With Donald Trump's threat to put Hillary Clinton in prison, he shows exactly why he likes Putin who has done the same with his political foes.
80
“Why would Mr. Trump feel he has better information or analytical ability than a “high confidence” conclusion by the country’s intelligence professionals?”
I think these “professionals” are from the same crack gum-shoe organization that assured us of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, no? On no, I forgot -- it was the NY Times own Judith Miller. Sorry NY Times -- your credibility vanished many years ago.
Wasn’t it the Obama administration who invited the Russians to remove al-Assad’s chemical weapons after Obama’s ill-fated “red line” fiasco? Boy did you see Hillary distance herself from that at the last debate – “I hate to interrupt.. . I was gone”! Oh, by the way, she did call Putin’s offer “an important step” at the time. Maybe Putin is a better leader than Obama…
I am not a Trump fan, but no one can defend Obama’s foreign policy acumen. To say his administration has formally accused Russia of stealing emails from the DNC tells me absolutely nothing – except Obama is doing everything he (and his justice department) can to get Hillary elected. Oh, and is Hillary going to comment on the authenticity of those emails?
I think these “professionals” are from the same crack gum-shoe organization that assured us of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, no? On no, I forgot -- it was the NY Times own Judith Miller. Sorry NY Times -- your credibility vanished many years ago.
Wasn’t it the Obama administration who invited the Russians to remove al-Assad’s chemical weapons after Obama’s ill-fated “red line” fiasco? Boy did you see Hillary distance herself from that at the last debate – “I hate to interrupt.. . I was gone”! Oh, by the way, she did call Putin’s offer “an important step” at the time. Maybe Putin is a better leader than Obama…
I am not a Trump fan, but no one can defend Obama’s foreign policy acumen. To say his administration has formally accused Russia of stealing emails from the DNC tells me absolutely nothing – except Obama is doing everything he (and his justice department) can to get Hillary elected. Oh, and is Hillary going to comment on the authenticity of those emails?
11
Maybe Trump is just being contrary? If he were a Manchurian Candidate wouldn't he pretend to disparage and denigrate Putin and Russia.?
He is a narcissist with the attention span of a gnat. He will say anything to rouse his base and the media.
He is a narcissist with the attention span of a gnat. He will say anything to rouse his base and the media.
26
It's hard to be too hard on Putin for his war crimes in Syria when the U.S. continues to support Saudi Arabian war crimes in Yemen.
14
When a fish smells like Trump, it's wise not to have it for sushi.
24
For the Clinton campaign to blame Russia and Donald Trump for the hacking of the Clinton Campaign/DNC's dirty secrets to influence the election is like McDonalds warning the rest of us about creepy clowns.
5
Its not a surprise: Trump doesn't back down, and Trump doesn't apologize-not really.
He is the :"That's what you are-but what am I?" candidate, a page from Fox News, Roger Ailes, and the hate radio on the right. Repeat your point. Never back down. Its less about the point you are making, and more about being dominant. 20 years of Fox News and Republican belligerence should make this clear.
He is the :"That's what you are-but what am I?" candidate, a page from Fox News, Roger Ailes, and the hate radio on the right. Repeat your point. Never back down. Its less about the point you are making, and more about being dominant. 20 years of Fox News and Republican belligerence should make this clear.
25
"I know nothing about Russia." I would think if one is running for POTUS, one would want to know as much as possible about Russia. Are people really hearing what is being said by this incompetent?
44
I have had poodles all my life. Poodles are FAR more intelligent than Donald Trump. Comparing them to Trump is an insult to poodles.
39
Trump: "they’re trying to tarnish me with Russia. I know nothing about Russia."
Finally, he has said something that is obviously true!
Finally, he has said something that is obviously true!
40
You mistake is placing intelligence and Trump in the same room---they just don't mix well.
13
Trump said to Matt Lauer that he says good things about Putin because Putin says good things about him.
Is that all it takes?
Is that all it takes?
25
Given that just last night, in Florida, Trump advised his supporters to "go out and vote on November 28th..." perhaps he and his warped views will be off the stage shortly.
21
Maybe the people giving Mr. Trump intelligence briefings have followed Harry Reid's advice to just fake it . . . .
8
recall...it was we who crased the cease fire with an air strike
(hitting friendlies at that) ....the evidence is considerable that it was intentional, a eillful dtrike actually at our "coopreatve effort" with the russians ...the strike was planned and accomplished without consultation with them or sny communication with syrian forces on the ground (the ones we hit, turns out)...our u.n. ambassador, primed, was unleased with a rant against the russians while the remains of our target were still burning...how come?
the bet here is that the russians were appearing to lead or at least dominate the exchange, strategically and tactically...not good for our waning presitge (ibama legacy) or our political agenda (making trump's willingness to recognize the realities of future dealings with russia look better than HRC's old cold war grumble). ...e pluribus...
(hitting friendlies at that) ....the evidence is considerable that it was intentional, a eillful dtrike actually at our "coopreatve effort" with the russians ...the strike was planned and accomplished without consultation with them or sny communication with syrian forces on the ground (the ones we hit, turns out)...our u.n. ambassador, primed, was unleased with a rant against the russians while the remains of our target were still burning...how come?
the bet here is that the russians were appearing to lead or at least dominate the exchange, strategically and tactically...not good for our waning presitge (ibama legacy) or our political agenda (making trump's willingness to recognize the realities of future dealings with russia look better than HRC's old cold war grumble). ...e pluribus...
4
If Trump's behavior was described to me in a spy novel I'd throw it against the wall and say, ''you've got to be kidding, this would never be allowed to happen.'' He makes Richard Condon plots look innocent by comparison. He's the Manchurian Candidate with ADD.
16
Hear on the news (NPR) this morning that Trump is touting Russian propaganda as fact. And his followers eat it up. How is it that we have a candidate for POTUS that is a stooge for the Kremlin. Sad, just sad, and dangerous.
42
I am not judging Donald Trump whether he is right or wrong, but in terms of what he said about the coalition of Russia, Iran and Syria against ISIS he is right. Whoever knows the Middle East realizes that ISIS are radical "Suni" Muslims that are backed by the "Wahhabi" Saudis and other Arab countries by the bank of Persian Gulf , despite Iran and Syria that promote "Shia" Muslims who practice a normalized version of Islam. So, it's even shocking that the editorial board has mentioned this point in this column when it is a give fact that "friend of my enemy is my enemy".
4
Trump is the ugliest American.
65
Voting for Trump is voting for Putin.
50
Take back the country for whom? Sounds like treason. God help us all.
38
Why are American intelligence agencies briefing an individual who trumps America by acting "as a Kremlin apologist on issues ranging from Syria to the computer hacking of individuals and political parties"???
That does not seem very "intelligent" to me.
That does not seem very "intelligent" to me.
36
To the Editors,
I am shocked that you even think this guy has an "agenda".
If one look's up the expression "shoot from the hip", bingo, there's Trump's picture.
Kinda' okay with six shooters, not so good when it comes to nuclear weapons.
I am shocked that you even think this guy has an "agenda".
If one look's up the expression "shoot from the hip", bingo, there's Trump's picture.
Kinda' okay with six shooters, not so good when it comes to nuclear weapons.
19
An ignoramus relies on ignorance. Most Americans sadly know less about the reality of the world than Trump.
35
So what is it? Is Putin gaining influence in Syria or not. Go back in time, and you will hear Obama's bold proclamation that Russian strategy would backfire. Score - Putin (1), Obama (-1).
Go back 4 years. During presidential debates Obama said cold war is over, Russia is not a threat and scoffed at Romney's prediction. And today Russia is a threat. Romney (1), Obama (-2).
And NYT opinion writers have the galls to blame Trump. Do you guys stand behind anything that yoo have supported in the past, or you have figured out that changing the narrative is the best solution for your stupidity?
Go back 4 years. During presidential debates Obama said cold war is over, Russia is not a threat and scoffed at Romney's prediction. And today Russia is a threat. Romney (1), Obama (-2).
And NYT opinion writers have the galls to blame Trump. Do you guys stand behind anything that yoo have supported in the past, or you have figured out that changing the narrative is the best solution for your stupidity?
5
Where is this heading? I noticed watching the full rally (Obama for Clinton) in Greensboro last night on local TV that several people disrupted the rally showing "Bill Clinton Rapist" tee shirts. Obama digressed to explain that "a radio host" was calling for people to disrupt rallies by paying thousands of dollars to disrupters. Wow! Is this the work of the Britebart campaign chairman?
Investigative reporting becomes tremendously important in these next few weeks. The forth estate may be the only thing working in our democracy.
Investigative reporting becomes tremendously important in these next few weeks. The forth estate may be the only thing working in our democracy.
17
Trump admires Putin because Putin is a powerful man who gets his way in business and with women. Nobody dares to say "No" to Putin and lives to tell about it. With a word he has his political opponents jailed or murdered. Donald's dream. What's not to like if you were Trump? And Putin has praised him. Donald has thin skin for insults and praises alike and unconditionally admires whoever praises him - they're members of the Love Donald Club. Trump has a massive inferiority complex and Putin knows precisely how to play him. As for Assad, he is Putin's puppy, so naturally Trump turns a blind eye and an empty mind to what's going on in Syria.
You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. So it is with Trump getting "intelligence reports". He has his own peculiar mind-set about things and, as no one has to tell us any more, it is the greatest mind ever. Just ask Chris Christie Goebbels and Rudy Giuliani Goring.
You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. So it is with Trump getting "intelligence reports". He has his own peculiar mind-set about things and, as no one has to tell us any more, it is the greatest mind ever. Just ask Chris Christie Goebbels and Rudy Giuliani Goring.
16
Trump has taught us its OK not to be politically correct. So how is this: can we have Trump supporters take a civics and IQ test, before we allow them to vote?
16
I wonder why WikiLeaks doesn't offer us some incites into Trump? Talk about revelations!
13
How can you be concerned that Russia is manipulating this election AND publish stories with details from the documents stolen by Russia? Some reports indicate the emails have actually been changed by the hackers.
C'mon Editorial Board, shut down this assault on our democracy. Lead by example.
C'mon Editorial Board, shut down this assault on our democracy. Lead by example.
10
The GOP would have done better this election if they had nominated Putin..
7
His love affair with Putin isn't baffling if you realize that he's had a lot of money from Russia. We don't know how indebted he is to them but I suspect it's a lot.
17
America the (not-so) Beautiful.
Oh beautiful. More specious lies,
More amber waves than brain.
More purple unaccounted travesties,
Leaked during his campaign.
Donald J Trump, Donald J Trump,
God shed his grace with thee,
And left you with no brotherhood,
We see it now, we see.
Oh beautiful. More specious lies,
More amber waves than brain.
More purple unaccounted travesties,
Leaked during his campaign.
Donald J Trump, Donald J Trump,
God shed his grace with thee,
And left you with no brotherhood,
We see it now, we see.
8
What would Hillary winning the election really mean?
"Dodging a bullet" ------ only to step on a landmine.
"Dodging a bullet" ------ only to step on a landmine.
2
"Various dark theories are circulating among experts about why Mr. Trump is so enamored of Mr. Putin, a dictator..."
Duh. I have been posting this in the NY Times op-ed responses for a few months now and not one was even printed. He is a dictator at heart and given unlimited power there is no telling how far he will go to further his warped agenda.
Andrei Kozyrev is right: "Trump will trample American democracy and damage if not destroy America as a pillar of stability and major force able to contain him.”
The Constitution is an inconvenience for Trump - as it is for the Republican Party and Trump's base of "brown shirts" deplorables, who, by the way, are armed - so we better face an unpleasant truth: we are in danger as a country.
Duh. I have been posting this in the NY Times op-ed responses for a few months now and not one was even printed. He is a dictator at heart and given unlimited power there is no telling how far he will go to further his warped agenda.
Andrei Kozyrev is right: "Trump will trample American democracy and damage if not destroy America as a pillar of stability and major force able to contain him.”
The Constitution is an inconvenience for Trump - as it is for the Republican Party and Trump's base of "brown shirts" deplorables, who, by the way, are armed - so we better face an unpleasant truth: we are in danger as a country.
25
Trump read the faked Wikileaks email to his crowd when it was available only on Sputnik.
14
What's even more meaning is that his support doesn't care. We all thought that the Republicans were the stanches enemies of Russia.
But now they're willing to side with Russia against us and all of our allies. This is seriously mind-boggling. Is this sedition or are they just stupid? And no one seems to be doing anything.
But now they're willing to side with Russia against us and all of our allies. This is seriously mind-boggling. Is this sedition or are they just stupid? And no one seems to be doing anything.
16
How can it be that Trump claims to know nothing about the Russians? At best it shows he is ignorant. At worst it shows he doesn't even pay attention at the security briefings he his allowed to attend.
5
The Editorial Board thinks that Mrs. Clinton has the best interests of the US at heart, and the best decision making capability as well.
So how come, during her tenure at the State Dept., everything has fallen apart, especially in the MidEast? And why is the NYT repeating the talking points of the Democratic candidate which blames Russia for everything?
Why am I reading Hillary's propaganda and excuses, repeated from the NYT? You've sunk to new depths.
So how come, during her tenure at the State Dept., everything has fallen apart, especially in the MidEast? And why is the NYT repeating the talking points of the Democratic candidate which blames Russia for everything?
Why am I reading Hillary's propaganda and excuses, repeated from the NYT? You've sunk to new depths.
2
I'm just tired of listening to him. He's had the stage for too long and for no reason.
5
I will not be voting for Donald Trump and I'm not a Republican but I have to question how we know it was Russia and how we know, know, know that this is an attack on the Clinton campaign. Because a Democratic Administration tells us so?
This is such an ugly partisan election that I am beginning to trust no one or nothing, not even my beloved NYT.
This is such an ugly partisan election that I am beginning to trust no one or nothing, not even my beloved NYT.
2
About these hidden business interests: where are the leaks when we need them? It's amazing that we still don't know Trump's business connections. C'mon guys, leak something, shine a light on it all.
6
This one has been fairly obvious to me from the outset.
Trump's foreign policy objective is to ally with with Russia to crush the Islamic Nations of the Middle East. What could be more irresistible than an alliance between the USA and Russia. One Great White Nation aligning with another Great White Nation to destroy Islam and dominate the Non-white World. Between the two sides we would control virtually all the nuclear weapons. Even China would have to watch its step, not to mention quashing North Korea.
In Trump's line of brand thinking, why would Brand USA align itself with such non-entities as Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia against Brand Russia, when it could align itself with Brand Russia and control the world.
Putin is a perfect roll model for Law and Order at Home. And control of the Press---(after all, intimidation through assassination is quicker .... and more effective than intimidation through boring Libel suits.)
I think Trump's unstated foreign policy objective is quite clear. Smash Saudi Arabia and Iran, level Mecca and Medina and Tehran and Qom, seize their oil and gas. Divide it all up with Russia. No more terrorists and complete energy security. And a Global Alliance of White People that really, really works.
His base will love it. They would probably even enjoy being drafted to implement it.
I don't really think it has anything to do with Trump's business interests in Russia.
This is his BIG IDEA!
Trump's foreign policy objective is to ally with with Russia to crush the Islamic Nations of the Middle East. What could be more irresistible than an alliance between the USA and Russia. One Great White Nation aligning with another Great White Nation to destroy Islam and dominate the Non-white World. Between the two sides we would control virtually all the nuclear weapons. Even China would have to watch its step, not to mention quashing North Korea.
In Trump's line of brand thinking, why would Brand USA align itself with such non-entities as Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia against Brand Russia, when it could align itself with Brand Russia and control the world.
Putin is a perfect roll model for Law and Order at Home. And control of the Press---(after all, intimidation through assassination is quicker .... and more effective than intimidation through boring Libel suits.)
I think Trump's unstated foreign policy objective is quite clear. Smash Saudi Arabia and Iran, level Mecca and Medina and Tehran and Qom, seize their oil and gas. Divide it all up with Russia. No more terrorists and complete energy security. And a Global Alliance of White People that really, really works.
His base will love it. They would probably even enjoy being drafted to implement it.
I don't really think it has anything to do with Trump's business interests in Russia.
This is his BIG IDEA!
4
He thinks he sees a path to the White House and he'll say anything, do anything, make any deal with any devil to get there.
He'll renegotiate once he's in, then wash, rinse, repeat with each new goal.
It's not weird, it's quite simple. People look for meaning, but he's just a gangster.
He'll renegotiate once he's in, then wash, rinse, repeat with each new goal.
It's not weird, it's quite simple. People look for meaning, but he's just a gangster.
8
How amazing it is that, when e-mails surfaced showing the DNC's rush to a Clinton coronation, even before Sanders had entered the campaign, her campaign screamed "Russia! Russia! Russia!" rather than admitting to the undermining of a very viable candidate.
And now, Wikileaks has exposed that in HRC's speeches to Wall Street, she stated that "...politics is like sausage being made. It is unsavory, and it always has been that way, but we usually end up where we need to be. But if everybody's watching, you know, all of the back room discussions and the deals, you know, then people get a little nervous to say the least. So, you need both a public and a private position." And this gem, "There's nothing magic about regulations, too much is bad, too little is bad. How do you get to the golden key ... And the people that know the industry better than anybody are the people who work in the industry." In other words, let the greet heads that nearly wrecked the world economy and continue to cheat us (like Wells Fargo) are the ones that can best regulate themselves. Let's not be distracted by Trumps disgusting misogyny and Russia's supposed duplicity. Clinton is a false populist. My vote will go to Jill Stein. If Clinton loses, it will be because she is not who she pretends to be. She will say and do anything to win this election.
And now, Wikileaks has exposed that in HRC's speeches to Wall Street, she stated that "...politics is like sausage being made. It is unsavory, and it always has been that way, but we usually end up where we need to be. But if everybody's watching, you know, all of the back room discussions and the deals, you know, then people get a little nervous to say the least. So, you need both a public and a private position." And this gem, "There's nothing magic about regulations, too much is bad, too little is bad. How do you get to the golden key ... And the people that know the industry better than anybody are the people who work in the industry." In other words, let the greet heads that nearly wrecked the world economy and continue to cheat us (like Wells Fargo) are the ones that can best regulate themselves. Let's not be distracted by Trumps disgusting misogyny and Russia's supposed duplicity. Clinton is a false populist. My vote will go to Jill Stein. If Clinton loses, it will be because she is not who she pretends to be. She will say and do anything to win this election.
5
Trump is the logical result of the Republican Party's leaders "Bait and Switch" scam that they have been running on their base since the time of Raegan.
It should have been oblivious to them, with the debacle of the Iraq War the danger of "Bait and Switch" when the people they put in power actually believe the "Bait", but Bush/Cheney were so good to the 1% that they overlooked the Iraq War.
The Republicans wanted someone who says crazy things to excite their Base, then works for the 1%. Now they have someone who says crazy things because he is crazy and he believes the crazy things he says. And some 40% of the electorate seem to be as crazy as he is.
It should have been oblivious to them, with the debacle of the Iraq War the danger of "Bait and Switch" when the people they put in power actually believe the "Bait", but Bush/Cheney were so good to the 1% that they overlooked the Iraq War.
The Republicans wanted someone who says crazy things to excite their Base, then works for the 1%. Now they have someone who says crazy things because he is crazy and he believes the crazy things he says. And some 40% of the electorate seem to be as crazy as he is.
19
Allow me -- as painful as it is -- to pretend for a moment that I'm a Trump supporter:
"Love you, Donald! Hey, I can't stand people who are different than me either! Trounce the unbelievers! Throw Hillary in jail! Build the wall -- and while you're at it spit on it!"
Now allow me to reenter reality, as the Trump Detractor that I really am:
"Thank goodness that my parents instilled in me a good value system, and that ever since I grew up, I've acted like an Adult.
"Love you, Donald! Hey, I can't stand people who are different than me either! Trounce the unbelievers! Throw Hillary in jail! Build the wall -- and while you're at it spit on it!"
Now allow me to reenter reality, as the Trump Detractor that I really am:
"Thank goodness that my parents instilled in me a good value system, and that ever since I grew up, I've acted like an Adult.
15
When you're talking about Donald Trump, you must always keep in mind that you're, in reality, dealing with a 7-year old. At that age, there is little world-view other than masculine power as in the old saying "My dad can beat your dad." Donald Trump still lives in that world of strutting childish masculine power that he finds admirable in Vladimir Putin and other strutting, masculine dictators like his own father, Fred Trump. Of course, right now we're witnessing a mammoth Trump tantrum as he lashes out at the feminine power figure of Hillary Clinton who he can only control by "locking her up" and every other "weak" Republican male who has spanked him for his coarse language and predatory behavior. It's a "hissy fit" of immense destruction that is destroying what is left of the Republican Party and all semblance of civility in our society.
7
We're never totally sure we've not strayed into some sort of never-land, but this political year indeed makes its suggestions. At any rate, we do recall that a fellow called Hitler came into office carrying with him a deep admiration for another guy named Mussolini. That was circa four-score years ago. Dare we proclaim deja vu?
5
Let's face it, Trump is both stupid and insane. I'm at times convinced he doesn't know why he does anything except that it feels good to indulge his whims and he's always eager to get as much attention as possible at every moment. (Not unlike a dog..). It's hard to imagine an adult with that as his game plan going through life - but where's the evidence that he cares about anything else? I don't think the rest of the world even exists for him - he seems to care only about what's right in front of him or in his immediate orbit. How he got this close to being president scares the bejeezus out of me....
2
All Putin would have to do with a President Trump is send him a box of cookies and a signed photograph and Trump would continue to champion Putin. He's dangerous and megalomaniacal. He ignores facts for his own delusional gut feelings. He's an embarrassment that the GOP will have to spend decades making up to the country for the damage they have caused with this bigoted, bombastic boardroom braggart.
2
Trump's business interests in Russia are not just a theory, as stated in the Washington Post, but we can only be certain if he provides his tax returns.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/inside-trumps-financial-ties-to-...
That being said, Trump has gone of the deep end now and his supporters are following him like lemmings.
The third debate should consist of two separate 45-60 minute interviews on the candidates plans for global warming, income inequelity, tax reform, health insurance, education, affordable housing, job creation, infrastructure, foreign politics in its broadest sense, terrorism, and immigration, to name a few. No disgusting and embarrassing pit fights anymore. please!
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/inside-trumps-financial-ties-to-...
That being said, Trump has gone of the deep end now and his supporters are following him like lemmings.
The third debate should consist of two separate 45-60 minute interviews on the candidates plans for global warming, income inequelity, tax reform, health insurance, education, affordable housing, job creation, infrastructure, foreign politics in its broadest sense, terrorism, and immigration, to name a few. No disgusting and embarrassing pit fights anymore. please!
5
Trump as a Putin stooge? Unless part of the job's description is to go around giving every indication of being a Putin stooge it seems unlikely.
3
To continue the Russia link, Trump has started to quote from Russian propaganda sources a lie about Blumenthal and Bengazi. And this clown thinks he's ready to be President. Wonder if he can make any decisions without consulting his master.
5
Trump's actions over the last 48 hours strongly suggest he is coming apart at the seams. His judgments on foreign threats are subject to a hysteria that he himself has created.
2
The Times wants war with Russia because that will bring zillions of dollars to them and their corporate friends. That is what Hillary wants too.
Relations with Russia are at an all time low in history. I wonder how a newspaper can observe this without wondering if this administration might have made some pretty serious mistakes under Hillary.
The NYT has already proven that it is biassed and untrustworthy on matters of this election season. The paper is nothing more than an arm of the Democratic party establishment.
I find the NYT's behavior absolutely disgusting, and I find Obama and Hillary to be absolute hypocrites over their attitudes towards Trump vs. Bill C.
This administration including Hillary as the SOSUS have made a total mess of Syria. I can't imagine it being handled in a worse way, and the blame lies with Hillary with her stupid remarks, 'Assad must go!', which was probably just the repeating of the Saudi wishes.
Obama has had much better instincts than Hillary towards this region than Hillary. Hillary apparently just listened to our perceived allies in the region, primarily Saudi Arabia, and took that as her position.
Hillary will get us into WWIII with here stupidity and arrogance. The US should begin severing ties with Saudi Arabia immediately. We should not allow any more weapons sales to them, and we should begin to stop buying their oil.
As disgusting as Trump's behavior is in some situations, when it comes to Russia he would definitely be able to get along with them. Hillary can't even get along with her own citizens! She's a disaster for this country and the world!
The NYT has already proven that it is biassed and untrustworthy on matters of this election season. The paper is nothing more than an arm of the Democratic party establishment.
I find the NYT's behavior absolutely disgusting, and I find Obama and Hillary to be absolute hypocrites over their attitudes towards Trump vs. Bill C.
This administration including Hillary as the SOSUS have made a total mess of Syria. I can't imagine it being handled in a worse way, and the blame lies with Hillary with her stupid remarks, 'Assad must go!', which was probably just the repeating of the Saudi wishes.
Obama has had much better instincts than Hillary towards this region than Hillary. Hillary apparently just listened to our perceived allies in the region, primarily Saudi Arabia, and took that as her position.
Hillary will get us into WWIII with here stupidity and arrogance. The US should begin severing ties with Saudi Arabia immediately. We should not allow any more weapons sales to them, and we should begin to stop buying their oil.
As disgusting as Trump's behavior is in some situations, when it comes to Russia he would definitely be able to get along with them. Hillary can't even get along with her own citizens! She's a disaster for this country and the world!
2
as tawdry as it sounds (and why not, all things considered of late), i think that what putin has on trump is the age old blackmail - the honeytrap. putin has something very dark and dirty on trump. and i'll bet it is on tape.
1
"Why would Mr. Trump feel he has better information..."
Call me naive, but my intuition tells me the truth is much simpler than anything nefarious between Trump and Putin. Trump is all about having his way - from his empire to his beauty pageants to his TV shows. He sees himself as the ultimate boss. And so do his followers. It's not so much that Mr. Trump *FEELS* he has better information, it is that he must say that he does. And it hardly matters whether he knows it's a lie or not. As the existentialists once taught us, after awhile the liar can get caught up in his own lie and come to believe it is true himself.
This. Man. Is. Dangerous. But the least of the reason is whether he is in cahoots with Putin or not. He simply wants to be America's Putin.
Call me naive, but my intuition tells me the truth is much simpler than anything nefarious between Trump and Putin. Trump is all about having his way - from his empire to his beauty pageants to his TV shows. He sees himself as the ultimate boss. And so do his followers. It's not so much that Mr. Trump *FEELS* he has better information, it is that he must say that he does. And it hardly matters whether he knows it's a lie or not. As the existentialists once taught us, after awhile the liar can get caught up in his own lie and come to believe it is true himself.
This. Man. Is. Dangerous. But the least of the reason is whether he is in cahoots with Putin or not. He simply wants to be America's Putin.
1
Why is it so hard to understand trump is a mentally ill person
4
Maybe Trump wants to become another Putin, and dismantle our democracy. Many of Trumps followers seem to think that democracy has gone to far in electing a Black Man and possibly now a woman, destroying the established hierarchy.
2
Donald Trump i in deep debt to Russian financiers. Vladimir Putin refuses to let Donald off the hook. Donald must show allegience to Putin or be exposed for his bad debts.
1
It is a weird world when I read a statement like this from the NYT:
"Mr. Trump again denied that the Russians were doing anything to manipulate the presidential election despite powerful evidence to the contrary."
What powerful evidence? Did Trump DENY the Russians were involved, even one time? He only said that they MAY not be the ones responsible - probably because no evidence has been presented.
John Podesta is also blaming everything on the Russians. His evidence is the Wikileaks release last Friday just after the Washington Post released its "hot mike" Trump clip. The audacity of Podesta is incredible. Wikileaks publicly announced the previous Tuesday that they would make a major release on Friday (and more over the next nine Fridays to highlight their ten year anniversary). If anything, it was the Washington Post that sat on their damaging audioclip to drown out Wikileaks just before the key debate. Why the State Dept. also picked Friday to 'announce' its view (zero evidence provided) that Russia is behind the hacks is also very dubious. They treat us like fools. Podesta apparently wants us to feel for him - as a 'victim" of a Russian attack. Such audacity. Just read the content of his emails! And this paper wants us to focus on the messenger, rather than the messages - except for the Trump audio clip! We're supposed to ruminate on this and not question WHY it was released that particular Friday. Blindness due to moral outrage can affect liberals, as well.
"Mr. Trump again denied that the Russians were doing anything to manipulate the presidential election despite powerful evidence to the contrary."
What powerful evidence? Did Trump DENY the Russians were involved, even one time? He only said that they MAY not be the ones responsible - probably because no evidence has been presented.
John Podesta is also blaming everything on the Russians. His evidence is the Wikileaks release last Friday just after the Washington Post released its "hot mike" Trump clip. The audacity of Podesta is incredible. Wikileaks publicly announced the previous Tuesday that they would make a major release on Friday (and more over the next nine Fridays to highlight their ten year anniversary). If anything, it was the Washington Post that sat on their damaging audioclip to drown out Wikileaks just before the key debate. Why the State Dept. also picked Friday to 'announce' its view (zero evidence provided) that Russia is behind the hacks is also very dubious. They treat us like fools. Podesta apparently wants us to feel for him - as a 'victim" of a Russian attack. Such audacity. Just read the content of his emails! And this paper wants us to focus on the messenger, rather than the messages - except for the Trump audio clip! We're supposed to ruminate on this and not question WHY it was released that particular Friday. Blindness due to moral outrage can affect liberals, as well.
