, the one thing D's & R's agreed on back in 1987 to keep themselves in power.
We are in disgrace, perhaps we deserve it. Just keep making an argument for the choice you have, HRC or Trump.
I fear for our nation that this man has a non-zero chance of being elected. How do we restore our nation to civility?
Of course, most people in New York City already got a glimpse at what others are first discovering today.
Donald Trump has always been involved in some kind of scheme, or scam for years, and his propensity for searching out the brightest spotlights is as legend, as it is annoying.
The fact that he has only known 'White man's privilege' hasn't allowed Trump to mature beyond a certain age -- which might go on to explain his bullying behaviour, pre-pubescent mindset, and an inherent inability to take responsibility for his actions.
It doesn't take a God to tell that this is someone who does not belong in the White House.
Trump just built a new Hotel down the road from it -- he can move in there.
Donald Trump has always been involved in some kind of scheme, or scam for years, and his propensity for searching out the brightest spotlights is as legend, as it is annoying.
The fact that he has only known 'White man's privilege' hasn't allowed Trump to mature beyond a certain age -- which might go on to explain his bullying behaviour, pre-pubescent mindset, and an inherent inability to take responsibility for his actions.
It doesn't take a God to tell that this is someone who does not belong in the White House.
Trump just built a new Hotel down the road from it -- he can move in there.
2
Yes, Don won the debate: he didn't drool or wet himself.
1
There are plenty of editorials and opinions in this paper about how terrible of a person Donald Trump is and I agtee with most of them. I believe it is time we start to understand and discuss just why is it that he is so popular.
Maybe we wait until after November 8, but isn't it time we ask why? He certainly is getting his share of followers.
Maybe we wait until after November 8, but isn't it time we ask why? He certainly is getting his share of followers.
1
As a former New Yorker, I knew that Trump was a vulgar man, though I didn't know the full extent of his vulgarity.
But the other thing not fully understood is the degree to which we -- the educated, the professional class, the internationalists, the cosmopolitans, the readers of the New York Times -- are resented. In hindsight, we should have seen it when then-candidate John Kerry was scorned for being able to speak French. Now that resentment is obvious and we would be well-advised to do a little soul-searching before we become more fully the targets of a mob.
But the other thing not fully understood is the degree to which we -- the educated, the professional class, the internationalists, the cosmopolitans, the readers of the New York Times -- are resented. In hindsight, we should have seen it when then-candidate John Kerry was scorned for being able to speak French. Now that resentment is obvious and we would be well-advised to do a little soul-searching before we become more fully the targets of a mob.
14
True,the video revealed nothing new about Trump.What he says on it about women differs from what he's said about them all through his campaign only by being more graphic and descriptive.And listening to what he describes in the video I don't hear " locker room banter," I hear Trump boasting about the power he's asserted over women,against their will according to him.I hear Trump confessing that he commits sexual abuse against women,and find myself in no way surprised that he has done so precisely because of the less graphic but equally disgusting ways he's already publicly talked about them.
So no one ,certainly not Paul Ryan and other Republicans who are so "shocked " about what's said on the tape should have been so surprised about what Trump reveals about himself on it,that it exists,or that it was finally revealed to the public.Trump certainly hasn't acted surprised that it finally was made public.So maybe he was projecting when during the debate he said that if he's elected he'll put Hillary in jail since on the tape he confesses to sexual crimes,felonies in fact.
So no one ,certainly not Paul Ryan and other Republicans who are so "shocked " about what's said on the tape should have been so surprised about what Trump reveals about himself on it,that it exists,or that it was finally revealed to the public.Trump certainly hasn't acted surprised that it finally was made public.So maybe he was projecting when during the debate he said that if he's elected he'll put Hillary in jail since on the tape he confesses to sexual crimes,felonies in fact.
5
Yes but Donald Trump won the 2016 Presidential nomination of the Republican Party by leaving sixteen primary and caucus opponents as rotting stinking road kill.
How many "deplorable" Americans does Trump speak for and to is the ultimate question to be answered on November 8, 2016. Are they legend or legion?
How "beautiful" and "blessed" and "exceptional" is America?
How many "deplorable" Americans does Trump speak for and to is the ultimate question to be answered on November 8, 2016. Are they legend or legion?
How "beautiful" and "blessed" and "exceptional" is America?
6
Andrew Rosenthal, you are either a mind reader or are in the right job.
You captured exactly my thoughts on all of this, but you said it so much better than I ever could have. Keep writing.
Thank you.
You captured exactly my thoughts on all of this, but you said it so much better than I ever could have. Keep writing.
Thank you.
11
Watching the debate this Sunday night the moment it was finished my wife and I shutoff the TV and just stared at each other in total silence. The last thing we wanted to listen to was the in-depth analysis of varies newscasters or watching Clinton and Trump interacting with family and supporters. It was a very sad and sick evening and hard to believe that this was the America of the here and now. This country as a whole, not just Trump, has slipped into a garbage dump and not even know it.
11
A hearty thank you to Donald Trump for continuing to prove that he is one of the most despicable human beings with whom we have the misfortune of sharing American citizenship. Those who did not realize from day one of his campaign when he infamously accused Mexicans of being rapists and murderers and years before then that our president was in fact not an American citizen, believed that he simply bent the rules of civil discourse just a teensy bit, were shocked by the obscene Access Hollywood tape. I wasn't. He left a whole trail of opinions about women that would have appalled Don Juan. Keep up the good work, Donald, while we revel in your unhappy/our happy ending.
45
As always, Thanks for telling it as it is , Mr Rosenthal. If there is anybody in this race with hatred in his heart , it is Donald Deplorable Trump .
12
Since when have the Republicans been taken over by "frat boys"? They were always there, but the elder statesmen kept them in check. Since the rise of Gingrich (sp?) the statesmen are gone: dead, playing with their grandkids, or golfing.
8
Trump that guy from NYC? Yes THAT guy. We must remember this is not only about Trump, we must no loose sight of the Voters rallying him on. The narrative created by fact free un-filtered Cable "news" and car talk radio over these last 2 decades to hate Government, to dismantle Government. Through all of these current headlines of the Presidential Election, the State level Governments are slowly dismantling themselves. Look at Kansas and take peek in on Arizona. We are seeing the results of the power and the money vote.
3
Trump is a child. With a truly outrageous comb over.
2
Actually, my theory is that the hair is Lhasa Apso hair extensions.
Paul Ryan, Speaker ever debonair,
To GOP addresses words unclear.
The Party now devoid of all good cheer,
Its unity, so extraordinaire,
Must mend from tattered remnants with due care.
Establishment's vast power some do fear
Recedes in quick-step, backward, to the rear.
With Leader Trump--so crude and so unfair--
All's come unglued! All's clearly up for grabs!
Will Ryan, ever vigilant, cement
Deep fissures evident for all to see?
The Donald, still the nominee, yet blabs.
This cannon loose was surely never meant
Drab GOP's so public face to be!
To GOP addresses words unclear.
The Party now devoid of all good cheer,
Its unity, so extraordinaire,
Must mend from tattered remnants with due care.
Establishment's vast power some do fear
Recedes in quick-step, backward, to the rear.
With Leader Trump--so crude and so unfair--
All's come unglued! All's clearly up for grabs!
Will Ryan, ever vigilant, cement
Deep fissures evident for all to see?
The Donald, still the nominee, yet blabs.
This cannon loose was surely never meant
Drab GOP's so public face to be!
4
Trump's debate performance was Breitbart News/Stephen Bannon's fantasy come to life on main stream media. Slash and burn. Tear down the system. The Alt-Right dreams of dismantling the GOP and Washington and the egalitarian society of America. The callous use of 4 women to get at Hillary. The hatred and racist rallying cries. Trump is not a "deep" thinker and has no personal ideology beyond himself. Gannon is using him to promote the Alt-Right and Trump is going along so he can have the accolades he so richly deserves. The GOP has stupidly allowed this to happen not fully realizing that Bannon wishes them all to be destroyed. It's happening before their eyes right now and they don't like it. Well to bad for them.
7
Bill Clinton is a good looking man with an engaging personality. No wonder women throw themselves at him. I do not blame him but I blame these shameless women for enticing him with their charms.
6
Trump is actually doing the professional (R)s a great service, though I doubt that he is doing it intentionally or that he is smart enough to even realize he is doing it at all.
First of all, his continued risibly outrageous behavior allows the professional (R)s to disavow his, to put distance between them and him. This is a great benefit for anyone running for reelection where it looked like a (D) could beat them. It allows the (R)s to encourage voters to practice split-ticket voting - vote your conscience for POTUS, and vote for me for Senate/Congress.
Secondly, it gives the (R)s a head start in de-legitimizing the soon-to-be-President Hillary Clinton. That has been the tactic they have used against President Obama for almost 8 years, Any (R) who says that he would not jail Sec. Clinton without a trial first will be hailed by the media as "moderate" and "sensible". Count on Mitch to refuse to consider any SCOTUS candidates that soon-to-be-President Clinton may nominate over the next 4-8 years. A SCOTUS of 5 or 6 members could be very interesting.
Lastly, just about any (R), when compared to Trump, looks pretty sane. Take Mike Pence, for example - a professional politician who is about as right-wing as you can get, a guy who is now widely disliked in the state of which he is governor - is declared to be the "reasonable" one on the ticket. Trump has set the bar so low that even David Duke (I don't know who he is, but I've heard the name) seems more sane.
First of all, his continued risibly outrageous behavior allows the professional (R)s to disavow his, to put distance between them and him. This is a great benefit for anyone running for reelection where it looked like a (D) could beat them. It allows the (R)s to encourage voters to practice split-ticket voting - vote your conscience for POTUS, and vote for me for Senate/Congress.
Secondly, it gives the (R)s a head start in de-legitimizing the soon-to-be-President Hillary Clinton. That has been the tactic they have used against President Obama for almost 8 years, Any (R) who says that he would not jail Sec. Clinton without a trial first will be hailed by the media as "moderate" and "sensible". Count on Mitch to refuse to consider any SCOTUS candidates that soon-to-be-President Clinton may nominate over the next 4-8 years. A SCOTUS of 5 or 6 members could be very interesting.
Lastly, just about any (R), when compared to Trump, looks pretty sane. Take Mike Pence, for example - a professional politician who is about as right-wing as you can get, a guy who is now widely disliked in the state of which he is governor - is declared to be the "reasonable" one on the ticket. Trump has set the bar so low that even David Duke (I don't know who he is, but I've heard the name) seems more sane.
1
I don't understand how people are continually talking about who "won" this debate.
There was no debate ergo no "winning" or "losing"
Sec. Clinton referred constantly to her web site because in a two minute format no one can offer real specifics about one's policies. The issues are much too complicated if you are looking for more than a knee jerk appeal to racist fear.
Mr. Trump spewed his knee jerk appeals to racist fear compounded by almost constant bald face lies.
Political discourse has been reduced to reality TV.
Perhaps we'll get a Kardashian on the ticket next time.
There was no debate ergo no "winning" or "losing"
Sec. Clinton referred constantly to her web site because in a two minute format no one can offer real specifics about one's policies. The issues are much too complicated if you are looking for more than a knee jerk appeal to racist fear.
Mr. Trump spewed his knee jerk appeals to racist fear compounded by almost constant bald face lies.
Political discourse has been reduced to reality TV.
Perhaps we'll get a Kardashian on the ticket next time.
2
I wish someone would tell me what/who a conservative is. What do they stand for? Does anyone know? We throw these labels around (conservative and liberal) and lock people into boxes which makes discussion and compromise impossible. Ask the representative you plan to vote for before you go to vote what they will do for you when they get to Washington. If their response includes positives (and no negatives), then that is the person to vote for.
Linguists connect verbs and nouns. A "conservative" is one who conserves to classical linguists.
Propagandists mangle language. They do not exploit its precision because they have nothing to make clear. The people who do this are reactionaries, not conservatives.
Propagandists mangle language. They do not exploit its precision because they have nothing to make clear. The people who do this are reactionaries, not conservatives.
Thank you for expressing so well my reaction to the outrage over the leaked tape: How is this behavior a surprise to anyone? And why should this be the straw that broke the camel's back, after months and years of ugly comments and deeds? He's a con man, a crook, a liar, a racist. Welcome to your new Republican party, America.
6
Amelie: It's the "Tipping Point" phenomenon, and it's almost never possible to explain afterwards why it occurred when it did rather than at some other time. Too much chaos, too many variables.
1
That Mr. Rosenthal is filled with a visceral dislike of Mr. Trump is quite clear. Just look at the titles of Mr. Rosenthal's last 6 columns! I don't plan to vote for Mr. Trump, even though I count myself as a staunch Republican. Like most Americans, I am appalled at our choice of candidates: I can't abide Hillary Clinton either. That she has lied over and over again, including under oath, is self-evident. Yet Mr. Rosenthal and his editorial board somehow can't see that. The lack of balance is galling. I have always believed that the NYT is almost indispensable as a daily read for informed Americans, including those of a different persuasion. We know the country is pretty much split 50/50-and has been for years- yet, in reading responses to columns and editorials, the liberal/conservative split is probably closer to 85/15, meaning conservatives have gone elsewhere for their news. I'm afraid I'm about to join them.
Amelia:
You make false equivalencies. Nothing in Clinton's history––nothing––remotely compares to the wreckage Donald Drumpf has already wrought in countless peoples' lives: the defrauded vendors, city, states, counties, and taxpayers swept up in his mountebank cons; the blacks and Hispanics he and his organizations discriminated against and continue to degrade and dehumanize; the legions of women he has sexually abused, harassed, discriminated against, and degraded; the list goes on and on.
Not one of your Right-wing's trumped-up (pun intended) charges and kangaroo court sessions have ever proved any "criminal" intent or action on Clinton's part. Indeed, given the war crimes ––not the least of which includes invading a country on wholly false pretexts––environmental racism (Flint, Michigan); the reinstatement of racist Jim Crow voter suppression laws; the encouragement of murderous terror against women's health care providers, etc., etc. on the part of YOUR political party and movements makes your claims about Clinton rancidly hypocritical.
You do not like the NYTimes because it publishes facts, evidence, truths, and the reality regarding the American Right-wing in general and the Republican Party in particular. Your threat to indulge your biases by imbibing the Right-wing racist, misogynistic, anti-Truth Kool Aid speaks volumes not only about the Right-wing mindset and degraded ethics en toto but also your own manifest intellectual and moral retardation.
You make false equivalencies. Nothing in Clinton's history––nothing––remotely compares to the wreckage Donald Drumpf has already wrought in countless peoples' lives: the defrauded vendors, city, states, counties, and taxpayers swept up in his mountebank cons; the blacks and Hispanics he and his organizations discriminated against and continue to degrade and dehumanize; the legions of women he has sexually abused, harassed, discriminated against, and degraded; the list goes on and on.
Not one of your Right-wing's trumped-up (pun intended) charges and kangaroo court sessions have ever proved any "criminal" intent or action on Clinton's part. Indeed, given the war crimes ––not the least of which includes invading a country on wholly false pretexts––environmental racism (Flint, Michigan); the reinstatement of racist Jim Crow voter suppression laws; the encouragement of murderous terror against women's health care providers, etc., etc. on the part of YOUR political party and movements makes your claims about Clinton rancidly hypocritical.
You do not like the NYTimes because it publishes facts, evidence, truths, and the reality regarding the American Right-wing in general and the Republican Party in particular. Your threat to indulge your biases by imbibing the Right-wing racist, misogynistic, anti-Truth Kool Aid speaks volumes not only about the Right-wing mindset and degraded ethics en toto but also your own manifest intellectual and moral retardation.
5
You apparently lack both the writing skills and grasp of facts and relativity to read and write here.
There are usually many perspectives on a set of facts, which is why diplomats juggle many interpretations of them.
There are usually many perspectives on a set of facts, which is why diplomats juggle many interpretations of them.
2
...and yet the NYT has done minimal investigations into Trump.
The WAPO get the gold star this year, the NYT gets a wag of the finger to their false equivalencies throughout both the nomination and now
The WAPO get the gold star this year, the NYT gets a wag of the finger to their false equivalencies throughout both the nomination and now
3
Trump has been the clown of NYC for decades. He's stale here.
1
I have said this before. 20, 30 years ago Donald Trump would not have survived the first Republican debate if he had said and acted the way he has now.
What happened between those 20 and 30 years for this crude, pathetic, narcissist to have such following that he could be picked by the Republican Party to run for President?
They love what he is and represents.
And that is the real threat to our democracy.
What happened between those 20 and 30 years for this crude, pathetic, narcissist to have such following that he could be picked by the Republican Party to run for President?
They love what he is and represents.
And that is the real threat to our democracy.
89
Newt Gingrich gave Congress a degenerative brain disease. He was so jealous of Bill Clinton's personal magnetism, it drove him stark raving mad.
2
So far the offensive-defense for Trump is this is a "locker-room talk", and his supporters, in general, "those are just words, and they don't mean anything,", Ignore that because Trump is going the render the US to its former glory!
The words come out of anyone's mouth means very great deal, and they display the speakers personality and character. And they showed that Trump's character is so defective, so untouchably low. I pray for the election season to be over fast, or I want to be in sleep through November 8 to avoid seeing this excuse for a human being.
I weep for Lincoln's and Teddy Roosevelt's party, which groomed a street thug for their position.
The words come out of anyone's mouth means very great deal, and they display the speakers personality and character. And they showed that Trump's character is so defective, so untouchably low. I pray for the election season to be over fast, or I want to be in sleep through November 8 to avoid seeing this excuse for a human being.
I weep for Lincoln's and Teddy Roosevelt's party, which groomed a street thug for their position.
7
Nihilists pave the way for street thug rule.
1
Prior to Sunday's debate, it amazed me that, many thought that Trump could salvage his candidacy by showing a true act of contrition for his despicable behavior. After a year and a half, watching a charlatan"s performance, those in the Republican party thought there was something to be gained by Trump being apologetic and humble, asking for forgiveness and understanding.
Instead Trump resumed and double down by attacking with innuendo, outright lie's and threats. If this is a surprise move by those who still held out hope that this man could change, as the saying goes, "I have a bridge for sale, interested"?
For those who can't wait for this nightmare to end thinking Trump will fade away, your in for a surprise. Trump, the demagogue that he is, is still a smart
maverick who knows his chance of winning are slim indeed. But remaining defiant to the bitter end, with a support of approximately 30 to 35% of the electorate, this megalomaniac thinks he's the new Republican leader. If the House and Senate remain in GOP hands, this country will continue to agonize the next four years.
Instead Trump resumed and double down by attacking with innuendo, outright lie's and threats. If this is a surprise move by those who still held out hope that this man could change, as the saying goes, "I have a bridge for sale, interested"?
For those who can't wait for this nightmare to end thinking Trump will fade away, your in for a surprise. Trump, the demagogue that he is, is still a smart
maverick who knows his chance of winning are slim indeed. But remaining defiant to the bitter end, with a support of approximately 30 to 35% of the electorate, this megalomaniac thinks he's the new Republican leader. If the House and Senate remain in GOP hands, this country will continue to agonize the next four years.
6
As disgusting as this whole campaign has been, I am heartened by the following realization. Racist and misogynist statements are not being tolerated by the American people like they were 50 years ago. Our country with all it's trials and tribulations is emerging from a type of cultural "adolescence". We are becoming a nation that embraces, honors and respects our rich diversity and the many cultures that comprise our nation. It isn't pretty and there has been a lot of pain. But we are emerging as wiser people. There are hold-outs, there always are and they are not going to go down quietly. That is what the TRUMP movement is about. But for the majority of us, men and women of all cultures, races and diverse religions who are actively transforming our culture in positive ways... We must embrace Michelle Obama's words... When they go low... we must go High and I might add... never lose our focus. We are all working to create a stronger democracy and better future for the next generation.
7
Leslie:
Huh. Well, that's very generous of you. But I see the reality: nearly half of the voters of the United States support this openly racist, misogynistic, xenophobic, serial lying, hypocritical, thuggish, mountebank, Donald Drumpf.
Indeed, on the eve of the first debate, literally half of this nation's voters were ready to hand over power to this openly openly racist, misogynistic, xenophobic, serial lying, hypocritical, thuggish, mountebank, Donald Drumpf.
Yes, Hillary is now, thankfully, ascendant. But that is solely because she OUTPERFORMED Drumpf in the first debate, and this rapacious United States has no mercy for what it perceives as the defeated, or as Drumpf puts it, "Losers."
We are marginally a better nation than we were sixty years ago, and that, in my mind, is a shockingly low, nay a damnable,return and show of gratitude for the blood an Evers, X, King, Jr., a couple of Kennedys, the civil rights workers of Philadelphia, Mississippi, and countless other women and men of conscience, spilled for daring to imagine the Republic as the Beloved Community.
Huh. Well, that's very generous of you. But I see the reality: nearly half of the voters of the United States support this openly racist, misogynistic, xenophobic, serial lying, hypocritical, thuggish, mountebank, Donald Drumpf.
Indeed, on the eve of the first debate, literally half of this nation's voters were ready to hand over power to this openly openly racist, misogynistic, xenophobic, serial lying, hypocritical, thuggish, mountebank, Donald Drumpf.
Yes, Hillary is now, thankfully, ascendant. But that is solely because she OUTPERFORMED Drumpf in the first debate, and this rapacious United States has no mercy for what it perceives as the defeated, or as Drumpf puts it, "Losers."
We are marginally a better nation than we were sixty years ago, and that, in my mind, is a shockingly low, nay a damnable,return and show of gratitude for the blood an Evers, X, King, Jr., a couple of Kennedys, the civil rights workers of Philadelphia, Mississippi, and countless other women and men of conscience, spilled for daring to imagine the Republic as the Beloved Community.
1
Mike ("I'm a Christian first") Pence has shown his true colors by sticking with Trump, claiming incredulousy that he was satisfied with Trump's contrition. One wonders how Pence can make eye contact with his wife and daughters. He is nothing more than another craven politician with his finger in the air, trying to calibrate the tawry situation to find the best route forward for his own political future. If he had the courage of his so-called Christian convictions, he would resign and try to salvage his self respect.
6
Anyone who thinks that Trump looked good by virtue of not seeming totally unprepared is letting him off far too easily. Mr. Trump took was supposed to be a town hall meeting and tried to bend it to his own low moral standards. Not only did he not answer the questions addressed to him, but he continued to denigrate and try to intimidate Mrs. Clinton, hovering over her like a monster from a nightmare. I don't see how anyone can say that he won the debate, when he stooped to the Putinesque threat to jail his political opponent. America is losing in "debates" like this, when it allows a demagogue to dictate the national agenda and drag its citizenry through the mud. I found the debate cringeworthy and if I were an American I'd be terrified.
6
Trump was just standing in for the jerks who spam this place with allegations that Hillary is Satan's sister.
1
Looking at Trump over the years, and assessing his demeanor as he's aged, the parallel to the man Oscar Wilde depicts in his classic novel 'The Picture of Dorian Grey' is an eerily uncanny portraiture of Trump himself. The fictional character like Trump pursues a privileged hedonistic libertine life of varied and amoral experiences, while he imagines he is staying young and beautiful. But in reality he has become an ugly repulsive old man reflecting the accumulation of his many sins.
12
I sure miss Molly Ivins. When, once again, I think I can't stand these lies, this meanness anymore and I'm not going to vote, there is Ivins' quote:"
"The thing about democracy, beloveds, is that it is not neat, orderly, or quiet. It requires a certain relish for confusion."
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/molly_ivins.html
"The thing about democracy, beloveds, is that it is not neat, orderly, or quiet. It requires a certain relish for confusion."
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/molly_ivins.html
2
I watched the audience reaction at a Trump rally following the debate, where Trump once again threatened to have a special prosecutor go after Hillary Clinton after his election.
And I saw the people in the audience hoot and holler and nod their heads in support. I could see the seething anger in their faces.
It was a deplorable sight to see in the United States of America in 2016.
And I saw the people in the audience hoot and holler and nod their heads in support. I could see the seething anger in their faces.
It was a deplorable sight to see in the United States of America in 2016.
8
Adam:
Oh, indeed, it is quite deplorable to see this in the United States, especially since we have seen this type of organized savagery in places like Nuremberg, circa the 1930s: damnable indeed.
Oh, indeed, it is quite deplorable to see this in the United States, especially since we have seen this type of organized savagery in places like Nuremberg, circa the 1930s: damnable indeed.
1
The tragedy for the country is that 40% of eligible voters support Trump at all. It seems not to matter that he has been exposed as a small minded man with little or no education of the world or the challenges that will face the Country in the years ahead. I actually feel sorry for the pathetic population that has no problem being swindled by a consummate con-artist.
3
Amich: Who says they're being swindled? I expect that a lot of them know exactly what he is, and they like it.
1
This is an excellent article that hits all the right points. It's embarrassing that it has taken so long for people to finally reject Trump and see him for the danger he clearly represents. Donald Trump is a narcissist, a coward, a sexist, a womanizer, an abuser of women and a traitor (anyone who says that Putin is a better leader than our president is a traitor), and a person who doesn’t pay his fair share of taxes. There are still Trump supporters out there who fell for his con hook, line and sinker and will probably need to go into therapy after this is all over.
On the bright side, Trump running for president may have imploded the Republican Party and we may finally be able to replace the do-nothing GOP members of Congress with democrats. To quote this article: “It is about the hard right trying to seize control of Washington so it can roll back half a century of economic, racial and social progress.”
On the bright side, Trump running for president may have imploded the Republican Party and we may finally be able to replace the do-nothing GOP members of Congress with democrats. To quote this article: “It is about the hard right trying to seize control of Washington so it can roll back half a century of economic, racial and social progress.”
4
So the Trump gang is saying he prepared better for this debate suggesting that it led to a stronger performance. That if he's willing to keep preparing, he has yet another chance to show his fitness for the presidency. Yeah yeah sure. We keep hearing from these so called Trump surrogates about this impending transformational "pivot" demonstrating presidential timber. What utter nonsense!
Disturbingly polls seem to show that many still seem stubbornly unwilling to come down on the plain fact that there is no there there. There is no "better Trump." No "well-prepared Trump." No "presidential Trump."
There is only this ignorant bully whose charlatan act needs to be called for what it is. Clinton didn't expose him. He exposed himself. He's been doing that for 15 months. Pretending there's someone else inside that skin aching to come out is idle foolish fancy.
Disturbingly polls seem to show that many still seem stubbornly unwilling to come down on the plain fact that there is no there there. There is no "better Trump." No "well-prepared Trump." No "presidential Trump."
There is only this ignorant bully whose charlatan act needs to be called for what it is. Clinton didn't expose him. He exposed himself. He's been doing that for 15 months. Pretending there's someone else inside that skin aching to come out is idle foolish fancy.
4
One of my neighbors has a Trump sign signed as Deplorables! I agree with them. They are deplorable and so is anyone that can support Trump and I make no exceptions for party, sex, race, religion, or anything else! I am an 80 something ex-marine and I never heard his kind of criminal bragging in my entire life until now. As for Pence, I recommend he read Dante's "Inferno." Trumps claim that the inner cities in America are failing the kids educationally is a laugh. Think of all the "white" communities with so-called superior schools who have failed to educate their students well enough so that they can recognize ridiculous illogical claims made by Trump. If one is educated, how can one support this ego maniac? I say "Bah humbug" to them!
6
Paul:
Semper fi, soldier, and many thanks for the most on-point, plaintively truthful post I've read all morning.
Semper fi, soldier, and many thanks for the most on-point, plaintively truthful post I've read all morning.
1
Trump apologized for his lewd comments and said he actually treats women well, but his vicious Hillary-bashing of the last debate proves that he actually is a misogynist, his disavowals notwithstanding. His own mean and threatening behavior is the evidence he himself provided that demonstrates irrefutably his misogynistic tendencies. Supporting Donald Trump is tantamount to supporting sexual abuse. That supporting him also is supporting racism, bigotry, crudeness, and tax evasion as well has long ago been clear. It is clear when Mike Pence and other of Trump's die-hard supporters defend him that they support this kind of behavior too, however much they might deny it. What has the world come to that people are not ashamed to support such wickedness?
3
Mark:
Sir, you get to the heart of the matter: complicity. It is an ugly thing that so many Americans support this racist, misogynistic, serial lying, hypocritical, and thuggish mountebank. There are no silent "good people" here, but only willing enablers, collaborators in a clear and present evil.
Sir, you get to the heart of the matter: complicity. It is an ugly thing that so many Americans support this racist, misogynistic, serial lying, hypocritical, and thuggish mountebank. There are no silent "good people" here, but only willing enablers, collaborators in a clear and present evil.
1
How can Americans put up with the two-party system, leaving only two candidates (essentially) available to elect as President (especially when one is grossly incompetent). Canada's Westminster is egregious enough, but at least when I vote progressive I know there is a chance that they'll be able to hold opposition in house (opposite more centre left/right parties). Mixed Member Proportional Systems seem to have some luck (as seen in New Zealand) in properly representing the interests of its populous. The two-party system seems to be contributing to divisiveness and allowing a vocal minority to take hold of a major party. There's room for populist demagogues in politics (if that's what a portion of the populous agrees), but it seems incredulous that they could get so close to power. Maybe because its not exciting, but electoral reform needs more attention in politics.
Also there needs to be attention given to the debate format. Debates are built up to be gladiator matches, but that doesn't lead to informed voting. Get rid of the audience if they aren't allowed to clap/applaud/laugh. it sways opinions at home (Canadian elections are quite different. We had a 12 week cycle last year and that was considered long. I also don't recall a studio audience, but 4 politicians in a MacClean's Magazine Studio talking over issues). We need a format that informs on policy issues. Past grievances are fair game, but in so far as the inform policy direction and concerns.
Also there needs to be attention given to the debate format. Debates are built up to be gladiator matches, but that doesn't lead to informed voting. Get rid of the audience if they aren't allowed to clap/applaud/laugh. it sways opinions at home (Canadian elections are quite different. We had a 12 week cycle last year and that was considered long. I also don't recall a studio audience, but 4 politicians in a MacClean's Magazine Studio talking over issues). We need a format that informs on policy issues. Past grievances are fair game, but in so far as the inform policy direction and concerns.
Canadians are far more respectful of authority and proper manners than Americans. The Queen's appointee is still the nominal head of state.
1
Let's move on, from Donald to Hillary:
STAG-NATION to IMAGI-NATION to DETERMI-NATION!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Wonderful idea, but how do we get there?
Let me suggest that we start with Pres. Hillary Clinton. As the first woman president she can encourage the American people to rise up with a new sense of hope and caring.
Clinton can inspire us all to change our habits and our ways, to break old habits and to rise up in the workplace and in the classroom, day by day. Yes, she can!
Woman see things differently than men do.They are the mothers who raise the children. They focus on cooperation more than competition. They are focused on family, learning and community.
One small step for (W)oman. One giant leap for (H)umankind!
==============================================
STAG-NATION to IMAGI-NATION to DETERMI-NATION!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Wonderful idea, but how do we get there?
Let me suggest that we start with Pres. Hillary Clinton. As the first woman president she can encourage the American people to rise up with a new sense of hope and caring.
Clinton can inspire us all to change our habits and our ways, to break old habits and to rise up in the workplace and in the classroom, day by day. Yes, she can!
Woman see things differently than men do.They are the mothers who raise the children. They focus on cooperation more than competition. They are focused on family, learning and community.
One small step for (W)oman. One giant leap for (H)umankind!
==============================================
What I find so unnerving about Donald J. Trump is his ability to say just about anything that comes into his toxic mind (whether true or not) if he thinks it might give him an advantage. He does not give a moment's thought to the harm and damage that his fraudulent poison darts do to the reputation of those that he has singled out for attack. It is incomprehensible to me that reasonable people for a minute would consider Donald Trump as the preferred candidate to be our next president.
To me, the only office that Donald J. Trump would be eminently qualified for would be one that we would have to create, tailored to his specific "talents and abilities" -- like "Liar-in-Chief" or perhaps, "Fraud-in-Chief". Then, I believe all foes and honest critics alike would be in general agreement.
The bottom line is that Donald J. Trump is "A Man Without A Conscience". And that is the simple, undeniable truth!
To me, the only office that Donald J. Trump would be eminently qualified for would be one that we would have to create, tailored to his specific "talents and abilities" -- like "Liar-in-Chief" or perhaps, "Fraud-in-Chief". Then, I believe all foes and honest critics alike would be in general agreement.
The bottom line is that Donald J. Trump is "A Man Without A Conscience". And that is the simple, undeniable truth!
9
"Apparently Trump would have overruled the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s finding that no crime was committed and tossed Clinton behind bars (a power the president, thankfully, does not have)."
Are you sure? Look at some of the stuff that Lincoln did.
Are you sure? Look at some of the stuff that Lincoln did.
2
The FBI director didn't make that finding, the prosecutors at the Department of Justice decide whether to prosecute. This does not mean Hillary is innocent by any means, it just means that they didn't have enough evidence. I understand certain key figures were given immunity (again DOJ's call) and a lot of evidence was deleted by someone. Ask AG Loretta Lynch and Bill Clinton for the whole story, they know it but no one asks.
Lincoln suspended habeas corpus in the midst of the Civil War with the rebel army marching towards Washington. Not as bad as emails I guess
1
"I’ve never believed that the Republican leadership really disagreed with Trump’s fringe views. They just didn’t like the way he expressed them"
The operative phrase here is "The pig without the lipstick."
The operative phrase here is "The pig without the lipstick."
6
Yes, and for those of us who have lived in the New York area for a long time, there is very little about Trump's behavior that is surprising. It was clear 30 years ago what a charlatan he was, and it is clear today.
19
Trump's campaign is an ugly mess.
Things would be even uglier if this con man were elected and had
powers beyond just the media.
Things would be even uglier if this con man were elected and had
powers beyond just the media.
3
Sometimes the sanest reaction to an insane situation,,,is Insanity.
Will we allow a publicly demonstrable Psychopath to take us There?
Will we allow a publicly demonstrable Psychopath to take us There?
1
As for Melania standing by her man and claiming that he's not the man she knows: she was married to him at that time and pregnant with their son. No doubt at all in my mind that he was cheating on her then and cheats on her now. He's been claiming a residence on Park Avenue to take advantage of a tax break. I know what I'd think--and what any woman with half a brain would think--if my husband claimed a 1400 sq ft. 1 bedroom apt. on his taxes as his residence. She married a serial cheater and she lives with him now. He is a repulsive creature and, if I were her, I'd keep up with the medical checks for STDs. When you lie with dogs, don't be surprised if you get fleas.
15
If I were married to the Donald (shudder), I would be happy to see him stay at his second residence.
Republicans had this coming to them and deserve every bit of the turmoil in which they now find themselves.
Decades of greed, falsehoods, obstruction and sinister dereliction of their sworn duty to our nation.
The facade came off during the GOP campaign. Now their House of Cards is crumbling before our very eyes.
It's a beautiful sight to see.
Decades of greed, falsehoods, obstruction and sinister dereliction of their sworn duty to our nation.
The facade came off during the GOP campaign. Now their House of Cards is crumbling before our very eyes.
It's a beautiful sight to see.
10
Excellent- missing here was Trump's renewed embrace of Putin and commentary that shows he is totally enamored with the man. To say the DNC was not hacked by Russia is once again a condemnation of the President and US intelligence agencies. He welcomed the current batch of hacked e-mails after requesting them from the Russians last summer. The fact that Trump had no solutions to Russian and Syrian bombing in Aleppo and tried to blame it on US policies makes him totally unqualified. Only the deplorables would applaud Trump's romance with Putin.
6
"Deplorables". Mrs. Clinton was close. Deplorables are all who voted for either either Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Trump and presented the nation with such a deplorable choice.
1
"I’ve never believed that the Republican leadership really disagreed with Trump’s fringe views."
You know, I think you are exactly right.
You know, I think you are exactly right.
4
Thank you for voicing my deepest concerns regarding Donald Trump. In addition to the bullying and sexual predator issues, I believe he exhibits many of the classic traits of an abusive personality.
5
Trumps candidacy was inevitable in view of the development of today's GOP out of the Dixiecrats of 1963 and the alleged "conservative" movement whose language has become its oxymoron.
This sort of thing was parodied in "National Lampoon" over 40 years ago in the feature "Dr. Hemorrhoid's Monster." Instead of Igor, the assistant was named Smegma--the perfect name for the GOP Propaganda Ministry in all of its sordid flavors on the air and online.
