Trump is ignorant. He does not know history or anything else. He is unlike any candidate in our country's history. He has shown us already that he is pure venom, full of hate, crass, utterly graceless. He is so narcissistic and delusional that he is unable to see beyond his own false grandeur. Unfortunately for him, unlike Gore, he will lose with a landslide and there will not be any doubt of the outcome. He will disappear without a trace no matter how hard he kicks, rants and raves.
21
Trump will not only NOT be a good or graceful loser, he is constitutionally unable to admit he has ever lost at anything. He will rant about all of the external forces, from Paul Ryan to the "Clinton Conspiracy" to the International Financiers (an old dog whistle for an imagined Jewish control of the international banking community, ala The Protocols of the Elders of Zion).
What he does next is open to question. It is pretty clear that a significant portion of his base will accept the conspiracy/rigged election excuse and many will turn to violence to "recapture" their America from the evil "Internationalists." Whether this turns into an all-out insurgency & sees red states try to secede is an open question, but will not surprise me.
Of the approximately 300,000,000 firearms in private hands in this country, fully half are in the hands of only 3% of the population. That means that 10 million people own 150 million weapons, or an average of 15 firearms per person. Spree killings, accidents, barroom fights, suicides, gang killings, & other firearm deaths are tragic. But they're trivial compared to millions of outraged people fueled by hate, hoarding semi-automatic pistols and assault weapons, up to & including .50 cal Barretts, which can bring down an airliner landing at an airport or kill from a mile away.
Whether Trump becomes an enabler or leader of sedition or merely has lit the fuse, I foresee a lot of blood and death after the election. Welcome to our own Iraq.
What he does next is open to question. It is pretty clear that a significant portion of his base will accept the conspiracy/rigged election excuse and many will turn to violence to "recapture" their America from the evil "Internationalists." Whether this turns into an all-out insurgency & sees red states try to secede is an open question, but will not surprise me.
Of the approximately 300,000,000 firearms in private hands in this country, fully half are in the hands of only 3% of the population. That means that 10 million people own 150 million weapons, or an average of 15 firearms per person. Spree killings, accidents, barroom fights, suicides, gang killings, & other firearm deaths are tragic. But they're trivial compared to millions of outraged people fueled by hate, hoarding semi-automatic pistols and assault weapons, up to & including .50 cal Barretts, which can bring down an airliner landing at an airport or kill from a mile away.
Whether Trump becomes an enabler or leader of sedition or merely has lit the fuse, I foresee a lot of blood and death after the election. Welcome to our own Iraq.
19
Good thoughts and nice quotes, but the quotes are all from losers and we all know what Trump thinks about losers. Trump is the ultimate pyromaniac. He would rather set fire to the country than concede gracefully.
46
Thank you, Mr. Bruni, for the much needed history lesson. Your column is a warning shot across the bow to Trump's enablers, telling them that it's vital they get some control over their candidate for when he loses, even if it requires a dart tranquilizer rifle. Screaming that the election is rigged is shooting holes in the ship of state, and they would go down with it.
30
Trump has "trumped" the media every step of the way since he declared his candidacy. And, he has been doing that his entire adult life.
He thrives on the free media. Can you all please stop giving him what he wants?
He has now moved the conversation from possible sexual assault to election fraud and rigging. He did that intentionally, and the media is falling for it, on a 24/7 basis.
I've stopped listening. All I want is for early voting to start where I live so I can go wait in line and vote and then shut this all out until I have to accept the final election results.
He thrives on the free media. Can you all please stop giving him what he wants?
He has now moved the conversation from possible sexual assault to election fraud and rigging. He did that intentionally, and the media is falling for it, on a 24/7 basis.
I've stopped listening. All I want is for early voting to start where I live so I can go wait in line and vote and then shut this all out until I have to accept the final election results.
21
Sadly, Trump does not appear to read anything. He should read this column, but he's probably too busy preparing his lawyers to sue the New York Times for libeling his brand. He also has to start preparing the alt-right for the upcoming insurrection. Hey, there's just so much time in a day! One can't do everything.
24
Yes. Yes. Yes.
33
Mr. Bruni, thank you for not trying to sanitize Trump, as so many in the media are and have been doing for a long time now. It is the TV/CABLE outlets who are most culpable for excusing Trump's behavior/words, probably because each is trying to outdo its competitors for the highest rating and therefore a better bottom line. Long gone is any commitment by so many reporters to actually deliver factual news.
And thank you, Mr. Bruni, for focusing on admirable actions and words of respected Americans instead of repeating the steady flow of garbage coming from Trump.
And thank you, Mr. Bruni, for focusing on admirable actions and words of respected Americans instead of repeating the steady flow of garbage coming from Trump.
61
For New York Time, Lesson in Grace. This paper has no grace and doesn't report the truth to the American people. This paper has lost all credibility. Americans need to start peacefully start protesting in front of your offices. You have been trying to con the American people for decades now. You are a corrupt newspaper who is controlled by the global elite but your gig is up. Wikileaks leaked emails have finally revealed the truth which many Americans have known for decades now. Vote Trump!
Thank you, Frank Bruni. You have done your part. Perhaps Trump doesn't read such important pieces in the "failing" New York Times. He has a choice to make. He does not have a history of making good ones. If he needs to make a concession speech and rises to the occasion, he will set things right. If he cries "foul!" he will sink even lower and find out it's lonely at the bottom.
7
Frank,
You reminded us of the concession speeches by men who understood and lived the system that is the American republic.
Trump has no background in such experience. He sees life as winning, and if perchance he loses, he blames others because he has no backbone.
Ultimately, because Trump is only concerned with things Trump, he has no reason to go quietly away from the national stage. How could he? His ego has been stroked by rallies and electioneering efforts in the form of Fox channel softball "interviews."
I will be surprised if he has a well-scripted concession in his loss. At best, he'll offer a short sentence or two like he did when abandoning his birther movement.
But a few days later, Trump will gain energy and anger from being ignored as the country moves on. From early November to mid-January, his ire will be directed at the Republicans who did not support him. Then, once Hillary is sworn int, he will start his continued campaign against she ans her policies.
He is a sad, lonely man, who, if someone could introduce him to the New Testament's Luke 12:13-21, would completely reverse the core message that we are to USE things and LOVE people.
You reminded us of the concession speeches by men who understood and lived the system that is the American republic.
Trump has no background in such experience. He sees life as winning, and if perchance he loses, he blames others because he has no backbone.
Ultimately, because Trump is only concerned with things Trump, he has no reason to go quietly away from the national stage. How could he? His ego has been stroked by rallies and electioneering efforts in the form of Fox channel softball "interviews."
I will be surprised if he has a well-scripted concession in his loss. At best, he'll offer a short sentence or two like he did when abandoning his birther movement.
But a few days later, Trump will gain energy and anger from being ignored as the country moves on. From early November to mid-January, his ire will be directed at the Republicans who did not support him. Then, once Hillary is sworn int, he will start his continued campaign against she ans her policies.
He is a sad, lonely man, who, if someone could introduce him to the New Testament's Luke 12:13-21, would completely reverse the core message that we are to USE things and LOVE people.
7
Its interesting that trump brings up Philadelphia as an area where polls must be "watched". I had the occasion recently to visit the one location in the city where one applies for a concealed carry gun permit. I ended up having to go 3 times (once to apply but as I had forgotten my proof-of-citizenship passport, the second visit was with that document and the third to pick up the permit) and each time I was struck by the volume of people as well as the diversity of the people. It was everyone - young, middle-aged, old, black, white, Hispanic, Muslim, Asian - absolutely every cohort imaginable. That was uplifting in its universal appeal but also thought-provoking as it also meant that anyone in the city may be packing.
5
Nice headline, but Trump doesn't want to learn anything. There will be no " lessons in grace" for him. He doesn't read, he doesn't study and he doesn't care about history or democracy. He only cares about himself and winning.
22
I think the commenters I have read have it right. Trump will continue to weave conspiracy theories and rant about the election being rigged if he loses. I can't imagine him making a graceful concession speech.
16
Most revolutions are not fomented by people who want to go back to someplace or sometime in the past. Revolutions are forward bent. It is an insurrection that seeks to go backward and that is what T rump and his alt-wrong supporters propose.
I am so tired of the attention right wing spectacles seem to generate that I am hoping we might just be able to get this one over with, finally.
I can see T rump saying something seditious and I can see his klan, nazi alt-wrong people rising up, maybe on Cliven Bundy's ranch.
And then we can all watch them do their perp walks into the waiting vans of law and order.
And then maybe some sensible people will arise out of the republican ashes and we can have the conversation about how to make our Nation even better.
I am so tired of the attention right wing spectacles seem to generate that I am hoping we might just be able to get this one over with, finally.
I can see T rump saying something seditious and I can see his klan, nazi alt-wrong people rising up, maybe on Cliven Bundy's ranch.
And then we can all watch them do their perp walks into the waiting vans of law and order.
And then maybe some sensible people will arise out of the republican ashes and we can have the conversation about how to make our Nation even better.
17
Can we please just vote already and get it over with? I'm not going to make though another three weeks of this.
13
I pray that that it is Trump who has the opportunity to give a concession speech. He is a danger to the world. Please, people, take nothing for granted. Vote for Hillary and protect our future.
24
Ask yourself "What would Putin Want" and that will be how Trump will react if he is defeated. I guarantee it won't be graceful or statesman like.
6
Mr. Bruni, you speak of men of character, but Donald Trump does not fall into that category. Today, I'm less concerned about his concession rant than I am of his armed thugs intimidating voters at the polls. Mayors all over the country should order a police presence to maintain safety at the polls, and to turn away "open carry" trump supporters from "observing". This is the greatest threat to our election, not voter fraud, but intimidation.
31
Yes there is a great danger that Trump will not respect this country or our electoral process. The real question is whether other Republicans will follow his lead or finally condemn his outrageousness.
Paul Ryan and Mitch Mc Connell during the past 8 years have shown their intent to put party first over the needs of the country and this too a person has been what Republicans have done. Will the temptation by Republicans to try to delegitimize Hillary before she takes office bring down our electoral process and perhaps even the government? Well this is what republican have declared is their greatest goal. . .
Paul Ryan and Mitch Mc Connell during the past 8 years have shown their intent to put party first over the needs of the country and this too a person has been what Republicans have done. Will the temptation by Republicans to try to delegitimize Hillary before she takes office bring down our electoral process and perhaps even the government? Well this is what republican have declared is their greatest goal. . .
17
Don't bet on it, Mr. Bruni. Donald Trump has evinced not one smidgeon of graciousness throughout his entire campaign. What we saw and heard at this announcement in the lobby of Trump tower -- the toxic display of his racism, xenophobia, religious bigotry in hindsight appears to have been a moral and ethical high point. Who knew that we'd see a debate during which he scowls at his opponent, looks her in the eye and tells her that she has hatred in her heart, and that if given the opportunity, she'd be in jail. It was foul, it was bilious, it was mean and evil. It made me long for those Arcadian moments in Trump lobby.
18
It'd be terrific if Donald conceded his loss gracefully, and called upon Americans to join together, put past differences aside, and improve our nation together.
But we all know he won't do that. He has no self-control, no team spirit, no patriotism, no dignity, and he never has had these things. He's a fat 70 year old sexual assaulter, entirely wrapped up in himself, and he's going to try to burn the whole system down when he loses bigly. And yes, I use the word bigly to mock him.
So while it'd be nice for Trump to suddenly, miraculously change into a dignified and peaceful loser, it'd be foolish to think that will happen. We should prepare for him to try to raise an armed rebellion, and if that happens, we should be ready to defend our nation against the uprising of fascist, ignorant, bigoted followers of Trump.
In advance, I'd like to advise that no mercy be shown them, no attempts to capture them should be made. These are entirely people who will improve the world only by leaving it.
But we all know he won't do that. He has no self-control, no team spirit, no patriotism, no dignity, and he never has had these things. He's a fat 70 year old sexual assaulter, entirely wrapped up in himself, and he's going to try to burn the whole system down when he loses bigly. And yes, I use the word bigly to mock him.
So while it'd be nice for Trump to suddenly, miraculously change into a dignified and peaceful loser, it'd be foolish to think that will happen. We should prepare for him to try to raise an armed rebellion, and if that happens, we should be ready to defend our nation against the uprising of fascist, ignorant, bigoted followers of Trump.
In advance, I'd like to advise that no mercy be shown them, no attempts to capture them should be made. These are entirely people who will improve the world only by leaving it.
15
"Rising. Healing. Linking arms. Moving on. That’s what’s supposed to happen in the aftermath of even the bitterest elections. "
I assume that also applies in the event of the release of an e-mail in the next few weeks that results in a victory for Trump.
So we can call off the war with Russia that is being teed up, with the help of this newspaper.
Never Trump.
I assume that also applies in the event of the release of an e-mail in the next few weeks that results in a victory for Trump.
So we can call off the war with Russia that is being teed up, with the help of this newspaper.
Never Trump.
It's a given he's not going to concede. I also am in the camp he's looking to do a TV network that will make Faux News sound like bedtime stories. If so, more power to him, because that would become his only source of income as his wealth withers away. Every building with his name on it that he doesn't own will either not renew the name lease or drop it and dare him to take them to court. The name will have no redeeming value. It will be a detriment to businesses in the building. It will be synonymous with LOSER. A class action lawsuit by all that are leasing his name would be hilarious to see. Who wants to use his golf courses and hotels and be associated with him? Petitions will abound to hound companies and individuals not to use his properties or hotels or face consumer rejection. He will be the biggest Loser of all time. His kids support him, don't support their businesses either. It's a family game after all. In the end, the market will take care of the Trump family.
24
Wonderful column. Bravo Frank.
20
Trump doesn't need to be gracious since he might never have contemplated the presidency as his primarily goal but abusing the GOP like a Cuckoo's egg in launching the foundations of his own Trump party and media empire with RNC money. I guess not all GOP donors are foolish enough not contemplating this possibility...
10
I think his concession speech will depend on how he plans on making money off this campaign.
If he plans on staying in politics, to make money of course, and leading his "movement", then anything goes as wants to keep his supporters as fired up as possible.
If he is done with politics then his speech will be correct. Not gracious or country first, but the minimum necessary (and won't he get kudos for it). He'll want to protect his brand for future business needs.
Either way, I expect we will see many late night tweets that reflect his seething anger that he can't control in the early morning hours.
If he plans on staying in politics, to make money of course, and leading his "movement", then anything goes as wants to keep his supporters as fired up as possible.
If he is done with politics then his speech will be correct. Not gracious or country first, but the minimum necessary (and won't he get kudos for it). He'll want to protect his brand for future business needs.
Either way, I expect we will see many late night tweets that reflect his seething anger that he can't control in the early morning hours.
44
It boils down to limits, priorities and love of country. There is no evidence anywhere that Donald Trump loves American though he may "love" and call us all suckers that our laws allow him to step on people in every dimension--personally, socially, financially ("and get away with it"); and he knows nothing of limits and boundaries in how he chooses to do so.
3
Stephen Douglas reportedly held Abraham Lincoln's hat when he was sworn in; it would be a nice gesture if Trump would hold Hillary's purse.
Romney's words were indeed gracious, but we had to wait far too long to hear them because he engaged in wishful thinking and did not have a concession speech prepared. One hopes Trump does not emulate that aspect.
Romney's words were indeed gracious, but we had to wait far too long to hear them because he engaged in wishful thinking and did not have a concession speech prepared. One hopes Trump does not emulate that aspect.
1
Frank, all the politicians you describe had long careers in public service regardless of their personal backgrounds. Some were wounded war heroes. They had put their name on a ballot many times, winners and losers.
What makes you think that the clown from the gilded tower with a reality show that is used to get his way will behave the same way? Or that he even knows how to behave the same way? Or that he knows how to behave, period.
What makes you think that the clown from the gilded tower with a reality show that is used to get his way will behave the same way? Or that he even knows how to behave the same way? Or that he knows how to behave, period.
6
I've been worrying that Trump has no plans to go away after the election, but that he intends to continue to lead his followers in some fashion towards fracturing our democracy. I see other posters are concerned about the same thing. The best way to prevent this is for Trump to lose so decisively that he and his followers get the message.
6
Excellent piece, Mr. Bruni. The concession speeches given by those who lost their elections reveal that these were men who understand democracy, love their country and put that love of country before their own petty desires and narcissistic needs. I doubt that Trump understands any of that, just as I believe he was running for President for all the wrong reasons. Sadly, in his quest for power, he has dragged his supporters along with him, and they stand mired in the filthy, poisonous swamp of his slurs, lies, and loathing he surrounds himself with, and some of them will never leave his side. Sad for them, sad for the nation, but we will soldier on as we have for the past eight years.
2
"We can’t risk partisan bickering and political posturing. Our leaders have to reach across the aisle to do the people’s work. And we citizens also have to rise to the occasion." -- Mitt Romney
How well has that worked out?