6
Stop trying to apply standards of reason to Donald Trump. He's not running a campaign for president. He's running a big T.V. show. Reality doesn't matter. Logic doesn't matter. Being correct, politically or otherwise, doesn't matter. Only the show matters. He says what he says for applause and cheers from the studio audience that fills his arenas and Twitter account. There is no other logic to it.
7
For a time I was friendly with these Russians. So many of the older Russians are stuck in this 19th century thing about violence and hit 'em hard, etc. It figures that Trump, who's a fascist and major classist would go for this. And we in the U.S. have Bush I who was head of the C.I.A. at one time, and Russia has Putin who was head of the K.G.B. at one time. What's so different?
If the hacking is everywhere, where are his taxes? Looks totally one sided. My previous support of wiki is gone. Shilling for a dictator want-a-be makes Julian one of them. Period.
2
Is Trump's love for Russian dictator Putin really that baffling? Bullies respect only one thing other than themselves - other bullies. That's the driving force for their mutual admiration society....
1
Is Trump being supported by Russian oil interests, in which Putin has a huge stake? Russia is determined NOT to allow oil production to be curbed, even if the price of oil would rise.
2
Excuse me, the article is very good, but that cartoon, a Pulitzer winner if I ever saw one! The message of it: "Oh, if only I weren't blind, the world could be mine for the taking."
Yes, Donald, we have no bananas.
Yes, Donald, we have no bananas.
1
While I understand the medis's reluctance to go near the cocaine issue, trump manifests several cocaine abuse attributes (beyond sniffing) related to his coherence, erratic behavior and mood swings. The opportunity and lifestyle have always been there. To think Putin's Russian intelligence apparatus might not use this as a means of control is naive. Keep digging, NYT!
2
This is one of the lamest editorial the NYT editorial board has ever published. Rather than just vaguely speculate on Trump's ties to Russian interests, how about do some actual investigative reporting? The Trump-Manafort-Putin connection is obvious, but has never been drilled into. And, it's widely believed that Trump has done business with, and perhaps obtained investment money from, well-placed Russians who are in the favor of Putin, but no news media outlet, including the NYT, seems to have ever made the effort to explore that. This isn't my parents' NYT.
1
Unfortunately, millennials have no memory of the Cold War. Without context, Putin seems less of a threat. Just another prospective tenant of Trump Kremlin.
1
Trump's claim that, "maybe there is no hacking", is one hundred percent full tilt crazy. Yes, there is no hacking, all the polls are saying Trump is winning and the world is flat. This man really is living in his own reality.
3
Interesting how you argue Trump has no foreign policy experience. What have those with so-called experience done? Nothing. What matters here is that Trump has a patriotic zeal unmatched by any current politician. He wants to protect America from invasion and radical Islam terror. That's enough experience for me. Thank you.
3
Trump is unsuited to be president, that's clear. However, the fact that he doesn't accept uncritically the claim that the hacks have been masterminded by Russian intelligence is not what disqualifies him. We would have been well served if, for example, someone (including the NYT) had been a bit less credulous when the same experts told us with certainty that Iraq under Saddam had WMDs. The fact that Russian democrats such as Kozyrev think Putin is authorizing the hacks is an educated guess and nothing more. No one has explained why Russians, who can read opinion polls and therefore know Clinton has been an odds on favorite from the outset, would play such a stupid and self defeating game (backing Trump). It just doesn't add up.
I read today on another site that Billy Bush is using an interesting defense to counter NBC's decision to fire him. He is saying that NBC enabled the sexual objectification of women as they knew about many other instances of it. This aligns very well with what Samantha Bee recently highlighted on Full Frontal. She had started with Jimmy Fallon's obnoxious soft-ball questions to trump on his show and NBC having trump host SNL this year. She had several other examples of NBC eschewing women's dignity in favor of the ratings he attracts. Its clear that respect for women is a very low priority not only in politics (glaringly obvious in the GOP's legislative assault on women) but in corporations in general. On the positive side, I believe the focus on the topic brought forth by the Access Hollywood tape is that women are now highly motivated to vote for Hillary.
3
We have truly tumbled into a twilight zone of utter absurdity. It would all be hilarious if Donald Trump were not one of two figures still standing in line for the Oval Office.
We are talking about an alternate universe of serious chromosomal damage here. The folks in the campaign from hell refuse to seek the medical help they need, so we must seek, and find, our own help at the ballot box four weeks from now, up and down the ticket.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
We are talking about an alternate universe of serious chromosomal damage here. The folks in the campaign from hell refuse to seek the medical help they need, so we must seek, and find, our own help at the ballot box four weeks from now, up and down the ticket.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
2
Implying that Donald Trump is Putin's poodle is an insult to poodles, which are very smart, hard-working, and eager to learn.
3
Over the last eight years Republican's and Conservative's were generally praising Putin. This isn't anything new with Trump. Trump is like a parrot who has learned what to tie to a stick, and is just modeling the GOP's previous chants they've characteristically, conveniently gone amnesiac of in the interim.
4
Trump denies Russia's role, but he might lie. Or he does not know a thing. In both cases there is doubt whether Russia is up to mischief. But all doubts are cleared: Russia's Secr of State Lavrov denies any involvement. Now we know involvement is afoot. Had Mr Lavrov said nothing, doubt remains, as he speaks it is as good as a confession.
3
To Mr. Trump, genuinely looking after the interests of the United States is just more political correctness. There is only one interest an "alpha male" like him looks after. His own. Same as always.
6
That blue shading inside Trump's suit coat in the article's illustration -- is that the outline of a dress? Kudos to the illustrator! A splendid, and perfectly fitting, bit of visual satire!
3
Talk about Trump as a tin-pot dictator! For many years the NYT has been pushing for an iron clad dictatorship of the left. Someone said that this election dispelled for ever the notion that the media is objective, not entirely a propaganda organ for socialism. Another said that America now has a state-run media. But I think its the other way around: The media has been creating the state, and as time passes we become less and less free.
2
I'm not shocked by Trump admiring, courting and emulating Putin. Trump is a dictatorial personality, clearly and openly aspires to autocratic government, and is worse than clueless about how a modern day democratic nation actually operates.
What truly shocks me, and not much shocks me after a half-century of seeing the GOP shamelessly milk its racist Southern Strategy, is that the Putin-kissing gestures didn't immediately lead to a repudiation by GOP leaders. How is it possible that a candidate can stand at a podium and INVITE foreign espionage, and his party muck-mucks stand silent?
National security party? Hogwash. They have zero interest in our nation, only in their own political fortunes. And by failing to speak out at a morally credible point, they have gravely damaged both.
What truly shocks me, and not much shocks me after a half-century of seeing the GOP shamelessly milk its racist Southern Strategy, is that the Putin-kissing gestures didn't immediately lead to a repudiation by GOP leaders. How is it possible that a candidate can stand at a podium and INVITE foreign espionage, and his party muck-mucks stand silent?
National security party? Hogwash. They have zero interest in our nation, only in their own political fortunes. And by failing to speak out at a morally credible point, they have gravely damaged both.
15
As dangerous as Mr. Trump's cluelessness, stupidity, ignorance, or dishonesty - whatever may apply regarding Russia - is the apparent disregard of the topic by his followers. They seem to have no knowledge of the past 75 years of world history, and the subject doesn't show up on their radar. The fact that it simply doesn't matter to them is a grave cause for concern, no matter who is elected in November.
4
Trump's weird world? Last evening I clicked a link right here in NYT in order to look at the new "Dangerous" ad, as posted to YouTube by Team Trump. As to the actual video, okay, whatever. But I started reading the comments section. I guess you have to see it to believe it. YT is actually suppressing the video, which they shouldn't do. What should happen is that everyone should read some of those comments in order to be aware of what's really going on in Donald Trump's world. I assure you that weird is too good a word.
5
This may be in fact one of the scariest aspects of the Trump campaign. Even when the US government (FB I, CIA) came out officially and said ghat DNC was hacked by Russia Trump said maybe not. How does he know? His sick uninformed brain can be a better judge of facts than the facts themselves?
Trump is a loser of historic proportions, but not for himself, for the country. And all his backers who live in his B-movie sick alternative reality, remind me, sadly, of the thousand people who followed a crazed preacher in Guyana , years ago. Or even a bigger crowd, in Germany, more than 80 years ago.
Trump is a loser of historic proportions, but not for himself, for the country. And all his backers who live in his B-movie sick alternative reality, remind me, sadly, of the thousand people who followed a crazed preacher in Guyana , years ago. Or even a bigger crowd, in Germany, more than 80 years ago.
10
Trump's problem is that, to use psychologist's jargon, he has poor meta-cognitive skills and suffers from the Dunning-Kruger effect. He has no real ability to accurately judge how well he does or doesn't understand various issues and ends up convinced he has a good understanding of them. So this is naivety, or cluelessness, if you like but at the 'meta' level.
6
See Kurt Eichenwald's latest in Newsweek (trumped again, NYT - pun intended). Donald Trump was quoting a manufactured lie - manufactured by Russia - yesterday, when the only possible source of it was the Kremlin.
When it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck...
When it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck...
7
"He has, however, received two briefings from American intelligence agencies..."
With Trump's gerbil-like attention span, I doubt he paid any attention at all to what he was told. More likely he was composing hateful tweets in his mind for future posting.
"...but at this point, why would Mr. Trump feel he has better information or analytical ability than a “high confidence” conclusion by the country’s intelligence professionals?"
Mr. Trump has already told us he knows more about Syria than the generals. Who believes that Mr. Trump limits his superior knowledge to generals. He's spent a lot of time telling us how terrible our intelligence is, so he must know more about intelligence than the CIA.
Let's face it, Trump thinks he knows more about virtually everything than anyone else. His admission in the second debate that he didn't know anything about Russia, which he quickly amended to knowledge about its inner workings, was just an easy way to get out of bearing responsibility for something. Deep down, I'm pretty sure Trump thinks he knows more about Russia than anyone, save perhaps his hero Vlad Putin.
In Trump's Fantasy World, opinions are knowledge. This isn't limited to Trump, it's become the standard in the Republican Party. Thinking or wishing something to be so is the equivalent of it being so. No matter how different reality is.
With Trump's gerbil-like attention span, I doubt he paid any attention at all to what he was told. More likely he was composing hateful tweets in his mind for future posting.
"...but at this point, why would Mr. Trump feel he has better information or analytical ability than a “high confidence” conclusion by the country’s intelligence professionals?"
Mr. Trump has already told us he knows more about Syria than the generals. Who believes that Mr. Trump limits his superior knowledge to generals. He's spent a lot of time telling us how terrible our intelligence is, so he must know more about intelligence than the CIA.
Let's face it, Trump thinks he knows more about virtually everything than anyone else. His admission in the second debate that he didn't know anything about Russia, which he quickly amended to knowledge about its inner workings, was just an easy way to get out of bearing responsibility for something. Deep down, I'm pretty sure Trump thinks he knows more about Russia than anyone, save perhaps his hero Vlad Putin.
In Trump's Fantasy World, opinions are knowledge. This isn't limited to Trump, it's become the standard in the Republican Party. Thinking or wishing something to be so is the equivalent of it being so. No matter how different reality is.
60
Since hacking goes on both ways, you need to get used to it. John Podesta had a Gmail account that was undoubtedly not protected by two factor authentication. He should have known better.
As for Trump not signing on to the rapidly growing and dangerous narrative of Russia bashing, that is perhaps the only sign of his common sense.
As for Trump not signing on to the rapidly growing and dangerous narrative of Russia bashing, that is perhaps the only sign of his common sense.
If we do not, as a country, continue to restore an effective democracy after Trump is defeated -- through publicly-financed elections and disclosure and limits on special interest money that really runs the country -- then we'll encounter something far worse than this bombastic incurious demagogue. It's like an undigestible brick in the belly to imagine how candidates equally fascist could so easily disguise their leanings and avaristic intents to capture power and use it to rule for the few. If a man like Trump can make it this far in a country I no longer recognize? This does, indeed, need to be a grassroots revolutionary effort before we can, any of us, consider ourselves 'represented' by our elected officials.
7
Where's the "powerful proof" you mention of Russia's involvement in anything? Is it the same proof, coming from the same governmental sources that the NYT had when it endorsed the Iraq war?
As for Trump willing to work with Russia in Syria or elsewhere, why is that a bad thing? And, let's understand that Russia was invited into Syria, a sovereign country, no matter what anyone thinks about Assad. While the U.S. was arming and training rebel forces (associated with Al-Qaeda), to overthrow an elected government there not to "our" liking - going against international law.
I'm not defending Putin, I don't admire any leaders of governments frankly, but where is the intellectual rigor or even just some common sense, used to arrive at any of these opinions or editorials.
The NYT seems to think that if our good and noble U.S. government declares something to be true, then it is - simple as pie. One needs only take a cursory look at U.S. history, both domestic and foreign affairs, and see how regularly the government distorts, lies and misinforms the public.
What frightens me is not Putin, but the subservience of the Times as well as so many commenters, to check their thinking capacity outside the door and jump on some government induced bandwagon.
Additionally, how convenient for HRC that the content of the leaked documents gets so little attention, all they have to do is scream "Putin! Russia!" and everyone just falls in line and swallows the propaganda in one big gulp.
As for Trump willing to work with Russia in Syria or elsewhere, why is that a bad thing? And, let's understand that Russia was invited into Syria, a sovereign country, no matter what anyone thinks about Assad. While the U.S. was arming and training rebel forces (associated with Al-Qaeda), to overthrow an elected government there not to "our" liking - going against international law.
I'm not defending Putin, I don't admire any leaders of governments frankly, but where is the intellectual rigor or even just some common sense, used to arrive at any of these opinions or editorials.
The NYT seems to think that if our good and noble U.S. government declares something to be true, then it is - simple as pie. One needs only take a cursory look at U.S. history, both domestic and foreign affairs, and see how regularly the government distorts, lies and misinforms the public.
What frightens me is not Putin, but the subservience of the Times as well as so many commenters, to check their thinking capacity outside the door and jump on some government induced bandwagon.
Additionally, how convenient for HRC that the content of the leaked documents gets so little attention, all they have to do is scream "Putin! Russia!" and everyone just falls in line and swallows the propaganda in one big gulp.
5
''World'' is quite likely a narrower term, and, on the other hand, Trump seems to be hermetically sealed in an alternate universe. His frequent standoffish attitudes deny deciphering by any sane human. He has this uncanny ability to throw barbs at others, but will not receive even constructive criticisms, let alone barbs. His skin is thinner than the skin of his teeth.
If panegyrics are showered on him he will have an ear to ear grin, but once an adverse opinion is even suggested, he writhes and wriggles his body with indignation. As far as reasons are concerned, it is highly alluring for some to opine that he may have some sort of tubular vision.
Hillary has been unduly unpredictable and capricious as well, but her ire has not reached feverish pitch, just as yet. She has had her own lion's share of irrational utterances (deplorables) and situational strategies, like the wide gulfs between her Wall Street speeches and campaign orations.
The voters, in concert, ought to wake up, act like one monolithic juggernaut, and make the right choice by electing a person with the some mojo and least loathsome attributes. One can pin hopes in the US voters, who are much savvier than the candidates. Long live America!
If panegyrics are showered on him he will have an ear to ear grin, but once an adverse opinion is even suggested, he writhes and wriggles his body with indignation. As far as reasons are concerned, it is highly alluring for some to opine that he may have some sort of tubular vision.
Hillary has been unduly unpredictable and capricious as well, but her ire has not reached feverish pitch, just as yet. She has had her own lion's share of irrational utterances (deplorables) and situational strategies, like the wide gulfs between her Wall Street speeches and campaign orations.
The voters, in concert, ought to wake up, act like one monolithic juggernaut, and make the right choice by electing a person with the some mojo and least loathsome attributes. One can pin hopes in the US voters, who are much savvier than the candidates. Long live America!
3
The only interests Trump is interested in furthering are his own.
There has never been a presidential nominee as devoid of basic reasoning as well as the inability to control himself.
His candidacy is a mistake and no one with any shred of intelligence could argue otherwise. He was born out of the Republicans selfishness and anger and the net result will be to put credible sensible down ballot candidates into office.
Perhaps this is what the new digital, viral version of what goes around, comes around.
There has never been a presidential nominee as devoid of basic reasoning as well as the inability to control himself.
His candidacy is a mistake and no one with any shred of intelligence could argue otherwise. He was born out of the Republicans selfishness and anger and the net result will be to put credible sensible down ballot candidates into office.
Perhaps this is what the new digital, viral version of what goes around, comes around.
12
After Sunday's debate in which Trump ripped apart the stand of hiPence, his own Vice Presidential running mate, Pence proceded to deny his own tough stand against Russia. As the President has so much control over foreign policy it will be almost impossible to constrain him if Trump takes the Presidency. As Trump is such a loose canon his aim will destroy his own nation and our allies who depend upon us. Trump will do and say anything to get power and Putin will play this weakness into recreating the world into his own image. Trump is a dupe and a fool but why are we even considering him as our leader? Stupidy and bigotry go hand in hand.
14
The situation is a troubling one.
By now, there should be little doubt of Donald Trump's unrestrined admiration of Vladimir Putin -- that this should happen to coincide with the recent computer hackings, Paul Manafort's unfortunate choice of business partners, and an upcoming presidential election is hard to overlook.
And given the additional fact the Mr. Trump has no foreign affairs experience, is unable or unwilling to listen to anyone other than himself, and has already received security briefings as a presidential nominee, only complicates matters even further.
He has already proven himself as pathologically unable to tell the truth, and his penchant for revenge would put this country in harm's way should he ever feel personally slighted by any world leader -- even those with nuclear capabilities...like Russia.
It's hard to fathom how Americans didn't think about this before now, if at all.
The mainstream media has definitely had a part to play in this tragi-comedy as well.
It's time to bring the curtain down on Mr. Trump now, before he brings the curtain down on us all.
By now, there should be little doubt of Donald Trump's unrestrined admiration of Vladimir Putin -- that this should happen to coincide with the recent computer hackings, Paul Manafort's unfortunate choice of business partners, and an upcoming presidential election is hard to overlook.
And given the additional fact the Mr. Trump has no foreign affairs experience, is unable or unwilling to listen to anyone other than himself, and has already received security briefings as a presidential nominee, only complicates matters even further.
He has already proven himself as pathologically unable to tell the truth, and his penchant for revenge would put this country in harm's way should he ever feel personally slighted by any world leader -- even those with nuclear capabilities...like Russia.
It's hard to fathom how Americans didn't think about this before now, if at all.
The mainstream media has definitely had a part to play in this tragi-comedy as well.
It's time to bring the curtain down on Mr. Trump now, before he brings the curtain down on us all.
17
As the editorial points out, the Russian intervention in the US presidential election is a serious, dangerous business. And the role of the news media in enabling these Russian shenanigans by uncritically publishing the Wikileaks emails, without making any attempt to authenticate them or to verify their true source, is deeply troubling.
Sixteen retired national security experts released a letter yesterday warning the news media that Russia is deliberately conducting a sophisticated disinformation campaign in the US election, similar to those they have already successfully done in the Ukraine, Crimea, Germany and the Netherlands.
They cautioned the media to carefully examine and authenticate every document before broadcasting or publishing it. Thus it was chilling to watch Donald Trump quoting these questionable, hacked emails, in effect promoting the Russian disinformation campaign.
Who ever thought the the American political system, the crown jewel of democracy, would be subject to such attack and erosion from within?
Sixteen retired national security experts released a letter yesterday warning the news media that Russia is deliberately conducting a sophisticated disinformation campaign in the US election, similar to those they have already successfully done in the Ukraine, Crimea, Germany and the Netherlands.
They cautioned the media to carefully examine and authenticate every document before broadcasting or publishing it. Thus it was chilling to watch Donald Trump quoting these questionable, hacked emails, in effect promoting the Russian disinformation campaign.
Who ever thought the the American political system, the crown jewel of democracy, would be subject to such attack and erosion from within?
21
If all the brilliant minds in the democratic party pooled their ideas to come up with the perfect fool candidate for the republican party to run against Hillary Clinton they couldn't have come up with the fact that is T rump.
He is the cartoon character buffoon of Saturday morning kid's fare.
He is a complete caricature of the worst tendencies we have seen the last 35 years in republicans zealots; racist, xenophobic, homophobic, Islamophobic, germaphobic.
He is just allergic to truth and decency and the American ideal.
And he does exist in a vacuum; the vacuum of ideas and solutions that the republican party has become these last 35 to 50 years.
The only question left to answer; will he try to foment unrest after he loses or will he rip the mask off and look into the cameras and say; "Nanner, nanner, nanner..."
He is the cartoon character buffoon of Saturday morning kid's fare.
He is a complete caricature of the worst tendencies we have seen the last 35 years in republicans zealots; racist, xenophobic, homophobic, Islamophobic, germaphobic.
He is just allergic to truth and decency and the American ideal.
And he does exist in a vacuum; the vacuum of ideas and solutions that the republican party has become these last 35 to 50 years.
The only question left to answer; will he try to foment unrest after he loses or will he rip the mask off and look into the cameras and say; "Nanner, nanner, nanner..."
18
We know, for a fact, that Vladimir Putin is trying to undercut American efforts to alleviate the suffering in Syria. We also know that Putin is propping up al-Assad in Damascus. On top of all that, we know from the American intelligence community that Putin is interfering in the American presidential election on behalf of Donald Trump.
What we do not know is whether Trump is Putin’s designated dummy out of Trump’s ignorance and inexperience, or if Trump has an existing or potential financial interest in giving Putin free rein.
As this editorial points out, while we do not know Donald Trump’s motivation for his public admiration for a Russian autocrat who has the amoral ambition of a spy, motive does not matter in the calculus of our knowing that Trump is completely unfit to sit in the Oval Office.
It is amazing that every American – Democrat, Republican or whatever – is not outraged at this disloyalty by the Republican nominee.
What we do not know is whether Trump is Putin’s designated dummy out of Trump’s ignorance and inexperience, or if Trump has an existing or potential financial interest in giving Putin free rein.
As this editorial points out, while we do not know Donald Trump’s motivation for his public admiration for a Russian autocrat who has the amoral ambition of a spy, motive does not matter in the calculus of our knowing that Trump is completely unfit to sit in the Oval Office.
It is amazing that every American – Democrat, Republican or whatever – is not outraged at this disloyalty by the Republican nominee.
31
It's interesting that the apparently Russian hacking seems to target the Clinton campaign rather than the Trump farce. This brings up the notion that maybe Putin sees a Trump presidency as being to Russia's advantage. Meanwhile Trump is bloviating about how he and Putin could work together as some sort of equals. What Trump fails to see is that in any sort of international dealings, Putin will eat Trump's lunch. Compared to Putin, Trump is not even a rookie, maybe he'd make bat boy.
30
Every person who wants to cast a vote for Trump should be encouraged to paint a full sized red and white target on their roof so they could tell Russia, or anyone else, that they're willing to take the first hit after a Trump "misstep" with the nuclear codes. That way, they can back up their bluster with some real patriotism.
Sadly, I don't see them thinking about the long-game, in any fashion, when they pull the lever for their candidate. They just want to "smash all the china", with no concern about what we'll be eating off in the future.
Sadly, I don't see them thinking about the long-game, in any fashion, when they pull the lever for their candidate. They just want to "smash all the china", with no concern about what we'll be eating off in the future.
29
At this point I assume Trump will not win the election. Which is a good thing. But I'm still worried about Clinton. Her receptiveness to the neocon arguments and discredited world view is very troubling.
Trump is right about one thing. This cold war with Russia is very unnecessary and is not in the United States best interests.
Trump is right about one thing. This cold war with Russia is very unnecessary and is not in the United States best interests.
4
What we are seeing in this election with the nomination of Trump by a major party reveals a big weak spot in our democracy. Here we have someone who besides being so disturbingly ignorant, unqualified, racist, a sexual predator, a pathological liar, mentally unstable, and thin-skinned is also by all account either a willing or more likely unwilling but too dumb to realize puppet of Putin. How could this happen? How could American democracy be so easily destroyed by possibly electing someone like Trump? It is not supposed to happen because there are filters that are supposed to keep someone like him out of office. At least 2 of those filters failed miserably this cycle. One being the media, who are normally supposed to vet candidates but this cycle we saw nothing but ratings chasing by the cable TV news which gave billions of free airtime to Trump to say whatever he wanted without ever pushing back on his outright lies or nonsensical positions. The other failed filter was the primary process by the GOP. We have seen criticism about the super-delegate system used by the Democratic party but something like this shows us where it can come in as useful. It can filter out the demagogues who prey on the uneducated by seething their anger and their populism, even when the candidate is a complete fraud. Americans really need to sit down after this election and figure out a way to prevent the country from getting into the hands of an ignorant madman.
48
Trump is such a silly, self-absorbed, shallow, stupid narcissist that he probably thinks Vlad is a cool guy, just someone he "can do business with." And the pitchfork-waving people who support Trump will buy anything he dishes out, even the loathsome idea that the U.S. government should emulate Putin's regime, and bend a knee to Putin. Insanity. The Trump voters' lust for victory and power, to feel important, to lord it over the hated "other," has led them to the brink of the abyss.
77
Trump cares about one thing only: Donald Trump. It's not so much Putin the man that Trump admires, but the fact that Putin can do (or grab) whatever he wants, without pesky laws or rules (or voters). Trump has never done anything for anyone other than himself.
15
It is absurd and disturbing that we are forced to take this orange circus barker seriously.
15
Trump received two intelligence briefings.
I know the following would and should never happen.
Wouldn't it be interesting to hear what those briefing officers had to say about Trump's reactions to the briefings.
Any questions or comments?
What were his reactions?
Did he stay awake?
After all he knows everything about everything already so why bother.
I know the following would and should never happen.
Wouldn't it be interesting to hear what those briefing officers had to say about Trump's reactions to the briefings.
Any questions or comments?
What were his reactions?
Did he stay awake?
After all he knows everything about everything already so why bother.
10
"Weird" is not the right word for the headline because it implies Trump is working against his own interests, financial or otherwise. For example, "weird" would be Trump announcing support for victims of sexual violence and sexual harassment (instead of employing men accused of these crimes to work on his campaign).
I'm confident Trump is working in his own interests by announcing his pro-Russia, pro-Putin, and anti-NATO stance.
I'm confident Trump is working in his own interests by announcing his pro-Russia, pro-Putin, and anti-NATO stance.
12
My concern grows with each day about not just Trump but those who continue to support him in the face of all this undeniable and baffling weirdness. A Kansas Republican operative explaining to CNN journalists recently that "God can use anyone" (such as Trump being president) demonstrates to me the outlandish thought processes many of these folks are employing.
33
I think what is one of the saddest parts of this campaign going back to the primary is how much Donald Trump has demeaned the electoral process, it has always been a little rough and sometimes mean, but Trump has brought into the lowest recesses of the sewer that even rats won't dare to venture.
30
It is not baffling. Trump owes money to the Russians. Lots of money.
22
Donald Trump is a psychopathic, cowardly, congenital serial liar. His world views are not valid. Trump's only validity are his racism, misogyny, and stupidity, which drive his deplorable followers to an orgasmic frenzy. Like the 1933 Germans who blindly, and disgustingly supported Adolph Hitler, any ridiculous attempt to analyze Trump and his supporters for anything but what they truly are, is fallacious and a disservice to civility, decency and a moral democratic society.
25
The matter is simpler: DJ is an entertainer; his extemporaneous remarks are intended to keep attention, and everything he says uses facts only as tidbits to keep attention. There is no profound thought or purpose behind these words about Putin.
The only thing DJ has said that you can count on is that he won't release his tax forms.
The only thing DJ has said that you can count on is that he won't release his tax forms.
22
Donald Trump does not have (and has never had) America's best interest in mind. Donald Trump cares only for Donald Trump's interests and is willing to give up political and military American interests abroad in order to propel Donald Trump into becoming a high two-digit or low three-digit billionaire.
22
In the last election, it was an actor showing an empty chair. In this election, it is an empty candidate doing all the acting. His followers believe he is the key to their safety, when he is anything but safe.
29
The problem is that, as we have seen time and time again, Trump will use anything (even disinformation he knows is complete nonsense) if he thinks it will be to his advantage. That is one of his key weaknesses (no filter and greed). That is why we all need to VOTE in November.
22
Trump's ego is such that he believes he can manipulate anyone. As Putin is clearly trying to get him elected, he is an ally. And Trump will not criticize him no matter the horrendous crimes he is committing--or the threat he poses to the U.S.
As for his investments in Russia, I am guessing that for once he is telling the truth and they are minimal or nonexistent. But by his son's own statements, Trump's business has received considerable Russian investment.