This sort of thing was parodied in "National Lampoon" over 40 years ago in the feature "Dr. Hemorrhoid's Monster." Instead of Igor, the assistant was named Smegma--the perfect name for the GOP Propaganda Ministry in all of its sordid flavors on the air and online.
3
There have really been no late revelations about Trump. The media are supposed to do investigative reporting, not just stenographically repeat what they say for calculated sound bites, and all this - the "locker room" comments - should have come out long ago. The coverage all along has been seemingly calculated to distract from real issues (Trump's misogyny is a real issue but it was settled long ago).
3
One day, many years after this election is over, someone will dredge up the video of Sunday's debate. They will accuse Trump of saying that Hillary had hatred in her heart and would be locked up under his administration. In his defense, Trump will say it was just locker talk, it took place many years ago, and besides, mad dog Giuliani had said much worse.
5
Trump is a sociopath and a sexual predator. He cannot change,there is no treatment for him.PERIOD
8
Hillary said she respected Donald Trump for his good children. Thank you, Ivana and Marla! It is the mother who sets the tone and the standards!!
4
"Good children" who shoot beautiful, defenseless animals for sport? They are more repulsive than their father.
2
“Donald Trump is a disturbed person who tries to bend reality to fit lumpily around his persona in the manner that his oversized lumpy suits fail to hide his girth. In Trumpworld Hillary is responsible for everything – Iraq and the death of Captain Khan, the demeaning of President Obama through the odious birther claims, the denigration of women and minorities, the complexities and loopholes in the tax code, the wars in Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East – literally every problem in the world can be laid at the feet of Hillary Clinton. Trump’s performance was not only truculent and menacing but was divorced from reality. Yes, his “base,” however it is described probably had a “feel good” moment in the same way certain personality types enjoy watching the overdrawn villains in professional wrestling, but reality is not a reality show and the majority of Americans now understand that this election is over.
6
I wouldn't be measuring the drapes just yet. Hillary, along with being a first class manipulative liar has some very unattractive "private" positions that just might see the light of day. Voters do some strange things like react to truth. Maybe they'll stop being bedazzled by the diversions and distractions implanted by the Clinton Opp Research Team and the entire complicit media and start asking some never been answered questions. Did it ever strike one of you robots that Hillary's oft stated position of wanting to silence Citizen's United stands in stark ironic contrast to the 5 to 6 times amount of money she's spent vs. her opponent on this election. Money corrupts elections, right? Digging up dirt and spreading it around is expensive. Maybe Hillary doesn't want Citizen's United shining a spotlight on her "private" positions that might be a little more relevant to this election than who Donald Trump was ogling 11 years ago, you know aim high and all that.
The Republican Party is rotten to its core. Trump is its festering pustule.
14
The depths of male chauvinism is America is demonstrated by he fact that the male and female chauvinists in America have nominated D. Trump to run against H. Clinton, the female candidate.
Also, Trump supporters know nothing about economics. It was the Republicans and the Tea party Republicans who stood in the way of the economic stimulus job creating legislation and programs; and by doing so caused working class Americans suffer economically. Trump believes in trickledown economics, a form of economics which will make everyone's lives harder, while it makes Trump s friends richer at the expense of others, including Trump's ardent supporters.
Also, Trump supporters know nothing about economics. It was the Republicans and the Tea party Republicans who stood in the way of the economic stimulus job creating legislation and programs; and by doing so caused working class Americans suffer economically. Trump believes in trickledown economics, a form of economics which will make everyone's lives harder, while it makes Trump s friends richer at the expense of others, including Trump's ardent supporters.
9
Donald Trump just followed Hillary Clinton around the stage because he never, ever wants to be off camera, out of the frame of attention that the debate gave him. Narcissist, first, last, only and always.
10
No Mary - potentially violent stalker.
2
Trump is showing every parent in America (and globally) how not to be! A spoiled brat who was never reprimanded by his parents in his early years so he does not know right from wrong. He does not know how to behave, how to be respectful and courteous and how to acknowledge that we all live together on one planet, what we say and go affects everyone even if we cannot see the ripples. More so now in this digital world.
7
For the record Mr. Rosenthal the sun is shining at midnight, you just don't see it from where you are. Inside that cocoon you imagine that your perspective is the only one that counts so if your majesty can't see it, people that do are somehow deluded if they're not from the stunted and deprived place where you exist. If you practiced what you preach that would be different, but you are equally full of hate and misogyny as your favorite targets, just better at politically correctly hiding your disdain and anger at other human beings that look at life from the other side of the world. How dare anyone deviate from the correct line of AR jr.? I'd keep the low profile, a lot of people aren't happy with the hectoring, bombastic style that passes as "journalism" from you and you proteges and the paper is going bankrupt in more ways than one.
2
You're accusing Andrew Rosenthal of hate? Your post drips sarcasm, insult and nastiness. Trump is your man Winston. Hitch your star to a world class Loser heading for world-class infamy.
2
Given his self-documented history and proclivities, can Trump be hired for the lowest position as a government employee, or a in private business, or hired to babysit young girls for an evening?
Yet he could be the next President?
Yet he could be the next President?
12
I realize that you Hillary supporters are immune to considerations of reality and consequences, but don't claim afterwards you weren't warned. Hillary stated in a Wiki leak that she wants Hemispheric open trade and open borders. This means that she wants hundreds of millions of largely uneducated, low skilled Latinos to be welcomed into the USA without limits, which will destroy the environmental and financial viability of our cities and country at large. If Hillary wins, with your support, as now seems likely, your young children and grandchildren will spit on your graves. Rich, white guys like me living in elite enclaves will be fine. But no, low, and middle income American citizens' lives will be decimated. Me and others are trying to warn you, but it seems that most of you are beyond reach. Hope you enjoy the consequences to your families of Hillary's hordes of third worlders and Arab Muslims.
1
You know, I've heard this foreign fear mongering before - with the usual made-up characterizations, exaggerations, and chicken-little predictions, ironically enough by people who drive their Toyota/Lexus or Subaru to work blithely ignoring their own choices or defend them by denigrating American know-how and manufactured goods as inferior. They often type out their messages on computers they saved money on made in China while wearing clothes and shoes made overseas. Which could even have the Trump label on them - like my Ivnaka Trump shoes (style: Norra) made in China do.
2
Trumps isolationist position will lead to economic collapse. I'll take Hillary's ideas over tariffs and protectionism, we know those are failures.
1
Personally, I hope this whole ordeal is going to make HRC a better person and a better president. I've always thought that we learn more from our failures than our successes. She failed at getting the presidential nomination once and, in spite of everything, emerged as a more determined and knowledgable candidate. Yes, there are stains on her record. And perhaps she has already learned that everything she does is so highly scrutinized that she will be more vigilant and not just secretive. And after battling Trump I am confident she can handle just about anything. Unfortunately, Trump's failure will result in endless complaining and howling. I just hope it falls on deaf ears.
9
All that is left for the Republicans is to save the House majority, stonewall progress for another 4 years and come back with Paul Ryan, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio in 2020. The talented and ethical governor from Ohio, John Kasich, will be spurned by the hard core because he fought Trump honestly and stood by his principles. Mr Kasich there is no future for moderates in the Republican party. May as well switch now and join the new moderate Republican party, HRC's Democrats.
7
Even though it is a demonstration of extreme nervousness, Trump's wheezing and sniffling during the debate could have been addressed by Mrs. Clinton. Maybe something like..."Maybe your mother told you, but you never heeded her advice in BLOW YOUR NOSE."
4
I like Mr. Ronsenthal's piece. It, as usual for him. Well written, well thought out. It takes directly head on a gigantic chunk of happened - no problem. I have criticized moderators in the past, both were excellent. Martha Radatz in the the past has been goood, I thought last night was well handled.
That said, one of many negatives about the evening was Trump's behavior overall. Strolling about the stage, I guess an attempt to rattle Hillary. His repeated interruptions were irritating. I had mixed feelings. Trump was playing his favorite rude affectations.
Hillary was serene, collected and calm as he repeatedly wandered longwinded on ancient baseless accusations and beloved chestnuts of the anarchists. I question the "conservative" as there is nothing of than in reactionary radicals that pretend to be something different, only to get into radical nationalist.
But I'm concerned about Foreign Policy. Given their penchant for Political witch hunts.
Herman Cain in his brief frontleading of the GOP made a big joke about how he did know where Uzbeckistan is. He strung it out saying the Uz and repeated the BECKI word segment before adding STAN. Roughly he Said "if I need to know where Uzbekistan is or or what needs to be done we'be got smaller people who can handle it"
Everyone had a laugh. After all, what could be going on in a place like that.
Donald Trump does not know where Uzbeckistan is. He said so. He is unqualified just for that.
That said, one of many negatives about the evening was Trump's behavior overall. Strolling about the stage, I guess an attempt to rattle Hillary. His repeated interruptions were irritating. I had mixed feelings. Trump was playing his favorite rude affectations.
Hillary was serene, collected and calm as he repeatedly wandered longwinded on ancient baseless accusations and beloved chestnuts of the anarchists. I question the "conservative" as there is nothing of than in reactionary radicals that pretend to be something different, only to get into radical nationalist.
But I'm concerned about Foreign Policy. Given their penchant for Political witch hunts.
Herman Cain in his brief frontleading of the GOP made a big joke about how he did know where Uzbeckistan is. He strung it out saying the Uz and repeated the BECKI word segment before adding STAN. Roughly he Said "if I need to know where Uzbekistan is or or what needs to be done we'be got smaller people who can handle it"
Everyone had a laugh. After all, what could be going on in a place like that.
Donald Trump does not know where Uzbeckistan is. He said so. He is unqualified just for that.
3
The problem, of course, is that his opponent is also the Hillary Clinton we also know all too well. We've had decades with the Clintons and have had a glimpse of what a Clinton presidency will be like. Does anyone believe it won't end in impeachment hearings?
3
No doubt, that is already three GOP game plan.
But given the statements by Trump regarding what he THINKS he can get away with, impeachment is in the cards for him as well--even with a GOP Congress.
But given the statements by Trump regarding what he THINKS he can get away with, impeachment is in the cards for him as well--even with a GOP Congress.
1
The last sentence of your article perfectly sums up Trump's supporters. "To vote for him, you have to pretend not to know who he truly is, or pretend not to care."
1
The "hovering behind her" part is an illusion created by camera angle and lens focal length (foreshortening from a telephoto lens). They were not that close together and Trump actually did not move much during the debate. He stayed with in a small radius of his podium. Clinton roamed the stage to address the audience more directly requiring several camera angles. The looming appearance is most likely chance.
Just saying as it seems the oddest things become focal points of Trump critique.
Just saying as it seems the oddest things become focal points of Trump critique.
Yes, we know Trump, but we know him in different ways. To some, he is repugnant and absolutely antithetical to our core national values. But to others, he is or represents a form of salvation and release. These people either truly know, or believe they know, who he is and will affirmatively vote for him. They share Trump's sense of detachment and "otherness."
Trump constantly reminds us that we are blessed to be in his presence, we are appreciative if not ecstatic that he deigns to offer his omniscience and omnipotence leadership to the unwashed, and we and our children will surely benefit by permitting him to make all our decisions. We no longer need to think or choose; we need only obey.
Like his antecedents throughout time and in all cultures, he knows the appeal this message holds for many of our fellow citizens and knows it has succeeded many times. The U.S. is not immune to this political disease. Because he lives for the moment, for himself and without attachment to the larger society, he assumes no responsibility and doesn't really care what ensues (unless he becomes a god-head and passes his rule to his children).
Yes, we know him and we know that even with a Democrat victory in November we will need a reformed moderate Republican party to help defeat his lingering appeal. Sadly, I'm not optimistic; I haven't yet seen a transformative GOP revival. They cling to their waning power and increasingly outdated and disproven political theology to salvage "success."
Trump constantly reminds us that we are blessed to be in his presence, we are appreciative if not ecstatic that he deigns to offer his omniscience and omnipotence leadership to the unwashed, and we and our children will surely benefit by permitting him to make all our decisions. We no longer need to think or choose; we need only obey.
Like his antecedents throughout time and in all cultures, he knows the appeal this message holds for many of our fellow citizens and knows it has succeeded many times. The U.S. is not immune to this political disease. Because he lives for the moment, for himself and without attachment to the larger society, he assumes no responsibility and doesn't really care what ensues (unless he becomes a god-head and passes his rule to his children).
Yes, we know him and we know that even with a Democrat victory in November we will need a reformed moderate Republican party to help defeat his lingering appeal. Sadly, I'm not optimistic; I haven't yet seen a transformative GOP revival. They cling to their waning power and increasingly outdated and disproven political theology to salvage "success."
3
Well said! ... One clarification - it's not about the hard right seizing "control so it can roll back half a century of economic, racial and social progress." It's a century of progress which is at stake, including the estate tax, a Progressive Era reform.
1
Yes, he has been apparent to us for decades. Now the GOP has evolved so that, as J Chait says, "he is the Republican party". Lies and hypocrisy reign. Look at Cruz's conversion to a Trump supporter. The GOP has become the party of corruption and graft. The Democrats have their own problems but as an executive once said "I am a Republican, but the Democrats are a nicer bunch of people". Yes, they are as we see in Hillary and others. The bimbos at Fox News, male and female, along with Rush and other hate mongers show us this side of the GOP each and every day. They are Trump.
2
I am profoundly disappointed in the people of this country—some of whom are friends—who have allowed the ascendency of such a hideous brute to come so close to seizing the most powerful position on earth. Forget Trump. Its those of us whose mysterious motives have brought us to this point, and if they've gone this far, there's more to come. I'm bracing myself for four years (and beyond) of insanity, the likes of which our country has never seen.
6
People speak of Donald Trump's penchant for lying, documented, (while calling out others as liars) but what I find to be much more concerning is his basic instinct to make things up and then pontificate on them when he doesn't know about them, draw conclusions about those involved, and propose or take action against people based on an imaginary world of his own making. That is paranoid and delusional thinking that is more dangerous to the country than his lying.
At least lying means you know and understand the truth and choose to not tell it. Making it up as you go along stems from ignorance, and Trump's making it up as he goes in rallies, tweets, and on the stage of the Presidential debates creating a reality that in no means reflects the America he hopes to be President of.
At least lying means you know and understand the truth and choose to not tell it. Making it up as you go along stems from ignorance, and Trump's making it up as he goes in rallies, tweets, and on the stage of the Presidential debates creating a reality that in no means reflects the America he hopes to be President of.
2
Sometimes the Emperor really has no cloths- and it is enough to simply note the obvious.
Perhaps now that he is exposed and hopefully done politically- he will be less inclined, upon returning to his lair, to shaft employees and contractors, deride those he deems weak, consort with criminals, buy influence, drive companies to the ground and profusely and endlessly lie.
Perhaps now that he is exposed and hopefully done politically- he will be less inclined, upon returning to his lair, to shaft employees and contractors, deride those he deems weak, consort with criminals, buy influence, drive companies to the ground and profusely and endlessly lie.
1
That's pretty funny. He's gonna howl and complain that he was robbed. That it was a conspiracy against him and it will reinvigorate the little worm to treat people even worse.
1
There is one thing left for the Republican party and the American people: that is the slogan DUMP TRUMP!
3
Let us remember, once again: Trump is a shining representative of his class, and of his political party.
Throw the bums out!!!
Throw the bums out!!!
6
Republicans are asking the American voters for the sun and the moon. They ask us to ignore that their nominee is amazingly ignorant about how our system of government works, about how our military and intelligence apparatus works and about how our monetary and fiscal policies interact and work.
Republican leaders ask Americans to accept a candidate who has absolutely no experience in an elective or appointive position of local, state or federal government at any level. They allow him to extol that lack of experience as an asset, expecting us to forget that those same leaders have little or no experience outside of government.
Republicans want us to accept that their nominee is a highly skilled businessman, when the record shows us that he has been inept in handling the millions of dollars given him by his father. They ask us to accept someone who rails at working class Americans for not paying their fair share of income taxes, though he used clever attorneys and special-interest loopholes unique to real estate to pay no income taxes for years.
Republicans ask Americans to vote for an unstable bully who demeans and insults black and Hispanic voters, Muslims, gay people, and all women, committing the crime of sexual assault on them.
Republicans ask us to be stupid. We’re not
Republican leaders ask Americans to accept a candidate who has absolutely no experience in an elective or appointive position of local, state or federal government at any level. They allow him to extol that lack of experience as an asset, expecting us to forget that those same leaders have little or no experience outside of government.
Republicans want us to accept that their nominee is a highly skilled businessman, when the record shows us that he has been inept in handling the millions of dollars given him by his father. They ask us to accept someone who rails at working class Americans for not paying their fair share of income taxes, though he used clever attorneys and special-interest loopholes unique to real estate to pay no income taxes for years.
Republicans ask Americans to vote for an unstable bully who demeans and insults black and Hispanic voters, Muslims, gay people, and all women, committing the crime of sexual assault on them.
Republicans ask us to be stupid. We’re not
9
sdw:
Nicely put, and all too true. "Thumbs up."
Nicely put, and all too true. "Thumbs up."
1
The Donald Trump we always knew has revealed the republican party we have always known since Reagan and, more to the point, the millions of Americans who prefer Brownshirt politics to reasoned discourse.
At least one pundit likened Trump's performance in the second debate to arguing with a drunk guy in a bar. Like the drunk, Trump was incomprehensible most of the time, blustered emotionally and repeated the same phases over and over. He'd pause, waiting for the laughter and applause of his statements, then sulk when ignored or challenged. A man totally unift to hold the presidency.
What's worse in all of this is the ethical bankruptcy of the republican politicians who continue to pander to the worst instincts of the brownshirt element of the American electorate.
At least one pundit likened Trump's performance in the second debate to arguing with a drunk guy in a bar. Like the drunk, Trump was incomprehensible most of the time, blustered emotionally and repeated the same phases over and over. He'd pause, waiting for the laughter and applause of his statements, then sulk when ignored or challenged. A man totally unift to hold the presidency.
What's worse in all of this is the ethical bankruptcy of the republican politicians who continue to pander to the worst instincts of the brownshirt element of the American electorate.
11
What chills me the most is that it has taken an over-the-top objectionable candidate like Trump to turn the election to Hillary Clinton. Any normal person espousing the same hard right views in the old tried-and-true Republican dog-whistle way might win this election.
As excruciating as the next four weeks will be, I pray that Trump does NOT drop out.
As excruciating as the next four weeks will be, I pray that Trump does NOT drop out.
2
The Ministry of Information announced today that the last hope for America was eliminated by a public smear campaign. The forces aligned against the outsider who sought to take a stand against globalism, debt slavery and monetary control by the elites was the victim of innuendo, constant disinformation designed to mollify any efforts to challenge the policies of war, famine and disease, the life blood of the New World Order. But the people were too stupid to understand anything but what they are told proving that freedom is dead.
1
It is not people just believing what they are told. We get to hear it straight from the horse's mouth. He brags about his ability to sexually assault women. He spends years questioning our president's legitimacy, then blames Clinton for starting it and congratulates himself for finishing it. He says he has a plan to defeat ISIS but he will won't tell us how because he doesn't want them to know. Who doesn't that sound ridiculous to?
If you believe half of what you hear from Trump, you haven't been listening to the other half.
If you believe half of what you hear from Trump, you haven't been listening to the other half.
1
I was watching a re-run of Air Force 1 when it hit me. trumps understanding of reality is the movies and TV. I cant imagine that he has ever read anything two pages long.
1
Well Madame Secretary did amply demonstrate for all the world to see that she is unflappable and holds her ground with grace and civility when confronted by a madman. There are plenty of them to go around in the world, from the Philippines to North Korea.
Let Trump tweet away, but pull the curtain over his birdcage in the media and spare us the noise pollution.
Let Trump tweet away, but pull the curtain over his birdcage in the media and spare us the noise pollution.
7
Donald Trump must be investigated for his assault of women.
Sadly, Rudy Giuliani appears to be at the onset of dementia. His comments are aberrant and dissociated from facts.
Sadly, Rudy Giuliani appears to be at the onset of dementia. His comments are aberrant and dissociated from facts.
4
The fact that he is up for President is a disgrace for America. The idea that he would become President of the greatest nation on earth is scary.
2
Trump threw Hillary into the briar patch. She will be the next President regardless, why would she want to to relieve the pressure on the GOP down ballot?
1
This is the first time in history, one candidate attacked the spouse of the other candidate.
Bill Clinton is a spouse just as Melania Trump.
Hillary Clinton was thrown into national spotlight decades ago when her husband shamed her to the World she came back and stood up being poised and ready to take over.
One did not need to listen to Sunday`s debate even in mute it tells the whole story that Donald Trump was stalking Hillary Clinton and with time Hillary Clinton`s facial expression tells all what was happening.
Bill Clinton is a spouse just as Melania Trump.
Hillary Clinton was thrown into national spotlight decades ago when her husband shamed her to the World she came back and stood up being poised and ready to take over.
One did not need to listen to Sunday`s debate even in mute it tells the whole story that Donald Trump was stalking Hillary Clinton and with time Hillary Clinton`s facial expression tells all what was happening.
2
Funny(or sad) that Melania Trumps says, "... the man in the 2005 video is not the man she knows", since at the time he was the man she was married to.
1
If anyone is naive enough to believe that this was a rare incident of Trump behaving badly, or that on Sunday night, when questioned by Anderson Cooper asking Trump if he actually did what he bragged about, informing Trump that this was sexual assault, and Trump denied it, you can bet your bottom dollar that Trump is lying through his teeth. We are all awaiting the next shoe to drop. There have been women who have come forward, ala Bill Cosby, claiming that what Trump said to Billy Bush he did. If this is so, then we have just touched the surface of Trump's deep-seeded and disturbing pattern of being a sexual predator. He's already acknowledged he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and get away with it. Someone this delusional belongs in therapy, not in the White House. How did the Republicans let this catastrophe happen?
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
6
I don't understand why, when a nominee's time is up during a debate answer, the microphone is not turned off? A moderator doesn't have to do it. Simply put a timer on the microphone so it shuts off. There could even be a timer posted so they could see how much time was left.
3
I am desperately worried about what happens on November 9. The national nightmare will not be over. We will not be able to breathe that longed-for sigh of relief. Tens of millions of rabid Trump voters will remain part of our national fabric, and many are not the type who will concede defeat and accept a Clinton presidency peacefully and democratically. Trump has unleashed a nation-threatening beast, let loose now to consume a great country still in its relative infancy. We should be very afraid, not of the "other," but of ourselves.
3
Constantly living in fear is very unhealthy. Those who intentionally stoke the fires of fear in the media and elsewhere should be ashamed of themselves.
If the word "Trump" enters the lexicon as a verb referring to the particular kind of sexual assault that Trump describes in the video, who would want to use any product, work or stay in any building with the name "TRUMP" on it? It would be like saying, "I'm staying in the Rape Hotel in DC this week".
1
Who won the 2nd debate? Bernie Sanders, that's who. Both candidates practically endorsed him Sunday night.
Mike Pence forgave Trump because he apologized for the 2005 video.
Hillary apologized and accepted responsibility for what she did with her email server. I may be wrong but, I don't think Mike forgave her.
Mike - what's up?
Hillary apologized and accepted responsibility for what she did with her email server. I may be wrong but, I don't think Mike forgave her.
Mike - what's up?
5
Pointedly and understandably you mention “. . . the more extreme Republicans in Congress." They are destroying our country. Whether they like it or not, Trump is speaking their language but doing it with gutter talk.
How he has managed to draw in so many Americans baffles me, but he has, and Clinton needs to do all in her power, both as candidate or President, to address this unhappy cohort. They are, whatever else we may say or think, Americans and they need to be heard.
Trump has made more than clear what an uninformed, clueless and vicious presidential wanna be he is and we absolutely must care enough to defeat him.
How he has managed to draw in so many Americans baffles me, but he has, and Clinton needs to do all in her power, both as candidate or President, to address this unhappy cohort. They are, whatever else we may say or think, Americans and they need to be heard.
Trump has made more than clear what an uninformed, clueless and vicious presidential wanna be he is and we absolutely must care enough to defeat him.
1
Yes, Mr. Trump is, and has been repugnant for a very long time. What is most frightening are the crowds that continue to cheer Trump's verbal tirades that debase all those the Trump doesn't like. Trump is but the tip of a much larger problem in our nation and one that will not simply disappear when Trump goes down in electoral votes to become another also-ran.
1
"To vote for him you have to pretend you don't know who he really is or choose not to care."
There is a third option: believe the same things that the Donald professes, which many Republicans do.
Regarding the debates: I was convinced and scared that he would actually attack Hillary when he was "stalking" her.
And regarding Hillary's website: Does anyone actually believe the stuff on her website is any more truthful or less biased than what comes out of the Trump's mouth.
There is a third option: believe the same things that the Donald professes, which many Republicans do.
Regarding the debates: I was convinced and scared that he would actually attack Hillary when he was "stalking" her.
And regarding Hillary's website: Does anyone actually believe the stuff on her website is any more truthful or less biased than what comes out of the Trump's mouth.
In threatening Mrs. Clinton with vengeance-based prosecution, Trump shows himself to be the anti law candidate, not the law and order candidate. And all those who don't call him out -- Pence, Ryan, McConnell -- are complicit.
4
If Trump can get away with everything he did being " a star", imagine what he can get away being President of United States!
He is truly deplorable, stopped maturing after his high school years. He thinks he can rule the world by bullying, Trump and his cronies Christy et al., represent a small fraction. This is not US I know!
He is truly deplorable, stopped maturing after his high school years. He thinks he can rule the world by bullying, Trump and his cronies Christy et al., represent a small fraction. This is not US I know!
1
How did this entire fiasco happen? Why are we saddled with a Republican candidate whose behavior for most of his life has been a series of failures at being a good and decent and moral person, and yet millions are willing to put him into the highest office in the land.
Why are we at this point in time not fully condemning a man whose threatened his opponent with investigation and jail IF he becomes POTUS? Have we not seen how in other countries tinpot dictators do just that, or worse, have their opponents disappeared forever?
Of all the things that one should remember from that debate on Sunday is the fact that we have a candidate whose knowledge of common decency and the law of the land is both not just lacking, but intentionally and deliberately ignored because That Man believes it doesn't apply to him.
Why are we at this point in time not fully condemning a man whose threatened his opponent with investigation and jail IF he becomes POTUS? Have we not seen how in other countries tinpot dictators do just that, or worse, have their opponents disappeared forever?
Of all the things that one should remember from that debate on Sunday is the fact that we have a candidate whose knowledge of common decency and the law of the land is both not just lacking, but intentionally and deliberately ignored because That Man believes it doesn't apply to him.
1
The Trump stalwarts, most particularly the GOP leaders heartened by Trump's debate performance, are either in deep denial or are simply delusional. Or again, perhaps they willfully refuse to see what is plain. Yes, the Trumpers enjoyed the vile show - but was one vote gained? It is difficult to believe in a Trump "victory."
Any person other than Trump who admitted to serial sexual assaults would be labeled a sex offender and banished to live in an appropriate area. Never too old to lock him up.
1
"Melania Trump said the man in the 2005 video is not the man she knows." That's the real "hostage video". With increasing frequency we see Trump reading from a script and we joke that he looks like a hostage being coerced. Melania is being coerced - maybe not with a gun but certainly with a implicit threat to her lifestyle and son. Not an unusual story for women married to rich and powerful cads.
And to suggest and excuse, as so many female supporters of his have done, that Trump's words in a "locker room" or "boys will be boys" context did not lead to acts of criminal aggression on his part toward women, is naive beyond belief. That's true enabling.
And to suggest and excuse, as so many female supporters of his have done, that Trump's words in a "locker room" or "boys will be boys" context did not lead to acts of criminal aggression on his part toward women, is naive beyond belief. That's true enabling.
2
I feel bad for Hillary, she has to spend another 90 minutes on stage with this idiot. It's hard to debate someone who refuses or can't answer a question honestly. Who fabricates and insults with impunity. When you say your opponent has hate in her heart, that she is the devil, that's debating?
3
From "Alpha House": "...crazy and evil is all that's left of your party."
1
Why was Trump shadowing her when she gave her answers, and why didn't either of the moderators ask or tell him to stop doing so. It looked a lot like menacing or, at least, an attempt to intimidate her. He's creepy!
2
If Trump supposedly won Sunday's debate, it is only because he didn't soil his pants or set himself on fire.
5
Trump is also widely insulting men by suggesting that what he said in the Billy Bush audio is typical "locker room talk." I've been in countless locker rooms over many years,and I haver never heard anything even close to his filthy language in any of them. Men's locker rooms are usually subdued,low key places where men are concentrating on showering,shaving or changing clothes with hardly any talk,and when there is talk it's about sports and the like and not about sexual conquests.
3
It would appear from this side of the Atlantic that the republicans are about to loose more than the presidency as a result of this hate filled individual. With a population in excess of 300 million, this is the best the republicans can come up with?
Sloppy and self serving journalism has, in part, allowed this man to become a candidate in the world's largest democracy. Why could they not have questioned even his laissez-faire assertion "make America great again". How are you going to do this? America is well on the way to recovery economically, however democracy is in real danger. Mrs Clinton when you take that oath of office next January, please remember this.
Sloppy and self serving journalism has, in part, allowed this man to become a candidate in the world's largest democracy. Why could they not have questioned even his laissez-faire assertion "make America great again". How are you going to do this? America is well on the way to recovery economically, however democracy is in real danger. Mrs Clinton when you take that oath of office next January, please remember this.
2
Rosenthal's Times wants desperately to "prove" that Trump's fascist dementia is the essence of American conservatism and seizes any opportunity to advance that view. he and Krugman are the principal voices for this untruth. Regrettably, much of the mainfest insincerity, waffling and dishonesty of some, but far from all leading Republican politicians fans the flames. What the Times never acknowledges is that the "progressives" on the left share many of the worst features of the Trumpists and, given the opportunity, could become as great a threat to the vital interests of the U.S.(democracy, standards of living, economic stability, domestic civility, international relationships, successful dealings with a legion of foreign tyrants).
John McCain defended Barack Obama when a seemingly delirious woman claimed that McCain's opponent was a Muslim, an Arab. Two things. First, what if he were? It appears that being a Muslim, an Arab is enough to incite howls of rage in Real America.
Second, how did McCain respond? He defended Barack Obama as "a family man," which was a compliment that told volumes about the environment in which McCain spoke. It appears that McCain knew that an effective sedative for those foaming at the mouth at the idea of one of "those" people assuming power is to evoke the Family Values trope.
At that moment, McCain squashed the intellectual pretensions of GOP "core voters." Had he responded, "Yes, and he's a criminal, too," who knows whether he could have motivated the base to get to the polls eight years ago?
Mitt Romney was derided by the base for pretending to be one of them. "I was a severely conservative Republican governor," Mitt Romney told the crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February 2012. Limbaugh and his lot snickered at Romney as if the candidate were eating grits through a straw (illegal in some parts of Tennessee).
With Trump, much of the base gets to loosen its belt and let its stomach hang out over its pants. For people who seem to thrill to insults to anyone different from themselves (gay soldiers in Iraq and young uninsured people dying of curable diseases come to mind), Trump needn't, indeed shouldn't, apologize.
He is the face in the mirror.
Second, how did McCain respond? He defended Barack Obama as "a family man," which was a compliment that told volumes about the environment in which McCain spoke. It appears that McCain knew that an effective sedative for those foaming at the mouth at the idea of one of "those" people assuming power is to evoke the Family Values trope.
At that moment, McCain squashed the intellectual pretensions of GOP "core voters." Had he responded, "Yes, and he's a criminal, too," who knows whether he could have motivated the base to get to the polls eight years ago?
Mitt Romney was derided by the base for pretending to be one of them. "I was a severely conservative Republican governor," Mitt Romney told the crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February 2012. Limbaugh and his lot snickered at Romney as if the candidate were eating grits through a straw (illegal in some parts of Tennessee).
With Trump, much of the base gets to loosen its belt and let its stomach hang out over its pants. For people who seem to thrill to insults to anyone different from themselves (gay soldiers in Iraq and young uninsured people dying of curable diseases come to mind), Trump needn't, indeed shouldn't, apologize.
He is the face in the mirror.
2
Trump relies being a bully to get his way. He bullied the other 15 contenders for the republican primaries until they conceded, one by one. Now he is up against a woman (a woman...how humiliating him!) who ignores his threats and bullying won't be undermined by his tactics.
I have immense respect for Hillary for doing what 15 replies men could not: facing trump and backing down.
The republican party needs to forget about elections a while focus on rebuilding their party...if that is even possible at this point.
I have immense respect for Hillary for doing what 15 replies men could not: facing trump and backing down.
The republican party needs to forget about elections a while focus on rebuilding their party...if that is even possible at this point.
3
I meant to say "facing Trump and NOT backing down"
1
Was it only 4 short years ago that Mitt Romney was the standard bearer for the Republican Party?
Politics aside, Mitt Romney, a wealthy, successful businessman, seemed always dignified and a man of integrity.
How low the Republican Party has fallen in such a short time.
Politics aside, Mitt Romney, a wealthy, successful businessman, seemed always dignified and a man of integrity.
How low the Republican Party has fallen in such a short time.
8
Appearances aside Rita, Mitt was Trump with lipstick. A 1% with a narrow view of life for anyone below him.
1
Trump was menacing both verbally and physically
To Mrs. Clinton during Sunday "debate"
Prowling behind her like a rabid dog.
He should be arrested for defamation of character
And threatening Mrs. Clinton.
There is no more to be said or written about Trump.
He is a mad dog. No that's an insult to dogs.
To Mrs. Clinton during Sunday "debate"
Prowling behind her like a rabid dog.
He should be arrested for defamation of character
And threatening Mrs. Clinton.
There is no more to be said or written about Trump.
He is a mad dog. No that's an insult to dogs.
37
This is not a man who concedes easily let alone honorably. He is not going to sully his hands personally, but he is not going to weep if instigating a mob to riot.
Character assassination is damming but this threatening stand of his is deplorable, and he should call off the hounds that are excited about asking for Mrs. Clinton's head. It happened to the Royals during the French Revolution, but could it happen in America during contemporary times? Perhaps, but why be part of an audience and watch like sheep, pretending to be addressing events that are beyond our control?
If a way can be found for Trump to step down in a fair way, and with some dignity, it may strengthen the Republic Party and benefit the entire Nation.
Character assassination is damming but this threatening stand of his is deplorable, and he should call off the hounds that are excited about asking for Mrs. Clinton's head. It happened to the Royals during the French Revolution, but could it happen in America during contemporary times? Perhaps, but why be part of an audience and watch like sheep, pretending to be addressing events that are beyond our control?
If a way can be found for Trump to step down in a fair way, and with some dignity, it may strengthen the Republic Party and benefit the entire Nation.
On Sunday
“Many of her friends took bigger deductions,” Mr. Trump said. “Warren Buffett took a massive deduction.”
In another article published today, Warren Buffet one-upped Trump.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/11/business/buffett-calls-trumps-bluff-an...®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
“I have paid federal income tax every year since 1944,” Mr. Buffett wrote in a letter released Monday.
“My 2015 return shows adjusted gross income of $11,563,931,” he revealed. “My deductions totaled $5,477,694.” About two-thirds of those represented charitable contributions, he said. Most of the rest were related to Mr. Buffett’s state income tax payments.
Mr. Buffett, the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and one of the richest men in the world, went on to say: “My federal income tax for the year was $1,845,557. Returns for previous years are of a similar nature in respect to contributions, deductions and tax rates.”
“I have copies of all 72 of my returns,” Mr. Buffett added, “and none uses a carry forward,”
...
Mr. Trump had previously claimed, without producing any evidence, that Mr. Buffett declared $873 million in losses.
----------------
OK, Donald, show us YOUR tax returns. Next time, don't make assertions you can't back up, and that turn out to be false. That is called LYING.
“Many of her friends took bigger deductions,” Mr. Trump said. “Warren Buffett took a massive deduction.”
In another article published today, Warren Buffet one-upped Trump.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/11/business/buffett-calls-trumps-bluff-an...®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
“I have paid federal income tax every year since 1944,” Mr. Buffett wrote in a letter released Monday.