How well has that worked out?
2
Al Gore would be embarrassed to whine like a child and to use such juvenile & paranoid language as "rigged". Al Gore, like most adults does not resort to excuses if things do not go their way.
The real difference between trump & Al Gore: Gore actually has a brain and he is an adult. He has dignity, self respect and good taste. All very obviously missing in trump.
In trump's jaded and gilded world, not only does he always come first, it is just all about him all of the time. He has never taken a "high road' and probably has no idea what that means. Or thinks it is for "losers".
(One reason McCain was so gracious: he was un-nerved by 9-11 and actually did not want to win. Most likely the reason he chose the incoherent and incredibly horrible choice for VP, Sarah Palin. With the choice of Palin I thought the Republicans could not go any lower. Unfortunately they have.)
The real difference between trump & Al Gore: Gore actually has a brain and he is an adult. He has dignity, self respect and good taste. All very obviously missing in trump.
In trump's jaded and gilded world, not only does he always come first, it is just all about him all of the time. He has never taken a "high road' and probably has no idea what that means. Or thinks it is for "losers".
(One reason McCain was so gracious: he was un-nerved by 9-11 and actually did not want to win. Most likely the reason he chose the incoherent and incredibly horrible choice for VP, Sarah Palin. With the choice of Palin I thought the Republicans could not go any lower. Unfortunately they have.)
3
I suspect Donald Trump views these past examples as portraying "losers" and not people who lost an election but won in terms of the larger picture by keeping their cool and showing grace and dignity in defeat. I don't believe Donald Trump is capable of following these examples, because he believes he can never be a "loser" and thus can never concede anything.
2
Donald Trump is used by clinical psychologists as the poster boy for Narcissistic Personality Disorder, NPD
http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2015/11/donald-trump-narcissism-therapists
Trump's well-characterized illness makes it impossible for him to accept defeat or blame. His mentor, the vicious attorney Roy Cohn, Joe McCarthy's attack dog also trained Trump to go for the throat of his opponents, and in this case it is the American people.
History is filled with violent dictators who suffered from NPD. There is nothing new here except the failure of the Republican leadership to warn their party members of Trump's instability and complete lack of fitness for office.
http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2015/11/donald-trump-narcissism-therapists
Trump's well-characterized illness makes it impossible for him to accept defeat or blame. His mentor, the vicious attorney Roy Cohn, Joe McCarthy's attack dog also trained Trump to go for the throat of his opponents, and in this case it is the American people.
History is filled with violent dictators who suffered from NPD. There is nothing new here except the failure of the Republican leadership to warn their party members of Trump's instability and complete lack of fitness for office.
12
Thank you, Frank Bruni, for quoting previous concession speeches and reminding us as a nation how it's supposed to be done. Based on what we've seen and heard for the past month, my expectations for any graceful concession speech from Donald J. Trump are negligible.
Trump did have a moment of politeness at the end of the second debate when he called Clinton a fighter who doesn't quit, when asked what he admired about his opponent. But he's reverted back to baseless accusations. At the rate he's devolving, is he going to encourage rioting and armed insurrection from his mob of supporters? This is no longer something to be dismissed, and it is beyond the pale.
Trump did have a moment of politeness at the end of the second debate when he called Clinton a fighter who doesn't quit, when asked what he admired about his opponent. But he's reverted back to baseless accusations. At the rate he's devolving, is he going to encourage rioting and armed insurrection from his mob of supporters? This is no longer something to be dismissed, and it is beyond the pale.
3
Thank you, Mr. Bruni, for this important history lesson. But let's not forget that although John McCain and Mitt Romney gave graceful concession speeches, their party members did not back them up and showed no grace and love of country. The GOP tried to undermine almost everything President Obama tried to accomplish except of course their support for the waging of wars. What does a graceful concession speech mean if the actions that follow are defiant and obstructionist to the very end with the refusal to consider the ninth Supreme Court Justice and with the nomination of a presidential candidate who who leads chants such as Lock Her Up?
9
If Trump took the time to read Al Gore's gracious 2000 concession speech, it would be wasted time. To have any chance to grasping the moral good of grace and forgiveness, he would do better to read about the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge.
On second thought, Naw!
Trump has no capacity for goodness. He is wholly unredeemable.
On second thought, Naw!
Trump has no capacity for goodness. He is wholly unredeemable.
6
I appreciate the perspective presented in the editorial. It reveals one of the unspoken truths of this country's elections that we have our differences, but in the end unite and move forward. The Republican Party with it's vindictive, anti- Obama words, deeds, actions and inactions have brought us to this point. I hope the election will bring an end to this hateful, fear-mongering, racist, misogynistic, anti-American,anti-African American, anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant, anti-Asian, anti-Mexican... rhetoric that has been undermining our country's greatness for at least the last eight years. Confirm Merrick Garland and get the government of the people, by the people and FOR the people back to work.
13
Trump has already shown how he is going to respond with his behavior after the first debate. He went on Twitter at 3 am and went on the attack, targeting the media, Alicia Machado, and Hillary Clinton. He continued to attack both on Twitter and via the media for the rest of the week.
Trump isn't going to go away quietly. He isn't in this for love of country, for him this is about power and control. When he loses he's going to lash out.
Hopefully Pence and the rest of the Republican party will be prepared to do damage control. Trump is going to ensure that things get ugly before they get better and Republican leadership is going to have to step up and shut him down so that we can move forward. Otherwise, cries of "it's rigged against me," will undermine our Democratic process.
Trump isn't going to go away quietly. He isn't in this for love of country, for him this is about power and control. When he loses he's going to lash out.
Hopefully Pence and the rest of the Republican party will be prepared to do damage control. Trump is going to ensure that things get ugly before they get better and Republican leadership is going to have to step up and shut him down so that we can move forward. Otherwise, cries of "it's rigged against me," will undermine our Democratic process.
2
It is a given that Mr. Trump will grow old grumbling that he was robbed of the presidency and that the election was rigged. Mr. Trump and his supporters (pathetic Rudi and Chris) have had an angry and wrong vision for this country from the get go. November 9, 2016 is going to be "Liberated from Trump Day". Get out your fireworks, fly your flag proudly and exclaim, "Hooray for America! The people have spoken."
10
If Mr. Trump concedes, and that is a very big if, I predict he will talk about how many votes he got; how big and raucous his rallies were; how many people he defeated for the nomination; and how his campaign broke so many rules and traditions. Then he will narrate an infomercial, probably about his D.C. Hotel and his planned media outlet. Let us all pray that he stops there!
6
TRUMP Has been infantile and abusive on all fronts, escalating as the days go by until the election. There is an important diversion, however, in the request that he made of those present at a rally in Panama City, Florida, where he asked for their votes on 11/28. If Donald could be persuaded to continue asking for votes on 11/28, that would solve the problem.
Seriously, I think that his campaign team must write out a concession speech and demand that, for the good of the nation, he must be required to make a gracious concession and wish the president-elect and the nation the best of luck. Otherwise, I'd expect his team, as a matter of patriotic duty, to hogtie and muzzle him in a closet somewhere, then make a public announcement that he is indisposed. I also think that the Secret Service detail that follows him around will have access to everything he does, including a concession speech. I think that a signal from his security detail to the White House would bring a response from someone very high up, flattering him into making a gracious concession speech. Then he can waddle of stage and quack his way into the Trump Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue in DC, where he can enjoy the view while he's sitting, thankful that he didn't have to be bothered with the pressures of the presidency for a measly $400,000 salary per year. He can return to his penurious life as a billionaire. Trump's peaceful concession speech is a matter of top importance in maintaining US security.
Seriously, I think that his campaign team must write out a concession speech and demand that, for the good of the nation, he must be required to make a gracious concession and wish the president-elect and the nation the best of luck. Otherwise, I'd expect his team, as a matter of patriotic duty, to hogtie and muzzle him in a closet somewhere, then make a public announcement that he is indisposed. I also think that the Secret Service detail that follows him around will have access to everything he does, including a concession speech. I think that a signal from his security detail to the White House would bring a response from someone very high up, flattering him into making a gracious concession speech. Then he can waddle of stage and quack his way into the Trump Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue in DC, where he can enjoy the view while he's sitting, thankful that he didn't have to be bothered with the pressures of the presidency for a measly $400,000 salary per year. He can return to his penurious life as a billionaire. Trump's peaceful concession speech is a matter of top importance in maintaining US security.
6
I'm willing to put down money that Trump says "crooked Hillary", "rigged system" and "stolen election". Any takers?
7
Trump will not win but hopefully he can land some good shots at Hillary & Bill. No one deserves it more.
2
Donald Trump is the harbinger of at least the next two elections. Republican losses in Congress will be among the few ‘moderates’ in those chambers. The Freedom Caucus will rule the party and continue preventing action. Paul Ryan may very well decide that he has no path to the presidency and so take his fat pension to the beach.
Pray for three things. One, the Democrats take the Senate which puts the Supreme Court in their hands. It represents the last hope of moderates and liberals of all stripes for some immediate control of the government.
Two, hope that President Clinton develops some social graces to minimize the antagonism she instigates among white folk.
Three, there is a census coming up that requires some serious action from Democrats so that they can compete in all states.
Pray for three things. One, the Democrats take the Senate which puts the Supreme Court in their hands. It represents the last hope of moderates and liberals of all stripes for some immediate control of the government.
Two, hope that President Clinton develops some social graces to minimize the antagonism she instigates among white folk.
Three, there is a census coming up that requires some serious action from Democrats so that they can compete in all states.
4
Trump has turned our politics into a professional wrestling spectacle, complete with grunting and groaning, howling crazy people rooting for good and evil, eye gouging, knees to the groin and dubious morality. Trump will not be either a graceful victor of a dignified loser. There will always be a follow on grudge match more horrible than the last.
2
Donald Trump is utterly incapable of putting this country before his own wounded ego. We should expect to see any grace from him as his current behavior is an indication of his character.
1
I find the words quoted here not only gracious but soaring in the collective wish for a united country getting past the rancor of the campaign rhetoric. My one comment is that it is too bad the Senate and House members who decided to thwart President Obama did not listen to the words of the nominees who headed their party. That is why I do not think that if Hilary Clinton is elected, neither supporters of Trump nor members of the legislature will take the good (and will) of the country into account and respond accordingly.
66
Trump is unlikely to be a good loser. However, Clinton will have the opportunity to be magnanimous in victory, which will be even more important. And it is possible, just possible, that the Republicans in Congress, as the majority or as the minority, will step back from being the party of "No!" to being a loyal opposition willing to share in governance and make reasonable compromises to move forward on all of the important issues. I am not a starry-eyed optimist to consider this possibility; it would be in the Republicans self-interest as a party to do this rather than travel further towards Trump's version of fascism.
13
"... it would be in the Republicans' self-interest as a party to do this rather than travel further towards Trump's version of fascism."
Yes and no. I think the Republican establishment has decided that it would be in the party's interest for Clinton to win, and for the party to then oppose her at every turn like it did with President Obama. Why?
1. They will be more likely to avoid being labeled as the "party of Trump" if he's not the president.
2. They will be much more likely to gain seats in the 2018 midterms (esp. in the Senate, where the Democrats face a nightmare map) under President Clinton than they would under President Trump.
3. If a recession hits between now and 2020 (which U.S. economic history strongly suggests will happen), then President Clinton will be more likely to suffer for it politically than the Republicans in Congress, even though they will undoubtedly block whatever economic stimulus measures she proposes to address a recession.
Yes and no. I think the Republican establishment has decided that it would be in the party's interest for Clinton to win, and for the party to then oppose her at every turn like it did with President Obama. Why?
1. They will be more likely to avoid being labeled as the "party of Trump" if he's not the president.
2. They will be much more likely to gain seats in the 2018 midterms (esp. in the Senate, where the Democrats face a nightmare map) under President Clinton than they would under President Trump.
3. If a recession hits between now and 2020 (which U.S. economic history strongly suggests will happen), then President Clinton will be more likely to suffer for it politically than the Republicans in Congress, even though they will undoubtedly block whatever economic stimulus measures she proposes to address a recession.
Haven't you noticed? The King Predator and Con Don doesn't care about grace. He will continue his horrible, selfish behavior until the day he dies. The media needs to starve him of the attention he craves. No stories after the election please. We have had more than enough.
20
You really think there will be a concession speech? I predict a concession tweet, that could be paraphrased as 'Burn it down.'
12
As someone said in a recent comment on a story about Trump ranting at Saturday Night Live for daring to satirize him:
"If he were any more thin skinned, they'd have to carry him around in a bucket."
Maybe Ivanka can deliver the concession speech for him, ending with a promise that when she runs against Chelsea Clinton in 20 years for the presidency, the political discourse will be much more uplifting, "like one of the best bras from my clothing line -- available now at Nordstrom's and other fine retailers."
"If he were any more thin skinned, they'd have to carry him around in a bucket."
Maybe Ivanka can deliver the concession speech for him, ending with a promise that when she runs against Chelsea Clinton in 20 years for the presidency, the political discourse will be much more uplifting, "like one of the best bras from my clothing line -- available now at Nordstrom's and other fine retailers."
9
Thank you
6
Unfortunately, I'm sure the reports that Trump is already planning a Trump TV network and a shadow government are accurate. He'll lose the election, but will not go away quietly. He'll continue to stalk us like he did Hilary Clinton in the last debate.
16
Mr. Bruni, your lessons in grace, while eloquent and enlightening, are likely to fall on deaf ears. Mr. Trump does not read much by his own admission. Hopefully, one of his close advisors might fill him in?
5
If Trump's friend and role model, Vladimir Putin doesn't succeed in hacking the election, don't expect any of the "very best words" that Trump thinks he "has" in a concession speech.
Son in law Jared is said to be exploring a "Trump TV" channel. I guess it will be run by Ailes and Bannon, for those who find Faux News too accomodating to the left.
Son in law Jared is said to be exploring a "Trump TV" channel. I guess it will be run by Ailes and Bannon, for those who find Faux News too accomodating to the left.
9
In GRACE towards all people of our one-land-under-God care about the people in our own community and across the land and in the communities of God’s green Earth. Thus came to mind and heart at close of worship at Sunday Mass when we joined together in hymn of “This is My Song” --- I wonder if Donald Trump could join in and grasp any meaning:
This is my song, oh God of all the nations,
a song of peace for lands afar and mine.
This is my home, the country where my heart is;
here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine;
but other hearts in other lands are beating
with hopes and dreams as true and high as mine
My country’s skies are bluer than the ocean,
and sunlight beams on clover leaf and pine.
But other lands have sunlight too and clover,
and skies are everywhere as blue as mine.
This is my song, oh God of all the nations;
a song of peace for their land and for mine.
https://youtu.be/P1Vs08RkP-M
This is my song, oh God of all the nations,
a song of peace for lands afar and mine.
This is my home, the country where my heart is;
here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine;
but other hearts in other lands are beating
with hopes and dreams as true and high as mine
My country’s skies are bluer than the ocean,
and sunlight beams on clover leaf and pine.
But other lands have sunlight too and clover,
and skies are everywhere as blue as mine.
This is my song, oh God of all the nations;
a song of peace for their land and for mine.
https://youtu.be/P1Vs08RkP-M
5
Sometimes the sanest reaction to an insane situation....is Insanity.
To understand the mind of Donald Trump, one must, I believe, understand
the traits of a Psychopathic Personality. It is so rare that we could be subjected to a totally Public presence and display of such a state of being.
His belief must be seen that he is the embodiment of pure Omnipotence. His Gift can, indeed, be a Curse. He says he is finally "Unshackled". Timothy Egan called him "Unhinged". We can fear that he is "Unleashed".
To understand the mind of Donald Trump, one must, I believe, understand
the traits of a Psychopathic Personality. It is so rare that we could be subjected to a totally Public presence and display of such a state of being.
His belief must be seen that he is the embodiment of pure Omnipotence. His Gift can, indeed, be a Curse. He says he is finally "Unshackled". Timothy Egan called him "Unhinged". We can fear that he is "Unleashed".
4
And hopefully -- undone.
3
“Rising. Healing. Linking arms. Moving on” – ha! This is the kind of puff piece I would expect from David Brooks. There isn’t, and never has been, anything “graceful” about American politics. Ask the DNC when they tried to sabotage the Sanders campaign if they had “grace” in mind. As the DNC knows, at the end of the day there are only two types in American politics: winners and losers. Or as Vince Lombardi said about another winner-take-all American institution – winning isn’t everything: it’s the only thing. And the real losers here will be the American people, the 99%. These are the people who after the election will have to continue to look for jobs, or work two jobs; who will have to struggle to pay back student loans and medical bills, or try to not catch a stray bullet, and who won’t have any tax loopholes to take advantage of. However, the candidates who lose will go back to their high-paid jobs as lawyers or lobbyists or whatever it is they do. And Trump? He will go back to being a millionaire. Who cares…because the rest of us will be left holding the bag, the carnage from political lies and deception – the wars, the ruined economy. Any words of advice concerning grace under fire for “the rest of us” Mr. Bruni?