I for one believe that this issue has to outlive the election. Russia must pay a price for its attempt to foist such a maniac on us and Ecuador must pay a price for allowing Assange to be Russia's willing accomplice.
As for his investments in Russia, I am guessing that for once he is telling the truth and they are minimal or nonexistent. But by his son's own statements, Trump's business has received considerable Russian investment.
I for one believe that this issue has to outlive the election. Russia must pay a price for its attempt to foist such a maniac on us and Ecuador must pay a price for allowing Assange to be Russia's willing accomplice.
24
Given his limited mental canvas and intelligibility only Putin emerges as the role model for Trump, and the places and events he's associated with, for right or wrong reasons, turn out to be the arena Trump thinks he has to deal with under Putin's direction. What else a person disowned by the party he claims to belong, and also by the nation he swears to liquidate could really do except for taking refuge under the extra-territorial loyalties?
9
Trump's attitude about Russia should alarm any sane, informed American. First, you have his publicly stated admiration of Russia's dictator, Vladimir Putin. Yes he's tough, yes he's in control; but he's a dictator who's imprisoned his opponents. Not exactly someone that an elected American should be admiring or emulating. Was it admiration of Putin's way of dealing with his opponents that drove Trump to make the outrageous threat to throw Hillary Clinton in jail if he was elected?
Then you have unanswered questions, unanswered mostly because Trump refuses to release his income tax returns, about his financial ties with Russia and possibly other former Soviet Union states. Whether it's the possibility of future business deals in these former Soviet states or the fact that he owes money to either banks or individuals there - we don't know, because he refuses to release his income tax returns. We do know that after all of his bankruptcies and other failed business ventures, Trump became toxic to American banks, so he has to have gone offshore to borrow money for more recent ventures.
The we have the issue of the hacking. It's not exactly a well kept secret that Russia has been directly or indirectly involved behind a number of cyber attacks. The former Soviet Republic of Georgia was one target a few years ago, as was one of the Baltic states.
These, plus his willful ignorance about international affairs, should disqualify him as a serious Presidential candidate.
Then you have unanswered questions, unanswered mostly because Trump refuses to release his income tax returns, about his financial ties with Russia and possibly other former Soviet Union states. Whether it's the possibility of future business deals in these former Soviet states or the fact that he owes money to either banks or individuals there - we don't know, because he refuses to release his income tax returns. We do know that after all of his bankruptcies and other failed business ventures, Trump became toxic to American banks, so he has to have gone offshore to borrow money for more recent ventures.
The we have the issue of the hacking. It's not exactly a well kept secret that Russia has been directly or indirectly involved behind a number of cyber attacks. The former Soviet Republic of Georgia was one target a few years ago, as was one of the Baltic states.
These, plus his willful ignorance about international affairs, should disqualify him as a serious Presidential candidate.
3
We live in the most fraught times I can remember. To figure out what is the best course of action to take in the complex world of today will require a person of above average intelligence, knowledge, focus, stamina, insight, dignity and the ability to listen and to decide. And the Republican primary voters give us as a choice the man who does not have one of the qualities listed above. There is no choice. Of course the other candidates for the Republican nomination were a motley crew at best. Even old long dead Joe McCarthy wouldn't vote for Trump, he'd be hauling him up before congress to explain his love for Putin and Russia. Sorry Joe, Putin is no communist, just a dangerous dictator. Nor is Trump, the king of capitalism.
3
Better late than never, Ross, or so I hope. More than any other institution the Republican Party and the Republican media figures and outlets have exploited the tactics of misinformation, disinformation, slander, conflation and outright lying. With the occasional exception, Republicans cannot just disagree with their opponents, they have to portray them as evil and the bringers of the apocalypse. Trump, his mob, and the AltRight riding his coattails are just the predictable extension of the path blazed by Limbaugh, Ailes, and the party that exploited their venom.
10
I think Trump's most egregious crime is that he isn't taking the world's most difficult job seriously. He isn't daunted or sobered by the prospect of being president. There's no humility or gravitas. He totally disrespects the office by cavalierly oversimplifying the solutions to all our problems. He continues to exist in an ongoing reality show and I shudder to think what would happen if, as president, he had to deal with reality.
10
The 20th century was dominated by the brand America. Friends were attracted by the brand's ability to create wealth and prosperity for all. Foes feared the military prowess of a new global superpower.
Regardless of the outcome of November 8th election --Hillary Clinton is expected to be the first female president elected -- the logo America has suffered another scratch.
It started with the worst foreign policy decision ever, the invasion of Irak/Afghanistan in 2003. It was followed by des integration of the Republican party in 2016.
The fact that a New York city real estate impresario was able to hijack the GOP and impose a third world political campaign agenda speaks for itself.
Trump reveals two important things about the state of affairs in America today. First, a state of revolt among a significant (and armed) segment of the population. Second, the pillar of the American democracy --te two-party system -- is broken. It opens a dangerous domestic political vaccum.
Either the political establishment takes the initiative of a new social contract with the American people or another Trump is not if but when shows up again. Interesting but dangerous times in America and for the world at large.
Regardless of the outcome of November 8th election --Hillary Clinton is expected to be the first female president elected -- the logo America has suffered another scratch.
It started with the worst foreign policy decision ever, the invasion of Irak/Afghanistan in 2003. It was followed by des integration of the Republican party in 2016.
The fact that a New York city real estate impresario was able to hijack the GOP and impose a third world political campaign agenda speaks for itself.
Trump reveals two important things about the state of affairs in America today. First, a state of revolt among a significant (and armed) segment of the population. Second, the pillar of the American democracy --te two-party system -- is broken. It opens a dangerous domestic political vaccum.
Either the political establishment takes the initiative of a new social contract with the American people or another Trump is not if but when shows up again. Interesting but dangerous times in America and for the world at large.
10
Donald's world seems to be one like a movie where the mind of a 15 year old is put into the body of an adult.
The really scary thing is how many Americans seem to be enamored with him and his ideas. I don't understand that point of view - it seems to be either purposefully ignoring information or willing to burn everything down. Are their lives really so bad that they are ready to take that chance?
The really scary thing is how many Americans seem to be enamored with him and his ideas. I don't understand that point of view - it seems to be either purposefully ignoring information or willing to burn everything down. Are their lives really so bad that they are ready to take that chance?
8
Every day there are a dozen articles or opinion pieces about Trump. Writers spend time researching, analyzing, pondering. This all represents an enormous amount of human capital being wasted on an ill-informed buffoon who, in any other situation, would be cast aside as the waste of a human being that he is. Waste - it's a word that aptly describes this entire campaign. Waste of time, waste of energy. I can't wait until we elect Hillary, finally send Trump back to the cave from which he emerged, and not waste another ounce of thought on him.
15
The expression is do not turn the keys of the asylum to the inmates. Boehner did that in the House, and the Republican party did that in the Presidential election.
So, now we are spending our time trying to figure out what ailment then leader of the asylum has, and why the other inmates have gravitated towards him. Unfortunately, like in the asylum the first order of business is to bring him into custody, thus restoring safety to the others, and then figuring out what is wrong.
Ascribing and trying to understand crazy behavior from a sane vantage point,can often lead nowhere. So instead of trying to understand him, get more evidence out so the rest of the asylum does not succumb.
So, now we are spending our time trying to figure out what ailment then leader of the asylum has, and why the other inmates have gravitated towards him. Unfortunately, like in the asylum the first order of business is to bring him into custody, thus restoring safety to the others, and then figuring out what is wrong.
Ascribing and trying to understand crazy behavior from a sane vantage point,can often lead nowhere. So instead of trying to understand him, get more evidence out so the rest of the asylum does not succumb.
9
We know, because his son told us, that Trump does a lot of business with the Russians. And if you just take a look at the research showing how easy it is to influence people (like giving doctors gifts to influence Rx habits or getting voters to put a sign in their yard, etc), it's no stretch to assume that business interests with the Russians have powerfully swayed Trump's view of them & Putin.
There's also another side this. Trump admits to being swayed into even sexual assault, given beautiful women. How easy would it be for Putin to tempt this man? To assure him a constant stream of Russian women? Even female Russian agents? Could be happening already! Who knows?
As for whether Trump would be swayed by his intelligence briefings, people tend to believe only what already fits their world views. (Look at the research!)
Trump is a national security risk. For so many reasons! Especially female reasons.
He must never become president.
Even if you're a staunch Republican, if you care about this country and the world, please consider the number of dangers an uninformed, testosterone driven, Putin-controlled, opponent-punishing demagogue in the White House could cause.
Vote! Vote Sanity. Vote against sexual predation. Vote in the best interests of your country. Even if that represents a vote you thought you'd never consider. Till now.
There's also another side this. Trump admits to being swayed into even sexual assault, given beautiful women. How easy would it be for Putin to tempt this man? To assure him a constant stream of Russian women? Even female Russian agents? Could be happening already! Who knows?
As for whether Trump would be swayed by his intelligence briefings, people tend to believe only what already fits their world views. (Look at the research!)
Trump is a national security risk. For so many reasons! Especially female reasons.
He must never become president.
Even if you're a staunch Republican, if you care about this country and the world, please consider the number of dangers an uninformed, testosterone driven, Putin-controlled, opponent-punishing demagogue in the White House could cause.
Vote! Vote Sanity. Vote against sexual predation. Vote in the best interests of your country. Even if that represents a vote you thought you'd never consider. Till now.
15
It is time to wonder if Trump's countless displays of weird aberrant thinking and impulsive manic behavior is masking something that "a lot of people are talking about" (to use a pet phrase of his). A recent example being the 2nd debate where his on-stage demeanor and word salads were aberrant to the point of being at once farcical and sad.
I am talking about the widespread meme that Trump has some kind of substance dependency that for him would be a private matter, but for us, a national calamity if he becomes president.
I am talking about the widespread meme that Trump has some kind of substance dependency that for him would be a private matter, but for us, a national calamity if he becomes president.
17
To the extent that Putin would prefer Trump, it is for the same reason that current polls now say 60 - 65% of Americans oppose Trump. It is simply because Putin and they know that a Trump Presidency would be bad for America.
And to the extent that America is entangled with internal political dysfunction by a Trump Presidency, that would allow Putin more freedom to do as he wishes. He would know that no response from the US that would deter his efforts would be forthcoming.
Mere US or international verbal outrage at his actions alone would not be bothersome to him. He knows Trump would not be inclined to use military force. Trump has already announced a preference to return to isolationism, and Putin knows that Trump is unlikely to get involved in anything that does not directly affect the US.
Now, as for why Trump seems to admire Putin, no one knows that anymore than why he does anything. Trump is the classic "riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma" with the key being his self-interest. Trump is all Trump. But why his mind works as it does would take a team of psychiatrists years of working with him to discern.
To Trump, everything is his plaything for his personal gain. Everything that Trump says or does can be understood only through this lens. Truth, logic, internal consistency, etc., are all sacrificed by Trump on the alter of his self interest. Putin knows it, and we should know it; Trump is bad for America.
And to the extent that America is entangled with internal political dysfunction by a Trump Presidency, that would allow Putin more freedom to do as he wishes. He would know that no response from the US that would deter his efforts would be forthcoming.
Mere US or international verbal outrage at his actions alone would not be bothersome to him. He knows Trump would not be inclined to use military force. Trump has already announced a preference to return to isolationism, and Putin knows that Trump is unlikely to get involved in anything that does not directly affect the US.
Now, as for why Trump seems to admire Putin, no one knows that anymore than why he does anything. Trump is the classic "riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma" with the key being his self-interest. Trump is all Trump. But why his mind works as it does would take a team of psychiatrists years of working with him to discern.
To Trump, everything is his plaything for his personal gain. Everything that Trump says or does can be understood only through this lens. Truth, logic, internal consistency, etc., are all sacrificed by Trump on the alter of his self interest. Putin knows it, and we should know it; Trump is bad for America.
13
I think we can agree that Donald has a few loose screws.
Given behavioral patterns of Trump, it is certainly possible that he may suffer from early-onset Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
He demonstrates severe memory problems and a great deal of confused thinking.
He lacks truthfulness and can't remember the lies that he tells.
He will say one thing in one sentence and then contradict himself immediately thereafter.
We have been continually exposed to his obvious memory problems, his inability to focus on the matter at hand, tendency to wander off topic, confusion regarding facts and figures, and his desire to avoid the task of answering questions in Q & A forums.
Another attribute of AD can be irascible behavior and poor anger management. His first wife has so stated.
Trump should be tested for possible AD.
Observation, testing, and close questioning by a neurologist is called for and especially so in those cases of a far reaching nature - for the sake of possible damage control.
If Trump is so afflicted the sooner we know this the better. Any delay will only serve to further damage the country and all its citizens.
A recent NYT article noted:
"In the last decade of his life, the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease slowed Fred Trump .... and he died at the age of 93 with difficulty recognizing people."
"Mr. Trump said he wasn’t scared that the disease might be the last thing he inherits from his father. 'Do I accept it? Yeah,' he said. 'Look, I’m very much a fatalist.'
Given behavioral patterns of Trump, it is certainly possible that he may suffer from early-onset Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
He demonstrates severe memory problems and a great deal of confused thinking.
He lacks truthfulness and can't remember the lies that he tells.
He will say one thing in one sentence and then contradict himself immediately thereafter.
We have been continually exposed to his obvious memory problems, his inability to focus on the matter at hand, tendency to wander off topic, confusion regarding facts and figures, and his desire to avoid the task of answering questions in Q & A forums.
Another attribute of AD can be irascible behavior and poor anger management. His first wife has so stated.
Trump should be tested for possible AD.
Observation, testing, and close questioning by a neurologist is called for and especially so in those cases of a far reaching nature - for the sake of possible damage control.
If Trump is so afflicted the sooner we know this the better. Any delay will only serve to further damage the country and all its citizens.
A recent NYT article noted:
"In the last decade of his life, the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease slowed Fred Trump .... and he died at the age of 93 with difficulty recognizing people."
"Mr. Trump said he wasn’t scared that the disease might be the last thing he inherits from his father. 'Do I accept it? Yeah,' he said. 'Look, I’m very much a fatalist.'
12
Watching from Canada, the election has become pure entertainment. The longest American Reality show I've ever watched and read; whether any of the talking points will amount to anything, I'm not sure. Perhaps the election could be shortened to two months. Quick and dirty is probably better than longer and dirtier.
16
Laugh while you can, then remember that as a major U.S. tade partner --anything that happens here is going to effect Canada in ways that you evidently haven't taken into account.
1
Now that “the Obama administration on Friday formally accused Russia of stealing and disclosing emails from the Democratic National Committee and other institutions,” one would expect Mr. Trump to adjust his naïve assessment of Putin and Russia? But true to his dogmatic personality, Trump doubled down on his support for his pet dictator at the Sunday night debate.
Is it any surprise that the Russians have not hacked into any Republican institution? It seems to me that Trump is being played like a fiddle by Russia’s authoritarian leader, Putin, who sees Trump as an easily manipulated narcissist that can help him achieve his dream of regaining the glory of the old Soviet Union. So if Trump wins, he will be most likely responsible for resurrecting “the evil empire” – the one that conservatives so proudly claim was brought down by their demigod hero, Ronald Reagan.
Is it any surprise that the Russians have not hacked into any Republican institution? It seems to me that Trump is being played like a fiddle by Russia’s authoritarian leader, Putin, who sees Trump as an easily manipulated narcissist that can help him achieve his dream of regaining the glory of the old Soviet Union. So if Trump wins, he will be most likely responsible for resurrecting “the evil empire” – the one that conservatives so proudly claim was brought down by their demigod hero, Ronald Reagan.
18
One of the most frightening aspects of Trump's character is his deeply held belief that he has better knowledge on all subjects than any one else. He believes he has "better genes" than other people and a possesses a "great brain." During the primaries he said his primary consultant on foreign affairs is himself and that he knows more about the Middle East and Isis than the intelligence agencies, diplomats and the military. He said he understands the thousands of pages of U.S. tax code better than the country's best accountants and legal mind. Who needs the thousands of highly trained scientists from all over the world, who have spent decades studying and analyzing climate change, when Trump can take a cursory look a pronounce it all just "weather." The list could go on, education, energy, criminal justice, poverty, economic policy -- He is the world's foremost expert in all of it.
35
Occam's Razor says that the simplest solution to an issue is probably the best solution. Putin would like to see an incompetent boob like Trump ascend to the U.S. presidency. It doesn't get any more simple than that.
45
Trump is for Trump, not the people of the US.
If elected, will Donald Trump divest himself and his family of the Trump Corp assets and put them in a blind trust, like all recent presidents to avoid real and apparent conflicts of interest? Or will he use the State department to negotiate his leases in Turkey (where the has US missile bases), capitulate to the Chinese expansion in the South China Sea (because he owes them hundreds of millions), or force US government officials to stay in Trump Hotels to pad his bottom line?
Will he divest, and put the people of the US first, or will he keep his companies and put himself and his businesses first?
If elected, will Donald Trump divest himself and his family of the Trump Corp assets and put them in a blind trust, like all recent presidents to avoid real and apparent conflicts of interest? Or will he use the State department to negotiate his leases in Turkey (where the has US missile bases), capitulate to the Chinese expansion in the South China Sea (because he owes them hundreds of millions), or force US government officials to stay in Trump Hotels to pad his bottom line?
Will he divest, and put the people of the US first, or will he keep his companies and put himself and his businesses first?
17
Trump's Russian connection has been increasingly profiled in recent months and there exists quite a bit of information leaving little doubt that he has had a decades-long interest in trying to develop projects in Russia and in wooing the Russian nouveau riche with prime Florida real estate before U.S. sanctions (which Trump has more or less declared open to possible lifting if he's in the White House) took away that goose. Sergei Millian, a Russian businessman who has had extensive dealings with Trump, has said, “The level of business amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars -- what he (Trump) received as a result of interaction with Russian businessmen" and that, having recently shown off a Trump donation card on Instagram, he hopes Trump will continue to pursue close ties between the U.S. and Russia. While Trump insists all of his business interests will be in a blind trust controlled by his children should he become president, how blind can it be when he already knows full well what's in it? Anyway, it seems at this point you'd have to be cutting the guy an awful lot of slack to not be at least a little suspicious of his repeated praise and defense of Putin and his casting doubt on bona fide evidence of Russian hacking, all now seen in the light of demonstrated, diverse business interests in Russia and with Russians. While none of this registers with Trump's base(ket), undecideds would be wise to give it careful consideration.
32
Given his overall non-presidential behavior, his lack of interest in foreign policy, or any policy, the lack of financial transparency, his willingness to destroy the GOP, his own statement that it'd be so much easier for him to stay on The Apprentice, and that everything he does is for his own self-interest, I've become convinced that the real reason he is running for the presidency is to make a Lot of money and make The Donald great again. Then the Russian bias makes sense (I also think he truly loves them personally, which is why he does business there in the first place, and why they support him)
79
It's true that Putin is not a nice person, but our aggression against Russia enables him. We have surrounded Russia and its former satellites with military bases, which have no apparent mission except intimidation and protection of fossil fuel oligarchies.
I'm disappointed that the Times is beating the drums for hatred of Russia. That almost led to World War III a few decades ago. Peace is the answer, in the form of slashing our military budget, for starters. Unfortunately, the Times would never propose that step.
I'm disappointed that the Times is beating the drums for hatred of Russia. That almost led to World War III a few decades ago. Peace is the answer, in the form of slashing our military budget, for starters. Unfortunately, the Times would never propose that step.
7
Do you really think Russia deserves a peace offering at this moment? Timing is everything.
I am far more concerned about war mongering.
Being "with her" is now morphing into support for The Hillary Wars even before she gets started.
What started as a tool to demonize Trump in yet another way is becoming support for yet another foolish war.
Being "with her" is now morphing into support for The Hillary Wars even before she gets started.
What started as a tool to demonize Trump in yet another way is becoming support for yet another foolish war.
19
This posting is so egocentrically about Trump that it makes one suspicious - Trump started the whole speculation about Putin by lionizing this thug as a smarter, stronger leader than President Obama - that was two years ago before oil crashed, along with Russia's economy, and U.S. policy stalled Russian aggression. Aleppo and bombing Syria was a desperation play by Putin to drive up oil prices. Didn't dent them. Now Putin is sheepishly bleating for inclusion in OPEC and is depending on China to prop him up.
Mark Thompson shows all the understanding of foreign policy that his hero Trump evidences. A naive stooge at best, and based on his ignoring intelligence briefings, and failing to disclose his financials obligations to Russia, perhaps far worse.
Mark Thompson shows all the understanding of foreign policy that his hero Trump evidences. A naive stooge at best, and based on his ignoring intelligence briefings, and failing to disclose his financials obligations to Russia, perhaps far worse.
11
There's already a war going on in Syria. There are videos of children being pulled, bloodied, from bombed buildings in Aleppo coming out every single day.
Trump is in favor of it. In fact, he's acting as a booster for the Assad-Putin axis that is currently, as we speak, bombing civilian areas.
As far as I'm concerned, Clinton's policy of limited intervention in Syria circa 2012 almost certainly would have been better of Obama's policy of near-zero intervention. It could not possibly have been worse.
Trump is in favor of it. In fact, he's acting as a booster for the Assad-Putin axis that is currently, as we speak, bombing civilian areas.
As far as I'm concerned, Clinton's policy of limited intervention in Syria circa 2012 almost certainly would have been better of Obama's policy of near-zero intervention. It could not possibly have been worse.
8
and so let's sit around and do nothing.
That worked out so well with WWI and WWII.
I'm not saying let's start a war. I'm not saying that HC will/will not start a war.
I do however believe that she would take a lot of other steps before drawing the conclusion to go to war... and let's not forget that ultimately the decision to go/continue war isn't the Presidents.
That worked out so well with WWI and WWII.
I'm not saying let's start a war. I'm not saying that HC will/will not start a war.
I do however believe that she would take a lot of other steps before drawing the conclusion to go to war... and let's not forget that ultimately the decision to go/continue war isn't the Presidents.
8
The Con Don is easy to figure out. He does not want to be President. He wants to be a dictator like Putin, Erdogan and the others who are popping up all over the world and those who have been eliminated like Saddam Hussein.
The Con Don doesn't realize Game of Thrones is fiction - he wants to be a king.
He is. King Con Don.
The Con Don doesn't realize Game of Thrones is fiction - he wants to be a king.
He is. King Con Don.
36
I believe you're trying to confuse Mr. Trump with facts- but his mind's made up.
It seems;
Trump believes Putin's strength and control of his country is to be admired. Never mind that he crushes dissenters, and probably has them killed on occasion. Trump imagines having the same power as president, punish Judge Curiel, Jail Clinton.
Trump denies any connection with Russia, but he has done business there in the past, and expressed the desire to do more. I read that U.S. banks don't much want to deal with Donald. He is borrowing money somewhere. He makes a big deal about "other people's money." He doesn't care if it comes from Russian oligarchs.
Donald has been given briefings on Russia's involvement in the world. But Donny is more of a World Net Daily kind of guy. There is no conspiracy, that reinforces his world view, that he does not accept and work into his rants. He fiercely maintains and protects the bubble surrounding him.
I had relatives like that. I could go through an issue and have them agree, point by point. But in the end their position had not changed. Trump sees thousands of people at his rallies. He whips them into a frenzy- "lock her up" is their chant. Facts don't enter that world.
To me it is reminiscent of newsreels from 1930's Europe. It's the scariest thing since Joseph McCarthy and the Red Scare in this country. Revving up people's fear, promoting hatred and violence, those are Trump's aim. Don't confuse him with facts.
It seems;
Trump believes Putin's strength and control of his country is to be admired. Never mind that he crushes dissenters, and probably has them killed on occasion. Trump imagines having the same power as president, punish Judge Curiel, Jail Clinton.
Trump denies any connection with Russia, but he has done business there in the past, and expressed the desire to do more. I read that U.S. banks don't much want to deal with Donald. He is borrowing money somewhere. He makes a big deal about "other people's money." He doesn't care if it comes from Russian oligarchs.
Donald has been given briefings on Russia's involvement in the world. But Donny is more of a World Net Daily kind of guy. There is no conspiracy, that reinforces his world view, that he does not accept and work into his rants. He fiercely maintains and protects the bubble surrounding him.
I had relatives like that. I could go through an issue and have them agree, point by point. But in the end their position had not changed. Trump sees thousands of people at his rallies. He whips them into a frenzy- "lock her up" is their chant. Facts don't enter that world.
To me it is reminiscent of newsreels from 1930's Europe. It's the scariest thing since Joseph McCarthy and the Red Scare in this country. Revving up people's fear, promoting hatred and violence, those are Trump's aim. Don't confuse him with facts.
34
As long as Putin protects his tax records from WikiLeaks, and leaks the Democratic background materials, Trump won't attack an ally, particularly one that makes him that strong. On the other hand, Republicans always characterized Dictators as Dictators, at least until they nominated one.
14
No one should be surprised in the upcoming weeks that Donald will switch gears again and start promoting the myth that the election was stolen from him. He started laying the groundwork before the last debate and now with the Republican leaders backing away- his baseless accusation will ring more true to his 10% fringe. The story will go something like this:
The Republican/Democrat back-door secret meetings sealed the deal and stole the election from the rightful winner- Donald Trump; because everyone the 10% talk to (other 10%ers) indicate they voted for Trump.
The Republican/Democrat back-door secret meetings sealed the deal and stole the election from the rightful winner- Donald Trump; because everyone the 10% talk to (other 10%ers) indicate they voted for Trump.
23
Donald Trump lives in an alternative world of his creation. His admiration of Putin proves how dangerous is Trump. His election as president would threaten the independence of the American Republic.
19
Essentially the GOP, once perceived as being the party of national security, has become, through its candidate, the party fielding a candidate most endangering our national security.
We don't live in a vacuum. Russia's hacking is creating enemies, and will invite counteraction by us and our allies. Russia is one economic meltdown away from internal chaos. Authoritarian regimes, though strong through intimidation and force, are brittle and vulnerable to overthrow when a critical mass of people no longer accept it, and have nothing left to lose. But Russia is an independent state, and we should expect this from them. But Trump is here, one of us. He will realize that, once the election is over, he will no longer be immune to the hoards of enemies he's unleashed. He will no longer be shielded from lawsuits, Congressional investigations investigating his relationships with overseas powers, his tax returns forced into the open by court subpoenas, and his entire past subjected to "extreme vetting...extreme vetting".
Because of the danger to our national security, he won't be able to simply say it was all just campaign rhetoric, just part of a hard fight, and just go back to Trump Tower and conduct his business. While I'm not advocating a McCarthy witch hunt, but we really need to know the truth about this guy.
We don't live in a vacuum. Russia's hacking is creating enemies, and will invite counteraction by us and our allies. Russia is one economic meltdown away from internal chaos. Authoritarian regimes, though strong through intimidation and force, are brittle and vulnerable to overthrow when a critical mass of people no longer accept it, and have nothing left to lose. But Russia is an independent state, and we should expect this from them. But Trump is here, one of us. He will realize that, once the election is over, he will no longer be immune to the hoards of enemies he's unleashed. He will no longer be shielded from lawsuits, Congressional investigations investigating his relationships with overseas powers, his tax returns forced into the open by court subpoenas, and his entire past subjected to "extreme vetting...extreme vetting".
Because of the danger to our national security, he won't be able to simply say it was all just campaign rhetoric, just part of a hard fight, and just go back to Trump Tower and conduct his business. While I'm not advocating a McCarthy witch hunt, but we really need to know the truth about this guy.
28
Trump is a mentally damaged narcissist. Normally we'd try to help someone like that, not elect them. He believes that until he experiences something first hand he'll give the other person, Putin in this case, the benefit of the doubt. Putin is playing Trump and the American system waiting to pounce when the opportunity arises.
24
Piece Man, "mentally damaged narcissist" is redundant. Adding "Trump" to the sentence made it re-redundant.
1
Maybe this is the way he gets (government funded) the health care and mental counseling he so desperately needs. By getting elected to the highest office.
1
Voters cannot be sure that, if elected, Trump will sell the U.S. out to the Russians. Their is a fair amount of evidence now that he is not a loyal American.
12
This NYT editorial is "Weird".
Claiming that Trump is an ally of Putin, with the conspicuous absence of any Trump quote is evidence of a smearing distortion of facts.
To offer the Clinton assertion that she is "tough on Putin" without any rebuttal is silly.
Trump is defective to be President and unqualified but so is Clinton.
These nominees exemplify the serious erosion of American values.
Claiming that Trump is an ally of Putin, with the conspicuous absence of any Trump quote is evidence of a smearing distortion of facts.
To offer the Clinton assertion that she is "tough on Putin" without any rebuttal is silly.
Trump is defective to be President and unqualified but so is Clinton.
These nominees exemplify the serious erosion of American values.
9
Trump quotes admiring Putin are ubiquitous.
It's not so baffling. Some time ago Trump, Jr. admitted that their dealings with Russia makes up a large part of the portfolio: meaning, we have borrowed a lot of money from Putin, Inc.
15
Pretty sure Russian oligarchs have a slushy venture fund Deutsche Bank runs and Donald is in on it. As is typical, Trump will say he does not know the Russians whose money is funding his ventures. He's just the front man.