“My 2015 return shows adjusted gross income of $11,563,931,” he revealed. “My deductions totaled $5,477,694.” About two-thirds of those represented charitable contributions, he said. Most of the rest were related to Mr. Buffett’s state income tax payments.
Mr. Buffett, the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and one of the richest men in the world, went on to say: “My federal income tax for the year was $1,845,557. Returns for previous years are of a similar nature in respect to contributions, deductions and tax rates.”
“I have copies of all 72 of my returns,” Mr. Buffett added, “and none uses a carry forward,”
...
Mr. Trump had previously claimed, without producing any evidence, that Mr. Buffett declared $873 million in losses.
----------------
OK, Donald, show us YOUR tax returns. Next time, don't make assertions you can't back up, and that turn out to be false. That is called LYING.
63
He knows. He just doesn't care.
2
I guess Warren Buffett is actually successful. Trump can deduct his losses legally, of course, but the question needs to be asked loudly and frequently: how incompetent do you have to be to lose that much money?
2
Worse than lying. He just makes things up and makes them sound plausible when it isn't based on anything more than his dark imaginings.
1
Maybe the election of Ms. Clinton will get us over the hump. In the future perhaps we'll start looking more at the content of candidates' character and not so much the character of their skin.
8
There is not much lower we can get than we are now. The golden age is coming and things are only going to get better, for our children and grandchildren. We should all dare to dream Big. (Even if NYT effectively. crushed their collective dreams)
1
I'd love for HRC to challenge DT, at the beginning of the next debate, to agree on live TV to only speak to the issues and not attack one other. She could tell him that she is sure that he is not cowardly enough to run away from such an offer and when he declines, hit him throughout the debate reinforcing that she offered to discuss issues with the American people but he was not capable of doing so. The sight of the "alpha dog" cowering from such a challenge would publically reveal him to the be weak, sniveling bully he is. The fact that he is being publically challenged in such a way might send him over the edge.
14
Donald Trump is not a quiet man. The next Debate promises to be explosive where anything goes, and this American will be watching because it would be cravenly to avert one's eyes and ears, leaving Hillary Clinton out in the cold and on her own. It does not mean much, but I am voting for the Democratic Party.
Powerful voices have taken a stand during these elections. Former Mayor Bloomberg, a Republican, declared he was stepping out to be an Independent, this is not easy. George Will, one of America's most reputable journalists, took a stand early and denounced a Party that would support Trump. The First Lady, Michelle Obama, has spoken and she knows far more what is happening to our Country than many of us, the People of America.
Hats off to the Bold and Brave in the Land of Freedom for they are keeping many of us stable and grounded, and reminding us what a great Country we live and the opportunities to do better. It will take hard work, not all of us are going to succeed in this world, but we can try, and Hillary Clinton is not offering us empty promises in the face of adversity. It is not her style.
Powerful voices have taken a stand during these elections. Former Mayor Bloomberg, a Republican, declared he was stepping out to be an Independent, this is not easy. George Will, one of America's most reputable journalists, took a stand early and denounced a Party that would support Trump. The First Lady, Michelle Obama, has spoken and she knows far more what is happening to our Country than many of us, the People of America.
Hats off to the Bold and Brave in the Land of Freedom for they are keeping many of us stable and grounded, and reminding us what a great Country we live and the opportunities to do better. It will take hard work, not all of us are going to succeed in this world, but we can try, and Hillary Clinton is not offering us empty promises in the face of adversity. It is not her style.
1
Trump already proposed a face-to-face debate with Hillary without moderators. But she and her gang laughed it off. So I guess it's Hillary who's the sniveling coward.
1
Good of you to point out the warped logic of Trump's apologists who insist, out of one side of their mouths, that whatever Trump did eleven years ago is irrelevant, then declare out of the other side the OMG relevance of Bill Clinton's alleged misbehavior from the 70s. As an Austin radio host noted, if it doesn't matter what someone did 11 years ago, why are so many people still in prison for acts they committed 11 years ago? This is silliness.
What is not silly is a report at Newsweek by Kurt Eichenwald who says there is strong evidence Trump is receiving false, anti-Hilllary info out of Russia and is repeating it as fact at his rallies. We know several Trump advisors have ties to the Russian government. If Trump is being manipulated or if he is complicit in spreading Kremlin propaganda to influence this election, as Eichenwald is now claiming, every voter in the country needs to be told.
http://www.newsweek.com/vladimir-putin-sidney-blumenthal-hillary-clinton...
What is not silly is a report at Newsweek by Kurt Eichenwald who says there is strong evidence Trump is receiving false, anti-Hilllary info out of Russia and is repeating it as fact at his rallies. We know several Trump advisors have ties to the Russian government. If Trump is being manipulated or if he is complicit in spreading Kremlin propaganda to influence this election, as Eichenwald is now claiming, every voter in the country needs to be told.
http://www.newsweek.com/vladimir-putin-sidney-blumenthal-hillary-clinton...
29
White men out there relax, no one is coming for you, your guns (as phallic symbols to make you feel somehow more potent) or your women. Trust me, you are still top dog. The ascent of this epitome of your "Alpha Male" despite his so very obvious short comings proves it. He has everything advertisements tell you you need to "be a real man", money, women, lots of stuff including fast little cars and God knows plenty of chutzpah, enough chutzpah for about 1000 men really. His chutzpah is SO great that you have never seen any chutzpah this large! So large he has you convinced that the above fears are real and you have to fight your way out of something. You don't......just because a woman is smart and capable does not mean you are not. Please remember that you had a mother, maybe a sister or daughter. Now picture her getting groped by this silly old man who thinks he is never going to die if he pounds his flabby chest hard enough. Is that a pretty picture? Your lovely little girl at the mercy of this jerk simply because he has male genitals like you? How has our country fallen to this level? That we applaud horrible behavior that would make our grand mothers blush? And not only do we applaud it, we want to put it in the White House.
26
Hillary Clinton has been a faithful wife who has stood shoulder to shoulder with her husband and faced down his accusers. Bless her for protecting marriage and the family.
31
The Trump tape did show us something new. It was not just more of the same old alarming remarks. On that tape Trump bragged about about past actions. These actions are totally different from insults and ill conceived policy. Insults and policy are words, not deeds. We may disagree, and in fact, find the words disgusting, but they are only words. For the actions that Trump himself alleges took place, there must be zero tolerance. Now he threatens people who might hold more evidence with reprisal if they reveal that evidence. This is different, too. He did not threaten reprisal against people who slammed him for the wall, for the birther issue, or for his many other abhorrent statements. Trump views the response to the lewd tape as different from the many attacks he has faced. And, indeed, it is different.
10
Donald Trump will continue driving the Republican Party train off the cliff like the movie UNSTOPPABLE with Denzel Washington. The dim hope for Trump to get a back door cover or comeback win is to make his campaign manager Less Grossman (Tom Cruise in Tropic Thunder), because Les is the kind of guy who never loses, no matter what he never loses. lol.
2
The so-called Tea Party is responsible for Trump.
Correction: The fact the GOP leadership did not listen to or fight for the principles that swept the Tea Party into office, and thus gave the GOP three successive historic trouncings of the Democrats, is the reason we are now stuck with Trump.
However, I am most certainly voting for Donald P. Trump over rewarding the un-indicted criminal who, if we take her at her word (now there's a laugh!), put the country's national security as a secondary consideration to her "convenience".
We will be putting in office a person whom through her carelessness exposed national secrets to foreign powers. We will be electing a person who lied repeatedly to the American people about having turned over all her work-related emails; lied to Congress under oath; destroyed evidence, and to this day does not recognize or apologizes for any of it. Excuse me if a little bawdy language does not shock me as much as Hillary Clinton's behavior and lies.
"Extremely careless" and "unsophisticated" Hillary has no business being the first woman president, which I hope someday soon we will elect. However, out of respect for women, we should wait for a more deserving candidate.
In the meantime, I rather unite the country behind fighting "fascist" Trump in the Oval Office, than reward criminal, because make no mistake about it: TRUMP MAY BE A FASCIST, BUT THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE VOTING FOR HIM ARE MOST CERTAINLY NOT!
Correction: The fact the GOP leadership did not listen to or fight for the principles that swept the Tea Party into office, and thus gave the GOP three successive historic trouncings of the Democrats, is the reason we are now stuck with Trump.
However, I am most certainly voting for Donald P. Trump over rewarding the un-indicted criminal who, if we take her at her word (now there's a laugh!), put the country's national security as a secondary consideration to her "convenience".
We will be putting in office a person whom through her carelessness exposed national secrets to foreign powers. We will be electing a person who lied repeatedly to the American people about having turned over all her work-related emails; lied to Congress under oath; destroyed evidence, and to this day does not recognize or apologizes for any of it. Excuse me if a little bawdy language does not shock me as much as Hillary Clinton's behavior and lies.
"Extremely careless" and "unsophisticated" Hillary has no business being the first woman president, which I hope someday soon we will elect. However, out of respect for women, we should wait for a more deserving candidate.
In the meantime, I rather unite the country behind fighting "fascist" Trump in the Oval Office, than reward criminal, because make no mistake about it: TRUMP MAY BE A FASCIST, BUT THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE VOTING FOR HIM ARE MOST CERTAINLY NOT!
3
Not to excuse Hillary's server entirely, but it is always worth putting things into perspective. She was simply doing what her predecessors did before her. The difference is that her emails have been largely, not entirely, subjected to public scrutiny, whereas we have NO IDEA what was in the Republican Party email server that was set up for the same basic purpose as Hillary's.
http://www.newsweek.com/2016/09/23/george-w-bush-white-house-lost-22-mil...
http://www.newsweek.com/2016/09/23/george-w-bush-white-house-lost-22-mil...
32
Your comment makes no sense whatsoever.
Facts please.
Facts please.
3
thomas:
No one has ever had a private server. It was not allowed when she did it. This idea that somehow it was all just a slip up on her part is a false narrative, one of many floated by Hillary Clinton until FBI Director Comey put a stop to them by calling her out on them.
No one has ever had a private server. It was not allowed when she did it. This idea that somehow it was all just a slip up on her part is a false narrative, one of many floated by Hillary Clinton until FBI Director Comey put a stop to them by calling her out on them.
1
Those Republicans who've been falling over each other in the rush to distance themselves from their party's nominee for President are only calling more attention to their inexcusable lack of integrity in having previously supported him.
As Mr. Rosenthal points out, Donald Trump is the same unprincipled, sexist and offensive boor today as he's always been, and most certainly was on the day he was nominated. How could anyone with even a passing awareness of any of the Trump scandals over the past 40 years have convinced themselves that they and their fellow Americans should put their future in the hands of this lout? Did these Republicans just wake up to discover Trump has no record of civic responsibility or public service? That he's defaulted on hundreds of millions of dollars of debt? What about his multiple mega- bankruptcies? His federal taxes? It's obvious to any tabloid reader that Donald Trump has spent his life in the ruthless, unrelenting pursuit of money power and fame. His 3 marriages, and several very public extramarital affairs are just as well-documented. And I guess the party just noticed Trump's glee in demeaning and humiliating those who he feels threatened by, including women and minorities?
If these politicians didn't know about Trump until last week, they don't deserve our votes. And if they did, their cynical, if not ignorant, belief that the American public could be sold anyone and anything deserves punishment.
As Mr. Rosenthal points out, Donald Trump is the same unprincipled, sexist and offensive boor today as he's always been, and most certainly was on the day he was nominated. How could anyone with even a passing awareness of any of the Trump scandals over the past 40 years have convinced themselves that they and their fellow Americans should put their future in the hands of this lout? Did these Republicans just wake up to discover Trump has no record of civic responsibility or public service? That he's defaulted on hundreds of millions of dollars of debt? What about his multiple mega- bankruptcies? His federal taxes? It's obvious to any tabloid reader that Donald Trump has spent his life in the ruthless, unrelenting pursuit of money power and fame. His 3 marriages, and several very public extramarital affairs are just as well-documented. And I guess the party just noticed Trump's glee in demeaning and humiliating those who he feels threatened by, including women and minorities?
If these politicians didn't know about Trump until last week, they don't deserve our votes. And if they did, their cynical, if not ignorant, belief that the American public could be sold anyone and anything deserves punishment.
21
There is no integrity among the brain-rotted idiots of the Republican Party. I do not want to work for or be governed by such unscrupulous liars and death-wishing jerks.
1
Glen Beck, of all people, deserves credit for writing to The New York Times, denouncing Trump. He is listened to by a large audience who are not cretins and are true believers of his. With certainty, he has also been called out with abusive name tagging, but in the end, he knows the difference between what is right and wrong when it comes to the welfare of our Nation.
Glen Beck is still a propagator of narcissistic religious nonsense. All of it is a block to reasonable and equitable negotiation.
1
Dump Drumf!
He lives in his own unreal world of malevolent fantasies---does that word in his case mean male and violent? He has succumbed to fantasizing himself as king of America, a calculating exploiter of other---women, creditors, investors, workers---best fit to rule over the rest of us.
Watching TV I mute or keep changing channels. With this disgusting charade, you wonder how American democracy hard won through centuries, keeps getting lower.
I worry, is some worse political creature slouching toward Washington for the 2020 election, ready to bring our politics down further? And maybe using this Trump creep as a role model? Or will the country be so repelled that the only way to go is up? Or does it not even matter if we're repelled. Big money will rule?
He lives in his own unreal world of malevolent fantasies---does that word in his case mean male and violent? He has succumbed to fantasizing himself as king of America, a calculating exploiter of other---women, creditors, investors, workers---best fit to rule over the rest of us.
Watching TV I mute or keep changing channels. With this disgusting charade, you wonder how American democracy hard won through centuries, keeps getting lower.
I worry, is some worse political creature slouching toward Washington for the 2020 election, ready to bring our politics down further? And maybe using this Trump creep as a role model? Or will the country be so repelled that the only way to go is up? Or does it not even matter if we're repelled. Big money will rule?
2
I l istened to the debate, and I f talented people ound it to be one of the most disgraceful things that I have ever heard, both on the part of Trump and Clinton. For the first time in my whole entire life, I will not vote in this election, and I am not proud of it.
I just cannot stand either candidate Do we not have enough talented people who cauldron and win? Shameful,just shameful!
I just cannot stand either candidate Do we not have enough talented people who cauldron and win? Shameful,just shameful!
1
Same here. Not voting for first time. Although if I have to listen to any more sanctimonious hypocrisy from democrats about morality and treatment of women after the way they defended Bill Clinton's sexual assaults, I may be pushed to vote for Trump as a protest vote against their hypocrisy.
1
Trump was a predator stalking his prey not a presidential candidate. Clinton as a woman is fair game. So his behavior sunday night was right in character with the rest of his comments and slurs against women and those he considers weaker than himself.
trump is as others have said a13 year old in a 70 year old body. learing and strutting as all bullies do. he showed himself incapable of listening to anyone else but his own babble as he made no attempt to understand another's point of view.
everything he said and did on that stage was directed at the others in that locker room which was typically filled with hot air, nasty smells, the snapping of towels and billowing fog.
In the moments when Trump had some clarity such as when he spoke of filling the Supreme Court with small minded conservatives he threatened to turn the country back to Jim Crowe. He made it clear that he as the rich guy he is will never lower himself to pay taxes, but will use our taxes to build up a huge military based on the immanent use of nuclear weapons and will continue to disrespect Muslims
How do his sons talk in locker rooms? I hope not as dangerously as their father.
trump is as others have said a13 year old in a 70 year old body. learing and strutting as all bullies do. he showed himself incapable of listening to anyone else but his own babble as he made no attempt to understand another's point of view.
everything he said and did on that stage was directed at the others in that locker room which was typically filled with hot air, nasty smells, the snapping of towels and billowing fog.
In the moments when Trump had some clarity such as when he spoke of filling the Supreme Court with small minded conservatives he threatened to turn the country back to Jim Crowe. He made it clear that he as the rich guy he is will never lower himself to pay taxes, but will use our taxes to build up a huge military based on the immanent use of nuclear weapons and will continue to disrespect Muslims
How do his sons talk in locker rooms? I hope not as dangerously as their father.
7
So true, every word. He's exactly the same despicable monster he was 18 months ago. Now they're surprised?
11
What led up to this disgusting farce of a campaign?
Trash entertainment, trash politics and big money merged. In steps Drumpf.
The rw Gop had purged all moderates, and then seized control of the media as Fox News being allowed to become a huge monopoly. They’ve molded public opinion and put what they call the ‘liberal media’ on the defensive.
So the rw really defines what’s left, center, right. And most media go for personality/polls reporting, avoid issue talk, and stay centrist to avoid looking ‘left wing’ in this weird climate.
The Gop are running on a program to roll back our 20th C progress. And their fans are fanatical and live in fantasy.
Hard to believe the US middle class was once the world’s role model. This contrast to our past should be drawn vividly by the media, using real people as concrete examples of how the US has come down in the world. Why do they keep our better past dark? Afraid of the 'left wing' charge?.
The sad upshot---dem candidates don’t have to be really progressive to use that title in their campaigns. And they compete with repubs for megadonors to run. It’s all relative, and many pundits don’t hold them to a greater standard, but go along. With a Trumpf threat looming, that’s the easiest, and shows how our politics is being destroyed.
Trash entertainment, trash politics and big money merged. In steps Drumpf.
The rw Gop had purged all moderates, and then seized control of the media as Fox News being allowed to become a huge monopoly. They’ve molded public opinion and put what they call the ‘liberal media’ on the defensive.
So the rw really defines what’s left, center, right. And most media go for personality/polls reporting, avoid issue talk, and stay centrist to avoid looking ‘left wing’ in this weird climate.
The Gop are running on a program to roll back our 20th C progress. And their fans are fanatical and live in fantasy.
Hard to believe the US middle class was once the world’s role model. This contrast to our past should be drawn vividly by the media, using real people as concrete examples of how the US has come down in the world. Why do they keep our better past dark? Afraid of the 'left wing' charge?.
The sad upshot---dem candidates don’t have to be really progressive to use that title in their campaigns. And they compete with repubs for megadonors to run. It’s all relative, and many pundits don’t hold them to a greater standard, but go along. With a Trumpf threat looming, that’s the easiest, and shows how our politics is being destroyed.
1
> "To vote for him, you have to pretend you don’t know who he really is —
> or choose not to care."
YES! So true.
> or choose not to care."
YES! So true.
9
Same for Hillary. That's the problem.
Albert, not really. I don't feel the same level of hatred towards Hillary, although I can't stomach her deleting the e-mails.
I can't imagine why any of Trump's supporters think he will be able to "make America great again" once he is POTUS - he simply won't have time. Trump's list of people he plans to "go after," once elected - journalists and political opponents top the list- is so long and expanding so rapidly that it's fortunate that he has told us he needs little sleep. On day one of his tenure, I picture him holed up in the Oval Office with "Putinesque" figures trying to set up extra-judicial bodies to imprison the anti-Trump "elements " in the population.
Donald Trump may no nothing nothing about governing ( or much else), but he knows more about carrying on all-consuming personal vendettas than almost anyone on the planet.
Donald Trump may no nothing nothing about governing ( or much else), but he knows more about carrying on all-consuming personal vendettas than almost anyone on the planet.
10
"The video was disgusting, but it showed us nothing new about Trump. He’s been insulting women all year, along with Mexican immigrants, Muslims, gay Americans and people with disabilities."
Not only has he been insulting people all year, he's been insulting them FOR DECADES!!
Not only has he been insulting people all year, he's been insulting them FOR DECADES!!
9
Exactly. And his comments aren't even the worst of it. His flatly unconstitutional proposals are. His authoritarian streak and thin skin are. And what they are is dangerous. History is replete with examples of what happens when people like Donald Trump are given power.
9
A lot of people are saying Trump's hands were even smaller Monday morning.
6
The President does not have the power to put people behind bar ? Just claim that the private server of Clinton lowered the security, thereby aiding the enemy, making her an enemy combatant, and throw her in Gitmo. Sounds super-far-fetched, maybe, but who could tell, courts have declared they do not have authority to rule on such actions by the President...
2
For most of us it is difficult to imagine anyone voting for Trump, so his followers are often described as "poor, white, uneducated", but in my own limited experience, that isn't the case - which is even more baffling. Of these few I know, all are educated,( one has a PhD), none are poor, one is Evangelical so we all know where he is coming from, and all are white. I can't fathom what they must be thinking! Hearing Trump open his mouth while random words spill out, seeing his anger, meanness and cruelty - takes 10 minutes at the most to know the man cannot be allowed near the Oval Office. How can anyone be "undecided"? Go figure!
14
It's Hillary's lies and criminal past, coupled with the fact that her husband has behaved worse than Trump, that makes people vote for Trump.
What's baffling is how many people would allow a Clinton anywhere near the White House after knowing how unethical and greedy they are. The country will be mired in controversy for 4 years. Think Benghazi and Lewinsky combined.
What's baffling is how many people would allow a Clinton anywhere near the White House after knowing how unethical and greedy they are. The country will be mired in controversy for 4 years. Think Benghazi and Lewinsky combined.
1
Let's call it alt- reality
4
An excellent article because so clear and stark.
Trump's supporters know exactly what he stands for: the return to a world (perhaps a fantasy) in which you got to be superior, to abuse, and to assault others simply because you were male, heterosexual, white, affluent, and "Christian" (though there's nothing Christian I can see about such people. Would Jesus have agreed with anything Trump says?). All the stuff about conservative values, fiscal conservatism, etc. -- so much smokescreen for attitudes and aspirations much more visceral.
Those attitudes have been kept for private consumption in times when other people have discovered they can push back (hence the deep anger about "political correctness', which means being called out for saying appalling things).
Trump's supporters are using his candidacy to crawl out from under their stones and march in the shadow of that rough beast slouching towards Washington.
Trump's supporters know exactly what he stands for: the return to a world (perhaps a fantasy) in which you got to be superior, to abuse, and to assault others simply because you were male, heterosexual, white, affluent, and "Christian" (though there's nothing Christian I can see about such people. Would Jesus have agreed with anything Trump says?). All the stuff about conservative values, fiscal conservatism, etc. -- so much smokescreen for attitudes and aspirations much more visceral.
Those attitudes have been kept for private consumption in times when other people have discovered they can push back (hence the deep anger about "political correctness', which means being called out for saying appalling things).
Trump's supporters are using his candidacy to crawl out from under their stones and march in the shadow of that rough beast slouching towards Washington.
4
We know well now that the things Donald repeats in his rallies are a good reflection of the man he really is, because they are mostly stream of consciousness ramblings - and are all about him.
"Give me a break", while said in the context of anything Hillary says actually reflects how he approaches his tax obligations.
"It's just words, folks". Whether defending himself against the sexual assaults he's admitted to in the Billy Bush tape or when talking about Hillary as a candidate refers to the sincerity of his apologies, or his own campaign which is high on words and low on content. (Donald: "we need to be tougher and stronger" in the context of ISIS is NOT a strategy)
"There's so much hate, folks" (referring to Muslims) or "hatred in her heart" points towards his own hatred of minorities and of Hillary Clinton.
"Crooked" and "lying" are so obviously about him that they don't even merit an explanation.
Now all that remains is for people to look in his direction instead and act on what he is saying the next time he shouts "get him out of here" at a protester in a rally... Seriously, it's time to get him out of here. November 9 couldn't come sooner. It's embarrassing to apologize to the neighbors the morning after the debate for all the French I mouthed loudly while listening to Trump's lies. (unfortunately, the fact checkers can only call them out as lies afterwards and not during the debate and the moderators are loathe to do so)
"Give me a break", while said in the context of anything Hillary says actually reflects how he approaches his tax obligations.
"It's just words, folks". Whether defending himself against the sexual assaults he's admitted to in the Billy Bush tape or when talking about Hillary as a candidate refers to the sincerity of his apologies, or his own campaign which is high on words and low on content. (Donald: "we need to be tougher and stronger" in the context of ISIS is NOT a strategy)
"There's so much hate, folks" (referring to Muslims) or "hatred in her heart" points towards his own hatred of minorities and of Hillary Clinton.
"Crooked" and "lying" are so obviously about him that they don't even merit an explanation.
Now all that remains is for people to look in his direction instead and act on what he is saying the next time he shouts "get him out of here" at a protester in a rally... Seriously, it's time to get him out of here. November 9 couldn't come sooner. It's embarrassing to apologize to the neighbors the morning after the debate for all the French I mouthed loudly while listening to Trump's lies. (unfortunately, the fact checkers can only call them out as lies afterwards and not during the debate and the moderators are loathe to do so)
4
trump may be the best thing ever to happen to the Democratic party
1
Enough...there are enough decent people everywhere who recognize what's been going on the past 16 months and who need to help keep vermin like this out of the public eye. It's taken women, minorities, the LGBTQ Community and persons with disabilities too long to get to where they are now. Centuries toward progress cut down in mere months. The real deplorables are the GOP and its small-minded hypocritical stance on their own stated principles. They say they fear Trans in bathrooms when this man lurks and leers in beauty pageants and spews poisin on TV sets and brags about it? It is their candidate and what they give him as a 'pass' every single day he remains the candidate is unacceptable. Damn straight it is about the hard right trying to seize control of Washington so it can roll back half a century of economic, racial and social progress.
The voters are mad as hell and its not just Democrats that see the down ballot GOP is a disgrace...keep this in mind on election day-prove that as Republicans you see the cancer is beyond Trump - has traveled to Pence and has metastasized all through the party- they put him in as the face of their party. Clean the house by cutting out the cancer and its detritus. It's the only way.
The voters are mad as hell and its not just Democrats that see the down ballot GOP is a disgrace...keep this in mind on election day-prove that as Republicans you see the cancer is beyond Trump - has traveled to Pence and has metastasized all through the party- they put him in as the face of their party. Clean the house by cutting out the cancer and its detritus. It's the only way.
5
By the way. If Hilary's transcripts had been revealed during the primary it would be Bernie vs. Trump. Hilary has revealed herself to be the corporatist weasel we always knew she was. If she wasn't, she would be leading Trump by 23 points nationally. Bernie would be doing better even than that.
We've always known her opposition to the TPP was a sham. We've always known the she and Bill have never met an appearance of impropriety they couldn't embrace. Two surprising points in her favor: She badmouthed carried interest credit even to the bankers, and she hasn't completely thrown Obama Care under the bus yet (not yet anyway). On the other hand, don't expect her to jail a bankster... Ever.
But she has the great good fortune to be running against Donald "The Lip", Trump and his flat-earther buddy, Mike "Science, huh?" Pence. This is not a race to the bottom. It got there some time ago.
Tim "The Fix has Been in for Years" Kaine is no help at all. Personally decent yet drippingly corporate, he is proof that we are being laughed at in board rooms across the world.
That Trump cannot measure up to even this low bar should be a mortifying realization in the Trump household.
But, let's all get out there and vote straight Democrat. Could we at least capture the senate and get the judiciary functioning again. We owe that much to Bernie.
And by the way. What's with all the sniffing Donald?
We've always known her opposition to the TPP was a sham. We've always known the she and Bill have never met an appearance of impropriety they couldn't embrace. Two surprising points in her favor: She badmouthed carried interest credit even to the bankers, and she hasn't completely thrown Obama Care under the bus yet (not yet anyway). On the other hand, don't expect her to jail a bankster... Ever.
But she has the great good fortune to be running against Donald "The Lip", Trump and his flat-earther buddy, Mike "Science, huh?" Pence. This is not a race to the bottom. It got there some time ago.
Tim "The Fix has Been in for Years" Kaine is no help at all. Personally decent yet drippingly corporate, he is proof that we are being laughed at in board rooms across the world.
That Trump cannot measure up to even this low bar should be a mortifying realization in the Trump household.
But, let's all get out there and vote straight Democrat. Could we at least capture the senate and get the judiciary functioning again. We owe that much to Bernie.
And by the way. What's with all the sniffing Donald?
1
The emails reveal she is for single payer
Do you believe any successful politician always reveals everything in her head? Ask Lincoln or FDR
Do you believe any successful politician always reveals everything in her head? Ask Lincoln or FDR
1
I like the old style Liberals and Liberalism. The modern day Liberals are such bible thumpers JFK, Ted Kennedy and Bill Clinton pushed the limits of Liberalism and too sex out of the closet. Ted, even invented the waitress sandwich with fellow Democrat Chris Dodd.
Grow up, it's just sex.
Grow up, it's just sex.
Who is taking care of the children who may be trying to grow up?
you always knew he was like this yet he was a New York celebrity and considered a success
He was on tv and radio and liked
He was a birther and dislikes Mexicans but that wasn't a major issue
There were some concerns when he ran for the GOP nomination
Until he ran against hrc
Interesting
He was on tv and radio and liked
He was a birther and dislikes Mexicans but that wasn't a major issue
There were some concerns when he ran for the GOP nomination
Until he ran against hrc
Interesting
Martin O'Malley got on my nerves during the campaign, but the wikileaks emails published today reveal him to be the most prescient observer of 2016:
"When people deeply feel their government is against them, their right to vote becomes an act of protest."
I implore everyone, regardless of candidate, to heed those words. Once they become apt and all argument is about feelings, then logic, evidence and basic right v. wrong lose priority. Defeating Trump will turn his voters into refugees, and they should not be abandoned. Defeating Hillary will make her supporters into exiles, and they should not be targeted.
Please, no campaign should ever require us to forfeit the goodwill for our fellow citizen. Ever. Support your choice with a full heart and the best intentions. But know that if you hate or deplore the other side, you possess neither.
"When people deeply feel their government is against them, their right to vote becomes an act of protest."
I implore everyone, regardless of candidate, to heed those words. Once they become apt and all argument is about feelings, then logic, evidence and basic right v. wrong lose priority. Defeating Trump will turn his voters into refugees, and they should not be abandoned. Defeating Hillary will make her supporters into exiles, and they should not be targeted.
Please, no campaign should ever require us to forfeit the goodwill for our fellow citizen. Ever. Support your choice with a full heart and the best intentions. But know that if you hate or deplore the other side, you possess neither.
They say he will be civil, they say he will act more presidential, they say he is a blue collar millionaire, they say he is another person, they say he will make America great again, they say he is a successful business man, they say he is the American Midas... in reality he is racist, classist, immature, egocentric, megalomaniac, liar, opportunistic, sexist, cheater, vulgar, etc, etc...
2
Donald Trump is not unique to the GOP, he merely says what has heretofore been the subtext just below the surface, but in fact what those in the GOP actually believe, including the vast majority of the GOP in the Senate and Congress.
3
The second debate showed Mr. Trump for the predator that he really is.
He admitted he talked about sexually abusing women and if voters are to believe his hype and bravado then that means he actually committed sexual assault on women, including his first wife who accused him of rape in a written deposition.
Why is this criminal still the Republican nominee?
He admitted he talked about sexually abusing women and if voters are to believe his hype and bravado then that means he actually committed sexual assault on women, including his first wife who accused him of rape in a written deposition.
Why is this criminal still the Republican nominee?
4
It should disturb everyone that a white supremacist with no government experience was nominated by a major political party. The party in question needs to take a hard look at itself and its philosophies and its vetting process -- and what it has been willing to tolerate in the name of its so-called 'base.' Some old books and films from the 50s and 60s predicted this: All the Kings Men, Seven Days in May, The Manchurian Candidate, A Face in the Crowd. I've been disappointed that the press hasn't tried to teach the public more American history, to get this thing in perspective. The example of Huey Long is especially illuminating.
6
Something good may come of all this. There is no higher aspiration that Donald Trump has than being president of the United States. It is the absolute ultimate validation of everything who he thinks he is. Losing the election, as a major party candidate, and to a woman to boot, would be a shock of untold profundity. It could inspire a crisis of identity in the man. After a period of painful soul searching, introspection, and guided reexamination, he could emerge a changed man. He could become a responsible developer, investing in affordable housing. A philanthropist supporting a global network of shelters serving battered Muslim women. The energy behind eradication of lethal viruses. The spokesman for sane gun laws. A real life Ebenezer Scrooge-like transformation.
Nah.
Nah.
4
When it comes to racism, the most divisive problem is the separation of the races by where they live. North and South, Republican and Democrat, and wealthy and poor, they all tend to live separately by race. Racism toward Obama and birther racism are relatively inconsequential by comparison. As for the 2005 video, I doubt it reveals Trump's sexual harassment of women. Men like attractive women and they talk about them in crude ways. Of course, if Trump actually acted on his urges that wold be a serious matter. But I doubt he kisses women without permission and touches their genitals. That sounds like all talk among the boys. Men don't kiss unknown women on the street, and genital grabbing of women by unknown men is extremely rare.
Men who talk about about women in crude ways are disgusting men. Their comments about -- and often to -- woman are just as vile as would be their uninvited touch on any part of our bodies.
Whether or not Trump did what he implied he did, he is still disgusting. That will not change.
It´s important to remember. Donald Trump is disgusting.
Whether or not Trump did what he implied he did, he is still disgusting. That will not change.
It´s important to remember. Donald Trump is disgusting.
1
The October Surprise was not surprising.
What was wrong with the Bushes that they didn't unearth this gem? I find it amusing that Ben Carson and others are blaming the liberal media when a BUSH, Republican royalty, was at the center of this controversy. NBC sat on this because their asset, Mr. Bush, was implicated.
Billy Bush will be a factor in this election, which is more than I can say for any of his relatives.
What was wrong with the Bushes that they didn't unearth this gem? I find it amusing that Ben Carson and others are blaming the liberal media when a BUSH, Republican royalty, was at the center of this controversy. NBC sat on this because their asset, Mr. Bush, was implicated.
Billy Bush will be a factor in this election, which is more than I can say for any of his relatives.
3
The hypocrisy of the talking heads we see on TV, who still defend this indecent slug, fills our airwaves with a stench that's hard to wash off our frontal lobes.
With straight face they regurgitate their diversionary talking points rather then actually address the questions put to them. Some must be squirming inside...they must be... or there seems no reason to have faith anymore that decency still means anything.
Hey Sean Hannity and ilk, answer me this, had this been a tape of any Democratic candidate would you all collectively be referring to it as simply "locker room talk", nothing to be concerned about, nothing to see here, how 'bout we just move on with the important issues?
Some of them must be squirming...
With straight face they regurgitate their diversionary talking points rather then actually address the questions put to them. Some must be squirming inside...they must be... or there seems no reason to have faith anymore that decency still means anything.
Hey Sean Hannity and ilk, answer me this, had this been a tape of any Democratic candidate would you all collectively be referring to it as simply "locker room talk", nothing to be concerned about, nothing to see here, how 'bout we just move on with the important issues?
Some of them must be squirming...
2
Reasonable people cannot and will not stomach Trump and his many personality issues. Unfortunately that is not entirely true. I know several people who support Trump regardless of his immoral life and attitudes because of his conservatism as it is. It dumbfounds me completely. These people overlook his brutishness because of coinciding beliefs.
5
The Orange Pumpkin praised Assad, for crying out loud, for "going after ISIS." And how did he get Russian mis-information talking points? www.newsweek.com/vladimir-putin-sidney-blumenthal-hillary-clinton-donald...
2
"“He expressed genuine contrition for the words he used on the video that became public,” Pence said on Fox News on Monday."
This is perhaps the most revealing statement about how vulgar and deceptive the GOP has become. Pence has always declared his Christianity drives his life decisions and is always the prime driver. Jeff Sessions has declared that what Trump described in the video is not sexual assault. The next thing we're going to hear from these two is that Jesus says its OK to grope women. Where are the morality and common sense here?
This is perhaps the most revealing statement about how vulgar and deceptive the GOP has become. Pence has always declared his Christianity drives his life decisions and is always the prime driver. Jeff Sessions has declared that what Trump described in the video is not sexual assault. The next thing we're going to hear from these two is that Jesus says its OK to grope women. Where are the morality and common sense here?
3
Reference Trump's self-avowed acts exploiting his celebrity through sexual imposition and assault. And this from the very man who described Mexicans as rapists?
2
What is this locker room banter? I haven't heard it in any locker room I've been in.
Does "locker room banter" mean lying about events that didn't happen to make yourself seem big and powerful or to compensate for lack of attractiveness?
Or does "locker room banter" mean talking truthfully about sexual assault to make yourself feel big and powerful or to compensate for lack of attractiveness?
Or does "locker room banter" just mean talking about women as if they were cuts of meat - "that's a well marbled steak"/"that's a nice camel toe"
Does "locker room banter" mean lying about events that didn't happen to make yourself seem big and powerful or to compensate for lack of attractiveness?