Here is a more likely scenario. Mr. Trump upon losing both the popular vote and the electoral college will announce that the outcome was "rigged". He will then go on to say something like - well, some people are saying we should take matters into our own hands. Some people are saying that we should fight the outcome of this dishonest election in the streets, Lots of people are saying these things. I don't know.
The more interesting aspect of all this is what happens then.
The more interesting aspect of all this is what happens then.
8
Beautifully written compilation of eloquent words by REAL leaders.
If only Trump were capable of paying attention long enough to read this, it just might sink in how a bona fide statesman behaves. Sadly, he will never read it, nor would he care. His blatant contempt of all things gracious won't change even when the majority of America repudiate his toxic rhetoric.
If only Trump were capable of paying attention long enough to read this, it just might sink in how a bona fide statesman behaves. Sadly, he will never read it, nor would he care. His blatant contempt of all things gracious won't change even when the majority of America repudiate his toxic rhetoric.
11
There are statesmen\women that put their countries first.
Al Gore was a statesmen. He won more votes but still conceded for the good of the country.
Mr Trump is ripping America apart and laying the seeds for bloodshed. He will concede nothing and we are far worse off for it.
Al Gore was a statesmen. He won more votes but still conceded for the good of the country.
Mr Trump is ripping America apart and laying the seeds for bloodshed. He will concede nothing and we are far worse off for it.
14
What a shame the supreme court elected shrub2. The world would be quite different, and much better, if Gore had become president. I doubt if trump will be gracious in defeat.
9
I think that Trump, and more importantly, the low-lifes who surround him and feed him those words that have more than one syllable, have no grace. They have aligned themselves with him for racist and anti-Semitic reasons. If they fail in their mission, it will come with a concession speech like no other, one in which the GOP candidates blames anyone except himself for the loss. A speech which will be as clear as mud and will blame everyone around the world, including dark international money and media forces [read, the Jews] for his loss. Those who write trumps speeches will not allow him to say that he did anything wrong or that the country should unite; that is not in their best interest.
If trump was running for president to improve things - - anything - - he would have said so. Trump is running for his ego and for him alone. Those around him are blinded by that fact and cannot see that American democracy rests in the balance and that he should be concerned about the good of the country, not trump the man.
If trump was running for president to improve things - - anything - - he would have said so. Trump is running for his ego and for him alone. Those around him are blinded by that fact and cannot see that American democracy rests in the balance and that he should be concerned about the good of the country, not trump the man.
11
Rush Limbaugh and company have as part of their deplorable shtick taken the nobility of GHW Bush, McCain, Romney's concession speeches and made them an object of ridicule. Portrayed by their ilk as proof that losers give concession speeches that uphold imperatives of Democracy and it's peaceful transition. Like everything else that they condemn they never provide what the alternative is that they promote except through innuendo. They promote Trump now and they have their alternative in the flesh. A person who recognizes no rules and certainly no nobility.
4
I doubt that Mr. Trump will concede defeat, assuming Ms. Clinton wins the election. I do believe, though, in light of Mr. Trump's allegations that the outcome of the election is rigged, that he is either a psychotic or an insurrectionist. If he truly believes the outcome is rigged, he is clearly delusional. If he is merely making the allegation in order to stir up his supporters against the outcome, then he is an insurrectionist. Either way, if somebody is voting for Trump, they are voting for a psychotic or an insurrectionist. Are they aware of this?
9
It would be fitting, if Trump loses, not to put his concession speech on the front page, to sell newspapers, but to simply say that, surrounded by supporters, he conceded, and, if necessary, give a hyperlink, but not fan the flames of whatever incendiary comments he may make. When the election is done, the media has no obligation to cover his every burp and belch.
10
There will be no concession speech on the night of November 8, or at any other time. Trump will proclaim that the election was stolen and will initiate a multi-front campaign to "prove" it. His five-year birther campaign gives us just a hint of what this campaign will look like.
Trump will forego no ally to his cause, from the Alt Right and David Duke to Vladimir Putin and WikiLeaks. Consider what that alliance will be capable of.
Trump's defeat on November 8 is not by any means the end of his destructive story. What comes next is going to be demagogic, sinister, violent, and deeply damaging to our country and our democratic institutions.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
Trump will forego no ally to his cause, from the Alt Right and David Duke to Vladimir Putin and WikiLeaks. Consider what that alliance will be capable of.
Trump's defeat on November 8 is not by any means the end of his destructive story. What comes next is going to be demagogic, sinister, violent, and deeply damaging to our country and our democratic institutions.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
93
Trump may not listen to his political advisors, but he most certainly will look at the bottom line of his businesses. Many analysts say his businesses are suffering now because of his offensive statements and behavior. He loves money as much as himself (in his mind there may be no difference). He will crave the spotlight, he will remain a braggart and blowhard, he will offer commentary to Howard Stern about women and politics, but fewer people will be listening or following his lead.
6
Trump has broken the mold, and not in a good way, on just about every expectation we have for a Presidential nominee, why would he disappoint us now by showing something he doesn't have: caring for the American people.
He started in politics under a divisive issue, the "Birther" movement, and he will be dragged off the stage kicking and screaming that the election has been rigged and we are witnessing the end of Democracy in America. He will live Tweet the election with constant reports from his "poll inspectors" that alot of latinos look like they're voting twice.
For a brief moment or even 2, depending on the states being counted, it may appear as if Donald is in the lead, and he will immediately Tweet that he never thought this day would come, he is finally getting his chance to Make America Great Again. He'll then call on Hillary to concede for the good of the people.
Until the major cities start coming in and it quickly becomes apparent Trump has not only lost, but lost "very, very, very biggly." Afterwards he will take the stage somewhere and make a speech. My prediction is he won't take that opportunity to rile the base up into a froth, but he won't be gracious either. He'll announce he will "personally look into" the election results and make sure everything was on the up and up, and if he finds any evidence of wrongdoing he will be going through the courts to have the election overturned.
He started in politics under a divisive issue, the "Birther" movement, and he will be dragged off the stage kicking and screaming that the election has been rigged and we are witnessing the end of Democracy in America. He will live Tweet the election with constant reports from his "poll inspectors" that alot of latinos look like they're voting twice.
For a brief moment or even 2, depending on the states being counted, it may appear as if Donald is in the lead, and he will immediately Tweet that he never thought this day would come, he is finally getting his chance to Make America Great Again. He'll then call on Hillary to concede for the good of the people.
Until the major cities start coming in and it quickly becomes apparent Trump has not only lost, but lost "very, very, very biggly." Afterwards he will take the stage somewhere and make a speech. My prediction is he won't take that opportunity to rile the base up into a froth, but he won't be gracious either. He'll announce he will "personally look into" the election results and make sure everything was on the up and up, and if he finds any evidence of wrongdoing he will be going through the courts to have the election overturned.
4
I am becoming more and more distressed by the election campaign rhetoric. Frank, your column says something incredibly important to me. For me I fear not for just the election but for the aftermath, and I’ve certainly become aware of how fragile even the institutions we value might be in the face of our nation’s many conflicts (buried in so many cases). How do we work together for “the common good”? These statements, for me, give some idea of what I would hope for.
I have sent this to friends, colleagues, and family in hopes that some civil conversations might take place even though I know time and energy are limited for all. As difficult as it might be, I hope others are able to talk, and listen, with friends and family about these too.
I have sent this to friends, colleagues, and family in hopes that some civil conversations might take place even though I know time and energy are limited for all. As difficult as it might be, I hope others are able to talk, and listen, with friends and family about these too.
6
Many of those welcome concession-speech comments include the word "we." There is no "we" in The Donald's dictionary.
18
Long before this election started, I had an impression of Mr. Trump that was formed by what I had seen of him on TV and in the papers. That impression was not a good one. When he ran for office, I said "Perhaps I'm wrong, and the things I have seen of him were all for show. Maybe he's actually a mature adult, who is just very good at creating a media personality that has worked for him".
From what I have seen over the last few months, I am convinced that my initial impression of him was correct. He really never grew up. Now, the most likely outcome is that he's going to lose this election (sigh of relief) and he'll have one more chance to act as an adult. Please Mr. Trump, surprise me and prove me wrong.
From what I have seen over the last few months, I am convinced that my initial impression of him was correct. He really never grew up. Now, the most likely outcome is that he's going to lose this election (sigh of relief) and he'll have one more chance to act as an adult. Please Mr. Trump, surprise me and prove me wrong.
5
And after McCains and Romneys concession speeches, what the heck happened. The party basically ignored them, digging in and refusing to govern in partnership with the president. And here they are today. You rep what you sow.
19
I do not believe Donald Trump is capable of rising to the level of a pro US graceful concession speech. It's his lack of character, shown throughout his vitriolic campaign, that leads me to this conclusion. He has been a hater and divider.
17
Romney went on to double down on his nasty comments about most of the country and McCain seems to have lost his mind with bitterness at losing. The behavior of both those men leaves a lot to be desired.
6
Ah, but how do you imagine Trump saying (to paraphrase Dole's concession): "I've said repeatedly that HRC is satan and not my opponent. And so I wish her well and pledge my support."
The Bridge of Grace was burned down long ago.
The Bridge of Grace was burned down long ago.
4
Thank you, Mr. Bruni, for reminding us what decency, and yes, nobility, looks like. I see neither quality in Trump!
9
The orange mutant hates losers. He will yugely and bigly hate himself.
8
Thank you for citing the concession speeches of past presidential candidates. In defeat they showed their true colors. The grace notes spoken by them speak volumes of character and class. Though they had just spent a year, now much more than that, running for the highest office in the land, for one to be able to compose themselves, and then compose a note conceding the election must indeed be a daunting task.
It would be nice if after this third and final debate, when Trump sees no evidence that his performance, no matter what tortured rabbit he may pull out of his hat, has had any effect on the polls, except to sink him even further down, could muster some semblance of selflessness and begin to defuse the potential explosion to come once his most extreme zealots realize their savior has lost. Yes, that would be nice, if somehow Trump could actually think of the country instead of himself for once, and the long healing process it will have to go through. But I'm not counting on it, are you? It would be completely against Trump's nature. He always needs to blame someone other than himself for something which is entirely his fault. To do so would be historical. Perhaps Trump could see his humbleness as making history. With Trump, I hope for the best, but expect the worst.
DD
Manhattan
It would be nice if after this third and final debate, when Trump sees no evidence that his performance, no matter what tortured rabbit he may pull out of his hat, has had any effect on the polls, except to sink him even further down, could muster some semblance of selflessness and begin to defuse the potential explosion to come once his most extreme zealots realize their savior has lost. Yes, that would be nice, if somehow Trump could actually think of the country instead of himself for once, and the long healing process it will have to go through. But I'm not counting on it, are you? It would be completely against Trump's nature. He always needs to blame someone other than himself for something which is entirely his fault. To do so would be historical. Perhaps Trump could see his humbleness as making history. With Trump, I hope for the best, but expect the worst.
DD
Manhattan
5
This reminds me of a fable about a woman who befriends a lost baby snake that shows up in her garden, she takes it into her home, and raises it like it was her child.
Years later, the snake turns and viciously sinks its teeth into her arm. As the poisoness venom works its way through her system and is killing her she asks "why did you do that to me?"
The snake quietly responds "what else would I do, I'm a snake."
Keep dreaming Frank that this snake will do anything other than what's in his nature.
Years later, the snake turns and viciously sinks its teeth into her arm. As the poisoness venom works its way through her system and is killing her she asks "why did you do that to me?"
The snake quietly responds "what else would I do, I'm a snake."
Keep dreaming Frank that this snake will do anything other than what's in his nature.
18
On the other hand, there was a sizable slice of the American left that continued to regard Bush 43 as illegimate -- "Selected, not elected," as the commonplace phrase on liberal websites put it for eight years. If Gore had pulled Trump, there would handily have been millions ready to take up the cry, "Fix!" Which, of course, tells us exactly why Trump's playing on those emotions among his supporters is so dangerous -- and fundamentally anti-American.
4
How about 50% of articles targeting campaign issues be written about DJT and 50% about HRC. The NYT is so unbalanced. Is greater balance possible at the NYT? Tell us...
HRC has been in the news for three decades, there isn't a lot of new news about her. Trump is new to the political scene and makes a point of doing something sensational almost every day, that's considered news.
1
Annabelle, Is this article about Mr. Trump?
I thought it was about Mr. Gore, and Dole and Bush and Douglas and Kerry and McCain and Romney....hmmm...you think it is about Mr. Trump? That's very interesting. Maybe it isn't "about" Mr. Trump...but it is certainly something that he and his supporters might do well to read.
I thought it was about Mr. Gore, and Dole and Bush and Douglas and Kerry and McCain and Romney....hmmm...you think it is about Mr. Trump? That's very interesting. Maybe it isn't "about" Mr. Trump...but it is certainly something that he and his supporters might do well to read.
9
Have you seen the stalker in the last debate? Have you seen HRC's website? Have you seen issues raised in the Donald's rallies other than HRC should be in jail?
2
you forgot to include patriotism in the virtues Trump lacks.
3
It is highly doubtful we will see ANYTHING that resembles grace from Donald Trump. All of the other gentlemen you quoted, however flawed they were, were actually qualified to be leaders of the U.S. and they were mentally sound. We cannot make the same claims of Trump. He is a bully, a thug, and his only reality is money and TV shows. I just want him off of the world stage ASAP.
12
Here is some advice for the OP ED.....sophists.....so that you might be a bit
more objective:
Go.....to say HOPE Arkansas.....or ...Go .....to.....Flint Michigan....and ...then
take your I pad...and take some amateur photos of residents who are ...looking
for the ....worn out promises of Obama...for Hope and Change....and when you
Frank Bruni ...find that wonderful mantra...and ...drink the tonic water of
Flint..MI...Hope and Change is a worn out chant....that these out of work or
underpaid ...workers....and no one believes in any candidate...because the
Media has Ruined The Message of "Hope and Change" and this is even worse
than the ...crazy crap that Ron Reagan spewed forth...what a charlatan he Was
and what Charlatans...Clinton was and Hillary seems to be and the newcomer
with the crazy mind...WOW.......Bruni...WAKE UP.......
and at least...give us some hope that you...Bruni will drive past Noyak and
at lease stop off in some New York State depression places...and ACTUALLY
report on what people in these places can TELL YOU...I am sick of the Media
Spin ...on Morning Joe...do you understand...from one who has known excellent journalists Please..!!!
more objective:
Go.....to say HOPE Arkansas.....or ...Go .....to.....Flint Michigan....and ...then
take your I pad...and take some amateur photos of residents who are ...looking
for the ....worn out promises of Obama...for Hope and Change....and when you
Frank Bruni ...find that wonderful mantra...and ...drink the tonic water of
Flint..MI...Hope and Change is a worn out chant....that these out of work or
underpaid ...workers....and no one believes in any candidate...because the
Media has Ruined The Message of "Hope and Change" and this is even worse
than the ...crazy crap that Ron Reagan spewed forth...what a charlatan he Was
and what Charlatans...Clinton was and Hillary seems to be and the newcomer
with the crazy mind...WOW.......Bruni...WAKE UP.......
and at least...give us some hope that you...Bruni will drive past Noyak and
at lease stop off in some New York State depression places...and ACTUALLY
report on what people in these places can TELL YOU...I am sick of the Media
Spin ...on Morning Joe...do you understand...from one who has known excellent journalists Please..!!!
1
Great piece. If Hillary wins (I am too scared to assume anything at this point, so I won't be bold and say what is likely...), I wonder what Trump will say. He has a legacy to think about, and not just with his base. A "sore loser" brand is already upon him, and he will have one huuuuuuuuuuuuge chance to break it. I sure hope so, if he loses.
4
Would that include the ethically challenged NYT coming to realize that their leadership, reporters and editorial staff come to work with such ingrained political bias that it is impossible to accept even a hard election news story from this outlet anymore?
Instead we are served up Racists like Mr. Blow, Social Benders like Mr. Bruni and cowards like Ms. Chozick.
If there was one reporter at the NYT right now with a sense of integrity they would be in Haiti investigating the money scam run by the Clintons earlier this decade. Instead, the NYT promoted all the propaganda out of the Clinton Foundation and never looked at what actually happened. And, here we are again. Haiti is rocked by another storm and the Clintons are long gone with the money. By contrast, look at the DR on the other side of the island. No Clintons.......thriving and growing country.
Instead we are served up Racists like Mr. Blow, Social Benders like Mr. Bruni and cowards like Ms. Chozick.