How about the Kushners being friends enough with Wendi Dang Murdoch to vacation with Putin's girlfriend while Manafort was flopping? I think the Kushners are the Russian dolls, but Bannon is the cannon out to blow our form of government off the map.
How about the Kushners being friends enough with Wendi Dang Murdoch to vacation with Putin's girlfriend while Manafort was flopping? I think the Kushners are the Russian dolls, but Bannon is the cannon out to blow our form of government off the map.
Mr. Trump's comments on Mr. Putin are inconsequential. What is not inconsequential is that this newspaper, this sheet of lies, does not report the latest wiki leaks hacked emails. In them are what is consequential. In them Mrs. Clinton praises Mr. Putin. In them are documents that prove how this paper, this sheet of lies, has been aiding the Clinton campaign. In them are documents that substantiate how the Department of Justice was in secretly in communication with the Clinton campaign tipping them off as to what the FBIs investigation into Mrs. Clinton was doing. In them we see how many newspapers are arranging and sharing information with the Clinton campaign concerning what or not to print and questions at Town Hall Meetings between candidates.
9
Hallucination?
9
The Wikileaks hacks were in fact hacked by Russia, and provided to Julian Assange who is known to be anti-American and anti-Clinton. He has said as much in the past. He is also pro-Russian. The Kremlin is using Wikileaks as a conduit. The integrity of the leaked documents is suspect. At least in the document found in Sputnik, it was faked. See http://www.newsweek.com/vladimir-putin-sidney-blumenthal-hillary-clinton...
It is very gullible to believe Russian state propaganda which is all Wikileaks has become. Conspiracy theorists love Trump who has openly espoused more than 60 different conspiracy theories including about the assassination of JFK. Many of the theories that Trump spouts are straight from Russian propaganda sources. This is all either incredibly gullible or incredibly stupid (or both).
It is very gullible to believe Russian state propaganda which is all Wikileaks has become. Conspiracy theorists love Trump who has openly espoused more than 60 different conspiracy theories including about the assassination of JFK. Many of the theories that Trump spouts are straight from Russian propaganda sources. This is all either incredibly gullible or incredibly stupid (or both).
8
Oh, please, I saw the story on three major news shows. It's out there, just not getting air because Trump keeps blowing oil well fires. And it's really not that big a story anyway. Trying to say Donna was giving CNN questions away for the debate, not true.
Its not weird. He wants to win and he'll make any deal with any devil to do it, and renegotiate after. He'll say anything do anything burn anything to get whatever's in front of him. If he wins he'll just go after the next thing and he'll work with whomever helps, and say whatever words he thinks will be effective. There's no rhyme reason principle or limit. Looking at it from any other angle is what makes it seem weird, but it's not.
5
Maybe Trump has been brainwashed by the KGB like in that 60's movie starring Frank Sinatra. I think it was called "The Manchildian Candidate."
11
Trump loves to keep making claims that the whole world is laughing at us.
Wrong. Most of the world is horrified that we could be in this position with our election. The only one laughing is Putin -- and he's laughing at Trump.
Wrong. Most of the world is horrified that we could be in this position with our election. The only one laughing is Putin -- and he's laughing at Trump.
13
The only "bafflement" in Trump's admiration for Putin is it's honesty. When he becomes president, he intends to run out country the way Putin runs Russia. His authoritarian bent has always been for all who care to look, and the only puzzling thing is why he would be so open about it before the election. Maybe, just maybe, he's really an honest guy and all the "lies" are really just how he sees the world.
As for being "Putin's poodle"; No, no, no, Donald J. Trump is no one's poodle. If anything he believes Putin will be HIS poodle.
As for being "Putin's poodle"; No, no, no, Donald J. Trump is no one's poodle. If anything he believes Putin will be HIS poodle.
11
Therein lies the problem. He actually believes Putin will do his bidding.
Is it too far fetched to consider that Trump is and has been for some time an agent of Russia? He already had the connections through his former campaign manager. A good argument against it is that nobody in his right mind would be so blatant about his support for Putin and would make a wiser effort to appeal to the political middle, get into office, and then betray the country. But with Trump, who knows?
14
I imagine he's lured by the money and too stupid to get he's an unwitting agent. Chaos has always been his brand, and this can do nothing but improve it. He really cares not for anyone but himself, and thinks we're to stupid to get smart.
Of course Trump being "stubbornly naive, totally clueless" vs. "protecting undisclosed business interests in Russia" is not an "or" situation but quite likely "and."
What frightens at this point is that Trump has been given access to presumably extremely sensitive, perhaps top secret, intelligence. And with his proven lack of a filter between brain and mouth, there can be no assurance that this information won't simply spew out during one of his tirades. "Loose cannon" doesn't begin to capture how dangerous this fool is to this country, even if he is not elected.
Donald Trump does not read, or at most has only minimal comprehension of what he reads on any subject that doesn't have his name prominently embedded within the print. He is exquisitely alert to anything he perceives as a slight aimed at him. He is constantly saying he "hears things" But he listens with the same level of attention. If he's not the subject,, or if it's not about making him a lot of money (essentially the same thing), it's all "Blah, blah, blah."
Trump as my President? Nyet!!
What frightens at this point is that Trump has been given access to presumably extremely sensitive, perhaps top secret, intelligence. And with his proven lack of a filter between brain and mouth, there can be no assurance that this information won't simply spew out during one of his tirades. "Loose cannon" doesn't begin to capture how dangerous this fool is to this country, even if he is not elected.
Donald Trump does not read, or at most has only minimal comprehension of what he reads on any subject that doesn't have his name prominently embedded within the print. He is exquisitely alert to anything he perceives as a slight aimed at him. He is constantly saying he "hears things" But he listens with the same level of attention. If he's not the subject,, or if it's not about making him a lot of money (essentially the same thing), it's all "Blah, blah, blah."
Trump as my President? Nyet!!
16
Having a public position and a private position for decades by all politicians led to the present situation of doubting what the president or the government has to say. In the normal times, the nation would have outraged about Russian hacking. Now a days, it is a political gimmick. The public lies takes its toll on the nation.
3
I just watched a Trump supporter tell Charlie Rose that Trump has different messages and voices for different audiences, but I thought he was gonna pillory Hillary for the same game until she reminded us Lincoln split logs the same way.
At least Hillary was explaining her varying economic PsOV, not her view of someone's genitals.
At least Hillary was explaining her varying economic PsOV, not her view of someone's genitals.
3
Shut out by American bankers years ago, Donald Trump owes millions of dollars to Russian oligarchs.
4
Here's an idea - Putin has something on Trump that he believes he can use after Trump is elected. Not so far fetched, huh?
8
So, I really feel right now that Hillary will win the election, maybe by a landslide. That said, I am becoming increasingly concerned about the irresponsibility of mr. tRump to rein in his minions who are looking scarier by the minute. From the clips yesterday of some rallies, it appears that tRump is inciting his troops around a revolt if he doesn't win...a real revolt. And the problem with that is they are all armed and dangerous. He has tapped into a pathetic passion in them and emboldened them with talk of election fraud, results, etc. that truly is disturbing and while I know we have armed forces that can crush them like grapes, it is not the way to run a country, and certainly not a way to begin a new cycle in our democracy.
Maybe it just is a bad week for him...but I feel like he has become unhinged. It may be possible that it's the reason so many GOP leaders have bailed on him. Maybe it's just a spoiled little boy not ready to take his ball(s) and go home. But, this is the type of environment that leads to a worse situation than we should have to deal with. I am worried, is anyone else or am I being a bit too dramatic?
Maybe it just is a bad week for him...but I feel like he has become unhinged. It may be possible that it's the reason so many GOP leaders have bailed on him. Maybe it's just a spoiled little boy not ready to take his ball(s) and go home. But, this is the type of environment that leads to a worse situation than we should have to deal with. I am worried, is anyone else or am I being a bit too dramatic?
12
Why are U.S. intelligence assets unable to access, analyze and assess Donald Trump's possible connections with Vladimir Putin, the Russian Federation, or Putin's or Russia's allies?
154
Not one word about what's in those emails? I suppose if Access Hollywood leaked them . . . oh never mind. Of course you're not going to discuss the details of those emails. I think maybe they're starting to hit a little close to home.
6
At this point to even think that anything approaching facts or reality has anything to do with anything Mr. Trump says or does is a bit ridiculous in its own right. What matters to Mr. Trump is only whatever he perceives drives him closer to "winning" and further from "losing" at any given instant. As we have seen time and time and time and time again no lie, no absurdity, no contradiction, no amount of bigotry, or lewdness by Mr. Trump can alter his behavior or the attitude of millions of his supporters who feed his complete and utter self absorption.
7
"Various dark theories are circulating among experts about why Mr. Trump is so enamored of Mr. Putin..."
Which theories are valid? At this point, it doesn't matter because any one of them would disqualify Mr. Trump and endanger the United States.
This ridiculous man's political ego trip must be ended. He must be convincingly vanquished.
Which theories are valid? At this point, it doesn't matter because any one of them would disqualify Mr. Trump and endanger the United States.
This ridiculous man's political ego trip must be ended. He must be convincingly vanquished.
8
The U.S. backs the brutal dictator in Saudi Arabia. Why does the NYT object to the support given by Russia to Syria? Because Syria's dictator stands in the way of America's total control of the region?
5
None dare call Trump treasonous, but I will.
19
Grifters always must move on. With any luck Trump will flee to Russia and set up his "business" of fleecing the suckers there.. With even better luck he will take Christie, Giuliani, Bannon, Monofort with him.
The cause of Trump's "weirdness" is of course his extreme narcissism, which myopically blinds him to the world outside himself. He compares himself with Putin favorably for both; he sees those who see Putin realistically, simply as enemies trying to deny his destined victory; he sees the tragedy in Syria only as a weapon he can use against Hillary; and he claims to "know nothing about Russia" believing only that this makes him seem innocent, rather than stupidly mendacious and unqualified to be President.
12
I have grown so weary of waking each morning ... catching up on the news and going into a state of apoplexy. But the very idea that Mr. Putin is backing Trump because he feels or knows he will damage the US is vexing beyond belief. "Andrei Kozyrev, a former Russian foreign minister, told The Times: “I’m sure Putin is trying — and more successfully than many think — to manipulate both the process and one of the candidates. He realizes that Trump will trample American democracy and damage if not destroy America as a pillar of stability and major force able to contain him.”" Be worried, very worried.
15
The former U.S. ambassador to Russia is equally worried at the way Putin is playing Trump. There is a reason that 50 top national security experts and foreign affairs experts wrote an open letter endorsing Hillary Clinton. Trump may actually be a traitor (not so much knowingly but through his ignorance).
3
Teleprompter shackles off, we're about to see the true darkness of Mr. Sniffles.
#ShowUsTheTaxReturns
#ShowUsTheTaxReturns
10
I bet it's Adderall so he can call it his medicine. Still not able to focus or stay on topic, but he can stay up all night hating on his opponents like a paranoid dictator.
Do we know Hitler was flying of speed most of the time, Oxy to get sleep and then coke when he really needed a lift off? We destroyed all those factories, so while he was losing the war, he was really losing it with his addicted staff down in that hell hole of a bunker.
Do we know Hitler was flying of speed most of the time, Oxy to get sleep and then coke when he really needed a lift off? We destroyed all those factories, so while he was losing the war, he was really losing it with his addicted staff down in that hell hole of a bunker.
Preaching to the choir. Unfortunately Donald Trump has a following that believes anything he says, including "Wouldn't it nice to be friends with Vladimir Putin and have Russia at 'our' side?"
11
Richard, what HAPPENED to you?
1
A Republican candidate for president defending and praising an oligarchy of former KGB agents. Where's "Senator Joseph McCarthy" when we really need him?
12
Occam's Razor:
Hypothesis, Trump is just not all that smart; no others needed.
Hypothesis, Trump is just not all that smart; no others needed.
15
Watching Mr. Trump and his deplorables cavort on CNN, Fox and MSNBC for a few minutes last night, I was suddenly overtaken by the depressing thought that -- regardless of the outcome of the election, even if it is a landslide victory for Mrs. Clinton -- he and they will be poisoning this nation’s public discourse far into the foreseeable future.
This good dog and I live pretty far out in the woods, but the rest of you are going to have to deal with this.
This good dog and I live pretty far out in the woods, but the rest of you are going to have to deal with this.
23
Awe, we can handle it. Doesn't a delegation from Dallas go to the state house every new session to demand Texas secede from the Union? I have to take my hat off to such honorable rebels who know how law and politics work.
This jerk is a pawn for Chaos, and doesn't care who gets hurt as long as he's a winner.
My family used to live out on the Brazos near Mineral Wells, and we lost a lot of folks to the Kiowa. Do you know Brett Johnson? John Wayne couldn't hold a candle to the searcher and retriever of the Elm Creek Raid captives.
This jerk is a pawn for Chaos, and doesn't care who gets hurt as long as he's a winner.
My family used to live out on the Brazos near Mineral Wells, and we lost a lot of folks to the Kiowa. Do you know Brett Johnson? John Wayne couldn't hold a candle to the searcher and retriever of the Elm Creek Raid captives.
At this point, the hats should read "Make Russia Great Again" because this man is clearly not proposing anything to better his own country.
21
Trump is the ultimate opportunist. Now that he is sure to lose the presidential race, he is pivoting to create a competitor to Fox News in media and also a right wing political entity by splitting the Republican Party.
11
Eric Trump already stated heavy involvement with Russia and the reason DT's taxes would not be revealed.
16
"is that he has business interests in Russia that he wants to protect or develop in the future"
Donald Trump isn't Mr. 3D chess. There's a 99% chance he owes money to the Russians.
Donald Trump isn't Mr. 3D chess. There's a 99% chance he owes money to the Russians.
30
How's this for weird? Donald Trump told a rally in Wilkes Barre, PA, on Monday that the recent Wikileaks dump included an email from Sidney Blumenthal in which he essentially admitted that Benghazi was legitimate fodder for the GOP in the 2016 campaign against Clinton. This was reported on the Russian state-sponsored news outlet Sputnik as the "smoking gun" that could turn the election. The only problem is, the words attributed to Blumenthal were in fact written by Newsweek journalist Kurt Eichenwald, in an article that Blumenthal had forwarded to Podesta.
So US presidential candidate Donald Trump was repeating Russian propaganda to a rally of supporters as fact. That's more than weird. It's downright scary.
So US presidential candidate Donald Trump was repeating Russian propaganda to a rally of supporters as fact. That's more than weird. It's downright scary.
24
Donald’s naiveté is boundless. He has been permanently blinded by his own image reflected back at him. His motivation is self-promotion. He is the perfect stooge for all those who recognize his pretentious pomposity is the key to manipulating him.
1
At one time the Republican battle cry was better dead than Red, with all the imagery of radioactive dust over a dead planet, now it is the GOPTP turn and it is: better Red than dead, with the same imagery. Only it is not a communist threat- it is Putin. Trump worships the guy. Putin is precisely the kind of leader Trump wants to be.
3
What I find even more baffling is the hard core of Trump supporters are the far-right folks who were branding liberals as Commies and finding. They found the red menace behind every social safety net or program to protect civil rights. To this day, they condemn the ACLU as a "bunch of Reds" and yet they are willing to put all their energies into electing Putin's doppelganger. Very confusing.
8
Putin is not a dictator – he is the legitimately elected president of Russia and recognised as such by the United Nations. There may indeed be flaws in the Russian electoral process, just as there are in the USA, where Money talks loudest and in the UK where a minority of votes are sufficient to elect a government. However, we are where we are. The fact that President Putin does not agree with the American Hegemon is not evidence of Dictatorship.
President Assad, the legitimate President of Syria, seems to be little worse than the American financed Al Qaeda Mercenaries, also known as ‘Rebels’, who currently terrorise the larger part of the City of Aleppo – killing women and Children – which is never reported in the NYT. Only in the past week or so has the BBC made clear that constant refrain about Aleppo actually refers to the Eastern part of the City which contains less than one third of the population. All of the reat of Aleppo is under Syrian Government control and also under attack as noted above.
Finally, Russia, is active in Syria at the invitation of the legitimate Government of Syria. All Western involvement in Syria is aggression according to International Law.
You do not have to like or dislike Russia – it would be nice if the NYT were to recapture its historical commitment to investigative journalism.
President Assad, the legitimate President of Syria, seems to be little worse than the American financed Al Qaeda Mercenaries, also known as ‘Rebels’, who currently terrorise the larger part of the City of Aleppo – killing women and Children – which is never reported in the NYT. Only in the past week or so has the BBC made clear that constant refrain about Aleppo actually refers to the Eastern part of the City which contains less than one third of the population. All of the reat of Aleppo is under Syrian Government control and also under attack as noted above.
Finally, Russia, is active in Syria at the invitation of the legitimate Government of Syria. All Western involvement in Syria is aggression according to International Law.
You do not have to like or dislike Russia – it would be nice if the NYT were to recapture its historical commitment to investigative journalism.
5
Putin has suppressed the 'free' press in Russia to such an extent that it ranks worse than some third world countries. He has had enemies and journalists attacked and killed, as well as jailed. This does not constitute democracy. Elections can indeed be rigged in an authoritarian state. Assad has at this point killed more than half a million of his own citizens, including using chemical weapons. About a fourth of those being killed by Russian bunker bombs against hospitals in Aleppo are children. These are war crimes as the U.N. has stated.
Please do not pretend there is any legitimacy to either regime: these are brutal dictators who do not hesitate to kill opponents and innocent civilians in horrific ways.
I usually like your comments but this one does not seem appropriate.
Please do not pretend there is any legitimacy to either regime: these are brutal dictators who do not hesitate to kill opponents and innocent civilians in horrific ways.
I usually like your comments but this one does not seem appropriate.
3
It isn't baffling. Trump is the son of a cold, abusive father. All his values--"winning," regardless of how-- as well as his related contempt for "losers" and losing repeat his the damaging "values" Fred Trump inflicted on Donald. Trump internalized all this and now projects it onto others., showing merciless contempt to anyone who is at a power disadvantage to him: women, immigrants, minorities, the disabled, the marginalized. Putin is the reincarnation of Fred Trump, and the child Donald identifies with his aggressor and has, in fact, become just like him.
5
It is particularly ironic given some democrats espouse socialist values and policies, rant for big government and hope to emulate the path of Marx, Chavez, Lenin and Mao. None of those socialist experiments ended well for well being, and many with massive suffering.
1
In light of the high degree of confidence by intelligence officials that the recent email hacks of accounts related to the Clinton campaign were perpetrated by Russia in an effort to influence our election, I would expect this matter would be headline news in the NYT. This is an unprecedented foreign policy event.
Surprisingly the Times takes the bait and focuses on the content of the emails instead.
Surprisingly the Times takes the bait and focuses on the content of the emails instead.
5
Please please don't insult poodles. They are way more intelligent and independent minded than Trump.
1
At what point do we say "what the hell are we doing?" and recognize that Trump is a dangerously disturbed person who represents an existential danger to the country? Are we the crazy ones to allow him to be considered a possibility to be our president. We would act quickly to remove a foreign threat to our security. Hitler and Mussolini were elected democratically and destroyed the democracies that birthed them. Will we let this happen to us?
3
There's always the possibility of blackmail. But considering all the dirt unearthed on him already, what could be worse? Even a picture of him wearing a white hood might increase the enthusiasm of his base. besides he'll say, it was Photoshopped AND he didn't actually lynch somebody. An email hiring a hit man to do in one of his many enemies would just invite the allegation that Hillary is guilty of more than a dozen of her own. Child porn? Nowhere near as bad as Bill Clinton having actually having sex with underage girls on Jeffrey Epstein's airplane while he was on the phone with Loretta Lynch. The man is shameless.
3
If for no other reason (nuclear codes excepted), Donald Trump should never get near the White House because of his relationship with Vladimir Putin. This ultimate conflict of interest will not be tolerated by the American people.
7
What are the chances that Putin, an ex-KGB spymaster, has got something on Trump or his family members? How hard would it be for Putin to have sent women to Donald under cover -- under the covers? Tried and true Soviet-era blackmail. Disturbingly easy to imagine.
12
The reasons for the Trump Putin connection may be more sinister than money. Blackmail comes to mind, not over sex but perhaps drug abuse such as cocaine? Nothing is too bizarre.
2
Can't we say what's obvious? Mr. Trump is a traitor by virtue of his actions; even if we give him the benefit of the doubt regarding his intentions or limitations. Imagine anyone on the left uttering such things? Actually, we don't have to imagine. We just have to read the history of Sen. J. McCarthy, HUAC, the black lists and Hollywood 10. Yet here is a maverick of the right, able to promote Russia to the delight of his nativist supporters, without so much as one gavel descending in Congress or Grand Jury court room demanding an investigation. The apparatus of the state should be used impartially. All of this is eerily like another remake of The Manchurian Candidate.
6
Trump has willful ignorance on many things. This is the most dangerous. If (somehow) he wins our country truly may be so damaged that it will take decades to recover. Look how long it is taking for the Iraq/Afghanistan debacle of George Bush. But a president who is under the thumb of this KGB killer? That is too scary to contemplate.
8
Our banks will not finance his deals.
He had to go to Russia for money because they get
a political side benefit that conventional local lenders do not.
He had to go to Russia for money because they get
a political side benefit that conventional local lenders do not.
4
Great critique. This man needs to be kept away from the levers of US power. He has no impulse control, and his lack of methods would have him blundering through the tripwire to WWIII wherever that may lie.
Speaking of 'lie', one of his and his surrogates favorites is along the lines of, 'our military is depleted', 'our nuclear force is weaker than Russia's', 'our navy is at WWI levels', all monumental lies, yet usually go unchallenged. Trump slipped it past Hillary in the last debate.
Perhaps a great article in the NYT explaining why our present navy is NOT at the 'strength' of our WWI navy would help quiet that particular prevarication. For example, compare one modern destroyer to the entire coal burning navy of that era.
Also, the fact Obama has approved a controversial $100billion upgrade to our Nukes might be handy to point out.
Speaking of 'lie', one of his and his surrogates favorites is along the lines of, 'our military is depleted', 'our nuclear force is weaker than Russia's', 'our navy is at WWI levels', all monumental lies, yet usually go unchallenged. Trump slipped it past Hillary in the last debate.
Perhaps a great article in the NYT explaining why our present navy is NOT at the 'strength' of our WWI navy would help quiet that particular prevarication. For example, compare one modern destroyer to the entire coal burning navy of that era.
Also, the fact Obama has approved a controversial $100billion upgrade to our Nukes might be handy to point out.
3
There's something clearly going on beneath the surface. I cannot understand why the Times nor the Washington Post cannot get to the bottom of this, or US intelligence for that matter. I think it odd and to me it's one of the most disturbing aspects of the Trump candidacy and speaks directly to his desire to disregard our democratic institutions. It's almost like Putin has something on Trump, maybe big, but we can only speculate. Where is the investigative journalism on this?
12
Whoa!
I've surmised the points in this article for quite some time now as being possible. Trump has a lot of debt floating around out there and with many US banks already unwilling to support anyone with a horrid record of multiple bankruptcies, it leaves only those banks from adversarial countries who wish to have some leverage with the US. I can see both Russian and Chinese banks being capable of loaning Trump large sums of money, but we may never know if that is true since he won't release his tax returns.
Trump's campaign staff (both former and present?) have had ties to Putin in being consultants. Consulting on what?
So, there are likely very serious ties linking Trump and Putin.
It is a very serious matter, as foreign influence in our election process can lead to a result that is not the will of the American people. We have enough problems in protecting our Democracy from rabid, insurrection-based right wing zealots. We don't need a foreign govt. hacking into US political campaigns or even our govt,, to cause further damage.
Paranoia exists, but only involving the distrust of our own govt. Have faith in it, in our process, in the will of the people, and we can truly have a representative form of govt. Once you go down the rabbit hole of distrust, there is no end but insurrection, which is more a taste of a despotic 3rd-world country than our country.
I've surmised the points in this article for quite some time now as being possible. Trump has a lot of debt floating around out there and with many US banks already unwilling to support anyone with a horrid record of multiple bankruptcies, it leaves only those banks from adversarial countries who wish to have some leverage with the US. I can see both Russian and Chinese banks being capable of loaning Trump large sums of money, but we may never know if that is true since he won't release his tax returns.
Trump's campaign staff (both former and present?) have had ties to Putin in being consultants. Consulting on what?
So, there are likely very serious ties linking Trump and Putin.
It is a very serious matter, as foreign influence in our election process can lead to a result that is not the will of the American people. We have enough problems in protecting our Democracy from rabid, insurrection-based right wing zealots. We don't need a foreign govt. hacking into US political campaigns or even our govt,, to cause further damage.
Paranoia exists, but only involving the distrust of our own govt. Have faith in it, in our process, in the will of the people, and we can truly have a representative form of govt. Once you go down the rabbit hole of distrust, there is no end but insurrection, which is more a taste of a despotic 3rd-world country than our country.
8
Therefore he is a threat to our national security. As if we could not say that prior to this.
13
Knowing that Trump has been briefed on Russia's duplicity in the Wikileaks dump and denying that he knows anything about Russia is another lie which can be proven. Trump supporters know this. What do they think of their candidate who sides with a brutal dictator like Putin instead of our president? Can't they see this person is on the edge of a psychotic episode? This man isn't ready to assume the presidency. He's ready for a padded room and some strong medications.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
13
"I could stand in in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose any voters." Donald Trump emulating Vladimir Putin, praising assassination, condemning civility and justice. He is a very dangerous individual. And that right hand of his, with the index finger pointing upward, symbolic of Adolph Hitler.
2
As a European it's really hard to take in that a GOP candidate is praising Putin high and low. There seems to be no rational argument for it. It doesn't strengthens Americas interests abroad, it certainly doesn't help further the democratic development in Russia and the region. There are no strategic upsides for the U.S, really. Putin really must have been able to manipulate him – the K.G.B. used to call these kind of people "useful idiots".
3
"Trump will trample American democracy and damage if not destroy America as a pillar of stability"
This is the result of an unholy Republican alliance between pragmatists and extremists that goes back to Goldwater. Extremists should be immediately rejected and marginalized, before they organize into a movement.
This is the result of an unholy Republican alliance between pragmatists and extremists that goes back to Goldwater. Extremists should be immediately rejected and marginalized, before they organize into a movement.
3
I have been saying since shortly after Trump announced his candidacy that he was either a willing or perhaps involuntary agent of Putin's. They've either got something on him or he owes friends of Vlad money.
Either way, if elected, he will get rid of sanctions that should be strengthened, weaken NATO (if not destroy it), and turn our back on our democratic European allies.
Then, Putin will help him tear down our own democratic institutions and he'll start jailing political opponents and pesky journalists as his minions cheer.
Either way, if elected, he will get rid of sanctions that should be strengthened, weaken NATO (if not destroy it), and turn our back on our democratic European allies.
Then, Putin will help him tear down our own democratic institutions and he'll start jailing political opponents and pesky journalists as his minions cheer.
3
The really "baffling" thing for me is how so many media sources are still surprised whenever this man does anything incompetent or malevolent. As if they're still expecting him, despite years' worth of evidence to the contrary, to act like a rational and reasonable human being.
2
It's clear that Mr. Putin would prefer to have an idiot, a.k.a Mr. Trump, as our next President in order to further escalate the tensions with the U.S. In order to divert attention from Putin's escalating failures of his government and the plight of Russians.
It's the same reason Mr. Trump makes all of the noise about about everything except real issues that effect voters; Mr. Trump has no plans or polices, so instead he shouts, rants and spew venom.
It's the same reason Mr. Trump makes all of the noise about about everything except real issues that effect voters; Mr. Trump has no plans or polices, so instead he shouts, rants and spew venom.
2
Of course anyone who is not a Leftie will read this editorial and dismiss it as a bunch of Democratic conspiracy theories.
Here's the problem. The theories are true.
Didn't George Bush (shrub) say that he had looked into Putin's eyes and seen his soul? What is it with these Republican politicians and their envious, testosterone-fueled bromances? I thought Republicans were supposed to be the historically Cold War party.
Putin's eyes are reptilian. Obviously. And any GOP candidate or rep who thinks he can manipulate this experienced spy and dictator is just a Tweetie Bird pecking at seeds not far from a very quiet and large snake.
Here's the problem. The theories are true.
Didn't George Bush (shrub) say that he had looked into Putin's eyes and seen his soul? What is it with these Republican politicians and their envious, testosterone-fueled bromances? I thought Republicans were supposed to be the historically Cold War party.
Putin's eyes are reptilian. Obviously. And any GOP candidate or rep who thinks he can manipulate this experienced spy and dictator is just a Tweetie Bird pecking at seeds not far from a very quiet and large snake.
3
Trump is certainly cockamamie but you fail to pinpoint what really was bizarre in his statements about Russia.
It was the explanation he gave for why "they always blame Russia". The narcissistic Trump seems to think it's just all about him, you see. It's because "they’re trying to tarnish me with Russia".
In actuality the blame and vilification that is being heaped on Russia and Putin by the Pentagon, by its stenographers in the media and by politicians of all stripes, whether for the email hack or for Syria or Ukraine, has nothing to do with Trump.