Or does "locker room banter" mean talking truthfully about sexual assault to make yourself feel big and powerful or to compensate for lack of attractiveness?
Or does "locker room banter" just mean talking about women as if they were cuts of meat - "that's a well marbled steak"/"that's a nice camel toe"
3
What a total waste of a left wing newspaper. Since when does a news paper feel they can tell you what to be and what to think. Most people can think on their own and don't need this type of hype coming from a syndicate.
The media enabled him claiming he wasn't a politician so the rules didn't apply to him.You have helped to create a monster. Trump genuinely thinks he is genetically superior and no rules apply to him. Time to bring him down a peg or two or three.
2
Trump's comments about our Canadian health care system did not go down well here, to say the least. Irony...we have a triage-based system and triage is exactly what Trump's campaign desperately needs. Anyways, here's a good video explaining how our system works...just in case anybody was buying any of Trump's bogus claims from last night.
http://theincidentaleconomist.com/wordpress/healthcare-triage-canadas-he...
http://theincidentaleconomist.com/wordpress/healthcare-triage-canadas-he...
3
“When someone shows you who they are believe them; the first time.”
― Maya Angelou
― Maya Angelou
5
Where does Doctor James Dobson stand on Trump's 2005 shenanigans?
Oh, silly me! That all occurred years ago, long before Trump became a born-again "baby Christian" and stalwart defender of conservative Evangelical family values.
Trump's recent problems are all due to infidel calumniators, all from NYC, Sin-City-East, no doubt.
Oh, silly me! That all occurred years ago, long before Trump became a born-again "baby Christian" and stalwart defender of conservative Evangelical family values.
Trump's recent problems are all due to infidel calumniators, all from NYC, Sin-City-East, no doubt.
2
Trump, rather than having the Midas Touch, debases everything and everyone he comes in contact with. The debate - or non debate last night was just one more example. Yes, this country needs serious changes, but Trump in no way remotely shows that he has the aptitude, intelligence or moral integrity to lead this country forward in positive directions. One only has to look at the people he has surrounded himself with; Steven Bannon, Rudi Giuliani, Roger Aisles and Chris Christy who try to explain away that Trump is not the same boy’s club lewd sinner of the past while at the same time encourage hysterical fear, racism and sexism. Trump and his Band of Bannons are the ones with cynical dark hearts who are the real danger to this country an the world.
2
The NYTimes should headline Trump's deranged rally tonight, vilely attacking the media and continuing his threat to use the power of the presidency to lock up Hillary, while delegitimizing the election results. The Times should also report more on the behavior of the attendees at Trump rallies. Shades of Nuremberg!
2
The Dallas Morning News has a lead story about a local minister, an a leader of a religious advisory council to Trump, saying that Trump "redeemed himself" at the debate. Neat trick. I thought he came off as the mean spirited, hotheaded bully we've been seeing all year. To my eyes, Trump looked like nothing so much as a fading small town lounge singer, holding the mic close to his wheezing breath and trying desperately to hold on to his weekly one night gig at the local Holliday Inn. I shut the debate off. I couldn't take it.
I don't know fully what has happened to our country. Were we this bad all along and the ugly truth is only now rising to the surface? As a child, I first thought that I would grow up to be a minister. Now, many years later, watching the evangelicals sell out their religion for their political desires, they look like people stuck blind by their hatred of Hillary Clinton. They have obviously abandoned the only thing that works in a democracy, slow, gradual change, and instead support the least qualified person ever to be nominated by a major party, a person whose life is a mockery of their core beliefs.
Soon, this will be over. Cleaning up this horrid mess is going to be a long term project, however, and it will require renewed faith in America's great potential as a decent, cooperative enterprise dedicated to the proposition that we are better, can be better, than we appear right now.
I don't know fully what has happened to our country. Were we this bad all along and the ugly truth is only now rising to the surface? As a child, I first thought that I would grow up to be a minister. Now, many years later, watching the evangelicals sell out their religion for their political desires, they look like people stuck blind by their hatred of Hillary Clinton. They have obviously abandoned the only thing that works in a democracy, slow, gradual change, and instead support the least qualified person ever to be nominated by a major party, a person whose life is a mockery of their core beliefs.
Soon, this will be over. Cleaning up this horrid mess is going to be a long term project, however, and it will require renewed faith in America's great potential as a decent, cooperative enterprise dedicated to the proposition that we are better, can be better, than we appear right now.
280
What has happened to this country is people like H. Clinton have been running it. Good Grief! Rent a clue! All of these primadonna men whiners have spoken about a female the same way Mr. Trump is accused of...at least once in their life. If you like the way the country IS..vote for Hilary. If you want change hire the Bull Dog! Mr. Trump in 2017
Having read what seem like a bazillion articles and columns about Trump and an equal number of responses, IMHO, Mr. Rosenthal has written, (can I even say it?) a refreshing column about Trump by being frankly blunt and not mincing words. Mr. Terry (again IMHO) has given a response that encapsulates this election and beyond. I am satisfied that what needs to be said has been so and I will no longer feel the need to keep my personal vigilance about this scourge that impersonates a presidential candidate.
32
Most of the coverage is ignoring the elephant in the room: Supreme Court vacancies. People who would otherwise despise Trump are forced to deal with him because they know his opponent would pack the Supreme Court with elitists who would never allow the American people to vote on abortion law.
Let us not forget another side of the DT we all have, unfortunately, come to know. He is a megalomaniac and will not go quietly into the sunset.
I suspect we have only touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what DT and his crew of Fox rejects have planned for our country.
If Ryan is too afraid of DT now, why on earth should we believe he would be less intimidated if DT actually made his way into the WH. Unfortunately, this foolishness is all to familiar for those who know their history.
I suspect we have only touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what DT and his crew of Fox rejects have planned for our country.
If Ryan is too afraid of DT now, why on earth should we believe he would be less intimidated if DT actually made his way into the WH. Unfortunately, this foolishness is all to familiar for those who know their history.
2
Locker room banter? When has Trump ever spent time in a locker room? By the look of him, not recently. Another reason to question his fitness. None of his behavior should come as a surprise to anyone. It is the same old stuff, over and over, just more desperate now as the end is in sight and he's a several furlongs behind HRC. His campaign is in tatters, his fellow Republicans, have finally removed their blindfolds and he's on his own. This thing will soon be over and the post mortem will be interesting. The recent video tape with the "two wild and crazy guys" Billy Bush and Trump reveals the real mind of Trump....and will be his legacy.
2
When Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President John F. Kennedy, was nominated by President Obama to succeed U. S. Ambassador to Japan, John V. Roos, in the fall of 2013 she appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and was unanimously confirmed.
Like Hillary Clinton, Ms. Kennedy was educated at a then “Seven Sister” college; namely, Radcliffe College and held an Ivy League law degree from Columbia. Ms. Clinton’s credentials are from Wellesley College and Yale Law School.
Now that the comparison of Caroline Kennedy and Hillary Clinton has been made, think how sleazy and pukingly objectionable it would have been if political enemies of the Kennedys and Obamas had publicized President. Kennedy’s alleged marital infidelities and brought some of the surviving women to her confirmation hearing.
This comparison should give us some sense of how far out of bounds the Donald Trump campaign has gone in its crude attempts to heap the sins of Bill Clinton upon Hillary Clinton.
Like Hillary Clinton, Ms. Kennedy was educated at a then “Seven Sister” college; namely, Radcliffe College and held an Ivy League law degree from Columbia. Ms. Clinton’s credentials are from Wellesley College and Yale Law School.
Now that the comparison of Caroline Kennedy and Hillary Clinton has been made, think how sleazy and pukingly objectionable it would have been if political enemies of the Kennedys and Obamas had publicized President. Kennedy’s alleged marital infidelities and brought some of the surviving women to her confirmation hearing.
This comparison should give us some sense of how far out of bounds the Donald Trump campaign has gone in its crude attempts to heap the sins of Bill Clinton upon Hillary Clinton.
3
Trump is no Republican; he is a New York Democrat! He was a supporter of Clinton during both her Senatorial and Presidential bids. Somewhere along his life journey, he became a Republican by name only. His message is clear and resounds among those disenfranchised Americans lost in the new world order! Albeit his delivery is boorish, angry and ill-tempered, his message is not that provocative: secure borders, legal immigration, fair trade, repatriation of American foreign companies and Nato members pay its fair share for its upkeep! It is the messenger and the way he states it that make his message seem xenophobic and Islamaphobic! He does not have the temperament to be President nor is Hillary deserving of the presidency. This election year perhaps Trump's legacy will read, the man who created a third party; perhaps a modern-day know nothing party. More to the point, if anything is learned this election cycle, Mr. Trump has cast deep lingering doubts, to his supporters, that the system is rigged and that the Washington Republican Party conspired to rig the election against him.
"It is about the hard right trying to seize control of Washington so it can roll back half a century of economic, racial and social progress."
More like a century. Back to Hoover, or to the gilded robber baron age.
It is about the state of politics in Washington first, and about Trump second. He is the results of a broken democracy, not the start of it. He is the indulgent, self-absorbed TV branded personality, snake oil salesman, and schoolyard bully to step into the political house of cards Karl Rove & Co. built. Honestly during the last presidential election cycle there were demagogues and know-nothings on the GOP primary stage spewing all sorts of crazy things, They didn't make it to the top. This time crazy was the only choice left, because the average GOP loyal voter can't go through another decade of the same downslide classic GOP trickle down economics brings. Fox TV has discredited all modern social democracy style government, and the opposing party, so what's left. Turn to extreme demagogues on radio and TV, all scapegoating, fear and anger. Real photo-fascist stuff.
It took decades of incremental political moves to create the mess our democracy is in today. Supermajorities have disenfranchised voters in the house and senate, and a permanantly tied court is held blackmail until it can be stacked with judges who will vote the party line. Now the executive branch is being dragged into banana republic style politics. I'd say all bets are off.
More like a century. Back to Hoover, or to the gilded robber baron age.
It is about the state of politics in Washington first, and about Trump second. He is the results of a broken democracy, not the start of it. He is the indulgent, self-absorbed TV branded personality, snake oil salesman, and schoolyard bully to step into the political house of cards Karl Rove & Co. built. Honestly during the last presidential election cycle there were demagogues and know-nothings on the GOP primary stage spewing all sorts of crazy things, They didn't make it to the top. This time crazy was the only choice left, because the average GOP loyal voter can't go through another decade of the same downslide classic GOP trickle down economics brings. Fox TV has discredited all modern social democracy style government, and the opposing party, so what's left. Turn to extreme demagogues on radio and TV, all scapegoating, fear and anger. Real photo-fascist stuff.
It took decades of incremental political moves to create the mess our democracy is in today. Supermajorities have disenfranchised voters in the house and senate, and a permanantly tied court is held blackmail until it can be stacked with judges who will vote the party line. Now the executive branch is being dragged into banana republic style politics. I'd say all bets are off.
1
Trump thinks he knows about "nuclear" because his uncle, an MIT professor, did. It's the "genes".
1
Trump was just awful. Full stop. As one commentator down here wrote he was like a drunk arguing with a bar room mirror. And another has used his TV show to call on the media to stop treating Trump as a joke. He isn't. The good news is Americans are sensible people and won't vote for him.
3
The real tragedy of this election is that the massive character flaws of Trump have given Hillary Clinton a free pass on criticism of her self-proclaimed experience and expertise.
Whether on foreign policy, in which her record shows she is no different from Bush/Cheney, or on her domestic policies that have favoured Wall Street and enabled her to amass enormous wealth while in public office, Hillary Clinton is clearly a slave of lobbies. As a foreigner I would prefer a U.S. President capable of effecting real change in U.S. foreign and domestic policies.
But I suppose seeing the back of Trump is a small mercy for which the world should be grateful: It could have been a lot worse.
Whether on foreign policy, in which her record shows she is no different from Bush/Cheney, or on her domestic policies that have favoured Wall Street and enabled her to amass enormous wealth while in public office, Hillary Clinton is clearly a slave of lobbies. As a foreigner I would prefer a U.S. President capable of effecting real change in U.S. foreign and domestic policies.
But I suppose seeing the back of Trump is a small mercy for which the world should be grateful: It could have been a lot worse.
With North Korea moving toward nuclear weapons that can strike the US mainland
Brutal repression in Muslim countries
China building military bases in the contested Spratly Islands
Rising Heroin overdoses
Jobs leaving the country
A Social Security system nearing insolvency
Anderson Cooper asks Trump if he ever kissed a woman without permission...
Brutal repression in Muslim countries
China building military bases in the contested Spratly Islands
Rising Heroin overdoses
Jobs leaving the country
A Social Security system nearing insolvency
Anderson Cooper asks Trump if he ever kissed a woman without permission...
1
"To vote for him, you have to pretend you don’t know who he really is — or choose not to care."
I agree, and add one more thing: That he or she agrees with Trump wholeheartedly on everything.
I agree, and add one more thing: That he or she agrees with Trump wholeheartedly on everything.
1
Let's call 'locker room talk' what it is -- hate speech. Donald Trump and his apologists should be doing much more than saying they're sorry for engaging in it. They should be condemning it in the strongest possible terms. Instead we get hey, it's all in good fun. No harm, no foul — to use another sports term — because it's just guys, you know, being guys.
5
I hope the Republican party suffers for years and years bc of their arrogance and irresponsibility by electing Trump. How can America trust the GOP anytime soon? ALL of us are suffering as a result of GOP Stupidity and Entitlement.
4
His behavior on stage last night was borderline assaultive, borderline psychotic. Trump is the one who should be in jail.
4
Where I reside in Colorado. There is a lot of support for trump. I feel like what is said at end of piece is very true. They just do not care. It is so sad.
2
"And Trump said that if he is elected, he will appoint a special prosecutor to indict Clinton over her emails."
Actually what he said was "..to look into your situation."
He doesn't even know what he wants to do.
Please be clear and factual on this lame threat/quote.
Actually what he said was "..to look into your situation."
He doesn't even know what he wants to do.
Please be clear and factual on this lame threat/quote.
Honestly - I'm surprised that people are surprised about Trump's frat boy comments. I expect nothing more of him. I'm waiting for more bad behavior to be exposed. This can't be the only time he has said something in the spirit of being proud of assaulting women in public. The fact that he tried to deviate and talk about Bill Clinton is a desperate attempt for survival, and extreme sexism. What the hell does Bill's misgivings 20 years ago have to do with Hillary's policies today?
1
Are there any Republican politicians who have demonstrated integrity during this debacle??? Help me here.
3
So now that Trump knows he's in trouble he will double down and try to bring us all into the gutter with him. He will encourage unrest because he cannot win. He will delegitimize the election because he will have lost. He will encourage his fringe alt-right followers to commit anarchy. All because he is a big baby who didn't get his way. The equivalent of throwing up the board in a game when the loss becomes inevitable. I am disgusted with the Republican Party and the press for ever giving this race baiting bigot false equivalency. Kind good law abiding citizens will pay the price.
4
Trump has successfully cloned an army of acid-bleached blonde surrogate clones--they all defend him as mechanically as the "Fem-Bots" in "Austin Powers", they proved their "points" by talking as quickly and as loudly as possible so as to drown out others on any panel they are on--they don't care about reality or the rules of civility--they (like Trump) consider honesty and politeness a weakness to be exploited. The whiff of a post-Trump media start-up to cash in even more on two years worth of free national publicity when he loses, which makes sense as he cashed in on the billion dollar loss, which was incurred by his investors, not him. If he did get elected, he is so close to his own mortality, that this megalomaniac would be more than happy to push the Nuke button, while Russia does theirs--apocalypse to the tune of "Putin' on the Ritz." Feel the Trump Nuclear Burn...
2
Great piece! We should all take a deep breath and express our gratitude to the Drumpf. He is the apotheosis of G.O.P. "thought" and "policy." He has put an indelible face on the Republican brand so that when we think of bigotry, misogyny, racism, hatred, white privilege, hypocrisy, mendacity, party before country, obstructionism, elitism, cowardice, feckless malfeasance, science denying, downright ignorance, etc., we have a face for the name. Trump has embarrassed the Republicans only because he has dared to speak what is in their hearts. He is their chosen one and the gallows conversions we now see are feeble, transparent, cynical and meaningless. In the process we have seen how Nixon's Southern Strategy has finally born the poisonous fruit of 2016 and how stupidity can be lethal to democracy. And you can't fix stupid.
2
Does Mr. Trump want to take us back to the time before Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, Simone de Beauvoir, when women knew their place --- kinder, kuche and kirche?
The women's locker room today at the gym was abuzz with how backward Mr. Trump's thinking was: how can anyone in their right mind blame a husband's infidelities on his wife? And how can they blame her for being angry at "the other woman"? Or is Mr. Trump objectifying women yet again --- the husband is wandering because the wife shirked her wifely duty and couldn't satisfy him?
If Trump's idea of making America great again again means going back to when rape was the victim's fault, then I'm not going with him.
The women's locker room today at the gym was abuzz with how backward Mr. Trump's thinking was: how can anyone in their right mind blame a husband's infidelities on his wife? And how can they blame her for being angry at "the other woman"? Or is Mr. Trump objectifying women yet again --- the husband is wandering because the wife shirked her wifely duty and couldn't satisfy him?
If Trump's idea of making America great again again means going back to when rape was the victim's fault, then I'm not going with him.
3
The Republican Party has no decency at all. Donald Trump is the catharsis of so many years of hatred fostered by the GoP with its Southern Strategy. However, I believe his disease has infected a great body of Americans who want a return of the ole days when Cotton was king and Jim Crow was the law of the land. I for one cannot fathom the 70% of republicans who have embrace Donald Trump and his racism, bigotry, sexism, misogyny, communism and tendency towards dictatorship. Yes, Hillary Clinton was right when she said half of his supporters are deplorable racist. However, she left out the other 20% who also continue to support Donald Trump in the face of so much publicly available information. Information that indicates he is a menace to society and our Country. I hope and pray we get rid of this disease but I will not hold my breath.
2
You know, it's been there all along, right in the slogan: Make America Great AGAIN. "Again" does not express change. Again means going back, repeating. And yet Hillary Clinton has somehow missed this, somehow allowed Trump to cast himself as the candidate of change. Her centerpeice in one of these debates should have been a speech to the effect of: "My opponent wants you to believe he is the candidate of change. Yet his very slogan is based on the idea of going backwards. And everything he says--about immigration, about the place of women and minorities, about the economy, about how to defend this country--are things we have heard and seen before. They are policies that never worked and ideas that held back so many Americans for shameful generations until they were finally thrown out by those of us who really want and believe in change." What is so distressing about this election is not so much the predictable tone of Trump's campaign but that he has succeeded in driving the narrative with it.
1
Shalom, Andrew Rosenthal, though I agree with you on Trump, where's the same castigation for Hillary Clinton, a woman who has sold privilege to foreign donors to her "charity" and egregiously obfuscating about using personal, easily-hackable emails to discuss classified, national-security issues. Let me guess, Andrew Rosenthal, it's all a Right-wing conspiracy. Mazel tov, Andrew Rosenthal.
I'm a recording engineer and for 25 years have been helping bands, mostly all male, record and mix in a small studio. A locker room of sorts. In all my years, I've never heard anything as aggressive as Trump. When you're nastier then a bunch of long hair, tattooed, heavy metal dudes in the early 20's, take a look at your life.
4
My mother taught me: When you lie down with dogs, you wake up with fleas. The Republican party is scratching like hell but that will not help them until they stop bedding down with dogs.
2
The Tea Party faction of the GOP is highly destained by traditional party leadership; and their candidates for Republican nomination for president – Cruz, Paul, and Rubio – had little-to-no traditional Republican support. Of course the GOP's establishment candidates turned out to be a basket of doofuses, too.
Low-and-behold an outsider – Trump – is nominated!
In spite of Trump's glaring shortfalls, it would be highly dangerous for Democrats to think that there won't be a record number of racist, sexist, pro-war, neoconservative, theocratic, anti-science, anti-tax, anti-government, states rights voters – to whom Trump has imposingly great appeal – showing-up at the polls.
And don't think for a moment that Tea Party leaders of similar ilk and traditional GOP leaders, won't be voting to elect Trump. Regardless their public pronouncements, they will be all-in for Trump at the voting booth.
Given the recent outcomes of votes on Brexit and Peace with FARC, Democrats should "Fear the Trump" despite his current standing in the polls!
Low-and-behold an outsider – Trump – is nominated!
In spite of Trump's glaring shortfalls, it would be highly dangerous for Democrats to think that there won't be a record number of racist, sexist, pro-war, neoconservative, theocratic, anti-science, anti-tax, anti-government, states rights voters – to whom Trump has imposingly great appeal – showing-up at the polls.
And don't think for a moment that Tea Party leaders of similar ilk and traditional GOP leaders, won't be voting to elect Trump. Regardless their public pronouncements, they will be all-in for Trump at the voting booth.
Given the recent outcomes of votes on Brexit and Peace with FARC, Democrats should "Fear the Trump" despite his current standing in the polls!
1
It's a lot like voting for Caligula. He apparently put on lots of circuses, though.
I wonder what the fallout would have been if we had a video/email of Clinton talking about psychically assaulting men she found attractive or grabbing them by the balls. And then just saying "well that's powder room talk." No? That's because we 1) can't imagine Secretary Clinton that far from common decency and 2) women always have to act 800x better than any man they are competing against. So many of Trump's supporters brush it off from him, but would have her head on a spike if the tables were turned.
3
“Sex, Lies and Videotape” was a 1989 movie but our reality TV star, Donald Trump, has been living the part for most of his adult life.
Mr. Trump might have been a successful real estate businessman and reality TV star, but in seeking political office, he has clearly risen to his level of incompetence.
If he were really a smart person, he should have realized by now that he is going to lose the presidential election. So he should at least try not to damage his much-vaunted Trump brand with any “loose lips, sink ships” comments over the next four weeks. Otherwise, he will not only lose the White House, but also hurt his business prospects in the long term.
Mr. Trump might have been a successful real estate businessman and reality TV star, but in seeking political office, he has clearly risen to his level of incompetence.
If he were really a smart person, he should have realized by now that he is going to lose the presidential election. So he should at least try not to damage his much-vaunted Trump brand with any “loose lips, sink ships” comments over the next four weeks. Otherwise, he will not only lose the White House, but also hurt his business prospects in the long term.
Aren't the evangelical Christians the ones always warning us about "false prophets" -- And this is their guy? Boy o boy to did the Donald come home to roost!
2
"You wouldn't believe what they found" This is what Donald said about the investigators he sent to Hawaii to check on Obama's birth certificate. Well Donald I think it is high time that you released what your agents found. I don't believe their report is under audit.
2
"never believed that the Republican leadership really disagreed with Trump’s fringe views." Actually, they don't care about his views. Two things interest them: 1. Can he win? and 2. Will he do what he's told?
The answers to both questions is NO. So it's time to maroon Trump on his sinking island, slowly submerging due to an imaginary climate change.
The answers to both questions is NO. So it's time to maroon Trump on his sinking island, slowly submerging due to an imaginary climate change.
2
Make no mistake...Donald Trump assaulted Hilary Clinton. No, the assaults weren't sexual, but they were driven by the same kind of depraved need to degradingly assert power over women. He exploited the fact that he towers over her. He stalked her and menacingly invaded her personal space. He verbally assaulted her. He assaulted her with threats. He assaulted her with his glares, his tone of voice and his utter lack of respect for her history of public service. And ultimately, all he proved by his show of "strength" was how truly weak he is.
9
When Trump first announced he was running for President - I rolled my eyes. As a former NYer, I knew he was a poser & his campaign would be smoke & mirrors.
Republicans had well over a year to deal with this train wreck & they chose to sit by in silence. Good luck putting this genie back in his bottle.
Republicans had well over a year to deal with this train wreck & they chose to sit by in silence. Good luck putting this genie back in his bottle.
3
I don't think anyone has anything truly new to say anymore about this incomparably freakish campaign. Yes, Hillary Clinton is flawed, and yes, her history doesn't always flatter her. But the man she's running against shows so many signs, over and over, of being clinically deranged.
Think about it: Donald Trump, with everything we've been forced to know about him, having the power of the American presidency. The lunatic running the asylum. Good God!
Think about it: Donald Trump, with everything we've been forced to know about him, having the power of the American presidency. The lunatic running the asylum. Good God!
1
There are two important stories that should cause everyone in this country to abandon Donald Trump as a candidate
1. In the Billy Bush tape Trump admitted that he sexually assaulted women by grabbing them in an intimate area without consent. His statement has been corroborated by Jill Harth who says that Trump groped her and attempted to rape her. This alone should disqualify Trump.
2. As sick and disgusting as Trump's statements and actions toward women are, new revelations about Trump's relationship with Russia are worse.
Today Newsweek reporter Kirk Eichenwald noticed that the official Russian media outlet Sputnik had, in their discussion of the latest Wikileaks dump, falsely claimed that Sydney Blumenthal had, in an email, stated that Benghazi was preventable. That statement was actually apart of an Eichenwald story that Blumenthal attached to his email, not a statement by Blumenthal at all. Tonight in Scranton Trump repeated the false claim from Sputnik meaning that he is getting information, false information, from the Russian government.
Putin is trying to influence the outcome of a US election and Trump is accepting his help. Putin is trying to control our election and Trump is letting him.
This should be the front page story in every newspaper across the US tomorrow. Trump is a traitor, selling this nations electoral process to a hostile, foreign, dictator. How can anyone vote for that.
1. In the Billy Bush tape Trump admitted that he sexually assaulted women by grabbing them in an intimate area without consent. His statement has been corroborated by Jill Harth who says that Trump groped her and attempted to rape her. This alone should disqualify Trump.
2. As sick and disgusting as Trump's statements and actions toward women are, new revelations about Trump's relationship with Russia are worse.
Today Newsweek reporter Kirk Eichenwald noticed that the official Russian media outlet Sputnik had, in their discussion of the latest Wikileaks dump, falsely claimed that Sydney Blumenthal had, in an email, stated that Benghazi was preventable. That statement was actually apart of an Eichenwald story that Blumenthal attached to his email, not a statement by Blumenthal at all. Tonight in Scranton Trump repeated the false claim from Sputnik meaning that he is getting information, false information, from the Russian government.
Putin is trying to influence the outcome of a US election and Trump is accepting his help. Putin is trying to control our election and Trump is letting him.
This should be the front page story in every newspaper across the US tomorrow. Trump is a traitor, selling this nations electoral process to a hostile, foreign, dictator. How can anyone vote for that.
If a know-nothing repugnant dolt can get this far, and still seemingly command 40% of the popular vote, I shudder to think what would happen if a slicker xenophobic, demagogue came along four years from now.
1
Re "Trump showed last night that he knows next to nothing about foreign policy, claiming that Russia was beating the United States because Obama had done nothing to modernize the American nuclear forces. In the real world, Obama has supported a plan to spend about $1 trillion over the next three decades on modernizing nuclear weapons."
In fact, US nukes are far superior to any other nation's, even without the $1 trillion. Russian nukes are in some cases chronologically newer, but US weapons are far better.
In fact, US nukes are far superior to any other nation's, even without the $1 trillion. Russian nukes are in some cases chronologically newer, but US weapons are far better.
1
evangelicals, angry white men, confused white women, slimy republicans, fox talking heads and the nra are supporting the orange one. Why are we surprised?
1
Too bad you intellects haven't caught on to establishment politics. Good luck!
“Let the jury consider their verdict,’ the King said, for about the twentieth time that day.
‘No, no!’ said the Queen. ‘Sentence first — verdict afterwards.’"
--Alice in Wonderland
There was nothing new under the sun. The Donald issued threats, in an effort to be intimidating to all who have the temerity to disagree with him. He didn't seem to know or care that the President does not order up a Special Prosecutor like a taco salad at Trump Cafe or direct his investigation. Not in Office (now or ever) and he has already promised to use the Justice Department and the FBI as personal mercenaries to meet out punishment to his political opponents. I guess Christy would be a perfect Attorney General for such endeavors.
Even trying to physically intimidate Secretary Clinton, he stalked around the stage--a large orange man with big dreams and tiny hands. This passes for a tough guy these days?
What is clear is that although his Daddy gave him 14 Million dollars to make his own way in the world, Trump was never truly prepared for the world that has passed him by. Daddy never told him he would have to compete with, much less actually lose to, women who are smarter, more learned than he is. Or be mocked by the President: a man of principle and dignity, elected to an office he can only dream of and never actually capture. Those who refuse to be treated like chattel, to be groped, hugged and dieted at will. For Trump accusation is proof. The Mad Hatter in a party of one.
‘No, no!’ said the Queen. ‘Sentence first — verdict afterwards.’"
--Alice in Wonderland
There was nothing new under the sun. The Donald issued threats, in an effort to be intimidating to all who have the temerity to disagree with him. He didn't seem to know or care that the President does not order up a Special Prosecutor like a taco salad at Trump Cafe or direct his investigation. Not in Office (now or ever) and he has already promised to use the Justice Department and the FBI as personal mercenaries to meet out punishment to his political opponents. I guess Christy would be a perfect Attorney General for such endeavors.
Even trying to physically intimidate Secretary Clinton, he stalked around the stage--a large orange man with big dreams and tiny hands. This passes for a tough guy these days?
What is clear is that although his Daddy gave him 14 Million dollars to make his own way in the world, Trump was never truly prepared for the world that has passed him by. Daddy never told him he would have to compete with, much less actually lose to, women who are smarter, more learned than he is. Or be mocked by the President: a man of principle and dignity, elected to an office he can only dream of and never actually capture. Those who refuse to be treated like chattel, to be groped, hugged and dieted at will. For Trump accusation is proof. The Mad Hatter in a party of one.
1
How does the nation, including, perhaps especially Democrats, effectively punish the Republican Party leadership for accepting an incompetent as a primary candidate, a racist, sexist, thug, and xenophobe as their nominee, and risking the financial, military, environmental and social well-being of hundreds of millions of us, our country, our society, our land? What is the appropriate response of an average citizen to the tactics of the Republicans (who have previously refused to fulfill their congressional roles of running the government) that have brought them to insist on support for this horror of a candidate-(with threats from the campaign leader)? How does a citizen insist to the Republican Party that it is their own incompetence and failure to lead a diverse nation that has brought us ALL to the brink of a disastrous US Administration, the dangers of which, only the most imaginitive among us may clearly envision.
"And to think Trump “won” his exchanges with Clinton, you’d have to give him points for getting the audience to hoot derisively when he said he wanted to put her in jail."
Yep, that's exactly what Trump supporters think. Threatening to use the Justice Department as your own personal tool of vengeance is exactly what Trump supporters are like. They dream of having a tyrant in office; one who will get even for them for all the wrongs they feel they've suffered, not least of which have been at the hands of women and minorities.
Trump is a dangerous man (though barely human), and his supporters are even more dangerous, because they won't go away if Trump loses on November 8. They'll still be here, spreading their hatred, their racism, their misogyny, the xenophobia, and their stupidity. They'll be like a huge anchor tied to the neck of our country, dragging it down, keeping us from making progress, and always threatening to ruin this country personally.
Be afraid, America, be very afraid. But don't cower. Get ready for a protracted fight, with tens of millions of Americans who no longer believe in any of the things that have made this country at all special. They're mad as hell and they want the rest of us to pay for their bitterness.
Yep, that's exactly what Trump supporters think. Threatening to use the Justice Department as your own personal tool of vengeance is exactly what Trump supporters are like. They dream of having a tyrant in office; one who will get even for them for all the wrongs they feel they've suffered, not least of which have been at the hands of women and minorities.
Trump is a dangerous man (though barely human), and his supporters are even more dangerous, because they won't go away if Trump loses on November 8. They'll still be here, spreading their hatred, their racism, their misogyny, the xenophobia, and their stupidity. They'll be like a huge anchor tied to the neck of our country, dragging it down, keeping us from making progress, and always threatening to ruin this country personally.
Be afraid, America, be very afraid. But don't cower. Get ready for a protracted fight, with tens of millions of Americans who no longer believe in any of the things that have made this country at all special. They're mad as hell and they want the rest of us to pay for their bitterness.
1
Personal integrity is how one acts when no one is else is around. How can the GOP leadership possibly stand by Trump? Hypocrites to the nth degree!
Ever since his casinos tanked in Atlantic City, the do-called Trump empire has transitioned from brick and mortar to a file drawer full of licensing agreements with establishments that pay money for the right to hang the name "Trump" over the front door. Presumedly this is because it makes people want walk through the door and spend money. And why? Because he is a "winner." That's what he calls his "brand." We now know he lost $915,000,000, and he is well on his way to losing the biggest gambit in his life: capturing the presidency while offending almost everyone on the planet except uneducated white men who have lost their jobs. He is going to need one of those bumper stickers for his limousine that says "I spent my children's inheritance."
I think I/we haven't spoken enough about our debt to Hillary Clinton, that she is taking in all the pain and suffering inflicted on her by this madman Trump and his supporters.
Yes, she is all there is that is between us and Donald Trump as our President.
She has been subjected to more hate and pain and torment from that awful man than anyone should have to endure so that we Americans and people around the world will be protected from a Donald Trump with unimaginable power.
As president, with the massive tools of our government at his fingertips, Trump could destroy us one at a time or in groups if any of us offended his delicate ego by saying something with which he disagreed or that did not praise him sufficiently.
I wish to thank Hillary for doing for us that which we cannot do for ourselves: keep this unhinged, power-crazed man from ever entering the Oval Office as President.
Yes, she is all there is that is between us and Donald Trump as our President.
She has been subjected to more hate and pain and torment from that awful man than anyone should have to endure so that we Americans and people around the world will be protected from a Donald Trump with unimaginable power.
As president, with the massive tools of our government at his fingertips, Trump could destroy us one at a time or in groups if any of us offended his delicate ego by saying something with which he disagreed or that did not praise him sufficiently.
I wish to thank Hillary for doing for us that which we cannot do for ourselves: keep this unhinged, power-crazed man from ever entering the Oval Office as President.
8
Yeah, yeah, we get it. The Times and its journalists are happy to congratulate themselves publicly for being on the right side of the Trump candidacy fiasco - but what will the consequences be in the long term? My guess? Zero.
One of the huge problems with the American political system is the bizarre mutual self-interest pact that is apparent between politicians and political journalists and their newspapers, most particularly in recurrent amnesia.
Trump is going to be forgotten quickly after he suffers the worst electoral defeat in American history, but what about the professional politicians who created the disgusting fiasco of his candidacy in the first place?
What about Ryan? If he is Speaker after this election, will The Times and its journalists remember what he did during this election campaign, or will a line be drawn under November 9 and everyone plays nicely again?
If The Times and people like Rosenthal want to be taken seriously, they need to announce the consequences to political players like Ryan right now, and then stick to them in the future.
The Times should announce that forever after, the first reference to Ryan in any article will be in terms such as "Paul Ryan, the gutless, unprincipled idiot who did not have the decency to denounce that buffoon Donald Trump, said today..."
The Huffington Post, in a wonderful act of political accountability, publishes an accurate description of Trump after any article that mentions him. The Times should take a leaf.
One of the huge problems with the American political system is the bizarre mutual self-interest pact that is apparent between politicians and political journalists and their newspapers, most particularly in recurrent amnesia.
Trump is going to be forgotten quickly after he suffers the worst electoral defeat in American history, but what about the professional politicians who created the disgusting fiasco of his candidacy in the first place?
What about Ryan? If he is Speaker after this election, will The Times and its journalists remember what he did during this election campaign, or will a line be drawn under November 9 and everyone plays nicely again?
If The Times and people like Rosenthal want to be taken seriously, they need to announce the consequences to political players like Ryan right now, and then stick to them in the future.
The Times should announce that forever after, the first reference to Ryan in any article will be in terms such as "Paul Ryan, the gutless, unprincipled idiot who did not have the decency to denounce that buffoon Donald Trump, said today..."
The Huffington Post, in a wonderful act of political accountability, publishes an accurate description of Trump after any article that mentions him. The Times should take a leaf.
3
Trump's body language said it all. Hulking, sneering, sniffing and snorting. Crowding Mrs. Clinton's space like a drunken, abusive stalker. No amount of clatter from Giuliani or Christie can spin what we all saw; Trump the bully,the wounded ego gored by his own hubris.