If there was one reporter at the NYT right now with a sense of integrity they would be in Haiti investigating the money scam run by the Clintons earlier this decade. Instead, the NYT promoted all the propaganda out of the Clinton Foundation and never looked at what actually happened. And, here we are again. Haiti is rocked by another storm and the Clintons are long gone with the money. By contrast, look at the DR on the other side of the island. No Clintons.......thriving and growing country.
1
Donald Trump could learn a lot from reading this column, but after watching his behavior in this campaign, I don't Trump has the capacity to learn anything.
I think Trump is incapable of humility, and decency after his vitriolic unhinged tirades and rants of rigged campaigns and voter fraud, which didn't apply to his own primary victory.....when I was a kid it was known as a sore loser, which no one likes to be around.
I think Trump is incapable of humility, and decency after his vitriolic unhinged tirades and rants of rigged campaigns and voter fraud, which didn't apply to his own primary victory.....when I was a kid it was known as a sore loser, which no one likes to be around.
11
"learn anything"? I don't think he has the capacity to READ anything.
3
My favorite quote of Al Gore's: "You know the old saying: you win some, you lose some," Al Gore ruefuly told delegates at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. "And then there's that little-known third category."
5
Thank you Mr. Bruni.
As an adult, I am now agnostic.
But I still remember the words learned in childhood & try to exhibit behavior worthy of being called "an outward & visible symbol of an inward & spiritual grace".
As an adult, I am now agnostic.
But I still remember the words learned in childhood & try to exhibit behavior worthy of being called "an outward & visible symbol of an inward & spiritual grace".
5
Speaking of grace, Sarah L. Kaufman, Pulitzer Prize-winning dance critic of The Washington Post, has written a highly pertinent book, "The Art of Grace: On Moving Well Through Life," published last November, which Donald Trump obviously hasn't read yet. It's written for grown-ups, so it's likely that he never will.
6
Unfortunately, Trump cares only about Trump. You are either a winner or a loser, in his book, and he has to be a winner. He cares nothing about "the country" nor its people, as he has shown again and again in many different dimensions. Can he rise to the occasion of a pending colossal loss? I doubt it but perhaps in that moment he will see it as the only way to gain some respect in defeat.
55
Trump and his "surrogates" - aka, co-conspirators - are as actively pushing for a Second American Civil War as can be imagined. It's all there: de-legitimizing the government and now the election, stoking hostility toward a free press, refusals to compromise or see any question from a country-first perspective, calls for "Second Amendment solutions" and all the rest of what we're hearing. I find this nothing short of terrifying, not so much for me personally, but for my country, the United States of America.
I realized months ago that Trump is psycho-emotionally completely incapable of making ANY concession, let alone a graceful one. I have always held in awe and respect the ability of our losing candidates to gracefully concede defeat, and it is a crucial underpinning of our democracy and the peaceful transfer of power.
How overtly seditious and treasonous will Trump's speech become, and how directly threatening to real people in the government, before the Secret Service now protecting him is forced to investigate him - and protect the government and the rest of us from his incendiary lies?
Some of the greatest terrorist threats the country now faces are walking around in plain sight in our midst. They are, sadly, our fellow Americans, dangerously 'high' on the drug-like effects of hyperbolic hatred, misogyny and deliberate misinformation.
How can this nightmare be happening at all, let alone be further unfolding with each passing day?
I realized months ago that Trump is psycho-emotionally completely incapable of making ANY concession, let alone a graceful one. I have always held in awe and respect the ability of our losing candidates to gracefully concede defeat, and it is a crucial underpinning of our democracy and the peaceful transfer of power.
How overtly seditious and treasonous will Trump's speech become, and how directly threatening to real people in the government, before the Secret Service now protecting him is forced to investigate him - and protect the government and the rest of us from his incendiary lies?
Some of the greatest terrorist threats the country now faces are walking around in plain sight in our midst. They are, sadly, our fellow Americans, dangerously 'high' on the drug-like effects of hyperbolic hatred, misogyny and deliberate misinformation.
How can this nightmare be happening at all, let alone be further unfolding with each passing day?
13
Good luck with that.
1
Then there was the case of the election of 1860, when 11 states refused to concede but instead chose to secede, launching a de facto second American revolution. Many (not all) of those states are Trump territory, joined by the new "border states" of the conservative (reactionary?) Midwest. The motivation of Trump supporters is not so different than the motivation of Confederates in 1860: the preservation of a fading economic structure that once seemed to serve their interests (shamefully at the expense of African slaves), or so they were led to believe, that was under attack by the Republicans of Lincoln. Although her inauguration is all but certain, Clinton is hardly the person to play the role of gracious winner and source of reconciliation--a character missing in Mr Bruni's review--having castigated half of Trump supporters as deplorable basket cases. Their resentment and sense of lost legitimacy won't be diminished regardless of Trump's words following electoral defeat. The fact that Clinton disappeared from public over the past few days to let Trump self-destruct in his own limelight while she avoided any miscues is but one illustration of the tumult yet to come, and of her ineffectiveness as a potential leader. The election may be only 22 days away, but reconciliation? Not yet in sight, nor likely to be in the foreseeable future. Shoes come in pairs that mirror one another; Trump is wearing just one. It's a long, long walk to 2020.
Simply put, Donald Trump is a truly despicable person.
5
Great column. I had wondered how Donald Trump would concede defeat, and the truth is that he won't. Likely speeches include:
No fair!
Crooked Hillary rigged the election!
I'm going to sue!
Then he'll get back to figuring out how to make money on yet another failure.
No fair!
Crooked Hillary rigged the election!
I'm going to sue!
Then he'll get back to figuring out how to make money on yet another failure.
4
Putting the shoe on the other foot, try to imagine how hard it would be for Hillary to give such a unification speech if the unlikely happened and Trump wins.
1
As I have been told by various mentors in my life, it is not how you act when winning that shows your character, but how you act when losing. I think what happens on Nov 8th might reveal the inherent stripes of the tiger.
1
Sadly, Trump could no more come up with such eloquence and humility than fly to the moon. He will rely on those around him. Guliani, Stone, Christie, Conway...and Steven "I want to burn it all down" Bannon. Trump's sons will be no help...only Ivanka could make a dent, and I surely wouldn't bet on it. I am expecting from the thin-skinned narcissist the first salvo in what will be the Trump Payback Tour. Heaven help us.
2
Check out Ivanka's temper tantrum when asked about Trump's family leave policy. The apple hasn't fallen far from the tree.
4
No, we won't hear any words of conciliation from Trump, because Trump does not care about America, he only cares about Donald Trump. He will destroy the country if he can, and if it means he can get what he wants. I don't believe his followers want to make America great. They just want to complain and yell and beat someone up. I only hope that when Trump loses, the media will pack away their cameras and microphones and leave Trump in the dark. Let him just Twitter his gibberish and keep him off our televisions. We've all had enough of him. Without him to exhort them, his followers will fade back where they came from. That's how personality cults work: once the personality is gone, there's nothing else left to bind the group together.
7
Excellent piece, Frank. But I'm afraid, unless you can slice and dice it down to 140 characters, Trump will never read, never mind comprehend, your message.
6
There has been a lot of abuse dumped on "establishment" politicians, and certainly, our establishment has made a number of missteps, but what this group of women and men have in common is class---something which, Trump knows nothing of.
Trump's sad truth is that he thinks the campaign is about him. He thinks the election is about him. The thing is doesn't realize is that the election is about America. And that is why he can never win.
11
Trump is trashing America. It's that simple. The voices of silence who fail to condemn him are the most gutless who love themselves more than their country. Ryan, McConnell . . .
7
Honey, honey honey, you forgot the most important reason: no one, and I do mean no one, has ever told Donald he was wrong. Ever.
3
Mr. Trump claims to know lots of words. Grace is not one of them.
2
Thank you Mr Bruni for this post and reminder of the process. The collective eloquence speaks volumes. May this be the guide as we look to the conclusion of Election 2016.
2
DT has successfully turned the election for the POTUS into a WrestleMania extravaganza. He dispatched fourteen primary challengers by hitting them over the head with a metal chair, something none of them expected and were woefully unprepared for. Another serial groper and adulterer named Arnold joined with Enron and staged a coup d'état against sitting Democratic Governor Gray Davis of California. He and his gerrymandered acolytes brought the sunshine state to the brink. Doonesbury's liberal moon bat, Jerry Brown, ungerrymandered the state, ushered in Democratic control and recovery ensued. Arnold is kindling future Republicans by hawking violent, wall building video games. Trump is waving the match stick of citizen revolt as the aftermath of his soon to be epic loss.
4
Not gonna' happen. The call will be to arms. And then he will set up his alt-right media company, already hinted at by junior.
3
Donald Trump and healing? His entire future depends upon the country not healing but tuning into his hate filled media network which is now in the process of being set up.
9
Real men accept both victory and defeat with grace, thanking those who helped them in their effort and pledging support to the winner of the election and acknowledging the concerns of those who supported the defeated candidate.
Whether we agree with the political philosophy of all the people described in this article, we can see that they were real men, gracious in defeat.
Real losers flail and thrash and snarl and threaten and blame everybody else.
Sound like anybody we know?
Whether we agree with the political philosophy of all the people described in this article, we can see that they were real men, gracious in defeat.
Real losers flail and thrash and snarl and threaten and blame everybody else.
Sound like anybody we know?
6
If Mr. Trump only realized just how small he would be perceived if he does anything less than the traditions documented here. Infamy should not be mistaken for celebrity.
4
Gore's conceded gracefully to the Bush/Cheney coo de ta. I will never forgive him for giving up. Nice speech - see where it got us. Trump will do the opposite and claim a Clinton coo.
2
I so wish it had been different, but what was Gore to do with the slimy illegal interference from the Supremes. Imagine - no Iraq War, advancements in energy conservation and creation of new jobs. Anyone voting republican to me is selfish and self centered.
2
Nice article, Mr. Bruni. But I'm afraid it's wishful thinking, at least as much as it has been for those who expected Trump to change his tune and act for "Presidential" in the general election campaign. He so obviously lacks the "maturity, dignity and civic spirit," as you put it, that is required of any public servant. I guess that's what happens when you nominate a crass and self-interested business mogul to be President of the United States.
2
I am surprised that no one has yet made mention of the obvious historical analog of Trump's rantings to his base: the lynch mob. No consessions here at all.
2
I think the time has come to give Trump a chair to sit in on stage, with a hand held mic and dark glasses, because the more I hear him droning on and on, the more he sounds like Jim Jones of Jonestown than any realistic Presidential candidate.
4
"May the loser in this election uphold that tradition" - fat chance! The words Trump and grace do not go together in the same sentence.
3
Sarah Palin has an unused "concession" speech that she wanted to deliver in 2008; the campaign's manager, Steve Schmidt, terrified of what Palin would stir up, refused to allow her to speak. Although the half-governor of Alaska has been largely absent from the current campaign following her rambling endorsement of Trump, she might be willing to share the undelivered speech.
2
If Donald Trump loses this election, and if there is any decency in this country, he will, I do not expect him to ride off into the sunset of a failed campaign wising Clinton and the country well. He has made it clear that the only "legitimate" outcome of this election is if he is crowned king. For Trump this election isn't about the American people, it is about him and his ambitions to be the the most powerful man in the world. He has already issued a "call to arms" to his supporters to illegally watch the polls (and worse). As a result election day could become one where voters feel intimidated to come to the polls - especially in states where open carry of firearms is allowed even at the polls.
I hope I am wrong, but I expect Trump to challenge the election if Clinton (please God) wins. I think the rants of "rigged elections" by the teflon Don and his consigliere Giuliani, are not just laying the groundwork for a loss by Trump, but also hinting at what Trump will do if he loses.
"Go gently into that good night" of a failed campaign, I don't think there is a chance in Hades that this self obsessed dangerous man will do that. I fear what will follow that failure.
I hope I am wrong, but I expect Trump to challenge the election if Clinton (please God) wins. I think the rants of "rigged elections" by the teflon Don and his consigliere Giuliani, are not just laying the groundwork for a loss by Trump, but also hinting at what Trump will do if he loses.
"Go gently into that good night" of a failed campaign, I don't think there is a chance in Hades that this self obsessed dangerous man will do that. I fear what will follow that failure.
5
Trump and his cult followers are eerily similar to Jim Jones and his suicide pact with his followers. The kool aid was Jones' poison of choice as is the toxicity of that deranged man's ugly, un patriotic rants is his suicide pact.. Unfortunately those uneducated, white, vulgar racists won't be crawling back under the rocks. The genie is out of the bottle. While trump and his cult will lose the election by historic proportions, the rabid, uneducated, racist whites won't be going anywhere soon.
7
Mr. Bruni's article is really important. I hope it will remind those on the losing side in November 2016 that respect for our electoral process is truly essential. Even when defeat is hard to swallow, all of us have to respect the results. In most recent time, the most glorious of concession speeches was without question Al Gore's in 2000, when it came down to a Supreme Court ruling on the Florida vote count. And, in that same instance, we also confirmed as a nation our respect for the Supreme Court's decision, rather than accuse it of blind political partisanship. If we (both sides) keep referring to the Supreme Court in partisan terms, we're really courting the ruin of American democracy.
2
Nice Column
But need I remind others that the Trump bitterness isn't new; the GOP has adopted it in its lesser form towards Obama at every opportunity since his election. Their Presidential nominees may have been gracious, but there has been no graciousness in how they have run the congress or the states where they control legislation. Trump has just taken it to a new extreme. Even now, many of the GOP are tempering their response so as not to incite the rank and file.
But need I remind others that the Trump bitterness isn't new; the GOP has adopted it in its lesser form towards Obama at every opportunity since his election. Their Presidential nominees may have been gracious, but there has been no graciousness in how they have run the congress or the states where they control legislation. Trump has just taken it to a new extreme. Even now, many of the GOP are tempering their response so as not to incite the rank and file.
10
A fine essay. Unfortunately the person who most needs to consider it thoughtfully, is incapable of thoughtful thought.
2
Donald Trump cannot - he does not have the ability - to admit fault. It is never his fault whenever any situation does not come out in his favor. He must always have an excuse. Now it is that the election is rigged in some unspecified way, for which there is not a bit of evidence.
Still, he is very dangerous. He can incite ardent followers who don't understand to rebellion and violence. He will not give a concession speech because he can't. He will be in fact a looser and he can't ever admit to being a looser.
Still, he is very dangerous. He can incite ardent followers who don't understand to rebellion and violence. He will not give a concession speech because he can't. He will be in fact a looser and he can't ever admit to being a looser.
2
Thoughtful and interesting column. On a follow up, perhaps you can research how strongly McCain, Palin, Romney and Ryan slapped down the birthers, the politicians legislating voter restrictions, the refusal to appoint Judges, both Supreme Court and otherwise, the desire for a one term President above all else and the often stated desire to cap debt limits for money already spent.
Then, we could have a reasonable measure of the distance between words of healing, co-operation and actions. Doesn't the idiom tell us actions speak louder?
Then, we could have a reasonable measure of the distance between words of healing, co-operation and actions. Doesn't the idiom tell us actions speak louder?
4
These men had a sense of history and understood the time honored tradition of respecting the election results for the sake of our democracy. Americans took these comments for granted and the comments were expected . Trump, his supporters, and surrogates have zero tolerance for our democratic system. This is the message of the alt-right which Trump has embraced.
2
It should be noted that when Trump's show, "The Apprentice" failed to win any Emmy awards, Trump ranted about how unfair it was - over multiple years.
And that was just the Emmys. I suspect we all know how he would take a loss on November 8th - not well, to put it mildly.
Some of his supporters are already calling for an armed insurrection should Hillary win. THAT is what scares me more than anything - a second American Civil War. One could argue that it has already started with the fire bombing of a GOP campaign office in North Carolina over the weekend.
It's going to get worse before it gets better, I fear. I truly hope that I am wrong on that score.
And that was just the Emmys. I suspect we all know how he would take a loss on November 8th - not well, to put it mildly.
Some of his supporters are already calling for an armed insurrection should Hillary win. THAT is what scares me more than anything - a second American Civil War. One could argue that it has already started with the fire bombing of a GOP campaign office in North Carolina over the weekend.
It's going to get worse before it gets better, I fear. I truly hope that I am wrong on that score.
2
And when Obama won, the Republicans who had not run for president agreed in private conclave to do everything in their power to hinder and damage him. Grace died completely in 2008 and 20010.
3
Mr. Bruni is writing about previously defeated presidential candidates whose qualities of patriotism and simple human decency eclipsed their partisan passions when the chips were finally called. There is no comparison with a vainglorious figure for whom no cause is greater than his own vanity.
There will be no gracious concession. Grace is totally absent from the character make-up of this rlentlessly atrocious alpha loser.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
There will be no gracious concession. Grace is totally absent from the character make-up of this rlentlessly atrocious alpha loser.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
3
It is a stretch to think Trump could be gracious. There is a bad moon rising, from election day to inauguration day. The stage built for violence is being constructed. I pray I am wrong.