The US is in the dangerous throes of a delusion that as lone superpower and the most "exceptional" nation on the planet, it can and should seek to "change" whatever regimes stand in its way. It wants to topple the government of Syria, for example, and is willing to use al-Qaeda-like "rebels" to achieve that. Russia, six hundred miles north of Syria's border, won't allow it. This has certainly evoked a hysterical response in the US.
This editorial, for example.
The sheer, factually challenged demonization of Putin is stunning. It relies in part on "coverage of the Syrian war [which] will be remembered as one of the most shameful episodes in the history of the American press", as Stephen Kinzer has said. And in part on cockamamie editorialists willing to serve as tools of the regime.
As for Trump, if he is sincere in wanting to work with Russia rather than against it, that would be a strong point in his favor.
It was the explanation he gave for why "they always blame Russia". The narcissistic Trump seems to think it's just all about him, you see. It's because "they’re trying to tarnish me with Russia".
In actuality the blame and vilification that is being heaped on Russia and Putin by the Pentagon, by its stenographers in the media and by politicians of all stripes, whether for the email hack or for Syria or Ukraine, has nothing to do with Trump.
The US is in the dangerous throes of a delusion that as lone superpower and the most "exceptional" nation on the planet, it can and should seek to "change" whatever regimes stand in its way. It wants to topple the government of Syria, for example, and is willing to use al-Qaeda-like "rebels" to achieve that. Russia, six hundred miles north of Syria's border, won't allow it. This has certainly evoked a hysterical response in the US.
This editorial, for example.
The sheer, factually challenged demonization of Putin is stunning. It relies in part on "coverage of the Syrian war [which] will be remembered as one of the most shameful episodes in the history of the American press", as Stephen Kinzer has said. And in part on cockamamie editorialists willing to serve as tools of the regime.
As for Trump, if he is sincere in wanting to work with Russia rather than against it, that would be a strong point in his favor.
4
Soon after Nov 8, three things will happen: 1. lawsuits filed by Trump; 2. Trump media platform launched - channeling all the anger he has unleashed; and 3. Trump will be granted favorable treatment for doing business with Russian Oligarchs (Uranium mining, real estate etc). He knows he isn't going to be president. This is about putting money in his pocket.
7
Trump is what the old Soviet regimes used to refer to as a "useful idiot" — someone who could be easily hoodwinked in the service of expanding their sphere of influence. Putin is playing him like a fiddle.
4
After the GOP started bailing out on them, one of the new slogans that the Trump-Pence is touting is: "It's us against the World." They should perhaps append "(except Russia)" to that slogan to make it more accurate.
In the first debate, when hacking was mentioned Trump said, "It also could be somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds."
Trump is obsessed with not only with women's weight but hackers' weight as well. Apparently, all Russian hackers are too thin to be involved! Trump is nuts.
In the first debate, when hacking was mentioned Trump said, "It also could be somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds."
Trump is obsessed with not only with women's weight but hackers' weight as well. Apparently, all Russian hackers are too thin to be involved! Trump is nuts.
1
Putin and Russia's intrusion into the American political process is as dangerous as Trump.
We need to safeguard the integrity of our voting systems by making sure all ballots are cast on paper, kept as a record, and then tallied electronically.
We need to safeguard the integrity of our voting systems by making sure all ballots are cast on paper, kept as a record, and then tallied electronically.
3
"All of which raises unsettling questions about whether the Republican nominee for the most powerful job in the world is Mr. Putin’s poodle, stubbornly naïve, totally clueless or, as some have ominously suggested, protecting undisclosed business interests in Russia."
Could it be just that he admires their equally garish taste in excessively gilded interior decor?
Could it be just that he admires their equally garish taste in excessively gilded interior decor?
2
I'm firmly with her and believe she will prevail, but once this is over the country should do some serious soul searching about how our culture allowed someone like Trump to get the traction he has. The Jerry Springers, Big Brothers, the Gordon Ramsays, indeed the Apprentices -- these shows have all taken a toll on our sense of decency and created a popular garish, shouting, deceptive cutthroat culture (where putting another down is a way to get on top) that we now suffer the consequence of.
I bet we'll be able to look at Trump's strongholds on the electoral map and we'll find that school quality is low and TV ratings of reality TV are high.
Who is culpable? Does it matter? TV networks should at the very least raise their standards and knock it off with trash TV. (How about contests to see who can help others the most? Or just really inspiring stories?) And if there's ever been a reason to invest in poor quality school districts, this is it.
This is what an uneducated electorate looks like, people. We created this monster and we'd better fix it pronto.
I bet we'll be able to look at Trump's strongholds on the electoral map and we'll find that school quality is low and TV ratings of reality TV are high.
Who is culpable? Does it matter? TV networks should at the very least raise their standards and knock it off with trash TV. (How about contests to see who can help others the most? Or just really inspiring stories?) And if there's ever been a reason to invest in poor quality school districts, this is it.
This is what an uneducated electorate looks like, people. We created this monster and we'd better fix it pronto.
11
Two days ago I dutifully opened my computer and read the on line version of my New York Times. Buried in the middle of a front page article was a quote from an unnamed intelligence official stating that it "couldn't be stated with any certainty that the DNC server was hacked by Russians."
But it appears that the other writers either don't read their own paper or have different sources that they don't share with their own colleagues. Low and behold on page four was a story that stated emphatically that Russians, supported by the Russian government had hacked Clinton emails as well as those from the DNC.
Sadly, we've seen all this before. Stories become stories because an unnamed source is quoted, then the quote is repeated and before long their isn't even any attribution to the original unnamed source and the statement is treated as fact. Digital media picks it up and off we go. But this story lacks corroboration and facts, which are the bedrock of good journalism.
Is it possible that Russian hackers are to blame? Yes, possible. But there are skillful hackers in many countries, including our own, who have a greater motive for revealing the information in those emails. Moreover, the effect of this story is that instead of being concerned that our Democratic primary was anything but democratic, or that our next president has made private deals with the investment banks that collapsed our economy, that we are instead chasing Kremlin ghosts. Shame on you NYTimes.
But it appears that the other writers either don't read their own paper or have different sources that they don't share with their own colleagues. Low and behold on page four was a story that stated emphatically that Russians, supported by the Russian government had hacked Clinton emails as well as those from the DNC.
Sadly, we've seen all this before. Stories become stories because an unnamed source is quoted, then the quote is repeated and before long their isn't even any attribution to the original unnamed source and the statement is treated as fact. Digital media picks it up and off we go. But this story lacks corroboration and facts, which are the bedrock of good journalism.
Is it possible that Russian hackers are to blame? Yes, possible. But there are skillful hackers in many countries, including our own, who have a greater motive for revealing the information in those emails. Moreover, the effect of this story is that instead of being concerned that our Democratic primary was anything but democratic, or that our next president has made private deals with the investment banks that collapsed our economy, that we are instead chasing Kremlin ghosts. Shame on you NYTimes.
5
Bravo. It's like Bozo pointing to Russia as the only creepy clown on the edge of the woods.
Not really all that baffling. I'm sure if we were to see his taxes it would make complete sense.
8
The old axiom still holds: If a thing does not make sense, just follow the money. I accept business interests as the explanation for DT's thoroughly disloyal posture.
Who may lock whom up is an open question, I suppose.
Who may lock whom up is an open question, I suppose.
5
Some weeks ago Newsweek ran an excellent piece detailing Tump's many foreign business entanglements, which had the potential to create serious conflicts of interest should he be elected president. Among them were various forays into Russia. This piece did not receive the wide exposure and discussion it warranted. The Times and other influential news outlets should revisit that murky, alarming subject. Business interests aside, the simple reason for Trump's defense of Putin may be nothing more than that he admires the Russian leader's autocratic style, particularly when it comes to punishing his opponents. Trump's vow to put Clinton in jail couldn't have been more Putinesque.
7
I suspect that the Russians could not or would not try to actually manipulate the vote count in favor of Mr Trump. I think their main goal is to wreak such propagandistic havoc with regard to the entire electoral process as to discredit the high minded claims of the United States to be the world's greatest democracy.
The hack is a PR coup and will persist far beyond this election.
The hack is a PR coup and will persist far beyond this election.
6
Isn't this so obvious? He knows he can't win the election. He is excellent at marketing. He is building up his customer base within his "core" supporters. He is protecting his business interests in Russia by not releasing his tax returns and by praising Putin. Trump is laying the foundation for his next business venture with the Breitbart Alt Right as his new business partners. For him it is always about himself and the money. Nothing else matters to him. He doesn't care how much destruction he causes in pursuit of his selfish goals. Trump is the most dangerous kind of person -- a borderline infantile narcissistic personality disorder with a strong streak of sociopathy -- no capacity for introspection or remorse, and clearly no moral compass.
8
I find it odd that the Editorial Board has apparently begun to notice that something is vaguely amiss in Trump's rhetoric. Frankly this type of talk is precisely what has been going on in Conservative quarters, Fox News and right-wing talk radio for several decades. In a new twist white supremacists in this country have been actively working with neo-fascists in Europe and in the nations formerly occupied by the USSR. This movement argues that "white," i.e., European culture is in danger of being overrun by the "mud people." Putin's and his cronies are trying to be the center of that movement.
Hence, Trump's actions are not "weird" or strange. Trump and his far-right apparatchiks are working toward a policy of delegitimizing every institution in the US. He is the figurehead for a far-right movement that fervently hopes to eventually succeed in a leading a succesful putsch against the "establishment."
Just look at the secessionist talk throughout the states that were members of the CSA and the people engaged in armed rebellion in the Western portion of the US. This morning, Joe Scarborough, laughed off the remarks of a women at a Trump rally that suggested that if Hillary is elected the US needed a revolution. Joe responded with his trademark banal and insipid smirk--; thus normalizing this type of neo-fascist sentiment.
It can and is happening here thanks to Trump's Forth Estate enablers.
Hence, Trump's actions are not "weird" or strange. Trump and his far-right apparatchiks are working toward a policy of delegitimizing every institution in the US. He is the figurehead for a far-right movement that fervently hopes to eventually succeed in a leading a succesful putsch against the "establishment."
Just look at the secessionist talk throughout the states that were members of the CSA and the people engaged in armed rebellion in the Western portion of the US. This morning, Joe Scarborough, laughed off the remarks of a women at a Trump rally that suggested that if Hillary is elected the US needed a revolution. Joe responded with his trademark banal and insipid smirk--; thus normalizing this type of neo-fascist sentiment.
It can and is happening here thanks to Trump's Forth Estate enablers.
11
I have never seen any election with Press and Media so one-sided and toxic.
Everything possible -or just invented- comes out It in gore and spittle. It's depressing: Someone with blood all over her from wars she started - for what? For her own glory? Or, in Libya, for control of cheap oil? But what in Syria? No oil, a poor country - but with peace between the religious groups - until Hillary.
But press and media like werewolves barking and heckling all into one corner. In past elections, there were different sides of press reports, discussions, arguments! In this one, all is the same: One baddy - and he loves the other baddy in Russia (conviction by media - as usual, without evidence) - and on the other side: Someone with government experience -
But wait: That experience cost a million lives - yeah, but we didn't see them over there - we only see Aleppo, now - but who gave the weapons to conquer and occupy Aleppo - and use the people there as human shields?
Well, yes - but she is a woman! - Have you seen women fighting - say, drunken women at a bar at night? They are worse than any men. What this woman did was worse than what G.W.Bush did. Mind you, he only invaded Iraq on Bill Clinton's "Iraq Liberation Act" - which even drew up the Weapons of Mass Destruction.
So, do we want to give a man without blood on his hands a chance?
Or do we want a Dynasty of War-Mongers?
By the way, have you seen what this woman did to the women in Libya and Syria? They were free before Hillary!
Everything possible -or just invented- comes out It in gore and spittle. It's depressing: Someone with blood all over her from wars she started - for what? For her own glory? Or, in Libya, for control of cheap oil? But what in Syria? No oil, a poor country - but with peace between the religious groups - until Hillary.
But press and media like werewolves barking and heckling all into one corner. In past elections, there were different sides of press reports, discussions, arguments! In this one, all is the same: One baddy - and he loves the other baddy in Russia (conviction by media - as usual, without evidence) - and on the other side: Someone with government experience -
But wait: That experience cost a million lives - yeah, but we didn't see them over there - we only see Aleppo, now - but who gave the weapons to conquer and occupy Aleppo - and use the people there as human shields?
Well, yes - but she is a woman! - Have you seen women fighting - say, drunken women at a bar at night? They are worse than any men. What this woman did was worse than what G.W.Bush did. Mind you, he only invaded Iraq on Bill Clinton's "Iraq Liberation Act" - which even drew up the Weapons of Mass Destruction.
So, do we want to give a man without blood on his hands a chance?
Or do we want a Dynasty of War-Mongers?
By the way, have you seen what this woman did to the women in Libya and Syria? They were free before Hillary!
5
Donald Trump's views on most matters are cockamamie and uninformed, but so is the NY Times editorial board's eagerness to fan the flames of a new Cold War, (1) by misrepresenting the conflict in Syria as a "civil war", when it is an illegal U.S.-led regime change operation against Assad, and (2) by promoting unproven and absurd claims about Russian interference in US elections. In 2007, the record shows that the U.S. was already colluding with the Saudis on a clandestine plan to bring down Assad, and by 2012 the U.S., Saudis, and other Gulf states were openly arming the "Syrian rebels", many of whom were -- and still are -- foreign jihadists affiliated with Al Qaeda. (Talk about interference in another nation's affairs!!!)
Regarding alleged Russian hacking, Americans are quite capable of discrediting and dirtying their own elections, without outside aid, as the present tawdry spectacle confirms. If Wikileaks, Guccifer, and other anonymous hackers, Russian or not, want to help us understand the corruption of our government, I say, "Godspeed!"
Regarding alleged Russian hacking, Americans are quite capable of discrediting and dirtying their own elections, without outside aid, as the present tawdry spectacle confirms. If Wikileaks, Guccifer, and other anonymous hackers, Russian or not, want to help us understand the corruption of our government, I say, "Godspeed!"
5
The prospect of electing an effective agent of Moscow to the White House is a truly terrifying one. It is also a prospect that clearly has Putin salivating. I think we need to be very mindful of continued attempts to disrupt the American electoral process.
3
Those of us who are children of the Cold War are having a terrible time adjusting to the sight of a Republican candidate for president who seems awfully cozy with one of the harshest leaders in modern Russian history.
Weirder yet is the sight of Trump's followers falling right into line behind him. It's whiplash-inducing.
It's tempting to decide he is under a mountain of Russian debt. But knowing Trump, it's more likely that he praised Putin because Putin praised him--and when the inadvisability of doing so was pointed out to him, he doubled down, the same way he doubles down whenever he is caught in a lie or gross error.
Weirder yet is the sight of Trump's followers falling right into line behind him. It's whiplash-inducing.
It's tempting to decide he is under a mountain of Russian debt. But knowing Trump, it's more likely that he praised Putin because Putin praised him--and when the inadvisability of doing so was pointed out to him, he doubled down, the same way he doubles down whenever he is caught in a lie or gross error.
3
Putin has attacked his political enemies, enriched his allies, and made aggression around the world. While the IRS attacked Obama's political enemies, the National Labor Board and EPA abused their power, most of us barely noticed. Thankfully, for now, the judicial branch checks this aggression. Meanwhile, Hillary has a long reputation for viciously attacking political opponents and certainly enriching her allies. Her Foundation activities are appalling and frightening, giving such access to foreign interests, despite the conflicts of interest and risk to our nation. Yes, Trump is awful and unacceptable but let's keep our eyes open to domestic similarities to Putin's bullying ways other than just Trump.
2
Now that it is clear that Ms. Conway has been put on the back burner so to say and that Stephen Bannon of Brietbart/Alt-Right fame is in charge of Trump's new scorched earth campaign, we can reach new conclusions. The Alt-Right DOES wish to destabilize our American democracy. The Alt-Right does not support an egalitarian society. Rather in their view the white Christian male is supreme and all 'others' are listed on down the ladder. This 'philosophy' does not support the 'will of the people'.
Putin maybe could care less about the Alt-Right but it does play directly into his desire to subvert American democracy. Trump also admires Putin because as Russia's leader he has been able to amass great wealth. Trump may also have Yuge business desires in Russia for himself. Who knows? Tax returns may answer this part.
The main worry for us all right now should be the influence of Bannon and the Alt-Right on Trump. The Alt-Right wishes to destabilize our American democracy.
Putin maybe could care less about the Alt-Right but it does play directly into his desire to subvert American democracy. Trump also admires Putin because as Russia's leader he has been able to amass great wealth. Trump may also have Yuge business desires in Russia for himself. Who knows? Tax returns may answer this part.
The main worry for us all right now should be the influence of Bannon and the Alt-Right on Trump. The Alt-Right wishes to destabilize our American democracy.
1
It no longer matters why Trump is deranged and what kind of psychiatric disorder(s) he has; nor does it matter why he is so attracted to Vladimir Putin and other authoritarian leaders.
In every way possible, Donald J. Trump has demonstrated for the world to see he has no understanding of--nor does he care to know anything about--this country, foreign relations, democracy, character, ethics, decency, and the law.
But at this point I am still curious about why so many Americans continue to adore and give power to him when he is so clearly unhinged, harmful, dangerous, and unfit to lead anything.
In every way possible, Donald J. Trump has demonstrated for the world to see he has no understanding of--nor does he care to know anything about--this country, foreign relations, democracy, character, ethics, decency, and the law.
But at this point I am still curious about why so many Americans continue to adore and give power to him when he is so clearly unhinged, harmful, dangerous, and unfit to lead anything.
7
This weeks' document dump of Podesta e-mails by Wiki-Leaks, proves the elite media outlets are working in tandem with the campaign. Communicating on key issue and talking points, and prompted to what questions are asked.
Bernie Sanders had no chance. And DC has become a cartel with co-conspirators who communicate with the campaign to preserve their jobs.
Soon, perhaps in the not too distant future we will become a one party nation, which is the goal of the Progressives. One party government comes with a whole new set of problems for the people.
Be careful what you wish for. And for now, the NYT has no credibility. at all.
Bernie Sanders had no chance. And DC has become a cartel with co-conspirators who communicate with the campaign to preserve their jobs.
Soon, perhaps in the not too distant future we will become a one party nation, which is the goal of the Progressives. One party government comes with a whole new set of problems for the people.
Be careful what you wish for. And for now, the NYT has no credibility. at all.
5
Baloney. NYT has to report all kinds of news, but claiming there is no difference between Trump and Clinton is nonsense.
Currently, Republicans control Congress, and aside from 5 months in 2009, have done so for years. They are also taking over states and have the Supreme Court.
Stop blaming Democrats for what Republicans do.
I am sick of Jill Stein and Berniebusters who in their own way are as isolated as Trumpsters. Bernie is a great guy, so is Elizabeth Warren. We need idealists, not haters, to heal this problem.
Currently, Republicans control Congress, and aside from 5 months in 2009, have done so for years. They are also taking over states and have the Supreme Court.
Stop blaming Democrats for what Republicans do.
I am sick of Jill Stein and Berniebusters who in their own way are as isolated as Trumpsters. Bernie is a great guy, so is Elizabeth Warren. We need idealists, not haters, to heal this problem.
9
What's weird about it? Trump's campaign is American corporate business ethics applied to public policy, in full force, and without the pretense of deliberation served up by career politicians. Everything Trump says is an ad. The truth of the matter is irrelevant. What else is money for?
Take out the Trump's vulgarities and bluster, and how different is he from Stumpf of Wells Fargo?
And how different from the untruthfulness and malfeasance Americans politics on a good day?
Take out the Trump's vulgarities and bluster, and how different is he from Stumpf of Wells Fargo?
And how different from the untruthfulness and malfeasance Americans politics on a good day?
There are a number of Russian investors (through offshore accounts) that are major investors in a few of Trump's large projects. Over the last 10 years, they basically saved his business from collapse.
2
Why is the press ignoring the fact that one of Trump's closest advisors, Boris Epshteyn, is a Russian-born, if American educated, financier who has close business ties to Russian oligarchs?
Where is the investigation of Trump's connections to those same people? How did Epshteyn become a Trump insider?
Why are these fundamental journalistic questions not being explored?
Where is the investigation of Trump's connections to those same people? How did Epshteyn become a Trump insider?
Why are these fundamental journalistic questions not being explored?
8
One doesn't even know where to start addressing the nonsense in this piece. At random:
"Though allegations about Russian interference in the election have circulated for some time, the Obama administration on Friday formally accused Russia of stealing and disclosing emails from the Democratic National Committee and other institutions."
Oh! That's seals the deal!! (You mean those emails that proved the Democratic party was rigged?)
"Mr. Trump has no foreign policy experience."
Clinton: vote for Iraq war, which not only proved to be the biggest disaster in US history but was a violation of her oath of office -- Congress decides war, not the president) and the Hillary Clinton who was the force behind the overthrow of Ghaddafi -- we're not sure where that ranks yet on the biggest-disaster, worst-decision list, it climbs by the day.
As for Syria, one would not get from reading the Times that Russia is in Syria at that government's invitation, we are arming rebels trying to take down that government. Only in the world of Washington elites does that make the US on the side of angels.
And a reminder: we slaughtered 60 uniformed Syrian soldiers, inside their borders, a country we're not at war with, and we did this days after negotiating a ceasefire which the American military -- demonstrating the same respect for Obama the rest of the world has -- openly defied. But that means nothing to the editorial writers at the NY Times.
Nor, apparently, does a nuclear war with Russia.
"Though allegations about Russian interference in the election have circulated for some time, the Obama administration on Friday formally accused Russia of stealing and disclosing emails from the Democratic National Committee and other institutions."
Oh! That's seals the deal!! (You mean those emails that proved the Democratic party was rigged?)
"Mr. Trump has no foreign policy experience."
Clinton: vote for Iraq war, which not only proved to be the biggest disaster in US history but was a violation of her oath of office -- Congress decides war, not the president) and the Hillary Clinton who was the force behind the overthrow of Ghaddafi -- we're not sure where that ranks yet on the biggest-disaster, worst-decision list, it climbs by the day.
As for Syria, one would not get from reading the Times that Russia is in Syria at that government's invitation, we are arming rebels trying to take down that government. Only in the world of Washington elites does that make the US on the side of angels.
And a reminder: we slaughtered 60 uniformed Syrian soldiers, inside their borders, a country we're not at war with, and we did this days after negotiating a ceasefire which the American military -- demonstrating the same respect for Obama the rest of the world has -- openly defied. But that means nothing to the editorial writers at the NY Times.
Nor, apparently, does a nuclear war with Russia.
4
Trump's statements about Russia are worrisome even to those who, like me, think US and NATO policy toward that country over the last two decades has not been very well considered. The collapse of the Soviet Union tempted many in Washington into an overly aggressive approach, which has in turn tended to justify Putin's nationalistic revanchism in the eyes of the Russian people. A great opportunity to advance world peace may have been missed.
But Trump's personal attachment to Vladimir Putin, who is indeed a ruthless thug, is truly bizarre.
But Trump's personal attachment to Vladimir Putin, who is indeed a ruthless thug, is truly bizarre.
3
The explanation for Trump's affinity towards Putin can be simply explained (Trump does possess a simple mind). It's that Putin would rather Hillary lose, therefore he supports Trump. It doesn't take much more reading into this.
2
Everything Trump does is linked to money. Either he already has business interests in Russia or is indebted to Russia in a way that the presidency will solve. He admires Putin not for the man he is or how he leads his country, but because Putin has fabulous wealth, estimated at tens or even hundreds of billions in USD, and the power that goes with it. It's all very simple for Trump, but hideously dangerous for Americans if he reaches the White House.
11
It goes a bit further than that. He loves Putin's ability to exploit his position to acquire more wealth and authority. The end is "winning" and he sees Putin as a successful winner.
3
The press has not, in general, done its job in getting to the bottom of Trump's connections with Russia. It is clear that the continued hacking of email accounts of Democratic Party organizations and campaign officials poses a threat to our country. The Russians may very well be hacking into Republican email accounts but not disclosing this information for their own reasons. Political spying is something we take seriously...look at what happened to President Nixon! The difference between Watergate and the current political spying is that a foreign adversary is involved. Trump apparently does not have a clue about the potential consequences. Or,alternatively, he does understand and is taking advantage of it in his desire to win the Presidency by any means.
6
I would like to see a post-election Justice Department investigation to explore Trump's ties to Russian businessmen and Putin as a matter of national security. He appears to be willfully misleading the nation on behalf of Russian interests and policies - even comfortable with Russian intelligence agencies invading the offices of an American political party to find destructive information for Trump's campaign. This nation once arose in disgust when the Republicans did that to the DNC. This is so much worse. It is like the Japanese helping Lindberg to put America First in 1941 so we'd negotiate instead of fight after Pearl Harbor. Am I the only one who feels this way? Trump's "To Russia With Love" behavior has more than a whiff of Benedict Arnold.
12
Let us be clear. Trump is doing market development, not trying to win the election. He is building a customer base and partners for his new right wing media venture, complete with Bannon and the island of misfits who are his C-team advisers. When his polls rise, he tosses out bombs to bring them down. His rejection of the Republican party is both a reaction and a strategy. Trump could not sit still in the oval office for five minutes, much less read a daily briefing or evaluate a policy. He does not want to be president (never did). He is crazy, yes, but like a fox. Building a customer base of 20+ million angry white people is perfect for his next reality-TV gig, and certainly far more than he could have hoped for two years ago. I no longer think he want to win the presidency. He just wants to lose on his terms and spin it as a win for his faux cause and venture capital for his new start up. The joke has been on us all. Prepare for President Hillary Clinton and a vocal, disloyal opposition.
5
If this is true, and I wouldn't be surprised given everything else in this election, I'm going to say something out loud. This is skirting close to treason. What else could one call it? Do we want to elect a man who very possibly is allowing Putin to try and destroy our Democracy? This should be the number one issue now. I don't like using the word treason because I lived thru the McCarthy era and saw neighbors' careers ruined. But this needs to be investigated.
The Republicans and our media brought this on us. I have always been a supporter of our institutions, but since much of our media has turned to sensationalism and entertainment instead of real journalism our fourth estate has been weakened. They jumped on the Trump bandwagon because of ratings. Ratings? As tho that is more important than our Democracy?
The Republicans have been sliding into the slime for over 10 years. Trump has now thrown all of them into it. Even the few decent ones who are left. We are watching what was once a great national party implode in front of our eyes. They became so enamored of holding onto power, they are denying climate change, they ignored the middle class who has been on an economic slide. They spent the last 8 years insulting our first black president. So here we are folks. Enjoy the show.
The Republicans and our media brought this on us. I have always been a supporter of our institutions, but since much of our media has turned to sensationalism and entertainment instead of real journalism our fourth estate has been weakened. They jumped on the Trump bandwagon because of ratings. Ratings? As tho that is more important than our Democracy?
The Republicans have been sliding into the slime for over 10 years. Trump has now thrown all of them into it. Even the few decent ones who are left. We are watching what was once a great national party implode in front of our eyes. They became so enamored of holding onto power, they are denying climate change, they ignored the middle class who has been on an economic slide. They spent the last 8 years insulting our first black president. So here we are folks. Enjoy the show.
9
I'm less worried that Mexicans will take our jobs than that Trump will take (and insult) any more of our intelligence.
A candidate unfit for the Oval Office is unfit for candidate briefings. The current President has a duty to withhold any further ones from the racist rapist landlord.
A candidate unfit for the Oval Office is unfit for candidate briefings. The current President has a duty to withhold any further ones from the racist rapist landlord.
3
Yes, Trump has many undisclosed business interests in Russia. And yes, he is clueless about international relations and history and all those dreary things that have nothing to do with national security in his mind. And yes, there are a slew of of other faults that he has which prevent him from characterizing Russia in the way that ALL top intelligence experts do.
But none of those things are the reason why he continues to love Putin. Trump is certainly naive about how the world works. But the more dangerous aspect of this is that he has a personality defect which drives him to always be the center of attention. His campaign, indeed his entire life, as been one of entitlement and attention. He would do anything to stay in the media. And one of the strongest ways to do that is to continually get the public and media riled up through praising America's arch enemy.
This is no different than any of the conspiracy theories he espouses, or any of the bigotries, or any of the statements he makes which he knows are false. He is only concerned with attention, and he will do anything to get more of it. His addiction to attention runs his life.
Does he really admire Putin? Who knows? Will he keep saying he does, when that only gets more people so upset at him? Of course. The more he upsets the voters, the more the media writes about him, and the more his addiction is fed. This will not end. This is Trump.
But none of those things are the reason why he continues to love Putin. Trump is certainly naive about how the world works. But the more dangerous aspect of this is that he has a personality defect which drives him to always be the center of attention. His campaign, indeed his entire life, as been one of entitlement and attention. He would do anything to stay in the media. And one of the strongest ways to do that is to continually get the public and media riled up through praising America's arch enemy.