And to top it off today saw the final closing of the Trump Taj Mahal, named after the famous Muslim mausoleum in Agra, India. Of course it's closing can be traced back to the days when Trump used it as his personal ATM, never investing a dime in it's upkeep. Carl Icahn, the current owner, blames the employees union for the closure, as is usual. The question that should be asked of Trump is this: will you do to America what you did to Atlantic City? My sister-in-law worked at the Taj since it opened and waited on Trump several times....he never tipped once.
And to top it off today saw the final closing of the Trump Taj Mahal, named after the famous Muslim mausoleum in Agra, India. Of course it's closing can be traced back to the days when Trump used it as his personal ATM, never investing a dime in it's upkeep. Carl Icahn, the current owner, blames the employees union for the closure, as is usual. The question that should be asked of Trump is this: will you do to America what you did to Atlantic City? My sister-in-law worked at the Taj since it opened and waited on Trump several times....he never tipped once.
13
A hit on artist, mob wannabe, bully, thug, vulgarian, since he was a twenty-year-old careening around on hormones and pop's bucks from Queens, Trump hasn't changed a bit, the world has simply gotten worse. To quote Canadian folksinger, Bruce Cockburn, ''the trouble with normal is it always gets worse.''
But, Trump didn't come up alone, he came up on the saliva rope of Rupert Murdoch and the Post sleaze that has afflicted this city's culture and degraded it since the Australia invasion of the barbarians during Donald's initial rise to the page Six tabloid ethos that has helped misshape America.
It is amoral, stupid, easily manipulated by ruthless despots like Putin, and amazingly the whole GOP has let itself become infected.
Forget where Trump is trying to drag down the level of the political discourse to the gutter where he's comfortable. Look at the societal values that Murdoch and the GOP both basely embrace in reality. They have brought us Trump.
But, Trump didn't come up alone, he came up on the saliva rope of Rupert Murdoch and the Post sleaze that has afflicted this city's culture and degraded it since the Australia invasion of the barbarians during Donald's initial rise to the page Six tabloid ethos that has helped misshape America.
It is amoral, stupid, easily manipulated by ruthless despots like Putin, and amazingly the whole GOP has let itself become infected.
Forget where Trump is trying to drag down the level of the political discourse to the gutter where he's comfortable. Look at the societal values that Murdoch and the GOP both basely embrace in reality. They have brought us Trump.
3
Anyone who is from NYC knows exactly who and what he is. In a city awash in savvy business people - where is his support? Despite promising to lower taxes on businesses, no one thinks a Trump presidency will be good for business. An unstable country is a bad business environment.
2
Mr Straight-Shooter, tells it like it is, means what he says and says what he means, oh, except for that one time back in 2005...
2
As an older, straight man women should realize that the actress in question in Trump's video didn't even need to be there. The important person there was that drip Bush seated alongside him. Men like Trump who feel insignificant, especially sexually, need to act like that in front of other men. They think it makes them manly. I grew up in NYC listening to construction workers catcalling women. Do any of them really think any of those women are going to sleep with them? No, because all that nonsense they're saying is for the men sitting next to them. (And sometimes, sadly, to persuade themselves.) Like Trump, they're saying, "I'm a man. I'm not queer. Let me show you how macho I am." Poor Trump the Vulgarian is so insecure and needing of aggrandizement every single moment that I almost begin to feel sorry for him ... until he opens his mouth.
2
Why is it not obvious to other Evangelical Christians-- this "man" is the Anti-Christ!
Trumps photo should be next to three words in the dictionary- 1) sexual 2) predator 3) stalker (the way he was following Mrs. Clinton around the debate stage.)
1
Mr. Rosenthal is right. Donald Trump is just an uglier face on a Republican Party that has peddled in all the "isms" for a long time. And 25 percent or even more of his supporters are in fact deplorable, particularly if they think Obama is not an American citizen. To be sure, those same supporters will be his main audience and cash cow for Trump TV, and the anti- Hillary business that is certain to happen when he loses this election.
2
Trump speaks with a voice that is being heard by struggling Americans who are fed up with professional politicians and 'government' as they know it.
As a longtime New Yorker, to me Trump had always seemed nothing more than a vulgar bore. As a candidate for the GOP nomination, he seemed an inexplicable irrelevance. As their nominee, he represented a staggering reality: the arrival of a tipping point in both our cultural and political lives worth serious study. After the many months of the campaign, I recognize him as a profound and dangerous threat to both, to the stability of our country and its historic values, and to the world. But after this weekend's events - the release of his tape and his performance just before and during the debate - and the response of his base, it was important to try to better understand the people who support him without reservation. Reviewing more than a hundred posts on his FACEBOOK page was a frightening and deeply disturbing peek into their irrational world of self-delusion, invented reality, factual ignorance, and obscene inbridled fury. Many of the most rabid of these Trumpsters are scary; many are truly threatening. Many are simply uninformed or just ignorant. They have truly drunk the cool aid. There is no opportunity for rational dialogue with them. I pray every day that Hillary will win, but Trump will have ripped apart the GOP and unleashed the venomous outrage of millions of Americans whom he will convince are victims of a rigged election. It is the epilogue to his loss that troubles me as much as his winning. We must be prepared.
5
Preacher Pence, grace and forgiveness. Does it only apply to Trump? Why does he not forgive Bill for his wrongdoing(s)? The Preacher!!! Works well for politicians who have a congregation of believers. Hypocrits....
3
Witnessing America's first female breaking the presidential glass ceiling while being forced to march barefoot through the shards by the country's leading misogynist is truly beyond the ability to suspend our disbelief.
5
Excellent piece, if only missing one distressing detail:
Trump makes Hillary Clinton look good.
Trump makes Hillary Clinton look good.
1
Why are thes events called debates? If they were real debates wherein oponents presented their rstionales for their views about how to best solve policy issues, Trump would score zero in every one. Why does the media continue to perpetuate misinformation about these events' "wiinners" and "losers?" Winning and losing what? Undecided voters? It is beyond my comprehension how any potential voter could still be undecided at this point.
2
The GOP clown car has occupant one.
With solely the Donald it's now much less fun.
The driver's seat's empty. No one's at the wheel
And Ryan's remote is an off and on deal.
Careening so blindly it surely will crash.
There's bound to be gore 'n' blood soaking the dash.
What e're will become of this clown car once dear?
To history's sad trash heap it's destined, I fear.
With occupant bonkers and pit crew to date
So slow on the uptake and ever behind,
Who now can but pity this clown car's sad plight?
Alas, some will cheer and applaud its sad fate.
But where will the Party its equal now find?
What substitute slip in for malice and spite?
With solely the Donald it's now much less fun.
The driver's seat's empty. No one's at the wheel
And Ryan's remote is an off and on deal.
Careening so blindly it surely will crash.
There's bound to be gore 'n' blood soaking the dash.
What e're will become of this clown car once dear?
To history's sad trash heap it's destined, I fear.
With occupant bonkers and pit crew to date
So slow on the uptake and ever behind,
Who now can but pity this clown car's sad plight?
Alas, some will cheer and applaud its sad fate.
But where will the Party its equal now find?
What substitute slip in for malice and spite?
1
I cannot imagine the self-control required for Hillary Clinton not to say, "you are raving" to Donald Trump at any number of junctures during the debate. The restraint, self-discipline and sheer grit she displayed should give us all a boost; here at last is someone who can stand up to this bully.
2
In judging Trump, I'm reminded of Maya Angelou's comment. "When somebody shows you who they are, believe them the first time."
2
The worst thing that ever happened to Trump was winning the Republican nomination. He only wanted publicity, instead he ended up on the hot seat. His scorched earth behavior at these so-called debates accomplished precisely what he needed -- continue to alienate most voters while energizing the rubes who think he's something special. There is no reason to think he'll do anything different in the next one.
2
There is one more thing to say here: Mr Trump did not every offer any apology to the two women that he disparaged with his disgusting banter. Why not?
1
My respect for Hillary Clinton grows with each debate. Trump acted like a psychotic clown, lumbering and skulking, while breathing loudly and exaggeratedly through his nose, like a Hollywood pervert making an obscene phone call.
How Mrs Clinton restrained herself from shouting at him or cursing him is beyond belief. His antic of shouting her down, taunting her, belittling her (insulting her husband), should have been loudly booed by every decent person in that audience. He behaved like a creep and HRC won hands down on substance and composure. Anyone who says differently is living in an alternate universe.
How Mrs Clinton restrained herself from shouting at him or cursing him is beyond belief. His antic of shouting her down, taunting her, belittling her (insulting her husband), should have been loudly booed by every decent person in that audience. He behaved like a creep and HRC won hands down on substance and composure. Anyone who says differently is living in an alternate universe.
2
I didn't think it was possible to be worse than Nixon, but watching Trump over the years, I'm now sure he's surpassed Nixon in meanness, nastiness, paranoia, and overall indecency.
The commenters and Mr. Rosenthal are right- the leopard hasn't changed his spots, they've just become larger and brighter. So bright it's hard to look at him. His roars so loud, it's hard to hear him.
When he cheated on Ivana with Marla, the Post ran headlines 'best sex I ever had'- a man with 3 children who could read. So why should we believe the audio tape was just 'locker room banter?' A man who demeaned Miss Universe and walks into the dressing rooms of beauty pageants while the women are changing (as a voyeur) has no regard for human decency.
For months he's shown he has no idea how the gov operates. I'm sure if given an 8th grade quiz on gov he would fail. He's a Rep of convenience, not of belief.
He's lives in a fantasy world, not remembering his defense of Bill and Hillary during the Monica affair and his tacit approval of the war in Iraq. His feelings of entitlement give him the freedom to say whatever he pleases whether it's threatening Hillary, Paul Ryan, other Reps, Muslims, Latinos, or disabled.
Anyone, who would say she is 'the devil' and has 'hate in her heart,' has to believe it of himself. But we know that already. Despite all, I think DT is a very unhappy man, out of his depth, knows it and is railing against it. But, I hope he goes down in flames, and fades away.
The commenters and Mr. Rosenthal are right- the leopard hasn't changed his spots, they've just become larger and brighter. So bright it's hard to look at him. His roars so loud, it's hard to hear him.
When he cheated on Ivana with Marla, the Post ran headlines 'best sex I ever had'- a man with 3 children who could read. So why should we believe the audio tape was just 'locker room banter?' A man who demeaned Miss Universe and walks into the dressing rooms of beauty pageants while the women are changing (as a voyeur) has no regard for human decency.
For months he's shown he has no idea how the gov operates. I'm sure if given an 8th grade quiz on gov he would fail. He's a Rep of convenience, not of belief.
He's lives in a fantasy world, not remembering his defense of Bill and Hillary during the Monica affair and his tacit approval of the war in Iraq. His feelings of entitlement give him the freedom to say whatever he pleases whether it's threatening Hillary, Paul Ryan, other Reps, Muslims, Latinos, or disabled.
Anyone, who would say she is 'the devil' and has 'hate in her heart,' has to believe it of himself. But we know that already. Despite all, I think DT is a very unhappy man, out of his depth, knows it and is railing against it. But, I hope he goes down in flames, and fades away.
319
Nixon was a choir boy in comparison. Heck, even Dick Cheney doesn't look so bad.
In the post debate interviews, Donald Trump's campaign manager, Ms. Kelleyanne Conway, said that she was "in the campaign 'till the end
unless . . . ." and then faded off.
I hoped she would continue: "unless he rips off his disguise, reveals himself to be the Creature from the Black Lagoon and threatens to pull me down with him."
Now that would have been real entertainment!
unless . . . ." and then faded off.
I hoped she would continue: "unless he rips off his disguise, reveals himself to be the Creature from the Black Lagoon and threatens to pull me down with him."
Now that would have been real entertainment!
1
Yes, reality TV at its most real.
1
I have held the same sentiments. The Trump we New Yorkers have always known has not changed one iota. When he arrived in Manhattan from Queens many moons ago, he came with a lot of baggage. He only accumulated more as time passed.
Donald J. Trump was born with a gold-plated spoon in his mouth and when it was removed he must have wailed like a banshee for attention. That burning desire for always being in the spotlight has never diminished. Sending him to military school didn't work. He came out worse than when he went in. He continued to have his ego massaged until his Twenties, when he "worked" his way up to head Trump Enterprises from Daddy. Unlike Dad, Queens was, well, Queens. Donny was obsessed with crossing the East River to the City of Gold, and ensconced himself at its epicenter, over Tiffany's, on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Fifty-Seventh Street.
He then set about embellishing his brand, Trump, and then splattering his name all over the City. He fancied himself the Playboy of the Western World. He basked in it. And for decades Trump was happy. But even then, The Donald envisioned greater delusions of grandeur, the presidency of the United States.
Never mind he is a terrible businessman. He succeeded convincing a naive TV audience otherwise. On the TV, he "looked" successful, and TV never lies. Trump's con went national. Yet Trump has never changed, and never will. He remains the small-fingered vulgarian he has been since birth.
DD
Manhattan
Donald J. Trump was born with a gold-plated spoon in his mouth and when it was removed he must have wailed like a banshee for attention. That burning desire for always being in the spotlight has never diminished. Sending him to military school didn't work. He came out worse than when he went in. He continued to have his ego massaged until his Twenties, when he "worked" his way up to head Trump Enterprises from Daddy. Unlike Dad, Queens was, well, Queens. Donny was obsessed with crossing the East River to the City of Gold, and ensconced himself at its epicenter, over Tiffany's, on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Fifty-Seventh Street.
He then set about embellishing his brand, Trump, and then splattering his name all over the City. He fancied himself the Playboy of the Western World. He basked in it. And for decades Trump was happy. But even then, The Donald envisioned greater delusions of grandeur, the presidency of the United States.
Never mind he is a terrible businessman. He succeeded convincing a naive TV audience otherwise. On the TV, he "looked" successful, and TV never lies. Trump's con went national. Yet Trump has never changed, and never will. He remains the small-fingered vulgarian he has been since birth.
DD
Manhattan
2
As a melanoma survivor I shudder when I read analogies of Donald to cancer. But it's an apt analogy. Trump snuck in like a thief, with dubious credentials. Cancer takes time to develop. In fortunate cases the cancer is detected early and treated. Alas we seem to be fixated on watching that cancer grow. When it gets in your brain that's a serious problem.
That was a town hall debate? Only in Crazytown could you call that a debate. Moderators that don't moderate. Speakers wandering the stage. What a pathetic spectacle. The only thing Donald Trump knows how to run is his mouth. Who can you blame for letting him off so easily? Wow, such a long list... The election can not come soon enough. Hillary better start getting her birth certificate ready!
Finally, a clear presentation of what The Donald does with his hair. I have tried to figure out his comb over strategy for months. It is the only thing I have had trouble divining about him. Everything else about Trump has been crystal clear forever...
Thank you to Damon WInter and his photo.
Thank you to Damon WInter and his photo.
1
As a American and a women I am scared.
I cannot understand how Mr. Trump with his short temper, bullying tactics, his derogatory comments towards the physically handicapped, the mental handicapped, people of color, people of different religions, and women(who he deems not attractive) be running for leader of this country.
How does anyone justify supporting Mr. Trump's run for President?
Are his supporters teaching their children that it is OK to bully people? Are they saying that it's OK to make fun of people who are handicapped, and that it's OK to be a racist? Are they telling women; their moms, daughters, wives, etc, that they are inferior to men and should be treated with disrespect?
I cannot understand how Mr. Trump with his short temper, bullying tactics, his derogatory comments towards the physically handicapped, the mental handicapped, people of color, people of different religions, and women(who he deems not attractive) be running for leader of this country.
How does anyone justify supporting Mr. Trump's run for President?
Are his supporters teaching their children that it is OK to bully people? Are they saying that it's OK to make fun of people who are handicapped, and that it's OK to be a racist? Are they telling women; their moms, daughters, wives, etc, that they are inferior to men and should be treated with disrespect?
2
Mike pence;
I'm a hypocrite, hypocritical, Christian. In that order.
The next time I hear a republican talk about family values I am going to vomit all over them.
I'm a hypocrite, hypocritical, Christian. In that order.
The next time I hear a republican talk about family values I am going to vomit all over them.
1
That wouldn't be dignified. Kick them in the shins.
1
"And Trump said that if he is elected, he will appoint a special prosecutor to indict Clinton over her emails. In fact, Trump said, if he were president, she 'would be in jail' now. Apparently Trump would have overruled the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s finding that no crime was committed and tossed Clinton behind bars . . . ."
Now that is what I call forthright BANANA REPUBLICANISM!
GOP primary voters, you broke your party. Now just who is going to fix it?
Now that is what I call forthright BANANA REPUBLICANISM!
GOP primary voters, you broke your party. Now just who is going to fix it?
2
Seems like we're finding that last night's debate did indeed change a lot of minds, just took a while to settle in because he was so aggressive and abusive, people kind of back away to recover for a while. But given 24 hours the scene clarifies, Trump reveals as the stalking, snorting meshugener we all knew him to be (he's a New Yorker, he knows what that means).
1
The GOP was totally taken in by Trump the con man. In some ways it will be the best thing for the GOP moving forward as a kind of political Darwinism (which will now thin the Republican herd of a dim-wits such as Priebus) will eventually help the Party of Lincoln re-emerge as a viable member of the two party system.
1
There's not much left to say that hasn't already been said about Trump, the "Debate", or the election.
The only really surprising thing is that there are still voters out there who are undecided -- waiting perhaps for some third-party miracle, which at this point in time seems about as likely as an alien invasion.
That said, an alien invasion would still be preferable to electing Donald Trump as President.
His performance Sunday night did little more than solidity the reasons why he shouldn't be running in the first place. And it speaks volumes that now even dyed-in-the-wool Republicans are taking flight from his sinking candidacy.
Of course, there will be those who, like Trump, will hang on until the bitter end.
Which in this case, can't come soon enough.
The only really surprising thing is that there are still voters out there who are undecided -- waiting perhaps for some third-party miracle, which at this point in time seems about as likely as an alien invasion.
That said, an alien invasion would still be preferable to electing Donald Trump as President.
His performance Sunday night did little more than solidity the reasons why he shouldn't be running in the first place. And it speaks volumes that now even dyed-in-the-wool Republicans are taking flight from his sinking candidacy.
Of course, there will be those who, like Trump, will hang on until the bitter end.
Which in this case, can't come soon enough.
1
Paul Ryan has had ample chances to demonstrate his leadership a while ago when Donald Trump was spewing vile non-sense about everyone and everything. He did nothing to any meaningful effect. The central task of leadership is to shepherd the masses' opinion especially when it strays from the core values of the institutions - to show some spine when it really matters! Speaker Ryan has been nothing but a very willing windvane, sadly.
He has failed as the speaker of the house a long time ago and a true leader of the party of Lincoln. Frankly he is not relevant anymore this year. The party today is anti-science, anti-intellectual, racist, war mongering, misogynistic, and, appear to relish celebrating all that is crass, morally reprehensible, and unamerican. It is indeed sad to see American democracy in this shape. As an immigrant from another noisy democracy, I was always awe-inspired by the democratic values and abundantly deep bench of leaders that this nation produced. It is with sorrow to see this state :(
He has failed as the speaker of the house a long time ago and a true leader of the party of Lincoln. Frankly he is not relevant anymore this year. The party today is anti-science, anti-intellectual, racist, war mongering, misogynistic, and, appear to relish celebrating all that is crass, morally reprehensible, and unamerican. It is indeed sad to see American democracy in this shape. As an immigrant from another noisy democracy, I was always awe-inspired by the democratic values and abundantly deep bench of leaders that this nation produced. It is with sorrow to see this state :(
3
I am hoping that I wake up on Inauguration Day in January and watch Hillary Clinton take the oath of office as our President.
And if she does, she can say (or perhaps she can say this in her victory speech): "I quote Gerald Ford when I say--My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over." It would be fitting.
Republicans need to take a long hard look at what is in their hearts and minds . . . winning at any cost is not winning. It is selling yourself to the devil.
And if she does, she can say (or perhaps she can say this in her victory speech): "I quote Gerald Ford when I say--My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over." It would be fitting.
Republicans need to take a long hard look at what is in their hearts and minds . . . winning at any cost is not winning. It is selling yourself to the devil.
239
The nightmare will not be over. This is the beginning of a long battle to unite this country on the principles of liberty and justice for all.
I hope Clinton is there to lead. If Trump is president a very long nightmare will begin.
I hope Clinton is there to lead. If Trump is president a very long nightmare will begin.
"I’ve never believed that the Republican leadership really disagreed with Trump’s fringe views. They just didn’t like the way he expressed them, because it exposed some powerful and disturbing currents in their party."
Absolutely. The Trump base certainly did not simply materialize with his candidacy. These peopleand their ilk have been a core sector of the party going back to the Nixon era and the rise of the Religious Right. Indeed, those calling out the deeply religious Pence on his allegiance to Trump would do well to compare the Religious Right agenda over the years with what most Trump supporters want and believe. If the Republican party didn't want Trump as their candidate, I find it hard to believe that we would still be talking about him.
Absolutely. The Trump base certainly did not simply materialize with his candidacy. These peopleand their ilk have been a core sector of the party going back to the Nixon era and the rise of the Religious Right. Indeed, those calling out the deeply religious Pence on his allegiance to Trump would do well to compare the Religious Right agenda over the years with what most Trump supporters want and believe. If the Republican party didn't want Trump as their candidate, I find it hard to believe that we would still be talking about him.
1
The NYT's and many American news outlets which quote the NYT's gave birth to Donald Trump, often providing free news coverage to booster their own respective sales.
An journalism intern could have reviewed entertainment videos and old NBC footage to uncover a gold mine of political fodder.
Why did our best journalism outlets allow a mentally ill individual to get his hand on the door of the Oval Office ?
An journalism intern could have reviewed entertainment videos and old NBC footage to uncover a gold mine of political fodder.
Why did our best journalism outlets allow a mentally ill individual to get his hand on the door of the Oval Office ?
1
While lurking with menace
And flashing his grimace,
The Trumpenstein shambles
And sniffles and rambles
And darkens now all that is bright.
With presence so scary
Why do we yet tarry?
Now's time! Let's flee from this blight!
And flashing his grimace,
The Trumpenstein shambles
And sniffles and rambles
And darkens now all that is bright.
With presence so scary
Why do we yet tarry?
Now's time! Let's flee from this blight!
2
Throughout this election I have held out the hope that Trump will lose this election by such a large margin that he is humiliated and disgraced personally, and that his "Trump" brand is damaged beyond repair. Never again will he be able to describe anyone else as a loser without being drowned out by angry chants or uproarious laughter. Never again will he be able to degrade and assault women with impunity. Never again will he be able to brand members of an entire religion or an entire region as terrorists. Never again will the media treat him as a celebrity, or even report on what his vulgar, uninformed, dangerous mind spastically spews. That is not nearly enough of a penalty for ruining our political discourse forever, for giving voice to people's hurtful, angry impulses, for inciting violence, for celebrating ignorance, and for making people believe that it is acceptable for someone to seek the highest office in the most powerful nation in the world without any preparation, by appealing to our basest fears. Throughout this election I have had faith that the American people would eventually wake up and see the man for who he is. It seems like it's happening.
2
This registered republican concurs.
Couldn't vote for him in the primary, won't vote for him in the general election either.
First time in 28 years.
Couldn't vote for him in the primary, won't vote for him in the general election either.
First time in 28 years.
Donald Trump is a proven sucker.
Years ago, while still the Gen'l Secretary of the Communist Party, Mikhail Gorbachev came to NYC to make a speech at the UN. A news channel found a Gorby lookalike (with birthmarks and all), put him in a stretch limo, and drove him up to Trump Tower. Someone ran up to Donald to announce that Gorbachev was downstairs and wanted to meet him, but was very pressed for time, so would only be able to get out of the car to shake his hand. The sucker almost broke his neck getting down to street level where he threw himself into what he thought was a compliment to his own importance. The nightly news had a good laugh over that.
I suggest it is time for someone to talk a Hollywood beauty into contacting the campaign that she is on her way to London or Paris or Rome and wants to stop by to get Donald's personal take on things to tell her European friends.
Get your creative minds to work out a scenario that will expose this fraud for the fool he really is, and do it.
By the way, a year later I saw the Manhattan Gorby on the subway, and he was a dead ringer for the man from Privolnoye, Russia.
Years ago, while still the Gen'l Secretary of the Communist Party, Mikhail Gorbachev came to NYC to make a speech at the UN. A news channel found a Gorby lookalike (with birthmarks and all), put him in a stretch limo, and drove him up to Trump Tower. Someone ran up to Donald to announce that Gorbachev was downstairs and wanted to meet him, but was very pressed for time, so would only be able to get out of the car to shake his hand. The sucker almost broke his neck getting down to street level where he threw himself into what he thought was a compliment to his own importance. The nightly news had a good laugh over that.
I suggest it is time for someone to talk a Hollywood beauty into contacting the campaign that she is on her way to London or Paris or Rome and wants to stop by to get Donald's personal take on things to tell her European friends.
Get your creative minds to work out a scenario that will expose this fraud for the fool he really is, and do it.
By the way, a year later I saw the Manhattan Gorby on the subway, and he was a dead ringer for the man from Privolnoye, Russia.
Ah and sorry Mr. Rosenthal, a mild correction. The sun is indeed shining when it's midnight, because it's shining all the time. We just can't see it at midnight (unless in polar areas at the right time of year) because the earth's in the way.
It's alright though, I wouldn't expect Trump to try to lie about that, or even think about it, as it has nothing to do with oppressing minorities or objectifying women.
It's alright though, I wouldn't expect Trump to try to lie about that, or even think about it, as it has nothing to do with oppressing minorities or objectifying women.
1
The conscious reference by Rosenthal is to Charles Lutwidge Dodgson.
The biggest thing for me about Trump's performance in this last debate is the thing that he's been doing consistently for as long as I've had the misfortune of knowing about him. He lied, profusely and continuously. He lied quite directly about things we saw happen. He lied pompously, arrogantly, as if saying, don't believe your memory or your eyes, stupid, just believe me, because I demand it.
There were other things, like his lack of coherent policies, failure to apologize, petulant whining and pouting, inability to answer direct questions, and so on. But the big thing for me was the lying.
And this is what the Republican party is largely doing too. Boldly lying about things that are easily disproved, then shouting down all attempts to mention the facts proving them wrong. They do this, and get away with it, because their core constituency appears to be very intellectually limited, having little memory of things, no analytical ability, and boundless gullibility.
And it's a shame for our nation that we have so many easily fooled people, and such a self-serving, amoral batch of Republican leaders willing to lie to them all the time.
There were other things, like his lack of coherent policies, failure to apologize, petulant whining and pouting, inability to answer direct questions, and so on. But the big thing for me was the lying.
And this is what the Republican party is largely doing too. Boldly lying about things that are easily disproved, then shouting down all attempts to mention the facts proving them wrong. They do this, and get away with it, because their core constituency appears to be very intellectually limited, having little memory of things, no analytical ability, and boundless gullibility.
And it's a shame for our nation that we have so many easily fooled people, and such a self-serving, amoral batch of Republican leaders willing to lie to them all the time.
9
Trump has exposed the Republican party for what it has become: an apologist for bigots. Let's just hope the Democrats are taking note and not taking a nap.
Next 3 weeks: More Trump video/audio showing him to be the ego-centric male chauvinist jerk we always knew he was. More leaked Clinton emails and speech transcripts, showing us she is the ego-centric career politician, hell bent on getting to the white house. And no votes will change. Why would they? There is no new info. These 2 are exactly what we know they are.
Unfortunately, I have to vote for Clinton. She is exactly like every male POTUS we have had for the past 40 years. A career politician, lusting after the most powerful elected office on earth. But as a career politician, she knows how the world works, how the US works, and she will help the poor and middle class a little, and make sure not to hurt her friends in the 1% too badly with new taxes. She will be a moderate, and that is what we always need in the WH.
Unfortunately, I have to vote for Clinton. She is exactly like every male POTUS we have had for the past 40 years. A career politician, lusting after the most powerful elected office on earth. But as a career politician, she knows how the world works, how the US works, and she will help the poor and middle class a little, and make sure not to hurt her friends in the 1% too badly with new taxes. She will be a moderate, and that is what we always need in the WH.
2
The real deplorables are the Ryans and McConnells. Trumps motto is 'Hate Thy Neighbor as You Love Thyself' - anti-christian. The Republican leadership has transformed the GOP into a satanic cult.
3
Why Speaker Ryan , Sen. McConnell , GOP leaders in Congress and Republican establishment are still hesitant considering : a ) After Trump 's sexual assault and bad mouthing women folks , should withdraw their endorsement of Donald forthwith , stand up on principles and conservative values if any left . b) If knowing fully well of Donald Trump 's lies , bigotry , racist and hateful comments against Mexicans , Muslims , Women , Gold Star - mothers , and national hero likes of Sen. McCain and others , are not enablers of Donald Trump ? Donald Trump s sexual assault video was not news about Donald Trump . Rather , he was behaving badly for the last 14 - 16 months , and most Americans knew about Donald Trump for decades ? The Republican party establishment and leaders in Congress were ignoring and pretending otherwise . Now GOP need to act fast , Americans are paying attention this election season and listening !
The potential Stalker-in-Chief rambled and sniffled and grimaced for most of 90 minutes. His followers called this 'winning the debate'. What these followers, both in the political arena and skulking through the streets are supporting is a man without conscience, without scruples, without even the vaguest idea of policy and without even the slightest willingness to admit he doesn't know what he doesn't know. Let's finally put to rest that this is an exceptional country. It is not, we are in trouble. We've crossed the threshold into a faux reality that even Richard Nixon would be startled by.
The one good thing that came of "the tapes" is that any reality show ideas t had should have the kibosh on them now because what he did isn't commercially ok. So hopefully, I won't have to see its face, say after November or so unless there is an Aryan Nation channel somewhere.
In the mean time, I hope legal stuff comes up on him and, I hope that women organize a boycott of his businesses and buildings - I will support that.
In the mean time, I hope legal stuff comes up on him and, I hope that women organize a boycott of his businesses and buildings - I will support that.
Liar, liar, Pence on fire. Same goes for his running mate, whose name I cannot bear to mention.
May they both go away and allow the rest of us to begin the healing process under President Clinton's wisdom and guidance.
May they both go away and allow the rest of us to begin the healing process under President Clinton's wisdom and guidance.
AR aptly observes that Pence lives in an ‘alternate reality.’ The story of the Holocaust is that formerly ‘good people’ turned against their neighbors and sent them to the gas chambers. ‘Good people’ are not accessories to murder. People who live in an ‘alternate reality’ can easily be accessories to murder, as they are capable of anything.
Many of us come from dysfunctional families where narcissists, sociopaths, and psychopaths were the norm. We know many Trumps. People can live for years with parents, spouses, siblings, children - and not understand that the disordered among them are not like you and me. They are devoid of empathy – the emotion that makes us human.
Family members, particularly children, of these people often suffer from depression as adults, believing something is wrong with them. As one of these former children, and one who knows many others - we tried to connect with the narcissists - to no avail. We tried to get them to see that their me-first, abusive, bullying tactics were harming us. They didn't care. They lived in an alternate reality.
This campaign is shedding light on the the so-called Cluster B disorders – narcissism, sociopathy, psychopathy, borderline personality disorder – and showing how common they are. Read up on covert narcissism. It's Pence's role.
Many of us come from dysfunctional families where narcissists, sociopaths, and psychopaths were the norm. We know many Trumps. People can live for years with parents, spouses, siblings, children - and not understand that the disordered among them are not like you and me. They are devoid of empathy – the emotion that makes us human.
Family members, particularly children, of these people often suffer from depression as adults, believing something is wrong with them. As one of these former children, and one who knows many others - we tried to connect with the narcissists - to no avail. We tried to get them to see that their me-first, abusive, bullying tactics were harming us. They didn't care. They lived in an alternate reality.
This campaign is shedding light on the the so-called Cluster B disorders – narcissism, sociopathy, psychopathy, borderline personality disorder – and showing how common they are. Read up on covert narcissism. It's Pence's role.
Last night during the debate, when Hillary was speaking....it seemed as
though Trump was stalking....aggressively....and ; it seemed as though his
remarks were incoherent; and I seriously wonder...if Trump was doped up...
as Dr. Howard Dean suggested lately on Morning Joe talk show...
Trump it seems has not only a severe personality disorder ..extreme narcissism
but...he seems dopey...meandering behind Hillary ...and unfocused...
Perhaps Howard Dean might be right...what do others think...about this???
though Trump was stalking....aggressively....and ; it seemed as though his
remarks were incoherent; and I seriously wonder...if Trump was doped up...
as Dr. Howard Dean suggested lately on Morning Joe talk show...
Trump it seems has not only a severe personality disorder ..extreme narcissism
but...he seems dopey...meandering behind Hillary ...and unfocused...
Perhaps Howard Dean might be right...what do others think...about this???
Donald Trump is a malignancy that has been fed by millions of people who share his loathsome beliefs about minorities, women, Mexican and Muslim immigrants, the Clintons, media, etc. etc. He has hijacked the GOP as a false populist. What is astonishing is the people drinking his Kool-Aid are anathema to him. Somehow he has non-educated white working class men believing that a Trump presidency will cure all their woes. The ugly truth is that a Trump presidency will burnish the Trump brand, because Trump could then gloat that he is the most powerful man on earth. The Donald Trump we always knew is an empty suit - a mean-spirited, bullying, pathological liar whose only objective is self-aggrandizement.
Yes, but what about AFTER the election? Trump won't go away! Goodness knows what he will manage to do to keep on shivering our timbers.
Paul Ryan, Speaker ever debonair,
To GOP addresses words unclear.
The Party now devoid of all good cheer,
Its unity, so extraordinaire,
Must mend from tattered remnants with due care.
Establishment's vast power some do fear
Recedes in quick-step, backward, to the rear.
With Leader Trump--so crude and so unfair--
All's come unglued! All's clearly up for grabs!
Will Ryan, ever vigilant, cement
Deep fissures evident for all to see?
The Donald, still the nominee, yet blabs.
This cannon loose was surely never meant
Drab GOP's so public face to be!
To GOP addresses words unclear.
The Party now devoid of all good cheer,
Its unity, so extraordinaire,
Must mend from tattered remnants with due care.
Establishment's vast power some do fear
Recedes in quick-step, backward, to the rear.
With Leader Trump--so crude and so unfair--
All's come unglued! All's clearly up for grabs!
Will Ryan, ever vigilant, cement
Deep fissures evident for all to see?
The Donald, still the nominee, yet blabs.
This cannon loose was surely never meant
Drab GOP's so public face to be!
Your non-stop coverage of this man has allowed him to run a national campaign on pennies, and he is above-the-fold in every newspaper every morning and has been for 15 months.
Please stop it. Now.
Maybe you cover him, because it is the only reason that Clinton will be elected...running against a complete idiot legitimizes her campaign.
This will go down as a tragic election during a most critical time in our history. The media bears a good deal of the responsibility for this train wreck.
Please stop it. Now.
Maybe you cover him, because it is the only reason that Clinton will be elected...running against a complete idiot legitimizes her campaign.
This will go down as a tragic election during a most critical time in our history. The media bears a good deal of the responsibility for this train wreck.
1
For one who, as Mrs. Clinton stated last night, "Has never done anything
Wrong", Trump's situational "contrition" has a Vacuous emptiness, though
Well programmed for a man who has succeeded in continually airing his
words devoid of Substance. His goal in this whole Election process has been the same goal he ha professed to value above all....to Win. He has
Won the Center of Attention....on a nearly 24 Hour crusade....frittering by twittering. Meanwhile, in all this time, he has been "having Fun". Hillary Clinton is "running" in order to "Win"...in order to Serve the People. She also knows How to Serve...as she has most of her life. Trump knows well....how to Be the Center....N/E/S/W...surrounded by Himself. I
wouldn't usually Care; however, we don't Need any more "Elected Non-
Servants".... especially for This Office.
Wrong", Trump's situational "contrition" has a Vacuous emptiness, though
Well programmed for a man who has succeeded in continually airing his
words devoid of Substance. His goal in this whole Election process has been the same goal he ha professed to value above all....to Win. He has
Won the Center of Attention....on a nearly 24 Hour crusade....frittering by twittering. Meanwhile, in all this time, he has been "having Fun". Hillary Clinton is "running" in order to "Win"...in order to Serve the People. She also knows How to Serve...as she has most of her life. Trump knows well....how to Be the Center....N/E/S/W...surrounded by Himself. I
wouldn't usually Care; however, we don't Need any more "Elected Non-
Servants".... especially for This Office.