2
Trump's headquarters was just hacked. The server's password ('TRUMP') was broken and a trove of files reveal the inner workings of the Trump campaign.
The hacked files show Trump is planning an onslaught of angry threatening tweets on election night. His family isn't discussing winning; as their dad paces back and forth spouting threats and insults to later send as tweets, Melania sips wine while the children discuss how to promote the Trump brand from the ashes of defeat.
The Republican leadership did not unite around President Obama; they declared war on him; they declared they would make his administration fail; they spit on America to spit on Obama. They did not accept election defeat graciously; they did not unite around a newly elected president for the good of the country. Why do you think Trump would ever do so? He is a man consumed with ego, filled with angry grudges.
Trump's reaction on losing the election will be to lash out. The only questions are, when does he begin his new career on hate radio? How much hatred can he spew? Does the Trump brand become synonymous with anti-Americanism?
America needs to heal. That will be President Hillary Clinton's greatest challenge.
The hacked files show Trump is planning an onslaught of angry threatening tweets on election night. His family isn't discussing winning; as their dad paces back and forth spouting threats and insults to later send as tweets, Melania sips wine while the children discuss how to promote the Trump brand from the ashes of defeat.
The Republican leadership did not unite around President Obama; they declared war on him; they declared they would make his administration fail; they spit on America to spit on Obama. They did not accept election defeat graciously; they did not unite around a newly elected president for the good of the country. Why do you think Trump would ever do so? He is a man consumed with ego, filled with angry grudges.
Trump's reaction on losing the election will be to lash out. The only questions are, when does he begin his new career on hate radio? How much hatred can he spew? Does the Trump brand become synonymous with anti-Americanism?
America needs to heal. That will be President Hillary Clinton's greatest challenge.
6
In electoral victory Abraham Lincoln had to deal with treacherous rebellious violent likes of Jefferson Davis, Alexander Stephens, Robert Lee and Thomas Jackson. Did Lincoln treat them with grace? Who won the Civil War and lost the Reconstruction?
Donald Trump is not in their category. America is divided by governing gridlock as wisely intended by the Founding Fathers in the absence of good faith negotiations and compromise. America is not on the verge of a violent civil war nor civil insurrection. Grace aka political correctness used to be known as the Golden Rule of treating others as your brothers and sisters the same way that you expect and want to be treated.
Why are simple humble humane empathetic good manners deemed worthy of exaltation and praise? Since when did doing the minimal right thing warrant special notice?
Donald Trump is not in their category. America is divided by governing gridlock as wisely intended by the Founding Fathers in the absence of good faith negotiations and compromise. America is not on the verge of a violent civil war nor civil insurrection. Grace aka political correctness used to be known as the Golden Rule of treating others as your brothers and sisters the same way that you expect and want to be treated.
Why are simple humble humane empathetic good manners deemed worthy of exaltation and praise? Since when did doing the minimal right thing warrant special notice?
2
May you be right, Frank Brunt, that it is time for Donald Trump to prepare to lose this election and exit with as much grace is possible from a graceless man who has taken us all for the wildest never-ending presidential campaign roller-coaster ride we've ever had. Two weeks before this election it is inconceivable that Donald Trump could actually win. He is walking in the moccasins of Tom Dewey and Mitt Romney, who were sure they were headed for the White House instead of political obsolescence. Healing and moving on, no matter how the election turns out, is what we must do to preserve our citizenship for our descendents in this precious democracy.
1
Trump is in a league all his own- but let's not forget the GOP response to Obama's election and their decision to make him fail. The GOP may make nice speeches upon defeat-but their scorched earth actions in the past 8 years tell a very different story. They cannot even do their basic duty as stated in the US Constitution to hold SCOTUS nomination hearings. The GOP has sunk so very, very low- Trump is the logical conclusion of a party that is utterly lost.
7
Mr. Bruni:
great listing of our humble past experiences at closing presidential elections.
the fundamental difference today is that DJT is not a politician.
he will not behave in anything-like those who failed to win in previous cycles.
November 9th will not be the end nor the beginning...
instead, it will mark a vicious continuation.
DJT's acolytes are setting themselves up to create far more
obstacles in-the-way-of HRC's presidential aspirations than have already
been done to President Obama for the past 6-years.
this will not be pretty.
Senator Douglas, indeed - - -
as we lurch toward a collective return to the incomprehensibly vast divisions of 1860-61.
1
Trump does not have the scholarly and emotional intellect to understand or act upon the concepts of faith, grace, democracy, citizenship, equality, justice and decency.
7
I don't think Trump has it in him to be magnanimous. This will be ugly. I only hope that he is quickly swept to the sidelines of history, so that we can move forward and heal and prosper, as a country.
4
The problem is that these are all nice words, but actions speak much louder. The Republican congress' stated goal to oppose anything Obama proposed was clearly counter to any nice concession speeches Mitt Romney may have offered. Will we see more of the same after Clinton wins?
3
Bill b from New York said in a comment this morning,"Trump is a man in search of a balcony." And men (and women - looking at you Eva!) desperate for that balcony will not make graceful acceptance speeches. No, they will scream from the balcony that the election was rigged - and start a TV network to continue to foster unrest in America - and enrich themselves.
3
Thank you for the beautiful history lesson and the reminder of the strength and flexibility of our democracy. George Washington's greatest accomplishment may have been his graceful departure from office, establishing the legitimacy of peaceful succession, a lesson so many other countries struggle to learn. So many have lived up to that legacy throughout the years. It would be a crime if that legacy is in any way impaired now.
4
Yes, those who did not win our recent elections heeded well the risks of a divided electorate and placed the country's well-being over their personal pride. But Trump has no such sense of responsibility and enlarges himself by pitting people against each other. And those traits alone make him a bigger "loser" than any one who humbly accepted defeat.
1
First, I wish the Congress and Senate had heeded these words and tried to work harder with the president (Mitch McConnell, my own Senator, was clear about his intentions). I was really disappointed when Gore lost, and I still wonder how things might have turned out had he been President during 9/11. But even when I deeply and profoundly disagreed with Mr. Bush (and frankly didn't think he had good judgement or much knowledge of depth), it never occurred to me that he hated his country and was trying to destroy it. This rhetoric and rancor comes from somewhere else, and at its core, it is a hatred of our system of government, because in place of the will of the people, it wants to substitute the will of the self. In Mr. Trump's words, to lose is to be a loser, with the humiliation and emotional incentive to nurse one's wounds rather than move toward compromise.
5
While I respect every man's words and frequently sympathize in my own meager way with the dignity found in the expression of their sentiment, I also think unquestioned loyalty can lead to a point where we are asked to avoid facing the actuality of deceit and deception some among us have and given human nature still others will practice.
However ludicrous his words and actions make Mr Trump appear, he is addressing many minor, but nagging problems which thanks to misguided correctness are generally dismissed. This dismissal, whether we want to admit it or not, often leads to losses in life and treasure as well as policies which forever haunt our nation.
George Bush, Dick Cheney and an ignorant, spineless Congress, empowered by a Supreme Court, which placed as it still does politics before judgement, left our nation and all of us with an indelible stain. The war dead will never be resurrected.
"Rising. Healing. Linking arms. Moving on. That’s what’s supposed to happen in the aftermath of even the bitterest elections. At least that’s what vanquished candidates are supposed to encourage. May the loser in this election uphold that tradition. So very much rides on it."
We have always done that and this avoidance of truth has and will continue to cost us dearly.
I do not agree with Mr Trump on much, but screaming, however unwittingly, about fraud when redistricting is used as a legal ploy to win elective office moves a stone in need of turning. So very much lies beneath it.
However ludicrous his words and actions make Mr Trump appear, he is addressing many minor, but nagging problems which thanks to misguided correctness are generally dismissed. This dismissal, whether we want to admit it or not, often leads to losses in life and treasure as well as policies which forever haunt our nation.
George Bush, Dick Cheney and an ignorant, spineless Congress, empowered by a Supreme Court, which placed as it still does politics before judgement, left our nation and all of us with an indelible stain. The war dead will never be resurrected.
"Rising. Healing. Linking arms. Moving on. That’s what’s supposed to happen in the aftermath of even the bitterest elections. At least that’s what vanquished candidates are supposed to encourage. May the loser in this election uphold that tradition. So very much rides on it."
We have always done that and this avoidance of truth has and will continue to cost us dearly.
I do not agree with Mr Trump on much, but screaming, however unwittingly, about fraud when redistricting is used as a legal ploy to win elective office moves a stone in need of turning. So very much lies beneath it.
Thanks, Frank, but I can't see Trump emulating any of these types of concession speeches should he lose. And that's because these words came from losers, and we all know Trump's opinion of losers. Trump's psyche is rooted in that he's the best, the smartest, the biggest, the most alpha of alpha males, and by definition, alphas are not losers. If he had to concede, we'd see his head explode. Instead what we'll get is a prolonged whiny drum-beat of how the election was rigged or stolen. After all, he needs something to fill the void left by the end of birtherism.
1
A handsome anthology of standardized perspectives of progressively vanishing standards of credibility. By the time of Barack Obama's first election we lay menaced by an implacable resistance movement which now possesses, hook, line and sinker, the Republican Party -- and a rogue media chorus flogging their faithful ever more persistently over the edge.
1
Yes, excellent point Frank about the national importance of being gracious when losing presidential elections, and it was lovely to be reminded how graciously this has been done in the past. But these losing presidential candidates were mature men, experienced politicians, and knew what they were getting themselves into by running for president. They were able to put good of the country over false pride and self-absortion.
However, the more we see of Donald J. Trump, the more we realize this is a very immature, unstable, insecure, frightened and frightening shell of a human being.
Once again in his life, Trump is in over his head--his narcissistic ambitions for fame (and adulation, as Frank noted in an earlier column) far outstrip his actual competence and accomplishments.
Trump is a mean man, who loves to characterize other people as losers; yet, his own track record in business is nothing but that of a loser: bankruptcies, failed casinos, bad investments, taking advantage and stiffing just about everybody, robbing Peter to pay Paul, and lying about his university and charity work.
And true to form, Trump is about to lose again--actually he has already lost both his phony image of success and his reputation in many people's minds.
Trump will never admit fault when he loses--so look out! Because surely he will exploit & use all those passionate supporters who pinned their last hope on Trump's phony presidential scheme. Desperate people in dangerous times.
However, the more we see of Donald J. Trump, the more we realize this is a very immature, unstable, insecure, frightened and frightening shell of a human being.
Once again in his life, Trump is in over his head--his narcissistic ambitions for fame (and adulation, as Frank noted in an earlier column) far outstrip his actual competence and accomplishments.
Trump is a mean man, who loves to characterize other people as losers; yet, his own track record in business is nothing but that of a loser: bankruptcies, failed casinos, bad investments, taking advantage and stiffing just about everybody, robbing Peter to pay Paul, and lying about his university and charity work.
And true to form, Trump is about to lose again--actually he has already lost both his phony image of success and his reputation in many people's minds.
Trump will never admit fault when he loses--so look out! Because surely he will exploit & use all those passionate supporters who pinned their last hope on Trump's phony presidential scheme. Desperate people in dangerous times.
4
Neither narcissists nor power-hungry dictators have ever been known to have any grace.Trump is acting very true to form.
Nonetheless, too many unprincipled GOP leaders are right there with him, starting with the "Christian" Mike Pence. Then there's Christie and Giuliani who have the moral compasses of hardened criminal gang members, or "thugs" for short. They are turning out to be perfect henchmen.
As for the sinister Paul Ryan, the third most powerful elected official in our land: he has, for political expediency, distanced himself from Trump, But Ryan won't un-endorse the Donald, even though his playbook resembles all too closely the one written by Hitler as he rose to power in the 1930s. And Ryan claims to be a patriot who cares about the future of our country.
Nonetheless, too many unprincipled GOP leaders are right there with him, starting with the "Christian" Mike Pence. Then there's Christie and Giuliani who have the moral compasses of hardened criminal gang members, or "thugs" for short. They are turning out to be perfect henchmen.
As for the sinister Paul Ryan, the third most powerful elected official in our land: he has, for political expediency, distanced himself from Trump, But Ryan won't un-endorse the Donald, even though his playbook resembles all too closely the one written by Hitler as he rose to power in the 1930s. And Ryan claims to be a patriot who cares about the future of our country.
3
But, Mr. Bruni, these are all Men. Trump, awkward at the best of times, is a stereotype of the adolescent bully who never plans to grow up. To mention 'Grace' in his context is both risible and implausible. We cannot expect a bull in the china closet to concede defeat with nobility, and it might be gracious on our part if we were to let him hoof it off to a green pasture where he can retire unrepentant, surrounded by fat vultures, predators and lame duck.
1
Great article and is nice to read what others have said in what must be a profoundly sad time for each candidate that lost.
While I do fear a bit the outcry after the election if Clinton wins, I'm more worried about the long-term damage to the "American Process" of an orderly session of governments. Will the feeling of "I've been robbed" from Trump fade into history or become even louder next time.
We shall see soon what unfolds.
While I do fear a bit the outcry after the election if Clinton wins, I'm more worried about the long-term damage to the "American Process" of an orderly session of governments. Will the feeling of "I've been robbed" from Trump fade into history or become even louder next time.
We shall see soon what unfolds.
1
These wonderfully graceful words sound so distant. This trashy election has really got us into the dumps. We can only hope that our national discourse will resume its civil tone, but I am reluctant to think it will.
2
"The strength of American democracy is shown most clearly through the difficulties it can overcome . . . .
While we yet hold and do not yield our opposing beliefs, there is a higher duty than the one we owe to political party. This is America and we put country before party." (Former VP Al Gore)
These words, and the rest quoted in this column, are an incredible balm to my heart. I find it oddly interesting to note that despite all the calls for change, mine included, I would give anything to go back to the days when Presidential candidates simply differed on ideas and opinions on policies, rather than the fierce opponents in this apparent blood sport.
It's true that it's easy to look back on the past with rose-colored glasses and the beautiful words quoted in this article didn't really reflect those uttered on the campaign trail, but I feel this brings additional hope to our current situation.
On November 9th, maybe we can put all of this fear and ugliness behind us and press on towards the future as Americans.
While we yet hold and do not yield our opposing beliefs, there is a higher duty than the one we owe to political party. This is America and we put country before party." (Former VP Al Gore)
These words, and the rest quoted in this column, are an incredible balm to my heart. I find it oddly interesting to note that despite all the calls for change, mine included, I would give anything to go back to the days when Presidential candidates simply differed on ideas and opinions on policies, rather than the fierce opponents in this apparent blood sport.
It's true that it's easy to look back on the past with rose-colored glasses and the beautiful words quoted in this article didn't really reflect those uttered on the campaign trail, but I feel this brings additional hope to our current situation.
On November 9th, maybe we can put all of this fear and ugliness behind us and press on towards the future as Americans.
1
Oh, I think we know that Trump isn't the same caliber of human as Al Gore or George HW Bush or Mitt Romney -- or any of the defeated presidential candidates who came before this. We can hope that when, God willing, Donald is defeated soundly, he will admit defeat and give a concession speech. Beyond that, it's too much to hope for grace, dignity or decency from this man, or from his supporters. He's too personality disordered to see how horribly his hurting himself, his brand and his children's future -- but is it asking too much to think that at least one of the children might be unscarred enough by his or her own personality disorder to wield some influence and get Donald to concede when the time comes?
2
Mr. Bruni, Trump's "conspiracy-minded rants" are partly due to the very real and present conspiracies influencing domestic and international events, whether the conspiracy to protect and strengthen the architects of the 2008 financial meltdown, or the conspiracy to dominate the Middle East at the risk of introducing the entire planet to global Islamic terrorism.
Trump is not the right person to deliver the message or initiate the cure; but nor is the Wall Street-loving, war-loving Hillary.
Trump is not the right person to deliver the message or initiate the cure; but nor is the Wall Street-loving, war-loving Hillary.
This is a beautiful piece and yes it's true that Trump represents something dangerous and new in a potential president. But let's keep in mind that no one gets elected president -- or in fact runs for that office -- without either before or after the fact being in the hands of the powers that be, what Eisenhower called the military-industrial complex. Corporate capitalism runs the show in this, "the greatest nation on earth." Until that changes one can, for example, celebrate the vast difference between a sane, intelligent president like Obama compared to his predecessor, George W Bush, who people seem to have forgotten caused so much needless destruction. But Obama is in the hands of that same military-industrial complex. Without compunction he sends out waves of drones to kill at great distances, turning warfare (undeclared warfare, by the way) into a video game -- only this time with living, breathing human beings as its victims. So when all is said and done, these civilized concession speeches mean less than they seem. Because both sides of this two-party system have long ago been swept away by a triumphalist vision of the US which is the most destructive of hallucinations.