This is no different than any of the conspiracy theories he espouses, or any of the bigotries, or any of the statements he makes which he knows are false. He is only concerned with attention, and he will do anything to get more of it. His addiction to attention runs his life.
Does he really admire Putin? Who knows? Will he keep saying he does, when that only gets more people so upset at him? Of course. The more he upsets the voters, the more the media writes about him, and the more his addiction is fed. This will not end. This is Trump.
7
Poodles are smart working dogs. They are recognized for intelligence, agility, loyalty, training responsiveness and excellent temperament. We would be better off with a poodle as president than Trump. I know poodles; Trump is no poodle.
418
Dogs like making an emotional connection to other dogs and to people. The Donald is a toothless old tiger, a solitary hunter who likes attacking others but now must content himself to attacking injured mice a other small defenseless creatures.
1
He has also been called a pig, yet pigs are intelligent and compassionate animals.
In our collective bafflement at the rise of this horrible no good dishonest corrupt exploitative flim flam man, words continue to surface. Cockamamie is a good one!
His relationship with Russia is, like everything else in his life, selfish. That's who he is, and that's what he does.
He loves the audience, but he doesn't see them as real people, only as punters to enhance his view of life. It is unfortunate that they are so desperate about the state of their lives (a genuine issue, especially with income inequality - odd they can't see that he's part of the problem there) that they will believe anyone.
Beware: burning down the house leaves you homeless!
His relationship with Russia is, like everything else in his life, selfish. That's who he is, and that's what he does.
He loves the audience, but he doesn't see them as real people, only as punters to enhance his view of life. It is unfortunate that they are so desperate about the state of their lives (a genuine issue, especially with income inequality - odd they can't see that he's part of the problem there) that they will believe anyone.
Beware: burning down the house leaves you homeless!
8
This whole thing is beyond bizarre.
Somehow, showing correspondence that raises questions about the sender and / or receiver is now labeled as undermining elections.
And hacking and releasing someone's private emails is suppose to support the potential for infiltrating and tampering with millions of voting machines. Or altering emails and then releasing them.
Surely these things can happen--but does the release of unflattering emails support the likelihood?
Trump is terrible, but I can't help thinking that this Russian infiltration stuff is just massive spin, to keep our attention off what's actually in the emails.
Somehow, showing correspondence that raises questions about the sender and / or receiver is now labeled as undermining elections.
And hacking and releasing someone's private emails is suppose to support the potential for infiltrating and tampering with millions of voting machines. Or altering emails and then releasing them.
Surely these things can happen--but does the release of unflattering emails support the likelihood?
Trump is terrible, but I can't help thinking that this Russian infiltration stuff is just massive spin, to keep our attention off what's actually in the emails.
7
This is truly a frightening scenario, with the eerie hallmarks of potboiler fiction. It is as hard to imagine a plot with higher sweepstakes--harder even than imagining a monstrous buffoon like Donald Trump running for President of the United States. One can only hope that the apocalyptic denouement will be thwarted, and children in generations to come will burn inflated Donald Trump effigies to celebrate his demise, the way Brits celebrate Guy Falkes Day.
2
More important than Trump's recognition of foreign manipulation - Trump is willfully ignorant on so many topics, what is one more? - is the public's recognition of foreign manipulation.
How can the country that prides itself on being the world's leader, which prides itself on democracy, which prides itself on good ole American horse sense, allow a Russian ex-KGB officer to define our election? Are we nuts?
Trump likes his dictators and strongmen. I guess he just like anyone who has the power to say "You're fired." Only With the strongman Trump so admires, the firing can be lethal. What quality and character it shows of Trump.
What does supporting Trump say about us?
How can the country that prides itself on being the world's leader, which prides itself on democracy, which prides itself on good ole American horse sense, allow a Russian ex-KGB officer to define our election? Are we nuts?
Trump likes his dictators and strongmen. I guess he just like anyone who has the power to say "You're fired." Only With the strongman Trump so admires, the firing can be lethal. What quality and character it shows of Trump.
What does supporting Trump say about us?
2
Does anyone beyond the liberal echo chamber believe there is actually a link between Trump and the Kremlin?
The more the media and Obama Administration try to deflect from the contents of Hillary Clinton's emails by claiming a trumped up connection to the Kremlin, the more it has the smell of the false narrative used by Obama Administration and then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to deflect from the terrorist attack in Benghazi. That, too, was an inconvenient event before an election.
In that case it was a "video" instead of the "Russians". The only ones being manipulated are Americans who buy these narratives. Shame on The Editorial Board for being a propaganda participant.
The more the media and Obama Administration try to deflect from the contents of Hillary Clinton's emails by claiming a trumped up connection to the Kremlin, the more it has the smell of the false narrative used by Obama Administration and then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to deflect from the terrorist attack in Benghazi. That, too, was an inconvenient event before an election.
In that case it was a "video" instead of the "Russians". The only ones being manipulated are Americans who buy these narratives. Shame on The Editorial Board for being a propaganda participant.
4
Writing about Trump is a waste of ink
The guy is a certifiable nut. His supporters, all of them are deplorable. They have lost their sense of decency, sense of proportion and civility. Next thing they will resolve to violence if Trump is not elected.
The guy is a certifiable nut. His supporters, all of them are deplorable. They have lost their sense of decency, sense of proportion and civility. Next thing they will resolve to violence if Trump is not elected.
7
Trump has not said the Russians are not hacking the Democrats. He has said that the Democrats have no idea who has been hacking them.
Intentional misrepresentation of facts is either sloppy journalism or outright lying and not worthy of anyone claiming to be a news organization.
The Feds think it could be Russia, but there are too many other possibilities to be sure.
They don't know who has been doing the hacking.
Trump is pretty clear on the fact that the Russians oppose our nation wrecking strategy of replacing the government in Syria. The real difference between Trump and Hillary is that Trump doesn't believe we should be replacing sovereign governments around the world in the name of US hegemony.
Hillary will attempt to goad Russia into war. Trump will not.
Time for the people to decide between a truth challenged warmonger and Trump.
Intentional misrepresentation of facts is either sloppy journalism or outright lying and not worthy of anyone claiming to be a news organization.
The Feds think it could be Russia, but there are too many other possibilities to be sure.
They don't know who has been doing the hacking.
Trump is pretty clear on the fact that the Russians oppose our nation wrecking strategy of replacing the government in Syria. The real difference between Trump and Hillary is that Trump doesn't believe we should be replacing sovereign governments around the world in the name of US hegemony.
Hillary will attempt to goad Russia into war. Trump will not.
Time for the people to decide between a truth challenged warmonger and Trump.
5
You know nothing. It's possible to tell and these experts would not say it out loud if they weren't sure. We would not threaten retaliation if they weren't sure. We are not going to be fooled by Trumps dog whistles. He has no information on the matter so who is he to assert we don't know?
And I'd love to hear your theory as to why Hillary would want to go to war with Russia. I'm sure it would be entertaining, and a little bit sad.
And I'd love to hear your theory as to why Hillary would want to go to war with Russia. I'm sure it would be entertaining, and a little bit sad.
1
Trump's unwillingness, or inability, to learn is a disqualifier for higher public office. His vast ignorance makes him believe he knows more than the experts, and there is no need for him to inform himself from reliable sources...other than Fox Noise. This ignorance, willful or not, makes him so impossibly arrogant than he is a dangerous charlatan just trying to seize power to abuse it, to our ruin. If crooked lying Trump were acting rationally, with all the awful, and true, adjectives we use to describe him, deep shame ought to touch his soul; but the opposite is happening, as he doubles down in insults and threats; he is shameless. Also unscrupulous, as he doesn't seem to care if destruction of 'law and order' comes to pass (notice that this hypocrite called himself the candidate of 'law and order', what a gall). This demagogue must be defeated, as he would endanger the U.S. and the world; he is totally unfit to become president, and even the coward republicans know it.
5
Donald Trump has been a voice of reason with regards to Russia. This is one of the main reasons that he has so much support. Donald Trump sees the need to disengage America from the brink of certain global war that Obama's policies have brought us to. The opinions of ex policy wonks from the State Department, the CIA and failed ex-Presidents, only reinforce the need to elect Trump to lead us out of this mess. Meanwhile Hillary Clinton is frothing at the mouth to be the powerful President that leads us into that war.
1
Donald Trump has stolen the political voice of his supporters. A man with such ‘superior’ intelligence most certainly knew he possessed endless skeletons in his closet including his lewd recordings, his tax avoidance, and his shady business failures. Yet he continues to spin webs like some kind of addicted con artist. This recent denial of information from the best most sophisticated US intelligence agencies by putting forward his own fantasy nonsense ideas is more of this endless web of film flam and sucker punches. The pretense inevitably falls apart as it is now for Trump, unfortunately he’s leaving in his crumby wake a lot of fear, anger, and hysteria and this is his legacy.
7
The only good thing that The Dumpster is doing is sending Mitch McConnell and all of the other repulsive Republican obstructionists into permanent exile in Siberia. Other than that, after election day, the Con-ald will be anointed as dictator of the Trump brand, which will have as much value as a Russian ruble, which is not worth a lick. It will be fun to see low occupancy rates at hotels that bears his name. Perhaps they will be purchased at a bankruptcy sale by Red Roof Inn. As for golf, it will be easy to get tee times. All the golf pro will need to say is- "what time can you get here?"
8
The damage that Donald Trump has inflicted on this country and will no doubt continue to inflict on this country is unprecedented. What Putin has been unable to do on his own, undermine American democracy, he has accomplished through a de facto alliance with Trump. Thanks to Trump's bluster and rhetoric his core supporters now believe that any defeat of their candidate is due to a "rigged election" and that like a third world country we should be jailing political opponents. This isn't over even after Trump loses. How will a President Clinton govern when a third of the electorate sees her as illegitimate? The divisiveness continues, obstruction continues, and Trump will launch his new cable news network along with his cronies to continue to stoke the fires. An unstable America is exactly what Putin wants, and what Trump is delivering, whether deliberately or through his profound stupidity and self-interest.
9
Kurt Eichenwald's article in Newsweek two days ago should make it clear that there is a direct channel of communication between Russia's agit-prop organizations and Trump's campaign, with Trump using Russian distortion of hacked Sidney Blumenthal and Podesta e-mails in a campaign speech the same day that a Russian propaganda organ released them.
Then, there's the very recent CIA comment on the claimed Russian political interference in the presidential election, that both candidates have received security briefings that should have made it crystal clear as to who has been responsible for hacking the DNC e-mails.
As for motivations, it is beyond odd that Trump, who has exhibited ignorance about practically all matters having to do with national security, has claimed that as president he would consider not coming to the aid of NATO countries that have not spent enough money on their national defense. In effect, he threatens to emasculate the mutual defense requirement (Article 5) of the treaty.
This surely has Putin salivating at the prospect of having a US president who would allow him to do to the Baltic states what he has done with the Crimea without fear of NATO interference.
Why would Trump do this? The Donald is all about money, and increased Russian oligarch billionaire investments in his projects would surely be attractive.
Then, there's the very recent CIA comment on the claimed Russian political interference in the presidential election, that both candidates have received security briefings that should have made it crystal clear as to who has been responsible for hacking the DNC e-mails.
As for motivations, it is beyond odd that Trump, who has exhibited ignorance about practically all matters having to do with national security, has claimed that as president he would consider not coming to the aid of NATO countries that have not spent enough money on their national defense. In effect, he threatens to emasculate the mutual defense requirement (Article 5) of the treaty.
This surely has Putin salivating at the prospect of having a US president who would allow him to do to the Baltic states what he has done with the Crimea without fear of NATO interference.
Why would Trump do this? The Donald is all about money, and increased Russian oligarch billionaire investments in his projects would surely be attractive.
15
If Trump wins, Putin wins. There are only two scenarios on how Trump will deal with Russia. He will either go to war with Russia or let Putin expand his influence all over the world without confronting him probably for personal business reasons. Either way, Trump will be a disaster with Russian relations and could lead to nuclear wars. There will be no American left to make great again.
8
Given the level of danger Donald Trump's stance (if you can even call it anything that cogent) on Rusdia and Putin, I simply cannot understand why he is permitted to hide his tax returns. Okay as a private citizen I get the sanctity of privacy but this man is running for president and our national security is at risk. Where is check and balance for behavior so antithetical to our American way of life? It's insane to have allowed him to get this far without this kind of national security vetting.
9
As a lifetime poodle person, I take offense at the comparison of the Republican candidate to one. Poodles are brilliant dogs, with an emotional intelligence most humans could not match, let alone the person in question. I would have suggested lapdog as an alternative to poodle, but I hold too much respect for dogs in general to pass on the insult to them. Let’s just call him Mr. Putin’s puppet.
11
What is even weirder is that in a country like the US where love of Russia has been non-existent since Uncle Joe times in WWII Trump's possible links with Russia or his mentions of Putin do not destroy his popularity among groups that were anti-Communist, anti-Soviet and anti-Russian until very recently. This is the same kind of riddle that accompanies his many lapses as far as paying taxes is concerned and his bragging about being smart for not paying them. This should discredit him among blue collars but doesn't, a sign of deep distrust and disaffection for the political system and disbelief in democracy.
Only sex scandals and outrageous sexism seem to have an impact on his image. Russia, taxes, stiffing his workers, inequality do not affect this Teflon buffoon. Something is happening but do we know what it is?
Only sex scandals and outrageous sexism seem to have an impact on his image. Russia, taxes, stiffing his workers, inequality do not affect this Teflon buffoon. Something is happening but do we know what it is?
3
Our relations with Russia since the fall of communism has been awkward, but stable. In some ways they were very cooperative, as in the ISS, and previous nuclear agreements. Now in a short time the are going back to Cold War politics. That is disturbingly dangerous, and unnecessary, and resulted from the take over of Crimea.
Crimea has been Russian since Catherine the great seized it from the crumbling Ottoman Empire. It became part of Ukraine as a result of the breakup of the Soviet Union. The reaction of the EU and the US was poorly thought out, and everyone loses by this return to Cold War competition mentality.
I will not vote for Trump for many reasons, but his idea that it is better to deal with Russia and Putin in a more cooperative, rather than competitive diplomacy, I agree with.
Crimea has been Russian since Catherine the great seized it from the crumbling Ottoman Empire. It became part of Ukraine as a result of the breakup of the Soviet Union. The reaction of the EU and the US was poorly thought out, and everyone loses by this return to Cold War competition mentality.
I will not vote for Trump for many reasons, but his idea that it is better to deal with Russia and Putin in a more cooperative, rather than competitive diplomacy, I agree with.
6
We cooperated, negotiated a cease fire, then they broke it immediately, bombed an aide convoy, and preceded to carpet bomb Aleppo with no regard for civilians. How are you going to cooperate with that?
In another decade Trump would be arrested as a Russian Agent. That he is trying to become the Manchurian Candidate in real life is positively frighting.God help the world and us if he is elected though finally that seems increasingly unlike.
I think this election has shown us that we have a real problem in this country with education. That so many people could be taken in by such cheap conman is an indictment of our collective intelligence. Some classes in history, humanities and civics are certainly in order for the great unwashed.
I think this election has shown us that we have a real problem in this country with education. That so many people could be taken in by such cheap conman is an indictment of our collective intelligence. Some classes in history, humanities and civics are certainly in order for the great unwashed.
345
In what "decade" would Trump be arrested arrested as a Russian agent--during the McCarthy era?
But you raise an interesting point--if all of this Russian meddling is true and Donald is really an agent for the Russian Government, why no charges of Espionage? Obama must be secretly supporting the Russian government by refusing to arrest Donald.
Donald threatens Hillary with jail if he is elected. People want Donald thrown in jail now for being a Russian agent.
Everyone has "Trump Disease"! The inability to think rationally.
But you raise an interesting point--if all of this Russian meddling is true and Donald is really an agent for the Russian Government, why no charges of Espionage? Obama must be secretly supporting the Russian government by refusing to arrest Donald.
Donald threatens Hillary with jail if he is elected. People want Donald thrown in jail now for being a Russian agent.
Everyone has "Trump Disease"! The inability to think rationally.
2
Of course, Donald Trump, the most ignorant candidate to ever run for President will not accept the evidence that Russia is behind the email hacks and will continue to float his own conspiracy laden theories of nonsense as facts.
What's more troubling to Trump's shear ignorance is that his followers take all the garbage throws out there like it's a daily fix of heroin. Trump just spews out wild accusations without any substantiated facts, in such a manic manner it's almost hard to fathom that this is supposed to be a serous candidate for President, what's worse is that his followers believe it and what's even worse than that is many of his supporters in the political arena know he's lying and choose to ignore it.
When you hear some of his followers that seem a little unbalance, espouse with an uncomfortable seriousness of revolution if Hillary wins. it makes me wonder if Trump even understands what his reality show type campaign is unleashing for future violence in this country.
Trump is a pathological liar and people have to start to seriously question his mental stability and sanity, there is something psychotic going on in Trump's brain and it's dangerous. Trump exhibits no indication that he has a conscience or responsibility for what kind of actions his own irresponsible rhetoric may provoke.
I never thought I'd live to see this, but Trump may be the most dangerous man in America and it's democracy.
What's more troubling to Trump's shear ignorance is that his followers take all the garbage throws out there like it's a daily fix of heroin. Trump just spews out wild accusations without any substantiated facts, in such a manic manner it's almost hard to fathom that this is supposed to be a serous candidate for President, what's worse is that his followers believe it and what's even worse than that is many of his supporters in the political arena know he's lying and choose to ignore it.
When you hear some of his followers that seem a little unbalance, espouse with an uncomfortable seriousness of revolution if Hillary wins. it makes me wonder if Trump even understands what his reality show type campaign is unleashing for future violence in this country.
Trump is a pathological liar and people have to start to seriously question his mental stability and sanity, there is something psychotic going on in Trump's brain and it's dangerous. Trump exhibits no indication that he has a conscience or responsibility for what kind of actions his own irresponsible rhetoric may provoke.
I never thought I'd live to see this, but Trump may be the most dangerous man in America and it's democracy.
271
One would think the same Editorial Board that got played like a drum with the "WMD in Iraq" lie, leading us to the most disastrous war in the past 50 years, would not blindly back the Russian Government is trying to interfere in our election meme.
But no. Once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader. It makes no difference that they were lied to before by the Government.
"All Governments lie." I.F. Stone
But no. Once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader. It makes no difference that they were lied to before by the Government.
"All Governments lie." I.F. Stone
8
They are not backing it "blindly". It's possible to figure out who's behind it in several ways. It's been happening for months but they just now have accused Russia and threatened retaliation. They were doing their homework and now they know.
But you stay in your anti-gubmint bomb shelter and adjust your tin foil hat while the adults figure out how to respond.
But you stay in your anti-gubmint bomb shelter and adjust your tin foil hat while the adults figure out how to respond.
Three major issues here:
1. The very real possibility of undisclosed ties to a country that is increasingly hostile to the West.
2. The acknowledgment by a major candidate of the abysmal state of his knowledge about Russia, at this late date.
3. The thinly disguised interference of Russia in support of this candidate.
With regard to the possibility of undisclosed ties to Russia, the Republican Party and the media failed to pursue the general question of the potential for conflicts of interest with Trump. The man obviously has foreign and domestic entanglements that need to be disclosed and dealt with. This should have been done early in the primaries. More than likely it would have knocked him out of the primaries. But the media loved the click-bait and the Republican Party loved the free publicity.
The professed ignorance of Trump with regard to both Syria and Russia allows Trump and his supporters to continue with their fiction of simple solutions to complex problems. And allows for some Trump supporters to think that throwing a loose cannon like Trump into a precarious world is good because it will shake things up. The world does not need more Molotov cocktails. And it certainly does not need a nuclear Molotov cocktail.
Putin's thinly disguised support for Trmp should be setting off alarm bells for Trump. At best, Trump is so narcissistic and so ignorant that can't see the flashing lights. At worst, he welcomes Putin's. support.
1. The very real possibility of undisclosed ties to a country that is increasingly hostile to the West.
2. The acknowledgment by a major candidate of the abysmal state of his knowledge about Russia, at this late date.
3. The thinly disguised interference of Russia in support of this candidate.
With regard to the possibility of undisclosed ties to Russia, the Republican Party and the media failed to pursue the general question of the potential for conflicts of interest with Trump. The man obviously has foreign and domestic entanglements that need to be disclosed and dealt with. This should have been done early in the primaries. More than likely it would have knocked him out of the primaries. But the media loved the click-bait and the Republican Party loved the free publicity.
The professed ignorance of Trump with regard to both Syria and Russia allows Trump and his supporters to continue with their fiction of simple solutions to complex problems. And allows for some Trump supporters to think that throwing a loose cannon like Trump into a precarious world is good because it will shake things up. The world does not need more Molotov cocktails. And it certainly does not need a nuclear Molotov cocktail.
Putin's thinly disguised support for Trmp should be setting off alarm bells for Trump. At best, Trump is so narcissistic and so ignorant that can't see the flashing lights. At worst, he welcomes Putin's. support.
28
Unfortunately the Democratic party thinks the US should be at the center of a world government formed around a world financial system and globalization. In this perverted world view, everyone that does not agree with the US is the enemy. The Republican party wasn't any better, but Trump is not a mainstream Republican candidate.
I don't like Trump, but it is impossible to have a reasonable discussion in this election season, and people should ignore all of this. So what if Putin likes Trump better? Here's the elitist position: Putin is bad therefore anything Putin wants is bad! Under this viewpoint, the only solution to US/Russian relations is for the US to eliminate Putin. This is really, really bad policy, and it is way more likely to cause WWIII than anything Trump is saying.
The US has been extremely arrogant. If the US tried to shape Russia in its own image, it would fail miserably. Actually, it already did fail miserably under Yeltsin.
I find the Democrats' whining about Putin to be childish, arrogant and just plain dumb. Oh boo hoo, a foreign leader doesn't like our candidate. Boo hoo!
The Democratic party needs to grow up and lose the arrogance. Only one candidate has denounced their own citizens (the mark of a failed leader), and that is Hillary. She's a deplorable candidate. This is a sign of a totally failed political system. It's going to come crashing down very soon.
I don't like Trump, but it is impossible to have a reasonable discussion in this election season, and people should ignore all of this. So what if Putin likes Trump better? Here's the elitist position: Putin is bad therefore anything Putin wants is bad! Under this viewpoint, the only solution to US/Russian relations is for the US to eliminate Putin. This is really, really bad policy, and it is way more likely to cause WWIII than anything Trump is saying.
The US has been extremely arrogant. If the US tried to shape Russia in its own image, it would fail miserably. Actually, it already did fail miserably under Yeltsin.
I find the Democrats' whining about Putin to be childish, arrogant and just plain dumb. Oh boo hoo, a foreign leader doesn't like our candidate. Boo hoo!
The Democratic party needs to grow up and lose the arrogance. Only one candidate has denounced their own citizens (the mark of a failed leader), and that is Hillary. She's a deplorable candidate. This is a sign of a totally failed political system. It's going to come crashing down very soon.
2
Trump hasn't denounced any citizens? African-Americans? Latino Immigrants? Muslims? Parents of soldiers? PoWs? He pretty much has denounced anyone who doesn't agree with him.
He has threatened to jail Hillary if he wins. His campaign has threatened retribution against Republicans who don't support him.
He is a failed leader before he even has become a leader.
He has threatened to jail Hillary if he wins. His campaign has threatened retribution against Republicans who don't support him.
He is a failed leader before he even has become a leader.
It's settled. The Government's intelligence community has concluded the Russian Government is involved in the hacks trying to throw the election. The same folks who cooked the books for WMD in Iraq.
Now we know the accusation is not true.
Now we know the accusation is not true.
14
The same folks who came up with a story about a video to distract from the truth before an election.
"Now we know the accusation is not true."
More accurately stated, you, Scottw, "know the accusation is not true". Please don't speak for anyone else, who, if not beholding to our Government's intelligence community, is certainly not beholding to Putin's hackers, either.
More accurately stated, you, Scottw, "know the accusation is not true". Please don't speak for anyone else, who, if not beholding to our Government's intelligence community, is certainly not beholding to Putin's hackers, either.
Because we know that once wrong, always and forever wrong. Once right, always right. The world is black and white -- no shades, no colors. If you think like a small child.
As Tim Kaine said at the debate, Donald Trump is a guy who can't tell the difference between a dictatorship and a democracy.
And even if Trump can tell the difference, his natural preference would be for dictatorship.
The entire history of the USSR was feeding propaganda to the Russian masses championing the glory of Joseph Stalin's authoritarian mutant strain of communism over the West's freedom.
Russia's people are fine people.
Today's Russian leadership is a cesspool of petro-state corruption, oligarchy and suppression of speech and independent journalism.
Anyone suggesting that Russian's Putin is a model of good leadership is a graduate of the Republican Disney World academic campus of Greed Over People, Grand Old Propaganda, Grand Old Power and Grand Old Pollution that trashes 99% of its own citizens for the glory of the Grand One Percent.
Russia is a failing state with a collapsing economy that Putin props up with oil, oligarchy and an authoritarian, waving Russian flag.
Vladimir Trump needs a one-way ticket to the Kremlin so he can finally rest comfortably in the adoring embrace of his political lover, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.
Grand Old Putin is no way to run a country.
And even if Trump can tell the difference, his natural preference would be for dictatorship.
The entire history of the USSR was feeding propaganda to the Russian masses championing the glory of Joseph Stalin's authoritarian mutant strain of communism over the West's freedom.
Russia's people are fine people.
Today's Russian leadership is a cesspool of petro-state corruption, oligarchy and suppression of speech and independent journalism.
Anyone suggesting that Russian's Putin is a model of good leadership is a graduate of the Republican Disney World academic campus of Greed Over People, Grand Old Propaganda, Grand Old Power and Grand Old Pollution that trashes 99% of its own citizens for the glory of the Grand One Percent.
Russia is a failing state with a collapsing economy that Putin props up with oil, oligarchy and an authoritarian, waving Russian flag.
Vladimir Trump needs a one-way ticket to the Kremlin so he can finally rest comfortably in the adoring embrace of his political lover, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.
Grand Old Putin is no way to run a country.
126
@Socrates: I recommend you read the NYT's article, "Cash Flowed to Clinton Foundation Amid Russian Uranium Deal." http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/24/us/cash-flowed-to-clinton-foundation-a...
Do you think the Clintons were working on behalf of Putin and the Russian Government? I know--all of the money donated to the Foundation was used to save the World so who cares.
Do you think the Clintons were working on behalf of Putin and the Russian Government? I know--all of the money donated to the Foundation was used to save the World so who cares.
4
In the good old days we would have called Donald Trump a Communist stooge. Come to think of it that seems to work in 2016.
107
"I know nothing about Russia.”
That's a pretty remarkable piece of misdirection, even for Trump, a master practitioner.
Trump's decades long ties to Russian officials and oligarchs are nicely summarized in a recent article:
"Donald Trump’s Many, Many, Many, Many Ties to Russia" Time Magazine Aug 2016
His odd denials like his Tweet "I have ZERO investments in Russia" are intended to divert attention from the many trips he has made to Moscow and the investments that Russians in Putin's inner circle have in Trump Soho and other projects.
"Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross section of a lot of our projects. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia" boasted Donald Trump Jr in 2008.
Whether there is some deeper reality behind all of Trump's bizarre utterances about Putin, Russia and the hackers or it is just more random nonsense from Trump, it is certainly a case study in the need for greater disclosure of business interests by a Presidential candidate.
That's a pretty remarkable piece of misdirection, even for Trump, a master practitioner.
Trump's decades long ties to Russian officials and oligarchs are nicely summarized in a recent article:
"Donald Trump’s Many, Many, Many, Many Ties to Russia" Time Magazine Aug 2016
His odd denials like his Tweet "I have ZERO investments in Russia" are intended to divert attention from the many trips he has made to Moscow and the investments that Russians in Putin's inner circle have in Trump Soho and other projects.
"Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross section of a lot of our projects. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia" boasted Donald Trump Jr in 2008.
Whether there is some deeper reality behind all of Trump's bizarre utterances about Putin, Russia and the hackers or it is just more random nonsense from Trump, it is certainly a case study in the need for greater disclosure of business interests by a Presidential candidate.
142
Trump admires Putin because he admires the way that Putin runs Russia. In short, Trump sees Putin as a like- minded role model.
The Clinton campaign should make Trump's view of Putin as a role model a major issue in the last days of the campaign. Nearly all Americans, regardless of political views, value our liberties, and a Trump presidency would systematically cut back or strive to eliminate our liberties. It would have one interest -- absolute power and even greater wealth for Trump and a very small circle of cronies … period.
Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Greens, Libertarians, etc. should all be very, very frightened by the prospect of an authoritarian Trump in power.
19
Trump is a legend in his own mind. His lack of history and
critical thinking skills is worse than Bush 43 . That in itself is
very disturbing for we can now see where that can lead to.