WE DO NOT CARE WHAT TRUMP SAID!
WE CARE WHAT HILLARY DID!
Hillary Clinton has been found to be “extremely careless” and “unsophisticated, so said FBI Director James Comey. Taken at her word, Hillary Clinton put national security second to her "convenience." She violated the federal records law - she lied when she said she had turned over everything that was work related - and she destroyed evidence of her criminality, AFTER it as subpoenaed by Congress. She told multiple lies to the American people and then told those same lies under oath while testifying to OUR representatives.
Hillary Clinton tells us one story and a different one to the “fat cats” on Wall Street! (I’m looking at you, Bernie voters!)
Finally, and this is the hypocritical kicker, Hillary Clinton rode Bill Clinton’s coattails to levels of political power she could not attain on her own. To that end, she tried to destroy the women who accused her philandering, sexual predator, meal ticket! What a great example for our young girls and women! What a paragon of liberal feminism!
WE CARE WHAT HILLARY DID!
Hillary Clinton has been found to be “extremely careless” and “unsophisticated, so said FBI Director James Comey. Taken at her word, Hillary Clinton put national security second to her "convenience." She violated the federal records law - she lied when she said she had turned over everything that was work related - and she destroyed evidence of her criminality, AFTER it as subpoenaed by Congress. She told multiple lies to the American people and then told those same lies under oath while testifying to OUR representatives.
Hillary Clinton tells us one story and a different one to the “fat cats” on Wall Street! (I’m looking at you, Bernie voters!)
Finally, and this is the hypocritical kicker, Hillary Clinton rode Bill Clinton’s coattails to levels of political power she could not attain on her own. To that end, she tried to destroy the women who accused her philandering, sexual predator, meal ticket! What a great example for our young girls and women! What a paragon of liberal feminism!
1
A one man Rat Pack.
When Donald learned you could own a beauty pageant, he realized he could have access to and control over beautiful young women - a virtual seraglio. It was the closest Donald has ever come to having an epiphany.
When Donald learned you could own a beauty pageant, he realized he could have access to and control over beautiful young women - a virtual seraglio. It was the closest Donald has ever come to having an epiphany.
1
Melanie Trump was married to the man in the video - they were married when he complained that a married woman refused to sleep with him and bragged that he grabbed women's private parts (using crude Trump expressions).
1
Bill Clinton was terrible to women. The correct response is not to turn around and elect another man who is also terrible to women. Men like that should be systematically denied power.
The Trump Bar is set so low, he "wins the debate" so long he can appear in public without extending his tiny hands towards a women's genitals. Why are we rewarding this 70-year-old man for doing what a toddler understands as unacceptable?
Who cares who won the debate - this is not a 3 round boxing match. The only win that matters is the election. The common law rule is that the locker-room defense can only be utilized if the speaker is a teenager and is actually in a locker-room at the time of utterance - it does not apply when spoken outside of a locker-room by a presidential nominee. I usually mix my undercard vote between the two parties but this year, it's D all the way down the line. The GOP must be held accountable for creating Trumpenstein.
Can we please elect warren buffett?
The spectacle that we had to endure last night is not one that I hope that we will ever have to experience again, and I sincerely hope that there is no third debate. In view of Trump's boorish behavior, I would argue that he has forfeited the right to try and make his case to the voters one last time. And for that matter, it probably wouldn't matter even if there were a 3rd debate - it is clear from the polling that voters are repelled by Trump, and the outcome of the election is already certain.
1
As mentioned in three previous comments, I firmly stated that Trump would not be this countries president. Now that his last performance, coupled with new revelations of his character, but not too surprising, certainly assures that he indeed will not be in the oval office.
When Hillary Clinton, this countries first female president, following the administration of our first African American President, will Mitch McConnell dig up his pledge one more time, to make sure that Hillary Clinton will be a one term president and continue the GOP obstruction as practiced these past 7 1/2 years? It would behove that we spend some thought on electing to the Senate, maybe even the House, more Democratic support. Otherwise we face the same divisiveness and obstructionism we've dealt with all these past years.
When Hillary Clinton, this countries first female president, following the administration of our first African American President, will Mitch McConnell dig up his pledge one more time, to make sure that Hillary Clinton will be a one term president and continue the GOP obstruction as practiced these past 7 1/2 years? It would behove that we spend some thought on electing to the Senate, maybe even the House, more Democratic support. Otherwise we face the same divisiveness and obstructionism we've dealt with all these past years.
1
There are a number of commenters in the NYT that have been saying this since Trump decided to make his run. We have known Donald Trump long before we heard of Hilary Clinton. Trump typified a large segment of NY society that was known not only for its money and power but even more so for its boorishness.
The NYT has disgraced itself this entire election cycle by refusing to be an honest broker.
I think even from the perspective of an honest centrist only Bernie Sanders was talking about the changes that needed to be made. A month before the election is eight years too late to admit we always knew who Donald Trump and the GOP were and are. Those of us who remember Goldwater in 1964 knew way back then the GOP was as far away from real conservatism as it is possible to be.
The NYT has disgraced itself this entire election cycle by refusing to be an honest broker.
I think even from the perspective of an honest centrist only Bernie Sanders was talking about the changes that needed to be made. A month before the election is eight years too late to admit we always knew who Donald Trump and the GOP were and are. Those of us who remember Goldwater in 1964 knew way back then the GOP was as far away from real conservatism as it is possible to be.
2
So for some, it is unpalatable to vote for a politician who had occasionally lied, therefore the vote should be casted to narcissistic buffoon who had never utter a word of truth!
2
I watched the debate. Trump was angry, hateful, he lied and yet his supporters liked what he,said and cheered him on, especially when he said he would put Hillary in jail. There is something so digraceful happening right now with how women are being talked about, and that trumps comments are locker room talk..I worry about girls growing up now and how boys will treat them. This man, or should I say boy, can never be President. He has no dignity and he is a threat to everything we stand for.
6
What struck me in Debate #2 was how limited Trump's ideas and knowledge are. He has about a half dozen things to say and repeats them endlessly. You could see that Hillary understood the issues she mentioned, while Trump made up facts more than he ever referred to actual evidence. He is cognitively and emotionally impaired, and although I do feel somewhat sorry for him, it is clear to me he does not have a mind or character to deal successfully with the highly complex issues that face any president. Who would really make the presidential decisions if he were to be elected? Not himself, I think.
1
I feel frustrated to see how a person like Donald can be elected as a presidential candidate - he doesnt fit for the presidency - no justification at all. How can that happen? What is wrong with the country? It is a homework for the GOP and Democrat as well as for all sensible and decent people.
2
Yet again, another Prez debate without a single straightforward question on the single gravest threat facing humanity, and more bluster and baloney: Trump blathering about "clean coal," the #1 non sequitur in the English language, and Clinton giving us the old "fracked gas is a bridge fuel" falsehood, when everything we know about it suggests that in most cases, the methane leaks associated with production and transport make it as destructive as coal to the atmosphere and oceans.
The moderators and both candidates were off in La-La Land. The American people deserve a real discussion and debate on the continuing damage to the benign climate regime that makes civilization possible.
The moderators and both candidates were off in La-La Land. The American people deserve a real discussion and debate on the continuing damage to the benign climate regime that makes civilization possible.
I guess us deplorables are just suppose to be unaware and compliant. Did you get this article straight from the Clinton campaign? I'm officially done listening to the media aka the government mouthpiece. I'd rather get my news from rt, at least they don't hide the fact they are state sponsored.
Such poor arguments, apparently the fruit of your imagination. So according to you, the NYT gets their articles directly from the Clinton campaign, is a 'government mouthpiece' and is 'state-sponsored'. Why telling all these lies? Did your Republican Nominee inspire you to live 'in another reality' and twist the truth? Do you think it makes the conservative wing more believable? More likeable? I consider all these lies simply acts of despair. And yes, the GOP are entitled to some despair these days.
Trump's comment about putting Hillary in jail was pretty rich coming from someone that has a court date a few weeks after the election.
3
Trump is not an outlier - he is the soul of the modern Republican/Tea Party. He says what they believe but won't say themselves. He is neither worse nor stupider than most of them. I just hope he accelerates their demise.
1
Much of the criticism in this article is focused on Republican leadership and their lack of principal in supporting Trump, until the tape came out. But let's put the focus where it belongs. Republican voters who turned out in massive numbers in support of Trump. His rally were truly frightening spectacles. Any politician who decided to cross him could vividly see what they had in store for themselves and their political career. They would be skinned alive. Not enough time has been spent on seeing what was the true jet fuel in the meteoribfic rise of a true American demagogue. These people have always been at the core of the Republican Party. Leadership must have feared that they could not always be kept at bay and under control with false promises. The nightmare scenario has come and now they have been freed from the cage and roam to terrorize the countryside. Trump has found the key and the words and imagery which feed their anger.
5
"Karma has no menu you get served what you deserve."The Republican Party's embrace of a racist, misogynistic, demagogue is about to blow up the Party. If Donald Trump chooses a scorched earth policy the Democrats may win the Senate and the House. Paul Ryan's cynical decision not to "defend"Trump could cause Trump to urge his supporters to "punish" the Republican establishment, and not vote for Congressional candidates who have rejected him. Ryan's decision will surely cost the Republicans the Senate. Republican Senate candidates in swing states like New Hampshire, Nevada, and North Carolina, will be in severe jeopardy.Senate seats in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, are already gone. The Democrats have to pick up 30 seats to control the House, not an impossibility if Trump goes nuclear, and/or other videos emerge.
1
Please rub it in every day - this, dear GOP, is your own making, this is your prodigy. Withdrawing will not let you off the hook.
Either you have to admit, that all your despite and contempt has cumulated into this, or your party can be hijacked by some hatemongers, which in all cases makes you not very trustworthy for a united and determined government.
Either you have to admit, that all your despite and contempt has cumulated into this, or your party can be hijacked by some hatemongers, which in all cases makes you not very trustworthy for a united and determined government.
2
Contra Andrew Rosenthal, what the Trump v. Clinton mudwrestling match is proving to most Americans is that the One Percent "leadership" of this nation is hopelessly corrupt and depraved. The quadrennial electoral circus, controlled by the two-party duopoly and the lap-dog media, is little more than a charade of "choice", giving voters a selection between Coke and Pepsi, a war criminal or a billionaire blowhard groper. The gig is up. Most Americans have lost faith in the nation's major institutions. What's next?
2
You are correct. Minds have already been made, and Trump's supporters really don't care to understand their champion and what he really stands for (not them!). Therefore, the debate was a waste of time. HRC stayed on point, answered the questions that were asked (instead of meandering off topic) all while remaining steely while her opponent told her he planned put her in jail. And yet somehow Trump comes out looking good for not losing it completely? We all know there's a double standard, and women and minorities have to rise to a standard of behavior that white men can simply blow off or explain away (re: locker room banter). I can't imagine a female candidate getting anywhere near the White House who has 5 children from 3 different men, who admitted to cheating on her husbands, or an African American male politician being excused for the type conversation released over the weekend.
371
There are very good reasons to characterized Trump's supporters deplorable. At this point in the campaign, I found it surprising Sunday night that there are still so many undecided voters.
1
And the idiots keep saying neither candidate has proposed policies to address our biggest challenges as a nation.
Every key challenge and priority issue has been addresed with specificity.
From security to immigration to children and education and programs for retraining and infra structure and taxes and all you hear from her detractors are screeds and false equivalencies and cognitive dissonance.
So many smart progressive folks out there but many many more ignorant emotionally defective undisciplined shallow empty heads ranting generalities .
Every key challenge and priority issue has been addresed with specificity.
From security to immigration to children and education and programs for retraining and infra structure and taxes and all you hear from her detractors are screeds and false equivalencies and cognitive dissonance.
So many smart progressive folks out there but many many more ignorant emotionally defective undisciplined shallow empty heads ranting generalities .
1
For sure this is the same vulgar man he always was but now he is a dirty old man, when the video was made he was 59 years old with a new bride at home probably pregnant with his son. Bet this all makes her feel special. She has probably so enjoyed him being gone the past year or so, can you imagine what he would be like to live with? Yuk! But having heard enough about his clown for years now, I cant imagine he will go down without going even lower than he has so far. So glad when this is over and we never have to hear from him again, unless it is when he goes on trial for ripping kids off at his "University" or some other scandal waiting in the wings.
6
Who is Donald trying to impress? Kim Jong il?
2
The rules of ping-pong exclude tackling your opponent for the win.
Similarly, a debate sets up the expectation that each candidates present their plan for the country. A candidate who exclusively focuses on dubious ad hominem attacks should be deemed invalid.
The voters need real information.
So we need to take a serious look at a Fourth Estate that pronounces Trump the "winner" when he can barely talk about policy.
Similarly, a debate sets up the expectation that each candidates present their plan for the country. A candidate who exclusively focuses on dubious ad hominem attacks should be deemed invalid.
The voters need real information.
So we need to take a serious look at a Fourth Estate that pronounces Trump the "winner" when he can barely talk about policy.
1
Trump has been compared with two madmen: Hitler and Mussolini. I'll add two to Roman Emperors: Caligula, the tyrant sexual pervert, and Nero, another tyrant believed to set Rome on fire.
3
Actually, we learned something entirely new in his apology for his sexual predator remark. He called it locker room talk.
As a male, I am insulted. While I admit that I and my friends used coarse language as 20 years old college boys. But for one we never talked about sexual assault and as 30, 40, 50, and 60 years old men I and my friends never used such coarse language anymore.
So, add to the list of people he insults men as well. We do in general not talk like that in our locker rooms.
As a male, I am insulted. While I admit that I and my friends used coarse language as 20 years old college boys. But for one we never talked about sexual assault and as 30, 40, 50, and 60 years old men I and my friends never used such coarse language anymore.
So, add to the list of people he insults men as well. We do in general not talk like that in our locker rooms.
5
Mr Rosenthal makes some great points. I was getting more and more anxious watching Trump's horrible behavior during the debate. I know Hillary is a strong person but I was afraid for her. He looked like he would pull a gun and shoot her at any moment. Most of his supporters are still with him and I believe that the republicans who say they are not supporting Trump are silently hoping that this maniac will win. People want "change"? Is it so bad for some that they would risk it all and vote for this horribly dangerous demagogue?
2
I am not afraid that Donald Trump The Idiot would ever bring a gun to a presidential debate and shoot Hillary Clinton - he is not THAT stupid.
But there IS reason to fear that Trump The Lying & Threatening Bully has already provoked so much anger, hatred and fanaticism among his followers, that one disturbed mind might get such crazy idea. It would not be the first time in history.
And then, who would be responsible for creating such political climate in which violence is provoked? Who would be most responsible for literally demonizing his opponent? Trump is more dangerous than a loose cannon; he brings out the worst in many people.
But there IS reason to fear that Trump The Lying & Threatening Bully has already provoked so much anger, hatred and fanaticism among his followers, that one disturbed mind might get such crazy idea. It would not be the first time in history.
And then, who would be responsible for creating such political climate in which violence is provoked? Who would be most responsible for literally demonizing his opponent? Trump is more dangerous than a loose cannon; he brings out the worst in many people.
1
It's not a complicated story: Trump is a racist, misogynist, narcissistic, mean-spirited con man, with the attitude of a child to boot--one of the biggest babies I can ever recall seeing, whinging more persistently then my daughters ever have. Further, he makes NO SENSE. He's like a doll with a few programmed phrases: you pull the strong and out pop a few. Sexual assault, no big deal, because "ISIS!!" He seems to have no earthly idea how our government works and no concept of how he would address anything. It frightens me that anyone would vote for this man.
2
This kind of nasty behavior is considered normal amongst many men. Unfortunately, women are seen as a pile of pretty meat that should be penetrated with the male organ. As long as we do not respect women and treat them as equals, we will never advance as a society. This is the same man who was attacking Megan Jelly for supposedly having her period... He is an extremely primal individual.
2
It occurs to me that many in our media world have filled the role of Monday night quarterback during this election , telling us either what they think happened or what they wished happened. That rather than investigative reporting such as we saw last Friday from the Washington Post.
It's not too late to further expose this emperor without clothing. So get to it folks. Less fluff, I told you so pieces like this please.
It's not too late to further expose this emperor without clothing. So get to it folks. Less fluff, I told you so pieces like this please.
1
I have never seen a man try to physically intimidate a woman like that, and he did it with 100 million people watching! If someone did that to his wife, he would not have the self control to stop himself from going after him physically. He answered no questions, going off on tangents unrelated to the question he was asked, making threats to jail his opponent. He was obviously coached to avoid making faces, but his body language was schoolyard bully personified. To call what he was taped saying in 2005 "locker room banter" is not true. Normal teenagers or adult men do not talk about forcing themselves on woman's private parts. He's a sick piece of garbage that takes advantage of anyone he can to get what he wants. Never has anyone so unfit thought he could run for President. Hillary handled an impossible situation with amazing diplomacy and tact, considering Trump was trying to provoke her down his subterranean level. Disgusting public display by Trump: anyone who approves of Trump for POTUS after his actions over the last week (as if he had not done enough already) and his inability to tell anyone what he might do if elected POTUS about important decisions proves their ignorance, intolerance for others, and proof that they have no idea what this poor excuse for a human has been doing his entire self entitled life: taking advantage of everyone else, in business, personal life and every other twisted way. Expect more info about his past soon.
5
For all that people think that Hillary's performance was a little weak, she did bring out four things that anti-Trump commenters have yet to focus on. (Or rather he brought them out himself). First, he admitted his $900,000,000 loss and the fact that he had not paid federal taxes since then. Second he admitted that he and Pence had not consulted each other on Syria and that he disagreed with Pence's position. Third, he made a complete hash on the Syria/Iraq /Isis question showing that he does not have a clue how the real world works. (Why can't we attack them secretly?). Fourth, he mangled his response about Putin saying he did not know who Putin was.
These are sleeper points which should be brought up in any debate post-mortem but which I have yet to see the press focus on.
These are sleeper points which should be brought up in any debate post-mortem but which I have yet to see the press focus on.
1
"...someone who will tell you the sun is shining when it’s midnight."
Well, to be fair, the sun DOES shine at midnight for parts of the year in northern Russia.
Well, to be fair, the sun DOES shine at midnight for parts of the year in northern Russia.
Now that there is not a chance he can win, I just don't care anymore. Didn't have any interest before, and have no interest now. I hope he burns in obscurity.
Alas, it ain't over until it's over. Let's hope the Fat Lady doesn't have an ugly tune in store for the US. I am sure Trump will have some more mean tricks up his sleeve.
Remember he's a streetfighter. Trump is not interested in winning the honest way; he's only interested in winning for winning's sake.
Remember he's a streetfighter. Trump is not interested in winning the honest way; he's only interested in winning for winning's sake.
1
Trump's "locker room" defense doesn't just demean women; it also insults men. By stating that all men talk this way, he is bringing all men down to the level of predators and assailants. Sorry Donald but most men are much more civil and respectful of women than you could ever hope to be.
1
It is becoming quite obvious now that Trump, because he's never been in water so deep and unpredictable before-ever!, he's beginning to lose it. And why? Because he isn't totally calling the shots, or paying someone to get the fix in for him. He's breaking new ground here and he hates it, despises that he's not pulling the strings, or paying or bribing someone to do it for him. If this was like any of his past involvements, he'd have either baled by now or gotten what he wanted because he'd have made sure that 'fix was in' from the beginning. And that comfy cushion thing he does where he surrounds himself with his family, well, I guess we know what that's all about. Stage props for whats missing. And what's that you ask, what's missing? The mature male persona he's devoid of, the one he never had the opportunity to shape and call his own, the one that slipped away the day he took his father's million dollar bestowal.
1
I can understand that the real story is about white males maintaining and regaining power over the rest of us and that's why they support Drumpf.
What I am so curious about is why any female in our country would support him? Is is Stockholm Syndrome?
What I am so curious about is why any female in our country would support him? Is is Stockholm Syndrome?
Some are saying all Trump did last night, was preach to his base; he won over no one new. But I do not think that is true! I think he significantly dented support in a group that may have been leaning Trump -- namely, athletes.
Many, many male athletes -- pro and amateur -- are instilled with a sense of being honorable, even if, as we know, many fail in that area too. But maybe for that very reason, Trump and his surrogates repeatedly trying to pawn off his 2005 comments as "just typical locker room talk" is going to rub a lot of male jocks the wrong way!
Think about that. This "macho man" may have just lost a significant portion of the macho man vote! He manages to offend both women and men in one weekend! This would be uproariously funny if it were not the case, the US got *this* close to actually selecting this man as President.
Many, many male athletes -- pro and amateur -- are instilled with a sense of being honorable, even if, as we know, many fail in that area too. But maybe for that very reason, Trump and his surrogates repeatedly trying to pawn off his 2005 comments as "just typical locker room talk" is going to rub a lot of male jocks the wrong way!
Think about that. This "macho man" may have just lost a significant portion of the macho man vote! He manages to offend both women and men in one weekend! This would be uproariously funny if it were not the case, the US got *this* close to actually selecting this man as President.
If anyone ever questioned the claim about a gender-based double standard, this race and the way it has been covered should put an end to that. I'm roughly Trump's age when he made those comments. Even at my worst, in actual locker rooms in the 1970s, we never uttered anything so reprehensible, not even as mindless teens no matter how drunk or stoned we were. As an atheist, I have a slight desire to get me some religion so I can wish Trump an unhappy slide into hell.
Melania has said that this is not the man she knows. It's understandable... if she finally comes to her senses she will realize the scope of her mistake. That's a hard thing to do.
As an instructor of college writing, I dealt with a majority of students who didn't know how to state or find the claim in an essay or speech, evaluate the evidence given in support of a claim, or how to determine if the evidence really backs up a claim or is tangential. As I listened to Trump confidently lie, bloviate, and filibuster last night, I knew with a sinking heart that his "forceful" delivery (unsupported contradictions of proven facts, pointless interruptions, rambling free associations to hold the floor, personal attacks, gratuitous insults) that strikes educated people as entitled old-boy bluster would impress half of my students and many similar unsophisticated people from traditional small towns.
Public education needs fewer standardized tests and worksheets and more opportunities for student involvement in real projects which can then be discussed and evaluated critically. The reason "reality" TV looks real to people is that they don't have enough reality in their lives. Kids used to help with family farms and businesses, get after school jobs, play freely in neighborhoods, explore woods and fields, build things in vacant lots, be apprenticed (formally or informally) to craftspeople; now they play online, watch TV, interact within the echo chamber of social media, and take part in adult-conceived and run activities. I know the world has changed, but schools must change with it and offer experiential learning so kids can tell a fake when they see one.
Public education needs fewer standardized tests and worksheets and more opportunities for student involvement in real projects which can then be discussed and evaluated critically. The reason "reality" TV looks real to people is that they don't have enough reality in their lives. Kids used to help with family farms and businesses, get after school jobs, play freely in neighborhoods, explore woods and fields, build things in vacant lots, be apprenticed (formally or informally) to craftspeople; now they play online, watch TV, interact within the echo chamber of social media, and take part in adult-conceived and run activities. I know the world has changed, but schools must change with it and offer experiential learning so kids can tell a fake when they see one.
1
If in the last year this paper had spent the energy it's spent on trump in recent weeks, seriously examining the issues we are facing, neither of these persons would be candidates today and we would not be the laughing stock of the world. But you do not want any real change to the status quo, so you've treated the lunatic like an entertainment, and have treated a peer-hungry woman who lacks integrity and moral courage like the Second Coming.
Those of us who have lived in the northeast- Trumpland, so to speak--know well what a boor he has always been. It may be the reason why the media simply did not take him seriously at first, because they were too incredulous to believe anyone would fall for this carnival barker. The folks who are Trump followers are either too provincial to know a phony when they see one, have swallowed hook, line and sinker the "Apprentice-TV guy Trump," or are so racist that they believe their hatred has been validated because a major political party has anointed Trump its nominee. Nothing Trump has said or done--even over this past weekend has been surprising. No grown man hangs around beauty pageants and gets into fights with women he finds unattractive if he's working with a full deck. The only thing that has surprised me is how mean Trump is. Who could even think of saying his fellow presidential opponent has hate in her heart? Only someone consumed by his own self-loathing. Like most Americans, I can't wait till this campaign is over; my worry is, however, what will the Trump followers do with their hatred?
5
Trump was right, Hillary is a criminal and should be sitting in a jail cell. Everything else is just background noise.
What does this say about Pence? Hardly the Christian knight in shining armor, supporting this unprincipiled, immoral buffoon. Too bad that doesn't fit the storyline, eh?
2
"It is about the hard right trying to seize control of Washington so it can roll back half a century of economically, racial and social progress."
Not just legislatively but also judicially with the Supreme Court.
That has always been the real, yet unacknowledged, crucial issue in this election. Democrats may yet regain the senate, but that has not always seemed likely. It may still not happen. If it does happen, the senate and president will frustrate such a roll back. And also if it does happen, if the senate does not also abolish the 60-vote requirement for cloture and lock down the Supreme Court with appointment of 2 or 3 younger liberal justices, Democrats will squander their escape from the closest shave they could have possibly had. They have already squandered it once when they abolished the rule only as to lower judicial appointments when Obama had a majority in the senate. If they squander it again, they won't get another chance--or deserve one.
Not just legislatively but also judicially with the Supreme Court.
That has always been the real, yet unacknowledged, crucial issue in this election. Democrats may yet regain the senate, but that has not always seemed likely. It may still not happen. If it does happen, the senate and president will frustrate such a roll back. And also if it does happen, if the senate does not also abolish the 60-vote requirement for cloture and lock down the Supreme Court with appointment of 2 or 3 younger liberal justices, Democrats will squander their escape from the closest shave they could have possibly had. They have already squandered it once when they abolished the rule only as to lower judicial appointments when Obama had a majority in the senate. If they squander it again, they won't get another chance--or deserve one.
All true, but what I wonder is why the NYT is still allowing nonsense like David Sanger's "fact check" where Clinton says there is no evidence that her server was hacked and Sanger concedes is "literally true" and nonetheless labels it "misleading" because *some other* servers have been hacked. Sanger isn't an expert in computer security. The people that he relied on are also not experts in computer security. No evidence means no evidence, and to conclude that Clinton's statement was anything but 'True' is a dereliction of duty to inform the public. What Sanger imagines to be true is irrelevant.
If Trump had half a brain in his head, he'd stop the assertions of jailing Clinton.
Because after she's elected, one presumes it is Trump who will have the federal marshalls knocking on his door, no doubt for assault, and possibly for tax evasion. I suspect we will all live to see Trump on a perp walk.
Because after she's elected, one presumes it is Trump who will have the federal marshalls knocking on his door, no doubt for assault, and possibly for tax evasion. I suspect we will all live to see Trump on a perp walk.
I hope we will live to see Trump do the perp walk. But I am afraid his high priced lawyers would get him off.
Instead of watching the "debate" I watched the PBS program FRONTLINE.
It had an in-depth look at the two candidates that was very revealing about their lives and what made then tick. An excellent program. If it runs again I would suggest anyone still on the fence to try to watch it.
FRONTLINE painted a rather dismal picture of Trump.
It had an in-depth look at the two candidates that was very revealing about their lives and what made then tick. An excellent program. If it runs again I would suggest anyone still on the fence to try to watch it.
FRONTLINE painted a rather dismal picture of Trump.
I wish-for once when Donald Trump begins his redundancy about African Americans and the Inner City; one moderator would attempt to *flesh-out* his thinking with a followup observation:
"Mr.Trump there are between 42 and 46 Million self-identified African Americans in this Country.Your only reference infers they all live in [the] Inner City." "What do you say to the millions who do not"? While I can already envision his expression and hear his response- I still want someone to ask. Are you listening Las Vegas Moderators?
"Mr.Trump there are between 42 and 46 Million self-identified African Americans in this Country.Your only reference infers they all live in [the] Inner City." "What do you say to the millions who do not"? While I can already envision his expression and hear his response- I still want someone to ask. Are you listening Las Vegas Moderators?
Thanks Mr. Rosenthal for dispensing with this idiocy about who "won" a debate.
A presidential debate isn't a football game. It's a window into the views and characters of the candidates.
Trump's campaign, wholly composed of racism, sexism, bullying and lying, is a window I never want to look into again. Nor should any other American.
A presidential debate isn't a football game. It's a window into the views and characters of the candidates.
Trump's campaign, wholly composed of racism, sexism, bullying and lying, is a window I never want to look into again. Nor should any other American.
1
As someone who spent much of his life in the NY metropolitan area, we all knew about DT as a flimflam artist for decades. We just had to wait for the rest of the country to see it for themselves.
2
In addition to what Trump actually said last night, which was horrible, his walking behind Hillary, was like he was stalking her, creepy as hell. I wonder how many people thought that reinforced his comments on women on his deplorable video?
3
"I’ve never believed that the Republican leadership really disagreed with Trump’s fringe views. They just didn’t like the way he expressed them."
Yes, darn it, he is saying out loud what everyone is just supposed to hint, whisper, and whistle.
Donald Trump has done us a favour. He has torn the mask off the Republican party -- a mask I for one didn't find particularly convincing, but none the less, it is gone now.
Yes, darn it, he is saying out loud what everyone is just supposed to hint, whisper, and whistle.
Donald Trump has done us a favour. He has torn the mask off the Republican party -- a mask I for one didn't find particularly convincing, but none the less, it is gone now.
3
This election makes me sad for our country. We are better than this. Mr Trump has scrapped the bottom of slime.
1
I recently read a disgusted voter's comment: "I feel like this election has been going on since the writing of the Magna Carta." I laughed, and then I nearly sobbed: the Trump supporters do not even know what that important document is, or what it means, much less understand the wry humor of a campaign going on since 1066.
1
I keep trying to imagine some alternate universe in which Donald Trump ran as a Democrat (easy enough when you don't believe in anything). His swagger, crudity and braggadocio would still be present, along with his anti-trade protectionism, but he wouldn't have to tie himself into all the ridiculous knots over abortion, creationism, climate, the middle east, race, immigration, etc., etc. I keep wondering if he'd be equally popular among working class democrats as he is with working class republicans. Or even, if he'd bring lots of those wayward voters back to the Democratic party. Sure, some of his supporters really are deplorable, but I suspect many are not. Just tired, scared and lost.
The real question is this: would we on the left look past his stupidity and ignorance and embrace him because he championed our causes? When I think about these things a bit it makes it possible to understand how people on the right have latched onto him, or refused to withdraw support. They believe what they believe (whether it's about the 2nd amendment or the composition of the Supreme Court or ISIS) and he is their voice. I condemn him in the strongest possible terms, but it's not hard for me to imagine an equally hypocritical, pandering and opportunistic center left.
The real question is this: would we on the left look past his stupidity and ignorance and embrace him because he championed our causes? When I think about these things a bit it makes it possible to understand how people on the right have latched onto him, or refused to withdraw support. They believe what they believe (whether it's about the 2nd amendment or the composition of the Supreme Court or ISIS) and he is their voice. I condemn him in the strongest possible terms, but it's not hard for me to imagine an equally hypocritical, pandering and opportunistic center left.
Hillary Clinton showed once again she is ready to be president. Can anyone imagine being confronted with the four accusers 30 minutes before the debate, and then being threatened with jail during the debate? She did incredibly well holding the stage, all the while watching the incoherent Trump, mouthing memorized Kellyanne Conway pivots, wander around like the creepy stalker that video confirmed he is. Hillary may never convince the die-hard Trump supporters of anything she says between now and November 8th, but she may have a chance with them when she acts on behalf of all Americans once she's in the White House.
After their tardy and half-hearted rejections this weekend, the Republicans left standing may even be compelled to work with her on some things just to regain some credibility after their misguided Trump bear-hug. We can only hope the hypocrites (or are they just schizo?) like Pence who condemn and support Trump at the same time disappear. But, unfortunately, they will probably all have talk radio or Fox News contracts in 2017, and will be lurking for years, like Palin did. Maybe Giuliani can even host a reality TV contest for the 4 accusers lip-synching "Let it Go!"
After their tardy and half-hearted rejections this weekend, the Republicans left standing may even be compelled to work with her on some things just to regain some credibility after their misguided Trump bear-hug. We can only hope the hypocrites (or are they just schizo?) like Pence who condemn and support Trump at the same time disappear. But, unfortunately, they will probably all have talk radio or Fox News contracts in 2017, and will be lurking for years, like Palin did. Maybe Giuliani can even host a reality TV contest for the 4 accusers lip-synching "Let it Go!"
1
The small-handed, hissing, sniffing, sniveling mobster has the Republican Party by the ball(ot)s. The slime boss has a posse, a mob. If Republican legislators (an oxymoron) show a hint of disloyalty the mobster will sic his rabid mob on them, he will have deserters rubbed out.
The mobster has a long history of intimidation, threats, coercion; he showed today that he keeps a tiny fingered, but strangle grip, on his public (as in Republican).
Keeping his Republicans in line is not really all that hard....he grasps them by the neck with both hands, and because they have no spines, he can wrap his tiny little fingers all the way around their necks. His Republican crime family is frightened. And well they should be. The Republican mob is on the loose. They want blood.
Nevertheless, some Republican criminals have defected. They are changing their identities, attempting to deny their heart-of-hearts support of Trump, look non-radical, even moral; seeking shelter in the witness protection program where they have sold their children in a bargain to save their yellow skins.
Don't feel bad for the Republican deserters who have sold their children. They supported Trump even after he admitted he lusted after his own daughter. Republican deserters are lower than the Republican criminals
who are intimidated into remaining loyal to their slime boss. Each faction is without a moral compass, but at least the intimidated faction isn't denying their repulsiveness...they're embracing it.
The mobster has a long history of intimidation, threats, coercion; he showed today that he keeps a tiny fingered, but strangle grip, on his public (as in Republican).
Keeping his Republicans in line is not really all that hard....he grasps them by the neck with both hands, and because they have no spines, he can wrap his tiny little fingers all the way around their necks. His Republican crime family is frightened. And well they should be. The Republican mob is on the loose. They want blood.
Nevertheless, some Republican criminals have defected. They are changing their identities, attempting to deny their heart-of-hearts support of Trump, look non-radical, even moral; seeking shelter in the witness protection program where they have sold their children in a bargain to save their yellow skins.
Don't feel bad for the Republican deserters who have sold their children. They supported Trump even after he admitted he lusted after his own daughter. Republican deserters are lower than the Republican criminals
who are intimidated into remaining loyal to their slime boss. Each faction is without a moral compass, but at least the intimidated faction isn't denying their repulsiveness...they're embracing it.
Sometimes I watch Fox News to take the pulse of the right wing. For the past six months it's as if they moved to the twilight zone. When I see people chant to lock her up or put her in jail, I am appalled and so disappointed by the hate of my fellow Americans. What makes me sadder is that the election will not end this insanity as I believe Trump TV is the next venture.
We don't have to watch. I turned it all off, and you can too.
We don't have to watch. I turned it all off, and you can too.
It's really unfortunate that experts can't see through Trump's dramatics to see whats driving this anti-status quo voting bloc
Party faithfuls who comment here can be forgiven for not understanding, but socio-economic experts who should have a feel for the country are so clueless, its quite astounding
Looks, folks who comment here are mostly from coasts, work on wall street or silicon valley or tenured or union folks. Being on the coast likely means ur house prices have multiplied a few times over and you have become wealthy by simply squatting on stocks and riding out the Inequality wealth factor. Being in those industries, free trade has been net positive
With this, you feel like you have become enlightened and look down upon the rest.
Guys, this concentrated wealth train has left a lot of folks behind and angry and if not addressed the whiplash we all will face in the coming years will be far greater than the "Trump Drama"
Go Bernie or any non status quo candidate!
Party faithfuls who comment here can be forgiven for not understanding, but socio-economic experts who should have a feel for the country are so clueless, its quite astounding
Looks, folks who comment here are mostly from coasts, work on wall street or silicon valley or tenured or union folks. Being on the coast likely means ur house prices have multiplied a few times over and you have become wealthy by simply squatting on stocks and riding out the Inequality wealth factor. Being in those industries, free trade has been net positive
With this, you feel like you have become enlightened and look down upon the rest.