In Donald Trump's words about the electoral process and outcome being rigged, I hear echoes of... Bernie Sanders. Bernie didn't concede defeat until long after he was statistically eliminated from winning the nomination. And in so doing, he raised the hopes of (and then devastated) his supporters, many of whom still view Clinton as illegitimate. Fortunately, Clinton is currently favored to win, notwithstanding the damage done to Clinton's campaign by Bernie's long-held refusal to accept the democratic outcome. The consequences of Trump's questioning the legitimacy of American democracy could be far more severe.
This, indeed, is what should happen, but most certainly won't. See commenters for reasons and evidence why.
However, Trump is embroiled in so many lawsuits and actions that my only hope is that he has to remain fully engaged in those and so will be muffled by his lawyers. Trump's sole loyalty is to Trump. He has used and abused Americans and the Constitution to the detriment of us all.
However, Trump is embroiled in so many lawsuits and actions that my only hope is that he has to remain fully engaged in those and so will be muffled by his lawyers. Trump's sole loyalty is to Trump. He has used and abused Americans and the Constitution to the detriment of us all.
1
Someone should get Mr. Trump a copy of John McCain's entire concession speech. I watched and listened to the entire speech. I thought then and still do that, under the circumstances of a resounding defeat, it was one of the best concession speeches ever given. I don't know if Mr. Trump would read it, but he should at least have the opportunity to see how a true patriot and gentleman responds to defeat.
1
Who knows what he will do, but one thing I'm sure of win or loose he will not be gracious. He is a citizen of the world, not America; his own secular world of me that is not blessed by Grace.
Our electoral process has been corrupted, mostly by the Supreme Court. We can thank them for all the dark money and privilege that now infuses our elections. People with small amounts of money to give are left in the dust. Can't afford to shell out $2 K to attend a dinner with a candidate, too bad. We can thank them for giving us George W. Bush and the Iraq war that led to chaos in the Middle East and thousands of dead.
I would also like America to get rid of the Electoral College that divides us into states not a country of one person, one vote. For many years I lived in RI. My vote counted for only 4 votes in the electoral count, not much at all. Now I live in NC that seems to matter. All those candidates visiting. No one came to RI except to raise some cash at a private party. Unfair, undemocratic.
Thank you Mr. Bruni for bringing to mind that graciousness once was part of politics, but it seems never to have bridged the partisan divide.
Our electoral process has been corrupted, mostly by the Supreme Court. We can thank them for all the dark money and privilege that now infuses our elections. People with small amounts of money to give are left in the dust. Can't afford to shell out $2 K to attend a dinner with a candidate, too bad. We can thank them for giving us George W. Bush and the Iraq war that led to chaos in the Middle East and thousands of dead.
I would also like America to get rid of the Electoral College that divides us into states not a country of one person, one vote. For many years I lived in RI. My vote counted for only 4 votes in the electoral count, not much at all. Now I live in NC that seems to matter. All those candidates visiting. No one came to RI except to raise some cash at a private party. Unfair, undemocratic.
Thank you Mr. Bruni for bringing to mind that graciousness once was part of politics, but it seems never to have bridged the partisan divide.
4
Grace and good intent don't always go together. Shakespeare: "So may the outward shows be least themselves. The world is still deceived with ornament."
Exhibit #1: Ronald Reagan. A nice, kindly old uncle with a white supremacist heart. He worked on the maxim that one catches more wasps with honey than with vinegar. Newt Gingrich threw that maxim overboard and turned every debate into a blood feud.
And now we've learned that Lee Atwater once proposed to GHWB that one Donald Trump might make a good VP, and that Trump had been consulted on that possibility. So presidential politics have been in Trump's head since at least 1988! And he joined the Gingrich gang of conflict creation.
Exhibit #1: Ronald Reagan. A nice, kindly old uncle with a white supremacist heart. He worked on the maxim that one catches more wasps with honey than with vinegar. Newt Gingrich threw that maxim overboard and turned every debate into a blood feud.
And now we've learned that Lee Atwater once proposed to GHWB that one Donald Trump might make a good VP, and that Trump had been consulted on that possibility. So presidential politics have been in Trump's head since at least 1988! And he joined the Gingrich gang of conflict creation.
2
Thus, the malignancy of the ad-hominem attacks Trump makes creates an environment in which his supporters need to rebel against a Clinton victory as any American would against a tyrant.
What we have lost in this election, is not only our sense of decency but the idea that the very foundation of this nation is unassailable. That our national self-identity is deeply flawed and that we, the citizens, have collectively lost our moral compass if not our minds. That our nation is not a concept that is bigger than any one of us - but rather - that a single individual could make it "great" or not so.
The lesson for us all is that life is short, greatness needs to be won and re-won, and that we are all always just a step away from becoming Atlantis.
What we have lost in this election, is not only our sense of decency but the idea that the very foundation of this nation is unassailable. That our national self-identity is deeply flawed and that we, the citizens, have collectively lost our moral compass if not our minds. That our nation is not a concept that is bigger than any one of us - but rather - that a single individual could make it "great" or not so.
The lesson for us all is that life is short, greatness needs to be won and re-won, and that we are all always just a step away from becoming Atlantis.
As an older American my personal memory of many past presidential elections makes this one so horrifying. I have been heartbroken at some political outcomes or joyful at others. But I have never been horrified as I am today about this one. I am frightened about the prospect that this election signals something ominous about our future as a country. Is our dignity forever lost? Do we no longer have the ability to work together for the good of the country and the generations to come? Or as I fervently hope, this may be the abyss from which we all rise with a renewed dedication to work for a better tomorrow.
163
Thank you, Frank, for reminding all of us that the highest calling is to place the well-being of our nation above all else - certainly above partisan rancor. I fear, however, that Donald Trump's personality disorder renders him wholly incapable of such grace. This is a man so infantile, so thin skinned, and so paranoid that he lashes out, as he once put it, ten-fold whenever and wherever he feels "attacked," and has no inner grace or gravitas from which to draw such inspiration. He cannot put the welfare of the nation ahead of him - he has neither empathy nor concern for anything or anyone other than himself. I do not envision that he would ever concede, assuming that he loses this race. The truly ugly and increasingly deranged, divorced from reality tenor of this hideous election should gravely concern everyone, and it is incumbent upon the GOTPower uber alles "leadership" to forcefully push back against this venom and hatred - they must, at long last, renounce what they themselves have stoked and courted for decades. I do not believe that any of them has the leadership capacity to do this, and their odious handiwork threatens the entire nation.
119
I highly doubt Trump has even the ability to concede anything, let alone this election. Grace is something which is simply not in his kit bag.
Trump seems to be the synthesis of a more or less 40 year evolution of the Republican Party from something which was socially open-minded and fiscally conservative to a depository of all the ill will and resentment of just a part country which is still racist, still intolerant, still unwilling to understand that we're all in this experiment together.
Nixon kicked the division off with his Southern Strategy, forever binding his party to the old Dixiecrats and Southern Democrats. Each succeeding election, local or national, in sections of the South and Midwest called to mind the old shibboleths about states' rights, an oppressive federal government, and the decline of religion based "family values."
Add to this potent mix the fact that this nation is in the middle of an enormous economic reset, where jobs requiring hands and a willingness to work are rapidly giving way to jobs requiring higher education and enormous flexibility.
The table was set for a psychopath like Donald Trump years ago. All we can do is hope that we all will come to our senses.
Trump seems to be the synthesis of a more or less 40 year evolution of the Republican Party from something which was socially open-minded and fiscally conservative to a depository of all the ill will and resentment of just a part country which is still racist, still intolerant, still unwilling to understand that we're all in this experiment together.
Nixon kicked the division off with his Southern Strategy, forever binding his party to the old Dixiecrats and Southern Democrats. Each succeeding election, local or national, in sections of the South and Midwest called to mind the old shibboleths about states' rights, an oppressive federal government, and the decline of religion based "family values."
Add to this potent mix the fact that this nation is in the middle of an enormous economic reset, where jobs requiring hands and a willingness to work are rapidly giving way to jobs requiring higher education and enormous flexibility.
The table was set for a psychopath like Donald Trump years ago. All we can do is hope that we all will come to our senses.
153
Mr. Bruni gives excellent examples of what it means in Michelle Obama's words to 'go high.' Should the Trump Pence ticket lose, I cannot see Donald Trump going high, but I hope that his running mate and his advisors will take the high road, distance themselves from any divisive remarks and that a Republican autopsy (if there is one) will look closely at the cancerous hate that has driven this election.
2
By virtue of his temperament, his lack of government experience and his attitudes and values, Mr. Trump has shown that he is unqualified and unfit to be President. Mr. Bruni's article demonstrates a more basic qualification for President: a love of country.
Mr. Trump should turn away from the divisiveness he's shown and prove that he loves America more than he loves himself. In doing so, he can reclaim some of his lost dignity and focus on the issues he believes matter.
Mr. Trump should turn away from the divisiveness he's shown and prove that he loves America more than he loves himself. In doing so, he can reclaim some of his lost dignity and focus on the issues he believes matter.
89
The orange mutant coulda,woulda, shoulda. Ain't happening in our or his lifetime.
1
Frank, good luck with this and I pray it will happen, but all signs point to an acrimonious, crude and divisive end to the current campaign. Trump has run, by far, the worst campaign in American history pandering to the lowest common denominators in our society. He will seek to glorify himself and try to destroy his perceived enemies of which there are now millions.
Richard Nixon, at his worst, with his "enemies" list et al., never sunk into the sewer. May Trump just go away, go back into his own little world and leave the rest of us alone. With apologies to Oliver Cromwell, I say "Go, for all the good you are doing, in the name of God go ..."
Richard Nixon, at his worst, with his "enemies" list et al., never sunk into the sewer. May Trump just go away, go back into his own little world and leave the rest of us alone. With apologies to Oliver Cromwell, I say "Go, for all the good you are doing, in the name of God go ..."
4
Well said. But, of course, the kind of patriotism exhibited in the quotes you cite is exactly the thing Trump's supporters don't get. They operate on simpler principles: when someone is down, you kick them. To them, saying anything to the contrary is evidence of dishonesty. This is the Pandora's box the GOP has opened. They have tapped into the Roman Mob, that unchanging percentage of the population that wants to break civilization just to see what kind of sound it makes.
2
The word Grace and the name Trump simply don’t belong in the same sentence. This is becoming clearer every day, every hour, actually.
I do see a silver lining in the Trump candidacy:
A massive and embarrassing election rout for Trump is needed. Massive enough to negate the need for a graceful, Al Gore-type exit, or even a concession speech. Then, perhaps, some bracing reality will get splashed on us, and the cathartic de-Trumpfication of America, and Americans, all of us, can finally start – to a kinder, gentler, more ethical and more cooperative nation, regardless of our political persuasions - the American ethos that this American by choice, and the world, sees in America.
Indeed, with such a de-Trumpifcation, Americans will Make America Great Again.
I do see a silver lining in the Trump candidacy:
A massive and embarrassing election rout for Trump is needed. Massive enough to negate the need for a graceful, Al Gore-type exit, or even a concession speech. Then, perhaps, some bracing reality will get splashed on us, and the cathartic de-Trumpfication of America, and Americans, all of us, can finally start – to a kinder, gentler, more ethical and more cooperative nation, regardless of our political persuasions - the American ethos that this American by choice, and the world, sees in America.
Indeed, with such a de-Trumpifcation, Americans will Make America Great Again.
What a powerful column! Mr. Bruni, I have been reading all of your columns lately and this has got to be one of the best. I was so moved as I was reading and kept thinking to myself, "Yes, yes, this is what democracy is all about! This is what our founding fathers stood for". The ultimate respect for country above self, respect for the Office of the Presidency regardless of who is at the helm. Democrat, Republican, we put our differences aside because we believe in a common good for ALL Americans. To all those who have bought in to the rhetoric and hate, please take the time to reflect in the coming weeks about what is truly at stake here. Let us all finally come together after these long and bitter months, to show the world that as Americans, we can rebuild what has been broken. Gracias, Mr. Bruni for putting into words what we ALL need to hear.
2
A gracious concession speech is the perfect occasion for the Trump campaign to demonstrate its plagiarism skills again. It's probably the only way we'll hear one.
4
I doubt very much Trump will give a concession speech, or indeed will even concede. I fear he will keep insisting the election was rigged and that he would have won if it had been fair.
Whining and complaining all the way he will eventually be relegated to the dust of history.
Whining and complaining all the way he will eventually be relegated to the dust of history.
3
"Courage is grace under pressure."
- Ernest Hemingway
Donald Trump is malignant narcissism under pressure.
There will be no concession speech by Donald Trump.
There will only be a seditious call to psychotic, 2nd Amendment arms and demagogic mutiny and dystopian Donald demands for shotgun revolt against reality as The Great White Trash Hope of 2016 sets American on fire with an angry clarion call to destruction.
Donald Trump, having spectacularly humiliated himself, his party and country, will do what any respectable clinical narcissist would do on the evening of November 8 ---- ask his ragtag army of nihilistic Know Nothings to carry on the rich Grand Old Pyromaniac tradition of burning down the country until the Confederacy of Right-Wing Duncery rises like a phoenix from the ashes of Trumpoopery.
"Our ignorance is just as good as their knowledge, America !"
"Let's surf the waves of the 2016 Rigged Election Lie to alt-right hell on Earth - on the count of three.....fire your weapons and burn down this country in the rich tradition of the Grand Old Psychos...1...2....3..."
("Melania.....let's get the hell out of here before these idiots follow my instructions...)
- Ernest Hemingway
Donald Trump is malignant narcissism under pressure.
There will be no concession speech by Donald Trump.
There will only be a seditious call to psychotic, 2nd Amendment arms and demagogic mutiny and dystopian Donald demands for shotgun revolt against reality as The Great White Trash Hope of 2016 sets American on fire with an angry clarion call to destruction.
Donald Trump, having spectacularly humiliated himself, his party and country, will do what any respectable clinical narcissist would do on the evening of November 8 ---- ask his ragtag army of nihilistic Know Nothings to carry on the rich Grand Old Pyromaniac tradition of burning down the country until the Confederacy of Right-Wing Duncery rises like a phoenix from the ashes of Trumpoopery.
"Our ignorance is just as good as their knowledge, America !"
"Let's surf the waves of the 2016 Rigged Election Lie to alt-right hell on Earth - on the count of three.....fire your weapons and burn down this country in the rich tradition of the Grand Old Psychos...1...2....3..."
("Melania.....let's get the hell out of here before these idiots follow my instructions...)
24
Dear Socrates,
As much as I fervently hope that you are wrong, I fear that you are correct...
As much as I fervently hope that you are wrong, I fear that you are correct...
4
The people quoted by Mr. Bruni are statesmen. True leaders and patriots. Donald Trump is neither. He is a demagogue. He cares only for himself. He is a disgrace to this nation and to his family. He will make no concession speech.
This is an old argument that has been made over and over, but occupying the public space in a position of authority entails great responsibility. The masses are easily fooled. The use of hate and fear to pursue a political agenda is extremely intoxicating and dangerous. It is essentially inciting riot.
That's what Trump has done. He has started a riot. People who riot stop thinking and understanding. They just break anything they can. Trump is inciting his followers to break the electoral process by not accepting its legitimacy. If violence ensues from his loss, he should be held criminally responsible for that violence. Unless of course he concedes and instructs his followers to accept the result. He wont.
This is an old argument that has been made over and over, but occupying the public space in a position of authority entails great responsibility. The masses are easily fooled. The use of hate and fear to pursue a political agenda is extremely intoxicating and dangerous. It is essentially inciting riot.
That's what Trump has done. He has started a riot. People who riot stop thinking and understanding. They just break anything they can. Trump is inciting his followers to break the electoral process by not accepting its legitimacy. If violence ensues from his loss, he should be held criminally responsible for that violence. Unless of course he concedes and instructs his followers to accept the result. He wont.
129
Bruni is getting ahead of himself, writing about what he'd like to see in Trump's concession speech.
Grace is now impossible. After the mud slinging campaign of Hillary, all demonizing all the time, there is no remote possibility of a graceful end to this.
Hillary's opponents will consider her illegitimate for the way she wins, even if they don't persuade themselves she cheated in the vote itself.
And of course they will persuade themselves of that too.
If by some wild chance Trump won, Hillary supporters would behave the same way.
This election is a dumpster dive on both sides, disgusting beyond any possible good end.
No grace is even remotely possible, with any foreseeable outcome.
Grace is now impossible. After the mud slinging campaign of Hillary, all demonizing all the time, there is no remote possibility of a graceful end to this.
Hillary's opponents will consider her illegitimate for the way she wins, even if they don't persuade themselves she cheated in the vote itself.
And of course they will persuade themselves of that too.
If by some wild chance Trump won, Hillary supporters would behave the same way.
This election is a dumpster dive on both sides, disgusting beyond any possible good end.
No grace is even remotely possible, with any foreseeable outcome.