The admiration for Putin should not surprise anyone . People who bully others are attracted to others like themselves. Trump does not have the intelligence to realize that Putin is playing him and will eat his lunch. . Putin is KGB to the very core of his soul. He manipulates behind the scenes. He
would love to undermine our national security by seeing Trump
elected. it seems that Putin refuses to acknowledge that the "Cold War"
is over. It seems that Putin is determined to "win" what is now
considered to be a period of history that is past us. Trump's
actions and words have created a "fifth column" that will reverberate
long after the 2016 election. Do not think that for a minute that
Putin will not work to exploit this . Trump is an idiot who is
a tool to be used by those who have their own interests in mind.
critical thinking skills is worse than Bush 43 . That in itself is
very disturbing for we can now see where that can lead to.
The admiration for Putin should not surprise anyone . People who bully others are attracted to others like themselves. Trump does not have the intelligence to realize that Putin is playing him and will eat his lunch. . Putin is KGB to the very core of his soul. He manipulates behind the scenes. He
would love to undermine our national security by seeing Trump
elected. it seems that Putin refuses to acknowledge that the "Cold War"
is over. It seems that Putin is determined to "win" what is now
considered to be a period of history that is past us. Trump's
actions and words have created a "fifth column" that will reverberate
long after the 2016 election. Do not think that for a minute that
Putin will not work to exploit this . Trump is an idiot who is
a tool to be used by those who have their own interests in mind.
23
Forgive me but this has everything to do with Trump's Eastern European wife. The Russian intelligence network have a detailed file on her that includes common behavior with beautiful women (in that part of the world) when she was a young women. Anyone familiar with urban women in the USSR twenty years ago understand exactly the sociology of beautiful women there and then. USSR intelligence services tagged and followed young beautiful women explicitly and comprehensively then and now.
8
One has to stand back from all of this on occasion and snort at the contortions we're putting ourselves through to "explain" the Trump "phenomenon."
What if this imbroglio can be factored down to the truth that Trump's IQ beyond the realm of flipping properties is negligible.
Yet, how sure can voters be that he's any good at even that?
It has been calculated that had he simply invested his inheritance in an indexed fund, he'd be further ahead financially than he appears to be. And I emphasize "appears" here because of a few key unknowns (e.g. no visibility to his tax returns, indebtedness, nature of his creditors, etc.) and one indication (losing close to a billion dollars in a single year!) that he's merely a foolish risk taker. It is on record that his projects often leverage other people's money - often the public's money through tax deferments and other sweetheart deals; and this last fact paired with his unseemly habit of bilking and cheating investors and business partners ... Oh dear me.
I'm finding it difficult to accept that someone at his station in life - born on third base and with every opportunity to expand his worldview - attained the age of 70 knowing so little about so much. What is it that monopolizes his mind that's left seemingly zero capacity for self-betterment?
My view of Trump is of a man who has honed the loudmouth conman shtick because the truth of the matter, at the font of his own grotesque insecurity, is that Don's a born dunce.
What if this imbroglio can be factored down to the truth that Trump's IQ beyond the realm of flipping properties is negligible.
Yet, how sure can voters be that he's any good at even that?
It has been calculated that had he simply invested his inheritance in an indexed fund, he'd be further ahead financially than he appears to be. And I emphasize "appears" here because of a few key unknowns (e.g. no visibility to his tax returns, indebtedness, nature of his creditors, etc.) and one indication (losing close to a billion dollars in a single year!) that he's merely a foolish risk taker. It is on record that his projects often leverage other people's money - often the public's money through tax deferments and other sweetheart deals; and this last fact paired with his unseemly habit of bilking and cheating investors and business partners ... Oh dear me.
I'm finding it difficult to accept that someone at his station in life - born on third base and with every opportunity to expand his worldview - attained the age of 70 knowing so little about so much. What is it that monopolizes his mind that's left seemingly zero capacity for self-betterment?
My view of Trump is of a man who has honed the loudmouth conman shtick because the truth of the matter, at the font of his own grotesque insecurity, is that Don's a born dunce.
25
With so many reasons to bash Trump, I have trouble singling out his position on Russia as one of the main ones.
Countries spy on each other, and the US has been doing it against allies and foes for a long time, but has perhaps been a lot more careful in using the information gathered.
This demonizing of Russia is deeply hypocritical. While they annexed Crimea in violation of international law, the consequences and human rights violations of the US intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan have been far worse. American allied forces surround Russia from almost all directions, how many Russian forces are permanently in the Americas? Which country seems like a bigger existential threat to the other? Can you really blame Russia for using their available tools to influence US voters?
The country that forced "regime change" in Iraq, that has supported dictators from Iraq itself, to Chile, to the Caribbean, to Africa has no place in getting outraged about this. Hillary Clinton is not much of a departure from interventionist policies and I think it is one of the very few legitimate points in which Trump can attack her.
While we continue under the cold war mentality of blaming Russia for every problem, and in Hillary's case using them to avoid answering uncomfortable questions that arise from the leaked emails, November will come and nobody has a clear idea of how either candidate intends to fix America's standing in the world
Countries spy on each other, and the US has been doing it against allies and foes for a long time, but has perhaps been a lot more careful in using the information gathered.
This demonizing of Russia is deeply hypocritical. While they annexed Crimea in violation of international law, the consequences and human rights violations of the US intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan have been far worse. American allied forces surround Russia from almost all directions, how many Russian forces are permanently in the Americas? Which country seems like a bigger existential threat to the other? Can you really blame Russia for using their available tools to influence US voters?
The country that forced "regime change" in Iraq, that has supported dictators from Iraq itself, to Chile, to the Caribbean, to Africa has no place in getting outraged about this. Hillary Clinton is not much of a departure from interventionist policies and I think it is one of the very few legitimate points in which Trump can attack her.
While we continue under the cold war mentality of blaming Russia for every problem, and in Hillary's case using them to avoid answering uncomfortable questions that arise from the leaked emails, November will come and nobody has a clear idea of how either candidate intends to fix America's standing in the world
15
Carlos: Yes, countries spy on one another, but you don't elect a president who is either anxious to cooperate with the foreign spies, or too naive to realize we are being spied on.
Much of what you say about the U.S. role in creating or exacerbating international problems is true, but they have been exposed by liberals here for many years. Check out Naomi Klein's book, "The Shock Doctrine". And most liberals were strenuously opposed to the invasion of Iraq.
Hillary Clinton is by far the most liberal candidate running for president in this election. Her vote for the Authorization for Use of Military Force was intended to force the Bush administration to exhaust all diplomatic avenues, and go to the UN prior to invasion. Her mistake was in trusting the Bush administration to actually follow the requirements of the AUMF.
I would also note, that prior to the rise of Trump, "conservatives" have been extremely anti-Russia. Now they are going to vote for Putin's poodle.
Much of what you say about the U.S. role in creating or exacerbating international problems is true, but they have been exposed by liberals here for many years. Check out Naomi Klein's book, "The Shock Doctrine". And most liberals were strenuously opposed to the invasion of Iraq.
Hillary Clinton is by far the most liberal candidate running for president in this election. Her vote for the Authorization for Use of Military Force was intended to force the Bush administration to exhaust all diplomatic avenues, and go to the UN prior to invasion. Her mistake was in trusting the Bush administration to actually follow the requirements of the AUMF.
I would also note, that prior to the rise of Trump, "conservatives" have been extremely anti-Russia. Now they are going to vote for Putin's poodle.
2
Amongst all the sound and fury over Trump's other reprehensible words and conduct, which while richly deserved, it has obscured proper examination of this issue. This thread needs to be fully teased out and explored, it is a fundamental concern to both Americans and its allies alike that a potential President is not beholden, unwittingly or not, to a foreign power, and in particular to one such as Russia who acts in adverse ways to America's interests across the globe. Please do more to cut through the maelstrom on this issue of vital importance.
25
Trump surrounded himself with advisers who are pro-Russian and have a great deal to gain if sanctions are lifted on Putin and his oligarch friends.
His daughter, Ivanka, vacationed with Wendy Deng (who is either dating Putin or one of his oligarch friends) during the campaign and made sure that the media got photos of them together.
Whether Trump is deeply in debt to the Russians or not; he certainly sees opportunity for significant financial gain; much greater than the relatively small cons (Trump U, Baja resort) he has been running lately.
He says he will have his children run his business if elected. That would allow him to use the office, as he used the campaign, for personal financial gain. And personal financial gain is what this has been about since the beginning.
His daughter, Ivanka, vacationed with Wendy Deng (who is either dating Putin or one of his oligarch friends) during the campaign and made sure that the media got photos of them together.
Whether Trump is deeply in debt to the Russians or not; he certainly sees opportunity for significant financial gain; much greater than the relatively small cons (Trump U, Baja resort) he has been running lately.
He says he will have his children run his business if elected. That would allow him to use the office, as he used the campaign, for personal financial gain. And personal financial gain is what this has been about since the beginning.
30
The idea of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin conspiring to hijack the American presidential election is something out of an airport potboiler, as straining credulity as the candidacy of a megalomaniac with no political experience. One only hopes that the plot will be foiled and that children for generations to come will burn bloated effigies of Donald Trump to commemorate his demise--the way Brits celebrate Guy Fawkes Day.
19
But why limit the options possible to Trump's being either manipulated or misled by Putin? People too easily ascribe an 'unwitting' or stooge-ish character to Trump's more shocking outrages, such as his alt-right/white supremacist tendencies, when in fact all evidence is that those positions and re-tweets are deeply meant on Trump's part. So too with Russia. Begin instead with the notion that Trump actually has an intentional, deeply held strategy here, as his protection of Russia has been one of the only consistent platforms of his campaign, even to his insisting that the Russia language on the RNC's official platform be omitted. Stop sidestepping the fact that Trump himself has a few very clear political stances that seem to be EXACTLY what he means. Maybe then the real threat he poses as a possible leader of this country can be properly assessed. It's not weird or bumbling or clumsy, as your silly graphic suggests: in the case of Russia [as with the white supremacist views] Trump both knows and means exactly what he has said. Believe it.
21
Years of political interactions between the parties have shown that Republicans have always been eager to paint Dems as near-traitors, sleeping with the enemy, fifth columnists, fellow travelers, etc., whenever Dems take a stand that involves criticism of the behavior of some of the country's institutions. Yet here we have a Republican nominee for president who has demonstrably questionable ties to Russia through his business dealings, his previous choice of campaign manger, his open admiration for a man who kills his enemies and steals his nation's wealth, and his traitorous willingness to encourage that dictator to meddle in its democratic election. Have any of the Republicans of any stripe, whether "establishment", tea party, or outsider, expressed any concern over this. They have not. So it seems to me that Republican concern over the betrayal of their country is limited to the ideology of those who do it, not to the act itself.
21
Can we expect the fundamental democracy inherent in the American constitution to thwart this Sociopath at every turn should he ever get anywhere near power. Forget Putin, Tax avoidance, misogyny, stupidity, learning difficulties, narcissism. The beauty of American democracy stops a lunatic dictator seizing power. Doesn't it?
10
We certainly hope so but it should never have advanced this far in the first place.
1
Neither should have. We have some very fundamental problems. It stems from really big money buying politics, distorting everything until we get weirdly bad candidates.
4
Trump's unusual bromance with Putin is easy to understand when viewed from his eyes. The Atlantic analyzed him this way, "Donald Trump has exhibited a trait profile that you would not expect of a U.S. president: sky-high extroversion combined with off-the-chart low agreeableness."
Now Putin from Psychology Today, "There can be little doubt that his brain has been neurologically and physically changed so much that he firmly and genuinely believes that without him, Russia is doomed. Absolute power for long periods makes you blind to risk, highly egocentric, narcissistic and utterly devoid of self-awareness. They also make you see other people as objects and the emotional-cognitive consequence of all this is…contempt."
Together, they are like two peas in a pod. Sexist. Racist. Homophobic. Xenophobic.
Now Putin from Psychology Today, "There can be little doubt that his brain has been neurologically and physically changed so much that he firmly and genuinely believes that without him, Russia is doomed. Absolute power for long periods makes you blind to risk, highly egocentric, narcissistic and utterly devoid of self-awareness. They also make you see other people as objects and the emotional-cognitive consequence of all this is…contempt."
Together, they are like two peas in a pod. Sexist. Racist. Homophobic. Xenophobic.
28
As liberal democracies in the West become more ethnically diverse, Russia remains a bastion of white racial homogeneity. And more up Trump’s alley, it remains a sanctuary of wholesome white pin-up girls and pageant contestants long after the Playboy “girl next door” has succumbed to sleazy, tattooed porn thanks to the sexual liberation movement. Wholesome, docile white girls with good family values, wholesome old-fashioned repressive religious values, wholesome respect for authoritarian autocrats like Putin—certainly all these things quintessentially Russian exert a strong nostalgic influence on a mind like Trump’s. Both he and Russia still live in an eighties where the “inner cities” of western democracy are convulsed with crime and dark-skinned people rule the streets.
15
Make America Great Again. Again - so according to Trump America was great at some time in the past unspecified, but isn't now. If he is referring to time when American exhibited power and wealth in the world it would seem to be from a time when Russia was considered a cold war enemy and the GOP labeled fought any Russian influence and labeled those they didn't like "commies".
But now what we have are Republicans embracing Russia, praising Putin, and calling those who warn about Russian intent and actions in the world alarmists and reactionaries. So if America is to return to the days of being great again will Republicans have to give up their praise and admiration for Russia and its strongman leader?
But now what we have are Republicans embracing Russia, praising Putin, and calling those who warn about Russian intent and actions in the world alarmists and reactionaries. So if America is to return to the days of being great again will Republicans have to give up their praise and admiration for Russia and its strongman leader?
8
Trump's son has stated that Trump has received significant financing from Russia. It may be Trump's indebtedness to Russian oligarchs, who are in the pocket of Putin, that explains his odd benign attitude toward Russia. He would have difficulty replacing this source of funds elsewhere given his record of repeated bankruptcies.
To understand Trump's actions, you generally need only to follow the money.
To understand Trump's actions, you generally need only to follow the money.
65
"It may be Trump's indebtedness to Russian oligarchs, who are in the pocket of Putin, that explains his odd benign attitude toward Russia."
I think it's Putin, who is in the pocket of those oligarchs, not the other way around. They're the ones who have made him a (likely) billionaire, and kept him in power. It won't matter though, as Trump is in all of their pockets.
I think it's Putin, who is in the pocket of those oligarchs, not the other way around. They're the ones who have made him a (likely) billionaire, and kept him in power. It won't matter though, as Trump is in all of their pockets.
1
When examining Trump's assaults on the truth, it is most useful to use the traditional legal investigative lens of 'Cui Bono?' - or, "For whose benefit?"
As fanciful and entertaining as the idea of Trump as a Putin stooge is, it is worth remembering that everything that Donald Trump does and says is for his own benefit, and no one else's.
Therefore, the logical progression of motive and action is that he has financial entanglements and/or debts in Russia that would be placed at risk by publicly acknowledging negative facts about the Russian regime, and therefore does not acknowledge their nefarious role in meddling in this election, nor will he ever acknowledge the extent to which his finances are enmeshed with Russian interests by releasing his tax returns.
His words and actions, on this topic and all others, serve only himself.
As fanciful and entertaining as the idea of Trump as a Putin stooge is, it is worth remembering that everything that Donald Trump does and says is for his own benefit, and no one else's.
Therefore, the logical progression of motive and action is that he has financial entanglements and/or debts in Russia that would be placed at risk by publicly acknowledging negative facts about the Russian regime, and therefore does not acknowledge their nefarious role in meddling in this election, nor will he ever acknowledge the extent to which his finances are enmeshed with Russian interests by releasing his tax returns.
His words and actions, on this topic and all others, serve only himself.
34
In the second debate, Trump said that self-funding his campaign was "an investment." What is he investing in, and what returns does he expect to get on that investment?
2
The last time we had a candidate with a checkered career in business and less than sketchy knowledge of the global scene we ended up with what is now pretty unanimously viewed as the most disastrous presidency in modern history. Regardless of whom Trump has established his shaky business record with (and it would seem undeniable now that it has been in part with Russian interests of various stripes to the tune of millions--info that's out there without even a glance needed at the tax returns), wouldn't it be wise for anyone besides his diehard base to admit the obvious: the man just has no presidential credentials, period. Ask Bill Clinton, who ushered in an economic boom, if he would have traded his years in politics for an M.B.A. while in office. Not on your life, I think he'd say. So--is Russia now a danger to world stability? No question. Does Donald Trump know anything about Russia? "No," says Donald. Hillary Clinton does and her idea is not to do friendly business with them, but to use measured but firm pressure to leverage a halt to Putin's reckless program, before it plunges more of the world into chaos. And this is just one of the crucial issues facing the next president that call for the practiced skills of statespersonship, not the oily maneuvers of a lifelong huckster. In the final analysis, Trump is lacking in just about every skill the presidency requires. That he manages to distract his base from this says a lot about what matters to them. What matters to you?
42
His supporters are not phased one bit by Trump's lies, self interest and total lack of any credible knowledge or skills to occupy the presidency of our great nation. In their support of such a clown as Trump, his supporters have demonstrated to the rest of the world that we are a nation of drunken idiots unable to think rationally about who will occupy the highest office in our nation and represent us to the rest of the world.
What's happen to America that we have sunk so low to consider someone like Donald Trump as even remotely qualified to act as president of the greatest nation in the free world?
What's happen to America that we have sunk so low to consider someone like Donald Trump as even remotely qualified to act as president of the greatest nation in the free world?
2
"The last time we had a candidate with a checkered career in business and less than sketchy knowledge of the global scene we ended up with what is now pretty unanimously viewed as the most disastrous presidency in modern history."
Even then, W's supporters didn't glean a clue from the fact that Bush named one of his (eventually failed, even after several bail-outs from his Saudi "cousins") most grand ventures "ArBUSTo".
Even then, W's supporters didn't glean a clue from the fact that Bush named one of his (eventually failed, even after several bail-outs from his Saudi "cousins") most grand ventures "ArBUSTo".
1
Just a small point of order. I'm all for using "person" in place of "man" in conjunctive words like "salesman". But c'mon. Statespersonship is just beyond the pale.
Trump has stated several times that he's been under audit for 15 years. Is it unreasonable to assume that he means 15 separate audits and not one single 15-year long audit. I don't think so. Therefore, his tax returns for 2014 and all previous years should have completed audits and should be released. It is unreasonable to expect a thinking public to take his word that he doesn't have financial ties to Russians, especially when the documentary evidence is available. It is reasonable to conclude he is not producing the documentary evidence because he does have something to hide. And there are his son's words confirming financial connections with Russians: “Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets,” Trump’s son, Donald Jr., told a real estate conference in 2008, according to an account posted on the website of eTurboNews, a trade publication. “We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.” When has Trump ever been known as a voice for world peace and altruism. There is every reason to suspect his position vis-a-vis Russia is self-serving and it is his duty to prove that is not the case.
84
The Trump fealty to Putin might seem far less ''puzzling'' if a full investigation into alleged links between this presidential candidate and Russian Mafia, mezzanine lenders with oligarch roots, and other Putin agents linked to Wikileak hacks and attempts to sabotage our American democratic process.
There is a reason that every intelligence expert (discounting the box of crackpots for hire trotted out by the right, who are mostly retired rejects and broken toys) with top security clearance have come publicly out strongly against Trump being let anywhere within 100 miles of the football or the biscuit to our nuclear triad, a phrase Trump only learned the meaning of recently during questioning from the press.
Calling Trump's public performances 'concerning' is humorous understatement carried to and extreme. They are investigation worthy on substantive bases just as his demands to jail the candidate running against him are deeply alarming as to his intentions, even more so, his fealty to Putin and Russian interests.
There is a reason that every intelligence expert (discounting the box of crackpots for hire trotted out by the right, who are mostly retired rejects and broken toys) with top security clearance have come publicly out strongly against Trump being let anywhere within 100 miles of the football or the biscuit to our nuclear triad, a phrase Trump only learned the meaning of recently during questioning from the press.
Calling Trump's public performances 'concerning' is humorous understatement carried to and extreme. They are investigation worthy on substantive bases just as his demands to jail the candidate running against him are deeply alarming as to his intentions, even more so, his fealty to Putin and Russian interests.
130
I wonder how Republicans would be reacting if President Obama had been raging on Twitter about being taken to task for bragging that he could sexually assault any woman of his choosing because he's 'a star?' And more than than that, imagine if Barack Obama was voicing such warmth and amity toward Vladamir Putin and Russia? What if he welcomed and encouraged their slaughter of neutral refugees in Aleppo instead of taking a stance against it? Then again, imagine if Barack Obama had run and said, 'my taxes, none of your business, I'm getting audited?' Hahahahah - This whole debacle has been the cruelest and most lucid indictment of white, racist, fascist supremacist fringe from the Steve Bannon right that any sadist could have ever devised. If there was any doubt that racism had made the Republican Party go completely insane after the popular reelection of the president they swore would only sever one term, this was it. It was served cold, on 2011 when Donald Trump sat and seethed at the Washington Correspondents Dinner while President Obama ribbed him as Navy Seals dispatched Osama Bin Laden.
1
"Weird" is too kind a word to describe Donald Trump's world. It distracts from the core of his campaign built on demagoguic falsehoods and conspiracy theories and ignores the appeals to isolationist populism and white nationalism.
Trump has used classic propaganda tactics attacking American leaders as weak and ineffective; he says the system is rigged and claims, in effect, to have revealed the corruption of American government and institutions. He says he alone can fix it.
I would challenge people to find a benevolent, loving, caring, uncorrupted authoritarian dictator interested in the people of their country. They do not exist because the power wielded is used for the enrichment of the leader and supporting elitist groups.
Donald Trump poses a threat to the foundations of American democracy, our influence in the world, and peaceful resolution. His world is not "weird" but dangerous.
Trump has used classic propaganda tactics attacking American leaders as weak and ineffective; he says the system is rigged and claims, in effect, to have revealed the corruption of American government and institutions. He says he alone can fix it.
I would challenge people to find a benevolent, loving, caring, uncorrupted authoritarian dictator interested in the people of their country. They do not exist because the power wielded is used for the enrichment of the leader and supporting elitist groups.
Donald Trump poses a threat to the foundations of American democracy, our influence in the world, and peaceful resolution. His world is not "weird" but dangerous.
64
At first we brushed Trump aside as a clownish con man; lately, we identify him as a man-child -- a 70 year old man still dealing with his puberty.
Now we see glimpses of a darker, more sinister Trump, a secretive man whose loyalties are in question. His lying to cover up Russian hacking is reminiscent of old Soviet disinformation propaganda. His look-you-in-the-eye denials of truth and facts are Russian leadership skills. His refusal to release his taxes may hide Russian financial connections. Trump may not be just defending Putin and Russia, he may be working on their behalf.
Now we see glimpses of a darker, more sinister Trump, a secretive man whose loyalties are in question. His lying to cover up Russian hacking is reminiscent of old Soviet disinformation propaganda. His look-you-in-the-eye denials of truth and facts are Russian leadership skills. His refusal to release his taxes may hide Russian financial connections. Trump may not be just defending Putin and Russia, he may be working on their behalf.
358
Instead of focusing on undocumented immigrants in our country, can we please focus on deporting Trump supporters? Back to Russia.
If our Republican controlled Congress has any Republican patriots left, perhaps they will hold a hearing on Trump's possible espionage; and direct the Justice Department to investigate, prosecute and incarcerate him for crimes against our country. Inviting foreign hacking of our government may not be a crime, but it certainly is not patriotic.
If our Republican controlled Congress has any Republican patriots left, perhaps they will hold a hearing on Trump's possible espionage; and direct the Justice Department to investigate, prosecute and incarcerate him for crimes against our country. Inviting foreign hacking of our government may not be a crime, but it certainly is not patriotic.
4
I agree, but look-you-in-the-eye denials of truth and facts is a skill well-honed and highly used by Republicans. Just look at their current gymnastics, or every time they invoke the free market or trickled down or that climate change/global warming is a hoax. We live in a lying culture (just look at professional sports, for example, or our banking industry, to see how everybody cheats until they get caught), and now it's every man, woman and child for themselves. It didn't used to be this way, and doesn't have to be. Very sad.
5
Or perhaps he just wants to remain friendly with a likely source of future wives... He seems enamored of Eastern European women, and poor Melania is already past Trump's stated 'expiration date' for wives.
4
It isn't really baffling at all. Trump's politics are coarse and base. He hews to rudimentary principles such as "an eye for an eye" and in this case, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend".
You see, Donald is waging war not merely with Democrats, but all Insiders, including those of his own party. Witness the declaration of war with Ryan, McCain and so many others. Who is the enemy of the Insiders? Russia of course -- as it should be. There is no position that could inflame the Insiders more than Trump supporting Putin -- so he does. When the Insiders wring their hands and raise their voices to object, his base ignites and Trump becomes their Eva Peron.
No intelligence briefing, no set of facts, no data of any kind is needed or necessary in this type of politics. Trump's positions are feckless and dangerous.
You see, Donald is waging war not merely with Democrats, but all Insiders, including those of his own party. Witness the declaration of war with Ryan, McCain and so many others. Who is the enemy of the Insiders? Russia of course -- as it should be. There is no position that could inflame the Insiders more than Trump supporting Putin -- so he does. When the Insiders wring their hands and raise their voices to object, his base ignites and Trump becomes their Eva Peron.
No intelligence briefing, no set of facts, no data of any kind is needed or necessary in this type of politics. Trump's positions are feckless and dangerous.
185
Trump may talk Outsider to appeal to his base, but he's been a privileged babe since birth. Only because he jumped into the presidential race with no knowledge of government could he be viewed as an Outsider. In his mind, he's the only Insider who matters.
7
Like Donald , Eva loved "the uneducated." But Trump needs to lose a lot of weight before you can compare him with Eva Peron. She was a 9 or a 10. He's maybe a 3 or a 2.
2
Trump and his weird world may have damaged the GOP yes but the biggest damage is that Trump has inflicted to our entire country, to our Republic and the democracy that has survived for more than 200 years, to the principles of respect for the adversary that have characterized most of the political activity during the entire life of our democracy, to the enlightening image our country has projected to all the other countries of the planet, to the perceptions of right and wrong that sustain the formation of our children, to the dreams of the younger generations. And the repairing of that extraordinary damage will required many years of hard work from good people of all sides of the political spectrum after the election is over. If any body should go to jail after the election that person, in my opinion, should be Donald J. Trump for betraying the United States of America.
303
The worst aspect of Trump's candidacy is that he has aroused and exposed the inner animosity that many people have for Hispanics, African- Americans and anyone who doesn't follow their twisted beliefs. A large segment of our society views 'Make America Great Again' as a signal to make America White again. At this moment of national division, such a mindset flies in the face of the direction that America is destined to follow. We need leaders who embrace a pragmatic form of pluralism comprised of compassion, empathy, accountability and responsibility. Trump's words and deeds are antithetical to that cause.
7
@Rudolph: "If any body should go to jail after the election that person, in my opinion, should be Donald J. Trump for betraying the United States of America."
If Mr. Trump can be proven to have broken the law, I would agree. There are several avenues where the legal system my be brought to bear on his freedom, including the trump University and rap lawsuits, and the Trump the likelihood that he knowingly broke the law via his Foundation's illegal contributions to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.
But this is America, and we don't just jail outr political enemies without due process (or in these cases, OVERdue process).
If Mr. Trump can be proven to have broken the law, I would agree. There are several avenues where the legal system my be brought to bear on his freedom, including the trump University and rap lawsuits, and the Trump the likelihood that he knowingly broke the law via his Foundation's illegal contributions to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.
But this is America, and we don't just jail outr political enemies without due process (or in these cases, OVERdue process).
6
This one I'm not putting on Trump. This one's on the Republican primary voters.
He should have been no more than a comedic sideshow who finished dead last in the race for the nomination. The only way the country will be disgraced is if he wins.
He should have been no more than a comedic sideshow who finished dead last in the race for the nomination. The only way the country will be disgraced is if he wins.
4
I do find this odd, but then nothing about that candidate makes any sense whatsoever, and never has, except as a signal that the GOP has completely imploded after spending eight years of holding its breath until it's blue in the face. Instead of defeating Obama.... it's destroyed itself!
I also find the groundswell of Russophobia in the media odd, as it doesn't make any sense, either; Russia could be behind such hacks, or it could be some fourteen-year-old in Prague spoofing IP addresses. I'm highly suspicious of the certainty of the public claims on this.
Russia is a modern European state, like all the others. If we are going to try to bully it into a corner the way we have done with Iran and continue to do with North Korea, what do we expect except ever-more-corrosive relationships, and stark reactions in response?! It's a stupid, stupid game and highly wasteful of a time and an opportunity -- which Russia has repeatedly offered to take, and then been swindled by our playing Lucy to their Linus -- to bring the world more peace, cooperation and coordination, instead of pushing us rapidly to the brink of nuclear war, which seems the current intent.
It's clear forces in the US government and media are looking for a new scapegoat, for some reason. Probably because Deutsche Bank and the EU are about to implode, and take big finance and big tech with them.
We're not buying the distraction tactics this time, though, sorry.
I also find the groundswell of Russophobia in the media odd, as it doesn't make any sense, either; Russia could be behind such hacks, or it could be some fourteen-year-old in Prague spoofing IP addresses. I'm highly suspicious of the certainty of the public claims on this.