Guys, this concentrated wealth train has left a lot of folks behind and angry and if not addressed the whiplash we all will face in the coming years will be far greater than the "Trump Drama"
Go Bernie or any non status quo candidate!
In addition to the hard Republican right rolling back half a century of economic, racial and social progress, it is hellbent as well in an effort to move us scientifically back into the dark ages. They're still not over the Scopes trial and if we had frozen progress at that point in time we'd still be flying in open-cockpit, piston-engine biplanes, driving flivvers, and reading the dialog down at the Bijou. Then, it was evolution (and for many still is) and today it's global warming.
Trump was a genius in his selection of Pence. The hyper-religious are amazingly adept at denying what their lying eyes see and their lying ears hear. I don't recall who it was that said Trump lies the way normal people breathe. Pence isn't quite there, but he's close and he's working hard at it.
Trump was a genius in his selection of Pence. The hyper-religious are amazingly adept at denying what their lying eyes see and their lying ears hear. I don't recall who it was that said Trump lies the way normal people breathe. Pence isn't quite there, but he's close and he's working hard at it.
5
I would like to believe that Democrats would never nominate nor support a candidate as unqualified, morally bankrupt and scary as Donald Trump, but I have to consider the possibility. How would I vote if I believed women's rights depended on it, or affordable healthcare for my son with diabetes or the fate of the warming planet and my grandchildren? How much of a Democratic Trump's ignorance and authoritarian rhetoric, his lack of compassion and his greed and entitlement attitude could I overlook iff I believed he could fix all the problems in our country single-handedly, according to my views and wishes? I honestly don't know, but I think I would finally, in the sanctity of the voting booth, pull the lever for another candidate and work for my values and the reforms I wanted by some other means. A president, after all, is not a dictator. And should never become one.
Trump knew he couldn't win on his merits so he did what no nothings do, bully and shout over everybody making so many lying accusations that it impossible for any one to refute them in 2 minutes. He made himself look small and petulant. Not a winner but a quiter.
1
Without realizing it, Trump is performing a valuable public service: The destruction of the GOP.
2
The polls are destroying Trump. He's not knowledgeable or likable, Who hasn't he alienated?
1
When TV talking heads say he won the debate they are they are reporting on the debate as if it was a sports event . What I saw was an angry , unhinged man , full of hate , and lying all the time . His whole campaign is based on hate and then , in the mother of all ironies , he accuses Hillary of being full of hate . He lies non stop and accuses Hillary of lying . He is probably the craziest man ever to run for President and then says she is crazy .
Hillary Clinton won the debate because she took a step back and let him show himself for what he is and what people saw was not pretty .
Hillary Clinton won the debate because she took a step back and let him show himself for what he is and what people saw was not pretty .
15
From a distance it looks like Trump has finally imploded and that barring some unforeseen calamity Hillary Clinton will comfortably win the US presidential election. But the rest of the world won't soon forget that Trump continues to enjoy the loyal support of 40% of US voters no matter what he says or does. Clinton seems unstoppable but every second Trump remains in the race diminishes the United States standing in the world.
3
What I keep wondering is when it became socially acceptable for anyone - let alone the GOP which has spent decades telling the rest of us they have some sort of divine corner ion morality - to act and speak like Donald trump. From a lifetime of degrading women through action and deed to recorded comments talking about his sexual assaults (not escapades!) to his racism and the vile filth he spews about Hillary Clinton. What has happened on the far right that this is how they engage in political discourse? What has happened to passionate yet respectful exchanges of ideas? And why aren't we talking more about the disgusting sexism that is really behind these brutal, baseless personal assaults on Hillary Clinton. You don't like her politics - fine - that doesn't make her an evil devil who should be improsoned. For a nation that professes to be concerned about bullying among children they applaud it in this deranged adult.
4
Straight decent America is aghast at this predator. Queer America has known of his ilk forever: as the official "Other", we get the jibes, laughter, casual & easy hatred, constant exclusion, etc.
I find it funny that now that he comes for everyone not straight white and male, you circle the wagons and suddenly are aware of this easy bigotry. This is you America. He is you writ large.
I find it funny that now that he comes for everyone not straight white and male, you circle the wagons and suddenly are aware of this easy bigotry. This is you America. He is you writ large.
1
It is shameful that we have a very competent and well prepared woman running for president for the first time in the history of our country and she has to share the stage with a creepy, ignorant pervert.
6
I would only add that Trump's debate performances have given us a glimpse into the tactics that he must use in 'winning' in his business dealings. As we learn from a quick read of his biography, these are lessons he learned from the heinous Roy Cohn.
For those who have read his ghost-written books, and signed up for his University, in search of 'secrets to success' it is obvious that his 'technique' is nothing more than a bullying and threatening attitude and rhetoric. To use the time-worn adage, he is: selling snake oil!
Bravo to Bob Schiefer for being the first to label Trump's philosophy as something used in banana republics, which has now become repeated throughout the mediasphere.
Furthermore, I think we can say with confidence that Trump's experience hosting 'The Apprentice' and as the Republican Presidential nominee has allowed him to fully embrace his place a standard-bearer for the lowbrow.
For those who have read his ghost-written books, and signed up for his University, in search of 'secrets to success' it is obvious that his 'technique' is nothing more than a bullying and threatening attitude and rhetoric. To use the time-worn adage, he is: selling snake oil!
Bravo to Bob Schiefer for being the first to label Trump's philosophy as something used in banana republics, which has now become repeated throughout the mediasphere.
Furthermore, I think we can say with confidence that Trump's experience hosting 'The Apprentice' and as the Republican Presidential nominee has allowed him to fully embrace his place a standard-bearer for the lowbrow.
2
Enough of this Donald bashing. The Donald ain't all that bad. After calling for Donald Trump’s indictment several weeks ago, I find myself now defending him somewhat. He is more of a talker than a doer. The present attacks on his gross sexual assault on women in general should be first leveled on the hundreds of “doers” state representatives, senators and governors that have been waging actual war on women for years. See my comments in “In Defense of Donald Trump”
http://deyanbrashich.com/home/2016/10/10/in-defense-of-donald-trump.html
http://deyanbrashich.com/home/2016/10/10/in-defense-of-donald-trump.html
"He's been insulting women all year, along with Mexican immigrants, Muslims, gay Americans and people with disabilities."
Trump is not the problem. The problem is those Americans who think that this is ok. These people ARE disgusting and definitely deplorable. And actually, Hillary may have underestimated the number.
So we have some sober people who say, "We need to listen to them." And for what? Don't you understand that the only thing that will make them happy to give them jobs they are not qualified for, if only for the whiteness of their skin? Ahead and above all others, no matter their educational achievement? THEIR fantasy is that all people of color, even those who happen to be doctors, scientists, and educators be demoted to work service jobs only (lawncare, fastfood) so that NO person of color can ever progress materially? (Don't be a fool, this has happened.) Do you not see that they want "White, Free and over 21" to be the only defined characteristic for any job? This would definitely put America in a race to the bottom. And these are the people that Donald Trump and the Brietbart crowd are catering to...
No. Trump is not the problem.
Trump is not the problem. The problem is those Americans who think that this is ok. These people ARE disgusting and definitely deplorable. And actually, Hillary may have underestimated the number.
So we have some sober people who say, "We need to listen to them." And for what? Don't you understand that the only thing that will make them happy to give them jobs they are not qualified for, if only for the whiteness of their skin? Ahead and above all others, no matter their educational achievement? THEIR fantasy is that all people of color, even those who happen to be doctors, scientists, and educators be demoted to work service jobs only (lawncare, fastfood) so that NO person of color can ever progress materially? (Don't be a fool, this has happened.) Do you not see that they want "White, Free and over 21" to be the only defined characteristic for any job? This would definitely put America in a race to the bottom. And these are the people that Donald Trump and the Brietbart crowd are catering to...
No. Trump is not the problem.
3
Trump would have been better advised to buy Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion than try for the White House.
2
In the late 1980s, when Trump's affair with Marla Maples destroyed his marriage to Ivana Trump, Trump entertained himself making statements to the media day after day after day about Ivana Trump, the mother of his 3 very young children, mocking her body, her intelligence and generally indicating she wasn't a person worth being married to. Not good enough for Donald Trump.
Anyone who lived in or near NYC in those days will clearly remember Trump's public abuse and humiliation of his wife, his lack of any decency or sense of privacy regarding his family, using the destruction of his marriage and the pain of his young family to garner round the clock publicity - what decent person behaves like that? If your wife and children can't trust you to keep family matters private or trust you not to trash your home life to the media - who exactly was Donald Trump loyal to? Nobody! It was loud and clear.
Celebrities can stupidly do anything they want, and many do, heedless of the consequences. Trump's mistake was to believe he could live for decades like a crazy celebrity media-hound and somehow years later pivot into politics like none of that embarrassing wretched excess and publicity seeking had ever happened.
Trump proved decades ago nobody can trust him. Nobody. Not even his own family.
He thought people would forget. Many of us didn't.
Anyone who lived in or near NYC in those days will clearly remember Trump's public abuse and humiliation of his wife, his lack of any decency or sense of privacy regarding his family, using the destruction of his marriage and the pain of his young family to garner round the clock publicity - what decent person behaves like that? If your wife and children can't trust you to keep family matters private or trust you not to trash your home life to the media - who exactly was Donald Trump loyal to? Nobody! It was loud and clear.
Celebrities can stupidly do anything they want, and many do, heedless of the consequences. Trump's mistake was to believe he could live for decades like a crazy celebrity media-hound and somehow years later pivot into politics like none of that embarrassing wretched excess and publicity seeking had ever happened.
Trump proved decades ago nobody can trust him. Nobody. Not even his own family.
He thought people would forget. Many of us didn't.
586
Yup. "Donald Trump to Howard Stern: It's okay to call my daughter a 'piece of ass'." Decades of smut. www.cnn.com/2016/10/08/politics/trump-on-howard-stern/index.html
1
Ivanka surprised me. She doesn't appear to be a bad person, but it is typical of teenagers to use their fathers to hurt their mothers. I have never quite forgotten my surprise that she seems to prefer that disgusting man and his oscene antics.
1
Merriam-Webster defines "barbaric" as:
1
a : of, relating to, or characteristic of barbarians b : possessing or characteristic of a cultural level more complex than primitive savagery but less sophisticated than advanced civilization
2
a : marked by a lack of restraint : wild b : having a bizarre, primitive, or unsophisticated quality
3
: barbarous 3
This describes Donald Trump to a tee. We live in what I hope is an advanced civilization. Trump represents what we are trying to move AWAY from.
Hillary comes with many political warts, some quite ugly, but I do believe we will at least survive her stewardship. I'm not so sure if we can survice a Trumped-up world.
Oh, and you can bet that EVERY SINGLE WOMAN who watched that debate noticed how he was looming over her, trying to intimidate her. It's sad and unfortunate, but every woman encounters this kind of thing just about every single day. Sometimes it may be more subtle, but it is still there. (But Trump doesn't care - he was just there to put on a show for his adoring fans. He doesn't care if he attracts one more person. It would be nice, but not necessary.)
1
a : of, relating to, or characteristic of barbarians b : possessing or characteristic of a cultural level more complex than primitive savagery but less sophisticated than advanced civilization
2
a : marked by a lack of restraint : wild b : having a bizarre, primitive, or unsophisticated quality
3
: barbarous 3
This describes Donald Trump to a tee. We live in what I hope is an advanced civilization. Trump represents what we are trying to move AWAY from.
Hillary comes with many political warts, some quite ugly, but I do believe we will at least survive her stewardship. I'm not so sure if we can survice a Trumped-up world.
Oh, and you can bet that EVERY SINGLE WOMAN who watched that debate noticed how he was looming over her, trying to intimidate her. It's sad and unfortunate, but every woman encounters this kind of thing just about every single day. Sometimes it may be more subtle, but it is still there. (But Trump doesn't care - he was just there to put on a show for his adoring fans. He doesn't care if he attracts one more person. It would be nice, but not necessary.)
Trump saying it was locker room talk is meaningless. The point is - did he do these things or not? If he did, he sexually assaulted those women and has expressed no remorse for doing so. If he didn't, he's a liar.
1
I'm shocked that so many people are calling Trump's comments as only "lewd" and "locker room banter." His words described assault and battery against women.
Shame on people for condoning this rape culture. Speak out!
Shame on people for condoning this rape culture. Speak out!
1
Why didn't the moderators stop Donald from pacing around and standing menacingly behind Hillary while she was talking? Clearly he among his many flaws and personality defects he has ADHD. I could hardly sleep last night due to anxiety brought on by thinking that this half wit mean racist misogynist bully could actually be president. What would become of us...?
1
Perfect. How ugly the republicans are underneath their facade
1
The Donald Trump nomination was the result of a large group of extremely cynical, mostly older, group of white Americans that are distrustful of the Democrats because of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. They remember a time when whites were treated different than blacks. These people never admit it, but they have racist views. I know this, because I’m a white man who has been surrounded by these people all my life. They say racist things all the time.
As an example, a few months ago, I was in a bar to catch a Warriors vs. Thunder post-season game. An older white man that I never met before was sitting next to me. He was probably in his mid-60’s. He turned to me and said, “You know that Stephen Curry is really impressive.” Since I was pulling for the Cavs last season, I said, “I’m not a fan of his. I think last season might end up being his best.” He then said, “To tell you the truth, I don’t really care. They’re all just n------ playing ball to me.” I then got up and walked away.
It’s because of guys like him that Donald Trump is on the ballot. These people are tired of hiding their feelings. Trump is their last chance to roll the clock back to time when they could be openly racist without worrying about what anyone thinks.
As an example, a few months ago, I was in a bar to catch a Warriors vs. Thunder post-season game. An older white man that I never met before was sitting next to me. He was probably in his mid-60’s. He turned to me and said, “You know that Stephen Curry is really impressive.” Since I was pulling for the Cavs last season, I said, “I’m not a fan of his. I think last season might end up being his best.” He then said, “To tell you the truth, I don’t really care. They’re all just n------ playing ball to me.” I then got up and walked away.
It’s because of guys like him that Donald Trump is on the ballot. These people are tired of hiding their feelings. Trump is their last chance to roll the clock back to time when they could be openly racist without worrying about what anyone thinks.
3
Chris Christie and Rudy Giuliani still abide with Trump. Doesn't matter for any Rudy career, which is over, but curious where this will take Christie.
One curious thing about this whole Trump ordeal. It's brought out sides of people we didn't know - from our neighbors, coworkers, pastors, heroes such as John McCain, journalists, talk show hosts/hostesses, celebrities, politicians, relatives - for better or worse. Donald Trump evokes emotion, we'll give him credit for that. Unfortunately for him, that's not leadership and it surely is not presidential. Nothing is in the middle for him, leaving a huge imbalance, no matter what he touches or comes near.
One curious thing about this whole Trump ordeal. It's brought out sides of people we didn't know - from our neighbors, coworkers, pastors, heroes such as John McCain, journalists, talk show hosts/hostesses, celebrities, politicians, relatives - for better or worse. Donald Trump evokes emotion, we'll give him credit for that. Unfortunately for him, that's not leadership and it surely is not presidential. Nothing is in the middle for him, leaving a huge imbalance, no matter what he touches or comes near.
1
As an American and as a woman I am so scared and sad that Mr. Trump has such a following.
He presents himself as a man with a short fuse who hates, people of color(non white), people who 's religion is different than his, physically handicapped people, mentally handicapped people, LGBT community, women in general, and particularly women who don't fit into small tight dresses.
Are we as a nation going backwards? Are Mr. Trump's supporters telling their children it's OK to bully? That it's OK to threaten people? That women are objects and inferior to men?
He presents himself as a man with a short fuse who hates, people of color(non white), people who 's religion is different than his, physically handicapped people, mentally handicapped people, LGBT community, women in general, and particularly women who don't fit into small tight dresses.
Are we as a nation going backwards? Are Mr. Trump's supporters telling their children it's OK to bully? That it's OK to threaten people? That women are objects and inferior to men?
1
Mr. Trump is the same person as he was back in 1995. However, he did pass the Duck test.
If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like aduck, then it is (Donald) duck.
If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like aduck, then it is (Donald) duck.
1
After voting for Bill Clinton more times than I can count and Hillary Clinton three times for President, I'm done with them for good! Seeing these abused women speak their truth touched my heart and I was wrong not to believed them! So sorry ladies!
'My father never spoke like this!' from an indignant friend before the Debate. How much do you know about Frat Houses in America, I asked, causing her to admit not much. What is pitiful is that in the video, Trump is carrying on at 60, 'Forever a Jock' in the sweat room of college.
Trump was in the world of financial tycoons, powerful figures and The Elite Crowd over thirty years ago, but he was rarely mentioned in the office where I worked as a typist. There was a tacit understanding that he was a bit of a bad joke. His divorce with his first wife, made some noise, most of the Ladies of New York gathered about her, while their husbands stood, nervously adjusting their bow-ties.
The Democratic Nominee is not going to get into a flap over this portrait of Trump and his memories of adolescent jollies. She is angry. Angry that he continues to name-call women, crass and vulgar towards all Minorities, and his playing of Russian Roulette.
I have heard the jail sentence in the land of Trump where I am staying. Some good Americans here. The Majority are Republicans and voting the Party Ticket, but the party is over with Trump because they are embarrassed. The men do not behave like this at the local gathering-hole in town. They have long grown-up, worked hard and continue to look for work because they want to keep busy.
Reading my registration to vote, the list of choices with an option not to enroll in any political party? It is for Democracy and Hillary Clinton.
Trump was in the world of financial tycoons, powerful figures and The Elite Crowd over thirty years ago, but he was rarely mentioned in the office where I worked as a typist. There was a tacit understanding that he was a bit of a bad joke. His divorce with his first wife, made some noise, most of the Ladies of New York gathered about her, while their husbands stood, nervously adjusting their bow-ties.
The Democratic Nominee is not going to get into a flap over this portrait of Trump and his memories of adolescent jollies. She is angry. Angry that he continues to name-call women, crass and vulgar towards all Minorities, and his playing of Russian Roulette.
I have heard the jail sentence in the land of Trump where I am staying. Some good Americans here. The Majority are Republicans and voting the Party Ticket, but the party is over with Trump because they are embarrassed. The men do not behave like this at the local gathering-hole in town. They have long grown-up, worked hard and continue to look for work because they want to keep busy.
Reading my registration to vote, the list of choices with an option not to enroll in any political party? It is for Democracy and Hillary Clinton.
The ("ludicrous" Paul Krugman's descriptor) Paul Ryan was sufficiently unimpressed ... to try to have it both ways. It's all about 2020 or 2024 for this charlatan (my word).
Ryan won't campaign for Trump. He won't withdraw his endorsement. So, he not only wants cover for the Republican congressional majority but also room to move if Trump happens to win.
The Republican party's second most-powerful, influential "intellectual" is going for the win-win. At this point, it's looking more like the lose-lose.
You reap what you sow.
Ryan won't campaign for Trump. He won't withdraw his endorsement. So, he not only wants cover for the Republican congressional majority but also room to move if Trump happens to win.
The Republican party's second most-powerful, influential "intellectual" is going for the win-win. At this point, it's looking more like the lose-lose.
You reap what you sow.
1
Trump's performance was 'typical,' i.e. disjointed, inarticulate and menacing. You could tell that his handlers had advised him to get in a string of talking points; too bad he couldn't retain enough information to go beyond a few scripted sentences or respond to follow up from the moderators. But then, these formats are just stupid. So Trump hurls 5 or 6 random, largely false, statements about Hillary's policies- and she's supposed to respond in 2 minutes? You can't discuss even the basics of Syrian policy or energy policy in 2 minutes. It's been designed as reality TV, not journalism- though kudos to Raddatz and Cooper on moderating well. I'm frankly surprised that Trump didn't ask to have them replaced, since a gay man and a woman can't be expected to be 'fair' to the Donald.
Really disturbing was Trump's studied ape-like behavior. I'm beginning to believe Ivana's original claims of being raped by her then-husband. He walks, talks and acts like a predator. I was feeling sorry for his children- 'til I read this morning that Ivanka's hubby was one of the masterminds behind the pre-debate coffee klatch with Bill's accusers and the effort to seat them in the 'family' viewing box. But, even if this hadn't been nixed, I don't think it would have rattled Hillary the way Donald thinks it would have. Uncomfortable yes; but he simply doesn't get it... he's just an annoying gnat in the world that Hillary has operated in for most of her life.
Really disturbing was Trump's studied ape-like behavior. I'm beginning to believe Ivana's original claims of being raped by her then-husband. He walks, talks and acts like a predator. I was feeling sorry for his children- 'til I read this morning that Ivanka's hubby was one of the masterminds behind the pre-debate coffee klatch with Bill's accusers and the effort to seat them in the 'family' viewing box. But, even if this hadn't been nixed, I don't think it would have rattled Hillary the way Donald thinks it would have. Uncomfortable yes; but he simply doesn't get it... he's just an annoying gnat in the world that Hillary has operated in for most of her life.
1
There has never been a moment in this entire mess that is the Republican nomination process or concerning their nominee that I have felt anything resembling actual ethical thought or action from any one concerned. Trump has never been anything but a buffoon to those of us outside NYC who have always thought he was given opportunities because somehow NY has a vast inferiority complex and will make a hero of anyone that seems to make it better, whether or not they actually do (Giuliani, etc.). Trump supporters are deplorable and proud of it. America will never recover from this stain and the rest of the world is in shock.
2
Well-stated indictment of Trump and the right-wing extremists that the Republicans have become!
"Trump showed once again that this race is and has always been about his ego, and about sexism, racism, isolationism, fear and anger. It is about hating President Obama, mostly because he is African-American. It is about the hard right trying to seize control of Washington so it can roll back half a century of economic, racial and social progress. ... I’ve never believed that the Republican leadership really disagreed with Trump’s fringe views. They just didn’t like the way he expressed them"
"Trump showed once again that this race is and has always been about his ego, and about sexism, racism, isolationism, fear and anger. It is about hating President Obama, mostly because he is African-American. It is about the hard right trying to seize control of Washington so it can roll back half a century of economic, racial and social progress. ... I’ve never believed that the Republican leadership really disagreed with Trump’s fringe views. They just didn’t like the way he expressed them"
1
I'm in general agreement, but would ask only that we begin with this exacting columnist to terminate our abuse of the term, 'debate,' in relation to the 'exposure' we stage for our candidates in these elections. Let them flash all they must, especially now that Trump has shown us so many new verbs.
Many thanks to Hillary Clinton. Amazingly, some people are criticizing her debate performance but wasn't she required to - basically - stand in a sewer with that lumbering, wincing jerk muttering threats and insults at her and her husband - after he packed the hall w/ women who've spent decades leveling unsubstantiated charges at him? The whole run-up to the debate was a shabby, sensational display on Trump's part, he trying desperately to turn it into a cage match/reality show shamefest for Hillary - & she showed up, answered questions with poise, explained her policies and basically behaved like a professional public servant and a lady -- while Trump stalked around her, shouted over her, threatened to have her arrested blah blah blah. The whole thing was embarrassing to the country.
I've made plenty of complaints about Hillary in my time but that was an epic save on her part last night. She behaved with the dignity and intelligence we wish to see in our president. Who else running for the office ever had to pass a test like that one? (although Obama was certainly dogged by threats & bad actors in 2008....).
Thanks for being a class act, Hillary. I'm proud to vote for you.
I've made plenty of complaints about Hillary in my time but that was an epic save on her part last night. She behaved with the dignity and intelligence we wish to see in our president. Who else running for the office ever had to pass a test like that one? (although Obama was certainly dogged by threats & bad actors in 2008....).
Thanks for being a class act, Hillary. I'm proud to vote for you.
16
Thank you for the excellent article. I am glad there are some folks who are living in the real world.
1
But this IS who Trump is.
We can put a Pig in a $3,000 suit and we still get a Pig in a $3000 suit.
We can put a Pig in a $3,000 suit and we still get a Pig in a $3000 suit.
2
Trump is a morality test for America. Who supports him and who denounce him says a lot of who we are. Even if Trump will be defeated, his success so far tells us that we are still a long way from "a more perfect union". Lincoln has shown us how a great man can unite us and Trump has shown us how a demagogue can corrupt us. Let's defeat trump and work harder to better ourselves.
2
I think Clinton would be in her rights to refuse another "debate" with Trump. For one thing, he shows no interest in debating by any sane definition of the word. For a second, she has no obligation to allow him to slur her and her life with non-stop lies or to stalk around her on a stage as if he's a bear or maniac. And finally, being drawn into a verbal brawl (which is all Trump does) ill befits the next president of the United States. I believe that all but the most rabid Trump partisans would understand and approve; and the others would attack Clinton ceaselessly in any case.
5
This debate seems to have raised some ire over DJ's vulgarity, but it laid bare one very unfortunate fact. This debate made it just as clear as can be that none of these debates is more than posturing, evasion, and deception. They are all about conning the voters with "style", "cachet", whatever nonsense conveys some image apart from anything put in words.
1
What a tragic event the debate was last night. As an independent, I am thoroughly disgusted by the self-inflicted demise of the Republican Party. I can no longer imagine voting for any Republicans as they are today. Those of us who spend time in or near New York have "known" Donald Trump for eons and he has never been an impressive human being. He is a "little" man, who is nothing but crude, self-serving and ignorant. He has no moral compass. I feel for decent, hard-working voters who really believe he is some sort of messiah or Washington Outsider. He is the worst of any Washington insider!
3
Stupid is as stupid does.
it is very difficult to have a constructive disagreement with someone whose counterarguments are fact free. congrats to ms clinton.
2
It's alpha male on steroids vs. a woman who calmly ignores his alpha male bluffs, bluster and posturing. She is much more intelligent and capable. She shows no sign of being cowed. It drives him into a frenzy. If she holds the course for a few more weeks, he will destroy himself.
5
Hillary Clinton really had no choice but to refer people to her website. With a few exceptions the moderators neglected to point out Donald Trump's lies, and there were many of them. This paper provides a good list. If Sec. Clinton had pointed them out, it would have looked like a he-said-she-said situation. If she did nothing, the lies would stand as truth. Every voter should look at the Hillary Clinton website. And also at the various fact-check services.
3
Lots of us knew Donald Trump's insane & an uncivil jerk. The question is why the so-called 'professionals' or 'grownups' in the GOP & media let it get this far. The media, of course, enjoyed The Donald Spectacle so Chris Matthews, Joe Scarborough & all CNN entertained themselves & got ratings covering his every utterance wall to wall during the primaries, effectively burying the other (abysmal) candidates because RATINGS! $$$! That overwhelmed journalism, that's their excuse (and they should be ashamed at how they failed this country - but they aren't! because real journalism is dead now).
What's the excuse of the idiot GOP who let this mess get this far w/ a candidate who's not only a racist, misogynist & ignorant - they've had plenty of candidates like that - but also basically insane & by his own bragging a sex offender, bankrupt, tax cheats who defrauds consumers, refuses to pay his own contractors. Didn't anybody think Trump was going to be a total fail? Why weren't they paying attention?
Hopefully this breaks the Republican Party & smashes it to smithereens for a generation - deservedly so. But the consequences for the media are less apparent. The lack of serious reporting on the foul & truly unqualified Donald Trump was an epic fail.
Thanks to whoever at NBC leaked the video to David Fahrenthold. Is David Fahrenthold the last real journalist left in America? His scoops on Trump basically saved the country from that nightmare. Where was everyone else?
What's the excuse of the idiot GOP who let this mess get this far w/ a candidate who's not only a racist, misogynist & ignorant - they've had plenty of candidates like that - but also basically insane & by his own bragging a sex offender, bankrupt, tax cheats who defrauds consumers, refuses to pay his own contractors. Didn't anybody think Trump was going to be a total fail? Why weren't they paying attention?
Hopefully this breaks the Republican Party & smashes it to smithereens for a generation - deservedly so. But the consequences for the media are less apparent. The lack of serious reporting on the foul & truly unqualified Donald Trump was an epic fail.
Thanks to whoever at NBC leaked the video to David Fahrenthold. Is David Fahrenthold the last real journalist left in America? His scoops on Trump basically saved the country from that nightmare. Where was everyone else?
3
In the final debate, would it be too much to hope for a moderator to ask both candidates whether he or she, or any related entity they control or benefit from, has ever bribed anyone in the government.
Exactly right - does Drumpf not realize Hillary and Melania did the exact same thing ... except Melania was a young bride, barely 3 months pregnant when her loutish husband made the 2005 comments. But only Hillary deserves his scorn? Poor, poor, poor Melania. I'm certain she had to agree to that silly statement ... or she'd be out in the cold.
I thought Mrs Clinton handled herself well in view of the circumstances (being embarrassed again by her husband's behavior), but I have one bone to pick with her - when she mentioned his children at the end of the debate - she should have given Ivana the praise she deserves. Drumpf did not raise any of his children - nannies and maybe mommy, but they were not raised by him.
I thought Mrs Clinton handled herself well in view of the circumstances (being embarrassed again by her husband's behavior), but I have one bone to pick with her - when she mentioned his children at the end of the debate - she should have given Ivana the praise she deserves. Drumpf did not raise any of his children - nannies and maybe mommy, but they were not raised by him.
HRC well demonstrated her composure and Presidential stature. As POTUS and leader of the world you must show restraint even when it is so difficult it goes against everything you believe in, but she showed excellence. HRC showed solid knowledge about our government and foreign affairs, she will be a solid President.
After 30 years and how many and how long investigations? Not one single charge, not one. All becasue of one reason: nothing indictable, she committed no crimes
Drump showed us every reason to not vote for him in one and half hours on national television. A most concise example of the worst of humanity and the worst candidate in modern history, Drump.
After 30 years and how many and how long investigations? Not one single charge, not one. All becasue of one reason: nothing indictable, she committed no crimes
Drump showed us every reason to not vote for him in one and half hours on national television. A most concise example of the worst of humanity and the worst candidate in modern history, Drump.
1
The video was disgusting. But nearly everything Trump has said and done in the campaign has been disgusting such as his remarks about the Khans, his mocking of the reporter, and his promotion of the Birther Lie. I'd say he's a cockroach, but that's an insult to cockroaches everywhere.
1
I agree that the video revealed on Friday shed no new light on Trump's detestable character, but it effectively crippled his campaign because now it will be far more difficult for the remaining undecided voters to give him the benefit of the doubt. I also think he blew any remote chance of winning this election by not holding back his typical thug-like behavior during Sunday's debate. Unfortunately, he is behaving like a suicide bomber, trying to destroy any civility and decency around him as his campaign goes up in flames.
Thank you. Best summary of the entire Trump fiasco. I'm starting to worry how the HC presidency will do with Congress given the bodies unwillingness to comprimise with President Obama. More of the same, no doubt. Maybe even worse: will the GOP's "elected representatives" waste more time trying to put HC in jail? Stay tuned! What I would look for is an opening among them from someone who has leadership credibility from voters who will reach out to the opposite side to pull us all together. Let us pray.
Trump is a lowlife. Remember Ivana skiing backwards in front of Marla Maples, berating her for helping to break up Trump 's first marriage? Was that what Trump would call a Hillary move? And to think his family walked out with their noses in the air before the debate last night! As if they had anything to feel morally superior about!
2
An interesting feature of Trump's speeches, which I have not seen any pundit discuss, involves his heavy reliance on superlatives when describing people, policies or anything else. He is the smartest guy he knows, while his adversaries qualify as the dumbest or most crooked. President Obama ranks as the worst president in American history, while Clinton will have to settle for the prize of most incompetent secretary of state. Trump has denounced NAFTA as the worst trade treaty on record. His own policies will achieve so many victories that Americans will actually tire of winning.
Trump's routine use of the superlative suggests a mind uncomfortable with subtle distinctions. He either cannot or will not carefully weigh the strengths and weaknesses of an idea or policy, in order to determine its viability. This impatience with careful preparation also helps explain his indifference to books and his refusal to practice before debates.
A successful president, however, must excel at compromise, a skill that requires the capacity to evaluate the differences between alternative proposals. Trump judges policies in absolute terms, as the best or the worst, so partial victories hold no attraction for him. This is not a mindset that promises a constructive relationship with Congress, even one controlled by his own party.
Trump's routine use of the superlative suggests a mind uncomfortable with subtle distinctions. He either cannot or will not carefully weigh the strengths and weaknesses of an idea or policy, in order to determine its viability. This impatience with careful preparation also helps explain his indifference to books and his refusal to practice before debates.
A successful president, however, must excel at compromise, a skill that requires the capacity to evaluate the differences between alternative proposals. Trump judges policies in absolute terms, as the best or the worst, so partial victories hold no attraction for him. This is not a mindset that promises a constructive relationship with Congress, even one controlled by his own party.
3
Bravo Andrew Rosenthal; this is precisely what needs to be said -- and repeated over and over again till the election day. The Republican bigwigs should be ashamed of themselves for supporting the despicable being that Trump is (and apparently has been his entire adult life). If I were a reporter who could pose a question to the Republican leaders, this is what I'd ask them: "For you to stop supporting Trump, which part of the female body should Mr. Trump declare his desire to grope?"
2
What troubles me in this election cycle is the aggressive attitude assumed by Evangelicals in support of Donald J. Trump and the coward silence displayed by the other churches, particularly the Catholic Church. It seems that the abortion boogey man has upended everything else this man stands for. As long as we don’t touch the womb, all else is secondary to the Council of Bishops, including building a wall. That is shameful.
When only silence responds to the recent tape disclosures of this sexual predator, it is difficult to accept that the Church represents a true Christian tradition.
Whether it is immigration, islamophobia or any of the other phobias he is articulating, remaining silent is complicity. This is not about politics. It is about morality.
There were 15 US Cardinals, 454 Bishops, 38,275 priests and 49.883 sisters in 2014.
Oh, and yes, there was one Jesus Christ who cared about us all and never mentioned abortion but, who cares, right?
When only silence responds to the recent tape disclosures of this sexual predator, it is difficult to accept that the Church represents a true Christian tradition.
Whether it is immigration, islamophobia or any of the other phobias he is articulating, remaining silent is complicity. This is not about politics. It is about morality.
There were 15 US Cardinals, 454 Bishops, 38,275 priests and 49.883 sisters in 2014.
Oh, and yes, there was one Jesus Christ who cared about us all and never mentioned abortion but, who cares, right?
2
Clinton went easy on Trump to insure he'd remain in the race. It was enough for her to let Trump rant. He truly is his own worst enemy.
2
After last night's performance, we understand why Trump admires Putin so much. Talking about putting your political opponents in jail is reminiscent of dictators like Putin and Stalin, not elected presidents in democracies. He has bragged about sexually assaulting women, women who likely could not pursue it because of his money and power, so the criminal acts have been perpetrated by him.
He is a volatile child-man, with an enormous ego, thin skin, and no moral compass. His response to criticism is to vow revenge in a Nixon-like fashion. He lies with impunity. In Trumpworld, the earth is flat and black is white if he says so and it is convenient. This is like the children's story, "The Emperor's New Clothes" in that his followers are willfully blind to his utter and complete lack of ability and character to be POTUS. So long as he keeps spewing hate they are happy. I well understand that Hillary Clinton is a flawed candidate, but her flaws are nothing compared to The Donald's.
The town hall likely ended in a draw at best from Trump's point of view. Trump used a scorched earth approach that will keep his base. He did nothing to increase the number of people voting for him, especially women and independents. His remaining on the ticket is the best outcome for Clinton. All he has to do is keep talking and threatening and lying and she wins.
He is a volatile child-man, with an enormous ego, thin skin, and no moral compass. His response to criticism is to vow revenge in a Nixon-like fashion. He lies with impunity. In Trumpworld, the earth is flat and black is white if he says so and it is convenient. This is like the children's story, "The Emperor's New Clothes" in that his followers are willfully blind to his utter and complete lack of ability and character to be POTUS. So long as he keeps spewing hate they are happy. I well understand that Hillary Clinton is a flawed candidate, but her flaws are nothing compared to The Donald's.
The town hall likely ended in a draw at best from Trump's point of view. Trump used a scorched earth approach that will keep his base. He did nothing to increase the number of people voting for him, especially women and independents. His remaining on the ticket is the best outcome for Clinton. All he has to do is keep talking and threatening and lying and she wins.