4
The mud-sling campaign of Hillary? I haven't seen it; her ads simply quote her opponent, the one who actually has mud on his hands.
206
"No grace is even remotely possible". The writer clearly warns us that he prefers chaos to civil discourse. If his comments are reflective of the general mood on the right, then what will ensue will be a fractured government exactly what we have seen during the last 4 years of the Obama administration. If that is preferable to a democratic process, then we are deep into "dumpster diving" for the lest common denominator. That is not the America that stands proud for freedom and democracy that used to be the model that other nations hoped to copy. That is really very sad.
11
His. Own. Words. Yes. No need to go any further than that. And every week she could make a new one. :)
21
Actually, I thought Richard Nixon’s concession speech in 1960 was far more graceful than Al Gore’s. After all, Gore was felled by a Florida State Supreme Court decision that a majority of the U.S. Supreme Court (7-2), including liberals, found unconstitutional; so he lost by the rules. Nixon had to swallow the fact that LBJ, JFK’s vice-presidential candidate, voted the graves in TX and Joe Kennedy, the bootlegger father, cahooted with Richard J. Daley, storied Mayor of Chicago, to manipulate vote totals to throw IL’s electoral votes to Kennedy. Nixon knew all this and chose not to cause a crisis in America by contesting the election: his concession speech took a lot MORE grace than Gore’s.
But Frank’s entertaining point is that Trump needs to get ready for concession, and that he should study the more graceful exit lines available as lessons.
But it would be just as well-advised for Sec. Clinton to study graceful concessions, as well – you know, just in case. She might consider forgiving all of Bill’s victims for being Bill’s victims, and apologizing for having demonized them as muffins, bimbos and whackos. She might also consider coming clean on eMailGate. And if she were to win, she might consider saving America from four years of hopeless paralysis by abandoning the agendas of Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren during her inaugural address. I have no doubt that Donald Trump would pillory them in HIS.
But Frank’s entertaining point is that Trump needs to get ready for concession, and that he should study the more graceful exit lines available as lessons.
But it would be just as well-advised for Sec. Clinton to study graceful concessions, as well – you know, just in case. She might consider forgiving all of Bill’s victims for being Bill’s victims, and apologizing for having demonized them as muffins, bimbos and whackos. She might also consider coming clean on eMailGate. And if she were to win, she might consider saving America from four years of hopeless paralysis by abandoning the agendas of Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren during her inaugural address. I have no doubt that Donald Trump would pillory them in HIS.
4
Baloney, Richard. Republicans’ and conservatives’ hoary, self-serving myth — that Nixon •really• won the 1960 vote, and would have secured the presidency were it not for Democratic voter fraud — has long been debunked, and conclusively so. The repeated resurrection of that fiction will not make it any more true than it ever was.
I suppose one should concede to you the virtue of consistency: your characterization of how Gore was ruled to have lost Florida, and of Hillary Clinton’s culpability in various “scandals”, are every bit as mythological as your account of the 1960 election.
— Brian
I suppose one should concede to you the virtue of consistency: your characterization of how Gore was ruled to have lost Florida, and of Hillary Clinton’s culpability in various “scandals”, are every bit as mythological as your account of the 1960 election.
— Brian
8
I didn't notice in Bruni's concession speech quotes examples in which losing nominees repeated and conceded to negative comments made about them during the campaign.
3
What Mr Luettgen's analysis of 1960 omits is that even if a recount had thrown Illinois' electoral votes to Kennedy - and even with recounts in a handful of additional states that have only 3 or 4 electoral votes - Nixon still would have lost in the College. As it was, he won 26 states to Kennedy's 24, taking the sparsely populated state but mostly losing the big ones (except his home state, California - and even there it was a squeaker). It was this consideration, not grace, that led him not to contest the vote; a challenge not only would have availed him nothing, it would have delegitmised the victory of whichever won, as one would have the popular vote, the other the electoral vote. Grace? He stewed and brooded and licked his wounds for years, his grudge bubbling like the witches' cauldron in Macbeth, brewing the paranoia that gave us Watergate ....
(The allegation about LBJ and Texas needs citation.There's no evidence of fraud in that race - just Mr Luettgen's assertion, in the best no-supporting-evidence Trumpian style. Admittedly, according to Robert Caro, LBJ did win his first Senate race through fraud.)
The last paragraph is not worth a response.
(The allegation about LBJ and Texas needs citation.There's no evidence of fraud in that race - just Mr Luettgen's assertion, in the best no-supporting-evidence Trumpian style. Admittedly, according to Robert Caro, LBJ did win his first Senate race through fraud.)
The last paragraph is not worth a response.
10
Trump will do whatever he thinks will give him the most media attention.
75
In my red state, it is scorched earth, talk of mandates and kick them when they are down. If heaven forbid a Republican loses a seat, the gracious acceptance of defeat is rarely heard.
56
While I thank you for your splendid article I fear that Mr Trump is unlike any of the politicians you quote. I fear that he will not make a concession speech, he will display his anger, and that is very dangerous.
141
Donald Trump is in full melt-down mode.
Why, it's almost like he is sequestered in a bunker, surrounded by sycophants, spewing insane proclamations, awaiting his demise and determined to bring everyone he can down with him.
Amazing.
Why, it's almost like he is sequestered in a bunker, surrounded by sycophants, spewing insane proclamations, awaiting his demise and determined to bring everyone he can down with him.
Amazing.
217
America is a very sick country, constantly illustrated by Trump actions, his unemployed followers, and the Republicans in Washington. No need to draw a comparison with what Al Gore was doing some 20 years ago. Strictly focus on the "Here and Now" and recognize the absolute illness of this country. Yes, Hillary Clinton most likely will win but her Presidency will be a little Band Aid over a rapidly cancer spreading oozing wound. A poison like Trump having some 40% of Americans in his pocket is not fixable. Gimme a break..
19
Actually it's been shown more than once that most of Trump's followers are not so badly off and not necessarily unemployed. No doubt some are, or they may be underemployed - but so am I and I have no qualms backing Hillary.
They are simply quite alarmed and aghast at seeing "their" nation with a black or woman president. The spreading cancer you rightly describe consists of Trump and his many co-conspirators ramping up alarm into anger and twisting legitimate differences of opinion into outright calls for sedition and anarchy.
They are simply quite alarmed and aghast at seeing "their" nation with a black or woman president. The spreading cancer you rightly describe consists of Trump and his many co-conspirators ramping up alarm into anger and twisting legitimate differences of opinion into outright calls for sedition and anarchy.
3
Frank, the GOP nominee is about to lose to a woman - badly we hope; he needs a speech template with fewer multi-syllabic passages, one that fits on Twitter.
49
Mark my words- Trump will not concede defeat. It is not in his DNA.
27
I'm less concerned with him conceding defeat and more concerned that he's defeated. This isn't over.
107
Reading through these humble, high-minded calls for national unity makes Trump seem monstrous and puny, a candidate who provokes repugnance and incredulity in equal measure. Eloquence and humility are unknown and unimaginable in the dark, murky place where he reigns.
116
For all of the dissection of Trump's anger-fueled and hate-filled campaign, it strikes me, above all, that he believes he is actually entitled to the presidency, along with everything and everyone else that he wants.
Perhaps it is because a sense privilege was bred into him, but unlike the notion of noblesse oblige, which compels some candidates of privilege to serve others out of a sense of duty, Trump's version of entitlement appears to propel him to simply take what he covets, and to take out all who oppose his acquisitive yearnings.
Perhaps it is because a sense privilege was bred into him, but unlike the notion of noblesse oblige, which compels some candidates of privilege to serve others out of a sense of duty, Trump's version of entitlement appears to propel him to simply take what he covets, and to take out all who oppose his acquisitive yearnings.
104
Thank you for a splendidly useful article which needs to be very widely read.
127
It's hard to visualize Donald Trump being gracious when he loses the election. Persons who thrive in barnyard muck are unlikely to recognize any greater duty than their own psychotic emotions. A wounded wolf is likely to keep fighting, even to the very end. Donald Trump is mortally wounded, so what can anyone expect? What we can do, however, is end his pain as quickly and completely as possible. Let's get the voting over and send this sorry excuse for a human being back to his gilded cage. Or, better yet, let's make sure he gets the proper justice in all those law suits filed against him.
251
Good and timely article, Mr. Bruni. I hope it is heard.
21
The concept of a loyal opposition went out the window before Trump came along as republicans decided just before President Obama took office to defeat his legislative agenda and give credence to his legitimacy as president when taking office in 2009.
Republican intransigence and tacit approval of birtherism made the emergence of Trump possible. There is no grace in the Republican Party.
Republican intransigence and tacit approval of birtherism made the emergence of Trump possible. There is no grace in the Republican Party.
262
It goes back earlier, to Newtspeak and Gingrich's GOPAC thesarus of defamation against the "Democrat Party," distorting the English language to ban the adjectival form "Democratic" because it sounded too positive.
Orwell wasn't so much wrong with 1984; he was just off by a decade or so.
Orwell wasn't so much wrong with 1984; he was just off by a decade or so.
It is disingenuous to attribute Trump’s calculated histrionics to being caught up in the emotions of a heated campaign. Trump is as likely to “grow into” a statesman as he is to become a gracious loser. The emotions of a psychopath are not engaged with reality on any level. Failure is always due to a conspiracy of enemies and confirmation of one’s superiority. Defeat in November positions Trump as head of a right-wing extremist media operation and burnishes his brand. Talk of a "rigged" election only makes his brand burn brighter. The new world ushered in by Trump highlights by contrast the heartening affirmations of democracy Bruni features in his article, and makes them seem poignantly fragile.
26
Bernie Sanders is showing the same kind of integrity, and love for his country.
102
The thought that Donald Trump will give a graceful concession speech, acknowledge Hillary Clinton as the next president, and congratulate her on her campaign in which she not only won but bested him but did so while being female, is delusional.
I'd say there is a 65 percent chance that he refuses to concede at all. The other 35 percent says he makes Mike a Pence do it for him.
The shame of being branded as a LOSER will prevent him from doing either the customary or even the decent thing, because he is utterly indecent.
I'd say there is a 65 percent chance that he refuses to concede at all. The other 35 percent says he makes Mike a Pence do it for him.
The shame of being branded as a LOSER will prevent him from doing either the customary or even the decent thing, because he is utterly indecent.
409
Frank, Donald Trump should man up and write his concessions speech right now instead of waiting for the night of Nov. 8th and see if his followers can intimidate the election officials and force them to change the outcome of the election in his favor.
Actually, he should go through all the humbling concession speeches that our Presidential contenders as recently as Mitt Romney and going all the way to 1952 when Adlai Stevenson said who just lost to Dwight Eisenhower ,"It hurts too much to laugh, but I'm too old to cry.", as you quoted in this article.
Trump should also add some lines in his concession speech saying," I'm deeply sorry and I apologize from the core of my heart to my God,to Hillary whom I degraded very maliciously along with her husband Bill and also to all the women whom I treated as if they were some products I sell and lastly, I apologize to the entire American people irrespective of the color of their skin, their gender, their ethnic background or their religion which is different than mine. And in the end, I apologize to all the children of America who had to endure sometimes very terrible and sometimes very filthy words that came out my mouth which should've never come out. That's not who I'm.And I promise I'll never run for any political office again but rather devote whatever time God will grant me on this earth towards helping every Americans and every human beings on earth. Hope all of you forgive me for my transgressions."
Was I dreaming, America ?
Actually, he should go through all the humbling concession speeches that our Presidential contenders as recently as Mitt Romney and going all the way to 1952 when Adlai Stevenson said who just lost to Dwight Eisenhower ,"It hurts too much to laugh, but I'm too old to cry.", as you quoted in this article.
Trump should also add some lines in his concession speech saying," I'm deeply sorry and I apologize from the core of my heart to my God,to Hillary whom I degraded very maliciously along with her husband Bill and also to all the women whom I treated as if they were some products I sell and lastly, I apologize to the entire American people irrespective of the color of their skin, their gender, their ethnic background or their religion which is different than mine. And in the end, I apologize to all the children of America who had to endure sometimes very terrible and sometimes very filthy words that came out my mouth which should've never come out. That's not who I'm.And I promise I'll never run for any political office again but rather devote whatever time God will grant me on this earth towards helping every Americans and every human beings on earth. Hope all of you forgive me for my transgressions."
Was I dreaming, America ?
13
They are nice concession speeches but they all went right back to blocking the opposition at every turn. I have worked on, and inside Capitol Hill for over 30 years. Brace yourself because behind the scenes almost all of them talk, and act like Trump. In front of the public most of them are well spoken and well trained politicians. The only grace in politics is in front of the camera. Look behind the curtain on both sides of the aisle and orange hair abounds.
I would rather a concession speech tell the public the winner is a flat out jerk than pretend and stab them in the back for years to come.
I would rather a concession speech tell the public the winner is a flat out jerk than pretend and stab them in the back for years to come.
18
I am afraid--no, I am sure--that your valiant effort in providing lessons in grace, Mr. Bruni, will be lost on Trump, a man full of vitriol.
As we all know, he is the man who wants to jail his opponent *now*. He is the one who encourages the "lock her up" chants of his devotees. He is the man who has taken "if you are not with me, you are against me" motto to dizzying heights. His opponents include Republicans, the press and, of course, the Clintons and Democrats, but not Putin. He has called his opponents liers, crooked and what not.
There is no grace in Trump. A man who spent considerable effort in advancing the "birther" theory even after President Obama released his birth certificate is not a man of grace. He is a scoundrel.
Trump is liable to upend what Senator Douglas said about partisan feeling yielding to patriotism. He is unlikely to say "God bless you" to Mrs. Clinton, should she be victorious. Rather, he is a liable to start a campaign to de-legitimize her victory seconds after she is declared the winner. Come to think of it, he has already started that campaign.
As we all know, he is the man who wants to jail his opponent *now*. He is the one who encourages the "lock her up" chants of his devotees. He is the man who has taken "if you are not with me, you are against me" motto to dizzying heights. His opponents include Republicans, the press and, of course, the Clintons and Democrats, but not Putin. He has called his opponents liers, crooked and what not.
There is no grace in Trump. A man who spent considerable effort in advancing the "birther" theory even after President Obama released his birth certificate is not a man of grace. He is a scoundrel.
Trump is liable to upend what Senator Douglas said about partisan feeling yielding to patriotism. He is unlikely to say "God bless you" to Mrs. Clinton, should she be victorious. Rather, he is a liable to start a campaign to de-legitimize her victory seconds after she is declared the winner. Come to think of it, he has already started that campaign.
37
Shouldn't Frank Bruni at least wait until the morning of November 9 before publishing a hypothetical Donald Trump concession column? I know Bruni is merely trying to be helpful in looking to past presidential candidate defeats to assist Trump in finding just the right tone when he officially concedes the election to president-elect Clinton. However I think we can wait another three weeks to wait for Donald Trump to experience that humiliating moment he's bestowed on so many others--You're fired.
58
Did you read it? It was about OTHER concession speeches.
3
All things being equal Frank Bruni could wait until November 9, but it is our collective misfortune that all things are not equal, not even close. This is all Donald Trump´s doing, for he is no longer playing to November 8. In politics, as in love, what is decisive is the day after, and Trump, ever the sociopath, is playing to that day.
If I had won, you wouldn't all look so nervous. If I had won, ISIS would be running for the hills and we would bomb them, that's the plan. If I has won, you would be in jail and I would not be wearing this white jacket with the so long straps, too tight. If I had won, you would not all be losers.
15
"Rising. Healing. Linking arms. Moving on. That’s what’s supposed to happen in the aftermath of even the bitterest elections. At least that’s what vanquished candidates are supposed to encourage. May the loser in this election uphold that tradition. So very much rides on it."
Thank you, Frank. For reminding us of stirring words that reflect the best, not the worst of America.
It's hard for me, and I'm sure many, to imagine a Trump concession speech as graceful as the litany of presidential losers you cite here. I would love to be proved wrong, that a candidate Trump could give his best speech in defeat.
I can certainly see Clinton doing so, as she has had to do before, although it might prove difficult given the bitterness and the ugliness of their differences. But nothing so far, for me at least, has shown me one iota of humanity running through any Trump speech.
This is the first election where I totally fear the outcome, whether Trump wins or loses. Either prospect is alarming, based on the candidate's words alone. And without a history of uplift in any Trump speech, it's just hard to imagine grace in winning, or grace in defeat.
Thank you, Frank. For reminding us of stirring words that reflect the best, not the worst of America.
It's hard for me, and I'm sure many, to imagine a Trump concession speech as graceful as the litany of presidential losers you cite here. I would love to be proved wrong, that a candidate Trump could give his best speech in defeat.
I can certainly see Clinton doing so, as she has had to do before, although it might prove difficult given the bitterness and the ugliness of their differences. But nothing so far, for me at least, has shown me one iota of humanity running through any Trump speech.