Russia is a modern European state, like all the others. If we are going to try to bully it into a corner the way we have done with Iran and continue to do with North Korea, what do we expect except ever-more-corrosive relationships, and stark reactions in response?! It's a stupid, stupid game and highly wasteful of a time and an opportunity -- which Russia has repeatedly offered to take, and then been swindled by our playing Lucy to their Linus -- to bring the world more peace, cooperation and coordination, instead of pushing us rapidly to the brink of nuclear war, which seems the current intent.
It's clear forces in the US government and media are looking for a new scapegoat, for some reason. Probably because Deutsche Bank and the EU are about to implode, and take big finance and big tech with them.
We're not buying the distraction tactics this time, though, sorry.
8
It is not difficult to find Russia as a scapegoat, if one uses Ukraine, Syria and Crimea as the hunting ground.
Equating the Russian regime as a European state "like all others" and believing that the Putin dictatorship is a modern, functional European democracy is naive--unless one has an agenda other than the protection and promotion of liberal democracy.
Identifying a foreign adversary as meddling and manipulating the election is not a distraction. It is an aggressive act by a dictator seeking ways to weaken us using divide and conquer as a real and frighteningly effective strategy.
Equating the Russian regime as a European state "like all others" and believing that the Putin dictatorship is a modern, functional European democracy is naive--unless one has an agenda other than the protection and promotion of liberal democracy.
Identifying a foreign adversary as meddling and manipulating the election is not a distraction. It is an aggressive act by a dictator seeking ways to weaken us using divide and conquer as a real and frighteningly effective strategy.
8
I don't think the rest or Europe thinks of Russia as a modern European democratic state.
3
Mr. Trump's affinity for Russia seem bizarre and irrational given what information is known about his relationship with Russia. That logically leads to the inference that Trump's real motivation for such sycophancy is hidden from the public and is not something Mr. Trump is anxious to share with the American public.
That's a rather dark and forbidding place for us to be in, considering this horrendous individual can theoretically become the President of the United States of America.
Suffice it to say, whether his real reason for defending Russia (it's government in its present incarnation, really, not the nation as a whole) is because of hidden financial ties, hidden ideological or political reasons or because of simply being what Lenin called a "useful idiot", the lack of clarity and lack of transparency by Mr.Trump on this subject presents a potential danger to the national security of the United States.
This is reason enough to reject this idiotic man as fit for the presidency, let alone the myriad other reasons that have been expressed repeatedly here in this newspaper and other forums.
That's a rather dark and forbidding place for us to be in, considering this horrendous individual can theoretically become the President of the United States of America.
Suffice it to say, whether his real reason for defending Russia (it's government in its present incarnation, really, not the nation as a whole) is because of hidden financial ties, hidden ideological or political reasons or because of simply being what Lenin called a "useful idiot", the lack of clarity and lack of transparency by Mr.Trump on this subject presents a potential danger to the national security of the United States.
This is reason enough to reject this idiotic man as fit for the presidency, let alone the myriad other reasons that have been expressed repeatedly here in this newspaper and other forums.
12
TRUMP Is nothing if not superficial, supercilious and super silly too. During the debate, he had a limited set of concrete statements that were supposed to convince people to vote for him. Trump would mention an issue in a few words, then say that it was, Bad, very bad, very very bad. And then move on to the next concrete response. His thinking is limited to his personal, subjective evaluation of events and problems. Well folks, I gotta tell you that it's very very very bad and very very very dangerous if Trump gets elected. Because that will be the extent of his foreign policy. He'll say that situations are bad and express his dislike. No factual analysis. No strategic response. No objectivity. He acts blind, deaf and dumb, dumber, dumbest. I do think though that when Hillary stated that he was unfit to hold office, she was performing a great service to the nation, lest our country's future end up in the hands of a 70 year old spoiled brat with frontal lobe dementia and a short fuse. Trump's knowledge of both domestic and international affairs is profoundly deficient. It's hard enough to forge policy when careful analysis and thoughtful discussion is part of the process. But to abandon all sense of safety and reason to be subject to the whims of Trump, who is, in matters of government and global affairs an ignoramus. He was not able to recall any material in the secret briefings he has been receiving daily, to present it during the debate. He'll end the US!
247
Plant ideas and deny you said. Do actions and deny you did. Twist meaning and purpose when confronted. This is a typical KGB obfuscation and part of their typical long game approach to undermining other countries long in practice. All politics employ these methods but the Russian methods are particularly lawless and ruthless.
Trump has/had 5 Russian nationals connected to his campaign, Manafort being the only visible one. Add 2 eastern block wives, one of which was the Daughter of a communist party member, dozens of apartment buildings in south Queens, a well known Russain enclave. He employs the tactics of the Putin regime mentioned above and very Russian mafia bullying methods. He doesn't mention the Russian immigrants he and his late father long did business with.
Russian immigrants were long known to open businesses on the east coast for a year then sell them before paying the taxes, then go to another state and repeat. The Russian Mafia makes all other criminal organizations look like high school bullies. They are brutal in their undertakings and relentless in their energy at it.
Tell me what that performance by Trump on Sunday wasn't shades of all of their tactics?
He is a bully strongman, like Putin, and the Republicans have played so stupidly into the web of their methods he employs. A long cold brainwashing. The smart ones are leaving at last.
Trump has/had 5 Russian nationals connected to his campaign, Manafort being the only visible one. Add 2 eastern block wives, one of which was the Daughter of a communist party member, dozens of apartment buildings in south Queens, a well known Russain enclave. He employs the tactics of the Putin regime mentioned above and very Russian mafia bullying methods. He doesn't mention the Russian immigrants he and his late father long did business with.
Russian immigrants were long known to open businesses on the east coast for a year then sell them before paying the taxes, then go to another state and repeat. The Russian Mafia makes all other criminal organizations look like high school bullies. They are brutal in their undertakings and relentless in their energy at it.
Tell me what that performance by Trump on Sunday wasn't shades of all of their tactics?
He is a bully strongman, like Putin, and the Republicans have played so stupidly into the web of their methods he employs. A long cold brainwashing. The smart ones are leaving at last.
15
This article harkens back to my seventh-grade social studies class, which was taught by an experienced teacher who insisted that we acquire a firm grasp of world geography. It was during the 1970-71 school term and hence the Cold War era. In that class, we learned not only a nation's natural resources and geography, but also its government and trade policies.
The Soviet Union, with its vast geography and Communistic government, was seen as 'the enemy' and our Presidents, from Truman to George H.W. Bush, had the shared common sense of handling the often strained relationship with the Soviets with firmness coupled with some give and take and dialogs. Ronald Reagan may have had dark views of the Soviet Union, but his dialogs with Mikail Gorbachev constituted one of the highest points of his Presidency.
This article underscores a serious defect in Trump's geopolitical views. He is a poodle of Russia's dictatorial president, a stance that would have destroyed the presidencies of prior Cold War presidents. He is sympathetic to a Middle East dictator who is bent on mowing down his own people with the help of Russian forces.
Trump is not embracing a 'weird world'. He is embracing a wicked world of cruelty and crassness. He would fail my seventh grade world geography class, which stressed the importance of world trade and a firm knowledge of our world's nations, both friends and foes.
The Soviet Union, with its vast geography and Communistic government, was seen as 'the enemy' and our Presidents, from Truman to George H.W. Bush, had the shared common sense of handling the often strained relationship with the Soviets with firmness coupled with some give and take and dialogs. Ronald Reagan may have had dark views of the Soviet Union, but his dialogs with Mikail Gorbachev constituted one of the highest points of his Presidency.
This article underscores a serious defect in Trump's geopolitical views. He is a poodle of Russia's dictatorial president, a stance that would have destroyed the presidencies of prior Cold War presidents. He is sympathetic to a Middle East dictator who is bent on mowing down his own people with the help of Russian forces.
Trump is not embracing a 'weird world'. He is embracing a wicked world of cruelty and crassness. He would fail my seventh grade world geography class, which stressed the importance of world trade and a firm knowledge of our world's nations, both friends and foes.
258
I wish people would stop comparing Trump to dogs and pigs.
Dogs are loyal, honest, empathetic and brave.
Pigs are smart, friendly and possess just the right amount of skepticism. "A pig," Abe Lincoln once said admiringly, "won't believe anything he can't see."
Trump dumps people as soon as they no longer meet his needs, tells lies the way other people breathe, recognizes no emotions except his own and is cowardly, dumb, hostile and believes every conspiracy theory put in front of him. He is an animal in a category all his own.
Dogs are loyal, honest, empathetic and brave.
Pigs are smart, friendly and possess just the right amount of skepticism. "A pig," Abe Lincoln once said admiringly, "won't believe anything he can't see."
Trump dumps people as soon as they no longer meet his needs, tells lies the way other people breathe, recognizes no emotions except his own and is cowardly, dumb, hostile and believes every conspiracy theory put in front of him. He is an animal in a category all his own.
6
Trump's Russian connection has been increasingly profiled in recent months and there exists quite a bit of information leaving little doubt that he has had a decades-long interest in trying to develop projects in Russia and in wooing the Russian nouveau riche with prime Florida real estate before U.S. sanctions (which Trump has more or less declared open to possible lifting if he's in the White House) took away that goose. Sergei Millian, a Russian businessman who has had extensive dealings with Trump, has said, “The level of business amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars -- what he (Trump) received as a result of interaction with Russian businessmen" and that, having recently shown off a Trump donation card on Instagram, he hopes Trump will continue to pursue close ties between the U.S. and Russia. While Trump insists all of his business interests will be in a blind trust controlled by his children should he become president, how blind can it be when he already knows full well what's in it? Anyway, it seems at this point you'd have to be cutting the guy an awful lot of slack to not be at least a little suspicious of his repeated praise and defense of Putin and his casting doubt on bona fide evidence of Russian hacking, all now seen in the light of demonstrated, diverse business interests in Russia and with Russians. While none of this registers with Trump's base(ket), undecideds would be wise to give it careful consideration.
16
Donald Trump’s sniffing is evidence that his actions may be driven by a severe psychopathy. According to the psychoanalytic research extensively described in The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness by the late great psychologist Erich Fromm, sniffing is manifested in the behavior of malignant necrophilous narcissists. The sniffing trait arises from a necrophilous affinity for the smells of rot and death emanating from wherever. It appears to be unconscious, and driven involuntarily by deep narcissistic strivings towards absolute privilege and power. Indeed, Trump has amply demonstrated that he presents the entire spectrum of malignantly narcissistic traits, especially hoarding. Observant people can clearly see that there is nothing life affirming about him or his GrOPer brethren in their penchant for sinister mendacity, casual cruelty and thoughtless indifference. In that, he is a clear menace to civil society just as were his nefarious predecessors, such as Stalin, Hitler, Goering, Goebbels, Himmler, Mussolini, et al. These are the people my parents and grandparents fought against to preserve democracy, and now look where we are, with a certifiable psychopath who wants to be elected to the position of dictator, so first thing he wants to do is to put his opponent in prison. This is the sum of his policy, to take revenge on his political opponents. He is way too insane for prime time.
Clinton/Kaine + Straight Dem Ticket for a Sane Democracy.
Clinton/Kaine + Straight Dem Ticket for a Sane Democracy.
26
So the two most effective weapons against Trump in this campaign have proved to be anti-Russian hysteria and American prudery. This sorry spectacle would be funny if it didn't have heavy consequences for the fate of the rest of the world.
20
You left out Trump's own erratic and adolescent behavior, his penchant for making unrelenting racist, bigoted, xenophobic remarks that have put him at odds with civilized and decent humans across the planet and ignited a civil war in the very party that nominated him.
The only sorry spectacle and heavy consequences for the world would be if this pathetic wretch succeeds in becoming President. Otherwise, the world of responsible and informed citizens can breathe somewhat easier knowing rationality and human decency triumphed over insanity and pure evil.
The only sorry spectacle and heavy consequences for the world would be if this pathetic wretch succeeds in becoming President. Otherwise, the world of responsible and informed citizens can breathe somewhat easier knowing rationality and human decency triumphed over insanity and pure evil.
19
Hardly effective and downright damning, as the hangover from the behavior of Trump's critics will be suffered by our entire nation after he's left the stage.
The really sad thing is that as a nation the closest we've been to this tawdry debasing was an event that also involved a Clinton. No coincidence, unfortunately. Then prurient deeds were deemed off limits to the public. It was called the "Bubba Rule", of all things. Sex was something that was not to be subjected to public judgment. Fast forward to today. Now words versus acts are judged more harshly, and by the same people who once forgave repeated sexual transgressions against females.
What we didn't know is that the "Bubba Rule" only applied to liberals.
The really sad thing is that as a nation the closest we've been to this tawdry debasing was an event that also involved a Clinton. No coincidence, unfortunately. Then prurient deeds were deemed off limits to the public. It was called the "Bubba Rule", of all things. Sex was something that was not to be subjected to public judgment. Fast forward to today. Now words versus acts are judged more harshly, and by the same people who once forgave repeated sexual transgressions against females.
What we didn't know is that the "Bubba Rule" only applied to liberals.
4
There's nothing prudish about being repulsed by what he said on tape. At best those were the statements of a misogynist, but really they were the statements of a predator. He wasn't wasn't being hypothetical, he was talking about things that he had done, repeatedly.
And no, those aren't the most effective weapons against him. Everything about him is. And one needn't be either a war monger, or hysterical to see that Russia doesn't go about it's business with the welfare of the US at heart. The question is whether they are trustworthy and the evidence suggests not. You can acknowledge that and still think that the US has created many a quagmire and has many of messes of its own making to address. That's not hysterical; that's reality.
And no, those aren't the most effective weapons against him. Everything about him is. And one needn't be either a war monger, or hysterical to see that Russia doesn't go about it's business with the welfare of the US at heart. The question is whether they are trustworthy and the evidence suggests not. You can acknowledge that and still think that the US has created many a quagmire and has many of messes of its own making to address. That's not hysterical; that's reality.
10
This would seem to be a case for Richard Cheney's One Percent Rule, which if I remember correctly essentially states that in national security situations if there is even a one percent chance a threat might prove real we need to respond as if it is real and respond accordingly. This was the justification for pre-emptive strikes, covert actions against Iran, and and similar extreme measures to protect the United States.
In Donald Trump's embrace of Vladimir Putin and Russia in the end it does not matter whether he admires Putin for his use of power or has deep business or financial entanglements with Russia. He has demonstrated that his stance vis-a-vis a dangerous adversary is such that his election would be an overt national security threat. This is particularly true when one compares the continuing furor over Hillary Clinton's use of a private e-mail server (a stupid and arrogant choice for someone contemplating a campaign for president) which might have been hacked versus Trump's demonstrated and acknowledged servility to Russia. Trump's abusive behavior toward women, while underscoring he is unfit for public office, is not a national security threat; his stance in regard to Russia is. Richard Cheney should be taking the lead in denouncing Trump as a danger to the U.S. Trump does not need to be a paid agent to act like one. As a Republican I find it incomprehensible how the leaders of my party deplore his behavior with women but willingly accept his lack of patriotism.
In Donald Trump's embrace of Vladimir Putin and Russia in the end it does not matter whether he admires Putin for his use of power or has deep business or financial entanglements with Russia. He has demonstrated that his stance vis-a-vis a dangerous adversary is such that his election would be an overt national security threat. This is particularly true when one compares the continuing furor over Hillary Clinton's use of a private e-mail server (a stupid and arrogant choice for someone contemplating a campaign for president) which might have been hacked versus Trump's demonstrated and acknowledged servility to Russia. Trump's abusive behavior toward women, while underscoring he is unfit for public office, is not a national security threat; his stance in regard to Russia is. Richard Cheney should be taking the lead in denouncing Trump as a danger to the U.S. Trump does not need to be a paid agent to act like one. As a Republican I find it incomprehensible how the leaders of my party deplore his behavior with women but willingly accept his lack of patriotism.
186
A sad and disheartening editorial, Yogi's deja vu all over again; yes, McCarthyism with a vengeance. The Times's partiality to Clinton knows no bounds. I do not favor Trump OR Clinton, but argument by innuendo is disgusting. Because Trump seeks global accommodation, he is therefore an apologist for Russia, Putin's lap dog, etc. Clinton meanwhile is all confrontation, intervention, regime change, a war hark extraordinaire. And yet The Times ignores her record and her stated views. Read the transcript of the debater again, and the way she skillfully tries to lambaste Trump through guilt by association--just as the editorial does.
Welcome to 1950s McCarthyism. I'm deeply ashamed, as a Times reader for 65 years and more of your present scurrilous attacks, in the news columns as well as editorials. Does White House access mean that much to you?
Welcome to 1950s McCarthyism. I'm deeply ashamed, as a Times reader for 65 years and more of your present scurrilous attacks, in the news columns as well as editorials. Does White House access mean that much to you?
35
Even if you do not believe the Times' warning, why do you not listen to the published statements against Trump by many, many former CIA, NSA, Defense, and State Department officials, both Republican and Democrat, who eloquently describe the clear and present danger he poses to our national security? Has it escaped your notice that none of the living Presidents of either Party have endorsed Trump?
359
It's evident that Trump defends Putin, through praise, evasion, silence, or, as the editorial points out, dissembling about his knowledge of Russia. Is that his way of pursuing global accommodation? Perhaps: the realpolitik of dealing with strongmen in a non-moral way, and arguably a legitimate approach (not one I agree with, but even so). But that is not clear through his praise, evasion, silence, and dissembling, and to attach those arguments to his behavior is its own kind of innuendo. The fact is that he provides no reasoning or explanation for his behavior vis-a-vis Putin, and people are left to guess about his attitude to the question--and proofs--of political meddling by other countries.
9
Another false equivalence which has become the favored tactic of the anti-Hillary minions who support the Donald, regardless of how outrageously he twists the facts, denies he ever said what he is on record as saying and insults the intelligence of the American electorate. McCarthy was hardly a tool for the USSR but his ludicrous efforts to out the "commies" was the quintessential "argument by innuendo" which, as with Trump's antics, served to undermine our democracy by generating fear, hatred and division within our citizenry. Thank goodness Trump doesn't have, and will never have, the power that McCarthy had as chairman of the Senate Permanent Committee on Investigations. Trumpism will be consigned to the dustbin of history as was McCarthyism: "the practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proper regard for evidence as well as the practice of making unfair allegations or using unfair investigative techniques, especially in order to restrict dissent or political criticism." (for more on McCarthy see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_McCarthy).
Finally, as Joseph Welch said "Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency."
Finally, as Joseph Welch said "Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency."
30
Trump is superficial, needy, and grandiose. He so craves praise that he can latch onto Putin's faint praise repeating it endlessly. His superficiality means that he knows little about Russia and Putin. The guy "likes" and "respects" him; the guy is a strongman (something Trump sees in himself and greatly admires in others), which suggests to Trump a certain simpatico with Putin. Trump is also convinced that he has magical abilities to "deal with" everyone, including hardened dictators and come out on top. They will play him like a cheap fiddle, but he is too wrapped up in his own amazing-ness to understand that.
371
As to understanding Drumpf's motivations regarding Putin, we'll rely on the analysis of Mike Morrell, former acting CIA Director, who assesses the GOP nominee as Putin's unwitting agent:
http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/ex-cia-director-no-doubt-p...
It is also notable and lamentable that Drumpf's lack of a track record of any public service, and existence in the bubble world of a CEO heading up his own private fiefdoms, brings into serious question his regard for the freedoms inherent in our society, and the messiness of compromises required therein.
http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/ex-cia-director-no-doubt-p...
It is also notable and lamentable that Drumpf's lack of a track record of any public service, and existence in the bubble world of a CEO heading up his own private fiefdoms, brings into serious question his regard for the freedoms inherent in our society, and the messiness of compromises required therein.
259
Simply put, Putin is Drumpf's kind of leader - a strongman who takes what he wants, with little regard for ethics, justice, or the opinions of others.
Drumpf must also admire the sheer amount of wealth that Putin has apparently stolen from the Russian people.
And it is extremely likely that a rank amoralist like Drumpf has extensive ties among a nefarious Russian oligarchy.
Now that some of the Republican establishment is slowly regaining their dignity and senses, by cutting ties with this ignorant, authoritarian thug, the question remains: what is there to be done about his inflamed supporters? I'm getting the distinct impression that they have no plans to crawl back under their rocks or seek the mental care that they most urgently require.
Let the Drumpf movement be a warning to all that noxious rhetoric can debase minds and hearts.
Drumpf must also admire the sheer amount of wealth that Putin has apparently stolen from the Russian people.
And it is extremely likely that a rank amoralist like Drumpf has extensive ties among a nefarious Russian oligarchy.
Now that some of the Republican establishment is slowly regaining their dignity and senses, by cutting ties with this ignorant, authoritarian thug, the question remains: what is there to be done about his inflamed supporters? I'm getting the distinct impression that they have no plans to crawl back under their rocks or seek the mental care that they most urgently require.
Let the Drumpf movement be a warning to all that noxious rhetoric can debase minds and hearts.
427
You make make many excellent points. There is widespread belief that Putin could be the wealthiest person in Russia, with something like $42 Billion depending which sources you're reading. That's four times Trump's supposed wealth. Trump may want to emulate his hero by simply "taking" businesses he likes the look of. Maybe he'll release a self help book on how to be an oligarch called Mein Trumpf
5
Vladimir Putin is (unofficially, of course) the wealthiest person in the world with over $100 billion stashed around the globe. Since his presidential salary equates to less than $30,000 per annum, we are left to wonder how this all happened.
Trump knows how it all happened and he wants to do the same.
Trump knows how it all happened and he wants to do the same.
5
Trump's possible business interests in Russia may very well be a factor, but that may not be the source of Trump's support for Russia. Putin is a dictator and Trump admires the power that dictators wield. If Putin wants someone dead, they are dead. Putin imposes his will without regard to rules. That's what dictators do.
If I am correct, Trump has a complete disregard for democracy and our system of laws. Business often operates this way. A contract is merely an agreement of mutual obligations. The only way to enforce the agreement is by lawsuit. If one party cannot afford to sue, they are at the mercy of the other to fulfill their obligations honorably.
We have seen that many smaller contractors were stiffed by Trump. Basically, he operates his business by the rule of, "do whatever you can get away with." You sign a deal with Trump and he pays you a portion of what is owed, (or none at all). Why? Because he can get away with it. The victim is too small to challenge him in court.
This is dictatorial power in action. Trump is a dictator in his weird world. That's why he admires Putin.
If I am correct, Trump has a complete disregard for democracy and our system of laws. Business often operates this way. A contract is merely an agreement of mutual obligations. The only way to enforce the agreement is by lawsuit. If one party cannot afford to sue, they are at the mercy of the other to fulfill their obligations honorably.
We have seen that many smaller contractors were stiffed by Trump. Basically, he operates his business by the rule of, "do whatever you can get away with." You sign a deal with Trump and he pays you a portion of what is owed, (or none at all). Why? Because he can get away with it. The victim is too small to challenge him in court.
This is dictatorial power in action. Trump is a dictator in his weird world. That's why he admires Putin.
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If this election is doing anything, it is teaching us the power of authoritarians over certain personality types. Denial of facts and blind faith in clueless but charismatic charlatans such as Trump is clear as day to even the most simpleton critical thinkers among us.
And instead of pitchforks they have AK-47s and are itching to use them. This is truly scary stuff.
And instead of pitchforks they have AK-47s and are itching to use them. This is truly scary stuff.
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I like the editorial board's description of Trump as Putin's poodle. I have suspected in the past that he is responding to Putin as the alpha dog, and Trump as the submissive one, rolling over. His praise of Putin is too fawning and obsequious. Putin's poodle, indeed.
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"All of which raises unsettling questions about whether the Republican nominee for the most powerful job in the world is Mr. Putin’s poodle, stubbornly naïve, totally clueless or, as some have ominously suggested, protecting undisclosed business interests in Russia."
I'll take option #3, the business interests. As the election nears, and it becomes clearer that Trump will likely not be elected, the fact a candidate might have foreign entanglements (debt or investment opportunities) that would be seen on his taxes is deeply disturbing.
I hope that following this election, Congress (ideally brand new) can take up this topic of candidates being manipulated by foreign heads of state. Trump isn't necessary an anomaly: other Trumps, or even his kids, could launch political campaigns that have the backing of Russia or other states
One such option would be to require candidates to submit tax returns so that any dual loyalties could be exposed. I feel we may have dodged a huge bullet because of Trump's crude and outlandish behavior.
But there will always be another Trump: and he should serve as a warning for the future.
I'll take option #3, the business interests. As the election nears, and it becomes clearer that Trump will likely not be elected, the fact a candidate might have foreign entanglements (debt or investment opportunities) that would be seen on his taxes is deeply disturbing.
I hope that following this election, Congress (ideally brand new) can take up this topic of candidates being manipulated by foreign heads of state. Trump isn't necessary an anomaly: other Trumps, or even his kids, could launch political campaigns that have the backing of Russia or other states
One such option would be to require candidates to submit tax returns so that any dual loyalties could be exposed. I feel we may have dodged a huge bullet because of Trump's crude and outlandish behavior.
But there will always be another Trump: and he should serve as a warning for the future.
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Completely agree with you Christine. The other piece of the nefarious puzzle is the dark money going into campaigns - conceivably from foreign actors, states and even those wishing to launder money to buy influence and control.
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I absolutely agree that given Trump's candidacy it is imperative that some new disclosure/transparency laws be written to deal with anyone running for office, especially high offices. Having to submit tax returns for at least the past decade should be right at top. If the candidate has interests in any private businesses their records need to be released as well. In fact if you run for office you should have to sign a waiver allowing the IRS to release your actual returns automatically. Keep in mind throughout modern history it hasn't been much of an issue because every candidate released this information on their own. Trump is the first candidate who refuses because he is obviously hiding something. My bet is he's hiding something that is not outright dangerous (like ties to Russia) but something that is personally embarrassing like he doesn't make much money. But we wont' know until he releases them.
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Christine I agree with you. By the way, I've read that Trump's son Eric has political ambitions. That will be interesting.
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Maybe I missed it, but I remember no Trump claim on Sunday that Russia wasn’t trying to manipulate the U.S. presidential election. What I remember was a strong attack on Sec. Clinton’s illicit email activities and another on her judgment. President Obama has made it clear that his administration believes that Russia is the source of the hacked emails that have been made public, and that’s enough for me.
It may be that Trump believes he has better judgment than some in this administration because he remembers four years ago, when the truth about Benghazi was kept from the America people very close to THAT election, in order to avoid damaging the president’s prospects for re-election. It’s not as if anyone doubts who President Obama supports in this election, but many wonder how far he’s willing to go to express that support.
I don’t doubt that Putin seeks to use Trump for his ends. But that Trump seeks to use Putin for his is just as evident. There’s nothing “weird” about either attempt.
It may be that Trump believes he has better judgment than some in this administration because he remembers four years ago, when the truth about Benghazi was kept from the America people very close to THAT election, in order to avoid damaging the president’s prospects for re-election. It’s not as if anyone doubts who President Obama supports in this election, but many wonder how far he’s willing to go to express that support.
I don’t doubt that Putin seeks to use Trump for his ends. But that Trump seeks to use Putin for his is just as evident. There’s nothing “weird” about either attempt.
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You did miss it. As usual, Mr. Trump's tossed out the claim in a blizzard of barely connected words and phrases, but his meaning was clear to anyone paying attention.
"But I don't know Putin. But I notice, anytime anything wrong happens, they like to say the Russians are -- she doesn't know if it's the Russians doing the hacking. Maybe there is no hacking. But they always blame Russia."
"But I don't know Putin. But I notice, anytime anything wrong happens, they like to say the Russians are -- she doesn't know if it's the Russians doing the hacking. Maybe there is no hacking. But they always blame Russia."
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In response to Richard Luettgen: Of course Trump denied that Riussia was trying to influence the election, so therefore you must have missed it.
Also, that "Trump seeks to use Putin for his (ends) is just as evident" is not at all evident. Trump is neither clear nor consistent when he talks. Therefore, I find it highly doubtful he has a master strategy at work. He has demonstrated, over and over again, that he will say whatever seems to fit his needs in the moment. Therefore, questioning that there haas been hacking at all, and denying that Russia is behind it, even though he has been presented evidence to the contrary is not part of a strategy, it's just what popped into his head at that moment.
I believe that Trump, and his die-hard supporters, are living in a post-factual world, where factual evidence is not at all necessary for forming opinion and policy. Frightening.
Also, that "Trump seeks to use Putin for his (ends) is just as evident" is not at all evident. Trump is neither clear nor consistent when he talks. Therefore, I find it highly doubtful he has a master strategy at work. He has demonstrated, over and over again, that he will say whatever seems to fit his needs in the moment. Therefore, questioning that there haas been hacking at all, and denying that Russia is behind it, even though he has been presented evidence to the contrary is not part of a strategy, it's just what popped into his head at that moment.
I believe that Trump, and his die-hard supporters, are living in a post-factual world, where factual evidence is not at all necessary for forming opinion and policy. Frightening.
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Did you even read the article?
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