205
In general, the Republican party has focused (for decades) on the idea that we can eliminate undesirable groups in society if we only apply the proper regime of corporal punishment, prison, deportation, starvation, execution, isolation, ghettoization, et al.
The problem is that, in real life, and at any given moment, human behaviors and abilities are spread across a spectrum of variations. Each disparate segment within the spectrum will respond to different stimuli in different ways. We are after all, a product of nature and evolution, not of some business like assembly line that produces cast copies out of a common mold.
Thanks to the information age, we now know that most of 'assumptions' (intuitive, and common 'sensical' as they may seem) underlying ideological thinking are flawed or false.
Even given the fact that the past has brought us to where we are now, and its lessons (real or imagined) are part of our knowledge base, we need to be careful to focus on the future, the future of humans, all humans. If we have a purpose and a mission at all, that's it!
The problem is that, in real life, and at any given moment, human behaviors and abilities are spread across a spectrum of variations. Each disparate segment within the spectrum will respond to different stimuli in different ways. We are after all, a product of nature and evolution, not of some business like assembly line that produces cast copies out of a common mold.
Thanks to the information age, we now know that most of 'assumptions' (intuitive, and common 'sensical' as they may seem) underlying ideological thinking are flawed or false.
Even given the fact that the past has brought us to where we are now, and its lessons (real or imagined) are part of our knowledge base, we need to be careful to focus on the future, the future of humans, all humans. If we have a purpose and a mission at all, that's it!
When you have money you can be as crazy as you want to be with very few repercussions.
1
At even the faintest whiff of demagoguery in their midst, leaders of integrity and voters of conscience should stand up and loudly proclaim, NO! The problem for the Republican party is, they have been subtly smelling of demagoguery for quite some time now, knowing they could get certain people to pick up on it, while not repelling more sensitive types. Now the full stench of it has been unleashed on our nation in the person of Donald Trump. Some of them may "hold their nose" to vote for Hillary Clinton, but it's not her that stinks.
268
"Subtly"?
1
The Republican Party has fairly reeked of demagoguery laced with lies for years. I have been saying the GOP is a criminal conspiracy since Dick Chaney gained control of the White House.
2
It's actually fairly simple: Republicans defer to either God or business depending on their particular brand of proudly held "conservative thinking".
This promotes the idea that either God, business, or some other non-human icon can be used as a proxy to sets the rules for human behavior and endeavor. This thinking, in turn, promotes a simple, understandable, human, created, rule based, abstract of reality that Republicans believe we can use to value, measure, and regulate humans.
The dilemma is that we don't actually live in either of those abstract realities.
This, the information age,
This promotes the idea that either God, business, or some other non-human icon can be used as a proxy to sets the rules for human behavior and endeavor. This thinking, in turn, promotes a simple, understandable, human, created, rule based, abstract of reality that Republicans believe we can use to value, measure, and regulate humans.
The dilemma is that we don't actually live in either of those abstract realities.
This, the information age,
I've been most frustrated hearing almost all talking heads on TV in their post-debate discussion tell us that Trump stopped the "bleeding," whatever that means! Thanks to Mr Andrew Rosenthal's column, I feel we still have some realistic commentators who tell it as it is and not live in an alternative reality as our TV pundits appear to be doing. Trump could not answer a single question on foreign policy, healthcare , economy or just about anything, without immediately pivoting to how bad President Obama's and Hillary Clinton's policies have been. The man is an empty shell but the TV wiseacres can't see it! How sad!
1
Is there any point in having a third debate? It's obvious that another debate won't change a thing at this late date. However, back in 2005, Donald Trump was just a private citizen and no one paid much paid much attention to his snarky off color commentary about his warped sexist fantasies. Fast forward to 2016 and all hell has broken loose. In the ugly fallout Billy Bush may lose his job and mainstream Republicans now can't back away from their presidential nominee fast enough.
Despite these newest revelations this presidential election promises to be a nail biter which will be settled in the battleground states. Neither Clinton nor Trump can count on a landslide--it's going to be bitter fight to the finish.
Despite these newest revelations this presidential election promises to be a nail biter which will be settled in the battleground states. Neither Clinton nor Trump can count on a landslide--it's going to be bitter fight to the finish.
Republicans proved they have only one (1) policy, BEING STUBBORN.
Andy the have only only one (1) idea: BEING STUBBORN. Nothing else. Nope.
For eight (8) years. It has not worked. Americans are fed up with STUBBORN Republicans. It's time for Republicans to go. The sooner, the better for America! !
Andy the have only only one (1) idea: BEING STUBBORN. Nothing else. Nope.
For eight (8) years. It has not worked. Americans are fed up with STUBBORN Republicans. It's time for Republicans to go. The sooner, the better for America! !
2
Poor Melania! Poor Marla! Poor Ivana! I empathize with them. They were extremely unfortunate in marrying this boor and misogynst. At least Ivana and Marla escaped but how traumatized we'll never know. As for Melania who was pregnant at the time when the video was taken, she is now supporting Trump exactly in the way Hillary did with Bill's transgressions. So what's the beef, Donald?
1
Come November 9, after the election if Trump loses, what will the media have to write about?
There isn't one story in the Times about how mostly all the questions at the debate last night were rehash same ole thing we've heard before.
The media is failing this campaign more than anybody for hand feeding a dumbed down product to a people hooked on trash tv.
There isn't one story in the Times about how mostly all the questions at the debate last night were rehash same ole thing we've heard before.
The media is failing this campaign more than anybody for hand feeding a dumbed down product to a people hooked on trash tv.
2
Exactly right. Nothing new. Trump is despicable in every way, and has been from the start. Sad to say, however, his candidacy has been an effective distraction from the real business of government. Too much of the public just goes along, willing to be stuck in dissecting this swamp of Trump's personality rather than demanding action on inequality, climate change, education, the issues that matter. Can we claw back from this debasement of our politics? I don't see how.
What is so interesting about Andrew Rosenthal's columns is that, in opining on the presidential race, he cannot get beyond the vile character of Donald Trump. And I totally get this; policy is almost irrelevant in this election. Donald Trump's complete failure to pass muster for serious consideration for high public office is based on Donald Trump himself, not on his policies (which change in lockstep to "the ratings.") Donald is such an awful human being who appeals to the basest qualities lurking in all of us. Let us hope that the vast majority of Americans reject these despicable qualities exemplified by Trump and hand Hillary a plus 10% victory in November.
250
I cannot think of any more divisive figure in my lifetime who has aroused such intense hatred--both in his supporters, against the "establishment" and in many of us (myself included) against HIM and his fans. #NEVERTRUMP
1
Trump is a horrible human being and totally unqualified for office. He provides great cover for a Republican platform that is equally horrible, and great cover for someone like Mike Pence, who displays better temper but is not a good man.
3
Somewhere around 35% of the American people are strongly aligned with all of that 7rh grade vile. It symbolizes a serious, and perhaps growing angst that neither party has had the guts to address (albeit, Obama tried to bring hope and change, but it was too boring and tooooo democratic for those who favor a return to the glories of ancient Egypt and Rome........they eviscerated hope and change rather than break their bonds of delusional past glories and idyllic perfection).
The new reality is that technology is disrupting human civilization at an unprecedented rate (faster then we can copy/evolve). We cannot slow down the world and get off. We need leadership that can take us forward without ceding control to our inventions and their corporate owners.
The new reality is that technology is disrupting human civilization at an unprecedented rate (faster then we can copy/evolve). We cannot slow down the world and get off. We need leadership that can take us forward without ceding control to our inventions and their corporate owners.
Mr. Trump's bigotry and inflammatory rhetoric have been offensive, the latest tapes (no surprise) were sickening. Personally, I find his utter disregard for the truth most frightening and dangerous. I wish more commentators would focus -- as some have -- on the patent deception in the recent video. We hear Trump on the bus, and then we see him smoothly stepping off the bus, greeting the actress, and bantering. That moment when hides his sleaziness (surely, such a mild term must be permitted in this context) with a mask is what sums up his campaign. This is how he has suckered his adoring crowds of voters whom he's played for fools all year. Unfortunately (and I strongly support Secretary Clinton), the Clintons don't score very high on candor, even if we discount the decades-long slanders and campaigns against them. That may make them reluctant to make this lying a more direct issue, but, in all honesty, I've never seen anything on this scale in American politics, and comparisons between Trump and either Clinton are far-fetched. I wouldn't even compare President Nixon who could certainly lie and deceive in a calculated way to cover his tracks or to shield policies from scrutiny. Mr. Trump lives in an alternative world where no truth matters, and his lying is as compulsive as other behavior. The very concept of truth and falsehood seems alien to him While I finally feel relieved that he will not win in a month, he has done enormous damage to our country.
1
I certainly agree that the man in the videotape tells us nothing we didn't already know about Mr. Trump.
More importantly, Mr. Trump tells us nothing we didn't already know about the Republican party. THAT point, which Paul Krugman made plainly today, is more important because it's the one that almost all the media, along with the Republican establishment, are trying to conceal. The GOP has been married to the extremist liars of Breitbart, Drudge, am radio & Fox ever since Bill Clinton murdered Vince Foster. Mr. Trump won the nomination exactly the same way that 90% of the Republicans in congress won their seats--by proving himself to be the most extreme, by proving that he cares more about blind Republican anger than about reality.
More importantly, Mr. Trump tells us nothing we didn't already know about the Republican party. THAT point, which Paul Krugman made plainly today, is more important because it's the one that almost all the media, along with the Republican establishment, are trying to conceal. The GOP has been married to the extremist liars of Breitbart, Drudge, am radio & Fox ever since Bill Clinton murdered Vince Foster. Mr. Trump won the nomination exactly the same way that 90% of the Republicans in congress won their seats--by proving himself to be the most extreme, by proving that he cares more about blind Republican anger than about reality.
1
Trump's behavior is inexcusable.He had to be forced by the federal govenment to admit African Americans to his apartments.He attacked Muslims,Mexicans, women, people with disabilties and banned the Washington Post from rallies. He wouldn't disavoy the KKK, pretending he knew nothing about white supremicists, despite their endorsing him. He is ignorant of basic principles of law and of our rights guaranteed by the Constitution. If he had ever read it or watched an episode of Law and Order, he would know that EVERYONE is entitled to an attorney and vigorous defense.He would understand that the client who was represented by Ms. Clinton was entitled to a defense and a legal trial. Indeed, he would understand that in Russia,you can lock people up or poison them with impunity. Not in America.He admires Putin, a monster, and thinks Kim Jung Un is a "strong leader". He threatened and agitated violence at rallies. His narsicism knows no bounds. He has a poor attention span and is totally lacking in empathy. He is an arrogant mysogynist. The bar for his "success" is set so low, one can barely see daylight though the crack. What troubles me most is that there are millions of Americans ready to follow him down into the gutter of hate and ignorance. I cry for my country and for the disregard of the rule of law and I worry that the long road to dignity for all people, a road travelled through blood, sweat and many tears, will end at the prepoisterous wall with our neighbors to the South.
1
HRC: we are glad Donald is not in charge of laws
DT: Because you'd be in jail
Well, well, there's no need for new laws to put DT in jail; the current ones about sex offenders suffice, just ask Jerry Sandusky. Even if you don't end up in jail, you get in a lot of trouble - just ask Bill Cosby.
DT: Because you'd be in jail
Well, well, there's no need for new laws to put DT in jail; the current ones about sex offenders suffice, just ask Jerry Sandusky. Even if you don't end up in jail, you get in a lot of trouble - just ask Bill Cosby.
2
Let's be honest, the only reason Ryan and Republican politicians are in a tizzy about the video is that they will lose white female voters. They could care less about women -- they can't wait until they finally take away a women's right to chose in all states.
4
"I don’t think last night’s debate changed many minds." This is a very strong candidate for understatement of the century........
Sad, but true: A scary number of American voters will intentionally elect a narcissistic sociopath rather than see another Clinton in the White House. On the other hand, far too many Clinton voters acknowledge they are voting for her with serious reservations ----and in too many cases, only because she is not Trump. Neither candidate is liked or respected by a majority of Americans. Historians will describe this as the low point in American history. The next years will be very challenging, regardless of who wins.
Sad, but true: A scary number of American voters will intentionally elect a narcissistic sociopath rather than see another Clinton in the White House. On the other hand, far too many Clinton voters acknowledge they are voting for her with serious reservations ----and in too many cases, only because she is not Trump. Neither candidate is liked or respected by a majority of Americans. Historians will describe this as the low point in American history. The next years will be very challenging, regardless of who wins.
1
Hillary was presidential; Trump was a bully. And Anderson Cooper got Trump to deny he ever assaulted women. I am now waiting for the other shoe to drop.
5
It would be nice if the president did not have the power as you say, but since George W. Bush, the president can declare anyone an enemy combatant and lock them up in definitely.
1
He was so horrific last night, so obnoxious, rude, loutish, and so seamy, ignorant, hulking and threatening. I can't wait for the headlines, coast to coast on the day after the election for this biggest loser. He is evil incarnate for the hatred he has incited, his pig remarks about women and his very being. I want this over. I'm embarrassed that the world is watching America. i sincerely hope that the NYT does not give him any press at all when this is over. He will try to get it, he wo t fade into the sunset. I hope ALL serious news outlets ignore him, the way Clinton did last night. Do NOT give him a voice! Please, for the sake of our country.
3
Pence says he's proud to stand by Trump, but would he let his wife stand by him?
3
Trump did not answer the questions and paced about in a menacing manner. What really bothered was his threat to incarcerate Hillary which shows his admiration for Putin. Murdering and imprisoning political opponents and journalists is too common in authoritarian countries. We cannot let this happen here. Vote democratic!
Socrat
Socrat
3
Andrew there is little question that Donald Trump is lout and a bully and that his candicy for President of the United State is an embarrassment to the nation.
I don't wonder that the members of Republican leadership are in both disarray and despair. The last thing this country needs is Donald Trump in the oval office.
That however is not what worries me. I am dismayed by the fact that that entire spectacle took place essentially devoid of any discussion of the serious issues that face the nation. The only attempt to introduce a genuine topics of importance was (of course by a citizens attending the town hall. Neither the candidates nor the moderators chose to press any of the critical issues before the nation.
Where was the discussion of anthropogenic global climate change? What about the move from fossil carbon energy sources to green energy? Where was the discussion of providing free public higher education? how about breakup of the large corrupt Wall Street investment banking industry and the re-regulation of consumer banks like Well Fargo? Where was the discussion of the expansion of medicare to provide single payer truly universal health care? There was a only a short abortive attempt to raise the Affordable Care Act and that quickly faded.
Where was the discussion of the TTP and globalization? Where was the discussion of rebuilding the nations infrastructure? What about universal publicly owned high speed internet?
Those are the issues I want to hear about!
I don't wonder that the members of Republican leadership are in both disarray and despair. The last thing this country needs is Donald Trump in the oval office.
That however is not what worries me. I am dismayed by the fact that that entire spectacle took place essentially devoid of any discussion of the serious issues that face the nation. The only attempt to introduce a genuine topics of importance was (of course by a citizens attending the town hall. Neither the candidates nor the moderators chose to press any of the critical issues before the nation.
Where was the discussion of anthropogenic global climate change? What about the move from fossil carbon energy sources to green energy? Where was the discussion of providing free public higher education? how about breakup of the large corrupt Wall Street investment banking industry and the re-regulation of consumer banks like Well Fargo? Where was the discussion of the expansion of medicare to provide single payer truly universal health care? There was a only a short abortive attempt to raise the Affordable Care Act and that quickly faded.
Where was the discussion of the TTP and globalization? Where was the discussion of rebuilding the nations infrastructure? What about universal publicly owned high speed internet?
Those are the issues I want to hear about!
1
Though he loomed large in the background last night, he proved how really small he is.
4
If the candidate gropes, you must say "nope".
The prevalence of antisocial personality disorder in the United States is estimated at 0.6 percent of the population. The current US population is estimated at just over 324 million, meaning that there are roughly 19.5 million sociopaths currently walking among us.
Perhaps the most frightening thing DT has done during his campaign is to normalize the horrific thought process of nearly 20 million sociopaths across the United States. He has done the unthinkable by broadcasting to this horrific group that their ideas about women and anyone else who gets in their way are shared by someone running for the highest office in the world and therefore somehow normal. By nature of what it means to be a sociopath, they will interpret this falsely to mean that everyone else feels the way they do, but just don't say it.
What DT says and does over the coming weeks will continue to embolden a very dangerous segment of our population.
While DT may have already lost this election, I suspect we have only just begun to uncover and realize the horror that he has emboldened and unleashed within our society.
"No" DT, forcing yourself on a woman is not "locker room talk" or normal in any way or under any circumstances.
Perhaps the most frightening thing DT has done during his campaign is to normalize the horrific thought process of nearly 20 million sociopaths across the United States. He has done the unthinkable by broadcasting to this horrific group that their ideas about women and anyone else who gets in their way are shared by someone running for the highest office in the world and therefore somehow normal. By nature of what it means to be a sociopath, they will interpret this falsely to mean that everyone else feels the way they do, but just don't say it.
What DT says and does over the coming weeks will continue to embolden a very dangerous segment of our population.
While DT may have already lost this election, I suspect we have only just begun to uncover and realize the horror that he has emboldened and unleashed within our society.
"No" DT, forcing yourself on a woman is not "locker room talk" or normal in any way or under any circumstances.
5
I voted republican for almost 30 years. After W and the economic calamity of 2008 I voted for Obama. While not perfect I still think he was the best president of my lifetime. I will never vote R again. The GOP is broke and needs to be honest, their anti abortion stance is tearing this country apart. Do we really want to criminalize birth control, really?
10
There is a very simple litmus test.
Ask any of these Republican "leaders" if they would ever allow Trump near their daughters.
After they answer in the negative, ask:
"And just why are you supporting him to be the President of the United States?
Ask any of these Republican "leaders" if they would ever allow Trump near their daughters.
After they answer in the negative, ask:
"And just why are you supporting him to be the President of the United States?
3
And so there is precious little left to say about a man who, though bereft of true compassion and grace, garnered more free media attention than any other presidential candidate in history. For months the Times front page has been 60-90% Trump, 5-35% Clinton. That speaks volumes about the power of a narcissistic hatemonger with bad taste that sells more papers and air time than an incredibly bright and capable, highly experience woman.
2
Like the disgraceful GOP hypocrites, I'm afraid I must blame the media. Why do "reputable" outlets like CNN, MSNBC, ABC and others allow the likes of kellyanne Conway and Corey lewindowski to prattle on, spinning their tall tales of victory and a job well done? Why don't they put on their big journalist pants and say, directly, in their best imitation of great BBC journalists and members of the British parliament during prime minister's questions, you must be joking? You can't have watched the same debate we did. Trump couldn't even string together a singe coherent sentence, let alone answer a question about how he will address the problems we face or describe a single "policy" in terms other than "it's going to be great."
To the sycophants, political hacks and wannabes, these "journalists" should say, "Have you no sense of responsibility to your nation and your fellow citizens? How can you, with any conscience, let alone a good one, peddle this pablum? Have you no shame?"
And thank you for pointing out the newest DJT hypocrisy - the tape is 11 years old, so not relevant, but Bill Clinton's escapades if the '70s, '80s and '90s are, and how wonderful that Melania has forgiven DJT, but HRC forgiving Bill makes her complicit. Please show this man the way out - of the country, preferably.
To the sycophants, political hacks and wannabes, these "journalists" should say, "Have you no sense of responsibility to your nation and your fellow citizens? How can you, with any conscience, let alone a good one, peddle this pablum? Have you no shame?"
And thank you for pointing out the newest DJT hypocrisy - the tape is 11 years old, so not relevant, but Bill Clinton's escapades if the '70s, '80s and '90s are, and how wonderful that Melania has forgiven DJT, but HRC forgiving Bill makes her complicit. Please show this man the way out - of the country, preferably.
13
So glad to see this paragraph:
(By the way, if Hillary Clinton is supposed to be ashamed for standing by her man and believing the best of him, what are we supposed to think about Melania Trump, who did the same thing? And if we are supposed to excuse Trump’s comments 11 years ago, why are we still talking about Bill Clinton’s decades ago?)
But then, why would anyone expect logic from the Trump folks?
(By the way, if Hillary Clinton is supposed to be ashamed for standing by her man and believing the best of him, what are we supposed to think about Melania Trump, who did the same thing? And if we are supposed to excuse Trump’s comments 11 years ago, why are we still talking about Bill Clinton’s decades ago?)
But then, why would anyone expect logic from the Trump folks?
3
Agree completely. Hillary behaved with intelligent grace; she was presidential.
Trump was, as ever, a bum.
Trump was, as ever, a bum.
5
And yet 40% of the voters of this country will actually vote for Trump! How desperate their lives must be, that a man such as Trump is considered their salvation.
2
Hillary Clinton clearly decided to remain "calm and cool" to contrast her Presidential behavior with the deranged sexual assault and harassment of Donald Trump. For anyone willing to give him a "locker room" pass on his confession as Molester-in-Chief, his loutish performance revealed him still to be the predator on that tape.
4
I agree with Mr. Rosenthal. We knew this was the Trump and most of the GOP. They could care less that Trump groped women and bragged about it. That is the world they want. For the GOP, this election is about rolling back women's rights. It is about putting minorities in their "place." It is about giving the old white man control of the nation like 1900.
6
To be fair to Mrs. Trump, she was married to his man when he bragged about past sexual assaults on the bus. This is the man she married, but she doesn't care.
3
Paul Ryan says he will not defend Donald Trump. He has also threatened to withdraw his support for Charles Manson.
2
Pence, Ryan, McConnell, anyone who supports Trump cannot be forgiven. They are part of a criminal conspiracy to overthrow the government of the United States. Yes, they want to roll back decades of economic, racial and social progress. The way they are going about it is treasonous.
Those people deserve to be punished, first at the polls, and if necessary in court.
Those people deserve to be punished, first at the polls, and if necessary in court.
5
I had a vision just now: Come November, all branches of the federal government will go Democratic: Executive, Senate, Congress. And we will have one person to thank for making America Great Again. Drumpf: a man of his word.
6
I'm no longer concerned that Trump will be elected because he has alienated all of the groups who could push him beyond 40%.
Additionally his campaign has been showing a lot of cracks and the Republican Party is crumbling.
With less than 30 days left in the election, we all know that other recordings will pop up similar to what we heard on Friday. Those tapes will continue to drive home the message that Trump is still a sexual predator.
The question becomes, what happens next?
Additionally his campaign has been showing a lot of cracks and the Republican Party is crumbling.
With less than 30 days left in the election, we all know that other recordings will pop up similar to what we heard on Friday. Those tapes will continue to drive home the message that Trump is still a sexual predator.
The question becomes, what happens next?
1
"Pence said Trump..."expressed genuine contrition for the words he used on the video that became public,” Pence said on Fox News on Monday." What about Trump's ACTIONS? Did he in fact do any of the things he claims to have done in the video? I'm betting yes. Are there any women out there who would be willing to come forward and say if Trump assaulted them? Now is the time.
As for Pence, perhaps he is betting that if Trump is elected, he will eventually be indicted for any number of his nefarious "business" transactions (chief among them Trump University), and be forced to resign, and then Pence would succeed him. Who can imagine what goes through the mind of a man (Pence) of intelligence who would support Trump?
As for Pence, perhaps he is betting that if Trump is elected, he will eventually be indicted for any number of his nefarious "business" transactions (chief among them Trump University), and be forced to resign, and then Pence would succeed him. Who can imagine what goes through the mind of a man (Pence) of intelligence who would support Trump?
1
I didn't see any contrition - and Pence ain't that smart.
All cons and frauds eventually run their course: Charles Ponzi, Bernie Madoff, Robert Maxwell, and now, Donald Trump.
This man is vacuous and proudly ignorant. It would be hard for people who understand such things not to think that his wealth and his "tremendous success" are an illusion--even before the $916 M loss was revealed. His supporters have been sucked into the fraud vortex that is Donald Trump.
Mark my words: In the near future, the principals that actually own most of the buildings with his name garishly plastered on them will be correcting that condition. Then, the bankers will swarm in for what's left, as they really should have done quite some time ago.
This man is vacuous and proudly ignorant. It would be hard for people who understand such things not to think that his wealth and his "tremendous success" are an illusion--even before the $916 M loss was revealed. His supporters have been sucked into the fraud vortex that is Donald Trump.
Mark my words: In the near future, the principals that actually own most of the buildings with his name garishly plastered on them will be correcting that condition. Then, the bankers will swarm in for what's left, as they really should have done quite some time ago.
2
Mr. Rosenthal, truly one of your best columns.
Yes, we must focus and recognize not only the proposed policies of our presidential candidates, of which Trump's are all but non-existent and those that have been dreadful at that, but certainly, as much as we can discern, the essence of their character.
And Trump's character is proven to be sick and beyond deplorable.
The Republican's history of supporting sedition, planetary destruction, prejudice toward women and all minorities, warmongering and unconsciously regaling the extreme right rich and powerful who play them for fools voting against their own survival must be overwhelmed by Independents, Democrats and newly enlightened Republicans coming to vote like never before to reverse this horror story from suppressing our great, blessed country more than they already have.
Yes, we must focus and recognize not only the proposed policies of our presidential candidates, of which Trump's are all but non-existent and those that have been dreadful at that, but certainly, as much as we can discern, the essence of their character.
And Trump's character is proven to be sick and beyond deplorable.
The Republican's history of supporting sedition, planetary destruction, prejudice toward women and all minorities, warmongering and unconsciously regaling the extreme right rich and powerful who play them for fools voting against their own survival must be overwhelmed by Independents, Democrats and newly enlightened Republicans coming to vote like never before to reverse this horror story from suppressing our great, blessed country more than they already have.
1
"To vote for him, you have to pretend you don’t know who he really is — or choose not to care."
-- or (I'm sorry to have to add) agree with him.
-- or (I'm sorry to have to add) agree with him.
1
I've always believed that one's politics should be based on one's values - not the other way round. Is it wise to let the emotion of politics undermine your values? I think not - it's a slippery slope. For those who argue that they must support Trump - despite all he has said that is sexist, racist, hateful and bigoted - in order to achieve a political agenda - whether with regard to the Supreme Court, the economy, or America's place in the world - are on that slope.
The problem is that the "political agenda" they are supporting is racist (build that wall/deport everyone with brown skin!), sexist (get rid of a woman's right to choose) and generally nasty (eviscerate entitlements/privatize Social Security, etc. So yes, if these are their "values" then supporting Trump makes sense since the values accurately reflect Trump and his followers - racist, misogynistic, short-sighted and selfish.
Trumps apology was a little like the friend who borrows your car, gets drunk and wrecks it and then says they're sorry but it wasn't really their fault or a big deal. You may forgive them but that doesn't mean you'll loan them your car again.
Don't Trumps supporters know how blindingly transparent it is that they are putting their ambitions above the countries best interests. I guess it turns out there's more to being a patriot than wearing an American flag pin on your lapel.
Don't Trumps supporters know how blindingly transparent it is that they are putting their ambitions above the countries best interests. I guess it turns out there's more to being a patriot than wearing an American flag pin on your lapel.
2
It was indeed a disturbing, train-wreck spectacle—the presidential nominee of a major American political party skulking around the debate stage like the Grinch, spewing incoherent nonsense while channeling facial expressions of Lou Albano and Benito Mussolini. I almost found myself laughing. But then I realized that millions of people in this country support this catastrophic excuse of a human being (let alone, candidate). Whatever the outcome of this election, I truly fear that this egotistical monster has opened up a dangerous cesspool of hatred in this country that will live on for far longer than his candidacy, unless he is resoundingly defeated in November.
16
The image I can't get out of my head is that of Trump standing behind Clinton. Maybe I've been watching too many episodes of 'Criminal Minds.'
4
If the first debate was Hillary modeling how to handle sexist attitudes within the workplace (with Trump uneducated on the issues and interrupting her, even as he is treated by the process as her "equal"), last night's debate was Hillary modeling how to deal with a domestic abuser (with Trump threatening and demeaning her, while she tries to keep the family/nation together; the audience in the role of the scared kids; the only saving grace the moderators).
3
Some minds absolutely were changed. Across social media I am reading of undecided women and women leaning toward third party candidates who have decided to vote for Hillary.
Every woman in the world has personally experienced the bullying, lying, aggressively misogynistic behavior demonstrated by Tr**p . At work we always wait for a man to show his true colors - good guy or Tr**p-like misogynist. Ask any woman. We know who to trust. We know who to respect. And we know who does not respect us and around whom we must be wary.
This debate will become a benchmark to show and mentor women on how one should deal with misogynistic bullies - stay cool and let them hang themselves. And hopefully it will become a benchmark for mothers and fathers to show their sons what NOT to ever become.
Every woman in the world has personally experienced the bullying, lying, aggressively misogynistic behavior demonstrated by Tr**p . At work we always wait for a man to show his true colors - good guy or Tr**p-like misogynist. Ask any woman. We know who to trust. We know who to respect. And we know who does not respect us and around whom we must be wary.
This debate will become a benchmark to show and mentor women on how one should deal with misogynistic bullies - stay cool and let them hang themselves. And hopefully it will become a benchmark for mothers and fathers to show their sons what NOT to ever become.
8
You are spot on! Thanks for such insight
While observing this appalling effort by the Republican Party to win back the presidency of these United States, a campaign that actually began with the first election of President Obama, I am again and again reminded of the words spoken by Claudius in “I, Claudius”: “Let all the poisons that lurk in the mud hatch out.”
2
Yes, yes yes!
And to the Republican candidates who are now fleeing Trump and who claim they did not know how bad he was, here should be the Democrats' response: If you did not know, it shows your amazingly bad judgement (especially since it was so clear all along). If your judgement is so bad that you were taken in by a can man, you have no place in the U.S. Congress.
And to the Republican candidates who are now fleeing Trump and who claim they did not know how bad he was, here should be the Democrats' response: If you did not know, it shows your amazingly bad judgement (especially since it was so clear all along). If your judgement is so bad that you were taken in by a can man, you have no place in the U.S. Congress.
4
Empty suit, empty gesture. Ryan's "won't defend" is not the same as rescinding his endorsement or vehemently denouncing disgraceful, unfit Donald Trump.
Paul Ryan is a coward and an utter hypocrite — he, like McConnell and Pence, is part of the problem.
Paul Ryan is a coward and an utter hypocrite — he, like McConnell and Pence, is part of the problem.
10
The thought that keeps coming to mind regarding this election cycle and Trump's candidacy is just how effective Trump's people have been at lowering expectations. We are at a point where a candidate can exceed expectations by not directly insulting the leader of Mexico, or by not coming unhinged during a debate. That Trump can be incorrect on 5 facts out of 6 is simply viewed as, "oh well that's Trump", is simply absurd. Candidates used to pay a price for lying, even if it was just a small loss of credibility but now there seems to be no price whatsoever, if your name is Trump.
If this becomes the new standard in campaigning then we truly have reached "Idiocracy" levels of stupidity.
If this becomes the new standard in campaigning then we truly have reached "Idiocracy" levels of stupidity.
3
I can't help but feel it's no coincidence that these stories about Trump are coming out this close to the election... The taxes, Gropegate and so on. I'm now sitting patiently for the next definitely not planned leak to come out in a few days. I'm just wondering what it will be this time? Will it be the nail in the coffin that finally sees off this awful campaign?
America, you can all finally see what this man is really made of. If you vote him into office, shame on you.
America, you can all finally see what this man is really made of. If you vote him into office, shame on you.
1
I'd like to to hear more from Donald and KellyAnne about this business of sending Mrs. Clinton to jail. Is this gonna be one of those country club prisons or something more on the order of Alcatraz or Devil's Island. He did call her the Devil, so maybe that's the place for her. And who gets the honor of slapping the cuffs on her, Donald or KellyAnne?
And what's gonna happen on January 20, 2017 when Hillary becomes Prez and sends the U.S. marshals after Donald and KellyAnne? Do they share the same jail cell or what?
My personal preference, incidentally, is a shared jail cell. I believe they deserve each other. I'd like Hillary to put it up for a vote.
And what's gonna happen on January 20, 2017 when Hillary becomes Prez and sends the U.S. marshals after Donald and KellyAnne? Do they share the same jail cell or what?
My personal preference, incidentally, is a shared jail cell. I believe they deserve each other. I'd like Hillary to put it up for a vote.
3
The man in the video is the man Melania had just recently married.
What a surprise: the spouse of a womanizing molesting cheater is kept in the dark by him about who he actually is. I'm sure women who've been cheated on will be SO surprised by this.
That makes it all okay. Thanks, Melania! Whereas Bill and Hillary: Ooh! Their sins of 30 years ago are just SO terrible...
What a surprise: the spouse of a womanizing molesting cheater is kept in the dark by him about who he actually is. I'm sure women who've been cheated on will be SO surprised by this.
That makes it all okay. Thanks, Melania! Whereas Bill and Hillary: Ooh! Their sins of 30 years ago are just SO terrible...
2
Trump voters don't care about many things, including this country.
4
With apologies to the truly principled Republicans who spoke out early against Trump, I'll say that the biggest problem the party has with him is that he is unelectable, and dragging the party down near the extinction threshold. Trump pulled the curtain back on many ugly things, foremost of which is the slogan so many R's have been sticking in our faces for years; "Country First". "Party First" and "Whatever It Takes To Win" are the slogans seeping through the painted, faux patriotism.
3
So it looks like the Republican party might totally self-destruct over the next month. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the Trump candidacy ushered in a Democratic senate majority, as well as a Democratic POTUS?
This next month might become very enjoyable to watch!
This next month might become very enjoyable to watch!
1
I am running out of angst. I am weary from continual disappointment. I can't believe we have another month of this election to go though, and worse, even the dimmest prospect our beloved nation could even entertain the prospect of electing a demonstrable racist and abuser as president.
It's quite one thing to be under the influence of the biased media - left or right. But in this case I am seeing with my own eyes - hearing with my own ears. I don't need a blowhard with a gold microphone to tell me what I think.
Were my daughter to bring this guy home for dinner, billionaire or not, I would send him packing.
As soon as I can get my early ballot completed and mailed off, I'm turning away from this maelstrom of misery. My civic duty will be done. I will wait for the outcome on my sofa, in a fetal position, clutching a throw pillow, praying for better times.
It's quite one thing to be under the influence of the biased media - left or right. But in this case I am seeing with my own eyes - hearing with my own ears. I don't need a blowhard with a gold microphone to tell me what I think.
Were my daughter to bring this guy home for dinner, billionaire or not, I would send him packing.
As soon as I can get my early ballot completed and mailed off, I'm turning away from this maelstrom of misery. My civic duty will be done. I will wait for the outcome on my sofa, in a fetal position, clutching a throw pillow, praying for better times.
437
I agree almost totally. Though British I can empathise totally with the disbelief and dismay you must be feeling (are the names Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson familiar?).
One point however - wouldn't it be better to instill in your daughter the critical capacity and self esteem necessary to make good relationship choices rather than setting yourself up as her protector? If nothing else this election must teach us the importance of empowering women and fostering an environment in which everyone can develop and grow to fulfill their true potential, irrespective of gender, race or social class.
One point however - wouldn't it be better to instill in your daughter the critical capacity and self esteem necessary to make good relationship choices rather than setting yourself up as her protector? If nothing else this election must teach us the importance of empowering women and fostering an environment in which everyone can develop and grow to fulfill their true potential, irrespective of gender, race or social class.
And here I thought I was the only one curled up under the bend with ear plugs, a blindfold and whimpering softly.
Hang on! We'll make it.
Hang on! We'll make it.
I think we are not supposed to dislike Mrs Trump because she doesn't have a problem with trumps extramarital liaisons. She knows her place, the thinking goes and follows conventional gender roles
1
Trump's "grab them" recordings did not open a new into him, but it did close one of his arguments, that he is upending a system of privilege. Even at Sunday's debate, he was insinuating that Mrs. Clinton had been shown preferential treatment. But in the 2005 tape, Trump boasted that women allow him predatory behavior because of his celebrity. No more pretending he is anything but entitled.
3
I am trying to think of alternative phrasing for what Donald Trump SAID HE DID. Something not in the lingo of locker-room banter, but words more clinical, perhaps even thoughtful and considerate.
"When you're a star, you can. . . ." Nope, it doesn't work. It's still bragging about having committed assault.