This is the first election where I totally fear the outcome, whether Trump wins or loses. Either prospect is alarming, based on the candidate's words alone. And without a history of uplift in any Trump speech, it's just hard to imagine grace in winning, or grace in defeat.
110
Trump is being advised by deplorable people. Trump is the vessel for their bigotry, as the Times has shown on its cover page with the picture of a Trump supporter with a swastika sign.
Gracious concession speeches will not be a healing balm when, after the election, the far right continues its assault on our government, not to mention human decency.
History has shown that you cannot defeat such evil by being gracious.
Never again.
Gracious concession speeches will not be a healing balm when, after the election, the far right continues its assault on our government, not to mention human decency.
History has shown that you cannot defeat such evil by being gracious.
Never again.
51
Trump is advised, but doesn't heed his advisors unless their advice simply agrees with his intention. So his advisors have learned the following protocol:
Step 1. Ask Trump what he wants to do
Step 2. Agree
Repeat as necessary, if you want to keep your job.
Step 1. Ask Trump what he wants to do
Step 2. Agree
Repeat as necessary, if you want to keep your job.
14
And the reason Trump cannot rise to love of country is his pathological narcissism, which misconstrues all that does not stroke it as enmity that must be attacked, denigrated, and destroyed—even if that is the people and the democracy that are rejecting and defeating him. He literally cannot understand that on its objective merits, that he is inferior in any way; therefore it must be an evil conspiracy out to destroy him, making him a martyr, which at some level he fears.
16
Wishful thinking Mr. Bruni. Trump, if he loses (and he must lose), will never concede because conceding is for losers, and it his fevered mind he has never lost at anything-despite the bankruptcies and almost a billion dollars. He is despicable, but most of all, delusional.
365
It's been my experience in life that trying to reason with deranged people doesn't get you very far. I believe in distracting them from achieving their objectives by making their lives more difficult in every way possible. In Mr. Trump's case, that would include additional tax audits, law suits from women and other people he has wronged, more questions about his hair, weight and mental condition, anything to keep him and his band of disgruntled followers fully occupied.
33
"I’ve said repeatedly in this campaign that the president was my opponent and not my enemy."
Ah yes, the olden days when bipartisanship was not a blasphemy. After the last eight years and this presidential election I fear we will never see those days again. My great American optimism is fading into the sunset at a great pace.
Ah yes, the olden days when bipartisanship was not a blasphemy. After the last eight years and this presidential election I fear we will never see those days again. My great American optimism is fading into the sunset at a great pace.
8
The statements quoted by Mr. Bruni express the ideal of political competition in a free society. That ideal is shaped by the conviction that all contenders in an election belong to the same political community, with a common interest in the welfare of that community. They disagree over the measures required to promote the welfare of their constituents, but they share a willingness to accept the verdict of the voters on whose agenda will prevail.
The challenge we face today stems from a partial breakdown of this consensus. The rise of Trump reflects a conviction on the part of a significant minority that elites hostile to the interests of most Americans have perverted the political process in order to preserve their own power. But this conspiratorial vision of our political reality has also spread to at least some Democrats. Recent e-mails I have received from the fund-raising apparatus of the party refer to the need to "take back the country" from the Republican congress, as if Ryan, McConnell and their colleagues represented some kind of alien force in American society.
This zero-sum conception of the political process, if it spreads widely enough through the electorate, could prove fatal to our democracy. While almost everything Trump represents deserves condemnation and contempt, the republic will endure if he wins election. Indeed, the future of this country depends on the confidence of both sides that defeat in this election will not destroy their interests.
The challenge we face today stems from a partial breakdown of this consensus. The rise of Trump reflects a conviction on the part of a significant minority that elites hostile to the interests of most Americans have perverted the political process in order to preserve their own power. But this conspiratorial vision of our political reality has also spread to at least some Democrats. Recent e-mails I have received from the fund-raising apparatus of the party refer to the need to "take back the country" from the Republican congress, as if Ryan, McConnell and their colleagues represented some kind of alien force in American society.
This zero-sum conception of the political process, if it spreads widely enough through the electorate, could prove fatal to our democracy. While almost everything Trump represents deserves condemnation and contempt, the republic will endure if he wins election. Indeed, the future of this country depends on the confidence of both sides that defeat in this election will not destroy their interests.
1
Are you saying that the strategy of the majority Republican Congress to oppose anything Obama in order to make him a one term president, regardless of the consequences for the country, is not a conspiracy?
5
It's so heartening to read the classy words of former Presidential candidates. Trump is a mental and moral midget when compared to them.
43
But in each example you listed the person giving the concession speech was an adult.
Donald Trump is, most assuredly, not an adult.
Donald Trump is, most assuredly, not an adult.
30
To your point:
“I look at myself in the first grade and I look at myself now, I'm basically the same. The temperament is not that different.” Donald Trump
Just what we need, a first grader running the country...or more importantly leading millions of Americans over the political cliff like lemmings.
“I look at myself in the first grade and I look at myself now, I'm basically the same. The temperament is not that different.” Donald Trump
Just what we need, a first grader running the country...or more importantly leading millions of Americans over the political cliff like lemmings.
12
We keep trying to apply moral, ethical and intellectual standards to Trump that typify what we ascribe to democratic principles, to civility, to an ever-changing world in which we strive for equality and justice. It is not a question of having grown up in privilege, having to make hard choices, having to have an empathic response mechanism. We can name countless numbers of privileged people who in our history and current society exhibit these human and societal instincts. Trump is disordered, pure and simple, at a language level and at a psychological level. Whatever diagnosis can be pinned to his performance and his worldview is of no importance. He is "Trump Revealed" and for the country, this carries far more significance as we determine what to do in his aftermath.
9
As usual, Mr. Bruni, beautiful words from you and the defeated Presidents you quoted. But words which were devoid of impact. McCain and Romney, Gore and Stevenson and the Bushes, father and son, expressed the expected sentiments.
However, the politicians in both parties who remained as active participants lived up to Moynihan's words: politics ain't beanbag.
So McConnell declared his primary mission - on Inauguration Day 2009 - was to make Obama a one-term President. Affordable health care - nothing much different from what Romney had done in Massachusetts - passed without a single Republican vote. Merrick Garland's nomination has been ignored by the Republican Senate and now, more than six months have passed and a new Supreme Court session has begun with Scalia's seat still empty.
And why is Trump different? Because he is bat-guano crazy. Schizophrenia is a psychophysical disorder. He is unable to act like a sane defeated politician because insane people are insane.
However, the politicians in both parties who remained as active participants lived up to Moynihan's words: politics ain't beanbag.
So McConnell declared his primary mission - on Inauguration Day 2009 - was to make Obama a one-term President. Affordable health care - nothing much different from what Romney had done in Massachusetts - passed without a single Republican vote. Merrick Garland's nomination has been ignored by the Republican Senate and now, more than six months have passed and a new Supreme Court session has begun with Scalia's seat still empty.
And why is Trump different? Because he is bat-guano crazy. Schizophrenia is a psychophysical disorder. He is unable to act like a sane defeated politician because insane people are insane.
36
I don't expect a politician's concession speech, or an exhortation to respect American values from Trump, should he lose. He has never spoken as a politician, and he has never shown that he values America or Democracy.
He has always spoken about himself first - why he is great, why American needs him, why he is huge, how he can get away with whatever he wants. His concession speech would be just as Trump-centric, just as vitriolic, just as divisive, and just as dishonest and intellectually challenged as every speech he has made.
Trump has bragged that when people hit him, he hits back. Expect a big swing, and a nasty punch.
He has always spoken about himself first - why he is great, why American needs him, why he is huge, how he can get away with whatever he wants. His concession speech would be just as Trump-centric, just as vitriolic, just as divisive, and just as dishonest and intellectually challenged as every speech he has made.
Trump has bragged that when people hit him, he hits back. Expect a big swing, and a nasty punch.
14
We keep trying to apply moral, ethical and intellectual standards to Trump that typify what we ascribe to democratic principles, to civility, to an ever-changing world in which we strive for equality and justice.
It is not a question of having grown up in privilege, having to make hard choices, having to have an empathic response mechanism. We can name countless numbers of privileged people who in our history and current society exhibit these human and societal instincts. Trump is disordered, pure and simple, at a language level and at a psychological level. Whatever diagnosis can be pinned to his performance and his worldview is of no importance. He is "Trump Revealed" and for the country, this carries far more significance as we determine what to do in his aftermath.
It is not a question of having grown up in privilege, having to make hard choices, having to have an empathic response mechanism. We can name countless numbers of privileged people who in our history and current society exhibit these human and societal instincts. Trump is disordered, pure and simple, at a language level and at a psychological level. Whatever diagnosis can be pinned to his performance and his worldview is of no importance. He is "Trump Revealed" and for the country, this carries far more significance as we determine what to do in his aftermath.
14
I hope it isn't ungracious to point this out, but Trump is not entirely alone on this. Republicans responded to Obama's election by immediately declaring their determination to make him fail. And in his second term they decided that voters had not really meant to give him the power of judicial appointments when they elected him. Most, or all, congressional Republicans have decided at this point that grace does not pay, and that the party comes before the country.
508
Everything this man has done and said is contrary to what you have written. Trump has proven himself to be deplorable. When he goes low, he just gets lower. He has called his opponent a demon knowing that his supporters are religious fanatics who own many, many guns. He has even stated that should he lose then "the second amendment followers should do something about it." He has fallen just shy of telling them to start a second civil war, but there is still time and he knows no boundaries or depths too low to sink to.
When President Obama was elected I feared for him and his family. I again fear for Sec Clinton. Foreign terrorists do not frighten me, what frightens me is the bubba next door with the arsenal and the bible.
When President Obama was elected I feared for him and his family. I again fear for Sec Clinton. Foreign terrorists do not frighten me, what frightens me is the bubba next door with the arsenal and the bible.
456
Gore intended to delay confirmation of the Florida vote for as long as possible. The democrats wanted any districts and states that Gore lost to be subject to a do over. Gore demanded a third recount in Florida while Bush refrained from a recount in Iowa, Wisconsin, New Mexico and Missouri where anit-Bush vote fraud was credibly charged. Gore screamed he won the popular vote while democrats are opposed to the electoral vote. Gore dragged America through a nightmare while the press precipitated.
Of course he did.
What did you expect?
We obviously have differing views on how American elections work.
What did you expect?
We obviously have differing views on how American elections work.
16
Sorry Janis, remind us who won the popular vote in that election.
We'll wait here.
We'll wait here.
31
Ah yes, the words all hate to read, the precipitating press.
1
It's almost quaint to read these civilized concession speeches, like something from a bygone era. Trump has so desensitized us to WWE-type vitriol that I'd almost forgotten that others have shown grace and civility in similar circumstances. I hope that, if Trump loses, he goes down in history as some kind of odd blip rather than as a harbinger of a new normal for politics. I hope this entire election serves as a teaching opportunity. I hope that Trump is capable of actually putting America first!
20
Too bad the members of Congress didn't take McCain's and Romney's words to heart in 2008 and 2012. This would have been a very different campaign season if they had.
360
I add to your point a recommendation that Mr Bruni left unsaid: if Mr Trump will not graciously concede and call for unity, all the Republican leaders in congress, especially the ones who have already stated they cannot support Mr Trump, should be prepared to support the new president and call for unity themselves. Trump's supporters must understand that if they cannot concede and work for the good of the country, then they stand isolated in their futile efforts.
12
Mr. Bruni, the patriotism and idealism of every defeated presidential candidate that you cite below will be absent from the malice, the poison, the frothing venom of Donald Trump on the evening of November 8th.
Trump has telegraphed his unconditional hate for the very process that has elevated him to the national stage of debate and political life. It is unfortunate that he opened his candidacy with a call to division. His party must accept responsibility for that for they allowed him free rein to whip the masses of hate and separation into the runaway steeds that are rocking the GOP coach along the dangerous road towards secession.
For secession is what Trump preaches, in all its murderous intent. He is no different from Jefferson Davis, who led America into a civil war rather than reach a compromise or come to respect the wishes of another America, one who clearly saw the evils of slavery and the results of its commerce upon the national fabric and ideal.
Trump wishes to marshal the forces of intransigence and rebellion to violence and discontent should his defeat--daily become more apparent and necessary--than to yield to unity, to patriotic precedent.
There is no shame in defeat; the disgrace of losing is not in acknowledging the superior talent. In this specific case, Mrs. Hillary Clinton's vicissitudes have not disqualified her from high office. Trump was never able to fashion a positive and forward-looking meaning to his candidacy.
His candidacy demeans us all.
Trump has telegraphed his unconditional hate for the very process that has elevated him to the national stage of debate and political life. It is unfortunate that he opened his candidacy with a call to division. His party must accept responsibility for that for they allowed him free rein to whip the masses of hate and separation into the runaway steeds that are rocking the GOP coach along the dangerous road towards secession.
For secession is what Trump preaches, in all its murderous intent. He is no different from Jefferson Davis, who led America into a civil war rather than reach a compromise or come to respect the wishes of another America, one who clearly saw the evils of slavery and the results of its commerce upon the national fabric and ideal.
Trump wishes to marshal the forces of intransigence and rebellion to violence and discontent should his defeat--daily become more apparent and necessary--than to yield to unity, to patriotic precedent.
There is no shame in defeat; the disgrace of losing is not in acknowledging the superior talent. In this specific case, Mrs. Hillary Clinton's vicissitudes have not disqualified her from high office. Trump was never able to fashion a positive and forward-looking meaning to his candidacy.
His candidacy demeans us all.
95
Did the Republican congress hear the words of McCain and Romney? I guess they just chose to ignore them. Which is the real reason people should be angry at the political process.
238
Republicans?
I think you meant the Kochs.
I think you meant the Kochs.
3
One thing I've learned while watching Donald Trump is that he ALWAYS doubles down on each and every attack on others, no matter how misguided or ill advised. He seems incapable of doing otherwise. Why would I expect anything else when he loses the election?
52
Frank might as well be writing Greek if he thinks Trump is capable of understanding this.
82
Or his uneducated supporters.
Trump's words not mine.
Trump's words not mine.
12
As a Republican strategist declared this weekend, "any senior Republican leader who DOESN'T condemn Trump's dangerous rhetoric will bear a permanent stain."
Who will show courage? And who will cower?
Well, we certainly know when it comes to our former mayor Giuliani. Disgusting.
Who will show courage? And who will cower?
Well, we certainly know when it comes to our former mayor Giuliani. Disgusting.
345
Hey, give Giuliani a break: he's an expert on sexual impropriety!
3
Trumps decision to pollute our democratic system with the fumes of conspiracy should demonstrate to his supporters, more than anything he has said or done up to this point just how little he ultimately cares about America. I think that no matter how outrageous, insane, or offensive he has been thus far, most people could at least comfort themselves with the believe the Trump genuinely cared about America. But to suggest that the only legitimate vote is one where he is the uncontested victor is absurd, dishonest, and downright treasonous. It also implies that the millions of people who voted for other candidates during the primaries and the millions more who have no intention of voting for Donald Trump don't count.
Disappointed, but not surprised. Trumps entire history of business and personal dealings is taking all the credit for successes and refusing to accept blame for failures.
Disappointed, but not surprised. Trumps entire history of business and personal dealings is taking all the credit for successes and refusing to accept blame for failures.
44
"To revisit their words is to savor a maturity, dignity and civic spirit that he lacks."
Ah, there's the rub. Mr. Trump is a perpetual adolescent completely lacking in maturity (not much with the dignity and civic spirit either).
Ah, there's the rub. Mr. Trump is a perpetual adolescent completely lacking in maturity (not much with the dignity and civic spirit either).
94
Frank, every one of the men that you write about in this op-ed were steeped in a democratic tradition.
Donald Trump is steeped an authoritarian tradition. He became famous in America for telling others "you're fired" - yet is evidently so psychologically weak, so emotionally brittle, so plagued by feelings of innate personal inferiority, that he cannot bear to hear those words spoken about himself.
Donald Trump has lived in a bubble of entitlement. He knows no other way. Unlike the rest of us, he has never been asked to develop the psychological resources that allow a less privileged man or woman to learn the lesson of grace in defeat. And at this late date in life, he clearly has no interest in learning that lesson, and is instead prepared to set this nation on fire in order to cover the tracks of his epic failure as a candidate and human being.
Donald Trump is steeped an authoritarian tradition. He became famous in America for telling others "you're fired" - yet is evidently so psychologically weak, so emotionally brittle, so plagued by feelings of innate personal inferiority, that he cannot bear to hear those words spoken about himself.
Donald Trump has lived in a bubble of entitlement. He knows no other way. Unlike the rest of us, he has never been asked to develop the psychological resources that allow a less privileged man or woman to learn the lesson of grace in defeat. And at this late date in life, he clearly has no interest in learning that lesson, and is instead prepared to set this nation on fire in order to cover the tracks of his epic failure as a candidate and human being.
520